Witnessing
Jesus again appeared to His apostles who were still struggling with the events that had occurred. They were still reeling from His death and confused about the news of His appearances. As a further testimony to the truth of His resurrection, He asked for something to eat. Through his appearances, Jesus reminded them of what He had said during His ministry. The apostles were witnesses to everything He said and did.
We too are expected to witness to the resurrection of Jesus as well. Witnessing is not only preaching the Word, but living the Word of God. In the same way that the apostles were drawn to Jesus by actions, we too, were expected to transmit the faith through our own actions. The deposit of faith has been handed on to us from generation to generation. Through the years, from different cultures and people, the same deposit of faith was handed down.
Human situation attests to the importance of witnessing. Courts rely on authentic witnesses. Children depend on their parents and elders as to how life must be lived. We depend on lawyers for law, doctors for medicine, teachers for basic learnings, engineers for constructions, priests for doctrines, etc. The more authentic the witness, the more they influence. Jesus was the perfect witness. He is the Word of God made flesh. He literally lived the Word of God.
Today we need more authentic witnesses. Beautiful words are good. But they need to be lived. What is needed is to act, to live what we believe. That is witnessing.
God Loves You,
Fr. Dunn
Parish Center Grand Opening!
Through your generosity and support, I invite you to our Parish Center grand opening on Friday, May 21st from 6-8 PM! The evening will include a tour of the building, blessing and thank you for helping to make our Parish Center a reality! Appetizers and drinks will be served as well (no admission charge), but we ask that you please sign-up ahead of time by calling/emailing our Parish Office, so that we have an accurate head count.
Also, for those who cannot make it but wish to see the new building,
we will open the doors for touring after every Mass on the weekend of May 22/23.
We are so proud and happy that this day has arrived and hope to see you there!
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!
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
WORLD DAY OF PRAYER FOR VOCATIONS
Together, let us pray on April 25tha Marian Prayer for Vocations so that the hearts and minds of men and women will be open to those vocations to which the Lord is calling them.
“O Virgin Mary, Mother of Jesus, and Mother of the Church, to you we commend our young people, in particular those called to closely follow your Son as brothers, sisters, deacons, and priests. You know, O Mary, the difficulties, struggles, doubts, and obstacles they must face. Assist them to answer "yes" to the divine call, as you did at the invitation of the angel. Draw them near to your heart so that they can understand the beauty and the joy that awaits them when they answer your Son’s call to be witnesses of His love in the world. Amen.”
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.
New Men’s Group!
On Tuesday May 4th at 7 PM in our Parish Center, we will be introducing a new Men’s Group to St. Gregory the Great Parish. This group will meet every first Tuesday of the month, and will include prayer, Scripture, and topics of discussion to be determined by the participants. This will be an informal group, open to all the men of our Parish.
I hope to see you there!
Faith Formation
If You Have Not Registered
Your Child for our Faith Formation
Program, Please Call the Office at
203-797-0222
April -
- Sunday, April 18 @ 11:00am: Catechesis on the
Liturgical Year Session 1
- Tuesday, April 20 @ 7:00pm: Catechesis on the
Liturgical Year Session 2
- Saturday, April 24 @ 9:30am: First Communion and
First Reconciliation Workshop
- Friday, April 30 @ 6:00pm: First Reconciliation and
Rehearsal for First Holy Communion
May-
- Saturday May 1 @ 11am First Holy Communion
-Friday May 14 Confirmation Retreat
-Saturday May 15 @ 10:00am & 12:00pm Confirmation
St. Gregory the Great School is Hiring!
Part Time Technology Teacher
Part Time Spanish Teacher
These are immediate openings.
Resumes should be sent to Suzanne Curra at sgs.curra@sgtgs.org
Immaculate High School Spring Preview Day
Join us in-person on Sunday, April 25, 2021 beginning at 1:00 p.m. by registering for a 45-minute tour time. Tours will be staggered every 15 minutes to allow for small groups and social distancing. During Spring Preview, prospective freshmen or transfer students in grades 6-10 can explore our innovative academic
programs, learn about student and spiritual life, attend admissions and financial aid presentations, tour campus and meet some of our administrators, staff and students. Space is limited and attendance is by appointment-only. See for yourself how Immaculate provides a strong foundation for a bold future.
PARISH PRAYER LIST
Eric Mandzuk, Irene Anderson, Tommie DeSantis, 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, Mark Cefaloni, Susan Gallagher, John Muro, Carol Gershkowitz, Dr. Ephram Rebong, Doris Ryan, Sharon Tharas, Mary Ann Petronio, Deacon Bill Murphy, David and Darlene Collins and the Rutledge and Houlihan Families.
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!!!
Newly Baptized at St. Gregory the Great!
Please join us in welcoming
Kenneth Richard Ayala
DeAnna Marlena Butera
and
Ariel and Nickolas Von Domselaar
Offertory
April 4, 2021
$20,670.27
There will be a second collection next week for
The Catholic Home, Black and Indian Mission Appeals.