August 3, 2014 18th Sunday in Ordinary Time

†Masses and Intentions†

Sat Confession prior to 4:30 Mass Sat Aug 2, 4:30 pm Mass at St. Philip † Herman Fersenheim by the Parish Sun Aug 3, 9:00 am Mass at St. Jude Sun Aug 3, 11:00 am Mass at St. Philip † Frank R. Yulo by Ruth & Ralph Yulo † George F. Edmonds by the Smith Family

Mon Aug 4, No Mass Tues Aug 5, 8:00 am Mass at St. Jude Tues Aug 5, 6:00 pm Mass at St. Philip Wed Aug 6, 8:00 am Mass at St. Jude Fri Aug 8, 8:00 am Mass at St. Philip † Catherine & Steve Muska by Memorial Mass Fund

Adoration following Mass until 2:00 pm 1:50 pm Divine Mercy Chaplet & Benediction

Sat Confession prior to 4:30 Mass Sat Aug 9, 4:30 pm Mass at St. Philip Sun Aug 10, 9:00 am Mass at St. Jude † Anne Huff by Howard Huff Sun Aug 10, 11:00 am Mass at St. Philip † Joan Hnath Flynn by Peter Hnath † Ruby Hand Surprenant by Ruth & Ralph Yulo OUR OFFERING OF THANKS TO GOD LAST WEEK

St. Philip Weekly Offering $2,462.00 St. Philip Maintenance/Fuel Offering $1,152.00 St. Jude Weekly Offering $ 745.00

MEMORIAL FUND TOTAL DONATIONS St. Philip Memorial Fund Donated $38,811.00 St. Philip Fund Balance $27,141.24 St. Jude Memorial Fund Donated $14,975.00 St. Jude Fund Balance $ 8,775.00

ATTENDANCE LAST WEEKEND

Saturday 4:30 pm St. Philip 07/26/14 100 Sunday 9:00 am St. Jude 07/27/14 113 Sunday 11:00 am St. Philip 07/27/14 149

Total: 362

STEWARDSHIP: “Why spend your money for what is not bread; your wages for what fails to satisfy?” - ISAIAH 55:2. Of all the ways we are asked to be generous, giving our money can be the most challenging. God understand this. Remember though, that we are called to be generous with all our gifts, including our money. We are called to give from our “first fruits” and not from what is “leftover”.

PARISH SUPPORT GROUP Sometimes we need others to talk to in confidence. Join us on Sundays at 6 pm in St. Philip’s Rectory. NEXT MEETING AUGUST 3.

THE ASHFORD 300TH ANNIVERSARY CHORUS Rehearsals will be at The Westford Hill Congregational Church: Mondays: Aug 18 and 25 at 7:00 P.M.

ANNUAL CATHOLIC APPEAL St. Jude pledged $8,545 or 97% of goal. St. Philip pledged $13,564 or 93% of goal.

PRAYER LIST: Marie (Beaudoin) Chace, Gus Aiello, Normand Ravenelle, Bernice Ravenelle, Elaine

Fisher, Addie Specyalski, Robert Blain, Patrick Falletti, Wesley Berg, Roland Cloutier, Marty & Michelle Jones, Claudette Gagne, Renee Delisle (Sheila Taylor’s sister), Carol Palombo, Edward

Sullivan, Ann Pudelkiewicz, Mary Manning, John Ference, Evelyn Barbeau, Victoria and Richard Santi, John Marcisin, Mikayla Wilcox, Linda Drake, Rita Fogarty, Robert Olivera. Please let us know how these people are doing so we can list the names of those who are currently ill.

PARISH MEETINGS AND RELIGIOUS EDUCATION WILL RESUME IN SEPTEMBER.

SUPPORT FOR HAITIAN SCHOOLS While shopping for school supplies for your children, would you consider picking up a few supplies for the children in Les Palmes, Haiti? This is a poor, remote farming community which Fr Kennedy and other travelers visited earlier this year.

Education is so important for the people to break out of their bondage of poverty, but most can't afford to send their children to school. St. Mary's Church in Coventry supports a school in this impoverished community through paying for teachers’ salaries and scholarships for children to attend secondary school. The needs of this community are too great for one parish to support. We are asking for your help. The following supplies are needed and will be shipped to Les Palmes, Haiti. Composition books, pens, pencils, rulers, small, plain backpacks. Composition books are most needed. There will be a box at both parishes to drop off supplies. Any questions please feel free to call Denise Pillion 860-487-2603. Thank You for your support.

We extend a warm welcome to our new parish members: Kristi Halloran, John Mozzicato and Mary Lavallee.

We warmly welcome all visitors and campers throughout the summer.

PRO LIFE REPRESENTATIVE Father Walter Nagle, Diocesan Director of Pro-Life Activities, is looking for a Pro-Life Representative from each parish. This person would provide their contact information and be a part of the network of the Culture of Life here in Eastern CT. They would receive correspondence regarding upcoming Pro-Life events, legislative bills, speakers, and Forty Days for Life. They would be responsible for getting information out in a timely manner, especially with regard to legislative bills. If you believe God may be calling you to do this, please contact the St. Philip office at 860-429-2860 or speak to Fr Kennedy after Mass. We cannot all do great things but we can do small things with great love. Mother Theresa of Calcutta

Welcome to our newest Altar Servers at St. Jude Church: Stephen Canavan and Karlie Mindek.

On October 5th after the 11:00 Mass, we are going to have the solemn dedication of the Mosaic in the Resurrection Grotto. It will be followed by a luncheon in St. Philip Parish Hall. Work continues at the St. Philip Cemetery; tombstones have been straightened out and dirt has been added to the lawn. Where the trees were removed, a fence is planned to improve the appearance.

Father Kennedy

Love one another as I have loved you. As you do unto the least of your brothers, you do unto me. Familiar words – How can we put

them into action? Ministering to the sick and elderly is a good beginning. St. Joseph’s Living Center, The ONLY Catholic healthcare facility in the Norwich Diocese, is currently seeking volunteers to join our chapel team assisting during 11:00 am daily Mass ESPECIALLY on the weekends. We also need volunteers to join our Vigil Team as we accompany our residents on their journey to eternal rest. If you hear God beckoning you, please call Sarah Perry at 860-465-1107 ext. 124.

ST. PHILIP CHRISTMAS CRAFT FAIR Last week we sent out vendor applications and already a dozen vendors have applied. If you hope to

participate in our annual Christmas Craft Fair, please respond soon – don’t wait till the last minute.

Our Condolences to the family of Herman Fersenheim, who died July 28.

THE WILLINGTON FOOD BANK accepts fresh produce for distribution during the summer. If your garden is overflowing with bounty (zucchini?) and you'd like to share it, please consider the Willington Food Bank. Food may be donated any time the Town Offices are open. Hours: Mondays 12:30-7:30 and Tuesday-Friday 9:00-2:00. Our Town Hall is small – so if you come in the front door, almost anyone will help you find our pantry. Pantry distribution hours are on Mondays 4:00-6:00 pm and Wednesdays 10:00am - 12:00pm

Tara Bergeron Director

Town of Willington Youth, Family & Social Services Tel: 860-487-3118 * Fax: 860-487-3125 40 Old Farms Rd. * Willington, CT 06279 ASHFORD 300TH ANNIVERSARY Saturday, August 23, 8:30am, 5K Fun Run. Contact James 860-634-7370. You need to pre-register. Forms are on town’s website: ashfordtownhall.org. Saturday, September 6, 7:30pm Variety Show at Ashford Elementary School. Contact Charlene 429-6397. Buy your tickets early, they are going fast. If anyone wants to participate in the Parade, Sat, October 11th, please contact Kay--487-3744.

THE SILVER AND GOLD JUBILEE ANNIVERSARY MASS

Sunday, October 19, 2014 -- 2:00 p.m. Cathedral of St. Patrick

ST. PHILIP AND ST. JUDE MEMORIAL FUNDS

For easy access, Memorial Donation forms are now available on the parish website, and can be downloaded and printed on your home printer.

FINANCES AS OF JULY 31, 2014

ST. PHILIP ACCOUNTS OUTSTANDING BILLS

Main Checking 44,929 Insurance 581

Mem. Fund Bal 27,141 Miscellaneous 1,301

Furnace Acct. 10,709 Payroll 4,124

Cemetery Ck. 11,596

Cemetery CD 42,179 TOTAL 6,006

Cemetery Cert. 5,222

ST. JUDE ACCOUNTS OUTSTANDING BILLS

Main Checking 6,724 Insurance 313

Mem. Fund Bal. 8,775 Miscellaneous 530

Savings Acct. 10,352 Payroll 1,576

TOTAL 2,419

THE DIOCESE OF NORWICH SEEKS A DEVELOPMENT COORDINATOR OF THE CATHOLIC CHARITIES MINISTRY to organize all aspects of fundraising and development efforts in concert with the ministry’s mission and strategic plan. This position reports to the Executive Director of Development for the Diocese of Norwich. Works directly with the Diocese’ Development Office in planning, organizing and implementing fundraising initiatives, events and annual giving/major gifts programs. Submit a cover letter with salary requirements, resume, and 3 references to: Diocese of Norwich Development Office Development Coordinator 197 Broadway, Norwich, CT 06360 e-mail: dodadm@norwichdiocese.net

ANNUAL DIOCESAN MASS OF REMEMBRANCE Tuesday, September 9, 2014 at 6:00p.m.

Cathedral of St. Patrick, Norwich A Mass in memory of children who have died from stillbirths, miscarriages or abortions, for children who have died recently or years ago. This is an opportunity for families to memorialize the gift of eternal life of their preborn children. Bishop Michael Cote will be the main celebrant. Refreshments served after Mass. Sponsored by the Family Life and Pro-Life Offices. For info 860-889-8346 x 283.

PARADE Saturday, Oct 11, Ashford will form the largest and best parade in Ashford’s history. Please consider how we at St. Philip’s can participate. They are looking for musicians, floats, animals, etc. George Nagy is assembling a trailer float for St. Philip and would welcome suggestions. Please call George Nagy at 860-429-2798. RELIGIOUS FREEDOM The Connecticut Catholic Conference notes that, since 1919, the Catholic Church has been a longstanding advocate of universal, accessible and life-affirming health- care. However, the HHS mandate of the Affordable Care Act harshly penalizes those employers who do not provide abortions and other contraception coverage for their employees. In its decision, the Supreme Court clearly reaffirms that freedom of religion is a basic fundamental right under our Constitution. If you haven’t done so already, please voice your opposition to the mandate by calling President Obama at the White House at 202-456-1111 or U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Sylvia Mathews Burwell at 202-205-5445. Let them know that the mandate is in violation of our First Amendment right to religious freedom.

DIOCESE OF NORWICH PILGRIMAGE TO The Czech Republic Oct 29 – Nov 4, 2014 For information or reservations call 860-887-9294 Most Reverend Michael R. Cote, Bishop of Norwich, will lead a 7-day pilgrimage to the Czech Republic to Karlovy Vary (Carlsbad), the Marian Shrine at Svatá Hora (Holy Mountain) featuring a miraculous image of the Virgin Mary and the spectacular Basilica. The group will enjoy a panoramic tour of the city of Prague highlighting the State Opera, National Museum, Wenceslas Square and Prague’s Castle District. We will also tour the old part of the city to view staromĕstkĕ námĕstí (Old Town Square), Royal Castle of Hradcany, St. Vitus Cathedral, St. George Church, the Golden Lane, St. Nicholas Church, Church of Our Lady of Victory where the original miraculous Infant Jesus of Prague dating back to 1628 is kept and visit St. Barbara Cathedral in Kutna Hora (UNESCO town). Price includes airfare, local bus to/from airport, departure lunch, all tips, breakfast and dinner daily, and also includes departure tax and fuel surcharge. Cost of Tour: $3,529.00/person double occupancy $ 300.00 deposit required $ 49.00 single supplement (limited) BIRTHRIGHT OF WINDHAM: Your donations provide a witness to our Catholic faith and our commitment to life as we continue to provide baby

wash, lotion, shampoo, pampers (size 1-4), baby wipes, receiving blankets, newborn gowns and clothing. Through these donations, our two churches make a major impact on this ministry for local mothers and

their babies.

ST. JUDE GARDEN needs volunteers in order to match last year’s amazing amount of tomatoes, green beans and peppers donated to and distributed by Willington Social Services. Please help if you can. REMEMBER THE NEEDY IN OUR COMMUNITY. Food is collected all year, not just at the holidays. Please bring non-perishable foods to the church. We cannot distribute opened or out-of-date food.

FOOD ASSISTANCE: Distribution is always on a Friday morning, usually the 4th Friday of the month, from 7-9 am at the Living Proof Church of Ashford. We have applications and food distribution schedules in our office or you may visit the website: http://www.ashfordchurch.org/COMMUNITY_OUTREACH/Ashford_Food_Bank/.

The WILLINGTON FOOD PANTRY is open 2 days weekly: Mon, 4 pm - 6 pm, and Wed, 10 - Noon. Patrons must be Willington residents and be screened by the social worker, Tara Bergeron. Customers can come once monthly (on the day of their choice) to select shelf-stable food for their household. To apply, contact: Tara Bergeron, Dir, Youth, Family & Social Serv., Town of Willington, 40 Old Farms Rd. Willington, CT 06279. Phone: 860-487-3118; FAX: 860.487-3125 Email: wyfss@willingtonct.org.

GIFT CARDS ARE NEEDED Please consider donating gas cards from Cumberland Farms, and food cards from Big Y for requests that come from the needy in our community. Put them in an envelope marked "office" and place them in the collection basket. Thank you.

LIGHTHOUSE CATHOLIC CDS: There are NEW CDs with orthodox Catholic teaching and some excellent testimonies of individuals and their faith walk.

Thank you for all your donations, they help to keep the program going. If

you have questions or requests contact Donna Vertefeuille at 860-429-4508 or email donna@vertefeuille.org. ITALY PILGRIMAGE: October 29 – November 8, 2014. Visiting Venice, Florence, Assisi, Rome with an audience with Pope Francis. Cost $2,975 from New York. Hosted by Fr. Ray Introvigne and Mrs Judith Hughes. For more information call Spiritual Renewal Services.860-887-0702.

Do you or someone you know need a Prayer Shawl? Contact: Carolann Hernberg: 860- 487-0449, chernberg01@snet.net.

ASHFORD'S 300TH ANNIVERSARY COMMITTEE is selling Historic Ashford Landmarks Collection, made by Cat’s Meow. St. Philip Church is one of these landmarks. They are for sale at the Town Clerks office for $15. Commemorative coins are for sale, designed by Ashford children. Prison Ministry Training Program meets in Norwich on Saturdays: Sep 20, Sep 27, Oct 4, Oct 18, Nov 15 and Sunday Dec 7. Contact Sheree Antoch at the Prison Ministry Office (860) 848-2237 x 211 or prison@norwichdiocese.net for info.

MEMORIAL MASSES: To remember your loved ones in Masses once or yearly, please call the office or stop in MTW&F 9:30 AM – 2:30 PM.

Where are our shut-ins? Please call the rectory if you have a loved one in the hospital or in a nursing home so we can visit, bring the Eucharist and keep in touch.

PILGRIMAGE TO THE SAINTS OF PROVENCE Marseille, Arles, Avignon, Aix, Beaume, Cotignac & Nice. Sept 15-24, $2999 + Tax. Contact Fr. Paul Ramen 860 564-9767 or pframen@att.net.

Eucharistic Adoration: two adorers are needed each hour after Mass on Fridays at St. Philip 9am to 2pm. Please call Sandra Mullarkey: 860-429-0322. We need people who can commit to one hour, as well as people able to substitute when

necessary. All are invited.

REGISTRATION: If you are new to our parish or your registration is not current, please fill in a form with up-to-date information. Also, your pledge and use of the parish envelopes helps us plan our budget and provides you with a tax record.

“Donation Angel” ~ Donate any type of vehicle: cars, boats, etc. running or not. Donation Angel raises funds to support our Catholic of Norwich and its mission to respond to Christ’s call to care for those in need by providing services for individuals and families. Click or call now for free quick removal of your unwanted vehicle and receive a tax deduction. For info call Ray at: 866-434-1131 or www.donationangel.org/ccfsn.

MARRIAGE PREP CLASS FOR ENGAGED COUPLES

“God’s Plan for a Joy-filled Marriage”. To register for a 3-session class call the Family Life Office at: 860-889-8346 ext. 283.

INTERESTED IN LEARNING ABOUT ADOPTION? Catholic Charities provides services for all members of the adoption triad: Infant adoption placements, domestic and international home studies and adoption searches. Contact our Adoption Coordinator at: 860-889-8346 ext.282 or susansedensky@ccfsn.org for more info.

RACHEL’S VINEYARD RETREAT WEEKENDS If you are silently grieving after an abortion; healing, forgiveness and peace can begin with a Rachel’s Vineyard Retreat. “Project Rachel” is also a Diocesan outreach for anyone in need of healing. Priests in “Project Rachel” can help you through healing and forgiveness. For info call 860-889-8346 ext. 283 or 800-554-5173. Confidential. www.rachelsvineyard.org.

MARRIAGE BUILDING AND REPAIR: Is your marriage tearing you apart, little or no communication, considering separation or divorce? Retrouvaille is a lifeline. A Retrouvaille weekend provides tools to heal, re-establish communication, and gain new insight into your marriage. A series of 6 sessions follows the weekend phase. Retrouvaille is Catholic in origin but open to all, helps to repair and build a stable, loving marriage. For information or to sign up for the next weekend on Sept. 19-21 in Hartford area call 413-525-1634. www.retrouvaille.org. Natural Family Planning Classes ~ For Married and Engaged. (NFP) is the safe and loving alternative to the dangerous chemical and synthetic hormonal side-effects of contraception and birth control. NFP is scientific and 99% effective for conceiving or responsibly postponing your baby. NFP can also help with fertility problems. Home Study and online are available. Classes are ongoing in our diocese, you also have the opportunity if taking the CCLI Home Study course to call our instructors with any questions or attend a class for free. Call the Schantz’s at 860-464-1184 or the Collison’s 860-399-8625. Register online at www.ccli.org.

Home Buyers and Foreclosure Prevention Classes: For help with purchasing a home, fallen behind on mortgage payments or help with budgeting or filling out applications for EMAP. All services are provided free at Catholic Charities, a HUD approved Counseling Agency. The Free ongoing Foreclosure Prevention and 8 hour Home Buyers Education Classes are offered by Catholic Charities in Norwich, New London and Plainfield locations. Info: 860-889-8346 ext. 271. PARENTS DIVORCING AND/OR RESOLVING CHILD CUSTODY ISSUES – participate in the court suggested Parent Education Program. Are you concerned about the effects of divorce, separation or family disruption on your children? Catholic Charities offers ongoing, monthly one day Parenting Education Classes in Norwich, Rockville and Middletown. A monthly 2- part Spanish/bilingual parenting education class is held in Willimantic. Attendance at both sessions in the Willimantic class is required for the certificate of completion. Fees apply and are determined by the State of CT. Please call 1-860-889-8346 ext. 260 for registration and monthly class locations and dates.

Marriage Encounter Weekend~ “We thought we had a great marriage, but now our love is so much deeper than anything we could have imagined!” Rediscover each other with a heart-to-heart Marriage Encounter. November 7-9, 2014.For information call 860-376-0440. Email: meweekend@gmail.com. Website: www.wwme.org. Pregnant? Need help? CATHOLIC CHARITIES Pregnancy and Adoption Programs provide concrete help & answers. Call 1-800-BABYDUE, even if you simply want to talk.

SHOW YOUR SUPPORT FOR LIFE! “Choose Life” License Plates with smiling faces are promoting adoptions and traveling everywhere

as a witness to Life and Love. Give a gift that keeps on giving, it’s so easy! Go to www.fund-adoption.org for info or to download an application form. This helps fund agencies such as Catholic Charities.

Golf Enthusiasts ~ Norwich Diocese Catholic Charities 9th Annual Golf Tournament on Wed, Sept 17th at Fox Hopyard in East Haddam. A scramble format and shotgun start includes 18 holes, a BBQ lunch and ends with appetizers and awards of prizes and raffles. An excellent opportunity for a great round of golf at a premier course, with Bishop Michael R. Cote in attendance, while helping Norwich Diocese Catholic Charities support those in need. Sponsorship opportunities available. Info or registrations call 860-889-8346 ext. 285. SICILY: OCTOBER 6-16, 2014 Your participation in the following tour sponsored by the Office of Radio & Television helps support the daily television Mass and WJMJ, Catholic Radio... Where Faith Meets Life! Fr John Gatzak, Exec. Director of the Archdiocesan Office of Radio & Television and General Manager of WJMJ Radio, leads you on this early fall tour of Sicily from Oct 6-16. This 11 day/9 night tour includes visits to Palermo, Monreale, Cefalu, Erice, the Marsala wine region, Agrigento's Valley of the Temples, Taormina, Mt. Etna... Sicily's tallest peak and Europe's tallest active volcano, Siracusa, Noto and Ragusa... UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and more. Cost per person, double occupancy, from JFK, New York: $4,049. For more info call 203-758-7367 or 860-242-8800; Email: pilgrimages@ortv-hartford.org, or visit us online at www.ortv.org.

UPCOMING IMMERSION TRIPS! The Diocese of Norwich Outreach to Haiti has as part of its mission, building relationships and understanding between Americans and our Haitian brothers and sisters which is done through "immersion" visits. We provide complete itineraries, 2 meals a day and in country transportation. Days are spent in and around Port-au-Prince visiting programs managed or supported by Outreach as well as other agencies and places. Travelers get a glimpse into the lives of the Haitian people through their environment and way of life, their culture, and their faith. The cost is $100 per night plus airfare and incidentals. We are currently trying to put a trip together for the fall. The dates we could choose are between Sept. 18th and October 9th, and Oct. 30 to Nov. 6th. Final dates chosen according to majority of travelers' availability. A minimum of 6 is needed for each trip. Please contact the Outreach to Haiti office at info@outreachtohaiti.org or 860-848-2377 x206 for more information. Sa je pa wè, kè pa tounen. What the eye does not see, the heart does not feel. -Haitian Proverb

SHARE YOUR JOY! If you or a loved one are celebrating a special event let us know so we can celebrate with you. Please join Bishop Cote at the Fifth Annual Seton Scholarship Dinner honoring the recipients of the Most Reverend Michael R. Cote, D.D. Award for Contributions to Catholic Education to be held at 4 pm on Sun, Oct 26, 2014 at The Mystic Marriott, Groton, CT. This year’s honorees are Ms. Marianne Cote, Reverend Gregory Galvin and Dr. Jeremiah Lowney and Mrs. Virginia Lowney. Tickets are $150/person. All proceeds benefit Catholic Schools within the Diocese. Opportunities for sponsorship, program advertising and raffle donations are available. For tickets and more information, please contact Mary Ellen Mahoney at 860-886-1928 ext. 14 or developmentdso@norwichdiocese.net.

THE SILVER AND GOLD JUBILEE ANNIVERSARY MASS

Sunday, October 19, 2014 -- 2:00p.m. Cathedral of St. Patrick

Inviting all couples married 25 & 50 years and any significant anniversary in renewal of your wedding vows at the Pontifical Mass celebrated by Bishop Michael R. Cote at the Cathedral of St. Patrick. Refreshments follow the Mass. Register in September. For information: 860-889-8346 ext.283.

DAY OF RECOLLECTION St. Edmund’s Retreat, Mystic, Ct.

DAY OF RECOLLECTION Friday, August 15, 2014

10 AM – 3 PM “FEAST OF THE ASSUMPTION” Fr. David Theroux, SSE, Director

Includes two conferences, Mass, an opportunity for Reconciliation, time to explore the Island

and a hot served lunch. Please call 860-536-0565 to pre-register

$50 Per Person

Diocese of Norwich

Office of the Bishop 201 Broadway

Norwich, Connecticut 06360 (860) 887-9294

MOST REVEREND MICHAEL R. COTE, D.D. MEMO To: Pastors and Pro-life Representatives From: Bishop Michael R. Cote, D.D. Date: July 28, 2014 RE: 40 Days for Life – Nationwide Pro-life Program, A Program of Prayer, Fasting Peaceful

Vigils and Outreach Vigil Mass on Tuesday, September 23, 2014; September 24 through November 2, 2014

This will be the eighth year of our participation in this prayerful and informative program to unite over 500 locations in the United States and Worldwide to end abortion and promote the sanctity of human life. This initiative has been undertaken by individuals and local Pro-life organizations throughout the United States and throughout the world. The Program will begin on Wednesday September 24, 2014, and run through Sunday, November 2, 2014. There will be a “40 Days for Life” Vigil Mass on Tuesday, September 23, 2014, at 7:00 P.M. at the Cathedral of St. Patrick in Norwich. I will be the principal celebrant and homilist at this Mass. For these forty days, the focus will be to bring together the body of Christ in a spirit of unity with prayer, fasting and peaceful activism. The major strength of the campaign is its simplicity. The three key components are:

Prayer and Fasting: Inviting people of all faiths throughout the area to join together for 40 Days of fervent prayer and fasting to end abortion;

Peaceful Vigil: Standing for life through a peaceful public witness outside a local facility; Community Outreach: Taking positive and upbeat pro-life message to all areas. Each participant will be asked to sign a statement of Peace to keep the key components

of prayer, fasting and community outreach during the campaign. I am encouraging each pastor and pro-life representative to adopt a day and involve their parish in this initiative. Over the last year, there continues to be a great deal of judicial activism over human life issues and strong national media attempts at quieting pro-life efforts. This positive peaceful activity can raise the level of awareness for the sanctity of human life. Please contact Brian Daly for more information, to reserve a day and for materials to promote the effort: Norwich Campaign Coordinator - Brian Daly, BJDALY@aol.com or call 860-822-1788. I commend this program of prayer, fasting, peaceful vigil and community outreach to you and ask God’s blessings on your efforts to preserve life at all stages of its existence.

Immaculata Retreat House 289 Windham Road Willimantic, CT 06226 (860) 423-8484

GARDENERS’ RETREAT: Tuesday, August 5, Fr. Ron Meyer, OMI will conduct a day of prayer for men and women who love to spend time in vegetable and/or flower gardens. The summer theme is “Duties and Delights.” The fee for the day is $20.00 and includes lunch. Call (860) 423-8484 or info@immaculataretreat.org. CENTERING PRAYER RETREAT: Our annual Centering Prayer Retreat, led by Father Bill Sheehan, OMI, of Contemplative Outreach, will be held from August 29-September 4. “Standing on the Shoulders of Giants” is the theme. Retreat Fee is $500.00. Registrations may be made by phone (860) 423-8484 or info@immaculataretreat.org. SERENITY DAY ON THE HILL: Saturday, September 13, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. This day will offer strength and hope for recovering alcoholics, their family members and friends. The presenters are Brother Richard Cote, OMI, and Ms Calista Gingras, both of whom have long experience in recovery ministry. No matter what relationship you have with an alcoholic, whether they are still drinking or not, you will meet others who are walking with you on this journey. Offering for the day, lunch included, is $30.00. Call (860) 423-8484 or by email at info@immaculataretreat.org. SENIOR RENEWAL DAY: Father Roger Couture, OMI invites all seniors to join us for this year’s series, entitled “The Parables of Jesus – Guides for Faith Pilgrims.” The sessions begin on Wednesday, September 17 from 9:30 AM to 1:00 PM. Fee is $10.00 per person and it includes lunch. The initial session will be “What is the Purpose of the Parables?” Call (860) 423-8484 to register.

MARRIED COUPLES’ RETREAT: Come and join us from September 26-28 for our 10th Married Couples’ Retreat for men and women joined in the Sacrament of Matrimony seeking to strengthen their spiritual life together. Three seasoned couples will share their spiritual journeys in a program of prayer, reflection and fun surprises, guided and preached by Fr. Ron Meyer, OMI. Capacity is limited. Grace is abundant. Call (860) 423-8484 for more information.