Amidst days of humidity and rain we had a beautiful, clear morning for the annual Corpus Christi Mass and Procession. Just before the end of the liturgy the congregation processed outdoors to four altars around the church grounds, young and not-so-young alike !  

What's Corpus Christi All About ?

Early Christian sources, such as The Didache ( Did-uh-kay, Greek: meaning ‘teaching’) an early Church document, written about 100 A.D., include instructions for the Eucharist. Ignatius of Antioch, ( b., approx 50 A.D. – martyred in Rome approx. 98-117 A.D.) a student of St. John the Apostle and one of the Apostolic Fathers, mentions the Eucharist as "the flesh of our Saviour Jesus Christ", and Justin Martyr (103-165 A.D.) speaks of it as: "the food over which the prayer of thanksgiving, the word received from Christ, has been said ... is the flesh and blood of this Jesus who became flesh ... and the deacons carry some to those who are absent."  ( See Leviticus 17:11, John 6:53, Mt 26:26-27, Mk 14:22, 24, Lk 22:19-20, , 1 Cor 11:16, & 27-29, Acts 27:35).

The Church reminds us in the month of May every year of Mary's role especially in the early Church as well as in the life of Christians throughout the ages. Take time to reflect on the following scripture passages, - Lk 1:26-55, Jn 2: 1-11, Mt 1:20, Mt 2:11, Lk 2:19, Lk 2:51, Acts 1:14.

Join us we look in on Holy Week services, - Holy Thursday (John 13: 12-15), Good Friday, Easter Vigil (John 8:12 ) including Baptism of catechumens, and at last, Easter Sunday, enabling us to carry the Good News out into our world of home, and work, ... where ever our lives and circumstances bring us, 

A beautifully cool and clear day welcomed parishioners arriving for the Palm Sunday Masses. Step inside with us in photos as we join the congregation for this start of Holy Week..

It was a cold but beautifully clear day for the annual Parish Breakfast ! Following Mass, we all convened downstairs in the church Hall for a delicious and hardy breakfast prepared by our own St. Joseph Society Men's Club. Eggs, sausage links, hash-browns, donuts, coffee, tea and hot chocolate awaited a hungry crowd !  Take a moment and visit again with us through the photos, and don't forget to join us next year !

NY Encounter is an annual free three day cultural event in NY which features exhibits, music and photography presentations, interviews, panel discussions along with Mass on Sunday this year celebrated by Sean Cardinal O'Malley OFM Cap., of Boston. Plan on joining us next year, - alwys on the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday weekend.

See the 2018 promo video here. 

NY Encounter 2018 - website

Don't forget, plan to attend next year, - February 15-17, 2019 ! See you there !

We have another centenarian in the parish, Evan Lawn. As an educator, Mr. Lawn spent mos of his professional career teaching Math and History at Elington High School. Having graduated Cornell University at the age of 19, he went on to teach in Saudi Arabia before the outbreak of WWII. Mr. Lawn, a convert to the Catholic Church, with his wife Marguerite, raised four children, later retiring in the late 1970s. He has been a mentor to many, many students and young people here in Ellington, always challenging them to intellectual and spiritual growth in their lives. Until the early 2000's he served as Lector for years at the 6:30 a.m. daily Mass, sharing his knowledge theology and public speaking with the newer Lectors and others serving in the parish. Let's look in on a few photos from throughout the years. 

Join with the young men and women here, their sponsors, familes and fellow parishioners as Bishop Cote anoints and seals these Confirmation candidates with the Gift of the Holy Spirit, the Sacrament of Christian Maturity.  

“All-powerful God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, by water and the Holy Spirit you freed your sons and daughters from sin and gave them new life. Send your Holy Spirit upon them to be their helper and guide.
Give them the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of right judgment and courage, the spirit of knowledge and reverence. Fill them with the spirit of wonder and awe in your presence. We ask this through Christ our Lord.”

The Ladies of St. Joseph did it again this year with a delicious Polish dinner. The meal was prepared and hosted by the Ladies featuring an appetizing array of traditional Polish foods, topped off with a selection of home-made desserts. Join in the fun as you look through the photos ! See you there next time ! 

Here's the latest news regarding our parish Bingo !  Stop by for some fun with friends old and new, and don't forget the good food ! 

Life-long parishioner Chester Bloniarz celebrates his 102nd birthday !  Head Usher, Carnival Chairman, Trustee, polish-kitchen worker, St. Joseph Mens Society member, Knights of Columbus, Retreat attendee,  Carnival clean-up Crew volunteer, St. Joseph School parent of nine children, and daily Mass communicant / attendee since 1955 to name just a few. Let's take a moment together and visit with Chet in these photos. Happy Birthday and God Bless you Chet !

We would like to welcome all our visitors and encourage them to use this Guide to The Mass. May this resource, provided for you, to use during any Sunday, daily, funeral or wedding Mass,  help you to follow along and pray with our community.

The weekend of July 29/30 we welcomed missionary speaker - Fr. Columban (Kevin) Crotty, ss.cc. He spoke on behalf of “ Sacred Heart Mission” and the poor and marginalized of India and Kingdom of Tonga, during all the masses at our church on weekend of July 29/30, 2017.
Fr. Columban served in Japan, Philipines, and India, also while in India, for a time with Mother Teresa’s Missionaries of Charity. Fr. Damian DeVeuster, (Fr. Damian of Molokai) was a member of this Order as well serving the lepers in Hawaii in the 1800’s

Now, in his retirement, along with visiting parishes, Fr. Columban serves as House Superior at the Damien Residence, which serves as the community for retired priests and brothers along the East Coast of the Province. Thank you parishioners for your support of this mission !

It was a bright, sunny morning that greeted the young family bringing their newest arrival to the waters of Baptism. Our prayers and congratulations to the parents, God-Parents, grandparents and baby !