35 Norfield Road Weston, Connecticut 06883 ST. FRANCIS We extend a warm welcome to all who worship at our church! We hope that you will find our parish community to be a place where your faith is nourished.

OF ASSISI Rectory: 203-227-1341 FAX: 203-226-1154 Website: www.stfrancisweston.org Facebook: - The PARISH Catholic Community in Weston Religious Education/Youth Ministry: 203-227-8353 THE CATHOLIC COMMUNITY IN WESTON Preschool: 203-454-8646

Rectory Office Hours Feb. 3, 2019 Monday Through Friday 9:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m. Sunday Masses Saturday Vigil - 5:00 P.M. Sundays 8:00, 9:30 - Family Mass, 11:00 A.M. 5:00 p.m. Scheduled Weekly - Except for Christmas & Easter.

Weekday Masses Monday - Friday- 7:30 A.M. Saturday & Holidays - 9:00 A.M.

Holy Day Masses 7:30 A.M. , Noon , 7:00 P.M.

Novena Novena prayers in honor of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal every Saturday following the 9:00 A.M. Mass.

Sacrament Of Reconciliation Saturdays, 4:00-4:45 P.M.; Sundays 4:00 P.M.

Sacrament Of Baptism The Sacrament of Baptism is offered every Sunday at 12:00 noon. Please make arrangements for the Pre-Baptismal instructions after the birth of the child in person at the rectory. Pre-instruction for both parents is required.

Sacrament Of Matrimony Arrangements must be made at the rectory in person by the couple. Where possible, arrangements should be made one year in advance and no later than six months.

Sacrament Of Anointing Communal anointings of the sick are celebrated. Individual anointings may be celebrated anytime by request.

Hospital And Home Visitation Please notify the parish of any family member who may be ill at home or in the hospital. We welcome the opportunity of visiting them and bringing them the Eucharist.

“ Our Mission Statement: In the spirit of Saint Francis, to know Jesus and make Him known. St. Francis of Assisi Parish, Weston, CT Pastor’s Page

From the Pastor’s Desk…. Saint and Companions

Nagasaki, , is familiar to Americans as the city on which the second atomic bomb was dropped, immediately killing over 37,000 people. Three and a half centuries before, 26 of Japan were crucified on a hill, now known as the Holy Mountain, overlooking . Among them were priests, brothers, and laymen, , Jesuits, and members of the ; there were catechists, doctors, simple artisans, and servants, old men and innocent children—all united in a common faith and love for Jesus and his Church.

Brother Paul Miki, a Jesuit and a native of Japan, has become the best known among the . While hanging upon a cross, Paul Miki preached to the people gathered for the execution: “The sentence of judgment says these men came to Japan from the Philippines, but I did not come from any other country. I am a true Japanese. The only reason for my being killed is that I have taught the doctrine of Christ. I certainly did teach the doctrine of Christ. I thank God it is for this reason I die. I believe that I am telling only the truth before I die. I know you believe me and I want to say to you all once again: Ask Christ to help you to become happy. I obey Christ. After Christ’s example I forgive my persecutors. I do not hate them. I ask God to have pity on all, and I hope my blood will fall on my fellow men as a fruitful rain.”

When returned to Japan in the 1860s, at first they found no trace of Christianity. But after establishing themselves they found that thousands of Christians lived around Nagasaki and that they had secretly preserved the faith. Beatified in 1627, the martyrs of Japan were finally canonized in 1862.

Today, a new era has come for the Church in Japan. Although the number of Catholics is not large, the Church is respected and has total religious freedom. The spread of Christianity in the Far East is slow and difficult. Faith such as that of the 26 martyrs is needed today as much as in 1597. All Rights Reserved Franciscan Media Sincerely Yours in Christ,

Rev. Jeffrey W. Couture -

Pastor’s Wish List

My Dear Parishioners,

Thank you for your past generosity for items on the Pastor’s Wish List.

The newest item on the list is a treadmill for the rectory. If you have one you use as a clothes’ hanger and would like to donate it to the rectory, I would be very grateful.

Many thanks, Fr. Jeff

The third Sunday in ordinary time

Next Week, Feb. 9th & 10th

Ushers/Greeters 5:00 p.m. Joe Kaddis 8:00 am. Mike McGlone 9:30 a.m. Bogdan Karwowski 5:00 p.m. Anita McArdle (D) 11:00 a.m. Carmen Sabatelli Sunday, Feb. 3rd-The Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time 8:00 a.m. James Power (D) Eucharistic Ministers 9:30 a.m. Carol Rickenback (D) 5:00 p.m. Vigil Marc Fontane, Patty Kopas, Jane 11:00 a.m. Bella Candaffio (D) LaCorte 5:00 p.m. Stanislaw Swidergal (D) 8:00 a.m. Pam Franco, Heidi Keeney, Mike Komar Monday, Feb 4th-Weekday- 9:30 a.m. Anita Field, Bogdan Karwowski, Teresa 7:30 a.m. Parishioners (L&D) Karwowski Tuesday, Feb. 5th-Saint Agatha, and 11:00 a.m. Deacon Tom, Ann Garvey, Leigh Meccay 7:30 a.m. Rena M. Fiske (D) 5:00 p.m. Jennifer Garvey Wednesday, Feb. 6th-Saint Paul Miki and Companions, Martyr Lectors 7:30 a.m. Parishioners (L&D) 5:00 p.m. Vigil Kathy Failla Thursday, Feb. 7th-Weekday- 8:00 a.m. Lois Amador 7:30 a.m. Parishioners (L&D) 9:30 a.m. Thom Field Friday, Feb. 8th-Weekday-St. Emiliani & St. Josephine 11:00 a.m. Chris Eidt Bakhita 5:00 p.m. Gina Fleming 7:30 a.m. Dominic B. Del Corso, Jr. (D) Saturday, Feb. 9th-Weekday- Altar Servers 9:00 a.m. Dudley Fay (D) by Rick Perchak 5:00 p.m. Vigil Sean Creamer (MC), Arianna Carioto, Carioto Eucharistic Adoration is held every Weds. From 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. Sofia Abreu and Krystian Babinski 9:30 a.m. Tony Fontana, Katie Franco, Sarah Franco 8:00 p.m. in the Adoration Chapel across from the Rectory. 11:00 a.m. Ava Salhi (MC) and Daniel Moskal Adoration is also on Sundays at 4:00 p.m. 5:00 p.m. Marc Mbwa-Mboma and Jane Smith *In the event either of these is canceled due to inclement weather or Holy Days of Obligation, we will send an email as Counters soon as possible. Jane LaCorte and Lorraine Rechner

St. Francis Sock Drive for the Homeless The most requested donation at homeless shelters throughout the country is simply socks. Many homeless people walk miles per Office of Safe Environments-Virtus Training day in order to survive, leaving their socks threadbare and damp. Let’s celebrate Valentine’s Day by spreading love to those in All first time applicants must pre-register online in the need through a gift of clean, dry, and warm sock. VIRTUS system by visiting www.virtusonline.org prior We will be collecting socks for all ages, whether gently used or to working or volunteering. new from infant through adult. Don’t forget to check the back of your sock drawer! You can drop off in the back of the church Our next in person training session will be Thursday, anytime through Feb. 24th. Feb. 7th @ 6:30 p.m. You can also order a pack of new socks through Amazon. The link is below. If you would prefer the socks be shipped to my If you’re unsure if you’ve attended live training in the past, please contact Kim in the office and she will assist house, please email me and I’ll provide you with my address. you. If you attended live training once, you may re You can also donate a check and I will shop for you. Drop off a check in the church office or in the weekly Mass collection. certify online by logging in to your account. It takes Make sure you write “Sock Drive” in the memo. Thank you for approximately 20-30 minutes and you can print your taking the time to make a difference!—Missy certificate. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MY0TETQ/ Questions? [email protected] or ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_t1_DwhtCbF2V4M7K 203 227 1341, ext. 127 “I am only one, but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something; and because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do something I can do.” -Edward Everett Hale

Religious Education News September 30, 2018

Learning….. Learning…..

Loving…. Religious Ed. Office hours Loving…. Living… Monday-Thursday 10:30 am -5:30 pm Living… CHRIST! CHRIST!

Important Upcoming dates:

Sunday, February 3rd – No Religious Ed Evening Classes and No Youth Mass. Morning classes are on Wednesday, February 6th – Religious Ed Make-up Classes 6-7 pm for grades 3-6 Thursday, February 7th – Virtus Training 6:30pm Sunday, February 17th and Monday, February 18th – No Religious Ed Classes. President’s weekend. Classes resume on Tuesday, February 19th Wednesday, February 20th – Religious Ed Make-up Classes 6-7 pm for grades 7-8

If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me at (203) 227-8353 or [email protected]

A group of Students in the Confirmation class are presenting while others are taking notes. The topics of study are: Command- ments, Beatitudes, and Maxims, What is a Saint? Mary the Mother of God

Parents, you are welcomed and encouraged to come and observe a class at any time. Come see what your children are learning! Love and Peace, Gina Fleming Preschool News

Preschool alumni Kera Nakamura, class of 2017, shares her reading accomplishments with the children of SFA preschool. Teachers and current students alike, love visits by our alumni.

Children of SFA are learning to take mindful moments in prayer to reflect and give thanks everyday.

SFA Preschool families are excited about our upcoming Parish Fundraiser. Please look for a Parish or Preschool rep. who will be selling tickets for this SFA community event held on March 9th! Marianne Keith, Director Social Events February 3, 2019

Join us for a Coffee Social Sundays after 9:30 a.m. Mass How can you help? Host a Coffee Social-ask another family or two to co- host with you. It’s easier and more fun hosting with others. If you’d like to be reimbursed, give your receipts to Kimberley in the Parish Office or you may wish to donate the cost as a charitable contribution. Help the host with setup. Help the host by baking or providing refreshments. Come and enjoy the community building. Talk it up with your friends and come join the fun!

St. Francis provides the coffee, tea, sugar, juice and paper products. For information or to volunteer to help, please contact Carol Palumbo at 203-227-3271 or [email protected] Hosts are needed for the following weekends: 2/10, 2/17, 2/24, 3/3, 3/17, 3/24

*Thank you to the Dunnigan, Pryor, Tarare, and Palumbo Families for hosting this morning.

Parish Calendar St. Francis of Assisi Parish

Sunday, Feb. 3 4th Sunday in Ordinary Time The Catholic Community in Weston 8:00 a.m. Sunday Mass 35 Norfield Road • Weston, Connecticut 06883 9:30 a.m. Sunday Family Mass Parish Office: (203) 227-1341 10:15 a.m. Coffee Social Rev. Jeffrey W. Couture, Pastor [email protected] 11:00 a.m. Sunday Mass Thomas J. McManus, Deacon 5:00 p.m. No 5 p.m. Mass [email protected] Mon., Feb. 4 Kimberley Del Corso, Parish Administrator 7:30 a.m. Daily Mass [email protected] Gina Fleming, Director of Religious Education Tues.. Feb. 5 [email protected] 7:30 a.m. Daily Mass Caitlin McElroy, Director of Youth Ministry Weds., Feb. 6 [email protected] Jennifer Garvey, Religious Education Administrative Assistant 7:30 a.m. Daily Mass [email protected] 8:00 a.m. Eucharistic Adoration Marianne Keith, Preschool Director Thurs., Feb. 7 [email protected] 7:30 a.m. Daily Mass Mary Odierna, Preschool Program Coordinator [email protected] Fri., Feb. 8 Don Rickenback, Music Coordinator 7:30 a.m. Daily Mass [email protected] Sat., Feb. 9 William Smith, Maintenance 9:00 a,m. Mass Parish Pastoral Council Novena Mike Byrnes, Chris Eidt, Pam Franco, Ann Garvey, Maria Garcia, Missy Iatesta, Keri Kelleher, Andrew Knuth, Elise Major, Leigh Meccay, Lisa 4:00 p.m. Sacrament of Reconciliation Moskal, Stephen Odierna 5:00 p.m. Sunday Vigil Mass Parish Trustees 6:00 p.m. Pasta Night Mike Byrnes and Elise Major Sunday, Feb. 10 5th Sunday in Ordinary Time Worship Ministry 8:00 a.m. Sunday Mass Coordinator: Stephen Odierna (544-8834) 9:30 a.m. Sunday Family Mass [email protected] Altar Servers: Caitlin McElroy 10:15 a.m. Coffee Social [email protected] 11:00 a.m. Sunday Mass Arts & Environment: Joan Curran, 5:00 p.m. Sunday Vigil Mass [email protected] Mon., Feb. 11 Eucharistic Ministers: Peggy Shaeffer 7:30 a.m. Daily Mass [email protected] Lectors: Chris Eidt (762-7987) Tues., Feb. 12 [email protected] 7:30 a.m. Daily Mass Spiritual Formation Weds. Feb. 13 Coordinator: Pam Franco (227-5821) 7:30 a.m. Daily Mass Religious Education: Gina Fleming (227-8353) 8:00 a.m. Eucharistic Adoration Adult Education: Gloria Doino, Anita Field Thurs. Feb. 14 [email protected] R.C.I.A.: Pam Franco 7:30 a.m. Daily Mass [email protected] Fri., Feb. 15 Community Outreach 7:30 a.m. Daily Mass Coordinators: Melissa & Robert Iatesta (227-4668) Sat., Feb. 16 [email protected] 9:00 a.m. Daily Mass Soup Kitchen: Linda Nash (226-7680) Network of Care: Carina Silvestri (226-0884) Immaculate Conception Novena Pastoral Care Ministry: Anita Field (938-0874) 4:00 p.m. Sacrament of Reconciliation [email protected] 5:00 p.m. Sunday Vigil Mass Communications Ministry Coordinator: Leigh Meccay [email protected] Webmaster: Rosa Lagana [email protected] Social Events Ministry Coordinator: Nancy Sturgis [email protected] Finance Council Members: Mike Byrnes, Joe Jordan, Andrew Knuth, Chairman(226-9178), Blandine Lewine, Elise Major [email protected] Donating to SFA has never been easier! Just scan the Knights of Columbus bar code and it’s done. Mike Purdy [email protected]