Saint Kateri Tekakwitha Parish the Member Churches Of

Saint Kateri Tekakwitha Parish The Member Churches of

Sacred Heart ~ Kent St. Bernard ~ Sharon St Bridget ~ Cornwall Bridge

Monsignor Vittorio Guerrera ~ Pastor

Parish Trustees Mr. Jerry Tobin Mrs. Stephanie Plunkett

MASS SCHEDULE Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and First Friday 9 AM SACRED HEART ~ KENT

SATURDAY VIGIL 4 PM SAINT BRIDGET CHURCH 7 River Road ~ Cornwall Bridge

SUNDAY 8 AM SAINT BERNARD CHURCH 52 New Street ~ Sharon

SUNDAY 10 AM SACRED HEART CHURCH 17 Bridge Street ~ Kent

HOLY DAY MASS SCHEDULE CONSULT THE BULLETIN

SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION Before Mass or by appointment.

PARISH OFFICE Mrs. Sandy Papsin ~ Parish Secretary Monday, Thursday & Friday 9 - 4:30 860-927-3003 Mailing Address: PO BOX 186 Kent, CT 06757 WEBSITE: saintkaterict.org EMAIL: [email protected]

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION COORDINATORS Martha Lane & Kathleen Lindenmayer

BAPTISM & MARRIAGE Registered parishioners are asked to make arrangements by calling the Parish office

ALL THREE PARISH WORSHIP SITES

SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 13th 2020

A FAMILY PERSPECTIVE Unable to forgive another, means we are holding onto a past wrong and hoping for a better past. That is not going to happen. We must move on with our life by ac- cepting we were unjustly treated and it will not be cor- rected. We aren’t condoning the injustice. We just don’t let it control our lives any longer. Forgiveness is critical to living a healthy life in the present. SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 12th & SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 13th THE 24th SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME PRAY THE ROSARY The Rosary prayed to Mary is a powerful 4 PM ~ CORNWALL BRIDGE prayer as Mary intercedes for each of us. Her Carl Seegers 1st Anniversary Son never denies His mother. This week our 8 AM ~ SHARON intention is for the people who care for our Paul Johnson ~ Requested by family children in our absence each day. Spend 10 AM ~ CORNWALL BRIDGE twenty minutes praying the rosary. If you don’t Deceased Members of the Brady / Powers Families know how to pray the rosary, this is a great Requested by Kathleen and Marty Lindenmayer time to learn. Your prayers will always be heard. MONDAY SEPTEMBER 14th ~ 9 AM ~ CORNWALL BRIDGE The Exaltation of the Holy Cross Frances and Samuel Waters A PRAYER FOR PRIESTS AND SEMINARIANS TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 15th ~ 9 AM ~ CORNWALL BRIDE Our Lady of Sorrows Peter Mullen Gracious and loving God, we thank your for the gift of our priests. Through them, we experience your presence in the sacraments. WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 16th ~ 9 AM ~ SHARON Help our priests to be strong in their vocation. Saint Cornelius and Saint Cyprian Set their souls on fire with love for your people. Margaret and Alex Ward Grant them the wisdom, understanding, and strength they need to follow in the footsteps of SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 19th & SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 20th Jesus. Inspire them with the vision of your King- THE 25th SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME dom. Give them the words they need to spread the Gospel. Al- low them to experience joy in their ministry. Help them to be- 4 PM ~ CORNWALL BRIDGE come instruments of your divine grace. We ask this through Bernadette Schullery ~ Requested by Ed Schullery Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns as our Eternal Priest. Amen.

8 AM ~ SHARON Joan and Al Barberi In light of continued uncertainty regarding 10 AM ~ CORNWALL BRIDGE the extent and duration of the coronavirus in the Antoinette Genovese State of Connecticut and throughout the Archdio- Requested by Ellen and John Genovese cese of Hartford, Archbishop Leonard Blair has now extended the dispensation for Sunday Mass attendance through Saturday, November 28th which is the current liturgical year. When you die, God won’t measure your head to The Archdiocese of Hartford continues to see how clever you were. He will measure your monitor the severity of the situation surrounding the pandemic and will provide us with updates heart to see how loving you were. regarding any and all decisions reached for the Archdiocese as they are made The Sanctuary Lamp signifies the Eucha- ristic presence of the Lord Jesus in the Tabernacle and burns for seven days. You may have the stkateriparishkent.weshareonline.org Sanctuary Lamp memorialized for a sick person, a deceased family member or friend, or as a special IT’S SIMPLE AND SAFE! GIVE IT A TRY! intention. The weekly donation for this is $25. CALL THE OFFICE IF YOU FEEL Sanctuary Lamps can be memorialized in each of YOU NEED ASSISTANCE. the three churches of St. Kateri Tekakwitha. If you would like to reserve a week in any of our churches, please contact Sandy at the parish office. MASS ON TELEVISION ORTV-10 AM on WCCT-TV (WB20) SACRIFICIAL GIVING FOR THE 23rd SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME WILL BE POSTED IN THE BULLETIN NEXT SUNDAY WCTX-TV(MyTV9) also at 10 AM It can also be seen Saturday and Sunday at 5 AM on WCCT-TV. Thank you for your presence, your generosity EWTN-12 Midnight, 8 AM, Noon, and 7 PM. and steadfast commitment to our Parish. Catholic TV– 9:30 AM, 12:30 PM, 7 PM, and 11:30 PM May God bless you and your families.

THE 24th SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

FIRST READING Sirach 27: 30-28:7

Wrath and anger are hateful things, yet the sinner hugs them tight. The vengeful will suffer the Lord’s vengeance, for he remem- bers their sins in detail Forgive your neighbor’s injustice; then when you pray, your What right do we have to limit the amount and degree of own sins will be forgiven. Could anyone nourish anger against forgiveness we show to others when we are so desperately in another an expect healing from the Lord? Could anyone refuse need of it ourselves? In not wanting someone who hurt us to mercy to another like himself, can he seek pardon for his own downplay or forget the gravity of their wrong, we cling to anger, sins? If one who is but flesh cherishes wrath, who will forgive his resentment, and wrath as a way of maintaining control. It is a way sins? Remember your last days, set enmity aside; remember to acknowledge and express our deep hurt. We fail to realize that death and decay, and cease from sin! Think of the command- in doing so we hold ourselves hostage to these destructive feel- ments, hate not your neighbor; remember the Most High’s cove- ings and actually become mired in the bondage of sin. All we gain nant, and overlook faults. is further alienation from ourselves, others, and especially God. RESPONSORIAL PSALM Psalm 103: 1-2, 3-4, 9-10, 11-12 We are no longer free but tethered to all of this unresolved negativity. Don’t we really want to let it go? The fact is that we need to. The Lord is kind and merciful, slow to anger and rich in A good self-reflective posture will quickly show us that compassion. when the shoe is on the other foot and we are the ones in need of forgiveness, we desire it above anything else. This is especially SECOND READING true with our relationship with God. It is hypocritical to want one Romans 14: 7-9 thing for ourselves and something else for another. Yet, many act in precisely this way. Brothers and sisters: None of us lives for oneself, and no one dies Perhaps we think that in offering forgiveness, even for for oneself. For if we live, we live for the Lord, the most grievous of wrongs, somehow excuses the person of and if we die, we die for the Lord; so then, whether we live or die, their wrong and makes it almost acceptable. This is what makes we are the Lord’s. For this is why Christ died and came to life, that he might be Lord of both the dead and the living. revenge, retaliation, and punishment so attractive. We see for- GOSPEL giveness as being an eraser that easily wipes away the offense MATTHEW 18: 21-35 without consequence. Or, we may believe that in offering forgiveness I must somehow forget the wrong and open myself as a Peter approached Jesus and asked him, “Lord, if my brother sins victim of even greater possible hurts in the future. In fact, forgiving against me, how often must I forgive? As many as seven my sister or brother of their wrongful actions or attitudes involves times?” Jesus answered, “I say to you, not seven times but seven- none of this. It does not erase anything or position me vulnerably ty-seven times. That is why the kingdom of heaven may be lik- as a doormat to be walked on. ened to a king who decided to settle accounts with his servants. Forgiveness is an act of freedom that restores honest When he began the accounting, a debtor was brought before him dialogue, shares true, and heartfelt feelings and acknowledges the who owed him a huge amount. Since he had no way of paying it consequences of an action. It admits that the wrong has caused a back, his master ordered him to be sold, a long with his wife, his children, and all his property, in payment of the debt. At that, the hurt that must be healed and squarely positions responsibility on servant fell down, did him homage, and said, ‘Be patient with me, the offender. The act of forgiveness recognizes our sinfulness and and I will pay you back in full.’ Moved with compassion the master brokenness. It also admits that the most saintly among us is capa- of that servant let him go and forgave him the loan. When that ble of doing very grave and deep harm to another person. It sees servant had left, he found one of his fellow servants who owed that we all can be victims of our passions and works in progress him a much smaller amount. He seized him and started to choke that deserve unlimited chances to get it right. With forgiveness, I him, demanding, ‘Pay back what you owe.’ Falling to his knees, release myself from the bonds of negativity and pursue a path of his fellow servant begged him, ‘Be patient with me, and I will pay restoration, wholeness, and healing. I do not forget the wrong nor you back.’ But he refused. Instead, he had the fellow servant put do I dismiss it. Sometimes, we have to stay far away from the one in prison until he paid back the debt. Now when his fellow serv- who hurt us. But we can still heal internally and be free. ants saw what had happened, they were deeply disturbed, and For the one who wants to be forgiven and the one who went to their master and reported the whole affair. His master needs offer forgiveness, the journey can be an adventure in learn- summoned him and said to him, ‘You wicked servant! I forgave you your entire debt because you begged me to. Should you not ing what brought us to this place and what is needed to move for- have had pity on your fellow servant, as I had pity on you?’ Then ward. This is exactly how God treats us. Why would we not want in anger his master handed him over to the torturers until he to do the same for others? should pay back the whole debt. So will my heavenly Father do to you, unless each of you forgives your brother from your heart.”

Two Please remem- Hearts Preg- ber in your nancy Care prayers all ac- Center is a tive military ministry com- members who are away Classes begin shortly for any High mitted to empowering individuals, from their families while School Student interested in receiv- through education, comfort and as- serving around the world. ing the Sacrament. This is a two sistance, to make life choices related “God, please keep watch year parish program . If you are interested and to their sexuality and childbearing, over all those who are would like to register or receive additional infor- consistent with Catholic teachings serving in the United concerning the sanctity of human life. States Marine Corps, mation, please contact Kathleen Lindenmayer at: They are located at 116 Grove Navy, Air Force, Army, [email protected] or call her at Street in Torrington, and can be National Guard & Coast 860-671-9747. reached at 860-482-0672. Guard. Amen” The Story of Our Lady of Sorrows For a while there were two feasts in honor of the Sorrowful Mother: one going back to the 15th century, the other to the 17th century. For a while both were celebrated by the universal Church: one on the Friday before Palm Sunday, the other in September. The principal biblical references to Mary’s sorrows are in Luke 2:35 and John 19:26-27. The Lucan passage is Simeon’s prediction about a sword piercing Mary’s soul; the Johannine passage relates Jesus’ words from the cross to Mary and to the beloved disciple. Many early Church writers interpret the sword as Mary’s sorrows, especially as she saw Jesus die on the cross. Thus, the two passages are brought together as prediction and fulfillment. Saint Ambrose in particular sees Mary as a sorrowful yet powerful figure at the cross. Mary stood fearless- ly at the cross while others fled. Mary looked on her Son’s wounds with pity, but saw in them the salvation of the world. As Jesus hung on the cross, Mary did not fear to be killed, but offered herself to her persecutors.

Who Makes the Coffee?

Early one morning, a husband and wife were playfully arguing over who should get out of the warm bed to make the coffee. Finally, the wife folded her arms and said decidedly, “You have to make the coffee. It’s in the Bible!”

The husband was shocked. “Is not! Show me!”

Pulling out her Bible, the wife opened it to the New Testa- ment and declared, “It says right here — HEBREWS!”

GIVE PEACE , O LORD, TO THOSE WHO FOR YOU, THAT YOUR PROPHETS BE FOUND TRUE. HEAR THE PRAYERS OF YOUR SERVANT, AND OF YOUR PEOPLE ISRAEL.

DO YOU WISH TO FOLLOW CHRIST?

If you really wish to follow Christ, if you want your love for Him to grow and last, then you must be faithful to prayer. It is the key to the vitality of your life i.e. Christ. With- out prayer, your faith and love will die. If you are constant in daily prayer and in the Sunday celebration of Mass, your love for Jesus will increase. And your heart will know deep joy and peace, such as the world could never give. Speech to Youth, New Orleans 1987 Pope John Paul II Parents are asked to please com- plete the Faith Formation Program Registration Form and submit it to the parish office as soon as possible so that we may accurately prepare with books and supplies for all children. If you have any questions, please call Martha Lane at 860-672-0041.

In past times, Sab- bath rest meant that overworked folks could simply have a day off. The idea extends be- yond us human beings, to the work animals and the earth itself. Today, the needs of the average family may be different. But we must take time to just be still, or we can drive ourselves to illness. Never has family time been more important. It is scandalous how little time many parents actually spend with their children in conversation. Many experts believe that the best thing we can do for our families is simply to eat together. Thus, bringing back the Sunday family din- ner is both a great way to honor the Sabbath and to im- prove our family life. Many modern Catholic families seem comfortable with missing Mass once in a while. It is challenging when soccer matches, hockey practice or school fund-raising activities are scheduled on Sundays. Parents need to do what they tell their children to do - stand up to peer pressure and just say no. They need to explain the value of gathering with the faith community to their children. Assembling as the Body of Christ transforms each of us individuals into something bigger, something more. It takes our focus from the daily activities to the higher gifts of faith, hope and love. In praying with one another we give ourselves over to the Holy Spirit. And, of course, it is where we are nourished for our spiritual health. No one can tell a family when or how this Sabbath rest will happen for them. Each family needs to look at their own schedule and then evaluate what changes can be made. Everything goes back to the family, the domestic church. It is where we are schooled in all things of value.

HELP SAVE A LIFE ! This Thursday, September 17th, St. Martin of Tours Parish in Canaan will host a Red Cross Blood Drive at the Bittermann Center from 8 AM—6 PM. Please register as soon as possible by contacting Shelia at 413-229-2966 or on-line: [email protected]. Kenny Funeral Homes, Inc. & Monumental Services Brian Kenny, Owner Theresa Kenny, Manager 41 Main St., Sharon, CT 860-364-5709 39 Maple Ave., Norfolk, Ct. Steve Massien • [email protected] • (330) 714-2840 860-542-5621 Our Family Serving Your Family Since 1914 Lillis Funeral Home Family Owned and Operated since 1928 • Serving All Area Communities Lillis 58 BRIDGE ST, PO BOX 959 • NEW MILFORD, CT 06776 860-354-4655 • FAX 860-354-0085 Funeral Home All services including traditional cremation memorial. FOUNDED 1928 CHRISTOPHER M. MILANO, Director

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