Mission Statement. Third Sunday of Lent March 8, 2015 My eyes are always on the Lord! The Salvation of Souls is the Supreme Law

Transcription

1 Roman Catholic Church of Saint Aidan 505 Willis Avenue, Williston Park, New York (Fax) Third Sunday of Lent March 8, 2015 My eyes are always on the Lord! The Pastoral Staff Rev. Msgr. James M. McDonald, Pastor - ext Rev. Kevin Dillon, Associate Pastor - ext Rev. Michael Edathil, Associate Pastor - ext Rev. Damian Halligan, SJ In Residence Deacon Salvatore B. Villani - ext Deacon Francis J. Love - ext Deacon Rudy Martin - ext Mr. Drago Bubalo, DMA (cand). Music Director ext address drago@staidanparish.org The Salvation of Souls is the Supreme Law Mission Statement We, the parish family of the Church of Saint Aidan, strengthened by the Eucharist and encouraged by the Word of God, welcome all, for we recognize that everyone is a child of God and no one should be excluded. Guided by the Holy Spirit through prayer, we strive as one to build the Body of Christ. We commit ourselves to nurturing life-long faith formation, fostering lay leadership, promoting social justice, engaging our youth in every aspect of parish life, and offering care and compassionate service to all. We invite everyone to walk with Jesus and experience His healing power and love. St. Aidan School (Grades Nursery-3. ext. 9202, 9203) (Grades 4-8, ext. 9302, 9303) Ms. Eileen P. Oliver, Principal Ms. Jo-Anne Rowan, Assistant Principal Faith Formation and Spirituality - ext. 9404, 9405 Mr. James F. Corrigan, Director of Faith Formation ext Mrs. Elaine Smith, Director of Special Needs ext Parish Social Ministry - ext Ms. Rosemarie Cavallaro, Director - ext Youth Ministry Mr. Stephen Loewenthal, Coordinator - ext SaintAidanYouthGroup@gmail.com Pastoral Council - ext Members: Toti Conforti, Cathy Frischmann, Brendan Hickey, Larry McGovern, Bonnie Parente, Erin Flynn, Mary Ellen Testa and Suellen Peterson Buildings & Grounds Department ext Liturgy of the Eucharist Saturday Morning 9:00 AM Saturday Evening 5:00 and 7:30 PM Sunday: 7:30 AM, 9:00 AM, *10:30 AM, 12:00 PM & 5:00 PM *Liturgy of the Word for Children Daily: 6:30 AM, 9:00 AM, 12:30 & 5:30 PM Monday thru Friday Morning Prayer 8:40 AM Monday thru Saturday Baptism Baptism of Children: Each month on the 1st Sunday and 3rd Sunday at 1:30 PM ceremony. Required: Parents class on the 2nd Sunday of each month beginning with the 12:00 Mass. For baptismal information, contact the Rectory office ext Tuesday-Friday between the hours of 10:00 AM-3:00 PM. BAPTISM CLASS FOR NEW PARENTS The required Baptism class for new parents is held the second Sunday of each month beginning with the 12:00 Mass parents are asked to gather at St. Joseph s statue to the right of the main altar. Penance/Reconciliation The Sacrament of Penance is celebrated every Saturday from 12:30-1:30 PM and 4:00-5:00 PM in our church or by appointment. Marriage Arrangements are to be made at the Rectory office at least 9 months in advance. Pre-Cana and FOCCUS registrations must be arranged through the parish. Anointing of the Sick & Communion of the Sick The anointing of the sick takes place after the 12:00 PM Mass on the 4th Sunday of each month. Anyone who is homebound may receive Holy Communion at home on a regular basis. Eucharistic ministers assist the priests in this ministry. Please call the rectory - ext Adoration First and third Fridays of the month 12:45-3:00 PM in the Church. 12:30-1:30 PM on Saturdays in the church.

2 THIRD SUNDAY OF LENT MASSES AND SERVICES FOR THE WEEK MONDAY, MARCH 9, 2015 St. Frances of Rome, Religious 2 Kgs 5: 1-15b; Lk 4: :30 AM Special Intention 7:30 AM Vincent McGuire 9:00 AM John McAllister (5th Anniversary Rem.) 9:30 AM Lenten Mission (Convent) 12:30 PM For All Souls 5:30 PM Daniel Colelli, Jr. (Birthday Rem.) 7:30 PM Lenten Mission (Church) TUESDAY, MARCH 10, 2015 Lenten Weekday Dn 3: 25, 34-43; Mt 18: :30 AM Birthday Ints. of Stephen Choi 7:30 AM Vincent McGuire 9:00 AM Angelo De Vito 9:30 AM Lenten Mission (Convent) 12:30 PM Vito Spinelli 5:30 PM Lv. & Dcd. Mbrs. of the Antonicelli & Sambriski Family 7:30 PM Lenten Mission (Church) WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11, 2015 Lenten Weekday Dt 4: 1, 5-9; Mt 5: :30 AM Birthday Ints. of Stephen Choi 7:30 AM Kathy Morgan 9:00 AM Helen Deri 9:30 AM Lenten Mission (Convent) 10:00 AM Funeral Mass-William Keeley 12:30 PM Edward & Nina Emanuele 5:30 PM Thomas Hand (Birthday Rem.) 7:30 PM Lenten Mission (Church) THURSDAY, MARCH 12, 2015 Lenten Weekday Jer 7: 23-28; Lk 11: :30 AM Healing Ints. of Frank Procaccini 7:30 AM Edward Leonard 9:00 AM Joseph Butler 12:30 PM Virginio Perez 4:30 PM Rel. Ed. Church Tour 5:30 PM Thomas Muzzonigro 6:00 PM Rel. Ed. Church Tour FRIDAY, MARCH 13, 2015 Lenten Weekday Hos: 14: 2-10; Mk 12: :30 AM Ints. of Maria Lee 7:30 AM Kathy Morgan 9:00 AM Stuart Foster Sears 12:30 PM Rolly Asuncion 5:30 PM Linda Bradley (15th Anniversary Rem.) 7:30 PM STATIONS OF THE CROSS SATURDAY, MARCH 14, 2015 Lenten Weekday Hos 6: 1-6; Lk 18: :00 AM Joseph McDevitt 12:30-1:30 PM Confession & Eucharistic Adoration MASSES AND SERVICES FOR THE WEEK (continued) SATURDAY, MARCH 14, 2015 (continued) 5:00 PM Catherine Peterson (Birthday Rem.) Vito & Paul Patrick Dondiego & Di Vito & Dondiego Family Lawrence Bradley, Sr. Thanksgiving to St. Joseph 7:30 PM James Tolsdorf (23rd Anniversary Rem.) SUNDAY, MARCH 15, 2015 Fourth Sunday of Lent 2 Chr 36: 14-16, 19-23; Eph 2: 4-10; Jn 3: :30 AM Danny Kopetic 9:00 AM Stephen Rounds (2nd Anniversary Rem.) 10:30 AM Parishioners of St. Aidan 12:00 PM Richard Brassel Alda Montoni Louis Guiterez Daniel Kopetic (Birthday Rem.) Michael Minter (Anniversary Rem.) 5:00 PM Richard Donovan (2nd Anniversary Rem.) BISHOP ANDRZEJ ZGLEJSZEWSKI will be visiting our parish this Sunday, March 8th and will celebrate the 12:00 PM Mass. BANNS OF MARRIAGE SECOND WEEK Kesha Manragh, Brooklyn, NY Craig Menezes, Our Lady of Miracles, Brooklyn, NY PLEASE PRAY FOR OUR SICK & DECEASED SICK: Christine Schifaudo, Christine Lucivero, Cecilia Han, Geraldo Peixoto, Kimberly Holmes, Father Brian Dalton, Stacy Test, Owen Hogan, Roseanne Mushorn, John Moore, Rita Amendola, Diana Coscia, Carol White, Joseph Fitzgerald, Paula Marafino, Diane Vesely, Louise Lodato DECEASED: Jenny Constantino, Tom Fredricks, Deacon John Hickey, William Keeley and for all those who have died serving our country.

3 March 8, 2015 IN THE SUMMER OF 2009 In the summer of 2009 (I had just arrived here) I wrote to you a rather challenging and direct letter entitled: Beware of Hooper and Webb. It was based on two letters appearing in the New York Times supporting suicide for the terminally ill. The authors believed that such efforts were good and should be legalized. For your convenience I have included my past letter in this week s bulletin. Right now the Catholic Bishops of New York State are very concerned about a movement to legalize assisted suicide. As a matter of fact, just last Tuesday Bishop Murphy wrote and urged priests and other Church leaders to inform the people of this outrageous assault on human life and urge their participation in efforts to defeat it. Make no mistake about it. This is an issue of enormous moral importance. It involves the Commandment of God: Thou shalt not kill. (Exodus 20:13) That is something everyone knows. Just go into a classroom and ask kids for an example of a big sin and the first thing that comes out of their mouths is murder. They know and have no doubts about it. Nevertheless some highly educated adults have come to the conclusion that God is no longer the arbiter of life and death. They are. These people are not necessarily bad people. They may even believe that they are alleviating human suffering by promoting euthanasia or as they call it death with dignity. They are sadly and horribly mistaken. The pleasant death they are advocating is a direct violation of the law of God and is an affront to the dignity of the human person who is created in the image and likeness of God. The Catholic Church teaches that life is sacred from conception until natural death. In 1995 St. John Paul II wrote his famous encyclical The Gospel of Life (Evangelium Vitae.) There he warned against the Culture of Death and he specifically addressed the question of assisted suicide. Listen to him speak: To concur with the intention of another person to commit suicide and to help in carrying it out through so-called "assisted suicide" means to cooperate in, and at times to be the actual perpetrator of, an injustice which can never be excused, even if it is requested. In a remarkably relevant passage Saint Augustine writes that "it is never licit to kill another: even if he should wish it, indeed if he request it because, hanging between life and death, he begs for help in freeing the soul struggling against the bonds of the body and longing to be released; nor is it licit even when a sick person is no longer able to live". 85 Even when not motivated by a selfish refusal to be burdened with the life of someone who is

4 suffering, euthanasia must be called a false mercy, and indeed a disturbing "perversion" of mercy. True "compassion" leads to sharing another's pain; it does not kill the person whose suffering we cannot bear. Moreover, the act of euthanasia appears all the more perverse if it is carried out by those, like relatives, who are supposed to treat a family member with patience and love, or by those, such as doctors, who by virtue of their specific profession are supposed to care for the sick person even in the most painful terminal stages. Bishop Murphy encourages us all to visit life.org for solid and reliable information about assisted suicide and end of life issues. He also wants you to know that you can help in making our conviction known to our political leaders. This can be done easily by visiting the Catholic Action Network at As your pastor, I urge you to join with our bishops in the defense of life, particularly for the elderly and the disabled. Followers of Christ cannot remain mute in the midst of a egregious moral evil that is on our doorstep. In Jesus and Mary, Monsignor James M. McDonald STEWARDSHIP 03/02/14 $29,140 03/01/15 $30,005 (+2.97%) Thank you for your kind and generous support of our parish. Next weekend s second collection is for Catholic Relief Services. PROPAGATION OF THE FAITH COLLECTION The Propagation of the Faith Collection, scheduled for this weekend. has been cancelled. It will be taken at a later date. SPIRITUALITY FOR SINGLES The monthly Singles Gathering will be held on Saturday, March 14th at 8:30 PM, after the 7:30 PM Mass. St. Aidan Parish, 510 Willis Ave., Williston Park, NY, Our monthly gathering for singles; discussion, meditation, socialization. Ages 35. $5.00 donation snacks, pizza and beverages will be served. Contact: Ray (516) or spiritualityforsingles@gmail.com

5 Beware of Hooper and Webb Sickness, dying and sadness are hardly pleasant topics. At times, however, it is very necessary to speak about the most critical of moral issues that face us as a people and a Church. Right now the United States is involved in a critical debate about health care and whether there should be a fundamental reformation of the health care system. Many are rightly concerned that millions of Americans lack proper health care because they lack health insurance. The cost of health care continues to skyrocket and the question arises: What are we as a nation to do in the midst of such a crisis? I submit that while this is often thought of as a political question, in reality it is a moral question of preeminent import. Christ is sick; Christ is dying. Every person who is not receiving the health care he or she desperately needs is Jesus. It is not enough to say Isn t that too bad! St. James in his Epistle talks about the hungry, but his words apply equally to the sick: If a brother or sister is ill-clad and in lack of daily food, and one of you say to them, Go in peace, be warmed and filled, without giving them the things needed for the body, what does it profit? (James 2: 15, 16) To do nothing to help the sick is a woefully inadequate response and can never be an acceptable moral answer. Yet, there are the most serious questions that must be raised and satisfactorily answered. Some of these are: Will every person s right to life be protected by the projected reform. What about the elderly man or woman who is in a skilled nursing facility and is incurably ill because of cancer, dementia or simply old age? Will his or her life be considered any less valuable than the young person who requires the services of a sports medicine specialist because of an athletic injury? I hope not, but I wonder! Friends of mine are expecting their little girl to be born this Friday in Boston. The child will require at least three very serious and enormously expensive heart operations. Under a new system, would this child be taken care of? I hope so. The truth is, of course, that each and every human life is sacred one is not to be preferred to the other. You get the point! In an age that is concerned with cost cutting, will the price of the new health care be the abandonment of the weak and the elderly in the mistaken belief that some lives just matter more than others? Over and over again as a priest I have visited Intensive Care Units where the most sophisticated of medical equipment is being employed to save or prolong human life. Will the government decide that certain human lives aren t worth it? We already know that we live in a land where unborn children s lives are continually and routinely terminated and it is legal. Furthermore, assisted suicide is countenanced in some states and a tremendous push continues in that direction. It pays to read the Letters to the Editor in the New York Times. Within the past weeks two frightening letters were published. For example, on Saturday, July 18 th, Michael Webb of Los Angeles wrote: I am reassured to know that there are countries like Switzerland where there is a very civilized way to end your life in the event that I choose to do so. I m outraged that so personal and painful a decision should still be treated as a crime in less civilized countries, like most of the United States. Mr. Webb goes on to say self appointed moralists should mind their own business. On the same day Trish Hooper opines: This decision (to end one s life) takes planning, courage and understanding about your own health and your own future. Webb and Hooper are dead wrong and are in stark opposition to the Fifth Commandment. We as followers of Jesus have to make certain that any health transformation plan does not become the slippery slope to euthanasia and that the Webbs and Hoopers of this world don t get their way. In Jesus and Mary, Monsignor James M. McDonald

6 WHAT ARE YOU DOING FOR LENT? SOME SUGGESTIONS COME TO THE LENTEN MISSION The parish Lenten Mission will be held March 9th-11th. The mission will be given by Father Damian Halligan and the Jesuit Collaborative. Flyer included in this bulletin. LIGHTHOUSE CATHOLIC MEDIA Listen to some inspirational CD s from the kiosks in the church. SYMBOLON Sign-up for Symbolon at The parish code is 07d527. Symbolon is a comprehensive study of the Catholic faith. CONFESSION Every Saturday from 12:30-1:30 PM and from 4:00-5:00 PM. More opportunities for Confession will be available as we get closer to Easter. Daily confession is available by calling the Rectory office at (516) x9101 to assure that a priest is available. COME TO A PRAYER GROUP -The Joy of the Lord Prayer Group meets Monday evenings, 7:30 8:30 PM in the convent (main entrance off Pembroke Street). -The Marian Prayer Group meets Wednesday evenings from 7:00-8:00 PM in the Sts. Peter & Paul Room in Finamore Parish Center. -The United Hearts of Jesus and Mary Prayer Group meets the last Friday of the month in the upper school Cafeteria from 7:00-10:00 PM. -The Men s Prayer Group meets every Wednesday after the 9:00 AM Mass in the Sts. Peter & Paul Room in Finamore Parish Center. EUCHARISTIC ADORATION Come and sit awhile with Jesus at Eucharistic Adoration on the first and third Fridays of the month from 1:00 3:00 PM and every Saturday from 12:30-1:30 PM. STATIONS OF THE CROSS There will be Stations of the Cross every Friday during Lent at 7:30 PM in the church during Lent. Come and spend some time with Jesus this Lenten season. READ THE LITTLE BLACK BOOK Pick up a copy of the Little Black Book. It will provide wonderful daily inspiration. PRAY THE ROSARY DAILY AND ATTEND DAILY MASS Take the time to say the rosary each day and if possible attend daily Mass. There are 4 Masses every weekday.

7 Our Lenten Journey Third Sunday of Lent Exodus 20: Corinthians 1:22-25 John 2:13-25 Week three. How are you doing? Have you been able to strengthen your relationship with Jesus? In today s first reading, we hear the story of the Ten Commandments. The way of living that is pleasing to God. How many times have we used these 10 rules to examine our lives or our consciences? If you re like me, I think I do pretty well. I love my parents, I don t steal, I haven t killed anyone, and I respect my neighbor and his property. Pretty good, right? But what about the very first commandment? It s so easy to gloss over; I, the Lord am your God, who brought you out of that place of slavery. You shall not have other gods besides me. (Exodus 20:2) Hmmm. What about this one. What other gods do I have that I so easily put before my God? My job, my friends, my possessions, my activities, my station in life. Do these take precedence to my relationship with God? Do I think of my relationship with God in the same vein as my job or my other activities? Or is it something more special? Something to treasure and spend time with. Anything worthwhile is worth caring for and spending time with. Don t you think so? Today s Gospel ends with a very compelling thought. But Jesus would not trust himself to them because he knew them all, and did not need anyone to testify about human nature. He himself understood it well (John 2:25) I find comfort and a lesson in these words. Jesus understands us better than we can ever understand ourselves. He lived our life full of temptations, pain, and sorrow. But through his relationship with God, he knew where his trust had to lie...with God and not with human nature. He always puts God first, strengthens his relationship with Him by praying always, and gives us a clear example to follow. Keep trying.

8 The Jesuit Collaborative presents a A LENTEN MEDITATION IN THE IGNATIAN TRADITION Every journey has a secret destination of which the traveler is unaware. What does Jesus want to reveal Please join Fr. Damian Halligan, SJ with Jean Lynch Pat McDonough Karen Silver on a remarkable journey toward Jesus using Scripture and Ignatian prayer Monday, March 9th Tuesday, March 10th Wednesday, March 11th The Jesuit Collaborative is a nonprofit organization that helps people grow closer to God through prayer and retreats in the tradition of St. Ignatius of Loyola, founder of the Society of Jesus.. Helping You Grow Closer to God collaborative@jesuitcollaborative.org

9 PRAYER FOR THE WORLD AND FOR OUR SISTERS NATIONAL CATHOLIC SISTERS WEEK MARCH 8TH-14TH Gracious and all-loving God, we thank you that You call us to be one with you and to be, in every way of life, doers of Your Word and not hearers only. In this National Catholic Sisters Week, we celebrate women religious who consecrate their lives in poverty, celibacy and obedience. We thank you for their character, courage and commitment to live in solidarity with those who live in poverty and suffer violence in everyday living. Your love and grace inspire them. Their joy and total generosity inspire us. Together they form a global sisterhood whose network of prayer and ministry call all of us to broader and deeper understanding and communal responsibility for the common good of our Earth community. May their powerful stories ignite the hearts of the girls and women today to answer your call to live a life dedicated to the common good through living in community and sharing ministry. May religious life abound in vitality so that the boundless power of your love and care will be known more and more throughout our world. In every way of living we are all called to be poor in spirit, faithful in heart, and obedient to Your Love. Strengthen in each of us a deeper commitment to our own calling, that all may be one with each other and with You. We ask this in Jesus name and the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen. For more information about National Catholic Sisters week go to:

10 IGNIS ANGELICUS ANGELIC FIRE VOICES AND BELLS GREAT MUSIC IN GREAT SPACE CONCERT IN HONOR OF ST. JOSEPH & ST. PATRICK ST. AIDAN SOLOISTS, CHOIR, ORCHESTRA & BELLS CHURCH OF ST. AIDAN, WILLISTON PARK, NEW YORK SUNDAY, MARCH 22, 6:30PM ADMISSION: $10

11 CATHOLIC RELIEF SERVICES COLLECTION - MARCH 15, 2015 Next week, our parish will take up The Catholic Relief Services Collection. This Collection supports six Catholic agencies benefiting millions of vulnerable, displaced, and impoverished families and individuals around the world. From direct humanitarian service to helping victims of human trafficking and working to reunify families, the funds from this Collection make a real difference in lives across the globe. How will you help? Next week, please support The Catholic Relief Services Collection and Jesus in disguise. FAMILY ST. PATRICK CELEBRATION Division 14 of the Ancient Order of Hibernians will hold its 75 th annual St. Patrick Dinner-Dance on Sunday, March 15 th from 3:30 8:00 PM at the Irish American Center (297 Willis Ave., Mineola, NY). Music provided by the Tommy Mulvihill Band. Cost - adults $35; children (elementary high school students) $12 - includes hot dinner, dessert, coffee & tea. Cash bar. No walkins; call Maureen Corrigan (516) for more information/reservations. ALTAR CLEANUP Any Rosarian wishing to help with the altar cleanup on Tuesday, March 24th after the 9:00 AM mass please contact Terry Yatco (516) , or Pat Paternostro (516) Many hands make light work. Lunch will be served MASS BOOK The Mass Book will be reopened on Wednesday, April 8th for additional Masses. We thank you in advance for your understanding and cooperation. CHURCH OF SAINT AIDAN Williston Park, NY Spiritual Bouquet This Spiritual Bouquet is offered up for those members of our beloved Military Service who are putting their lives at risk in the struggle to eliminate terrorism from the world. I hereby pledge that I shall: Pray the Rosary Attend Mass Receive Holy Communion Do Corporal Works of Mercy Make the Stations of the Cross Make a Novena times times times times times times Signed Sponsored by: The Holy Name Society Members of the Holy Name Society will be collecting Bouquets after all Masses this weekend or they can be sent to the Rectory office.

12 We are off to a brand new Catholic Ministries Campaign for If you have not given in past please consider donating to this year s campaign. Your donation will be helping to feed the hungry, provide clothes and emergency support to the needy, strengthen parishes throughout our Diocese, help form our future priests and deacons and provide funding for Catholic Charities outstanding programs and services. You are also helping to ensure that our ministries bring Christ s light to hundreds of thousands of people in hospitals, colleges and even our jails CATHOLIC MINISTRIES APPEAL Serving God By Serving Others CHURCH OF ST. AIDAN 2015 GOAL: $175,500 PLEDGED: $ 61,452 # OF GIFTS: 288 TOMORROW S HOPE FOUNDATION Tomorrow s Hope Foundation provides financial assistance to families who are interested in Catholic Elementary Education. Financial Aid Scholarship applications are available by going to the St. Aidan School website at then go to the Tomorrow s Hope Financial Aid link and download an application. For information please call Miss Eileen Oliver, Principal of St. Aidan School at (516) x9202 or Applications must be post marked by April 20, EXERCISE PROGRAM Margo Bores will be holding an Exercise Program which will be held at the Williston Park Village Hall. Classes will be held every Monday and Thursday at 9:45 AM. Classes will run until the end of May. Exercises are approved by the Arthritis Foundation. Come join the fun and be healthy! THE FRIENDS OF THE WILLISTON PARK LIBRARY The Annual St. Patrick s Day Celebration will be held March 8th at 2:00 PM in the Assembly Room of the Williston Park Village Hall (use elevator at the rear of the building). Doors open at 1:30 PM. Admission is $5.00. Music and Irish stories presented by Jim Hawkins.

13 GOLDEN WEDDING CELEBRATION This spring, couples that have been married fifty years or more will be honored at liturgies on Sunday, April 19th at the Church of St. Lawrence in Sayville and on Sunday, April 26th at the Church of Maria Regina in Seaford. Both liturgies will begin at 2:30 PM. Couples may register for ONE liturgy. Registration forms and complete instructions can be obtained at the Rectory office. Registration must be received by April 2nd for the April 19th liturgy and April 10th for the April 26th liturgy. There will be additional celebrations in the fall for those who may find that more convenient. If you have any questions please call (516) x207. PEANUT BUTTER GANG Join us on Saturday, March 14 th at 8:15 AM in the East Campus cafeteria to make peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for the hungry and homeless on Long Island. Children under the age of 9 cannot be accommodated and those under 14 must be accompanied by an adult. Adults must have taken the Virtus Training. You have to pre-register at our address: peanutbuttergang@staidanparish.org. Unfortunately, due to logistics, if you do not pre-register, you cannot participate. Early registration is recommended since we have limited space. This month we ask each volunteer to bring a jar of peanut butter, and at least 2 loaves of bread. Thank you. Remember what Jesus told us, Amen I say to you, whatever you did for the least of my brothers, you did for me. (Matthew 25:40) CATHOLIC DAUGHTERS OF THE AMERICAS Catholic Daughters of the Americas will hold there next meeting on Tuesday, March 10th at 7:30 PM, in Monsignor Kirwin Hall. "Luck of the Irish" Bingo will follow our regular meeting. MEETING CHRIST IN PRAYER GROUP There will be a meeting on Friday, March 20th at 7:30 PM in the Rectory dining room for the Meeting Christ in Prayer Group. UNITED HEARTS OF JESUS AND MARY Join us for an evening of prayer on Friday, March 27th at 7:30 PM in St. Aidan s School Cafeteria, 510 Willis Avenue, Williston Park. Our evening will include Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and Mass. Prayer of Forgiveness. Music by Al Barbarino. Refreshments and fellowship to follow. For information please call Tecky at (516) or Angela (516)

14 CATHOLICS FOR FREEDOM OF RELIGION "Humanity needs to weep and this is the time to weep," said Pope Francis. The Pope condemned "plotters of terrorism..." (newsmax.com, 9/13/14) Since 1970, Open Doors has been monitoring persecution of Christians worldwide through the International Institute of Religious Freedom with academics dedicated to studying the religious liberty of Christians. (open doors.org/2015-world-watchlist) China: Ranked #29 out of the 100 countries where Christians face the most persecution, the communist Chinese government aims to control all religious activities. The state has declared some churches "evil cults" and has started a program to eradicate them. The Roman Catholic Church is illegal and the state is actively fighting against it. Mexico: Ranked #38 in the world facing the most persecution, Mexico's 120 million Christians (population 125 million), are victims of organized crime and the drug cartels. These violent groups target Christians because churches are revenue centers (extortions) and because churches support programs for the rehabilitation of drug addicts and alcoholics. Return of Anti-Semitism: Seventy years after the liberation of Auschwitz, violence and hatred against Jews is on the rise, especially in the Middle East and in Europe. ( 1/30/15) Attacks on Jews have been rising and many are now wondering if Europe will remain their home forever. Overall, 26,500 people immigrated to Israel in 2014, a 32% spike over (theatlantic.com, 2/16/15; cnn.com, 2/16/15). FBI statistics on hate crimes committed in America in 2012 reveal that 60% of religious based hate crimes were against Jews. ( 11/26/13) Please join us for the next CFFR prayer/meeting Wednesday, March 18th 7:30 PM in the Convent.

15 LIGHTHOUSE CATHOLIC MEDIA Today I want to start off by saying thanks. Thanks for being part of what the Lord is doing through Lighthouse Catholic Media. It is incredible that we have over 10,000 CDs distributed to this day! The point of this ministry isn t about listening and sharing the teachings on the CDs; it s about real people encountering God in new ways! You are doing a great job of sharing Jesus. I love hearing your stories and feedback about how you are using the CDs, whether is showing it in the classroom, how you are being personally inspired by them, to how your friends and family are using the CDs to encounter Jesus. Perhaps it is not too late for some of you to get started. Remember the goal of this is not to hear a CD, but to find opportunities to evangelize. Commit to share Jesus this Lent Let s talk about discovering a love that is greater and richer than anything you have ever felt. What it means to you that God loves you? How do you believe in God in difficult times? Consider these questions and remember God loves you completely and perfectly. Take sometime today to pray about what it means that God loves you!! Reach out to someone you know who is going through a difficult time. Write down your story about how you have encountered Jesus. Pray for an opportunity to share it with someone. Look for an opportunity to do this. Continue to pray for those who you want to share the Lord with over Lent. God has done great things and He is doing big things!! God loves you! In our kiosks there are many CDs you can listen to that would bring to focus all these points. And also many on the Lent season. Glimpses along the way of the Cross- Seven last saying of Christ-Three days that changed the World- Meditations on the Stations of the Cross The Passion of Christ- True meaning of Easter. All of these would make your Lent very meaningful, much closer to the Agony and Death of our Savior. Share it all with people the Holy Spirit puts in your way! The best you can do to share Christ!! God Bless you for your efforts. Toti Conforti

16 EASTER FLOWER MEMORIALS In anticipation of decorating the church for Easter, we are offering the opportunity to donate some flowering bushes and plants. These items will decorate the sanctuary for the Easter Season. If you would like to memorialize an item we welcome you to take it home and plant it in your garden after Easter. We will announce in the bulletin when we are ready to take the items off the altar. We will be accepting donations to decorate the church stained glass windowsills. There will be two beautifully decorated hydrangea plants placed in each stained windowsills of the church (26 windows) with the Luminaria candle. Please feel free to take the two donated hydrangea plants home after Easter and plant them in a special place in your garden at home. We will announce in the bulletin when the plants can be removed. These memorials may be donated In Loving Memory of someone, to commemorate a special occasion, family name, etc. A list of Memorials will be published in the Bulletin and each items will have a card attached with the inscription of your choice. NEW ITEM Resurrection Arrangement Left Side of Altar Right Side of $ $ Inscription 11 Kalanchoe $80.00 Each $ (may be taken home for planting.) Inscription 29 Hydrangea $80.00 Each $ (may be taken home for planting) Inscription 24 Stained Glass Window $80.00 Each $ (two hydrangea plants w/parish candle in center-both plants may be taken home for planting-not the candle.) Inscription 15 Triple Stem $80.00 Each $ (may be taken home for planting) Inscription If you would like to donate an item please complete this form and send to the Rectory office with payment as soon as possible. Please make all checks payable to: Church of Saint Aidan. For information please call (516) x9101. Name Telephone # address All donations will be published in the Bulletin. Yes No Please indicate if you would like your name to appear in the bulletin with your donation. Amount Enclosed $ Cash Check #

17 THIRD ANNUAL ROTA-GOLF BALL SKY DROP SATURDAY, APRIL 11, 2015 BEFORE THE LITTLE LEAGUE OPENER AT KELLEHER FIELD PRIZES HOLE IN ONE OR CLOSEST TO THE PIN AT SECOND BASE WINS $1, HOLE IN ONE OR CLOSEST TO THE PIN AT THIRD BASE WINS $ HOLE IN ONE OR CLOSEST TO THE PIN AT FIRST BASE WINS $ ADDITIONAL PRIZES WITH BE DRAWN JUST PRIOR TO THE DROP TOTALLIN AT LEAST $ DONATION BALLS ARE $10.00 EACH OR 3 FOR $25.00 WHERE TO PURCHASE ALBERT ZOLEZZI AUTOBODY SHOP *432 WILLIS AVENUE HALLER-ZAREMBA INSURANCE AGENCY *328 HILLSIDE AVENUE VILLAGE GIFT & FLOWER SHOP *18 HILLSIDE AVENUE WHO YOU CAN CALL KEN MARISSAEL (516) HON. JIM DAW (516) RULES THE GOLF BALL SKY DROP PREMISE IS SIMPLE: PURCHASE A NUMBERED GOLF BALL ON APRIL 11 TH, 2015 PRIOR TO THE DROP. ALL NUMBERED GOLF BALLS WILL BE PLACED IN A LARGE BIN AND DROPPED FROM THE BUCKET OF A FIRE TRUCK DIRECTLY OVER KEL- LEHER FIELD. THREE PRIZES WILL BE AWARDED (IN WHOLE OR IN PART). ANY NUMBERED BALL THAT LANDS IN THE CUP OF REPRESENTING SECOND, THIRD, AND FIRST BASE, WILL WIN THAT RESPECTIVE PRIZE. IF THERE ARE MULTIPLE WINNERS AT ANY WHOLE, THAT PRIZE WILL BE DIVIDED EQUALLY AMONG THE WINNERS. IF NO GOLF BALL GOES INTO A HOLE, THEN THE BALL CLOSEST TO THE PIN WILL WIN. THE BALL CLOSEST TO THE HOLE WILL BE DETERMINED BY MEASURING THE DISTANCE FROM THE CENTER OF THE HOLE TO THE BALL BY THE JUDGES. DECISION OF THE JUDGES WILL BE FINAL. WHO WILL BENEFIT ALL NET PROCEEDS WILL GO TO THE VARIOUS LOCAL AND REGIONAL CHARITIES THE THE WILLISTON PARK ROTARY CLUB SUPPORTS. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION VISIT:

18

19

20

21

22 THE KNIGHT S CORNER (Providing information from the Knights of Columbus) DID YOU KNOW? As the violent conflict in Ukraine continues to create an enormous humanitarian disaster in the freezing winter months, the Knights of Columbus is providing $ 400,000 to relief programs sponsored by the Catholic Church in Ukraine. During their ad limina visit Pope Francis on Feb. 20 th, the pope assured the Latin and Greek bishops of Ukraine that the Holy See is at your side, and urged them to be attentive and considerate of the poor. Gifts by the Knights of $ 200,000 each to the Greek and Latin Rite Catholic communities of Ukraine are being used for humanitarian relief, including projects that feed homeless children and refugees living on the streets of the capital city of Kiev. Too often, the conflict in Ukraine is discussed purely in military or geopolitical terms, while the most vulnerable and marginalized the young and old, the poor, the sick, and the increasing number of refugee families are almost invisible to the outside world, said Supreme Knight Carl Anderson. Our support is meant to further enable the bishops of Ukraine as they help their people and further implement the Holy Father s call to aid those most in need. ST. PATRICK S DAY DINNER-DANCE - Corpus Christi Council will hold its annual St. Patrick s Dinner-Dance on Saturday, March 14th from 7:30 PM-12:30 AM at the Council Hall, 186 Jericho Turnpike Mineola honoring Bill & Diane Cassidy as Irish Couple of the Year. Cost of $60 per person includes open bar, shepherd s pie, corned beef and cabbage dinner, dessert and coffee. Music provided by The Switch. For reservations call Jim at (516) RELIGIOUS EDUCATION ATTENTION ALL VOLUNTEERS: Are you aware that the Diocese of Rockville Centre requires ANYONE IN ANY MIN- ISTRY TO BE VIRTUS TRAINED AND HAVE A BACKGROUND CHECK? A ministry includes Catechists, CYO Coaches, Ushers, Liturgical Ministers, and all parish organization members. Check the Virus Training Schedule and Register Online for a class being offered by several parishes at ATTENTION 2 ND GRADE PARENTS & STUDENTS All parish 2 nd grade students are invited to join in the celebration of a Class Mass Sunday, March 22 nd at 10:30 AM. At this Mass the 1 st Communion Pins will be blessed and distributed to the students who will receive their 1 st Communion this spring. Following the Mass a reception will be held in Msgr Kirwin Hall for all 2 nd grade students and their families. OFFICE HOURS The Religious Education Office is open Monday Friday from 11:00 AM 4:00 PM. Additionally, the office is open Monday & Tuesday evening from 6:30 8:00 PM. PARISH SOCIAL MINISTRY As Pope Benedict XVI said in his Encyclical, Deus Caritas Est, Everything has its origin in God's love, everything is shaped by it, everything is directed towards it. Love is God's greatest gift to humanity; it is his promise and our hope. FOOD PANTRY - Our next monthly food drive will take place during the weekend of March 7 th & 8 th. Please bring all non-perishable food and personal hygiene items to the back of Church or across the street to the Parish Social Ministry Office. We also have a refrigerator for eggs, dairy products, sliced bread and a freezer for ground beef, chicken cutlets and frozen pizzas. ITEMS WE ARE IN NEED OF: Cereal, Cans of Peas, and Crackers. PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY Our Prayer Shawl Ministry meets the second and fourth Monday of each month at 9:45 AM in the Peter and Paul Room of the Finamore Center to knit or crochet prayer shawls or lap blankets for our sick and homebound parishioners. New members are always welcome. You need not know how to knit or crochet. We have talented parishioners who can teach you. The next meeting will take place on Monday, March 9 th. If you have some wool to donate to this ministry, please bring it to the Parish Social Ministry Office. Please call our office if you would like to receive a blessed prayer shawl or if you know of someone who would like one. If you have any questions, please call Parish Social Ministry (516) x9410. The only feelings that do not heal are the ones you hide. Henri Nouwen The Parish Social Ministry Office is open Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM- 3:00 PM. Please use the Finamore Parish Center entrance (across from the church on Willis Avenue).

23 MARCH March 8 th NO Meeting March 15 th Meeting March 22nd-Movie Night (Do You Believe) March 29 th Meeting APRIL April 12 th Meeting April 19 th Meeting MAY May 3 rd Meeting (Ronald McDonald House Brunch) May 17 th - Meeting May 31 st Meeting (Ronald McDonald House Baking) JUNE June 7 th Meeting TO BE DETERMINED EVENTS: Volunteer Work, Movie Nights, Bowling Nights, White Water Rafting and other trips. March 8th March 15th April 2nd April 19th May 2nd May 3rd June 9th Meeting 1:00-2:00 PM Convent 10:30 AM Mass Mother/Daughter Brunch-Lucky Duck-12:00-4:00 PM Holy Thursday Egg Coloring 2:00-4:00 PM Birthright/Mommas House Collection 9:00 AM-12:00 PM Meeting 12:15-1:15 PM St. Francis Room Pick-up plants-flynn House (9 Astor Place, Williston Park) 10:00 AM-12:00 PM Bake Sale 9:00 AM-12:30 PM Convent-12:30-1:30 PM Elections JCDA Board Installation and new membership Mass 7:00 PM Reception immediately after Mass.

24 PROMISE TO PROTECT-PLEDGE TO HEAL If you have been abused or victimized by someone representing the Catholic Church please believe in the possibility for hope and help and healing. We encourage you to come forward and speak out. Every arch/diocese/eparchy in the United States now has a victim assistance coordinator who is available to obtain support for your needs, to help you make a formal complaint of abuse to the arch/diocese/eparchy, and to arrange a personal meeting with the bishop or his representative, if you desire. The victim assistance coordinator for your arch/diocese/eparchy is Mary McMahon, LCSW, Director at (516) DIOCESE OF ROCKVILLE CENTRE, Vocations Office-Third Fridays-Adoration & Dodgeball March 20th, April 17th and May 15th. Each month, young people (13+) throughout the diocese will gather at St. Ignatius in Hicksville for prayer and fellowship. Following a period of Eucharistic adoration, there is a youth social with free food, sports and entertainment. May 15th will be at a location to be announced at a later date. PRO Retreat will be held November 14th-16th. Please join us for a PRO weekend retreat at the Seminary in Huntington. The PRO Retreat is a high school retreat for young men that are interested in growing in their faith. For information please call (516) x214 or vocations@drvc.org. BUS TRIP TO RESORTS CASINO IN ATLANTIC CITY HOSTED BY THE AMERICAN LEGION LA- DIES AUXILIARY-There will be a bus trip to Resorts Casino in Atlantic City on Monday, March 16th. A bus will take you from the parking lot of the Williston Park American Legion Post 144, 730 Willis Avenue, Williston Park at 9:00 A.M. to Resorts Casino. You need to be at the parking lot by 8:30 A.M. The cost is $35.00 with a return of $25.00 in slot credits. Upcoming trips for 2015 are scheduled the third Monday of each month. The next trip will be on April 20, FREEDOM TOUR-Back by popular demand is our entertaining and historical Tour Guide, Tom Orzo. We board our luxury bus at 7:30 AM at Long Island s Christopher Morley Park to begin our adventure into Manhattan. We arrive at 85th Street and 5th to commence our (optional) morning walk around the Jackie Onassis Reservoir in Central Park, where others will then join our tour. A light breakfast follows. We board our luxury bus and continue to the Bowling Green and Customs House area, an important site in the founding of New Amsterdam and crucial to the American Revolution. Here we will go into St. Paul s Chapel where our guide, Mr. Orzo will discuss its past and recent history. We then walk to the 9/11 Memorial and then the Freedom Tower followed by a private tour of the lobby of the 1913 Woolworth Building. Other landmarks will be Fraunces Tavern Museum for a one hour tour, then its off to Stone Street for a walking experience and a great dinner at Antinori Restaurant before returning home. There is a limit of 53 people. To reserve your spot please go to DPompaOMS@gmail.com. Cost is $149 per person and $249 for two paying with one check. Make checks payable to Advanced Practice Seminars and mail to PO Box 280, Albertson, NY PRAYING FOR HEALING THROUGH DEVOTION TO DIVINE MERCY-Join us for Praying for Healing through Devotion to Divine Mercy on Saturday, March 21st from 10:00 AM-3:00 PM in the Marian Room at St. Mary s Church, Manhasset. The day will be conducted by Paul Miller, OFS. For information please call (516) FAITH ON TAP-will be held at Prost Grill & Garten, 652 Franklin Avenue, Garden City. March 11th-Father Joseph Scolaro will be the speaker, March 18th Father Michael Duffy will be the speaker and March 25th Msgr. James McDonald will be the speaker. For information please go to WORLDWIDE MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER-Looking for the perfect weekend? A weekend that will bring a husband and wife closer together? A Worldwide Marriage Encounter weekend is exactly what you are looking for. At Worldwide Marriage Encounter, the original and continually updated marriage enrichment program, you get away from the distractions of everyday life and focus on each other. Enhance your good marriage by attending a Worldwide Marriage Encounter weekend. Weekends are scheduled throughout the Metro New York area. The next weekend on Long Island is scheduled for April 24th-26th at the Immaculate Conception Seminary in Lloyd Harbor, NY. For information about the weekends or to apply call (877) or visit our website at: