Our Lady of the Snow Catholic Church 175 Blue Point Avenue Blue Point, New York Telephone:

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1 Our Lady of the Snow Catholic Church 175 Blue Point Avenue Blue Point, New York Telephone: October 5, 2014 Twenty Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time God s peace will guard your hearts and minds (Philippians 4: 6-9) 6 MASS SCHEDULE WEEK DAY MASSES: Monday Friday 8:30AM in Mother Church WEEKEND MASSES: Saturday 5PM in Large Church Sunday 7:30AM in Mother Church 9AM, and 11:00AM in Large Church SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION: Saturday 4PM 4:30PM in Large Church Monday 6:15PM 7:15PM in Mother Church EUCHARISTIC ADORATION: Monday 6PM 8PM in Mother Church MIRACULOUS MEDAL NOVENA & BENEDICTION: Monday 7:30 8PM In Mother Church Visit us online! Human life is sacred because from its beginning it involves the creative action of God and it remains forever in a special relationship with the Creator, who is its sole end. God alone is the Lord of life from its beginning until its end: no one can under any circumstances claim for himself the right directly to destroy an innocent human being. --The Catechism of the Catholic Church This quote is from the beginning of the Catechism s commentary on the Fifth Commandment. From this flow all the Church s moral teachings on life issues. Some argue that the Church is inconsistent because she forbids abortion but permits the taking of life in other circumstances. But note that what she forbids is the taking of innocent human life. Self defense, war, even capital punishment may sometimes be permitted because the criminal (an individual or a nation) is NOT innocent. That makes all the difference in the world. It s why we incarcerate the guilty and set the innocent free. It s why we deplore the mugger but admire one who steps in to stop a mugging. To deny the distinction between guilt and innocence is a short road to moral chaos. We must not intend the direct killing of the innocent.

2 The Pastoral Team Clergy Rev. Edward R. D Andrea, Pastor Rev. Msgr. Charles Fink, Parish Administrator Rev. John Amoah, Associate Pastor Deacon Frank Hartmann Deacon Edward Karan Retired Clergy Deacon Robert Gronenthal Parish Staff Mrs. Beth Rivalsi, Director of Faith Formation for Adults Mrs. Patricia Bartoldus, Director of Faith Formation, K-9 Mrs. Diana Mongan, Director of Outreach Mrs. Theresa Martin, Director of Music Parish Office: Fax: Mrs. Lindsay Butler, Parish Asst., ext. 11 Mrs. Loraine Gonzalez, Admin. Asst., ext. 10 Hours: Monday -Thursday 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Friday 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m.-2 p.m. ourladyofthesnowbp@gmail.com Religious Education: Mrs. Eileen Mulry, Secretary, ext. 15 Mrs. Susan Gressler, C.R.E., ext. 14 Office hours: Monday Thursday 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. & 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. olsbpre@aol.com Faith Formation for Adults: Mrs. Beth Rivalsi, Director of Faith Formation for Adults olsbeth@aol.com Parish Outreach: Mrs. Diana Mongan, Director Mrs. Patricia Fulco, Outreach Assistant Office hours and food pantry, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. Monday - Thursday in the cottage Evening Hours Available by Appointment olsoutreach@yahoo.com For full information on all sacraments, sponsor requirements for Godparents/ Confirmation Sponsors, schedules and dates, please consult our website, or call the Parish Office. SACRAMENTAL INFORMATION (631) extension 10 Rite of Christian Initiation (R.C.I.A.) Persons interested in becoming Catholic and adults who have not received Confirmation or First Eucharist, please contact Beth Rivalsi at Marriage: Arrangements must be made at least six to twelve months in advance. It is advisable to call the church prior to arranging the reception. Baptisms: Are celebrated on the second Saturday and fourth Sunday of most m o n t h s. Please visit our website at com for complete information. New parishioners: Please register at the parish or call , ext. 10 for information. Communion for the Homebound: To make arrangements to have Communion brought to the home, please call the parish office at , ext. 10. For emergency sick calls, please call the parish at any time.

3 A Message from Father Charles Fink Page 3 October 5, 2014 My dear parish family, This weekend we celebrate Respect Life Sunday. I know that many within the Church, even more outside, disagree with some of her teachings concerning the sanctity of all human life from conception until natural death. It s true that there seems to be a growing consensus against capital punishment, and, even more clearly, most people are horrified at the wanton public beheadings of innocent victims by Jihadist fanatics. But on many other issues abortion, assisted suicide, euthanasia the tide would appear, even among Catholics, to be turning against the Church. Every one of her teachings concerning the respect we ought to have for all human life, however, is rooted in a few simple principles: that we are made in the image and likeness of God, that God is the Lord and Giver of life, that because human beings are essentially equal in their nature, one must never directly take an innocent human life, for to do so would be to set oneself over another in a way only God has a right to do. I d ask you to carefully reread that last paragraph. Is there anything in it with which you disagree? If not, consider what follows from adhering to these principles. The Church doesn t say that what follows from them is always easy or convenient or that it may not cost us dearly. She is not naïve; nor is she unfeeling. But she preaches a gospel of life in the name of the God -man, Jesus Christ, who said we must take up our cross each day and follow Him if we are to be His disciples and friends. None of us does this perfectly. All of us fail. But it s one thing to say I ve failed, even to say I don t think I can live up to the Church s teaching on some particular issue, quite another to say that because her teaching is difficult, it must be wrong. Think about this: the Church doesn t force anyone to accept her teachings. She proposes them for our good. We re free to reject them, and many do; but would the world be a better place without her voice raised in defense of human life and the dignity of every living person? Human nature tends to take the path of least resistance, the easy way out. Isn t it a blessing that there is a strong, consistent voice calling us to a higher standard? If you don t own a copy of The Catechism of the Catholic Church you should, if only as a clear, authoritative reference work. Read the section on the Fifth Commandment, paragraphs (they re numbered). Then do your best to live up to and support the Church s teachings, especially the hard ones, and entrust yourself to the mercy of God. We re all in His hands anyway, and there s no safer place to be, whether we re saints or sinners. With love and prayers, Fr. Charles Fink

4 Prayers & Intentions Page 4 October 5, 2014 MASS INTENTIONS FOR THE WEEK October 6 12, 2014 Saints and Special Observances also indicated Saturday: Oct 4 5:00 p.m Fr. Fink Sunday: Sept 28 7:30 a.m. Fr. Amoah 9:00 a.m. Fr. Amoah 11:00 a.m. Fr. Fink MASS PRESIDERS Subject to Change Monday Oct 6 St. Bruno 8:30AM Respect All Life Tuesday Oct 7 8:30AM Joan Mulrenan Wednesday Oct 8 8:30AM Jack Dobbins Thursday Oct 9 St. Denis & Companions; St. John Leonardi 8:30AM Jack Lavista Friday Oct 10 8:30AM Jane Opel Saturday: Oct 11 5:00 p.m Fr.Amoah Sunday: Oct 12 7:30 a.m. Fr. Fink 9:00 a.m. Fr. Fink 11:00 a.m. Fr. Amoah Saturday Oct 11 Blessed Virgin Mary 5:00PM Cecelia Harrington Jacqueline Pesante Martin & Dorothy Wedegis Sunday Oct 12 7:30AM Parishioners 9:00AM Anthony Ariganello 11:00AM Joseph Sirianni Stella Dillon Marjorie Rush Readings for the Week Monday Galatians 1: 6-12; Luke 10: Tuesday Galatians 1: 13-24; Luke 10: Wednesday Galatians 2: 1-2, 7-14; Luke 11: 1-4 Thursday Galatians 3: 1-5; Luke 11: 5-13 Friday Galatians 3: 7-14; Luke 11: Saturday Galatians 3: 22-29; Luke 11: Sunday Isaiah 25: 6-10a; Philippians 4: 12-14, 19-20; Matthew 22: 1-14 Pray for Our Sick We pray for all who are sick, for their healing in both body and spirit. In Sympathy For all who have died this past week, that they rejoice in the heavenly banquet John Hunt Jr. BOOK TALK SERIES WITH MSGR. FINK The building of the Kingdom of God In the works of J.R.R. Tolkien Join Msgr. Charles Fink as he discusses the literature of J.R.R. Tolkien. Refreshments will be served. October 19, :00 4:00 PM In the library of the Immaculate Conception 440 West Neck Road, Huntington For more information, call ext. 141 or libraryweb@icseminary.edu Mass intentions for deceased persons are indicated with a It is the policy of Our Lady of the Snow that the intention of each priest who celebrates a parish Mass will be for the intentions listed in the Parish Mass intention book. Lt. Col Christopher Ederle Major Meghan Ederle Capt Kyle Brown 1st Lt. Tara Brown Gomez 1st Lt Thomas Gomez Ensign Sean Brown 3/c Midshipman Shannon Brown Army Specialist Justin Brown

5 Stewardship and Prayer We have 2 beautiful opportunities for prayer in our parish during the week: Adoration and Benediction on Monday nights from 6-8 p.m. in the Mother Church Through his letters to the various communities of faith, St. Paul offers some excellent advice. In today s reading from his epistle to the Philippians, he urges them to have no anxiety at all the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Of course, we may be familiar with the adage, easier said than done. St. Paul is trying to remind us that if we trust in the Lord, if we turn to the Lord regularly, if we view the Lord as our constant companion and supporter, many of the trials we face and many of the burdens we bear will be easier. People who have a consistent and faith-filled prayer life understand both what St. Paul is saying and the truth of what he says. Two important facets of lives of stewardship are prayer and trust. Too often we may become overly self reliant, trying to carry our crosses without the help of the Lord. Develop a prayer life and awareness that Jesus is there to help, every day in every way, and the world can be a much more positive place. As St. Paul tells us in the final verse of today s second reading if we do all of this Then the God of peace will be with you The Rosary for Peace on the following days at 4:45 p.m.: Tuesday Oct. 7, Wednesday, Oct 15, Monday, Oct. 20 and Thursday, Oct. 30, in the Mother Church On October 18/19 we will have Hospitality after the 5 p.m., 9 and 11 a.m. Masses. If anyone would like to donate baked goods, cider or juice please call Beth at STEWARDSHIP FINANCIAL REPORT Collection Week of 9/28 Week of 9/29 TOTAL $7,837 $7, 939

6 KNOWING OUR FAITH The Eighth Century: Survival by the Skin of Our Teeth By the eighth century, the Muslims had overrun not only all of the Middle East and North Africa but all of Spain as well, with the exception of a twenty by twenty mile area ruled by a young king named Pelayo, who, with the cry, Our hope is in Christ, defeated a Muslim army in 722, thereby saving his tiny realm and initiating the longest war in the history of the world. It would be 770 years before all of Spain was finally liberated from Muslim domination. In 732 Charles Martel defeated the Saracens at the Battle of Tours, stopping Muslim penetration into France and the rest of Europe. Martel was the protector of St. Boniface, who became to Germany what St. Patrick had been to Ireland. Martel s son, Pepin, donated a large, defensible piece of land to the Pope, the origin of the Papal State, which lasted until 1870 and helped give the Papacy a measure of independence from outside political influence, something that plagued Christianity in the Eastern Empire for centuries. Pepin s son, Charlemagne, became the sole King of the Franks in 771 and, in 800, Emperor of the West and protector of the Church. With the help of a British monk, Alcuin, Charlemagne initiated a kind of renaissance of culture and learning. This was manifest in the work of St. Bede, commonly known as the Venerable Bede, who wrote a monumental history of Christianity in the British Isles. Meanwhile in the East, stimulated by the Muslim condemnation of paintings and statues, another bitter intellectual battle divided Christendom, the iconoclast controversy. Like some of the Protestant Reformers centuries later, the iconoclasts disapproved of all religious works of art, arguing that in the commandments God had forbidden all images. Most of the Byzantine Emperors of the eighth century were iconoclasts, but in 785, the Patriarch of Constantinople, St. Tarcisius, proclaimed the unity of East and West under the authority of Pope Hadrian I by rejecting iconoclasm on the ground that if God himself had taken human form in the Person of Jesus Christ, it could not be wrong to represent that human form in art. Once again, a very close call. Imagine how impoverished the world would be had the iconoclasts won the day and all the great Christian religious art of antiquity had been destroyed and later works never produced. We take so much for granted and don t realize how much of what we have came close to never existing or not surviving. Next week: Wonders amid ruin.

7 Parish Outreach & Local Events Page 7 October 5, 2014 Parish Outreach News HELP US STOCK OUR PANTRY SHELVES Please remember those in need in our community who struggle to provide food for themselves and their families. We are currently in need of all food items but especially canned meats, tuna, stew, chili, chicken, mayonnaise, tea, coffee, all juices, pancake mix and syrup, pasta sauce, pork and beans, mixed vegetables, spinach, potatoes, carrots, peas, cookies, crackers, paper towels, toilet paper, laundry detergent, baby wipes, and all toiletries, especially shampoo, toothpaste, tooth brushes and deodorant. Food can be dropped off at the outreach office Mon- Thur 10am-1pm or in the food bin outside the pantry door in the foyer of the large church before or after every mass. There is also a drop off bin at the local King Kullen in Blue Point. (located inside the store on the left side of the exit door) and at the Bayport Blue Point public library. In Preparation for your donation at our Blood Drive, Monday, October 6th, please remember to eat the iron rich foods: Please call to make your appointment for the blood drive. Walk-ins welcome. Upcoming Events Family, Marriage and Individual Therapy provided by New York State licensed professionals is available to our parish under the direc on of Dr. George Giuliani. Informa on and appointments can be made by calling Dr. Giuliani at Sayville Soup Kitchen Fundraiser Breakfast at Applebee s, Bohemia! - Saturday, October 18th 8AM-10AM Bring the whole family for just $10 per person to support a great cause (includes pancakes, sausage, scrambled eggs, and coffee, tea or juice). For more informa on and ckets, or if you cannot a end but would s ll like to donate, please call or gmac51@optonline.net Respect Life Ministry 40 DAYS FOR LIFE September 24 to November 2 Pray, Fast & Community Out Reach Every Saturday during 40 Days Prayer Planned Parenthood 10:30-11:30am Waverly Ave Patchogue. Parish Outreach Heartfelt Donation Cards Need to thank a friend or need a gift idea? Give a Heartfelt Donation Card. A sample of this card is available for viewing in the vestibule of the large church. Available for purchase at the Parish Outreach Office Monday through Thursday, 10AM-1PM. For more information call Monday, October 6, during Adoration (6-8pm) in the Mother Church we will pray the Rosary for peace at 7:00 pm. Come for all or part of the evening, but try to make the Rosary.

8 Religious Education Page 8 October 5, 2014 OUR LADY OF THE SNOW RELIGIOUS EDUCATION OFFICE /olsbpre@aol.com Office Hours: Monday to Thursday 9:30-4:30 or by appointment The ministry of Religious Education strives to bring all into a closer relationship with Jesus through Word, Worship and Service. October 5 Classes Have Begun!!! Children s Liturgy of the Word Sun. Oct. 5 9AM Mass Level 1,2 & 3 children will process to the Mother Church to hear the Word Proclaimed on their level. They will return at the Presentation of the Gifts Levels 3 6 Oct. 6,7 at 4:30pm and Oct. 8 at 4:30or 6 Large Church Level 2 Parent/Child Celebration Thurs. Oct. 9 at 7pm Large Church Level 2 classes will begin Oct. 14, 15 at 4:30pm & 20 at 4:30 or 6pm in the Mother Church basement. Levels 7 & 8 Mon. Oct.5 at 6 or 7:30pm This will be their 2nd Session. Level 9 Confirmation Wed. Oct. 15 at 7:30pm in the Large Church This will be their 2nd Session CATECHISTS NEEDED Level 7 needs 2 catechists Mon. at 6 or 7:30 Level 8 needs 1 catechist Mon. at 6 or 7:30 These students have now been placed in Home Study. Families can pick up their children's books and calendars along with expectations of the Home Study Program. Parents of 1st Graders Children entering 1st grade (Sept 2014) should be registered in the Religious Education Program. Participation in Level 1 is the first level of the Diocesan mandated 2 year preparation program. Please register as soon as possible Materials and calendars have already been distributed.

9 Mark Your Calendars! Upcoming Events in October The month of October is Respect Life Month Saturday/Sunday, October 4th-5th - Blood Drive Sign Ups after all Masses Saturday, October 4th - Blessing of the Animals 10AM in the Large Church parking lot Sunday, October 5th - Respect Life Sunday & Special Collection Monday, October 6th - Blood Drive 2:00-8:00PM in the Mother Church Basement Tuesday, October 7th - Rosary for Peace 4:45PM - Mother Church Saturday/Sunday, October 11th-12th - Respect Life Seasonal Collection for Babies Monday, October 13th - Columbus Day - All Offices Closed Wednesday, October 15th - Rosary for Peace 4:45PM - Mother Church Friday, October 17th - Christmas Pageant Try Outs and Rehearsal 5:00PM - 6:00PM in the Large Church Sunday, October 19th - Family Mass at 9AM & Hospitality after all Masses Monday, October 20th - Rosary for Peace 4:45PM - Mother Church Friday, October 24th - Christmas Pageant Rehearsal 5:00PM - 6:00PM in the Large Church Saturday/Sunday, October 25th-26th - Outreach Halloween Bake Sale after all Masses Thursday, October 30th - Rosary for Peace 4:45PM - Mother Church

10 WHAT S YOUR CATHOLIC IQ? A Self-Assessment for Your Fun and Enlightenment! (Permission granted by Joe Paprocki, D.Min., and Catechist Magazine) This educational self-assessment is a fun way to help you see how much you know about your Catholic faith. Answers can be found on the bottom of this page. 1.) As Catholics, we proclaim Mary as the mother of. (a) the earth; (b) Jesus; (c) John the Baptist; (d) St. Peter 2.) The 150 Psalms in the Bible are a collection of ancient Jewish. (a) fairy tales; (b) laws; (c) secrets; (d) songs 3.) The Catholic religion started in Rome at the Vatican. True False 4.) This saint was born in Sudan and was taken into slavery. After she was freed, she became a nun. (a) St. Josephine Bakhita; (b) St. Joan of Arc; (c) St. Elizabeth Ann Seton; (d) St. Bernadette of Lourdes 5.) This little light of mine, I m going to let it. (a) become a bigger light; (b) shine; (c) dance; (d) burn RESPECT LIFE MINISTRY OF OUR LADY OF THE SNOW S SEASONAL COLLECTION FOR BABIES OCTOBER 11/12/ 2014 TWO YEARS OLD AND YOUNGER Suggestions: * Car Seats /newborn *New & Gently Used Clothes *Disposable diapers *Baby food *Bottles & Pacifiers *Crib sheets & Blankets *Receiving blankets *New stuffed toys & Rattles *Bibs & Wipes *Baby Towels & Washcloths *Heavy Sleepers *Stretchies & Undershirts *Snow Suits All items collected will be distributed to mothers who have chosen LIFE for their infants We thank you with love and invite you to pray with us to end the violence Before I formed you in the womb I knew you Jeremiah 1:5 Please leave items in the Lobby of the Large Church Questions? Info. / Call PUBLIC SQUARE ROSARY CRUSADE 6th Annual Rosary Rally In Memory of John Moran Sat. October 11, 2014 from 12 2 PM at the 5 Corners in Sayville Public prayer is far more powerful than private prayer to appease the anger of God and call down His mercy, and Holy Mother Church, guided by the Holy Ghost, has always advocated public prayer in times of public tragedy and suffering. Visit the web site at Answer key: 1) b; 2) d; 3) f; 4) a; 5) b

11 A little humor from Father Fink A group of chess enthusiasts checked into a hotel and were standing in the lobby discussing their recent tournament victories. After about an hour, the manager came out of the office and asked them to disperse. But why? they asked, as they moved off. Because, he said, I can t stand chess-nuts boasting in an open foyer.