SAINT BRIDGET OF SWEDEN PARISH Where Christ is Our Light ———–——————— SUNDAY, MARCH 28, 2021 ————-——————
to him in the joyful times of our lives AND through the challenges of our Letter from the Pastor lives such as this pandemic we are in the midst of this very moment. Come! The Reverend Jeffrey V. Romans, KCHS Follow Jesus! May this truly be a holy week for you and your families, and for our parish family as well. and following Him. As we approach the holiest week of These are the days, above any other the year for us as Christians, we day of the year, when we are reminded look forward to the Paschal Celebra- Dear Friends in Christ: that: tions of Holy Thursday, Good Fri- But how will these TODAY we celebrate PALM SUN- day and Easter. if there is no cross, then there is no take place this year, and what will be DAY albeit a little different than conquering death; different due to precautions being tak- perhaps we had planned. It will not be the normal but we CAN be togeth- if there is no suffering, then there en in consideration of the coronavirus er! That, in and of itself, provides is no rejoicing; pandemic? some sense of normalcy in a year that if there is no faithful following in First, I want to express how humbled has been anything but normal. We His path, then there is no spending and grateful to God I am that we are continue with the mask- eternity with Him! even able to gather for these celebra- ing and the social distanc- Perhaps more than ever tions this year. That we can come to- ing but being able to be we can appreciate these gether, even with some modifications, together to celebrate this statements. Perhaps the is much better than where we were last most holy of weeks is a suffering of this past year. true gift, especially since year has opened our Yes there will be some differences we were not able to be hearts and our minds a together in church this from our pre-pandemic liturgies of ho- little bit more to see the ly week. As you are already aware, we time last year. Please fruits that come from will not be able to gather in large num- note that today from 10AM until our sharing in the passion of Christ. bers as we have in the past for the Ho- 12Noon parishioners will be outside ly Week and Easter Sunday. Despite the South Entrance to distribute This is Holy Week when shouts of tri- the loosening of some restrictions last Palm to our Virtual Parishioners. umph and joy as we celebrate Jesus’ week, we must still maintain proper Simply drive into the church lot and entry into Jerusalem quickly change to social distancing which means we con- around the building, and receive shouts of “Crucify him.” tinue with the capacity of 200 for this your palm staying in your car and We move today into the most sol- week and on Easter Sunday we move be on your way! emn week, Holy Week, and prepare to a capacity of 250 which we truly be- TODAY our celebra- ourselves for the celebration of lieve we can accommodate while still tion reminds us that Christ’s Passion, Death, and Resur- respecting the need for social distanc- we cannot get to East- rection. We begin this week’s long ing. er but by the way of journey with Christ, aware that each of Our Lord’s Passion us was in His mind and heart as He Everyone wishing to attend the and Cross. This is the endured His suffering to be the sacri- Triduum and Easter celebrations week in which we re- fice that takes away our sins. Through must make a reservation online in member and celebrate His wounds we are healed. advance on our website We like- the foundations of our Through His resurrection each of www.stbridgetcheshire.org. ly will not be able to accommodate faith. These are the us has the hope and promise of days of God’s grace and the days in sharing in that new life of the resur- walk-ins, so please be sure to sign-up which we are strengthened by the Pas- rection. The renewal of our Baptismal early! The Masses have all been added sion, Death, and Resurrection of Jesus Promises on Easter Sunday will remind to the registration for Masses link on Christ. us of our hope of forgiveness and our our website. We will also be opening hope in the resurrection! our Saint Thomas Becket Church for This week’s liturgies bring out into the Easter Sunday Masses only! This will open our hope of resurrection, our We have many choices in life. The allow us to accommodate 100 people in entrance into Heaven, which, as Christ most important of these is our decision the Church for those two Masses and so clearly revealed, depends not only to accept Jesus Christ. But accepting an additional 30 people in the Father on His dying and rising, but also on us the Lord means being united to him Frisbie Hall. I thank you in advance taking up our own individual crosses both in his glory AND in his passion. for your understanding with this. Accepting the Lord means being united
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ing as you make your way to receive Holy Jesus is here in our parish family. He is Communion and please keep your mask on! in each of our parishioners who desire Finally, please be sure to consume the to spread His light in the darkness of consecrated hosts while near the Ex- our world, who desire to be instru- traordinary Ministers. Do not carry ments of His love and mercy in the Some liturgical changes will have to the Lord back to your car with you! lives of those around them. He is pre- sent in each of us who desire to share take place too due to the re- Again, I thank you in advance for your we in the glory of the Resurrection! strictions. On Holy Thursday, cooperation with these procedures. will not be able to celebrate the foot And as we have been doing already, we Come and join us this Holy Week! washing ceremony as part of the Mass, will refrain from congregational and Come join us in person or via and there will be no altar of repose or choir singing until it is determined it is Livestream! Eucharistic procession. safe to resume, and everyone in attend- FINALLY, PLEASE BE SURE TO On Good Friday, we will have the ance is expected to wear a mask. With PRAY! Utilize this time, as individuals these necessary concessions, we will be veneration of the cross, but without and as families, to pray for an end to We will able to celebrate these special liturgies touching it or kissing it. the spreading of Coronavirus. We will provide the opportunity for those who this year in person, contemplating the get through this together! Please keep wish to venerate the cross to approach Lord’s passion and death, and rejoicing in your prayers those caring for others as we do during communion in a single together in his resurrection on Easter throughout this pandemic especially file, remaining properly distanced while Sunday! healthcare providers, nurses, doctors, in line, and then venerating the cross Another important message of the firefighters, police personnel, and with a profound bow or genuflection. liturgies this week is our call to pro- EMT’s that the Lord will bless them, The Easter Vigil, again to avoid the claim the message of Easter, He is protect them from harm, and keep crowding that can occur with a pro- not here, for He has been raised just them healthy! cession, will begin with everyone seat- as He said. This is a message of ed in church and no outdoor fire or Hope for the world. This is a mes- lighting of individual candles during the sage that must be shared! And Service of Light. But we WILL be able shared NOW! to celebrate the Sacraments for those in THIS is our role in the Hope and our Rite of Christian Initiation of Joy of Easter! We are not simply to Adults program so it will still be a walk this week with Jesus through His Lastly, a word of gratitude to the beautiful, moving, and meaningful ser- passion, death, and resurrection, nor Knights of Columbus Santa Fe vice! are we simply to just celebrate these Council 2978 for helping to organize Holy Thursday, Good Friday, the great mysteries of our faith, but we are our Confession and Communion Easter Vigil, and Easter Sunday called to be moved by them, to be mo- afternoon last Sunday. God gave us 10:30AM Mass will all be tivated, to be empowered to then go a beautiful day to celebrate this oppor- livestreamed for those still not com- out and find ways to proclaim this tunity, and their assistance made it a fortable attending in person. Good News to all the world. very stress-free and smooth experience for all. We are so grateful to the SOMETHING NEW! Worth a try! Knights for their willingness to serve One additional feature of the our parish in so many ways, such as 10:30AM Easter Mass this year will this, throughout this time of pandemic. be the opportunity to join us from your car with the use of your car As always, please remember to pray radio. Tune to station 89.5FM and for our parish family and ask God’s join us for the celebration of Mass and blessings as we build His kingdom then, at the time of Holy Communion, here. Please know that I am praying two Extraordinary Ministers of Holy We are called to find ways to proclaim for you, and I ask for your prayers for Communion will come outside behind that Jesus is NOT found among the me, that together through the interces- the Church building. Simply leave your dead, nor in an empty tomb! No, Jesus sion of Saint Bridget of Sweden, our car, and approach the Extraordinary is alive: He is living, He has been raised Patroness, and Blessed Father Michael Ministers to from the dead, He is among you! J. McGivney, and united in the Eucha- receive Holy rist, we will reflect the presence of Je- He is everywhere His people are, you C o m m u n - sus to the world. Have a Blessed Holy will find Him where hope fights des- ion. Please Week! pair, where love battles injustice, where m a i n t a i n compassion dries the tears of the suf- social distanc- fering.
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SAINT BRIDGET OF SWEDEN PARISH—WHERE CHRIST IS OUR LIGHT SǕ. BǓNJDžLjdžǕ CljǖǓDŽlj SǕ. Tljǐǎǂǔ BdžDŽnjdžǕ CljǖǓDŽlj 175 Main Street, Cheshire, CT 435 North Brooksvale Road, Cheshire, CT
The Reverend Jeffrey V. Romans, KCHS, Pastor The Reverend Anthony J. Federico, III, Parochial Vicar Pastoral Staff Mr. Paul Iadarola, Deacon, Senior Status Dr. Richard Wilber, Deacon Sister Patricia Cigrand, A.S.C.J., Pastoral Associate Mrs. Julia Atwood, Music Director Mrs. Donna Yatcko, Religious Education Director Mr. Regis O’Neill, Youth Minister Dr. Nancy Testa, Saint Bridget School Principal Parish Trustees Mr. Mark Izzo ● Mrs. Candace Nesbit Parish Staff Mrs. Madelyn Banti, Admin Assistant Mrs. Mary Beth Chamberlain, Admin Assistant Mr. Regis O’Neill, Admin Assistant for Communications Mr. Anthony Ginnetti, Sacristan
Rectory ...... 203-272-3531 Fax ...... 203-271-3356 Email ...... [email protected] Bullen Submissions ...... offi[email protected] Social Media ...... communica[email protected] Mailing Address ...... 175 Main Street, Cheshire, CT 06410
Our collection for the Thank you for your week of March 21st generosity!
Mailed-in/Dropped Off Online Offertory ...... $10,697.20 Offertory ...... $7,347.31 Easter Flowers ...... $1,649.00 Easter Flowers ...... $30.00
Weekend Corporal Work of Mercy Donation Item(s) This weekend March 27 & 28 Palm Sunday Visit the imprisoned Father Villa, who works with the prisoners in the Cheshire Prison, asked for us to purchase a book by Francis Xavier Nguyen Van Thuan called The Road of Hope. He was a Cardinal in the Church who was imprisoned in Vietnam for thirteen years and instead of giving in to despair and self-pity, he found God in the darkness and remembered that his life had purpose. It is a story of hope for those Father Villa serves. The book is $24, so we will have a special basket to collect funds in order to purchase some of these books for his ministry Next weekend April 3 & 4 Easter Sunday Bury the Dead as we celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus, we remember our loved ones who have gone before us in faith. May they share in His Resurrection!
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Saturday, March 27th The television Mass is simulcast 9:00 a.m. SBC Charles & Catherine Hobson The Family everyday at 10:00 a.m. on WCCT-TV 4:00 p.m. SBC Sean Devine His Parents & Sisters 5:15 p.m. SBC Denise Materia SBoS Contemporary WB20 and WCTX-TV MyTV9. It can Choir also be seen Saturday and Sunday at Sunday, March 28th: Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord 5:00 a.m. on WCCT-TV. 7:00 a.m. SBC Peter & Lucille Fitzsimmons The Family It can also be viewed online at and Matthew Fitzsimmons 8:00 a.m. SBC Jule & Giro Capone Anthony & Debra hps://www.ortv.org/streaming/ Federico streaming.htm 9:00 a.m. SBC Thomas Kenny Family 10:30 a.m. SBC Kerin Hinman Dan & Diane, Joshua & Jonathan Lebel 12:00 p.m. SBC Tom Iampietro The Iampietro Family Monday, March 29th 7:00 a.m. SBC Robert & Dorris Wright Dr. Maria Stack 9:00 a.m. SBC Harold O’Connor Peter & Mary Mongillo Tuesday, March 30th 7:00 a.m. SBC Robert & Dorris Wright Dr. Maria Stack There is NO Adoraon on Wednesday, March 31st 7:00 a.m. SBC Robert & Dorris Wright Dr. Maria Stack Good Friday, April 2nd 9:00 a.m. SBC School Mass—Salvatore & Peter & Mary Mongillo Mary Mascia Thursday, April 1st: Holy Thursday NO morning Mass 7:00 p.m. SBC Mass of the Lord’s Supper Friday, April 2nd: Good Friday NO morning Masses 3:00 p.m. SBC Good Friday Service 7:00 p.m. SBC Stations of the Cross Saturday, April 3rd: Holy Saturday The rectory office will be closed NO morning Mass 11:00 a.m. SBC Blessing of Food on Good Friday, April 2nd NO 4pm or 5:15pm Masses 8:00 p.m. SBC Vigil Special Intention Sunday, April 4th: Easter Sunday of the Resurrection of the Lord 7:00 a.m. SBC Special Intention 8:00 a.m. SBC Special Intention 8:30 a.m. STBC* Special Intention 9:00 a.m. SBC Special Intention 10:30 a.m. SBC Special Intention 10:30 a.m. STBC* Special Intention 12:00 p.m. SBC Special Intention Remember to pray for the U.S.
SBC = St. Bridget Church STBC = St. Thomas Becket Church military service members on our military prayer list on page 13. *and Father Frisbie Hall
The Tabernacle candle at Tabernacle candle at St. Bridget Church St. Thomas Becket Church shines this week for shines this week for The Victims of Recent Atrocities The Souls in Purgatory in Our Nation and Their Families
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Ready to attend services in person? See be- Not comfortable coming in person? That’s low for services and events you can attend in OK! We have plenty of online services for person, using appropriate masking, social dis- you! See below for this week’s schedule tancing, & occupancy guidelines, of course! and how to join virtually.
This week we are offering the following JOIN US FOR OUR ONLINE SERVICES! Masses in St. Bridget Church: V Sunday, 3/28 at 10:30AM—Celebration of the Palm Sunday Mass V Monday—7am & 9am V Monday, 3/29 at 10AM—Getting to Know V Tuesday—7am our Holy Family—a brief talk about Blessed V Wednesday—7am & 9am Bartolo Longo V Wednesday, 3/31 at 10AM—Lenten video
series “Turning to Christ in the Desert” See page 11 for the schedule of with Father Romans Holy Week and Easter Services V Thursday, 4/1 at 7PM—Mass of the Lord’s Supper To attend Mass sign up at V Friday, 4/2 at 3PM—Good Friday Service bit.ly/SBoSMassSign-Up V Friday, 4/2 at 7PM—Stations of the Cross V Saturday, 4/3 at 8PM—Celebration of the Easter Vigil Mass Rosary every Monday at 1:30pm in St. Bridget V Sunday, 4/4 at 10:30AM—Celebration of the Church Easter Mass Cancer Support Group every Wednesday thru April 21st at 6:30pm in St. Bridget School Library—sign up Online Services can be viewed on the at bit.ly/3bY2Th1 homepage of our website at www.stbridgetcheshire.org Staons of the Cross every Friday in Lent at 7pm in on YouTube hps://bit.ly/SBoSYTChannel St. Bridget Church—sign up at bit.ly/SignUp-Staons or Facebook @stbridgetofswedenparish Drive-thru CONFESSION available on Tuesday, 3/30, NOTE: The dispensation from the Sunday obligation previous- from 5:00-6:00pm and Saturday, 4/3, from 11:00am- ly granted to all Catholics of the archdiocese by the Archbish- op has been extended through Sunday, May 23, 2021. 12:00pm Those in high-risk categories are encouraged to continue stay- ing home, even as others begin to return to Mass. The deci- sion to attend is yours. Please use prudence and good judge- NOTE: Appropriate masking, social distancing, and occupancy ment in considering if you should attend a public Mass at this guidelines must be followed at all services, meetings & events. time.
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Today is Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord The readings for today can be found at hps://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/032821.cfm
Today’s Gospel reading is taken from the Gospel of John. We are reading much further into John’s Gos- pel than we have for the past two weeks. Chapter 12 of John’s Gospel is a preparation for the beginning of the passion narrative to follow. Jesus has just raised Lazarus from the dead—an important sign in John’s Gospel, which inspired many people to believe in Jesus. This event also marks the turning point in Jesus’ conflict with the Jewish authorities. John’s Gospel tells us that the Sanhedrin met after this event and made plans to kill Jesus. In the 12th chapter of John’s Gospel, Jesus is anointed at Bethany and en- ters Jerusalem in triumph. We again see evidence of the significance of the raising of Lazarus to this event; John reports that the crowds also gathered to see Lazarus. Following his triumphant entry into Jerusalem, Jesus predicted his suffering, death, and Resurrection and prepared his disciples to believe in the salvation that his death would accomplish. Using the metaphor of the grain of wheat, Jesus presented the idea that his dying would be beneficial. He also taught that those who would be his disciples must follow his example of sacrifice. This theme will be repeated in John’s account of the Last Supper, when Jesus washed the feet of his disciples as an example of how they must serve one another. The final section of today’s Gospel might be read as John’s parallel to the agony in the garden. Unlike the Synoptic Gospels, the Gos- pel of John does not record Jesus’ anguished prayer in the garden of Gethsemane before his arrest. Although comparable words are found in today’s reading, Jesus gives a confident response to the question he raises when asking God to save him from his impending death. After announcing his conviction that it is for this purpose that he came, a voice from heaven speaks, as if in answer to Jesus’ prayer. This voice, like the one heard at Jesus’ baptism and at Jesus’ Transfiguration—events reported in the Synoptic Gospels but not in John’s Gospel—affirms that God welcomes the sacrifice that Jesus will make on behalf of others. In John’s Gospel, Jesus teaches that this voice was sent for the sake of those who would believe in him. In today’s Gospel, we also hear Jesus speak about the cosmic framework against which we are to understand his passion, death, and Resurrection. Through his death and Resurrection, Jesus conquered Satan. In this way the world is judged, but the judgment is not condemnation. Instead, through Jesus’ dying and rising, salvation is brought to the world. www.loyolapress.com
For more informaon to beer understand the readings, go to bit.ly/3r4Qk7W
It is important that when you give to any charitable organization, you are confident that the funds received are being used wisely. Be assured that your gift to the Archbishop’s Annual Appeal supports the ministries and programs indicated in the 2021 Appeal literature! Organizations such as Cheshire Community Food Pantry right here in our own town received funding from the Appeal’s Vicariate Outreach Program that makes a difference in the lives of our local neighbors. Please visit the Appeal website at www.archdioceseofhartford.org to learn more and make your gift today. All funds contributed to the Archbishop’s Annual Appeal are used exclusively for the purposes outlined in the Ap- peal literature, which can be found at https:// archdioceseofhartford.org/appeal/. No Appeal funds are ever used for legal fees or settlements.
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Principal: Dr. Nancy Testa St. Bridget School Director of Campus Ministry: Mrs. Judy Rowinski Update
SBS Gazette—Edition #5 by Avery Fowler Ora et Labora Part 3: Mother Prioress Noella Marcellino, O.S.B. “Ora et labora” is a Benedictine In an effort to become a better what God has given to us even more. principle that means prayer and work. cheesemaker, she earned her Ph.D. Mother Prioress Noella Marcellino “Earning a Ph.D. is hard even if you are Farm work also helps teach her O.S.B. is a nun and talented cheese- a nun or not. In my case, as a scientist teamwork and cooperation. “One per- maker that lives by this principle. She there were months when I feared we son alone cannot make a farm work. started her cheese making journey years would not have any meaningful re- We depend on each other for our gifts ago when a cow named Sheba was do- sults.” and contributions to the work to keep nated to the abbey. Mother explained our life going.” She says that it is much that making cheese is a great way to Besides making delicious cheese, like St. Paul’s body analogy in 1 Corin- “store” extra milk. Mother’s farm work helps her get clos- thians 12:15-26. er to God because “Transforming milk As the abbey expanded their herd, into dairy products often makes me The advice she wants to give to you they added a kind of cow called Dutch stand back and wonder in God’s crea- is to appreciate God’s work and crea- Belted. They originated in Switzerland. tion. When you see a calf just after it is tion in animals, nature, and the whole They made the switch to Dutch Belted born, you can’t believe how perfect this world. She says that having animals when one of the nuns saw one at the little creature is and how its mother helps you learn about the process of life Plymouth Plantation and fell in love. knew just what to do to calve. Working and death. She would also like you to These kinds of cows are bred to make with milk I feel blessed by God’s boun- reflect on how you can find God in high quality cheese. Talking about the ty to us. And as a microbiologist look- your favorite animal or in doing your Dutch Belted she said, “What I love is ing through a microscope I can’t help chores. their beauty, especially their eyes and but marvel at creation on a molecular their softness.” level.” Doing this makes her appreciate
Just a few Days Le to Vote!!!
Classes are filling! We are accepting 2021-2022 Applications for Grades PK-3 through Grade 8. Visit our website for our Virtual Open House or call us to set up your in-person tour. All tours are one-family only, giving you a safe way to visit and the privacy to ask whatever questions you may have.
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Office of Religious Education — Donna Yatcko, DRE [email protected] 203.272.6504 Monday – Friday 8:30 am to 1:30 pm Religious Education Schedule Grade 1, 2, 4, 5 and 6 Confirmation Program Virtual Family Meetings 9th grade Sunday, April 11th at 9 AM Virtual Class Monday, April 5th at 4 PM and 5:30 PM Sunday, April 11th at 5 PM Tuesday, April 6th at 4 PM Sunday, April 25th at 5 PM
th First Communion Classes 10 grade In Person Class In Person Class Sunday, April 11th at 8:30 AM Sunday, April 11th at 5 PM
Virtual Class Sunday, April 25th at 8:30 AM Catechesis of the Good Shepherd
th th Virtual Class Middle School 7 and 8 grades Tuesday, April 6th at 4PM Virtual Class Tuesday, April 20th at 4PM Sunday, April 11th at 10AM
Apologetics 101: The Church & Science Recently, our Next Generaon of Disciples Youth Group had a fascinang conversaon about the relaonship be- tween faith and science. We thought the wider parish might benefit from the discussion! The Catholic Church is pro-science! The Church embraces all that the sciences learn and discover – about the natural world, about the universe and about the human person. - The Church welcomes truth in all its forms. Faith and science have the same goal – to know the truth. - They do so by asking different yet complementary quesons. * Science asks “how?” * Faith asks “why?” It is a myth, and a lazy one, that the Church is an-science or that sciences disproves faith. There are so many fascinang examples of the Church’s posive relaonship with the various scienfic fields. - The hypothesis that most people think disproves the existence of God, The Big Bang Theory, was actual- ly first proposed by a Catholic priest: Monsignor Georges Lemaitre! - The father of modern genecs, Gregor Mendel, was an Augusnian Friar. One of the best things about being Catholic is how much intellectual freedom the Church gives us to invesgate and form our own opinions. There are dogmac truths, of course, which every Catholic is required to believe. But beyond them there is tremendous personal intellectual latude. - For example, the Church gives us the freedom to read the story of Creaon in the Book of Genesis as either a literal account or a creave allegory. - We can use insights from the sciences to enhance our understanding of the world God has given us. Another example is that the Catholic Church, which is supposedly so against scienfic progress, funds one of the largest deep space telescopes in the world! - The Vacan Advanced Technology Telescope is the key piece of equipment at the Vacan Observatory, one of the most advanced astronomical research labs on the planet! So much for being an-science! For more on the Church’s teachings on evoluon and the origin of the universe, we recommend reading In The Begin- ning and Creaon & Evoluon, both by Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI.
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Ten years ago, I was young and healthy and acve. Then I was diagnosed with Hyperthyroidism, Graves Disease and Thyroid Eye Disease and it got to the point that I was completely unable to funcon in any day to day acvity. Brush- ing my teeth would be considered an accomplishment. I would go to doctor a er doctor begging for help. They would tell me I was suffering from psychiatric disorders or extreme depression. I have never felt so alone and hopeless in my life and began to think maybe I really was losing my mind at 33 years old. As the months went on my symptoms worsened especially my vision, the disease aacked the muscles behind my eyes leaving me with double vision, extreme pain, pressure, swelling and the worst of all, my depth percepon being off. As a result, I did develop extreme anxiety and depression. I became paranoid and scared to even leave my house because the world as I once saw it was no longer the same. Many days the devil would creep in and tell me I am beer off not living anymore and I believed him. I was not the mother that my kids deserved because I was in such pain every day. I knew as a Chrisan, I am supposed to surrender to God and trust the plan, but my life was so dark. I doubted him, I didn't understand why I was being punished like this. I only had a small amount of faith that I was willing to give but because my Grandma Rosi always taught me a mustard seed size faith is all you need, I held onto that like my life depended on it, because it literally did. As I would lay in bed, I would cling to my sheets imagining they were the hem of his garment and he would heal me like he did in the bible but nothing would change. One morning, I started having weird pains in my jaw that would radiate up to my temples and eyes. I was just angry at God and hysterical crying to my husband saying "I guess this is just it for me, this is now my life. I am sorry but I can't do this anymore." I went into my sons room around 7am, as I came out I put my head in my hands and was fighng back tears, I looked up and my hallway was the brightest sunlight I have ever seen in my enre life, especially since living in this house for 5 years. I got this OVERWHELMING urge to stare at this unbelievably bright brilliant sunlight and walk towards it, these intense feelings of an indescribable happiness, calming and peace consumed my body. My son came out of his room and covered his face saying "Ah my eyes" because the light was THAT strong. I called my cousin Anthony, who is a priest and told him what happened. He said "Of all the days for this to happen to you I am having a healing service at my church tonight, I suggest you come" Even though I hadn't really le my house at all, No pandemic, NOTHING would have stopped me from being there. I went out in public, in the pandemic and did not feel ANY fear whatsoever. I received the sacrament of Anoinng of the Sick. The next morning I woke up with full mobility of my eyes, no pain, no sffness, no pressure, no headache, no fague!! And I have had no pain since then! I realize now that the true miracle is not just that God healed my body but what he did for my soul. A er all the mes I doubted, I sinned, I did and said horrible things about and to people, I yelled at God, I even told him I hated him at mes he sll had mercy on my soul and I realized that very moment he never abandoned me. The person I was in the past was good and all but not a Chrisan. That Gina probably wouldn't have made it to heaven. Looking back God tried to get my aenon YEARS ago with subtle things like changing my financial situaon. He knew how much I valued money and ma- terial things. It literally took taking away my eye sight in order for me to truly see him. This gi NO amount of money could ever buy. It is not just my gi though, I want to share this gi with the world to anyone who is struggling or suffering, when the world seems dark and we feel we are all alone, Please hang on to the hem of his garment, he says a mustard seed size faith is all we need and no maer what anyone says to you never let go of it and never underesmate the power of that mustard seed. -Gina Queiroga
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Cheshire K of C KNIGHTS KORNER by Harold Metz, Council Trustee
Grand Knight, Jason Molitierno —[email protected]
As was mentioned last week, our Council has taken it upon ourselves to urge our fellow pa- rishioners to attend the Good Friday Liturgy. So much of what we do as Catholics is centered around a weekly event: the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. The anticipation of Easter Sunday, the most important event of the Church year, and in all of history, sometimes causes other events, like Good Friday, to become overshadowed. Consider how much more profound Easter Sunday Mass would be if we were to attend the Good Friday Liturgy in preparation. For those who have never attended this Liturgy before, or need a refresher, below is the list we provided last week so you know what to expect: 1. The Good Friday Liturgy is not a Mass, though many of the things you're used to "seeing" on Sunday are part of the liturgy. 2. There is no Consecration of the Eucharist, but Communion consecrated on Holy Thursday will be distribut- ed to us. 3. Unique to the Good Friday Liturgy is the Veneration of the Cross. The priest will go to the back of the church and bring a large crucifix forward in procession to the altar. Then everyone in the congregation who is able will come up to venerate the cross. Due to Covid, this veneration will either be a bow or a genuflec- tion before the Cross. 4. The Liturgy typically lasts slightly more than one hour. So, we hope you will join us for this wonderful Liturgy this Friday at 3:00pm in St. Bridget Church. P.S. We hope all those who ordered our Grab & Go Lenten meal enjoyed it this past Friday. As it turns out, St. Jo- seph's Day is a Solemnity so our veggie lasagna could have been meat lasagna. Oh well!
Holy Week and Easter Services
Holy Thursday—April 1 Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper at 7PM Ask Father In Saint Bridget Church Dear Father: What does the word ‘Lent’ mean Good Friday—April 2 ? Service of the Lord’s Passion at 3PM in Saint Bridget Church Dear friend in Christ, Stations of the Cross at 7PM in Saint Bridget Church Timely! It comes from an old Germanic word meaning ‘to lengthen.’ It refers Holy Saturday—April 3 Blessing of the Food at 11AM in Saint Bridget Church to the lengthening of days that occurs in the springme. Lent is a period of The Easter Vigil in the Holy Night at 8 PM preparaon for Easter, a sort of spring- in Saint Bridget Church cleaning for the soul. Please note there is no 9AM, 4PM or 5:15PM Mass on Holy Saturday! The word ‘Lent’ is far easier to say than the official Church tle for this period Easter Sunday—April 4 Masses at 7, 8, 9, 10:30AM, and Noon in Saint Bridget Church of prayer, fasng and almsgiving: Quad- ragesima, which means ‘the 40th day.’ (250 capacity per Mass) Masses at 8:30 and 10:30AM in Saint Thomas Becket Church (100 capacity per Mass in the Church and 30 additional in the Father Frisbie Hall)
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Intenons for the Tabernacle candle are Youth Ministry available. To reserve the candle at either Regis O’Neill, Youth Minister church for a living or deceased loved one, [email protected] call the rectory at 203-272-3531. 203-233-848 The Tabernacle candle offering is $25.
Verse of the Week Hebrews 11:1 “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.”
Upcoming Events 1. There will be no NGD meeting this Sunday, March 28th or on Easter Sunday, April 4th. Have a blessed Easter, March 21st was International Down Syndrome day. and we look forward to seeing our high schoolers from Down Syndrome (Trisomy 21) is a genetic disorder 6:30-8:30pm in the Saint Bridget School gym on Sun- caused by an extra copy of the 21st chromosome. People day, April 11th! with Down Syndrome experience intellectual and devel- 2. We will be sponsoring a Bags of Hope toiletry drive to opmental delays. Sadly, about two out of three of preg- benefit the Saint Vincent DePaul Mission in Waterbury nancies in America where the preborn child is diagnosed from April 5-11th. More information available on the par- with Down Syndrome ends in abortion. Many parents of ish website! High schoolers, we need volunteers to help children with Down Syndrome speak of the joy these collect donations at Masses on 4/10-11. Contact Donna children bring into their lives. "These children need a Yatcko or Regis O’Neill to sign up to help out! voice and someone fighting for them and with them...Every life is precious. Every life is purposeful. Saint of the Week And I’m honored to stand in defense of each one of Saint Ludovico of Casoria them.", wrote Barry Moerschell in an article about his experiences as a father of a child with Down Syndrome. Feast Day: March 29th Visit https://www.humancoalition.org/2021/03/19/my- Bio: Born Arcangelo Palmentieri in Casoria, Italy, St. Ludovico experience-raising-a-child-with-down-syndrome/ to read took the name we know him by when he entered the Friars his heartfelt and passionate reflection. Minor in 1832 at the age of 18. He was ordained a priest 5 years later, and spent a decade teaching chemistry, physics, —————————— and mathematics to younger friars. In 1847, Ludovico had a The Equality Act recently passed in the U.S. House of mystical experience (he called it a “cleansing”). He was so Representatives, and has moved over to the U.S. Senate. moved by this experience that he left teaching behind and If passed into law, the "Equality Act" would jeopard- devoted his life to the poor and the sick. He established nu- ize religious freedom, increase the threat of abortion to merous houses, schools, and shelters for all manner of dis- the unborn, and undermine the Catholic Church's ability advantaged groups. He was quoted as saying, “Christ’s love to provide human services accross the nation. According has wounded my heart.” In 1859, he founded the Gray to the USCCB, the "Equality Act": Brothers, a religious community of men who formerly be- forces religiously operated spaces and establish- longed to the Secular Franciscans, shortly followed by the ments, such as church halls, to either host functions Gray Sisters in 1862. The last 9 years of Ludovico’s life were that violate their beliefs or close their doors to their marked with illness, and he wrote a communities spiritual testament during this time. He died in 1885, was beatified in requires women to compete against men and boys in 1993, and was canonized in 2014. sports, and to share locker rooms and shower facili- ties with men and boys Saint Ludovico, pray for us! forces faith-based charities that serve all people to violate their religious beliefs, and threatens the wel- fare of thousands of beneficiaries of charitable ser- vices such as shelters and foster care agencies, by forcing a multitude of them to be shut down jeopardizes existing prohibitions on the use of feder- al taxpayer funds for abortion, likely pressuring or Please pray for this couple as they even mandating the performance of abortions by prepare for the Sacrament of Marriage: health care providers in violation of their conscienc- es, and ultimately ending more human lives I Christopher Sica & Marielle Racamato Visit https://www.usccb.org/equality-act to learn more and to see how you can help.
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Captain Cassandra Andrea USAF LTJG Derek Molkenbuhr, US Navy Captain J. Michael Andrea USAF LT Marisa Molkenbuhr, US Navy SRA Garrett Barboza, USAF LTJG Trevor Molkenbuhr, US Navy Major David B. Beale, US Army Senior Chief Petty Officer Pasquale Moreland, US Navy Specialist Alan Bell, US Army Corporal Ginamarie Mazzucco, USMC Petty Officer 2nd Class Michael Betts, US Navy Lance Corporal Kathryn Mazzucco, USMC Lieutenant Kevin Briskin, US Army Airman First Class Anthony Nero, USAF ENS Michelle Browning, US Navy Lt. Christopher Nguyen, US Army Sergeant Brian Caouette Specialist Eric Normand, US Army Captain Leslie Ann Capuano, USMC Captain Philip O’Neill, USAF Lieutenant Hollis Ann Capuano, US Navy Captain Denis L. O’Reilly, USMC Seaman Apprentice Robert Carrano, US Coast Guard Specialist Christopher Paier, US Army Natl. Guard Private Jack Cavanaugh, US Army PVT John Pastore, USMC Tech Sergeant Edward J. Clark, Jr, USAF Private Matthew Planinshek, USMC Sergeant Aaron Desjardins, USAF Sergeant Alexander Poling, US Army Natl. Guard Specialist John Fadus, US Army LTJG Jake Patrick Reid, US Navy STS-1 Jake Ford, US Navy Private Quianna Rios, US Army PFC Owen C. Fowler, USMC Petty Officer First Class Matthew J. Sansone, US Navy Lt. Colonel Mark Christopher Glenn, US Army Captain Ryan Satterfield, USMC Private Alyza Hernandez, USMC Lt. Ellie Marie Senft, US Army Petty Officer 2nd Class Martin Houston, US Navy Captain Jack David Senft, US Army Cdr. Thomas A. Ianucci, USN, Chaplain SRA Myron Simpson, USAF SRA Ryan Jones, USAF Private 1st Class Kevin Stevens, US Army Petty Officer 2nd Class Neil P. Kenefick, US Navy Captain Alexander James Topitzer, US Army Ryan Kiernan, US Navy Captain Matthew Neil Topitzer, US Army AWO2 Kyle (DeVylder) Kohl, US Navy Captain Ryan Van Wie, US Army Lieutenant Jared Korn, US Coast Guard Private 1st Class Connor Valinsky, US Army Sergeant Gregory J. Kowalski, USMC Senior Airman Joe Villano USAF Airman First Class Benjamin M. LeClerc, USAF Corporal Bernard Vitti, Jr., USMC MA2 Tiana Lefebre, US Navy LCpl. Matthew Voelker, USMC Petty Officer 2nd Class Brian McGrath, US Navy Airman Mark Zajac, Jr., USAF If yyouou hhaveave a namename toto placeplace on ourour UU.S..S. MilitaryMilitary prayerprayer lilist,st, pleaseplease contactcontact MMaryary BeBethth iinn ththee RectoryRectory at 220303-272722-35353131 oror [email protected]@stbridgetcheshire.org withwith thethe nnamesames ooff fafamilymily & ffriendsriends whowho areare onon activeactive dduty.uty. PlPleaseease provideprovide namename andand branchbranch ofof service.service. In thisthis waway,y, ourour wwholehole pparisharish communitycommunity cacann helphelp bbringring tthemhem homehome ssafelyafely by oourur prayers.prayers.
The Women’s Society will hold a Spring Gardening demonstration Saturday, 203-699-9226 April 10th on the Patio at 175 Sandbank Road, Cheshire, CT St. Thomas Becket Church. Look in next week’s bulletin Thank you for your continued generosity with donations to for more details! the Cheshire Community Food Pantry. We gratefully accept any donations, but this week we have a particular need for: -crushed tomatoes -tomato paste -boxed potatoes -canned pineapple -canned fruits -maple syrup -kleenex Please note that the Food Pantry: - Cannot accept expired or opened items - Cannot use large industrial canned goods - Can accept perishable goods only during Pantry hours - Hours are M-W-F 9:00am-12:15pm; T-Th 3:00pm-6:15pm - Monetary donations should be sent to: Cheshire Community Food Pantry, P.O. Box 457, Cheshire, CT 06410.
Thank you for your continued support of the Cheshire Community Food Pantry and for helping our fellow neighbors!
13 NOLAN’S Your Local HAMDEN MONUMENT CO. CIPULLY INJURY 323 Washington Ave., Hamden LAWYERS (Opposite Knights of Columbus Hall) Tree Service LLC 203-288-8486 | 1-800-852-8865 97 Main Street Fax 203-287-1593 Cheshire, CT 06410 203-272-4844 John R. Nolan | Michael F. Nolan A Hilzinger Family Enterprise 203-250-1515 Fax 203-271-1865 243 Blacks Road • Cheshire www.blacksroadselfstorage.com
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Advanced Planning of your Cemetery needs is a loving gift that relieves Franciscan Home Care and Hospice Care your family of a difficult decision in the midst of their grief. Whether a Traditional Grave, Mausoleum, or Cremation, let our caring team of SERVICES INCLUDE: Family Service Advisors help you choose your cemetery needs. Skilled Nursing • Hospice Care www.ccacem.org Physical, Speech and Occupational Therapy Calvary Cemetery Mt Olivet Cemetery St Francis Cemetery Medical Social Services Waterbury Watertown Torrington Home Health Aide Services 203-754-9105 860-274-4641 860-482-4670 For your convenience we now sell Granite Flush Markers and Monuments at all our locations! (203)238-1441 www.FranciscanHC.org Ad info. 1-800-477-4574 • Publication Support 1-800-888-4574 • www.4lpi.com St. Bridget of Sweden, Cheshire, CT 03-1066 Karen Brimberg Alexander Realtor® & Grenon chiropractic 203-640-4401 c e n t e r , P.C. [email protected] We hope you’ll join us this summer 203-271-0222 Dr. Jim Grenon • Dr. Dan Ruddy Ages 3-15 • Open House April 26th 1-4pm 1157 Highland Avenue • Suite 105 • Cheshire 203-272-4513 43 Candee Rd., Prospect, CT 06712 www.hoynesfinancial.com • Rob Hoynes, ChFC® 420 South Main Street • Cheshire www.CheshireChiropractor.com holidayhilldaycamp.com Securities offered through LPL Financial. Member FINRA/SIPC
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Animal Medical WALLINGFORD FUNERAL HOME 809 North Main St. Ext. (203) 269 7777 llc Care of CT, YALESVILLE FUNERAL HOME 203-439-2597 386 Main St. • (203) 269 2222 www.animalmedcare.com www.wallingfordfh.com Contact Mary Hoffman to place an ad today! 490 Cornwall Ave. Ste. 5, Cheshire, CT DIRECTORS: = David T. Warren • = Peter A. Wasilewski [email protected] or (800) 477-4574 x6340 Dr’s Kristine Matz • Marjorie O’Neill David Warren MacDonald C.F.S.P. Luke Martin Paul Skora C.C.S.P. • Jerome S. Tilton
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Ad info. 1-800-477-4574 • Publication Support 1-800-888-4574 • www.4lpi.com St. Bridget of Sweden, Cheshire, CT 03-1066 G.C. ELECTRIC INC. McCormack Insurance Agency, Inc. Macas Home Care LLC John J. Palmeri, CPA, LLM Commercial • Industrial • Residential John McCormack Individualized Home Care Services 24 Hour Emergency Service PARISHIONER Day, Hourly or Live-in Support Attorney at Law George Casner & Son ph: 203-720-0100 Diabetes Prevention Program 203-272-9521 fax: 203-723-7665 Classes Online, In-person www.palmerilaw.com 22 PARK PLACE, NAUGATUCK, CT 06770 Family owned and operated for 30 years. & Through Distance Learning 203-699-9132 866-806-2227 [email protected] Robert & George Casner [email protected] 135 Commerce Court, Cheshire www.mccormackinsurance.com www.macashomecare.com cheshire CUSTOM HOMES Gerry Rock KITCHENS AND BATHS Additions • Commercial dental REALTOR by Kitchens • Baths associates 203-640-4849 cell Complete Family Dental Care Construction Cosmetic, Restorative & Implant Dentistry [email protected] A Matter of Style Group, Inc. Prompt Emergency Service Parishioner 203-272-1337 203-272-4323 Jeffrey J. Bisson, D.M.D. • Dane B. Fletcher, D.M.D. Ricci 986 South Main Street 482 South Main Street, Cheshire 986 South Main Street • Cheshire CT 06410 Cheshire, CT 06410 203-272-2729 www.amskitchens.com @amskitchens www.ricciconstructiongroup.com ACHIQ DESIGNS Fine Jewelry • Repair Watch Batteries Proud to Serve St Bridget of Sweden Parish 96 Railroad Avenue, Cheshire 1081 SOUTH MAIN STREET, CHESHIRE 203-272-2237 The Sally Bowman Group 203-250-9979 • ACHIQDESIGNS.COM www.countrylumber.com Sally Bowman Broker Associate Celebrity Shuttle 220 Old Towne Road Transportation with Homecare Cheshire CT 06410 Convenient 24/7 Shuttle Services • Home Care Senior Transportation to Church, Pharmacy, Errands 203-272-2828 Office Pet Transportation & Homecare 203-687-8026 Cell PCA/HHA/CNA/24-Hour Live-In Service PROBATE Hon. Silas Hitchcock House www.celebrityshuttle.com HCA.0001670 ESTATE PLANNING 125 Main Street | Cheshire, CT 06410 Free Consultations 877-550-2353 • 203-440-9744 Email: [email protected] ELDER LAW 203-271-3031 | www.knottlaw.com thesallybowmangroup.bhhsneproperties.com Download our App! On Android & iOS
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Your Neighborhood Automotive Shop Lube, Oil & Filter (For most cars) $ 95 (Synthetic oil 21 additional charge) must present coupon at drop off Brake Service 203-272-5518 $ $ AutoRepairCheshire.com OFF OFF 4 50Wheel Service 2 20Wheel Service 1451 HIGHLAND AVENUE • CHESHIRE must present coupon at drop off
Ad info. 1-800-477-4574 • Publication Support 1-800-888-4574 • www.4lpi.com St. Bridget of Sweden, Cheshire, CT 03-1066