Roman Catholic Diocese of Burlington, Vermont

e-News Report

Week of August 17, 2010

From the Bishop

A Mass to honor and pray for Law Enforcement, Fire and Emergency Medical Service Personnel

His Excellency, the Most Reverend Salvatore R. Matano, Bishop of Burlington, will be the main celebrant at a diocesan-wide "Blue Mass", to honor and pray for Law Enforcement, Fire and Emergency Medical Service Personnel who serve throughout the state of Vermont on Wed., Sept. 15, at 11:00 am at St. Augustine Catholic Church in Montpelier. The "Blue Mass" has become an annual tradition in the United States, dating back to 1934, when the first Blue Mass was offered at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Washington, DC. Prior to Mass, the law enforcement officers and public safety officials will gather outside the Montpelier fire house for the solemn processional into St. Augustine’s Church.

The faithful of the Diocese are cordially invited to join the law enforcement officers, fire and emergency service personnel to pray for those who serve the common good, many times placing themselves in harm’s way, and to remember those who have fallen in the line of duty.

Northwest VT News

Lawn and bake sale

SOUTH HERO—On Saturday, Aug. 28, and Sunday, Aug. 29, St. Rose of Lima Parish Guild will host a lawn and bake sale from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Rental tables are available for $10. For more information, call Bette at 372-4902.

Parish picnic

WATERBURY—On Sunday, Aug. 22, there will be an annual parish picnic for the parishioners of St. Andrew and Our Lady of the Snows/St. Patrick parishes. The day begins with an outside Mass at St. Andrew’s at 11:15 a.m. followed by a picnic lunch prepared by the Knights of Columbus. (There will not be a 9 a.m. Mass at St. Andrew’s or an 11 a.m. Mass at Patrick’s that day). This free event is co-sponsored annually by the Knights of Columbus and the parishes.

Yard and rummage sale

UNDERHILL CENTER—The St. Thomas Church annual yard and rummage sale will take place Saturday, Aug. 28, 9-5and Sunday, Aug. 29 9-5 on church property. Call 899-4632 for more information.

Homeschoolers gather for Mass to begin school year

ESSEX CENTER—Roman Catholic Homeschoolers will have its first monthly meeting of the 2010-2011 school year on Sept. 8 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at St. Pius X Church. Mass will be celebrated at 10 followed by activities for the students and lunch (please bring your own). All Catholic homeschooling families and those considering homeschooling are welcome. Mass is

News Around the Diocese

Prepare to Vote!

In the Catholic Tradition, responsible citizenship is a virtue, and participation in political life is a moral obligation. The U.S. Catholic Bishops, in their 2007 Statement, "Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship," wrote, "The Catholic community brings important assets to the political dialogue about our nation’s future. We bring a consistent moral framework.... one shaped by the moral convictions of well-formed consciences and focused on the dignity of every human being, the pursuit of the common good, and the protection of the weak and the vulnerable."

Register to Vote!

If you are not yet registered to vote, please do so! Forms can be obtained from your Town or City Clerk. For complete registration information, call 1-800-439-VOTE or go online: http://www.vermont-elections.org/elections1/registertovote.html.

Inform Yourself!

With election time fast approaching, please take some time to acquaint yourself with the candidates and their positions. It can be difficult to know a given candidate’s stance on a particular issue. The best way to find out? Ask! Candidate names and email contact information is readily available at http://www.vermont-elections.org/. The Christian Action Ministry polls candidates and publishes the results of their candidate questionnaire, which covers a range of issues. It is available at www.christianactionministry.net.The Respect Life Office offers speakers on "Forming Your Conscience for Voting." Consider sponsoring a speaker at your parish or group!

Pray!

Pray for the outcome of the elections, that leaders emerge who will stand for the dignity of all persons, from conception until natural death.

Useful websites:

On Faithful Citizenship: http://www.faithfulcitizenship.org

On specific pro-life issues: http://www.usccb.org/prolife/

From Priests for Life: http://politicalresponsibility.com

On Catholic Social Teaching: http://www.usccb.org/sdwp/projects/socialteaching/excerpt.shtml

Learn more about Marriage, Family and Respect Life Ministries