Pastor’s Corner . . . We begin Advent today. It is a pre-festal period during which time we are reminded at each Mass to morally prepare our lives for a worthy celebration of the Feast of Christmas. But there is more. Advent is a time to further prepare ourselves for eternity:  that by responding to God’s grace in the Eucharist we receive at Mass, we lead lives of holiness and good works of charity, and thus prepare ourselves to attain the goal of our lives, the sharing of eternal joy with God in heaven.
The prayers at Mass express this. For example, the prayer after Communion on Wednesday of the First Week of Advent: “Prepare our hearts, we beg you, O Lord, that, strengthened by this Eucharist, we may do your will. . .”  We cooperate with God’s grace now, imitate God’s charity to us in Christ, and gain eternity.  This is repeated daily in the Masses during Advent, and, especially in the individual feast of the saints. At Mass, we are not merely handed a moral ideal, but we are given examples of real men, women and children who did respond by daily lives of holiness. The saints loved the God who showed His love by sending His eternal Son to join Himself to our human nature in the man Jesus. If God loves us so much that He would come to rescue us from our sins and from death, we should love Him in return in real life. 
Let’s look at just two of the upcoming Advent saints: 
December 3rd: Feast of St. Francis Xavier. He was a young, bright, wealthy young man of the mid-16th century, who, while at the University of Paris, ran into St. Ignatius Loyola, founder of the Society of Jesus [the Jesuits]. Ignatius succeeded in convincing Francis Xavier to abandon his self-centered life of luxury and privilege, to join the newly established Jesuits and go to India—then, the end of the world! He did, in order to preach the generosity of the Incarnate God who offered Himself in sacrifice on the Cross for us. He wrote to Ignatius that he wished he could return to the University of Paris to convince others “who have more learning than charity” to stop throwing their lives away working for themselves, when millions needed them to preach the Gospel and save them.  He continued, “then, they would cast aside their desire for human recognition and make themselves wholly servants of God’s will. They would cry out with all their hearts: ‘Lord, here I am! What do you want of me? Send me where you wish, even to India.” [Letter 4 to Ignatius]
December 13th: Feast of St. Lucy.  A young girl born to a noble pagan family in Syracuse in Italy, Lucy secretly became a Catholic in the late 3rd century, and took a private vow of virginity. Unaware of this, her mother arranged a marriage with a young man. After her mother was healed of an illness, through the intercession of St. Agatha, Lucy revealed her Catholic faith and her private vow, as well as her desire to sell and give to the poor all she had: wealth, land and jewels. Her mother agreed, but her fiancé did not, and revealed Lucy’s Christianity to the state authorities. She was horribly tortured for months, including having her eyes gouged out, because she refused to deny Christ, and finally died of her wounds, languishing in prison in 304 a.d., at the age of 15. 
These are two examples of real people, who, so moved by God’s generosity in Christ, left everything of worldly value to exercise heroic charity and virtue for Christ’s sake, and for the salvation of others. Their lives have moved millions during the centuries to love Christ more passionately.  If we do one-tenth as much, as our gift to God at Christmas, we will have spent our Advent well.  --Msgr. DiGiovanni

Please pray for the sick… Ruth Coyle, Lily Rice, 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.

St. John’s Christmas Fair. . . The Fair will be on Sunday, December 7th, in the Monsignor Nagle Hall from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.  Baked goods, books, sacramentals, Christmas decorations, wreaths and a great raffle. To accommodate parishioners who cannot attend the Christmas Fair but are interested in purchasing a wreath, a small selection of the wreaths will be on display in the main foyer of the Church on Saturday December 6. Time: 3:30-4:00 p.m. and 4:45-5:15.p.m. NO DONATED used GOODS, please!!

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

December 8th, the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, IS a holy day of obligation; Mass will be offered at 8:00 a.m., 12:10 p.m. and 5:15 p.m.

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!!

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 meet in the rectory at 6:15 p.m. this Wednesday.  High school Latin is all that’s needed.  Just walk in.

New Testament Greek Class . . . meets every Thursday evening in the rectory 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 in the rectory at 7:30 p.m.  Join us.

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.

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.


Sunday, November 23, 2008     $   9,750.00

Sunday, November 25, 2007      $ 10,344.06

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) 8   (2) 4. The Creed for the Noon Mass may be found in the hymnal at No. 289.

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.

Choral Music for the 12:00 Noon Mass . . . Mass Ordinary: Kyrie XVII (ca. 1350) – Graduale Romanum; Sanctus & Agnus Dei from Mass for Three Voices – William Byrd, 1540-1623. Offertory motet: Ad te levavi – Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina, 1525-1594 (Unto you have I lifted up my soul. O my God, I trust in you, let me not be put to shame; do not allow my enemies to laugh at me; for none of those who are awaiting you will be disappointed. Make you ways known unto me, O Lord, and teach me your paths. [Ps. 25:1-4]); Communion motet: Conditor alme siderum – Guillaume Dufay, 1397-1474 (The text may be found in the hymnal at No. 2.) The Gregorian chants proper to this Sunday are: Introit Ad te levavi (Ps. 25:1-4, see text above); Alleluia Ostende nobis (Show us your mercy, O Lord, and grant us your salvation. [Psalm 85:8]); Offertory Ad te Domine (Psalm 25:1-3, see text above); Communion Dominus dabit benignitatem (The Lord will bestow his loving kindness, and our land will yield its fruit. [Psalm 85:13].

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.

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. Join us on December 2nd in church.

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.

St. John’s in The  ADVOCATE . . .
  . . . 100 years ago, or so:

December 1, 1876: “A more than ordinary degree of religious activity is apparent in St. John’s R. C. Church just at present. The local clergy are assisted by a number of missionary priests, who are laboring to stimulate the congregation to a more earnest performance of duty, and especially to exert such an influence upon the careless ones as to bring them in a close fellowship. The work of these missionaries is analogous to what is called “revival work” in other communions, and that it is very successful is shown, in part, by the very large congregations that assemble a the three daily services now held – at 5:30 and 9 a.m. and at 7:30 in the evening.”

 December 2, 1908: “Reverend Father Ryan of Greenwich preached in St. John’s R. C. Church last night. The services were marked by a reception of members into the Sodality of the Children of Mary.”

December 4, 1934:  CHURCH SOCIETY ELECTS LEADER.  “Dr. Frank C. McMahon was elected first president of the reorganized Holy Name Society of St. John’s R. C. Church in the auditorium of St. John’s School, last night. Other officers elected were: V.P., William H Brennan; Financial Secretary, William Troy; Recording Secretary, Reginald Neuwein. The Rev. James J. Wilson, assistant pastor of the church, will be spiritual director of the society. Dr. McMahon was authorized to appoint sick and program committees, the latter to arrange a program of Winter social and athletic activities. One of the first activities will be a bowling league.”

 December 2, 1947: St. John’s Win Close C.Y.O. Test From St. Cecilia’s. “Three games were put on last night in the CYO leagues at the Columbus Hall, with the fourth and feature game being cancelled, due to the short time in the scheduling the St. Maurice-Sacred Heart tussle. But in spite of the cancellation, the local fans were treated to a thriller in the 48-46 St. John’s and St. Cecilia’s game. The Johnnies squeezed out a two-point verdict over a stubborn Springdale combine in which the winning basket was made in the final 40 seconds of play. A set shot by Hushion provided the winning margin.”

December 2, 1953:  Crowd Welcomes Bishop In Stop At Station Here. “Stamford warmly welcomed the first Bishop of Bridgeport, the Most Rev. Lawrence J. Shehan, D.D., when he stopped here Tuesday afternoon on his way to Bridgeport. A crowd, estimated at 1,400 by police, gathered on the railroad station platform well in advance of the train that was due at 2:47. Parochial school children formed the greatest part of the gathering but there were about a score of priests and many other adults joining the children to welcome Bishop Shehan. Sprinkled through the groups of children were signs and posters, some made by the children themselves. They bore such legends as “Welcome Bishop Shehan,” and “St. John’s School Welcomes Bishop Shehan.”

PLEASE NOTE: NO Coffee Hour…this Sunday, Nov. 30thth, or next Sunday Dec. 7th due to Thanksgiving weekend, and the Christmas Fair respectively.

Mass Intentions

Saturday, November 29
4:00 +Members of DeRosa, Kronk, Capobianco Families & Edwin Clark req. John & Joan Kronk
Sunday, November 30
7:30 +Tomas D. Rosita req. Rosita Domdom
10:00 Special Intention
12:00 + Denis Oliveira req. Lilian & Alvina Ramos
6:00 +Patrick Kane & Family req. Estate of Catherine Kane & Family
Monday, December 1
8:00 Bill Gannon req. Sharon Gannon & Family
12:10 Dila Haidar req. Granddaughter
Tuesday, December 2
8:00 +Theofilo Nobay req. Grandchildren
12:10 +Nancy Morone req. Mary Churley
Wednesday, December 3
8:00 +Reddy & Alice MacDonald & Family req. Mary Maloney
12:10 +Kathleen Butler req. LAOH
Thursday, December 4
8:00 Special Intention Nelly Gil Birthday
12:10 Josephine Chiodo req. Longo Family
Friday, December 5
8:00 Frances M. Carriera, wife; JoAnne Carriera, daughter; Paul Carriera, U.S. Marine, son req. Gerard J. Carriera
12:10 Souls in Purgatory req. Fabiola C.
Saturday, December 6
8:00 +Lucy Nyars req. Luigi & Flora Funicella
12:10 +Rose Harrington 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.

   Mary’s “YES”

                                                                                                                                                                                                            - Fr. Terry Walsh

    The Solemnities of the Immaculate Conception, the Annunciation, and the Nativity of Jesus Christ are intertwined in the explosive mystery of love emanating from the Holy Trinity. By a special grace, God created the soul of the Virgin Mary to be the Immaculate Temple of His only begotten Son, “…born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons”(Galatians 4:4). Through Her faith, Mary freely gave Her will over to the Father, thus making it possible for the 2nd Person of the Holy Trinity to become Incarnate through Her. Saint Bernard wrote a beautiful homily in praise of our Lady’s Fiat. What great anticipation he evokes in our hearts to begin this Advent Season. He wrote: “You have heard, O Virgin, that you will conceive and bear a son; you have heard that it will not be by man but by the Holy Spirit. The angel awaits an answer; it is time for him to return to God who sent him. We too are waiting, O Lady, for your word of compassion; the sentence of condemnation weighs heavily upon us. The price of our salvation is offered to you. We shall be set free at once if you consent. In the eternal Word of God we all came to be, and behold, we die. In your brief response we are to be remade in order to be recalled to life. Tearful Adam with his sorrowing family begs this of you, O loving Virgin, in their exile from Paradise. Abraham begs it, David begs it. All the other holy patriarchs, your ancestors, ask it of you, as they dwell in the country of the shadow of death. This is what the whole earth waits for, prostrate at your feet. It is right in doing so, for on your word depends comfort for the wretched, ransom for the captive, freedom for the condemned, indeed, salvation for all the sons of Adam, the whole of your race. Answer quickly, O Virgin. Reply in haste to the angel, or rather through the angel to the Lord. Answer with a word, receive the Word of God. Speak your own word, conceive the divine Word. Breath a passing word, embrace the eternal Word. Why do you delay, why are you afraid? Believe, give praise, and receive. Let humility be bold, let modesty be confident. This is no time for virginal simplicity to forget prudence. In this matter alone, O prudent Virgin, do not fear to be presumptuous. Though modest silence is pleasing, dutiful speech is now more necessary. Open your heart to faith, O blessed Virgin, your lips to praise, your womb to the Creator. See, the desired of all nations is at your door, knocking to enter. If he should pass by because of your delay, in sorrow you would begin to seek him afresh, the One whom your soul loves. Arise, hasten, open. Arise in faith, hasten in devotion, open in praise and thanksgiving. Behold, the handmaid of the Lord, she says, be it done to me according to your word.” “Proclaim the Good News among the nations: Our God will come to save us.” –Advent Antiphon