Parish Bulletin-September 22 2024 25th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Join the "Holy Hikers" for a scenic journey to Hublein Tower, an iconic landmark perched atop Talcott Mountain. This historic tower offers panoramic views of the Farmington Valley and beyond, making it the perfect destination for a fall hike. The trail itself winds through beautiful woodlands, and the 2.5-mile round trip offers a good mix of exercise and nature appreciation. As we hike, we hope to spot the early signs of autumn’s vibrant colors. Once at the tower, those interested can climb to the top for even more breathtaking views. Whether you're there for the fresh air, exercise, or camaraderie, this hike promises to be a memorable outdoor experience.
September 28-Heublein Tower Trail in Simsbury. We will meet at the first parking lot on Summit Drive.
October 26-Godard Preserve in North Granby. We will meet at the parking area (roadside) on Donahue Rd.
November 30-McLean Game Refuge.
Who Do you Say I Am?
This past weekend, on the twenty-third Sunday in ordinary time, we listened to St. Mark’s account of St. Peter’s famous Confession of Faith. This may be a profession of faith. It is Peter’s acknowledgement of Jesus as Christ. Biblical scholars tell us that when a particular account in the ministry of Jesus is recorded by more than one evangelist, the authenticity of the text is reinforced. It is also an indicator that the particular story was significant in the lives of the early Church. This apparently is the case with Peter’s affirmation of Jesus as Lord and Christ.
It was very important for the early Church to understand that the disciples, beginning with Peter to whom Jesus gave special authority believed that Jesus was more than a prophet but in fact, that he was the long-awaited-for-Messiah of God. In addition, Mark’s account, Peter’s testimony of faith is also recorded in the gospel accounts of Matthew and Luke. St. John has his own version of Peter’s profession and like Luke, he does not necessarily place the event in the region of Caesarea Philippi.
Saint Therese of Little Flower Part 2
One typical virtue that defines St. Thérèse of Lisieux is patience. In both spiritual and everyday challenges, St. Therese manifest patience, especially she was sick. Her understanding of patience was intertwined with her "Little Way," which emphasized love and trust in God's plan through life's ordinary moments.
Key aspects of St. Thérèse's approach to patience include:
Acceptance of Trials: Thérèse faced significant physical suffering and emotional trials, especially towards the end of her life due to tuberculosis. Despite this, she maintained a spirit of patience and acceptance, seeing her suffering as an opportunity to unite with Christ’s own suffering and to offer it up as a form of spiritual sacrifice.
Trust in God’s Timing: Thérèse’s patience was rooted in her deep trust in God’s timing and providence. She believed that God's love and plans were perfect, even when immediate outcomes seemed unclear or difficult. Her writings reflect a profound confidence that everything, including personal struggles, was part of a divine plan.
Small Acts of Love: Thérèse practiced patience through small, everyday acts of love and kindness. She believed that doing ordinary things with great love was a way to serve God. Her patience in enduring and responding to the imperfections of others in the convent exemplified her commitment to this principle.
Spiritual Growth: Thérèse’s patience was also linked to her spiritual growth. She understood that spiritual maturity often involved enduring periods of dryness, doubt, and spiritual struggle. Her patience allowed her to continue growing in faith and love despite these challenges.
22nd Annual Linens Collection
Will be on October 12th & 13th, Columbus Day weekend. The Hartford Catholic Worker House on Clark Street, is in the north end of Hartford. The people they serve can use your gently-used sheets, blankets, towels & kitchen towels For more information please call
Johanna Audolensky-(860)653-7682
Saint Therese Picnic
Mark your calendars and plan to spend an afternoon with the St. Therese family for fun, fellowship, laughter, and good food. The picnic will start at noon, featuring music, dancing, games, a bounce house, and a chance to beat Father William at ping pong.
All are welcome! Please sign up on the parish website by September 24, providing the number of adults and children attending so we can plan accordingly. Volunteer opportunities for service hours for Confirmation candidates will be available. Call the parish office for more information.
Archbishop Coyne will celebrate the 10:30 AM Mass that morning and join us afterward.
More information to follow.
· Date: September 29
· Time: 10:30 AM
· Venue: Saint Therese Campus
Up next is our Annual Car Wash Fundraiser, where teens will wash cars and serve lunch. It's a great way to have fun, earn service hours, and help our ministry.
Parents are needed to volunteer and supervise. Without parent volunteers, we are unable to have a safe and successful car wash with our teens. Please sign up to help using the same link.
Date: Sunday, September 29
Time: 12-2 p.m. (Teens arrive 15 minutes early)
Location: St. Mary’s on Hopmeadow Street
Later, we’ll head to Brown’s Harvest for a Flashlight Corn Maze and some fireside fun with s'mores! Join us after 5 p.m. Mass for this adventure.
Date: Saturday, October 26
Time: Meet at 4:50 p.m.; return around 9 p.m.
Location: Brown’s Harvest, Windsor
Religious Education
Why Tell my Sins to a Priest?
Why do we confess our sins against God to a priest? Why not confess directly to God?
No one can forgive on someone else’s behalf. But we can reassure people that they have been forgiven. Because sins are offenses against God, only God can forgive sin. Our Lord Jesus, fully divine in nature, forgives our sins and gave the apostles the power and responsibility to declare God’s forgiveness, too. This is what happens in the sacrament of penance: Bishops and priests declare absolution.
October 6, 10:30AM Mass
All participants in the Mass are children. The students will be bringing up the gifts, greeters/handing out bulletins, lectors, passing the collection basket, altar servers and a small choir group.
If you have already registered for classes, please pay by mailing a check or visit the Parish Office Monday-Thursday 9am-2pm
The Connecticut Catholic Men’s Conference is set to return to New Britain Stadium with a fresh lineup of national and local speakers, focusing on the theme “The Most Holy Rosary” in honor of the Blessed Mother. The event will feature keynote addresses by Ralph Martin on “Living as Catholics in Challenging Times” and Father Donald Calloway on “The Rosary: Spiritual Sword of Our Lady.” The day will conclude with a vigil Mass celebrated by Archbishop Leonard P. Blair, accompanied by inspiring music from Nick Fradiani, Sr.
Date: September 25, 2021
Time: Doors open at 7:30 a.m., event begins at 8:30 a.m.
Venue: New Britain Stadium, New Britain, CT
