All Souls
The Church assigns a particular devotion to each month of the year. As All Souls Day falls during the month of November, this month has traditionally been dedicated to the Holy Souls in Purgatory. It has always been part of our Catholic tradition to pray for those who have gone before us who might still be waiting to enter the Kingdom of God. The Church teaches that Purgatory is a place of purification from sin. If we are not completely prepared when we die to enter the presence of God, then God in His mercy, offers us this last opportunity to enter into His glory.
The souls in Purgatory cannot pray for themselves but must rely upon our charity. Each time we offer Mass for them, pray for them, make some sacrifice for them, their time in Purgatory is shortened. We may also gain indulgences for the souls in Purgatory. An indulgence is the remission of punishment due to sin which is granted by the Church for performing certain actions. These indulgences may be gained for ourselves or may be applied to the souls in Purgatory. There are indulgences granted for reciting the Rosary, reading Sacred Scripture and many other devotions. More information about the teaching of indulgences can be found in the Catechism of the Catholic Church or the Catholic Encyclopedia online.
Again, it is an act of charity to pray for the dead. In addition to remembering our own friends and loved ones who have passed away we should also pray for those who have no one to pray for themselves. We can be sure that these souls will be grateful for our generosity and pray for us in return.
Please be sure to use the envelopes to give us the names of those who have passed away. They will be remembered in prayer at the altar during the month of November.
Eternal rest grant unto them O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them! May the souls of all the faithful departed rest in peace. Amen!
Sunday, November 17
Thirty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time
Gospel Mk 13:24-32
Jesus said to his disciples: "In those days after that tribulation the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will be falling from the sky, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken. "And then they will see 'the Son of Man coming in the clouds' with great power and glory, and then he will send out the angels and gather his elect from the four winds, from the end of the earth to the end of the sky.
"Learn a lesson from the fig tree. When its branch becomes tender and sprouts leaves, you know that summer is near. In the same way, when you see these things happening, know that he is near, at the gates. Amen, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things have taken place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.
"But of that day or hour, no one knows, neither the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father."
Have you heard the good news?
This year, 11 new seminarians have courageously answered God's call. Our Diocese is now blessed to have 33 seminarians - an incredible blessing that presents an exciting challenge.
Formation costs over $60,000 annually per seminarian, covering their education, housing, and spiritual needs. Bishop Caggiano anticipates that by 2030, we will need $3 million annually to ensure we can provide for our seminarians. While this total is substantial, every donation—big or small—helps our seminarians on their journey.
Here’s how you can make an immediate impact:
· $250 funds a pastoral ministry experience.
· $165 covers an entire day of theological education.
· $100 provides educational materials.
· $50 assists with housing expenses.
· $25 supports a regional discernment group.
· $10 helps provide daily meals.
Any amount you give directly supports our seminarians and invests in future vocations.
Will you join us in supporting our seminarians this month?
Thank you for being an essential part of this mission. Your generosity helps transform lives, nurture vocations, and strengthen the Catholic Church in Fairfield County.
Your support will help us reach our goal by November 30th. Every gift counts!
Congratulations!
Maureen Mott, a catechist in our Religious Education program, receives the 2024 St. Augustine Medal of Service from Bishop Caggiano.
Father Jones visits our Religious Education classes
Saint Mary Exceeds It's Goal!!
Communion Class Begins!
Register now for the 2024-2025 Choir Season
Our Youth Choir is open to children in grades 3 thru 8. The program develops musical skills such as part-singing and vocal development, with an emphasis on learning the traditional music of the church. The Youth Choir sings at the 9:00 Mass every Sunday. Rehearsals are on Thursdays from 6:00 to 7:00pm.
Our Cherub Choir is for children in K through grade 2. The program introduces music fundamentals and singing. The Cherubs sing twice a month at the 9:00 Mass. Rehearsals are on Thursdays from 5:30 to 6:00pm. (Children younger than 7 must be accompanied by an adult at rehearsals.)
Both the Cherub and Youth choirs will perform at our annual Christmas concert which will take place on December 15. After the summer break, rehearsals for both choirs will resume on Thursday, September 19. Children are welcome to join at any time!
Our Adult Choir is open to high school students as well as adults. The current “Summer Choir” season welcomes all parishioners with an interest to join. There are no rehearsals over the summer and no commitment required. We meet at 10:00am in the parish hall for a brief run-through of the hymns for the 10:30am Mass. All are welcome to join us! Rehearsals are on Thursdays from 7:30 to 9:30pm and will resume on September 12.
Register online or email Marjorie Donalds. Registration forms also available in the parish center office
Walking With Purpose is a women’s Bible study that provides a nurturing environment for
women to explore the Bible and apply God’s Word and teachings to our lives. There is
something for everyone, no matter where you are in your faith journey.
Click here for more info on upcoming sessions.
Are you tired of using old-fashioned envelopes? Would you like to make sure your weekly donation helps your parish even if you're away?
We can now accept donations through your Credit or Debit Card! You can also donate electronically from your checking or savings account!
Easy online account setup!
For FAQs about Online Giving, click here.
For more details, click here.
Progress On Our Nativity Restoration
Thanks to the incredible talent of Adam Jarzabek
Click to Give
A Dad's Prayer Over His Children
“May God’s most profound blessings be now on each of you. May He bless you with complete health of mind, body, and spirit. May He bless you with the gift of faith—that you’ll always know and believe in Him and in His Son, Jesus Christ. May He bless you with the gift of self-confidence—that you will always believe in yourselves. May you always know that God loves you and Mommy and I love you very, very much. May you have the strength and courage to be leaders—to stand up for yourselves and for others in the name of righteousness. May God lead you too, always along His holy path and help you to know your vocation of life and when its time, may He gather you into the gates of His heavenly Kingdom. We pray, through Christ our Lord.”
Msgr. Laurence R. Bronkiewicz
Homily for 12th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Life experiences can strengthen our faith in God. A good number of years ago I was flying home from Chicago. I got to O’Hare early and eventually boarded Delta fight 6182. My seat assignment was 7B, but a family with a number of children wanted to sit together – so I offered to sit in seat 6B, which was an aisle seat. 6A was the window seat, and that was occupied by a little boy.
When I sat down, the little boy was busy taking inventory of the contents of his big blue backpack. He then turned to me and in a matter-of-fact fashion said, “You probably don’t’ know this, but this is my first trip by myself.” He was all smiles. I put my book down and said, “You mean your parents are not with you?” “No, they’re not” he said. He then explained that his mom had brought him to the airport for the flight and made sure he got on the plane.
It turns out that my seat companion, Alexander, was 8 years old, and would start 3rd grade in the Fall. He and his Mom and Dad and little sister live on a farm in Indiana. I should also tell you that Alexander’s final destination was not New York. It was Milan, Italy, where his maternal grandparents live. His Mom is Italian, and she was sending him to spend the summer with her family. Alexander spoke fluent Italian.
To continue reading Monsignor's homily, please click here
Msgr. Laurence R. Bronkiewicz
50th Ordination Anniversary Homily
July in Rome can be very hot and humid. July 2, 1973, was no exception. With John and Tom who are here with me in the sanctuary, I started out from the North American College, making our way down the Gianiculum Hill, then taking a sharp left at the bottom onto a short street named after the Holy Spirit. Yes, we were on our way to the Basilica of St. Peter - that extraordinary church created by the genius of Bernini, Bramante, and Michelangelo among others. On that sultry July morning 16 members of our Class of 1973 gathered to be ordained priests of Jesus Christ by Bishop James Hickey, Rector of the North American College. This evening, almost 50 years later to the day, at the gracious invitation of my good friend, Fr. Michael Jones, we gather here in St. Mary Church, Greenwich, to celebrate 5 decades of my service as a priest of the Diocese of Bridgeport. In addition to all of you, I am so pleased that two close friends and classmates who walked to the Basilica with me that morning have joined us.
To continue reading Monsignor's homily, please click here
Kilian Welcomes You to Saint Mary!!!
Children at Mass
Children in Mass are gifts, not distractions!
But if a young child does become disruptive, which is natural, please be respectful of other parishioners and remove the child from church and feel free to return once it is appropriate. Please do not let young children wander from the pew or run up and down aisles or through the Mary chapel alcove. Also, if late for Mass, please do not proceed to the front of the church but instead occupy a pew closer to the rear.
Consideration of others and reverence help to maintain a prayerful atmosphere for all.
Family Movie Nights
To help families spend time together and share common experiences, The Leadership Institute provides recommendations for Family Movie Night.
Each week, a new movie recommendation and explanation is available for your consideration.
Enjoy the show! Click movies.
Pray Every Day: Let Us Help
Celebrating 16 Million Prayers and Counting
Join the movement! Simply text the word PRAY from your smartphone to 55778.
You will automatically receive a response to confirm your subscription (standard texting rates apply).
Each day around 3pm, you will receive a text from Bishop Caggiano inviting you to stop whatever you are doing and to pray for a specific intention.
All prayers end with an invitation to recite one Hail Mary. Learn more.
Take Time To Listen
Four Catholic young adults, seeking God in the midst of this crazy, mixed-up world have come together to share their stories of faith. Take a few moments to listen to Restless, a new podcast created right here in the Diocese of Bridgeport. Listen as the young people discuss life, relationships, and work through the lens of our Catholic Faith. Listen now.
Sign Up For "On The Same Page"
Get tips for living our faith at home, suggestions, and reminders for upcoming liturgical feasts, holidays, and holy days, as well as ideas for connecting the life of the parish and/or school with the busy home life of our families. Click here to sign up.
Family Bible Challenge
Season sixteen launched on May 14, 2023!
The Family Bible Challenge continues to expand. We welcome the faithful of the Archdiocese of New York, Brooklyn, Dallas, Orange, Newark, Rochester, St. Augustine, and Springfield-Cape Girardeau to our adventure and hope you enjoy the weekly reflections and quizzes. Click here
Revised Liturgical Norms
When the liturgical reforms of the second Vatican council were promulgated, the lives of many of the faithful were disrupted because they were neither informed nor prepared for the changes to come. As we look forward to the promulgation of our own revised liturgical norms, Bishop Caggiano is committed to avoiding that same mistake.
The Revised Liturgical Norms for the Diocese of Bridgeport will be promulgated on the first Sunday of Advent, December 2, 2018. Between now and then, we will embark on a comprehensive catechetical and communication strategy so that when the norms are made public, there is a more complete understanding of what we aim to do, namely, raise awareness of and commitment to a celebration of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass that is both faithful and universal.
In the video here, Bishop Caggiano outlines the timeline for catechesis, makes the case for why we are revising the norms, and invites everyone to participate in this process.
Available Resources:
- Article One: "What is Liturgy?" click here
- Article Two: "The Role of the Laity in Liturgy" click here
- Article Three: "Music in the Sacred Liturgy" click here
- Article Four: "The Role of the Altar Server" click here
- Article Five: "The Role of the Reader at Mass" click here
- Article Six: "The Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion"
click here
Our Youth Choir
Mysteries of the Rosary
Sing Hodie, Noel!
Devotions
Most Catholics know that May is the Month of Mary and October is dedicated to the Rosary. Many do not realize that the Church proposes different devotions for each month in order to assist us in our spiritual lives. Below you will find listed the devotion suggested for all 12 months.
- January - The Holy Name and Childhood of Jesus
- February- The Holy Family
- March- St. Joseph
- April- The Blessed Sacrament
- May- Mary
- June- Sacred Heart of Jesus
- July - The Precious Blood
- August- Immaculate Heart of Mary
- September- Seven Dolours (Sorrows) of Mary
- October - The Holy Rosary
- November- Poor Souls in Purgatory
- December- The Immaculate Conception
Mass Times
Daily Mass Schedule
Monday - Friday 12:05 PM
Church doors will open
from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Weekend Mass Schedule
Saturday Vigils: 5:15 PM
and 7:00 PM (Spanish)
Sunday: 9:00 AM, 10:30 AM, 12:15 PM, 5:15 PM
Office Hours
Monday-Friday
9:00-3:00 PM
Confessions
Saturday 4:00-5:00 PM
Spanish 6:00-6:45 PM
Baptisms
Sunday 1:30 PM
Adoration
Fridays 10:00 AM-4:00 PM
