Our Lady of Mount Carmel ROMAN CATHOLIC PARISH December 22, 2019 Hamden, Connecticut | 203-248-0141 | olomc.org

Forth Sunday of Advent

Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish Information

Contact Us

Call Us: 203-248-0141 | 203-287-0316 (Religious Education)

Send Us An Email: ourladyofmtcarmelhamden@aohct.org

Pay Us A Visit: 2819 Whitney Ave., Hamden, CT 06518

Find Us Online: olomc.org | olomchamden

Saturday December 21

+5:00 PM Silvestro Sensale ~ Req. by Pina and Michael Landino

Sunday, December 22, Fourth Sunday of Advent

+8:00 AM Rena Giapponi ~ Req. by The Family

+10:00 AM Deceased Members of The Verneris and Carrasco Families ~Req. by The Family

+11:30 AM Maria Diglio ~Anniversary ~ Req. by Carmine and Marcia Trotta

Monday, December 23, Late Advent Weekday

+8:30 AM Andrew Sansone ~ Req. by Wife, Anna

Tuesday, December 24, Late Advent Weekday

+ 8:30 AM George R. Mastroianni ~ Birthday Remembrance

~ Req. by The Family *********************************************************************

+ 4:00 PM For the Youth of Our Parish

+ 6:00 PM For an Increase of Vocations to Ordained and Vowed Life

+10:00 PM For the Intentions of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parishioners

Wednesday, December 25, The Nativity of the Lord (Christmas)

+ 8:00 AM Deceased Friends and Relatives

+10:00 AM For The Sisters of Mercy of the Americas **********************************************************************

Thursday, December 26, Saint Stephen, The First Martyr

+ 8:30 AM Donal Herlihy ~ Req. by Friends

Friday, December 27, Saint John, Apostle and Evangelist

+ 8:30 AM Antonio and Lucy Taddei ~ Req. by The Family

Saturday, December 28, The Holy Innocents, Martyr

+ 8:30 AM Robert McNulty and Elizabeth Kuhn McNulty

+ 5:00 PM Robert Palmieri ~ Req. by Yolanda and Santino

Sunday, December 29, The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph + 8:00 AM Frank and Irene DeLucia ~ Req. The Family

+10:00 AM Deceased Members of The Stanley and Mary Ciszek Family ~ Req. by The Family + 11:30 AM Dr. Fernando Saracco

Mass & Confession

Weekday Mass Times: Monday to Saturday - 8:30 am

Weekend Mass Times: Saturday Vigil - 5 pm Sunday - 8 am, 10 am, 11:30 am

Are you homebound and unable to attend Mass? You don’t have to miss it. You can watch every weekday and weekend Mass LIVE from Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, by going on the website olomc.org. If you have any questions please call the Parish Office.

Confession Saturday - 3:00 PM (or by Appointment)

Office Hours Monday through Friday

9:00 AM ~ 3:00 PM

PARISH DIRECTORY

Reverend Michael J. Dolan Pastor fr.dolan@aohct.org

Reverend Jorge E. Castro Parochial Vicar fr.castro@aohct.org

Deacon John O’Donovan dcn.odonovan @aohct.org

Deacon Stephen Yatcko dcn.yatcko@aohct.org

Deacon Anthony Solli dcn.solli@aohct.org

***************************************************************************************************************

Sean Canning John Opramolla Grounds & Maintenance

Anthony Caruso, Seminarian acaruso1@friars.providence.edu

Betsy Fitzsimons, Coordinator Religious Education Office 203-287-0316 olomcreled1@gmail.com

Sr. Ann O’Neill, RSM Pastoral Associate Office 203-287-9017 annoneillrsm@gmail.com

Marcia Messina, Bulletin Editor ourladyofmtcarmelhamden@aohct.org

Raymond Murphy Director of Music rpmjr17@yahoo.com

Mary Sacco, Business Manager olmtcarmelchurch@sbcglobal.net

December 22, 2019

The Sanctuary Candle at the Tabernacle indicates and honors the Presence of Christ.

The Candle is Lit in Loving Memory of… George R. Mastroianni

Offertory Reports 12-15 -19

Weekly Collection: $ 9,688.41 We Share Online Giving: $ 745.00 Candle Offerings: $ 420.89 Christmas Flowers $ 2,005.00

Thank You Very Much for Your Generosity !

The Candle on the Altar of The Blessed Virgin Mary is lit

In Loving Memory of….

Lucille Gonsalves ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The Candle on the Altar of St. Joseph is Lit In Loving Memory of ...

John Crowley

Liturgy Notes Well, here we are celebrating the Fourth Sunday of Advent

already. Each week of Advent offered different themes, mes-sages, homilies and music. The First Sunday, (Advent I), was

focused on the Second Coming of Christ. The Second Sunday always contains the story of John the Baptist and his message

of “Prepare the Way of the Lord, Make straight his paths”. Last weekend we celebrated Gaudete Sunday, which called for

a feel of “Rejoicing”. That message was extremely clear in the Scripture Reading, the Homilies given by both Priests and well

as in our hymns and motets.

This weekend, we once again hear the familiar story of the An-gel Gabriel announcing to Mary that she will give birth to the

Son of God in a miraculous way. Once again, the hymns and solo’s we sing today will tell the story of this great event.

The Basque Carol “The Angel Gabriel from Heaven Came” is a

beautiful, lively piece that is tradition used at OLMC on this particular Sunday. The third verse echo’s passages from the

“Magnificat” which is a canticle of the Church’s Liturgy, and used during Morning Prayer and at Evensong/Solemn Vespers.

“My soul doth magnify the Lord and my Spirit rejoices in God my Savior.”

During the Holy Communion we will hear a version of the Magnificat sung by our Cantors (Holy us His Name) as well as

a unique text titled “Unexpected and Mysterious” sung at the 10:00 AM Eucharist. This hymn tune (St. Helena) was com-

posed by Calvin Hampton. ~Ray Murphy, Music Director

The Flowers in the Sanctuary are dedicated

In Loving Memory of…

All Those Buried at St. Mary’s Cemetery

Coordinator of Religious Education Betsy Fitzsimons 203-287-0316

PRAY God, help me to make room in my home and my heart for Jesus to join us

soon. Amen. THINK What can I do to get ready for Jesus’ return at Christmas?

ACT Work together with your family to prepare your home for Christmas. Take turns sharing your favorite Christmas traditions that help you welcome Jesus.

Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church Scholarship

This scholarship is open to registered parishioners that are high school seniors and have received a formal letter of acceptance from accredited 2 or 4 year college, or, a presently enrolled college student. Application forms can be picked up from the Parish Office. The Scholarship Review Board will consider the completed applications when making their selection. All applications for this scholarship are due in the Parish Office by December 31st.

Family Liturgy Each Sunday, during the 10:00AM Liturgy, children are invited to come downstairs for the Liturgy of The Word on their level. They re-turn back upstairs at the time of the offertory.

Merry Christmas Happy & Healthy New Year

Reverend Michael J. Dolan Reverend Jorge E. Castro

Sister Ann O’Neill

The Parish Office will be closed from

Monday December 23rd through Friday, December 27th

A FAMILY PERSPECTIVE by Bud Ozar Mary was excited about her first pregnancy

and rushed to tell her cousin. Sadly children

are often seen as a liability, “another mouth to

feed” or an “obstacle to my career.” It is said

“Christmas is for children.” It is more accu-

rate to say “Christmas is for adults to appreciate the gift of

the children!”

U. S. Military Prayer List Captain Donald Colantonio III , MD - US Army Technical Sergeant Christopher Culver - USAF Seaman Apprentice Elizabeth Early - US Navy

Technical Sergeant Stephany Davis Culver - USAF Sergeant Major Andrew Fierilit JR. - US Army Reserves

Petty Officer 3rd class Julianna LaCroix - US Navy Airman Elijah LaTorraca - USAF Captain Simon Stock - US Army

Petty Officer 3rd Class Lexi Shettleworth -US Navy Master at Arms

Enlistee Alexander Thomas Palacio Capuras —US Army

Sergeant Brandon VanOrden - USAF Major Andrew M. Wrzosek - USMC

Sargent Charley Anderson— US Army C1C Austin Aitro—USAF Academy

Private Sethe Matthew Simon— US Army Steven Davis - US Army

Sergeant Mark Fracasso—US Marine Corps Corporal Collin Aiello—US Marine Corps

Edward Colavope, Jr.—Marine Corps EOD5 Senior Tech Edward T. Kennedy, V, - US Navy

Private Sean E. Connolly - U. S. Marine Corps 2nd Lieutenant - Richard Colella - US Army

Adam Schmidt-US Marine Corps Petty Officer 2nd class Radell Luis Dizon - US Navy Petty Officer 3rd class Ayrton Ari Dizon - US Navy

Sergeant James Magson, U. S. Marine Corps Major Randall Taylor Carroll, U. S. Army

Time, Talents & Treasures

Healing Hugs Stitching Group If you love to knit or crochet and are inter-ested in making prayer shawls, please con-tact: Sheila Sweet at sheilasweetartist@gmail.com or 203-314-2541. First meeting of the New Year: Saturday, January 11th 2020, Church Hall Meeting Room from 10:30 am-12:30 pm.

**** SPECIAL ONGOING REQUEST**** There is a special need for Gluten Free products. If you would please mark these food donations to Sister Ann and she will make sure the families in need receive these items. Thank you. “Feed the hungry…. Give drink to the thirsty….

OLMC –Our Lady of Mount Carmel Youth Group

Our Love Makes Connections Who do we make connections with: • Each other • God • Less fortunate • Those in need • The lonely • The community • All of God’s people • Animals Mission statement: Our mission is to make connections with each other and build a strong youth group to spread God’s love and continue serving and touching more people as our youth group grows. To grow the youth group we want to: • Volunteer • Start at home then start outside • Plant trees • Get recycling bins • Helping wild animals • Help at a horse center • Soup kitchen • Animal shelter

Our goal is to spread God’s word through helping: Our community, our seniors, our parish, animals and environment.

Anyone interested in more information about this growing And very active ministry, please contact Lona Claire Ives at

203-645-2360 or Rosalie Cifarelli at 203-287-9091.

In today’s Gospel, Joseph decides to listen to the angel’s message and follow the divine plan. Should you listen to the message and consider becoming a priest or religious? Call Fr. Michael Casey, Director of Vocations, Archdiocesan Pas-

toral Center,860-761-7456, e-mail vocations@aohct.org. or visit the web at www.hartfordpriest.com.

Thank you to all that share their Time & Talents in the various minis-tries at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church: Altar care, Maintenance of the grounds, Altar Servers, Baptismal

robes and blankets, Baptism Ministry and Servers, Cof-fee Hour Volunteers, Ministers of the Eucharist, Lec-tors, Finance Council, Parish Council, Parish Activi-ties, Clothing collections, Food Pantry collections, Pro-Life Committee, Parish Nurses, Funeral Servers, Funer-al Ministry and Servers, Marian Guild, Religious Edu-cation teachers, Ushers, Intercessory Prayer line, Vol-unteer caregivers, Parish Choir, Bereavement, Liturgy Committee, Social Justice Committee, Flower Ministry, Program Facilitators, Rosary Ministry and The Youth Group Ministry..... There are many ways in which you can be involved. If you are interested in any of these ministries, please call the Parish Office for a contact person’s information.

PARISH NURSE PROGRAM The Parish Nurses will continue to hold

Blood Pressure Screenings the First Sunday of the month

after the 8:00 AM Mass in the Church Hall

The next screening will be January 5th, 2020

The Parish Nurses wish all Parishioners a very Merry Christmas and a Healthy Happy New Year.

Services and Events

Attention all people who love to knit or crochet! Would you be interested in making Baptism blankets ? These handmade works of art and love are presented to the

families when their child receives the Sacra-ment of Baptism here at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church. The suggested size of these blankets is about 22X33 inches and white in color. It is advisable to use baby soft yarn (or Pound of Love). If you cannot crochet or knit

and would like to donate the yarn (Pound of Love-white) you could bring your donation to the Parish Office to be distributed. If interested in either, please call the Parish Office or Tina 203-281-3460.

CHRISTMAS EVE Tuesday December 24th 4:00 PM Children’s Mass ~ Children’s Choir

6:00 PM and 10:00 PM CHRISTMAS DAY Wednesday December 25th

8:00 AM and 10:00 AM

The Knights of Columbus Council 10477 invites parishioners to attend the Knights of Colum-bus Museum on SUNDAY, JANUARY 26th at noon. A guided tour of the rich heritage and culture surrounding the celebration of the birth of Christ throughout the European Continent will be provid-ed. Light refreshments will be provided after the event. There is free admission and parking. The

tour will be about an hour long. Parishioners should go directly to the Museum , 1 State Street, New Haven, and proceed to the lobby area. Any questions—please call Chuck Aprea at 203-506-3076

“The ABCs of Annulment” Sponsored by the Metropolitan Tribunal, Bloomfield

The Rev. Daniel Keefe, pastor of St John Bosco Parish at 731 Main St, Branford, in collaboration with V. Rev. George Muku-ka, the Judicial Vicar from the Metropolitan Tribunal in Bloomfield, will host “The ABCs of Annulment” on Friday of January 10 from 7-9 PM in the St Mary's Church Hall. An updat-ing of the process initiated by Pope Francis as well as updates made in the Archdiocese of Hartford will be discussed by Br. Lar-ry Lussier CSC, Deacon George Frederick and Jim Tottenham who make up the Annulment Team. Team members also include two Spanish speaking members - Lisandra Martinez and Marian Guzman. They will help participants in writing their application in the follow-up workshop on Fridays –January 17, 24 from 7-9 P.M., also in the church hall. The “ABCs of Annulment” event is open to all. Participants will receive a folder with the required printed materials. No registra-tion is required. For further information call Br. Larry @ 475-221-8464 or email him at larlus300@sbcglobal.net.

Men’s Retreat Date

January 31 to February 2, 2020

Our Deepest Longing We spend our time and energy on the necessities of eve-

ryday life, which hold so many things that are beyond our con-trol. But what is it that we are longing for in the deepest way? What is our passion in life? This year at Holy Family, we will

explore that deep longing planted in our hearts by God - a long-

ing for peace, for wholeness, and for relationships that

give us joy and lift us up. Come away and rest awhile to

find and pursue your deepest longing, and by doing so,

may you experience how God is longing so deeply for

you, too.

The retreat begins with a buffet dinner from 6:00 to 7:30

p.m. on Friday evening and concludes Sunday with the

celebration of Mass at 10:45 a.m. followed by a hot

brunch at noon. Families of retreatants are most wel-

come to attend the Sunday Mass and brunch at no extra

charge. Offering: $325 Holy Family Passionist Retreat

Center – 303 Tunxis Rd – West Hartford, CT. More info

and to register: holyfamilyretreat.org/themed-retreats

Contact Bill Lucas 203-248-5028, wlucas555@aol.com or

Rich Palleria 203-281-1221, hpalleria@sbcglobal.net

CLOTHING BANK As of December 20, 2019 the agency currently accepting clothing donations from Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church will be closing. Until we can find another agency, clothing donations will be suspended. Please do not leave clothing after that date. An exception is made for winter coats. Any donations for veter-an through the Save A Suit program can be taken directly to Rainbow Cleaners. If you have any questions, please contact Bob Appicelli at 203-281-1175

Faith formation

Sister Ann’s Recipes Cranberry-Bacon Wheels

1 (17.3oz) pkg frozen puff pastry sheets, thawed 2/3 cup smooth cranberry sauce 6 slices cooked bacon, finely chopped 2 green onions finely chopped

Step 1: Preheat oven to 425º Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Step 2: Unfold 1 pastry sheet. Spread with half of cranberry sauce, leaving 1 inch empty around edge. Sprinkle half the bacon and green onions on top. Season with pepper. Roll up tightly, pressing on seam to seal. With serrated knife, cut into 1/2-inch-thick slices, reshaping into circles if necessary. Arrange on baking sheet. Repeat with remaining ingredients. Step 3: Bake 12-15 min., until golden brown. Serve warm. Garnish with additional green onions, if desired. ~ 8 servings. To serve 16: increase ingredient amounts to 1 1/2 pkgs puff pastry, 1 cup cranberry sauce, 9 slices of bacon, and 3 green onions.

Readings for the week of December 22, 2019 Sunday: Is 7:10-14/ Ps 24:1-2, 3-4, 5-6 [7c, 10b]/Rom 1:1-7/Mt 1:18-24 Monday: Mal 3:1-4, 23-24/Ps 25:4-5ab, 8-9, 10 and 14/Lk 1:57-66 Tuesday: 2 Sm 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16/Ps 89:2-3, 4-5, 27 and 29 [2]/Lk 1:67-79 Wednesday: Vigil: Is 62:1-5/Ps 89:4-5, 16-17, 27, 29 [2a]/Acts 13:16-17, 22-25/Mt 1:1-25 or 1:18-25 Midnight: Is 9:1-6/Ps 96:1-2, 2-3, 11-12, 13 [Lk 2:11]/Ti 2:11-14/Lk 2:1-14 Dawn: Is 62:11-12/Ps 97:1, 6, 11-12/Ti 3:4-7/Lk 2:15-20 Day: Is 52:7-10/Ps 98:1, 2-3, 3-4, 5-6 [3c]/Heb 1:1-6/Jn 1:1-18 or Jn 1:1-5, 9-14 Thursday: Acts 6:8-10; 7:54-59/Ps 31:3cd-4, 6 and 8ab, 16bc and 17 [6]/Mt 10:17-22 Friday: 1 Jn 1:1-4/Ps 97:1-2, 5-6, 11-12 [12]/Jn 20:1a, 2-8 Saturday: 1 Jn 1:5—2:2/Ps 124:2-3, 4-5, 7b-8 [7]/Mt 2:13-18 Next Sunday: Sir 3:2-6, 12-14/ Ps 128:1-2, 3, 4-5 [cf. 1]/Col 3:12-21 or 3:12-17/Mt 2:13-15, 19-23

Thank you to Lana Claire Ives, Cecilia Palacio and Madalyn Ca-puto for sharing their decorative talents for Advent and Christmas. Their time and talents under the guidance of Father Castro has beautified our surroundings.

Eucharistic Adoration Monday mornings at 9:00 AM immediately following Monday

morning 8:30 AM Mass *********************************

The Rosary…is prayed each morn-ing, Monday-Saturday beginning at 8:10 AM at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church. ************************************

The Intercessory Prayer Line… If you have a special need or inten-tion for which you would like the prayers of your parish community, please call Gwen at 203-248-9176.

MARCH FOR LIFE 2020 SIGN UP NOW www.prolifeministry.org OR

download attached file to print and mail YOUR SEAT ON THE BUS IS READY for the Archdiocesan pilgrimage to Washington, D.C.

Thursday, January 23 - Friday, January 24, 2020 The Theme of the 2020 March for Life is Life Empowers: Pro-Life is Pro-Woman!

****************************** Pregnant and in need ?? Please call

In Our Blessed Mother’s Arms 203-886-6736 Rachel’s Vineyard for Healing:

Call to arrange post-abortion counseling & reconciliation at 203-281-2925 or 888-281-2825

Mary and Joseph’s Place 203-773-3585

A Message from the Pastor… 2019 Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church

Annual Collection

To date parishioners have generously donated $109,335 to the Parish Annual Appeal. This allows us to move ahead and secure bids on some major projects that have been in the planning stages for months. Our church building was competed in 1959 and has served us well but is in need of serious attention. The restrooms are in poor condition still resining the original fixtures that are wasteful of water. The windows that line the church hall are single pane causing higher fuel bills and the kitchen has to be renovated to ensure ongoing health and safety. It is our hope to accomplish these and other projects as a testimony to the vibrancy of this wonderful parish. Once again thank you for your generosity. ~ Fr. Dolan

A sincere word of gratitude to Mark Maresca who spearheaded the effort to restore and appropriately dis-play the impressive carving of Saint Thomas Aquinas. The craftmanship of Denise Mitchell-Dignan of Woodja Woodworking and the expertise of the Yale Uni-versity Art Gallery Conservation group ensured the proper placement of this work of art that is now pre-served for generations to come. It is both a spiritual as well as patriotic reminder to us all of the gift of faith and country. On behalf of the entire parish, thank you for your generosity, care and evident talent.. ~ Father Dolan

The Marian Guild is continuing to provide children’s Meal Bags to Go for St. Ann’s Soup Kitch-en. The generous donations of

parishioners has provided us with an abundance of items to prepare these bags weekly throughout the winter. Our sincere appreciation to all !

CHURCH NAME: Our Lady of Mount Carmel CHURCH CITY: Hamden ROUTING CODE: S RUN NUMBER: 16

FILENAME: 03-0539.42b

PHONE NUMBER: 203-248-0141 FAX NUMBER: 203-248-8658 EDITOR/ CONTACT: Mary Sacco

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