From the desk of Monsignor Bride
Monday, January 22nd 2007, we will observe the 34th anniversary of the Roe vs. Wade decision of the Supreme Court of the United States of America. This is the infamous decision by which the justices of the Supreme Court, acting in the majority voted to allow abortion on demand in these United States.  From that moment, we have seen an unraveling of the moral fiber of our country and we have lost, in an almost incomprehensible way, the view and sense of the sacredness of all human life - from the moment of conception until the moment of natural death. This one decision has had such a far reaching perspective that our imagination is almost incapable of fully grasping how awful the effects of this are.
Firstly, it was founded on a lie: The person who was the “Roe” of this decision lied. She never had an abortion. She was not pregnant.  She has since converted and is now a pro-life advocate.  Did you ever watch or see the proponents of the Pro-abortion stand ignore the testimony of this woman who casts a shadow over the entire decision? They cannot stand to hear her name or her statements now that she has seen the truth for what the truth is. They condemn her; they ignore her; and more importantly they will not listen to the logic or truth of the position she now preaches.
Please pray this week that soon the highest court of this land will once again recognize the moral order and the moral law which has been planted in the heart of every human being:  “Thou shalt not kill.”
However, we would make a serious mistake if we were to think that lack of respect for human life centers only on the life of the unborn. It is much wider and more comprehensive. In these last years, we have seen how lack of respect for life in young people has been so sinful and wrong. Abuse, though an illness, is a lack of respect for the purity, the wholeness, the integrity of “life” in our children.  It has darkened the Catholic priesthood.  We beg for the Lord’s mercy and forgiveness.
In addition, I am appalled by the awful lack of respect for our senior citizens who are sick, infirm, and elderly. This is a lack of respect for Human Life, also. These poor elderly often have no one to advocate for them. Even when they do have an advocate, their plight is horrible.  Meal dishes are placed in front of them, they often are never assisted, and family members are told “they are not eating.” There is never a question of the quality of food or the ability of the patient to feed themselves. Many families have all but abandoned them and they spend their final days alone. This, too, is a blot on our country and on many who fail to respect the human life possessed in abundance by our senior citizens. We are all living longer and will be in need of this service.
Let us pray as we observe this awful anniversary this week, that respect for all human life may return to this country and that each of us may reach out to our neighbors in love, care and concern.
                                   Monsignor Bride

Monsignor Bride’s Vacation
Monsignor Bride is on vacation.   He will return to the Rectory this Sunday evening, January 21, 2007.  

COLLECTIONS
Sunday, January 14, 2007
Offertory $4,345.34
Monthly (Jan) $1,521.20     Energy (Jan) $
 This  weekend is the National Combined Collection.

Burning of the Sanctuary Lamp for a special intention.
Telephone the Rectory to request a particular week for  your intention for this new year.

Outside the Parish
Why rent when you can own your own home?  Attend a FREE 8 Hour Homebuyers Education Class and learn all the steps into becoming a homeowner.  The next class is on January 27th   9 AM to 1 PM at St. Joseph’s Church in Willimantic.  To register or inquire, call Esmerelda Thornton at Catholic Charities.  889-8346 Ext. 271.
Married Couples Looking for a New Year’s Resolution?  Resolve to have a relationship with your spouse that’s beyond your wildest dreams.  It can happen on a Worldwide Marriage Encounter Weekend.  The next weekend will be January 26-28, 2007.  For more information about Worldwide Marriage Encounter or to register for an upcoming weekend, please contact John & Bev Maley at 203-364-0836 or bikmaley@aol.com or visit www.wwme.org.

January 22, 2007 marks the 34th “birthday” of the Supreme Court’s abortion-approving decision, Roe v. Wade, a ruling that has denied a birthday to millions of American children. 

MARCH FOR LIFE
BUSES TO WASHINGTON:  Those going by bus will board on Sunday evening, January 21st, at NINE (9) PM
at the Norwich Municipal Parking Lot at Exit 80  (West Main Street) off Interstate 395.
Buses will return to the same location at approximately One (1) AM on Tuesday morning. 
Adult fare:  $50   Student fare:   $25
For further information and seat reservation call:  Patti Rossi at 848-1064 or Margaret Becotte at 822-1362.    

                        Announced Masses

Monday, January 22ND    St. Vincent, Deacon                 
7:30 A.M. William Kitlinski   
                           (Deacon Ron & Donna)
Tuesday,  January 23rd     Weekday of Ordinary Time                 
7:30 A.M. Richard Spaulding  (Rose Harman)  
Wednesday, January 24th     St. Francis de Sales                             
7:30 A.M.  Karl Alfred Schuh   (Chris Schuh)
Thursday, January 25th   Conversion of St. Paul    
7:30 A.M.   Parishioners of OLPH                  
Friday, January 26th     SS. Timothy & Titus                    
7:30 A.M.  Intention of Celebrant