MASS TIMES
Sunday - 9:00 a.m. AND 5:00 p.m.
Mondays 8:00 AM
Tuesdays 7:00 PM
Wednesdays 8:00 AM
Thursdays-No Mass
Fridays 7:00 PM
PLEASE SEE GUIDELINES FOR ATTENDANCE AT MASS BELOW IN THE WELCOME SECTION.
SEE DIOCESAN TOOLS UNDER ANNOUNCEMENT SECTION BELOW.
CONFESSIONS: Saturdays, 3:00 - 3:30 p.m. or by appointment.
ST. EDWARD THE CONFESSOR, STAFFORD
The Parish Family of St. Edward The Confessor, a Roman Catholic faith community, strives to be the living expression of Christian faith in our worship and in our community by welcoming all who seek to enrich their relationship with our one true God – Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
WELCOME
FROM THE PASTOR'S DESK
WELCOME HOME!!!
As we joyfully return to weekend Masses, we will prioritize the safety of all parishioners by adhering to Diocesan and State of Connecticut mandates for social distancing and seating capacity.
We will be implementing the following procedures to ease the return to weekend Masses.
- Seating capacity per pew varies. Pews can fit 2 individuals or a family unit of up to 5 (6 in the side pews). Once all available pews are filled, the users/greeters will ask you to attend a different Mass.
- If you or your family would like to reserve a space for a particular weekend Mass, please call the Parish Office at 860-684-2705 before 11:00 a.m. on Fridays. We ask that you call each week, as your family plans may change from weekend to weekend.
- The users/greeters will have a list of reservations, and will know how many more parishioners we can accommodate for that Mass. Once that number is reached, you will be asked to attend another Mass.
- All parishioners attending a Mass are asked to enter through the ramp entrance, and respect social distancing while waiting to enter the church. Church doors will open a half hour before the beginning of Mass.
- Ushers/greeters inside the church will assist you in find a pew. Please following their instructions (it may mean being seated in a pew different than where you usually sit).
- No standing in the back of the church will be allowed.
Please see the bulletin for other guidelines for Mass attendance. These are also available at our parish website and Facebook page.
Our "new normal" is certainly a challenge and asked that we adjust how we do things. We will continue to assess how our procedures are working and make adjustment as the need arises. We ask for your patience, understanding and cooperation.
REMINDER FOR THOSE WHO CANNOT ATTEND MASS IN PERSON:
Mass is televised daily at 10:00 a.m. on both WCCT-TV (WB20) and WCTX-TV (MyTV9). Mass is also available throughout the day on EWTN. Live-stream Mass is also available widely on the Internet, at sites such as Bishop Robert Barron’s “Word on Fire” (www.wordonfire.org/daily-mass). Most on-line Masses are available to watch at your convenience.
As Catholics, we always unite spiritually whenever we watch Mass; recite the Rosary and ask for Our Lady’s special protection and intercession; pray the Stations of the Cross; read the daily readings (available on-line); and say novenas and seek the intercession of the saints.
Father Peter Liszewski
WE ASK THAT EVERYONE CONTINUE PRAYING FOR OUR FIRST RESPONDERS, ALL HEALTHCARE PERSONNEL, ALL THOSE THAT HAVE BEEN INFECTED WITH COVID-19 AND THAT PEOPLE EVERYWHERE STAY CALM AND TAKE CARE OF EACH OTHER AS SAFELY AS POSSIBLE.
FUNDRAISING EVENTS
KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS FOOD DRIVE - The Knights will be conducting our Annual Food Drive. This year we will be collecting monetary donations for Safe Net and we will match the combined donations up to $750. Envelopes will be mailed to parishioners homes and be available in the pews at all Masses. Please make checks payable to Knights of Columbus Council 1395. Thank you for your help!
EVENTS
- Jan 17 2021 10:00 am - Coffee and Donuts
- Jan 24 2021 10:00 am - Coffee and Donuts
- Jan 31 2021 10:00 am - Coffee and Donuts
STAFF - (see Office Contacts and Hours for administrative information)
- Rev. Peter Liszewski, Pastor
- Mary Lucia, Parish Secretary
- John Talbot, Sexton
- Lida Miller, Director Music Ministry
- Andrea Broer, Coordinator of Religious Education
- Nicole Ladd, Coordinator of Religious Education
OFFICE CONTACTS AND HOURS
Phone - 860-684-2705
Monday thru Friday - 8:00 to 1:00 and 2:00 to 4:00
Email: [email protected]
CHURCH OFFICE has moved to its new location at 27 Church Street in the hall.
For the safety of everyone, due to the coronavirus, the church office will be closing at noon until further notice. You may mail your weekly offerings to: 27 Church Street, Stafford Springs, CT 06076 or you may also drop off your envelopes in the white mail box next to the office door.. Thank you for your understanding and patience.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
STAFFORD PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY will not be meeting until further notice due to the current COVID-19 situation. Please contact Karen at 860-982-5896 if you have any questions or if you need a prayer shawl.
PARISH BUILDINGS AND PROPERTY UPDATES - Due to the ongoing virus problems, we have not been able to update the Parish on our many projects. I am sure you are aware that the 11 stained glass windows are back and look beautiful. This is the result of the very successful fundraiser. THANK YOU, THANK YOU. We regards to the stained glass windows, a light on a timer has been installed behind the top round window to illuminate at night. Stop by some night and see it. Very pretty.
All lights in the school building have been upgraded to LEDs and also the interior lights in the church are now LEDs which is a considerable reduction in the energy bill; much brighter light, bulk life is 10+ years, old lights were 50 watts, new lights are 22 watts.
The project to renovate the school building is progressing. The design and engineering drawings are complete. We are in the process of obtaining bids from three contractors to remove the 90' x 18' glass walls on both sides of the building and replace with highly insulated walls that will have 38 standard size windows. It is our hope to complete this part of the project before the end of the year. An energy efficient heat and air conditioning system will follow as funds permit. This will replace a 65-year old furnace that is very inefficient and prone to breakdown. We will also eliminate the use of the 30+ years old underground oil tank that, per state law, must be removed.
The money to pay for the renovation is expected to come for the sale of the Benton Street office. Approval for the sale is ongoing. A sale before winter would be a benefit in that we save on the cost of heat, electricity and snow plowing.
We feel it is important that all members of the parish be informed of what is going on and we will soon be posting a drawing the church of what the school will look like when it is completed.
We have very ambitious plans and ask for your prayers to guide us to completion.
VOLUNTEERS TO SANITIZE - We are in need of volunteers to sanitize the church after each Mass. If you can volunteer your time, call the office for details. We would also appreciate donations of cleaning supplies such as any bleach-based cleaners, cleaning wipes, hand sanitizer, etc. Thank you for all you're willing to help us re-open and stay safe.
WEEKLY OFFERINGS - For the safety of everyone, due to the threat of the coronavirus, the church office will be closing at noon until further notice. You may mail our weekly offerings to: St. Edward Church, 27 Church Street, Stafford Springs, CT 06076.
RCIA (Rite of Christian Initial of Adults) - Register now for Fall Faith Formation classes! Classes for students in grades K-8 begin the week of September 20. In order to keep our families safe, students will participate in remote learning this year. Kindergartners will receive a monthly hands-on activity packet in the mail, and students in grades 1-8 will be doing a virtual version of the Faith and Life curriculum. This online component includes complete text from the book, interactive games, music, and videos. Students will receive a login and may access the lessons at any time at your convenience. For more information, or to receive a registration form, email us [email protected] call the church office at 860-684-2705.
For more information, email us [email protected] call the church office at 860-684-2705.Andrea Broer and Nicole Ladd, Coordinators of Faith Formation [email protected]
DIOCESE OF NORWICH
VIRTUAL BINGO FOR ALL AGES - The Office of Faith Events invites people of all ages to participate in Virtual Bingo! Bingo will take place on New Year’s Eve, December 31st from 3:30 – 5pm. You will receive your cards online, mark them and even remark them for the next game. Through video conferencing, we will call the numbers and play different BINGO games from regular bingo, double bingo, picture frame, to black out! It will be great fun with lots of gift certificates for prizes! The cost is $6 per card for the whole Bingo event! To register for your Bingo card, go to: https://bit.ly/3kohQtJ or call Marianne at 860-848-2237 ex. 304
HOPE AND FAITH VIDEO SERIES - Let the Office of Faith Events brighten your Wednesday mornings by signing up for the weekly Hope and Faith video series. Throughout the year be inspired with varied reflections on Lent, Advent, the Saints, Gratitude and much MORE! There are two easy ways to receive our weekly video… Simply send your e-mail to [email protected] Or have the videos sent right to your cell phone by texting @lentvid to #81010
SAFE ENVIRONMENTS ABUSE PREVENTION TRAINING - In the Diocese of Norwich, all volunteers who have regular contact with minors, all employees, all clergy, and all religious, are required to complete safe environments training. This training is also available to any parishioner, or parent of a parochial school child, regardless of whether or not they wish to volunteer at their parish or school. The Diocese of Norwich offers two Praesidium programs. Both cover the same material, just in different formats. You can take the on-line program, Armatus,or attend a one-time DVD presentation, Called to Protect. Due to the current pandemic, the in person Called to Protect training classes have been postponed. Armatusis available and the preferred training at this time. As soon as in person gatherings are permitted, Called to Protect in person training will resume. Please contact the Child Advocate at your parish or school office in order to be enrolled, or for more information. Our children’s safety is the responsibility of all Catholics.
RESOURCES TO RETURN TO CHURCH - The Diocese has created a couple of resources that will be helpful in preparing parishioners to return to church.
Video Link - https://vimeo.com/423426373
ARTICLE Link- https://www.norwichdiocese.org/Stay-Informed/All-Diocesan-Articles/articleType/ArticleView/articleID/3486
FAITH SPARKS is a new column in the Four County Catholic newspaper. Last month's column was about everyday blessings, encouraging us to recognize the many blessings in our lives. To read this article and find more prayers, visit: NorwichDiocese.org/FaithSparks
Weekly reading
Readings for the week of January 10, 2021
- Sunday: Is 42:1-4, 6-7 / Ps 29:1-2, 3-4, 3, 9-10 [11b] / Acts 10:34-38 / Mk 1:7-11 or Is 55:1-11 / Is 12:2-3, 4bcd, 5-6 [3)] / 1 Jn 5:1-9 / Mk 1:7-11
- Monday: Heb 1:1-6 / Ps 97:1 and 2b, 6 and 7c, 9 [cf. 7c] / Mk 1:14-20
- Tuesday: Heb 2:5-12 / Ps 8:2ab and 5, 6-7, 8-9 [cf. 7] / Mk 1:21-28
- Wednesday: Heb 2:14-18 / Ps 105:1-2, 3-4, 6-7, 8-9 [8a] / Mk 1:29-39
- Thursday: Heb 3:7-14 / Ps 95:6-7c, 8-9, 10-11 [8] / Mk 1:40-45
- Friday: Heb 4:1-5, 11 / Ps 78:3 and 4bc, 6c-7, 8 [cf. 7b] / Mk 2:1-12
- Saturday: Heb 4:12-16 / Ps 19:8, 9, 10, 15 [cf. Jn 6:63c] / Mk 2:13-17
- Next Sunday: 1 Sm 3:3b-10, 19 / Ps 40:2, 4, 7-8, 8-9, 10 [8a, 9a] / 1 Cor 6:13c-15a, 17-20 / http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/011721.cfm
- Jn 1: 35-42