Pastor’s Corner . . . The Church celebrates the Epiphany this weekend, which commemorates three historical events of great importance:  the veneration of the Christ Child by the Three Kings; the Baptism of Our Lord by John the Baptist; and the miracle of the Wedding Feast at Cana.  Each of these events is important, because each explains precisely who this child is and what he was to do. 
The Three Kings came, having followed the “star” rising in the east.  In reality, they saw a rare eclipse of Jupiter by the moon, the “king” of planets, the movement of which was interpreted in the ancient world as a portent of royal birth. They observed this, and understood that the baby they found in Bethlehem was no mere child, but a king, greater than any earthly monarch. Following the then common understanding of the stars and planets, the Three Kings believed that such a birth had been the result of the movements of heavenly bodies. How many today follow astrology in the same way!?  St. Augustine made this observation to clarify why the Kings followed the stars to the birth of Christ:
“. . . that star which the Magi saw did not have power over Christ, New-Born according to the flesh, but rather obeyed Him as witnesses to His birth. If we must speak of fate, then rather let us say, not that the star was Christ’s destiny, but that Christ was the destiny of the star, since He caused it to exist and rise in the east for the Three Kings.” [Contra Faustinum, II, 5]
Their gifts bore witness to the reality of Jesus’ identity: gold for a king; frankincense for a god; and myrrh, both a medicine and a burial herb in the ancient world, for one who was to cure humanity of sin and death by his own saving death.
St. John Chrysostom described it this way: 
“The Son of God, Who is the God of all things, is born a Man in body.  He permits Himself to be placed in a crib, Who holds the heavens in His Hand. He is confined in a Manger whom the world cannon contain; He is heard in the voice of a wailing Infant, at Whose voice in the hour of His passion on the cross the whole earth trembled.  The Magi, beholding a Child, profess that this is the Lord of Glory, the Lord of Majesty,  . . .”
[Sermon for  the Epiphany]
The Baptism of Our Lord, which feast we celebrate next Sunday, and which I will treat at greater length in next week’s bulletin, signifies who the man Jesus is: the voice from Heaven tells us “This is my beloved Son, on whom my favor rests; listen to him.”.
And, finally, the Wedding Feast at Cana: the first of Jesus’ public miracles as he began his ministry. At the prompting of His Mother, Jesus comes to the aid of a newly married couple. Sparing them the embarrassment of having no wine for their guests, He changes water into hundreds of gallons of the best wine anyone had ever tasted.
Who is this? These three events tell us: Jesus is the Creator of the universe, whose word created everything from nothing, and is obeyed even by the basic elements of nature. The child born in the manger is no mere child: He is the only God, eternally existing, through whom everything was created in the universe; who, for love of mankind created in His image and likeness, humbled Himself to be born in the image and likeness of sinful man, taking on human flesh of the Virgin Mary; He entered His creation to recreate everything by His presence and sacrifice. He especially comes to recreate every human being, wounded by the sin of Adam and subject to death, whom He frees by His life-giving death on the Cross. This is He, born in Bethlehem, revealed at the Jordan at His baptism, manifested in his power at Cana: God who became a man so that mankind can share His divine life. --Msgr. DiGiovanni

Please pray for the sick…  Phillip Renard, John Castellano, Anthony Sansone, Paul Cavallo, Kathy Hennesey, Ruth Coyle, Lily Rice, Mildred Fiore, Catherine & Jay Olnek, Ryan Santolo, Michael Mammone, Mary Bozek, Marjorie Just

Please pray for those who have recently died. . . Vito Melfi,  Arthur Capalbo, Avery Cardinal Dulles, Laurie, Jeannette Augustine, Vivian E. Torres, Margie Nicholson, Ed “Red” Baker, Katherine Harten, Pauline Weeks, Jennifer Tomasello, Vincent Dangi, Deborah (Brennan) Stowell,

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 January 6th.

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. We’ll start again on Tuesday, January 13th.

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.

The Latin reading group is translating St. Augustine’s Confessions…And meets every Wednesday in the rectory at 6:15 p.m.  High school Latin is all that’s needed.  Just walk in.  We’ll resume on Wednesday, January 7th.

Introduction to New Testament Greek Class . . . Meets every Thursday evening in the rectory at 7:30 p.m.  This is an introductory class:  All are welcome. We’ll resume on Thursday, January 8th.

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

St. John’s Bible Study…We are using The Bible Timeline Series every Thursday in the rectory at 7:30 p.m.  Join us: We’ll resume on Thursday, January 8th.

Coffee and refreshments… following the 10:00 a.m. Mass, in the Monsignor Nagle Hall. 

Year of Saint Paul... A Plenary Indulgence is offered the faithful through June 29th: by visiting the adoration chapel at Saint John Fisher Seminary Residence on Newfield Avenue: the chapel is open Monday through Thursday, 6:00 a.m.—11:00 p.m., and from Friday at 6:00 a.m. until Sunday 11:00 p.m.  The usual conditions apply: sacramental confession and communion, praying one Our Father and Hail Mary for the intentions of Pope Benedict XVI apply.

St. Maria Goretti Society . . . For the spiritual formation of young ladies from 8th - 12th grades. Questions, please contact Rosa Marchetti at (203) 348-0232.

St. Dominic Savio Society…For the spiritual formation of young men from 8th – 12th grades. Questions, please contact Frank Marchetti at (203) 434-4734.
Sunday, December 28, 2008      $ 11,205.03

Sunday, December 30, 2007      $11,638.15
I ask you one thing: do not tire of giving to God, but do not give your leftovers.”---Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta

Sunday Readings for Jan. 11th:   Is 42: 1-4, 6-7; Acts 10: 34-38 or 1 Jn. 5:1-9/Mk 1:7-11

Hymns for this weekend . . . (1) 37   (2) 41. The Creed for the Noon Mass may be found in the hymnal at No. 289.

Choral Music for the 12:00 Noon Mass . . . Mass Ordinary: Missa Æterna Christi munera – Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina, 1525-1594. Offertory motet: Magi videntes stellam – Jacob Clemens non Papa, c. 1510-1555 (The magi, having seen the star, said, each in turn: “This is the sign of a great king! Let us go and look for him and offer him gifts, gold, frankincense and myrrh.”). Communion motet: Coventry Carol – Kenneth Leighton, 1929-1988 (Lully, lulla, thou little tiny child, By by, lully, lullay. O sisters too, How may we do For to preserve this day? This poor youngling, For whom we sing, By, by, lully, lullay! Herod the king, In his raging, Charged he hath this day His men of might, In his own sight, All children young to slay. That woe is me, Poor child for thee! And ever morn and day, For thy parting Nor say nor sing, By, by, lully, lullay. [Anonymous, 15th cent.]). The Gregorian chants proper to this Sunday are: Introit Ecce advenit (Behold, the Sovereign Lord is coming; kingship, government and power are in his hands. Endow the King with your judgement, O God, and the King’s son with your righteousness. [Cf. Mal. 3:1; I Chron. 29: 12; Ps. 72: 1,10,11]); Alleluia Vidimus stellam (We have seen his star in the East, and we have come with our gifts, to worship the Lord. [Cf. Matthew 2:2]); Offertory Reges Tharsis (The kings of Tarshish and the islands shall offer presents; the kings of the Arabians and of Sheba shall bring gifts; all the kings of the earth shall adore the him, all nations shall serve him. [Psalm 72:10,11]); Communion Vidimus stellam (We have seen his star in the East, and we have come with our gifts, to worship the Lord. [Cf. Matthew 2:2]).

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. 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

Healing Mass. . . . Thursday, January 8th, at 7:30 p.m. at Saint Philip’s Church, Fr. Conlon Drive, Norwalk. 
St. John’s in The  NEWS . . .
   . . . 100 years ago, or so:

The Stamford Advocate:
January 5, 1866: “The second annual ball of the St. John’s Roman Catholic Benevolent Society which took place at Hoyt’s Hall, on Friday night last, was a decided success, and a handsome sum must have been realized in aid of the charitable object of the association. The floor managers, Messrs. Eugene W. Drew, Hickey and Mannon, performed their duties in a manner creditable to themselves and agreeable to all concerned. The dancers’ feet kept time to the music of a fine quadrille band, and the harp “woke all its chords” for the enjoyment of the festive throng. The utmost order prevailed throughout, and nothing occurred to mar the pleasure of the occasion.”

The Connecticut Catholic:
 January 9, 1886: STAMFORD. “The first ball of Father Matthew T.A.B. society given on last Thursday night in Town hall building was the most successful of any given this season in every respect, although the night was stormy and unpleasant. The attendance surpassed the expectations of everyone, while the success of the enterprise far exceeded the anticipation of the members of the society. A very satisfactory amount, after all expenses, was realized. The Social Nine orchestra furnished the music, a sufficient guarantee that the music was good. The committee of arrangements consisted of John H. McGill, Marin Kane, George Russell, Daniel Hickey, Francis Morgan and John Murphy.”

The New York Times:
 January 11, 1904: STAMFORD “The annual report of St. John’s Roman Catholic Church, which has just been announced, shows that its debt was decreased $11,500 during the last year. The previous year it was decreased $10,000, making a total of $21,500 that has been paid in two years. The standing debt is $45,000, and it is hoped this may be paid in three years. There are no rich people in the parish. Nearly all the members of the church belong to the working classes, and there is not one that could be said to be of independent means.”

The Stamford Advocate:
 January 10, 1942:  Rev. F. S. Morrissey To Be Angelus Hour Speaker On Sunday. “The Rev. Francis S. Morrissey, assistant pastor of St. John’s Catholic Church, will be the speaker on Sunday’s Angelus Hour on WSRR at 5:30 p.m. Father Morrissey’s subject will be “The Catholic Family.” The broadcast will be dedicated to the Feast of the Holy Family, which will be observed Sunday. Father Morrissey, a graduate of Catholic University, Washington, D. C., is recognized as a forceful, eloquent speaker. He has been one of the leaders in the catechetical work of the Hartford Diocese, and at present is regional director for this work in southwestern Connecticut. Upon the completion of his university course, and prior to his ordination, he was appointed prefect at St. Thomas Seminary in Hartford.”

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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.

Mass Intentions

Saturday, January 3
4:00 +Marie Bryant req. The Loughlin Family

Sunday, January 4
  7:30 +Mary Lou Deluca req. Louise Munro
10:00 +Louis Manes req. Angela Giannitti
12:00 +Suzana Donovan 14th Anniversary req. Marion Morris
  6:00 +Patrick Kane & Family req. Catherine Kane & Family

Monday, January 5
  8:00 +John Maloney req. wife Mary
12:10 +Carlos Henao Mesa req. Raquel Mesa
 Tuesday, January 6
 
8:00 +Patrick Kane & Family req. The Estate of Catherine Kane & Family
12:10 +Diane Slavinsky req. Marc Ramano

Wednesday, January 7
  8:00 +Elaine Solimene req. Employees of
   Wilson, Elser
12:10 +Anita Nanos req. The Carpanzano Family

Thursday, January 8
  8:00 +Terese Fulton req. Ralph E. Haczynski
12:10 +Bertha Mesa de Henao req. Raquel Mesa
Friday, January 9
  8:00 John J. Gannon & John J. Gannon, Jr. Birthdays
12:10 +Catherine Pascale req. John & Laura Pascale
Saturday, January 10
  8:00 +Hope & Joseph McAleer req. Family
12:10    +George Schiff req. Dagmar Lanigan

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.

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.

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).        

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.

O Radiant Light
                    - Fr. Terry Walsh
On a cold night, in a dark and abandoned cave not fit for the dwelling of man – the whole Universe Shook! It had been 9 months since the Archangel Gabriel announced to the humble Virgin the magnificent news of our Salvation; 40 weeks since Mary so perfectly united Her will to the will of our Heavenly Father. Now, the hour was fast approaching – the fullness of time had come. The Virgin Mary was about to give birth to Her Son: True God and True Man. He was about to pierce the veil, uniting Heaven and Earth - the Son of God – and the Son of Mary. The world would never be the same. On that Holy night, the Radiant Light of God would forever sanctify all Who humbly receive Him into their hearts and souls through the Sacrament of Baptism. That night, in that dark cave, His brilliant Light issued forth the pure warmth of Divine Love, filling that humble abode with His Peace. Imagine the prayerful ecstasy of Mary, Her joyful soul overflowing in a grace and peace that is simply beyond human understanding. Yes, the Universe Shook that night! In the humblest circumstances and amid hard hearted people, the mighty Prince of Peace burst into the world in a holy and miraculous way: Picture the Virgin Mary, kneeling in prayer as she prepared to give birth. The Mystic, Venerable Mary Agedra, described her vision this way: “God did not divide, but penetrated the virginal chamber as the rays of the Sun penetrate the crystal shrine, lighting it up in prismatic beauty…(as Jesus) came forth from the virginal chamber…glorious and transfigured.” What a beautiful image of His Radiant Divine Light, keeping forever inviolate the perpetual virginity of His Holy Mother – before, during, and after His Holy and miraculous birth.
Thousands upon thousands of angels surrounded the Holy Virgin as she welcomed the Only Begotten Son of the Most High into the very world He created. Those pure and holy spirits witnessed the Son of Justice come to offer Mercy to a fallen and unworthy people – to us. Another Mystic, St. Emmerich, offered another stunning image. She wrote, “As Mary knew Her time was near, Joseph went to a little recess area to pray. He looked back for a moment and saw Mary kneeling in prayer, Her back to him, Her face toward the east. He saw the cave filled with the Light that streamed from Mary – for she was entirely enveloped as if by flames. It was as if he were – like Moses – looking into the burning bush. He sank prostrate to the ground in prayer – and did not look back again.” As the angels surround the glorious Babe in the manger, they offered Him the most exquisite melody of praise, perfectly chanting the Gloria with the sweetest residue of joy and peace and love. What a beautiful vision of His resplendent majesty and light!
 John tells us in the Gospel, “Jesus came to give life and give it abundantly” – to all those who seek Him – to those who follow Him – to those who imitate His love and obedience and offer their “will” to the will of the Father (just as He had done). He came to heal the broken spirit of man. He came to rescue us from eternal death by drawing us into His eternal light. May we faithfully respond to His invitation, just as the poor and humble shepherds did, and run to him, eager to follow Him and do His will so that we, too, might receive the Gift of everlasting life, happiness, and peace! May we approach Him in Awe and Wonder and so be transformed by his marvelous light – the light of grace – the light of divine love - and allow his mercy to pierce our stony hearts and cloudy minds, thus enabling us to peer into the Mystery of his Incarnation – Jesus, born of the Virgin Mary. While the Christmas Season ends after the Epiphany, the Light of Christ remains in our hearts and minds and so transforms our souls – if only we continue to humbly seek Him in the Sacraments, in our faithful life of prayer, and in “living the truth in love”(Eph 4:15).