Saturday Vigil – 5:00 Brazilian Mass – 7:30

Sunday – 7:30, 9:00 Children’s Liturgy and 10:30 a.m. with Adult Choir and 12:00 N Spanish Mass – 5:00 p.m. Brazilian Mass –

Monday through Saturday - 7:30 a.m. Monday through Friday -12:10

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Saturday - 3:30 to 4:30 and by

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Couples planning to be married must begin to make ar- rangements at least 8 months prior to wedding date by contacting the

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Attendance at pre-Baptism class is required before the Sacrament is celebrated. Classes are held on second Sunday of the month at 1:15 p.m. in the Rectory. Please pre-register by 203-743-2707. Baptisms will take place every Sunday at 1:15 p.m. except second Sunday of the

PASTORAL QUASI PARISH OF OUR LADY OF APARECIDA Rev. Gregg D. Mecca, Pastor Rev. Leonel S. Medeiros, Rev. Frank Eldridge, S.A. Parochial Vicar Episcopal Vicar for Brazilians

Rev. David J. Riley, In Residence 203-730-9071

SAINT PETER SCHOOL PARISH Mary Lou Torre — Principal - 203-748-2895 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. - MONDAY Y School Fax: 203-748-5684 104 Main EDUCATION AND B Barbara Siano—Director of Religious Education K - 8 Phone: 203-743-2707 and Fax: 203-794-1928 203-743-1048 or [email protected]

Email Address - ff YOUTH MINISTRY Website - www Michael Falbo—Youth Group Director PARISH 203-743-1048 or [email protected] Dr. Glen Segger, Music Minister [email protected] of Parish Council – Fred Visconti – 203-744-2311 Dr. Nancy Engel, Children’s Choir - 914-741-1670 of Finance – Arthur Mannion - 203-733-0183 Homebound Sr. Mary Bernard Wiecezak, CSFN LATINO COMMUNITY 203-743-2707, Ext. 203-743-2707 ST. PETER P S C Periodically I go to the 8th grade to assist MARCH in teaching their religion class. Mrs. Hanrahan and I survey the chapter and decide how we might share the material. 6 SAT 5:00 PM † Thomas Michael Liddane 7:30 PM Brazilian Mass When we first began this joint endeavor, I envisioned 7 SUN 7:30 AM † Ann Hines doing many different things with the class, including 9:00 AM † Thomas Nguyen some exegesis, that is, some pulling apart Scripture pas- 10:30 AM Our Parishioners sages to better understand them. Time is never on my 12:00 N † John M. Hanrahan 5:00 PM Spanish Mass side, however, so I have not gotten around to choosing 7:30 PM Brazilian Mass some Gospel passages and preparing materials for the 8 MON St. John of God, Religious class. I learned something from my guest appearances—I 7:30 AM † Souls in Purgatory need to provide the students with a worksheet, or study 12:10 N † Agnes J. Fricker 9 TUE St. Frances of Rome, Religious guide. Those things take time to create. Beginning this 7:30 AM † Chuck Ferguson month, the class will start to focus on preparation for 12:10 N † Margaret Hartell Confirmation. We will leave the chronological order of 10 WED 7:30 AM † Mary Beth Garavel the textbook’s chapters, employing supplemental materi- 12:10 N † Bob McNultly 11 THU 7:30 AM † Howard Schmiedel als and picking and choosing sections of the book. I hope 12:10 N † Joseph Hocking to bring in some study and application of the Gospels this 12 FRI 7:30 AM † Ethel Lemoine spring. The curriculum for 8th graders is heavily 12:10 N † Henry Boucher weighted on the history of the Church. I can see that the 13 SAT 7:30 AM † Rev. Walter Orlowski 5:00 PM † Palma Cerminara students are not lovers of history (why do young people 7:30 PM Brazilian Mass yawn at history?) and are eager to be differently engaged. 14 SUN 7:30 AM † James Lynch This week we are tackling the Reformation. I 9:00 AM † Maria Ba think Mrs. Hanrahan is happy to hand off to me the theo- 10:30 AM Our Parishioners 12:00 N † Frances Augustine logical controversies of the period. I have to admit that I 5:00 PM Spanish Mass have had to do some reading myself before presenting 7:30 PM Brazilian Mass today’s lesson on the place of Tradition in the Catholic Faith and the challenges which the reformers hurled against it. Since I am scratching my head for material for today’s column, I thought I would speak on the subject here as well.

Our weekly goal………………………………………...$10,500 You may recall from your religion or history SACRIFICIAL GIVING—February 28, 2021……….$ 7,292 classes (did you also dread history class?) that the th Protestant reformers of the 16 century had something of Thank you for your support. Father Mecca a rallying cry against the Traditions of the Catholic Church when they would say, “solo scriptura,” only scripture! They questioned the legitimacy of any Church

doctrine or practice that could not be found in the scrip- The Sanctuary Lamp Burns tures. The season of Lent, the Sacrament of Reconcilia- tion, and penances are three things off the top of my head In Memory Of that would be a tie in to this time of year, but there are Theresa Lemoine many important others, including the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary into heaven. Tradition (with a capital T) within the Church refers to the transmission of beliefs, doctrines, and rituals. The transmission could have origins in the Apostolic pe-

We offer our condolences to the family of riod or from a later time. The teachings of the Councils of the Church or of the popes, practices, doctrines and Maria Espinal rituals that evolved over time all became part of the Tra- who passed away last week. dition which were handed on to succeeding generations. Tradition is about preservation of belief and practice and seeing it continue forward. The Catholic Church says that these practices, beliefs, doctrines are inspired by the THIRD SUNDAY OF LENT

Holy Spirit and, therefore, Tradition has equal weight with Sacramental Registration Forms and Fees First Com- scripture in sanctifying us and leading us to salvation. The munion and Confirmation registration forms are due. Protestant reformers argued that if something could not be Please send in or drop completed forms with fees to justified by scripture it shouldn’t be part of the Christian the rectory. Faith. The Council of Trent (1545-1563) declared that Tradition must be “received and venerated with equal pie- March 07—Virtual Class- 10:30 -11:15 am Lesson 18 ty and reverence.” The Catholic Counter Reformation of th First Communion Class 10:15-11:15 am the late 16 century responded to Protestantism by assert- 14—Virtual Class- 10:30 -11:15 am Lesson 19 ing that scripture and Tradition are two complimentary First Communion Class 10:15—11:30 a.m. sources of Christian doctrine, each containing a part of the 20—First Reconciliation for First Communion Students divine revelation. 28— Palm Sunday: Palm Sunday Zoom for all students

From a personal point of view, I find it comforting —-Barbara Siano, Director of Religious Education and satisfying that Jesus after His Ascension through the Holy Spirit continued to draw the Church, the People of God, deeper into the mystery of the divine life in many and varied ways over the course of the centuries. The Tra- COMUNIDAD HISPANA SAN PEDRO dition and the Real Presence of the Lord in Holy Com- munion together make our Catholic Faith so enriching and “La religión y el culto de la vida" Tercer domingo de beautiful. —-Fr. Mecca cuaresma

Gn 9, 8-15 Sal 24 2da lect.: 1 Pedro 3, 18-22 Evange- ***SAINT PETER SCHOOL NEWS*** lio: Mc 1, 12-15

What have St. Peter School students been up El tercer domingo de Cuaresma, es una muy buena ocasión to? para pensar en nuestra escala de valores. Las lecturas nos hablan de los diez mandamientos, la sabiduría de la cruz, el St. Peter School students will begin a Read-A- templo con sus sacrificios externos y el nuevo templo de Thon on March 8th. This is a new fundraiser for our school and we are extremely excited to get it under- Cristo resucitado. En él se dará la presencia de Dios entre way! The funds raised will be used to purchase academic los seres humanos y está en medio de nosotros para presen- materials and additional books to expand and enhance our tar al Padre nuestra acción de gracias. Empecemos esta li- school library. The students are beyond excited about this turgia cantando. fundraiser, which of course includes prizes. So far, we have raised $636 in profit to meet our target goal of $10,000. Primera lectura: Ex 20, 1-17 (La ley fue dada por Moi- During our Read-A-Thon, we invite parishioners to sés) write a note to a class telling the students what reading has La liberación de la esclavitud egipcia y el pacto con Dios meant to you, how reading has opened up new awareness, of en Sinaí, hacen de Israel el pueblo escogido. En su nuevo exploration, pleasure, thought, ideas, etc. Choose any grade estado recibieron ellos una nueva ley, el Decálogo, que tie- you like. Address your note to the students and drop it in ne sentido de respuesta, reconocimiento y acción de gracias the Offertory basket or mail it to the school (98 Main St.) at por la gran intervención salvífica de Dios. Pongamos aten- my attention. I know that the students will appreciate your ción. interest in them and will be inspired to read more by your encouragement. Segunda lectura: 1 Cor 1, 22-25 (Predicamos a Cristo Our Lenten journey continues... The students con- crucificado) tinue to engage in acts of kindness such as giving five com- Un tema muy espacial para san Pablo es el misterio de la pliments to a friend, saying three prayers for someone, cruz de Cristo en su muerte y en su resurrección. Para los thanking God five times a day, and doing jobs around the cristianos comprometidos la cruz es fuerza y sabiduría sal- house. vadora para el mundo. Escuchemos. Our preschoolers are studying famous women painters such as Georgia O'Keefe. Next, they will be learning about St. Tercera lectura: Jn 2, 13-25 (Destruyan este templo y Elizabeth Seton. Preschool is a busy place these days! en tres días lo levantaré)

—-Mary Lou Torre, Pincipal La expulsión de los traficantes del templo lo hace Jesús para que no conviertan en mercado la Casa de su Padre, que es Casa de Oración. Esto nos revela a Jesús como el enviado por Dios para establecer una nueva Alianza y una This Lent Why Not: Attend the Sta- religión en espíritu y verdad. Con su resurrección se levan- tions of the Cross in Church or watch a Religious Education live stream version of the Stations of tará un templo nuevo, su Cuerpo resucitado, la Comunidad the Cross as a family. nueva en que lo más importante es la fe y la vida interior.

MARCH 7, 2021

A Lenten Prayer:

Confirmation Full-Day Retreat O most gentle Jesus, The students in our Confirmation Program had a retreat by your precious blood, this past Saturday! The theme was 'Persevering in our faith with the intercession of Our Lady Undoer of Knots'. deliver us from all evils. Talks were given by a young married couple, and by a By your most bitter death member of the adult RCIA team! give us a lively faith, The teens played games and icebreakers to get to know firm hope and perfect charity, each other more deeply. And they were able to reflect on the knots of sin and discourse that are tied in their lives, so that with our whole hearts and how Our Lady helps us undo all these knots in a love we may love you relationship with Christ. with all our sould and strength. At the end of the retreat the teens were able to have a beautiful Mass celebrated by Fr. Mecca. We thank him for Make us persevere coming and giving us his time as well as his terrific homily! in your service, We are thankful also to Evan and Cynthia Psencik, as well firm and steadfast in good works, as, Carlos Andino for the dedication to Christ and their willingness to share and witness to their faith! so that we may be always —-Michael Falbo, Youth Director able to please you. Amen.

—-St. Clare of Assisi

Musical Notes:

Our Music Director, together with the St. Peter Schola, has created a virtual Stations of the Cross that can be viewed on our web- site. One of our choir members, Christy Langston, took wonderful pictures of our Stations here at St. Peter. These pictures will be shown on a YouTube video over a record- ing of our St. Peter Schola singing Franz Liszt’s “Via Cru- cis.” Liszt’s “Via Crucis” is a powerful composition for organ and choir composed in 1879 specifically for the 14 Stations of the Cross. This 40 minute video will allow you 2021 Mass Book to spiritually walk the Way of the Cross from the comfort of your own homes during this pandemic year. The 2021 Mass Book has many openings. They Zoom Course on Gregorian Chant begin as early as

Don’t forget to register for a Zoom Course examining the You may call the office to history and practice of Gregorian Chant. This online course reserve Masses or stop by will take place on Tuesdays, March 9, 16, and 23 from 8-9 between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. weekdays. pm. If you haven’t experience Zoom yet, it’s very easy. Simply go to our website and register with your name and The Book for 2022 in NOT yet available! email address. I will in turn email you instructions, along with a link which you will click to join the class. No musi- cal experience is necessary. Why not increase your appre- KINDLY REMEMBER THE SICK OF THE PARISH ciation of one of the treasures of our Catholic heritage dur- ing this Lenten season! Daniel Alvarez Dorothy Bennett Richard Botelho Nubia Dekker Kristin Harrison Elizabeth Ianelli Dan Land —-Glen Segger, Director of Music Teddy Marchione Christopher McLaughlin Joseph Pepin Luciana Perreira Sr. Mary Bernard Wiecezak

MARCH 7, 2021

Help Stop State Sponsored Suicide LENTEN Politicians in Hartford are again considering assist- ALMSGIVING ed suicide legislation. The Public Health Committee of the Connecticut General Assembly is considering legalizing a form of suicide in our state commonly Weekend of: Item Requested referred to as "aid-in-dying" or "physician-assisted suicide". The Committee has raised House Bill 6425 March 21 Toilet Paper "An Act Concerning Aid in Dying for Terminally Ill March 28 Dish Soap and Patients". Household Cleaners Modern hospice care and the proper use of pain medications render suicide unnecessary, and we need to be mindful of the threat that a suicide mentality poses to vulnerable people and to people with disabil- ities Easter cards Many people believe that a physician is deeply in- The Noon Mass on Easter Sunday will volved in this process. This not true. The physician be offered for our Living loved ones. orders the mixture of medications, the patient must The Offering is $5.00. then consume the deadly cocktail of drugs without assistance. Many times without even a physician or nurse present.

We should never allow legislators to establish sui- A beautiful Easter gift cide as a solution to medical issues. Don’t let the for someone special. state persuade us that it’s dignified for an ill person to sign their own execution order. Don’t let the state cre- ate an environment where ill people will feel they have a “responsibility to die”. ------

St. Joseph Church, Brookfield, CT Catholic teaching condemns physician-assisted sui- Tuesdays in Lent from 7 to 8 p.m. cide because it, like murder, involves taking an inno- cent human life: An essential ingredient in the spiritual and pastoral Suicide is always as morally objectionable as murder. revival of every community of faith is fostering ev- The Church's tradition has always rejected it as a gravely er greater availability to the Sacrament of Penance. evil choice: To concur with the intention of another person To this end, Centers of Mercy have been estab- to commit suicide and to help in carrying it out through so lished in each Deanery. St. Joseph Church, -called "assisted suicide" means to cooperate in, and at times to be the actual perpetrator of, an injustice which Brookfield, is the local center. Reconciliation is can never be excused, even if it is requested. Saint Augus- available each Tuesday from 7 to 8 p.m. tine writes that "it is never licit to kill another: even if he should wish it.” True "compassion" leads to sharing an- other's pain; it does not kill the person whose suffering we

cannot bear. (John Paul II, The Gospel of Life, no. 66). Stations of the Cross TAKE ACTION: Go to the website below, read more on the issue and Join us for Stations of the Cross each then sign the petition to stop the legalization of assist- Friday evening at ed suicide in Connecticut 7:00 p.m. during Lent. www.ctstopsuicide.org Connecticut Catholic Public Affairs Conference