“I am the true vine, and my Father is the vine grower. He takes away every branch in me that does not bear fruit, and everyone that does he prunes so that it bears more fruit.” - Jn 15:1-2

 

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

PAGE 2 5TH SUNDAY OF EASTER MAURICE CHURCH

Saint Maurice Church REMAINING VIGILANT

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

Monday-Thursday, 10:00 AM-2:00 PM As we begin this new month of May, still rejoicing in the Resurrection of our Lord and (203) 324-3434 • [email protected] Savior, and directing our gaze in love and adoration to Mary, or Blessed Mother, we rejoice! We have so much to be grateful for! After a long winter, the Liturgical Schedule days have grown both longer and warmer and the world around us has started to become refulgent with blossoming Weekend Masses ...... Saturday, 4:00 PM flowers and the fresh green of the trees as they unfurl their Sunday, 8:00 AM and 10:30 AM new leaves. Our mornings are filled with the wonderful sounds of birds who, with so many other creatures, tend Weekday Masses ...... Monday-Thursday, 8:00 AM their nests and make ready for the coming forth of new life. It’s starting to feel like everything is coming back to life. Reconciliation ...... Saturday, 2:00-3:00 PM (or by appointment) And we have so much more to be grateful for! In the battle against the COVID-19 pandemic we are making progress. Baptisms/Weddings ...... Contact Parish Office After a bit of a slow start, more and more people are getting vaccinated, particularly our older friends, family Parish Staff members, and neighbors. Many of the restrictions that have kept us from being able to gather as a community are Rev. James Bates, Parochial Administrator ...... ext. 701 beginning to loosen and it is starting to feel like it might [email protected] just be safe to go out to a restaurant again or, more importantly, come back to church. Sandra Kluun, Faith Formation & Safe Environments ...... ext. 707 [email protected] Here at Saint Maurice, people are starting to return to volunteer, in our liturgical celebrations and ministries as Monica Di Costanzo, Administrative Assistant ...... ext. 705 well as with important “administrative” tasks in our office. [email protected] The parish staff has been working hard to keep things going during this pandemic, and to see parishioners willing and able to offer once again the gifts of their time, talent, and Tony Recchia, Facilities Manager ...... ext. 708 treasure, is a real joy. We are so very grateful. [email protected]

Yet, as things continue to slowly improve, we must remain Neil Flores, Director of Music & Organist ...... ext. 706 vigilant and on our guard. We are not called to be afraid [email protected] but to remain prudent and to remember that, even as things get better, we have to guard against becoming lax Members of the Parish Corporation and complacent regarding COVID-19. While it is my hope that we will soon be able to open up all of the pews in the Steve Doran ...... (203) 324-3434 church and allow people to sit wherever they like, we must continue to wear masks when gathering and we need to Mary Lamonte ...... (203) 348-6701 remember to wash our hands frequently and use hand Parish Finance Council sanitizer; we need to be cognizant of the fact that we’re not out of the woods yet and that there are likely many Kathryn Jimenez...... (203) 324-3434 more months battle before we can sound the all-clear and declare the crisis over.

I want to encourage everyone who has been away to VISIT OUR WEBSITE AT WWW.SMCGLENBROOK.ORG come back to church; I want to encourage all of you OR SCAN THE QR CODE

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

SAINT MAURICE CHURCH MAY 2, 2021 PAGE 3 to considering coming back to volunteer in all of the MASS INTENTIONS ways that you did before the pandemic began. But I also want you all to be safe. Things will continue to improve, Saturday, May 1 but only if we remain vigilant and prudent. 10:00 AM First Eucharist 4:00 PM In memory of the spouses of the —Fr. Jim Bates, Parochial Administrator Bereavement Support Group Sunday, May 2—Fifth Sunday of Easter 8:00 AM Larraine Vermal 10:30 AM All our parishioners FIRST EUCHARIST MASS Monday, May 3 CONGRATULATIONS! 8:00 AM Anna Russo Tuesday, May 4 8:00 AM All our parishioners Wednesday, May 5 8:00 AM All our parishioners Thursday, May 6 8:00 AM Mary Fahey Saturday, May 8 4:00 PM All our parishioners Sunday, May 9—Sixth Sunday of Easter 8:00 AM Susie Lampros & all mothers

CONGRATULATIONS to nine young parishioners 10:30 AM Josephine Zinicola from Saint Maurice Parish who celebrated the Sacrament of Holy Communion for the first time on May 1, 2021.

Please keep these children, and their families in The sanctuary candle your prayers: this week is in memory of Thomas F. Maloney. CAITLYN DAY BANNON HERAGHTY CRYSTAL GRACE KENNEDY CATHERINE LABERTEAUX READINGS FOR THE WEEK OF MAY 2, 2021 GENESIS MILLS-HIDALGO STEFANIA MOTTA Sunday: Acts 9:26-31/Ps 22:26-27, 28, 30, 31-32 [26a]/1 Jn 3:18-24/Jn 15:1-8 RYAN VIESTO Monday: 1 Cor 15:1-8/Ps 19:2-3, 4-5 [5]/Jn 14:6-14 ABIGAIL WILLIAMS Tuesday: Acts 14:19-28/Ps 145:10-11, 12-13ab, 21 [cf. 12]/Jn 14:27-31a Wednesday: Acts 15:1-6/Ps 122:1-2, 3-4ab, 4cd-5 [cf. 1]/ Thank you to those who helped in the Jn 15:1-8 preparation and celebration of this awesome day: Thursday: Acts 15:7-21/Ps 96:1-2a, 2b-3, 10 [3]/Jn 15:9-11 Fr. James K. Bates, Parochial Administrator; Friday: Acts 15:22-31/Ps 57:8-9, 10 and 12 [10a]/Jn Sandra Kluun, Director of Faith Formation; 15:12-17 Neil Flores, Director of Music; Saturday: Acts 16:1-10/Ps 100:1b-2, 3, 5/Jn 15:18-21 Cheryl Williams, catechist; Next Sunday: Acts 10:25-26, 34-35, 44-48/Ps 98:1, 2-3, 3- and the parents and guardians. 4 [cf. 2b]/1 Jn 4:7-10/Jn 15:9-1

PAGE 4 FAITH FORMATION SAINT MAURICE CHURCH

FAITH FORMATION NEWS are only giving "lip service" to Christian love, it is time to consult our consciences. For discussion and reflection: How does listening to your Faith Formation “Praise Days” conscience help you to act like a more loving person? In Thank you to the families who real life, who comes to mind as a strong example of participated in Sunday’s “Praise” on April someone who loves "in deed and truth"? Who or what 25. Although our praise parade was held helps you to act in loving ways even when it is difficult? inside, it was a joyful celebration, with How do you see people in your school and parish doing windsocks flying, cymbals ringing, and what is pleasing in God's sight? music and praise resounding. On Tuesday, April 27, the seventh graders gathered for Meet a May Saint—José María Rubio y Peralta Praise Days. They shared what they have learned through Feast Day: May 2 (memorial); May 4 (Proper Calendar of the game “Who’s this?, What’s this?”, and celebrated the the Society of ) close of Faith Formation 2020-2021 with “Stations of the Canonized: May 4, 2003 Beatified: October 6, 1985 Light”. Venerated: January 12, 1984

Important Notice for All Catechists—The Born in 1864 and raised in a large farm family in Spain, José Leadership Institute entered the seminary in 1876 when he was only 12 years We are asking all catechists to complete the initial phase of old. After ordination in 1887, he worked as a parish priest formation in LEAD, the diocesan online learning platform, and was a professor at the seminary in Madrid. by, June 15, 2021. The entire process is outlined here: After a pilgrimage to the Holy Land, José asked his formationreimagined.org/catechetical-formation for permission to join the Society of Jesus. Becoming a Jesuit was something he had always wanted, but he SHU Journey 2021 delayed this dream for many years because as a young SHU Journey is an extraordinary five-day summer priest he took on the responsibility of caring for an elderly experience for high school youth. We invite you to join in priest. this dynamic week with your peers and three of our own Father José took his first vows as a college students who will lead you in an exploration of faith, Jesuit when he was 44. He became known through prayer, service in the community, and fun activities as the “Apostle of Madrid.” People came on a beautiful, vibrant, spiritually rich and welcoming college from great distances to celebrate the campus. SHU Journey is designed for Catholic students who Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation have completed their freshman year and have not yet with him because of his compassion and entered their senior year, and are interested in growing in healing words. He helped people to change and becoming leaders in their faith. SHU Journey will be their lives and to live for Christ. Monday June 28 - Friday July 2. The program runs each day He had a great love and concern for the poor, and he from 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Each day, participants will return preached often about our responsibility for our brothers to campus after a restful night at their own homes. and sisters. Many lay people came to Father José to ask There are no costs. This Summer Theology Institute is how they could help. He guided them to open tuition-free funded by the Lilly Endowment. Everyone selected to schools, to nurse the sick, to find housing for needy families participate in this program will receive a $300 scholarship. and jobs for the unemployed. Father José also provided for Only 15 high school youth can be accepted for this Summer the spiritual needs of the poor by making the Sacraments Institute. Application forms must be submitted no later than more available to them and by organizing missions where May 15, 2021. To apply, go to: he preached about Jesus’ care for them. formationreimagined.org/event/shu-journey-2021/ At the center of the priest’s life and ministry was his Questions? Contact Patrick Donovan, Th.D., Executive love for Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. He told the people Director, The Leadership Institute. Phone: (203) 416-1657 he ministered with that prayer must always come first. He Email: [email protected] said that it is through prayer that we receive the strength to serve others. Sunday Reading and Background He died in 1929, and the Church has honored Father Reading 2—1 John 3:18–24 José Rubio as a saint since 1985. Pope John Paul II praised The word love easily rolls off our tongues or our him for following the example of Christ. José’s motto was, keyboards. But living it in a family, a parish, or any “Do what God wants and want what God does!” Like José, community is a greater challenge. This letter of John we can do what God wants by carrying on Christ’s work in reminds us that our love for God is tested in action. We the world. We can reach out to our brothers and sisters in are to love "in deed and truth." When we believe in Jesus need through prayer and action. and love one another as he commanded us, we can be sure that God is with us. Whenever we suspect that we SUNDAY READING: SADLIER • MEET A SAINT: RCL BENZIGER

SAINT MAURICE CHURCH WWW.SMCGLENBROOK.ORG PAGE 5

PARISH OFFERING ONLINE GIVING Week of April 25, 2021 Online Giving is a safe, secure, and easy way for you to Saturday, 4:00 PM (43) ...... $520.00 make your weekly offertory and special collections and Sunday, 8:00 AM (37) ...... $270.00 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 (57) ...... $292.00 website and click on the Online Giving logo located on TOTAL ...... $1,082.00 the main page. Thank you for your consideration. Mailed into Parish Office ...... $459.00 Online Giving ...... $1,382.00 Online Giving is also available as an app Catholic Home Missions ...... $213.00 for Apple and Android devices. Scan the QR code to the right and enter Church Thank you for your continued and generous support and ID 1376 when you register. for your consideration in participating in online giving! May God bless you in your care and concern for the financial wellness of Saint Maurice Parish. BEREAVEMENT GROUP MUSIC FOR THE LITURGY FOR THE WIDOWED

To mark the beginning of May, the month of Mary, the A support group for women and men who have lost a organ prelude for all Masses this weekend will be Prière à spouse or significant other. The meetings are held in Notre-Dame (Prayer to Our Lady), the third movement Doran Hall. For detailed information, including dates and from Léon Boëllmann’s Suite gothique. times, contact Donna Hughes at (203) 595-0603 or [email protected]. Music for First Eucharist Hymn at the Procession: Alleluia! Sing to Jesus (HYFRYDOL) In your prayers… Hymn at the Communion: Lord, Who at Thy First Remember the men and women in the Eucharist (UNDE ET MEMORES) Armed Forces and all who protect us and put themselves in harm’s way on our Music for The Fifth Sunday of Easter behalf; may they be shielded from danger; Hymn at the Procession: Day of Delight (IN DIR IST and for their families and loved ones. In FREUDE) particular, Andrew Anderson, Christopher Blasius, Nick —Neil Flores, Organist and Director of Music 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 MAY 2, 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 celebrate and support our moms at Malta House The website includes updates on the Year of St. Joseph, “There’s No Place Like Home” Annual Gala Virtual the Diocesan Ambassadors Program, opportunities for registration can be found on the Malta House website by Reconciliation and Eucharistic Adoration, and more. “I clicking on tickets to attend. A $100 gift to support this pray that you will find these resources helpful as we seek virtual event is welcomed. Your support makes our life- to renew our Church in Fairfield County,” said the changing work possible. We will begin streaming at 7:30 bishop. For additional information please check out the PM on Friday, May 7th of 2021. Diocese of Bridgeport 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! If you have not yet responded to the 2021 Annual Catholic Appeal, please reflect upon the importance of your support to ministry and outreach that COVID-19 POLICIES relies upon the charity of the Diocese of COME JOIN US...NO SEAT Bridgeport. The challenge is immediate and far-reaching, but the solution is within our reach! RESERVATIONS NEEDED!

Please consider the following options when deciding Online and call-in reservations are no longer necessary upon the best way to support the Annual Catholic to attend regular weekend Masses. Appeal this year: As we have been doing since June 2020, you will arrive • Make a pledge and spread out your payments over 5 and sit in a pew marked with yellow tape. Once all or 10 months marked spaces are occupied, the greeter will inform you • Donate on-line by going to the diocesan website, that the church is full. Please do all that is possible to 2021ACAbridgeport.com either shift to the middle of the pew or allow someone • Check if your employer will match your gift through who needs a seat to enter your pew. the Corporate Matching Gift Program • Donate a one-time gift Please be patient with greeters and ushers who will help • Contribute a gift of appreciated stocks or securities get you seated in a safe manner. Masks, hand-sanitizing, and social distancing are still required. Whatever you decide, your gift will be greatly appreciated and make a difference in the lives of others. As the pandemic continues, these guidelines may be subject to change. Visit www.diobpt.org and click the Getting Married? Coronavirus banner at the top to see the latest The Diocese of Bridgeport offers formation for couples information and updates for the Diocese of Bridgeport. who wish to be married in the . Formation is available online in English and in person in Spanish. For more information, please visit: formationreimagined.org/marriage-prep-reimagined/ EVERYDAY STEWARDSHIP & GOSPEL MEDITATION 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