God’s Ways Are Not Our Ways
Today’s Gospel about the vineyard workers brought to my mind our Lord’s
interaction with the thief on the cross. When the thief pleaded, “Lord, remember me when you come into your kingdom”, Jesus responded, “Today you will be with me in paradise.” Can you imagine if an onlooker at the foot of the cross cried, “Hey, that’s not fair! I’ve been a devout person my whole life and this guilty thief gains heaven in just a few seconds?!”
If we’re honest with ourselves, we can all be tempted to think that if we work harder at practicing our faith than anyone else, or serve God longer, then somehow this gives us greater credit in God’s eyes. It’s very easy to feel resentful at the idea that someone having a death-bed conversion after a life of self-indulgence can
receive the same reward as us. How is this fair?
The truth is no one can ever earn eternal life. No matter how hard we work or good we are, eternal life remains purely a gift of God. God’s generosity knows
no bounds. As we have been recipients of God’s generosity ourselves, we should rejoice when others receive it too. If you still find this difficult, try being overly generous to some undeserved person, and take note of not only how good they feel, but how good you feel as well. This is why God is the way He is!
God Loves You,
Fr. Dunn
Update to Non – Obligatory Sunday Mass
It is with great joy that Bishop Frank J. Caggiano would like to announce that our parishes will be able to resume public worship inside our church buildings. 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 signing up to attend 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.
Due to capacity limitations if you are unable or prefer not to attend inside the church, you can listen to the Mass on radio station 102.3 in your car in the parking lot. Please see our website for all of the information, regarding these guidelines at:
https://stgregdanbury.org/covid-19-response 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!
On Wednesday August 19th, I along with Fr. Ford and Principal Curra, went to visit the Divine Mercy Shrine in Stockbridge Massachusetts. We went with the intention of entrusting our Parish and School to the Divine Mercy of Jesus in these difficult times. We went to Confession, Mass and participated in reciting the chaplet of Divine Mercy- during which the sky darkened and the rain poured, which we believe was a sign of God’s mercy and blessings being poured upon us! As soon as the chaplet ended the rain stopped and the sun came out! After this we bought two Divine Mercy paintings of Jesus- one to be displayed at the Church and the
other at our School. 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!
Forest of Fear!
Our highly anticipated “Forest of Fear” is coming back this October! Come walk our haunted trail, if you dare (behind St. Gregory the Great School)! Cost is $15 per person and proceeds will benefit our parish/school. The Forest of Fear will be open from 5:30-9 PM on both Friday and Saturday nights, on the weekends of
Oct. 16/17 and 23/24 and Friday Oct. 30th (children’s hour is from 5:30-6:30 and is not as scary).
Rain dates will be on the Sunday’s of Oct 18th and 25th at the same time.
This promises to be both a fun-filled and scary event! Hope to see you there!
For more information, please visit forestoffear.org or call our Parish Office at (203) 797-0222.
Volunteers Needed for The Forest of Fear
We are in need of groups and individuals to participate in this year’s Forest of Fear. For more information, please email Fr. Dunn at
frdunn@diobpt.org or call our Parish Office at (203) 797-0222.
Lenten Fatima and Medjugorje Presentations
Join us on Tuesday October 13th and Wednesday October 14th at 7 PM in our Church as Fr. Ford and Fr. Dunn will present Lenten presentations on Mary’s appearance at Fatima and Medjugorje. On Tuesday, Fr. Ford will speak about his pilgrimage to Fatima, Mary’s message at Fatima and its’ connection to Medjugorje. Then on Wednesday, Fr. Dunn will speak about his pilgrimage to Medjugorje, Mary’s message at Medjugorje, and Medjugorje as the fulfillment of Fatima. Both presentations will last about an hour and will include questions and answers. Also, great books on Fatima and Medjugorje will be available for purchase.
Come feed your heart and soul, and experience God’s love for you!
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
September -
September 25 @ 6:00pm: First Reconciliation /
Rehearsal for First Holy Communion -
Saturday, September 26 @ 11:00am: First Holy
Communion Mass
Walking with Purpose
This year’s study will be John’s Gospel
“ Touching the Divine”.
More information to follow.
SAVE THE DATE
McGivney Council #29 Knights of Columbus
9th Annual Charity Golf Outing – September 23rd
Enjoy a fun day of golf with lunch at Danbury’s Richter Park while supporting the Charitable Works of McGivney Council #29 Knights of Columbus!Open to all men and women. Registration opens at 11:30 AM - Shotgun Start at 12:30 PM - Cost: $150 per person
PARISH PRAYER LIST
Irene Anderson, Tommie DeSantis, Walter Buchanan, Glen Skok, Robert
Carolan, Linda Salvador, Robin Brundage, Jr., Vicki Denicola, Dave Sutton, Joe Vick, Carole Salvatore, Isiah Matthew, Arlene Kuderna, Valerie Geerer, Ellen Boyle,
Kenneth Towery, Carole Salvatore, Dr. John Famigletti, Brother Ronald Giannone,
Mark Cefaloni, Susan Gallagher, David and Darlene Collins
OFFERTORY
September 6, 2020
$4,220.00
Tune to 1350AM for
Veritas Catholic Network’s
on-air Pledge Drive
October 5-9th.