SAINT JOSEPH CHURCH
BROOKFIELD, CT
APRIL 19, 2015
THIRD SUNDAY OF EASTER
SAINT JOSEPH CHURCH
PRAYING FOR PEACE
THIRD SUNDAY OF EASTER:
April 19, 2015
PARISH STAFF
Rev. George F. O’Neill, Pastor
We invite you to stay at the end of Sunday Mass –
following the closing hymn – and join in praying three
“Hail Marys” for Peace: in our World, in our Families
and in our Hearts..
[email protected]
SACRAMENTS
Msgr. Edward Scull, Retired - Weekend Liturgist
Deacon Peter J. Kuhn
Baptism – The Sacr ament of Baptism is celebr ated on
Sundays at 12:30 p.m. A Pre-Baptism class is required for
both parents prior to the Baptism of their first child.
Register with the Parish Office: 203.775.1035.
[email protected]
Deacon William J. Shaughnessy
[email protected]
Rita Golaszewski, Parish Secretary
[email protected]
Andrea Woronick,
Director of Faith Formation and Ministry
[email protected]
EDJE & Cross Over 2 Jesus Administrator
Roseann D’Aureli
[email protected]
David Kendall, Music Director
[email protected]
Tory Gozzi, Choir Director
[email protected]
PARISH OFFICE
Phone: 203.775.1035
Fax: 203.775.1684
Web Site: www.stjosephbrookfield.com
Email: [email protected]
Mail:
163 Whisconier Road,
Brookfield, CT 06804
GPS Address: 1 Obtuse Hill Road
Brookfield, CT 06804
Office Hours:
9:00 AM – 4:30 PM, Monday-Thursday
9:00 AM – 1:00 PM, Friday
Mass Schedule:
Confessions:
Saturday Vigil – 5:00 PM
Sunday-7:30, 9:00 & 11:00 AM, 5:00 PM
Monday-Friday – 6:45 and 8:45 AM
Saturday morning – 8:00 AM
Saturday at 4:00 PM
HOLY HOUR FOR THE UNBORN
Every Sunday at 3:00 PM
SAINT JOSEPH SCHOOL
Mr. Scott Bannon, Principal
Phone: 203.775.2774
Fax: 203.775.5810
Web Site: www.sjsbrookfield.org
Marriage – Weddings gener ally ar e celebr ated on
Friday evening or Saturday afternoon and must be
scheduled at least six months in advance. Please do not
make final arrangements for your reception prior to
contacting the Parish Office.
R.C.I.A. – Inter ested in Catholic Faith? Call the Par ish
Office.
HOSPITALIZED PARISHIONERS
Parishioners entering local hospitals are urged to advise
the Admissions Department that they are Roman
Catholic and that they wish to be visited by the Catholic
Chaplain. This is especially important if admission is
through the Emergency Room. In addition, you may
contact the Parish Office directly in order to arrange a
visit from a member of St. Joseph’s clergy.
THOSE FOR WHOM WE PRAY
FOR THOSE IN NEED OF GOD’S HEALING, STRENGTH
AND COMFORT: Howard Long, Carmine Mango, Pat Walsh,
Helen Fiddner, Gloria H., Ralph Santoliquido, John Mainhart,
Patricia, Sr. Sophia, Pete V., Bob Murphy, Charles and Faye
Thibodeau, and Matthew.
FOR THE PROTECTION AND SAFE RETURN OF THOSE
SERVING IN THE ARMED FORCES: C.J. Arconti, Brendan
Cooney, Michael Ayala Lopez, Michael Moreira and John
Suszynski.
BROOKFIELD, CT
SUNDAY, APRIL 19, 2015
THIRD SUNDAY OF EASTER
Every step of the way
In Luke’s gospel, an effect of the
Resurrection is that the Risen One opens the
eyes of His disciples to see how the scripture
they’d always known had all along been
pointing to Jesus and His Resurrection. For
Jesus and the early believers, what we know
as the Hebrew scriptures were the only texts
they knew. But now, having come to believe in what God had
done in Christ, those scriptures take on new richness and meaning.
Having walked closely with Jesus since Ash Wednesday, have you
felt yourself drawn deeper into your own life by the ancient stories
of Lent and Easter? Have you come to see how God has been with
you every step of the way? How does the Resurrection continue to
change you?
TODAY’S READINGS: Acts 3:13-15, 17-19; 1 John 2:1-5a; Luke
24:35-48 (47). “Peace be with you.”
Third Sunday of Easter
By Gina Loehr
“He stood in their midst and said to them, ‘Peace be
with you.’ But they were startled and terrified.” What was
so terrifying about being wished peace? How ironic that the
disciples were so scared right at the moment that Jesus was
offering them peace.
The fact is that they didn’t understand what was going
on. They were already aware at this point that Jesus had risen from the dead, and two of them had just had a powerful
encounter with Him on the road to Emmaus. But now, He
suddenly appeared before them, in a manner that was not
only totally unexpected, but also apparently physically impossible. This is why they thought they were seeing a ghost.
It just didn’t make sense.
Jesus reassured them with concrete actions. He told
them to look at Him and to touch Him. He wanted His disciples to be comforted by His real physical presence among
them. He wanted them to come into contact with His entire
being, not just the abstract idea of His presence. Once they
did this, they were “incredulous for joy and were amazed.”
The peace that He wished for them was now complemented by great joy. It just took a while to sink in.
This may be the case for us at times too. We may not understand the mysterious ways in which Jesus is present in our
lives. Sometimes He is hidden in what Mother Teresa called
“the distressing disguise.” His Spirit may be present, wishing to bring us peace right in the midst of stress, sickness,
anguish, or pain, but we may not recognize Him at first. But
just because He may not “show up” in the way we expect
doesn’t mean He isn’t with us. The risen Christ also wants to
give us the gift of peace.
© Liturgical Publications Inc
MONDAY, APRIL 20
What’s your sign? Love.
Have you ever asked God for a sign? In the midst of big decisions
or distress, a sign of God’s presence can bolster your faith. But
faith is based on more than signs and wonders, it comes from
experiencing a boundless love that fills and fulfills your soul. In
that experience, you are fed and called to go feed others, in body
and in spirit. Love as you have been loved, and in a world that is
hungry and longs to be fed, you can be the sign of God’s presence
that people need.
TODAY’S READINGS: Acts 6:8-15; John 6:22-29 (273). “Do not
work for food that perishes but for the food that endures for
eternal life.”
TUESDAY, APRIL 21
ANSELM, BISHOP, DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH; EASTER
WEEKDAY
Growing old with grace
Ask most Catholics who were the big thinkers in Church history,
and two names come easily to mind: Augustine and Thomas
Aquinas. Most theologians add a third name without hesitation:
Anselm. A great defender of the faith through reason, Anselm had
a high estimation of the human mind’s capacity to discover God.
And the older the mind, the better: “As the flesh fails, the soul
advances; out of the body’s infirmity springs the soul’s health.”
Got time on your hands in retirement? Seek wisdom through the
power of the Holy Spirit.
TODAY’S READINGS: Acts 7:51-8:1a; John 6:30-35 (274). “I am
the bread of life; whoever comes to me will never hunger.”
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22 - EASTER WEEKDAY
Sustainable spirit
Pope Francis has made many strong statements about stewardship
of the environment, including, “You are called to care for creation
not only as responsible citizens, but also as followers of Christ!”
His message is clear: Catholics must protect what he calls “a
gracious gift” with efforts “set at the service of our brothers and
sisters, including future generations.” Use today’s annual Earth
Continued next page ...
THIRD SUNDAY OF EASTER
Continued from preceding page …
Day to commit to what you can do to help the environment—
through supporting causes and in your daily routine—all year
long, and encourage others to do the same.
TODAY’S READINGS: Acts 8:1b-8; John 6:35-40 (275). “I am
the bread of life; whoever comes to me will never hunger, and
whoever believes in me will never thirst.”
THURSDAY, APRIL 23
ADALBERT, BISHOP, MARTYR
Take a stand
Back in the year 983, a young man of 27 named Adalbert was
thrust into the role of bishop of Prague at a time of controversy
and strife between the newly baptized and those who did not
accept Christianity. Adalbert opposed the slave trade and the
polygamy common among the people, making him unpopular.
After unsuccessfully attempting to protect a woman convicted of
adultery from a mob, he responded by excommunicating the
murderers. He was forced into exile for standing up for his beliefs,
but he created ethical standards that later generations could point
to and take as their own. It takes courage sometimes to stick to
your beliefs. But you have role models!
TODAY’S READINGS: Acts 8:26-40; John 6:44-51 (276). “It is
written in the prophets: ‘They shall all be taught by God.’ “
FRIDAY, APRIL 24
FIDELIS OF SIGMARINGEN, PRIEST, MARTYR
Imagine, if you can
Before Fidelis of Sigmaringen (b. 1577) became a Capuchin friar
in 1612 he studied and practiced law. He was known as “the poor
man’s lawyer” for his willingness to advocate for those who had
no advocate. Pro bono (no charge) legal service has a long history
in western nations. Lawyers in the U.S. are urged under American
Bar Association ethical rules to contribute at least 50 hours of pro
bono service each year, an idea worthy of being adopted by all
professions and walks of life. If we each gave some of our time
and skills to those who can’t afford to pay, we would all be
rewarded. Imagine a pro bono world!
TODAY’S READINGS: Acts 9:1-20; John 6:52-59 (277).
“Whoever eats this bread will live forever.”
SATURDAY, APRIL 25
FEAST OF MARK, EVANGELIST
Write the gospel of your life
Saint Mark the evangelist was one of the first 70 disciples. He is
believed to have written the Gospel of Mark, our earliest gospel.
But he didn’t stop there. He also founded the Church of
Alexandria in Egypt back in the year 42, a scant few years after
Jesus’ death. Alexandria became one of the great centers of early
Christianity. Today three churches claim to be the direct heirs of
the original Church of Alexandra: Coptic Orthodox, Eastern
Orthodox, and Coptic Catholic. Saint Mark looms large behind
them all, a giant of our tradition. Take him as your inspiration as
you write your own “gospel” by living your faith in the world.
TODAY’S READINGS: 1 Peter 5:5b-14; Mark 16:15-20 (555).
“Go into the whole world and proclaim the gospel to every
creature.”
SYMBOLON:
The Catholic Faith Explained
Join fellow parishioners each Wednesday in viewing this
acclaimed DVD series that has won rave reviews from the St.
Joseph RCIA team and the Wednesday Morning Coffee Group.
The Symbolon series was filmed on location in Rome, the Holy
Land, Calcutta, and in the Augustine Institute studios in Denver,
and features dozens of nationally-known teachers who clearly
present the beauty and brilliance of Catholicism.
Coming up on Wednesday, April 22: Episode 2 - “Divine
Revelation.” The program will be shown each week beginning at
1:00 PM in the lower level meeting room of the rectory. A brief
discussion period follows each episode. Segments are selfcontained so it is not necessary to have seen earlier episodes.
Sponsored by the 55-Plus Club. No reservation required.
Diocesan Jubilee Mass
Of Wedding Anniversaries
The Diocese of Bridgeport will celebrate a Mass commemorating significant wedding anniversaries at Saint Theresa Church, Trumbull, on Sunday, May 17, at 3:00 P.M.
Bishop Caggiano will be the Principal Celebrant at this
special Mass which will include the renewal of marriage
vows and presentation of commemorative certificates. Couples celebrating an anniversary in 2015 which ends in “0” or
“5,” or anyone celebrating 50+ years are invited to register
through the St. Joseph Parish Office—(203)775-1035—by
Friday, May 8.
NOW ENROLLING PRE-K 3 & 4
AT SAINT JOSEPH SCHOOL!!
PK-4 meets Monday through Friday
- a full day! 8:45 - 3:00
PK-3 meets Monday, Wednesday, and Friday
- half day! 9:00 - 12:00
Come see what our Pre-School Programs are all
about! Call 203-775-2774 for more information.
Looking for PART TIME Work?
Saint Joseph School is looking for Substitute Teachers! If you would like to pick up a Sub Packet, please
contact the School Office: 203-775-2774. Ask for
Kim.
Qualifications:
 A Classroom Aide requires a high school diploma.
 A Substitute Teacher requires a college degree.
 VIRTUS certification required for all positions.
A FLEXIBLE JOB with GREAT PAY for a FUN DAY!
APRIL 19, 2015
Our Gifts to God
And His Church
WEEKEND OF APRIL 11-12, 2015
Sunday Offertory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $10,187.51 *
* Includes average weekly electronic contributions of $3,200
Waypoint:
St. Joe’s High School
Youth Group
Saturday, April 25 — Parents Night Out!
A break for Moms and Dads! Waypoint members and their
adult advisors will host your children in the SJS gym for four
hours from 6:00 -10 pm while mom and dad have an evening
out. We’ll have movies, poster-making, snacks and more.
$10.00 for one child, $12.00 for two, $14.00 for three and up.
Sign up at the table in the vestibule this weekend.
Saturday, May 30 — Midnite Run
Late-night trip to NYC to distribute food and clothing to the
needy.
Sunday, June 7 — Pancake breakfast at Applebee’s
Enjoy delicious pancake breakfast and help support Waypoint.
Saturday, June 13 — Morning Glory
Serving breakfast to the homeless in Danbury.
July 17 to 19 — Steubenville East at UMASS
Still time to join up for this fantastic, faith and fun-filled weekend.
Every week …
Faith, friends, food and fun every Sunday evening after the
5:00 PM Mass - Rectory lower level meeting room.
The Office of Youth Ministry provides meaningful opportunities and experiences for young people to encounter Christ and to
live as His disciples in our world today through special programs
and activities such as Diocesan-sponsored High School Apostles
Leadership Program, CONVIVIO Youth Congress, Steubenville
East, March For Life pilgrimage to Washington D.C., Annual
Prom Dress Drive, Catholic Scouting, and World Youth Day.
Your gift to the 2015 Annual Catholic Appeal helps to support
this important pastoral ministry. Please prayerfully consider making your gift today. Pledge envelopes are available at the church
entrances, or pledge online via the Diocesan Web site,
www.bridgeportdiocese.org.
Women’s Day of Reflection:
“The Rosary of Our Lives”
With Amy Ekeh
Join us at the Women’s Day of Refection, “The Rosary
of our Lives” with Amy Ekeh on Saturday, May 30, at Saint
Margaret Shrine, 2523 Park Avenue, Bridgeport.
Begin the day with morning Mass at 8:15 AM, breakfast,
then talks, discussions, meditations, and lunch. The day will
conclude at 2:30 p.m. The cost is $25/person; bring a rosary
or one will be provided if you do not have one.
RSVP by Friday, May 22 to Gina Donnarummo at 203416-1446 or [email protected]. To register,
mail check, made payable to: “Office of Faith Formation,”
Attn: Gina, 238 Jewett Avenue, Bridgeport, CT 06606.
***Save the Date***
2015 Saint Joseph School Annual Golf Outing
Thursday June 11, 2015
All skill levels are welcome!
The golf outing is one of SJS’s biggest
fund raisers and is a good time for all. This
year, it is being hosted at nearby Candlewood Valley Country Club in New Milford. There will be prizes for holes-in-one,
longest drive and closest to the pin. The
outing also will include continental breakfast, lunch at the turn and a full dinner. Registration and payment of $175 fee per golfer will be
available through the SJS website at www.sjsbrookfield.org.
We are also seeking donations and sponsorships for the
outing. Sponsorship opportunities include tee, green and
scoreboard sponsorships. Suggested donations are sporting
event tickets, golf foursomes, gift certificates and so
on. Your support is greatly appreciated!
Contact
the
outing
chairman
Pat
Conlon
at [email protected] for registration and sponsorship information. See you on the links!
Morning Glory Juice Drive Next Week
Next weekend, April 25-26, our HAL (Helping
Another Live) food drive will be dedicated to Morning Glory, Catholic Charities’ daily breakfast program run out of the Dorothy Day Hospitality House
in Danbury.
This special, one-week drive will focus on collecting fruit juice. Bottled or powdered juices that
do not require refrigeration are needed. Donations
of cold cereals also are welcome. Donations may be
left in the hallway off the main vestibule.
APRIL 19, 2015
The Marryin’ Kind
Monday, April 20
6:45 a.m. - J ames E. Daddana, r eq. by the Rossi family
8:45 a.m. - Robert Kahn, Sr., req. by Bob & Reyna Koeppen
Tuesday, April 21
6:45 a.m. - Deceased member s of the Del Fr ar i family, r eq. by
the Monti family
8:45 a.m. - Eilish Anketell, req. by Betty & John Stahl
Wednesday, April 22
6:45 a.m. - Intentions of our Par ishioner s
8:45 a.m. - Joe O’Brien, req. by Vince & Lucy Miscia
Thursday, April 23
6:45 a.m. - Anne Cousin
8:45 a.m. - William E. Holmes, r eq. by SJ S 1 st Graders
Friday, April 24
6:445 a.m. - Al Williamson, r eq. by the Suess family
8:45 a.m. - Ger aldine and Bill McNamar a, r eq. by the Cushnie
family
Saturday, April 25
8:00 a.m. - J ames O’Connor , r eq. by Fr . O’Neill
5:00 p.m. - J oseph Schiano, r eq. by Cathy Ambr osi
Sunday, April 26 - 4th Sunday of Easter
7:30 a.m. - Rober t Kahn, r eq. by Nick & Beth Castellano
9:00 a.m. - Mabel Doyle, r eq. by her nieces
11:00 a.m. - J anis Fur long, r eq. by Ann Colombell & J udy
Echols
5:00 p.m. - Salvator e Par avati, r eq. by Betty Par avati
SANCTUARY LAMP INTENTIONS
To request a sanctuary lamp memorial or intention,
please call the Parish Office at 203.775.1035.
Week of April 19-25, 2015
Sunday - Coffee & Donuts after 9 AM Mass - Parish Center
Sunday - Holy Hour for the Unborn - 3:00 p.m. - Church
Monday thru Friday – Rosary for Life – 8:20 a.m. – Church
Saturday - Parents’ Nite Out - 6:00-10:00 p.m. - See Pg. 5
The local TV station sent out a reporter to interview an
87-year-old woman who had been married and widowed
three times and was now preparing to wed her fourth
husband.
Responding to a question about her husband-to-be, the
widow noted that he was several years younger than she …
and a practicing funeral director.
The reporter then asked about her prior husbands.
“Husband Number 1 was a banker,” she said with a
fond smile. “Number 2 was a circus ringmaster. He was
such fun! Number 3 was a medical internist who took very
good care of me.”
“What made you choose husbands with such diverse
career backgrounds?” asked the reporter.
“It’s really quite simple and logical,” explained the
widow. “It was One for the money, Two for the show,
Three to get ready and Four to go!”
PARISH MINISTRIES
Liturgy
Altar Servers – Mr. Patrick Jennings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .203.740.7133
Dir. of Music – Mr. David Kendall. . . . . . . . . . . . .203.775.1035, ext. 177
Eucharistic Ministers/Lectors – Mike & Joanna Charecky . 203.775.6612
Faith Formation and Sacraments
Religious Education (Grades 1-8), RCIA and other Sacramental
Preparation – Mrs. Andrea Woronick . . . . . .203.775.1035, ext. 105
Scheduling Baptisms – Mrs. Rita Golaszewski. . . 203.775.1035, ext. 101
Marriage Scheduling/Prep – Deacon Peter Kuhn. .203.775.1035, ext. 104
Prayer & Devotion
Men’s Retreat – Mr. Jeff Roeder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203.740.9428
– Mr. Andy Pacuk ([email protected]) . . . . 917.514.5974
Women’s Retreat – Mrs. Barb Roeder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .203.740.9428
Men of St. Joseph – Mr. Carl Monti . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203.740.9544
Centering Prayer – Mrs. Michele Curnan
Parish Councils and Administration
Parish Council – Mr. Andy Pacuk, Chairman. . . . . . . . . . . .917.514.5974
Finance Council – Mr. Frank Cavalea, Chairman. . . . . . . . .203.482.5563
SJS Home & School Association
Theresa Mitchell, Vice President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 860.799.7571
Other Ministries & Organizations
8th Station Bereavement Ministry
Mrs. Mary Shaughnessy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .203-775-9138
Mrs. Pat Tharrington. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .203-775-4836
55-Plus Club (Seniors) – Mrs. Helen Fiddner . . . . . . . . . . . 203.775.9613
Knights of Columbus – Mr. Patrick Jennings.. . . . . . . . . . . .203.740.7133
Mary-Martha Ministry – Mrs. Pat Font. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203.775.2335
MOMS (Ministry of Mothers Sharing) – Mrs. Barb Roeder203.740.9428
Outreach to Sick/Shut-In – Sr. Mary Ann Socha, CMGT. . 203.794.1486