Thirty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time ~ November 4, 2018 CONFESSIONS (Saint Christopher Campus) Saturdays: 3:00 pm WEDNESDAY DEVOTIONS (Saint Christopher Campus) 6:00 pm Eucharistic Exposition, Adoration and Benediction Perpetual Novena in Honor of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal Scriptural Rosary THURSDAY PRAYER GROUP (Our Lady of Peace Campus) 6:30 pm Prayer, Song, Scripture, Friendship Psalm 18:2 Saint Edmund Campion Parish The merged parishes of Blessed Sacrament, Our Lady of Peace and Saint Christopher Our Lady of Peace Campus 370 May Road East Hartford, CT 06118 Mass Schedule: Sunday: 9:00 am Friday & Saturday: 9:00 am Saint Christopher Campus 538 Brewer Street East Hartford, CT 06118 Mass Schedule: Saturday Vigil: 4:00 pm Sunday: 7:30 am & 10:30 am Monday - Thursday: 8:00 am Rev. John P. Gwozdz, Pastor 860-568-5240 fr.gwozdz@aohct.org Rev. Joseph Moonnanappallil, Parochial Vicar 860-918-4022 fr.moonnanappallil@gmail.com Mr. William Bartlett, Deacon deaconbill@yahoo.com Mr. Philip Gosselin, Deacon imgoose@comcast.net FUNERALS Once arrangements are made with a funeral home, we will help you plan the Mass of Christian Burial. BAPTISM By appointment; please call the parish office to schedule. MARRIAGE Please contact the parish office at least six months in advance of your intended wedding date. PARISH OFFICE 860-568-5240 stchris-eh@sbcglobal.net Bonnie Szalay, Office Manager ST. CHRISTOPHER SCHOOL Mrs. Kathleen Welch, Principal Audrey Cesana, Secretary www.saintchristopherschool.org 860-568-4100 RELIGIOUS EDUCATION Maria Sousa 860-895-8692 stchrisre@gmail.com
Thirty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time ~ November 4, 2018 Page 1 PARISH SUPPORT (OLOP) = Mass celebrated at Our Lady of Peace campus (SC) = Mass celebrated at Saint Christopher campus Saturday, November 3 4:00 p.m. (SC) Dinis Leonardo (Wife & Family) Sunday, November 4 7:30 a.m. (SC) Frank Szalay (Family) Sunday, November 4 9:00 a.m. (OLOP) Walter & Gladys Juraszewicz (Family) Sunday, November 4 10:30 a.m. (SC) All the Faithful Departed of Our Parish (November 1, 2017 October 31, 2018) Monday, November 5 8:00 a.m. (SC) Patrick Cyr and Deceased Members of the Cyr Family (Daughter Joan) Tuesday, November 6 8:00 a.m. (SC) Ernest Lavertu and Deceased Members of the Lavertu Family (Daughter-in-Law Joan) Wednesday, November 7 8:00 a.m. (SC) Roland Thibodeau (Wife Anita & Daughter Lois) Alan Thibodeau (Mom Anita & Sister, Lois) Thursday, November 8 8:00 a.m. (SC) John & Louise Olinatz (Children) Friday, November 9 9:00 a.m. (OLOP) Members of the Golas Family Both Living and Deceased (Carmen & Charles Golas) Saturday, November 10 9:00 a.m. (OLOP) Sebastian & Santa Calderone (Family) Saturday, November 10 4:00 p.m. (SC) Jose Figueiredo (Wife Maria) Maria & Manuel Machado (Daughter Maria) Sunday, November 11 7:30 a.m. (SC) Joseph Leonardo (Mom & Daughters) Sunday, November 11 9:00 a.m. (OLOP) Helen Roy (Sebastian & Joan Magnano) Sunday, November 11 10:30 a.m. (SC) Joe H. Kronen ~ 2nd Anniversary (Wife Carolyn V. Kronen) What We Collected (October 28): $ 7,671* *Includes $935 received through our Online Giving program and $835 from mail-in offerings. Thank you for your support of our parish! ANNUAL PARISH APPEAL Our Annual Parish Appeal is underway! All parish families on record should have received a letter from Father John this past week. If you did not receive one, please call the parish office at 860-568-5240. As you know, the money raised by this appeal is very important to the financial health of our parish family and will help us to keep our campuses in good order. To keep costs down, this mailing is managed by parish volunteers; and for them we are most grateful! Please pray for the success of this important effort. REFLECTING ON GOD S WORD Gospel love is not about feelings. It s about choosing to care regardless of how we feel. It s about making decisions based upon the vision of Jesus regardless of how many other visions are demanding our allegiance. If we wait until we feel like loving, well, we may in fact never get around to loving. Gospel love is about the will without paying any attention at all to the emotions. Rev. Joseph J. Juknialis Copyright 2014, Word Library Publications. All rights reserved. SANCTUARY LAMP The lamps beside our church s tabernacles remind us of the Real Presence of Jesus in the Holy Eucharist. The light at the Our Lady of Peace campus burns this week In Appreciation for Family Caregivers (In Recognition of National Family Caregivers Month) The candle at the Saint Christopher campus burns this week In Loving Memory of Margaret McCarthy (Joe Martocci & Jean Nowik) To schedule a sanctuary lamp dedication, please contact the parish office. Suggested donation is $15.
Thirty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time ~ November 4, 2018 Page 2 FAITH AND THE COMMON GOOD: A PRAYER BEFORE AN ELECTION Lord God, as the election approaches, we seek to better understand the issues and concerns that confront our city/state/country, and how the Gospel compels us to respond as faithful citizens in our community. We ask for eyes that are free from blindness so that we might see each other as brothers and sisters, one and equal in dignity, especially those who are victims of abuse and violence, deceit and poverty. We ask for ears that will hear the cries of children unborn and those abandoned, men and women oppressed because of race or creed, religion or gender. We ask for minds and hearts that are open to hearing the voice of leaders who will bring us closer to your Kingdom. We pray for discernment so that we may choose leaders who hear your Word, live your love, and keep in the ways of your truth as they follow in the steps of Jesus and his Apostles and guide us to your Kingdom of justice and peace. We ask this in the name of your Son Jesus Christ and through the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen. (Source: USCCB) Read more about Church teaching on participation in public life at: http://www.usccb.org/issues-andaction/ faithful-citizenship/allcatholics/index.cfm IN MEMORIUM Please pray for the following parishioners who passed on to eternal life during the month of Oct. George Agnelli, Sr. Henry Golas Ann Grogan Marylee Hickey If Christ is my life, then death is my gain. Philippians 1:21 PRAY FOR THE DEAD Let us not hesitate to help those who have died and offer our prayers for them. St. John Chrysostom GIRL SCOUT COOKIES Brownie/Junior Girls Scout Troop 10862, of which some of the young girls of our parish are members, will be selling cookies after the 4:00 p.m., 7:30 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. Masses this weekend. The six core varieties are all $5 a box, and specialty cookies are $6 a box. You can also purchase a box to donate to our military troops overseas. Your purchase helps the scouts earn money for troop events and Girl Scout summer camp and supports the girls as they strengthen their leadership skills and work to make a difference in the community. FOOD BANK NEWS Thanksgiving is just around the corner and although our pantry is pretty well stocked with food items, we are in need of some non-food items for the holiday baskets: laundry detergent, soap (hand and bath), toilet paper and paper towels, toothpaste and toothbrushes. If you have a turkey, chicken or ham that you would like to donate, please contact Diane Warner at 860-202-8462. During the upcoming winter months, donations of coffee, tea, jelly, canned hash, stews and soups and other meals that our clients can prepare with minimal trouble would be much appreciated. Non-perishable food items and non-food items may be left at the Saint Christopher campus in the church near the candle station. At the Our Lady of Peace campus, these items may be left in the main entrance vestibule. If you or someone you know could benefit from receiving a Thanksgiving basket, please contact Diane Warner, at 860-202-8462. Baskets will be ready for pickup on Saturday, November 17. Also, if a situation arises any time during the year and you need assistance from us, please let us know that as well. CONGRATULATIONS We extend our congratulations and best wishes to Brian Vignati and Kara O Leary who on Saturday, October 27, entered into Holy Matrimony in a ceremony celebrated at the Our Lady of Peace campus. May the Lord bless them and their marriage. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate. Mark 10:9
Thirty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time ~ November 4, 2018 Page 3 SAINT CHRISTOPHER SCHOOL PARISH COUNCIL CHRONICLE Open House ~ Sunday, November 4 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Looking for School Options? Consider Saint Christopher School, our parish s PreK 3 through Grade 8 elementary school! Come and learn all that we have to offer in a small, safe environment. This is an educational opportunity for your child that has a proven track record of academic success. Visit our school s website at www.saintchristopherschool.org for more information or contact Mrs. Kathleen Welch: welchk@saintchristopherschool.org or 860-568-4100. We Want to Hear From You! The Parish Council is an open forum. At the end of each meeting there is time to address parishioners concerns. If you are interested in attending a future meeting, please contact me via email or phone so I can put you on the agenda to present your concern. The next meeting will be held on Monday evening, November 26, in the Our Lady of Peace church hall. PRAYER SHARING GROUP Our Prayer/Sharing Group meets again this Thursday, November 8 at 6:30 p.m. in the hall at the Our Lady of Peace campus. All members of the Saint Edmund Campion Parish and their friends are welcome to attend. Please join us for an evening of Prayer, Song, Scripture Sharing and Friendship. We will be discussing the Liturgical season of Advent, which marks the beginning of the Church calendar year. For more info, please call Phyl Tyrseck at 860-568-3855, Barbara Veci at 860-568-2701, Pat Roberge at 860568-5777, Barbara Hanson at 860-965-9162 or Leo Forte at 860-568-7383. HOMEFRONT 2019 Application Deadline is November 16, 2018 Our parish will once again participate in the HomeFront project the first weekend in May of 2019. The HomeFront program is now seeking applicants. Free home repair assistance is available to low-income homeowners in our community. Fueled by a mission of keeping deserving neighbors in their homes with an improved quality of life, the HomeFront staff invites members of our community to consider someone you know who many have no other recourse for making necessary home repairs. If you know any homeowners who could benefit from free repair assistance this spring, please let them know that help is available. For an application, please visit homefrontprogram.org or call 1-800-887-HOPE. DO YOU NEED PRAYER? Our prayer team is available to intercede on your behalf and take your request before God. Contact Sally Ann Tanasi with your prayer requests. 860-569-4072 6854angeleyes@gmail.com September s Meeting Minutes The minutes from the September meeting can now be viewed on our website at stchris-eh.org. Look for the PC Meeting Minutes link on the left side of our home screen. Thank you, Lori Brunette Saint Edmund Campion Parish Council President C-860-655-9367 H-860-904-2116 PAINT NIGHT Saint Christopher School is hosting a Paint Night on Friday, November 9 from 6:45 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. in the Saint Christopher church hall. A paint master will give step-by-step instructions for creating your own masterpiece (a fall harvest scene), while you socialize and enjoy BYO light snacks and drinks with friends! Cost is $30 per person, which includes all supplies. 50% of the proceeds will go to support Saint Christopher School. Registrations must be received by Wednesday, November 7. For more information or to register, please contact the school office at 860-568-4100. ADULT BIBLE ADVENTURE We will meet again this Wednesday, November 7, at 6:30 p.m. in the chapel at the Saint Christopher campus. We had a vibrant Revelation rap session with Father John last meeting and are moving onto the Book of Job! This book explores suffering and particularly confronts innocent suffering. This should be fascinating! Please join us. Our group meets every other Wednesday from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm. Bring your Bible! If you have any questions please contact Deacon Phil at 860-568-5001 or by e-mail at imgoose@comcast.net or Steve Cadwallader at 860568-5477.
Thirty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time ~ November 4, 2018 Page 4 STEWARDSHIP REFLECTION Today s Gospel presents Jesus teachings on the two greatest commandments. Love the Lord with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength. And, love your neighbor as yourself. Let s consider these greatest commandments as they relate to three aspects of a Christian steward s daily life the giving of our time, talent and treasure. The use of time refers primarily to our relationship with the Lord in other words, our prayer life. Since time is a gift to me from God, I show my love for Him and my gratitude for this gift by giving Him the best portion of my time. Of course it is vital to talk to God throughout the day, but if I really want to love Him with all my heart, soul, mind and strength, shouldn t I make time for God first on my agenda each day? Not as an afterthought, but as a time I have intentionally chosen to spend only with Him. The use of talents refers to the way I offer the abilities, skills, and interests the Lord has given me for the good of those around me. Doing so is a practical way to love my neighbor as myself. At the same time it is also a way to love the Lord with all that I am and have, since He has told us that whatever we do for others we are also doing for Him. The use of material gifts or treasure likewise demonstrates both love of God and of neighbor. When I trustingly offer a sacrificial gift to God through the offertory collection I am showing Him in a very tangible way that He comes before all else in my life and I am putting my material resources at the service of my neighbor in the parish community and beyond. When we live for God and others, we are living a stewardship way of life. And like the wise scribe in today s Gospel, we are moving closer to the kingdom of God, our ultimate destination. www.catholicsteward.com/blog LECTIO DIVINA & DAILY READINGS Sunday Thirty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica Saturday Sunday Thirty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time Deuteronomy 6: 2-6 1-4 5-11 12-18 Philippians 3: 3-8a Ezekiel 47: 1-2, 8-9, 12 Philippians 4: 10-19 1 Kings 17: 10-16 Psalm 18: 2-4, 47, 51 Psalm 131: 1bcde-3 Psalm 22: 26b-30ab, 30e, 31-32 Psalm 27: 1, 4, 13-14 Psalm 105: 2-7 Psalm 46: 2-3, 5-6, 8-9 Psalm 112: 1b-2, 5-6, 8a, 9 Psalm 146: 7-10 Hebrews 7: 23-28 1 Corinthians 3: 9c-11, 16-17 Hebrews 9: 24-28 Mark 12: 28b-34 12-14 15-24 25-33 Luke 15: 1-10 John 2: 13-22 Luke 16: 9-15 Mark 12: 38-44 What is Lectio Divina? While reading sacred scripture, read the words with a love and sense of discovery until something seems to strike home. Sit with the passage as one would with a good friend-not just thinking or analyzing, but instead remaining in a quiet, listening spirit, so the word can nurture and challenge you. Call to Prayer: Let us take a moment in the midst of all our activity to prepare ourselves for prayer. Excerpts from SNOW FALLING ON SNOW Copyright 2001 by Robert J. Wicks Used with permission of Paulist Press The Word of God: Choose one of next Sunday s readings. One person reads the scripture aloud as others are attentive to a word, phrase, or theme that is meaningful to them. Allow for a minute of silent reflection. Have another person read the same scripture a second time. Faith Sharing: Begin with an open ended question such as What strikes you from this reading? and/ or you can use the Reflection Question found below. Allow time for reflection & sharing. Reflection for Next Sunday, November 11 32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Closing Prayer: At the end of the faith sharing, invite participants to pray aloud for any particular petitions or praises they may have. Feel free to close with: The Lord s Prayer or spontaneous prayers or a faith-based song. In the first reading, the widow s small act of kindness to Elijah does not go unnoticed by the Lord. Trusting in God, and looking for nothing in return, the widow is abundantly blessed. Are we, as Christians, humble enough to gratefully acknowledge that all of our gifts and blessings come from the Lord?