BINGO every Tuesday

Come and join the fun and meet new friends at Assumption Bingo, Tuesday nights in Assumption Church Hall. There is NO SMOKING in the Hall and a full service kitchen is available. Doors open at 5:00 p.m. and Bingo starts at 6:30 p.m.

The Women's Auxiliary of Saint Francis Hospital and Medical Center

Membership Drive through April 16
2010 is our 84th Anniversary. We would like to get a jump start on the $5 million pledge and we need your help! Please Help Us Help Saint Francis by becoming a part of our proud tradition. Additional information about the Auxiliary and membership form can be found at stfrancisare.org or call the Women's Auxiliary at 860-714-4558. The Women and Men of the Auxiliary thank you for your support!

March 2 and 16 - Conversion - A Lenten Journey

6:30-8:00 pm Lent starts with the ash mark and the words "Repent and believe in the Gospel". These talks will be centered in stories of conversion.
St. Patrick-St. Anthony Church, 285 Church St., Hartford, CT
Complete information for this event and future events at St. Patrick-St. Anthony Church is available on their website, www.spsact.org.

March 4 through May 10 - Remembering Archbishop Oscar Romero

30th Anniversary of Assassination. Our CLARE GALLERY is privileged to host an exhibit of the artwork of photojournalist Bro. Octavio Duran, OFM. Bro. Octavio served alongside Archbishop Romero interviewing and photographing him while he ministered to the people of El Salvador. In collaboration with the Clare Gallery, Adult Faith Formation Ministry is pleased to co-host two events to further explore the life of this modern prophet and martyr.
REEL Faith; Thursday, March 4 6:30 PM � 8:30 PM Join us as we view the movie Romero to explore our faith, traditions and social teaching values through our mutual exchange of ideas. This film is being shown in preparation for the Evening Twilight Retreat on March 18. Bro. Octavio Duran, OFM our artist and retreat leader supports the viewing of this film because of its realistic representation of the life of Archbishop Romero.
To register, please call our Parish Office at 860-756-4034. Free, well-lit parking is available in the Saints Surface Parking Lot across from the Urban Center.

March 5 & 19 - Come to the Table

6:30-9:00 pm. Hands-on Cooking Demonstration, dinner and facilitated Lenten discussion. $20 per person.
Space is limited. Please call for reservation & details. Payment made with reservation.
LOURDES IN LITCHFIELD - Route 118, 1/4 mile east of Litchfield Green, Litchfield, CT 06759
860-567-1041 - lourdesshrinect@gmail.com - www.shrinect.org

March 6 - Polish Supper

Sponsored by the Felician Sisters at Our Lady of the Angels Convent, 1315 Enfield St. Enfield, CT. This delicious Polish Supper includes kielbasa, pierogi, golabek, rye bread, cabbage, beverage and dessert. Take out orders and Babki are available.
3:00-6:30 pm - Cost $10.00
The proceeds will be used for the support of the elderly and infirm Sisters. Mass in the Convent Chapel at 4:00 pm. For more information please call 860-745-7791.

March 6 & 20 - Lenten Silent Days of Prayer

9:00 am - 3:00 pm. Suggested donation: $20
Space is limited. Please call for reservation & details. Payment made with reservation.
LOURDES IN LITCHFIELD - Route 118, 1/4 mile east of Litchfield Green, Litchfield, CT 06759
860-567-1041 - lourdesshrinect@gmail.com - www.shrinect.org

March 8 - Economic Justice Series

7:00 pm - What does our Catholicism teach about the economy; does that help us understand what we would like to happen to OUR economy?
Chris Doucot , founder and resident of Catholic Worker House in Hartford and peace activist - The Great Depression of 2010

March 9 - An Evening for Fathers

Dad's, do you want to be better models for your children and not just the man who brings home the paycheck and plays basketball with the kids sometimes? Well, come and meet with other Dads and hear how special and appreciated you are and how you can be a better dad. Join us at 7:00pm, St. Bridget school auditorium. Tim St. Onge from Southbury will be our presenter. Please call St. Bridget office to register. It would be helpful, but not necessary.

March 12 - How the World Worships

Places of Worship - Judaism; Time not confirmed. We have been welcomed by Rabbi Debra Cantor to join in the Shabbat Service of Congregation B'nai Sholom in Newington and to enjoy a tour of this holy place of worship. Our time together will also include a discussion of the preparation and celebration of the feast of Passover. Carpooling available from the Franciscan Center.
To register, please call our Parish Office at 860-756-4034. Free, well-lit parking is available in the Saints Surface Parking Lot across from the Urban Center.

March 13 - Parish Social Ministry Retreat

Treat yourself this Lent to a day of prayer, fellowship, and renewal with "Biblical Justice: Our Roots and Wings for Social Ministry" at St. James Church in Rocky Hill. Guest speaker Tricia Hoyt is the director of the Office of Parish and Community Engagement at Catholic Charities in the Diocese of Phoenix, Arizona. A $30 fee includes refreshments and lunch. Registration forms and additional information are available on the office's website or by calling (203) 777-7279.

March 13 - Centering Prayer

Rev. Bill Sheehan, OMI, will present an introductory workshop on Centering Prayer from 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM at the St. Mary Parish Center in Windsor Locks. Centering Prayer is the contemplative way to deepen your relationship with the living Christ and allow His grace to transform your life as you journey toward God. Fr. Sheehan has led Centering Prayer workshops and retreats throughout the world since 1983 under the auspices of Contemplative Outreach International. Please bring a "brown bag" lunch. Beverages and breakfast pastry will be provided. Six follow-up sessions on Sunday evenings will begin on March 21st from 5:30 to 6:30 PM at St. Mary Parish Center. The video teachings of Fr. Thomas Keating, OCSO will be shown. The donation for the workshop is $20. For reservations or information please call Larry or Mary Galarneau at 860-623-9132.

March 13-17 - Divine Mercy Mission

Knights of Columbus E.G. Rosenberger Council 5779 invites you to join us at St. Francis of Assisi Church, 673 Ellington Road, South Windsor. Mission presenter, Fr. Seraphim Michalenko MIC. For more information please contact Mike Cianciolo at 860-644-3512 or online at www.stfrancisofassisisw.org There will be an evening service at 7:00 p.m. consisting of Divine Mercy Chaplet, Benediction, and the mission talk presented at the Masses.

March 14 - Handel's Messiah Sing-a-long

The Shrine of Saint Anne Sacred Music Series Presents:
4:00 p.m.
Enhance your Lenten journey with George Frederic Handers musical representations of Old and New Testament references to the Sacred Triduum. This program will be accompanied by the critically acclaimed ensemble, Fanfare Consort performing on historically accurate instruments. The audience may participate in the choral selections or simply enjoy the music through listening in the astounding acoustics of the Shrine.
Suggested Free Will Offering of $20.00
Following the concert, please join us for a Pasta Dinner in our Parish Hall. All proceeds of the dinner go to Pro-Life Ministry at the Shrine. Adults: $10.00 Ages 6-12: $5.00 5 and under: FREE
Pre tickets are available Jar both events. Please call the Parish office at (203) 756-4439 or email at www.shrineofsaintanne.org

March 15 - Cathedral of St. Joseph Parish Mission

7:00 p.m. - "Do The Words We Use at Mass Make a Difference?" - Fr. David J. Baranowski

March 15 - Economic Justice Series

7:00 pm - What does our Catholicism teach about the economy; does that help us understand what we would like to happen to OUR economy?
Dr Ken Parzych, Economics Professor Emeritus at ECSU - The Evolution of Capitalism

March 16 - Conversion - A Lenten Journey

March 17 - Archbishop's St. Patrick's Day Breakfast

ALL ARE INVITED! The Foundation for the Advancement of Catholic Schools (FACS) will be hosting its Tenth Annual Archbishop's St. Patrick's Day Breakfast from 7:30-9:00 a.m. at the Connecticut Convention Center in Hartford. Proceeds from this event provide scholarships and support for the Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Hartford. This lively event has become a favorite way to celebrate St. Patrick's Day and support Catholic education and the Foundation for the Advancement of Catholic Schools. The breakfast features great food and Irish themed entertainment by students from our Catholic schools.

We are proud to announce that Admiral William J. Fallon USN, Ret. is scheduled to be the guest speaker at the Breakfast. Admiral Fallon retired from the U.S. Navy after a distinguished 40 year career of military and strategic leadership. He has led U.S. and Allied forces in eight separate commands and played a leadership role in military and diplomatic matters at the highest levels of the U.S. government. As head of U.S. Central Command, Admiral Fallon directed all U.S. military operations in the Middle East, Central Asia and Horn of Africa, focusing on combat efforts in Iraq and Afghanistan_

For information on sponsorship opportunities, advertising in the Breakfast program, or to purchase/order tickets, please email Shirley Ziolkowski at Szioikowskigfacshartford.org or 860.761.7499. You don't have to be lush to join the fun! Please let your friends and family know about the event.

March 18, April 15, May 20, June 17 - Third Thursdays

12:30 pm-2:30 pm. Once a month gather after the 12:05 Mass in the Urban Center for soup lunch followed by a discussion and reflection led by Sister Ginny on the book "The Gift of Years: Growing Older Gracefully", by Joan Chittister. Adults of all ages are encouraged to attend. Bring a friend!
St. Patrick-St. Anthony Church, 285 Church St., Hartford, CT
Complete information for this event and future events at St. Patrick-St. Anthony Church is available on their website, www.spsact.org.

March 18 - Twilight Retreat

with Artist's storytelling and book signing, 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM Photojournalist Bro. Octavio Duran, OFM. This evening is not to be missed! Come and hear the first-hand account from Brother Octavio of the events in El Salvador 30 years ago under the courageous, prophetic leadership of Archbishop Romero as he ministered to and advocated for the poor and alienated. Bro. Octavio from Holy Name Province offers us a riveting witness to the life and death of Romero on March 24, 1980. The newly published book containing the photography of Bro. Octavio that captures the story of Romero will be available, too. Suggested Offering: $25.00; includes dinner Co-sponsored with the Clare Gallery Ministry
To register, please call our Parish Office at 860-756-4034. Free, well-lit parking is available in the Saints Surface Parking Lot across from the Urban Center.

March 19 - Come to the Table

March 20 - Late Night Catechism

"Til Death Do Us Part"
This time the Sister is coming back to offer hilarious lessons on the Sacraments of Marriage and the Last Rites, including her own wacky version of the Newlywed Game.
DON'T MISS OUT: THE FIRST SHOW IN THE SERIES SOLD OUT!
7:00 PM at St. Bridget School Auditorium. Ticket Price $45. Call 860 649-7731 ext. 29
If you are interested in being a sponsor of the show or placing an ad in the program book, please call the Advancement Office at 860 649-7731 ext. 29.

March 20 - Lenten Silent Days of Prayer

March 20 - Roman Missal Workshop

Monsignor Anthony F. Sherman, Executive Director of the Secretariat of Divine Worship, will discuss the forthcoming third typical edition of the Roman Missal at the St. James Parish Center in Rocky Hill (9:00 am � 2:30 pm). Monsignor's presentation will be of interest to anyone who is considering catechesis for the revised translation or is otherwise involved with Liturgy.

Advance registration is required as space is limited. (No registration at the door.) $35.00 registration fee includes coffee/pastry upon arrival and lunch. Reservations will be on a first come - first serve basis. The registration deadline is March 10, 2010.

Additional information is available from Lucy Zocco, Office for Divine Worship, at (860) 761-7442 or llzocco@aol.com.

March 21 - Celebration of Sacred Scripture

Archdiocesan Center at St. Thomas Seminary, Bloomfield 12:30 - 4:30 p.m. (Sign-in and "Coffee And" begin at noon)
The Passion and Death of Jesus: The Biblical Story and the "Back" Story
Presenter: Dr. Mary C. Boys, SNJM Professor of Practical Theology at Union Theological Seminary Author, Biblical Interpretation in Religious Education
(Free will offering requested at the event; Everyone is welcome.)
Pre-Registration Required by March 15, 2010: Send name, email, parish (with city), and phone number to: BJ Daly Horell, Office of Religious Education, 467 Bloomfield Ave, Bloomfield, CT 06002 Phone: (860) 243-9465 Fax: (860) 243-9690 e-mail: cbs@orehartford.org The registration form can also be downloaded here.

March 22 - Economic Justice Series

7:00 pm - What does our Catholicism teach about the economy; does that help us understand what we would like to happen to OUR economy?
Fr John Baptist Pesce, passionate and compassionate Passionist Priest from Holy Family Monastery - Restitution to Mother Earth

March 22 - Cathedral of St. Joseph Parish Mission

7:00 p.m. - "We Are Called to Challenge" - Deacon Dennis R. Ferguson
(Priests will be available for the Sacrament of Reconciliation on March 22 following talk)

March 25 - Poverty & Joy

6:30 PM - 8:30 PM - William Short, OFM in his book Poverty and Joy helps us to begin to explore how poverty and joy are key elements in our Franciscan journey to a closer relationship with God. Join us tonight as we explore how we can understand and implement some of these key elements into our own journey with Jesus. Presenter: Fr. Mike Jones, OFM Suggested Offering: Free Will
To register, please call our Parish Office at 860-756-4034. Free, well-lit parking is available in the Saints Surface Parking Lot across from the Urban Center.

March 27 - ECHS Auction & Dinner-Dance

East Catholic High School will be holding their annual auction and dinner-dance. This year's event features the interactive music group "The Glamour Girls" who will be performing the music of the '60s, '70s, and '80s. This event features a sumptuous Italian style dinner and a live and silent auction. Tickets are $25 each. Contact Sarah Adanti at 860-649-5336, ext 234 or adantis@echs.com.

March 27-28 - "Today You Shall Be With Me In Paradise"

The Story of Jesus' Passion, Death, and Resurrection in Luke's Gospel
Saturday, March 27 from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Sunday, March 28 from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
The Lukan Passion Narrative contains unique and interesting features designed to focus the reader's attention on the significance of Jesus' passion, death, and resurrection - not only for Jesus himself and the outcome of his mission, but also for those who follow him as disciples in every age. Beginning in the upper room where Jesus is surrounded by his disciples, Luke makes us privy to the Last Supper that Jesus shares with his own, his final instructions at the meal, and his departure for the Garden of Gethsemane. From that point in the story, events move quickly: in fewer than twenty-four hours, Jesus is arrested, interrogated, and led away to the cross where he dies�now alone, except for the two brigands executed with him. But the Lukan Jesus dies as he lived: along the way that leads to the cross he heals the ear of a slave that had been severed by one of his own disciples, he consoles the weeping women who come out from Jerusalem to mourn for him, he prays for the forgiveness of his executioners, "who know not what they do" and, at the last, he assures one of those crucified with him of entrance into paradise. During this weekend workshop, we will read the significant episodes of Luke 22-24 with an eye both to how they reflect the themes of Luke's Gospel and also how they challenge us to be better disciples as we contemplate the awesome and life-giving events of our redemption. Presenter: Paul Sansone Suggested Offering: $30.00; includes lunch on Saturday
To register, please call our Parish Office at 860-756-4034. Free, well-lit parking is available in the Saints Surface Parking Lot across from the Urban Center.

April 15, May 20, June 17 - Third Thursdays

May 20, June 17 - Third Thursdays

June 12 - Social Justice Conference

The Bishop Peter Rosazza Social Justice Conference, "Rooted in Faith - Cultivating the Common Good." The conference will be held at St. Paul High School, Bristol from 9-4 PM. More details to follow!

June 17 - Third Thursdays

June 20 to July 2 - Working Among the Poor in Cusco, Peru

If you are interested in working with orphans, children abandoned on streets, children in clinics, children in schools, children neglected by parents, teaching English, constructing new orphanages or working as a nurse in Cusco, Peru, contact Fr. Michael Sequeira. He may be contacted at St. Mary's Church, 54 Grove Street, Clinton, CT, 06413, or call 860-669-8512 or email at punchamar@snet.net for more information on the trip and the cost and conditions. There is an orientation session on February 2 at 7:00pm.

June 29 to July 08, 2010 - Pilgrimage to Lourdes

The 56th U.S. national pilgrimage to Lourdes is accompanied by a medical staff, clergy and volunteers to assist the needs of the pilgrims and is open to all. For details, contact Fr. Joseph Allen, 0.P.,
Email: allenop@opfriars.org or The Lourdes Pilgrimage Office: Tel. Toll Free 1-877-276-7279
Website: www.lourdes-pilgirimage.com