St. Thomas More Church

374 Middlesex Road • Darien, Connecticut • 06820

(203) 655-3303

The Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time • July 15, 2018

Saint Thomas More Church

Parish Office Hours

9:00AM to 3:00PM Monday - Thursday

9:00AM to 1:00PM Friday

Liturgical Schedule Saturday Vigil Mass.......................................................................... 4:30PM

Sunday Masses ......................7:30AM, 8:45AM, 10:00AM Family Mass

11:30AM & 5:15PM

Confessions ................................................. Saturdays 3:45PM - 4:15PM

Sundays 8:15AM - 8:45AM & 4:45PM - 5:15PM

Baptisms ......................................... Sundays 12:30PM (by appointment)

Daily Masses (Monday - Saturday) ............................................. 9:00AM

Eucharistic Adoration ........................ First Fridays 10:00AM - 5:00PM

Blessed Sacrament Chapel

Parish Staff office@stmdarienct.org Rev. Paul G. Murphy, Pastor ......................................... 655-3303 ext 12

Rev. John Connaughton, Priest-in-Residence .............. 655-3303 ext 18

Rev. Mr. Gauthier Vincent, Deacon ........................................ 718-9275

Anna Bauts, Business Manager ..................................... 655-3303 ext 25

Patty Catino, Office Manager ....................................... 655-3303 ext 10

Susan Lattimer, Administrative Assistant ..................... 655-3303 ext 24

Faith Formation (K-5) stmreled@gmail.com Maria Hillman, Director .................................................. 655-3077 ext 16

Geraldine Flynn, Administrative Assistant .................... 655-3077 ext 17

Faith Formation (6-8) msc@stmdarienct.org Jennifer Sommer, Coordinator ................................................... 655-6295

Betsy Reilly, Administrative Assistant............................ 655-6295 ext 21

Youth Ministry yg@stmdarienct.org Susan Lattimer, Coordinator .......................................... 655-3303 ext 22

Music Ministry music@stmdarienct.org Galen Tate, Music Director / Organist ......................... 655-3303 ext 19

Happiness Preschool stmhappyschool@aol.com

Maria Hillman, Director ............................................................... 655-6053

Geraldine Flynn, Administrative Assistant .................... 655-6053 ext 23

Adult Faith Formation Jim Davis, RCIA ..................................................... davisja@optonline.net

Maryann Knag, Bible Study ........................................ mmknag@aol.com

Outreach & Ministries Women’s Circle .................................... womenscircle@stmdarienct.org

Prayer Shawl Ministry, Patty Catino, ...............office@stmdarienct.org

Bereavement, Lillian Toll ..................................................................... 966-9367

Lay Leadership Joseph D. Roxe, Parish Trustee ................................................. 655-9908

Brian D. Young, Parish Trustee.................................................. 972-1178

James Sullivan, Finance Council Chairperson ............................ 556-3005

Other Contacts Parish FAX .................................................................................... 655-6478

Religious Ed. / Preschool FAX ................................................. 655-8901

Parish E-mail ................................................. office@STMDarienCT.org

Parish Media (Website/Bulletin) ................ STMDarienNews.aol.com

WWW.STMDARIENCT.ORG THE FIFTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME JULY 15, 2018

Don’t miss out on another wonderful season of Walking with

Purpose at St. Thomas More Church. Our bible study starting

this Fall will be Touching The Divine – A study of the Gospel of

John.

Do people’s opinions of

you cause your feelings to

fluctuate up and down?

Have you based your

worth on something other

than what God thinks of

you? Do you find it hard

to feel close to Christ

because you just don’t

know Him very well? This

22 week study of the Gos-

pel of John will teach you

how much Jesus loves you, and how His love is the only thing

that will truly satisfy your soul.

This is a sampling of what some of the women had to say about

WWP at STM:

WWP has greatly improved my life. It has brought me closer to

God, which has brought a tremendous sense of peace and com-

fort into my life. I am so thankful for this program!

I feel extraordinarily blessed to have participated in the WWP

group over this past year. It has had a profound impact on my

every day life and greatly deepened my faith and relationship

with God. I now pray daily with gratitude and surrender and have

placed God central in my family's lives. Thank you, thank you,

thank you!

I have felt the transformation in my heart and my life. All of the

lessons are relevant to women everywhere. No matter the age,

we struggle with the same issues.

I feel part of my parish now in a way that I didn't before. I have a

sense of community and it makes all the difference in how I feel

about going to Mass

Walking with Purpose is a Catholic Bible study that aims to bring

women to a deeper, personal relationship with Christ through

personal study and small group discussions that link our every-

day challenges with solutions given to us through the teachings

of Christ and the Catholic Church.

Our morning group meets Thursdays starting October 4 from

9:30AM-11:00AM in the Parish Hall. Our evening group meets

on Wednesdays starting October 3 from 7:30PM-9:00PM in the

Rectory Annex. Childcare is available for the morning session,

but please register early so we can plan accordingly.

The cost of this 22-week program is $50 (excluding study guide

cost of $40 which can be purchased online at the Walking with

Purpose website.) For more information, contact Kelly Frank at

kellytalking@gmail.com or 917-613-3621 or check our STM

website for online registration.

Cover Icon: St. Kateri Tekakwitha

THE FIFTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME JULY 15, 2018

CCHURCHHURCH RRENOVATIONSENOVATIONS UUPDATEPDATE Please continue to keep the success of the renovations in your

prayers. Our Parish Renovation Prayer can be found each week

here in the bulletin. I am extremely grateful for the on-going gen-

erosity, encouragement and prayers that have made this mile-

stone in the history of St. Thomas More Parish possible. I am

greatly impressed by the spirit of collegiality and mutual respect

with which everyone has worked together toward achieving our

goal of a welcoming, reverent and beautiful church in which to

pray, to celebrate the Holy sacrifice of the Mass, and to confer

the Church’s other sacraments. In Christ, Fr. Paul

OOURUR PPARISHARISH RRENOVATIONENOVATION PPRAYERRAYER Heavenly Father, who led the people of Israel with a cloud by

day and a flame by night, we ask you to lead us on our own journey of faith as we undertake the renovation of Your house, whose living stones we are; keep us close to You as a

community making this transition by deepening our faith, and grant us patience and serenity while worshiping in a tempo-

rary space; so that our joy may be complete when we come to that renewal which is Your will for the Church in Darien.

We ask this through Our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, for

ever and ever. Amen.

SSTEWARDSHIPTEWARDSHIP

Offertory

The chart above details our weekly, monthly and fiscal year-to-date offertory contribu-tions. Also, please remember St. Thomas More Parish in your estate planning.

Annual Catholic Appeal (through July 1)

The chart above represents 325 gifts from 270 families or 23% of

registered families participating. We ask all Parish families to

prayerfully consider supporting the Diocese in its important

work and services and gratefully acknowledge those families who

have already pledged their gifts.

MMICHAELICHAEL CCLARKLARK -- RRITEITE OFOF CCANDIDACYANDIDACY On Saturday, September 8 at the 4:30PM Mass, Bishop

Caggiano will be at St. Thomas More for the Rite of Candidacy

for Michael which is a formal step on the way to priestly ordina-

tion for the Diocese of Bridgeport.

AADORATIONDORATION OFOF THETHE BBLESSEDLESSED SSACRAMENTACRAMENT

& DDEVOTIONEVOTION TOTO THETHE SSACREDACRED HHEARTEART OFOF JJESUSESUS

Friday, August 3, 2018 - 10:00AM - 5:00PM On First Fridays the Blessed Sacrament is exposed for Adoration

on the altar of the Chapel from 10:00AM-5:00PM. At 4:45PM,

following the Litany to the Sacred Heart, we celebrate Benedic-

tion before reposing the Blessed Sacrament in the tabernacle. To

be with Him will reassure you that because of his glorious resur-

rection you have nothing to fear. To adore Jesus in the Eucharist

is to receive and enjoy the gift of his eternal real presence.

CCOMMUNIONOMMUNION TOTO THETHE SSICKICK & H& HOMEBOUNDOMEBOUND If you have a family member or close friend who, due to illness

or physical limitations, cannot attend Sunday Mass and would like

to receive the Eucharist, call the parish office to arrange a home

visit by a priest or Extraordinary Minister of Communion.

Blessings for

July 8 Actual Budget Variance

Weekly Offertory $13,667 $15,467 ($1,801)

Month-to-Date Offertory $28,602 $30,934 ($2,332)

FY-to-Date Offertory $28,602 $30,934 ($2,332)

WWW.STMDARIENCT.ORG

MMASSASS IINTENTIONSNTENTIONS Saturday, July 14

9:00 AM Mary Tomao Phil Gallo

4:30 PM John Cotter The Cotter Family

Sunday, July 15

7:30 AM Joe Costello The Grozier Family

8:45 AM Rose Ventre Cahoon Tom & Josephine Minogue

10:00 AM The People of the Parish

11:30 AM Janette Fenton Diane Daniele

5:15 PM Kevin Cassidy The Brannigan Family

Monday, July 16

9:00 AM Daniel Seutaro Phil Gallo

Tuesday, July 17

9:00 AM Nicholas Bluestone Judy & John McCarty

Wednesday, July 18

9:00 AM Inder Paul Malhotice Lina DoNoso Reyes & Family

Thursday, July 19

9:00 AM Joseph Gallo Phil Gallo

Friday, July 20

9:00 AM Ruth Cosenza Janet & Larry Oliveri

Saturday, July 21

9:00 AM Infant Edward Chudy Jo Mitchell

4:30 PM Oswaldo Alcoser Lina DoNoso Reyes & Family

Sunday, July 22

7:30 AM Rose & Pasquale Pepenella Phil Gallo

8:45 AM Rose Ventre Phil Gallo

10:00 AM Steven Cappelli & Ann Cappelli The Cappelli Family

11:30 AM Christopher Haupman Chris & Gene Cronin

5:15 PM Joseph Costello The Cassidy Family

Banns of Marriage

Kelly Joyce and

Taylor Ingraham

Pledged Goal Variance % of Goal

$492,257 $500,000 ($7,473) 98.51%

WWW.STMDARIENCT.ORG JULY 15, 2018 THE FIFTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

SSTEWARDSHIPTEWARDSHIP ATAT STMSTM Become more involved in your parish community, make new

friends, enrich your spiritual life and have fun! Explore and con-

sider joining in one or more of St. Thomas More’s varied minis-

tries that serve fellow parishioners. Please review the descrip-

tions below and learn more by contacting ministry leaders. Share

your energy, experience and enthusiasm in support of St. Thomas

More! We need and want your participation.

Altar Servers Ministry

Children in the fourth grade or above are encouraged to become

altar servers. Charles Cope, charles@cmckc.net

Bible Study Ministry

Two groups meet weekly, on Mondays at 7:30PM and Tuesdays at

9:30AM, to deepen their faith through better understanding of

the academic and spiritual aspects of the Bible. Ms. Maryann

Knag, 213-4809, mmknag@aol.com

Eucharistic Ministry

Eucharistic Ministers assist the priest in the distribution of Com-

munion at Mass and deliver and administer Communion to the

homebound. A brief training session is required to become com-

missioned as a Eucharistic Minister. Typically, 3 Eucharistic Minis-

ters are needed at each of our 5 weekend Masses. Eucharistic

Ministers volunteer to serve at the Mass they normally attend.

Father Paul Murphy, 655-3303, x12, office@stmdarienct.org

Grieving Ministry

Trains parishioners to provide confidential, supportive counseling

to fellow parishioners struggling with grief due to death of a loved

one, divorce, job loss, severe illness or other life crises. Lillian

Toll, 966-9367, ltoll@optonline.net

Lector Ministry

Lectors proclaim readings from Scripture to parishioners, an-

nounce the intentions for the General Intercessions, and deliver

announcements of important upcoming parish events. A brief

training session is required to become commissioned as a Lector.

Lectors volunteer to serve at the Mass they normally attend, and

can expect to serve once monthly. Father Paul Murphy, 655-3303,

x12, office@stmdarienct.org

Men’s Ministry

Instituted in the fall of 2015, the St. Thomas More Men's Ministry

assists parish men of all ages to explore what it means to be a

Catholic man in today's world. Meetings are held weekly on Sat-

urday mornings to avoid conflicts with family and other obliga-

tions. Activities include studying, group prayer, guest speakers,

and meeting in small groups to discuss successes and struggles in

our daily personal and professional lives. Father Paul Murphy at

655-3303 x12 or Father John Connaughton at 655-3303 x18, of-

fice@stmdarienct.org

Music Ministry (Adult & Children’s Choirs)

The Adult Choir is open to men and women ages high school and

above; the Children’s Choir is open to grades 2-5. The Adult

Choir rehearses monthly and on Sunday mornings while singing at

the 11:30AM Mass from September through June. Galen Tate,

Music Director, 655-3303, x19, music@stmdarienct.org

Prayer Shawl Ministry

Knits or crochets shawls, blankets and scarves to bring comfort

and peace to the recipient. Also, teddy bears are knitted to bring

comfort to babies and as a gift for being a new big brother or

sister. Parish Office, 655-3303, x10, office@stmdarienct.org

Religious Education Ministry

Support efforts of parents and guardians who want to instruct

children about Catholic faith, values and practices. Our priests,

religious education staff, and catechists assist parents in the task

of laying a solid foundation to encourage spiritual growth, foster

discipleship, and help their children develop a lasting relationship

with God. Roles include classroom teacher (catechist), weekly

helper or substitute. Teaching is frequently done by duos to share

the work and the fun. Maria Hillman (K–5), 655-3077, x14,

stmreled@gmail.com, and Jennifer Sommer (6th - Confirmation),

655-6295, msc@stmdarienct.org

Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA)

Inquirers interested in learning about the Catholic tradition do so

with the support of adult parishioners who serve as sponsors and

team members. An Inquirer may be any adult unbaptized, bap-

tized in another tradition, or baptized Catholic who has not re-

ceived the other sacraments. RCIA meets weekly in the Rectory

Annex. Please help enlarge our parish community. Jim Davis, da-

visja@optonline.net

Senior’s Social Ministry

Currently identifying senior needs, developing new programs to

engage seniors in interesting trips, luncheons and activities. Patty

Catino, 655-3303, x10, office@stmdarienct.org

Usher Ministry

Ushers welcome and seat parishioners when they arrive at Mass,

select parishioners for carrying the gifts to the altar at the Offer-

tory, take collections, guide the Communion line, distribute the

Bulletin at the end of Mass and clean the pews for the next Mass.

Patty Catino, 655-3303, x10, office@stmdarienct.org

Welcome Ministry

Welcomes new Catholic residents of Darien to our parish, in-

forms them of its ministries, resources, and activities, and helps

integrate them into the parish community. Parish Office, 655-

3303, x10, office@stmdarienct.org

Walking with Purpose

A 22-week course designed for women who are new to Walking

with Purpose as well as those with more Bible Experience. A

study in scripture to discover the relevance of Old Testament

and New Testament wisdom to our daily challenges. The goal is a

lifestyle of health and holiness. Kelly Frank, kellytalk-

ing@gmail.com

Women’s Circle Ministry

Open to all parish women seeking fellowship among Catholic

women through social events and spiritual enrichment by helping

others in need. The Women’s Circle sponsors social and fund-

raising events throughout the year. Adrienne Kelly, ad-

kelly1@gmail.com

HHAPPINESSAPPINESS PPRESCHOOLRESCHOOL

The St. Thomas More Happiness

Preschool has a few openings in a few

of our classes for fall 2018. Please call

Maria Hillman, the director, at 655-

6053 for a tour and more infor-

mation on our preschool and all the

incredible enrichment programs! Our

summer camp is currently going on if

anyone is interested or would like

more information. Please call today!

AAROUNDROUND THETHE DDIOCESEIOCESE The annual Fan the Fire youth rally will be on Saturday, August

19, 9:00AM-9:00PM at St. Joseph High School in Trumbull. All

young people throughout the diocese grades 8 thru 12 are invit-

ed to attend this day of prayer, fun and inspiration. Bishop Frank

Caggiano will deliver the morning keynote talk and Dom Quaglia,

a nationally known Catholic speaker and former LifeTeen youth

minister will speak in the afternoon session. The program also

includes uplifting worship music led by Catholic artist Sarah

Kroger, opportunities for reconciliation, breakout and reflection

sessions, and a Eucharistic focus with Adoration and Mass. Fan

the Fire is being sponsored by the Faith Formation Office and the

diocesan Leadership Institute. To register go online to www.dob-

youth.com/fan-the-fire-youth-rally. Questions can be directed to

Evan Psencik at 416-1649 or epsencik@diobpt.org.

$25,000 Tuition Raffle Our Lady of the Assumption Church, Fairfield is excited to an-

nounce our Parish-SeptemberberFest raffle! Only 2,000 tickets

will be sold at $25 per ticket. The prize can be used for any stu-

dent of the winner’s choice to attend any K-12 school, college or

university, located and accredited in the U.S or used to pay back

college loans! We must sell 1,000 tickets by August 15 for the

raffle to proceed. The drawing takes place on September 16 at

6:00PM. To purchase, contact the parish office at 333-9065.

Worldwide Marriage Encounter Have faith that God can increase the blessings in your marriage

by attending a Worldwide Marriage Encounter Weekend. The

next weekend is November 2-4, 2018 in Manchester, CT. For

more info, call 860-315-2127 or visit wwmectw.org.

JULY 15, 2018 WWW.STMDARIENCT.ORG THE FIFTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

STM YSTM YOUTHOUTH GGROUPROUP JJAMAICAAMAICA MMISSIONISSION TTRIPRIP 20182018

WWW.STMDARIENCT.ORG JULY 15, 2018 THE FIFTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

SSAINTAINT TTHOMASHOMAS MMOREORE FFAITHAITH FFORMATIONORMATION Office hours: Monday - Thursdays 10:00AM to 5:00PM

KKINDERGARTENINDERGARTEN -- GGRADERADE 5 N5 NEWSEWS Catechists Needed

We are looking for Catechists for all K-5 grades...all days. Please

contact Maria Hillman at 655-3077 or stmreled@gmail.com.

FFAITHAITH FFORMATIONORMATION RREGISTRATIONEGISTRATION

Kindergarten Wed 4:15PM or Thurs 4:15PM (limited space catechist first choice)

Grade 1 thru Grade 5 Sun 8:45AM or 11:00AM;

Mon 4:15PM; Wed 4:15PM; Thurs 4:15PM

Grade 6 Tues 4:15PM

Grade 7 Tues 6:30PM

Grade 8/Confirmation Mon 6:00PM or Alternative Tue 6:30PM (space limited)

Please note that registration is not considered complete until all

fees have been paid. You may submit your forms either by mail

or in person. Blank forms are available online (stmdarienct.org)

under the Faith Formation tab. If there are any questions or con-

cerns please let us know.

Regards, Maria, Jennifer, Betsy & Geraldine

MMIDDLEIDDLE SSCHOOLCHOOL NNEWSEWS

Quote of the Week “Dearest Lord, Teach me to be generous, Teach me to serve you as

you deserve, to give, and not to count the cost; to give of myself, and

not to ask for reward, except the reward of knowing that I am doing

your will.” - St. Ignatius of Loyola

Catechists Needed We are still in need of one more grade 7 Catechist. This addi-

tional class, will allow us to keep class size at 12 students per

class. Please call our office at: 655-6295 or email us at:

msc@stmdarienct.org if you are interested in serving. This is

such a rewarding ministry. You do not have to have a student in

the program to be a Catechist.

July Birthdays

CCONFIRMATIONONFIRMATION NNEWSEWS The new Confirmation photos are now available in the Parish

hall foyer. Please pick up your Fall 2018 and Spring 2018 Confir-

mation photo reprints. They will be available through the end of

June; 8:00AM - 2:00PM, Monday through Friday and again on the

weekends during Mass times.

Summer Book Recommendations for Parents The Spiritual Child: The New Science on Parenting for

Health and Lifelong by Dr. Lisa Miller (NEW YORK TIMES

Bestseller; USA TODAY Bestseller; PUBLISHERS WEEKLY Bestseller)

In The Spiritual Child, psychologist Lisa Miller presents the

next big idea in psychology: the science and the power of spiritu-

ality. She explains the clear, scientific link between spirituality

and health and shows that children who have a positive, active

relationship to spirituality:

• are 40% less likely to use and abuse substances

• are 60% less likely to be depressed as teenagers

• are 80% less likely to have dangerous or unprotected sex

And they have significantly more positive markers for thriving

including an increased sense of meaning and purpose, and high

levels of academic success.

A Mind at Peace: Reclaiming an Ordered Soul in the

Age of Distraction by Christopher O. Blum & Joshua P.

Hochschild

These past two decades, modern technology has brought into

being scores of powerful challenges to our interior peace and

well-being. We’re experiencing a worldwide crisis of attention in

which information overwhelms us, corrodes true communion

with others, and leaves us anxious, unsettled, bored, isolated,

and lonely. These pages provide the time-tested antidote that

enables you to regain an ordered and peaceful mind in a techno-

logically advanced world. Drawing on the wisdom of the world’s

greatest thinkers, including Plato, Aristotle, St. Augustine, and St.

Thomas Aquinas, these pages help you identify – and show you

how to cultivate – the qualities of character you need to survive

in our media-saturated environment.

Websites bustedhalo.com: Busted Halo is a Catholic website for young

adults. Spiritual Side of Cinema examines the spiritual side of

favorite movies. Take a unique look at the intersection of faith

and Hollywood. Parents might find this site helpful when dis-

cussing the faith aspects of a movie their kids.

pluggedin.com: Focus on the Family sponsors this website

which offers faith based reviews of current movies and television

programs as well as video games.

Traveling or On Vacation? No need to miss Mass! For nationwide Mass times and locations

call: 1-800-627-7846 or visit www.masstimes.org. We are always

welcome and comfortable at Mass all over the world and the

kids will enjoy seeing another Catholic Church.

Kyle Bloomer

Nolan Bryson

William Calabro

Chase Caruso

Marcos Chadwick

Jake Dansker

Lexi Dansker

Scott Dansker

Andie Durkin

Stefan Fusco

Laci Gentile

Emmett Heissan

Devan Jordan

James Leone

Christopher Lia

Matthew Lia

Connor Lombra

James Macdonald

Keira Maher

Finnegan Murphy

Jillian Roche

John Sarsen

Erika Stephens

Gianni Vivenzio

Nicholas Yoo