FROM FATHER GERRY’S DESK

Hi Everybody!

Signs and symbols have always played an important part in the lives of peoples everywhere. Our flag is the proud symbol of our identity as a nation. This has also been true in religious worship as people tried to display in different objects and rituals, almost as if trying to bring down into their midst the god, or gods they worshipped. For us the preeminent sign of faith is the cross. The cross, that was always a sign of shame, used in the execution of the worst of criminals and the sign of the ruthlessness of rulers who did not tolerate opposition, became the sign of God’s enormous love for us. Jesus welcomed the cross as the means to redeem us. He was ready to take all the evil deeds of all mankind onto himself as he shouldered the cross and once and for all make reparation to the Father for them. We also refer to the trials and tribulations of life as crosses that we have to carry. Like Jesus we can transform those crosses into acts of love, offering them up to God in reparation for our own sins and that of the whole world. Today we give very special thanks to God for what the cross of Christ accomplished for us. So then, let us glory in the cross of Christ, that cross which is our only hope, but also shoulder willingly the daily crosses the Lord sends our way and unite them with the cross of Jesus, the cross of our salvation.

God Bless You One and All …… Father Gerry

STEWARDSHIP SUGGESTION

Once again: Are you sick and tired of seeing the same people doing everything? …………….So are they!!!

STEWARDSHIP INITIATIVE: Sunday Evening Vespers

Vespers, The Evening Prayer of the Church, with Exposition and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament, are celebrated twice monthly at 6:00 p.m. – on the 2^nd Sunday of the month at St. Peter Church and the 4^th Sunday of the month at Sacred Heart Church. This is an opportunity to join together in prayer and spend a little more time with the Lord than we are obliged to do. Everyone is welcome to join us:

Sunday, September 14 at St. Peter Church

Sunday, September 28 at Sacred Heart Church

A Family Perspective

In the gospel today, Jesus tells us that He is not here to “condemn the world.” Jesus became human so that God could be an intimate part of our lives. Expect to see God’s presence in the smiles and tears, successes and disappointments in your family. God delights being with our families.

THE QUARTERLY QUARTERS COLLECTION to benefit the Torrington Area Council of Churches Emergency Fund is this weekend. Containers are at the entrance of Sacred Heart and St. Peter Church. Any other coin or paper money will be gratefully accepted also. Thank you for your support!

WEEKLY OFFERINGS – SEPTEMBER 6 and 7

ST. PETER PARISH

Offertory $4,437 Monthly $3,352 Candles $143

SACRED HEART PARISH

Offertory $1,949 Monthly $552 Annual $25 Candles $160

ST. PETER’S JUBILEE CLUB WINNERS

$30. - 146 - Father Stephen

$20. - 101 - Dora Pietrafesa

$20. - 093 - Tom Vanotti

Please pray for the deceased members of our parish families, especially for John Ho.

REMEMBER TO PRAY FOR OUR TROOPS …….

Almighty and eternal God,

those who take refuge in you will be glad

and forever shout for joy.

Protect our servicemen and women

and keep them safe from all evil and harm.

Grant that we may trust in your mercy

and send an angel to sustain us

as we await their safe return.

PRO LIFE MINISTRY

“The antidote to abortion is love. Love in the form of adoption. The loving solution to abortion is adoption. We must celebrate adoption, honor adoption, facilitate adoption.” Most Reverend Patrick O’Malley, O.F.M. Cap., Bishop of Palm Beach, Jan. 22, 2003 homily at the Basilica of the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception

The annual Respect Life Conference presented by the Pro-Life Committee of Holy Angels Church, South Meriden, will be held on Saturday, October 11, from 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Mark the date on your calendars now- more details will follow.

SACRED HEART-ST. PETER ANNUAL FAMILY PICNIC

This Sunday, September 14 Noon – 5 p.m.

Elks Club Pond – Guerdat Rd.

Come enjoy good food, fun & games! There is plenty of parking area and for anyone finding it difficult to walk, drop-off at the pavilion is possible. You may bring your lawn chairs along with you. Games for children will begin at 2:00 p.m.

Donations of raffle items or cake/pastry items for the cake wheel will be very much appreciated. Please bring your donation to the Picnic. Any questions, please call Bette Cantu – 489-3742. Cake/pastry items and raffle donations will be accepted at Sacred Heart Parish Center before 5:00 Mass on Saturday and 9:00 Mass on Sunday. For more information, please call Sophie Zbuska – 489-1608.

ST. EDMUND’S RETREAT DAY TRIP St. Edmund’s Retreat Day of Recollection at Enders Island, Mystic will depart from Sacred Heart Church - 7:30 a.m. on September 23. This bus trip is sponsored by The Franciscan’s, St. Frances Cabrini and St. Anne’s Society.

SEPTEMBER COLLECTION for the FISH FOOD BANK This month’s request is “Soup.” Your continued support is greatly appreciated. Collection boxes will be at all the doors of St. Peter’s Church and at the front entrance of Sacred Heart Church on September 27 and 28.

TO WHOM SHALL WE GO? (John 6:68) Women’s Preached Retreat Weekend at Our Lady of Calvary Retreat, Farmington – October 24^th 7:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. October 26^th. For information and registration, contact Parish Promoter: Susan Cosgriff 489-5534.

CCD REGISTRATION

Final Registration for St. Peter/Sacred Heart CCD

Any new students for grade one that have not registered should do so this Sunday, September 14. Registration will take place from 8:30 a.m.-10:00 a.m. at St. Peter School. After the above date, registration will be closed. Parents need to bring a copy of Baptismal Certificate with a $40.00 registration fee. Any new families in the parishes who have not registered a child for religious instruction and wish to do so should also register at this time. Anyone needing to register after this date should call Sr. Annette personally for private arrangements. There are limited openings in Grades 2-7. For further information, please call Sr. Annette at 489-8735. Please do not call the school for starting date.

Watch the bulletin!

RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS (RCIA)

The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) names the process by which interested persons are gradually awakened to discern if God is calling them to become members of the Catholic Church.

The RCIA journey is primarily a journey of faith: “From the awareness of stirring of faith and curiosity within one’s heart

Through all those stages of asking and seeking,

Through beginning involvement with Catholic people,

Through hearing the Gospel proclaimed and by faithful

reflection and prayer on this Word of God.

Through study and discussion about the Catholic experience,

Through doubts and hesitations,

Through discernment of God’s call for them as individuals,

Through steps of commitment,

Through the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation,

Eucharist),

to a life of faith, love and justice in communion with Catholics throughout the world.”

We will begin this process in September. For information, call St. Peter Rectory at 482-4433 or fill in the form below, drop it in the collection basket, and someone will contact you.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I am interested in learning more about the RCIA process:

NAME _________________________________________________

PHONE NUMBER _______________________________________

Are you a Registered Parishioner? Yes _____ No _____

If you are not, is a member of your family a Registered Parishioner?

Yes _____ No _____ Who? ____________________________

AT SACRED HEART

ANNUAL ENERGY COLLECTION

Second Collection – Next Weekend, September 20 and 21

Please remember the Energy Collection not only includes both heating our Church in the winter but also cooling it in the summer.

Your support is most appreciated!

Dear Parishioners….

Thank you for your generous donation of cereal and back-to-school supplies. The school supplies are especially appreciated as we had several requests for just such materials and the cereal is also a popular item in our food pantry. The Board and Staff of Catholic Family Services continue to appreciate the support of your generous parish.

BUS TRIP Our Social Committee is sponsoring a Casino Trip to Foxwoods on Wednesday, October 22. Cost $20. Perks $10 Food or Buffet, $10 Match Play & $5 Keno. Departs Grove St. 8:30 a.m. sharp. Bus boarding at 8:15 a.m. For sign up: List in vestibule or call Martha or John Dubyel – 482-3460. (Need 45 sign-ups.)

COMMUNION FOR SHUT-INS If you have family members or know of someone at home who would like to receive Communion, please call the Rectory and we will be happy to make arrangements.

CANDLES Sacred Heart – Emma Lucas, LeJeune Family, Joseph & Anna Lucas, Michael Meyerjack, Katherine DeAngelo, Peter Dubiel, Jr., Alma Dubiel, Rudolph Dubiel, Shauna Troughton, Samantha Troughton, Gerardi Family, DaCosta Family, MTPJ, Ceil Bell, (Mr. & Mrs. Andrew Zimmerman, Sr.), (John & Victoria Reges), Vera Fedorich, (Regina & Karen Spiotta), Raymond Kufchak, Nicholas LaGamba, Sr., P.B.J.A., Anna Sidlosky. Infant of Prague – (Joshua, Kayla, Taylor), John T. McMahon, Colin Troughton, Matthew Troughton. Blessed Mother – (Jim & Vilma Pavlik), Theresa Gardiner, Susan Meyerjack, Mary Meyerjack, Betty Zaharek, Virginia Carey, Patricia DeAngelo, Mary Zaharek, (Andrew Zaharek & Son), (Dorothy Zaharek & Family), Sophie Bilas, (Felix & Bertha Pernal), (Regina & Stephen Serbek), Mabel Dubiel, Michael Dubiel, Susan Kozlak, (Joseph Kozlak Family), MABRK, Mary Ann Bouchard, Joanne McMahon, Agatha Troughton, Michael Gerardi, Anna Gerardi, Otti Cook, Mary A. Zaharek (2), Edward Janco, Kevin Janco, (Edward & Anna Kozlak & B.E.D.D.), (William & Anna Schlosky & A.W.), Johann Harms, Jacob Sidlosky, Sr., Anonymous (5) Holy Rosary – Mary Killiany, Mary Kovalcek, John H. Zaharek. Saint Joseph – Joseph Bilas, Joseph Kozlak, Michael A. Kozlak, (Deceased Members – Kovalcek Family), John A. Vasko, John H. Zaharek, Victor Lenart. Saint Anne – Patrons of St. Anne, Anna Bittner, Ann Lenart. Saint Anthony – Frank Janis, Sue Kropp, G.J.T., Ceil Bell. Saint Theresa – Theresa Gardiner, Helen Dubyel, Philip Lestinsky, (Albert & Mary Lestinsky), (B.D.E.D. Kozlak), Krista Westerling. Saint Jude – Susan Karlowicz, Theresa Gardiner, Joy DeAngelo, Matthew DeAngelo, Anthony Leone, (Troughton Family), Michael Killiany, Ceil Bell, Nicholas Kufchak, Jr., Anita Janco, Jacqui Kuzmik. Special Intention – (Jim & Vilma Pavlik), Theresa Gardiner, (Jennifer & Michael Iacino), (Cathy & Michael Humphrey), Katherine DeAngelo, (Dorothy Zaharek & Family), (Gregory, Gerard & Giles Troughton), Jacob Sidlosky, Jr., Audrey Waldron. Blessed Francis Xavier Seelos, C.Ss.R. – Stephen Kozlak, Jr., Stephen Kozlak, Sr.

AT ST. PETER

SANCTUARY CANDLE

Is being burned in memory of:

Anthony Cetra and

Tony & Nancy Consolini.

1^st Call – Adam Hagymasi and Kelly Barger

Coming soon…….PASTA & POLENTA SUPPER

Sponsored by St. Peter School Development Committee

Thursday, September 25 5:00-7:00 p.m. $7.00

St. Peter Lower Hall

ST. PETER’S SCHOOL IS IN SESSION

When bringing your child to school in the morning, please be sure to use the East Main Street parking lot entrance. Exit through the parking lot to St. John’s Place. This is for children coming to school and also for parishioners attending daily Mass.

CATHOLIC YOUTH MINISTRY

CONFIRMATION ORIENTATION/REGISTRATION

All students entering Year I and Year II of our Confirmation Formation Program are required to attend one of the following sessions along with your parent(s). All sessions will be held at Sacred Heart Church Hall.

Year I – students who have successfully completed 7^th grade CCD

September 14^th 11:45 - 1:00 p.m.

Please call Judy Bellemare at 489-7899 to register for your session. Sessions are limited on a first come first served basis.

Year II – students who successfully completed Year I last year

September 14^th 10:00 – 11:15 a.m.

Please call Mrs. Liz Hanlon at 482-0256 to register for your session. Sessions are limited on a first come first served basis.

For more information on the Confirmation Formation Program registration/orientation, please call Judy Bellemare, Director of Youth Ministry at 489-7899.

**We do not accept students into our program who have not attended an orientation/registration session.

YOU’RE INVITED

Are you in 9^th – 12^th Grades and interested in spending time with your friends? How about meeting new people? How about having fun and growing through conferences, outings, movie nights, community service, helping others, having fun. You plan it, the possibilities are endless!!

HOW ABOUT GOING ON RETREAT, OR GREAT TRIPS?

How about discussing topics that interest you and your friends?

HOW ABOUT SHARING OUR FAITH through discussion groups, assisting others, discussing the Bible, going to events and programs, meeting with and planning events and activities with kids from other Catholic Churches of the Archdiocese.

THEN CONSIDER JOINING THE *CATHOLIC YOUTH

MINISTRY OF TORRINGTON!!!

*Serving the Parishes of Sacred Heart, St. Francis, St. Mary and St. Peter

Come alone or bring a friend and join the crew at our meeting in Sacred Heart Church Hall on Sunday, September 14^th from 6:30-8:30 p.m.

If you have any questions or would like additional information, please call Judy Bellemare, Youth Minister 489-7899

DIOCESAN and COMMUNITY EVENTS

VOCATIONS Jesus made the Cross an instrument of our Salvation. Is God calling you to be His instrument to announce His salvation as a religious or priest? If you think God is calling you to serve the Church as a priest, call Fr. Al Fontana at the Archdiocesan Vocation Office, St. Thomas Seminary, Bloomfield, CT 1-860-286-7670, or visit us on the web! www.vocationshartford.org.

HOLY FAMILY RETREAT CENTER – Married Couples Retreat: October 3-5, 2003. “A Marriage takes three … You, Your Spouse, and God.” Program Offering: $300 per couple. Send name, address & offering to: Holy Family Passionist Retreat Center, 303 Tunxis Rd., West Hartford, CT 06107. Information: (860) 521-0440 ext.105

OFFICE OF DIACONATE FORMATION, Archdiocese of Hartford Announces a Pre-Application Program for Catholic men (age 35 to 60) interested in the Diaconate. Those interested in applying for the next class of Diaconate Formation must first attend the following three informational sessions. If married, spouses must also attend. Diaconate formation encompasses vocational, human, spiritual, intellectual and pastoral dimensions. All sessions will be held at St. Thomas Seminary, 467 Bloomfield Ave., Bloomfield on the following dates:

1) Sunday October 5, 2003 3:00 to 5:00 p.m.

2) Sunday November 2, 2003 3:00 to 5:00 p.m.

3) Sunday December 14, 2003 3:00 to 5:00 p.m.

ALL THREE SESSIONS MUST BE ATTENDED.

To Register Call: OFFICE OF DIACONATE (860) 243-8005

by September 30, 2003

TORRINGTON AARP Presents: The Thimble Islands Cruise and Chowder Pot III – Monday, October 13 Depart: 9:30 a.m., Red Lobster, Torrington Plaza. Includes visit to Lyman’s Orchards & Apple Barrel Farm Store in Middlefield, Thimble Islands Cruise & lunch at Chowder Pot III in Branford. Menu: Seafood Imperial with shrimp, scallops, lobster & longostinos or Chicken Marsala or Walnut Encrusted Salmon. Cost: $56. Call Vida Bucaccio – 482-9108.

Sunday, September 14, 2003

Sacred Heart/St. Peter Picnic – Noon-5 p.m. – Elks Club Pond

Vespers – 6:00 p.m. – St. Peter Church

Monday, September 15, 2003

St. Peter Parish Council Meeting – 7:00 p.m. – St. Peter Rectory

Tuesday, September 16, 2003

Social Ministry Meeting – 7:00 p.m. – St. Peter Hall

Sunday, September 21, 2003

Baptisms – Following 10:30 a.m. Mass – St. Peter Church

WEEKEND MASS SCHEDULE

St. Francis: 4:00 p.m. Saturday Vigil

7:00 & 10:15 a.m. Sunday

St. Peter: 4:00 p.m. Saturday Vigil

7:30 & 10:30 a.m. Sunday

St. Mary: No Saturday Vigil

8:00 & 11:30 a.m. Sunday

Sacred Heart: 5:00 p.m. Saturday Vigil

9:00 a.m. Sunday

WEEKDAY MASSES (Monday through Saturday)

St. Peter: 7:00 a.m. St. Francis: 8:00 a.m.

Readings for the Week of September 14, 2003

Sunday: Nm 21:4b-9; Phil 2:6-11; Jn 3:13-17

Monday: 1 Tm 2:1-8; or, Jn 19:25-27

Tuesday: 1 Tm 3:1-13; Lk 7:11-17

Wednesday: 1 Tm 3:14-16; Lk 7:31-35

Thursday: 1 Tm 4:12-16; Lk 7:36-50

Friday: 1 Tm 6:2c-12; Lk 8:1-3

Saturday: 1 Tm 6:13-16; Lk 8:4-15

Next Sunday: Wis 2:12, 17-20; Jas 3:16—4:3; Mk 9:30-37

MASS INTENTIONS for the WEEK

Sat. 9/13 4:00 p.m. St. Peter

- Anthony Dileo by Wife

- Laurie & Bruno Bigliazzi by Helen & Thomas Fulop

- Oliver Marcantonio by Vincenzo & Dolores Daddario

- 50^th Wedding Anniversary Sergio & Rosemarie Trivella

5:00 p.m. Sacred Heart

- Deceased Members of the Matthew & Katherine Lucas Family

by Family

- Andrew & Anna Valigursky by Family

- Susan Kicin by Family

Sun. 9/14 7:30 a.m. St. Peter

- Vincenzo & Marzia Parente, Vincenzo & Concetta Pelosi

by Family

- Pasqualina Perugini by Pasquale Perugini

- For Parishioners

9:00 a.m. Sacred Heart

- God’s Blessings on Philip and Elaine Dzurnak

on their 40^th Wedding Anniversary

10:30 a.m. St. Peter

- Mario DiPlacito by Wife, Children & Grandchildren

- Palma Janssen by Vicky & Tim Frank

- Clem Healy by Kent & Kathy Lerner

Mon. 9/15 7:00 a.m. St. Peter

- Aldo & Peggy Tartaglino by Children

Tues. 9/16 7:00 a.m. St. Peter

- Irene Asklar by John & Chris Donahue

Wed. 9/17 7:00 a.m. St. Peter

- Leonard Sabia, Sr. by Family

- John Lauf, Sr. by Lauf Family

Thur. 9/18 7:00 a.m. St. Peter

- Raymond D’Angelo by Richard & Evelyn Rosengrant

- St. Anthony by Antoinette Verlato

- Margherita & Umberto Frate by Daughter Erminia & Family

Fri. 9/19 7:00 a.m. St. Peter

- Thomas Eggleston by Ed & Doris Lauf

Sat. 9/20 7:00 a.m. St. Peter

- Edward C. Krukar by Joe & Phyllis Vanotti & Paul Mangiaracina

4:00 p.m. St. Peter

- Mary A. Mazini by Husband & Daughter

- Henry Cantu by Michael Neag & Family

- Peter Spadaccini by Girl’s Travel Soccer Team

5:00 p.m. Sacred Heart

- Irene Michna Pavlak

- Elizabeth & William Brady by John & Doris Brady

- Stephen & Helene Ruzbasan & Son Stephen

by Daughters & Grandchildren

Sun. 9/21 7:30 a.m. St. Peter

- Luigi & Teresina Daddario, Sons & Daughter by Family

- Nicole Rinaldi by Son Mike Rinaldi & Grandchildren

- For Parishioners

9:00 a.m. Sacred Heart

- Andrew & Anna Kuchar by Daughter

- Joseph & Anna Lucas by Children

- Gerald Lukcso by Rosina Silano

10:30 a.m. St. Peter

- Lena Tedesco by Family

- Yolanda Alduini by Dana, Tanning & Nail Salon

- Adele Nardi Gore by Claire & Bob Galli & Doris & Harold Sibley