St Joseph s of Stratford Parish National Catholic Church Since 1907 Weekly Bulletin 14 th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Yr C July 3 rd, 2016 PARISH CONTACTS PASTOR Fr Michal Gitner PARISH CHAIRPERSON Nancy Sirois FINANCIAL SECRETARY Barbara Chernesky Dear Parishioners, Our parish celebrated Independence Day in advance on June 29 th serving meal at the Lord s Kitchen. While celebrating the birth of our nation and enjoying the freedom and opportunities we are presented with, it is also important o remember the less fortunate, the homeless and hungry in our communities. A big thank you to all the volunteers who stepped in last Wednesday and served the meal at the Lord s Kitchen. You now who you are, the cooking crew on Tuesday night at our parish kitchen and the serving team on Wednesday. The response to our appeal for help was just overwhelming. Thank you again. On July 17 th, the Parish Board cals for a special meeting after the 9:00 am Mass. There are two issues we wish to discuss. First of all the new carpet we are planning to put down in the church proper. With the expenditure of over $10,000.00 the Parish Board seeks the parishioners approval. Secondly, in October this year representatives of the parishes of the Eastern Diocese will gather at the Diocesan Synod in Plantsville, CT. We need to elect two delegates for that important event. Fr Michal Saturday: 5:00 pm Sunday: 9:00 am MASS SCHEDULE Wednesday: 9:00 am - Mass for health 1300 Stratford Road, Stratford CT 06615-7639 Tel: 203 377-9901 (office), 203 923-2424 (rectory), Fax: 203 375-6439 www.stjosephsofstratford.org
FAITH MATTERS GOSPEL CHALLENGE He said to them, The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few; so ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest. Go on your way; behold, I am sending you like lambs among wolves. (Lk 10:2-4) Jesus would not made it as a job recruiter. But than following Him isn t a job. It s a life style. THOUGHTS ON THE GOSPEL In Luke s account of the life of Jesus, we are at a turning point. Jesus is beginning his journey to Jerusalem to meet his fate; and he is instructing the followers who must carry on his mission. He has already sent his chosen twelve out on mission. Now he sends out seventy two others. The numbers are symbolic. The mission of the apostles is to the twelve tribes of Israel since the immediate concern of Jesus was to call the nation back to faithfulness. Seventy two was the number of the pagan nations, according to the traditions of the Old Testament ultimately the mission of Jesus is universal. The seventy two others represent all of us, his followers in every age, called to share in his mission to bring the Good News of God to all people. Evangelisation, being bearers of the Good News, is a basic theme in the Church s teaching today. The labourers are few, Jesus tells us, and we tend to think he is referring to the professionals, clergy and religious. But today s gospel tells us that it is that not only those who carry on a leadership role like that of the apostles, but all followers of Jesus who are called to carry forward the Church s mission in the name of Christ. The Lord s instructions to the seventy two are for us too. He invites us to learn what it is to be an evangeliser. The first requirement is that we have truly found joy in the meaning faith gives to our lives. These disciples came back rejoicing ; and today s liturgy, in its choice of the reading from Isaiah, underlines this first characteristic of authentic bearers of the gospel message with its expressions of boundless joy in the blessings of God. True evangelisers must have a faith commitment that is strong: the disciples are told that they must be single-minded their greatest treasure should be the message they bear; it will be this personal conviction that leads others to share in what they have found. True evangelisers are bearers of peace: the disciples are told to be aware of the healing and reconciliation their message should bring to their hearers. Jesus sends the disciples out two by two : because the example of a community that lives by Christ s teaching is an essential part of authentic evangelisation. And finally, Jesus warns against the spirit of self-importance that can spoil the work of the evangelist: all that should matter is their own relationship with God. 2 lorem ipsum :: [Date]
PARISH CALENDAR June 28 th The Lord s Kitchen July 1 st - Fourth of July Fireworks/Tailgate party July 17 th - Parish special meeting, 10:00 am EASTERN DIOCESE July 8 th -10 th - ED Scout Camporee, Enfield, CT July 10 th - Cathedral of the Pines BY THE WEEK Sundays: Mercy Tabernacle Church 12:30-2:30 pm Tuesdays: Mercy Tabernacle Church 6:00-8:00 pm Wednesdays: Thursdays: AA meeting 12:00 pm Irish dance classes 6:00 pm AA men s meeting 7:30 pm News for weekly bulletin? Please contact Father Michal by Wed: mgitner@gmail.com Readers Roster July 3 rd Nancy Sirois July 10 th Joe Pelland Next Sunday s readings: Deuteronomy 30:10-14 Colossians 1:15-20, Lk 10:25-37 FOOD FOR THOUGHT NEWS AND EVENTS The Annual Worship Service at Cathedral of the Pines in Rindge, NH will be held this year on Sunday, July 10, 2016 at 3:30 PM. The theme will center on the 150th Anniversary of the birth of our Church's organizer, Bishop Francis Hodur. Preaching will be Father Senior Joseph Krusienski. Following the service, a repast will take place at Four Star Catering (inside room) just a mile or so away from Cathedral of the Pines. Cost for adult participants is $19.25 with children under 12 at $13.25. Priests and their families are free. Scouts who attend the God and Country PNCC Scout Camp in Enfield are also free (as long as in uniform) with their Scout leaders eating for just $10.00. The meal will consist of BBQ chicken, cranberry sauce, corn on the cob, baked potato, tossed garden salad, rolls and butter, watermelon wedges, condiments, and coffee and punch. Deadline for reservations is July 5, 2016. Please call St. Joseph's rectory at 413-562-4403 or email Father Sr. Soltysiak at Soltysiak@comcast.net. Quarter Night Is Coming! It s not too early to start inviting family and friends to join your table at St. Joseph s Quarter Night on September 17! As you gather together this summer, be sure to tell everyone all about this fun-filled fundraiser. We re now accepting donations of items for the auction are that are new and have a value of $5.00 or more. If you know of a business we can contact for a donation or for more information, please call Joe and Jane Pelland at 203-377-4655 or email janepell639@aol.com. Our Lady of Peace Church Thrift SHOP located in the Parish Center, 10 Ivy Street, Stratford is open on Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon LOOK FOR THE BIG BLUE SALE FLAG!!! 50% off all items for the Summer! Cash or checks payable to OLOP accepted. Please tell your friends and neighbors! Jewelry, toys, linens, outerwear, clothing, footwear, purses, kitchen items, candles, electronics, picture frames, lamps, glassware, books, video, holiday and more!!! It takes nothing to join the crowd. It takes everything to stand alone Hans F Hansen 3 lorem ipsum :: [Date]
Sunday Readings First Reading Isaiah 66:10-14 Thus says the LORD: Rejoice with Jerusalem and be glad because of her, all you who love her; exult, exult with her, all you who were mourning over her! Oh, that you may suck fully of the milk of her comfort, that you may nurse with delight at her abundant breasts! For thus says the LORD: Lo, I will spread prosperity over Jerusalem like a river, and the wealth of the nations like an overflowing torrent. As nurslings, you shall be carried in her arms, and fondled in her lap; as a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you; in Jerusalem you shall find your comfort. When you see this, your heart shall rejoice and your bodies flourish like the grass; the LORD s power shall be known to his servants. The word of the Lord. Thanks be to God. Response to the Psalm Let all the earth cry out to God with joy. Second Reading Galatians 6:14-18 Brothers and sisters: May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. For neither does circumcision mean anything, nor does uncircumcision, but only a new creation. Peace and mercy be to all who follow this rule and to the Israel of God. From now on, let no one make troubles for me; for I bear the marks of Jesus on my body. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers and sisters. Amen. Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia May the peace of Christ rule in your hearts; and the fullness of his message live within you. Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia Gospel Lk 10:1-9 At that time the Lord appointed seventy-two others whom he sent ahead of him in pairs to every town and place he intended to visit. He said to them, The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few; so ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest. Go on your way; behold, I am sending you like lambs among wolves. Carry no money bag, no sack, no sandals; and greet no one along the way. Into whatever house you enter, first say, Peace to this household. If a peaceful person lives there, your peace will rest on him; but if not, it will return to you. Stay in the same house and eat and drink what is offered to you, for the laborer deserves his payment. Do not move about from one house to another. Whatever town you enter and they welcome you, eat what is set before you, cure the sick in it and say to them, The kingdom of God is at hand for you. Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ The word of the Lord. Thanks be to God. April - July issues of the bulletin are sponsored by Carla Misurale in memory of Carol Misurale. If anyone wishes to contribute to the printing cost of the bulletin, please contact Fr Michal. 4 lorem ipsum :: [Date]