CATHOLIC . as I have done for you, you should also do." - Diocese of Norwich

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CATHOLIC . as I have done for you, you should also do." - Diocese of Norwich
FOUR COUNTY
               C
        CATHOLIC
                                                                                                                     HOLY
                                                                                                                     WEEK
                                                                                                                   MARCH 28
                                                                                                                    APRIL 3

Volume 33 • Number 3 • MARCH 2021 • SERVING THE COUNTIES OF MIDDLESEX • NEW LONDON • TOLLAND • WINDHAM, CT & FISHERS ISLAND, NY

     “. . . as I have done for you,
    –                    you should also do.”
                                                                                                       –
            John 13:15

                                                                                                                John 13:15
CATHOLIC . as I have done for you, you should also do." - Diocese of Norwich
In This Issue                                                                                                      Made Possible in part through your generous support of the Annual Catholic Appeal

                                                                                                                                                                           ­ESTABLISHED IN 1989 AND PUBLISHED EACH MONTH EXCEPT JULY.
                                                         page       “By providing food kits, we contribute to reducing misery,                                   PUBLISHER

                                       10                           suffering, and pain in our intervention areas and we are                                     Most Reverend Michael R. Cote, D.D.                        860.887.9294
                                                                                                                                                                 Bishop of Norwich
                                                                    convinced that, more than food, we share love and hope with
                                                                    families in distress.”                                                                       EDITORIAL OFFICE
                                                                     Jude Cangé, Outreach to Haiti Operations Director, addressing the
                                                                                                                                                                 25 Otis Street, Norwich, CT 06360-3613                Fax 860.859.1253
                                                                     secondary gifts that your support provides.                                                 DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS/EXECUTIVE EDITOR
                                                                                                                                                                 Wayne Gignac, 860.886.1281             wgignac@norwichdiocese.net
                                                         page       “Every person, from volunteers to clients, are treated with                                  ADVERTISING SALES/PRODUCTION MANAGER

                                       14                           respect and appreciated.”                                                                    Meredith Vernott, 860.887.3933 commeredith@norwichdiocese.net
                                                                     Sue Underhill, recently retired ACA campaign manager, expressing                            SENIOR WRITER/SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER
                                                                     the satisfaction she receives from volunteering at Saint Vincent                            Ryan Blessing, 860.887.3933 rblessing@norwichdiocese.net
                                                                     de Paul Place in Norwich.
                                                                                                                                                                 THEOLOGICAL ADVISOR
                                                                                                                                                                 Very Reverend Ted F. Tumicki, S.T.L., J.C.L., J.V.         860.887.9294
                                                                     “Sometimes it’s hard to tell whether your stocks are going                                  PRINTING/LAYOUT
                                                         page        good or the stock that you invested in was a good choice. Even                              The Hartford Courant, 285 Broad Street, Hartford, CT 060115

                                          24                         if you do your research on the stocks you invest in it could
                                                                     always go the other way.”
                                                                     Saint Bernard School student, Kiely Flores Nahue, learning about
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                                                                                                                                                                 serves the right to reject, omit or edit all editorial and advertising copy. Published opinions
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                                                                    “Young women deserve an equal opportunity to become the                                      POSTMASTER - SEND ADDRESS CHANGES TO:
                                                         page       next generation of entrepreneurs, engineers and tech leaders.

                                          26
                                                                                                                                                                 Four County Catholic, 25 Otis Street, Norwich, CT 06360-3613.
                                                                    Closing the gap in computer science education empowers young                                 Four County Catholic Issue 3, March (PE 9934) is published monthly except
                                                                                                                                                                 July by The Diocese of Norwich, 25 Otis Street, Norwich, CT 06360-3613.
                                                                    women to build the future they want.”                                                        Periodicals postage paid in Hartford, CT 06101 and at additional mailing offices.
MARCH 2021 | FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | NorwichDiocese.org

                                                                     College Board chief of Global Policy and External Relations,
                                                                     Stefanie Sanford, explaining why Mercy students need the power
                                                                     to shape technology, not just cope with it.                                                                  © Copyright 2021, Diocese of Norwich. All rights reserved.
                                                                                                                                                                                  No content may be reproduced without expressed consent.

                                                           We Can Help                                                                                               Podemos ayudar
                                                           To report inappropriate conduct of any kind by a Diocesan Bishop                                        Para reportar una conducta inapropiada de cualquier tipo por parte de un obispo
                                                           please contact ReportBishopAbuse.org or call 1-800-276-1562                                             diocesano, por favor contacte ReportBishopAbuse.org o llame al 1-800-276-1562
                                                           To report inappropriate contact of any kind by a representative of the                                  Para reportar contacto inapropiado de cualquier tipo por medio de un representante
                                                           Diocese of Norwich or for assistance for victims, please call: The Diocesan                             de la Diócesis de Norwich o para asistencia a víctimas, por favor llame a La Línea de
                                                           Reporting Line @ 1-800-624-7407                                                                         Reportaje de la Diócesis de Norwich 1-800-624-7407

                                                           If the incident involves a minor   Incidents involving abuse of       Incidents involving abuse of    Si el incidente involucra a un   Incidentes relacionados con el    Incidentes relacionados con el
                                                           (persons under the age of 18),     vulnerable adults aged 18-59       vulnerable adults aged 60 and   menor (personas menores de       abuso de adultos vulnerables      abuso de adultos vulnerables
                                                           you must also call:                should be reported to:             over should be reported to:     18 años), también debe llamar    de 18-59 años de edad deben       de 60 años de edad o más deben
                                                           State of CT Department of          Connecticut Department of          Connecticut Department          a Departamento de Niños y        ser reportados a Departamento     ser reportados a Departamento
                                                           Children and Families Care         Developmental Services - AID        of Social Services for the     Familias de CT                   de Servicios al Desarrollo del    de Servicios Sociales Para
                                                           Line 1-800-842-2288 -OR            Division for Persons with Intel-   Elderly                         1-800-842-2288 -O-Servicios      Estado de Connecticut-División    Ancianos de Connecticut
                                                           –State of NY Child Protective      lectual Disabilities               1-888-385-4225                  de Protección de Niños del       de Ayuda para Personas con        1-888-385-4225.
                                                           Services 1-800-635-1522            1-844-878-8923                                                     Estado de NY                     Incapacidad Intelectual
                                                                                                                                                                 1-800-635-1522.                   1-844-878-8923.
                 2
CATHOLIC . as I have done for you, you should also do." - Diocese of Norwich
THE MOST REVEREND
                                   MICHAEL R. COTE, D.D.                                          BISHOP OF NORWICH

                                       LET FAITH LEAD THE WAY
             Lessons of the Basin and the Towel
           “I have given you a model to follow, so that as I have done for you, you should also do.”
         													                                                                                                          John 13:15

My dear brothers and sisters in Christ,                the Cathedral, their feet are already clean. In the   “One Faith, One Family”. Many of you increased
                                                       first century, that would not have been the case.     your donations to help meet the increased
Our 40-day Lenten journey of sacrifice and             Walking in sandals on dusty roads that were also      demand during this unprecedented time.
self-reflection is well underway. As we move           used by beasts of burden, would have made this a
toward Holy Week it is easy for us to become           very unpleasant task.                                 Please do not be disheartened should you not
distracted by current events. I pray that you can                                                            be able to offer financial assistance. Know that
free yourself from the distractions of the world       Scripture indicates that Jesus “took off His outer    making a difference in someone’s life often
to contemplate Christ’s suffering, death, and          garment.” (John 13:4) By removing this outer          comes through small actions. Taking the time
resurrection and allow the peace of His love,          garment, Jesus was shedding Himself of more           amid your busy schedule to pray for and be
forgiveness, and joy to wash over you.                 than just a sash that might get in the way when       present with someone else is one of the greatest

                                                                                                                                                                 MARCH 2021 | FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | NorwichDiocese.org
                                                       He stooped down. In the eyes of the disciples,        gifts you can give this world.
It has been one year since we all began to deal        Jesus was stripping off outer things such as
with the pandemic. Reflecting on the past year, I      superiority, pride, and personal dignity. He truly    To share completely in Jesus’ life, we must
was struck by the many changes we made to our          humbled Himself to show the disciples, and us,        journey with Him to Jerusalem, to Calvary and
way of life. Holy Week 2020, for example, was          how to “wash the feet of others.”                     to Resurrection. This journey requires reflection
celebrated without you, the faithful, present in the                                                         upon our own lives and the way in which we are
Cathedral. This teaches us to not take anything        Jesus knowingly performed this task on the one        called to serve the Lord and one another.
for granted.                                           who would deny Him (Peter) and the one who
                                                       would betray Him (Judas). How often are we            Ask yourself, “whose feet can I wash?” In
This year, following Covid-19 safety guidelines,       hesitant to help someone because we might not         other words, “How can I be the one that brings
we will be able to have a limited number of            think they are deserving of our compassion.           kindness in the midst of chaos?”
parishioners in attendance. However, this
will only be the second Holy Thursday since            It is important to recognize that the giver of        Lent sets us on a spiritual journey of renewal
becoming the shepherd of the Diocese of                compassion is not the only one who is humbled.        with heightened awareness of the Lord’s
Norwich that I will not be washing the feet of 12      As Peter demonstrated, it is sometimes difficult,     unconditional and unyielding love for us. A love
parishioners at the Cathedral.                         and humbling, to be on the receiving end of           that was evident as He stooped with the basin and
                                                       compassion. I am aware that this year many            the towel at the feet of His disciples.
Let us not view this as a loss, rather let us focus    of you, due to the pandemic, had to humble
our attention on a few of the details of this                                                                Through a well-lived Lent, may we come to the
                                                       yourselves to ask for help from one of our many       glory of Easter and may we discover new life in
powerful event of the basin and the towel.             ministries. Catholic Charities and the Saint          Christ.
                                                       Vincent DePaul ministries in the Diocese of
This gesture of Jesus washing His disciples’ feet
                                                       Norwich experienced an increase in the number         Sincerely yours in Christ,
is an image of what it means to be compassionate
                                                       of individuals and families that they helped.
as God is compassionate. It is, as Jesus tells us in
sacred scripture, a model to follow.                   This would not have been possible had it not
                                                       been for those of you who were able to “wash the      Michael R. Cote
Certain details of this simple act may be lost on
                                                       feet” of those in need by your continued support
our modern-day sensibilities. For example, when                                                              Bishop of Norwich
                                                       of the Annual Catholic Appeal (ACA) campaign,
I symbolically wash the feet of parishioners at

                                                                                                                                                                                  3
CATHOLIC . as I have done for you, you should also do." - Diocese of Norwich
THE MOST REVEREND
                                                                                               MICHAEL R. COTE, D.D.                                                BISHOP OF NORWICH

                                                                                                 LET FAITH LEAD THE WAY
                                                                                   El Ejemplo Del Lavatorio Y La Toalla
                                                                         ‘‘Yo les he dado ejemplo, y ustedes deben hacer como he hecho yo.”                                                         Juan 13:15

                                                         Mis queridos hermanos y hermanas en Cristo,              caso en el primer siglo. Caminar con sandalias por        No se desanime si no puede ofrecer ayuda financiera.
                                                         Nuestro recorrido de 40 días de sacrificio y             caminos polvorientos que también eran usados por          Sepa que marcar la diferencia en la vida de alguien
                                                         autoreflexión de Cuaresma está bien encaminado.          animales de carga, habría hecho de esto una tarea         a menudo se logra mediante pequeñas acciones.
                                                         A medida que avanzamos hacia la Semana Santa,            muy desagradable.                                         Tomarse el tiempo en medio de su ocupada agenda
                                                         es fácil distraernos con los eventos actuales. Rezo      Las Escrituras indican que Jesús “se quitó su prenda      para orar y estar presente con otra persona es uno de
                                                         para que pueda liberarse de las distracciones del        exterior.” (Juan 13:4.) Al quitarse esta prenda           los mejores regalos que puede dar a este mundo.
                                                         mundo para contemplar el sufrimiento, la muerte y        exterior, Jesús se estaba despojando de algo más que      Para compartir completamente la vida de Jesús,
                                                         la resurrección de Cristo permitiendo que la paz de      una faja que podría estorbar cuando se inclinara. A       debemos viajar con Él a Jerusalén, al Calvario y a la
                                                         Su amor, perdón y gozo le llene.                         los ojos de los discipulos, Jesús se estaba despojando    Resurrección. Este viaje require una reflexión sobre
                                                         Ha pasado un año desde que comenzamos a lidiar           de cosas externas como la superioridad, el orgullo        nuestras propias vidas y la forma en que estamos
                                                         con la pandemia. Al reflexionar sobre el año pasado,     y la dignidad personal. Realmente se humilló para         llamados a servir al Señor y los unos a los otros.
                                                         me sorprendieron los muchos cambios que hicimos          mostrar a los discípulos, y a nosotros, como “lavar       Pregúntese: “¿A quién puedo lavar los pies?” En
                                                         en nuestra forma de vida. La Semana Santa 2020, por      los pies de los demás.”                                   otras palabras, ¿Como puedo ser yo el que trae
                                                         ejemplo, se celebró sin ustedes, los fieles presentes    Jesús sabiendo realizó esta tarea sobre el que lo         bondad en medio del caos?”
                                                         en la catedral. Esto nos enseña a no dar nada por        negaría (Pedro) y sobre el que lo traicionaría (Judas).   La Cuaresma nos pone en un viaje espiritual de
MARCH 2021 | FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | NorwichDiocese.org

                                                         sentado.                                                 ¿Con qué frecuencia dudamos en ayudar a alguien           renovación con una mayor conciencia del amor
                                                         Siguiendo las pautas de seguridad de Covid-19, este      porque pensamos que no merece nuestra compasión?          incondicional e inquebrantable del Señor por
                                                         año podremos tener un número limitado de feligreses      Es importante reconocer que el dador de la                nosotros. Un amor que se hizo evidente cuando se
                                                         presentes. Sin embargo, este será el Segundo Jueves      compasión no es el único que se siente humilde.           inclinó a los pies de sus discípulos con un lavatorio
                                                         Santo desde que me convertí en el pastor de la           Como demostró Pedro, a veces es dificil y humillante      y una toalla.
                                                         Diócesis de Norwich en el que no lavaré los pies de      recibir compasión. Soy conciente de que este año          Que lleguemos a la gloria de Pascua y descubramos
                                                         12 feligreses en la Catedral.                            muchos de ustedes, debido a la pandemia, tuvieron         una nueva vida en Cristo, a través de una Cuaresma
                                                         No veamos esto como una pérdida, más bien                que humillarse para pedir ayuda a alguno de nuestros      bien vivida.
                                                         centremos nuestra atención en algunos detalles de        muchos ministerios. Caridades Católicas y los
                                                         este poderoso evento del lavatorio y la toalla.          ministerios de San Vicente de Paúl en la Diócesis de
                                                                                                                  Norwich experimentaron un aumento en el número            Sinceramente en la misericordia de Cristo,
                                                         Este gesto de Jesús lavando los pies de sus discípulos   de personas y familias a las que ayudaron.
                                                         es una imagen de lo que significa ser compasivo
                                                         como lo es Dios. Es, como nos dice Jesús en las          Esto no habría sido possible si no hubiese sido por
                                                         Sagradas Escrituras, un ejemplo a seguir.                aquellos de ustedes que pidieron “lavar los pies” de
                                                                                                                  los necesitados con su continuo apoyo a la Campaña        Michael R. Cote
                                                         Ciertos detalles de este simple acto pueden              Católica Anual (ACA), “Una fe, una familia.”              Obispo de Norwich
                                                         perderse en nuestra sensibilidad moderna. Cuando         Muchos de ustedes aumentaron sus donaciones para
                                                         simbólicamente lavo los pies de los feligreses en        ayudar a satisfacer la mayor demanda durante este
                                                         la catedral, ya están limpios. Ese no habria sido el     tiempo sin precedentes.

                                                                                         MONTHLY                                                   The Most Reverend Michael R. Cote, D.D.,
                                                                                                                                                    Bishop of Norwich, leads the Holy Hour

                                                                            Holy Hour                                                                MARCH 18TH St. John, Cromwell • 6pm
                                                                                                                                                     APRIL 15TH St. Francis, Middletown • 6pm

                                                                                     for Vocations                                                                   God-Calls.com
                 4
CATHOLIC . as I have done for you, you should also do." - Diocese of Norwich
Vocations
Deacon Larry Barile
       4th Theology
 Pope John XXIII Seminary
       Weston, MA
                                                   Corner                                                                                   Mr. Alexander Pandolfe
                                                                                                                                                    1st Theology
                                                                                                                                               Mount St. Mary Seminary
                                                                                                                                                  Emmitsburg, MD

                                                     Dive into Lent
                                At the beginning of the first week of Lent, the          The two points above, which I prefer calling two
                                Church celebrated the Feast of the Chair of St.          gifts from God to us His children, highlight a
                                Peter. The next day, during Holy Mass, we heard          simple way to pray throughout the Lenten season
                                proclaimed the Gospel of Matthew chapter 6:              every year. An opportunity to allow each of us to
                                verses 7-25 where Jesus teaches the apostles             dive deeper into the call we each have received as
                                to pray. I highlight these two points as a way to        sons and daughters of God and adopted brothers
                                simply yet significantly enter more deeply into the
                                                                                                                                                 Mr. Julian Cuervo
                                                                                         and sisters of Christ.
   Mr. Jacob Ramos
         3rd Theology                                                                                                                                 1st Theology
  Mount Saint Mary’s Seminary   Lenten season — to assist in diving deeper into the                                                                Mount St. Mary’s
      Emmitsburg, MD
                                spiritual journey that Lent can be for us.               To remind ourselves of the gift of God’s spirit of        Emmitsburg, MD
                                                                                         truth that filled Peter’s heart with the confidence
                                The significance of the timing of the Feast of the       to proclaim who Jesus is, not just for himself but
                                Chair of St. Peter highlights for us a call to imitate   for the whole Church, for God’s whole family.
                                the man Simon, to whom Jesus said, “I will call          Then Christ, in response to His apostles, teaches

                                                                                                                                                                             MARCH 2021 | FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | NorwichDiocese.org
                                you Peter, for through you I will build my Church.”      as Word, Son, and Savior, His Church how best to
                                Christ points out that neither man nor anyone else       pray.
                                but His Father inspires Peter to be able to speak
                                so confidently about who Jesus truly is when he          Pray to the Father. Give Him glory, honor Him,
                                responds to the question that Jesus puts to all the      petition Him for His Mercy and seek to understand
                                apostles, “but who do you say that I am.” Peter          His Will and live it.
                                remarks immediately, “You are the Christ, the Son        If each of us can focus on these two points, meditate
                                of the Living God” ... The truth is spoken and with      on them, and allow ourselves to prayerfully
                                great confidence and conviction.                         enter into what they each say, we can then strive
Mr. Dharen Brochero
       2nd Theology             The second point comes during the liturgy of             throughout our Lenten sacrifices or acts of charity      Mr. Eric Hosmer
 Mount Saint Mary’s Seminary    the Word at Holy Mass on Tuesday morning. In             to pray to our Father in Heaven with a greater focus         1st Theology
                                                                                                                                                   Mount St. Mary’s
     Emmitsburg, MD
                                Matthew’s Gospel, we hear the passage where the          and certainty of why we choose to follow Christ,          Emmitsburg, MD

                                apostles ask Jesus to teach them to pray. He teaches     and desire to unite ourselves to them both through
                                them the prayer of the Our Father.                       the very Spirit that influenced Peter’s confidence
                                                                                         and through whom Jesus promised to always guide
                                Consider how important this moment is. Saint             His Church.
                                Cyprian’s treatise on the Our Father is used as a
                                reading for the Divine Office that day and he is         May you all have a very blessed and holy experience
                                quoted as he wrote.                                      this Lenten season. You remain in my prayers and
                                                                                         please keep all our seminarians in yours. Blessings
                                “God willed that many things should be said by           in Christ.
                                the prophets, His servants, and listened to by His
                                people. How much greater are the things spoken
                                by the Son.”                                                            Father Greg Galvin
                                As I was reading this it struck me again just how                  Director of Priestly Vocations                Mr. Mark Johnson
Ruben Garcia Sanchez
       2nd Theology             powerful a prayer the Our Father can be for each                                                                    2nd Pre-Theology
 Mount Saint Mary’s Seminary    one of us. Directly given to His Church by Himself,                                                              Mount Saint Mary Seminary
                                                                                                                                                    Emmitsburg, MD
     Emmitsburg, MD
                                the very Word of God and the Son of God.

                                                                                                                                                                                              5
CATHOLIC . as I have done for you, you should also do." - Diocese of Norwich
In Memoriam                                                 CATHEDRAL OF SAINT PATRICK
                                                                  Sr. Marie Anita Leger, DHS
                                                                   October 8, 1927 - January 31, 2021
                                                                                                                                   HOLY WEEK SCHEDULE
                                                         Sr. Marie Anita Leger, DHS, 93, a
                                                         member of the Daughters of the Holy
                                                         Spirit, died on January 31, 2021 at St.
                                                         Joseph Living Center in Windham,
                                                         Connecticut, of complications from                                                   PALM SUNDAY
                                                         COVID-19.
                                                                                                                                                   MARCH 28TH
                                                         Born Anita Marie Leger on October
                                                                                                                                           7:30am † 9am † 10:30am* † 5pm
                                                         8, 1927 in Cocagne, New Brunswick,
                                                         Canada, she was the daughter of
                                                         Philippe Joseph and Aurelie Marie                                                  HOLY THURSDAY
                                                         (Goguen) Leger. She attended school                                                         APRIL 1ST
                                                         in New Brunswick before relocating                                             MASS OF THE LORD’S SUPPER - 7pm*
                                                         to Fitchburg, Massachusetts with her                                            CONFESSION FOLLOWING MASS
                                                         family. She entered religious life at the Holy Spirit Provincial House
                                                         in Putnam in September of 1957 and made her religious profession
                                                         there on July 2, 1959. She was then known as Sr. Marie Anita.                        GOOD FRIDAY
                                                         After profession, Sr. Marie Anita worked as a dietician for many                           APRIL 2ND
                                                         years in Fairfield, Connecticut and at St Joseph Guest House in New              THE LORD’S PASSION - 3pm*
                                                         Haven. She then ministered in domestic services at St. Joseph Villa            CONFESSION FOLLOWING SERVICE
                                                         and the DHS Provincial House, always helping any sister in her quiet,             STATIONS OF THE CROSS 6pm
                                                         unassuming manner even after her retirement in 2010. Sr. Marie Anita
MARCH 2021 | FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | NorwichDiocese.org

                                                         was admitted to Holy Spirit Health Care Center in June of 2011,
                                                         moving to St. Joseph Living Center in 2016.                                         HOLY SATURDAY
                                                         Sr. Marie Anita is survived by the Daughters of the Holy Spirit                            APRIL 3RD
                                                         spiritual family – her Sisters in community, the Consecrated Seculars                CONFESSION - 10-11AM
                                                         and the Associates. She is also survived by her sister Juliette Brodeur
                                                         of Lunenburg, Massachusetts and a brother, George Leger, of Florida
                                                                                                                                               EASTER VIGIL - 8pm*
                                                         as well as nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her brothers
                                                         and sister Joseph, Alpherie, Aris, Renald, Rene and Dorine.
                                                         In lieu of flowers donations may be made to DHS Retirement Fund,                    EASTER SUNDAY
                                                         P.O. Box 497, Putnam, CT 06260.                                                             APRIL 4TH
                                                                                                                                         THE RESURRECTION OF THE LORD
                                                                                                                                           7:30am † 9am* † 10:30am † 5pm

                                                                                                                                         * Live-stream can be viewed at
                                                                                                                                          NorwichDiocese.org/Masses

                                                                                                                                      Space is limited due to social distancing
                                                                                                                                   requirements as mandated by the state of CT
                 6
CATHOLIC . as I have done for you, you should also do." - Diocese of Norwich
Full of Gratitude
                                               2020 ACA is a Wrap
By Mary Ellen Mahoney

I
    cannot even begin to express      only be met with online prayer        goal, receiving a total of $2,612,120    like to donate online, please go to
    how my heart is bursting with     gatherings or meditations. Coming     in gifts and pledges. We count 7,980     NorwichDioceseDevelopment.org
    gratitude for you, our generous   together, as one true family in       donors who have made an average          or call Heather Harris, Campaign
donors who have stepped up in         Christ, each of you recognized        gift of $327. For those who decided      Manager, at (860) 886-1928.
such unbelievable ways to help our    these needs and did your part to      to make a pledge rather than a           Thank you.
2020 Annual Catholic Appeal, One      alleviate the suffering of others.    one-time gift, and spread their gift
Faith, One Family. Time and time      And for those who did not have        throughout the year, these donors
again, when everything changed        the means to donate this year to      were able to donate more, making
this year, when churches were         the ACA, we know that many of         an average gift of $574. With the
closed, when we migrated to online    you kept all of us in your prayers.   support and hard work of our priests
Masses, when we worried about         I remember reading notes that we      and ACA chairpeople, 23 parishes
our family’s health, when we may      had received from past donors         reached or exceeded their parish
have even become sick ourselves       saying that while their current       goals, while another 16 parishes
- through it all, the people of the   circumstances prevented them from     were very close to reaching their
Diocese of Norwich persevered in      contributing this year, they wanted   goals, falling between 90% and
ways big and small, carrying the      me to know that they would be         100% of goal. We extend our great
love of Jesus to all in need.         praying for our success. When I       gratitude to these priests and ACA
Despite not having our traditional    made phone calls to some of our       chairpeople who bring the ACA to
Annual Catholic Appeal in-pew         isolated elderly donors, asking       the people and make it happen.
collection weekend last March,        them if there was anything I could    You will be receiving your 2021              Unfailing Prayer to St. Anthony
so many of you made your yearly       do for them or bring to them, they    Annual Catholic Appeal materials           Holy St Anthony gentlest of Saints. Your love

                                                                                                                                                                        MARCH 2021 | FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | NorwichDiocese.org
donations, even while facing the      invariably turned the conversation    in the mail shortly ahead of our             for God and charity for His creators made
stress and uncertainty brought        away from themselves and to me.       March 6-7 announcement weekend             you worthy when on earth posses miraculous
                                                                                                                          power which you were ready to speak for
by the pandemic. Without a            They would ask me about my            and our March 13-14 in-pew                       those who are in trouble or anxiety.
second thought, many of you even      family, my parents and tell me that   collection weekend. Thank you              Encouraged by this thought I implore to you
increased your donations, because     they were sending me their prayers.   in advance for your continued               to obtain for me (request) The answer to my
you knew of so many people who        Inspiring does not even begin to      generosity and prayers. You, the           prayer may require a miracle, even so you are
                                                                                                                       the saint of miracles Oh gentle and loving St.
had lost jobs and needed food and     describe these people. They are       people of our diocese, have come            Anthony whose heart is full of human sym-
support from our St. Vincent de       truly astounding people, living the   together truly as One Faith, One             pathy whisper my petition into the ears of
Paul Place, Norwich, St. Vincent      word of Christ every day.             Family, and I am confident that             sweet infant Jesus, who loved to be folded in
                                                                                                                       your arms, and the gratitude of my heart will
de Paul Middletown, and Catholic      As we look ahead to our 2021          together, we will continue to work          ever be yours. This 13 day Novena has never
Charities. You also had empathy       Annual Catholic Appeal set to         as one for the benefit of many. Please     been known to fail. Say three Hail Mary's and
for many who were isolated and so                                           accept my heartfelt gratitude and              three Glories and promise publication.

                                      CHRISM MASS
                                      launch March 6-7, we close the
desperate for spiritual sustenance    book on a year of gratitude, a year   my hope that you and your family                             ~ EH~
or the human connection that could    in which we have met 97% of our       have a healthy 2021. If you would

                                                                            Tuesday March 30, 10:30AM
                                                     A Joyous Celebration of Priestly Service and Holy Sacraments

                                                                                                                                                                                         7
CATHOLIC . as I have done for you, you should also do." - Diocese of Norwich
Pizza and
                                                                                                                                                                       Craft Beer
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MARCH 2021 | FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | NorwichDiocese.org

                                                           Traditional Monument Lots, Options for Cremated
                                                           Remains, Chapel Mausoleum Crypts and Family Estate Lots

                                                                        We are here
                                                                       for you
                                                            in your time of need

                                                           the benefits are eternal
                                                           Catholic Cemeteries of Norwich
                                                           To schedule an appointment call 860-887-1019
                                                           or visit NorwichDiocese.org
                 8
CATHOLIC . as I have done for you, you should also do." - Diocese of Norwich
Bishop Cote Shares Faith
           Through the Eyes of Scripture
By Andrea Hoisl

D
         id John the Baptist ever       Jesus. Their insights will help        place each Thursday night from           provide for all who attend.
         lose faith in God? How         participants consider how they can     7-7:45pm beginning February 25           Each session will give participants
         did Mary get through the       come to know Christ more fully         and continuing through March 25.         insight and reflection for the week
difficulties of raising a child? How    in their lives through the lives and   By focusing each week on the life        and will seek to give attendees a
was Judas swayed by money? Why          stories of John the Baptist; Mary,     of a different person who loved          deeper understanding of their faith
did Peter have doubts? Why did          the mother of Jesus; Peter, the        Jesus, the mission hopes to give         and a closer relationship with Jesus
Mary Magdalene stand by Jesus?          apostle; Judas, the betrayer; and      participants a way of looking at         Christ.
These are just a few of the questions   Mary Magdalene. Both presenters        familiar stories through the lens of
posed during a virtual Diocesan         will help participants understand      ‘new eyes’ that see the similarities     The mission is free and open to
Lenten Mission sponsored by the         how the people who were part           we all share as human beings; that       everyone; however, registration is
Office of Faith Events.                 of Christ’s life can help us grow      help us see our own weakness and         required. Registrants can attend all
                                        spiritually.                           flaws; that show compassion and          five sessions or individual ones as
The mission includes reflections                                                                                        their schedule allows. To register,
from Bishop Michael Cote and            The lives of these familiar Biblical   care for others, even when we don’t
                                                                               agree with or like them; and that are    please contact Marianne at 860-
Diocesan Chancellor Fr. Peter           people will be the backdrop                                                     848-2237, ext. 304 or email her at
Langevin that will focus on the         for thought-provoking prayer,          wide open to the hurt and pain in
                                                                               those around us. These are the eyes      manicholas@norwichdiocese.net
spiritual journey of five biblical      reflection and videos during the                                                or, contact the Office of Faith events
characters who knew and loved           five-week mission that will take       that Christ calls us to see with. This
                                                                               is the vision the mission hopes to       at ext. 203 with any questions.

                Previous sessions are available at NorwichDiocese.org/Lent

                                                                                                                                                             MARCH 2021 | FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | NorwichDiocese.org
        Independently Owned and Operated Since 1881

                    Steve Bennardo
                    Owner/Funeral Director

  433 Main Street, Danielson, CT    25 Main Street, Central Village, CT
         860-774-3284                        860-564-2147
                                                                                                                                                                              9
CATHOLIC . as I have done for you, you should also do." - Diocese of Norwich
Lenten Gifts
                                                                                               Praying, Fasting, and Giving Alms
                                                          By Susan Wallace

                                                         L
                                                                ent is the time for the baptized                                                                                                Thirty-eight-year-old Guirlène
                                                                to renew their baptismal                                                                                                        Celestin lives with her mother and
                                                                commitment as others prepare                                                                                                    her 10 children. Until recently she
                                                         to be baptized. During the 40 days                                                                                                     was a street vendor selling bread
                                                         of Lent, we have the opportunity to                                                                                                    with eggs each evening, but the
                                                         seek the Lord in prayer; to practice                                                                                                   ongoing political crisis prevents her
                                                         self-control by fasting, and to serve                                                                                                  from doing so now.
                                                         by giving alms to those in need.                                                                                                       Vital Verdé is 35 years old. He built
                                                         As brothers and sisters in Christ,                                                                                                     houses, but recently fell while on the
                                                         we walk together in this world.                                                                                                        job and now is unable to work. He,
                                                         The Diocese of Norwich Outreach                                                                                                        his wife and four children, on a good
                                                         to Haiti Ministry has purposefully                                                                                                     day live on the barest of essentials
                                                         walked with our Haitian brothers and                                                                                                   and on a bad day have nothing to eat.
                                                         sisters in Haiti. We serve the 60,000                                                                                                  Living with her three fatherless
                                                         men, women and children who live in                                                                                                    children, Sonia Laguerre fights hard
                                                         Christ Roi (Christ the King), one of                                                                                                   each day to take care of her family
                                                         the poorest neighborhoods in Haiti’s                                                                                                   and educate her children. She has
                                                         capital city, and the families who live                                                                                                no assistance and lives day by day,
                                                         in the neighborhoods and villages of                   Julien André                                      Vital Verdé                   counting on providence to eat.
                                                         the parishes in Haiti who twin with
                                                         parishes in our diocese and dioceses                                                                                                   As Jude Cangé, our operations
                                                         in Connecticut and other states.                                                                                                       director in Haiti, said, “By providing
                                                                                                   Haiti has very few safety nets                      Outreach staff in Haiti has been         food kits, we contribute to reducing
                                                         Our ministry is built on serving some                                                                                                  misery, suffering, and pain in our
                                                         of God’s poorest children, and Jesus      for those who need help. Due to                     supporting those most in need by
MARCH 2021 | FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | NorwichDiocese.org

                                                                                                   prolonged political unrest and the                  distributing food kits that include      intervention areas and we are
                                                         reminds us in St. Matthew (25:40),                                                                                                     convinced that, more than food, we
                                                         “Amen, I say to you, whatever you         pandemic, food has been in short                    rice, beans, corn, oil, salmon and 250
                                                                                                   supply and many more people face                    Haitian gourdes to buy fuel to cook.     share love and hope with families in
                                                         did for one of these least brothers of                                                                                                 distress.”
                                                         mine, you did for me.”                    fragile economic situations. Our                    Please meet some of the families
                                                                                                                                                       who have been helped:                    During Lent, I hope all of us take
                                                                                                                                                                                                time to pray, fast and give alms to the
                                                                                                                                                       Julien André is 73 years old and lives   poor.
                                                                                                                                                       with his wife and two children. He
                                                                                                                                                       has been blind for more than17 years     For more information on our
                                                                                                                                                       and cannot work to take care of his      ministry, please visit our website:
                                                                                                                                                       family.                                  Outreachtohaiti.org or call us at 860-
                                                                                                     We have been getting our customers the right                                               800-3601.
                                                                                                     coverage at the right price for over a century.
                                                                                                        Become a customer and find out why.

                                                                                                                                                                 TELEVISION MASS

                                                                                                                                                                         April 7th 10am
                                                                                                                                                                               Father Michael Bovino
                                                                            INSTANT QUOTES AVAILABLE AT
                                                                                                                                                                Channel 11, WCCT • Channel 20, WTXX • Channel 59, WCTX
          10                                                             GERARDIONLINE.COM
A Message of Hope and Appreciation
                                       2021 ACA Video with Bishop Cote
 By Mary Ellen Mahoney

T
       hroughout this pandemic,
       I have had the pleasure of
       being able to meet with my
boss, Bishop Cote, on a regular
basis. I cannot begin to tell you
how much I’ve treasured these
meetings. We of course talked
about my job responsibilities in
the Development Office, how
our Annual Catholic Appeal,
Catholic Foundation and planned
giving efforts were doing amidst
so much uncertainty and such an
increase in the needs of those in
our communities. Although he
always gave me productive advice
and support, it was Bishop Cote’s
fortitude, his faith that we would
get through this together, hand in
hand with our God, that I treasured
the most. Because like all of you,
I look to our Bishop for strength      Cote speaking directly to you,        recognizing the support that          you enjoy the video as much as I

                                                                                                                                                         MARCH 2021 | FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | NorwichDiocese.org
and encouragement, just as I do to     from both his office and the          we received from one another,         do and walk away, like me, from
Jesus Christ, my rock and Savior.      Cathedral of Saint Patrick. As I      from our medical personnel, first     my time with Bishop Cote, with a
I wish that each of you could have     watched the taping of the video,      responders, essential workers and     grateful and hopeful heart. If you
joined me during these meetings,       Bishop Cote’s sincere desire to       of course, from each of us, who       are unable to participate in Mass
because I know that your spirits       communicate to his flock was          have lifted each other up in prayer   on March 6-7, you will be able to
would have been lifted just as         evident. You will hear the Bishop     and carried out our own personal      watch the video on our website
mine always were. So, when             note that while he is unable to       acts of kindness. In closing,         at NorwichDioceseDevelopment.
thinking of our yearly Annual          know exactly how each of us has       Bishop Cote highlights the many       org . The ACA collection will be
Catholic Appeal video, I knew          been affected by the pandemic, he     ministries that have helped to        taken at Mass during March 13-
without a doubt that this year, we     knows that “when confronted with      sustain our friends and neighbors     14. You will also be able to donate
all would want to see and hear         difficulty, no matter its source or   by providing physical or spiritual    online or by contacting Heather
from our shepherd, Bishop Cote.        size, we take comfort and find        support: our soup kitchens,           Harris, Campaign Manager at
You are all in for a treat when you    our strength in Jesus Christ, our     Catholic Charities, Office of Faith   (860) 886-1928 ext. 111. Thank
watch the ACA video which will         Lord and Savior. When we come         Events and Ministry to the Sick,      you and God Bless!
be shown in your church on the         together in prayer or pray alone at   just to name a few, acted as the
weekend of March 6-7, when we          home, no matter where, it is our      hands and feet of Jesus Christ,
launch our 2021 Annual Catholic        personal relationship with God        providing His love.
Appeal. While it is not possible       that reinforces that He is always     Bishop Cote’s message is one
for Bishop Cote to meet with each      with us, that His love knows no       of hope and great appreciation
of us in person, when you watch        bounds and that He alone can take     for what each of you have done
this video and listen to his very      all of our burdens and lighten our    to support our Annual Catholic
heartfelt message, I guarantee you     load.”                                Appeal. He is truly grateful for
will feel he is with you spiritually   After discussing the great            each of you and the sacrifices
and that he has been throughout        strength that we each take from       that you have made this past year
this past difficult year.              our relationship with God, the        to continue your support of the
In the video, you will see Bishop      video captures Bishop Cote            Annual Catholic Appeal. I hope

                                                                                                                                                                  11
Champion of Families to Retire
                                                         By Catholic Charities News Desk

                                                         T
                                                                   he Catholic Charities      Another major milestone for
                                                                   Diocese of Norwich         Cindy’s career was being a part of
                                                                   family whole-heartedly     the core group that implemented
                                                                   congratulates     Cindy    the agency’s electronic health
                                                         Mageski on her retirement from       record system. Cindy played a
                                                         the agency.                          key role in managing the system
                                                         From day one, 21 years               and has since “passed the keys to
                                                         ago, Cindy has helped move           the castle” to a coworker.
                                                         mountains. She began her career      In 2015, Cindy received a
                                                         as an administrative assistant in    promotion to administrative
                                                         the New London office where she      manager. Because of the feats
                                                         practically performed every job in   she had accomplished over the
                                                         the office.                          years, she also was recognized
                                                         The first decade of her career was   as one of the Connecticut
                                                         spent helping support the agency’s   Council of Family Services 2018
                                                         Emergency Basic Needs program        Family Champions. Her loving
                                                         in New London. In 2010 Cindy         husband Bill has played in the
                                                         moved to the agency’s Norwich        annual Catholic Charities golf
                                                         office, where she was responsible    tournament over the years.
                                                         for supervising the administrative   Thank you Cindy for all that
                                                         support staff of the previous        you have done. Although this is
                                                         clinical locations: Norwich, New     farewell, it is not goodbye.
MARCH 2021 | FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | NorwichDiocese.org

                                                         London and Middletown.

                                                                                        May the Road Rise Up
                                                                                           to Meet You

                                                                   May the road rise up to meet you.
                                                                   May the wind be always at your back.
                                                                   May the sun shine warm upon your face;
                                                                   the rains fall soft upon your fields and until we meet again,
                                                                   may God hold you in the palm of His hand.
        12
13
     MARCH 2021 | FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | NorwichDiocese.org
A Donation of Time is
                                                                                  Truly a Selfless Gift
                                                     By Gina Foster

                                                 I
                                                           t doesn’t seem possible       some great conversations with       Norwich, along with Catholic
                                                           that we are approaching       some of their clients while my      Charities, continue to reach
                                                           one year since the            daughter and I met with the         out for support. SVDPP needs
                                                           pandemic started. I know      volunteers who so graciously        volunteer drivers, kitchen, front
                                                     firsthand what a difficult year     donated their time.                 desk and food pantry assistance.
                                                     this has been for so many of us.    Since retiring, Sue has become      If you can help, please visit
                                                     Despite the many challenges         a volunteer at SVDPP. She and       svdpp.org/volunteer for details.
                                                     that we all have faced, the         others have helped ensure daily     Catholic      Charities    needs
                                                     ministries supported by the         meals are provided for clients,     volunteers in all locations
                                                     Annual       Catholic Appeal,       the food pantry stays well-         that can help with loading
                                                     “One Faith, One Family” have        stocked and daily deliveries are    and unloading food deliveries
                                                     provided sustenance, spiritual      fulfilled. When Sue retired, she    and organizing and stocking
                                                     support and connection to those     knew that if she was going to       the food pantry. Please reach
                                                     in need. In addition to thanking    volunteer anywhere it would be      out to Susan Connelly, chief
                                                     our many kind donors for their      for Director Jillian Corbin at      operations officer of Catholic
                                                     generous monetary support,          SVDPP.                              Charities, at 860-889-8346
                                                     our ministries are appreciative                                         X264 for volunteer information.
                                                     of the volunteers who give the      “Every person, from volunteers
                                                     gift of their time. Volunteering    to clients, are treated with        A donation of time is truly a
                                                     is an act of a person or group      respect and appreciated,” Sue       selfless gift. Our ministries
                                                     generously giving time and          said. “I find great satisfaction    are indeed blessed to receive
                                                     labor to an organization or a       volunteering       at    SVDPP      your help. Our ACA monetary
                                                     community.                          because I truly feel like we        donations along with our
                                                                                         make a difference there. The        gifts of time continue to be
MARCH 2021 | FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | NorwichDiocese.org

                                                     In September 2019, our              clients are all very appreciative   extremely important to help all
                                                     diocesan              employees     of the services that are offered    our ministries carry out their
                                                     participated in a day of service.   and the ‘thank yous’ we receive     spiritually-affirming and life-
                                                     Sue Underhill, recently-retired     for just preparing a hot cup of     changing missions. To make a
                                                     ACA campaign manager and            coffee or giving out a hygiene      monetary contribution to our
                                                     I had the opportunity to visit      or food bag are reward enough       2021 ACA “One Faith, One
                                                                                                                                                                                               Amen
                                                     Saint Vincent de Paul Place in      for the time spent volunteering.    Family,” please go online to
                                                     Norwich. We met and spoke           I wish more people would            NorwichDioceseDevelopment.
                                                     with the volunteers, clients and    come down and see the work          org or contact Heather Harris,
                                                     employees. We learned about         being done by the staff and the     Campaign Manager, at 860-
                                                     the day-to-day operations,
                                                     meal preparation and services
                                                                                         volunteers. Maybe they would        886-1928 ext. 111. Thank you                  .
                                                                                         be motivated to volunteer and       so much for your generosity.
                                                     provided. After our visit, my       get the incredible feeling of       Stay safe and be well.
                                                     family and I returned to Saint      gratitude that I get every day.”
                                                     Vincent De Paul with many
                                                     donations. My husband enjoyed       Saint Vincent de Paul Place in

                                                                                          SAINT PIUS X VIRTUAL AUCTION
                                                                                               March 6 – March 14, 2021
                                                           Attention fellow followers in Christ. St. Pius X Church in Middletown is holding their 21st Annual Extraordinary Year, Extraordinary
                                                           Giving Auction virtually! This means ALL in our community are invited to participate in our online auction for the first time! From
                                                           March 6th through March 14th you will be able to go to saintpius.org and click on our link to our virtual auction. (Our Auction site will
                                                           be live on March 1st for previewing items and the bidding will begin on March 6) From here you can bid on a wide variety of items from
                                                           gift baskets, to excursions and virtual/zoom classes, as well as home improvement items.
                                                           We appreciate your support and generosity! God Bless you all.
        00
        14
MARCH 2021 | FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | NorwichDiocese.org
         FUNERAL HOMES                              During the Season of Lent, the Holy Spirit drives us too, like Jesus, into the desert
      12 Ocean
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          Avenue        48 Grand48   Grand Street
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                                                    be silent and listen to the word of God, so that a true conversion might be effected in us.
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         FUNERAL HOMES
12 Ocean Avenue                48 Grand Street
New London, CT                   Niantic, CT
    443-1871                      739-6112
          www.neilanfuneralhome.com

                                                                                                                                                            15
16
     MARCH 2021 | FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | NorwichDiocese.org
The Stations of the Cross
   began as the practice
    of pious pilgrims to
   Jerusalem who would
retrace the final journey of
  Jesus Christ to Calvary.
  Later, for the many who
   wanted to pass along
    the same route, but
  could not make the trip
  to Jerusalem, a practice
 developed that eventually
    took the form of the
fourteen stations currently
   found in almost every
           church.
    Prayerful meditation
  through the Stations of
   the Cross is especially
common during Lent and
on Fridays throughout the
 year, in commemoration
of Christ's Crucifixion on

                               MARCH 2021 | FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | NorwichDiocese.org
        Good Friday.
  Check with your parish
 for times and location of
     stations near you.
   For those wishing to
remain socially distanced
   we have provided the
pictures to your left to aid
    in your meditation.
  A video version of the
 Stations of the Cross, led
by Fr. Peter Langevin from
  the Cathedral of Saint
    Patrick in Norwich
      can be found at
NorwichDiocese.org/Lent
   where you will find
additonal versions of the
  Stations of the Cross.

                                       17
Virtual Conference to Focus
                                                                          on Saint Joseph
                                                         By Catholic News Agency

                                                         A
                                                                  s part of the Year of                                                                           The speakers at the virtual
                                                                  Saint Joseph called for                                                                         conference will discuss the life
                                                                  by Pope Francis, the                                                                            of St. Joseph and the spiritual
                                                         National Shrine of St. Joseph                                                                            benefit of the saint’s intercession
                                                         will host a virtual conference                                                                           and Christian example. Teresa
                                                         and rededicate the saint’s statue.                                                                       Tomeo, a host for Catholic
                                                         The event takes place on March                                                                           television and radio, will be the
                                                         19, the Solemnity of St. Joseph,                                                                         master of ceremonies.
                                                         and includes a day of prayer and                                                                         Father      Michael       Brennan,
                                                         talks from Catholic leaders.                                                                             Norbertine priest and director
                                                         A highlight of the conference will                                                                       of the Archconfraternity of St.
                                                         be the rededication of a restored                                                                        Joseph, will discuss the rich
                                                         statue of St. Joseph - a life-size                                                                       history of the National Shrine of
                                                         depiction of Joseph holding the                                                                          St. Joseph and the Norbertines’
                                                         infant Christ. According to the                                                                          spiritual practices. Established in
                                                         website, the crowns of the two                                                                           1892, the shrine is located on the
                                                         characters had deteriorated and                                                                          campus of St. Norbert College in
                                                         Joseph’s cloak had faded prior                                                                           De Pere, Wisconsin. The order
                                                         to the restoration.                                                                                      has conducted a novena to St.
MARCH 2021 | FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | NorwichDiocese.org

                                                                                                                                                                  Joseph for over 100 years.
                                                         “Be part of a historic day on
                                                         March 19th when the National                                                                             Dr. Mark Miravalle, a mariologist
                                                         Shrine of St Joseph holds an                                                                             and the author of “Meet your
                                                         all-day event filled with prayer,                                                                         Spiritual Father,” will describe
                                                         insightful and inspirational                                                                              some benefits attached to St.
                                                         talks,” the website reads.                                                                                Joseph’s intercession, especially
                                                                                                                                                                   for struggling families. He will
                                                         “This day will feature the historic                                                                       encourage participants to pray
                                                         rededication of the shrine’s                                                                              to St. Joseph, especially for
                                                         statue of St. Joseph and offer                                                                            their future spouse and to heal
                                                         a powerful entrustment of the                                                                             divisions in the family.
                                                         Nation to Saint Joseph during
                                                         this year dedicated to him. This                                                                          Father Chad Ripperger, an
                                                         will be a powerful grace-filled                                                                           exorcist in the Archdiocese of
                                                         day.”                                                                                                     Denver, will emphasize the
                                                                                                                                                                   role of St. Joseph as a spiritual
                                                         During the event, Father                                                                                  protector and father.
                                                         Don Calloway, Marian of the                  Father Don Calloway        Father Chad Ripperger
                                                         Immaculate Conception, will                                                                               Father Matthew Spencer, the
                                                         lead an entrustment of the United                                                                         former host for Relevant Radio’s
                                                         States to St. Joseph and preside      A rosary will be led by Father   Prior to the event, people may     St. Joseph’s Workshop with Fr.
                                                         over the statue’s crowning. The       Francis Hoffman, host of the     submit prayer requests to be      Matthew Spencer, will share a
                                                         statue still needs to be installed    Family Rosary Across America     placed below the shrine’s         variety of devotions to the saint.
                                                         and the shrine is accepting           and CEO at Relevant Radio; and   main altar, After a month, the
                                                         donations to help complete            a Divine Mercy Chaplet will be   intentions will be relocated to
                                                         the project.                          led by Drew Mariani, host of     the St. Joseph prayer chest.
                                                                                               “The Drew Mariani Show.”

        18
                                                         For more information and to register visit TheYearofSaintJoseph.org/the-online-conference
14 Club Road
                                            Windham, CT 06280
                                            860.456.1107
                                            www.sjlivingcenter.org

       Dedicating our love, compassion and
  By Susan Wallace, Executive Director Outreach to Haiti

            service to our community.

  Specializing in:

  *Short-term Rehabilitation
  *Long-term Care
  *End-of-Life Care
                                               Sponsored
                                                  Sponsoredby
                                                            bythe
                                                               the
  *Daily Mass                                     Dioces
                                              Diocese ofofNorwich
                                                           Norwich

                                                                                                                                 MARCH 2021 | FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | NorwichDiocese.org
A college prep                                                A safe
program that                                               environment
  opens the                                                 with strong
   doors to                                                  Christian
opportunities.                                                values.

      Safety
 precautions in
 place to ensure
 the health and
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  students and                                                            ◆ Renowned college preparatory boarding school for
       staff.
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Visit the Virtual Admissions Center                                          ◆ Located in scenic southeastern Connecticut
       admissions@ahfbaltic.org | 54 West Main St. Baltic, CT
                  ahfbaltic.org 860-822-6279                                                                                           19
By Meredith Vernott

                                                         St. Joseph
                                                         Solemnity—March 19
                                                         The spouse of Mary, the mother of Jesus, and the legal father of Jesus according
                                                         to Jewish law, Joseph is a model of humility and obedience to God’s will. He
                                                         followed God’s instructions, given by angels in dreams, and took the pregnant
                                                         Mary into his home as his wife, protected her and Jesus at the child’s birth in
                                                         Bethlehem through the family’s sojourn in Egypt, and provided for them as a
                                                         carpenter in Nazareth. This feast, which was celebrated as early as the ninth
                                                         century, became a universal feast in the 15th century, when it was placed on
                                                         the liturgical calendar. Pope Pius IX named St. Joseph Patron of the Universal
                                                         Church in 1870; he is also the patron saint of carpenters, the dying and workers.
                                                         “Being a guardian is the distinctive trait of Joseph: Being the guardian is his
                                                         great mission . . . We look to Joseph as the model educator, who watches over
                                                         and accompanies Jesus as he grows ‘in wisdom, age and grace,’ as the Gospel
                                                         says. He was not Jesus’ father: the father of Jesus was God, but he was a father
                                                         to Jesus, he was a father to Jesus to help him grow. And how did he help him
                                                         grow? In wisdom, age and grace.” —Pope Francis
                                                         Today, St. Joseph’s Day is celebrated all over the world on March 19th with
MARCH 2021 | FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | NorwichDiocese.org

                                                         a feast. In Sicily, St. Joseph’s Day is a giant feast full of delicious food, but
                                                         because it occurs during Lent, it does not include meat.

                                                                                                                              Foods for the Feast of St. Joseph
                                                                                                                              People all around the world will celebrate the Feast of St. Joseph, or La
                                                                                                                              Festa di San Giuseppe, on March 19th. The holiday’s roots date back to
                                                                                                                              the middle ages, when Sicily underwent a major drought that threatened
                                                                                                                              a massive famine. The locals prayed to their patron saint to bring them
                                                                                                                              relief in the form of rain. In exchange, they promised to honor St. Joseph
                                                                                                                              with a proper banquet. Sure enough, he answered their prayers. In return,
                                                                                                                              they feasted on local foods such as fava beans, which thrived after the
                                                                                                                              rain, lemons and breadcrumbs, all of which have symbolic meanings —
                                                                                                                              for example, the breadcrumbs symbolize sawdust, because Joseph was a
                                                                                                                              carpenter (a trade he is believed to have passed on to Jesus) as well as
                                                                                                                              many sweets. On St. Joseph’s Day, Italian tables are filled with fig dishes,
                                                                                                                              including fig cookies. St. Joseph also happens to be the patron saint of
                                                                                                                              pastry chefs. Zeppole or Sfinge are traditionally eaten on this day.

        20
St. Patrick
Feast Day—March 17
The patron saint of Ireland, Patrick was born in Roman Britain. He describes
his life and ministry, including his work to convert the Irish people, in his
short autobiography and testimony, Confessions. Kidnapped at age 16 by
Irish raiders and sold into slavery in Ireland, his time spent in captivity
transformed him spiritually. He was a lonely shepherd for six years before
escaping and returning home.
After returning home, his dream of converting the Irish from pagan belief
propelled him to priestly studies in Gaul (now France). In about 432,
Pope Celestine I consecrated him as a bishop and sent him to Ireland. For
almost 30 years, he preached tirelessly, made countless converts, founded
monasteries and established the primatial see at Armagh in modern-day
Northern Ireland. Toward the end of his life, he made a 40-day retreat on
Croagh Patrick mountain in present-day County Mayo. That gave rise to the
pilgrimages that are made on the mountain to this day. Legend has it that
Patrick taught the Irish the faith using the three-leaf clover to illustrate the
Trinity and that he drove the snakes out of Ireland. Ireland came to celebrate
his day with religious services and feasts. His feast day is celebrated on
March 17 and he is the patron saint of Ireland and engineers.

                                                                                                                                                    MARCH 2021 | FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | NorwichDiocese.org
Typical Traditions and Customs                                             A day of parades and festivals
                                                                           The first St. Patrick’s Day parade occurred in New York City in 1766.
There are several traditions to consider that are associated with St       Today, parades for St. Patrick’s Day are held all over the world,
Patrick’s Day. Some are associated with religious traditions, others       inviting millions of people to celebrate being Irish, even if only for
relate to people celebrating being Irish for the day, even for those       a day.
who have no connections with Ireland.

Wearing of the green
Many people wear something green on St Patrick ’s Day. This is
known by many as the ‘wearing of the green’ to celebrate their Irish
heritage.
In Ireland, people wear a small bunch of shamrocks on the right breast
of their outer clothing. The shamrocks are blessed in ceremonies all
over Ireland by either the local priests or bishops. This is known as
the Blessing of the Shamrock.

Religious observance
In Ireland, practicing Catholics attend Church on St Patrick’s Day.
Families often dress in their best clothes, with shamrocks pinned on
their breast, and attend Church together.
After attending Mass families typically return home and sit down to
a large roast dinner. It mostly consists of meat and vegetables served
with roast and mashed potatoes.
                                                                                                                                                            21
Sacred Heart School, Groton
                                                         Gail Kingston, Principal
                                                         50 Sacred Heart Drive, Groton
                                                         860-445-0611
                                                         sacredheartgroton.org/school

                                                         Sacred Heart School, Taftville
                                                         Mother Christina Van Beck, SCMC, Principal
                                                         15 Hunters Ave, Taftville
                                                         860-887-1757
                                                         sacredhearttaftville.org

                                                         St. James School, Danielson
                                                         Linda Marie Joyal, Principal
                                                         120 Water St, Danielson
                                                         860-774-3281
                                                         stjamesdanielson.org

                                                         St. John School, Old Saybrook
                                                         Mother Elaine Moorcroft, SCMC, Principal
                                                         42 Maynard Road, Old Saybrook
                                                         860-388-0849
                                                         saintjohnschoolos.org

                                                         St. John Paul II School, Middletown
                                                         Larry Fitzgerald, Principal
                                                         87 South Main Street. Middletown
                                                         860-347-2978                                 Dear Friends,
                                                         JPII.org
                                                                                                      As we are now in the season of Lent, we are provided by the Church a time to remind us of our faith.
                                                         St. Joseph School, Baltic
                                                         Sr. Mary Patrick Mulready, SCMC, Principal   A time to deepen our faith and to prepare for Easter, which is the great celebration of the resurrection
                                                         10 School Hill Road, Baltic                  of Our Lord Jesus. During Lent, we enter a season of preparation, self-reflection, and repentance
                                                         860-822-6141
                                                         Stjosephschoolbaltic.com                     when we seek to realign our lives and focus on the teachings of Our Lord. We often think of it as
                                                                                                      a time to give up things, but it is also a time to give to others and love as more faithful disciples of
                                                         St. Joseph School, New London
                                                         Marianne Cote, Principle
                                                                                                      Jesus Christ.
                                                         25 Squire Street, New London
                                                         860-442-1720                                 Our schools have a wonderful opportunity to bring our students closer to God and Our Lord. We
                                                         SJSNL.com                                    emphasize that Lent is a special season of prayer where we look at our own lives and make sure we
MARCH 2021 | FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | NorwichDiocese.org

                                                         St. Michael School, Pawcatuck                are doing what God wants us to do and becoming the people God wants us to be. As I have said
                                                         Doris Messina, Principal                     before, Catholic education is so important today as we face an increasingly more commercialized
                                                         West Broad St., Pawcatuck
                                                         860-599-1084
                                                                                                      and secularized world. It is uplifting to read the thoughts of some of our middle school students,
                                                         stmichaelschoolct.com                        which I will share with you:
                                                         St. Patrick Cathedral School, Norwich        “To me, the Season of Lent is a time of preparation and repentance. It prepares us for one of the most
                                                         Sharon Stewart, Principal
                                                         211 Broadway, Norwich                        important and influential times in our Church. More importantly, we are called to remember all the
                                                         860-889-4174                                 things Jesus did for us before and after His departure to the desert.” Jaycek
                                                         st-patrickschoolnorwich.org
                                                                                                      “Lent is an important part of our life because it gives us a way to give something up to God as He
                                                         Academy of the Holy Family, Baltic
                                                         Mother Mary David, SCMC, Principal           gave up His only Son. This is a way to thank Him.” Michael
                                                         54 West Main St, Baltic
                                                         860-822-9272                                 “Lent is a time to be close to Jesus. He gave up His life for us and this is our time to reflect on it.”
                                                         ahfbaltic.org
                                                                                                      Annabella
                                                         Mercy High School, Middletown
                                                         Alissa DeJonge, President                    “Lent is important because it makes us reflect on what we have done and helps us to be better.” Ian
                                                         1740 Randolph Road, Middletown
                                                         860-346-6659
                                                         mercyhigh.com
                                                                                                      “Lent means to me the preparation of the Passion, Death and Resurrection of Jesus. I prepare by
                                                                                                      going to Ash Wednesday and Stations of the Cross every Friday with my class. Easter to me means
                                                         St. Bernard School, Uncasville               the Resurrection of Jesus saving us from sin.” Dory
                                                         Donald Macrino, Headmaster
                                                         1593 Norwich-New London Tpke, Uncasville
                                                         860-848-1271                                 I believe these quotes are typical responses in all our Catholic schools in the diocese. It is a wonderful
                                                         saint-bernard.com                            tribute to our administrators and teachers as they prepare our children in the knowledge and living
                                                                                                      out of our Catholic faith.
                                                         Xavier High School, Middletown
                                                         David C. Eustis, Headmaster
                                                         Brendan Donohue, Principal                   God Bless,
                                                         181 Randolph Road, Middletown
                                                         860-346-7735
                                                         xavierhighschool.org
                                                                                                      George A. Milot
                                                                                                      Superintendent of Schools

        22
PLEASE HELP
“We love our neighbor as being made in the
 image of God and as an object of His love.”
                       - Saint Vincent de Paul
Donations are welcomed and especially needed during the current
 health crisis. Visit the websites below to see how you can help.

                 St. Vincent de Paul Middletown
               860-344-0097 • svdmiddletown.org
               St.Vincent de Paul Place Norwich
                    860-889-7374 • svdpp.org
                                                                    An
                                                                    Education
                                                                    You Can
                                                                    Believe In.
                                                                    Inspiring Achievement. Celebrating Community.
                                                                    Embracing Service. Living Faith.
                              136 Sachem Street                     Supported financially and spiritually by 10 parishes in the Middletown Deanery.
                                                                    Currently the only regional Pre-K to 8th grade school in the Norwich Diocese.
                              Norwich CT 06360
                                 860-889-2374                       St. John Paul II Regional Catholic School
                                                                    87 South Main Street / Middletown, CT 06457
                               Fax 860-886-2396                     Telephone: 860-347-2978 / www.jpii.org

                                                                                                                                                      MARCH 2021 | FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | NorwichDiocese.org
                                                                                                   St. Joseph School
             Trust in the mercy of God’s love.                                                               New London, CT
If you are carrying the grief and sorrow of past abortions,                                        “A Place Where We Discover
                                                                                                    Each Other in God’s Love”
                 call Project Rachel                                                                   Celebrating 81 Years
             a post-abortion healing ministry.                                                            of Excellence In
                                                                                                   Catholic Education Grades K-8
                 All calls are confidential.
                   860-861-4439

                                      TO PLACE A
                              NOVENA PRAYER REQUEST                   Registration is ongoing, please call for information
                             OR FOR PRICING INFORMATION
                                PLEASE CALL OR EMAIL
                                                                    St. Joseph School
                                 MEREDITH VERNOTT                   25 Squire St
                                     860-887-3933                   New London, CT 06320
                            COMMEREDITH@NORWICHDIOCESE.NET          Phone: 860-442-1720
                                                                                                                                                           23
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