Knights Of Columbus Scholarship For Catholic High School Seniors
The Knights of Columbus is a world-wide Catholic fraternal organization founded on the principles of CHARITY-UNITY-FRATERNITY and PATRIOTISM. In 2024 St. John Fisher Knights of Columbus Council 15734 of Marlborough, CT will honor two worthy graduating seniors with a scholarship in recognition of his/her exemplary commitment of service to our community and his/her exemplary practical and actual practice of their Catholic faith in his/her daily life.
Click Here to Download the Application
Congratulations ~ 2024 First Holy Communion Class
Congratulations to our 2024 First Holy Communion Class that was celebrated on May 4! God bless them all and continue to guide them on their beautiful faith journey.
2nd Grade Faith Formation Retreat
2nd grade Faith Formation class at their retreat on April 27 preparing for their First Holy Communion day!
10: The Resurrection: Hope Renewed and Fear Overcome
In the Gospel of Matthew, we find an awe-inspiring account of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, an event that stands as the cornerstone of the Christian faith and the ultimate triumph over death and despair. This profound narrative unfolds with the dawn of the first day of the week, as Mary Magdalene and another Mary journey to the tomb where Jesus had been laid to rest.
Their purpose is to pay their respects to the one they loved and revered, unaware of the extraordinary events that would unfold before their eyes. As they approach the tomb, they are met with a scene of divine grandeur â a great earthquake shakes the ground, and an angel of the Lord descends from heaven, his appearance radiant as lightning and his clothing white as snow.
The guards stationed at the tomb, overwhelmed with fear at the angel's presence, become like dead men, struck immobile by the awe-inspiring sight before them. The angel, recognizing the women's apprehension, offers words of comfort and reassurance, saying, "Do not be afraid! I know that you are seeking Jesus the crucified. He is not here, for he has been raised just as he said."
With these words, the angel proclaims the miraculous truth of Jesus' resurrection, fulfilling the promise he had made to his disciples during his earthly ministry. The women are invited to behold the empty tomb, the tangible evidence of Jesus' victory over death, and are entrusted with a divine mission â to go quickly and proclaim the good news of his resurrection to the disciples.
Read more: 10: The Resurrection: Hope Renewed and Fear Overcome
9. Finding Peace in the Storm: The Calming of a Tempestuous Sea by Jesus
In the Gospel of Mark, we encounter a profound account of Jesus' ability to calm a raging storm at sea, a miraculous event that not only demonstrates his power over the forces of nature but also offers timeless lessons about faith, trust, and finding peace in the midst of life's storms.
The narrative unfolds as Jesus and his disciples embark on a journey across the Sea of Galilee, leaving the crowds behind and venturing into the unknown. As evening draws near, a sudden and violent squall descends upon them, causing the waves to surge and break over the boat. The disciples, seasoned fishermen who are accustomed to the perils of the sea, find themselves in a dire situation as the boat begins to fill with water.
In the midst of the chaos and turmoil, Jesus remains seemingly unperturbed, asleep on a cushion in the stern of the boat. His disciples, gripped by fear and desperation, awaken him with a plea tinged with desperation: "Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?" In response, Jesus rises from his slumber, rebukes the wind, and commands the sea to be still.
With a single word, "Quiet! Be still!" Jesus calms the storm, and immediately, there is a great calm that descends upon the sea. The wind ceases its howling, and the waves subside, leaving the disciples in awe of the miraculous display of Jesus' power over nature.
Read more: 9. Finding Peace in the Storm: The Calming of a Tempestuous Sea by Jesus
đź Birthright Collection
Birthright will distribute baby bottles after Masses on Motherâs Day, May 12 weekend. We ask that you take the bottles home, fill them with coins, cash or check and return them to the Birthright volunteer stationed after Masses on the weekend of June 2.
As you will see from the insert inside the bottle, you may make a donation in honor or in memory of a loved one. Birthright will send an acknowledgement card of your gift of life.
This is an opportunity for our church families to have hands-on involvement in a project that saves the lives of unborn children and makes a lasting difference in the mothersâ lives. Thank you for any help you can give.
Baby Shower to Support CaringFamilies in Willimantic
Weekend of May 18-19 and May 25-26
Purpose: As we offer SJF parishioners opportunities to demonstrate our Catholic faith, we will provide a fact sheet on the various organizations to build awareness for what they do, their value added, the opportunities for involvement and how it relates to what we are called to do as Catholics.
Organization: Caring Families Pregnancy Services, Inc
37 Ivan Hill Main Street
Willimantic, CT 06226
Phone: 860-786-1124
Why we like this organization: As Catholics, we value life, support pro-life efforts and the dignity of all life. While doing so, we also need to support those who make the decision to preserve life and bring life into the world. In addition, modeling grace, acceptance and compassion for women who have made decisions that require healing from past pregnancies. CaringFamilies focuses on empowering individuals to make informed decisions in life by supporting women and men with spiritual, emotional, educational and material support as they seek help with pregnancy related issues.
Read more: Baby Shower to Support CaringFamilies in Willimantic
AHM's Spring Concert ~ Tickets Are Now On Sale!
The staff and board at AHM are thrilled to announce our annual Spring Fundraising Concert on Saturday, May 18. This year, we will be hosting three local musical groups, including; One Part Harmony, Steve McCarthy, and Key of H. It will be a fantastic evening of music and fun!
Proceeds from the annual concert ensure that AHM Youth and Family Services is able to continue to provide mental health and positive youth development services to the children, young people and families in our community. Appetizers and desserts included! To purchase your tickets and learn about sponsorship opportunities, please visit: ahmyouth.org/fundraisers-events/spring-concert.
Spring Tea, an Afternoon of Camaraderie, Delectable Treats, and a Sprinkle of Fun. May 19, 2024
Spring is upon us, and what better way to celebrate the season than with a Spring Tea? Hosted by Christian Outreach, this charming event promises an afternoon of camaraderie, delectable treats, and a sprinkle of fun. Tickets are only $10.00 each.
Set to commence at 1:00 PM, May 19, 2024, you will be greeted with the aroma of freshly brewed tea as you arrive. The centerpiece of the gathering, the tea service, will feature a variety of blends to suit every palate, ensuring a warm and inviting atmosphere throughout the affair.
As you settle in, you'll be treated to a selection of savory finger foods. These delectable bites will perfectly complement the delightful conversations and laughter shared among friends old and new.
But the indulgence doesn't stop there. Throughout the afternoon, tea will flow freely, ensuring everyone's cup is never empty. To add an extra layer of excitement, a few games are planned, promising entertainment and friendly competition.
And what's a gathering without a touch of sweetness? As the afternoon progresses, indulge your sweet tooth with an array of tiny desserts, the perfect finale to a delightful tea-filled afternoon.
But the highlight of the event? The anticipation of winning the door prize and other small prizes awarded throughout the day. It's the cherry on top of an already delightful gathering, adding an extra element of excitement and anticipation.
While the Spring Tea promises a delightful time for all who attend, it's also an opportunity to support Christian Outreach. Though the proceeds from the event aren't earmarked for a specific project, every ticket sold contributes to the Christian Outreach projects, ensuring they can continue to make a positive impact within our community.
So mark your calendars and join us for a Spring Tea like no other. It's more than just tea; it's an afternoon of warmth, laughter, and making memories to cherish for years to come.
Join An Amazing Adult Choir.
Most of you will agree that we have an amazing adult choir. If you like to sing and have ever thought about joining us, we are extending an invitation to anyone to come sing with our choir at mass during the month of May. Rehearsals are not necessary: just come up and join the choir in song. They will be singing at the 8:30 Sunday masses on May 5 & 19, and the 10:30 masses on May 12 & 26. We would love to have you join us.
As for high school and college students who may be off during the summer, we know that many of you have beautiful voices or play an instrument. If you are interested in sharing your musical gifts with us during the summer months, whether itâs simply to spread the word of God through song or to gain some experience musically, please see Janice Reska, our music director. This can be a wonderful opportunity to enhance our music ministry.
We hope you will consider joining us and look forward to speaking with anyone who may be interested.
Facing A Conundrum In 2024
This year (2024), the Church is facing a conundrum, all because Holy Week was in the last week of March, Easter was on March 31st and the Octave of Easter ended on April 7th. As a result, the celebration of the Feast of the Annunciation was moved to April 8th from the normal March 25th since Holy Week takes precedence over all other celebrations that occur.
What to do with this odd situation? Ignore it? That would make Jesus a âpreemieâ this year.
Or, should Christmas therefore be moved to January 8th? That would respect the nine-month perfect pregnancy which the Church has for John the Baptist, Mary, and especially Jesus. Fun fact: January 8th also happens to be Elvisâ birthday and another singer/guitarist of middling talent.
But, that would mess up the Advent season. It would have to start two weeks later. âBlack Fridayâ would have to be moved as well from the traditional day after Thanksgiving. And shoppers wouldnât have the pressure of buying gifts at the last moment on the 24th of December. They would be able to wait until the 7th of January! What about school vacations (except for colleges)? And, The Solemnity of the Motherhood of Mary would come before she has given birth.
A conundrum indeed!
CRS Spotlight
The first meeting of the Board of Loss and Damage Fund, established at COP28 in Dubai, took place in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates from April 3 to May 2, 2024.
Ahead of this important event, CRS, CIDSE and Caritas Internationalis sent a letter to the members of the Board to outline what they believe should be the priorities of the Board, urging them to act and support those hardest hit by the climate crisis.
Visit www.crs.org for more information and to see how you can help!
- Wine, Wit and Wisdom With Fr. Al
- The Archbishopâs Annual Appeal
- Easter donations to Journey Home
- Community Service At It's Best ~ 9th Grade Confirmation Class
- We Would Love to Have You Participate
- đ¤ Itâs Coffee and Donuts and Friends and Fellowship
- Exciting News: Planning to Offer Children's Liturgy of the WordÂ
- Priest Shares Powerful Truth About Catholicism!
- Archbishopâs Annual Appeal
- Building Our Faith, One Page at a Time
- Understanding Jesus as "The Lamb"
- The Entire Mass is from Scripture!
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