St. Therese Newsletter St. Therese ParishPage 1 Newsletter Volume 15, No. 3

120 West Granby Road Granby, CT 06035 Phone: 860-653-3371

Volume 15 Number 3 Off the Top of My Head by Fr. Tom Ptaszynski Summer 2017

n how many homes have you ized that I actually lived in that house for only ten lived? It is probably unlikely years, until I moved to St. Thomas Seminary. My I that adults live in the same youngest sister has no memory of my presence home they did when they were during her childhood! Over the years, my resi- children. Moving is difficult, espe- dence has changed eight times. And each time, cially whene so many happy grateful for what had been, I looked forward to new memories are associated with the challenges and opportunities. home, apartment or building we are leaving. So, it is with our “new” parish family. We welcome those whose home was St. Bernard’s for many Meeting with the St. Bernard’s cemetery committee years. May we be a family of hospitality, faith, and on May 16, we talked about the sadness associat- love. We will share many celebrations – joy-filled ed with the closing of the building that housed so and sad. But, we will always be the Body of Christ, many celebrations—joy-filled and sad. I reflected making Him present in Tariffville, the Hartlands, on how 62 years to the day, my family moved into and all the Granbys. Remember, “we make the house my mom and dad would call home for Church together.” All are welcome! almost 50 years. Reflecting on those years, I real-

Instead of being just a Church that welcomes and receives by Pope keeping the doors open, let us try, also, to be a Church that finds Francis new roads, that is able to step outside itself and go to those who Says ... do not attend Mass, to those who have quit or are indifferent

Holy Days of Obligation by Stan Walczewski

e know that the Saturday Vigil and the Sunday  Assumption of Mary (August 15); celebrates that Masses are obligatory Masses for Catholics to Christ’s mother was taken up, both body and soul, into W attend. There are also other Masses for Catholics Heaven which are referred to as Holy Days of Obligation. On De-  All Saints Day (November 1); to honor all our departed cember 13, 1991, the United States Conference of Catho- saints lic Bishops (USCCB) decided to have six Holy Days of Ob- ligation. These days were selected to honor specific indi-  Immaculate Conception (December 8); for Mary, the viduals or events of the Church, and are described below. mother of Jesus, who was born free of original sin  Solemnity of Mary, the Mother of God  Christmas (December 25); when Jesus Christ was (January 1); when Mary receives special rev- born. erence If the Holy Day falls on a Saturday or Monday, the faithful  Ascension Thursday (40 days after East- are not obligated to attend Mass. The Holy Day obligation er); celebrates Christs ascension into Heaven to attend Mass is moved to Sunday.

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Congratulations to Our Newly Confirmed! by Jackie Wielgoszinski

reparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation at St. Evan Bernard Holm Therese Parish is a two-year process. The cele- *Erin Elizabeth Jennings bration of the Sacrament is held in the spring for Catherine Ruth Kelly Pstudents in tenth grade (or higher). On April 21, 2017, the following Confirmandi from our St. Therese Parish and St. Melena Joan Kopf Bernard’s Parish received the Sacrament of Confirmation, James Francis Kuhnly conferred by Most Reverend Archbishop Emeritus Henry Abigail Cecilia Larson J. Mansell, D.D. Congratulations to all! Ashley Leah Longest *Jessica Guadalupe Barry *Marlie Patricia Marzo Andrew John Bean Aleksander Luke Morawiec Paulina Agnes Blanchette Jameson Sebastian Morris Gregory Michael Bradshaw Steven Francis Muller *Jeffrey Joseph Briand Tess Anne Myers Charles Charles Brinegar *Lauren Francis Roderick Elizabeth Cecilia Cappelli Rebeca Catherine Russell Beckett George Cashman Alexander Andrew Steele Haley Martin Clark Garrett George Strain Terence Francis Cotsonas *Caitlin Rita Strzegowski Jenna Catherine Dauria Serra Elizabeth Tickey Erin Valentine Gilhooly Ryan Christopher Ziemnicki *Rachael Brigid Griffin William Conor Sebastian Hogan *= from St. Bernard’s Parish

More Congratulations by Aimee Menapace

e are proud to present St. Therese Parish’s First Communion Class of 2017. The stu- W dents worked tirelessly this year at home with their parents, participated in STAFFF meetings, and pre- pared for their First Communion review classes. Congratulations to all of our Communicants!

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Parish Picnic & More! by Tony Allen

he Shindig Social Committee is a newly formed social group here at St. Therese Church. This group was created to hold various social events so that fellow parishioners can get to know T each other better. Headed by chair-persons Tony and Emily Allen, members include Lenny DeGray, Rosemarie Pilvenis, Linda Nave, Teresa Thomas, Rita and Corey Wood, Joan Kyle, Phyllis Dunleavy, Maura Fleming, Marie Martusis, and Nancy Jackson. Recent events have included Paint Night/Tea Cup Auction, and the International Day of Happiness Potluck Dinner. Watch for future planned events which will include a Parish Picnic/Field Day (save July 9th on your calendars!), and possibly square danc- ing and a live-music coffee house. We are always looking for additional members to share their time and talents as we fulfill our mission to be stewards of fellowship at St. Therese Parish.

Summer Reading Ideas by Beverly Baird

hether you’re planning a “stay-cation” or to travel Consulate in NYC, this summer, tucking a good book into your bag or expediting visa W backpack is a great idea. Here are some sugges- approval for people tions for great reads to take along wherever you go! trying to get out of France during Hit-  Sugar Queen; by Natalie Baszile (fiction) ler’s reign of terror. When the borders  An African-American teacher and city girl uproots her are closed, she 12 year old daughter and moves to the deep south continues raising when she inherits her father’s sugar plantation. the funds for food, clothing and blankets. She actually glitch(s): She knows zip about farming. The proper- hand-made clothing for orphans, and those children ty is a neglected disaster. The help won’t work for a with missing parents. An amazing and impressive black female. If she doesn’t cover costs from her first book and one I’ll re-read. crop, the land will revert to the trustees at the Old Southern Bank. The whole town is waiting for her to  The Letters; by Suzanne Woods Fisher (fiction) fail. moral: Never underestimate the strength of a challenged woman. Amazing book with complex fami-  Step into the lives of the Amish as they struggle with ly dynamics, physical and emotional challenges, and bankruptcy, elderly parent care, the unexpected death the determination of a single mother. A must read for of the young father, and major legal problems. An eye both male & female readers! -opener, into the reality of living the Amish ‘simple life.’

 My Sister’s Keeper; by Jodi Picoult (fiction)  Night; by Elie Wiesel (non-fiction … warning: this book may be too graphic for some)  A well-researched, non-judgmental fiction about a fam-  When the author was 15 years old, he and his entire ily forced to deal with devastating genetic results on family were deported to Auschwitz. He and one sister their unborn child. They emphatically refuse to have were the only family survivors of this infamous and an abortion. Follow their lives as they realize their brutal concentration camp. How does one survive af- special needs newborn and go on to have a second ter surviving the Holocaust? To paraphrase a quote child. Very moving and thought provoking. Another from Elie Weisel, “What allows evil to continue in the must read! world is when people look away and are afraid to speak up or defend the victims.”  The Lilac Girls; by Martha Hall Relly (non-fiction)  An inspiring example of getting involved when you see Finally, summer is a great time to revisit some of the clas- cruelty or injustice. Caroline volunteers at the French sics and old favorites. Happy reading!

Pope The Lord is knocking on the door of our hearts. Have we put a Francis sign on the door saying “Do Not Disturb?”

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Day Trips in New England by Vickie Dirienzo

f you are looking for a day or overnight trip in our area,  Enfield, NH – Shrine of Our Lady of LaSalette the Religious Travel Planning Guide has a wonderful  Founded in 1951, the I list of the top Catholic shrines in New England. The list Shrine of Our Lady of includes six in Massachusetts and one each in Connecti- LaSalette is a holy cut, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont. Below place of prayer, and are short descriptions of five of these shrines on this list meditation in an envi- from author Carly Meminger. ronment of peace and beauty. The shrine is In Massachusetts: a replica of the apparition site at LaSalette in France,  Boston – Madonna, Queen of the Universe National complete with a rosary pond, outdoor Stations of the Shrine Cross, and a Calvary scene with holy stairs and a  The front view of the statue of peace walk. Madonna, Queen of the Universe was inspired by the same statue  Litchfield, CT -- Lourdes of Litchfield in the Don Orioe Center in Monte  A stunning feature of Mario (Rome, Italy). The land- this shrine is the ‘Way marks were both built by Jewish- of the Cross,’ which Italian sculptor Arrigo Minerbi as a rises above the Cruci- sign of his gratitude to the Catho- fixion scene. There are lic Church for having protected also monuments of the him and his family from the Nazis Sacred Heart, saints during World War II. This breath- Michael, Jude, Joseph taking shrine overlooks Logan International Airport. and Louis deMonfort. Dedicated to Our Lady  Stockbridge – National Shrine of the Divine Mercy of Lourdes, the Litchfield Shrine was built during the  The National Shrine of the 1955 Marian year by the Missionaries of the Company Divine Mercy of the Marian Fa- of Mary. The main shrine is the Cavern of Our Lady, thers of the Immaculate Con- built from local fieldstone and modeled after the cavern ception of the Blessed Mary sits in Lourdes, France. on Eden Hill in Stockbridge, Massachusetts. In 1943, Fa-  Nasonville, RI – Shrine of the Little Flower ther Joseph Luniewski, superior  This shrine of the Marian House in Wash- is the first ington, D.C. sent a young shrine to St. preacher, Fr. Walter Pelczyski, Theresa [sic] to find a home suited for those of Liseux in readying themselves for a religious life. With the help the world. of the pastor of St. Stanislaus Kostka Church in Ad- The shrine ams, and with the assistance of family members and and parish friends, the Marians purchased the land at Eden Hill. were founded on August 23, 1923 just four months In the chapel, just above the image of Jesus, is a white after St. Thérèse was beatified. St. Thérèse was a Carrara marble statue of Mary, the Immaculate Con- nun who lived faithfully and loyally in trust of the Heav- ception. The mural above this statue shows our Lady enly Father. After the church, rectory and school were being crowned by the Holy Trinity as Queen of Heaven built at the shrine, an outdoor altar, Stations of the and Earth. This shrine offers daily Mass and confes- Cross and a beautiful living rosary statue of Our Lady sions. There is also a bookstore and gift shop on the of Peace on top of a fountain were added. A new Our premises. Lady of Guadalupe shrine was recently completed on the grounds. This shrine holds many events through-  Fiskdale – St. Anne’s Shrine out the year, including the St. Theresa Feast Day,  This shrine, covering 35 which is held on the third Sunday of August. acres of hills and gardens, is Please note: The spelling of “st. theresa” versus the true situated within the Diocese of spelling of her name (st. thérèse) is taken directly from the Worcester and staffed by the Shrine of the Little Flower’s website. Augustinians of the Assump-

tion. Small sections of the site There are several more shrines in New England that are are available for ‘adoption’ in not listed here. We hope to include them in a future arti- memory of a loved one. cle. Information on shrines and other travel ideas, visit the website religioustravelplanningguide.com/ 10-top-catholic-shrines-in-new-enland/.

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With thanks to...

Hunger Doesn’t Take a Vacation Lenny DeGray; Vickie Dirienzo; Kathryn Miller bout five years During the summer months, some families have a greater ago the idea of a need due to the fact that children are home from school. A monthly dona- According to Annabel, my main connection at the VNA/ tion to the Granby Food Granby Food Bank, there are about 150 families registered s Bank came about as the to use the Food Bank. Registration is required and is han- result of an assignment dled through the Granby Social Services Department. Of at a STAFFF meeting. I was at a table with Nancy Can- those 150 registered, at this time about 50 families are field, Christine Kuczma, and Jen Evans. Our assignment regulars. Several visit the Food Bank sporadically, and was to come up with ideas about how to help people in our some have not used the resource as of yet. community. We decided to approach Fr. Tom with our idea of a monthly food collection for our community, similar During the first quarter of this year, some interesting statis- to what our Parish does every month for Hartford (at what tics are as follows: in January, 112 “shoppers” took home was St. Michael’s Church). Father met with Christine and 197 bags of food. In February, 93 shoppers took home me and told us to “run with it.” We did. 155 bags, and in March, 108 shoppers took home 196 bags. Individual shoppers can make anywhere from one Fr. Tom and I presented the idea to the Farmington Valley to four visits each month. However, these numbers (of Visiting Nurse Association (VNA), where the Granby Food bags) do not include extra bags allowed for bakery goods, Bank is housed. They liked it, so then we announced it at or any “extras” that the VNA may be giving away. Mass. After a bit of a slow start, we now deliver to them an average of 30 bags of groceries, toiletries, and paper All in all, our donations help to supplement the needs of goods each month. Right now, my assistants are Kasey many, many people in Granby. Please remember to do- Grimaldi, Patty Sansone, and Fran Brady. At 9am on the nate each month. Our brothers and sisters truly appreciate Monday following the second weekend each month, we our generosity. deliver the bags of donated food and other items.

cLean Home in Simsbury provides Meals on The delivery of Meals on Wheels also provides a check on Wheels service to the towns of Granby, East those who are alone and homebound. M Granby, Simsbury, Avon and Canton. No resi- dent is ever turned down because of inability to pay. The In calendar year 2016, 21 Granby residents were served meals are made daily in the McLean kitchen and follow by the McLean Meals on Wheels program. Although this daily nutritional guidelines but are also customized for is down from 23 residents in 2015, the number of meals special diets. Meals are provided to residents of any age served to Granby residents increased by more than 20% who are homebound or unable to make meals for them- to 2,597 meals. This change is because some people re- selves. The meals can be delivered on a permanent or ceive meals every day, and other only after surgery for a temporary basis due to disability, illness, or recovery from short period of time. surgery. The price charged is $9.50 per day. However, there are The Meals on Wheels delivery consists of a main meal several payment options and some recipients pay as little which arrives to the recipients home hot and ready to as $1.43 and some receive the meals for free due to gen- serve around noontime. There is also a lighter meal in- erous grants. cluded for later in the day along with fruit, dessert and beverage. The meal service is provided to those who If you know of someone who would benefit from the contact McLean or who are referred by medical providers, McLean’s Meals on Wheels service, please call 860-658- social service agencies, friends, family, or neighbors. 3980.

t. Therese’s Parish has a long history of providing volunteer through our St. Therese’s Stewardship program. food to the families in the north end of Hartford Because of the commitment of these drivers and their fam- S through the food pantry associated with the (now ilies the food is delivered to Hartford, where it is so genu- closed) St. Michael’s Church. Even though the St. inely appreciated. Michael’s Church building has closed, and its parish is now joined with St. Justin’s Parish, the Archdiocese determined If you attend the 10:30am Mass on the last Sunday of any that because of the need of the residents in the north end, month, you too can be part of this ministry, by helping our the food pantry would remain open. It is now renamed the volunteer drivers load collected bags of food into their ve- Malta Food Pantry at St. Justin-St. Michael Parish. hicles. Meet these dedicated drivers who make this pro- gram such a success by just going to the Church’s front Food generously donated by our parishioners is collected vestibule after Mass, where bags will be waiting. As they at all the Masses on the last weekend of each month. It is say, “it takes a village” (in this case, “a Parish”) to make then driven to Hartford by devoted Parish members who the lives of others better.

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Relics & the Roman Catholic Church by Michael Mottola

ust what are relics and what meaning do they have  Third-Class Relics are for Catholics? A relic is a piece of the body of a objects that have been J saint, an item owned or used by the saint, or an ob- touched to a first- or ject which has been touched to the tomb of a saint. Tradi- second-class relic. tionally, a piece of the body of a saint, especially that of a Many Roman Catholic martyr, may be with the permission of the local ecclesiasti- Churches contain first-class cal authority used in solemn processions recalling the spe- relics, which are placed in cific holy person. the altar-stone. Church law directs that these relics, In Catholicism, sacred relics must not be worshipped, be- though not required to come cause only God is worshipped and adored. Instead, the from a martyr, should be of veneration given to them was "dulia" (defined as a size sufficient for them to be recognized as parts of hu- “reverence accorded to saints”). St. Jerome declared, "We man bodies; hence excessively small relics of one or more do not worship, we do not adore, for fear that we should saints should not be used. Additionally, the greatest care bow down to the creature rather than to the Creator, but must be taken to determine whether the relics in question we venerate the relics of the martyrs in order to better are authentic; it is better for an altar to be dedicated with- adore Him whose martyrs they are.” out a relic than to have something of doubtful authenticity placed in it. The veneration of sacred relics has a long history in the Church. It is commonly held that the first account of such During their 2016 visit to the Padre Pio Foundation located veneration stretches back to the martyrdom of St. Poly- in Cromwell, CT, Johanna Audolensky and Cathy Cook carp, bishop and martyr, who was killed by being burned at discovered that relics from St. Pio housed there are actual the stake in the amphitheater at Smyrna around the year clippings from his beard. 155 A.D. The sale, or disposal by other means, of relics without the By the 1100’s, relics were being venerated in churches permission of the Apostolic See is strictly forbidden by and shrines throughout the Holy Land and Europe, attract- Canon 1190 of the Code of Canon Law. Relics may not ing numerous pilgrims. be placed upon the altar for public veneration, as that is reserved for the display of the Blessed Sacrament. It is As time went on, the clothing and personal effects of holy tradition in some churches who have known relics, to ven- men and women of the Lord were also enshrined. This erate those relics in procession especially on the feast day was because of the influence that the Crusades had on the of that particular saint. This is done in accordance with the faithful during the early Middle Ages. They held fast to the directives of Vatican II which state: belief that the wonder-working power of the saint was to be found not only in the entire body but also in its separate “… the Saints have been traditionally honored in the parts, and in objects that had been in contact with his or Church, and their authentic relics and images held her person. in veneration … The various forms of popular vener- ation of the relics of the Saints, such as kissing, The Catholic church divides relics into three classes: decorations with lights and flowers, bearing them in processions, in no way exclude the possibility of  First-Class Relics can be defined as items directly as- taking the relics of the Saints to the sick and dying, sociated with the events of Christ's to comfort them or use the intercession of the Saint life (manger, cross, etc.) or the physi- to ask for healing. Such should be conducted with cal remains of a saint (a bone, a hair, great dignity and be motivated by faith.” skull, a limb, etc.).  Second-Class Relics are items that the saint owned, touched or fre- quently used, for example, a crucifix, Editor’s note: rosary, book, etc. (Fr. Tom calls him- The following sources were used in compiling this article: self a “second-class” relic as he Church Teaching on Relics by Rev. Charles Mangan; Rel- shook the hand of then-Pope St. John ics in the Altar, a Zenit Daily Dispatch (EWTN); and the Paul II.) Catholic Encyclopedia’s Relics - New Advent.

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St. Joseph Medal Recipient - Rose Jacobs by Vickie Dirienzo

his year, Archbishop Leonard Blair bestowed the St. parishioners in need, and has set up and organized Com- Joseph Medal of Appreciation to pastor-selected munal Anointing Masses where parishioners and their T recipients from 148 parishes during a beautiful ser- caregivers receive vice in the Cathedral of St. Joseph in Hartford. Rose Ja- the Sacrament of cobs, a very active St. Therese parishioner, was the hon- the Sick. Rose oree from St. Therese Parish for 2017. currently main- tains the altar lin- Rose said, “I was shocked when I received the letter from ens and candles, the Archdiocese stating that I was chosen as a recipient. I and volunteers to actually called Fr. Tom to make sure it wasn't a mistake. work on the How could it be me? It’s such an honor. I cried! There Thanksgiving food was a total of 188 recipients at a special service at the Ca- drives, all while thedral. It’s humbling to see how many other people vol- maintaining her unteer at their churches and to hear what some of them home and a full- are doing. I had people that I don't know, thanking me for time job. service to the Church. It was an amazing day; one I won't ever forget.” Although Rose was born in New The Archdiocese of Hartford states that medal recipients York, she moved should be parishioners who volunteer their time and tal- to Granby in 1972 while in third grade. She attended local ents in a variety of ways that enhance their Parish commu- schools and with her family became a St. Therese parish- nities. Some are religious education teachers, sacristans, ioner. Even as a teen, Rose assisted the Parish by serv- and Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion, while ing as CYO president, a lector, providing music for Mass, others publish their Parish bulletins, serve the homebound, and was a CCD kindergarten teacher. Rose went on to or coordinate Parish events. According to Archbishop graduate from the University of Scranton with a B.S. in Blair, they set an example for others by adhering to the Biology, and then attended Yale University where she re- scripture: “Lead a life worthy of the calling to which you ceived her Physician’s Assistant degree. She has been a have been called, with all the humility and gentleness, with Physician’s Assistant at Hartford Hospital in the Surgery/ patience, bearing with one another in love.” (ephesians Cardiothoracic Critical Care department since 1992. 4:1-2) After Rose and her husband Steve married, they settled in Rose was more than an eligible candidate; she has ex- Granby and she re-joined St. Therese Church. Rose and celled in volunteering and performing necessary duties at Steve have two children, a daughter attending Rose’s al- St. Therese. She was part of the former Tuesday Clean- ma mater, the University of Scranton, and a son at the Uni- ing Crew at St. Therese, served as a member of the Litur- versity of Connecticut. Rose and her husband are current- gical Committee, helped with Summer Vacation Bible ly renovating a house to provide housing for a homeless School, worked on various Parish Council activities, and family through the Salvation Army. Rose states that she attended the two-year lay ministry program focusing on the also has lots of hobbies, such as cross-stitch, jigsaw puz- Sick and Elderly Ministry. As part of her Extraordinary zles, and fishing, but not surprisingly, doesn’t have enough Minister of Holy Communion ministry, Rose visits with time for those pursuits these days. some of our homebound parishioners and brings them the Eucharist. She also arranges for meals to be brought to Thank you and congratulations, Rose!

Why Scouting? by Rich Leydon, Scout Master Troop 125

or over 100 years, Boy Scout pro- at St. Therese Church’s Parish Center on Tuesday’s, 7pm, grams have instilled in boys and September through June. Some of the events we have F young men the values found in the done since September include a canoe outing, backpack- Boy Scout Oath and Law. Today, these ing, wilderness survival, veterans collection, indoor climb- values are just as relevant in helping our ing, cabin outing, bowling, food pantry collection and sev- youngsters grow to their full potential, as eral service projects. We look forward to many more years they were in 1910. Scouting helps them of service in our community. develop academic skills, self- confidence, ethics, leadership skills, and Boys/young men can join the Boy Scouts once they com- citizenship skills that influence their adult plete fifth grade and are 10 years of age. If you have any lives. questions about Boy Scouting, feel free to drop in at one of

our meetings, or contact Richard Leydon at 860-331-9506 Troop 125 has been chartered in Granby since 1946. Cur- rently, the American Legion holds our charter but we meet or email [email protected].

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Faith Journey-ers & Walking on Water by Rebeca Mikus

ust imagine you are out sailing on a lake. It is a Some members knew each other quite well; others were beautiful day. You are enjoying the stillness and se- new to the group; still others came when their schedule J renity of nature all around you. When in the silence, allowed. Whatever the reason, we came together to dis- you hear the Lord calling you to come to Him. Obeying cuss the chapter(s) we read during the week. For most of His command, you get out of the boat and start to walk on us, reading is a pastime enjoyed mostly in solitude. But water. Suddenly, you realize you are walking on top of the the best and most rewarding part of reading is the water, no life jacket and you can’t swim! You panic and “sharing.” start sinking. What happened? Like Peter, you lost trust in the Lord. Sharing how we stepped out of our comfort zone and trust- ed in the Lord to lead us to a deeper faith. Sharing our Matthew 14: 25-32 reads: personal stories, our spiritual journeys during difficult times “… And early in the morning He came walking to- and numerous times when the Lord spoke to us in quiet ward them on the sea. ways. Sharing things we have questioned and wondered But when the disciples about while reading this book. Sharing made everything saw Him walking on the clearer and more meaningful. There were no judgments sea, they were terrified, made, no disagreements, no opinions not considered; just saying, ‘It is a ghost!’ a faith-filled group coming together to focus on how to And they cried out in deepen our trust in the Lord. fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them and Some questions we asked ourselves during those weeks said, ‘Take heart, it is I; included: do not be afraid.’  In what way(s) is the Lord telling us, as He did Pe- “Peter answered Him. ter,”Come.”? ‘Lord, if it is You, com-  Are we ready to take that walk on water? mand me to come to  Are we ready to experience something more of the You on the water.” He power and presence of God? said, ‘Come.’ So Peter got out of the boat, start- So, as we read John Ortberg’s book, we learned the skills ed walking on the water, and came toward Jesus. essential to “water-walking” … discerning God’s call, trans- But when he noticed the strong wind, he became cending fear, risking faith, managing failure, and trusting frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, God. In reading this book, we were invited to go for a walk ‘Lord, save me!’ Jesus immediately reached out His … on the water. But the author asked us to remember one hand and caught him, saying to him, ‘You of little thing; that is if you want to walk on water, you’ve got to get faith, why did you doubt?’ out of the boat.

“When they got into the boat, the wind ceased. And The following is a very short introduction to the author. those in the boat worshiped Him, saying, ‘Truly You John Ortberg is senior pastor at Menlo Park Presbyterian are the Son of God.’ ” Church in Menlo Park, California. He is the bestselling author of Who Is This Man; When the Game Is Over; It All Let’s turn back the hands of the clock. It is now during Goes Back In The Box; and The Life You’ve Always Want- Lent (February/March 2017). Peering into the window of ed. John and his wife, Nancy, have three grown children. the Parish Center’s Lounge, you would see and hear 20 John incorporates a sense of humor in his writing. Sharing St. Therese Faith Journey-ers, coming together as a com- examples of people and events in his daily life, he draws munity of readers. With Jackie Wielgoszinski as our facili- the reader into his faith-filled world. He uses contempo- tator, we Faith Journey-ers read, enjoyed and discussed rary people in modern day situations to teach us how Je- John Ortberg’s book entitled, If You Want To Walk On Wa- sus worked through their lives. ter, You’ve Got To Get Out Of The Boat.

While on vacation finding a Church/Mass near you is just a few keystrokes away! On your phone or computer look up https://masstimes.org/ to find a Church near you, the Mass times, the distance, direc- tions and other Parish information.

St. Therese Newsletter Page 9 Volume 15, No. 3

by Kiley Schneider St. Catherine of Siena 2016 Confirmation Student

t. Catherine of Siena was born in Siena, Italy, on have been mentally scarring, March 25, 1347. She was the twenty-fifth (25th) child yet Catherine stayed strong in S born to her mother. Catherine was born during an resisting marrying her brother- extremely difficult period in history when the plague was in-law. I admire her for that. raging across Europe. Tragically, the disease took a ma- jority of her family, including half of her siblings who did not I can relate to St. Catherine survive infancy. Catherine persevered and was the only when it comes to overcoming one of her family’s children to survive. difficult situations. I have a fear of speaking in class. I get History today defines the plague as a disease caused by shaken-up and my words do bacterium yersinia pestis that circulates among wild ro- not come out correctly. I have dents where they live in great numbers and density. In always been terrified of speak- other words, it was a disease spread from rodents to hu- ing before my classes, but one mans in locations where rodents were commonly present. day I decided to take the risk It is not clear whether Catherine avoided the disease com- and speak. Once I started speaking, I was able to smooth- pletely or battled it away. Either way, she was one of only ly present all my information. After doing this, I felt so ac- a few people who survived the plague. However, watching complished and relieved that I had finally faced my fear. family members struggle to survive, especially her twin St. Catherine’s perseverance through her unbearable situ- sister, must have been extremely difficult. ations helped me realize that it is possible to overcome anything I put my mind to. Her strong attitude even At the age of 16, one of Catherine’s sisters died, leaving through the roughest times has motivated me to endure her husband a widower. Catherine’s parents proposed the situations that have come in my direction. that he marry Catherine as a replacement spouse, but Catherine disagreed with this completely. She began fast- St. Catherine has also helped me overcome the five con- ing and cut her hair short to mar her appearance and thus cussions I have suffered. These concussions have had a stand up to her parents, trying to prove them wrong about large impact on my life, especially in my learning ability. their beliefs in making her cooperate with this marriage. St. Catherine’s life has made me believe that even with However, Catherine’s fasting these concussions, I can excel in my school work and con- and devotion to her family tinue to be successful. convinced her parents to change their minds and allow Catherine died at the early age of 33 in 1380. When her her to lie as she pleased. body was exhumed in 1430, it was found to be incorrupt. Her feast day is celebrated on April 29. In conclusion, I I chose St. Catherine of Si- chose St. Catherine as my saint because she was a mag- ena as my saint because I nificent woman that I can look up to and relate. Knowing admire the audacity and self- her struggles has made my life easier, because I am more confidence she used to han- aware now that people can overcome situations that are dle a difficult situation. The much harder than mine, so I now believe I am capable of deaths within her family must overcoming my challenges.

Refreshing Taste of Summer by Lyn Robitaille

his is an easy but delightful summer evening des- sert, and actually, it is a nice taste of summer in the Raspberry Jello Pie T middle of a cold winter (I experimented with using 3/4 cup sugar Sugar-Free Jello and Splenda and that also worked rather 2 tablespoons corn starch well)! You can use strawberries, but I think the raspberry 1-1/2 cups water is a better taste. 1 3-oz. package raspberry Jello 1 pint fresh or frozen raspberries (defrosted & drained) Fr. Hastillo (Rev. Stanley Hastillo, second pastor at St. 1 baked pie shell Therese) officiated at a burial in Hartland for a Hartland Whipped cream/Cool Whip resident, and then came to the luncheon afterward. When the ladies offered him dessert, and told him there was a In medium sauce pan, combine sugar and corn starch with raspberry pie, his face lit up like a candle! He said, “Oh, I water and bring to a boil. Add Jello and continue stirring love raspberry pie, that’s my favorite!” And as I remember, until thickened. Place berries in baked pie shell. Pour he asked for a second piece. I do remember the smile on Jello mixture carefully over all. Chill several hours or over- his face for this pie! It was fun to see him happy over night. Serve with whipped cream or Cool Whip. Enjoy! something.

St. Therese Newsletter Page 10 Volume 15, No. 3

Thanks to Michael Mottola

On June 4th, we celebrate the Feast of Pentecost. This Feast day is the Birthday of the Church, when the Apostles and the Blessed Mother received the Holy Spirit, often shown in pictures as flames over their heads. Celebrate the day as you work on this crossword puzzle.

Father Flood

St. Therese Newsletter Page 11 Volume 15, No. 3

DATES ARE CORRECT AT PRESS TIME. HOWEVER, SUBSEQUENT CHANGES MAY OCCUR — REFER TO PARISH BULLETIN FOR DETAILS PARISH CALENDAR … June 2017 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 2 3 The Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness for we do not know how to pray as we ought; but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us. Romans 8:26

4 PENTECOST 5 6 7 8 9 10

Fellowship Sunday Boy Scouts Prayer Shawl Strawberry Supper Altar Server Training Granby Food Collection 11 12 13 14 15 16 17

Granby Food Collection Boy Scouts

Office Closed 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 Father’s Day Boy Scouts VBS Set-Up VBS Set-Up VBS Set-Up Hartford Food Collection

25 26 27 28 29 30

Hartford Food Collection Vacation Bible School -- 9am-12:pm

**Summer Parish Office Hours -- Closed Fridays, July & August**

PARISH CALENDAR … July 2017 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 2 3 4 5 6 7 1 Independence 8 Day Granby Food Collect. Office Closed Office Closed 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 PARISH PICNIC

Granby Food Collection Office Closed 16 17 18 19 20 21 22

Office Closed 23 24 25 26 27 28 29

Hartford Food Office Closed Collection 30 31 I will not leave you orphans; I will come back to you. Hartford Food Collection You will see Me, and because I live, you will live. John 14:18.

St. Therese Newsletter Page 12 Volume 15, No. 3

DATES ARE CORRECT AT PRESS TIME. HOWEVER, SUBSEQUENT CHANGES MAY OCCUR — REFER TO PARISH BULLETIN FOR DETAILS

**Summer Parish Office Hours -- Closed Fridays, July & August**

PARISH CALENDAR … August 2017 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 2 3 4 5 The more difficult the situation, the more firmly we should trust in God. Blessed Arnold Janssen, SVD Office Closed 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

Granby Food Office Closed Collection 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 Assumption Granby Food Collection Masses @ 8:30a & 7p Office Closed 20 21 22 23 24 25 26

Hartford Food Office Closed Collection 27 28 29 30 31

Hartford Food Collection

St. Therese Parish 120 West Granby Road St. Therese Parish . Granby CT Newsletter Editorial Team

Website: www.StThereseGranby.com We welcome contributions from all Parishioners. If you would like to either contribute or join our Parish Email: [email protected] Team, please contact our editor or Fr. Tom. New to the Parish? Leaving the Parish? Please call the Parish Office so we might adjust our records. Deborah Klotzman Editor/ Layout ([email protected])

Parish Office: 860-653-3371 Contributors/ Reporters Johanna Audolensky Fr. Thomas Ptaszynski, Pastor Cathy Cook Vickie Dirienzo General Email: [email protected] Michael Mottola Stan Walczewski Deborah Klotzman, Parish Manager Beverly Baird [email protected] Article deadline for Fall Issue: Maura Fleming, CRE--Faith Formation (STAFFF) August 10, 2017 [email protected]