April 5, 2015 Easter Sunday

SAINT JOSEPH CHURCH
EASTER SUNDAY, APRIL 5, 2015
SAINT JOSEPH CHURCH
PRAYING FOR PEACE
We invite you to stay at the end of Sunday Mass –
following the closing hymn – and join in praying three
“Hail Marys” for Peace: in our World, in our Families
and in our Hearts..
EASTER SUNDAY
April 5, 2015
PARISH STAFF
Rev. George F. O’Neill, Pastor
SACRAMENTS
Baptism – The Sacr ament of Baptism is celebr ated on
Sundays at 12:30 p.m. A Pre-Baptism class is required for
both parents prior to the Baptism of their first child.
Register with the Parish Office: 203.775.1035.
Fatheroneill@parishmail.com
Msgr. Edward Scull, Retired - Weekend Liturgist
Deacon Peter J. Kuhn
Deaconpeterk@parishmail.com
Deacon William J. Shaughnessy
billshaughnessy703@gmail.com
Rita Golaszewski, Parish Secretary
RitaG@parishmail.com
Andrea Woronick,
Director of Faith Formation and Ministry
AndreaW@parishmail.com
EDJE & Cross Over 2 Jesus Administrator
Roseann D’Aureli
RoseannD@parishmail.com
David Kendall, Music Director
dchristopher868@gmail.com
Tory Gozzi, Choir Director
torygozzi@gmail.com
Marriage – Weddings gener ally ar e celebr ated on
Friday evening or Saturday afternoon and must be
scheduled at least six months in advance. Please do not
make final arrangements for your reception prior to
contacting the Parish Office.
R.C.I.A. – Inter ested in Catholic Faith? Call the Par ish
Office.
HOSPITALIZED PARISHIONERS
Parishioners entering local hospitals are urged to advise
the Admissions Department that they are Roman
Catholic and that they wish to be visited by the Catholic
Chaplain. This is especially important if admission is
through the Emergency Room. In addition, you may
contact the Parish Office directly in order to arrange a
visit from a member of St. Joseph’s clergy.
PARISH OFFICE
Phone: 203.775.1035
Fax: 203.775.1684
Web Site: www.stjosephbrookfield.com
Email: stjosephbrookfield@parishmail.com
Mail:
163 Whisconier Road,
Brookfield, CT 06804
Office Hours:
9:00 AM – 4:30 PM, Monday-Thursday
9:00 AM – 1:00 PM, Friday
Mass Schedule:
Saturday Vigil – 5:00 PM
Sunday-7:30, 9:00 & 11:00 AM, 5:00 PM
Monday-Friday – 8:00 AM only thru Apr. 17
Saturday morning – 8:00 AM
Confessions:
Saturday at 4:00 PM
HOLY HOUR FOR THE UNBORN
Postponed to Sunday, April 19, at 4:00 PM
SAINT JOSEPH SCHOOL
Mr. Scott Bannon, Principal
Phone: 203.775.2774
Fax: 203.775.5810
Web Site: www.sjsbrookfield.org
THOSE FOR WHOM WE PRAY
FOR THOSE IN NEED OF GOD’S HEALING, STRENGTH
AND COMFORT: Pat Walsh, Helen Fiddner, Gloria H., Ralph
Santoliquido, John Mainhart, Patricia, Sr. Sophia, Pete V., Bob
Murphy, Charles and Faye Thibodeau, and Matthew.
FOR THE PROTECTION AND SAFE RETURN OF THOSE
SERVING IN THE ARMED FORCES: C.J. Arconti, Brendan
Cooney, Michael Ayala Lopez, Michael Moreira and John
Suszynski.
BROOKFIELD, CT
SUNDAY, APRIL 5, 2015
SOLEMNITY OF THE RESURRECTION
OF THE LORD (EASTER SUNDAY)
Tell a tale of new life!
If you’ve ever had the experience of coming
face to face with death and have come out
alive; if you have ever been given a second
chance to undo past mistakes because
someone you hurt has forgiven you; if you
have been given a new lease on life after a
physical, emotional, or spiritual trauma, “Then you have
experienced Resurrection,” said Cardinal Joseph Bernardin of
Chicago. Exultant as such a moment is, it is only a taste of
Resurrection. Can you share a personal Resurrection story today?
How were you “left for dead” but raised up by the hand of God?
Then bear witness. Tell someone your own new life story today!
TODAY’S READINGS: Acts 10:34a, 37-43; Colossians 3:1-4 or 1
Corinthians 5:6b-8; Victimae Paschali Laudes; John 20:1-9 or
Mark 16:1-7 (42, 41). “They have taken the Lord from the
tomb, and we don’t know where they put Him.”
Easter Sunday of the
Resurrection of the Lord
By Gina Loehr
“They have taken the Lord from the tomb, and we don’t
know where they put Him.” This must have felt like adding
insult to injury. Mary Magdalene had stood faithfully by
Jesus up to His last moment on the cross. She had seen Him
laid in the tomb and she had already visited His body there
to mourn and pay her last respects. But today, on her arrival,
she finds the body missing. Wasn’t it enough to torture and
crucify her innocent Lord? Why did they have to take away
her one last bit of consolation? Why did they steal His body?
Imagine the despair she must have wrestled with at this
moment. As if the events of Good Friday had not been
enough, now she faced another tragic moment. From Mary’s
perspective, things could not have gotten any worse. Every
bit of evidence around her converged to make her feel completely powerless and afraid. Her eyes could only see the
darkness of the empty tomb.
Here now, into this rock-bottom moment when no human hope remained, here burst in the Risen Christ. Just
when there was no possible solution, when everything was
far beyond repair, suddenly Jesus appeared, glorious, victorious, and completely and utterly unexpected. His triumph
over death was more than that: it was also a triumph over
human hopelessness and despair. It was proof that God is
bigger than our biggest problems. He is more powerful than
the most threatening evils and all the fears that lurk around
in our lives.
The joy of Easter is ours, today and every day. As Christians, we can rejoice in belonging to a God who is ready and
able to break through the toughest barriers of sin and death,
even when we least expect it.
© Liturgical Publications Inc
MONDAY, APRIL 6 - EASTER MONDAY
Truth prevails
Everyone knows that one of the ways you determine the truth in a
court of law is through the testimony of witnesses. Hopefully, you
never have to go through the ordeal of being that kind of witness.
But you are called to the joy of being a witness to Christ. The
sacraments give you the grace to be a disciple—a word that means
“follower,” a follower of a way, the way of truth. Jesus is that way
and truth and life. Live your testimony. Let it be evidence of God
in the world.
TODAY’S READINGS: Acts 2:14, 22-33; Matthew 28:8-15 (261).
“God raised this Jesus; of this we are all witnesses.”
TUESDAY, APRIL 7 - EASTER TUESDAY
Proclaim the word!
Did you know that the 12 apostles aren’t the only apostles? In the
Catholic tradition, we have honored others with this title because
they embody the fundamental spirit of being sent forth on mission.
In his teaching on the apostles at a general audience (February 14,
2007), Pope Benedict XVI recalled that as early as Thomas
Aquinas in the 13th century, Mary Magdalene was known as the
“Apostle to the Apostles” for being “the first to announce to the
apostles the words of life.” Let us go do likewise and proclaim the
words of life!
TODAY’S READINGS: Acts 2:36-41; John 20:11-18 (262). “Mary
went and announced to the disciples, ‘I have seen the Lord!’ “
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8 - EASTER WEDNESDAY
Flesh and blood
Catholics believe in the doctrine of transubstantiation—that is, that
bread and wine are changed into the Body and Blood of Christ in
the Eucharist. The conversion is not merely symbolic, but actual,
through the power of God. And not just Body and Blood, but the
risen Christ as a whole is present in the sacrament. According to
the Catechism of the Catholic Church, “The principal fruit of
receiving the Eucharist in Holy Communion is an intimate union
with Christ Jesus.” Don’t forget that the living Lord is always
mysteriously in your midst.
Continued next page ...
EASTER SUNDAY
Jubilee Mass of Wedding Anniversaries
Continued from preceding page …
WEDNESDAY’S READINGS: Acts 3:1-10; Luke 24:13-35 (263).
“...He was made known to them in the breaking of the bread.”
THURSDAY, APRIL 9 - EASTER THURSDAY
It all begins at Baptism
At an Easter Vigil, the bishop preached a stirring homily on the
waters of life, the waters of Baptism. The entire congregation was
panting, eager to feel just a drop of that cool, life-giving water
after renewing our baptismal vows. Unfortunately, one of the
priests (the sprinkling was shared by several priests) was so frail
that hardly a drop ever left the sprinkler he was ineffectively
waving. A lesson in deferred gratification for some in the
assembly, but also a reminder that everything in the life of the
Spirit comes to us because we are baptized into the body of
Christ. On what date were you baptized? How about celebrating
with a corporal act of charity?
TODAY’S READINGS: Acts 3:11-26; Luke 24:35-48 (264). “Then
he opened their minds to understand the scriptures.”
FRIDAY, APRIL 10 - EASTER FRIDAY
Mystified? Let it all sink in
So much happens during Lent and Holy Week. The Easter season
is a time to let it all sink in. Newly baptized Catholics partake in a
process with the imposing name of mystagogia, coming from
Greek words meaning “to initiate into the sacred rites.” The
ancient custom was for experienced Catholics to spend the first
week of Easter with the newly baptized, helping them absorb the
mysteries they had accepted in their Baptism, Confirmation, and
first Eucharist. But we “old Catholics” are called to participate in
the process right alongside the new ones. Take some time today to
marvel at all that you have seen, heard, witnessed, and
experienced these past weeks.
TODAY’S READINGS: Acts 4:1-12; John 21:1-14 (265). “Let
Christians offer praises to the paschal victim . . . The lamb has
redeemed the sheep.”
SATURDAY, APRIL 11 - EASTER SATURDAY
A gem of a sacrament
The sacraments of initiation are Baptism, Confirmation, and the
Eucharist. Sometimes at the Easter Vigil, adult candidates receive
all three in such a liturgical tsunami that the sacraments seem to
happily blend into one another. This is even more striking in the
Eastern rites, where Christian initiation for infants begins with
Baptism followed immediately by Confirmation and the
Eucharist! The Latin rite separates the three by periods of intense
preparation, usually from early infancy to adolescence to
adulthood. Both Eastern and Latin rites reveal these sacraments as
multiple facets of a single precious gem.
TODAY’S READINGS: Acts 4:13-21; Mark 16:9-15 (266). “W hen
they heard that He was alive and had been seen by her, they did
not believe.”
The Diocese of Bridgeport will celebrate a Mass commemorating significant wedding anniversaries at Saint Theresa Church, Trumbull, on Sunday, May 17, at 3:00 P.M.
Bishop Caggiano will be the Principal Celebrant at this
special Mass which will include the renewal of marriage
vows and presentation of commemorative certificates. Couples celebrating an anniversary in 2015 which ends in “0” or
“5,” or anyone celebrating 50+ years are invited to register
through the St. Joseph Parish Office—(203)775-1035—by
Friday, May 8.
22ND ANNUAL WHITE MASS & BREAKFAST
FOR HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONALS
… will be held Sunday, April 12, at 8:30 a.m. at St. Aloysius
Church in New Canaan. The Mass, open to the general public, will
be celebrated by Bishop Frank J. Caggiano. Breakfast will follow
at Woodway Country Club in Darien. Father Kevin Fitzgerald,
S.J., associate professor of bioethics at Georgetown University’s
School of Medicine and an expert in ethical issues related to cloning and genetic testing, will be the featured speaker. All healthcare
workers and their guests are invited. Brunch tickets: $35. For info
and tickets, contact Debbie Charles (203)416-1352 or
email dcharles@diopbt.org .
NOW ENROLLING PRE-K 3 & 4
AT SAINT JOSEPH SCHOOL!!
PK-4 meets Monday through Friday
- a full day! 8:45 - 3:00
PK-3 meets Monday, Wednesday, and Friday
- half day! 9:00 - 12:00
Come see what our Pre-School Programs are all
about! Call 203-775-2774 for more information.
Looking for PART TIME Work?
Saint Joseph School is looking for Substitute Teachers! If you would like to pick up a Sub Packet, please
contact the School Office: 203-775-2774. Ask for
Kim.
Qualifications:
A Classroom Aide requires a high school diploma.
A Substitute Teacher requires a college degree.
VIRTUS certification required for all positions.
A FLEXIBLE JOB with GREAT PAY for a FUN DAY!
APRIL 5, 2015
Our Gifts to God
And His Church
WEEKEND OF MARCH 28-29, 2015
Sunday Offertory . . . . . . . . . . . . $12,786.50 *
* Includes average weekly electronic contributions of $3,200
Mass Schedule Change
From Monday, April 6 through Friday, April 17
Weekday Mass (Monday-Saturday)
Will be celebrated at 8:00 AM only.
A Most Blessed and Happy Easter
From the St. Joseph Parish Staff
Recitation of the Rosary will follow Mass
At 8:30 AM
As an Easter Gift to you, we invite each parish
family to take a copy of Matthew Kelly’s
Rediscover Catholicism
from the display at the entrances to the church.
Divine Mercy Sunday
At St. Marguerite Bourgeoys
The Second Sunday of Easter (April
12) is celebrated by the universal Church
as Divine Mercy Sunday. St. Joseph parishioners and their families are invited to
join the Divine Mercy liturgy that will be
held at St. Marguerite Bourgeoys Church
at 3:00 p.m. and which will include the
Divine Mercy Chaplet and Benediction.
Participants also are encouraged to
pray the Divine Mercy Novena beginning
on Good Friday, April 3, and ending on
Divine Mercy Sunday, April 12. Copies
of the novena are available at St. Joseph
Church’s entrances.
St. Joseph’s regular Sunday Holy
Hour for the Unborn will not be celebrated on April 12. It will resume on Sunday,
April 19, at 3:00 p.m.
For a brief introductory video to the book, go to
www.stjosephbrookfield.com
Kidz Eye View
Our SJS 8th Graders reflect on the joy of Easter Sunday!
Deeksha Surisetty - J oy! Rejoice!
Joseph Moore - Be glad that the Lor d’s day is her e. We may
not realize it at first but God is always with us.
Sarah Bohling - The message is that J esus r ose fr om the dead
and opened the gates of heaven to all people. We should rejoice
and be glad because we have been saved.
Jessica Garcia - Dear God, T hank you for sacrificing your
only Son so that death could be destroyed and life could be
restored. Amen.
Victoria McFarlin - J esus has r isen fr om the dead and He has
proven that He is the Son of God and has opened the gates of
heaven.
Tsongas Center at UMass, Lowell, MA
July 17-19, 2015
Cost: $285.00 - includes transportation, meals and
lodging. To reserve a spot, send a check for $60.00,
payable to “St. Joseph Church”, to the Parish Office
—163 Whisconier Road, Brookfield, CT 06804
Go to http://lifeteen.com/events/steubenville-east/ or
email Waypoint@parishmail.com for more info.
Christiana Blank - Easter Sunday is when the Lor d r ose fr om
the dead and opened the gates of heaven for us and we should be
thankful for that.
Andrea Capilupi - Dear God, Help me to be happy just by
knowing you are Risen! Amen.
Holly Fleming - The message is that we should be happy and
rejoice that Jesus has Risen. Without Easter, we wouldn’t even
know about Jesus.
Amy Perna - Dear God, Y ou are truly amazing being able to
prove yourself to everyone that you are the real Messiah. I truly
love you. Amen.
APRIL 5, 2015
Monday, April 6 - Easter Monday
8:00 a.m. - Joe O’Brian, req. by Ray Conroy
Tuesday, April 7 - Easter Tuesday
8:00 a.m. - Anna Schrier, req. by Pat & Jim Tharrington
Wednesday, April 8 - Easter W ednesday
8:00 a.m. - Margaret Ackerman, req. by Roger Ackerman
Thursday, April 9 - Easter Thursday
8:00 a.m. - Deceased member s of the Pais family, r eq. by the
Monti family
Friday, April 10 - Easter Friday
8:00 a.m. - Deceased member s of the Lindner family, r eq. by
the family
Saturday, April 11 - Easter Saturday
8:00 a.m. - Fr ed Neale, r eq. by Linda Br owser
5:00 p.m. - Richar d Elston, r eq. by his family
Sunday, April 12 - 2nd Sunday of Easter (Divine Mercy Sunday)
7:30 a.m. - Anthony Tr iggiani, r eq. by Ralph & Gisele
Santoliquido
9:00 a.m. - Thomas Mur phy, r eq. by his daughter s
11:00 a.m. - J anis Fur long, r eq. by Ann Colombell & J udy
Echols
5:00 p.m. - Special Intention, r eq. by Sandr a J ar vis
Still the Best
Easter Cartoon!
SANCTUARY LAMP INTENTIONS
To request a sanctuary lamp memorial or intention,
please call the Parish Office at 203.775.1035.
Week of March 21 - 28, 2015
Sunday - Coffee & Donuts postponed this week
Sunday - Holy Hour for the Unborn - Cancelled this week and next
- See page 5
Easter Monday—Parish Holiday—Office Closed
Monday thru Friday – Rosary for Life – 8:30 a.m. – Church
Tuesday - MOMS Mtg. - 7:30 p.m. - Parish Center
Wednesday - 55-Plus Club - 1:00 p.m. - Parish Center
55-Plus Club
...meets Wednesday, April 8
at 1:00 PM in the Parish Center
PARISH MINISTRIES
Liturgy
Altar Servers – Mr. Patrick Jennings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .203.740.7133
Dir. of Music – Mr. David Kendall. . . . . . . . . . . . .203.775.1035, ext. 177
Eucharistic Ministers/Lectors – Mike & Joanna Charecky . 203.775.6612
Faith Formation and Sacraments
Religious Education (Grades 1-8), RCIA and other Sacramental
Preparation – Mrs. Andrea Woronick . . . . . .203.775.1035, ext. 105
Scheduling Baptisms – Mrs. Rita Golaszewski. . . 203.775.1035, ext. 101
Marriage Scheduling/Prep – Deacon Peter Kuhn. .203.775.1035, ext. 104
Prayer & Devotion
Men’s Retreat – Mr. Jeff Roeder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203.740.9428
– Mr. Andy Pacuk (apacuk@aol.com) . . . . 917-514-5974
Women’s Retreat – Mrs. Barb Roeder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .203.740.9428
Men of St. Joseph – Mr. Carl Monti . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203.740.9544
Centering Prayer – Mrs. Michele Curnan
Parish Councils and Administration
Parish Council – Mr. Pat Jennings, Chairman. . . . . . . . . . . .203.740.7133
Finance Council – Mr. Frank Cavalea, Chairman. . . . . . . . .203.482.5563
SJS Home & School Association
Theresa Mitchell, Vice President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 860.799.7571
Other Ministries & Organizations
8th Station Bereavement Ministry
Mrs. Mary Shaughnessy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .203-775-9138
Mrs. Pat Tharrington. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .203-775-4836
55-Plus Club (Seniors) – Mrs. Helen Fiddner . . . . . . . . . . . 203.775.9613
Knights of Columbus – Mr. Patrick Jennings.. . . . . . . . . . . .203.740.7133
Mary-Martha Ministry – Mrs. Pat Font. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203.775.2335
MOMS (Ministry of Mothers Sharing) – Mrs. Barb Roeder203.740.9428
Outreach to Sick/Shut-In – Sr. Mary Ann Socha, CMGT. . 203.794.1486