"Act as if everything depended on you; trust as if everything depended on God." St. Ignatius of Loyola July 31 is the memorial for St. Ignatius of Loyola, founder of the Jesuits and author of the Spiritual Exercises. Born into nobility as the youngest of thirteen children, this Spanish saint lived a colorful and accomplished life in the military until a cannonball injured his leg.

Prayer is that essential element in our relationship with God that can be both a struggle and a gift. Am I doing it right? Is God really listening? What is the best thing to say? Just as our relationships with friends and family change over time, so too does our relationship with God. The more time we spend in prayer, the deeper we will grow in relationship with our heavenly Father.

17^th Sunday in Ordinary Time B21 

We live in a society that cherishes the individual and promotes individualism. As a result we often undervalue the communal nature of life. One benefit of the pandemic we are still going through is the recognition of our need for others. Until a vaccine was developed we were separated: parents from their adult children not living at home; grandparents from the grandchildren; relatives from each other; friends from friends; and shoppers from malls. As much as we wanted community, it was next to impossible to find.

We will collect sandwiches on Thursday, July 29. We will NOT gather after 8:30 a.m. Mass to make sandwiches as a community. Sandwiches may be dropped off at the church during regular business hours or from 7:00 p.m.7:30 p.m.

July 30th is the international Day against human trafficking. Please remember in prayer the victims of this horrific crime. As we are all made in God’s likeness and image, let us be mindful that all life is sacred and precious. Pope Francis reminds us that “Catholics and all people of good will are urged to combat this “crime against humanity” which is an “open wound on the body of contemporary society, a scourge against the body of Christ.” Please include in prayer on this day the victims and families of human trafficking. May all our brothers and sisters in Christ be treated with dignity and respect that should be afforded to all God’s children.

Since August 2020, St. Vincent DePaul has provided over $4000 in clothing vouchers to their clients. These vouchers allow clients to choose clothes for themselves, reducing the embarrassment and stigma associated with poverty. This program allows individuals in our greater community to maintain their dignity. As you go through your closets this summer, please pick up a yellow donation card at the church before you bring your donations to Goodwill. Yellow donation cards can be found at the entrances to the church.

With joyful hearts, on July 17 & 18, 2021, your Knights of Columbus Council presented to the Parish of St. John Fisher the gifts of both a new Yamaha piano and Yamaha keyboard. We wish only to give thanks to the Lord for the gift of His love expressed in the celebrations offered in this building in remembrance of His sacrifice for us and gift of the hope He shares through His grace. We also thank all those who devote so much time and talent to bringing the gift of music to all who worship and pray to the Lord here in this holy place. “

Sacred music is the beauty that invites prayer. … music is the beauty that sets the stage for the encounter with the Incarnate Lord. Sacred music is a beauty that prepares us to be able to receive the fullness of grace in the Holy Sacrifice of the Altar.”

(Pope Saint John Paul II, speaking to the Institute of Sacred Music, 2001)

Consider taking a few moments to lighten your load and go to confession this month.
Father Sas hears confessions before 4:00pm Mass on Saturdays from 3:003:30pm. Confession is a beautiful way for us to open our hearts, seek forgiveness and close the distance that might exist between us and our heavenly Father.
It is often said that confession is not about how much we have failed, but about how much God loves us.
Give yourself the powerful peace that can come through incredible sacrament.

As we fully embrace the season of summer, we hope that you can slow down a bit, exhale and find the space to grow in your relationship with God. Summer often affords us the opportunity to reexamine our days and reset our routines. Perhaps you can find time to enhance you faith. In the coming weeks, we will share different prayer resources that might be helpful. Always remember that we are all beloved children of God, made in His likeness and image and that this
relationship is worthy of your time and energy. An easy way to grow this relationship is to consider attending daily Mass. 

16^th Sunday in Ordinary Time B21

“Woe to the shepherds who mislead and scatter the flock of my pasture.”^[1] Jeremiah was talking to the religious leaders (mislead) and the political leaders, especially the king (scatter, referring in prophesy the Babylonian Exile). Of course you don’t have to be a religious or political leader to mislead and scatter. Just read Facebook or Twitter for disinformation that people that believe regarding COVID 19 and vaccines. All you need is a computer, social media skills and an unscrupulous conscience.

FORE the Fish!!!!!!   The St. John Fisher Knights of Columbus Council 15734 is sponsoring their 8^th Annual Golf Classic fundraiser on Thursday, September 23, 2021, at Blackledge Country Club in Hebron, CT.

The golf fee includes 18 holes of golf, free lunch, on course refreshments, and a banquet.  A number of contests will also be available.  Be a SPONSOR, donate a RAFFLE gift or give a CASH donation.  All will be greatly appreciated. 

To register as a golfer, sponsor or patron, see the linked easy FILL-IN Golfer & SPONSOR Registration form which contains further details and instructions; or write to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call Jim at 860-295-9904.                CLICK HERE FOR REGISTRATION FORM

Your Knights need your support to help us help local individuals, families, and other groups in need, as well as to support our parish ministries.

Please consider participating. Thank you! 

Next weekend, July 17-18, the Archdiocese of Hartford will conduct its annual Mission Cooperative Appeal.  However, because of COVID-19, we will not be hosting a visiting missionary.  Proceeds from our second collection that weekend will benefit the missionary work of the Franciscan Friars Conventual, through the Franciscan Mission Association. For over 800 years, the Franciscan Friars Conventual have followed the call of Jesus Christ, to share the hope of the Gospel around the world.  Today, the Franciscan Mission Association continues this history, financially supporting missions in 60countries around the world, in Africa, Asia, Latin America, the former Soviet Union, and even right here in the USA. Through your prayers and your donations, you are a partner to the Franciscans.  We ask that you share generously the gifts that God has given to you!  Truly, no contribution is too small.  Your gift will go further than you think.

15^th Sunday in Ordinary Time B21

In both the 1^st reading and the Gospel, we encounter people chosen, empowered, and sent out by God.  Amos, who resided in Judah and was a lowly shepherd and augmented his income by preparing the fruit of sycamore trees, is sent to the northern kingdom of Israel where he doesn’t get a warm welcome. The Apostles also came from working backgrounds or from occupations that were looked down upon by the elite.  Like Amos they were entrusted with a somewhat similar message of repentance. Like Amos, they too would face rejection.

The seventh gift of the Holy Spirit is wonder and awe.  Through this gift, we gain even greater love and reverence for God by being aware of his glory all around us.  God loves us so much that He created this amazing world for us.  We honor God by caring for our majestic planet and each other as we are all created in His likeness and image.  

Reflection:                                           

When have you seen or felt amazed by God’s creation?

               Where have you experienced God in his creation?

               When do you feel closest to God? 

Good and gracious God help me to take the time to notice you in all the splendor in the world around me.  Help me to use all the Gifts of the Holy Spirit that I first received in baptized and that are fortified in Confirmation so I can be empowered like the Apostles to go out and grow in faith as I serve you.