MASS SCHEDULE Weekend Vigil: 4:30 p.m. Sundays: 8:00, 10:30 a.m. Monday-Friday: 7:30 a.m. Holy Days: As announced CONFESSIONS Saturdays: 3:00 4:00 p.m. or by appointment WEDNESDAY DEVOTIONS 6:30 8:00 p.m. Eucharistic Exposition and Adoration Scriptural Rosary Perpetual Novena in Honor of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal Benediction BAPTISM By appointment; please call the parish office at 860-568-5240 to schedule. MARRIAGE Please contact the parish office at 860-568-5240 at least six months in advance of your intended wedding date. St. Christopher Parish 538 Brewer Street East Hartford, CT 06118 860-568-5240 (Office) 860-568-0673 (Fax) E-mail: stchris-eh@sbcglobal.net Website: www.stchris-eh.org OFFICE MANAGER Bonnie Szalay 860-568-5240 ST. CHRISTOPHER SCHOOL Mrs. Kathleen Madej, Principal Audrey Cesana, Secretary www.saintchristopherschool.org 860-568-4100 RELIGIOUS EDUCATION Fr. Tim S. Hickey Deacon Thomas F. Breen Maria Sousa, Coordinator 860-895-8692 stchrisre@gmail.com
St. Christopher Church ~ East Hartford, CT Page 1 Saturday, October 4 4:30 p.m. Scott John Hatje 2nd Anniversary (Mom & Family s Love Forever) Sunday, October 5 8:00 a.m. Rev. James H. Smith Sunday, October 5 10:30 a.m. Rita Schaefer (Helene Forrest & Nancy Coulombe) Monday, October 6 7:30 a.m. Paul E. Franklin (Wife Claire) Tuesday, October 7 7:30 a.m. Antonio Loura & Sisters (Jose & Evangelina Sousa) Wednesday, October 8 7:30 a.m. Anna & Valentine Povinelli (Barbara & Valentine Povinelli) Thursday, October 9 7:30 a.m. Rita Raymond (Friends From Her Small Christian Community) Friday, October 10 7:30 a.m. Fernand Turmel 9th Anniversary (Wife & Family) Saturday, October 11 4:30 p.m. Jean Formica & Lucille Bordonaro (Family) Sunday, October 12 8:00 a.m. Joseph Leonardo (Mom & Daughters) Sunday, October 12 10:30 a.m. John & Helen Katin (The Katin & Brewer Families) 27th Sunday in October 5, 2014 Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God. Philippians 4:6 PARISH SUPPORT What We Collected (September 28): $ 5,006 What We Need for General Expenses: $ 7,317 THANK YOU! On behalf of the students in the Catholic elementary schools of the Archdiocese of Hartford, we send deep gratitude to all who contributed to the 2014 HOPES Collection through last weekend s collection. Your investment in what Pope Francis calls the most valuable resource of Catholic school education will bear much fruit for our Church and our world as these schools continue to prepare their students to be productive, virtuous citizens. A total of $1,399 was collected. 25% of the monies collected will remain here to support our own parish school and the remaining 75% will be used to support other Catholic elementary schools in our Archdiocese. STEWARDSHIP REFLECTION Two important facets of lives of stewardship are prayer and trust. Too often we may become overly self reliant, trying to carry our crosses without the help of the Lord. Develop a prayer life and awareness that Jesus is there to help, every day in every way, and the world can be a much more positive place. As St. Paul tells us in the final verse of today s second reading if we do all of this Then the God of peace will be with you. www.thecatholicsteward.com SANCTUARY LAMPS The lamps beside our tabernacles remind us of the Real Presence of Jesus in the Holy Eucharist. The candle in the church burns this week In Loving Memory of Edwin Jones In Remembrance of His 100th Birthday In Honor of Lillian Jones In Celebration of Her 100th Birthday (Daughter Janette Forte) There is also the opportunity to schedule a dedication for the sanctuary lamp in our chapel. If you would like to schedule a weekly dedication for either the church or chapel sanctuary lamp, please call the parish office.
27th Sunday in ~ October 5, 2014 Page 2 A great big THANK YOU to everyone who helped plan, prepare, set-up, cook, clean-up but most of all ENJOY our parish school picnic last Sunday. The turnout was so good that the cooks had to go to the store for more hamburgers halfway through the afternoon s rush. It was a joy to see the entire St. Christopher Parish family enjoying each other s company. I enjoyed visiting with everyone, playing games with the kids, and the food was fantastic. A special thanks to every member of every committee who got the job done last Sunday, and a special shout-out to the 8 th graders who supervised the younger kids in the field games. All of you showed what St. Christopher Parish is all about. Sunday was also a day to celebrate the outstanding parent volunteers at St. Christopher School. At the annual HOPES (Help Our Parish Elementary Schools) dinner Sunday evening, three deserving volunteers were recognized: Dr. Kate Darcy Hohenthal, who helped secure the technology grant that helped the school purchase new tablet FROM FR. TIM computers; Peter Marra, who donated time, labor and material goods to install the new school sign and landscape the area; and Karen Schofield, who helped raise the funds and worked with the company on the new stage curtains in the school. Archbishop Leonard Blair recognized each of them at the awards dinner. Congratulations to each of you; it was a pleasure spending Sunday evening with you and the hundreds of volunteers from throughout the Archdiocese who help sustain Catholic schools. Finally, thank you to all those who have expressed congratulations and best wishes to my mother on her upcoming 90 th birthday; I will gladly share them with her. As a reminder, I will be headed to Kansas this week for the family celebration of her birthday and a Mass of thanksgiving in her parish. As noted before, Fr. Sal Rosa will once again be here for daily Mass, weekend Masses and confessions. With prayers for the continued renewal of St. Christopher Church in Faith, Communion and Evangelization. CONFIRMATION PROGRAM BEGINS A Parent and Student Evening of Reflection kicks off this year s Confirmation program for students entering grades 9 and 10 and their parents. Two evenings are scheduled, but you need only attend one. You may attend either this Sunday, Sunday, October 5 OR next Sunday, October 12. Both evenings will run from 7:00 9:00 p.m. and will meet in our church hall. HELP AMERICA! PRAY THE ROSARY! Bumper stickers with the words Help America, Pray the Rosary are available at all the exits to the church this weekend. These were provided to us free of charge, compliments of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee. October is traditionally the month dedicated to the Blessed Mother and Her Rosary. Whether you take a bumper sticker or not, please pray the Rosary for our country and its many needs, or join us on Wednesday evenings from 6:30 8:00 p.m. for the praying of a Scriptural Rosary as part of our weekly devotions including Exposition, the Miraculous Medal Novena and Benediction. FOOD BANK SUPPORTED We received notice this week that a generous donation of $1,400 was made to the St. Christopher South Congregational Church Food Bank from the Archbishop s Annual Appeal. We thank the administrators of the Archbishop s Annual Appeal for recognizing our efforts to address hunger here in East Hartford. Your regular donation of food items is also greatly appreciated. ROSARY RALLY AT CATHEDRAL Everyone is invited to the 25th annual Rosary Rally on Sunday, October 12 from 2:00 3:30 p.m. at the Cathedral. It includes procession, rosary, talks, Divine Mercy Chaplet, and Benediction. Archbishop Blair will speak on The Importance of Prayer & the Power of the Rosary. For details, call Elaine Atiyeh at 860-352-2281. ST. CHRISTOPHER S SOCIAL CLUB MEETING Monday ~ October 6 ~ 1:00 p.m. ~ Church Hall New members are always welcome. If you have any questions regarding the club, please feel free to contact Frank or Joan Perrone at 860-568-6229.
27th Sunday in ~ October 5, 2014 Page 2 Please Join Us As We Pray for Life St. Christopher Church will again be participating in this year s 40 Days for Life Campaign! During this 40 Days for Life Campaign, parishes around the country will be engaging in 24 hours of Eucharistic Adoration as well as 12 hours of prayerful vigil at a local abortion clinic. The dates for Eucharistic Adoration in our church will be from Wednesday, October 22 at 6:00 a.m. until Thursday, October 23 at 6:00 a.m. On Saturday, October 18, 2014 we will engage in prayerful vigil next to the abortion clinic in Hartford beginning at 6:00 a.m. and concluding at 6:00 p.m. We are seeking at least two people for each hour time slot for both the Eucharistic Adoration and the prayerful vigil. Also, I will be offering a shuttle from St. Christopher s to Hartford for the prayerful vigil to make it easier for folks to assist with this wonderful display of support for life. Please help us bring our prayers for life to God in this special way. I will be in the church hall after all Masses this weekend, October 4 and 5, to help you sign up for a time slot, but feel free to reserve your spot today by contacting me at 860-568-5001 or at imgoose@comcast.net Peace, Phil Gosselin FLU VACCINE CLINICS The Town of East Hartford s Health Department is sponsoring at the South End Senior Center, 70 Canterbury Street in East Hartford the following seasonal flu clinics which are free for East Hartford residents, 55 years and older. (Proof of age and residency is required.) Friday, October 10 and Friday, October 24, 1:00 4:00 p.m. each day. For more information please call 860-568-4281. OCTOBERFEST DINNER Saturday ~ October 18 ~ 6:00 p.m. The Knights of Columbus St. Christopher Council #4 will be holding an Octoberfest Dinner in our church hall. Menu includes bratwurst and knockwurst sausages, potato pancakes, soft pretzels, desserts, juice, coffee and apple cider. Adults are welcome to BYOB. The cost is $12.50 per person. Children 10 and under are $5.00. Raffle will be held. Tickets must be reserved in advance by contacting Scott Gay at 860-670-8898 or at scottgay95@gmail.com. ST. CHRISTOPHER SCHOOL S ANNUAL GOLF OUTING Golfers, Diners and Sponsors Wanted! Purchase Tickets After all Masses this Weekend Join us this Friday, October 10 at Topstone Golf Course in South Windsor. Shotgun start is 12:00 noon. Sponsors and those interested in participating should call Ron Cote at 860-899-7957 or the school office at 860-568-4100 or use the form available at all church entrances. The cost is $125 per person. A round of golf, cart, lunch, and dinner are all included in this price. Dinner only is $25. This tournament is a major fundraiser for our school; your support is appreciated. CAN AND BOTTLE DRIVE A Can and Bottle Drive will be held on Saturday, October 11, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon. Please bring your pre-rinsed cans and bottles to the front of our school. We also collect aluminum can tabs. All proceeds benefit our parish school. Thank you! FOOD BANK REPORT For September 2014 Families: 44 Adults: 68 Children: 28 We thank Dick Domler, Joseph Feloney, Elena Millstein and Velma Piela for their recent monetary donations to our food bank and we thank all those who donated non-perishable food items. THE GUILD OF ST. AGNES The Guild of St. Agnes is now sponsoring its membership drive for 2014 and celebrating its 102nd anniversary. It is an independent, not-for-profit corporation that emphasizes respect for life. If you are interested in becoming a member, please call our parishioner Marion Sullivan at 860-568-4533. MEN OF ST. CHRISTOPHER S! Mark your calendar for Saturday, October 25 for the 7th Annual Catholic Men s Conference being held right in our backyard at Goodwin College. This daylong event includes dynamic speakers talking about real issues of importance to Catholic men -- married and single. The day will include Eucharistic Adoration, opportunities for the sacrament of penance/reconciliation, and a unique Q & A session with Archbishop Leonard Blair. A vigil Mass will be celebrated at 5:00 p.m. to conclude the day. For more information or to register, please visit www.ctcatholicmen.org or call 860-484-7950.
Sunday 27th Sunday in LECTIO DIVINA & DAILY READINGS Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday 28th Sunday in Isaiah 5: 1-7 Galatians 1: 6-12 Galatians 1: 13-24 Galatians 2: 1-2, 7-14 1-5 7-14 22-29 Isaiah 25: 6-10a Psalm 80: 9, 12-16, 19-20 Psalm 111: 1b-2, 7-9, 10c Psalm 139: 1b-3, 13-15 Psalm 117: 1bc, 2 Luke 1: 69-75 Psalm 111: 1b-6 Psalm 105: 2-7 Psalm 23: 1-6 Philippians 4: 6-9 Philippians 4: 12-14, 19-20 Matthew 21: 33-43 Luke 10: 25-37 Luke 10: 38-42 1-4 5-13 15-26 27-28 Matthew 22: 1-14 [1-10] 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 www.paulistpress.com 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 Question for Next Sunday, October 12, 2014 For Your Reflection: In his Letter to the Philippians, St. Paul says he has learned how to live in good times and bad. I can do all things in him who strengthens me, he writes. How many times do we live life by just responding to the first half of that statement: I can do all things? Consider meditating this week on Psalm 23, The Lord is my shepherd. 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. P A R I S H C O N T A C T S PARISH TRUSTEES Marie Gallo-Garabedian Richard Mac McCarthy PARISH COUNCIL PRESIDENT Madeline Cassarino ~ 860-568-5023 FINANCE COUNCIL CHAIRMAN Michael Munley ~ 860-683-8594 SCHOOL BOARD PRESIDENT Richard Oliveira ~ 860-568-2341 SCHOOL ADVANCEMENT DIRECTOR Dr. Kate Darcy Hohenthal 860-568-4975 SCHOOL DIRECTOR OF RETENTION AND RECRUITMENT Karen Santacross ~ 860-568-4975 DIRECTOR OF YOUTH MINISTRY AND CONFIRMATION Kristina Gillespie 860-895-8692 E-mail: stchrisym@gmail.com MINISTRY OF CONSOLATION Jean Nowik-Martocci ~ 860-568-8873 EXTRAORDINARY MINISTER OF HOLY COMMUNION Mary Priest ~ 860-569-0087 HOMEBOUND MINISTRY Barbara Casey ~ 860-568-4638 PRAYER LINE MINISTRY Sue Ward ~ 860-633-2930 toobusysue@gmail.com...but she s never too busy to receive your prayer requests! MUSIC DIRECTOR Charleen Miele ~ 860-561-5394 MINISTRY OF GREETERS and PRAYERSHAWL MINISTRY Toni Amberg ~ 860-568-9069 PRO-LIFE MINISTRY Phil Gosselin ~ 860-568-5001 FOOD BANK MINISTRY David Gaudreau ~ 860-569-4325 KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS St. Christopher Council #4 Scott Gay, Grand Knight ~ 860-670-8898 PARISH & SCHOOL ACCOUNTANT Dianne Rumsey CHURCH CUSTODIAN Roger Dube