26 Dodgingtown Road, Bethel, CT Phone: (203) Fax: (203) Visit us on Facebook: StMaryChurchBethel

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1 26 Dodgingtown Road, Bethel, CT Phone: (203) Fax: (203) Visit us on Facebook: StMaryChurchBethel

2 St. Mary Catholic Church FATHER COREY S EPISTLE Third Sunday of Lent In his first interview with a German newspaper published today by Die Zeit, the Pope reiterated he has no intention to change the ecclesiastical discipline of priestly celibacy in force for many centuries in the Latin Catholic Church. Francis acknowledged that priests vocation crisis is a huge problem and the Church will have to solve it, but voluntary celibacy is not a solution, nor it is opening seminaries doors to people who do not have an authentic vocation. It is not by allowing priests or future priests to get married that we will solve the crisis of vocations. The Lord told us to pray. That is what is missing: prayer. More work needs to be done with the young people who are seeking guidance. A difficult but necessary work because young people are asking for it. The Pope, however, also said, We need to consider if viri probati (worthy Married men) could be a possibility. If so, we would need to determine what duties they could undertake, for example, in remote communities. It has never been a secret that celibate commitment abolition for those who become priests was not on the Pope s agenda nor among his wishes. Before the election, he had said publicly. For the moment then Cardinal Bergoglio told rabbi Skórka I am in favor of maintaining celibacy, with all its pros and cons, because we have ten centuries of good experiences rather than failures, he said. Tradition has weight and validity. Catholic ministers had gradually chosen celibacy. Until 1100 it was optional, some chose it, some not... it is a matter of discipline and not of faith. It can be changed. Personally, the idea of marriage has never crossed my mind. The Pope has stated this several times, explaining that celibacy is not a dogma, but it is a gift. A precious gift. More than eight hundred years ago, in 1179, the Lateran Council III ruled that ecclesiastical celibacy has no divine nature, but only canonical, that is a tradition that belongs to the discipline of the Latin Church. The Lateran Council III decided not to change the apostolic discipline of the first seven ecumenical councils (which were recognized also by the Orthodox Church), which allowed priestly ordination also of married men. It did not allow however, the possibility of getting married after the ordination. The Eastern Churches both Orthodox and Catholic in fact provide ordination of already married seminarians, but not marriage for already made priests. While the Latin Church has chosen to order only celibate men. The Second Vatican Council s decree Presbyterorum ordinis recognizes that the choice of celibacy is not demanded by the very nature of priesthood. So even the Catholic Church has already married priests: they are priests belonging to the Eastern Churches in communion with Rome. There have been other exceptions and decisions related to emergency situations. During the pontificate of Pius XII, in 1951, the Catholic Church ordained priest former Anglicans pastors. This procedure continued in the following decades. If it were a bishop to be married, as happened to the Anglicans, he could be ordained priest, but not receive the fullness of the episcopate order in the Catholic Church. The most significant regulation on the matter was the one established in 2009 by Benedict XVI in the Apostolic Constitution Anglicanorum coetibus and the establishment of the Anglo Catholic Ordinariate to welcome back into communion with Rome, pastors, bishops and priests of the Anglican Church. A document which effectively establishes the possibility of married clergy in the Latin Church, although as exception tied to specific criteria and conditions. In the second paragraph of Article 6 of the Constitution, after stating the rule of celibacy, Pope Ratzinger established the possibility of admitting married men, case by case, to the sacred order of priesthood, according to the objective criteria approved by the Holy See. The same was read in the attached supplementary provisions of the papal document, prepared by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith with papal approval, which states that the ordinary may present to the Holy Father a request for the admission of married men to the presbyterial Ordinariate, after a process of discernment based on objective criteria and on the needs of the Ordinariate itself. A text that does not close the door to future possibilities. In June 2014, Pope Francis issued a special decree that allowed Eastern married priests to work in Christian communities in the Diaspora, therefore, outside of their areas. The decree nullified previous existing bans. Once again, a response to an urgency to meet the faithful s needs. Until today, it has been the only decision taken by the current Pontiff concerning this matter. It is known that in the early years of his pontificate, Francis received a request from a bishop of the Amazon, asking for the possibility of ordering viri probati as they could reach indigenous communities and guarantee them the sacraments. It was Erwin Kraeutler, Sunday, 3/19 Monday, 3/20 Tuesday, 3/21 Wednesday, 3/22 7:00am, 8:30am, 10:00am, 11:30am, 5:30pm 6:30pm Senior Youth Group 6:30am Mass 8:35am Rosary 9:00am Mass 6:15pm Little Flowers 6:30am Mass 8:35am Rosary 9:00am Mass 7:00pm Women of Faith 6:30am Mass 8:35am Rosary 9:00am Mass 5:30pm Children s Choir 6:30pm Virtus Training 6:30pm Confirmation Sponsor Meeting 7:00pm Prayer Service

3 St. Mary Catholic Church March 19, 2017 FATHER COREY S EPISTLE bishop of Austrian origin, pastor of Xingu, who asked to guarantee spiritual and sacramental assistance in a boundless territory of 700 thousand faithful scattered in 800 communities who could rely on only 27 priests. From the words of the Pope in the interview to Die Zeit we understand that a reform of the discipline of celibacy is not on the horizon and has never even been his agenda, while that of viri probati is an open issue that needs to be treated with caution. The eventual ordination of mature men, even married, of proven faith and experience, should not be considered it is clear from the words used by Bergoglio as a response to those who hope priests marriage will populate seminars and avoid certain sexual scandals. As evidenced by the statistics of Churches which have abolished the obligation of celibacy. And as for the problems related to the sexual sphere, or the terrible child abuse crime, those same statistics attest their frequency within the family sphere and thus should not be related to the difficulties related to celibate life. It appears rather obvious that the possible ordination of viri probati would remain tied to certain specific situations and under certain conditions, with the aim of salus animarum, i.e. the salvation of souls that should be the aim of every ecclesial reform. That is, the possibility to reach areas, populations and communities that have long remained without sacraments. February 6, 2016, speaking at the conclusion of a conference at the Pontifical Gregorian University, the Secretary of State Pietro Parolin said, In the current situation it is often highlighted a kind of sacramental emergency especially in some regions, caused by lack of priests. If the problem does not seem irrelevant, certainly there is no need for hasty solutions based on urgency. It remains true however, that the needs of evangelization, together with the history and multifaceted tradition of the Church, favor legitimate debates, if motivated by the announcement of the Gospel and conducted in a constructive manner, while safeguarding the beauty and height of the celibacy choice. Almighty and eternal God, in your unfailing love you provide ministers for your Church. We pray for those whom you call to serve the Church of Bridgeport as priests. Inspire in them a generous response. Grant them courage and vision to serve your people. May their lives and service call your people to respond to the presence of your Spirit among us that, faithful to the Gospel and hope of Jesus the Christ, we may: announce glad tidings to the poor proclaim liberty to captives, set prisoners free and renew the face of the earth. In a recent interview Pope Francis again brought up his favorite movie, the 1987 film Babette s Feast. He mentioned the Danish film while speaking with Avvenire, bringing it up in response to questions about those who criticized his ecumenical endeavors. Pope Francis compared the rigid behavior of those opposed to his ecumenical outreach to the rigid townspeople portrayed in Babette s Feast. This is the not the first time Pope Francis has referenced his favorite film. He even referenced it in Amoris laetitia, making Babette s Feast probably the first film ever to be mentioned in a papal document. So why does Pope Francis love this movie so much and continue to recommend it? What are the spiritual lessons we can learn from this movie? First of all, here is a brief synopsis for those who haven t seen the film. The movie starts out in a small Protestant village that has been led for many years by a very rigid pastor. The beliefs of the congregation are extremely Puritan, making the village into a drab, grey place where there is hardly any joy. The townspeople are so worried about following the many rules that they are afraid to indulge in any earthly pleasures. After the pastor has died, his daughters are forced into leading the dwindling congregation. They had hoped to marry, but their father was staunchly against marriage and forbade any suitors from approaching his daughters. Then one day a French woman, Babette, comes to the city, and upends everything. While working as a housekeeper in the village, Babette discovers that she won a lottery back in Paris and instead of taking the money and returning home, she spends it all on a true French feast. Many of the townspeople are scandalized by the many colorful ingredients and are set on refusing to enjoy what she cooks. They believe the feast is a satanic Sabbath and firmly believe the food should not be enjoyed and could expose Thursday, 3/23 Friday, 3/24 Saturday, 3/25 Sunday, 3/26 6:30am Mass 8:35am Rosary 9:00am Mass 7:00pm Adult Choir 7:00pm Didache Series The Ministry and Passion of Jesus 6:30am Mass 8:35am Rosary 9:00am Mass 7:00pm Stations of the Cross 8:00am Mass 8:30am Men s Ministry 9:00am Confirmation Sponsor Meeting 4:00pm Confessions 5:30pm Mass 7:00am, 8:30am, 10:00am, 11:30am, 5:30pm 6:30pm Junior Youth Group

4 FATHER COREY S EPISTLE them to terrible sins. However, after sitting down and beginning to eat the many courses, they quickly discover it is harder to resist than they thought. They eventually can t contain themselves and openly enjoy the feast and by the end of it, are eternally grateful to Babette for opening their eyes to the simple joys in life. Pope Francis sees the beauty of the film in a few different ways. First of all, he sees the feast as an example of true joy. He writes in Amoris laetitia: The most intense joys in life arise when we are able to elicit joy in others, as a foretaste of heaven. We can think of the lovely scene in the film Babette s Feast, when the generous cook receives a grateful hug and praise: Ah, how you will delight the angels! It is a joy and a great consolation to bring delight to others, to see them enjoying themselves. This joy, the fruit of fraternal love, is not that of the vain and self centered, but of lovers who delight in the good of those whom they love, who give freely to them and thus bear good fruit (AL, 129). Pope Francis sees in the selfless giving of Babette an example that we should all follow. Babette spent her whole lottery winnings to make this feast and spent weeks planning the meal and securing the necessary ingredients. This is the joy that Pope Francis wants us to experience, a joy that does not focus on selfish needs but on the joy of others. Secondly, Pope Francis sees the film as a call to open ourselves to the working of the Holy Spirit. Sometimes we are tempted to imitate the Pharisees of old and put up a fence around our beliefs and focus on the man made rules we make to protect ourselves. Rules are certainly necessary, but when we become obsessed with them, making up new ones that have no correlation to the heart of the Gospel, we blind ourselves to what God may want to do in our lives. This is not a critique of the Ten Commandments or dogmatic truths that can never change, but of rules that we make (like never talking to Protestants) to protect ourselves from committing sin. Pope Francis challenges us to rethink about how God may want us to reach out in mercy towards those we don t agree with and not be afraid of engaging with them in dialogue. It is a film that echoes Pope Francis desires for the Jubilee Year of Mercy. The movie highlights the need for mercy not at the exclusion of truth, but united to truth. The general s toast at the end of the meal perfectly summarizes why Pope Francis love the movie so much: There comes a time when your eyes are opened. And we come to realize that mercy is infinite. We need only await it with confidence and receive it with gratitude. Mercy imposes no conditions. And, lo! Everything we have chosen has been granted to us. And everything we rejected has also been granted. Yes, we even get back what we rejected. For mercy and truth are met together. And righteousness and bliss shall kiss one another. In the end, Babette s Feast is Pope Francis favorite film because it challenges us to look outside of ourselves and to see the beauty of God s joy and mercy. It is a movie about selfless service to others that may not always be in accord with our man made rules and may upend our view of God s mercy. As Philippa says to Babette at the end of the film, But this is not the end, Babette. In Paradise you will be the great artist God meant you to be. Oh, how you will enchant the angels! (By Philip Kosloski) St. Mary Parish Lenten Retreat MEDITATIONS ON THE SEVEN LAST WORDS OF CHRIST Monday-Wednesday April 3-5 7pm in the Church Please join us as we meditate and reflect more deeply on the last words of Jesus as he was crucified. Together we will share Jesus journey and hear final words, It is finished.

5 PARISH LENTEN RETREAT Please join us for Meditations on the Seven Last Words of Christ Monday Wednesday, April 3 5 at 7pm each evening in the Church. We will ponder and reflect more deeply on the last words of Jesus as he was crucified. Together we will share Jesus journey and hear his words, It is finished. LITTLE FLOWERS GIRLS CLUB Join us for our next meeting on Monday, March 20 at 6:15pm in the Parish Hall. For more information call Mary at WOMEN OF FAITH Join us on Tues., March 21 at 7pm in the Parish Hall to hear Karen Johnson, a member of the Lay Missionaries of Charity, give a talk on "Ordinary Things". For more info call Juleen Flanigan at (203) WEDNESDAY NIGHT 7PM PRAYER SERVICE On Wednesday nights, join us for quiet prayer at 7:00pm in the Church for our own personal intentions and for the whole world. PROTECTING GOD S CHILDREN (VIRTUS) The Diocese requires the participation of all church & school volunteers in this program. If you have not attended a training session or have not recertified, join us on Wed., March 22 at 6:30pm in the Parish Hall. Register online to attend by logging onto the website selecting the word REGISTRATION & BRIDGEPORT DIOCESE and clicking on the March 22 session. Join us for our new exciting catechetical series! The DIDACHE PARISH SERIES, based on the Catechism of the Catholic Church, provides a great beginning for Catholics in the elements of their Faith. Starting at the end of February until the first week of May you will have the chance to learn a little more about what your Faith has to say! YOU DON T HAVE TO COME TO ALL OF THE CLASSES and there is no cost! While each semester focuses upon one main topic, each class is its own standalone lesson. Mar. 23 The Ministry and Passion of Jesus; Mar. 30 The Early Church; Apr. 6 Pass it On: Tradition; Apr. 20 Thus Says the Lord ; Apr. 26 The Church at Prayer; May 4 Standing for the Truth. All classes are at 7pm in the Parish Hall. For more info, contact Fr. Wolfe at the Parish Office. The next meeting of the ST. MARY MEN'S MINISTRY is on Sat., March 25 at 8:30am in the Hall. For more information, Craig DeFreese at acdefreese@snet.net or Eric Keener at stmarys06801@gmail.com Visit our FAMILY FAITH CENTER in the vestibule of the Church for ideas and activities to bring your faith home and enrich your faith with your family! New activities each week! DAILY MASSES Mon. through Fri.: 6:30am and 9:00am; Saturday: 8am PENANCE: Saturdays from 4 5pm here at St. Mary; Tuesdays at St. Joseph Brookfield from 7 8:30pm; and Thursdays at Sacred Heart in Danbury from 7 8:30pm. STATIONS OF THE CROSS: Fridays at 7:00pm PARISH LENTEN RETREAT Meditations on the Seven Last Words of Christ Mon. through Wed., April 3 5 at 7pm in the Church BODY WASH, HAND SANITIZER & DEODORANT COLLECTION BEGINNING ASH WEDNESDAY and continuing each Sunday through Lent benefitting The Little Sisters of the Poor. Days of FAST and ABSTINENCE (no eating between meals and no meat): Ash Wednesday & Good Friday (The norms of fasting are obligatory from age 18 until age 59. When fasting, a person is permitted to eat one full meal. Two smaller meals may also be taken, but not to equal a full meal. The norms concerning abstinence from meat are binding upon members from age 14 onwards.) Days of ABSTINENCE: (no meat): Fridays of Lent THANK YOU to all in the parish community, our wonderful volunteers and our fantastic generous local sponsors who supported the St. Mary School A Night at the Oscars Auction last weekend. A wonderful time was had by all. DID YOU KNOW? Many companies including IBM, Diagio and Pepsi match contributions that their employees make to non profit institutions such as St. Mary School. Most matches are on a 1:1 basis, but some companies match 2:1 or 3:1. Upon making your own gift, you may request your company to match it. Matching gift forms are usually available in your company s human resources office. Bonus: It just takes a few minutes of your time, and St. Mary School benefits! For more information, please contact Robin Taylor at RTaylor@StMaryBethelCT.org. We are so close! Help us reach our goal of 1000 likes by "liking our page on Facebook: St. Mary School, Bethel Like us on Facebook at StMaryChurchBethel and follow us on

6 SENIOR YOUTH GROUP will meet on Sun., March 19 after the 5:30pm Mass and JUNIOR YOUTH GROUP will meet on Sun., March 26 after the 5:30pm Mass. Contact Dan st.marysbethelyouth@gmail.com or SAVE THE DATE TobyMac brings his HITS DEEP Tour to the XL Center on April 2 at 6:30pm! Along with him on tour is a diverse line-up including Matt Maher, Mandisa, Mac Powell from Third Day, Capital Kings, Ryan Stevenson and Hollyn! Details, cost and permission/liability form to follow. Please let Dan know if you are interested so we may secure tickets for the opportunity! You must be currently in 8th grade through High School to attend. Deadline to sign up is Monday, March 20. Our next meeting will be on Mon., March 27 at 8:15pm in the Parish Hall. We will say the Rosary at 7:45pm in the Church. The Knights of Columbus is a Catholic men s fraternal society dedicated to providing service to Church, community, family and youth. If you are at least 18 years of age and think you may be interested in joining our ranks, contact Grand Knight Tony Iorfino at (203) or gkofpavia@gmail.com. KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS APPLICATIONS FOR TWO SCHOLARSHIPS at $4,000 each awarded by Pavia Council #48, are now available. Eligible applicants must be an active Catholic, AND a resident of the Town of Bethel OR be the son or daughter of a member in good standing of Pavia Council #48 OR be the son or daughter of a deceased member of Pavia Council #48 who was in good standing at the time of his death. HS seniors may pick up an application at their school guidance office or at the Rectory. For more information contact Bill Taylor at (503) , or william.r.taylor78@gmail.com. Application deadline: Monday 4/3/17. Religious Ed Office hours: Mon., Tues., Wed., & Thurs. 9:30am-2pm (203) REMINDER OF CONFIRMATION SPONSOR MEETING Wed., March 22 at 6:30pm or Sat., March 25 at 9am. When the Bethel School System cancels school, Religious Education is also cancelled. Please check on our website, our Facebook page, Channel 3 or Channel 6 for clarification. ANNUAL CATHOLIC APPEAL If you have not yet responded to the 2017 ACA, please reflect upon the importance of your support to ministry and outreach that relies upon the charity of the Diocese of Bridgeport. The challenge is immediate and far reaching, but the solution is within our reach! Please consider the following options when deciding upon the best way to support Annual Catholic Appeal this year: Make a pledge and spread out your payments over 5 months Donate on-line by going to the diocesan website, 2017ACAbridgeport.com Check if your employer will match your gift through the Corporate Matching Gift Program Donate a one-time gift Contribute a gift of appreciated stocks or securities Whatever you decide, your gift will be greatly appreciated and make a difference in lives of others.

7 AROUND THE DIOCESE "As each one has received a gift, use it to serve one another as good stewards of God s varied grace." - 1 Peter 4:10 Our Online Giving system now is also an App for Apple and Android products! You can download it for free in the App Store, Google Play Store or go to OLGapp.com. If you are new to Online Giving, go to to get started. DEFENDING OUR RELIGIOUS LIBERTY Every Monday during Lent, every Catholic Church in the archdiocese will be open for confessions between 6 7 p.m. Prepare yourself for the coming of Christ by giving yourself the gift of forgiveness and continue to pray for religious freedom that it will remain our most cherished and inalienable right. Visit: Lightforyou.today. From now through April 9, you re invited to join other Christians for 40 DAYS FOR LIFE 40 days of prayer and fasting for an end to abortion. You re also invited to stand and peacefully pray during a 40 day vigil in the public right of way outside Planned Parenthood, 44 Main Street, Danbury 7am 5pm, and also to help spread the word about this important community outreach. You can also join us for a prayer vigil with Bishop Caggiano on Sat., March 25 at 1pm to pray for an hour with him. If you d like more information and especially if you d like to volunteer to help, please contact: Peg Rozzi, ; or mis_peg@outlook.com or go to campaigns/danbury/ BROTHERHOOD IN ACTION is collecting food for the needy in our area throughout the Lenten Season. Please drop off your donations in the Parish Hall and be as generous as you can!!! Thank You!! AOH ST. PATRICK S DAY CELEBRATIONS Parade will be Sun., March 19 starting at St. Peter at 3pm. Corned Beef sandwiches are available after the parade at the AOH Hall, 6 Lake Avenue, Danbury. For info, call Joan at The St. Mary team at the DOROTHY DAY HOMELESS SHELTER in Danbury is in great need of a couple more men who would be willing to stay with the homeless at the shelter only about 6 times per year. If you feel called to this great way of serving the Lord by serving others, please call Mike Roberts at or him StmaryDD@gmail.com. In the Old Testament, Samuel was awakened from sleep by the voice of God calling his name. In the New Testament, Paul was knocked off his horse. Does God call in this way today? Usually not. One seminarian describes his experience of call: I was very involved in my parish doing youth ministry and teaching CCD and I was happy with that. But for some reason it wasn t enough. I had a nagging feeling that I wanted to do more for people. Do you feel you may be called to the priesthood, sisterhood or brotherhood? For info on vocations vocations@diobpt.org. Offertory for the weekend of March 11/12 Collection: $14, On Line Giving: $3,198.00

8 MASS SCHEDULE Monday Friday: 6:30 & 9:00am Saturday: 8:00am & 5:30pm (Vigil Mass) Sunday: 7:00, 8:30, 10:00, 11:30am & 5:30pm RECONCILIATION Saturday: 4:00 5:00pm MASS INTENTIONS FOR THE WEEK SAT., MARCH 18 5:30 + Douglas Ruffles, Sr. Mary English SUN., MARCH 19 7:00 + Alfred Battista Ann Battista & Family 8:30 + Sophie & Stanley Mazur The MacGregor Family 10:00 + Thomas Salierno Family 11:30 + Philip Gioia Mary & Rob Ferri 5:30 + Nancy DiPalma Daughter MON., MARCH 20 6:30 + Alfonso Arboleda Family 9:00 + Leo Maddalena Paul & Rosalie DeMarco TUES., MARCH 21 6:30 + Faye Morse The Kallberg Family 9:00 + Richard Saputo Mary English WED., MARCH 22 6:30 Blessed Mother s Intentions 9:00 + Joanne & David Hickey Barbara Hickey THU., MARCH 23 6:30 + Irene Marino Fred & Val Mancuso & Family 9:00 + John Coutermash Family FRI., MARCH 24 6:30 + Michael Annunziato Patrick Simonelli 9:00 + Frances Piccinino The Stevens Family SAT., MARCH 25 8:00 Marguerite Leopold (Blessings) Julie & Will Doerner 5:30 + Paul T. DiMarzio, Sr. Family SUN., MARCH 26 7:00 + Joe Freebairn Eileen Freebairn 8:30 + Hank Somers The Barra Family 10:00 + Mary Ellen & Hugh Lee The Pluff Family 11:30 + Richard Koronkiecz Mary & Rob Ferri 5:30 + Conor Bowen Trish Walters READINGS FOR THE WEEK Mon.: 2 Sm 7:4 5a, 12 14a, 16; Ps 89:2 5, 27, 29; Rom 4:13, 16 18, 22; Mt 1:16, 18 21, 24a Tues.: Dn 3:25, 34 43; Ps 25:4 5ab, 6, 7bc, 8 9; Mt 18:21 35 Wed.: Dt 4:1, 5 9; Ps 147:12 13, 15 16, 19 20; Mt 5:17 19 Thur.: Jer 7:23 28; Ps 95:1 2, 6 9; Lk 11:14 23 Fri.: Hos 14:2 10; Ps 81:6c 11ab, 14, 17; Mk 12:28 34 Sat.: Is 7:10 14, 8:10; Ps 40:7 11; Heb 10:4 10; Lk 1:26 38 Sun.: 1 Sm 16:1b, 6 7, 10 13a; Ps 23:1 6; Eph 5:8 14; Jn 9:1 41[1, 6 9, 13 17, 34 38] STAFF Father Corey V. Piccinino, Pastor Father Robert Wolfe, Parochial Vicar Father Philip Phan, Parochial Vicar Deacon John DeRoin Deacon Tony Caraluzzi Kate Fitzgerald, Parish Secretary & Bulletin Editor Peggy Gavin, Parish Secretary Julie Doerner, Business Manager Paul Orsino, Property Manager ST. MARY SCHOOL ( ) Greg Viceroy, Principal RELIGIOUS EDUCATION Mary Ferri, Director ( ) Elizabeth Cuneo, Secretary RCIA (203) : Call Dan Guido if you are interested in becoming a Catholic or completing your initiation as a Catholic with Confirmation and/or Eucharist. YOUTH MINISTRY Dan Guido (203) MUSIC MINISTRY Michael Ferrari, Music Director Elizabeth Barnes, Choir Director Karen Mattera, Children s Choir FINANCE COMMITTEE ( ): Bob Kozlowski, Chairman BAPTISMS: Most Sundays at 12:45pm. Please call the Rectory at least six weeks in advance to schedule your Baptism and to sign up for the New Baptism Class that is required for both parents and Godparents. These classes are offered on the first Sunday of each month. Anyone requesting a Sponsorship form must be a currently registered and practicing Catholic, and they must attend one of the New Baptism Classes to receive it. There is a 3 month waiting period for a sponsorship form for the newly registered. The Catholic requirements for a Godparent/Sponsor are: you must be at least 16 years old; received the Sacraments of Baptism, First Holy Communion and Confirmation in the Catholic Church; attend Mass regularly on Sundays and on Holy Days of Obligation; receive the Sacraments of Penance and Holy Communion regularly; sincerely try to follow the moral teaching of the Catholic Church; and if married, was married in the Catholic Church. ARRANGEMENTS FOR MARRIAGE: All couples must meet with a parish clergyman at least six (6) months before the marriage is to be celebrated. PASTORAL CARE AT DANBURY HOSPITAL: Prior to Your Hospitalization: You or a family member should notify the Rectory. HOLY COMMUNION FOR THE SICK: To any of those who are homebound or hospitalized and interested in having a visit by a priest, please contact the parish office. Anyone interested in serving in this ministry, please call Father Philip at PRAYER LINE If you or someone you know is in need of prayer, please call our Prayer Line. Our team leaders are Maggie Kent ( ) and Deana Chamberlin ( ).

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