NOVEMBER 10, 2013 THIRTY-SECOND SUNDAY

IN ORDINARY TIME

†Masses and Intentions† Sat Confession prior to 4:30 Mass Sat Nov 9, 4:30 p.m. Mass at St. Philip † Harry MacWay by John & Caroline Doughty Sun Nov 10, 9:00 a.m. Mass at St. Jude Sun Nov 10, 11:00 a.m. Mass at St. Philip † Barbara Ann Surprenant by Ralph & Ruth Yulo

Mon Nov 11, No Morning Mass Mon Nov 11, 6:00 p.m. Mass at St. Philip † John Hlobik by the Family Tue Nov 12, 8:00 a.m. Mass at St. Jude Tue Nov 12, 6:00 p.m. Mass at St. Philip Wed Nov 13, 8:00 a.m. Mass at St. Jude

Fri Nov 15, 8:00 a.m. Mass at St. Philip † Catherine & Steve Muska by Memorial Mass Fund

Adoration following Mass until 5:00 p.m. 4:50p.m. Divine Mercy Chaplet & Benediction

Sat Confession prior to 4:30 Mass Sat Nov 16, 4:30 p.m. Mass at St. Philip † Carolyn Kennedy by Jack & Elizabeth Cassella † Dorothy Handfield, 5th Anniversary by Lorraine Smith † Harry MacWay by Bill, Eileen & Debbie Molnar Sun Nov 17, 9:00 a.m. Mass at St. Jude † William Bannon, 9th Anniv by Kate Bannon & Family Sun Nov 17, 11:00 a.m. Mass at St. Philip † Amalia Zaicek by Margaret Pivonka & Family

OUR OFFERING OF THANKS TO GOD LAST WEEK

St. Philip Weekly Offering $3,403.00 St. Philip All Saints & All Souls $1,046.00 St. Jude Weekly Offering $ 952.00 St. Jude All Saints & All Souls $ 333.00

MEMORIAL FUND TOTAL DONATIONS St. Philip Memorial Fund $32,316.00 St. Jude Memorial Fund $12,675.00

ATTENDANCE LAST WEEKEND

Saturday 4:30 pm St. Philip 11/02/13 117 Sunday 9:00 am St. Jude 11/03/13 154 Sunday 11:00 am St. Philip 11/04/13 100

Total: 371

STEWARDSHIP: “May our Lord Jesus Christ himself

and God our Father, who has loved us and given us everlasting encouragement and good hope through his grace, encourage your hearts and strengthen them in every good deed and word.” 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17. God wants us to know the joy of giving. Yet, being generous takes strength, trust and grace. That’s why St. Paul reminds us to turn to God every day for encouragement and guidance on our stewardship journey.

ST. PHILIP’S & ST. JUDE’S CHOIR REHEARSAL Mon, Nov 11th & Nov 18th at 6:30 P.M. at St. Philip’s.

Please join us to prepare for Thanksgiving, Advent & Christmas! New Voices are Welcome!

PLEASE REMEMBER NEEDY IN OUR COMMUNITY. Non-perishable foods needed for Thanksgiving for

needy families in Ashford. Food will be collected until Nov 17th. Please sign up for frozen turkey donations. Donations of cash will be used to purchase fresh foods. Volunteers

needed Friday, Nov 22nd 1-3PM to organize and Saturday, Nov 23rd 10AM-12PM to distribute food.

CCD CLASSES are collecting for their FOOD DRIVE which continues until November 17th.

PRAYER LIST: Jackie Palombo, Marie (Beaudoin) Chace, Millie & Gus Aiello, Ed Kominski, Bob Mullarkey, Kristin Leffingwell, Katie Phelps, Elizabeth Piecyk, Normand Ravenelle, Elaine Fisher, Francine Hodovan, Jacob Fletcher, Sherri Shea, Josephine Brewster, John Reynolds, Pablo Alayon, Karin Bergeron, Howard Huff, Victor Drouin, Addie Specyalski, Msgr. Willis W. West, Robert Blain, Mikayla Wilcox (granddaughter of John & Caroline Doughty), Alesha Dagon, Elizabeth Borovicka. Please inform us of any updates.

PARISH MEETINGS: Prayer Shawl: Tues, Nov 12, 6:30 pm, Rectory. Knights of Columbus: Tues, Nov 12, 7 pm Parish Ctr. Parish Council: Tues, Nov 19, 7 pm Rectory. Women’s Bible Study: Tues, Nov 19, 10 am Rectory. Finance Committee: To be announced.

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION NEWS

St. Philip: CCD 9:30 am Sun. (No Classes Nov 10). St. Jude: CCD Wednesdays.

Confirmation Classes St. Philip, Sundays, 6 pm. (No Classes Nov 10). St. Jude, Wednesdays, 7pm.

Adults with Fr. Kennedy, Wednesdays, 10-12 noon. St. Philip Center.

St. Philip Parish Center, Mondays 7:00 pm A new class in Catholic Teaching ~ Get Excited ~ Topic: The Diaconate and Marriage. Deacon Chris will present the class.

Adult Ed with Ed Conlan: Fri, Nov 15, 7pm at St. Jude

Topic: “False charges: Celibacy caused pedophilia”.

ATTENTION LECTORS: your 2014 Missal is in the Sacristy.

ST. PHILIP’S CHRISTMAS CRAFT FAIR SAT, DEC 7TH, 2013, 9AM – 2PM.

It’s not too early to start planning for: BAKE SALE: Donate pies, cakes, cookies, fudge, ethnic foods or your family’s favorite dessert! PIES! PIES! PIES! Like to bake them? Why not donate some to our Pie Table at the Craft Fair? Pie tins and boxes for anyone willing to bake pies to be sold at the craft fair, will be available Nov 10th and 17th. This is a huge income-producer. RAFFLE BASKETS: You may start bringing your raffle baskets to the rectory any time now. Each basket should be valued at no more than $50.00 and include an itemized list. They must all be in by NOVEMBER 17TH because of state regulations!! We need volunteers on Sat, Nov 16th at 9 am to help with baskets and organizing the sale. You are welcome to bring your own basket items and assemble them here. There will also be a signup sheet for volunteers throughout the day of the Craft Fair.

ECUMENICAL THANKSGIVING SERVICE Tuesday, Nov 26th at 7pm. at St. Philip’s. Dessert reception follows in the Parish Center. Please bring a dessert if you can.

FATHER KENNEDY thanks Lois Mindek and Denise Pillion for the therapeutic Chicken Soup which helped tremendously in his recovery. COLLECTION FOR THE ARCHDIOCESE FOR THE MILITARY SERVICES (AMS) Today we support our family and friends who have served this nation with distinction. This collection will provide the Gospel, the Sacraments and other forms of spiritual support to the men and women of the United States Armed Forces wherever they serve, no matter the circumstances. Please prayerfully consider a generous contribution to the first-ever national Collection for the Archdiocese for the Military Services. Envelopes are in the back of the church.

ST. PHILIP & ST. JUDE CONFIRMATION Bishop Cote wrote to us, "Dear Father Kennedy, With great pleasure, I am happy to tell

you that I will be coming to your parish for Confirmation in 2014." Confirmation is scheduled for Tuesday, May 20, 2014 at 7:00 p.m. Please mark your calendars!

TRIP TO HAITI - ST MARY'S HAITIAN MINISTRY. Jan 22-29, 2014. The flight will leave from Bradley Airport and round trip will cost $561. Room and board, food and transportation while we are there is about $700. Financial assistance is available for this life-changing experience. Please contact Denise if you are interested, so we can book our space at the mission house in Haiti and get the flight booked at this rate. Denise Pillion of St. Philip’s: 860-617-3642. LAST CALL FOR THOSE WHO WOULD LIKE TO GO TO HAITI.

Catholic Charities FT Position Available: Primary Service Manager for DSS grant funded, Empowering People for Success Program (EPS). Applicant will provide outreach, case management, and advocacy for home-based families with barriers to employment. BA/BS in a human service field or Associates with home visitor experience. Based in Willimantic with cases located throughout Windham County. Extensive travel required. Bilingual preferred. Send resume to Search Committee, Catholic Charities, Diocese of Norwich, 331 Main Street, Norwich, CT 06360. Closing date: November 13, 2013.

Our Condolences to Jeanne Monty and her family on the death of her Mother, Mary Alassi.

Hugh Mechanical of Ellington removed the unused, underground, 3000 gallon oil tank behind the Parish Center at St. Philip’s. Fortunately, there were no leakage problems.

The end of the calendar year also marks the end of our year of “Faith with Charity and Love,” the 2013

ANNUAL CATHOLIC APPEAL. Thank you to all who have made a gift. The ACA supports thousands of our neighbors in need through the work of over 25 ministries and programs which provide emergency services, housing assistance, food for the hungry, pregnancy and adoption services, and so much more. There is still time to make your year-end gifts of stock and monetary donations to the 2013 ACA through December 31st. Donations are fully deductible to the extent allowed by the law. To donate call 860-886-1928 or visit www.norwichdiocesedevelopment.org for more info.

Congratulations to our newly elected or re-elected town officials. We will keep them in our prayers.

Do you or someone you know need a Prayer Shawl? Contact: Carolann Hernberg: 860- 487-0449, chernberg01@snet.net.

ST. PHILIP RESURRECTION GROTTO: The beautiful mosaic by Janet Zeh was installed on Saturday, Sept 28th. You are invited to visit the site.

Natural Family Planning Classes ~ For Married and Engaged. (NFP) is the safe and loving alternative to the dangerous chemical and synthetic hormonal side-effects of contraception and birth control. NFP is scientific and 99% effective for conceiving or responsibly postponing your baby. NFP can also help with fertility problems. A three part class begins on November 11th, 7:00pm at St. Joseph Parish Hall in Willimantic. Call the Collisons at 860-399-8265 for information. Register for class on line at www.ccli.org . Home Study and online also available.

ST. PHILIP AND ST. JUDE MEMORIAL FUNDS If you are making your donation in installments, please contact the office if you would like payment coupons.

ST. CLARE FRATERNITY ORDER

OF FRANCISCANS SECULAR

Meets the 4th Tuesday of each month at 7pm at St. Edward Parish, Stafford Springs, CT. A new initial formation group will begin this fall. If interested, please call Corinne Lorenzet 860-684-2666 or email stclaresfostafford@gmail.com. For more information visit the website: http://www.nafra-sfo.org/. MARRIAGE BUILDING AND REPAIR: Is your marriage tearing you apart, little or no communication, considering separation or divorce? Retrouvaille is a lifeline. Retrouvaille provides tools to heal, re-establish communication, and gain new insight into your marriage. A series of 6 sessions follows the weekend phase. Couples come to Retrouvaille, which is Catholic in origin but open to all, with a sincere desire to repair and build a stable, loving marriage. www.retrouvaille.org.

Eucharistic Ministers, Lectors and Altar Servers The October Schedule and November Availability sheet are now on the website. Altar Servers, Eucharistic Ministers and Lectors are needed. Now is the time to

come forward. WE NEED YOU – ESPECIALLY AT ST. PHILIP’S!

REMEMBER THE NEEDY IN OUR COMMUNITY. The Ashford Food Bank thanks us for our continued support of struggling families in the Ashford Community. Food is collected all year, not just at the holidays. Please bring non-perishable foods to the church for distribution. We cannot distribute out of date food.

FOOD ASSISTANCE: Distribution is always on a Friday morning, usually the 4th Friday of the month, from 7-9 a.m. at the United Baptist Church of Ashford. We have applications and food distribution schedules in our office or you may visit the website: http://www.ashfordchurch.org/COMMUNITY_OUTREACH/Ashford_Food_Bank/.

The WILLINGTON FOOD PANTRY is open 2 days weekly: Mon, 4 pm - 6 pm, and Wed, 10 am - Noon. Patrons must be Willington residents and be screened by the social worker, Tara Bergeron. Customers can come once monthly (on the day of their choice) to select shelf-stable food for their household. To apply, contact: Tara Bergeron, Director, Youth, Family & Social Services, Town of Willington, 40 Old Farms Rd. Willington, CT 06279 Phone: 860-487-3118; FAX: 860.487-3125 Email: wyfss@willingtonct.org.

GIFT CARDS ARE NEEDED Please consider donating gas cards from Cumberland Farms, and food cards from Big Y for requests that come from the needy in our community. Put them in an envelope marked "office" and place them in the collection basket. Thank you.

MEMORIAL MASSES: To remember your loved ones in Masses once or yearly, please call the office or stop in MTW&F 9:30 AM – 2:30 PM.

DIOCESE OF NORWICH VOCATION OFFICE: We have 9 seminarians studying this year. Please keep them in your prayers.

RELIGIOUS FREEDOM It is obvious that the application of the federal health care mandate has been tainted with major problems, among them the total disregard for the protection of religious freedom for all Americans. Let us keep steadfast in our quest to make sure that our First Amendment right is preserved as guaranteed in the U.S. Constitution.

To voice your opposition to the HHS mandate, please call the Capitol switchboard in Washington, D.C. at 202-224-3121 and urge your Congressmen or Congresswoman and/or U.S. Senators to support legislation that will overturn the mandate. You can also write to the White House at: 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. N.W., Washington, D.C. 20500.

There is now water in a tank at the cemetery available for watering plants. Bring your own watering can. This tank is located at the edge of the cemetery to the right of Father Dunn’s monument. Please note: metal detectors are not allowed! There is no digging allowed!

RACHEL’S VINEYARD RETREAT WEEKENDS If you are silently grieving after an abortion; healing, forgiveness and peace can begin with a Rachel’s Vineyard Retreat. Website: www.rachelsvineyard.org. “Project Rachel” is also a Diocesan outreach for anyone in need of healing. Priests in “Project Rachel” can help you through healing and forgiveness. Call 860-889-8346 ext. 283 or 800-554-5173. Confidential. www.rachelsvineyard.org.

REGISTRATION: If you are new to our parish or your registration is not current, please fill in a form with up-to-date information. Also, your pledge and use of the parish envelopes helps us plan our budget and provides you with a tax record. Due to recent thefts in the Ashford area, please lock your cars when you park at the church. LIGHTHOUSE CATHOLIC CDS: There are new

CDs with good Catholic teaching and some excellent testimonies of

individuals and their faith walk. Thank you for all your donations, they help to

keep the program going. If you have questions or requests contact Donna Vertefeuille at 860-429-4508 or email donna@vertefeuille.org.

“Donation Angel” ~ Donate any type of vehicle: cars, boats, etc. running or not. Donation Angel raises funds to support our Catholic Charities of Norwich and its mission to respond to Christ’s call to care for those in need by providing services for individuals and families. Click or call now for free quick removal of your unwanted vehicle and receive a tax deduction. For info call Ray at: 866-434-1131or www.donationangel.org/ccfsn.

SHOW YOUR SUPPORT FOR LIFE! “Choose Life” License Plates with smiling faces are promoting adoptions and traveling everywhere as a witness to Life

and Love. Give a gift that keeps on giving, it’s so easy! Go to www.fund-adoption.org for info or to download an application form. The license plate helps fund agencies such as Catholic Charities.

Where are our shut-ins? Please call the rectory if

you have a loved one in the hospital

or in a nursing home so we can visit,

bring the Eucharist and keep in touch.

PILGRIMAGE TO THE HOLY LAND led by Fr. Bob Grattaroti of St. Joseph ’s Parish, Charlton, MA. February 4 – 13, 2014. Visit Bethlehem, Galilee, Jerusalem & more. Daily Mass at the Holy Sites. Call Mike Milano at 1-800-773-2660 for information.

Birthright of Windham: Your donations provide a witness to our Catholic faith and our commitment to

life as we continue to provide baby wash, lotion, shampoo, pampers (size 1-4) and wipes, receiving blankets, newborn gowns and clothing. Through these donations, our

two churches make a major impact on this ministry for local mothers and their babies.

Pregnant? Need help? CATHOLIC CHARITIES Pregnancy and Adoption Programs provide concrete help & answers. Call 1-800-BABYDUE, even if you simply want to talk.

Home Buyers and Foreclosure Prevention Classes: For help with purchasing a home, fallen behind on mortgage payments or help with budgeting or filling out applications for EMAP. All services are provided free at Catholic Charities, a HUD approved Counseling Agency. The Free ongoing Foreclosure Prevention and 8 hour Home Buyers Education Classes are offered by Catholic Charities in Norwich, New London and Plainfield locations. Info: 860-889-8346 ext. 271.

SHARE YOUR JOY! If you or a loved one are celebrating a special event let us know so we can celebrate with you.

HOLY LAND TRIP JANUARY 7 – 16 Fr. Michael Sequeira of our Diocese leads the trip to Bethlehem, Jerusalem, Calvary, Room of the Last supper, Gethsemane, Holy Sepulchre, Way of the Cross, Nazareth, Cana, Sea of Galilee, Capernaum, Jordan River, Mountain of Beatitudes, Wailing Wall and more. The cost for this 10-day trip is $2799 and includes airfare with a major airline, hotel transfer, daily dinner and breakfast buffets, sightseeing with a guide in deluxe buses, all taxes and all entrance fees. Trip to the Dead Sea is an option for $80. Please contact Fr. Michael Sequeira at 860 304 4588 or punchamar@snet.net

ST. JOSEPH’S LIVING CENTER in Windham, CT is looking for volunteers to assist during daily Mass. Contact Jo-Ann Hay in Pastoral Care 860-456-1107.

FROSTY VILLAGE BAZAAR Where: St. Matthew Church, Tolland When: Friday, Nov. 22nd 6-9 PM Saturday, Nov. 23rd 9 AM-2:30 PM Get in the holiday mood with our great selection of hand-crafted items; home-made pies, baked goods, and candies; knit and crochet apparel; hand-made clothing for popular 18” girl dolls ; Attic Treasures; raffles and much more. For the kids, a Kids’ Booth and Photos with Santa! Meals and dessert served.

Eucharistic Adoration: two adorers are needed each hour after Mass on Fridays at St. Philip 9am to 5:50pm. Please call Sandra Mullarkey: 860-429-0322. We need people who can commit to one hour, as well as people able to substitute when

necessary. All are invited.

CATHOLIC CRUISE TO ALASKA Aug 1-8, 2014 Come and sail away on a 7-night Catholic Alaska Cruise with Father Jose Chacko, on Royal Caribbean’s Rhapsody of the Seas out of Seattle, Washington. Ports of Call: Tracy Arm Fjord, Skagway, Juneau, Alaska Inside Passage, Victoria, (B.C. Canada). Prices begin at $2142 including all port fees and taxes. Daily Mass and Rosary offered. Deposits of only $175/person will reserve your cabin. Space is limited. For further info or to register, contact Doug or Eileen at 860-399-1785 or Doug@CatholicCruisesandTours.com.

Marriage Encounter Weekend~ “We thought we had a great marriage, but now our love is so much deeper than anything we could have imagined!” Rediscover each other with a heart-to-heart Marriage Encounter. For information call 860-376-0440. www.wwme.org.

We would like to start a Cemetery Committee to maintain and beautify our cemetery. If you are able to help out, please call the office. PARENTS DIVORCING AND/OR RESOLVING CHILD CUSTODY ISSUES – participate in the court suggested Parent Education Program. Are you concerned about the effects of divorce, separation or family disruption on your children? Catholic Charities offers ongoing, monthly one day Parenting Education Classes in Norwich, Rockville and Middletown. A monthly 2- part Spanish/bilingual parenting education class is held in Willimantic. Attendance at both sessions in the Willimantic class is required for the certificate of completion. Fees apply and are determined by the State of CT. Please call 1-866-883-1624 ext. 263 for registration and monthly class locations and dates.

16TH ANNUAL ST. EDWARD SCHOOL AUCTION will be held on Saturday, November 23, in the St. Edward Church Hall, 25 Church St., Stafford Springs, CT. Admission is free, but a paddle must be purchased to bid. The auction begins at 6 p.m. with a free preview at 5 p.m. The kitchen will be open with many delicious homemade foods available. Enjoy a wonderful evening with truly something for everyone - gift baskets, vacations, furniture and more! This year’s auction features a red, 1998 Mazda Miata convertible! A raffle for tickets to the Patriots’ vs. Cleveland Brown’s game at Gillette Stadium, Sun., Dec. 8th at 1:00 P.M. will also be held. Tickets are $10 each, with only 100 tickets being sold. For more information, call St. Edward School at 860-684-2600.

The College of Saint Mary Magdalen in Warner, NH is pleased to offer a four-year, full-tuition Presidential Scholarship. This scholarship will be awarded to an incoming freshman who has written a compelling essay in response to any Papal Encyclical, demonstrating their close reading and careful reflection upon its meaning for lay Catholics at the beginning of the twenty-first century. The student’s essay must be seven to ten pages in length, they must have scored at least 1800 on the SAT (or at least 26 on the ACT), and must submit a completed admissions application by February 1, 2014. The essay deadline is February 15, 2014. For more information, please visit our website www.magdalen.edu or contact the Admissions Office at 603-456-2656, Admissions@magdalen.edu.

Boy Scout Troop 92 of Ashford appreciates that St. Philip the Apostle Church is now our Charter Organization. We have over 20 active scouts and scout leaders. The troop looks forward to working with the parish to

continue to provide fun, leadership and community service opportunities for Ashford and Eastford boys. If any boy or parent is interested in scouting, we meet Thursdays from 7:00 to 8:15 p.m. at Knowlton Hall next to the Cumberland Farms store. Our meetings are open to everyone. Gabe Lipker, Senior Patrol Leader

EAST CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL will hold an entrance exam for eighth graders on Saturday, November 16, 2013 at 8 a.m. The entrance exam also will be given on Saturday, December 7th at 8 a.m. Call Ms. Gryphon, Admissions, 649-5336 x 238 for more information. Pre-registration for the exam is advised but not required. The school website is www.echs.com.

Diocese of Norwich Office of the Bishop

201 Broadway Norwich, Connecticut 06360

(860) 887-9294

MOST REVEREND MICHAEL R. COTE, D.D. October 17, 2013 My dear sisters and brothers in Christ, On the weekend of November 9-10, 2013, the Collection* for the Archdiocese for the Military Services, U.S.A., (AMS) will be taken up in all parishes throughout the Diocese of Norwich. Created by Blessed Pope John Paul II, the Military Archdiocese provides the Catholic Church’s full range of pastoral ministries and spiritual services to those in the United States Armed Forces. This includes more than 220 installations in 29 countries, patients in 153 V.A. Medical Centers, and federal employees serving outside the boundaries of the USA in 134 countries. Numerically the AMS is responsible for more than 1.8 million women, men, and children.**

By generously responding to this appeal, we are “serving those who serve.” The proceeds from this collection will be able to ensure that Catholic women and men and their families will have access to the Sacraments, receive authentic Catholic education, and be given the spiritual guidance of a Catholic chaplain, wherever they go.

In its statement on the need for this collection, the Archdiocese for the Military Services, U.S.A. (AMS) points out that active duty military personnel in Afghanistan who remain on the front lines “endure adversity, sacrifice, and danger.” It also reminds us that those women and men who return home confront a major life adjustment. With such hardships, they rely on Catholic Chaplains for spiritual guidance and support. We have a responsibility to do our part in supporting the Military Archdiocese. No doubt, some of us have family members in the military that are served or have been served by Chaplains of the Archdiocese. The appeal’s goal is to provide for the spiritual and pastoral needs of those in the armed forces of our country. Please be generous to this appeal and do your part in ensuring that the faith of those who serve this country in the military is nourished by the very effective ministry of our Catholic Chaplains. May the Lord reward your generosity and bless our Chaplains and all whom they serve in Jesus’ Name. Sincerely yours in Christ,

Bishop of Norwich *In November 2012, the Bishops in the United States approved a national collection for the Archdiocese for the

Military Services, U.S.A. (AMS) every three (3) years. **Taken from AMS Mission.

HOLY FAMILY RETREAT CENTER 303 Tunxis Road, West Hartford, CT

860-521-0440 www.holyfamilyretreat.org

NOVEMBER

Sunday, Nov 17, 2-6 p.m. Youth Sunday Retreat. $40.

Monday, Nov 18, 6:30 p.m. Holy Family Retreat Center, West Hartford; Cures and Miracles in Lourdes; An Evening with Dr. Alessandro de Franciscis. Italian physician Dr. Alessandro de Franciscis, head of the Lourdes Medical Bureau that investigates reports of miraculous healings at the shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes in Lourdes, France, will discuss his work and share his insight into the wonders of this celebrated shrine. $50, more if you can; less if you can’t. Includes reception. Register at www.HolyFamilyRetreat.org/LourdesMiracles or call 860-760-9705. Space is limited.

Tuesday, Nov 19, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Holiday Bread-Baking Retreat Day, with Sr. Elaine Betoncourt, C.S.J. Bake and take home a holiday stollen. $65, includes lunch.

Wednesday, Nov 20, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. and 6-9 p.m. Day or Evening of Reflection: From Co-Worker to Co-Responsible, with Fr. John Baptist Pesce, C.P. $40, includes lunch or dinner.

Friday-Sunday, Nov 22-24, Matt Talbot Women’s Recovery Retreat: Self-Acceptance and Spirituality, with Sr. Linda Fischer, A.S.C. Open to all people from all backgrounds. $150. Scholarships available first come, first served, to those experiencing financial hardship. 203-804-8406.

Friday-Sunday, Nov 22-24, A Holistic Approach to Health and Weight Management, with Loretta Tafuri, Ph.D., and Bob Tafuri, M.D. $325. DECEMBER Friday-Sunday, Dec 6-8, Matt Talbot Men’s Recovery Retreat: Step 11: The Spiritual Practice, with Ed Stevens. Open to all people from all backgrounds. $200, includes Matt Talbot dues. Generous scholarships available to those experiencing financial hardship. 860-347-0644.

Friday-Sunday, Dec 6-8, Centering Prayer and Lectio Divina Retreat: Listening with the Ear of Your Heart, with Therese Saulnier. $325.

Sunday, Dec 8, 2-6 p.m. Youth Sunday Retreat. $40.

Sunday, Dec 8, 3-7 p.m., Advent Family Retreat Day: Creating Snowflake Mobiles, with Kathy Parulski. $35 per person or $95 per family, includes dinner.

Wednesday, Dec 11, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. and 6-9 p.m. Advent Day or Evening Retreat: Beauty Ever Ancient, Ever New: The Antiphons of Advent, with Sr. Elissa Rinere, C.P. $40, includes lunch or dinner.

Friday-Sunday, Dec 13-15, Matt Talbot Men’s Recovery Retreat: The Twelve Steps and the Journey Toward God, with Fr. Gerard O’Brien, S.J. Open to all people from all backgrounds. $200, includes Matt Talbot dues. Generous scholarships available to those experiencing financial hardship. 860-347-0644.

Sunday, Dec 22, 2 and 7 p.m. Music for Advent and Christmas. Celebrate the joy and beauty of this sacred season. Reception follows each concert. $35.

Immaculata Retreat House 289 Windham Road Willimantic, CT 06226 (860) 423-8484

DAY OF RECOLLECTION: On Sunday, December 8, 2013, we invite you to a Marian Day of Recollection in honor of the Mary’s Immaculate Conception. Preacher for the day will be Father Daniel Nassaney, OMI, former Director of Immaculata. The day includes Mass. Fee for the day, lunch included, is $20.00. Please call (860) 423-8484 to register. SENIOR RENEWAL DAYS: On Wednesday, December 11, beginning at 9:00 AM, Father Roger Couture, OMI continues his monthly Senior Renewal Days. This session is entitled “Confucianism.” The fee for the day is $10.00, lunch included, and registration may be made by calling (860) 423-8484. HOLY WEEK RETREATS: Come and spend Holy Week on the Hill! Father Bill Sheehan, OMI Palm Sunday to Thursday) and Father Ron Rolheiser, OMI (Holy Thursday through Easter Sunday Mass) will be offering retreats. Each Retreat fee is $225.00. “Sitting with Jesus” and “Walking with Jesus” are the themes for the retreats. For more information, please contact Immaculata at (860) 423-8484. Thank you for your kind consideration of this request, and God bless you in your ministry among God’s people. Father John Hanley, OMI