• Celebrating 138 Years 1876-2014 • Phone: (203) 227-5161 98 Riverside Avenue • Westport, Connecticut 06880 Fax: (203) 227-1206

CLERGY (203) 227-5161 Fr. Thomas P. Thorne, Pastor Fr. Lawrence A. Larson, Parochial Vicar

Fr. Matthew Krankall, Resident Priest (Grad Student)

Dn. David P. Clark, Resident Deacon (Grad Student) EMERGENCY 1-203-249-4383

PARISH STAFF

Michelle P. Hankey, Pastoral Administrator (mhankey@assumption-westport.org) John P. Kondub, Finance Administrator (business@assumption-westport.org) Christopher Mulliken, Volunteer Property Manager

Lee McGuire, Secretary (Monday & Tuesday)

Marilyn Price - Volunteer Receptionist (Wednesday - am)

Nancy Wright - Secretary (Wednesday pm, Thursday & Friday)

Dennis Stypinski, Custodian

Gerard Barreau, Part-time Custodian RELIGIOUS EDUCATION Office: (203) 226-5448 Cell: (203) 939-8910

Catherine J. Romano, Director Nhur Klasky, Rel. Ed. Assistant (Sunday, Monday, Tuesday) Ann Perce, Rel. Ed. Assistant (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday) Joseph Malaterra, Rel. Ed. Board Chair

YOUTH MINISTRY (203) 222-8486

Michele Modugno, Youth Minister (Grade 6 - 12)

Michael O’Loughlin, High School Youth Ministry Board Chair BAPTISM PREPARATION CLASS

Fr. Lawrence A. Larson First Sunday of the month at 1:30pm

R C I A (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults) (203) 286-6939 Marilyn Moran, Parish Director Dolores Bacharach, RCIA Catechist

PARISH OFFICE HOURS Monday - Friday: 8:30am - 4:30pm (closed 12:00pm - 1:00pm)

LAY MEMBERS OF THE CORPORATION Theresa M. Perry, Trustee Thomas P. Leyden, Trustee Edward J. Capasse, Esq., Trustee Emeritus

FINANCE COUNCIL Nancy Axthelm, Chair (203) 227-6569 Maria Onorato, Esq., Vice-Chair Joseph Cardello Michael O’Loughlin

PARISH COUNCIL

Maureen Belford, Chair Joseph Malaterra, Vice-Chair Ronnie Estony, Secretary Helen C. Thiemann, Chair Emeritus

SACRED MUSIC MINISTRY (203) 335-0894

Frank Matto, Director & Organist (musicdir@assumption-westport.org) Donna Gambino, Flutist Aidan Andrews, Cantor Jim Andrews, Bassist (Sunday 9:00am & 5:00pm)

MASS SCHEDULE Mon. – Sat. 7:30 am Saturday 5:00 pm Vigil Sunday 7:30 am, 9:00 am (Family Mass), 10:30 am (Choir Mass), 12:00 noon, 5:00 pm SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION Saturday 4:00pm – 4:30pm WEDDING COORDINATOR (203) 227-5161 Michelle P. Hankey FUNERAL COORDINATOR (203) 226-5448 Catherine J. Romano EUCHARISTIC ADORATION Monday 8:00am - 5:00pm Wednesday 8:00am - Thursday 7:25am Third Thurs. 7:00pm - 8:00pm

New Members: We welcome all new parishioners and those who wish to return to the Church or to learn more of what we Catholic Christians believe. Visit our web site www.assumption-westport.org

O N S A U G A T U C K

C H U R C H O F T H E

THE MOTHER CHURCH OF WESTPORT

19 October 2014 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Please pray for our sick Catherine Alter Mary Ann Andronaco Noelle Anastasia Joan Bailey Bob Barker Ryan Brewster Mary Bulakites Victoria Callas Sr. Lucy Caporaso Joseph Cardello, Sr. Bill Chadwell Aida Ciferri Tonino Covatta Andrea Charboneau Connie & Howard Danner Nicholas DeMatteo Matt Dudzik Colette Dunham Gail Eichinger Dr. Harry Engel Angela Farricielli Marge Gabriele Katarina Hale Julie Halka Jane Hawley Logan Howard Frank Illuzzi Marie James Bernadette Juoan Nancy Kelly Bernadette Kenney Laura Kesling Frank Kropf Mary-Ellen Kuhn Michelle Lombardi Jack Allen Loshuk Cara MacDonald Frank Machi Helen Maggio Nancy Marino Gabriella McCrae Kristina Miller Rhoda Miller Clarissa Moore Jana Moorman Danielle Murrugarra Denise Murtha Rennie Nourie Donna Olsen Frank Palmieri Kim Preston Brian Richards Deanne Ryan Sandra Ryan Teresa Sacouto Adrian Sandiford Bill & Charlene Surette Tony Tazella Carmela Tornatore Cheri Travis Nicholas Valas Ron & Pat Viesti Anthony Wilcox James Dominick Zwolinski

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Mass Intentions for the Week Saturday, October 18 Vigil 5:00PM Jane Mobilio Sunday, October 19 7:30AM James W. Foley 9:00AM Henry Falasco 10:30AM Joseph Cabral 12:00PM Donald Foster 5:00PM Frances L. Petitti Monday, October 20 7:30AM Carmen Joseph Tornatore Tuesday, October 21 7:30AM Donald P. Govoni Wednesday, October 22 7:30AM Helen & Anthony Krieg Thursday, October 23 7:30AM Arlene Wanat Sabia Friday, October 24 7:30AM Victor Dowd Saturday, October 25 7:30AM Helen Krieg

Vigil 5:00PM Jay & Joe Buccieri

Sunday, October 26 7:30AM Family of Assumption 9:00AM Henry Falasco 10:30AM Lois Ruisi 12:00PM The Perry Family 5:00PM Eileen O’Brien

Pray For Our Recently Deceased Matthew Richards

Ann Brannigan Eva Popowich Robert Driscoll

Michael Gilbertie Joseph McAleenan

Vivian Testa

May they rest in peace.

In Loving Memory/Honor

The flowers at Mary’s Statue are in loving memory of

Carmen Joseph Tornatore

The candles at Mary’s Statue burn in loving memory of

Luigi & Mary Izzo

The Sanctuary candle burns in loving memory of

Carmen Joseph Tornatore

The candles at the Tabernacle burn in loving memory of

Joseph McAleenan

The candles at the Altar burn in loving memory of Gene Fitzgerald

Pray for our men and women currently serving our country

Sgt. Randy Ackerman, US Army L.Cpl. Durry Becker, USMC

Matthew Bradstock, US Army Tony Cuseo, USMC Ryan J. David, USN

2nd Lt. Alex Deep, US Army Sgt. Christopher Dietl, US Army Pvt. Auriane de Sousa, US Army

Brodie Galloway, US Army Col. Gerald E. Galloway, US Army Sgt. Kimberly Gendreau, US Army

Sgt. Trevor Gilbertie, US Army Sgt. Matthew Harwedel, USMC

Sgt. Joseph Kelly, USMC 2nd Lt. Karl Kuechenmeister Cpl. Michael Linnen, USMC Sgt. Andre Mercado-Divoff

P.F.C., Brad Myers, US Army Spec., Jonathan Morris, US Army

LT Jonathan R. Nelson, USN LTJG Ryan T. Nelson, USN

Sgt. Colin Santacroce, US Army Maj. Devin A. Smiley, USMC Sgt. Zachary B. Taylor, USAF

Patrick Tazella, US Army Capt. James Tesauro, US Army

Cpl. Calvin Robert Wauchope, USMC L.Cpl. Patrick Zingaro, USMC

Please pray for all those who have been

wounded or have sacrificed their lives for the cause of peace.

Stewardship Report • Sunday Offertory $ 8,873.00 • Online Giving Offertory for the month of September 2014 $ 6,293.00 • Julie Coyne, Education & Hope in Guatemala $ 9,328.00 • This weekends Second Collection is for World Mission Sunday

Thank you for your charity. God bless you, Fr. Tom

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• If you wish to support the Parish by having your bank mail a check directly, you are welcome to do so. Please have checks payable to Assumption Church.

• Please remember Assumption Church in your estate planning. If you wish to make a donation of appreciated stock to the Parish, you may do so by crediting UBS DTC # 0221 for further credit to Church of the Assumption, Westport, CT Acct. UN R5454-17.

New PLS Fund replaces Roncalli House Fund: The Roncalli Fund is now closed but you are most welcome to designate our new PLS FUND as recipient of your charity. This new fund will help us cover the cost to paint (P) the interior of the Church, to put in place 14 micro spot lights (L) on the 14 Stations of the Cross as well as update/upgrade our Sound System (S). Thank you.

Our parish now offers Online Giving, a web-based electronic application that allows you to start, stop and change your contributions at any time. We are providing this service so that you have the option to manage your contributions online, view reports on your contribution history and generate tax statements at each year’s end. This service is safe and secure. Sign up for Online Giving by visiting our parish website at www.assumption-westport.org and selecting the Online Giving link.

SOCK DRIVE

for the homeless From October 4 to October 19, we will be

collecting NEW socks for adults and children for the homeless. As the weather gets colder the need becomes greater. Please place your donation in the wicker baskets marked with a picture of a "yellow sock" located at the doors of the church. If you have any questions, please contact Betty at 203-454-4630.

You can make a

difference!

BUCK$ FOR BIBLE$ - A THANK YOU -

YOUR DONATIONS TO THE BUCK$ FOR BIBLE$

collection amounted to $816.00.

Thank you for your generosity to those brothers and sisters in prison.

Having new bibles will encourage them and lift their spirits because you

have not forgotten them.

On their behalf, the Social Concerns Ministry thanks you all.

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We will be serving fresh brewed Starbuck’s Coffee and

delicious goodies.

It provides opportunities for Catholics to form a deeper

appreciation and love for their faith through gaining a greater

understanding of the Church and how her teachings apply in the

modern world. Many times we can find ourselves going through the motions of our faith without really understanding

what they mean. Dr. Joan Kelly

Dr. Joan Kelly is a dynamic speaker who has chosen topics to help us delve into the history and beauty of the faith as well as gain a greater understanding of the meaning behind it, through Scripture and Tradition, allowing our faith community to grow in a deeper love for God and neighbor, as the Gospel calls us.

Dr. Kelly teaches in Sacred Heart University's certificate in religion program, a joint venture of the University and the Diocese of Bridgeport. She is the Director of Evangelization studies program in Danbury, CT. She is also an adjunct professor at Holy Apostles College and Seminary in Cromwell, where she was engaged for many years in the theological formation of the deacons of the Diocese of Norwich. She is a member of the Catholic Biblical School faculty at St. Thomas Seminary in Bloomfield and an instructor in the deacon formation program of the Diocese of Bridgeport. She received a master's degree in Religious Studies from the Catholic University of America in Washington D.C. and a doctorate from the Graduate Theological Foundation at Notre Dame, Indiana.

Dr. Kelly is a popular lecturer and retreat facilitator at Holy Family Passionist Retreat Center in West Hartford and Caritas Christi Center in Hamden. *In recognition of her outstanding contributions to the teaching of theology, she received the Papal Cross from Pope John Paul II. For more information, call Cathy at (203)226-5448.

We are pleased to announce Dr. Joan Kelly will enrich us with teachings on topics that will

provide us to deepen out Catholic faith. We invite you to take part in CAFÉ.

The Catholic Adult Faith Enrichment series of Assumption.

Sundays 10:15am in the parish hall

October 19th Catholic Identity: Renewing our

Appreciation

November 16th The Creed: Do You Believe What

You Just Said?

December 14th Sacraments: Key to Catholic Identity

January 25th

The Saints: Heroes and Heroines of Catholicism!

February 1st The Catholic Calendar: Feasts and Celebrations

March 15th Our Greatest Prayer: The Catholic Mass

April 26th Mary, Assumption’s Patroness, and

Model Woman

Come enjoy Catholicism and Caffeine at

Faith Enrichment

You Are Invited

The Cafe Catholic Adult

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October, 2014 Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, Once more I come to knock at the door of the generosity of your hearts, this time for World Mission Sunday , which will be taken up on the weekend of October 18/19 this year. The Diocesan Office for the Propagation of the Faith has the task of coordinating with our parishes the funds collected during this yearly campaign. The “Propagation of the Faith” is one of four branches under the umbrella of The Pontifical Mission Societies, which also include “The Missionary Childhood”, “The Society of Saint Peter the Apostle”, and “The Missionary Union of Priests and Religious “. The Pontifical Mission Societies were given the title “Pontifical” in 1922 and have a special responsibility in the Universal Church. They are under the direct canonical jurisdiction of the Holy Father, who together with the entire body of Bishops remind the faithful of their baptismal call to mission, as they gather basic support for more than 1,150 mission dioceses in Asia, Africa, Europe, the Pacific Islands and Latin America. In July, I requested that you give what you could to help specific Religious Congregations and Dioceses in the foreign missions when they came to speak in our Parishes during the Cooperative Mission Appeal. Now, in October, the month dedicated to the Missions, all Parishes are asked to give generously to support the Missions in general, especially in these very troubled times where spreading the Faith has become ever more difficult and practicing it even considered a crime. Please give as much as your already strained budget allows, to assist those who heroically serve Christ in foreign lands and the faithful who, in spite of the threat of martyrdom, remain true to their Baptism. If you will be writing a check: Please make the check: PAY TO THE ORDER OF: YOUR PARISH and on the MEMO LINE write “World Mission Sunday”. May God bless you always, and reward your generosity. Sincerely yours in Christ, Most Reverend Frank J. Caggiano Bishop of Bridgeport

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Altar Server Training Training Sessions for all 4th - 12th graders who are interested in serving our Parish community as Altar Servers will be held at the Church during the month of November.

Classes will begin Monday, November 3rd and ends November 17th from 4:00pm to 5:00pm. Please contact the parish office at (203)227-5161 if you are interested in signing up. Randy Miller and I will be conducting the one hour training sessions and are both looking forward to working with you. Fr. Tom and I are truly grateful for your dedication in serving the Parish.

God Bless, Juany Fuami Altar Server Coordinator

Serra Club Corner Sunday, October 26 is Priesthood Sunday. Please take a moment to thank our priests for their service, leadership, and dedication to all our parishioners here at the Church of the Assumption. A presentation to our priests will be made at all Masses on October 25 and 26.

Serra Prayer for Vocations O God, Who wills not the death of a sinner

but rather that he be converted and live, grant, we beseech You, through the intercession of the Blessed Mary, ever Virgin, St. Joseph, her spouse,

Blessed Junipero Serra and all the saints, an increase of laborers for Your Church, fellow

laborers with Christ to spend and consume themselves for souls, through the same Jesus

Christ, Your Son, Who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

one God forever and ever. Amen

Starting October 25th until November 16th we will be

collecting food certificates for the

“Gifts of Plenty” project,

sponsored by the Social Concerns Ministry.

In the past years you gave generously for our brothers and sisters who are in need of food. This year we are asking you again to help our needy neighbors by purchasing a major food store certificate, of any denomination. Envelopes for your gift cards will be available in baskets placed in the center of the aisle and at both entrances to the church. Please return the envelopes with the gift cards and put them in the collection basket.

Thank you for your generosity.

Page 7 On a spiritual note . . .

Perfection as Union You must therefore be perfect just as your heavenly Father is perfect. Live generously and toward others, the way God has lived toward you.— Two translations of Matthew 5:48

The oft-retranslated passage above is an excellent indicator of the two minds that have tried to understand the Bible. The first mind reads the passage in terms of Platonic idealism and ego-based moralism. It uses a mathematical or divine concept (“perfection”) and mandates it for the human person. This leads readers to impossible head-based abstractions that only result in denial, splitting, and pretending. Yet, it appeals to the binary (“yes/no”) system of the ordinary mind, wherein all lose since none of us is perfect and never will be. This was the Gospel read and preached on, when I as fervent 19 year old took my first vows as a Franciscan in 1962. Most of my fellow novices left when they honestly realized such perfection was beyond them. Only pretenders and optimists stayed on! I was one of them.

The second translation still sets the ideal very high, but now the goal has become divine union instead of any kind of private perfection. This translation is believable to anyone who has already experienced divine union at some level-and they know they were chosen and loved precisely in their imperfection! As Ken Wilber so brilliantly teaches. “It is not what a person says, but the level from which they say it that determines the truth of a spiritual statement.” A spiritually mature person could use the word perfection and know they are talking about God’s perfect abiding in us. An immature and still egocentric person will think of it as a moral achievement that they can personally attain by trying harder. Therese of Lisieux and Francis of Assisi are my favorite saints precisely because they saw through this disguise.

The higher level approach is illustrated by a clear statement from Paul: “I no longer seek any perfection from my own efforts . . . but only the perfection that comes from faith and is from God.. We who are called perfect must all think in this way,” he says (Philippians 3:9,15). Paul rightly redefines perfection as the gift of divine union rather than any kind of achievement or performance on our part. All we can do is agree and cooperate with what God is already doing. Adapted from Things Hidden: Scripture As Spirituality

Blanket Collection until Sunday, October 19

Please!

Soon winter will be here and in local shelters our sisters and brothers, young and old, will be desperately cold. They need you to HELP. PLEASE donate New or Gently Used Clean blankets.

Last year, The Social Concerns Ministry collected and distributed 101 blankets to shelters in Westport, N o r w a l k , a n d Danbury. The residents were deeply grateful for your generosity and care.

Please place the blankets in boxes provided at the front and rear entrances of the church. If you wish to shop online, please send items attention to Social Concerns, 44 Lincoln Street, Front Porch, Westport, CT 06880.

Thank you for your continued kindness towards our sisters and brothers in Christ.

The Social Concerns Ministry

Michele Modugno, Youth Minister

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Assumption Middle School Youth Group

The next Middle School Youth Group meeting is set for Sunday, October 26 from 3:30PM to 4:45PM. Our next gathering is for 6th and 7th graders only as they will be working together on a special project. Please let us know if your 6th and/or 7th grader will be able to join us. Contact us via phone (203 222-8486 or via email: assumptionmiddleschoolyouth@gmail.com ALL 8th grade Confirmation students will be attending a special Middle School Youth Group meeting on Sunday, November 2 from 3:30PM to 4:45PM in McGrath Hall (basement of the church) as they will be working on a special service project for "The Soup Lady." Once we complete our project, together we shall all go up to the church for youth mass at 5PM. Parents, we ask that you join us for that mass as the scarves that our 8th graders will be making will be blessed at the mass. This is a wonderful opportunity to bring all 8th grade Confirmation students and their families together! Mark your calendars and we look forward to seeing you all on November 2nd!

Youth Musicians For all youth musicians, our next Youth Mass is set for October 26 at 5PM in the church. Don’t forget that rehearsal for mass will begin at 4:15PM in the choir loft with our Music Director, Frank Matto. We look forward to seeing you then. And if you are in grades 8-11, and would like to add your musical talents to our youth musicians’ group, please contact us at: assumptionyouthmusic@gmail.com or call the Youth Ministry office at (203) 222-8486.

High School Youth Group The next meeting of the High School Youth Group is set for Sunday, October 26 starting at 6PM in McGrath Hall (basement of the church). Also, Youth Mass is set for 5PM in the church. We have a few exciting plans in the works for our high schoolers, so we hope to see them on the 26th, and if your high schooler is interested in attending, please just RSVP to the Youth Ministry Office by phone: (203) 222-8486 or via email: assumptionhighschoolyouth@gmail.com

Please note . . . our formation classes are continuous and build one year upon the next. New students must submit a baptismal certificate at the time of registration. Grade 1 is required for Grade 2 First Reconciliation and First Eucharist preparation. Grade 7 is required for Grade 8 Confirmation preparation.

Students enrolled in a Catholic school must attend First Eucharist and Confirmation classes here at Church of the Assumption.

The Religious Education Office is open Monday -Thursday 9:00am to 4:00pm. If you have not registered your child(ren) and wish to do so please visit our website www.assumption-westport.org and click the "Religious Education" tab for a registration form and all necessary information about our program. If you have any questions, please call the Religious Education Office a (203)226-5448.

Information & News

Like us on Facebook by going to our page “Church of the Assumption Religious Ed.”

October Confirmation Schedule

October 19 - 9:00am regular class October 26 - no 9:00am class. All students will gather at 2:00pm in McGrath Hall for a required Retreat Day ending with 5:00pm mass with parents.

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Assumption Parish

Bereavement Group Come, share and heal with others.

We meet each Wednesday from 3:30pm- 5:00pm in the Beard Room at the Roncalli House (the parish center at the end of the parking lot.) Helen Thiemann will lead the group. For more information, please call her at (203) 227-6318 or email helectman@gmail.com .

Blessed are they who mourn . . . they shall be

comforted.

Hospital & Nursing Home Visitations Due to current privacy rights of patients, the priests do not have any way of knowing if and when parishioners are hospitalized. Therefore, if you wish to be visited by one of our priests while in the hospital, please have a family member notify the parish office and Father Tom or Father Larry will be happy to visit, bring you Holy Communion and share with you the Anointing of the Sacrament of the Sick. Thank you.

Meeting Information: The Knights of Columbus meet the first Tuesday of the month at Assumption Church at 7:30pm in McGrath Hall, beneath the church. The next meeting will be held on November 4. For more information, please contact Walter Avitabile at (203) 981-3083 or by email wavit@optonline.net

New members are always welcome!

Knights of Columbus - Council 3688

Next Weekends Priest Mass Schedule Saturday, October 25

Vigil 5:00pm Fr. Larry Sunday, October 26 7:30am Fr. Larry 9:00am Fr. Larry 10:30am Fr. Bob 12:00pm Fr. Bob 5:00pm Fr. Bob

— Subject to change —

High Blood Pressure One out of every four adults over the age of 60 in the U.S. is diagnosed and treated for high blood pressure. High blood pressure or hypertension is considered a silent condition because it often has no symptoms. If not diagnosed and treated, over time it can lead to heart disease, kidney disease and damage to other organs. Stroke is probably the best-known complication of untreated high blood pressure. Risk factors linked to hypertension are smoking, a g e ( 5 0 y e a r s a n d o l d e r ) , obesity, diabetes, kidney disease and a family history- hypertension in either one or both parents. Treatment is usually medication prescribed by your Doctor. Additionally, there are some steps you can take to lower your pressure and keep it down: • Exercise - even if it’s just walking 15 minutes a day, • Stop smoking, • Eat less salt - read food labels - try to stay within 1500 mgm of sodium per day, • If you are overweight, lose those extra pounds and try to follow a healthy diet, • Have your blood pressure checked regularly, • Take your medication every day and see your doctor regularly. The Social Concerns Ministry here at Assumption Parish is pleased to offer blood pressure screenings the first weekend of each month. This service is available to all our parishioners and, through the St Vincent's Medical Center Parish Nurse Program, we can provide you with wallet cards to record your blood pressure as well as pocket medication cards. Please take a few minutes for a quick blood pressure check by a Parish Nurse at the back of the Church after the Saturday 5:00pm Mass and the Sunday 7:30am and 10:30am Masses. It's good for your health! The next screening is scheduled for the weekend of November 1 & 2. Nancy Engel, RN CRNI Member, Social Concerns Ministry

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is a network of over 70 members.

When someone needs pray or a special intention, please call the Social Concerns Ministry at (203) 227-5161 ext. 125 and leave the request, intention and first name of the person to be prayed for. Intentions are forwarded via the telephone and email to the network. Members respond by praying in their homes. The network is always open to new members.

The purpose of A.C.T.S. is to build a more caring and comforting community within the parish. It is designed to hear and answer simple requests for – a ride to church, to a doctor’s or other appointments; to do grocery shopping or other errands. A.C.T.S. can also offer a simple meal to aid in recuperation or for a family with a new baby. A phone call or a visit to a shut-in can also be arranged.

To request or offer help, please call (203) 227-5161 ext. 125

Social Concerns is an active ministry formed to respond to the problems of social justice, the physical and spiritual needs of the Assumption parish family, and to those in need in the neighboring communities. Some of the projects we are involved with are: Christmas Angels Collection, Thanksgiving Gifts of Plenty, Towels Collection, Lenten Alms, Blankets/Winter Warm-up Collection, and Easter Food Baskets. The Prayer Network and A.C.T.S. are additional services to our parishioners. The Ministry meets on the third Monday of the month (September through June) at 7:00pm in Roncalli House. If you wish to contact us, please call (203) 227– 5161 ext. 125.

New members are needed and always appreciated. We would be delighted

to have you join our team!

Assumption Parish Social Concerns Ministry

Parish Prayer Network

Assumption Cares Through Service

Maureen Belford Parish Council Chair Joe Malaterra

Parish Council Vice Chair, Rel. Ed. Board Chair Ronnie Estony

Parish Council Secretary, Adult Formation Nancy Axthelm

Finance Council Chair Cathy Romano, DRE

Eucharistic Ministers, Lectors, Funeral Coordinator Randy Miller Serra Club Rep. Frank Matto

Director of Music & Organist James Meehan

Knights of Columbus Rep., Serra Club Rep. Merton House Co-Facilitator

Dolores Bacharach Interfaith Council & RCIA

Juany Fumai Altar Server Training/Scheduling

Carol Gabriel Altar Guild Chair, Liturgical Decorating Chair & Book Nook Ministry

Connie Luppino Social Concerns Chair, Merton House Co-Facilitator

Dian J. Mayo Divine Mercy Devotion

Toan Chu Catholic Fellowship of CT Michele Modugno

Youth Minister (Grade 6 - 12) Michael O’Loughlin

Youth Ministry Board Chair Marilyn Moran

RCIA & WHCC Ministry Rose Odell

Parish Food Closet Barbara Murray

Ministry to Parish Seniors Helen Thiemann

Bereavement Ministry & Book Club Chair, Coordinator for: Homebound, Sick & Elderly Visitations,

Parish Council Chair Emeritus Gracemary Avitabile

3rd Thursday Holy Hour, Serra Club Rep. Tom Leyden

Trustee & Parish Webmaster Tess Perry

Trustee & Catholic Daughters Rep. Ed Capasse, Esq.

Trustee Emeritus Fr. Tom Thorne, Pastor

Parish Council

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News Around The Diocese & Beyond

Men’s Retreat - Know Greater Joy November 7 - 9

Reflect - Renew - Retreat Our theme this season is Know Greater Joy. Explore how we can discover deep and enduring joy in God’s presence no matter the situation. Includes home-cooked meals, inspirational liturgies & workshops, original music, and free time to rest and enjoy a walk on our 48 wooded acres & labyrinth. Cost is $295.00, more if you can; less if you can’t. Register at www.holyfamilyretreat.org or call 860-760-9705. Holy Family Retreat Center - 303 Tunxis Road, West Hartford, CT.

Marriage: Arrangements are to be made a minimum of six months prior to the wedding date. Please call the Parish Office. Baptism: Please call the Parish Office to make arrangements for your child’s Baptism. Baptisms are on Sundays at 1:15pm, one to four children. Reconciliation: Saturdays 4:00pm – 4:30pm Communion: We welcome the opportunity to visit our homebound parishioners. Please call the Parish Office. Anointing of the Sick: Please call the Rectory prior to surgery or at the onset of an illness. RCIA: The process by which an adult joins our Catholic Faith Community. Contact Marilyn Moran at (203) 286-6939.

Mothers and Fathers who are parents for the first time are required to attend a Pre-Baptism class. Classes are held in the new parish center at 1:30pm once a month. The next Pre-Baptismal Class will be held on Sunday, November 2 in the Roncalli House, Oscar Romero Room. Please call the Parish Office at (203) 227–5161 to register for the class. Please note, Godparents must be practicing, Confirmed Catholics and age 16 and over.

Holy Hour, Exposition and Sung Chaplet of Mercy: is every month on the Thursday before the first Friday from 7:15pm to 8:00pm in the Church. Dian J. Mayo (203) 938-2113. Miraculous Medal Novena: Wednesdays following the 7:30am Mass. Daily Rosary of Peace - at 7:00am before daily Mass First Saturday Holy Hour: following the 7:30am Mass. Adoration: Monday 8:00am – 5:00pm and Wednesday 8:00am thru Thursday 7:25am (24 hrs.) Please call Andrea Remlin (203) 227-5477 if you would like to take ½ - 1 hour of Adoration. Holy Hour and Exposition: Third Thursday of the month 7:00pm - 8:00pm

Devotions

Baptismal Prep Class

Sacramental Information

PILGRIMAGE TO NATIONAL BLUE ARMY SHRINE OF OUR LADY OF FATIMA, Washington, NJ on Saturday, November 8. This Catholic Shrine, located on over 150 acres near the scenic Musconetcong River, is dedicated to spreading the message of Our Lady of Fatima and provides a peaceful setting for prayer and meditation. Depart Catholic Center at 7am (238 Jewett Avenue, Bridgeport); Depart Saint Thomas the Apostle Parish at 7:30am (203 East Avenue, Norwalk). Return approximately 5:15pm to Saint Thomas the Apostle Parish; 5:45pm to Catholic Center. Day includes: Rosary at 11:30am; Mass at 12noon; lunch to follow of sandwich wrap, soda, and chips. $45pp includes, bus, lunch, and donation to the Shrine. For info about the Shrine, visit: www.wafusa.org/the-shrine. Contact Gina for more information at 203-416-1446 or gdonnarummo@diobpt.org. Space is limited! Register by October 20.

ATTENTION ALL FACEBOOK USERS Please “Like” these new Facebook pages from the Diocesan Office for Pastoral Services. In this challenging time for youth and families, these pages will be a source of information and inspiration: Women's Conference Diocese of Bridgeport, CT, Marriage and Family - Diocese of Bridgeport, Diocese of Bridgeport - Adult Formation and Youth Ministry – Diocese of Bridgeport.