Urbi et Orbi Blessing Urbi et Orbi denotes a papal address and apostolic blessing given by the pope on certain solemn occasions.

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Anointing of the Sick "By the sacred anointing of the sick and the prayer of the priests the whole Church commends those who are ill to the suffering and glorified Lord, that he may raise them up and save them. And indeed she exhorts them to contribute to the good of the People of God by freely uniting themselves to the Passion and death of Christ." ( Catechism of the Catholic Church 1499 ) Contact Us What obligations do parents take upon themselves when asking to have their baby baptized? In choosing to have your child baptized in the Catholic Church, you are accepting the responsibility of raising him or her in the practice of the Catholic Faith. The preparation process is conducted under the assumption that at least one of the parents is a believing and practicing Roman Catholic. It is an occasion to reflect on your faith, the faith of the Church, and how you live it out and hand it on in the life of your child. Whether you have been away for a while, or you have a pew at Church that practically has your name on it, your child’s baptism is an opportunity to rediscover and renew your commitment to your Faith in Christ by deeper engagement with the Church. It is as much a chance for a new beginning for you as it is for your child, as you introduce him or her to the full sweep and significance of the Gospel which, if it were all recounted, “the world itself could not contain all the books that would be written”. (John 21:25) For more information, use the 'Contact Us' button above. How do I schedule a date and time? Baptisms and Baptism Preparation are held at various times at our various parish churches. For more information, use the 'Contact Us' button above. Who will administer the Sacrament? Ordinarily, one of the parish priests or deacons will celebrate baptisms in the parish. If a family has a special relationship with a priest or deacon from outside the parish, he is most welcome to come and celebrate the baptism. If you are interested in having a particular priest from the parish baptize your child, feel free to let the Parish Staff know. Visiting priests or deacons must obtain the necessary permission from the parish to conduct the baptism. We will do our best to accommodate your requests. How do I select a Godparent? Each child must have at least one, but may have two godparents or sponsors. If there are two godparents, they must be a godfather and godmother. One godparent must be a practicing and believing Roman Catholic who has received the Sacraments of the Eucharist and Confirmation, be at least 16 years old, and (if married) in a valid Catholic marriage recognized by the Church. Canon Law sets these expectations and expects godparents to be good witnesses of Catholic faith, because it is through baptism that one enters the Church. If someone close to the family is a great example of Christian faith, but is not Catholic, there is the possibility of having such a person act as a witness to the ceremony in a role similar to that of a godparent, but distinct from it. Godparents may be represented by proxies if they are unable to be present for the ceremony. Those serving as proxies must fulfill the same requirements as godparents. Catholics serving as godparents must contact their parish and obtain a sponsor letter or certificate. Please bring the letter or certificate to the baptism. What is the offering cost? Please contact the church you are scheduling the Baptism at to inquire about a Baptism Offering using the "Contact Us" button above. What if I am an adult and would like to receive Baptism? You are invited to find out more about the Roman Catholic Church by participating in the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA). More information can be found here.

St. Aedan Church Established 1900 In 1872, the town of Westville became a mission of New Haven's St. John the Evangelist Church. Father Hugh Carmody of St. John celebrated the first Mass in Westville at Franklin Hall on Fountain Street. Shortly thereafter, an Emerson Street mission chapel, named for St. Joseph, was erected. It was later dedicated by Bishop Francis P. McFarland. In 1895 Westville became a mission of St. Lawrence parish, West Haven. Numbering about 375 communicants, the Westville mission was made a parish dedicated to St. Joseph on June 10, 1900, with Father John D. Kennedy appointed first pastor. Father John McGivney, brother of Father Michael McGivney, bought land at Fountain Street and McKinley Avenue for a new church. Bishop John J. Nilan dedicated the sturdy new building to St. Aedan on April 2, 1922. The parish patron had been changed because Westville had become part of New Haven, which already had a church named for St. Joseph. By October 1950, St. Aedan built and opened an elementary school on McKinley Avenue, staffed by the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur. On October 26, 1957, a bigger school and new convent were dedicated by Archbishop Henry J. O'Brien. In 1990 Father McCann initiated significant upgrades to the church to align with the teachings of the Second Vatican Council. St. Aedan Parish became Saints Aedan and Brendan Parish in 2016 when St. Aedan Church and St. Brendan Church merged, and the property and buildings of St. Brendan were sold in 2017. Many items from St. Brendan Church were transferred to Sts. Aedan and Brendan Parish on Fountain Street. The original art sample of the crucifix which hanged above St. Brendan's sanctuary hangs above the tabernacle. The statue of the Sacred Heart is located at the McKinley Avenue side entrance and the St. Brendan statue was installed in the rear of the Church.

Feast of Blessed Michael McGivney 2023 Blessed Michael McGivney Parish at St. Mary's and St. Joseph's celebrates the unique, long-standing, and multifaceted spiritual heritage of Blessed Michael J. McGivney. This year, we are celebrating the third feast day of our beatified parish priest and founder of the Knights of Columbus, Blessed Michael McGivney. DESCRIPTION OF THIS YEAR'S CELEBRATION ​ For the third feast day of Blessed Michael McGivney, we begin our celebrations with the praying of the Holy Rosary and the Novena before every Mass in the nine days leading up to and including the feast itself. The presiders of the Mass each day will preach on the virtue for each novena day in how it relates to the saint of the day and also Bl. Michael McGivney (a link to a digital version of the Novena may be found below). ​ A Holy Hour will be held from 8 - 9 PM on Wednesday, August 9th, at St. Joseph Church, sponsored by Crossroads 4 Christ New Haven. ​ At 11 AM on Saturday, August 12th, Father Michael Ruminksi will present a reflection, "The Eucharist and social regeneration," at the Blessed Michael McGivney Pilgrimage Center (1 State Street in New Haven). Admission and parking are free. For more information, please visit: michaelmcgivneycenter.org . ​ At 7 PM on Saturday, August 12th, Frassati Night will take place at St. Mary Church (see the St. Mary bulletin page for details), which includes Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and Adoration which will continue until benediction at 7:30 AM on Sunday, August 13th. ​ On the feast day itself, Bl. Michael McGivney's relic will be present at the 8:30 AM Mass at St. Joseph's and at the 10:30 AM Votive Mass at St. Mary's. After Mass, a procession will be led by the presider to the statue of Bl. Michael McGivney at St. Joseph's and to the tomb at St. Mary's, with the Litany of Bl. Michael McGivney being prayed. In addition, at St. Mary's the Knights of Columbus Fourth Degree Honor Guard will serve. "Coffee and" hospitality will take place after the 8:30 AM Mass at St. Joseph's, and an ice cream social hosted by the Columbian Squires will take place after the 10:30 AM Mass at St. Mary's. Finally, at St. Mary's, the Lay Fraternity of St. Dominic will sponsor the praying of Vespers from 3:10 - 3:30 PM and a Holy Hour from 3:30 - 4:30 PM. ​ The full schedule may be found below. ​ Some Resources: Blessed Michael McGivney Novena Litany of Blessed Michael McGivney FULL SCHEDULE OF PRAYERS AND LITURGIES ​ Saturday, August 5 – VIGIL OF THE TRANSFIGURATION OF THE LORD St. Joseph Church Holy Rosary & Novena Prayer (Day 1) at 4:30 PM | Openness | Leaders: Alberta Ferrie/Marianne Esposito (St. Joseph Lectors/EMs) Mass at 5 PM | Presider: Fr. Joseph MacNeill Sunday, August 6 – THE TRANSFIGURATION OF THE LORD St. Joseph Church Holy Rosary & Novena Prayer (Day 2) at 8 AM | Courage | Leader: Marianne Esposito (St. Joseph Lectors/EMs) Mass at 8:30 AM | Presider: Fr. Joseph MacNeill St. Mary Church Holy Rosary & Novena Prayer (Day 2) at 10 AM | Courage | Leader: Tacy Woods (Lay Fraternity of St. Dominic) Mass at 10:30 AM | Presider: Fr. Ryan Lerner Mass at 5 PM | Presider: Fr. Vincent Curran Monday, August 7 – St. Cajetan, Priest | Perseverance St. Mary Church Holy Rosary & Novena Prayer (Day 3) at 11:30 AM | Leader: Linda Kelly (Legion of Mary) Mass at Noon | Presider: Fr. Vincent Curran St. Joseph Church Holy Rosary & Novena Prayer (Day 3) at 4:30 PM | Leaders: Mary Beth Fiasconoro/Drew Dillingham (Blessed Michael McGivney Respect Life Committee) Mass at 5 PM | Presider: Fr. Ryan Lerner Tuesday, August 8 – St. Dominic, Priest | Charity, Unity, & Fraternity St. Mary Church Holy Rosary & Novena Prayer (Day 4) at 11:30 AM | Leader: Peter Silva (St. Mary Lectors) Mass at Noon | Presider: Fr. Joseph MacNeill St. Joseph Church Holy Rosary & Novena Prayer (Day 4) at 4:30 PM | Leader: Toni Buddington (McGivney Ministries) Mass at 5 PM | Presider: Fr. Ryan Lerner Wednesday, August 9 – St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross, Virgin & Martyr | Discernment St. Mary Church Holy Rosary & Novena Prayer (Day 5) at 11:30 AM | Leader: Grace Klise (Catechesis of the Good Shepherd) Mass at Noon | Presider: Fr. Joseph MacNeill St. Joseph Church Holy Rosary & Novena Prayer (Day 5) at 4:30 PM | Leader: Immacula Didier (Legion of Mary) Mass at 5 PM | Presider: Fr. Joseph MacNeill Holy Hour from 8 - 9 PM | Sponsored by Crossroads 4 Christ New Haven Thursday, August 10 – St. Lawrence, Deacon & Martyr | Zeal St. Mary Church Holy Rosary & Novena Prayer (Day 6) at 11:30 AM | Leader: Peter Silva (St. Mary Lectors) Mass at Noon | Presider: Fr. Joseph MacNeill St. Joseph Church Holy Rosary & Novena Prayer (Day 6) at 4:30 PM | Leader: Flora Guerra (Divine Mercy Devotion) Mass at 5 PM | Presider: Fr. Ryan Lerner Friday, August 11 – St. Clare, Virgin | Hope St. Mary Church Holy Rosary & Novena Prayer (Day 7) at 11:30 AM | Leader: Daniel Isabel (San Salvador Council No. 1) Mass at Noon | Presider: Fr. Vincent Curran St. Joseph Church Holy Rosary & Novena Prayer (Day 7) at 4:30 PM | Leader: Tacy Woods (Lay Fraternity of St. Dominic) Mass at 5 PM | Presider: Fr. Joseph MacNeill SATURDAY, AUGUST 12 – VIGIL OF NINETEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME (Vigil of the Feast of Blessed Michael McGivney) St. Joseph Church Holy Rosary & Novena Prayer (Day 8) at 4:30 PM | Love | Leader: Paul Mastriano/Alberta Ferrie (St. Joseph Lectors/EMs) Mass at 5 PM (w/ Litany after) | Presider: Fr. Vincent Curran St. Mary Church​ All Night Exposition and Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament starting at 7 PM | Sponsored by Frassati ​ ​ SUNDAY, AUGUST 13 – NINETEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME (Feast of Blessed Michael McGivney) St. Joseph Church Holy Rosary & Novena Prayer (Day 9) at 8 AM | Devotion | Leader: Phyllis Lobo (Altar Servers) Mass at 8:30 AM (w/ Procession & Litany after) | Presider: Fr. Joseph MacNeill St. Mary Church Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament at 7:30 AM | Sponsored by Frassati Holy Rosary & Novena Prayer (Day 9) at 10 AM | Devotion | Leader: Phyllis Lobo (Altar Servers) Votive Mass at 10:30 AM (w/ Procession & Litany after) | Presider: Fr. Jeffrey Romans Vespers from 3:10 - 3:30 PM | Sponsored by the Lay Fraternity of St. Dominic Holy Hour from 3:30 - 4:30 PM | Sponsored by the Lay Fraternity of St. Dominic Mass at 5 PM | Presider: Fr. Kelechi Anyanwu A new priest with big ideas Every Mass, every public rosary, every adoration, every confession at St. Mary's happens over a place of special importance for laity of the Catholic Church, in the United States and beyond: the place where Father Michael McGivney founded the Knights of Columbus. ​ Serving as an assistant for about six years at St. Mary's before being entrusted with a parish of his own, he certainly fulfilled the ordinary duties of a parish priest well with great virtue. He changed our parish through events, personal visits, involvement in groups, and organization of social events. ​ Most importantly, he changed the way the laity saw their vocation, and fulfilled it. In founding the Knights of Columbus in 1882, he was considered "bold" for holding the laity - especially laymen - to a high standard of fidelity to the Catholic Faith. Contrary to clericalism, he believed in the ability of laity to make a difference, in their families, in the Church, and in society. ​ Our parish was not only the testing grounds for his ideas. It has grown over many decades to be shaped by his high-standards for the laity spiritually, and his spiritual trust that lay men, lay women, and families can be saints. " The effect of the Society of the Knights of Columbus has since that become extraordinary; the Catholic layman has been brought to realize the preciousness of his birthright as a son of the Church... ​ " Fr. Joseph G. Daley, O.P. 1900, The Personality of Father McGivney Resources for Families Parish Priest , by Julie Fenster and Douglas Brinkley ​ "The Personality of Father Michael McGivney" , by Father Daley (1900) ​ Video of the beatification of Blessed Michael McGivney , Oct 2020 Other Resources: Article on the miracle which led to Fr. McGivney's beatification - the healing of an unborn child from a fatal complication

Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (Atrium) Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) is a highly acclaimed approach to the religious formation of children, rooted in the Bible, the liturgy of the Church, and the educational principles of Maria Montessori. Children gather in an “Atrium,” a room specially prepared for them, which contains handmade materials that they use to ponder the story of Christ and the life of the Church. First Confession & Holy Communion Children in the Level II Atrium (for those aged 6-8) may prepare to make their First Confession and First Holy Communion. Typically, it is expected that children will have been enrolled in the Atrium for at least one full year before beginning Sacramental Preparation. If you have questions regarding Sacramental Preparation for your child, please email Kay Perdue Meadows at kay.perdue@gmail.com or Grace Klise at grace.klise@yale.edu . Catechists & Assistants All Atrium catechists are required to attend 100 hours of formation in each level before leading an Atrium. The 100 hours provide the foundation for their continuing study of Scripture and the liturgy, learning how to observe the child, and personal prayer. In addition to the catechist, each Atrium also has one or more assistants who play an invaluable role in enabling the Atrium to function smoothly and in assuring that each child flourishes. No special training is required to become an Atrium assistant; each catechist provides brief training to his or her assistant(s). Any parent, grandparent, high school student, or other parishioner who is interested in assisting in an Atrium is invited to further pursue their interest. Please visit the Volunteer Page . Resources For more information about the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd program, including books that can be excellent resources for anyone whose child is enrolled in an Atrium, as well as listings of formation classes for those interested in becoming catechists, visit the national Catechesis of the Good Shepherd web site . 2023-2024 Classes Registration for Catechesis of the Good Shepherd for academic year 2023-2024 opens Sunday, August 27th. Registration will be online and announced in the bulletin. Sessions run October-May and are 90 minutes long. Sessions will be offered on Sunday afternoons 12 - 1:30 PM and Monday - Thursday from 4:30 - 6 PM.

St. Michael Church Established 1889 St. Michael Parish was created by Bishop Lawrence S. McMahon as the first Italian-American parish in Connecticut, in response to the influx of Italian immigrants to New Haven. Bishop McMahon had assigned priests to serve the Italians in their temporary places of worship – St. Patrick Hall, the Union Armory, and the Boardman building. For decades after its founding, the parish had been staffed by The Congregation of The Missionaries of St. Charles/Scalabrinians, founded in 1887 by Blessed John Baptist Scalabrini who visited this church in 1901. Father Vincenzo Astorri, C.S., was assigned as first resident pastor of St. Michael the Archangel Parish, formally established on September 1, 1889. Father Astorri soon bought a former German Lutheran church on Wooster Street. The property was speedily renovated and dedicated in the fall of 1889 under the protection of St. Michael. As New Haven’s Italian population increased dramatically, Father Louis Lango, C.S., moved to secure more worship space. He purchased a Baptist church that had been a Congregational meeting house on Wooster Place. The Apostolic Delegate, Archbishop Sebastiano Martinelli, dedicated the new St. Michael Church on April 23, 1899. In 1936, Father Leonardo Quaglia, C.S., opened a parish school at 125 Green Street, staffed by the Apostles of the Sacred Heart. In 1940 the parish built a separate school at 234 Green Street. In 1966, St. Patrick Church merged with St. Michael Church. St. Michael School merged with St. Stanislaus School in 1993. Both closed in 1995. The church is still strongly associated with Italian-American heritage and culture and is supported by parish groups such as the Santa Maria Maddalena (Saint Mary Magdalene) Society and Saint Andrew the Apostle Society.

Blessed Michael McGivney Michael Joseph McGivney was born in Waterbury, Connecticut, on August 12, 1852, the first child of Patrick and Mary (Lynch) McGivney. His parents came to the United States in the great 19th-century wave of Irish immigration and were married in Waterbury. Young Michael thus experienced from an early age grief, anti-Catholic bigotry, and poverty. But his faith sustained him. At home and in church, he learned and embraced love, faith, fortitude, prayer, and putting love of God above any earthly rewards. Father Michael J. McGivney was ordained on December 22, 1877, and assigned to St. Mary Church. It was here in 1882 he founded the Knights of Columbus with the intention that this group would strengthen the faith of the men of the parish and care for the widows of members. Today, the K of C is the largest Catholic fraternal benefit society in the world. Father McGivney spent seven years at St. Mary’s, being assigned pastor of St. Thomas in Thomaston in 1884, where he died in 1890 at the age of 38. In 1982, his remains were re-entombed at St. Mary Church. In 1997, Archbishop Daniel Cronin opened the cause for Father McGivney. In April 2008, Pope Benedict XVI declared him Venerable. On May 26, 2020, Pope Francis approved a decree for a miracle attributed to his intercession , opening the way for Father McGivney to be beatified on October 31, 2020. A second approved miracle is needed for him to be canonized as a saint of the Catholic Church. Beatification Fr. Michael McGivney became Blessed during the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass and Rite of Beatification on October 31, 2020, an event that was broadcast around the world. Learn More Knights of Columbus The Knights of Columbus (K of C) is a global Catholic fraternal service order. Founded on the principles of charity, unity, and fraternity, the Knights of Columbus was established in 1882 by Father Michael J. McGivney, assistant pastor of St. Mary's Church in New Haven, Connecticut, and a group of parishioners. Their intent? To bring financial aid and assistance to the sick, disabled, and needy members and their families. ​ As of 2019, there were nearly two million members around the world. There are more than 16,000 local Knights of Columbus councils around the world, including over 300 on college campuses. Learn More The Tomb A special place of prayer and pilgrimage is the sarcophagus where the bodily remains of Blessed Father McGivney are entombed, near the entrance of St. Mary’s Church. Knights and families from many parts of the world, as well as visitors from New Haven and beyond, come to St. Mary’s to pay tribute to Father McGivney. They recite the prayer for canonization (as seen below) and thank God for favors received through the intercession of the holy priest. ​ The mortal remains of Blessed Father McGivney were reverently placed in the polished granite sarcophagus on March 29, 1982, the centennial of the founding of the Knights of Columbus. The remains had been exhumed from the McGivney family plot in his hometown of Waterbury, where his parents and some of his siblings are still buried in Old St. Joseph’s Cemetery. The Bl. Father Michael McGivney Guild The Blessed Father Michael McGivney Guild serves as a source of information about the life, works, and spirituality of Father McGivney. The Guild distributes informational materials about him, receives reports of favors granted through his intercession, and oversees the distribution of relics. There are more than 155,000 members of the Blessed Father Michael McGivney Guild. ​ The purpose of the Guild is to inspire greater personal holiness and cooperation with God’s grace by disseminating information about Blessed Father McGivney. The Guild’s goal, as stated by Dominican Father Gabriel B. O’Donnell, guild director and vice postulator of Father McGivney’s cause for canonization, is to, “spread the good word about Blessed Father McGivney’s holiness of life, to encourage devotion to his memory, and to seek his intercession before the throne of God.” Learn More Prayer for Canonization God, our Father, protector of the poor and defender of the widow and orphan, you called your priest, Blessed Michael McGivney, to be an apostle of Christian family life and to lead the young to the generous service of their neighbor. Through the example of his life and virtue may we follow your Son, Jesus Christ, more closely, fulfilling his commandment of charity and building up his Body which is the Church. Let the inspiration of your servant prompt us to greater confidence in your love so that we may continue his work of caring for the needy and the outcast. We humbly ask that you glorify your venerable servant Blessed Michael McGivney on earth according to the design of your holy will. ​ Through his intercession, grant the favor I now present (here make your request). Through Christ our Lord. Amen. (Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be.)

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Baptism Baptism marks the birth of any Christian as a Christian. Through this Sacrament we are cleansed of original sin, incorporated into the Body of Christ that is the Church, and begin our life anew as those transformed by the death and resurrection of Christ Himself. It is the role of the father and mother, accompanied by the godparents, to present the child to the Church for baptism. With this in mind, we offer you some guidelines to help make the preparation for your child's baptism fruitful and joyful. Baptism arrangements, preparation, and scheduling are made by appointment only. ​ "Holy Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit (vitae spiritualis ianua ), and the door which gives access to the other sacraments." ( Catechism of the Catholic Church 1213 ) Contact Us What obligations do parents take upon themselves when asking to have their baby baptized? In choosing to have your child baptized in the Catholic Church, you are accepting the responsibility of raising him or her in the practice of the Catholic Faith. The preparation process is conducted under the assumption that at least one of the parents is a believing and practicing Roman Catholic. It is an occasion to reflect on your faith, the faith of the Church, and how you live it out and hand it on in the life of your child. Whether you have been away for a while, or you have a pew at Church that practically has your name on it, your child’s baptism is an opportunity to rediscover and renew your commitment to your Faith in Christ by deeper engagement with the Church. It is as much a chance for a new beginning for you as it is for your child, as you introduce him or her to the full sweep and significance of the Gospel which, if it were all recounted, “the world itself could not contain all the books that would be written”. (John 21:25) For more information, use the 'Contact Us' button above. How do I schedule a date and time? Baptisms and Baptism Preparation are held at various times at our various parish churches. For more information, use the 'Contact Us' button above. Who will administer the Sacrament? Ordinarily, one of the parish priests or deacons will celebrate baptisms in the parish. If a family has a special relationship with a priest or deacon from outside the parish, he is most welcome to come and celebrate the baptism. If you are interested in having a particular priest from the parish baptize your child, feel free to let the Parish Staff know. Visiting priests or deacons must obtain the necessary permission from the parish to conduct the baptism. We will do our best to accommodate your requests. How do I select a Godparent? Each child must have at least one, but may have two godparents or sponsors. If there are two godparents, they must be a godfather and godmother. One godparent must be a practicing and believing Roman Catholic who has received the Sacraments of the Eucharist and Confirmation, be at least 16 years old, and (if married) in a valid Catholic marriage recognized by the Church. Canon Law sets these expectations and expects godparents to be good witnesses of Catholic faith, because it is through baptism that one enters the Church. If someone close to the family is a great example of Christian faith, but is not Catholic, there is the possibility of having such a person act as a witness to the ceremony in a role similar to that of a godparent, but distinct from it. Godparents may be represented by proxies if they are unable to be present for the ceremony. Those serving as proxies must fulfill the same requirements as godparents. Catholics serving as godparents must contact their parish and obtain a sponsor letter or certificate. Please bring the letter or certificate to the baptism. What is the offering cost? Please contact the church you are scheduling the Baptism at to inquire about a Baptism Offering using the "Contact Us" button above. What if I am an adult and would like to receive Baptism? You are invited to find out more about the Roman Catholic Church by participating in the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA). More information can be found here.

Prayers, Rosary, & Spiritual Communion For me, prayer is a surge of the heart; it is a simple look turned toward heaven, it is a cry of recognition and of love, embracing both trial and joy. - St. Thérèse of Lisieux - Manuscrits autobiographiques C25r (CCC 2558) Common Prayers Read More Pray the Rosary Read More Spiritual Communion Read More OUR FATHER Our Father, Who art in Heaven, Hallowed be Thy Name. Thy Kingdom come, Thy Will be done, on Earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen. HAIL MARY Hail Mary, Full of Grace, The Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen. MEMORARE Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thine intercession was left unaided. Inspired by this confidence, I fly unto thee, O Virgin of virgins, my mother; to thee do I come, before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in thy mercy hear and answer me. Amen. GRACE (TABLE BLESSING) Bless us, O Lord, and these Thy gifts, which we are about to receive from Thy bounty, through Christ our Lord. Amen. PRAYER TO ST. MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle. Be our defense against the wickedness and snares of the Devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray, and do thou, O Prince of the heavenly hosts, by the power of God, thrust into hell Satan, and all the evil spirits, who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen. OUR LADY OF FATIMA (QUEEN OF THE MOST HOLY ROSARY) O Mary, Our Lady of the Rosary, Mother of God, Queen of the Angels and of the Saints, I salute thee with the most profound veneration and filial devotion. I renew the consecration of myself and all I have to thee. I thank thee for thy maternal protection and for the many blessings that I have received through thy wondrous mercy and most powerful intercession. In all my necessities I have recourse to thee with unbounded confidence. O Help of Christians, O Mother of Mercy, I beseech thee to hear my prayer, and to obtain for me of thy Divine Son the favor that I request in this novena. (Favor asked) Obtain for me also, dearest Mother, the grace that I may imitate thee and become more like to thee in the practice of the virtues of humility, obedience, purity, poverty, submission to the Will of God, and charity. Be my protectress in life, guard and guide me in dangers, direct me in perplexities, lead me in the way of perfection, and assist me in the hour of my death, that I may come to Jesus, and with thee enjoy Him, bless Him, and love Him eternally in Heaven. Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thine intercession was left unaided. Inspired by this confidence, I fly unto thee, O Virgin of virgins, my mother; to thee do I come, before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in thy mercy hear and answer me. Amen. PRAYER FOR THE CANONIZATION OF BL. MICHAEL MCGIVNEY God, our Father, protector of the poor and defender of the widow and orphan, you called your priest, Blessed Michael McGivney, to be an apostle of Christian family life and to lead the young to the generous service of their neighbor. Through the example of his life and virtue, may we follow your Son, Jesus Christ, more closely, fulfilling his commandment of charity and building up his Body which is the Church. Let the inspiration of your servant prompt us to greater confidence in your love so that we may continue his work of caring for the needy and the outcast. We humbly ask that you glorify Blessed Michael McGivney on earth according to the design of your holy will. Through his intercession, grant the favor I now present (here make your request). Through Christ our Lord. Amen. PRAYER FOR VOCATIONS TO THE PRIESTHOOD IN THE ARCHDIOCESE OF HARTFORD Heavenly Father, You have created us for a definite purpose. Grant us the grace to know the path you have planned for each of us in this life, and to respond with a generous "Yes." Make my parish, my home, and my heart fruitful ground for Your gift of vocations to the priesthood of Jesus Christ. May our young men respond to You call with courage and zeal. Stir among them a desire and the strength to be good and holy priests. We make our prayer for priestly vocations to You, Father, in the Holy Spirit, through Christ our Lord. Amen. ​ Mary, Mother of the Church, pray for us. Saint Joseph, Patron of our Archdiocese, pray for us. Blessed Michael McGivney, pray for us. Common Prayers Spiritual Rosary ABOUT THE ROSARY The Rosary is a Scripture-based prayer. It begins with the Apostles' Creed, which summarizes the great mysteries of the Catholic faith. The Our Father, which introduces each mystery, is from the Gospels. The first part of the Hail Mary is the angel's words announcing Christ's birth and Elizabeth's greeting to Mary. St. Pius V officially added the second part of the Hail Mary. The Mysteries of the Rosary center on the events of Christ's life. There are four sets of Mysteries: Joyful, Sorrowful, Glorious and––added by Saint Pope John Paul II in 2002––the Luminous. ​ The repetition in the Rosary is meant to lead one into restful and contemplative prayer related to each Mystery. The gentle repetition of the words helps us to enter into the silence of our hearts, where Christ's spirit dwells. The Rosary can be said privately or with a group. ABOUT SPIRITUAL COMMUNION In his Apostolic Exhortation on the Eucharist, SACRAMENTUM CARITATIS , Pope Benedict XVI recommended the practice of making spiritual communions. He stated: Even in cases where it is not possible to receive sacramental communion, participation at Mass remains necessary, important, meaningful and fruitful. In such circumstances it is beneficial to cultivate a desire for full union with Christ through the practice of spiritual communion, praised by Pope John Paul II and recommended by saints who were masters of the spiritual life. (n. 55). ​ In his encyclical letter, ECCLESIA DE EUCHARISTIA , Saint Pope John Paul II wrote: The Eucharist thus appears as the culmination of all the sacraments in perfecting our communion with God the Father by identification with his only-begotten Son through the working of the Holy Spirit. With discerning faith a distinguished writer of the Byzantine tradition voiced this truth: in the Eucharist “unlike any other sacrament, the mystery [of communion] is so perfect that it brings us to the heights of every good thing: here is the ultimate goal of every human desire, because here we attain God and God joins himself to us in the most perfect union.” Precisely for this reason it is good to cultivate in our hearts a constant desire for the sacrament of the Eucharist. This was the origin of the practice of “spiritual communion”, which has happily been established in the Church for centuries and recommended by saints who were masters of the spiritual life. Saint Teresa of Jesus wrote: “When you do not receive communion and you do not attend Mass, you can make a spiritual communion, which is a most beneficial practice; by it the love of God will be greatly impressed on you”. There is no, one “official” formula for making a spiritual communion. Below are several forms of spiritual communion that strike us as particularly beautiful. Individual members of the faithful are free to select whichever of these most resonates with their own heart, or to search out other formulas available from Catholic sources. AN ACT OF SPIRITUAL COMMUNION (from St. Alphonsus Liguori) My Jesus, I believe that You are present in the Most Holy Sacrament. I love You above all things, and I desire to receive You into my soul. Since I cannot at this moment receive You sacramentally, come at least spiritually into my heart. I embrace You as if You were already there and unite myself wholly to You. Never permit me to be separated from You. Amen. AN ACT OF SPIRITUAL COMMUNION (from St. Bernard of Clairvaux) As I cannot this day enjoy the happiness of assisting at the Holy Mysteries, O my God, I transport myself in spirit at the foot of Thine altar. I unite with the Church, which by the hands of the priest, offers Thee Thine adorable Son in the Holy Sacrifice. I offer myself with Him, by Him, and in His Name. I adore, I praise, and thank Thee, imploring Thy mercy, invoking Thine assistance, and presenting Thee the homage I owe Thee as my Creator, the love due to Thee as my Savior. Apply to my soul, I beseech Thee, O merciful Jesus, Thine infinite merits; apply them also to those for whom I particularly wish to pray. I desire to communicate spiritually, that Thy Blood may purify, Thy Flesh strengthen, and Thy Spirit sanctify me. May I never forget that Thou, my divine Redeemer, hast died for me; may I die to all that is not Thee, that hereafter I may live eternally with Thee. Amen. ​ ACT OF SPIRITUAL COMMUNION (SHORT VERSION) Oh Jesus, I turn toward the holy tabernacle where You live hidden for love of me. I love you, O my God. I cannot receive you in Holy Communion. Come, nevertheless, and visit me with Your grace. Come spiritually into my heart. Purify it. Sanctify it. Render it like unto Your own. Amen. Lord, I am not worthy that You should enter under my roof, but only say the word and my soul shall be healed.

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