December 27/28 2014

28 December 2014
The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary & Joseph
CHURCH OF THE
ON SAUGATUCK
THE MOTHER CHURCH OF WESTPORT
• Celebrating 138 Years 1876-2014 •
Phone: (203) 227-5161
98 Riverside Avenue • Westport, Connecticut 06880
CLERGY
(203) 227-5161
Fr. Thomas P. Thorne, Pastor
Fr. Lawrence A. Larson, Parochial Vicar
Dn. David P. Clark, Deacon
Fr. Matthew Krankall, Resident Priest (Grad Student)
EMERGENCY 1-203-249-4383
PARISH STAFF
Michelle P. Hankey, Pastoral Administrator
([email protected])
John P. Kondub, Finance Administrator
([email protected])
Christopher Mulliken, Volunteer Property Manager
Lee McGuire, Secretary (Monday & Tuesday)
Marilyn Price - Volunteer Receptionist (Wednesday - am)
Nancy Wright - Secretary (Wednesday pm, Thursday & Friday)
Dennis Stypinski, Custodian
Gerard Barreau, Part-time Custodian
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
Office: (203) 226-5448
Cell:
(203) 939-8910
Catherine J. Romano, Director
Nhur Klasky, Rel. Ed. Assistant (Sunday, Monday, Tuesday)
Ann Perce, Rel. Ed. Assistant (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday)
Joseph Malaterra, Rel. Ed. Board Chair
YOUTH MINISTRY
(203) 222-8486
Michele Modugno, Youth Minister (Grade 6 - 12)
Michael O’Loughlin, High School Youth Ministry Board Chair
BAPTISM PREPARATION CLASS
Fr. Lawrence A. Larson
First Sunday of the month at 1:30pm
R C I A (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults)
Marilyn Moran, Parish Director
Dolores Bacharach, RCIA Catechist
(203) 286-6939
PARISH OFFICE HOURS
Monday - Friday: 8:30am - 4:30pm (closed 12:00pm - 1:00pm)
Fax: (203) 227-1206
LAY MEMBERS OF THE CORPORATION
Theresa M. Perry, Trustee
Thomas P. Leyden, Trustee
Edward J. Capasse, Esq., Trustee Emeritus
FINANCE COUNCIL
Nancy Axthelm, Chair (203) 227-6569
Maria Onorato, Esq., Vice-Chair
Joseph Cardello
Michael O’Loughlin
PARISH COUNCIL
Maureen Belford, Chair
Joseph Malaterra, Vice-Chair
Ronnie Estony, Secretary
Helen C. Thiemann, Chair Emeritus
SACRED MUSIC MINISTRY
Frank Matto, Director & Organist
(203) 335-0894
([email protected])
Donna Gambino, Flutist
Aidan Andrews, Cantor
Jim Andrews, Bassist (Sunday 9:00am & 5:00pm)
MASS SCHEDULE
Mon. – Sat.
7:30 am
Saturday
5:00 pm Vigil
Sunday
7:30 am, 9:00 am (Family Mass),
10:30 am (Choir Mass), 12:00 noon, 5:00 pm
SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION
Saturday 4:00pm – 4:30pm
WEDDING COORDINATOR
Michelle P. Hankey
(203) 227-5161
FUNERAL COORDINATOR
Catherine J. Romano
(203) 226-5448
EUCHARISTIC ADORATION
Monday
8:00am - 5:00pm
Wednesday 8:00am - Thursday 7:25am
Third Thurs. 7:00pm - 8:00pm
New Members: We welcome all new parishioners and those who wish to return to the Church or to learn more of what
we Catholic Christians believe. Visit our web site www.assumption-westport.org
Page 2
In Loving Memory/Honor
The flowers at Mary’s Statue are
in loving memory of
Anthony Wilcox
The candles at Mary’s Statue burn
for Bella Price
The Sanctuary candle burns in
loving memory of
Christopher Bertoldo
The candles at the Tabernacle
burn in loving memory of
William Harris, Sr.
The candles at the Altar burn
in loving memory of
John Wanat
Pray for our men and women
currently serving our country
Sgt. Randy Ackerman, US Army
L.Cpl. Durry Becker, USMC
Matthew Bradstock, US Army
Tony Cuseo, USMC
Ryan J. David, USN
2nd Lt. Alex Deep, US Army
Sgt. Christopher Dietl, US Army
Pvt. Auriane de Sousa, US Army
Brodie Galloway, US Army
Col. Gerald E. Galloway, US Army
Sgt. Kimberly Gendreau, US Army
Sgt. Trevor Gilbertie, US Army
Sgt. Matthew Harwedel, USMC
Sgt. Joseph Kelly, USMC
2nd Lt. Karl Kuechenmeister
Cpl. Michael Linnen, USMC
Sgt. Andre Mercado-Divoff
P.F.C., Brad Myers, US Army
Spec., Jonathan Morris, US Army
LT Jonathan R. Nelson, USN
LTJG Ryan T. Nelson, USN
Sgt. Colin Santacroce, US Army
Maj. Devin A. Smiley, USMC
Sgt. Zachary B. Taylor, USAF
Patrick Tazella, US Army
Capt. James Tesauro, US Army
Cpl. Calvin Robert Wauchope, USMC
L.Cpl. Patrick Zingaro, USMC
Please pray for all those who have been
wounded or have sacrificed their lives for
the cause of peace.
Please pray for our sick
Catherine Alter
Mary Ann Andronaco
Noelle Anastasia
Joan Bailey
Bob Barker
Ryan Brewster
Mary Bulakites
Victoria Callas
Sr. Lucy Caporaso
Joseph Cardello, Sr.
Bill Chadwell
Aida Ciferri
Tonino Covatta
Andrea Charboneau
Connie & Howard Danner
Nicholas DeMatteo
Matt Dudzik
Colette Dunham
Gail Eichinger
David Ellison
Dr. Harry Engel
Angela Farricielli
Marge Gabriele
Katarina Hale
Julie Halka
Jane Hawley
Logan Howard
Frank Illuzzi
Marie James
Bernadette Juoan
Nancy Kelly
Bernadette Kenney
Laura Kesling
Mary Louise Krone
Frank Kropf
Mary-Ellen Kuhn
Michelle Lombardi
Jack Allen Loshuk
Cara MacDonald
Frank Machi
Helen Maggio
Nancy Marino
Gabriella McCrae
Kristina Miller
Rhoda Miller
Clarissa Moore
Jana Moorman
Danielle Murrugarra
Denise Murtha
Rennie Nourie
Donna Olsen
Frank Palmieri
Tom Pellicano
Kim Preston
Bella Price
Brian Richards
James Rosati
Deanne Ryan
Sandra Ryan
Teresa Sacouto
Adrian Sandiford
Bill & Charlene Surette
Carmela Tornatore
Cheri Travis
Nicholas Valas
Ron & Pat Viesti
James Dominick Zwolinski
Mass Intentions for the Week
Saturday, December 27
Vigil 5:00PM
Nettie & Tom Rietano Family
Sunday, December 28
7:30AM
The Chu Family
9:00AM
Family of Assumption
10:30AM
Rev. Stephen Barrett
12:00PM
Albert Copersino
5:00PM
Edward Regan
Monday, December 29
7:30AM
Josephine Chila
Tuesday, December 30
7:30AM
The Tornatore Family
Wednesday, December 31
7:30AM
Alphonse Iannacone
Vigil 5:00PM
Rev. Robert Morrissey
Thursday, January 1
7:30AM
Miriam French
12:00PM
Thomas Price
5:00PM
Ines Garcia
Friday, January 2
7:30AM
Americo A. (Rick) Renzulli
Saturday, January 3
7:30AM
Joseph A. McAleenan
Vigil 5:00PM
Tom & Nettie Rietano Family
Sunday, January 4
7:30AM
Rose Van
9:00AM
Mary Roberta Christiaans
10:30AM
Edward Regan
12:00PM
Adeline Renzulli
5:00PM
Family of Assumption
Pray For Our Recently Deceased
Ethel Ann McMahon
Walter Melillo
Theresa Falasco
Ernest Herold
Irene Deegan
Anthony Wilcox
John Wanat
Tony Tazella
May they rest in peace.
Page 3
Stewardship Report
•
Sunday Offertory will be announcement in next bulletin
•
Next Weekends Second Collection is for the First Sunday of the Month Utilities
collection
Thank you for your charity. God bless you,
Fr. Tom
Our parish now offers Online Giving, a web-based electronic application that allows
you to start, stop and change your contributions at any time. We are providing this
service so that you have the option to manage your contributions online, view reports
on your contribution history and generate tax statements at each year’s end. This
service is safe and secure. Sign up for Online Giving by visiting our parish website at
www.assumption-westport.org and selecting the Online Giving link.
•
•
If you wish to support the Parish by having your bank mail a check directly, you are welcome to do so. Please
have checks payable to Assumption Church.
Please remember Assumption Church in your estate planning. If you wish to make a donation of appreciated
stock to the Parish, you may do so by crediting UBS DTC # 0221 for further credit to Church of the Assumption,
Westport, CT Acct. UN R5454-17.
New PLS Fund replaces Roncalli House Fund: The Roncalli Fund is now closed but you
are most welcome to designate our new PLS FUND as recipient of your charity. This new fund will help us cover the
cost to paint (P) the interior of the Church, to put in place 14 micro spot lights (L) on the 14 Stations of the Cross as
well as update/upgrade our Sound System (S). Thank you.
Serra Club Corner
New Year’s Mass
Schedule
New Year’s Eve
Wednesday, December 31st
7:30am, 5:00pm Vigil
New Year’s Day
Thursday, January 1st
7:30am, 12:00pm and 5:00pm
All single Catholic men, HS seniors and
older, please attend the Diocese's
Discernment Retreat Day, January 3,
2015, 9:00am to 9:00pm at St. John Fisher
Seminary, Stamford. Log on to
BridgeportVocations.org for more info.
Prayer for Vocations
Heavenly Father, call an abundance of
virtuous men to serve in ordained ministry,
as laborers for Your harvest. Also, call many holy
young people to consecrated life for the sake of
Your kingdom. We ask this through
Jesus Christ, our Lord, Amen.
Page 4
2014 ANNUAL BISHOP'S APPEAL
THANK YOU to the following parishioners of Assumption who helped us surpass our goal this year. May I
join with Bishop Frank and all in the Diocese of Bridgeport who will benefit from our charity, which includes
our parish, in praising and thanking you for your generosity in 2014. Wishing you Christmas Blessings and a
New Year filled with health and peace, I am most gratefully yours in the Lord,
Fr. Tom, Pastor
Mr. and Mrs. James P. Agah
Mr. and Mrs. John B. Allen
Mrs. Hedwig Anderson
Mr. and Mrs. Joseph V. Andronaco
Mr. Carmen J. Arciola, III
Mr. and Mrs. Peter Armstrong
Mr. and Mrs. Eugene G. Autore
Mr. and Mrs. Walter Avitabile
Mrs. Nancy M. Axthelm
Mrs. Dolores U. Bacharach
Mr. and Mrs. Cole H. Baker
Mr. and Mrs. Brett C. Barcelona
Ms. Judy A. Barro
Mr. and Mrs. Steven M. Barry
Ms. Pat Barry-Loeser
Ms. Monika M. Barska
Mr. and Mrs. Nicholas A. Battaglino
Mrs. Rose Bauer
Miss Maureen E. Belford
Mr. and Mrs. Richard A. Benvenuto
Mr. and Mrs. Shane P. Berry
Ms. Angela Betscha
Mr. and Mrs. Bryan D. Birch
Mr. and Mrs. John A. Boehmer
Mr. and Mrs. Matthew R. Bollo
Mr. and Mrs. Thomas J. Bonaventura
Mr. and Mrs. George G. Bory, Jr.
Mr. and Mrs. Marc J. Boudreau
Mr. and Mrs. Andrew C. Braskamp
Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Buono
Mr. and Mrs. Michael J. Burke
Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Burke
Mr. and Mrs. Donald G. Butler
Mrs. Barbara H. Butler
Mr. and Mrs. Michael Byrne
Mrs. Betty Cabral
Mr. and Mrs. John D. Calandriello
Mr. and Mrs. Jason Canulla
Mr. and Mrs. Edward J. Capasse, Esq.
Mr. and Mrs. Thomas E. Capasse
Mr. and Mrs. Stephen J. Carl
Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Carpentieri
Mr. and Mrs. Peter Carusone
Ms. Francesca Carusone
Mr. and Mrs. Michael N. Castellano
Mr. Anthony A. Catalano, III
Mr. and Mrs. John J. Chacho
Ms. Celeste L. Champagne
Mr. and Mrs. Richard Chappo
Mr. and Mrs. Gerald P. Chase
Mr. and Mrs. Franco Chiaravallofi
Mr. and Mrs. William R. Christiaanse
Mr. and Mrs. Robert B. Clark
Mr. and Mrs. Joseph T. Colasurdo
Mr. and Mrs. Louis A. Colosimo
Ms. Karen E. Como
Mr. James J. Conboy
Mr. and Mrs. John Connell
Mrs. Betty Copersino
Mr. and Mrs. James M. Corgel
Mr. and Mrs. Robert Costantini
Mr. and Mrs. Darrin S. Cozzolino
Mr. Patrick J. Cullen
Mr. and Mrs. Casey J. Cunniffe
Ms. Nancy Curcio
Mr. and Mrs. William Curwen, Jr.
Mr. and Mrs. Michael T. Cusa, Jr.
Mr. and Mrs. Kurt Daniel
Mr. and Mrs. Keith D. Davis
Mr. and Mrs. John E. Davitt
Mr. Gene M. D'Avolio
Mr. and Mrs. Peter S. Daytz
Mr. and Mrs. Evan B. Dean
Mr. and Mrs. Vincent J. Debo
Mr. and Mrs. James V. DeCarlo
Mr. and Mrs. Joseph DeFelice
Mr. and Mrs. Anthony J. DeGregorio
Mr. William J. Delano
Mr. Lewis Dellardo and Mrs. Julietta Guarino
Mr. and Mrs. Dominick J. Demace
Mr. and Mrs. Steven S. DeMarco, Sr.
The Honorable and Mrs. Anthony J. DePanfilis
Ms. Mary A. Devaney
Mr. and Mrs. Daniel J. Devine
Mr. and Mrs. Thomas E. Devine
Mr. and Mrs. William J. Devine
Mr. and Mrs. John Dionne
Mr. Fulvio V. Dobrich and Ms. Margaret Mudd
Mr. and Mrs. Patrick Dolan
Mr. Brendan J. Donohoe
Mr. and Mrs. Peter J. Doran
Mr. Roland J. Doran
Ms. Patricia M. Dowd
Mr. Paul G. Driscoll, II
Mrs. Ann R. Driscoll
Mr. and Mrs. John D. Durkin
Ms. Anne E. Durkin
Ms. Kathleen A. Durkin
Ms. Mary M. Eccles
Mr. and Mrs. Nevil R. Ede
Mr. and Mrs. David F. Ellison
Mr. and Mrs. Harry P. Engel
Mr. and Mrs. Robert J. Estony
Mr. and Mrs. Matthew Evans
Mr. and Mrs. James J. Fahey
Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Fanning
Mr. and Mrs. Carl J. Fazio
Mr. and Mrs. Jose M. Feliciano
Mrs. Annette J. Fiorenza
Mr. and Mrs. Brendan Flaherty
Mr. and Mrs. Gerald Fontaine
Mrs. Linda F. Foran
Mr. and Mrs. Timothy D. Fording
Mr. and Mrs. William P. Fornshell
Ms. Zilda A. Forte
Mr. and Mrs. Brian Foster
Ms. Maria Fraioli
Mr. and Mrs. Charles J. French
Mr. and Mrs. David Friezo
Mr. and Mrs. Domenick R. Fumai
Mr. and Mrs. Robert F. X. Fusaro
Mr. and Mrs. Peter Gakos
Ms. Susan L. Galati
Ms. Donna L. Gambino
Mr. and Mrs. Edward T. Gargiulo
Ms. Rosa M. Gatti
Mr. John Gavigan
Mr. and Mrs. Daniel A. Geelan
Mrs. Shirley M. Gendron
Mr. and Mrs. James Giambalvo
Mr. and Mrs. Theodore A. Giannitti
Mr. and Mrs. Robert T. Gillin
Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Gilmore
Mr. and Mrs. Jorge A. Gomes
Mr. and Mrs. Michael A. Goodman
Mr. Chris T. Gorman
Mr. and Mrs. David S. Gouchoe
Mr. and Mrs. Timothy J. Greene
Mr. and Mrs. William J. Greene
Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Grimaldi
Ms. Mary E. Guzewicz
Mr. and Mrs. Richard F. Hagan
Ms. Celeste A. Hagen
Mr. and Mrs. Robert Hallock
Mr. John K. Halvey
Mr. and Mrs. Thomas C. Harding
Mr. and Mrs. Douglas S. Harris
Mr. and Mrs. Scott Harris
Mr. William R. Harris
Mrs. Suzanne E. Harvey
Mr. and Mrs. Richard M. Healy, Jr.
Mr. and Mrs. Robert C. Hedges
Mr. and Mrs. Charles J. Heiser
Mr. and Mrs. Gerald N. Held
Mr. and Mrs. Charles D. Hellman
Mr. and Mrs. Robert Hinckley, Jr.
Mr. and Mrs. Peter I. Hodgson
Dr. and Mrs. George M. Hollenberg
Mrs. Joanne Holton
Ms. Christine M. Huebner
Mr. and Mrs. Edward R. Hulina
Mrs. Mary E. Hynes
Mr. and Mrs. James Ingram
Mr. and Mrs. Joseph A. Izzo
Mr. and Mrs. Sean J. Jackman
Mr. and Mrs. George H. Jamison, III
Mr. and Mrs. Kevin M. Jandora
Mr. and Mrs. Peter G. Jordan
The Honorable and Mrs. Edward R. Karazin, Jr.
Ms. Carolyn Keating
Mr. and Mrs. Charles J. Keenan, III
Mr. Edward G. Kelley
Mr. and Mrs. Charles F. Kelly, III
Mr. and Mrs. Scott Kelly
Ms. Leslie Kerr
Mr. and Mrs. Daniel T. Kiely
Mr. and Mrs. David T. Kimball
Reverend Robert M. Kinnally
Kate and Mike Kirby
Mrs. Carmela L. Klinga
Mr. John P. Kondub
Mrs. Julia M. Kondub
Ms. Theresa A. Kovacs
Mr. and Mrs. Daryle J. Kowalsky
Mr. and Mrs. James W. Lamb
Mr. and Mrs. Lewis L. Lanese
Reverend Lawrence A. Larson
Mrs. Joan G. Lasprogato
Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence H. Lau
Ms. Elizabeth J. Lazarou
Mr. and Mrs. Carlos A. Lebrija
Ms. Susanne P. Lebrija
Mr. and Mrs. Frank R. Lener
Mr. and Mrs. Richard C. Leonard
Ms. Darlene Letersky
Mr. and Mrs. Thomas P. Leyden
Ms. Gloria D. Licari
Mr. and Mrs. Mark W. Lindwall
Mr. and Mrs. Dominic R. Lipira
Dr. and Mrs. Richard J. Lisi
Mr. and Mrs. Richard Lorusso
Mrs. Nancy R. Lott
Mr. and Mrs. Robert M. Lupoli
Ms. Concetta R. Luppino
Reverend Michael P. Lyons
Mrs. Judith E. Mach
Mrs. Frances C. MacIlvain
Mr. and Mrs. William P. Macnamara, Jr.
Mr. and Mrs. Charles W. Maggio
Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Makowka
Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Mancuso
Mr. and Mrs. Salvatore J. Mantia
Mr. and Mrs. Joseph S. Manzi
Mr. and Mrs. Michael J. Marcante
Mr. and Mrs. Edmund R. Marcarelli
Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Marcocci
Miss Joann M. Marcuccilli
Mr. and Mrs. Ralph M. Marcuccilli
Mr. and Mrs. Kelly G. Martin
Ms. Helen Martinez
Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Martino
Mr. and Mrs. Matthew J. Mascera
Ms. Mary Ann Masone
Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Massoud
Mr. and Mrs. Fred J. Mastriacovo
Mr. and Mrs. James P. McCabe
Mr. John C. McCabe
Mr. and Mrs. John J. McCarthy, Jr.
Mr. and Mrs. Kevin J. McCarthy
Mr. and Mrs. Robert E. McCarthy
Mr. and Mrs. Thomas McCarthy
Dr. and Mrs. Kevin F. McCaul
Mr. and Mrs. Arthur McCauley
Mrs. Carol A. McClatchie
Mr. and Mrs. Thomas F. McGee
Mr. and Mrs. Robert E. McGrath
Mrs. Filomena M. McGuire
Ms. Winifred E. McKenna
Mr. and Mrs. Dermott T. Mickune
Mr. and Mrs. Randolph J. Miller
Mr. and Mrs. Thomas M. Milligan
Mr. Joseph S. Mioli
Mr. and Mrs. Dominick Modugno
Mr. and Mrs. Louis J. Mola
Mr. James Mola
Mr. and Mrs. Michele Montresoro
Mr. and Mrs. Christopher D. Moore
Mr. and Mrs. Robert E. Moorman
Mr. and Mrs. John T. Moran
Ms. Peggy Marie Morris McMahon
Mr. Michael J. Murphy
Mr. and Mrs. Joseph M. Murray
Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Nashawaty
Mr. and Mrs. Frank C. Nicholas
Mr. and Mrs. Joseph P. Norris
Dr. and Mrs. Joseph B. O'Connell
Mr. and Mrs. Thomas M. O'Connell
Ms. Maureen A. O'Driscoll
Mrs. Gertrude O'Grady
Mr. and Mrs. Kevin M. Olsen
Ms. Dalila Ordonez
Mr. and Mrs. Michael W. O'Reilly
Mr. and Mrs. Dennis P. Orr
Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Palmer
Mr. and Mrs. Carlo J. Palmer
Ms. Theresa M. Palombo
Mr. William J. Paret
Mr. and Mrs. Dominick Parillo
Mr. and Mrs. Steven Parkes
Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Partner
Mrs. Adrianna Pastore
Ms. Eileen T. Patjens
Mrs. Josephine Pellicano
Ms. Lori Pellicano
Mr. and Mrs. John F. X. Peloso
Mr. and Mrs. Michael J. Pengue
Mr. and Mrs. Gregory Penny
Miss Theresa M. Perry
Mr. and Mrs. Stephen C. Pianka
Mr. and Mrs. Gary Pinho
Mr. and Mrs. L. Michael Porzio
Mr. and Mrs. Michael Porzio
Mr. and Mrs. Roberto Porzio
Mr. Dave E. Pramer
Mrs. Marilyn G. Price
Mr. and Mrs. Timothy Prister
Mr. and Mrs. David L. Quigley
Mr. and Mrs. Nikola Radman
Ms. Mary A. Rauscher
Mr. and Mrs. Frank M. Rende
Mr. and Mrs. John B. Richards
Mrs. Ann M. Rimby
Mr. and Mrs. Dominic C. Rispoli
Mrs. Paula T. Robinson
Mr. and Mrs. Keith S. Roche
Mrs. Maria H. Rodriguez
Mr. Paul Rohan
Mr. and Mrs. Daniel A. Romanello
Mr. and Mrs. Gerald F. Romano
Mr. and Mrs. Timothy Romano
Mrs. Joan A. Romano
Mr. and Mrs. James Rosati
Mr. and Mrs. J. Kevin Ross
Mr. and Mrs. William E. Rothschild
Mr. and Mrs. Alan B. Rummelsburg
Mr. and Mrs. David P. Russell
Mr. and Mrs. James M. Ryan
Mr. and Mrs. Steven W. Ryder
Mr. and Mrs. Willilam Ryder
Mr. and Mrs. John A. Sabbagh
Mr. and Mrs. Edward C. Saenz
Mr. and Mrs. Anthony M. Sanfilippo
Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Saracena
Page 5
Ms. Elaine M. Schanzenbach
Mr. and Mrs. Phillip J. Schemel
Mr. and Mrs. Michael P. Schmitt
Mrs. Phyllis Q. Shaner
Mr. and Mrs. Michael Sharpe
Mr. and Mrs. Thomas F. Shaughnessy
Mr. and Mrs. John C. Shaw
Mr. and Mrs. Allan Shenoy
Mr. and Mrs. Brian C. Sikorski
Mr. and Mrs. Daniel M. Sixsmith
Mr. Henry J. Skupp
Mr. and Mrs. Michael Smith
Mr. and Mrs. Peter J. Spengler
Mr. and Mrs. James M. St. John
Mr. and Mrs. Eric Stanger
Miss Lucy Stefani
Miss Mary G. Stefani
Mr. and Mrs. John V. Stefani
Mr. and Mrs. Jon H. Stefenson
Mr. and Mrs. Peter H. Sternbach
Mr. and Mrs. Bryon E. Stevens
Mr. and Mrs. William C. Stirling
Mr. and Mrs. Jeffery Stoltzfoos
Mr. and Mrs. David J. Sullivan
Mr. and Mrs. William E. Surette, Jr.
Mr. and Mrs. Gregory B. Sweeney
Ms. Delphine M. Swierc
Mr. and Mrs. David J. Talbot
Mr. and Mrs. Diego Tamayo
Mr. and Mrs. Emmanuel Tamiolakis
Mr. and Mrs. Robert T. Tangel
Ms. Jeannie B. Tanguay
Mr. and Mrs. Joseph D. Teklits
Ms. Helen C. Thiemann
Reverend Thomas P. Thorne
Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence B. Tirreno
Mr. and Mrs. Christopher J. Toeplitz
Mr. and Mrs. A. Morris Tooker
Mrs. Frances C. Tornatore
Ms. Loretta Tremonte
Mr. and Mrs. Joseph A. Troy, III
Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Turner
Mr. and Mrs. Stephen J. Urciuoli
Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence S. Uydess
Mrs. Maria C. Vadala
Dr. and Mrs. Harrison R. Valante
Mrs. Carmella M. Vento
Mr. and Mrs. Robert P. Vesciglio
Mr. and Mrs. Brendan S. Walsh
Mrs. Hannelore Walsh
Mrs. Jean Wanat
Mr. and Mrs. Rick T. Wardell
Mr. and Mrs. Timothy W. Weiler
Mr. Thomas Wendorff
Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey White
Ms. Nicole N. Whitney
Mr. and Mrs. Craig A. Wiele
Mr. Erich J. Wiemann
Mr. Hans S. Wiemann
Dr. John J. Williams
Mr. Gregory S. Wolfe & Ms. Nancy A. Lewis
Ms. Nancy E. Wright
Mr. and Mrs. Hong C. Yoon
Mrs. Corinne E. Youngling
Mrs. Mary B. Zaffina
Mr. and Mrs. Carl J. Zuckerberg
Page 6
THE FINANCE COUNCIL
The Finance Council recently enjoyed dinner
with Fr. Tom at the rectory in joyous
anticipation of Christmas. L to R . . . Michael
O'Loughlin, Maria Onorato, Esq. Vice Chair,
Nancy Axthelm, Chair and Joe Cardello. Fr.
Tom is very grateful to them for their service to
the parish.
Next Weekends Priest Mass Schedule
Saturday, January 3
Vigil 5:00pm
Fr. Larry
Sunday, January 4
7:30am
Fr. Tom
9:00am
Fr. Tom
10:30am Fr. Rob
12:00pm Fr. Rob
5:00pm
Fr. Larry
— Subject to change —
Knights of Columbus
- Council 3688 Meeting Information: The Knights
of Columbus meet the first Tuesday of
the month at Assumption Church at
7:30pm in McGrath Hall, beneath the church. The
next meeting will be held on January 6. For more
information, please contact Walter Avitabile at
(203) 981-3083 or by email [email protected]
New members are always welcome!
I AM WHO I AM . . . A CHRISTMAS GIFT
MOST NEVER UNWRAP . . .
Jesus said, “You must lose yourself to find
yourself” (Matthew 16:25). For some sad reason most people
have presumed that the self that had to die, the self we had
to lose, was the physical self, when actually Jesus meant the
ego self, the separate self, the self-created by our own mind
and adventures. This is what passes away. There seems to
be some deep bias against embodiment, materiality, and
physicality. That is where we harbor our inferiority feelings.
You’d think if there would be any religion in the world that
would not think that way, it would be Christianity, because
Christianity is the only religion that believes that God
became a body, became a human being: Jesus. That’s why
we get so excited about Christmas! We call it the Feast of
the Incarnation or “enfleshment.” But I find most mainline
Christians to be quite “excarnational” and moving opposite
to the path of Jesus and trying to be “spiritual,” whatever
that means. The eternal Christ Mystery began with the Big
Bang where God decided to materialize as the universe.
Henceforth, the material and the spiritual have always coexisted, just as Genesis 1:1-2 seems to be saying. Although
this Christ existed long before Jesus, and is coterminous
with creation itself, Christians seem to think Christ is Jesus’
last name. What Jesus allows us to imagine—because we
see it in him—is that the divine and the human are forever
one. God did not just take on one human nature, although
that is where we could first risk imagining it in the body of
Jesus. God took on all human nature and said “yes” to it
forever! In varying degrees and with infinite qualities, God
took on everything physical, material, and natural as
himself. That is the full meaning of the Incarnation. To
allow such a momentous truth, to fully believe it, to enjoy it
in practical ways, to suffer it with and for others—this is
what it means to be a Christian! Nothing less will do now.
Nothing less will save the world.
For most Christians, though, Jesus is totally divine, but not
totally human. We deny his humanity and overly assert his
divinity—instead of the very synthesis that he came to
exemplify, announce, and share! We’ve paid a big price for
such dualistic thinking because when we can’t put it
together in him, we can’t put it together in ourselves either.
And that’s the whole point! You and I are simultaneously
children of heaven and children of earth, divine and human
coexisting in a well hidden disguise. We are a living
paradox, just as Jesus was. We also are a seeming
contradiction that is not a contradiction at all. Most
Christians were simply never told the real good news that
flesh and spirit, divine and human, coexist. That was not
made clear in Jesus and surely not in ourselves. The
consequences have been disastrous at all levels. Matter
always reveals Spirit, and Spirit lies hidden in all that is
physical, material, earthly, human, flawed, and failing.
Everything is a sacrament! Nothing else could be called
utter and final good news except this message. It is indeed a
benevolent universe.
Adapted from The Art of Letting Go:
Living the Wisdom of Saint Francis
Social Concerns Christmas Party 2014
Page 7
Page 8
Tuesday Afternoon Religious Education Classes - December 2014
Father Tom and Deacon David visited all the Tuesday Rel. Ed. Classes. They were very
impressed with the quality of teaching and the polite behavior of the children. What a terrific
reflection on their parents.
Page 9
High School Youth Group: The next High School
Youth Group gathering is scheduled for Sunday, January
11 as we continue to celebrate Christmas. We still celebrate
Christmas in our faith throughout January and Sunday,
January 11 is a special day as we as Catholics celebrate the
Baptism of the Lord. We are also moving the Middle
School Youth Celebration to Sunday, January 11, so note
the schedule below and how you can help with the middle
schoolers and attend your own gathering:
• 3:30PM – 4:45PM – Volunteer to help with the Middle
School Youth Group Gathering!
And then our high school schedule:
• 5:00PM – 6:00PM – Youth Mass
• 6:00PM – 7:30PM - High School Youth Group
Christmas Party
Please mark your calendar for Sunday, January 11 as we
will be talking about the “30 Hour Famine” which we will
be participating with on February 28-March 1. Please
contact the Youth Ministry Office either via email:
[email protected] or via phone (203)
222-8486 to let us know you will be attending!
Middle School Youth Group: The Middle School
Youth Group gathering has been moved to Sunday,
January 11. We as Catholics still celebrate Christmas
during the month of January, and Sunday, January 11 is a
special day as that is the Baptism of the Lord.
Unfortunately, the December schedules for our middle
schoolers is quite busy, so we are moving our event to
January. Our gathering will include making items for your
outdoor trees from bird seed to help feed the birds during
the cold winter months. It is important that we take care of
all God’s creatures, so Sunday, January 11 will be the day to
do just that. If your middle schooler is interested in
attending, please do not hesitate to contact the Youth
Ministry Office: [email protected]
or by calling: (203) 222-8486.
Youth Musicians: The next Youth Mass is set for
Sunday, January 11. Don’t forget the rehearsal for
mass on Sunday, January 11 will begin at 4:15PM in the
choir loft with our music director, Frank Matto. If you
are in grades 8-11, and would like to add your musical
talents to our youth musicians’ group, please contact us
at: [email protected] or call the Youth
Ministry Office at (203) 222-8486.
On behalf of the Youth Ministry Office, we would like
to wish everyone a joyful New Year! Stay safe and
warm this New Year’s Eve and we’ll
see you all in 2015!
Michele Modugno, Youth Minister
In winter, many of our sisters and
brothers must sleep outside or in
crowded shelters.
Please help by donating
NEW OR GENTLY USED
CLEAN
sweaters, coats, hats gloves,
mittens and scarves.
During the month of January,
there will be boxes at the doors
of the church for your
donations. The items will be
distributed as they come in.
Thank you for your continued
generosity.
The Social Concerns
Ministry
Page 10
Parish Seniors celebrate at Christmas Luncheon
Thank you to Barbara Murray, Michelle Hankey, Laura Cotter, Joanne French, Marilyn Price, Gloria Lau,
Chris Lau and Santa (aka Tom Leyden) who hosted a wonderful Senior Luncheon after their 12 noon Mass.
The photos tell it all! A special welcome back visit from Sr. Catherine, RSM who for years ministered to our
sick and elderly homebound and now is retired residing at Lourdes, the SSND Motherhouse in Wilton where
she receives tender loving care and faithful visits from her blood sister, Sr. Anita, RSM and Sr. Sally, CND
who is pastoral assistant at St. Matthew in Norwalk. Assumption Seniors are full of faith, Christmas joy and
happiness.
Page 11
Hospital & Nursing Home Visitations
Due to current privacy rights of patients, the priests do
not have any way of knowing if and
when parishioners are hospitalized. Therefore, if you
wish to be visited by one of our priests while in the
hospital, please have a family member notify the parish
office and Father Tom or Father Larry will be happy to
visit, bring you Holy Communion and share with you the
Anointing of the Sacrament of the Sick. Thank you.
Religious Education News &
Information
Sunday 9:00am Confirmation
Class Schedule
December 28 - no class, Christmas Recess
January 4 - no class
January 11 - no morning class, 5:30pm Gifts of the
Holy Spirit Workshop with parents and
students in School Gym (Required)
January 18 - no class, Souper Bowl of Caring
Soup Can Drive Service Project in the
church (during all masses)
January 25 - Class, Saint Papers Due
Grades K-7 Sunday & Tuesday
Class Schedule
Sunday, Dec. 28 - no class, Christmas Recess
Tuesday, Dec. 30 - no class, Christmas Recess
Sunday, Jan. 4 - no class
Tuesday, Jan. 6 - class
Sunday, Jan. 11 - class
Tuesday, Jan. 13 - class
Sunday, Jan. 18 - no class (Martin Luther King holiday)
Tuesday, Jan. 20 - class
Sunday Jan. 25 - class
Tuesday, Jan. 27 - class
Assumption Parish
Bereavement Group
Come, share and heal with others.
The Bereavement Group meetings have ended for
2014. We will begin again on Wednesday,
January 7, 2015 from 3:30pm to 5:00pm in the
Roncalli House. Have a Blessed Christmas!
Helen Thiemann
(203) 227-6318
[email protected]
Devotions
Holy Hour, Exposition and Sung Chaplet of
Mercy: is every month on the Thursday before the
first Friday from 7:15pm to 8:00pm in the Church.
Dian J. Mayo (203) 938-2113.
Miraculous Medal Novena: Wednesdays
following the 7:30am Mass.
Daily Rosary of Peace - at 7:00am before daily
Mass
First Saturday Holy Hour: following the 7:30am
Mass.
Adoration: Monday 8:00am – 5:00pm and
Wednesday 8:00am thru Thursday 7:25am (24 hrs.)
Please call Andrea Remlin (203) 227-5477 if you
would like to take ½ - 1 hour of Adoration.
Holy Hour and Exposition: Third Thursday of the
month 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Baptismal Prep Class
Mothers and Fathers who are parents for the first
time are required to attend a Pre-Baptism class.
Classes are held in the new parish center at 1:30pm
once a month. The next Pre-Baptismal Class
will be held on Sunday, January 4 in the
Roncalli House, Oscar Romero Room. Please
call the Parish Office at (203) 227–5161 to register
for the class. Please note, Godparents must be
practicing, Confirmed Catholics and age 16 and
over.
Sacramental Information
Marriage: Arrangements are to be made a
minimum of six months prior to the wedding date.
Please call the Parish Office.
Baptism: Please call the Parish Office to make
arrangements for your child’s Baptism. Baptisms
are on Sundays at 1:15pm, one to four children.
Reconciliation: Saturdays 4:00pm – 4:30pm
Communion: We welcome the opportunity to visit
our homebound parishioners. Please call the Parish
Office.
Anointing of the Sick: Please call the Rectory prior
to surgery or at the onset of an illness.
RCIA: The process by which an adult joins our
Catholic Faith Community. Contact Marilyn Moran
at (203) 286-6939.