ST. VINCENT DEPAUL THRIFT SHOP AND FOOD BANK
237 Roosevelt Drive, Derby
203-734-7577
Please consider donating a gift card to a local food store such as ShopRite, Stop’n Shop, Big Y, Aldi’s or Target.
A donation box will be placed in front of the Sacred Heart altar. Thank you for helping those who are less fortunate.
Gratefully accepting donations of food for their food bank. They provide food for many families every week and are always in need of non-perishable food to distribute. Gift cards to supermarkets are also welcomed. The Thrift Shop accepts gently used clothing, household items, books, etc.
A sincere thank you to everyone who donates food to their food bank. Many Valley families benefit from your generosity. The thrift shop also gratefully accepts donations of gently used clothing and household items which are offered for sale at very reasonable prices. Proceeds from the thrift shop sales are used to help supply the food bank.
Very truly yours, with great thanks,
Remy Kocurek, Executive Director.
From Remy Kocurek, Executive Director
To Fr. Sadowski, and our dear friends and parishioners at St. Michael Church,
Regarding the recent $1,910 donation, we would love to share with you our record setting levels of food assistance given this year in our beloved community. With your generous help we have given food to 3,115 Valley neighbors from January to the end of May thus far. These folks coming for help are so grateful and relieved to have their concerns over enough food for themselves and their families satisfied.
This allows them to fully concentrate on other aspects of their lives.
Here’s a story from our pantry. In June a Mom and Dad with two teen children at home called for emergency food. They didn’t have enough left for the weekend. Dad has developed congestive heart failure and can’t work now, so they are down to Mom’s hourly wage and part-time work of the older teen. They had received help back in 2023 until they found their situation improved but now this recent health set-back came sudden and unexpected. It felt so good to give them six bags of good, healthy food including eggs, frozen chicken, fresh vegetables, bread and some non-perishables like, coffee, cereal, pasta sauce and soup.
We want to convey some of that gratitude so that you feel good too. Thank you because there is such value in your regular support of our pantry.
CAROLYN’S PLACE
A Pregnancy Care Center
137 Grandview Avenue, Waterbury 06708
Assistance is given to women, their infants, and their families who depend on their emotional and practical support throughout the pregnancy journey. The 33rd anniversary dinner will take place on Sun., Nov. 2 at La Bella Vista Banquet Venue, Waterbury. The event marks the 33rd birthday of the infant girl, Carolyn Marie, who was discovered in a church doorway in Watertown. And thus this ministry began. If you are interested in attending or being a program sponsor please call Kim 203-597-9080.
LOURDES IN LITCHFIELD – GROTTO GIFT SHOP
The Grotto Gift Shop at the Shrine in Lourdes,
50 Montfort Rd., Rte 118, is now open Tuesday to Saturday, 10:30am to 4:00pm, and Sunday, 11:30am to 4:00pm. New spring items are in stock and there is a large selection of outdoor statuary as well as Baptismal, First Holy Communion, Confirmation gifts plus medals, rosaries, and gifts for all occasions. For further information please call 1-860-567-0891 during regular business hours. You may also e-mail: lourdesshrinect@gmail.com.
HOSPICE, BRANFORD IS IN NEED OF VOLUNTEERS.
Patients and families are in need of your care and support. If you have an interest in volunteering in Reception or Patient Companionship, please call Joan Cullen, Director of Volunteers, 203-315-7510.
OLD GREETING CARDS CAN BE REPURPOSED
You can send your old greeting cards to children in need at St. Jude’s Ranch for Children which is a center for abused, abandoned, and neglected children. They collect the covers of old greeting cards and the children cut out the pictures and paste them into new cards which are then sold and helps them to raise funds for the center.
They can be mailed to St. Jude’s Ranch for Children, 100 St. Jude’s Street, Boulder City, NV 89005. For more information about the organization, you may correspond to them at P.O. Box 985.
VALLEY LITERACY PROGRAM
For information about classes or to volunteer for the program please call Corinne Fucci at 203-551-9831 or e-mail corinnefucci@lvagnhy.org. There are classes held throughout the Valley. Phone 203-551-9831.
FROM TEAM, INC. ELDERLY SERVICES
Volunteer Caregivers are needed for the “Volunteer Caregivers Program” to help older adults. Team is seeking volunteer caregivers who are dedicated individuals to help meet the needs of older adults living in our communities of Ansonia, Derby, Oxford, Seymour, and Shelton. Volunteers will provide services for individuals who are isolated, frail, disabled, or elderly. These free of charge services enable residents who are elderly or disabled to remain independent. Some of the services frequently requested are: transportation and escort to medical appointments and stores, telephone reassurance – at least one call a week preferred, grocery shopping – taking or shopping for clients. Volunteers must be age 18 or over who have an interest and compassionate concern for older adults in our community. All those who volunteer go through a background check screening process and, once approved, the scheduling is flexible.
Please contact TEAM to apply at
203-736-5420 ext. 4225 or 4226.
Your help will be a rewarding experience and make a meaningful difference in the life of an isolated, elderly, or disabled person.
JOB OPPORTUNITY LITTLE SISTERS OF THE POOR
ENFIELD, CT 860-265-1844
Certified nursing assistant – night shift, full time; nurse’s aide – evening shift, part-time; dietary dining room aide – weekend, some holidays, part time; dishwasher – evening and morning, weekend, some holidays, part-time; activity aide/life.
CATHOLIC WAR VETERANS OF THE USA
Membership and Support
St. Michael’s CWV Post 1562 is seeking new Catholic Veterans to join their ranks. All Catholic Veterans with 90 days honorable service are eligible. *no specific ‘war time’ service is necessary.* Our Auxiliary is also seeking new (male & female members). For
information contact Mike Kasinskas at :
CWV@Post1562.ComcastBiz.net
CLELIAN ADULT DAY CARE CENTER
261 Benham Center
Hamden, CT 06514
203-288-4151
This is a ministry of the Sisters of the Apostles of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
The Center has been operating in Hamden since 1988 and continues to provide an invaluable service to seniors and their caregivers. The center provides compassionate daytime care for seniors with dementia, Alzheimer’s and other medical needs, as well for people in need of daytime companionship. Their lively programming helps keep seniors active and healthy and allows their loved ones a needed break from the challenges of caregiving. The Center is open Monday to Friday, 8am to 4pm and fees includes transportation, meals, and nursing services. Tours are available.
FROM DIOCESE OFFICE OF
MISSIONARY DISCIPLESHIP
IS GOD CALLING YOU?
Are you discerning a call to ministry? This program is ideal for you. What you will gain:
The essential elements of lay apostolate, and lay vocation, the call to holiness along with an overview of Catholic Social Teaching, spiritual theology and other topics. Check website for details: www.catholicedaohct.org/the-apostolate-for-lay-ministry
POLSKA SZKOŁA SOBOTNIA IM. BŁ. KS. JERZEGO POPIEŁUSZKI ogłasza zapisy uczniów na nowy rok 2025/26. DRZWI OTWARTE – 3 i 4 września 2025 od 6:00 pm do 8:00 pm. Rozpoczęcie roku szkolnego dla las piątkowych w piątek o 5:00 pm, w sobotę 6 września dla klas sobotnich o godz. 10 rano. ZAPRASZAMY!!! Informacje i karta rejestracyjna na naszej stronie internetowej: www.pssderby.org oraz na Facebook. Kontakt: Alina Zawojski (203) 278-3512 wicedyrektor: Barbara Wojcieszak (203) 414-9902
NEWS FROM THE CATHOLIC WAR VETERANS, ST. MICHAEL’S POST
(Our good neighbors across the street)
CWV Post 1562
…There is a monthly Pasta Dinner every third Tuesday of the month (next one Nov. 17th). $10. 6:30 pm. Doors open at 6 pm.
WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA
Co-ordinated by CWV Post #1562
Please consider sponsoring a wreath so all the gravesites of veterans laid to rest at St. Michael’s Cemetery are honored and remembered. Go to Wreath Across America.org/CT0121. All are invited to the program and wreath laying on Saturday, December 15 at noon. For info call the Post at 203-734-9748 or visit the website.
CASH CALENDAR DRAWINGS
The Catholic War Veterans and Auxiliary have been serving God, Country and Family since 1935. Please support the Catholic War Veterans by considering to purchase a 2025 Cash Calendar for yourself or as a holiday gift. Calelndars are $25 each and your calendar stub number is eligible for all 365 daily drawings. Please send payment of $25 to ‘Catholic War Veterans USA’, to Treasurer, St. Michael Post 1562,112 Derby Av. Derby, Ct. 06418. Upon receipt, a calendar will be mailed to you. You may also stop at the Post to purchase one; or Email CWV@ Post1562.comcastbiz.net for info.
SAVE THE DATES
CATHOLIC CRUISES AND TOURS
Catholic Cruises Sponsored Trip
“The Camino, A Walking Journey for the Soul”. The history of the Camino de Santiago goes back to the 9th century when the tomb of the evangelical apostle, St. James, was discovered. Since then, pilgrims from all over the world have walked St. James’ Way. Land costs start at $2964 based on double occupancy. An $850 deposit per person is required to hold your place. Please call Catholic Cruises and Tours for more info: 1-860-399-1785.
UKRAINE SOLIDARITY FUND
The Knights of Columbus Charities is still accepting donations for the Fund which will help to provide shelter, food, medical supplies, clothing, communication, and religious supplies to these displaced people. 100% of your donation will go directly to the Ukrainian people. Please note on your donation that it is for the Ukraine Fund. Donations should be mailed to:
Knights of Columbus Charities, Inc.
P.O. Box 1966
New Haven, CT 06510
St. Anthony’s Book and Gift Shop, 461 Derby Ave., Orange, CT. 203-888-3390
If you are looking for Catholic books, sacramental gifts, First Communion/Confirmation items and more please stop in and visit or call 203-888-3390 or go to the web-site: www.stanthonygift.com.Shop hours are: Wed., Thurs., Friday noon to 6pm and on Saturdays 11am to 4 pm.
NEW ENGLAND CATHOLIC BIBLICAL SCHOOL
This school can help you to discover the richness of the scripture. Enrollment closes August 15th. In-person online classes begin Sept. 6, on Thursdays from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Inperson classes are also held the closest to here are are Prince of Peace, Woodbury, Mondays 10-12 noon, Our Lady of Fatima, Wallingford, Tuesdays 10-12 noon. For info or to register visit:
www.NewEnglandCatholicBiblcalSchool.com
PROJECT HELP NEEDED
A retired photographer and member of our parish has many photo negatives – of our church and other churches, etc. and is asking if anyone would be willing to help him separate the negatives so they could be passed along to the appropriate institutions, etc. If you would like to help this gentleman, please call the parish office and we will put you in touch with him.
FROM THE DIOCESE OFFICE
OF VOCATIONS AND SEMINARIANS
2025 Vocations Campaign: Rosary 100K
How many rosaries will you pledge
to pray for vocations?
Rosary 100K invites the entire Archdiocese of Hartford to unite in bold prayer by pledging 100,000 rosaries for new vocations to the priesthood, diaconate, religious and consecrated life, holy Catholic marriage, and the generous single life.
The campaign launched on Sunday, May 11, which is
both the World Day of Prayer for Vocations and Mother’s Day – a providential alignment for invoking the intercession of our Blessed Mother.
On the bench by the side entrance you will find
ROSARY 100K PLEDGE CARDS (this is a prayer pledge – not a monetary donation pledge). Please visit
www.hartfordpriest.com/rosary-100k, call the Office of Vocations at 1-860-761-7456 or email: vocations@aohct.org to submit your rosary pledge. Each pledge will be tracked and help to progress toward the 100,000 rosary goal across the Archdiocese.
Let us entrust this campaign to Our Blessed Mother and pray for a rich outpouring of new vocations across the Archdiocese.
Elder care
Lady caregiver is looking for position.
Fluent in Polish and English languages.
Call Jadwiga at 203-343-5362.
ST. MARY – ST, MICHAEL SCHOOL
(203) 735-6471)
Principal: Ms. LaMattina
Welcome to the new principal!
If you are interested in registering your child in our parish school, please check out the website at stmarystmichael.org.
Pre-K (3-4 year olds), Full-day kindergarten, small class size, technology-centered classrooms, Spanish K-8, extended day program (7:00am to 6:00pm), full accreditation. Call 203-735-6471.
…For information regarding registration for the 2023-24 school year please call the school office at: 203-735-6471. Enrollment for Grades Pre-K and 8 are now being accepted.
NEEDS…adult size masks, Clorox wipes, and liquid hand-sanitizer. Please call the school as to when you may deliver any of these items you may wish to donate.
…For information regarding registration for the 2024-25 school year please call the school office at:203-735-6471.
SACRED HEART ACADEMY, HAMDEN
Sacred Heart Academy –
Tour SHA’s beautiful campus, visit classrooms and meet our teachers and students, and to learn more about our challenging academic program, competitive athletics, interesting clubs and activities. Prospective students of all ages are invited with their families to learn more about our special, all-girls’, Catholic School community. Visit sacredhearthamden.org to register.
www.SacredHeartHamden.org.
HOLY CROSS HIGH SCHOOL
587 Oronoke Rd. Waterbury, CT
OPEN HOUSE:Sat., October 18, 12 Noon.
Tour the campus, meet faculty and staff, explore classrooms.
Admissions & Financial Aid Info Night:
Thursday, November 3, 6:00 pm. Info to guide propective families through admissions process and explain financial aid options available to make a Holy Cross education affordable.
NOTRE DAME HIGH SCHOOL, West Haven –
Call for registration information 203-937-3251.
ST, MARY-ST. MICHAEL SCHOOL BINGO
Thurs., Dec. 4
Basket Bingos
Proceeds benefit the School.
Our Lady Queen of the Apostles (St. Mary’s) Church Hall. Doors open 6 pm, games begin 7pm. Food available to purchase. $20 for bingo packet. Call Kathy at 203-305-4651 to reserve your spot.
ST. MARY/ST. MICHAEL SCHOOL
Will hold its Christmas Bazaar “Festival of Trees” at Warsaw Park on Saturday, November 9 from 10am to 3pm. For information or to be a vendor and obtain a contract (one can be picked up for emailed to you) please contact Mary Claire via email at: mkacerik@sbcglobal.net
The price per vendor table space is $50 (10×2.5ft) and includes two chairs. More than one table can be rented. Contracts received after October 1st will be $55 per table. There will be food trucks, Christmas Concessions offering homemade treats to purchase (cookie platters will also be available). Santa will be stopping by and the Festival of Trees Raffle has over 50 prizes (additional raffles will also be featured)
ST MARY-ST MICHAEL SCHOOL will hold its annual SNOWFLAKE CALENDAR RAFFLE during the month of December (there are 15 drawings). Prizes are printed on the calendar which includes four $100 prizes and a grand prize of $300. Tickets are available at the parish office or at the school. Your support will be greatly appreciated. Call the school for additional information at 203-735-6471.
