Thank you to all who are serving or have served in our Armed Forces and those who gave their life in service to our Country!

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We are hopeful that 100% of our registered households will respond to the 2025 Bishop’s Appeal. While the level of sacrifice will differ from parishioner to parishioner, an Appeal gift this year is within the reach of the majority of our people. Please prayerfully consider supporting the Bishop’s Appeal with a pledge or one-time gift as your means allow. Your support is much needed and will be greatly appreciated! To learn more please visit: https://www.2025BishopsAppeal.org Thank you for your support.

We thank the 148 donors for this year’s appeal. The parish has raised $47,940.00 which is 71% of our goal. We will be mailing a special letter this week to past donors. We hope to meet our goal by June 30th. We look forward to hearing from you.

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Congratulations

We would like to recognize and congratulate all our parishioners who completed their college studies this year. May God bless you with a bright and fulfilling future!

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Thank you to all who visited and supported the Women of Grace Mother’ Day Plant & Goodie sale!

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May Rosary Challenge

On April 6th, during our “Upper Room” program. Each one of our Faith Formation program received a Rosary. Our children were introduced to the prayers of the Rosary. May our children challenge us to pray the Rosary during May. Please feel free to take a rosary from one of our candle stands in church.

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Hospital and Nursing Home

Please let the Parish Office know if you are currently in the hospital or Nursing Home. We will keep you in our daily prayers.

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“Women of Grace”

The Daily Prayer Group phone line is open. You can leave your intention request by calling 203-377-0928 x117.

The Rosary Group meets Wednesday’s at 6:30pm in the Church followed by scriptural Meditation & reflection.All are Welcome to participate. Our next meeting will be held on May 20th at 7:00pm in Madonna Hall. Please join us as we welcome Marion Najamy, art curator of the late Fr. John B. Giuliani collection. She is coming to our meeting to share and show some of Father John’s art work.

SAVE THE DATE – Family Game Night on May 16th from 6:00pm to 8:00pm in the gym. RSVP with sign up sheet in church or call 203-377-0928×113.

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Lord’s Kitchen – The volunteers from Our Lady of Grace Parish will be serving the meal at the Lord’s Kitchen on Monday, May 26th. We ask our parish family to keep our volunteers in their prayers as they take care of those who are in need. Our volunteers also ask the help from parishioners by donating bars of soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, and toilet tissue. We are accepting monetary donations to assist with the meal expenses! The collection buckets will be available outside the rectory garage on May 17/18 to receive your donations.

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Liturgical Volunteers

We realize that people are busier than ever today, but volunteering can be an opportunity for you to share your unique gift with your Church. Schedules are flexible so please consider joining our team! Training is available for Readers, Eucharistic Ministers, Greeters and Ushers. The benefits are great! If interested contact Cathy Nucera at 203-377-0928 x113

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Diocesan Vocation Prayer

Heavenly Father, renew your presence among us through the gift of the ministerial priesthood, through which we are given the gift of the sacraments, most especially the Eucharist. Grant courage to those whom you are calling to serve at your altar as priests, 20 that they may receive your call with generosity and respond with their whole hearts. May the stewards of your mysteries grow in number and persevere in holiness of life. We ask this through Christ, our Lord. Amen.

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The prayer intention for the Catholic Holy Year of 2025 is to reawaken hope for the coming of the Kingdom of God.

Prayer intention

“Father in heaven, may the faith you have given us in your son, Jesus Christ, our brother, reawaken in us the blessed hope for the coming of your Kingdom” Pray Daily!

Holy Year Prayer

Father in heaven, may the faith you have given us in your son, Jesus Christ, our brother, and the flame of charity enkindled in our hearts by the Holy Spirit, reawaken in us the blessed hope for the coming of your Kingdom. May your grace transform us into tireless cultivators of the seeds of the Gospel. May those seeds transform from within both humanity and the whole cosmos in the sure expectation of a new heaven and a new earth, when, with the powers of Evil vanquished, your glory will shine eternally. May the grace of the Jubilee reawaken in us, Pilgrims of Hope, a yearning for the treasures of heaven. May that same grace spread the joy and peace of our Redeemer throughout the earth. To you our God, eternally blessed, be glory and praise for ever. Amen.

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Question of the Week – May 11 – Fourth Sunday of Easter – Protected by Christ

Jesus said, “My sheep hear my voice. I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one will snatch them out of my hand.”  (John 10:27–28)

Acts 13:14, 43-52 • Paul’s and Barnabas’ address to the gentiles
Revelation 7:9, 14b-17 • Rejoicing of the elect of every nation
John 10:27-30 • Words at the feast of the dedication of the Temple

Adults: Whom do you try to protect as Christ protects you?
Kids: Who helps you feel safe and protected? Whom can you take care of and help feel safe?

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We would like to thank our on–line donors for their support of our parish. We would like to ask our donors to check their accounts. We have noticed that your credit card may have expired or you have changed account numbers. Your financial support to our parish are important! Please call (203) 377–0928 x113.

Click on “On-Line Giving Button” on our website or by clicking this link, https://www.osvhub.com/olgstratford/funds. For customer assistance please call 1-800-348-2886 choose option 1 or the Parish Office at (203) 377-0928 x113.  To insure the proper date for your donation, we will be announcing each month the second collections and their dates:  May 17/18 – No Second Collection: May 24/25 – Second Collection – Hope for the Future.

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CallingPost – Please watch for our calls each Friday night at 7pm. If you wish to receive our parish CallingPost call 203–377–0928 X113.

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Our Lady of Grace Social Media – You can view Sunday mass on the website, Facebook or YouTube!

Please Like and Follow  Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church Stratford CT on Facebook!

Our Lady of Grace Roman Catholic Church Stratford CT. Please subscribe to our channel.

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