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THE MAGAZINE OF THE ARCHDIOCESE OF HARTFORD
JANUARY/ FE B RUARY 2021
archdioceseofhartford.org/catholictranscript
• C ATHOLIC SCHOOLS DEVELOP
A CHILD’S MIND, BODY, SPIRIT
• A WEEKEND TO CELEBRATE
BLESSED MICHAEL MCGIVNEY
• IMMACARE TACKLES
HOMELESSNESS
Carrying on the Church’s work during a pandemic
SERVING THE COUNTIES OF HARTFORD, NEW HAVEN AND LITCHFIELD, CONNEC TICUT
JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2021
CONTENTS
THANK YOU FEATURED ARTICLES
8 A New Kind of Ministry
Priests and apostolates are discovering innovative
TO ALL OF OUR DONORS! ways to carry on the Church’s work during a
pandemic.
14 Developing the Whole Person
In 2020, the Archdiocese of Hartford, through the Archbishop’s Catholic schools develop a child’s mind, body
Annual Appeal Vicariate Outreach Program was able to provide and spirit.
funding to more than 215 organizations throughout Hartford,
18 Tackling Homelessness
New Haven and Litchfield counties. These charities offer ImmaCare offers hope, shelter to the homeless in
PHOTO BY AARON JOSEPH
programs that our neighbors depend on for a warm jacket, a
safe place to sleep, a hot meal or a comforting word. This would 8 a renovated former Catholic church.
22 They Came in Hope and Faith
not have been possible without the generosity of donors to At St. Mary’s Church in New Haven, hundreds turned
the 2020 Archbishop’s Annual Appeal, THANK YOU!! out in reverence to Blessed Michael McGivney.
30 Hope, Help and Dignity
Family centers of Catholic Charities offer a variety
of services for the whole family.
PHOTO BY AARON JOSEPH
PHOTO BY AARON JOSEPH
14 18 ARCHBISHOP’S DESK
6 All Time Belongs to Him — And All the Ages
As believers, our mission is to be loving and
courageous witnesses to the truth about God, about
Jesus, about the reality of sin and the need for
repentance and faith. In the words of Pope Francis,
“we cannot passively and calmly wait in our church
PHOTO BY JAKE BELCHER
22
buildings,” but wherever we find darkness we must
bring the unquenchable light of Christ.
ON THE COVER: Father Jeffrey V. Romans, pastor of St. Bridget of Sweden DEPARTMENTS
Parish in Cheshire, shows how to make his antipasto squares appetizer during
a filming of “Beyond the Bulletin” on Facebook. COVER PHOTO BY AARON JOSEPH
4 EDITOR’S DESK
12 BIBLE GUIDANCE
THE MAGAZINE OF THE ARCH
DIOCESE OF HARTFORD
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2021
VISIT US AT:
archdioceseofhartford.org/catholictranscript
• CATHOLIC SCHOOLS DEVELOP
A CHILD’S MIND, BODY, SPIRIT
• A WEEKEND TO CELEBRATE
BLESSED MICHAEL MCGIVNEY
21 VOCATIONS OFFICE
ArchdioceseofHartford.org/CatholicTranscript • IMMACARE TACKLES
HOMELESSNESS
27 GOING PLACES
READ ALL ABOUT IT: In 2021, the Catholic Transcript will be providing you stories about some of the organizations facebook.com/ArchdioceseofHartford/ 31 SAINTS CORNER
and Archdiocesan ministries that are able to continue to receive funding only because of the generosity of the donors @ArchdioceseHart 32 AROUND THE ARCHDIOCESE
to the Archbishop’s Annual Appeal. Turn to page 18 to learn about this month’s organization. @ArchdioceseofHartford 34 MARK YOUR CALENDAR
youtube.com/archdioceseofhartfordct Carrying on the Church’s work during a pandemic
SERVING THE COUNTIES OF H
ARTFORD, NEW HAVEN AND L
ITCHFIELD, CONNECTICUT
35 APPOINTMENTS/OBITUARIES
2 CATHOLIC TRANSCRIPT | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2021 | archdioceseofhartford.org/catholictranscript 3
EDITOR’S DESK
Much to Look Forward
to in
The Catholic Transcript is the official
magazine of the Archdiocese of Hartford,
which includes Hartford, New Haven and
Litchfield counties. The magazine, published
in Connecticut since 1829, is distributed free
of charge through the generosity of donors
to the Archbishop’s Annual Appeal.
Telephone: 860.286.2828
Website: www.archdioceseofhartford.org/
THOMASVOGEL/GET TY IMAGES
catholictranscript
Email: newsct@aohct.org
Distribution: More than 165,000
During the unprecendented crisis of COVID-19, priests in the Mailing changes: Email old and new
Archdiocese of Hartford have found creative ways to keep their address changes to newsct@aohct.org.
parishioners connected with God, the Church and each other. Whether
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2021
learning to livestream Mass or figuring out new ways to teach the
faith remotely, inside and outside of church, our priests have met the Archbishop Leonard P. Blair
challenge. PRESIDENT AND PUBLISHER
K A R E N AV I TA B I L E Several priests also adopted new — and anomalous — ways to stay Father Matthew Gworek
is the editor of the in touch with YOU, their flock. During 2021, to celebrate our priests, the E X E C U T I V E D I R E C T O R O F C OM M U N I C AT I O N S
A N D P U B L I C R E L AT I O N S
Catholic Transcript. Transcript will be bringing you some of those stories. To kick it off, we
went to St. Bridget of Sweden Parish in Cheshire, where Father Jeffrey Karen A. Avitabile
EDITOR
V. Romans, the pastor, Father Anthony Federico, parochial vicar, and their four-legged friend,
Fenway, are connecting with parishioners in unique ways. Read about it beginning on page 8. Shelley Wolf
S TA F F W R I T E R
Also during 2021, we will be highlighting
some of the programs and ministries helping Aaron Joseph
PHOTOGRAPHER
thousands of people around the state through
the Archbishop’s Annual Appeal. In this edi- Jenny Pomicter
GRAPHIC DESIGNER
tion of the Transcript, learn how ImmaCare
Inc. in Hartford strives to prevent and elimi- Auxiliary Bishop Juan Miguel Betancourt
nate homelessness in the Hartford region by Archbishop Leonard P. Blair
Father Michael Casey
creating safe and affordable housing options Joe Pisani
for those who are struggling. Turn to page Jack Sheedy
CONTRIBUTORS
18 to read more about it.
Although the coronavirus pandemic limited attendance to the beatification Mass of Father CATHOLIC TRANSCRIPT (USPS 0094-
Michael J. McGivney at the Cathedral of St. Joseph in Hartford, hundreds of people participated 540, ISSN 1081-4353) is published monthly,
except for February and August, by the
in events at the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in Waterbury and at St. Mary’s Church
Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Hartford,
in New Haven, historical churches for Father McGivney, which took place over the beatifi- 134 Farmington Ave., Hartford, CT 06105.
cation weekend. You can find those stories and pictures in this edition, as well as information Periodicals postage paid at Hartford, CT
about the new Blessed Michael McGivney Pilgrimage Center, and at additional mailing offices.
formerly the Knights of Columbus Museum in New Haven. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to
There are still more stories to tell about Blessed McGivney, Catholic Transcript, 467 Bloomfield Ave.,
his life and how he is being honored, which we will bring to Bloomfield, CT 06002-2999.
you in future editions. Connecting people with
A new year imparts the promise of new goals, new hopes Jesus and his Church
and new intentions. As we forge a new beginning, we should www.FAITHcatholic.com
be reminded of Philippians 4:6 — “Do not be anxious about
Patrick M. O’Brien
anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with PRESIDENT/CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” May God be
Elizabeth Martin Solsburg
with you this year and fill your life with blessings. VICE PRESIDENT/EDITORIAL DIRECTOR
4 CATHOLIC TRANSCRIPT | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2021 | archdioceseofhartford.org/catholictranscript
ARCHBISHOP’S DESK
All Time Belongs to Him — and all the ages Suyo Es El Tiempo Y Todas Las Edades
A A
s we move into 2021, I’m reminded of to me, makes more sense than believing what you can’t see.’” medida que nos acercamos al año 2021, leer en tantos rostros humanos, en el vacío y la falta de rumbo
Without faith in what is unseen, the comparison of the human que conducen a las adicciones y al suicidio. La religión me da
the beautiful prayer at the blessing of person to a car is not surprising. The Second Vatican Council
viene a mi memoria la hermosa oración
la convicción de que: es bueno que yo exista, que es bueno ser
the paschal candle every Easter: “Christ taught that “once God is lost sight of, the human person is lost de bendición del cirio pascual: “Cristo un ser humano, incluso en tiempos dif íciles.
sight of too.” Where doubt over God becomes prevalent, then ayer y hoy, Principio y Fin, Alfa y Omega. Cuando se reunió el Concilio Vaticano II en la década de 1960,
yesterday and today, the beginning and
doubt over humanity follows inevitably. We see today how los Padres conciliares enseñaron que la preocupación por el
the end, the alpha and the omega. All time belongs widely this doubt is spreading. We see it in the joylessness, in the Suyo es el tiempo y la eternidad. A él la gloria y el mundo venidero no debe disminuir nuestra preocupación por
to him and all the ages. To him be glory and power inner sadness that can be read on so many human faces today, poder por los siglos de los siglos. Amén”. este mundo. Ahora, más de medio siglo después, casi tenemos
in the emptiness and aimlessness that leads to addictions and que darle la vuelta a esa afirmación. La preocupación por
through every age and forever. Amen.” suicides. Religion gives me the conviction that it is good that I Encuentro gran aliento en estas palabras, y este mundo no debe disminuir nuestra preocupación por el
exist, that it is good to be a human being, even in hard times. espero que ustedes también, ya que seguimos mundo venidero. La gente de hoy necesita escuchar un mensaje
I take great encouragement from these When the Second Vatican Council met in the 1960s, the enfrentando los desaf íos del COVID, las convincente y edificante sobre el propósito último de sus vidas.
words, and I hope you do too, as we con- Council Fathers taught that concern about the world to come tensiones del mundo de hoy y rodeados de También necesitan reconocer que implantada dentro de ellos
tinue to face the challenges of COVID-19, should not diminish our concern for this world. Now more la tentación que sienten muchas personas hay una profunda sed de Dios.
the tensions in the world today and amid than a half-century later, we almost have to turn that state- EL ARZOBISPO de alejarse de la fe y las prácticas religiosas. “La fe”, dijo una vez el Papa Benedicto, “hace feliz a una
the temptation many people feel to turn ment around. Concern for this world should not diminish our L E O N A R D P. Un estudio reciente nos informa de un persona desde lo más profundo”, porque sabemos que el amor
ARCHBISHOP
away from religious faith and practice. concern for the world to come. People today need to hear a BLAIR es el 13er creciente declive de la religión en todo el de Dios por nosotros nunca cesará y nosotros tampoco. Porque
L E O N A R D P. A recent study reports a growing decline convincing and uplifting message about the ultimate purpose obispo de la mundo, más dramáticamente en los Esta- su amor nos abraza aquí abajo, vivimos en la confiada esperanza
B L A I R is the in religion worldwide, most dramatically of their lives. They also need to recognize that implanted Arquidiócesis dos Unidos. De 1981 a 2007 nuestro país de la vida eterna. La verdadera libertad no es la capacidad
13th bishop of in the United States. From 1981 to 2007, within them is a deep thirst for God. de Hartford. se calificó como uno de los más religiosos humana de hacer lo que queramos, sino la gracia divina de
the Archdiocese our country ranked as one of the world’s “Faith,” Pope Benedict once said, “makes a person happy del mundo. Desde entonces, ha mostrado amar y vencer las cadenas de nuestra debilidad humana y el
of Hartford. most religious. Since then, though, it has from deep within,” because we know that God’s love for us will el mayor abandono de la religión de cualquier país donde el pecado para que podamos hacer lo que es correcto y bueno.
shown the largest move away from religion never cease and neither will we. Because his love embraces estudio obtuvo información (Informe CARA, otoño de 2020). No hace falta decir que nuestra fe católica no se trata de
of any country for which the study had data. (CARA Report, Fall 2020) us here below, we live in confident hope of eternal life. True Cada vez para más personas, la religión está relegada a la profesar credos en la iglesia los domingos y luego durante
For more and more people, religion is relegated to the private freedom is not the human ability to do whatever we want, but esfera privada y cada vez se le culpa más por la opresión y los la semana ser parte de leyes injustas, prejuicios sociales o
sphere, and is increasingly being blamed for oppression and rather the divine grace to love and overcome the shackles of conflictos del mundo. La religión ya no tiene una influencia raciales, prácticas corruptas, ignorar o explotar a los pobres y
the world’s conflicts. Religion no longer our human weakness and sin so that we decisiva en nuestra cultura, las artes y las ciencias, la vida pública marginados o promover el comportamiento sexual contrario a
has a decisive influence on our culture, can do what is right and good. y en las cuestiones morales y éticas. La comprensión común del la enseñanza moral católica, incluyendo el derecho a la vida de
the arts and sciences, public life and on Needless to say, our Catholic faith is bien y el mal, la justicia y la injusticia, el bien y el mal, se está todo ser humano desde la concepción hasta la muerte natural.
moral and ethical issues. A common un- not about professing beliefs in church erosionando. Hoy día, incluso la vida de los bebés por nacer Como creyentes, nuestra misión es ser testigos amorosos y
derstanding of good and evil, justice and on Sunday and then during the week ya no está protegida, y ya no se cree que algo tan fundamental valientes de la verdad sobre Dios, sobre Jesús, sobre la realidad
injustice, right and wrong, is eroding. being a party to unjust laws, social or como que el matrimonio tenga significado y propósito dado del pecado y la necesidad del arrepentimiento y la fe. En palabras
Today, even the life of unborn babies is racial prejudices, corrupt practices, por Dios, sino que podemos redefinirlo como se quiera. del Papa Francisco, no podemos esperar pasiva y tranquilamente
no longer protected, and something as ignoring or exploiting the poor and Un artículo de USA Today informó una vez sobre el creciente en los edificios de nuestras iglesias, pero dondequiera que
fundamental as marriage is no longer the marginalized or promoting sexual número de estadounidenses que “simplemente se encogen de encontremos oscuridad debemos traer la luz inextinguible de
believed to have any God-given meaning behavior contrary to Catholic moral hombros ante Dios, la religión, el cielo o la siempre de moda Cristo. ¡Que esta sea nuestra
and purpose, but can be redefined by teaching, including the right to life of búsqueda de significado y/o propósito. Su actitud podría re- resolución para el 2021!
us at will. every human being from conception to sumirse como “¿Y qué más da?” Consideren el ejemplo de un
An article in USA Today once report- natural death. joven adulto en Chicago identificado como católico: “Cuanto
ed on the growing number of Americans As believers, our mission is to be lov- más leía psicología evolutiva y neuropsicología, más le parecía:
who “simply shrug off God, religion, ing and courageous witnesses to the ‘Podríamos lo mismo ser como automóviles. Para mí, eso, tiene
heaven or the ever-trendy search-for- truth about God, about Jesus, about the más sentido que creer en lo que no puedes ver’”. El Arzobispo Leonard P.
meaning and/or purpose. Their attitude reality of sin and the need for repen- Sin fe en lo que no se ve, la comparación de la persona humana Blair fue el celebrante
could be summed up as ‘So what?’” Con- Archbishop Leonard P. Blair visited tance and faith. In the words of Pope con un automóvil no es sorprendente. El Concilio Vaticano II principal de la Misa
St. Teresa of Calcutta Parish in celebrada en la iglesia de
sider the example of a young Chicago Francis, “we cannot passively and calmly enseñó que “una vez que se pierde de vista a Dios, también se
Manchester and offered the St. Thomas, Southington.
adult identified as Catholic: “The more Holy Sacrifice of the Mass at St.
wait in our church buildings,” but wher- pierde de vista a la persona humana”. Donde prevalece la duda FOTO POR AARON JOSEPH
[he] read evolutionary psychology and Bartholomew Church. ever we find darkness we must bring the sobre Dios, es inevitable la duda sobre la humanidad. Hoy
neuro-psychology, the more it seemed PHOTO BY AARON JOSEPH unquenchable light of Christ. Let this vemos cuán ampliamente se está extendiendo esta duda. Lo
to him, ‘We might as well be cars. That, be our resolution in 2021! vemos en la tristeza, en la congoja interior que hoy se puede
6 CATHOLIC TRANSCRIPT | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2021 | archdioceseofhartford.org/catholictranscript 7
Father Jeffrey V. Romans.
Nearly a year after the pandemic started, mask wearing, so-
cial distancing and isolation continue to exist today. Although
churches in the Archdiocese of Hartford have not been able
to return to full capacity and the dispensation to physically
attend Sunday Mass continues in order to protect the health
and well-being of everyone, parish priests and staff members
have worked diligently to provide creative, alternative ways to
keep their congregants connected, engaged and participating
in the Church.
The clergy have come to embrace technology to livestream
Masses, Bible studies, virtual prayer sessions and to pray the
rosary. They are reaching out and staying connected through
social media, emails, video conferencing, Zoom, Facebook
pages and YouTube. In the absence of celebrating public Masses,
they are offering Mass online for the faithful every day. They
are using nontraditional methods for continued sacramental
preparation and religious education classes.
And along the way, priests are providing fellowship — in
some very unusual but extraordinary ways.
St. Bridget of Sweden Parish in Cheshire has been using
social media since early 2016. Since the pandemic prevented
gathering at Mass, the pastor, Father Jeffrey V. Romans, has
been creative in keeping in touch with the congregation.
“Since the pandemic, we’ve done things to reach out to
people,” he says. “I do believe using the tools available to us is
of
a major part of ministry in this time.”
For example, Father Romans started “Casual Conversations”
on Facebook on Saturdays when everyone was in lockdown.
“It was an opportunity for anyone to ask questions about the
faith or life,” he says. “It garnered great interest.”
On Thursdays, Father Anthony J. Federico, parochial vicar,
and Victoria Clarizio, administrative assistant for social com-
munications, meet on Facebook for “Apologetics 101,” where
they present a topic and answer questions. One week, spiritual
EDITOR’S NOTE:
This is the first of Priests and apostolates are discovering innovative ways to warfare was a topic.
“All of us as Christians are involved in spiritual combat
carry on the Church’s work during a pandemic.
several ar ticles throughout our lives,” Father Federico said on Facebook.
that will focus on Clarizio added, “A lot of it happens and begins in our minds.
new ways church- That’s where the devil starts to try to get us to doubt God’s love
es are helping pa- for us and lead us toward sin.”
rishioners discov- Story by K A R E N A . AV I TA B I L E | Photos by A A R O N J O S E P H Sometimes, “Apologetics 101” takes a field trip, to St. Bridget
L
er, follow and stay Cemetery for example, to discuss how to help the beloved dead
connected to Christ get to heaven. The Facebook page often links to videos about
when many people IFE IS DIFFERENT THESE DAYS — far different than most of us would a topic and information from “Apologetics” can also be found
are isolated and have ever imagined. No one could have predicted that global society on the church website, stbridgetcheshire.org.
struggling with fear On Mondays, a question is posted on the parish Facebook
would be confronted with a coronavirus crisis that has caused a deep Do you worry about your loved ones who have passed
and uncertainty as away? Father Anthony J. Federico and Victoria Clarizio page for “Beyond the Bulletin” (#beyondthebulletin). For ex-
a result of the coro- spiritual hardship for many people, here and around the world. But this ample, on Oct. 26, the question was: “We asked Father Romans
discussed heaven, hell, purgatory and the souls of those
navirus pandemic. unprecedented time has also been a defining moment for the Church. who have gone before us and the Church’s teachings on what his favorite appetizer is. Can you guess it?”
the afterlife during a segment of “Apologetics 101” held at Followers then post their answers — some said Italian, eggplant
St. Bridget of Sweden Cemetery in November. rollatini and cheese balls. Someone posted “bacon-wrapped
8 CATHOLIC TRANSCRIPT | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2021 | archdioceseofhartford.org/catholictranscript 9
scallops” were the pastor’s
“ W E R E A L LY L O O K F O R W A R D FACEBOOK POSTING FROM FENWAY, NOV. 13
favorite. But Father Romans “Wowzers that's a lot of boxes! Doesn't it feel good to clean out
quipped that bacon-wrapped TO SEEING YOU, OFFERING THIS old closets? Dad has been on quite the cleaning spree lately. He
scallops are Father Federico’s OPPORTUNITY TO YOU AND BEING tells me he's getting ready for tomorrow. The School is having its
favorite. Fall Shred-it event 9-12. Got old papers and bills that need to be
The answer to the question
ABLE TO BE AN INSTRUMENT OF
safely destroyed? Bring them to the parking lot behind the rectory
was revealed the following GOD ’S MERCY AND LOVE TO YOU tomorrow! Small bags & boxes are $10, larger bags and boxes
day when Father Romans IN THIS TIME OF PANDEMIC, AS WE are $15. All proceeds help my friends at St. Bridget School!”
cooked his favorite appetizer
#fenwayfriday
during a live Facebook ses- CONTINUE TO GRAPPLE WITH THIS.”
sion. He did provide a hint, — Father Romans, in his invitation on Facebook
though: “I do like Italian food,
as you know.”
While Father Romans’ pre-
ferred appetizer is his mom’s “Your guests will be salivating,” he says, “as my staff is
dill dip in a rye bread bowl, now.” (Editor’s Note: I tried one of the squares he made
he says he enjoys making his and it was delicious. I made them the following weekend,
antipasto squares and demon- and I will agree, they are easy to make.)
strated how to do it during that
taping of #beyondthebulletin.
Other past #beyondthebulletin questions have in-
cluded: “What is your favorite kind of soup to make
PANDEMIC
“It is just easy,” he says, and
can be prepared in 10 to 15
or eat?” Father Romans’ answer: lobster bisque, his
grandmother’s Thanksgiving specialty. Or, “What un- Parish Cookbook
minutes. expected blessings have you been thankful for in this
difficult year?” He was happy to read the responses live. During the pandemic, discussions on St. Bridget
He says: Buy two cans of crescent rolls, put one down, then On Fridays, the pastoral staff of the parish meet to lay out of Sweden Parish Facebook page have centered
layer cheese, meat, cheese, meat and cheese. On top of plans for engaging the whole congregation. “I rely on our staff around food, recipes and cooking, with Father
that, put roasted peppers. Pour on an egg mixture of egg, to help us out with this,” Father Romans says. Romans and Father Federico experimenting with
pepper and Pecorino Romano cheese (and a few secret In addition to livestreaming Masses and weekly adoration, different recipes. The interest from their Facebook
spices), another layer of the dough and more egg on the Father Romans and Father Federico post videos about the lives viewers was the catalyst to create an online parish
top. Cover with foil, bake for 30 minutes at 350 degrees, of saints or promote special events. cookbook that the whole parish can partake in.
then remove the foil and put it back in for 20 to 30 minutes. Because people told the priests they missed receiving holy “People talked constantly about ‘What are you
Communion in church, a drive-up holy Communion in the cooking, what is a new recipe you are working on?
“Watch the top, you don’t want it to get black, but you do want parking lot was held in November. ‘What does Father Federico like to eat?’” Father
Julia Atwood, director of music at St. Bridget of Sweden Parish, Romans says.
it to brown nice though,” Father Romans recommended online. “We really look forward to seeing you, offering this opportuni- regularly holds a concert of sacred hymns and songs on Face-
During the filming of the appetizer segment and all of his ty to you and being able to be an instrument of God’s mercy and Instead of submissions for every category of food
book. Participants comment on Facebook about what they would
cooking shows, Father Romans, who dons his Boston Red love to you in this time of pandemic, as we continue to grapple like her to play or email her at jatwood@stbridgetcheshire.org.
all at once, the parish chooses what recipes will
Sox apron, is assisted by his friend and sous chef, Fenway, his with this,” Father Romans said in his invitation on Facebook. be accepted at any given time. For example, the
black lab beagle. Fenway loves American cheese, so Father following was published in a past parish bulletin:
Romans shared a piece of cheese with him. To save cooking “At this time we are looking for your favorite SOUP
time, Father Romans already baked one pan of antipasto & SALAD recipes. Send in those family specialties
Other regular happenings at St. Bridget of Sweden posted to: cookbook@stbridgetcheshire.org.”
squares, which he shows to the viewers. on Facebook include monthly concerts of sacred hymns and When it is organized, the cookbook will be posted
songs with Julia Atwood, director of music at the parish. Fenway at stbridgetcheshire.org.
Fridays is a Facebook posting by Fenway about some activity “This will be on the par-
During an episode of “Beyond the
the church may be involved in or a message to be extended to ish website and designed
Bulletin,” Father Romans makes his
favorite soup, lobster bisque, which
parishioners. The Sunday Mass is livestreamed on Facebook, to add to it through the
was his grandmother’s specialty. He YouTube and the parish website. years,” Father Romans
says he would include the recipe – a Oftentimes, events promoting St. Bridget of Sweden School says. “We wanted to do
“Romans thing” — in an upcoming are also promoted on the church Facebook page. something to bring peo-
online cookbook if his mother, Sandy, St. Bridget of Sweden Parish has its own YouTube page that
would give her blessing. ple together.”
anyone can subscribe to in addition to its own Instagram page
at #sboscheshire.
10 CATHOLIC TRANSCRIPT | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2021 | archdioceseofhartford.org/catholictranscript 11
BIBLE GUIDANCE
Un nuevo año
A New Year to Renew para renovar
OUR FAITH IN GOD nuestra fe en Dios
FREEDOM007/GETTY IMAGES
C
JANTANEE RUNGPRANOMKORN/GETTY IMAGES
W
on la misericordia y la gracia de Dios hemos iniciado un nuevo
ith the mercy and grace of God, we have begun a new year, a año, un nuevo comienzo que nos da esperanza. Todavía quedan
fresh start that gives us hope. There are still quite a few difficulties to bastantes dificultades que superar, pero podemos ver algo de EL OBISPO AUXILIAR
J U A N M I G U E L B E TA N C O U RT
overcome, but we can see some light at the end of the tunnel — and our luz al final del túnel, y nuestras expectativas de reanudar nuestra es el noveno obispo auxiliar de
expectations of resuming our old normal can be part of our plans now. antigua normalidad pueden ahora formar parte de nuestros planes. la Arquidiócesis de Hartford.
Indeed, many of us have been sustained Thomas Church in Thomaston, everyone remembered him as De hecho, muchos de nosotros hemos y como pastor de la iglesia St. Thomas amigo en tiempos de problemas que ha
during these difficult times by the prayers a remarkable man who devoted, amid so many priestly duties, sido sostenidos durante estos tiempos en Thomaston, todos lo recordaban ido antes que nosotros al cielo. Es un
of our brothers and sisters. It is through our ample time to pray for his people. He took to heart the Lord’s dif íciles por las oraciones de nuestros como un hombre extraordinario que Beato para nuestro tiempo que conoce
baptism in Christ that we are one family (cf. mandate to pray in faith so we could receive grace and favor hermanos y hermanas. Es a través de dedicó, en medio de tantos deberes las necesidades de la gente de nuestras
Jn 15:1-6; Eph 1:22-23; 5:23-32; Col 1:18.24), called to as God our Father provides for our needs. (Mk 11:24; cf. Jn 2:3) He nuestro bautismo en Cristo que somos sacerdotales, amplio tiempo para parroquias, nuestras comunidades,
assist with our prayer every member of the is a remarkable example and a new patron for us priests who una familia (cf. Jn 15, 1-6; Ef 1, 22-23; 5, 23-32; Col orar por su pueblo. Él tomó en serio nuestras naciones y nuestro mundo”
A U X I L I A RY
Church, especially those in most need. (Acts are to implore God’s mercy upon the people entrusted to our 1, 18-24), llamados a ayudar con nuestra el mandato del Señor de orar con fe (Novena, Día 9).
BISHOP JUAN
MIGUEL
2:42; Rom 15:30; 1 Pt 2:9; Rv 20:6; CCC 946) care by observing the command to pray without ceasing. (cf. oración a cada miembro de la Iglesia, para que pudiéramos recibir gracia y El ejemplo y la intercesión del Beato
B E TA N C O U RT As Catholics, we pro- Roman Pontifical, p. 91) especialmente los más necesitados (Hch bendición a la vez que Dios nuestro Michael McGivney, nos anima a
is the ninth fess that we believe in Father McGivney “is an intercessor for 2, 42; Rm 15, 30; 1 P 2, 9; Ap 20, 6; CIC 946). Padre provea por nuestras necesidades dedicarnos durante este año nuevo, con
auxiliary the help of the prayers our most heartfelt prayers, as a friend in Como católicos, profesamos que (Mc 11, 24; cf. Jn 2, 3) . P. McGivney es un sus bendiciones y desafíos, a cuidar más
bishop for the for one another and the times of trouble who has gone before us creemos en la ayuda de las oraciones de
Archdiocese of saints in heaven; we are into heaven. He is a Blessed for our times unos por otros y de los santos en el cielo;
Hartford. all one “Catholic” family who knows the needs of the people of our todos somos una familia “católica” en el
“EL EJEMPLO Y LA INTERCESIÓN DEL BEATO MICHAEL
in heaven and on earth, parishes, our communities, our nations, cielo y en la tierra, unidos, como hijos del MCGIVNEY, NOS ANIMA A DEDICARNOS DURANTE ESTE
united together, as children of the Father, and our world.” (Novena, Day 9) Padre, a través de Jesucristo (cf. Ef 3, 14-15). NUEVO AÑO, CON SUS BENDICIONES Y DESAFÍOS, A
through Jesus Christ. (cf. Eph 3:14-15) With the example and intercession of La beatificación del P. Michael J.
The beatification of Father Michael J. Mc- Blessed Michael McGivney, we are encour- McGivney, una tremenda bendición CUIDAR MÁS LOS UNOS DE LOS OTROS”.
Givney, a tremendous blessing that will pro- aged to dedicate ourselves during this new que ofrecerá abundantes gracias a — Obispo Auxiliar Juan Miguel Betancourt
PHOTO BY AARON JOSEPH
vide very many graces to our archdiocese, to year with its blessings and challenges to nuestra arquidiócesis, a toda la nación y
the whole nation and the world, reminds us care more for one another. It is our duty al mundo, nos recuerda la importancia ejemplo extraordinario, un nuevo los unos de los otros. Es nuestro deber
of the importance of sustaining one another as brothers and sisters in the Lord to ac- de apoyarnos unos a otros con la oración patrón para nosotros los sacerdotes, que como hermanos y hermanas en el Señor
with prayer. (cf. Eph 6:18) Our priests and all of company one another with our prayers. (cf. Ef 6, 18). Nuestros sacerdotes y todos debemos implorar la misericordia de acompañarnos unos a otros con nuestras
Bishop Juan Miguel Betancourt is
us now have a new and compelling example Let us renew our belief that although we nosotros tenemos ahora un ejemplo Dios sobre el pueblo confiado a nuestro oraciones. Renovemos nuestra creencia
incensed by Deacon Ernest Scrivani
of a pastor who gave his life for his people during the recent ordination
may come from different origins and have nuevo y convincente de un pastor que cuidado, observando el mandamiento de que, aunque vengamos de diferentes
living an ordinary priestly life. of permanent deacons at the diverse backgrounds and political prefer- dio su vida por su pueblo viviendo una de orar sin cesar (cf. Ritual de órdenes, p. 144). orígenes y tengamos diversos antecedentes
Moreover, as a parochial vicar at St. Cathedral of St. Joseph in Hartford. ences, we are one family in the Lord. (cf. vida sacerdotal ordinaria. Como vicario P. Michael McGivney “es un intercesor y preferencias políticas, somos una familia
Mary’s in New Haven and as pastor of St. Rom 8:35-39) parroquial en St. Mary en New Haven, de nuestras oraciones más sentidas, un en el Señor (cf. Rm 8, 35-39).
12 CATHOLIC TRANSCRIPT | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2021 | archdioceseofhartford.org/catholictranscript 13
C
Outdoor classroom teacher Rebekah
Chestna and second graders pick
atholic education is focused on the whole Academic Excellence
carrots at St. John the Evangelist child: mind, body and spirit. That total •All schools accredited by New England Association of
School in Watertown. Schools and Colleges.
understanding of the person sets Catholic
•Elementary students display steady growth and regu-
schools apart from all others. larly score above grade levels on IOWA Assessments.
Due to the pandemic, IOWA Assessments were not
“A school that’s not animated by the are the school’s big- administered this past spring. Plans are in place to
Catholic vision of what the human per- gest assets. administer the IOWAs this year.
•Technology is integrated across the curriculum.
son is, is only there for the sake of the Father Madejski
•High school students consistently outperform their peers
mind,” says Patrick McLaughlin, director also teaches religious
nationally and statewide on all sections of the SAT.
of campus ministry at East Catholic High education to grades
School in Manchester. “But it is Catholic four and five. During
education that really has this united vi- a recent class on the
sion of what a human being is as mind, sacrament of reconciliation, he used Pow- information and a lot of knowledge. I
body and spirit — or soul. erPoint slides with bulleted points and liked baptism. I got to learn a lot.” She
“And we recognize the need to culti- religious artwork to teach the students also says being around priests makes her
vate and nourish each of those aspects of about God’s love and forgiveness. To ex- feel closer to God. “They’re like another
human personhood,” he says. “So we try plain the seal of confession and address version of God, but just here on earth.”
to have a comprehensive educational pro- their fears, he told the children, “We don’t
gram that addresses all of those needs.” have to be afraid to go to confession be- MAKING CONNECTIONS
In addition to rigorous academics and cause we know that everything we say in When it comes to younger children,
robust athletics, Catholic schools as a confession to a priest can never, ever be “A lot of what we teach is through our
whole are unique in addressing each repeated by the priest, ever.” actions,” says Mary Alice Nadaskay, prin-
child’s spirit. They do that by developing “What I do is teach them things they cipal at St. Bridget School in Manchester,
Developing the
each student’s faith in God, relationship don’t really get in the books,” Father which teaches elementary and middle
with Jesus, Catholic values and potential Madejski explains. “I give them a lot of school children. “We teach that our ac-
for doing good in a challenging world. catechesis.” The young priest says it’s cru- tions show who we are.
Whole Person
Here is just a sampling of how Catho- cial for clergy and religious to visit Cath- “For example, when we make the sign
lic schools throughout the Archdiocese olic schools. “Most people don’t see them of the cross, that is the greatest action
of Hartford are supporting the spirit of except in church, but Mass is formal and that shows we are followers of Jesus,” she
each child and helping them grow into reverent.” The school setting, however, says. “We make the connection that we’ll
well-rounded, faith-filled adults. is more relaxed and informal. Inquiring see professional athletes making the sign
minds can feel free to ask questions. of the cross, which tells everybody what
PRESENCE OF GOD Gabriella Hakins, a fifth grader, says they believe.”
On any given weekday, Father Jeff Gub- of Father Madejski, “I like how he gives Older children in the higher grades
biotti, pastor of Assumption Parish in
Ansonia, and Father David Madejski,
Catholic schools develop a child’s parochial vicar, can be seen walking
through the halls of Assumption School
mind, body and spirit.
in Ansonia, saying hello to the students.
Both serve as approachable and acces-
sible disciples of Jesus who frequently
Story by S H E L L E Y W O L F | Photos by A A R O N J O S E P H drop in on classes at this elementary and
middle school.
“It’s so important for them to be visible
fixtures in the school,” says Rebecca God-
EDITOR’S NOTE: Catholic Schools Week praises the Catholic education provided throughout the United States. The week, which will dard, principal. “Both priests are experts
be celebrated Jan. 31 to Feb. 6, recognizes the role Catholic schools play in the lives of their students and families and their surrounding in the faith. And the kids, they love it.” In
communities. This year, the Transcript went behind-the-scenes at five schools to learn how Catholic education focuses on the whole a school that aims to help children realize
Father David Madejski teaches the sacrament of reconciliation to fifth graders at Assumption
child. To learn more about Archdiocese of Hartford Catholic schools, visit catholicedaohct.org. the presence of God in their lives and in School in Ansonia.
the world, Goddard says these two priests
14 CATHOLIC TRANSCRIPT | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2021 | archdioceseofhartford.org/catholictranscript 15
VALUES AND VIRTUES
St. Rita School in Hamden does all chosen to put the glittery paper crown on each of us in service to the next.” The now that students are having their first
it can to live up to its motto: St. Rita a statue of Jesus. They were elected for children also learned about Pope Fran- religious experiences,” he says. “What I
School … the place to be where the love this honor by their peers for displaying cis’ encyclical on caring for creation: mean by that is an experience that goes
of Christ is lived and shared. “We talk humility, leadership and kindness. Laudato Si’. beyond just learning about what God is,
about and model values, we talk about “I can’t believe I was chosen for this,” Through the campus garden, they raise or who God is, but of actually cultivating
morals, we talk about right and wrong Farina says. He adds that his role mod- and harvest carrots and tomatoes, then a relationship with God, of recognizing
Seventh-grader Raymond Martin adds another daily,” says Patricia Tiezzi, principal of els at school are his math teacher, Mrs. donate them to the school’s kitchen for oneself as being a child of God, a creation
bead to the paper rosary at St. Bridget School the elementary and middle school. Cindy Brennan, and the vice principal, lunches and snacks, thereby caring for of God, of recognizing God’s presence
in Manchester. Each year, the school has a guiding Sister Anne D’Alessio of the Apostles of one another. Next year, when the gar- in one’s own life.”
are taught to lead others in faith. Last theme to make its point. “Our theme this the Sacred Heart of Jesus. “They’re kind, den is more established, they plan to At East Catholic, two campus ministers
October, the seventh graders led a school- year is ‘Be the light.’ We talk about how patient and understanding,” he says. “I’d donate produce to a nearby shelter and aim to lay the groundwork for that person-
Patrick McLaughlin, director of campus ministry,
wide rosary. One by one, each student an- it’s their job to reach out to somebody like to live up to those virtues.” to Watertown’s St. John the Evangelist offers the third-period prayer over the intercom
al relationship with God through annual
nounced a prayer intention, then recited in the school who is feeling down and be Parish, which cooks meatloaf meals for at East Catholic High School in Manchester. retreats, service work and a new discussion
a prayer as their image was projected in that person’s light and encourage them STEWARDSHIP AND CHARITY the homeless. program called Agape Latte. The Agape
classrooms around the school through and give them kindness,” Tiezzi says. On a fall day at St. John the Evangelist In the meantime, for Catholic Schools false interpretations. I just wanted to Latte small group discussion series, mod-
Zoom, enabling all classes to recite the “We want children to understand that School in Watertown, second graders Week, they will be preparing 400 sand- come here and be able to create the best eled on the one at Boston College, began at
second half of the prayers. Finally, the sev- Catholics are different and to treat every picked root vegetables from the ground wiches to send to soup kitchens in Wa- relationship with God that I could.” East Catholic in spring 2019 and was held
enth grader pinned a paper rosary bead other child the way Jesus would want us and snapped off the greens. Fifth grad- terbury and Torrington. “If we can be Now in her senior year, Spielman is weekly and later twice a month toward the
onto a bulletin board until all the colorful to be treated.” ers picked green beans from a trellis successful developing that kind of a com- more confident in her faith. She even end of a long lunch hour. It’s something
paper beads formed a completed rosary. St. Rita School also passes on a love for overhead at the direction of Rebekah mitment to service,” Iannone says, “we’re serves as a “peer minister” at the school, new the school has tried that has “really
Raymond Martin, a seventh grader ancient devotions and combines it with Chestna, a parent volunteer and outdoor doing the right thing to help students helping to facilitate small group discus- stuck,” McLaughlin says.
who introduced the rosary and recited emphasis on the virtues. In November, classroom teacher. really live their faith actively.” sions during retreats. “I’m able to speak He puts out an open invitation, offering
the Apostles’ Creed, says, “I believe the it celebrated the enthronement of the Nearby, a tiny statue of St. Fiacre, an to others about what my views of faith free coffee and pastries baked by student
rosary is a set of prayers that bring us Sacred Heart of Jesus at its monthly First Irish hermit herbalist who healed the RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD are, and help guide others if they are peer ministers along with a philosophical
closer to Mary and connects us to the Friday Mass at St. Rita Church, part of Di- sick, was planted in the soil. When Lucia (“Lulu”) Spielman began searching for guidance,” she explains. or faith-related question of the week,
events in the life of Jesus.” He says the vine Mercy Parish. Two eighth grade stu- Two years ago, this Catholic elemen- attending East Catholic High School in For guidance herself, she says, she now such as “What constitutes good music?”
rosary also teaches us about “the suffer- dents, Tyler Farina and Conall Burns, were tary and middle school came up with Manchester four years ago, she came looks to her teachers and to God. or “Is there life after death?” Students are
ing of Jesus and Mary, and how we are a unique way to teach stewardship of from a public school and was unsure Spielman credits her new outlook on then welcome to share their thoughts,
all one in some way.” the earth and care for others through of her faith. “I only knew the basics of life to the welcoming and open-mind- which evolve into thought-provoking
Learning prayers in school and then an outdoor classroom that will one day what I learned in church, which is really ed atmosphere at East Catholic, a place discussions on spirituality and faith.
taking them home is important, he adds, feed the poor. It’s comprised of a garden confusing for someone so young and where the big questions of life can be “If you get kids talking about some-
because it helps us do “a little soul search- with eight large growing beds. There, not sure of what they believe and what’s asked and answered. “I’m able to talk thing they’re interested in, you can al-
ing every day that helps us to figure out students from each grade learn about a going on in the Scripture,” she admits. about God, my teachers are able to say ways turn that back toward something
who we are.” Martin prays every night different academic theme, such as mi- However, in religious education that they’ll pray for me,” she says, “and religious or spiritual,” he says. “Getting
and enjoys praying with his classmates croclimates, irrigation systems, edible classes, she began to study the Bible we’re able to talk about questions that everybody in dialogue has been a great
every morning. “Our whole class joins seeds and composting. and salvation history, coming at it with most other students and friends who way to get people more comfortable shar-
in a class prayer, which I think is great,” “We teach math, science, religion and an open mind. Spielman says she asked don’t go here aren’t able to do.” ing their faith or their lack of faith, just
he says. “Maybe we’re not friends, maybe language arts all through this outdoor herself, “‘What is the best way to form Patrick McLaughlin, the school’s direc- where they’re at in their journey.”
Conall Burns and Tyler Farina, from St. Rita
we are, but we all still have that spiritual space,” says Marylou Iannone, principal. my relationship with God and continue tor of campus ministry, says Spielman’s Agape Latte was put on hold last fall
School in Hamden, crown Jesus during the
connection through God and through enthronement of the Sacred Heart of Jesus at “And the centerpiece is protecting God’s to have it grow?’ Because I didn’t want transformation is not uncommon. “It’s due to the pandemic, but is slated to re-
the Holy Trinity.” St. Rita Church. earth and sharing God’s gifts, putting to do it wrong. I didn’t want to have any often the case at the high school level turn in the spring.
Archdiocese of Hartford 27 ARCHDIOCESAN ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS E L E M E N TA RY: S E C O N DA RY:
TOTAL: 9,188 students
4 ARCHDIOCESAN HIGH SCHOOLS 5,630 students 3,558 students
CATHOLIC 5 PRIVATE HIGH SCHOOLS
OF SCHOOLS PROVIDE
SCHOOLS SCHOOLS 2 PRIVATE ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS TUITION ASSISTANCE
16 CATHOLIC TRANSCRIPT | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2021 | archdioceseofhartford.org/catholictranscript 17
TACKLING HOMELESSNESS
ONGOING MOBILE OUTREACH
Tony Mack is ImmaCare’s lone mobile outreach case manager. “I go out and
provide services for the homeless,” he says, “searching for them along railroad
tracks, at bus stations, under bridges and at campsites along the river, basically
in places not fit for human habitation.”
Mack, who has been doing this for 16 years, adds, “I pack lunches and bring
them basic necessities. Then I try to build rapport and help them to get food
stamps, housing, and provide medical transportation to doctor’s appointments.”
He also tries to persuade them to go to the shelter, where they will be assigned
a case manager to assess their needs. Unfortunately, he says, “A lot who won’t
go into a shelter have mental health issues or substance abuse problems.”
Mack also acts as a case manager, too. “I have a case load of 10, but I’m still
all over the place.”
Mack spends a fair amount of time guiding homeless individuals through the
process of obtaining key documents — such as birth certificates, ID cards and Social
Security cards — so they can apply for housing, other social services and jobs.
He says he has no problem keeping his spirits up, despite what he witnesses
each day. “I’ve been doing this so long it doesn’t bother me anymore,” he ex-
plains. “I give tough love. Once you work with me, I’m going to make you work.
I make them all hustle to get their documents.”
Last November, Mack expected seven out of 10 of his cases to be housed by
the end of 2020.
Tony Mack, ImmaCare’s mobile outreach case manager, stands Louis Gilbert, ImmaCare’s executive
beside his van outside of Casa de Francisco apartment complex. director, steps down from the choir loft.
ImmaCare offers hope, shelter to the homeless in renovated former Catholic church. helping us,” says Louis Gilbert, who has
been ImmaCare’s executive director since
housing crisis. It offers three essential
services: mobile outreach to the home-
available, ImmaCare’s mobile outreach
served 439 individuals on the streets in
Story by S H E L L E Y W O L F | Photos by A A R O N J O S E P H 2013. “Our ideas are a lot bigger than our less, an emergency shelter in the for- a single year. The agency’s emergency
N
bank accounts.” mer Immaculate Conception Church shelter served 188 unique individuals.
athaniel, whose last name is being withheld, has had more With the tagline “linking people and and permanent supportive housing at ImmaCare also participates in the Great-
EDITOR’S NOTE: Throughout housing together,” the agency aspires its Casa de Francisco apartment complex er Hartford Coordinated Access Net-
than his fair share of housing challenges during his lifetime. 2 0 21, t h e Tr a n s c r i p t w i l l to create safe and affordable housing on Hungerford Street. work, an alliance of state agencies and
With a prison record from his youth, he says he had a be highlighting some of the options for those who struggle with a According to the most recent figures nonprofits that serve the homeless, to
hard time qualifying for apartments on his own. “I was organizations and archdiocesan place them in permanent housing. Some
ministries that receive funding from are directed to its Casa de Francisco,
young then and had no sense of direction,” he recalls. “It comes back the Archbishop’s Annual Appeal. The main floor of the new ImmaCare Housing Navigation Center in Hartford retains which has set aside 25 apartments for the
to haunt you and people don’t want to take chances.” the former Catholic church’s Gothic arches and artwork.
homeless and 25 for low-income people.
“The homeless are placed on one unified
So Nathaniel says he lived with and to end homelessness, and Mack persuad- apartment, and he moved in on Feb. 1, list and housed based on vulnerability,”
took care of his parents until they passed ed him to try ImmaCare’s emergency 2020. “I’ll never forget that day,” says the explains Teresa Wierbicki, ImmaCare’s,
away. Then he lost his home in a fire. shelter on Park Street in Hartford in the 69-year-old, who relies on a walker to director of strategic development. “I care
Alone and with nowhere to turn, he be- former Immaculate Conception Church. get around. “They did a miracle for me. so much about what we do, and now
came withdrawn and resorted to living Nathaniel lived there for nine months, It was a blessing from God.” the whole Hartford Access Network has
in his little gray car in Hartford for two until ImmaCare announced that it would made this so much more humane.”
years. “It was more like I wanted to be be closing the shelter for renovations; LINKING PEOPLE AND
on my own,” he explains. “I didn’t want he relocated to another shelter, yet the HOUSING TOGETHER ENDING CHRONIC
to be bothered with anybody after my ImmaCare staff stayed in touch. “They ImmaCare Inc., which tackles home- HOMELESSNESS
parents died.” still helped me and made sure I was all lessness in the Hartford area, is support- Last November, after being closed
Then Nathaniel met Tony Mack, the right,” he says. “They were there for me.” ed in part through the the Archbishop’s for a year for renovations, ImmaCare
mobile outreach case manager for Im- Finally, through a Hartford-area net- Annual Appeal. “We appreciate the Arch- reopened its emergency shelter in the
maCare, a nonprofit agency that strives work, ImmaCare found Nathaniel an bishop’s Appeal and all the parishioners old Immaculate Conception Church and
18 CATHOLIC TRANSCRIPT | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2021 | archdioceseofhartford.org/catholictranscript 19VOCATIONS OFFICE
Hear the Voice of God
THROUGH SILENCE
Teresa Wierbicki, ImmaCare’s director of strategic development, The shelter will eventually sleep 75.
shows off the shelter’s new kitchen. FAT H E R M I C H A E L C AS E Y
is the director of vocations for
the Archdiocese of Hartford.
renamed it the ImmaCare Housing Nav- are, and help them to build that inner In 2000, it purchased Immaculate Con-
I
igation Center. Now, it’s a place where strength and desire to want to get clean. ception Church after the parish merged
the homeless can land for a short stay But we don’t predicate their continued with St. Anne Church. The agency later n the first Book of Kings, we hear the story of the
and gain access to a greater array of ser- housing on being successful.” shortened its name to ImmaCare. prophet Elijah, who is called by God to serve him in
vices, ranging from permanent housing Gilbert, a Catholic himself, says al-
to referrals for medical care, treatment INSIDE THE HOUSING though the building is no longer used as a very dark time in Israel’s history. On Mount Horeb,
programs and jobs. NAVIGATION CENTER a worship space, “It’s still the outreach of Elijah hears the voice of God not in a fire, or wind or
During the first week the shelter re- A plaque near the entrance to the new what churches do — the corporal works
ImmaCare Housing Navigation Center
earthquake but in a soft whisper. The story of the prophet
opened, it welcomed 18 men. Though of mercy as we continue to carry out
the shelter will eventually serve up to 75 reads “Frog Hollow Historic District 1894.” caring for people.” And now it has a Elijah teaches us the need for silence in the spiritual life
guests, it will be limited to 40 during the Housed in the old brick Goth- new lease on life. “We were and in any process of vocational discernment.
pandemic for social distancing. ic church on Park Street, closed for over a year to
“It’s based on a West Coast model,” ImmaCare began as a do a gut rehab.” ANTONIOGUILLEM/GETTY IMAGES
Gilbert says. “We want it to be not just a ministry of Immaculate On the outside, the
shelter for a bed and a meal. We want to Conception Church under agency replaced the In order to hear the voice of God in our lives, we need to a university student who began by simply not listening to
get people into the permanent housing the direction of Father James roof, fixed the steeple, cultivate both exterior and interior silence. Exterior silence is media while in the car. At first, it was difficult, but soon that
sector, and we want shelter stays to be Donagher. As a missionary of did masonry work, painted the process of actually reducing the noise in which we daily time has become a much-appreciated time of quiet. Another
brief and nonrecurring.” La Salette, he was known for his love all the trim, fixed gutters and put immerse ourselves. It means turning down or completely good practice is to set times when we unplug from phones,
Wierbicki adds, “There’s always going and compassion for the poor, founding in new landscaping. The inside called for turning off the radio in the car, turning off the television as tablets and other connected devices. These tools give us un-
to be a need for an emergency shelter, the shelter and a soup kitchen that were new electrical, plumbing, a sprinkler sys- background noise and reducing the amount of time we spend precedented connectivity but also present the risk of easily
but our goal is to make the stay shorter.” initially staffed by parishioners. tem and handicapped access. “It’s much locked into a screen. accessible distraction. Whenever possible, we should try to
ImmaCare specifically focuses on “It started as a winter-only season- safer and more functional. So it’s purpose It means finding times when we don’t need to be talking spend some time with our phones off every day or at least in
homeless men, many of whom suffer al shelter back in 1981 as a ministry of built at this point,” Gilbert says. to someone, when we can just sit and be with almighty God. airplane mode with notifications off. This is a great first step
from mental health issues, substance the church,” Gilbert says, then became The main floor includes a conference Interior silence is the recollection that grows as a result of to begin cultivating silence and peace.
abuse issues or have served time in pris- year-round after a young homeless man room and several offices along with six exterior silence. This is the inner peace which marks the lives In any process of vocational discernment, one of the first
on. Gilbert says the agency was one of died out in the cold. Ten years later, the program rooms and an open area. The of so many of the saints. This is the focus which drives away main steps is to reduce the clutter of noises and distractions
the first in the area to adopt the “housing ministry incorporated as Immaculate basement has 75 new beds in a bunk- all distractions and allows us to enter deeply into contempla- which are vying for our attention. As with Elijah, many people
first” concept, which adheres to the be- Conception Shelter and Housing Corp. house-style dormitory, new showers and tion. Interior silence can endure even when there may not be expect God to be in big events and in awe-inspiring natural
lief that everyone deserves housing, no toilets, a laundry room, a fully-outfitted perfect exterior silence. It is possible, once a degree of interior occurrences. More often than not, it is in the quiet stillness of
matter their troubles. kitchen and a dining hall/meeting space. silence and peace has been attained, to keep it throughout the recollection that we truly hear and are empowered to respond
“If someone doesn’t know where they Much of the beauty and inspiration of day even in the midst of a busy world. to the voice of God. Growing in the practice of both interior
are going to sleep at night, it’s pretty ri- the old church has been retained. Inside, Growth in silence takes time and practice. We should start and exterior silence is a very powerful step in growth in the
diculous to think they they’re going to be a painting of the Virgin Mary appears in by seeking some times of exterior silence, and allow these spiritual life and freedom for vocational dis-
able to maintain sobriety living under a the sanctuary. Scenes from the New Tes- to slowly develop into interior silence. I recently spoke with cernment.
bridge,” Gilbert says. “So we get them in tament are visible in the Gothic arches.
housing. And once people know where The Stations of the Cross, original light ARE YOU DISCERNING A CALL TO THE PRIESTHOOD, RELIGIOUS LIFE OR THE DIACONATE?
they are going to sleep at night, then case fixtures and choir loft remain. Father Michael J. McGivney, a priest in the Archdiocese of Hartford who answered the call to the
managers can work with them in a non- “It still has a lot of the original art- priesthood, is the first person in Connecticut to be recognized as “Blessed” and is on his way to becoming
judgmental and non-coercive way to help work,” Gilbert says. “We tried to be as a saint. If you think God may be calling you, do not be afraid. Visit archdioceseofhartford.org/
them realize there’s so much more than The dining hall/meeting space. careful as we could to maintain the in- vocations or contact the Office of Vocations, 860.761.7456, to learn more.
their addiction or whatever their issues tegrity of the building.”
FATHER MCGIVNEY UNDATED PHOTO BY JOHN TIERNEY/PHOTO COURTESY OF THE KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS
20 CATHOLIC TRANSCRIPT | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2021 | archdioceseofhartford.org/catholictranscript 21You can also read
