Mission Statement. The Salvation of Souls is the Supreme Law

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1 Roman Catholic Church of Saint Aidan 505 Willis Avenue, Williston Park, New York (Fax) The Salvation of Souls is the Supreme Law Mission Statement We, the parish family of the Church of Saint Aidan, strengthened by the Eucharist and encouraged by the Word of God, welcome all, for we recognize that everyone is a child of God and no one should be excluded. Guided by the Holy Spirit through prayer, we strive as one to build the Body of Christ. We commit ourselves to nurturing life-long faith formation, fostering lay leadership, promoting social justice, engaging our youth in every aspect of parish life, and offering care and compassionate service to all. We invite everyone to walk with Jesus and experience His healing power and love. Fifth Sunday of Lent April 6, 2014 With the Lord there is mercy, and fullness of redemption! The Pastoral Staff Rev. Msgr. James M. McDonald, Pastor - ext Rev. Kevin Dillon, Associate Pastor - ext Rev. Michael Edathil, Associate Pastor - ext Rev. Msgr. Robert J. Kirwin, Pastor Emeritus Rev. Damian Halligan, SJ In Residence Deacon Salvatore B. Villani - ext Deacon Francis J. Love - ext Deacon Joseph Connelly - ext Deacon Rudy Martin - ext Mr. Drago Bubalo, DMA (cand). Music Director ext address drago@staidanparish.org St. Aidan School (Grades Nursery-3. ext. 9202, 9203) (Grades 4-8, ext. 9302, 9303) Ms. Eileen P. Oliver, Principal Ms. Jo-Anne Rowan, Assistant Principal Faith Formation and Spirituality - ext. 9404, 9405 Mr. James F. Corrigan, Director of Faith Formation ext Mrs. Elaine Smith, Director of Special Needs ext Parish Social Ministry - ext Mrs. Rosemarie Cavallaro, Director - ext Youth Ministry Mr. Stephen Loewenthal, Coordinator - ext SaintAidanYouthGroup@gmail.com Pastoral Council - ext Members: Toti Conforti, Cathy Frischmann, Brendan Hickey, Larry McGovern, Bonnie Parente, Erin Flynn, Mary Ellen Testa and Suellen Peterson Buildings & Grounds Department ext Liturgy of the Eucharist Saturday Evening: 5:00 PM and 7:30 PM Sunday: 7:30 AM, 9:00 AM, *10:30 AM, 12:00 PM & 5:00 PM *Liturgy of the Word for Children Daily: 6:30 AM, 9:00 AM, 12:15 & 5:30 PM Monday thru Friday Morning Prayer 8:40 AM Monday thru Saturday Baptism Baptism of Children: Each month on the 1st Sunday and 3rd Sunday at 1:30 PM ceremony. Required: Parents class on the 2nd Sunday of each month beginning with the 12:00 Mass. For baptismal information, contact the Rectory office ext Tuesday-Friday between the hours of 10:00 AM-3:00 PM. Penance/Reconciliation The Sacrament of Penance is celebrated every Saturday from 12:30-1:30 PM and 4:00-5:00 PM in our church or by appointment. Marriage Arrangements are to be made at the Rectory office at least 9 months in advance. Pre-Cana and FOCCUS registrations must be arranged through the parish. Anointing of the Sick & Communion of the Sick The anointing of the sick takes place after the 12:00 PM Mass on the 4th Sunday of each month. Anyone who is homebound may receive Holy Communion at home on a regular basis. Eucharistic ministers assist the priests in this ministry. Please call the rectory - ext Adoration First and third Fridays of the month 12:45-3:00 PM in the Church. 12:30-1:30 PM on Saturdays in the church.

2 FIFTH SUNDAY OF LENT MASSES AND SERVICES FOR THE WEEK MONDAY, APRIL 7, 2014 Lenten Weekday St. John the Baptist de la Salle, Priest Dn 13: 1-9, 15-17, 19-30, or 13: 41c-62; Jn 8: :30 AM Steven Michitsch (Birthday Rem.) 9:00 AM Gertrude Wilson (16th Anniversary Rem.) 12:15 PM Evelyn Culp 5:30 PM Rose Pravati (Birthday Rem.) TUESDAY, APRIL 8, 2014 Lenten Weekday Nm 21: 4-9; Jn 8: :30 AM In Thanksgiving of the Renderos Family (Living Intention) 9:00 AM Anna F. Oliver (Birthday Rem.) 12:15 PM Rev. Tom De Vita (Birthday Rem.) 4:00 PM New Altar Server Meeting 5:30 PM Mary Giangiobbe (Birthday Rem.) 7:00 PM Church Tour CCD WEDNESDAY, APRIL 9, 2014 Lenten Weekday Dn 3: 14-20, 91-92, 95; Jn 8: :30 AM Alice Covel 9:00 AM Anna F. Oliver (Birthday Rem.) 12:15 PM James Wallace 5:30 PM Louisa Colelli THURSDAY, APRIL 10, 2014 Lenten Weekday Gn 17: 3-9; Jn 8: :30 AM Johnny Diamond 9:00 AM Danny Steiniger 12:15 PM Regis Shanahan 5:30 PM Phil Doria (1st Anniversary Rem.) FRIDAY, APRIL 11, 2014 Lenten Weekday St. Stanislaus, Bishop/Martyr Jer 20: 10-13; Jn 10: :30 AM Cecilia Gillen 9:00 AM Florence McLoughlin (1st Anniversary Rem.) 12:15 PM Margaret McLaughlin 5:30 PM Eileen Quinn (1st Anniversary Rem.) 7:30 PM Stations of the Cross SATURDAY, APRIL 12, 2014 Lenten Weekday Ez 37: 21-28; Jn 11: :00 AM Anton Egger 12:30-1:30 PM Confession & Eucharistic Adoration 1:30 PM Alexis Kruger/Daniel Graff Nuptial Mass 3:00 PM Catherine Lusardi/Christopher Barbino Nuptial Ceremony 4:00-5:00 PM Confession 4:45 PM Denis Moynihan Patricia Tennis (14th Anniversary Rem.) Nicholas & Mary Siciliano 7:30 PM George Cross (8th Anniversary Rem.) MASSES AND SERVICES FOR THE WEEK (continued) SUNDAY, APRIL 13, 2014 Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord Mt 21: 1-11; Is 50: 4-7; Phil 2: 6-11; Mt 26: 14 27: :30 AM Peggy Dunn (6th Anniversary Rem.) 9:00 AM Eileen Quinn (1st Anniversary Rem.) 10:30 AM Richard Brassel 12:00 PM James Olmeda Dominick, Joseph & Lauren Del Vecchio Maria Schifano 5:00 PM Parishioners of St. Aidan (Rock Mass) SICK: DECEASED: BANNS OF MARRIAGE THIRD WEEK Alexis Kruger, St. Aidan Daniel Graff, St. Aidan Catherine Lusardi, St. Aidan Christopher Barbino, St. Martin of Tours, Bethpage, NY BREAD & WINE MEMORIAL Intentions of MONSIGNOR JAMES M. MC DONALD (Birthday Remembrance) Requested by St. Aidan s Rosary Altar Society PLEASE PRAY Barbara Ueland, Christine Schifaudo, Christine Lucivero, Cecilia Han, Geraldo Peixoto, Kimberly Holmes, Father Brian Dalton, Stacy Test, Owen Hogan, Msgr. Robert Kirwin, Roseann Mushorn, Mac Davison, Peter & Margaret Cacioppo, John Moore, Brenda Derby, Onofrio Mastromatteo, Joseph La Bianca, John Paul Macedo, Joseph Mogitore Santa De Luca, Charles Osterman, Michalel Adamowicz, Taen-Yu Dai, Joseph Diliberto and for all those who have died serving our country.

3 April 6, 2014 THE FAILING MARRIAGE It s one thing to have a failing grade in algebra; it s another to be in a marriage that is failing and in fact rapidly deteriorating. That is a genuine life crisis it is a time for judgment and discernment. Certainly it is a time for prayer and common sense. If you are currently having a marriage problem, you are far from alone. Every parish is strewn with unhappiness in marriage and the good news is that many of these marriages can be helped and need not end in divorce or continue along in persistent unhappiness. Invariably I ask engaged couples what is the number one problem in marriage. The answer almost always comes back the same lack of communication. Maybe. On the other hand, perhaps there is too much communication. Married people will always find things they disagree about money, relatives, children you name it there can always be something to disagree about. It doesn t take any effort. The fact is that in life there is always a variety of opinions all of them need not be given! It seems to me that sometimes in life, as difficult as it may be, you have to keep quiet. You can live with a lot of things that you don t like in a world that is vastly imperfect. Christians are followers of a crucified Christ and are asked to take up their cross and follow him. Christ Himself said: If you refuse to take up your cross and follow me, you are not worthy of me. (Mt. 10:38) Then there are the more serious problems: infidelity, alcohol and substance abuse, lack of love, loss of enthusiasm for marriage, radical immaturity and physical or psychological abuse. Admittedly, these are horrible difficulties and certainly no one should live with a person who would endanger his or her physical or mental well being. The Church has recognized that divorce (although it does not end a sacramental marriage, or even a non-sacramental but valid marriage) is sometimes necessary to protect an innocent partner who is being victimized by the sins or manifest failings of the other partner. Surprisingly enough, many still believe that if you are civilly divorced, you cannot receive Holy Communion. That is not true! You are only prohibited from receiving Holy Communion if you have entered a new union or are having an improper relationship. The reason why you cannot receive is that the Catholic Church solemnly teaches (as does Christ) that you are still married in the eyes of God even if you are divorced. Let us suppose, however, that things have not gotten that far toward divorce and there is still hope and good will. There is something that can be done. Of course, there is always marriage counseling and that is a good idea. However, if one of the parties is only going through the motions so that he or she can claim that there was counseling, it is hard to see if that will help. Along the same lines, I would suggest taking an hour or so to talk to a priest. He can give you some useful ideas from a spiritual viewpoint. Sometimes this is extraordinarily helpful.

4 There is a program in our Diocese called Retrouvaille. It is basically a weekend for couples who are in a difficult marriage but are willing to come together with other couples who have had the same kind of problems and had their marriages renewed. The next session is from May 30th to June 1 st at the Seminary of the Immaculate Conception in Huntington. There is more information about this in the bulletin this week. Just look in the section Around the Diocese. There are impossible marriages, yes. Nevertheless, there are many that are thought hopeless and in reality are not. Please pray for all married couples, especially those on the brink of divorce. I want you to know that I am always willing to see you about any marriage questions or problems you might have or about anything else for that matter. While I am not a certified counselor, often the pastoral advice of a priest can be most helpful. In Jesus and Mary, Monsignor James M. McDonald When Jesus heard about the illness of His friend Lazarus, He Responded, This illness is not to end in death; rather it is for God s glory, that through it the Son of God may be glorified. Every aspect of our lives -gifts as well as sufferings can, if surrendered to Christ, lead to blessings for ourselves and others. STEWARDSHIP COLLECTION 03/31/13 last year was Easter Sunday-no comparison 03/30/14 $25,504 CATHOLIC RELIEF SERVICES COLLECTION 03/13/13 $ 7,145 03/30/14 $ 6,213 (-13.04%) Thank you for your kind and generous support of our parish! 2014 CATHOLIC MINISTRIES APPEAL Serving God By Serving Others CHURCH OF ST. AIDAN 2014 GOAL: $174,200 PLEDGED: $105,045 # OF GIFTS: 472 Please remember that our parish receives a refund if we make our goal again this year.

5 2014 HOLY WEEK SCHEDULE SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION- CONFESSIONS Monday, April 14 th from 3:00-9:00 PM Holy Thursday, April 17 th from 5:00-6:00 PM Good Friday, April 18 th from 5:00-6:00 PM Holy Saturday, April 19 th from 12:30-3:00 PM Additional times for Reconciliation will be announced in the weekly bulletin. PASSION (PALM) SUNDAY, SATURDAY, APRIL 12 TH 4:45 PM - Vigil Mass Saturday Solemn Blessing of Palms & Procession in St. Anthony s Garden (outside doors of Mary s Transept) 7:30 PM - Vigil Mass PALM SUNDAY APRIL 13 TH Masses 7:30 AM, 9:00 AM, 10:30 AM, 12:00 Noon and 5:00 PM (Rock Mass) HOLY THURSDAY APRIL 17 TH Sung Morning Prayer - 9:00 AM Solemn Mass of the Lord s Supper and Procession - 7:30 PM Adoration at the Repository - 9:30 PM to 11:45 PM Night Prayer - 11:45 PM GOOD FRIDAY APRIL 18 TH Sung Morning Prayer - 9:00 AM Sacred Cantata-The Seven Last Words of Christ 12:00 PM Solemn Liturgy of the Passion and Death of our Lord - 3:00 PM Stations of the Cross with Veneration - 7:30 PM (Based on Pope John Paul II s Reflections HOLY SATURDAY APRIL 19 TH Sung Morning Prayer - 9:00 AM Blessing of Food - 12:00 Noon Solemn Easter Vigil Mass - 7:30 PM EASTER SUNDAY APRIL 20 TH Masses 7:30 AM, 9:00 AM *10:30 AM (Church & Kirwin Hall) *12:00 Noon (Church & Kirwin Hall) and 1:30 PM No 5:00 PM Mass on Easter Sunday

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7 WHY HAVE THEY COVERED THE STATUES? You have probably noticed that the statues are covered in purple cloth. This is an ancient custom and was never abolished or discontinued in the rubrics or liturgical rules of the Catholic Church. Until recent times it was customary to veil prominent statues and crucifixes in the church with a purple cloth as a sign of sadness and mourning. In some churches, beginning around the year 900, one large cloth was hung between the people and the altar from the beginning of Lent. This was done to hide the heavenly glory depicted by statues of saints and crosses with a figure of the triumphant Christ. This custom came to symbolize the exclusion of all sinners from the altar just as public sinners were excluded. Since the 1600 s, this veiling was limited to Passiontide, beginning on the fifth Sunday of Lent, originally called Passion Sunday. On that Sunday, the final words of the gospel were At that they picked up rocks to throw at Jesus, but he hid himself and slipped out of the temple precincts. (John 8: 59). Taken from Catholic Customs and Traditions, by Greg Dues. VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED Volunteers are needed to help decorate the church for Easter on Holy Saturday, April 19th immediately following 9:00 AM morning prayer. No experience necessary. All parishioners are welcome to come and help make our church look beautiful. AN EASTER TRADITION The Blessing of Foods for the Easter Table We invite you and your family to take part in a very old custom of blessing the foods to be eaten at your Easter table. These foods would be blessed by the parish priest as a reminder of the new life that we have in the Risen Christ. This traditional blessing of Easter baskets will take place in our parish on Holy Saturday, April 19th promptly at 12:00 PM. Please come to the church with your basket of holiday goodies! Wielkie Post! GYMNASIUM CLOSED Please be advised that the Gymnasium will be closed for all activities from Thursday, April 17th-Monday, April 21st. CATHOLIC DAUGHTERS OF THE AMERICAS COURT ST. AIDAN #1577 The next CDA Court St. Aidan meeting will take place on Tuesday, April 8th at 7:30 PM in Msgr. Kirwin Hall. UNITED HEARTS OF JESUS AND MARY PRAYER GROUP The United Hearts of Jesus and Mary Prayer Group meets on the last Friday of each month at 7:30 PM in the Upper School Cafeteria. The next meeting will be held on Friday, April 25th at 7:30 PM. Our evening will include Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and Mass. Guest Speaker Paul Miller, OFS, Healing Ministry. Music by Stephen Leaden (Voice of Praise). Any questions please call Tecky (516) or Angela (516)

8 CONGRATULATIONS TO MONSIGNOR ROBERT KIRWIN who celebrated his 69th Anniversary of Ordination to the Priesthood on April 3, We love you and may God bless you always! ST. AIDAN S ROSARY ALTAR SOCIETY SAVE THE DATES The Rosarians general meeting will be held April 7th at 7:30 PM in Msgr. Kirwin Hall. Our program will be "Mary s Way of the Cross." Please come and experience the crucifixion through the eyes of Jesus mother, Mary. It is a truly beautiful and moving evening. Tickets will be available at the meeting for our Annual Communion breakfast planned for May 4th following the 9:00 AM Mass at the American Legion Hall on Willis Ave. Tickets are $ The guest speaker this year will be Sister Maureen Murphy S.C. who was the 7th and 8th grade teacher and Director of the Glee Club at St. Aidan School for 11 years. We all remember Sister Maureen for her beautiful singing voice. Plan on coming and enjoying a lovely day with fellow Rosarians and friends. All are welcome. GROUP BAPTISM FOR THIRD SUNDAY OF MONTH-APRIL This year Easter Sunday falls on the third Sunday of the month. The group Baptism scheduled for that day will be held the following week on Sunday, April 27th at 1:30 PM. Any questions please call the Rectory office at (516) x9101. SUGGESTIONS FOR THE MONTH OF APRIL This month we live during weeks of sadness, weeks of joy, weeks of celebration. The first week of this month we are still in Lent, trying to be truthful to our resolutions, and then we celebrate the entrance to Jerusalem with palms and songs, only to be in the profound mystery of Holy Thursday and the dread of Good Friday. Then the joyful Easter Day is upon us, a time of religious reflection, but also a time when people fall into a serious confusion with the commercialism of fluffy bunnies, chocolate eggs, instead of commemorate the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. This year we can consider starting new ways to celebrate the holiest day of the Year. We can be the love of Christ for one another. We can share our special Easter meal with someone less fortunate. We can visit an elderly person and, yes, bring them the chocolate bunnies. We can read from the Bible the story of the Resurrection to the little ones in our family. We can express our gratitude to the priests in our parish for all they do for us. When we are at Mass, greet to the people around us, especially to the ones we have never seen at Mass before. And do not forget the last Sunday of this Month is DIVINE MERCY Sunday. Share your reactions and feedback by calling (516) x9592. St. Aidan s Pastoral Council tries to be responsive to the needs of our parish.

9 CATHOLICS FOR FREEDOM OF RELIGION Pray that the Supreme Court upholds the 1 st amendment freedom of religion for all including those Americans who operate a business and stay true to their deeply held religious convictions. On Tuesday, March 25, the Supreme Court heard arguments regarding whether or not Hobby Lobby has the right to run its business according to the religious convictions of its owners. This IS a Religious Freedom issue. The following is a suggested prayer for a decision that preserves religious liberty: Lord God, Our Father, you are the Righteous Judge over all the earth. We pray that you will have mercy on the United States as the Supreme Court decides a case that will shape the balance between government power and freedom of religion. God, enlighten the Justices of the Supreme Court to acknowledge that you alone are Lord of our consciences. Give the Court humility to recognize that you are the King of Kings and Lord of Lords and that you have instituted human government so that your people may serve the Lord without fear, in holiness and righteousness before you, all the days of our life. And Lord, give us grace and boldness to use the religious liberty that we still have to make your truth and mercy known. Amen NEW ALTAR SERVERS MEETING Calling all boys and girls in grades 5th-12th! If you would like to become an altar server please come to the meeting on April 8th and 15th in the church from 4:00-5:15 PM. For information call Father Kevin Dillon at (516) x9105. SENIOR ALTAR SERVER FAREWELL On Sunday, May 18th our parish will say farewell to our senior altar servers at the 10:30 AM Mass. We ask all of our high school seniors who will be moving on to college in the fall to please attend. There will be a continental breakfast in the Rectory dining room immediately following the Mass. Please RSVP to Father Kevin Dillon at (516) x9105. THANK YOU The Bethany Retreat Team would like to thank the three parishioners that gave a talk on the Spirituality in their lives. So much time and effort goes into the preparation and then; there is getting up and actually sharing. Thank you from all of us on the team and from all the participants, Bob Valenza, Marie Callahan and Charlie Kempton. It was a beautiful weekend thanks to all of you. God s Blessings to all, THE BETHANY TEAM Peggy Abad, Gloria & Hank Brech, Dr. James Capozzi, Al Carbuto, Jane Gelderman, Rosemary Graziano, Marie & Gerard Kearney

10 EASTER FLOWER MEMORIALS In anticipation of decorating the church for Easter, we are offering the opportunity to donate some flowering bushes and plants. The flowering bushes and plants will decorate the sanctuary for the Easter Season and then they will be planted around the church property. This year we will be accepting donations to decorate the church stained glass windowsills. There will be a beautifully decorated, potted, twostem lily plant placed in each stained windowsills of the church (26 windows). Please feel free to take the donated lily plant home after Easter and plant the lily bulb in a special place in your garden at home as a remembrance of this donation. These memorials may be donated In Loving Memory of someone, to commemorate a special occasion, family name, etc. A list of Memorials will be published in the Bulletin. 21 Azalea $70.00 Each $ Inscription 15 Hydrangea $70.00 Each $ Inscription 15 Stained Glass Window Lily $70.00 Each $ Inscription If you would like to donate an item please complete this form and send to the Rectory office with payment as soon as possible. Please make all checks payable to: Church of Saint Aidan. For information please call (516) x9101. Name Telephone # address All donations will be published in the Bulletin. Yes No Please indicate if you would like your name to appear in the bulletin with your donation.

11 GOLDEN WEDDING CELEBRATION This spring, couples that have been married fifty years or more will be honored at liturgies on Sunday, May 18th at the Church of St. Lawrence in Sayville and on Sunday, May 5th at the Church of Maria Regina in Seaford. Both liturgies will begin at 2:30 PM. Couples may register for ONE liturgy. Registration forms and complete instructions can be obtained at the Rectory office. Registration must be received by April 10th for the May 5th liturgy and April 20th for the May 18th liturgy. There will be additional celebrations in the fall for those who may find that more convenient. If you have any questions please call (516) x207. PEANUT BUTTER GANG Join us on Saturday, April 12th at 8:15 AM in the East Campus cafeteria to make peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for the hungry and homeless on Long Island. Children under the age of 9 cannot be accommodated and those under 14 must be accompanied by an adult. Adults must have taken the Virtus Training. You have to pre-register at our address: peanutbuttergang@staidanparish.org. Unfortunately, due to logistics, if you do not pre-register, you cannot participate. This month we ask each volunteer to bring PEANUT BUTTER, and at least 2 loaves of BREAD. Thank you. Remember what Jesus told us, Amen I say to you, whatever you did for the least of my brothers, you did for me. (Matthew 25:40). JUNIOR CATHOLIC DAUGHTERS COLLECTION FOR BIRTHRIGHT, MOMMAS HOUSE AND LIFE CENTER OF LONG ISLAND Members of JCDA will be collecting on Sunday, April 6th from 9:00 AM-12:00 noon in Finamore Parish Center. Items Needed - Must Be NEW for BIRTHRIGHT BIRTHRIGHT Newborn to One Year Small sizes: newborn to size one diapers, receiving blankets, stretchies 0-6 months crib sheets, baby wipes, PJ s 0-6 and 6-9 Mos. MOMMA S HOUSE AND LIFE CENTER OF LONG ISLAND Metro cards, phone cards clothing 2T, 3T, 4T and sizes 5-6 diapers-large sizes-wipes socks, toddler size gloves, hats crib sheets and twin size bedding paper items (towels, toilet paper, napkins) There will be a meeting for all JCDA members on Sunday, April 6th from 12:00-1:00 PM in the St. Francis Room For information please call Mrs. Lamere at (631)

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14 ST. AIDAN S HOLY NAME SOCIETY Parish Men s Retreat 2014 Dates: April 25th (Friday 7:00 PM) April 27th (Sunday 12:00 noon) Place: Bishop Molloy Passionist Retreat House Edgerton Blvd. (178 th St.) Jamaica Estates, NY (718) Theme: Following Jesus Today A weekend of quiet and relaxation Conferences and workshops on faith and the spiritual life Opportunities for reflection, private prayer, celebration of the Eucharist and the Sacrament of Reconciliation Offering for the weekend is $195. If you would like further information, contact Al Carbuto at (516) , the retreat house at the number above, or the website: For your convenience, you may tear off the form below and send your deposit to the retreat house at the address above. I would like to reserve a space for the retreat on the weekend of April 25th- April 27th with the St. Aidan group. Name Address Phone Is this your first retreat at Bishop Molloy Retreat House? Yes No Deposit (non-refundable) for the weekend enclosed $ EASTER DONATION COLLECTION We are collecting donations of Easter items (baskets, candy, new stuffed animals, bags of grass). These items will be given to the children of the families we assist in Parish Social Ministry. We are also collecting small potted plants for the homebound of our parish. If you would like to participate in this project, kindly return these donations by April 10th to the Parish Social Ministry office.

15 MONTHLY SOCIAL GATHERING Come join us after the 9:00 AM Mass for coffee and cake. Our first gathering will be taking place on Friday, April 11 th in the Convent. All are welcome! We are planning on gathering once a month. There will be a representative from Project Independence at the April 11 th social gathering. Any questions can be directed to: Suellen Peterson at (516) x9101. LIGHTHOUSE CATHOLIC MEDIA During the last two weeks our Holy Father referred many times to the Sacrament of Reconciliation and urged us to partake of it. He tells us Confession is not a court of condemnation, but an experience of forgiveness and mercy! Pope Francis spoke about the mercy of God and pointed out that the protagonist of the ministry of reconciliation is the Holy Spirit, the forgiveness that the Sacrament confers is the new life sent by the Risen Lord by means of His Spirit and it truly listens with the heart of God which wants to bring the soul on the path of reconciliation. Again he tells us the God of mercy, he does not tire of forgiving. We are the ones who tire in asking for forgiveness, but he does not tire. Confession is a sacrament, it reconciles us to God, and it is a great source of grace. This Sacrament was instituted by Jesus Christ on Easter Sunday, when Christ appeared to the apostle after His Resurrection. Breathing on them, he said: Receive the Holy Spirit. For those whose sins you forgive, they are forgiven; for those whose sins you retain, they are retained. (John 20: 22-23) When we sin, we deprive ourselves of God s grace and without His grace it is even easier to sin some more. The only way out is to acknowledge our sins, to repent and ask God s forgiveness. Then in confession, grace can be restored to our souls, and we can once again resist sin. Non- Catholics often ask whether they can confess their sin directly to God. But the question misses the point. It was instituted by Christ as the proper form for the forgiveness of our sins; we should embrace it as a gift from a loving God. How often should we go to Confession? When we are aware we have committed a mortal sin, but the Church urges us to go at least once a month, and in preparation for Easter. Reflecting again on our Holy Father, who goes to Confession every week, last week while he prepared to hear Confession in St. Peter s, he broke protocol, bowed down and confessed in front of an ordinary priest, not in private as is the norm! This week we have various new CDs in our kiosks and we still have some CDs for Lent and Easter. I urge you to look our display and pick up as many you can afford. Give them away to as many people the Lord puts in your path, do it as part of your Lenten sacrifices, nothing better! God Bless you all!

16 Junior Catholic Daughters 26th Annual Spring Plant Sale Full Flats (48 plants) $18.00 each Half Flats (24) $10.00 Begonias, Vinca (Purple, Pink, White) Marigolds, Lobelia, Portulaca, Petunias, Salvia, Ageratum, Dusty Miller, Coleus, Carpet of Snow 10 Hanging Baskets $18.00 Geraniums, New Guinea Impatiens, Petunias, Lobelia-Fuchsia Pots $4.00 Geraniums, Begonias, New Guinea Impatiens, Wave Petunias ******************************************************** Order Form: Mail with check by: April 25, 2014 Name Phone # Address: Plant order to include: Amount enclosed $ Plant (s) Name, COLOR and Type (Pot, Flats-Full or Half) 1) 2) 3) Send to: Adele Lamere, 83 Genevieve Court, Amityville, NY For information call Adele at (631) or (516) FLOWER PICK UP IS ON SATURDAY, MAY 3RD FROM 10:00 AM-12:00 PM AT ANNMARIE FLYNN S HOUSE, 9 ASTOR PLACE, WILLISTON PARK, NY (516)

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18 PARISH SOCIAL MINISTRY Love caritas is an extraordinary force which leads people to opt for courageous and generous engagement in the field of justice and peace. It is a force that has its origin in God, Eternal Love and Absolute Truth. Encyclical of Pope Benedict XVI, June 29, PLEASE DO NOT LEAVE ANY BAGS OF CLOTHING ON THE BACK STEPS OF THE PARISH SO- CIAL MINISTRY OFFICE! IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO DONATE ITEMS, PLEASE CONTACT THE PARISH SOCIAL MINISTRY OFFICE! FOOD PANTRY: Our next monthly food drive will be taking place on April 5 th & April 6 th. We have a refrigerator/freezer and can accept chicken cutlets, ground beef and dairy products. Please bring your donations of non-perishable food and personal hygiene items to the back of the church or across the street to the Parish Social Ministry office. We ask that you kindly check the expiration dates on the items you are donating. Thank you! Items for the week are: paper towels and toilet paper. We are also in need of metro cards which we use for our families through out the year. MINISTRY OF CONSOLATION: We are in need of volunteers who would visit the bereaved at the funeral parlors during the wake. Your name would be placed on a monthly schedule to do these visits on two Tuesdays of the month (if there is a wake scheduled for that day). For more information, please contact the social ministry office at (516) x9408. EASTER PROJECT: If you would like to contribute towards our Easter project, we are collecting candy, small potted plants, baskets, (new) stuffed animals and grass. Please drop off your donations to the parish social ministry office. Thank you! PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY Our Prayer Shawl Ministry meets the second and fourth Monday of each month at 9:45 AM in the Peter and Paul Room of the Finamore Center to knit or crochet prayer shawls or lap blankets for our sick and homebound parishioners. New members are always welcome. You need not know how to knit or crochet. We have talented parishioners who can teach you. The next meeting will take place on Monday, April 14th. If you or someone you know would like to have one of these shawls or blankets, please contact our office. If you have any questions, please call Parish Social Ministry (516) x9410. The only feelings that do not heal are the ones you hide. Henri Nouwen PLEASE NOTE: The Parish Social Ministry office is open Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM through 3:00 PM. Please use the Finamore Parish Center entrance (across from the church on Willis Avenue).

19 April 13th-Palm Sunday-Prayer Service & Meeting 6:00-7:30 PM April 18th-Stations of the Cross in the Streets April 20th-No Meeting-Happy Easter! May 4th-Rockclimbing Trip to Island Rock May 18th-Ronald McDonald House Volunteering June 1st-Meeting/End of Year Party-bring snacks! 6:00-7:30 PM Volunteering Opportunities for the Summer: Vacation Bible School, Dance Academy, Art School. See Stefanie or Steve if you are interested in volunteering! SUMMER IS COMING FAST SAVE THE DATES Church of Saint Aidan Youth Summer Programs Vacation Bible School Week 1 July 28th August 1st Week 2 August 4th August 8th Saint Aidan Dance Academy Classes will be offered Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday nights from June 30th August 16th Saint Aidan Art School June 30th July 11th More information to follow.

20 THE KNIGHT S CORNER (Providing information from the Knights of Columbus) ARE YOU READY TO JOIN? Corpus Christi Council # 2502 serves both St Aidan and Corpus Christi Parishes. Membership in the Knights is open to all Catholic Men at least 18 years of age. For information call (516) or contact Jim Corrigan at the Religious Education office (516) x9401. Did You Know The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) designated the Washington -based facility dedicated to Pope John Paul II as a national shrine. Beginning on Sunday, April 27th, the day set by Pope Francis for Pope John Paul II s canonization, the shrine will be known as the Saint John Paul II National Shrine. It will mark the occasion with liturgical celebrations, a reception, and a gathering of young people The Knights of Columbus took ownership of the facility in 2011 to create a shrine dedicated to John Paul II and his contributions to the Church and society. Cardinal Donald Wuerl, Archbishop of Washington, blessed the Knights initiative and declared the site an archdiocesan shrine in Concerning the designation as a national shrine, Cardinal Wuerl said, We are particularly honored to have this saint s national shrine here and to be one of the first places of worship in the world to bear his name. In its three years as a local shrine, it has also become a place of pilgrimage and prayer, attracting people from far beyond this city. The shrine is located at 3900 Harewood Road in northeast Washington, DC, near the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception and the Catholic University of America. HALL RENTAL Big parties or small, the Corpus Christi Council Hall is available for rental. For information call Tom at (516) April 6th 9:00 AM-12:00 PM Finamore Parish Center Birth Right/Mommas House Drive April 6th There will be a meeting from 12:00-1:00 PM n the St. Francis Room in Finamore Parish Center April 17th 1;00-3:00 PM Parker Institute Egg Dying May 4th 9:00 AM-12:30 PM St. Francis Garden Bake & Plant Sale 12:30-2:00 PM Convent Meeting & Elections June 10th 7:00-8:00 PM Church Installation Mass 8:00-9:30 PM Kirwin Hall Meeting Annual dues are $15.00, $16.50 for new members. For information please call Adele Lamere at (631)

21 RELIGIOUS EDUCATION ATTENTION ALL VOLUNTEERS: Are you aware that the Diocese of Rockville Centre requires ANYONE IN ANY MINISTRY TO BE VIRTUS TRAINED AND HAVE A BACKGROUND CHECK. A ministry covers Catechists to CYO Coaches, Ushers to Liturgical Ministers, and all parish organization members. Check the Virtus Training schedule and register online for a class being offered by several local parishes at OFFICE HOURS The Religious Education office (Upper School, Room 301) is open from 10:00 AM 4:00 PM Monday to Friday. For information call (516) x9404. PRAYERS REQUESTED Over 170 boys and girls will be receiving Jesus in the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist for the first time next month. We ask all in the parish to keep these young people and their families in your prayers as they make their final preparations for this very special event. 1 ST COMMUNION BIBLES ARRIVE! We have recently taken delivery of the Bibles that were ordered for students who will be receiving their 1 st Communion next month. Parents who placed orders for these bibles may pick them up in the Religious Education office. A limited number of these books are available for purchase at a cost of $17 each; they come in two different colors, cream or burgundy. EASTER RECESS Classes within the Religious Education Program will be on Easter Recess during the period April 14 th 25 th. The following schedule will be followed: CLASSES NO CLASSES will be conducted from Monday April 14 th through Friday April 25 th. OFFICE The following schedule will apply to the Religious Education office during this period: April 14 th 16 th Office open 10:00 AM 4:00 PM April 17 th Office Open 10:00 AM 12:00 noon Holy Thursday, April 17th Office CLOSED Good Friday, April 18th Office CLOSED Easter Monday, April 21st Office CLOSED April 22 nd 25 th Office open 10:00 AM 4:00 PM Classes Resume Monday, April 28 th The staff of the Religious Education office wish a very blessed and happy Easter to all. ATTENTION 8 TH GRADE STUDENTS AND PARENTS - Retreats have been scheduled for those students who will be receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation in the fall of Each Confirmation Candidate is required to attend one of the two retreat sessions. The sessions have been scheduled for April 27 th and May 4 th in Msgr. Kirwin Hall. The retreats run from 10:00 AM 2:00 PM on each day. Students should arrive at their session by 9:45 AM. Pre-registration for the retreat sessions is required. If you have not yet registered for your retreat, please don t delay; register now while there is still room available in your choice of days. To register call the Religious Education office at (516) x9404.

22 RELIGION AND ROCK-Tune into Religion and Rock with Msgr. Jim Vlaun on Sunday from 7:00-8:00 AM on WBAB FM or 95.3 on the East End of Long Island. Listen on Saturdays at 11:00 PM on Sirius Radio Channel 159, the Catholic Channel and at 11:00 PM on XM Satellite Channel 117. You can visit us anytime to listen or download a show at or Religion & Rock on Tunes. For more information about our television shows go to or, for more information, please call (516) WORLDWIDE MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER-The next Worldwide Marriage Encounter weekend will be held at the Immaculate Conception Seminary in Lloyd Harbor, NY the weekend of April 25th-27th. For more information about the weekends or to apply call or visit our web site at CLARK HOUSE-Clark Botanic Garden Auxiliary Evening s Speaker will be Pamela Governale, Manager of the Preservation Projects at The Garden Conservancy Gold Spring, NY April 10th at 7:00 PM. LONG ISLAND/METRO RETROUVALLE-Most couples across the nation who have attended a Retrouvaille weekend tell us they learned about this program from their weekly parish bulletin. Many are afraid to ask their pastor or parish priest for help with their marriages. Others are just hoping time will help to make things better. They tell us that seeing the program announced repeatedly in their Sunday bulletin gave them the courage to pick up the phone and make the call. Most say that Retrouvaille was the lifeline that helped save their marriage and their family. Do you feel alone? Are you frustrated or angry with each other? Do you argue or have you just stopped talking to each other? Does talking about it only make it worse? Retrouvaille helps couples through difficult times in their marriages. This program has helped thousands of couples worldwide experiencing ALL TYPES of marital difficulties. The next weekend will be held May 30th-June 1st at the Seminary of the Immaculate Conception in Huntington. For information please call (800) OFFICE OF FAITH FORMATION, DRVC Ministry of Consolation Course Offering Part 1. A foundation for understanding the general principles of the Order of Christian Funerals. For the development and training of teams of lay ministers so they may provide the parish with a Ministry of Consolation. An ideal course for new volunteers in an existing ministry. This course will instruct on the methods of outreach to families at the time of death of a loved one by helping in the preparation of a wake or vigil service and the funeral mass. Participating in appropriate roles during the funeral i.e. hospitality or liturgical ministries. On-going support of family members in the months following. This course will be offered at Holy Cross Parish, 95 Nicols Road (Fr. Joe Room) Nesconset, NY Instructor: Mary Alice Piil, CSJ on Tuesdays, April 29th, May 6th, 13th, 20th from 9:45-11:45 AM. Cost per person is $40. For information please call Debbie Coyne at (516) x204. OUR LADY OF THE SNOWS PARISH, Floral Park, NY-A Lenten Mission will be held April 7th-9th. Discovering Holiness in the Stories of Life. The Mission will have different topics each day and will feature Father Lee Harvey, CP. The Mission will be held after the 9:00 AM Mass and again at 7:30 PM. Admission is free. All are welcome to attend. Bring a friend along with you. Take advantage of this wonderful opportunity for spiritual renewal as we journey toward Easter and the celebration of Christ s resurrection. For information please call the parish office at (718) or you may visit the parish website at ST. ALOYSIUS SOCIABLES WEDNESDAY MONTHLY LUNCHEON-The monthly luncheon will be held at 12:30 PM on April 9th sponsored by the St. Aloysius Sociables at Limani Restaurant, 1043 Northern Boulevard, Roslyn. Cost: Price of your meal. Please call Ida (516) or John Hyland (516) for reservations. OUR LADY OF MERCY ACADEMY, Syosset, NY-An ACT prep course for high school juniors is being offered on Saturdays from 9:30 AM-12:30 PM May 10th, 17th and 31st in advance of the June 14th 2014 test. The cost of the Mercy program is $ If interested, please contact Mrs. June Kennedy, Assistant to the President at (516) x112.