Catholic pg 3 3-12-15
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By Ron P. Coderre
The United States annually celebrates a variety of groups and causes by designating them as National Weeks. One of the more recently designated and probably little known weeks is National Catholic Sisters Week, which is being celebrated from March 8 through 14. The week was originally initiated as part of National Women’s History Month.
Created to honor women religious, the mission of NCWS is to enlighten and to bring focus to the lives of these incredible women and recognize them for all they’ve done for society. Women religious or sisters have been in our country for almost 300 years. During this time these women have run schools, hospitals and orphanages, while helping to foster a culture of social service that has permeated our society, according to news analyst and author Cokie Roberts.
Today these courageous and devoted women continue to serve God through their diverse ministries of helping people. While some remain cloistered and live in contemplative prayer, most can be found working on the frontlines of society teaching, caring for the sick, homeless and disadvantaged. Their purpose is to make the world a better place for others as they fulfill a number of roles in society.
Most people in Putnam and the surrounding region are directly or indirectly familiar with “Sisters” because of the presence of the Daughters of the Holy Spirit, who arrived in Connecticut shortly after the start of the 20th century. Approximately 100 years ago, around 1915, the Daughters of the Holy Spirit, who were then known as Les Filles du Ste. Esprit, arrived in Putnam.
Founded in France more than 300 years ago, these women came to French-speaking communities in America because they had been banned from teaching in schools in their homeland. They began teaching at St. Mary’s School and eventually opened Putnam Catholic Academy and Annhurst College. Those institutions were originally all female but later became co-educational schools.
Though their American headquarters was established in Putnam, when the order purchased the Morse Mansion on 72 Church St., many of the sisters also worked in locations throughout the U.S. and the world. At the height of their membership, around 1950, there were approximately 500 religious women who were part of the Daughter of the Holy Spirit in the U.S.
Their mission, which encompassed nursing, homecare, service to the disadvantaged and healthcare in addition to education, carried the sisters to locations along the East Coast, throughout New England and New York, and into Alabama and as far west as California. They also established missions in Africa, South America and Haiti.
Today according to Sr. Gertrude Lanouette, Provincial Leader in the U.S., there are approximately 80 sisters that remain in the U.S. province. Most of these women are retired and elderly but many continue to carry on the mission despite their declining years.
On a walk through the Provincial House a visitor will encounter learned women, who are welcoming, caring, cheerful, loving and devoted to God through prayer and service. Their lives have been ones of poverty, chastity and obedience, while living the gospel message.
Over the years the Daughters of the Holy Spirit and sisters in many orders have witnessed many changes. Sisters in the past were clad in habits that have evolved over the years. The sisters have gone from the long dresses and coiffes to the civilian garb that many wear today. Those who labor in the community usually drive an automobile, something that was unheard of in years gone by. Some sisters live in apartments in the community as opposed to the former life in the convent.
Despite this evolution there is one thing that’s remained constant in the life of a sister, devotion to God. This devotion has provided the strength to these religious women to carry out their mission, whether it be teaching youngsters in a far away land, working with individuals addicted to drugs or alcohol or tending to the sick and even to people with HIV. The women who have heeded the calling to serve God and humanity have not strayed from that mission.
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Program pg 3 3-12-15
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Program
NORWICH — CorePlus Federal Credit Union is hosting a workshop to educate members and the general public about Home Mortgage Refinancing options on March 26, starting with registration and snacks at 6:30 and the seminar and Q&A at 6. Ends at 7. It will be held at the credit union, 202 Salem Tpke. Free, Open to the public. RSVP at any CorePlus branch, call 860-886-0576 x 3171.
Calendar pg 4 3-12-15
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Thur. March 12
Community Forum
WOODSTOCK --- The Board of Education will hold a community forum on the upcoming budget from 7 to 8:30 p.m. in the Woodstock Middle School cafeteria. The community is invited to ask questions, offer budget-related suggestions, and enjoy complimentary refreshments and childcare. Citizens wishing to submit questions prior to the forum are urged to email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Fri. March 13
Civil War Program
CANTERBURY --- The Canterbury Historical Society will present “Civil War Author and Blogger John Banks On Connecticut’s Role in the Battles of Antietam and Gettysburg” after its 7 p.m. business session at the Town Hall Community Room. Free. All welcome. www.canterburyhistorical.org
Corned Beef Dinner
POMFRET --- The Pomfret Senior Center is having its St. Patrick's Corned Beef Dinner at 5 p.m. at 5:00 at Seely-Brown Village (400 Deerfield Road). All seniors are invited, but seating is limited. $10/pp Limited to the first 50 people. Call 860-928-2744 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday-Friday. Payment will be collected at the door. Checks should be payable to Pomfret Senior Center.
Irish Night
WOODSTOCK --- The United Services’ 14th annual Irish Night, will be held at the Inn at Woodstock Hill. Benefits the Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Support Groups throughout Northeastern Connecticut. $40. 860-774-2020.
Sat. March 14
Volleyball Fund-raiser
POMFRET --- The Putnam Lions Volleyball Challenge will be held March 14 and 15 at the Strong Fieldhouse at Pomfret School. For information on fielding a team or for donations, call 860-617-4142 or go to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
TLGV Program
EASTFORD --- The Last Green Valley will present a Maple Sugar Tour from 10 a.m. to noon at Town Line Tree Farm on Weeks Road. No cost to members, but registration is required: 860-774-3300.
Beef-Cabbage Dinner
E. WOODSTOCK --- The East Woodstock Congregational Church will host a Corned Beef and Cabbage Dinner at 6 p.m. Music provided by Cashel Rock. Adults; $15; children under 10; $8. Take out available at 5:45. 860-928-7449.
Fund-raiser Basketball
WOODSTOCK --- Woodstock Academy’s non-profit organization Family Related Effective Solutions for Humanity (FRESH) will hold its first Three-on-Three Basketball Tournament beginning at 10:30 a.m. at the Academy. FRESH invites 5th – 8th grade basketball players to participate in the tournament, which serves as a fund-raiser for the organization’s scholarship fund. “FRESH is committed to providing access to local summer camps,” Teams may register on the Woodstock Academy website or on the day of the event. Registration will begin at 10:00 a.m., each team must be accompanied by an adult and have a signed permission slip. Team fees are $10 with the option of an additional $2 for a team cheerleader. 928-6575.
Sun. March 15
Breakfast
N. GROSVENORDALE --- The Knights of Columbus Council 2087 on Riverside Drive will hold a made-to-order breakfast from 7 to 11 a.m. $7. 860-923-2967.
Thur. March 19
Basketball Shootout
PUTNAM --- The Putnam Rotary Club’s Ray Brousseau Senior Game will be held at the Putnam High School gym. Girls’ game starts at 5:30; boys at 7. Admission $1 students/senior citizens $3 adult.
Garden Conference
STORRS --- The UConn 2015 Garden Conference will be held at the UConn campus. Fee. Registration required. 860-486-6740.
Fri. March 20
Rummage Sale
WOODSTOCK --- The First Congregational Church, UCC, on Rt. 169 will hold a spring rummage and white elephant sale from 2 to 5 p.m. March 20 and from 9 to noon on March 20. A bake sale will be held March 20. 860 923 2887
Sat. March 21
Empty Bowls Supper
PUTNAM --- The Congregational Church of Putnam, downtown, will hold its Empty Bowls Supper fund-raiser with two seatings, one at 4:45 and one at 6 at the Elks Club on Edmond Street. $20. Benefits IHSP/Daily Bread. For more information and tickets/reservations, call 928-4405.
State Rep Discussion
PUTNAM --- Mayor Tony Falzarano will moderate a discussion with state reps from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Selectmen’s chambers at the Town Hall. Townspeople are welcome to ask questions and get explanations of the state budget or other questions of Sen. Mae Flexor and Rep. Danny Rovero.
Sun. March 22
Pancake Breakfast
CANTERBURY --- The Finnish American Heritage Society's Pancake Breakfast will be held from 8 to 11 a.m. at the Finnish Hall on Rt. 169. $8 for adults; $4 for kids under 12.
Mon. March 23
Photo Exhibit
POMFRET --- The Connecticut Audubon Society at Pomfret’s Grassland Bird Conservation Center on Day Road and the Quinebaug Valley Photography Club will present an exhibit and sale of their 4th annual Focus on Nature photography contest through May 10. 928-4948.
Tues. March 24
Program
DANIELSON --- The TVCCA’s new RSVP Veterans Coffeehouse will present “American Volunteer Group – Flying Tigers (Chinese Air Force group during WWII)” at 10 a.m. at the Killingly Community Center (park in rear). All welcome. Free. 860-774-9286.
Wed. March 25
Book Sale
ASHFORD --- The Friends of Babcock Library will hold a Spring Book Sale from 3 to 8 p.m. March 25, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 26, from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. March 27 and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. March 28 at Knowlton Hall on Pompey Road.
Thur. March 26
Book Presentation
EASTFORD --- Local author Katie Hill will present her book “Bridget's Home” at 7 p.m. at the Eastford Library. Come join us for her presentation in a skit about the Irish. Refreshments. All welcome.
Sat. March 28
Flea Market
OXFORD, Mass. --- The First Congregational Church on Main Street will hold an indoor community flea market from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the church. Coffee and lunch available. Vendors needed. 508-987-2211.
Lasagna Dinner
BROOKLYN --- The Federated Church of Christ at routes 6 and 169 will hold a Take Out Lasagna Dinner between 4:30 and 6:30 p.m. $10.
Sun. March 29
Palm Sunday Concert
PUTNAM --- The Congregational Church of Putnam, downtown, will present its Palm Sunday Ecumenical Concert at 3 p.m. Reception follows. Freewill donations accepted.
Fri. April 10
'Nunsense'
PUTNAM --- The Bradley Playhouse will present "Nunsense" at 7:30 p.m. April 10, 11, 17, 18, 24, 25 and at 2 p.m. April 12, 19 and 26. $23 and $20. 860-928-7887.
Fri. May 1
'The Boxcar Children'
PUTNAM --- The Complex for the Performing Arts will present "The Boxcar Children" at 7 p.m. May 1 and at 2 p.m. May 2 and 3 at the Bradley Playhouse. 860-963-7170.
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Menus pg 5 3-12-15
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Woodstock schools
Monday: Cheeseburgers, baked beans, fruit. Tuesday: Meatball grinders, carrots, fruit. Wednesday: Mozzarella sticks, marinara sauce, fruit. Thursday: Hot turkey sandwiches, green beans, fruit. Friday: Pizza, corn, fruit.
Pomfret Community
Monday: - No school - Professional Development. Tuesday: Chicken nuggets, carrots, grapes, strawberries. Wednesday: French toast sticks, scrambled eggs, hash browns, bananas. Thursday. Mr. Fox's pizza, broccoli, apples. Friday: Hamburgers, baked beans, Kids' Snack Mix, pineapple cups or applesauce.
Putnam Elementary/Middle
Monday: Popcorn chicken, orange sauce, veggie rice, broccoli. Tuesday: Cheeseburger Bowls, cucumber and tomato salad. Wednesday: Hot dogs, baked beans, cole slaw. Thursday: Spaghetti, meatballs, salad. Friday - Wolf Meal: Beef burgers, sherbet.
Putnam High
Monday: Baked chicken, mashed potatoes, gravy, green beans. Tuesday: Pasta Primavera, Penne with Italian sausage, zucchini, carrots and cheese. Wednesday: Crispy chicken sandwiches. Thursday: Clipper Burger, sweet potato fries, cole slaw, sherbet. Friday: Pizza, mixed greens salad.