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

Transcription

1 MASS SCHEDULE Our Lady of the Snow Catholic Church 175 Blue Point Avenue Blue Point, New York Telephone: Twenty-fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time The last will be first, and the first will be last (Matthew 20: 1-16a) 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 Trying is all that matters. Everything else is just not our business. --T.S. Eliot 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 One of the most famous and influential poets of the 20 th Century, T.S. Eliot was also an essayist, publisher, playwright, and social critic. Born in the U.S.A., he became a British citizen and a high-anglican. By his own admission, his religious sympathies were very Catholic. Asked why he thought Eliot never became a Catholic, the philosopher, Jacques Maritain, quipped, Eliot exhausted his capacity for conversion when he became an English citizen. Visit us online!

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 September 21,2014, My dear parish family, I haven t been in the parish long enough to be certain of this, but my experience tells me that the majority of children enrolled in our religious education program seldom if ever go to church. I m told we have approximately 1000 children in our program. Look around: we don t have 1000 people all together at our Sunday Masses, and most of these are not children. After 38 years of trying nearly everything under the sun to persuade parents of the importance of bringing their kids to Mass on Sundays, I m not naïve enough to think that now suddenly I ll succeed where in the past I ve always failed, but I do think that there are things you, the folks who do come to church regularly, can do to help the situation. First, pray for all our children. Pray like crazy. They are growing up in a very dangerous world. Second, if you have children and bring them to church, encourage friends and neighbors to do the same. No need to be heavy-handed about this. Just share with them your positive experience and, perhaps, why you think church-going is so important in the world we live in. If you re grandparents whose grandchildren don t go to church, and assuming you ve already told your children that they should be taking their kids to church, offer to bring the grandkids yourself once in a while. It doesn t always work, but I know cases in which it did. When you re with your grandchildren, share with them what going to church has meant to you, and when you give them gifts, occasionally make them religious gifts of some sort. I would never encourage religious wars within families or among friends, and you are the best judge of what you can get away with in terms of fostering the faith and church -going, but it s surprising how sometimes even the littlest of nudges is enough to make a difference. Think about nudging someone soon, especially someone who has kids who never go to church. With love and prayers, Fr. Charles Fink

4 Prayers & Intentions Page 4 September 21, 2014 MASS INTENTIONS FOR THE WEEK September 22-28, 2014 Saints and Special Observances also indicated Saturday: Sept 20 5:00 p.m Fr Fink Sunday: Sept 21 7:30 a.m. Fr. Amoah 9:00 a.m. Fr. Amoah 11:00 a.m. Fr. Fink MASS PRESIDERS Subject to Change Monday Sept 22 8:30AM Bernard Rush Saturday: Sept 27 5:00 p.m Fr.Amoah Sunday: Sept 28 7:30 a.m. Fr. Fink 9:00 a.m. Fr. Fink 11:00 a.m. Fr. Amoah Tuesday Sept 23 St Pius of Pietrelcina 8:30AM Frank Lehman Readings for the Week Monday Proverbs 3: 27-34; Luke 8: Tuesday Proverbs 21: 1-6, 10-13; Luke 8: Wednesday Proverbs 30: 5-9; Luke 9: 1-6; Thursday Ecclesiastes 1: 2-11; Luke 9: 7-9 Friday Ecclesiastes 3: 1-11; Luke 9: Saturday Ecclesiastes 11: 9, 12: 8; Luke 9: 43b-45 Sunday Ezekiel 18: 25-28; Philippians 2: 1-11; Matthew 21: Wednesday Sept 24 8:30AM Frank Scarpa Thursday Sept 25 8:30AM Parishioners Friday Sept 26 St. Cosmas and Damian 8:30AM Robert Bein Saturday Sept 27 St. Vincent de Paul 5:00PM Florence& John Olmoz Sunday Sept 28 7:30AM Parishioners 9:00AM Robert Patrick Reardon 11:00AM George Licata Richard Curley Cataldo Rubino 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. Pray for Our Sick We pray for all who are sick, for their healing in both body and spirit. Jack McQuade Connie Calisi Evelyn Read In Sympathy For all who have died this past week, that they rejoice in the heavenly banquet Donald Boyd, Daniel Rate & Francis Hession 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 Banns of Marriage Ryan Dermody & Lindsey Massaro

5 Stewardship and Faith BOOK DISCUSSION GROUP We meet on Wednesday evenings in the Cottage. All are welcome! Call Beth for information regarding getting the book. AN OPPORTUNITY TO SHARE YOUR TIME AND TALENT WITH THE PARISH! In these busy times, we all have to give priority to many different demands in our lives. How much time do we spend learning more about our faith or deepening our relationship with God? The answer for many of us is probably very little or none. But when you think about it, there s nothing more important. For the last year and a half, a group of Our Lady of the Snow parishioners have been reading faith based books and meeting once a week for a discussion group. If this sounds at all boring to you let me assure you it has not been at all. We have had terrific evenings sharing laughter, prayer, personal experiences and insights. Studying is one of the necessary ways we grow and improve in any area of our lives. This is a fun and painless way to study and to learn. There hasn t been an evening where I haven t gained valuable insight from fellow parishioners. This fall, we will be reading and discussing Ten Prayers God Always Says Yes To! by native Long Islander and New York Times Best Selling Author, Anthony DeStefano. If the title alone doesn t intrigue you, I hope the chance to share fellowship and faith with your friends and neighbors does. It has been rightly said that your faith can be personal but it can t be private. You have to share it. Talk to Beth Rivalsi or any of the regular book discussion participants and they ll tell you how much enjoyment and meaning we get from sharing. I hope you will join us. Submitted by Mike Dawidziak Arts and Environment Committee This committee needs more people to help take care of the plants inside and outside of our churches. If you have a green thumb or just the desire to help keep our church and parish grounds beautiful call Beth Rivalsi at Bayport Blue Point Community Expo 2014 Twelfth Edition Wednesday October 1, pm 8 pm Bayport Flower Houses Our Lady of the Snow Will be represented at the Expo this year! Please stop by the Expo and visit our table and meet all the other local business owners too!! STEWARDSHIP FINANCIAL REPORT Collection Week of 9/14 Week of 9/15 TOTAL $9,229 $9,582

6 RCIA Are you or someone you know thinking about becoming a Catholic? Have you been baptized and now have the desire to receive Holy Communion and Confirmation? If so Call Beth Rivalsi, Director of Adult Faith Formation at HOMEBOUND VISIT TO THE SICK If you or some one you know cannot leave home to attend Mass and receive the Eucharist, we can arrange for a Homebound Visit from an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion. Homebound Ministers bring Holy Communion, prayer and a connection to the parish for those who are sick. Call to arrange a visit for yourself, a family member or a neighbor. ADORATION OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT Miraculous Medal Novena Reconciliation And Benediction Monday Evenings from 6 p.m. to 8:p.m. In the Mother Church Ministry of Consolation Parishioners in this ministry assists fellow parishioners at the time of the death of a loved one. Ministers need to be available during the day to meet with family members and assist at the funeral Mass. The Diocese of Rockville Centre is offering a training course for those already in ministry and those who wish to be part of the ministry. The course will be offered at St. Rosalie s Parish in Hampton Bays on Mondays, September 22, 29, October 6, and 20 This is not a mandated course but is is highly encouraged. If interested please call the Parish Office LITURGICAL MINISTERS Liturgical Training The Diocese is offering training for Readers and Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion in September and October. If you would like more information about these ministries please call This training in mandatory for anyone interested in being a Liturgical Minister. Registration is required. Also required is a letter from the administrator to Bishop Murphy for Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion.

7 Catechetical Sunday September 21, 2014 Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ: The Readings of the Liturgy for Catechetical Sunday, celebrated this year in parishes throughout the country on September 21 st, erupt in an expression of God s mercy and forgiveness. His ways are not our ways, Isaiah reminds us in our first reading. We join our praise with the psalmist, humbled by the LORD whose kindness and compassion extend to all of his works. The great kindness of the LORD exceeds our imagination even as we proclaim the story told by Jesus in Matthew s gospel. Those who labor long and hard in the vineyard are paid for their labors no more than those who labor for a few hours. Think of it! God s mercy and forgiveness beyond measure, beyond human understanding, are given to us all who call upon Him. We are all the recipients of His mercy! We Catholics are privileged to enjoy the beauty of the Sacrament of Reconciliation which allows God s love and mercy to radiate in our moment of history. It is the passing on of an understanding of His forgiveness in our faith formation programs, as well as in all of the ministries which the Office of Faith Formation implements in our Diocese, which we celebrate today. On this Catechetical Sunday, we thank all of you who go into the vineyard proclaiming God s love and forgiveness in programs throughout the Diocese. May we all join together in praying for a rebirth and renewal of the Sacrament which makes God s mercy and forgiveness present in our lives, which allows us to Belong More Deeply to Him, and to each other. With my prayers and best wishes, I am Faithfully yours in Christ, Bishop of Rockville Centre PO Box 9023, Rockville Centre, New York telephone fax

8

9 KNOWING OUR FAITH The Sixth Century: More Giants, More Challenges Following the fall of the Roman Empire in the West in 476 A.D., cities began to deteriorate, trade waned, and political authority dissolved in a sea of barbarism. In this vast ocean of chaos, St. Benedict began founding monasteries, tiny islands of learning, charity, and order. It was early in the sixth century that he founded Monte Cassino in Italy, which still stands today after many deaths and resurrections. In Ireland the work of St. Patrick bore fruit in a continuing tide of vocations and missions. St. Columba evangelized Scotland. Convents for women religious were founded and guided by the likes of St. Bridget and St. Ita, one of whose sayings was: Three things that please God the most are true faith with a pure heart, a simple life with a grateful spirit, and generosity inspired by charity. In Spain, King Leovigild killed his own son for refusing to give up his newlyacquired Catholic faith, but when the King died, his other son brought the Visigoth rulers of Spain into the Church, and at the Council of Toledo in 589, Spain s Catholic identity was officially proclaimed. From Constantinople the great Emperor Justinian tried to reunite the East and West but was only partially successful. He compiled a code of law based on the legal heritage of imperial Rome, infusing it with Christian principles. Unfortunately his influence never reached into Europe beyond southern Italy. Meanwhile Justinian s wife, a member of a sect that denied Christ s human nature, used her influence to buy the papacy. She removed Pope Silverius and had him imprisoned; he died in captivity. She paid a deacon named Vigilius to become Pope and forced the clergy of Rome, then the papal electors, to install him in the Chair of Peter. In one of the great historical proofs of papal infallibility, Vigilius, up to this time sympathetic to the Monophysites and Queen Theodora s agenda, said that henceforth he must maintain the orthodox faith of the Church. When Justinian died in 565 A.D. the power of the Eastern Empire rapidly declined, and the only oasis of law and order left in Italy was Papal Rome, governed by the incomparable Pope St. Gregory the Great. He, more than anyone else, shaped the Church of the middle ages for the next thousand years. He was a writer, a consummate administrator, promoter of Gregorian chant, which takes its name from him, and the man who sent St. Augustine of Canterbury to evangelize England. Augustine s success was in good measure due to the influence of Queen Bertha of Kent, who persuaded her husband to be baptized. As the Franks had become Catholic through Clotilda s intercession, so had the Britons through Bertha s. Next week: The Darkness Deepens

10 Religious Education Page 10 September 21, 2014 OUR LADY OF THE SNOW RELIGIOUS EDUCATION OFFICE 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. September 21 CATECHETICAL SUNDAY A PRAYER FOR CATECHISTS O GOD, our Heavenly Father, you have given us the gift of these catechists to be heralds of the Gospel to our parish family. We lift them up to you in thanksgiving and intercede for them concerning their hopes and needs. May we be attentive to the presence of your Word in them, a Word that lifts up and affirms, calls forth and challenges, is compassionate and consoles. We pray that our parish family will always be blessed with those who have responded to the call to share in Christ s prophetic mission as catechists. May we too be open to the universal call to service that Christ addresses to all of his disciples, contributing our gifts to the communion of faith, the Church. We ask this in Jesus name. Amen. 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. CATECHISTS NEEDED Level 3 needs 2 catechists Wed. at 4:30 or 6 Level 5 needs 1 catechist Wed. at 4:30 or 6 Level 7 needs 2 catechists Mon. at 6 or 7:30 Level 8 needs 1 catechist Mon. at 6 or 7:30 Classes are Beginning Wed. Sept. 24 Level 9 Confirmation 7:30-8:30pm Large Church Mon. Sept. 29 Level 7&8 at 6pm & 7:30pm Large Church Tues. Sept. 30- Level 6 Bible Presentation Large Church Parent/Child Sun. Oct. 5 Children s Liturgy of the Word Oct. 6,7 & 8 Levels 3-6 4:30 & 6 Large Church Thurs. Oct. 9 - Level 2 Parent/Child Celebration 7pm Large Church

11 Parish Outreach & Local Events Page 11 September 21, 2014 Parish Outreach News Summer Food pantry Alert 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. THANK YOU FOR HELPING YOUR BROTHERS AND SISTERS IN NEED In Preparation for your donation at our Blood Drive, Monday, October 6th, please remember to eat the following iron rich foods: PLEASE CALL A.S.A.P. TO SCHEDULE YOUR TIME SLOT Meat: Liver, Beef, Lamb, Veal & Pork Poultry: Chicken & Eggs Nuts & Beans: Soybeans, Dried Beans, Hazelnuts, Almonds, Lentils & Peanuts Vegetables: Broccoli, Spinach, Asparagus, Turnips, Parsley, Watercress, Brussel Sprouts, Cabbage, Green Peppers Fruits: Dates, Prunes, Citrus Fruits, Lemons, Grapefruits, Tangerines, Raisins Breads & Cereals: Whole Grain Breads and Cereals, Farina, Cream of Wheat, Shredded Wheat Grains: Wild Rice, Corn Meal, Oats, Wheat Bran, Rye, Popcorn, Barley, Wheat Germ Milk & Dairy products are POOR sources of IRON 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 Signs : The Gospel of John St Lawrence Parish is pleased to welcome back Frank Runyeon performing Signs: The Gospel of John Wednesday, October 8th 7:30 P.M at St. Lawrence the Martyr Church. Fashion Show Our Lady of Mercy Church will host American Girl Fashion Show October 17-19, 2014 for cket informa on please visit Fall Bereavement Support The St. James Parish Bereavement Ministry, 429 Route 25a Setauket, will offer a free 7 week peer support group for adults struggling to cope with the death of a loved one. Registra on is required for the group, which will begin on Thursday, September 25, For addi onal informa on and to register, please call Ext 341. Please note that in order to par cipate in this group, the loss must Blessing of our pets October 4, :00 am In the parking lot of the Large Church

12 **Call as soon as possible to schedule your time slot**

13 A little humor from Father Fink A man walks out his front door and finds a snail on the stoop. He picks it up and throws it across the street. A year later the man hears a knock on the door. He opens it, looks down, and sees the snail on the stoop again. The snail says, So what was that all about?