August 28, 2016 - St. Pius X of Fairfield

Page Two
August 28, 2016
Requested by:
Saturday, August 27
8:30 A.M. +Michael Anthony DeBartolomeo
M. & M. Rosito
5:15 P.M. +Nancy Kleinknecht
J. Kleinknecht
Sunday, August 28
7:30 A.M. +Mary Leonard
Piliero Family
9:00 A.M. +Robert Northcott
N. Berarducci
10:30 A.M. +Sam Russo
M. A. Russo
12:00 P.M. +Artie Massett
J. & V. Giuffre
Monday, August 29
8:30 A.M. +Ed O’Connor
M. Stablein
Tuesday, August 30
8:30 A.M. +Jim O’Brien
D. & A. Curtin
Wednesday, August 31
8:30 A.M. +Mary Teresa Gioiosa
J. Rooney
Thursday, September 1
8:30 A.M. +Margaret Haggar
L. Riccio
Friday, September 2
8:30 A.M. +All Souls
Saturday, September 3
8:30 A.M. +Eileen Cahill
B. & R. Sacco
5:15 P.M. +Donald Firmender
Dr. & Mrs. Bird
Sunday, September 4
7:30 A.M. +Carmen Oliveri
Zwahlen Family
9:00 A.M. +Helen Gomula
S. & B. Wright
10:30 A.M. Intentions of all Parishioners
12:00 P.M. +Gaetano Avitabile
J. & R. Avitabile
ST. PIUS X PRAYER LINE
We must never underestimate the power of prayer!
Petitions and thanksgivings may be emailed at any
time to stpiusxprayerln@aol.com, or called in to
Ann Cole, 203-362-5178, Mon. through Fri.
(anytime). Feel free to leave a message.
FOR YOUR MARRIAGE IS A WEBSITE…
(www.foryourmarriage.org/) through the U.S. Conference
of Catholic Bishops that offers information, help, inspiration
and encouragement to couples who want to learn about
marriage and deepen their commitment.
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Earlier this year, St. Pius parishioners were
invited to participate in a data collection effort
utilizing the Disciple Maker Index (DMI). In
addition to demographic characteristics, the DMI
included items to measure various aspects of
spiritual life and religious devotions. St. Pius parish
had 175 responses (compared with an average
weekly mass attendance of 1000). The purpose of
this survey was to capture a snapshot of parish life.
This data, in combination with parish sacramental
trends and finances will allow us to identify areas of
strength and areas for growth.
This spring, members of the Pastoral Planning
Team attended a diocesan workshop facilitated by
staff from the Catholic Leadership Institute, which
sponsors the DMI. After learning more about the
index, the team was provided with the parish data as
well as national and diocesan benchmarks for
comparison. We have begun to examine the data and
use it to inform our emerging parish goals.
As these goals take shape, we plan to share the
relevant findings from the DMI. Preliminary
analysis identified current strengths in liturgy, our
parish clergy, and preaching, such that 96% of
parishioners surveyed indicated that they would
recommend St. Pius X parish to a friend! The parish
team will continue to analyze these outcomes based
on different sub-groups of parishioners to ensure that
we continue building a welcoming, vibrant, and
nurturing community of discipleship for all. Our
pastoral planning team consists of Brianna and Nick
Conetta, Frank and Barbara Duffin, Paola Peña,
Steve and Darcy Ronan, Ed Ross, and John and
Susan Walker.
Yours in Christ,
Fr. Sam, and the St. Pius X Pastoral Planning Team
St. Pius X Staff
Terri Dawes – Parish Office Administrative Assistant, 203-255-6134 ext. 10; tdawes@st-pius.org
Kara Clegg – Director of Religious Education, Grades 1 - 5, 203-259-4800, ext. 200; kclegg@st-pius.org
John Donnelly – Business Manager, 203-255-6134, ext. 12, jdonnelly@st-pius.org
Kathleen Donnelly – Pastoral Assistant, 203-255-6134, ext. 13, kdonnelly@st-pius.org
Shari Garcia – Edge Middle School Youth Minister, 203-259-4800, ext. 201; sgarcia@st-pius.org
Denise Heady – Coordinator Confirmation Preparation, 203-259-4800, ext. 202; dheady@st-pius.org
Michael Lantowski – Music Director, 203-278-1389, mikestro@ymail.com
Amy O’Donnell – Parish Office Assistant, 203-255-6134, secretary@st-pius.org
Paola Peña – Life Teen Coordinator, 203-255-6134 ext 15; ppena@st-pius.org
JP von Uffle – Life Teen Staff Assistant, jpvonu@gmail.com
Page Three
The Twenty Second Sunday in Ordinary Time
The Chapel Altar Flowers this week are
In Thanksgiving for Baby, Fiona Grace.
- A Gift from Kathleen Malane.
THE SANCTUARY LIGHTS IN THE
MAIN CHURCH
WILL BURN THIS WEEK
In Loving Memory of all Deceased
Parishioners of St. Pius X Parish.
THE SANCTUARY LIGHTS IN THE
MARY, MOTHER OF GOD CHAPEL
WILL BURN THIS WEEK
In Loving Memory of
Patricia Calise Giannini.
CONFESSION:
ST. PIUS X IS A CENTER OF MERCY:
Thursdays, in the Faith Center Chapel, until Nov.17, 2016,
7:00pm – 8:30pm; Confessions are also heard
on Saturdays in the Church from 4:00pm – 4:45pm.
WEEKLY PARISH COFFEE HOUR:
OPEN INVITATION TO HOST A MASS!
Weekly Parish Coffee Hour will begin on September 18
following the 9:00 and 10:30 a.m. Masses. Please contact
Tom Dolan to sign up to host a Mass (or two!) from
September – June. Tom Dolan, 203-8959513 or
tmdolanjr@aol.com.
CHAPEL ALTAR FLOWERS
If you would like to make a memorial offering in
the name of a loved one, or a special intention,
please contact Terri Dawes at the Parish Office,
203-255-6134.
MOMS OF SCHOOL AGED CHILDREN
Topic: After Summer, let’s “Fall” back into healthy
& mindful eating and make good fitness habits as
well as our health a priority.
Date: Wed., September 7, 9:30 am – 11:30am
Faith Center Community Room.
Organizer: Dawn Carpanzano
RSVP: dawnmariec@sbcglobal.net
Guest Speakers: Heather Carey, M.S., Culinary
Nutritionist and Jenn O’Hara, Fitness Expert
CONGRATULATIONS!
We welcome these newly baptized children into our
Family of Faith: Lawson Fitzgerald Flynn, Owen
Bruce Flynn, and Reid Adam Price.
BANNS OF MARRIAGE
II Isabel Argüelles-Recondo / Brian Goss
II Elizabeth Lehmann / Franklin Hill
LITTLE BY LITTLE – POPE FRANCIS
In Intimacy with God and in listening to his Word,
little by little we put aside our own way of thinking,
which is most often dictated by our closures, by our
prejudice, and by our ambitions, and we learn instead
to ask the Lord: What is your desire? What is your
will? What pleases you?
(General Audience, May 7, 2014)
ROSARY FOR PEACE AND AN END TO
TERRORISM – 15TH ANNIVERSARY 9/11
All are invited to the chapel, on Friday, September 9
immediately following the 8:30 a.m. Mass.
We will be praying a Rosary for the dual intention of
Peace and an End to Terrorism. We will also
remember in our prayers, those who died or were
injured and their families, including all first
responders.
ANNUAL WOMEN’S RETREAT: HOLY
FAMILY PASSIONIST RETREAT CENTER
September 30-October 2! Our parish women are
invited to absorb and reflect “The Light of Simplicity”
– the annual themed weekend retreat at Holy Family
Passionist Retreat House in West Hartford.
For more information, contact the retreat center: 860521-0440 / holyfamilyretreat@cpprov.org
or www.holyfamilyretreat.org
HEARTS RENEWED:
A PROGRAM OF SUPPORT FOR
SEPARATED & DIVORCED: SEPTEMBER 2
Our group is made up of men and women who are in
different stages of separation and divorce. Your
participation in HEARTS RENEWED will offer you
emotional and practical support. At this time in your
life, it is important to know that you are not alone!
Bimonthly Meeting: First & Third Friday…7:30pm9:30pm: St. Pius X Religious Education Center –
Portable Classroom - Facilitator: Bette Huckabee,
203-338-0503. For more information, contact Bette.
All are welcome!
Page Four
August 28, 2016
Calendar of Events
August 21st (Sunday) Life Teen 7-9pm (Meet in the
Portable for BBQ Dinner – Hot Dogs and Burgers!)
Fall Kick-Off: Life Teen Palooza
Sunday, August 28th from 4-6:30pm
St. Pius X Field
Dinner, Extremely Messy Games, Prizes, Fellowship,
and MORE!!
We are in need of more adults and parents to help
with our big Kick-Off next Sunday! If you are
available and would like to help, please consider
volunteering in the following areas:
 3 more people to help with registration/sign-in
 1-2 more people to help sell t-shirts
 1 more person to help set up for games during
the event
Thank you for considering being part of ministry in
this way!
St. Pius X College Ministry
This Tuesday, August 23rd, will be our last week! Join
us for Dinner at Plan B in Fairfield at 6:30pm. Please
email Paola to rsvp at ppena@st-pius.org
TODAY’S READINGS
First Reading — Conduct your affairs with humility and
God will favor you (Sirach 3:17-18, 20, 28-29). Psalm —
God, in your goodness, you have made a home for the poor
(Psalm 68). Second Reading — You have approached
Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant (Hebrews 12:18-19,
22-24a). Gospel — When invited to dine, take the lowest
place. Those who humble themselves will be exalted
(Luke 14:1, 7-14).
READINGS FOR THE WEEK
Mon: 1 Cor 2:1-5; Ps 119:97-102; Mk 6:17-29
Tue: 1 Cor 2:10b-16; Ps 145:8-14; Lk 4:31-37
Wed: 1 Cor 3:1-9; Ps 33:12-15, 20-21; Lk 4:38-44
Thu: 1 Cor 3:18-23; Ps 24:1bc-4ab, 5-6; Lk 5:1-11
Fri:
1 Cor 4:1-5; Ps 37:3-6, 27-28, 39-40; Lk 5:33-39
Sat: 1 Cor 4:6b-15; Ps 145:17-21; Lk 6:1-5
Sun: Wis 9:13-18b; Ps 90:3-6, 12-17; Phlm 9-10, 12-17;
Lk 14:25-33
ANNUAL PARISH RAFFLE
Please consider picking up raffle tickets (packets are in
the pews) at any Mass this weekend. We need to record
who has taken tickets; therefore, we ask that you write
your name and address (pencils are in the pews) on the
yellow slip stapled to the envelope and return it before
leaving church. Fill in the tear-off and place it in one of
the raffle boxes located at each door.
ST. PIUS X PARISH PICNIC
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER11, 2016
NEW THIS YEAR:
TAKE-a-CHANCE RAFFLE
Might you be able to provide a prize for our Take-aChance raffle? Gift cards, professional services,
sports or entertainment memorabilia, gift baskets,
tickets to events, round of golf, are always popular
but any suitable gift will be much appreciated. Items
may be dropped at the parish office, 203-255-6134.
PLEASE SEE THE INSERT THIS WEEK FOR
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES.
TAG SALE DONATIONS:
IMPORTANT REMINDERS
Once again the St. Pius Picnic will feature a giant
Tag Sale. Thank you to the St. Pius community for
your generous donations in the past that makes this
event a success! Important reminders:
- Donations will only be accepted on Fri., Sept. 9
from 9:30am until 2:30pm. Drop-off point - school
APR (ramp – side door). We have limited storage so
we cannot accept donations prior to, or after, Friday.
- We appreciate your generous support but we ask
that you only donate gently used goods so we don’t
have to incur man hours and costs to dump items we
cannot sell. We cannot accept the following: stuffed
animals, bed linens and pillows, furniture, old
computers and printers, space heaters, toasters,
broken toys, clothing, cassette tapes and VHS tapes,
and any items that are broken or have seen better
days! Thank you for your cooperation.
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
*****IMPORTANT REMINDER****
The registration period ended on June 30! We are
currently accepting late registrations on a first come,
first served basis until Aug. 31. If you forgot to bring
in your registration, do so ASAP…we have very
limited availability in all programs! Our office hours
until the beginning of the Religious Ed year are
Monday-Thursday from 10AM-3PM.
***Catechists/Core Team***
Have you ever felt called to share the Gospel with our
youth? We are in need of catechists & Core Team
members at every age level. All training, materials,
and formation will be provided! Classes meet at a
variety of times throughout the week, so there is likely
a perfect time for you to join us! Please prayerfully
consider becoming a part of this beautiful and
important ministry. If you have any questions, please
contact us by phone at 203-259-4800, or via email at
reled@st-pius.org.
Page Five
August 28, 2016
STEWARDSHIP IS A WAY OF LIFE
In the Gospel today, Jesus warns us not to give in hopes of
repayment, but to give open-handedly to the poor and needy.
That sort of giving mirrors the bountiful giving of God, and
Jesus assures us it is blessed indeed!
of Treasure
Last Weekend’s Offering
$13,025.00
Last Year’s 2015 Offering
$11,999.00
Monthly Offering for Parish Support (Additional) $ 222.00
Parish Mission for Outreach (Additional)
$ 202.00
Feast of the Assumption (Additional)
$ 325.00
Thank you for your generosity!
ST. PIUS X PARISH PICNIC:
The Children's Prize Booth is in need of new items for
our Parish Family Picnic. Below are just suggestions of
prizes that could be donated:
● baby dolls ● barbies ● beach balls ● legos ● puzzles
● outdoor sidewalk chalk ● bubbles ● dinosaurs ● art kits
● board games ● beanie babies ● action heroes
● stuffed animals ● toy cars ● jewelry making kits
● play dough ● toy trucks ● paint sets ● learning toys
● wiffle ball/bat sets ● playground balls
● dress up costumes (princess, fireman, policeman)
● building blocks ● outdoor games
Any and all donations would be greatly appreciated, and
may be dropped off at the parish office.
Thank you very much,
Donna DeBartolomeo, Prize Booth Chair, 203-292-6698
SAVE THE DATE: OCTOBER 15-16, 2016
St. Pius X Church will be hosting a parish Retreat Workshop
for Married Couples called “Living in Love” on October 1516, 2016. All married couples, whether you have been
married 6 months or 60 years are invited to attend this
remarkably insightful and energizing experience which will
take place right in our own parish Faith Center. The time
commitment is 8:00 am to 9:00 pm on Saturday and 8:00 am
to 4:00 pm on Sunday. Mark your calendars now and plan
to participate! For more information about time schedule,
topics, and cost please visit:
www.livinginlove.org<http://www.livinginlove.org/>.You
may register online or pick up a registration form in the
parish office. For local information, please call Bob & Peg
Ellwanger, (203) 331-5485, or email
rellwanger@gmail.com<mailto:rellwanger@gmail.com>.
PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY:
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 10
All are welcome to enjoy companionship with each
other and with crochet hooks and knitting needles.
Come join this wonderful ministry on Saturday,
September 10, for the purpose of creating prayer
shawls for those who are ill, elderly, or in need in any
way. We gather in the portable classroom on the 2nd
Saturday of each month (September–June) in the
Religious Education Center (Portable Classroom) from
11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Please call Ann Devine at 203366-4369 or email to anndevine@optonline.net if you
or anyone you know of is in need of a beautiful and
blessed prayer shawl that brings joy and comfort to
each receiver. We also make scarves for the local
poor. If you would like to donate knit or crochet
scarves, we would gratefully accept them and can be
dropped off at the Parish Office.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR: SPONSORED BY
ST PIUS X COUNCIL 16347
September 11, 2016 – Annual Parish Picnic 11am5pm – Yankee Candle Fundraiser Drive
September 25, 2016 – Send off the motorcycles
Riders for Veterans – from GE Commuter Parking Lot
October 22, 2016 – First annual K of C Parish Family
Pasta Supper – Community Room
December, 2016 – Keep Christ in Christmas –
Children’s Poster Contest
January 21, 2017 – Youth Basketball Foul Shooting
Contest – St Thomas’s Gym 9:00am
March 18, 2017 – Annual Parish St. Patrick & St.
Joseph Dinner Dance – Community Room
Saint Pius X Knights of Columbus Council 16347
Yankee Candle Fundraiser
This fall, your Saint Pius X Knights of Columbus Council is
sponsoring a Yankee Candle Fundraiser to raise money to
support their service projects at the church. Order forms
will be available at the Church Picnic on September 11th,
and at various church activities. You can also place orders
online. Your purchases will be delivered directly to you by
clicking on the link on our parish website, or by going to
www.yankeecandlefundraising.com and entering Group
Number 990100205 (If you use the link on the parish
website, or the link in an email you may receive from the
church or from a member of the Knights of Columbus, you
do not have to input the Group Number required for the
Council to get the credit). Please help us raise money to
support our service projects at St. Pius X by purchasing your
holiday candles and gifts from our Yankee Candle
Fundraising Drive.