November 30, 2014 The First Sunday of Advent

†Masses and Intentions†

Sat Confession prior to 4:30 Mass Sat Nov 29, 4:30 pm Mass at St. Philip † Dot Paquette by Bill & Eileen Molnar

Sun Nov 30, 9:00 am Mass at St. Jude The Sick of Both of Our Parishes

Sun Nov 30, 11:00 am Mass at St. Philip † Linda Rosvally by Ruth & Ralph Yulo Mon - Wed No Masses

Fri Dec 5, 8:00 am Mass at St. Philip † Catherine & Steve Muska by Memorial Mass Fund

Adoration following Mass until 2:00 pm 1:50 pm Divine Mercy Chaplet & Benediction

Sat Confession prior to 4:30 Mass Sat Dec 6, 4:30 pm Mass at St. Philip † John Reynolds by the Parish

Sun Dec 7, 9:00 am Mass at St. Jude The Sick of Both of Our Parishes

Sun Dec 7, 11:00 am Mass at St. Philip † Ricoy Graham by Marion Varga & Family

OUR OFFERING OF THANKS TO GOD LAST WEEK

St. Philip Weekly Offering $2,719.00 St. Jude Weekly Offering $1,160.00

MEMORIAL FUND TOTAL DONATIONS St. Philip Memorial Fund Donated $56,381.07 St. Philip Fund Balance $ 5,396.33 St. Jude Memorial Fund Donated $14,975.00 St. Jude Fund Balance $ 8,775.00

ATTENDANCE LAST WEEKEND

Saturday 4:30 pm St. Philip 11/22/14 123 Sunday 9:00 am St. Jude 11/23/14 122 Sunday 11:00 am St. Philip 11/23/14 127 Total: 372

STEWARDSHIP: “Take heed, watch and pray; for you do not know when the time will come.” - Mark 13:33. We all take things for granted. In particular, we take time for granted. Our lives are so busy, many of us are planning our time - our days, weeks, months, even years in advance. Remember, our time on earth is a gift. None of us knows how long we will be here. Start today and begin thanking God for each and every day. Take time in silence every day and listen to what God is saying to you.

ST. JUDE & ST. PHILIP CHOIR REHEARSAL Monday, Dec 1 at 6:30 P.M., Monday, Dec 8 at 7:30 P.M. after Mass and Monday, Dec 15 at 6:30 P.M. all at St. Philip’s.

PRAYER LIST: Gus Aiello, Elaine Fisher, Addie Specyalski, Robert Blain, Renee Delisle, Edward Sullivan, Mary Manning, John Ference, Victoria and Richard Santi, John Marcisin, Mikayla Wilcox, Rita Fogarty,

Brian Racicot, Kenny Botting, Carol Davidge, Jacob Fletcher, Anne Sylvia, Diane Wojciechowski, Jennifer Saegaert Dionne, Eugene Alassi, Leslie Keeler. Please let us know how people are, so we can update our list.

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION: ST. PHILIP CCD Classes 9:30 am, Sunday, in the Parish Center. Confirmation: Sun, 6pm in church.

(No classes November 30) ST. JUDE classes Wednesdays:

Grades 1-4 from 3:45-4:45 pm Grades 5-7 from 7:00-8:00 pm Confirmation: Grades 8 & 9, 7:00-8:00 pm

WEDNESDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY with Fr. Kennedy meets Wed, 10 am, St. Philip Rectory.

Next class Dec 3, Marie will be in charge.

ADULT BIBLE STUDY with Ed Conlan meets Sat, 11:00 am in St. Jude’s Rectory. All are Welcome to study St. Paul’s Letters to the Thessalonians. December 6, Chap 2 – Misleading Influence.

PARISH MEETINGS: Women’s Bible Study: Tues, Dec 2, 10 am Rectory. Prayer Shawl: Tues, Dec 9, 6:30 pm, Rectory. Knights of Columbus: Tues, Dec 9, 7 pm, Parish Ctr. Parish Council: Tues, Dec 16, 7 pm, Rectory.

Birthright of Windham ADVENT BABY SHOWER: The 4-Week Baby Shower beginning the first week of Advent (Nov 30) provides for the needs of

women and babies in our area. Your donations provide a witness to our Catholic faith and our commitment to life. Week 1: pampers size 1-4 and wipes Week 2: Wash cloths, towels, baby wash, lotion, shampoo Week 3: Receiving blankets, newborn gowns, onesies Week 4: Snowsuits & hats size newborn to 2T.

ST. PHILIP’S CHRISTMAS CRAFT FAIR Saturday Dec. 6th from 9 – 2.

PIES, BAKED GOODS, ETC. WE NEED THEM! Pie Tins and Pie Boxes will be available after all Masses this weekend. Please contribute generously to our Bake Sale. This is a very big fundraiser for us.

ST. JUDE GIVING TREE For weeks 1 & 2, please wrap the items and label what they are. 1. Nov. 30 - Catholic Charities 2. Dec. 7 - Willington Human Services 3. Dec. 14 - Birthright of Willimantic

ST. PHILIP GIVING TREE November 30 - Dec 21st. Gifts will benefit a local family and Birthright of Windham. If you are donating a gift card, please put it in an envelope and place it in the collection basket, or bring it to the office.

ST. PHILIP & ST. JUDE GIFT CARD FUNDRAISER Thanks to all the parishioners for their gift card orders, big and small. St. Philip and St. Jude received a total of $2,035.77 from the sale of the cards and gifts bags. You made me look good! It was a pleasure running this fundraiser for our churches. I'd like to thank Jeanne Monty, Theresa Salisbury and Terry Flynn for helping to distribute the gift cards. Thank you to Deren Dagon for making me feel at home in the rectory. Special thanks to Linda Joyal for helping to pull the cards and fill orders and extra special thanks to Caroline Doughty for her accounting and auditing help, patience, laughter and lunches! If you didn’t pick up your gift cards last weekend, please see Deren Dagon or Lydia Manifold after Mass or call the office at 860-429-2860.

Lydia Manifold

HOLIDAY BAZAAR Dec 21st 11:30 – 4:30

St. Philip’s Parish Center Thirty One Bags, Discovery Toys, Holly’s Knit Headbands, Andie’s Cookies LLC, Steeped Tea, Origami Owl Custom Jewelry, Elegant Edge Salon & Day Spa, Scentsy Wickless Candles, Pampered Chef, S&G Homemade Soaps, Home-made Soy Candles by C by C, Jamberry Nails, Tastefully Simple, Shannon’s Jammin’ Jams, DDJ Designs-TieDyed Clothing and others.

33RD ANNUAL CONVOCATION FOR PRIESTS IN THE NORWICH DIOCESE

NEWPORT, RI.—The Annual Convocation for Priests will be held from Dec 1-3, 2014, at the Hyatt Regency Hotel on Goat Island in Newport, RI. Father Kennedy will attend.

THIRD BANNS OF MARRIAGE Nicholas Rovozzo and

René Norman

ADVENT PENANCE SERVICE: St. Jude: Wed Dec 10th 7:00 pm.

CONFESSIONS: St. Philip: Thurs Dec 11th 10:00 am – 12:00 noon. 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm. THANK YOU: My great thanks to everyone at St.

Philip's and St. Jude's who participated and made donations to the American Liver Foundation 2014 Fund Raiser on my behalf. Because of your generosity, I made over 200% of my goal. God Bless all

of you! Sincerely yours, Francine Hodovan, 2014 Liver Champion" TRIP TO HAITI has been rescheduled for Jan 21-28, 2015. This is an immersion trip to the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere. Travelers are hosted at the Norwich Mission house. They will visit orphanages, clinics and other sites supported by Outreach to Haiti as well as a remote farming village. You will experience a glimpse into the lives of the Haitian people; their culture, history, religion and struggles. It is truly a life changing experience. Please contact Denise Pillion 860-617-3642.

OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE! Join Bishop Cote and the Latino people of the Diocese in our annual celebration of the Feast day of Our Lady of Guadalupe at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Friday, December 12, 2014. The celebration begins with the Rosary and opportunity for confession at 6:30, followed by Holy Mass at 7:00 pm celebrated by Bishop Cote. Fiesta following. We look forward to honoring Our Lady with you.

Our condolences to the family of

John Reynolds.

A few weeks ago a big tree fell down and grazed St. Philip’s Rectory. After speaking with parishioners and our insurance

company, I decided to cut down some trees, which if they fell down,

could do catastrophic damage to the Rectory or the Center. As I said last week at Mass, “Good trees go to Tree Heaven”.

Father Kennedy

Diocesan Pro-Life Mass at the Cathedral of St. Patrick in Norwich

Saturday, December 6st ~ 8:30 a.m. Please join our celebrant Rev. Walter Nagle at Mass and the Knights of Columbus with a special “Our Lady of Guadalupe Silver Rose” Act of Consecration. The Silver Rose Ceremonies are taking place throughout North America with four of the Silver Roses concluding their journey on December 12th, the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, at the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Monterrey, Mexico. Following the Mass, the Rosary will be prayed both at the Cathedral and Planned Parenthood. A brunch in the Cathedral Hall will follow the Rosary this month. RELIGIOUS FREEDOM: We must continue to stand in defense of life, marriage, and our first, and most cherished liberty, freedom of religion. The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) continues to urge the Department of Health and Human Services and the White House in the strongest possible terms to remove the various infringements on religious freedom imposed by the health care mandate. If you haven’t done so already, please voice your opposition to the mandate by calling President Obama at the White House at 202-456-1111 or U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Sylvia Mathews Burwell at 202-205-5445. Or clarify that the mandate is in violation of our First Amendment right to religious freedom at: www.whitehouse.gov/contact.

ST. PHILIP AND ST. JUDE MEMORIAL FUNDS

For easy access, Memorial Donation forms are now available on the parish website, and can be downloaded and printed on your home printer.

Do you or someone you know need a Prayer Shawl? Contact: Carolann Hernberg: 860- 487-0449, chernberg01@snet.net.

WE CAN HELP To report inappropriate contact of any kind by a representative of the Diocese of Norwich or for assistance to victims, please call: 1-800-624-7407

PODEMOS AYUDAR Para reportar cualquier contacto inapropiado por un/a representante de la Diócesis de Norwich, o para buscar ayuda para víctimas, favor de llamar: 1-800-624-7407

REMEMBER THE NEEDY IN OUR COMMUNITY. The Ashford Food Bank thanks us for our continued support of struggling families in the Ashford Community. Food is collected all year, not just at the holidays. Please bring non-perishable foods to the church for distribution. We cannot distribute out of date food.

FOOD ASSISTANCE: Distribution is always on a Friday morning, usually the 4th Friday of the month, from 7-9 am at the Living Proof Church of Ashford. We have applications and food distribution schedules in our office or you may visit the website: http://www.ashfordchurch.org/COMMUNITY_OUTREACH/Ashford_Food_Bank/.

The WILLINGTON FOOD PANTRY is open 2 days weekly: Mon, 4 pm - 6 pm, and Wed, 10 - Noon. Patrons must be Willington residents and be screened by the social worker. Customers can come once monthly (on the day of their choice) to select shelf-stable food for their household. To apply, contact: Director, Youth, Family & Social Serv., Town of Willington, 40 Old Farms Rd. Willington, CT 06279. Phone: 860-487-3118; FAX: 860.487-3125 Email: wyfss@willingtonct.org. GIFT CARDS ARE NEEDED Please consider donating gas cards from Cumberland Farms, and food cards from Big Y for requests that come from the needy in our community. Put them in an envelope marked "office" and place them in the collection basket. Thank you. Eucharistic Adoration: two adorers are needed

each hour after Mass on Fridays at St. Philip 9am to 2pm. Please call Sandra Mullarkey: 860-429-0322. We need people who can commit to one hour, as well as people able to substitute when

necessary. All are invited. Where are our shut-ins? Please call the rectory if

you have a loved one in the hospital or in a nursing home so we can visit, bring the Eucharist and keep in touch.

REGISTRATION: If you are new to our parish or your registration is not current, please fill in a form with up-to-date information. Also, your pledge and use of the parish envelopes helps us plan our budget and provides you with a tax record.

INTERESTED IN LEARNING ABOUT ADOPTION? Catholic Charities provides services for all members of the adoption triad: Infant adoption placements, domestic and international home studies and adoption searches. 860-889-8346 ext.282 or susansedensky@ccfsn.org for more info. Catholic Charities Adoption Program will hold monthly meetings for couples who are waiting to adopt or who want to learn about adoption. Catholic Charities Adoption Program will also be holding weekly Birth Mother Support Group meetings every Tues, beginning Sept 16, at 9:30 am at the Catholic Charities Office, 331 Main St., Norwich. For information on both meetings please call our Adoption Program at 860-889-8346 ext. 282.

Catholic Charities celebrates November as National Adoption month. Check out our website at www.ccfsn.org and listen to our newly released song “A Family for You”, written by Dot Reiser and performed by the Christian Youth band, The Cecilias!

MARRIAGE PREP CLASS FOR ENGAGED COUPLES

“God’s Plan for a Joy-filled Marriage”. To register for a 3-session class call the Family Life Office at: 860-889-8346 ext. 283.

Marriage Encounter Weekend~ “We thought we had a great marriage, but now our love is so much deeper than anything we could have imagined!” Rediscover each other with a heart-to-heart Marriage Encounter. For info call 860-376-0440. Email: meweekend@gmail.com. Website:

www.wwme.org.

RACHEL’S VINEYARD RETREAT WEEKENDS If you are silently grieving after an abortion; healing, forgiveness and peace can begin with a Rachel’s Vineyard Retreat. “Project Rachel” is also a Diocesan outreach for anyone in need of healing. Priests in “Project Rachel” can help you through healing and forgiveness. Retreat Nov. 7-9 in Stockbridge, MA call 413-452-0661. Retreat Nov.14-16 in CT call 203-631-9030. Priests in Project Rachel ministry are there for you with God’s Grace and Mercy. Call 860-889-8346 ext. 283 or 800-554-5173. Confidential. www.rachelsvineyard.org. EnCourage Support Group ~ EnCourage is the Catholic spiritual support group for the family members of loved ones with same-sex attraction. For more information on the support group meetings held the first Tuesday of the month at 6:30pm at St. John Church, Montville, please call the Family Life Office at: 860-889-8346 ext. 283.

Natural Family Planning Classes ~ For Married and Engaged. (NFP) is the safe and loving alternative to the dangerous chemical and synthetic hormonal side-effects of contraception and birth control. NFP is scientific and 99% effective for conceiving or responsibly postponing your baby. NFP can also help with fertility problems. Home Study and online are available. Classes are ongoing in our diocese, you also have the opportunity, if taking the CCLI Home Study course, to call our instructors with any questions or attend a class for free. Call the Collison’s 860-399-8625. www.ccli.org. Virtual Online and Home Study Course in English and Spanish also available.

MARRIAGE BUILDING AND REPAIR: Is your marriage tearing you apart, little or no communication, considering separation or divorce? Retrouvaille is a lifeline. A Retrouvaille weekend provides tools to heal, re-establish communication, and gain new insight into your marriage. A series of 6 sessions follows the weekend phase. For information or to sign up for the next weekend on January 16-18 in Hartford area call 413-525-1634.Retrouvaille is Catholic in origin but open to all, helps to repair and build a stable, loving marriage. For information 413-525-1634. www.retrouvaille.org.

“Donation Angel” ~ Donate any type of vehicle: cars, boats, etc. running or not. Donation Angel raises funds to support our Catholic of Norwich and its mission to respond to Christ’s call to care for those in need by providing services for individuals and families. Click or call now for free quick removal of your unwanted vehicle and receive a tax deduction. For info call Ray at: 866-434-1131 or www.donationangel.org/ccfsn. Home Buyers and Foreclosure Prevention Classes: For help with purchasing a home, fallen behind on mortgage payments or help with budgeting or filling out applications for EMAP. All services are provided free at Catholic Charities, a HUD approved Counseling Agency. The Free ongoing Foreclosure Prevention and 8 hour Home Buyers Education Classes are offered by Catholic Charities in Norwich, New London and Plainfield locations. Info: 860-889-8346 ext. 271.

Pregnant? Need help? CATHOLIC CHARITIES Pregnancy and Adoption Programs provide concrete help & answers. Call 1-800-BABYDUE, even if you simply want to talk.

PARENTS DIVORCING AND/OR RESOLVING CHILD CUSTODY ISSUES – participate in the court suggested Parent Education Program. Are you concerned about the effects of divorce, separation or family disruption on your children? Catholic Charities offers ongoing, monthly one day Parenting Education Classes in Norwich, Rockville and Middletown. A monthly 2- part Spanish/bilingual parenting education class is held in Willimantic. Attendance at both sessions in the Willimantic class is required for the certificate of completion. Fees apply and are determined by the State of CT. Please call 1-860-889-8346 ext. 260 for registration and monthly class locations and dates.

LIGHTHOUSE CATHOLIC CDS: There are NEW CDs with orthodox Catholic teaching and some excellent testimonies of individuals and their faith walk.

Thank you for all your donations, they help to keep the program going. If

you have questions or requests contact Donna Vertefeuille at 860-429-4508 or email donna@vertefeuille.org.

Love one another as I have loved you. As you do unto the least of your brothers, you do unto me.

Familiar words – How can we put them into action? Ministering to the sick and elderly is a good beginning. St. Joseph’s Living Center, The ONLY Catholic healthcare facility in the Norwich Diocese, is seeking volunteers to join our chapel team assisting during 11 am daily Mass ESPECIALLY on the weekends. We also need volunteers to join our Vigil Team as we accompany our residents on their journey to eternal rest. If you hear God beckoning you, please call Sarah Perry at 860-465-1107 ext. 124.

CATHOLIC PILGRIMAGE TO ROME June 8 – 20, 2015, with Papal General Audience, the Shrines of Italy including Montecassino, Padre Pio, Assisi, Lanciano, Padua, Exposition and viewing of The Shroud of Turin & The Passion Play in Sordevelo, Italy. Nonstop air from JFK. For more info or a flyer please call Michael Milano at 1-800-773-2660. SHOW YOUR SUPPORT FOR LIFE!

“Choose Life” License Plates with smiling faces are promoting adoptions and traveling everywhere

as a witness to Life and Love. Give a gift that keeps on giving, it’s so easy! Go to www.fund-adoption.org for info or to download an application form. This helps fund agencies such as Catholic Charities.

SHARE YOUR JOY! If you or a loved one are celebrating a special event let us know so we can celebrate with you.

61ST U.S. NATIONAL PILGRIMAGE TO LOURDES June 28-July 7, 2015. Accompanied by a medical staff, clergy and volunteers to tassist the needs of the pilgrims. Registration deadline Mar 25, 2015. For details, contact Fr. Joseph Allen, O.P., email: allenop@opfriars.org or the Lourdes Pilgrimage office: 1-877-276-7279, Email: lourdespilgrimageoffice@comcast.net. Website: www.lourdes-pilgrimage.com. MEMORIAL MASSES: To remember your loved ones in Masses once or yearly, please call the office or stop in MTW&F 9:30 AM – 2:30 PM.

33RD ANNUAL CONVOCATION

FOR PRIESTS IN THE NORWICH DIOCESE NEWPORT, RI.—The Annual Convocation for Priests will be held from December 1-3, 2014, at the Hyatt Regency Hotel on Goat Island in Newport, RI. It will be a time for all priests to gather with their bishop for spiritual renewal, support, education and rest. No parish, school or institutional activities will be scheduled during these days. Please pray for your priests, as they will be praying for you.

The theme of this year’s Convocation is “The Four Signs of a Dynamic Catholic.” Our key presenter will be Father Robert Sherry, a retired priest from the Diocese of Rockford, Illinois. Father Sherry is currently working part-time with Matthew Kelly’s Dynamic Catholic Programs ministry and part-time as a spokesman for Cross Catholic Outreach.

Bishop Cote emphasized the importance of this annual gathering in his letter inviting each priest to the Convocation, “Since the Convocation is essential to our unity and ministry as a presbyterate, I pray that each of you will make every effort to attend.” The Convocation is coordinated by the Norwich Diocesan Continuing Education and Formation Commission, Reverend Michael S. Smith, Chairman; Very Rev. Dennis M. Perkins, Very Rev. David P. Choquette, Reverends John Antonelle, Gregory P. Brozonowicz, Peter B. Liszewski, and Walter M. Nagle.

“CATHOLICUNDERGROUNDCT” College age and young adults gather at Holy Apostles College and Seminary in Cromwell every 3rd Saturday, September through May. The night begins at 7:30 pm with Adoration, vespers and praise. At 8:30 pm the social begins with live music, entertainment and refreshments. For more information: www.catholicundergroundct.com. March For Life Buses: January 22, 2015 marks the 42nd anniversary of the Supreme Court’s infamous abortion-on-demand ruling. Because of that decision, millions of pre-born babies have been denied their most basic right - their right to life. On Thursday, January 22, 2015, people from across the nation will assemble in Washington, D.C. to visibly express their opposition to abortion. On Wednesday, January 21, 2015 at 9: P.M., buses sponsored by the Southeast Chapter of Connecticut Right to Life will leave from the Norwich Municipal Parking Lot (Exit 80, I-395) and travel to D.C. to attend the March For Life on January 22, 2015. Bus fare is $65 per person. (Reduced rate available for students)Please reply by January 7th! Bus leaves for Wash DC on Jan 21st 2014 at 9pm call now to reserve your seat !!! The first stop in Washington will be at the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. If you are unable to attend the March For Life, please consider sponsoring a seat on the bus. For further information and/or to reserve a seat or to sponsor a seat, please call Margaret Becotte at 860-822-1362.

Diocesan Pro-Life Mass at the Cathedral of St. Patrick in Norwich

Saturday, December 6st ~ 8:30 a.m. Please join our celebrant Rev. Walter Nagle at Mass and the Knights of Columbus with a special “Our Lady of Guadalupe Silver Rose” Act of Consecration. The Silver Rose Ceremonies are taking place throughout North America with four of the Silver Roses concluding their journey on December 12th, the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, at the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Monterrey, Mexico. Following the Mass, the Rosary will be prayed both at the Cathedral and Planned Parenthood. A brunch in the Cathedral Hall will follow the Rosary this month. for info please contact Linda Hayes at rizz4244@gmail.com.

UPCOMING SPIRITUAL RENEWAL EVENTS: UNBOUND: Healing & Freedom Conference. Saturday, Dec. 6 from 9 am to 5 pm Spiritual Renewal Center, 11 Bath St., Norwich. Call 860-887-0702 to register. Diocesan Advent Prayer Meeting: Tuesday, Dec. 9. @ 7:30 pm. St. Mary Church Hall, Portland. Worship music, praise, prayer and inspired teaching. All are invited. (Spiritual Renewal). Director of Business Practices Catholic Charities, Norwich Position Available. Catholic Charities, Diocese of Norwich is currently seeking to fill the newly created position of, Director of Business Practices. The successful candidate will report to the Executive Director, and work to create efficient processes and implement the infrastructure and systems needed to effectively support substantial program and financial growth. The successful candidate will build, modify and manage effective and streamlined administrative/financial systems. Areas of responsibility include financial, accounting, budget planning and adjustment, business practice report including payroll and file maintenance, legal, information technology, and physical plant maintenance and infrastructure. Ideal candidates will have the following experience and attributes; CPA or an MBA with at least two years in financial management, or a Bachelor’s degree in accounting and at least 5 years in financial management, including experience with third-party payments including Medicaid billing in a not-for-profit environment. The ideal candidate will have significant experience working with and creating reports for Federal, State and local funding sources including agencies such as DCF, CSSD, DMHAS, HUD and CHFA. Additionally, he or she will have experience in creating and driving the analytic framework for planning and managing departmental change in a fast paced environment. Interested Candidates should submit a cover letter and resume by mail to; Catholic Charities DBP Search Committee 331 Main Street Norwich, CT 06360 Or email searchcommittee@ccfsn.org.

Forget the stress of the mall and bring your friends to shop in a fun and

relaxing atmosphere.

You will find unique gifts for everyone on your shopping list

…including yourself!!

Thirty One Bags

Discovery Toys

Holly’s Knit Headbands Andie’s Cookies LLC Steeped Tea

Origami Owl Custom Jewelry Elegant Edge Salon & Day Spa

Scentsy Wickless Candles Pampered Chef

S&G Homemade Soaps & Many More!

Home-made Soy Candles by C by C

Jamberry Nails Tastefully Simple Shannon’s Jammin’ Jams DDJ Designs-TieDyed Clothing

Refreshments will be served

Sunday Dec. 21st, 2014

11:30am-4:30pm

St. Philip the Apostle 64 Pompey Hollow Rd Ashford

It’s a Holiday SHOP-ortunity!

Diocese of Norwich

Office of the Bishop 201 Broadway

Norwich, Connecticut 06360 (860) 887-9294

MOST REVEREND MICHAEL R. COTE, D.D. November 2014 Dear sisters and brothers in Christ, The Diocese of Norwich has had a presence in Haiti since 1985. Our mission, called Outreach to Haiti, has been ministering to the spiritual and physical needs of Haitians in the Port-au- Prince area. We attempt to live the gospel message there by empowering the people of Haiti to help themselves, by promoting the health and education of Haitians. We are approaching the fifth anniversary of the terrible, January, 2010 earthquake in Haiti. Our facilities, as with much of the area, suffered severe losses from the earthquake. Fortunately, we suffered no loss of life. Our objectives following the earthquake, were first to provide what aid we could to the Haitian people, and then assess how best to rebuild in Haiti. We now have an efficient and economical plan to rebuild, but we need your help to accomplish it. The diocese asked for your support immediately following the earthquake, and you responded generously with both prayers and money. I am asking for your assistance again. Please prayerfully consider what assistance you can give to our mission in Haiti. Your prayers for the success of the mission and the well-being of the Haitian people are greatly appreciated. Whatever financial assistance you can give would also be much appreciated. You can find out more about our work, our plans for the future, and donate, if you desire, at www.outreachto Haiti.org, or send donations to Outreach to Haiti: Capital Campaign, 815 Boswell Avenue, Norwich, CT, 06360.

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Bishop of Norwich

UPCOMING MASSES AT THE CATHEDRAL OF ST. PATRICK

Diocesan Pro-Life Mass at the Cathedral of St. Patrick in Norwich

Saturday, December 6st ~ 8:30 a.m. Please join our celebrant Rev. Walter Nagle at Mass and the Knights of Columbus with a special “Our Lady of Guadalupe Silver Rose” Act of Consecration. The Silver Rose Ceremonies are taking place throughout North America with four of the Silver Roses concluding their journey on December 12th, the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, at the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Monterrey, Mexico. Following the Mass, the Rosary will be prayed both at the Cathedral and Planned Parenthood. A brunch in the Cathedral Hall will follow the Rosary this month.

Immaculata Retreat House

289 Windham Road Willimantic, CT 06226 (860) 423-8484

SENIOR RENEWAL DAY: Father Roger Couture, OMI invites all seniors to join us for this year’s series on the Parables. Wednesdays, from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Fee is $10.00 per person and it includes lunch. Call (860) 423-8484 to register. CHRISTMAS ON THE HILL: Beginning December 7, 2014, through January 4, 2015, Fr. Ron’s Annual Christmas Light and Crystal Extravaganza will be available for visits in the Retreat House lobby and dining room. Open House Hours: Each Sunday from noon—5 PM. Special arrangements can be made for viewing during the week, but we ask that you call beforehand.

HOLY FAMILY PASSIONIST RETREAT CENTER 303 Tunxis Rd, W. Hartford, CT 06107-3119

860-760-9705 www.holyfamilyretreat.org

DECEMBER Wednesday, Dec 10, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. and 6 p.m.-9 p.m. Advent Day or Evening of Reflection:Whose Coming Do We Await? with Sr. Kathleen Harmon, SNDdeN, Ph.D. The surprise of Advent is that while we wait for the coming of Christ, Christ also waits for us to come to him. This retreat explores how, during Advent, we can come to Christ. $40, includes meal. 860-760-9705.www.holyfamilyretreat.org Sunday, Dec 21, 2 and 7 p.m. Holy Family Retreat Center, West Hartford; Music for Advent and Christmas. Celebrate the joy and beauty of this sacred season. Reception follows each concert. $35.Holy Family Retreat Center, West Hartford; 860-760-9705. www.holyfamilyretreat.org