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.
CITY OF DERBY CONCERT SERIES
Fridays – 6:30 to 8:30pm
September 20, Bernadetts, R&B, Funk/Soul
September 27, Larry Ayce Bank, Country
October 4, Old School, Classic Rock & Roll
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.
NEW ENGLAND CATHOLIC
BIBLICAL SCHOOL
Enroll in the New England Catholic Biblical School to study all 73 books of the Bible. Everyone is invited and welcome to attend.
In-person and online Classes begin on September 7th.
Class locations for Year 1 Class:
-Our Lady of Loreto, Waterbury on Thursdays from 6:30 to 8:00pm.
-St. Aloysius, Plantsville, Tuesdays from 10:00 am to noon.
Online: Wednesdays 6:30 to 8:30pm.
Visit to register and for information: www.NewEnglandCatholicBibleSchool.com.
CHRISTMAS PACKAGES FOR THE TROOPS
Catholic War Veterans Post 1562 is asking for donations for the Christmas packages that will be mailed to our Troops. Requested items include : toothpaste/brushes, hard candy, gum, socks, phone gift cards. A collection box will be placed at the rear of the church from Oct. 20th thru Nov. 17th for donations.
CANDLELIGHT ROSARY PROCESSION
Our Lady Queen of the Apostles (St. Mary’s Church, Derby) will hold a candlelight rosary procession on Tues., October 22 at 7pm. Meet in front of the Church. It will be indoors if it rains. Cider and donut social to follow.
Holiday Fair– Assumption Church, Ans.
November 2nd – Support ‘Master’s Table’
Community Meals – gifts, crafts, baskets, raffles, food and more!
www.masterstablemeals.org
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.
OPEN HOUSE
The New England Catholic Biblical School invites all to come and visit an in-person or virtual class to see how studying all 73 books of the Bible can change your life. Visit:
www.NewEnglandCatholicBibleSchool.com.
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.
WORLD WIDE MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER
Check out a Worldwide Marriage Encounter Experience. Next programs:
October 18 – 20 Sunapee, NH
November 1 – 3 Glen Rock, NY
For information contact Frank & Margie Pearson at 860-337-2447 or wwmectw.org
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.
TRIP TO FATIMA, LOURDES AND SHRINES OF SPAIN TOUR
February 4 to February 15, 2025
Land starting at $2529 per person (based on double occupancy). This 12 day group tour includes hotels, guides, historians, land transportation, 11 breakfasts and 7 dinners.
It starts from Lisbon and will visit the most treasured Marian shrines, pilgrimage sites, and spiritual places of Portugal, Spain, and France. Call Catholic Cruises and Tours at
1-860-399-1785 for more information and to make your reservation.
“ROSIE THE RIVETERS”
Recently two dozen surviving Rosie the Riveters were honored with the Congressional Gold Medal at the White House. After the US entered World War II there were millions of jobs, left by the men who joined the military, that needed to be filled. Millions of American women went to work to build ships and planes and “in their way” helped to win the war! A well-earned award.
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.
NEW BEREAVEMENT PROGRAM
St. Thomas the Apostle Church, Oxford
(733 Oxford Rd.) Program consists of ten two-hour weekly meetings. Next session is Tuesday, August 13, 6:30 to 8:30pm. There is no fee but registration is required. Deadline to respond/register is right now. To register contact Maryjane, 203-888-2382, ext. 104
email: pastoralcare@stthomasoxford.org
ADULT POLISH LANGUAGE SCHOOL ON ZOOM
Beginner Polish starts Sept. 11 Wed. class and Sept. 12 Thursday class. 10 week session is $99. For more information go to:
www.paf-welcomehome.org or email
dorenaw@paf-ct.org.
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 ext.
APOSTLES OF THE SACRED HEART OF JESUS
Have tea with the Sisters and other women discerning consecrated life. 7:30 pm every 3rd Wed. of Sept. through Nov. for ages 18 – 35.
295 Benham St. Hamden
For info call Sr Colleen 203-506-4653
VOICES NEEDED
For a concert of gospel and holiday music on December 10th. Rehearsals Sept. 18, Oct. 2, 16 & 30, Nov. 13, Dec. 4 from 6:45 – 8:45 pm. Church of the Good Shepherd, 135 Mountain Rd., Seymour. Registration is $25 per person. Voluntary donations will be accepted at the concert; all proceeds will benefit TEAM Inc.
POLISH SATURDAY SCHOOL DINNER-DANCE
The Polish Saturday School Program is holding a dinner-dance on Saturday, November 16 in the school hall. For information on obtaining tickets, please call
Alina Zawojski, school principal, at 203-278-3512. Proceeds benefit roof replacement fund.
INVITATION TO PRAYER
The Apostles of the Sacred Heart of Jesus have issued an invitation to single women ages 18-35 to gather with them to “pray and discern” from November 8-10, 7:30pm, at Sacred Heart Manor, 261 Benham Street, Hamden. Text or call Sr. Colleen 1-860-368-0826 for additional information.
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
Please contact Sacred Heart Academy for more information. Visit 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.
SCHOOL NEWS
St. Mary-St. Michael School Annual Festival of Trees will take place on Saturday, November 9 at Warsaw Park from 10am to 3pm. There will be raffles & the “famous cookie walk”. Santa will also stop by to visit! Vendors are welcome – one table space fee is $45 (set-up begins at 8am). Deadline to reserve a table is Nov. 1st. For a vendor agreement form please email: Mary Claire @ mkacerik@sbcglobal.net.
MORE SCHOOL NEWS
“THE PUMPKINS ARE COMING!! Pumpkin Patch in front of the school on Sat,, October 19 from 10 am to 2pm.
1 pumpkin $6, 3 for $15. There will be a pumpkin decorating table, baked goods for sale. Dress in costumes, take photos in front of Autumn Scene. Sign up to enter your family in a pumpkin contest! These will be displayed and tickets sold to vote on your favorite one! A prize for the most votes will be given.
