DECEMBER 13 - SESSION WITH SPONSORS
ACTIONS:
11:30 AM - Mass with active participation in the Liturgy
12:30-1:00 PM - light lunch
· Please take note that the Sponsors will also join the candidates for lunch.
· Please plan to prepare the Food and Beverages in the Rectory Meeting Room before or around 11:30 since the person at the front desk leaves at 11:30. After that time, nobody will open the door for you.
Christine Etienne
Janet Bastien
MarlenyAlvarado
John Kosowatz
We still need volunteers to provide lunch on the following Dates:
January 10: - 2 volunteers
February 7: - 1 volunteer
March 7: 1 volunteer
April 11: - 2 volunteers
1:00 - 2:30 PM : Fourth Session: Joint Session with Sponsors
Presentation of Sponsors
1. (Candidates)
a. Introduce your Sponsor to the group
b. Why did you choose him/her as your sponsor?
c. What significant Role your Sponsor has in your Christian Life?
2. (Sponsors)
a. Why did you agree to be a Sponsor?
b. What specific role do you think you will have to play in the Christian Life of the candidate?
Presentation of Confirmation Name Project
Candidates will be asked to present their Confirmation Name Project to the group.
1. Why did you choose the saint as your Confirmation Name?
2. What inspired you to choose that name?
3. How will you imitate his/her life as you live as a Christian?
Service Requirements:
At this point, the candidate is expected to have completed a total of 6 hours of the Christian Service Project. Forms will be collected during the session.
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Friday, November 20, 2009
GROUP ACTIVITY - November 25, 7PM
Parish Rectory
(Attendance Required)
· To set-up the Christmas Giving Tree for people to take tags for the gifts that the parish will share to the poor and needy parishioners our parish and St. Mary’s Parish in Newark.
· To wrap 9 dozens of bread to be distributed to parishioners after Thanksgiving Mass on Thursday at 9am.
· To change the Missal (Service Books) in Church from Year B to Year C.
DECEMBER 13 - SESSION WITH SPONSORS
GOAL: The candidates focus on the strength given in Confirmation, that comes from the increased measure of the treasures of God’s life in the sacrament - the gift of the Spirit. The candidates are helped to expand their understanding of the meaning of the Gift of the Spirit that they will receive in the Sacrament of Confirmation.
ACTIONS:
11:30 AM - Mass with active participation in the Liturgy
12:30-1:00 PM - light lunch
Lunch Volunteers:
1. Christine Etienne
2. Janet Bastien
3. Marleny Alvarado
1:00 - 2:30 PM : Fourth Session: Joint Session with Sponsors
PRESENTATION OF CONFIRMATION NAME:
Candidates present to the group their Confirmation Name.
Why did you choose the name?
What do you know about the saint that you have chosen as your Confirmation Name
and Model.
PRESENTATION OF SPONSOR:
Candidates present to the group their sponsors.
Give a little backgrounder about your sponsor>
Why did you choose him to be your sponsor?
THE SESSION: In the Strength of His Love: The Gifts of the Holy Spirit
SERVICE REQUIREMENTS:
At this point, the candidate is expected to have completed a total of 6 hours of the Christian Service Project. Forms will be collected during the session.
Parish Rectory
(Attendance Required)
· To set-up the Christmas Giving Tree for people to take tags for the gifts that the parish will share to the poor and needy parishioners our parish and St. Mary’s Parish in Newark.
· To wrap 9 dozens of bread to be distributed to parishioners after Thanksgiving Mass on Thursday at 9am.
· To change the Missal (Service Books) in Church from Year B to Year C.
DECEMBER 13 - SESSION WITH SPONSORS
GOAL: The candidates focus on the strength given in Confirmation, that comes from the increased measure of the treasures of God’s life in the sacrament - the gift of the Spirit. The candidates are helped to expand their understanding of the meaning of the Gift of the Spirit that they will receive in the Sacrament of Confirmation.
ACTIONS:
11:30 AM - Mass with active participation in the Liturgy
12:30-1:00 PM - light lunch
Lunch Volunteers:
1. Christine Etienne
2. Janet Bastien
3. Marleny Alvarado
1:00 - 2:30 PM : Fourth Session: Joint Session with Sponsors
PRESENTATION OF CONFIRMATION NAME:
Candidates present to the group their Confirmation Name.
Why did you choose the name?
What do you know about the saint that you have chosen as your Confirmation Name
and Model.
PRESENTATION OF SPONSOR:
Candidates present to the group their sponsors.
Give a little backgrounder about your sponsor>
Why did you choose him to be your sponsor?
THE SESSION: In the Strength of His Love: The Gifts of the Holy Spirit
SERVICE REQUIREMENTS:
At this point, the candidate is expected to have completed a total of 6 hours of the Christian Service Project. Forms will be collected during the session.
Thursday, November 5, 2009
NOVEMBER 8 SESSION AND PROJECT TO BE SUBMITTED
NOVEMBER 8
GOAL: Candidates are prepared for a lifelong journey - Confirmation strengthens us to learn and grow as followers of Christ.
ACTIONS:
11:30 AM - Mass with active participation in the Liturgy
Please plan to be at Church at 11am
12:30-1:00 PM - light lunch
Lunch will be provided by:
Estela Carr
Janet Bastien
Tom Dowd
1:00 - 2:30 PM : Third Session:
Service Requirements:
At this point, the candidate is expected to have completed 4 hours of the Christian Service Project. Forms will be collected during the session.
PROJECT - to be submitted this Sunday, November 8 - CONFIRMATION NAME
Selecting a Confirmation Name
Candidates must create Poster that shows a knowledge and understanding of the saint whose name they are choosing as their own Confirmation name. Candidates may also choose to just retain their Baptismal name.
Projects will be presented at the November 8 session and then displayed for the entire parish community during Confirmation week! Candidates may work together with family, friends, and/or fellow candidates to complete this project.
The Program Coordinator reserves the right to return projects to candidates for further work if the submitted work does not reflect the individual’s attention, care, effort, and/or reverence required for participation in this program.
A good place to start researching saints is the Catholic Online website, www.catholic.org/saints/. There you will find an alphabetical index of saints, an index of patron saints, and a calendar with saints’ feast days, among other useful tools.
In starting to research saints and complete their projects, candidates may want to consider the following questions:
· How and why did your parents choose your baptismal name?
· What activities, places, people, etc. interest you? Is there a patron saint associated with any of these?
· Which saints have their feast day on your birthday?
· Which saints inspire you? Why?
· When and where did the saint you are interested in live?
· When was he/she canonized? By which pope?
· How did this saint die? Was he/she persecuted and/or martyred for his/her beliefs?
· What was this saint’s occupation?
· What did this saint’s mission look like?
· What virtues did this saint practice in his/her life? Did this saint always practice these virtues? Did this saint experience a conversion?
· How would you describe this saint’s personality?
· What miracles did this saint perform?
· Are there any symbols associated with this saint?
· What are their meanings?
· In what ways is this saint a model for Christians today?
· How would this saint act/react if he/she were living in today’s world?
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25
GROUP ACTIVITY - Helping Hands (Required Attendance)
7PM - Rectory For Thanksgiving and Giving Tree
GOAL: Candidates are prepared for a lifelong journey - Confirmation strengthens us to learn and grow as followers of Christ.
ACTIONS:
11:30 AM - Mass with active participation in the Liturgy
Please plan to be at Church at 11am
12:30-1:00 PM - light lunch
Lunch will be provided by:
Estela Carr
Janet Bastien
Tom Dowd
1:00 - 2:30 PM : Third Session:
Service Requirements:
At this point, the candidate is expected to have completed 4 hours of the Christian Service Project. Forms will be collected during the session.
PROJECT - to be submitted this Sunday, November 8 - CONFIRMATION NAME
Selecting a Confirmation Name
Candidates must create Poster that shows a knowledge and understanding of the saint whose name they are choosing as their own Confirmation name. Candidates may also choose to just retain their Baptismal name.
Projects will be presented at the November 8 session and then displayed for the entire parish community during Confirmation week! Candidates may work together with family, friends, and/or fellow candidates to complete this project.
The Program Coordinator reserves the right to return projects to candidates for further work if the submitted work does not reflect the individual’s attention, care, effort, and/or reverence required for participation in this program.
A good place to start researching saints is the Catholic Online website, www.catholic.org/saints/. There you will find an alphabetical index of saints, an index of patron saints, and a calendar with saints’ feast days, among other useful tools.
In starting to research saints and complete their projects, candidates may want to consider the following questions:
· How and why did your parents choose your baptismal name?
· What activities, places, people, etc. interest you? Is there a patron saint associated with any of these?
· Which saints have their feast day on your birthday?
· Which saints inspire you? Why?
· When and where did the saint you are interested in live?
· When was he/she canonized? By which pope?
· How did this saint die? Was he/she persecuted and/or martyred for his/her beliefs?
· What was this saint’s occupation?
· What did this saint’s mission look like?
· What virtues did this saint practice in his/her life? Did this saint always practice these virtues? Did this saint experience a conversion?
· How would you describe this saint’s personality?
· What miracles did this saint perform?
· Are there any symbols associated with this saint?
· What are their meanings?
· In what ways is this saint a model for Christians today?
· How would this saint act/react if he/she were living in today’s world?
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25
GROUP ACTIVITY - Helping Hands (Required Attendance)
7PM - Rectory For Thanksgiving and Giving Tree
Monday, September 28, 2009
SECOND SESSION- OCTOBER 11
GOAL:
Christ now acts through the sacraments he instituted to communicate his grace, candidates are encouraged to continue on the path of Christian Life through the grace they received in the Sacraments of the Church.
ACTIONS:
11:30 AM - Mass with active participation in the Liturgy (please plan to arrive at 11AM)
12:30-1:00 PM - light lunch
1:00 - 2:30 PM : Second Session:
Meeting God: Sacraments: the Channels of Grace.
SERVICE REQUIREMENT:
At this point, the candidate is expected to have completed 2 hours of the Christian Service Project. Forms will be collected during the session.
GOAL:
Christ now acts through the sacraments he instituted to communicate his grace, candidates are encouraged to continue on the path of Christian Life through the grace they received in the Sacraments of the Church.
ACTIONS:
11:30 AM - Mass with active participation in the Liturgy (please plan to arrive at 11AM)
12:30-1:00 PM - light lunch
1:00 - 2:30 PM : Second Session:
Meeting God: Sacraments: the Channels of Grace.
SERVICE REQUIREMENT:
At this point, the candidate is expected to have completed 2 hours of the Christian Service Project. Forms will be collected during the session.
LUNCH VOLUNTEERS
Here is the List of Lunch Volunteers
OCTOBER 11
1. Lauren Hargraves
2. Carmen Acevedo
3. Sandra Best
NOVEMBER 8
1. Estela Carr
2. Janet Bastien
3. Tom Dowd
DECEMBER 13
1. Christine Etienne
2. Janet Bastien
3. MarlenyAlvarado
JANUARY 10
1. John Kosowatz
2.
3.
FEBRUARY 7
1. Colette Durkin
2. Jackie O’Connor
3.
MARCH 7
1. Karen Hilton
2. Athalie Pierre Louis
3.
APRIL 11
1. Jackie O’Connor
2.
3.
OCTOBER 11
1. Lauren Hargraves
2. Carmen Acevedo
3. Sandra Best
NOVEMBER 8
1. Estela Carr
2. Janet Bastien
3. Tom Dowd
DECEMBER 13
1. Christine Etienne
2. Janet Bastien
3. MarlenyAlvarado
JANUARY 10
1. John Kosowatz
2.
3.
FEBRUARY 7
1. Colette Durkin
2. Jackie O’Connor
3.
MARCH 7
1. Karen Hilton
2. Athalie Pierre Louis
3.
APRIL 11
1. Jackie O’Connor
2.
3.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
SERVICE PROJECT OPPORTUNITY
On Saturday, October 3 at 11 AM, St. Joseph Parish will celebrate the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick, an annual event intended for:
-Those of the faithful whose health is seriously impaired by sickness or old age
-A person facing surgery
-Elderly people who have become notably weakened even though no serious illness is present
-Sick children or people of any age in need of healing
-Those suffering mental or spiritual illness in search of healing in a time of crisis or pain.
A light luncheon will be served for participants after Mass.
Christian Service Opportunity for Confirmation Candidates:
1. (BEFORE MASS) to help and assist the sick and the elderly as they arrive in Church, help set up the reception and food table which begins at 10:30 AM. (30 Minutes)
(Note: Being at Mass is a Catholic Way of Life and does not count as a Christian Service Opportunity)
2. (AFTER MASS) to help and assist the elderly after the mass of the Anointing of the Sick (approxiamtely 12 Noon until 12:30 PM) (30 Minutes)
Since help has to be assured, I ask those who will avail of this opportunity to call Kathy at 973-761-5933 on or before Thursday, October 1.
Please remember that during our next Session which is on October 11, you are already expected to have rendered 2 (two) hours of Christian Service.
-Those of the faithful whose health is seriously impaired by sickness or old age
-A person facing surgery
-Elderly people who have become notably weakened even though no serious illness is present
-Sick children or people of any age in need of healing
-Those suffering mental or spiritual illness in search of healing in a time of crisis or pain.
A light luncheon will be served for participants after Mass.
Christian Service Opportunity for Confirmation Candidates:
1. (BEFORE MASS) to help and assist the sick and the elderly as they arrive in Church, help set up the reception and food table which begins at 10:30 AM. (30 Minutes)
(Note: Being at Mass is a Catholic Way of Life and does not count as a Christian Service Opportunity)
2. (AFTER MASS) to help and assist the elderly after the mass of the Anointing of the Sick (approxiamtely 12 Noon until 12:30 PM) (30 Minutes)
Since help has to be assured, I ask those who will avail of this opportunity to call Kathy at 973-761-5933 on or before Thursday, October 1.
Please remember that during our next Session which is on October 11, you are already expected to have rendered 2 (two) hours of Christian Service.
Monday, September 7, 2009
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 20 - CONFIRMATION PROGRAM GROUP ACTIVITY
THE 4TH ANNUAL PARISH FAMILY PICNIC
As Catholics, our faith is both of a personal nature and a faith in and of community. As we continue the journey of our faith formation it is important that we become active participants in the community life of the Church. Here at St. Joseph Parish, we strive to have all formation awaken a sense of belonging to the Church of Jesus Christ, the Catholic Church as well as the parish community. As the young people of today's church, your part in the community life of the parish is vital. This is your parish and we are your community.
Your role as young parishioners of St. Joseph Parish is important in contributing to the overall spirit and life of St. Joseph Parish, by supporting parish wide events, inviting, encouraging and assisting other young parishioners to feel and be a part of the parish community.
Our Annual Parish Family Picnic is one of those avenues where you can feel you belong to a parish community in a relax family setting. During the picnic, you will be asked to play an active role in various events and help in some committees.
Please plan to arrive at 1pm and stay until the end of the event. You are also expected to invite a friend (a friend who is not in the confirmation preparation program) to come to the picnic. It is also encouraged if you could order and wear this year’s Picnic T-Shirt.
Your role as young parishioners of St. Joseph Parish is important in contributing to the overall spirit and life of St. Joseph Parish, by supporting parish wide events, inviting, encouraging and assisting other young parishioners to feel and be a part of the parish community.
Our Annual Parish Family Picnic is one of those avenues where you can feel you belong to a parish community in a relax family setting. During the picnic, you will be asked to play an active role in various events and help in some committees.
Please plan to arrive at 1pm and stay until the end of the event. You are also expected to invite a friend (a friend who is not in the confirmation preparation program) to come to the picnic. It is also encouraged if you could order and wear this year’s Picnic T-Shirt.
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 13 - SESSION 1 - CONFIRMATION PREPARATION PROGRAM
GOAL:
Generate or renew the candidates’ interest in what we profess as Catholics. A review of the basic tenets of the Catholic Faith.
ACTIONS:
11:30 AM - Mass of Enrollment
(Please plan to arrive in church at 11:00 A.M. and see Fr. Manolo for instructions)
During this Mass, candidates will make a simple declaration that they officially wish to become candidates for Confirmation.
Meeting with Parents following Mass in Bernard Hall
12:30-1:00 PM - light lunch
1:00 - 1:30 PM - A Growth Interview: Candidates to Parents
1:30 - 3:00 PM - First Session:
I believe: The Faith by which We Were Baptized
Generate or renew the candidates’ interest in what we profess as Catholics. A review of the basic tenets of the Catholic Faith.
ACTIONS:
11:30 AM - Mass of Enrollment
(Please plan to arrive in church at 11:00 A.M. and see Fr. Manolo for instructions)
During this Mass, candidates will make a simple declaration that they officially wish to become candidates for Confirmation.
Meeting with Parents following Mass in Bernard Hall
12:30-1:00 PM - light lunch
1:00 - 1:30 PM - A Growth Interview: Candidates to Parents
1:30 - 3:00 PM - First Session:
I believe: The Faith by which We Were Baptized
Monday, August 17, 2009
WELCOME TO THE CONFIRMATION PREPARATION PROGRAM 2010
Welcome!
Preparation for Confirmation should aim at leading the Christian toward a more intimate union with Christ and a more lively familiarity with the Holy Spirit in order to be more capable of assuming the apostolic responsibilities of Christian life.
Thank you for choosing to participate in the Confirmation Preparation Program at St. Joseph Parish. Your willingness to commit yourself to completing the program and receiving the sacrament of Confirmation convey to the entire faith community how much you value both your faith and your community. Your faith formation throughout the Confirmation preparation program will both assist you in identifying the gifts and talents you possess and challenge you to put these gifts and talents to use in our community. You will be invited to take responsibility for your own faith formation, as well as to assist others in that same endeavor.
The Confirmation preparation program here at St. Joseph Parish assumes that: 1) you are regularly participating in Sunday Liturgy, and 2) you are exploring and learning about your faith with your family. The individual sessions, while containing some catechetical formation, will primarily focus on creative faith-building and reflective faith-sharing exercises. This program aims to provide participants with both a more profound understanding of their faith, as well as the tools they will need in order to be able to continue to grow in faith after having received the sacrament of Confirmation.
The model of formation this year could be very different from what many of your parents probably experienced in their own Confirmation Preparation Programs. Why? Because the Church’s understanding of the Theology of Confirmation has evolved over the years – and it will continue to do so. This handbook contains some information concerning the theology of Confirmation, an overview of the program, program expectations and requirements, as well as other sources of information intended to be both helpful and useful for you as a candidate for Confirmation. In addition, supplementary communications and materials will be distributed to you throughout the course of the program. All of our Confirmation information can be found at our blogspot.
http://sjpm-the-journey.blogspot.com
This blogspot is interactive so you can leave your comments, suggestions and messages. However, this does not take away the importance of direct and open communication with us. If you would like additional information or resources, please do not hesitate to contact me at the rectory or my email address: boytee2764@yahoo.com
Thank you once again for your commitment and dedication to your own faith formation and to our entire parish community. May God continue to bless us all as we work, play, and pray together in the year ahead.
Thank you for choosing to participate in the Confirmation Preparation Program at St. Joseph Parish. Your willingness to commit yourself to completing the program and receiving the sacrament of Confirmation convey to the entire faith community how much you value both your faith and your community. Your faith formation throughout the Confirmation preparation program will both assist you in identifying the gifts and talents you possess and challenge you to put these gifts and talents to use in our community. You will be invited to take responsibility for your own faith formation, as well as to assist others in that same endeavor.
The Confirmation preparation program here at St. Joseph Parish assumes that: 1) you are regularly participating in Sunday Liturgy, and 2) you are exploring and learning about your faith with your family. The individual sessions, while containing some catechetical formation, will primarily focus on creative faith-building and reflective faith-sharing exercises. This program aims to provide participants with both a more profound understanding of their faith, as well as the tools they will need in order to be able to continue to grow in faith after having received the sacrament of Confirmation.
The model of formation this year could be very different from what many of your parents probably experienced in their own Confirmation Preparation Programs. Why? Because the Church’s understanding of the Theology of Confirmation has evolved over the years – and it will continue to do so. This handbook contains some information concerning the theology of Confirmation, an overview of the program, program expectations and requirements, as well as other sources of information intended to be both helpful and useful for you as a candidate for Confirmation. In addition, supplementary communications and materials will be distributed to you throughout the course of the program. All of our Confirmation information can be found at our blogspot.
http://sjpm-the-journey.blogspot.com
This blogspot is interactive so you can leave your comments, suggestions and messages. However, this does not take away the importance of direct and open communication with us. If you would like additional information or resources, please do not hesitate to contact me at the rectory or my email address: boytee2764@yahoo.com
Thank you once again for your commitment and dedication to your own faith formation and to our entire parish community. May God continue to bless us all as we work, play, and pray together in the year ahead.
Fr. Manolo
Friday, May 15, 2009
Sunday, March 29, 2009
8th SESSION - APRIL 5, PALM SUNDAY
APRIL 5 - Palm Sunday
11:30 AM - Mass: with active participation in the Liturgy
Please come at 11:00 AM for instructions for the Blessing and Procession of Palms.
12:30-1:00 PM - light lunch
Lunch Volunteers:
Hilton Family
Don & Cristina Savoy
Michael Duszynski & Jane Siebert
1:00 - 2:30 PM : Eighth Session
11:30 AM - Mass: with active participation in the Liturgy
Please come at 11:00 AM for instructions for the Blessing and Procession of Palms.
12:30-1:00 PM - light lunch
Lunch Volunteers:
Hilton Family
Don & Cristina Savoy
Michael Duszynski & Jane Siebert
1:00 - 2:30 PM : Eighth Session
Monday, March 16, 2009
SOUP SUPPER - WHAT EVERY VOLUNTEER SHOULD KNOW
CHEAT SHEET
What every volunteer at the Soup Supper needs to know . . .
- Please arrive at Bernard Hall on time on Thursday, March 19 and report to Patti Killian.
- Please arrive at the time you signed up for: 3:30 to 6:00 or 5:30 to 8:00.
- Please wear a black T-shirt, jeans and sneakers.
- Be sure to wash your hands each time before you handle or serve food.
- Be sure to flash your biggest smile and use your best manners.
- You will be asked to help set up, work a station and help clean up.
- Stations are:
o Cutting and serving bread,
o Walking around and clearing and wiping tables,
o Sweeping floors,
o Serving soup (remember: ladle CANNOT touch the guest’s bowl),
o Manning coffee/tea table (helping to fill coffee urns, sugar bowls and sweet-n-low bowls, stocking cups, napkins and stirrers, wiping down table)
o Manning dessert table (clearing empty plates, wiping down table, keeping desserts fresh, stocking plates and napkins)
o Manning soft drink bar (stocking cups, helping thermoses remain filled, wiping down table)
o Helping in kitchen with washing dishes, etc.
- Please wear tag that designates your job – Patti will have tags.
You are terrific to volunteer! Think of how the money that we make will be used. And think of how much fun we will all have!
If you have any questions, please contact Patti Killian at patricia.killian@gmail.com or at 973.275.9841.
What every volunteer at the Soup Supper needs to know . . .
- Please arrive at Bernard Hall on time on Thursday, March 19 and report to Patti Killian.
- Please arrive at the time you signed up for: 3:30 to 6:00 or 5:30 to 8:00.
- Please wear a black T-shirt, jeans and sneakers.
- Be sure to wash your hands each time before you handle or serve food.
- Be sure to flash your biggest smile and use your best manners.
- You will be asked to help set up, work a station and help clean up.
- Stations are:
o Cutting and serving bread,
o Walking around and clearing and wiping tables,
o Sweeping floors,
o Serving soup (remember: ladle CANNOT touch the guest’s bowl),
o Manning coffee/tea table (helping to fill coffee urns, sugar bowls and sweet-n-low bowls, stocking cups, napkins and stirrers, wiping down table)
o Manning dessert table (clearing empty plates, wiping down table, keeping desserts fresh, stocking plates and napkins)
o Manning soft drink bar (stocking cups, helping thermoses remain filled, wiping down table)
o Helping in kitchen with washing dishes, etc.
- Please wear tag that designates your job – Patti will have tags.
You are terrific to volunteer! Think of how the money that we make will be used. And think of how much fun we will all have!
If you have any questions, please contact Patti Killian at patricia.killian@gmail.com or at 973.275.9841.
SOUP SUPPER VOLUNTEERS
VOLUNTEERS' SCHEDULE
3:30 - 6:00 PM
Kaitlin Kling
Nicole Basili
Fayola Etienne
Laura Marino
Alyssa Cioffi
Jill Landicho
Saira Chavez
Julianne Savoy
Nick Doddo
Sarah Hilton
Lou Duzsinzky
5:30 - 8:00 PM
Rich Moorehead
Eleven Pasteur
Lahens Richeme
Evan Accardi
Kyrsten Van Natta
Kaitlin Kling
Laura Marino
Sean hack
Christian Cetina
Jessica Mejia
Saira Chavez
Anthony Paredes
3:30 - 6:00 PM
Kaitlin Kling
Nicole Basili
Fayola Etienne
Laura Marino
Alyssa Cioffi
Jill Landicho
Saira Chavez
Julianne Savoy
Nick Doddo
Sarah Hilton
Lou Duzsinzky
5:30 - 8:00 PM
Rich Moorehead
Eleven Pasteur
Lahens Richeme
Evan Accardi
Kyrsten Van Natta
Kaitlin Kling
Laura Marino
Sean hack
Christian Cetina
Jessica Mejia
Saira Chavez
Anthony Paredes
Saturday, March 7, 2009
CONFIRMATION SESSION - MARCH 8
LUNCH VOLUNTEERS
Bolivar & Katherine Paredes
Micahel & Lynne Doddo
Maura Walsh
Bolivar & Katherine Paredes
Micahel & Lynne Doddo
Maura Walsh
Thursday, February 26, 2009
CONFIRMATION NAME of EVAN ACCARDI
RAPHAEL Evan Accardi
Patron Saint - ST. RAPHAEL
The name of this archangel (Raphael = "God has healed") does not appear in the Hebrew Scriptures, and in the Septuagint only in the Book of Tobias. Here he first appears disguised in human form as the travelling companion of the younger Tobias, calling himself "Azarias the son of the great Ananias". The story of the adventurous journey during which the protective influence of the angel is shown in many ways including the binding "in the desert of upper Egypt" of the demon who had previously slain seven husbands of Sara, daughter of Raguel, is picturesquely related in Tobit 5-11, to which the reader is referred. After the return and the healing of the blindness of the elder Tobias, Azarias makes himself known as "the angel Raphael, one of the seven, who stand before the Lord" (Tobit 12:15. Cf. Revelation 8:2). Of these seven "archangels" which appear in the angelology of post-Exilic Judaism, only three, Gabriel, Michael and Raphael, are mentioned in the canonical Scriptures. The others, according to the Book of Enoch (cf. xxi) are Uriel, Raguel, Sariel, and Jerahmeel, while from other apocryphal sources we get the variant names Izidkiel, Hanael, and Kepharel instead of the last three in the other list.
Regarding the functions attributed to Raphael we have little more than his declaration to Tobias (Tobit 12) that when the latter was occupied in his works of mercy and charity, he (Raphael) offered his prayer to the Lord, that he was sent by the Lord to heal him of his blindness and to deliver Sara, his son's wife, from the devil. The Jewish category of the archangels is recognized in the New Testament (1 Thessalonians 4:15; Jude 9), but only Gabriel and Michael are mentioned by name. Many commentators, however, identify Raphael with the "angel of the Lord" mentioned in John 5. This conjecture is base both on the significance of the name and on the healing role attributed to Raphael in the Book of Tobias. The Church assigns the feast of St. Raphael to 24 October. The hymns of the Office recall the healing power of the archangel and his victory over the demon. The lessons of the first Nocturn and the Antiphons of the entire Office are taken from the Book of Tobias, and the lessons of the second and third Nocturns from the works of St. Augustine, viz. for the second Nocturn a sermon on Tobias (sermon I on the fifteenth Sunday), and for the third, a homily on the opening verse of John 5. The Epistle of the Mass is taken from the twelfth chapter of Tobias, and the Gospel from John 5:1-4, referring to the pool called Probatica, where the multitude of the infirm lay awaiting the moving of the water, for "an angel of the Lord descended at certain times into the pond; and the water was moved.And he that went down first into the pond after the motion of the water was made whole of whatsoever infirmity he lay under". Thus the conjecture of the commentators referred to above is confirmed by the official Liturgy of the Church.
CONFIRMATION NAME of NICOLE BASILI
EMMA
Nicole Basili
Patron Saint - ST. EMMA
St. Emma's feast day is June 29th. Emma was the benefactress of the poor. Emma was a young girl in the late 10th century in Germany. She lived in the court of Emperor Henry II and his wife Cunegunde, daughter of Sigfrid, 1st Count of Luxembourg. Cunegunde was barren, because she had made a vow of celibacy before her marriage, so she had time to train Emma and arranged her marriage to William of Friesach, a wealthy count. William and Emma had two sons. However, both of Emma's sons were murdered by their father's mine workers. The mine workers were angry at their family because of the poor working conditions in the mines. So they decided to kill the sons as payment for their mistreatment of workers. William had put his sons in charge. It is unknown whether conditions were better under William's control. However, William was so angered by the murder of his sons, that he wanted to execute the rebels and their families, in turn. "An eye for an eye."
However, Emma persauded her husband that this would not be the correct way to go. She convinced William to wait and find out who actually killed their sons. They should be held accountable, not the rest of the workers. So Emma and and her husband turned to prayer and asked for God's help in finding the murderers. All the men were pardoned, except the leaders of the rebellion. After this event, Count William of Friesach decided to make a pilgrimage to Rome, and on his return, he fell ill and died.
After William's death, Emma's entire family was gone and she was obviously heartbroken by these events. Emma turned to God for his support in her time of need. She gave money to the poor and founded several churches and monasteries near her castle in the Austrian town of Gurk. In 1045 Emma died. She was beautified in 1938.
CONFIRMATION NAME of SAIRA CHAVEZ
THERESE
SAIRA CHAVEZ
Patron Saint - ST. THERESE
Carmelite of Lisieux, better known as the Little Flower of Jesus, born at Alençon, France, 2 January, 1873; died at Lisieux 30 September, 1897.
She was the ninth child of saintly parents, Louis and Zélie Martin, both of whom had wished to consecrate their lives to God in the cloister. The vocation denied them was given to their children, five of whom became religious, one to the Visitation Order and four in the Carmelite Convent of Lisieux. Brought up in an atmosphere of faith where every virtue and aspiration were carefully nurtured and developed, her vocation manifested itself when she was still only a child. Educated by the Benedictines, when she was fifteen she applied for permission to enter the Carmelite Convent, and being refused by the superior, went to Rome with her father, as eager to give her to God as she was to give herself, to seek the consent of the Holy Father, Leo XIII, then celebrating his jubilee. He preferred to leave the decision in the hands of the superior, who finally consented and on 9 April, 1888, at the unusual age of fifteen, Thérèse Martin entered the convent of Lisieux where two of her sisters had preceded her.
The account of the eleven years of her religious life, marked by signal graces and constant growth in holiness, is given by Soeur Thérèse in her autobiography, written in obedience to her superior and published two years after her death. In 1901 it was translated into English, and in 1912 another translation, the first complete edition of the life of the Servant of God, containing the autobiography, "Letters and Spiritual Counsels", was published. Its success was immediate and it has passed into many editions, spreading far and wide the devotion to this "little" saint of simplicity, and abandonment in God's service, of the perfect accomplishment of small duties.
The fame of her sanctity and the many miracles performed through her intercession caused the introduction of her cause of canonization only seventeen years after her death, 10 Jun, 1914.
CONFIRMATION NAME of CHRISTIAN CETINA
BENEDICT
CHRISTIAN CETINA
Patron Saint - ST. BENEDICT
Benedict of Nursia (in Italian, Benedetto da Norcia) (480 A.D. - 547 A.D.) was a saint from Italy, the founder of Western Christian monastic communities, and a rule-giver for cenobitic monks. His purpose may be gleaned from his Rule, namely that "Christ ... may bring us all together to life eternal." He was canonized by the Roman Catholic Church in 1220.
Benedict founded twelve communities for monks, the best known of which is his first monastery, at
Benedict's main achievement is his "Rule", containing precepts for his monks. It is heavily influenced by the writings of John Cassian, and shows strong affinity with the Rule of the Master. But it also has a unique spirit of balance, moderation and reasonableness (επιεικεια, epieikeia), and this persuaded most religious communities founded throughout the Middle Ages to adopt it. As a result, the Rule of St Benedict became one of the most influential religious rules in Western Christendom. For this reason Benedict is often called the founder of western Christian monasticism.
CONFIRMATION NAME of ALYSSA CIOFFI
MARIA GORETTIALYSSA CIOFFI
Patron Saint - ST. MARIA GORETTI
(October 16, 1890 – July 6, 1902) is an Italian Roman Catholic Virgin Martyr saint. She is one of the youngest saints of the Roman Catholic Church. She was martyred after dying from multiple stab wounds, inflicted by her attempted rapist after she refused him because of love of Jesus and her loyalty to God's commandments.St. Maria Goretti was born "Maria Teresa Goretti" in the year 1890 in Corinaldo, in the Province of Ancona, then the Kingdom of Italy. She was the third out of six children. By the time she was six, her family had become so poor that they were forced to give up their farm, move, and work for other farmers. Soon, Maria's father became very sick. Luigi Goretti died when Maria was nine. While her brother, mother and sisters worked in the fields, Maria would cook, sew, and keep the house clean. It was a hard life, but the family was very close. They shared a deep love for God and the Faith. She and her family moved to Le Ferriere di Conca, near modern Latina and Nettuno in Lazio, where they lived in a building they shared with another family, the Serenellis.
Maria's martyrdom
On July 6, 1902, finding eleven-year old Maria alone sewing, Alessandro Serenelli came in and threatened her with death if she did not do as he said. She would not submit, however, protesting that what he wanted to do was a mortal sin and warning Alessandro that he would go to Hell .Alessandro at first choked Maria, but when she insisted she would rather die than submit to him, he stabbed her eleven times. The injured yet still-living Maria tried to reach for the door, but Alessandro stopped her by stabbing her three more times before running away.
Maria's little sister Teresa awoke with the noise and started crying, and when Serenelli's father and Maria's mother came to check on the little girl, they found the bleeding Maria and took her to the nearest hospital in Nettuno. She underwent surgery without anesthesia, but her injuries were already beyond anything the doctors could do. Halfway throughout the surgery, Maria woke up. She insisted that it stay that way. The pharmacist of the hospital in which she died asked her, "Maria, think of me in Paradise." She looked to the old man: "Well, who knows, which of us is going to be there first." "You Maria," he replied. "Then I will gladly think of you," Maria said with a smile.The following day, twenty hours after the attack, having expressed forgiveness for her murderer and stating that she wanted to have him in Heaven with her, Maria died of her injuries.
CONFIRMATION NAME of LOUIS DUSZYNSKI , NICHOLAS DODDO & ANTHONY PAREDES
JAMESLOUIS DUSZYNSKI
NICHOLAS DODDO
ANTHONY PAREDES
Patron Saint - ST. JAMES THE GREATER
NICHOLAS DODDO
ANTHONY PAREDES
Patron Saint - ST. JAMES THE GREATER
The son of Zebedee and Salome (Cf. Matthew 27:56; Mark 15:40; 16:1). Zahn asserts that Salome was the daughter of a priest. James is styled "the Greater" to distinguish him from the Apostle James "the Less", who was probably shorter of stature. We know nothing of St. James's early life. He was the brother of John, the beloved disciple, and probably the elder of the two. His parents seem to have been people of means as appears from the following facts.
Zebedee was a fisherman of the Lake of Galilee, who probably lived in or near Bethsaida (John 1:44), perhaps in Capharnaum; and had some boatmen or hired men as his usual attendants (Mark 1:20).
Salome was one of the pious women who afterwards followed Christ and "ministered unto him of their substance" (cf. Matthew 27:55, sq.; Mark 15:40; 16:1; Luke 8:2 sq.; 23:55-24:1).
St. John was personally known to the high-priest (John 18:16); and must have had wherewithal to provide for the Mother of Jesus (John 19:27). It is probable, according to Acts 4:13, that John (and consequently his brother James) had not received the technical training of the rabbinical schools; in this sense they were unlearned and without any official position among the Jews. But, according to the social rank of their parents, they must have been men of ordinary education, in the common walks of Jewish life. They had frequent opportunity of coming in contact with Greek life and language, which were already widely spread along the shores of the Galilean Sea.
Relation of St. James to Jesus
Some authors, comparing John 19:25 with Matthew 28:56 and Mark 15:40, identify, and probably rightly so, Mary the Mother of James the Less and of Joseph in Mark and Matthew with "Mary of Cleophas" in John. As the name of Mary Magdalen occurs in the three lists, they identify further Salome in Mark with "the mother of the sons of Zebedee" in Matthew; finally they identify Salome with "his mother's sister" in John. They suppose, for this last identification, that four women are designated by John 19:25; the Syriac "Peshito" gives the reading: "His mother and his mother's sister, and Mary of Cleophas and Mary Magdalen." If this last supposition is right, Salome was a sister of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and James the Greater and John were first cousins of the Lord; this may explain the discipleship of the two brothers, Salome's request and their own claim to the first position in His kingdom, and His commendation of the Blessed Virgin to her own nephew. But it is doubtful whether the Greek admits of this construction without the addition or the omission of kai (and). Thus the relationship of St. James to Jesus remains doubtful.
His life and apostolate
The Galilean origin of St. James in some degree explains the energy of temper and the vehemence of character which earned for him and St. John the name of Boanerges, "sons of thunder" (Mark 3:17); the Galilean race was religious, hardy, industrious, brave, and the strongest defender of the Jewish nation.
When John the Baptist proclaimed the kingdom of the Messias, St. John became a disciple (John 1:35); he was directed to "the Lamb of God" and afterwards brought his brother James to the Messias; the obvious meaning of John 1:41, is that St. Andrew finds his brother (St. Peter) first and that afterwards St. John (who does not name himself, according to his habitual and characteristic reserve and silence about himself) finds his brother (St. James). The call of St. James to the discipleship of the Messias is reported in a parallel or identical narration by Matthew 4:18-22; Mark 1:19 sq.; and Luke 5:1-11. The two sons of Zebedee, as well as Simon (Peter) and his brother Andrew with whom they were in partnership (Luke 5:10), were called by the Lord upon the Sea of Galilee, where all four with Zebedee and his hired servants were engaged in their ordinary occupation of fishing. The sons of Zebedee "forthwith left their nets and father, and followed him" (Matthew 4:22), and became "fishers of men".
St. James was afterwards with the other eleven called to the Apostleship (Matthew 10:1-4; Mark 3:13-19; Luke 6:12-16; Acts 1:13). In all four lists the names of Peter and Andrew, James and John form the first group, a prominent and chosen group (cf. Mark 13:3); especially Peter, James, and John. These three Apostles alone were admitted to be present at the miracle of the raising of Jairus's daughter (Mark 5:37; Luke 8:51), at the Transfiguration (Mark 9:1; Matthew 17:1; Luke 9:28), and the Agony in Gethsemani (Matthew 26:37; Mark 14:33). The fact that the name of James occurs always (except in Luke 8:51; 9:28; Acts 1:13 -- Greek Text) before that of his brother seems to imply that James was the elder of the two. It is worthy of notice that James is never mentioned in the Gospel of St. John; this author observes a humble reserve not only with regard to himself, but also about the members of his family.
Several incidents scattered through the Synoptics suggest that James and John had that particular character indicated by the name "Boanerges," sons of thunder, given to them by the Lord (Mark 3:17); they were burning and impetuous in their evangelical zeal and severe in temper. The two brothers showed their fiery temperament against "a certain man casting out devils" in the name of the Christ; John, answering, said: "We [James is probably meant] forbade him, because he followeth not with us" (Luke 9:49). When the Samaritans refused to receive Christ, James and John said: "Lord, wilt thou that we command fire to come down from heaven, and consume them?" (Luke 9:54; cf. 9:49).
His martyrdom
On the last journey to Jerusalem, their mother Salome came to the Lord and said to Him: "Say that these my two sons may sit, the one on thy right hand, and the other on thy left, in thy kingdom" (Matthew 20:21). And the two brothers, still ignorant of the spiritual nature of the Messianic Kingdom, joined with their mother in this eager ambition (Mark 10:37). And on their assertion that they are willing to drink the chalice that He drinks of, and to be baptized with the baptism of His sufferings, Jesus assured them that they will share His sufferings (Mark 5:38-39).
James won the crown of martyrdom fourteen years after this prophecy, A.D. 44. Herod Agrippa I, son of Aristobulus and grandson of Herod the Great, reigned at that time as "king" over a wider dominion than that of his grandfather. His great object was to please the Jews in every way, and he showed great regard for the Mosaic Law and Jewish customs. In pursuance of this policy, on the occasion of the Passover of A.D. 44, he perpetrated cruelties upon the Church, whose rapid growth incensed the Jews. The zealous temper of James and his leading part in the Jewish Christian communities probably led Agrippa to choose him as the first victim. "He killed James, the brother of John, with the sword." (Acts 12:1-2). According to a tradition, which, as we learn from Eusebius (Church History II.9.2-3), was received from Clement of Alexandria (in the seventh book of his lost "Hypotyposes"), the accuser who led the Apostle to judgment, moved by his confession, became himself a Christian, and they were beheaded together. As Clement testifies expressly that the account was given him "by those who were before him," this tradition has a better foundation than many other traditions and legends respecting the Apostolic labours and death of St. James, which are related in the Latin "Passio Jacobi Majoris", the Ethiopic "Acts of James", and so on.
St. James in Spain
The tradition asserting that James the Greater preached the Gospel in Spain, and that his body was translated to Compostela, claims more serious consideration.
According to this tradition St. James the Greater, having preached Chri
stianity in Spain, returned to Judea and was put to death by order of Herod; his body was miraculously translated to Iria Flavia in the northwest of Spain, and later to Compostela, which town, especially during the Middle Ages, became one of the most famous places of pilgrimage in the world. The vow of making a pilgrimage to Compostela to honour the sepulchre of St. James is still reserved to the pope, who alone of his own or ordinary right can dispense from it. In the twelfth century was founded the Order of Knights of St. James of Compostela.
With regard to the preaching of the Gospel in Spain by St. James the greater, several difficulties have been raised:
St. James suffered martyrdom A.D. 44 (Acts 12:2), and, according to the tradition of the early Church, he had not yet left Jerusalem at this time (cf. Clement of Alexandria, Stromata VI; Apollonius, quoted by Eusebius, Church History VI.18).
St. Paul in his Epistle to the Romans (A.D. 58) expressed the intention to visit Spain (Romans 15:24) just after he had mentioned (15:20) that he did not "build upon another man's foundation."
The argument ex silentio: although the tradition that James founded an Apostolic see in Spain was current in the year 700, no certain mention of such tradition is to be found in the genuine writings of early writers nor in the early councils; the first certain mention we find in the ninth century, in Notker, a monk of St. Gall (Martyrol., 25 July), Walafried Strabo (Poema de XII Apost.), and others.
The tradition was not unanimously admitted afterwards, while numerous scholars reject it. The Bollandists however defended it (see Acta Sanctorum, July, VI and VII, where other sources are given).
The authenticity of the sacred relic of Compostela has been questioned and is still doubted. Even if St. James the Greater did not preach the Christian religion in Spain, his body may have been brought to Compostela, and this was already the opinion of Notker. According to another tradition, the relics of the Apostle are kept in the church of St-Saturnin at Toulouse (France), but it is not improbable that such sacred relics should have been divided between two churches. A strong argument in favour of the authenticity of the sacred relics of Compostela is the Bull of Leo XIII, "Omnipotens Deus," of 1 November, 1884.
CONFIRMATION NAME of FAYOLA ETIENNE
ELIZABETHFAYOLA ETIENNE
Patron Saint - ST. ELIZABETH ANNE SETON
Foundress and first superior of the Sisters of Charity in the United States; born in New York City, 28 Aug., 1774, of non-Catholic parents of high position; died at Emmitsburg, Maryland, 4 Jan., 1821.
Her father, Dr. Richard Bayley (born in Connecticut and educated in England), was the first professor of anatomy at Columbia College and eminent for his work as health officer of the Port of New York. Her mother, Catherine Charlton, daughter of an Anglican minister of Staten Island, N.Y., died when Elizabeth was three years old, leaving two other young daughters. The father married again, and among the children of this second marriage was Guy Charleton Bayley, whose convert son, James Roosevelt Bayley, became Archbishop of Baltimore. Elizabeth always showed great affection for her stepmother, who was a devout Anglican, and for her stepbrothers and sisters. Her education was chiefly conducted by her father, a brilliant man of great natural virtue, who trained her to self-restraint as well as in intellectual pursuits. She read industriously, her notebooks indicating a special interest in religious and historical subjects. She was very religious, wore a small crucifix around her neck, and took great delight in reading the Scriptures, especially the Psalms, a practice she retained until her death.
She was married on 25 Jan., 1794, in St. Paul's Church, New York, to William Magee Seton, of that city, by Bishop Prevoost. In her sister-in-law, Rebecca Seton, she found the "friend of her soul", and as they went about on missions of mercy they were called the "Protestant Sisters of Charity". Business troubles culminated on the death of her father-in-law in 1798. Elizabeth and her husband presided over the large orphaned family; she shared his financial anxieties, aiding him with her sound judgment. Dr. Bayley's death in 1801 was a great trial to his favourite child. In her anxiety for his salvation she had offered to God, during his fatal illness, the life of her infant daughter Catherine. Catherine's life was spared, however, she died at the age of ninety, as Mother Catherine of the Sisters of Mercy, New York. In 1803 Mr. Seton's health required a sea voyage; he started with his wife and eldest daughter for Leghorn, where the Filicchi brothers, business friends of the Seton firm, resided. The other children, William, Richard, Rebecca, and Catherine, were left to the care of Rebecca Seton.
From a journal which Mrs. Seton kept during her travels we learn of her heroic effort to sustain the drooping spirits of her husband during the voyage, followed by a long detention in quarantine, and until his death at Pisa (27 Dec., 1803). She and her daughter remained for some time with the Filicchi families. While with these Catholic families and in the churches of Italy Mrs. Seton first began to see the beauty of the Catholic Faith. Delayed by her daughter's illness and then by her own, she sailed for home accompanied by Antonio Filicchi, and reached New York on 3 June, 1804. Her sister-in-law, Rebecca, died in July.
A time of great spiritual perplexity began for Mrs. Seton, whose prayer was, "If I am right Thy grace impart still in the right to stay. If I am wrong Oh, teach my heart to find the better way." Mr. Hobart (afterwards an Anglican bishop), who had great influence over her, used every effort to dissuade her from joining the Catholic Church, while Mr. Filicchi presented the claims of the true religion and arranged a correspondence between Elizabeth and Bishop Cheverus. Through Mr. Filicchi she also wrote to Bishop Carroll. Elizabeth meanwhile added fasting to her prayers for light. The result was that on Ash Wednesday, 14 March, 1805, she was received into the Church by Father Matthew O'Brien in St. Peter's Church, Barclay Street, New York. On 25 March she made her first Communion with extraordinary fervour; even the faint shadow of this sacrament in the Protestant Church had had such an attraction for her that she used to hasten from one church to another to receive it twice each Sunday. She well understood the storm that her conversion would raise among her Protestant relatives and friends at the time she most needed their help. Little of her husband's fortune was left, but numerous relatives would have provided amply for her and her children had not this barrier been raised. She joined an English Catholic gentleman named White, who, with his wife, was opening a school for boys in the suburbs of New York, but the widely circulated report that this was a proselytizing scheme forced the school to close.
A few faithful friends arranged for Mrs. Seton to open a boarding-house for some of the boys of a Protestant school taught by the curate of St. Mark's. In January, 1806, Cecilia Seton, Elizabeth's young sister-in-law, became very ill and begged to see the ostracized convert; Mrs. Seton was sent for, and became a constant visitor. Cecilia told her that she desired to become a Catholic. When Cecilia's decision was known threats were made to have Mrs. Seton expelled from the state by the Legislature. On her recovery Cecilia fled to Elizabeth for refuge and was received into the Church. She returned to her brother's family on his wife's death. Mrs. Seton's boarding-house for boys had to be given up. Her sons had been sent by the Filicchis to Georgetown College. She hoped to find a refuge in some convent in Canada, where her teaching would support her three daughters. Bishop Carroll did not approve, so she relinquished this plan. Father Father Dubourg, S.S., from St. Mary's Seminary, Baltimore, met her in New York, and suggested opening in Baltimore a school for girls. After a long delay and many privations, she and her daughters reached Baltimore on Corpus Christi, 1808. Her boys were brought there to St. Mary's College, and she opened a school next to the chapel of St. Mary's Seminary and was delighted with the opportunities for the practice of her religion, for it was only with the greatest difficulty she was able to get to daily Mass and Communion in New York. The convent life for which she had longed ever since her stay in Italy now seemed less impracticable. Her life was that of a religious, and her quaint costume was fashioned after one worn by certain nuns in Italy. Cecilia Conway of Philadelphia, who had contemplated going to Europe to fulfill her religious vocation, joined her; soon other postulants arrived, while the little school had all the pupils it could accommodate.
Mr. Cooper, a Virginian convert and seminarian, offered $10,000 to found an institution for teaching poor children. A farm was bought half a mile from the village of Emmitsburg and two miles from Mt. St. Mary's College. Meanwhile Cecilia Seton and her sister Harriet came to Mrs. Seton in Baltimore. As a preliminary to the formation of the new community, Mrs. Seton took vows privately before Archbishop Carroll and her daughter Anna. In June, 1809, the community was transferred to Emmitsburg to take charge of the new institution. The great fervour and mortification of Mother Seton, imitated by her sisters, made the many hardships of their situation seem light. In Dec., 1809, Harriet Seton, who was received into the Church at Emmitsburg, died there, and Cecilia in Apr., 1810.
Bishop Flaget was commissioned in 1810 by the community to obtain in France the rules of the Sisters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul. Three of these sisters were to be sent to train the young community in the spirit of St. Vincent de Paul, but Napoleon forbade them to leave France. The letter announcing their coming is extant at Emmitsburg. The rule, however, with some modifications, was approved by Archbishop Carroll in Jan., 1812, and adopted.
Against her will, and despite the fact that she had also to care for her children, Mrs. Seton was elected superior. Many joined the community; Mother Seton's daughter, Anna, died during her novitiate (12 March, 1812), but had been permitted to pronounce her vows on her death-bed. Mother Seton and the eighteen sisters made their vows on 19 July, 1813. The fathers superior of the community were the Sulpicians, Fathers Dubourg, David, and Dubois. Father Dubois held the post for fifteen years and laboured to impress on the community the spirit of St. Vincent's Sisters of Charity, forty of whom he had had under his care in France. The fervour of the community won admiration everywhere. The school for the daughters of the well-to-do prospered, as it continues to do (1912), and enabled the sisters to do much work among the poor. In 1814 the sisters were given charge of an orphan asylum in Philadelphia; in 1817 they were sent to New York. The previous year (1816) Mother Seton's daughter, Rebecca, after long suffering, died at Emmitsburg; her son Richard, who was placed with the Filicchi firm in Italy, died a few years after his mother. William, the eldest, joined the United States Navy and died in 1868. The most distinguished of his children are Most. Rev. Robert Seton, Archbishop of Heliopolis (author of a memoir of his grandmother, "Roman Essays", and many contributions to the "American Catholic Quarterly" and other reviews), and William Seton.
Mother Seton had great facility in writing. Besides the translation of many ascetical French works (including the life of Saint Vincent de Paul, and of Mlle. Le Gras) for her community she has left copious diaries and correspondence that show a soul all on fire with the love of God and zeal for souls. Great spiritual desolation purified her soul during a great portion of her religious life, but she cheerfully took the royal road of the cross. For several years the saintly bishop (then Father) Bruti was her director. The third time she was elected mother (1819) she protested that it was the election of the dead, but she lived for two years, suffering finally from a pulmonary affection. Her perfect sincerity and great charm aided her wonderfully in he work of sanctifying souls. In 1880 Cardinal Gibbons (then Archbishop) urged the steps be taken toward her canonization. The result of the official inquiries in the cause of Mother Seton, held in Baltimore during several years, were brought to Rome by special messenger, and placed in the hands of the postulator of the cause on 7 June, 1911.
Her cause is entrusted to the Priests of the Congregation of the Mission, whose superior general in Paris is also superior of the Sisters of Charity with which the Emmitsburg community was incorporated in 1850, after the withdrawal of the greater number of the sisters (at the suggestion of Archbishop Hughes) of the New York houses in 1846. This union had been contemplated for some time, but the need of a stronger bond at Emmitsburg, shown by the New York separation, hastened it. It was effected with the loss of only the Cincinnati community of six sisters. With the Newark and Halifax offshoots of the New York community and the Greenburg foundation from Cincinnati, the sisters originating from Mother Seton's foundation number (1911) about 6000. The original Emittsburg community now wearing the cornette and observing the rule just as St. Vincent gave it, naturally surpasses any of the others in number. It is found in about thirty dioceses in the United States and forms a part of the worldwide sisterhood, whilst the others are rather diocesan communities.
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