COLUMBIETTES

In 1939, Monsignor J. Francis McIntyre, at that time Chaplain of the New York Chapter Knights of Columbus, and who later became Cardinal McIntyre of Los Angeles, California, seeing great numbers of women coming out of a Communist rally at Madison Square Garden, conceived the idea of a ladies organization to work with the Knights of Columbus. The New York Chapter Knights of Columbus formulated a plan for such an organization. Their plan called for the establishment of Auxiliaries in each Council and to coordinate the efforts of all under the direction of one parent group. On March 2, 1939 the first Columbiettes were instituted in New York City. Since that memorable day, many new auxiliaries were formed and eventually State Councils and a Supreme Council were established. New members are initiated in these subordinate Auxiliaries and it is only through the integrity, strength and scope of these Auxiliary activities that the Columbiettes have become a recognized group of women working with the Knights of Columbus, promoting the ideals of Columbianism. For more information, please contact Patty Terranova at:p.a.terran@gmail.com.

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KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS

Thanks to the efforts of Father Michael J. McGivney, assistant pastor of St. Mary’s Church in New Haven and some of his parishioners, the Connecticut state legislature on March 29, 1882, officially chartered the Knights of Columbus as a fraternal benefit society. The Order is still true to its founding principles of charity, unity and fraternity.

The Knights was formed to render financial aid to members and their families. Mutual aid and assistance are offered to sick, disabled and needy members and their families. Social and intellectual fellowship is promoted among members and their families through educational, charitable, religious, social welfare, war relief and public relief works.

The history of the Order shows how the foresight of Father Michael J. McGivney, whose cause for sainthood is being investigated by the Vatican, brought about what has become the world's foremost Catholic fraternal benefit society. The Order has helped families obtain economic security and stability through its life insurance, annuity and long-term care programs, and has contributed time and energy worldwide to service in communities.

The Knights of Columbus has grown from several members in one council to more than 14,000 councils and 1.8 million members throughout the United States, Canada, the Philippines, Mexico, Poland, the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Panama, the Bahamas, the Virgin Islands, Cuba, Guatemala, Guam and Saipan. K of C meeting time is 8:00 PM every third Monday. For more information, please contact Grand Knight Jamie McDowell at: JamieMcDowell5154@gmail.com.

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OLF MEN'S GROUP

The Men's Group is in active pursuit of men in order to connect them to God, His Word, and other men for the purpose of winning, growing, and training God's man in Christ.
 
We know one thing for sure -- God will use the heart and life of anyone who chooses to make himself available to Him. The Bible says, "Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit." This is the great commission spoken by Jesus Himself. In other words, Jesus Christ is commissioning His followers to go into the entire world and reproduce believers. This is a big calling.
 
This raises a question. How do we reproduce believers? Can a men's ministry enable a man to better understand his calling in life and how to achieve it? Can a men's ministry challenge a man to grow deeper in intellect, emotion, and spirit? Can a men's ministry teach men how to stay sexually pure? The answer to this question is a resounding yes!

The group was founded in March 2007 by then pastor Rev. Michael C. Palmer and a core group of men in the parish. It was intended to be a men's fellowship designed to enrich our relationship to God and apply our faith to our daily lives as well as helping the men of the parish form new friendships and enjoy existing ones.

The group traditionally meets at 6:30 am on Saturday mornings for coffee, followed by a discussion at 7 am in the Parish Center. We meet early so that people can still make other Saturday obligations. Beginning with prayer and the study of Scripture lessons and passages, the major part of the time together consists of small group discussion and the sharing of successes and struggles as members of families (husbands, singles, fathers, etc.) seeking to live out their discipleship to Jesus as members of His church family.

The group is open to ALL men of the parish and is meant to be a social and spiritual extension of our parish community. Please consider dropping by, discussing topics that include being a better Catholic man/husband/father or sign up to receive our emails. You are truly welcome anytime that you can make it. For more information, please contact Marty Kennedy at: mkennedy3@optonline.net

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MOM'S BOOK CLUB

We are a group of women from all walks of life with different professions and backgrounds. Bringing diverse perspectives and experiences to our discussions is what makes our group so special. And what we have in common makes our group amazing! We are all mothers looking to deepen our relationship with God. For more information, contact Maggie Kelly or Amy Palma at kmaggiechris@gmail.com.

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MOMS AND TOTS

Moms and Tots Program was created on the philosophy that structured routine, play and social interaction are key factors in the development of a child's self-esteem and confidence. Moms & Tots Mommy and Me Classes encourage parents and loved ones to share in the development of their child's social skills, cognitive abilities, fine and gross motor skills, understanding of language and literacy and independence - all while having FUN together! Learn and Grow While Having Fun!

Moms and Tots understands that babies and toddlers learn, grow, and thrive  by following a routine. Moms & Tots classes provide just the right amount of structured activities to stimulate a child's senses and teach them valuable skills.

Our age-appropriate activities keep children stimulated while helping to improve attention span and listening skills. These activities include:

• Arts & Crafts
• Free Play
• Sensory Play

Unlike other programs, we don’t separate our classes by activity, such as music, movement and art; we combine them all into one class that remains consistent with how children learn best. This group has been taken over by the OLF School Moms and meets on the school premises during the school year. See contact info in the sidebar section.

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THEOLOGY ON TAP

Where can you be educated about your faith while conversing with others and drinking a beer? Theology on Tap is held at a different restaurant at 8 pm. Dates are published in the Sunday bulletin. Sample topics include: Raising Catholic Children; Marriage; Pain and Suffering. Father Reggie speaks on a chosen topic and then a discussion takes place around that topic. For more information or to join, please contact Donna Savage at dmarie.savage@yahoo.com.