• Parish Census

      Parish Census - 2013

       
      During May and June, St. Mary's is conducting a parish-wide census and we need your help.  Family packets were available for pick-up at the church the past two weekends. 
      Those that were not picked up will be mailed.

      Census Packets – What is included
      - Cover Letter from Father Matera
      - Time & Talent Sheet (blank form)
      - Family Information Sheet
            (Pleas note: This link is a blank form; the envelopes picked up at Mass or mailed
             contain a family form that is pre-filled with your individual family information)
      - Return Envelope with church address (P.O. Box 575, Simsbury, CT 06070)
       
       
      ACTION REQUIRED:
      RETURN 2 FORMS

      All families are asked to return the following two forms
      using the return envelope that is provided in the census packet:

      > Family Information Sheet
      This sheet should be edited for any incorrect or missing information. 
      If a family no longer attends St. Mary’s, we ask that the form be returned
      with the “Inactive” box checked at the top

      > Time & Talent Sheet
      This sheet should be filled in indicating where
      each family member is currently involved in the parish.
       

      Collection Process
      To return the two completed forms, parishioners are provided with a return envelope.  They have the following options:  Mailing/dropping it at the parish office or dropping it in the Sunday collection basket
       
      Census Benefits
      The benefits of conducting this census include the following:
      > We will have a more accurate and up to date picture of how many people are parish members
      > We will be able to create a much more efficient and cost-effective way of letting parishioners know about parish programs and events
      > We will be able to provide information to parishioners to help them with their spirituality and lives
      > We'll be in a better position to offer services, activities and programs to enrich parish life
       
      THANK-YOU / Questions?
      Thank-you to everyone for participating in the census.  All questions can be forwarded to the Communications Committee (smcc@stmarysimsbury.org).
       

       
    • From Father Matera . . .
      From Father Matera . . .
       

      The first part of May was so busy at St. Mary’s that I neglected to change the header for our web page. During this month we have had double confirmation ceremonies as well as double first communions. All of these ceremonies were joyous occasions for the young people of our parish and their families. For me, they also pointed to the future of the church since those who received Holy Communion and Confirmation will one day be the leaders of the church in the 21st century.
       
      On May 11th, the Archdiocese of Hartford ordained seven men to the priesthood. One of the seven, Fr. Michael Santiago, has been assigned to St. Mary’s Parish. Fr. Santiago will begin his priestly ministry at St. Mary’s on June 1. He will be especially involved with the youth of our parish. I pray that his ministry among us will be a blessing to him as well as to us.
       
      On Saturday, June 15th, at 5:00 PM, we will celebrate a Baccalaureate Mass for the graduating seniors of our parish. This will be our way of recognizing their achievement and praying for them as they begin a new phase of their lives. The Mass will also be an occasion for us to award this year’s Fr. Cunningham Scholarship.  A reception with light refreshments will follow the Mass on the church lawn, weather permission.
       
      Finally, June 15th will also be the day we hold a Parish Retreat for the members of our Parish Council, School Board, and Finance Committee to reflect on the direction of St. Mary’s parish. Click here you can read our Vision Statement.
       
      Father Matera


                
      Columns
      Click here to view my weekly columns that pertain to our lives as followers of Jesus Christ.

      Homilies
      Click here to view my homilies from each week.
       
    • Religious Education Registration
      Religious Education:  2013-2014

      In September, we will be moving our Religious Education program to St. Mary's school.  Due to limited space we will be offering classes in two separate sessions.

      Session 1:  8:15 AM - 9:20 AM
      Session 2:  10:40 AM - 11:45 AM

      When parents register, they will be given the opportunity to choose a preferred session.  We will try to accommodate as many requests as possible but we can make no guarantees.  To see what classes/teachers are assigned to each session, please click HERE.

      Registrations will be taken on a first-come-first-serve basis. 
      Payment must be made when you register.



      All questions can be directed to Judy Eagen (ReligiousEducation1-6@StMarySimsbury.com)

       
    • 2013 Archbishop's Annual Appeal


      The theme for the
      2013 Archbishop's Annual Appeal:
      Charity: Our Witness To Faith

      For more information, click the picture

       

    • News
      • May 20, 2013 | by Mary Blume
        St. Mary's would like to sponsor a pot for BOTS Pots. Large pots of organic vegetables are placed around downtown Hartford where those who need food can supplement their meals with fresh produce. Any amount you can donate toward this great cause would be much appreciated. Click the title to read more information on how you can help!
      • May 17, 2013 | by Father Frank Matera
        This weekend, we celebrate one of the most beloved days of the year, “Mother’s Day.” Although this is not a religious holiday, it is a day with deep religious significance inasmuch as it celebrates God’s gift of motherhood. Click the title to read more.
      • May 1, 2013 | by Jane Stevenson
        The 2014 Granny's Attic was another HUGE success! How huge? Click to read the Thank You from the folks at Granny's Attic.
      • April 25, 2013 | by Father Matera
        A third reason why the resurrection was so important for the early church can be stated in this way: The resurrection of Jesus resulted in a profound experience of the Spirit within the early church. Thus, even though the vast majority of early Christians had never known the earthly Jesus or encountered the risen Lord, they experienced the power of God’s Spirit, which Jesus’ resurrection unleashed upon those who believed in him.
      • April 15, 2013 | by Father Matera
        If God had not raised Jesus from the dead there would have been little reason to believe in Jesus’ proclamation that God’s rule was making its appearance in his ministry. Click the title to read more.
      • April 12, 2013 | by Father Matera
        The first reason that the resurrection was so important to the early church can be stated in this way: By raising Jesus from the dead, God vindicated Jesus’ life and ministry. To understand this, imagine how Jesus’ first followers would have responded if they did not believe that God raised him from the dead? They would have lost their faith in the one who proclaimed that the kingdom of God was making its appearance in his life and ministry. They would no longer have found his teaching convincing and enduring. Jesus’ ministry and teaching were so intimately related to his understanding and trust in God that it is difficult to comprehend why his disciples would have remained faithful to him if God had not raised him from the dead. Click the title to read more.
      • April 12, 2013
        A New Book: The Sermon on the Mount: The Perfect Measure of the Christian Life (Liturgical Press, 2013, 121 pages) is the title of a new book written by Fr. Matera. It was published in March, 2013. This book is directed toward a general audience. You may obtain a hard copy at the Parish Office, ($7.00) or you may download it as an e-book on your i-Pad or kindle reader.
      • April 12, 2013
        The response to confessions on Monday was most encouraging. On the Monday of Holy Week, Bishop Rosazza and I heard confessions for two and a half hours without a break. If you found Monday nights a convenient time for confessions, please let me know and I will set aside one Monday each month for confessions from 6:00—7:00 PM. Fr. Matera
      • April 12, 2013 | by Father Matera
        Since more and more people have a need for a gluten free host, we will set aside a number of gluten free hosts in a separate ciborium at each Mass. If you need a gluten free host say “Gluten Free” to the Priest, Deacon, or Eucharistic Minister who is distributing Holy Communion. He or she will then get the ciborium with the Gluten Free Host, and you may take a host from the ciborium.
    • Welcome to St. Mary's Parish
      We are located in Simsbury, CT. We are a parish community of 2,200 households and over 200 students at St. Mary’s school.  St. Mary’s has a strong commitment to education. We operate the only Catholic elementary school in the Farmington Valley and, at the same time, we are proud of the Religious Education program we operate for our young people in the public school system. There are nearly endless volunteer opportunities in both programs. 

      We welcome all families and parishioners to join us in the supremely important journey that we call life in Christ. We pray that we might always be worthy of the trust you have placed in us.

       
       

            

    • St. Mary's School - Growing Children in Faith and Wisdom
      St. Mary’s School is the Farmington Valley's only Catholic school for grades K-8.  The ability of St. Mary's School to address the whole child sets this learning community apart from others. In a safe, nurturing environment that features a consistent moral compass, students are free to excel academically and grow into the people God intends them to be.

      Offering a unique blending of traditional academics and 21st century technology, Saint Mary's challenges today's students to actively master subject matter.  Encouraged to lead and taught to serve, students graduate from St. Mary's with confidence, well prepared for secondary education and to assume the rights and responsibilities of Christian young adults.

      For more information, please visit our school website:  
      www.StMarysSchoolSimsbury.org

       


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    • Calendar
      • May 25, 2013
        8:00 AM
        All are welcome to join in reciting the rosary on Saturday mornings at 8:00 AM.
      • May 25, 2013
        9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
        There will be a car wash to fight cancer on Saturday, May 25 at 9:00—12:00 noon at St. Mary’s Parking Lot. Please stop by to get your car washed. Money raised will go towards the Relay for Life, Stooges team.
      • May 27, 2013
        Please note that the Parish Office will be closed on Monday, May 27th, in observance of Memorial Day.
      • May 27, 2013
        The 7th Grade Religious Education Classes will hold a bake sale on May 27th, Memorial Day, in Martocchio Music Parking Lot, 1 Massaco Street, Simsbury at 11:00 AM. All proceeds will benefit the Wounded Warrior project. If you would like to donate baked goods, please contact simsburykidswwp@gmail.com.
      • Jun 1, 2013
        8:00 AM
        All are welcome to join in reciting the rosary on Saturday mornings at 8:00 AM.
      • Jun 1, 2013
        6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
        We will be getting together immediately following the 5PM Vigil Mass at Blue Fox for a bowling and laser tag night. Please click on title to read more information.
      • Jun 2, 2013
        Desserts and fruit are needed to take to Mercy Shelter in Hartford. All items can be dropped off in the lower church before 3:00 PM. Thanks for all the donations!
      • Jun 2, 2013
        On Sunday, June 2, at 3:00 PM, Archbishop Mansell will celebrate Mass at St. Joseph’s Cathedral in Hartford to commemorate the Year of Faith. If you would like to represent St. Mary’s Parish at this Mass, please contact the Church Office (860-658-7627) or speak to Father Matera.
      • Jun 2, 2013
        6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
        Ladies in your teens - you are invited to an exclusive girls' night - complete with a little pampering! We will be discussing, "what makes you beautiful." Divas, dancers, athletes and academics are all welcome!
      • Jun 3, 2013
        Confessions are heard the first Monday of the month, 6:00—7:00 PM. June 3 is the first Monday of June.
      • Jun 3, 2013
        7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
        Are you interested in knitting or crocheting? We come together once a month to make shawls for parishioners and friends free of charge for comfort, illness or happy occasions. Beginners to expert welcome. Hope to see you there. We will meet at 7:00 PM in the Lower Church. Click to read more information.
      • Jun 5, 2013
        This is the 34th year for our annual Carnival! Come join the fun!
      • Jun 6, 2013
        This is the 34th year for our annual Carnival! Come join the fun!
      • Jun 7, 2013
        This is the 34th year for our annual Carnival! Come join the fun!
      • Jun 8, 2013
        Today is the final day for the 2013 carnival -- our 34th annual Carnival! Don't miss out on your last chance to join this year's fun!
      • Jun 8, 2013
        8:00 AM
        All are welcome to join in reciting the rosary on Saturday mornings at 8:00 AM.
      • Jun 8, 2013
        6:00 PM
        Come and mingle after Mass! Click for more information.