Prayer Vigil for Life Outside Planned Parenthood

This Saturday pro-lifers will gather in New Haven to pray for the end of abortion. They will begin their vigil at 7:30 a.m. with Mass at St. Mary's in New Haven, followed by a half hour of Adoration. They will then drive to St. Joseph's Church (129 Edwards Street). From there, they will process to Planned Parenthood in New Haven, where they will pray until around 10:15 a.m.
For more information, see http://ecclesiadomesticajmj.blogspot.com/.

Year of the Priest Icon Writer from Connecticut

Have you seen this beautiful icon in holy cards at your church? The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops are using it for the Year of the Priest. Iconographer Marek Czarnecki of Seraphic Restorations in Meriden, Connecticut wrote this image of Christ the Great High Priest. Czarnecki explains his icon, “Here Christ is shown in Latin Rite vestments with a gold pelican over His heart, the ancient symbol of self-sacrifice. The borders contain a windig grapevine and altar prepared for the celebration of the liturgy of the Mass; in the borders are smaller icons of Melchizedek and St. Jean-Baptiste Vianney.”

Crossroads Magazine will introduce you to this icon and the iconographer on this week's show. Catch Crossroads Magazine on WTXX on Saturday at 10:30 a.m., and on My TV 9 (WTCX) on Saturday at 10:35 p.m. (right after the 10 p.m. news).

For more about Czarnecki, check out his website here:http://www.seraphicrestorations.com/. You can order a poster of the icon from the National Federation of Priests' Councils here.

St. Padre Pio: The Matchmaker?

St. Padre Pio the matchmaker? The holy priest who had the stigmata for 50 years led a couple to marriage. The couple, now residing in Somers, Connecticut, met back in the 1960s when visiting the friary of St. Padre Pio. They kept in touch and visited after this original meeting. Germain Bianchi wanted to marry the young woman, Ortrud, but she was not so sure. One more visit to see Padre Pio changed all that. The couple says what happened next was a miracle. During that time, the pilgrims would wait for the holy priest’s blessings in separate parlours: one for men, another for the women. Ortrud and Germain were both pulled from their respective crowd and taken to a private area. Both were surprised that the other was there too. Just then, Padre Pio walked in, placed his hands on both of their heads, and gave them a blessing. They took it as sign they were to marry.

Crossroads Magazine will have the whole story this Saturday at 10:30 a.m. on WTXX, and 10:30 p.m. on My TV 9. Tune in for this inspiring story of a Connecticut couple and a modern day saint.

You can read Ortrud's description of this romance story here.

Photo Courtesy: PPPG.org (Padre Pio Prayer Groups).

Military Museum

Keeping with this week's theme, Crossroads Magazine is highlighting the Military Museum of Southern New England, which is located in Danbury, CT. The museum is home to more than 60 war tanks, and over 85 percent of them are in working order and can actually be driven. For the most part the tank collection starts with vehicles made in the early years of World War II and the models continue all the way up until the late 1990s.

The museum was the brainchild of John Valluzzo, a Korean War veteran who was approached by a friend with the idea of a museum devoted to tank destroyers. John began searching for the 9 different types of vehicles used by tank destroyers during World War II, contacting the US government, private individuals, and even other countries in his quest to honor American veterans.

Since the museum first began nearly 25 years ago, its collection has expanded from World War II tank destroyers to all of 20th century mechanized warfare. But the heart still remains the vehicles of World War II.

The museum features over 10,000 artifacts covering nearly 100 years of American military history. The museum also hosts open turret days on the last weekend over every month, so you can get inside many of the tanks and other vehicles in their collection to see what they’re actually like inside. The museum also has a mobile unit that travels to schools and other special events to bring military history to people throughout the state.

Crossroads Reporter Kim Sanders visited the museum for a behind-the-scenes look at those massive tanks.

To see pictures of the tanks and to see them running, click here.

Women Veterans

As we advance into the new millineum, women soldiers are becoming more and more commonplace. But that was not the case back in the 1940s, when Rose DelMonico Murphy joined the service.

Rose is in her 90s and is one of thousands of women veterans in the state of Connecticut. Her acts of kindness and valor as an army nurse have been documented in letters sent home by other soldiers, and live on in her memory, told as heartening stories to younger members of her family.

Rose was stationed in the heart of the south Pacific, and helped to heal hundreds of wounded men.

In honor of the more than 14 thousand women veterans living right here in Connecticut, the state has introduced a new memorial in the veteran’s alcove.

Crossroads reporter Alisha Leavelle honored Rose DelMonico Murphy during our Memorial Day Special. We thought we'd bring it back through the blog in time for Independence Day.

Click here to see Rose's amazing story.

Bringing Rockville Together - Bev's Corner

If you ever find yourself walking around in downtown Rockville (possibly trying to kill time before fighting a traffic ticket, as I was, or maybe visiting someone at RGH, or just browsing the little shops on Union St.), you might notice a big yellow sign: Check Out My Space. God.

It got my attention anyway. I walked into Bev's Corner with no expectations and found a comfortable living room like area with stacks of books lining the shelves and some well-worn couches in the corner by the window. Further in I could see card tables set out, and maybe a dozen people or so either using them to play cards (it looked like UNO) or eating bagels and drinking soda. On the far side, a band stage was set up, ready for Jacob's Well Coffeehouse and their Christian music. The soft buzz in the air was made up of several contented conversations - some about God, Jesus, or the bible, and some about life, the street, and job searching. No one at Bev's Corner had any place to be, and no one at Bev's Corner felt ostracized because of it.

The little space operates in conjunction with Union Church; the pastor's office, in fact, is right down the hall. It's founder is Larry Meehan. He says he and his wife had wanted to start a program like this when they retired. Unfortunately, he lost his wife before that day came. But Larry pushed on. He says God has given him the strength to provide guidance and comfort to those in need, be they coming from the shelter up the road, from the street itself, or just popping in out of curiosity, as I did.

Starting a little over a year ago, with just one visitor in its first six weeks, Bev's Corner has blossomed into an active and constructive hang-out, with dozens stopping by each day.

The Corner is involved with charity work, and recently helped victims of an apartment building fire that all but gutted a five-family house.

To hear the whole story and learn more about Bev's Corner, click here.

The Corner is also a big part of JesusFest, a growing religious block party in the Rockville downtown. JesusFest will take place on July 12 this year, and if you choose to go, be sure to make a stop at Bev's Corner - Larry says a coffee, a bagel and God will waiting for you.

Recreational Water Illness

As summer approaches, you'll soon be making your way to the pools, ponds and rivers of Connecticut. But there are some things you need to know to help keep you from getting sick once you get there.

Common water illnesses show symptoms like a head or stomach ache, or an ear infection. These illnesses can be caused by E.Coli and other micro-organisms found in the water system.

Crossroads reporter Stephanie Valickis explored the common swimming areas of Connecticut, and has tips on where to go this summer, and how to avoid a nasty bug.

Click here for the full story.

Mission Haiti on Crossroads Saturday

A Connecticut man is building an orphanage in Haiti. On Saturday, Crossroads Magazine will introduce you to Moving With The Spirit's Mission Haiti. Hear the inspiring journey of the charity's founder, Catholic musician and speaker Sean Forrest. Watch our show for these and many more good news stories from the crossroads of Connecticut.

In order to build an orphanage, the mission needs help. Learn how you can pitch in here.

Live Mass at St. Francis of Assisi in South Windsor

The Office of Radio and Television goes live in South Windsor this Sunday for to broadcast a Mass on location.

Established in 1941, more than 1400 families attend St. Francis of Assisi Parish. Initially parish Masses were offered at the town hall auditorium on Main Street as plans were drawn for a new church. That church was dedicated on November 29, 1942. Currently, St. Francis of Assisi Parish is undergoing a church expansion to accommodate an ever-growing congregation.

Join us at St. Francis of Assisi Church, Sunday, June 7, at 10 a.m.
673 Ellington Road, South Windsor, CT 06074

Connecticut Catholic Bishops Fight Death Penalty

Connecticut's House and Senate have voted to repeal capital punishment and replace it with life in prison without the possibility of release. This bill will soon go to Governor Jodi Rell, who has promised to veto the legislation. The six Catholic bishops of Connecticut have urged the Governor to reconsider her decision in this letter posted on the Catholic Conference of Connecticut's website. The Conference is asking you to urge the Governor to sign H.B. 6578.

Motorcycle Run for Nursing Homes

The Home-to-Home Foundation is a non-profit organization that works to enhance the quality of life for residents in long-term care facilities. They provide social activities and volunteer programs for those living in nursing homes.

The Home-to-Home Foundation's fourth annual bike run will be held on May 30, 2009 at the Prospect VFW in Prospect, CT. Registration begins at 9 a.m. at the Prospect VFW, and the motorcycle ride starts at 10. A picnic will follow the ride at 1 p.m. with music, food, and a bouncer for the kids. Barbeque courtesy of Cafe 1650.

Riders- $20, Passengers- $10, Picnic only- $20, and kids under 10 years of age get in for free. Call (203) 591-9061 for further details.

Crossroads Magazine will be there, and will bring you full coverage of the event.

Chastity with Jason Evert

Sex is everywhere these days, and many parents, Catholic and otherwise, are at a loss as to how to guide their children to make the right decisions as they begin to grow up in what's become a very different and more fast-paced world than ever before.

Jason Evert is a world-renowned speaker on teenage sex and chasity, and to help parents in their mission to educate their youngsters, Saint Paul High School in Bristol invited him to speak to hundreds of students there, in a school-wide assembly in March.

Getting Jason was no easy task. School leaders say they were on a two-year waiting list. The speaker is so effective, schools and organizations all over the country have him speak to their youth. Since he can't be everywhere at once, Jason has also written several books, like Pure Love and Romance Without Regret, and he has even made DVDs, to help children in their journey into adulthood.

With funny stories, lively anecdotes and a penchant for talking like a teenager himself, Jason Evert seems to really connect with the kids. He says he started by trying to talk women out of abortions, and his career took shape from there. He now talks to more than 100,000 students a year.

Click here to hear some of Jason's talk yourself, and see what all the fuss is about. If you'd like to see where Jason will be next, you can go to his website, http://www.chastity.com/

Help and Hope Breakfast

The Catholic Charities is holding their annual Help & Hope Breakfast tomorrow morning at 7:30 at the Marriott Hartford Downtown.

All proceeds from the breakfast will go to basic human needs for children throughout Hartford, Litchfield & New Haven Counties.

Chris Dailey, Associate Head Coach UConn Women's Basketball will be the guest speaker and
Diane Smith of CPTV's "All Things Connecticut"will be the master of ceremonies.

Changing the Death Penalty in Connecticut

Connecticut’s death penalty law is being reviewed, and may be changed as early as this week.

On Friday, the legislature’s judiciary committee discussed the state's death penalty law, to determine if it should be repaired, completely scrapped or left as is. The panel reviewed proposals by Chief State's Attorney Kevin Kane that aim to address lengthy delays in implementing the death penalty law.

The committee voted 24-13 in March to advance a bill to abolish the death penalty, with supporters calling the existing law unworkable and expensive. At that time the committee had also asked Kane to come up with proposals for a more workable death penalty.

Kane's plan calls for streamlining the appeals process by implementing time limits and changing the practice of automatically delaying execution every time an appeal is filed.

Just one inmate has been executed in Connecticut in nearly 50 years - convicted killer Michael Ross in 2005. Ross was executed only after he requested it and he had to wage a legal fight to do so.

Alisha Leavelle has studied the death penalty laws in the state of Connecticut. Click here for the detailed story.

Crossroads Magazine will continue to bring you updates on the changing law.

Archbishop Blesses New School Rooms

In a gym auditorium, surrounded by students aged 5 to 13, Archbishop Henry Mansell spoke about the importance of spirituality in schools before blessing three new areas of Our Lady Of Mercy in Madison.

The school renovated it library, science room, and child growth center using donated funds. The rooms have been in use since December, and Dr. John Alfone, the school's principal, says they’re grateful to Archbishop Mansell for his kind words and blessing.

During the ceremony, the students, from kindergarten to eighth grade, sang hymns, read the gospel and even quoted Shakespeare.

Crossroads Magazine will have the full story next weekend, on TXX and MyTV9.

Day of Prayer

Although the National Day of Prayer has been somewhat downplayed by the White House, Connecticut still has several events in which you can participate. If you were unable to attend any today, many events are taking place tomorrow as well.

To find events in your area, click here.

Live Mass at The Shrine of St. Anne, Waterbury

Each month, ORTV broadcasts a Mass in a different parish live for TXX. On May 3rd, we will be at St. Anne's Church, in Waterbury.

The Shrine of Saint Anne, in Waterbury, became a church in the 1880s after French-Canadians living in the city decided to open a parish of their own. Now, more than 600 families worship there. In 2006, Archbishop Henry Mansell declared the church a Shrine. This means the site is now marked for pilgrimage, where motherhood is honored.

Over the years, St. Anne's has gone through two fires, and it has had some major reconstruction work done. Its sanctuary was recently completed; brought back to its original gilded splendor, and slowly the church is being restored to its former glory.

The Office of Radio and Television, through the generosity and facilities of Counterpoint Communications, Inc., is honored to share with all of Connecticut this prayerful celebration of the fourth Sunday of Easter.

If you would like to attend, the address is 515 South Main St., Waterbury, CT. The Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m., May 2, 2009.

SB 899 Passes - Voter Reaction

SB 899, the same-sex marriage codification bill, has passed through both the Senate and the House of Representatives, but not without a strong amendment protecting religious freedom. The amendment allows church organizations to opt out of the requirements of the law, meaning priests will not have to wed gay couples, nor will organizations such as the Knights of Columbus have to rent their halls for that purpose. Archbishop Henry Mansell personally thanked Catholics across Connecticut, saying that constituent phone calls and emails to representatives resulted in the amendment. He spoke on WJMJ.






Governor Jodi Rell says she will sign the bill when it reaches her desk. It then goes into effect in October of 2010. Crossroads Magazine asked voters, senators and lobbyists what they thought of the law, and what it means for residents. Click here to hear the full story.

Live Mass at St. Francis of Assisi in Naugatuck

The Office of Radio and Television offers a daily televised Mass on TXX at 10 a.m. Once a month, we're honored to take our television crew on the road to highlight a parish in Connecticut, and televise their Mass, live on location.

This month, we'll be at St. Francis of Assisi parish in Naugatuck, on Sunday, April 26.

There are 2,400 families that make up the St. Francis parish, which is the oldest Catholic Church in Naugatuck. It's located prominently in the center of town.

The origins of the parish date back to the late 1840s when Waterbury and Derby priests started celebrating Mass in private homes and in the Naugatuck Hotel. It soon moved to Water Street. This first small wooden church, named St. Anne, received mission status and was dedicated in 1860. Six years later, St. Anne mission was elevated to parish status, changing its name to St. Francis of Assisi. It later moved to Church Street, where it remains today.

If you'd like to attend, the parish is located at 318 Church Street. The Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Sunday, April 26.