Second Sunday in Lent. February 24, Redeem us, O God of Israel!

Transcription

1 A community of Faith hope and love Second Sunday in Lent February 24, 2013 Redeem us, O God of Israel!

2 MISSION STATEMENT We are a Parish Community of men and women who serve God, our country and one another. Inspired by St. Bernard s love of God and humanity, we proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ by praying and worshipping together, educating one another in faith, providing assistance for those in need, working for justice in the world, and welcoming all to the sacramental life of the Church in the Roman Catholic tradition. With Faith, Hope, and Love, we dedicate ourselves to the mission of living and sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ in the world / Fax Parish@StBernardsLevittown.org Website: PASTORAL TEAM Rev. Msgr. Gerard A. Ringenback, Pastor Rev. Christopher M. Costigan, Assistant Pastor Rev. Mr. John Blakeney, Deacon Rev. Mr. James Flannery, Deacon Rev. Joy Varkey, Resident Center for Religious Education & RCIA Sr. Margaret Sammon, O.P., Director / Fax The Religious Center is closed on Fridays. Parish Social Ministry Sr. Christine Sammons, O.P., Coordinator Youth Ministry Mike Rodgers, Coordinator MRodgers@StBernardsLevittown.org or Liturgical Music Mary Jane Witte, Director Adult Faith Formation Diane Vella, Pastoral Associate dvella@stbernardslevittown.org or Church Rose Marie Rotondo, Sacristan Facilities Len Lanzi, Facilities Manager Stefan Jensen, Maintenance Supervisor IN RESIDENCE: Rev. Martin J. Hall Spiritual Life Schedule of Masses: Saturday : 8:00 am and 5:00 pm Sunday: 7:30 am, 9:00 am, (Family Mass), 10:30 am, 12 Noon, 5:30 pm Weekdays: 8:00 am Holy Days: see website: Confessions: Saturday: 4:00-5:00 pm. Weekdays: After the 8:00 am Mass Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal Novena and Benediction: Monday: Check schedule on page 5 Morning Prayer: Monday through Saturday 8:30 am, Prayer Room. Books are available. Baptism of Children: We welcome infants and children to our Christian community! Baptisms are held on select Sundays at 1:30 pm. Please contact the parish at least 3 months before an anticipated baptism even before a new child is born to ensure enough time to complete the baptism preparation process. Our three-step preparation process includes: 1) at-home reading and preparation by the parents; 2) an intake conversation with a member of our parish staff; and 3) participation with other parents in a Sunday morning gathering, which begins with attendance at our 9:00 AM Family -friendly Mass. Please call or parish@stbernardslevittown.org to request a Baptism information and preparation packet. Marriages: Church arrangements should be made at least 6 months before the marriage and before making any contracts with restaurants or caterers. Please call the Rectory to set up an appointment with a priest, Ministry to the Sick and Aging: If you are, or know of someone who is homebound and would like to receive Holy Communion, please call the rectory at St. Vincent De Paul Society: Would you like to join our vibrant community of Faith, Hope and Love at St. Bernard s? Sign-up and get to know us at one of our monthly New Parishioner Registration and Welcome evenings! For information, call the parish office at , or download a form from our website Click on Join St. Bernard s Parish on the left side of the home page. form. If you move away, please notify us as Bulletin Deadline: Friday, 5:00 pm, nine days prior to publication. You may us at Bulletin@StBernardsLevittown.org or leave a hard copy in the inbox on the bulletin desk in the 2 Parish Office. Thank you for your cooperation!

3 Clairvaux chronicle St. Bernard s Church Blood Drive Today, February 24, :30 am 2:30 pm Parish Center LENTEN DEVOTIONS Exposition and Benediction Fridays 12:00-1:00 p.m. Stations of the Cross Fridays 7:30 p.m. Evening Prayer Wednesday, February 27, 7:30 pm LENTEN FELLOWSHIP Family Fish Fry /Stations of the Cross Friday, March 1, 6:00 p.m. Soup Supper Wednesday, March 6, 6:00 p.m. Mass, Pizza and Family Movie Saturday, March 16, 5:00 p.m. DIOCESAN DAY OF RECONCILIATION Monday, March 25, 3:00 9:00 p.m. Confessions at St. Bernard s and every Catholic Church in Nassau, Suffolk and the 5 boroughs. Shed your sins this Lent! MONDAY EVENING MASS WITH NOVENA PRAYERS 7:30 PM February 25, March 11, March 18 KEEPING FAITH IN A TIME OF TRANSITION Wednesdays, Mar. 13 and 20 7:30 p.m. Prayer, Presentation, Reflection, Discussion on St. Bernard s transition of pastors. How will we keep the faith and our parish mission going? Don t Miss the Mission O ne of the high points of our Lenten Season will be the upcoming parish mission. For over 15 years a preaching team of diocesan priests have traveled throughout our diocese giving this mission in addition to their regular responsibilities. You may recognize the names of Msgr. Jim Vlaun and Msgr. Joe DeGrocco who regularly appear on the diocesan TV network, Telecare. Fr. Mike Holzman is chaplain at St. John the Baptist High School and Fr. Frank Nelson is pastor of Maria Regina Parish in Seaford. Their theme will be Recognizing God in our Lives. You will find their presentations engaging, amusing and inspiring. On a personal note I should mention that they were students of mine when I was on the faculty of the seminary in Huntington. They will be preaching at all the Masses next weekend and begin the mission on Sunday evening, March 3. Of all the sacrifices we might make for Lent, one of the hardest is the sacrifice of time. That is what you are invited to do by attending the mission each evening from Sunday, March 3 to Wednesday, March 6. You will not be disappointed. In one way or another you will be touched by their message and discover God in a new way in your life. Another significant event for us in this Lenten Season is the visit of Bishop Nelson Perez who will lead our Wednesday Evening Prayer Service on February 27. He is our newest auxiliary bishop, and he will conduct the service in both English and Spanish. Like our mission team Bishop Perez is also a very dynamic speaker and a man of great pastoral sensitivity. Please keep in mind all of the Lenten events and services we are offering. Consider as well inviting a friend or family member to attend with you. In this Year of Faith we are asking you to be the way someone can belong more deeply to the Lord and His Church. Nothing can match that personal invitation. First Project Gets Underway We are now in the redemption phase of our capital campaign. We have already received over $250,000 in funds from those who have pledged. Once again we thank all those who so generously helped us to exceed our goal. When you receive your statement, we ask that you return the specified amount in a timely fashion. This month we will begin the first of several projects: the installation of an additional bathroom in the church. This is a much needed addition and will serve our regular parishioners as well as guests, especially on occasions such as weddings and funerals. 3

4 parish news Catholic Daughters of the Americas Will be presenting their annual Bread and Soup Supper on March 6th, see details on page 9. Please come and support their efforts and make a small sacrifice for the Lenten Season. The Sampson Ministry...read on Are you looking for a way to give to your parish that does not involve money, meetings, or much time?? We are forming a new "Sampson" ministry, named after the strong man of the Old Testament. The idea is to get a list of parishioners who would be willing to volunteer just a few hours during the course of the year to help with setup and clean up of large events, such as moving tables and chairs. Many hands make light work and a group of people who can give just an hour can make a big difference for our parish. An /phone list will be compiled and when an event is coming up a notification will be sent out and anyone who is able to help out will be given specific information. This is a great way to give back to the parish for those who cannot commit to regularly scheduled meetings and events as well as those who like to work in the background and not be in the spotlight. Simply return the form in the collection basket or the rectory, or me at fathercostigan@yahoo.com NOCTURNAL ADORATION SOCIETY Gathers this Saturday, March 2 at 8:00 pm in the Church. All are welcome to attend and spend time in adoration of our Lord Jesus Christ in the Blessed Sacrament Name: Gifts of treasure Sunday collections Due to the President s Day Holiday, the collection amounts for February 17 were not available for today s bulletin but will be published in next week s bulletin. Thank you for your continued generosity. Morning Prayer takes place at 8:30 am (after the 8 am Mass) Monday through Saturday in the Prayer Room of the Church. The morning Rosary that is said after the morning Mass will take place in the Church on the Blessed Mother s side. This should work out very well, because more people will be able to join in the rosary (they do have a nice size group) and Morning Prayer will have the quiet atmosphere it needs to do the Liturgy Hours correctly. If you are interested, please join us Family Life Committee Friday March 2, FISH FRY Read page 12 and join us! Girl Scout Sunday March 10th is Girl Scout Sunday. All levels of Girl Scouts are invited to attend 9:00am Mass in uniform. Some Brownie Girl Scouts will be receiving Religious Awards. Diocesan Patches will be available. All are welcome to bring a paper good (tissue, toilet paper) for the benefit of St. Bernard s Social Ministry Program. Books for next year s Religious Awards will be available to purchase on Girl Scout Sunday. It is not too early to think about Religious Awards for next year. If you have any questions, please call Ann Tear Age: Address: Phone #: address: Friday, March 1 is the First Friday of the month and is always dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. 4

5 mass intentions Monday, February 25 8:00 am Frances J. Murray Tuesday, February 26 8:00am Suzanne Mary Perfetti 1st Anniversary Wednesday, February 27 8:00 am Michael Tumbarello Thursday, February 28 8:00 am Suzanne Mary Perfetti Friday, March 1, First Friday 8:00 am Ann Macaulay Saturday, March 2 8:00 am Florence M. Wilson Judie Lynch Josephine Giordano Anthony Fasulo 5:00pm Helen Callan Sunday, March 3, Third Sunday of Lent 7:30 am Living and deceased members of The Lynch and Albano families 9:00 am Living and deceased members of Holy Innocents Council, K of C 10:30 am For all parishioners Carmine Laudato Robert Fullam Olga Borosky 12:00 Noon Florence Denardo 5:30 pm Florence Goulding, Ann Flanagan, Joseph Bracco, Mary Frances Cody Parish schedule Monday, February 25 7:30 pm Mass with Novena Prayers, Church Tuesday, February 26 6:15 pm Children s Choir, Parish Center 6:30 pm Cub Scout Meeting, School 7:00 pm Spanish Rosary, Prayer Room 7:30 pm Adult Choir, Church 7:30 pm PFI, Parish Center 7:30 pm Welcome Orientation, Parish Center 8:00 pm AA Meeting, Cafeteria Wednesday, February 27 7:30 pm Evening Prayer, Church 8:00 pm Prayer Group, Parish Center Thursday, February 28 10:00 am Shawl Ministry, Parish Center 2:00 pm St. Vincent Meeting, Clairvaux House 7:00 pm The Most Holy Trinity Adoration, Prayer Rm Friday, March 1 12 Noon Eucharistic Adoration, Church 6:00 pm Fish Fry, Gym 7:30 pm Stations of the Cross, Church Saturday, March 2 9:00 am Awakening Faith, Parish Center 10:00 am Charitable Kidz, Parish Center 11:00 am AA Meeting, Cafeteria 8:00 pm Nocturnal Adoration, Church Sunday, March 3, Hospitality Sunday 9:00 am RCIA, Parish Center 6:30 pm Youth Ministry, Parish Center 7:00 pm Men s Prayer Group, Prayer Room 7:30 pm Parish Mission, Church 8:00 pm AA Meeting, Cafeteria Prayer requests Baptisms: We welcome into the parish the following new member: BANNS OF MARRIAGE SecondTime Jason Ferrante, St.Bernard Parish, Levittown, NY Jenna Goldman, St. Bernard Parish, Levittown, NY for the sick of our parish Maria Canestraro Leigh Ann Caporale Catherine Colon Lisa Derienzo Mafada Derienzo John Esposito Margaret Habermehl Carlota Haltenhof Derojo Vicki Jacona John McKeon John McManus Michelle Neithersole Andrew Pfortsch Laureen Quinn-Sturge Terri Saccente Rosalie Travers All names will remain on the list for 4 weeks after you call in. After that time we ask, if necessary, to call again. Thank you for cooperating and God bless all. Please pray for all those on our Long-term Sick List Baby Christian Murphy Susan Arena Helen Clarke Rosemary Clark Roberta Curran Vincent Davi Bridget Dell Aera Juanita Dones Gerry Dowling Jim Finlan Colleen Grasing Mike Hach Carolyn Hakim Jerome W. Kalkhof Betty Lalonde Mary Mackey Andrew Mahoney Mary Messina William McDonagh John McKeon Mary McLean Kerri Orlando Johnny Perdue Rosina Perri Helen Pfiefer Joseph Pfeifer Raymond Pfiefer Catherine Pipinou Deanne Reilly Eve Saint Thomas Saint Joseph Smithwick, Sr. Marina Suazo David Testa Pat Todd Rob Weidermann Pat Welisher Paige Adette Milhaven Michael Jack Varela Congratulations to the parents Pray for our beloved deceased And those who mourn for them Gonzalo Aviles Ida Steingard William Gandley Jennie Kinkel John Ramos John Cosenza 5

6 Lent 2013 keeping faith in a time of transition LENTEN EVENING PRAYER VÍSPERAS DE CUARESMA KEEPING FAITH IN A TIME OF TRANSITION MANTENIENDO LA FE EN TIEMPOS DE TRANSICÍON February 27/el 27 de Febrero 7:30 p.m. Preacher/Predicador: Bishop/El Obispo Nelson J. Perez This service will be bilingual Este servicio será bilingüe Bishop Nelson Perez was born in Miami a few months after his parents emigrated from Cuba, and was raised in West New York, New Jersey. He earned a B.A. in Psychology at Montclair State College before going to Puerto Rico to serve as a Director of Religious Education and teacher. After entering the seminary in Philadelphia, he participated in a hospital chaplaincy field education program providing pastoral services and counseling to patients with long-term mental illness, and worked for Catholic Social Services outpatient psychiatric services. After his ordination to the priesthood for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia in 1989, he served as an Associate Pastor, an adjunct college instructor and adult education instructor. He was also appointed Assistant Director of the Office for Hispanic Catholics, and was the founding director of the archdiocesan Catholic Institute for Evangelization. He served as pastor of two parishes before being named Auxiliary Bishop for the Diocese of Rockville Centre, where he was consecrated bishop on July 25, He serves as vicar for the Eastern Vicariate of the Diocese of Rockville Centre. El Obispo Nelson Pérez nació en Miami pocos meses después de que sus padres emigraron de Cuba, y se crió en West New York, Nueva Jersey. Obtuvo un B.A. en Psicología de la Universidad Estatal Montclair antes de ir a Puerto Rico para servir como Director de Educación Religiosa y profesor. Después de entrar en el seminario, en Filadelfia, participó en el programa de educación de la capellanía de un hospital proporcionando servicios pastorales y consejería a los pacientes con enfermedades mentales de largo plazo y trabajó para el servicio ambulatorio de la oficina de Servicio Sociales Católicos. Después de su ordenación sacerdotal en la Arquidiócesis de Filadelfia en 1989, se desempeñó como pastor asociado, profesor adjunto de la universidad y profesor de educación de adultos. También fue nombrado Director Adjunto de la Oficina para Católicos Hispanos, y fue el director fundador del Instituto Católico de Evangelización de la arquidiócesis. Se desempeñó como párroco de dos parroquias antes de ser nombrado Obispo Auxiliar de la Diócesis de Rockville Centre, donde fue consagrado obispo el 25 de julio de Se desempeña como Vicario del Vicariato del Este de la Diócesis de Rockville Centre. 6

7 Lent 2013 keeping faith in a time of transition PARISH MISSION: And they recognized Him... Sun. Mar. 3-Wed. Mar. 6 7:30 p.m. in the church Join 4 dynamic diocesan priests for 4 dynamic evenings that will help you to find God in every part of your life. web- us! fur- info- Join For ther Fr. Frank Nelson Msgr. Joe DeGrocco Visiur site! Faithful Families presents Mass, Pizza and Movie Night! Saturday, March 16 5:00 p.m. Mass followed by pizza and a showing of The Odd Life of Timothy Green A fun night for families with children up to 12 $10 per family Reservations needed: faithfulfamilies@stbernardslevittown.org Goal 2 : To motivate and equip engaged parishioners to reach out and invite others to become engaged. Belonging More Deeply YOU VE BEEN PRAYING FOR SOMEONE TO BELONG MORE DEEPLY. mation,msgr. Jim Vlaun Fr. Mike Holzmann visit our web Don t have the time? MAKE TIME to nurture the most important relationship you ll ever have! Come and invite a WHAT ARE YOU DOING ABOUT IT? TAKE AN INVITATION BROCHURE. GIVE IT TO SOMEONE YOU CARE ABOUT. INVITE THEM TO JOIN YOU AT MASS OR A PARISH EVENT. KEEP PRAYING AND TRUST THE SPIRIT!! 7

8 Lent is a time of growth for us in our relationship with Christ as together we approach Calvary. Christ s love and trust for us strengthens our faith in his powerful presence, even on the cross. First Reading: God reiterated his covenant with Abraham several times. Today s reading tells of one such time, emphasizing the numerous descendants that the then childless Abraham would have as the father of the Chosen People. Abraham believed God s promise and thus was deemed righteous (Genesis 15:6), that is, in right relationship with God because of his faith and trust in God s Word. The second part of the reading recounts a sacrificial ritual which serves as a sign of the covenant God had made with Abraham. The text speaks of Abraham s deep religious experience as he waited with his sacrifice. Liturgy corner SECOND SUNDAY OF LENT February 24, 2013 Responsorial Psalm 27 acclaims the Lord as light thus evoking the flaming torch in today s first reading. What trust Abraham had in God s Word, what confidence that the promise would be fulfilled, even though he had to wait for its fulfillment. Abraham did indeed see the bounty of the Lord (stanza four) in land and descendants. The Lord is my light and my salvation. Second Reading: Lord, may everything we do begin with your inspiration, continue with your help, and reach perfection under your guidance. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. We hear Paul s emphasis on the transformation for which we are destined in the age to come the transformation of our physical bodies into a glorified body such as Jesus manifests in today s account of the Gospel. Gospel: The Gospel for the Second Sunday of Lent is always the story of Jesus Transfiguration, when the chosen disciples glimpsed his heavenly glory. Luke emphasizes the fact that Jesus was transfigured during a time of prayer. Note that Moses and Elijah converse with Jesus about his exodus, that is, his passing over from death to life. There is a deliberate connection with the Old Testament event. Like Abraham before them, the Apostles are overwhelmed by their experience of God s presence. Fear, yes; but joy also: it is good that we are here (Luke 9:33). We must hear with them the voice of the Father: This is my chosen Son; listen to him (Luke 9:35). The Liturgy of the Hours, Vol. II. Lenten Season Sourcebook 2013 Abstinence and Fasting. All Catholics who have reached their fourteenth year are bound to abstain entirely from meat on Ash Wednesday and all the Fridays of Lent. All Catholics between the ages of eighteen and fifty-nine inclusive are also bound to observe the law of fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. This means limiting oneself to one single full meal and avoiding food between meals. Two other light meals which together do not equal a full meal, may be taken during the day. Those whose work or health would be impaired are excused from fast and abstinence. Individual conscience should decide proper cause for excuse A more serious reason is required to excuse oneself from Ash Wednesday and Good Friday fast and abstinence. 8

9 Readings FOR February 24, March 3, LENTEN SOUP AND BREAD SUPPER Sunday, February 24. Second Sunday of Lent. Genesis 15:5-12, 17-18; Psalm 27:1, 7-9, 13-14; Philippians 3:17-4:1; Luke 9:28-36 Monday, February 25. Daniel 9:4-10; Psalm 79:8-9, 11, 13; Luke 6:36-38 Tuesday, February 26. Isaiah 1:10, 16-20; Psalm 50:8-9, 16-17, 21, 23; Matthew 23:1-12 Wednesday, February 27. Jeremiah 18:18-20; Psalm 31:5-6, 14-16; Matthew 20:17-28 Thursday, February 28. Jeremiah 17:5-10; Psalm 1:1-4, 6; Luke 16:19-31 Friday, March 1. Genesis 37:3-4, 12-13, 17-18; Psalm 105:16-17, 18-19, 20-21; Matthew 21:33-43, Saturday, March 2. Micah 7:14-15, 18-20; Psalm 103:1-2, 3-4, 9-10, 11-12; Luke 15:1-3, Sunday, March 3. Third Sunday of Lent. Exodus 3:1-8, 13-15; Psalm 103:1-2, 3-4, 6-7, 8, 11; 1 Corinthians 10:1-6, 10-12; Luke 13:1-9 For the ride home This feature is for families to share their thoughts as they travel to and from Church. February 24, 2013 Second Sunday of Lent First Reading: Genesis 15: 5-12, Second Reading: Philippians 3: 17-4:1 Gospel: Luke 9: 28b-36 Hosted by: The Catholic Daughters of the Americas Date: Wednesday, March 6 st Time: 6PM Place: School Gym The Guest Speaker: will be from Island Harvest Good Will Offering appreciated. Adults: How are your priorities affected by your faith in Jesus Christ? Children: When you have important choices to make, do you and your family pray to make the right choice? 9

10 St. Vincent de Paul: Please accept our gratitude for all of the food donations, large and small, that keep finding their way to the pantry. So many families and seniors rely on your generosity to stretch their food and SNAP (food stamp) dollars. This week, our pantry needs include: Hot and cold cereal Hearty soups Tomato products of all kinds Peanut butter and jelly Rice, beans, potatoes (canned and dry, all kinds) Dessert mixes (cake, icing, muffins, Jell-o, pudding, etc.) Canned fruit Paper products of all kinds: Towels Tissues Toilet tissue Napkins Toiletries of all kinds: Soap Toothpaste Toothbrushes Deodorant Shampoo Conditioner Laundry and dish detergent Pampers (4, 5, 6) and wipes Please remember the poor boxes and to buy one, get one free! Parish Social Ministry Collection: This weekend, there will be a second collection for Parish Social Ministry. Your donations help us help our families with some of the basic needs of living. In the 2012 calendar year, we were able to share $24, with those in need. Help was provided for such things as food, funerals, utilities, transportation, religious education, prescriptions, rent and mortgage, disaster relief and immigration assistance. This total is separate from the monies received and distributed by the St. Vincent de Paul Conference of our parish. As always, your kind generosity is sincerely appreciated. We are grateful, and are very careful stewards of your gifts to us. Parish social ministry Peanut Butter and Jelly Team: Sr. Christine Sammons, O.P., On February 12 th, our teens prepared 357 peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for our pantry and for the INN. We thank them for this wonderful corporal work of mercy! They will meet again to make sandwiches on Tuesday, March 19 th at 4:00 p.m. Thanks to Denise and her helpers, and thanks to all who donate peanut butter, jelly, aluminum foil, gloves and bread! Charitable KIDZ: Our Charitable KIDZ will meet on Saturday morning, March 2 nd to plan the food drive that they will be conducting for our pantry on March 23 rd. Please save the date! Thanks to Our Lady of Consolation Prayer Group for their monetary donation. We are grateful for your support! Free Tax Preparation through April 13 th : The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program offers free tax help for low to moderate income (below $49,000) individuals and families. For more information, call us, or call or visit the web: for locations and list of necessary documentation. New Bereavement Group Starting: We are happy to announce that we will be having another bereavement group meeting at St. Bernard s beginning on Monday, April 1 and continuing through June 10, meeting from 7:15-8:30 in the parish center. The group will be facilitated by Dr. Lou Sabatini who led the fall group which many found very helpful. If you are interested in participating in this group, please call the Parish Social Ministry office and we will send a registration form. There is a one-time registration fee of $20. Dr. Sabatini will be leading groups at St. Brigid s and Our Lady of Mercy this spring as well, if our dates are not right for you. Please call our office for further information. In addition, training in working with the newlybereaved will be offered at St. Bernard s on Thursdays, April 4-May 16 th from 7:15-8:30 p.m. There is a $60 registration fee. Please contact Dr. Sabatini directly about this training ( ). 10

11 The God who gave us life gave us liberty at the same time, said Thomas Jefferson, two years before he wrote the Declaration of Independence. He and the other founders of our Nation grasped a profound truth when they listed our God-given inalienable rights as life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Life is our most basic right, the condition for all others no other right is secure if our very lives can be taken from us. Freedom of conscience, culminating in the right to worship and serve God, is the highest fulfillment of our God-given human nature, for without it we cannot freely return God s love and serve our brothers and sisters who need our help and protection. When government attacks religious freedom -especially when it attacks our freedom to respect and revere life at its most defenseless - the fabric of our society is placed at risk. Yet this is what state and federal governmental bodies have done in recent months, demanding new action by the Catholic community. Among the recent disturbing developments: The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has demanded that almost every man and woman in America, as well as many religious institutions that help the needy, may not provide or purchase health coverage unless that coverage includes a wide array of sterilization and contraceptive methods, including drugs that can induce abortion. After the Catholic Church s migration and refugee services office had provided excellent service to victims of human trafficking for five years, HHS took away its federal grant and gave it to less qualified secular agencies because the Catholic agency would not violate its moral principles on early human life. Some state government officials have tried to make Catholic organizations include coverage for abortions in health plans for their employees, or help provide abortions and sterilizations in order to participate fully in our health care system. Longstanding federal laws known as conscience clauses should be preventing such abuses. But government officials have found ways to ignore these laws or exploit loopholes in them to suppress freedom of conscience in health care. In 2013 the new Congress must address this crisis. Federal lawmakers may act to maintain and improve current protections for life and liberty - or they may mandate expanded taxpayer funding for the destruction of unborn children, and allow these and other abuses against religious freedom to continue. It is important that concerned citizens express their views to their Senators and Representative as soon as possible. Forty years ago, the U.S. Supreme Court created a right to choose abortion that has resulted in the death of millions of unborn children and has promoted a fundamental disrespect for life. Today those promoting the right to abortion manifest an intolerance toward those who would choose in favor of God s gift of life. Americans who believe in the sacredness of life and the right of religious freedom need to raise their voices now. 11

12 PLEASE JOIN US FOR THE 2nd ANNUAL ST. BERNARD S LENTEN FISH FRY FISH FRY! Instead of the typical Lenten Friday night pizza, The Family Life Committee would love to Have you come join us March 1, 2013 For a scrumptious dinner of Beer battered fish, potatoes & coleslaw at 6:00pm Followed by Stations of the Cross at 7:30pm Adults $10.00 per person Kid s Meal (9 & under) $8.00 per person OR Tickets MUST be purchased in advance. Tickets will be sold after all masses on February 16 th and February 17 th. Last day to purchase tickets is February 18, Please return completed form with cash or check to the rectory no later than February 18 th! Name: Contact # #Adults X $10.00 = #Kids X $8.00 = I have enclosed cash/check in the amount of $ 12 This is a Family Ministry Event. For Further information, contact Kathy at

13 HHS PROPOSAL FALLS SHORT IN MEETING CHURCH CONCERNS; Bishops Look Forward To Addressing Issues With Administration WASHINGTON The Feb. 1 Notice of Proposed Rulemaking from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services related to the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) shows some movement by the Administration but falls short of addressing U.S. bishops' concerns. "Throughout the past year, we have been assured by the Administration that we will not have to refer, pay for, or negotiate for the mandated coverage. We remain eager for the Administration to fulfill that pledge and to find acceptable solutions we will affirm any genuine progress that is made, and we will redouble our efforts to overcome obstacles or setbacks," said Cardinal Timothy Dolan of New York, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), in a February 7 statement. "Thus, we welcome and will take seriously the Administration's invitation to submit our concerns through formal comments, and we will do so in the hope that an acceptable solution can be found that respects the consciences of all. At the same time, we will continue to stand united with brother bishops, religious institutions, and individual citizens who seek redress in the courts for as long as this is necessary." He listed three key areas of concern: the narrow understanding of a religious ministry; compelling church ministries to fund and facilitate services such as contraceptives, including abortion-inducing drugs, and sterilization that violate Catholic teaching; and disregard of the conscience rights of for-profit business owners. These are the same concerns articulated by the USCCB Administrative Committee in its March 2012 statement, United for Religious Freedom. Cardinal Dolan said the new proposal seemed to address one part of the church's concern over the definition of a church ministry but stressed that "the Administration's proposal maintains its inaccurate distinction among religious ministries. "It appears to offer second-class status to our first-class institutions in Catholic health care, Catholic education and Catholic charities. HHS offers what it calls an 'accommodation' rather than accepting the fact that these ministries are integral to our church and worthy of the same exemption as our Catholic churches." Cardinal Dolan highlighted problems with the proposed "accommodation." "It appears that the government would require all employees in our 'accommodated' ministries to have the illicit coverage they may not opt out, nor even opt out for their children under a separate policy," he said. He also noted that "because of gaps in the proposed regulations, it is still unclear how directly these separate policies would be funded by objecting ministries, and what precise role those ministries would have in arranging for these separate policies. Thus, there remains the possibility that ministries may yet be forced to fund and facilitate such morally illicit activities." Cardinal Dolan also said the proposal refuses to acknowledge conscience rights of business owners who operate their businesses according to their faith and moral values. "In obedience to our Judeo-Christian heritage, we have consistently taught our people to live their lives during the week to reflect the same beliefs that they proclaim on the Sabbath," Cardinal Dolan said. "We cannot now abandon them to be forced to violate their morally well-informed consciences." Statement of US Conference of Bishops Please Pray Daily: Jesus and Mary, we love you, please restore our religious Freedom. 13

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15 Community Bulletin Board Help Wanted Maria Regina School in Seaford is hiring a part-time custodian. Immediate opening. Please call to speak with the principal, Mrs. Seck. Divorced, Separated and Single Catholics of Long Island Widows and Widowers New Member Orientation, Tuesday, February 26, 2013 at 8pm, at St. Frances de Chantal, 1309 Wantagh Ave, Wantagh, NY. Non denominational. All are welcome. Refreshments are served after the meeting. Please bring proof of single status to join. For more information call Carol at before 9:00 pm or Eileen at Spirituality For Singles Gathering The next monthly gathering will be held on Saturday, March 2, 2013, 8:30 pm at St. Aidan Parish, 510 Willis Avenue, Williston Park, NY, The guest speaker will be Fr. Tom Tassone. $5.00 donation - snacks, pizza and beverages will be served. Contact: Ray or spiritualityforsingles@gmail.com Becoming a Person of Prayer Fr. Robin Ryan, C.P. will present a Lenten Day of Prayer at the Seminary of the Immaculate Conception, 440 West Neck Road, Huntington, on Sunday, March 3, 2013, from 9:30 am to 3 pm. Program includes conferences, lunch, opportunity for confession, and Mass. Donation - $25. Sponsored by Friends of the Seminary. Reservations required: extension102, or bmalone@icseminary.edu. Irish Night Dance Benefit The Dominican Sisters of Amityville will be hosting their annual Irish Night Dance for the benefit of their senior sisters on Saturday, March 2, 2013 at St. Brigid s School, Westbury. The evening will begin with a Mass for Peace in the World at 7:00 pm followed by a truly Grand Irish Celebration including Step Dancers, Bag Pipes, and music by the Celtic Connection Band at 8pm. Back by popular demand is a traditional hot Irish dinner. For more information or to purchase tickets for this fun evening ( $40.00 per person) please call the Dominican Sisters Development Office ext. 238 or contact S. Patricia Koehler, O.P., Irish Night Chairperson for event flyer and ticket information at pkoehler@aol.com. The Long Island Catholic Website The Long Island Catholic has a new website: This site provides a vibrant and current source of information concerning ideas and events in the Diocese of Rockville. Bishop Murphy has a blog on the website and he welcomes interaction with you. Rick Hinshaw, George Weigel, Father Bob Lauder, and Msgr. Jim McNamara are regular columnists. There is news not only about current events in our diocese but also news about Pope Benedict XVI and the Vatican. All it takes is a click of a button at Why not add it to your favorites? JOIN OUR WEB, FACEBOOK AND TWITTER COMMUNITIES! facebook.com/ stbernardslevittown stbernardslevittown.org twitter.com/stbernardtweets Out and About the Parish Historic Stockbridge, Massachusetts and The Shrine of Divine Mercy A Trip is being planned to visit Historic Stockbridge, Massachusetts and The Shrine of Divine Mercy on April 16 and 17, Included with the trip will be: One night Hotel with Full Breakfast; One lunch and dinner at the Historic Red Lion Inn; Admission to the Norman Rockwell Museum; Full Day at the Shrine of Divine Mercy; Motorcoach Transportation and Professional Tour Manager; All Tips and Taxes (except bus driver and tour manager). Cost: $226/ person Twin; $272/person Single; $216/person Triple; Travel Insurance: $21/person. If interested, call Ginny Smithwick ASAP 15