THE MAGAZINE OF THE ARCHDIOCESE OF HARTFORD

MAY 2019 WWW.ARCHDIOCESEOFHARTFORD.ORG

ORDINATION BIBLE GUIDANCE QUASI-PARISH A neuroscientist pursues a new calling Turn to Scripture to deal with Vietnamese Catholics celebrate establishment the priesthood / PG. 6 everyday problems / PG. 10 of new quasi-parish / PG. 20

SERVING THE COUNTIES OF HARTFORD, NEW HAVEN AND LITCHFIELD, CONNECTICUT1 CONTENTS

4 ARCHBISHOP’S DESK 4 6 ‘Let it be done to me according to your word’

6 ORDINATION A neuroscientist pursues a new calling the priesthood

7 VOCATIONS OFFICE Father Michael Casey discusses vocations

8 CONTINUING EDUCATION Management training 101: Priests schooled in business practices 8 10

10 BIBLE GUIDANCE Turn to Scripture to deal with everyday problems

13 GROW+GO Third Archdiocesan Synod: A process of discernment for a future family of faith

14 COVER STORY At Catholic Academy of Waterbury, STREAM is the word 14 20 20 QUASI-PARISH Vietnamese Catholics celebrate establishment of new quasi-parish

23 REFLECTION Compassion and caring can be the greatest antidote to despair, loneliness and depression

24 AWARDS Archbishop awards St. Joseph Medal of Appreciation to 129 worthy parish volunteers

26 AROUND THE 24 ARCHDIOCESE 30 APPOINTMENTS 31 OBITUARIES

VISIT US AT: www.facebook.com/ ArchdioceseofHartford/ @ArchdioceseHart @ArchdioceseofHartford

2 Catholic Transcript | MAY 2019 | WWW.ARCHDIOCESEOFHARTFORD.ORG COVER PHOTO BY AARON JOSEPH MEET THE EDITOR

talents to develop a stronger connection between the archdiocese and parishioners. THE MAGAZINE OF THE ARCHDIOCESE OF HARTFORD

Journalistic Service in Connecticut with Karen A. Avitabile: As the editor of the Catholic Transcript, since 1829 what new features are you hoping to add TELEPHONE: 860.286.2828 or New editor of the in the coming months? 1.800.726.2391 Catholic Transcript To grow as disciples of Jesus, it is im- WEBSITE: www.catholictranscript.org portant to spend time with him each day EMAIL: [email protected] STORY BY SHELLEY WOLF in prayer. Some new columns, including Distribution: more than 174,000 PHOTO BY AARON JOSEPH learning about the lives of saints, will be a MAY 2019 testament and reminder that we can walk in eginning with the May the footsteps of people who have suffered Archbishop Leonard P. Blair PRESIDENT AND PUBLISHER issue, Karen Avitabile took as we have suffered. charge as the full-time Nothing is more engaging than genuine Father James A. Shanley B EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF editor of the Catholic Transcript stories of people inspired by the teachings COMMUNICATIONS AND magazine and website. She brings of the Church and the activities of daily PUBLIC RELATIONS life. Columns and stories about marriage, significant editorial experience to Karen A. Avitabile parenting and other relevant topics can EDITOR the Archdiocese of Hartford. demonstrate how Catholicism per- Archbishop Leonard P. Blair meates all aspects of one’s life. Auxiliary Bishop Juan Miguel Betancourt Avitabile served for 14 years Father Michael Casey as the editor of multiple Mary Chalupsky What do you hope readers will Mark Jahne editions of AAA Allied Aaron Joseph Group’s Journeys magazine, gain from reading the Catholic Joe Pisani Father Jeffrey V. Romans which was mailed to nearly Transcript on a regular basis? Shelley Wolf 1.5 million members. Prior Aside from the CONTRIBUTORS

to that, she worked as a happenings in the CONNECTING PEOPLE WITH reporter for The Middletown archdiocese, I’d like readers JESUS AND HIS CHURCH WWW.FAITHCATHOLIC.COM Press and the Journal Inquirer, to gain a better understanding and as an editor at The Observer, of how we are all faithful Patrick M. O’Brien PRESIDENT/CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER The Middletown Press, The Berlin servants of Christ and we all Citizen and The Plainville Citizen. Most have a mission to evangelize or share our Elizabeth Martin Solsburg VICE PRESIDENT/EDITORIAL DIRECTOR recently, Avitabile was a market manager faith with others. When we allow ourselves for the American Red Cross, serving to be in a relationship with Jesus, we can Cynthia Vandecar Connecticut and Western Massachusetts. become his disciples. DIRECTOR OF PRODUCTION AND CUSTOMER SERVICE After just a few weeks on the new job, we asked her about her career, her plans for the Jennifer Pomicter Where do you attend Mass? GRAPHIC DESIGNER publication and about her personal faith-walk. My lifelong parish is St. Thomas Church CATHOLIC TRANSCRIPT (USPS 0094-540, ISSN in Southington. I also attended junior high 1081-4353) is published monthly, except for school there, when it was St. Thomas Ju- February and August, by the Roman Catholic Travel editing seems interesting to most Archdiocese of Hartford, 134 Farmington Ave., nior High School. It is a wonderful feeling Hartford, CT 06105. Periodicals postage paid at of us. What was it like to be the editor of Hartford, CT and at additional mailing offices. belonging and contributing to a parish Journeys magazine? POSTMASTER: Send address changes to with people who share my faith and values. Catholic Transcript, 467 Bloomfield Ave., It could be grueling, as travel often is, but Bloomfield, CT 06002-2999. I have also been a member of the school was also very rewarding. There are so many ADVERTISING POLICY STATEMENT: Catholic Tran- destinations, fascinating historic places and board, served as president of the Ladies script does not endorse the services and goods Guild and organized the 150th anniversary advertised in its pages. Acceptance of advertisers unique moments representing America’s and advertising copy is subject to the editor’s banquet for my church. approval, and Catholic Transcript reserves the right diverse architecture and culture that have to reject or edit any advertising copy. No alcoholic been preserved forever. It has been a plea- beverages, political advertising or materials con- trary to the teachings of the Catholic Church or sure to explore so many of them and to the policies of the Archdiocese of Hartford will be You’ve been a lifelong Catholic. What do you accepted. Advertising will not be accepted from cross them off my bucket list, too. entities that — in the judgment of the editor — most appreciate about your Catholic faith? have as their primary focus products, services or We are taught from an early age that we positions that are contrary to the official teaching of the Catholic Church or the policies of the arch- How is your new position going so far? are sinners; but we are forgiven for our sins diocese. Neither the publication nor publisher shall be liable for damages if an advertisement fails to It is refreshing to work with a group of by God. It is comforting to know that God be published or for any error in an advertisement.

people, both lay and clergy, striving to will never desert us, but, instead, walks by Distributed free of charge to nearly 175,000 house- embrace stewardship. Everyone uses their our side every day. holds in Connecticut through the generosity of donors to the Archbishop’s Annual Appeal.

3 ARCHBISHOP’S DESK

‘LET IT BE DONE TO ME ACCORDING TO YOUR WORD’

uring this month of May dedicated to the and mission plan for us. We have Blessed Virgin Mary, I would like to reflect a no way to know from day to day what life will bring. Just as Mary, bit on her “yes” to God at the Annunciation, D on the day of the Annunciation, when the angel Gabriel appeared to her with the could not possibly have known message that she was to conceive and bear a son. what lay in store for her. Yet in Mary’s “yes” is the most important and decisive faith she said “yes,” and we have answer ever uttered by one of God’s creatures for as to do the same. long as time shall last. Without her womanly “yes,” And when we realize that, then we begin to understand what there could be no conception and birth of the eternal true holiness is. Holiness has Word, no fulfillment of God’s plan for our redemption. been defined as that attribute of a person who allows himself or You and I are caught up in the our lips. You can imagine how herself to be perfected by God, “yes” that Mary gave. Not only short-lived a human marriage who cooperates with God, who do we reap the benefits of her would be if the “I do” were only a says “yes” to God. And when we answer, but we, too, have to say matter of words. Our “yes” to God do that, we fulfill the purpose for “yes.” Scripture tells us that the and to his plan must be a total gift which we were created; namely, whole human race was created to as in marriage, a total gift of self the perfection of charity be married to God. The distinction like Mary’s body, soul and love of God and neighbor between male and female, and spirit. First, we accept the love of beginning on earth and fulfilled in ARCHBISHOP LEONARD P. their union in marriage, is Christ the bridegroom, and then heaven. BLAIR as St. Paul says in his Letter to we reciprocate with our own gift of May each of us find in Mary the is the 13th the Ephesians a sacrament self to him. inspiration and strength we need bishop of the of Christ’s love for his bride, But what does our “yes” entail? to commit ourselves entirely to Archdiocese the Church. Obviously, we say “yes” to the gift God’s hands in this way. of Hartford In his apostolic letter Mulieris of life, “yes” to God in Christ, “yes” Dignitatem, Pope St. John Paul II to our Catholic faith, to what the says that the spousal love of God Church believes and teaches. If makes each of us a bride of Christ. we were baptized as infants The pope writes: “[All] human as most of us were it was our beings both women and men parents and godparents who first are called through the Church said “yes” for us. As we grow up, to be the ‘bride’ of Christ, the we have to learn to make that Redeemer of the world. In this baptismal “yes” our own. way, ‘being the bride,’ and thus Our “yes” to God only becomes the ‘feminine’ element, becomes fully mature when we understand, a symbol of all that is ‘human.’ … like Mary, that what God wants of In the Church, every human being us is intensely personal. Each of us male and female is the has a unique vocation and mission ‘bride,’ in that he or she accepts from him: a vocation and mission the gift of love of Christ the to be someone and to accomplish Redeemer, and seeks to respond something in this world. What to it with the gift of his or her own God wants is our “yes” to the person.” (no. 25) vocation and mission he wills for What the late pope is saying is our salvation and our part in the that because our relationship to salvation of the world. God, individually and as a Church, You might think of it this way: is nuptial, our “yes” has to be a What we are saying “yes” to is total “yes.” It’s not enough to say God’s “holiness plan” for us “yes” in our mind or merely on his personalized, unique vocation

4 Catholic Transcript | MAY 2019 | WWW.ARCHDIOCESEOFHARTFORD.ORG DESDE EL ESCRITORIO DEL ARZOBISPO

‘HÁGASE EN MI CONFORME A TU PALABRA’

urante este mes de mayo dedicado a la hemos sido la mayoría), entonces Santísima Virgen María, me gustaría reflexionar fueron nuestros padres y padrinos quienes primero dijeron “sí” por un poco sobre su “sí” a Dios en la Anunciación. D nosotros. A medida que crecemos, Cuando el ángel Gabriel se apareció a María con el debemos aprender a hacer nuestro mensaje de que debía concebir y dar a luz un hijo, “sí” bautismal cada vez más propio. su “sí” ha sido y será por siempre la respuesta más Nuestro “sí” a Dios solo llega importante y decisiva jamás pronunciada por una de a ser completamente maduro las criaturas de Dios. Sin su “sí” femenino, no podría cuando entendemos, como María, que lo que Dios quiere de nosotros haber concepción ni nacimiento de la Palabra eterna, ni es sumamente personal. Cada uno cumplimiento del plan de Dios para nuestra redención. de nosotros tiene una vocación y una misión únicas dadas por Ustedes y yo estamos atrapados llamados a través de la Iglesia a él: una vocación y una misión en el “sí” que dio María. No solo ser la ‘novia’ de Cristo, el Redentor para ser alguien y lograr algo en cosechamos los beneficios de del mundo. De esta manera, este mundo. Lo que Dios quiere su respuesta, sino que también ‘ser la novia’ y, por lo tanto, el es nuestro “sí” a la vocación y tenemos que decir “sí”. Las elemento ‘femenino’, se convierte misión que él quiere para nuestra Escrituras nos dicen que toda la en un símbolo de todo lo que es salvación y nuestra parte en la raza humana fue creada para estar ‘humano’. … En la Iglesia, todo ser salvación del mundo. EL ARZOBISPO casada con Dios. La distinción humano, masculino y femenino, es Pueden pensarlo de esta manera: LEONARD P. BLAIR entre hombre y mujer, y su unión la ‘novia’, en eso él o ella acepta el a lo que estamos diciendo “sí” es es el décimo en matrimonio, es, como dice San regalo de amor de Cristo Redentor el “plan de santidad” de Dios para tercer obispo de Pablo en su Carta a los Efesios, un y trata de responder a él con el nosotros, a una vocación única y la Arquidiócesis sacramento del amor de Cristo por regalo de su propia persona”. (n. 25) personalizada y el plan de misión de Hartford su esposa, la Iglesia. Lo que estaba diciendo el para nosotros. No tenemos forma En su carta difunto Papa es que debido a de saber día a día qué nos deparará apostólica Mulieris que nuestra relación con Dios, la vida. Al igual que María en el Dignitatem, el individualmente y como Iglesia, día de la Anunciación, ella no pudo Papa San Juan es nupcial, nuestro “sí” tiene que haber sabido lo que le esperaba. Pablo II dice que ser un “sí” total. No es suficiente Sin embargo, en la fe dijo “sí”, y el amor conyugal decir “sí” en nuestra mente o tenemos que hacer lo mismo. de Dios nos hace a simplemente en nuestros labios. Y cuando nos damos cuenta cada uno una novia Pueden imaginarse cuán breve de eso, entonces comenzamos a de Cristo. El Papa sería un matrimonio humano comprender qué es la verdadera escribe: “[Todos] si el “sí, acepto” fuera solo una santidad. La santidad se ha los seres humanos, cuestión de palabras. Nuestro “sí” definido como el atributo de una tanto mujeres a Dios y a su plan debe ser un don persona que se deja perfeccionar como hombres, son total como en el matrimonio, un por Dios, que coopera con Dios, don total de sí mismo como el de que dice “sí” a Dios. Y cuando “Nuestro ‘sí’ a María: cuerpo, alma y espíritu. hacemos eso, cumplimos el Primero, aceptamos el amor Dios y a su plan propósito para el cual fuimos de Cristo, el novio, y luego le creados; a saber, la perfección de debe ser un don correspondemos con la propia la caridad, el amor de Dios y el total como en donación de nosotros mismos. prójimo, que comienza en la tierra el matrimonio, Pero, ¿qué implica nuestro “sí”? y llega a su plenitud en el cielo. un don total de Obviamente, decimos “sí” al don Que cada uno de nosotros sí mismo como de la vida, “sí” a Dios en Cristo, encuentre en María la inspiración el de María: “sí” a nuestra fe católica, a lo que y la fuerza que necesitamos para cuerpo, alma la Iglesia cree y enseña. Si hemos entregarnos totalmente a las y espíritu.” sido bautizados de bebés, (como lo manos de Dios.

5 ORDINATION

Maldonado-Aviles excelled in A neuroscientist pursues a new calling — science and majored in biology at the University of Puerto Rico. In college, he attended a workshop with an American professor who told students to THE PRIESTHOOD pursue whatever provided the STORY BY JOE PISANI most pleasure; however, that idea didn’t correspond to his view of hen Jaime Maldonado-Aviles life and the importance of was in kindergarten, the class determining God’s will. W watched a video that asked “For me, it was difficult trying to the perennial question, “What do you discern what to do in life,” he says. “I wanted to do what God wanted want to be when you grow up?” me to do, and certainly something The teacher went around the room that I had a passion for.” and received the usual responses After graduating, he enrolled in fireman, doctor, ballplayer and teacher. the doctorate program at the Uni- Maldonado-Aviles replied, “A priest.” versity of Pittsburgh’s Center for In the years that followed, however, his Neuroscience. His thesis focused on factors that lead to schizophre- aspirations were directed toward another nia. His post-doctoral fellowship calling science. After receiving his doctorate in neuroscience from at Yale gave him an opportunity the University of Pittsburgh, he pursued a post-doctoral fellowship at to work with a professor whose Yale, where for six years he researched the causes of addiction and research centered on psychiatry, depression. But God kept intruding with the thought there was another anorexia and eating disorders. possibility: to follow Christ along a different path. “I was driven by the potential to help people suffering from mental illness,” Maldonado-Aviles Today, Maldonado-Aviles is in medical technologists who created says. “Eating disorders are very his fourth year of formation at a healthy spiritual home life for devastating in young adults, and Theological College of Catholic him and his sister, Lldaly, who is very little is known in terms of University of America. On May 18, a physician. A close family friend, “For me, the mechanism that leads to their he will be ordained to the tran- Father Roberto Soler, provided it was a development.” sitional diaconate by Auxiliary guidance and the example of a While at Yale, he joined a Bishop Juan Miguel Betancourt. holy priest to him. gradual charismatic prayer group at “For me, it was a gradual deci- During high school, he went on decision, Sacred Heart Parish in New sion, an internal battle,” he says. missionary trips to the Dominican Haven. Pretty soon, he was “I often felt there was something Republic and Venezuela. an internal helping with the music for Sunday missing in my life.” “Our work was to teach basic battle. Mass and developed a friendship Whenever he heard the Gospel things to the students and give I often felt with the pastor, Father Francis story about the rich young man, food to the people,” he says. “I Snell, whose homilies were an Maldonado-Aviles would think, played guitar and helped out with there was inspiration to him. “Am I called to leave everything the liturgy and visited them in a something “I’m taking homiletics now. and follow Jesus? I have to house-to-house ministry and When I prepare, I try to do it the find out.” even did a little evangelizing.” missing in way he did,” Maldonado-Aviles His life has always been a cel- Christ was the central focus of my life.” says. “He opened the Scriptures ebration of faith and science. To his family. “My parents always and related them to us.” him, they’re not polar opposites, emphasized the importance of In the last year of his fellowship, — JAIME but paths that lead to the same being holy to me and my sister,” he was offered a position in MALDONADO- destination God. he says. “They told us that AVILES the pharmacy school of the Jaime was born in Puerto Rico when we got older, life is not so University of Puerto Rico, and to a devout Catholic family. His much about making money. It is the questioning about his future parents, Rosa and Jaime, were important to be holy.” intensified. “I kept thinking

6 Catholic Transcript | MAY 2019 | WWW.ARCHDIOCESEOFHARTFORD.ORG whether I wanted ATTEND THE priest who to dedicate my ORDINATION TO conceived the Big life to science,” THE TRANSITIONAL Bang Theory of he says. “You DIACONATE creation of the have to focus SAT., MAY 18, 11 A.M. universe. on developing ST. JOHN XXIII PARISH He says he your research (ST. LOUIS CHURCH), believes the pur- “SELECT FROM AMONG YOU if you want to WEST HAVEN ported conflict get tenure, but between science SEVEN REPUTABLE MEN, I didn’t know if and faith is “a that was what I fallacy” that has FILLED WITH THE SPIRIT wanted to do the rest of my life.” been exaggerated in the popular He was also dating a woman he imagination and is particularly AND WISDOM.” (ACTS 6:3) OF OFFICE VOCATIONS COURTESY PHOTO met at the church and assumed harmful to young people who con- marriage might be part of his sider it an impediment to belief. Even in the early Church, there future. But he was troubled by The proposition that there was a need for additional the thought of someday looking is a truth that can be identified help to meet the needs of the back on his life and being haunted through the scientific method and community. That is why the with regret over not exploring the a truth that can be identified by first deacons were chosen priesthood and discerning whether faith is a fallacy, he says. There is to minister to the people and that was God’s will for him. At that only one truth and that is God, the BY FATHER boldly witness to Jesus Christ. point, he emailed the vocations creator of all things. MICHAEL Today, that need is still felt “If your mind is open, science CASEY director of the archdiocese and by God’s people. Men filled met with him. will lead you to God,” Maldona- with the Spirit and wisdom are still chosen by During this period of uncertain- do-Aviles says. Almighty God to meet the needs of his people. ty, he credits Father John Lavor- While at Yale, he met fellow With diaconal ordination, a man enters into gna, former pastor of Our Lady of professors at Mass at St. Thomas the clerical state and promises to live a life of Pompeii in East Haven, with being More Chapel. He notes there are prayer, apostolic celibacy and obedience. He will a source of guidance. many Catholics from different proclaim the Gospel both in the liturgy and in his “He listened and helped me fields who belong to the Society of daily life. He will be a minister of Christ’s body decide between the job and the Catholic Scientists. and blood and ever more seek to conform his life priesthood,” Maldonado-Aviles In addition, there are a num- to the same Jesus Christ. says. “When you look back, you ber of seminarians with a science Ordinations also can be a moment for us to realize God puts people in your life background at the Theological all pray for all the priests and deacons who have during difficult times even though College, including a Benedictine made the same promises and received the same you may not realize it.” with a doctorate in physics educa- outpouring of the Holy Spirit. In 2014, he was accepted into tion and a Capuchin brother with a During the prayer of ordination, the bishop the archdiocese’s formation doctorate in molecular biology. will pray that the new deacon “abound in every program and began studies at the Jaime has an interest in bio- Gospel virtue: unfeigned love, concern for the Theological College. ethics and hopes to build bridges sick and poor, unassuming authority, the purity Despite the twists and turns, between scientists and Catholics of innocence, and the observance of spiritual he recognizes the guiding hand of because he believes there is more discipline.” God throughout those years and common ground than we realize. As we look forward to this year’s diaconate concludes, “It has been quite an “In the eyes of the world, scien- ordination for the Archdiocese of Hartford, we adventure.” tists are classified non-believers, pray that the Holy Spirit pours out an abundance Maldonado-Aviles says he is so maybe we Catholic scientists of these virtues on our new deacon and on all still studying science, but it is are not vocal enough in expressing the clergy of the archdiocese so that we may theology, the science of God. He our faith,” he says. “There is a lot always be faithful servants of our Lord. sees no conflict between faith and of work to be done, but there are science, pointing to the work of many opportunities. It makes a pioneers like Gregor Mendel, the difference when you have the truth INTERESTED IN LEARNING MORE ABOUT THE Augustinian friar and founder and that is the beauty of the Cath- PRIESTHOOD, THE DIACONATE OR VOCATIONS? of the science of genetics, and olic Church. Now, we must make VISIT ARCHDIOCESEOFHARTFORD.ORG/VOCATIONS Georges Lemaitre, the Belgian that truth shine and spread it.”

7 Father Robert Vargo, vicar for clergy, and his assistant, Gayle Brick, prepare for the upcoming weeklong “Toolbox for Pastoral Management” workshop that will be held in May at the Simsbury Inn. About 30 young priests are scheduled to participate.

life,” said Father Robert Vargo, archdiocesan vicar for clergy. “Our hope is not only to enrich the lives of our parishioners but also to facilitate the experience of pastoring a parish by our priests.” Vargo referred to the training as a “workshop and more,” with a combi- nation of daily presentations by noted MANAGEMENT TRAINING 101: faculty, opportunities for discussion, morning and evening prayer, Mass and informal social time. Priests schooled in The workshop, he said, is being offered in response to a request from many of the younger pastors who, because of the business practices shortage of experienced priests, are put in charge of parish- es much sooner than in previous generations. In past years,

STORY BY SHELLEY WOLF younger priests might serve for a decade or more as parochial vicars, observing and learning from many different pastors. “It was an opportunity to ‘take the best and leave the rest’ riests attend seminary to become formed in forming your own style and honing your own skills,” Vargo in the faith to develop their human, explained. “With the decline in the number of priests serving P intellectual, spiritual and pastoral virtues. the archdiocese over the years, this valuable opportunity has They study theology and prepare to deliver the been lost. sacraments. Yet, once they become pastors of a “Now, our priests may have one, possibly two, assignments as a parochial vicar before being named pastor,” he added, “and parish, they are expected to perform as if they that following only two or three years after ordination.” are CEOs, CFOs, human resource directors and Father Michael Ruminski, one of the young priests select- spiritual advisers all rolled into one. ed to participate in the training, is just such a priest. He was ordained in 2014 and assigned as pastor of Our Lady of Hope in To help them step up to the responsibility of running a New Hartford just 2½ years later, when the pastor there went parish, the Archdiocese of Hartford is sponsoring a week of out on medical leave. He says he took two courses and attended training for 30 young priests. They will be introduced to essen- a few conferences on parish life while in the seminary, but he tial management topics such as human resources, risk manage- places more value on experience. ment, canon law, stewardship and fundraising. “I think there was a good faith effort made during my six The lecture-style curriculum, called “Toolbox for Pastoral years of formation to give an introduction to running a par- Management,” is part of a weeklong workshop offered by the ish,” he said. “However, I think it is something that can only be National Leadership Roundtable on Church Management May learned by doing.” 5 to 10 at the Simsbury Inn, Simsbury. The event is being coor- In addition to summers spent in parishes as a seminarian dinated by the Office of the Vicar for Clergy. and an assignment in Maryland, he says he was fortunate to The Leadership Roundtable, headquartered in Washington, be assigned to St. Gabriel and St. Joseph parishes in Windsor, D.C., is a national organization committed to sharing best prac- which linked and later merged into St. Damien of Molokai Par- tices in management, finances, communications and human ish. He was also exposed to a diverse parish population as pa- resource development within the Catholic Church in the United rochial vicar at the Cathedral of St. Joseph in Hartford, before States. One of its aims is incorporating greater expertise of the being re-assigned as pastor of Immaculate Conception in New laity. The organization brings together leaders from the worlds Hartford and Immaculate Heart of Mary in Harwinton. They of business, finance, academia, philanthropy, nonprofits and were already in the process of merging into Our Lady of Hope, the Church, all in service of the Catholic Church. “Toolbox for a process undertaken without any real playbook at the time. Pastoral Management” is just one of its many offerings. Even so, Ruminski is familiar with the Leadership Roundta- “The workshop is meant to assist our younger pastors and ble and is looking forward to the presentations. “I am interest- soon-to-be pastors on the best practices for applying pastoral ed in seeing how the conferences will build on the experiences theology and secular management skills to everyday parish of the past five years,” he said. In particular, he said he hopes

8 Catholic Transcript | MAY 2019 | WWW.ARCHDIOCESEOFHARTFORD.ORG A new channel for the Television Mass

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to learn how to blend increased fundraising and stewardship Father Eduar Tovar Gutierrez, Father Eric Zuniga, Father without negatively affecting pastoral ministry. “It seems the Philip O’Neill, Father Hector Rangel, Father Philip Schulze, questions about money often tend to be the most sensitive Father Matthew Gworek, Father Riccardo Borja, Father and controversial.” Mauricio Galvis, Father Carlos Castrillon, Father David In addition to the weeklong workshop, the presenters also Dawson, Father Andy Mai, Father James Sullivan, Father Ryan plan to offer a customized afternoon session for the more Lerner, Father William Agyemang, Father Piotr Buczek, Father experienced priests in the archdiocese on pastoral management Michael Casey, Father Michael Santiago, Father Jorge Castro, skills and strategies for everyday parish life. Father H. Alexander Avendano, Father Andres Floyd Mendoza, In addition to Ruminski, the other young priests Father Tim Ryan, Father Robert Turner, Father Diego Jimenez, participating in the “Toolbox” workshop include: Father Joshua Father Anthony Smith, Father George Mukuka and Father Wilbur, Father David Madejski, Father Glen Dmytryszyn, Sebastian Kos.

A Family Business Here For You TOOLBOX FOR PASTORAL MANAGEMENT The standard list of topics (mergers, clusters, multi- covered in six days includes: site parishes, highly diverse parishes, etc.) • Theology of Management • Risk Management • Management Tools for • Human Resources New eNglaNd’s largest Thriving and Surviving religious supply & gift CeNter • Pastoral Councils and • Tools for Managing Finance Councils 1650 West Street Your First Year P.O. Box 1028 • Stewardship and Fundraising • Developing a Vision • Developing as a Leader Southington, CT • Internal Financial Controls 800-243-6385 • Managing by Standards • Pastor/Pastoral Leader www.churchgoods.com Wellness Bibles • Candles Other topics may be offered as Mon.-Fri.: 9:30-5:30 • Canon Law for Pastors or Sat.: 10:00-3:00 Crosses • Jewelry requested by the local leadership. Rosaries • Statues Pastoral Leaders Funded by The Hartford Bishops Closed sunday serving all denominations Memorial Gifts • Pastoring in complex parishes Foundation.

9 BIBLE GUIDANCE

TURN TO SCRIPTURE The Bible is a source of help- ful and trustworthy guidance to deal with everyday problems because it is our Father himself who speaks to us in it every time, through his son Jesus and through ontemporary times require from us independence, confidence, the prophets and all the people in assertiveness and boldness. Social media glorify the freedom the Bible who have had a strong we have to make decisions and to do what each one thinks relationship with God. “In the C sacred books, the Father who is is best. We are encouraged to think about and strive to acquire or in heaven comes lovingly to meet achieve all we believe we are entitled to, which practically is everything his children, and talks with them.” that we would want. However, when real life hits us, we become aware (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 104) that not everything is as easy as we would have thought. I am happy for the opportunity of sharing with you some thoughts on how important the word of God Diverse opinions from our who have felt this way. This is for all of us. We are all in need relatives, friends and co-workers, issue has been present since the of sound direction in our life. In our own emotional dispositions beginning of human existence. his sacred Scripture, we can find and insecurities, the actual life When we find ourselves in this counsel, comfort and guidance circumstances we are facing, kind of situation, we should when we need some instructions conflicting values and priorities immediately remember that we from the Lord that would help us BY AUXILIARY society exposes to us all have been provided with a reliable overcome the common, yet severe, BISHOP exert much pressure, especially and truthful source to find some hardships we can face. JUAN MIGUEL when it is time to make essential helpful answers: The word of God BETANCOURT, Transitions can be distressful the ninth choices or when we are forced to in sacred Scripture. for any of us. Fear and uncertainty auxiliary examine ourselves and bring some At the beginning of this Lenten can flow when family members bishop of the direction to our lives. season, God our Father reminded or friends are absent, or when we Archdiocese of In times like these, many us: “Today I have set before you must move for a new job or to col- Hartford. people can fall into hopelessness life and prosperity, death and lege. “Am I doing the right thing?” and even despair. We can feel an doom. If you obey the command- Marriage is such an important step overwhelming sense of confusion, ments of the Lord, your God, in life that not only requires com- of loss; we are insecure about the which I enjoin on you today … mitment between the spouses but path we have to go. Thankfully, you will live and grow numerous a life of faith and self-giving. Some you and I are not the only ones and the Lord, your God, will bless may have the question: “How do I you.” (Dt 30:15-16) know that is what the Lord wants Sacred Scripture for me?” Anxiety, depression and tells us that we can insecurity affect thousands of peo- give direction to ple every day: “Where is God when our lives. We are I am feeling like this?” When the capable of choosing loss of a loved one seems to over- the appropriate path, whelm us, and we cannot find any of making the right consolation: “Why does the Lord choice always. It is allow this to happen?” Those are our faith in God, a few questions that might reflect our awareness of how we are feeling and all of them his fatherly care and are clamoring for an answer. providence for each In the course of the next few one of us, that, with months, let us look more carefully his help, will dissi- into the word of God, sacred Scrip- pate the sense of loss ture, with the eyes of faith. Seek and confusion and not random answers, but God’s aid us in our way in loving care as he nourishes and this life. strengthens us in his love.

10 Catholic Transcript | MAY 2019 | WWW.ARCHDIOCESEOFHARTFORD.ORG ESCRITURAS

RECURRAN A LAS ESCRITURAS para tratar los problemas cotidianos

os tiempos contemporáneos nos exigen independencia, confianza, algunos pensamientos sobre lo asertividad y audacia. Las redes sociales glorifican la libertad que importante que es la Palabra de tenemos para tomar decisiones y hacer lo que cada uno piensa Dios para todos nosotros. Todos L necesitamos una buena dirección que es mejor. Se nos alienta a pensar y esforzarnos por adquirir o lograr en nuestra vida. En su escritura todo lo que creemos que tenemos derecho, que prácticamente es todo sagrada, podemos encontrar lo que nos gustaría. Sin embargo, cuando la vida real nos golpea, nos consejo, consuelo, guía cuando damos cuenta de que no todo es tan fácil como hubiéramos pensado. necesitamos instrucciones del Señor que nos ayuden a superar las dificultades comunes pero Opiniones diversas de nuestros nos recuerda que Dios nuestro graves que enfrentamos de vez familiares, amigos y compañeros Padre nos dice: “Mira, yo he en cuando. de trabajo, nuestras propias puesto hoy delante de ti la vida y La transición o el cambio en disposiciones emocionales e el bien, la muerte y el mal. Hoy la vida puede ser estresante inseguridades, las circunstancias te ordeno amar al Señor tu Dios, para cualquiera de nosotros. La reales de la vida a las que nos andar en Sus caminos y guardar ausencia de familiares y amigos, POR OBISPO enfrentamos, los valores en Sus mandamientos, Sus estatutos mudarse de su hogar para ir a la AUXILIAR conflicto y las prioridades que y Sus decretos, para que vivas y te universidad o comenzar un nuevo JUAN MIGUEL la sociedad nos presenta, todos multipliques, a fin de que el Señor BETANCOURT, trabajo, o por razones económicas, El noveno obispo ellos ejercen mucha presión, tu Dios te bendiga.” (Deuteronomio puede ser una fuente de temor e auxiliar de la especialmente cuando es el 30:15-16). Las sagradas escrituras incertidumbre: “¿Estoy haciendo Arquidiócesis momento de tomar decisiones nos dicen que podemos orientar lo correcto?” El matrimonio es un de Hartford. esenciales. o cuando nos vemos nuestras vidas, no solo en tiempos paso tan importante en la vida que obligados a examinarnos a de desafíos e incertidumbres, no solo requiere un compromiso nosotros mismos y dar alguna sino que además somos capaces entre los esposos, sino una vida dirección a nuestras vidas. de elegir el camino adecuado, de de fe y entrega. Algunos pueden En tiempos como estos, tomar siempre la decisión correcta. preguntarse: “¿Cómo sé que eso muchas personas pueden caer Es nuestra fe en Dios, nuestra es lo que el Señor quiere para en la desesperanza e incluso conciencia de su cuidado paternal mí?” La ansiedad, la depresión y “Es nuestra en la desesperación. Podemos y su providencia por cada uno la inseguridad afectan a miles de fe en Dios, sentir una abrumadora sensación de nosotros, que con su ayuda se personas todos los días: “¿Dónde nuestra de confusión, de pérdida; disipará la sensación de pérdida y está Dios cuando me siento así?” conciencia de estamos inseguros sobre el confusión y nos ayudará en nuestro Cuando la pérdida de un el ser su cuidado camino que debemos seguir. camino en esta vida. querido parece abrumarnos, y paternal y su Afortunadamente, tú y yo no La Biblia es una fuente de no podemos encontrar ningún providencia somos los únicos que nos hemos guía útil y confiable porque es consuelo: “¿Por qué el Señor por cada uno sentido así. Este tema ha estado nuestro Padre quien nos habla en permite que esto suceda?” Esas de nosotros, presente desde el comienzo de ella cada vez, a través de su hijo son algunas preguntas que pueden que con su la existencia humana. Cuando Jesús y a través de los profetas reflejar cómo nos sentimos y todas ayuda se nos encontramos en este tipo de y todas las personas en la Biblia reclaman una respuesta. disipará la situación, debemos recordar de que han tenido una gran relación En el transcurso de los sensación inmediato que hemos recibido una con Dios. “En los libros sagrados, próximos meses, analicemos más de pérdida y fuente confiable y veraz donde el Padre que está en el cielo sale detenidamente la Palabra de Dios, confusión y encontrar algunas respuestas amorosamente al encuentro de las sagradas escrituras, con los ojos nos ayudará útiles: La palabra de Dios en las sus hijos para conversar con ellos” de la fe, no buscando respuestas en nuestro sagradas escrituras. (Catecismo de la Iglesia Católica, 104). al azar, sino recibiendo el cuidado camino en Al inicio de este tiempo de Estoy feliz por la oportunidad amoroso de Dios, ya que nos nutre esta vida.” Cuaresma, la Sagrada escritura de compartir con ustedes y nos fortalece en su amor.

11 Your support will make a difference!

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THIRD ARCHDIOCESAN SYNOD A process of discernment for a future family of faith

y appearance seems to prompt of believers so that we can fulfill this mission? What one consistent question these is the Holy Spirit asking us to address to help each days from family, friends, and every one of us to grow as a disciple so that we M are then empowered, energized and strengthened to parishioners and even fellow priests: “So, go and make disciples? During the course of much of how’s everything going for the synod?” November, December and January, the members of the Synod Preparatory Commission prayed over the materials from all the listening sessions and came While we are familiar with hearing about synods to a consensus on the main topics to recommend to being convened in Rome by the pope, it is not a Archbishop Blair for the meeting in October 2019. common practice for a synod to take place locally. During the same time, the pastors of our parishes We know there have been synods in Rome on topics were asked to prayerfully consider and nominate four such as young people, the faith and vocational parishioners as possible delegates for the meeting. discernment, the vocation and mission of the family Pastors were instructed to “choose parishioners who FATHER in the Church and in the contemporary world or are devout in their profession and practice of the faith JEFFREY V. the New Evangelization for the transmission of the and who support the life and mission of the Church; ROMANS is serving as Christian faith. who have an appreciation of the wider Church beyond secretary of But a synod on the diocesan level is much less their own parish and community; who are interested the synod in familiar. I have encountered many people in my not so much in voicing problems and complaints addition to parish and at archdiocesan events who happily share as prayerfully and collaboratively discerning a way his duties as with me that they were part of the last Archdiocesan forward for our local Church in keeping with the pastor of Synod in 1996. (Just for clarity, I must tell you I was Church’s doctrine and discipline.” These names and St. Bridget of a sophomore in college that year.) People have shared biographies were then given to the Archdiocesan Sweden Parish with me what an honor it was for them to be involved Pastoral Council, in accordance with Canon 463 in Cheshire. in that process. §1.5, which states that it is the responsibility of the Well, here we are, some 23 years later, and we are Pastoral Council to choose the delegates in a manner in the midst of the Third Archdiocesan Synod for the and number to be determined by the diocesan bishop. Archdiocese of Hartford. This really is quite a process At this time, the delegates are preparing themselves of discernment. I assure you that, as secretary of the for the upcoming meeting in October by increased synod, it has become increasingly evident to me that prayer and reflection; there are committees studying we could never prepare for the synod meeting without and preparing the working documents on the chosen the blessing, grace and guidance of the Holy Spirit. topics; and all of this is occurring under the guidance Why? Over the course of much of 2018, listening and direction of the Holy Spirit. sessions were held in most of our parishes throughout So this is what has been happening with the Synod: the archdiocese. With those materials, we began a lot of prayer and discernment as we prepare to the discernment process of a synod by listening to “grow and go.” We have to see where the Holy Spirit the voice of the Holy Spirit working through our is calling us to first “grow” as a disciple of Jesus lay faithful, men and women religious, deacons and in order for us to then “go” and make disciples. priests. Archbishop Leonard P. Blair visited each Being disciples of Jesus is really about becoming deanery twice to hear the voices of his people and the intentional disciples so we can fulfill our call to then voices of his priests. These listening sessions provided be missionary disciples. I can think of no better title the materials necessary for the Synod Preparatory or theme for this historic synod in the history of our Commission to then discern what topics the Holy archdiocesan family of faith. It certainly has been a Spirit is asking us to address at the synod meeting, theme of my personal prayer these past few months. keeping in mind the hopes of the archbishop, as I pray we will all use this theme in our prayer. Let stated in his decree: “to identify practical steps to us pray that God will show us the way for our future promote the life and mission of this local Church.” together as the family of faith of the Archdiocese Where is the Holy Spirit leading us as a community of Hartford.

13 COVER STORY

14 Catholic Transcript | MAY 2019 | WWW.ARCHDIOCESEOFHARTFORD.ORG STORY BY MARY CHALUPSKY PHOTOS BY AARON JOSEPH

15 COVER STORY

hen you walk the halls of Catholic Academy of Waterbury, one thing stands out: Buzz. The sounds are those of students collaborating on projects, brainstorming, questioning, voicing W opinions and working together to solve problems.

It’s all part of an interdisciplin- STREAM brings active problem- ary, integrated academic model solving into the curriculum so called STREAM (science, technol- students can learn, retain, apply ogy, religion, engineering, arts and and make connections” across all math) that was adopted by the new disciplines. academy when it formed last year “Students take pieces from every following the merger of Blessed classroom math, science, Sacrament and St. Mary schools. literature, language arts, Catholic “We already have a very strong social teaching and apply it to Catholic liberal arts curriculum a real-world situation,” she said. based on basic skills,” said Interim “When students can apply what Principal Valerie Mara. “But they learn, then the knowledge

16 Catholic Transcript | MAY 2019 | WWW.ARCHDIOCESEOFHARTFORD.ORG “I love it, because, just as the kids are challenged, I’m challenged … to give them things that will excite them and make them want to work together.”

MARITA DOROZENSKI

she said. “They have a phrase, ‘If you don’t make a mistake, you don’t grow’.” Housed in the former Blessed Sacrament School building, the is transferred; they retain it. Dr. Michael S. Griffin, archdi- new academy is renovating its sci- That’s what we teach for ocesan superintendent of Catholic ence lab and also building a large understanding and retention.” schools, concurred. STREAM MakerSpace area a multi-me- Developed by the National focuses on interdisciplinary learn- dia resource center in which they Catholic Educational Association, ing to “develop the whole child in can create and work on classroom the STREAM initiative adds arts academic excellence, leadership, projects. Built into their day three and religion to the buzzword commitment to service, faith and times a week is a STREAM lab STEM (science, technology, the idea that they are part of the where students have the opportu- engineering, math) that policy- Church community today and its nity to work on projects together. makers have been implementing leaders tomorrow,” he said. in United States public schools Projects this year already for more than a decade to boost have ranged from designing lagging test scores. the flow of water through an However, Mara stressed that aqueduct, building a lighthouse Catholic schools have always ex- to understand electricity, learning celled in math and science. What about the underground railroad NCEA recognized was the need to for Black History Month and reimagine education and prepare studying biomes on the earth’s students for the future by integrat- surface, to saving the environment ing technology, arts and faith with for polar bears, talking with critical thinking, creativity and visitors from Kenya about the problem-solving. need to dig wells for water and “Students don’t just learn from testing the safety of automobile a textbook, take a test and go on airbags that they designed. to something else,” she explained “They apply an engineering de- about STREAM. “After they learn sign process (ask, research, imag- in the various content areas, they ine, plan, create, test, improve) get together and discuss a bigger, to finding solutions and solving a possibly a world, problem and dis- problem,” Mara said. cuss what they can do to fix it.” “It’s not unusual for them to “The difference is that they’re have conflicts,” she added, “but not just learning in a classroom they learn how to look at a prob- … they’re taking what they’re lem and solve it together.” learning and using it to see And if they make a mistake or it how they can contribute to the doesn’t work, the mindset is to try world, to the environment, to again. “It teaches them persever- the country,” Mara said. “When ance and tenacity in tackling these students make connections, the problems … whether it’s in the learning becomes deeper.” classroom or in a relationship,”

17 COVER STORY

It’s no surprise then that the academy, grades prekindergarten through 8, is already at capacity, with 303 students and a waiting list. STREAM curriculum. “I like the “It’s one of the best programs way we get to try new things, work I’ve ever had a chance to” teach, on projects as a team and see how “The STREAM academies said eighth-grade teacher and everyone learns.” 40-year teaching veteran Marita This April, Mara and fellow are an exciting step Dorozenski. “I love it, because, teachers spoke in Chicago at the forward in developing new just as the kids are challenged, I’m NCEA convention. Today, NCEA, challenged … to give them things which held its first symposium ways of providing a 21st that will excite them and make about STREAM education in 2014, century Catholic education.” them want to work together.” estimates that more than half of Access to technology tools in- the 6,000-plus Catholic schools in DR. MICHAEL S. GRIFFIN cludes Chromebooks and iPads for the country use some components research, and even a green screen of STREAM education. backdrop for video-recording pre- “The teachers are very good here sentations. A robotics club helps because they teach in interesting students learn coding. ways and they care about the stu- “I love it,” eighth-grader and fu- dents they teach,” seventh-grader ture veterinarian Julianna Hodak Joel Darko said about the 20 acad- said. “I like how it challenges me emy teachers who are all trained in and makes me think.” the STREAM curriculum. Not only do students work Teachers, too, see the difference across disciplines but across in the enthusiasm of students. grades, with different grades “The ones that normally are the taking pieces of a project and then passive learners are the ones who collaborating with those in higher are hands on and want to figure or lower grades. out the solution first,” eighth- “It’s very cool,” said eighth- grade teacher Mallory Lessard grader and future graphic de- said. “And the ones who usually signer/engineer/business owner drag their feet are the first ones Angelo DiGiovancarlo about the at your door asking, ‘What are we going to do today?’” Two other newly formed STREAM academies in the archdiocese are East Shoreline Catholic Academy, housed in Branford’s former St. Mary School that merged with Our Lady of Mercy School in Madison; and the Catholic Academy of New Haven, formerly known as St. Aedan/ St. Brendan School.

Students drop eggs out a window to test the safety of air bags they designed.

18 Catholic Transcript | MAY 2019 | WWW.ARCHDIOCESEOFHARTFORD.ORG Eighth- grader Kevin Matiz leads closing prayer in the school office at the end of the day.

“The STREAM academies are an and options available to them, so exciting step forward in devel- that in whatever direction they go, oping new ways of providing a they will be successful and make 21st century Catholic education,” a dynamic impact on the world,” Griffin said. “It incorporates mul- she said. “That’s the piece that is tiple subject areas into an inter- different.” disciplinary model that challenges And education combined students and invites them to a with the formation of their faith collaborative, problem-solving is what’s going to sustain and and independent resources-based strengthen them, she added. “Part of Catholic education is to school environment. Said Father James Sullivan, “This new, creative model who serves as CEO of the prepare a child for life, not only prepares students for success in academy’s corporation, “Part of the academics but the spiritual. the 21st century, as well as for Catholic education is to prepare leadership and service to the a child for life, not only the If we form that entire person, Church,” he said. academics but the spiritual. If then they’re set up for life.” Mara agreed. “We’re preparing we form that entire person, then students to make and have choices they’re set up for life.” FATHER JAMES SULLIVAN

19 QUASI-PARISH

Vietnamese Catholics celebrate establishment of new quasi-parish

STORY BY MARK JAHNE | PHOTOS BY AARON JOSEPH

any Catholics in the Archdiocese of Hartford are of European or Latin M ancestry. But the demographics are slowly changing with the establishment of three ethnic quasi-parishes.

The Vietnamese Catholic Community, the first among three new ethnic communities to be erected as a quasi-parish in the archdiocese, held a celebration Mass on Feb. 3 that featured colorful costumes and clared St. Andrew Dũng-L c a quasi-parish on Jan. 1. Vietnamese music and language. St. Mark, where they gather for Mass every Sunday The Mass, held at the Church of St. Mark the Evan- afternoon, and two other West Hartford churches, St. gelist in West Hartford, also marked the installation Brigid and St. Helena, now make up the St. Gianna of Father Tuan Ahn Dinh Mai, known as Father Andy, Beretta Molla Parish. as pastor of what is now called St. Andrew Dũng-L c The ceremony began with members of the Viet- Parish. Archbishop Leonard P. Blair officially de- namese Eucharistic Youth Movement attired in red

20 Catholic Transcript | MAY 2019 | WWW.ARCHDIOCESEOFHARTFORD.ORG and white outfits doing Vietnamese percussion using thick wooden sticks. Incense was presented in honor of parents and grandpar- ents, both dead and alive. Once the Mass began, songs were sung in Vietnamese. The presiding celebrant, Father Robert Vargo, the archdiocese vicar for clergy, namese and English and then spoke about how he introduced Father Andy as the new pastor, drawing views his vocation as enjoyment, because it enables cheers and a standing ovation from the crowd. him to fulfill the will of God. “Father Andy and your new parish have drawn all Deacon Ernest Scrivani, director of pastoral services of us here today,” Father Vargo said. “I commend for the archdiocese, received warm applause after [Father Mai] to you as your new pastor.” greeting the congregation in their own language. He Father Andy renewed his profession of faith. then joked that this was the limit of his Vietnamese. Prayers were projected on a wall adjacent to the altar After Mass, a reception was held in the parish center in both English and Vietnamese. featuring Vietnamese food and a performance by three “I’m a little bit nervous,” Father Andy said with a colorful dragons in honor of the Lunar New Year. smile, referring to the numerous priests and deacons Huy Hoang, a trustee of the new quasi-parish and on the altar. He presented his homily in both Viet- its acting secretary, said he was overjoyed about the new parish. “It’s awesome,” Hoang said. “It’s a blessing. We desired this so very long.” Hoang estimated there are between 600 and 1,000 Vietnamese Catholic families in Connecticut. The next dream is for St. Andrew Dũng-L c to have full parish status and its own church. Vietnamese- language Masses of St. Andrew Dũng-L c Parish are celebrated at 8:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. on Sundays at St. Mark the Evangelist.

21 QUASI-PARISH

“It’s a blessing. We desired this so very long.” HUY HOANG

Father Andy was born in Vietnam and came to the United States in 2009. He studied English at the Uni- versity of Hartford and did his theological studies at Holy Apostles College and Seminary in Cromwell and Mount St. Mary’s Seminary in Maryland. He previ- ously served at St. Bartholomew Church in Manches- ter, St. Gabriel and St. Joseph churches in Windsor and was chaplain for a time at East Catholic High School in Manchester and at Northwest Catholic High School in West Hartford. Buddhism is the largest religion in Vietnam, Father Andy said, but Catholicism ranks a strong second. It was brought to that part of the world by the French when they ruled what was then called French Indochina. His family tried to leave many times before being able to do so, but said he believes faith becomes stronger during times of persecution. His father fought alongside Americans as a member of the South Vietnamese Army. Father Andy said he is pleased to see so many parishioners taking ownership of the congregation and is confident that it will continue to grow. He added these Vietnamese Catholics feel accepted and supported by the archdiocese. “They want to do more in the Church,” he said.

22 Catholic Transcript | MAY 2019 | WWW.ARCHDIOCESEOFHARTFORD.ORG REFLECTION

COMPASSION AND CARING can be the greatest antidote to despair, loneliness and depression

priest I knew often told the story of a man in and friends who were paralyzed, his town who wanted to die. He was old and he debilitated by cancer or suffer- was sick, and he insisted that assisted suicide ing from Alzheimer’s diesease. A Seeing what she did for them was his right. He wrote letters to the editor and called helped me realize that being a legislators, urging them to pass a law recognizing this caregiver is just about one of the so-called right. most important, and least ap- preciated, jobs there is. The pay, Then one day, the letters and We live in an era when society if there is any, is poor although calls mysteriously stopped. wants to decide who should I’m convinced the reward will be Everyone assumed the man had live and who should die ... at great in the next life. died, but the truth was much the beginning of life and at the One of her patients was a man different. He no longer wanted end of life. But we need to resist who lived to 104. Every day he to die. the prevailing thinking that the repeated the same stories, and JOE PISANI A religious sister who worked most vulnerable are expendable. she would force herself to listen of Orange with the elderly had begun vis- We need to resist the decep- attentively, as if she were hear- is a writer iting him and accomplished the tion of a consumer culture that ing them for the first time. All of whose work miraculous. She didn’t cure him human life is as disposable as a us have been there. Sometimes has appeared physically, but she reaffirmed broken appliance. love requires patience, particu- in Catholic that his life as broken and St. John Paul II said this is the larly when family members and publications unproductive as it may have insidious attitude of a materi- friends grow old and become a nationwide. He and his seemed to the outside world alistic society that has lost the burden in society’s eyes. wife Sandy had value. She showed him sense of God: “The first to be Many, many years ago have four the love of Christ, a love we’re harmed are women and chil- 2,200 to be exact a Jewish daughters. all entitled to, no matter our dren, the sick or suffering, and rabbi named Ben Sira wrote condition or health or wealth. the elderly ... This is the suprem- about the importance of caring Her compassion and caring acy of the strong over the weak.” for the elderly and the infirm. In made all the difference, and his In recent years, there have the Book of Sirach, he said, “My personal suffering became easier been a number of movies with child, help your father in his old to endure. Someone else saw the titles like “Me Before You” that age, and do not grieve him as value of his life, so he did too. try to rationalize assisted suicide long as he lives. Even if his mind I once read an interview with with the premise that some life fails, be patient with him. Be- a Little Sister of the Poor, an is not worth living. They try to cause you have all your faculties order founded by St. Jeanne make us believe that, maybe, do not despise him, for kindness Jugan, who was devoted to euthanasia and assisted suicide to a father (and mother) will not caring for the neediest elderly. aren’t all that bad and might be be forgotten and will be credited She said that no one in their care OK in certain circumstances. to you against your sins. In the ever wanted to take their life. The truth, however, is much day of your distress, it will be Do you know why? Because the simpler: Our lives are a gift from remembered in your favor. Like Little Sisters helped them realize God. We hear that so often it can frost in fair weather, your sins their lives, all lives, have value. sound trite, but only when we will melt away.” You see, compassion and caring recognize the immensity of that That wisdom is timeless. can be the greatest antidote gift will we begin to value not Despite all our technological ad- to the despair, loneliness and just some life, but all life. vances and progressive thinking, depression that come with age For many years, my wife was we’ve lost sight of such a simple, and infirmity. a caregiver for family members eternal truth.

23 The cathedral was filled to capacity on March 31 for the annual St. Joseph Medal of Appreciation ceremony to honor 129 parish volunteers.

Archbishop Leonard P. Blair shakes hands with Margaret Calamita of St. Ambrose Parish in North Branford while awarding her the St. Joseph Medal of Appreciation. She is currently a funeral ministry leader, lector and Alpha Team member.

Archbishop awards St. Joseph Medal of Appreciation to 129 worthy parish volunteers

STORY BY SHELLEY WOLF | PHOTOS BY AARON JOSEPH

astors know they could never run their parishes without the hard work of committed parish P volunteers. That’s why more than 100 priests turned out on March 31 to congratulate the many volunteers who were recognized with the St. Joseph Medal of Appreciation at the Cathedral of St. Joseph in Hartford.

Archbishop Leonard P. Blair awarded 129 parish volunteers including individuals and married couples drawn from 131 parishes and quasi-parishes for their commendable service. The cathedral was filled to overflowing with the medal recipients, the pastors who nominated them for special recognition and the honorees’ family and friends. Each year, recipients give of their time and talent to enhance their parish communities in numerous ways. Many have volunteered in multiple capacities over the years. Some have served for decades. Joanne and Edward Arrandale volunteer at St. Margaret Archbishop Blair, the principal celebrant at the daytime prayer Parish in Madison by running the marriage preparation service, thanked the honorees, invited everyone to join him in ado- program, teaching confirmation classes, assisting as extraordinary ministers of holy Communion, participating in ration of the Blessed Sacrament, then blessed the St. Joseph medals the annual Living Stations of the Cross, packing food for the and awarded the recipients. At the conclusion of the service, the hon- local food pantry, pro-life outreach and assisting with the orees were invited to have their photos taken with the archbishop. Dynamic Catholic initiative.

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25 AROUND THE ARCHDIOCESE

The Franciscan Life Center is offering a or volunteer, contact St. Raymond of after Mass on May 12. Mass begins at the six-week spring series, Anxiety Work- Peñafort Parish, 64 Pearl St., Enfield, at chapel at 10 a.m., with brunch by Chef shop, at 275 Finch Ave. in Meriden on 860.745.2411 or [email protected]. Joe Ethier following. The fee for adults Thursdays, April 25 through May 30, 7 is $45, children 4-12 are $12 and children to 8:30 p.m. The fee is $40 per session. North American Martyrs Parish in East under 4 are free. The center is located For more information or to register, call Hartford will make repairs to a local at 303 Tunxis Road, West Hartford. 203.237.8084 or visit www.flcenter.org. home selected by HomeFront on May 4, To view the menu and register online, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. The parish is looking for visit www.holyfamilyretreat.org/ Archbishop Leonard P. Blair will cele- volunteers with a variety of skills to play calendar/mothers-day. brate a 150th anniversary Mass for the the roles of handyman, prayer leader, Little Sisters of the Poor, known for housekeeper and cook for the day to The Foundation for the Advancement their care of the elderly poor, on May 4, help a homeowner in need. Volunteer of Catholic Schools (FACS) will sponsor 4 p.m., at St. Thomas More Chapel, 268 forms are available at the parish office its FORE FACS Golf Classic Tournament Park St. in New Haven. The Mass will be at 15 Maplewood Ave., East Hartford. on May 13, at Shelter Harbor Golf Club in followed by a reception at the Knights of For more information, call 860.289.7916 Charlestown, R.I. Enjoy a day on the links Columbus Museum. The Mass is part of or [email protected]. at this prestigious golf course, followed a jubilee year, which began on Aug. 30, by dinner and camaraderie in the 2018, marking 150 years since the sisters’ The New Britain Council of Catholic clubhouse. FACS is looking for sponsors, arrival in this country. All are invited to Women will host its annual Scholarship and golfers of all levels are welcome, as join in the celebration. Free parking is Dinner at Casa Mia at the Hawthorne, are those who prefer to attend only the available at the museum, with shuttles to 2421 Berlin Turnpike, in Berlin on May dinner. Net proceeds from this fundraiser the church and back. For more infor- 7. Social hour is from 5 to 6 p.m., with will support FACS. For ticket information, mation, contact Sister Francis Elisabeth dinner following. Your choice of stuffed contact Marie Dussault, at 860.761.7498 at 860.741.0791 or endevelopment@ shrimp, chicken marsala or prime rib at a or [email protected], or littlesistersofthepoor.org. cost of $37. Scholarships will be present- Executive Director Cindy Howard at ed; the speaker will be Heather Labbe [email protected]. The EnfieldHomeFront Team is of Family Promise of Connecticut. For looking for volunteers for three to four information, contact Debbie Gombotz Auxiliary Bishop Juan Miguel home repair projects for needy families at 860.620.3555 or email her at n1sqf@ Betancourt will celebrate Jaime on April 27 and May 4. HomeFront comcast.net. New members are always Maldonado-Aviles’ ordination to the works to help senior citizens, people welcome. Deadline to reply is April 30. transitional diaconate on May 18, 11 with disabilities, single parents and a.m., at St. John XXIII Parish (St. Louis others on a fixed income to keep their Holy Family Passionist Retreat Center Church), 89 Bull Hill Lane, in West Haven, houses warm, safe and dry. To donate will prepare a Mothers’ Day Brunch as the seminarian takes his final steps

West Hartford’s St. Brigid–St. Augustine Partnership School’s Principal Rebecca Goddard, Admissions/Advancement Director Andrea Austin-Thompson and their students were proud to sup- port and meet Archbishop Leonard P. Blair at the FACS St. Pat- rick’s Day Breakfast. Proceeds raised provide renewable scholar- ships for both Catholic elementary and high school students.

Student fiddlers provide Irish music to entertain the crowd at the Foundation for the Advancement of Catholic Schools (FACS) St. Patrick’s Day Breakfast on March 15 at the Connecticut Convention Center in Hartford. This year’s festive event drew 800 generous donors.

26 Catholic Transcript | MAY 2019 | WWW.ARCHDIOCESEOFHARTFORD.ORG toward the priesthood. All are invited ministries are truly empowering peo- and welcome to attend the joyous event. ple to live in dignity. Breakout sessions, For more information, call the Office of exhibits and Mass with Auxiliary Bish- Vocations, 860.761.7456. op Peter A. Rosazza are also included. Fee, which includes lunch, is $40 for adults and $30 for students. Simultane- Catholic Underground of Connecticut ous translation will be available for the will meet on May 18, 7:30 to 10:30 p.m., keynote; four workshops will be offered at Holy Apostles College & Seminary, in Spanish. Open to the public. Advanced 33 Prospect Hill Road in Cromwell. Holy The 12th annual Caribbean Mass at St. Justin– registration is required and available at Hour will be located in the Holy Apostles St. Michael Parish in Hartford will feature www.catholicsocialjustice.org or by Church from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m., followed authentic Caribbean liturgy, steel pan drums, calling 860.242.5573 ext. 2688. by a social, food and games downstairs. liturgical dancers, honor guards and flags of All young adults and their friends are the Caribbean. Archbishop Leonard P. Blair will pre- welcome. For questions, contact Bryan St. Timothy Parish in West Hartford will side at an ordination to the priesthood Mercer at [email protected]. enjoy a 60th anniversary celebration on on June 22, 11 a.m., at the Cathedral of May 31, 6 p.m., at Wampanoag Country St. Joseph in Hartford. Anthony Federico Our Lady of Calvary Retreat Center, Club, 60 Wampanoag Drive, West Hart- and John Gancarz will be ordained, as located at 31 Colton St., Farmington, ford. The cost is $60 and includes dinner. family and friends witness the important will offer“Praying with Art: Coloring For more information, contact barbarab- milestone. The public is invited to attend. Workshop” on May 22, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. [email protected]. For more information, call the Office of Workshop leader Brother Michael Moran, Vocations, 860.761.7456. CP will help attendees use coloring to The Archdiocese of Hartford’s Office quiet the mind and become receptive for Catholic Social Justice Ministry will St. Justin-St. Michael Parish will hold its to the working of the Holy Spirit. sponsor its 10th annual Bishop Peter 12th annual Caribbean Mass to celebrate Brother Michael’s own artwork has been Rosazza Social Justice Conference on Caribbean-American Heritage Month on collected and exhibited, and he was June 8, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Pasto- June 30, 10 a.m., at 230 Blue Hills Ave., recently featured in an article in VISION ral Center of the Archdiocese of Hart- Hartford. The annual parish cookout fol- magazine. The half-day event will include ford, 467 Bloomfield Ave., Bloomfield. lows immediately after Mass and features discussion of praying with art, time to The conference will feature a keynote traditional Caribbean-American food, hand color one of his linocuts or film cuts address and workshops by Dr. Shawn music, dancing, games, face painting and lunch. Fee is $30. Register online Duncan, director of The Lupton Center and other family fun. Free of charge and at www.ourladyofcalvary.net or call at Focused Community Strategies, who all are welcome. For more information, 860.677.8519. will help attendees assess whether their contact the parish, 860.246.6897.

Corpus Christi School in Wethersfield celebrated a milestone on March 21 with a ribbon cutting ceremony, recognizing the successful completion of a major window renovation project and security enhancement that was first envisioned a decade ago. The pastor, Father Nicholas Melo, and Principal Ann Sarpu, along with students Sam Andrea, Lisa Robinson and Luke Catania, cut the ceremonial ribbon. Bishop Peter Rosazza was on hand to bless the school.

The winner of this year’s “Creating on the Margins Contest — A Time to Heal Racism” is a piece of artwork entitled “T-Pose Power” created by Alex Rivera and Jonathan Delskey from St. Gabriel School in Windsor. The students received a $100 prize and will be entered into a national contest sponsored by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Catholic Campaign for Human Development, which uses the competition to challenge young people to think about the root causes of poverty.

27 AROUND THE ARCHDIOCESE

Former students recognize Myles Hubbard for lifetime achievement

of teaching and counseling never forgot about him. students in the Bloomfield The larger Catholic community community. has also recognized his devotion Hubbard graduated from and leadership. Archbishop Daniel From left to right, Pamela Fairfield University in Fairfield, A. Cronin appointed Hubbard to Hippolyte, a where he thrived and excelled direct the Office of Black Catholic parishioner, and academically. In 1964, he ac- Ministries for the Archdiocese of Dr. Kim James, cepted an offer at Bloomfield Hartford. Hubbard also served as a former student, Public High School to teach an extraordinary minister of holy present a lifetime achievement English and counsel teenag- Communion, vice president of his award to ers. For decades, his impact parish council and as a member of educator Myles was profound, inspiring sever- the Youth Advisory Council at the Hubbard on Myles N. Hubbard was honored al hundred students to excel over former St. Justin Church. March 3 at on March 3 at St. Justin–St. the course of his career. He was He currently serves as a member St. Justin– St. Michael Parish Michael Parish in Hartford for 35 honored as “Teacher of the Year” of the Archdiocese of Hartford in Hartford. years of service to his students for the 1990-1991 academic year. Pastoral Council. Additionally, and the education community in Hubbard has remained connect- he has worked with Dr. Pauline Bloomfield. ed with his community, serving on Olson to establish and run the Hubbard, an active parishioner, the Hartford Board of Education Knights of Malta Food Pantry, received a surprise award and as an adjunct teacher with the successfully serving the Blue Hills presented by his former students Center for Academic Programs neighborhood community for from Bloomfield High School. The at the University of Connecticut. more than five years. award was bestowed after Mass at While he formally retired from Hubbard also devotes his time St. Justin–St. Michael Parish by Dr. teaching in 1998, “Mr. Hubbard,” to his family. He and his wife, Kim James, a former student, and as he is affectionately known, Sherry Thomas, have two adult Pamela Hippolyte, a parishioner, never forgot his students or his daughters, Lesley and Hilary, and in recognition of his 35 years love of learning. His students six grandchildren.

STA Pew Crew takes the noise out of kneelers The Knights of Columbus Council 3600 and friends to take on this project. An engineer by profession, he have been repairing the kneelers at St. Thomas the analyzed the current kneeler mechanism that was fail- Apostle (STA) Parish in West Hartford over the past ing, designed and engineered a solution for the noise year, and parishioners have problem and manufactured many of the custom parts noticed that the church is that were installed. much quieter because the To repair the 352 kneelers, the team installed 704 kneelers no longer bang oak brackets and separate kneeler stops and 7,040 as they rise and fall during screws. To complete the project, they invested $1,600 Mass. in hardware and 500 man/woman hours of free labor. Under the leadership of It’s estimated that they saved the parish $52,000 Brother Knight Matt Bintz, before taxes. the “STA Pew Crew” has The project would not have been possible without worked on the 352 kneelers the donation of time and talent of Matt, the Knights in the church over an eight- and friends, who left a mark on the parish that will week period. be heard (or not heard) well into the future. The About a year ago, with disassembly and assembly crew included Mark encouragement from his Molloy, Michael DeConti, Corey Rekow, Tom Cronin, wife Diane, Matt decided Ed Peltier, Andrew Dorr, Russ Buckley, Dick Audet and Joan Audet. The Knights are always looking for a few good Matt Bintz installs the last Catholic men to help them do better. For more infor- fabricated washer on the last kneeler at St. Thomas the mation, contact the Grand Knight of Council 3600, Apostle Parish in West Hartford. Tim Geary, at [email protected].

28 Catholic Transcript | MAY 2019 | WWW.ARCHDIOCESEOFHARTFORD.ORG

SECRETARIAT OF STATE FIRST SECTION - GENERAL AFFAIRS

From the Vatican

His Holiness Pope Francis was pleased to receive your kind message. He thanks you for writing to him and he is grateful for your prayers.

The Holy Father will pray for your class and your teachers, and he sends his blessing. Principal Rebecca Goddard

and first-grade Monsignor Paolo Borgia teacher Patrice Assessor Hayes stand in the middle of the students as they hold their letter from the Vatican.

St. Brigid-St. Augustine first-graders one student asked the pope to pray for them. receive letter from the pope Pope Francis responded that he will pray for their class and the teachers and that he sends his blessings. Excitement filled the classroom at St. Brigid–St. Hayes said, “Our faith is very important. At St. Augustine Partnership School in West Hartford as the Brigid–St. Augustine Partnership School, we strive first-grade teacher, Patrice Hayes, eagerly announced to educate the whole child academically and that her students had received a letter from the Vati- spiritually.” can on behalf of Pope Francis. Principal Rebecca Goddard added, “Innovative According to Hayes, her students were assigned to teaching strategies are some of the tools we use to read Pope Francis’ book, Dear Pope Francis. After- make learning more engaging. Ms. Hayes does an ward, the students had so many questions that she amazing job of capturing the attention of our younger urged them to write a letter to the pope. students.” The questions ranged from hilarious to serious. Children who attend the school, which serves Since Pope Francis used to be a bishop, one student students in grades prekindergarten through 8, come wanted to know how many bishops actually report to from 13 different towns surrounding West Hartford. him. Another student wanted to know how old he is, The school celebrates strong academics, Catholic while another inquired about his favorite food. Finally, values and enriched cultural diversity.

Archdiocese of Hartford Office of Safe Environment, 467 Bloomfield Ave., Bloomfield, CT 06002 HOW TO REPORT AN INCIDENT OF SEXUAL ABUSE TO THE ARCHDIOCESE OF HARTFORD If you have knowledge or suspect that a minor or vulnerable adult (an adult with an intellectual disability) has been sexually abused, in any manner, by personnel of the Archdiocese of Hartford, you are urged to report this information to: Kathleen D. Nowosadko, Victim Assistance Coordinator • 860-541-6475 • [email protected] Incidents involving sexual abuse Incidents involving sexual abuse of vulnerable Incidents involving sexual abuse of minors (persons under the age adults aged 18 – 59 should be reported to the: of vulnerable adults aged 60 and over of 18) should be reported to: Connecticut Department of Developmental should be reported to: State Department of Children Services – AID Division for Persons Department of Social Services and Families Care-line with Intellectual Disabilities for the Elderly 1-800-842-2288 1-844-878-8923 1-888-385-4225 29 APPOINTMENTS The Most Reverend Leonard P. Blair, STD has made the following appointments:

Rev. William Agyemang: Rev. Matthew G. Gworek: to appointed priest chaplain for Roman Catholic priest associate in the Campus Ministry Program the Campus Ministry Program at at Sacred Heart Catholic High Trinity College, Hartford, effective School, Waterbury, effective March 1, 2019, in addition to duties March 1, 2019, in addition to as secretary to the archbishop. duties as administrator of Blessed Sacrament Parish in Waterbury. Rev. Ryan M. Lerner: continuing as chancellor of the Archdiocese Rev. Allan J. Hill: from pastor, of Hartford and director of the Our Lady of Loreto Parish, Archbishop Daniel A. Cronin Waterbury, to senior status, Residence, Bloomfield, in addition effective May 31, 2019. to duties as chaplain, St. Thomas

PHOTO BY AARON JOSEPH AARON BY PHOTO More Chapel and Golden Center, Rev. Paul J. Pace: from pastor, Yale University, New Haven. Sister Clare Millea, ASCJ St. Francis Xavier Parish, appointed assistant Waterbury, to senior status, Deacon James Arena: from St. chancellor effective May 31, 2019. Aloysius Parish, Plantsville, to St. Francis of Assisi Parish, New Archbishop Leonard P. Blair Rev. Dunstan Makarius Mbano: Britain, effective March 16, 2019. has appointed Sister Clare Mil- temporary priestly faculties, priest lea, ASCJ as assistant chancellor of the Archdiocese of Songea, Deacon Wayne Griffin: from St. of the Archdiocese of Hartford. Tanzania, visiting the Monastery Francis of Assisi Parish, New Brit- Sister Clare assumed this new of the Glorious Cross, Branford, ain, to St. Aloysius Parish, Plants- office on March 1, 2019. This role effective March 10 to 31, 2019. ville, effective March 16, 2019. is in addition to her continuing responsibilities as director of Rev. Hernan Dario Ortiz: REV. RYAN M. LERNER, the Office of Faith and Culture temporary priestly faculties, priest CHANCELLOR, MARCH 20, 2019 of the Archdiocese of Hartford. of the Diocese of Caldas, Colombia, * Clergy who are not incardinated As assistant chancellor, Sister visiting All Saints Parish, effective in the Archdiocese of Hartford must Clare will work in close collab- March 30 to April 6, 2019. request permission from the archbishop oration with the archbishop, to minister here; that is, they request the moderator of the curia, the Rev. Tyler Strand: priestly fac- faculties. judicial vicar and the chancellor ulties, for the calendar year 2019, ** Because deacons in matters that pertain to the priest of the Byzantine Catholic and priests have received the good of the archdiocese and Eparchy of Passaic, N.J. sacrament of the maintenance of the acts of holy orders and the curia. In particular, she will Rev. Mathieu Isaac: from parochial therefore never work closely with Father Ryan vicar, St. Nicholas Parish, Seymour, retire in the M. Lerner, the chancellor. to chaplain, MacDougall-Walker Cor- canonical sense, the term “senior” Sister Clare holds a licentiate rectional Institution, Suffield, with priest or deacon and a doctorate in canon law residence in Sacred Heart, Suffield, describes their from the Pontifical Lateran Uni- effective March 1, 2019. status. versity in Rome. In making this appointment, Archbishop Blair is confident that Sister’s canonical training, as well as her extensive pastoral ‘Come and follow me’ @ArchbishopBlair and administrative experience, @ArchdioceseHart will serve the archdiocese Are you following Archbishop Blair @ArchdioceseofHartford well in fulfilling her new and the Archdiocese of Hartford on facebook.com/ responsibilities. social media? ArchdioceseofHartford/

30 Catholic Transcript | MAY 2019 | WWW.ARCHDIOCESEOFHARTFORD.ORG OBITUARIES May they rest in peace ...

DEACON PAUL C. Laura entered Regina Laudis as a postulant her hand-painted feast day cards and in the ESCHRICH, age 90, died on in 1972 and was clothed in the monastic habit beautiful floral arrangements she created Dec. 14, 2018, at his home in 1974, receiving the name Sister Perpetua. for the chapel. in East Haven. He was the She made her perpetual profession of vows in Sister lived at Regina Mundi Priory and husband of the late Lois 1984, becoming Mother Perpetua, and received St. Paul’s Priory. In 2001, she moved with Janet (Schmitt) Eschrich; the blessing of consecration to a life of virgini- the whole community to the Monastery of they celebrated 66 years ty at the hands of Bishop Paul Loverde in 1991. the Glorious Cross in Branford. In October of marriage. Mother Perpetua’s many professional rela- 2018, she moved to St. Mary’s Home in West Paul was born in Buffalo, N.Y., on Jan. 18, tionships allowed the expansion of the abbey’s Hartford, where she was cared for until her 1928. He was a veteran of World War II, serving Pottery Department. Her two-week appren- death at age 87. in the U.S. Army as a medical corpsman. His ticeship with master folk potter Emanuele Ron- A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated work career started as a chemist for Olin dinone in Grottole, Matera, Italy, in 1971 led to in the monastery chapel, with interment at Corporation and ended 40 years later as a bal- two summer seminars with Signor Rondinone St. Agnes Cemetery in Branford. listics engineer at Winchester. He retired after and firing of a traditional, earthenware kiln at 15 years as technical director and consultant the abbey. In 1982, her father, Professor Alex- SISTER MARION PAUL for S.A.A.M.I. ander Giampietro, directed the construction LILLIS, of the Sisters of He was ordained a permanent deacon on and firing of a Raku kiln for the ancient Japa- Mercy, died on March 8, June 22, 1985, in the Archdiocese of Hartford nese technique of low firing, which produces 2019, at St. Mary Home in and served at St. Therese Church in Branford, a crackled glaze and clay. In 1984, Douglas West Hartford. and at St. John Vianney in Orchard Park, N.Y. Phillips, master potter from England, directed Born and raised in New Paul was also a Fourth Degree in the Knights the building of a wood-burning stoneware kiln Haven, she remained a life- of Columbus and a Noble Degree of the at the abbey. long Connecticut resident. Knights of St. John. After high school graduation, she worked for a Paul leaves behind his five children: Paulette SISTER CLOTILDE few years before entering the Sisters of Mercy M. Eschrich, Mark (Patricia) Eschrich, Timothy COMO, Apostle of the in December 1942. She professed her vows on (Rosanne) Eschrich, Douglas Eschrich and Sacred Heart of Jesus, died June 28, 1945. David (Mary Kay) Eschrich. He is also survived on Nov. 28, 2018, at Sacred She received a B.A. from St. Joseph College, by five grandchildren and two great-grandchil- Heart Manor in Hamden. now University of St. Joseph, and began her dren. He is predeceased by two sons, Bernard She was 91 years old and service in elementary education, which lasted and John Eschrich. professed 73 years in for 56 years. She loved teaching school and A funeral Mass was celebrated at St. Therese religious life. missed it during summer recesses. She taught Church in Branford, with burial at a later date Sister Clotilde was born in McKeesport, Pa., at Catholic parish schools in eight different in Orchard Park, N.Y. on June 5, 1927. She entered the Apostles of cities throughout the state, including Hartford, the Sacred Heart of Jesus on Aug. 27, 1942, Bridgeport, Danbury and Waterbury and spent MOTHER PERPETUA at Sacred Heart Provincialate on Greene St. in 21 years at St. Steven School in Hamden. She (LAURA) GIAMPIETRO, 69, New Haven. She professed first vows on Aug. later became a tutor and mentor to scores of the Abbey of Regina 23, 1945, and perpetual vows on Aug. 23, 1951, of middle and upper grade students until her Laudis, died on Feb. 7, in New Haven. retirement in 2001. 2019, after a long illness. Sister Clotilde earned a bachelor’s degree As a lifelong reader, she was also drawn to She had a great love for in elementary education and sociology from provide after-school instruction in a reading monastic liturgy and Fordham University in New York. She even- clinic and at the American School for the Deaf Gregorian Chant and for tually ministered as teacher and principal in in West Hartford. Her rich sense of humor many years served as mistress of ceremonies. elementary schools in New York and Pennsyl- and natural Irish wit became hallmarks of her She was an accomplished potter who vania, and at St. Anthony School in New Haven. engaging personality. apprenticed under such masters as Emanuele She served the congregation as novice A Mass of Resurrection was celebrated at Rondinone in southern Italy. She established directress and general councilor, and for 23 St. Mary Home Chapel, followed by burial at St. Martin’s pottery complex, teaching pottery years ministered as residential supervisor for St. Mary Cemetery in West Hartford. to community members and interns. She was students at Clelian Heights School for Excep- a gifted seamstress, worked in the monastic tional Children in Pennsylvania. In 2010, Sister SISTER MARY JUDE infirmary and also started the abbey’s first Clotilde retired to Sacred Heart Manor. ADAMS, 81, died in St. Compost Department. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at Mary’s Home, West Hartford Mother Perpetua heroically battled the early Sacred Heart Manor Chapel, followed by burial on Jan. 30, 2019. She was onset of Alzheimer’s disease for the last 10 at All Saints Cemetery in North Haven. born in Grand Rapids, Mich., years of her life. on Aug. 13, 1937, and lived Laura Catherine Antoinette was born in SISTER JOAN MARIE with her family in Michigan Washington, D.C., the daughter of a sculptor/ FERNANDES, OSB was and Minnesota. ceramic artist and college professor. She born in Fall River, Mass. on She entered the Congregation of Jesus accompanied her family to Italy, where she ap- May 24, 1931, and died on Crucified, Regina Mundi in Devon, Pa., on Nov. prenticed at the ceramic factory Urbano Zac- Nov. 19, 2018. 12, 1960. She made her first profession on May cagnini Majolica Artistiche and studied under a She entered the Congre- 31, 1963 and her perpetual profession on May traditional pottery master in Grottole. gation of Jesus Crucified in 18, 1968. She was especially proud to complete Laura was taught by religious communities Devon, Pa., on May 15, 1956. a special computer programming program at in Washington, D.C., and received a scholarship Her first profession was in May 1959 and her the University of Pennsylvania. She eventually to Newton College of the Sacred Heart in perpetual profession was in the spring of 1962. moved to the Monastery of the Glorious Cross Newton, Mass. After attending for two years, She was a founding member of St. Paul’s in Branford. she transferred to The Catholic University of Priory in Newport, R.I. In the community, A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated America, graduating with a bachelor of arts Sister served as cook, librarian, gardener and in the monastery chapel, with interment in St. in 1971. portress. Her artistic gifts were manifested in Agnes Cemetery in Branford.

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MAY 2019