Pastor’s Corner. . The Mayflower set sail for the British Colony of Virginia in 1620.  A late departure, and a more difficult than anticipated voyage, brought them to Cape Cod, not to Virginia, on November 10, 1620.  With no royal charter to land in the north, grumblings of mutiny began among the agents of the original investors. To forestall any possible disintegration of the group, William Bradford, their leader, decided to draft a new agreement, albeit hurriedly, “that might be as firm as any patent, and in some respects more sure”, as he put it.   The Mayflower Compact of November 11, 1620, began by stating their reason for having come to the New World:
 In the name of God, Amen. . .  Having undertaken, for the glorie of God and the advancement of the Christian faith and honour of our king & countrie, a voyage to plant the first colonie. . . doe by these presents solemnly & mutually in the presence of God, and one of another, covenant & combine our selves together into a civill body politick; for our better ordering, & preservation & furtherance of the ends aforetold . 
 The words are echoed 250 plus years later in the Declaration of Independence:
 When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature’s God entitle them, . . . We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.
Happiness is a goal and a natural right for us: even the Catholic Church would agree with that!!  But how do we find happiness? The present financial crisis shows how we sought happiness—and reaped something wholly different.  During an earlier financial disaster, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt made this observation, in his first inaugural address of 1933:
If I read the temper of our people correctly, we now realize as we have never realized before our interdependence on each other; that we cannot merely take, but we must give as well; that if we are to go forward, we must move as a trained and loyal army willing to sacrifice for the good of a common discipline, . . . We are, I know, ready and willing to submit our lives and property to such discipline, because it makes possible a leadership which aims at a larger good.
Being interested in getting as much of everything for self as possible, is what got us into this mess, to begin with. How many millions have been hurt, and will be hurt, by such greed and self-interest? Charity—interest in the welfare of others first—is at the very heart of this nation, from the beginning.
There were earlier visitors to this continent: Irish monks, under the rule of Saint Columban, who arrived sometime in the 7th century, brining the Gospel to the New World before anyone else. In his Instructions, St. Columban wrote this:
God makes man from the earth but ennobles him with the impress of his own image. . .Let us give back, then, to God our Father his image in us, an image kept spotlessly holy, for he is holy; an image spotless in charity and love, for he is Love; an image spotless in devotion  and truth, for he is devoted and true; Let us not paint an alien image in ourselves; the painter who is undisciplined, angry and proud paints the self-portrait of a tyrant, for that is what he is.  Therefore, lest we end with the self-portrait of a despot, let us allow Christ to paint his image in us, in charity for others.
That’s the story of the first Thanksgiving: a feast thanking God and the Native Americans whose shared survival skills and food save the Pilgrims during their first harsh New England winter.
Even if the details of the first Thanksgiving have been prettied up for today’s modern audience, its heart is true: charity for others, and the defense of the dignity of others in private and public, which is, likewise, at the heart of our nation.  As we rebuild our country, let’s remember that. Happy Thanksgiving.  --Msgr. DiGiovanni

Please pray for the sick… Mildred Fiore, Catherine & Jay Olnek, Ryan Santolo, Michael Mammone, Mary Bozek, Marjorie Just, Jerry Gerardi, Sharon Vagnone, Dianne, Stanley Bozek, Frederick Naphen, Paul Eldridge

Please pray for those who have recently died… Vivian E. Torres, Margie Nicholson, Ed “Red” Baker, Katherine Harten, Pauline Weeks, Jennifer Tomasello, Vincent Dangi, Deborah (Brennan) Stowell, Valencia Lancaster

Religion Classes for Adults. . . Catholics who have not yet received Holy Communion or Confirmation, and for non-Catholics who wish to join the Church, every Tuesday evening at 7:30 p.m. in the rectory.  The class is on a 7 week cycle: If you miss one, we repeat it.  Interested?  Please contact Providencia at (203¬) 324 -1553 ext. 21.

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION NOTICE:  NO classes on December 7th – due to the Christmas Fair in the Church Hall that weekend.

Parish Women’s Society. . . We would like to begin a parish society for the spiritual growth of women.  Please contact Monsignor if you are interested: Ext. 11.

Advent Retreat. . . December 8, 9 & 10:  Monsignor James Turro, internationally renowned scripture scholar, will lead three nights of scriptural reflection and prayer, beginning at 7:30 p.m. each evening in church: Spiritual conference, Eucharistic Adoration & Benediction & Confessions.  Join us: kids too!!

Thanksgiving Day. . . There will be ONE Mass at 10:00 a.m.   There will be NO 8 a.m. or 12:10 p.m. Masses on Thanksgiving.

St. John’s Christmas Fair. . . Saturday December 6th a sampling of Christmas wreathes in the church foyer. The Fair will be on Sunday, December 6th & 7th, in Monsignor Nagle Hall.  NO DONATED used GOODS, please!!

St. Monica Institute for Patristic Studies . . . Will next meet on January 7th to begin studying St. Gregory the Great’s Four Books of Dialogues.   Join us each Wednesday evening in the rectory at 7:30 p.m.

The Latin reading group is translating St. Augustine’s Confessions… will NOT meet this Wednesday, but will resume usual Wednesday meetings on December 3rd in the rectory at 6:15 p.m.  High school Latin is all that’s needed.  Just walk in.

New Testament Greek Class . . . will NOT meet on Thanksgiving. Our usual Thursday evening meetings will resume on December 4th at 7:30 p.m.  This is an introductory class:  All are welcome.

St. John’s Bible Study…We are using The Bible Timeline Series every Thursday [except Thanksgiving] in the rectory at 7:30 p.m. 

December 8th, the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, IS a holy day of obligation; Mass will be offered at 8 a.m, 12:10 p.m. and 5:15 p.m.

              Sunday, November 16, 2008       $ 12,052.51

Sunday, November 18, 2007       $    9,827.04

I ask you one thing: do not tire of giving to God, but do not give your leftovers.”---Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta

Hymns for this weekend . . . (1) 141   (2) 142 (Tune: St. George’s Windsor).

COME AND SEE – COME AND SING – COME AND WORSHIP ... St JOHN'S NEW VOLUNTEER CHOIR invites St. John's parishioners and friends to join us. This is a unique opportunity for those who love music to learn from a world renowned musician, talented and accomplished, kind and patient, who is willing to teach those who would like to sing with us at the 10:00 a.m.   Mass on Sunday. DISCOVER what a wonderful experience it is to pray by singing. MEET US. We are becoming a very convivial group. REHEARSALS are Thursday night at 7:30 p.m. in the music room in the basement of the church.  For those who want to learn or refresh their knowledge of the basics of music, there is a short optional Music Theory Class at 7:15. p.m. For more information, call Scott Turkington 324-1553, ext. 18.

Bishop Lori. . . We are delighted to welcome our Bishop and Msgr. Zielonka to Saint John’s today to celebrate the 10 a.m. Mass.

St. Anne Family Society . . . Meets the first Saturday of each month 5:00 p.m. in the church and parish hall.  Meetings include Eucharistic Adoration in church; a potluck supper and a spiritual conference in the parish hall.  All families—including children—are invited.   Next meeting will be January 3rd.

Moms & Tots . . . a group of moms and children meet with Fr. Walsh each first Tuesday of every month at 10:30 a.m. in church for Eucharistic adoration, followed by snacks in the parish hall. Please join us.  Our next meeting will be on December 2nd.

Catholic Campaign for Human Development Collection . . . Please drop your special envelope into the ONE basket that will be passed at the Offertory.  There will only be one collection today.

St. Maria Goretti Society . . . For the spiritual formation of young ladies from 8th - 12th grades. Questions, please contact Rosa Marchetti at (203) 348-0232.  We’ll next meet on Sunday, December 7th, in the rectory for a brunch and a spiritual conference.

St. Dominic Savio Society…For the spiritual formation of young men from 8th – 12th grades, we’ll next meet on Sunday, November 30th in the rectory.  Any questions, please contact Frank Marchetti at (203) 434-4734.

                        TRINITY CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL
                    926 Newfield Avenue, Stamford, CT 06905
                               www.trinitycatholic.org
 The freshman entrance exam will be on Saturday, December 6, 2008 at 8:00A.M.   To register for the exam, or for information, please call the admissions office: 203-322-3401, ext. 32, or:  cmcgoldrick.tchs@juno.com
St. John’s in The  NEWS . . .
  . . . 100 years ago, or so:

The Stamford Advocate:
November 26, 1875: “The first religious services in the basement of the new Catholic Church are to be held today. The congregation will assemble at the old church and march in a body to the new edifice. Another large stone fell while being hoisted to its place on the new Catholic Church on Tuesday last. It broke a hole in the roof which, however, can be easily repaired.”

The Connecticut Catholic:
 November 30, 1879:   STAMFORD. “There will be a Mass at 8 o’clock Thanksgiving Day; Vespers at half past seven in the evening. There will be a free lecture given by Father Rogers of Brooklyn, and a collection taken up. Proceeds will go to the convent. The lecture will be given after Vespers. This week, on Thanksgiving eve, the Ancient Order of Hibernians hold their second annual ball in Soldiers Hall, Hubbard’s Block. From the many preparations the society has made to the occasion, there is little doubt that it will be one of the best balls of the season.”

The Connecticut Catholic:
 November 27, 1886: STAMFORD. “The new steam heaters have all been completed, and last Sunday the church was comfortably heated by them. They have been constructed and give entire satisfaction.”

The Stamford Advocate:
 November 27, 1934:  HOLY NAME SOCIETY OF ST. JOHN’S CHURCH PLANS REORGANIZATION. “Several hundred men, members of St. John’s R. C. Church, gathered in the basement of the church, last night, in the first meeting for reorganization of the Holy Name Society of the church. Another meeting will be held in the school auditorium, next Monday night, when officers will be elected and a program prepared. A social hour will follow the business meeting. One week from next Sunday, members of the Society will attend the 8 a. m. Mass in a body and receive Holy Communion. The Rev. James J. Wilson, spiritual head of the society, informed the men, last night, that a social program in connection with the spiritual work will be a definite part of the reorganization. A bowling league will be started as one of the first social and athletic projects.”

The Stamford Advocate:
November 27, 1953:  Catholic Hierarchy To Honor First Bishop of New Bridgeport Diocese.  “The most impressive assemblage of Catholic dignitaries and clergy Bridgeport has ever witnessed will be present in St. Augustine’s Cathdedral Wednesday when the Most Rev. Lawrence J. Shehan, D.D., is installed as the first bishop of Bridgeport. Five archbishops, headed by the Most Rev. Henry J. O’Brien, D.D., Metropolitan of the Province of Hartford, and 20 bishops will be among those who will attend the ceremonies.”
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As part of your Advent preparation for Christmas, you might consider going to Confession, especially if you haven’t been in a while. Confessions are heard daily: Monday—Friday, 7:30-7:50 a.m. and 11:30-12:00 noon; Saturday, 3:00-4:00 p.m.; Sundays, 7:00-7:30 a.m.; 9:30-10:00 a.m.; 11:30-12:00 noon.  Take advantage of God’s generosity.

St. Gabriel’s Parish. . . Solemn Sung Evening Prayer on Sunday, November 23rd, at 4:00 p.m. All are welcome.

Mass Intentions
Saturday, November 22
4:00  +Members of DeRosa, Kronk, Capobianco Families & Edwin Clark req. John & Joan Kronk
Sunday, November 23
  7:30 +Tina Peluso req. Hannah Young
10:00 Souls in Purgatory req. Fabiola C.
12:00 No Noon Mass
6:00 +Patrick Kane & Family req. Estate of Catherine Kane & Family
Monday, November 24
  8:00 +William Borkowski req. Wife & Son
12:10 +Matthew Morelli req. The Marchetti Family
Tuesday, November 25
  8:00 +Frances M. Carriera, wife; Joanne Carriera, daughter; Paul Carriera, U.S. Marine, son req. Gerard J. Carriera
12:10 +John Poidomani req. Anthony & Carolyn Conte
Wednesday, November 26
  8:00     Souls in Purgatory req. Fabiola C.
12:10    +Beatrice LaMarna req. Anthony & Carolyn Conte
Thursday, November 27 (Happy Thanksgiving Day)
  8:00 No Mass
10:00 Special Intention Joseph, Mary, Eleanor Theresa & Richard Paul Kim req. Joseph & Mary Kim
12:10 No Mass
Friday, November 28
  8:00 +Dorothy Vitali req. Mr. & Mrs. Craig Fioravand
12:10 +Joseph Cocola req.  Mr. & Mrs. Craig Fioravand
Saturday, November 29
  8:00 +Frances M. Carriera, wife; JoAnne Carriera, daughter; Paul Carriera, U.S. Marine, son req. Gerard J. Carriera
12:10    +Antoinette DeMott remembrance req. Giannitti Family

Miraculous Medal Novena: Mondays, 8:30 a.m.

Pray for an end to abortion every Wednesday, 7:00 - 10:30 a.m., at Planned Parenthood, 1039 East Main St, Stamford. 

Eucharistic Adoration:  Fridays, 8:30 a.m. – 12:00 noon.

Are you a registered parishioner? … If not, please visit the parish office Monday - Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. or call the office for more information [ext 21 or 17].

Sponsor Certificates for Baptism or Confirmation…Are happily given to parishioners of St. John’s, i.e. Those who are registered members; those whose regular Mass attendance is known to the priests, or whose parish membership can be verified by the records of the weekly offertory (envelopes).        

Holy Name Society . . . For all men of the parish: the rectory every Friday morning for coffee, Eucharistic adoration benediction & prayer, from 7:00 - 8:00 a.m.

20’s / 30’s Young Adults…Will next meet on Monday, December 8th at 6:30 p.m. in the Upper Room at Columbus Park Restaurant, in Columbus Park.  Join us.

Credit Card Offertory…Make weekly or monthly donations by credit card. You can set up recurring credit card donations with the church secretary.  She can take your information over the telephone.  Call (203) 324-1553 x21.


CHRIST THE KING
- Fr. Terry Walsh

The Lamb who was slain is worthy to receive strength and divinity, wisdom and honor: to him be glory and power for ever. – Entrance Antiphon

              Today is the Solemnity of Christ the King. This great Solemnity is fittingly celebrated on the last Sunday of “Ordinary Time” each year and completes the Liturgical year.
Who is the King?
He who left His Throne of Glory to be born into the very world He created. He is “Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, upon the Throne of David, and over his Kingdom, to establish it, uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and for evermore”(Isaiah 9: 6-7).
Who is the King?
He who says, “I have come to give life, and give it abundantly” (Jn. 10); “Let not your hearts be troubled or afraid…I am the Way, and the Truth and the Life” (Jn. 14). “Fear not, beloved, you are safe: take courage and be strong…From the moment you resolved to acquire understanding and to humble yourself before God…your prayer was heard, and for this reason I have come” (Daniel 10).
Who is the King?
He who said, “Let there be light…Let the earth put forth vegetation, plants yielding seed, and fruit trees bearing fruit…Let the waters bring forth swarms of living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth across the firmament of the heavens…Let the earth bring forth living creatures...Let us make man in our image, after our likeness…Be fruitful…”(Genesis 1).
Who is the King?
He who said, “I am the True Vine, and my Father is the Vinedresser. Every branch of mine that bears no fruit, he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit…“I am the Vine, you are the branches. He who abides in me, and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing…This I command you, to love one another”(Jn. 15). “The Holy Spirit will teach you” (Jn. 14). The fruits of our King’s Passion have been poured into our souls enabling us to be formed into ever more faithful reflections of His own Divine likeness. Remember the words pronounced by the Bishop at your Confirmation: “Be Sealed with the Holy Spirit.” “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, self-control…if we live by the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit…he who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. And let us not grow weary in well doing, for in due season we shall reap, if we do not lose heart” (Galatians 5, 6).
Who is the King?
He who cried out, “Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani…My God, My God, why hast thou forsaken me” (Mk. 15:34)? He is the King.
“One of the soldiers pierced his side with a spear, and at once there came out blood and water” (Jn. 19:34). “I came to give life and give it abundantly” (Jn. 10:10). “Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes has eternal life….I am the living bread which came down from heaven; if anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever; and the bread which I shall give for the life of the world is my flesh”(Jn. 6). He is our King…

Lift up your heads O gates; rise up, you ancient portals, that the Ling of glory may enter….Who is the King of glory? The Lord of hosts is the king of glory…Psalm 24