From the desk of Monsignor Bride

I have wanted to write this column for sometime. But because we have been in the midst of Lent, Holy Week, and with other multiple demands for space and issues, I had to put this off.
Now that we have celebrated the magnificent Solemnity of Easter and had a chance to step back from the busyness of these special days and week, I write this column.  
For some time now, Eileen Button has spoken to me about retiring as Director of the Choir. There are many reasons for this known only to Eileen, but I do believe this was a good thing for her and after considerable thought by me, I reluctantly agreed to her desire. In the fall, Eileen came to see me and we discussed this.  I knew in my mind that I had my 40th Anniversary coming in May and I thought it would be appropriate and fitting for Eileen to remain in place until after that was completed.  However, that was my idea and my plan. It was not Eileen’s. She was so gracious and so pleasant about this, that I kind of just accepted the fact that she would remain until after May – even though Eileen truly wanted to retire from this very busy and demanding position and move on.
During my January vacation, I came to the conclusion that if Eileen wanted to retire, I really had no choice.  This comes to every person and the person knows themselves better than anyone else.  When I returned to the Parish, I met with Eileen and told her she was the boss and whatever she wanted, that would be. She said she wanted to retire. She had already spoken to the Choir members at one of their rehearsals and they already understood. Thus, I accepted Eileen’s retirement. She will continue to be a member of the choir and assist in any way she finds appropriate and good. Since Eileen’s Mother’s passing to God, Eileen and Alton had time to travel, which is a love they share.  They have just returned from the former Yugoslavia and have plans also to travel with Bishop Cote and me on the Pilgrimage to France. Both Eileen and Alton have been selfless in giving of themselves and for that, the entire parish, the groups with whom they have been associated, and especially the OLPH Choir, are exceedingly grateful to both of them.  Thank you, Eileen and thank you, Alton.
Father Sutula asked Eileen to take over the Choir some 15 years ago. Since that day, she has had an exceptional, selfless, loving service and ministry as Director and leader of the OLPH Choir. For the Parish, for the worshipping community and for the Lord  in whose name we have  gathered, I say thank you for a superb job well done. You have truly added to the prayerful life of our worship. You have enhanced our special celebrations. You have served the parish and the Choir. Thank you, Eileen! God bless you and strengthen you and give you the opportunity to do what you have desire to do with and for each other as man and wife.  We love you, I love you and I thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Monsignor Bride

Last week we began the 50 days of the beautiful and glorious Easter Season.  Celebrate this wonderful time.  We have had a tough winter with avery mild December, a very cold January and February with several bad storms.  Easter is here.  Christ is here.  New life is here.  Grace is here.  Celebrate these 50 days
with faith, with joy and with hope.

2007 Annual Bishop’s Appeal

“The gift you have been given, give as a gift”

The Annual Bishop’s Appeal (ABA), which supports the work of the Catholic Church in the Diocese of Norwich, will be conducted in every Parish over the next few weeks.  The ABA is not just another Sunday collection.  It is a unified effort in which all Catholics of the Diocese of Norwich join together to further the mission and ministry of the Catholic Church in eastern Connecticut.  In the next few weeks you will be receiving a letter, brochure and pledge envelope from Bishop Cote.  Please take the time to prayerfully consider what you are able to give in support of our Diocesan Church.

RICE BOWL RETURNS
There are containers in the rear of the Church to collect your Rice Bowl offering boxes.  This is the annual Lenten Almsgiving offering and it goes to feed the hungry.  Now that Lent is over, we wish to send our returns to the Diocese.
Please make your returns today.

New Choir Director
Monsignor Bride has asked CELESTE MILUKAS to become the new Director of the Choir and she has accepted.  Those who attended Holy Week Services saw Celeste in action on Palm Sunday, Holy Thursday and Holy Saturday.  She is a superb musician and brings multiple talents to this important position in our parish.  Thank you, Celeste!
Cleste is the wife of Marcus Milukas and the mother of Matthew, Alaina, and Jenna. She is the daughter of Ronnie Furman and the late Gerry Furman.

Scripture Study in the Morning

Ann Megan wishes to begin a study of scripture one day a week in the morning for women. If interested, telephone Ann at 447-3488.

Monsignor Bride’s Anniversary
We are planning a very special Pot-Luck Supper in honor of Monsignor Bride’s 40th Anniversary of Ordination.   However, like Sister Michelle’s 25th Anniversary here, all parishioners will supply the remaining food. We need the help of everyone,  even if your schedule does not permit you to attend.

Try to make a dish that will serve 10 people. This will insure we have enough food.   Thank you.
                                      The Committee          

Announced Masses

Monday, April 16th   Easter Weekday
7:30 A.M.  Parishioners of OLPH
Tuesday, April 17th   Easter Weekday
7:30 A.M. Intention of Celebrant
Wednesday, April 18th    Easter Weekday
7:30 A.M.  Sr. Mary Concepta  (Family)
Thursday, April 19th      Easter Weekday
7:30 A.M.   2nd Anniversary of Election of
                   Pope Benedict XVI as Supreme Pontiff
Friday, April 20th     Easter Weekday
7:30 A.M.  Karl Vetter   (Louise Fries)