Saint George Church On-The-Green May 12 2019

Saint George Church May 12 2019 OntheGreen Fourth Sunday of Easter

33 Whitfield Street, Guilford, CT 06437 www.stgeorgeguilford.org Parish Office: 2034532788 Fax: 2034531707 Religious Education Office: 2034533496 Parish offices located in the Fr. Sullivan Center Office Hours: Monday Thursday 9:00AM to 4:30PM Friday 9:00AM to 3:00PM 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 6:00 7:00PM

Parish Staff Fr. Stephen Sledesky x 207, Pastor [email protected] Fr. Ricardo Borja x 206, Parochial Vicar [email protected] Fr. Dennis Vincenzo, In Residence Deacon Robert Tartaris [email protected] Sr. Kathleen Lynch x 201, Pastoral Associate PreBaptism Class [email protected] Contact Cara Correll for information: 2034532788. Eileen O’Brien x202, Parish Financial Manager Bulletin Notices for the Church bulletin should be [email protected] submitted by the Monday afternoons for inclusion in Liz O’Connell x 210, Office Staff, Bulletin that Sunday’s bulletin. Notices should be dropped off [email protected] or sent to the Parish Office in the Fr. Sullivan Center; Cara Correll x204, Baptism, Family, Pre K & K or email [email protected] [email protected] Diane Birdsall x205, Grades 1 M 6 Homebound/Hospitalized [email protected] If you or someone you know is homebound and Claire Nicholls x209, Grades 7 10, Peer Ministry would like to receive Holy Communion, or [email protected] hospitalized and would like a visit, please call the Lori Roche x203, Rel. Ed. Admin. Asst. Parish Office. [email protected] Kevin Buno & Dorine Bivona, Music Ministry [email protected] Margot Burkle & William White, Trustees Joseph Nelly, Pastoral Council President Richard Falcone, 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 203 488 8386 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 SATURDAY, 05/11/2019 is recited every Tuesday 8:00 PM Kathleen Jenkins Noreen & Joe Rowe immediately after the 8:30AM Mass. SUNDAY, 05/12/2019 Fourth Sunday of Easter Padre Pio Prayer Group 8:00 AM Deceased Members of the Knights of Columbus meets in the Ruiz Center First Saturday of the month 10:00 AM Margaret Kenefick Nicholls Family after the 8:30AM Mass. 11:30 AM Marion Flesher 11:30 AM EM’s Eucharistic Adoration Mondays from 6:00 to 7:00PM MONDAY, 05/13/2019 Our Lady of Fatima (confession also available) 8:30 AM Parishioners of St. George 2nd, 4th and 5th Thursday 6:00 PM Eucharistic Adoration & Confessions of the month after the TUESDAY, 05/14/2019 St. Matthias 8:30AM Mass until 12Noon 8:30 AM David Munsill Family Our next Thursday adoration is WEDNESDAY, 05/15/2019 St. Isidore May 9 8:30 AM Moleski Family THURSDAY, 05/16/2019 8:30 AM Jane Marie Guido Andrew & Sheila Shay Sunday: Acts 13:14, 4352/Rv 7:9, 14b17/ FRIDAY, 05/17/2019 Jn 10:2730 8:30 AM Mass at East Shoreline Catholic Academy Monday: Note: there is a 7:45 AM Mass at St. Margaret’s, Madison Acts 11:118/Jn 10:110 SATURDAY, 05/18/2019 Tuesday: Acts 1:1517, 2026/Jn 15:917 4:30 PM Jennifer Power Noreen & Joe Rowe Wednesday M Acts 12:24 13:5a/Jn 12:44 50 SUNDAY, 05/19/2019 Fifth Sunday of Easter Thursday: 8:00 AM John O’Connell Family Acts 13:13 25/Jn 13:16 20 Friday: Acts 13:2633/Jn 14:16 10:00 AM Richard Afragola, Sr. Wife & Family Saturday: Acts 13:4452/Jn 14:714 11:30 AM Alex Mizger Doreen & Bob Scungio Next Sunday: Acts 14:2127/Rv 21:15a/Jn 13:31 33a, 3435 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 you, and extend a warm welcome to you as Offertory Collection May 5 we join together in prayer and worship! We know it is not easy visiting a new church and $14,097.00 we are here to help guide your way and answer any questions you may have. St. George is a thriving Catholic community of individuals and families put- ting our faith into action and using our gifts of time and talent to serve our community. So, if you are interested in registering as a parishioner or per- haps learning more about our Catholic faith, we would like to hear from you. Upcoming Second Collections Simply fill out the green Newcomers’ Card, which may be found at the church entrance, and drop it in the collection basket. May 18/19 Catholic Communication You may register online at https://hartford.parishsoftfamilysuite.com/ Register.aspx June 1/2 Matthew 25

From the Pastor’s Desk… Good Shepherd Sunday The Fourth Sunday of Easter, no matter which of the three cycles of readings we follow, always features a Gospel referring to Jesus as the “Good Shepherd.” While that Gospel passage this weekend (Jn. 10:27 30) is the shortest (only five sentences), it packs a powerful message. First, Jesus counts among his followers M his “sheep”N those who hear and recognize his voice. How do we hear and recognize Jesus’ voice? Getting to know Jesus as a real person, a companion, a friend through our prayer and worship of him helps us to know him. Reading the Scriptures, particularly the Gospel accounts of his life and ministry, his teachings and say- ings, his ultimate sacrifice of love for us allows us to hear his voice. Receiving his most precious Body and Blood in the Eucharist and his forgiveness and peace in the Sacrament of Reconciliation helps us to know him personally. A second message within this short passage is Jesus’ promise of eternal life to us: “I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish.” Wow! What a gift! Jesus, who himself passed through death to life in the great “Paschal Mystery” of Good Friday and Easter, offers us the very same. We who have been united to his death and resurrection in the waters of Baptism, have every reason to hope that we are the beneficiaries of this inheritance! Then Jesus promises to be our guardians: “No one can take them out of my hands.” One translation says, “No one can ‘snatch’ them.” Sheep often were “snatched” from the flock by hungry wolves. There is so much competition for our attention these days. As sheep attentive to the voice of our Good Shepherd, we need not fear these wolves who desire our souls. With eyes and hearts fixed on Jesus, he will guard us and protect us from being eternally lost and safely shepherd us into God’s kingdom of justice, love and peace.

Jaime Maldonado to be Ordained a Deacon! Two summers ago, Jaime Maldonado came to St. George for his summer pastoral experience. Over the 10 weeks he was here, our parish community warmly welcomed him, and he endeared himself to us. We are delighted to announce that he has chosen to move a step closer to becoming a priest. On Saturday, May 18th, Auxiliary Bishop JuanMiguel Betancourt will ordain Jaime as a transitional deacon. On the way to priesthood, a seminarian must be ordained and serve as a transitional deacon for at least six months before he is ordained a priest. Jaime has just completed his third theology year, so he will serve as a deacon for about a year as he completes his fourth year of theology studies and then, Godwilling, he will be ordained a priest next spring. All from St. George are welcome to attend the ordination ceremony next Saturday, May 18, 2019, 11:00am at St. Louis Church, 89 Bull Hill Lane, West Haven. May God continue to bless Jaime on his path to the priesthood!

During the season of Easter, what a great time to remember our mothers and ask for God’s blessing on them. It is God who ultimately gave us life. It is through God’s unselfish love mirrored in our mothers’ willingness to associate their love with God’s and take the risk to love us into life that we have the opportunity for life. We remember our mothers this Mother’s Day with much love. Let us pray for each of them: Heavenly Father, from the beginning you have chosen to entrust the human person to mothers in a special way. We thank and praise you for the gift of mothers; for their tenderness, care and compassion, for their intuition and encouragement, for commit- ment and sacrifice. Bless all mothers this day. Keep, strengthen, and refresh them in your loving care. May they be blessed by our openhearted love and gratitude. Amen.

Adult Confirmation Classes These classes are for adults who have been baptized and made their communion, but have not been confirmed. Note that it is a requirement to be confirmed to serve as a Baptism Godparent and/or Confirmation sponsor. The classes will be offered at St George Church in Guilford on Wednesdays from 6:308:00 PM in the Ruiz Cen- th th nd th th ter. The schedule is May 8 , 15 , 22 , 29 and June 5 . For more information or to sign up, please call Cara Correll at 2034532788 or [email protected].

Bible Study We Are an Easter People! Jesus’ Resurrection is the foundation for our belief that we too will one day share eternal life. Join Father Stephen and Sister Kathleen for three Thursday mornings of prayer, study and reflection on the Resurrection of Jesus and its meaning for us: Thursday, May 16, 9:30 11:00AM St. Paul and the Resurrection Thursday, May 23, 9:30 11:00AM The Hope of Resurrection for Us To register, please email [email protected] or call the parish office 2034532788

Rachel’s Vineyard Retreat Weekends for Healing After Abortion If you are suffering from an abortion, experience the healing love of Jesus Christ on a Rachel’s Vineyard Retreat Weekend, June 14 to 16 in Farmington, CT. The weekend healing process includes discussions, Living Scrip- tures with meditations, the Sacrament of Reconciliation, a Memorial Service and Mass of Entrustment. Participation is totally confidential and offers a beautiful opportunity to experience God’s love, forgiveness and compassion. Both women and men have participated in past retreats and have ranged in age from teens to mid eighties. The fee for the weekend is $175.00 for meals, private room and all retreat materials. Scholarships are available for financial assistance. For more information contact Marie at 2036319030, email her at [email protected] or visit their website at www.rachelsvineyard.org

2019 Archbishop’s Annual Appeal Thank you to the parish families who have made a gift or pledge to the 2019 Archbishop’s Annual Appeal. If you have not yet had the opportunity, please consider prayerfully supporting the many “Good Works” of the Archdiocese. Every gift will be gratefully received and sincerely appreciated. All funds contributed to the Archbishop’s Annual Appeal are used exclusively for the purpose outlined in the Appeal literature, which can be found at https://archdioceseofhartford.org/aaa2019lastyearsappealimpact/. No Appeal funds are ever used for legal fees or settlements.

Feminine Products Drive The Guilford High Youth Feminist Alliance is holding its third annual feminine hygiene product drive! Every day, women in need find themselves without access to necessary menstrual products. Providing these products means giving comfort and dignity to women in need, an important way to address intersecting issues of poverty. For the month of May, the Feminist Alliance will be collecting wrapped tampons, pads, and pantiliners in col- laboration with PERIOD @ Guilford, a local chapter of the international organization working towards menstrual equity. Donations of feminine hygiene products may be placed in marked boxes near the entrances of church. Monetary donations made online through our GoFundMe page (Menstrual Product Drive Guilford, CT) will be used to purchase products in bulk, which, along with inkind donations, will be distributed to local organiza- tions such as the Columbus House and the Diaper Bank. Any donations will have a powerful impact on the lives of local women and will be gratefully accepted.

Spring Dinner Dance Benefiting Peer Ministry’s Pilgrimage to Italy Sponsored by the Knights of Columbus

Come enjoy a fun evening of dancing to DJ music from former Peer Minister, Justin Felix , who was part of the very first Pilgrimage to Italy! There will also be special appearance from professional singer, Michael Negretti! Dinner includes a buffet of chicken parmesan, lemon chicken, penne alla vodka, eggplant parmesan, and other tasty dishes. *BYOB* Who: Must be 21 years of age or older to attend Where: St. George Parish Hall When: Saturday, May 18 from 6pm10pm Cost: $30 per ticket Contact: Either Claire Nichols at (203) 4533496 ex 209 [email protected] or Joe Nelly at 2036050565: [email protected].

St. George Men’s Group Presents “Military Whist” to benefit the Guilford Garden Club Bible Camp Thursday, May 16 Week of July 22 to 26 St. George Church Hall 9:00 am to 12 noon Doors open at 6:15PM; Play begins at 7:00PM Open to children age 3 (by June 2019) to Grade 6. Baskets, Refreshments & Treats Registration forms are available in the Father Sulli- Donation of $10 per person van Center. For more information and to reserve a space, For more information, please call Sr. Kathleen at 203 please call Larry DeFrancesco (203 804 7678) 4532788 x 201. St. Matthias St. Matthias, Apostle and Martyr, was chosen to replace Judas. St. Peter had an- nounced that the new apostle should be one who “was of our company while the Lord Jesus moved among us, from the Baptism of John until he was taken up from us” (Acts 1:2122). After intense prayer, the apostles cast lots, and the choice fell to Matthias. The old translation of the Mass identifies Matthias in “the college of the apostles.” These are the same words that were used to describe the bishops in the documents of Vatican II. The number of apostles restored to twelve symbolizes the twelve tribes of Israel. Also emerging from the Mass prayers is the theme of “election”; may we be counted among those you have chosen. We give thanks that God has chosen each of us to receive the Apostolic Faith. St. Matthias is said to have suffered martyrdom either at Colchis (modern day Geor- gia) or in Jerusalem. His feast day is May 14 and is the patron saint of anyone strug- gling with an addiction.

Project: Music Heals Us Concert Mix Tape #4: Back to the Future Friday, May 17 St. George Church PreConcert Lecture at 6PM Young Artist, Justin Green, will perform at 6:45PM The program features works by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Osvald Golijov, and Felix Mendelssohn. The musi- cians performing will be Daniel Phillips, violin; Tim Schwarz, violin; Carmit Zori, violin; Michelle Ross, violin; Molly Carr, viola; Luke Fleming, viola; Michael Katz, cello; Peter Wiley, cello. Justin Green is a violinist and New Haven native and graduated from Western Connecticut State University in 2016. Tickets at the door: $20 adults/$5 students with all proceeds directly subsidizing additional “Healing Concerts” in nursing homes, hospitals, hospices, homeless shelters and prisons. For more information please visit www.projectmusichealsus.com

Building Bridges Ministry to the LGBTQ Community/Friends and Families Our next meeting will be on Sunday, May 19 at 4:00PM in the Father Sullivan Center. Please join us for a panel discussion on the following reflection. Referring to Rembrandt’s “The Return of the Prodigal Son,” Henri Nouwen writes, “The true center of Rembrandt’s painting is the hands of the father. On them all light is concen- trated; on them the eyes of the bystanders are focused; in them mercy becomes flesh; upon them forgiveness, reconciliation, and healing come together, and through them, not only the tired son, but also the wornout father find their rest.” For many in the LGBTQ community, the journey of understanding and acknowledging one’s gender identity and/or sexual orientation can be similar to a feeling of being “lost.” If you experienced such lostness, who helped you and animated you to “return home” and own your LGBTQ identity and dignity? When you “returned home” as an LBBTQ person or ally, was there someone amongst your circle of family and friends who “received and welcomed” you in the spirit of the father in this parable? What form did that welcome take” Why do you think this person (or persons) was most welcoming of you? As an LGBTQ person or ally, who does the “elder son” represent for you? How do you extend a hand to the “elder sons” in your life or family who would prefer that you be “absent?” How do you explain the “father’s” love to an “elder son?” These reflection questions are from New Ways Ministry. Support Our Peer Ministers’ Trip to Italy in June Mother’s Day Weekend Plant Sale May 11 & 12 Hanging Baskets, Impatiens, Geraniums & Herbs from Vaiuso Farm

Tag Sale June 1 & 2 Items to be donated for the Tag Sale may be dropped off in the Father Sullivan Center beginning Saturday, May 18 to Thursday, May 30 during the following hours: Monday Friday 10:00AM to 4:00PM Saturday & Sunday 9:00AM to 1:00PM No books or clothes, please! For more information, please contact Claire Nicholls at 2034533496 x 209

East Shoreline Catholic Academy Continuing the service to our parish communities, the third and eighth grade put together Easter desserts and Easter Baskets that were donated to Madison Community Services. The Simpson family donated the baskets that were used. Thank you to all the families who donated items. We held our May Crowning on Friday, May 3, right after our Mass at ESCA. In the procession are our eighth grade girls and some of our 3rd grade students who recently made their First Holy Communion! The students carried the crown of flowers to crown the statue of our beautiful mother, Mary.

Rice Pasta Pasta Sauce Cereal May 11/12 Mother’s Day Plant Sale Beans All Types May 12 K of C Breakfast Jelly May 16 Military Whist Night May 17 Project Music Heals Concert May 18 Peer Ministry Dinner Dance June 1 & 2 Tag Sale for Peer Ministry June 1 Car Wash for Appalachian Ministry June 6 East Shoreline Catholic Academy Sunday, May 12 Graduation 9:00 AM K of C Pancake Breakfast June 9 Graduation Mass at 10AM June 9 Peer Ministry Pasta Dinner 9:00 AM Peer Ministry Plant Sale 11:00 AM K of C Pancake Breakfast June 16 K of C Breakfast 11:15 AM Children’s Choir Father Sullivan Center 1;00 PM Franciscan Ministry St.Francis Room Our Lady of Grace 5:30 PM Boy Scouts Father Sullivan Center Monastery Gift & Book Shoppe Monday, May 13 7:30 PM Appalachia Ministry FSC Big Room 11 Race Hill Rd, North Guilford; 2034570599 Open MonSat: 10 AMN12 Noon & 1 M 4 PM; Tuesday, May 14 4:30 PM Prayer Group Ruiz Center Closed Sundays Credit Cards are not accepted 11:00 AM Leetes Island Garden Club Hall 6:00 PM Teen Choir Wednesday, May 15 9:00 AM Prayer Group Ruiz Center 10:00 AM Cupcake Baking for Men’s Group 10:30 AM Tot Class Big Room 4:00 PM Olivia’s Cupcakes Download the St. George Church app for iPhone and 6:30 PM Adult Confirmation Class Ruiz Android smart phone at myparishapp.com or search your phone’s app store for myparish. Thursday, May 16 9:00 AM Bus Company Meeting FSC Big Room 9:00 AM Resurrection Bible Study Hall Meetings Every 5:30 PM Bereavement Support Group Friday at 7:00PM 7:00 PM Choir Rehearsal Ruiz Center 7:00 PM RCIA Ruiz Center Need more information? Contact Rich Ryan at 2033938704 or Friday, May 17 [email protected]. 12:30 PM Project Music Heals Rehearsal Church 6:00 PM Project Music Heals Concert M Church/Hall Assistance for 7:00 PM Catholics in Recovery Ruiz Center Those Seeking New 7:00 PM NA Meeting Big Room Jobs The Guilford Job Network is an allvolunteer, non Saturday, May 18 6:00 PM Peer Ministry Dinner Dance denominational group that supports job seekers via expert guest speakers and job search counseling. Sunday, May 19 Our spring meetings will be held in the Father Sulli- 1:00 PM Girl Scout Bridging Ceremony Hall van Center at 7:00PM and the next one will be on- 4:00 PM Building Bridges Ministry FSC MBig Room Tuesday, May 21. 5:30 PM Boy Scouts Father Sullivan Center All job seekers are welcome. No advance reservation 6:30 PM Pastoral Council Meeting FSC Big Room is required. For additional information, please feel 7:00 PM Men’s Group Board NL free to contact [email protected] or 203457 0121