Rectory Office

Phone: 860-628-4713 Fax: 860-628-7341 E-Mail: stthomassouthington@gmail.com Web Sites: www.stthomassouthington.org www.facebook.com/groups/104009621923

St. Thomas Convent

Address: 20 Eden Place Southington, CT Phone: 860-621-1904

Office of Religious Education

Phone: 860-628-9679 E-mail: stchurchre@gmail.com

Southington Catholic School

Address: 133 Bristol Street Southington, CT Phone: 860-628-2485 Fax: 860-628-4942 Web Site: www.southingtoncathlolicschool.org

October 20, 2019

29th Sunday in Ordinary Time

World Mission Sunday

Saint Thomas Church 99 Bristol Street, Southington, CT 06489-4599

“By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another (John 13:35).”

Weekend Mass Schedule Saturday Vigil: 4:00PM (Church)

Sunday: 7:30AM & 10:00AM (Church)

Weekday Mass Schedule Monday & Tuesday: 7:30AM (Chapel) Thursday & Friday: 12:10PM (Chapel)

Saturday: 8:00AM (Chapel)

Our Parish Mission Statement

We, the Roman Catholic faithful of St. Thomas parish, nourished by God’s Word and by the

Sacraments, welcome and serve the Family of God. Through evangelization, education, and spiritual

development, we demonstrate the true meaning of God’s love by living in the image of Christ.

Parish Staff

Priests Rev. Joseph R. Cronin—Pastor fr.cronin@aohct.org Rev. John E. Cockayne—(Senior Status)

Deacons Angelo J. Coppola—(Senior Status) Vincent J. Raby

Music Ministry Emil Kopcha—Director Kathy Kopcha—Assistant

Office Manager Heidi Malley

Business Manager Marc Ingriselli

Trustees Susan Howard Paul Miano

Plant Manager Casey Potthoff

Custodial Staff Daniel Conant Bonnie Guimond Marty Lopatosky Harry Masterbone

Director of Religious Ed. Sr. Marie Roccapriore, MPF

Southington Catholic School

Principal Eileen Sampiere

Office Manager Loretta Putala

Advancement Director Mary Alexander

Sanctuary Candles

Church: Tim Mulvey & Ann Scanlon Requested by their family

Chapel: Millie & Frank Longo Requested by their family

Rectory Office Hours Monday—Friday 8AM-4PM

SATURDAY, October 19—SS. John de Brebeuf & Isaac

Jogues, Priests and Martyrs

8:00AM Those whose funerals were in September: Paul

Bernatchy, MaryAnn Sollack, Lois Grimaldi,

Jerry Dlugos, Nick Tiscione

4:00PM Daniel Charette—Anniversary Requested by family

SUNDAY, October 20—29th Sunday in Ordinary Time

7:30AM Harry White, Sr. Requested by his wife

10:00AM Michael Giannelli Requested by family

MONDAY, October 21—Weekday

7:30AM Ignazio Tufano Requested by Rosalinda & family

TUESDAY, October 22—St. John Paul II, Pope

7:30AM Parishioners of St. Thomas Church Requested by John & Diane Kolosky

WEDNESDAY, October 23—St. John of Capistrano, Priest

NO MASS ON WEDNESDAYS

THURSDAY, October 24—St. Anthony Mary Claret, Bishop

12:10PM Luca, Teresa, & Antonio Leonetti Requested by Mario Leonetti & family

FRIDAY, October 25— Weekday

12:10PM Luisa Volpe—Anniversary Requested by Joe Volpe

SATURDAY, October 26—Weekday

8:00AM Antonio & Carmelinda DelSanto Requested by daughter and family

4:00PM Nicholas DeLuco Requested by family

SUNDAY, October 27—30th Sunday in Ordinary Time

7:30AM Francesca & Giovanni Colaccino, Peter &

Immacolata Altieri Req. by Joe, Anna, & family

10:00AM Mary Kopcha Requested by Emil & Kathy Kopcha

Father Joe’s Notes My dear friends,

It was a busy Saturday. I woke up

and unlocked the basement, setting up

the chapel for morning Mass. I

headed upstairs to tweak an article for

the paper. It was then down for Mass.

I ate breakfast and then did some work

on the bulletin. I headed over to the

church for a funeral, and then I went

to the funeral parlor for a second

funeral service. When I came back to

the rectory, it was time for an

appointment with someone. I went

over to church to set up for the vigil Mass and hear

Confessions. Once Father John was ready, I walked back

over to the rectory to work on paperwork and start packing

some things to head to the convocation for priests that

Monday. I was back to church for announcements and to

greet the congregation as they left. I went on a home visit

after locking the church to anoint someone before going for

surgery. Once back, I changed and walked down to the

Apple Festival. I visited the people working the booth for

Southington Catholic School, had something for dinner, and

then walked back to the rectory. I then mended my albs and

washed them. It was a full day.

On days where I just seem to be going from one task to

another, it can be difficult to get time for prayer. Even

priests find it tough to squeeze into the schedule sometimes.

You aren’t alone! As someone who’s dedicated to prayer for

in the Church, what happens when I’m too busy for my own

prayer time? That is the constant battle.

One solution is to make the most of small bits of time. I

may have a few minutes between appointments. I will take

those minutes to just talk to God. I might thank the Lord for

something good, yell about something terrible, or just ask a

question when I am lost and not understanding what’s

happening. I might use time driving between visits, liturgies,

or other activities to say some prayers. I might think of a

saint or a Bible story and seek some guidance in what I am

doing. Those small moments can be very helpful.

Another solution I find to my prayer time is to try and be

mindful of God’s presence in the

task at hand. By seeing God

present in my daily actions, I am

aware of the hand of God at work.

How can I be aware of the

guidance of the Holy Spirit as I

listen to a parishioner facing

troubles who wants to talk? What

does God want me to bring to this

moment? Is the Lord trying to

teach me something as I face the

issues at hand? When I work to

be mindful of God’s presence, it

does make a difference. It makes

some of those tasks prayerful in themselves.

Finally, it takes flexibility. While there is something to be

said for routine in prayer life, with consistent times and

actions, sometimes that is impossible. We take what we

have. When the day was full, I will take time after it all for

prayer. If I know it will be extra busy, I may wake up just a

bit earlier to have some quiet time with God before the

madness begins. If we have time to mindlessly watch

television or surf the internet, then we should have some time

for God. Make the most of what time there may be.

On the busiest day, we should have time at least to say

hello to God. We can offer up what we are doing and ask for

help to face the challenges. Any time, no matter how great or

small, we give to God is good time.

Happily yours in Christ, Fr. Joe

Question: Father, at funerals, I have noticed that some priest

sprinkle the casket with holy water at the end of the Mass as

the body leaves the church. You don’t. Why not?

Answer: I don’t sprinkle the casket then because it’s not part

of the ritual. We sprinkle the body as it enters the church.

Holy water is always about an entrance, not a leaving. We

enter the Church through the waters of Baptism. Holy water

fonts are at the doors of the church to bless ourselves as we

enter as a reminder of our baptism. (Remember, we don’t

bless ourselves when we leave.) The same is true of a

funeral. The body is blessed with water at the entrance of the

church as a reminder of baptism. That is why we also cover

the casket with a white cloth (a pall) like we were clothed in a

white robe at baptism. The body is incensed at the

commendation near the end. The next time we use holy

water is at the grave as the casket is to enter the grave.

Water, in the Church, is always about the transition into a

new place, never leaving.

Ask Father

Readings for the week of October 20th

Sunday: Ex 17:8-13/2 Tm 3:14-4:2/Lk 18:1-8

Monday: Rom 4:20-25/Lk 12:13-21

Tuesday: Rom 5:12,15b,17-29/Lk 12:35-38

Wednesday: Rom 26:12-18/Lk 12:39-48

Thursday: Rom 6:19-23/Lk 12:49-53

Friday: Rom 7:18-25a/Lk 12:54-59

Saturday: Rom 8:1-11/Lk 13:1-9

Parish Information Devotions & Groups

Holy Hours In the chapel—rectory basement

Tuesdays: 11:00AM—Noon (for vocations)

Thursdays: 11:00AM—Noon (with Benediction)

Eucharistic Adoration In the chapel—rectory basement

Thursdays 8:00AM—11:00AM

Miraculous Medal Novena In the chapel—rectory basement

Saturdays after the 8:00 a.m. Mass

Italian Rosary Group First Tuesday of each month—7:30PM (Parish Center)

Lap Blanket Ministry Parishioners make blankets for patients in local health

care facilities . Anyone who crochets is invited to join

us in the church basement. One Wednesday Evening a

month 7:00-8:15PM. Next Meeting—October 23rd

Ladies Guild The Ladies Guild meets the first Monday

of each month, and hosts hospitality in

the church meeting room each first

Sunday after both 7:30 & 10:00 mass.

Bible Study Group This week, Oct. 24th, we will read

Exodus 14 & 15 – The Deliverance.

All are welcome to join us in our

examination of Scripture!

Thursdays at 1:30PM or 7:00PM

in the Chapel (Rectory basement)

(The classes cover the same material—you need only attend one)

Sacraments

Baptism Parents, contact the rectory to schedule a

baptism. There’s a preparation meeting for

parents having their first child baptized.

RCIA—Adult Sacraments Anyone interested in becoming Catholic, give us a call!

Reconciliation Confessions are Saturday from 3:00 PM until 3:30 PM

in the reconciliation room in the church, or you could

call to make an appointment with Father Joe.

Marriage We need six months for marriage preparation. Couples

should contact Father Joe to schedule a meeting.

Sacrament of the Sick Should you, or someone you know, need an anointing,

please call Father Joe at the rectory to schedule a visit.

Homebound / Hospital Please, contact the rectory if you or a

family member is homebound or in the

hospital. We can arrange for a

Eucharistic Minister to bring you the

Blessed Sacrament at home.

_______________________________________________________________________________________

St. Thomas Cemetery

If you or your family are looking to purchase a plot or

niche in the columbarium, give us a call in the rectory

office. We’ll have our Plant Manager, Casey Potthoff,

meet with you and explain the options for graves and

markers. Please, call the rectory to schedule a meeting.

Sponsor Certificates

They’re available in the sacristy or in the rectory office.

You must be an active parishioner, registered with our

parish for at least 6 months. The use of the envelopes helps

verify that you’re an active parishioners. You must also

have completed your Sacraments of Initiation and be in a

valid marriage. If you have questions, call us.

New Parishioners

Welcome to St. Thomas! We’re delighted to have you join

us. Introduce yourself to Father or the Deacons after Mass.

Parish registration forms are available in the sacristy and

the rectory office. Take one for the family, and a separate

form for each member. Once completed, mail them to us

or drop them in the collection basket.

Collections for October 13th

Weekly—$6799 / Maintenance(unavailable) / On Line—$1247

† Southington Catholic School †

St. Thomas Religious Ed. †

Plan Ahead! First Holy Communion

Students in Catechism

and also in Southington

Catholic School receive

First Holy Communion

in Third Grade. They

make the Sacrament

together. This year, the

ceremony for First Holy

Communion will be on

Saturday, April 25, 2020

at 10:00AM.

ELECTION DAY

OPEN HOUSE

Vote and then come us at

visit Southington Catholic

School, Tuesday, November

5th, from 8:30AM to 11:00

AM. The welcome mat is

out at 133 Bristol Street for

prospective families to tour

and see the advantages our

Catholic school can offer

your student. Please call

860-628-2485 for more

information. Shadow days

for students grades K-8 can

be arranged at your request.

Please note: public schools

are not in session on

November 5. We look

forward to seeing you there!

Substitute

Teachers

Come join our team!

Southington Catholic

School is looking for

qualified individuals to

substitute on an “as

needed” basis. Call 860

-628-2485 for more

information on this

great opportunity to

work on your own

schedule.

Veterans’ Day Service

Lessons of Gratitude

Southington Catholic

Schools invites all vet-

erans and their fami-

lies to attend a cere-

mony honoring veter-

ans on Thursday, No-

vember 7th at 9:00 AM.

(Veterans may come at 8:00AM for continen-

tal breakfast before the ceremony.) Our

school community will pay tribute to our

America heroes with music, poetry, artwork

and prayers of gratitude. Our program will be

followed by a reception for veterans and their

families. Please call 860-628-2485 to let us

know if you will attend. Please join us!

Stewardship

Stewardship Thought:

Today’s theme is perseverance —

Moses keeping his hands upraised

throughout the battle, Paul urging

Timothy to stay with the task of

preaching and teaching, and the

widow appealing to the corrupt

judge. To be faithful stewards of

God’s gifts, we, too, must persevere

in the roles to which we are called.

Our Sunday Visitor, Stewardship by the

Book: Bulletin Bits Based on the Sunday

Readings, by Sharon Hueckel, 2004 edition,

Altar Flowers

The floral arrangements in our

sanctuary enhance our liturgical

setting. The donation for flowers is

$100.00. If you would like to

sponsor or dedicate the floral

arrangements in memory of

someone, please contact the rectory.

The dedication and donation will be

acknowledged in the bulletin.

This Week’s FloWers

Donated by

George & Nawal

Haddad

ST. PAUL’S CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL—OPEN HOUSE

Discover why St. Paul Catholic High School has become the choice for more and more families for a truly great

Catholic education experience! Visit us at our Open House on Saturday, October 26th at 10AM. Pre-

registration is suggested. Please visit www.spchs.com/openhouse. Also, on Saturday, November 2nd at 8AM

we will hold our Placement Exam for prospective 9th & 10th grade students. You may register online at

www.spchs.com/placement-exam-registration. Pre-registration for these events is suggested because spaces fill up

quickly, but it is not required. If you have any questions, please contact the Admissions Office at

admissions@spchs.com or call 860-584-0911

THE MEN’S RETREAT CAN...

Revive your body, soul and

mind.

Re-charge your spiritual

wellbeing through

conferences, workshops,

prayer services, and relaxing

time.

Join the parish men that go every year on retreat the

weekend of Nov. 2nd-4th.

For information go online at www.holyfamilyretreat.org or

call 860-760-9705. You may also call our parish

representatives: Joe Della Porta 860-917-6298 or Art

Secondo 860-681-2738.

St. Thomas Parish invites you to a celebration of an

ALL SOULS MEMORIAL MASS Sunday, November 3rd at 6:00 PM

at St. Thomas Church

We remember all of our beloved dead, especially those parishioners who have died in the past year. A reception will be held following the Mass in the parish basement.

All are welcome to join us.

Plan Ahead!

Southington Interfaith Thanksgiving Service Tuesday, November 26th

7:00 PM in the church

We are hosting here this year!

Thanksgiving Day Mass Thursday, November 28th

8:00 AM in the church

Su

pp

ort our A

dvertisers—

Tha

nk th

em for h

elpin

g u

s!

Della Vecchia Funeral Home 860-628-2293 www.dellavecchiafh.com

Manor Inn 860-628-9877 Manorinnrestaurant.com

Al Joy Tire Service 860-628-2728

Youssef B. Khawaja, MD Internal Medicine & Endocrinology

860-621-9353

Plantsville Funeral Home 860-621-4656

www.plantsvillefuneralhome.com

Giovanni’s Pizzeria 860-621-2299

Dow Gutters 860-726-0045

Landscapes Unlimited Residential and Commercial 860-621-7820

Pest Control 2000,LLC 860-628-8783

Ragozzino’s Deli & Catering 860-621-6979

Serfafino Pharmacy, INC 860-628-7979

www.stores.healthmart.com/serafinopharmacy

Religious Teachers Filippini 860-621-1904 www.filippiniusa.org

Waste Material Trucking Company, INC Residential & Commercial 860-747-6816

Showcase Realty Inc. 176 North Main Street—Southington 860-276-2000

Landino Landscaping Residential and Commercial

860-620-2133 www.landinolanscaping.com

PN Auto Body & Repair 860-793-1999

V.Nanfito Remodeling & Repairs 860-621-6898

CV Tool Company 860-621-0494

Volpe & Sons Automotive 860-628-0067

Della Porta EyeCare, LLC 860-582-0702 www.bristoleyes.com

Franciscan Home Care and Hospice Care 203-238-1441 www.FranciscanHC.org

Paul Gregory’s—Bistro & Catering 860-621-9999

Plantsville Family Dental 860-621-2700 www.plantsvillefamily dental.com

Connecticut Casualty Company 1-800-922-2886 www.ctcasualty.com

Catholic Cemeteries Association of the

Archdiocese of Hartford, Inc.

WINTER CLOTHING DRIVE

Donations of coats, hats, gloves and

mittens will be collected after Masses

Oct. 19/20 & 26/27. All items will go

to Southington Social Services as part

of our ongoing outreach to those in

need in our community. Items may be

dropped off at the rectory weekdays

until 4:00 p.m. Please call the rectory

for any additional information.

KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS

PANCAKE BREAKFAST

The Knights of

Columbus Isabella

Council #15 invites

you to join us at the

Calendar House, 388

Pleasant Street, on

Sunday, October 27th,

7am—11:30am.

Adults - $8, Seniors-

$7, children under 6 -

free. This fundraiser

allows us to contribute to our scholarships,

Southington Catholic School, the Food Pantry, and

many other charities we support. Please help us to

fulfill our goal of charity. Thank you!

SENIOR SISTERS

CHRISTMAS BAZAAR

The annual Christmas Bazaar for

the Religious Teachers Filippini

will be held on Sunday, November

3rd at Villa Walsh, Morristown,

NJ. This fundraiser is held each

year for the benefit of the sick and

elderly sisters in their retirement.

We’re requesting help from any

parishioners who could donate new crafts, paintings,

ceramics, knitted items, or other home-made items

and baked goods. We will also have raffle tickets

available for $2 per ticket or $20 per book (ten

tickets). Items should be brought to the Convent no

later than October 31st.. Your help will be greatly

appreciated and we assure you of our special

prayerful thanks. For additional information please

contact Sr. Marie at the Convent: 860-621-1904.