ST. VINCENT DEPAUL THRIFT SHOP AND FOOD BANK
237 Roosevelt Drive, Derby
203-734-7577
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.
A THANK YOU FROM ST. VINCENT dePAUL FOOD BANK
Re: Food and the $1966 donation…
To the Priest and our dear friends and parishioners at St. Michael’s Church: We at St. Vincent dePaul and our pantry visitors are so grateful for the incredible support you continue to give. Need for food assistance has never been higher and some days we wonder, “Can we keep up?”. I think you know the answer because you ARE the answer. We are in full Easter mode, preparing for our huge holiday give-out while continuing our normal slate of daily food appointments. 2025 brought a steep increase in calls for food. This January and February we distributed 48,877 pounds of food to 1,102 people. Thank you so much for the vital role you play in our good work lifting up our Valley Community.
From Remy Kocurek, Exec. Director
CAROLYN’S PLACE
A Pregnancy Care Center
137 Grandview Avenue
Waterbury, CT 06708
Thirty years ago, a small but passionate group of individuals gathered and after much research, discussion and prayer established “Carolyn’s Place” which has had a profound impact on thousands of young women, men, babies and the unborn since 1992. Due to the pandemic, Carolyn’s Place was unable to hold their usual fund-raisers and has felt a loss of nearly one-third of its annual operating budget – more than $100,000. They are asking you to prayerfully consider a donation to help offset the income loss of the past two years to ensure that Carolyn’s Place continues to move forward as an advocate for life. Donations of any amount are gratefully accepted and can be sent to:
Carolyn’s Place, 137 Grandview Avenue, Waterbury, CT 06708. (Fr. Robert Rousseau, founder; John L. Lynch, Executive Director, and Diana O’Rourke, Esq., Chair Board of Directors).
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
BLOOD DRIVE
Blessed Michael McGivney Pilgrimage Center, 1 State St., New Haven will host a blood drive on Monday, May 5 from 10am to 3pm. Please call 1-800-RED CROSS to schedule a donation appointment. There is free parking in the lot under the building.
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.
NIGHT OF HOPE AND HEALING FOR PREGNANCY/INFANT LOSS AND INFERTILITY
…Women and families suffering from loss and infertility are invited to this special night, May 16 at 6:00 pm at St. Mary’s Church, 5 Hillhouse Ave., New Haven. There will be a Holy Hour and reception, including prayer teams, guided prayer, grief counselors and fertility specialists and more.
…Please RSVP for food purposes at tinyurl.com/seenholyhour2025.
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.
VIRTUAL/ IN-PERSON BIBLE SCHOOL
St. Thomas Seminary
NEW ENGLAND BIBLE SCHOOL
ENROLLMENT NOW OPEN FOR
NEW ENGLAND CATHOLIC BIBLICAL SCHOOL
Enroll in the New England Catholic Biblical School to study all 73 books of the Bible. In-person and online classes begin Sept. 7, 2924
Class locations for Year 1 Class at Our Lady of Loreto, Waterbury, Thurs. 6:30-8:30pm.
St. Aloysius Plantsville, Tues. 10-12 noon.
Online, Wednesdays from 6:30-8:30pm.
The New England Bible School invites you to come to visit a virtual class to see how studying all 73 Books of the Bible can change your life. Visit
www.New England Catholic Biblical School.com or call 1-860242-5573 for more information.
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.
ITALY JUBILEE PILGRIMAGE
APRIL 22 – MAY 5, 2025 – 11 DAYS
$4899 from New York
(Air/land tour $4369 plus $530 government taxes and airline surcharge.
Visting Venice, Florence, Assisi, Rome and more. Co-ordinated by the New England
Catholic Biblical School and St. Thomas Seminary of the Archdiocese of Hartford.
First class/select hotels, private bath (2 per room) most meals included. English speaking tour director. For more information contact Judy Kostelni, director at 1-860-242-5573
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 – Open House
Thursday April 3rd | 5:00 – 6:30 pm
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, Waterbury…
For more information call: (203-757-9248)
NOTRE DAME HIGH SCHOOL, West Haven –
Call for registration information 203-937-3251.
St. Mary-St. Michael School Fundraiser
The school is asking for donations of gift cards (Amazon, Shop-Rite, Stop & Shop, Big Y, Home Depot, WalMart, Target, HomeGoods, Visa Gift Cards, Craft & Hobby Stores, Valley Restaurants & Fast Food Restaurants.)
The cards will be used as prizes for upcoming events such as the school auction (March 22) and the gift card calendar in April etc. Gift card donations may be put into an envelope marked “St. Mary-St. Michael School” and dropped off at the school, the rectory, or placed in the collection basket. Thank you for your endless support of our parish school! The Principal, Administrative Assistant, teachers, parents, other staff and friends work hard to keep our school thriving for our students!
Attn: Class of 1975 – Alumni Mass and breakfast will be held on May 2nd 9:15 am. Please contact the school at 203-735-6471 if you would like to attend to celebrate the 50 years from graduation. There are plans to award “Golden Diplomas” to commemorate this event.
…St. Mary – St. Michael School
BINGO NIGHT
Thursday April 3, 2025
Our Lady Queen of the Apostles
Church Hall, 212 Elizabeth Street
Derby, CT
Please support St. Mary – St. Michael School and have a great night of fun. Play for a chance to win great prizes (baskets and gift cards only). Door prizes, trivia and more… Empanadas & Nachos will be available for purchase. Doors open at 6:00 pm. Games start at 7:00 pm. $20.00 per person includes bingo card packet!
Please text 203-305-4651 Kathy Radin to reserve your spot or if you have any questions text: 203-305-4651.
GOLDEN DIPLOMA ALUMNI MASS AND CEREMONY
Our Parish School invites you to the “Golden Diploma” Alumni Mass and Ceremony.
The Mass will be officiated by Fr. Chris Tiano, as an alumni of the Class of 1975, and will be held at Our Lady Queen of the Apostles (St. Mary’s) Church on Thursday, May 22 at 9:15 am. A light breakfast reception will take place following the Mass in the Church Hall.
Kindly RSVP you are attending by May 8 by calling 203-735-6471.
