From the desk of Monsignor Bride
On Christmas Morning, I woke from sleep quite early, in fact earlier than I wanted. But being that was out of my control, I turned on the TV in my bedroom and saw that Pope Benedict was giving his “URBI ET ORBI” (to the city and to the world) blessing from Saint Peter’s Basilica. As this ceremony came to an end, Archbishop Foley, the director of the Office of Communications in the Vatican (a native of Philadelphia) announced that a Plenary Indulgence was given to all those present in the Square of St. Peter’s and also to those watching on Television or listening on Radio. I was delighted to receive this but then wondered how many listening to the Archbishop would understand what he had just said.
I then decided that sometime in the future, I would write a column about this material to make all of you aware of what had just been said.   
Every time we commit a sin, either venial or mortal, there is attached to that sin the need for forgiveness which we know is given in Confession.  However, there is also attached to that sin temporal punishment.  This is not removed when we go to Confession.  The sin is forgiven by the Lord, but temporal punishment remains.  Let me explain.  Let say person 1 hits person 2 in the arm. Let us say it was a hard hit and resulted with the large black and blue mark on the arm.  Person 1 realizes that he has committed a wrong (let us call it a serious sin) and immediately decides to go to person 2 and apologizes for the evil committed (hitting him). Person 2 receives the apology and says forget it. I know you were angry and I know this was not your intent. Person 1 and Person 2 are united.  In this story the sin is Person 1 hitting person 2.  Forgiveness comes when Person 1 apologizes and asks for Person 2’s forgiveness.  That is tantamount to Confession.  However, the Black and blue sore arm remains.  That is an example of temporal punishment. There always is an effect caused by sin, by our sin, by all sin.   When we speak of Purgatory, we are speaking about temporal punishment and the time we spend there is to remove the temporal punishment caused by our sins.  
This is where the issue of indulgences enters the picture. By definition, an indulgence is the remission (the cancellation) in the eyes of God of the temporal punishment due to sins which have already been forgiven in the sacrament of Penance. (remember the above the story of person 1 and person 2… the black and blue mark is the temporal punishment) The Church possesses in her power the ability to grant a Plenary Indulgence which removes all temporal punishment due to sin.  There are very, very strict aspects of this.  A living person may apply the indulgence to the Deceased rather than receive it him or herself.
The conditions for receiving a Plenary indulgence are a) the person must be in the state of grace b) The person must have been to Confession in the most recent past or very soon after the indulgence is granted c) The person receiving the indulgence must receive Holy Communion very close to the time of receiving the indulgence (within a week) and lastly the person receiving the indulgence must pray for the intentions of the Holy Father.
This is a powerful aid of the Church and one which every believing person needs and should cultivate when it is available to us.                         Monsignor Bride

Burning of the Sanctuary Lamp for a special intention.
Telephone the Rectory to request a particular week for  your intention.
This practice has received a broad appeal within our parish and it is another sign of your devotion and respect for Our Lord, present in the tabernacle and for each of us.

Outside the Parish
Stepping StonesHave you experienced the death of a spouse or a loved one and would like support from others who can understand what you are going through?  Stepping Stones is facilitated by a grief and loss specialist.  There is no charge, but registration is required. 
Dates:  2nd Wednesday of each month
Time:  5:00 to 6:30 p.m.
Where:  Hospice Southeastern Connecticut, 179 Gallivan Lane, Uncasville, CT   Call 860-848-5699 to register.   
TRUE LOVE WAITS…For High School Young Adults – 4-Part Series on March 4, 11, 18, 25th from 2:00 to 4:00 PM – At. St. Bernard’s High School, 1593 Norwich-New London Tpke. (Rt. 32), Uncasville. (Meet in the cafeteria.)  A straightforward presentation on love, sex,  consistent with Pope John Paul II’s Theology of the Body.  Includes 3 seminars and a closing Mass.  At the closing Mass, participants have the opportunity to make their own commitment to God to integrate their sexuality and their spirituality as adult men and women.  Parents and friends are welcome to attend.  To register, or for more information, call the Office of Family Life at (860) 889-8346, ext. 283 or 282.

Magdalen College, Warner, NH announces their spring semester Visitor Weekends:
February 2-4, February 23-25, April 13-15 and April 20-22.  Visit their website: www.magdalen.edu. Or call 877-498-1723 for further information.

“Sign-up Sunday”
This weekend, January 27 & 28 has been designated by Bishop Cote and Connecticut’s Bishops as “Sign-up” for the Connecticut Catholic Network.
“Sign-up Sunday” encourages parishioners to sign-up with the Connecticut Catholic Advocacy Network.  This network allows parishioners to receive legislative e-mail alerts on important state and federal legislation.  It permits parishioners to contact their elected official with great ease.  In addition, it familiarizes parishioners with the Connecticut Catholic Conference website where the Catholic perspective on current public issues is presented.
SEE FLYER IN THIS WEEK’S BULLETIN!
 

                       
                    Announced Masses

Monday, January 29TH    4th  Week of Ordinary Time     
7:30 A.M.  Intention of Celebrant
Tuesday, January 30th     4th  Week of Ordinary Time                      
7:30 A.M. Joyce Kelly  (Rose Harman)  
Wednesday, January 31st       St. John Bosco        
7:30 A.M.  Donald Callahan  (Rose Harman)
Thursday, February 1st   4th  Week of Ordinary Time           
 7:30 A.M.   Parishioners of OLPH                  
Friday, February 2nd  Presentation of the Lord
7:30 A.M.  Intention of Catherine Smith
                            (OLPH Ladies Guild)