It is impossible to overstate the importance and meaning of the Eucharist in Catholic life, teaching, and theology. "Our way of thinking is attuned to the Eucharist," wrote Saint Irenaeus in the second century, "and the Eucharist in turn confirms our way of thinking" (CCC 1327). Centuries later the Second Vatican Council declared that the Eucharist is "the source and summit of the Christian life" (Lumen Gentium, 11). In the centuries between, the Church has contemplated, studied, defined, and defended her belief—as stated by the Council of Trent—that "in the blessed sacrament of the Holy Eucharist, after the consecration of the bread and wine, our Lord Jesus Christ, true God and man, is truly, really, and substantially contained under the appearances of those perceivable realities." This belief in the real presence is central and distinguishing PLEASE CLICK TO READ MORE...

Many Catholic organizations and many other associations have been voicing their opposition against the Health and Human Services (HHS) mandate. The Knights of Columbus, for example, have stated strongly: “Our Church teaches that nobody may be forced to act against his convictions, nor is anyone to be restrained from acting in accordance with his conscience in religious matters in private or in public, alone or in association with others, within due limits…To require a person to violate his conscience, then, is to require him to surrender not only his rights, but also his dignity. If you haven’t expressed your opposition to the federal healthcare mandate, please contact the White House at: www.whitehouse.gov/ contact or call: 202-456-1111 or 202-456-1414

“Go into the village opposite you, and immediately you will find an ass tethered, and a colt with her. Untie them and bring them here to me.” Matthew 21:2

James and Patti Lou Peters were named this year’s recipients of the Archbishop’s Saint Joseph Medal of Appreciation for their service to Saint Catherine of Siena Parish. The Award is given out each year to parishioners across the Archdiocese for dedicated service to God through the Church. The Award was founded by then Archbishop Daniel A. Cronin to recognize the various corporal works of mercy performed by Catholics as part of living out their faith in their daily activities of life. CLICK TO READ MORE...

On Patriot’s Day (celebrated in Massachusetts and Maine) in Boston Monday we know that evil—in whatever form it comes to be known—foreign or domestic, singular or collec-tive—reared its ugly head. People died and many were injured, lives will be forever changed. What was intended to be a day of joy and triumph turned, in just a few seconds, into grief and fear. The human condition is corruptible. CLICK TO READ MORE...

St. Catherine of Siena parishioners will be volunteering in Bloomfield to help a family in need with some home projects. Do you have painting skills, basic plumbing expertise, a little woodworking experience? Can you rake or clean? Have you ever felt the joy and warmth in your heart after helping others? Join fellow parishioners on May 4th as we help a family get their home back to what it used to be. Would you like to prepare food for the volunteers on May 4th or maybe you cannot come but would like to make a donation to offset the expenses of this endeavor. We can use your help. Sign up this weekend so we know we have enough volunteers. We need all levels of ability. The most important part is that you are willing to give a day to help in whatever way you can. Registration forms are available in the vestibule. Kim Blanchard and Tom Lonergan will be available after Masses to answer questions you may have.

Social Justice Ministry —This year Father Whyte has been speaking a lot about the Gospel of St. Luke, which is said to be the Gospel of Social Justice. “He who has two coats let him share with him who has none, and he who has food let him do likewise”(Luke 3:11). When parishioners of St. Catherine of Siena prepare and deliver meals to the St. Elizabeth House in Hartford, they are true to what Jesus has called us to do. When Levi the tax collector was called to follow Jesus he “left everything behind” (Luke 5:28). In Luke’s version of the sermon on the plain a special blessing is given to the poor, the hungry, and those who mourn. In contrast he warns the rich, the well fed, and happy that their day is coming (Luke 6: 20-26). We would like to hear about your favorite passage in Luke, which speaks to the importance of participating in social justice as Christians. Please email us at sjc.st.catherine@gmail.com.

This year Father Whyte has been speaking a lot about the Gospel of St. Luke, which is said to be the Gospel of Social Justice. “He who has two coats let him share with him who has none, and he who has food let him do likewise”(Luke 3:11). When parishioners of St. Catherine of Siena prepare and deliver meals to the St. Elizabeth House in Hartford, they are true to what Jesus has called us to do. When Levi the tax collector was called to follow Jesus he “left every-thing behind” (Luke 5:28). In Luke’s version of the sermon on the plain a special blessing is given to the poor, the hungry, and those who mourn. In contrast he warns the rich, the well fed, and happy that their day is coming (Luke 6: 20-26). We would like to hear about your favorite passage in Luke, which speaks to the importance of participating in social justice as Christians. Please email us at sjc.st.catherine@gmail.com.

A Catholic education is all about academics, sports, music and art – gone are the days of my Catholic education when gym class was comprised of a walk with Sr. Joseph Marie after lunch at your desk. Today’s Catholic education experience rivals that of any public and private school experience. Catholic education is a holistic education—and one that more than prepares your child for the future high school and college courses, but also for the future challenges of the work place. A Catholic education goes beyond academics and sports, beyond the arts and music; it leaps into the “eternal fields” by forming your child with the discipline of moral choice making based on the foundation of God’s Wisdom and Truths. PLEASE CLICK FOR MORE INFORMATION...