Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church

We have reached August the mid-point of the summer season. Many of our parishioners have been able to take some time to rest and relax. I hope every one will be able to avail themselves of a period of time to just have quiet moments and different days in their life, even if it is only for a short period. Often, we see in the Gospels that Jesus would “go to the mountain;” get away from the crowds to settle into some peaceful prayer and meditation to refresh himself before continuing on his journey.

As we continue on our pilgrim journey, we too, must take the time to rebuild and fortify our lives. Yes, a vacation is a key way to rebuild but you may not be able to “get away” at this time. If that is the case, why not plan for a fall retreat at one of the many retreat houses here in Connecticut. You can go as a couple or independently; there are many options available. Within a short drive we have, St. Edmund’s Retreat house on Enders Island in Mystic, CT ; Immaculata Retreat House in Willimantic, CT (just totally redone with private facilities.); Mercy Retreat Center, in Madison, CT; and, Holy Family Retreat House in West Hartford, CT.

MISSION CO-OP NEXT WEEKEND
Next weekend Rev. Emanuel Azike, O.P. representing the Dominican Province of Nigeria will be here to preach the homily at all the Masses in Our Lady of Perpetual Help. This is part of the Missionary Co-operative Plan of the American Bishops where a representative of a Missionary Society visits every parish in the USA each year and seeks the support of that parish for their work. Please come to Mass next weekend prepared to give a generous donation to the Dominican Province of Nigeria.

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION PROGRAM
REGISTRATION OF STUDENTS
Registration Forms for the Religious Education Program for 2008-2009 were sent to the families the second week of July. If your children have attended the Program, the two registration forms should be completed and sent back to the church with the registration fee in the envelope provided. Please make checks payable to: Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, memo: Religious Education Program.

New First Graders of registered CCD families are asked to include them on the both forms. Their Baptismal Certificates are needed on the first day of class.

The Registration Forms must be returned by August 18, 2008.

New families to the CCD Program and Parish
are asked to call Sister Mary Michelle at 447-3550 regarding registration. Registration forms will be sent to you along with pertinent information regarding the Religious Education Program.
THANK YOU!
Sister Mary Michelle

The Cactus Jack Foundation is seeking donations for a dinner benefit/raffle to be held for Dylan Pero on Monday, August 14th at East Lyme High School. Dylan, 18 years old has been battling leukemia for the past 3 years. Now he is in need of a bone marrow transplant. Please see flyers on bulletin board at both doors of the church.

Are you interested in becoming a Lay Minister at OLPH? We are currently looking for additional Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion and Lectors. As a result of normal attrition, 2007 saw a decline in the active list of ministers. If you or someone you know might be interested, please telephone Father Whittel at 443-1875. This is a wonderful way to serve Our Lord and OLPH parish.

BLOOD DRIVE – Monday, August 11, 2008, 2:00 PM to 6:45 PM the American Red Cross is holding a blood drive co-sponsored by The DNA Epicenter, Inc. at the Epicenter on 33 Gallows Lane, New London.
Your help is needed – call 1-800-Give Life (448-3543.

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. MORE LATER.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR!!!

Outside the Parish
There are a few seats left for a “Noshing” Trip to NYC on Tuesday, September 23rd. You will tour NYC neighborhoods with a guide – eating and shopping your way thru the city. A bus ride around the World Trade Center is planned along with a stop at Zabar’s (Food Emporium). Coolers are welcome. Price for the bus is $45.00. Call Ginny Smith at 443-4174 for reservations. Make checks payable to St. John’s Church. Departure from St. John’s (Montville) parking lot is at 7:00 A.M.

YOUNG ADULTS (Age 25-40 yrs.): Are you looking for opportunities to socialize with other people who share you faith? Please pick up a registration form in the back of the church from The Office for Faith Formation for Member Registration. Go aboard the Schooner Argia while it docks in Mystic (15 Holmes Street), on Friday, September 20th, from 5:30 pm-7:30 pm. Wine, cheese and other refreshments will be served as you enjoy an evening of conversation and fellowship.

Apostolate of Prayer for Priests
This week please pray for:
Sunday: Bishop Michael R. Cote
Monday: All Priests
Tuesday: Rev. Prodeep Chandra Nayak, Rev. Joseph C. Ashe
Wed.: Rev. John Antonelle, Rev. Pasquale Talierco MSA
Thurs: Rev. Peter B. Liszewski, Rev. John Gwudz
Friday: Rev. Lester Morris, Rev. Kevin M. Reilly
Sat: Rev. Joseph T. Chacko, V.Rev. James P. Carini

Immaculata Retreat Center-Position Vacancy
Operations/Business Manager Evaluates and manages overall operation of facility. Manages overall plant performance, reliability & efficiency. Operates plant facility: HVAC, electrical, telephone & alarm systems. Manages personnel, budget, human resources and other duties. Required qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related field or equivalent experience; 10 years plant operations, maintenance or technical experience. Off-hours availability as needed; must be able to work some weekends. Resumes only to: Director, Immaculata Retreat Center PO Box 55, Willimantic, CT 06226. Fax (860) 456-5583.

The Sanctuary Lamp will burn this week for
The Pero & Ryan Families
Requested by
Marie Gawerecki

Monday, August 4th St. John Mary Vianney, priest
7:30 A.M. Ernesto Punzalan (Ed & Sally Krajewski)
Tuesday, August 5th
   Dedication of the Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome
Wednesday, August 6th Feast of Transfiguration of the Lord
7:30 A.M. Rev. Daniel F. McGrath
Thursday, August 7th St. Sixtus II, pope,
                            martyr & companions Cajetan, priest
Friday, August 8th    St. Dominic, priest
7:30 A.M. Philip B. & Frances E. Pasquale (Estate)

Nineteenth Sunday of Ordinary Time              August 10, 2008
  5:00 P.M. Anna & Ray Potkay (Their Daughters)
Robert Cope, Sr. & Robert Cope (Family)
  8:00 A.M. M/M William V. Struzinski (Son)
10:30 A.M. Caroline Haberek (Daughter)