SAINT BRIDGET of SWEDEN PARISH Where Christ Is Our Light ———–——————— SUNDAY, MARCH 21, 2021 ————-——————

SAINT BRIDGET OF SWEDEN PARISH Where Christ is Our Light ———–——————— SUNDAY, MARCH 21, 2021 ————-——————

that we are together to offer praise and fitting worship to our God! Letter from the Pastor UPDATE ON NUMBERS… effective on Easter Sunday we will The Reverend Jeffrey V. Romans, KCHS expand our numbers at each Mass (in Saint Bridget Church) to 250. We believe we can safely accommodate ing in order to keep our parishioners this number and still provide proper and priests safe. Do I miss a full social distancing. If after a couple of church? Of course! Do I miss seeing weeks it is determined that this number Dear Friends in Christ: everyone gathering together in prayer? is not working, or not allowing for Of course I do! Do I miss seeing proper social distancing, we may have DON’T BELIEVE IT…or at least young families gathering after Mass to to go back to the limit of 200, but we hear it all!!! talk to one another and build friend- believe it will be fine. I cannot go anywhere without this ships? Of course I do! But I just keep question, “So, Father, you are final- reminding myself that it will come, ly going to open up fully Friday the some day! th 19 , how does that feel?” That We have also received a couple of calls would be awesome but it’s NOT in the past few weeks inquiring as to TRUE. The Executive Order when we are going to open EAS TER 2021…………Do I this is something we have from the Governor of our State Saint Thomas Becket Church. dare?... prayed over for quite some time now says that as of March 19, 2021, As you are aware, it is not and we have gone back and forth about and I quote, “capacity limits are that simple given the social how many Masses we should have and eliminated for religious gather- distancing required. Further, the times they should be. ings, providing all other health the chairs make sanitizing a This is not and safety measures, such as something we decided on a whim. nightmare not to mention We have consulted other priests over social distancing and face finding volunteers for the the past weeks, asked advice and input coverings, are observed.” So the Masses we have already is sometimes from our priest friends, consulted the Governor is telling everyone that he is challenging never mind adding addi- Parish Pastoral Staff, the chairs of our no longer restricting those who wish to tional Masses we would need help for. gather in our church and other houses Pastoral Council, and have finally de- of worship, but in reality he still is! By That said, we will open Saint Thomas cided what we will do! In preparing a requiring social distancing we cannot Becket Church for two Masses on schedule, there have been many chal- fully open so there is a limitation of Easter Sunday then it will return to lenges as you might imagine: re- how many we can allow to gather for being closed for the foreseeable future. strictions on the number of people Mass. I realize some people are attached to a allowed to gather, restrictions on com- building when they think of Church, munal singing, and other restrictions I am sorry to be the bearer of bad news but I hope and pray that you will open necessitated by COVID such as sanitiz- but those are the facts and, therefore, th your hearts to see that we are one fami- ing. So, with that said, here is the March 19 doesn’t change anything for ly of faith and what building we are in schedule for Easter 2021 (see inset be- us. The bottom line is I am more than does not matter, but what matters is low). content with moving slowly in reopen-

Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord—March 27 & 28 Vigil Masses at 4 and 5:15PM in Saint Bridget Church Masses at 7, 8, 9, 10:30AM, and Noon in Saint Bridget Church Distribution of Palms for Virtual Parishioners on Sunday 10AM-Noon in Saint Bridget Church Parking Lot Holy Thursday—April 1 Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper at 7PM in Saint Bridget Church Good Friday—April 2 Service of the Lord’s Passion at 3PM in Saint Bridget Church Stations of the Cross at 7PM in Saint Bridget Church Holy Saturday—April 3 Blessing of the Food at 11AM in Saint Bridget Church The Easter Vigil in the Holy Night at 8 PM in Saint Bridget Church Please note there is no 9AM, 4PM or 5:15PM Mass on Holy Saturday! Easter Sunday—April 4 Masses at 7, 8, 9, 10:30AM, and Noon in Saint Bridget Church (250 capacity per Mass) Masses at 8:30 and 10:30 AM in Saint Thomas Becket Church (100 capacity per Mass in the Church and 30 additional in the Father Frisbie Hall)

UPDATE ON the building at 185 we did amazingly well. Recently, the After you have experienced God’s mer- Main Street…as you may notice by Parish Finance Council was in agree- cy, then you will have the opportunity looking in the windows back before ment to move forward with the plans to receive Holy Communion near the the pandemic hit us we were work- for remodeling the building in the near South Entrance Door of the Church ing toward preparing the building future. We have come up with the while still in your car and then leave by for remodeling to make use of it in specs for the project. At this time, we the south driveway out onto Main the life of our parish. As you may have solicited bids from three build- Street! If you are receiving Holy remember, when we sold the Church ers, but any other builder in the par- Communion please be sure to con- of the Epiphany the Parish Finance ish who wishes to put a number to sume Holy Communion before pull- Council allocated monies to be re- the specs is welcomed to contact ing away from the volunteers! The served for the remodeling of the build- the parish office by THIS TUES- whole experience will be as safe as we ing to create new meeting space for our DAY, March 23rd at Noon. The can possibly make it. You don’t even growing and active parish family as well bids must be in to the parish office need to leave the car! as offices. That said, I was very excited by Friday, March 26th, at Noon. in early 2020 when we began discus- REMINDER!!! THIS SUNDAY, sions on the potential needs we had st and how that building might play into March 21 , you are INVITED to helping us to meet those needs. I even CONFESSION and EUCHARIST. met with a This is similar to what we did in designer and Advent, but this time the flow of t o g e t h e r traffic will be a little different and created the we will have six priests in the school concept for parking lot for the Sacrament of Parish Corporal Works of Mercy this past weekend the gener- the first Reconciliation from 2-4PM! THIS update… floor to in- IS OPEN TO EVERYONE! ous people of our parish donated $3,848 to Saint Vincent DePaul Shelter, clude two Enter through Cherry Street and follow of which $1,080 was in checks made m e e t i n g the directions of the Knights of Co- out to Saint Vincent DePaul directly. rooms that lumbus who will be directing traffic! Since some donations are still trickling can be made into one larger room for in we will not send the checks (along small group meetings and programs, a UPDATE if you are only coming to with the parish check) until this coming kitchen, a handicap accessible ramp receive Holy Communion please enter Wednesday or Thursday. and bathroom, and an office. The sec- through the Main Street entrance and follow around the Church building. ond floor will offer more offices for This weekend we are placing white bas- our parish staff who right now are If you are alone in the car, you will kets next to the red ones on the com- sharing office space in the school and be able to do a drive-up confession munion rail for the homemade Easter alternating hours to utilize their office without leaving your car; and if you cards that will be shared with our shut- in some cases. Those plans were im- have more than one person in your ins and those in nursing care facilities mediately put on hold when the car, you will be directed where to as we are visiting the sick! pandemic hit as I did not feel it was park to enable you to do a walk-up Next weekend we will be collecting prudent to spend such money when confession (please make sure you donations to purchase the book The we did not know how the parish remain socially distant and wear a Road of Hope for use in the Cheshire would do financially. Well, thanks to mask, for your safety and that of Prison by their chaplain. Please make your amazing and continued generosity your confessor). to our parish throughout the pandemic, checks out to the parish and we will purchase the books via Amazon once we know how much was collected as we work to help in visiting the imprisoned. As always, please remember to pray for our parish family and ask God’s blessings as we build His kingdom here. Please know that I am praying for you, and I ask for your prayers for me, that together through the interces- sion of Saint Bridget of Sweden, our Patroness, and Blessed Father Michael J. McGivney, and united in the Eucha- rist, we will reflect the presence of Je- sus to the world.

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 14th generosity!

Mailed-in/Dropped Off Offertory ...... $8,766.00 Online Catholic Relief Services ...... $5,145.10 Offertory ...... $6,968.29 St. Vincent DePaul ...... $3,848.00 Give Online at stbridgetcheshire.weshareonline.org/ Mail your offertory donation to 175 Main St, Cheshire, CT 06410

Thank you for your kind generosity to Catholic Relief Services.

Weekend Corporal Work of Mercy Donation Item(s) This weekend March 20 & 21 Visit the Sick children of the parish are asked to make Easter cards to be given to those in skilled nursing facilities or our homebound parishioners Next weekend March 27 & 28 Palm Sunday Visit the imprisoned special collection to purchase books for the prison ministry; cost of each book is $24

Saturday, March 20th The television Mass is simulcast 9:00 a.m. SBC Vincent Nafito The Family everyday at 10:00 a.m. on WCCT-TV 4:00 p.m. SBC Anthony & Melba Federico Anthony & Debra Federico WB20 and WCTX-TV MyTV9. It can 5:15 p.m. SBC Joseph Ferry, Sr. Ray & Pat Maratea also be seen Saturday and Sunday at Sunday, March 21st: Fifth Sunday of Lent 5:00 a.m. on WCCT-TV. 7:00 a.m. SBC Martha Barchfeld Rosalie & Bob It can also be viewed online at Fountain 8:00 a.m. SBC In Thanksgiving for the Beatification of hps://www.ortv.org/streaming/ Father Michael McGivney streaming.htm 9:00 a.m. SBC Anthony “Sal” Rubano John & Bianca Beltrami 10:30 a.m. SBC Lee Bailey St. Bridget of Sweden Women’s Society 12:00 p.m. SBC Donald & Nancy Fowler and Paula Fowler Donald R. Fowler Monday, March 22nd 7:00 a.m. SBC Robert & Dorris Wright Dr. Maria Stack 9:00 a.m. SBC John Kuzmak Wife, Patricia We have live in-person Eucharisc Tuesday, March 23rd Adoraon on Friday, March 26th 7:00 a.m. SBC The People of St. Bridget of Sweden Parish from 1:00 to 2:00 pm in St. Bridget Wednesday, March 24th Church. 7:00 a.m. SBC John Walsh Bill & Sandy Walsh 9:00 a.m. SBC Marg Rubino and Pasquale & Jerry & Charlotte Per State of Conneccut guidelines, Mary Errico Devine occupancy is limited to 200 persons. Thursday, March 25th: The Annunciation of the Lord 7:00 a.m. SBC Alba Juliano—1st Anniversary The Buczek Family Appropriate masking and social dis- Friday, March 26th tancing must be followed. Use the 7:00 a.m. SBC Bob Glazewski Gail Glazewski link below to the Sign-up Genius to 9:00 a.m. SBC School Mass—Harold Peter & Mary Mongillo sign up to aend. O’Connor bit.ly/Signup-Adoraon Saturday, March 27th 9:00 a.m. SBC Charles & Catherine Hobson The Family 4:00 p.m. SBC Sean Devine His Parents & Sisters 5:15 p.m. SBC Denise Materia SBoS Contemporary Choir Sunday, March 28th: Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord 7:00 a.m. SBC Peter & Lucille Fitzsimmons The Family and Matthew Fitzsimmons 8:00 a.m. SBC Jule & Giro Capone Anthony & Debra Drive-thru CONFESSIONS available Federico 9:00 a.m. SBC Thomas Kenny Family every Saturday at 3:00pm unl 10:30 a.m. SBC Kerin Hinman Dan & Diane, Joshua & heard and on Tuesdays during Lent Jonathan Lebel from 5-6pm. Drive up to the St. 12:00 p.m. SBC Tom Iampietro The Iampietro Family Bridget School entrance and a priest will come out to hear your confession.

The Tabernacle candle at Tabernacle candle at St. Bridget Church St. Thomas Becket Church shines this week for shines this week for Louis Ricciuti Increase in Vocations to the Priesthood Requested by Joanne Buckheit and Religious Life

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, 3/21 at 10:30AM—Celebration of the Mass V Monday—7am & 9am V Monday, 3/22 at 10AM—Getting to Know V Tuesday—7am our Holy Family—a brief talk about Saint V Wednesday—7am & 9am Toribio Alfonso de Mogrovejo V V Thursday—7am Wednesday, 3/24 at 10AM—Lenten video series “Turning to Christ in the Desert” V Friday—7am & 9am with Rachel No V Saturday—9am, 4pm & 5:15pm V Friday, 3/26 at 10AM—Lenten video series V Sunday—7am, 8am, 9am, 10:30am, & “Turning to Christ in the Desert” with 12noon Sr. Jeanne d’Arc Paquee, FSE To attend Mass sign up at V Friday, 3/26 at 1PM—one hour of Adoration bit.ly/SBoSMassSign-Up V Friday, 3/26 at 7PM—Stations of the Cross

Rosary every Monday at 1:30pm in St. Bridget Church V Sunday, 3/28 at 10:30AM—Celebration of the Mass Cancer Support Group every Wednesday thru April 21st at 6:30pm in St. Bridget School Library—sign up at Online Services can be viewed on the bit.ly/3bY2Th1 homepage of our website at Adoraon every Friday 1-2pm in St. Bridget Church—sign www.stbridgetcheshire.org up at bit.ly/Signup-Adoraon on YouTube hps://bit.ly/SBoSYTChannel Staons of the Cross every Friday in Lent at 7pm in St. Bridget Church—sign up at bit.ly/SignUp-Staons or Facebook @stbridgetofswedenparish

Drive-thru CONFESSIONS available every Saturday at NOTE: The dispensation from the Sunday obligation previous- 3:00pm unl heard and on Tuesdays during Lent from ly granted to all Catholics of the archdiocese by the Archbish- op has been extended through Sunday, May 23, 2021. 5:00-6:00pm Those in high-risk categories are encouraged to continue stay- ing home, even as others begin to return to Mass. The decision 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.

Today is the Fi h Sunday of Lent The readings for today can be found at hps://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/032121-YearB.cfm

Today’s Gospel reading is taken from the Gospel of John. We are reading much further into John’s Gospel 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 Gos- pel, which inspired many people to believe in Jesus. This event also marks the turning point in Jesus’ con- flict 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 enters Jerusa- lem in triumph. We again see evidence of the significance of the raising of Lazarus to this event; John re- ports 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, the ruler of this world. 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/3t5cecu

Principal: Dr. Nancy Testa St. Bridget School Director of Campus Ministry: Mrs. Judy Rowinski Update

Wow! We are so proud of all of our Grade 8 students and their acceptances into Catholic, private, public and technical schools Student Sound-off! across Conneccut. Here is just some of the great news that our students have to share: Allison Fowler received one of the Cheshire Academy Town SBS Gazette -Edition #5 Scholar Runner-Up Scholarships and will be aending CA in the by Logan Havrilla fall. Down syndrome is a condition where a per- Nilan Kathir was accepted into Choate, Cheshire Academy, Hop- son has an extra chromosome. Chromo- kins, Ta , and Xavier. Nilan was awarded Town Scholar 1st Run- somes are small “packages” of genes in the body. Chromosomes determine how a per- ner-Up at Cheshire Academy as well as the Ryken Scholarship at son’s body forms and how their body func- Xavier High School. tions as it grows in the womb and after birth. Babies are typically born with 46 chromo- Anthony Napolitano received an academic scholarship to St. somes. Babies that have Down Syndrome Paul High School. have an extra copy of one of these chromosomes also known as chromosome 21. They Chloe Retuya was awarded mulple academic scholarships to have a total of 47 chromosomes. Sacred Heart Academy including the Sr. Antonine Signorelli Aca- demic Scholarship, the President’s Green Scholarship to Holy World Down Syndrome Day is a global awareness day which has been officially Cross High School as well as academic scholarships to Mercy High observed by the United Nations since 2012. School, St. Paul High School, and Cheshire Academy. This date was chosen because a person with Downs Syndrome has 3 copies of the 21st Stay tuned for more acceptances and awards as we hear from chromosome. our Grade 8 families! Learn more at www.worlddownsymdromeday.org

We are now accepting 2021-2022 Applications for Grades PK-3 through Grade 8

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, March 21st at 5 PM Tuesday, April 6th at 4 PM Sunday, April 11th at 5 PM

th First Communion Classes 10 grade Virtual Class Virtual Class Sunday, March 21st at 8:30 AM Sunday, March 21st at 5 PM In Person Class In Person Class Sunday, April 11th at 8:30 AM Sunday, April 11th at 5 PM

Middle School 7th and 8th grades Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Virtual Class Virtual Class Sunday, April 11th at 10AM Tuesday, March 23rd at 4PM Tuesday, April 6th at 4PM

EASTER PALM CROSSES 24” High with Bow and Lily Blessed and accompanied with a prayer card that you may use at the grave site Cost: $12.00 ea. Order by: Sunday, March 21st Pick-up: Saturday, March 27th & Sunday, March 28th after Masses Send the completed form and payment to: St. Bridget of Sweden Keeley Raine Ellis Women’s Society, 175 Main St, Cheshire, CT 06410 Maya Marie Murphree or drop an envelope marked “Palm Cross Sales” in the collection basket Jonathan Lawrence Odonkor For more info, contact Cheryl Foti, (203)988-7166 or [email protected] Octavia Nicole Quinit ------Make checks payable to St. Bridget of Sweden Women’s Society Name: ______Phone: ______E-mail: ______Qty: ______Intenons for the Tabernacle candle are Do you wish to have the Women’s Society place your cross at a grave in available. To reserve the candle at either the St. Bridget Cemetery? Yes! No ! church for a living or deceased loved one, Deceased Name(s) ______call the rectory at 203-272-3531. ______The Tabernacle candle oﬀering is $25.

Apologetics 101: The Litany of Humility Ask Father Last week we explored the Litany of Trust. This week we look at Dear Father: When and why did the Church the Litany of Humility. It was composed by Cardinal Rafael Mer- start using the term “father” for priests? In ry de Val in 1867. But Father Federico and Regis have different Mahew 23:9, Jesus states “call no one on views on it! Check out our weekly Apologetics 101 Facebook video to see their discussion. earth your father; you have but one Father in heaven.” The Litany of Humility Dear friend in Christ, O Jesus! Meek and humble of heart, hear me. Excellent queson. I don’t know the history of From the desire of being esteemed…Deliver me, Jesus. how priests came to be known as father. This From the desire of being loved... Deliver me, Jesus. verse is frequently cited by opponents of Ca- From the desire of being extolled... Deliver me, Jesus. tholicism as a way of discreding the Church. From the desire of being honored... Deliver me, Jesus. From the desire of being praised... Deliver me, Jesus. People use figures of speech when they want to make a point. Jesus uses all kinds of figura- From the desire of being preferred to others... Deliver me, Jesus. ve language (hyperbole, comparison, sar- From the desire of being consulted... Deliver me, Jesus. casm) as well as speaking literally. For exam- From the desire of being approved... Deliver me, Jesus. ple, when Jesus refers to himself as “the From the fear of being humiliated... Deliver me, Jesus. door” (John 10:7) or “the gate” (John 10:9) no From the fear of being despised... Deliver me, Jesus. reasonable person believes that Jesus actually From the fear of suffering rebukes... Deliver me, Jesus. means that he is a door or a gate. He is using From the fear of being calumniated... Deliver me, Jesus. figurave language to make a point, as we all From the fear of being forgotten... Deliver me, Jesus. do: ‘there were a million people there,’ ‘I’m as From the fear of being ridiculed... Deliver me, Jesus. busy as a bee.’ From the fear of being wronged... Deliver me, Jesus. So when Jesus says “call no man on earth your From the fear of being suspected... Deliver me, Jesus. father”, he is making the point that the Father- That others may be loved more than I… hood of God is more significant than any earth- Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it. ly relaonship, even one as important as bio- That others may be esteemed more than I… logical fatherhood. Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it. This is confirmed in other areas of scripture. Do That, in the opinion of the world others may increase you think that Saint Paul, one of the most in- and I may decrease… tensely dedicated Chrisans ever, would di- Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it. rectly disobey Jesus? Paul writes “Even if you That others may be chosen and I set aside… had ten thousand guardians in Christ, you do Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it. not have many fathers, for in Christ Jesus I be- That others may be praised and I unnoticed… came your father through the gospel.” (1 Co- Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it. rinthians 4:15). Paul refers to himself as their That others may be preferred to me in everything… father. So if those an-Catholic folks want to Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it. take Jesus literally they would have to start by That others may become holier than I, rebuking Saint Paul! provided that I may become as holy as I should… Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it. And if that wasn’t enough, they would next need to accuse the Blessed Mother herself! When she and Saint Joseph find Jesus in the The Archbishop’s Annual Appeal helps provide Temple, she says “your father and I have been anxiously searching for you.” (Luke 2:48). the critical funding needed to feed the hungry, Would the Gospel writers include Mary directly shelter the homeless, counsel those in despair, disobeying her son if he meant it literally? offer much-needed assistance to the unemployed, I find it interesng that an-Catholic folks pick and make medical care available to those without and choose which verses from the Bible they health insurance. Your gift to the 2021 Appeal want to take literally. In Deuteronomy 6, it will help to continue these and other vital ministries, services, and instructs parents to teach their kids the ways of programs that reach out to so many in need. God by “drilling them into your children.” I don’t see any of them reaching for a drill. But All funds contributed to the Archbishop’s Annual Appeal are used when Jesus says very simply and clearly regard- exclusively for the purposes outlined in the Appeal literature, ing the Eucharist “this is my body,” all of a sud- which can be found at https://archdioceseofhartford.org/appeal/. den we have to allow for fanciful interpreta- No Appeal funds are ever used for legal fees or settlements. ons!

Cheshire K of C KNIGHTS KORNER by Harold Metz, Council Trustee

Grand Knight, Jason Molitierno —[email protected]

A Good Friday Invitation Family is an important part of liturgical events. As we approach Good Friday, we are reminded of the influence that Joseph had on Jesus as his foster father. We are also reminded that Mary, Jesus' mother, was at the foot of the cross as Jesus handed over his spirit. Throughout Jesus' ministry, he stated, "Whoever does the will of my heavenly Father is my brother, and sister, and mother" (Matthew 12:50, Mark 3:35). As family was important to Jesus, the Cheshire Knights of Columbus would like to encourage all families to attend Good Friday service here in St. Bridget Church at 3:00pm. This is a wonderful way to honor Jesus for his sacrifice and to enter the Easter season as a family. A recent conversation among a few of us found some who hadn't been to the Good Friday Liturgy in years, and two who have never been. If you fall into one of these two groups some advance information may be helpful. 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 distributed 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 con- gregation who is able will come up to venerate the cross. Due to Covid, this veneration will either be a bow or a genuflection before the Cross. 4. The Liturgy typically lasts slightly more than one hour. In next weekend's bulletin we hope to have more information for the "first timers" among us and for anyone needing a brief reminder.

I have been very blessed by God. Here are two examples: Years ago I was admied to the hospital for a surgery that was sched- uled for the next day. I was very anxious about it, since I had already had one lengthy surgery that had not helped and my quality of life was very poor. Shortly a er I arrived, a Catholic priest came to see the paent in the other bed. Then he asked me if I would like to receive the sacrament of the Anoinng of the Sick. As soon as he ad- ministered the sacrament, an immediate peace came over me from The hospice care program of the Holy Spirit and the assurance that all would go well with my sur- Franciscan Home Care and Hos- gery, and it did. I never forgot that amazing calm that came over me pice Care is beginning a new vir- so suddenly. tual Hospice Volunteer class for More recently, I had an ultrasound that showed a growth that had an individuals interested in giving of irregular shape. The doctor said it was a tumor, definitely not a cyst. their time to place calls to families I had recovered from a previous cancer in the same area. The doctor or visit hospice patients. Each made an appointment for me to come back a few days later for a bi- volunteer must complete 16 class opsy to determine if it was benign or cancer. Meanwhile my family hours. If you are interested in prayed for me. My mother prayed the rosary and offered daily Mass joining our volunteer hospice for me. When the ultrasound technician and doctor prepared for the team, please contact Barbara biopsy, I knew something seemed off. They kept referring to the pre- Raby at 203-238-1441 or email vious ultrasound results and the live screen. Finally the doctor ex- [email protected] plained that the tumor was not there anymore. There was no sign of it, and they could not explain it! It was a miracle. -Anonymous

Youth Ministry Every Friday in Lent Regis O’Neill, Youth Minister 7:00pm [email protected] St. Bridget Church 203-233-848 Registration is required Verse of the Week Signup at Jeremiah 30:17 www.stbridgetcheshire.org “’But I will restore you to health and heal your wounds,’ de- clares the Lord.”

Upcoming Events 1. This weekend’s Next Generation of Disciples high school youth group meeting will be ONLINE! This is a great opportunity to give the group a shot if you haven’t felt comfortable coming in person. We’ll meet over Zoom from 7:00-8:15pm this Sunday, March 21st; contact Regis for the meeting link and password! The $1.9 trillion stimulus package signed into law by 2. We will be sponsoring a Bags of Hope toiletry drive to President Biden on 3/11/2021 will allow federal govern- benefit the Saint Vincent DePaul Mission in Waterbury ment funding of elective abortions in the U.S. and allow from April 5-11th. More information available on the par- abortion providers access to tens of millions of dollars. ish website! High schoolers, we need volunteers to help This follows an executive order on 1/28/21 rescinding collect donations at Masses on 4/10-11. Contact Donna the "Mexico City policy," which blocked U.S. funding Yatcko or Regis O’Neill to sign up to help out! for nongovernmental organizations that perform or ac- tively promote abortion as a form of family planning in Saint of the Week other nations. In responding to President Biden's Jan Saint Lazarus 28th memo eliminating the Mexico City Policy, Marjorie Feast Day: March 27th Dannenfelser, president of the Susan B. Anthony List, Bio: Lazarus, the brother of Martha and Mary whom Jesus said, “Rather than rally the nation around common raised from the dead, is the beneficiary of one of Christ’s ground policies to affirm and promote life, today they greatest miracles. The Gospel text makes it clear that Jesus force taxpayers to bankroll abortion businesses overseas, and Lazarus were personal friends! Little is known for sure opening up a slush fund for groups like Marie Stopes about his life after resurrection, but legends and rumors International and the International Planned Parenthood abound. Different Christian traditions have him going on to Federation.” The stimulus includes $700 million in glob- serve as the Bishop of both Kition and Marseille. There are al health funding with no restrictions preventing its use stories of a daring escape from Jews who were persecuting to pay for abortions and $10 billion for foreign affairs Christians, but none of these have been definitively proven. funding which could be used to promote abortion. This a What we do know is that Lazarus is break from over 47 years of U.S. foreign policy prece- one of the closest witnesses of Je- dent. sus’ divine power, and that alone ————————————- serves as reason to venerate him. The State of Connecticut HB 6425 "Aid in Dying" bill Saint Lazarus, pray for us! would legalize physician assisted suicide if passed into law. Your assistance is needed. Please take the time to add your name to the petition against assisted suicide and encourage friends and family to do the same by visiting www.ctstopsuicide.org A similar law was rejected as a Massachusetts ballot measure in 2012, but not with- The St. Bridget of Sweden Prayer Line Ministry is available out substantial education campaigns by groups support- for all those in need of prayer and support. We also wel- ing the elderly and disabled, including the Catholic Dio- come anyone interested in becoming part of the Prayer Min- ceses in MA. To learn more about the Catholic Church's teaching on assisted suicide, visit www.usccb.org/ istry. We know that life is hectic. You want to volunteer, prolife/assisted-suicide but are not sure how. This ministry is something that you can do from your house, your office, or in the car. All we "Abortion and racism are both symptoms of a fundamen- ask is that you pray with us to lift up the specific intentions tal human error. The error is thinking that when some- one stands in the way of our wants, we can justify getting submitted. Prayer requests and requests to join the ministry that person out of our lives. Abortion and racism stem can be submitted online through our parish website or via from the same poisonous root, selfishness." email to: [email protected]. —Alveda King

OurOur U.S.U.S. MMilitaryilitary PrayerPrayer LListist

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.

203-699-9226 175 Sandbank Road, Cheshire, CT Thank you for your continued generosity with donations to the Cheshire Community Food Pantry. We gratefully accept any donations, but this week we have a particular need for: -tuna -canned beets, spinach & carrots -frosting -cat food -toothbrushes -paper towels -toilet paper -cleaning supplies 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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“Hablamos Espanol”

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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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Care When TM & Where New You Need It nsight RN’s, LPN’s & Home Health Aides I FAMILY EYECARE Short/Long-Term Assignments • Specialty Services 675 WEST JOHNSON AVE., CHESHIRE Dr. Fabian C. Villacis 203-250-1900 • allpointecare.com & Associates OPTOMETRISTS Same Place As Always, Same Loving Care Providing Non-Medical In-Home Care 203-758-4447 Light Housekeeping, Cooking, Errands, WASTE SYSTEMS 67 Waterbury Road, Prospect, CT Hands On Care, 24 Hour Care REFUSE & RECYCLING SERVICES www.newinsighteyecare.com 203-272-1992 203-630-2881 • www.evertherecare.org WWW.AJWASTESYSTEMS.COM

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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

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

Pest Control 2000, LLC Little Angels Home Care LLC Lic. #1714 Providing: Elderly Care, Hourly, 860-628-8783 Companion, Live-in Caregivers, Weekends Southington, CT We are taking long-term life ins [email protected] and state cases www.pestcontrol2000ct.com Reg. # HCA0000732 Ewa Grzymala 240 Myrtle Street, Shelton, CT 06484 Mention the church bulletin 203-278-1436 • www.littleangels-homecare.com to get 10% off your service E: [email protected]

THE LAW OFFICES OF JOSEPH E. BOWMAN (203) 272-5291 • 315 Highland Avenue • Cheshire [email protected] • www.cheshireattorney.com

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