COVER SHEET CHURCH NAME AND ADDRESS: ST. PATRICK 47 WEST HIGH ST, EAST HAMPTON, CT 06424 PHONE: 1-860-267-6644 CONTACT PERSON: Lori M. Lechowicz SOFTWARE: MICROSOFT OFFICE PUBLISHER 2007 ADOBE READER 8 WINDOWS XP PRINTER: Kyocera TASKalfa 400ci KX NUMBER OF PAGES SENT: 1 through 8 SUNDAY DATE OF PUBLICATION: Jan 1, 2012 TRANSIMSSION TIME: SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS: Please deliver to PARISH CENTER ONLY (which is behind the church) in the OFFICE. Do NOT deliver to the church. Thank you. Welcome to St. Patrick Church CELEBRATIONS OF THE LITURGY OF THE EUCHARIST Saturday Vigil: 5:00p.m. Sunday: 8:00am & 10:30am and 5:00 pm (Oct-May) Weekdays: Mon, Tues, Wed, Fri: 8:00 a.m. Called together by God to experience Jesus and his word, in the sacraments of the Church and in each other, we are committed to love God and to embrace all GodвЂ™s people as witnesses of GodвЂ™s mercy. 1/1/12 Page Two January 1, 2012 St. Patrick Church 47 West High St. P.O. Box 177 East Hampton, CT 06424-0177 Office: 860-267-6644 Fax: 860-267-7807 Rectory: 860-267-6646 Email: [email protected] Web address: saintpatrickeh.org Pastoral Team Rev. Walter M. Nagle, Pastor Sister Dominic Joseph Valla, A.S.C. J. Pastoral Associate Lori M. Lechowicz, Administrative Assistant Dani Annino, Director of Faith Formation John P. Higgins, Director of Music & Organist Office Hours 8:30am - 3:00pm, Monday - Thursday 8:30am - 12:00pm, Friday Welcome to our Parish Family Newcomers to the parish are invited to introduce themselves to Father Nagle after Mass and to register at the Parish Office. MINISTRY OF CAREGIVING Please advise the Pastor, Pastoral Associate, or Administrative Assistant to arrange pastoral visits or Holy Communion for those who are sick, hospitalized or homebound. SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION Saturdays from 4:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Also arrangements can be made by calling the Rectory. SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM Arrangements can be made by calling the Parish Office. SACRAMENT OF MATRIMONY Couples must contact the Pastor at least one year in advance to reserve a date and make arrangements. CHANGING YOUR RESIDENCE OR PHONE NUMBER In a large parish, keeping the information on parishioners up to date is a difficult task. You can be of immense help in this regard. If you move or change your telephone number, please contact the parish office (267-6644). Not only will this help avoid confusion, but it will also save the cost of paying additional charges for returned mail. Thank you. Stewardship of Treasure PARISH OFFICES WILL BE CLOSED FRIDAY, DEC. 30 December 18, 2011 Week 25 of the Fiscal Year 1,362 Registered Families Ordinary Income: Budgeted: Actual Collection: Over or (short) Current Week $6,375.00 $7,473.00 $1,098.00 Year to Date $159,375.00 $162,864.00 $ 3,489.00 Envelopes Received: 196 December 25, 2011 Week 26 of the Fiscal Year Bulletin Deadline Please submit articles no later than noon on Monday Handicap Accessible Budgeted: Actual Collection: Over or (short) Envelopes Received: $6,375.00 $8,361.00 $1,986.00 168 $165,750.00 $171,225.00 $ 5,475.00 Immaculate Conception: $1011.00 Envelopes Received: 66 Christmas Collection $5,854.00 Envelopes Received: 144 Christmas Flowers $1,526.00 Envelopes Received: 109 Page Three The Solemnity of Mary, Holy Mother of God The Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God Saturday, December 31 5:00pm Frank Flynn req. by Kathy Minick & Carol Flynn and Francis Puzzo req by Donna Daly Sunday, January 1 8:00 am Robert Ruchk req. by Donna Daly 10:30am Joseph Francis McNally req. by Frank & Anne Mikullitz and Charles E. Beyer req by Marie Beyer Monday, January 2 8:00am Erminia Andrew & Andrew Ferrigno Tuesday, January 3 8:00am William Aurigemma req. by Linda & Paul Dellano Wednesday, January 4 8:00am Andree Hansen req. by Joan Fomento Thursday, January 5 6:00am-7:00pm Eucharistic Adoration 7:00pm Closing of Adoration Friday, January 6 8:00am Francis McGloin req. by Carol & John Lambert The Epiphany of the Lord Saturday, January 7 5:00pm Adolph Sirois req. by the Sirois Family and John Daly req by Donna Daly Sunday, January 8 8:00 am Francis Puzzo req. by Michael & Joy Doran 10:30am Roger Gosselin req. by Diane Annelli and Helen Sladyk req. by the Bridge Club 5:00pm Marie Dolan req. by Life Teen STRENGHTEN YOUR MARRIAGE BY EATING TOGETHER? вЂњThe meal offers a family the perfect opportunity to pull together as one, to combine talents, to converse, and to enjoy the fruits of a common labor. Family meals are not just about nutrition; they are fundamental to family lifeвЂ¦.Sitting around the table and sharing a good meal, especially one the family has prepared together, helps build a strong marriage and a strong family life.вЂќ Pete Vere, Catholic Answers Magazine, http:// www.catholic.com/magazine/articles/keep-it-together. Happy New Year! A very special вЂњthanksвЂќ to all who gave so generously of themselves in the church decorations for Christmas and to those who participated in the liturgical celebrations. A special acknowledgement is also in order for the Knights of Columbus who lead a successful food drive for the Food Bank and those who provided gifts for the giving tree. I also want to personally thank those parishioners who provided personal gifts. The season of giving is a special season and I pray that the spirit of giving continues throughout 2012. Because New YearвЂ™s is a time when people make resolutions, I offer some insights from a book вЂњFully Human, Fully AliveвЂќ by John Powell, SJ. The basis for the title of the book is a quote from St. Irenaeus in the first century, вЂњThe glory of God is the human person fully alive.вЂќ Jesus said вЂњI came that you may have life and have it in abundance.вЂќ What is this abundant life? John Powell offers some great insights. He says, the five essential steps into the fullness of life are these: (1) to accept oneself, (2) to be oneself, (3) to forget oneself in loving, (4) to believe, and (5) to belong. LetвЂ™s break this down. 1) To Accept Oneself. Fully alive people accept and love themselves as they are. They do not live for the promise of some tomorrow or the potential that may someday by revealed in them. Fully alive people are sensitively aware of all that is good in themselves, for the little things, like the way they smile or walk, through the natural talents they have been given, to the virtues they have worked to cultivate. When these people find imperfections and limitations in themselves, they are compassionate. 2) To be oneself. Being ourselves has many implications. It means that we are free to have and to report our emotions, ideas, and preferences. Authentic individuals can think their own thoughts, make their own choices. They have risen above the nagging need for the approval of others. 3) To forget oneself in loving. Having learned to accept and to be themselves, fully alive people proceed to master the art of forgetting themselves-the art of loving. They learn to go out of themselves in genuine caring and concern for others. Being loving is far different from being a so called вЂњdo-gooder.вЂќ Do-gooders merely use other people as opportunities for practicing their acts of virtue, of which they keep careful count. People who love learn more to turn the focus and concern of their attention and concern for themselves out to others. They care deeply about others. The difference between do-gooders and people who love is the difference between a life which is an on stage performance and a life which is an act of love. Real love cannot be successfully imitated. 4) To Believe. Having learned to transcend purely self directed concern, fully alive people discover вЂњmeaningвЂќ in their lives. It is a matter of commitment to a person or a cause in which one can believe and to which one can be dedicated. This faith commitment shapes the lives of fully alive individuals, making all of their efforts seem significant and worthwhile. 5) To Belong. The fifth and final component of the full life would no doubt be a вЂњplace called home,вЂќ a sense of community. A community is a union of persons who вЂњ have in commonвЂќ, who share in mutuality their most precious possessions-themselves. They know and are open to one another. They are вЂњforвЂќ one another. IsnвЂ™t this a beautiful vision for a community of faith? A place where people grow in self acceptance and to believe in themselves. A place where people can forget themselves in loving, and a place where people can believe in the presence of the risen Lord, And lastly, hopefully St. Patrick is a place where people can вЂњbelong.вЂќ Page Four January 1, 2012 Parish Events St. Patrick Library is located in the workroom of the Parish Center. All are welcome! Sunday, January 1 Monday, January 2 Tuesday, January 3 Wednesday, January 4 7:00pm Life Teen Core Meeting/WKRM 7:00pm Choir rehearsal/Church Thursday, January 5 7:00pm Scripture Study/Parish Hall 7:30pm Cornerstone Prayer Group/KofC (all are welcome) Friday, January 6 Saturday, January 7 +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ MATRIMONY A beautiful sacrament full of blessings, romance, love, commitment, comedy, giving, new life, joys, sorrows, adventure, challenges, responsibilities, growth, memories and more. To keep your marriage brimming, with love in the wedding cup, whenever youвЂ™re wrong, admit it; when youвЂ™re right, shut up. (Ogden Nash) Marriage halves our griefs, doubles our joys, and quadruples our expenses. (English Proverb) Any married man should forget his mistakesвЂ”no use two people remembering the same thing. (Duane Dewel) The three stages of love and marriage: 1. You donвЂ™t know вЂ�em, but you love вЂ�em. 2. You know вЂ�em, and donвЂ™t love вЂ�em 3. You know вЂ�em and you love вЂ�em. (Unknown) STEWARDSHIP REFLECTIONS вЂњAnd Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heartвЂќ Luke 2:19 How lightly Mary held Jesus. She did not clutch Him to her but held Him out for the world to know. She knew that He did not belong to her alone. From the moment of His birth she was called upon to share Him with strangers who flocked to see Him. In the same way, we are also called to hold our blessings lightly, being willing to share what God has given to us with those whom God may led to us. As this New Year begins, let us look to Mary as a grace-filled role model of sharing all that God might ask of us. THERE WILL BE NO 5:00 pm MASS or Life Night on January 1, 2012. Have a Safe & Happy New Year. See you back on January 8th! TEENS: View podcasts at www.lifeteen.com вЂњSunday, Sunday, SundayвЂќ, Catholic Movie Reviews, THE171, LoveLife, and TheMix!! For more information on upcoming events or for monetary, food or time donations, please contact Michelle or Bill Donahue, 860-342-0435 or e-mail us at [email protected]. COMING SOONвЂ”ON-LINE GIVING Dear Parishioners, For several years now the Board of Finance has been looking into the possibility of e-giving. E-giving is beginning to be used for financial transactions in many sectors of American life. In fact, a number of parishioners indicated in our Stewardship campaign this fall that they would like to explore this option. E-giving could replace the traditional process of writing a check and putting an envelope in the weekly offertory. The Board of Finance has decided to pursue e-giving and we are proud to announce that it will be available soon. The parish has retained the services of an outside vendor, Vanco, who is a leader in the software development of e-giving. They provide a soup to nuts program that is customized to the needs of each parish or church. For St. Patrick there will be opportunities to give on a bi-weekly or semi-monthly (1st & 15th) or monthly basis. All one will need to do is visit the parish website, follow the instructions and submit your information. Vanco meets the highest industry standards for financial security. We, on the Board of Finance are excited about this possibility. It further allows us to make good on our promise of greater financial transparency and to also provide other more convenient means for people to give. Stay tuned for more information to follow in the coming weeks! Thank you for your very generous support of our parish! SAVE A BABYвЂ™S LIFE PLEDGE DRIVE St. Gerard will be conducting their annual Bottle drive to assist women with life-affirming decisions. Bottles and/or envelopes will be available next weekend (Jan 7/8) and will be collected on Jan 22/22. Please make checks payable to St. GerardвЂ™s Center for Life. For more information visit www.stgerardcenter.org. Thank you for your support! Page Five The Solemnity of Mary, Holy Mother of God Introduction-Liturgy of the Word: Today, the Church rings in the New Year by celebrating our most ancient feast of the Blessed Virgin Mary, honoring her with one of her most beautiful titles, Holy Mother of God. On this day so filled with the hope of new beginnings and good resolutions, Mary also stands before us as Queen of Peace, the women of contemplative prayer who reflects in her heart on GodвЂ™s ever-renewed presence in the world. She is likewise First among the Disciples, the women of gospel action, who responds to GodвЂ™s word with obedient faith and selfless charity. As we begin this New ear, she points to her Son and says to us what she told the servants at CanaвЂ™s wedding feast, вЂњDo whatever he tells you.вЂќ Jan 1: Harold Riley 2000, Joseph Michalski 1997, Charles Beyer 1979, John Heffernan 1974, Robert Kiely 1972, Josephine Dobros 1971, Elmer Stover 1970 READINGS FOR THE WEEK Monday: 1 Jn 2:22-28, Jn 1:19-28, Ps 98:3 Tuesday: 1 Jn 2:29-3:6, Jn 1:29-34, Ps 98:3 Wednesday: 1 Jn 3:7-10, Jn 1:35-42, Ps 98:3cd Thursday: 1 Jn 3:11-21, Jn 1:43-51, Ps 100:2a Friday: 1 Jn 5:5-13, Mk 1:7-11, Ps147:12a Saturday: 1 Jn 5:14-21, Jn 2:1-11, Ps 149:4a Sunday: Is 60:1-6, Eph 3:2-3a, 5-6, Ps 72:1-2, 7-8, 10-11, 12-13 Apostolate of Prayer for PriestsвЂ¦.Norwich 1/1: Our Holy Father 1/2: Rev. Robert McNulty & Rev. Tomasz Sztuber 1/3: V. Rev. John Gallagher OFM Cp & Rev. Edward Wisneski 1/4: Rev. Stephen Gulino & Rev. Richard Archambault 1/5: Rev. Francis Liszewski & Rev. Brian Converse 1/6: Rev. Joseph Whittel & Rev. Gregory Galvin 1/7: Rev. Michael Giannitelli & Msgr. Thaddeus Malanowski Jan 2: Warren Anderson 2001, Louis Pineiro 2001, Mary Cunningham 2000, Anna Anderson 1988, Loretta MacDougall 1984, Irene Miller 1974 Jan 3: Gerald Soboleski 2006, Anita Guilbeault 1989, Norman LaPiene 1989, John Biondi 1979, Jon Hetnik 1977 Jan 4: Santa Schepis 1979, Edmay Beaulieu 1978, Magdalena Engler 1972 Jan 5: Robert Gobar 2006, Helen Geysen 2003, Frances Byloff 1995, Marjorie Cooke 1992, Wilfred DuPaul 1992, Fr. John Honan 1977, Florence Krieter 1976 Jan 6: John Daly 2005, James Coughlin 2003, Joey Colaccino 1992, William Lange 1984, Kathryn Hall 1977 Jan 7: Gerald Baker Sr 2001, Roger OвЂ™Neill 1979, Anibal Pacheco 1979, Alice Owens 1972 Eternal rest grant unto them O Lord. May their souls and the souls of all the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in peace. Amen. LICENSED CLINICIAN NEEDED Catholic Charities, Diocese of Norwich, is currently seeking a Licensed Clinician (LCSW licensure with supervisory experience preferred) to take a leadership position in supervising our DCF Licensed Adolescent Substance Abuse Treatment Group (ASAT). This position can be either part-time or full-time depending upon the candidateвЂ™s interests or needs: 25hrs. /wk. with immediate opportunity for full time is available. Experience with administration of the GAIN assessment tool is highly desirable as is experience with pediatric population. Training will be made available. Opportunities for supervision in fulfillment of LADC and/or CAC requirements will be made available on site. Catholic Charities is a fully licensed Behavioral Health Clinic with a competitive benefit package; excellent reputation, and collegial atmosphere. Inquire contact: Catholic Charities Search Committee, 331 Main St., Norwich, CT 06360. 860-889-8346 ext. 269. Page Six January 1, 2012 PILGRIMAGE: ROME AND ITALIAN SAINTS May 7вЂ”17, 2012 Featuring: Holy Face of Jesus at Manoppello also Assisi, Siena, Foligno, Cascia, San Giovanni Rotondo, Montecassino, and Rome. $2,699 + tax from EWR. $500 deposit due February 1, 2012, payable to Noelette Tours. For more information contact Fr. Paul Ramen at 860-564 -9767 or [email protected]. HOLY FAMILY RETREAT CENTER вЂњThe Courage to HopeвЂќ This is a retreat offered on January 27-29th that is a great opportunity to be with other women and to rediscover the presence of God in your life. The retreat begins on Friday evening with a buffet dinner from 6:00-8:00 and ends on Sunday around noon. Retreat Offering: $250, вЂњJourney Within to the Place of ListeningвЂќ Presented by Deacon Arthur Miller, Wednesday, January 25th. Day: 10:00вЂ”2:00 pm (includes lunch) Evening: 6:00-9:00 pm (includes dinner) As your world crumbles around you, the call from Scripture is: donвЂ™t flinch in faith in God. The spiritual calm that God commands does not come from a lack of troubles, it derives from a steady, deep reflection on the ways God has intervened on behalf of his people. The evening will include dinner, presentation and liturgy. Program Offering: $35 Register on line at www.holyfamilyretreat.org or send name, address & offering to: Holy Family Passionist Retreat Center, 303 Tunxis Road, W. Hartford, CT 06107. 860-521-0440 March For Life Buses January 22, 2012 marks the 39th anniversary of the Supreme CourtвЂ™s infamous abortion-on-demand ruling. Because of that decision, millions of pre-born babies have been denied their most basic right - their right to life. On Monday, January 23, 2012, people from across the nation will assemble in Washington, D.C. to visibly express their opposition to abortion. On Sunday, January 22, 2012 at 9:00 P.M., buses will leave from the Norwich Municipal Parking Lot (Exit 80, I-395) and travel to D.C. for the March For Life on January 23, 2012. The first stop in Washington will be at the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. Bus fare is $58 per person. If you are unable to attend the March For Life, please consider sponsoring a seat on the bus. For further information and/or to reserve a seat or to sponsor a seat, please call Margaret Becotte at 860-822-1362. DIOCESE MARRIAGE PREP CLASS for Engaged Couples вЂњGodвЂ™s Plan for a Joy-filled MarriageвЂќ offered by the Office of Family Life. To register for the 4 session class please call 860-889-8346 ext.283. Date: Saturdays, Jan. 21, 27, & Feb. 4, 11, 2012 Time: 9:30 a.m. вЂ“ 11:45 a.m. Location: St.Joseph Church Hall, 11 Baltic Rd. Occum Cost: $50.00 per couple March, 2012 classes will be held Fridays in Middletown. 2012 NATIONAL COMBINED COLLECTION Next weekend is the National Combined collection which benefits: The Retirement Fund for Religious, The Annual Appeal for the Holy Father, The Catholic Communications Campaign, and Catholic University of America. You will receive a mailing about this important collection. Please read the material and if you are so inclined, please bring your gift envelope to Mass next weekend, January 7/8, 2012. Your support of these needs of the Universal Church will truly make a difference. Please be as generous as your means allow. Thank you. FOOD BANK St. Vincent DePaul in Middletown is asking for your help this holiday season. The following items are needed: deodorant, shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, tooth brushes, soap, razors and shaving cream. During the holiday party the food bank is hoping to give each guest a special meal, a gift card to Stop & Shop and a box of candy as a special treat. Thank you in advance for your generosity. EAST CATHOLIC MAKE-UP EXAM East Catholic High School will give a make-up entrance exam on Saturday, January 14, 2012 at 8:00 am to all eighth graders who were unable to take the December exam. The exam will be given at the school. Preregistration is recommended, but not required. A required fee of $25 covers the cost of processing the exam. ECHS continues to accept transfer students from other high schools. Questions? Contact the Admissions Office at 860-649-5336 ext 238 or 456. Page Seven The Solemnity of Mary, Holy Mother of God PRAY for our ACTIVE MILITARY Have you seen the St. Patrick Prayer Board for active military personnel who are fighting on the front lines for our freedom? ItвЂ™s located in the vestibule of the Church, to the left as you enter from the front steps. We post the pictures and rank of relatives of our parish family members and ask that you remember them in daily prayer. Since there are many new deployments, please let us know if there are any family members you would like posted...and may God keep them safe. Bereavement Support Groups Every first and third Monday: 5:00-6:30pm, Conference Room A or B, Middlesex Hospital, Middletown. Every second and fourth Thursday: 6:30-8:00pm, Shoreline Medical Center, 260 Westbrook Rd., Essex. Every second and fourth Wednesday: 10:00-11:30am, One MacDonough Place, Community Room. (The HospitalвЂ™s assisted living facility on the corner of Main St. Extension and MacDonough Place.) For more information, please call Chaplain Dennis McCann, Middlesex Hospital Chaplain, 860-358-6725. St. Patrick Church Ministries Adoption Information: Mike & Tina Mohr вЂ” 881-7080 Altar Server: Susan LanziвЂ”267-9984 Altar Society: Maureen Sweeney 267- 2520 ACTS Retreat/Men& Women: Warren & Beverly EdwardsвЂ”267-9926 Al & Isabel VelaвЂ”267-1508 John & Carol LambertвЂ”267-9157 Baptism Contact: Sister Dominic Joseph вЂ”267-6644 Baptism Class: Mary Kaye VarniвЂ”267-9050 Catholic Scripture Study Al Vela 267-1508 and Joan Fomento 267-8512 Child Advocate: Coordinator of Caregiving: Sister Dominic JosephвЂ”267-6644 Westside Manor: Deb DesrocherвЂ”267-0705 Cobalt Lodge: Daisy ConwayвЂ”267-0833 CATHOLIC CHARITIES вЂњProviding Help, Creating HopeвЂќ Charity is at the heart of the Catholic Church. As we prepare to celebrate the birth of Christ this Advent Season, let us not forget what he taught us, to treat others with care and compassion. As our nation recovers from a recession, many in our area continue to struggle to remain on their feet in the wake of difficult economic times. Through their Emergency Food, Clothing, Shelter, Rent and Utility Assistance programs, to name a few, Catholic Charities has been providing help and creating hope for over 90 years within the Diocese of Norwich. As our Diocese also faces economically challenging times, the need for help far outweighs the financial resources available to provide for our brothers and sisters in Christ. Please prayerfully consider making a gift this Advent Season to the 2011 Catholic Charities Annual Fund. To make a gift online, visit www.ccfsn.org, or mail your gift directly to: Catholic Charities, c/o 197 Broadway, Norwich, CT 06360. Thank you. Eucharistic Adoration: Sheila WallвЂ”267-9486 Guild: Kim LanouвЂ”267-9235 Knights of Columbus: John HinesвЂ”267-4270 Life Teen: Bill & Michelle DonahueвЂ”342-0435 Marriage Encounter: Dan & Pam HarazimвЂ”267-1184 NursesвЂ™ Ministry: Maggie CoolicanвЂ”267-0540 Pastoral Council Chair: Peter BerganвЂ”267-4341 Prayer Group: George & Regina LoobyвЂ”267-8203 Prayer Line: Jann Dalton вЂ” 267-5720 Pat Powers вЂ” 267-8529 Pro-Life: Theresa HickeyвЂ”267-0071 R.C.I.A.: Sister Dominic JosephвЂ”267-6644 Vocation Contact: Don HickeyвЂ”267-0071 Wedding Coordinator: Michelle DonahueвЂ”342-0435