26 CHESTNUT LAND ROAD NEW MILFORD, CT 06776

860-354-2202 Web Site: www.sfxnewmilford.org

Email: sfxparish@sfxnewmilford.org Office Hours: 9 A.M. - 5 P.M.

Mon. - Thurs. (Closed on Friday)

PASTORAL TEAM Rev. Dennis Arambasick, OFM Pastor

FrDennis@sfxnewmilford.org

Rev. Christopher Gaffrey, OFM Parochial Vicar

FrChris@sfxnewmilford.org

Deacon Roland Miller DeaconRoland@sfxnewmilford.org

SUPPORT STAFF Doreen Gray, Administrative Assistant

DGray@sfxnewmilford.org 860-354-2202

Jocelyne Verrastro

St. Francis Cemetery/Finance Office JVerrastro@sfxnewmilford.org

860-350-6753

FAITH FORMATION 860-354-5372 Mary Vannucci,

Coordinator Gr. K - 5 MVannucci@sfxnewmilford.org

Sue Pullen, Coordinator Gr. 6 - 12

Edge (Gr. 6 - 8), LifeTeen (Gr. 9-12) & Confirmation

SPullen@sfxnewmilford.org

Chris Grenier, Administrative Assistant to Faith Formation

CGrenier@sfxnewmilford.org

HOLY INFANT NURSERY SCHOOL Marge Cooper, Director

HolyInfant@ sfxnewmilford.org 860-354-7284

Mailing Address & Office Location

1 Elm Street New Milford, CT 06776

Fax # - 860-355-9485

St . Francis Xavier Parish

Parish Monthly Theme: August 23, 2015 Chastity Twenty-First Sunday in Ordinary Time

MASS SCHEDULE Saturday Vigil at 5:00 p.m.

Sunday at 7:30, 10:00 a.m. & 5:00 p.m. (Life Teen)

Wednesday, Friday at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday at 7:30 a.m.

SACRAMENTS CONFESSIONS

Saturdays 12:00 noon or by appointment

BAPTISMS Call Parish Office - 860-354-2202.

MARRIAGES

Contact the priest 1 year in advance.

MINISTRY TO THE SICK The parish clergy and Ministers of Holy Communion visit New Milford Hospital, Candlewood Valley Health & Rehab, Village Crest Center for

Health & Rehab and some homebound regularly. For other specific visits, please contact the Parish Office.

WELCOME We are glad you are here.

If you would like to join the parish, please call the parish office.

Page Two August 23, 2015

SATURDAY VIGIL - August 22 5:00 P.M. +Joe Falk (3rd Anniversary) & Bernice Young Req. by Bea Falk and Family Twenty-First Sunday in Ordinary Time SUNDAY - August 23 7:30 A.M. +Rosemary Nuremberg Req. by Tom Fogarty 10:00 A.M. +Michael & Annie Leonard Req. by Noel & Mary Lee & Family 5:00 P.M. For The People of St. Francis Xavier & The Immaculate Conception Province MONDAY - August 24 7:30 A.M. +Mildred Cody Req. by Norene Brady TUESDAY - August 25 7:30 A.M. +Benito & Isabella Garcia Req. by Elba & Mike Garcia WEDNESDAY - August 26 6:30 P.M. +Sam & Susan Testa Req. by Their Family THURSDAY - August 27 7:30 A.M. +Nancy Hyland Req. by Her Family FRIDAY - August 28 6:30 P.M. +Deceased members of the Allingham & Antone Families Req. by The Reynolds Family SATURDAY - August 29 7:30 A.M. +Jean Malone Req. by Dan & Judy Shugrue VIGIL 5:00 P.M. +Henry Orzech Req. by His Family Twenty-Second Sunday in Ordinary Time SUNDAY - August 30 7:30 A.M. For The People of St. Francis Xavier & The Immaculate Conception Province 10:00 A.M. +Antonio Dispensa Req. by His Sisters & Children 5:00 P.M. +Concetta LaViolette Req. by Bob, Adrienne & Ann Coppola

The Sanctuary Lamp for the week burns in memory of Pvt. Eugene Matts

Requested by Jo DeCosa

The St. Francis Xavier Memorial Window is illuminated this week for

Theresa Moots (2nd Anniversary) Requested by

Aunt Jeanne, Leslie and Sharon

CONFRATERNITY OF THE ROSARY The Confraternity of the Rosary will begin the 2015-2016 year with a picnic lunch on Monday, August 31 at 12 noon in the Church Hall. Please bring a covered dish to share, coffee & tea provided.

HOLY INFANT NURSERY SCHOOL Openings for September 2015

Our Holy Infant Nursery School has openings for 3 year olds for the coming school year. If you would like more information on the program or to register, please call Director Marge Cooper at 860-354-7284.

9/11 Memorial Ceremony

St. Francis Xavier parishioners are cordially invited to attend the fourteenth anniversary of the 9/11/2001 Memorial Ceremony. It will take place on Friday, September 11, 2015 at Patriot’s Way Plaza in the New Milford Railroad Station Parking area. We will gather around the 9/11 monument at 8:00 a.m. The service will commence at 8:46 a.m. and all are welcome. We join together to compassionately honor and remember the almost three thousand individuals who were killed on September 11, 2001, in the terrorist attacks on America, as well as those who were injured during the attacks, and the many who rose in service in response. These include first responders, volunteers, rescue workers, uniformed safety personnel, and the hundreds of thousands of others who serve, or have served in our armed forces here at home and overseas.

Page Three August 23, 2015

NEXT WEEK’S SECOND COLLECTION will benefit: St. Francis Xavier Faith Formation Program. OFFERTORY - August 16 = $4,974.00 5 ½ % CATHEDRATICUM = $273.57 5 ½ % CATHOLIC SCHOOLS = $273.57 ST. FRANCIS’ SHARE = $4,426.86

SUMMER HEALING SERVICE Place: St Marguerite Bourgeoys, Brookfield

Wednesday, August 26th 7:00 pm Mass will be followed by Eucharistic Adoration/Sung Divine Mercy Chaplet. The service will conclude with individual healing prayer.

Parish Picnic Save the Date

Sunday, Sept. 13 11:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Church Grounds More information in next weeks bulletin & stuffer.

Adult Confirmation Classes Confirmation classes for baptized Roman Catholics who have made their First Communion and are over the age of 18 will be held in three locations this fall:

*St. Bridget Parish, 175 Main Street, Cheshire, CT Tuesdays, September 15, 22, 29 October 6, 13, 20 Contact: 860-242-5573, ext. 2670

*St. Mark the Evangelist Parish, West Hartford, CT Tuesdays, September 15, 22, 29 October 6, 13, 20 Contact: 860-242-5573, ext. 2670

*Old St. Peter School, Torrington, CT Mondays, September 14, 21, 28 October 5, 12, 19 Contact: 860-242-5573, ext. 2670

Classes are held from 7 - 9 p.m. Registration forms are available on www.orehartford.org. The Sacrament of Confirmation will be celebrated on Monday October 26, 2015 at 7 pm at St. Thomas Seminary 467 Bloomfield Ave. Bloomfield CT.

Threshold Bible Study: "Stewardship of the Earth"

Incorporating Pope Francis Encyclical Letter "Laudato Si: On Care for Our Common Home". This six week study will focus on the biblical texts that give perspective on God's creation as a great gift and sacred trust that He has shared with humanity. Dates: September 10th, 17th, October 1st, 15th, 22nd, 29th. (No class Sept. 24th or Oct. 8th.) Time: 1:00pm-2:15pm or 7:00pm-8:15pm Signup for the study will be after Masses this weekend, August 22nd and 23rd or call the Parish office to register. Free will offering.

Volunteer with Literacy Volunteer with Literacy Volunteers on the Green. Teach an adult to read, write, understand and speak English, and you will change a family and a community. Fall Tutor Training Session in New Milford will begin on September 2 from 5:30-8:30 P.M. Registration is required. For additional information, contact LVG at 860-355-0830 or www.lvg-ct.org.

ITEMS FOR THE MISSIONS: If you have any of the following items: rosaries, prayer cards, medals, small religious books, Bibles, etc, to send to the missions, please contact Judy at 860-354-7254.

DAY OF RECOLLECTION St. Edmund’s Retreat, Mystic, Ct.

WEDNESDAY, August 26, 2015 10 AM – 3:30 PM

“COME TO THE WATER WITH MARY” Together we can reflect on the many images of Mary, especially in her appearances at Guadalupe, Lourdes and Fatima, that teach us the value of her intercession for us with her son, Jesus. Includes two conferences, Mass, confessions, time to explore the Island and a hot served lunch. Please call 860-536-0565 to pre-register St. Edmund’s Retreat, Enders Island, Mystic, CT, $50 Per Person.

ANNIVERSARY SUNDAY CELEBRATION Sunday, October 25 2:00 p.m.

St. Joseph’s Cathedral A special Mass will take place in St. Joseph’s Cathedral on Sunday, October 25, 2015 at 2:00 P.M. All couples celebrating their 25th, 50th, 60th as well as other special wedding anniversary this year are invited. Archbishop Blair will be the main celebrant. Mass will include the renewal of marriage vows, followed by a simple reception and an opportunity for a photo with Archbishop Blair. Family members and friends are encouraged to attend. Please call the Parish Office 860-354-2202 to respond to this invitation.

Page Four August 23, 2015

Parent and Student Orientation for Year 1 is at the Church on Wed., Sept. 2nd following the 6:30 pm Mass.

Parent and Student Orientation for Year 2 is at

the Church on Wed., Sept. 9th following the 6:30 pm Mass.

Parent Orientation Meeting for grades K - 8 is at

the Church on Tues., Sept. 1st at 10 AM OR 6:30 PM. Please arrange to attend ONE of the K-8 orientation meetings. You will be receiving grade level calendars, bus slips (if applicable) and all new information regarding our program will be discussed., It is imperative that a parent, family member or friend picks up your packet and stays for the meeting. If not please call the office to make other arrangements.

LIFE TEEN MASS Every Sunday

5:00 P.M.

9th Graders – mark your calendars now for the “GONE FISHING RETREAT”!! It will be held on Saturday, September 19th from 1:00 – 8:30 p.m. in the Church Hall. This is a mandatory retreat which begins your 2 year Confirmation preparation You have been sent information in the mail. Call Sue P. if not received.

Upcoming Catechist Meeting Dates: Please call the Faith Formation Office if you are not available to attend your scheduled meeting.

ALL meetings are held in the Parish Center on Elm Street.

Grade 3: Tuesday, August 25 6:00 p.m. Grade 4: Wednesday, August 26 6:00 p.m. Grade 5: Thursday, August 27 6:00 p.m. Grade 7: Tuesday, August 25 6:30 p.m. Grade 8: Wednesday, August 26 6:30 p.m. Confirmation: Thursday, August 27 6:30 p.m.

FAITH FORMATION 860-354-5372

V O L U N T E E R C A T E C H I S T S A N D ASSISTANTS NEEDED: We need help in the following areas on the following days: (reminder our classes are held every other week)… Tuesday Northville – 3:30-5:00 p.m. Kdg – Catechist and Assistant 1st grade – Assistant 2nd grade – Assistant Thursday Sarah Noble – 3:30-5:00 p.m. 3rd grade – Assistant 5th grade – Two Assistants Please call Mary Vannucci for grades K-5 if you can help in any of the above areas at 860-354-5372. MORE VOLUNTEER CATECHISTS AND ASSISTANTS NEEDED: We also need help in the following areas on the following days: (reminder our classes are held every other week)… Sunday: 11:30am – 1:00pm 9th grade – Assistant 10th grade – Assistant Sunday: 2:45pm – 4:15pm 10 grade – Assistant

6th grade – Catechist and Assistant 7th grade – Catechist Tuesday: 6:30pm – 8:00pm 6th grade – Assistant Wednesday: 6:30pm – 8:00 pm 9th grade – Catechist and Assistant 10th grade – Assistant

Please call Sue Pullen for grades 6-10 if you can help in any of the above areas at 860-354-5372. BACKPACK BLESSING will be held this weekend, August 22 & 23 at all the Masses. Please have your children bring their backpacks with them to Mass and they will start the school year with a special blessing.

Page Five August 23, 2015

Sponsored by our Knights of Columbus Every Monday night

VFW Hall (Avery Road, New Milford) Doors open at 5:45 p.m.

BINGO begins at 6:30 p.m.

Defending Our Religious Liberty The Catholic Church has always been an advocate of universal, accessible and life-affirming health care. However, the HHS mandate of the Affordable Care Act harshly penalizes employers who do not provide abortions and other contraception coverage to their employees. Forcing employers to pay for coverage that goes against their religious convictions is an affront to their First Amendment right, which guarantees religious freedom. If you haven’t done so already, please voice your opposition to the federal health care mandate by calling U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Sylvia Mathews Burwell at 202-205-5445, and your elected representatives. Let them know that the mandate is in violation of our First Amendment right to religious freedom.

Eucharistic Adoration Friday, September 4

beginning at 3:00 p.m. St. Francis Xavier Parish

Everyone who spends time in

adoration of Jesus in the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist develops a personal relationship with Jesus, and grows in love and holiness. Quiet time with the Lord in adoration enables people to listen and recognize His voice as He speaks to their hearts. All are welcome to adore!

ABC’s of Annulment Thursday, Sept. 10 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.

Our Lady of Pompeii, East Haven Our Lady of Pompeii, 355 Foxon Rd, East Haven will host “The ABC’s of Annulment” on September 10, Thursday, from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. Speaker will be Brother Larry Lussier CSC. Q & A will follow presentation. The event is open to all. A donation is requested to help defray the cost of printed materials. No registration is required. For further information call 203-937-7040. The talk will be followed by a Writing Workshop on six (6) successive Thursdays, 7-9 pm at Our Lady of Pompeii. Dates are September 17, 24, October 1, 8, 15, and 22. Attending the “ABCs of Annulment” is a requirement to participate in the follow up workshop. Brother Larry offers over 30 years of experience in the annulment application process. He is assisted by a three member team - Deacon Bill Eyles, Deacon Bob Macaluso and a layman, Jim Tottenham - who will provide confidential guidance to participants in the writing process so they can submit a thorough annulment application.

Myths about Being a Catechist

Myth #1: “I have to know my faith inside and out.” It is okay if you do not know an answer to a child’s question. We give you resources to look for answers. Plus answering “I don’t know, but let me find out” tells our children that we are all growing in our knowledge of our faith and shows that you have the humility to be a disciple of Christ. Myth #2: “I have to be way holier than I am.” Look at the 12 apostles. Peter denied Jesus three times, yet Jesus made him our first Pope. Most of Jesus’ followers ran away in fear as he was crucified, yet they received the gift of the Holy Spirit to convert the early Christians. You are not alone in the classroom. The Holy Spirit is with you always. Just keep an open heart, and focus on Christ. Myth #3: “I have to be 100% confidant in my abilities.” Confidence comes with preparation and prayer. We do not send you into a classroom cold. You have a lesson plan and a book to guide you through the steps needed to communicate the key concept of each lesson. Plus you are part of a team. There are two adults in the classroom leading the class, and you will rely on each other. Ultimately, if you are comfortable talking about your faith with others and sharing how God has been active in your life, you have the beginnings of being a great catechist. To answer God’s call to be a catechist or assistant catechist, contact the Mary Vannucci or Sue Pullen in the Faith Formation office.