St Catherine of Siena

The Catholic Biblical School

Have you ever wondered about the Sunday readings? I mean really, wondered? Who are the writers? Who were they writing to and what was the situation of the communities who read Scripture long, long ago? And most importantly, what have they to offer me today? Take today’s first reading, from the Book of Sirach. Who was Sirach? The author is actually the grandson of Sirach and in the rabbinic tradition is referred to as “The Book (or Instruction) of Ben Sira”. In the Christian tradition it is referred to as a Wis-dom Book or “Ecclesiasticus”, a title that means “churchly” or “belonging to the church”. Most scholars believe it was written around 180 BC. The writing style is typical Hebrew poetry and the content brings the reader to better understand its duties to God, family and society. In fact, this ancient book has very much to offer us in our times, in our own situation, offering the notion that humility is an essential virtue to witnessing God in our world today. In the Catholic Biblical School, students studied the Wis-dom Books and learned about the authors, message and historical situation of that era. In our second reading from Hebrews, we have a letter attributed to St. Paul, although it reads more like an exhortation. Today, we are confronted with some powerful im-agery. Blazing fire and gloomy darkness are a reference to God’s descent on Mt. Sinai when He found the Israelites worshipping the golden calf. But as Christians, we have found salvation through the blood of Christ. In other words, because of Christ’s actions, and His new Covenant, we are forgiven. We studied Saint Paul in depth in our second year of Catholic Biblical School and were truly enlightened to Paul’s tremendous impact on the Chris-tian Church and how often times he is quite misunderstood. Fi-nally, we hear the Gospel of Luke. Luke, traditionally identified as a physician, and Apostle to the Gentiles, his style of writing and wonderful recounting of the many parables of Jesus is illus-trated today. The wedding feast is often the description of the heavenly banquet – how it will be in heaven. In heaven, the place of honor belongs to the lowliest. In heaven, humility is the norm. See how humility is the theme in the readings today? How does being humble today make me a happier person, a person more connected to others and more connected to God? These are things Luke wanted his readers, which means all of us, right now, on this day, to consider. There is so much treasure in Scripture, our Sunday readings, that may seem like a mystery. If you have ever really wondered, you may be the perfect candidate to enroll in the Catholic Biblical School. There are classes forming now in convenient places such at Sacred Heart in Bloomfield and also in West Hartford. For more information go to www.orehartford.org or call Kathi Bonner, DRE at 658.4737.

Fall Youth Ministry Notes from Judy Pluta

The air is changing and becoming cooler. For many, school has started. Sports programs will soon be in full swing. Ready or not, here comes Fall!! The St. Catherine’s High School Youth Minis-try is ready to kick off its 2010-2011 season on Sunday, Septem-ber 12th, at 6:00 pm in Russell hall.

For those of you who are new to the Youth Ministry program this year, let me encourage you to come, check it out and bring a friend. What is our Youth Ministry program all about and what do we do? At St. Catherine of Siena, it is a place for teens to come with friends, meet new friends or bring a friend. We serve others both in our own community and outside our community.

Throughout the year we feed the hungry in Hartford, bake cookies for the soup kitchen in Winsted, make pies for area shelters. At Easter we make baskets for children who live in homeless shel-ters. At St. Catherine of Siena we serve at the spaghetti dinner fundraiser and help with the leaf rake. At our Sunday night Youth Group gatherings we play team community building games, have discussions, make a campfire and s’mores, and invite guest speakers. This fall we will once again sponsor the 24 hour famine and hunger walk, prepare for another Mission trip in March and go on a fall retreat at Camp Washington the weekend before Thanksgiving. When we take a few hours out of our week to serve a hot lunch to a hungry person in Hartford, or make an attempt to really talk to a homeless person in Boston on our Mis-sion trip, we are attempting to follow the message of humility from Luke’s gospel that we heard today. That is, assuming the place of the lowly “with” them, trying to sit momentarily in the shoes of another person and feel life from their perspective.

Let me tell you about the first few events planned for this Fall. On Sunday, September 19th, (the Sunday AFTER the kickoff) we will sponsor a car wash called WASH AWAY HUNGER. An-gel Food Ministry will be the beneficiary of our fundraising. Our car wash will take place from 1:00-3:00 on Hopmeadow Street in the St. Mary’s School parking lot. Bring some towels and drying rags. I will be looking for parents to come and help. (Dads, we would love to have you join us!!) And the community of St. Catherine of Siena?...well, bring your dirty cars, of course!

On Sunday, October 3rd, at 6:00 PM sharp youth group will meet at BOY SCOUT HALL for a themed SCAVENGER HUNT on Hopmeadow Street. What’s the theme? Well, you will have to come and see for yourself. Parents, I would love to have 4-6 of you come and help that night. Come join the fun!!
On Sunday evening, October 17th, our regular youth group meeting, bring a tee-shirt to tie dye. Details will follow. I can’t forget to mention that our freshman will be participating in their Confirmation retreat on Saturday, September 25th, at Holy Family. Our upper class youth ministry teens have been invited to be Peer Ministers for this event.

Some of you may be wondering “If I come to the Youth Ministry kickoff, do I have to come each week or participate in every event?” And the answer, of course, is no. High school, home-work, sports, and part time jobs all keep you very busy. Come to Youth Group as often as you can, we would love to have you, but sometimes you just have to stay home and study for that test. I am looking forward to a great year and welcome any thoughts, ideas or questions. Please feel free to call me at 860-408-9888 or email me at JudyPlutaYM@gmail.com

I’ll see you Sunday evening, September 12th, at 6:00 PM Rus-sell Hall. Pizza will be served.

ST. CATHERINE OF SIENA TRIP TO ITALY - June 30 - July 10, 2011

ANTED: two more travelers to complete our parish group on this memory-making trip to Italy set for next Summer. Check out www.explorica.com (under “students” type in tour center id “o’hara-8601”
that is (o apostrophe hara dash 8601) for customized itinerary, pricing that includes airfare,
lodging, travel, food, excursions and more.

The roster of parishioners who have registered so far is also there. The sooner we have our complete group the sooner we can send our request for a semi-private audience with the Pope and make flight arrangements together as a group. Please e-mail Rosanne O’Hara for info at rohara110@gmail.com. Grazie!

OUR FIRST INFORMATION MEETING for our Italy travelers (and anyone else interested) will be on Sunday, Sept. 26th, at 6:15PM in the vestibule. These monthly meetings will cover cultural and linguistic facts and trip preparations. Please e-mail Rosanne at rohara110@gmail.com if you are interested.

New Ministry About to Begin: Lazarus Committee

The Lazarus Committee offer’s a simple reception of light refreshments and soft beverages following
funeral Masses for families who request it. Members of the committee would take turns, based on
availability, setting up, hosting and cleaning-up.

Home bakers are welcome and we can arrange pick-up of baked goods, if necessary. Co-chairs would organize email/ phone alerts to committee members when funerals are scheduled and Lazarus Committee services are requested. If you are interested in volunteering, or have any questions, please call MaryEllen Henry (860-408-9019) or Sheila Nugent (860-651-5003).

RCIA - (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults)

Our parish program begins in October with reception of the Sacraments at the Great Easter Vigil. To join the RCIA Program or learn more about the RCIA process, please call Fr. Michael at 860.658.1642.

ANGEL FOOD MINISTRIES

The September Angel Food Menu is now available for ordering. Please take a look at the new selection
items. The menu and order forms are available in the atrium & vestibule or online at www.angelfoodministries.com. In-person orders are due by 9/16. Order on-line through 9/22 for distribution on Sat., 9/25. This ministry serves parishioners and other community members with everyone enjoying fresh foods at reasonable prices. We encourage you to share this info with your family and friends in the surrounding communities. If you can to make a donation, envelopes are found at the AFM display.
Thank you for your continued support. In August, the ministry sponsored 26 food boxes.

Music Notes...

It’s that time of the year again when all of our music groups are recruiting more singers and instrumentalists.

Come make a difference in the music at Mass by joining one of our groups: Adult Choir, Contemporary Music Group, or Children’s Choir (grades 2-8). You don’t have to have a wealth of experience – just a desire to sing or play your instrument with others. Come find out what a great experience it is to be involved in our ministry!

First Rehearsals are:

Adult Choir: Thursday, September 9th, 7:30-9PM in the Music Room.

Contemporary Music Group: Thursday, September 2nd, at 7 PM in the Church

Children’s Choir: Thursday, September 9th, 6:30-7:20PM in the Music Room.

Everyone looks forward to seeing you and hearing you!

YOUTH MINISTRY 2010 KICKOFF!!

Join the fun, Sunday evening, September 12th, at 6PM in Russell Hall. Group problem solving games, pizza, and FUN. Bring a friend and check it out: get info on the September 19th “WASH AWAY HUNGER CAR
WASH”, October 3rd “Scavenger Hunt On Hopmeadow, mission trip, service opportunities, 24
hour famine, hunger walk, Youth Group Fall retreat, Feed the Hungry, dodge ball tournament,
guest speakers and more. Bring a friend and see what is planned for the 2010/2011 year.

SEPTEMBER — MAY MASS SCHEDULE BEGINS SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 12TH

On Sunday, September 12th, the Masses switch back to the Fall/Winter/Spring time schedule:
Saturday @ 5PM (remains the same)
Sunday @ 8AM, 11AM & 5PM

Religious Education Classes are 9:30AM - 10:30AM

UPCOMING PARISH MEETINGS

Thurs., 9/9, @ 6:30PM - Parish Council - Russell Hall
Tues., 9/14, @ 7PM - Finance Committee - Rectory

WEDDING BANNS

Bann III - Jennifer King & Alexander Cabrera
Bann III - Laura Niemiroski & Eric Champagne

NEW PARISH OFFICE HOURS

Beginning Monday, September 6th, the parish office hours will be 9:00AM - 4:30PM.

Twenty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time—9/5

1st Reading: Wisdom 9:13-18;

2nd Reading: Philemon 9-10, 12-17;

Gospel: Luke 14:25-33

Focus Question: Name any way that a commitment to follow Christ has affected your decisions.

Religious Ed News

RE PARENTS: All classes, Kindergarten - Confirmation begin on Sunday, September 19th, from 9:30am - 10:30am. A parent meeting with info and coffee will be held in the cafeteria during class. At least one parent should attend this meeting. We always have a need for hall monitors to sign up, so please come prepared to give a few weeks of help in the hallways.

CONFIRMATION PARENTS: A gentle reminder that the Enrollment Mass for Grade 9 will be on Saturday, September 11th, at 5pm, with a parent meeting immediately following the Mass at 6pm. Your son or daughter will be called, after the homily, to sign the enrollment book in the sanctuary of the church, so it’s very important that your teen dress appropriately for this occasion. The meeting should last less than one hour.

Catechist Commissioning Mass and Orientation will be held on Sunday, September 12th. The orientation will be in Russell Hall from 9:30am - 10:30am with the Mass at 11am. All student texts are in the library at this time and catechists are welcome to come and get their books. For the number of children in your class, please contact Kathi Bonner, Kathidre@aol.com or 658-4737.

Weekly Mass Intentions

Saturday, August 28th, @ 5PM, Mass for Bill Shea, requested by Fay Shea.
Sunday, August 29th, @ 8:00AM, Mass for Caroline O’Brien, requested by Dan & Joan Donahue.
Sunday, August 29th, @ 10:00AM, Mass for Duane Martensen, requested by the Swenson Family.
Tuesday, August 31st, @ 8:30AM, 5th Anniversary Mass for Ann Mary Rossetti, requested by Chris Rossetti.
Sunday, September 5th, @ 8:00AM, Special Intention for the Lukowski Family, requested by Judith & Edward Moks.
Sunday, September 5th, @ 10:00AM, Mass for Eddie Rios-Mellado, requested by Nydia Melendez.
Wednesday, September 8th, @ 8:30AM, Special Intention for the Butler Family, requested by Julia & Myles McCabe.
Saturday, September 11th, @ 5:00PM, Confirmation I Enrollment Mass.
Sunday, September 12th, @ 8:00AM, Mass for Liz Stevenson, requested Ginny & Tom Kelly.
Sunday, September 12th, @ 11:00AM, Commissioning Mass for Catechists.
Wednesday, September 15th, @ 8:30AM, Birthday Remembrance for Jo-Ann Kiniry, requested by the Mueser 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.

Important Religious Education Documents

Here are some important religious education documents that were sent to all parents last pring.

Download 2010-2011 Parent Letter

Download 2010;2011 RelEd Calendar

Download 2010-2011 Confirmation Calendar

Download 2010-2011 Confirmation II Parent Letter

Download 2010-2011 Confirmation I Parent Letter

Download Service Form

Download 2010-2011 Re-register form

From Father Michael

This weekend, Luke‟s Gospel (13:22-30) might find some of us reading or hearing it with a fearful question coming to mind: „have I done enough as a Christian to be welcomed into the Kingdom of Heaven?” Others may turn from this Gospel and figure that it does not apply to them.

Fact: Luke‟s Gospel, the Word of God, applies to us all.
Fact: God is all loving and forgiving.

Fact: God is also a judge. Therefore: the commitment Christ commands of each of us in living out our Christian discipleship is not one of “a casual association,” but rather is a total commitment lived out in and among our human nature.

As we hear in today‟s Gospel, “Jesus passed through towns and villages, teaching as he went and making his way to Jerusalem. Someone asked him, “Lord, will only a few people be saved?” He answered them, “Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many, I tell you, will attempt to enter but will not be strong enough.”

Notice that the questioner is unidentified—perhaps a symbol of universality—and note that Jesus does not answer the question directly, rather He turns the question around from a question being about “the many” to now being about “one‟s own actions.”

Our message today about discipleship is that it takes a deep and all-out commitment to be a true disciple of Christ and to be counted among the chosen who will be welcomed into God‟s glory. That is not to say that Christ is not a forgiving Lord. For He is! It is not to say that Christ‟s love and mercy are not boundless and beyond all human understanding. For they are! However, Christ could not be clearer in this Gospel and in all His teachings that being a follower—indeed being a Catholic—is not a casual or self-selective association with Him and the Father.

Christ tells us that we are to be fully committed to Him. We are to hear His Word and to follow Him. We are not empowered to amend His teachings or His commandments. We are not called to “tweak” His mission or ministries, nor are we to decide to whom the Kingdom of Heaven is offered, or to make His Word form of old more fitting for today‟s world. Christ calls us to fol-low Him (“Come, follow Me”) not follow what Wall Street or Main Street or what Hollywood or relativism tells us is more comfortable in order to comply with worldly hopes or aspirations. His Word is difficult to live out each and every day. We will fail, we will falter. But His sacraments (of our Church) are given to us to keep us strong in fighting temptations—and being united to Christ in the faith will make it more bearable to walk away from drugs or the easy outs of a difficult relationship or situation. Bap-tism, the Eucharist, Confession, Confirmation, Holy Matrimony, Sacred Orders, and the Anointing of the Sick are all meant to build-up the spiritual life in each one of us so that we are able to walk successfully in this life of nature, where God‟s Grace raises us up beyond nature to the potential of God, which was given to us in His likeness and image in Creation. Saint Thomas Aquinas talks a great deal about nature and grace, and from his writings we know that in the plan of salvation God means for us to be lifted up from the world of instinct and action to a world where grace enables us to seek the righteous, where passions are con-trolled by the will which is infused with grace and aligned to God‟s desires. That is what separates us all from the animal kingdom. We see this happening in the world around us. Look and see where God is present in lives and carefully watch how humanity conforms itself to God, acting in love and compassion. See where He is unwelcomed and watch humanity sink to its more base conditions, to the lowest common denominator. Hu-man beings acting like animals, moving in packs, attacking each other, seeking only what matters for the self, what seems to meet the needs of selfish pleasure or cruel expectations. The nightly news, where mobs rule and humanity places itself on the pedestal of power, offers far too many proofs of this.

But humanity can be more. God‟s plan calls for our co-operation with His Grace to raise us to the heights He has ordained humanity to be, before the fall and the entrance of sin into our world. This is not a cute fable, it is the Will of God.

How does God‟s Grace work? It is not “magic,” and so we should not expect the swallowing of the Eucharist or the prayer of absolution (in Confession) to make things “all better” in an instant. Grace builds upon nature (Thomas Aquinas) and the reception of the sacraments, the trust and belief in God‟s desire for only good in our lives, will nourish and strengthen us—over time—to align our passions and will to His desires. It is not easy. It is not without temptations (even Christ was tempted in the desert) or failure. What it is about is the abundant and boundless mercy and love of God, offered over and over again, and the heart‟s desire to be one with Him in real contrition of the human heart that replaces pride and belief in the self? Then our God floods us with His love and mercy…and the Kingdom of Heaven is open to all peoples—from the North and South, the East and West, of every age and generation, of every race, creed and gen-der. He is our God. We are His Creation.

What gives me hope, besides faith? From time to time I have told you about retreats for teenagers and Confirmation students in which I have participated. I talked about the fears and anxieties these young adults have or questions and concerns they raise. This past Wednesday night I was at one of those retreats at Holy Family Monastery where some 100 high school seniors from Xavier High School in Middletown (an all boys Catholic high school) attended. The retreat is optional and open to all entering seniors. It cost them $300 out of pocket and nearly 60 per-cent of the class attended. There were four priests available for Confession after Evening Prayer and so the night ended around 9:30 p.m. I cannot begin to tell you how impressive it was to hear 16 and 17 males talk about their Catholic identity and what it means to them and our world. Surely, these were not 100 saints…however, the depth of the understanding they have of their Catholic faith and its applicability to them in the modern world was reassuring to say the least. Grace is at work here. While the seal of the sacrament binds me from speaking of specifics or mentioning names, the confessions were spot-on (I was actually looking for cameras thinking this had to be a Candid Camera taping since it seemed too good to be true) when it comes to understanding what it means to be committed to Christ as a disciple. This was not all “holier then thou” talk but rather a sincere desire to ac-knowledge the blessings they have, the fears they face, and the hope they wish to live in. This school does a great job at being Catholic and not afraid to proclaim our beliefs and Traditions, to show how they work well in the world, how they benefit all humanity, and how it is God who will lead us in this life if we only invite Him in.

Christian Discipleship is a total commitment and not a casual attachment that we claim when it is comfortable to wear. As Christ says in Luke 12:8;"And I say to you, everyone who confesses Me before men, the Son of Man will confess him also before the angels of God.” The invitation is

New Ministry About to Begin: Lazarus Committee

The Lazarus Committee offer‟s a simple reception of light refreshments and soft beverages following funeral Masses for families who request it. Mem-bers of the committee would take turns, based on availability, setting up, hosting and cleaning-up. Home bakers are welcome and we can arrange pick-up of baked goods, if necessary. Co-chairs would organize email/phone alerts to committee members when funerals are scheduled and Lazarus Committee services are requested. If you are interested in volunteering, or have any questions, please call MaryEllen Henry (860-408-9019) or Sheila Nugent
(860-651-5003).

ANGEL FOOD MINISTRIES

At 4:30pm on Friday, August 27th, we will be setting up for Distribution Day. Please join us if you can help set up. On Saturday, August 28th, distribution takes place from 9:30 - 11am in the vestibule.
Angel Food Ministries is a food program for every-one. You may order for your own family to enjoy fresh and healthy food that is less expensive OR you may donate funds for a food box that will be given to another family. Order forms and/or dona-tion envelopes are available in both the atrium and vestibule. A volunteer sign up sheet is also on the tables. Order are taken every Wednesday morning from 9-10:30am and Thursday evening from 5:30—7pm in the church library or on-line anytime at www.angelfoodministries.com. Be sure to indicate St. Catherine of Siena as the Host Site.

RCIA

(Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults) Our parish program begins in October with reception of the Sacraments at the Great Easter Vigil. To join the RCIA Program or learn more about the RCIA process, please call Fr. Michael at 860.658.1642.

SEPTEMBER — MAY MASS SCHEDULE BEGIN SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 12TH

On Sunday, September 12th, the Masses switch back to the Fall/Winter/Spring time schedule:
Saturday @ 5PM (remains the same)
Sunday @ 8AM, 11AM & 5PM
Religious Education Classes are 9:30AM - 10:30AM

WEDDING BANNS

Bann II - Jennifer King & Alexander Cabrera
Bann II - Laura Niemiroski & Eric Champagne

SCHOOL SUPPLIES NEEDED!

School supplies are needed to help Hartford‟s children. Please donate the following items for Family Life Ministry to distribute: backpacks, calculators, notebooks, pens, pencils, rulers, 3 ring binders, loose leaf paper, markers, crayons, and glue. All items can be placed in the boxes in the vestibule and atrium. Thank-you!

Music Notes...

It’s that time of the year again when all of our music groups are recruiting more singers and instrumentalists.
Come make a difference in the music at Mass by joining one of our groups: Adult Choir, Contemporary Music Group, or Children’s Choir (grades 2-8). You don’t have to have a wealth of experience – just a desire to sing or play your instrument with others. Come find out what a great experience it is to be involved in our ministry!
First Rehearsals are: Adult Choir: Thursday, September 9th, 7:30-9PM in the Music Room. Contemporary Music Group: Thursday, September 2nd, at 7 PM in the Church Children’s Choir: Thursday, September 9th, 6:30-7:20PM in the Music Room.
Everyone looks forward to
seeing you and hearing you!

High School Youth Ministry News

YOUTH MINISTRY 2010 KICKOFF!!
Join the fun, Sunday evening, September 12th, at 6PM in Russell Hall. Group problem solving games, pizza, and FUN. Bring a friend and check it out: get info on the September 19th “WASH AWAY HUNGER CAR WASH”, October 3rd “Scavenger Hunt On Hop-meadow, mission trip, service opportunities, 24 hour famine, hunger walk, Youth Group Fall re-treat, Feed the Hungry, dodge ball tournament, guest speakers and more. Bring a friend and see what is planned for the 2010/2011 year.