DECEMBER 8

4:00H Claire Dreissen and Domenico Carabetta (Brzozowski and Dreissen Families)

9:00H Paulo Monteiro, Domingos Monteiro and Germana Fernandes (Maria Cruz)

MASS AT REGENCY HOUSE will be celebrated on Monday, December 17, 10:00 AM. Volunteers who assist the residents to and from Mass are asked to please be at the home no later than 9:45 AM.

in prayerful memory of Anna Marie Perlot at the request of Aldo Perlot and sons.

Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord; Let Your perpetual light shine upon them forever.

“NEW DAY” / OUR PARISH BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT GROUP meets in December on Wednesday, December 19. The meeting begins at 7:00 PM at the Parish Center . If you are experiencing the loss of a loved one, who has passed away recently, or even years ago, please join us in prayer and consolation. Call Eva Colon 294-9398, Chick Kelman, 265-4546 or Lise Clavette, 238-7288 for more information about the group.

CHARISMATIC PRAYER MEETING will be in the church hall on Monday, December 10 at 7:00 PM. Everyone is invited to join in the Spirit.

REMINDER REGARDING TAX LAW CHANGES THAT WERE MADE FOR 2007 – Beginning with contributions made in 2007, parishioners (those who itemize their tax returns) will no longer be able to deduct contributions to the parish unless they maintain a bank record or written contribution statement from the parish. If you wish to ensure deductibility of your contributions to the parish, please use a check, direct deposit from your bank account, or use your parish envelopes. The parish will track contributions made using parish envelopes, and will produce a written statement of contributions made during 2007 by the end of January 2008. Canceled checks and other bank records are also sufficient documentation. The parish cannot track cash contributions not in parish envelopes. Thank you for using your envelopes or checks.

MEMORIAL DONATIONS

Memorial Donations have been received in memory of:

Ethel Waselewski Alfred Fiorentino

Madeline Waselewski Eileen P. Zeender

Grazia Parete

Mrs. Anthony Kish

Mary DeAngelis

Rosemary DeAngelis

Marion Cibotti

We are grateful to these donors for remembering Most Holy Trinity Parish. We pray for all the souls of the faithful departed that they may rest in peace. Amen.

SPECIAL EDUCATION CHRISTMAS PARTY will be held in the church hall on Monday, December 17, 7:00-8:30 PM. Volunteers and students are reminded to please be in the hall no later than 6:30 PM to help set-up and to greet our guests. Anyone having any questions is asked to please call Ann Votto, coordinator, 265-6061.

KNIGHTS CHRISTMAS PARTY FOR ST. AGNES HOME – The Knights of Columbus Pinta Council #5 invites all members to their Christmas Party for the benefit of St. Agnes Home for unwed mothers on December 12th at 7:00 PM at the Knights of Columbus Hall Quinnipiac Street. Members are asked to bring baby items or school supplies. Call Andy Gagne if you have any questions, 269-0174.

A QUIET CHRISTMAS: A SERVICE OF HEALING is being presented by the Connecticut VNA on Thursday, December 13 at 7:00 PM at the Cheshire United Methodist Church , 205 Academy Road , Cheshire . This service of healing is to remember and acknowledge those who have had losses over the past year. Refreshments provided after the service-courtesy of Aldersons/Slater Funeral Homes. RSVP to Joyce Yeske, 203-679-5313.

PRAYERS FOR SPECIAL INTENTIONS AND PRAYER AND PRAISE MINISTRY – Anyone having a special intention they wish prayed for, privately, is asked to place it in writing (anonymously) before the statue of Blessed Mother. Those who have had their prayers “answered” and wish to share the circumstances with the ministry are also asked to place them in writing (anonymously) before the statue of Blessed Mother. This ministry wishes to “praise the Lord” for His many blessings.

A Christmas Love Story

Last Sunday morning, while leaving the church after 10:30 Mass, I experienced something more frightening than I could have ever imagined, when I saw my wife, Carolyn, tumbling down the front steps, head over heals, like a rag doll! I had been walking behind her, when she apparently missed a step, as she turned to speak with a friend. Her fall happened so fast, I had no chance to grab onto her, no chance to protect her from what was happening, and, in a matter of seconds, she was lying there on the landing, half way down, flat on her back, bleeding from her forehead. I rushed down to her, as I called out to her, terrified that I would find her unconscious, or even worse, but, thank God, she was only dazed. I immediately yelled for someone to “call 9-1-1,” and almost instantaneously, cell phones were opening everywhere! A woman whom I didn’t know came over, identified herself as a nurse, and began applying pressure to Carolyn’s head wound. A man approached and took off his topcoat, spreading it over her legs. Someone else came, offering a pillow to place under her head. When I removed my own jacket, to cover her upper body, another man put a coat over my shoulders. As I knelt over Carolyn, with my arms around her to comfort her, I was shaking as much as she was, from the biting cold, and from the shock and trauma of what had just happened. Yet I also felt the warmth of the compassionate and caring presence of so many members of our parish family who had gathered around, on and near the stairway, ready to do whatever they might be called upon to do, to save a life. In our moment of need, in our hour of distress, they were there for us, whether with a helping hand, or a simple prayer. The image of Carolyn’s fall, and what could have happened, will be with me forever. But so will the beautiful Christian example that was set by so many of you, on that First Sunday of Advent 2007.

Thank you, dear friends, and May God Bless You All!

Al Terzi

ADVENT WREATH LIGHTING – Parish families wishing to light the Advent wreath at a weekend Mass during Advent are kindly asked to call Rachel at the rectory to schedule their date and Mass time. Please call during office hours, Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 4 PM, 269-8791.

WINTER WARNING!!! We cannot stress enough the fact that during the winter months the north side (parking lot) entrance to the church can become extremely dangerous. This is due to the fact that the sun does not shine on that side of the church. FOR EVERYONE’S SAFETY we encourage you to enter through the front three entrances… and those of you who have difficulty walking … PLEASE USE THE ELEVATOR. We do our best to keep the stairs, walks and parking lots as safe as possible. But PLEASE understand that sometimes (depending on the time and severity of the storm) it is impossible to keep up with all of the stairways. Please do not assume or expect your “usual” or “favorite” entrance will be passable. We try to concentrate on the center door and elevator entrances and the walkways leading to them. Please head for these entrances when the weather is inclement. We ask that you not only be CAUTIOUS but PATIENT as well! Thank you.

LADIES SOCIETY OF HOLY TRINITY CHRISTMAS LUNCHEON will be served at 12 Noon on Gaetano’s Tavern on Main , Downtown Wallingford, on Monday, December 10. Ladies are asked to RSVP with their entrée choice to Jeanette Connery, 269-5839. Your choice of entrée is chicken, fish, or beef. The cost is $20. Ladies are also asked to bring along a wrapped grab bag item at a value of about $5. Call Jeanette with your RSVP or with any questions about this activity. New members are always welcome!

The school Christmas Concert will be held in the church on Thursday, December 13th at 7:00 PM for grades K-8.

A HOT GIFT FOR YOUR SPECIAL SOMEONE ! Give the gift of a great night out to someone you care for this holiday! Gift certificates available at the rectory for the… MHT SOCIAL “LUCKY SHAMROCK” DINNER DANCE (formerly the Mardi Gras Dinner Dance) SATURDAY, MARCH 8, 2008 Tickets: $84 per person or (12 monthly payments of $7.00 per month) Reminder: If paying monthly, having your payment in each month helps keep our records accurate, and keeps you eligible to be the monthly “Lucky-1” ! ! ! “Lucky-1” for Week #40 Carl Rodenhizer Captain: Marie Dreissen

YOUTH GROUP CHRISTMAS COOKING BAKING PARTY ! The Youth Group and the Dynamic Disciple Group will combine their culinary skills in preparing cookies for Christmas on Saturday, December 15th from 9 AM to 5:30 PM in the church hall. The Dynamic Disciples (for junior high students) will meet in the Parish Center on Sunday, December 16th from 6:30 to 8:00 PM. The Youth Group (for high school students) will meet also on Sunday, December 16 in the Parish Center from 7-8:30 PM.

YOUTH GROUP & DYNAMIC DISCIPLES CHRISTMAS COOKIE BAKE SALE WILL TAKE PLACE ON THE WEEKEND OF DECEMBER 15/16, AFTER ALL MASSES. PLEASE SUPPORT OUR YOUTH GROUP PROGRAM WITH A PURCHASE OF COOKIES FOR YOUR HOLIDAY ENTERTAINING! THANK YOU.

YOU ARE INVITED TO COME TO THE STUDIO TO BE OUR CONGREGATION FOR “THE CELEBRATION OF THE EUCHARIST” ON TELEVISION with Father Jeff as the Celebrant. Please join in the car pool, which will leave the Holy Trinity parking lot at 10:00 AM sharp on Monday, December 10 to travel to the Prospect studios at the Archdiocesan Office of Radio & Television on Peach Orchard Road . The Mass will be taped at 11:00 AM. Please come and make it a special day for our homebound parishioners!

THE ANNUAL CREDO ADVENT EVENING OF REFLECTION AND PRAYER, on Saturday, December 15th at 7:00 PM at St. Christopher Church in East Hartford . Come, bring a friend or two and let your heart and soul be filled with the peace of our Lord. Following the service, there will be a gathering in the hall for refreshments, conversation, and carols. $10 per person. In the spirit of the season, donations for Birthright will be accepted.

WORLDWIDE MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER ANNOUNCES ITS CONNECTICUT 2008 SCHEDULE. The dates are as follows: January 25-27; April 25-27; July 18-20, September 19-21 and November 7-9. Worldwide Marriage Encounter offers a weekend experience designed to give married couples the opportunity to improve their relationship. The weekend provides an environment for couples to spend time together, away from the distractions and tensions of everyday life, while encouraging them to focus on each other and their relationship. For more information about Worldwide Marriage Encounter or to register for an upcoming weekend, please contact Joe and Jane Staszowski at 1-860-644-7260 or meweekend@gmail.com or visit www.wwme.org.

HOLY TRINITY PARISH WOMEN’S RETREAT Ladies, everyone relies upon you to nurture and nourish them and their needs. It’s no wonder you feel tired and drained of your resources and your spirit. It’s time for you to put yourself on top of your “TO DO” List by registering for our parish women’s retreat. Forget the Calgon bath!... Experience a weekend filled with rest, relaxation, and spiritual renewal in the natural beauty and peaceful atmosphere of Our Lady of Calvary Retreat House in Farmington , during the weekend of February 8-10, 2008. The retreat’s theme is “Who Do You Say That I Am?”. For more information or to register call Joan Morico at 269-0517.

SS. PETER AND PAUL CHURCH CCD PRESENTS LESSONS AND CAROLS for the first time on Sunday, December 23 with a Christmas Concert at 5:30 PM by The Connecticut Trio under the direction of Ms. June Ingraham. The Trio consists of two violins and a cello, played by Ms. June Ingraham violin, Ms. Beth Pierce, violin, and Ms. Kathleen Monroe, cellist. Lessons and Carols begin at 6:00 PM. It consists of Scripture readings from the Old and New Testaments interspersed with English and Polish Christmas Carols sung by the children and congregation, accompanied by the Connecticut Trio with Mr. Louis Negri at the organ. Coffee and refreshments in the parish classrooms afterwards.

ST. PAUL HIGH SCHOOL ANNUAL RAFFLE commences now through December 14th. Proceeds of the Raffle will help in no small way, to fund St. Paul ’s education budget. Tickets are $5 and the prizes are:

Tickets are available by contacting Timi Pacccioretti, Director of Advancement at St. Paul Catholic H.S. at 1-860-584-0911 x 16. The drawing will be held on December 14, 2007 at 6:45 PM at the St. Paul Catholic H.S. School Gym on 1001 Stafford Avenue , Bristol . Ticket holders do not need to be present to win. Thank you for your support.

ENTERTAINMENT BOOK 2008 MAKES A GREAT GIFT THAT LASTS ALL YEAR! The Home and School Association is sponsoring this annual book sale, offering up to 50% off savings from local and national merchants. The New Haven Edition is $25 and the Hartford Edition is $30. Both are available at the rectory or at Holy Trinity School . Your ENTERTAINMENT BOOK will include a certificate for a free 2 week subscription to Entertainment On Vacation online.

Gift certificates for bingo are available for your Christmas giving! Certificates can be purchased on Bingo night in the hall.

THERE WILL NOT BE BINGO ON FRIDAY, DECEMBER 21, OR 28 DUE TO THE HOLY DAY SCHEDULE.

SPECIAL COLLECTION RETIREMENT FUND FOR RELIGIOUS The Second Collection next weekend will be for the Retirement Fund for Religious as part of the Archdiocesan wide campaign to assist elderly women and men religious. More than 19,000 religious have less than 20 percent of the amount needed for projected costs of living and health care. The average Catholic sister, brother, or order priest remains in active ministry well past the age of 70. Your generosity is asked in helping The Retirement Fund for Religious campaign this year.

“FAMILY PERSPECTIVE” By Bud Ozar Jesus reminds parents, to “produce good fruit” by “preparing the way of the Lord.” Parents are a “voice crying out” in a society which barely acknowledges God. Christian parenting requires a strong voice! Your voice must be heard above the din of a consumer culture.

FEAST CELEBRATING OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE: THE PATRON SAINT OF THE AMERICAS (and of unborn children) will take place on Tuesday, December 11 through Wednesday, December 12.

On Tuesday, December 11, we will have the traditional Serenade to Our Lady of Guadalupe from 10 PM to 12:30 AM in the church. There will be a special rosary recited, followed by a re-enactment of the apparition of Our Blessed Mother as witnessed by St. Juan Diego. Light refreshments will be served in the hall following this service.

On Wednesday, December 12 the ceremony begins at 5:00 PM with the recitation of the Rosary, followed by the Procession of the Flags and the Aztec Dancers at 5:30 PM. Mass begins at 6:00 PM. Everyone is invited to the reception afterwards in the church hall. NOTE: These services will be mostly in Spanish but they can be enjoyed an appreciated by all. Come pray with us, celebrate, and enjoy!!!

On Sunday, December 16th, the Adult Choir of Most Holy Trinity Parish will present their 10th Annual Candlelight Festival of Lessons and Carols at 5:00 PM. This beautiful service of scripture and music traces the story of our disobedience in the Garden of Eden to the beautiful Gospel account of Our Lord’s Incarnation from St. John’s Gospel.

The Festival will be held in the candlelit splendor of our magnificent Gothic church and is an opportunity to come away and rest and hear the beautiful music and readings of the season. Our choir has worked hard and long to prepare this program for the parish and this is a chance for you to show your support. Please bring your friends to experience the vibrant life and quality of our parish. The parish Hospitality Committee has also prepared a festive reception following the service. We hope to see you there!

Mount 2008 is a Eucharist-centered annual retreat hosted by Mount St. Mary’s Seminary, designed for high school and college-age Catholics. With the theme “Seek the Face of Christ, Mount 2008 will encourage participants to come to know Jesus as a friend, and to encounter His love and mercy in prayer, the Word of God, and the Holy Sacraments of the Catholic Church. The speakers for this year’s retreat include Father Peter Mitchell and Todd Lemieux. The cost is $99 (checks payable to Most Holy Trinity Church ), and the deadline to register is Friday, December 21. Registration and permission forms are available at the rectory office during office hours, Monday through Friday, 9AM to 4 PM. For more information on the retreat, please contact Father Jeff at 269-8791.

CHRISTIANS IN ACTION CHRISTMAS SORTING AND BOXING DAY

Thursday, December 13 at 9:15 AM in the Church Hall

Did you ever dream about being St. Nick’s Little Helper??? The Christians In Action Committee will be sorting all the gifts graciously and generously donated by those of you who participated in the Giving Tree program, and bagging those gifts on Thursday, December 13th for the needy families in our parish. They could use your help, in preparation for the Giving Tree Gift and Grocery delivery on Saturday, December 15th. Come on down!