"The rulers sneered … the soldiers jeered … one of the criminals hanging there reviled Jesus." Is this the King of the Jews, the King of the Universe? If it is so, perhaps his kingdom is not at all what we would expect! In his letter to the laity, St. John Paul II spoke about how Christians share in the kingly mission of Christ. First, "they exercise their kingship as Christians, above all in the spiritual combat in which they seek to overcome in themselves the kingdom of sin." In other words, before we give any thought to transforming society, we must first allow God to transform us. Through daily prayer, regular self-examination, and frequent confession, we can recognize our faults more readily and choose love instead!

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! We Did It!

I cannot thank our donors, sponsors and supporters enough for a successful inaugural "Kick off" to the Pastor's Dinner Club fundraiser. Despite the frigid weather that was lurking at every corner, Torrington Country Club was packed with over 200 people of great faith and admiration of the work we are doing to make St. John Paul the Great Academy the most effective way to bring, form and make disciples of Jesus of all God's children and their families. (USCCB, Renewing Our Commitment, Our Greatest and Best Inheritance; CARA, 2015).

The superb choreographed singing by our school children added to a beautiful evening. The commitment and relentless generosity of our donors and supporters made the fundraiser a success.

Dear Parishioners of St. John Paul the Great:

The Annual Collection is underway at Saint John Paul the Great. I sent a letter to you, and to every parish household, last month seeking your support. The initial response has been encouraging – thanks be to God!

ST. JOHN PAUL THE GREAT 2019 Annual Parish Collection Update as of Oct. 31, 2019: $79,369. Families participating: 452

We are very grateful for the generosity shown by so many parish families to our Annual Collection. If you have not yet had an opportunity to return your pledge card, please do so as soon as possible. Every gift is welcome and sincerely appreciated.

Dear Brothers and Sisters:

I write to inform you that beginning January 4, 2020, there will be a revised Weekend Mass schedule at Saint John Paul the Great Parish. Through much prayer, feedback, careful examination of weekend Mass attendance data, consideration, consultation with parish council and staff, and discussions with all who attended the town hall meeting held on Tuesday October 22, I have decided to change the weekend Mass schedule to: One Vigil Mass @ 4:30 PM at St. Peter; Sunday: 7:00 AM at St. Francis; 8:30 AM at St. Peter; 10:00 AM at St. Francis; 11:30 AM (Spanish) at St. Peter; 5:00PM (life-teen Mass) at St. Francis. We are eliminating the Saturday 5:30PM Vigil at St. Francis and the Sunday 11:30 AM English at St. Peter. The Sunday 1:00 PM Spanish Mass will now be held at 11:30 AM.