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Catholic Awareness Day: New Format, New Success
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By Shane Griffith
Executive Editor
HARTFORD – Connecticut’s Catholic Bishops met with nearly 200 of their faithful on March 6, 2008, during Catholic Awareness Day, a day of workshops and meetings with state legislators within the Capitol Building.
This year’s event incorporated a new name with a new format. In years past, Catholic Concerns Day (as it used to be called) included a prayer service in St. Joseph Cathedral, a march to the Capitol, a press conference by bishops from the four Connecticut dioceses, and meetings with legislators. This year, the emphasis shifted to build awareness of specific legislative priorities and to provide more time for the bishops and individuals to meet with legislators.
“This year we were very successful in terms of heightening the issues which are of concern to the [Connecticut Catholic] Conference during this legislative session,” said Michael Culhane, Executive Director of the Connecticut Catholic Conference (CCC), the public policy and advocacy office of the Catholic Bishops in Connecticut.
In February, the CCC changed the date of the Awareness Day from March 12 to March 6 because of a sudden unavailability of rooms in the Legislative Office Building, due to the shortened legislative session that lasts Feb. 6 – May 7. For the same reason, the CCC does not expect extensive legislation this session on non-budgetary items.
Nevertheless, Catholics packed the conference room located down the hall from the lieutenant governor’s office in the Capitol Building, where they listened and asked questions during four workshops, which covered life issues, universal health care, immigration and the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC).
During their morning press conference with the media, Archbishop Henry Mansell, Bishop Michael Cote and Bishop William Lori issued statements on three of the four workshop topics explored that day. Archbishop Mansell focused on immigration reform.
“Fear of law enforcement has raised a serious concern about failure of immigrant women to report cases of abuse,” Archbishop Mansell said. “The Connecticut Catholic Conference is seeking to establish a formal legislative study group to examine this issue. The goal of this effort would be to insure proper legal protection and necessary assistance for any woman or child who is the victim of abuse, regardless of immigration status.”
Bishop Cote focused his attention on H.B. 5499, “An Act Concerning the Required Age for Counseling,” which would raise the current age under which counseling must be provided to a minor, before receiving an abortion, from 15 to 17 years old.
“In 2006 there were 1,147 abortions performed on girls under 18 years of age,” Bishop Cote said. “Only 240 of these girls received counseling under the existing state statute. If the proposed law had been in effect for the last seven years, 6,153 additional young women would have received counseling prior to receiving an abortion.”
Bishop Lori focused his attention during the press conference on the EITC legislation known as S.B. 163.
“This credit would help reduce the tax burden on our state’s lowest wage-earning families,” Bishop Lori said. “Although the majority of those affected by this credit do not pay state income tax, the poor in our state do pay a substantial amount of their income in other state taxes, such as the sales tax. The Earned Income Tax Credit rewards the work ethic, reduces child poverty, and allows those struggling financially in our society to meet their basic needs.”
In an interview with the Four County Catholic on March 18, Mr. Culhane addressed the status of the legislation that was the focus of the Bishops’ press conference remarks. In regard to immigration reform, he said the CCC is having “positive meetings” with the House and Senate Majorities and Minorities regarding the establishment of an immigration task force.
“The biggest issue is that undocumented individuals, when they are the victim or a witness to a crime, are fearful of reporting the incident,” Mr. Culhane said. “It’s a complicated issue with a mix of state and federal jurisdiction, but the bill is in draft form and has been circulated among the [legislative] leadership. Everybody likes the concept and realizes there’s a need to examine this issue.”
In regard to raising the required age for abortion counseling, Mr. Culhane said that the bill has died because it did not make the agenda calendar and therefore was not voted on by the Public Health Committee.
“The future of this bill is to be determined,” he said.
In regard to the EITC, Mr. Culhane said S.B. 163 made it through the House and Senate last year, and that “there appears to be more Republican support for this legislation than it had in 2007.”
“Hopefully the Governor and her staff will sign on to it this year,” he said.
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Bishop Cote Launches 30th Annual Bishop’s Appeal
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By Shane Griffith
Executive Editor
NORWICH – The 2008 Annual Bishop’s Appeal (ABA) is underway, and this year’s theme is “Bringing Hope to Those in Need.”
Started in 1978 by Bishop Daniel P. Reilly, Third Bishop of Norwich, the ABA is the primary source of revenue for the Diocese of Norwich. Last year’s campaign raised $3,380,570, surpassing the 2006 record-breaking appeal of $3,292,355.
“The 2007 Annual Bishop’s Appeal was the most successful in its twenty-nine year history,” said Thomas O’Brien, Diocesan Director of Development. “This year we hope to continue this record to once again surpass the previous year’s goal, which we have set at $3.4 million. This will help the Church better assist the poor and marginalized, and bring hope to those in need.”
The 2008 ABA officially began with the first Deanery Social, which included pastors and parishioners of the Norwich Deanery, at St. Patrick Cathedral, February 21, 2008. The Most Rev. Michael R. Cote, D.D., Bishop of Norwich, warmly greeted the 300 in attendance while the sweet sounds of “Gemini,” a synthesizer accordion band, enhanced the festive atmosphere.
After dinner, Bishop Cote thanked everyone for their generosity to last year’s campaign, and stated that the needs of the poor, the sick and the less fortunate, in today’s economy, are greater than ever. For this reason, he asked them to kindly increase their contribution by 10 percent, if possible.
“I ask not for myself, but on behalf of the thousands of individuals and their families who benefit directly from the more than 30 diocesan programs, ministries and services funded by the Appeal,” Bishop Cote said.
A DVD produced by the Office of Radio and Television was shown to all attendees of the seven deanery socials, highlighting three ministries in particular, to illustrate the effectiveness and impact of the ABA. The first segment featured a young immigrant family. The couple was expecting their first child but had been recently laid off from their jobs. Without insurance, the pair did not know where to turn for help. With the assistance, guidance and resources provided by the staff at Catholic Charities, the husband and wife were able to welcome a healthy baby into the world while the father located full-time employment.
The second segment featured the spiritual assistance provided by Campus Ministries to the students of Eastern Connecticut State University, Wesleyan and the University of Connecticut through the dedicated efforts of the Very Rev. Laurence A.M. LaPointe.
The final segment featured the diocesan communications program and the revitalized Four County Catholic. All these ongoing efforts would not be possible without the support of the Annual Bishop’s Appeal.
“The ABA is the financial life-blood of the Diocese,” Mr. O’Brien stated. “It is comparable to the weekly offertory collection of any parish. Without this support, neither would survive. The Diocese is the vehicle through which all parishes are able to work together for the good of the entire community. By partnering with our parishes, as well as with a variety of outside organizations, together we are able to help the poor, work for peace and justice, and provide programs for education and formation for all ages.”
This year, a few of the 30 diocesan ministries that donations to the ABA will fund include: to provide meals to the homeless; to help Catholic Charities assist individuals, families, and children throughout Eastern Connecticut; and to support retired priests of the diocese.
Funds from the ABA are also used to support the diocesan offices of Catholic Schools, Stewardship, Haitian Ministries, Faith Formation, Ministry to the Sick, Project Northeast, Emmaus Spiritual Life, Hispanic Ministry, Project Northeast, St. Vincent de Paul Place, Spiritual Renewal, Worship and many more.
In the next few weeks all registered parishioners throughout the Diocese of Norwich will receive a letter, brochure and pledge envelope from Bishop Cote. In support of this appeal, please take the time to prayerfully consider what you are able to give to bring hope to those in need in our Diocesan Church. The annual Commitment Weekend for the 2008 ABA is scheduled for May 3-4. Many in need will be grateful for your help.
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Safe Environments: Commitment in Action
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By Reverend Ted Tumicki, S.T.L., J.C.L.
Pastor, Saint Joseph Parish, Occum and
Bishop’s Delegate for Safe Environments
Recently a parishioner asked me, “What has the Church been doing in its efforts to address the issue of child sexual abuse? I haven’t heard in a while.”
The Church is committed to this cause.
Since 2003, the Diocese of Norwich has implemented a variety of programs, policies, and measures – collectively known as “safe environments” - in an effort to create and maintain a safe environment for our young people and to inform and educate a variety of people about child sexual abuse and how to prevent it.
To date, the diocese has screened (background checked) and trained (educated) over 7,900 priests, deacons, seminarians, teachers, and employees and volunteers who have regular contact with minors. In addition the diocese has trained or educated through safe environments education over 24,000 children and teenagers or verified that training in their public school districts meets or exceeds diocesan standards.
The Pastoral Code of Conduct has been implemented and provides guidelines for each person to follow to create and maintain environments for our young people that are free from harm.
On the parish and school level, educational programs and opportunities are provided so as to inform people on how everyone can take a role in creating and maintaining safe environments for all young people. These efforts include the video program Called to Protect, the online training program Armatusonline, and brochures and parish bulletin inserts. Almost every parish and school also has a Child Advocate, whose role is to help implement and monitor safe environments measures.
In all of this it is important to remember that for safe environments to be truly successful, every person must be involved. To find out more about how you can help, contact your local parish to learn more about the diocesan educational programs. The more we all know and do, the safer our children are.
Editor’s note: Over the coming months the Four County Catholic will report on the various aspects, efforts, monitored and audited progress, and people associated with safe environments in the Diocese of Norwich.
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Theology On Tap Helps Young Catholics Connect to Christ
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By Shane Griffith
Executive Editor
CROMWELL – Even long drives through heavy rain couldn’t deter them. For the 22 “twenty-somethings” in attendance at the Well on February 26, 2008, the lure of beer, wings and the Gospel was simply too much to pass up.
“I like that part – beer and the Gospel,” said Middletown resident Julie Gatland. “I’ve been meaning to try it for a while now, and it’s good to know other people my age are here.”
For a few years now, Rev. Robert Abbatiell, O.F.M.Cap., Pastor of St. Pius X Church, Middletown, has hosted the increasingly popular series called “Theology On Tap.” The meetings are open to all but are geared to what’s been called “the gap,” young Catholics between the ages of 21 and 35, who are eager to share their faith with others, but don’t have the time or a comfortable environment in which to do so. The group tries to meet once every couple of months, but Father Bob says that finding a time that works for everyone is one of the biggest challenges.
The evening began with introductions in the upstairs loft, which was conveniently nestled away from the clatter of pool balls and televisions below. Nearly everyone was married or engaged and was a college-educated working professional. Some said they owned homes or businesses, and one couple was expecting their first child.
After the group had finished eating, Father Bob read aloud, from the Gospel according to St. Matthew, the passage about Jesus’ meeting with His disciples in an upstairs chamber. He then turned the discussion to the crowd of listeners.
“Tonight, I’d like all of you to reflect on the meaning of Lent in your 20s and 30s,” Father Bob told. “The Church says Lent is a joyful time. Where’s the joy in Lent?” he asked.
“When I was a kid, Lent meant Easter break was coming, but every Friday was fish day,” said Bill Tarinelli from Middletown. “My dad made fish with every condiment imaginable and undercooked the fish so it was still pink in the middle.”
“Lent for me meant driving to Mass on Fridays before school,” said Nicole Raney from Middletown.
“I remember the foot washing on Holy Thursday was incredibly powerful for me,” added Nicole’s husband Jason.
“I always gave up candy as a kid, but I always broke it,” Father Bob admitted. “My mom always gave up smoking, and she was miserable. Lent was supposed to be good, but it wasn’t until I got older. For some people, Lent is Ash Wednesday. They’ll say, ‘I haven’t done Lent until I get those ashes,’” he added with a smile.
“But Lent is about rejoicing for Easter – it’s not about beating ourselves or each other up.”
The concept of Theology On Tap began in 1981 at St. James Parish in Arlington Heights, Illinois. It later proved so popular that the Archdiocese of Chicago established its office of Young Adult Ministry, led by Father John Cusick, who then carried it across the archdiocese and beyond. Twenty-seven-plus years later, Theology on Tap has spread to more than 180 U.S. parishes and five other countries.
For Eric and Elizabeth Rowe, Theology On Tap has helped them support each other as they develop their personal and emotional relationships to Christ.
“It’s hard to find people to make a connection,” Mrs. Rowe said. “We’ve met lots of great couples here, and Father Bob is amazing – he’s such a prophet. He has inspired us and brought my husband into the Church. I am amazed that there were so many people here tonight. It’s very nice – you can ask anything.”
If you or someone you know would like to attend a Theology On Tap meeting, contact Father Bob Abbatiello at St. Pius X Church at 860-347-4441 or log on to www.stpius-x.org.
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Rockville’s St. Bernard Preschool Expands Program to Three-Year-Olds
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By Shane Griffith
Executive Editor
ROCKVILLE – Wearing the hand-made paper hat of a postal worker, 4-year-old Julia joyously laughs as she plays “Post Office” with her five classmates.
When a friend asked how much it costs to mail a two-pound package, she jokingly replied, “Two hundred dollars!”
While today’s economy has not forced the real Post Office to raise prices quite that much, the students at St. Bernard Preschool in Rockville are gaining familiarity with doing actual grown-up activities in a play-based, faith-centered classroom.
“[St. Bernard Preschool] is not childcare – it is early childhood education, and there is a distinction,” said Sherry Yarusewicz, St. Bernard’s early childhood development teacher. “I actually work almost every single day with the kindergarten teacher about the skills she expects [the students] to have when they come to her. She finds that some are unprepared, so we’re able to kind of shape our curriculum so that they will progress to kindergarten pretty seamlessly.”
Although St. Bernard School has educated youngsters since 1895, this is the first year of its Pre-Kindergarten program. To date six 4-year-olds are enrolled, but the staff is enthusiastic about expanding their program to include 3-year-olds in the fall.
“Next year we anticipate adding fourteen 3-year-olds to our program,” said Miss Yarusewicz. “We’re the only Catholic preschool to offer this program in the area, and there is a great need for it.”
The addition of an early childhood education program comes at an important time for St. Bernard School. Enrollment has dipped over the past decade, as it has for other Catholic elementary schools, for a variety of reasons, and this new program is poised to not only deliver the best quality education to the children, but to also act as a “feeder program” to the elementary school itself.
St. Bernard Preschool offers four options for parents to enroll their children: five full or five half days, and three full or three half days. The yearly tuition for five full days is $3,800, while the three full days is $2,600. According to Mrs. Aulerich, Principal of St. Bernard School, the cost of the five full-day option is nearly $2,000 less than what other nearby daycare programs charge for the year.
“I think it’s been since time immemorial that Catholic schools have always offered more for less,” Mrs. Aulerich said. “From the dedication of the faculty and staff, the dedication of the parents who are willing to work on different committees and be a part of the school itself, it’s just our ability to attract people…they find a sense of community here.”
Unlike many schools that have intimidating corridors and foreboding bathrooms, St. Bernard Preschool is actually a former private home updated to code. Large open windows let in plenty of warm natural light, while children feel right at home in the living room or washing their hands in the kitchen. The landscaping, too, which was completed as an Eagle Scout community service project, adds “eye appeal” to the spacious home.
“I’m thrilled that this worked out and I see God’s hand in it,” said Rev. Richard Ricard, Pastor of St. Bernard Church. “We had no space in our school and we certainly couldn’t afford to build this, so we were able to convert this home into a beautiful center of education, faith and love. The kids are very comfortable when they walk in here…and it is a nice transition from home to school. Parents who come to an open house say they like it because the kids don’t want to leave.”
As Julia and her 4-year-old classmates continued to laugh and learn from their pretend “Post Office,” Miss Yarusewicz, a former student of St. Bernard School, paused to reflect on her own experience.
“I worked in a public school, and that’s nice too, but it’s completely different here,” she said. “It’s more like family…we can count on each other, we can depend on each other. Here we are able to reflect Christ’s attitudes in our teachings. We are not restricted.”
St. Bernard Preschool is now enrolling 3 and 4-year-old students for the 2008-09 academic year. Call the school at 860-875-3828 for more information.
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Clergy Appointments
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The Most Reverend Michael R. Cote, D.D., Bishop of Norwich, has made the following appointments:
Reverend Anthony P. Gruber,
from Senior Priest, Saint Patrick Parish, Mystic,
to Temporary Parochial Administrator,
Saint Maurice Parish, Bolton.
Effective: March 1, 2008.
Reverend Roger Lamoureux, OMI,
renewal of Appointment as Pastor of
Saint Mary Parish, Willimantic,
and Defender of the Bond,
Diocesan Tribunal Office.
Effective: February 28, 2008.
Reverend Thomas G. Sickler, MS,
new to the Diocese,
to Parochial Vicar,
Saint James Parish, Danielson.
Effective: February 8, 2008.
– Monsignor Robert L. Brown, Chancellor
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22 confirmed at St. Mark the Evangelist Church on March 7
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By Colleen Egan
Staff Writer
WESTBROOK – Christopher Marino is an altar server at St. Mark the Evangelist Church in Westbrook, but he wants to be a Eucharistic Minister. Now that he has been confirmed, he can do just that.
A total of 22 ninth-graders were blessed with the Sacrament of Confirmation by the Most Rev. Michael R. Cote, Bishop of Norwich, on Friday, March 7. Mr. Marino was one of them.
“I’m looking forward to being recognized as an adult in the Church,” said Mr. Marino prior to his confirmation. “It makes my family happy.”
Other confirmandi echoed Mr. Marino’s sentiments. Abby Dunlap, who took the confirmation name Elizabeth, said, “It has been a long journey and I want to be a bigger part of the Church.”
Kelsey Campbell, who took the name St. Vitus, the patron of dancers, because she is a dancer herself, said, “After I am confirmed I’ll be taken more seriously and can do more in the Church.”
Bishop Cote celebrated the Mass and encouraged the young people to stay active in Church life. “Through this holy anointing you are called to be witnesses to the world to Christ’s suffering, death and resurrection. Your way of life should at all times reflect the goodness of Christ. Be active members of the Church. Pour out your lives for the Church.”
The 22 confirmandi began their spiritual journey three years ago in the seventh grade. According to confirmation catechist Carol Lehmann, students were required to take several courses in areas like Church protocol and saints, and were required to do service projects. “They do six hours of service in seventh and eighth grade and twelve hours their final year,” she said.
Service projects varied; from altar serving to hosting a dinner for seniors, to doing yard work at the St. Mark Church. Mary Papp, a musician who took the confirmation name St. Cecilia, patron saint of music, said, “I helped with a party at the church and did stuff at a church dinner.”
Miss Campbell did crafts with 3, 4 and 5-year-olds at her dance studio as one of her service projects. She also babysat and helped out at a food pantry.
According to Mrs. Lehmann, each confirmandi was required to choose their own church sponsor for their confirmation. This had to be a confirmed Catholic, older than 16, who was not a family member. She described what the students have gone through over the past three years as a process.
“This is a family progression, moving eventually to a mature sense of being full members of the Church,” said Mrs. Lehmann.
After his homily, Bishop Cote traced the sign of the cross with holy oil on the forehead of each candidate and addressed them by their confirmation name by saying, “Be sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit.” Each student responded “Amen,” at which the Bishop said “Peace be with you,” and the students replied, “And also with you.”
Judging from the smiles on each one confirmed after being marked with the Sign of the Cross, it was readily apparent that a change had taken place in the heart of the students. During confirmation the Holy Spirit confers seven gifts on the recipient: wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety and fear of the Lord.
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