1. Art and Diseño

1 February 2015
Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time
CHURCH OF THE
ON SAUGATUCK
THE MOTHER CHURCH OF WESTPORT
• Celebrating 139 Years 1876-2015 •
Phone: (203) 227-5161
98 Riverside Avenue • Westport, Connecticut 06880
CLERGY
(203) 227-5161
Fr. Thomas P. Thorne, Pastor
Fr. Lawrence A. Larson, Parochial Vicar
Fr. Robert M. Kinnally, Chancellor (Sunday Masses)
Dn. David P. Clark, Deacon
Fr. Matthew Krankall, Resident Priest (Grad Student)
EMERGENCY 1-203-249-4383
PARISH STAFF
Michelle P. Hankey, Pastoral Administrator
([email protected])
John P. Kondub, Finance Administrator
([email protected])
Christopher Mulliken, Volunteer Property Manager
Lee McGuire, Secretary (Monday & Tuesday)
Marilyn Price - Volunteer Receptionist (Wednesday - am)
Nancy Wright - Secretary (Wednesday pm, Thursday & Friday)
Dennis Stypinski, Custodian
Gerard Barreau, Part-time Custodian
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
Office: (203) 226-5448
Cell:
(203) 939-8910
Catherine J. Romano, Director
Nhur Klasky, Rel. Ed. Assistant (Sunday, Monday, Tuesday)
Ann Perce, Rel. Ed. Assistant (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday)
Joseph Malaterra, Rel. Ed. Board Chair
Fax: (203) 227-1206
LAY MEMBERS OF THE CORPORATION
Theresa M. Perry, Trustee
Thomas P. Leyden, Trustee
Edward J. Capasse, Esq., Trustee Emeritus
FINANCE COUNCIL
Nancy Axthelm, Chair (203) 227-6569
Maria Onorato, Esq., Vice-Chair
Joseph Cardello
Michael O’Loughlin
PARISH COUNCIL
Maureen Belford, Chair
Joseph Malaterra, Vice-Chair
Ronnie Estony, Secretary
Helen C. Thiemann, Chair Emeritus
SACRED MUSIC MINISTRY
Frank Matto, Director & Organist
(203) 335-0894
([email protected])
Donna Gambino, Flutist
Aidan Andrews, Cantor
Jim Andrews, Bassist (Sunday 9:00am & 5:00pm)
MASS SCHEDULE
Mon. – Sat.
7:30 am
Saturday
5:00 pm Vigil
Sunday
7:30 am, 9:00 am (Family Mass),
10:30 am (Choir Mass), 12:00 noon, 5:00 pm
YOUTH MINISTRY
(203) 222-8486
Michele Modugno, Youth Minister (Grade 6 - 12)
Michael O’Loughlin, High School Youth Ministry Board Chair
SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION
Saturday 4:00pm – 4:30pm
BAPTISM PREPARATION CLASS
Fr. Lawrence A. Larson
First Sunday of the month at 1:30pm
WEDDING COORDINATOR
Michelle P. Hankey
(203) 227-5161
R C I A (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults)
Marilyn Moran, Parish Director
Dolores Bacharach, RCIA Catechist
FUNERAL COORDINATOR
Catherine J. Romano
(203) 226-5448
(203) 286-6939
PARISH OFFICE HOURS
Monday - Friday: 8:30am - 4:30pm (closed 12:00pm - 1:00pm)
EUCHARISTIC ADORATION
Monday
8:00am - 5:00pm
Wednesday 8:00am - Thursday 7:25am
Third Thurs. 7:00pm - 8:00pm
New Members: We welcome all new parishioners and those who wish to return to the Church or to learn more of what
we Catholic Christians believe. Visit our web site www.assumption-westport.org
Page 2
In Loving Memory/Honor
The flowers at Mary’s Statue are
in loving memory of
Ann Rimby
The candles at Mary’s Statue burn
in loving memory of
Susan Crook
The Sanctuary candle burns in
loving memory of
Dominic & Elvira Lener
The candles at the Tabernacle
burn in loving memory of
John Wanat
The candles at the Altar burn
in loving memory of
William Smith
Pray for our men and women
currently serving our country
Sgt. Randy Ackerman, US Army
L.Cpl. Durry Becker, USMC
Matthew Bradstock, US Army
Tony Cuseo, USMC
Ryan J. David, USN
2nd Lt. Alex Deep, US Army
Sgt. Christopher Dietl, US Army
Pvt. Auriane de Sousa, US Army
Brodie Galloway, US Army
Col. Gerald E. Galloway, US Army
Sgt. Kimberly Gendreau, US Army
Sgt. Trevor Gilbertie, US Army
Sgt. Matthew Harwedel, USMC
Sgt. Joseph Kelly, USMC
2nd Lt. Karl Kuechenmeister
Cpl. Michael Linnen, USMC
Sgt. Andre Mercado-Divoff
P.F.C., Brad Myers, US Army
Spec., Jonathan Morris, US Army
LT Jonathan R. Nelson, USN
LTJG Ryan T. Nelson, USN
Sgt. Colin Santacroce, US Army
Maj. Devin A. Smiley, USMC
Sgt. Zachary B. Taylor, USAF
Patrick Tazella, US Army
Capt. James Tesauro, US Army
Cpl. Calvin Robert Wauchope, USMC
L.Cpl. Patrick Zingaro, USMC
Please pray for all those who have been
wounded or have sacrificed their lives for
the cause of peace.
Please pray for our sick
Catherine Alter
Mary Ann Andronaco
Noelle Anastasia
Joan Bailey
Bob Barker
Ryan Brewster
Kathy Bridges
Mary Bulakites
Victoria Callas
Sr. Lucy Caporaso
Joseph Cardello, Sr.
Bill Chadwell
Aida Ciferri
Tonino Covatta
Andrea Charboneau
Connie & Howard Danner
Nicholas DeMatteo
Matt Dudzik
Colette Dunham
Gail Eichinger
David Ellison
Dr. Harry Engel
Angela Farricielli
Marge Gabriele
Katarina Hale
Julie Halka
Jane Hawley
Logan Howard
Frank Illuzzi
Angela Izzo
Marie James
Bernadette Juoan
Nancy Kelly
Bernadette Kenney
Laura Kesling
Mary Louise Krone
Frank Kropf
Mary-Ellen Kuhn
Michelle Lombardi
Jack Allen Loshuk
Cara MacDonald
Frank Machi
Helen Maggio
Nancy Marino
Gabriella McCrae
Kristina Miller
Rhoda Miller
Marianne Monopoli
Clarissa Moore
Jana Moorman
Danielle Murrugarra
Denise Murtha
Reverend Frank Nuss
Rennie Nourie
Donna Olsen
Frank Palmieri
Tom Pellicano
Kim Preston
Bella Price
Brian Richards
James Rosati
Deanne Ryan
Sandra Ryan
Teresa Sacouto
Adrian Sandiford
Bill & Charlene Surette
Carmela Tornatore
Cheri Travis
Nicholas Valas
Ron & Pat Viesti
James Dominick Zwolinski
Mass Intentions for the Week
Saturday, January 31
Vigil 5:00PM
Marie Miklinevich
Sunday, February 1
7:30AM
John Kaestner
9:00AM
Edward Regan
10:30AM
Richard Gambino
12:00PM
Mickey Gilbertie
5:00PM
Family of Assumption
Monday, February 2
7:30AM
George & Mary Wanat
Tuesday, February 3
7:30AM
Peter & Jenny Palmer
Wednesday, February 4
7:30AM
Sr. Phil Tiernan, rscj
Thursday, February 5
7:30AM
Charles Hoch
Friday, February 6
7:30AM
Buck Iannacone
Saturday, February 7
7:30AM
Carol Izzo Beach
Vigil 5:00PM
Ashleigh Fontaine
Sunday, February 8
7:30AM
Jane Doucette
9:00AM
Adeline Renzulli
10:30AM
John & Rose Palmer
12:00PM
Robert Johnston
Family of Assumption
5:00PM
Pray For Our Recently Deceased
Ann Rimby
George Moreo
Joseph Manzi
Ethel Ann McMahon
Walter Melillo
Theresa Falasco
Ernest Herold
Irene Deegan
May they rest in peace.
Page 3
Stewardship Report
•
•
•
Sunday Offertory $ 8,376.67
Church in Latin America $ 1,125.00
This weekends Second Collection is for the First Sunday of the Month Utilities
Collection
God bless you for you charity. Thank you!
Fr. Tom
Our parish now offers Online Giving, a web-based electronic application that allows
you to start, stop and change your contributions at any time. We are providing this
service so that you have the option to manage your contributions online, view reports
on your contribution history and generate tax statements at each year’s end. This
service is safe and secure. Sign up for Online Giving by visiting our parish website at
www.assumption-westport.org and selecting the Online Giving link.
•
•
If you wish to support the Parish by having your bank mail a check directly, you are welcome to do so. Please
have checks payable to Assumption Church.
Please remember Assumption Church in your estate planning. If you wish to make a donation of appreciated
stock to the Parish, you may do so by crediting UBS DTC # 0221 for further credit to Church of the Assumption,
Westport, CT Acct. UN R5454-17.
New PLS Fund replaces Roncalli House Fund: The Roncalli Fund is now closed but you
are most welcome to designate our new PLS FUND as recipient of your charity. This new fund will help us cover the
cost to paint (P) the interior of the Church, to put in place 14 micro spot lights (L) on the 14 Stations of the Cross as
well as update/upgrade our Sound System (S). Thank you.
Hospital & Nursing Home Visitations
Due to current privacy rights of patients, the
priests do not have any way of knowing if and
when parishioners are hospitalized. Therefore, if
you wish to be visited by one of our priests while in
the hospital, please have a family member notify
the parish office and Father Tom or Father Larry
will be happy to visit, bring you Holy Communion
and share with you the Anointing of the Sacrament
of the Sick. Thank you.
Next Weekends Priest Mass Schedule
Saturday, February 7
Vigil 5:00pm
Fr. Larry
Sunday, February 8
7:30am
Fr. Rob
9:00am
Fr. Rob
10:30am Fr. Larry
12:00pm Fr. Tom
5:00pm
Fr. Tom
— Subject to change —
2014 Tax Contribution Statements
Contribution statements for the 2014 tax year
have been mailed to all parishioners who gave
$250.00 or more to the parish. If you did not
receive a statement and you made
contributions to the parish during 2014, please
call the office at (203) 227-5161 and a
statement will be mailed to you. Thank you!
Thank
you!
In spite of the bad
weather last weekend,
we collected $1,180.00 for the Souper Bowl
of Caring fundraiser. Thank you to all those
who contributed and especially to all of the
Confirmation students that participated.
God Bless!
Page 4
THE CAFE
Catholic Adult Faith Enrichment
Ash Wednesday
February 18, 2015
Mass Schedule
We are pleased to announce Dr. Joan Kelly
will enrich us with teachings on topics that
will provide us to deepen our Catholic
faith. We invite you to take part in
7:30am, 9:00am, 12:00pm
and 5:00pm
CAFÉ, the Catholic Adult Faith
Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the
Enrichment series of Assumption.
Sundays at 10:15am
in the parish hall
February 1st
The Catholic Calendar: Feasts and Celebrations
March 15th
Our Greatest Prayer: The Catholic Mass
April 26th
Mary, Assumption’s Patroness,
and Model Woman
Dr. Joan Kelly
It provides opportunities for
Catholics to form a deeper
appreciation and love for
their faith through gaining a
greater understanding of the
Church and how her
teachings apply in the
modern world. Many times
we can find ourselves going
through the motions of our
faith without really
understanding what they
mean.
We will be serving fresh
brewed Starbuck’s Coffee
and delicious goodies.
season of Lent. It is a season of penance,
reflection, and fasting which prepares us for
Christ's Resurrection on Easter Sunday, through
which we attain redemption.
The tradition of receiving ashes has its origins in
the Old Testament, where sinners performed acts
of public penance. It was Pope Urban II who in
the 11th century recommended that all Catholics
take part in the practice of receiving ashes on Ash
Wednesday. In the 12th century it became
customary that the ashes used on Ash Wednesday
were made by burning the palms from the
previous year.
Abstinence is a Lenten practice of refraining from
the consumption of meat and is to be observed by
all Catholics age 14 years and older on Ash
Wednesday, Good Friday, and the Fridays during
Lent. Pastors and parents are encouraged to see
that those who are not bound by the obligation to
abstain are led to appreciate an authentic sense of
penance. In addition to abstinence, fasting is to
be observed by all Catholics between the ages of
18-59 years old. On days of fasting, one full
meal is allowed. Two smaller meals, sufficient to
maintain strength, may be taken according to
one’s needs, but together they should not equal
another full meal. Eating between meals is not
permitted, but liquids are allowed.
Ashes will only be
distributed during mass.
Page 5
Family Life
Religious Education
News & Information
From now until the end of Lent, we
will be collecting toiletries and
individual size snacks for the
homeless in Bridgeport.
Sunday 9:00am Confirmation
Class Schedule
Lenten Outreach
Some suggestions are:
Shampoo & Conditioner
Toothpaste & Toothbrush
Dental Floss
Mouthwash
Soap
Deodorant
Band-Aids
Tissues
Lip Balm
Moisturizer
Shaving supplies
Comb/Brush
Gallon Size Ziplocs
New Socks
Q-tips
Hand Sanitizers
Individual size snacks such as:
Applesauce, Fruit
Cups, Chips, Crackers,
Pretzels, Cookies
Hot Chocolate Packs,
Juice Boxes,
Granola & Fruit Bars,
Envelopes of Soups,
Wrapped Easter Candy
Please bring your donations to the
designated boxes at the entrances of the
church or the bin on the front porch of
Roncalli House anytime. The bags will be
packed as items come in. They will be
delivered to the Soup Lady’s clients in
time for Easter.
Thank you for your generosity and caring
for those in need.
February - Valentine’s Candy Outreach
February 1 - class
February 8 - class (Letter assignment due)
February 15 - No class (Winter break)
February 22 - No class (Winter break)
Grades K-7
Sunday & Tuesday Class Schedule
February - Valentine’s Candy Outreach
Sunday, February 1 - class
Tuesday, February 3 - class
Sunday, February 8 - class
Tuesday, February 10 - class
Sunday, February 15 - No class (Winter break)
Tuesday, February 17 - No class (Winter break)
Sunday, February 22 - No class (Winter break)
Tuesday, February 24 – class
Parking Lot Safety for Sunday 10:10am
& Tuesday 4:30pm classes
Parents must come into the building to pick up their child
(ren) for safety reasons. Do not drop your child off at the
door. We can’t stress enough the importance of adhering to
the arrival and departure policy for students. Our parking lot
is a very busy place and can become dangerous for the
children.
The entrance to the school for Religious
Education is only through the glass doors marked
“Religious Education” which is in the school building
located near the lower parking lot of the Church. Please do
not park in the upper circle on Burr Road or use that upper
entrance. It is for the other schools who also use the
building. This entrance is to be used only in an emergency.
Thank you, Cathy Romano
Office Hours: The Religious Education Office
hours are Monday - Thursday, 9:00am to 4:00pm
(closed on Fridays)
Snow Cancellation Information
Please check your email or watch Channel 3 or
Channel 12 News for snow cancellations. If
the Westport Public Schools cancel classes on
Tuesday due to inclement weather, our Tuesday’s classes
will be cancelled as well.
Page 6
High Blood Pressure
Screening . . . the weekend,
February 7 & 8
One out of every four adults over the age of
60 in the U.S. is diagnosed and treated for
high blood pressure. High blood pressure
or hypertension is considered a silent condition
because it often has no symptoms. If not diagnosed
and treated, over time it can lead to heart disease,
kidney disease and damage to other organs. Stroke is
probably the best-known complication of untreated
high blood pressure.
Risk factors linked to hypertension are smoking, age
(50 years and older) obesity, diabetes, kidney disease
and a family history- hypertension in either one or
both parents.
Treatment is usually medication
prescribed by your Doctor.
Additionally, there are some steps you can take to
lower your pressure and keep it down:
• Exercise - even if it’s just walking 15 minutes a
day,
• Stop smoking,
• Eat less salt - read food labels - try to stay within
1500 mgm of sodium per day,
• If you are overweight, lose those extra pounds and
try to follow a healthy diet,
• Have your blood pressure checked regularly,
• Take your medication every day and see your
doctor regularly.
The Social Concerns Ministry here at Assumption
Parish is pleased to offer blood pressure screenings
the first weekend of each month.
This service is available to all our parishioners and,
through the St Vincent's Medical Center Parish Nurse
Program, we can provide you with wallet cards to
record your blood pressure as well as pocket
medication cards.
Please take a few minutes for a quick blood
pressure check by a Parish Nurse at the back of the
Church after the Saturday 5:00pm Mass and the
Sunday 7:30am and 10:30am Masses. It's good for
your health!
Nancy Engel, RN CRNI
Member, Social Concerns Ministry
Synod Holy Hour
Bishop Caggiano has entrusted the success of our
Diocesan Synod to Our Lady of Fatima. With that
in mind, Our Lady of Assumption Parish in
Fairfield (located at 545 Stratfield Rd.) is excited to
announce that Father Andrew Apostoli will be
delivering a talk in the Church about the
significance of Fatima for our times on Tuesday,
February 3rd from 7:00pm to 8:00pm. Father
Apostoli is a cofounder of the Franciscan Friars of
the Renewal and makes frequent appearances on
EWTN. He is the author of many books, including
Fatima for Today. Please join us for what promises
to be a powerful evening of fellowship, prayer and
reflection. Father Apostoli will also be available
afterwards to meet , greet and sign books that he
will have on hand for those attending.
Assumption Book
Group
We extend a warm invitation and
welcome to anyone who would
enjoy an opportunity for a group
exchange of thoughts about Jesus
Today, A Spirituality of Radical
Freedom by Albert Nolan.
“Radical means reaching down to the roots.
The freedom that Jesus experienced reached
down to the very roots of his being. It was the
freedom he challenged his followers to strive
for, and it is the freedom that challenges us
today as we hover on the edge of chaos.”
- - Albert Nolan - -
The group will meet Wednesdays from 1:00 to
2:30 in the Roncalli Parish Center beginning on
February 4.
For more information, please
phone Helen Thiemann at (203)227-6318 or
email [email protected]
Please come . . . all are welcome!
Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Page 7
Reflecting on God’s Word . . .
In Jesus’ day, demonic possession was not
uncommon. Mark presents Jesus as one who takes
on the evil spirits, overturning their possession of his
man. Jesus has declared war against the kingdom of
Satan. Its hour of ascendancy is coming to an end.
The unclean spirit recognizes Jesus as one with
greater power, for it asks, “Have you come to
destroy us?” Then it confesses Jesus as the “Holy
One of God” (Mark 1:24). Jesus will battle the
forces of evil to the death, his death. But what looks
like defeat for Jesus will be changed to victory,
because the power of God is at work in him.
In the first reading from Deuteronomy, Moses is
speaking to the people before they enter the
Promised Land. They entire book is his farewell
speech to them. He will not go with them. He
consoles them, saying that God promises to raise up
a prophet like Moses and will speak through him:
“I . . . will put my words into his
mouth” (Deuteronomy 18:18).
Jesus is presented to us today as the prophet like
Moses, who teaches with the authority of God and
whose words are obeyed even by unclean spirits.
There is no power on earth or beyond it greater than
the power of God at work in him.
- James A. Wallace, C.Ss.R. -
Serra Club Corner
Did you know...that Serra Clubs not only promote
vocations to the priesthood but also encourage and
affirm vocations to the consecrated religious life in
the Catholic Church? For more information, see our
website www.serraus.org.
High School Youth Group:
The next High School Youth Group gathering is set
for Sunday, February 8 from 6:00pm to 7:15pm.
We will complete our Valentine’s Day Goody Bags.
If you forgot to bring a donation for the goody bags,
please bring yours on February 8th. We will also
work on another project for Valentine’s Day for our
homebound parishioners.
The High School schedule for February 8th :
• 5:00pm – 6:00 – Youth Mass
• 6:00pm – 7:15pm – High School Youth Group
gathering
Please contact the Youth Ministry Office either via
email: [email protected] or
via phone: (203) 222-8486 to let us know if you will
be attending. Please don’t forget to check us out on
Facebook: Assumption Youth Group.
Middle School Youth Group:
The next Middle School Youth Group gathering is
set for Sunday, February 8 from 3:30PM to
4:30PM in McGrath Hall. All middle schoolers
(6th, 7th and 8th graders) are invited to join us! We
will work on a special Valentine’s Day project for
our homebound parishioners and patients at the
Westport Health Center. If your child is interested
in joining us, please contact the Youth Ministry
Offi ce
ei ther
vi a
em ai l :
[email protected] or via
phone: (203) 222-8486 to let us know if he/she will
be attending!
Prayer for Vocations
Lord God, You established the Church
as a sign of your continuing presence in the world.
We ask you to raise up the faithful ministers to Your
Church in the priesthood and religious life so that
the message of faith, justice, and love contained in
the Gospel may be brought into the hearts of all
people. We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen
Youth Mass:
Our next youth mass is set for Sunday, February 8
at 5:00pm! For all youth musicians, please don’t
forget that rehearsal will be at 4:15PM in the choir
loft with our music director, Frank Matto.
Michele Modugno, Youth Minister
Page 8
Christmas Card Collection
A Prayer
Shawl
is intended to be a reminder of God’s ever
present love which is as near to you as your own
body is to your spirit. It is a gift for every time
and every occasion - - joyful or sorrowful, for
every season and circumstance of life, when you
are weeping or when you are celebrating. At
times you may cling to a prayer shawl because
you need to cling to God. At other times you will
touch it only occasionally. You may want to keep
it always or someday you may feel prompted by
God to pass it on to someone else.
Come join us every Tuesday afternoon
at 1:00pm in the Beard Room
at the Roncalli House.
No experience necessary! We will teach you!
For more information or if you know someone
who would like a shawl, please call
Cathy Romano at (203)226-5448.
The Assumption High School Youth Group are
collecting 2014 Christmas cards. We will send
them to the St. Jude Ranch for Children where
they recycle our Christmas cards and create new
cards for any occasion. This program has been in
existence for over 30 years and folks around the
country can purchase the “new” recycled cards
from the St. Jude Ranch’s website. It is beneficial
to everyone. Customers receive fun, recycled
holiday cards and can feel good sending them to
their friends and loved ones, and the children at
St. Jude’s Ranch learn about basic job skills and
the importance of recycling.
Please put together your 2014 Christmas cards
and drop off your donation in the basket on the
front porch of the Roncalli House or in the basket
under the Youth Groups’ bulletin board near the
back door of the church. You can also drop off
your cards in our basket in the school when your
child(ren) attends religious education classes
during the month of January on either Sundays
or Tuesdays. Thanks to everyone in advance for
your support!
Michele Modugno
Youth Minister
Knights of Columbus
- Council 3688 Meeting Information: The Knights
of Columbus meet the first Tuesday of
the month at Assumption Church at
7:30pm in McGrath Hall, beneath the church. The
next meeting will be held on February 3. For more
information, please contact Walter Avitabile at
(203) 981-3083 or by email [email protected]
New members are always welcome!
Page 9
Are you new to Assumption?
Are you a registered Parishioner?
If you attend Assumption Church on a regular basis,
we encourage you to register with us. It is
necessary to be registered to participate in
Religious Education Classes and to obtain a
Sponsor Certificate for Baptisms and
Confirmations.
To register, please call the Parish Office at (203)
227-5161, drop by during business hours or kindly
fill out the form below and return it to the Parish
office either by mail or dropping it in the collection
basket. We will be happy to mail you a registration
form. Thank you and welcome!
Name: ____________________________________
Address:__________________________________
______________________
Divine Mercy Schedule Update
For the month of January and February there will be
no Divine Mercy. For any information, please
contact Dian J. Mayo (203)938-2113
Assumption Parish
Bereavement Group
Come, share and heal with others.
We meet each Wednesday from 3:30pm- 5:00pm
in the Beard Room at the Roncalli House (the
parish center at the end of the parking lot.) Helen
Thiemann will lead the group.
For more
information, please call her at (203) 227-6318 or
email [email protected] .
Blessed are they who
mourn . . . they shall
be comforted.
Assumption Parish
Social Concerns Ministry
Social Concerns is an active ministry formed to
respond to the problems of social justice, the
physical and spiritual needs of the Assumption
parish family, and to those in need in the
neighboring communities. Some of the projects we
are involved with are:
Christmas Angels
Collection, Thanksgiving Gifts of Plenty, Towels
Collection, Lenten Alms, Blankets/Winter Warmup Collection, and Easter Food Baskets. The
Prayer Network and A.C.T.S. are additional
services to our parishioners. The Ministry meets
on the third Monday of the month (September
through June) at 7:00pm in Roncalli House. If
you wish to contact us, please call (203) 227– 5161
ext. 125.
New members are needed and
always appreciated. We would be delighted
to have you join our team!
Parish Prayer Network is
a network of
over 70 members.
When someone needs pray or a special intention,
please call the Social Concerns Ministry at (203)
227-5161 ext. 125 and leave the request,
intention and first name of the person to be
prayed for. Intentions are forwarded via
the telephone and email to the network.
Members respond by praying in their
homes. The network is always open to
new members.
Assumption Cares Through Service
The purpose of A.C.T.S. is to build a more
caring and comforting community within
the parish. It is designed to hear and
answer simple requests for – a ride to
church, to a doctor’s or other
appointments; to do grocery shopping or other
errands. A.C.T.S. can also offer a simple meal to
aid in recuperation or for a family with a new baby.
A phone call or a visit to a shut-in can also be
arranged.
To request or offer help, please call
(203) 227-5161 ext. 125
Page 10
Devotions
Holy Hour, Exposition and Sung Chaplet of
Mercy: March thru December every month on the
Thursday before the first Friday from 7:15pm to
8:00pm in the Church. Dian J. Mayo (203) 9382113.
Miraculous Medal Novena: Wednesdays
following the 7:30am Mass.
Daily Rosary of Peace - at 7:00am before daily
Mass
First Saturday Holy Hour: following the 7:30am
Mass.
Adoration: Monday 8:00am – 5:00pm and
Wednesday 8:00am thru Thursday 7:25am (24 hrs.)
Please call Andrea Remlin (203) 227-5477 if you
would like to take ½ - 1 hour of Adoration.
Holy Hour and Exposition: Third Thursday of the
month 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Parish Council
Maureen Belford
Parish Council Chair
Joe Malaterra
Parish Council Vice Chair, Rel. Ed. Board Chair
Ronnie Estony
Parish Council Secretary, Adult Formation
Nancy Axthelm
Finance Council Chair
Cathy Romano, DRE
Eucharistic Ministers, Lectors, Funeral Coordinator
Randy Miller
Serra Club Rep.
Frank Matto
Director of Music & Organist
James Meehan
Knights of Columbus Rep., Serra Club Rep.
Merton House Co-Facilitator
Dolores Bacharach
Interfaith Council & RCIA
Juany Fumai
Baptismal Prep Class
Altar Server Training/Scheduling
Mothers and Fathers who are parents for the first
time are required to attend a Pre-Baptism class.
Classes are held in the new parish center at 1:30pm
once a month. The next Pre-Baptismal Class
will be held on Sunday, February 1 in the
Roncalli House, Oscar Romero Room. Please
call the Parish Office at (203) 227–5161 to register
for the class. Please note, Godparents must be
practicing, Confirmed Catholics and age 16 and
over.
Altar Guild Chair, Liturgical Decorating Chair &
Book Nook Ministry
Sacramental Information
Marriage: Arrangements are to be made a
minimum of six months prior to the wedding date.
Please call the Parish Office.
Baptism: Please call the Parish Office to make
arrangements for your child’s Baptism. Baptisms
are on Sundays at 1:15pm, one to four children.
Reconciliation: Saturdays 4:00pm – 4:30pm
Communion: We welcome the opportunity to visit
our homebound parishioners. Please call the Parish
Office.
Anointing of the Sick: Please call the Rectory prior
to surgery or at the onset of an illness.
RCIA: The process by which an adult joins our
Catholic Faith Community. Contact Marilyn Moran
at (203) 286-6939.
Carol Gabriel
Connie Luppino
Social Concerns Chair, Merton House Co-Facilitator
Dian J. Mayo
Divine Mercy Devotion
Michele Modugno
Youth Minister (Grade 6 - 12)
Michael O’Loughlin
Youth Ministry Board Chair
Marilyn Moran
RCIA & WHCC Ministry
Rose Odell
Parish Food Closet
Barbara Murray
Ministry to Parish Seniors
Helen Thiemann
Bereavement Ministry & Book Club Chair,
Coordinator for: Homebound, Sick & Elderly Visitations,
Parish Council Chair Emeritus
Gracemary Avitabile
3rd Thursday Holy Hour, Serra Club Rep.
Tom Leyden
Trustee & Parish Webmaster
Tess Perry
Trustee & Catholic Daughters Rep.
Ed Capasse, Esq.
Trustee Emeritus
Fr. Tom Thorne, Pastor
Page 11
News Around The Diocese & Beyond
SAINT CATHERINE CENTER FOR SPECIAL NEEDS, located in Fairfield, will offer a
religious formation program (RCIA) for adults and young adults with special needs, ages 18 and older,
who wish to receive Sacraments of Initiation; Baptism, Eucharist, and/or Confirmation. We will meet
Tuesday’s from 6:30-7:30pm at Saint Catherine’s Center for Special Needs, 760 Tahmore Dr., Fairfield. For
info or to sign up contact Michelle O’Mara, Director of Pastoral Care and Outreach at
email: [email protected] or call 203 -540-5381 ext. 2012.
SHARE WINTER/SPRING 2015 PROGRAM (a certificate program in Catholic Studies)
intended to assist adult Catholics and help them understand their faith and empower them to put it into
action. Classes include four disciplines: Scripture, Church History, Theology, and Pastoral Theology. For
information contact: Gina at 203-416-1446 or email: [email protected] . To register, mail check, made
payable to: “Office of Faith Formation”, Attn: Gina Donnarummo, 238 Jewett Ave, Bridgeport, CT 06606
•
CHURCH HISTORY (Part II): From the Protestant Revolt (16th c.) through Vatican II and into the
21st century! Dr. Joan Kelly will explore the cast of characters and events of this time period including
Martin Luther and the splintering of Western Christianity, the Council of Trent, Ignatius of Loyola and
the founding of the Jesuits, the French Revolution, the aftermath of Vatican II and so much more. Don’t
miss this opportunity to learn about these exciting centuries and their enduring influence on today’s
church! Dates: Mondays April 20, 27, May 4 and 11, Time: 7-9pm, Location: Trinity Catholic High
School, 926 Newfield Avenue, Stamford, Instructor: Dr. Joan Kelly, Cost: $140
•
WOMEN OF THE CHURCH: Special attention will be given in this course to the lives of four holy
women who contributed much to the life of the Catholic Church in its rich 2,000 year history. They are:
St. Hildegard of Bingen; St. Catherine of Siena; St. Teresa of Avila; Dorothy Day. Dates: Tuesdays
March 3, 10, 17, 24 (snow day 31), Time: 7-9pm, Location: Notre Dame Catholic High School, 220
Jefferson Street, Fairfield, CT, Instructor: Dr. June-Ann Greeley, Cost: $140
•
ACTS OF THE APOSTLES: Acts is one of the most interesting, and probably one of the most
neglected books in the New Testament. It is an account of what happened to the Church between Jesus’
ascension and Paul’s arrival in Rome, that is, roughly between 30 A.D. and 60 A.D. The book tells of the
wonderful expansion of Christianity despite all obstacles. The word of God gets by every barrier. We are
told how “the word of the Lord grew and prevailed mightily” (Acts 19:20). The Church grew from a
small group of frightened disciples gathered in an upper room into a Message that spread to the “ends of
the earth.” This took place under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Acts also shows the gradual
transformation of Christianity from originally being a Jewish sect into a distinct religion. The Acts of
Apostles qualifies as one of the great adventure stories of all time, and Luke, its author, shows
considerable literary talent. The stories of Acts are interesting and exciting. Dates: Saturday April 11,
18, 15, and May 2, Time: 10am to 12noon, Location: Notre Dame Catholic High School, 220 Jefferson
Street, Fairfield, CT. Instructor: Dr. Thomas Hicks - Cost: $140