March for Life - Washington, D.C.

Hundreds of thousands of people are pouring into Washington D.C. to protest abortion for the annual March for Life. Office of Radio and Television reporter Jason Calvi is with a group from the Archdiocese of Hartford. Tonight there will be a special Mass, which, we're told, more than 10,000 people will attend. Tomorrow, a pro-life breakfast, another Mass, and then the march itself. WJMJ and Crossroads Magazine will be there live and bring you reports throughout the day.

Circus Nuns

The circus came to Bridgeport's Harbor Yard, and if you missed it, don't worry, it comes every year.

But there are many things going on behind the scenes, that a show-goer would never see, like, for instance, the religious sisters helping the performers and their children.

The circus is like a travelling city. The train in which the families live is a mile and a half long. There are food carts, animal carts, living space carts, equipment carts, all lined up and all moving across the country at a fairly decent clip. On Mondays and Tuesdays, the circus crew travels, on Wednesdays - Sundays, they put on a show in a new location.

Many take their families with them. 10-year-old Katherine Stuart says the circus life is "not so weird." She goes to school, five days a week, for five hours a day. Sr. Dolores Fabritze teaches her history, math, English and geography, to name just a few subjects. The school day looks a bit different from a circus train, though. They are in "school" from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and that school is really whatever back room the venue provided them. They must unpack their books and tools from movable carts, and then pack them all back up again five days later when they leave. After school, the children can't really do sports or participate in extra curricular activities, but they spend time in the nursery and with the performers, as their parents ready for that night's show.

Sr. Fabritze and other religious personalities make sure that the sacraments are provided to the performers who request them. They also provide bible studies and personal healing for those on-board the train.

If you'd like to see more of what goes on behind the scenes at the circus, tune in to Crossroads Magazine, at 10:30 a.m. on TXX and 10:30 p.m. on MyTV9.

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.

2-1-1 and Food Stamps

United Way of Connecticut’s 2-1-1 is a state-wide service for those in need, in need of food, shelter, information, programs... anything, really.

Leaders in the group say the economic distress calls are increasing with one of the biggest jumps being requests for help with food. 2-1-1 can point people to WIC services in their area or even DSS services like cash assistance and food stamps.

Since last year, there have been 54 percent more calls just for food stamps, a program now called SNAP. SNAP stands for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program; it’s designed to provide additional funds for households to purchase healthy foods.

The federal stimulus package passed by the Legislature earlier this year provides for additional SNAP benefits, increasing those benefits by 13.6 percent.

Applicants no longer need to visit a DSS regional office…the entire process can be completed over the phone, through the mail or online. Everything is done with an electronics benefits transfer card, meaning the person in need would simply get an EBT card, take it to the store and use that for their grocery purchases. This makes usage easy and gives the person a lower profile than years ago when the stamp method was used.

The amount of the benefits depends on the household income and expenses; the figure remains in place for the duration of the certification period - usually a year. The benefits also carry over from month to month, so an EBT card is very similar to having an electronic bank account for the snap benefits.

Although about 127,000 families in the state are enrolled in SNAP. There are several thousand more that are eligible. 2-1-1 is available 24 hours a day, and anyone can call.

Priest Fashion Designer on Crossroads Magazine

As we shared with you here on the blog, New Haven native Fr. Andrew O’Connor is a priest of the Archdiocese of New York who leads the charity Goods of Conscience. It is an apparel line Cameron Diaz recently wore in Vogue Magazine. Julia Roberts will also wear some of the organization's clothing in the upcoming film Eat, Pray, Love.

You maybe wondering, "Why in the world is a priest a fashion designer?" We will bring you the answer this Saturday on Crossroads Magazine. That's at 10:30 a.m. on WTXX, and 10:30 p.m. on My TV 9 in Connecticut. Just a little hint at the answer: Father truly believes his charity work is a perfect opportunity to live Catholic social teaching. He is also reaching out to many people searching for faith answers.

For more information on Goods of Conscience, check out their website here.

Baby Massage

When times get stressful, sometimes you just need a massage, but many doctors say massages aren't just for adults. If you have a fussy baby, massaging him or her can help calm him down, improve sleep patterns and help digestion. It can even help with their growth and development.

Crossroads reporter, Alisha Leavelle explored the benefits of baby massage on Crossroads Magazine in May. Click here to see the techniques you should use to soothe your baby whether they have tummy trouble, colic, or are just generally fussy.

Environmental Stewardship

This weekend on Crossroads Magazine, we are devoting our show to energy and the environment. Tune in to learn about a proposal to turn garbage into gas. See how junk becomes art. Learn how the sun can power your home.

In addition, we will feature a report about global warming. We spoke to Yale Professor Dr. Ellen Thomas, who studies microscopic organisms in the Long Island Sound. In her research, she finds evidence that the sea is rising. These findings lead her to argue the world is warming.

To help protect the environment, many Catholics, including the Pope and the U.S. Bishops, are urging good environmental stewardship. Learn more about what some individuals and parishes are doing to chip in. Watch Crossroads Magazine this Saturday.

For more information on Church pronouncements on the environment, check on the Catholic Coalition on Climate Change website.

U.S. Bishops' Letter on climate change is here.

Catholics are pledging to do things to reduce their carbon footprints. Many, including Hartford's Archbishop Henry Mansell, are joining the Catholic Climate Covenant. You can join by taking the St. Francis Pledge. You can find out more and make the pledge here.

For people or parishes who want to get involved in the Archdiocese of Hartford, you can contact Jennie Graustein or Lynn Campbell at the Office of Urban Affairs at 203-777-7279.

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.

Ready for Some Peace and Quiet?

Life has its challenges. The stresses of daily life can weigh us down. That is why increased numbers of people are seeking spiritual rejuvenation, a time of rest, relaxation, reflection, and prayer. This weekend on Crossroads Magazine, reporter Jason Calvi will bring us to a sanctuary of peace, Holy Family Passionist Retreat Center in West Hartford. The economy is actually leading more people to the quiet confines of Holy Family, one of the country's largest retreat centers. Find out how some time away from the stresses of everyday life can refresh your body, mind, and soul. Check out Crossroads Magazine this Saturday at 10:30 a.m. on WTXX (CW 20) and 10:30 p.m. on WCTX (My TV 9).

For more information on Holy Family Passionist Retreat Center, click here.

There are several retreat centers in the Archdiocese of Hartford. Some are open for groups; others welcome individuals for day, weekend, and week long retreats; some provide directed retreats and conferences:

• Holy Family Passionist Retreat Center, West Hartford
• Montfort House, Litchfield
• Our Lady of Calvary Retreat House, Farmington
• Trinita, New Hartford
• Wisdom House Retreat Center, New Hartford
• The Archdiocesian Center at St. Thomas Seminary, Bloomfield

(Photo courtesy: Brandon Nappi, Holy Family Passionist Retreat Center)

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.

Alex's Lemonade Stand

On this week's Crossroads Magazine, reporter Jason Calvi shares with us the inspiring story of Alexandra Scott. Alex, who was born in Connecticut, was diagnosed with childhood cancer during her first year on this earth. Wanting to make a difference in the lives of cancer patients like her, she turned to the best money making idea she could come up with: selling lemonade. That little Connecticut stand raised thousands of dollars for cancer research when Alex was just four years old. Before she died at the age of 8, Alex raised over $1 million! Now, Alex's Lemonade Stands are sweetening the country, with thousands of people setting up their own stands. The organization has raised more than $25 million for pediatric cancer research.

As the weather warms up, why not stop by an Alex's Lemonade Stand near you. Find a location here.

For more information on the foundation, or to find out how you can set up your own Alex's Lemonade Stand, check this site.

Watch Crossroads Magazine this Saturday for the inspiring story of one local stand. Also, hear from Alex's father, Jay Scott. Crossroads Magazine airs all across Connecticut on WTXX on Saturday at 10:30 a.m., and 10:30 p.m. on My TV 9.

Photo Courtesy: Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation

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.

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.

Two Deacons To Be Ordained Priests

After years of preparation and anticipation, Deacons Robert A. Morgewicz and Marcin P. Pluciennik will be ordained to the priesthood, on Saturday May 9th by Archbishop Henry J. Mansell at the Cathedral of St. Joseph.

Crossroads Magazine will be there for the ceremony, and will bring it to you later in the week.

The Catholic Transcript has already previewed the event.

Best of luck to Deacons Morgewicz and Pluciennik.