Twenty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time—September 8, 2019

Dear Friends in Christ:

This is big! I mean really big! I want to write about something that is such a big part of our faith, but I think so often it is taken for granted. That is the Gift of the Eucharist! The Eucharist is the Sacrament of Sacraments. The Holy Eucharist is a perpetual miracle and it is a miracle that happens every day under our eyes. It is Jesus Christ Himself who comes present among us, who works among us, and who takes care of us.

Sadly, so many take this for granted. Many of us, so called cradle Catholics, were brought up knowing that the Eucharist is the Body and Blood of Christ. It is very normal. To me it was a fact, and there was no argument from me. It is akin to saying the sky is blue.

But what about the awesome reality that this is miraculous? What about the reality that after the consecration it is the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ? For me it was not until I went to a holy hour and spent time in Eucharistic Adoration, that it came to me how awesome this treasure is. It was not until that time in Eucharistic Adoration that I realized not just what the Eucharist is, but WHO the Eucharist is. After that experience going up for Communion was not just what we did at that point in the Mass as a family, but it was NOW the highlight for me. The Second Vatican Council rightly proclaims that the Eucharistic sacrifice “is the source and summit of the Christian life. For the most holy Eucharist contains the Church’s entire spiritual wealth: Christ Himself, our Passover and Living Bread. Through His own flesh, now made living and life-giving by the Holy Spirit, He offers life to men.” WOW! That is the treasure we celebrate at each and every Mass, every Sunday and in fact daily! Think about that!

As if that was not enough to help us comprehend the treasure of the Eucharist here is another important reflection for us to consider: Saint John Paul the Great wrote in Ecclesia de Eucharistia “the Eucharist, in short, changes us. We do not just receive a symbol of our Lord. We receive Him in actuality. He then lives inside us!”

“The Body of Christ.” “The Blood of Christ.” The Priest, Deacon, or Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion speaks these phrases often. It is said hundreds of thousands of times in churches throughout the world every Sunday. The danger is that these words can just become part of the routine of our lives. And yet, even if that is the case, there are special moments in our lives when these words take on greater significance like one’s First Communion, one’s wedding, or at the funeral of a loved one? What do these words mean?

They are a statement of belief that the gathered Church makes in Christ’s presence in the Eucharist. It is further an acknowledgement of the presence of Christ in the faithful and union with Christ in His Body, the Church. Saint Augustine framed both of these aspects of the mystery of the Body of Christ in the early 5th century when he wrote: “If you wish to understand the body of Christ, listen to the Apostle as he says to the faithful, ‘You are the body of Christ and His members.’ (1Cor 12:27) If therefore, you are the body of Christ and His members, your mystery has been placed on the Lord’s table, you receive your mystery. You reply “Amen” to that which you are, and by replying, you consent. For you hear, “The Body of Christ,” and you reply, “Amen.” Be a member of the body of Christ so that your “Amen” may be true.” But, why in bread? … Let us listen to the Apostle who said, ‘We though many, are one bread, one body.’” (1Cor 10:17) [Augustine, IIA6.1 Sermon 272]

Here is the reason why ministers of Communion are instructed to say, “The Body of Christ,” and not “This is Jesus,” or “Receive the Body of Christ,” or “Take and eat the Body of Christ.” This brief and humble acclamation, The Body of Christ, invites all of us to recognize the Body of Christ in the consecrated bread, yes, and in the People of God receiving Communion!

AMEN! Saying “Amen” means literally “I do believe.” But it is more! It also is an assent of faith, a way in which we acknowledge that not only do we believe in the Real Presence in the Eucharist, but we also commit ourselves to living and acting as Jesus did and does.

Now I would like to speak about something that may seem rudimentary for some, but I can tell you it's something we need to talk about. I don't think it matters where you live, the problem is the same- some Catholics simply don't know the right way to receive the Eucharist.

To be clear, the Church desires that everyone receive Holy Communion. (Wait, don't call me a heretic yet.) However, the Church wants everyone to receive Holy Communion the right way. (See, I'm not a heretic.) Receiving the Eucharist is a big deal. It's such a big deal, that there are all sorts of rules about it and we don't just let anybody do it.

Before talking about how to receive Holy Communion properly, let's talk about being properly disposed first. If you're not properly prepared, then you shouldn't receive Communion. This means being free from mortal sin and having followed the communion fast (in addition to being a practicing Catholic).

Being free from mortal sin is self-explanatory: don't commit grave sin. If you happen to, then refrain from receiving Communion until you've been able to make Reconciliation (Catechism of the Catholic Church 1415). An extra reminder of this is needed in the United States where the tendency is for everyone to automatically get up and go to Communion. It's rare for someone to stay behind in the pew- they might even get funny looks if they do.

In many other parts of the world, not everyone goes to Communion and it's more common to see people remaining at their seat. Is it because there are more sinners in other countries? I doubt it; I think they are just being more mindful about being properly disposed.

So now let's talk about how to receive Holy Communion. First, make a Sign of Reverence as the communicant in front of you receives Holy Communion. The sign of reverence from the instructions of the USCCB is that we are to bow. This is done while the person before you is receiving.

As a Priest I can tell you that it is gut wrenching when the sacred host is snatched out of my hand, or if the communicant casually shuffles the sacred host from the palm to the finger tip of the same hand like a poker chip before they put it into their mouth. I have seen some occasions where the person takes communion in their hand and walks away without consuming it right away, NO! One must consume the Eucharist in front of, or next to, but in the eyesight of the priest, deacon, or Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion. Please if you are receiving on the tongue be sure to extend your tongue so the one distributing Communion does not have to touch your face.

With the decree Norms for the Distribution and Reception of Holy Communion Under Both Kinds in the United States of America, the USCCB, in addition to receiving on the tongue, permits the reception of Holy Communion in the hand. Receiving on the tongue is traditional and can be an act of humility for some, but receiving on the hand can make one feel more connected to Jesus so happily here in the United States you have the choice. The decree of the USCCB refers to St Cyril of Jerusalem who wrote:

"When you approach, take care not to do so with your hand stretched out and your fingers open or apart, but rather place your left hand as a throne beneath your right, as befits one who is about to receive the King. Then receive him, taking care that nothing is lost." (Paragraph 41)

There's much more that could be said, but I’ll conclude by talking about the appropriate response to the prompt, "The Body of Christ" or "The Blood of Christ." It isn't silence. It isn’t closing one’s eyes. It isn’t “Thank you.” THE APPROPRIATE RESPONSE is to look at the One you are receiving and say “Amen.” I do believe!

PARISH PICNIC…Don’t forget our Parish Picnic is next SUNDAY! Picnic sign-ups continue this weekend. You will find sign-up sheets at all the doors of both churches for you to register you and your family for our picnic. Your signing-up helps to ensure we properly prepare. REMEMBER IT IS FREE TO ALL PARISHIONERS!!! The cost of the picnic falls in part to our parish budget, in part to in-kind donations of food, flowers, and other items from local businesses, and in part to the financial donations of generous parishioners. If you are able to help in any way to keep the costs of this picnic down by making a personal donation please contact me or simply put it in an envelope marked “Parish Picnic” at any Mass. Make sure to join us for this spectacular afternoon of faith, food, fun, and fellowship!

Please note…while we hope everyone will come to the Parish Picnic we are also aware that some people are creatures of habit and only go to a particular Mass so we will be having the 10AM that morning at Saint Thomas Becket Church but it will be without music as all our musicians will be preparing for the outdoor Mass.

FAITH CELBRATED DURING OUR OUTDOOR MASS…PLEASE join us for an outdoor Mass at 11AM on the patio at the baseball field behind Saint Bridget School. We ask that you reserve the seats on the driveway behind the school near the altar area for the outdoor Mass for our “aging parishioners” and those who may not be able to make it down to the field. ALL are encouraged to bring your family blankets, and lawn chairs and set up on the field just in front of the patio area where Mass will be celebrated. At Communion time we will have volunteers with golf umbrellas accompanying those distributing Holy Communion.

FUN, FOOD, and FELLOWSHIP!!!

FUN— During the afternoon we will be entertained! We will have a CUPCAKE CONTEST open to the first 25 participants to sign-up. Father Federico is going to be one of the judges and he is SO excited. We will also have a DJ, in addition to bounce houses for the children, various sports and activities on the field, arts and crafts, and an information area where you can learn more about the many ministries in our parish!

FOOD— we will have hotdogs, hamburgers, barbecue chicken, pulled pork from two pigs that will be roasted on Church property!, peppers and onions, potato salad, coleslaw, baked beans, tomato and cucumber salad, Italian Ice, various deserts, and water!

FELLOWSHIP—DON’T MISS OUT ON THE FUN AS WE GROW TOGETHER IN FAITH!!! What a great opportunity for parishioners of all ages to come together and get to know one another! IT REALLY IS AN AWESOME DAY, PLEASE COME!

Lastly, and most importantly please remember to pray! Pray for good weather that day and pray for all those who donate their time, talents, and treasure to making our picnic a tremendous success. Without them we could never have such an awesome event, I truly hope to see you and your family there!

DON’T FORGET THE WOMEN’S SOCIETY MEMBERSHIP DRIVE IS HAPPENING THIS WEEKEND...Members of the Society will be at all the doors after the Masses to introduce themselves, answer any questions, and even enroll you into membership! The Women’s Society is OPEN to all Women of our Parish Family. I am personally inviting all women of the parish to consider becoming a member of our Women’s Society, or if they are one already to become active in the Society once again! To have an active group of women in the parish who come together regularly for spiritual and social activities provides such a wonderful resource for our parish family. I am confident that we can accomplish much more for our Parish, our School, and the community with more members in the Women’s Society. Won’t you consider joining?

As always, remember to pray for vocations, pray for our young people, pray for our parish families and ask God’s blessings as we strive to build His kingdom here. Please know that I am praying for you, and I ask for your prayers for me, that together through the intercession of Saint Bridget of Sweden, our Patroness, and united in the Eucharist, we will reflect the presence of Jesus to the world.

Twenty-Second Sunday in Ordinary Time—September 1, 2019

Dear Friends in Christ:

On this weekend known as Labor Day Weekend…we as Americans pause to reflect and relax from our labors. Labor Day constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country.

It is also good to think about work from a Catholic perspective. Work honors the Creator's gifts and the talents received from Him. It can also be redemptive. By enduring the hardship of work in union with Jesus, the carpenter of Nazareth and the one crucified on Calvary for us, we collaborate with the Son of God in his redemptive work by our own labor. We show ourselves to be Disciples of Christ by carrying the cross, daily, in the work we are called to accomplish.

Let us always remember that work is for us, and not the other way around; we were not created for work. Everyone should be able to draw from their work the means of providing for his/her life and that of his/her family, and of serving the wider human community. Let us always remember to pray for those who are unemployed or underemployed that they may find a steady job with sufficient wages to care for themselves and their families.

This weekend is indeed a time to celebrate! So, Happy Labor Day!

Let’s also say a special prayer as we mark Labor Day!

Prayer for Labor Day

On this weekend, when we rest from our usual labors, loving Father, we pray for all who shoulder the tasks of human labor—in the marketplace, in factories and offices, in the professions, and in family living.

We thank you, Lord, for the gift and opportunity of work; may our efforts always be pure of heart, for the good of others and the glory of your name.

We lift up to you all who long for just employment and those who work to defend the rights and needs of workers everywhere.

May those of us who are now retired always remember that we still make a valuable contribution to our Church and our world by our prayers and deeds of charity.

May our working and our resting all give praise to You until the day we share together in eternal rest with all our departed loved ones in Your Kingdom as You live and reign Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.

Thank you to the Sante Fe Council 2978 of the Knights of Columbus for hosting the Silver Rose Program and permitting our parish a chance to participate in the program. It was a great blessing to be able to come together and pray in particular for a greater respect for all life from conception until natural death. I am grateful to the many people who came to join us in prayer. Here you see me standing with our Grand Knight Ron Painchaud and Connecticut State Deputy Gary McKeone next to the Silver Rose. It is my understanding that this Rose will travel throughout the country as are many others and they will all come together in Mexico for the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe and form a bouquet for the Feast.

For more information on the Silver Rose Program please visit the website www.kofc.org.

As last week saw the beginning of the new school year, we are excited about preparing for another yearly beginning. We are working hard to get ready for the new Religious Education year to begin! We have been planning for this for many months and look forward to a great year of our young people growing in relationship with Jesus Christ and their own knowledge of the faith.

WE NEED HELP! We need Catechists to help in this important ministry of our parish family. If you are interested, please consider this my personal invitation to you! Come help us teach our young people about Jesus Christ, His love for us, and the teachings of our faith.

Recruiting catechists is one of the most difficult challenges that parish leaders face, not only here, but in every parish throughout the world! While the invitation to become a catechist can be flattering, we also have to acknowledge that it can be intimidating. When one is asked to be a catechists, after the blank stare and some time for consideration, there is often the doubt that comes: “am I qualified?” I am asking everyone who loves God and loves working with children to consider becoming a catechist.

Do not let fear hold you back from this amazing opportunity. We are here to assist you in preparing to take on this new ministry. Being a new catechist is a time of learning the techniques and becoming comfortable sharing your faith! Training, materials, and support are provided.

At Saint Bridget of Sweden Parish we are blessed with so many who have accepted this responsibility. More often than not, after a few months, a new catechists will say something like “I am getting so much out of teaching the faith,” or “I am learning more about the faith than I thought I already knew.”

If you are considering the call to serve as a catechist, we hope you will call Donna Yatcko or speak with Father Federico or myself after Mass about the possibilities. If someone you know is considering the call to serve as a catechist, tell them to speak to one of us!

FACILITATORS ALSO NEEDED…we are also blessed with those parishioners who have recently been confirmed who come back to assist in our Confirmation Program as Facilitators. These are confirmed Catholics (usually in Junior or Senior Year in High School) who return to assist in our Confirmation Program. They commit to coming to each session, watching the presentation video with those in the class, and then assist in leading small group discussions in the classrooms following the video about the material that was presented. These young people work with a catechist and are given guidance so that they can prepare for each discussion prior to the session. THIS YEAR WE NEED 20 FACILITATORS FOR OUR PROGRAM. Any recently confirmed member of our parish family who would like to serve as a facilitator should call Donna Yatcko at 203-272-6504.

We are also busy preparing for the upcoming PARISH PICNIC...there are currently almost 100 parishioners who have signed up to assist with the upcoming Saint Bridget of Sweden Parish Picnic. I thank those who have answered the call to serve our parish family in this way, and invite those of you who may not have had a chance to sign-up to email the committee at sbosparishpicnic@gmail.com.

Here are the highlights of what can be expected at our parish picnic! First, and foremost, we will gather as a family of faith to celebrate the Eucharist out on the field behind Saint Bridget School. Mass will be celebrated on the patio overlooking the field, and parishioners will gather on the field. There will be some seating for those who cannot make it down to the field on the driveway near the altar. We also encourage families to bring lawn chairs or a blanket to sit out on the field if you wish.

Musicians from the various musical groups in our parish as well as our school will be providing the music for the Mass. It is always a treat to hear the various instruments and voices come together to give praise to our God!

Following Mass we will be serving the food! Hot dogs, hamburgers, barbecue chicken, pulled pork from pigs that will be roasted on Church property!, peppers and onions, potato salad, coleslaw, baked beans, tomato and cucumber salad, Italian Ice, various deserts, and water!

During the afternoon we will be entertained by so much more! We will have a DJ, a CUPCAKE BAKEOFF, in addition to bounce houses, a 50/50 Raffle, various sports and activities on the field for kids of all ages, arts and crafts, an information area where you can learn more about the many ministries that go on throughout the year in our parish, and more!

DON’T MISS OUT ON THE FUN AS WE GROW TOGETHER IN FAITH!!! Picnic sign-ups continue this weekend. You will find sign-up sheets both in the pews at Saint Bridget Church and on the yellow table in the foyer of Saint Thomas Becket Church for you to register you and your family for our picnic. Your signing-up helps to ensure we properly prepare.

I hope you and your family will join us for this parish event. The co-chairs, committee heads, and countless volunteers have everything in order for a spectacular event.

As you are aware, this is a free event open to all parishioners of Saint Bridget of Sweden Parish Family! The cost of the picnic falls in part to our parish budget, in part to in-kind donations of food, flowers, and other items from local businesses, and in part to the financial donations of generous parishioners. If you are able to help in any way to keep the costs of this picnic down by making a personal donation please contact me or simply put it in an envelope marked “Parish Picnic” at any Mass.

Lastly, please pray! Pray for good weather that day and pray for all those who donate their time, talents, and treasure to making our picnic a tremendous success. Without them we could never have such an awesome event, I truly hope to see you and your family there!

Saint Bridget of Sweden Women’s Society wants you to join! Next weekend after all the Masses the Women’s Society will be hosting a Membership Drive. Members of the Society will be at all the doors after the Masses to introduce themselves, answer any questions, and even enroll you into membership! The next day, Monday, September 9th there will be an Opening Mass for the membership at 6PM in Saint Thomas Becket Church.

Over the past few years, in addition to their scholarships, the Women’s Society has made significant donations to the Parish that have enabled us to purchase such things as new vestments, a new funeral pall, new ciboria, altar server robes, processional cross and candles at the north campus, and curtains for the Father Frisbie Hall at the south campus.

It is my hope and vision that the Women’s Society will become the group that assists with the needs of our parish and community. I am personally inviting all women of the parish to consider becoming a member of our Women’s Society, or if they are one already to become active in the Society once again! To have an active group of women in the parish who come together regularly for spiritual and social activities provides such a wonderful resource for our parish family. I am confident that we can accomplish much more for our Parish, our School, and the community with more members in the Women’s Society. Won’t you consider joining?

As always, remember to pray for vocations, pray for our young people, pray for our parish families and ask God’s blessings as we strive to build His kingdom here. Please know that I am praying for you, and I ask for your prayers for me, that together through the intercession of Saint Bridget of Sweden, our Patroness, and united in the Eucharist, we will reflect the presence of Jesus to the world.

Twenty-First Sunday in Ordinary Time—August 25, 2019

Dear Friends in Christ:

It is that time of year again, the children are going back to school, life is getting back to a somewhat routine schedule from the so-called ease of the summer months, but there is nothing ordinary about the activities going on in and around Saint Bridget of Sweden Parish!

There is SO much going on! And we love it!

In the Parish—we have so many exciting things happening right now. It is enough to make your head spin, or in my case to wake me up in the middle of the night to ask myself did I dot the “I’s” and cross the “T’s”. Some nights I wake up at 3AM and begin to jot down notes of things we need to remember to look into. To me this is a positive, it shows we are a growing parish which is vibrant!

We are ramping up with preparations for our Religious Education Program, as well as our Bible Studies, our RCIA Program, and other adult educational programs. We have other social events being planned such as our Parish Picnic (September 15), an Oktoberfest (in October—by the way last year’s chairs are willing to help but we need new chairs if anyone is interested PLEASE contact me), and our No-Turkey Thanksgiving Dinner (in November). We as a Pastoral Staff have been meeting and preparing for our upcoming Advent Season (Yes, I said Advent and it is only August but we want to be ready to celebrate Advent properly). We have a wide variety of other meetings, activities, and events being planned by the many ministries, organizations, and groups in our parish family!

So much of our life as a parish family is scheduled according to the School Year Calendar. Many programs and events start up at this time of year and that brings with it a level of excitement and enthusiasm as well. I hope you will consider joining us for the many educational, spiritual, and social activities we are planning. A full list will be provided in the near future. Stay up-to-date by downloading the parish App, or by visiting our parish website often www.stbridgetcheshire.org. It is our hope that this calendar will be a tool to assist you in finding ways to get more involved in the life of our parish as together we grow in our knowledge and love of God.

So you see there is not much routine going on these days in the life of our parish. It is a time of a lot of activity, lots of planning, and I believe a lot of excitement.

Speaking of our Religious Education Program—We are still in need of parishioners willing to serve the parish family as Catechists. If you are interested, please consider this my personal invitation to you. Come help us teach our young people. Come share your faith with a future generation of disciples of the Lord. If you are able and willing please contact Donna Yatcko in our religious education office at 203-272-6504. Resources, training, and support are offered. Thank you for your consideration of this opportunity to serve our parish family.

In the School—we have the school year beginning in our Parish School this week and we are busy getting ready to welcome our students back, as well as our new Principal and new teachers and staff. Following Mass last Sunday I asked many of our young people if they were ready to get back to school, and to my surprise and perhaps that of their parents around them, many of them said YES! A new school year is exciting! The new school year brings new experiences: Different teachers, new classmates, new textbooks, and all sorts of new experiences for our young people. The start of the new school year is a time of anticipation.

In a special way we are excited to welcome the students back to our school and our religious education program. Our staff has been working hard all summer and we have been planning for this moment to see our young people back in the classrooms, ready to begin this new school year learning about our faith and growing in their relationship with the Lord! It is a cause for joy indeed!

One of the many programs that begins in a new school year is the R.C.I.A. or the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults. The R.C.I.A., or the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, is the process by which adults, who are not Catholic or even not baptized, come to learn about the Catholic faith with a desire to enter into full communion with the Catholic Church.

It is more than simply a course of instruction. The R.C.I.A. is an immersion into a Christ-centered way of living. This is accomplished through a process concerned with the total formation of a person into a believing, praying, and serving Catholic Christian. We do this through Scripture study and group discussions forming the members of the R.C.I.A. to be active and faithful members of the Roman Catholic community of believers.

Who can join the R.C.I.A.? Any unbaptized adult who now wishes to learn more about the Catholic faith with the possibility of becoming Catholic; or those baptized Christians, from other denominations, who desire to learn more about the possibility of coming into full communion with the Catholic Church; and those Catholics who were baptized, but have never received their First Holy Communion and have not been confirmed. It should be noted that a person who enters the R.C.I.A. makes no obligation to formally join the Catholic Church at this time. Is Christ calling you to learn more about the Catholic faith, if so please call us!

A personal invitation…I am so thrilled that we currently have a few people interested in joining the Catholic Church here at Saint Bridget of Sweden Parish. I personally invite anyone who is not Catholic but is interested in learning more about the Catholic faith to contact Donna Yatcko in our Religious Education Office at 203-272-6504 or email at dyatcko@stbridgetschool.org.

If you know a family member or friend who might be interested reach out to them and personally invite them to consider joining the R.C.I.A.

PLEASE DON’T FORGET TO MARK YOUR CALENDARS!!...The Third Annual Saint Bridget of Sweden Parish Family Picnic will be held on September 15, 2019, beginning with an outdoor Mass at 11 a.m. on the field behind Saint Bridget School. Thank you to our co-chairs Tracy and Vito Catalanotto, Rebecca and Barry Berkowitz, and Patty and Larry Richard who are working non-stop in preparation for this event. I can’t wait to see what they have planned. I am so grateful to the many who have stepped up to chair one of the sub-committees and to the countless people who have offered to help on the day of the event. If you have not signed up to help but would like to do so please email the committee at sbosparishpicnic@gmail.com.

CALLING ALL GOLFERS! CALLING ALL SUPPORTERS OF ST. BRIDGET SCHOOL! WE NEED YOUR HELP! This is the 25th Anniversary of the reopening of St. Bridget School and we are gearing up for the 6th Annual St. Bridget School Golf Tournament…which will be held at the Country Club of Waterbury on Monday, September 23, 2019. This is one of the two major fundraisers for our parish school, please consider assisting us in any way you can.

Here are a number of ways you can assist us:

1. YOU can consider sponsoring our event. If you own a business or work for one who supports local charities consider asking them to be a sponsor or put an ad in our ad book for the tournament (we expect a pretty full field, and additional people to attend the dinner following the tournament which means these booklets will be dispersed to a good number of friends from the greater Cheshire area). We really could use as many sponsors as possible…sponsorships make the tournament a success.

https://stbridgetschool.ejoinme.org/MyEvents/6thAnnualGolfOuting2019/RegistrationForSponsorship/tabid/1070914/Default.aspx

2. YOU can join us! We have available spots for golfers ($175 per golfer), and if you don’t golf you can still get in on the fun by getting some friends together to come for a nice dinner that evening and support our parish school by your participation at this event and your opportunity to win a raffle prize. Cost for dinner only option it is only $50.

3. YOU can donate an item for our raffle. We are in need of a variety of items for the raffle which is held during the dinner at the tournament. Items such as: a grill, a big screen television, foursomes to local golf courses, any electronic equipment from entertainment to home improvement, gift cards to local restaurants, bottles of wine or spirits, or anything your creative minds can come up with. Items can be dropped off to the school office or rectory office any day during the week, or in the sacristy at Mass on the weekend. Please be sure your name is on it so we may properly thank you!

ANY AND ALL information including registration forms and sponsorship forms can be found online at https://stbridgetschool.ejoinme.org/golf2019. Thank you for whatever you can do to assist our parish school in this important fundraising effort.

WE ALSO HAVE JOB OPENINGS!!! All of these can be found on our parish website at www.stbridgetcheshire.org under the tab EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES.

1. New Youth Minister—as announced last weekend we have created a position for a new Youth Minister to work with our high school age youth to ensure they grow in a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. We are looking for someone who is joyful, enthusiastic, proud of his or her Catholic faith and eager to help young people fall in love with the Lord.

2. Part-time Coordinator to assist with our Religious Education Program—we are seeking someone interested in assisting in our religious education program. Assistance is needed at various times of the week. The main job is to help Sundays, Mondays, and Tuesdays, to collaborate with catechists and the Director of Religious Education to ensure a smooth execution of the program. Main tasks include supporting, assisting, and communicating with those involved in the religious education program.

3. Part-time Administrative Assistant for Communications—this job is opening in early-October due to Teallia’s decision to move to Ireland and return to work in the missionary activity there. Teallia and her husband will be moving in October. We wish them well with this bittersweet news. Ideally a new employee would be hired by the end of September to have time to shadow with Teallia and learn the ins and outs of the many tasks associated with this position. Knowledge and ease with technology and the various realms of social media are a MUST.

As always, remember to pray for vocations, pray for our young people, pray for our parish families and ask God’s blessings as we strive to build His kingdom here. Please know that I am praying for you, and I ask for your prayers for me, that together through the intercession of Saint Bridget of Sweden, our Patroness, and united in the Eucharist, we will reflect the presence of Jesus to the world.