How amazing it was to see so many people at Christmas Masses this year! The church looked beautiful, the music inspired, and spirits were high as we welcomed the newborn King. As you can imagine, it takes a great number of hard-working and creative souls to make Christmas happen at Saint Aloysius. So, let me express my deepest gratitude to those who helped make this a truly special Christmas season for our parish family.
Thanks to…Judy, John, and Gregg Strba and the crew from Gregg’s Landscaping for the design and installation of the church decorations. Each year they come up with something different, and this year we received a record number of compliments! Trisha Albus for her many contributions to the beauty of Christmas and her gift of flowers and their care throughout the year. Working with Trisha is a faithful team of helpers, who, among other things, watered and cared for the poinsettias and trees. Dr. John Michniewicz, our choristers, and orchestra for enhancing our worship and lifting our hearts. Nancy Leville and Emily Lomnitzer who lead our splendid children’s choir. My brother Knights of Columbus who directed traffic and kept everyone safe in the parking lot and served as greeters and ushers at Masses. Christine Ayoub who coordinates our usher ministry. Guillermo “Willie” Roeder and Angel Dominguez who take great care of our church and other buildings all year long. My brother priests and Deacons: Father David, Father Franklin, Father Bob, Father Tim, and Deacon Bill. They serve with joy, and I am blessed with their fellowship. Our faithful Readers and Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion who proclaim the Word and distribute the Body of Christ with reverence. Special thanks to Joanne Santulli, Leigh Fiorito, and Christine Otis who coordinate these ministries. Our dedicated Altar Servers, and our faithful sacristan Michael Musilli who spends countless hours in the sanctuary and behind the scenes to make certain that every liturgy runs smoothly.
I am blessed with an amazing staff, some of whom were mentioned above, but the rest of the team works tirelessly to serve you: John Palma, Lynn Turiano, Jerry Murray, Susan Kiernan, Danielle Sibilia, Marie Osterndorf, Sister Donna Brodman, Mark Murphy and Allison McCarthy. Many volunteers help us out weekly, and we couldn’t do what we do without them, so thanks to: Danielle Balsamo, Pat Colangelo, Rita Ferri, Patrick and Helen McBrien, Andy Toner, Sally Doelger, Liza Paglialunga, Keelin Weiss and Elaine Kilbourn
The Parish Finance Committee and Pastoral Council are talented advisors to me and were particularly helpful this past year as we faced the challenges and joys of meeting expenses and launching a capital campaign. Thanks to Bill Fox, Colette LeBrun, Christine Ayoub, Christopher Nolan, Nick Yanicelli, Bill Cody, Dick Laughton, Bob Naughton, Buddy Kretzman, Mike Dougherty, Chuck Nardi, Shannon Marciano, Joanne Santulli, Shawn and Erin Regan, Larry Luppi and Bill Fessler. Special thanks to Christine Hussey and Steve Schlegel, the trustees of our parish corporation, for their counsel. (I’ll express my thanks to the We Stand with Christ Capital Campaign Committee as we head toward the end of the campaign next month.) Last, but not least, I thank YOU for your faith, prayers, stewardship, and support throughout the year. One more thing…I was humbled by “becoming” a Monsignor. I have been privileged to work in a variety of ministries in our diocese since my ordination 18 years ago. Each one was a gift, but the joy of serving as pastor of Saint Aloysius is a special gift, so the honor I received is a reflection of your faithfulness and love for Christ and the Church. Monsignors Don Guglielmi and Bob Crofut are more worthy of the honor than I am, and I am delighted that the three of us will be with our bishop at a special Mass on April 16 at 5pm at Saint Aloysius. All are welcome
Welcome to the Saint Aloysius! Our parish was founded in 1896 to serve the Catholic families that were settling in the greater New Canaan area.