Monthly Newspaper • DIOCESE OF BRIDGEPORT

To celebrate the season of giving, the youth group of St. Theresa Church in Trumbull sponsored a pasta dinner and blanket service project last Saturday evening to benefit the Center for Family Justice. Over 100 members of the parish joined in fellowship to support the Binky Patrol, an organization that provides blankets to ill and traumatized children in the greater Bridgeport area.
St. Theresa Apostolic Youth (STAY), a recipient of a grant through the Re-Imagining Faith Formation Initiative, sold tickets to the event, served dinner, led parishioners in a round of Christmas carols, and joined with them to make 50 fleece blankets to distribute before the holidays.
“It’s wonderful to see all these young people working together,” said Fr. Flavian Bejan, associate pastor at St. Theresa and the coordinator for STAY. “What they are doing shows this really is the season of giving. They are here to serve.”
As parishioners young and old bonded through this work of mercy, the sense of community and service was not lost on the teens who orchestrated the efforts, including STAY member Isabella Pucci. “This is so good for the community. It’s always a good thing to get together and help people,” she said, tying knots at the edge of a blanket patterned with footballs.
Samuel Miller, another STAY teen who worked alongside his friends and Fr. Flavian, added, “This is so cool. It’s nice to know that we are making these and that they’re going to children who really need them.”
Those children and their families, survivors of domestic violence and abuse, will receive the blankets in time for Christmas.

STAMFORD—For almost 25 years, St. Leo Parish in Stamford has continued a very special tradition: its annual Christmas Wish Tree to benefit several local charities. This year over 1,000 gifts were purchased and donated by parishioners and given to local organizations, including The Villa at Stamford (formerly Smith House), Silver Source, Domestic Violence, Childcare Learning Centers, ROSCCO, Birthright, Latham Wyler Daycare, and Laurel House. In addition, well over 1,000 much-needed toiletries were also collected for New Covenant House and about 150 grocery cards were donated to area families.

“This outreach program is very special and meaningful to our parishioners and they are so generous,” said chairperson, Gail Hofmann. “Many take more than one tag and give gifts to multiple people. It gives them great joy to help those less fortunate. In fact, for many of the gift recipients, this will be the only Christmas present they will receive this holiday.”

All the gifts were collected this past Sunday, the second Sunday of Advent, at the church. Volunteers of all ages then helped to sort through them before they were sent off to the organizations for distribution to some very excited and grateful children and adults, helping to make their Christmas just a little brighter this year.

 

July 6, 2021

My dear friends in Christ:

I am writing to request your help.
Read More ››

December 6, 2019

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

I am writing to inform you that I have placed Reverend Jaime Marin-Cardona on Administrative Leave after being informed by state Department of Children and Families (DCF) that it has substantiated allegations of abuse after a lengthy investigation.

Read More ››

With this solemnity falling on the 2nd Sunday of Advent this year, that may cause some confusion.  A reader dropped me a line recently:

Can a parish celebrate the Immaculate Conception on Dec 7-8th instead of the 2nd Sunday in Advent Liturgy??My pastor wants to do this. I did not know for sure if it is proper??

Short answer: no.

A few dioceses have written about this, to clear up any confusion.

Here’s one explanation, from the Diocese of San Jose: 

December 8 is usually the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the patronal feast day of the United States. Because it’s such an important feast for the U.S. church, it is the only holy day of obligation in the U.S. that remains a holy day of obligation even if December 8 falls on a Saturday or Monday.

But what happens when December 8 is a Sunday?

In the Table of Liturgical Days, which you’ll find at the end of the Universal Norms on the Liturgical Year and the Calendar (see the front of your Roman Missal), Sundays of Advent rank higher than any other Solemnities. According to #5 of the Norms on the Liturgical Year, those Solemnities then get moved to the next Monday.

So Monday, December 9 is the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, right? Right! And, because it’s our national feast day, it’s a holy day of obligation, right? Not quite.

According to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, the obligation is attached to the calendar date, not to the transferred feast. So December 8 remains a holy day of obligation, which just also happens to be Sunday, the “primordial feast day” (Universal Norms on the Liturgical Year and Calendar, 4), or as it said in the previous translation of that document, “Sunday must be ranked as the first holy day of all.”

But, still, you know it’s good to participate in Mass on December 9, even if it’s not a holy day of obligation.

More recently, the Diocese of Madison offered this: 

Eight days into the 2019-2020 liturgical year, Sunday, December 8, is the Second Sunday of Advent, and the solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, patronal feast of the United States, is transferred to the following day. The obligation to attend Mass, however, does not transfer.

Because of the transfer, the optional memorial of Saint Juan Diego Cuauhtlatoatzin on December 9 is omitted in 2019. It would not be difficult to mention him, however, in the homily or the petitions on the Immaculate Conception, as he was a faithful servant of Mary in spreading her message from Tepeyac Hill in Mexico City.

Summary: 

Sunday, December 8, 2019 is the Second Sunday of Advent.

On Monday, December 9, 2019, the solemnity of the Immaculate Conception will be celebrated.

It will not be a holy day of obligation. (Since it is a solemnity, the Glory to God and the Creed still will be included in the Mass.)

The Feast of Saint Juan Diego (December 9) will not be observed in 2019.

Now you know.

TRUMBULL—St. Joseph High School, southern Connecticut’s premier college preparatory school, is proud to share that The Gatorade Company has chosen SJ Junior, Jack Wallace as its 2019-2020 Gatorade Connecticut Football Player of the Year. Wallace is the first Gatorade Connecticut Football Player of the Year to be chosen from St Joseph High School.

The award, which recognizes not only outstanding athletic excellence, but also high standards of academic achievement and exemplary character demonstrated on and off the field, distinguishes Wallace as Connecticut’s best high school football player. Now a finalist for the prestigious Gatorade National Football Player of the Year award to be announced in December, Wallace joins an elite group of past state football award-winners, including Emmitt Smith, Matthew Stafford, and Christian McCaffrey.

In addition to his football accolades, Wallace volunteers for fundraising campaigns toward research to combat breast cancer, diabetes, and heart disease. Wallace also maintains an A-minus average and represents one of the state’s top academic candidates in meeting the Gatorade award’s broad criteria.

The Gatorade Player of the Year program annually recognizes one winner in the District of Columbia and each of the 50 states that sanction high school football, girls volleyball, boys and girls cross country, boys and girls basketball, boys and girls soccer, baseball, softball, and boys and girls track and field, and awards one National Player of the Year in each sport.

From the 12 national winners, one male and one female athlete are each named Gatorade High

School Athlete of the Year. In all, 607 athletes are honored each year. 

About St. Joseph High School

St. Joseph High School is the premier college preparatory school in Southern Connecticut. The school provides a learning environment that embraces the Gospel values of the Roman Catholic faith and promotes a commitment to family and community. SJHS prepares young women and men to realize their potential, helps them to excel in higher education, and provides a foundation to guide them throughout their lives. St Joseph High School is a member of NCEA, NAIS, NEAS&C.  www.sjcadets.org

About Gatorade Player of the Year

Since the program’s inception in 1985, Gatorade Player of the Year award recipients have won hundreds of professional and college championships, and many have also turned into pillars in their communities, becoming coaches, business owners and educators. To learn more about the Gatorade Player of the Year program, check out past winners or to nominate student-athletes, visit www.Gatorade.com/POY, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GatoradePOY or on Twitter at www.twitter.com/Gatorade.

TRUMBULL—St. Joseph High School, southern Connecticut’s premier college preparatory school, is proud to share that junior student, Madeline Fried, has been chosen to play on the 2019 High School Girls All-America Team by the United Soccer Coaches.

“Maddie is one of the best players I’ve ever coached here at St. Joe’s,” remarked Jack Nogueira, SJ Soccer Coach. “She’s had a fantastic three years, winning a State Championship and an FCIAC Championship. Maddie will be a tremendous asset to Villanova University.”

While at St. Joe’s, Madeline has had a career 64 goals and 43 assists. She has been a part of the All-FCIAC 1st Team (’17, ’18, ’19), All-State 1st Team (’17, ’18, ’19), All-New England (’18, ’19), and All-America (2019).

Madeline has also been named one of CT Post’s Top 15 Players in 2019 and Gametime CT’s Top 25 players in the State of Connecticut. She is also affiliated with the Yankee United FC.

Madeline Fried has committed to play soccer at Villanova University.

About St. Joseph High School

St. Joseph High School is the premier college preparatory school in Southern Connecticut. The school provides a learning environment that embraces the Gospel values of the Roman Catholic faith and promotes a commitment to family and community. SJHS prepares young women and men to realize their potential, helps them to excel in higher education, and provides a foundation to guide them throughout their lives. St. Joseph High School is a member of NCEA, NAIS, NEAS&C.  www.sjcadets.org

About United Soccer Coaches

Founded in 1941 and headquartered in Kansas City, Mo., United Soccer Coaches is the trusted and unifying voice, advocate and partner for coaches at all levels of the game. The largest community for soccer coaches in the world, we unite coaches of all levels around the love of the game and we elevate the game through advocacy, education and service. To learn more visit UnitedSoccerCoaches.org.

As faithful Catholics, the application of our Christian beliefs does not begin and end on Sunday.  We are called to live and experience our faith in all that we do, including our economic and financial choices.  The Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace, in the Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church says that “economic activity is to be considered and undertaken as a grateful response to the vocation which God holds out for each person.”  Yet, making investment decisions that are consistent with Catholic moral teaching is not always as easy as it may seem.  This article will explore how to align a portfolio of investments with Catholic teaching and discuss if we must necessarily sacrifice healthy returns for our values.

Catholic Values Investing is the method by which we use Church Tradition and the Gospels as our guide to develop a strategy of investing in companies whose business is consistent with the social and moral lessons of our Faith.

According to Daniel Cardinal DiNardo, “Wealth is a gift from God and is to be used well. Catholic Values Investing (CVI) challenges us to align our investing with our faith lest we create a false dichotomy between our attitude to wealth and our Christian identity and calling.”

The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops defines six principles in their 2003 document “Socially Responsible Investing Guidelines” which can be used as a model for shaping some selection criteria for eligible investments in a Catholic values based portfolio.

  • Protect human life
  • Promote human dignity
  • Reduce arms production
  • Pursue economic justice
  • Protect the environment
  • Encourage corporate responsibility

Within the framework created by these guidelines, some investment decisions are easily identified, such as excluding drug companies which produce abortifacients as an act of protecting human life.  Some investment decisions, however, raise questions that demonstrate how complicated the process can be and how the application of the guidelines can be difficult and imprecise.   For example, what does the Church tell us about investing in a defense contractor that produces weapons of death, yet are also responsible for defending our liberty and security?  Or, the energy company who may be responsible for harming the environment but is also one of the largest contributors to conservation and restoration of our natural resources?  In the sophisticated market that defines our economy, there is no shortage of competing considerations and decisions to be made.  Still there are decisions that can become even more complex and require prayerful reflection. In these cases, the USCCB instructs us to faithfully and “prudently” apply Catholic moral teaching to these complex decisions.  A well-formed individual conscience shaped by prayer will guide us to reduce the number of poor choices we might otherwise make.

“As prudent stewards of the gifts we have received from God, we must endeavor to do our due diligence before making investments. More than the desire to make profitable gains, we should also be concerned about forming our consciences in light of the Church’s teaching so as to ensure that our investments are in furtherance of economic justice and all that pertains to upholding human dignity in every sphere,” says Cardinal DiNardo

There is a popular consensus among investors that investing according to these teachings must occur at the cost of sacrificing returns.  However, according to S&P Global SPIVA Scorecard 2015, 82-88% of all funds have underperformed their benchmarks in the last ten years.  So perhaps the Catholic values are not the problem, instead it may be the manager’s strategy.  In fact, the USCCB has stated that since implementing the guidelines into their investment strategy, they have not seen a negative impact on their financial returns.  Our experience is likewise such that we believe Catholic Values Screening can be part of a disciplined fundamental strategy using proven return-predictive factors that has historically achieved favorable investment returns while adhering to the guidelines of the Church.  In summary, a Catholic Values Portfolio need not be a financial sacrifice to a Catholic investor.

As Roman Catholics, we must recognize the role our investments play in furthering the works of the Church. We urge you to prayerfully consider a Catholic Values Investing portfolio with investments aligned with the teachings of the Gospels and the Church.  Reflect on your existing holdings in light of the six guidelines as laid out by the USCCB and carefully research and consider the more complex issues inherent in many large companies.  Take this time to study the teachings of the Church that inform our faith.  And finally, ensure that your financial advisor shares your faith and your values so he or she can best assist you with difficult moral investment decisions.   If we are successful in this endeavor, as Catholics, we can transform the economy into an instrument of God.

 

Louis Pelz and John Barry are Senior Partners at Core Capital Management & Research, an SEC Registered Investment Adviser located in Houston, TX.  They are both installed acolytes and serve on the Pastoral Council of St. Michael Catholic Church and currently serve on boards and investment committees for Catholic organizations and Catholic Schools. 

BRIDGEPORT—The Leadership Institute creates a poster for Advent, Lent, and Summer.

This year’s Advent poster includes “25 ways to use the season of Advent, with all its waiting and hoping, to prepare for the coming of Christ at Christmas,” and has already reached 15,000 downloads.

The colorful poster is a great resource for families and parishes, and all those who wish to immerse themselves in this holy season in preparation for the joy of Christmas.

In addition to the popular Advent poster, The Leadership Institute has also compiled a list of the best Advent resources available, just in time to help you and your families celebrate Advent well. They are even categorized for an easy search.

The idea for the posters is one that began years ago when Donovan was the director of youth and young adult ministry in the Diocese of Wilmington, DE. Parishes were looking for a way to engage young people during Lent one year, so Donovan and his team put together 40 ways to live Lent. In its first year, more than three-quarters of the parishes distributed posters to students and families.

When Donovan arrived in the Diocese of Bridgeport in 2016, the idea came with him. The Advent and Lenten posters are now in their third years and last year the Institute added a Summer of Saintliness poster, which was downloaded more than 3,500 times. In addition, the Institute printed and distributed more than 7,500 copies.

“The use of images and infographics is paramount in today’s world,” Donovan said. “We are a culture that communicates in emojis, images, short videos, and graphics. We know from our research that young people learn more effectively from images than from written words. All we’ve done is harness that power to engage young people and families to learn more about their faith.”

This year, the Advent poster was ready early. Parishes, schools, and families had the opportunity to request printed copies before November 1. The copies were mailed to parishes or picked up at the Catholic Center. More than 11,000 copies were printed in English and Spanish and mailed to parishes or families. Requests were received as far away as Texas and California. After November 1, only the digital download was available.

A limited number of copies of printed copies are still available from The Leadership Institute or by visiting the Catholic Center at 238 Jewett Ave, Bridgeport, CT. The Catholic Center is open from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm Monday through Friday.

Looking ahead, The Leadership Institute will begin taking requests for the 2020 Lenten poster in January. In the first quarter of 2020, they will release their latest infographic, Understanding the Mass, which will include a step-by-step overview of Sacred Liturgy as well as QR codes that will let anyone with a smartphone link directly to video tutorials, quizzes, and more.

Digital downloads of the 2019 poster are available here: 25 Ways to Use Advent for Christmas

Advent Resources (and plenty of other useful resources) are available at formationreimagined.org.

NEW HAVEN—Across Europe, the annual celebration of Christmas has formed customs that have become part of the cultural fabric of its nations and regions. Europe is the focus of the Knights of Columbus Museum’s 15th annual Christmas exhibition, featuring season-inspired art and traditions from across the continent.

European artists, from the great masters to local craftspeople, have depicted the Nativity for centuries, often integrating and showcasing regional clothing, architecture and raw materials. From Nov. 16, 2019, to Feb. 2, 2020, the museum will exhibit more than 80 Nativity scenes or crèches, icons and religious artworks representing 30 countries across Europe, including the museum’s 120-square-foot Neapolitan (Italian) crèche.

The show also explores the traditions and festivities that have developed across the continent to celebrate the Christmas season. A central feature will be a replica European Christmas market. Beginning in November each year, many European cities host outdoor marketplaces, with dozens of vendors selling Christmas tree ornaments, candles, crèches and handcrafted gifts along with seasonal foods and beverages. The markets not only supply popular needs and tastes of the seasons but also offer a festive, fair-like atmosphere.

The museum will host its annual Christmastime Family Day celebration Sunday, December 29, 2019, from 12 to 3 pm. The event is free and open to the public, offering children’s activities, live Christmas music and refreshments.

Throughout the duration of the Christmas exhibit, special attention will be given to the customs and traditions of four European regions: November 16 and 17 – Western Europe, including Belgium, France and Germany; December 14 and 15 – Northern Europe, including the Baltic states, Ireland and Scandinavia; January 11 and 12 – Southern Europe, including the Balkans, Greece, Italy, Portugal and Spain; January 25 and 26 – Eastern Europe, including Hungary, Poland, Slovakia and Ukraine.

The museum, located at 1 State Street in New Haven, is open from 10 am to 5 pm daily (except Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas) with free admission and parking.

(For more information call: 203.865.0400 or visit: kofcmuseum.org.)

NORWALK—Assisting Children and Veterans is one of the many goals of the Knights of Columbus St. Matthew Council 14360. Going with tradition the council joined forces with six local councils from Norwalk, Darien, New Canaan, Westport, Wilton and Weston on Saturday, November 23, 2019 at the Family & Children’s Agency Ben Franklin Center in South Norwalk.

More than 220 brand new and 75 gently used winter coats were distributed during the Knights of Columbus Coats for Kids event. This event helps keep kids warm over the winter months by providing this necessity, and this year’s event had a record response with all coats claimed in just 45 minutes. In addition, handmade scarves and hats donated by St. Matthew Parishioners Terri Sargent and Karen DelVecchio were distributed along with toiletry items such as toothpaste and shampoo to those in need. The local event is part of the Knights of Columbus national Neighbors Helping Neighbors initiative and, since the program launched in 2009, more than 500,000 coats have been distributed in 49 states and all 10 Canadian provinces.

“While our society is pushing us to purchase items for the Christmas season, we don’t want to forget those that need basic necessities for the upcoming cold winter season,” said Project Chairman and District Deputy George Ribellino, Jr. “It’s great to see brother Knights come together from different councils to combine resources to help more people in need.”

The Coats for Kids distribution took place at the same time as the Connecticut Food Bank’s mobile food pantry distributed fresh groceries outside in partnership with Filling in the Blanks and Family & Children’s Agency.

“By bringing the incredible generosity of the Knights of Columbus and the vital resource of the Connecticut food bank into our community, we make it easier for our neighbors in need to access the services they need,” said Robert F. Cashel, President & CEO of Family & Children’s Agency. “The incredible response to the coat drive demonstrates how great the need in our community is.”

On Thanksgiving Day, the Council and the Catholic Daughters of the America’s St. Matthew Court 2640 provided and delivered a full Thanksgiving meal for the residents of Homes for the Brave for the 7th consecutive year. In addition, Grand Knight Anthony Armentano, Past Grand Knight’s George Ribellino and Scott Criscuolo helped serve the meal along with George’s daughter Mia. “Our men and women both loved the food and we could not be more appreciative. What a blessing St. Matthew Council #14360 and Catholic Daughters Court 2640 have been to us. All of us at Homes for the Brave are extremely grateful as you made the day very special for our residents” said Homes for the Brave CEO/Executive Director, Vince Santilli.

The Council wrapped up the long weekend by delivering three loads of non-perishable food to Blessed Sacrament in Bridgeport. The food was collected at the St. Matthew Annual Thanksgiving Mass. “Giving back to those in need during the Thanksgiving season is a blessing for our council. One of the most profound ways we can truly give thanksgiving to God is through serving others,” said Grand Knight Anthony Arementano.

The goals of the Knights of Columbus Council at Saint Matthew Church in Norwalk are to perform acts of charity. Providing those in need with a range of support from financial to tactical help in dealing with a wide variety of challenges. Council members work together to foster the founding principles of our order; Charity, Unity, Fraternity & Patriotism. Our goal as a council is to continue to identify specific needs in our community and muster support and help to alleviate these challenges and hardships to the best of our abilities and resources. For more information, please go to www.saintmatthewknights.com.

MILFORD—Academy of Our Lady of Mercy, Lauralton Hall presents Christmas in the Mansion, Sunday, December 8, 2019, noon–5 pm, 200 High St., Milford.  Attendees are invited to stroll through Lauralton’s historic 1864 Victorian Gothic Mansion, shop at more than 65 pop-up boutiques, enjoy holiday treats, visit Santa and his elves, and more.

Admission is $10 at the door and free for children age 12 and younger. All profits from Christmas in the Mansion benefit Lauralton Hall financial aid and scholarships.

Christmas in the Mansion boutiques offer a wide range of gift items including modernized vintage jewelry, custom guitars from reclaimed materials, gourmet foods, hand-knit clothing and accessories, watercolor paintings and photographs by local artists, up-cycled home décor, hand-turned wooden bowls, custom pet portraits, greeting cards from a student-owned papery business, athleisure wear, handmade glass ornaments, and more – there is something for everyone!

“In 1989 Lauralton welcomed the greater Milford community to the first Christmas in the Mansion, and since then the event has become a beloved Lauralton signature event,” said Lauralton Hall Director of Advancement Kathleen Kearns Donahue.  “This year’s theme, ‘I’ll Be Home for Christmas,’ features the warmth of a vintage country holiday.  We look forward to welcoming visitors to our Lauralton home and sharing the joy of Christmas,” she added.

Attendees are also invited to:

  • Visit the crèche in Lauralton’s century-old chapel in Mercy Hall
  • Enjoy lunch in the Dining Hall with catering by Carl Anthony of Monroe
  • Visit Santa and the elves in Santa’s Workshop
  • Purchase treats from the Christmas in the Mansion Bake Shoppe
  • Take a chance on winning one of “12 Trees of Christmas” decorated by the Lauralton community (plus many other raffle items including gourmet baskets and handcrafted goods)
  • View special collections on display including Madame Alexander dolls and Spode china

For those who want to shop early, a reservation-only Preview Party will be held Saturday, December 7, 6:30 to 9:30 pm. The party includes hors d’oeuvres and light buffet provided by Fitzgerald’s Fine Catering, wine and beer, raffles, Christmas music performed by Lauralton Hall vocal ensembles, and more. For details and to purchase Preview Party tickets go to lauraltonhall.org/christmas.

About Lauralton Hall

Founded in 1905 by the Sisters of Mercy, Lauralton Hall is the first independent Catholic college-prep school for young women in Connecticut. The student body is comprised of more than 370 girls from 42 towns. Inspired by the Mercy tradition, Lauralton Hall’s mission is to empower young women to pursue their highest potential through lifelong learning, compassionate service, and responsible leadership in a global society. For more information, visit www.lauraltonhall.org. Lauralton Hall is located at 200 High Street, Milford, CT.

Accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC), Lauralton Hall is a member of the Connecticut Association of Independent Schools (CAIS), Mercy Education System of the Americas (MESA), National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS), and National Coalition of Girl’s Schools (NCGS).

Sacred Heart University’s Department of Athletics and the Human Journey Colloquia Series present “LIFETEAMMATES®: Leveraging the Positive Power of Peer Networks” with guest speaker John Trautwein, former MLB Pitcher and president & co-founder of the Will to Live® Foundation, on Wednesday, December 4, 7-9 pm at the Edgerton Center for the Performing Arts, 5151 Park Avenue, Fairfield.

Former major league pitcher John Trautwein will share his personal story of losing his son Will to suicide in 2010 with no sign or warning. To raise awareness about teen suicide and the challenges our teens face in today’s world, John and his wife Susie created the Will to Live® Foundation. The foundation’s mission is to encourage kids to “talk about it” and serve as Life Teammates® as they encounter life’s sorrows and joys. Co-sponsored by Positive Directions Center for Prevention and Counseling, the Will to Live® Foundation, My Friend Abby, Alpha Tau Omega and Webster Bank.

This event is free and open to the public.

(For more information click here.)

BRIDGEPORT—The Leadership Institute of the Diocese of Bridgeport has created a poster, “ 25 ways to use the season of Advent, with all its waiting and hoping, to prepare for the coming of Christ at Christmas.”

The colorful poster is a great resource for families and parishes, and all those who wish to immerse themselves in this holy season in preparation for the joy of Christmas.

Click to download: 25 Ways to Use Advent for Christmas

During Advent, we’re invited to enter more frequently into silence, prayer and reflection, into Scripture, and into the sacramental life of the Church. In this season of waiting and longing the Church invites us to renew our desire for the Lord more deeply into our lives.

Dr. Patrick Donovan, Director of the Leadership Institute has also assembled a number of Advent Resources including readings and reflections, videos and other materials.

General

Some Advent Resources from the US Conference of Catholic Bishops
Advent calendar with readings and reflections for each day of the season, the Blessing of Advent Wreaths, of a Christmas Tree and Christmas Manger, Lectio Divina for Advent, Liturgical Notes on Advent, “The ‘O Antiphons’ of Advent, as well as a Family Advent Calendar for 2019.

Advent Resources from Loyola Press
General information about the Advent season, a retreat, activities suitable for different grade levels, and a video reflection on a work of art inspired by the Sunday Scriptures.

Seasonal Inspiration and Resources for Catholics
Including “Praying the O Antiphons”, “Sounds of Advent”, “Advent’s Quiet Grace”, “A Time for Watching & Waiting”, “Our Lady of Guadalupe”, along with a few items on celebrating St. Nicholas’ Day. Courtesy of Sadlier Religion.

Advent Conspiracy
A site dedicated to helping people avoid the consumerism of the Advent season and to focus on the true meaning of the season. A great video is embedded on the site that makes the point! Ecumenical.

How to Celebrate Las Posadas
A PDF file with instructions on how to celebrate the Mexican tradition of Las Posadas

The Returning
A video musical reflection on preparing for Jesus’ coming in glory. Suitable for teens through adults.

Jesse Tree reflections
Reflections on the Old Testament figures of the Jesse tree for each day of Advent. From Loyola Press.
.

Family

Advent Activities from Catholic Catechist
Downloadable Advent prayers and activities for families and catechists of children.

Advent Prayers for Families
Download and print out a series of Advent Prayers for families from Sadlier Religion.

Actively Waiting for Advent – Free Prayer Packet
Free prayer resources from Joe Paprocki of Loyola Press

Celebrating Advent As A Family
This article is a great resource for family advent traditions

Teens

Advent for Teens
Reflections on the Four Weeks of Advent – Quick video reflections on the four weeks of Advent courtesy of St. Mary’s Press.

Advent in 2 Minutes
A quick, two-minute video from Busted Halo that explains why we celebrate Advent and wait to celebrate Christmas, courtesy of St. Mary’s Press.

Advent ideas and resources
St. Mary’s Press webpage with videos and suggestions for breaking open the Advent Season with teens.

Discovering St. Nicholas
A brief video from St. Mary’s Press with the story of St. Nicholas, the original Santa Claus.

Adults

Advent HD (Catholic Online via YouTube)
The word Advent comes from the Latin word meaning “coming”. The Lord is coming and we reflect during the Advent Season on his coming. This video from Catholic Online is a broad overview of the season’s background, symbolism, and traditions.

Making Advent a more holy season
A Catholic youth minister gives tips to make the season of Advent a more spiritual experience in this Catholic News Service video.

Bishop Robert Barron on the Spirituality of Advent
In this video from the series from Wordonfire.org, Bishop Barron explores the spirituality of the Advent season.

An online Advent Calendar for Adults
An Advent calendar just for adults! Click on each day for a reflection to nourish your Advent journey. From Loyola Press.

The Skit Guys – Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus
All of creation, all of God’s story, all of us, long for Christ’s coming. Watch this moving piece in art and song that illustrates how all of history culminates in the birth of Jesus. Music by Marcy Priest

BRIDGEPORT—Performance of an eight-movement Cantata called “The Glory of Christmas” will be among the highlights of this year’s “Arise and Shine” Christmas Concert set for Friday December 20, 7: 30 p.m. at Fairfield University Quick Center for the Arts.

The Diocesan Choir for Youth (C4Y) under the direction of Mary Higgins of Wilton, will be celebrating its 5th Anniversary Season. A former professional opera soprano, Higgins is highly regarded for her work in conducting large music ensembles for schools and civic groups, and is the founding director of the Diocesan Youth Choir.

More than 140 singers from grade six through seniors in college will perform traditional carols and contemporary favorites during this year’s concert, which will be attended by Bishop Frank J. Caggiano.

In addition to choir members and college-age alumni who return for the concert each year, children’s choirs from five parishes will be joining the performance. The schools include Our Lady of Fatima in Wilton, St. Matthew in Norwalk, St. Theresa and St. Catherine of Siena in Trumbull, and n Trumbull, and the Basilica of St. John the Evangelist in Stamford.

Higgins said the Christmas Cantata will be presented in the style of “Lessons and Carols,” with three narrators including Deacon John DiTaranto, chaplain of Notre Dame High School; Father Bob Kinnally, diocesan Chancellor and Pastor of St. Aloysius Parish; and Ursula Hanavan, a C4Y parent from Our Lady of Fatima parish.

Higgins said this year’s concert will introduce a Harp to the nine piece instrumental ensemble providing the music.

Those who have attended previous concerts can expect to hear audience favorites including “O Holy Night,” the traditional “Siyahamba” sung in Zulu, and “Believe” from the Polar Express, along with a few surprises.

“We’ll close the concert with our traditional ‘Dark is the Silent Night,’ which calls for audience participation and brings the night to a more quiet and beautiful conclusion, with full company on stage,” said Higgins.

General Admission tickets are $22. Tickets can be purchased online at www.quickcenter.fairfield.edu. You can also call 203.254.4010 or toll-free 1.877.ARTS.396.

To learn more about C4Y, please visit the Choir’s webpage.

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