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Albertus Magnus Students Swap Spring Break for Ohio Mission Work

Story by Joe Pisani

Six students from Albertus Magnus College of New Haven went on spring break. But they did not go to Florida; they traveled to Ohio to perform mission work.

They were part of the first Albertus Magnus Spring Break Mission Trip to Columbus, where they did service work for different ministries of the Dominican Sisters of Peace, whose motherhouse is located in the capital city.

“Going to Florida may be cool, but doing community service and helping people out who are in need is more impactful than sitting on the beach,” says Owen Griswold of New London, a junior majoring in criminal justice/pre-law.

For him, the highlight of the week was the four hours the group spent packing 2,760 meals for the Columbus-based LifeCare Alliance. The nonprofit organization distributes the meals to homebound residents.

Service is a fundamental part of life at Albertus Magnus and one of the four pillars of the Dominican charism — prayer, study, community and service. The college was founded in 1925 by the Dominican Sisters of St. Mary of the Springs, now known as the Dominican Sisters of Peace.

“That’s how we live our lives every day,” says Sister Cathy Buchanan OP, the campus minister who organized the trip. “All 19 Dominican colleges and universities have the same four pillars, so there is a shared culture, no matter where they are. When we go to conferences, we talk about the different pillars and what they mean to us. Since service is one of our pillars, students know from the day they arrive that’s what they’re buying into.”

Students from Albertus Magnus College visit a rehabilitated wetland space at Shepherd’s Corner Ecology Center, a ministry of the Dominican Sisters of Peace. Education and Program Assistant Susan Butler, front, and Program Manager Miranda Land, far left, explain how Shepherd’s Corner supports the congregation’s care for Earth as prescribed in Pope Francis’ encyclical, Laudato si’. SUBMITTED PHOTO

Sister Cathy, who made her first vows three years ago and is now temporary professed, knows about service. After a 27-year career in law enforcement, she was looking forward to retiring to Florida and sitting on the beach. But God had a different plan, she says, which includes working with young people and starting a new life with the Dominican Sisters of Peace.

She describes the spring break in Ohio as “amazing.”

Sister Cathy Buchanan, OP, introduces students from Albertus Magnus College to the Dominican Sisters of Peace living at the Columbus motherhouse during lunch.
SUBMITTED PHOTO

“Everything went perfectly, considering this was our first time going,” Sister Cathy says. While there, the Albertus students also met fellow students from Ohio Dominican University.

During the week, the group toured the Martin de Porres Center, a place dedicated to spirituality, education and the arts, and had an opportunity to do farm work and feed the animals at nearby Shepherd’s Corner, the Dominican ecology center.

Also, they visited the Dominican Learning Center, which offers adult learning classes in ESL, GED and Adult Basic Education. In between their service work, the students were able to pray, meet many of the 150 sisters who live in the Dominican Motherhouse, and give them thank you cards of appreciation during Catholic Sisters Week, celebrated March 8 to 14.

“Jesus was all about helping people and giving back, and that is what we did, just as Jesus did,” says Griswold, who is a resident assistant and an admissions ambassador at Albertus.

The trip had special meaning for him since he became a Catholic last year at the Easter Vigil, when he was baptized, received First Communion and was confirmed.

He made the decision to enter the OCIA process after talking with another student at the National Dominican Preaching Conference. Before that time, he says, “I didn’t have much faith at all.”

Sister Cathy says the Albertus Magnus students, who were inspired by their experience this year, have already begun preparing for a spring break mission trip next year.

‘What Are You Going to Do with Your Life?’ A Guide to Fulfilling God’s Purpose

Column by Joe Pisani

I have a confession to make. I buy more books than I read. It’s been this way a long time, and sometimes I think that instead of being an avid reader, I’m actually a compulsive book buyer. 

So while I was perusing titles on my Kindle recently, looking for eBooks that I probably won’t get around to reading, I found one that interested me by an author the Dalai Lama called “one of the greatest thinkers of the age” and Time magazine — that arbiter of the world’s most influential people — described as “one of the five saints of the 20th century.”

Despite all the hoopla, I never heard of him. The writer was J. Krishnamurti, who sold millions of books, the most popular of which was “What Are You Doing With Your Life?”

How can you resist a title like that? It’s a provocative question, so provocative that most people don’t want to ask it, and if they do, they respond with a mundane answer like “I’m enrolling in community college and then I’ll transfer to a four-year school and become a physical therapist.” Or “I want to get married, raise a family and make a lot of money.” Or “I’m just trying to ‘find myself.’”

There are countless responses, but once you scratch the surface and go deeper, you realize not many people have a great answer to the question, “What are you doing with your life?”

I dipped into the book, but wasn’t particularly inspired, probably because I already had the best answer to that question, and its best answer for all of us: “Whatever God wants me to do with my life.”

Most people are reluctant to consider that option because they figure God will tell them to do something that scares them, such as enter the monastery and become a contemplative or commit to a life with no fun, no possessions, no TV and no social media. (Now, that I think about it, that doesn’t sound so bad.)

The simple irrefutable truth — and I’m no guru like that author — is God has a plan for your life, and it’s infinitely better than your plan, so if you want to know what he’s thinking, all you have to do is ask.

God created you for a purpose. That’s not my original thought, but I’ll use it because it’s the truth. And with God, we can achieve great things beyond the comprehension of our puny minds. He uses all of us to bring about his kingdom if we’re willing to turn our will and our lives over to his care. He uses us even in our imperfection and weakness, which is pretty amazing.

No matter what our calling is, every morning we should ask, “God, what do you have planned for me today?” because he always has plans. Also, don’t forget to say, “God, don’t go too far because I’m sure I’m going to need you.”

Let me tell you a story about a woman named Anna Rodriguez, who described herself as a “wild child,” who liked to party and go on road trips with her friends … until she had a personal encounter with the Eucharistic Lord, which inspired her to leave her job and her boyfriend.

Many years ago on Sept. 8, the Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Anna went into an Adoration chapel and her life was never the same again.

“I was before the Blessed Sacrament, and I wondered, ‘What am I feeling?’” she told me. She remembers asking, “Dear Lord, what am I going to do with my life?”

She always loved horses and immediately thought of the blinders they wear in the mountains, so they can stay focused and not be distracted by the cliffs.  

Then, she heard a voice say, “Put the frame on just like you put on your horse. Look forward and not to the side … and I will be there.”

“That’s when I knew, the Lord wanted me to be a sister,’” she said.

Today, Mother Anna Rodriguez is the superior of the Convent of Mary Immaculate of the Missionary Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament and Mary Immaculate in Bridgeport.

She didn’t know what to do with her life, but God did. She so asked, and then she listened.

No matter how old you are — teenage, middle-age or senior — ask God: “What do you want me to do with my life?” And you’re guaranteed to get the best answer possible.

Local Parent Educator Featured in Catholic Charities’ Traveling Museum

Story by Joe Pisani

Marcus Wilson grew up in foster care and understands the importance of having a secure family environment.

For the past five years, as a parent educator for Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Hartford, he has helped many families by providing the tools they need so parents and children can break the cycle of insecurity and develop stronger relationships.

In recognition of his work with Parent Support Services, Wilson has been selected with 40 other employees and volunteers, chosen from 169 Catholic Charities nationwide, to be featured as part of the People of Hope Museum, which highlights ministries and services of Catholic Charities.

“The museum will bring to life their meaningful and memorable encounters with families and individuals in need,” says Scott Griffin, director of Communications & Public Relations for Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Hartford.

The museum, which is housed in a tractor-trailer, will travel around the country and be available to the public April 14 to 15 at the Cathedral of St. Joseph in Hartford.

Visitors will view the video stories of Wilson, record their own stories of hope and service and gain a greater understanding of poverty in the state and country, Griffin says.

“To have one of our people, who is serving the community, featured in the museum is an incredible honor, and we are very proud of Marcus,” Griffin says. “He and his team visit people in their homes to help parents create stronger families. They are among 11,000 individuals we served last year. Even though we are a faith-based organization, you don’t have to be Catholic to receive services. You only have to need help, and Catholic Charities is here to help.”

The goal of Parent Support Services is to establish a family environment that has “a circle of security,” Wilson says.

“A lot of parents were never taught how to know when their children are seeking security because they didn’t have it when they were growing up,” he says. “Some parents never thought about it or just didn’t know.”

The program’s curriculum has two components: one is designed to give parents the tools to make their children feel secure by providing the emotional support, and the other establishes a structured home environment that has rules, rewards and a routine.

One important skill parents should have is the ability to listen to their children, Wilson says.

“Sometimes children need reassurance, and parents have to know how to give them their undivided attention and listen,” he adds. “But if the parents grew up in a home without affection or they were ignored, they might not have those skills, so we bring awareness to them. We can’t fix the problem, but once parents are given the knowledge, they can use it and make the choice to seek help or develop the skills they need.”

Jennifer Raines-Pusey, program manager for Parenting Support Services, praised Wilson.

“Marcus brings incredible heart to this work,” she says. “His compassion is genuine, and families feel it right away. He has a special way of meeting parents exactly where they are, without pressure or pretense, and helping them see their own strengths.”

She adds that Wilson is deeply committed to helping families grow and succeed.

“He truly lives out the mission of Parenting Support Services every day, which exists to walk alongside families who are often overlooked or struggling quietly,” she says.

The People of Hope Museum will be open to the public at the Cathedral of St. Joseph, 140 Farmington Ave., Hartford, from April 14 to 15 in the rear parking lot off Asylum Avenue.

Rest in Peace: Rev. Henry C. Frascadore

Rev. Henry C. Frascadore died yesterday at the age of 92, just one day shy of his 93rd birthday. He was ordained a priest on May 7, 1959. Funeral arrangements and obituary may be found here: https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/southington-ct/henry-frascadore-12808762

Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord. May Perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul and the souls of all the Faithful Departed thru the Mercy of God rest in peace.

New Student Newspaper in West Haven Connects the Catholic Community

Story by Shelley Wolf

When students at St. Lawrence School in West Haven were asked about their interests for an upcoming career day, many said they wanted to learn more about media and journalism. That sparked the idea for an old-fashioned Newspaper Club that is teaching foundational journalism skills, using today’s technology for print and digital publications.

“This is teaching them the basics that will carry them into the future,” says Bambi Grestini, alumni relations director and one of three Newspaper Club advisers. “I’m so excited by the number of students who have stayed and come out of their shells.”

In the fall of 2025, The Chargers’ Voice, a student newspaper, published its inaugural print issue, with a digital issue planned for March, and another print issue set to publish in June. The publication is produced by 35 students in grades five through eight, who meet after school most Mondays in the school library.

The school retired its old alumni newsletter in favor of the new student newspaper, which now blends interesting tidbits about teachers, students, staff and alumni all in one student-run publication.

The advisers help the students to develop their own ideas. “This is their voice,” Grestini says. “It’s amazing how their minds work.” Now the student newspaper is charming parents, parishioners and alumni alike, solidifying their Catholic identity through the generations.

“They’re enjoying the stories. They’re loving it,” Grestini says of the adults. That’s because parents, parishioners and alumni want to know what students are up to these days, she says.

The entire Newspaper Club displays the first issue. “They couldn’t get them out of the boxes fast enough,” Crestini says. PHOTO COURTESY ST. LAWRENCE SCHOOL

Among many articles, the inaugural issue included bite-sized stories introducing new and returning teachers, a brief essay on the importance of attending the monthly school Mass, and one-sentence understandings of God contributed by first graders. There was also an update on the Cooking Club and the results of a pizza poll.

Additionally, the back page highlighted the alumni Class of 1965 reunion, with a quote from an attendee and photos. A fun list of the price of staples in 1965 also appeared: 31 cents a gallon for gas and 53 cents for a dozen eggs.

The News Navigators edit their fellow writers’ stories. PHOTO COURTESY ST. LAWRENCE SCHOOL

Students shared tidbits about the school’s early history, including a color photo of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Chambéry, founders of the school. “Whatever these kids come up with in their heads, we bring it to life,” Grestini says.

Divided into four teams, the students call themselves the News Navigators, Creative Crew, Layout & Design Team, and Faith in Action as they write, fact check, edit, and assemble the text and photos. “If they want to change groups they can. We keep it open,” Grestini says. “We just grounded them into teams so they can see what they like.”

The school is working with makemynewspaper.com, which offers teaching suggestions and printing. The students use Chromebooks, Google Classroom and Canva, an online graphic design tool, before uploading to the printer.

In addition to learning about story generation and layout, students are introduced to schedules, deadlines and printing costs. “We’re trying to give them real-world experience,” Grestini says.

With a different theme for each issue, the March digital issue is focused on sports and science, plus a new feature called “Unsung Heroes,” including interviews with first responders and the school office staff. The June issue will offer a year in review.

Decree on the Merger of the Parishes of Saint Ambrose, North Branford and Northford, Connecticut and Saint Elizabeth of the Trinity Parish, North Haven, Connecticut

Guilford Parish Offers Support for Those Living with Mental Illness

Story by Joe Pisani

Almost 25 years ago, Deacon Adam Michaele was moved by a heartbreaking situation when a young woman had her engagement broken and lost her friends because of mental illness.

“She had nothing and no one to go to, and we knew we had to do something,” he recalls. That’s when he and his wife Rose began a mental health ministry to offer people suffering from loneliness to depression, stress, autism and anxiety a place to turn for support. Since then, they have assisted dozens of people, most of whom had nowhere to turn.

The Mental Health Ministry Spiritual Support Group is hosted by St. George Parish in Guilford and has members from the shoreline parishes. Meetings are held on the campus of St. George Church.

“The group offers a safe and confidential environment where people who live with mental illness can meet and share their experiences, their concerns and their faith,” says Deacon Michaele. “It is not group therapy, and behavioral health professionals are not involved, but through support, prayer and reflections, members can grow closer in their relationship with our loving God.”

Deacon Adam is a certified Catholic mental health minister with a master’s degree in spiritual and pastoral care. He was a founding board member of the Association of Catholic Mental Health Ministers, and three years ago received the Archdiocese of Hartford’s social justice award for his work.

Rose Michaele provides spiritual accompaniment and previously facilitated a group for caregivers.

“My wife Rose has been there every step of the way and offers a gentle touch and womanly perspective that I cannot provide,” Deacon Michaele says.

“People in the group offer support for each other, and a camaraderie has built up,” Rose says. “Some of them live alone and don’t have family, some can’t drive, and older members are lonely and feel their vulnerability. Many suffer from the stigma associated with mental illness and don’t want to speak about it because they’re afraid of being ostracized.”

Meetings begin with a prayer, and Deacon Michaele asks them to share their experiences while members offer suggestions when someone has a problem. Later, they discuss a spiritual reading or the Gospel. The meetings end with a blessing, and Rose gives them treats to take home.

The Michaeles also take members to events, such as the St. George Thanksgiving Day dinner and the parish annual carnival.

“We support them and try to get them out so they’re not home alone,” Rose says. “Sometimes we treat them to lunch and a movie, which they look forward to.”

Members are required to adhere to certain rules.

“We have rules about confidentiality,” Deacon Michaele says. “If they have a therapist, they can’t abruptly stop treatment without having a plan to get another one. They also can’t abruptly stop their medication.”

During the week, the Michaeles make themselves available to members.

“Anyone can come in any time and sit with us if they have a problem,” Deacon Michaele says. “We get calls and support them with our prayers and understanding. The door is always open.”

The Mental Health Ministry Spiritual Support Group meets the second and fourth Sundays from 2 to 4 p.m. in the Ruiz Center on the campus of St. George Church, 33 Whitfield St., Guilford. For dates and more information, contact St. George Parish, 203.453.2788.

Catholic Transcript: Spring 2026

Club at East Hartford Parish Builds Bonds, Nourishes the Souls

Story by Jim Tierney

At the heart of the North American Martyrs Adult Social Club in East Hartford is something simple but powerful: people who show up for one another. For many members, the club is the one place where they know they will be greeted by name, welcomed with a smile and surrounded by others who genuinely care about them.

Being a member of the Adult Social Club for St. Christopher and St. Mary churches is far more than attending a monthly meeting; it is a lifeline of friendship, purpose and joy for older adults who might otherwise feel isolated.  

Jean Nowik, a member for more than 10 years, uses one word to describe why she loves the club. “Friendship,” she says.

For many older members who don’t use computers, Nowik adds, the club is their main social connection. “It’s like visiting old friends,” she explains. “There is a great sense of community.”

The club’s caring spirit runs deep. Members drive one another to gatherings, celebrate birthdays and look out for anyone who needs help. This spirit of dedication is reflected in longtime member and club president Joan Perrone.

Perrone has been part of the St. Christopher Church community in East Hartford since 1962, raising her family there and building lasting friendships through its many social groups. After her husband Frank’s passing last May, she continues helping the club thrive by working with other members to prepare and set up for the meetings, which are held at St. Christopher Church.

What keeps members, ranging in age from 60 to 95, coming back?

“They like us and how we treat them,” Perrone says. “They don’t have to drive very far to get there, they like the entertainment and they like meeting up with their friends and acquaintances.  I believe they have fun and laugh a lot.”

Long before each meeting begins, dedicated members arrive to prepare the hall — setting up tables, arranging name badges, testing sound equipment and making sure the smell of fresh coffee fills the room.

And when those doors open, the atmosphere shifts completely. The room erupts into laughter, whether it is triggered by someone wearing a funny hat at the Funtucky Derby, a spontaneous game of make-believe baseball or comedic antics.

The club though is serious about one thing only: making sure people enjoy themselves. The themes, decorations, speakers, entertainment, music and games are chosen with the same purpose — to give members something to look forward to, to smile about and to cherish.

With an aging membership and volunteers that are hard to find, the club remains a testament to what can happen when people care enough to keep showing up, Perrone says.

Joan Perrone is standing at the lectern where she runs meetings as president of the North American Martyrs Adult Social Club in East Hartford. The meetings are held at St. Christopher Church. SUBMITTED PHOTO

“I don’t know for sure how we have impacted members’ lives or relationships, but I believe we have given them some small moments of fun, entertainment and inclusion,” she says. “All I can do is try to make sure that when they come in those hall doors, they enjoy themselves. If that makes them a little happier when they leave, I’m happy.”

Connecticut March for Life Set for March 18 in Hartford

Story by Shelley Wolf

This year will mark the sixth annual Connecticut March for Life, a day for pro-life advocates to communicate to the Connecticut State Legislature their desire to protect and safeguard all human life.

Note: This year’s events will begin earlier. The 2026 Connecticut March for Life is set for March 18 with the rally at 11:30 a.m. on the grounds of the Connecticut State Capitol, located at 210 Capitol Ave., Hartford, followed by the march around Bushnell Memorial Park at 12:30 p.m.

At 10:30 a.m., there will also be a pre-rally concert at the Capitol with praise and worship music, courtesy of the worship team at Revelation Church from Bozrah.

“Many people, especially politicians, believe there is little opposition to abortion in our state. This March sends a much different message,” says Deacon David Reynolds, associate director of public policy for the Connecticut Catholic Public Affairs Conference, the public policy and advocacy office of Connecticut’s Catholic Bishops.

“Not everyone in Connecticut is happy with the complete lack of restrictions on abortion in our state,” the deacon says. “In past years thousands have attended the March. The larger that number, the stronger the pro-life voice will be in Connecticut. It also gives pro-life legislators in our state, which are few in number, the support they need to continue the fight for life.”

Organizers of the March are asking all Catholics to join them to signal their support for protecting all human life, from conception to natural death.

“Catholic social teaching requires us to be thoughtful citizens,” Chris Healy, executive director of the Connecticut Catholic Public Affairs Conference, said in a recent video at the start of this year’s legislative session. “Your voice matters when it is heard, so be heard.”

Pro-life advocates, with both handmade and pre-made signs, march under the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Arch in Bushnell Memorial Park. PHOTO BY AARON JOSEPH

Healy advises staying informed about issues that affect your values, getting to know your elected officials, and making a commitment to attend the Connecticut March for Life at the State Capitol. He will be one of the speakers at the March for Life.

Thousands gather on the lawn of the Connecticut State Capitol in Hartford for the day’s events. PHOTO BY AARON JOSEPH

This year’s main speaker will be Radiance Foundation’s Ryan Scott Bomberger, whose birth mother gave him up for adoption.

In addition to Healy, the roster of other speakers includes: Jennie Bradley Lichter, president, March for Life; Peter Wolfgang, president, Family Institute of Connecticut; Gerry Williams, radio show host for WIHS and master of ceremonies; Bishop Richard F. Reidy, Bishop of Norwich, who will offer the closing prayer; and Pastor Jeremiah Johnson of Vox Church, Hartford.

The Connecticut Pregnancy Care Coalition is also sponsoring a student sign contest with prizes for the best handmade signs, with judging at 11 a.m.

Prior to the event, Healy recommends scheduling an appointment to speak with your legislator on March 18 to discuss your concerns about any possible bills. Or you can stop in to make a future appointment. You can also write a polite letter or e-mail, sharing your concerns.

Before You Go: For more details about Connecticut March for Life, including a map, parking, and buses, visit ctmarchforlife.org. Contact your parish for transportation provided by the Knights of Columbus.

To find your legislators, and to sign up for action alerts and newsletters on legislative matters from the Connecticut Catholic Public Affairs Conference, visit ctcatholicpac.org.

The Connecticut March for Life is hosted by the Connecticut Catholic Public Affairs Conference, the Family Institute of Connecticut, and the National March for Life.