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

Transcription

1 Our Lady of the Snow Catholic Church 175 Blue Point Avenue Blue Point, New York Telephone: First Sunday of Advent December 1, 2013 MASS SCHEDULE WEEKLY MASSES: Monday Friday 8:30AM in Mother Church NEW WEEKEND MASS SCHEDULE Saturday 5PM in Large Church Sunday 7:30AM in Mother Church 9AM, and 11:00AM in Large Church SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION (CONFESSION) Saturday 4PM 4:30PM in Large Church PARISH OFFICE HOURS Monday Thursday 9AM-4:30PM Friday 9AM 2:30PM Saturday 9AM 2PM OFFICES CLOSED WEEKDAYS 12:30PM 1:30PM RELIGIOUS EDUCATION Monday Thursday 9:30AM-12:30PM and 1PM 4:30PM PARISH OUTREACH Office and Pantry Hours Monday Thursday 10AM-1PM Visit us online!

2 The Pastoral Team Clergy Rev. Edward R. D Andrea, Pastor Rev. James Drew, Parish Administrator Rev. John Amoah, Priest In Residence Deacon Frank Hartmann Deacon Edward Karan Retired Clergy Rev. Diarmuid F. McGann, Pastor Emeritus 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. Irene Mauro, Office Manager, ext. 11 Mrs. Lindsay Butler, Parish Asst., ext. 10 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. Closed from 12:30-1:30 p.m. Monday - Friday olsbp@aol.com Religious Education: Mrs. Eileen Mulry, Secretary, ext. 15 Mrs. Susan Gressler, C.R.E., ext. 14 Mrs. Charlotte Logan, C.R.E. ext. 16 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: Ms. Laura Marchetta, Parish 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. (631) extension 10 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 months. Please visit our website at com for complete information. Christian Initiation: Persons interested in becoming Catholic and adults who have not received Confirmation or First Eucharist, please contact the parish office. For older children who have not received sacraments, please call the Religious Education office. SACRAMENTAL 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 the Administrator Page 3 December 1, 2013 Sunday, December 1, 2013 First Sunday of Advent A Message from the Parish Administrator Dear Parishioners, We have begun the season of Advent 4 weeks of preparation for Christmas The mood of this season is subdued joy in anticipation of the joy filled season of Christmas. The liturgical color we use at Mass is violet a bluish, purple reminding us of the predawn as we anticipate the light of day and Jesus coming who is the Light of the World. To help families prepare for Christmas and live the spirit of Advent, I encourage you to use the Advent Wreath. See page 12 for more information. As we being the Church s new year, we will be using the Scripture readings from Year A Cycle. Readings will be taken from St. Matthew s Gospel. I encourage you to read Matthews s Gospel over the next 12 months. Spiritual Resources To Help you (10 Minutes Per Day) 1.) Magnificat is used for praying by many of our parishioners. It is published in New York and contains the daily and Sunday scriptures with prayers and commentaries to help you understand the scripture readings. A 1 year s subscription (13 issues) costs $ For more information, you may call ) SacredSpace.ie is a website created by the Irish Jesuits to help you pray high tech using scripture readings on a daily basis. Their reflections are based on the Spiritual exercises of St. Ignatius. A book of Sacred Space s prayers are available from Paulist Press. 3.) Kindle for high tech parishioners. It has all the Bible readings and translations. I encourage you to use the New American Bible translation which we already use in the lectionary for our worship at Mass. 4.) Advent Extra 5 minutes daily. Your journey to Christmas It focuses on discipleship, the value of human life and identifying God s presence in your life: Add spiritual vigor to your Advent using one or more of these spiritual resources. Today s second collection: Long Island Catholic Magazine

4 Prayers & Intentions Page 4 December 1, 2013 MASS INTENTIONS FOR THE WEEK December 2-8, 2013 First Week in Advent Saints and Special Observances also indicated Saturday: Nov. 30 5:00 p.m Father John Amoah Sunday: Dec. 1 7:30 a.m. Father Jim Drew 9:00 a.m. Father Jim Drew 11:00 a.m. Father John Amoah MASS PRESIDERS Monday Dec. 2 8:30AM Christina O Brien Tuesday Dec. 3 St. Francis Xavier 8:30AM John Moran Wednesday Dec. 4 St. John Damascene 8:30AM Edka Crakow Thursday Dec. 5 8:30AM Charlotte Minch Friday Dec. 6 St. Nicholas 8:30AM Lori Carangi Speciale Saturday Dec. 7 St. Ambrose 5:00PM Parishioners Saturday: Dec. 7 5:00 p.m Father Jim Drew Sunday: Dec. 8 7:30 a.m. Father John Amoah 9:00 a.m. Father John Amoah 11:00 a.m. Father Jim Drew Readings for the Week Monday Isaiah 4:2-6; Matthew 8:5-11 Tuesday Isaiah 11:1-10; Luke 10:21-24 Wednesday Isaiah 25:6-10; Matthew 15:29-37 Thursday Isaiah 26:1-6; Matthew 7:21, Friday Isaiah 29:17-24; Matthew 9:27-31 Saturday Isaiah 30:19-21, 23-26; Matthew 9:35 10:1, 5a, 6-8 Sunday Isaiah 11:1-10; Romans 15:4-9; Matthew 3:1-12 Pray for Our Sick Names submitted by immediate family members only will remain on list for 4 weeks. We pray for all who are sick, for their healing in both body and spirit. In Sympathy For all who have died this past week, that they rejoice in the heavenly banquet Audrey E. Jordan Sunday Dec. 8 Second Sunday of Advent 7:30AM Charlotte Minch 9:00AM Anna Puje Stella Mauro Dorothy & William Bartoldus 11:00AM Jennie & Vivian Mazzola Please remember in prayer all of the women and men from our parish and beyond who serve so selflessly in our armed forces. Please keep them, their families, friends and loved ones in thoughtful prayer as they serve our country at home and on foreign soil. 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. Our Lady of the Snow s Annual Christmas Pageant Come hear the story of His birth, told by the children of Our Lady of the Snow. Please join us at our Annual Christmas pageant! Friday, December 13th at 7PM in the Large Church

5 Parish Stewardship Page Ministry Report Parish Social ministry (Continued) Stewardship Witness Every day in Parish Outreach I am witness to the generosity and stewardship of the parishioners of Our Lady of the Snow, and our friends in the local community. Your generous sharing of food, financial help and support in so many ways enables us to help our brothers and sisters in need. We could not help those who are struggling without your generosity and the sharing of your blessings. The outpouring of assistance we receive during the Thanksgiving and Christmas season is a testament to this fine community. Thank you and May God continue to Bless You All. Diana Mongan, Director of Parish Outreach Financial Stewardship Due to Thanksgiving we do not have the totals of last week collections; they will be here next week. Our weekly collection is not the only sign of financial stewardship! Our Lady of the Snow Religious Education has received a certificate from the Missionary Childhood Association for their support of the work of the Church in the Missions. Your generous contribution to the relief effort in the Philippines is another sign of your stewardship. Over $4,000 dollars was donated by you the Parish of Our Lady of the Snow! Stewardship of Time and Talent Check out the Liturgical Ministry Report page in this bulletin. Is God calling you to a ministry? Is the parish calling you to a ministry? Call Beth at if you have questions or wish to join a ministry. As each one of us has received a gift, use it to serve one another as good stewards of God s varied grace (1Peter 4:10) STEWARDSHIP On this feast of Christ the King, we believe, God has given us, the Church, all the gifts we need to help bring about God s Kingdom!

6 Parish Outreach & Local Events Page 6 December 1, 2013 Parish Outreach Thanks You! Thank you wonderful parishioners and friends of Parish Outreach. Your generous support at Thanksgiving was most appreciated. Our families all enjoyed bountiful Thanksgiving dinners because of your wonderful donations of food, turkeys, food baskets, supermarket gift certificates and financial support. Parish Outreach News Special thanks to All who gave so generously for the Dollar Sunday Collection. We received a total of $1,232. The children in our Religious Education classes who decorated the food boxes so beautifully and filled them with an abundance of food. The local schools in Bayport-Blue Point for the large assortment of food donations for our pantry. The local Lions Club, Kiwanis, and civic associations. Our local Girl Scout and Boy Scout troops. The staff of CVS, Bayport and Patchogue West; and Starbucks of Bayport. Our anonymous donors, and those who are only a phone call away when we need help. The Outreach volunteers who work in the food pantry, the office, and behind the scenes. Thank you for all your hard work, the extra hours you put in to help those in need. The wonderful people who plan, help shop, pack, distribute and deliver the Thanksgiving baskets to the families. May God Bless You All, Diana Mongan Upcoming Events Hibernian Festival Singers Invite You to Sing with Us! Seeking new members for all vocal parts. Please call Ronnie at or visit the website at for more information. Hope House Ministry presents Andy Cooney s Classic Irish Christmas Show Saturday, December 7th 2PM at St. Joseph s College, Patchogue. For tickets and information, call ext. 22 A Scriptural Journey Through Advent at the Ronkonkoma Cenacle Retreat Center Thursdays in December (5th, 12th, and 19th) $30 per person. For more information or to register for event, please call the Retreat Office at or visit Silent Advent Afternoon of Prayer at the Ronkonkoma Cenacle Retreat Center Sunday, December 8th from 1:30-6:30PM. $50 per person. Dinner included. For more information or to register for event, please call the Retreat Office at or visit The Woman at the Well Series at Mary Immaculate, Bellport Come together as we look at the stories of the Women in the Bible, as well as other women in church history and see how they relate to our lives today. Tuesdays, 7:30-9PM Room 7 church auditorium Diocesan Choir of Rockville Centre Advent Lessons and Carols Sunday, December 8th at 8:30PM at the Cathedral of St. Agnes, Rockville Centre. The 50 minute service consists of readings, choral anthems and hymns from the Advent season. Bishop Murphy will preside. For more information, visit or call the Worship Office at ext All are welcome!

7 Parish Outreach Food Drive Dear Parishioners, As Parish Outreach prepares to distribute bountiful food baskets to our families in need for Christmas, WE NEED YOUR HELP! Christmas food baskets will be distributed on Wednesday, December 18th. BASKET ITEMS NEEDED Gravy, Canned Fruit, Vegetables, Yams, Canned or Instant Potatoes, Cranberry, Rice, Stuffing, Canned Milk, Parmalat Milk, Pancake Mix, Maple Syrup, Juices. Cookies, Cake, Jell-O and Pudding Mixes. Tea, Coffee and Hot Chocolate. This year our goal is to provide each family with a supermarket gift card to purchase the meat for their meal. May we suggest a $20 or $25 supermarket gift card donation for this purpose. Supermarket gift cards in any denomination are always welcome to enable our families to purchase the additional perishable food items. We would appreciate these donations as early as possible so that we can be assured that all of our families needs are fulfilled. The Christmas Dollar Sunday collection will be taken up after all the Masses on Saturday 12/14 and Sunday 12/15. Please call the Outreach Office at , Monday through Thursday 10AM-1PM with any questions or further inquiries or leave a message and we will get back to you A.S.A.P. Thank you for your continued support, especially in this upcoming season of giving. For I was hungry and you gave me food...i was a stranger and you welcomed me. -Matthew 25:35 The Parish Social Ministry Outreach Team!

8 Parish Outreach Giving Trees The Table Top Giving Trees are located in the back of both churches. (In the Large church the location is at the back door of the pantry) A variety of Christmas wishes for those struggling in our community can be found in the baskets next to the tree. Please follow these procedures to ensure that the correct gift is matched with the correct person: 1. Please wrap your gift and attach the numbered paper ornament that you picked from the basket, securely to the front of the gift. 2. If you give a gift card or certificate, please put it in either a gift bag or a gift box, with the amount and store name on the front. 3. If you wish to donate any additional gifts please leave them unwrapped. (We always need extra gift items for our teens and seniors gift baskets, gift cards, age appropriate items, etc.) 4. Please return all gifts by Sunday, December 15th. It is very important that we receive your gifts by Sunday, December 15th so that we can guarantee that the gifts can be distributed to the families. (Last year, many gifts were NOT RETURNED. Please only take a tag if you can return the gift on time.) 5. Please bring all gifts back to the giving tree area in the large church ONLY, NOT THE SMALL MOTHER CHURCH. HAVE A QUESTION? PLEASE CALL OUTREACH AT MON-THURS 10AM-1PM Thank you in advance for helping us bring some joy into the lives of God s children in need.

9 Religious Education Page 9 December 1, 2013 OUR LADY OF THE SNOW Religious Education Office /olsbpre@aol.com Office Hours Monday to Thursday 9:30-4:30 or by appointment And when they arrived, they called the church together and reported what God had done with them and how he had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles Acts 14:27 WEEK OF DECEMBER 1 OUR CLASSES Sunday Pre-k, K during 9 a.m. Mass in Mother Church Basement Children s Liturgy of the Word during 9 a.m. Mass Level 2 classes Mon., Tues., Wed. at 4:30 and Wed. at 6 Level 3-6 classes Mon. 4:30, Tues. & Wed. at 4:30 & 6 in the Large Church Level 7 & 8 classes 6p.m. and 7:30 p.m. in Large Church Parents/Families Prepare the way of the Lord Parents and Parishioners are invited to an Advent Prayer and Presentation. This will be a time to reflect on how to prepare for Jesus during the Advent season. This presentation will be offered during class times on Dec. 2 nd at 4:30, Tues. Dec. 3 rd at 4:30 and 6 and Wed. Dec. 4 th at 4:30 and 6 in the Mother Church. MARK YOUR CALENDARS Level 9 Confirmation Wed. Dec. 11 at 7:30pm Class #4 Our Level 2 Sacrament Preparation children will be celebrating First Reconciliation on Thurs. Dec. 12 at 7pm or Sat. Dec. 14 at 11am. Children have been assigned according to their classes. Let the children lead us to this wonderful sacrament of God s love and forgiveness! ADVENT IDEAS FOR FAMILIES Remember that Advent is a time of preparation for the celebration of Christ with us! During Advent we need to be aware of how we prepare for Jesus in our own lives. Here are some ideas for your family: Use an Advent Wreath to pray with your families Do a family project such as making holiday placemats for a Soup Kitchen or decorate boxes for the Christmas food donations

10 Page 10 December 1, th ANNUAL Just as Jesus became Mad at His conception, likewise, when a child is conceived, he/she becomes one of our human family. This little person now dwells among us. So that our nation may accept this truth, and restore the freedom necessary to defend Life and Faith COME PRAY WITH US!!!!! Join in Unity of Prayer across America to protect LIFE, LIBERTY AND The FAITH!!! If you find that the world hates you, know it has hated me before you John 15:18-21 If my people...humble themselves and pray, and seek my presence and turn from their evil ways, I will hear them from heaven and pardon their sins and REVIVE THEIR LAND 2 Chronicles 7:12 America needs the Blessed Mother s intercession!! December 8/ Join us at any time as we pray for the end of the violence through the intercession of Mary, the Immaculate Conception & Our Lady of Guadalupe in the Mother Church for ROSARY/MUSIC/QUIET TIME & ADORATION OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT

11 Mark Your Calendars for These Upcoming Parish Sponsored Events Sunday, December 1st First Sunday of Advent, which begins the 4 week season of Advent Friday, December 6th First Friday of the Month Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament after 8:30AM daily Mass in the Mother Church Sunday, December 8th Second Sunday of Advent NO Vigil Mass for The Immaculate Conception Monday, December 9th Immaculate Conception of Blessed Virgin Mary (Not A Holy Day of Obligation) Mass at 8:30AM Only All Offices CLOSED Friday, December 13th Christmas Pageant 7PM in the Large Church Saturday & Sunday, December Parish Outreach Christmas Dollar Sunday - All Giving Tree Gifts MUST be returned by 12/15 Monday, December 16th Day of Reconciliation 9AM, 11AM, 4:30PM & 7:30PM All Confessions heard in the Large Church Tuesday, December 24th Christmas Eve Daily Mass 8:30AM in the Mother Church 4PM Family Mass Large Church 7PM & 10PM Masses Large Church Wednesday, December 25th Christmas Day Masses at 9AM, 10:30AM & 12Noon Large Church Tuesday, December 31st New Years Eve Daily Mass 8:30AM Mother Church 5PM Vigil Mass for Mary, Mother of God Large Church Wednesday, January 1st New Years Day 9AM & 11AM Mass for Mary, Mother of God Large Church

12 The Advent Wreath The Advent wreath, like many of our customs at Christmas traces its origin to pre-christian times when candles were lit during the winter to the sun-god asking for light. It was the Lutherans who started the Advent wreath as a Christian custom. The word advent comes form the Latin term for arrival or coming. It is the season when we await the coming of the Lord in time and at the end of time. The Advent wreath usually has four candles, three purple and one pink to match the vestments of the week. The candles are lit on the Sundays of Advent. The first candle, called the Prophets Candle, is lit on the first Sunday of Advent, then the second candle, called the Bethlehem Candle, is lit on the second Sunday along with the first. On the third Sunday of Advent a pink candle, called the Shepherds Candle, is lit representing Rejoice Sunday, and then the fourth candle, called the Angels Candle, is lit on the last Sunday of Advent. Sometimes a white candle is placed in the center of the wreath and is called the Christ candle. Sometimes the flame from that candle is used to light the others. In some parishes, the white candle remains unlit until Christmas Eve. A different explanation of the meaning of the candles can sound like the greetings we use in our Christmas cards. This explanation says that the candles represent hope, love, joy, and peace. For this reason the wreath can also be used during the Christmas celebrations but with candles that are all white. Used with permission from Resource Publications All rights reserved. Advent Wreath Blessing Lord our God, We praise you for your Son, Jesus Christ: He is Emmanuel, the hope of the peoples, He is the wisdom that teaches and guides us, He is the Savior of every nation. Lord God, let your blessing come upon us as we light the candles of this wreath. May the wreath and its light be a sign of Christ s promise to bring us salvation. May He come quickly and not delay. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. (The candle is then lit.) ADVENT WREATH SALE Advent is just around the corner! Advent wreaths will be sold in the back corner of the church after all Masses this weekend. Wreaths $6. Candles $4. Calendars $1.