CRS Spotlight
The first meeting of the Board of Loss and Damage Fund, established at COP28 in Dubai, took place in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates from April 3 to May 2, 2024. Ahead of this important event, CRS, CIDSE and Caritas Internationalis sent a letter to the members of the Board to outline what they believe should be the priorities of the Board, urging them to act and support those hardest hit by the climate crisis. Visit www.crs.org for more information and to see how you can help!
Spreading Mulch For Beautiful Landscaping!
We will be spreading mulch on the church and rectory gardens this Saturday, May 4, at 12:00 pm. Shovels, rakes, and wheelbarrows are needed and appreciated.
In the past we have had a good turnout and finished in under two hours. Questions please reach out to Donna Sawan via the parish office.
9. Finding Peace in the Storm: The Calming of a Tempestuous Sea by Jesus
In the Gospel of Mark, we encounter a profound account of Jesus' ability to calm a raging storm at sea, a miraculous event that not only demonstrates his power over the forces of nature but also offers timeless lessons about faith, trust, and finding peace in the midst of life's storms.
The narrative unfolds as Jesus and his disciples embark on a journey across the Sea of Galilee, leaving the crowds behind and venturing into the unknown. As evening draws near, a sudden and violent squall descends upon them, causing the waves to surge and break over the boat. The disciples, seasoned fishermen who are accustomed to the perils of the sea, find themselves in a dire situation as the boat begins to fill with water.
In the midst of the chaos and turmoil, Jesus remains seemingly unperturbed, asleep on a cushion in the stern of the boat. His disciples, gripped by fear and desperation, awaken him with a plea tinged with desperation: "Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?" In response, Jesus rises from his slumber, rebukes the wind, and commands the sea to be still.
With a single word, "Quiet! Be still!" Jesus calms the storm, and immediately, there is a great calm that descends upon the sea. The wind ceases its howling, and the waves subside, leaving the disciples in awe of the miraculous display of Jesus' power over nature.
Read more: 9. Finding Peace in the Storm: The Calming of a Tempestuous Sea by Jesus
Join An Amazing Adult Choir.
Most of you will agree that we have an amazing adult choir. If you like to sing and have ever thought about joining us, we are extending an invitation to anyone to come sing with our choir at mass during the month of May. Rehearsals are not necessary: just come up and join the choir in song. They will be singing at the 8:30 Sunday masses on May 5 & 19, and the 10:30 masses on May 12 & 26. We would love to have you join us.
As for high school and college students who may be off during the summer, we know that many of you have beautiful voices or play an instrument. If you are interested in sharing your musical gifts with us during the summer months, whether it’s simply to spread the word of God through song or to gain some experience musically, please see Janice Reska, our music director. This can be a wonderful opportunity to enhance our music ministry.
We hope you will consider joining us and look forward to speaking with anyone who may be interested.
Facing A Conundrum In 2024
This year (2024), the Church is facing a conundrum, all because Holy Week was in the last week of March, Easter was on March 31st and the Octave of Easter ended on April 7th. As a result, the celebration of the Feast of the Annunciation was moved to April 8th from the normal March 25th since Holy Week takes precedence over all other celebrations that occur.
What to do with this odd situation? Ignore it? That would make Jesus a “preemie” this year.
Or, should Christmas therefore be moved to January 8th? That would respect the nine-month perfect pregnancy which the Church has for John the Baptist, Mary, and especially Jesus. Fun fact: January 8th also happens to be Elvis’ birthday and another singer/guitarist of middling talent.
But, that would mess up the Advent season. It would have to start two weeks later. “Black Friday” would have to be moved as well from the traditional day after Thanksgiving. And shoppers wouldn’t have the pressure of buying gifts at the last moment on the 24th of December. They would be able to wait until the 7th of January! What about school vacations (except for colleges)? And, The Solemnity of the Motherhood of Mary would come before she has given birth.
A conundrum indeed!
8. The Raising of Lazarus: A Miracle of Faith and Resurrection
The raising of Lazarus from the dead, as recounted in the Gospel of John, stands as one of the most profound and miraculous events in the ministry of Jesus Christ. This extraordinary narrative not only demonstrates Jesus' divine power over death but also reveals profound truths about faith, resurrection, and the glory of God.
The story begins with the introduction of Lazarus, a man from Bethany who falls gravely ill. His sisters, Mary and Martha, send word to Jesus, their beloved friend and teacher, informing him of Lazarus' condition and expressing their hope for his intervention. Upon hearing the news, Jesus assures his disciples that Lazarus' illness will not end in death but rather will serve as an occasion for the glory of God to be revealed.
Despite his deep love for Lazarus and his sisters, Jesus delays his journey to Bethany, waiting for two days before embarking on the journey. By the time he arrives, Lazarus has already been in the tomb for four days, and the mourning for his death is in full swing. Martha, upon hearing of Jesus' approach, goes out to meet him, expressing both grief and faith in Jesus' ability to bring about resurrection.
Read more: 8. The Raising of Lazarus: A Miracle of Faith and Resurrection
Wine, Wit and Wisdom With Fr. Al
The first offering of Wine, Wisdom and Wit was a great success - being able to ask Father Al any questions and gain insight was the focus on the night. We learned more about purgatory (and no, it is not some thing to fear), the final judgement, what we believe happens when we die and Jesus' desire to bring everyone into His kingdom with His Father. Insight, discussion and Father's wit all graced our time together.
Photos by Nancy Gianetti
The Archbishop’s Annual Appeal
The Archbishop’s Annual Appeal changes lives through service. In addition to assisting the underserved of our communities, your gift helps those discerning a vocation to the priesthood. Your gift to the Appeal is an investment in the future of our Church and our faith.
Thank you to the parish families who have made a gift or pledge to the 2024 Archbishop’s Annual Appeal. If you have not yet participated, please prayerfully consider a gift today. Please know that every dollar of your gift will have a positive impact in someone’s life.
All funds contributed to the Archbishop’s Annual Appeal are used exclusively for the purposes outlined in the Appeal literature, which can be found at https://archdioceseofhartford.org.
No Appeal funds are ever used for legal fees or settlements.
Spring Tea, an Afternoon of Camaraderie, Delectable Treats, and a Sprinkle of Fun. May 19, 2024
Spring is upon us, and what better way to celebrate the season than with a Spring Tea? Hosted by Christian Outreach, this charming event promises an afternoon of camaraderie, delectable treats, and a sprinkle of fun.
Set to commence at 1:00 PM, May 19, 2024, you will be greeted with the aroma of freshly brewed tea as you arrive. The centerpiece of the gathering, the tea service, will feature a variety of blends to suit every palate, ensuring a warm and inviting atmosphere throughout the affair.
As you settle in, you'll be treated to a selection of savory finger foods. These delectable bites will perfectly complement the delightful conversations and laughter shared among friends old and new.
But the indulgence doesn't stop there. Throughout the afternoon, tea will flow freely, ensuring everyone's cup is never empty. To add an extra layer of excitement, a few games are planned, promising entertainment and friendly competition.
And what's a gathering without a touch of sweetness? As the afternoon progresses, indulge your sweet tooth with an array of tiny desserts, the perfect finale to a delightful tea-filled afternoon.
But the highlight of the event? The anticipation of winning the door prize and other small prizes awarded throughout the day. It's the cherry on top of an already delightful gathering, adding an extra element of excitement and anticipation.
While the Spring Tea promises a delightful time for all who attend, it's also an opportunity to support Christian Outreach. Though the proceeds from the event aren't earmarked for a specific project, every ticket sold contributes to the Christian Outreach projects, ensuring they can continue to make a positive impact within our community.
So mark your calendars and join us for a Spring Tea like no other. It's more than just tea; it's an afternoon of warmth, laughter, and making memories to cherish for years to come.
7. The Healing Touch: A Woman's Faith and Restoration
In the Gospel of Matthew, we encounter a powerful account of a woman who suffered from hemorrhages for twelve years, a condition that not only afflicted her physically but also socially and spiritually. Despite enduring years of suffering and seeking medical help to no avail, she remained undeterred in her pursuit of healing, clinging to a glimmer of hope that lay in the person of Jesus Christ.
The woman's faith is exemplified in her courageous act of reaching out to touch the tassel on Jesus' cloak, believing that even a brief encounter with him would bring about her restoration. In a moment of divine intervention, Jesus turns around and sees her, acknowledging her faith and declaring, "Courage, daughter! Your faith has saved you." Instantly, the woman is healed, freed from the burden of her affliction, and restored to wholeness.
This narrative of the woman with the issue of blood serves as a profound testament to the transformative power of faith and the boundless compassion of Jesus Christ. Despite the societal stigma attached to her condition and the despair that may have clouded her spirit, the woman persevered in her faith, recognizing Jesus as the source of her healing and restoration.
Read more: 7. The Healing Touch: A Woman's Faith and Restoration
Easter donations to Journey Home
Donna Sawan is pictured here as she brought our parish Easter donations to Journey Home. They were most appreciative and loved the idea of Easter baskets.A special Thank You to everyone who helped make this all possible!
How Journey Home is Making a Difference
Our mission is to ensure a home for all.
We’ve spent more than a decade committed to ending homelessness in Connecticut’s Capital region by applying sustainable solutions to the barriers that create cycles of homelessness.
Every day, we work to:
- Prevent as many people as possible from losing their housing
- Increase the speed at which we find housing for anyone who is already experiencing homelessness
- Help folks move into their homes and provide the furnishings and services they need to never become homeless again
Richard Buckminster Fuller says, “You never change things by fighting the existing reality. To change something, build a new model that makes the existing model obsolete.”
For Connecticut, that new model is the Coordinated Access Network, a way for people who are experiencing homelessness to access housing and support services in a standardized and organized way. It involves having clear protocols, assessment tools, and agreed-upon priorities within the community that serves homeless individuals.
6. The Healing of the Man Born Blind: A Revelation of Divine Purpose
In the Gospel of John, we encounter a profound narrative of healing that transcends physical restoration to unveil deeper truths about divine purpose and the transformative power of faith. The story begins with Jesus encountering a man blind from birth, prompting his disciples to inquire about the cause of his condition – whether it was the result of his sin or that of his parents.
Jesus' response challenges conventional notions of sin and suffering, shifting the focus from assigning blame to recognizing an opportunity for the works of God to be made visible. He declares, "Neither he nor his parents sinned; it is so that the works of God might be made visible through him." This statement underscores the redemptive purpose inherent in human suffering, as it becomes a canvas upon which God's glory and transformative power are displayed.
Moreover, Jesus uses this encounter to impart a profound lesson about the urgency of doing the works of God while there is still time. He declares, "We have to do the works of the one who sent me while it is day. Night is coming when no one can work." This admonition serves as a call to action, urging his followers to seize the opportunity to participate in God's redemptive work in the world.
As Jesus proceeds to heal the man born blind, he demonstrates his divine authority and power through a simple yet profound act. He spits on the ground, makes clay with the saliva, and applies it to the man's eyes, instructing him to wash in the Pool of Siloam. The man obeys, and in an instant, his sight is restored, marking a miraculous transformation that symbolizes the illumination of spiritual truth and the revelation of God's redemptive power.
Read more: 6. The Healing of the Man Born Blind: A Revelation of Divine Purpose
- Community Service At It's Best ~ 9th Grade Confirmation Class
- 5. Walking on Water: A Lesson in Faith and Trust
- We Would Love to Have You Participate
- 4. The Return of the Twelve and the Miraculous Feeding of the Five Thousand: A Testament to Divine Provision
- 🤝 It’s Coffee and Donuts and Friends and Fellowship
- 3. Healing at the Pool of Bethesda: A Testament to Jesus' Compassion
- Exciting News: Planning to Offer Children's Liturgy of the Word
- Priest Shares Powerful Truth About Catholicism!
- Archbishop’s Annual Appeal
- Building Our Faith, One Page at a Time
- 2. The Second Sign at Cana: A Story of Faith and Healing
- Introduction to 10 Miracles of Jesus - 1. The Wedding at Cana
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