To the Glory of God

This morning my family decided to get out and do some photography-its a family thing and we love it. 

So we took a morning drive to Elizabeth Park in West Hartford. It was just beautiful and peaceful. A few people walking about, talking, admiring the flowers and just enjoying the nice weather and being together. 

Surprising to me, much of it felt a bit like I had jumped into the pages of Tolkien's "The Lord of the Rings". Let me know if the photos bring that to your minds as well.

Among pine trees, roses, flowers, ponds, babbling brooks, wildlife, stone bridge and rock bridge I found a little stone someone had left for others to find and it just made my day. 

These are some of the photo's I took, I hope you enjoy looking at them as much as I enjoyed taking them. 

To me this is a Hobbit house of course! 😊

Inside the Hobbit house...

On top of this stone wall was a small blue painted stone...

 Up close you can read it... it says "To the Glory of God"

What a wonderful find around our last corner before leaving Elizabeth Park this morning. I smiled all the way home. 


God bless you all. 


In Christ, 

Julie 


Link: https://elizabethparkct.org/garden/rose-garden 

Pictures from my hike today

Needed to get out of the house and away from the house so I took a drive to Middletown and found Westfield Falls. It's steep with slippery rocks, but beautiful. 

Beautiful day for a walk in the woods with a double waterfall!

God bless you all.


In Christ,

Julie

Notice to Catholics from the Diocese of Norwich, CT

Reposted from: https://www.norwichdiocese.org/Stay-Informed/All-Diocesan-Articles/ID/3084/General-Dispensation-Granted-and-Precautions-Taken-in-Response-to-COVID-19coronavirus 

General Dispensation Granted and Precautions Taken in Response to COVID-19(coronavirus)

 Posted on March 12, 2020 in: News

The following is a summarized version of a letter emailed to the clergy of the Diocese on Monday March 9th. 

In light of the general concern about the spread of COVID-19 (coronavirus), Bishop Michael R. Cote has granted a general dispensation from the obligation to attend Sunday Mass for those who are ill or experiencing symptoms of illness. Anyone experiencing symptoms are not obliged to attend Mass, and out of charity they ought not attend. 

As a reminder, the precautionary measures that were put in place at the beginning of the flu season are still in effect.

• The Sign of Peace and the distribution of the Precious Blood are suspended until further notice. 

• Communicants may be encouraged to receive in their hands rather than on the tongue. However, as has been made clear by the Congregation for Divine Worship and Discipline of the Sacraments in its Instruction Redemptionis Sacramentum (25 March, 2004) “each of the faithful always has the right to receive Holy Communion on the tongue” (n. 92)

Public Masses ARE NOT being cancelled at this time

Bishop Cote has asked that you join him in praying for an end to this illness around the world as well as for those who are suffering with it.

Should you have any questions regarding these precautions at Mass or other parish events please speak with your pastor.

The Diocese of Norwich is continually monitoring this developing situation, consulting with health care professionals and experts when appropriate. We will update you as changes warrant. 

Cardinal Burke in Connecticut Tomorrow and more...

Raymond Cardinal Burke will be celebrating a Pontifical Requiem Mass at the Basilica of St. John the Evangelist in Stamford CT on Saturday March 7,  to commemorate the death of Ignatius Cardinal Kung Pin-Mei, the great champion of the persecuted Catholic Church in China.  

This Mass is sponsored by the Cardinal Kung Foundation ( http://www.cardinalkungfoundation.org)

Cardinal Burke will also be at St. Mary Church in Greenwich on the following day, March 8 at 3 pm for Rosary and Benediction.

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2nd Event 

Join Dan Burke for an Into the Deep Lenten mini-retreat to discover the depths of prayer. All are welcome at St. Francis Catholic Church (1755 Stanley St. New Britain, CT 06053) from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM on Saturday, March 21st. Mass will begin at 8:00 AM and registration is at 8:30 AM. Light breakfast and snacks provided. Register at Avila-Institute.org/events for the $20 early bird special! Register after March 1, 2020 and the cost is $25 per ticket or $30 at the door.

See you on Saturday, March 21, 2020!

Here is the active online registration link:

https://avila-institute.org/product/into-the-deep-new-britain-ct-march-21-2020/

Or,  Avila-Institute.org/Events ;

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Paul A. Zalonski
Catholic Connecticut
255 Foxon Hill Road
East Haven, CT 06513-1216 USA

Email Paul: CatholicCT@gmail.com
Follow Paul on Twitter @CatholicCT

Connect on Facebook "Catholic Connecticut CatholicCT"
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St Gregory Purgatorial Society High Mass event

Dear Friends,

The Annual Mass for the members of the St Gregory Purgatorial Society will be on Saturday, November 2, at 11 a.m. at St Stanislaus Church (New Haven). It will be a Solemn High Mass.

The enrollment of our beloved family and friends in the Purgatorial Society is an act of love and hope. As we know from the revelation of Sacred Scripture: nothing unclean can enter Heaven and enjoy the Beatific Vision.

The Souls in Purgatory need our help to get to Heaven. We can do this my enrolling the names in the Purgatorial Society for November 2nd. Each First Friday of the year the Souls are remembered at the 8:00 a.m. Mass and in the rosary. This is an annual enrollment from November to November.

“I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die …” – John 11:25-26

links: http://saint-gregory.org/purgatorial-society/ 

http://saint-gregory.org/

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Paul A. Zalonski
Catholic Connecticut
255 Foxon Hill Road
East Haven, CT 06513-1216 USA

Paul's email: CatholicCT@gmail.com

Follow Paul on Twitter @CatholicCT
Connect on Facebook "Catholic Connecticut CatholicCT"

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URGENT! Prolife rally noon TOMORROW

Urgent! Please come to Hartford Tuesday at Noon!

Your action is needed to help protect life in Connecticut!

TOMORRROW, Tuesday, May 21, there will be a rally at the State Capitol in Hartford supporting life and opposing legislation that will harm pro-life pregnancy care centers.

As you may know, this past week the Connecticut House of Representatives voted to pass H.B. 7070 which subjects the advertising of pro-life pregnancy care centers to the oversight and authority of the Attorney General of Connecticut. The Attorney General would  have sole discretion in determining whether the advertising is deceptive or not.

The 24 pregnancy care centers across Connecticut are serving women with life-affirming, pro-woman counseling and health care services. The Knights of Columbus, for example, have supported these centers for many years and they are in great need of our help once again.

Please make every effort to participate in this important rally on May 21 at noon at the State Capitol, and be sure to invite your family, friends, parishioners, and Brother Knights to join you.

Thank you for all of your work to support life in Connecticut!

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Paul A. Zalonski
Catholic Connecticut
255 Foxon Hill Road
East Haven, CT 06513-1216 USA

Email Paul: CatholicCT@gmail.com

Follow Paul on Twitter @CatholicCT
Connect on with Paul on Facebook "Catholic Connecticut CatholicCT"

Finding a beautiful Catholic parish for Easter

Those of you who have followed my blog know that I have been a wandering Catholic for years now in search of a home parish. As my own home parish had become unbearable (see here). 

I have driven around Connecticut to different parishes within about 45 minutes of my home. I have gone to Mass at them and Confession. Some have great priests for Confession, but Mass like a mega church televangelist. 

There is one parish I keep going back to.

For a few months now I have been attending a beautiful baroque parish - the only baroque parish in the state of Connecticut actually- and I am really liking it. 

It's a Novus Ordo Mass, but its done well. The priest is very reverent. I've noticed a few women (including myself) wear veils and the people are for the most part, very quiet before and during Mass- that in its self is a world of difference from where I came from! 

There are NO bongo drums or piano's (thank you Jesus!), nor folk music. An organ, an actual beautiful organ! And not a felt banner in sight! 🙏

And did I mention its beautiful? 

Here are some photos I took on my cell phone before and after Mass today. 

There is one thing that bugs me though...they have a gorgeous altar rail that is completely unused! Such a shame! 

This is Saint Sebastian Church in Middletown, CT. 

I think I might have found my home. 😇

Happy and blessed Easter everyone!! 



In Christ, 

Julie @ Connecticut Catholic Corner 

St. Jean Vianney relic pilgrimage in Connecticut

Dear Friends,

The Dominican Friars at St Mary's Church in New Haven are having a Triduum of Prayer in response to the Current Crisis in the Church.

Friday, November 16, 7-8pm --A Night of Healing

Saturday, November 17, 7-8pm -- A Holy Hour of Reparation

Sunday, November 18, 7-10pm --A Solemn Vigil for Purification with the relic of St John Vianney

PLUS, the Knights of Columbus Museum is hosting a few events with the relic of St John Vianney. 

PAX!

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Contributor: Paul A. Zalonski

Catholic Connecticut

255 Foxon Hill Road

East Haven, CT 06513-1216 USA

Email Paul: CatholicCT@gmail.com

Follow Paul on Twitter @CatholicCT

Connect with Paul on Facebook "Catholic Connecticut CatholicCT" 

Purgatorial Mass

Dear Friends,

During the month of November Catholics pray for the holy souls in purgatory. Purgatory is for those souls who are holy, but not quite holy enough and need purification prior to entering into the Beatific Vision. Hence, the souls in purgatory are in need our prayers and good works, especially those who have been forgotten. The St. Gregory Purgatorial Society is oriented toward assisting these souls and in the process we can grow in holiness ourselves.

The Purgatorial Mass is on Tuesday, November 13 at 7:00 p.m. at St. Stanislaus Church (New Haven, CT). The Missa Cantata with Absolutions at Catafalque will be offered for those souls enrolled in the Purgatorial Society on this day and on each First Friday of the coming year.

Complete and mail form: 

To...
St. Gregory Society
PO Box 891
New Haven, CT 06504

St. Gertrude, pray for all the Souls in the St. Gregory Purgatorial Society.

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Contributor: Paul A. Zalonski
Catholic Connecticut
255 Foxon Hill Road
East Haven, CT 06513-1216 USA

Email Paul directly: CatholicCT@gmail.com

Follow Paul on Twitter @CatholicCT
Connect with Paul on Facebook "Catholic Connecticut CatholicCT" 

Event: 2018 Respect Life Conference

Dear Friends,

Christ is in our midst!

The 19th annual Respect Life Conference details released

The 2018 Respect Life Conference will be held on Saturday, October 13, at Our Lady Queen of Angels Parish --Holy Angels Campus, 585 Main Street, South Meriden, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Archbishop Leonard Blair will welcome and open the conference

Dr. Jennifer Roback Morse, Keynote speaker --founder of the Ruth Institute

Guest speakers: 
Judith M. Mascolo, MD
Roderick P. Murphy
Elaine Blondin Mello, PhD

Registration is $25.00 per person (includes hospitality and lunch)

checks payable:
Respect Life Conference
PO Box 392
Meriden, CT 06450

No fee for priests, deacons, religious and seminarians

PAX!

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Paul A. Zalonski
Catholic Connecticut
255 Foxon Hill Road
East Haven, CT 06513-1216 USA

CatholicCT@gmail.com

Follow Paul on Twitter @CatholicCT
Connect with Paul on Facebook "Catholic Connecticut CatholicCT"

Shroud of Turin

Tonight I will be at the St. Pius X parish in Middletown, Ct for the "Encounter Jesus Christ through His Holy Shroud" of Turin evening. 

A relic will be available for veneration. 

I am bringing some non-Catholic family members hoping and praying for a miracle. 🙏

Parish: http://www.saintpius.org/



In Christ, 


Julie @ Connecticut Catholic Corner 





image: http://www.shroud.com/

The youth have spoken...dear God help us all

What hell will Pope Francis unleash on us now that he's heard from our  the youth? ("our youth" would be Catholic, but this Vatican initiated conference didn't ask only its Catholic youth...oh no! The Church wants protest, pagan and atheist youth to tell the Church how it should proceed.) By all means, let the non-Catholics dictate what the Church should do. 😕  

What did the youth complain about say they needed from Christ's Holy Catholic Church? 

*less moralism (those pesky Ten Commandments just won't go away! We want our sex, birth control and gay marriage supported by the Church, etc.) 

*women's equality (we know what this means, we want women priests!) 

*more accompaniment (when we hear this, its 99% of the time used to "accompany" someone IN their sin, not out of it-that would hurt their feelings-see below) 

*more welcoming & merciful Church (don't hurt anyone's feelings by telling them their sins will lead them to eternal damnation)

Quote: VATICAN CITY (AP) — Young Catholics told the Vatican on Saturday they want a more transparent and authentic church, where women play a greater leadership role and where obeying "unreachable" moral standards isn't the price of admission.
In a fascinating final document from a week long Vatican-initiated conference, 300 young people from around the world joined by 15,000 young people online gave the older men who run the 1.2-billion strong church a piece of their collective mind.
They urged Pope Francis and the bishops who will gather at the Vatican in the fall to back their recommendations that church leaders must address the unequal roles of women in the church and how technology is used and abused. They warned that "excessive moralism" is driving faithful away and that out-of-touch church bureaucrats need to accompany their flock with humility and transparency.
"We, the young church, ask that our leaders speak in practical terms about subjects such as homosexuality and gender issues, about which young people are already freely discussing," they said.
Among the participants, however, there was no consensus on hot-button issues such as church teaching on contraception, homosexuality, abortion or cohabitation. The document said some young people want the church to change its teaching...[clipped] 

This isn't news to anyone. We see it among the adults in and outside the Church so no one should be surprised our youth are spouting the same nonsense. 

Yet all hope is not lost! There are some young people (thanks be to God!) who accept all the Church teaches and simply want the Church to proclaim Her teachings "more forcefully" and to "better explain" the teachings!

... or better explain it; others accept the teachings and want the church to proclaim them more forcefully.
But overall, the young people concluded, the church often comes off as too severe and its "excessive moralism" often sends the faithful looking elsewhere for peace and spiritual fulfillment.[clipped]  

For the life of me, I can't believe anyone today thinks the Church is "too severe" in this day and age. Would love to send these people back a few centuries - (or even decades for that matter!) for a comparison of the Church then to now! 😇

"The young people also made it clear that they love their technology and the church must get hip to that or lose relevance." [clipped]

Telling the post Vatican II Church it "must get hip" is mind blowing. 

We've got clown Masses, liturgical dancers bouncing around, female altar servers, parades of "Eucharistic ministers"(let's face it, they really aren't "extraordinary" at this point), rock-n-roll Masses, gay pride Masses and assorted pagan's mixing it up at our Masses since Vatican II. 

What these youth want is Protestantism, not Catholicism. 

God help our youth, I weep for them. 


In Christ, 


Julie @ Connecticut Catholic Corner 


Sources: 

https://www.middletownpress.com/news/world/article/Youth-give-pope-piece-of-their-mind-call-for-12778590.php

https://churchpop.com/2015/09/19/27-fascinating-photos-of-pre-vatican-ii-catholicism/

Catholic Events: Relics of Christ's Passion Collection in Connecticut

Wednesday, March 21st at St. Ambrose Parish

7:00 PM @ St. Augustine, 30 Caputo Rd., North Branford

Special event for veneration of Relics of Christ's Passion! 

Join us at St. Augustine on March 21st at 7:00pm for a unique encounter with nine rare Relics of Christ’s Passion to set the tone for your Lenten devotions.  Having the opportunity to be in the presence of these holy relics while they are here in the area is sure to be an experience that will help you connect with the very roots of your faith.

Take advantage of this opportunity to venerate these holy relics and participate in a program that allows you to engage in a unique commemoration of Jesus’ walk to Calvary. This powerful program is a one-hour presentation supported with music and meditation.  A collection like this is generally seen only in Rome or the Holy Land.

The Relics of the Passion collection includes: A piece of the True Cross which was discovered by St. Helena, a piece of the Holy Table from the room where the Last Supper took place, a piece of the Column of Flagellation, a piece of the Crown of Thorns, a replica of the Holy Nail (fashioned using filing from the true nails), A relic (bone) of St, Longinus - the centurion who pierced the side of Christ, a picture of the Veil of Veronica touched to the original with a Vatican seal attesting to the fact, a piece of the exterior wrapping for the Shroud of Turin and Relics of the Holy Apostles.



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A piano concert given by Maria  Andriasova-Esparza on Wednesday, March 21, 4:30 pm at the Legion of Christ College, 475 Oak Avenue, Cheshire.

Ms Andriasova-Esparza will perform various Catholic pieces.

More (pdf) here.

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Paul A. Zalonski
Catholic Connecticut
255 Foxon Hill Road
East Haven, CT 06513-1216 USA

Email Paul at: CatholicCT@gmail.com

Follow Paul on Twitter @CatholicCT
Connect with Paul on Facebook "Catholic Connecticut CatholicCT"

St Pio of Pietrelcina Relics in Connecticut

The relics of St. Pio of Pietrelcina are coming St Pio Parish, 355 Foxon Road --Route 80, East Haven.

The schedule of services are as follows:

Tuesday, March 20
4:00pm: the relics arrive. Veneration of the relics will be available until 6:30pm.

Wednesday, March 21
7:00am: available for veneration until 4:30pm.

5:00pm: Mass offered Archbishop Leonard Blair. 

The relics will leave St. Pio after the Mass.

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Paul A. Zalonski
Catholic Connecticut
255 Foxon Hill Road
East Haven, CT 06513-1216 USA

Email Paul: CatholicCT@gmail.com

Follow Paul on Twitter @CatholicCT
Connect with Paul on Facebook "Catholic Connecticut CatholicCT"

Catholic Events in Connecticut

Dear Friends,

Christ is among us!

TONIGHT, February 23, the lenten Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts will be offered at 7:00 p.m. in English and Ukrainian. This is a great way to “get into” spirituality of Great Lent according to the Byzantine Catholic Church.

St Michael the Archangel Ukrainian Catholic Church
569 George Street
New Haven

More on Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts: http://stmichaelukrainian.org

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Also, according to the Byzantine Catholic Church (Melkite):

The service of Great Compline and Alkathist at 6pm on Friday.

St Ann Melkite Catholic Church
41 Cross Road
Waterford, CT

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Tuesday, March 13th is the next Healing & Prayer Service at St. Frances Cabrini Church (St. Elizabeth of the Trinity Parish) located at 57 Pond Hill Road in North Haven, CT.  

This event will begin at 5:30 pm on Tuesday evening with the Divine Mercy Chaplet.  The service will include:  Prayer, reflection and blessing by Br. Paul Miller, OFS, the rosary, confession, and a small reception following the service in the lower lever. All are welcome to attend. There is NO need to register. Please help us spread the word to others.  Attached is a flyer for distribution. Please ask permission to post flyers in your parish.  If you have any questions, please contact Barbara at 203-605-9845.

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As of March 3rd, the Grotto Gift Shop at the Shrine of Lourdes in Litchfield will be open Tuesday to Saturday, 10:30am to 4:30pm & Sunday, 11:30am – 4:30pm. Lenten & Easter items are in stock, as well as gifts for St. Patrick's Day and a varied selection of Confirmation & First Communion gifts, veils & ties. For further information, call 860-567-0891.

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Sandy Hook Mother Scarlett Lewis To Discuss The Power of Choosing Love Feb. 28 at Holy Family

Scarlett Lewis, who lost her son Jesse in the Sandy Hook school shooting tragedy, will lead a women’s retreat titled “The Power of Choosing Love” on Wednesday, Feb 28, from 5:30-9:00 p.m. at Holy Family Retreat Center. Lewis founded the “Jesse Lewis Choose Love Movement” after her son was murdered in December 2012. Shortly after his death, she decided to be part of the solution to the issues prevalent in society that she believes contributed to the tragedy. She created the movement and became an advocate for social and emotional learning that teaches children and adults how to manage their emotions, feel connected, and have healthy relationships. The evening will explore how to handle adversity, have courageous conversations, and respond with love in the most difficult situations. Lewis is author of Nurturing Healing Love: A Mother's Journey of Hope and Forgiveness, and the evening will begin with a book signing at 5:30 p.m. The cost of the program is $40 and includes dinner. Holy Family Retreat Center is located at 303 Tunxis Road in West Hartford. For more information, call 860-760-9705 or visit www.holyfamilyretreat.org.  

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Triduum Retreat, The Path of Transformation, at Holy Family Retreat Center, 303 Tunxis Road, West Hartford

Thursday through Saturday, March 29-31, 2018

All are invited to enter deeply into the most sacred days of the Christian year at Holy Family Retreat Center’s annual Triduum retreat, Thursday, March 29, through Saturday, March 31. Open to men and women, the retreat will center on the liturgical celebration of the Paschal Mystery of Christ’s death and resurrection and will include presentations by members of the retreat team, time for private prayer and reflection, and the opportunity for the Sacrament of Reconciliation. It begins with a buffet dinner on Holy Thursday night from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. and ends on Holy Saturday around noon. Retreatants are welcome to remain at Holy Family for the Easter Vigil Mass on Holy Saturday at 8 p.m. Silence is optional. Offering: $320 for Thursday dinner through Saturdaybrunch; $350 to stay through Saturday dinner and the Easter Vigil. 860-760-9705. www.holyfamilyretreat.org.


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Paul A. Zalonski
Catholic Connecticut
255 Foxon Hill Road
East Haven, CT 06513-1216 USA

Email Paul: CatholicCT@gmail.com

Follow Paul on Twitter @CatholicCT
Connect with Paul on Facebook "Catholic Connecticut CatholicCT"