FROM FATHER GERRY’S DESK

Hi Everybody!

The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve. This is the Lord’s message to his disciples when they were looking for places of honor in his kingdom. James and John wanted to sit right up there next to him. Service to others normally invokes admiration and may at times result in receiving rewards and honors. But that should never be the reason for the service we render. The Lord sets himself up as our example to follow. He came to serve and his service was life-giving, even though it would end in his death. But, his very death was his greatest service to all of humanity. And, that service led to his glorious resurrection! So, we need to take our cue from Jesus, not the rulers of the world. That is so difficult to accept when we see that even the Church, in her leaders have been caught up in the same trappings as world leaders and princes! We need to look beyond those trappings and accept that they are really the servants of God’s people. To be of service means above all to make ourselves available, whether it may be to children or parents, neighbors, or strangers, our community or our Church. Following the example of the Lord, it must be a service that does not look for a reward, but finds its reward in the service itself. Through faith such service is actually rendered to God.

God Bless You One and All ……. Father Gerry

STEWARDSHIP SUGGESTION

Seek out a member of your parish council, talk about your concerns, offer suggestions, and, make yourself available to help make your parish a vibrantly active community that loves and serves God and neighbor.

STEWARDSHIP INITIATIVE: Sunday Evening Vespers

October 26 7:00 p.m. Sacred Heart Church

Vespers consist of Psalms, readings, and prayers of the Evening Prayer of the Church and conclude with Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament. 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!

DAY OF ADORATION

This year instead of the Forty Hours Adoration we will have one day of adoration and services honoring our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament on Sunday, October 26. The devotions will begin with the 9:00 Mass at Sacred Heart Church and conclude with Vespers and Solemn Benediction at 7:00 p.m.

HOLY HOUR

Each Thursday 1 to 2 p.m. Sacred Heart Church

We welcome new people who wish to pray with us.

WEEKLY OFFERINGS – OCTOBER 11 and 12

ST. PETER PARISH

Offertory $4,763.10 Candles $171 HOPES $1,916

SACRED HEART PARISH

Offertory $1,609 Annual $20 Candles $186 HOPES $526

ST. PETER’S JUBILEE CLUB WINNERS

$30. - 165 - Mickey Coretto

$20. - 051 - Joyce Zasso

$20. - 345 - Robert Massut

Please pray for the deceased members of our parish families, especially for Jennie Ohotnicky, Robert Cesca, Lucy Sabia,

Mary Ryan, Agnes Fitzgerald, Eleanor and Phillip Weldon.

PLEASE REMEMBER TO PRAY FOR OUR TROOPS …..

Almighty and eternal God, those who take refuge in you will be glad

and forever will shout for joy. Protect these soldiers as they discharge their duties and keep them safe from all evil and harm. May the power of your love enable them to return home in safety, that with all who love them, they may ever praise you for your loving care.

PRO LIFE MINISTRY

“Every human being shares the same origin, nature and destiny, but our features and physiques, skills, interests, tastes and habits are astonishingly diverse.”

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.

Today, World Mission Sunday, we ask your prayers for the work of the Church in the Missions and encourage your generous financial support through the Propagation of the Faith. Your gift supports: Mission priests who bring the love of Jesus to the poor living in remote villages and city barrios; Religious Sisters and Brothers who offer the Lord’s healing compassion to refugees, the sick and orphans; Catechists who proclaim the Gospel to the poorest of our human family, the message of the hope and peace that only Christ can give. Thank you and God bless you for your support.

DOMINICAN SISTERS BAKE SALE

After Masses This Weekend - at St. Peter and Sacred Heart Church

Home made bread, apple pies, blueberry pies & brownies - all baked by the Sisters. The proceeds will be used to buy medical supplies for their mission to support the lepers.

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 this weekend 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.

All Souls Day, November 2, is the commemoration of All Souls when we remember our deceased relatives and friends. Envelopes for “All Souls Remembrance” are in your packet and there are extras at the entrance of the church. Those whose names are handed in will be remembered in the Masses during the month of November and especially on All Souls Day.

PART-TIME COOK

Looking for a part-time cook to prepare simple unpretentious meals, not more than three times a week! Call St. Peter Rectory 482-4433.

PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY We are in the process of starting a Prayer Shawl Ministry. Janet Bristow, one of the founders of the Prayer Shawl Ministry, will give a workshop on Thursday, October 23 at St. Peter Hall from 6 to 9 p.m. A light supper will be served. This workshop is intended to serve as a model for groups who want to bring the Prayer Shawl Ministry to their faith community. There is an opening prayer explanation of the ministry’s history, beginning blessing, instruction, guided meditation, quiet knitting or crocheting to music, discussion, mealtime. We provide folders of information and prayers for each person, as well as instruction for new knitters or crocheters. For more information or reservation, please call Mary Ann Ring at 489-5039.

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.

2003 ARCHBISHOP’S ANNUAL APPEAL

THANKS TO YOUR STEWARDSHIP…..The resources provided by the Archbishop’s Annual Appeal enables our Archdiocese to:

· teach the Gospel to children and adults

· serve the poor

· protect a new life

· minister to the sick and the dying

· visit the imprisoned

· bring Mass to the homebound

· provide a worship community for the hearing impaired

· comfort the bereaved

· prepare couples for the sacrament of Matrimony

· welcome new Catholics into our faith through Baptism

· train a parish on organizing, planning and implementing a parish social ministry.

Your Appeal gifts are used exclusively to provide these services and many more.

“Gathered in Faith….We Share God’s Blessings”

A Family Perspective

Like James and John in today’s gospel, when couples get married and become parents they often “Don’t know what they are asking.” Today, Jesus teaches us that we become spouses and parents “to serve.” If you feel like a “servant” at home, you are doing it right!

AT SACRED HEART

Dear Parishioners,

Thank you for your generous donation of soup….and for helping us make life a little bit easier for some of our clients.

Board and Staff of Catholic Family Services

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.)

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, Alma Dubiel, Rudolph Dubiel, Katherine DeAngelo, Peter Dubiel, Jr., Shauna Troughton, Samantha Troughton, Gerardi Family, DaCosta Family, MTPJ, Ceil Bell, (M/M Andrew Zimmerman, Sr.), (John & Victoria Reges), Vera Fedorich, (Regina & Karen Spiotta), Raymond Kufchak, Nicholas LaGamba, Sr., P.B.J.A., Nick Zappone, Anna Sidlosky, Andrew & Mary Skarupa. Infant of Prague – (Joshua, Kayla, Taylor), John T. McMahon, Colin Troughton, Matthew Troughton, Nick Zappone. Blessed Mother – (Jim & Vilma Pavlik), Theresa Gardiner, Susan Meyerjack, Mary Meyerjack, Betty Zaharek, Virginia Carey, Patricia DeAngelo, Sophie Bilas, (Felix & Bertha Pernal), (Andrew Zaharek & Son), (Dorothy Zaharek & Family), Mary Zaharek, Mary Masisak, (Regina & Stephen Serbek), Mabel Dubiel, Michael Dubiel, Julia Zaharek, Agatha Troughton, Catherine Liptak, Susan Kozlak, (Joseph Kozlak Family), MABRK, Mary Ann Bouchard, Joanne McMahon, Bernie Lenart, 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.), Nick Zappone, Jacob Sidlosky, Sr., Anonymous (5). Holy Rosary Mary Killiany, Mary Kovalcek, John H. Zaharek, Nick Zappone. Saint Joseph Joseph Bilas, (Deceased Members-Kovalcek Family), Joseph Kozlak, Michael A. Kozlak, John A. Vasko, John H. Zaharek, Nick Zappone. Saint Anne – Patrons of St. Anne, Anna Bittner, Nick Zappone. Saint Anthony – Frank Janis, G.J.T., Ceil Bell, Nick Zappone. Saint Theresa – Theresa Gardiner, Philip Lestinsky, (Albert & Mary Lestinsky), (Brian, Dean, Edward & Diane Kozlak), Helen Dubyel, Nick Zappone. 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, M.F., Nick Zappone. 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. Saints Cyril and Methodius – Nick Zappone.

MEMORIALS and DONATIONS

$50 In Thanksgiving to St. Theresa for Favors Received – Mary Beth Baril

AT ST. PETER

SANCTUARY CANDLE

Is being burned in memory of

Lucy Delle Donne, Marie & James Kennedy

and Emil DeMure.

SANCTUARY CANDLES We will begin scheduling Sanctuary Candles for the 2004 year on Wednesday, October 22. You may stop by or call the rectory at 482-4433 throughout the day from 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. We will book two offerings for each week in order to accommodate as many requests as possible.

THANKSGIVING/OCTOBER COLLECTION for FISH FOOD BANK This month we will be collecting ahead for the Thanksgiving holiday. The Social Ministry Committee will be making baskets with the donations, which will be distributed to families next month. The collection boxes will be at all the doors of St. Peter’s Church on October 25^th & 26^th. FISH is asking for a variety of nonperishable food items used to prepare a holiday meal, such as canned vegetables, canned pumpkin, boxes of jell-o & pudding. If you would like to make a monetary contribution for turkeys, please put your donation in an envelope labeled FISH collection & drop it in the collection baskets during the offertory. Thank you for your support during this holiday season.

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.

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. Also, available are Out-of-Town editions. St. Anne’s Society is selling 2004 Entertainment Books as their only fund raiser. Contact: 482-8667.

CATHOLIC YOUTH MINISTRY

confirmation activities

Sat., Oct.18 Bingo & Manicures, Adams House, 10-11:30 a.m.

Sat., Oct.18 Ice Cream Parlor, Valerie Manor, 1:30-3 p.m.

Sat., Oct.18 Winter Coat Collection before & after all Masses

Sun., Oct.19 Winter Coat Collection before & after all Masses

Tues., Oct.21 Games & Meeting New Friends, Wolcott Hall, 3-4:30 p.m.

Weds., Oct.22 Halloween Party, LARC, 6-8 p.m.

Sat., Oct.25 Winter Coat Distribution, 9:30 a.m.-12 p.m., FISH

Sat., Oct.25 Fall Cleanup, Villa Ferretti, Rt. 263, Winchester Center

Sat., Oct.25 Ice Cream Parlor, Valerie Manor, 1:30-3 p.m.

Sun., Oct.26 Vespers, Sacred Heart Church, 7:00 p.m.

Tues., Oct.28 Water/Waitress-Oktoberfest, Adams House, 5-7:30 p.m.

Thur., Oct.30 Halloween Party, Adams House, 3-4:45 p.m.

DIOCESAN and COMMUNITY EVENTS

VOCATIONS Jesus’ life was the best ‘job description.’ Sympathy, mercy, service, compassion, total giving. Life is so rewarding when one really lives for others, rather than just trying to make all people serve the self. Do you want to serve…or be served? 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.

ST. PAUL CATHOLIC MIDDLE and HIGH SCHOOL will hold an Open House on Sunday, October 26, 2:00-4:00 p.m. for students in grades 6-8 interested in learning more about the school. The Entrance Exam for all new students will be Saturday, December 6, 8:00 a.m. Pre-registration is recommended but not required. Information: Mary Lynn Gagnon 860-584-0911. Visit the school web site at www.spchs.com.

CATHOLIC GIRL SCOUT RELIGIOUS AWARDS Religious awards for Catholic Girl Scouts are available through the Archdiocese of Hartford Catholic Scouting Committee. The committee will host its annual spiritual activities day for Catholic Brownie & Junior Scouts on Saturday, November 8, from 10-3 at the Office of Religious Education, Newington. The one-day program is a requirement for Family of God and I Live My Faith awards. All Catholic Brownies & Junior Scouts are welcome. Also, Catholic adults may receive training as counselors to work with girls from their parish. Bring your own lunch. Fee: Girls-$5.00, Adults-$3.00 for snacks, drinks & program materials. Registration: Shannon Perzan, at the Office of Religious Education, 860-677-0891.

SACRED MUSIC CONCERT Celebrating St. John the Evangelist Parish 125^th Anniversary Saturday, October 25 – 7 p.m. – St. John the Evangelist Church, 574 Main St., Watertown. St. John Choir & other musicians including Fr. J. Daniel McElheron and his sisters.

THE TORRINGTON COUNCIL OF CATHOLIC WOMEN

The Torrington Council of Catholic Women cordially invites you to attend their October Membership Tea on Wednesday, October 29, at 7:00 p.m. in Sacred Heart Church Hall, 116 Grove St. All women of faith and women organizations are welcome to attend & join your sisters in exploring what the Council of Catholic Women can offer you and what you can offer to the Council. Our guest speaker will be Helen Carol, Province Director of the Archdiocesan Council of Catholic Women. A real class act and a phenomenal speaker who will captivate you, and captivate you, and captivate you! Refreshments will be served.

Mark your calendar for our Annual Memorial Mass for all deceased members of the TCCW, Saint Maron Women’s Club, and the other Catholic Women Organizations that wish to participate Wednesday, November 12, at 6:00 p.m. at St. Maron Church. After the Liturgy, we will have a very informative speaker. A light supper will be offered.

WORLDWIDE MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER November 7-9 in East Hartford. A great time to rekindle communication, to rejoice in the beauty of your marriage and family and enjoy a weekend away. Information and to register: Call Chris & Therese Gonzalez at 860 223-7070.

VOLUNTEERS The American Lung Association of Connecticut needs flexible friendly detail-oriented volunteers to open and process charitable donations. Work two to eight times a month as your schedule allows, Tuesdays and/or Thursdays, 8:30-11:30 a.m. at 45 Ash St., East Hartford. Information: Call 1-800-LUNG USA or visit www.alact.org.

PASTA LUNCH/DINNER Sunday, November 16, 12:00 Noon-4p.m. St. Mary Church Hall, Torrington Proceeds benefit Cub Scout Pack 10. Adults $6.00, Seniors & Children $4.00 (Children under 4 free). Tickets available in advance or at the door. Tickets/information: 482-4425.

Saturday, October 18, 2003

Dominican Sisters Bake Sale after Masses - St. Peter & Sacred Heart

Sunday, October 19, 2003

Dominican Sisters Bake Sale after Masses - St. Peter & Sacred Heart

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

Father Stephen Farewell Reception - 2-4 p.m. – Sacred Heart Church Hall

Sunday, October 26, 2003

Day of Adoration – beginning with 9:00 Mass – Sacred Heart Church

Concluding with Vespers & Benediction – 7:00 p.m. – Sacred Heart Church

TIME CHANGE REMINDER

Daylight Saving Time Ends – October 26^th

Please remember to turn your clocks

“back” one hour.

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

Readings for the Week of October 19, 2003

Sunday: Is 53:10-11; Heb 4:14-16; Mk 10:35-45

Monday: Rom 4:20-25; Lk 12:13-21

Tuesday: Rom 5:12, 15b, 17-19, 20b-21; Lk 12:35-38

Wednesday: Rom 6:12-18; Lk 12:39-48

Thursday: Rom 6:19-23; Lk 12:49-53

Friday: Rom 7:18-25a; Lk 12:54-59

Saturday: Rom 8:1-11; Lk 13:1-9

Next Sunday: Jer 31:7-9; Heb 5:1-6; Mk 10:46-52

MASS INTENTIONS for the WEEK

Sat. 10/18 4:00 p.m. St. Peter

- Andrew Farkas by Mazini Family

- Joseph Marcantonio by Family

- Pasqualina Perugini by Pasquale Perugini

5:00 p.m. Sacred Heart

- Paul Skarupa & Edward Janco by Mary Skarupa & Anita Janco

- Joan Ferencak, Mary Ann Kupcho & Jack Delane

by John & Doris Brady

Sun. 10/19 7:30 a.m. St. Peter

- Deceased Members of Boccio & Nagy Families by Jim Boccio

- 50^th Wedding Anniversary Oliver & Angelina Renzullo

- Donata Pesce by Buck & Barbara Cook

- Vanotti, Grieco & Febbroriello Families by Family

- For Parishioners

9:00 a.m. Sacred Heart

- Deceased Members of the Novajosky Family by Susan Novajosky

- Joseph Zbuska by Sister Sophie Zbuska

- Gerald Lukcso by Joe & Marie Paganini & Family

10:30 a.m. St. Peter

- Pietro, Cesare & Giovanni Tiramani by Norma & Carlo Maniccia

- Deceased Members of Salvatore & Rosa LaMonica Family

by Son Joseph & Dorothea

- Bronislaw Szczech & Deceased Members of

Joseph DelMedico Family by Wife & Daughter

Mon. 10/20 7:00 a.m. St. Peter

- Rev. Edward Muha

Tues. 10/21 7:00 a.m. St. Peter

- Dolores Rubbo by Husband & Children

Wed. 10/22 7:00 a.m. St. Peter

- Mass of Thanksgiving by Devotee

Thur. 10/23 7:00 a.m. St. Peter

- Don Emanuel by M/M Andrew Lach, Jr. & Daughters

Fri. 10/24 7:00 a.m. St. Peter

- Stuart Tobin, Mary Zappula & Joseph DiMauro

by Rose & Lou Moscaritolo

- Mary & Joseph Yurgalewicz by M/M Adolph Yurgalewicz

Sat. 10/25 7:00 a.m. St. Peter

- Rose LoBrutto by Family

- St. Lucy by Devotee

4:00 p.m. St. Peter

- Fioravante G. DiPlacito by Wife, Angelina & Daughter, Theresa

- John & Catherina Bosio by Daughters

- William R. Burke, Sr. by Wife & Children

5:00 p.m. Sacred Heart

- Stephen Yankovic by Wife & Family

- Joseph Landor by Wife, Mary

- Anne Muha by Sacred Heart Altar Society

Sun. 10.26 7:30 a.m. St. Peter

- Marie Moscaritolo by Rose & Lou Moscaritolo

- Louis Cavagnero by Marge & David Schaller

- Pasqualina Perugini by Antoinetta & Michael Rinaldi