2019 Parish Guide

Come Join Us as We Live, Learn and Share our Faith

Established 1881 Ridgefield, Connecticut

Saint Mary Parish A Warm & Welcoming Family of

Roman Catholic Faith

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SAINT MARY PARISH 55 Catoonah Street

Ridgefield, CT 06877 (203) 438-6538, Fax: (203) 438-4406

Website: www.smcr.org Dear friends in Christ, Welcome to our Saint Mary Parish Family. The cornerstone of our beautiful Church, laid in July of 1896, represented the dreams of many Catholic immigrants who came here to build a new life rooted in our shared Roman Catholic faith. Here at Saint Mary’s we warmly welcome all who come to celebrate our gift of faith with us. Today, we joyfully continue to build on that same cornerstone, Jesus Christ, and to respond to the needs of this new millennium with the guidance of the Holy Spirit and our Parish Pastoral Plan, “Welcome Home.” At the same time we invite all of our members to contribute their talents to over thirty growing ministries that help us to live, learn and share our rich gift of Catholic faith. Our Parish Guide explains the many ways you can become more deeply involved in our Family of Faith. In it you will find descriptions of various Parish services, ministries and activities as well as useful contact information. Here at Saint Mary Parish there is something for everyone at every age. Come to grow in faith and fellowship with us. With gratitude to our dedicated Parish Staff and many volunteers who make possible all that we do, I hope that this Guide will inspire you to enter more fully into the life of our vibrant Saint Mary Parish Family of Faith.

Very sincerely in Christ Jesus, Our Lord,

Msgr. Laurence R. Bronkiewicz Pastor

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St. Mary Parish is a warm and welcoming community of Catholic faith, reaching out to our local community and

beyond as we share Christ’s love.

We invite all members of our Parish to contribute their talents to our many ministries, which help us live, learn and

share the rich gift of our Catholic faith!

OUR PARISH MISSION

LIVE the gift of our faith, ENRICH our understanding of that gift, and PRACTICE our faith in

compassionate service.

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Table of Contents Parish Staff 5

Clergy ......................................................................................5 Liturgy & Worship ...................................................................5 Faith Formation ......................................................................5 Pastoral Care ..........................................................................5 Planning & Operations ...........................................................5

Parish Council 6 Lay Members of St. Mary Corporation ..................................6 Parish Pastoral Council..........................................................6 Parish Finance Council ..........................................................6

Sacraments 7 Eucharist - Mass Schedule ....................................................7 Reconciliation – Confessions ................................................7 Baptism & Pre-Baptism Instruction .......................................7 Marriage & Marriage Preparation ...........................................8 Anointing of the Sick ..............................................................8 RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) ..........................8

Liturgy & Worship 9 Altar Guild ...............................................................................9 Altar Servers ...........................................................................9 Eucharistic Ministers ..............................................................9 Hospitality Ministry .................................................................9 Lectors ....................................................................................9 Music Ministry ....................................................................... 10

Adult ................................................................................... 10 LifeTeen ............................................................................. 10 Children's Choir .................................................................. 10

Eucharistic Adoration .......................................................... 10 Pilgrim Virgin of Fatima........................................................ 10 Ushers ................................................................................... 10

Faith Formation 11 Religious Education ............................................................. 11 Youth Ministry ....................................................................... 11

Kids Club ............................................................................ 11 LifeTeen ............................................................................. 11

Adult Education .................................................................... 11 Baptism and Pre-Baptism Instruction .................................. 11 Catholic Women in Community (CWC) ............................... 11

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Divorce & Separation Support Group.................................. 12 Marriage and Marriage Preparation .................................... 12 RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) ......................... 12 Scripture Study ................................................................... 12

Disciples 4 Life ..................................................................... 12 Men’s Ministry ....................................................................... 12 Evangelization ...................................................................... 13

Pastoral Care 14 Parish Focused ..................................................................... 14

CYO Basketball Program .................................................... 14 Homebound Eucharistic Ministry ........................................ 14 Senior Citizens’ Mass and Luncheon .................................. 14 Social Committee ............................................................... 14 Stephen Ministry ................................................................. 14

Parish Outreach .................................................................... 15 Catholic Relief Services ...................................................... 15 Dorothy Day House of Hospitality ....................................... 15 Giving Tree ......................................................................... 15 Knights of Columbus .......................................................... 15 Midnight Run ...................................................................... 15 Mothers’ Club ..................................................................... 16 Respect Life ....................................................................... 16 St. Peter’s Run ................................................................... 16

Planning & Operations 17 Parish Office Staff/Support .................................................. 17 Welcome Home ..................................................................... 17 Cemetery ............................................................................... 17 Communications .................................................................. 18 Facilities ................................................................................ 18

Brick and a Prayer .............................................................. 18 Parish Nurse Program .......................................................... 18

Saint Mary School 19 Emergency Conditions 20 Event Rental Space 21

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Parish Staff

Clergy Office: (203) 438-6538 Fax: (203) 438-4406 Msgr. Laurence R. Bronkiewicz, Pastor, x110, msgrlrb@smcr.org

Rev. Sean Kulacz, Parochial Vicar, x119, frsean@smcr.org Rev. Lourduraj.O.Praem, Parochial Vicar, frraj@smcr.org Deacon Jerry Lambert, gmlamb@optonline.net Deacon Bob Salvestrini, salvo95@aol.com

Liturgy & Worship Office: (203) 438-6538 Fax: (203) 438-4406 Director, Deacon Jerry Lambert, gmlamb@optonline.net

Music Director Darren Motise, (203) 438-6539 ext. 300, darren@smcr.org

Hall Music Minister Brennan Orie, brennanorie@hotmail.com

Faith Formation Office: (203) 438-7335 Fax: (203) 438-6876 Director, Pat Postiglione, x218, ppostiglione@smcr.org

Administrative Asst: Meredith Jackson, x215, religioused@smcr.org Data Coordinator Josephine Bove, x213, jbove@smcr.org Youth Minister Brenner LeCompte, (203) 438-2394,

blecompte@smcr.org

Pastoral Care Office: (203) 438-6538 Fax: (203) 438-4406 Director, Fr. Sean Kulacz, x119, frsean@smcr.org

Planning & Operations Office: (203) 438-6538 Fax: (203) 438-4406 Executive Director, Dick Camuso, x107, rcamuso@comcast.net Receptionist Kim Macko, x100, kmacko@smcr.org Administrative Asst. Joanne Brown, x110, jbrown@smcr.org Communications Mgr. Carolyn Haitsch, x117, chaitsch@smcr.org Accountant Barbara Rizzo, x106, brizzo@smcr.org Facilities Coord. Dick Camuso, ext. 113, rcamuso@comcast.net Cemetery Dir. Donna Barber,(203) 733-4658, dbarber@smcr.org Maintenance Phil Franceschini, Jim McElroy, Greg Taylor Parish Nurse Colleen Minchik, RN, (203) 431-8949

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Parish Council Lay Members of St. Mary Corporation In addition to the Most Rev. Frank J. Caggiano, Bishop of Bridgeport, who serves as President of St. Mary’s Corporation, a civil corporation in the State of Connecticut, and our Diocesan Vicar General who serves as Vice President, Msgr. Bronkiewicz, our Pastor, serves as Secretary/Treasurer, along with two Parishioners who are appointed each year to serve as lay members of our Parish corporation. They are: Nanette Bracken, brackennanette@yahoo.com Richard Camuso, rcamuso@comcast.net

Parish Pastoral Council Presider, Msgr. Laurence Bronkiewicz, msgrlrb@smcr.org Acting Chair, Msgr. Laurence Bronkiewicz, msgrlrb@smcr.org Exec. Dir. Planning & Ops, Richard Camuso, rcamuso@comcast.net St. Mary School Principal, Anna O’Rourke, orourkea@smsridgefield.org Dir. Liturgy & Worship, Deacon Jerry Lambert, gmlamb@optonline.net Dir. Pastoral Care, Fr. Sean Kulacz, frsean@smcr.org Director Faith Formation, Pat Postiglione, ppostiglione@smcr.org Finance Council Chair, John Spera, John.Spera@us.pm.com Brenner LeCompte, blecompte@smcr.org Sean Burke, sean.r.burke@gmail.com Vince Falotico, Vincent@brooksandfalotico.com Sarah Sorgie, sasorgie@icloud.com Lorenzo Verdejo, lverdejo@me.com Frances Walton, fwalton32@comcast.net Meg Whitbeck, margaret_whitbeck@yahoo.com

Parish Finance Council Msgr. Laurence Bronkiewicz, msgrlrb@smcr.org Rev. Sean Kulacz, frsean@smcr.org Chair: John Spera, John.Spera@us.pm.com Dayan Anandappa, anandappa@ymail.com Nanette Bracken, brackennanette@yahoo.com Richard Camuso, rcamuso@comcast.net John Eppolito, eppoitoj@msn.com Ginny Passarelli, rapvkk@gmail.com Steven Seagriff, sseagriff57@gmail.com

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Parish Services Sacraments

Eucharist - Mass Schedule

Weekend Masses Saturday Vigil Mass at 4:30 PM in our Church Sunday Masses at 7:30 AM, 9:15 AM and 11:15 AM in our Church Sunday Masses at *10:30 AM, 12 Noon, 5 PM in our Parish Hall *Family Mass with Children’s Liturgy of the Word

Weekday Masses 7 AM and Noon in our Church, Saturday at 8 AM in our Church (Novena Mass)

Holy Days 7:30 PM Vigil, 7 AM, 9 AM, Noon and 7:30 PM in our Church

Reconciliation – Confessions Tuesday and Thursday from 12:30-1:00 PM in our Church Saturday from 3:30-4:30 PM in our Church For Advent and Lent, please see the Bulletin Contact: Parish Office, (203) 438-6538

Baptism & Pre-Baptism Instruction � Baptisms are celebrated every Sunday at 12:30 PM, with the

exception of Holy Days and Holiday weekends. Please call the Parish Office to schedule a baptism.

� The pre-baptism class, held the second Wednesday of every other month at 7:30 PM in the Barn, is required for new parents and parents who have not participated in a pre-baptism class within five years and wish to have a child baptized. Please call the Parish Office to register for a pre-baptism class.

� Catholic Godparents are required to obtain a sponsor certificate from their Parish stating they are practicing Catholics in good faith and forward it to the Parish Office at least one week before the baptism. One non-Catholic Christian, in addition to one Catholic godparent, may also act as a witness for a Baptism. Contact: Admin. Asst., Joanne Brown, (203) 438-6538, x110, jbrown@smcr.org

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Marriage & Marriage Preparation � Couples planning to marry should contact the Parish Office at

least one year in advance to schedule their wedding. � At least nine months prior to the wedding date, the future bride

and groom should begin preparation for their marriage and are expected to participate in the marriage preparation program (Pre-Cana). This is offered by the Diocese of Bridgeport but may be taken anywhere. A booklet on preparing for marriage at Saint Mary Parish is available at our Parish Office.

� For schedules and other information about the Diocesan marriage preparation program (Pre-Cana), refer to Marriage Preparation under the Ministries tab on their website: www.bridgeportdiocese.org

Contact: Admin. Asst., Joanne Brown, (203) 438-6538, x110, jbrown@smcr.org

Anointing of the Sick Anyone who is seriously ill or preparing for surgery may arrange to receive the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick. Contact: Parish Office, (203) 438-6538

Other Services RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) RCIA involves preparing un-baptized, baptized in other faiths and un-catechized adults for initiation into full communion with the Catholic Church. RCIA general information sessions typically begin in September and continue through November. These are followed by weekly instructional classes in Scripture and Catholic doctrine beginning on the first Sunday of Advent and continuing through Palm Sunday. To the extent possible, the session schedule tries to accommodate the convenience of the participants. Contact: Pat Postiglione, (203) 438-7335 x218, ppostiglione@smcr.org

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Liturgy & Worship Director: Deacon Jerry Lambert, gmlamb@optonline.net

Altar Guild Join the Altar Guild in caring for the altars where Mass is celebrated and in enhancing the beauty of our worship spaces through floral and other kinds of decorations. Contact: Bobbie Anderson, (203) 438-6454, bander1938@gmail.com

Altar Servers We encourage boys and girls in fourth grade and above to become altar servers. Altar server teams of four are scheduled for two weekend Masses each month and are also called upon to serve at weddings and other special celebrations. Contact: Megan McCaughey, mccaugheymegan@gmail.com, Susan Price, sprice14@optonline.net, Mary Tappan, mtappan27@gmail.com

Eucharistic Ministers Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion (Eucharistic Ministers) assist with the distribution of Holy Communion at Mass and some also take Communion to our local nursing home, assisted living facility and homebound Parishioners. Contact: Shelley Anderton, (203) 431-9058, shelleyanderton6@gmail.com Homebound Eucharistic Ministry, see page 14

Hospitality Ministry The purpose of this ministry is to foster a welcoming environment throughout our Parish and especially at Masses and other liturgies. We are assembling Hospitality Ministry Teams - Parishioners from all areas of our Parish, to support you, our visitors, and one another. Our goal is that everyone who walks through our doors at Mass are greeted with a warm and personal welcome. Contact: Dcn. Jerry Lambert, gmlamb@optonline.net

Lectors Lectors read the Old and New Testament readings at Mass in addition to introducing the Mass, the ministers and making any necessary announcements. Contact: Kathryn Shelava, (203) 431-0191, kathy.shelava@att.net or Nick Rizzi, (203) 918-3478, rizziclan@aol.com

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Music Ministry The Music Ministry of our Parish enhances our public worship with the help of several volunteer performing groups: Music Director: Darren Motise, (203) 438-6539, x300, darren@smcr.org

Adult Choir, which sings each Sunday at the 9:15 AM Mass in the Church. Contact: Darren Motise, (203) 438-6539, x300, darren@smcr.org

LifeTeen Music Ministry, a contemporary music ensemble singing each Sunday at the 5:00 PM Mass in the Hall. Contact: Brennan Orie, brennanorie@hotmail.com

Children's Choir Contact: Brennan Orie, brennanorie@hotmail.com

Eucharistic Adoration A ministry of prayer practiced in our Adoration Chapel where the Blessed Sacrament is exposed around the clock. Men and women pray silently in the Chapel every day of the year (except from Holy Thursday after the Mass of the Lord’s Supper until Easter Sunday morning). The Chapel is located on the right side of the Saint Mary School building. Parishioners are encouraged to sign up for one hour a week in prayer before the Blessed Sacrament, which may be done online at smcr.org. Contacts: Monica and Bill Brown, (914) 533-2832, drbillbrown32@gmail.com

Pilgrim Virgin of Fatima Since many people are unable to make a pilgrimage to Fatima, Our Lady reverses the process and becomes the Pilgrim to visit you. This honored tradition is a wonderful way to bring devotion to your family and home. Consider inviting Our Lady into your home. Contact: Elma Stoveken, (203) 894-1341, jstoveken@comcast.net

Ushers Ushers are needed at all weekend liturgies and holy days of obligation to greet, assist individuals in finding seats, take up the collection and organize the offertory procession. Substitute ushers are also needed. Open to all men and women, young and old. Contact: Dennis Bell, (203) 438-0244, db06877@gmail.com

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Faith Formation Director: Pat Postiglione, ppostiglione@smcr.org

Religious Education One of our fundamental obligations is to pass on our Catholic faith to our children. We are a pilgrim people, journeying in the company of the Lord. We are fed on our pilgrim way; by the Word of God, by the Sacraments, and by one another. Catechists are always needed for our very large Religious Education program, and training and support are provided by our Religious Education Staff and the Diocese. Contacts: Pat Postiglione, Meredith Jackson, Josephine Bove, (203) 438-7335, religioused@smcr.org

Youth Ministry Kids’ Club: Our Great Adventure Kids’ Club is a dynamic way for kids to learn about the Bible in a fun and interactive manner. Open to Pre-K4 through 5th grade. Meets the last Friday of each month, 6-7:30pm. Registration required and nominal fee collected. LifeTeen: Our youth ministry for teenage Parishioners in freshman through senior year of high school. LifeTeen gathers for the Sunday 5pm Mass, followed by dinner and LifeNight at 6 PM in the Parish Barn. Contact: Brenner LeCompte, Youth Minister, (203) 438-2394, blecompte@smcr.org

Adult Education Baptism and Pre-Baptism Instruction For additional information, please see page 7. Contact: Joanne Brown, (203) 438-6538 x110, jbrown@smcr.org

Catholic Women in Community (CWC) Catholic life can be a challenge….alone. CWC is a loving, accepting and nurturing community of women who gather for fellowship, enrichment and support in living their faith. The beauty of this community is in the varied ages and stages of its members, each sharing unique perspective and guidance from their individual journey to Christ. Contact: Angelina Falotico (203) 431-1394, angelina@brooksandfalotico.com

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Divorce & Separation Support Group Our mission is to provide spiritual and emotional support to divorced or separated individuals who are at a difficult time in their lives. With faith, compassion, and understanding, this group helps facilitate healing through fellowship and community. Contact: Jim Orkin, (203) 420-7564, jamesorkin@gmail.com

Marriage and Marriage Preparation For additional information, please see page 8. Contact: Admin. Asst., Joanne Brown, (203) 438-6538, x110, jbrown@smcr.org

RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) For additional information, please see page 8. Contact: Faith Formation Director, Pat Postiglione, (203) 438-7335 ext. 218, ppostiglione@smcr.org

Scripture Study Enrich your understanding of the Bible and what it means to live our Catholic faith. Sunday and Monday morning sessions are offered, as well as Monday evenings. Contacts: Morning session: Paula Molloy, paulakmolloy@gmail.com Evening session: Beverly Scott, (914) 763-6243, bscott@scottassociatesllc.com

Disciples 4 Life Disciples 4 Life Retreat is an adult weekend retreat open to all men and women of the Parish over the age of 18. The leaders of the retreat, which focuses on discipleship, are men and women of our Parish. The retreat is offered twice a year at the Seton Neumann Center in Danbury, CT. Contact: Marilyn Kain, (203) 431-0832, kainm@wcsu.edu

Men’s Ministry Our Men’s Ministry provides a forum for men to share their faith with each other, grow in their spirituality and be of service to our Parish and the wider community. We are always looking for men to become involved in this very exciting and enriching ministry. We meet every Saturday from 6:30 to 8:00 AM in the Saint Mary School Hall. Please see our website: www.stmmm.org. Contact: Timothy O’Connell, (203) 903-4846, timothytoconnell@gmail.com

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Evangelization

The St. Mary Evangelization group seeks to reach out to the marginalized and unchurched population to bring them back to our warm and welcoming Catholic Parish to deepen their personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Contact: Patty Linnon, (203) 438-4115, patty.linnon@gmail.com

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Pastoral Care Director: Fr. Sean Kulacz, frsean@smcr.org

Parish Focused

CYO Basketball Program We have a very active basketball program for boys and girls grades five through eight. Our teams compete with other area Catholic Youth Organizations (CYO), as well as school and town teams. Our home court is the Nancy Bossidy Recreation Center in the Saint Mary School building. Contact: Jack Jancin, (203) 748-3808

Homebound Eucharistic Ministry Each Sunday, Eucharistic Ministers visit homebound Parishioners, and also residents at Laurel Ridge Health Care Center, Ridgefield Congregate Housing and the Ridgefield Crossing Assisted Living Residence. Contact: Marlys Rizzi, (203) 448-8162, rizziclan@aol.com

Senior Citizens’ Mass and Luncheon This monthly get-together begins with the Rosary at 11:30 am, followed by Mass and luncheon in our Parish Hall. During the luncheon, we celebrate birthdays and other special occasions as well as Holy Days and holidays. Contact: Saint Mary School, (203) 438-7288

Social Committee Mission: to plan and coordinate various Parish social events in order to strengthen the sense of community in our Parish Family. Contact: Fr. Sean Kulacz, (203) 438-6538 x119, frsean@smcr.org

Stephen Ministry Stephen Ministry is an outreach program that brings Christ’s healing love to people suffering everything from illness and grief to family troubles and job loss. Lay Stephen Ministers from our Parish receive fifty hours of training in providing confidential, emotional and spiritual care to individuals in our Parish experiencing difficulty in their lives. The Stephen Ministers work in collaboration with our Pastor, other Clergy members of the Parish and our Stephen Leaders, Mary Ann O’Grady and Jack Hughes. Contact: Mary Ann O’Grady at (203) 438-5610, mannog@aol.com, or Jack Hughes at (203) 665-0054, jack2cruise@me.com.

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Parish Outreach Catholic Relief Services A worldwide Catholic agency providing emergency relief services to those in need across our planet. Contact: www.crs.org

Dorothy Day House of Hospitality There are three ways Saint Mary Parishioners help the Dorothy Day Soup Kitchen and Shelter: one Sunday a month Parishioners work at the soup kitchen cooking, serving, and greeting; another group makes the sandwiches in our Saint Mary School kitchen to take to Dorothy Day; and some volunteers also spend an overnight at the shelter. Regular volunteers and substitutes are always needed. Contacts: Michael & Mary Ann Hnath, (203) 438-6453, hnath@sbcglobal.net

Giving Tree The annual Saint Mary Giving Tree program supports 16 different charities, the majority of them local. Due to the generosity of our Parishioners, we are able to provide over 900 gifts each year to families and individuals in need. Contact: Parish Office, (203)438-6538

Knights of Columbus The Marquette Council of the Knights of Columbus is devoted to serving our Parish and the wider community. Men wishing to deepen their faith through service are always welcome to join. We are a small but committed group guided by the simple principles of Charity, Fraternity, Unity and Patriotism, which have been guiding the Knights throughout our history. Help us continue our tradition of service. Become a Knight. Contact: Phil DelGiudice, (203) 431-2119, compass_grp@yahoo.cm

Midnight Run Saint Mary Parish participates in an area-wide program that takes food, clothing, and toiletries to those living on the streets of New York City and tries to create a relationship of trust, sharing, understanding and affection with those it serves. “Midnight runners” collect and sort items of clothing and prepare food for distribution. Vans used for transport belong to the Midnight Run organization. Contact: Bob Wendel, (203) 431-4031, rgwendel@sbcglobal.net

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Mothers’ Club The Mothers’ Club provides an opportunity for women to grow in the knowledge and practice of their faith and to be of service to the Parish and wider community while supporting one another. Contacts: Regina Flynn, reginapicciano@hotmail.com; Becky Hurta, ledwithr@gmail.com; Rachel Quinn, rachelquinn1028@gmail.com.

Respect Life Respect Life proclaims the Gospel of life and works toward the implementation of the USCCB “Pastoral Plan for Pro-Life Activities.” It seeks to promote the culture of life, changing hearts and minds via educational efforts, and supporting post-abortion healing, pregnancy advisory services and adoption. Activities include “March for Life” bus trip to Washington, D.C., participation in the Danbury Life Chain and the Fairfield County 40 Days for Life. We post billboards and prepare bulletin inserts with educational messages, and support Birthright and Rachel’s Vineyard Retreats. Visit our website at www.stmaryrespectlife.org Contact: Hank Vosswinkel, (203) 545-0989, voss1000@aol.com

St. Peter’s Run St. Peter’s Run provides approximately 200 lunches for distribution to families and individuals every Saturday between 11:30 AM and 1 PM at St. Peter’s Parish in Bridgeport. Volunteers obtain the lunch items, (i.e., food, snacks, drinks), prepare the food, take it to St. Peter Parish and distribute it to those in need. Individuals and group volunteers can select and reserve dates online through our Parish web site, www.smcr.org. Contact: Mary Staudt, (203) 460-6541, mstaudt@gmail.com

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Planning & Operations Executive Director: Richard Camuso, rcamuso@comcast.net

Parish Office Staff/Support Our Parish Staff is available to assist you Monday through Friday from 10:00am to 4:00pm at (203) 438-6538. Kim Macko, Receptionist, x100, kmacko@smcr.org; Joanne Brown, Admin. Asst., ext. 110, jbrown@smcr.org; Carolyn Haitsch, Communications Mgr., x117, chaitsch@smcr.org; Barbara Rizzo, Accountant, x106, brizzo@smcr.org; Richard Camuso, Facilities Coordinator, x113, rcamuso@comcast.net

Welcome Home We are a Parish Family who warmly welcomes and embraces those who want to follow Jesus Christ and make our Catholic Faith Community their spiritual home. Our Staff is always ready to welcome you and to assist you in any way we can. We look forward to meeting you. Please stop by to introduce yourself. Contact: Kim Macko, Receptionist, (203) 438-6538, kmacko@smcr.org

Cemetery Saint Mary Cemetery is one of four Parish-owned and operated cemeteries in the Diocese of Bridgeport. Because of our Catholic respect for those who have died and have gone before us marked with the sign of faith, great care is taken to insure that our Cemetery is well maintained and managed in a manner that honors those buried there as well as their families. Because our Church plays an active role in the town of Ridgefield, and recognizing that many Catholic are married to non-Catholic spouses, we welcome the burial of members of other faiths. Our Cemetery, located on the corner of North Street and Copps Hill Road, also has a very attractive Columbarium for those who opt for cremation of remains. Contact: Donna Barber, (203) 438-3606, Fax: (203) 438-7906, dbarber@smcr.org

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Communications

Bulletin/Flyers: St. Mary Parish’s weekly publication that informs Parishioners of our three pillars of faith, “Living, Learning and Sharing”. It includes, but is not limited to, our upcoming Masses, Religious Education, Parish updates and events.

Social Media: We are on Facebook and Twitter! Join our social media community and enjoy Parish updates, uplifting quotes, thought-provoking posts, event info, weather-related closings, and photos from Parish gatherings and events.

SMC Ridgefield @SMC Ridgefield

Website: Our website can be found at www.smcr.org. Find the weekly Bulletin, the Parish calendar of events, up-to-date listings of our ministries, important announcements, online registration, and more.

Contact: Carolyn Haitsch, Communications Manager, (203) 438-6538 ext. 117, chaistch@smcr.org

Facilities Our facilities include the following: Church, Parish Office, School (including Parish Hall and Nancy Bossidy Recreation Center), Barn, various parking lots and the Parish Cemetery. Contact for facility usage and rental: Dick Camuso, Facilities Coordinator, (203) 438-6538, ext. 113, rcamuso@comcast.net

Brick and a Prayer A gift that will last. Order your special brick customized with the inscription of your choice for placement in the courtyard in front of Saint Mary Church. Contact: Kim Macko, (203) 438-6538, kmacko@smcr.org

Parish Nurse Program The Parish Nurse Program uses a holistic approach to promote health and healing. Contact: Colleen Minchik, R.N., (203) 431-8949.

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Saint Mary School Saint Mary School is a Roman Catholic, co-educational day school for students in Preschool- Grade 8. The school motto is “Work Hard, Be Kind, and Smile”. Our commitment to academic excellence is evidenced by the National Blue Ribbon designation, consistently high test scores, and the success of our graduates. We have a focus on faith formation and celebration, and the Roman Catholic teaching and tradition are a part of every day. Saint Mary School is an active community of parents, students, and faculty who strive for a positive school climate and values of compassion, kindness, and service. Contact: Anna O’Rourke, Principal, (203) 438-7288, orourkea@smsridgefield.org, Website: www.smsridgefield.org

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Emergency Conditions

The ability of our Parish Administration to communicate with Parish membership will depend on the nature of the emergency and the extent of its impact on methods of communications. Weather conditions (hurricanes, snowstorms, etc.) may result in power outages and interrupt or eliminate internet and phone service, including cell phone reception. While our dedicated Parish Staff will do its best to respond to any emergencies that may occur, at the same time we depend on Parishioners to exercise common sense during emergency conditions and to follow the direction of responsible authorities in their own communities. In the event that power and telephone service are still available, our Parish Staff will do its best to inform Parishioners about the state of Parish buildings/facilities and any cancellation of religious services and/or any other Parish activities/events through an email blast, if possible, and/or through our Parish telephone answering service which can be reached by dialing our main Parish Office number, (203) 438-6538. Social media will also be used to communicate information as well as our website, smcr.org. In the event that power and/or telephone service has/have been interrupted, our Parish Staff will do its best to use whatever means are available to communicate with Parishioners including notification of local radio stations.

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Need a place to gather after a Baptism, Funeral or Wedding Rehearsal? St. Mary Parish offers a variety of venues for social events and meetings, including our Parish Barn for smaller groups and our Parish Hall for larger groups, up to 250. Dance floor, free parking and on-site caterer available. Please contact the Parish Office, 203-438-6538, for more information.

Event Rental Space

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Adult Choir, 10 Adult Religious Education, 11 Altar Guild, 9 Altar Servers, 9 Anointing of the Sick, 8 Baptism & Pre-Baptism Instruction, 7 Brick and a Prayer, 18 Bulletin/Flyers, 18 Catholic Relief Services, 15 Catholic Women in Community, 11 Cemetery, 17 Children's Choir, 10 Choir, 10

Adult, 10 Children, 10 Life Teen, 10

Clergy, 5 Communications, 18 Confessions, 7 CYO Basketball Program, 14 Disciples 4 Life, 12 Divorce & Separation Spt Group, 12 Dorothy Day House of Hospitality, 15 Emergency Conditions, 20 Eucharistic Ministers and Lectors, 9 Evangelization, 13 Event Rental Space, 21 Facilities, 18 Faith Formation, 5, 11 Giving Tree, 15 Homebound Eucharistic Ministry, 14 Hospitality Ministry, 9 Kids Club, 11 Knights of Columbus, 15 Lay Members of St. Mary Corp., 6 Lectors, 9

Life Teen, 11 Life Teen Music Ministry, 10 Liturgy & Worship, 5, 9 Marriage & Marriage Preparation, 8 Men’s Ministry, 12 Midnight Run, 15 Mothers’ Club, 16 Music Ministry, 10 Parish Council, 6 Parish Finance Council, 6 Parish Nurse Program, 18 Parish Office Staff/Support, 17 Parish Outreach, 15 Parish Pastoral Council, 6 Parish Services, 7 Parish Staff, 5 Pastoral Care, 5, 14 Perpetual Adoration, 10 Pilgrim Virgin of Fatima, 10 Planning & Operations, 5, 17 RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of

Adults), 8, 12 Reconciliation, 7 Religious Education, 11 Respect Life, 16 Sacraments, 7 Saint Mary School, 19 Scripture Study, 12 Senior Citizens’ Mass and Luncheon, 14 Social Committee, 14 Social Media, 18 St. Peter’s Run, 16 Stephen Ministry, 14 Ushers and Greeters, 10 Website, 18 Welcome Home, 17 Youth Ministry, 11

23

NOTES

24

NOTES

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