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BIBLE STUDY

In Christianity, Bible study is the study of the Bible by people as a personal religious or spiritual practice. Some denominations may call this devotion or devotional acts; however in other denominations devotion has other meanings. Bible study in this sense is distinct from biblical studies, which is a formal academic discipline. The group will choose and explore different books of the bible each season. For more information, please contact Deacon Tony Conti at: A.M.Conti@outlook.com.

EXTRAORDINARY MINISTER OF HOLY COMMUNION

An extraordinary minister of Holy Communion in the Catholic Church is, under the Code of Canon Law, "an acolyte, or another of Christ's faithful deputed", in certain circumstances, to distribute Holy Communion. The term "extraordinary" distinguishes such a person from the ordinary (normal, regular) minister of Holy Communion, namely a bishop, priest or deacon. Canon law permits that "[w]here the needs of the Church require and ministers are not available, lay people, even though they are not lectors or acolytes, can supply certain of their functions, that is, exercise the ministry of the word, preside over liturgical prayers, confer baptism and distribute Holy Communion, in accordance with the provisions of the law." The term "lay people" does not distinguish between men and women.

The extraordinary minister's function is to distribute Holy Communion, either within Mass or by taking it to a sick person, when an ordained minister (bishop, priest or deacon) is absent or impeded. In order to avoid confusion about this function, an extraordinary minister of Holy Communion is not to be called a "special minister of Holy Communion", nor an "extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist", nor a "special minister of the Eucharist".

Ten years before publication of the present Code of Canon Law, some of these expressions were used in the instruction of the Sacred Congregation of the Sacraments Immensae caritatis of 29 January 1973. They are now reprobated. For more information please contact Marie Jarboe at: olfeucharistic@gmail.com.

SPIRITUAL BREAK GROUP

The Spiritual Break Group meets on the third Tuesday of each month from 10:30 am – 11:45 am. The group meets to pray, share our faith and discuss a book chosen by the group. All are welcome. Please contact Terry Lynn (203-858-8774) or Gale Roeder (203-762-3784).

LECTORS

Lectors have a critical role in the celebration of the Mass. Since the Lector proclaims not just any word, but the Word of God, it is essential that they develop the skills required to communicate God’s message competently.

In the fullness of time, the Word of God took flesh in the person of Jesus of Nazareth. That Word continues to take flesh again and again whenever a man or woman stands up to proclaim it to the community of believers. God chose to work through human instruments, to play his song of love to the world. The ministry of the lector calls for a person to grow in a warm and loving knowledge of Scripture, the living word of God. He or she is invited to enter into a relationship with a Word that is creative, powerful and effective. The call to be a Lector is something that demands preparation. No one should get up to read to the community gathered for worship without this preparation. In becoming a Lector, you are accepting the responsibility to do your best, to practice, to make frequent self-evaluations and to continually look for ways to improve your ability to communicate the Word of God clearly to the congregation.

As a Lector you are entrusted with some of the most wonderful stories to come down through the ages, and it is through these stories that God continues to speak. These are stories about the rainbow that sealed God’s covenant with Noah; about the bush whose flames revealed a God on fire with love for his people; about the rib that became a woman.

As a Lector you must understand each story simply as a story. The ministry of a lector is a wonderful work, and an extremely rewarding ministry. Through your own sacrifice of time, effort, and preparation, God’s living Word continues to be proclaimed to all of his people; the young, the old, the troubled, the hopeless, the happy and to those in need of comfort. To be a lector is to be given an opportunity for your own personal growth in Jesus Christ.

We welcome all newcomers to our ministry. May the Lord be in your heart and on your lips that you may worthily proclaim His holy Word. For more information, please contact Louis Furlo at louis.furlo@morleynet.com

MUSIC MINISTRY

Our Lady of Fatima music program offers something for everyone. Our Music Director & Youth Choir Director is Daniel Alasuvanto and he can be reached at music@olfwilton.org.

THE ADULT CHOIR sings hymns, psalms, and anthems in a wide variety of musical styles at the 10:30 a.m. Sunday Mass. Rehearsals are Thursday evenings from 7:30 to 9:00 p.m. and Sunday mornings at 9:30 a.m. before Mass. All who are high school age and older are welcome.

THE FAMILY CHOIR sings contemporary songs of praise at the 9:00 a.m. Sunday Mass, accompanied by guitars, keyboard, and other instruments. Families, singles, couples, young and old are welcome. Rehearsals are Tuesday evenings from 7:30 to 9:00 p.m. and Sunday mornings at 8:30 a.m. before Mass.

THE CHILDREN'S CHOIR is open to all children in grades K through five. The children sing periodically at the 9:00 a.m. Sunday Mass and on special occasions such as Christmas Eve. They rehearse every Thursday that school is in session from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m. in the Parish Center. Our Children's Choir Director is also our Music Director, Danial Alasuvanto at music@olfwilton.org.