A NOTE FROM FATHER STEPHEN

Dear Parishioners:

As many of you know, this year I celebrated my tenth anniversary of ordination to the priesthood. These past ten years have been among the best of my life thus far and I continue to look forward to many years of priestly service in the future. When a priest is ordained, he promises to serve the people of the diocese under the direction of the diocesan bishop, and is ordained in the Cathedral as a symbol of this call to serve the entire diocese. It is that very promise which six years ago, at the request of the Archbishop, brought me to Torrington to serve all of you, first at St. Peter and Sacred Heart, then, most recently, adding the communities of St. Francis and St. Mary. While at the time I didn’t wish to leave my former parish in Suffield where I was very involved and quite content, I agreed to accept this assignment to Torrington because of this promise. Now the time has come, where I have once again been asked to accept a new assignment, this time as pastor of St. Bridget Parish in Manchester, where the Archbishop feels I have the qualities necessary to assume leadership. I have agreed to accept this new assignment but do so with mixed emotions. I have been truly blessed to be here these past six years. You are wonderful people, who have exhibited tremendous flexibility and cooperation amid some rather difficult changes that have taken place over these years. You have also been so very gracious and generous to me personally, all of which makes it very difficult to move on. Still, I remember the promise made on the day I was ordained, and for this reason, if for no other, I feel I must answer this present call, which takes effect on August 27th. The Archbishop and our Vicar for Priests are working diligently to find the right person to join with Frs. Weaver and Masters to continue to serve these wonderful communities, and I’ve no doubt you will extend to him the same warm welcome and cooperation you have given to all of us over these years. I must apologize for having to use the bulletin to convey this information. However, with four parishes, it seemed the best way to notify all of you at the same time. My goal over the next two weekends is to be present at each of the Masses in each parish in order to see you all before my departure. I thank you in advance for your understanding, and I ask you to continue to hold me in your prayers as I promise to do the same for you. God bless each and every one of you!

Fr. Stephen

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:

August 24 at Sacred Heart Church

WEEKLY OFFERINGS – AUGUST 9 and 10

ST. PETER PARISH

Offertory $4,403.22 Candles $380.69 Mission Collection $1,702

SACRED HEART PARISH

Offertory $1,757 Candles $114 Mission Collection $1,089

ST. PETER’S JUBILEE CLUB WINNERS

$30. - 023 - Lisa DeLorge

$20. - 079 - Ted Marola

$20. - 114 - Herman Muller

Please pray for the deceased members of our parish families, especially for Margaret Motto, Francis Machier, Margaret Maine and Frank Louchen.

REMEMBER TO PRAY FOR OUR TROOPS ……

Lord God, Almighty Father,

we ask you to bless the members of our armed forces.

Give them courage, hope and strength.

May they ever experience your firm support,

gentle love and compassionate healing.

Be their power and protector,

leading them from darkness to light.

PRO LIFE MINISTRY

“Dear Christian families, do not be afraid to present to others, first and foremost by the witness of your lives, God’s authentic plan for the family as a community of life founded on marriage, in other words, on the stable and faithful union of a man and a woman, bound to each other by a bond which is publicly manifested and recognized.”

- Pope John Paul II, Mass for Families in Rijeka, June 8, 2003

“TO WALK WITH THOSE WHO MOURN” Facilitator Training For Parish Bereavement Teams - Saturday, September 13 – 9:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., Family Life Office, 412 Ridge Road, Hamden. Presenter: Sister Mauryeen O’Brien, O.P. This is a training workshop for potential facilitators of a nine-week program (“New Day”) or an ongoing support group for the bereaved, to prepare them to aid others to work through the tasks of grief. At the end of the training, participants will have the capacity to facilitate grief ministry within a parish setting. (Please bring brown bag lunch – drinks provided). Registration fee of $10 includes the cost for the training manual. If you are interested in participating in this program, please contact Father Gerry at 482-4433.

SACRED HEART-ST. PETER ANNUAL FAMILY PICNIC

Sunday, September 14 Noon – 5 p.m

Elks Club Pond – Guerdat Rd.

Tickets are available before and after Masses on the weekend and can be redeemed for food at the picnic. Donation: $2.00.

ST. EDMUND’S RETREAT DAY TRIP

Final payment for the Day of Recollection at St. Edmund’s Retreat at Enders Island in Mystic, CT on September 23^rd is now being accepted. There are just a few seats left on the second bus. Please call 482-8667 as soon as possible. Deadline for payment is August 29^th. Sponsored by The Franciscan’s, St. Frances Cabrini, and St. Anne’s Society.

A Family Perspective

Just as Jesus gave His “flesh and blood” for us to eat, in the same way parents often feel devoured by the demands of family life. Raising a family is life giving but demands personal sacrifice. Children grow best in the soil of sacrificial love.

AUGUST COLLECTION for the FISH FOOD BANK

This month’s request is “Cereal” or “School Supplies.” The collection boxes will be at all the doors of St. Peter’s Church and front entrance of Sacred Heart Church the weekend of August 30^th and 31^st.

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 Father Stephen Sledesky 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

CANDLES Sacred Heart –Emma Lucas, LeJeune Family, Joseph & Anna Lucas, Michael Meyerjack, Stephen Yankovic, Katherine DeAngelo, John A. Zaharek, 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., Alma Dubiel, Rudolph Dubiel, 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, Michael Dubiel, Mabel Dubiel, (Andrew Zaharek & Son), (Dorothy Zaharek & Family), Mary Zaharek, (Regina & Stephen Serbek), Virginia Carey, Patricia DeAngelo, Sophie Bilas, (Felix & Bertha Pernal), 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.), Jacob Sidlosky, Sr., Nancy R. Merli, Anonymous (5). Holy Rosary – Mary Killiany, Mary Kovalcek, John H. Zaharek. Saint Joseph – Joseph Bilas, Victor Lenart, Joseph Kozlak, Michael A. Kozlak, (Deceased Members-Kovalcek Family), John A. Vasko, John H. Zaharek. Saint Anne – Patrons of St. Anne, Ann Lenart. Saint Anthony – Frank Janis, Sue Kropp, G.J.T., Ceil Bell, Nancy R. Merli. Saint Theresa – Theresa Gardiner, Philip Lestinsky (Albert & Mary Lestinsky), Helen Dubyel, (Brian, Dean, Edward & Diane Kozlak), Krista Westerling. Saint Jude – Susan Karlowicz, Theresa Gardiner, Anthony Leone, Joy DeAngelo, Matthew DeAngelo, (Troughton Family), Michael Killiany, Ceil Bell, Anita Janco, Nicholas Kufchak, Jr., Jacqui Kuzmik. Special Intention – (Jim & Vilma Pavlik), Theresa Gardiner, (Dorothy Zaharek & Family), (Jennifer & Michael Iacino), (Cathy & Michael Humphrey), Katherine DeAngelo, (Gregory, Gerard & Giles Troughton), Jacob Sidlosky, Jr., Audrey Waldron. Blessed Francis Xavier Seelos C.Ss.R. – Stephen Kozlak, Jr., Stephen Kozlak, Sr.

MEMORIALS and DONATIONS

$100 In memory of Monica Kosarcik by Family

CCD REGISTRATION

Students who have already been in our program and are returning in the fall should have already received a re-registration form in the mail. The deadline to return these forms was June 30^th. If you are planning to return to our program in the fall, and have not done so already, please submit your registration forms directly to Sr. Annette at St. Peter School, 28 St. John Place, Torrington as soon as possible. If you did not receive a form in the mail, you may call Sister at 489-8735. A registration for new students will be held at the beginning of September.

AT ST. PETER

SANCTUARY CANDLE

Is being burned in memory of

Adam Gelzinis and

Deceased members of

Conti & Morando Families.

ST. PETER’S HOLY ROSARY SOCIETY PRESENTS: Sergio Franchi Foundation 10^th Annual Young Tenors Memorial Concert – Saturday, September 6 - On the grounds of the Sergio Franchi Estate, Stonington, CT. Performances by Sergio Franchi Vocal Scholarship Winners, 30-piece Symphony Orchestra; See Sergio’s home, antique car collection, memorabilia exhibit & Memorial Chapel. Lunch at Abbott’s in Noank. Depart: 9 a.m., Red Lobster, Torrington Plaza. Balance now due; checks payable to: Vida Bucaccio, 81 Wildwood Rd, Torrington. Six seats are still available; call Vida at 482-9108. Choice of food: Steamed Lobster, Sole Stuffed w/Broccoli & Mozzarella or Herb Roasted Chicken.

CONGRATULATIONS

Connor McKeon, a parishioner, Altar Server, & graduate of St. Peter School, attained the rank of Eagle Scout last Saturday in a ceremony at Camp Workcoeman. His Eagle Scout project involved making the beach area at Burr Pond handicapped accessible. We are very proud of Connor & his achievement & offer our heartfelt congratulations to him & his family!

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 7^th 10:00 – 11:15 a.m.

September 10^th 6:00 - 7:15 p.m.

September 14^th 10:00 – 11:15 a.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 7^th 11:45 – 1:00 p.m.

September 10^th 7:45 – 9:00 p.m.

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

A Day at Lake Compounce

All students in Grades 8-12 are invited to join us for a day of fun at Lake Compounce on Wednesday, August 20. The cost is $25 per person and includes transportation.

We will depart from Sacred Heart Parking Lot at 10 a.m. & return at 6 p.m. Please call Judy Bellemare, 489-7899 immediately to register. Deadline for turning in permission slip & $25 fee (make checks payable to Catholic Youth Ministry of Torrington) is Sunday, August 17.

National Catholic Youth Conference

Our Youth Ministry will be attending the National Catholic Youth Conference, “River of Life,” November 13-16, 2003 in Houston, Texas. Over 25,000 young people from around the country will participate in this fun-filled, educational faith experience. There will be Keynotes, prayer, reconciliation, liturgy, concerts, workshops, interactive games and activities and time to spend learning more about you, our God and other like-minded Catholic young people. For more information and/or if you are interested in attending, please call Judy Bellemare at 489-7899.

DIOCESAN and COMMUNITY EVENTS

VOCATIONS The Gospel asks for us: “How can Jesus give us His flesh to eat?” Our lack of knowledge does not prevent us from being lured into the mystery. The mystery makes it all the more appealing when we say in faith, “My LORD and my God!” In faith we can respond also to God’s invitation to be His priest or religious. If you think God is calling you to serve the Church as a priest, call Rev. Al Fontana at the Archdiocesan Vocation Office, St. Thomas Seminary, Bloomfield, CT 1-860-286-7670.

ADULT CONFIRMATION Have you been Confirmed? Did you know that in order to be a Godparent for Baptism or a Sponsor for Confirmation you must have been Confirmed? Confirmation is one of the Sacraments of Initiation into the Catholic Faith, usually the last to be received and the one often neglected. If you are at least 18 years of age and have been Baptized and received First Communion, but were never confirmed, you are invited to attend a series of weekly sessions to be held at the Office of Religious Education in Newington on Tuesdays, September 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 and October 7. There will be a $15 fee for books. For more information, please contact Father Stephen at 482-4433 by August 22.

WISDOM HOUSE, Litchfield invites those wishing to spend quiet time in reflection to a Weekday Retreat & to explore the Labyrinth Saturday, August 16 through Thursday, August 21. Lunch will be provided. Donation $25. Reservation: 567-3163 www.wisdomhouse.org.

WORLDWIDE MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER WEEKEND Loved The Wedding, Invite Me To The Marriage, Love, God! If you want greater depth, growth and enrichment in your relationship, you’ll like the difference a Worldwide Marriage Encounter weekend can offer! The next two weekends scheduled in Connecticut are in Plainville, Sept. 19-21 and in East Hartford, Nov. 7-9. Register by calling Chris & Therese Gonzales at 860-223-7070 or visit the website at www.wwmeCT.org.

WEDDING ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION Couples observing their 25^th, 50^th or other special wedding anniversaries are invited to The Anniversary Mass on Sunday, October 26, 2003 at 3:00 p.m. Most Reverend Peter Rosazza will celebrate the Liturgy at the Cathedral of St. Joseph, Hartford. Family, friends and all married couples are welcome to attend the Mass. A brief reception immediately follows. Registration for anniversary couples is requested by calling (203) 230-2460.

Traveling? For nationwide Mass times and locations:

Call Mass Times 1-410-676-6000 or Internet www.Masstimes.org

Sunday, August 17, 2003

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

Sunday, August 24, 2003

Vespers – 6:00 p.m. – Sacred Heart 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.

“Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him on the last day. For my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me and I in him.” –Jn 6:54-56

Readings for the Week of August 17, 2003

Sunday: Prv 9:1-6; Eph 5:15-20; Jn 6:51-58

Monday: Jgs 2:11-19; Mt 19:16-22

Tuesday: Jgs 6:11-24a; Mt 19:23-30

Wednesday: Jgs 9:6-15; Mt 20:1-16a

Thursday: Jgs 11:29-39a; Mt 22:1-14

Friday: Ru 1:1, 3-6, 14b-16, 22; Mt 22:34-40

Saturday: Ru 2:1-3, 8-11; 4:13-17; Mt 23:1-12

Next Sunday: Jos 24:1-2a, 15-17, 18b; Eph 5:21-32; Jn 6:60-69

Things to Ponder ………

The task ahead of us is never as great

as the Power behind us.

The Will of God will never take you where

the Grace of God will not protect you.

PARISH UPDATE

NAME _____________________________________________________________

ADDRESS ____________________________________________

PHONE ____________________________________________

PARISH _________________________________________________

PLEASE CHECK ONE:

______ New Registration ______ Change of Address

______ Moving Out of Parish ______ Would Like Envelopes

______ Homebound:Would like someone to visit / bring Holy Communion

Please drop in the collection basket or mail to the Rectory.

New registrations will receive a census form.

MASS INTENTIONS for the WEEK

Sat. 8/16 4:00 p.m. St. Peter

- Giovanni & Assunta Rossi by Son Pasquale Rossi

- Joseph Recidivi by Croci Family

- Anniversary Mass for Roland & Geraldine Spino

by Thomas, Laurie & Joseph

5:00 p.m. Sacred Heart

- Joan Ferencak by Husband & Daughter

- Catherine Sidlosky by Jacob Sidlosky, Jr.

- Mae McAuliffe by Sacred Heart Altar Society

Sun. 8/17 7:30 a.m. St. Peter

- Rocco, Hilda & Mary Parente by Family

- Anthony & Josephine Christiano, Elisa & Franca Pullano

by Family

- Rose “Tootsie” Smedick by Sledesky Family

- For Parishioners

9:00 a.m. Sacred Heart

- John A. Vasko & Sister Mary Vasko by Joseph Vasko

- Thomas & Anna Novajosky by Family

- Henrietta Nicolae by Margaret Shuhi

10:30 a.m. St. Peter

- Deceased Members Antonio DeAngelo Family

by Charles DeAngelo

- Lucy & Frank Lovallo by Children

- Maria & Peter Borla & Deceased Members

of Borla Family by Family

Mon. 8/18 7:00 a.m. St. Peter

- Albert Galgano by Wife

- Frank & Angelina Mastrogiovanni by Family

Tues. 8/19 7:00 a.m. St. Peter

- Deceased Members Sugerak Family by Joan Sugerak

- Theresa Hornyak by Barbara Rabinko

Wed. 8/20 7:00 a.m. St. Peter

- John Hoffman by Carmen & Lucy Bascetta

Thur. 8/21 7:00 a.m. St. Peter

- Palma Janssen by Dora & Daniel Pietrafesa

Fri. 8/22 7:00 a.m. St. Peter

- Silvin Borla by Irene & Sam Avampato

Sat. 8/23 7:00 a.m. St. Peter

- Adele Albreada by Holy Rosary Society

4:00 p.m. St. Peter

- John & Dawn Marie Lorenc 28^th Wedding Anniversary

- St. Anthony for Favors Granted by Devotee

- Oliver Marcantonio by Rosina Silano

5:00 p.m. Sacred Heart

- Deceased Parents of Donald & Marie Roy

- Mary Murphy by F.C.S.L.A. – Sr. Branch 162

- Patti Longhi by her Mother Sue Kropp

Sun. 8/24 7:30 a.m. St. Peter

- Frank & Clementina Daddario by Daughter & Family

- For Parishioners

9:00 a.m. Sacred Heart

- Mary Sosnowski, Al Sosnowski, Sophie Pernal,

Steve & Dorothy Lewandowski by Family

- Helen Dubyel by Family

10:30 a.m. St. Peter

- Giovanni & Graziosa Guarnieri by Family

- Giuseppe Negruzzi by Wife Agnes

- In Honor of Sacred Heart of Jesus, St. Jude & St. Theresa

by Anda Hunt