As we prepare to celebrate the Nativity of the Lord this Christmas Day, for the second time during this ongoing Covid Pandemic, I ask that we expand our Christian Trust in the Lord and Hope in one another. Today we have in Connecticut the availability of effective vaccines to keep us safe. We give thanks to God for the gifts of His Heavenly Wisdom given to our researchers and medical professionals

About this time each year we see an increase in the Advent Giving Tree collection. It usually starts off slow, a few donations in this collection, a couple of more in the next collection. Then as the needs are known, the money/acts of kindness comes in. And I believe that this will again happen—not so much because of the collection tallies I have seen so far, but rather because of the goodness and generosity of the people of this parish that comes about year after year.

Advent Giving Tree …and in the living out of our Christian obligations to care for and be one with those in need, our Advent Giving Tree provides various opportunities to fulfill those obligations of faith. In supporting the Advent Giving Tree with whatever donation you may give—whether it is $5 or $500, the hungry will be fed, the poor will have heat and light, and the sick and those without insurance may be healed and cared for.

This third Sunday of the Advent Season is known as Gaudete Sunday; Gaudete is pronounced in three syllables: Gow-day-tay “rejoice” in Latin. During the season of Advent, we await the celebration of Christ’s birth and His coming again at the end of time. Over four weeks, we prepare our hearts for Christmas in penitential reflection. But in the middle of the season, Gaudete Sunday calls us to rejoice in hope!

The atrium and vestibule are adorned with our Advent Giving Trees bearing envelopes for our two charities for this year’s support. Once again, we are supporting the Knights of Malta Mobile House of Care, a Catholic organization that through mobile vans visiting neighborhoods in need will provide healthcare services to diagnose and treat all kinds of conditions and illnesses

In this second Sunday of Advent the theme of our readings comes from the understanding that this season is one of joy—in the anticipation of the Second Coming of Christ, which then turns—at the 16th of December—to the memorialization of the birth of the Savior of the world: Jesus of Nazareth.

New England Catholic Schools Week November 14-19 is weeklong celebration of the Wonders of Catholic Education in the six New England states and her 11 Catholic Arch/Dioceses, including the Archdiocese of Hartford, through the work of its Center for Catholic Education & Formation. Increased marketing and media relations kick-off a new enrollment and marketing campaign designed to highlight the benefits of Catholic education, which has an overall theme of “There’s Something Greater Here.”

If we believe in Christ and then share that faith in Him with others, then all shall be well, in fact it will be perfect for our journey toward eternal life. Listen again the closing words in today’s first reading from Daniel: “But the wise shall shine brightly like the splendor of the firmament, and those who lead the many to justice shall be like the starsforever."

When we think of the word “duplicity,’ what comes to mind? The dictionary defines it as: (noun, ) deceitfulness; double-dealing. Similar words are: deceitfulness, deceit, two-facedness, double-dealing, dishonesty, fraudulence, etc. The Bible uses the word a few times, and in today’s Gospel message the word “duplicity” comes to mind when we hear the Lord speak about the Scribes...

As we continue to return to more normal public worship with greater participation of the laity, it is time to encourage our parishioners to consider becoming lectors, adult altar servers, Eucharistic ministers and ushers so that the celebration of the Mass is a smooth and effective liturgical experience.

What is the foundation of the Commandments? Love! This Sunday’s Gospel conversation between the Lord and a Scribe is considered “refreshing” as it is friendly and informational—one of learning—rather contentious on the part of the Scribe (and the Pharisees) but key is the idea that today’s Gospel is a conversation about the fundamental Truth about our Faith and our pathway to the Kingdom of God.

There are many myths and misinformation about the Catholic Church. Sure, people know all the “Thou shall nots” but do you really know the heart of the Church, and what she does in the world and in this Nation, all the good? The Roman Catholic Church is the largest private entity providing food, shelter, healthcare, education and other social service resources in our Nation, aside from the federal and state governments, which have taxing authority to pay for welfare, hospitals and schools

I am pleased to announce and to welcome Mrs. Carmen Altamirano as our new interim Director of Faith Formation effective Monday, 18 October 2021. Carmen is a member of our Catechist team, under Kathi Bonner, and will now assume the role of Faith Formation Director. Carmen comes highly recommended by Kathi Bonner and after my first meeting with her I saw why

Last weekend’s Falling for Faith Festival was nothing less than a great success. In terms of content, in terms of attendance, in terms of volunteers and smooth operations, and in terms of feedback—comments have been mostly positive and people have been inquiring about more information so we that can move forward in our faith.

I am excited to announce that the St. Catherine of Siena Music Ministry is taking its first step toward ensemble singing with the return of the Adult Choir at the 11 a.m. Mass on Oct. 17 th . Now, for the ask–would you like to join the Choir? Being part of the choir is a great way to sing your faith each week along with a wonderful group of people, and we could use more singers–both men and women.

The Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) will begin in our parish on Tuesday, October 12th at 7 p.m. in the Library. The RICA program is designed to welcome and educate those who are interested in becoming Roman Catholics. RCIA is meant to lead you into the meaning and love of Christ’s grace and favor, which God entrusted to the Catholic Church for the salvation of the world in all times and places.

Evening Adoration is being planned once again. Last year, this was offered once-a-month on the third Tuesday evening at 7 p.m., with lay parishioners who have been trained in the exposition of the Blessed Sacrament to enable an opportunity for private prayer before the Lord.

On Saturday, September 25 th the Archdiocese of Hartford will host a Men’s Catholic Conference at New Britain stadium beginning at 8:30 a.m. Please call the parish office, 658 1642, to reserve a free ticket. The conference will provide guest speakers who address the importance of a male role model in the Christian faith—particularly in the family setting, and the impact he has on bringing his children to faith; what the role of a Catholic father comprises, the “what” of being a Catholic dad

Currently on Tuesday mornings following the daily Mass, Adoration and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament is offered. This provides our parishioners with an opportunity to spend time in private prayer (with brief beginning and ending prayers) before the Lord. You are able to bring all your prayers and petitions, your concerns and cares, your prayerful conversation with the Lord in the sacred space of our Church.

I am really looking forward to this October 1-3 Falling for Faith festival in our parish. This is a big project and has had and will continue to have a lot of moving parts. Much has been done, some more needs to be done. It will also require a large number of volunteers. Many have already enlisted but a few more are needed.