GREETINGS TO ALL from Catholic Ireland

Land of Saints and Scholars!

Love, Father Gerry

FATHER STEPHEN’S NEW ADDRESS

After Wednesday, August 27^th, Father Stephen may be reached at:

St. Bridget Rectory, 80 Main St., Manchester, CT 06040

Telephone: 1-860-643-2403

God Bless You, Father!

Count your blessings,

acknowledge God’s gifts to you

and express thanks to Him in praise.

In today’s first reading, Joshua challenges the people to decide whom they will serve. Recalling God’s faithfulness to them and to their ancestors, the people declare, “We also will serve the Lord, for He is our God.” May we, too, be mindful of God’s gifts to us and renew our commitment to serve Him with grateful hearts.

STEWARDSHIP SUGGESTION

Have you ever thought of spending just a few hours a week or a month with persons who are alone and lonely or who need a ride to the store, the pharmacy or the church, or who would simply just enjoy an outing to wherever?

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

Readings for the Week of August 24, 2003

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

Monday: 1 Thes 1:1-5, 8b-10; Mt 23:13-22

Tuesday: 1 Thes 2:1-8; Mt 23:23-26

Wednesday: 1 Thes 2:9-13; Mt 23:27-32

Thursday: 1 Thes 3:7-13; Mt 24:42-51

Friday: 1 Thes 4:1-8; or, Mk 6:17-29

Saturday: 1 Thes 4:9-11; Mt 25:14-30

Next Sunday: Dt 4:1-2, 6-8; Jas 1:17-18, 21b-22, 27; Mk 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23

WEEKLY OFFERINGS – AUGUST 17 and 18

ST. PETER PARISH

Offertory $4,363.50 Holy Day $1,396 Candles $199

SACRED HEART PARISH

Offertory $1,692 Holy Day $656 Candles $166

ST. PETER’S JUBILEE CLUB WINNERS

$30. - 333 - Andy Lach

$20. - 276 - Tim Cook

$20. - 041 - Benjamin Corrolo

Please pray for the deceased members of our parish families, especially for Pasqualina Perugini, Harry Tucker and Father Nelson Ribeiro.

REMEMBER TO PRAY FOR OUR TROOPS ………

God of all goodness, look with love on those who wait for the safe return of their loved ones who serve in the armed forces of their country. In faith and hope, we turn to you for comfort. Grant that we may trust in your mercy and send an angel to sustain us as we await their safe return. We ask this through Christ our Lord.

PRO LIFE MINISTRY

“On the other side (of culture’s great struggle) is a “culture of life.” It recognizes the equal dignity and precious worth of every person. It abounds in joy and peace. It is rich, not in money but in forgiveness and reconciliation. It teaches us about the real world, accepting realities that are sometimes hard. Not man but God alone can transform reality through the power of grace. –US Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Mel Martinez, Legatus 3^rd Annual Pro Life Pilgrimage, May 22, 2003.

Log onto http://www.prolifeministry.org/ to learn what the Archdiocese of Hartford’s Pro-Life Committee is doing.

“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 weekend Masses at Sacred Heart (at St. Peter’s the weekends of August 31 and September 7) and can be redeemed for food at the picnic. Donation: $2.00.

Donations of raffle items or cake/pastry items for the cake wheel will be very much appreciated. They can be brought to Elks Pond on that day. Any questions, please call Bette Cantu – 489-3742. Cake/pastry items and raffle donations will be accepted at Sacred Heart Parish Center before 5 p.m. Mass on Saturday, September 13^th and 9 a.m. Mass on Sunday, September 14^th. For more information, please call Sophie Zbuska – 489-1608.

Volunteers are needed on the day of the Parish Picnic. Please use the sign-up sheets that are posted in the vestibules of both churches. An hour of your time will help relieve the perennial volunteers who often work the entire day. Games for children will begin at 2:00.

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 next weekend 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? ____________________________

LIFE LINE SCREENING Saturday, September 6 – St. Peter Hall. Protect your health. Protect your life. Pre-registration is required by calling: 1-800-407-4557. Information: www.lifelinescreening.com.

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.

AT SACRED HEART

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.

C A N D L E S

Sacred Heart – Emma Lucas, LeJeune Family, Joseph & Anna Lucas, Stephen Yankovic, Michael Meyerjack, Katherine DeAngelo, John A. Zaharek, 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, Win Bell, Sondra Westerling, (Kirsten & Ed), Martin Cattey. Infant of Prague – (Joshua, Kayla, Taylor), John T. McMahon, Colin Troughton, Matthew Troughton, Martin Cattey, M.F.. Blessed Mother – (Jim & Vilma Pavlik), Theresa Gardiner, Susan Meyerjack, Mary Meyerjack, Betty Zaharek, Michael Dubiel, Mabel Dubiel, (Andrew Zaharek & Son), (Dorothy Zaharek & Family), (Regina & Stephen Serbek), Virginia Carey, Patricia DeAngelo, Mary Zaharek, Sophie Bilas, (Bertha & Felix 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.), M.F., Jacob Sidlosky, Sr., Martin Cattey, Anonymous (5). Holy Rosary – Mary Killiany, Mary Kovalcek, John H. Zaharek, Martin Cattey. Saint Joseph – Joseph Bilas, Victor Lenart, Joseph Kozlak, Michael A. Kozlak, (Deceased Members-Kovalcek Family), John A. Vasko, John H. Zaharek, Martin Cattey. Saint Anne – Patrons of St. Anne, Ann Lenart, Anna Bittner, Martin Cattey. Saint Anthony – Frank Janis, Sue Kropp, G.J.T., Ceil Bell, Martin Cattey. Saint Theresa – Theresa Gardiner, Philip Lestinsky, (Albert & Mary Lestinsky), Helen Dubyel, (Brian, Dean, Edward & Diane Kozlak), Martin Cattey. 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, Martin Cattey. Special Intention – (Jim & Vilma Pavlik), Theresa Gardiner, (Dorothy Zaharek & Family), (Jennifer & Michael Iacino), (Cathy & Michael Humphrey), Katherine DeAngelo, (Gergory, Gerard & Giles Troughton), Jacob Sidlosky, Jr., Audrey Waldron. Blessed Francis Xavier Seelos, C.Ss.R. – Stephen Kozlak, Jr., Stephen Kozlak, Sr. Saints Cyril and Methodius – Martin Cattey.

MEMORIALS and DONATIONS

$35 Memorials to Margaret Motto

$10 Memorial to Anne Muha

AT ST. PETER

SANCTUARY CANDLE

Is being burned in memory of

Lindy Bigliazzi

and

Leonard Sabia, Sr.

THE HOLY ROSARY SOCIETY will meet on Tuesday, September 2, in the church hall at 7:00 p.m. After the regular business meeting we will be working on crafts for distribution at Christmas to members in rest homes. Please bring scissors. Details of the Triduum to be held in October will be discussed. An old fashioned box lunch will be served.

We recently welcomed into St. Peter Parish newly baptized:

Sydney Alice Bermas,

Abigail Elena Fragione,

Dimitry Kristopher Mucha,

Sebastian Austin Mucha

and Conio Anthony Lopardo.

May our Lord shower them with grace and guide their parents

as they strive in forming their children in the faith.

SERGIO FRANCHI FOUNDATION MEMORIAL CONCERT – September 6 – Seats have been sold out. Those who have not as yet selected their choice of food are asked to call Vida Bucaccio, 482-9108.

CATHOLIC YOUTH MINISTRY

Dear Father Stephen,

Congratulations! Our whole youth group is very happy for you! We want to thank you for everything you have done for us. We have had sooo many great times with you Father Stephen and hold dear so many memories that we will never forget!

We want to thank you for coming with us on the many different activities with youth group. One very special trip was World Youth Day 2002. It was such a wonderful ten days together, sharing our faith together and especially waiting at the fence for six hours and seeing Pope John Paul II right in front of us, thank you so much for that very special time of grace. We truly thank you for helping to bring the awesome experience of World Youth Day to us! We feel very lucky and privileged to have known you for as long as we have. You have influenced our lives, thank you for being you, such a great priest and role model and especially such a wonderful friend to us! You will truly be missed here but will never be forgotten by us.

We love you and promise to keep you in our prayers. May God Bless You and keep you close to his loving heart.

Youth Group

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 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 7^th 11:45 – 1:00 p.m.

September 10^th 7:45 – 9:00 p.m.

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.

CATHOLIC ADULT EDUCATION

CATHOLIC BIBLE STUDY: ‘THE PSALMS’

The Catholic Inter-Parish Adult Education Initiative will be hosting a weekly Bible Study program on the Psalms. The study will use the Little Rock Scripture series. The 14-week program will begin Sunday, September 7, 2003 at St. Peter Church, 107 East Main St. Each weekly session will begin at 6:30 p.m. and end at 8:00 p.m. All area Catholics (and non-Catholics, too!) are invited. Please register with program coordinator Bill Dunn as soon as possible at 489-5705, or by email at bdunn@snet.net.

DIOCESAN and COMMUNITY EVENTS

VOCATIONS Jesus teaches us to live optimistically. If it weren’t for the peak experiences of love, the small and sometimes big miracles in our lives, we could despair. Thank God our doubts of faith ultimately strengthen our love. And just as true, our doubts that God could call us to His priesthood or religious life also demand an act of faith. 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.

NEW PADRE PIO PRAYER GROUP Sunday, August 31 – 3:00 p.m. St. Thomas of Villanova Church, 71 North St. (Rte 63 North), Goshen. Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, Adoration, Personal Meditation Time, Divine Mercy & Mary’s Rosary, Benediction, Veneration of First Class Relics (Padre Pio & St. Faustina). Music – Refreshments. For more information, call the Rectory at 491-2756.

TRINITA (Route 219, New Hartford)

MOM’s (Mornings of Meditation) Our Mom’s group invites all to join us for some quiet time to share prayer, our faith, and friendship. We will once again be meeting on Wednesday mornings starting September 3. Moms with young children will take turns baby sitting each week. Refreshments at 9:30 followed by our meeting from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. You do not need to attend every week to benefit from these sessions.

HOSPITALITY VOLUNTEERS Our weekend retreats will start up again in September. We are in need of volunteers to help serve meals and to supervise both youth and adult retreatants in cleaning up after meals. Your commitment would be no more than once a month for two hours at a time and could be less to suit your schedule.

If you are interested in coming to our MOM’s group or being a Hospitality Volunteer or would like additional information, please call Trinita at 379-4329.

WISDOM HOUSE, Litchfield – Women’s Spirituality Day with Jane Silk, RSM – Saturday, September 20 – 9:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Fee: $10, lunch and refreshments provided. A day to ponder the emergence of the feminine consciousness globally in the past 30 years, the growth of women into their own identities, future possibilities, and how new awakenings may lead into deeper glimpses of God. Wisdom House is an interfaith retreat and conference center that offers programs in the arts, education and spirituality. Info: 567-3163 or info@wisdomhouse.org.

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.

MASS INTENTIONS for the WEEK

Sat. 8/23 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

Mon. 8/25 7:00 a.m. St. Peter

- Alfred Pollutro by Marie DiPippo

- Pasqualino & Marietta DiBenedetto

by Sister-in-Law Erminia & Sons

Tues. 8/26 7:00 a.m. St. Peter

- Amy Wolk by Anita Storrs & Family

- Beatrice & Valentino Carbone by Family

Wed. 8/27 7:00 a.m. St. Peter

- Olinto, Maria & Charlene Carmignani by Family

Thur. 8/28 7:00 a.m. St. Peter

- Helyn Adorno by Michael & Fiorita DiLullo

Fri. 8/29 7:00 a.m. St. Peter

- Angelina Pergola by Marge Schaller & Mollie Cavagnero

- Bruno Tedesco by Pietrafesa Family

Sat. 8/30 7:00 a.m. St. Peter

- M/M Henry A. Nadolny & Family

by Michael & Fiorita DiLullo & Family

4:00 p.m. St. Peter

- Deceased Members Marcantonio & Daddario Families

by Family

- Joseph Bruno by Carmella & Charles Schaller

- Rocco Finello by Finello Family & Nilda Marrandino

5:00 p.m. Sacred Heart

- Joseph & Veronica Kornay & Daughters by Family

- Deceased Members of the Paul Skokan Family &

- Deceased Members of the Carmine Diulio Family

by Raymond & Mary Diulio

Sun. 8/31 7:30 a.m. St. Peter

- Daniel Lopardo 1^st Year Anniversary by Wife & Children

- Pasqualina Perugini by Pasquale Perugini

- For Parishioners

9:00 a.m. Sacred Heart

- Paul & Margaret Kruppa by Children

- Josephine & Michael Marciano by Vasko Family

- John & Veronica Vasko by Family

10:30 a.m. St. Peter

- Bishop Constantino Luna by Family

- Angela Persechino by Lucy Grillo

- Alfred Colaciello by Nick & Christine Terlecky