C H U R C H O F T H E O N S A U G A T U C K · Danielle Murrugarra Denise Murtha Rennie Nourie Lisa...

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Celebrating 139 Years 1876-2015 Phone: (203) 227-5161 98 Riverside Avenue • Westport, Connecticut 06880 Fax: (203) 227-1206 CLERGY (203) 227-5161 Fr. Thomas P. Thorne, Pastor Dn. David P. Clark, Deacon 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 YOUTH MINISTRY (203) 222-8486 Michele Modugno, Youth Minister (Grade 6 - 12) Michael O’Loughlin, High School Youth Ministry Board Chair BAPTISM PREPARATION CLASS Dn. David P. Clark First Sunday of the month at 2:00pm John L. Patterson R C I A (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults) (203) 286-6939 Marilyn Moran, Parish Director Dolores Bacharach, RCIA Catechist PARISH OFFICE HOURS Monday - Friday: 8:30am - 4:30pm (closed 12:00pm - 1:00pm) 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 (203) 335-0894 Frank Matto, Director & Organist ([email protected]) Donna Gambino, Flutist Aidan Andrews, Cantor 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 SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION Saturday 4:00pm – 4:30pm WEDDING COORDINATOR (203) 227-5161 Michelle P. Hankey FUNERAL COORDINATOR (203) 226-5448 Catherine J. Romano EUCHARISTIC ADORATION Mondays & Wednesdays 8:00am - 5:00pm (in silence) First Saturdays with Rosary 8:00am - 8:30am (all Saturdays in May & October) 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 O N S A U G A T U C K C H U R C H O F T H E THE MOTHER CHURCH OF WESTPORT 20 September 2015 25th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Transcript of C H U R C H O F T H E O N S A U G A T U C K · Danielle Murrugarra Denise Murtha Rennie Nourie Lisa...

• Celebrating 139 Years 1876-2015 • Phone: (203) 227-5161 98 Riverside Avenue • Westport, Connecticut 06880 Fax: (203) 227-1206

CLERGY (203) 227-5161 Fr. Thomas P. Thorne, Pastor Dn. David P. Clark, Deacon

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

YOUTH MINISTRY (203) 222-8486

Michele Modugno, Youth Minister (Grade 6 - 12)

Michael O’Loughlin, High School Youth Ministry Board Chair BAPTISM PREPARATION CLASS

Dn. David P. Clark First Sunday of the month at 2:00pm

John L. Patterson

R C I A (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults) (203) 286-6939 Marilyn Moran, Parish Director Dolores Bacharach, RCIA Catechist

PARISH OFFICE HOURS Monday - Friday: 8:30am - 4:30pm (closed 12:00pm - 1:00pm)

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 (203) 335-0894 Frank Matto, Director & Organist

([email protected]) Donna Gambino, Flutist Aidan Andrews, Cantor

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 SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION Saturday 4:00pm – 4:30pm WEDDING COORDINATOR (203) 227-5161 Michelle P. Hankey FUNERAL COORDINATOR (203) 226-5448 Catherine J. Romano EUCHARISTIC ADORATION Mondays & Wednesdays 8:00am - 5:00pm (in silence) First Saturdays with Rosary 8:00am - 8:30am (all Saturdays in May & October)

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

O N S A U G A T U C K

C H U R C H O F T H E

THE MOTHER CHURCH OF WESTPORT

20 September 2015 25th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Please pray for our sick Chandra Allen 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 Geraldine Jackman Marie James Bernadette Juoan Nancy Kelly Bernadette Kenney Laura Kesling Frank Kropf Mary-Ellen Kuhn Pam Leyden Michelle Lombardi Cara MacDonald Frank Machi Frances MacIlvain Helen Maggio Ed Marcarelli Nancy Marino Gabriella McCrae Kristina Miller Rhoda Miller Clarissa Moore Jana Moorman Danielle Murrugarra Denise Murtha Rennie Nourie Lisa O’Connor Donna Olsen Kevin Palaez Frank Palmieri Tom Pellicano Therese Potter Kim Preston Bella Price Brian Richards Jose Romero James Rosati Deanne Ryan Sandra Ryan Teresa Sacouto Adrian Sandiford Bill & Charlene Surette Paul Taylor, Jr. Dr. Walter Thompson Carmela Tornatore Cheri Travis Nicholas Valas Ron & Pat Viesti James Dominick Zwolinski Janusz Zwolinski

Page 2 Mass Intentions for the Week

Saturday, September 19 Vigil 5:00PM Tom & Nettie Rietano

Sunday, September 20 7:30AM Vito DiCicco 9:00AM Pietro Carusone 10:30AM Patsy Kaiser Lynch 12:00PM Daniel J. Geelan 5:00PM Caroline Renzulli

Monday, September 21 7:30AM Carlo Palmer

Tuesday, September 22 7:30AM William & Mildred Baynham

Wednesday, September 23 7:30AM Katherine Kondub Vicas

Thursday, September 24 7:30AM Arlene Wanat Sabia

Friday, September 25 7:30AM William T. Quinn & Family

Saturday, September 26 7:30AM Carol Izzo Beach

Vigil 5:00PM Laurent Chu

Sunday, September 27 7:30AM Family of Assumption 9:00AM Diodata & Anthony Izzo 10:30AM Joseph Cabral 12:00PM Katherine L. White 5:00PM Bill Delano

Pray For Our Recently Deceased Rev. Colin McKenna

Elizabeth Melia Marianne Monopoli

Mae Ann Leary Frank Rende, Jr.

Antonette Doddo Anne Caddell

Angela Izzo Minckler Lena Lipira

May they rest in peace.

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. Stephanie Gilbertie, 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.

In Loving Memory/Honor

The flowers at Mary’s Statue are in loving memory of Florence MacDonald

The candles at Mary’s Statue burn

in loving memory of Mae Ann Leary

The Sanctuary candle burns

in honor of Kyle Forte

The candles at the Tabernacle

burn in loving memory of John Hughes

The candles at the Altar burn in

loving memory of Rev. Colin McKenna

Stewardship Report • Sunday Offertory $8,134.00 • Online Giving for the month of August $9,045.00 • Catholic University of America Collection $1,641.00 • To date, the Annual Catholic Appeal has raised $11, 036,347 exceeding a goal of

$11,000,000 from 23,015 donors and our parish has raised $208,108 with a goal of $195,000.

God bless you for your charity. Thank you! Fr. Tom

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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.

PLS Fund replaces Roncalli House Fund: The Roncalli Fund is closed but you are most welcome to designate our new PLS FUND as recipient of your charity. This 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.

Our parish 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.

Please Help . . . Food Closet Depleted

Thank you so much for your continued support of the Food Closet. All donations, whether big or small are a l w a y s g r e a t l y appreciated. We can always use coffee, sugar, rice, tuna, c a n n e d f r u i t , a n d flour. With school starting, we can also use peanut butter and jelly, cookies, crackers and juice. Thank you again for your kindness and generosity.

WINTER MASS SCHEDULE CHANGE

Daylight Savings ends November 1, 2015 and begins

March 13, 2016. On Saturday, November 7, 2015 and Sunday, November 8 the two 5:00pm Masses will be moved to 4:00pm. On Saturday March 19, 2016 and Sunday, March 20 (Palm Sunday weekend) the two 4:00pm Masses will be moved back to 5:00pm.

Native Son of Assumption Fr. Colin McKenna is killed

Our condolences go out to his family and friends, his brother priests, and all those who will feel his loss. Bishop Caggiano has asked for prayers for Fr. Colin and for his family during this most difficult time. “This is a great tragedy for our diocese, which Fr. Colin faithfully served throughout his priesthood. I would ask people to please pray for the repose of Fr. Colin’s soul and the consolation of his family.” For much of the past two years, Fr. McKenna, 50, served as a writer and editor in the Communications Office of the Diocese of Bridgeport. He also helped out in many area parishes, celebrating Masses on weekends. Fr. McKenna was ordained to the priesthood by the Most Rev. Edward M. Egan, third Bishop of Bridgeport, in May 1999. A native of Westport, he was a 1982 graduate of Fairfield Preparatory School and later graduated from the University of Vermont. He earned his Master of Divinity degree from Pope John XXIII Seminary in Weston, MA in 1999. Fr. McKenna’s first assignment was as Parochial Vicar of St. Joseph Parish in Shelton. He also served as Sacred Heart Parish in Georgetown, St. Roch Parish in Greenwich, St. Mary Parish in Greenwich, and in other parishes throughout the Diocese. The bishop celebrated his funeral mass last Tuesday at 11:00am at our Cathedral and Fr. Tom officiated at the graveside.

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Thoughts from Bishop Frank . . . News about Pope Francis . . .

White House Rolling Out the Red Carpet for Pope Francis

Pope Francis will be just the third Pope to visit the White House being greeted, as most heads of state are, with his car pulling slowly up the South Lawn driveway to where a red carpet will be rolled out and President and First Lady will be waiting to greet him. There will be 300 invited guests including many Catholics in the Rose Garden who will welcome the Holy Father.

Among them, will be Judy Barro, a Eucharist Minister of our parish and our Pastor, Fr. Tom. Judy’s son, Josh Barro, Journalist for the New York Times and MSNBC was gifted with two tickets.

The Rose Garden ceremony begins on Wednesday, September 23rd at 9:15am.

Matthew Michael Puglia Brooke Ellen Simons

Katherine Deedee Taylor

Congratulations & welcome to the parish family.

The tradition of blessing animals on the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi is rooted in the Saint’s love for animals. Each year we gather on the lawn between the Church and the Rectory for a special blessing. Pets of all kinds are welcome.

We will have a collection of can and dry animal food and toys for local animal shelters. Please help by bringing your donations to the Blessing. There will be bins located on the lawn. Please remember to have your pets leashed or caged for their safety and the safety of others.

If you have any questions, please call the Parish office at (203) 227-5161.

You can make a difference!

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for the homeless September 12 - October 11

Again, this year, we will be collecting NEW SOCKS FOR CHILDREN AND ADULTS. The socks will be given to Family and Children’s Agency of Norwalk, the Missionaries of Charity and the Soup Lady of Bridgeport.

As the weather gets COLDER, the need becomes greater. Please place the socks in the wicker baskets marked with a picture of a “yellow sock” located at the doors of the church. If you have any questions, please contact Ann Rully at [email protected] or 203-227-9110.

Altar Server Training

Training Sessions for all 4th – 12th graders who are interested in serving our Parish community as Altar Servers will be held at the Church during the month of October. Classes are held on Wednesdays from 5:30pm to 6:30pm beginning on October 7th and ending October 28th. Father Thorne and I will be conducting the 1 hour training sessions and are both looking forward to working with you. We are truly grateful for your dedication in serving the Parish. Juany Fumai Altar Server Coordinator

RCIA Inquiry Session Begins Tuesday, September 22, 2015

Are you or someone you know interested in finding out about the Catholic Church? Are you a Baptized Catholic who has not

received any other Sacraments? Have you been away from the Catholic Church and would like to become renewed in the faith?

We invite you to join us for an evening of inquiry and information on Tuesday, September 22 at 7:30pm in the Roncalli House Parish Center. For more information, please contact Marilyn Moran at (203) 286-6939 or email: [email protected]

Fundraiser This Weekend

Volunteers from the Knights of Columbus will be seeking donations at the church doors after all Masses for Birthright of Greater Norwalk. Birthright helps young women in crisis pregnancies choose life for themselves and their babies. Your donation will assist both the local Birthright office and the National Hotline. Whether or not you donate, you are welcome to take one of the bookmarks which provide the local number, National 24/7 Hotline and Birthright web address.

Saturday, October 3 at 1:00pm

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Blanket Collection September 12 to October 11

Blankets! Already? Yes!

Soon winter will be here and in local shelters our sisters and brothers, young and old, will be desperately cold. They need you to HELP. PLEASE donate New or Gently Used Clean blankets.

Last year, The Social Concerns Ministry collected and distributed 101 blankets to shelters in Westport, Norwalk, and Danbury. The residents were deeply grateful for your generosity and care.

Please place the blankets in boxes provided at the front and rear entrances of the church. If you wish to shop online, please send items attention to Social Concerns, 44 Lincoln Street, Front Porch, Westport, CT 06880.

Thank you for your continued kindness towards our sisters and brothers in Christ.

The Social Concerns Ministry

Youth Musicians

We are in the midst of summer, yet we are putting out the call for all incoming 8th - 12th graders that love to make music . . . we would like to add your talent to our Youth Musicians’ group. Whatever instrument you play, please contact the Youth Ministry Office now. Your participation with our Youth Musicians’ group does qualify for service hours within the National Honor Society and you can include it on your list of extra-curricular/music activities on ANY college application. Contact the Youth Ministry Office at 203-222-8486 or via email: [email protected]

Michele Modugno, Youth Minister

Halloween Goody Packages for Assumption

College Age Parishioners Each year, the Assumption Youth Groups pack Halloween Goody Packages for our college age parishioners. We want them to know that we are thinking about them, keeping them in our hearts and wishing them lots of fun on Halloween at their school!

Just send the Youth Ministry Office the mailing address for each of your children that are in college. Our Youth Group members will do the packing and our Youth Minister, Michele Modugno will do the addressing and mailing. Please send t h o s e a d d r e s s e s to: [email protected] or you can call the Youth Ministry Office at: (203) 222-8486. It doesn’t make any difference if your college student was involved in our youth groups or not . . . we just want to wish them a great Halloween!

Catechist Training Chris Adams trained our Catechists on how to

use our new Religious Ed. series

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Seeds for Preschoolers: will help teach your preschoolers the way they learn best: through talking, cutting and folding, listening and through singing out the love and joy!

Promise for K - 1: helps children to participate in worship with an active u n d e r s t a n d i n g . Storytelling, prayer, and fun activities relate to c h i l d r e n ’ s o w n experiences to the Gospel.

Good News for 2 - 3: will guide the children to more involvement in Sunday worship as they see how the Sunday readings tie to their own lives. Realistic stories and Gospel n a r r a t i o n s s u p p o r t formative learning.

Venture for 4-5-6: leads the children in making moral choices and exploring an expanding faith, using Gospel dramatizations, current events and original stories linked to the Gospel and kids’ own lives.

Visions for 7 - 8: has an emphasis on social justice, moral reasoning and service for middle school students through current-interest articles, life dilemma stories and real Christian life examples.

The family is the primary community in which faith is shared and nurtured; therefore, parents are the primary educators of their children. Our parish catechists are eager to support parents and we ask parents to participate in the following ways: Celebrate Sunday Mass regularly with your children. Share your faith and what it means to you with your children Pray with your children and help them learn traditional prayers of the church. Attend a l l parent meetings and familiarize yourself with scheduled classes and events.

They also offer a wonderful website for Catechists and families to use http://www.pflaumweeklies.com/new_page/parent_guide.php

Classes Begin All registered Sunday students in all grades will begin classes on September 27th for both 9:00am and 10:10am sessions.

All registered Tuesday students in all grades will begin classes on September 29, 4:30pm to 5:30pm. Tuesday Confirmation classes will begin on September 29, from 6:30 to 7:30pm.

The Religious Education Office is open Monday to Thursday from 9:00am -4:00pm. If you have not registered your child(ren) and wish to do so please visit our website at www.assumption-westport.org and click the "Religious Education" tab for a registration form and other information.

Chris Adams Northeast Regional Manager

The Pflaum Gospel Weeklies Faith Formation program is available in five age appropriate editions for preschool through eight grade:

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Dear Fr. Tom, We thank you and all at Assumption Parish, especially the Social Concerns Committee, for the generous gifts for our summer camp program. It was a special time for the children, volunteers and for us Sisters. We are still thanking and praising God for the countless blessings He showered on all of us. We cannot thank Him enough! You and all at Assumption Church are remembered in our prayers and sacrifices. May Jesus and His Blessed Mother continue to keep each of you in their Sweet Hearts, filling you with their love and joy. Sincerely in Jesus, Sister M. Lily Pushpam, M.C. Superior, Missionaries of Charity

Dear Assumption Parishioners, The kids had an amazing time at the Carnival! Nothing beat the laughter and squeals on Carnival Day! We want to let you know we finished distributing the donated food to many families in our camp program. They have expressed extreme gratitude. We cannot thank you enough. We used the cereal to make trail mixes for the kids and they have been enjoying it for snacks! Jennifer Kennedy, Waltersville School, Bridgeport

Thank you for helping Waltersville School & Missionaries of Charity Students

Some thank you messages from your summer donations. Social Concerns Ministry

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On A Spiritual Note . . . A Different Consciousness Richard Rohr Now we are moving into the next major section of my lineage: non-dual thinkers of all religions. All the great religions at the higher or more mature levels teach a different consciousness, which we call the contemplative mind, the non-dual mind, or the mind of Christ. The levels of spiritual development begin with dualistic, exclusionary, either/or thinking and become increasingly non-dual, allowing for a deeper, broader, wiser, more inclusive and loving way of seeing. Non-dualistic thinking presumes you have first mastered dualistic clarity, but also found it insufficient for the really big issues like love, suffering, death, sexuality, God, and any notion of infinity. In short, we need both to see fully and with freedom. Though life itself may move us to deeper levels of non-dual knowing, there are some powerful practices, images, and experiences that can serve as catalysts for unitive consciousness. For example, the foundational Christian doctrine of the Trinity, is made to order to break down the binary system of the mind - - God is three and one at the same time! The Trinity makes us patient before Mystery and humbles our dualistic minds. Even though the doctrine of the Trinity was at the very center of Christian faith, most of us did not allow it to change our consciousness. We did not let the principle of three undo our dualistic principle of two. We simply “believed” it to be the nature of God and then shelved it, as we did most doctrines. Only the mystics tended to relate to God in a Trinitarian way, and often passionately so (such as Augustine, Bonaventure, Julian of Norwich, and the Cappadocian Fathers). I am certain that the future of Christian mysticism will be strongly Trinitarian. An honest Trinitarianism actually opens up interfaith dialogue and respect, because now we can admit that God is total mystery, both transcendent and immanent, a flowing God of which Jesus is a part. God is a verb more than a noun. If there is indeed one God of all the earth, then it is this one God who is breaking through in every age and culture. “There are a thousand ways to kneel and kiss the ground.” Different religions use different words to describe essentially the same change of consciousness that is necessary to see things in their fullness: • Many writers in the early Christian era called the

necessary perceptual shift away from the dualistic, judging, and separate self contemplation.

• Buddhists called it meditation, sitting, or practicing. • Hesychastic Orthodoxy called it prayer of the heart. • Sufi Islam called it ecstasy. • Hasidic Judaism called it living from the divine spark

within. Adapted from Contemplative Prayer

Twenty-Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Reflecting on God’s Word . . .

The disciples may have been a bit slow to understand how Jesus was re-defining the Messiah he was going to be, but they were not stupid on all accounts. They picked up on the reaction Peter got when he rebuked Jesus for talking about suffering rejection and death. So, when Jesus brought up the subject for a second time in today’s Gospel, they just listened politely, then dropped back out of earshot and changed the subject to a more pleasant one—themselves, and who was the greatest.

Things must have gotten quite animated because when they got home, Jesus asked about it. Their silence surely disappointed him, since he could surmise what had engaged them. But like a good teacher, he tries another way to make his point. There must have been a child nearby, because he calls her over and places his arms protectively around her, and says to them, “If you want to be first, then be last. If you want to be in charge, then serve. When you take in the least, you take in not only me but my Father.” Class dismissed. It has proved a hard lesson to learn. Or maybe few of us really want to learn it. When you look out at the world, most seem to want to be first, the greatest, the one with the most and best toys, a wielder of power and influence and authority. Choosing to serve the least doesn’t make the top ten on most people’s “to do” list. - James A. Wallace -

Assumption Book Group

We extend a warm invitation and welcome to anyone who would enjoy an opportunity for a group exchange of thoughts about Sacred Fire, A Vision For A Deeper Human And Christian Maturity, by Roland Rolheiser.

“Fr. Rolheiser offers sympathetic and insightful reflections on key spiritual, psychological, and

moral aspects of the ongoing challenges we face in our adult lives.” - Philip Sheldrake, Author of

Spaces for the Sacred - The group will meet Wednesdays from 1:00pm to 2:30pm in the Beard Room at the Roncalli Parish Center September 16 until November 18. For more information, please phone or email Helen T h i e m a n n a t ( 2 0 3 ) 2 2 7 - 6 3 1 8 , [email protected]

Please come! All are welcome!

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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 how to knit and crochet! For more information or if you know someone who would like a shawl, please call Cathy Romano at (203)226-5448.

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 while in the hospital, please have a family member notify the parish office and Father Tom or Deacon David will be happy to visit, bring you Holy Communion and share with you the Anointing of the Sacrament of the Sick. Thank you.

Communion for the Sick & Homebound

Dear Parishioners, especially those homebound,

The Parish has recently commissioned Ministers of the Eucharist to help during mass share the Body and Blood of Christ. Some, at their request, asked to Serve, to bring Communion to the Sick and Homebound. If you know someone or are someone who is ill, homebound or in a Nursing Home, please call the rectory with your name and phone number. Someone will call you to find out when it is convenient for you to be visited and receive Communion. Thank you for letting us know of your need. The parish is delighted to respond. Fr. Tom

Assumption Parish Bereavement Group

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.) For the month of September, we will not meet on the 23rd and 30th. Beginning in October, we will meet each week. For more information, please contact Helen Thiemann at (203) 227-6318 or email [email protected]

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 October 6. For more information, please contact Walter Avitabile at (203) 981-3083 or by email [email protected] New members are always welcome!

Knights of Columbus - Council 3688 -

Next Weekends Priest Mass Schedule Saturday, September 26 Vigil 5:00PM Fr. Tom Sunday, September 27 7:30AM Fr. Rob 9:00AM Fr. Rob 10:30AM Fr. Tom 12:00PM Fr. Tom 5:00PM Fr. Tom

— Subject to change —

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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 families. 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.

Mothers and Fathers who are parents for the first time are required to attend a Pre-Baptism class. Classes are held at 2:00pm once a month. The next Pre-Baptismal Class will be held on Sunday, October 4 in the Oscar Romero Room at Roncalli House (the parish center at the end of the parking lot.) 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.

Miraculous Medal Novena: Wednesdays following the 7:30am Mass. Daily Rosary of Peace - at 7:00am before daily Mass Silent Adoration: Monday and Wednesdays 8:00am – 5:00pm. Please call Andrea Remlin (203)227-5477 if you would like to take ½ - 1 hour of Adoration. Adoration & Rosary: First Saturday of the month 8:00am - 8:30am (following the 7:30am mass) and every Saturday during May and October.

Devotions

Baptismal Prep Class

Sacramental Information

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,

Diocesan Synod Parish Delegate Frank Matto

Director of Music & Organist Michelle Hankey Wedding Coordinator

Jim Meehan Knights of Columbus Rep., Merton House, Bpt.

Dolores Bacharach Interfaith Council & RCIA

Juany Fumai Altar Server Training/Scheduling

Carol Gabriel Altar Guild Chair, Liturgical Decorating Chair &

Book Nook Ministry Connie Luppino

Social Concerns Ministry Chair Michele Modugno

Youth Minister (Grade 6 - 12) Michael O’Loughlin Youth Ministry Board Chair

Marilyn Moran RCIA & WHCC Ministry

Diocesan Synod Parish Delegate Rose Odell

Parish Food Closet Barbara Murray

Ministry to Parish Seniors Helen Thiemann

Bereavement Ministry, Book Club Chair & Homebound Visitation

Parish Council Chair Emeritus Gracemary Avitable

Parish Adoration/Devotions Serra Club

Tom Leyden Trustee & Parish Webmaster

Tess Perry Trustee & Catholic Daughters Rep.

Ed Capasse, Esq. Trustee Emeritus

Dn. David Clark, Deacon Fr. Tom Thorne, Pastor