Come and See
Every spring, high school juniors and seniors descend upon college campuses across the countries to experience the life of the college at open houses, visitation days, and campus previews. Perhaps a better name for all these events would be “Come and see” days. Colleges and universities know that there is only so much that can be learned from a website, pamphlet, or brochure. If a young person is
going to commit to spending the next few years of their life at a particular school, they have to come and experience it for themselves. They must immerse themselves in the campus culture, get to know the layout of the buildings, the atmosphere of the student body – and even taste the pizza in the dining hall. There is no substitute for experience.
When the two disciples in the Gospel today ask Jesus where he is staying, Jesus doesn’t tell them. He invites them to “Come and see.” Jesus knows that if He only tells them where He is staying, it will satisfy their curiosity and they will likely move on with their lives. But by inviting them to come close, He gives them the chance to experience His presence more fully, more intimately. And the result is astounding. After seeing for Himself what Jesus has to offer, Andrew goes off to find his brother Peter. But Andrew doesn’t just tell Peter about Jesus: he brings
Peter to Jesus.
There are countless people in the world who are looking for all the very things that Christ has to offer: a sense of hope, lasting peace, true joy, and the fulfillment of the desires of their hearts. As Christians, we have to be willing to go out into the world and proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ that we have experienced in our own lives. But we cannot stop at just telling people about it. We must invite them in to come and see what Jesus has to offer and to experience it for themselves. It might just change their lives.
In Christ through Mary,
Fr. Ford
Sunday Mass
In those parishes that are ready to follow the established norms, the celebration of weekday Masses, Funeral Masses , Baptisms and Nuptial Weddings within our Churches may also resume.
The weekend schedule is as follows:
- Saturday Vigil @ 4:30pm
- Sunday @ 8am 10am & 12pm
Please let us know if you will be attending Mass by calling our Parish Office (203) 797-0222 or emailing us at
sgbulletin@aol.com. This should be done on a weekly basis beginning every Monday.
( This is not necessary for weekday Masses.)
By attending the parish service, you recognize the obligation to (i) wear a mask or face covering when required; (ii) adhere to all required direction regarding social distance spacing when participating in the service and (iii) not attend service if you are sick, experiencing any symptoms consistent with the coronavirus, or are otherwise required to be quarantined.
Confession Saturdays 3:00—3:45pm
Adoration Every Friday after Mass!
Something that is very important to both Fr. Ford and I, is Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. We both are deeply devoted to Jesus in the Eucharist. Prayer, especially in front of the real presence of Our Lord, is what supports and blesses the work we do at St. Gregory. Without regular and devout prayer in the presence of Our Lord, a Parish will truly suffer. Therefore, we will offer Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament for one hour (from immediately after the 8 AM Mass to 9:30 AM). Going forward this will continue every Friday. I encourage you to help bring blessings to both our Parish and your personal life by joining us for this Holy Hour.
Thank you ahead of time for your interest and prayers!
Weekly Rosary and Chaplet of Divine Mercy!
The theme for our Parish and school this year will be, “Jesus I trust in You!”
These are the words found at the bottom of paintings of the Divine Mercy of Jesus.
In thanksgiving to Jesus and asking for His and Mary’s continued blessings and
protection this year, we’re adding two weekly devotions to our Parish Calendar. First, we will recite the Chaplet of Divine Mercy every Friday at 3 PM with the Blessed Sacrament exposed.
Second, we will pray the rosary every Monday at 9:30 AM, asking for our heavenly
Mother’s intercession. The children of our school will livestream and participate from our school (others may do so as well), and parishioners are encouraged and most welcome to attend. I truly believe in the power of prayer and that these additions will bring many blessings to our Parish and School!
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No School, No Mass
Please note when our school is closed due to inclement weather, there will be no weekday 8 AM Mass as well. If the roads are considered too dangerous for children to come to school, they are dangerous for people to come to Mass. If there is a school delay only, Mass will still take place at the regular 8 AM time.
This applies to weekday Masses only. A private Mass will still be said for any scheduled intention sometime that day. Also, any parishioner who scheduled an intention for a cancelled Mass, is welcomed to schedule another Mass at no cost. Weekend Masses are never cancelled, but please use caution in inclement weather.
Call the office if you have any questions.
The Women of St. Gregory
The Women of St. Gregory meet the 2nd
Tuesday of the month at 7:00 p.m. in the Community Room.
New members are always welcome!
Women’s Sewing and Craft/Weaving Group meet Monday at 12:00 p.m. and
Thursday at 7:00 p.m. in the Community room.
Questions, contact Isabel King
at 203 –512-7307 or
Evelyn De Felice at 203-792-0824
Walking with Purpose
This year’s study is
John’s Gospel
“Touching the Divine”
In person and virtual sessions are being offered on Wednesdays in the morning and evening.
For more information, contact Suzanne
scurra@diobpt.org or Rene 203-417-9865
PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY
Starting in October the Prayer Shawl Ministry will meet every first and third Saturday of the month at 9:30. a.m. in the Parish Community Room.
Please join us with your yarn and needles.
Contact Stephanie Martin at
stephaniemartin@outlook.com for additional information.
The Parish Office will be closed Monday January 18th in observance of
Martin Luther King Day.
Faith Formation
If You Have Not Registered
Your Child for our Faith Formation Program,
Please Call the Office at
203-797-0222
St. Gregory the Great School is Hiring!
Part Time Technology Teacher
Part Time Spanish Teacher
Part Time Music Teacher
These are immediate openings.
Resumes should be sent to Suzanne Curra at
sgs.curra@sgtgs.org
The next Bottle & Can Truck will be at St. Gregory’s during the weekend of
April 9 -12.
Thank you for your support.
McGivney Council #29 is the Knights of Columbus chapter for much of Danbury, including St. Gregory The Great parish. Men (18+) are welcome and encouraged to join. In addition to numerous other charitable efforts, our Council has a focus on supporting Catholic education, Youth programs, and assisting the needy with our Coats for Kids and food donation programs.
Please visit our website at www.KoC29.org or our
facebook page at facebook.com/kofc29 for additional information.
Our Council can also be contacted via email at
KofC29@gmail.com or by voicemail at 203-744-9562
PARISH PRAYER LIST
Irene Anderson, Tommie DeSantis, Patti Skok, Robert Carolan, Linda Salvador, Robin Brundage, Jr., Vicki Denicola, Dave Sutton, Joe Vick, Isiah Matthew, Arlene Kuderna, Valerie Geerer, Ellen Boyle, Kenneth Towery, Dr. John Famigletti, Barbara Janseen, Christopher Mitchell, Mark Cefaloni, Susan Gallagher, John Muro, Carol Gershkowitz, Dr. Ephram Rebong, Michael Jaber, Doris Ryan and David and Darlene Collins
BIRTHRIGHT NEEDS VOLUNTEERS!
Birthright is an emergency pregnancy service offering free pregnancy
tests, friendship counseling, and practical support. Our guiding principle: It is the RIGHT of every pregnant woman to give BIRTH and the RIGHT of every child to be BORN. Birthright has served in Connecticut since 1972 and helped thousands of mothers and babies. There are 8 Birthright locations in our state. Please call 1-800-550-4900 for the Birthright nearest you. Training is provided. Spanish speaking volunteers are especially needed. If you have gently worn MATERNITY or BABY CLOTHING please call to arrange a drop off! Thank you!!!
Leadership Institute of The Diocese of Bridgeport
Sunday Family Rosary
Join other families in the Diocese in saying the
Rosary every Sunday at 7:30 pm.
Visit www.formationreimagined.org and click on the praying hands.
If you have any questions, please email Rosary@diobpt.org
Offertory
January 3, 2021
$8,164.00
December online-giving $14,925.00
There will be a second collection next week for the Church in Latin America.