Catholic Events in Connecticut

Music at Saint Thomas More Chapel | Upcoming Concerts:

Sunday, November 10th, 6:30pm, for special concert by the cantors of STM featuring a special performance of Gloria by Antonia Vivaldi.

Richard Gard, St Thomas More music director, will give brief insights as the work is performed in its original form – female voices only. 

Saturday, December 7th, 8pm for the Requiem by W.A Mozart, with a 60-voice choir, Yale instrumentalists, and soloists from the STM choir.

St Thomas More Chapel, 285 Park Street, New Haven, CT

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This coming Sunday, Nov. 3, the Knights of Columbus-produced documentary on Pope Francis will again be aired on national television. CNBC will broadcast the documentary at 6-7 p.m. Eastern (3-4 p.m. Pacific).

The film, Francis: The Pope from the New World, features interviews with Pope Francis' friends and associates in Argentina, as well as with American commentators such as Supreme Knight Carl Anderson and members of the hierarchy, including Cardinal Timothy Dolan, Cardinal Sean O'Malley, Archbishop Charles Chaput and Archbishop Jose Gomez. 

The world has been fascinated by our new Holy Father, but many people still do not fully know the man who is now our pope. This film introduces viewers to Jorge Mario Bergoglio - the man who became Pope Francis - and his life story, from his childhood and patronage of his local soccer team to his vocation and time as a priest, bishop and then cardinal archbishop of Buenos Aires.

If possible, please encourage your council members and parishioners to watch this documentary during your homily or following Masses on the weekend of Nov. 2 and 3.

If we follow Pope Francis' charitable witness, we have the opportunity to change the world.

For more information on the film, visit  PopeFrancisDocumentary.com
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***This next list of Catholic events I share with mixed feelings -some "meditation" and "yoga" events under the title "Catholic" are anything but Catholic- so please DO YOUR OWN HOMEWORK, I am not doing it for you.  I notice the "meditation" says "The World Community of Christian Meditation" and not CATHOLIC (some "Christian" practices are very much in direct opposition to the Catholic faith, so beware)- I hope these are TRUE Catholic events.***

Holy Family Retreat Center, Christian Meditation Overnight Retreat: Discovering Your True Self as a Child of God

Friday-Saturday, Nov 8-9, Holy Family Retreat Center, West Hartford; Christian Meditation Overnight Retreat: Discovering Your True Self as a Child of God, with Jay Stewart.  Participants will learn about Christian Meditation as taught by the World Community for Christian Meditation, relearning to be childlike, which Jesus instructed was needed to enter the Kingdom of Heaven.  They will develop an understanding of how Christian Meditation is a long-honored prayer practice in the Christian church and continues to be recognized today. Open to men and women; newcomers to Christian Meditation are most welcome.  Begins with dinner from 6-7:30 p.m. Friday evening and concludes at 5 p.m. on Saturday.  $175. 860-760-9705.www.holyfamilyretreat.org

Holy Family Retreat Center, Cures and Miracles in Lourdes; An Evening with Dr. Alessandro de Franciscis

Monday, Nov 18, 6:30 p.m.  Holy Family Retreat Center, West Hartford; Cures and Miracles in Lourdes.  Italian physician Dr. Alessandro de Franciscis, head of the Lourdes Medical Bureau that investigates reports of miraculous healings at the shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes, will discuss his work and share his insight into the wonders of this celebrated shrine.  Program begins at 6:30 p.m. and includes a reception.  Suggested offering $50, more if you can, less if you can’t.  Space is limited.  860-760-9705. www.HolyFamilyRetreat.org/LourdesMiracles. 

Holy Family Retreat Center, Holiday Bread-Baking

Tuesday, Nov 19, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.  Holy Family Retreat Center, West Hartford; Holiday Bread-Baking Retreat Day, with Sr. Elaine Betoncourt, C.S.J.  Bake and take home a holiday Stollen, a traditional German sweet bread filled with fruit and spices and enjoyed during the Christmas season.  The day will include time to prayerfully reflect on the symbolism of the ingredients and the process of bread-baking as they relate to daily living. $65, includes lunch. 860-760-9705.www.holyfamilyretreat.org

Holy Family Retreat Center, Day or Evening of Reflection: From Co-Worker to Co-Responsible

Wednesday, Nov 20, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. and 6-9 p.m. Holy Family Retreat Center, West Hartford; Day or Evening of Reflection: From Co-Worker to Co-Responsible, with Fr. John Baptist Pesce, C.P.  Drawing upon the Fathers of the Church along with the Liturgy, Sacraments, and Magisterium, celebrated preacher Fr. John Baptist will offer a transformational and challenging message about the co-responsibility of Christians in contrast to being simply co-workers in the vineyard.  $40, includes lunch or dinner.  860-760-9705. www.holyfamilyretreat.org

Holy Family Retreat Center, Matt Talbot Women’s Recovery Retreat

Friday-Sunday, Nov 22-24, Holy Family Retreat Center, West Hartford; Matt Talbot Women’s Recovery Retreat: Self-Acceptance and Spirituality, with Sr. Linda Fischer, A.S.C.  Women in recovery are invited into a peaceful atmosphere where they can rest, renew their spiritual life, and deepen their sobriety.  Hear an inspiring lecture, take a yoga class, get a massage, catch up on some rest, and care for yourself.  Open to all people from all backgrounds.  $150. Scholarships available first come, first served, to those experiencing financial hardship.  203-804-8406. www.holyfamilyretreat.org