St. Columba. Roman Catholic Church. P.O. Box Route 82 Hopewell Jct., NY Rectory: Fax:

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1 St. Columba Roman Catholic Church P.O. Box Route 82 Hopewell Jct., NY Rectory: Fax: Parish website: Rectory Office Hours: Monday - Friday: 9am to 4pm Saturday & Sunday: Closed First Sunday Of Lent February 22, 2015 Rev. Michael P. McLoughlin, Administrator Rev. Christopher Argano, Parochial Vicar Deacons: William Alvarado John Reilly Warren Testa Parish Manager: Mr. Gary Bartilucci Parish Council Chair: Mr. Dennis McCormack Parish Trustees: Mr. David LeGare Mr. James O Connor Office Manager: Mrs. Laura Brady Administrative Assistants: Mrs. Anne Camilleri Mrs. Carol Garvey Bookkeeper: Mrs. Mary Gallagher Weekly Mass Schedule Saturday: 8:00am, 5:30pm (Vigil Mass) Sunday: 7:30am, 9:00am, 10:30am and 12:00 noon Monday to Friday: 7:00am Confessions: Saturday: 8:30am to 9:00am 4:00pm to 5:00pm Baptisms: Sundays at 1:15pm by appointment. Call Deacon Alvarado at Rectory to make arrangements. Godparent & Sponsor forms are available after any weekend Mass. Please see parish priest. Candidates should be registered at St. Columba, have completed their initiation and follow Church teaching regarding Marriage. Matrimony: Arrangements should be made at least 6 months in advance. Please call the Rectory and make an appointment with a parish priest. Anointing of the Sick: Please speak with a parish priest after any Mass. In an emergency, please call the Rectory at any time. Vocations: Are you interested in becoming a priest, deacon or a religious sister? We would be most happy to speak with you. Please call the Rectory. Miraculous Medal Novena: Mondays following the 7am Mass. Eucharistic Adoration: Monday to Friday 9am to 9pm with: Divine Mercy Chaplet at 3pm, Rosary at 7pm and Night Prayer and Benediction at 8:45pm. St. Columba School of Religious Education P.O. Box 368 Hopewell Junction, NY Office: Office Hours: Monday to Thursday: 9am - 3pm Grades: 1-5: Tues., Weds., Thurs. : 4:30pm - 6:00pm Grades: 1-8: Sat.: 9:00am - 10:30am Grades: 6-8: Tues., Wed.: 7:00pm - 8:30pm OR Thursday: 4:30pm - 6:00pm Website: Director: Sister Marie Pappas, CR St. Denis - St. Columba School P.O. Box 368 Hopewell Junction, NY Office: Fax: info@stcolumba.net Website: Celebrating 49 years of Excellence in Catholic Education Principal: Sister Kathleen Marie Gerritse, CR

2 Mass Intentions for the Week Sunday, February 22 - First Sunday of Lent 7:30am - For All Parishioners 9:00am - Louise Dubaldi by Joe & Lisa Squeo 10:30am - Richard Alves by the Mendes Family 12:00pm - Catherine Spellman - Scott & Joseph Spellman by mom & wife, Anne Spellman Monday, February 23 - St. Polycarp 7:00am - Alexander Marino by his Wife & Family Tuesday, February 24 7:00am - A. William Nelson by Mr. & Mrs. Marty Soyka & Leanna Wednesday, February 25 7:00am - Richard Munger by his wife Carol Thursday, February 26 7:00am - Janie Guidice by her Husband Friday, February 27 7:00am - Anna Cyrgalis by her Family Saturday, February 28 8:00am - Santo Cambria by Rose & Robert Malkin & Grandsons 5:30pm - Henry Lyons by his Children MEMORIALS This week the LAMP will burn for the Intentions of Christine Spellman by her Mom OUR LADY OF FATIMA This week the Statue of Our Lady will be enthroned in the homes of: Rosemary Thorn and The DiPalermo Family If you would like to have the statue visit your home please call Suzanne D Agostino at TRAVELING IMAGE OF THE DIVINE MERCY To honor the Divine Mercy in our Parish, we have the Pilgrim Image of the Divine Mercy to visit the families of our Parish. If you would like to have the image visit your home, please contact the Rectory at This week the Image has been visiting the home of: The Fumo Family St. Denis /St. Columba Semi Annual Blood Drive Give the Gift of Life - Friday, March 6, :00pm to 8:30 pm. Sign Ups will be taken after all Masses today & next weekend February 28th & March 1st. Sunday, March 1 - Second Sunday in Lent 7:30am - For All Parishioners 9:00am - Lorriane Russo by Artie & Christine & Maria Carozza 10:30am - Parish Memorial Society 12:00pm - Frank McMahon by the Brady Family WEEKLY February 14-15, 2015 $10,937 Peter s Pence $ /50 Geri DiNotte - $67.50 Congratulations! ATTENDANCE February 14-15, ,235 BAPTISMS We congratulate the parents and families of the children who were born again in the new life of Christ, and who became a part of our parish family through the sacrament of Baptism. Rogan James Byrne Luke Jason Camporese Nicholas Joseph Dalton Deanna Marie Naughton Please pray for our recently deceased parishioners, family & friends. All Holy Souls in Purgatory LEAVE A LEGACY TO ST. COLUMBA PARISH BY INCLUDING A BEQUEST IN YOUR WILL.

3 From the desk of Fr. Michael: LENT Many Christians throughout the world observe Lent. Catholic, Orthodox, and Protestants benefit from this annual season of sacrifice and simplicity. For non-christians, Lent might seem like a mystery, since Christians voluntarily make sacrifices. For some, Lent is a period of going on a diet; for others, it is when Catholic co-workers show up to work with ashes on their heads, and fast-food restaurants start selling fish sandwiches. So what exactly is Lent and where did it come from? In basic terms, Lent is the season before Easter, in the West lasting liturgically from Ash Wednesday until the Mass of Holy Thursday exclusive. The purpose of lent is to be a season of fasting, self-denial, spiritual growth, conversion and simplicity. Lent, which comes from the Teutonic (Germanic) word for springtime, can be viewed as a spiritual spring cleaning: a time for taking inventory and then cleaning out those things which hinder our corporate and personal relationships with Jesus Christ and our service to him. Thus it is fitting that the season of Lent begin with a symbol of repentance: placing ashes mixed with oil on one s forehead. However, we must remember that our Lenten disciplines are supposed to ultimately transform our entire person: body, soul and spirit and help us become more like Christ. Eastern Christians call this process theosis, which St. Athanasius describes as becoming by grace what God is by nature. There are a few basic practices that traditionally have been associated with Lent. Many of these have a long history. These are fasting, almsgiving and prayer. In addition, reading Scriptures and the Church s Writings can help one grow during the season. Let s look at each of these suggestions individually. FASTING - The Catholic Church expects its members, ages 18-59, to FAST on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, unless a physical condition prevents it. This means only one full meal is permitted in a fast day. The Fridays of lent are days of required Abstinence, meaning meat, and soups or gravies made of meat, are not permitted. Abstinence is required of those age 14 and older. When we give something up for Lent, we are embracing a form of fasting, an excellent spiritual discipline. Some people choose to give up sins (gossip, drunkenness, etc.) for Lent. In this way, Lent represents a spiritual training time to overcome evil. Pope St. Leo, for example, emphasized that fasting from wrath is required along with food. Some give up things they have a strong desire for, e.g. sweets, caffeine. etc. By giving these up, the person fasting learns to control a particular part of his or her life, which leads to greater self discipline even when lent is over. As such in Lent we are able to learn, examine, and get under control our material excesses. Whatever you decide to fast from, remember, as Steven Clark likes to say: Lent is more than a diet. Lent is about spiritual results, not material ones. So, while losing a few pounds may be a nice side benefit, all fasting should be done for God s glory and spiritual growth. PRAYER - Lent is a perfect time to develop or strengthen a discipline of regular prayer. The Liturgy of the Hours, an ancient practice of praying throughout the day, is a good place to start. A good goal for Lent would be to read Morning Prayer and Evening Prayer everyday. If you already do that, perhaps you could add noon or night prayer (also called Compline). Contemplative prayer, based around the idea of silence or listening for God, is also well suited to Lent. We can also find many excellent prayers for Lent from the Scriptures. The Seven Penitential Psalms are excellent for prayer. Praying The Rosary throughout Lent can be rewarding too. Many excellent poems (including Hymn to God the Father by John Donne) and Lenten Canticles emphasize Lenten themes. Theology and liturgy should always be prayer, so a good discipline for Lent would be to make an effort to attend worship services whenever possible. Daily Mass would be very rewarding. ALMSGIVING (Charity) -While Lent is about giving something up (i.e. fasting), it is also about putting something positive in its place. The best way to remove vice is to cultivate virtue. Lent has been a traditional time of helping the poor and doing acts of charity and mercy. While as Christians this is a year round calling, Lent is a good time to examine ways to get involved and to make resolutions to actually do them. Giving alms can be done in more ways than just giving out money to people on the street. It can be done by helping your family, friends and neighbors out of tight situations or being more generous to hired help. However, one of the best to give alms is by volunteering for a charity. SCRIPTURE READING - When facing temptation in the desert, Jesus relied on Scripture to counter the wiles of the devil. It is a formidable weapon for us as well. Biblical illiteracy among Christians of all types is rampant and, quite honestly, shameful. Lent is an excellent time to remedy this problem. One way to read Scripture is to pray the Readings used at Mass each day. This will get you through most of the Bible in two years. The Bible is even online! Reading the Church Fathers can also be helpful to spiritual growth. (With thanks to ChurchYear.net)

4 From the desk of Fr. Michael: SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION Lent is a good opportunity to Examine our Consciences and make a good Confession. Confessions are offered at St. Columba each Saturday from 8:30-9:00am and from 4:00-5:00pm. All Churches in the Archdiocese of New York will offer Confessions on Reconciliation Monday, March 30th from 3:00-9:00pm. Confessions will also be available during our Parish Mission. ADORATION Remember our Adoration Chapel is open daily (weather permitting) Monday to Friday from 9:00am to 9:00pm. You are not required to sign up. Just stop by any time and enjoy some quiet time with the Lord. You will not be disappointed! Collect your coins throughout Lent and support the work Catholic Relief Services! Rice Bowls are available at the doors of the church. Use them throughout Lent and return them after Easter. Also included is a handy Lenten calendar. Our Parish will host a Lenten Mission on March It will be led by Msgr. Joseph Martin, former priest chaplain to the Parish Mission Team and retired Pastor of St. Mary s Church in Fishkill. Msgr. Martin will preach at all weekend Masses. He will visit with the school children and School of Religion children. He will preach our Daily Mission Mass at 12 noon. Mission nights are Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday at 7:30pm. Topics are : Monday - God s Love. Tuesday - Forgiveness including Confessions. Wednesday - Healing including the Anointing of the Sick and concluding with Benediction. STATIONS of the CROSS - This is an excellent way to reflect upon the mysteries of Our Lord s Passion. Stations can be made on your own or join us on Friday s of Lent at 7:00pm. Pick up your Church bulletin after Mass and take it home. Go to our website: Check our Blog - Link on website under Father Michael s name. Sign up for Flocknotes. As of February 22, 2015 GOAL : $113,500 PLEDGED : $12, Amount to Goal: $101, PAID: $7,310 # Of GIFTS : 32 Thank you so much. Our parish goal is to have 500 families/individuals participate. If every parish family participates in some way, we will surely reach our goal! Some parishioners have put together Discussion Groups for the six weeks of Lent. Using Lenten Longings published by RENEW International, they will make a six week retreat by exploring the Sunday Readings of Lent. Groups begin this week. It may not be too late to join or form your own small group. Call the office.

5 From the desk of Fr. Michael: CATHOLIC MEDIA Do you use Catholic Websites or Apps that you find helpful? Would you be willing to submit a brief review for the benefit of your fellow parishioners? Send it to: stcolumba@frontiernet.net Kerry writes: I use the Laudate App daily. Laudate is a Free Catholic App that has a wide selection of offerings including Daily Mass readings with reflections, Saint of the Day, Catholic prayers and links to many Catholic resources both print and audio/video. Besides the daily Scripture reading, what I use most often is the audio version of the rosary. At night I can plug in my headphones into my iphone and pray my rosary amid the pots and pans. The Laudate App helps me to stay connected to God throughout the day, whether praying or working! CHRISTIAN INITIATION The following, after the Rite of Sending on Sunday, February 22 at 9am, will participate in the Rite of Election at St. Patrick s Cathedral: Catechumens who are Candidates for Baptism at the Easter Vigil Anna Aquije, Kimberly Schulte The following, after the Rite of Sending on Sunday, March 1 at 10:30am, will participate in the Rite of Continuing Conversion at St. Kateri Church in LaGrangeville: Candidates to Complete Their Initiation in the Catholic Church Robert Marchetti, Jr., Meagen McNeill, Joseph Cigna, Brian Restaino, Thomas Horne, Ruth Adams, Melony Cosentino, ToniLisa Arviso-Jeans & Brian Conklin Please pray for all of our Catechumens and Candidates! Our Parish Council will meet with Heads of Organizations on Monday, February 23 at 7:30pm in the library. Each organization is invited to give a brief update concerning their spring activities. Now and at the End of Life - With end of life issues, especially physician assisted suicide, increasing entering public debate, we want to make very clear our Catholic teaching. A superb new website has been created: Now And At The Hour of Death Catholic guidance for end of life decision making. We highly recommend that all of our parishioners take some time learning from this website! CHURCH PHOTOGRAPHERS Would you like to take pictures at parish events that would be posted on our website? Would you be interested in being a parish photographer? If we had a few, the work could be shared! Call Father Michael at the rectory office. February 27-3/1 - College/Young Adult Retreat MARCH March Boys DDA Retrea March Saints for Youth APRIL April Girl s DDA Retreat April High School Sr. Retreat MAY May Capuchin Leadership Training JUNE June 28-7/2 - Capuchin Outreach Program (Hudson Valley) JULY July Capuchin Appalachian Mission (Harlan, KY) FR. MICHAEL TO LEAD PILGRIMAGE TO ITALY Fr. Michael McLoughlin has led four different Pilgrimages overseas, including to the Holy Land, France, Spain Portugal and Italy. He is Planning a Pilgrimage to Italy for the summer of 2015 which would include Sorrento, Naples, Amalfi, Pompeii, San Giovanni Rotundo (Padre Pio) and Rome (including a Papal Audience). Dates are July 30th to August 8, Mass will be offered daily. Tour guide and all services provided by Peter s Way Tours. Call the rectory to request a brochure.

6 PARISH NEWS: Thank you for your generous support of our Holy Father s charitable works in the Peter s Pence Collection. Your contributions will be combined with those of our brothers and sisters around the world to help Pope Francis provide essential relief to people in need. Your generosity answers the call to be a witness of charity. May God bless you. Thank you! PSA GIFT CARDS AND CERTIFICATES St. Columba School PSA is once again selling gift cards and certificates after ALL Masses NEXT weekend. Please stop by, check out the wonderful selections and help support our School! Adoration News PRAY FOR LIFE Please visit with Jesus on Monday, February 23rd, anytime from 9am to 9pm in our Adoration Chapel, Oratory of Our Lady, Cause of Our Joy located in the Convent Building. Pray for the protection of the unborn and the overturning of Roe vs. Wade, which has legalized abortion in our country. St Columba Respect Life Society usually meets every 3 rd Monday of the 7:30PM in the Library adjacent to the chapel in the Convent Building. ARCHDIOCESE OF NEW YORK His Eminence, Timothy Cardinal Dolan & Fr. Joseph Espaillat, II July 24 - August 1, 2016 For more information please call: Faith Journeys at Option 1 Space is limited! Early registration is recommended! The Altar Rosary Society will hold a Day of Recollection on March 7th at St. Kateri after the 9:00am Mass in the Chapel. Light refreshments will be provided. On Monday, March 9th, the ARS is having a Covered Dish Supper at St. Columba at 6:30pm. All ladies of the parish are invited. We would ask everyone to bring a dish to share. It s a very enjoyable evening and there is plenty to eat and drink! ST. COLUMBA MOVIE NIGHT Committee Organization Meeting Wednesday, March 4th School Cafeteria - 7:30pm Help us define a monthly movie program at St. Columba! If you have ideas on movie selection, times, publicity, snacks or logistics or if you would be willing to help out, please plan on attending. Contact Josie Boston at or jboston@frontiernet.net if you have any questions or comments. St. Mary s Council #4065 Columbiettes will hold their 1st Annual Penny Social on Sunday, March 8th at the Knights of Columbus Hall 399 Rt Next to Handshakes. Doors open at 1pm, calling begins at 3pm. Grand Prizes include: A large screen TV, a kindle fire, $100 gift card. There will be a wide variety of unique gift baskets. Lunch & refreshments will be available. All are welcome! February 23rd - Theology on Tap NYC Presents: 50 Shades of Confusion - Sorting Fact and Fiction Features Brian Mercier, founder/director of R.O.C.K. Ministries, who will talk about the upcoming film 50 Shades of Grey and how this novel and film are in complete contrast to the pure life God calls us to lead. Talk begins at 7:30pm and ends around 9pm. Location: Connolly s Bar, 121 West 45th St., between 6th and 7th Avenues, on the 3rd floor. For more information, questions@totnyc.org

7 LENTEN PRAYER Almighty and Everlasting God, You have given the human race Jesus Christ our Savior as a model of humility. He fulfilled Your Will by becoming Man and giving His life on the Cross. Help us to bear witness to You by following His example of suffering, and make us worthy to share in His Resurrection. We ask this through Christ our Lord, Your Son. AMEN COMMUNITY NEWS: The Parish of St. Joseph in Millbrook will honor its Patron with a Triduum of Prayer and Devotion on Tuesday, March 17 and Wednesday, March 18 at 7pm in the Church. Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, homily and devotions will be led by Fr. Justin Cinnante and conclude with Benediction. On Thursday, March 19, the Feast of St. Joseph, Bishop Dominick Lagonegro will offer Mass at 7pm in the Church. Following the Mass, we will gather in the Parish Hall for a traditional St. Joseph Table. Please visit our Parish website for further details: stjosephmillbrookny.org OR call Please join us! St. Mary s School - Wappingers Falls is holding Early Childhood Open Houses on Tuesday, March 3 from 9am - 11am and on Thursday evening, March 5 from 6:30pm - 8:30pm. St. Mary s School offers full day PK4 and Kindergarten and is proudly introducing a New PK3 program for either 5 half or full days. We are pleased to report that seats are filling up quickly! Don t hesitate! St. Mary s School is located at 2 Convent Ave., Wappingers Falls, NY. For further information, please call Mrs. Mary Ellen LaRose, Prinicipal, at SAVE THE DATE 10TH ANNUAL DIVINE MERCY CONFERENCE MARCH 21, AM - 5:30PM CARDINAL SPELLMAN H. S. BRONX, NY ST. CHRISTOPHER S PARISH MARCH 1, 2015 AT 3:00PM 30 BENNER ROAD RED HOOK, NY FOR INFORMATION, CALL: TICKETS ARE $30 The Archdiocese of New York Men s Commission and Fordham University Graduate School of Religion & Religious Education are co-sponsoring the conference on March 21st on the Rose Hill campus of Fordham University. Speakers will include: His Eminence, Cardinal Timothy Dolan, Damon Owens & Joe Klecko, formerly of the New York Jets. Admission is $45 and includes breakfast, lunch & T-shirt. To Register or for more information visit: or call: Kim Quatela at (646) Registration began January 15th and spaces are limited so act fast! Hudson Valley Cash Coalition/AARP Tax Aide Foundation offer FREE tax preparation assistance for low to moderate income families and seniors. No age restriction and AARP membership not required. To schedule an appointment, call or 1 (800) today! OUR LADY OF LOURDES HS 131 Boardman Rd Poughkeepsie, NY Clothing / Toy Drive Friday, Feb. 27-7:30-8:30am Load Dock/North Side Friday, Feb. 27-2:30-6:30pm Small Gym/South Side Saturday, Feb. 28 9:30am - 3:30pm Small Gym/South Side Sunday, March 1-9:30am - 2:00pm Small Gym/South Side Contact: Missy DeMattio - Coppola NO: Books, CDs, VCR tapes, Furniture, Kitchen appliances, Large baby equip. such as strollers/car seats

8 St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry Thank you for your continued prayers and support. If you need to reach us, or would like to volunteer to become a member of SVDP, please call us at: This week the pantry is in need of: Canned Potatoes, Dish Detergent, Jello/Pudding Next Meeting: March 11, 2015 at 7pm in the Convent Meeting Room at St. Columba from 7:00-8:00pm. PRAYER & REFLECTION: Be A Witness for Life Sunday, February 22 Perhaps you were unable to travel to Washington, D.C. to participate with the 600,000 + pro-lifers in the March for Life. Here s your chance to be a witness for life at a local Life Chain during lent What is a Life Chain? It is a peaceful, prayerful event calling all Christians to be a witness to the sanctity of human life by holding signs with gentle messages proclaiming Life Chain. Join us for these life chains: Saturday, March 7th 10:30am - 12 Noon Route 9 in Hyde Park Saturday, March 14th 10:30am - 12 Noon Route 82 in Hopewell Junction Saturday, March 21st 10:30am - 12 Noon 1004 Main St., Route 52 Fishkill More chains are scheduled throughout Lent, watch future bulletins. For more info, call Donation Request for Taxes Name Address Phone Number Envelope Number A Healing Mass with a free flow of the Gifts of the Holy Spirit Tuesday, March 3, 2015 St. Kateri Tekakwitha Church, 1925 Rte 82, LaGrangeville,NY Guest Celebrant: Fr. Justin Cinnante Praise and worship at 7pm, Mass at 7:30, individual prayers for healing to follow Mass. Details contact: Pat or Joe at or Dave at Please note: Snow closing follows the Arlington School District Announcement and WHUD Storm Center Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ, King of endless Glory. As we begin the holy season of Lent, why not schedule time to examine your marriage and improve your communication with each other on a Worldwide Marriage Encounter weekend? For information call NYS WWME, ext. 3 PARISH LISTINGS ADORATION Stephen Broussard (845) Christopher Merenda (914) cmerenda@frontiernet.net BAPTISM Deacon William Alvarado BEREAVEMENT Deacon William Alvarado WEDDING & MUSIC MINISTRY Linda Moore RESPECT LIFE George or Eileen PASTORAL CARE of the sick & homebound Please contact the Rectory - RCIA PROGRAM Deacon Warren Testa SCHEDULING PARISH EVENTS Gary Bartilucci ST. JOSEPH S MEN GROUP Eric Winogradoff stjosephsmen@gmail.com ST. VINCENT de PAUL FOOD PANTRY Joyce Pfirman (845) KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS Nick Longo (845) WOMEN S GROUP Sr. Marie Pappas (845) ALTAR ROSARY SOCIETY Maureen Ehrhart (845) Diane Meleshkewich (845) COLUMBIETTES Fran Clerc (845) VBS - SUMMER JOY PROGRAM Deacon John Reilly TEENS LOVING CHRIST Dave & Kathy Bell (845) PRO - LIFE IS A CATHOLIC CONCERN One Beating Heart To Another Attend the Respect Life Meeting at St. Columba 7:30pm in the Convent Conference (Library) Room Following the 7pm Rosary Monday, February 23rd Contact: George OR Eileen address Please drop in collection basket

9 Church Name and Address St. Columba Church # Route 82 Hopewell Junction, NY Phone: Contact: Anne Marie or Gary Software: Microsoft Publisher 2002 Adobe Acrobat X Windows 7 Printer: HP Laser Jet 5 Transmission Time : Wednesday, 1:40pm Sunday Date of Publication: February 22, 2015 Number of Pages Sent: 1 through 9 Special Instructions: