Saint Gregory the Great Parish 85 Great Plain Road

Danbury, Connecticut 06811 203 797-0222

Website: www.stgregdanbury.org

REVEREND MICHAEL L. DUNN, PASTOR Fr. Christopher Ford, Parochial Vicar

Deacons Robert Blankschen, William Murphy, Daniel Myott

The Eucharist Saturday: Vigil: 4:30 p.m. Sunday: 8:00 a.m., 10:00 a.m., 12 noon Daily: 8:00 a.m. Friday: Mass: 8:00 a.m., 9:30 a.m. Holy Day Vigil Mass: 7:00 p.m. Holy Day Mass: 8:00 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 5:30 p.m.

Ministry to the Sick Please inform us about parishioners who are hospitalized or homebound; Communion for the homebound can be arranged by calling the Parish Office.

Baptism: Please call the Parish Office as prior registration is necessary.

Marriage By appointment; call the Parish Office. Arrangements must be made at least 9 months in advance for proper preparation.

Reconciliation Saturday from 3:00 to 3:30 p.m. By Appointment, anytime.

Parish Membership Registration Forms are available in the main entrance of the church or contact the parish office. Forms may be returned by placing them in the collection basket, mailing them to the office or placing them in the drop box at the office. Please be sure to introduce yourself to Father Dunn after mass.

Parish Office Hours:

Monday—Thursday: 9:00 a.m.— 3:30 p.m. Friday: 9:00 a.m.— 12:00 p.m.

Inclement Weather: The Parish Office Follows the Danbury Public

School Schedule: Late Opening: 10:00 a.m. Early Dismissal: 12:30 p.m. If schools are cancelled, the offices are closed. All activities are cancelled.

Monday Dec. 2 8:00 a.m.

Mary Baske +

Tuesday Dec. 3 8:00 a.m.

For the Parish

Wednesday Dec. 4 8:00 a.m.

Mary Slevin

Thursday Dec. 5 8:00 a.m.

For the Parish

Friday Dec. 6 8:00 a.m. 9:30 a.m.

Ginny Losito William King +

Saturday Dec. 7 4:30 p.m. Charlette Murphy Sunday Dec. 8 8:00 a.m. Elizabeth Conroy (Choir

Mass)

10:00 a.m. Angelina Tomaino

12:00 p.m. Domenico Ferrante

Masses for the Week

December 1, 2019

First Sunday of Advent

Presider Sat. Dec. 7 4:30 p.m. Fr. Ford Sun. Dec. 8 8:00 a.m. Fr. Ford 10:00 a.m. Fr. Dunn 12:00 p.m. Fr. Dunn

Parish Calendar

Sun. Dec.1 5:00 p.m. Youth Group Comm. Rm.

Mon. Dec. 2 12:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m. 8:00 p.m.

Women’s Sewing Group Parish Council Intercessory Prayer Group

Comm. Rm. Comm. Rm. Church

Tues Dec. 3 10:00 a.m. 6:30 p.m. 7:00 p.m.

Walking with Purpose Tree Lighting Boy Scouts

Parish Hall School School

Wed. Dec. 4 8:30 a.m. 12:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 7:00 p.m.

Adoration Benediction Bereavement Group Walking with Purpose

Church Church Comm. Rm. Parish Hall

Thur. Dec. 5 7:00 p.m. 7:30 p.m.

Woman’s Craft/ Weaving Choir

Comm. Rm. Church

Fri. Dec. 6 9:30 a.m. 6:00 p.m.

School Mass Scout Badge Weekend

Church School Gym

Sat. Dec. 7

8:00 a.m. 9:30 a.m. 3:00 p.m. 6:00 p.m. 8:00 p.m.

Men’s Spirituality Prayer Shawl Confession Scout Badge Weekend AA

Church Comm. Rm. Church School Gym Parish Hall

The Tabernacle Candle burning in the Sanctuary of our Church beginning December 7th is for John and Mary Finan requested by John Segreti and Family.

The candle burning next to Mary the Mystical Rose beginning on December 7th is for ()as requested by().

The Mad Rush is On!

Only 26 shopping days till Christmas! The mad rush is on! Get that Christmas list together and determine what gifts to get and where to find them- and don’t wait to long to wrap them. Go on line or get to the mall- advertisers and salespeople are geared up to pressure us to buy and consume. The pressure is on at work as well. Don’t forget to get that report done and/or meet that deadline. Plan on working long or extra days, and hopefully you won’t have to work on Christmas Eve. The tension mounts with family and friends as well. How are you going to meet everyone’s expectations? There are decorations to put out, lights to put up, family gatherings to plan, food to prepare, cards to write, and when are you getting the Christmas tree? The list goes on and on. Doesn’t this all make you sick? Isn’t the season of Advent supposed to be a time of reflec-tion and prayer? Aren’t we supposed to prepare for Christ? We yearn for peace in the Advent season but the pressures and demands overwhelm us! And yet, we are more in control than we think. We make our own decisions. We can get caught up in the chaotic pace of the season or we can slow down. We can place high expecta-tions on ourselves or simplify things. We can do more, or spend more time with family and friends. We can try and make everything perfect or just focus on what is most important. We can rush from one activity to the other or be sure to set aside time for prayer and reflect on the true meaning of Advent. The choices are ours. This Advent does not have to be, “like all the others”- it will be, unless you change.

God Loves You,

Fr Dunn

WORDS OF WELCOME We wish to welcome all visitors, members and children who worship with us today. We pray that worshipping with us today will give you a sense of fellowship with Jesus and with us as God’s people, as well as comfort and strength for all your needs.

If you do not have a Church of your own, we invite you to make this your home Church. But above all, we invite you to come to worship with us at any time.

We Love having you in our Flock! Keep in Touch with us via

email and text! Text StGregs to 84576

Or Connect with us online at:

StGregoytheGreatCT.flocknote.com

R.C.I.A.

Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults

• RCIA is for non-Catholics and un-catechized Catholics in a non-threatening, no pressure environment. • RCIA is for adults who have not been baptized and want to be received into the Catholic Church. • RCIA is also for those already baptized Catholic and have not yet received Fir st Reconciliation,

First Holy Communion or Confirmation, and who are un-catechized. • Together with catechists and sponsors, candidates explore elements of the Catholic faith and prepare to

receive the sacraments of initiation at the Easter Vigil in April.

RCIA CLASSES BEGIN IN JANUARY CONTACT DEVON MCCORMICK

DMCCORM17STGREGS@GMAIL.COM

Our High School Youth Group meets every Sunday at 5pm!

Check our Instagram-@stgregsdanbury—

and our Facebook— St. Gregory the Great, Danbury—

for all of the information on each week’s gathering!

TABERNACLE OR STATUE CANDLE FOR LOVED ONES

New to our Church beginning with the new year, is the opportunity to remember and honor a loved one, by sponsoring the lighting/burning of our Tabernacle Can-dle. The cost is $20 for the candle that lasts 7 days and will begin and end on a Saturday. The name of your loved one and family will appear as follows in the bulletin: The Tabernacle candle burning in the Sanctuary of our Church this week is in memory of (name), as requested by (individual or family name). OR we will place a candle stand and candle next to our statue of St. Gregory or the Statue of Mary the Mysti-cal Rose, asking for St. Gregory’s or Mary’s special intercession and graces for a loved one. The cost is $20. You pick the date you want the candle to be lit and which statue, and it will be placed there and burn-ing for 7 days. This will also appear in the bulletin as follows: The candle next to (St. Gregory the Great or Mary the Mystical Rose) beginning on (date), is in memory of (name), as requested by (individual or family name). If you are interested in remembering and honoring a loved one in either way, please contact the office at sgbulletin@aol.com or calling the office at (203) 797-0222. *Also, due to the fact that donations aren’t covering the cost of the votive candles on our candle racks, we will be increasing the donation amounts to $2 for the small votives, and $5 for the large votives.

Walking with Purpose Do you desire to grow in your Catholic faith? Do you seek connec on with other women in our parish community? We invite you to consider joining Walking with Purpose. Opening Your Heart is designed for women new to Walking with Purpose whether or not you have any Bible study experience; you are welcome as you are to learn how the Scriptures apply to our everyday lives. We meet on Tuesday mornings at 10am in the Parish Hall. Keeping in Balance focuses on crea ng balance within. No previous Bible study experience is necessary and you are welcome to come as you are as we explore Biblical ways we can manage life’s pace and pressure while living with calm and steadiness. We meet on Wednesdays at 7pm in the Parish Hall. The mission of Walking with Purpose is to help every Catholic woman in America to open her heart to Jesus Christ. For ques ons contact René Hellmann renaissancebh@sbcglobal.net (cell (203)417-9865) or visit Walking with Purpose online www.walkingwithpurpose.com for more informa on. We hope to see you!

Adoration at St. Gregory the Great! Our weekly Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament on

Wednesdays from 8:30 till 12:30 has been going very well! Prayer is what supports and blesses the work we do at St. Gregory. Without regular and devout

prayer, a Parish will truly suffer. I’m looking to increase the length of Adoration to either 2:30 or

3:30 PM. If you have any interest in coming to pray at our Church in the presence of our Lord, for either a

half or full hour, anywhere from 12:30 to 3:30, we can use your help and prayer! If you can commit to this every Wednesday, please call Patty Barrows at

(203) 746-3232 or email her at patricia.barrows@frontier.com. I encourage you to

help bring blessings to both our Parish and your per-sonal life. Thank you ahead of time for your interest

and prayers!

St. Gregory’s Intercessory Prayer Group

Our Intercessory Prayer Group meets the first and third Monday of each month at 8:00 p.m. in the church. All our welcome to

come and pray for your own personal intentions and those of the parish. Meetings last about one half hour.

For more information call Bruce or Patty Barrows at 203-746-3232.

SACRED HEART OF JESUS 46 STONE STREET

DANBURY, CT 06810 Conducts the Sacrament of Reconciliation

every Thursday evening between 7:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. (year round).

If you cannot make the scheduled Reconciliation, this may be an

alternative that fits into your schedule.

Hospital Visitations & Home Visits

Due to the Federal health privacy laws (HIPPA), hospitals can no longer issue

names of admitted patients to area parishes unless it is requested by the patient. You or a family member must let the Admissions Office know of your

desire to have us visit during stay. If you would like a visit at home or at a

rehabilitation center, call the Office at 203-797-0222.

Hospitality & Fellowship

Volunteers are needed.

We are looking for volunteers to act as Mass Greeters (Welcoming people) at each door of the Church. Please consider helping us to promote a warm and welcoming church atmosphere. If you are interested in helping out, providing supplies for the Coffee Break or being a church greeter please contact Fred & Linda Ray at 203-794-1101 or e-mail us at fray125@comcast.net. . Please give them your contact information (phone or e-mail) and they will contact you for the next Coffee Break.

We continue to collect Tab Tops for Shriners’ and Box

Tops and Labels for Education. The Tab Tops support Shriners’ Hospital

for Children and The Box Tops and Labels support St. Gregory the Great

School. Collection baskets are at both side entrances of the church. We

appreciate your continued support.

The Women of St. Gregory

The Women of St. Gregory meet the 2nd Tuesday of the month at 7:00

p.m. in the Parish Community Room.

Women’s Sewing and Craft/Weaving Group meet Monday at 12:00 p.m.

and Thursday at 7:00 p.m.

For questions, contact Carolyn Piellucci our President

at 203 –297-4253

FOOD DONATONS

We alternate between Daily Bread and Catholic Charities

with our food donations. In this way we can reach a broader number of people who need assistance. We ask that you be as generous

as possible to help feed the hungry. The baskets are located at all the church entrances, and all items should be

non-perishable.

The next Bottle & Can Truck will be at St. Gregory’s

during the weekend of January 10 -13. Thank you for your support.

PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY

Prayer Shawl Ministry meets every first and third Saturday of the month at 9:30. a.m.

in the Parish Community Room.

Please join us with your yarn and needles. Contact Stephanie Martin at

stephaniemartin@outlook.com for additional information.

Pick an ornament from our

ANGEL GIVING TREE

and return the unwrapped

gift to the Church or Parish Office no later than

December 15th!

SCOUT NEWS

CUB SCOUT PACK 9 - For information, call Cub Master, Stephen Martin at pack9danbury @gmail. com or 203-794-6589. BOY SCOUT TROOP 9 - If you are a boy between the ages of 11-17 and would like to join Scouting, please email Armen Stauffer at www.t9danbury.com/

Celebrate the Lectionary

Celebrate the Lectionary is taught at the 10:00 A.M. Mass. Children

(ages 3 and up) are called forward before the readings and led to the

Sacristy. Children will return to their parents for the Liturgy of the Eucharist.

Please contact Mary Tracey at Marytracey@hotmail.com

with any questions.

Important Faith Formation Dates December - 14th @ 2pm– Faith Formation Service January - 21st @ 7pm–Catechesis—Prayer & Spirituality 26th @ 11am–Catechesis—Prayer & Spirituality

*ALL EVENTS TAKE PLACE IN CHURCH*

If You Have Not Registered Your Child for our Faith Formation

Program, Please Call the Office at

203-797-0222

Men’s Spirituality

meets every Saturday morning at 8 a.m. in the

church. Come join us!

Bulletin Due to submission deadlines, notices to be placed in the bulletin must be received by 10:00 a.m. on the Thursday of the week prior to publication. During weeks where there is a holiday in which the office is closed, please call the office for deadlines. Note that there can be no exceptions. Thank you

ST. GREGORY THE GREAT SCHOOL Pre-K--Grade 8

Phone # 203-748-1217 E-mail: sgsoffice@saintgregoryschool.org

Website: saintgregoryschool.org Mission Statement:

St. Gregory the Great Catholic School develops students who achieve their full

potential by becoming life-long learners, problem solvers, and leaders. A strong moral foundation

rooted in Gospel values, along with rigorous academic preparation, empowers students to make

a difference in an ever-changing world. St Gregory the Great School invites you to

tour our school Tuesdays from 9:30am-11:30am. A unique opportunity to explore our commitment to

nurturing growing learners in an education forward and faith-based environment, you'll be able to experience our school community and culture

firsthand and learn about our programs from Pre-K to 8th Grade. For more information, contact us at

info@sgtgs.org or 203-748-1217. We look forward to seeing you!

On the first Sunday of each month, Father Dunn will conduct a

Children’s Liturgy at the 10:00 a.m. mass. The homily will be tailored so children will understand God’s word.

Sick and Home-bound Ministry

If you, a friend, or a family member would like to be visited by a Sick and Home-bound Minister, please contact our Pastoral

Associate, Devon McCormick, at 203-797-0222.

HELP WANTED Eucharistic Ministers are needed on

Sunday mornings to bring the Eucharist to some of our fellow

parishioners who are residents of local convalescent homes. If you can

devote as little as an hour a month, your gift of time will make a great difference to our

brothers and sisters in the Lord. THE BENEFITS ARE HEAVENLY.

Please see Deacon Bill or call the parish office if you are interested.

Prayer to St. Michael the Archangel

St. Michael, the Archangel, defend us in battle, be our defense, against the wickedness and snares of the Devil.

May God rebuke him, we humbly pray; and do thou, O Prince of the

heavenly host, by the power of God, thrust into Hell Satan and the other

evil spirits who prowl about the world for the ruin of souls. Amen.

BIRHTRIGHT NEEDS VOLUNTEERS!

Birthright is an emergency pregnancy service offer ing free pregnancy tests, fr iendship counseling, and practical support. Our guiding principle: It is the RIGHT of every pregnant woman to give BIRTH and the RIGHT of every child to be BORN. Birthright has served in Connecticut since 1972 and helped thousands of mothers and babies. There are 8 Birthright

locations in our state. Please call 1-800-550-4900 for the Birthright nearest you. Training is provided. Spanish speaking volunteers are especially needed.

If you have gently worn MATERNITY or BABY CLOTHING

please call to arrange a drop off. Thank you!!!

Offertory

There will be a Second Collection next weekend for the

Retirement Fund for Religious.

Theology on Tap

“If I were Pope, I would…” What are your thoughts in regard to the Catholic Church today? What are your questions and concerns? On Tuesday December 10th at 7 PM at Prime Pub in Danbury, we w ill host what is called, “Theology on Tap”. Parishioners will be given the opportunity to ask me, Fr. Ford and Devon McCormick anonymous questions/concerns about your faith and church. Those attending will be encouraged to write down questions and throw them in a basket- we’ll then pull them out and do our best to answer and discuss your questions/concerns. It is our hope that through our discussion, we will together grow in our knowledge and love of God and His church. This will be an informal gathering, and feel free to order food and drink. Come and embrace the season of Advent in the right way by feeding your faith and soul. I hope to see you there! God Bless, Fr. Dunn.

CELL PHONES AND PAGERS

In order to maintain a prayerful atmosphere all are kindly requested to turn off cell phones and pagers before entering the Church for liturgies and/or services. If you are on emergency call, please put phone on vibrator status. Thank you

Christmas Tree

Blessing and Lighting

Come get into the spirit and true meaning of Christmas by joining us on Tuesday December 3rd at 6:30 PM in front of our School. The evening will not only include the blessing and light-

ing of the tree, but also Christmas caroling and refreshments in the School

Gym. Hope to see you there!

Parish Office: 203-797-0222 Fr. Michael Dunn frdunn@diobpt.org Fr. Christopher Ford frford@diobpt.org Pastoral Associate Devon McCormick Parish Administrator Darlene Rabito E-mail address: sgbulletin@aol.com Bulletin Notices: sgbulletin@aol.com

Please submit bulletin notices on the Thursday one week prior to publication

Office Hours: 9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. (Mon.-Thurs.) 9:00 a.m. - Noon (Friday) Corporate Trustees: Anthony Lucera, Michael Mazzucco

St. Gregory the Great Information Center

Office of Faith Formation: 203-797-0222 Religious Education Devon McCormick 203-797-0222 Catholics Coming Home: Deacon Bill Murphy, 203-744-3927 Youth Ministry: Devon McCormick 203-797-0222 E-mail: dmccorm17stgregs@gmail.com Celebrate the Lectionary: Mrs. Mary Tracey, 203-790-4223 Pre-Baptism: Deacon Bill Murphy, 203-797-0222 Pre-Cana: Deacon Bill Murphy, 203-797-0222 R.C.I.A. Bruce & Patty Barrows, 203-746-3232 Walking with Purpose Susanne Curra 203-748-1217 scurra@diobpt.org Rene Hellmann 203-417-9865

St. Gregory the Great School: 203-748-1217 Principal: Mrs. Suzanne M. Curra Secretary: Mrs. Terri Kennen

Parish Contacts Alcoholics Anonymous: Susan, 203-770-7928 Facilities Calendar: Darlene Rabito 203-797-0222 E-mail: sgbulletin@aol.com Catholic Singles: Parish Office, 203-797-0222 Faith Comm. Nursing Mary Consoli 203-792-9740 Finance: Stephanie Martin - 203-240-7072 Parish Advisory Council: Peter Buzaid, 203-743-5504 Pro-Life: Rose Mary Peat, Scouts (Girl): Claudette Novella, 203-746-9771 Scouts (Boy): Keith Vinchkoski, 203-794-9094 Scouts (Cubs) Stephen Martin - 203-794-6589 Seniors: Parish Office, 203-797-0222 Women of St. Gregory: Carolyn Piellucci, 203-297-4253

Parish Ministries Adoration Patty Barrows , 203-218-6830 Altar Care: Mrs. Ruth Lucera, 203-794-0947 Altar Servers: Deacon Bill Murphy, 203-744-3927 Bereavement: Fr. Ford, 203-797-0222 Choir: Ms. Jenny Li - 203-695-1322 (cell) E-mail: flutedouble@gmail.com Eucharistic Ministers: Deacon Bill Murphy, 203-744-3927 Hospitality: Mrs. Kathleen Kelly, 203-792-1833 Lectors: Deacon Bill Murphy, 203-744-3927 Shut-Ins: Mrs. Mary McCormack, 203-792-7611 Ushers: Deacon Bill Murphy, 203-744-3927

FULFILLING YOUR OFFERTORY COM-MITMENT THROUGH ON-LINE GIV-

ING

Our parish is offering an additional option for giving to your church. Online-Giving is avail-able for parishioners who would like to make do-nations online. As technology continues to pro-gress, there are more ways that these advances can be utilized for the well-being of our parish. While I understand this means of giving may be met with some hesitation, let me assure you that it is fully secure and private and you are in com-plete control of the process. Your information is solely yours and appears no where else but in your hands. The reasons for Online Giving are many:

Consistent Collections Eliminates Writing Checks

Flexible Options You are in total control

Simple Enrollment

Begin making your offertory contribution through Online-Giving

IT’S SIMPLE TO SIGN UP.

1) Log on to our parish website: www.stgregdanbury.org 2) Double click on 3) Double click on “Sign up for a New Account”. 4) Fill out the information and click “submit”. 5) Your account has been created. You will be directed to go to your email to verify your ac-count. To do this, please open the email that will be sent to you and click on the link. This will make sure the email address you provided is valid. 6) This will bring you to the “Sign on” page. Sim-ple log in with your new I.D. and password. 7) From here you can totally manage your ac-count. To set up your Offertory Contributions simply click “Manage My Payment Method”. Fill out the requested information. 8) Once your payment method has been filled in click on “Give a New Gift”. Choose each category and choose “Recurring”. The account you desig-nate will be made available to the Parish accord-ingly.

I HOPE YOU WILL SERIOUSLY CONSIDER THIS OFFERTORY OPTION. May God bless for your ongoing generosity.

CHURCH NAME AND ADDRESS St. Gregory the Great Church #257600 85 Great Plain Road Danbury, CT 06811 TELEPHONE 203 -797-0222 CONTACT PERSON Darlene Rabito SOFTWARE MSPublisher 2013 Adobe Acrobat DC Windows 10 PRINTER HP Laserjet 1200 TRANSMISSION TIME Tuesday 12:00 p.m. SUNDAY DATE OF PUBLICATION May 12, 2019 NUMBER OF PAGES SENT 1 through 10 SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS