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: Dec 2, 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 Weekdays: Mon, Tues, Wed, Fri: 8:00 a.m. Holy Day Masses: 8:00 a.m., 7:00 p.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. 12/2/12 Page Two December 2, 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 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. 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 - 12:00 noon - Friday Bulletin Deadline Please submit articles no later than noon on Monday SPECIAL COLLECTIONS For those who have chosen to cancel their envelope order since the вЂњOn-line GivingвЂќ program has begun, the following are the extra collections for the upcoming months: Dec. 8, 2012 вЂ”Immaculate Conception Jan 1, 2013вЂ”Solemnity of Mary Jan 6, 2013вЂ”Spiritual Programs Feb 3, 2013вЂ”Spiritual Programs Feb 13, 2013вЂ”Ash Wednesday Handicap Accessible 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 November 18 & 25, 2012 Week 21 and 22 of the Fiscal Year Ordinary Income: Budgeted Goal: Actual Collections: On-Line Giving OVER/under: Nov. 18 $6,730.00 6,366.00 495.00 $ 131.00 Nov. 25 $6,730.00 5,764.55 1,030.00 $ 64.55 Spiritual Programs: $ $ 35.00 15.00 STEWARDSHIP REFLECTIONS вЂњBut when these signs begin to happen, stand erect and raise you heads because your redemption is at hand.вЂќ (Luke 21:28) Images of the final judgment can be scary, especially if we have not been faithful to GodвЂ™s commands throughout our lives. However, if we have been good stewards, we have left nothing to chance. We have carefully planned our giving and followed Our LordвЂ™s example of service and sacrifice. Thus, no matter the day or the hour we will be ready to stand erect and raise our heads to meet God face to face. Page Three 1st Sunday of Advent 1st Sunday of Advent Saturday, Dec 1 5:00pm John Wall req. by his wife & family and Patsy Muli req. by Donna Daly and family Sunday, Dec 2 8:00 am John & Jane Vechinsky req. by John & Nancy Knotek 10:30am Marye R. Ruimerman (Rau) req. by William & Margaret Blodgett and Thomas Hurlbert req. by Warren & Beverly Edwards Monday, Dec 3 No Mass today Tuesday, Dec 4 No Mass today Wednesday, Dec 5 No Mass today Thursday, Dec 6 Friday, Dec 7 Immediately following morning Mass Eucharistic Adoration 8:00am Special Intention Manny & Fatima Madalena The Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary Saturday, Dec 8 9:00am Francis Remillard req. by Norma Kelly 5:00pm John Daly & Jerome T. Daly req. by Donna Daly Sunday, Dec 9 8:00 am Harry Dean req. by Diane Annelli 10:30am Bette Treat req. by the Hughes Family and Patricia Ann Higgins req. by John & Jane Robida A Warm Welcome St. Patrick Church would like to extend a warm welcome to our newest Parish members: ANABELLA CATHERINE FRAULINO Daughter of Robert & Carey Fraulino And OLIVER FRANK STELLA Son of Frank & Tabitha We begin a liturgical New Year this weekend with the celebration of Advent. One of the great blessings you and I have is that we are part of a liturgical church. We celebrate Octaves of Feasts. For instance, Christmas and Easter are celebrated for a full eight days! Every day is Christmas or Easter. This year I have decided to celebrate the eighth anniversary of my 40th birthday for a full eight days. Sunday is the Octave day! Put on your glasses. Encourage yourself. King David did. He had just suffered a major setback. It was one of the most difficult times of his life. His city had been destroyed. His family had been kidnapped. And now his own men had turned against him. The situation looked impossible. He could have easily just given up and faded off into the sunset, defeated and depressed. But the scripture says, вЂњDavid encouraged himself in the Lord his God.вЂќ Why do we need to encourage ourselves? The very people on whom we rely the most may not be there when we need them. Elizabeth Brown shares the following story in her book Living Successfully with Screwed-up People: вЂњAt a soccer game I stood next to young man who asked me a question that disturbs many of us: Why do I have the most difficult relationship problems with the people I love? David did not know I was writing a book on relationships or that I address the question he asked in seminars across the country. He just needed an ear, and I was standing next to him, watching fifteen year olds play ball, when his query popped out. I asked him what he thought the answer is. вЂ�I donвЂ™t know,вЂ™ he said. вЂ�It just seems the very people we care most about are the ones that give us the most grief.вЂ™ He was right: Friends and family can be pains-in the heart. Too often close relationships are better at causing demolition than building. Perhaps that is why suicides increase tenfold during the holidays. Having traveled over the hills and through the valleys to grandmotherвЂ™s house, many of us leave wondering why we went to such efforts to be put through the wringer by someone in our own family. Times together, which should refresh, energize, and heal old wounds, often exacerbate the pain and cause new lesions. The sad truth is that families fight, husbands and wives attack, neighbors feud, friends and coworkers criticize, and children rebel.вЂќ The young man at the soccer game was experiencing an undeniable crisis as his expectations butted heads with reality. The one who should care hurt; the ones who had no obligation to care, affirmed. What was wrong? You may be in the same situation. Strangers arenвЂ™t your problem. The person who is driving you nuts is someone you love or someone whose encouragement and appreciation you need. You are shattered by close friends, family, or people you work with every day. This is how I answered David: вЂњI know you are confused and discouraged, but you are at the most exciting point of understanding relationships! Put on your glasses! You need improved vision to discover the freedom and joy you only imagined were possible within your difficult relationships.вЂќ Page Four December 2, 2012 Parish Events St. Patrick Library is located in the workroom of the Parish Center. All are welcome! Sunday, Dec 2 11:30am RCIA/WKRM 2:00pm Pre-Jordan/WKRM Monday, Dec 3 7:30pm Knights Officer Meeting/KofC Hall Tuesday, Dec 4 6:00pm Living Nativity/Parish Center Wednesday, Dec 5 7:00pm Choir Rehearsal/Church Thursday, Dec 6 7:00pm Catholic Scripture Study/Parish Center 7:30pm Cornerstone Prayer Group/KofC All are welcome Friday, Dec 7 Saturday, Dec 8 The Living Nativity The first meeting for the cast and crew of the Living Nativity will take place on December 4th at 6:30pm in the Parish Center. All children and adults interested in participating should attend this meeting. If you have any questions, please call the Faith Formation Office at 860-267-6644. Confession Schedule for Advent Father Nagle will be available for confession at St. Patrick Church on Dec. 1st, 8th, 15th, and 22nd from 3:00-5:00pm. Father Galvin will be available for confession at St. Bridget Church in Moodus on Dec 2nd 7-8:00pm, Dec 7th 6:30-7:15pm and 9:30-until all are heard, Dec 8th 7-7:30am and 4-4:40pm, Dec 9th, 10th, 12th and 14th 7-8:00pm, Dec 15th 3:30-4:40pm, Dec 16th, 18th, and 21st 7-8:00pm, Dec 22nd 3-4:40pm and 78:00pm and your final opportunity before Christmas: Dec 23rd 7-8:00pm. BLOOD PRESSURE CHECKS DonвЂ™t forget to have your Blood Pressure checked NEXT WEEKEND. The Parish Nurses will be available to take your blood pressure after SaturdayвЂ™s 5:00 Vigil and SundayвЂ™s 10:30 Mass. HOLIDAY GIVING This year St. Patrick Church is providing three ways in which you can help the community during the holiday season. 1. THE GIVING TREE Beginning November 20th and concluding December 10th the вЂњGiving TreeвЂќ to benefit children through the East Hampton Food Bank, will be located foyer of the church. Please remove a tag from the tree, make your purchase, attach the tag to the item and place it under the tree. Please do NOT wrap the gift. It is very important that the tag be returned with the gift, so that the appropriate child will receive your gift. Thank you for your generosity and continued support of this program. If you have questions, call Dani in the Faith Formation Office at 860-267-6644. 2. FOOD BANKвЂ™S вЂњPROJECT CHRISTMASвЂќ Please sign up to sponsor a child for the East Hampton Volunteer Food BankвЂ™s вЂњProject Christmas.вЂќ A list is posted in the front foyer of the church. Please write your name and phone number next to the item(s) you wish to purchase. Please do NOT wrap presents (but they may be placed in a Christmas Bag.) Be sure the childвЂ™s number is clearly marked on the item and return it by December 9th. Any questions please call Jane Leary at 860267-8340. 3. TOY DRIVE The Middletown District Council of Catholic Women (MDCCW) is sponsoring a вЂњToy DriveвЂќ which will be donated to the CT Children's Medical Center. A donation box is located in the foyer of the church with a list of requested items (please feel free to take a list with you). Do NOT wrap the gifts. The Drop off date is DECEMBER 9th. Question to Ponder: What anxiety or fear do I need to set aside, or help someone else set aside, in order to embrace JesusвЂ™ call to greet with joy the redemption he brings? May God Bless you for your generosity. Page Five 1st Sunday of Advent Introduction-Liturgy of the Word: Today we begin a new season, a new year in the calendar of the Church. Advent, the season of waiting, of joyful expectation, is upon us. As we gather here, let us set aside the hustle and bustle of our daily lives and use this time to take stock. What are you seeking? What is it that you are waiting for? Our loving God has an answer. Let us pray together to find out what it is. READINGS FOR THE WEEK Monday: Is 2:1-5, Mt 8:5-11, Ps 122 Tuesday: Is 11:1-10, Lk 10:21-24, Ps 72:7 Wed: Is 25:6-10a, Mt 15:29-37, Ps 23:6 Thursday: Is 26:1-6, Mt 7:21, 24-27, Ps 118:26 Friday: Is 29:17-24, Mt 9:27-31, Ps 27:1a Saturday: Gn 3:9-15, 20, Eph 1:3-6, 11-12, Lk 1:26-38, Ps 35:4 Sunday: Bar 5:1-9, Phil 1:4-6, 8-11, Lk 3:1-6, Ps 98:1-4 Dec 2: Carolyn Valenchis 1987, Sr. Rose Nolan 1972 Dec 3: Josef Sienkiewicz 1986, Anita Albright 1979, Helen McGuire 1979 Dec 4: Helen Gorczyca 1999, Thomas Stabinski 1999, Gerard Monroe 1996, John Zaniewski 1987, Walter Murray 1983, Erwin Daniels 1982, Anna Miller 1978, Leo Ouellette 1978, Elizabeth Staeth 1974 Dec 5: Edward Forand 2006, Agnes Rogers 1998, Gail Treiber 1982, Pete Laskarin 1972 Apostolate of Prayer for PriestsвЂ¦.Norwich Heavenly Father, may the Immaculate Virgin prepare our priests for the radiant feast of Christmas so that the Divine Emmanuel might find in each of their hearts a little cradle scented by the purity of His all beautiful and loving Mother. 12/2: All Bishops Dec 6: Frank B. Lawson 2011, John Wall 1993, Gale Cioe 1991, Robert Andrews 1987, Rose Biondi 1981, Lillian Fitzpatrick 1979, Roseana Soucy 1970 12/3: Rev. Thomas Lavin & Rev. Martin Jones Dec 7: Jerome T. Daly 2009, Peter Connerton, Sr. 2008, Loretta White 1998, James McCarthy 1997, Georgianna Lessard 1972, Maria Zanlungo 1971, Amos Dufresne 1970 12/5: Rev. George Richards, Jr. & msgr. Kevin Randall Dec 8: Frank Edwards 1991, Brittany Weir 1991, Margaret Galumboski 1989, Mary Kasyan 1989, Raymond Choiniere Sr. 1981, Bessie Barnes 1978, Ambrose Lessard 1976, Florence Brady 1973 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. THE SEASON OF GIVING This holiday season, we thank everyone who has supported St. Patrick this past year with their time, talent and financial contributions and look forward to support from all of our members in the year ahead. If you need a convenient way to make regular offerings or if you plan to make an additional gift before the end of the year, we encourage you to check out our electronic giving options. As the pace of life speeds up, especially around the holidays, you may find electronic giving a most welcome way to make contributions. Visit saintpatrickeh.org or contact the church office for more information. 12/4: Rev. Michael Gill & Rev. Patrick McCorry 12/6: Rev. Nicholas Mbogo & Rev. John Gwudz 12/7: Rev. Roland Cloutier 12/8: Our Holy Father MATRIMONY A beautiful sacrament full of blessings, romance, love, commitment, comedy, giving, new life, joys, sorrows, adventure, challenges, responsibilities, growth, memories and more. I was talking to a friend who said she wants her children to be able to look back and say, вЂњI want a great marriage like my Mom and Dad had.вЂќ That struck me. I think we have a good marriage but do we put each other down sometimes? Yup. Do I snap at him for silly reasons? Yup. Do we seem happy to our kids? Not sure. I hope so. Page Six December 2, 2012 DECEMBER HEALTH TIP Poisonous Holiday Plants For Pets: Bright ornamental plants are a great way to dress up the house during the holidays. Pet owners should be aware, however, that many of these common plants are poisonous to pets. Toxicity ranges from mild to severe, and the amount of plant consumed determines how sick a pet may become. In general, gastrointestinal upset is the most common finding, but if enough plant material is ingested, seizures, coma or death is possible. Poinsettia Plant Many people associate the Poinsettia plant with extreme toxicity, but this is not entirely true. The sap of Poinsettias is considered to be mildly toxic/irritating, and will probably cause nausea or vomiting, but not death. Mistletoe and Holly are considered to be moderately to severely toxic, and you should call your veterinarian or poison control center immediately for specific advice if ingested. Lilies, Daffodils & Amaryllis plant bulb kits as well as, Narcissus and other plants in the daffodil family, are popular gift items at this time of year. Pet owners should be aware that these plants are very toxic for cats, and sometimes with severe symptoms of gastrointestinal signs, cardiac arrhythmias, kidney failure, convulsions and death. Daffodils are toxic to both dogs and cats, especially the bulbs. Christmas Trees are considered to be mildly toxic. The fir tree oils can be irritating to the mouth and stomach, causing excessive drooling or vomiting. The tree needles are not easily digested either; possibly causing GI irritation, vomiting, gastrointestinal obstruction or puncture. As noted earlier, the amount of trouble depends on how much is consumed. Many times, pets don't consume mass quantities of tree material. WORD OF LIFE Jesus was sent by God the Father to save us above al from the evil deeply rooted in man and in history: the evil of separation from God, the prideful presumption of being self-sufficient, of trying to compete with God and to take his place, to decide what is good and evil, to be the master of life and death (cf. Gen 3:1-7). This is the great evil, the great sin, from which we human beings cannot save ourselves unless we rely on GodвЂ™s help, unless we cry out to him: вЂњVeni ad salvandum nos! - Come to save us!вЂќ - Pope Benedict XVI, Urbi et Orbi Christmas Message, 2011 ST. PATRICK CYO POINSETTIA SALE On Sunday, December 3rd and December 9th, the St. Patrick CYO Basketball program will be selling poinsettia plants in support of their 2012-13 season. Anyone interested in purchasing plants for the holiday season can either preorder their plants for pickup on Dec. 9th between the hours of 8:15am &12:00pm. or they can be purchased after each Mass. Prices are: $12 for 6.5" plant, $16 for 8" plant, and $20 for centerpiece. The choice of colors are red, white or pink. (Centerpieces are all red) Those of you who have purchased in the past know how hearty and vibrant our plants are! If you are interested in preordering, please call Darlene at 860-267-7594 no later than December 1st. IMPORTANT NOTE: Individuals who have pre-ordered plants through a team player will be contacted by that team player to arrange for the delivery of your plants. Thanks to all for your support!! LOVE THEM BOTH The majority in our country is now pro-life as a result of many prayers and the growing realization of the damage abortion is doing. Still, 1.2 million U.S. abortions occur yearly. SOME CLAIM: Abortions will always be performed. Better for it to be legal and safe. RESPONSE: Murder, suicide, infanticide, rape and robbery will always be performed. Should we legalize those acts too? Women still die from вЂњsafeвЂќ legal abortions. There is a significant incidence of infertility as well as other physical and psychological side effects of abortion. Knowledge of oneвЂ™s religious belief is a very important and effective motivating factor to oppose abortion. Luke 23:34вЂ” Jesus said, вЂњFather, forgive them for they do not know what they are doing.вЂќ Need Help? St. Agnes Family Center emphasizes a respect for life, recognizing the unique dignity of each individual. 104 Mayflower St., W. Hartford, CT 06110 (1860-521-7516, Email: [email protected]) DEFENDING OUR RELIGIOUS LIBERTY Religious freedom has never been red or blue, left or right, Catholic or non-Catholic. It is -and -- has always been American. We need to keep it that way. If you havenвЂ™t expressed your opposition to the federal healthcare mandate, please contact the White House at: www.whitehouse.gov/ contact or call: 202-456-1111 or 202-456-1414. Page Seven 1st Sunday of Advent 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. DUMB OX MINISTRIES Dumb Ox Ministries will present a one-night Advent Mission at the Cathedral of St. Patrick on Saturday, December 8 from 7:009:00 pm. Open to all ages this mission will have a special message for young people. It will feature a live concert by Catholic artists Sarah Kroger and Greg Boudreaux, with speaking by Dom Quaglia. Through music, speaking and reflection, participants will be invited to enter more deeply into the Season of Advent in preparing a place for Jesus to be incarnate in their owns lives. For more information call Jill Patten at 860-4603947 and to learn more about the presenters, visit www.facebook.com/2012AdventMission! SAVE THE DATES Middlesex Hospital Vocal Chords: under the direction of Gina Fredericks will celebrate the joys of this most festive season with its 23rd holiday concert on Sunday, December 2nd at 2:00pm at Portland high Schools. For information call: 860-347-2787 or visit www.vocalchords20.org. Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe: The Hispanic People of the Diocese invite you to join them in their celebration on Wednesday, Dec. 12th at the Cathedral of St. Patrick in Norwich. Following the Mass there will be a fiesta of delightful music, delicious food & warm fellowship. A good will offering will be asked to cover the cost of the buffet. For more info call: 860-456-3349. St. Anne Shrine, MA, Bus Trip: Join Fr. Ralph DiOrioвЂ™s Healing Services on December 11th and Dec 18th. For more information call 203-407-1448 or visit RDOhealingministry.org. Walking the Path of Faith: Advent Retreat for men & women, Dec 14-16. call 860-423-8484 or visit www.immaculataretreat.org for more information. St. Patrick Church Ministries Adoption Information: Mike & Tina Mohr вЂ” 881-7080 Altar Servers: 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 Kathy Anderson 365-5003 Child Advocate: Peggy Puzzo 267-9932 Cobalt Lodge: Daisy ConwayвЂ”267-0833 Coordinator of Caregiving: Sister Dominic JosephвЂ”267-6644 Eucharistic Adoration: Sheila WallвЂ”267-9486 Guild: Kim LanouвЂ”267-9235 Knights of Columbus: Keith Lanou 860-680-4988 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: Rev. Walter Nagle 267-6644 R.C.I.A.: Sister Dominic JosephвЂ”267-6644 Vocation Contact: Rev. Walter Nagle 267-6644 Wedding Coordinator: Michelle DonahueвЂ”342-0435 Westside Manor: Deb DesrocherвЂ”267-0705