Time To Prepare
I envy those people who are already done with their Christmas shopping- now they can sit back and gloat in their achievement. That is some finish before Thanksgiving so they can avoid the rush and free themselves to enjoy the Advent season. But for those of us (like myself), who haven’t started their shopping, the announcement of, “only 25 more shopping days until Christmas”, gets on our nerves- it’s not a peaceful thought.
There’s great comfort and peace in being prepared- that is being prepared well ahead of time for an important event you know is coming. We are all aware of the anxiety we experience when we’re not prepared for something, such as a test, a new job, or a party that we’re hosting. When we’re not prepared we feel overwhelmed, rattled, and sometimes even panic. What advice does Jesus give us on this 1st Sunday of Advent? 4 times in today’s short Gospel Jesus urges us to, “stay awake” and adds, “be on guard.”
In other words don’t let the hype of the commercial side of Christmas and all its distractions rob you of the true meaning and the importance of this special time of the year. Don’t get blinded by the glitter of Christmas or too caught up in your “things to do list.” Rather let us make an effort to prepare our minds and hearts to receive the special graces that this Advent season offers. Relax, take time to contemplate and pray, and open your heart to the presence of God. Tis the season to realize and appreciate God’s great love for us- a love we can carry with us even in the busy times and seasons.
God Loves You,
Fr. Dunn
Sunday Mass
Bishop Frank J. Caggiano has announced that we will return to phase 2 capacity of 50% or 100 people inside our churches. In those parishes that are ready to follow our established norms, the celebration of weekday Masses, Funeral Masses 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 Saturday 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!
.
Leadership Institute of The Diocese of Bridgeport
Sunday Family Rosary
Beginning in October join other families in the Diocese in saying the
Rosary every Sunday at 7:30pm.
Visit www.formationreimagined.org and click on the praying hands.
If you have any questions, please email Rosary@diobpt.org
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
Our parish Christmas Angel Giving Tree
PLEASE NOTE THE CHANGE IN SHEDULE
Our tree will be on display in the Church as we commemorate
The beginning of the Advent Season on November 28,29.
Please take one or more stars, purchase the item(s) listed, and place the unwrapped gift(s) under the tree by Sunday, December 13
per the directions on the back of the star.
For those not attending Sunday Mass in person,
please stop by the Church any day from
8:00 am to 5:00 pm to get your star(s).
Thank you so much. Your help and patience are appreciated.
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.
Faith Formation
If You Have Not Registered
Your Child for our Faith Formation Program,
Please Call the Office at
203-797-0222
November -
Sun. Nov. 29 @ 6:00 pm Christmas Tree Lighting (Social)
& Advent Service Project
December-
Sun. Dec. 6 @ 11:00 am Family Catechists
The Eucharist & Confession
Tues. Dec. 15 @ 7:00 pm Family Catechists
The Eucharist & Confession
Christmas Tree Blessing and Lighting
Come get into the spirit and true meaning of Christmas by joining us on
Sunday November 29th at 5:30 PM in front of our School. The evening will not only include the blessing and lighting of the tree, but also Christmas caroling and Christmas tree ornaments will be given out courtesy of the Girl Scouts.
Hope to see you there!
The next Bottle & Can Truck
will be at St. Gregory’s during the weekend of January 8-11.
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
Theology on Tap!
What are your thoughts in regard to the Catholic Church today? What are your questions and concerns? What effect has COVID-19 had on our faith and Church? On Tuesday December 1st at 7 PM in our Church, we will host yet another, “Theology on Tap.
Parishioners will be given the opportunity to ask Fr. Ford and I, anonymous questions/concerns about our faith and church. Those attending will be encouraged to write down questions and throw them in a basket- we’ll then pull them out and do our best to answer and discuss your questions/concerns. It is our hope that through our discussion, we will together grow in our knowledge and love of God and His church. This will be an informal gathering, however due to COVID-19, no refreshments will be served. Come and embrace the season of Advent in the right way by feeding your faith and soul.
I hope to see you there! God Bless, Fr. Dunn.
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!!!
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, Carole Salvatore, Dr. John Famigletti, Brother Ronald Giannone, Mark Cefaloni, Susan Gallagher, John Muro, Carol Gershkowitz, and David and Darlene Collins
Offertory
November 15, 2020
$2,516.00
There will be no December 1st 8:00 Mass