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My Father's House Aug 28, 2009 : Jesus - His Church and His Ministry. Retreat with Father Mitch Pacwa, S.J. from EWTN and Father Bill McCarthy, MSA, Director of My Father's House, Moodus, CT.

My Father's House Aug 28, 2009

St Sebastian May 14, 2005 : 84th Annual Feast of St Sebastian in Middletown, CT. Beautiful church, warm and loving people and a patron saint worthy of celebrating.

St. Sebastian was a third century martyr put to death at the hands of Roman soldier contemporaries for his deep Christian beliefs.

Honored for centuries in Melilli in Siciliy, I Nuri in Middletown, CT venerate St. Sebastian every May with cries of,
"E chiamamulu paisanu! Primu a Diu e Sammastianu!"
"He is one of our own! First God, and then St. Sebastian!"

Mass in Honor of St. Sebastian
Pontifical Mass of Thanksgiving
Most Reverand Daniel Hart
Former Bishop of Norwich as celebrant & homilist for Feast Mass of Saint Sebastian
Concelebrants of the Feast Mass
Fr. Augustine Naduvilekoot, Pastor
Fr. Andrzej Gajewski, Parochial Vicar

St Sebastian May 14, 2005

St Thomas Aquinas Dec 13, 2006 : On Wednesday, December 13, 2006, 100 Catholic teens from youth groups throughout the Diocese of Norwich gathered together at St Thomas Aquinas in Storrs, CT. John Campbell and Sean Forrest were host for the Advent Evening of Prayer. Sean challenged the youth to find the gift God has given each of them and to share that gift with others. The students were highly engaged in Sean's stories and song. At the end of the evening the Christian rock band Pointe Blank brought the youth to their feet with a crisp energetic sound.

St Thomas Aquinas Dec 13, 2006

Bread of Life Youth Retreat Oct 28,2006 : The Franciscan Friars of the Renewal (C.F.R.) held a Bread of Life Youth Retreat at Academy of the Holy Family, Baltic, CT on October 27 - 29, 2006. One hundred junior high school and high school students from throughout the Diocese of Norwich were in attendance. The highlight of the weekend was the Saturday evening Eucharistic Prayer Service. A talk on reconciliation was given by Fr. Solanus Maria Benfatti and the music ministry for the evening was provided by nationally renowned artist, Martin Doman.

Bread of Life Youth Retreat Oct 28,2006

St Bernard HS Golden Jubilee, Oct 2006 : Saint Bernard High School, Uncasville, CT - 50th Anniversary Mass - Sunday, October 8, 2006.

St Bernard HS Golden Jubilee, Oct 2006

Jacqueline Keller Retirement Dinner Sep 15, 2006 : A retirement dinner in honor of Jacqueline Keller, Director of Communications for the Diocese of Norwich, was held on Friday, September 15, 2006 at Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Quaker Hill, CT. It was a wonderful evening filled with fond memories, laughter, beautiful sentiments and thankful prayer.

Press release and biography - http://norwichdiocese.org/news/kellerbiog.htm

Jacqueline Keller Retirement Dinner Sep 15, 2006

St Mary Sep 3, 2006 : Holy Ghost Feast Mass was celebrated by Rev. Philip J. Geogan of Saint Mary Parish in Stonington, CT on September 3, 2006. Following the blessing of the crowns and the symbolic crowning of the children, a procession made its way through the borough of Stonington to the Portuguese Holy Ghost Society Club Hall. Soupas, a boiled dinner, was served to all representing the miraculous gift of food gained by the prayers of St. Isablel for her starving people. The festival in Stonington dates back more than 90 years.

St Mary Sep 3, 2006

St Mary's Aug 13, 2006 : 76th Annual Feast of the Assumption, St Mary by the Sea, New London, CT. Concelebrants Bishop Daniel P. Reilly, Retired Bishop of Worcester, Rev. Robert Washabaugh, Pastor of St. Mary's Church, and Rev. Joseph Castaldi, Pastor of St. Joseph's Church.

St Mary's Aug 13, 2006

Bishop's Lawn Party Aug 13, 2006 : Catholic Charities First Annual Bishop's Lawn Party at the American Wharf, Norwich, CT hosted by Reverend Michael R. Cote, D.D.

Bishop's Lawn Party Aug 13, 2006

Mass of Ordination May 27, 2006 : Celebration of the Ordination to the Priesthood of Reverend John Nicholas Antonelle and Reverend Anthony Joseph DiMarco. The Most Reverend Michael R. Cote, D.D., Celebrant.

Mass of Ordination May 27, 2006

St Pius X, May 14, 2006 : The May Crowning of Mary took place at the 9:00 A.M. Mass of St Pius X Church, Middletown. Youngsters who had received their First Communion only the day before joined siblings in laying flowers at the feet of Mary. It was a beautiful way to start off Mother's Day.

St Pius X, May 14, 2006

St Mary of Czestochowa Apr 4, 2006 : Antoinette Strycharz, the keeper of the Pisanki for St Mary of Czestochowa in Middletown, CT, held an evening of egg "writing" in preparation for the Easter Season. The event was held on April, 4 2006 at the conclusion of The Ladies Guild meeting.

A wonderful steward of Polish tradtion, "Toni" learned the art of Pisanki from her father who had learned the technique and patterns from his father. She spoke fondly of her childhood when her family would practice the art of pisanki on Good Friday. The following day, Easter Saturday, the parish priest would come to their home to bless the Pisanki and Easter meal. On Easter Sunday the family would exchange the beautifully decorated Pisanki as a symbol of the Resurrection.

St Mary of Czestochowa Apr 4, 2006

St Philip the Apostle Feb 25, 2006 : St Philip the Apostle Church in Ashford held a Mardi Gras Dinner on February 25th following the Saturday evening Mass. Father Christopher Zmuda played host to about 75 people for a scrumptous dinner. Chef Donald Froehlich and his assistant John Bergeron cooked up some mighty fine food including pot roast with gravy, a cajun rice and bean dish and a wonderful chicken gumbo. Most of the children held back on the dinner so they could make an early trip to the sweet tooth table. The dessert table was filled with cookies, cakes and ice cream. No one went home hungry.

St Philip the Apostle Feb 25, 2006

Cathedral Wedding Music Showcase Feb 19, 2006 : The Cathedral of St. Patrick held their 10th Annual Wedding Music Showcase on Sunday, February 19th. The event was hosted by Monsignor Anthoney S. Rosaforte, Pastor of the Cathedral, Mrs. Sunnie Robinson, Cathedral Wedding Coordinator and Douglas Green, Cathedral Director of Music.

The Cathedral was beautifully adorned with floral arrangements from McKenna's Flower Shop in Norwich. Gowns worn by the brides were provided by Love Me Two Times of Taftville while the tuxedos were courtesy of Sir Tux of Groton.

The program consisted fo five presentations of liturgical music and scripture giving the newlyweds-to-be a chance to reflect on the perfect music and readings for their own wedding. After the recital Sonnie Robinson, Douglas Green and the models were available to answer questions and assist the engaged couples in their final plans.

Music was perfomed by Douglas Green, organ, Richard Schumacher, timpani, Ken Tedeschi, trumpet, Bob Scent, bagpipes, The Connecticut String Trio and Classic Winds. Vocalist included Carroll Mailhot, soprano, Mary Beth Lee, soprano, Richard Schumacher, tenor, and Patricia May, soprano.

Models for the day included newlyweds Christine and Jeff Mathieu, Jill and Nate Charron, Lauren and Ken Creutz and Kristen and Tom Chantrell. Other models included Heather Foster, Chris Lavalle and Harry Robinson.

Cathedral Wedding Music Showcase Feb 19, 2006

Norwich Diocese Nativity Scenes : Nativity scenes from around the Diocese of Norwich - Christmas 2005. Parishes include St Bernard (Rockville), St Joseph (Rockville), Holy Family (Hebron), St Mary (Coventry), St Thomas (Voluntown), St Joseph (New London), St Mary (New London), Our Lady of Guadalupe (Griswold) and St Patrick Cathedral (Norwich).

Norwich Diocese Nativity Scenes

Mt St John Christmas Lights Nov 29, 2005 : Mount Saint John, Deep River, CT
Mount Saint John is a private, non-profit organization, providing both residential and educational programs for boys who are in need of its varied services. It is situated on 80 acres overlooking the Connecticut River. www.mtstjohn.org

Mt St John Christmas Lights Nov 29, 2005

St Joseph Living Center Sep 24, 2005 : The 3rd Annual St Joseph Living Center Festival was held on Saturday, September 24 in Windham, CT. Many in the community took advantage of the beautiful day to help raise funds to offset reductions in Medicaid dollars available to the 120 residents. There were raffle prizes, crafts for sale, baked goods, and grilled hot dogs and hamburgers for the hungry. The balloon and face painting tent was the most popular stop for the youngest in the crowd. The warm sunny day was nicely complimented by the warm hearts of the staff, volunteers and residence of The St Joseph Living Center who hosted the event.

St Joseph Living Center Sep 24, 2005

St Joseph Sep 11, 2005 : St Joseph Church in Rockville, CT held their annual Polka Mass on Sunday, September 11, 2005. The Mass was celebrated in Polish and English with special participation from the students of St Joseph School. Many of the children were beautifully dressed in traditional clothing representing the various regions of Poland. Father Joseph Olczak gave a wonderful homily on the history of St Joseph's and the essence of the Polish Catholic experience - "let us love each other". At the turn of the century Polish immigrants came to Rockville to work in the mills and farm the land, and they built St Joseph's to be the spiritual connection to their homeland. One hundred years later the traditions and ties to Poland remain very strong. A special letter from Governor Jodi Rell was read at the end of the Mass to commemorate Father Olczak's 40th Pastorial Anniversary.

A dinner was held after Mass in the Church Hall with several hundred in attendance. Ethnic foods were aplenty from Babka and Golabki to Kielbasa and Kurcze. The kitchen staff joyfully provided for everyone on this festive day. International Polka Association Hall of Famer Eddie Skinger serenaded the diners accompanied by accordianist Ron Macaldo. Known as the "Platinum Voice of Polka", Eddie's tenor singing was a highlight for many. Another highlight was the museum quality display of the traditional "Sunday Best" outfits. The coloful garb was unique by region within Poland and an indicator of your marital status among other things.

St Joseph's formal Centennial Year Celebration will take place on October 23rd. Most Reverend Michael R. Cote, D.D., Bishop of Norwich will be in attendance.

St Joseph Sep 11, 2005

St Mary July 31,2005 : 51st Annual Blessing of the Fleet. St. Mary Parish, Stonington, CT. Most Reverend Bishop Michael R. Cote offered the Mass of St. Peter to intercede for the deceased fishermen and the ongoing safety and success of the fleet harbored in southeastern CT. Concelebrates included Fr. Geogan (St. Mary's), Fr. Tumicki (Norwich) & Fr. D'Silva (Washington DC) along with the altar servers and the Knights of Columbus.

A colorful parade followed St. Peter's Mass and included a staging area in front of St. Mary's Church where each band performed for the Bishop. Dignitaries included local politicians, fire and police chiefs, Congressman Simmons and widows of several of the deceased fishermen.

Bishop Cote was then paraded down to the town docks for the Blessing of the Fleet. All in all, it was a beautiful event honoring our seagoing friends.

St Mary July 31,2005

St Bernard HS Graduation 2005 : Images from St Bernard High School graduation in Uncasville, CT on June 5, 2005.

St Bernard HS Graduation 2005

Mercy HS Graduation 2005 : Images from Mercy High School graduation ceremony in Middletown, CT on June 2, 2005.

Mercy HS Graduation 2005

St Pius X May 29, 2005 : Jesus said to them,
"Amen, amen, I say to you,
unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood,
you do not have life within you.
Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood
has eternal life,
and I will raise him on the last day.
For my flesh is true food,
and my blood is true drink.
Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood
remains in me and I in him.
Just as the living Father sent me
and I have life because of the Father,
so also the one who feeds on me
will have life because of me.
This is the bread that came down from heaven.
Unlike your ancestors who ate and still died,
whoever eats this bread will live forever."
John 6:53-58

St Pius X May 29, 2005

Xavier HS Graduation 2005 : Images from Xavier HS 2005 graduation ceremony in Middletown, CT.

Xavier HS Graduation 2005

Vernon Churches Apr 10, 2005 : Black veils don the entrance to both Catholic churches in downtown Rockville mourning the loss of Pope John Paul II. Churches pictured include St. Joseph and St. Bernard.

Vernon Churches Apr 10, 2005

St Agnes Mar 22, 2005 : Tuesday evening rehearsal for the Good Friday Living Stations of the Cross at St. Agnes in Niantic. Kathy Rockwell, and the Youth Group Ministers, choreographed a beautiful rendition of the Stations of the Cross with all teenage volunteers.

With very little time to prepare, the Youth Group did a wonderful job with the narration, acting, stage props, lighting, and sound effects. Particularly haunting was the echo of the iron hammer nailing Jesus to the Cross in total darkness.

The children performed with the proper amount of passion and reverence, and will be good stewards of God's sacrifice and love come Friday.

St Agnes Mar 22, 2005

St Joseph's Mar 12, 2005 : St. Joseph's Parish of New London held their 20th Annual Irish Soda Bread Contest on Saturday night, March 12th. Wool knit sweaters, and the wearin'o' the green was in fashion for the evening.

Food was aplenty with cornbeef and cabbage, cookies and cupcakes, and the best Irish soda bread west of County Mayo. Ticket taker, Jerry Ferraro, estimated more than 300 meals were served.

The Gray School of Irish Dance provided the cultural entertainment showcasing a variety of Irish step dances including jigs, reels, and hornpipes. St. Joseph's own Alexus Dumais was a featured dancer. All the girls were lovely in their embroidered dresses based on the Celtic Knotwork as seen in the Ancient Book of Kells.

A fun night of dance, song, laughter, and sharing. A good day to be Irish.

St Joseph's Mar 12, 2005

Sacred Heart Feb 14, 2005 : Sacred Heart Parish of Vernon was the site of a very special Lenten Mission from February 12 - 14th. Nationally renowned artist Brother Mickey McGrath, O.S.F.S., lead parishioners on a Journey to the Heart of Christ through the spiritual reflections of St. Francis de Sales, prayerful song, and the medium of his own sacred art.

The mission began with the celebration of the Mass on Sunday, and continued for three consecutive evenings. Each session built upon the other and helped all participants to recall a lost loved one, recognize them along with the communion of Saints, and join together with the faithfully departed in coming before the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

Brother Mickey intertwined yarns of his youth, stories of the Saints, and simple sayings of St. Francis de Sales to bring those in attendance closer to the loving God he knows. His ability to evoke laughter and tears through the familiar stories of an Irish-Catholic upbringing opened the hearts of all. His special affinity to the Saints and a unique way of bringing them alive through the vibrant colors on a canvas opened the minds of all to a new source of inspiration. Thank you, Brother Mickey!

We should live in this world as though our spirits were already in heaven, Saint Francis de Sales.

Artist's Website: www.beestill.com

Sacred Heart Feb 14, 2005

St Patrick Feb 11, 2005 : Then, taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he said the blessing, broke the loaves, and gave them to his disciples to set before the people; he also divided the two fish among them all. They all ate and were satisfied.

- Mark 6: 41-42

The St. Patrick Knights of Columbus Fish Fry is really something. These folks run the event as well as any wedding caterer. The East Hampton Knights host the event every Friday night during Lent. Over the course of 7 weeks they serve more than 1200 meals in the parish hall, and prepare another 600 for takeout. That is a lot of fish. $10 will get you a fine meal and drink, a chance to dance to some live music, and a night of fellowship. The proceeds are put back into the parish with 10% of the profits going to the local volunteer ambulance association.

The music is provided by the Fry Day Knights Band. Knights of Columbus members Walt Jedziniak, Noel Dash, Mike Degaspre, and Mark Giorgetti formed the band 2 years ago to spice up the dinner event. They are a talented rock'n'roll foursome with an upbeat sound. The kids love them! All in all, it is a great night out for friends and families, and there's food enough for all. Just what you'd expect.

St Patrick Feb 11, 2005

Our Lady of the Lake Jan 16, 2005 : Deep in the heart of New England Patriots' country, on the playoff evening against the Colts, faith won out over football!

A large contigent of families gathered together on Sunday evening to share a pot-luck supper and play a game of HOLYwood Squares at Our Lady of the Lakes, Oakdale, CT. Bishop Cote joined in on the fun doing his best impression of Paul Lynde as the Center Square.

Dee Bruning, Director of Faith Formation, was the gracious host for the evening and kept the teens and adults on their toes with some tuff questions on our Catholic traditions.

Pentatuch? Council of Trent? Original Sin? In order to win this game of religious tic-tac-toe you had to know your stuff! And there was no fooling the panel as it was stacked with the likes of a Bishop, Priest, Nun, Brother and Deacon.

The X's tried valiantly to keep up, but the O's had the upper hand for the night. It's no wonder; Bishop Cote was flashing an O when he said the opening prayer. Always bet on the higher powers!

Our Lady of the Lake Jan 16, 2005

St Agnes Dec 12, 2004 : St Agnes of Niantic and St Matthias of East Lyme participated in the 16th annual Niantic Light Parade entering a float of the Christmas Nativity scene. A loyal and hardy decorating crew worked all afternoon to get the flat bed trailer lined with Christmas boughs and lights. Meanwhile the youth group fitted costumes for their roles as the Holy Family, Maji, and shepards.

The local chapter of the Knights of Columbus followed behind in a seasonal pick up truck reminding all to "Keep Christ in Christmas". Father Arthur Archer of St Agnes greeted all with an enthusiastic wave and a warm smile.

More than 30,000 people were in attendance, and for the first time in the parade's history, more than one church besides St Agnes entered a religious float. This was a welcome sight.

St Agnes Dec 12, 2004

St Joseph's Nov 20, 2004 : St Joseph's, North Grosvenordale, held their 5th annual Dog Sled Race for Hunger event on Saturday, November 20th. Many families participated in helping St Joe's fill 50 baskets for the Thompson Ecumenical Empowerment Group (TEEG) Holiday Food Drive.

Two teams of Siberian Huskies pulled parishioners and their food caches from Riverside Park to the Church Hall. Father Rick Ricard brought lots of energy to the day. He and Principal Sharon Briere of St Joseph's School awarded several students stuffed husky dogs for their design work of food drive pins worn by all in attendance.

Many of the younger boys ran in their own packs and raced up and down the street in pursuit of the dog teams. The 8th grade girls set up a coffee and donuts shop in the park gazebo to help feed the masses, and raise additional funds for the food drive. The rain held off all morning, and the dogs brought lots of love to the children, and the children gave lots of love back in support of TEEG.

St Joseph's Nov 20, 2004

St Philip's Nov 21, 2004 : The religious education classes of St Philip the Apostle, Ashford, were very busy on Sunday, November 21st getting ready for the Advent season. The parish center was bustling with the work of elves and angels in between the 8:00 am and 10:30 am Masses.

14 of the 7th grade students made Advent Wreaths for their families under the direction of Ms. Lankford. Good friends and good students, the junior high schoolers are very positive role modes for the other religious education students.

The younger 2nd graders had a lesson on the Rosary and then with the help of several parents made their own Rosary Beads. The multi-colored beads used in the workshop are designed to help pray for world peace. The little saints demonstrated remarkable patience in threading each bead on the plastic twine, but expectedly one or two projects wound up as marbles on the floor instead.

All throughout the hall volunteers taught other classes or served refreshments to the children. Father Joe Nguyen darted in and out of all of the classes providing support and a warm smile to all.

St Philip's Nov 21, 2004

St Pius X Oct 30, 2004 : Several enthusiastic young parishoners gathered at St. Pius X in Middletown, CT to take part in a pumpkin carving contest. While dreary and rainy outside, inside the parish hall creative minds were working on their version of The Great Pumpkin. Father Bob was the biggest kid of all, and helped make the event a spirited afternoon of warmth and fun.

St Pius X Oct 30, 2004

St Peter & Paul Apr 10, 2004 : The Parish of St. Peter and St. Paul in Norwich held their annual Easter Egg Hunt on the church grounds. There were over 1700 eggs hidden on 3 different hillsides to coincide with various age groups - 2-4, 5-9, and 10 and over. More than 100 children participated.

Everyone was a winner as they made sure to have plenty of eggs for all. A couple of junior high school girls did the bulk of the work filling the 1700 plastic eggs with candy, and 20 lucky prize tickets. Anyone with a ticket in their egg got to choose from a range of gifts including big jars of candy, kites, whiffleball sets, Easter baskets, etc.

Father Pusateri and the Easter Bunny were the gracious host for a fun filled morning.

St Peter & Paul Apr 10, 2004

St Francis Jun 14, 2004 : St. Francis parish in Middletown, CT celebrated the Feast of the Corpus Christi with a lovely Mass followed by a procession around the church grounds. The children were adorned with Angel's wings and lay flower petals at the feet of Father Jones as the Eucharist was carried to a series of alters adorned with linen, lace and flowers. Appropriately, the sun shone brightly.

St Francis Jun 14, 2004

St Matthew's May 14, 2004 : St. Matthews 7th Annual Church Carnival was a great success raising over $6,000. Beautiful Spring weather helped drive the record crowds, and even though there were long lines for many of the rides there were nothing but smiling faces.

There was plenty of food prepared by the Knights of Columbus, entertainment provided by 2 local dance schools and a high school rock band, and all the classic carnival rides.

The proceeds are going to a new parish center for the church. 10% of the funds are also being donated to another local charity - nice touch!

St Matthew's May 14, 2004

Sacred Heart Feb 24, 2004 : Mardi Gras Party held at Sacred Heart Parish in Vernon, CT. The pot luck dinner was delicious!

Sacred Heart Feb 24, 2004

St Edward's Oct 3, 2004 : The Stafford, CT parish of St. Edward the Confessor celebrate the Transitus of St. Francis.

There are several traditions of the Transitus, but the critical elements are the readings of Psalm 142, and John 13:1-17. These are readings Francis shared with his brothers at his own time of death. He was laid to rest on October 3, 1226.

"From the earliest days of the Franciscan Order, the followers of St. Francis have gathered on the anniversary of his death to celebrate the transitus, that is, St. Francis' passage from earthly life into everlasting life. Here in this place, we, too, gather to celebrate the light which Francis was to his world. But, this celebration is not only a memorial, a remembering of one who has gone before us. It is also a
celebration of the spirit of Francis in our midst today, in each of us. This a time when we, inspired by Francis, consider how we can be light for our world." - Opening prayer.

St Edward's Oct 3, 2004

St Mary's Oct 24, 2004 : The Lord of the Miracles celebration began with a Spanish Mass at St. Mary's parish in New London, CT. Deacon Jesus Diaz Canseco of Peru gave the Homily. He was very passionate and stirring in his delivery and was greeted by applause at the end.

A float with Senor de los Milagros was placed at the side of the alter by the men of the parish, and carried out after Mass for a procession around the block on the streets of New London. Parishioners took turns carrying the massive float including men and women. More than 100 people took part in the procession of hymns and prayers ending back at the parish hall.

Plenty of food was served after the procession, and several dance groups entertained the parishioners with traditional Peruvian dances and native costumes.

St Mary's Oct 24, 2004

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