Highlights from Our Lady of the Assumption Parish Bulletin

Woodbridge, CT -

STAYING CONNECTED DURING THE PANDEMIC

While public Mass is suspended throughout the Archdiocese, it’s important to stay connected tphrough our website, our Facebook page, and emails. We’re asking parishioners if they would send in pictures of themselves to be posted in the church or you can put them in the church where you usually sit. You can also email them to: parishsecretaryoloa@gmail.com. We want to stay connected.

Please know that we are posting to the website and to our Facebook page daily. Please visit our website at: assumptionchurch.com

“Like” us on Facebook at: Our Lady of the Assumption Roman Catholic Church

Challenging times

In these unprecedented times, I think it is safe to say that we are all trying, each in our own unique way, to handle the stresses of life under the shadow of the COVID-19 pandemic. As another means of offering you support and care in the midst of this situation, I would like to draw your attention to a few psychological/ spiritual insights that hopefully could be of benefit that were shared with me by a fellow priest.

If you are coping well in the midst of these challenging times, praise God! Be grateful! If you are struggling, however, please know that you are not alone! Below are some important psychological/spiritual dispositions that can help all of us to not only endure the current sufferings, but even flourish in the midst of them. This is not a time for self-reliance. It is a time to open ourselves to the vastness of God’s love through the qualities of Vulnerability, Acceptance, Surrender and Trust:

Vulnerability
· In simplest terms, it means an openness to the other, most especially to God
· This is not a time to try to be perfect and self-sufficient. Anxiety in the face of uncertainty will often
tempt us to retreat “inwards” and try to deal with the challenge on our own
· It means finding a trusted other to share one’s struggle with, teaching him that he is not alone
· It is a willingness to ask for help if needed, and reach out to one’s formation advisor, spiritual director or counselor when appropriate

Acceptance
· In simplest terms, it means acknowledging and embracing truth in our lives, especially when we face circumstances that we can’t control
· It is the willingness to admit my weakness and need for help, particularly the need for God’s strength
· Psychologically speaking, it is a willingness to acknowledge my emotions instead of trying to deny them.

Surrender
· This involves surrendering ourselves to God’s love
· It is keeping my eyes on Him, rather than my own predicament.
· It also involves surrendering the future to God’s providence, rather than trying to “control” it through excessive worry

Trust
· It is the foundation for the three qualities above
· Trusting in God’s personal love and mercy for me
· Trusting in God’s power and providence
· Trusting in God’s nearness, and his desire to be with me

These dispositions will help us to avail ourselves to the presence of God within They will increase our capacity to rely on God’s grace in all situations, and develop the virtue of gratitude. They will also free us to become more aware and concerned for our neighbors around us.

Please know that we all wish you every blessing of health and protection in the midst of this global pandemic. Despite the fact that we cannot be together in person today for Easter Sunday Mass, through the gift of God’s Spirit, we truly are united! I leave you with this counsel of St. Francis de Sales:

Do not look forward in fear to the changes in life; rather, look to them with full hope that as they arise, God, whose very own you are, will lead you safely through all things; and when you cannot stand it, God will carry you in His arms. Do not fear what may happen tomorrow; the same understanding Father who cares for you today will take care of you then and every day. He will either shield you from suffering or will give you unfailing strength to bear it. Be at peace, and put aside all anxious thoughts and imaginations.

Food Pantry

Thanks to your generosity, the food pantry is well stocked. If you know of anyone anywhere in our area who is in need of grocery items, please call the rectory for them to arrange a pickup. This might be particularly helpful to those who have been furloughed as a way of helping with expenditures.

Please Pray

Our parish has a very high percentage of individuals working in the healthcare profession, including doctors, nurses, aides, EMTS! Let us remember them in our prayers. They’re on the
front lines selflessly providing care under extremely challenging circumstances. We’re developing a list, if you would like to be included or someone close to you (with their permission), please call or email the parish.

Dr. Robert D’Angelo
Dr. Michael Zazaski

Compassionate and Loving Father, in the face of confusion and concern impart to us the calm of your presence. In You allow us to find hope and healing. Be with those who serve the sick and give them Your caring hands. Be with those who lead and give them Your Spirit of wisdom. Be with those who have fallen ill and give them Your comforting heart. Wrap your arms around our world and hold us in your love. Allow us at this time of trial to then serve as instruments of that love to all we meet. We ask this in Your Name. Amen.

Although public Mass has been suspended until the end of April, we are still printing bulletins for parishioners who visit the Center Road church for private prayer. Please let the office know of any parishioner who may be homebound and would like to receive a copy of the bulletin. We would be happy to mail it to them.

Please send us your picture!

Although public Mass has been suspended, we’re asking parishioners to send in a photo or selfie of themselves (family photos also) so that we can post your picture at the pew where you typically sit for weekend Mass. Many parishes throughout the world are doing this as a symbolic gesture to their priest as he celebrates private Mass. Please email your photo to parishsecretaryoloa@gmail.com or mail to Our Lady of the Assumption Church, 81 Center Rd., Woodbridge, 06525.

Let’s fill every pew!

CONFIRMATION UPDATE

Dear Confirmandi,

I hope you and your families are well.

Please know I am praying for you and remembering you at the private Mass I celebrate daily. In fact, on the day you were to be confirmed, I offered Mass for you and your intentions, (it’s not too late to make an intention). As you eagerly await Confirmation and to be strengthened in the Holy Spirit as servant leaders after the heart of Christ, please remember that the greatest challenges in life give us the greatest opportunities to develop the greatest virtues and to grow in love for
God and each other.

I have rescheduled Confirmation TENTATIVELY for Saturday, June 27th at 10:00 A.M. Once again, I request you only invite your immediate family and sponsor so we can continue to practice social distancing. Don’t be concerned if this TENTATIVE date is not convenient for you. I will be flexible in making accommodations for those with conflicts.

Yours in Christ,
Fr. Ford

Please Pray for the Sick

Joe Moore, Cynthia Schultz, Joey Moore, Dan DiElsi, Ron Wyda, Elaine Sellings, Robert Scussel, Ray Martino, Anthony DeLaurentis, John Reilly, Ed Rish, Marie Hartung,
Valeria Asprelli, Allene Kelly, Dottie Malerba, Jill Ellis, Cornelious Smith, Jean Panico, Kevin Healy, Shirley Varmette, Chris Rish, Mary Pavlinko, Jesse Critelli, David Massey, Rocco Campanelli, Lori Cleveland, Lori Warner, Robert Williams Jr., Danny Pagliaro, Mary Lyons, Wayne
Teto, John O’Connell, Mary Tencza, Carole DaVia, Sandy Stone, Helen Havens, Linda Candella, Nicholas Philip Laudano, Kristin Marie D’Amico, John Mahor Sr., Sharon Mallico, Rebecca Rodriguez, Joe Carrano, Victor DeCarlo, Brett Bunnell, Suzette Bunnell, David Luciani, Margaret
DeCarlo, Ruth Breslin, Theresa DeLucia, Patricia Hunt, Mary Ellen Martino, Brian Kelley, Rosemary Festa, Pat DeLuca, Danielle Esposito, Connie DiCarlo, Fred Scalese, Laura Luzzi. Dan Richo, Anna Adamovich and Michael

PALM SUNDAY CROSSES

Please contact Russ Faroni at 203-393- 0061 or email him at russ.faroni@ gmail.com if your ordered and paid for a Palm Cross and would like a refund.