St Catherine of Siena

DVD of the St. Catherine TV Mass

The Office of Radio & Television makes its television programs available on DVD.   If you would like to request a DVD copy of the Mass held at St. Catherine Parish on May 22, please print the order form using your browser's printer icon, complete the form and mail it together with your donation to the address indicated on the form.  All CDs/DVDs are shipped via U.S. Mail.  Please allow 2-4 weeks for delivery.

Appreciation Punch

Here is the recipe for the punch served at the St. Catherine Appreciation Party last week.

Appreciation Punch

6 cups water
3 cups sugar
1 46 oz. can pineapple juice
1 1/2 quarts orange juice
juice of 2 lemons
5 bananas, pureed
3 liters ginger ale

In a stock pot heat water and sugar until sugar dissolves.  Cool completely and stir in pineapple juice and next 3 ingredients.  Divide among 3 heavy duty zip top bags and  freeze.  Remove from freezer 3 hours before serving.  Just before serving, transfer juice mixture to a punch bowl and stir in 1 liter of ginger ale per plastic bag.

Yields 50 servings

The Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity

The Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity celebrates a doctrine of the Church—the Triune God, one God in three divine persons—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. First we should define the word “doctrine” in terms of Catholic usage, which sometime is confused with the term “dogma.” Doctrine is any truth taught by the Church as necessary for acceptance by the faithful. The truth may be either formally revealed (as the Real Presence), or a theological conclusion (as the canonization of a saint), or part of the natural law (as the taking of innocent life). In any case, what makes it doctrine is that the Church authority teaches that it is to be believed. This teaching may be done either solemnly in ex ca-thedra pronouncements or ordinarily in the perennial exercise of the Church's Magisterium or teaching authority. Dogmas are those doctrines which the Church proposes for belief as formally revealed by God. (Etym. Latin doctrina, teaching).

Getting back to today’s solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity…in the 4th century Arius, a priest of Alexandria, denied the divinity of Christ, and as a consequence, faith in the Trinity and the equality of the three divine Persons. This heresy, called Arianism, was condemned by the Church’s Councils of Nicea, in 325 A.D. and Constantinople, in 381 A.D. The heresy Arianism caused the creation of the Nicean Creed which we recite every Sunday following the homily. The Catholic belief in the Trinity is paramount to our foundational faith. Notice during the celebration of the Sacred Eucharist how many times we state our Trinitarian belief: in the sign of the Cross, the Doxology at the end of the presidential (priest’s) prayers, in the Gloria and in the Profession of Faith (Creed), and in the Eucharistic prayer which concludes in the Great Doxology, and then one more time in the Solemn or final blessing at the end of the celebration of Mass. We are firm and unbroken in our belief in One God coming to us in three divine Persons.

In today’s first reading, the Book of Proverbs, which among other things is a collection of wise sayings and tells us about the wisdom of God—is begotten before all ages and considered His “master craftsman” in the creation of all things. This eternal wisdom delights in the creation (us) that He would be called to redeem at the end of the ages. In the second reading Saint Paul wants us to understand that there are two things which we Christians can boast about: faith and suffering. In faith we can boast that the gift of righteousness we have received comes directly from God. In suffering, we can continue to place our hope in the gift of salvation which is given to us in the power of the Holy Spirit. In today’s Gospel of Saint John Christ tells His apostles that the promised Holy Spirit will declare to all what comes from Christ—which is Christ’s by the gift of the Father. Here we have another Trinitarian ideal—the Holy Spirit will declare to all that which Christ proclaimed and was is given to Christ by God the Father. You and I are invited to participate in this divine relationship. We are given the Truth by Christ and the Father—all has been revealed already by God—and the Holy Spirit will continue to make His Wisdom known in the world…in His Church which is built of living stones—all of us who believe in the power of the relationship between and within the Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit.

The Church has for thousands of years proclaimed this doctrine of a Trinitarian God and we should be eager to under-stand that this is not a new or modern belief; it is not something that came to us in a flash. In fact, the Old Testament also alludes to the Trinitarian nature of God. In the story of Abraham and Sarah about hospitality to strangers by the oaks of Mamre near Hebron, three unnamed visitor appear in front of their tent and are provided with food and water, after which they promise the elderly couple that Sarah would soon bear a son. Throughout this biblical account the visitors are referred to as three, as one, as the Lord; the three acted in perfect unity and spoke with one voice. The early Christian community recognized this as Three within the One, the Trinity…and Saints Augustine and Ambrose interpreted the three men as manifestations of the Trinity.

Great Works. We have lots of great things going on in this parish by so many wonderful people. This past Sunday, at the 5 p.m. Mass of Appreciation (and at a reception afterward), hundreds of volunteers who build-up the Kingdom of God each and every day through acts of charity and corporal works of mercy came together at Mass for two main reasons: first, to give praise to God for the outpouring of love of our parishioners who have decided to say “yes” to God’s invitation to help others; and sec-ond, to recognize each other as cooperators in God’s plan of salvation.

What this weekend’s event represents is the ultimate in the definition of “Stewardship.” Now don’t be so quick to think that “stewardship” is about raising money. It is not that simple. “Stewardship” is really about saving souls. And saving souls is exactly what all the volunteers in our parish—and all parishes—are doing. No matter what the act of volunteerism is—being a lector or distributing Holy Communion, feeding the hungry or helping little children celebrate Christmas, making shawls for the sick or homebound or refurbishing a home—doing so in God’s name illustrates to others the Love of God and the desire of God to have all of His creation love Him in return and ultimately being in union with Him for ever. That is saving souls!

The Benefits of Eagle Scouts. We are truly blessed in this parish to have so many Eagle Scouts in our presence—and so many more young men seeking to become Eagle Scouts. And their desire to attain this impressive level of excellence in their lives has a number of benefits for our parish. First, their becoming an Eagle Scout builds a personal level of character that will only add to our caring community and build-up our reserves of people who act righteously in doing good deeds. Second, many of them have selected required community projects that either directly benefit our parish or our local community. This year alone, James DePasquale, son of Dr. and Mrs. Philip (Patty) DePasquale, has done an outstanding job in repairing ten of the exterior wooden doors in the atrium and Russell Hall. The original doors, which are actually interior doors but were used for exterior use, have been badly destroyed by the weather and elements. Faced with a large bill to repair them or even replace them, James has sanded, repaired, stained and applied polyurethane to make them look better-than-new. Take a look and see how great they are. He is a master craftsman for sure, and I thank him for all his hard work.
Kevin McCann, son of Betsy Garrison, took on developing, creating and installing directional and informational signs along the bike path that makes its way through the Town of Simsbury. A great deal or planning, fundraising, organizing and implementing went into this community project—which Kevin connected to our parishioners through a fundraising project that incorporated collection recyclable cans and bottles—highlighting his marketing, planning, and communicating skills. [Editors note: Kevin just sent a thank you note to the parish for their participation and generosity making this project a reality].
Hats off and congratulations to these two young men as they move toward completion of Eagle Scout requirements!

Become a Parish Picnic Sponsor!

The young and old of our Parish come out to celebrate our community.  The day is filled with families, fun & fellowship.  A good old fashion cookout with plenty of flash!  We provide day-long activities targeting at all age groups.  Karaoke, Pony Rides, Bingo, Raffles, Softball, Live Music & Dancing, Clowns, and a Moonwalk. This summer kickoff is the best attended parish event of the year.  If you are new to the parish, this is one event you will not want to miss!

You can help make the celebration a success! Become a Sponsor!

Sponsor Opportunities

Party Tents Beat the heat and a place to eat	$1500
7 Hours of Music and Entertainment Bring bands and music to the event	$1000
Inflatable Bouncer’s 5 hrs of bouncing fun	$750
Pony Rides by Flamig Farm 2 ponies for one hour	$500
Roast Beef Dinner The Best Beef in CT	$500
Jungle Jim A Live, Interactive Animal Show	$300
Tulmeadow Ice Cream You can’t beat this Ice Cream	$250
Clown Face painting & Balloons for the kids	$200
Roasted Pig Dinner 2 Pigs available	$150
Cotton Candy Always a favorite with the kids!	$100
or
“Friends of the Picnic” Big or Small everything makes a difference… $10 is lunch for a family or $100 is 1 hr for the entertainment	Any $ Amount

ANGEL FOOD MINISTRY - June 2010

Thank you to all who made our first official Distribution Day so terrific—our financial donors, our volunteers, and those who ordered! Flyers with the June Menu and info on how the program works can be found in the atrium and vestibule. Consider trying some of the specials for your own family as well as sharing with others.

New orders are due: June 17th in person OR June 20th online for Distribution on June 26th.You may now make a donation on-line - just write in the memo box “Donation” and we will apply your gift to a recipient. Please go on-line to www.angelfoodministries.com or check the flyer for different meal options. If you have any questions, please contact afm.lpd2010@gmail.com. Thank you for being part of this ministry.

SHELTER NEEDS

2 Pack & Play sets, a high chair, a booster seat, slide in bed rails, gates, a complete twin bed (mattress, box spring and frame), and a dresser. If anyone in the parish would like to donate one or more of these items, please contact Peter or Lisa Sheary @ 658-2899 or Shearyreal@aol.com.

PARISH PICNIC 2010

Saturday, June 12th Starting at noon we invite you and your family to the 2010 St. Catherine of Siena Parish Picnic! There will be pony rides, inflatable bouncers , hours of music, clowns, bingo, a softball game, karaoke, a Roast Beef dinner, Tulmeadow ice cream, cotton candy, a raffle and lots more...

JOIN US FOR A FUN-FILLED DAY!

PICNIC PLANNING MEETING

Meeting: Tues., June 1, 7PM, in Russell Hall
Topic: Event Run-through

ST. CATHERINE OF SIENA TRIP TO ITALY

We are half way to making this trip a reality!! Make your decision today to be a part of this memory-making trip at today’s prices. This private trip is customized for St. Catherine’s parishioners and their family and friends. Log on to www.explorica.com and under “students” type tour center id: o’hara-8601. You may check the itinerary, make monthly payments on-line and track trip details.

If you have any questions, please contact tour leader Rosanne O’Hara at rohara110@gmail.com or call 860/651-7388. The sooner you register, the sooner our flight bookings, together as a group, can be made.

MEN’S CLUB GOLF TOURNAMENT AT SIMSBURY FARMS

SAVE THIS DATE - JUNE 18TH

High School Youth Group News

Sunday, June 6th, 6 - 7:30PM. Our last Sunday night gathering before school ends. Please come to help plan for next year and help set up and try out the obstacle course for the parish picnic. Bring a friend and your ideas. Pizza and ice cream sundaes will be served.

June 25th - 27th. High School Leadership Retreat at Holy Family. Please contact Mrs. Pluta ASAP if you are interested in attending.

MOST HOLY BODY & BLOOD OF CHRIST- 6/6

1st Reading: Genesis 4:18-20;

2nd Reading: 1 Corinthians11:23-26;

Gospel: Luke 9:11-17.

Focus Question: Christ related with all types of people. What type of people do you find easy to include in your life? What type of people are easy to exclude?

UPCOMING PARISH MEETINGS

Tues., June 1st, @ 7PM - Picnic Committee - Russell Hall
Tues., June 8th, @ 7PM - Finance Council - Rectory
Tues., June 8th @ 7PM - Picnic Committee - Russell Hall
Mon., June 14th, @ 7PM - Prayer Shawl Ministry - Library
Mon., June 14th, @ 7PM - Virtus Training - Russell Hall
Thurs., June 17th, @ 6:30PM - Parish Council - Russell Hall

Weekly Mass Intentions

Saturday, May 29th @ 5:00PM, Mass for Fayette & Mae Morse, requested by Fay Shea.
Sunday, May 30th, @ 8:00AM, Mass for Allison Gray Broderick, requested by Janice & Bill Bitterli.
Sunday, May 30th, @ 11:00AM, 70th Wedding Anniversary for Margaret & James Moore, requested by their Family.
Tuesday, June 1st, @ 8:30AM, Special Intention for the Kazul Family.
Friday, June 4th, @ 11:30AM, Memorial Mass for Wayne Hudson, requested by the Hudson Family.
Saturday, June 5th, @ 5:00PM, Mass for Edward Wrobel, Sr., requested by the Swenson Family.
Sunday, June 6th, @ 8:00AM, 1st Anniversary Mass for Richard Boorjian, requested by Diana & Sons.
Sunday, June 6th, @ 10:00AM, Mass for Anna Dunn, requested by the Gorecki Family.
Friday, June 11th, @ 8:30AM, Birthday Remembrance for Brendan Donahue, requested by Julia Donahue.
Saturday, June 19th, @ 5:00PM, Birthday Remembrance for Evelyn Mauro, requested by the Kalamarides Family.
Sunday, June 20th, @ 10:00AM, Mass for Jack Bradley, requested by the Hoffman Family.

Please call the office @ 658-1642 for Mass Intentions or if you would like to offer the Sanctuary candle in honor of a loved one. If you would like to bring up the gifts in the offertory procession, please let the usher know when you arrive at church.

TV Mass

Tonight Father Michael Whyte and St. Catherine Parish played host to the Archdiocese of Hartford Office of Radio and Television which recorded the Saturday 5:00 pm Mass.

It will air Sunday, May 23 at 10:00 am on Channel 20 (Channel 11 on the Comcast cable system).

Pentecost!

The Greek word for Pentecost is Pentekostē which means “fiftieth” and in early Christianity referred to the entire Fifty Days of Easter. The roots of Pentecost come to the Christian world from the Jewish culture—the Jewish festival of Weeks, or Shavu’ot, the fifty day celebration following Passover (Exodus 23:16). Shavu’ot was a harvest festival that offered the first fruits of the harvest to God in gratitude for all He did for the Jewish people. Early Christians interpreted Shavu’ot as a commemoration of the coming of the Holy Spirit since The Acts of the Apostles records that the Holy Spirit came upon the apostles when the festival of Pentecost was fulfilled (Acts 2:1-11).

In our understanding and celebration of Pentecost we see the birth of the Church as the new body of Christ on earth. Just nine (9) days ago our faith celebrated the Ascension of the Lord, when a mighty act of God raised Christ, bodily, from the earth and placed Him at the right hand of the Father. In leaving His disciples, Christ said that He would not abandon them (or us) but would be with us until the end of time. His presence in this world—in His Church—is the Holy Spirit who moves, breaths and animates His Church with His Love, Peace, Hope and Action. His Church on earth, the new body of Christ, is built of living stones—it is built of people like you, not just cathedrals, basilicas, not shrines or grottos, nor chanceries or rectories—it is His people who feed the hungry here in Hartford and on the Common in Boston; build and repair the homes for the needy, visit the sick in hospitals with Holy Communion, knit shawls for the ill and lonely, collect food for local citizens in need, making sure that the miracle of Christmas comes to the homes of families in the inner city, and who make Easter baskets for marginalized children. The Church are those who teach the faith to our children so that the Church will continue, who sing praises to God in liturgy or serve the Lord in His Masses…this is the Church that is animated by the Holy Spirit…it is the Church, with all its human failings, that works in consort with God as His newest disciples to make His love and compassion, His knowledge and hope present in this world.

In the first reading today the tongues of fire mediate the gift of the Holy Spirit, and enable a bold and life-giving proclamation of the Good News. The Apostles and disciples are now “charged-up” with the gifts of the Holy Spirit and go out into the world to speak the Word of God and become the hands, arms, heart, and love of God. “The apostles break forth from their chamber of fear and announce a proclamation spoken in a single language, but grasped in many for the Holy Spirit brings one hope out of the chaos of sin,” according to Church scholars.

Our responsorial for today has the Church rejoicing in the gift of the Holy Spirit. She, the Church, proclaims Psalm 104 acknowledging that in every age it is the gift of the Holy Spirit that renews the face of the earth.

In our second reading it is the Holy Spirit that enables us to recognize the divine nature of Jesus and forms us into the one body of Christ, showering us with gifts for the building up of that body. “Thus, our faith in Jesus is inseparable for the life of the Church and continues to be depended in and communicated to us through the gifts shared by others with us in the fellowship of faith.” (Sourcebook).

Divine energy. As Christians we believe that now—at last—the plan of salvation has been fully made known and is “in place.” The Risen Lord is exalted at the right hand of the Father in
heaven, and the earth is now empowered by the Holy Spirit which He has sent….the Holy Spirit, this divine energy, is now charging the world—in and through His disciples—to make the Kingdom of God manifest in the here and now. Yet this energy needs a spark in order to ignite it and to make its power felt in the world. That spark is you, the disciple of Christ, who has been called by God the Father, baptized into His Church on earth and given the fullness of the Spirit at Confirmation—a fullness that is renewed and strengthened each and every time you receive Holy Communion and participate in the sacramental life of His Church.

You—we—are called by the same, One God. Ordained or lay, extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion or choir member, religious education teacher or youth minister, Men’s or Women’s Club member or acolyte, leaf-raker or home builder, knitter or altar decorator—each one has been called by name by the same God and empowered with varying gifts of the Holy Spirit for the One, all-important reason: to build-up the Kingdom of God; to make His presence known in this world, in the life of even just one human creation, so that the Love of God is felt in the human heart enabling the soul to know its true and only destiny—eternal life with our heavenly Father.

At Pentecost we celebrate the birth of the Church on earth. We are also celebrating on this day the goodness of the Lord who invites each one of us to freely choose Him and His way of Life. Then, not abandoning us, He empowers us with His holiness and His love so that we may serve Him by serving our brothers and sisters in need. We are asked by God to answer that divine calling.

This “holy call to arms” is not a one time deal, it is not a quick day at the homeless shelter or a once-in-a-lifetime leaf rake on a cold and wet November day, rather it is a way of life—it is stewardship at its best. Stewardship is a realization of the goodness of God in our lives and then a desire to turn back to God His goodness in deeds of service and prayer to those in need. The Catholic Church—here at Saint Catherine of Siena, here in the Archdiocese of Hartford, and all across the world—does it like no other organization on earth. This is not a prideful boast; rather it is a exaltation of the power of the Holy Spirit being accepted by the disciples of Christ in all ages. The Catholic Church provides more social and pastoral services to those in need than any other non-governmental agency. It is the Church, built of living stones (you) that feeds the hungry, visits the sick, cares for the lonely, welcomes refuges, protects the innocent unborn, defends the dignity of human life even when it seems wasted away by disease or unable to carry its own weight. It is the One, holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church that imitates completely the image and likeness of God—and does so not by the power of a pope or archbishop or by the works of the laity alone but by the grace of God, made manifest in His Holy Spirit, and freely accepted by those made in His likeness and image—you, the new body of Christ on earth. This is a difficult job to say the least. Being a faithful Christian takes a great deal of work and energy, a great deal of selfless giving. But we do not do it alone. We do it as one body, united in Christ and for the glory of God and the reward of eternal life.

A blessed Pentecost…happy birthday…let us do His work.

PEACE,
FATHER MICHAEL

MEN’S CLUB GOLF TOURNAMENT AT SIMSBURY FARMS

SAVE THIS DATE - JUNE 18TH

PARISH PICNIC 2010

Saturday, June 12th
Starting at noon we invite you and your family to the 2010 St. Catherine of Siena Parish Picnic! Keep watching the bulletin for details!

PICNIC PLANNING MEETING
The parish picnic does not just happen, it takes a group of dedicated individuals to help coordinate food, fun, entertainment and the raffle. Here is your chance to be part of the action. The Picnic Planning Committee will meet every Tuesday evening at 7p.m. at the church. We need volunteers to help us plan and execute this spectacular event. Come join the fun!
Meeting: Tues., May 25th, 7PM, in Russell Hall
Topic: Set-up & Facilities

ST. CATHERINE OF SIENA TRIP TO ITALY

June 30 - July 10, 2011
We are half way to making this trip a reality!! Make your decision today to be a part of this memory-making trip at today’s prices. This private trip is customized for St. Catherine’s parishioners and their family and friends. Log on to www.explorica.com and under “students” type tour center id: o’hara-8601. You may check the itinerary, make monthly payments on-line and track trip details.

If you have any questions, please contact tour leader Rosanne O’Hara at rohara110@gmail.com or call
860/651-7388. The sooner you register, the sooner our flight bookings, together as a group, can be made.

ANGEL FOOD MINISTRY - June 2010

Angel Food Ministry assists members of our parish and Simsbury’s neighboring communities
with cost-effective, healthy food choices. Anyone may take advantage of the Blessings
in the Box resources and the convenience to Shop without Shopping for ourselves or we can help out a
neighbor or friend by purchasing one of several offerings each month by donating the amount of a menu item.

Two ways to make a donation are: (1) you may order on-line the food items you wish to donate by completing info and writing “this is a donation” in the memo box, OR (2) you may write a
check to St. Catherine of Siena and write Angel Food Ministries on the memo line, mark the envelope AFM and put it in the collection basket or bring it to the rectory at your convenience.

Go on-line to at www.angelfoodministries.com to view June selections or pick up printed menu in the atrium and vestibule.

Orders Due: Thurs., 6/17 by 10:30AM. At this time, orders can be placed on line at any time or in person at St. Catherine of Siena on Tuesday or Thursday from 9-10:30AM.

Distribution Day: Sat., 6/26 between 9:30-11AM. Please bring your receipt and a large box for each unit of food ordered.

KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS SCHOLARSHIPS

The K of C promotes the Catholic Faith, family values and active involvement in Church activities. Since an educated, involved believer promotes those values more effectively, Council 2758 offers a scholarship based on that focus. One (1) $1,000.00 scholarship for post-secondary education will be awarded to a
member of the parishes served by Council 2758. A student is eligible in any year of post-secondary education. Applications must be submitted by June 15, 2010. Please call Dennis Gacioch @ 860/651-9653 or gacioch@hartford.edu to obtain an application.

SUMMER MASS SCHEDULE

JUNE, JULY & AUGUST
Begins Sunday, June 6th
Saturday Vigil remains at 5:00PM
Sunday Masses are 8:00AM & 10:00AM (NO 5PM)

High School Youth Group

Sunday, June 6th, 6 - 7:30PM. Our last Sunday night gathering before school ends. Please come to help
plan for next year and help set up and try out the obstacle course for the parish picnic. Bring a friend and your ideas. Pizza and ice cream sundaes will be served.

June 25th - 27th. High School Leadership Retreat at Holy Family. Please contact Mrs. Pluta ASAP if you are interested in attending.

MOST HOLY TRINITY - MAY 30TH

1st Reading: Proverbs 8:22-31;

2nd Reading: Romans 5:1-5;

Gospel: John 16:12-15.

Focus Question: When has the experience of being helpless and weak led you to reflect within? How
has this reflection helped you face adversity?

UPCOMING PARISH MEETINGS

Tues., May 25th @ 7PM - Picnic Committee - Russell Hall
Thurs., May 27th @ 6:30PM - Parish Legacy Meeting - Library
Tues., June 1st, @ 7PM - Picnic Committee - Russell Hall
Tues., June 8th, @ 7PM - Finance Council - Rectory
Mon., June 14th, @ 7PM - Prayer Shawl Ministry - Library

Religious Education Update

Attention Religious Education Teachers - There will be a Virtus Training on Monday, June 14th, @ 7PM in Russell Hall. In compliance with the Archdiocese of Hartford Safe Environment for Children, all volunteers who have contact with children must have this important training. If you have already attended a training session, you are in compliance. All those who have not had Virtus training, please contact Kathi Bonner at 658-4737 to sign up.

CONFIRMATION SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES
Service requirements for rising 8th graders can begin this summer. If you want to help with the parish picnic on June 12th, those hours will be included for Confirmation. Any 8th grader who signs up for “Feed the Hungry” visits to the Hartford Shelter can also count summer hours for their Confirmation requirements.

REGISTRATION FOR THE 2010/2011
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION YEAR will begin in mid-May. Please watch the bulletin for details on New Registrations.