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

Transcription

1 26 Dodgingtown Road, Bethel, CT Phone: (203) Fax: (203) Visit us on Facebook: StMaryChurchBethel PARISH OFFICE HOURS: 9am 3:00 pm, Monday Friday (Closed weekends and Holidays)

2 St. Mary Catholic Church 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time WISDOM FROM FATHER WOLFE Despite an ever present vocation crisis in the States, several American institutions are reporting a modest increase in the number of young men studying for the priesthood. Jonathan Liedl, a regular writer for National Catholic Register, reports how fifty two new men have enrolled at Mount St. Mary s Seminary in Emmitsburg, Maryland, where Msgr. Andrew Baker serves as rector. The sizable incoming class brings the total number of men preparing for the priesthood at the Mount to 146, a high for the seminary in recent years. I was ecstatic when I heard the news, said Msgr. Baker, who attributes the increase in new seminarians to the intercession of the Blessed Mother and Blessed Father Stanley Rother, who was a 1963 graduate of the Mount. It is a joy to see so many men enthusiastically respond to a call to the priesthood. Mount St. Mary s isn t the only seminary showing strong numbers this academic year. In Chicagoland, Father John Kartje tells the Register that enrollment at Mundelein Seminary, where he is rector, is up 17 men from last year, for a total of just over 200 seminarians. After graduating a larger than normal ordination class of 21 last spring, The St. Paul Seminary School of Divinity in Minnesota welcomed 25 new men into formation this fall. It is the second incoming class of its size in a row, bringing total enrollment to 79 men. And at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary in Philadelphia, enrollment has reached its highest mark since 2004: 43 new seminarians are enrolled this year, bringing the total to 167 men in formation. It s encouraging, said Father Scott Carl, who serves as vice rector for administration at The St. Paul Seminary, to see the quality of men God is sending us who are eager to enter formation with open hearts, desiring to be true disciples of Jesus and configured to his heart. The strong numbers of new men at some U.S. seminaries this year should be seen not as a dramatic fluctuation, but as another data point supporting the emergence of a consistent trend: Seminary attendance numbers in the U.S. seem to be stabilizing after a precipitous fall during the last third of the 20th century. According to the Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate, enrollment in major seminaries, where men study graduate level theology in preparation for ordination, was as high as 8,159 in But that figure dropped by more than half during the next 30 years, reaching a low point of 3,114 men in In the past 20 years, however, the drop has stopped, and enrollment numbers have stabilized. In recent years, enrollment in major seminaries has hovered between a high of 3,723 in 2011 and a low of 3,274 in Last year s total of 3,405 men marked the fifth year in a row of lower enrollment. But if the new figures from seminaries like Mundelein, St. Paul and Mount St. Mary s are any indication, that slight dip should be viewed as a deviation, not a new normal. In fact, Father Kartje and Msgr. Baker say that this year s numbers are more consistent with enrollment figures for their respective institutions over the past 20 years, while Father Carl says his seminary is preparing more men for priesthood today than it did in the late 1990s. The men coming in have a desire to be evangelizers, said Father Kartje. They want to share their faith and bring it to others. Msgr. Baker added that many of the newcomers have great enthusiasm and great desire for the priesthood. They see what the secular world offers them and discover that it is unsatisfying. They know their hearts have been made for something greater. Though the modest increase in enrollment seen by U.S. seminaries this year is unlikely to erase the perceived priest shortage, especially given high rates of retirements from public ministry expected in the next couple decades, there s still reason for hope. Regarding the numbers of future priests in the U.S., Msgr. Baker prefers to look to the past for guidance. Don t panic. Jesus didn t. I know that sounds trite, but he started the Church with only 12. It s not about and has never been about the numbers.... If we remain faithful, vocations to the priesthood will come. This past October 11th the Church celebrated the feast of the newly canonized Pope St. John XXIII, or Good Pope John to those who lived during his pontificate. Angelo Cardinal Comastri, who worked in close contact with Pope John had the chance to share Sunday, 10/22 Monday, 10/23 Tuesday, 10/24 Wednesday, 10/25 7:00am, 8:30am, 10:00am and 11:30am & 5:30pm Masses 8:30am Kinderword 9:30am RCIA Knights of Columbus Membership Drive Recycling Truck 6:30am Mass 8:35am Rosary 9:00am Mass 7:00pm Parent Enrichment with Father Corey 7:00pm October Devotions 8:15pm Knights of Columbus 6:30am Mass 8:35am Rosary 9:00am Mass 9:30am Prayer Shawl Ministry 6:30pm Prayer Shawl Ministry 6:30am Mass 8:35am Rosary 9:00am Mass 7:00pm Prayer Service 7:00pm Financial Peace University 7:00pm Book Club

3 St. Mary Catholic Church October 22, 2017 WISDOM FROM FATHER WOLFE some of his fondest memories and impressions of the good pope on the occasion: The life of Pope St. John XXIII shows the saint s deep spiritual nature, Elise Harris shares, as well as his great kindness toward others, said a cardinal who knew him well. If in John Paul II the key phrase is courage of the faith, in John XXIII the key phrase is the strength of goodness, Cardinal Angelo Comastri told CNA. Cardinal Comastri is the president of the Fabric of St. Peter, archpriest of St. Peter s Basilica and vicar general for the Vatican City State. He worked alongside both Pope John XXIII and Pope John Paul II for many years as a member of the Roman Curia. Recounting the day when John XXIII was elected Pope, the cardinal recalled that when the new pontiff appeared on the main balcony of St. Peter s Basilica to greet the crowds, he could hear their voices but could not see them due to the brightness of the lights. The cardinal said, He gave a blessing, but when he returned to the doorway he said: I heard the voices, but I couldn t see anyone. It was a lesson for me: If I want to see the faces of my brothers, I have to turn off the lights of my pride, he added. Right away, it was a wise reading of the fact of how John XXIII was, Cardinal Comastri noted, emphasizing that the new Supreme Pontiff immediately communicated with acts of kindness. Giving an example to illustrate this point, the cardinal brought to mind a conversation that John XXIII had with his secretary, Msgr. Loris Capovilla, a few days before his first Christmas as Pope in During the conversation, the cardinal said, the Pope told Msgr. Capovilla Listen, Father Loris, my mother taught me that for the holidays we must not only go to Mass, but we must also do works of mercy. When the secretary asked what he wanted to do, John XXIII replied: The day of Christmas I will go to the children in Bambino Gesu Hospital. And Dec. 26, I m going to visit the prisoners of the Regina Coeli Prison. Noting that it was the first time a Pope had traveled to the hospital, Cardinal Comastri explained that there was great excitement, and when he arrived, the children all jumped from their beds to go and meet the Pope, and the Pope greeted them all good naturedly, as Jesus with the children. However, seeing that there was one child who remained in his bed, the cardinal revealed that the Pope was the one to approach the child, who, when he sensed someone close, stretched out and touched the pontiff, asking, Are you the Pope? When John XXIII replied with a Yes, Cardinal Comastri recalled that the child told him: I am happy, but I can t see you because I am blind, to which the Pope responded by lowering his eyes and calling the child by his name, saying: Carmine, we are all a little blind; we pray to the Lord to give us the sight of the heart to recognize ourselves as brothers. The cardinal continued the narrative, explaining that the next day when Pope John XXIII went to the Roman prison of Regina Coeli, he discarded his prepared speech and spoke to the inmates with the heart. Reflecting on how a member of his own family had been imprisoned when he was a child, the pontiff expressed that it had been a difficult and emotional situation, and that although he could keep the experience to himself, he shared it in order to put the prisoners more at ease, the cardinal explained. Quoting the Pope s words to the inmates, Cardinal Comastri remembered how he told them that now you need to rebuild your lives, and you need to do one thing: Eliminate the word despair and prepare yourselves to spend your lives doing good, because this is also the Father s house and you are also sons of God. Upon hearing this, the cardinal recounted that one of the prisoners broke through the security barrier, running and throwing himself, on his knees, at the Pope s feet, asking, Holy Father, I am a delinquent: Is there also hope for me? Pope John XXIII replied by affirming that there is hope for all; there is also hope for you, and telling him, Do not worry. On the way back to the Vatican, Cardinal Comastri said, the Pope once again turned to his secretary, Msgr. Capovilla, and said, Father Loris, these are the true joys of being pope; these are the joys of the believer. That s the life of Pope John, the cardinal observed, adding that it s full of these small flowers, strength and goodness. Thursday, 10/26 Friday, 10/27 Saturday, 10/28 Sunday, 10/29 6:30am Mass 8:35am Rosary 9:00am Mass 7:00pm Adult Choir 7:00pm Cursillo 6:30am Mass 8:35am Rosary 9:00am Mass 5:30pm Pasta for Priests Dinner 8:00am Mass 8:30am Men s Ministry 4:00pm Confessions 5:30pm Mass 7:00am, 8:30am, 10:00am and 11:30am & 5:30pm Masses 8:30am Kinderword 9:30am RCIA 12:30pm Farewell Reception for Deacon Tony

4 WISDOM FROM FATHER WOLFE October 11th not only marked the festive celebrations of John XXIII, but it was also the 55th anniversary of the opening of the Second Vatican Council. On October 11, 1962, within the hallowed walls of St. Peter Basilica, in the presence of nearly 3,000 bishops, priests, ministers, and laymen, Pope St. John formally set the council in motion. He stated in his remarks how, What is needed at the present time is a new enthusiasm, a new joy and serenity of mind in the unreserved acceptance by all of the entire Christian faith, without forfeiting that accuracy and precision in its presentation which characterized the proceedings of the Council of Trent and the First Vatican Council. What is needed, and what everyone imbued with a truly Christian, Catholic and apostolic spirit craves today, is that this doctrine shall be more widely known, more deeply understood, and more penetrating in its effects on men's moral lives. What is needed is that this certain and immutable doctrine, to which the faithful owe obedience, be studied afresh and reformulated in contemporary terms. For this deposit of faith, or truths which are contained in our time honored teaching is one thing; the manner in which these truths are set forth (with their meaning preserved intact) is something else. This exhortation was not lost on those present for such a momentous day, especially one young German priest, Joseph Ratzinger, who would nearly fifty years later become Pope Benedict XVI. Just before he stepped down from the Chair of Peter, he had these memories to share with the clergy of Rome, his priests: In 1959, I was appointed a professor at the University of Bonn. Thus, I came into contact with the Cardinal Archbishop of Cologne, Cardinal Frings. Cardinal Siri of Genoa, in 1961 if I remember rightly, had organized a series of talks on the Council given by various European Cardinals, and he had invited the Archbishop of Cologne to give one of them, entitled: The Council and the World of Modern Thought. The Cardinal asked me the youngest of the professors to write a draft for him. He liked the draft, and to the people in Genoa he delivered the text just as I had written it. Soon afterwards, Pope John invited him to come and see him, and the Cardinal was anxious that he might have said something incorrect, something false, and that he was being summoned for a rebuke, perhaps even to be deprived of the cardinalate. Indeed, when his secretary vested him for the audience, the Cardinal said, "Perhaps I am now wearing these robes for the last time". Then he went in, Pope John came to meet him, embraced him, and said, "Thank you, Your Eminence, you said the very things I wanted to say myself, but I could not find the words. So, the Cardinal knew that he was on the right track and he invited me to go with him to the Council, firstly as his personal advisor; and then, during the first session I think it was in November 1962 I was also named an official peritus (a theological expert) of the Council. So off we went to the Council not just with joy but with enthusiasm. There was an incredible sense of expectation. We were hoping that all would be renewed, that there would truly be a new Pentecost, a new era of the Church, because the Church was still fairly robust at that time Sunday Mass attendance was still good, vocations to the priesthood and to religious life were already slightly reduced, but still sufficient. However, there was a feeling that the Church was not moving forward, that it was declining, that it seemed more a thing of the past and not the herald of the future. And at that moment, we were hoping that this relation would be renewed, that it would change; that the Church might once again be a force for tomorrow and a force for today. Thus, we were full of hope, full of enthusiasm, and also eager to play our own part in this process. I remember that the Roman Synod was thought of as a negative model. It was said I don t know whether this was true that they had read out prepared texts in the Basilica of Saint John, and that the members of the Synod had acclaimed, approved with applause, and that the Synod had been conducted thus. The bishops said, No, let s not do that. We are bishops, we ourselves are the subject of the Synod; we do not simply want to approve what has already been done, but we ourselves want to be the subject, the protagonists of the Council. So too Cardinal Frings, who was famous for his absolute fidelity almost to the point of scrupulosity to the Holy Father, said in this case, We are here in a different role. The Pope has called us together to be like Fathers, to be an Ecumenical Council, a subject that renews the Church. So, we want to assume this new role of ours. The first occasion when this attitude was demonstrated was on the very first day. On the program for this first day were the elections of the Commissions, and lists of names had been prepared, in what was intended to be an impartial manner, and these lists were put to the vote. But straight away the Fathers said, No, we do not simply want to vote for pre prepared lists. We are the subject. Then, it was necessary to postpone the elections, because the Fathers themselves wanted to begin to get to know each other, they wanted to prepare the lists themselves. And so, it was. Cardinal Liénart of Lille and Cardinal Frings of Cologne had said publicly, No, not this way. We want to make our own lists and elect our own candidates. It was not a revolutionary act, but an act of conscience, an act of responsibility on the part of the Council Fathers. And so, began an intense period of actively getting to know our counterparts, something which did not happen by chance And this was already an experience of the universality of the Church and of the concrete reality of the Church, which does not simply receive instructions from on high, but grows together and moves forward, always under the guidance naturally of the Successor of Peter.

5 On Sun., October 29 following the 11:30am Mass we will have a RECEPTION FOR DEACON TONY CARALUZZI as he is now a Deacon in the Diocese of Hartford. Please join him and his family in the Parish Hall to share your best wishes! Join us for OCTOBER DEVOTIONS at 7pm in the Notre Dame Center this Monday as we pray the Rosary, prayers and Litany of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. WEDNESDAY NIGHT 7PM PRAYER SERVICE Join us for quiet prayer on Wednesdays in the Notre Dame Center Chapel for our own personal intentions and for the whole world. Our next meeting of the St. Mary MEN'S MINISTRY group will be on Saturday, Oct. 28 at 8:30am in the Parish Hall. Come share in the positive Christian fellowship and learn how you can better strengthen your personal faith journey. For more information, Craig DeFreese at acdefreese@snet.net or Eric Keener at stmarys06801@gmail.com. ST. MARY BOOK CLUB: Our next read will be 40 Days for Life Discover What God Has Done...Imagine What He Can Do by David Bereit & Shawn Carney. We will meet for that read on Wed., Oct. 25 at 7pm in the Children s Room. PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY Join us in our new ministry! We hope to bring the comfort and warmth of God's love to those who are suffering, and support and love to those who are experiencing a special joy in their lives. A prayer shawl can be seen as a symbolic "hug" from God. Faith and love is in each stitch made from beginning to end. We will meet on Tues., October 24 in the Notre Dame Center at 9:30am and at 6:30pm. You can attend either one! Whether you are a beginner or a professional stitcher, we would love to have you join us in this caring ministry. For more information, contact Mary Ferri at (203) MARK YOUR CALENDARS for our ADVENT PARISH MISSION from the weekend of December 9/10 through Wednesday, December 13 with Deacon Harold Burke Sivers. Deacon Harold, known worldwide as the "Dynamic Deacon," is one of the most sought after speakers in the Church today. He is a powerful and passionate evangelist and preacher, whose no nonsense approach to living and proclaiming the Catholic faith is sure to challenge and inspire those who hear him. He will be speaking at all the Masses on Dec. 9/10 and at 7pm on Mon. Wed. Don t miss this opportunity to deepen your faith during the Advent season! Religious Ed Office hours Mon., Tues., Wed., and Thurs. 9:30am- 2pm (203) PARENT ENRICHMENT WITH FATHER COREY At least one parent (grades K, 1, 3, 4, 5, & 6) must attend this program on Parents The First Teachers on Monday, Oct. 23 at 7pm in the Church. Babysitting will be provided if needed. (Grade 2 parents session will be on November 6.) REGISTRATION has begun for the School Year. You can download the Religious Education Registration forms from our website stmarybethel.org and return them to the Religious Ed office. Our parish is offering ONLINE GIVING, a convenient service for contributions! Online Giving is a web-based application that allows you to start, stop and change your contributions at any time. Please notice that our offering envelopes now have a check box which indicates I ve given online, which you can use to present during offertory at Mass. Online Giving is very easy to use and requires no special knowledge other than how to access the Internet. If you haven t already signed up, then go to our parish website at and select Online Giving. Or you can go to to get started. HELPING OUR NEIGHBOR IN NEED As you remember, the fire in downtown Bethel devastated many families. We have the opportunity to help get one person back on her feet. Apartments are expensive in Bethel, so for six months we are helping a young woman pay the difference between her new rent and her old rent. She works full time and goes to school, so any contribution you would like to give would be more than welcome! Please put your donations in the house located in the vestibule. Checks should be made out to St. Mary. Thank you for your generosity!

6 PRE K We still have a few spots available for the current school year in PK 3 & 4. Please contact Linda Garvey at LGarvey@StMaryBethelCT.org if interested. PARENT ENRICHMENT WITH FATHER COREY At least one parent (grades K, 1, 3, 4, 5, & 6) must attend this program on Parents The First Teachers on Monday, Oct. 23 at 7pm in the Church. Babysitting will be provided if needed. (Grade 2 parents session will be on November 6.) OPEN HOUSE: Please join us on Sunday November 5th, from 9:30am 11am in the Parish Hall. Faculty, Student and Parent ambassadors will be on hand to answer questions and lead tours of the school. Refreshments will be served. SMS ANNUAL FUND: Many companies 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 or please contact Robin Taylor at RTaylor@stmarybethelct.org SAVE THE DATE: St. Mary s Annual TURKEY BINGO will be held on Fri., Nov. 17th. SAVE THE DATE: St. Mary s WINE TASTING will be held on Saturday, November 18th. Crafters and Vendors Wanted! St. Mary School ANNUAL CHRISTMAS CRAFT FAIR will be held on Saturday, December 2nd. If you re interested in having a table at the fair, please contact Kathy Friscia at franciskathy@sbcglobal.net or call (914) EFFORTLESS FUNDRAISING: Please take a look at some of our effortless fundraising programs that support our school. More information and links to these programs can be found on our school website, click on Effortless Fundraising. Thank you for participating! REGISTRATION for students entering Pre school through Grade 8 is ongoing. Please call the school at or our Director of Enrollment, Linda Garvey at lgarvey@stmarybethelct.org for information. You can also visit our website at for school and registration information. Please visit us on FACEBOOK at St. Mary School, Bethel to see photos and news of the latest happenings at SMS! 4TH SUNDAY OF ADVENT AND CHRISTMAS EVE MASSES All of the 4th Sunday in Advent Masses (Dec. 24) will take place in the Gym with no 5:30pm Sunday Mass. The Masses for Christmas Eve (also on Dec. 24) will all be in the Church at 4pm, 6pm and 10pm. Christmas Day (Dec. 25) Masses will also be in the Church at 7am, 9am and 11am. The reason we are having the 4th Sunday in Advent masses in the Gym is that the Church needs to be decorated for Christmas and there would be no opportunity to do that if those Masses were in the Church. Like us on Facebook at StMaryChurchBethel and follow us on

7 Offertory for the weekend of October 14/15 Collection: $10, On Line Giving: $4, Our next meeting will be on Mon., October 23 at 8:15pm in the Parish Hall. We will say the Rosary at 7:45pm in the Church. For more info on the Knights, contact Grand Knight Tony Iorfino at (203) Our RCIA program meets Sundays after the 8:30am Mass. If you or someone you know is interested and has not reached out, please contact the Parish Office. AROUND THE DIOCESE DEFENDING OUR RELIGIOUS LIBERTY According to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), the decision in early October to expand the HHS mandate exemption is a "return to common sense, long standing federal practice, and peaceful coexistence between church and state." Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo, Archbishop of Galveston Houston and President of the USCCB, and Archbishop William E. Lori of Baltimore, Chairman of the USCCB's Ad Hoc Committee for Religious Liberty, are hailing the Trump Administration's announcement to provide a broad religious and moral exemption from the mandate requiring health insurance coverage of sterilization, contraception, and drugs and devices that may cause abortions. CURSILLO The next Ultreya meeting is Thurs., Oct. 26 at 7:30pm in the Parish Hall. To learn more about Cursillo and their three day weekends designed for Catholics who desire to strengthen their faith, call Mary Guertin at or mguertin.home@gmail.com.

8 MASS INTENTIONS FOR THE WEEK SAT., OCTOBER 21 5:30 + Liam Gavin Julie & Will Doerner SUN., OCTOBER 22 7:00 + Jane Trinklein 8:30 + William Ellis Kitty & Charlie Grant 10:00 + John Crisorio Loreto Crisorio 11:30 + Harold Schultz Arlene Leonard 5:30 + John V. Leaden The Schettler Family MON., OCTOBER 23 6:30 + Marie Angelico Diane Froehlich & Family 9:00 + Jeanette Kemp Julie Doerner TUES., OCTOBER 24 6:30 + Souls in Purgatory Marie 9:00 + John Stevens Family WED., OCTOBER 25 6:30 + Lou Agosto The Henits Family 9:00 + Stefanie Olson Eileen Freebairn THU., OCTOBER 26 6:30 + Rosemary West Kathy Aiello 9:00 + Frank & Stella Spisinski Daughter Carol FRI., OCTOBER 27 6:30 Heavenly Stock Intentions 9:00 + Margaret Pluff The Pluff Family SAT., OCTOBER 28 8:00 + Allen V. O Rourke Grace O Rourke 5:30 + Father Michael J. Byrne SUN., OCTOBER 29 7:00 + Pedro DosSantos Ann Marie & Family 8:30 + Link Hurgin (Birthday) Daughter Jeanne 10:00 + Hugo Greco (Birthday) Family 11:30 Our Parish Priests The Nelson Family 5:30 + Geraldine Butler The Gallagher Family READINGS FOR THE WEEK Mon.: Rom 4:20 25; Lk 1:69 75; Lk 12:13 21 Tues.: Rom 5:12, 15b, 17 19, 20b 21; Ps 40:7 10, 17; Lk 12:35 38 Wed.: Rom 6:12 18; Ps 124:1b 8; Lk 12:39 48 Thur: Rom 6:19 23; Ps 1:1 4, 6; Lk 12:49 53 Fri.: Rom 7:18 25a; Ps 119:66, 68, 76 77, 93 94; Lk 12:54 59 Sat.: Eph 2:19 22; Ps 19:2 5; Lk 6:12 16 Sun.: Ex 22:20 26; Ps 18:2 4, 47, 51; 1 Thes 1:5c 10; Mt 22:34 40 STAFF 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 Father Corey V. Piccinino, Pastor Father Robert Wolfe, Parochial Vicar Father Philip Phan, Parochial Vicar Deacon John DeRoin 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 ( ) Maggie Kent, Secretary RCIA (203) : Call (203) if you are interested in becoming a Catholic or completing your initiation as a Catholic with Confirmation and/or Eucharist. YOUTH MINISTRY (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, were 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 ( ).

9 STANLEY H. KESSLER, D.D.S. BETHEL S FAMILY DENTIST 14 ELIZABETH STREET BETHEL, CONNECTICUT (203) An Architectural Glazing Company DR. KENNETH SANGIACOMO DR. JOANN PERROTTA 27 Grassy Plain St. PRIVATE BIRTHDAY PARTIES Stony Hill OPEN PLAY 6 and Under Helena Matteo 14 Del Mar Dr. Brookfield, CT (203) WINES & SPIRITS Catering to Catholic events 83B Stony Hill Rd From the WLP Vault comes the Bible Story of Christmas featuring 8 Classic Christmas Carols and a reading of the Gospel of Luke 2: 4-20 by Bing Crosby! Also available on vinyl Photo Courtesy of Bing Crosby Enterprises Visit WLPmusic.com to purchase your copy - CD $10.00 MARTIN J. LAWLOR, JR. Saint Margaret Sunday Missal ATTORNEY AT LAW GENERAL PRACTICE Designed to be n 99 GREENWOOD AVENUE nal Companio o s r e T E L E P H O N E : (203) our P ayer Y Pr through 2030 Readings Reflections Prayers In Stock & Ready to Order Today. CALL OR ORDER ONLINE. $ If You Live Alone You Need LIFEWatch! 24 Hour Protection at HOME and AWAY! Ambulance Solutions as Low as Police FREE Shipping FREE Activation Fire Friends/Family NO Long Term Contracts $1a Day! SPECIAL OFFER: FREE LIFEWatch Shoppers Tote with your order CALL NOW! Medical Alert System The Most Complete Online National Directory of Catholic Parishes CHECK IT OUT TODAY! Grow Your Business, Advertise Here. Support Your Church & Bulletin. BELARDINELLI Free professional ad design & my help! sales@jspaluch.com For Information... Call St Mary Church (B) $29.95/Mo. billed quarterly One Free Month No Long-Term Contract TIRE COMPANY Price Guarantee Goodyear Dunlop Kelly Pirelli Easy Self Installation Complete Auto Care Emissions Testing Facility 7 Beech St. Bethel Call Today! Toll Free For Ads: J.S. Paluch Co., Inc

10 BOYLAN CHIROPRACTIC DONNA M. BOYLAN, D.C. Bethel s Family Chiropractor (203) 743-BACK (2225) John Streaman Agency Right Choice Jay Streaman Jay Streaman Ivette E. Diaz, MD, FACP 304 Federal Rd., Suite 201, Brookfield, CT Phone: (203) Residency: Yale Primary Care - Internal Medicine Program Board-Certified in Internal Medicine Languages include: English, Spanish, Portuguese Same Day Appointments Available Most Insurances Accepted Alex and Ani Hauser Chocolates Blessing Bracelets Personalized Gifts COMPREHENSIVE FINANCIAL & ESTATE PLANNING David C. Whitmore, Jr. MSFS, CFP, CLU dwhitmore@familywealthcare.com giftcottage.com BOB NELSON / MIKE NELSON Honan Funeral Home Family Owned And Operated Daniel T. Honan A. CARALUZZI & SONS (203) Main Street ~ Newtown Phone/Fax Excavation Services honanfuneralhome@sbcglobal.net Bethel, CT CT Licensed & Insured E ABC FUEL OIL Your ad NEW CUSTOMERS WELCOME! Emergency Service Discount Fuel Oil Dealer Energy Assistance Program No Contracts Necessary FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED SINCE 2000 HOD 009 GTS Construction LLC Est ROOFING & SIDING Financing Available! Quality You Can Trust... From North America s largest Roofing Manufacterer YOUR BEST CHOICE FOR YOUR EXCAVATION WORK IN WESTERN CONNECTICUT. fax: Residential & Commercial Funeral Director, Owner & Manager START RIGHT. START HERE.SM Greenwood Ave. GAF Number ME41102 CT Number PLEASE CALL FOR MORE INFO Download Our Free App or Visit MY.ONEPARISH.COM (203) BETHEL FUNERAL HOME CA P R I P I Z Z E R I A 182 Old Hawleyville Rd. & Rt. 6 Bethel, CT New York Style Pizza & Full Menu Eat In Or Take Out Open 7 Days 11 AM-10 PM Styling for Men Women Children Greenwood Ave. Bethel Brian or Sally, coordinators CST an Official Travel Agency of Apostleship of the Sea-USA Consider Remembering Your Parish in Your Will. For further information, please call the Parish Office. 1 Dodgingtown Rd. Newtown Heating Air Conditioning Temperature Controls 21 Thompson Rd. Branford (203) Greenwood Ave. 12 TROWBRIDGE DR BETHEL, CT (FRANCIS J CLARK IND PK) GREEN FUNERAL HOME Danbury, CT FULL SERVICE FLOORING CENTER Free Estimates - Best Prices - Family Owned & Operated WE SELL AND INSTALL: Carpet - Hardwood - Tile - Vinyl Sheets & Planks - Sanding & Refinishing Showroom Greenwood Ave. Bethel (203) St Mary Church (A) ITALIAN GRILL Catering Banquets Catholic Events 215 Greenwood Ave., Bethel HOME IMPROVEMENT CONTRACTOR # EXPERIENCE! or JACK J. DEMO Servicing Homeowners And Contractors Since 1974 OF NICKY S HAIRCUTTERS Grow in your faith, find a Mass, and connect with your Catholic Community with OneParish! PLUMBING HEATING PUMPS Pre-Cast Steps Iron Railings Bilco Doors could be in this space! 29 YEARS SEPTIC SYSTEM REPAIR, INSTALLATION, AND INSPECTIONS, DRIVEWAY REPAIR, PAVING, DEMOLITION AND MORE! For Ads: J.S. Paluch Co., Inc