st. jerome church. jerome church 23 half mile ... next week is the story of the raising of lazarus....
TRANSCRIPT
ST. JEROME CHURCH
23 Half Mile Road Norwalk, CT 06851 ~ 203-847-5349
FOURTH SUNDAY OF LENT MARCH 26, 2017
SABBATH MASSES
Saturday 4:00 PM E.S.T. & 4:30 PM D.S.T.
Sunday 8:00 AM
9:15 AM Young Children's Mass
11:00 AM
6:00 PM Teen Mass
DAYS OF OBLIGATION
Vigil 7:00 PM
Holy Day 9:00 AM, 7:00 PM
WEEKDAY MASSES
Mon-Sat 9:00 AM
HOW TO FIND US……
Parish Website:
www.stjeromenorwalk.org
Parish Email: [email protected]
REACH email: [email protected]
Parish Facebook:
St. Jerome Norwalk
REACH & TOTAL Facebook:
REACH St.Jerome
Parish Twitter: @StJeromeNorwalk
REACH & TOTAL Twitter:
@REACHstjerome
Instagram:
reach.total.stjerome
PASTORAL STAFF
203-847-5349
Rev. David Blanchfield, Pastor
Rev. Rojin Zacharias K.M., Parochial Vicar
Rev. Michael Hoag, S.J., Weekend Assistant
Deacon Dean Finch • 203-847-6397
PARISH OFFICE
203-847-5349
Mrs. Pat Florio, Secretary
Office Hours, Mon-Fri 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION (REACH)
203-846-2111
Mrs. Kathy Coyne, DRE
Mrs. Natalie Raduazzo
Mrs. Kathy Rohr
YOUTH MINISTRY (TOTAL)
Joe and Daniela OʼCallaghan
203-847-0321
MUSIC MINISTRY
203-847-5349
Mr. Donald Nelson
Mrs. Joan McFarland
PARISH COUNCIL CHAIRPERSON
Robert Yap • 203-246-7447
FINANCE COUNCIL
Jerry Holdridge • 203-966-3658
ALL SAINTS CATHOLIC SCHOOL
203-847-3881 Pre K—Grade 8
139 West Rocks Road
Norwalk, CT 06851
Mrs. Linda Dunn, Principal
FAITH DIRECT—ONLINE GIVING
866-507-8757 www.faithdirect.net
Sign up using our church code: CT46, or
by mailing a paper enrollment form available in
the parish office. Also available on our website at
www.stjeromenorwalk.org/Faith-Direct-
enrollment.pdf
MISSION STATEMENT
We the people of St. Jerome Parish, a Ro-
man Catholic community, proclaim our
belief in the message and mission of Jesus
Christ. As disciples of Jesus we are called
to proclaim the Kingdom of God and to
work for its values in the local community
and beyond. We are committed to: wor-
ship, religious education, shared faith and
service. We welcome all people with re-
spect, acceptance and support.
Parish Staff
Altar Flowers
Altar Flowers may be memorialized for a donation
of $50. Please call the Parish Office several
months prior to your desired date.
Adoration & Silent Prayer
Every day between 4:00PM and 5:00PM.
Contemplative Prayer
Wednesday evening at 7:00 PM.
Come spend some quiet time with the Lord.
Widows’ Support Group
Meets at 9:30AM on the second Thursday of the
month in the Kevin Eidt Youth Room.
Perpetual Novena
Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal takes place
each Monday following morning Mass
Rosary & Divine Mercy Prayers
Monday through Saturday after daily Mass
Baptisms Please call the parish office to
schedule.
Required Pre-Baptism Please contact
Deacon Dean Finch at 203-847-6397 to arrange.
Class is required for the first child baptized at
St. Jerome.
Reconciliation One hour before vigil on
Saturday. Also anytime by appointment.
Marriages Please contact the Rectory at least
six months in advance.
Anointing of the Sick takes place on the first
Wednesday of each month, immediately following the
9:00 AM Mass, in the sanctuary. Anyone with an
ongoing medical condition or who is seriously ill,
anticipating a medical procedure or operation, is
welcome to come.
Gluten Free Hosts are available at all Masses. If
you require a gluten-free host, please see the
officiating priest before Mass.
3/25 9:00 am for Veterans
VIGIL FOR SUNDAY
4:30 pm Wally Regan (12th Anniv)
(family)
FOURTH SUNDAY OF LENT
3/26 8:00 am Marion Pollastro
(family)
9:15 am Marco Monteiro
(Tucci & Monteiro families)
11:00 am Tony Scinto (2nd Anniv)
(family)
6:00 pm Sean Sullivan
(Craw family)
3/27 9:00 am Maureen Palinkas
(Peggy Staak)
3/28 9:00 am Jeanne Orlowski
(St. Jerome Parishioners)
3/29 9:00 am for deployed soldiers
3/30 9:00 am for the People
3/31 9:00 am for Deceased parents
4/1 9:00 am for deceased parishioners
VIGIL FOR SUNDAY
4:30 pm Bob Horton
(Nancy & Rit Jordan)
FIFTH SUNDAY OF LENT
4/2 8:00 am Richard Baluha (1st. Ann)
(family)
9:15 am Kelly Devine
(Jean Marie Hauptman)
11:00 am Vincenzo Iannone, Jr.
(family)
6:00 pm Otto Guhl, Jr.
(Gaudio family)
Bringing up the Gifts at Mass— If
the Mass intention has been requested by
you or for your loved ones, and you would
like to bring up the Gifts at the Offertory,
please let the ushers know that you are
present and would like to bring up the gifts.
Thank you!
You will be reading this on the Fourth Sunday of Lent, traditionally known as Laetare Sun-
day . The name comes from the first word of the opening prayer - Rejoice. This Sunday is a turn-
ing point in Lent. Prior to today, Lent has been trying to make us aware of our sinfulness and
need for repentance. From today until the end of Lent, the focus will be on Jesus and all he has
done for us - cause for rejoicing indeed.
In this A cycle, the Gospels are especially rich and rewarding. This Sunday, it is John’s
story of the man born blind. Jesus, who is the light of the world, makes clay with his saliva,
smears the clay on the eyes of the bind man, tells him to go and wash in the pool of Siloam. Je-
sus then waits for the outcries from those who had a vested interest in the man remaining blind.
It is a great story of coming to see physically, leading to spiritual sight.
Next week is the story of the raising of Lazarus. Jesus who is the Lord of life, waits until
his friend Lazarus has been dead many days. Jesus then calls him out of the tomb and Lazarus
comes out alive. It is not Resurrection, but restoring the former life. Jesus demonstrates that he
has the power here and now to give eternal life. It is a story of hopefulness preparing us for the
days ahead to hear about death and Resurrection.
On a more personal note, Murphy, our dog, thought I should fill you in on something. He
thinks I am turning into a tired, cranky old man, so let me explain! Last fall I was diagnosed with
prostate cancer. It is nowhere as bad as it first seems. My gleason score came in at 7 out of 10
(from 1 to 6 they just monitor you). Since I am at 7, I have had a hormone shot, am on medica-
tion and will start 8 weeks of radiation at the Whittingham cancer center. This is not life threaten-
ing and already my PSA has gone down significantly. Murphy just worries that I will become
grumpier! I told him not to worry because all of you would keep me straight.
Last Sunday night, I had the 7
th
and 8
th
graders join with Fr. Rojin who anointed me with
the oil of the sick. I wanted them to have the experience of praying communally for someone.
We do it all the time after many of our Sunday Masses. Watch and you will often see a small
group in the sanctuary surrounded by a priest and people praying for that person. It is a powerful
experience.
THIS WEEK AT ST. JEROME…….
Sunday 3/26 REACH—Grades 1-6 meet in the morning
REACH—Grades 7 & 8 check your email
TOTAL—meets in the evening
Monday 3/27 Women’s Scripture Group 9:30 AM
Tuesday 3/28 Bible Study 9:30 AM
RCIA 7PM—Resource Room
Wednesday 3/29 Contemplative Prayer 7:00 PM
Women’s Scripture Group 7:30 PM
Thursday 3/30
Friday 3/31 Soup & Bread 6PM
Saturday 4/1 Men’s Ministry 7:00 AM
LENTEN REGULATIONS
Fasting is to be observed on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday by all Catholics who are 18 years of
age but not yet 59. Fasting means one full meal. Two smaller meals are permitted.
Abstinence from meat is to be observed by everyone 14 years or older on Ash Wednesday, Good
Friday and on all Fridays of Lent.
WEEKLY OFFERTORY SUMMARY
March 19, 2017 $4,181
March Total to Date $33,318
March offertory budget $38,000
As always, thank you for your
generous donations to St. Jerome
especially during this Lenten season.
Fast. Pray. Give up your Envelopes! We invite you
to help your parish save money by giving up your
offertory envelopes this Lent! Enrolling with Faith
Direct will provide St. Jerome Parish with consis-
tent support and simplify your giving without the
wasteful envelopes. Join us in giving up enve-
l o p e s t h i s L e n t e n s e a s o n !
Visit www.faithdirect.net and use our church code:
CT46 Thank you for your continued support of
our parish family!
Sacred Heart University
Theatre Arts Program
presents
Jesus Christ Superstar
April 6-8 at 8 pm
April 9 at 3 pm
Edgerton Center for the
Performing Arts
Palm Sunday Weekend-
Live the Story!
Trinity Catholic High School
Annual Spring College Fair
Thursday, April 6 6:30—8:30pm
926 Newfield Avenue
Stamford, CT 06905
*Held in school gymnasium
Youth Formation exists to advocate and assist par-
ishes and youth ministry leaders in the formation of
young people. Guided by the USCCB Document
“Renewing the Vision”, we form parish youth ministry
leaders to offer a comprehensive youth ministry pro-
gram to, with, by, and for young people. We advocate
for the needs of young people at all levels. Some of
the special Diocesan programs and activities sup-
ported by the Annual Catholic Appeal are: Catholic
Service Corps, World Youth Day, SHU Journey, and
March for Life, CONVIVIO, the National Catholic
Youth Conference, High School Apostles and Catholic
Scouting. Please prayerfully consider making your
gift today.
We pray for those who bravely serve our country
in the military and those deployed in dangerous
locations. Thank God for those who have re-
turned home safely. Our service people include:
Spec. Jason Kulik, United States Army
PFC Andrew Chimento, United States Army
PFC Devon Barker, United States Army
If you or a family member are on active duty and
would like to be prayed for, please let the office
k n o w ( 2 0 3 - 8 4 7 - 5 3 4 9 o r
LENTEN SOUP & BREAD
THIS FRIDAY
This Friday, March 31, we will
have our next free Soup and
Bread supper in the church hall
with a Witness Talk. We have had
30-40 parishioners each Lenten
Friday enjoy the delicious soups and hear deeply
moving Witness Talks. Supper is at 6:00 PM. At 7:00
PM Judy Dennehy will give the third Witness Talk. We
will end with evening prayer in the church sanctuary.
Save the date for our last Lenten Witness Talk by
Dick Maiberger on April 7. And please sign up in the
church hallway for making meatless soups for our
Lenten Fridays. We need many soup-makers. Please
bring your soup in a crock pot or large pot with a heat-
ing plate if you can. Please bring beverages. We’ll
supply the breads, coffee, and tea.
TWEETS OF THE WEEK
@Pontifex “I invite you not to build
walls but bridges, to conquer evil with
good, offense with forgiveness, to live
in peace with everyone.”
@BishopCaggiano “For Christ, it is never too
late for anyone to turn to him. Even if the world
considers us to have “struck out”, the Lord does
not think so.”
@JameMartinSJ “Gospel: St. Joseph is given
no lines to speak in the Gospels. Most of life re-
mains hidden. Yet that quiet life was essential for
the world.”
March 26— Grades 1-6 meet at the 9:15 Mass
followed by class.
-Grades 7 & 8—check your email!
TOTAL meets tonight with rehearsal for the Four-
teen Steps which will be presented on Good Fri-
day at 8:00pm. All TOTAL teens are welcome to
participate. Parents, we will need your help with
food and props during the long rehearsals
on April 2, 9, and on Good Friday, April 14.
Please check your email for a link to sign
up. Water and soda are always welcome at the
other rehearsals. Dads are needed to help with
putting away the props after the rehearsals at
8:45. Rehearsals will go until 9:00 pm.
SAFE ENVIRONMENTS
******IMPORTANT ******
All volunteers 18 years and over must be in com-
pliance with the diocesan mandate.
P l e a s e s e e t h e V I R T U S w e b s i t e
(www.virtusonline.org) click “first time registration”,
click “view a list of sessions”, search ‘Bridgeport, CT
(Diocese)”. Some upcoming sessionsH.
Catholic Center (Bridgeport) 3/28 at 5:30 PM
Come see the All Saints Catholic School Drama
Club performance of "Annie Jr." on Friday, March
31 at 7pm and Saturday, April 1st at 2pm. Tickets
are $10 for adults and $8 for students. Tickets
are now on sale at All Saints (139 West Rocks
Road, Norwalk) and a limited number will be sold
at the door. Don't miss it!
Fr. Reggie of Our
Lady of Fatima, Wil-
ton will be hosting a
trip to Fatima, Por-
tugal October 9-15.
Reservations are being
accepted now. We are limited to 42 slots as the
hotels are full. If you are interested, please call
the OLF office ASAP (203-762-3928) to reserve
a spot or get on the waiting list. Do you want to
miss the opportunity to be where Our Lady ap-
peared for the final time over 100 years ago? Re-
serve your spot today! Full itinerary and details
are available in the OLF parish office.
OUR LENTEN CROSS -
TAKE A TAG OR TWO
EACH WEEK
At the rear of the church, the
large wooden Cross hung with
colored tags invites us to partici-
pate in prayer and giving of our-
selves during Lent. Blue tags are
Donation tags and go to benefit these agencies: Malta
House (young, low-income, unmarried pregnant
women), Manna House (the Norwalk soup kitchen),
AmeriKids (children with HIV/AIDS), Notre Dame Con-
valescent Care Center residents, and Syrian refugees
in Connecticut. Purple tags on the Cross are Prayer
Requests, pink tags are Acts of Kindness ideas, off-
white tags are Acts of Prayer suggestions, and yellow
tags are 40 Ideas for Lent. You may take one or more
tags at any time during Lent and complete the action
on the tag. The Cross is refilled with tags throughout
Lent, so please take a tag or two each week. Thank
you for your continued prayers, kindnesses, and gen-
erosity!
Social Concerns
March Meeting will
be held at 7:00pm
Monday, March 27th
in Room 5. All Committee members are reminded
to attend. Any interested parishioners are always
welcome to come & participate.
Our Special Lenten Food Drive will take place on this weekend!!
This is our annual invitation for parishioners to give a hungry neighbor one week's
worth of non-perishable groceries. All food collected helps to stock the shelves of three
Norwalk food pantries run by: Person-2-Person (P2P), Mid-Fairfield AIDS Project, and
Open Door Shelter. If possible, please consider donating your food items in a reusable
grocery bag. Thank you for making life better for our hungry Norwalk families.