A community of Faith hope and love. First Sunday of Advent December 3, 2017 I lift up my soul, to you, o my God

Transcription

1 A community of Faith hope and love First Sunday of Advent December 3, 2017 I lift up my soul, to you, o my God

2 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 on the bottom of the home page form. If you move away, please notify us as well. S T.BERNARD S CATHOLIC CHURCH Phone/ Fax Parish@StBernardChurch.org Website: PASTORAL TEAM Father Ralph Sommer, Pastor Shepherd@StBernardChurch.org ext. 130 Father Joe Nohs, Associate Pastor FrNohsBest@StBernardChurch.org ext. 128 Father Innocent Duru, Chaplain In Residence onyeduru@yahoo.com Deacon John Blakeney DeaconJohn@StBernardChurch.org Deacon James Flannery Aquinas69@gmail.com Mrs. Susan Martin, Director of Religious Education RelEd@StBernardChurch.org Phone/ Fax The Religious Education Center is closed on Fridays. Sr. Christine Sammons, O.P., Coordinator of Parish Social Ministry PSM@StBernardChurch.org Pat McDonough, Director of Youth & Young Adults pat@stbernardchurch.org Ext. 144 Mrs. Mary Jane Witte, Director of Liturgical Music MJWitte@StBernardChurch.org ext. 142 Ms. Diane Vella, Pastoral Associate DVella@StBernardChurch.org ext. 143 Mrs. Rose Marie Rotondo, Sacristan Sacristan@StBernardChurch.org Mr. Len Lanzi, Facilities Manager facilitiesmanager@stbernardchurch.org ext. 120 Mr. Dimas Carbajal, Head of Maintenance Maintenance@StBernardChurch.org ext. 126 CYO Basketball: info@stbernardcyo.org website: 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 (Youth Mass) 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 4. 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@stbernardchurch.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: Usher Coordinator: John Lyons (516) or Jlyons8234@gmail.com Bulletin Deadline: Friday, 5:00 pm, nine days prior to publication. You may us at Bulletin@StBernardChurch.org or leave a printed copy in the inbox on the bulletin desk in the Parish Office. Thank you for your cooperation! 2 MISSION STATEMENT With faith, hope, and love the people of St. Bernard's parish family are on a mission to bring the gospel of Jesus to the Levittown Community and beyond.

3 Purple Alert! E mail Father Ralph: shepherd@stbernardchurch.org Tree Lighting Each year we put together a popup choir at the Levittown Tree Lighting at the Library. If you d like to join our choir this year, look for me or Mary Jane Witte at the stage and we ll give you the words to the carols we ll be singing. Then join us onstage when it s our turn to lead the crowd in singing. People of all ages are welcomed to join in. Fun Ahead Thanks to the dozens of people who came out for our Fun Raising meeting last week. Many fun ideas for celebrating the 70th Anniversary of our parish were suggested. We ll be designing events and looking for teams to run them in the weeks ahead so stay tuned. If You re 70 1/2 + Another reminder that if you haven t taken your required IRA distribution this year, please consider donating it to Saint Bernard s. This way you won t be taxed on it as income and you can write it off as a donation. I remember that after the terrorist attacks in 2001, the homeland security office came up with a series of alerts that matched colors with the perceived threat levels. If the security threat was high, the alert would be red; if a little lower, orange, etc. I m not sure what overall value these color alerts had -- after all, what was I supposed to do if the terrorist alert was high? So I did nothing different -- except maybe feel a bit more anxious. After a time, the color alerts lost their effect and were resigned to the comic monologues of TV talk show hosts. I m afraid that s the way Advent can be for us. All of a sudden we bring out our purple vestments and purple candles and proclaim: Get ready, Jesus is coming again. Be alert, the second coming of Jesus is about to happen! After all, this is what Advent is first about -- not getting ready for Christmas, but getting ready for Christ himself. He promises he will come again and we are to expect that coming any day now. But if this Advent season turns out like the last 2000, then Christmas will come and we ll still be waiting for the second coming of Christ. And if that s so, why should I act any different this year from last? So the purple alert loses its power and influence. Yet we must not forget that the people of Israel waited 4,000 years for the coming of the Messiah. They did not give up hope, but their prayers and prophets all got them ready again and again, generation after generation, for his coming. That hope was not in vain -- just seemingly long in being fulfilled. We are a people who ought to be alert to Jesus coming again. And could it be that he hasn t come again because he knows we re not ready? Perhaps if we -- and all humanity -- are ready and longing for his coming, he ll come again in glory now, this week. We recall the words of Isaiah this weekend, Oh, that you would rend the heavens and come down...would that you might meet us doing right, that we were mindful of you in our ways! Hospitality Sunday Today, Sunday December 3 After the 9:00 am and 10:30 am Masses 3

4 Parish News Friday, December 8 is the SOLEMNITY OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY and is a holy day of obligation. The Mass schedule is: Thursday, December 7 at 5:00 pm Friday, December 8 at 8:00 am, Noon, 7:30 pm 28 th Annual National Night of Prayer for Life Come Pray with Us! Join in Unity of Prayer across America and the entire world to restore: LIFE, FAITH, FAMILY & PEACE Friday, December 8 th after the 7:30 pm Mass, including Rosary and Adoration until 10:00pm. The Rosary Society will meet in the prayer room on Monday, December 11 at 12:30 pm where we will pray the Rosary together for our own intentions. Since Mary, under the title of The Immaculate Conception, is the patron of our country, it is fitting that we pray to her for peace in America and the whole world. We will also pray for Pope Francis, Bishop Barris, Father Ralph, Father Joe, Father Innocent and all clergy and religious and the entire church. Let us pray together during this advent season. All women of the parish are welcome. Gifts of treasure Sunday collections November 19, 2017 November 20, 2016 $ 11, $ 12, envelopes 549 envelopes Faith Direct $ 2, $ 2, Total Collection $ 14, $ 15, Second Collection Home Mission $ 2, $ 2, envelopes 267 envelopes November 26, 2017 November 27, 2016 $ 13, $ 12, envelopes 533 envelopes Faith Direct $ 2, $ 2, Total Collection $ 16, $ 14, Have you enrolled yet? Code = NY272 the Gifts of bread and wine for the weekend of December 2 nd and December 3 rd have been requested in loving memory of Marilyn and William J. Fallar, Sr. by Their loving family Monday, December 4 1:00 pm Diocesan Faith Formation, Parish Center 2:00 pm Zumba Gold, Parish Center 4:30 pm Religious Ed Advent Prayer Service, Church 7:30 pm Miraculous Medal Novena, Church Tuesday, December 5 10:00 am Our Lady of Consolation, Parish Center 6:15 pm Children s Choir, Parish Center 6:45 pm Boy Scouts Troop 316, Cafeteria 7:00 pm Spanish Rosary, Prayer Room 7:00 pm Cub Scout Pack 318 Leader Meeting, Parish Center 7:00 pm DRVC Faith Formation Office, Parish Center 7:00 pm Vivitrol Support Group, School Room 206 7:30 pm AA Meeting, School Room 207 7:30 pm Adult Choir Rehearsal, Church Wednesday, December 6 2:00 pm Zumba Gold, Parish Center 4:30 pm Religious Ed Advent Prayer Service, Church 7:30 pm Advent Taize Prayer, see page 6 8:00 pm Bread of Life Prayer Group, Parish Center Parish calendar (Subject to change) 4 Thursday, December 7 9:30 am Padre Pio Prayer Group, Prayer Room or Marian Room 9:30 am Shawl Ministry, Parish Center 1:45 pm St. Vincent De Paul, Clairvaux House Friday, December 8, Feast of Immaculate Conception 7:00 pm Cub Scout Pack Night, Cafeteria 7:15 pm Most Holy Trinity Prayer Group, offsite After 7:30 pm Mass - Night for Life, Adoration & Prayer, Church Saturday, December 9 10:00 am Special Education party, Parish Center 11:00 am Women s AA Meeting, Cafeteria 11:00 am Religious Education first Reconciliation, Church 11:30 am Reconciliation Reception, Parish Center 1:00 pm Religious Education first Reconciliation, Church 7:30 pm Spanish Mass, Church 8:00 pm Spanish Mass Reception, Cafeteria Sunday, December 10 9:00 am Baptism Preparation Mass, Church 10:00 am Baptism Preparation Gathering, Parish Center

5 mass intentions This listing may not reflect recent changes or additions. Saturday, December 2 5:00 pm For All Parishioners Sunday, December 3 7:30 am John McDermott 9:00 am Jason Paccione 10:30 am Patricia Rosalia, Carol Buchauer, Donna Vollaro, Margaret Cassidy 12 Noon Eileen Anna Graham and the Living & deceased members of her Family 5:30 pm Louis Vicari Monday, December 4 8:00 am Patricia Rosalia Tuesday, December 5 8:00 am Benedict Rotondo-Birthday Remembrance Wednesday, December 6 8:00 am Stephen Witkowski Thursday December 7 8:00 am Adela Sandoval 5:00 pm Pat Rosalia Friday, December 8 8:00 am Josi Sprance 12:00 pm Past and Present Parishioners and Benefactors of St. Vincent depaul Society 7:30 pm Marilyn and William S. Fallar, Sr. Saturday, December 9 8:00 am Louis Valle, Kathleen Meyers, Peter Sanicola, Dispenzieri & Teri Families 5:00 pm Frank Zizzo 7:30 pm Spanish Mass Sunday, December 10 7:30 am For all parishioners 9:00 am Edward Geyer 10:30 am Vincent Gazzo, Pat Rosalia, John Cammarata, II, Oscar Gariando 12 Noon Frank J. Scarangella 5:30 pm Diane Douglas Parish calendar (Subject to change) 10:00 am Youth RCIA, Parish Center 1:00 pm Rehearsal for Christmas Pageant, Gym 4:30 pm Youth Choir Practice, Church 6:30 pm Youth Ministry Meeting, YM Room (School) 8:00 pm AA Meeting, Cafeteria Pray for the sick of our parish Tony Barclay Lois Byrne Megan Guzman Philip Hannon Mary Lou Inciarrano Doris Logan Martin Logan Evelyn O'Brien Ray Wilson 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 Mason Francis Combs Susan Arena Brian Austin Arlene Barsch Irene Boyce Lois Byrne Jean Caprera Rosemary Clark Ed Costello Monica DeLaRosa Sr. Juliana Deptuch Debra Dowdell Margaret Dowdell Gerry Finlan Jim Finlan Linda Fitz Kathleen Flaherty Rich Fuleki Muriel Gallagher Teresita Gallego Michael Giampetruzzi Regina Gorman Colleen Grasing John Guiffre Mike Hach Patricia Hafner Carolyn Hakim Cynthia Hansen Donna Hare John Hartofil Vicki Jacona Ann Johnson Steve Jugan Jerome W. Kalkhof Anne Kalman Claudia Kwasnik Katherine Anne Kwestel Violet Kwestel Tia Mabanta Andrew Mahoney Lucy Marconi Gene McDonagh William McDonagh Teresa McDonald Dr. John McLaughlin Mary McLean Mary Messina Irmgard Montanino Kerri Orlando Johnny Perdue Rosina Perri Catherine Pipinou Dolores Pizzo Joan Rampolla Fred Rappa Laureen Quinn-Sturge Deanne Reilly John Rotondo, Jr. John Rotondo, Sr. Flore Rowe Federico Rueda Eve Saint Thomas Saint Terry Sherwood Ronald Sokol Danielle Stallone Frances Stallone Norma Steiger Louis Steinberg David Testa Rosalie Travers Joan Virostko Theresa Votta Brendan Wagner Richard Yankowski Pray for our beloved deceased and those who mourn for them Donald J. Schneider Paul Mannarino Ronald John Lebrecht Mary Von Stein 5

6 Adult faith formation ADVENT TAIZÉ PRAYER + Candles + + Scripture + + Chanting + + Quiet + Wednesday Evenings December 6, 13, and 20 7:30 p.m. An oasis in the midst of Advent. Join us Come and fill our hearts with your peace. You alone, O God, are Holy. Come and fill our hearts with your peace. Alleluia! (Taizé chant) What if Christmas could be different? Worship Fully + Spend Less Give More + Love All Christmas can still change the world and you can be part of it. By celebrating Christmas differently, you'll join brothers and sisters around the world in finding our way back to the real reason for the season. It s not too late to join the Advent Conspiracy. Check it out at 6

7 Adult faith formation Informal study and discussion group for 20s-40s year-olds, 5 Saturdays, 9:00-10:15 a.m., School Jan. 6, 20, 27, Mar. 3, 10 (while children s classes are taking place) Topic for this series: Is the Bible True? No questions off base. No registration necessary, just come, and bring a friend! Try it once; no obligation to return Contact: Diane Vella, or dvella@stbernardchurch.org Maybe it s Time To Belong Going to church but not baptized? Baptized, going to a Catholic church but not Catholic? Baptized Catholic, going to church, but not confirmed in the faith? Join the journey to adult faith! Name: Phone: Best time to call: Place form in collection basket, or contact Diane Vella: or dvella@stbernardchurch.org Are you a man or woman over 50? Spirituality for the Golden Years Monday, December 11, 1:30 p.m. Parish Center This month s topic: Welcoming the Word What good is it to me if this eternal birth of the divine Son takes place unceasingly, but does not take place within myself. Meister Eckhart Leader: Sister Jo Ann Walsh, R.S.M. Retreat Director and Certified Spiritual Director. Confused by the Bible? GET SMART! 1-Session Introduction to Reading the Bible* Be smart about the Bible learn how the Catholic Church makes sense of it in this one-session introduction. (Really important to attend if you want to continue with Bible study, below). Thurs. Jan. 11, 7:30-9 p.m. or Fri. Jan. 12, 10-11:30 a.m., Parish Center *Please sign up for intro session; see below. Winter Bible Study: The Gospel of Matthew II 5 sessions starts Thurs. eve. Jan. 19, 7:30 p.m. or Fri. morn. Jan. 20, 10 a.m., Parish Center For info & registration contact Diane Vella, M.A., instructor, or dvella@stbernardchurch.org 7

8 T he Collect for the first Mass of Advent echoes the Last Judgment parables of Matthew 25. The first part of the prayer recalls the wise virgins. We pray for the resolve to be among those who run forth with eagerness to meet Christ at his coming, carrying not lamps, but righteous deeds. The second part echoes the parable of the sheep and the goats. We hope to be gathered with the sheep at his right hand, and possess the heavenly Kingdom. First Reading: Isaiah s prayer of lamentation is the cry of the people who believe that God has abandoned them in their distress. The tone of the lament appears to blame God who has allowed them to wonder from the ways of God. But God s anger may be justified because the people have been sinful. But the passage ends with a statement of hope O Lord, you are our father/ / we are all the work of your hands. Responsorial Psalm 80: The theme of lamentation continues in the psalm. The psalmist cries not to God on Liturgy Corner FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT December 3, 2017 Saints of the Week behalf of the community. But the psalmist is confident that the Lord will respond and will once again look kindly on his people. The psalmist addresses God using images of shepherd and gardener Second Reading: At the beginning of his first letter to the Corinthians, Paul greets the people with a typical salutation of grace of God. The end of the passage has an Advent tone; he reminds them that it is the Lord who will keep them faithful until the end. Gospel: Mark s Gospel account sets the tone for our Advent spirituality: Be watchful! Be alert! A brief parable about the master and his servants underlines the urgency of Jesus message. Just as the servants are to take care of the master s possessions until his return, so too are the Lord s disciples to take care of the gifts entrusted to them by God. Neither the servant nor the disciple knows when the master will return. Monday, December 4. St. John of Damascus (c ) was a Syrian monk and priest, the last of the Fathers of the Church. Islam had taken root in Syria, and John worked for the caliph for a time but left to enter the monastery of St. Sabbas near Jerusalem. He is best known for his defense of the veneration of images and summary of the teachings of the Greek Fathers, The Fountain of Wisdom. Wednesday, December 6. St. Nicholas. Bishop. Little is known about the Wonder Worker other than the fact that he lived sometime during the fourth century and was bishop of the city of Myra in Asia Minor. There is some evidence that he was imprisoned during the Diocletian persecutions and later condemned for Arianism, a heresy that denied the Son was co-eternal with the Father. Thursday, December 7, St. Ambrose. Bishop and Doctor of the Church. St. Ambrose (c ) was governor when he stopped the People s riot that erupted during the selection of a new bishop of Milan The crowd cried, Ambrose for bishop. When Empress Justinia demanded that Ambrose give his basilica to the Arians, he and his congregation locked themselves in and sang in what was the first recorded instance of antiphonal singing. Friday, December 8. Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Today is the Patronal Feastday of the United States of America and a Holyday of Obligation. Although our Gospel reading narrates the story of Jesus conception, today s solemnity celebrates the Immaculate Conception of Mary, as she was conceived in her mother s womb. Prepared by God from the very first moment of her life to receive Jesus Christ, God s grace preserved Mary from sin from the first moment of her life to receive Jesus Christ. God s grace preserved Mary from sin from the womb to the end of her life, because of her role in the mystery of salvation as the Mother of God. December is the Month of the Divine Infancy Sourcebook

9 Readings for December 3, 2017 December 10, 2017 Focus on Religious Freedom From Catholics For Freedom of Religion U.S. Supreme Court to Hear Pro-Life Free Speech Case: Sunday, December 3. First Sunday of Advent. Isaiah 63:16B-17, 19B; 64:2-7; Psalm 80:2-3, 15-16, 18-19; 1 Corinthians 1:3-9; Psalm 85:8; Mark 13: Monday, December 4. Isaiah 2:1-5; Psalm 122:1-2, 3-4b, 4cd-5, 6-7, 8-9; Matthew 8:5-11. Tuesday, December 5. Isaiah 1:1-10; Psalm 72:1-2, 7-8, 12-13, 17; Luke 10: Wednesday, December 6. Isaiah 25:6-10a; Psalm 23:1-3a, 3b-4, 5, 6; Matthew 15: Thursday, December 7. Memorial Of Saint Ambrose, Bishop And Doctor Of The Church. Isaiah 26:1-6; Psalm 118:1 And 8-9, 19-21, 25-27; Isaiah 55:6; Matthew 7:21, Friday, December 8. Solemnity Of The Immaculate Conception Of The Blessed Virgin Mary. Genesis 3:9-15, 20; Psalm 98:1, 2-3ab, 3cd-4; Ephesians 1:3-6, 11-12; Luke 1: Saturday, December 9. Isaiah 30:19-21, 23-26; Psalm 147:1-2, 3-4, 5-6; Isaiah 33:22; Matthew 9:35-10:1, 5a, 6-8. Sunday, December 10. Second Sunday Of Advent. Isaiah 40:1-5, 9-11; Psalm 85: , 13-14; Luke 3:4, 6; Mark 1:1-8. The Ride Home This feature is for families to share their thoughts as they travel to and from Church. 1st Sunday of Advent December 3, 2017 Gospel: Mark 13:33-37 The Supreme Court agreed to hear a critical First Amendment challenge to a California law that forces life-affirming pregnancy centers to advertise/ promote abortions. Under threat of ruinous fines, the CA law requires pro-life pregnancy resource centers to post signs notifying patients where and how they can receive state taxpayer-funded abortions. The law applies to hundreds of privately funded pregnancy centers and medical clinics. "California's threat... counts among the most flagrant violations of constitutional religious and free speech rights in the nation," said pro-life NIFLA founder. "Forcing anyone to provide free advertising for the abortion industry is unthinkable - especially when the government is doing the forcing," said Alliance Defending Freedom. "The state should protect freedom of speech and freedom from coerced speech. Information about abortion is just about everywhere, so the government doesn't need to punish pro-life centers for declining to advertise for the very act they can't promote." "If you can't force the American Lung Associate to promote cigarettes and tell people to buy them, you certainly can't force pro-life organizations to direct people to taxpayer-subsidized abortions," wrote Melanie Israel in the Daily Signal. (dailysignal.com, 11/13/17; lifesitenews.com, 11/13/17; usatoday.com, 11/14/17) "If the freedom of speech is taken away, then dumb and silent we may be led, like sheep to the slaughter." George Washington Adults: At this time, how faithful do you feel you are to God s plan for you? Children: What good thing might God be asking you to do right now? 9

10 If you would like to know more about us please contact Pat McDonough, Director of Youth & Young Adults at or Ext. 144 Members of St. Bernard s Youth and Young Adult Ministry help to make the St. Bernard s Craft Market a success! 10

11 Parish social ministry Sr. Christine Sammons, O.P., St. Vincent de Paul: Special thanks to all of our Thanksgiving benefactors who showered us with supermarket gift cards, monetary donations and baskets to distribute to our Levittown neighbors. Thanks, too, to those who ran errands to help gather different items! The members of our St. Bernard Conference are grateful for the privilege of sharing the turkeys, hams and food baskets with our neighbors. This week our pantry needs include: Peanut butter and jelly (store brand works best for sandwiches which we share with the INN) Toilet tissue Canned tomato products of any kind As always, thank you! Please remember the poor boxes and to buy one, get one free! Our Christmas Giving Tree tags are available in the prayer room this weekend if you would like to purchase a gift or gift card for those who are regular visitors to our pantry! Please be sure to return your gifts (with the tag attached) to our office no later than Monday, December 11 th so we can organize them for distribution on Saturday, December 16 th. Please do not leave gifts or cards in the church bin~~the odds are that they will not reach the person who requested them! Our office is open every day from 10-2 for handdelivery! Gift cards may be put in the collection baskets in church~~they will find their way to our office. In the event that all tags were taken, we would welcome a supermarket or Target gift card which we can share with our families at Christmas or during the new year. As always, thank you! Thanks to Laura Cardinale and her adult helpers who worked with our teens to make 900 peanut butter and jelly sandwiches to be shared with the INN and our pantry! Thanks to our 7 th and 8 th graders who joined the assembly line to make the sandwiches! Hope for the Holidays: The YES Community Counseling Center (152 Center Lane, Levittown) will have a Candlelight Remembrance Ceremony to honor loved ones who lost the battle to addiction. It will be held on Monday, December 11 th at 7 p.m. at the Center. Please respond to Kathleen at X 127 if you would like to attend. Please bring a framed picture of your loved one for display during the ceremony. In addition, there is an ongoing bereavement and support group for adults who have lost a loved one to addiction. This group meets at the Center on the second Monday of each month from 7-8 p.m. (December 11 and January H.E.A.P. the Federal Home Energy Assistance Program is now open to help low-income people receive aid with heating expenses. We have the income guidelines (1 person = $2,318; 2 persons = $3, 031; 3 persons = $3,744; each additional, add $523) and applications which are available on line. Call us if you have questions about your eligibility. If you are a senior, please call the Nassau County Office of the Aging at If you are a SNAP recipient, you may contact your case worker at DSS. This program can help keep you warm all winter if you qualify! PSEG and National Grid also have a reducedrate program for low-income persons/families! Senior Observer Program: Nassau Community College has a program for residents of Nassau 60+ to observe college courses on a tuitionfree basis, as part of the college s Lifelong Learning Department. We have a copy of their catalogue which lists endless possibilities for ongoing education. For further information, call us of call (516) to learn more about this wonderful opportunity. Pregnant? Need Help? Birthright, Inc. 24 hour Helpline Wantagh Islip Hampton Bays Southold Rocky Point

12 Saturday, December 9 th at 7:30pm Mid-Week Mid-Morning Book Discussion In fictional Holt, Colorado, Addie Moore pays an unexpected visit to a neighbor, Louis Waters. Her husband died years ago, as did his wife, and in such a small town they naturally have known of each other for decades; in fact, Addie was quite fond of Louis's wife. His daughter lives hours away, her son even farther, and Addie and Louis have long been living alone in empty houses, the nights so terribly lonely, especially with no one to talk with. But maybe that could change? As Addie and Louis come to know each other better, a beautiful story of second chances unfolds. Join your fellow parishioners on Wednesday December 13 at 10 AM in the Parish Center for an informal discussion of Kent Haruf s award-winning novel, Our Souls at Night. For more information please contact Wally Rodier at or wrodi@verizon.net. Catholic Daughters News Catholic Daughters of the Americas Court St. Pius X #1690 will meet on Thursday, December 14 at 7:30 pm in the Parish Center for a general meeting and Holiday Sing-A-Long with Ernie Meditz. 12

13 St. Bernard S Center for religious education Mrs. Susan Martin, M.A., Director, Boys and girls...waiting is a hard thing for most of us to do, isn't it? We wait for birthdays, summer vacation, surprises, and yes, even Christmas. Advent means coming" and the name Emmanuel (God is with us ) echoes throughout this holy season. It is a time to reflect on the stories of the Gospels we hear on each of the four Sundays at Mass. It is a time for families and loved ones to slow down the rushed pace of everyday life and spend more time together. Here are some ways YOU can observe Advent: Make an Advent wreath - this green circle wreath expresses God's unending love for us. The three purple candles remind us to wait for the Messiah and the one pink candle (used for the third week of Advent) is the color of joy while waiting. As your family lights each of the candles during this holy season, we wait for the "Light of the World" to come into our hearts. Set up a creche - we can thank St. Francis of Assisi for re-creating the Bethlehem scene as a reminder of the birth of Jesus. Don't forget to bring in your figurine of baby Jesus for a special blessing at our FAMILY MASS December 17th at 9am. *All children and families are invited to come to the Parish Center after this 9am Mass for an old- fashioned Christmas caroling as we sing songs of our Christian tradition and enjoy Christmas cookies! Make gift coupons - instead of writing your long list of Christmas wants for Santa, think of the needs of others and how YOU can be a gift to them. Create coupons for family and friends such as "this coupon is good for one night setting the table" or "this coupon is good for playing my violin for grandma" or "this coupon is good for cleaning out the hamster cage without being asked." Personal presents from your heart mean so much to others. What gifts can you give Jesus during the Advent season? Try to pray more, be unselfish, do random acts of kindness by performing the corporal works of mercy. Spend some quiet time with Jesus in your heart and then you will really have a happy Christmas. Our Annual Christmas Pageant All are welcome to join our 1st and 2nd grade children as they perform in our annual Christmas pageant. The date is Saturday, December 16 th at 9am in the school gym and a special note of appreciation to Joan Cushman and her team of volunteers who help make this a memorable event for our young people! We are reminded that "Jesus is the Reason for the Season." Wanted: Piano keyboard Religious Education program is in need of a piano keyboard (portable) that would be permanently left in the school cafeteria. If you can donate a basic keyboard (don't need all the extra controls for sound effects), please call Mrs. Martin Thus our children can "sing to the Lord" from time to time and learn some songs of our Catholic tradition. Thank you in advance! 13

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