St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church Let us build the City of God!

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1 St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church Let us build the City of God! Our Mission: By our loving service and works of mercy, we invite every person to know Jesus Christ, present in the Word and the breaking of the Bread, so that all may accept his gift of salvation. Nuestro Mission Por nuestro servicio amoroso y las obras de misericordia, invitamos a todos a conocer a Jesucristo, presente en la Palabra y en la fracción del pan, a fin de que todos puedan aceptar su regalo de salvación. Masses Saturday: Sunday: Come pray with us! 5:00 PM 7:00, 9:00, 10:30, Noon, and 5:00 PM Spanish Language Mass at 6:30 PM Weekdays: 7:00 and 9:00 AM* Saturday 8:00 AM *During School year Tuesday Mass is at 8:45 AM Eucharistic Adoration: Mondays 2:00-7:00 PM (except holidays) First Friday 7:30-8:30 PM Holy Hour Rosary: Daily after 9:00 Mass Reconciliation: Mon, Wed, Fri: after morning Mass Sat: after 8:00 AM mass and 4:00-4:45 PM Priests Rev. Michael J Rieder, Pastor Rev. Gil Lap Rev. Belevendiram Rathinam (Fr Bala) Deacons Dcn. Michael DeBellis Dcn. Frank Dell Aglio Dcn. Michael Devenney Dcn. William Dobbins Dcn. Edward Grieb Dcn. Joseph Dougherty (retired) Dcn. Joseph Califano (retired) Dcn. James Altonji (retired) St Joseph Rectory Office 45 Church Street Ronkonkoma NY Fax Religious Education 35 Church Street Director: Mrs. Maryanne Trezza Parish Outreach 2855 Pond Rd Director: Mrs. Anne Kelly St Joseph School 25 Church Street Principal: Mr. Richard Kuntzler October 29, 2017 Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time

2 Serving Your Sacramental Needs The Sacrament of Baptism The Sacrament is celebrated on Sundays at 1:30 PM. Parents, please call the parish office to arrange a meeting with one of our priests or deacons to begin to make arrangements. The Sacrament of Eucharist See front cover for mass times. If you are sick for an extended period of time or are homebound, please contact the parish office to arrange to have someone bring Communion to you. The Sacrament of Confirmation School aged children can prepare for this Sacrament by contacting our religious Education office. Adults or older teens who have yet to be Confirmed should contact the Parish Office The Sacrament of Reconciliation As listed on front cover or call rectory for an appointment with one of our priests. The Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick This Sacrament is for the living. We celebrate this Sacrament each Spring and Fall for those who are chronically ill, advanced in age, or who are about to undergo surgery or hospitalization. We can arrange the Sacrament at other times by calling the Parish Office.. Emergencies: call the office to arrange a visit from a priest. Nighttime emergencies (631) The Sacrament of Matrimony Bride or Groom, please call the office at least six months before your desired wedding date to begin preparations for marriage. Please make contact with the parish before making other wedding day plans! The Sacrament of Holy Orders Anyone who is feeling called to service in the church as a priest deacon or in consecrated religious life should contact the parish office to speak to one of the priests or deacons for guidance. Interested in possibly becoming Catholic? Please contact the rectory to arrange a meeting to discuss your questions. We have regular classes to help people learn about the faith and decide if becoming Catholic is what you and God want for you right now. This whole process of inquiry and potential conversion is called RCIA The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults. We will respect your personal journey with God! Prayer and Devotion Opportunities Our Lady of Fatima Devotion Our Lady came to Fatima with a message from God to every man, woman and child. She promised that the whole world would be at peace, and that many souls would go to heaven if her requests were listened to and obeyed. In response to her requests, the First Saturday of each month is devoted to Our Lady of Fatima. This devotion includes 8:00 AM mass, a novena to Our Lady of Fatima, the Rosary, and the opportunity to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation. All are welcome at this devotion. Spend Some Time in Prayer Before the Blessed Sacrament Our church opens at 6:30 AM and remains open throughout the day for anyone who wants to make a prayerful visit. Please come and have some quiet time with God in the midst of our busy (and sometimes loud) world. We have times set aside when Our Lord, present in the Blessed Sacrament is exposed on the altar for your prayer. Monday Exposition and Benediction Every Monday afternoon the Blessed Sacrament is exposed from 2:00 PM until 7:00 PM. This opportunity for prayer ends with Benediction beginning at about 6:45 PM and ending at 7:00 PM You can come at any time for any length of time to join in this quiet, reflective prayer time. Make an appointment to spend time with Jesus! First Friday Holy Hour Every First Friday of the month we have a Holy Hour before the exposed Blessed Sacrament. This communal prayer begins at 7:30 PM and run until 8:30 PM, closing with Benediction. St Joseph Men s Prayer Group We meet every Tuesday evening at 7:30 PM in the Church where we pray the Rosary. Afterward we move to the main vestibule for coffee, donuts and fellowship. This is a great opportunity to be strengthened in your commitment as a Catholic man just by spending time with others like you! See you Tuesday!

3 Additional Parish and School Contact Information Parish Website: School Website: stjoronk.org stjoeronkelem.org addresses General: Pastor: Faith Formation Director: Director of Evangelization: School: Robert Koepper Parish Trustees OUR LITURGY Mark Crean Business Manager Dcn. Edward Grieb Music Ministry Michael Keller, Director Ann DeBellis, 9:00 Choir Rectory Hours Monday thru Friday 9:00-5:00 (closed for lunch 12:00-1:15) Saturday 10:00-4:00 (closed for lunch 12:00-1:15) Sunday Closed Keep Up With Parish Happenings We are now on Facebook and Instagram. You can find us on either one at stjosephronkonkoma Also keep an eye on our website: The writer of Exodus reminds the Israelites of their duty toward the foreigner, the poor, the orphan and the widow in their midst. Saint Paul reminds us that it is the Spirit that turns the human heart away from worldly idols to faith in Jesus Christ. Jesus summarizes the Gospel message as love of God and love of neighbor. October 29, 2017 Page 3 Mass Intentions for the Week Sunday, Oct. 29 (Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time) 7:00 For the People of the Parish 9:00 Thomas M. Blewitt (John & Kathleen Kelly) 10:30 Corey Gonzalez (Katherine Yamaguchi, Dave, Evan & Elina), John Durkin (Joseph & Renee Criesi), Nicholas Biscotto (Gilda Johnson & Family), Peter Schaefer (Mary & Lou Scotti), Peter Trink (The Gil Family), For the People of the Parish 12:00 Carmela D Agostino (Cathleen, Joseph, Matt & Dan Terrano) 5:00 Josephine Napolitano (The Scotti Family) 6:30 Spanish Mass Monday, Oct. 30 7:00 For the People of the Parish 9:00 Vince Pogacar & Family (Loving Family) Tuesday, Oct. 31 7:00 For the People of the Parish 8:45 Otto Sabatino (Loving Wife Rose) Wednesday, Nov. 1(All Saints) 7:00 For the People of the Parish 9:00 For the People of the Parish Thursday, Nov. 2 (All Souls) 7:00 All Souls Novena 9:00 All Souls Novena 7:30 All Souls Novena Friday, Nov. 3 7:00 All Souls Novena 9:00 Godofredo Alcantara Saturday, Nov. 4 8:00 Angelo & Theresa DeFilippo (Marie DeFilippo) 5:00 Araceli L. Manalo (Loving Children), Maurice Maloney (Rosemary & Gerry McMenimin), James Russell (Carol & Harry Donald), Susan Bzezinski (Carol & Harry Donald), All Souls Novena Sunday, Nov. 5 (Thirty-First Sunday in Ordinary Time 7:00 For the People of the Parish 9:00 Vincent Gessner (Loving Wife) 10:30 Mary Koepper (Gerry & Rosemary McMenamin) 12:00 Joseph J. Onufrak (Loving Mother), Orlando Fusco (Tom D Agostino), Carmine Cassara, Jr. (Tom D Agostino), Sr. Mona Tunkel (Robert & Kerry Munster), For the People Of the Parish 5:00 Thomas Conroy (Frank Murphy & Family) 6:30 Spanish Mass Altar Bread & Wine In Memory of Mo Maloney Requested by Serafina & Sal REMEMBER THOSE WHO HAVE DIED our deceased soldiers and all of our deceased relatives and friends. William Williamson Eternal rest grant unto them O Lord and let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace.. May their souls and all the souls of the faithful departed rest in peace. Amen

4 Respect Life October 29, 2017 Weekly Offering Page 4 Legislative Corner On October 3, 2017, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 36, the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act, by a vote of The bill was sponsored by Trent Franks (R AZ- 8th district), and cosponsored by 182 other representatives. The United States is one of only seven countries in the world that allows abortion post twenty weeks. While all abortion is wrong, and sinful, abortion after 20 weeks takes on a new level of barbarity, as the child is capable of feeling pain as they die. This is a scientifically proven fact. In addition, there is speculation that the child feels pain prior to twenty weeks. The bill has broad support, with a recent Quinnipiac poll finding 60% support the bill, while only 33% were opposed. Among women the results were 59%-35%. The result among independent voters was 56%-36%. There are approximately 275 facilities that provide abortions past the 20-week fetal age. The technique used is particularly brutal; for a medical illustration go to abortion/pba/deabortiongraphic, and for 2013 congressional testimony of former abortionist Dr. Anthony Levatino on this procedure go to The Pain Capable Unborn Child Protection Act intends to ban abortion, in most cases, from after twenty weeks of pregnancy up to the day of birth. The bill cites the fact that an unborn child is capable of experiencing pain at least by twenty weeks after fertilization, if not earlier. In a report to the U.S. Department of Justice, a leading expert in the field claims the pain perceived by a fetus is possibly more intense than that perceived by term newborn or older children. ( AnandPainReport.pdf) Unfortunately, the bill is facing an uphill battle in the Senate. It is anticipated that Senator Mitch McConnell will bring the bill to the Senate floor for a vote. President Trump has promised to sign the bill into law. Here in New York we are faced with two Senators, Charles Shumer, and Kirsten Gillibrand, who score very low on right to life issues. Please pray for them as they decide on which way to vote, and please contact their offices to urge them to vote to pass H.R. 36. Their contact information is listed below. Our Legislators: Senator Charles Shumer, 143 Pinelawn Road, #300, Melville, NY (631) Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, 155 Pinelawn Road, Suite 250 North, Melville, NY (631) Congressman Pete King, 1003 Park Boulevard, Massapequa Park, NY (516) Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God Matt 5:9 Oct. 22, 2017 $17,030 (Includes Electronic Giving of ($3,701) Offering Last Year Offering $17,483 Poor Box $341 We are actively working with the Diocese on plans for balancing our budget and addressing our other accumulated debt to the Diocese. If you have questions on this or other financial matters, please feel free to call our business manager, Ed Grieb. Our Mission Assistance debt note was repaid by the maturity date of June 30! We have changed our monthly special collection from "Debt Repayment" to a "Repair & Renovations" collection so we can begin some needed improvements to our buildings and grounds. Thank you for your generous support. Thank you and God Bless You Always, Fr. Mike IF YOU MISSED LAST WEEK, PLEASE TRY TO MAKE IT UP THIS WEEK. THANK YOU. Are You Interested? Are you interested in more information about the Roman Catholic Church? Would you like to know more about our beliefs, traditions, rituals and sacraments? Were you baptized but never received Holy Communion or Confirmation? If you answered yes to any of these questions, we have a group here at St. Joseph s called RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults). We prepare you to receive the sacraments of Baptism, Eucharist and/or Confirmation. For more information contact the parish office in the rectory at Andrew Louis Modafferi Madison Marie Villanueva

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6 Ongoing Works of Mercy The past six or so weeks seemed like a constant request for help - hurricanes, earthquakes, wildfires, and in the midst of that we began our October Baby Bottle Project. It feels like hands have been reached out constantly with requests for assistance. I am so moved by how well our community has responded to all of these needs. We had two special collections for people we never met and we responded with love and generosity just because there was a need. We re doing a heck of a job of responding to the commandment to love our neighbor as we love ourselves. We are coming up on a time to love ourselves - or more accurately, our close by neighbors Our Parish Outreach does an amazing job of offering assistance to those in our neighborhood who are in need. Think about this, if we have felt overwhelmed with need this past month, imagine how it must feel when everyone who comes to your door every day has a need. The day to day work of Outreach is done by a dedicated group of people THANK YOU ALL! That work is supported by us. We are going to have a Special Outreach Collection on the weekend of November Thank you very much for your ongoing generosity! -Fr Mike Help Feed the Hungry For Free! Check out this web site: When you log on you will find a simple multiple choice vocabulary question. For every correct answer, 10 grains of rice is donated to the UN World Food Program to help end hunger. Other subjects include Language, Math, Chemistry, Geography and even SAT Test preparation. Feed your mind and the world at the same time! But make sure you do your homework first! Tis the season to ask for help! Just look at the column on the left of this page - we have needs and we ask. You are allowed to say, Not this time. We will soon get all sorts of solicitations in the mail - some use tricks like a stamped envelope so you don t want to waste the stamp, or free gifts that are cheap. Please don t let anyone who asks manipulate you. We give when we can to whom we can (and to those we trust). I suggest that we all choose one or two organizations that are really important to us and invest our works of mercy in them. Then we can say (guilt free) Not today, to any others who ask. We re called to love our neighbor, but we need to take care of ourselves too! -Fr Mike Don t forget to bring you Baby Bottles back to Church on November 11 or 12! We are celebrating Share Mercy Sunday that weekend and will count the coins returned in Carew Hall all morning! Join us in this work of Mercy! The Healing Touch of Christ We are celebrating Jesus healing at a mass with the sacrament of anointing on Saturday, November 19at 11:00 AM The sacrament of anointing is not just for those wo are physically ill. It is also for healing in our hearts and souls. Is there a place in the depths of your being that needs healing? Join us to celebrate in faith the healing touch of Jesus! Bring a friend! Holy Hour For Life It is not too early to plan for Advent and Christmas. December 8 (Feast of the Immaculate Conception) is on a Friday this year. There will be a Holy Hour for Life following the 7:30 Mass on December 8. Because Advent is a very busy season of preparation in everyone s life, we will not have a First Friday Holy Hour on December 1. We invite those who would normally join in the First Friday prayer to come on Friday December 8! It s Time to Do Theology Again! Monday Evening October 30 7:30-9:00 PM Carew Hall The word Theology from Theo (God) and Logos (reason or understanding). The truth is, we can never completely understand God. So, when we do Theology we are exploring the wonder of God so that we can grow in understanding. There have been many requests for us to have one evening focused completely on questions regarding marriage. So that is what we will explore this time. Join us! Bring your questions - even personal ones! Let s explore, not only the rules regarding marriage, but the beauty of marital love so that all who are living in love will be able to see God s presence in their relationships! Hope to see many of you Monday evening!

7 Vocations Awareness Week is Coming The week of November 5-11 is Vocations Awareness Week. But as was the case with The Year of Mercy, we shouldn t just be aware of this for a short while and then forget it. We need to be praying for vocations to service in our church all the time. Maybe this week can be a starting point in your family to pray more often and more fervently for an increase in vocations to serve our spiritual needs. Maybe you want to use the following prayer: Prayer for Vocations Loving God our Father, You made each of us to use our gifts in the Body of Christ. We ask that You inspire young people whom you call to priesthood and consecrated life to courageously follow Your will. Send workers into your great harvest so that the gospel is preached, the poor are served with love, the suffering are comforted, and Your people are strengthened by the sacraments. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen It All Begins With a Relationship I hope that when this is published, the Confirmation banners are still up in the church. Look up at them - especially the last one on the right, Awe of the Lord. God really is awesome and one of the most awesome things about God is that He wants to be friends with you and with me! We are all called, first, to nurture a relationship with God. One way to do that is by reading scripture. You can start just by reading Sunday s readings ahead of time. On my first retreat we were given some advice on listening to God s Word. Ask, What is God saying to me? What is God asking me to do? If we approach scripture from that point of view, we may get more and more comfortable with the awesome fact that God really does want something from me. That can open us to the possibility of God wanting a lifetime commitment in friendship and loving service. Hey, You Felt That Way Too? The office of vocations for the diocese sent every pastor a package of information in preparation for Vocations Awareness Week. I just watched a 15 minute video that was in the package. One religious sister who was interviewed spoke about trying to discern if it was God s will for her to enter religious life. She also mentioned that she was kind of praying that it wasn t God s will because she wasn t sure she wanted to follow this. Wow! I thought I was the only one who felt this way. So many of my friends from the seminary speak of having a moment of clarity regarding their vocation. Not me. I had anxiety. When I went to the college seminary in Douglaston, I was told that I had 7 1/2 years of studies before being ordained a priest. I was glad. I thought, a lot can happen in that amount of time to get me out of this. Well, a lot did happen and eventually I realized that I didn t want to get out of this - that God and I agreed that this is the appropriate direction for my life. We don t all see a burning bush like Moses did (but even he tried to get out of it asking God, Who am I that I should lead your people out of slavery? God responded how he does for each one of us, I will be with you. (cf. Ex 3: 11-12). We don t all get knocked off our horse and blinded by the light like St Paul. For many of us it is more an experience of gentle nudging - maybe a desire to serve a little more than your Confirmation service hours can be a sign that God is calling you to something more in service to the church. So young people (and not so young) listen with your heart. Every path in life involves a call from God and God always promises the same thing, I will be with you. -Fr Mike Frightening Realities Filled With Hope In our country, compared with 50 years ago, there are 20,000 fewer priests and 130,000 fewer sisters. At the same time the Catholic population continues to grow. That is a little frightening, especially when young(er) priests look at the amount who are preparing for retirement. But there is hope. The number of priests being ordained has risen slightly in the past few years. In 2010 there were 440 priestly ordinations in our nation. In 2017 the number is 590. This still isn t enough to replace all those retiring, but it is a good sign. Also, men are being ordained younger and are receiving more encouragement than in years past. Here are some things you can do to help more young men discern if they are called to be a priest: Encourage teens. Boys first consider priesthood on average at about age 16. Invite, invite, invite! 82% of men ordained in 2017 were encouraged to consider priesthood by an average of four people. Promote prayer in our parish. Before entering the seminary, three quarters of new priests regularly attended Eucharistic Adoration and 69% regularly prayed the rosary. Do you have someone in mind who may make a good priest? Mention it to him. Even if he s not called to this life, it is a compliment to his faith - one he ll never forget! On the first day I ever taught a religion class, I wasn t even finished with attendance and one student in 6th grade asked me, Are you gonna be a priest? I immediately answered. No! But I told the director of Faith Formation in my parish of my experience and she said, One never knows, do one? God is really awesome that way! -Fr Mike

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10 All Souls Day Mass of Remembrance We will celebrate our special All Souls Day Mass of Remembrance on Thursday, November 2 at 7:30 pm in the church, as we pray for and honor our loved ones who have died. The names of those who had their funeral through St. Joseph during this past year will be read. During the reading of the names, votive candles will be lit by the Ministers of Consolation in loving memory of them.

11 THANKSGIVING That s right! It s almost the Holiday Season! Once again, Outreach is asking for your help in providing a Thanksgiving meal for their clients. Donations of the following would be greatly appreciated: gift certificates for turkeys, gift cards to grocery stores, stuffing mix, instant potatoes, canned vegetables, cranberries and any non-perishable fixings. All donations can be left at Church in the basket in the elevator lobby, at the Outreach Office or the Rectory. Please return items by Nov. 17th. Thank you! St. Regis Columbiettes Presents Family Fun Bowling Sunday, November 19 at 1pm AMF Sayville Lanes 5660 Sunrise Highway, Sayville, NY Donation $25 Includes 2 games, shoes, 2 slices pizza & soda Basket Raffle and Raffles Additional For Tickets Call Emily Harris: Curine Young: Maryann Rossi:

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13 Outreach Resources Page 13 Emergency Resources Family Resources/Support Groups Response of Suffolk County Crisis Hotline or (hotline 24 hrs./7 days) Victims Information Bureau of Suffolk VIBS Domestic/date violence, rape, sexual assault, & elder abuse or (24 hrs. hotline for domestic violence and rape) or Suffolk County Coalition Against Domestic Violence (hotline) The Retreat Domestic Violence (hotline 24hrs/7 days shelter) Brighter Tomorrows Domestic Violence Hotline (631) Islip Hotline Crisis Hotline: Runaway Hotline , American Red Cross, Suffolk County Chapter Child Abuse (24-Hr.) HIV and Aids Teen Hotline TEEN (fri./sat. 6:30PM to Midnight) Child Health Plus Information and Referral (24 Hr.) Child Care Council of Suffolk Family Service League of Suffolk County Hope House Ministries Islip Town Teen Parent Resource Center Suffolk County Department of Health Services Project Hope Mothers Group (call for locations) Haven House/Bridges Alcoholics Anonymous Gamblers Anonymous Narcotics Anonymous Life Center of L.I. - Pregnancy Care Birthright of Nassau/Suffolk Al-Anon Suffolk County info@al-anon-suffolk-ny.org Overeaters Anonymous Parish Outreach St. Joseph Parish Outreach Center sjpo0101@gmail.com website Through your generosity we were able to help more than 149 people throughout the month of September In these tough economic times we are seeing people of increasing need. On their behalf, we thank you for sharing your own limited resources with your brothers and sisters. "Whenever you did it for the least of my people, you did it for me." Catholic Charities Diocese of Rockville Centre Talbot House Chemical Dependency Crisis Center

14 Page 14 Cub Scout Pack 272 Boy Scout Troop 272 St. Joseph s Cub Scout Pack 272 and Boy Scout Troop 272 have fun, exciting, educational, character building programs for boys, age 7 through 17 (first Grade and up). For more information or to enroll your child, contact Dr. Louis Scotti at or JoinScouting@StJoRonk.org. Pack, Troop, and Crew 272 have CYO Sport Programs Baseball: Intramural (Coed, ages 4-16): Gene Travel * (Boys) Vinny Basketball: Girls (koolmom4d@msn.com) Debbie Clinic Division (Coed Grades K-2) Nick Boys Grades 3-12) Vinny Travel* Vinny Track: Boys & Girls, Grades K-8 Jerry Soccer : Intramural Boys & Girls(ages 3-13) Joe jcaiola@fast.net Travel (LIJSL): Rob Softball: Dennis Venturing Events In Carew Hall after 5:00 PM Mass Venturing is open to men and women age 14 through 20 who have graduated from 8th Grade. This year's crew plan is jam packed with interesting and fun activities here at St. Joseph's and "off-campus" as well. Come to our meeting and check it out. Visit our next meeting: October 29, 2017 Tonight Crew272@StJoRonk.org phone: Advisor Mike Keller (631) What did you do this weekend? Faced with a Drinking Problem? Perhaps Alcoholics Anonymous Can Help. Heart of the Lake - AA Group Meets here at St. Josephs R.C. Church In the basement of the Rectory (entrance in rear) Wednesday 7:30-8:45 pm And Saturday 2:00-3:15 pm The Only Requirement for Membership Is a desire to stop drinking. Defensive Driving The defensive driving course will be offered at St. Joseph Church on Saturday, November 4th in Carew Hall from 8:30 am to 3:00 pm. Fee is $45. Please call the rectory at to reserve your place. Make checks payable to St. Joseph Church.

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