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15 February 2015
Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time
CHURCH OF THE
ON SAUGATUCK
THE MOTHER CHURCH OF WESTPORT
• Celebrating 139 Years 1876-2015 •
Phone: (203) 227-5161
98 Riverside Avenue • Westport, Connecticut 06880
CLERGY
(203) 227-5161
Fr. Thomas P. Thorne, Pastor
Fr. Lawrence A. Larson, Parochial Vicar
Dn. David P. Clark, Deacon
Fr. Matthew Krankall, Resident Priest (Grad Student)
EMERGENCY 1-203-249-4383
PARISH STAFF
Michelle P. Hankey, Pastoral Administrator
([email protected])
John P. Kondub, Finance Administrator
([email protected])
Christopher Mulliken, Volunteer Property Manager
Lee McGuire, Secretary (Monday & Tuesday)
Marilyn Price - Volunteer Receptionist (Wednesday - am)
Nancy Wright - Secretary (Wednesday pm, Thursday & Friday)
Dennis Stypinski, Custodian
Gerard Barreau, Part-time Custodian
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
Office: (203) 226-5448
Cell:
(203) 939-8910
Catherine J. Romano, Director
Nhur Klasky, Rel. Ed. Assistant (Sunday, Monday, Tuesday)
Ann Perce, Rel. Ed. Assistant (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday)
Joseph Malaterra, Rel. Ed. Board Chair
YOUTH MINISTRY
(203) 222-8486
Michele Modugno, Youth Minister (Grade 6 - 12)
Michael O’Loughlin, High School Youth Ministry Board Chair
BAPTISM PREPARATION CLASS
Fr. Lawrence A. Larson
First Sunday of the month at 1:30pm
R C I A (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults)
Marilyn Moran, Parish Director
Dolores Bacharach, RCIA Catechist
(203) 286-6939
PARISH OFFICE HOURS
Monday - Friday: 8:30am - 4:30pm (closed 12:00pm - 1:00pm)
Fax: (203) 227-1206
LAY MEMBERS OF THE CORPORATION
Theresa M. Perry, Trustee
Thomas P. Leyden, Trustee
Edward J. Capasse, Esq., Trustee Emeritus
FINANCE COUNCIL
Nancy Axthelm, Chair (203) 227-6569
Maria Onorato, Esq., Vice-Chair
Joseph Cardello
Michael O’Loughlin
PARISH COUNCIL
Maureen Belford, Chair
Joseph Malaterra, Vice-Chair
Ronnie Estony, Secretary
Helen C. Thiemann, Chair Emeritus
SACRED MUSIC MINISTRY
Frank Matto, Director & Organist
(203) 335-0894
([email protected])
Donna Gambino, Flutist
Aidan Andrews, Cantor
Jim Andrews, Bassist (Sunday 9:00am & 5:00pm)
MASS SCHEDULE
Mon. – Sat.
7:30 am
Saturday
5:00 pm Vigil
Sunday
7:30 am, 9:00 am (Family Mass),
10:30 am (Choir Mass), 12:00 noon, 5:00 pm
SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION
Saturday 4:00pm – 4:30pm
WEDDING COORDINATOR
Michelle P. Hankey
(203) 227-5161
FUNERAL COORDINATOR
Catherine J. Romano
(203) 226-5448
EUCHARISTIC ADORATION
Monday
8:00am - 5:00pm
Wednesday 8:00am - Thursday 7:25am
Third Thurs. 7:00pm - 8:00pm
New Members: We welcome all new parishioners and those who wish to return to the Church or to learn more of what
we Catholic Christians believe. Visit our web site www.assumption-westport.org
Page 2
In Loving Memory/Honor
The flowers at Mary’s Statue are
in loving memory of
Aline Hayes
The candles at Mary’s Statue burn
in loving memory of
Carmen Joseph Tornatore
The Sanctuary candle burns in
loving memory of
Dominic & Elvira Lener
The candles at the Tabernacle
burn in loving memory of
Ronald Clayton
The candles at the Altar burn
in loving memory of
Horace Lanute
Pray for our men and women
currently serving our country
Sgt. Randy Ackerman, US Army
L.Cpl. Durry Becker, USMC
Matthew Bradstock, US Army
Tony Cuseo, USMC
Ryan J. David, USN
2nd Lt. Alex Deep, US Army
Sgt. Christopher Dietl, US Army
Pvt. Auriane de Sousa, US Army
Brodie Galloway, US Army
Col. Gerald E. Galloway, US Army
Sgt. Kimberly Gendreau, US Army
Sgt. Trevor Gilbertie, US Army
Sgt. Matthew Harwedel, USMC
Sgt. Joseph Kelly, USMC
2nd Lt. Karl Kuechenmeister
Cpl. Michael Linnen, USMC
Sgt. Andre Mercado-Divoff
P.F.C., Brad Myers, US Army
Spec., Jonathan Morris, US Army
LT Jonathan R. Nelson, USN
LTJG Ryan T. Nelson, USN
Sgt. Colin Santacroce, US Army
Maj. Devin A. Smiley, USMC
Sgt. Zachary B. Taylor, USAF
Patrick Tazella, US Army
Capt. James Tesauro, US Army
Cpl. Calvin Robert Wauchope, USMC
L.Cpl. Patrick Zingaro, USMC
Please pray for all those who have been
wounded or have sacrificed their lives for
the cause of peace.
Please pray for our sick
Catherine Alter
Mary Ann Andronaco
Noelle Anastasia
Joan Bailey
Bob Barker
Ryan Brewster
Kathy Bridges
Mary Bulakites
Victoria Callas
Sr. Lucy Caporaso
Joseph Cardello, Sr.
Bill Chadwell
Aida Ciferri
Tonino Covatta
Andrea Charboneau
Connie & Howard Danner
Nicholas DeMatteo
Matt Dudzik
Colette Dunham
Gail Eichinger
David Ellison
Dr. Harry Engel
Angela Farricielli
Marge Gabriele
Katarina Hale
Julie Halka
Jane Hawley
Logan Howard
Frank Illuzzi
Angela Izzo
Marie James
Bernadette Juoan
Nancy Kelly
Bernadette Kenney
Laura Kesling
Mary Louise Krone
Frank Kropf
Mary-Ellen Kuhn
Michelle Lombardi
Jack Allen Loshuk
Cara MacDonald
Frank Machi
Helen Maggio
Nancy Marino
Gabriella McCrae
Kristina Miller
Rhoda Miller
Marianne Monopoli
Clarissa Moore
Jana Moorman
Danielle Murrugarra
Denise Murtha
Reverend Frank Nuss
Rennie Nourie
Donna Olsen
Frank Palmieri
Tom Pellicano
Kim Preston
Bella Price
Brian Richards
James Rosati
Deanne Ryan
Sandra Ryan
Teresa Sacouto
Adrian Sandiford
Bill & Charlene Surette
Carmela Tornatore
Cheri Travis
Nicholas Valas
Ron & Pat Viesti
James Dominick Zwolinski
Mass Intentions for the Week
Saturday, February 14
Vigil 5:00PM
Michael Parillo
Sunday, February 15
7:30AM
Providenza Sereno
9:00AM
Henry Falasco
10:30AM
Louis Monteiro
12:00PM
Albert J. Copersino
5:00PM
Gideon Charles Roy, Jr.
Monday, February 16
7:30AM
Sr. Elizabeth Brinkmann, RSCJ
Tuesday, February 17
7:30AM
John Carroll
Wednesday, February 18 Ash Wednesday
7:30AM
Gelsomina (Jay) Renzulli
9:00AM
Cecilia Gregorio Peña
12:00PM
Martin & Kathleen Lyle
5:00PM
Ivan Mahey
Thursday, February 19
7:30AM
Arlene Wanat Sabia
12:00PM
Robert Greco
Friday, February 20
7:30AM
Mary Pat Scarpa
12:00PM
Sister Mary Regina (PBYM)
(Living)
Saturday, February 21
7:30AM
Joseph Diheo
Vigil 5:00PM
Dorothy Hall
Sunday, February 22
7:30AM
Theresa Falasco
9:00AM
Anthony Wilcox
10:30AM
Eva Popowich
12:00PM
Claire Ann Kinney
5:00PM
Patricia Hiro
Pray For Our Recently Deceased
Horace Lanute
David Sullivan, Jr.
Melvin Shaw
Ann Rimby
George Moreo
Joseph Manzi
Ethel Ann McMahon
May they rest in peace.
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Stewardship Report
•
Sunday Offertory $ 8,275.00
God bless you for you charity. Thank you!
Fr. Tom
Our parish now offers Online Giving, a web-based electronic application that allows
you to start, stop and change your contributions at any time. We are providing this
service so that you have the option to manage your contributions online, view reports
on your contribution history and generate tax statements at each year’s end. This
service is safe and secure. Sign up for Online Giving by visiting our parish website at
www.assumption-westport.org and selecting the Online Giving link.
•
•
If you wish to support the Parish by having your bank mail a check directly, you are welcome to do so. Please
have checks payable to Assumption Church.
Please remember Assumption Church in your estate planning. If you wish to make a donation of appreciated
stock to the Parish, you may do so by crediting UBS DTC # 0221 for further credit to Church of the Assumption,
Westport, CT Acct. UN R5454-17.
New PLS Fund replaces Roncalli House Fund: The Roncalli Fund is now closed but you
are most welcome to designate our new PLS FUND as recipient of your charity. This new fund will help us cover the
cost to paint (P) the interior of the Church, to put in place 14 micro spot lights (L) on the 14 Stations of the Cross as
well as update/upgrade our Sound System (S). Thank you.
Serra Club Corner
The Diocese of Bridgeport is in the process of
establishing a diocesan Serra Club chapter. A Mass
of Organization and Installation of Officers is
scheduled for April 2015. If you are interested in
joining,
contact
David
Fl ynn
at
[email protected].
Prayer for Vocations
Lord Jesus, Son of the Eternal Father and
Mary Immaculate, grant to our young people the
generosity necessary to follow Your call and the
courage required to overcome all obstacles to their
vocation. Give parents that faith, love, and spirit of
sacrifice which will inspire them to offer their
children to God's service and to rejoice whenever
one of their children is called to the priesthood,
diaconate, or religious life. Let your example and
that of your Blessed Mother and Saint Joseph
encourage both young people and parents and let
your grace sustain them.
Amen.
Dear Parishioners,
The Winter Warm Up Collection was a
great success! Your generosity provided
170 coats, almost 250 sweaters, and 250
winter accessories to those in need in our
community. This year’s recipients were
Open Door Shelter, The Soup Lady,
Sister Theresa Tremblay, and Dorothy
Day. We were able to distribute your
contributions throughout the month,
ensuring warm clothes were available
during the many snow storms that came
our way. Thank you for your kind
support.
Social Concerns Ministry
Page 4
Ash Wednesday
February 18, 2015
2015 Lenten
Schedule
Mass Schedule
Lenten Daily Mass Schedule
7:30am, 9:00am, 12:00pm
and 5:00pm
Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the
season of Lent. It is a season of penance,
reflection, and fasting which prepares us for
Christ's Resurrection on Easter Sunday, through
which we attain redemption.
The tradition of receiving ashes has its origins in
the Old Testament, where sinners performed acts
of public penance. It was Pope Urban II who in
the 11th century recommended that all Catholics
take part in the practice of receiving ashes on Ash
Wednesday. In the 12th century it became
customary that the ashes used on Ash Wednesday
were made by burning the palms from the
previous year.
Abstinence is a Lenten practice of refraining from
the consumption of meat and is to be observed by
all Catholics age 14 years and older on Ash
Wednesday, Good Friday, and the Fridays during
Lent. Pastors and parents are encouraged to see
that those who are not bound by the obligation to
abstain are led to appreciate an authentic sense of
penance. In addition to abstinence, fasting is to
be observed by all Catholics between the ages of
18-59 years old. On days of fasting, one full
meal is allowed. Two smaller meals, sufficient to
maintain strength, may be taken according to
one’s needs, but together they should not equal
another full meal. Eating between meals is not
permitted, but liquids are allowed.
Ashes will only be
distributed during mass.
Monday - Friday: 7:30am and 12:00pm
Saturday: 7:30am
Sacrament of Reconciliation
Tuesdays: 7:00pm - 9:00pm
Saturdays: 4:00pm - 4:30pm
(There will be no Reconciliation on
Holy Saturday, April 4)
Communal Penance Service
Wednesday, March 25, 7:00pm
Stations of the Cross
Every Friday evening during Lent at 7:00pm
(Deacon David Clark)
Sunday Lenten Evening Prayer 6:00pm
February 22 - Deacon David Clark
March 1 - Sr. Marie Lucie Monast, S.S.T.V.
March 8 - Dr. Joan Kelly
March 15 - Fr. Juan Gabriel Acosta
March 22 - Damian O’Connor
Palm Saturday, March 28
Breakfast with the Easter Bunny and
Egg Hunt to follow.
Palm Sunday, March 29
Palm Sunday Lenten Food Collection
6:00pm - Lenten Play with Frank Runyon, Actor
“Light in the Darkness”
Lenten Alms for the Poor may be placed in the
basket in the center aisle of the Church throughout
Lent at all Masses. These offerings will go directly
to the poor. Thank you.
Page 5
Sunday Lenten
Evening Prayer
6:OOpm
Please join us!
Evening Prayer, Scripture
Readings, Hymns, Reflection
and Benediction
February 22 thru
March 22
Speakers
All are invited and
welcomed!
February 22
Deacon David Clark
Seminarian Diocese of Bridgeport
March 1st
Sr. Marie Lucie Monast, S.S.T.V.
Special Care Coordinator Notre Dame
Convalescent Home
March 8
Dr. Joan Kelly
Faculty of Sacred Heart University and
Director of Evangelization Studies Program,
Danbury, CT
March 15
Fr. Juan Gabriel Acosta
Parochial Vicar, St. Joseph Parish, Norwalk
March 22
Damian O’Connor
Diocesan Director of Religious Education
Evening Prayer is an occasion
to give thanks for the blessings
of the day and for
redemption in Christ.
Please join us in the
Parish Hall at
6:45pm
for delicious
homemade soup, salad,
bread and dessert.
Page 6
SEMINARIANS VISIT ASSUMPTION
Family Life
Lenten Outreach
From now until the end of Lent, we
will be collecting toiletries and
individual size snacks for the
homeless in Bridgeport.
Some suggestions are:
Last Sunday at the 9:00am Mass, 12 of our College
Seminarians from St. John Fisher Seminary,
Stamford, visited the parish with their Rector, and
Diocesan Chancellor, Fr. Robert M. Kinnally.
Deacon David hosted a simple breakfast in the
rectory after the Mass. We are very proud of and
grateful for our seminarians. Please pray for them
and pray our parish young men will hear the call.
Shampoo & Conditioner
Toothpaste & Toothbrush
Dental Floss
Mouthwash
Soap
Deodorant
Band-Aids
Tissues
Lip Balm
Moisturizer
Shaving supplies
Comb/Brush
Gallon Size Ziplocs
New Socks
Q-tips
Hand Sanitizers
Individual size snacks such as:
Applesauce, Fruit
Cups, Chips, Crackers,
Pretzels, Cookies
Hot Chocolate Packs,
Juice Boxes,
Granola & Fruit Bars,
Envelopes of Soups,
Wrapped Easter Candy
Please bring your donations to the
designated boxes at the entrances of the
church or the bin on the front porch of
Roncalli House anytime. The bags will be
packed as items come in. They will be
delivered to the Soup Lady’s clients in
time for Easter.
Thank you for your generosity and caring
for those in need.
Page 7
Assumption has officially adopted "THE SOUP LADY" Linda Cervero . . .
Assumption has adopted the Soup Lady who is . . . Linda Cervero. She has faithfully fed the poor and
homeless beneath I95, (John Street) on Sundays for years now...and, Linda tells me, though many
organizations and individuals support her, and have been and continue to be very generous to her and her
ministry . . . Assumption, Westport, our parish, is her key supporter over the years. I am grateful for
Linda's kind words of praise. But you need to hear it as this is done through our Parish Crisis Fund, Social
Concerns Ministry, Family Life Ministry, Youth Ministry, Rel. Education, Catechists, Parents &
children, as well as several parish individuals and families who have joined the effort. In these photos, you
may recognize Mike Palumbo and his sons, Michael and Ryan serving the soup. Keep in mind as well,
have teamed up with our Social
that the Parish Knights of Columbus (Walter, Jim et al)
Concerns (Connie et al) and again, with help from our Parish Crisis Fund, now, two mornings a month,
we purchase and prepare breakfast at the Thomas Merton House in Bridgeport for the homeless. These
are two of many ways Assumption not only loves and prays for the poor but reaches out in action to do
something for them as well. I am so very proud and happy because of the great goodness of Linda and our
parishioners. Thank you for loving the poor as Christ would wish. Fr. Tom
Page 8
Religious Education
News & Information
High School Youth Group
The next High School Youth Group gathering is
set for Sunday, March 8 from 3:15PM to 5PM in
McGrath Hall with Youth Mass at 5PM in the
church. We will once again work with the 8th
grade Confirmation students to work on their
service projects. We need your help with setting
up McGrath Hall, working on the projects and
then clean-up. So, please mark your calendars
and we need help from everyone!
The High School schedule for Sunday, March 8:
• 3:15PM – 5PM – Service Projects with the 8th
graders in McGrath Hall
• 5:00PM – 6:00PM – Youth Mass in the church
• No Youth Group gathering after mass!
Please contact the Youth Ministry Office to let us
know that you will be joining us on Sunday,
March 8th. Just call the Youth Ministry Office at
(203)
222-8486
or
via
email
at:
[email protected]
Middle School Youth Group
ALL 8th Grade Confirmation students will be
attending a special Middle School Youth Group
meeting on Sunday, March 8 from 3:30PM to
4:45PM in McGrath Hall (basement of the church)
as they will be working on two special service
projects. Parents: once we complete our projects,
together we shall all go up to the church for youth
mass at 5PM. We ask all parents to join us for
mass! This a terrific opportunity for all 8th graders
and their families to attend mass together. If you
have any questions, please do not hesitate to
contact the Youth Ministry Office via phone: (203)
2 2 2 - 8 4 8 6
o r
v i a
e m a i l :
[email protected]
Youth Mass
Our next youth mass is set for Sunday, March 8 at
5PM! Our youth musicians will rehearse starting
at 4:15PM in the choir loft with our music director,
Frank Matto.
Michele Modugno, Youth Minister
Sunday 9:00am Confirmation
Class Schedule
February 15 - No class (Winter break)
February 22 - No class (Winter break)
March 1 - class
March 8 - no class, 3:30 service project (students only)
follow by 5:00pm mass with parents and sponsors
March 15 - class
March 22 - class
March 29 - class
Grades K-7
Sunday & Tuesday Class Schedule
Sunday, February 15 - No class (Winter break)
Tuesday, February 17 - No class (Winter break)
Sunday, February 22 - No class (Winter break)
Tuesday, February 24 – class
Sunday, March 1 - class
Tuesday, March 3 - class for all grades except Grade 2.
who will meet in the church for First Reconciliation
Sunday, March 8 - class
Tuesday, March 10 - class
Sunday, March 15 - class
Tuesday, March 17 - class
Sunday, March 22 - class
Tuesday, March 24 - class
Sunday, March 29 - Last class except for Grade 2
Tuesday, March 31 - Last class except for Grade 2
Sunday, April 5 - No class Easter Sunday
Tuesday, April 7 - class for Grade 2 only
Sunday, April 12 - No class Spring Recess
Tuesday, April 14 - No class Spring Recess
Sunday, April 19 - No class Spring Recess
Tuesday, April 21 - class for Grade 2 only
Sunday, April 26 - Last class for Grade 2
Tuesday, April 28 - Last class for Grade 2
Office Hours: The Religious Education Office
hours are Monday - Thursday, 9:00am to 4:00pm
(closed on Fridays)
Snow Cancellation Information
Please check your email or watch Channel 3 or
Channel 12 News for snow cancellations. If
the Westport Public Schools cancel classes on
Tuesday due to inclement weather, our Tuesday’s classes
will be cancelled as well.
Page 9
Baptisms
Liam Moura Wiegand
Isabela Moura Wiegard
Natalia Moura Wiegand
Congratulations and welcome
to the parish family!
Next Weekends Priest Mass Schedule
Saturday, February 21
Vigil 5:00pm
Fr. Larry
Sunday, February 22
7:30am
Fr. Rob
9:00am
Fr. Rob
10:30am Fr. Larry
12:00pm Fr. Tom
5:00pm
Fr. Tom
— Subject to change —
2014 Tax Contribution Statements
Contribution statements for the 2014 tax year
have been mailed to all parishioners who gave
$250.00 or more to the parish.
If you did not receive a statement and you
made contributions to the parish during 2014,
please call the office at (203) 227-5161 and a
statement will be mailed to you. Thank you!
Hospital & Nursing Home Visitations
Due to current privacy rights of patients, the priests do
not have any way of knowing if and
when parishioners are hospitalized. Therefore, if you
wish to be visited by one of our priests while in the
hospital, please have a family member notify the parish
office and Father Tom or Father Larry will be happy to
visit, bring you Holy Communion and share with you the
Anointing of the Sacrament of the Sick. Thank you.
Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Reflecting on God’s Word . . .
These first days of Jesus’ ministry present him
preaching, teaching and healing to bring people to
know that God is near. His message and his deeds
bring people back to full life in the community. By
casting out demons and curing the sick he restores to
full humanity those suffering from possession and
illness. Today we find Jesus confronting a condition
that must have been even more excruciating—
leprosy.
To be a leper was to be cut off from others in all
ways. You were cast out of the community,
isolated, doomed to live in deserted places, no
longer part of the human family, unable to
participate in any social events, and considered unfit
to worship God. It was assumed that if you had
leprosy, you had sinned in some way. Your life was
summed up in the words the Law of Moses told you
to cry out whenever anyone came near, “Unclean,
unclean!”
For Jesus to touch a leper meant that in the eyes of
others he also became unclean and unfit to associate
and worship with others. Even so, when a leper
asked for healing, Jesus was unequivocal in his
reply: “I do will it. Be made clean” (Mark 1:41). It
is easy to hear in his response the authority of the
Son of God, set on giving glory to his Father. Yet
Jesus, ever respectful of the law, sent the man to the
priest, as commanded in the book of Leviticus. In
Jesus, pity took precedence over the law, but did not
abolish it.
- James A. Wallace -
Knights of Columbus
- Council 3688 Meeting Information: The Knights
of Columbus meet the first Tuesday of
the month at Assumption Church at
7:30pm in McGrath Hall, beneath the church. The
next meeting will be held on March 3. For more
information, please contact Walter Avitabile at
(203) 981-3083 or by email [email protected]
New members are always welcome!
Page 10
High Blood Pressure Screening . . .
The first weekend of the month
Know Your Numbers: Body Mass Index & Waist
Circumference: Body mass index (BMI) is a measure of
Prayer Shawl
is intended to be a reminder
of God’s ever present love which is as near to you
as your own body is to your spirit. It is a gift for
every time and every occasion - - joyful or
sorrowful, for every season and circumstance of life,
when you are weeping or when you are celebrating.
At times you may cling to a prayer shawl because
you need to cling to God. At other times you will
touch it only occasionally. You may want to keep it
always or someday you may feel prompted by God
to pass it on to someone else.
Come join us every Tuesday afternoon
at 1:00pm in the Beard Room at
the Roncalli House.
No experience necessary! We will teach you!
For more information or if you know
someone who would like a shawl, please call
Cathy Romano at (203)226-5448.
A
Divine Mercy Schedule Update
For the month of February there will be no
Divine Mercy. For any information, please contact
Dian J. Mayo (203)938-2113
Assumption Parish
Bereavement Group
Come, share and heal with others.
We meet each Wednesday from 3:30pm- 5:00pm
in the Beard Room at the Roncalli House (the
parish center at the end of the parking lot.) Helen
Thiemann will lead the group.
For more
information, please call her at (203) 227-6318 or
email [email protected] .
Blessed are they who
mourn . . . they shall
be comforted.
body fat based on height and weight that applies to adult
men and women. A BMI below 18.5 is underweight. A BMI of
18.5-24.9 is normal. A BMI of 25-29.9 is overweight and any
BMI over 30 is obesity. The higher your BMI the higher your
risk for certain diseases such as heart disease, high blood
pressure, type 2 diabetes, gallstones, breathing problems
and certain cancers. Waist circumference measurement
helps screen for possible health risks that come with
overweight and obesity. If most of your fat is around your
waist you’re at a higher risk for heart disease and type 2
diabetes. This risk goes up with a waist size that is greater
than 35 inches for women or greater than 40 inches for
men.
Know Your Numbers: Blood Pressure: High blood
pressure, sometimes called “the silent killer” is very
common. You can have high blood pressure and still feel just
fine because high blood pressure often does not cause signs
of illness that you can see or feel. One way to find out if you
have high blood pressure is to have your blood pressure
screened. Your blood pressure is high when it measures
140/90 or higher. You have pre-hypertension when your
blood pressure is between 120/80 and 139/89. Normal
blood pressure is less than 119/79. If you have high blood
pressure it is important to see a doctor. Uncontrolled blood
pressure can lead to stroke, heart disease, eye problems,
kidney failure and other health problems.
Know Your Numbers: Blood Cholesterol: Cholesterol
is a waxy, fat-like substance which circulates in your
bloodstream. The liver removes the cholesterol from your
body. Too much cholesterol in your blood is called high
blood cholesterol and can be serious. It increases your
chances of having a heart attack or getting heart disease.
High blood cholesterol itself does not cause symptoms so
many people don’t know they have it. It is important to find
out what your cholesterol numbers are because if you have
high blood cholesterol, lowering it reduces your chances of
getting heart disease or having a heart attack.
Know Your Numbers: Blood Sugar: Diabetes means
your blood glucose (sugar) is too high. Glucose comes from
the food you eat and is also made in your liver and muscles.
Insulin is a chemical (a hormone) made by the pancreas.
Insulin helps the glucose from the food get into your cells. If
your body does not make enough insulin or if the insulin
doesn’t work the way it should, glucose can’t get into your
cells and stays in your blood instead. Fasting blood glucose
is taken in the morning after not eating for at least 8 hours.
Diabetes is a fasting blood glucose level of 126 or higher;
pre-diabetes is a fasting blood glucose of 100-125 and
normal fasting blood glucose is under 99. Diabetes that is
not well controlled causes serious damage to the eyes,
kidneys, nerves, heart, gums and teeth.
Source: The National Institutes of Health Website This information is provided by
the Assumption Parish Social Concerns Ministry and the St Vincent’s Parish Nurse
Program.
Page 11
Assumption Parish
Social Concerns Ministry
Social Concerns is an active ministry formed to
respond to the problems of social justice, the
physical and spiritual needs of the Assumption
parish family, and to those in need in the
neighboring communities. Some of the projects we
are involved with are:
Christmas Angels
Collection, Thanksgiving Gifts of Plenty, Towels
Collection, Lenten Alms, Blankets/Winter Warmup Collection, and Easter Food Baskets. The
Prayer Network and A.C.T.S. are additional
services to our parishioners. The Ministry meets
on the third Monday of the month (September
through June) at 7:00pm in Roncalli House. If
you wish to contact us, please call (203) 227– 5161
ext. 125.
New members are needed and
always appreciated. We would be delighted
to have you join our team!
Parish Prayer Network is
a network of
over 70 members.
When someone needs pray or a special intention,
please call the Social Concerns Ministry at (203)
227-5161 ext. 125 and leave the request,
intention and first name of the person to be
prayed for. Intentions are forwarded via
the telephone and email to the network.
Members respond by praying in their
homes. The network is always open to
new members.
Assumption Cares Through Service
The purpose of A.C.T.S. is to build a more
caring and comforting community within
the parish. It is designed to hear and
answer simple requests for – a ride to
church, to a doctor’s or other
appointments; to do grocery shopping or other
errands. A.C.T.S. can also offer a simple meal to
aid in recuperation or for a family with a new baby.
A phone call or a visit to a shut-in can also be
arranged.
To request or offer help, please call
(203) 227-5161 ext. 125
Devotions
Holy Hour, Exposition and Sung Chaplet of
Mercy: March thru December every month on the
Thursday before the first Friday from 7:15pm to
8:00pm in the Church. Dian J. Mayo (203) 9382113.
Miraculous Medal Novena: Wednesdays
following the 7:30am Mass.
Daily Rosary of Peace - at 7:00am before daily
Mass
First Saturday Holy Hour: following the 7:30am
Mass.
Adoration: Monday 8:00am – 5:00pm and
Wednesday 8:00am thru Thursday 7:25am (24 hrs.)
Please call Andrea Remlin (203) 227-5477 if you
would like to take ½ - 1 hour of Adoration.
Holy Hour and Exposition: Third Thursday of the
month 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Baptismal Prep Class
Mothers and Fathers who are parents for the first
time are required to attend a Pre-Baptism class.
Classes are held in the new parish center at 1:30pm
once a month. The next Pre-Baptismal Class
will be held on Sunday, March 1 in the Roncalli
House, Oscar Romero Room. Please call the
Parish Office at (203) 227–5161 to register for the
class.
Please note, Godparents must be
practicing, Confirmed Catholics and age 16 and
over.
Sacramental Information
Marriage: Arrangements are to be made a
minimum of six months prior to the wedding date.
Please call the Parish Office.
Baptism: Please call the Parish Office to make
arrangements for your child’s Baptism. Baptisms
are on Sundays at 1:15pm, one to four children.
Reconciliation: Saturdays 4:00pm – 4:30pm
Communion: We welcome the opportunity to visit
our homebound parishioners. Please call the Parish
Office.
Anointing of the Sick: Please call the Rectory prior
to surgery or at the onset of an illness.
RCIA: The process by which an adult joins our
Catholic Faith Community. Contact Marilyn Moran
at (203) 286-6939.