21 BRUSH HILL ROAD NEW FAIRFIELD, CT. 06812

203-746-2200 WWW.SAINTEDWARDCHURCH.ORG

MASS SCHEDULE Monday to Friday 7:30 & 9:00 AM Saturday Vigils 4:30 and 6:00 PM

Sunday 7:30, 9:00, 11:00 AM & 5:15 PM Sacrament of Reconciliation Saturdays, 3:45 to 4:15 PM

Marriage The proper time of preparation for

Marriage is one year prior to the wedding. Please contact the Parish Office

as soon as possible.

PARISH HOURS Monday - Thursday

9:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Closed daily for lunch from

12:00-1:00

Fridays 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM

Closed Saturdays

Phone: 203-746-2200 Fax: 203-746-4856

www.saintedwardchurch.org

For the weekend of Feb. 11th we received

$17,704.00 for an average of $19,139.02

for the quarter. Thank you for all

your support of our parish!

Inclement Weather Cancellation Policy:

If New Fairfield Schools are delayed, there will on-ly be a 9:00am daily mass. If school is cancelled, then there will be no masses as the roads will not be safe

to travel on. The parish family of St. Edward’s welcomes Harvey Tait who was recently baptized. May God bless him always!

1st Sunday of Lent

Why do we always go to the desert? We

see this example in Scripture time and time

again. The Israelites wandered in the desert.

King David and prophets were driven into the

wilderness. And now Jesus is in the same place. Lent after Lent, we too are invited

into a barren, desolate place. Why do we always go to the desert?

Throughout Scripture, the desert is a place of testing. It's also a place of hiding

and withdrawal. In the Old Testament, David fled into the wilderness to hide from

Saul, Elijah from Jezebel, and Jonah from God! In other words, the desert is a place

of "retreat." In Christian circles, we use the word to describe a spiritual weekend

away. But its meaning comes from warfare, as we well know. To retreat means to

draw back, to separate oneself from the fighting. Of course, a military retreat brings

its own kind of "battle" -- the internal assessment of why the fighting went so poorly.

As we enter into this Lenten season, we are invited to retreat into the desert with

Jesus. Attending a day or weekend of reflection is a wonderful spiritual practice. This

"desert spirituality," however, can fill all forty days. We can fulfill our Lenten

resolutions with a purpose -- writing daily notes to family and friends can inspire new

gratitude, every time we pass up that specific food item can be

cause for intercession for deeper sufferings and privations of

others.

The Gospel tells us that "the Spirit drove him out into the

desert." In other words, God wants us to be here. What feels

uncomfortable is actually part of our spiritual journey. To be

stretched, to be challenged, to confront our own areas of

weakness -- these things are essential in our walk with God. This

Lent, will you go to the desert?

CLERGY: PASTOR Rev. Nick Cirillo 203-746-2200, x.16, Frnick@saintedwardchurch.org

ASSOCIATE PASTOR Rev. Karol Ksiazek 203-746-2200, x.15, Frkarol@saintedwardchurch.org

ASSOCIATE PASTOR Rev. Harry Prieto 203-746-2200, FrHarryPrieto@saintedwardchurch.org

DEACON Patrick Shevlin pshevlin@saintedwardchurch.org

STAFF: FAITH FORMATION DIRECTOR Kathryn La Regina 203-746-4270, x.20 klaregina@saintedwardchurch.org

ADULT EDUCATION Carol Zinser 203-746-2200, x.24 czinser@saintedwardchurch.org

MUSIC AND LITURGY DIRECTOR Dan Kean 203-746-2200, x.28 dkean@saintedwardchurch.org

OFFICE MANAGER/ CALENDAR Luanne Hogan 203-746-2200, x.11 lhogan@saintedwardchurch.org

FRONT DESK Eileen Burke eburke@saintedwardchurch.org 203-746-2200

BULLETIN, CENSUS, ENVELOPES, F.F. BILLING ,TAX LTRS, WEBSITE, Debra Tomasetti 203-746-2200, x.14 dtomasetti@saintedwardchurch.org

YOUTH GROUP Katie Kirrane 203-746-2200 kkirrane@saintedwardchurch.org

INDIVIDUAL,COUPLE & FAMILY COUNSELOR Dr. Daniel Joynt, Ph.D. djoynt@aol.com; 860-354-9164 or 203-746-2200, x.21

LAY LEADERSHIP Trustee (s) - Arlene Callahan - 203-312-0918 & Peter Greco - 203-746-0744

LAY LEADERSHIP Finance -Bill Rilley - 203-313-4378

PRAYER LINE 203-746-2200, x. 17

DANBURY HOSPITAL DEPARTMENT OF SPIRITUAL CARE 203-739-7885

We will have a

5:30pm mass during

Lent in addition to

our 7:30am &

9:00am daily masses.

1ST SUNDAY OF LENT FEBRUARY 18, 2018

Liturgical Year B

MONDAY, February 19 ,2018 President’s Day

9:00AM Fran Cunningham R/B The Griffin Family

5:30PM Anna Walter R/B Don Morgenstern

TUESDAY, February 20 ,2018

7:30AM Ron Lyons

9:00AM Mary Cusumano R/B Marion Fuchsenthaler

5:30PM Doug MacSwan R/B The Murtha Family

WEDNESDAY February 21 ,2B18

7:30AM Joseph Brennan R/B The Kutzy Family

9:00AM Cathleen Mead R/B The Gairing Family

5:30PM Elizabeth Lehane R/B Sheila Murphy

THURSDAY, February 22, 2018

7:30AM Michael Rippa R/b April & Jeremy

9:00AM Edward A DeMayo R/B His Wife & Daughter

5:30PM Michael Rippa R/B Diane & Rob Riehl

FRIDAY, February 23, 2018

7:30AM John P. Previdi R/B The Family

9:00AM Janina Zganiacz R/B Ella & Jacek Zganiacz

5:30PM Lauren DiBiase R/B The Family

SATURDAY, February 24, 2018

4:30PM Brendan Cunningham R/B Cathy & Buddy McCarthy

6:00PM Judith Taub R/B The Dundie Family

SUNDAY, February 25 ,2018

7:30AM Thomas LaBarbera R/B The Kutzy Family

9:00AM Joseph & Connie Mazza R/B The Tomaino Family

11:00AM Patricia & Nicholas Ferrara R/B The Kutzy Family

5:15PM Helen O’Rourke R/B The Olyha Family

READINGS FOR NEXT WEEK FEBRUARY 25, 2018~

2ND SUNDAY OF LENT

READING 1: GN 22:1-2, 9A, 10-13, 15-18

READING 2: ROM 8:31B-34

GOSPEL: MK 9:2-10

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The Sanctuary Lamp will burn for Vivian

Fugazzi requested by the Kenney family.

The Chapel Lamp will burn for Ron Lyons.

If you, or are a loved one is sick and would like

to be on our prayer list please contact the

parish office at 203-746-2200. Thank you!

Olga & Chuck Finnegan, Eddie Nielsen, Richard Blank,

Mary Baske, Martha, JoAnn Cervello, Rebecca & Steven,

Laura C., Robert W. Brough & Cheryl Brough, Lyn

Holmes, Diane Poswinski, D.L., Rudy Sorrentino, Stephen,

James, Richard, Ginnette, Joseph, James and Robert

Joseph, Glenn Forrest, Patrick, Mary Shepard, James

Shepard, Jim Siniscachi, William, Monica Gorman, Shannon Cunningham,

Linda, Alice Kanavos, Terry Blank, Rich Drygas, Justin L., Diana Tremont, Jeanne, Manfred Zweig, Meg Pehowic, Sherry Prokos, Don

Freda, Sandra Marr, Bob Dugan, Betty Guman, William French, Charles

K. Jr., Danielle & Chris, Marie Tedesco, Joe Letizia, Lynn Jurenka &

Jerry Corcoran, Robert Russell, Robert Sexton, Gail Grande, Dan

Cocozza, Barbara Blake, John R., Sadie & Michael Byrnes, Bill Sturges,

Helen Nabozna

Please pray for those who have died in the month of JANUARY- Barbara Jeanne Herrick,

Emma Scinto, Robert Robilliard, Edward Coelho, Chris Bach.

We also pray for consolation and healing for their grieving family.

The Parish Office will be closed for President’s Day on Monday,

February 19th and only a 9:00am & 5:30pm mass will be

celebrated. We pray that God protects and

guides our President.

A Prayer for the Nation Almighty God, Who has given us this good land for our heritage; We humbly beseech Thee that we may always prove ourselves a people mindful of Thy favor and glad to do Thy will. Bless our land with honorable ministry, sound learning,

and pure manners. Save us from violence, discord, and confusion, from pride and arrogance, and from every evil way.

Defend our liberties, and fashion into one united people, the multitude brought

hither out of many kindred's and tongues. Endow with Thy spirit of wisdom those

whom in Thy name we entrust the authority of government, that there may be justice and peace at home, and that through obedience to Thy law, we may

show forth Thy praise among the nations of the earth. In time of prosperity fill our hearts with thankfulness, and in the day of trouble, suffer not our trust in Thee to fail; all of which we ask through Jesus

Christ our Lord. Amen. — Thomas Jefferson, March 4, 1801

Come join us for the Rosary. The Rosary is a powerful prayer where we can meet the Blessed Virgin Mary. We can meditate on the mysteries of the lives of Jesus and Mary. We meet on Saturday mornings in the chapel at

9:00 am. Even if you don't know the Rosary or you want

to learn or re-learn the Rosary, please join us.

Glory Gatherings meets on Tuesdays in CR A at 9:30 AM. We invite you to share in the wonder and awe of the Lord through shared scriptures, stories of God's Goodness and Mercy.

The Saint Patrick’s Mass will be held at 9:00am

on Saturday, March 10th, 2018. St. Patrick was one

of the first missionaries of Rome to bring Catholic faith to pagan Ireland and the British Isles.

Immediately after mass, our annual parade will

organize outside the church. All are welcome to join in this parade and march into town. We will have a

flag-raising ceremony with our selectman at Town

Hall and after the ceremony, there will be refreshments in the library. This is a great time to

meet up with your neighbors. All are welcome! For

more info please contact Peter Hearty at

203-746-1910.

The Ladies Guild will have their monthly meeting on Wed. Feb. 28th after the

9:00 mass in the hall. Fr. Harry will be the guest speaker

The Ladies Guild will host a Baby

Shower for Birthright in

Danbury. Birthright of Danbury

is a non-profit organization that offers love, friendship, and support to women who are pregnant

or think they may be pregnant. They help women make a realistic plan for their future and function by donation only. They are in need of baby items and monetary donations. We are asking our generous

St. Edward’s parish community to help by bringing in donations of NEW baby items, especially

packages of diapers; size newborn, 1 & 2, baby sheets, clothes (0- 3mos & 3-6mos), sweaters, items

for baby layettes etc. Items will be collected the weekend of

Feb. 24th & 25th. Drop off in Conference Room B. NO FURNITURE ACCEPTED.

Awakening Prayer Group Take the time for your spiritual

well-being. Please join us Tuesday evenings, 7pm, in the Cry Room. Join

us for relaxing music, Prayer and Scripture. God has a plan of sheer goodness for us all.

We are called into blessing through a relationship with God, through the scripture. We ask the Holy

Spirit for guidance always. Please join us.

The Intercessory Prayer Group of St. Edward’s meets

every Monday night at 5:30 in CR A. A gospel

reading is read and reflections are shared. The group prays for those prayer intentions left in the basket in

the chapel and for the prayer requests left on our

Prayer line at 203-746-2200 x17. All are invited to

attend and join in the power of prayer.

There will be a Safe Environment Training on Sunday, March 11th at 1:00pm in the church hall. Please plan to attend if you are participating in Homefront and are not trained and if you plan to volunteer in any of our ministries. No future dates are scheduled at St. Edward’s at this time so please make every effort to attend. Please register at www.virtus.org, and run your background check online prior to the class date. If you have any questions please give Eileen a call at 203-746-2200.

5

Thursday February 22nd 4:30pm-6:30pm

First Reconciliation Retreat/Church & Hall

Thursday March 1st 6:30-8:30pm

First Communion Parent/Child Retreat/Hall

*1st & 2nd grade do not meet for classes during

February, they have their retreats instead.

First Reconciliation will be held on

Thurs. March 8th -6:30pm-8:00pm in the church

and Sat. March 10th –12:00pm in the church.

PH: 203-746-4270

Parish Counseling

Dr. Dan Joynt Ph. D. is a WCSU Professor and a CT Licensed Professional Counselor working with individuals, couples and families.

Specializing in Anxiety, Depression, Grief, Stress, Relationship and Communication Issues. He can be reached either at 860-354-9164 or by a message to the Parish Office 746-2200. There is no cost for a first session. Special consideration is available for subsequent services. What a great resource right in our parish!!

St. Edward’s Youth Group meets every Sunday starting with 5:15 Mass followed by dinner and activities from 6:30-8:30. Youth Group Ministry aims to help high school teens continue to grow in their faith and relationship with Christ while

building lasting friendships with one another. If you want to join St. Edward's Youth Group, just

stop by any meeting or contact your Youth Group Director, Katie Kirrane

at: kkirrane@saintedwardchurch.org. visit our webpage at http://www.saintedwardchurch.org/

-youth-group for more information.

Friday, March 16th: A Spiritual Opportunity to pray the Stations of the Cross will be offered to the middle school students’ families. Sunday, March 18thafter 9am Mass: Young Family Ministry is hosting A Lenten Activity for families of students in Grades 1-3. Please join us for 9:00am Mass. After Mass we’ll have a Lenten activity, make Easter cards for seniors & have a special treat. Please RSVP to Marj Cutler how many from your family will attend BY March 13th: mcutler@saintedwardchurch.org

Health is viewed as a gift

from God and a way of

relational living in

community. Previously known as the Parish Nurse

Program, the Danbury Hospital Faith Community

Nurse Program is an example of faith in action. It is

an outreach program emphasizing prevention and the

maintenance of health and wholeness of mind, body,

and spirit. Services, facilitated by a nurse or other

health-minded individual from your congregation, can

be tailored with a variety of programs according to

the unique faith community’s needs. The Department

of Spiritual Care offers support in creating and

maintaining health programs and hosts monthly

educational programs. Danbury Hospital’s Faith

Community Nurse Program invites any interested

members of the community who would like to act as

your ‘Wellness Champion’ to attend our meetings.

These liaisons are an important ingredient to

successful, sustainable health ministries.

Danbury Hospital seeks to:

Provide support for wellness initiatives for the faith

communities (i.e. aging, diabetes,

chronic illness)

Equip volunteer community liaisons with health

leadership skills to support congregants

Offer access to health education

Develop relationships between the hospital and

religious communities that aim to improve

health outcomes in a setting relevant to

members’ Identify health needs within the

congregation

Establishing a partnership between the faith

community and Danbury Hospital presents a

tremendous opportunity for establishing a

collaborative relationship to engage

congregants and enhance member wellness

For More Information contact Liz Winson,

Program Coordinator, Faith Community Nurse Program,

elizabeth.winson@wchn.org, 203-739-7027

4

Knights of Columbus

When Father Michael J McGivney established a group of men united in their faith to provide for Catholic families in times

of need this was the beginning of the Knights of Columbus. Today guided by the principles of charity, unity, and fraternity, members of the Knights of Columbus work to overcome the hardships that people face in their parishes and communities. The St Edward Knights of Columbus Council will host an

Open House on Thursday evening February 22nd at

7:30PM in the Church Hall. All practicing Catholic Men

18 years of age and older are invited to attend. Wives are

also welcome. The St Edward Council would like to

introduce families to their program of charitable, social

and fraternal activities. In addition the membership

benefits of Knighthood. will be discussed. Please join us

for an informative and enjoyable evening

Where: New Fairfield Community Room (located above the Senior Center 33 Route 37, NF) When: Wed. Feb. 21, 2018

Time: 8:30am-5:30pm Cost: Free to New Fairfield & Sherman Residents Mental First Aid is an 8-hr training program to teach individuals how to help someone in their community who is

developing a mental health problem or experiencing a mental health crisis. The program helps participants identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illnesses and substance use disorders. Space is limited; registration is on a

first come first serve basis so please call: New Fairfield Social Services at 203-312-5669 or Sherman Social Services at 860-354-2414 x.2

One of the traditional practices of

Lent is to express our desire for closer

union with God by being mindful of that

desire throughout the day. And since

one of the most basic activities of life is

eating, it should come as no surprise

that when we change the way that we

connect with food, we tap into a daily

reminder that keeps us thinking of the

season of Lent on a regular basis.

While Lenten practices and

disciplines vary according to the

individual, there are some practices that

we perform in common as part of

keeping the season of Lent as a church.

These practices are not governed by

individual tastes or preferences, but

they are practiced together, as

communal disciplines of penance.

As Lent comes closer, I wanted to

review these Lenten practices regarding

fasting and abstinence so that we are

all on the same page.

For all people over 14 years of age–

no meat on Ash Wednesday, Good

Friday and the Fridays of Lent. This

applies from age 14 until death.

In addition, for those who are

between the ages of 18 and 59, only

one full meal is eaten on Ash

Wednesday and Good Friday. Those

who are allowed only one meal on

those days may have two smaller “mini”

meals at the other two meal times, as

long as they do not together equal

another full meal. Of course, all of this

is without meat.

Of course, those who are pregnant,

chronically ill, or have any other

condition that would be worsened by

fasting should not engage in the

practice. As in all things, common

sense should prevail.

"Paul Krenzelock: Catholic Young Adults of Greater Danbury, (18-35), will gather on February 22, Thursday, at WCSU Newman Center, 7 8th Ave., Danbury. Paul Krenzelock is involved with Discernment for Young Adults with the Franciscan Friars of the Atonement. We will be listening to his engaging talk on Discern-

ment. For more info contact catholic.ya.danbury@gmail.com"

Monday, February 19, 2018 Thursday, February 22, 2018

President's Day Office Closed 9:30 AM Ladies Guild Sewing/CR A

5:30 PM Intercessory Prayer Group/CR A 4:30 PM First Reconciliation Retreat/Church/Hall

Tuesday, February 20, 2018 7:00 PM Knight of Columbus/Business Meeting/Hall

9:30 AM Glory Gatherings/CR A 7:30 PM Contemporary Choir/CR A

3:00 PM Children's Choir/Church Friday, February 23, 2018

4:45 PM Cherub Choir/Church 9:30 AM Terrific Two's-Session 1/Hall MR 5 & 6

6:30 PM AA Meeting/Hall 10:00 AM Abilities Beyond Disabilities/Hall

7:00 PM Awakening Prayer Group/Cry Room 11:15 AM Terrific Two's-Session 2/Hall-MR 5 & 6

Wednesday, February 21, 2018 8:00 PM Women's AA/Hall & Kitchen

9:30 AM Terrific Two's-Session 1/Hall MR 5 & 6 Saturday, February 24, 2018

11:15 AM Terrific Two's-Session 2/Hall-MR 5 & 6 Ladies Guild Birthright Baby Shower/Drop off CR B

2:30 PM Adult Education/Psalms/CR A 7:30 AM The Men of St. Edward's Fellowship/CR C

3:30 PM Grades 3-5/MHHS/CR A,B,C/Room 3-4 8:00 AM Miraculous Medal Novena/Chapel

7:00 PM Adult Faith Formation/Ephesians/Hall 9:00 AM Rosary Prayer Group/Prayer Chapel

7:30 PM Adult Choir/Church Sunday, February 25, 2018

Ladies Guild Birthright Baby Shower/Drop off CR B

Snow date for 1st & 2nd grade retreat/Church/Hall