PRAY FOR OUR MILITARY PERSONNEL

Transcription

1 DIVINE MERCY SUNDAY APRIL 8, 2018 \ You believe in me Thomas because you have seen me, says the Lord; blessed are those who have not seen me, but still believe! Fr. Christopher Costigan, Pastor... Ext. 302 Cheryl Nicholson... Ext. 301 Parish Assistant ( cnicholson@saintmartha.org) Mrs. Kathy Day... Ext. 304 Bookkeeper Mrs. Marlene Jean-Baptiste Co-Director of Social Ministry or , Ext. 320 Ms. Barbara Powell Co-Director of Social Ministry or , Ext. 321 Cheryl Nicholson... Ext. 312 Bulletin Editor ( cnicholson@saintmartha.org) Voice Mail Only: Must Leave a Message Deacon Hernst Bellevue... Ext. 346 Director of Adult Faith Formation English/Creole Baptismal Program Mr. Alvin Ingram... Ext. 347 Liturgy Chairperson Mr. Tom Gould... Ext. 348 Plant Manager Mrs. Dulce Sepulveda... Ext. 349 Spanish Baptism Program Elissa Hanson... Ext.350 Choir Director & Organist Ms. Lisette Joachim... Ext 351 Ministry of Consolation Deacon Evenou Saint-Louis Parochial Archivist... Ext. 352 RELIGIOUS EDUCATION Deacon Trevor Mathurin, Director of Religious Education...Ext. 311 Mrs. Imogene Regan, RCIA Director...Ext. 314 PRAY FOR OUR MILITARY PERSONNEL U.S. Air Force: Staff Sgt. Andrew D. Simpson Master Sergeant Scott Moller Tech. Sgt. Francisco J. Velasquez Master Sgt. Jeremy Salaver U.S. Army: Private Angelique J. Rosado Master Sergeant Jill Agront Sgt. Hisnard Cadet, Jr. Staff Sgt. Misael Exantus PFC Zaymery Villalobos Special Force Kareem Inniss Spc. Richard Aquilar Captain Gavin Campbell McMahon LTC Douglas Boltuc Sgt. Andrew Gandolfo PFC Francisco Fuentes Melinium PFC Stefan Saindoux PFC Luc-Ambert Saindoux, Jr. PFC Betty Piquion Sgt. Henry Pazmino U.S. Marines: 1 st Battalion Carlos Fuentes CPL Daniel C. Monroe RCT Eric Joel Vazquez Sergeant W. Jason Ferris L. Cpl. Alfonso Rodriquez Oswaldo Pazmino INDEPENDENCE STRENGTH FREEDOM U.S. Navy: Airman Herbert J. Alvarado JE-4/CS3 Jesus Ron Lt. Joseph A. Baugh Lt. John R. Esposito AG2/Petty Officer 2 nd Class Michael McGee Gordy Garcia

2 2

3 3

4 4

5 5

6 6

7 DIVINE MERCY SUNDAY O greatly merciful God, Infinite Goodness, today all mankind calls out from the abyss of its misery to your mercy, to your compassion, O God; and it is with a mighty voice of misery that it cries out. Gracious God, do not reject the prayer of this earth s exiles! O Lord, goodness beyond our understanding, who are acquainted with our misery through and through and know that by our own power we cannot ascend to you, we implore you: fill us with your grace and keep on increasing your mercy in us, that we may faithfully do your holy will all through our lives and at the hour of death. Let the omnipotence of your mercy shield us from the darts of our salvation s enemies, that we may with confidence, as your children, await your final coming. O Lord, I want to be completely transformed into your mercy and to be your living reflection. May the greatest of all divine attributes, that of your unfathomable mercy, pass through my heart and soul to my neighbor. Help me, O Lord, that my eyes may be merciful, so that I may never suspect or judge from appearances, but look for what is beautiful in my neighbors souls and come to their rescue. Help me, O Lord, that my ears may be merciful, so that I may give heed to my neighbors needs and not be indifferent to their pains and moanings. Help me, O Lord, that my tongue may be merciful, so that I should never speak negatively of my neighbor, but have a word of comfort and forgiveness for all. Help me, O Lord, that my hands may be merciful and filled with good deeds, so that I may do only good to my neighbors and take upon myself the most difficult and toilsome tasks. Help me, O Lord, that my feet may be merciful, so that I may hurry to assist my neighbor, overcoming my own fatigue and weariness. Help me, O Lord, that my heart may be merciful, so that I myself may feel all the sufferings of my neighbor. May your mercy, O Lord, rest upon me. O Jesus, I want to live in the present moment, to live as if this were the last day of my life. I want to use every moment scrupulously for the greater glory of God, to use every circumstance for the benefit of my soul. I want to look upon everything from the point of view that nothing happens without the will of God. God of unfathomable mercy, embrace the whole world and pour yourself out upon us through the merciful Heart of Jesus. ~ SAINT FAUSTINA KOWALSKA from Divine Mercy in My Soul 7

8 8

9 When Time Stands Still By Fr. Ron Rolheiser Week April 1, 2018 The theory of relativity tells us that space and time are not what they appear to be. They re relative, meaning that don t always function in the same way and they aren t always experienced in the same way. Time can stand still. Or can it? This side of eternity, it would seem not. Ever since the universe started with a mammoth explosion some 13.8 billion years ago the clock has been running non-stop, like a merciless meter, moving relentlessly forwards. However, our faith suggests that time will be different in eternity, so different in fact that we cannot now even imagine how it will be in heaven. As St. Paul tells us in his letter to the Corinthians: Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God has prepared for them that love him. How will time be experienced in heaven? As we ve just affirmed, that cannot be imagined now. Or can it? In a wonderful new book on the Resurrection and Eternal Life, Is This All There Is, the renowned, German scripture scholar, Gerhard Lohfink, suggests that we can and sometimes do have an experience of time as it will be experienced in eternity. For Lohfink, we experience this whenever we re in adoration. For him, the highest form of prayer is adoration. But what does it mean to adore God and why is that the highest form of prayer? Lohfink answers: In adoration we ask nothing more of God. When I lament before God it is usually my own suffering that is the starting point. Even when I petition God, the occasion is often my own problem. I need something from God. And even when I thank God, unfortunately I am usually thankful for something I have received. But when I adore, I let go of myself and look only to God. Admittedly, lament, petition, and thanksgiving are high forms of prayer. An old, classical, and very good, definition of prayer defines prayer as lifting mind and heart to God, and what s in our hearts virtually at all times is some form of lament, petition, or thanksgiving. Moreover, Jesus invites us to ask God for whatever is in our heart at a given moment: Ask and you will receive. Lament, petition, and thanksgiving are good forms of prayer; but, in praying them, we re still focused in some manner on ourselves, on our needs and our joys. However in adoration we look to God or at some attribute of God (beauty, goodness, truth, or oneness) so strongly that everything else drops away. We stand in pure wonder, pure admiration, ecstatic awe, entirely stripped of our own heartaches, headaches, and idiosyncratic focus. God s person, beauty, goodness, and truth overwhelm us so as to take our minds off of ourselves and leave us standing outside of ourselves. And being free of our own selves is the very definition of ecstasy (from the Greek, EK STASIS, to stand outside oneself.) Thus, to be in adoration is to be in ecstasy though, admittedly, that s generally not how we imagine ecstasy today. For us, ecstasy is commonly imagined as an earthshaking standing inside of ourselves, idiosyncrasy in its peak expression. But true ecstasy is the opposite. It s adoration. Moreover, for Lohfink, not only is adoration the only true form of ecstasy, it s also a way of being in heaven already right now and of experiencing time as it will be in heaven. Here s how he puts it: In the miracle of adoration we are already with God, entirely with God, and the boundary between time and eternity is removed. It is true that we cannot now comprehend that adoring God will be endless bliss. We always want to be doing something. We want to criticize, intervene, change, improve, shape. And rightly so! That is our duty. But in death, when we come to God, that all ceases. Then our existence will be pure astonishment, pure looking, pure praise, pure adoration and unimaginable happiness. That is why there is also a form of adoration that uses no words. In it I hold out my own life to God, in silence, and with it the whole world, knowing God as Creator, as Lord, as the one to whom belongs all honor and praise. Adoration is the oblation of one s life to God. Adoration is surrender. Adoration means entrusting oneself entirely to God. As we dwell in adoration, eternity begins an eternity that does not withdraw from the world but opens to it utterly. Time can stand still! And it stands still when we re in pure admiration, in awe, in wonder, in adoration. In those moments we stand outside of ourselves, in the purest form of love that exists. At that moment too we are in heaven, not having a foretaste of heaven, but actually being in heaven. Eternity will be like that, one moment like a thousand years and a thousand years like one moment. 9

10 If thou love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength, thou shall serve Him well. This is NOT a substitute for your schedule! Please refer to the schedule you received from the head of your ministry! If you are unable to serve, do not call the office! Find a replacement or contact your ministry head! 5:00PM - Lector: Racquel Phillip Altar Server: David LaBlanc Eucharistic Ministers: Marie G. Brice, Hermine Lydia Charles, Florence Etienne Ushers: Rosemarie Laguerre, Jennifer King, Mario Cadavid, Alejandro Apresa 7:30AM - Lector: Daniel Cronin Eucharistic Ministers: Carol Bargeron, Elaine Burke, Sharon Burke Ushers: Jim Capriotti, Carmen Charles, Genevieve Charles, Alex Apresa, Jorge Ricardo Flores 11:00AM - Lector: Karleine Graham Altar Servers: Nia Johnson, Jules Ayroso Eucharistic Minister: Yolande Augustin, Winston Delpesh, Karleine Graham, Beverly Gray, Gloria Maffettone, Teresa Sanders Davis Ushers: Bennett Paul, Agnes Duclairon, Wilner Nestor, Frantz Denis Thank you for your generosity to St. Martha s Parish! Divine Mercy Sunday April 8, 2018 Monday April 9 8:30 AM... Laura-Jeanne Sanacore Tuesday April 10 8:30 AM... Lilia Bien-Aime & Jacqueline Hubert Wednesday April 11 8:30 AM... Grace Palmaro Thursday April 12 8:30 AM... Margaret Minasian Friday April 13 8:30 AM... Morning Prayer Service Saturday April 14 5:00 PM... Jean Albanese Sunday April 15 7:30 AM... Parishioners of St. Martha 8:45 AM... Miguel Angel Bueno 11:00 AM... Parishioners of St. Martha 12:30 PM... Coulange Lebrun & Yvonne Lavolonte Lebrun Thank you for your generosity to St. Martha s Parish! April 1, 2018 (Regular Collection) 8:00 PM Mass... $ :30 AM Mass... $2, :45 AM Mass... $4, :00 AM Mass... $3, :30 PM Mass... $2, Poor Box... $73.00 (Does not reflect donations made by Faith Direct) April 1, 2018 (Easter Gift) 8:00 PM Mass... $1, :30 AM Mass... $1, :45 AM Mass... $1, :00 AM Mass... $3, :30 PM Mass... $1, Poor Box... $ SCRIPTURE READINGS FOR THIRD SUNDAY OF EASTER April 15, 2018 Acts 3:13-15, Ps 4:2, 4, 7-8, 9 1 John 2:1-5 Luke 24:35-48

11 Cada lunes, de 9:00 AM a 12:00 PM; miércoles, de 9:00 AM a 12:00 PM y 4:00 PM a 7:00 PM, el Padre César R. Bejarano, OFM se encuentra disponible en el Centro Parroquial para confesiones y dirección espiritual. LA EUCARISTÍA SE OFRECE: Por el eterno descanso de Rosa Martínez. GRUPO DE ORACIÓN: Los miércoles, a las 7:00 PM en el gimnasio. ULTREYA: Cada domingo, a las 11:00 AM en la Capilla. JUVENTUD SIN FRONTERAS: Los jueves, a las 7:30 PM en el Salón Betania. CORO HISPANO: Ensayos los viernes a las 8:00 PM en la Iglesia. MINISTERIO DE ACOGIDA: Ministros que extienden la bienvenida y entregan las hojas de cantos a los feligreses que van entrando a la Iglesia.. MOVIMIENTO FAMILIAR CATÓLICO: Se reúne cada 15 días. Para informarse, llaman al o al CENACULO DIVINA MISERICORDIA: Cada martes, a las 7:00 PM en la Capilla. MISA JUVENIL Y DE NIÑOS: Cada segundo domingo del mes. LOS NIÑOS: Cada domingo los niños son convocados al Salón Betania para escuchar y compartir las enseñazas de las lecturas dominicales. SOCIEDAD DE SAN VICENTE DE PAÚL: Cada primer y segundo domingo del mes, inmediatamente después de la Misa, detrás del escenario. LECTIO DIVINA: Se reúne cada lunes de 7:00 PM a 9:00 PM en la Capilla. EL SACRAMENTO DEL BAUTISMO: El tercer domingo de cada mes, a las 2:30 PM en la iglesia. Para apuntarse, visite la oficina del Centro Parroquial. II DOMINGO DE PASCUA Las lecturas de hoy destacan la fe de los discípulos y presentan un contraste con la figura de Tomás en el Evangelio. Para Tomás la prueba de la resurrección parece ser más importante que la fe en el resucitado; de todas formas, hay un poco de Tomás en cada uno de nosotros, que le pedimos al Señor que aumente nuestra fe, aunque a veces esperamos a que Él nos muestre signos que nos convenzan de su presencia y compañía. En este Domingo de la Misericordia, en que reconocemos la presencia misericordiosa de Dios en nuestra vida personal y comunitaria, somos, como dice el Señor, aquellos que creen sin ver ni tocar por ser obedientes a su llamado y fieles a sus mandamientos? Reflexiones Pastorales de Juan J. Sosa, Presbítero / OCP 11

12 Vocation Prayer Merciful Father, you sent your Son into the world to free us from the power of sin and evil. Grant that, through the intercession of the Virgin Mary, our Mother of Mercy, many young men will respond to your call to give of themselves in imitation of Christ the Redeemer. Fill them with the light of your Holy Spirit that they may renounce the power of the world, proclaim truth and freedom, and bring consolation and relief to oppressed Christians. Bless our family of Mercy with numerous holy priests and brothers who will offer our world the testimony of your faith and love. We ask this through Christ our Lord. AMEN 12 Scripture Readings April 9 April 14 Monday, April 9 Isaiah 7:10-14; 8:10 Psalms 40 Hebrews 10:4-10 Luke 1:26-38 Tuesday, April 10 Acts 4:32-37 Psalm 93 John 3:7b -15 Wednesday, April 11 Acts 5:17-26 Psalm 34 John 3:16-21 Thursday, April 12 Acts 5:27-33 Psalm 34 John 3:31-36 Friday, April 13 Acts 5:34-42 Psalm 27 John 6:1-15 S a t u r day, Ap r il 1 4 Acts 6:1-7 Psalm 33 John 6:16-21

13 THANK YOU to everyone who has donated to my medical fund thus far. I found out my initial campaign (not run by me) has been shut down for an unknown reason. The first campaign helped cover my household bills from missed work, as well as smaller hospital bills. This new campaign is set up in hopes of paying back some of the $90k+ I owe as of now. (This is only one of the two surgeries I have had so far.) It is very possible I will have to claim bankruptcy if I cannot make a good dent. That is a very frightening thought as a single parent. For those of you who either have donated already, or cannot afford to, please do not feel obligated. I ask for prayers for myself and for my family. It has been a very rough couple of months. The new link is You can also leave donations at the Parish Center. Every little bit helps, and has helped. God bless and thank you so much. St. Martha s has been incredible with your generosity. ~Elissa Hanson, Music Director he list of names that will appear under this column will reflect ONLY those who are CRITICALLY ILL. The individual or family member must contact the Parish Center in order to be placed on the Sick List. Please note the new address the Parish Center at cnicholson@saintmartha.org ( PRAY FOR THE SICK MUST APPEAR IN YOUR S SUBJECT LINE); or come by the Parish Center with your request in writing, no later than Monday. This list will be updated on a monthly basis. Helen Zeiser Edith Lucchi Olivia Gerboth Frank Brown Ofelia de Torres Lorraine Hardy Sophia Kyriakaksis Julienne Jacques Jazmine Martinez Leopold Johnson Solange Bricourt Omnipotent and Eternal God, the everlasting Salvation of those who believe, hear us on behalf of Thy pitying mercy, that, with their bodily health restored, they may give thanks to Thee in Thy church. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Dear Lord, As my life declines and my energies decrease, more than ever hold me by Your Power, that I may not offend You, but daily increase in Your Love. Give me strength to work in Your Service till the last day of my life. Help me to ever have an increasing dread of venial sin, or whatever would cause the slightest withdrawal of Your Love; all day long, and at night keep me close to Your Heart; and should I die, ere the morning breaks, may I go rejoicing in that vision of Your entrancing beauty, never to be separated from You. Amen. For everything you need to know in faith formation, Visit Mass Book is open: Weekends: through 12/31/18 Weekdays: through 6/30/18 The Bread and Wine Calendar... is now open until the end of July 2018 James W. Feeney, Jr.... +February 16, 2018 Joseph Laurice... +February 18, 2018 Cecilia Pierre... +March 11, 2018 Marie Lucienne Lavaud... +March 18, 2018 Memorialize a loved one with a leaf on our parish s Tree of Life, located in the Church Lobby. If you would like more information about this lovely memorial, please contact the Parish Office at (516) Ext

14 Give us our daily bread Social Ministry/Outreach Office Hours Mon., Wed., Thurs., Fri. 10:00AM 2:00PM (516) or (516) , Ext. 320 (English/Spanish/French/Creole) F I D E L I S C A R E HEALTH INSURANCE Is in Social Ministry every Wednesday from 10AM 12 PM Ask to see Soraya This Week: Rice & Canned Vegetables Catholic Charities WIC 1000 N. Village Avenue Rockville Centre, NY (516) WHERE: Gathering Area Some additional items needed: dry milk, peanut butter, jelly, rice, pinto beans, dry or canned beans and canned meat/fish. An Immigration Consultant... will be available at the Parish Social Ministry the second Wednesday of each month. The next date will be on: Wednesday, April 11, :00AM - 1:00PM 14 FREE FOOD FOR THOSE IN NEED: For further information and income guidelines please call: in Suffolk or in Nassau BABY ITEMS NEEDED: Diapers, diaper wipes, strollers and car seats that meet current standards. ITEMS NEEDED: individual boxed milk (i.e., Parmalat); toilet tissue, paper towels, personal care items, gift certificates. SHOPPING BAGS ARE ALWAYS APPRECIATED