Drop Your Burden
When St. Thomas Moore defied his King and was thrown into prison, one of Aesop’s Fables came to his mind. In it, the god Jupiter had invited “all the poor worms of the earth for a solemn feast.” Every worm came except the snail. When asked why he was absent, the snail replied that he loved no place as much as his own house. This angered Jupiter and so he decreed that the snail should carry his house on his back, to which St. Thomas Moore added, “and he has done so ever since, so they say.”
Thomas Moore compared the snail to Christians who, “by foolish affection which they have set upon their houses here on earth, cannot for the dread of leaving that house, find it in their hearts to go with good will to the great feast that God prepares in heaven and so graciously calls them to.”
God has sent us all an invitation to the Kingdom of Heaven- an eternal celebration where we will experience the fullness of peace and joy. It’s hard to imagine anyone ignoring or rejecting this invitation, but God leaves the choice totally up to us. We must respond now, here on earth, by living a life of repentance, prayer, charity and service.
God Loves You,
Fr. Dunn
Update to Sunday Mass
Bishop Frank J. Caggiano would like to announce that capacity inside our parishes has increased to 50% or 200 people. 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
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.
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
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!
Immaculate High School
Placement Exams
Saturday, Oct. 31 & Nov. 14
Applications Now Open!
Immaculatehs.org/apply
The Women of St. Gregory
The Women of St. Gregory will have their next meeting Tuesday October 20th at 7:00pm in the Church.
New members are always welcome!
Questions, contact Isabel King
at 203 –512-7307 or
Evelyn De Felice at 203-792-0824
The Women of St. Gregory will host
Father Dunn on
October 20th at 7:30pm in the church for a
presentation on Sister Faustina and the Chaplet of the Divine Mercy.
All our welcome!!
For those who are unable to attend the presentation will be livestreamed on
facebook at https://facebook.com/stgregsdanbury/
PLEASE JOIN US!
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.
St. Francis Pet Blessing
Don’t forget about our Pet Blessing on
Saturday October 10th at 12:30 PM, in front of our Church.
All pets will receive a blessed St. Francis medal as well.
Hope to see you and special pets there!
Walking with Purpose
This year’s study will be
John’s Gospel
“Touching the Divine”
In person and virtual sessions are being offered in the morning and evening starting October 21st.
St. Gregory the Great School
Save the Date! November 6, 2020 we will host our first virtual auction. This years event will feature silent auction baskets, raise the paddle, and our $10,000 raffle winner. More details to follow with steps to login in to the auction.
Mark your calendar!
Faith Formation
If You Have Not Registered
Your Child for our
Faith Formation Program,
Please Call the Office at
203-797-0222
October -
Sunday, October 11 @ 5:00pm: Confirmation Retreat
Tuesday, October 13 @ 7:00pm: Fr. Ford’s talk on Our Lady of Fatima (Catechesis)
Wednesday, October 14 @ 7:00pm: Fr. Dunn’s talk on Our Lady of Medjugorje (Catechesis)
Friday, October 16: Forest of Fear (Social Event)
Saturday, October 17: Forest of Fear (Social Event)
Thursday, October 22 @ 6:00pm: Confirmation Rehearsal
Friday, October 23: Forest of Fear (Social Event)
Saturday, October 24 @ 12:00pm: Confirmation
Saturday, October 24: Forest of Fear (Social Event)
Friday, October 30: Forest of Fear (Social Event)
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. 30
th (children’s hour is from 5:30-6:30 and is not as scary). Rain dates will be on the Sunday’s of Oct 18
th and 25
th at the same time. This promises to be both a fun-filled and scary event! For more information, please visit forestoffear.com or call our Parish Office at (203) 797-0222. We are still in need of more actors/groups to participate in this year’s Forest of Fear. Participants must be at least high school age, unless accompanied by a parent. For more information, please email Fr. Dunn at
frdunn@diobpt.org or call our Parish Office.
Hope to see you there!
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!!!
Pray, Fast, & Witness for an End to Abortion!
Join us for a 9 Week Seven Sorrows Rosary Novena!
September 25th—November 27th
Register Now!
Contact Marie Sangalli:
mareesang@yahoo.com or
(845) 279 - 7607
Information will be emailed to you upon registration
PARISH PRAYER LIST
Irene Anderson, Tommie DeSantis, Glen 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, David and Darlene Collins
Offertory
September 27, 2020
$8,052.43
Second collection next week is for
World Mission Sunday
The Bottle & Can Truck
will not be at St. Gregory during
the weekend of October 16th-19th.
Future dates to be announced.
The Parish Office will be closed Monday October 12th in observance of Columbus Day!