October 19, 2014 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time

†Masses and Intentions†

Sat Confession prior to 4:30 Mass Sat Oct 18, 4:30 pm Mass at St. Philip † Eugenie & Harry MacWay by Bill, Eileen & Debbie Molnar Sun Oct 19, 9:00 am Mass at St. Jude † Josephine L. Mozzicato by the Family

(would have been 103 years old) Sun Oct 19, 11:00 am Mass at St. Philip † Catherine H. Schaffer by St. Philip’s Choir † Fred & Catherine Schaffer by Frances Tatro & Family Mon No Mass

Tues Oct 21, 8:00 am Mass at St. Jude Tues Oct 21, 6:00 pm Mass at St. Philip Wed Oct 22, 8:00 am Mass at St. Jude Fri 40 Days for Life – St. Philip & St. Jude Day Fri Oct 24, 8:00 am Mass at St. Philip † Catherine & Steve Muska by Memorial Mass Fund

Adoration following Mass until 2:00 pm 1:50 pm Divine Mercy Chaplet & Benediction

Sat Confession prior to 4:30 Mass Sat Oct 25, 4:30 pm Mass at St. Philip † Joseph Bouchard by Reneé Christiansen Sun Oct 26, 9:00 am Mass at St. Jude † Robert Olivera by the Parish Sun Oct 26, 11:00 am Mass at St. Philip † John Garry Clifford by Carol Davidge † Benedict Tracy by Ursula Peters

OUR OFFERING OF THANKS TO GOD LAST WEEK

St. Philip Weekly Offering $2,609.00 St. Philip Mission Combined $1,124.00 St. Philip Add’l Cradle Fund $ 75.00 St. Philip Add’l Coun. Catholic Women $ 50.00 St. Jude Weekly Offering $1,290.00 St. Jude Mission Combined $ 553.00

MEMORIAL FUND TOTAL DONATIONS St. Philip Memorial Fund Donated $55,581.07 St. Philip Fund Balance $0 St. Philip Cemetery Loan Donated $10,228.36 St. Philip Cemetery Loan Balance $ 8,386.02 St. Jude Memorial Fund Donated $14,975.00 St. Jude Fund Balance $ 8,775.00

ATTENDANCE LAST WEEKEND

Saturday 4:30 pm St. Philip 10/11/14 100 Sunday 9:00 am St. Jude 10/12/14 138 Sunday 11:00 am St. Philip 10/12/14 109 Total: 347

STEWARDSHIP: “Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s and to God the things that are God’s.” - Matthew 22:21. Everything we are and have belongs to God. The essence of Stewardship is giving back to God a portion of what He gave us. God is our first priority; everything else comes second.

PRAYER LIST: Denise Beaudoin, Marie (Beaudoin) Chace, Gus Aiello, Elaine Fisher, Addie Specyalski, Robert Blain, Wesley Berg, Marty & Michelle Jones, Claudette Gagne, Renee Delisle, Edward Sullivan, Mary Manning, John Ference, Victoria and Richard Santi, John Marcisin, Mikayla Wilcox, Rita Fogarty, Brian Racicot, Marion Ogden, Rev. Paul Murdock, Kenny Botting, Carol Davidge, Jacob Fletcher, Linda Joyal. Please let us know how people are doing so we can update our list.

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION: ST. PHILIP CCD Classes 9:30 am, Sunday, in the Church. Confirmation: Sun, 6pm in Church.

ST. JUDE classes Wednesdays: Grades 1-4 from 3:45-4:45 pm Grades 5-7 from 7:00-8:00 pm Confirmation: Grades 8 & 9, 7:00-8:00 pm

WEDNESDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY with Fr. Kennedy meets Wed, 10 am, St. Philip Rectory.

ADULT BIBLE STUDY with Ed Conlan meets Sat, 11:00 am in St. Jude’s Rectory to study St. Paul’s Letters to the Thessalonians. Oct 25: The Final Exhortation. All are Welcome.

PARISH MEETINGS: Liturgy Committee: Mon, Oct 20, 6:30 pm, Rectory. Women’s Bible Study: Tues, Oct 21, 10 am Rectory. “Sharing the Faith that You Love”. All are welcome. Parish Council: Tues, Oct 21, 7 pm, Rectory. Prayer Shawl: Tues, Oct 28, 6:30 pm, Rectory. Knights of Columbus: Tues Nov 11, 7 pm, Parish Ctr.

40 DAYS FOR LIFE CAMPAIGN: We need volunteers from St. Philip & St. Jude for Friday, Oct 24th from Midnight to Midnight. Please sign up for at least one hour. We need two people per hour and especially men to cover the nighttime hours. The mission is to bring together the body of Christ in a spirit of unity during a focused 40 day campaign of prayer, fasting and peaceful activism with the purpose of repentance to seek God’s favor to turn hearts and minds from a culture of death to a culture of life, bringing an end to abortion.

Please sign up in the vestibule. Sheila Taylor is our 40 Days for Life contact. Phone: 860-423-5735. Email: mishe423@gmail.com.

ST. PHILIP & ST. JUDE GIFT CARD FUNDRAISER More than a hundred different gift cards to choose from. It’s simple, with absolutely no extra cost to you. The gift card companies will pay St. Philips or St. Jude a percentage for each card we sell. You get the gift cards you need AND support your church at the same time! See pages 7-9 online.

SPAGHETTI DINNER ST. PHILIP CENTER

SATURDAY NOV. 8TH @ 5:30 PM Tickets available after Mass.

REMEMBER THE NEEDY IN OUR COMMUNITY. We are collecting food for Thanksgiving baskets

for needy families in Ashford. Please donate non-perishable Thanksgiving dinner foods. We cannot distribute out of date food. There will be a sign-up sheet

for frozen turkey donations and we will also collect money for purchasing fresh foods. Last year we provided dinners and additional food to 21 families.

THE MISSION COMBINED COLLECTION was taken up in our Parish last weekend for the World Mission Appeal, U.S. Bishop’s Appeal for Latin America, Black and Indian Missions, and the Catholic Home Mission Appeal. If you were unable to bring your gift envelope, extras are available at in the vestibule. Your support of the missionary needs of the Universal Church is greatly appreciated. Your contribution can be placed in the collection basket next weekend or mailed directly to the parish. Thank you for your generosity in the past and thank you for what you will do now to help our missionaries continue their vital work.

ST. PHILIP TAG SALE / HABITAT FOR HUMANITY Sat, Oct 25th, 9 am to 2 pm, $15.00 per table. Sign

up with Rose Bergeron or Theresa Salisbury. You may set up indoors or outside. We will also accept donated items for the St. Philip table and proceeds will go to the church. If you're

doing your fall cleaning and have items that you'd like to get rid of, why not donate them? This year after the sale, Habitat for Humanity will coordinate with us to pick up leftover items such as gently used furniture, building materials and appliances in good working condition. We will supply a list of acceptable items on the table in the back of the church. That means you may donate furniture such as chairs and tables, appliances in good working order, etc. because if they don't sell they can be donated. Habitat does not accept household items like dishes, Tupperware, mattresses or clothing. It would be a great help to our volunteers if you could price the items that you donate to the St. Philip table.

Please mark your Calendars! St. Philip and St. Jude Confirmation date is Tuesday, May 12, 2015.

BIRT.HRIGHT OF WINDHAM: serves over 1,600 women each year. Some are in a crisis pregnancy, others with children are caught in poverty. Babies have expensive needs and BirthRight has always relied on the Church community to help maintain supplies for Moms who

come for help. Your donations are a witness to our Catholic faith and our commitment to life as we continue to provide baby wash, lotion, shampoo, pampers (size 1-4), baby wipes, receiving blankets, newborn gowns and clothing. Please bring these items to church. Through our donations, St. Philip and St. Jude make a major impact on this ministry for local mothers and their babies. God Bless and Thank You on behalf of the women you help.

ST. PHILIP’S CHRISTMAS CRAFT FAIR Saturday Dec. 6th from 9 – 2. We now have our 40 vendors for the Craft Fair! It's time to start thinking about creating a basket for our raffle. You may be inspired to create a basket of tea and accessories, or a car wash basket, etc. The possibilities are endless. You may also donate a single item. In the past we have had a small Norfolk Island potted pine and a cold beverage decanter, to name a few examples. Just keep the value of your basket or item under $50.00. No restaurant gift cards and no alcohol please. Baskets need to be brought in by November 16th. 7

TH ANNUAL CT CATHOLIC MEN’S CONFERENCE

Sat, Oct 25, 8am - 5pm. Goodwin College, E. Hartford, CT $35 advance, $40 at door, $25 for teens. “I Thirst for justice, compassion, forgiveness, salvation, truth, wisdom for you”. Keynote speaker: Jon Leonetti, Also Bryan Mercier, Peter Freissle, Br. Bob Moriarty,S.M. and Music by Upper Room. www.ctcatholicmen.org.

Congratulations to 5 members of the Iraqi family who were sworn in as American citizens.

ASHFORD’S 300TH ANNIVERSARY 300th PLAY "Our Little Town" Sat, Oct 25th at 7 pm & Sun, Oct 26th at 2 pm. Knowlton Hall.

Old Fashioned Tea Party May 4th 2:00 pm, at the Ashford Senior Center Limited seating. Free tickets available at the Town Clerk’s office.

TRIP TO HAITI Jan 14 - 21, 2015. It is a trip of a lifetime and also not for the faint of heart. Any questions contact: Denise Pillion at 860 617 3642.

RELIGIOUS FREEDOM The Connecticut Catholic Conference notes that, since 1919, the Catholic Church has been a longstanding advocate of universal, accessible and life-affirming health care. However, the HHS mandate of the Affordable Care Act harshly penalizes those employers who do not provide abortions and other contraception coverage for their employees. In its decision, the Supreme Court clearly reaffirms that freedom of religion is a basic fundamental right under our Constitution. If you haven’t done so already, please voice your opposition to the mandate by calling President Obama at the White House at 202-456-1111 or U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Sylvia Mathews Burwell at 202-205-5445. Let them know that the mandate is in violation of our First Amendment right to religious freedom.

ENCOURAGE SUPPORT GROUP ~ is a Catholic spiritual support group for family members of loved ones struggling with same-sex attraction. For more information on the monthly support group meetings held the first Tuesday each month, beginning in October, please call the Family Life Office at: 860-889-8346 ext.283.

WE CAN HELP To report inappropriate contact of any kind by a representative of the Diocese of Norwich or for assistance to victims, please call: 1-800-624-7407

PODEMOS AYUDAR Para reportar cualquier contacto inapropiado por un/a representante de la Diócesis de Norwich, o para buscar ayuda para víctimas, favor de llamar:

1-800-624-7407

SUPREME KNIGHT CARL ANDERSON IS ASKING FOR HELP FOR CHRISTIAN AND MINORITY REFUGEES IN IRAQ. To support this effort checks may be sent to the Knights of Columbus Christian Refugee Fund, Knights of Columbus Charities, P.O. Box 1966, New Haven, CT 06509-1966. The text of a prayer written by Chaldean Catholic Patriarch of Iraq, His Beatitude Louis Rafael Sako is: Lord, the plight of our country is deep and the suffering of Christians is severe and frightening. Therefore, we ask you Lord to spare our lives, and to grant us patience and courage to continue our witness of Christian values with trust and hope. Lord, peace is the foundation of life; Grant us the peace and stability that will enable us to live with each other without fear and anxiety, and with dignity and joy. Glory be to you forever.

Where are our shut-ins? Please call the rectory if you have a loved one in the hospital or in a nursing home so we can visit, bring the Eucharist and keep in touch.

“CATHOLICUNDERGROUNDCT” College age and young adults gather at Holy Apostles College and Seminary in Cromwell every 3rd Saturday, September through May. The night begins at 7:30 pm with Adoration, vespers and praise. At 8:30 pm the social begins with live music, entertainment and refreshments. For more information: www.catholicundergroundct.com.

ST. PHILIP AND ST. JUDE MEMORIAL FUNDS For easy access, Memorial Donation forms are now available on the parish website, and can be downloaded and printed on your home printer.

REGISTRATION: If you are new to our parish or your registration is not current, please fill in a form with up-to-date information. Also, your pledge and use of the parish envelopes helps us plan our budget and provides you with a tax record.

REMEMBER THE NEEDY IN OUR COMMUNITY. Food is collected all year, not just at the holidays. Please bring non-perishable foods to the church. We cannot distribute opened or out-of-date food.

FOOD ASSISTANCE: Distribution is always on a Friday morning, usually the 4th Friday of the month, from 7-9 am at the Living Proof Church of Ashford. We have applications and food distribution schedules in our office or you may visit the website: http://www.ashfordchurch.org/COMMUNITY_OUTREACH/Ashford_Food_Bank/. The WILLINGTON FOOD PANTRY is open 2 days weekly: Mon, 4 pm - 6 pm, and Wed, 10 - Noon. Patrons must be Willington residents and be screened by the social worker. Customers can come once monthly (on the day of their choice) to select shelf-stable food for their household. To apply, contact: Director, Youth, Family & Social Serv., Town of Willington, 40 Old Farms Rd. Willington, CT 06279. Phone: 860-487-3118; FAX: 860.487-3125 Email: wyfss@willingtonct.org.

GIFT CARDS ARE NEEDED Please consider donating gas cards from Cumberland Farms, and food cards from Big Y for requests that come from the needy in our community. Put them in an envelope marked "office" and place them in the collection basket. Thank you.

LIGHTHOUSE CATHOLIC CDS: There are NEW CDs with orthodox Catholic teaching and some excellent testimonies of individuals and their faith walk.

Thank you for all your donations, they help to keep the program going. If

you have questions or requests contact Donna Vertefeuille at 860-429-4508 or email donna@vertefeuille.org. Eucharistic Adoration: two adorers are needed

each hour after Mass on Fridays at St. Philip 9am to 2pm. Please call Sandra Mullarkey: 860-429-0322. We need people who can commit to one hour, as well as people able to substitute when

necessary. All are invited.

INTERESTED IN LEARNING ABOUT ADOPTION? Catholic Charities provides services for all members of the adoption triad: Infant adoption placements, domestic and international home studies and adoption searches. 860-889-8346 ext.282 or susansedensky@ccfsn.org for more info. Catholic Charities Adoption Program will be holding monthly meetings for couples who are waiting to adopt or who are interested in learning about adoption. Meetings will be held on October 22 and November 19 at 7 pm at the Catholic Charities Office, 331 Main St., Norwich. Catholic Charities Adoption Program will also be holding weekly Birth Mother Support Group meetings every Tuesday, beginning on September 16, at 9:30 am at the Catholic Charities Office, 331 Main St., Norwich. For more information on both meetings please call our Adoption Program at 860-889-8346 ext. 282.

Do you or someone you know need a Prayer Shawl? Contact: Carolann Hernberg: 860- 487-0449, chernberg01@snet.net.

RACHEL’S VINEYARD RETREAT WEEKENDS If you are silently grieving after an abortion; healing, forgiveness and peace can begin with a Rachel’s Vineyard Retreat. “Project Rachel” is also a Diocesan outreach for anyone in need of healing. Priests in “Project Rachel” can help you through healing and forgiveness. Spanish Retreat Oct. 24-26 in RI call 401-421-7833 ext.118. Retreat Nov. 7-9 in Stockbridge, MA call 413-452-0661. Retreat Nov.14-16 in CT call 203-631-9030. Priests in Project Rachel ministry are there for you with God’s Grace and Mercy. For info call 860-889-8346 ext. 283 or 800-554-5173. Confidential. www.rachelsvineyard.org.

Natural Family Planning Classes ~ For Married and Engaged. (NFP) is the safe and loving alternative to the dangerous chemical and synthetic hormonal side-effects of contraception and birth control. NFP is scientific and 99% effective for conceiving or responsibly postponing your baby. NFP can also help with fertility problems. Home Study and online are available. Classes are ongoing in our diocese, you also have the opportunity, if taking the CCLI Home Study course, to call our instructors with any questions or attend a class for free. Call the Schantz’s at 860-464-1184 or the Collison’s 860-399-8625. www.ccli.org.

Marriage Encounter Weekend~ “We thought we had a great marriage, but now our love is so much deeper than anything we could have imagined!” Rediscover each other with a heart-to-heart Marriage Encounter. November 7-9, 2014, Manchester, CT. For info call 860-376-0440. Email: meweekend@gmail.com. Website: www.wwme.org.

MARRIAGE BUILDING AND REPAIR: Is your marriage tearing you apart, little or no communication, considering separation or divorce? Retrouvaille is a lifeline. A Retrouvaille weekend provides tools to heal, re-establish communication, and gain new insight into your marriage. A series of 6 sessions follows the weekend phase. Retrouvaille is Catholic in origin but open to all, helps to repair and build a stable, loving marriage. For information 413-525-1634. www.retrouvaille.org.

MARRIAGE PREP CLASS FOR ENGAGED COUPLES

“God’s Plan for a Joy-filled Marriage”. To register for a 3-session class call the Family Life Office at: 860-889-8346 ext. 283.

SHOW YOUR SUPPORT FOR LIFE! “Choose Life” License Plates with smiling faces are promoting adoptions and traveling everywhere

as a witness to Life and Love. Give a gift that keeps on giving, it’s so easy! Go to www.fund-adoption.org for info or to download an application form. This helps fund agencies such as Catholic Charities.

“Donation Angel” ~ Donate any type of vehicle: cars, boats, etc. running or not. Donation Angel raises funds to support our Catholic of Norwich and its mission to respond to Christ’s call to care for those in need by providing services for individuals and families. Click or call now for free quick removal of your unwanted vehicle and receive a tax deduction. For info call Ray at: 866-434-1131 or www.donationangel.org/ccfsn.

Home Buyers and Foreclosure Prevention Classes: For help with purchasing a home, fallen behind on mortgage payments or help with budgeting or filling out applications for EMAP. All services are provided free at Catholic Charities, a HUD approved Counseling Agency. The Free ongoing Foreclosure Prevention and 8 hour Home Buyers Education Classes are offered by Catholic Charities in Norwich, New London and Plainfield locations. Info: 860-889-8346 ext. 271.

PARENTS DIVORCING AND/OR RESOLVING CHILD CUSTODY ISSUES – participate in the court suggested Parent Education Program. Are you concerned about the effects of divorce, separation or family disruption on your children? Catholic Charities offers ongoing, monthly one day Parenting Education Classes in Norwich, Rockville and Middletown. A monthly 2- part Spanish/bilingual parenting education class is held in Willimantic. Attendance at both sessions in the Willimantic class is required for the certificate of completion. Fees apply and are determined by the State of CT. Please call 1-860-889-8346 ext. 260 for registration and monthly class locations and dates.

Love one another as I have loved you. As you do unto the least of your brothers, you do unto me.

Familiar words – How can we put them into action? Ministering to the sick and elderly is a good beginning. St. Joseph’s Living Center, The ONLY Catholic healthcare facility in the Norwich Diocese, is seeking volunteers to join our chapel team assisting during 11 am daily Mass ESPECIALLY on the weekends. We also need volunteers to join our Vigil Team as we accompany our residents on their journey to eternal rest. If you hear God beckoning you, please call Sarah Perry at 860-465-1107 ext. 124.

Please join Bishop Cote at the 5th Annual Seton Scholarship Dinner honoring the recipients of the Most Rev Michael R. Cote, D.D. Award for Contributions to Catholic Education to be held at 4 pm on Sun, Oct 26 at The Mystic Marriott, Groton, CT. This year’s honorees are Ms. Marianne Cote, Reverend Gregory Galvin and Dr. Jeremiah Lowney and Mrs. Virginia Lowney. Tickets are $150/person. All proceeds benefit Catholic Schools within the Diocese. Opportunities for sponsorship, program advertising and raffle donations are available. For tickets and info, please contact Kathy Gaito at 860-886-1928 ext. 15 or kgaito@norwichdiocese.net.

SHARE YOUR JOY! If you or a loved one are celebrating a special event let us know so we can celebrate with you. MEMORIAL MASSES: To remember your loved ones in Masses once or yearly, please call the office or stop in MTW&F 9:30 AM – 2:30 PM.

"DAY OF RECOLLECTION" at The Cathedral of St. Patrick, Norwich, CT on Sat, Nov 8, 2014, featuring Father Andrew Apostoli, CFR speaking on Fatima: A message of Hope in the midst of the world crisis and Padre Pio - The Living Crucifix. Father Andrew is a member and co-founder of the Community of the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal and a well-known author and speaker, as seen on EWTN. For info or tickets ($20/person or $10/students, Religious free w/ pre-registration) - Lunch included, please contact Karen at (860) 303-0513. Thank you. Pregnant? Need help? CATHOLIC CHARITIES Pregnancy and Adoption Programs provide concrete help & answers. Call 1-800-BABYDUE, even if you simply want to talk.

October is the Month of the Holy Rosary. St Matthew Parish in Tolland will recite this beautiful devotion every Wednesday after the 9:00AM Mass and Tuesday at 7:00 PM in the Chapel. Join us at either time or both. If either time is not possible for you, please consider praying privately at home with your family.

ST. EDWARD SCHOOL FUNDRAISING DINNER at Basil's Italian American Grill, Tues, Oct 21st. Stop by for a delicious meal between 4 and 9 P.M., and a portion of the proceeds will benefit St. Edward School, now celebrating its 140th year of academic excellence! Visit Basil's beautifully renovated facility at 64 West Stafford Rd. (Rt. 190) in Stafford Springs. COME VISIT EAST CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL during our Open House on Thursday, November 6, 2014 at 6:45 p.m. The entrance exam for eighth graders will be given on Saturday, November 15, 2014 at 8 a.m. at East Catholic High School. Pre-registration for the exam is advised but not required. Visit www.echs.com or call our Admissions office at 860-649-5336 x6456 for more information!

St. Edward school is hosting our first Halloween Quarter Auction on Friday October 24th. Trick or treat with a twist!! Trick or treat to our awesome vendor tables that night and then sit down and bid in the Quarter Auction. DOORS OPEN AT 6:00 PM- QUARTER AUCTION STARTS AT 7 PM: Visit all our vendor tables for a special treat before the auction. Children are welcome and need to be seated during auction and supervised. Sorry, childcare not provided. All adults/kids that come in their costume will get in for free (must be in complete costume), NON COSTUME guest admission is one non perishable food item for Safe Net Ministries per adult/child. Forgot your item? Cash donations would be greatly appreciated. Pizza, Drinks and desserts will be available for purchase. Paddles will be $1 each. Stop by our raffle table for a chance to win other great vendor items and support St. Edward School. During the Quarter Auction bid with quarters or dollars on wonderful products from all of our vendors. Product values range from $25.00 - $100.00 and bids will NOT exceed $1.00! You could go home with $100.00 worth of products for just quarters!!! It will be a scary good time!!!

IMMEDIATE OPENING ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

A part-time (20 hours per week) position is available for an assistant at the Office of Faith Events, Diocese of Norwich. Major responsibilities include assisting with the coordination of seminars, workshops, retreats, etc. Call 860-848-2237 Ext. 312. or email faithevents@norwichdiocese.net for the complete job description and qualifications. All applications due by October 24th. DIOCESAN PRO-LIFE MASS at the Cathedral of St. Patrick in Norwich on Saturday, November 1st ~ 8:30 a.m. Please join us at Mass as we pray to end abortion and for the healing for those who have had an abortion. Following the Mass, the Rosary will be prayed both at the Cathedral and Planned Parenthood. A brunch in the Cathedral Hall will follow the Rosary this month.

UPCOMING MASSES AT THE CATHEDRAL OF ST. PATRICK

DIOCESAN PRO-LIFE MASS at the Cathedral of St. Patrick in Norwich on Saturday, November 1st ~ 8:30 a.m. Please join us at Mass as we pray to end abortion and for the healing for those who have had an abortion. Following the Mass, the Rosary will be prayed both at the Cathedral and Planned Parenthood. A brunch in the Cathedral Hall will follow the Rosary this month.

Twenty-Third Annual Red, White and Blue Mass Sunday, November 16, 2014, at 10:15 a.m.

On Sunday, November 16, 2014, at 10:15 a.m., Bishop Cote will celebrate Mass at the Cathedral of Saint Patrick for all military personnel, those who are active, in the reserves and Veterans. The purpose of this celebration is to honor our service men and women as we recognize the many sacrifices made by the families and loved ones of our military. The theme for the 2014, Red, White and Blue Mass is U.S. Air Force. The Homilist will be Reverend Raymond Introvigne. The Mass Committee Chairs are BG CT Edward J. Waitte, (Ret.) and Mr. David K. Harding, U.S. Merchant Marine. For more information call, Monsignor Brown or Mrs. Rebecca McDougal at 860-887-9294.

Diocese of Norwich

Office of the Bishop 201 Broadway

Norwich, Connecticut 06360 (860) 887-9294

MOST REVEREND MICHAEL R. COTE, D.D. MEMO To: Pastors and Pro-life Representatives rom: Bishop Michael R. Cote, D.D. Date: July 28, 2014 RE: 40 Days for Life – Nationwide Pro-life Program, A Program of Prayer, Fasting Peaceful

Vigils and Outreach Vigil Mass on Tuesday, September 23, 2014; September 24 through November 2, 2014

This will be the eighth year of our participation in this prayerful and informative program to unite over 500 locations in the United States and Worldwide to end abortion and promote the sanctity of human life. This initiative has been undertaken by individuals and local Pro-life organizations throughout the United States and throughout the world. The Program will begin on Wednesday September 24, 2014, and run through Sunday, November 2, 2014. There will be a “40 Days for Life” Vigil Mass on Tuesday, September 23, 2014, at 7:00 P.M. at the Cathedral of St. Patrick in Norwich. I will be the principal celebrant and homilist at this Mass. For these forty days, the focus will be to bring together the body of Christ in a spirit of unity with prayer, fasting and peaceful activism. The major strength of the campaign is its simplicity. The three key components are:

Prayer and Fasting: Inviting people of all faiths throughout the area to join together for 40 Days of fervent prayer and fasting to end abortion;

Peaceful Vigil: Standing for life through a peaceful public witness outside a local facility; Community Outreach: Taking positive and upbeat pro-life message to all areas. Each participant will be asked to sign a statement of Peace to keep the key components

of prayer, fasting and community outreach during the campaign. I am encouraging each pastor and pro-life representative to adopt a day and involve their parish in this initiative. Over the last year, there continues to be a great deal of judicial activism over human life issues and strong national media attempts at quieting pro-life efforts. This positive peaceful activity can raise the level of awareness for the sanctity of human life. Please contact Brian Daly for more information, to reserve a day and for materials to promote the effort: Norwich Campaign Coordinator - Brian Daly, BJDALY@aol.com or call 860-822-1788. I commend this program of prayer, fasting, peaceful vigil and community outreach to you and ask God’s blessings on your efforts to preserve life at all stages of its existence.

Immaculata Retreat House 289 Windham Road Willimantic, CT 06226 (860) 423-8484

SENIOR RENEWAL DAY: Father Roger Couture, OMI invites all seniors to join us for this year’s series, entitled “The Parables of Jesus – Guides for Faith Pilgrims.” Call (860) 423-8484 to register. 11th STEP RECOVERY RETREAT: This weekend (November 7-9) is for men and women in recovery, and for those who accompany them on the journey of recovery. This retreat offers a safe environment where you will meet others on your journey and who share your feelings and frustrations and learn a better way of life. Call (860) 423-8484 to register.

HOLY FAMILY PASSIONIST RETREAT CENTER 303 Tunxis Rd, W. Hartford, CT 06107-3119

860-760-9705 www.holyfamilyretreat.org

OCTOBER Friday-Sunday, Oct 31-Nov 2. From Control to Compassion, with Fr. Michael Crosby. This weekend retreat for men and women will explore the causes and consequences of conflict and violence and examine how life might be lived more caringly and non-violently in order to find compassion. $325.

NOVEMBER

Wednesday and Thursday, Nov 5 and 6 (same program both days), 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Holiday Bread-Baking Retreat Day, with Sister Elaine Betoncourt, C.S.J. Bake and take home a holiday stollen, while prayerfully reflecting on the symbolism of the ingredients and the process of bread baking as they relate to our daily lives. $65, includes lunch. Saturday, Nov 8, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Care for the Care Giver: A Day of Spiritual and Physical Renewal for Those in Health Care Professions, with Fr. Chris Cleary, C.P. Explore the delicate balance between caring for others and caring for ourselves. $65, includes lunch. Thursday, Nov 13, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.; Leading from Within: Reimagining Christian Leadership for the 21st Century, with John Roberto. How can we center our leadership in a personal mission, informed by our faith in Jesus Christ and his mission and ministry? Bring your own Bible. $40, includes meal. Friday-Sunday, Nov 21-23. Women’s Weekend Retreat: Know Greater Joy. Explore how we can discover deep and enduring joy in God’s presence no matter the situation. Includes home-cooked meals, inspirational liturgies, original music, healing arts therapies (additional cost), and free time to rest and walk the labyrinth. $295, more if you can; less if you can’t. Friday-Sunday, Nov 21-23. Matt Talbot Women’s Recovery Retreat. Women in recovery are invited into a peaceful atmosphere

where they can rest, renew their spiritual life, and deepen their sobriety. $150. Scholarships

available. Call Gail Wells at 203-804-8406. www.holyfamilyretreat.org.