2018 Past Events

2018 PAST EVENTS
(2018 past events)

Children’s Christmas Pageant, December 23
Celebration of Advent, Praying the Stations of Advent and Christmas, December 2
Christmas Cookie Walk, December 8
St. Emery Feast Day Celebration, November 4
Religious Faith Formation, William had a House Guest, October 21
Religious Faith Formation, Sophie had a House Guest, November 28
Religious Faith Formation, Peter had a House Guest, October 20
Religious Faith Formation, Maddy had a House Guest, October 14
Religious Faith Formation, Madeline had a House Guest, October 7
Religious Faith Formation, AJ had a House Guest, September 30
Parish Ziti and Meatball Dinner, September 29
St. Emery Wins a Diocese Saint John Paul II Grant, August 1
Saint Emery’s Fourth Annual Fundraising Concert, June 10
Sacrament of Confirmation Ceremony, May 20
May Crowning of Our Blessed Mother, May 13
St. Emery’s First Communion Celebration, April 22
St. Emery’s Annual Ladies Tea, April 22
Faith Formation, Sacrament of Communion Preparation, March 18
First Mens Retreat, March 3
Epiphany Sunday – The Three Kings, January 7

________________

Norms Governing the Liturgical Ministries
December 2, 2018

Diocese of Bridgeport

“When the liturgical reforms of the second Vatican council were promulgated, the lives of many of the faithful were disrupted because they were neither informed nor prepared for the changes to come. As we look forward to the promulgation of our own revised liturgical norms, Bishop Caggiano is committed to avoiding that same mistake.

The Revised Liturgical Norms for the Diocese of Bridgeport will be promulgated on the first Sunday of Advent, December 2, 2018. Between now and then, we will embark on a comprehensive catechetical and communication strategy so that when the norms are made public, there is a more complete understanding of what we aim to do, namely, raise awareness of and commitment to a celebration of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass that is both faithful and universal.”

Liturgical Norms Catechesis Timelines

• Bishop Caggiano’s Video
• Liturgical Norms weekly articles

_________________

Parish Newsletters – 2018
(The Weekly Bulletin Newsletter Inserts)

To keep our parishioners informed of important issues that arise though the year, the Parish Advisory Council publishes Newsletters. Following are a series of  2018 Newsletters covering various topics of interest (click to download).

• Financial Report for Fiscal-year 2018
  Financial Report Narrative
  Statement of Activities
  Statement of Financial Position

• Update of Parish Projects 2018 – July Newsletter

.
(Back to Top)

__________________________
PAST EVENTS 2018
(Click on dates to go to each event)

Children’s Christmas Pageant
December 23, 2018

Celebration of Advent, Praying the Stations of Advent and Christmas
December 2, 2018

.

Christmas Cookie Walk
December 8, 2018

St. Emery Feast Day Celebration
November 4, 2018

Religious Faith Formation, William had a House Guest
October 21, 2018

Religious Faith Formation, Sophie had a House Guest
November 28, 2018

Religious Faith Formation, Peter had a House Guest
October 20, 2018

Religious Faith Formation, Maddy had a House Guest
October 14, 2018

Religious Faith Formation, Madeline had a House Guest
October 7, 2018

Religious Faith Formation, AJ had a House Guest
September 30, 2018

Parish Ziti and Meatball Dinner
September 29, 2018
.

St. Emery Wins a Diocese Saint John Paul II Grant
August 1, 2018
.

Saint Emery’s Fourth Annual Fundraising Concert
June 10, 2018
.

Sacrament of Confirmation Ceremony
May 20, 2018

.

May Crowning of Our Blessed Mother
May 13, 2018
.

St. Emery’s First Communion Celebration
April 22, 2018
.

St. Emery’s Annual Ladies Tea
April 22, 2018
,

Faith Formation, Sacrament of Communion Preparation
March 18, 2018

First Mens Retreat
March 3, 2018

Epiphany Sunday – The Three Kings
January 7, 2018

(Back to Top)

*****************************

Children’s Christmas Pageant
December 23, 2018

The St. Emery children performed their Faith Formation Christmas Pageant on Sunday, December 23 at the 9:00 AM mass and the Fourth Sunday of Advent.

Jeanne Bisson, our St. Emery’s Parish Administrator, planned the event with the children and her volunteers and narrated the pageant.  Following are photographs of this wonderful annual children’s Christmas pageant.

 

.

.

.

.

.

.

 

.

.

.

 

.

.

.

(Back to Top)

*****************************

Celebration of Advent
Praying the Stations of Advent and Christmas
December 2, 2018

The Season of Advent is preparation for the celebration of the
Nativity of Jesus at Christmas.

On Sunday, December 2nd at 2:00 PM in the Church, the Stations of Advent and Christmas were celebrated by scripture readings, song and meditation.  The fourteen Stations of Advent tell the story leading up to the birth of Christ at Christmas, the Nativity, the Shepards, the Magi, the flight to Egypt and the return to Nazareth.

St. Emery’s choir, under the direction of MaryRose Garych, performed special songs for each of the fourteen stations.

 

 

 

 

.

.
The fourteen station scripture passages and closing prayers were read (from left to right) by Rob Adriana, Laureen Pekar, and Sue Gulyas.

.

.

.
An altar video monitor presented the Advent story through religious art and scripture.  Candles were lighted following every station.

 

We thank the choir, readers and all those who participated in this wonderful celebration of Advent.

(Back to Top)

*****************************

Christmas Cookie Walk
December 8 and 9, 2018

St. Emery’s Parish sponsored their annual Christmas Cookie Walk on Saturday, December 8 from 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM and on Sunday, December 9 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM.  The event was held in the Church Hall.

A large number of parishioner volunteers baked many dozens of cookies and other pastry items for this very successful fundraiser.  Several gift items were raffled including beautiful Christmas wealths.  Christmas Fair gifts were also for sale.

.

The volunteers

.

.

.

.

.

 

 

 

.

.

The volunteers

.

.

.

.

The volunteers

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

Gift wrapped cookies

.

.

.
.

The Cookie Walk continues to be a very successful and enjoyable event every year.

(Back to Top)

*****************************

St. Emery Feast Day Celebration
November 4, 2018

St. Emery’s Feast Day was celebrated on Sunday, November 4 during the 11:00 AM mass.  Monsignor William Scheyd was the mass celebrant and homilist for the liturgy.

Monsignor Scheyd expressed his pleasure to attend and participate in our Church Hungarian heritage annual celebration.  Monsignor Scheyd has ‘officially retired’ where he last served at  St. Aloysius in New Canaan.  However, he remains very active in the Diocese of Bridgeport.

St. Emery’s Social Committee sponsored a luncheon that followed the 11:00 AM mass.

A cash raffle concluded the luncheon event.

Attendance at the St. Emery Feast Day celebration was very large nearing the seating capacity of the newly renovated Church Hall.

All proceeds from this fundraiser went towards supporting the operational expenses of the Parish.

.

Mass Celebration

Mass readings were spoken in Hungarian and English.

.

.

Children in traditional Hungarian costumes.

.

.

Celebrating the Mass

………….. The Homily

.

.

The Luncheon

The Luncheon featured a roast pork loin entrée with a stuffed cabbage and kolbas appetizer, salad and a large selection of home-baked dessert items.  Coffee, tea, soft drinks, wine and beer were also offered.

.

Religious Faith Formation
William had a House Guest
 October 21 – November 4, 2018

Jesus spent time with William October 29 to November 4.  This is what William and Jesus did: “We went to Karate, Kumon and the cemetery.  We went to church, Religious Ed and the hospital.  We went Trick-or-Treating!”.

Thank you, William for taking such good care of Jesus and I am sure Jesus had a great time Trick-or-Treating!

Miss Jeannie

.

.

.

.

(Back to Top)

***********************

Religious Faith Formation
Sophie had a House Guest
 October 21 – 28, 2018

Sophie had Jesus at her house. This is what they did:

.

“Me and my sister played family with baby Jesus. Jesus slept in our room. Me and Madeline made a bed for him

Thank you Sophie for taking such good care of Jesus this week. And, thank you Madeline for helping your sister write in her booklet.

Mrs. Bisson

.

.

Picture of our Faith Formation children with pumpkins.

The children in Faith Formation decorated their very own pumpkins last week.

This picture is of the “Promise” group showing off their creations!

.

(Back to Top)

***********************

Religious Faith Formation
Peter had a House Guest
 October 14 – 20, 2018

Peter had Jesus at his house October 14-20. They had a good time and Jesus was very busy.

 

Peter said, “This week Jesus and I went to church and to Religious Education class. We went to the cemetery, to a farm and to Karate and Kumon. We went to visit Grandpa Chief’s house and to Wendy and Zoli’s house. We also went to Fairfield University.”e Offertory gifts

.

.

.

.

(Back to Top)

***********************

Religious Faith Formation
Maddy had a House Guest
 October 7 – 14, 2018

Maddy had Jesus at her house October 7 through 14. This is some of the things she and Jesus share

 

“Jesus watched TV with me and played dolls with me. He watched me clean my rabbit hutch. He watched “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” with me.  I had dinner with Jesus and he is sleeping in my doll house. Jesus had cake for breakfast and he is watching TV now. I read him “Junie B. Jones is a Party Animal.” We had dinner and Jesus is watching “Hotel Transylvania” with me. I took Jesus to Church.”

Thank you for taking such good care of Jesus this week, Maddy!—Mrs.  Bisson

.

(Back to Top)

***********************

Religious Faith Formation
Madeline had a House Guest
September 30 – October 7, 2018

Madeline had Jesus at her house for the week of September 30 until October 7.  This is what she shared about their visit:

“We watched T.V., Jesus slept in my room, we played together, we had breakfast together, we colored together, we read together, we went to
church and religion school together.”

Also, I hope you all noticed, Jesus helped bring up the Offertory gifts
.
I am so happy you had a great time with Jesus, Madeline, and thank you for taking such good care of him.  Thank you for coloring the picture of Jesus with the children!

.

 

(Back to Top)

***********************

Religious Faith Formation
A.J. had a House Guest
September 23-30, 2018

A.J. had Jesus as his house guest the week of September 23 to 30. This is what he said about his visit:

 

“This week, Jesus came with me to macaroni dinner. We went to Silverman’s Farms. Jesus slept in my room every night and He rode in the car with me. He went to dance with me and to “G-pop’s” house to play for the day. He also came to Church with me.

.

.

.

.

(Back to Top)

*****************************

St. Emery’s Ziti and Meatball Dinner
September 29, 2018

The Parish held their Ziti and Meatball dinner in St. Emery’s Church Hall on September 29 from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM (doors opened at 5:30 PM).  The Italian style dinner was sponsored by St. Emery’s Social Committee.  This was the first large Parish event to be held in the fully renovated Church Hall.

It was a very well attended and an enjoyable Parish dinner get together.  The dinner included three full courses of salad, entrée and dessert.  Soft drinks, beer and wine were also served.

The Ziti and Meatball dinner is a fundraising event where all proceeds go to the Parish to help support operational needs and expenses.
.

.

A 50-50 cash raffle was held.

 

 

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

 

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

‘

‘

Greg Chuga one of our many volunteers.

A thank you to our photographer, Henry Kutash.

.

A special thank you to the St. Emery’s Social Committee and volunteers who spent many hours preparing food for this home cooked dinner.

.

.

.

.

.

.

(Back to Top)

*****************************

Religious Faith Formation
St. Emery Wins Saint John Paul II Grant!
August 1, 2018

St. Emery wins a diocese Saint John Paul II grant for $2,400 for an innovative digital approach to promote religious faith formation. The theme of the diocese Saint John Paul II grant project was Reimagining Faith Formation.  St. Emery received the grant award in August.

The St. Emery grant proposal emphasized faith formation for both children and adults of all ages to promote and to truly understand our faith. A large smart television interactive digital system will be installed in the newly renovated Church Hall in a few weeks where the Faith Formation classes will be offered.

We would like to congratulate and thank Jeanne Bisson and Father Milan who spent much time formulating and submitting the grant formal proposal material to the diocese committee for their consideration.

Religious Formation Program Classes
September 9, 2018

St. Emery’s Religious Formation classes started on Sunday, September 9 after the 9:00 AM mass.  Jeanne Bisson, our Pastoral Assistant, heads the Religious Formation Program.

This year we will have two sessions of classes.  Grades Kindergarten through seven on
Sunday mornings at 10:00 AM and once a month we will have Confirmation
class from 11:00 AM until 1:00 PM.  We will have three students receiving the
Sacrament of Confirmation on March 30, 2019.  There are 19 catechists this year.

Father blessed the children’s school backpacks during Sunday’s 9:00 AM mass for the beginning of the school year.

.

.

.

.

.

.

(Back to Top)

*****************************

St. Emery Fourth Annual Concert
June 10, 2018

Saint Emery’s Fourth Annual Fundraising Concert was held on Sunday, June 10 at at 2:00 PM in the Church.  All fundraising proceeds went to the Rose Window Restoration Project.
.

The concert featured the St. Emery Festival Choir and introduced the newly formed children’s choir — ‘St. Emery Young Singers’.

The concert was led by our new Director of Music, MaryRose Garych.  MaryRose also performed as a soloist.  Lori Pearson was the concert piano accompanist.

The Parish Social Committee sponsored a reception following the Concert in the recent and beautifully renovated Church Hall.

Admission was a freewill fundraising offerings to help restore our Historic Place Church rose window (Rose Window Restoration Project).

It was a well attended, enjoyable and a successful event.

Concert video recordings are presented below for your enjoyment.

The Program

“Mystical Rose: Songs of Flowers, Light and the Blessed Virgin Mary”

 

.

.

.

.
.

Pastor Milan Dimic
Opening Remarks (Video – Clip Intro)

Father Milan, Pastor of St. Emery’s Parish, opened the concert expressing his appreciation to all the participants for their time and effort that went into sponsoring this successful music ministry event.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.
.

Concert Video
(Click on Clips)

Saint Emery Festival Choir Introduction and Opening Selection (Clip Intro)
–  Father Milan Opening Remarks (o:00 minute mark)
– ‘What a Wonderful World’ (3:40 minute mark)
– MaryRose Conductor Greetings (6:50 minute mark)

Saint Emery Festival Choir Program and Selections (Clip 1)
–  Concert Program
– ‘Steal Away to Jesus’
– ‘Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming’
– ‘Arise, Shine Out!’

Saint Emery Young Singers (Clip 2)
– ‘Let there be Peace on Earth’
– ‘All Things Bright and Beautiful’

Saint Emery Festival Choir Selections
– ‘The Rose’ (Clip 3)
– ‘Beautiful Savior’ (Clip 4)
– ‘Litany of Mary ‘ (Clip 5)

Mary Rose Garych, Soprano
– ‘Ave Maria’ (from the opera “Otello”) (Clip 6)

Saint Emery Festival Choir Selections
– ‘Edelweiss’ (Clip 7)
– ‘Mary, Did You Know’ (Clip 8)
– ‘Ave Maria’ (Clip 9)

Saint Emery Festival Choir Concluding Selection and Choir (Clip 10)
– ‘A Celtic Blessing’
– Fourth Annual Concert, St. Emery Festival Choir

The Concert Reception

The Parish Social Committee sponsored a reception following the Concert in the Church Hall.  Many parishioners volunteered to supply an ample assortment of reception food items.

 

.

.

 

 

.

.

.

.

.
.

The Rose Window Restoration Project

All fundraising proceeds went to the Rose Window Restoration Project.  The Rose Window is a beautiful and historic part of the Church.  Installed in 1932.   Over the years the window has continued to deteriorate, which has become a very major concern.

Rose Window.

Photo showing deterioration.

.

.

.

.
.

.

Fundraising for this expensive restoration project continues.  Donations are greatly appreciated and can be made to St. Emery’s Church through the Parish office 203 334-0312 or our website Online feature.
.

The sections of the window show the symbols for each of the 12 Apostles. From top-center is Saint Peter with two keys. Going clock-wise from St. Peter: John, Andrew, Philip, James, Simon, Matthew, Bartholomew, James the Less, Judas, Jude, and Thomas.

.

.

(Back to Top)

*****************************

Sacrament of Confirmation Ceremony
St. Emery Church

Thomas Kerekes and Crystal Howley received the adult Sacrament of Confirmation accepting the Catholic faith at St. Emery’s Church on Pentecost Sunday.

Thomas Kerekes was sponsored by Deacon Rudy Trankovich and Crystal Howley was sponsored by Cathy Pavlowski.

The sacramental ritual was performed by our Pastor Milan Dimic as granted by Bishop Caggiano, Diocese of Bridgeport.

It was a blessed religious ceremony that was attended by relatives and friends.

We wish both of them God’s blessings.

(Back to Top)

*****************************

May Crowning of Our Blessed Mother
May 13, 2018

The Mass Celebration

The May Crowning of our Blessed Virgin Mary was held on Sunday, May 13 during a special 10:00 AM Mass   It was a continuation of this beautiful ceremony that was revived at St. Emery’s two years ago in 2016 after many years having not been celebrated.

The month of May is dedicated to honoring the Blessed Virgin Mary.

.

.

.

The Crowning of our Lady.  The Coronation of our Blessed Mother, as Queen of Heaven, was sanctioned by Pope Pius XII in 1954.

.

.

.

The Crown was carried by Madaelein Hawley.

Mary was crowned “Queen of May” by Emily Quino.

.

.

Following the Crowning, Father Milan offered a musical tribute (Ave Maria) to the Blessed Virgin Mary accompanied by the St. Emery Choir.

.

The Brunch 

An extravagant brunch followed the mass, which was sponsored by St. Emery’s Social Committee.  The brunch included pancakes, bacon, sausage, juice, coffee and wide variety and abundance of delicious pastries.

(Back to Top)

*****************************

St. Emery’s First Communion Celebration
April 22, 2018 

Three children made their First Holy Communion on Sunday, April 22, 2018.  Congratulations to Emily Quino, Christopher Plaza and Colin Howley.

.

.

.

.

(Back to Top)

*****************************

St. Emery’s Annual Ladies Tea
Restored Church Hall
April 22, 2018

This year’s Ladies Tea event was held on Sunday, April 22, 2018 from 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM in St. Emery’s new and beautifully renovated Church Hall.  It was the first event held in the fully restored Church Hall

The Ladies Tea featured musical entertainment provided by Ms. Maggie Lieberman and Mr. Matthew Harrison. Both are very accomplished performers of reputation as highlighted in the Ladies Tea announcement flyer.

Doors opened at 12:30 PM, tea was served at 1:00 PM and
entertainment introduced at 2:30 PM.

This was again a successful and enjoyable Ladies affair as it has been over the years.

A door prize drawing was held following the entertainment.  The door prizes consisted of gift baskets.

.

The 1:00 PM Afternoon Tea

The Tea featured delicious delicate sandwiches, desserts and tea.

All food items were carefully prepared by our Lady parishioners.

.

.

.

.

 

.

.

.

.

.

 

 

.

.

.

 

.

 

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

 

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

The 2:30 PM Entertainment

Jeanne Bisson made introductions.

 

The Ladies Tea featured musical entertainment provided by Ms. Maggie Lieberman and Mr. Matthew Harrison.

.

..

.

.

.

.

.

.

The Door Prizes

Drawing of door prizes was held following the entertainment.

 

.

.

.

.

Thank You

We thank Doreen Hesse for her excellent photography.

We thank the Social Committee, Parish Advisory Council members for planning this wonderful Ladies Tea event.

.

.

(Back to Top)

*****************************

St. Emery’s Faith Formation
Sacrament of Communion Preparation
March 18, 2018

On Sunday, March 18, the three First Communion candidates had a Workshop to prepare themselves to receive the Sacrament of Holy Eucharist for the first time on April 22.

The candidates are Colin Hawley, Christopher Plaza and Emily Quino.

.

.

.

.

.

Many thanks to Amelia Plaza for helping our students make their very own Memory Boxes.  These keepsake Memory Boxes store all the precious religious mementos from their First Communion.

(Back to Top)

St. Emery’s First Men’s Retreat
St. Emery’s Church
March 3, 2018

The Spiritual and Social Welfare of Men

St. Emery’s men’s retreat was held on Saturday, March 3, 2018 in the Church.

The retreat began at 11:30 AM by speaker Father Charles Allen, S. J. and concluded with the 4:30 Mass.  Lunch was served in the Rectory at 12:30 PM followed by a further retreat session and reconciliation at 1:30 PM.

The retreat adjourned at 3:30 PM and the 4:30 PM mass was celebrated by Father Allen.

(Back to Top)

*****************************

Epiphany Sunday – The Three Kings
January 7, 2018

St. Emery’s children, in costume apparel representing the three Kings or Magi, performed on Epiphany Sunday during the 10:00 AM mass.

The Magi or the three Kings came in from the East under the guidance of a star to adore the Infant of Bethlehem as the divine King. The Kings brought gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.
.
.

.
Epiphany Sunday marks the end of the twelve days of Christmas and is the beginning of Ordinary Time leading up to the lenten season in the liturgical year.

.

.
.

 

.

.

.

.

.

(Back to Top)

*****************************

*****************************

___________________________________

Following St. Emery’s extensive restoration in 2000, artistic handwoven tapestries from St. Stephen of Hungary Church in Bridgeport were discovered in storage a few years later by Father Pintye.

The tapestries were meticulously handcrafted to commemorate St. Elizabeth’s Altar Society (1917-1937) and to present the Monstrance, which displays the consecrated Eucharistic host. The letters IHS are the monogram of Jesus Christ.

(Click on tapestries and Crucifix to enlarge)

.

This Crucifix located on the wall between the two tapestries was refurbished and remounted during the 2000 restoration..