Keeping Us Connected Newsletter
July 8, 2022
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Welcome Fr. Justin Raj & Fr. Colin Lomnitzer!
Dear Saint Mary Friends,
We welcome Fr. Justin Raj and Fr. Colin Lomnitzer to our parish and thank Bishop Caggiano for their appointments. I’ve asked each of them to write up a brief biography to help us all get to know them better. Also, please note Deacon George Kain’s reflection on the Bishop’s rededication of our renovated church this Sunday. For those who may not have heard, Deacon Kain was officially assigned to our parish by the Bishop after his ordination a few weeks ago.
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Fr. Justin Raj
I was born in Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu, India and raised by my parents along with 8 brothers and sisters. I am the 8th in the family. My dad passed away in 2012, but mom is still with us. I belong to a religious order called “Indian Missionary Society,” having been ordained a priest on May 6th, 2004.
In 18 years as a priest I feel time has elapsed so fast. For a year I served as a parochial vicar and a teacher in a school, situated in a rural village among low-income families. They taught me how to trust in the magnanimous God. In 2005, I was appointed Vice Rector and teacher in the seminary. After completing my term as a Vice- Rector I pursued a masters degree in “Counseling Psychology.” Upon the completion of my degree, I was appointed Rector of the seminary and also a teacher. It was very much fulfilling and satisfying being with the young seminarians, discerning their vocations.
In 2013, I got the opportunity to come to United States. I was gripped by trepidation as to what the future would hold, but felt at ease when I realized that God holds it, and everything will be fine. Rightly so I was warmly welcomed by the wonderful pastor and generous people. I have worked as parochial vicar in many parishes: St. Thomas the Apostle, East Norwalk, Sacred Heart, Georgetown, Christ the King, Trumbull, St. Elizabeth Seton, Ridgefield, and St. Mary, Stamford. I could not ask for a better parish than St. Mary Parish, Ridgefield. It is a great pleasure and delight to work with you all.
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Fr. Colin Lomnitzer
I was born in I was born July 2, 1996 in Bridgeport, CT and grew up in Trumbull with my parents and 3 brothers. In 2005, my family and I were drawn to the truth and beauty of the Roman Catholic Church and so were received into Full Communion at the Parish of St. Catherine of Siena in Trumbull. We had previously been members of the Episcopal Church (Church of England).
Having graduated from Fairfield College Preparatory School in 2014, I began undergraduate studies at The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. After two years at CUA I discerned that the Lord might be calling me to his priesthood, and so I applied and was accepted to our diocese’s Saint John Fisher Seminary program in Stamford, completing a B.A. in Philosophy in 2018. After graduation, Bishop Caggiano appointed me to pursue further theological studies and priestly formation at St. Joseph’s Seminary & College (Dunwoodie) in Yonkers, New York where I received a Bachelor’s of Sacred Theology (S.T.B.), a Masters of Divinity (M.Div.), and a Masters of Arts in Theology (M.A.). My thesis was on St. John Henry Newman’s understanding of Jesus Christ’s Real Presence in the Eucharist and how this impacted Newman’s conversion to Catholicism.
Bishop Caggiano ordained me a priest on June 4, 2022 and appointed me to St. Mary’s for my first priestly assignment. I am grateful to the Lord for his Call, and to our Bishop for his appointment. In the years to come I look forward to being with you all in prayer, faith and charity.
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Blessings,
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Msgr. Kevin T. Royal
Pastor
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Also in this newsletter... |
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Watch Sunday Mass at Noon in the Church livestreamed from our Facebook page.
Be sure to watch the re-dedication of the Church by the Bishop at 12 Noon this Sunday!
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Monday - Friday
11:30 AM
Wednesday
6:00 - 7:00 PM
Saturday
3:00 - 4:00 PM
LOCATION: Church
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Adoration Chapel
Open Daily
6:00 AM- 10:00 PM
Closed Friday, July 8, 6 am - 3 pm
Open all day Saturday, July 9
Closed Sunday, July 10, 11 am - 2 pm
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Check our website for upcoming funerals and memorials |
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Church Rededication Mass with the Bishop
Reservations for the Church Rededication Mass with the Bishop on July 10th are filled. Check back here for cancellations up until 10 AM July 10. And please delete your sign up if you must cancel.
Price Increase - Mass Intentions
Effective July 1, 2022
Announced masses will be $15 and unannounced masses will be $10.
Baptism Update
Baptisms will take place on Saturdays at noon (instead of Sundays) starting in November 2022. We will have up to two baptisms each Saturday of non-holiday weekends.
ALTAR FLOWER VOLUNTEERS
We are looking for a few people to work on the Church altar flowers each week. Contact Dick Camuso if you are interested or would like more info, rcamuso@comcast.net, 203-313-0748.
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Many thanks for your continued support of our Parish! |
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Our Online Giving has been upgraded to a newer, easier-to-use platform!
You may mail your offertory to the Parish office as well; mail is picked up every day.
St. Mary Parish, 55 Catoonah Street, Ridgefield, CT 06877
Or drop your offering in the basket at Mass.
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