“I am the good shepherd, and I know mine and mine know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I will lay down my life for the sheep.” - Jn 10:14-15

 

358 GLENBROOK ROAD • STAMFORD, CT • 06906-2198 • (203) 324-3434 • WWW.SMCGLENBROOK.ORG

PAGE 2 4TH SUNDAY OF EASTER MAURICE CHURCH

Saint Maurice Church A NEW PARISH COUNCIL

Parish Office Hours: My dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

Monday-Thursday, 10:00 AM-2:00 PM A lot has happened here at Saint Maurice in the last three years: we have endured a pandemic, Fr. (203) 324-3434 • [email protected] Fred retired, and the parish was without its own priest for four months. The pandemic, in particular, has made it difficult for us to gather as a community for prayer and worship, and many people haven’t felt comfortable stepping Liturgical Schedule back into the volunteer roles they enjoyed before all of this began. I understand how it happened and why, but I think it is Weekend Masses ...... Saturday, 4:00 PM time for us to begin working to make a new start. Sunday, 8:00 AM and 10:30 AM The Church’s Code of Canon Law states, in part, that “…a Weekday Masses ...... Monday-Thursday, 8:00 AM pastoral council is to be established in each parish, over which the pastor presides and in which the Christian faithful, Reconciliation ...... Saturday, 2:00-3:00 PM together with those who share in pastoral care by virtue of (or by appointment) their office in the parish, assist in fostering pastoral activity.” (Can. 536 §1) Baptisms/Weddings ...... Contact Parish Office A Parish Pastoral Council, also referred to more simply as a Parish Staff Parish Council, exists “to assist the Pastor in planning, coordinating, guiding, and directing all aspects of parish life.” Rev. James Bates, Parochial Administrator ...... ext. 701 Since June 29, 2019, the Diocese of Bridgeport has required [email protected] that all of its parishes have a Parish Pastoral Council.

Sandra Kluun, Faith Formation & Safe Environments ...... ext. 707 For a new Pastor, or Administrator like me, the Parish [email protected] Pastoral Council represents the voice of the parish; a small group of parishioners who generously offer their insights and counsel regarding the spiritual and temporal life of the parish Monica Di Costanzo, Administrative Assistant ...... ext. 705 and the pastoral care of its people. It is with the parish [email protected] Pastoral Council that I am able to better understand the needs of our parishioners and chart a course forward. And Tony Recchia, Facilities Manager ...... ext. 708 while the requires each parish to have a Parish Pastoral [email protected] Council, it is important that you understand that I want one. I want to hear from you, and I want to work with you, to the Neil Flores, Director of Music & Organist ...... ext. 706 Glory of God and the betterment of our parish community. [email protected] If you have been a previous member of the Parish Pastoral Council, I would like to hear from you; if you have never Members of the Parish Corporation served but would be interested in serving on a new Parish Pastoral Council, I want to hear from you too. “In any newly Steve Doran ...... (203) 324-3434 formed Council, all members serve an initial three-year term. After this initial term, one third of the membership serves an Mary Lamonte ...... (203) 348-6701 additional year, one third serve two additional years, and one Parish Finance Council third serves a full additional term of three years.”

As the Parochial Administrator of Saint Maurice, I am charged Kathryn Jimenez...... (203) 324-3434 with the stewardship of both its spiritual as well as temporal goods, but not alone. I need your voice as well as your help.

VISIT OUR WEBSITE AT —Fr. Jim Bates, Parochial Administrator WWW.SMCGLENBROOK.ORG OR SCAN THE QR CODE

COVER ARTWORK & ASSETS COURTESY OF LPI • WWW.4LPI.COM

SAINT MAURICE CHURCH APRIL 25, 2021 PAGE 3

4TH SUNDAY OF EASTER MASS INTENTIONS Saturday, April 24 Any builder worth his or her 4:00 PM Lazarus & Larry Lampros salt knows the value and Sunday, April 25—Fourth Sunday of Easter importance of a cornerstone. 8:00 AM Luigi & Luigia Casinelli Properly laying and securing this primary unit determines how 10:30 AM All our parishioners the rest of the project unfolds Monday, April 26 and its success. Cornerstones are necessary elements 8:00 AM John Hogan not only of buildings but of lives as well. Many human Tuesday, April 27 beings conduct the business of their lives paying little 8:00 AM All our parishioners attention to a grounding reference or starting point. Wednesday, April 28 Hence, what unfolds is a tapestry of relativism, with few 8:00 AM In thanksgiving for Jackie Hargraves anchors or guideposts and many impulsive choices. Some Thursday, April 29 consider love to be their cornerstone. While this may sound attractive and useful, the pursuit of love without a 8:00 AM In thanksgiving for Jackie Hargraves simultaneous pursuit of its source can be shallow and self Saturday, May 1 -focused. Just because a person chooses to do no harm 10:00 AM First Eucharist and love others does not mean that they are living in 4:00 PM In memory of the spouses of the truth and properly anchored to the real cornerstone. Bereavement Support Group Sunday, May 2—Fifth Sunday of Easter is the true and authentic cornerstone and 8:00 AM Larraine Vermal shepherd. It is only in following the Risen One as the 10:30 AM All our parishioners way, the truth, and the life that we can move from being well grounded ethical people to properly focused moral ones. Proper conduct, a true sense of justice, wisdom, virtue, moral principles, faith, hope, and love will be difficult to find unless we listen to the right Voice. It is The sanctuary candle when we learn to listen to the voice of God that we this week is in memory of begin our journey on the road to salvation. It is only the Lazarus & Larry Lampros. Good Shepherd, the authentic and solid cornerstone, who can guide us through life’s questions and challenges and bring us to the safe and proper pasture.

A person’s life only has meaning when the cornerstone is READINGS FOR THE WEEK OF APRIL 25, 2021 properly selected and set. Understanding themselves only as random acts of creation, existing without intent Sunday: Acts 4:8-12/Ps 118:1, 8-9, 21-23, 26, 28, 29 or purpose, will color their choices and influence their [22]/1 Jn 3:1-2/Jn 10:11-18 decisions. The foundation of their lives will be simply a Monday: Acts 11:1-18/Ps 42:2-3; 43:3, 4 [cf. 3a]/Jn matter of preference and choice, leaving benchmarks of 10:1-10 growth and higher ideals optional to pursue. Whereas Tuesday: Acts 11:19-26/Ps 87:1b-3, 4-5, 6-7 [117:1a]/Jn people who believe that they are fashioned and loved 10:22-30 into existence by a God who purposely made them, have Wednesday: Acts 12:24—13:5a/Ps 67:2-3, 5, 6 and 8 [4]/Jn this incredible unconditional relationship at their source 12:44-50 which has tremendous significance. Their allegiance is not Thursday: Acts 13:13-25/Ps 89:2-3, 21-22, 25 and 27 [2]/Jn 13:16-20 to themselves but to their Creator. Life, then, is an Friday: Acts 13:26-33/Ps 2:6-7, 8-9, 10-11ab [7bc]/Jn adventure in search of this Creator God and a journey of 14:1-6 self-discovery that seeks to unite their will to His. There Saturday: Acts 13:44-52/Ps 98:1, 2-3ab, 3cd-4 [3cd]/Jn is a cost. We have to give up our life in order to gain our 14:7-14 life. As ironic as that sounds, it is true. It is only when we St. the Worker: Gn 1:26—2:3 or Col finally figure this out that the true cornerstone of our 3:14-15, 17, 23-24/Ps 90:2, 3-4, 12-13, 14 and lives will be properly laid and we can, with God’s help, 16 [cf. 17b]/Mt 13:54-58 get about the business of properly constructing a temple Next Sunday: Acts 9:26-31/Ps 22:26-27, 28, 30, 31-3 that endures. [26a]/1 Jn 3:18-24/Jn 15:1-8

PAGE 4 FAITH FORMATION SAINT MAURICE CHURCH

FAITH FORMATION NEWS For reflection and discussion: In ancient Israel, a good shepherd was admired for his courage, dedication, and

ability to provide everything his flock required. Who do First Eucharist Mass—Saturday, you think might be considered good shepherds today? May 1, 2021 Why? In what ways do you see Jesus as the Good On Saturday, May 1, nine young Shepherd? How are the followers of Jesus called to parishioners from Saint Maurice Parish "shepherd" others who may be lost or afraid, weak or will celebrate the Sacrament of Holy without guidance? Communion for the first time. Please pray for these children, and their families: Grace Meet an April Saint— Kennedy, Bannon Heraghty, Ryan Viesto, Genesis Mills- Feast Day: April 25; Canonized: Pre-Congregation Hidalgo, Catherine LaBerteaux, Crystal Joseph, Caitlyn Mark was an Evangelist—one of the four men who wrote Day, Abigail Williams, and Stefania Motta. the Gospels found in the New Testament. Mark’s Gospel

was written first, and it is the shortest description of Faith Formation “Praise Days” Jesus’ life, Death, Resurrection, and Ascension. Mark’s In the spirit of Pope Francis’ call to care for creation the writings helped both Matthew and Luke to write their final Faith Formation events—“Praise Days” will be held Gospels. on Sunday, April 25 and Tuesday, April 27, 2021. Mark was not one of the original Apostles, and he On Sunday, April 25, families will gather in the probably never knew Jesus. Instead, we believe that he Church at 9:15 AM and celebrate the 2020-2021 year was a member of the first Christian community. In his with Psalms of praise, and a “Praise Parade” with banners writings, St. Peter refers to Mark as his “son.” Peter may and windsocks around the grounds of Saint Maurice have used this term to show his love for Mark, or he Church. “Blessings from the heart” will be placed in the may have used it because he was the one who baptized bushes near the church. Parishioners at the 10:30 AM Mark. It is believed that Peter was the primary source for Mass are invited to take a blessing home. (If it rains, the Mark’s Gospel. parade will be held in the church.) This session will end Mark traveled with . Paul and to by 10 AM. spread the Good News about Jesus. During his On Tuesday, April 27, the seventh graders will gather imprisonment in , Paul mentions Mark’s concern from 6:30 PM until 7:45 PM in Doran Hall for their Praise for him and writes about how helpful Mark is in the Days celebration. A video, games, and a service project ministry of helping others to believe in Jesus (Colossians. will also be included. Additional details will be provided 4:10; 2 Timothy 4:11). through e-mail. Mark founded the Church in and

he became bishop of Alexandria, an Important Notice for All Catechists: The important center of trade and power during Leadership Institute ancient times. He died there sometime We are asking all catechists to complete the initial phase between the years 68-74 AD as a of formation in LEAD, the diocesan online learning for his belief in Jesus. platform, by June 15, 2021. The entire process is outlined Mark’s Gospel is a lasting treasure for all believers. here: He wrote his Gospel to help people know that Jesus was http://formationreimagined.org/catechetical-formation the Son of God who suffered and died to save us from

sin and death. When we read Mark’s Gospel, we learn Sunday Reading and Background that to be a follower of Jesus, we, too, must be willing to Gospel: John 10:11–18 make sacrifices, to “take up our cross and follow” (Mark When Jesus wanted to describe himself, he did not 8:34) Jesus as he asks us to do. compare himself to a magnificent king or a powerful The symbol for Mark is a lion with wings. That is ruler. He said, "I am the good shepherd." And the people because his Gospel begins with the story of John the of his time knew immediately that he was speaking of a Baptist, a “voice crying in the wilderness” (Mark 1:3), like humble caretaker of the flock that depended on him for the roaring of a lion. Lions are called the kings of the survival. The sheep recognize his voice and follow where jungle. Mark’s Gospel tells us about Jesus’ royalty as he leads. Some shepherds work only for pay and leave God’s Son, a kingship we share through our Baptism. We their sheep unprotected. By contrast, the good shepherd celebrate Saint Mark’s feast day on April 25. His life and lays down his life to save his sheep. No one forces him Gospel remind us to share the Good News about Jesus to do so. He chooses to give his life for the sheep he with others. knows by name and loves to the end.

SUNDAY READING: SADLIER • MEET A SAINT: RCL BENZIGER

SAINT MAURICE CHURCH WWW.SMCGLENBROOK.ORG PAGE 5

PARISH OFFERING ONLINE GIVING Week of April 18, 2021 Online Giving is a safe, secure, and easy way for you to Saturday, 4:00 PM (44) ...... $514.00 make your weekly offertory and special collections and Sunday, 8:00 AM (36) ...... $362.00 contributions in support of our Parish. The service is easy to set up and manage. To sign up, visit our Parish Sunday, 10:30 AM (49) ...... $215.00 website and click on the Online Giving logo located on TOTAL ...... $1,091.00 the main page. Thank you for your consideration. Mailed into Parish Office ...... $510.00 Online Giving ...... $1,782.00 Online Giving is also available as an app for Apple and Android devices. Scan the Thank you for your continued and generous support and QR code to the right and enter Church for your consideration in participating in online giving! ID 1376 when you register. May God bless you in your care and concern for the financial wellness of Saint Maurice Parish.

BEREAVEMENT GROUP CONGRATULATIONS FOR THE WIDOWED

A support group for women and men who have lost a spouse or significant other. The meetings are held in Doran Hall. For detailed information, including dates and times, contact Donna Hughes at (203) 595-0603 or [email protected].

In your prayers… Remember the men and women in the Armed Forces and all who protect us and put themselves in harm’s way on our behalf; may they be shielded from danger; and for their families and loved ones. In particular, Andrew Anderson, Christopher Blasius, Nick Carella, Ian Francis, Samantha Krom, Christian Legaspe, Brendan Mayer, Steven Nolan, and Dylan Schneider. IMPORTANT NOTICE FOR ALL VOLUNTEERS—VIRTUS PRAYERS FOR THE SICK

Continuing Education on abuse prevention is critical in Christopher Anderson, Jerry Anderson, Patrick Battinelli, maintaining Safe Environments into the future. The Rosemary Bella, Bodofsky, Sal Bonina, Aisha Bonny, Diocese of Bridgeport Office of Safe Environments has Taylor Bova, Estelle Caridi, Frank Carreiro, Mary Caruso, issued “a newly revised Policy and Procedures Relating Caruso, Elena Cates, Toni Coe, Frank Colandro, Sandra to Allegations of Sexual Abuse of Minors by Priests or Coppola, Sonya Correntee, Anthony Covino, Patti Crowley, Deacons or by Lay Employees or Volunteers.” This Marge Denicola, Steven DiCiccio, Barbara Eilertsen, Carl Ezzo, Johann Fernando, Gerry Fraioli, Jessica Franco, Pat Gil, Adam policy is contained within the 2020 Safe Environments Godlewski, Carol Happel, Marge Hogan, Rachel Hogan, Handbook (www.bridgeportdiocese.org/wp-content/ Bernard Izzo, Susan Jacobsen, Jessica Mages, Mary Joyce- uploads/2020/11/Safe-Environment-decree-final.pdf). All McDonough, Carol Kane, Liam Kelly, Kathy L., Joseph Laria, volunteers, especially those who will be returning to Caitlin Laria, Megan Lemoung, Gary Livia, Miguel Machado, parish ministry, are required to review the revised Mark, Frank McNerney, Mary Montaine, Mary Palmer, Harper handbook, found on your Virtus account profile. Pappas, Pataky, Guillaume Paulemon, Sylvia Privil, Following the review, the “2020 Safe Environments Johnny Ramirez, Anthony Recchia, Sandy Recchia, Rev. Alfred Handbook Executive Summary for Lay Volunteers” must Riendeau, Julie Salce, Lois Scatton, Gina Stuart, Anthony be signed and submitted to Sandra Kluun, Coordinator. Tomczyk, Lucille Tomzick, and Betty Vitti.

PAGE 6 APRIL 25, 2021 SAINT MAURICE CHURCH

FROM THE DIOCESE MALTA HOUSE OF BRIDGEPORT VIRTUAL ANNUAL GALA

Call to Renewal The Diocese has launched the “Call to Renewal” website to serve as a guide to the Year of St. Joseph and overall renewal efforts. The website is designed to provide information related to the spiritual and pastoral renewal of the diocese as called for in Bishop Caggiano’s Pastoral Exhortation, “Let us Enter the Upper Room with the Lord.” This Mother's Day weekend, you have two ways to The website includes updates on the Year of St. celebrate and support our moms at Malta House Joseph, the Diocesan Ambassadors Program, “There’s No Place Like Home” Annual Gala Virtual opportunities for Reconciliation and Eucharistic registration can be found on the Malta House website by Adoration, and more. “I pray that you will find these clicking on tickets to attend. A $100 gift to support this resources helpful as we seek to renew our Church in virtual event is welcomed. Your support makes our life- Fairfield County,” said the bishop. For additional changing work possible. We will begin streaming at 7:30 information please check out the Diocese of Bridgeport PM on Friday, May 7th of 2021. website. www.bridgeportdiocese.org/call-to-renewal/welcome/ Please visit our website at www.maltahouse.org to get involved, or 2021 Annual Catholic Appeal scan the QR code to the right! The Leadership Institute is committed to supporting the parishes and schools in forming missionary disciples of Jesus Christ through Sacramental Preparation, Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults COVID-19 POLICIES (RCIA), Marriage Preparation, and COME JOIN US...NO SEAT Retreats. In addition, the Institute provides consultation and implementation services for recruiting Catechists, RESERVATIONS NEEDED! including initial and ongoing programming and assessment. Your gift to the Annual Catholic Appeal Online and call-in reservations are no longer necessary assists in providing these vital services and programs. to attend regular weekend Masses. Thank you for your gift. As we have been doing since June 2020, you will arrive and sit in a pew marked with yellow tape. Once all marked spaces are occupied, the greeter will inform you MUSIC FOR THE LITURGY that the church is full. Please do all that is possible to

Those of you with sharp ears may notice a touch more either shift to the middle of the pew or allow someone organ improvisation this week, all based on the proper who needs a seat to enter your pew. chant melodies for the Fourth Sunday of Easter. This is a “pragmatic” music programming choice, as we welcome Please be patient with greeters and ushers who will help Msgr. Scheyd and Msgr. Detscher back for the weekend. get you seated in a safe manner. Masks, hand-sanitizing, and social distancing are still required. Introit: Misericordia Domini plena est terra Offertory: Deus, Deus meus ad Te de luce vigilo As the pandemic continues, these guidelines may be Communion: Ego sum pastor bonus subject to change. Visit www.diobpt.org and click the Coronavirus banner at the top to see the latest Hymn at the Procession: Christ is Made the Sure information and updates for the Diocese of Bridgeport. Foundation (WESTMINSTER ABBEY)

—Neil Flores, Organist and Director of Music EVERYDAY STEWARDSHIP OMITTED THIS WEEK

203-324-4949 203-324-4949 NICK’S PIZZA 522 Glenbrook Stamford, CT

Grounds Maintenance & Landscape Services Contact: 203-898-0968 [email protected] Restaurant Mowing • Weeding • Yard Cleanup • Mulching Plantings • Pruning • Plant Bed Creation Transplanting • Grass Seeing/Detatch Sod Replacement/Installation Fallen Tree Removal/Firewood Dump Runs • Gutter Clean-out Power Washing • Garage Clean-Out Grill Cleaning • Snow Plowing/Cleanup FREE DELIVERY Christmas Lights/Tree Delivery

$0 application fee LOW $0 closing costs

MORTGAGE $0 points Family-owned & organically grown since 1945. NMLS 408942 203.324.3817 RATES 203.413.9300 25 William Street Stamford, CT 06902

Contact Robin Ungaro to place an ad today! [email protected] or (800) 477-4574 x6447

Serving Lower Fairfield County (203) 324-2141 | reliableoilandheat.com

Ad info. 1-800-477-4574 • Publication Support 1-800-888-4574 • www.4lpi.com St. Maurice, Stamford, CT 03-0552 CATERING • BIRTHDAYS • ANNIVERSARIES RELIGIOUS CELEBRATIONS OPEN SUNDAYS FOR PRIVATE PARTIES

348 HOPE STREET STAMFORD 203-324-2600 “Fairfield County’s Only Funeral Home with Crematory on Premises” MON - SAT 11:30 - CLOSE www.Cognetta.com 104 Myrtle Avenue, Stamford, CT 06902 • 203-348-4949 WWW.TRIPSRESTAURANT.COM Barbara Punzi Coldwell Banker Realty

(203) 912-2676 I won’t just find you a house… I’ll find you a home! “I grew up in this Parish, and have a strong connection & wonderful memories in the community. If you are selling your home, contact me!” [email protected] https://barbarapunzi.cbintouch.com

TriStone Marble V&L & Granite Management Countertop Fabrication 922 Washington Blvd., Stamford, CT (Next to Government Center parking garage & across the street from Hotel 0°) "Give us a call, we do it all" Lima Junk Removal As Always, Free Pickup & Delivery in the Stamford area Adult Vaccinations | No appointment necessary Ceramic Tile Interior Demolition Covered by most insurances Immunizations • Health Screenings General Maintenance Medical Equipment. Property Management Prescription refills on our free mobile app! 24 Magee Ave Multi-Dose Pill Packaging Available! Stamford 203-273-9060 www.slavinsrx.com [email protected] Call (203) 323-2161 203-325-9577

With your efforts you can Thomas M. Gallagher help us achieve our mission to feed the hungry. Funeral Home Serving the towns of Darien, Greenwich, New Canaan, Norwalk, Stamford & Wilton. Family Owned 461 Glenbrook Road, Stamford 104 Myrtle Avenue, Stamford CT 06902 203-358-8898 www.foodbanklfc.org 203-359-9999 YOUR SUPPORT MAKES A DIFFERENCE Together we can fight hunger! www.gallagherfuneralhome.com

Ad info. 1-800-477-4574 • Publication Support 1-800-888-4574 • www.4lpi.com St. Maurice, Stamford, CT 03-0552