Pastor’s Corner . . . September 3rd was the feast of Pope Saint Gregory I [pope, 590-607a.d.], known as The Great.  His father, Gordian, was a member of Rome’s ruling aristocracy, who later renounced both wealth and position to serve as a deacon, and was placed in charge of the Church’s temporal resources. His mother, Saint Sylvia, likewise devoted herself to the Church as a nun. The classical education and personal example of faith was not lost on their son.
 Following his studies, Gregory was named Praetor or Prefect of the City of Rome, a post he held for five years until he renounced his political career to become a monk, giving his vast fortune and estates in Sicily to establish six monasteries, and his parents’ Roman home as the monastery of Saint Andrew, in which he enrolled himself, and which still exists today.
 His hoped for quiet life was short-lived, however, for he was chosen by the pope to serve as his ambassador to the Roman imperial court at Constantinople.  Following his successes abroad in one of the most challenging of diplomatic posts, during which time he wrote one of his most celebrated theological works, the Moralia of Job, Gregory returned to Rome and soon found himself elected pope.
 Rome was a wasteland, having been abandoned by the imperial court nearly three centuries earlier when the Emperor Constantine created his new capital at Constantinople. With the City literally crumbling, everything from the feeding of the poor and the repair of roads and sewers, to the provisioning and payment of the army, was relegated to the only institution left standing: the Church; and to the only person with any authority or resources, the pope.  Added to this was the nearly continuous desolation throughout Italy wrought by the Lombards, and the lasting devastation left by the Emperor Justinian’s army, which marauded through Italy nearly one generation earlier.
 Feeding the poor, presiding over the Catholic Church worldwide, abandoned by the Emperor, beleaguered by barbarian invasions, heretical  movements and rulers, Gregory was further afflicted by poor health. Through all this, he persevered, reforming the Church, sending missionaries to establish the Church in England and to reform the Church in Spain, subject to Arian Visigothic rule; problems for the Church with rulers in Gaul [France] and North Africa also occupied him, as did the Church in northern Italy, divided by loyalties to the Emperor in Constantinople;  he wrote numerous theological works, especially his Pastoral Rule, which guided bishops for centuries; his Dialogues, on lives of the saints,  and his homilies influenced the development of the Church throughout the Middle Ages and are still extant and useful today.
 His Catholic faith maintained him, and his humility expressed the truthfulness of his teaching and priestly ministry, as did his patience in the face of crisis.  He wrote, “For my part, I regard the virtue of patience greater than signs and wonders.” 
 The example of Pope Saint Gregory the Great should encourage us in the trials we experience in our own lives.  We should never despair of the assistance of Divine Providence, or grow impatient with the timing or manner in which God comes to our aid. He permits everything to happen to us, both good and bad, in order to lead us to eternal life.  Humility and patience are needed when facing the challenges of our lives. Call upon St. Gregory for assistance: He who dealt with barbarian hordes, unruly clergy and fractious royalty, will be more than a match for the problems of our lives today: ask for his faith, patience and humility to trust in God’s Providence.
--Mons. DiGiovanni

Please pray for the sick…  Drew, John Castellano. Andrew DeMott, Anita Fasanelli, Felicia Stamadini, Vinci Balbucci, Pasqualina Bruzzesi, Carmella Micik, Eleanor McNamee, Nancy Geikie, Vicki Manes, Anthony Sansone, Paul Forte, Anne Marie Brutus, Gelanie Lops.

Please pray for those who have recently died… Michael Murphy, Jennifer Tomasello, Mather Dearborn Fr. Joseph Link, Maureen Apruzzese, Jerry Allen, Susan Wilhelm, Margaret Timon, Felix Fiore, Estelle Burke, Margaret Barko, Margaret Roth, Jane C. Hlavaty, Joan Bankowski.  
     
   THE PARISH MYSTERY THEATER
   Presents the
Rectory Players
     Two repeat performances by popular demand
      In a Radio Style Presentation
          of:
AGATHA CHRISTIE’S
The Unexpected Guest
                  At 7:00 p.m. October 3rd & 4th
     In The Rectory Ball Room
45 seats - $30.00 each
(Beverages & Desserts)
(16 minimum age)

Banns of Marriage:  2nd Gregory Lodato & Flavia Moraes

Special Annual Collection . . . The second collection today will be the Special Annual Collection for the parish.  Your generosity is appreciated.

Religious Education . . . Classes begin on Sunday, September 21st at 8:30 a.m.  All classes will be held on Sunday mornings.  Please find registration forms in the vestibule of the church, or stop by the office during the week to register:  Monday - Friday, 9:00 a.m.—4:00 p.m.

Classes for adult. . . . Catholics who have not yet received Holy Communion or Confirmation and for non-Catholics who wish to join the Church, will begin on September 30th at 7:30 p.m. in the rectory.  Interested?  Please contact Providencia at (203¬) 324 -1553 ext. 21.

The Latin reading group is translating St. Augustine’s Confessions…and will meet every Wednesday evening in the rectory at 6:15 p.m. 

St. Monica Institute for Patristic Studies . . . Will next meet on September 10th, at 7:30 p.m. in the rectory, to begin our study of John Cassian’s Spiritual Conferences.  All are welcome. 

St. Anne Family Society . . . Will be on the first Saturday of each month. Our first meeting: Saturday, October 4th, at 5:00 p.m. in the church and parish hall. Each meeting will include Eucharistic Adoration, a potluck supper and a spiritual conference.  All families—including children—are invited.

Parish Picnic SEPTEMBER 14th… From 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. Cove Beach at the Pavilion.  Hamburgers and hot dogs will be provided.  Please bring a side dish, salad or desert.  Fun and games. Please call the rectory at (203) 324-1553 X 21 and let us know how many family members will be attending so we may plan accordingly. 

Pro-Life Activity. . . Stamford’s Life Chain on Sunday, October 5th from 2:30-3:30 p.m. at the intersection of Atlantic Street and Tresser Blvd.  Come be a living link in our Chain of Life. For information, please call Frank Carpanzano: (203) 975-8833, ext. 3004.  Parking is available at St. John’s lot.
                 Sunday, August 31, 2008     $   9,348.07
Sunday, September 2, 2007 $ 11,036.98
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) 225 (2) 240.  The Creed for the Noon Mass may be found in the hymnal at No. 289.

New Adult Choir . . . St. John’s announces a new Adult Choir to sing for the 10:00 a.m. Family Mass on Sundays. Rehearsals will be on Thursday evenings, 7:30-9:00 p.m. in the choir room, beginning September 11th. All with some singing experience are welcome! Please call Scott Turkington for more information, (203) 324-1553, ext. 18 ... and ...
Children’s Choir . . . The Children’s Choir will resume on Saturday, September 6th at 1:00 p.m. Now in its 10th year (!), the St. John’s Children’s Choir sings for the 10:00 a.m. Family Mass on Sundays, alongside our newly-formed Adult Choir.  Rehearsals, at which children learn about singing and reading music, are held each Saturday from 1:00-1:45 p.m. The choir is open to boys and girls, ages seven and above, who can match a pitch and who are willing to make a weekly commitment. Please call Scott Turkington for more information, (203) 324-1553, ext. 18.

Choral Music for the 12:00 Noon Mass . . . Mass Ordinary: Missa brevis – Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina, 1525-1594. Offertory motet: Wash me throughly – Samuel Sebastian Wesley, 1810-1876 (Wash me throughly from my wickedness, and forgive me all my sin. For I acknowledge my faults and my sin is ever before me. [Psalm 51, vv 2,3]). Communion motet: Teach me, O Lord – Thomas Attwood, 1783-1859 (Teach me, O Lord, the way of thy statutes; and I shall keep it unto the end. [Ps. 119:33]). The Gregorian chants:  Introit Justus es Domine (You are righteous, O Lord, and right is your judgement; deal with this servant of yours according to your mercy. Blessed are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the law of the Lord. [Ps. 119:137, 124,1]); Alleluia Domine, exaudi orationem meam (O Lord, hear my prayer; and let my cry come unto you. [Psalm 102:2]); Offertory Oravi Deum meum (I prayed to my God, I, Daniel, and I said: “Hearken, O Lord, unto the prayers of your servant, and cause your face to shine upon your sanctuary; look with forgiveness upon this nation over whom your name has been invoked, O God.” [Daniel 9: 4, (2) 17, 19]); Communion Vovete (Make vows unto the Lord your God, and accomplish them, all you who gather around him to present offerings; to the awesome God who takes away the life of princes; he is greatly feared by all the kings of the earth. [Psalm 76:12,13]).

House Blessings . . . Please check the parish website:  www.stjohnsstamford.com for the list of streets we’ll visit this month. To schedule a blessing, please call the rectory: 324-1553, ext. 21.

20’s / 30’s Young Adults…will meet SEPTEMBER 8th in a NEW LOCATION: “The Upper Room” at the Restaurant Columbus Park” at 6:30 p.m. – bring a friend.

St. John’s Bible Study…We will use The Bible Timeline Series for 25 Thursdays beginning September 25th through May 7th in the rectory at 7:30 p.m.  If you are interested, please call the Parish Office to register: the cost for the materials: $40.00 per person. 

Traditional Latin Mass at St. Gabriel . . . 914 Newfield Avenue.  The Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite (or Traditional Latin Mass) using the 1962 missal will be offered weekly beginning on the Feast of the Triumph of the Cross, Sunday, September 14th at 12:30 p.m.   All are welcome.

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

The Stamford Advocate:
 September 14, 1893: Blessing Two New Altars “Sunday evening at St. John’s R. C. church an impressive and beautiful ceremony was witnessed and participated in by a congregation which completely filled the large edifice. It was the blessing of two new altars recently presented to the church. The young lady members of the League of the Sacred Heart and The Children of Mary, dressed in white, with white veils and wreaths, and carrying bouquets of gold and blue, marched in procession from the basement of the church, through Bell Street, and entered the church singing The Litany of the Blessed Virgin. Vespers were then sung, after which the two altars were blessed while the societies sung appropriate hymns. An eloquent and appropriate sermon by the pastor, Rev. W. H. Rogers, was preached, after which the Benediction was given. The altar of the Sacred Heart is the gift of members of the League of that name. The statue was presented by Miss Mary Coffey. The statue of the Blessed Virgin – Our Lady of Lourdes is a votive offering by the wife of Judge Morgan J. O’Brien, in thanksgiving for the recovery of her daughter from a serious accident she met with while the family was summering at Shippan two years ago.”

The Connecticut Catholic:
September 23, 1893: Twin Altars Blessed.
“Tonight in this fair New England City
    Doth our loved Pastor’s voice implore
  God’s blessing on twin sacred altars
    While all responsively adore.
  Our feeble words are now not needed
    Our Pastor’s voice so dear and blest
  To Jesus sacred heart – our wants have pleaded
    And to our dear mother all our love expressed.

  O, may all here resolve tonight
    To these two altars oft to come
  To bring their love and joys and sorrows,
     For here and only here, rejection is for none.
  Often come in love adorning, meekly
     Bow thy heart in silent prayer,
   Ask of our dear Lady – our Mother meek and mild
     For through her hand, His love is there.

  Ah; now benediction is over, closed the little door
    Hidden now His presence from our view
  He when in our hearts reposing, joy!
    We need not bid to Him adieu,
  Happy day O haste I pray thee, when unveiled,
    We behold His sacred face above,
  With His and our holy Mother,
    We will give Him our hearts’ love.”
  KITTY A. ENNIS

(Editor’s note:  Kitty Ennis was the daughter of John Ennis, architect and builder of the upper church of St. John’s)

Baby Sitter. . . We are looking for a junior high or high school student to play with a 5-year old girl with special needs for about 1-hour on weekday afternoons in Stamford. Flexible hours and schedule. Please call Hope: (203) 323-1403.

Coffee Hour. . . Anyone interested in volunteering to help with the weekly coffee hour following the 10:00 a.m. Sunday Mass, please call Janet Lancaster (203) 637-3301.

Mass Intentions

Saturday, September 6
4:00 +Members of the DeRosa, Kronk, Capobianco Families & Edwin Clark req. John & Joan Kronk

Sunday, September 7
  7:30 People of the Parish
10:00 Special Intention Eleanor Theresa Kim req. Joseph & Mary Kim
12:00 Thanksgiving to the Virgin Mary req. Fabiola C.
 6:00 +Patrick Kane & Family req. Estate of Catherine Kane & Family

Monday, September 8
  8:00 Thanksgiving to God req. Fabiola C.
12:10 +Charles & Eva Kronk req. Mary Churley

Tuesday, September 9
  8:00 +Martin & Katie Maloney & Family req. Mary Maloney
12:10 Special Intention Mary Young Kim req. Joseph & Mary Kim

Wednesday, September 10
  8:00 +Frank Janesch req. Cycon Family
12:10      +Ismael Vega req. Evelyn Flaharty (daughter)

Thursday, September 11
  8:00 +Louise Wilk req. David Lancaster
12:10     Special Intention Julia Arless req. Logsdail Family

Friday, September 12
  8:00 +Dila Haidar req. Granddaughter
12:10 Special Intention The Meyer Family req. The Logsdail Family

Saturday, September 13
  8:00 +Hope & Joseph McAleer req. Family
12:10    +Jayson Jarrett req. Norma Jarrett

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.

St. Dominic Savio Society…For the spiritual formation of young men from 8th – 12th grades meets monthly in the rectory.  Any questions, please contact Frank Marchetti at (203) 434-4734.

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

The Birth of our Lady
- Fr. Terry Walsh
 
       Think back for a moment to those days of yesteryear, perhaps just before you were old enough to attend school. As your mother’s birthday approached, you may have prepared a little present for her: some artistic masterpiece that may still hold a frame in a prized place in her home. OK, so, it wasn’t Michelangelo, but you made it. In her eyes, it was priceless, all because of the love you poured into it. The Church honors the birth of our Lady, the Blessed Virgin Mary, on September 8th, nine months after Her Immaculate Conception. Mary is of course our Spiritual Mother. Indeed, we share a bond with Mary that is more deeply rooted than any earthly bond could ever be. Mary is our true Mother. She is the best of teachers, the best of nurturers. St. Louis de Montfort wrote, “God the Father gathered all the waters together and called them the seas or maria. He gathered all his grace together and called it Mary or Maria. The great God has a treasury or storehouse full of riches in which he has enclosed all that is beautiful, resplendent, rare, and precious, even his own Son. This immense treasury is none other than Mary whom the saints call the ‘treasury of the Lord’. From Her fullness all men are made rich…Mary is the mystic channel of Her Son, His aqueduct, through which He causes His mercies to flow gently and abundantly…No heavenly gift is given to men which does not pass through Her virginal hands.”
              At the moment we were baptized into the Body of Her Son, Her Motherly Hands surrounded us in love. As we contemplate Her life it is easy to recognize Her incomparable love. Created without the stain of Original Sin, our Lady lived a pure and holy life. Consider the scene as St. Anne was about to give birth. Venerable Mary of Agreda put it this way: “Although Mary was born substantially like other daughters of Adam, yet Her birth was accompanied by such circumstances and conditions of grace, that it was the most wonderful and miraculous birth in all creation and will eternally redound to the praise of her Maker…She was clothed, handled and dressed like other infants, though her soul dwelt in the Divinity; and She was treated as an infant though She excelled all mortals and even all the angels in Wisdom”(The Mystical City of God, p.87). What immeasurable joy in Heaven at the Birth of the Queen of Heaven. And for all those dwelling on earth, eternal life in the Holy Trinity became possible. Agreda pondered the immense joy in the heart of St. Anne in praise of the graciousness of God: “Be Thou eternally blessed, because Thou has enriched the world with a Creature so pleasing to thy bounty and because in Her Thou hast prepared a dwelling-place and a tabernacle for the eternal Word”(p.88). As our Lady’s birthday approaches, may we likewise enter into a thoughtful meditation of so pure and holy a Mother. What gift will we offer Her? What could be more pleasing to Her than a firm resolution to imitate Her love for Christ? What joy would envelop our hearts to receive an approving nod and a warm smile as She opens our gift: a well said Rosary, a thoughtful reading of Holy Scripture, a small sacrifice offered in honor of Her son, or perhaps, the best gift of all – a prayerful and holy Confession in order to prepare the soul for the worthy reception of Her Son in the Eucharist – to become a pure and holy Tabernacle, like our Mother. Yes, that gift would be most pleasing to Her as it would enable us to remain in Her house, the Mystical City of God.

Pastor’s Corner…Saint Augustine died in 430 a.d. as the Catholic bishop of Hippo in Roman North Africa. He is one of the most influential of the Church’s theologians, whose writings and thoughts continue to form both Catholic theology and western culture.  He was not always a “fervent Catholic.”
 Despite the earnest urgings and tearful prayers of his sainted mother Monica, Augustine steadfastly refused to submit himself to Christ or to his Catholic Church. He judged he couldn’t be Catholic because the Bible, upon which the Church’s teachings are based, was so poorly written.  Such clumsy grammar could never be the conduit for divine revelation or Truth, or so he proposed. And he should have known, since he was the smartest man in the ancient world—and he knew it!
 So, for decades he searched for Truth, on his own terms, and moved from one philosophical school to another, alighting upon whichever intellectual system he determined embodied or led to Truth.  He was the touchstone for determining Truth, at least in his own mind. In reality, he was not searching for objective. No, he searched for truth that was convenient for him—philosophical or theological schools were true if they flattered his intellect, permitted him to continue a promiscuous lifestyle, and, of course, furthered his career ambitions, all while permitting him to think of himself as religious. His final attachment, prior to his conversion to Christ and baptism, was with a group called the Manicheans. The Manicheans could be useful in helping him in his intellectual career since it was filled with the ancient equivalent of movie stars and society’s glitterati. With such important people as members, it must be true. Augustine knew he’d discovered Truth—until he began asking questions, and found it was just a bunch of intellectual and religious mush only, which allowed its adherents to pursue anything they wanted in daily life, under the cover of searching for Truth.
 The Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi, stirred the political/theological pot this past week with her comments on Meet the Press in answer to a question when human rights begin in life. Gearing up for the Democratic Convention, she felt the pinch, I’m sure, because her garbled answer belied her fears about making anything that might be misinterpreted as a policy statement of the Democratic Party about abortion. 
 Her insistence that she is a faithful Catholic while holding to the legitimacy of legalized abortion is similar to Augustine’s early stance about Truth—you may claim to be in search of Truth, but it shouldn’t affect the way you live. In the end, Truth is what you make of it—not! A similar logic could be applied to politicians during Hitler’s regime and the murder of Jewish people throughout Europe; or Stalin’s slaughter of millions during the Cold War; or the horrors of slavery and the Jim Crow laws in American South. Murder may be wrong, but not here and not now. Human life, and human rights, begin in the womb at the moment of conception: it’s not just a clump of cells that one day magically transmute into a human being, as opposed to a giraffe or a guppy. It’s a human being from the beginning; not fully developed, but a human being, nonetheless. You may consider yourself a fervent Catholic and hold that abortion is morally acceptable—but in reality, you’re not a fervent Catholic at all. St. John says so in his first letter: “If you say you know Jesus but break His commandments, you are a liar.”[I Jn 2: 4] Abortion—the killing of children, like the killing of Jews by Hitler; the killings by Stalin; or slavery and the segregation-driven crimes in the South, is always and everywhere wrong—this is an objective Truth, not a mere opinion. No matter what the politics, it’s never OK, simply because the government or we say it’s OK. There is objective Truth—like it or not.
 At the end of his life, Augustine wrote about the one element essential to the search for Truth: “Attempt not to attain true wisdom by any other way than that which God has enjoined. This is in the first, second and third place, Humility. . . Not that there are no other precepts: but unless humility go before, accompany and follow after, all that we do well is snatched out of our hands by pride. So, if you would ask me concerning the precepts of the Christian religion, I should answer you, nothing but Humility.”
[Letter 56, to Discords, 56]
 To have true humility means we listen first to God and to the Church through which He continues to teach us. And then, have the guts to be true to it, no matter what.  So long as we determine we know it all, or that we determine what is True and Good, we have lost, because we move through life seeking to satisfy ourselves and our ambitions first, leaving much pain and suffering in our wake.
--Mons. DiGiovanni

Please pray for the sick…  Drew, John Castellano. Andrew DeMott, Anita Fasanelli, Mather Dearbone, Felicia Stamadini, Vinci Balbucci, Pasqualina Bruzzesi, Carmella Micik, Eleanor McNamee, Nancy Geikie, Vicki Manes, Jennifer Tomasello Anthony Sansone, Paul Forte, Anne Marie Brutus, Gelanie Lops,

Please pray for those who have recently died… Maureen Apruzzese, Jerry Allen, Susan Wilhelm, Margaret Timon, Felix Fiore, Estelle Burke, Margaret Barko, Margaret Roth, Jane C. Hlavaty, Joan Bankowski,

Religious Education . . . Classes begin on Sunday, September 21st at 8:30 a.m.  All classes will be held on Sunday mornings.  Please find registration forms in the vestibule of the church, or stop by the office during the week to register:  Monday - Friday, 9:00 a.m.—4:00 p.m.

NOT YET CONFIRMED?  WANT TO JOIN THE CHURCH? “R.C.I.A” classes for both adult Catholics who have not yet received Holy Communion or Confirmation and for non-Catholics who wish to join the Church, as well as for anyone who would like a refresher course in their Catholic Faith, will begin on September 30th at 7:30 p.m. in the rectory.  Interested?  Please contact Providencia at
324 -1553 ext. 21.

The Latin reading group is translating St. Augustine’s Confessions…and will meet every Wednesday evening in the rectory at 6:15 p.m.  If you’ve studied only high school Latin, you’ll be fine; we all help each other; please join us: you know more than you think! Following the Latin reading group, stay and join us for:

St. Monica Institute for Patristic Studies: will next meet on September 3rd, at 7:30 p.m. in the rectory, to begin our study of John Cassian’s Spiritual Conferences.  All are welcome. 

New Testament Greek . . . anyone interested in an introductory simple Dick and Jane New Testament Greek Grammar study group, please contact Monsignor DiGiovanni. We’ll begin in October, depending on interest.  One parishioner has suggested that we meet on Sunday mornings at 8:30 am, while religious education classes are going on.  I’m open to suggestions—what do you think??

Latin Mass . . . Last year, Pope Benedict XVI gave permission that the Latin Mass in its 1962 form could be offered.  I’m still interested, and if you are too, please let me know.  Msgr. DiGiovanni

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 September 2nd.

Sunday, August 24, 2008 $ 11,290.16

Sunday, August 26, 2007 $ 10,237.16   
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) 222 (2) 65.  The Creed for the Noon Mass may be found in the hymnal at No. 289.

New Adult Choir . . . St. John’s is pleased to announce that we will form a new Adult Choir to sing for the 10:00 a.m. Family Mass on Sundays. Rehearsals will be on Thursday evenings, 7:30 - 9:00 p.m. in the choir room, beginning Sept. 11th.  All with some singing experience are welcome! AND,
The Children’s Choir . . . The Children’s Choir will resume on Saturday, Sept. 6th at 1:00 p.m.  Now in its 10th year (!), the St. John’s Children’s Choir sings for the 10:00 a.m. Family Mass on Sundays, alongside our newly-formed Adult Choir. Rehearsals, at which children learn about singing and reading music, are held each Saturday from 1:00-1:45 p.m. The choir is open to boys and girls, ages seven and above, who can match a pitch and who are willing to make a weekly commitment. Please call Scott Turkington for more information, 324-1553, ext. 18.

Banns of Marriage:  1st Gregory Ladato & Flavia Moraes

House Blessings . . . throughout this Year of Saint Paul
(June 29, 2008-June 28, 2009), the priests of the parish will bless parishioners’ homes.  Please check the parish website:  www.stjohnsstamford.com for the list of streets we’ll visit this month. A new list will be published each month. To schedule a blessing, please call the rectory: 324-1553, ext. 21.

Parish Picnic SEPTEMBER 14th… From 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. Cove Beach at the Pavilion.  There is plenty of parking and there is no cost.  Hamburgers and hot dogs will be provided.  Please bring a side dish, salad or desert.  Fun and games. Please call the rectory at 203-324-1553 X 21 and let us know how many family members will be attending so we may plan accordingly. 

20’s / 30’s Young Adults…will meet SEPTEMBER 8th in a NEW LOCATION: “The Upper Room” at the Restaurant Columbus Park” at 6:30 p.m. – bring a friend

Baby Sitter. . . We are looking for a junior high or high school student to play with a 5-year old girl with special needs for about 1-hour on weekday afternoons in Stamford. Flexible hours and schedule. Please call Hope: 323-1403.

St. John’s Bible Study… New and Improved: We will use The Bible Timeline Series for 25 Thursdays beginning September 25th through May 7th in the rectory at 7:30 p.m.  If you are interested, please call the Parish Office to register: the cost for the materials will be about $40.00 per person. 

St. Anne Family Society . . . will be on the first Saturdays of each month. Our first meeting: Saturday, October 4th, at 5:00 p.m. in the church and parish hall. Each meeting will include Eucharistic Adoration, a potluck supper and a spiritual conference.  All families—including children—are invited.

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

The Stamford Advocate:
 September 1, 1863:  “On Saturday last, the schools connected with the Roman Catholic church, made an excursion to Jones Wood, New York. There were several hundred – men, women and children – and as they marched to the depot, preceded by a fine band of music, we never saw a neater or more orderly procession. A special train of 13 cars was filled with the excursionists. The day was remarkably fine, and no accident occurred to mar their enjoyment.”

The Stamford Advocate:
September 7, 1900: FATHER ROGERS IS HOME. “Rev. William H. Rogers arrived at the rectory of St. John’s R. C. Church at noon today. He had been away from town since June 24 last. He left Cherbourg last Thursday on the Trave, and arrived in lower New York Bay at 6 o’clock this morning. There was only a brief delay at quarantine, as the ship had a good bill of health, and the steamer put into Brooklyn wharf at 9 o’clock. Father Rogers started for the Grand Central station immediately and caught the 11 o’clock train for home. Dr. F. J. Rogers (Father Rogers’ brother), Father Sullivan, Joseph Picker, John Reedy, and several others went down to meet Father Rogers, but the steamer had docked sooner than they expected, and they missed him. They started for the Grand Central Station at once, and Dr. Rogers avers that he just caught a glimpse of his brother’s coat-tails as the 11 o’clock train was pulling out. The party came home on the next train, arriving here a 1 o’clock, but they were by no means the first to shake hands with their pastor. Father Rogers gave this concise and exceedingly interesting account of his travels to an Advocate reporter: “I can say that I enjoyed the trip very much, Ireland, perhaps, pleased me more than any other country, although all have their claims to beauty and grandeur. Belgium is both antique and modern; Antwerp is ancient; Brussels is more modern; Germany is full of life, much like our own country, and then, of course, the Rhine has its unequaled castles and ruins; Switzerland is beautiful and prosperous; Italy is slow, but very interesting in every spot – the vine-clad hills, the olive groves, the classic monuments, the grand edifices, the tombs of saints and martyrs, all these possess charms for the traveler and foreigner. However, despite all these, I am glad to again be back in America. Father Rogers was accompanied by his sister, Mrs. Tobin of Bristol, R.I.”

Pro-Life Activity. . . Stamford’s Life Chain on Sunday, October 5th from 2:30—3:30 pm, at the intersection of Atlantic Street and Tresser Blvd. It is a friendly way to engage adults, teens and youth groups in the Pro-life movement. Come be a living link in our Chain of Life. For information, please call Frank Carpanzano: 203-975-8833, ext. 3004.  Parking available at St. John’s lot.

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

St. Dominic Savio Society…For the spiritual formation of young men from 8th – 12th grades meets monthly in the Rectory.  Any questions, please contact Frank Marchetti at 434-4734.

Labor Day. . . Monday, September 1st: the parish office will be closed.

Coffee Hour. . . Anyone interested in volunteering to help with the weekly coffee hour following the 10:00 a.m. Sunday Mass, please call Janet Lancaster 203-637-3301.

Mass Intentions

Saturday, August 30
4:00 +DeGuardia Family req. Millie & George

Sunday, August 31
  7:30 +Joan Pastiva req. by Mother
10:00 God’s Blessings Edward & Christina Strain req. Diane Strain
12:00 +Carolyn Short req. Friend
 6:00 +Patrick Kane & Family req. Estate of Catherine Kane & Family

Monday, September 1
  8:00 Thanksgiving req. Thang Nguyen
12:10 +Mario Imbrogno req. Eugenio & Rosira Marsico

Tuesday, September 2
  8:00 +Margaret Curtis req. Mary Maloney
12:10 +Patrick M. Warager req. Gabriella Styler

Wednesday, September 3
  8:00 +Frank Skehan req. Maureen & Rick Carpinello
12:10      Special Intention Antonio & Erica Marchetti

Thursday, September 4
  8:00 +Alice Driscoll req. Tricia Boyle
12:10  Thanksgiving to our Lady & The Saints req. Diane

Friday, September 5
  8:00 +Charles Michael req. by Logsdail Family
12:10 +Frank Skehan req. Maureen & Rick Carpinello

Saturday, September 6
  8:00 Souls in Purgatory req. Diane
12:10    Thanksgiving to Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament

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

Pray for an end to abortion every Wed., 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.

Lost and Found . . . The parish has a collection of items left behind in church.  If you have lost something, you may find it at the parish office in the rectory:  Monday - Friday, 9:00 a.m.  - 4:00 p.m.

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 324-1553 x21.

               The Pearly Gates         -Fr Terry Walsh
“And I saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband; and I heard a great voice from the throne saying, ‘Behold, the dwelling of God is with men. He will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself will be with them; he will wipe away every tear from their eyes…” (Revelation 21). In his vision, John goes on to tell us that the walls of the Heavenly Jerusalem will be built of the greatest jewels such as jasper, sapphire, emerald, topaz, amethyst and others. The city itself will be of pure gold, clear as glass, and each of the monumental 12 Gates will be made of a single pearl. Ah, the Pearly Gates of Heaven. The Scriptures reveal a glimpse of the Heavenly Kingdom through the prophets, Isaiah and Ezekiel, as well as St. Paul, St. John the Evangelist, and others. Indeed, we hear “Eye has not seen, ear has not heard, nor has it so much as dawned on man what God has prepared for those who love Him.” In your mind’s eye, have you ever sneaked a peek inside the Gates? Have you thought about what it might be like to dwell in Heaven? What do you see and hear? What do you taste and smell? What must it be like? The created world is indeed beautiful, after all, God made it. Consider the beauty of the Giant Sequoias that tower over the mossy ground far below, or the snow capped Rocky Mountains glistening under a beautiful sunset, or perhaps the explosion of color  in the Hills of New England on a crisp autumn afternoon surrounded by water rushing into an icy pond, reflecting a beautiful landscape. There is so much beauty here. But, in the big picture, it’s all dust. Truly, while Creation reveals something of God’s magnificence and benevolence, it is merely a passing shadow of “what He has prepared for those who love Him”. And yet, how attached, even possessive, we can become to the things of this world, even to our detriment. The danger is to fall victim to worshiping created things, especially holding onto particular attachments (various vices), rather than worshiping the Lamb of God who has come to Redeem us, the One who invites us into His home, in Heaven, the One who created all things, “Out of Nothing.” It reminds me of a little story I heard a priest tell some years ago about an elderly Irish man who was about to breath his last breath. He called his 4 sons into the small farm cottage and asked if they would be so kind as to lift him up, carry him outside, and lay him upon the lush green sod that he so dearly loved. As he lay upon the soft grass of Ireland for the last time, he dug his hands into the fertile soil and grasped two fists full of the old sod, and drew his last breath. Now, when he arrived at the Pearly Gates, St. Peter welcomed him with great joy. ‘Ah, Paddy, we’ve been expecting you, we’re so glad you’ve finally arrived. There are so many waiting to see you! Come in! As the Gates were about to open, St. Peter noticed that Paddy was holding on to something and asked, ‘What have you brought with you?” “O, I have here in my hands my prize possession, two fists full of the Old Sod from my beloved Ireland.” Naturally, St. Peter explained that Paddy would have to leave all his possessions behind in order to enter the Gates of Heaven. But Paddy dug his heels in and pleaded with St. Peter, explaining how dear Ireland was to him and, after all, it was a very small possession. St. Peter simply shook his head, but Paddy refused to let go of his precious possession. St. Peter had no choice but to leave him outside the gates. Various friends came out to plead with Paddy to let go of the dirt and come inside the Gates; so many were waiting for him, but he refused. Finally, his little granddaughter who had died the year before came rushing out, “Grampa! Grampa!”  As she leaped toward his arms, Paddy opened his hands and the old sod fell to the ground. Immediately, the Gates were opened and all of Ireland lay before his eyes. When he finally let go of his puny prized possession, he received an infinitely greater gift. Our life here on earth is indeed a great gift. But, it’s meant to draw our attention to the One who provided it – the One who gives us everything, even His own beloved son, if we give ourselves to Him.      

Pastor’s Corner… Saint Monica [d. 387] was the mother of Saint Augustine both physically and spiritually, having given him birth and having brought him to Christ, to Baptism and to life in Christ’s Catholic Church, by means of her tears, prayers and constant yet patient and prudent nudging.  Her statue and relics are found on the left side of our high altar; her feast is August 27th.
She was born to Catholic parents in Tagaste, North Africa in 331 a.d.  She developed one fault during her youth, a taste for wine. While not approaching an addiction, her servants were wary, and, after words of correction by one of her women servants, Monica received Baptism and never drank again. She married a pagan minor government official, Patricius by name, whose one fault, other than pagan beliefs, was an uncontrollable anger. Monica suffered because of this, and determined to change his bad habits and convert him to the Catholic faith. She endured much suffering, exercising great patience during his explosive episodes, saying nothing at the moment, but waiting for him to calm down before she gently but firmly corrected him.  By her mildness, prayers and prudent guidance, she succeeded in converting him and her irascible mother-in-law to the faith.  Her strength came from her Catholic faith. She prayed daily and attended daily Mass throughout her life. She helped the poor and needy, and comforted those in trouble.  She had three children, the most famous being Saint Augustine. 
Augustine’s father sent him to the best schools of the time, beginning in Carthage at the age of 17. Realizing his own intellectual brilliance, fed by his ego, he immediately entered into a life of moral dissipation and joined an heretical group, the Manichees, that presented him with no challenge to his immoral lifestyle, while permitting him to imagine himself to be religious.  Monica initially forbade him to enter her home, but, after a vision in which she saw Augustine joining her in the Catholic Church, she relented.  After years of his mother’s prayers and tears, Augustine was baptized in Milan by St. Ambrose, who had told Monica, “don’t worry, it is impossible that a son of so many tears should be lost.” 
Returning to her native North Africa, she took ill in the Roman port city of Ostia, where she died in the presence of her two sons Navigius and Augustine.  As she lay dying, she made her final request that they “remember me at the altar of the Lord”, at daily Mass and in prayer.  Years later, Augustine recalled his own tears at the funeral of her who had shed so many for his conversion: “If any one think it a sin that I thus wept for my mother some small part of an hour; let him not deride me for it; but, rather if his charity be great, let him weep also for my sins before thee.”  And again, in his Confessions, “For in the mystery of your Providence, my God, your guiding hand did not desert me.  Night and day my mother poured out her tears to you and offered her heart-blood in sacrifice for me, and in the most wonderful way you guided me.” And again, “Could you deny your help to her, when it was by your grace that she was what she was, or despise her tears, when she asked not for gold or silver or any fleeting, short-lived favor, but that the soul of her son might be saved?” 
St. Monica’s fidelity to Christ, life of prayer, patience in the face of danger, trials and suffering; her patient and prudent correction and guidance of her husband and children; these were her strengths.  Monica knew that a life lived without God is a life that is dead, leading only to the grave. She wanted her husband and sons to live, and so brought them to Christ by prayer and example. She is the example of Christian wives and mothers, even today.  --Mons. DiGiovanni

Please pray for the sick…  Drew, John Castellano. Andrew DeMott, Anita Fasanelli, Mather Dearbone, Felicia Stamadini, Vinci Balbucci, Pasqualina Bruzzesi, Carmella Micik, Eleanor McNamee, Nancy Geikie, Vicki Manes, Jennifer Tomasello Anthony Sansone, Paul Forte, Anne Marie Brutus, Gelanie Lops,

Please pray for those who have recently died… Jerry Allen, Susan Wilhelm, Margaret Timon, Felix Fiore, Estelle Burke, Margaret Barko, Margaret Roth, Jane C. Hlavaty, Joan Bankowski,

Religious Education . . . Classes begin on Sunday, September 21st at 8:30 a.m.  All classes will be held on Sunday mornings.  Please find registration forms in the vestibule of the church, or stop by the office during the week to register: Monday - Friday, 9:00 a.m.—4:00 p.m.

NOT YET CONFIRMED?  WANT TO JOIN THE CHURCH? “R.C.I.A” classes for both adult Catholics who have not yet received Holy Communion or Confirmation and for non-Catholics who wish to join the Church, as well as for anyone who would like a refresher course in their Catholic Faith, will begin on September 30th at 7:30 p.m. in the rectory.  Interested? Please contact Providencia at
324 -1553 ext. 21.

The Latin reading group is translating St. Augustine’s Confessions…and will meet every Wednesday evening in the rectory at 6:15 p.m.  If you’ve studied only high school Latin, you’ll be fine; we all help each other; please join us: you know more than you think! Following the Latin reading group, Stay and join us for:

St. Monica Institute for Patristic Studies: will next meet on September 3rd, at 7:30 p.m. in the rectory. To begin our study of John Cassian’s Spiritual Conferences. All are welcome. 

August 27th . . . the Feast of St. Monica will be celebrated in the rectory for the participants in the Patristic Institute courses with Vespers, Adoration and Benediction of the Most Blessed Sacrament, followed by a champagne reception. Please call the rectory [Providencia: 324-1553, ext. 21] to reserve a spot.

New Testament Greek . . . anyone interested in an introductory simple Dick and Jane New Testament Greek Grammar study group, please contact Monsignor DiGiovanni. We’ll begin in September or October, depending on interest.

Latin Mass . . . Last year, Pope Benedict XVI gave permission that the Latin Mass in its 1962 form could be offered.  I’m still interested, and if you are too, please let me know.  Msgr. DiGiovanni

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 September 2nd.

20’s / 30’s Young Adults…will meet SEPTEMBER 8th in a NEW LOCATION: “The Upper Room” at the Restaurant Columbus Park” at 6:30 p.m. – bring a friend

Baby Sitter. . . We are looking for an enthusiastic and fun junior high or high school student to play with a 5-year old girl with special needs for about 1-hour on weekday afternoons in Stamford. Flexible hours and schedule. We can help with transportation. Please call Hope: 323-1403.

Coffee Hour. . . Anyone interested in volunteering to help with the weekly coffee hour following the 10:00 a.m. Sunday Mass, please call Janet Lancaster 203-637-3301

Sunday, August 17, 2008   $ 10,202.00

Sunday, August 19, 2007 $     8, 522.97

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) 223 (2) 227.  The Creed for the Noon Mass may be found in the hymnal at No. 289.

House Blessings . . . throughout this Year of Saint Paul
(June 29, 2008-June 28, 2009), the priests of the parish will bless parishioners’ homes.  Please check the parish website:  www.stjohnsstamford.com for the list of streets we’ll visit this month. A new list will be published each month. To schedule a blessing, please call the rectory: 324-1553, ext. 21.

Parish Picnic SEPTEMBER 14th… From 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. Cove Beach at the Pavilion.  There is plenty of parking and there is no cost.  Hamburgers and hot dogs will be provided.  Please bring a side dish, salad or desert.  Fun and games (volley ball, bocci ball, etc…) Please call the Parish Office and let Providencia know how many family members will be attending so we may plan accordingly.  Please call as soon as possible – it is fast approaching!!!

St. John’s Bible Study… New and Improved: We will use The Bible Timeline Series for 25 Thursdays beginning September 25th through May 7th in the rectory at 7:30 p.m.  If you are interested, please call the Parish Office to register so that we can order the appropriate materials – the cost for the Materials will be about $40.00 per person. 

St. Anne Family Society . . . will be on the first Saturdays of each month. Our first meeting: Saturday, October 4th, at 5:00 p.m. in the church and parish hall. Each meeting will include Eucharistic Adoration, a potluck supper and a spiritual conference.  All families—including children—are invited.

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

St. Dominic Savio Society…For the spiritual formation of young men from 8th – 12th grades meets monthly in the Rectory.  Any questions, please contact Frank Marchetti at 434-4734.

St. Leo Parish…24 Roxbury Road, Stamford, announces its 28th Annual Parish Fair.  Join us Tuesday, August 26th through Friday, August 29th from 6:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m. and Saturday, August 30th from 2:00 - 11:00 p.m.  Ride bracelets are available Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday evenings and Saturday afternoon from 2:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. at $20.  Sample international foods; enjoy live entertainment, and try your luck in our Bingo Parlor, or our $10 raffle with a 1st prize 2008 Mercedes Benz C300 W4 sedan.  For more information call Denise Esposito at 203-322-1669 x226.

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 324-1553 x21.

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

August 26, 1881:  The R. C. Excursion. “On Wednesday was as successful as any excursion could be. The weather was lovely – all that could be desired. Fourteen hundred people participated, or more than a tenth of the entire population of the town, and on the principle that the more, the merrier, what kind of a time they had can be estimated. Early in the morning the new band organized under the auspices of St. John’s R. C. Parish, marched to the dock through the main streets playing, meanwhile popular airs, as a sort of a reminder that the day for the excursion had arrived. At the dock was found an immense crowd of people going, all going, on pleasure bent. It was ten o’clock before the tide was high enough to start, but finally the start was made for Cold Spring harbor across the Sound. At one o’clock landing was made and the large pavilion filled with eager dancers. Jimmy Short’s orchestra furnished the quadrilles, the break-downs and the jigs, and there was never wanting complete sets to fill every vacant corner of the barge’s deck or the pavilion floor. At 4:30 a start was made for home, and at ten minutes to nine, Canal dock was reached, every one coming back completely satisfied with the day’s enjoyment. The refreshments were provided by the famous local caterer, Mrs. Margaret Bland, of Pacific Street, a woman of liberal ideas in the matter of making provision for hungry mortals. The receipts of the day must have been satisfying to the management.”

August 28, 1903:  CATHOLIC FAIR OPENS. “The annual fair of St. John’s R. C. Church opened in the Town Hall, last night, in a manner which suggests that it will be the most successful one that has ever been held. The fair is an important source of revenue for the church, and therefore every effort is made to have it of interest to the public, so that there will be a large attendance every evening. It is being held a couple of weeks earlier than usual, this year, and will doubtless be better attended for that, as few of the summer visitors have left town yet, and fairs are generally popular with these. The fair was formally opened by Mayor Charles Henry Leeds, who made a clever speech in which were fun and some good sense. Mr. Leeds is as much at home making a speech as he is writing vetoes and doing other things that the Common Council does not like. Unlike several local orators, he is always brief. Ten minutes, or, at the most, fifteen minutes, is his limit. He made a short speech last night, and it was one of his best, and then he went about the hall taking chances on nearly every article. All the canvassers hope he will come again.”

August 30, 1919: GOLDEN JUBILEE IN 1921. “The Rev. William H. Rogers, formerly of St. John’s Catholic Church, Stamford, now pastor of St. Patrick’s Church, Hartford, is the dean of the American-born clergy of the diocese of Hartford. He was ordained to the priesthood forty eight years ago, and two years hence he will celebrate his golden jubilee.” (Editor’s note: Father Rogers, Pastor from 1877 to 1900, celebrated his Golden Jubilee in 1921 with many St. John’s people attending.)

Job Hunting. . . Monday, August 25th at 7:30 p.m. in the rectory: Career Coach Melanie Szlucha will present a Resume Critique Night: How to write a clear and effective resume: Please bring several job descriptions you’ve applied for; a current cover letter and resume; a highlighter. There is NO charge for this! For more info: 860-235-4558 or www.redine.biz


Mass Intentions

Saturday, August 23
4:00 +The Sith & Vandereedt Families req. Daughter
Sunday, August 24
  7:30  People of the Parish
10:00 +Justo Lobo req. Lilian & Alvina Ramos
12:00 +Canio Toglia req. Richard Morris
 6:00 +Ms. Bobbie Brook House req. Bill & Carol Christiaanse
Monday, August 25
  8:00 +Patrick Kane & Family req. Estate of Catherine Kane & Family
12:10 +Mary Ellen & Joseph Santoro req. Marie Carr
Tuesday, August 26
  8:00 +Vera Michaud & Deceased Members of the Milite Family  req. The Koetke Family
12:10 +Patrick Farenga req. Mary Ann Blake
Wednesday, August 27
  8:00 Special Intention  req. Gerard J. Carriera
12:10      +Betsy Woolf  req. Fabiola C.
Thursday, August 28
  8:00 Special Intention Evangelin Drought req. Sharon Gannon
12:10    +John Buckheit req. Leon
Friday, August 29
  8:00 +Maryann Vagnone req. John & Maria Mossa
12:10 +Charles Kronk, Charles Kronk, Jr., & Nicholas Churley req. Mary Churley
Saturday, August 30
  8:00 +Esta Basset req. Sylvie Lesperance
12:10    +Victoria Santagata req. Giannitti Family

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

Pray for an end to abortion every Wed., 7:00 - 10:30 a.m., 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.

St. Anne’s Family Society . . . will resume in September, meeting monthly for the whole family: Eucharistic adoration, Benediction, a potluck supper and spiritual talk.  More details to come.

Lost and Found . . . The parish has a collection of items left behind in church.  If you have lost something, you may find it at the parish office in the rectory:  Monday - Friday, 9:00 a.m.  - 4:00 p.m.

The Elevation
- Fr. Terry Walsh
(Revisited)
What thoughts run through your heart and mind at that extraordinary moment of grace when the Consecrated Host is raised to the Father in sacrifice?  What greater example of mercy could there possibly be? Jesus offers His very Body and Blood, laying down His very life for sinful humanity. It is truly the supreme act of love and mercy.
What inspirations flow into the depths of your soul at that extraordinary moment? One faithful communicant once shared with me his response at that extraordinary moment of the Holy Mass: “My Lord and My God” echoing the words of the Apostle Thomas who probed the open wound in the side of Christ, piercing the veil, as it were, moving from doubt to true knowledge of our Lord’s Perfect Sacrifice. Thomas fell to his knees in thankful adoration – just as we utter those faithful words upon our knees and contemplate His love.
In those few brief moments, we gaze upon mercy and love himself and see with the eyes of faith the vision Isaiah had been granted when he came to serve God: extraordinary Light emanating from the very Heart of God, exploding out to all the Universe, stamping out darkness, crushing all impurity, restoring Light, Happiness, and Peace.
In those holy moments when I look up at our Lord resting in my hands I pray the prayer of St. Faustina: “O Blood and Water which gushed forth from the Heart of Jesus as a font of Mercy for us, I Trust in You.” He has revealed Himself as our Merciful Redeemer. He has offered Himself in sacrifice for our salvation; we are offered the gift of life in the Eucharist.
Our Patron, St. John, uses the images of Light and Water in his Gospel, as well as his letters, to describe the flow of grace, that is, the flow of mercy and love from the Temple, the Body of the Risen Christ. The vision of this glorious flow of grace described by John and seen by St. Faustina draws our eyes back to the tiny host wherein our Lord resides – for us. Thoughts drift back to that still moment when the Centurion thrust the lance into the dead Body of Christ Crucified, opening up the gates of life, never to be closed again. Let us not forget that that same Sword pierced the Immaculate Heart of His Most Pure Virgin Mother through whom the gift of eternal life came to us.
Like St. Thomas, the Centurion recognized in an instant that he was in the Presence of God. That Roman soldier, St. Longenius, dropped to his knees and believed and was washed clean in His Blood.
What thoughts run through your heart and mind at that extraordinary moment of grace when you likewise find yourself at the foot of the Cross - at every Holy Mass and the consecrated host is raised to the Father in the most extraordinary act of love and mercy – for you? After all, we, too, have pierced Him. Yet, He forgives. He turns His Merciful gaze toward each one of us from the tiny host and He calls each one of us by name: “Come to Me…I will give you ‘Living Water’… ‘I will fill you with Divine Light’… ‘I will feed your thirsty soul with the Bread of Angels and streams of Living Water will forever well up from within you!’ How can our reaction be anything other than “My Lord and My God!”

Pastor’s Corner… I’ve lived here at 279 Atlantic Street for ten years, and I love it, because downtown Stamford is a phenomenal place to live, and my downtown neighbors, both residential and business, are good people.
Various complaints have been made recently about the downtown, about its proposed new buildings, the proposed transformation of the Mill River, Live at Five Concerts, increased traffic, and so on. Criticism can be a good thing because it makes us think and rethink our lives, and some of the criticisms in the recent past have helped reshape some of these projects for the better.
 Any difficulties that occur in the downtown, like those in other neighborhoods, occur because people choose to forget that we’re in this together. The Live at Five Concerts this summer are a case in point. I’ve gone down to see at least one concert each summer I’ve been in town.  I wandered through Columbus Park a couple times this summer, to see what was going on. The crowds were the largest so far, and sometimes got out of hand. Whose fault was that? It’s not the Downtown Special Services fault; nor the mayor’s; certainly not the fault of the Stamford Police.
Rowdy people in Stamford—Oh, horrors!! The Stamford Advocate complained in its January 5, 1858 number about “Shameful Rowdyism” and the destruction to the property of Galen Carter on Atlantic Street [the house that is today the parish rectory]. Another, of April 27, 1858 reported, “Drunken rowdyism is becoming alarmingly prevalent in our streets at night. Scarcely a night passes without one or more fights, seriously disturbing the peace of our citizens. Is there no remedy?” Other articles concluded that such rowdyism was the fault of the Irish Catholic immigrants! The suggested solution was to keep the Irish out and tranquility would return. I’m glad that didn’t work, or I’d be without a church, built by Irish immigrants. A similar answer today is suggested about the difficulties at Live at Five—let’s keep everybody out of town, and Stamford will stay quiet and tranquil. Well, that’ll work, won’t it! 
My suggestion is not to wreck Stamford because a few rowdies start trouble: how about urging families to train their kids right in the first place—excessive drinking, public lewdness and brawling: maybe these private vices and flaws could be best dealt with in private by families in raising their kids, instead of blaming Stamford for their expression in public. The Police do a great job in this town, but they’re not babysitters; the mayor and those in the Government Center have worked hard to make Stamford the greatest city in the state; and the DSSD has done a superb job making Stamford a wonderful place to live, work and visit, with the Thanksgiving Parade and the Live at Five Concerts, to name only two of the many great events and services they provide for the downtown.
Public institutions, the police force or city agencies cannot be held responsible for the bad job of parents in raising their kids, or for the immaturity and recklessness of many who visit this town. Our culture is a self-centered one, and the greatest virtues are those of immediate self-gratification, regardless of damage or pain to others. How odd that kids should do in public what they’ve been taught to do in private all these years—whatever they want--and that we get upset about it. 
    Stamford’s a great place to live, and the downtown is wonderful. If you want a better city, start with better families; don’t blame the city government and agencies for the faults of your kids. --Msgr. DiGiovanni
 

Please pray for the sick… Anita Fasanelli, Mather Dearbone, Felicia Stamadini, Vinci Balbucci, Pasqualina Bruzzesi, Carmella Micik, Eleanor McNamee, Nancy Geikie, Vicki Manes, Anthony Sansone, Paul Forte, Anne Marie Brutus, Gelanie Lops, Titina Tarantino, Jennifer Tomasello, Janet Rodgers, Antoinetta Fiore.

Please pray for those who have recently died… Susan Wilhelm, Margaret Timon, Felix Fiore, Estelle Burke, Margaret Barko, Margaret Roth, Jane C. Hlavaty, Joan Bankowski, Fr. David Krahel, Fr. Kevin Fitzpatrick, Eileen Dulski, Guglielmo Labrosciano, Mary Connaly, Christopher Kanel, Rose Sobieski, Rose Magorane, Ralph Stain, Jr., Susan Perretta, Ann O. Tartaglia

Monthly Collection . . . The second collection today will be the monthly collection for the parish.  Your generosity is appreciated.

Religious Education . . .Classes begin on Sunday, September 21st at 8:30 a.m.  All classes will be held on Sunday mornings.  Please find registration forms in the vestibule of the church, or stop by the office during the week: Monday - Friday, 9:00 a.m.—4:00 p.m.

NOT YET CONFIRMED?  “R.C.I.A” classes for those non-Catholics who wish to join the Church, and for adult Catholics who have not yet received Holy Communion or Confirmation, and for anyone who would like a refresher course on their Catholic Faith, will begin on September 30th at 7:30 p.m. in the rectory.  Interested, please contact Providencia at 203-324-1553 ext. 21 and sign up.

The Latin reading group is translating St. Augustine’s Confessions…will meet every Wednesday evening in the rectory at 6:15 p.m.  If you’ve studied only high school Latin, you’ll be fine; we all help each other; please join us: you know more than you think! Following the Latin reading group.  Stay and join us for:

St. Monica Institute for Patristic Studies: Western Monasticism - We will next meet on August 20th at 7:30 p.m. in the rectory. All are welcome. 

New Testament Greek . . . anyone interested in a fall introductory study group, please contact Monsignor DiGiovanni. We’ll begin in September or October, depending upon interest.

August 27th . . . the Feast of St. Monica, will be celebrated in the rectory for the participants in the Patristic Institute courses with Vespers, Adoration and Benediction of the Most Blessed Sacrament, followed by a champagne reception. Please call the rectory [Providencia: 324-1553, ext. 21] to reserve a spot.

Latin Mass . . . Last year, Pope Benedict XVI gave permission that the Latin Mass in its 1962 form could be offered, if a need existed.  I ask any parishioner interested in beginning the Latin Mass to contact me. The Holy Father expressly indicated that this Mass could be offered if there was a stable community of believers, meaning regular members of the parish, interested.  I’m still interested, if there is a real need and desire that the Latin Mass be offered at Saint John’s on a regular basis.  Please let me know.  Msgr. DiGiovanni

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 September 2nd.

20’s / 30’s Young Adults…will meet SEPTEMBER 8th in a NEW LOCATION: “The Upper Room” at the Restaurant Columbus Park” at 6:30 p.m. – bring a friend

Sunday, August 10, 2008   $ 10,645.00
Sunday, August 12, 2007  $  11,295.81

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) 255  (2) 103.  The Creed for the Noon Mass may be found in the hymnal at No. 289.

Coffee Hour. . . Anyone interested in volunteering to help with the weekly coffee hour following the 10 am Sunday Mass, please call Janet Lancaster 203-637-3301

House Blessings. . . throughout this Year of Saint Paul
(June 29, 2008-June 28, 2009), the priests of the parish will bless parishioners homes.  Please check the parish website: www. stjohnsstamford.com for the list of streets we’ll visit this month. A new list will be published each month. To schedule a blessing, please call the rectory: 324-1553, ext. 21.

Parish Picnic SEPTEMBER 14th… Please call the Parish Office and let Providencia know how many family members will be attending the Parish Picnic so that we may plan accordingly.  Please call as soon as possible – it is fast approaching!!!

St. John’s Bible Study… New and Improved: We will use The Bible Timeline Series for 25 Thursdays beginning September 25th through May 7th in the rectory at 7:30 p.m.  If you are interested, please call the Parish Office to register so that we can order the appropriate materials – the cost for the Materials will be about 40$. 

St. Anne Family Society . . . will be on the first Saturdays of each month. Our first meeting will be on Saturday, October 4th, 5:00 p.m. in the church and parish hall. Each meeting will include Eucharistic Adoration, a potluck supper and a spiritual conference.  All families—including children—are invited.

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

St. Dominic Savio Society…For the spiritual formation of young men from 8th – 12th grades meets monthly in the Rectory.  Any questions, please contact Frank Marchetti at 434-4734.

St. Leo Parish…24 Roxbury Road, Stamford, announces its 28th Annual Parish Fair.  Join us Tuesday, August 26th through Friday, August 29th from 6:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m. and Saturday, August 30th from 2:00 - 6:00 p.m.  Ride bracelets are available Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday evenings and Saturday afternoon from 2:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. at $20.  Sample international foods; enjoy live entertainment, and try your luck in our Bingo Parlor, or our $10 raffle with a 1st prize 2008 Mercedes Benz C300 W4 sedan.  For more information call Denise Esposito at 203-322-1669 x226.

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 324-1553 x21.
St. John’s in The News . . .  .  . . 100 years ago, or so:

The Stamford Advocate:
August 22, 1873:   “The Roman Catholic church was densely filled on Monday evening, by a congregation met to a lecture from Rt. Rev. Bishop McFarland, of the Diocese of Hartford. The Bishop’s remarks were heard with close attention, and at the conclusion of his address a collection was taken up in aid of the new church, resulting in the addition of a handsome sum to the building fund. Mr. C. W. Smith presided at the organ with the musical skill for which he is noted.”

The Stamford Advocate:
August 20, 1880:  THE R. C. EXCURSION. “On Wednesday morning about nine o’clock, about fifteen hundred persons embarked on the barge “John Neilson,” which was in tow of the tug boat “Vim,” both of the John H. Starin fleet. The temperance society, under whose auspices the excursion was given, marched from their assembly room through Main and Atlantic streets to the steamboat dock, headed by the Stamford brass band. The excursionists spent the day at Glen Island, and enjoyed a good old-fashioned time.  They arrived home a little after 8p.m.”

The Connecticut Catholic:
August 24, 1895: STAMFORD. “The 40 hours’ devotion, one of the most beautiful which the church carries out, began at St. John’s church, last Sunday morning. The main altar presented a spectacle not soon to be forgotten, being handsomely and tastefully decorated with choice cut flowers, plants and ferns and so well arranged as to till the hearts of the onlookers and visitors with admiration, presenting as it did a veritable paradise of flowers. Quite a number of visiting priests assisted the local clergy, among whom were Revs. Nihil of St. Patrick’s church, Bridgeport, Dolan and McLean of Greenwich and T. O’Brien of Noroton. The exercises came to a very successful close on Tuesday morning.”

The Stamford Advocate:
August 21, 1914: CLOSE OF THE LAWN PARTY. “The unfavorable elements last evening failed to mar the pleasure on the lawn of St. John’s parochial school. If anything, the storm helped, for the cool wave, which came with it, was refreshing after the heat. It was the work of a few minutes to shift things from the lawn to the hall. The first game at euchre had been started when the storm broke. All hands took hold, and within ten minutes cards were being played under the roof of the school hall. Of course the flags and bunting were soaked, but that didn’t matter so much. It was the closing night, anyhow. A larger crowd than the evening before attended. Miss Stark again gave exhibitions of fancy dancing. The helpers at the various booths reported a good business. Those who canvassed individually were also satisfied with the results.”

Job Hunting. . . Monday, August 25th at 7:30 pm in the rectory: Career Coach Melanie Szlucha will present a Resume Critique Night: How to write a clear and effective resume: Please bring several job descriptions you’ve applied for; a current cover letter and resume; a highlighter. There is NO charge for this! For more info: 860-235-4558 or www.redine.biz

Mass Intentions

Saturday, August 16
4:00 +Vincent Freccia 3rd Anniversary req. Wife Dolores

Sunday, August 17
7:30 +Dorothy Wargo 22-Year Anniversary req. Family
10:00 +Bill Mancusi req. Virginia Gerardi
12:00 +Gabriel Gra,cia req. Sharon Gannon
6:00 +Patrick Kane & Family req. Estate of Catherine Kane & Family

Monday, August 18
8:00 +Joanne Fiori req. Parents
12:10 Special Intention Scholastica Nabwire req. Sons Andrew & Michael

Tuesday, August 19
 8:00 +Angelo Velez req. Anne Marie Samedi
12:10 +Alexander Balutowski req. His daughter, Theresa Troilo

Wednesday, August 20
 8:00 +Vinnie Ciccolini req. Sharon Gannon
12:10 +William & Elizabeth McNamara req. Hogan Family

Thursday, August 21
 8:00 +William Hutchinson req. Marty & Marion Keary
12:10 +Leonardo Figueroa req. Laura & John Pascale

Friday, August 22
 8:00 +Joseph Fuda req. Tricia Boyle
12:10 +Marie Interlandi req. The Marchetti Family

Saturday, August 23
 8:00 +Maria Adorno req. Daughter
12:10 +James Cherry req. The Miles Family

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

Pray for an end to abortion every Wed., 7:00 - 10:30 a.m., 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 whose regular Mass attendance is known to the priests or 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.

St. Anne’s Family Society . . . will resume in September, meeting monthly for the whole family: Eucharistic adoration, Benediction, a potluck supper and spiritual talk.  More details to come.

Lost and Found . . . The parish has a collection of items left behind in church.  If you have lost something, you may find it at the parish office in the rectory:  Monday - Friday, 9:00 a.m.  - 4:00 p.m.

The Olympics and Heroes
                                                                          - Fr. Terry Walsh

Have you had a chance to watch any of the Olympic events this past week? What amazing feats of athletic prowess. World records have been shattered right and left. Weather it be the proficiency of the swim team or the dexterity of the gymnasts or the athletic ability of a host of other participants, the display of skill and strength and sheer determination of the athletes at the games is truly inspiring. Indeed, the Games themselves bring men and women together from all over the world to compete at the highest levels and through tests of skill and endurance, they demonstrate just what the human person is capable of achieving when a goal is established and true effort is applied. Flags are raised, medals are distributed, tears are shed, memories are made. Over the years, there have been amazing stories of triumph that have so often inspired the hearts of onlookers and beckoned us to reflect on virtue. While the stories of Gold Medal winners are splashed across the Headlines, it’s very often the more hidden stories that capture our hearts and prompt us to peer into our own souls and ask simple, yet profound questions: What have I done with the gifts and skills God has given me? What have I done to celebrate the blessings he has poured into me? Have I inspired anyone today by a simple kindness, an encouraging word, an act of mercy?
While watching the Games, I am most inspired by the athlete who falls short of the goal, but climbs to new heights in virtue. Consider the gymnast who falls off the balance beam and knows she’s just lost the Gold for the team. Broken-hearted, she summons her courage and gets back on the beam to finish her routine with sheer grit and determination. Fighting off the temptation to burst out in tears and allow her fall to prevent her from rising up again, she demonstrates interior strength. She lost the medal, but she found heroic courage.
Indeed, there are heroes all around us. While the Olympics celebrate the accomplishments of the skills and abilities endowed in the human person, it is the interior disposition of every human person that is truly most compelling. And while it is wonderful to see what man can accomplish in the field, in the pool, on the court, and so on, it’s even more inspiring to see what is accomplished in the heart.
We are all participants. Our Flag is the Cross, our anthem is the Creed. Our daily preparation for the event of life is the practice of the virtues and the more we exercise them, the stronger and more vibrant we become. Our coach is Christ Himself. He has taught us through His own life, death, and Resurrection. He encourages us through our daily prayer; He feeds us with all we need through the gift of Sacramental Grace. He binds our wounds. He strengthens our will, if we let him, if we “participate” in His “game plan.” Indeed, it is Christ Himself who crowns the Victor. All who triumph over sin and temptation will be crowned: the one who gives a hungry person a meal; the one who encourages a co-worker, a family member, a teammate; the one who endures the suffering of the Cross through illness and offers that suffering to Christ, that it be joined to His suffering upon the Cross, for the Salvation of Souls; the one who simply seeks to live each day according to the will of our Heavenly Father - with humility and love – is a hero.
   

Pastor’s Corner… August 15th is the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary into Heaven.  The Mass schedule is listed below. Since it is a holy day of obligation, all Catholics must attend Mass.  Last week we celebrated the Transfiguration of Our Lord, when He revealed His glory as God to His Apostles prior to His death on the Cross.  The Feast of the Assumption of Mary is the fulfillment of that promise of glory and eternal salvation of the whole human person, body and soul. 
The Blessed Virgin Mary is the first after Our Lord to experience the Resurrection of the Body: that’s what the Assumption of Mary is, her bodily resurrection into heaven.  This is why she wears a crown: the crown of the one who has, as St. Paul describes it, run the race to the finish, and won, not a perishable crown of leaves, as did victorious athletes in ancient Rome, but the crown of eternal life in the flesh. Christ came to save the entire human person.  Since we are composed of body and soul, that means He came to save both body and soul from eternal death.  The body is important, everyone knows that.  We know the world, the love of our mothers, fathers, friends, husbands, wives, and children, because of our senses. We don’t just intuit love or beauty; we know it through our sense experience; through our bodies.  We enjoy the beauty of a day and of creation, the glories of human ingenuity and talents, music, art, literature, all through our senses.  Our body is an essential part of us, as is our soul.  Christ took on human flesh and became like us in everything but sin, so He could redeem the entire person.  To think that eternal life is just for our souls is to hope for only partial salvation.  As St. Paul says, we will see God face to face. Likewise, St. Paul instructs us, “Do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit?”  As the image of God, then, our body is important, and respect for the body in human morality essential to the Christian for eternal life.
Our Lady, the closest and most perfect disciple of Christ, the spouse of the Eternal Father, who conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit, is the first to experience this eternal life in the flesh.  The Solemnity of the Assumption of Mary into Heaven is about Christ’s promises and hard work coming to fruition for Mary and for all of us.   In a homily by St. John of Damascus, an 8th century Father of the Church, we catch a glimpse of the mystery of Mary’s bodily Assumption into Heaven: “How could Mary taste death from whom the true Life [Christ] flowed out to all? Yet she did fall under the law inflicted by Him whom she bore, and as a daughter of old Adam she suffered the old sentence of death, even as her Son did, who is Life itself.  But now as Mother of the living God, she is fittingly taken up to heaven by Him.  For how could death feed on this truly blessed one who had eagerly listened to the word of God; who at the Archangel’s salutation, filled with the Holy Spirit, conceived the Son of God; who without pain gave birth to Him; whose whole being was ever consecrated to her Creator?  Could hell receive such a one?  Could corruption destroy a body in which Life [Christ] had been brought forth?  For her, beloved brethren, a way is prepared to heaven . . . For if Christ, the Way and the Truth, has said: ‘Where I am there also shall my servant be’, does it not follow that His Mother is surely with Him?”  The Assumption of Mary bodily into Heaven is a promise to us as well, that Christ’s hard won victory on the Cross can be shared by us too.  The grave will not be our end, if we love Christ and strive to please Him in a virtuous and holy life through His Church.  Christ showed His glory as God to the Apostles on Mount Tabor.  He proved His love for us on the Cross.  He fulfilled His promises by bringing His Mother to Heaven body and soul.  Let us pray to Our Lady for strength to persevere that we too may share in this wondrous gift, body and soul, offered us by the Lord who loves us so much that He wants us with Him forever-- Msgr. DiGiovanni
 
Please pray for the sick… Anita Fasanelli, Mather Dearbone, Felicia Stamadini, Vinci Balbucci, Pasqualina Bruzzesi, Carmella Micik, Eleanor McNamee, Nancy Geikie, Vicki Manes, Anthony Sansone, Paul Forte, Anne Marie Brutus, Gelanie Lops, Titina Tarantino, Jennifer Tomasello, Janet Rodgers, Antoinetta Fiore.

Please pray for those who have recently died… Margaret Timon, Felix Fiore, Estelle Burke, Margaret Barko, Margaret Roth, Jane C. Hlavaty, Joan Bankowski, Fr. David Krahel, Fr. Kevin Fitzpatrick, Eileen Dulski, Guglielmo Labrosciano, Mary Connaly, Christopher Kanel, Rose Sobieski, Rose Magorane, Ralph Stain, Jr. Susan Perretta, Ann O. Tartaglia

Air Conditioning Collection . . . The second collection today will be the Air Conditioning collection for the parish.  Your generosity is appreciated.

Religious Education . . .Classes begin on Sunday, September 21st at 8:30 a.m.  All classes will be held on Sunday mornings.  Please find registration forms in the vestibule of the church, or stop by the office during the week: Monday - Friday, 9:00 a.m.—4:00 p.m.

The Latin reading group is translating St. Augustine’s Confessions…will meet every Wednesday evening in the rectory at 6:15 p.m.  If you’ve studied only high school Latin, you’ll be fine; we all help each other; please join us: you know more than you think! Following the Latin reading group,  Stay and join us for:

St. Monica Institute for Patristic Studies: Western Monasticism - We will next meet on August 13th at 7:30 p.m. in the rectory. All are welcome. 

August 27th . . . the Feast of St. Monica, will be celebrated in the rectory for the participants in the Patristic Institute courses with Vespers, Adoration and Benediction of the Most Blessed Sacrament, followed by a champagne reception. Please call the rectory [Providencia: 324-1553, ext. 21] to reserve a spot.

Latin Mass . . . Last year, Pope Benedict XVI gave permission that the Latin Mass in its 1962 form could be offered, if a need existed.  Accordingly, last year, in this bulletin, I wrote asking those of our parish who might be interested to contact me. A handful of people responded, so we haven’t offered that Mass. Once again, I ask any parishioner interested in beginning the Latin Mass to contact me. I’m not looking for people outside our parish who might like to come to Saint John’s once in a while for a Latin Mass. The Holy Father expressly indicated that this Mass could be offered if there was a stable community of believers, meaning regular members of the parish, interested.  I’m still interested, if there is a real need and desire that the Latin Mass be offered at Saint John’s on a regular basis.  Please let me know.  Msgr. DiGiovanni

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 September 2nd.
Sunday, August 3, 2008   $ 12,299.00
Sunday, August 5, 2007  $ 10,340.94
I ask you one thing: do not tire of giving to God, but do not give your leftovers.”---Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta

August 15th . . . The Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary IS a holy day obligation: all Catholic are obliged to attend Mass: August 14th at 5:15 p.m. is the Vigil Mass; August 15th Masses at 7:30 a.m. and 5:15 p.m.
PLEASE NOTE: August 15th . . . NO 12:10 NOON MASS. There will be a special 10:00 a.m. Mass for the Sisters of Life celebrated by Cardinal Egan. The Sisters’ Notre Dame Choir will singing Marian polyphonic motets in honor of Our Lady beginning at 9:30 a.m.

R.C.I.A…Will begin on September 30th.  Anyone interested, please contact Providencia at 203-324-1553 X21 and sign up.

Parish Picnic SEPTEMBER 14th… Please call the Parish Office and let Providencia know how many family members will be attending the Parish Picnic so that we may plan accordingly.  Please call as soon as possible – it is fast approaching!!!

St. Leo Parish…24 Roxbury Road, Stamford, announces its 28th Annual Parish Fair.  Join us Tuesday, August 26th through Friday, August 29th from 6:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m. and Saturday, August 30th from 2:00 - 6:00 p.m.  Ride bracelets are available Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday evenings and Saturday afternoon from 2:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. at $20.  Sample international foods; enjoy live entertainment, and try your luck in our Bingo Parlor, or our $10 raffle with a 1st prize 2008 Mercedes Benz C300 W4 sedan.  For more information call Denise Esposito at 203-322-1669 x226.

St. Anne Family Society . . . will be on the first Saturdays of each month. Our first meeting will be on Saturday, October 4th, 5:00 p.m. in the church and parish hall. Each meeting will include Eucharistic Adoration, a potluck supper and a spiritual conference. All families—including children—are invited.

St. John’s Bible Study… New and Improved: We will use The Bible Timeline Series for 25 Thursdays beginning September 25th through May 7th.  If you are interested, please call the Parish Office to register so that we can order the appropriate materials.  We’ll begin in September.

New Testament Greek . . . anyone interested in a fall introductory study group, please contact Monsignor DiGiovanni. We’ll begin in September or October, depending upon interest.

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

St. Dominic Savio Society…For the spiritual formation of young men from 8th – 12th grades meets monthly in the Rectory.  Any questions, please contact Frank Marchetti at 434-4734.
St. John’s in The News . . .
 .  . . 100 years ago, or so:

The Stamford Herald:
August 13, 1884:   “Two huge stones, each weighing about 8 tons, have arrived at the Roman Catholic Church and will be placed at the base of the steps of the front entrance. They are of granite, highly polished, and were quarried at Leeds Island, near New Haven.”

The Stamford Advocate:
August 15, 1884: “Workmen are now erecting the steps to the front entrance of the Catholic church on Atlantic Street. These blocks and slabs of granite are from an eastern quarry and will, when finished, add much to the finish of this edifice. Mr. Seth Miller has charge of the moving of them from the Waterside docks, where they were landed, to the church. The blocks arrived last week by the sloop “Wasp” from New Milford.”

The Stamford Advocate:
August 15, 1903: ITALIANS CELEBRATING. “Local Italians who are Roman Catholics held a celebration today in honor of the festival of Maria Virginie Lassunta, or the Assumption, as the feast is known, in English. It is observed as a Holy Day by Roman Catholics generally, but the Italians always celebrate it in an elaborate manner. A solemn high mass was held in St. John’s R. C. Church at 10:30, at which there was a large congregation, consisting mostly of Italians. The celebrant was Father Sullivan, who was assisted by Fathers Clyne and Flynn. Rev. Pasquale Monzelli of New Rochelle preached a sermon in Italian, which was heard with marked interest by his county people. When the mass was over about noon, there was a celebration outside the church in the shape of firecrackers. The parade again formed, and, after going through the principal streets, proceeded to Woodside Park. An interesting program has been arranged for the picnic. There will be races and a baseball game, this afternoon, and this evening there will be a display of fireworks. There will be a band concert from 4 to 5, and dancing afternoon and evening.”

The Stamford Advocate:
August 15, 1945:  Churches to Hold Services Tonight In Thanksgiving. “Many of Stamford’s churches are to hold services of Thanksgiving for the victory announced yesterday. Catholic churches, many of which held services last evening, are in some cases repeating the prayer service of thanksgiving tonight. The Church of the Holy Name of Jesus, Sacred Heart, St. Mary’s, St. Clement’s and St. John’s will hold prayer services at 7:30 p.m. St. Cecilia’s and St. Maurice’s churches will hold services at 8 p.m.”  (Editor’s note: the following day, August 16, 1945, after V. J. Day was formally announced by President Truman, the Stamford Advocate carried a photograph of St. John’s Altar rail.  The Altar rail was full of young ladies, praying in thanksgiving that the boys would finally be coming home.)

20’s / 30’s Young Adults…will meet SEPTEMBER 8th in a NEW LOCATION: “The Upper Room” at the Restaurant Columbus Park” at 6:30 pm – bring a friend.

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 324-1553 x21.

Mass Intentions

Saturday, August 9
4:00 +Jackie O’Connor, req. Mary Bridget Gain
Sunday, August 10
  7:30 Special Intention Marguerite Desroches, req. John Desroches
10:00 Special Intention Mary Young Kim, req. Joseph & Mary Kim
12:00 +Roberta Perrotta, req. Sharon Gannon
 6:00 +Patrick Kane & Family, req. Estate of Catherine Kane & Family
Monday, August 11
  8:00 Special Intention
12:10 +Antoinette M. DeMott, req. Thomas G. Kolenberg
Tuesday, August 12
  8:00 +Alvin Ralph, req. Hazel Valerio
12:10 Souls in Purgatory, req. Fabiola C.
Wednesday, August 13
   8:00 Special Intention Eleanor Theresa Kim, req. Joseph & Mary Kim
12:10      +Mrs. Robin Hoffman, req. Mary Ann Blake
Thursday, August 14
  8:00 James Cody
12:10    Olivia Rovegno
 5:15    Special Intention
Friday, August 15
  8:00 Special Intention Richard Paul Kim, req. Joseph & Mary Kim
12:10 NO MASS
  5:15 Special Intention
Saturday, August 16
  8:00 Special Intention
12:10    Special Intention

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

Pray for an end to abortion every Wed., 7:00 - 10:30 a.m., 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 whose regular Mass attendance is known to the priests or 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.

St. Anne’s Family Society . . . will resume in September, meeting monthly for the whole family: Eucharistic adoration, Benediction, a potluck supper and spiritual talk.  More details to come.

Lost and Found . . . The parish has a collection of items left behind in church.  If you have lost something, you may find it at the parish office in the rectory:  Monday - Friday, 9:00 a.m.  - 4:00 p.m.

The Knock Novena
 - Fr. Terry Walsh
(Revisited)
 The Perpetual Novena to our Lady of Knock is prayed as a National Public Novena in Ireland each year beginning on the Vigil of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, August 14th and ending on the Memorial of the Queenship of Mary, August 22nd. Of course, the novena may be prayed anytime.
 On August 21, 1879 in the little town of Knock in the West of Ireland there were 15 people who witnessed an apparition of the Blessed Virgin Mary who appeared just outside the Church for 2 hours on a rainy day. The “silent” message was one of encouragement and hope. The people simply prayed the Rosary. How wonderful it is that today the Novena is prayed between the Feasts celebrating the final 2 mysteries of the Rosary, the Assumption and the Coronation of Mary as Queen of Heaven and Earth: “She who,” as St. Padre Pio put it, “stood at the foot of the Cross at Calvary now stands beside the Altar at the Mystical Calvary at every Holy Mass throughout the world.” St. Joseph and St. John the Evangelist appeared next to the Blessed Mother throughout the time of the apparition at Knock. St. John was holding the open Bible. St. John wrote the final Book of the Bible, “The Book of Revelation” which is about the Holy Mass, the very subject of the Knock Apparition. The three stood beside an altar with a Cross and a Lamb upon the Altar. Around the Altar hovered Angels. The apparition took place at a time of great suffering in Ireland. The people endured famine, starvation, and persecution, yet they remained faithful to God. They were faithful to the Mass and the Sacraments. They prayed.
 The Church approved the apparition and today Knock receives pilgrims from around the world. Four Popes have visited the Shrine over the years. The most recent visit was on September 30, 1979 by Pope John Paul II. Our parish here in Stamford was founded by Irish immigrants around the time of the apparition; perhaps there is a connection. In addition to the Gospel and his 3 Letters in the New Testament, St. John also wrote the Book of Revelation. Revelation is essentially about the “Supper of the Lamb,” the Holy Mass. (Recommended reading: The Lamb’s Supper by Scott Hahn)
The Novena:
In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Give praise to the Father Almighty, To His Son, Jesus Christ the Lord, To the Spirit who lives in our hearts, Both now and forever. Amen.
Our Lady of Knock, Queen of Ireland, you gave hope to your people in time of distress, and comforted them in sorrow. You have inspired countless pilgrims to pray with confidence to your divine Son, remembering His promise, “Ask and you shall receive, seek and you shall find.”
Help me to remember that we are all pilgrims on the road to Heaven. Fill me with love and concern for my brothers and sisters in Christ, especially those who live with me. Comfort me when I am sick, lonely or depressed. Teach me how to take part ever more reverently in the Holy Mass. Give me a greater love of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. Pray for me now, and at the hour of my death. Amen. Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world; Have mercy on us. (Repeat 3 times)
ST JOSEPH, Chosen by God to be the husband of Mary, the Protector of the Holy Family, the Guardian of the Church. Protect all families in their work and recreation and guard us on our journey through life. (Repeat ‘Lamb of God’ 3x.)
ST JOHN, Beloved Disciple of the Lord, faithful priest. Teacher of the Word of God. Help us to hunger for the Word, to be loyal to the Mass and to love one another. (‘Lamb of God’ 3x’s). LITANY: Our Lady of Knock, Pray for us…. Refuge of Sinners, P… Queen Assumed into Heaven, P… Queen of the Rosary, P… Mother of Nazareth, P… Queen of Virgins, P… Help of Christians, P… Health of the Sick, P… Queen of Peace, P… Our Lady, Queen and Mother, P… Our Lady, Mother of the Church, P… (Mention your own intention here) WITH THE ANGELS AND THE SAINTS LET US PRAY: Give praise to the Father Almighty, to His Son, Jesus Christ the Lord, to the Spirit who lives in our hearts, both now and forever. Amen. (The Rosary or Mass and Holy Communion is recommended each day).

Pastor’s Corner… August 6th is the Solemnity of the Transfiguration of Our Lord.  This is an ancient feast.  It was first celebrated in the 5th century and became a popular feast only in 1457 following the Catholic defeat of the Turks at the gates of Belgrade.  The feast is based on an historical event: Our Lord being transfigured on the top of Mount Tabor.  Why would Christ show Himself in His glory as God?  What was the point?  We must put this into the context of Our Lord’s public ministry.  The Transfiguration of Christ is reported in four places in the New Testament: Matthew 17: 1-9; Mark 9:29; Luke 9:28-36; the Second Letter of St. Peter, 1:10-21.  Our Lord had begun the second part of His public ministry, and His predictions of His death on the Cross had begun.  His Apostles were nervous about His repetitious mention of His crucifixion, especially since they put their hopes in the mistaken belief that Jesus was to be a political messiah, liberating Israel from subjugation to the Roman Empire.  Our Lord now took His three most trusted Apostles, St. Peter, St. John, and St. James, up to the peak of Mount Tabor, and manifested to them the reality of who He is: God; and the reason for which God had come as a man: to save mankind from slavery to sin and death, not to free mankind from political slavery.  There, showing the Apostles His glory as God, Jesus manifested also that He is the fulfillment of all the Prophets and the Law of the Old Testament, by His being accompanied by the Prophets Elijah, the greatest of the Old Testament Prophets, and Moses, who received the Ten Commandments from God.  The Transfiguration of Our Lord speaks also to us today.  Jesus is not simply another prophet or religious teacher.  He is God, and He calls us to share in His divine life and glory in Heaven, by means of the graces flowing from His Cross, that come to us by means of the Church established by Him.  The Cross, which Jesus repeatedly referred to, and which frightened the Apostles, is the only means by which our slavery to sin and death is ended.  We come into contact with the Cross by the Church and Her Sacraments, given us by Christ to begin His changing of our lives to become more like God in this life, and to share in His glory in Heaven.   On August 6th, meditate on Our Lord’s generosity, and the means by which He gives us new life.  By taking on our human nature and becoming one like us in everything but sin, and by offering Himself on the Cross to pay for our sins, Jesus showed His true nature and work: God became man so that mankind could become God. We can share in that glory by a life of faith and virtue, heeding the Word of God in our daily lives and allowing God to transform us through His grace in the Sacraments.  Christ’s glory on Mount Tabor in the Transfiguration is to be ours, if we are in love with the God who became man, Jesus Our Lord.
-- Msgr. DiGiovanni
 
Please pray for the sick… Margaret Timon, Felix Fiore, Mather Dearbone, Felicia Stamadini, Vinci Balbucci, Pasqualina Bruzzesi, Carmella Micik, Eleanor McNamee, Nancy Geikie, Vicki Manes, Anthony Sansone, Paul Forte, Anne Marie Brutus, Gelanie Lops, Titina Tarantino, Jennifer Tomasello, Janet Rodgers, Antoinetta Fiore.

Please pray for those who have recently died… Margaret Barko, Margaret Roth, Jane C. Hlavaty, Joan Bankowski, Fr. David Krahel, Fr. Kevin Fitzpatrick, Eileen Dulski, Guglielmo Labrosciano, Mary Connaly, Christopher Kanel, Rose Sobieski, Rose Magorane, Ralph Stain, Jr. Susan Perretta, Ann O. Tartaglia

            THE PARISH MYSTERY THEATER
Presents the
                    Rectory Players
         

 In a Radio Style Presentation
                    of:
                      AGATHA CHRISTIE’S
                   The Unexpected Guest
         At 7:00 p.m. August 7, 8 & 9
                         In The Rectory Ball Room
                             45 seats - $30.00 each
                           (Beverages & Desserts)
                                     (16 minimum age)

Religious Education . . .Classes begin on Sunday, September 21st at 8:30 p.m.  All classes will be held on Sunday mornings.  Please find registration forms in the vestibule of the church, or stop by the office during the week: Monday - Friday, 9:00 a.m.—4:00 p.m.

Catechists . . . needed!! Anyone interested in teaching religious education classes, please call the rectory: 324-1553, ext. 21.

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 August 5th.

The Latin reading group is translating St. Augustine’s Confessions…will meet every Wednesday evening in the rectory at 6:15 pm.  If you’ve studied only high school Latin, you’ll be fine; we all help each other; please join us: you know more than you think! Following the Latin reading group, Stay and join us for:

St. Monica Institute for Patristic Studies:  Popes of the Early Church:  We will next meet on August 6th at 7:30 p.m. in the rectory. All are welcome.  Please join us at 7:30 p.m. in the rectory

New Testament Greek . . . anyone interested in a fall introductory study group, please contact Monsignor DiGiovanni. We’ll begin in September or October, depending upon interest.

Sunday, July 27, 2008   $ 11,074.00

      Sunday, July 29, 2007  $ 9,756.50
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) 221  (2) 265.  The Creed for the Noon Mass may be found in the hymnal at No. 289.

Parish Picnic SEPTEMBER 14th… Please call the Parish Office and let Providencia know how many family members will be attending the Parish Picnic so that we may plan accordingly.  Please call as soon as possible – it is fast approaching!!!

Retrouvaille of Connecticut…If your marriage has become troubled and stressed, unloving or uncaring, or cold and distant, even if you are divorced or separated but you want to try again, then the Retrouvaille program can help you.  The next Retrovaille weekend will take place September 12, through 14, 2008.  For more information, please call our confidential number 1-800-470-2230 or e-mail us at 3001@retrouvaille.org.

St. John’s Bible Study… New and Improved: We will use The Bible Timeline Series for 25 Thursdays beginning September 25th through May 7th.  If you are interested, please call the Parish Office to register so that we can order the appropriate materials.  We’ll begin in September.

St. Maria Goretti Society . . . for the spiritual formation of young ladies of the parish, from 8th - 12th grades. Questions, please contact Fr. Walsh.

St. Dominic Savio Society…For the spiritual formation of young men from 8th – 12th grades meets monthly in the Rectory.  Any questions, please contact Frank Marchetti at 434-4734.

The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass in Honor of Our Lady of Fatima…Wednesday, August 13, 2008 at 7:30 p.m.  In St. Theresa Church, 5301 Main Street, Trumbull, CT.  Celebrant:  Rev. Father Andrew Apostoli Franciscan Friars of the Renewal and EWTN.

St. Maurice Church… is looking for crafters and vendors who are interested in renting tables at our Autumn Craft & Vendor Sale on Saturday, September 20th from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.  If interested or have questions please contact St. Maurice Parish Office 324-3434 by Tuesday, August 19th.

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 324-1553 x21.

20’s / 30’s Young Adults…will NOT meet in August – we will resume in September…see you then….

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

In The Stamford Advocate

August 5, 1870: Sacred Concert. “We understand that a sacred concert will be given under the direction of our townsman, Mr. Charles W. Smith, in St. John’s Roman Catholic church, August 15th. Artists from St. Mary’s church, Norwalk, together with resident talent, have kindly volunteered their services for the occasion. As to Mr. Smith’s musical ability, that is sufficiently well established, and known, especially among his own townspeople. Selections from Mercadante, Verdi, Gaggiola, Ruzio, Millard, and other eminent composers will be given. The managers are confident that their concert will be well worthy of the patronage of the general public, and hope to receive a liberal patronage.”

The Connecticut Catholic:
August 9, 1884: STAMFORD. “On last Sunday as was previously announced, an opportunity was extended to the parishioners and the public of viewing the interior of our new church; and it is needless to say, the privilege was highly appreciated, as was evidenced by the numerous visitors. Every one expressed opinion of praise and satisfaction as to the magnificent appearance of the edifice, and no more general satisfaction could have been felt by any congregation than was manifested upon last Sunday. The three windows presented by the A. O. H., are set apart to the honor of those who have been ministerial in the erection of the church. One is dedicated to the memory of our deceased pastor, Rev. Father Fagan; another to Rev. Father Tierney, our former pastor, now of New Britain; and the other to our present pastor, Rev. Father Rogers.”

The Stamford Advocate:
August 7, 1909: WELCOME TO FATHER O’BRIEN. “The steamer Baltic, upon which the Rev. James C. O’Brien, pastor of St. John’s R. C. Church, is a passenger, is expected to reach New York tomorrow. Members of the parish who have been arranging for a reception to the pastor have decided to hold it tomorrow evening, in the Lyceum. The church choir will take part, and there will probably be some short addresses, but the main object is to show the pastor something of the esteem in which he is held by his flock, and how glad they are that he has enjoyed a holiday, and returned in good health. The last messages received here from Father O’Brien came from Ireland. He embarked at Queenstown on his homeward journey. Although he saw a good deal of Europe, one may assume, from expressions in his letters, that he considers Ireland the most beautiful county of all on the other side.”

August 15th . . . NO 12:00 NOON MASS. There will be a special 10:00 a.m. Mass for the Sisters of Life celebrated by Cardinal Egan.

Mass Intentions

Saturday, August 2
4:00 +DeRosa, Kronk, Capobianco & Edwin Clark req. Joan & John Kronk
Sunday, August 3
  7:30 People of the Parish
10:00 Special Intention Frank & Sharon Marchetti
12:00 Feast Day for the Eternal Father for All His Creativity and for Sacrificing His Beloved Son for All Mankind req. Josephine Languedoc
 6:00 +Patrick Kane & Family req. Estate of Catherine Kane & Family
Monday, August 4
  8:00 Special Intention Msgr. Stephen M. DiGiovanni req. Anthony D’Ariano
12:10 +Camille Mascia req. her brother Frank D’Amico
Tuesday, August 5
  8:00 +Mrs. O’Grady req. Louise Munro
12:10 Souls in Purgatory req. Fabiola C.
Wednesday, August 6
   8:00 +Shirley & Leonard Piacenza req. Family
12:10      +Josephine D’Amico req. her son Frank
Thursday, August 7
8:00 +Kenneth Kanter req. Millie Kanter
12:10    +Carmen Vega req. Evelyn Flaharty (Daughter)
Friday, August 8
  8:00 +Simplicio Fajardo & Sally Dizon req. Hazel Valerio
12:10 +Mary Ellen Armstrong req. Bridget, John & Erin Leen
Saturday, August 9
  8:00 +Hope & Joseph McAleer req. Family
12:10    +Arthur Q. Penta req. Armelle

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

Pray for an end to abortion every Wed., 7:00 - 10:30 a.m., 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 whose regular Mass attendance is known to the priests or 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.

St. Anne’s Family Society . . . will resume in September, meeting monthly for the whole family: Eucharistic adoration, Benediction, a potluck supper and spiritual talk.  More details to come.

Lost and Found . . . The parish has a collection of items left behind in church.  If you have lost something, you may find it at the parish office in the rectory:  Monday - Friday, 9:00 a.m.  - 4:00 p.m.

The Voice of Eternal Life
-Fr. Terry Walsh
Each day we’re presented with a variety of choices – it’s sort of like channel surfing. We’re attentive to one channel for a time and then we search for another. Perhaps we’ve become bored or frustrated or impatient. We search for something more interesting. And, of course, there is no shortage of channels vying for our attention. The competition can, at times, be fierce. So many of these “channels” seek to fill our “spiritual needs” with “worldly solutions” – but of course this is impossible. There’s only one channel that we need to be tuned-in to in order to realize spiritual peace in our hearts. We might not recognize it clearly, at first. There aren’t any flashy gimmicks, there’s no appeal to base appetites, no cajoling. That channel of course is Christ. When our hearts and minds seek the truth, it’s His Voice that we’ll hear leading us onto the path of Righteousness.
St. John wrote: “The love of God consists in this: that we keep His commandments- and His commandments are not burdensome. Everyone begotten of God conquers the world, and the power that has conquered the world is this faith of ours. Who, then, is conqueror of the world? The one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God”(1Jn5:3-5).
When we’re tuned-in to Jesus, when we attentively listen to His voice, we’ll be drawn into those refreshing waters of His grace, constantly flowing through the Sacraments and through our Prayer life. St. Paul teaches: “He desires that all be saved and come to knowledge of the Truth”(1Tim).
But not all stay “tuned-in.” The various channels of the world make all sorts of empty promises seeking to distract us from the voice of truth with all sorts of noise. They appeal to our selfish tendencies and wave a friendly hand, motioning us to turn our attention away from what is truly good and holy. “Oh, it’s ok – it’s perfectly acceptable now-a-days – and other similar comments.” And yet, this summons begets a sort of hesitancy in us – doesn’t it?  Perhaps, we’re a little slow responding – due to a pang of conscience brought about by the Voice of the One who calls us to the Truth. Yet, the world persists: “What’s the matter with you? What’s your problem? And so on.”
Now, if we’re truly “tuned-in” to the voice of the Good Shepherd, if our hearts are properly disposed to his “call,” we’ll see clearly that this action or that action is not of God. That pause, that hesitation, is a clear recognition of temptation, and it’s in this moment that we need to listen to the voice of the One Who loves us. That cautious, reflective hesitation allows us to slow down and to take a better look at the situation at hand and – to offer a little prayer. It’s actually quite simple. In those moments when the world beckons us to conform to its standards, we can appeal to the Good Shepherd and ask for guidance. In the silence of our hearts - in a quiet, simple, faith filled way, simply offer a little prayer and then listen to God: “Come, Holy Spirit” or perhaps, “Mary, Queen of Peace, Intercede for us” or a whole host of other beautiful utterances that powerfully appeal to the Shepherd of Souls.
God is listening. He’s “standing by” ready to “take orders” - eager to step in to lead us out of the dark – to pour His strength into our “spiritual veins” so that we choose wisely – that we stay tuned into Christ and so eagerly follow Him into the Halls of Heaven.

Pastor’s Corner… This year is dedicated to Saint Paul, celebrating the two millennial anniversary of his birth. As part of Saint John’s celebrations, which will include a lecture series and parish retreats dedicated to Saint Paul, Fr. Walsh and I hope to visit the home of every parishioner during the coming months. We will begin in August. Since the parish has over 1,000 families, I propose doing this in an orderly fashion, dividing the parish into sectors. We’ll visit one sector per month. Otherwise, your priests will be running around from one end of the parish to the other. Each week from August 2008 through June 2009, there will be a list of streets to be visited by us. Once your street is listed, and if you would like us to visit, simply call the secretary, Providencia Rodriguez, leave your name, address, the date and time you’d prefer that we visit to bless you home and family. Father Walsh or I will return your phone call to confirm the date and time for the house blessing.
A house blessing is very simple, and should take no longer than about 10 minutes. You need not do anything—no meals or coffee—we’re all trying to lose weight! There is nothing that you should do to prepare for the blessing, other than simply be at home to answer the doorbell when we ring it on the day and time agreed upon.  There is, likewise, no charge for this, nor is any special donation needed.  This is simply one of the services parishes should normally provide parishioners, following Our Lord’s instructions to His Apostles, “You received [faith and grace] without charge, give without charge.” Either Father Walsh or I will also give each home a crucifix, blessed candles, Rosaries, a packet of prayer books and a catechism with which to develop your family spiritual life and knowledge of our Catholic faith.
We will begin in August. Attached please find a map of the parish territory with a list of the streets to be visited in August.  If you live on one of these streets, and would like your home blessed, please call the rectory and make arrangements for your house to be blessed in August.  A new list will be published each month with another portion of the parish territory included. If you live outside the parish boundaries, please call the rectory and speak with one of the priests to arrange for a house blessing.
Please, give us a call. ---Msgr. DiGiovanni

 
The Latin reading group is translating St. Augustine’s Confessions.  PLEASE NOTE: The Latin group will meet on Monday—July 21st & 28th.  In August, the group will return to their usual Wednesday evening meetings, in the rectory at 6:15 pm.  If you’ve studied only high school Latin, you’ll be fine; we all help each other; please join us: you know more than you think! Following the Latin reading group, Stay and join us for:

Please pray for the sick… Margaret Timon, Joan Bankowski, Felix Fiore, Mather Dearbone, Jim Bosilevas, Felicia Stamadini, Vinci Balbucci, Pasqualina Bruzzesi, Carmella Micik, Eleanor McNamee, Nancy Geikie, Vicki Manes, Anthony Sansone, Margaret Woods, Paul Forte, Anne Marie Brutus, Gelanie Lops, Titina Tarantino, Jennifer Tomasello, Janet Rodgers, Antoinetta Fiore.

Please pray for those who have recently died… Fr. David Krahel, Fr. Kevin Fitzpatrick, Eileen Dulski, Guglielmo Labrosciano, Mary Connaly, Christopher Kanel, Rose Sobieski, Rose Magorane, Ralph Stain, Jr. Susan Perretta, Ann O. Tartaglia, George Lampman, Mary Louise Deluca, Viola F. Russo, William Speranza,

            THE PARISH MYSTERY THEATER
                                              Presents the
                          Rectory Players
         

 In a Radio Style Presentation
                    of:
                      AGATHA CHRISTIE’S
                   The Unexpected Guest
         At 7:00 p.m. August 7, 8 & 9
                         In The Rectory Ball Room
                             45 seats - $30.00 each
                           (Beverages & Desserts)
                                     (16 minimum age)

Air Conditioning Collection . . . The second collection today will be the Air Conditioning collection for the parish.  Your generosity is appreciated.

Accepting Applications… Thomas More College is dedicated to classical education in the Catholic intellectual tradition, employing the great texts of Western Civilization, with campuses in Merrimack, NH, and Rome, Italy.  The college is still accepting applications for Fall 2008.  Students interested should contact the Office of Admissions at (800) 880-8308 or visit the website at www.thomasmorecollege.edu.

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 August 5th.

Parish Picnic: September 14th at Cove Island Park. Details to follow.

Sunday, July 20, 2008   $ 11,777.00

Sunday, July 22, 2007  $ 10,313.96
I ask you one thing: do not tire of giving to God, but do not give your leftovers.”---Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta

New Testament Greek . . . anyone interested in a fall introductory study group, please contact Monsignor DiGiovanni. We’ll begin in September or October, depending upon interest.

St. Monica Institute for Patristic Studies:  Popes of the Early Church:  We will next meet on August 6th at
7:30 p.m. in the rectory. All are welcome.  Please join us at 7:30 p.m. in the rectory

St. John’s Bible Study… New and Improved: We will use The Bible Timeline Series for 25 Thursdays beginning September 25th through May 7th.  If you are interested, please call the Parish Office to register so that we can order the appropriate materials.  We’ll begin in September.

The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass in Honor of Our Lady of Fatima…Wednesday, August 13, 2008 at 7:30 p.m.  In St. Theresa Church, 5301 Main Street, Trumbull, CT.  Celebrant:  Rev. Father Andrew Apostoli Franciscan Friars of the Renewal and EWTN.

Learning How to Network to Find Your Next Job … Free seminar on Monday, July 28, 7:30 p.m. in the Rectory.  Summertime’s parties, concerts and all sorts of get-togethers are great opportunities to meet new people and potentially someone who could help you find your next job.  But...you've got to get your networking act together and learn how to introduce yourself, and know the type of job you're looking for, so that other people can help you find it.  My experience as a job interview and resume coach for over 4 years, and as a hiring manager for 10 years, along with the collective experience and camaraderie of the group, you'll get the support you need to find the job you want.  Recruiters, hiring managers, how-to-respond-to ads--you bring the topic, we'll discuss it. Melanie Szlucha 203-866-1606 (Office) 860-235-4558 (Cell) http://www.redinc.biz.  Ask me about booking me as a speaker for your organization or sign up for my FREE Ezine of job-hunting tips at http://www.redinc.biz

St. Maria Goretti Society . . . for the spiritual formation of young ladies of the parish, from 8th - 12th grades. Questions, please contact Fr. Walsh.

St. Dominic Savio Society…For the spiritual formation of young men from 8th – 12th grades meets monthly in the Rectory.  Any questions, please contact Frank Marchetti at 434-4734.

St. John’s in The News . . .
 .  . . 100 years ago, or so:
In The Advocate

August 2, 1907: PORTIUNCULA IN CATHOLIC CHURCH. “The devotion of the Portiuncula or Grand Pardon, was begun in St. John’s R. C. Church at 3 yesterday afternoon and closes at sunset today. The “Grand Pardon” dates from the early years of the thirteenth century. St. Francis, praying for the conversion of sinners, was told to ask a favor of heaven, and it would be granted. Whereupon he promptly begged that all who would come to the little Church of Our Lady of Angles at Assisi, the Portiuncula of St. Francis and his brethren – having confessed would receive full pardon of all the punishment due to their sins. The favor was inaugurated with due solemnity by Pope Honorius III. The annals of the thirteenth century tell of the throngs that bore down on the little hill town of Assisi from the evening of the day of “St. Peter in Chains” to the evening of the next day. All night the procession went in and out the little church and next evening contentedly filed out from Assisi again, singing Te Deums as they went home, some of them great distances. This continued for 200 years. So great did the crowd grow each year that the Pope extended the indulgence to the churches that had branched out from the Portiuncula. The devotion is held in only a few churches in this diocese. The privilege was obtained for St. John’s Church by the Franciscan Fathers.”

July 31, 1908: ST. MARY’S DEDICATION. “Next Sunday, August 2, at 10:30 a.m., the new St. Mary’s church will be dedicated by the Rt. Rev. Bishop Tierney. The event marks a new era in the history of Catholicity in the city of Stamford. This infant daughter of the mother church, St. John’s, enters upon her mission under conditions that leave nothing to be desired. The pastor, Rev. Dr. Gleason, is highly elated over the future prospects of the new parish, and justly so, because, if a good kindly spirit and the good will of the people mean anything, then the new pastor has reason to be congratulated. In evidence of this, it may be stated that all the furnishings of the new church represent the gratuitous donations of the parishioners. This speaks for itself. All the masses next Sunday will be read in the new church. Masses will be read at 7, 8, and 9, and a solemn high mass of dedication at 10:30. Rt. Rev. Bishop Tierney will preside. In the evening there will be solemn vespers at 7:30. A special musical program has been arranged for the solemn high mass at 10:30 and the vesper service at 7:30. The Bishop, assisted by Fathers O’Brien and Rogers, will dedicate the new church at 10:30 a.m.” (Editor’s note: Rt. Reverend Bishop Tierney was a former pastor of St. John’s Church.  His assistants, Reverend James C. O’Brien and Reverend William H. Rogers were the current and immediate former pastor, respectively, of St. John’s Church.)

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 324-1553 x21.

Mass Intentions

Saturday, July 26
4:00 +Mark Mooren req. Thomas Banahan
Sunday, July 27
  7:30 +Anna D. Do req. Thang Nguyen
10:00 +Louise Comerford req. Linda & Richard Pape & Family
12:00  +Anthony & Dereek Ramos req. Lilian & Alvina Ramos
 6:00 Souls in Purgatory req. Jean-Guillaume Family
Monday, July 28
  8:00 +Patrick Kane & Family req. Estate of Catherine Kane & Family
12:10 +Michael Blanco req. Linda & Tony (Mom & Dad)
Tuesday, July 29
  8:00 +Margaret Curtis req. Mary Maloney
12:10 Happy Birthday Alexandra McGraw req. William & Josephine McGraw
Wednesday, July 30
   8:00 Thanksgiving to Our Heavenly Father
12:10 +Roseanne Fazio req. her uncle Frank D’Amico
Thursday, July 31
  8:00 Alice L. Biondo req. Ralph Haczynski
12:10   +Josephine D’Amico req. her son Frank
Friday, August 1
  8:00 +Amy Reed req. Fabiola C.
12:10 +Rose Astrid Jean-Guillaume req. her Parents
Saturday, August 2
  8:00 Special Intention Joseph H. Kim req. Joseph & Mary Kim
12:10    +Dila Haider req. Granddaughter

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

Pray for an end to abortion every Wed., 7:00 - 10:30 a.m., 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 whose regular Mass attendance is known to the priests or 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.

St. Anne’s Family Society . . . will resume in September, meeting monthly for the whole family: Eucharistic adoration, Benediction, a potluck supper and spiritual talk.  More details to come.

Lost and Found . . . The parish has a collection of items left behind in church.  If you have lost something, you may find it at the parish office in the rectory: Monday - Friday, 9:00 a.m. -4:00 p.m.

20’s / 30’s Young Adults…..will NOT meet in August – we will resume in September…see you then….

    
The Year of Saint Paul
July 2008 – June 2009
Part 1
  - Fr. Terry Walsh
 This year, the Church is honoring St. Paul, commemorating the 2000th anniversary of his birth. From his letters, we’re able to learn that he had been a faithful ‘son of Israel’ – abiding by the laws and customs laid down by God through Moses. He was a faithful and zealous Rabbi who championed the cause of his people. In his ignorance of Christ, he persecuted the early Church and was the cause of great suffering for the faithful disciples of our Lord. He persisted in his pursuit of the followers of “The Way” until he encountered Jesus Himself on the road to Damascus. It was of course at that moment that the life of the Rabbi, Saul, would never be the same. It was at that moment that this zealous persecutor of the “The Way” would begin the process of conversion. Saul encountered the Light and accepted the healing rays of the One who calls each of us out of the darkness. Saul became Paul. He put on the “New Man” as he so eloquently encourages us to do in his Letter to the Ephesians. He cast aside his ignorance and sought to know the Truth and to live in the Truth. He was caught up in the love of God and became Christ’s light to the world. St. Paul wrote 13 Letters in the New Testament. These were directed to new Christian communities outside Jerusalem and also include personal letters to Timothy and Titus. His writings were meant to encourage, instruct, and at times, admonish the young Christian communities so that they too would become more faithful disciples of Jesus while at the same time help them to grow in their knowledge and love for Christ.
 Below is a list of the Letters of St. Paul in the order that they appear in the Bible (not chronological). Throughout the course of the “Year of St. Paul” we’ll take a closer look at his writings and gain a glimpse into the love and fidelity of “The Apostle” who now leads us into the Heart of Jesus through the “Sword of the Word.” There are 27 “Books” in the New Testament. St. Paul wrote half of them. Clearly, our Lord chose him to make an enormous contribution to “The Way.” In addition to his own writings, we learn much about St. Paul in the “Acts of the Apostles” (written by St. Luke). It is there that we meet St. Paul and get a sense of the spiritual journey he made ‘through the many hardships he endured.’ I would recommend reading “Acts of the Apostles” before reading the Letters of St. Paul. What a wonderful way to honor the Apostle who continues to teach, admonish, and encourage us in our journey to God. Why not read One a Month throughout the year?
(The ‘most probable’ years suggested by Biblical Scholars)
The Letter to the Romans…. probably written in the Year 57 AD
The 1st Letter to the Corinthians…. Year 54
The 2nd Letter to the Corinthians…. Year 55
The Letter to the Galatians…. Year 54
The Letter to the Ephesians the year is unclear
The Letter to the Philippians…. Year 57
The Letter to the Colossians the year is unclear
The 1st Letter to the Thessalonians…. Year 50 (*** 1st)
The 2nd Letter to the Thessalonians…. possibly Year 51
The 1st Letter to Timothy…. Year 60
The 2nd Letter to Timothy…. Year 60
The Letter to Titus….Year 60
The Letter (concerning) Philemon…. Year 57

Pastor’s Corner… July 26th is the Feast of Saints Joachim and Anne, the parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary.  Their lives are known only through legends, especially passed on through an apocryphal book of Saint James.  The legend goes something like this: Anne was a wealthy lady from Bethlehem; Joachim was an exceedingly rich man of Nazareth, of the royal house of David.  Theirs was a virtuous and pious married life. As a sign of their love for God, they divided their substantial wealth in three portions: one part for the Temple in Jerusalem, one for the poor, and one part for their own household. Although happily married and wealthy, they were childless.  This was a source of public reproach, for people erroneously thought their being childless was divine punishment for some past sin.  Despairing of God’s mercy, Joachim left his wife and home and retired to a shepherd’s hut in the wilderness, where he began to fast and do penance. The Archangel Gabriel visited Joachim and told him to return to his wife, while at the same time an angel visited the grieving Anne and instructed her to trust in God and to go out of the city to meet her returning husband. The two met at the Golden Gate leading into Jerusalem, where they embraced and kissed.  Returning home, Anne conceived in her old age.  The child, Our Lady, was conceived in St. Anne’s womb without the stain of Adam’s Original Sin, which we are all born with, so that she could be a worthy mother of the Eternal Son of God.    Mary was spared Adam’s Original Sin, in light of the future merits of Her Divine Son, a benefit we share in by means of Baptism.
The devotion to Saints Joachim and Anne has been very strong here at Saint John’s, since the founding of the parish.  In fact, the banner hanging from the pulpit this weekend is the oldest banner from the early Saint Anne Society of Saint John’s, dating from the 1880’s.  It shows Saint Anne teaching her daughter, the Blessed Virgin Mary, to read Scripture.  Fr. Walsh will resume monthly Saturday evening meetings of the Saint Anne Society to all families of the parish [including children], for prayer, potluck supper and spiritual instruction. 
Please pray to Saints Joachim and Anne for your family and for the families of the parish. The relics of Saint Anne are displayed on the Blessed Mother’s Altar.  This holy couple changed human history by their faith in God and fidelity to their marriage, even in times of difficulty and doubt.  Their perseverance and trust in God brought forth their longed-for child, Our Lady, who became the mother of Jesus, whose death and resurrection destroyed the power of sin and death.  Imitate their love for the Lord, their fidelity to each other, and their teaching and forming their child, Mary, in the faith.  Teach your children in the same way--and change history, for the better. ---Msgr. DiGiovanni

Please pray for the sick… Joan Bankowski, Felix Fiore, Mather Dearbone, Jim Bosilevas, Felicia Stamadini, Vinci Balbucci, Pasqualina Bruzzesi, Carmella Micik, Eleanor McNamee, Nancy Geikie, Vicki Manes, Anthony Sansone, Margaret Woods, Paul Forte, Anne Marie Brutus, Gelanie Lops, Titina Tarantino, Jennifer Tomasello, Janet Rodgers, Antoinetta Fiore.

Please pray for those who have recently died… Guglielmo Labrosciano, Mary Connaly, Christopher Kanel, Rose Sobieski, Rose Magorane, Ralph Stain, Jr. Susan Perretta, Ann O. Tartaglia, George Lampman, Mary Louise Deluca, Viola F. Russo, William Speranza,

            THE PARISH MYSTERY THEATER
                                              Presents the
                          Rectory Players
           In a Radio Style Presentation
                    of:
                      AGATHA CHRISTIE’S
                   The Unexpected Guest
         At 7:00 p.m. August 7, 8 & 9
                         In The Rectory Ball Room
                             45 seats - $30.00 each
                           (Beverages & Desserts)
                                     (16 minimum age)

Mission Co-operative Plan Collection . . . Please drop your  envelope into the ONE basket that will be passed at the Offertory.  There will only be one collection today.

Accepting Applications… Thomas More College is dedicated to classical education in the Catholic intellectual tradition.  Focused on the classroom and the great texts of Western Civilization, the purpose of the college is to help transform the heart and mind of each student.  With campuses in Merrimack, NH, and Rome, Italy, the college is still accepting applications for Fall 2008.  Students interested should contact the Office of Admissions at (800) 880-8308 or visit the website at www.thomasmorecollege.edu.

Parish Picnic: Sunday, September 14th:
Parish picnic at Cove Island. Details to follow.  

New Testament Greek . . . anyone interested in a summer introductory study group, please contact Monsignor DiGiovanni

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 August 5th.

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 324-1553 x21.
Sunday, July 13, 2008   $ 11,532.00
Sunday, July 15, 2007  $ 11,295.81
I ask you one thing: do not tire of giving to God, but do not give your leftovers.”---Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta

Learning How to Network to Find Your Next Job … Monday, July 28, 7:30 p.m. in the Rectory.  Summertime is filled with networking opportunities! Parties, concerts and all sorts of get-togethers are great opportunities to meet new people and potentially someone who could help you find your next job.  But...you've got to get your networking act together and learn how to introduce yourself and the type of job you're looking for so that other people can help you find it.  As a job interview and resume coach for over 4 years, I love helping people navigate the sticky world of job searching. Combining my 10 years of experience as a hiring manager, with the collective experience and camaraderie of the group, you'll get the support you need to find the job you want.  We'll cover this topic, as well as anything else that's on your mind about your job search issues. Recruiters, hiring managers, how to respond to ads--you bring the topic, we'll discuss it. Thanks Melanie Szlucha 203-866-1606 (Office) 860-235-4558 (Cell) http://www.redinc.biz.  Ask me about booking me as a speaker for your organization or sign up for my FREE Ezine of job hunting tips at http://www.redinc.biz

The Latin reading group is translating St. Augustine’s Confessions.  All are welcome on Wednesday evenings at 6:15 p.m. in the rectory. PLEASE NOTE: The Latin group will meet on Monday—July14th, 21st & 28th instead of Wednesday during July.  In August, the group will return to their usual Wednesday evening meetings.  If you’ve studied high school Latin, you’ll be fine; we all help each other; please join us: you know more than you think! Following the  Latin reading group, Stay and join us for:

St. Monica Institute for Patristic Studies:  Popes of the Early Church:  PLEASE NOTE: due to summer traffic and parking difficulties, the remainder of the July classes are CANCELLED.  We will next meet on August 6th at 7:30 p.m. in the rectory. All are welcome.  Please join us at 7:30 p.m. in the rectory

St. John’s Bible Study… New and Improved: Bible Study will change its format and become more intense. We will use The Bible Timeline Series for 25 Thursdays beginning September 25th through May 7th.  If you are interested, please call the Parish Office to register so that we can order the appropriate materials.  BIBLE STUDY WILL NOT MEET DURING THE SUMMER. We’ll begin in September.

St. Maria Goretti Society . . . for the spiritual formation of young ladies of the parish, from 8th - 12th grades. Questions, please contact Fr. Walsh.

St. Dominic Savio Society…For the spiritual formation of young men from 8th – 12th grades meets monthly in the Rectory.  Any questions, please contact Frank Marchetti at 434-4734.

Lost and Found . . . The parish has a collection of items left behind in church.  If you have lost something, you may find it at the parish office in the rectory: Monday - Friday, 9:00 a.m. -4:00 p.m.
St. John’s in The News . . .
 . . . 100 years ago, or so:

The Connecticut Catholic:
July 25, 1891: STAMFORD. “The delegation headed by Rev. Father Keena to the shrine of St. Ann, Toronto, Canada, arrived home last Friday. All seemed deeply impressed with the pilgrimage and claim they are much benefited by the journey. Some miraculous cures have often taken place at this shrine.” (Editor’s note: Rev. Thomas J. Keena was an assistant from 1886 to 1897.)

The Stamford Advocate:
July 27, 1903: IN MEMORY OF POPE LEO. “A solemn high mass of requiem for Pope Leo will be celebrated in St. John’s R. C. church at 9:30 tomorrow. The celebrant will be Rev. Father Leddy and the assisting priests will be Fathers Sullivan, Flynn and Clyne. A sermon will be preached by Father O’Brien, and will dwell on the life and work of the late Pope. A catafalque is to be erected in the church, and there is to be a guard of honor about it, consisting of members of the Holy Name Society, the Knights of Columbus, and St. Joseph’s Temperance Society, who will wear mourning. The church has been draped in mourning for several days. At all the services yesterday a special prayer for the Pope was said. The service tomorrow will be of an impressive character, and will be of such interest to non-Catholics as well as to members of the church. A solemn high mass of requiem is one of the most solemn ceremonies in the church ritual. A general invitation is extended to Stamford people to be present.”

The Stamford Advocate:
July 21, 1911: “Sister M. Ursula, of Hartford, formerly a teacher in St. John’s parochial school, has been visiting at the local convent. Yesterday she received calls from a number of her former pupils, among them Dr. D. A. Hanrahan, Police Sergeant William Nevins, Chief of Police William H. Brennan and Thomas J. Prichard. There is a warm spot in Sister Ursula’s heart for the old Stamford school boys and the latter never lose an opportunity to show appreciation of the woman who sought to assist in the making of their lives.”

The Stamford Advocate:
July 24, 1918:  “The knitting unit of St. John’s Catholic Church, organized to work for the soldiers and sailors of the United States, meets this evening at 8 in the vestry of the church. All members and the instructors are requested to be present.”

The New York Times:
July 20, 1935:  Stamford Church Tower Is Razed by Lightning. “Lightning struck a tower tonight on St. John’s Catholic Church here and demolished it, scattering great chunks of granite on the street and sidewalk ninety feet below. One boulder weighing about 100 pounds was hurled across Atlantic Street through the skylight of a retail shop. Damage estimated at $2,500 was caused by the storm.” (Editor’s note: the above mentioned boulder now rests adjacent to the front steps of St. John’s Rectory.)

Mass Intentions

Saturday, July 19
4:00 +DeRosa, Kronk, Capobianco & Edwin Clark req. John & Joan Kronk

Sunday, July 20
  7:30 Thanksgiving Veronica Johnson & Family req. William & Josephine McGraw
10:00 +Sacha Borthwick req. Suzanna Borthwick
12:00  Special Intention Michael & Jennifer Marchetti
 6:00 +Patrick Kane & Family req. Estate of Catherine Kane & Family

Monday, July 21
  8:00 Thanksgiving Veronica Johnson & Family req. William & Josephine McGraw
12:10 +Lloyd Critchlow 1st Anniversary req. Sandra Rivera

Tuesday, July 22
  8:00 Thanksgiving Veronica Johnson & Family req. William & Josephine McGraw
12:10 +Betsy Woolf req. Fabiola C.

Wednesday, July 23
   8:00 Thanksgiving Veronica Johnson & Family req. William & Josephine McGraw
12:10  +Jeanne Byxbee req. Lisa Fabrizio

Thursday, July 24
8:00 Thanksgiving Veronica Johnson & Family req. William & Josephine McGraw
12:10    Archbishop Thomas Dolinly

Friday, July 25
  8:00 Thanksgiving Veronica Johnson & Family req. William & Josephine McGraw
12:10 Thanksgiving William McGraw req. Joseph McGraw

Saturday, July 26
  8:00 Thanksgiving Veronica Johnson & Family req. William & Josephine McGraw
12:10    Special Intention Marion Morris & Family req. Diane Strain

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

Pray for an end to abortion every Wed., 7:00 - 10:30 a.m., 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 whose regular Mass attendance is known to the priests or 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.

St. Anne’s Family Society . . . will resume in September, meeting monthly for the whole family: Eucharistic adoration, Benediction, a potluck supper and spiritual talk.  More details to come.

The Christian Moral Life
                                    “The Moral Conscience”
                                                 Part III       - Fr. Terry Walsh
“Return to your conscience, question it….Turn inward, brethren, and in everything you do, see God as your witness” – St. Augustine
 The Catechism teaches: “Deep within his conscience man discovers a law which he has not laid upon himself but which he must obey (1776) ….In all he says and does, man is obligated to follow faithfully what he knows to be just and right (1778).” God created us in His Image. We have intelligence and freedom and an immortal soul. He has written the Truth on our Hearts and beckons us to “live the Truth in Love”(Eph. 4:15). We can only accomplish that call through the grace of God. As we grow in grace, we are effectively allowing the Voice of God to grow loud and clear in our hearts. Then, our decisions and the examination of our lives will be made through the assistance of the Holy Spirit. In Letter to the Duke of Norfolk, John Henry Cardinal Newman wrote: “Conscience is a law of the mind; yet Christians would not grant that it is nothing more; I mean that it was not a dictate, nor conveyed the notion of responsibility, of duty, of a threat and a promise…Conscience is a messenger of him, who, both in nature and in grace, speaks to us behind a veil…. Conscience is the aboriginal Vicar of Christ.”
Formation of one’s conscience is essential. It is a duty. In order to faithfully walk in the Light of Christ, we have to understand what that means. We discover the answer through the Scriptures, the Catechism, and of course through our prayer, our conversations with God. The world would have you believe that conscience is nothing more than “whatever feels right to me” – basically giving license to act without regard to the Gospel. But in his letter to the Romans, St. Paul explains that this relativistic way of thinking is utter folly and will meet a bad end. We are able to know and understand Truth and are in fact called to adhere to it. “Ever since the creation of the world His invisible nature, namely, His eternal power and deity, has been clearly perceived in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse; for although they knew God they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking and their senseless minds were darkened. Claiming to be wise, they became fools….they exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshipped and served the creature rather than the Creator”(Rm1:20ff). It’s the age old battle between Pride and Humility. Humility seeks the Truth; Pride denies it. Humility recognizes weakness; pride denies it. Humility opens the heart to love; pride thrives on selfishness and effectively denies love. Humility honors God; Pride denies Him.
How do we “honor” God? How do we give Him thanks and praise? Are our hearts in union with His will? Jesus said, “If you love Me, keep my commandments…pick up your Cross and follow me…love one another as I have loved you.” The examination of conscience is crucial. If we ask Him, our Lord will reveal just how we’re doing. Jesus said, “When you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.” It may be on a park bench, or during a summer stroll, or perhaps as you kneel before the Tabernacle – whenever and wherever you “sit with God” – in a quiet moment, welcome God into your “inner room” – your heart – and bring him your thoughts, your concerns, your questions, your joys and sorrows. Take time to examine how you’re doing in light of the Commandments and Beatitudes. Listen, quietly, to his response in your heart. This faithful “dialogue” is an act of love and it honors him. Bring him the faults and failings in the Sacrament of Confession with complete trust in his mercy and love and be renewed by his healing grace. Then, press on. This honors him. “Live the Truth in Love”(St. Paul).

Pastor’s Corner . . On August 2nd the Church offers a Plenary Indulgence to Catholics. The Church grants various spiritual gifts to her members during the year called Indulgences. An Indulgence is, in the words of Pope John Paul II:  “the expression of the Church’s full confidence of being heard by the Father when—in view of Christ’s merits and, by his gift, those of Our Lady and the saints—She [the Church] asks Him to mitigate or cancel the painful aspect of punishment [for our sins] fostering its medicinal aspect through other channels of grace.” [General Audience, Sept 29, 1999]  In other words, the temporal punishment we should receive after our death because of our sins, even those forgiven by Confession, is remitted when we perform those acts of faith and charity prescribed by the Church.
 How is this possible? As the Second Vatican Council stated, “For it was from the side of Christ as He slept the sleep of death upon the cross that there came forth ‘the wondrous sacrament of the whole church.” [Sacrosanctucm Concilium, 5.] Our Lord established the Church to be His instrument by which He would continue to reconcile the world to the Father in every place and generation. Christ came to free us from sin and death; the Church continues His work, because Jesus gave His Twelve Apostles His gift to forgive sins, to sanctify Her members through the sacraments, and to preach the fullness of truth, guided by the Holy Spirit.  The Church, therefore, dispenses to us the graces of God. To quote the Church’s own guidelines on Indulgences: “The infinitely precious merits of Jesus, Divine Redeemer of the human race, the merits of the Blessed Virgin Mary and all the saints, have been entrusted to Christ’s Church as an unfailing treasury, that they may be applied to the remission of sins and of the consequences of sin, by virtue of the power [of the Keys] of binding and loosing, which the Founder of the Church Himself conferred on Peter and the other Apostles, and through them on their successors, the Supreme Pontiffs and Bishops. This remission is given primarily, and in the case of mortal sins necessarily, through the Sacrament of Reconciliation [Confession].
 “However, even after mortal sin has been forgiven and, as a necessary consequence, the eternal punishment it deserves has been remitted, and even if slight or venial sin has been remitted, the forgiven sinner can need further purification, that is, be deserving of temporal punishment to be expiated in this life or in the life to come, namely, in Purgatory. An Indulgence, whose purpose is to remit this punishment, is drawn from the Church’s wonderful spiritual treasury mentioned above.” In other words, every time we commit a sin, that sin affects us: it’s like eating too much fatty food: once you stop, you still have cholesterol and a chubby body! When we sin, the sin affects us, leaving a type of spiritual cholesterol on our souls.  By doing penance now, or in Purgatory after our death, we work off that spiritual fat or cholesterol resulting from our overindulgence in sin. This is part of the great and consoling mysteries of the Church and the Communion of Saints: we are all spiritually united in Christ, and work for the salvation of all.  All the saints, Jesus and His Blessed Mother, then, all join in to pay for our sins, if we join in to perform the spiritual works assigned us by the Church.
 On August 2nd, the Church celebrates the Portiuncula.  The Portiuncula is the small chapel, originally built sometime in the 11th century outside the Italian hill town of Assisi, which St. Francis of Assisi saw in a dream in 1207. Saint Bonaventure described this chapel of the Portiuncula, originally dedicated to Our Lady of the Angels:
 “The Portiuncula was an old church dedicated to the Virgin Mother of God which was abandoned. Francis had great devotion to the Queen of the world and when he saw that the church was deserted, he began to live there constantly in order to repair it. He heard that the angels often visited it, so that it was called Saint Mary of the Angels, and he decided to stay there permanently out of reverence for the angels and love for the Mother of Christ.
 “He loved the spot more than any other in the world. It was here he began his religious life in a very small way; it is here he came to a happy end. When he was dying, he commended this spot above all others to the friars, because it was most dear to the Blessed Virgin.” [Life of Saint Francis]
Because of the great spiritual importance of Saint Francis and the Franciscans in renewing the Church through the centuries, the Church offer a Plenary Indulgence for the living or the dead on August 2nd, to those who go to Confession sometime within the week of August 2nd, visit their parish church, recite the Creed and one Our Father for the intention of Pope Benedict XVI, and receive Holy Communion is the state of grace on August 2nd.
Since most of us will be unable to visit Assisi on August 2nd, the Church offers the same spiritual benefits to Catholics around the world who, on August 2nd, visit their parish church, perform this simple spiritual good work, and join themselves spiritually with Christ for the salvation of the world.
Let us take advantage of these spiritual gifts of Christ through His Church. Prepare by going to Confession and truly repenting and turning away from all sin—even the inclination to sin. And on August 2nd, visit our beautiful parish church, receive Holy Communion worthily, and recite the Creed and one Our Father for the intentions of the Holy Father. Since the Indulgence can be had for yourself or for someone who has died, consider being generous, and offer it for a member of your family or friend who has died, and share with them these fruits of your faith and charity, empowered by the merits of Christ, the Blessed Mother and the Saints.
---Msgr. DiGiovanni

Please pray for the sick… Mather Dearbone, Jim Bosilevas, Felicia Stamadini, Vinci Balbucci, Pasqualina Bruzzesi, Carmella Micik, Eleanor McNamee, Nancy Geikie, Vicki Manes, Anthony Sansone, Margaret Woods, Paul Forte, Anne Marie Brutus, Gelanie Lops, Titina Tarantino, Jennifer Tomasello, Janet Rodgers, Antoinetta Fiore.

Please pray for those who have recently died… Guglielmo Labrosciano, Mary Connaly, Christopher Kanel, Rose Sobieski, Rose Magorane, Ralph Stain, Jr. Susan Perretta, Ann O. Tartaglia, George Lampman, Mary Louise Deluca, Viola F. Russo, William Speranza, George Lampman, Robert Geikie, Florence DeSilva, Margaret Mine, Reta Satoriti, Marcello Santagata, Louis Manes, Paul Dudash, John Borron, Fouchard Paulemon, Louis Meyer, Phillis Doherty, Violet Roddy, Wallace Stewart.

                THE PARISH MYSTERY THEATER
                                              Presents the
                          Rectory Players
           In a Radio Style Presentation
                    of:
         AGATHA CHRISTIE’S
        The Unexpected Guest
         At 7:00 p.m. August 7, 8 & 9
           In The Rectory Ball Room
            45 seats - $30.00 each
             Beverages & Desserts)
                  (16 minimum age)

Sunday, July 6, 2008   $ 11,600.00

Sunday, July 8, 2007  $ 10,534.76
I ask you one thing: do not tire of giving to God, but do not give your leftovers.”---Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta

Monthly Collection . . . The second collection today will be the monthly collection for the parish.  Your generosity is appreciated.

The Latin reading group is translating St. Augustine’s Confessions.  All are welcome on Wednesday evenings at 6:15 p.m. in the rectory. PLEASE NOTE: The Latin group will meet on Monday—July14th, 21st & 28th instead of Wednesday during July. In August, the group will return to their usual Wednesday evening meetings.  If you’ve studied high school Latin, you’ll be fine; we all help each other; please join us: you know more than you think! After Latin, Stay and join us for:

St. Monica Institute for Patristic Studies:  Popes of the Early Church:  PLEASE NOTE: due to summer traffic and parking difficulties, the remainder of the July classes are CANCELLED will next meet on August 6th at 7:30 p.m. in the rectory. All are welcome.  Please join us at 7:30 p.m. in the rectory

St. John’s Bible Study… New and Improved: Bible Study will change its format and become more intense. We will use The Bible Timeline Series for 25 Thursdays beginning September 25th through May 7th.  If you are interested, please call the Parish Office to register so that we can order the appropriate materials.  BIBLE STUDY WILL NOT MEET DURING THE SUMMER. We’ll begin in September.
  
Parish Picnic: Sunday, September 14th:
Parish picnic at Cove Island. Details to follow.  

Banns of Marriage:  2nd Methernick Bernadel & Yves Volcy

New Testament Greek . . . anyone interested in a summer introductory study group, please contact Monsignor DiGiovanni.

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 August 5th.

St. Maria Goretti Society . . . for the spiritual formation of young ladies of the parish, from 8th - 12th grades. Questions, please contact Fr. Walsh.

St. Dominic Savio Society…For the spiritual formation of young men from 8th – 12th grades meets monthly in the Rectory.  Any questions, please contact Frank Marchetti at 434-4734.

Lost and Found . . . The parish has a collection of items left behind in church.  If you have lost something, you may find it at the parish office in the rectory: Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m. -4:00 p.m.

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

The Stamford Advocate:
July 20, 1889: “Mayor Grant, of New York City, with John D. Crimmins, ex-park commissioner, were in Stamford last Sunday and attended the 9 o’clock mass in St. John’s church. The mayor was much pleased and delighted with the large and beautiful church edifice, for there are few churches in the state or country that can surpass this magnificent stone building. Mr. Grant had the pleasure of meeting the pastor, Rev. W. H. Rogers, and assistants after the celebration of Mass. Rev. James Lawless celebrated his first high mass on Sunday, June 30, in this parish, with Rev. Father Keena acting as deacon. Mr. Peter McClane as sub-deacon, and Rev. Father Carroll, master of services. There was no sermon but Rev. Father Carroll, in a most appropriate manner, congratulated Father Lawless on his priesthood and wished him a long and happy life in his holy calling. He also said it was a happy day for his parents to witness such an event, and also a pleasure and honor to the parishioners, among whom he has lived since his boyhood.”

The Connecticut Catholic:
July 16, 1892: STAMFORD “The glorious Fourth was more than welcome, on this occasion the town being 250 years old. At midnight our church and school bells were tolled for one hour. At sunrise also the neighborhood was awakened by the bells, and the boys were busy with their fire crackers and torpedoes. St. John’s parish annual picnic was the chief attraction of the day. After 9 o’clock mass all the Catholic societies of the parish turned out in a body headed by St. John’s brass band to Woodside Park, where all enjoyed a gala time. Sports of all kinds were indulged in and good music and plenty of dancing for young and old. An interesting game of ball was played between the Second Division, A.O.H., and St. Joseph’s T.A.B. society, in which the latter was defeated by a good game: Score 9 to 11. Captain Flanigan had his team of foot-ball players and played a good game in a mixed match. The picnic was a grand success.”

The Stamford Advocate:
July 16, 1910:  Father Sullivan’s Successor.  “The Danbury News published the following concerning Father Coleman, curate of St. Peter’s Church, Danbury, who comes to Stamford as successor to Father Sullivan. Father Coleman is a Connecticut man, a native of New Haven, and has been in Danbury about eight years. He stands high in the community, and has many friends among all denominations, and it will be with a great deal of regret on the part of the people, especially those with whom his work has brought him in close contact that he will leave Danbury. Father Coleman was born in New Haven, was graduated from the Hillhouse High School, and finished his classical studies at St. Charles’ College, Baltimore. He then went to the North American College in Rome, Italy, for his philosophical and theological courses, graduating in June 1902. He was ordained in Rome on June 15 of that year. In Danbury, during his seven years’ stay, Father Coleman has had charge of the work among the Italian people, beside having an important part in the general work of the parish.”

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 324-1553 x21.


Mass Intentions

Saturday, July 12
4:00 +Travis Hill req. Grandparents

Sunday, July 13
  7:30 +George Grzesczyk req. Josephine Languedoc
10:00 +Julee Delaney birthday remembrance req. Family
12:00  +Ann Mara 1st Anniversary req. William & Jeanne Laughlin
 6:00 +Patrick Kane & Family req. Estate of Catherine Kane & Family

Monday, July 14
  8:00 +Mrs. Irene Valentino req. Wanda & Paul Verille
12:10 +Rosario D’Amico req. his brother Frank

Tuesday, July 15
  8:00 Special Intention Theresa Smith req. Denis & Kristin Cassidy
12:10 +Stephen, Irene & Nicholas Churley & Anne C. Yaworski req. Mary Churley

Wednesday, July 16
   8:00 +Frances Delaney req. Marie Carr
 12:10 +Antonio D’Amico req. his son Frank

Thursday, July 17
8:00 +John Joseph Coulter req. Joseph L. Silva
12:10     +Antonio D’Amico req. his son Frank

Friday, July 18
  8:00 All Souls in Purgatory
12:10 +Mary Ann Vagnone req. Lisa Fabrizo

Saturday, July 19
  8:00 Special Intention Richard Paul Kim req. Joseph & Mary Kim
12:10    +Jayson Jarrett req. Norma Jarrett

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

Pray for an end to abortion every Wed., 7:00 - 10:30 a.m., 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 whose regular Mass attendance is known to the priests or 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.

St. Anne’s Family Society . . . will resume in September, meeting monthly for the whole family: Eucharistic adoration, Benediction, a potluck supper and spiritual talk.  More details to come.

The Christian Moral Life
Freedom and Responsibility         - Fr. Terry Walsh
Part II
“Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom”(2 Cor 17)
 There is an objective moral Truth. Jesus said, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life.” Truth is a Person, not an opinion. Where He is, there is Truth, there is Life. He longs to dwell IN each of us, if we’ll open our hearts to receive Him. The Scriptures tells us that the Truth is written in our hearts by God Himself. We’re able to discern and understand the Truth; indeed, we have an obligation to seek the Truth and once we discover it, to adhere to it. The biggest obstacle to our living in the Truth is the sin of Pride. Pride clouds our vision and leads us down the road of selfishness. There’s a sort of “self-absorption” that leads to the erroneous understanding that somehow the human person is at the Center of the Universe and the whole world revolves around the subjective person. So we hear common phrases along the lines of “I’ll respect ‘your truth’ if your respect ‘my truth,’ which of course is nonsense. The simple principle of Non-Contradiction applies. A thing can’t be true and false at the same time. The Catechism teaches: “The exercise of freedom does not imply a right to say or do everything. It is false to maintain that man, ‘the subject of this freedom,’ is ‘an individual who is fully self-sufficient and whose finality is the satisfaction of his own interests in the enjoyment of earthly goods’…by deviating from the moral law man violates his own freedom, becomes imprisoned within himself, disrupts neighborly fellowship, and rebels against divine truth”(ccc 1740).
 While it’s true that we must “follow our conscience” it is no less true that we are obligated to FORM our conscience (Scripture, Sacraments, Prayer, Good Deeds – in a word, Grace). While we certainly owe respect and kindness to all people, we’re called to witness to the Truth, and this may lead to disagreements concerning any number of issues. Through the Sacrament of Confirmation, we’ve been given the grace to teach and defend the faith, in other words, to teach and defend the truth, but to do so with love and respect. If we’re going to be faithful to our “Life in Christ” witnessing to our Lord though our fidelity to the Truth, then we need to grow in our knowledge and understanding of the Truth. How can we give what we do not possess? Ah, we’re back to the virtue of Humility. “Lord, teach me.” That humble little prayer expresses a desire to put aside our own opinions so that we can become rooted and grounded in the Truth. Consider the retort our Lord makes to the proud Sadducees who thought themselves wise and learned but were in fact harboring resentment to the Truth because it got in the way of the “lifestyle” they had grown accustomed to living. Jesus said: “Is not this why you are wrong, that you know neither the scriptures nor the power of God”(Mk 12:24)? Have we fallen into the same trap? When we offer opinions on the moral life, are these based upon the Will of God, which is perfect, beautiful, pure, and holy (and is easily discovered in the humble heart who seeks the Truth through the Word Himself in Sacred Scripture) or, are these opinions based on the standards set by the world, the cultural norms “agreed upon” by the loudest voice and the most money? Another came to Him, seeking the Truth, and asked Jesus: “Which commandment is the first of all? Jesus answered, ‘The first is “Hear O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is One; and you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.” ‘The second is like this, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself’”(Mk 12:28). The Moral Life: “Faith working through Love”(St Paul).

Pastor’s Corner . . ---Msgr. DiGiovanni
Last week’s Around the World fundraising dinner was a magnificent success, for a variety of reasons. First, and most important for the restoration of the church bell tower, we raised $60,000, all of which—every penny—will be used to repair our ailing bell tower. The other reason why the dinner was such a superb success was that it was just a lot of fun!!!!!
Put 170 fun parishioners of Saint John’s together, along with the 20 volunteers who worked that evening to assure that all proceeded without a hitch, and all we did was have fun.
 Such a splendid parish event did not come about by spontaneous generation: there were very many people who labored for scores of hours, and who made generous donations in cash, goods and services to make the evening so wonderful. I’d like to thank just a few of them now, reserving the grand list of contributors and workers until a few weeks hence.
 First and foremost, I must thank the Marchetti Family: Maria and Tony and their wonderful children and daughters-in-law donated the food, as well as hundreds of hours to prepare and serve the food and decorate the hall. Without the Marchettis’ generosity, this annual fundraising dinner would never have been the success that it has been this year and during the past four years. Tante, tante grazie a Voi: da cuore! Organizing the preparations and choreographing the work of everyone was Marjan Falek: hundreds of hours of planning and meetings, numerous sleepless nights, scores of phone calls, emails, faxes and text messages later, Marjan and her committee produced a truly memorable evening. While I an unable to say this in Dutch, the sentiment is, nonetheless, heartfelt in English, when I say thank you, thank you, thank you, Marjan, for your generosity!
 The committee members, likewise, spent a good number of their winter hours planning, organizing, preparing and creating the fundraising event: Mirella Badetti, Tracy Banahan, Lisa D'Acunto, MaryJean Dalmolin, Juanita Evans, Joe McAleer, Angela Marchetti, Maria Marchetti, Michael Marchetti, Landa Leute, Shelley Sahd, Leon Taricani, and Margarita Ucero. Thank you all for your hard work and love for our parish.
There were others, as well, who put their hands, hearts and minds to good work preparing for the event and doing work on the evening itself:  Mary Cycon & Donna Cycon, who worked at checkout during the event, and many of our parish staff: Providenzia Rodriguez, Ferry Galbert, Tony Colon and Gary Belmonte, who have labored for the past months behind the scenes.  I also want to thank the St. Dominic Savio Society and the St. Maria Goretti Society.  I am very grateful to you all.  
Many others contributed in goods and professional services for that evening, and I’d like to mention just a few:
Besides the Marchetti Family and Columbus Park Trattoria, Frank Carpanzano of Advanced Travel provided air line tickets for our auction, as well as all the posters and travel advertising used as decoration for our evening; Nick and Terry  Troilo of Nicholas Roberts Fine Wines, LTD, of Darien donated the wonderful wines for the evening; Dr. Joseph McAleer, editor of the Fairfield County Catholic and his staff who designed the invitations, correspondence cards and invitations for the vent; Greg Duffy of MinuteMan Press of Norwalk, who donated the printing of the programs for the evening; and Yankee Linens who donated all the dinner linens. There are many others, and I’ll mention them next week, along with those who gave financial contributions.
 To all who participated, I wish to extend my gratitude, as well. So many of our parish joined in to make this evening a success, and I thank you, truly. God bless you.
 Please pray for the sick… Mather Dearbone, Jim Bosilevas,  Felicia Stamadini, Vinci Balbucci, Pasqualina Bruzzesi, Carmella Micik, Eleanor McNamee, Nancy Geikie, Vicki Manes, Anthony Sansone, Margaret Woods, Paul Forte, Anne Marie Brutus, Gelanie Lops, Titina Tarantino, Jennifer Tomasello, Janet Rodgers, Antoinetta Fiore.

Please pray for those who have recently died… Christopher Kanel, Rose Sobieski, Rose Magorane, Ralph Stain, Jr. Susan Perretta, Mary Louise Deluca, Viola F. Russo, William Speranza, George Lampman, Robert Geikie, Florence DeSilva, Margaret Mine, Reta Satoriti, Marcello Santagata, Louis Manes, Paul Dudash, John Borron, Fouchard Paulemon, Louis Meyer, Phillis Doherty, Violet Roddy, Wallace Stewart.

               THE PARISH MYSTERY THEATER
                          Presents the
                          Rectory Players
           In a Radio Style Presentation
                    of:
           AGATHA CHRISTIE’S
                     The Uninvited Guest
         At 7:00 p.m. August 7, 8 & 9
                         In The Rectory Ball Room
                             45 seats - $30.00 each
                           (Beverages & Desserts)
                                     (16 minimum age)

The Latin reading group is translating St. Augustine’s Confessions.  All are welcome on Wednesday evenings at 6:15 p.m. in the rectory.  If you’ve studied high school Latin, you’ll be fine; we all help each other; please join us: you know more than you think! After Latin, Stay and join us for:

St. Monica Institute for Patristic Studies will next meet on July 9th at 7:30 p.m. in the rectory:  Popes of the Early Church: All are welcome.  Please join us. July’s topic will be the Popes of the Early Church. HOWEVER, because of traffic problems on some July Wednesday evenings, the dates are slightly altered for the reading course on the Popes.  We’ll meet on Wednesdays: July 2nd & 9th, and on August 6th at 7:30 p.m. in the rectory.  Sorry for the inconvenience.

New Testament Greek . . . anyone interested in a summer introductory study group, please contact Monsignor DiGiovanni.

St. John’s Bible Study… New and Improved: Bible Study will change its format and become more intense. We will use The Bible Timeline Series for 25 Thursdays beginning September 25th through May 7th.  If you are interested, please call the Parish Office to register so that we can order the appropriate materials.  BIBLE STUDY WILL NOT

MEET DURING THE SUMMER. We’ll begin in September.
  
Parish Picnic: Sunday, September 14th:
Parish picnic at Cove Island. Details to follow.  

NATURAL FAMILY PLANNING:  An Instruction Session in NFP will be offered on Monday, July 7th at 7:30 p m.  All are welcome.  Please contact Lisa Frawley if you plan to attend (203-254-6615).

Bann of Marriage:  1st Methernick Bernadel & Yves Volcy

Sunday, June 29, 2008    $ 11,661.00

Sunday, July 01, 2007  $ 11,547.51

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

Recollections on the Fourth:
The celebration of our nation’s independence on July 4th was always marked well. This was particularly true following the American Civil War, when the sacrifice of so many tens of thousands of Northern and Southern young men on the battlefields was still fresh in the minds of all Americans—immigrants and Catholics included!

Those early Independence day celebrations, right after the Civil War, were of exceptional importance, as a means of paying tribute to both the tens of thousands of fallen heroes and to those tens of thousands of living veterans who had endured the unimaginable in the horrors of battlefield to preserve the Union.  Liberty in America was deemed precious, and the rights of all, even of slaves, sufficient cause for war. Large numbers of Catholics, fought valiantly.

On our own 4th of July weekend, when we are again at war, we should not forget that our liberties and freedom are still precious, and that they are still threatened. Even our earliest immigrant members of St. John’s parish, who endured anti-Catholic prejudice, knew that such suffering was worthwhile, both because it was the lot of the true Christian to suffer as did the Master for the faith, and because being in the United States was worth any suffering or hardship required.

On this weekend of the 4th, pray for our country, for our President, our Congress and, especially, for our troops. The U.S.A. is still the greatest nation on the planet; that’s why so many people still make their way to our shores-- and many even make it to Saint John’s!! -- Msgr. DiGiovanni

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 August  5th  .

St. Maria Goretti Society . . . for the spiritual formation of young ladies of the parish, from 8th - 12th grades. Questions, please contact Fr. Walsh.

St. Dominic Savio Society…For the spiritual formation of young men from 8th – 12th grades meets monthly in the Rectory.  Any questions, please contact Frank Marchetti at 434-4734.
Lost and Found . . . The parish has a collection of items left behind in church.  If you have lost something, you may find it at the parish office in the rectory: Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.

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

The New York Freeman’s Journal and Catholic Register:
July 13, 1860: “On Thursday, the 20th of June, John Fagan, of the Hartford diocese received the sacred order of Sub-deaconship from the Most Rev. Archbishop of Baltimore, in the chapel of St. Mary’s Seminary, in that city. On the Feast of SS. Peter and Paul, John Fagan, received Deaconship. On Saturday, Feast of St. Paul, John Fagan was ordained a priest in the same place by the Most Rev. Archbishop.” (The Reverend John Fagan was Pastor of St. John the Evangelist Church, Stamford, from 1868 to 1873.)

The Connecticut Catholic:
July 8, 1876: STAMFORD “The schools, under the Sisters of Mercy at this place, are actively engaged in preparation for the annual exhibition and commencement which is to take place before the close of the present month. Father Coleman has arrived here as assistant, the need of an additional priest having long been felt.”

The Connecticut Catholic:
July 11, 1885: STAMFORD. “The A.O.H. has engaged St. John’s cornet band for the state parade at Hartford August 18, an indication that it is their intention to have good music. The order will, no doubt, present a creditable appearance on that occasion, judging from the manner in which it has always appeared before in public. Our annual church picnic came off last Saturday at Woodside Park, but failed to escape the rain which is almost certain to come; otherwise the attendance, although large, would have been much greater than it was. The children of the Sunday school, and the different societies, St. Patrick’s, and St. Joseph’s Temperance, A.O.H., and St. John’s Benevolent with St. John’s Band, attended in a body.”

The Stamford Advocate:
July 9, 1906:  Bishop Tierney Laid the Corner Stone of Parochial School  “The corner stone of St. John’s school was laid, yesterday afternoon, with all the impressiveness of the Roman Catholic ritual and in the presence of a large and representative assemblage of townspeople. It was a notable gathering that was present, including public officials and men prominent in all walks of life, together with a distinguished array of clergymen, headed by the Rt. Rev. Michael Tierney, D. D., Bishop of the diocese of Hartford, who officiated at the religious ceremony and also set the stone, using the conventional trowel of silver. All the arrangements had been attended to with the utmost care with the result that there was no confusion and the program was carried through without delay, the ritual, singing and address taking up only a little over an hour.”

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 324-1553 x21.

Mass Intentions

Saturday, July 5
4:00 +Isabell Coppola req. Terenzio Family
Sunday, July 6
  7:30 Special Intention Mary Young Kim req. Joseph & Mary Kim
10:00 Thanksgiving to the Sacred Heart of Jesus req. Margarita Arenas
12:00  +Patrick Forlenzio req. Christopher, Michelle, & Maryanne
 6:00 +Patrick Kane & Family req. Estate of Catherine Kane & Family
Monday, July 7
  8:00 +Amy Reed req. Fabiola C.
12:10 +Rosario D’Amico req. his brother Frank
Tuesday, July 8
  8:00 +Martin & Katie Maloney & Family req. Mary Maloney
12:10 +Salvador Sandoval req. Fabiola C
Wednesday, July 9
   8:00 Special Intention Carmello C. D’Ariano & Family req. Anthony D’Ariano
 12:10 +Jayson Jarrett req. Norma Jarrett
Thursday, July 10
8:00 +Elias Contreras req. Fabiola Contreras
12:10     +Vita Fazio req. her brother Frank D’Amico
Friday, July 11
  8:00 Special Intention Josephine Languedoc req. Diane Strain
12:10 +Irene Medwed 4th Anniversary req. De Vivo Family
Saturday, July 12
  8:00 +Hope & Joseph McAleer req. Family
12:10    +Shirley Henry req.  The Ward Family

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

Pray for an end to abortion every Wed., 7:00 - 10:30 a.m., 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 whose regular Mass attendance is known to the priests or 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.

St. Anne’s Family Society . . . will resume in September, meeting monthly for the whole family: Eucharistic adoration, Benediction, a potluck supper and spiritual talk.  More details to come.

The Christian Moral Life
Freedom and Responsibility         - Fr. Terry Walsh
Part I
“It was God who created man in the beginning, and left him in the power of his own inclination. If you will, you can keep the commandments, and to act faithfully is a matter of your own choice. He has placed before you fire and water: stretch out your hand for whichever you wish. Before a man are life and death, and whichever he chooses will be given to him.” – Sirach 15: 14-16

 Saint Paul teaches in his letter to the Galatians, “For freedom Christ has set us free; stand fast therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery”(5:1). Through the gift of divine life, that is, through Baptism, which comes to us through the sacrifice of Jesus, we have access to every grace necessary to turn away from the slavery of sin and darkness and instead ‘walk in the Light of Christ.’ As we grow in our knowledge of God (Bible, Sacraments, Prayer, Keeping the Commandments) we grow in the habit of virtue, habits that are perfected by the supernatural grace of the Holy Spirit. We simply need to choose to follow our Lord. He doesn’t force us; rather, he presents us with the offer of life with and in Him, as well as the “cost” of discipleship, and then – “…whichever we choose, he gives us”: Eternal Beatitude, Heaven, or, sadly, the pains of Hell. Our actions, free and deliberate choices, have eternal consequences. We were created for eternal happiness in the perpetual light of Heaven. We prove our love for God by living in communion with Him here on earth – putting Him at the center of our lives. St. Augustine said, “We all want to live happily; in the whole human race there is no one who does not assent to this proposition, even before it is fully articulated”(De moribus ecclesiae catholicae) and Augustine asks the question, “How is it, then, that I seek you, Lord? Since in seeking you, my God, I seek a happy life, let me seek you so that my soul may live, for my body draws life from my soul and my soul draws life from you”(Confessions). And so, we must ask the question, “How can I best love God; how ought I live my life?” It’s a question that leads each of us to a particular vocation within the “vocation” of Christian Discipleship, or what St. Paul calls, “faith working through love.” He tells the Galatians: “For the whole law is fulfilled in one word, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself””(5:14).
 As we grow in our knowledge of God (Scriptures, Prayer, Sacraments, Good Deeds) we can more faithfully imitate our Lord. He said, “Whatever you ASK in my name, I will do it, that the Father may be glorified in the Son; if you ASK anything in my name, I will do it”(Jn 14:13). How pleasing it is to our Lord when we ask Him to lead us to Himself – to guard our hearts and minds – to heal us of our sins and to fill us with his love. How beautiful the life of grace for those that SEEK to do his will; to live in communion with him today, right now, at this very moment and every moment, in a gentle and harmonious way, confident in his abiding love. He calls each of us to himself. He places before us the eternal water of divine grace or the eternal fire, and he waits. He gives us the gift of freedom (without freedom, we couldn’t love) and he thirsts for our love. He gives us all that we need when we freely choose to cooperate with Him for the accomplishment of our Eternal Salvation. “By free will one shapes one’s own life. Human freedom is a force for growth and maturity in truth and goodness; it attains its perfection when directed toward God, our beatitude”(ccc1731).