Pastor Rev. Robert Hewes Parochial Vicar Rev. Allan Sikorski In Residence Rev. Lawrence Rafferty

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1 Roman Catholic Church of St. Matthew 35 North Service Road, Dix Hills, New York (631) Fax: (631) Office Hours: Mon-Fri in the Parish Center 9 am-12:30 pm & 1:30 pm-5 pm December 17, 2017 December 17, 2017 Third Sunday of Advent 1 Pastor Rev. Robert Hewes Parochial Vicar Rev. Allan Sikorski In Residence Rev. Lawrence Rafferty Deacons James McQuade, Carmine DeStefano and Luis Polanco Pastoral Associate Sister Kathleen McCarthy, O. P. D.R.E.: Mary Donaldson Music Director: Lee Forsythe T h e S a l v a t i o n o f S o u l s i s t h e S u p r e m e L a w SCHEDULE OF MASSES SATURDAY: 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. Spanish Mass SUNDAY: 7:30 a.m., 9:30 a.m. (Family Mass), 11:00 a.m. (Choir Mass), 12:30 p.m. and also at 12:30 p.m. (Latin) Tridentine Mass in the Chapel. MONDAY - SATURDAY : 9:00 a.m. Mass in the Church. Holy Days will be printed in the bulletin. CONFESSIONS Saturday 4:00 p.m. 5:00 p.m. For any other time, please call to make an appointment with a priest. BAPTISM SCHEDULE The 1st and 3rd Sundays of each month at 1:45 p.m. and the 4th Saturday of the month at 12:30 p.m. (No Baptisms Easter Sunday or Christmas Weekends.) Please contact the Parish Center for the Baptismal Packet containing the registration form and all other necessary paperwork. First-time parents are also asked to register for one of the Baptismal Preparation Classes offered on the last Tuesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. in the Church. (No class is held in December.) You may register on-line for the Baptism class only (not the Baptism itself) at MARRIAGE Arrangements should be made at least 6 months in advance and should be made prior to making plans for a reception. Call the Parish Center for an appointment with the priest or deacon you wish to witness your wedding. All couples are required to attend Pre-Cana.

2 Weekly Collection Immaculate Conception $4, Dec. 9th & 10th $16, Faith Direct $ 2, Holiday Bulletin Deadlines Dec. 31st Bulletin Deadline is Dec. 19th. Jan. 7th Bulletin Deadline is Dec 28th. The Altar Candles, Altar Flowers and The Bread & Wine Are In Loving Memory of Leo & Agnes Perry -With love, Mary Perry December 17, 2017 Third Sunday of Advent 2 Business Manager Dolores Tiernan Finance Chairperson Richard Bove Trustees Deacon Carmine DeStefano And Joseph Napolitano First Friday Exposition: From 7 PM the First Friday of the month till 8:30 AM Saturday morning in the Parish Center Chapel. Private and authorized group prayer before the Blessed Sacrament in the Tabernacle is encouraged at any time during the many hours the main Church and Chapel are open. Occasions on which specific groups request Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament can only be conducted by a priest or deacon with the knowledge and approval of the Pastor. Mondays Miraculous Medal Novena after the 9:00 A.M. Mass Legion of Mary 2:30 p.m. in the Blessed Mother Classroom Tuesdays Rosary Society The first Tuesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. K of C General/Business Meeting 8:00 p.m. (2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month) * Children s/youth Choir 5:30 p.m. in the Family Room Adult Choir practice 7:00 p. m. in Family Room Thursdays Carmelite Holy Hour The 3rd Thursday of each month. 4 pm-5 pm in the Chapel Young Seniors 9:00 a.m. Apostleship of Prayer 1st Thursday after 9:00 a.m. Mass Fatima Spiritual Formation Prayer Group 1st Saturday of the month after 9 a.m. Mass in Blessed Mother Room Saturdays Bible Study 9:45 a.m. Spanish Bible Study 1:00 p.m. Tridentine Mass Choir (Latin) 4:00 p.m. in Family Room Youth Ministry 8:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m. INSTRUCTIONS IN THE FAITH Those adults who live in the Dix Hills area and/or those with family in the parish seeking information about becoming a Catholic or completing their Sacraments are invited to contact the Pastor concerning the RCIA Program. FIRST FRIDAY: Mass is at 9:00 a.m. Exposition of the Holy Eucharist takes place in the chapel from Fri. 7:00 p.m. until Sat. 8:30 a.m. and concludes with Benediction. FIRST SATURDAY: 8:15 a.m. devotions ANOINTING OF THE SICK: The Sacrament is available EVERY SATURDAY after the 9:00 a.m. Mass. The Sacrament is available for those who are to undergo a serious medical procedure the following week or who have a serious illness and who have not been anointed within the past three months. If you wish to be anointed, please let the celebrant know before Mass. PASTORAL CARE OF THE SICK: Holy Communion will be ministered to those confined at home. Those who are seriously ill should request a priest for the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick. PARISH REGISTRATION: New families and new parishioners are encouraged to register at St. Matthew. Registration forms are available at the Parish Center or online at smrcc.org. PARISH SCHOOL: HOLY FAMILY REGIONAL:

3 Saturday, Dec 16 5:00 PM Andrew J. Garafalo & Thea De Bellis Deceased Members of Rocco Family & Elizabeth & Nancy Intentions of Jack Tseng James Fitzgerald Joanne Marzano Margaret De Ciantis 7:00 PM Sunday, Dec 17 7:30 AM Deceased Members of Patocka, Rosato & Vokeleh Families 9:30 AM Maria & Theresa Calautti 11:00 AM Salvatore Montesano 12:30 PM(L) For People of the Parish 12:30 PM Matthew J. Ferrara Monday, Dec 18 9:00 AM Annette & Matthew P. Ferrara Tuesday, Dec 19 9:00 AM John Vierling, Jr. Wednesday, Dec 20 9:00 AM Margaret Matthias Thursday, Dec 21 9:00 AM Teresa Debono Friday, Dec 22 9:00 AM Philomena Todaro Saturday, Dec 23 9:00 AM Delia & Antonio Marano Louis De Ciantis Margaret De Ciantis Pauline Newkirk Phyllis Novick Vincenzo Marra 5:00 PM Domingo Calvet Edwin Lucie Giacomo Di Stefano & Giroiamo Taranto Intentions of Jack Tseng Joseph P. Occhiogrosso Vincenzo Domingo 7:00 PM Pedro Grisales Sunday, Dec 24 7:30 AM Anna & Nancy Cortina 9:30 AM Lori G. Kramer 11:00 AM Intentions of Sbashnig & Seery Families 12:30 PM Ann Olsen 12:30 PM (L) For the People of the Parish 4:00 PM Neil Francis Barella & Eugene Howell 4:15 PM Millie & Frank Tricamo 8:30 PM Thomas Detore, Whitney A. Russo & Bessie & Fred Alessi December 17, 2017 Third Sunday of Advent 3 PARISH MINISTRIES ALTAR SERVERS: Porzia DiGiorgio: me@porzia.com And John DiGiorgio: johndigiorgio@optonline.net APOSTLESHIP OF PRAYER: Kathryn Giandoreggio: ATHLETIC WEBSITE: www. smrcc.org ATHLETICS DIRECTOR/ INTRAMURAL & CYO TRAVEL COORDINATOR: Chris Felice: smrccathletics@gmail.com ATHLETICS MODERATOR Rev. Allan Sikorski: x 125 BAPTISM OFFICE: Bettyanne Russo: x 126 BEREAVEMENT: Kathryn M. Douglas: Including: Teens (12-17) who have lost a parent. Widows and Widowers 65 and under Widow and Widowers 65 and over BIBLE STUDY: Anthony Albano : BOY SCOUTS: Ernst Tramposch: BULLETIN: bulletin@smrcc.org BUSINESS MANAGER: Dolores Tiernan: x 113 CATHOLICS FOR FREEDOM OF RELIGION Ann Podina : CATHOLIC MINISTRIES APPEAL: John Gatto: x 117 C.C.D. RELIGIOUS ED. Mary Donaldson, D.R.E., Rita Minder, Assistant: CHOIR: Lee Forsythe: x 116 Ed Oriani, Cantor for Tridentine Mass COMPASSIONATE CARE & CONSOLATION MINISTRY: Sr. Kay McCarthy: x 124 EXTRAORDINARY MINISTERS OF HOLY COMMUNION: Ray Smolenski: EXTRAORDINARY MINISTERS TO THE HOMEBOUND: Sr. Kay McCarthy: x 124 FEED THE POOR MINISTRY Frank Harnos: or Julie Maddaloni: FOOD PANTRY: Sr. Kay McCarthy: x 124 HOSPITALITY: Dolores Tiernan: x 113 KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS: Kevin Bertolini GK: K OF C SQUIRES: Sir Francis Scotti: LECTORS: Helen Campa: LEGION OF MARY: Judy Archbold: MINISTRY OF PRAISE: Rosemary Sammon MOMMY and ME: Jessica Larsen: PARISH OUTREACH: Sr. Kay McCarthy: x 124 PARISH SECRETARY: Bettyanne Russo: x stmatthewdixhills@gmail.com PILGRIM MADONNA: Rosa Nappo: or Lucia Agnone: PLANT ENGINEER: Luis Flores: PRE-CANA: Deacon Carmine DeStefano: RCIA: Marie Prainito: or Robert Ruvio: RIGHT TO LIFE: Toni Shannon: ROSARY ALTAR SOCIETY: Terry Sbashnig: PASTOR/PARISH SECRETARY: Bettyanne Russo: x 126: Mon/Tues 9-5, Wed 9-4, Thurs/Fri 9-5 SONS OF ITALY : Diana Grauer: SPANISH MINISTRY: Deacon Luis Polanco: ST. VINCENT de PAUL : John Gatto: x 117 USHERS: Thomas Siegler YOUNG SENIORS MODERATOR: Fr. Sikorski: x125

4 December 17, 2017 Third Sunday of Advent CHRISTMAS CONFESSION SCHEDULE All in the Church: Saturday, December 16th 4:00-5:00 P.M. Thursday, December 21st 7:00-8:00 P.M. Friday, December 22nd 7:00-8:00 P.M. Saturday, December 23rd 3:00-5:00 P.M. CHRISTMAS MASS SCHEDULE Sunday, December 24th Christmas Eve 4:00 P.M. in the Church 4:15 P.M. in Monsignor Goggin Hall 8:30 P.M. in the Church 11:30 P.M. Choral Prelude & Mass at 12:00 Midnight in the Church Monday, December 25th Christmas Day 7:30 A.M., 9:30 A.M., 11:00 A.M., and 12:30 P.M. all in the Church Traditional Latin High Mass 12:30 P.M. in the Parish Center Chapel No evening Mass on Christmas Day. 4

5 December 17, 2017 Third Sunday of Advent 5 A note about winter weather Last week s snow caught many of us off guard. The autumn had been so warm it was a shock to realize we are on the threshold of winter again. While we try to manage snow and ice removal as best as our own resources, as well as those of a professional company can provide, we simply cannot guarantee that the entire parking lot and sidewalks will be dry and free of any risk under any and all circumstances in winter weather. Please use prudence and caution when the conditions are snowy or icy. It is better to stay home in bad conditions, or to come to a later Mass rather than risk injury. Father Hewes Poinsettia Sale Sponsored by the St. Matthew Rosary Altar Society Saturday, December 16th after the 5:00 p.m. Mass & Sunday, December 17th after all Masses.

6 December 17, 2017 Third Sunday of Advent 6 RELIGIOUS EDUCATION The Place for Learning and Praying Our Family/Children s Mass is Sunday at 9:30 a.m. Mary Donaldson, Director, Rita Minder, Assistant Religion Office Phone Fax maryccd@smrcc.org. LOOKING AHEAD When registering a new student, 1st thru 8th grade, you must come into the Religion Office on the second floor of the Parish Center, Monday through Thursday, between 11:00 AM and 5:00 PM. Please be sure to bring a copy of the child s Baptismal Certificate when you come. The fee of $ per child is due at that time. GRADE LEVEL MASSES FOR WINTER AND SUMMER PROGRAM STUDENTS Sunday, December 17, 2017, 5th & 6th grade will attend the 9:30 Mass. Sunday, January 7, 2018, 7th & 8th grade will attend the 9:30 Mass. Sunday, January 14, 2018, 1st & 2nd grade will attend the 9:30 Mass. Sunday, January 21, 2018, 3rd & 4th grade will attend the 9:30 Mass. These Masses do include all the Summer Program students as well. For those students attending grade level Masses listed above, please sit in the front of the Church, try to arrive by 9:10 AM and remember your tithing envelope as it is not only used for a donation but also for taking attendance. All family members are invited to join us at these Masses. SPECIAL NOTES Classes are cancelled for the Christmas holidays from Thursday, December 21st thru Monday, January 1, We resume classes on Tuesday, January 2, Monday, January 8, 2018, the 8th grade students will be measured for their Confirmation gowns during class time 7-8 PM. Monday, January 15, 2018, classes are cancelled for Martin Luther King Day.

7 December 17, 2017 Third Sunday of Advent 7 The Colors of Advent Historically, the primary sanctuary color of Advent is Purple. This is the color of penitence and fasting as well as the color of royalty to welcome the Advent of the King. Purple is used in Catholic churches. The purple of Advent is also similar to the color of suffering used during Lent and Holy Week. This points to an important connection between Jesus birth and death. The Nativity, the Incarnation, cannot be separated from the Crucifixion. The purpose of Jesus coming into the world, of the "Word made flesh" and dwelling among us, is to reveal God and His grace to the world through Jesus life and teaching, but also through His suffering, death, and resurrection. To reflect this emphasis, originally Advent was a time of penitence and fasting, much as the Season of Lent and so shared the color of Lent. The third Sunday came to be a time of rejoicing that the fasting was almost over (in some traditions it is called Gaudete Sunday, from the Latin word for "rejoice"). The shift from the purple of the Season to pink or rose for the third Sunday of Advent candles reflected this lessening emphasis on penitence as attention turned more to celebration of the season. In recent times, however, Advent has undergone a shift in emphasis, reflected in a change of colors used in many churches. Except in the Eastern churches, the penitential aspect of the Season has been almost totally replaced by an emphasis on hope and anticipation. In many churches, the third Sunday remains the Sunday of Joy marked by a pink or rose candle. My Dear Parishioners, This year has been an extremely difficult one for people in Houston, Florida, California, Puerto Rico and nearby islands, California and many other places where natural disasters, war, violence and terrorism have forced people to become homeless. Depression, hopelessness, fear and anxiety often accompany these devastating situations. Like our newborn Saviour, many of those affected, have no place to lay their heads. Despite these terrible situations and atrocities, we know that there are millions of people, including you, who have prayed for and generously donated to help these people. Please continue praying for them. Fortunately, for most of us, we haven t had to endure this almost unbearable suffering. However, there are some families in our midst who are fearful about being evicted, some who can t pay utility bills and others who can t adequately feed their children. In fact, about a week ago, I had a call from a person who had previously come to the parish for assistance. He told me that, at present, he and his family are sleeping in a shelter or the in their car. It s heartbreaking! But your prayers, heartfelt compassion and generous donations will enable us to help families who are struggling like this one. Hence, I am deeply grateful to you, our wonderful parishioners, to the Religious Education families, the Mommy and Me families, the St. Vincent de Paul Society, the YES Group, the Knights of Columbus and the Rosary Society for all of the prayers, food, clothing and generous donations that you have provided for these families. Scripture tells us that God s plan for us is that we may have life and have it to the full. Thank you for being life-giving to these people. Some of you often tell me it makes you happy to help and serve others. I believe that true joy and happiness is found only in doing what God asks: loving Him with all of our heart and mind and loving our neighbor as ourselves. Nothing takes precedence over this. So with our all of our hearts and minds, let us adore Him, the giver of all gifts. May he bless you and your families. Merry Christmas! Sr. Kay McCarthy

8 December 17, 2017 Third Sunday of Advent 8 Worldwide Marriage Encounter The spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me, because the LORD has anointed me. Let your spirits be augmented by attending a Worldwide Marriage Encounter Weekend. The next Weekends are Feb 9-11, 2018 in Huntington, NY and Apr 27-29, 2018 in Huntington, NY. For more information, call John & Toni Torio at or visit them at December 23 & 24 Eucharistic Ministers 5:00 P.M. 7:30 AM 9:30 AM 11:00 AM 12:30 PM I. Lucie J. McCarthy M. Prainito E. Vincente B. Abadom J. Commisso J. Gatto C. Sposato A. Pappas R. Ruvio R. Grande M. Garaffa P. DiGiorgio K. Zaki A. Albano C. Vogt F. Harnos A. Fazio 5:00 P.M. 7:30 AM 9:30 AM 11:00 AM 12:30 PM R. Smolenski H. Campa S. Kampta E. McEvoy B. Abadom Baby Chloe Atienza Gerard Costa Joseph Costa OUR SICK Elisabeth Dorovich Thomas Iuculano Lee Mannino Christian Martino Lois McCarthy John McIntyre Marie Pecoraro Peter Prestia Marge Puccio Alice Reilly Helen Reineking Casey Rodriquez Christopher Sabato, Sr. June Sheehan George Schnell Brian Tripp We Pray, especially for our Service Men and Women: Peter Mazzone - Marines, SSG Michael Hughes, SPC John Vautrin-Gardinier, US Army, Tyler Smith-Reynolds, U.S. Coast Guard,, Lance Corporal Ryan, Matthew Ferrara Marines, Matthew Kirchner Army, Noah Kirchner Air Force, Ensign Melanie Thompson - Navy, Capt. Joseph De Monte IV-Pilot-United States Air Force, Lt. Joseph Morgan, Lt. Brendan Johnston, U.S. Navy,, LCPL Michael Porfidio, Marine in Afghanistan, Jeffrey Gabriellini - Air Force, Corporal Michael Grella Navy Airman, Julien-Army-Iraq., Lt. Col. Robert Wright-Marines, Michael Wissemann, LPL San Sievero -Marines, Ambrose Michelino, Jarod Racuot-Army, Robert Scarpelli, Anthony Lazado -Marines, Richard Freese, Jr. -Navy, Rho Nagasguna - Marines,Michael Doherty -Army, Pablo Quirindongo-CW4-Army, Cpl. Ronnie Belmarez- Marines, Lt. Commander Christopher Grande-Navy. DECEMBER: The Elderly That the elderly, sustained by families and Christian communities, may apply their wisdom and experience to spreading the faith and forming the new generations. To register as a member of the Apostleship of Prayer, to subscribe to leaflets, or to order additional leaflets for distribution to others, please contact us. APOSTLESHIP OF PRAYER 1501 S. Layton Blvd Milwaukee, WI

9 December 17, 2017 Third Sunday of Advent St. John The Baptist Diocesan H.S. Magna Cum Laude Honors: Luke Beauman Ryan Rebetti Sean Bertolini Julianna Beauman Nicolette Rollino Cum Laude Honors: Nicholas Russo St. Dominic High School First Honors: Christian Killian Senior News YES Reminders : Jan. 4th - First meeting of the year. (Happy New Year! ) Jan. 11th - The "what the heck am I gonna do with that?" Bingo. Bring a NEW, wrapped item that you were gifted and either have no use for or that you didn't fall in love with. One man s trash is another's treasure (hopefully). There is no charge for the games and are lots of fun. If the weather is bad, it will be held on Jan. 25th. Jan. 18th - Luncheon at Spuntino s There is a March for Freedom in the cold of January. They ask that you donate NEW, warm hats for the marchers to wear. They will be affixed with buttons bearing the groups name and purpose. Please donate a hat or two, if you can. See me for bargains!!! Pray for all those who are ill and for their loving caregivers. Pray also for all first responers, the military and all those who protect us. God bless America. See you in Church. Pat Blessed are those who give without remembering and receive without forgetting. Unknown The greatest pleasure I know, is to do a good deed. Charles Lamb RESPECT LIFE NEWS Spiritual Adoption Program MONTH THREE Developing Baby Your baby is quite active in the womb now - - although his/her mother won t feel him/her for another couple of months. If his/her mother s womb had a window, you could watch your spiritually adopted baby squint, swallow and move his/her tongue. He/she can make a tight fist if you touch his/her palm. He/she is breathing fluid which he continues until birth. He/she obtains the oxygen his/her body needs through the umbilical cord. The baby you are praying for weighs one ounce. PREGNANT? NEED HELP? Birthright Inc. 24 HOUR HELPLINE Islip: Hampton Bays: Southold: Rocky Point: Wantagh: December 17 Third Sunday of Advent In today s Gospel John the Baptist says, I am the voice of one crying in the desert; make straight the way of the Lord. Let us ask for the grace to help others to know the love of the Lord. Christmas is a time of love and gift giving please give to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul so that those who do not have clothes and food can share in the blessings of Christmas. 9

10 December 17, 2017 Third Sunday of Advent 10 Use your IRA for your Gift Now and/or for your Estate Gift! If you would like to make a gift now using your IRA and if: You are at least 701/2 years old and don't exceed your maximum of $100,000 per year in qualified charitable distributions, you will not have to report your distribution as income. It will be free of federal and New York State income tax, and it will count toward your required minimum distribution (RMD). The Best way to start is with your IRA custodian. Tell them you want to make a "qualified charitable distribution". In most cases you will only have to fill out a simple form. Very important! Your gift must go directly from your IRA to the Parish. If you receive the money first you ll be taxed on it. If you make an Estate gift you can make your Parish a beneficiary of your IRA and your loved ones will not have to pay income tax on their proceeds. Focus on Religious Freedom From Catholics For Freedom of Religion The 12 Myths of Christmas (Part 2) Myth: Students cannot talk about their faith and the religious origins of Christmas in class assignments. Fact: Schools can't refuse to allow, punish, or give a lower grade to a student who includes a religious viewpoint in a class assignment. Far from "establishing religion," that would be displaying an antireligious bias, which is unconstitutional and infringing on the free speech of students. Myth: Teachers cannot display a "Christmas tree" in the classroom. Fact: No court has ruled that "Christmas" is unconstitutional. In fact, The Supreme Court has acknowledged the governments long-standing recognition of holidays with religious significance, such as Christmas. Myth: School choirs and bands cannot use churches as venues, because of the "separation of church and state." Fact: Voluntary performances at a church do not promote religion. "Courts have unanimously allowed students to sing Christmas carols in school. Nothing changes when they sing the same Christmas songs at a community festival instead," said Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF). Myth: Students cannot give their classmates gifts that reference the Christian origins of the holiday. Fact: The Supreme Court has never ruled that public schools must prohibit the distribution of religious Christmas messages. For example, a H.S. that forbade a student from giving out candy canes to friends with a note that described the Christian legend, later granted the student permission when ADF informed the principal of this fact. (adflegal.org, 12/11/15; rutherfordinstitute.org) "Our first real Christmas as a nation was the dark and freezing Christmas of 1776, when George Washington and his troops crossed the Delaware. They and Providence gave our nation its first Christmas gift,- victory that brought us closer to liberty, the condition in which God meant man to flourish." President Ronald Reagan, 1984

11 December 17, 2017 Third Sunday of Advent 11 HOLY TRINITY DIOCESAN HIGH SCHOOL Spring Driver Education begins on February 1. There are still openings available in classes before and after school and on Saturdays. The application and schedule are available at holytrinityhs.org (click on STUDENT LIFE). If you have any questions, please call (516) or us at We ll be happy to help you work out a schedule that is best for your son or daughter. We at Holy Trinity wish you a Blessed Christmas and a Happy and Healthy New Year!

12 December 17, 2017 Third Sunday of Advent 12 Open Monday through Friday 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. & Saturday 9:00 a.m. till 4:00 p.m. (Closed for lunch between 12:30 p.m. & 1:30 p.m.) Open on Sunday Dec. 17th only 9:30 a.m. till 2:00 p.m.

13 December 17, 2017 Third Sunday of Advent 13 It s A Christmas Raffle! 50/50 Cash Drawing DECEMBER 20th, 2017 In the Parish Center at 2:00 PM The winner will receive 50% of the amount collected. Last year s winner received over $9,000.00! Tickets will be on sale at the main entrance of the church after all Masses this weekend. $25.00 each Ticket 5 Tickets for $ Tickets will also be on sale in the Parish Center until until 5 pm Tuesday, December 19th.