FROM FATHER GERRY’S DESK

Hi Everybody!

As Jesus made his rounds from town to village to city, so many people had the opportunity to see him and listen to his message of love and salvation. They even witnessed some very extraordinary, compassionate deeds of his as he reached out and healed people of their physical handicaps. Yet, the impression was just for that moment because they could, or would not look with more than the eyes of the body. Their faith did not appear to be stimulated by the words and works of the Lord, their lives did not change. The blind beggar, on the other hand, without sight, had faith in Jesus because he looked with the inner eye of the soul. This is the reason why Jesus said to him: “your faith has saved you!” As the sight of his eyes is restored, he immediately embarks on a new way of life of following Jesus. The Lord calls on us, to serve him, not blindly but trustingly, even when it does not seem to make sense. He invites us to follow him even when our prayers do not seem to be answered and we are really in need of his help. If our faith is going to be dependent on everything working out well for us and every prayer is answered exactly the way we want them answered, then it is nothing but a shallow, fragile faith that is very little about God and all about ourselves. We can learn from the blind man who did not need a cure to believe, but believed already; his new gift of sight was not used for his own selfish means, but was used to believe more intensely, and to follow and serve the Lord with everything he was capable of.

God Bless You One and All ….. Father Gerry

STEWARDSHIP SUGGESTION

Set aside a special time of your day to spend some quality time with God in prayer, come up with suggestions for yourself as to when or where you will do this. Allow him to surprise you with his response!

DAY OF ADORATION

Honoring Our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament

This Sunday – October 26

The devotions will begin with the 9:00 Mass at Sacred Heart Church and conclude with Vespers and Solemn Benediction at 6:00 p.m.

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, November 9 at St. Peter Church

Sunday, November 23 at Sacred Heart Church

HOLY HOUR

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

WEEKLY OFFERINGS – OCTOBER 18 and 19

ST. PETER PARISH

Offertory $4,232.63 Candles $359.97

SACRED HEART PARISH

Offertory $1,657 Annual $235 Candles $91

ST. PETER’S JUBILEE CLUB WINNERS

$30. - 177 - Anna Diorio

$20. - 208 - Sr. Lorraine

$20. - 334 - Joan Lach

Please pray for the deceased members of our parish families, especially for George Grigos, Alphonse Pesce and Della Hricko.

REMEMBER TO PRAY FOR OUR TROOPS ……

Almighty and eternal God, bless the members of our armed forces and keep them safe from all evil and harm. Give them courage, hope and strength. Be their power and protector, leading them from darkness to light. We ask this through Christ our Lord.

PRO LIFE MINISTRY

“We need to be radical witnesses for life including very guilty life so that we can turn the tide toward a culture of life.” Rachel Muha, why she rejects the death penalty even for the man who murdered her son.

ST. PETER/SACRED HEART

LITURGY COMMITTEE MEETING

Monday, October 27 7:00 p.m. St. Peter Rectory

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.

RACHEL ROSARY The St. Peter/Sacred Heart Pro Life Committee will be praying the Rachel Rosary on Monday, November 3, at 7:00 p.m. and the first Monday of every month at Sacred Heart Church. 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. The rosary is called Rachel Rosary because of the following reading from Jeremiah 31:15-17: “In Ramah is heard the sound of moaning, of bitter weeping! Rachel mourns her children, she refuses to be consoled because her children are no more. Thus says the Lord: Cease your cries of mourning, wipe your eyes. The sorrow you have shown shall have its reward. There is hope for your future.”

A Family Perspective

Jesus asked the blind man, “What do you want from me?” If Jesus asked you the same question, what would you ask for?

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 in October.

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.

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

1^st - 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 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.; SUN 8-11a.m.

Closed during school vacations. Phone: 482-3121

Director of Religious Education – Peggy Richard

Coordinator of Religious Education – Nancy Obregon

Serving the Religious Education needs of

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

Please keep this program in your prayers.

DAYS OFF – RELIGIOUS EDUCATION – Classes are cancelled for Tuesday, November 4^th and 11^th.

RELIGIOUS GIFT and BOOK SHOP – Saturdays after the 4 p.m. Mass and Sundays from 7:30-11:45 a.m. in St. Francis Church, next to the Reconciliation Rooms. An outreach of the Religious Education Center, the Religious Gift and Book Shop offers a variety of items for children and adults. If we don’t have it, we’ll order it.

Special Thanks – to the following people who helped to make the opening of the Religious Gift and Book Shop a success: Segundo, Nancy and Vince Obregon, Mike Berti, Geri Nawalaniec, Helen Sciarra and Shirley Murack.

THANK YOU The Dominican Sisters from West Hartford wish to extend their grateful thanks to our parishioners for supporting their recent Bake Sale. The proceeds amounted to $791 at St. Peter’s and $681 at Sacred Heart. God bless you for your generosity!

ARCHBISHOP’S ANNUAL APPEAL

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

Thanks to your Stewardship…

The Office of Urban Affairs is able to provide training to parishes and assist the less fortunate to help themselves. This office coordinates the Catholic Campaign for Human Development, Cooperative Parish Sharing, the Action for Justice Network and HomeFront Day, when parishes help needy homeowners with major repairs. Information: 203-777-7279.

Catholic Charities/Catholic Family Services is able to help promote the dignity of every individual, family and community in a manner that maximizes human potential, self-sufficiency, and richness of diversity. Through its numerous specialized programs and agencies Catholic Charities promotes the capacity for self help with a special emphasis on the most vulnerable and disadvantaged. Information: 860-242-9577.

AT SACRED HEART

We recently welcomed into Sacred Heart Parish newly baptized:

Kate Elizabeth Mooney

May our Lord shower her with grace and guide her parents

as they strive in forming their child in the faith.

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.

C A N D L E S

Sacred Heart – Emma Lucas, LeJeune Family, Joseph & Anna Lucas, Michael Meyerjack, Katherine DeAngelo, Peter Dubiel, Jr., Nick Zappone, 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., Edward Gresh, Andrew & Mary Skarupa, Alma Dubiel, Rudolph Dubiel, Jacob Sidlosky, Sr., P.B.J.A. Infant of Prague – (Joshua, Kayla, Taylor), John T. McMahon, Nick Zappone, 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), (Andrew Zaharek & Son), (Dorothy Zaharek & Family), Mary Zaharek, Mary Masisak, (Regina & Stephen Serbek), Mabel Dubiel, Michael Dubiel, Julia Zaharek, Bernie Lenart, Susan Kozlak, (Joseph Kozlak Family), MABRK, Mary Ann Bouchard, Joanne McMahon, Nick Zappone, Agatha Troughton, Michael Gerardi, Anna Gerardi, Otti Cook, Mary A. Zaharek (2), Sophie Bombara, Edward Janco, Kevin Janco, (Edward & Anna Kozlak & B.E.D.D.), (William & Anna Schlosky & A.W.), Anna Sidlosky, Anonymous (5). Holy Rosary – Nick Zappone, Mary Killiany, Mary Kovalcek, John H. Zaharek. Saint Joseph – Joseph Bilas, Joseph Kozlak, Michael A. Kozlak, Nick Zappone, (Deceased Members-Kovalcek Family), John A. Vasko, John H. Zaharek. Saint Anne – Patrons of St. Anne, Anna Bittner, Nick Zappone. Saint Anthony – Frank Janis, Nick Zappone, G.J.T., Ceil Bell. Saint Theresa – Theresa Gardiner, Philip Lestinsky, (Albert & Mary Lestinsky), Nick Zappone, Helen Dubyel, (Brian, Dean, Edward & Diane Kozlak). Saint Jude – Susan Karlowicz, Theresa Gardiner, Joy DeAngelo, Matthew DeAngelo, Anthony Leone, Nick Zappone, 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. Saints Cyril and Methodius – Nick Zappone.

AT ST. PETER

SANCTUARY CANDLE

Is being burned in memory of

William B. Ur, Bob Ohotnicky, Orval Basso, Sr.

& Orval P. Basso and Rev. John P. D’Alonges.

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 are at all the doors of St. Peter’s Church this weekend. 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

Sun., Oct.26 Vespers, Sacred Heart Church, 5:55 p.m.

Tues., Oct.28 Waiter/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 The blind beggar Bartimaeus would not listen to the many people scolding him to be quiet, but shouted all the louder in prayer, “Son of David, have pity on me!” Only then did Jesus call him over and answered his need. Bartimaeus becomes a powerful example of how persistent we must be in prayer when we are asking God to show us His Will for our lives. And then, ask Him for the grace to accept it. 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.

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.

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.

CRAFTERS WANTED for the St. Francis of Assisi Christmas Craft Fair that will be held on Saturday, December 6, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at St. Francis of Assisi School. For further information, call 489-4177.

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.

ANNUAL PRE-CHRISTMAS SALE The Felician Sisters at Our Lady of the Angels Convent, 1315 Enfield St., Enfield, invite you to attend their Annual Pre-Christmas Sale Saturday, November 15, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Hand made items, pastry & homemade bread, door prizes, Turkey Bingo. Mass 4 p.m. This event will benefit the elderly & infirm Felician Sisters.

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.

SAVE THE DATE for Catholic Concerns Day on March 31, 2004 at 9:30 a.m. The day begins with a Prayer Service at the Cathedral of Saint Joseph in Hartford, followed by a procession to the Capitol, and meetings with legislators. Your legislator will also be invited to attend these events. Please encourage them to save the date by calling 1-800-842-1421/1420/1423/1902. Parking is available at St. Thomas Seminary, Bloomfield. Shuttle buses will be available to the Cathedral from 8-9 a.m. Buses will also be available to the Capitol and back to the parking area. The last bus pickup to St. Thomas Seminary will be at 2 p.m. Information: Connecticut Catholic Conference 860-524-7882.

Sunday, October 26, 2003

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

Concluding with Vespers & Benediction –6:00 p.m. – Sacred Heart Church

Monday, October 27, 2003

St. Peter/Sacred Heart Liturgy Committee Meeting – 7:00 p.m. –

St. Peter Rectory

Holy Name Society Meeting – 7:30 p.m. – St. Peter Hall

Sunday, November 2, 2003

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

in St. Peter Hall

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.

Lord, our help and guide,

make your love the foundation of our lives. May our love for you express itself in our eagerness to do good for others.

Readings for the Week of October 26, 2003

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

Monday: Rom 8:12-17; Lk 13:10-17

Tuesday: Eph 2:19-22; Lk 6:12-19

Wednesday: Rom 8:26-30; Lk 13:22-30

Thursday: Rom 8:31b-39; Lk 13:31-35

Friday: Rom 9:1-5; Lk 14:1-6

Saturday: Rv 7:2-4, 9-14; 1 Jn 3:1-3; Mt 5:1-12a

Next Sunday: Dn 12:1-3; Rom 6:3-9; Jn 6:37-40

MASS INTENTIONS for the WEEK

Sat. 10/25 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

- For Parishioners

9:00 a.m. Sacred Heart

- James Scanlon & Fred Heerz by Marie Heerz

- Bernard Lenart by Wife & Daughters

- John Gaura by DeAngelo & Gerardi Families

10:30 a.m. St. Peter

- Rose LoBrutto by Karen Leonard

- Caterina Servietti, Rosa Canino & Armando Canino

by Rosario & Lena Cristiano

Mon. 10/27 7:00 a.m. St. Peter

- Vittorio Cristiano, Emilio Madia, Caterina Servietta &

Armando Canino by Caterina Madia & Family

- Silvin Borla by Wife & Family

- Battista & Idelma Monti by Family

Tues. 10/28 7:00 a.m. St. Peter

- Philomena Toro & Ann Cipriano

by Joseph & Frances Lovallo & Family

Wed. 10/29 7:00 a.m. St. Peter

- Anna & Jacob Sidlosky, Sr. by Kufchak Family

- Ciriaco & Ida Giampaolo by Joseph & Maria DiLullo

Thur. 10/30 7:00 a.m. St. Peter

- Leonard Lovallo by Wife Adele

Fri. 10/31 7:00 a.m. St. Peter

- Theresa Hornyak by Holy Rosary Society

Sat. 11/1 7:00 a.m. St. Peter

- Dolores Rubbo by Husband & Children

- Rev. John P. D’Alonges by Family

4:00 p.m. St. Peter

- Marlene Russo by Husband Anthony

- Oliver Marcantonio by Joe & Marie Paganini & Family

- Angelina Pergola by Kavanagh Family

5:00 p.m. Sacred Heart

- William & Anna Schlosky by Family

- Kenneth Stedman by Wife & Family

- Stephen & Marie Vrabec by Family

Sun. 11/2 7:30 a.m. St. Peter

- All Souls