Message from Father Joe

Dear Friends,

This year it seems that we have come to Labor Day weekend very quickly! On Tuesday morning this week, the school buses in Waterford were moving about the community bringing there precious cargo to all the Schools. As we celebrate this weekend, it reminds us of many things we need to do; the many people who are in need and that we must be certain our family calendars are up to date.

We begin our September calendar with our September 11 “Remembrance Day”, which begins with a Parish Mass at 5:00 P.M. to be followed by a dinner in the parish hall. Please be certain to sign up to participate and if possible to volunteer to help.

Over the years, our parishioners have been donating non-perishable foods which are taken to Catholic Charities food pantry in New London each week. I would like to encourage each family to bring an item of food to Church each week for the balance of the year. Many individuals and families bring a full bag each week, but all are not financially able to make that kind of a donation. Can you imagine the impact if each one of us brought an item! We need to increase the amount of food donated each week and then many more needy individuals and families will benefit.

I would like to extend an invitation to parishioners to consider volunteering to be Special Ministers of Holy Communion, lectors or choir members. This is an easy way to fully and actively participate in our parish liturgies. Your voluntary efforts enhance the faith and keep it vibrant in our community.

Please watch our bulletin each week for many different happening for the parish over the next few months. We must remember all are welcomed and encouraged to participate in any of our activities and ceremonies. You are needed!

Thank you for all you do.  Father Joe

Apostolate of Prayer for Priests
 This week please pray for:
Sunday: Msgr. Willis W. West, Rev. Robert McNulty
Monday: Rev. Victor Chaker, Rev. Timothy Roth MIC
Tues: V.Rev. Edward M. Konopka, Rev. Patrick A. Martin
Wed.:  Rev. Bruce Quinn OFM Cap, Rev. Gerald S. Kirby
Thurs:  Rev. Albert Giaquinto, Rev. Tadeusz Zadorozny
Friday: Rev. Richard L. Archambault, Rev. George Mattathilanickal
Sat:   Rev. Edward C. Poulin, Rev. Philip A. Pusateri SJ                

Thirteenth Annual Mass for Those Dedicated to Education

The Thirteenth Annual Diocesan Mass for Those Dedicated to Education will be celebrated on Sunday, September 7, 2008, in the Cathedral of St. Patrick, at 9:00 a.m.  Bishop Cote will celebrate this Mass for all teachers and support staff (public, parochial, and private, active and retired, of all faiths.)  The Reverend George J. Richards, J.C.L., Pastor of Saint Catherine of Siena Church and Judge in the Diocesan Tribunal will be the homilist.  Following the Mass, a reception will be held in the Cathedral Hall.  All are welcome.

Eighteenth Annual Blue Mass for All Law Enforcement Officers

All law enforcement officers (federal, state, and municipal, active and retired) and their families are invited to the Eighteenth Annual Blue Mass and Reception, Sunday, September 21, 2008, in the Cathedral of Saint Patrick, 10:15 am.  All parishioners are cordially invited to attend this Mass.  Bishop Cote will celebrate the Mass and Father David Choquette, Connecticut State Police Chaplain and Pastor of All Saints, Sommersville, will be the Homilist.

Connecticut State Police Trooper First Class Victor E. Lenda, Jr., and Norwich Police Chief Louis J. Fusaro, Sr., are the Blue Mass Co-Chairs.  For more information, please call TFC Lenda, Chief Fusaro, or Monsignor Brown at 860-887-9294, Ext. 232.

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION PROGRAM
REGISTRATION OF STUDENTS

 COLLECTIONS
Sunday, August 24, 2008
$3,257.50
Monthly Aug. $1,678.00       Energy Aug. $967.00
Next Sunday is September Monthly Collection.

SEPTEMBER 11, 2008
IS THE 7TH ANNIVERSARY
OF THE TERRORIST ATTACK IN NEW  YORK CITY, WASHINGTON, DC  AND PENNSYLVANIA IN 2001.  WE BEGIN A NEW YEAR IN OLPH on September 11th.  EVERYONE IS INVITED AND ENCOURAGED TO ATTEND.  AS IN THE PAST, THIS IS THE BEGINNING OF ALL PARISH ACTIVITIES.  Let us know number attending.  
                MARK YOUR CALENDAR!!!

Outside the Parish
The ACTS weekend is presented by a team of lay Catholic men (30 on this team) who have accepted the direction of the Holy Spirit to present this retreat.  The goals are to strengthen your faith and its application in your daily life, to renew yourself spiritually, and to build community through lasting friendships.  The next men’s retreat begins the evening of Thursday, September 11th at the Immaculata Retreat House and ends with the 10:30 Mass at St. Mary’s in Groton on Sunday, September 14th.  The theme for this weekend is 3:16-NUMBERS OF HOPE.  Applications are available in the back of the church or on their website:  www.actsct.org. 

The Office of Prison Ministry in the Diocese of Norwich is seeking individuals interested in volunteering for Prison Ministry.  There are many ways in which you can share your Gifts:  Scripture Study & Sharing; Sacramental Preparation; Prayer Groups; Religious Education; Retreat Days; Small Christian Communities; Music for Liturgies; and Visiting Inmates.  There will be training programs, “Gift of Grace” for those interested in volunteering on Sat., September 13; Sat., September 20; Sat., September 27; Sat., October 4, 2008 at Bishop Flanagan Ministry Center in Montville, CT.  Pre-Registration is required.  Parish Teams are encouraged.  If interested, please contact Sheree Antoch at (860) 848-2237, ext. 212 or prison@norwichdiocese.net.

CHOIR REHEARSAL WILL BE HELD ON THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2008 AT 6:30PM.

 Ladies Guild will  hold their first monthly meeting of the year on Tuesday, September 2nd   at 6:00 P.M. in the hall. This begins with a Pot Luck Supper.  Ladies whose last name begins with, please bring:
A to F:    Salad
   G to L:    Vegetable or Casserole
                  M to S:    Casserole
                  T to Z:     Dessert

 The Sanctuary Lamp will burn this week for
Agnes Grippo & Josephine Douchette                                     
Requested by
Eleanor Amadon