St. Mary Roman Catholic Church in Norwalk, CT

St. Mary Parish Organizations

Altar Servers	Contact: Dn. Steve Genovese943-1352
Choir-Adult	Contact: David Hughes 866-5546
Choir-Children	Contact: David Hughes 866-5546
Coro Misa Domingos 1:00 p.m.	Contact: Welder Gómez 914-977-3331
Coro Misa Sábado 7:00 p.m.	Contact: Welder Gomez 914-977-3331
Golden Age Society	Contact: Esther Flynn 866-5546
Gospel of Life Society	Contact: Mrs. Eileen Bianchini 847-5727 stmarygols@aol.com
Handmaids of the Altar	Contact: Mrs. Regina Sheltmire
Holy Family Prayer Group	Contact: Myrna or Priscila 866-8254
Horario Ministerio de Bienvenida	Coordinadora: Parish Office 866-5546
La Nueva Esperanza	Coordinadora: Maria Amador 831-0115
R.C.I.A. - Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults	Contact: Jacqueline Juhasz - 866-7429
Women's Guild	Contact: Gloria Lombard
Youth Group	Contact: Deacon Steve Genovese 943-1352

Altar Servers
Contact: Deacon Steve Genovese
When:

Choir-Adult
Contact: David Hughes 866-5546

"[S]acred polyphony, particularly that of the so-called 'Roman  School,' is a legacy to preserve with care, to keep alive and to make known, not only for the benefit of experts or lovers of it, but also for the entire ecclesial community, for which it constitutes a priceless spiritual, musical and cultural heritage."   - Benedict XVI

            The St. Mary's Choir, comprised of adults of all ages, sings every Sunday for the 11:00 a.m. High Mass. The foundation of the choral program is Gregorian chant -the normative music of the Church- and all of the diverse polyphonic styles that have sprung from it, from the fourteenth to the twenty-first centuries. Recognizing that the cultivation of musical skill is a lifelong endeavour, we spend time not only on learning a wide repertoire, from Tallis to Palestrina to Mozart to Messiaen, but also learning to read music (in both modern and chant notation), perfecting techniques of ensemble singing, and joyfully considering the spirit of prayer that has motivated these great composers.

            Rehearsals for the Adult Choir are on Thursday evenings from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. An ability to read music is helpful but not necessary; we ask only for that enthusiasm which is the indwelling of the Spirit! Altos and tenors, as always, are particularly in demand, and are cordially urged to give special consideration to this invitation. For more information, please speak with David Hughes after Mass, e-mail music@stmarynorwalk.net, or call 866-5546 x115.

Choir-Children
Contact: David Hughes 866-5546

"Your wonderful role as 'little singers' gives you a very close connection with the splendors of this liturgy, dear children. And so you ought to be even more familiar with it than other Christians. It is first of all, as you know, a prayer: the official prayer of the Church, the liturgy. As soon as you mention prayer, you are talking about communication with God, homage paid to His infinite majesty, the trust of a child who runs to his Father in Heaven to praise Him, to beg His pardon, to bless Him, to thank Him, to plead for what he needs."   - Blessed John XXIII

            St. Mary's is very pleased to offers a Children's Choir for students in grades 1-8. The choir sing at the 9:00  a.m. Mass on Sunday, and rehearses on Thursday afternoons from 4:30 to 5:45.

            The key component of the Children's Choir is an understanding that sacred music is sung prayer. We sing first and foremost for the glorification of God at Mass. To this end, we spend time looking at and discussing not only the music, but also the meaning of the prayers to b e sung. Children are encouraged to ask questions about music and theology early and often! Through their time and hard work, these young people contribute to the parish in a very positive way through the ministry of music, which reinforces the importance of Mass in their lives as young Catholics. For further information about repertoire and a complete schedule of rehearsals and Masses, please contact David Hughes at music@stmarynorwalk.net, or call 866-5546 x115.

Coro Misa Domingo 1:00 p.m.
Contact: Welder Gómez 914-977-3331

¿Te gusta nuestro canto de los domingos en la Misa? ¿Te parece que logras entender mejor el mensaje de la palabra y su significado? ¡Que bien! Pues necesitamos de tu ayuda para hacer que este servicio sea aun mas hermoso y permita una mejor y mas profunda experiencia con Dios. Solo necesitas tres cosas: amor por la Iglesia, decisión, y pulmones para que tu voz resuene aca arriba junto a este majestuoso instrumento musical que es el organo tubular de Santa Maria! ¿Te suena? Por favor communicate con Erlinda Zelaya, nuestra secretaria en la rectoría, o simplemente contacta al final de la Misa al Director del Coro: Welder Gómez (914-977-3331). Si solo 7 personas suenan asi, ¡Imaginate con tu ayuda! Nuestro ideal es tener 24 cantores, mínimo, asi que si no solo vienes tu, pero animas a aquel vecino(a), amigo(a), o compannero(a) que se la pasa tarareando canciones, tiene buena voz, o simplemente desea vivir la Misa dominical con un fervor especial, los esperamos con nuestros corazones abiertos para el Señor.

Coro Misa Sábado 7:00 p.m.
Contact: Jorge Luis Negrón 247-7278

Hola, soy Jorge Luis Negrón, Director del coro Hispano de la Misa de los sábados a las 7 de la noche. Si sabes cantar o tienes algun tipo de experiencia en coros, si tienes energia, voluntad y tiempo para cantarle a Dios, ven y únete a nuestro grupo, estaremos muy gustosos de recibirte. Ensayamos todos los jueves a las 7:30 de la noche. Anímate y ven a cantarle a Dios y forma parte de este grupo de amigos. Puedes comunicarte conmigo al 247-7278 o despues de la Misa de los sábados. Te esperamos.

Golden Age Society
Contact: Sister Rita or Sister Eileen 854-9013

When:

Gospel of Life Society
Contact: Fr. Greg Markey 866-5546

Mission Statement: Inspired by the constant teaching of the Church and by the principles set down by Pope John Paul II's encyclical Evangelium Vitae (The Gospel of Life), the Gospel of Life Society seeks to promote a culture of life at St. Mary's Church, in the local community, and throughout the nation. Reflecting on Pope John Paul II's words, the Society recognizes the urgency of defending life and defending marriage in today's society. It seeks to do this by prayer, offering a monthly Mass for these intentions, and by networking among people in the community who share these same goals. The Society welcomes organizations and people who want to share timely information, or who have creative ideas that will help promote the culture of life. The Society is willing to assist them by spreading their ideas to other parishes and organizations in the community. Although the group does not support politicians or political parties, it will support pro-family/pro-life policies when they are raised by our government leaders, according to the approved means of political activism set down by our Bishops. When: Second Saturday of every month the 9:00am Mass is said for the Culture of Life; meeting follows in the school library. Diocesan Family Life / Respect Life Ministry
American Life League (English - Español)

Handmaids of the Altar
Contact: Mrs. Regina Sheltmire

Inspired by the example of the Blessed Virgin Mary the Handmaids of the Altar take Mary as their example and patroness who humbly proclaimed, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord” (Luke 1:38). The goal of the group is to have supervised activities of service and faith, such as the time tested domestic activities of sewing and flower arranging for the church altar. These life skills have traditionally proven to be activities which promote contemplation and stillness, gifts which are often lost in the frantic pace of today’s world, but were nonetheless practiced by the great women of old, most specifically the Blessed Virgin Mary: “Mary kept all these things, pondering them in her heart” (Luke 2:19).

At each meeting the group uses the framework of a club atmosphere with relaxed Robert’s Rules of Order conducted by the girls encouraging participation and leadership. The Handmaids of the Altar try to develop an authentic femininity based on the special gifts that God has entrusted women. The stories of women in the Bible show how woman, in her deepest and original being, exists “for the other” (1 Corinthians 11:9). Her feminine gifts make her capable of living for others to a heroic degree, and making great sacrifices for the ones whom she loves. This unique gift is most clearly manifested in her role as a mother.

Authentic femininity is regularly challenged by the complexity of today’s changing world. Women are encouraged to take their proper role in the public functions of society which is fully justified because of the equal dignity of men and women. At the same time it is the Church’s responsibility to insist that society give women who work at home the respect and honor that they deserve. As Pope John Paul II has stated, “The mentality which honors women more for their work outside the home than for their work within the family must be overcome.”

The girls are given an opportunity to discern their life vocation as a call to holiness, with particular emphasis on religious life, or wife and mother, through discussions, program activities and field trips. At all times sharing and caring in a sisterly way, we prayerfully spread God’s love through Mary.

When:

Holy Family Prayer Group
Contact: Myrna or Priscila 866-8254

Holy Family Prayer Group welcomes you to a night of prayer, rosary, religious songs, sharing, and fellowship at the St. Mary school building. We start the rosary at 6:00pm. We also include special intentions requested by the attendees. The rosary is followed by prayers and religious songs. Sharing or inspirational reading is welcomed. We conclude the evening with fellowship.Everyone is invited, youth and adult. When: One Sunday every month, starting at 6pm, in the school building. The date (usually the second or third Sunday of the month) is announced in the bulletin. Contact Myrna or Priscila 866-8254 for details.

Horario Ministerio de Bienvenida
Coordinadora: Hannia Orozco 247-2457

La Nueva Esperanza
Coordinadora: Maria Amador 831-0115
La Iglesia Santa Maria cuenta con un Grupo de Oracion en Español, "LA NUEVA ESPERANZA." Este grupo se reune todos los martes a las 7 de la noche en la biblioteca de nuestra Escuela de Religión. Alabamos al Señor, resamos el Santo Rosario, entonamos alabanzas, compartimos vivencias y nos unimos como comunidad. El Padre Otoniel Lizcano nos orienta en los distintos temas espirituales importantes en nuestra vida de catolicos, como por ejemplo LA ESPERANZA, LA FE, NUESTRA DEVOCION A LA VIRGEN MARIA y tantos otros temas de importancia. Si deseas adorar al Señor como comunidad, si necesitas oracion especial para ti o alguien en tu familia o vecindario, ven al Grupo La Nueva Esperanza, te esperamos con los brazos abiertos. Recuerda que el Señor dijo que donde dos o mas se reunen para invocar su nombre, alli estara El presente. Si deseas informacion adicional sobre nuestro grupo, comunicate con la Sra. María Amador al teléfono (203) 831-0115, o llama directamente a la Rectoría de la iglesia al (203) 866-5546 que con mucho gusto de atenderemos. BENDICIONES Y ESPERAMOS TU PRESENCIA.

R.C.I.A. - Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults
Contact: Mary McFeely 866-7429
R.C.I.A. helps adults interested in becoming Catholics, or if Catholic, to receive Eucharist and Confirmation.
When & Where:

Youth Group
Contact: Deacon Steve Genovese
When & Where: Meetings are September through May on Thursday evenings from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Parish Center.

Through this listing of organizations within our church, we present to you the wonderful and diverse activities presently existing in St. Mary Parish.

This page is a tool to help make you aware of opportunities to become more connected to your fellow parishioners through prayer, service and special events.

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