Saint George Church January 3, 2021 OntheGreen The Epiphany of the Lord
33 Whitfield Street, Guilford, CT 06437 www.stgeorgeguilford.org Email: [email protected] Parish Office: 2034532788 Fax: 2034531707 Religious Education Office: 2034533496 Parish offices located in the Fr. Sullivan Center Office Hours: MondayNThursday 9:00AM to 5:00 PM Friday 9:00AM to 1:00 PM Closed Saturdays and Sundays Mass Schedule: Saturday Vigil: 4:30 PM. Sunday: 8:00, 10:00, 11:30 AM Daily Mass: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 8:30 AM Confessions: Saturday 3:15 4:00 PM Monday 5:45 6:45 PM
Parish Staff PreBaptism Class Fr. Stephen Sledesky x 207, Pastor Contact Cara Correll for information: 2034532788. [email protected] Bulletin Notices for the Church bulletin should be Fr. Dennis Vincenzo x 206, Parochial Vicar submitted by the Monday afternoons for inclusion in [email protected] that Sunday’s bulletin. Notices should be dropped off Deacon Robert Tartaris or sent to the Parish Office in the Fr. Sullivan Center; [email protected] or email [email protected] Sr. Kathleen Lynch x 201, Pastoral Associate [email protected] Homebound/Hospitalized Patricia Nealon x 202, Financial Manager If you or someone you know is homebound and [email protected] would like to receive Holy Communion, or Francine Wainer x 215, Operations Manager hospitalized and would like a visit, please call the [email protected] Parish Office. Cara Correll x204, Baptism, Family, Pre K & K [email protected] Diane Birdsall x205, Grades 1 M 6 Prayer Line To request prayers or to receive the list [email protected] via email, please contact Dede Collins at 203453 Claire Nicholls x209, Grades 7 10, Peer Ministry 2306 or [email protected] [email protected] Sara Trotter x210, Administrative Assistant [email protected] Justine Lovelace x203, Administrative Assistant [email protected] Emily Phillips, Music Ministry Director [email protected] Margot Burkle & William White, Trustees Michael Tufano, Grand Knight, Knights of Columbus Cheryl Panzo, Principal Sr. Annette D’Antonio, MPF, Assistant Principal Saint George Mission Statement 62 Cedar Street As unique disciples of Jesus, we seek to know, to teach Branford, CT 06405 and to reflect Christ by welcoming and serving others 2034888386 through our Catholic faith. www.eastshorelinecatholicacademy.org
Our Lady of Fatima Rosary is recited in the Church every Wednesday at 7:15PM. The Divine Mercy Chaplet Masses are still being celebrated and livestreamed on our website. is recited every Tuesday SATURDAY 01/02/2021 Sts. Basil the Great & Gregory Nazianzen immediately after the 8:30AM 8:30 AM Chris Wallingford Lay Mass. Missionaries of Charity Padre Pio Prayer Group 4:30 PM Martin Ocasio (10th Anniv.) Aunt Sue meets in the Ruiz Center First Saturday of the month SUNDAY, 01/03/2021 M Epiphany of the Lord after the 8:30AM Mass. 8:00 AM Parishioners of St. George The Rosary for 10:00 AM Joseph Sordi Wife, Florence Healing & Protection is recited in the Church on the 4th 11:30 AM Jack Pohlman Carol Sunday of every month at 6:00 PM. MONDAY, 01/04/2021 M St. Elizabeth Ann Seton 8:30 AM Ken Smith Carol 5:45 PM Eucharistic Adoration and Confessions Sunday: TUESDAY, 01/05/2021 St. John Neumann Is 60:16/Eph 3:23a, 56/Mt 2:112 8:30 AM Meredith White Family Monday 1 Jn 3:22N4:6/Mt 4:1217, 2325 WEDNESDAY, 01/06/2021 M St. Andre Bessette 8:30 AM Jay Tilin Sheila & Mike Robbins Tuesday 1 Jn 4:710/Mk 6:3444 THURSDAY, 01/07/2021 St. Raymond of Penyafort Wednesday 8:30 AM William Reidell Shepter Family 1 Jn 4:1118/Mk 6:4552 FRIDAY, 01/08/2021 Thursday: 8:30 AM 1 Jn 4:19N5:4/Lk 4:1422a Friday: SATURDAY 01/09/2021 4:30 PM Josephine Gunther Letourneau Family 1 Jn 5:513/Lk 5:1216 Saturday: SUNDAY, 01/10/2021 M The Baptism of the Lord 1 Jn 5:1421/Jn 3:2230 8:00 AM Deceased Members of the Knights of Columbus Next Sunday: 10:00 AM Parishioners of St. George Is 42:14, 67/Jn 5:19/Mk 1:711 11:30 AM Thomas Michael Fay & Fay Family Family
Welcome Visitors & Newcomers! Whether you are visiting us for a brief time, looking for a parish home, or returning to the practice of your Catholic faith, we thank November Parish Support Offertory you, and extend a warm welcome to you as we join together in $67,940 prayer and worship! We know it is not easy visiting a new church (includes $23,555 in online giving) and we are here to help guide your way and answer any questions There were 5 weekends and the you may have. St. George is a thriving Catholic community of average was $13,588 per weekend individuals and families putting our faith into action and using our gifts of time and talent to serve our community. So, if you are Matthew 25 M $10,884 interested in registering as a parishioner or perhaps learning more (includes $3,784 in online giving) about our Catholic faith, we would like to hear from you. Questions may be submitted to [email protected] Upcoming Second Collections To register with our parish: www.stgeorgeguilford.org Jan 23/24 Archdiocesan Catholic High Schools
From the Pastor’s Desk… We Three Kings This weekend we celebrate the epiphany. This word, coming from the Greek epiphainein meaning “to reveal,” refers to Christ’s manifestation as God to the world. The Liturgical calendar in the United States places it on the Sunday between January 2nd and January 8th, but in many countries and cultures it is still celebrated on its traditional date of January 6th, the twelfth day of Christmas, known as “Little Christmas” or “Three Kings Day.” Celebrations abound in the streets with processions of costumed kings riding camels, with giftgiving happening more so on this day than Christmas in commemoration of the gifts presented to the infant Jesus. There is the traditional Kings Bread or Kings Cake, a round sweet bread in the shape of a crown in which a figurine of the infant Jesus is baked. Whoever gets the slice with the baby Jesus gets to be king for the day, and in some cultures is given the task of making a traditional cultural meal on Candlemas Day (February 2). Although Kings Cake is often associated with Mardi Gras, its original place was in the celebration of Three Kings Day. The popular song, “We Three Kings” gives us some insight into the celebration of the epiphany, but also a few challenges. First, were there really “three” “kings?” According to the biblical account of the visit of these men to the infant Jesus, the text simply says “behold, magi from the east arrived.” So the first question we may ask is what are “magi”? The Greek word magos can refer to a member of the Persian priestly class, or to one who possesses occult knowledge and power, or to a magician or even a charlatan. It is understood in the context of the biblical reading that these magi were likely possessors of the knowledge of astrology implied by their study of the stars. So they are not really kings at all, but men learned in astrology. Scholars believe that the “east” from which they came was likely Babylonia. The Scripture passage also never mentions how many there were. The tradition of “three” likely arises from the three gifts Scripture mentions: Then they opened their treasures and offered him gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. Three gifts are mentioned in Scripture. If there are three gifts, it was assumed there must be three gift givers, hence the “three kings.” Now the gifts that are presented have very special meaning, as illuminated by the traditional song. Born a king on Bethlehem’s plain, Gold I bring to crown him again, King forever, ceasing never, over us all to reign. The gold then, is a tribute to Christ’s universal, everlasting kingship. Frankincense to offer have I, incense owns a Deity nigh; Prayer and praising Gladly raising, Worship him, God on high. Incense was traditional burned as an offering to God. In the Jerusalem Temple it was offered morning and evening in the holy of holies. Zechariah, father of John the Baptist was a temple priest whom Scripture mentions making such an offering (cf. Lk. 1:810). Incense was also used in pagan rituals. In early Christianity, Roman authorities often demanded that incense be offered by Christians to the emperor or to other Roman gods. Those who refused were put to death. Incense (or frankincense as the song and scripture say) recognizes the Christ child’s divinity. Finally, Myrrh is mine; its bitter perfume breathes a life of gathering gloom; Sorrowing, sighing, bleeding, dying, Sealed in the stonecold tomb. Myrrh was a burial spice used in the ancient near east for embalming. The presentation of this gift foreshadows what lay in store for the Christ child in his crucifixion and death. In John’s account of Jesus’ burial (Jn. 19:38ff) Joseph of Arimathea asks for the body of Jesus and Nicodemus comes “bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes weighing about one hundred pounds” to prepare his body for burial. Even from the Christmas crib, the reason for Jesus’ birth is noted: that his death and resurrection will accomplish God’s saving work. May Christ’s Epiphany bring renewed hope to us all!
Embarking on a new ministry can be worrisome in the best of times. So, with slight trepidation and great faith we stepped in Ruth Pinto’s former role chairing the Christmas Sharing Ministry.Over many years of dedicated service Ruth had developed an excellent system of gathering, sorting, and distributing the gifts. Our trepidation lied with the pandemic and our faith lied with you, the parishioners of St. George. As always you came through! The response to the Christmas Sharing was tremendous.We greatly exceeded our expectations and the Agencies we work with were very thankful for your generosity and commitment to our Christian faith. Your kindness and caring will have a positive impact on many families in our area this Christmas season. We would also like to thank Ruth for her continued guidance, the peer ministers for their assistance gathering and sorting gifts, and the staff at St. George for their patience and support. With grateful hearts we wish you a Blessed New Year. Sharon Costello and Renee Meskill.
Saint of the Week St. Basil and St. Gregory Nazianzen January 2nd honors two saints who were very close friends, having studied together at Caesaria, Constantinople and Athens. St. Basil came from a devout Christian family: his grandmother, parents and eldest sister are all saints, and two of his brothers were also bishops: Gregory of Nyssa and Peter of Sebaste. Basil was born in 330 in Cappadocia (modern Turkey) and after his baptism, probably in 358, he entered monastic life. Basil founded a cenobitic monastery (where the focus is on communal prayer, a strict rule and manual labor) and proceeded to write two Rules for monastic life containing general norms in one and a collection of exhortations in the other. He became Bishop of Caesarea in 370 and defended the faith against Arianism (the heresy that denies the true divinity of Christ). He is described as being a gentle, prudent bishop who organized many charities. Gregory Nazianzen, born around 330 also came from a family that produced many saints. After his studies alongside Basil, Gregory joined him in monastic life, but that would be shortlived. He was called home to care for his ailing father St. Gregory Nazianzen the Elder, a bishop himself, and to assist in watching over his diocese. The elder Gregory ordained his son a priest (in those early days, priests and bishops were often married) and ten years later, the younger Gregory was reluctantly ordained bishop. Like Basil, Gregory was a consummate scholar and wrote prolifically on the nature of the Trinity which would have been an important topic of that time. He presided for a time over the First Council of Constantinople (381) but when his transfer to Constantinople was disputed, he resigned to maintain peace and unity. He spent the last years of his life in seclusion and died around 389. Both Basil and Gregory are honored as Doctors of the Church.
Bless Your Door on Epiphany The Gospel tells us that the Magi found Christ “on entering the house.” The door to your home is a holy threshold. You can bless those who come in and go out by inscribing above the door in chalk the first two numbers of the year+C+M+B+the last two numbers of the year. Tradition tells us that the letters stand for the names of the magi: Caspar, Melchior and Balthasar. Adolph Adam points out that it may also mean “Christus mansionem benedicat” or “May Christ bless this dwelling.” It’s appropriate to bless your door in JanuaryNjanua means “door” and the first month is the door to the new year. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, we will not be providing chalk that has been blessed to you this year. Chalk purchased from the store or even chalk left over from previous blessing years will be sufficient. Suggested Blessing for the Home on Epiphany The members of the household gather at the main door to the home. Read the story of the Magi from Matthew’s Gospel Chapter 2, verses 112. Inscribe 20+C+M+B+21 above the door with chalk. Pray the following blessing prayer: God of Bethlehem and Cana, God of Jordan’s leaping waters, in baptism you bring us into your family. You wed us and embrace us as your beloved. May we fill this place with kindness to one another, with hospitality to guest, and with abundant care for every stranger. By the gentle light of a star, guide home all who seek you on paths of faith, hope and love. Then we will join the angels in proclaiming your praise: Glory in heaven and peace on earth, now and for ever. Amen. Conclude with a song such as “We Three Kings” or “O Come All Ye Faithful.”
Keep Christ in Christmas Poster Contest Winners The Knights of Columbus would like to extend their congratulations to the poster winners from this year’s contest. The artwork that was created by the children were scanned and emailed to the Knights for their consideration. The winners this year are: Anne Jones (57 Age Category) Everly Shay (810 Age Category) Teagan Connellan (1114 Age Category) Thank you to all of those who entered the contest. The posters were all amazing and it was a difficult task to choose a winner. In our hearts, you are all winners! Here’s a sampling of some of the posters we received:
Christmas Recycling Program St. George’s own Boy Scout Troop 471 is pleased to offer its Christmas Tree Recycling Program again this year. Trees may be dropped off to the Scouts on designated dates or scheduled for con- venient pickup. On Saturdays, January 2 and January 9, Boy Scouts will accept trees from 9am to 2pm at three locations: Guilford Transfer Station Dudley Farm H2o Farm (Pinchbecks) The suggested donation is $8.00 Pickup service for Christmas trees is available through January 20. To schedule a tree pickup, please call 8608407279 or go to www.troop471guilford.org. Suggested donation is $20. The tree recycling program is the Troop’s primary fundraiser in addition to being a community service tradition spanning three decades. All funds raised benefit the Troop in various capacities. All trees are chipped and the wood chips are used for a good cause, most recently in the Guilford Dog Park.
Cereal Salt Mac & Cheese Coffee Ketchup Pancake Syrup Mustard Mayonnaise Canned Soups Canned Milk Tomato Sauce The Food Pantry extends its deepest gratitude for your constant generosity to our families.
Abraham’s Tent 2021 In Mind & Spirit, We Welcome the Men of Abraham’s Tent As mentioned in previous bulletin notices, Abraham’s Tent 2021 would normally be held this week in the Church Hall, but due to COVID19, we will not have guests staying with us. Instead, we will be providing for 30 guests at the Columbus House Overflow Shelter this week. We are asking for donations of both physical items and financial resources through THIS Sunday, January 3rd. The Committee will be making several trips throughout the week with the items that have been donated by our parishioners as a way to stay in touch with these men who seek to find permanent housing. Suggested items are as follows: All clothing items must be new, not used in any way. Store bought winter hats, gloves and scarves. (No handmade items please.) White socksNshort crew or midlength for warmth Surgical face masks (again no handmade masks please) Prepackaged treats Personal care supplies Gift cards of $10.00 to Dunkin Donuts, MacDonald’s, Burger King, Panera Bread, Five Guys, Dollar Store, Subway, Jersey Mike’s Financial donations for Bus Passes. Cost of a pass is approximately $20.00 Notes of encouragement Greeting cards from our younger and elementary school parishioners Financial donations to provide for a meal at the Overflow Shelter Art supplies Thank you for whatever assistance you can provide. COVID19 has definitely affected our ability to host our friends from Columbus House, but it has not affected our ability to share our friendship and kindness with them. Thank you, St. George Abraham’s Tent Team “…for I was hungry and you gave me food. I was thirsty and you gave me drink. I was a stranger and you welcomed me…” (Matthew 25)
HOW TO RECEIVE COMMUNION SAFELY Aproach single file via Step to one side, while holding the host in one hand, center aisle with mask on lower mask with free hand, place the host in mouth Extend hands, palms upward and Reposition mask and return to seat via the side flat to receive the host
Book Club News! Our next Zoom Book Club Meeting American Red Cross will be Wednesday, Jan. 20 at 7pm. Blood Drive We are reading, The Yellow Bird Sings St. George Church Hall by Jennifer Rosner. Friday, January 22, 8:30 AM6:00 PM If you already receive a link to our meeting, you are all set. If you are new and would like to participate, please send an Please sign up through the Red Cross Website at: www.redcrossblood.org email to [email protected] and I will send you the link. Wishing you a Happy New Year!
Assistance for Those Seeking Jobs Zoom Meetings Beautiful family creches and children’s nativity sets, ornaments, Christmas statues and The Guilford Job Network, a volunteer nondenominational collectibles from Willow Tree® and James group that supports jobseekers via expert guest speakers and Shore®.Christmas sale begins January 2nd. job search counseling, generallymeets twice monthlyvia live webcast meetings using Zoom. All jobseekers are welcome, Our Lady of Grace Monastery but first time attendees must email Russ Allen at Gift & Book Shoppe [email protected] to request a meeting invitation via 11 Race Hill Rd, North Guilford; email which includes a meeting link and password to join any 2034570599 meeting. The meetings will be on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of each month. Upcoming meeting dates are Open MonSat: 10 AMN12 Noon & 1 M 4 PM January 13, January 27 from 79 PM. Closed Sundays and Holy Days For more information, please contact Russ at Credit Cards are not accepted 2034570121 or[email protected] Making a Mass Reservation To make your weekend mass reservations, please Monthly Matthew 25 go to stgeorgeguilford.org, click on the Weekend Collection Mass Reservations Link found on the home page This Weekend, January 2 & 3 and choose your Mass. The money collected is used exclusively and entirely for Cancelling a Mass Reservation the charitable works of the parish, for individuals in need and organizations that help the poor. Thank you for your In the event that you have made a reservation continuing support and generosity. and you need to cancel it, please email Fran at [email protected] or call and leave a message on the voicemail (2034532788 x215). Unfortunately, there is no way for the parishioners to cancel reservations themselves, but by notifying us, you will be allowing someone else the opportunity to take your place and attend Mass.
Reminder! If you did not receive the parish Christmas card from Father Stephen, it might mean you are not officially registered in the parish. Please go online to www.stgeorgeguilford.org to register. Also, if you move or change your phone number/email, please remember to log in on our website and update your information or contact the office directly at 2034532788 and we can make the change for you!
St. George Religious EducationYouths Reach out At Christmas Caden Welch chose to do his community service project to benefit the New Haven Boys & Girls Club. He collected 70 stockings and offered a suggested list of items needed. Way to go Caden! The 8th grade students of Sarah Celotto’s CCD Class were busy as well designing ornaments which were delivered to the residents of The Mary Wade Home in Fair Haven. St. George Parish is truly blessed to have some many wonderful students bring Christmas Joy to others!
ESCA Families think of the Homeless at Christmas ESCA students, faculty and staff thought about the homeless this Christmas season. Students and families created Blessing Bags filled with love, toilet- ries and essentials. Our ESCA family is looking to make a difference, by helping to make someone's day special during the Christmas season, and by teaching students to show acts of kindness. It's part of mission as we prepare indvidual stu- dents to be our future leaders rooted in faith, service, and academic excel- lence. Some Christmas Fun at ESCA! Gr. 3 made their own class Christmas Card, PreK3 made Gingerbread Houses and PreK4 won best Christmas door decorations!
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