St. Francis Xavier Parish

Transcription

1 26 CHESTNUT LAND ROAD NEW MILFORD, CT Web Site: Office Hours: 9 A.M. - 5 P.M. Mon. - Thurs. (Closed on Friday) St. Francis Xavier Parish Parish Monthly Theme: April 5, 2015 Patience Easter Sunday The Resurrection of the Lord PASTORAL TEAM Rev. Lawrence P. Parent, OFM Pastor FrLarry@sfxnewmilford.org Deacon Roland Miller DeaconRoland@sfxnewmilford.org SUPPORT STAFF Doreen Gray, Administrative Assistant DGray@sfxnewmilford.org Jocelyne Verrastro St. Francis Cemetery/Finance Office JVerrastro@sfxnewmilford.org Theresa Fugardi, Pastoral Assistant tfugardi@sfxnewmilford.org FAITH FORMATION Mary Vannucci, Coordinator Gr. K - 5 MVannucci@sfxnewmilford.org Sue Pullen, Coordinator Gr Edge (Gr. 6-8), LifeTeen (Gr. 9-12) & Confirmation SPullen@sfxnewmilford.org Chris Grenier, Administrative Assistant to Faith Formation CGrenier@sfxnewmilford.org HOLY INFANT NURSERY SCHOOL Marge Cooper, Director Mailing Address & Office Location 1 Elm Street New Milford, CT Fax # MASS SCHEDULE Saturday Vigil at 5:00 p.m. Sunday at 7:30, 10:00 a.m. & 5:00 p.m. (Life Teen) Wednesday, Friday at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday at 7:30 a.m. SACRAMENTS CONFESSIONS Saturdays 12:00 noon or by appointment BAPTISMS Call Parish Office MARRIAGES Contact the priest 1 year in advance. MINISTRY TO THE SICK The parish clergy and Ministers of Holy Communion visit New Milford Hospital, Candlewood Valley Health & Rehab, Village Crest Center for Health & Rehab and some homebound regularly. For other specific visits, please contact the Parish Office. WELCOME We are glad you are here. If you would like to join the parish, please call the parish office.

2 Page Two April 5, 2015 SATURDAY - April 4 - EASTER VIGIL 8:00 P.M. For our RCIA Candidates & Their Families Easter Sunday of the Resurrection of the Lord SUNDAY - April 5 7:30 A.M. +Jack McPartland Req. by His Family 10:00 A.M. For The People of St. Francis Xavier & The Immaculate Conception Province Please note: There is NO 5:00 p.m. Mass on Easter Sunday MONDAY - No Daily Mass - April 6 TUESDAY - April 7 7:30 A.M. +Nancy Hyland Req. by Her Family WEDNESDAY - April 8 6:30 P.M. +James & Nora McAleer Req. by Ray & Pat O Brien THURSDAY - April 9 7:30 A.M. +William Cardone (11th Anniversary) Req. by His Father FRIDAY - April 10 6:30 P.M. +Patricia Marie Bryan Nigey Req. by Jim Purcell SATURDAY - April 11 7:30 A.M. Living and deceased members of the Shugrue and Brennan Families Req. by Dan & Judy Shugrue VIGIL 5:00 P.M. +Joe Falk Req. by His Wife, Bea and Family Divine Mercy Sunday SUNDAY - April 12 7:30 A.M. For The People of St. Francis Xavier & The Immaculate Conception Province 10:00 A.M. +John Stote Req. by The Esposito Family 5:00 P.M. +Jennie Zoda Req. by Ann & John Winter Please note: Parish Offices are closed tomorrow, Monday, April 6. St. Francis sends a final farewell to our dearly departed: Barbara Clark Muriel Smerekanicz The Sanctuary Lamp for the week burns in memory of Douglas Onderko and Prayers of support for Barbara Onderko Requested by Ellen Maxwell SPEAKER FROM CAROLYN S PLACE... We ve heard the story about baby Carolyn who was abandoned in a church in Watertown, CT; come and learn more about the mission she inspired. Ellen Cavallo, the Director of CAROLYN'S PLACE PREGNANCY CARE CENTER will visit us to talk about the mission to provide education, comfort and assistance to those in need of services. Ms. Cavallo will visit our parish on Saturday, April 11th at 2PM in the Church Hall. Donations of spring/summer clothing sizes newborn to 2T for boys or girls would be appreciated but your presence is a gift and encouragement in itself. Refreshment will be provided. For more information contact Ellen Cote (860) or ebcote@yahoo.com. I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. (John 11:25-26) We rejoice this Easter Sunday! A day that brings us New Hope! As we become transformed by Christ s Resurrection and empowered by the Holy Spirit, we are sent to transform the world. God has given us hope to be a people of Resurrection, to use our lives in service to one another and to our God. With great joy in our hearts, the empty tomb reminds us to embrace the Risen Christ as people of light and new life. May you and your family have a glorious Easter. He is Risen! Alleluia! Alleluia! Fr. Larry

3 Page Three April 5, 2015 Meal s Ministry - New Members My name is Chris Grenier and I am looking for volunteers interested in joining a wonderful ministry: The Meals Ministry. Our ministry is dedicated to providing meals to people and families in need. This can range from those who have suffered a loss, families that have just had a new baby and need a few days to get everything back in order - or people recovering from serious illness or surgery and need long term help to feed themselves and their families. We have a great group of dedicated volunteers who take turns making a meal to help those who are in need. This is a truly rewarding ministry where you are able to share your gifts with others. As a wife and mother I have found the meals ministry to be a wonderful experience that the whole family can participate in together. We enjoy preparing the meals together and it has been a great way to introduce the concepts of compassion and stewardship and charity. Our ministry is always looking for new volunteers who are looking for a way to help those in need. You do not need to be a gourmet chef - just a good home cooked meal can be a wonderful gift to share. Please consider joining if you feel God is calling you. If you cannot make meals we are also looking for drivers to pick up and deliver. I can be reached at the office or cgrenier@sfxnewmilford.org Thank you!! NEXT WEEK S SECOND COLLECTION will benefit: Peter s Pence. This collection provides Pope Francis with the funds he needs to carry out his charitable works around the world. The proceeds benefit the most disadvantaged: victims of war, oppression and disasters. Join our Holy Father as a witness of charity to those who are suffering. OFFERTORY - March 22 = $5, ½ % CATHEDRATICUM = $ ½ % CATHOLIC SCHOOLS = $ ST. FRANCIS SHARE = $5, Martha & Mary Community Care = $2, OFFERTORY - March 29 = $9, ½ % CATHEDRATICUM = $ ½ % CATHOLIC SCHOOLS = $ ST. FRANCIS SHARE = $8, SFX Scholarship Fund = $2, Threshold Bible Study: Angels of God Reminder to all who signed up for our next Bible series with Maura Pauli - Bible Study begins this week: Thursday, April 9th from 1pm - 2:15pm or 7pm - 8:15pm. in the Church Hall. VOCATION AWARENESS: Attention, single Catholic men 18-30: The Knights of the Holy Eucharist, a community of consecrated brothers dedicated to fostering reverent devotion to Our Eucharistic Lord, invite you to discern your vocation at their House of Formation, located at the Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament in Hanceville, Alabama. Learn more: knights.org. Are you over 18, a high school graduate and looking for a nearby retreat?? Then the PIE 32 Retreat may be what you are looking for: Danbury Emmaus is having a retreat for adults 18 and up who have completed high school on May 1-3, 2015 at the Seton Newman Center in Danbury CT. It will be a weekend you will never forget! Come deepen your relationship with God while you make friendships that will last a lifetime! It is a weekend of great Faith, great Food, new Friends, and lots of Fun! For more information, please call Kristin Nauheimer at or visit September 25-27, 2015 Archdiocese of Hartford Papal Visit Pilgrimage to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania It is very important to reaffirm the family, which remains the essential cell of society. Pope Francis Pilgrimage includes: round trip transportation with Premier Bus Lines; accommodations at 4-star hotel for two-nights; 2 breakfasts; 1 boxed lunch; and 2 dinners; conference with Fr. Juan-Diego Brunetta, O.P. about the family. Taxes and pilgrim kit are also included. Departure on September 25 th is available from 1) St. Thomas Seminary in Bloomfield; 2) St. Bridget Church in Cheshire; or 3) Our Lady of Pompeii in East Haven. All buses will depart at noon. Mass with Pope Francis will be Sunday, Sept. 27. Visit for itinerary, cost, and other details. Double Occupancy $ per person Single Occupancy $1, Triple $705 per person; Quadruple $630 per person Deadline for registration is: April 15, 2015.

4 Page Four April 5, 2015 LIFE TEEN MASS Every Sunday 5:00 P.M. UPCOMING LIFE TEEN LIFE NIGHTS: These nights are especially important for those who have missed regular classes (as these must be made up). Open to ALL High School students: Sun., April 12 th following the 5:00 pm Mass. This will be an issue evening dealing with drug and alcohol awareness called Under the Influence. Dinner will be served. Questions? Call Sue Pullen. FOR ALL GRADE 9 & 10 STUDENTS: Sun., Apr. 19 Special Night at CHURCH (this is required for ALL year 1 & year 2 Confirmation Students). Prior to attending please eat an early dinner and plan on attending the 5 pm MASS, following we will have a snack break, then our special guest speaker: Tommy McGrady and the Full Armor Band will perform and we will end the evening with ADORATION. Parent pick up is at 9 pm. Call Sue Pullen with any questions. The last WALK TO EMMAUS meeting will be held on Wed., Apr. 22nd at 7pm in the Church Hall. It is very important for all adults and teen helpers to attend. Please RSVP to Sue Pullen. EASTER BREAD SALE THIS WEEKEND after all the Masses. This is a Steubenville fund raiser - if you are attending Steubenville this summer, please help at one of the Masses. SERVICE HOURS: If your grade 9 or 10 student would like or needs service hours, we have our annual Cemetery Clean Up on Saturday, April 11 th from 9am 12noon (weather permitting). If you are interested please call Sue Pullen. You will need to bring work gloves, a rake (if you have one) and to dress for outdoor yard work. REMINDER: Our year 2 Confirmation Walk to Emmaus retreat will be held on Sat., Apr. 25 th Sun., Apr. 26 th. All Sponsor forms, Saint Name forms, permission slips and any other paperwork you owe is due NOW. Attention 9th and 10th Grade Greeters: If you d like to remain on the greeters list after April, please call or Bob and Adrienne Coppola by April or aabc86@aol.com. FAITH FORMATION CLASS SCHEDULE: ALL classes are held at the Parish Center unless otherwise specified: THIS WEEK (last class): Tues., Apr. 7 th JPS grades 1-3 3:30-5pm Wed., Apr. 8 th JPS grades 1-3 3:30-5pm Thurs., Apr. 9 th SN 5 grade 5 3:30-5pm EDGE MISSION TRIP: Our meeting was cancelled due to the weather. This Mission Trip is called Just 5 Days, and comes to us from the Center for Ministry Development/Young Neighbors in Action. The meeting will not be rescheduled, so if you are interested in more information please call Sue Pullen. Calling all boys years old. Do you like camping, swimming, archery, climbing, fishing, boating, campfires and awesome meals? Boy Scout Troop 66, sponsored by St. Francis Xavier Church, has a few openings this summer to experience Camp Workcoeman on beautiful West Hill Pond in New Hartford, CT. We will be attending July If you are interested please call Scoutmaster Joe Vita today at (860) for more info. Your summer adventure begins with Troop 66. CONFIRMATION IMPORTANT DATES Full Armor Band (Year 1 & Year 2) Gr. 9 & 10 Sunday, April 19-5:00 p.m. - Church Walk to Emmaus Overnight Retreat Year 2 students (Grade 10) April (arrive at 9:45 am) Silver Lake Conference Center, Sharon CT Confirmation Rehearsals: Tues., May 19-7pm (for 10 am group) Wed., May 20-7pm (for 1 pm group) Confirmation Date: Saturday, May 23, :00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.

5 Page Five April 5, 2015 Defending Our Religious Liberty The present administration has shown flexibility in implementing a number of provisions of the Affordable Care Act, issuing numerous delays and exemptions for many employers and individuals. The Catholic Church is asking that the same consideration be extended to the faithful who are awaiting judicial relief so that they can live by their religious beliefs without facing government penalties for doing so. If you haven t done so already, please voice your opposition to the federal health care mandate by calling U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Sylvia Mathews Burwell at Let her know that the mandate is in violation of our First Amendment right to religious freedom. Sponsored by our Knights of Columbus Every Monday night VFW Hall (Avery Road, New Milford) Doors open at 5:45 p.m. BINGO begins at 6:30 p.m. INSPIRATIONAL TEACHING GIFTS FOR CHILDREN! With First Holy Communion and Confirmation fast approaching, here are two lovely and inspirational gifts. Parishioner Donna Cooper O'Boyle was recently profiled on EWTN's Bookmark TV show about two of her children's books: "Angels For Kids" and "My Confirmation Book." Watch the show here on You Tube: -ewtns-bookmark-tv-show/. Order autographed copies of the books from Donna on SALE here: blog/2015/03/21/tomorrow-ewtns-bookmark/ or purchase a signed copy at the Rel. Ed. office. The Confraternity of the Rosary will meet on Monday, April 6 at 12 noon in the Church Hall. New members are always welcome to come. Blood Drive - - Knights of Columbus Saturday, April 11 7:45 a.m. - 12:45 p.m. New Milford Community Ambulance Corp 1 Scoville Road, New Milford For an appointment, please call the Red Cross RED-CROSS Divine Mercy Feast Sunday, April 12 3:00 p.m. Parishioners are invited to pray with us on the Feast of Divine Mercy on Sunday, April 12. We will begin at 3:00 p.m. and pray the Divine Mercy Prayers, the Chaplet of the Divine Mercy, and Eucharistic Adoration. We invite all to attend to celebrate this great feast at St. Francis. ARCHDIOCESAN WHITE MASS Honoring the service and ministry of health care professions Principal Celebrant: The Most Reverend Leonard P. Blair, S.T.D. Sunday, April 26, 2015 at 12:00 Noon St. Mary Church 5 Hillhouse Avenue, New Haven, CT Luncheon to follow at: The Graduate Club, 155 Elm Street, New Haven, CT Featuring Keynote address by Archbishop Blair Luncheon and reception: $30.00 per person Reservations may be made through the Chancery Office of Archdiocese of Hartford Please contact Marion Valenti marion.valenti@aohct.org St. Francis Xavier Scholarship Fund We are pleased to offer our graduating high school seniors an opportunity to apply for this scholarship. We can help a teen achieve their goal of furthering their education with a donation to this tax deductible fund. Anyone who would like to support our young parishioners as they begin their college career is welcome to contribute. Your checks may be mailed to the Parish Center at 1 Elm Street made payable to St. Francis Xavier Church with Scholarship Fund in the memo. Scholarships are awarded in June to graduating seniors who are continuing their education. Questions? Please call the Parish Office. The Archbishop s Annual Appeal supports many important ministries and programs. Gifts are allocated towards religious education programs, youth ministries, local charities, the education of our seminarians, our retired clergy, our Catholic schools, and all the services provided by our Archdiocese, far too many to list here. If you have not yet made your gift or pledge, please pray about your decision and consider making a pledge or one-time gift today.