Thomas Church 99 Bristol Street, Southington, CT 06489-4599

“By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another (John 13:35).”.

March 10, 2019

First Sunday of Lent

Rectory Office

Phone: 860-628-4713 Fax: 860-628-7341 E-Mail: [email protected] Web Sites: www.stthomassouthington.org www.facebook.com/groups/104009621923

St. Thomas Convent

Address: 20 Eden Place Southington, CT Phone: 860-621-1904

Office of Religious Education

Phone: 860-628-9679 E-mail: [email protected]

Southington Catholic School

Address: 133 Bristol Street Southington, CT Phone: 860-628-2485 Web Site: www.southingtoncathlolicschool.org

Weekend Mass Schedule Our Parish Mission Statement Saturday Vigil: 4:00PM (Church) Sunday: 7:30AM & 10:00AM (Church) We, the Roman Catholic faithful of St. Thomas

parish, nourished by ’s Word and by the Weekday Mass Schedule Sacraments, welcome and serve the Family of God. Monday & Tuesday: 7:30AM(Chapel) Through evangelization, education, and spiritual Thursday & Friday:12:10PM (Chapel) development, we demonstrate the true meaning of Saturday 8:00AM (Chapel) God’s love by living in the image of Christ.

Rectory Office Hours Monday—Friday 8AM-4PM

Parish Staff SATURDAY, MARCH 9—St. Frances of Rome, Religious

 8:00AM Volpe Requested by Granddaughter, Maria LaPorta Rev. R. Cronin—Pastor  4:00PM Ralph & Maria Parlapiano—Birthday [email protected] Remembrance Requested by Family Rev. John E. Cockayne—(Senior Status)

Deacons SUNDAY, MARCH 10—First Sunday of Lent Angelo J. Coppola—(Senior Status)  7:30AM Nicola & Saveria Sabino—Birthday Remembrance Req by Teresa & Josephine & Family Vincent J. Raby  10:00AM Helene & Vito Pace & Matthew James Carta Music Ministry Requested by the Vellucci & Carta Families Emil Kopcha—Director MONDAY, MARCH 11—Lenten Weekday Kathy Kopcha—Assistant  7:30AM Marjorie L. Mirto Requested by James Rusiecki Office Manager Heidi Malley TUESDAY, MARCH 12—Lenten Weekday

 7:30AM The Parishioners of St. Thomas Church Business Manager Marc Ingriselli WEDNESDAY, MARCH 13— Lenten Weekday Trustees NO MASS ON WEDNESDAYS Susan Howard Paul Miano THURSDAY, MARCH 14—Lenten Weekday  12:10PM Vecchio, Sabino, & Ragozinno Families Plant Manager Requested by Daughter & Family Casey Potthoff FRIDAY, MARCH 15—Lenten Weekday Custodial Staff  12:10PM Giovanni & Carmela & Family Daniel Conant Requested by grandchildren Bonnie Guimond Marty Lopatosky SATURDAY, MARCH 16—Lenten Weekday Harry Masterbone  8:00AM Dorothy Bianchini Requested by Larry

Director of Religious Ed.  4:00PM Gino & Esterina Melillo Requested by Tony Melillo & Family Sr. Marie Roccapriore, MPF

SUNDAY, MARCH 17—Second Sunday of Lent Southington  7:30AM The deceased members of the DiBenedetto Catholic School Family Req by Michele DiBenedetto & Family  10:00AM Annette Brown Requested by Joe & Cathy Miceli Principal Eileen Sampiere Sanctuary Candles Office Manager Loretta Putala Church: For Peace in the Holy Land

Advancement Director Chapel: For Peace in our Homes Mary Alexander  Father Joe’s Notes  My dear friends,

Here we are in Lent. This is a time of prayer and LENTEN SERVICES preparation. We get ourselves ready to celebrate Easter in CONFESSIONS seven weeks. In this time, we fast, pray, and give alms. Mondays from 6:00PM through 7:00PM We use this season to reflect upon the blessings of God by Saturdays from 2:30PM through 3:30 PM putting aside the distractions in our lives. My hope and (There are no confessions on Holy Saturday) prayer is that we all use this Lent as a productive time of growth and renewal. STATIONS OF THE CROSS Fridays at 7:00PM in church I know that I’m happy for a wonderful coincident in TEACHING MASS my schedule as we come to Sunday, March 24th at 4:00PM Lent. In our Bible study, we will begin the study of the Book of Joseph. It’s  Ask Father  the story found in the final Question: Father, we say that Lent is 40 days long, but it fourteen chapters of the looks a lot longer on the calendar. Am I missing something? Book of Genesis. It’s the Answer: You make an excellent observation. If you counted longest contiguous story we have in the ancient text. It all the days from Ash Wednesday until just before Easter, tells us of how one man can rise from imperfect situations, you would have 46 days. What you need to consider is that in a family divided by distrust, and surrounded by a world Sundays don’t count as days of Lent, as they’re always that promotes revenge and self-aggrandizement, to achieve celebrations of Easter. So if you subtract the 6 Sunday great things for God. Despite all that goes against him, he during Lent, you get 40 days. That sounds simple enough chooses to remain faithful to the Lord. He is a model when you understand. Having said this, we have a glitch in . He foreshadows the coming of Christ, one the system. Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday who rises above the sins of humanity to bring us salvation. collectively make up Triduum (Latin for ‘Three Days’). Anyone who wants to come study the story of Joseph with Once we begin the Mass of the Lord’s Supper, we consider us this Lent and Easter seasons, I joyfully invite you! the celebration one continuous liturgy lasting three days.

As we come into Lent, find something to help you (There is no closing of Holy Thursday Mass, no opening or rejoice in God’s love for you. Push aside the distractions closing of the Celebration of the Lord’s Passion on Friday, and no opening for the Easter Vigil on Saturday.) That and fears; embrace the prayer and charity. Make this a would make those days count as one day, giving us 38 days. time to actively reflect upon all that the Father does for us Technically speaking, Triduum really isn’t part of Lent. each day. Seek the strength and guidance of the Spirit. Triduum is its own thing with its own laws and regulations. Make the mind and heart of Christ your own. Enter the So if we discount Sundays and Triduum, Lent is 37 days, or silence and stark beauty of this time in our Church year. 38 if you count the morning and afternoon of Holy Thursday Joyfully yours in Christ, Fr. Joe before we get to Mass in the evening. If that weren’t confusing enough, you could count the Orthodox way. They Readings for the week of March 10, 2019 include Sundays, but they don’t begin with Ash Wednesday. Lent begins for them on the First Sunday of Lent. If you Sunday: Dt 26:4-10/Ps 91:1-2, 10-11, 12-13, 14-15 include the first half of Holy Thursday that way, you have 40 [cf. 15b]/Rom 10:8-13/Lk 4:1-13 days. Then the lead in with Ash Wednesday doesn’t count. Monday: Lv 19:1-2, 11-18/Ps 19:8, 9, 10, 15 [Jn 6:63b]/ Because of the odd category of those days, they are actually Mt 25:31-46 labeled as days after Ash Wednesday, rather than Lenten Tuesday: Is 55:10-11/Ps 34:4-5, 6-7, 16-17, 18-19 [18b]/ weekdays on our calendar. Why do we say Lent is 40 days? Mt 6:7-15 Well, it’s a lot easier than singing, “Lord, who throughout Wednesday: Jon 3:1-10/Ps 51:3-4, 12-13, 18-19 [19b]/ these forth days, or forty-six days, or thirty-eight days, or Lk 11:29-32 thirty-seven days, or forty days without the week of Ash Thursday: Est C:12, 14-16, 23-25/Ps 138:1-2ab, 2cde-3, Wednesday, for us did fast and pray.” No matter how we 7c-8 [3a]/Mt 7:7-12 count the days, it’s a season of repentance, prayer, and Friday: Ez 18:21-28/Ps 130:1-2, 3-4, 5-7a, 7bc-8 [3]/ almsgiving. Let’s not worry about counting the days; Mt 5:20-26 instead, let’s concern ourselves with using the time we have Saturday: Dt 26:16-19/Ps 119:1-2, 4-5, 7-8 [1b]/Mt 5:43-48 with getting closer to our God.  Parish Information  Devotions & Groups Sacraments

Holy Hours In the chapel—rectory basement Tuesdays: 11:00AM—Noon (for vocations) Parents, contact the rectory to schedule a Thursdays: 11:00AM—Noon (with Benediction) baptism. There’s a preparation meeting for parents having their first child baptized. Eucharistic Adoration In the chapel—rectory basement RCIA—Adult Sacraments Thursdays 8:00AM—11:00AM Anyone interested in becoming Catholic, give us a call!

Miraculous Medal Novena Reconciliation In the chapel—rectory basement Confessions are Saturday from 2:30PM until 3:30 PM Tuesdays at 7:00PM and Monday from 6PM until 7PM in the reconciliation room in the church, or call to make an appointment. Italian Rosary Group First Tuesday of each month—7:30PM (Parish Center) Marriage We need six months for marriage preparation. Couples should contact Father Joe to schedule a meeting. Lap Blanket Ministry Parishioners make blankets for patients in local health Sacrament of the Sick care facilities . Anyone who crochets is invited to join Should you, or someone you know, need an anointing, us in the church basement. One Wednesday Evening a please call Father Joe at the rectory to schedule a visit. month 7:00-8:15PM. Next meeting —March 27th Homebound / Hospital Ladies Guild Please, contact the rectory if you or a The Ladies Guild meets the first Monday family member is homebound or in the of each month in the church basement at hospital. We can arrange for a 7PM. They host hospitality after Sunday Eucharistic Minister to bring you the Masses the first Sunday of each month. Blessed Sacrament at home.

______Bible Study Group Our next class is on Thursday, March St. Thomas Cemetery 14th. We will cover Genesis,

Chapters 39 & 40—Joseph is If you or your family are looking to purchase a plot or Betrayed. Come, join the discussion! niche in the columbarium, give us a call in the rectory Thursdays at 1:30PM and 7:00PM office. We will have our Plant Manager, Casey Pottoff, In the Chapel (Rectory basement) meet with you and explain the options for graves and (Both classes cover the same material—you need only attend one) markers. Please, call the rectory to schedule a meeting. Sponsor Certificates New Parishioners

They’re available in the sacristy or in the rectory office. Welcome to St. Thomas! We’re delighted to have you join You must be an active parishioner, registered with our us. Introduce yourself to Father or the Deacons after Mass. parish for at least 6 months. The use of the envelopes helps Parish registration forms are available in the sacristy and verify that you’re an active parishioners. You must also the rectory office. Take one for the family, and a separate have completed your Sacraments of Initiation and be in a form for each member. Once completed, mail them to us valid marriage. If you have question, call us. or drop them in the collection basket. Collections for March 3rd

Weekly—$6994/ Online—$1434 † Southington Catholic School † Middle School Open House THIS Wednesday, March 13, 2019 Annual Raffle

Southington Catholic School invites you to come Our school is holding its annual raffle. Prizes are paid experience the special community that awaits you at with a check to the winner. The prizes are: SCS Middle School. From 6:30-8:00 PM. our teachers, students and alumni will introduce you to the difference First Prize—$2,000 that SCS can mean to your family. If you could not Second Prize—$1,000 attend, interested students may call to arrange to have a Third Prize—$500 "shadow day" on a Tuesdays or Wednesdays during Fourth Prize—$500 March. For more information, please call 860-628-2485. Fifth Prize—$250

Tickets are $3.00 each, and they are available individually or in books of ten tickets. The winning drawing will be on Friday, April 26th at 7:00 PM in the school cafeteria. Tickets are available at the school office. Family Fun Event THIS Saturday, March 16

Bring your child, entering kindergarten through grade 2, St. Thomas to a fun morning of activities from 10:00 AM to Noon. Prospective students can meet the teachers and the new Religious Ed. † friends that await them at SCS. Southington Catholic School ENROLLMENT NOW! Annual Golf Tournament We are currently enrolling students for the In honor of Joe Angelillo 2019-2020 school year. Grades one through eight will meet on Mondays in the Friday, May 10th school at TWO TIMES. The first session is 4:15-5:30PM and the second is 6:00- Southington Country Club 7:15PM. We will have one class of each

You’re invited to join with friends grade offered during each session. and neighbors in honoring our Confirmation students in ninth and tenth friend’s memory, Joe Angelillo, at grade will meet Sunday evenings in the the Southington Catholic School school 6:00-7:30PM. Registration forms Golf Tournament. This wonderful will be given to the children currently event features great golf, delicious enrolled, and they are available in the rectory food, and the very important op- office. Registration forms must be portunity to support Catholic edu- submitted by June 30th, or a late fee will cation in our town. Sponsorships be added to the registration fee. Call Sister are available by calling South- Marie with any questions. ington Catholic School or email- ing [email protected]. Register your foursome today! Call 860-628-2485. Volunteer Ministry Women’s Retreat At the Advent Mission last April 5th—7th December 3rd, 4th and 5th, the Stewardship Committee announced The World Will Be Saved by Beauty the formation of the St. Thomas

Our Lady of Calvary Retreat Center Volunteer Ministry. This Ministry Farmington, Connecticut is open to all parishioners. www.ourladyofcalvary.net Volunteers may sign up to be added to a list of volunteers to help any St. Thomas Ministry Husbands, fathers, sons, brothers...take note! Please, when needed. Ministry leaders may access the list for encourage the women in your lives to take some time for one time help at functions or programs/projects. This themselves at a weekend retreat. The peace and tranquility is a great way to experience some of our different of the experience is one of the greatest gifts you can offer ministries and meet other parishioners. To sign up, to someone you love. For more information, please call call or email Kathleen Baldwin 860-628-8465 or our local organizer, Lori Armstrong, at 860-628-6108. [email protected].

PASSION PLAY DATES Solace & Peace Saturday, April13th at 7:30PM

Palm Sunday, April 14th at 3:00PM This month’s meeting will be Monday, April 15th at 7:30PM held on Tuesday, March 12th Tuesday, April 16th at 7:30PM beginning at 6:30pm in the Wednesday, April 17th at 7:30PM Parish Center. No performance on Holy Thursday Good Friday, April 19th at 7:30PM Knights of Columbus Scholarship Human Trafficking The Knights of Columbus Isabella From Awareness to Action Council #15 is accepting applications from high school seniors who are Did you know that the registered members of a Catholic Parish Department of Children & in Southington. Applicants must be Families has identified 477 seeking to further his/her education in a recognized children in Connecticut institute of higher learning during the upcoming who are victims of human academic year. Applications are available in the Rectory trafficking or at risk to office, and are due by March 30, 2019 become victims?

A member of the Archdiocese of Hartford’s Human Ladies Guild Scholarship Trafficking Task Force will make a presentation designed The Ladies Guild Scholarship is available to raise awareness about this issue and opportunities for to High School Seniors from St. Thomas action. The presentation is appropriate for students in parish who will enroll in college this high school and adults. Please join us to learn more about coming year. Applications are available the impact of Human Trafficking across our country and in the rectory office and are due by THIS throughout Connecticut. The presentation will be held at FRIDAY! Saint Thomas Church on Monday, March 18th at 7:00pm. All are welcome to attend. PASTA FAGIOLI SUPPER

Human Trafficking is a $32 billion dollar a year Beginning this week and all Lenten Fridays, Pasta Fagioli industry, and is the second most profitable criminal (prepared by the Manor Inn), salad, bread, beverages & activity after drug crimes. desserts is served 5-7PM. in the school cafeteria. Cost:$7 per person eat in (children under 7 pay their age), $30 max The National Trafficking Hotline handled almost 9,000 for family. Take out orders $8 per container. All proceeds cases of Human Trafficking in the U.S. in 2017. support Southington Catholic School.

Della Vecchia Funeral Home Supportour Advertisers Corner 860-628-2293 www.dellavecchiafh.com

During the Easter Vigil, we sing Manor Inn 860-628-9877 Manorinnrestaurant.com a litany of saints. We seek the intercessions of those in heaven Al Joy Tire Service with Christ for those about to be 860-628-2728 baptized. The hope is that the Youssef B. Khawaja, MD baptized will join the saints Internal Medicine & Endocrinology forever praising God’s glory. 860-621-9353 Throughout Lent, we’ll review a few of the saints’ names you Plantsville Funeral Home 860-621-4656 may hear that evening. www.plantsvillefuneralhome.com

St. Arianell: Born into the Welsh royal family in the sixth Steve’s Family Restaurant century, she became possessed by an evil spirit. Saint 860-621-7116 Dyfrig performed an exorcism and healed her. Arianell then left her wealth and privilege to become a nun and Ragozzino’s Deli & Catering 860-621-6979 student of the saint who healed her. Her feast day is June 27th. Serfafino Pharmacy, INC 860-628-7979 St. Isabella of Portugal: She was born a princess of the www.stores.healthmart.com/serafinopharmacy Kingdom of Aragon in 1271, and was named for her great- Religious Teachers Filippini aunt, St. Elizabeth of Hungary. Isabella was married at the 860-621-1904 www.filippiniusa.org age of twelve to King Diniz of Portugal. Isabella was a pious woman devoted to her prayers, while her husband Waste Material Trucking Company, INC was widely known for his lack of morals. He was abusive Residential & Commercial 860-747-6816 — of his wife. She responded by praying for his conversion D’Amato Construction Company, INC and caring for the poor and sick. When her son, Affonso, General Contractors 860-583-3489 rebelled against his father, she rode out onto the battlefield Thank us! for helping them and remained between the two armies until father and son Patrick Baker & Sons Religious goods and supplies were reconciled. With the death of her husband, she gave 1-800-243-6385 www.ChurchGoods.com away all her wealth to the poor and entered the Poor Clare convent in Coimbra. She died July 4, 1336. Isabella is the Bill’s Auto Body Clinic, INC 860-628-8627 of brides, widows, people in difficult marriages, charitable workers, and peace makers. Her V.Nanfito feast day is July 4th. Remodeling & Repairs 860-621-6898

Blessed Jakob Gapp: Born in 1897 to a working class CV Tool Company family in , , he fought in on the 860-621-0494

Italian front. After the war, he entered the Marianists and Catholic Match.com/CT was ordained a in 1930. He worked as a teacher, director of religious education, and school chaplain. He Volpe & Sons Automotive 860-628-0067 often collected food for his poor students. With the rise of , be preached that it was incompatible with Della Porta EyeCare, LLC Christianity. After the Germans occupied Austria, he was 860-582-0702 www.bristoleyes.com ordered not to preach against the Nazis. He continued to Franciscan Home Care and Hospice Care teach the love of all people, regardless of nationality, 203-238-1441 www.FranciscanHC.org religion, or race. Father Gapp was commanded to leave the country. The order moved him first to and then Paul Gregory’s—Bistro & Catering to . When he heard Jews were fleeing from 860-621-9999 for France, he went to help. When he crossed into France, Plantsville Family Dental the Nazis arrested him. Jakob was tried in Berlin and 860-621-2700 www.plantsvillefamily dental.com condemned to death. He was guillotined in prison and authorities refused permission to bury him. They feared Connecticut Casualty Company 1-800-922-2886 www.ctcasualty.com his grave would be venerated as the tomb of a martyr. His body was sent to the University of Berlin as remains for Catholic Cemeteries Association of the research in the anatomical biology department. Archdiocese of Hartford, Inc.