Diocese of Norwich

Office of the Bishop
201 Broadway
Norwich, Connecticut  06360
(860) 887-9294
    April 29, 2008

My dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

                While visiting with the young people from all over the country last month at St. Joseph Seminary in Yonkers New York our Holy Father said, “Proclaim the Lord Christ… and always have your answer ready for people who ask the reason for the hope that is within you”(1 Pet 3:15). He went on to speak about the images of six different men and women: Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini, Saint John Neumann, Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha, Venerable Pierre Toussaint, and Padre Felix Varela of whom he said, “any one of us could be among them, for there is no stereotype to this group, no single mold… inflamed with the love of Jesus, their lives became remarkable journeys of hope”.  The Holy Father is pointing out here the universal call to holiness which each of us has received from the moment of our baptism.

                Among the people of God, called to a journey of holiness, some are called to serve the Church as priests. Prayerful and financial support for those whom God has called is so very important.  We, as God’s family here in Eastern Connecticut, need to continue to call forth, encourage and support those God is calling to serve His Church in this way.

                Let us give thanks to God for the three men I will have the privilege to ordain to the priesthood this coming May 31, 2008 at St. Patrick Cathedral in Norwich:  Rev. Mr. Tomasz Albrecht, Rev. Mr. Richard Breton, and Rev. Mr. Gregory Jednaki. I ask that you continue to keep in your prayers our other four seminarians, and the five men who are at this time in the process of applying to the Norwich Diocese.

                Today, the Church is faced with the increasing cost of educating men in our seminaries. Together, we have a responsibility to provide a good education for those who will serve as future diocesan priests. This coming May 24 & 25, 2008 a special collection will be taken up for the Seminary Education Fund to help defray the cost of educating men for the priesthood in service to this Diocese. Your generosity will assist young men who might otherwise be unable to pursue priestly studies.

                May Jesus, the Eternal High Priest, the focus of our Hope, in whose priesthood we all share through baptism, bless your generosity and may the Holy Spirit open the hearts of many men to respond generously to God’s call to serve as a priest of Jesus Christ.
           
                     Sincerely in Christ, our Risen Lord,                            

                                             Bishop of Norwich

     4:45 P.M.
     Evening Prayer/Benediction/Closing

2008 Annual Bishop’s Appeal
“Bringing Hope To Those In Need”
Thanks to the generosity to many parishioners, to date we have pledges totaling $17,973 which represents 44.9% of our Parish Goal.  As always, we count on the prayer-filled generosity of the members of this parish to make the ministry of the Catholic Church in eastern Connecticut a reality.  If you have not yet made your pledge to the ABA now is the time to join others and be part of the work of Jesus Christ among the people of God.  ABA pledge envelopes are available in the back of the Church for you to fill out and place your commitment in the collection basket.  Thank you for your generosity and thank you in advance for all the ways in which the Annual Bishop’s Appeal will help make Christ known and God’s word shared among his people.      
                
                        Help is Needed!

Care Net Baby Bottles for Life 2008
Please help protect the unborn and contribute to the annual Baby Bottle Campaign to support Care Net – a pro-life pregnancy resource center.  Baby bottles are in the back of the church.  Take empty baby bottles with you on, fill them with coins, currency or check and return them on Fathers Day.

What ever happened to Limbo?
Have you ever noticed that from time to time Church teachings change?  Understanding how and why that can happen is important because knowing what the Church teaches is an important part of being Catholic.  Understanding how teachings change is also important.  The more you understand how the Church teaches, the better you understand your own faith, and the better you can explain your faith to others.  Sister Elissa Rinere, C.P., J.C.D., Director of the Office of Pastoral Planning and of the Office of Worship will present this topic here at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church Hall on Thursday, May 29 – 9:30-11:00 am or 7:00-8:30 pm.  To register, please respond as soon as possible to 848-2237, ext 317 or email: evangrcia@norwichdiocese.net and let them know what presentation you would like to attend.

SPECIAL MEMORIAL DAY MASS
In Saint Mary Cemetery, Jefferson Avenue, New London, Rev. Msgr. Robert Brown will celebrate this Mass on Memorial Day, Monday, May 26, 2008 at 10:00 a.m.  In case of inclement weather this Mass will be celebrated in the Mausoleum Chapel at Saint Mary Cemetery, New London.
PARISH COUNCIL MEETING
MAY 27, 2008 AT 6:30 PM IN THE HALL

Announced Masses

Monday, May 19th   weekday of 7th week in Ordinary Time
7:30 A.M.  Special Intention
Tuesday, May 20th    Saint Bernardine of Siena, Priest
Wednesday, May 21st   Saint Christopher Magallanes, Priest
7:30 A.M. Mothers’ Day Novena of Masses  
Thursday, May 22nd      Saint Rita of Cascia, religious
 7:30 A.M.  Parishioners of OLPH    
 Friday, May 23rd    weekday of 7th week in Ordinary Time
 7:30 A.M.  Mothers’ Day Novena of Masses