St. James Church

12 FRANKLIN STREET - DANIELSON, CONNECTICUT 06239

St. James Church is staffed by the La Salette Missionaries

Pastor Rev. John J. O'Neill, M.S.

Senior Priests Rev. John E. Welch, M.S. Rev. Thomas Sickler, M.S.

Parochial Vicar Rev. Roy Parayil, M.S.

Deacon Rene N. Barbeau, Jr. December 13, 2020

Website: stjameschurchdanielson.com

Phone: 860-774-3900 Email: [email protected]

Rectory Office Hours: Tuesday - Friday, 8:30 am - 3:30 pm (Emergencies anytime)

Masses BAPTISM PREPARATION PROGRAM Saturday Special Mass------12 Noon Please call the Rectory to register for the Preparatory Class & Baptism. Baptisms are held on Saturday Vigil ------4:30 pm the third Sunday of every month at 12:00 noon. Sunday ------7:00, 9:00 &11:00 am Weekdays ------9:00 am Holy Days------7:00, 9:00 am & 6:00 pm Wedding Call the Rectory at least six months prior to your wedding date. If not confirmed, one year. Religious Education Director Mrs. Bev. Richardson 860-792-8054 Sacrament of Reconciliation By appointment only, Call the office to make an appointment. St. James School Principal Linda Marie Joyal 860-774-3281 Hospital & Home Visits Please notify the priests of family illnesses. DECEMBER 13, 2020 THIRD SUNDAY OF

DAYDREAMS OF A PASTOR… the tree also. The branches were full of glowing balls and Author has written a hilarious little book sparkling ornaments. There was a figure on the top of the entitled Skipping . Judging from the people tree. It looked like an angel look. Oh, it was beautiful. who have told me that they have read it, it seems that it Everyone was laughing and happy. They were all has almost become a classic. It is the story of a couple excited about the gifts. They gave the gifts to each other, whose home is now empty. Their child has gone off to Joseph, not to our Son. I don’t think they even knew Him. college and so they decide to leave home for Christmas. They never mentioned His name. Doesn’t it seem odd for The novel revolves around their trying to avoid all the work people to go to all that trouble to celebrate some one’s that goes into preparing and celebrating Christmas as a birthday if they didn’t know Him? social, rather than a truly religious, event. I had the strangest feeling that if our Son had I am writing this letter to you for the Sunday after gone to this celebration, He would have been intruding. Thanksgiving, when the secular machinery that drives Everything was so beautiful, Joseph, and everyone so full Christmas, namely commerce, will be in full gear. Since of cheer, but it made me want to cry. How sad for it is so short but so significant a time, I want to warn you not to be wanted at His own celebration. I’m glad it was not to miss Advent. Or worse still, please do not skip only a dream, How terrible Joseph, if it had been real. Advent! What am I trying to say? It takes a great deal of focus, DAYDREAM II...20 little ways to get into the Christmas energy and effort to keep from getting pulled in to the Spirit and feel like a child again. whirlwind that precedes the feast of the birth of our Savior. You know this as well as I do. The “good” parts of getting 1. Don’t schedule yourself too tight this month. Before making ready for Christmas that can flow from love and faith, such an appointment, ask yourself, “Can this wait until after as getting gifts and sending cards to loved ones, are the Holy Days?” swept away by the “bad” parts: the countless expectations 2. Personalize your Christmas cards with a handwritten note. that fall upon us from the culture of materialism. What 3. Throughout the holiday season give your family the gift of a sweet disposition. then can one do to stand against the rising tide of getting 4. Take the entire family to select the . Choose and spending? It is great to give gifts and celebrate with one that’s a little too big. parties but never forget the reason for the season. 5. Put your Advent Schedule on the refrigerator and please cross them off as you joyfully complete them. THE BIRTH OF JESUS Advent did not emerge in the early church as the 6. Introduce a child to the wonder of snowflakes. Chill a dark antidote to the absolute worldliness that we know today. sheet of construction paper; then examine the flakes with a But it did derive from Jesus” teaching that the world magnifying glass as they land on the paper. around us is in fact passing away. He promised to come 7. Smile at all the salesclerks. 8. Take a decorated miniature Christmas tree to someone in again to save those who remained faithful to Him. We do the hospital or a nursing home. not know the day or time set for His coming. But 9. Before going to bed on , read about the birth Christians at that time were enjoined to live in the world of Jesus in Luke, Chapter 2, by candlelight. with their hearts set on another world. Christians today 10. Create a special place of honor for the from are still so encouraged. So, please don’t skip Advent. It the farthest away. offers you shelter and peace in the beautiful readings of the Scriptures and in prayers and rituals (e.g./ the Advent 11. Don’t wait until just before Christmas to wrap the gifts; wreath. Pageants, Advent Candles) that appeal to the wrap them as you purchase them. heart’s deepest longing to live for something more than 12. Attend a children’s Christmas pageant. Sit up front. 13. Enjoy a couple of meals illuminated only by the Christmas what the world can offer. tree. Join us for Mass on Sunday, even on a weekday, and 14. Bake Christmas cookies while a Johnny Mathis Christmas take time during the week to read Scripture and pray. Join album plays in the background. us for our two Christmas Pageants. Seek peace in God’s 15. Do not worry! mercy through The Sacrament of Reconciliation. In the spirit of giving 16. Offer to run Christmas errands for an elderly friend or remember those in need such as the Year End Campaign relative. There are so many ways to keep focused on the Lord 17. Buy a tree ornament for each of your children. Choose as we await his coming. So, whatever you do, please one that represents an event that was important to the child in this past year. don’t skip Advent…or Christmas! 18. Answer your phone by saying, “Merry Christmas”. 19. Have an in your home. Light the candle MARY’S DREAM today. I had a dream Joseph. I don’t understand it, not really, but I think it was about a birthday celebration for our Son. I 20. Doing the Scholarship Program gets me in the Christmas think that was what it was all about. Spirit. Three Christmas cheers for the Friends of The people had been preparing for it for about six La Salette. weeks. They had decorated the house and bought new clothes. They’d gone shopping many times and bought elaborate gifts. It was peculiar, though, because the presents were not for our Son. They wrapped them in beautiful paper and tied them with lovely bows and stacked them under a tree. Yes, a tree, Joseph, right in their house. They’d decorated DECEMBER 13, 2020 THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT

THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT MASSES MONDAY, December 14, Saint John of the Cross First Reading: Isaiah 61:1-2a, 10-11 9AM M & C Guari…, by family Isaiah describes the joy and salvation which will 9AM Theresa Sypek…, by Robert St. Onge accompany the coming of Christ. He compares the TUESDAY, December 15 plants which spring from a garden to the justice that 9AM Lucille Tetreault…, by family will spring from all nations. 9AM Stanley & Mary Panek…, by Terri Cedio WEDNESDAY, December 16 9AM Richard Mailhot…, by family Second Reading: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24 9AM John Regan…, by family Paul reminds the Thessalonians to constantly ready THURSDAY, December 17 themselves for Christ’s arrival. He tells them to 9AM Maria & Hermon Koehl & Theo Altdorf…, by family “avoid any semblance of evil” so that they may be 9AM John & Dorothy Regan…, by family found irreproachable when Jesus does arrive. FRIDAY, December 18 9AM Suzanne Sarty…, by Gail Benoit Gospel: John 1:6-8, 19-28 9AM Leo Beausoleil…, by his Children

John explains that he is only a messenger to the SATURDAY, December19 people for one more powerful than himself. John 12NOON Parishioners stresses to them that they must make a path for the 12NOON “Club 73”…, by Tony Mandel one so powerful that he is not fit to unfasten the 4.30PM Stephen & Henrietta Kuszaj…, by family strap of his sandal. 4.30PM Milt Radei…, by family SUNDAY, December 20 ©1999 Bon Venture Services, Inc. 7AM Gerry Grenon…, by family 7AM Simone Ouellette…, by family 9AM Herb Richardson…, by Wife, Bev 9AM Elizabeth Rondeau…, by Husband & Family 11AM Ben Hagan, 24th Anniv…, by Welshman family

LA SALETTE MASSES In memory of Frederick & Adelyn Bodenschatz In memory of David & Sophie Horvat…, by Son, Joseph PARISH EVENTS Holy Hour: Our next Holy Hour will be on Monday, 2021 Masses Available December 21st, from 7PM to 8PM with the rosary at 7AM…1/3, 1/10, 1/17, 1/24, 1/31, 2/14, 2/17and 2/28 6:40PM. In Eucharistic Adoration, Jesus freely gives 9AM…1/3, 1/4, 1/5, 1/6, 1/7, 1/8, 1/10, 1/11, 1/12, 1/14, us the graces we need in our lives. The graces we 1/15, 1/17, 1/19, 1/21, 1/22, 1/24, 1/25, 1/29, 1/31, 2/1, need for our families, vocations, jobs, special 2/3, 2/4, 2/5, 2/7, 2/8, 2/9, 2/11, 2/12, 2/14, 2/16, 2/17, intentions, for the sick, for our church and school, 2/21, 2/22, 2/23, 2/24, 2/25, 2/26 and 2/28 for Catholics to return to the Faith. 11AM…1/3, 1/10, 1/17, 1/31, 2/7, 2/14, 2/21 and 2/28 4.30PM…1/2, 1/9, 1/16, 1/23, 1/30, 2/6, 2/13 and 2/20 MARIAN SHRINE FLOWERS 6PM… 2/17 Next week’s flower arrangement is donated in Please place Mass Intention in the collection basket. honor of Nadeau & Despathy Family…, by Linda Please include a phone number. Mass stipends are Kerr. $10.00 each. Please include a phone number.

The signup sheet for the Marian Shrine Flowers is Mass Intentions... at the main entrance to the Church. We are now booking Mass Intentions for 2021. If you wish to schedule a Mass. Please write out all the names of your loved ones and put these names and your phone VIGIL LIGHTS… are burning brightly this week in number, with a check in an envelope and place it in the honor of La Salette Missionaries in North and collection basket. South America. We will do our best to accommodate your wishes.

WEEKLY OFFERING ENVELOPES can be picked WEEKLY OFFERING 11/29/2020 ...... $ 5016.00 up in the Church Hall following all the masses

DECEMBER 13, 2020 THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT

PRAYER FOR THE MARIAN YEAR 2020-2021 O Mary, Mother of Reconciliation, in this time of celebration we rejoice that: The Father asked you to carry out his plan of Salvation, The Son chose you to be his Mother and his First Disciple, The Holy Spirit fashioned you into his living temple, our sister in faith. At La Salette, with abundant tears of mercy, you spoke to the two poor children in their own language and urged us to share your message of peace and hope with needy people of every culture and nation. Pray for us to your loving Son that we may draw all your people closer to him. Amen.

CAPACITY AT ST. JAMES CHURCH WILL BE 100 PEOPLE: According to the new Executive Order N. 9K by Governor Lamont; concerning limitations on religious gatherings - the capacity for worship gatherings will be limited to no more than 50 percent of the building’s capacity or a maximum of 100 people, whichever is lower provided that all persons present wear masks, and that a distance of 6 feet is maintained between all persons or groups not from the same household. The Diocese of Norwich will follow the guidelines of the Governor until any changes or subsequent Executive Orders on this topic comes later on.

---SOS…SAVE OUR SCHOOL... St. James School wishes to thank Bob & Lucille Farrell, Rene Beauseleil, Terry & Michael Flecknstein, Gerald & Kathy Chester, Margaret Weaver, Lorraine Balick, Paul & Rosalie Boire and Alice J Sears for their donations to the St. James School Tuition Assistance Scholarship Fund in memory of Eugene P O’Neill. We ask you to consider making a voluntary donation on the occasion of a death of a loved one (in lieu of flowers) or on the occasion of a happy event; e.g. wedding or anniversary (in lieu of flowers). “Save Our School”, envelopes are at the entrances to the church.

Schedule for December 19th & 20th 2020 12 NOON 4:30PM 7AM 9AM 11AM Celebrant: Fr. John O’Neill Fr. John Welch Fr. Roy Parayil Fr. Tom Sickler Fr. Tom Sickler

CHRISTMAS GIFT Christmas and Year End Giving is not only a Catholic tradition, but Christmas marks the beginning of the Ultimate Gift, God’s gift of His only son, Jesus Christ. Christmas of course, celebrates the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Tradition holds that the three kings or wise men followed the star to bring gifts to the newborn king, beginning a tradition of gift giving to the Christmas season we enjoy each and every year. But what about the gifts that God has bestowed upon each and every one of us during the year and throughout our lifetimes? We are merely stewards of these gifts. Christmas and years end is a spiritual opportunity to make a return to God of His many blessings at Christmas and years end. A Catholic Gift of Faith. An Investment in Your Parish For many years, our Catholic parishes have benefitted from the enormous contributions and dedication of religious men and women (priests, brothers and sisters) who have given their entire lives in the service to parishes, schools, dioceses and many other Church ministries. Now, our Catholic Church and educational ministries are even broader and serve more people than ever before despite the decline in the numbers of religious. Many dedicated lay people now staff these programs and must be compensated with just and living wages. Your Christmas and year end gift is an investment in these quality programs. Many people enjoy using Christmas and years end as a special time to give to their favorite Catholic institutions. Christmas and year end giving provides many advantages to you, the donor. Many feel St. James is their favorite school. The knowledge that your gift is assisting a favorite Catholic institution, (St. James) and advancing the mission of the Catholic Church here on earth. Celebrate the joy of Christmas by giving in the true spirit of the season. A last reminder to make that special gift or increased gift that you’ve wanted to make during the year. Most importantly, make a return to God of your blessings at Christmas and assist St. James to attain its spiritual and programmatic goals; serving God’s people and His Church here on earth. Year - End Giving Thanks for all you do. Every organization has a program called Year End Giving. Most parishes follow this lead. Here at St. James, many people and corporations send us a . For the past 20 years people have asked us to send them a reminder to remember St. James at Christmas. This year we will be using our bulletin space to say thanks and recommend the following. We will have a second collection at the Christmas Masses. We have the largest attendance of the year and it will help our debt. Some former parishioners continue to remember St. James Parish and St. James School. We could use the extra help at Christmas. We will remember (your loved ones in a Christmas Novena of Masses. (From Christmas to the ). Why do we need a year end collection? Each year, St. James School has been short $75,000.00. This collection will help us break even. For parishioners who contribute every week, this note is just for your information. But there will be a voluntary collection and it will take place on Christmas, a Day of Gifts. It will be the second collection. You may use the Year-End envelopes found at each entrance to the church. Thanks again. Enclosed is My Year End Donation to St. James NAME______Amount Enclosed______Address______City, State, Zip Code______IN MEMORY OF______AND______

May the Lord bless you and your families in the months ahead DECEMBER 13, 2020 THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT

2020 S.J.S.A. THOUSAND CLUB

BUY YOUR TICKET TODAY, ONLY $50.00 FOR 10 MONTHLY DRAWINGS THE 2020 CLUB REGISTRATION FORM CAN BE FOUND AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS PAGE. THE NEXT DRAWING FOR THE NEW CLUB WILL BE HELD ON SUNDAY, DECEMBER 20, AT 8:30AM IN THE CHURCH HALL. PLEASE SPONSOR A NEW MEMBER SO WE CAN FILL THE CLUB! VERY IMPORTANT AS WE ARE CLOSE TO NOT MAKING A PROFIT DUE TO LOW MEMBERSHIP. DUES… for the St. James 1000 Club are $60 per year which can be paid $5 per month. If you join the club, we hope you will fulfill your commitment. There are only 1000 tickets sold. You may join the club part way through the year if tickets remain. Then the fee is $5 per number of months remaining. CHEC Checks: Should be payable to St. James 1000 Club and are TAX DEDUCTIBLE. After receiving a membership number, that number should be placed on all future checks. The St. James 1000 Club supports St. James School. Thank you for helping to make a difference!

MONT MONTHLY AWARDS: $2,000 in awards are given away each month... And 240+ chances to win per month. You do not have to be present at the drawings to win. Monthly Prizes: Prize 1 - $1,000.00 (Sponsor wins $100) Prize 2 - $300.00 (Sponsor wins $30) Prize 3 200.00(Sponsor wins $20) Prize 4 - $100.00 (sponsor wins $10) Prize 5 & 6 50.00 (Sponsor wins $5) Prizes 7 thru 10 $25.00 each Prizes 11 thru 20 - $20.00 each CHANGE OF ADDRESS: Please inform Kathy Hall (860)774-7635 of any address changes. Kathy is the “keeper of the records”. DRAWINGS: Drawings are held on the third Sunday of each month at 8:30AM in the Church Hall. We welcome your attendance at these drawings. Two door prizes are given away at each drawing: only those in attendance are eligible to win the two door prizes. DRAWING NOVEMBER 22, 2020 October Drawing $1000 Richard LaBelle 387 $25 Debi Thompson 009 Door Prize: Michelle Masse 300 Leanne & Gerald Grudzien 665 25 Connie Hatfield 388 Door Prize: John Lambert 200 Phyllis Viens 087 25 Lillian Laime 295 100 Debra Grippo 253 25 Michael Dupont 588 50 Derek Sullivan 998 50 Melissa & Dana Whiteley 243

$20.00 Winners are: Amanda Lynn Loomis 995 Eugene Wildes 424 Mary Ann Weigel 042 Maggie Grenier 294 Kathy Hall 312 Francine Lee 414 Ann Russo 962 Tom Dupont 757 Rose Bousquet 745 Kevin & Patricia Ryan 825

November Drawing $1000 Jordan Desaulnier 345 $25 Peter Gerardi 377 Door Prize: Carol Pelletier 300 Robin & Debbie McAteer 628 $25 Peter Sears 671 Door Prize: Rene Beausoleil 200 Kris Hopkins 230 25 Bill Cutter 819 100 Laurie Theriaque 165 25 Henry Belanger 943 50 Beth Sorel 885 50 Andrea Sherman 985

$20.00 Winners are: Alice Elliott 191 Ed Olbrys 638 Bob Normandie 336 Jennifer Bessenaire 616 Nancy Arena 723 Rosalie Boire 546 Pamela Ferron 031 Cecile & Barry Stanzione 619 Melissa & Dana Whiteley 243 Francis & Gary Rose 198

Our next meeting will be held on Sunday, December 20, 2020 at 8:30AM in the church hall. If you have any questions concerning dues etc. Please call Kathy Hall (860) 774-7635.

REGISTRATION FORM - SPONSOR A NEW MEMBER TODAY SO WE CAN FILL THE CLUB S.J.S.A. THOUSAND CLUB REGISTRATION FORM FOR NEW CLUB Your choice of number if available______(no guarantees) SPONSORS NAME:______Please Print YOU DO NOT HAVE TO HAVE A SPONSOR TO JOIN THE CLUB

NAME:______PHONE:______

ADDRESS______City / Town State Zip code email:______Melissa Tobin, D.C. Daniel R. Santos Est. Certified Public Accountant 1945 Income Tax Preparation ARCHAMBAULT for Individuals and Businesses (860) 779-1522 Residential & Commercial Pumping INSURANCE ASSOC. 860-774-3147 · 860-774-6822 860-774-0080 179B Hartford Pike · Dayville, CT 06241 Fax: 860-774-2258 98 Westcott Rd., Danielson 136 Main St., Danielson 779-5030 [email protected] 11b sayles avenue · Dayville, Ct 06241 www.tobinchirocare.com Cary Marcoux Real Estate Broker Tillinghast Bell Park RE/MAX® Hall of Fame TODDS Multi-Million Dollar Producer Funeral Homes Bell Park Realty Cell: 860-428-9292 WAREHOUSE Steve Bennardo, Director Home Office:860-779-6112 610 Hartford Pike www.carymarcoux.remax.com OF CARPETS 860-774-3284 Killingly, CT 06241 610 Hartford Pike, Dayville, CT 06241 Quality Carpeting, 433 Main Street · Danielson, CT Each Office Independently Owned and Operated Each Office Independently Owned and Operated Vinyl, Hardwood and RENE BARBEAU Gagnon and Laminate Flooring Associate obile Mon., Tues., Thurs., Fri.: 10-5 M (860) 933-0593 Wed.: 10-Noon Sat.: 10-2 GOD BLESS office 860-774-7600 x336 Costello Closed Sunday fax 860-779-3244 Funeral Home On The Park 774-0426 AMERICA [email protected] ANDREW S. FARNER 82 Main Street · Danielson, CT 06239 SUPPORTING ST. JAMES PARISH & SCHOOL TIMOTHY G. FARNER STEVEN W. FARNER Craig Porter Our Family Serving Your Family 860-774-9403 33 Reynolds Street Danielson, CT www.gagnonandcostellofh.com Support Our Specialized ADVERTISERS Electrical They Support Contractor Our Parish 860-234-6878 Closed Wednesday The LaSalette Fathers HEALTHCARE & Sunday and Brothers are looking A Family Tradition for a few good men to & ESSENTIAL & Furniture Showroom, Inc. Since 1920 join their Community. (860)774-2245 WORKERS 640 North Main Street · Danielson If interested, please call We Humbly Father John O'Neill M.S., at 860-774-3900 for information. & Gratefully Please consider spending a weekend with the LaSalettes. THANK YOU!

Wills HIGGINS & SONS OIL SERVICE living Wills Probate Personal injury Workers' ComPensation Oil and Repairs ANDREA L. TRUPPA Preventative Maintenance All Summer ATTORNEY AT LAW Service Contracts Payment Plans 860-779-1000 Auto Delivery Available [email protected] Quality Used Cars 860-928-4245 860-774-2820 Over 25 years experience in the transmission industry 24 StearnS Street anielSon D Ct 06239 www.HigginsOil.com 860-774-8421 849 North Main St., Danielson 075A (BC) - St. James Church, Danielson FOR ADVERTISING INFORMATION CALL: (800) 883-4343 BON VENTURE SERVICES, LLC P.O. Box 850, Flanders, N.J. 07836