FROM FATHER GERRY’S DESK

Hi Everybody!

The Gift of Treasure

Through the good use of our time and talents we are able to reap well-deserved rewards. In other words, the use of time and talent will result in another gift, that of treasure. This is such a great gift, because it gives us the possibility of a dignified and, yes comfortable life, providing for all our needs and most of our wants. With it however, comes the tremendous responsibility of not becoming enslaved by either the money we earn, or the possessions it can buy. Also, while we may be able to more than provide for ourselves and our dependants, there are countless peoples around the world and around the corner who cannot! And, we do have the obligation to share our gifts. This we can only fully understand and appreciate if for us, treasure is another gift from God, no matter how much time, talent and energy we put into acquiring it. Giving then becomes a need, not an obligation. So, how much of our treasure do we give to God? Once again, all of it! Does this mean making ourselves poor by giving everything away, and not providing for the needs and wants of our families and ourselves, certainly not! It does mean looking beyond ourselves. Beyond ourselves, among other things, is our faith community. It is through the faith community, that is, our Church, that we become part of God’s kingdom and receive so much from Him. What is our response to the needs of our Church? Are we well enough informed of its needs? Does our giving measure up to what we earn, or is it no more than simply putting some money in an envelope or the collection basket and thinking that the Church should be very grateful to us? Reflect on this to come up with an honest answer for yourself! The needs of your parish may be far greater than you think, and its resources far less! Giving to your Church is not charity; it is an integral part of that need to give back to God, with interest, every good gift with which He has blessed us.

God Bless You One and All ……. Father Gerry

STEWARDSHIP MESSAGE

Use the treasure you have acquired on earth

to build up for yourselves a great treasure in heaven!

STEWARDSHIP FAIR

This Weekend – October 4 and 5 – After All Masses

St. Peter’s Hall & Sacred Heart Hall

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, October 12 at St. Peter Church

Sunday, October 26 at Sacred Heart Church

BLESSING OF ANIMALS – This Sunday – 1 p.m. – Coe Park

Please have animals properly leashed or caged.

HOLY HOUR Each Thursday 1 to 2 p.m. – Sacred Heart Church

WEEKLY OFFERINGS – SEPTEMBER 27 AND 28

ST. PETER PARISH

Offertory $4,615 Candles $135

SACRED HEART PARISH

Offertory $1,730 Annual $70 Candles $156 Energy $1,921

ST. PETER’S JUBILEE CLUB WINNERS

$30. - 30 - Lou Moscaritolo

$20. - 57 - Joe Boudreau

$20. - 113 - Selma Boscarino

Please pray for the deceased members of our parish families, especially for David Rinaldi, Josephine Ryan, Lillian Donohue,

Sister Gabriel Marie Cziko, Mary Sadoski,

Emily Roman and Americo Marola.

PLEASE REMEMBER TO PRAY FOR OUR TROOPS…..

Loving God, we ask you to bless the members of our armed forces and preserve them from all harm. We pray that the nations of the world will seek to work together in harmony and peace, that the weapons of destruction be transformed into tools of justice, and hate give way to true charity. We ask this through Christ our Lord.

PRO LIFE MINISTRY

“Despite what our culture tries to tell us, growing old is an important part of life. And those who have the opportunity to grow old are not cursed, but are blessed with abundance of life!” -Cardinal Bevilacqua, Keynote Address for Celebrate your Age, Philadelphia, Oct. 3, 2001

Today is Respect Life Sunday. It is perfect time to reflect upon who the term “Respect Life” includes: from the unborn through natural death. How do we measure up in the area of respect? Do we believe that, as God is our Creator, only He has the right to take life away?

FAREWELL RECEPTION FOR FATHER STEPHEN

Please join us in wishing Father Stephen well in his new assignment and thanking him for his many years of service here in Torrington –

Sunday, October 19, at Sacred Heart Church Hall from 2 to 4 p.m.

All are welcome. Refreshments will be served.

RACHEL ROSARY The St. Peter/Sacred Heart Pro Life Committee will be praying the Rachel Rosary on Monday, October 6, at 7:00 p.m. and the first Monday of every month in the chapel at Sacred Heart Parish Center (across from the Rectory). The Rosary is an intercessory prayer for the victims of Post-Abortion Syndrome as well as prayer for those contemplating an abortion. Please join us each month to pray this beautiful rosary.

“MEET THE CANDIDATES” FORUM

The Social Ministry Committee of St. Peter/Sacred Heart Churches will host its fourth annual candidates’ forum on Tuesday, October 7, at 7 p.m. in St. Peter Church Hall. Torrington Mayoral candidates running in this year’s municipal election, Owen Quinn and Richard DallaValle, will be the featured guests. Questions submitted in writing by the audience will be answered by each candidate. All who are interested are cordially invited. Refreshments will follow. Information: Bernadette at 482-9555.

HOLY HOUR On Sunday, October 12, there will be a Holy Hour from 2-3 p.m. to honor the Mother of our Savior at St. Francis of Assisi Church. Please join us in this tribute to our Blessed Mother.

WILL YOU HELP US TO HELP THEM????

Whatsoever you did to the least of My children that you did unto Me.

Before and after all Masses on the weekends of October 11 & 12 and 18 & 19, we will assist the staff of FISH & the clients they serve as we sponsor a fall & winter coat collection. In respect for the individuals who will benefit from your generosity, we ask that you donate only gently worn & freshly laundered fall & winter coats for both adults & children. We will also be accepting donations of new hats, mittens, gloves & socks, for both children & adults. Information: Judy Bellemare, 489-7899.

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.

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

(formerly known as “CCD”)

1-7^th GRADES

The RELIGIOUS EDUCATION CENTER is located at 360 Prospect Street (in the St. Francis School building – entrance on the south side)

OFFICE HOURS: TUES-FRI 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m.; SUN 8-11a.m.

Closed during school vacations.

482-3121

Director of Religious Education – Peggy Richard

Coordinator of Religious Education – Nancy Obregon

Looking forward to serving the Religious Education needs

of 1^st – 7^th grade students and their parents.

Please keep this program in your prayers.

RELIGIOUS ED. BEGINS – St. Peter and Sacred Heart Religious Ed. will begin at 10:15 on Sunday morning, October 5^th, for 1^st through 3^rd grade students at Sacred Heart Parish Center. 4^th through 7^th grade students will begin at 6:15 on Tuesday evening, October 7^th at St. Peter School. (7^th graders will meet in front of St. Peter’s Rectory. The first class will be held in the Rectory meeting room.)

4^th-7^th GRADE DROP-OFF/PICK-UP PROCEDURES – Please drive IN via St. John’s Place and OUT via St. Peter Church parking lot.

NO RELIGIOUS ED. ON COLUMBUS DAY WEEKEND – Sunday, Oct. 12^th for 1^st – 3^rd grade students.

TORRINGTON CATHOLIC CHURCHES PILGRIMAGE

Join us in a Torrington Catholic Churches pilgrimage planned for September 2004, to visit:

The shrines of Naples, and also the beautiful sights of Amalfi, Pompeii and Capri; San Giovanni Rotondo, Padre Pio’s monastery and church; Rome; Florence and Tuscany.

If you are interested, call St. Peter (482-4433), St. Francis/St. Mary (482-5571), Sacred Heart (482-8246) or contact Fr. Gerry directly at St. Peter. The cost hopefully, will be under $3,000, but all details will be available early October.

AT SACRED HEART

ST. THERESA – LITTLE FLOWER (October 1)

Veneration of Relic After Masses This Weekend

ALTAR SOCIETY COUNTRY STORE PENNY AUCTION

Friday, October 10 - Sacred Heart Church Hall

Doors Open – 6:00 p.m. Calling Begins – 7:00 p.m.

Special Raffle, Refreshments, Guests are welcome!!

Members and parishioners are asked to bring grocery, miscellaneous and craft items to the Church Hall Thursday, October 9, from 3 to 5 p.m.

BUS TRIP Our Social Committee is sponsoring a Youth Ministry Fund Raiser 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.)

2^nd Call – Matthew Hirchak and Amy Kastruba

CANDLES: Sacred Heart – Emma Lucas, LeJeune Family, Joseph & Anna Lucas, Michael Meyerjack, Katherine DeAngelo, 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., Peter Dubiel, Jr., Anna Sidlosky, Andrew & Mary Skarupa. 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, Sophie Bilas, (Felix & Bertha Pernal), Mabel Dubiel, Michael Dubiel, (Andrew Zaharek & Son), (Dorothy Zaharek & Family), Mary Zaharek, Mary Masisak, Susan Kozlak, (Joseph Kozlak Family), MABRK, Mary Ann Bouchard, Joanne T. McMahon, (Regina & Stephen Serbek), 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.), Julia Zaharek, Jacob Sidlosky, Sr., Anonymous (2). Holy Rosary – Mary Killiany, Mary Kovalcek, John H. Zaharek. Saint Joseph – Victor Lenart, Joseph Bilas, Joseph Kozlak, Michael A. Kozlak, (Deceased Members – Kovalcek Family), John A. Vasko, John H. Zaharek. Saint Anne – Patrons of St. Anne, (Thomas & Anna Novajosky), Ann Lenart. Saint Anthony – Frank Janis, Sue Kropp, G.J.T., Ceil Bell. Saint Theresa – Theresa Gardiner, Philip Lestinsky, (Albert & Mary Lestinsky), (Brian, Dean, Edward & Diane Kozlak). Saint Jude – Susan Karlowicz, Theresa Gardiner, Joy DeAngelo, Matthew DeAngelo, Anthony Leone, Sandra Troughton, 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

Fabiaschi Family and

Lena & Guido Magistrali.

HOLY ROSARY SOCIETY Triduum will begin this Sunday, October 5. Members will attend 10:30 a.m. Mass in a body. At 3:00 p.m. there will be a Pilgrimage. Refreshments will be served in the hall.

On Monday, October 6, members will recite the Rosary in church at 7:00 p.m. followed by Benediction and Installation of new members. A meeting will be held in the hall.

On Tuesday, October 7, members will recite the Rosary at 6:00 p.m. followed by dinner at the Cornucopia at 6:30 p.m. (Money for the dinner must be paid by October 6. No money will be collected at the door.) Information: Dorothy Marchione at 489-8065.

In conjunction with their triduum, the Holy Rosary Society will sponsor a Rosary Pilgrimage this Sunday at 3:00 p.m. We will be walking from St. Peter to St. Francis to St. Mary to St. Maron to Sacred Heart Church, saying a decade at each church, ending at St. Peter with the last decade & Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament. Rides will be provided for people who would like to participate & are unable to walk. Everyone is invited. Refreshments will be served in St. Peter Hall.

HOLY NAME SOCIETY NOTES: Members of the Holy Name Society are requested to return their dues ($3.00) and request for Communion Breakfast tickets ($4.00) envelope in the collection baskets during the weekend Masses. Please note that wives are welcomed to attend the Communion Breakfast which will be held Sunday, November 9^th following the 7:30 a.m. Mass.

We recently welcomed into St. Peter Parish newly baptized:

Francesca Marie Rebecchi

May our Lord shower her with grace and guide her parents

as they strive in forming their children in the faith.

THE FRANCISCAN’S, ST. FRANCES CABRINI and ST. ANNE’S SOCIETY will meet on Wednesday, October 8, in Sacred Heart Hall at 2:00 p.m. Guest speaker, Mary Ann Ring has valuable information regarding the “Shawl Ministry.” Following our meeting and Rosary, there will be a light Autumn Luncheon. Extend an invitation to a relative, friend or neighbor to join us for a wonderful afternoon.

2004 ENTERTAINMENT BOOKS Purchase NOW to save immediately until November 1, 2004 at a cost of $30 per book. “Kid’s Section” is new this year. There are savings on hundreds of discounts and two-for-one offers on dining, theaters, cruises, movies, hotels, amusement parks, skiing, dry cleaning, stores, & more. Use this great book just twice and you will have paid for the book. Great for gift giving, or for you. Also, available are Out-of-Town editions. St. Anne’s Society is selling 2004 Entertainment Books as their only fund raiser. Contact: 482-8667.

THANK YOU The Development Committee of St. Peter School would like to thank everyone who attended and supported our annual pasta/polenta dinner. Once again, Scarpelli’s did an outstanding job in providing a delicious meal. Many thanks, also, to the workers who donated their time and talent to the success of this event. What a fine example of stewardship in action!

CATHOLIC YOUTH MINISTRY

confirmation activities

Sun., Oct. 5 Rosary Pilgrimage, St. Peter Church, 2:55-3 p.m.

Mon., Oct.6 Rachel Rosary, Sacred Heart Parish Center Chapel, 6:50-7:50 p.m.

Tues., Oct.7 Games & Meeting New Friends, Wolcott Hall. 3-4:30 p.m.

Wed., Oct.8 Shopping for Our Meal for the Shelter, 3:30-6 p.m.

Wed., Oct.8 “Let’s Talk” – Sacred Heart Parish Center, 7-8:30 p.m.

Fri., Oct.10 Heaven, Hayride & Hot Chocolate, Lourdes Shrine, 5:15-9:30p.m.

Sat., Oct.11 Prepare Meal for the Shelter, St. Mary Church Hall, 11-1:30 p.m.

Sat., Oct.11 Winter Coat Collection before & after Vigil Mass

Sat., Oct.11 Serve Meal - St. Vincent DePaul Shelter, Waterbury 5-9 p.m.

Sun., Oct.12 Winter Coat Collection before & after all Masses

Sun., Oct.12 Vespers, St. Peter Church, 5:55 to 6:45 p.m.

YOUTH MINISTRY COMING EVENTS

Movie Night: Sunday, October 12, Youth Ministry will sponsor “Movie Night” for students in grades 9-12 in Sacred Heart Church Hall. Invite your friends to join you! Cost: $5.00 per person - includes popcorn, pizza & soda. Students should be dropped off at 6:30 & picked up at 10:00 p.m. Call Judy Bellemare, at 489-7899 to reserve a space.

Trip to the Haunted Graveyard: Do you want to have fun with your friends & be frightened for a good cause? Join your Youth Group, grades 9-12, Saturday, October 18, when we are going to The Haunted Graveyard at Lake Compounce. Proceeds will benefit Juvenile Diabetes. The bus will depart Sacred Heart Church parking lot at 6 p.m. & return at approximately 10 p.m. Cost: $20 per person. To register go to our website www.torringtoncatholics.org & click on Catholic Youth Ministry, go to permission slips & download the permission slip. A completed permission slip & $20 must be dropped off at the Youth Ministry Office at Sacred Heart Parish Center (through the mail slot in the front door) by October 13. Space is limited & on a first paid basis. For more information call Judy Bellemare, Youth Minister at 489-7899.

DIOCESAN and COMMUNITY EVENTS

VOCATIONS Matrimony – a beautiful vocation so misused today. Celibacy – a beautiful gift so misunderstood today. Whether we do God’s work in pairs or as a single person in ministry or in a community, we do God’s work because He calls us. 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 1-860-286-7670 or visit us on the web! www.vocationshartford.org.

REGIONAL CHARISMATIC PRAYER MEETING: Friday, October 10, 7:30-9:15 p.m., St. Adalbert’s School Gymnasium, Enfield, CT. All are welcome. Teaching by Deacon Ray Parenteau, former CRO Board member and Deacon of Our Lady of Peace Church, East Hartford. Information/direrctions: Charismatic Renewal Office (860) 243-8234.

RESPECT LIFE CONFERENCE On Saturday, October 11, the Pro-Life Committee of Holy Angels Parish in So. Meriden will offer its annual Respect Life Conference, 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Registration (including hospitality & lunch) is $10. The program offers a choice of three workshops followed by Mass at noon, lunch at 1 p.m., and Marie Hilliard, PhD, director of the CT Catholic Conference, will speak at 1:30 p.m.

Information: 203-235-3822. For carpool information: 485-9647.

CHICKEN DINNER St. Francis School will host a “Chicken Dinner” on Saturday, October 18 from 4-7 p.m. The cost is $7/adult, $6/senior and $4/child. (Chicken nuggets available for children) For tickets or information, call Mary Beth Baril at 489-9073 or the office at 489-4177.

HOLY YEAR OF THE ROSARY CELEBRATION Sun., October 19, 1:30 - 4 p.m. at St. Joseph Cathedral, Hartford. –Rosary Rally, Year of the Rosary Mass & Entrustment of our Archdiocese to the Protection of Our Lady presided by Archbishop Daniel A. Cronin. Tom Kelley will provide bus transportation -$5.00 per person. Reservations: 482-6058.

NEW ST. FRANCIS & ST. PETER CEMETERIES afford all Catholic families the opportunity to purchase pre-need, in-ground graves with upright monument, inscription rights; lawn crypt graves; and mausoleum crypt space. Interest free installment payments for up to four years. Information: 482-4670.

THE SALVATION ARMY is in need of volunteers to keep the bells ringing at their Christmas Kettles from Thanksgiving until Christmas. For more information, please call 482-3569.

Saturday, October 4, 2003

Stewardship Fair in St. Peter Hall after Mass

Stewardship Fair in Sacred Heart Church Hall after Mass

Sunday, October 5, 2003

Stewardship Fair in St. Peter Hall after Masses

Stewardship Fair in Sacred Heart Church Hall after Mass

Holy Rosary Triduum Mass in a Body – 10:30 a.m.-St. Peter Church

Spanish Mass – 1:00 p.m. – St. Peter Church, Refreshments

Following in St. Peter Hall

Blessing of Animals – 1:00 p.m. – Coe Park

Rosary Pilgrimage – 3:00 p.m. – beginning at St. Peter Church

Monday, October 6, 2003

Baptismal Preparation – 6:30 p.m. – St. Peter Rectory

Holy Rosary Triduum

Tuesday, October 7, 2003

Holy Rosary Triduum

Sunday, October 12, 2003

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

MASS INTENTIONS for the WEEK

Sat. 10/4 4:00 p.m. St. Peter

- Frank & Louise Brignolo & Son John by Family

- Brother Raphael by Family

5:00 p.m. Sacred Heart

- Vincent & Margaret Motto & Robert Bohrer by Family

- Mary (Zimmerman) Brady by Slovak Catholic Sokol – Wreath 86

- Nicholas LaGamba, Sr. by Jacob Sidlosky, Jr.

Sun. 10/5 7:30 a.m. St. Peter

- Henry Pescatore by Wife & Children

- Angelina Aquilino by Fran, James & Marilyn

- Anna Guerrera by Antoinetta Rinaldi

- For Parishioners

9:00 a.m. Sacred Heart

- Deceased Members of the Bednar, Tebecio & Bado Families

by Mary Tebecio

- Egidio Mazini by Wife & Children

- Patrons of St. Anne & St. Anne Society

10:30 a.m. St. Peter

- Deceased Members of Raffaelo & Carolina DiPlacito & Children

by Angelina DiPlacito & Theresa

- Donata Pesce by Husband & Family

- John Pappalardo by Bob & Lynn Stier

Mon. 10/6 7:00 a.m. St. Peter

- Father Edward Muha

Tues. 10/7 7:00 a.m. St. Peter

- Michael Cuozzo by Daughter

Wed. 10/8 7:00 a.m. St. Peter

- Patrons of St. Anne & St. Anne Society

Thur. 10/9 7:00 a.m. St. Peter

- Antonio Arcuri, Vizza & Arcuri Families by Family

Fri. 10/10 7:00 a.m. St. Peter

- Elizabeth, Rose & Michael Cateno by Family

- Leonard & Rose Pietrafesa by Children

- Anthony Dileo by Wife Annie

Sat. 10/11 7:00 a.m. St. Peter

- Christopher Galgano by Family

4:00 p.m. St. Peter

- Roger Fecteau by Barbara Sargen

- Ivo & Margherita Bruttomesso & Son Theodore by Family

5:00 p.m. Sacred Heart

- Julia Zaharek by Family

- Michael & Catherine Meyerjack by Elizabeth Zaharek

- Marguerite Lucas by Daughter

Sun. 10/12 7:30 a.m. St. Peter

- Natalis Vermiglio by Wife

- John & Concetta Vermiglio by Celia Vermiglio

- Frank & Jennie Bruno by Albino & Pat Bruno