I will walk before the Lord, in the land of the living!

Transcription

1 A community of Faith hope and love Twenty-fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time September 16, 2012 I will walk before the Lord, in the land of the living!

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

3 Clairvaux chronicle DID YOU KNOW? Each year the Garden Committee, made up of parish volunteers, works on planting the flowers and bushes on the grounds of the church property. Many of you have commented on the attractiveness of the bushes and beauty of the flowers. Last year St. Bernard s spent $4,993 on the plants and the flowers. The Committee is headed up by Maureen and Ron Levinson, Andy Bardolf and Denise Lownie. Committee volunteers are contacted and asked to work only 3 or 4 times a year, usually on Saturdays. Do you have a green thumb? Like to garden? You can even participate in the Adopt a Plot program. Call the Parish Office for information and volunteer. A good start T he capital campaign to r a i s e f u n d s f o r t h e improvement of our buildings and grounds is off to a very good start. The gathering of small groups of parishioners at 6 receptions was the initial phase of this effort to achieve our goal of one million dollars. That phase has now been completed with positive results. HELP! At this point we will be reaching out to the parish at large to begin the next phase of the campaign. This coming weekend, Sept , I will be speaking at all the Masses to announce the formal opening of the capital campaign and to provide an overview of what specific areas of the parish require renovation and repair. I will also be inviting members of the parish to serve as volunteers to assist in this next phase of the campaign. Summer is almost over, and fall is right behind. On Saturday, September 22nd at 8:00 am please join the Beautification Committee to plant mums and other flowers to get ready for the Autumn season. Please do not forget to bring your own gardening tools with you. The Feasibility Study enabled us to determine which projects parishioners felt were most important. The study also indicated a willingness on the part of parishioners to make a financial commitment in order to reach our million dollar goal. The response at our receptions thus far bears this out. The record of generosity at St. Bernard s over many years gives me great confidence in this undertaking. It is not so much a few donors giving large amounts. Rather it is many families responding generously and even sacrificially to the need. In this way we assure future generations a fitting place to worship, learn, and form a community of faith. 3

4 parish news Backpack Mass Sunday, September 30, 2012, 9AM All students are invited to bring their backpack to Mass to receive a special blessing at the beginning of the new school year. Each family is asked to donate one item such as: School supplies: crayons, notebooks, pencils, pens, or folders, etc. Lunchbox items: snacks, cookies, crackers, peanut butter, jelly, juice boxes, or cereal. Personal supplies: toothpaste, toothbrushes, soap, shampoo, tissues (pocket size), combs. These supplies will be given to families in our parish through the Parish Outreach Program. Virtus Training Offered At St. Bernard s On Tuesday, September 18, the VIRTUS class is being offered at St. Bernard s in the Peach Room of the Parish Center at 10 am, 1 pm and 7 pm. Register online at Diocese of Rockville Centre s website: If you are unable to register on-line, please call or stop into the rectory. Our support staff can assist you in registering. All the photos that you see in the bulletin, appear in color! All the schedules for the various ministries can also be found. An up-to-date calendar of Parish Activities and their location can also be found. Missed the Bulletin because you were out of town? The complete copy is there. Need to give directions to the church? It s there! Come check it out. We are constantly updating and hopefully improving it. Gifts of treasure Sunday collections September 9, 2012 September 11, 2011 $ 13, $ 15, envelopes 679 envelopes Faith Direct $ 2, $ 1, Total Collection $ 15, $ 17, Second Collection Catholic University $ 2, $ 3, envelopes 327 envelopes Thank you for your continued generosity. Caring for those who cared for us On September 22/23 we will have a second collection for the retired priests of our Diocese, who reside in St. Pius X Enriched Living Facility in Amityville. This collection is not to be confused with the Diocesan - wide collection for retired religious held annually in June. That important collection exclusively supports the retirement needs of religious brothers and sisters who have lovingly served our Diocese. It does not provide support to the retirement needs of our Diocesan priests. Have you enrolled yet? Code = NY272 Mass Intention Book The second half of the Mass Book for July - December 2013 will open: September 26, 2012, 5:00-8:00 pm, Blue Room in the Parish Center September 27, 2012, 1:00-4:00 pm, Blue Room in the Parish Center the Gifts of bread and wine for the weekend of September 15 and 16 were requested in loving memory of Marilyn Mahoney by John Mahoney 4

5 mass intentions Monday September 17, St.Robert Bellarmine 8:00 am Michael Del Villar Tuesday, September 18 8:00 am Peter French Wednesday, September 19, St. Januarius 8:00 am Nick Samboy Thursday, September 20, St. Andrew Kim and St. Paul Chong and companions 8:00 am Judith Lynch Friday, September 21, St. Matthew 8:00 am Mary Lou Armstrong Saturday, September 22 8:00 am Joan Wicelinski Joann Sacchi Christopher Anglim Thomas R. Allocca 5:00 pm For all parishioners Sunday, September 23, 25th Sunday in Ordinary Time 7:30 am For all parishioners 9:00 am John Lane 10:30 am Mary and Michael Sammon 12 Noon George W. Brymer 5:30 pm Doris E. Schippers Parish schedule Monday, September 17 7:30 pm Miraculous Medal Novena, Church Tuesday, September 18 10:00 am Virtus Training, Parish Center 10:00 am Our Lady of Consolation Prayer Group, Parish Center 1:00 pm Virtus Training, Parish Center 7:00 pm Virtus Training, Parish Center 7:00 pm Rosary recitation in Spanish, Prayer Room 6:30 pm Cub Scout Meeting, School 7:00 pm Boy Scouts, Youth Ministry Room 7:30 pm PFI, Parish Center 8:00 pm AA Meeting, School Cafeteria Wednesday, September 19 7:30 pm PPCC, Parish Center 8:00 pm Prayer Group, Parish Center Thursday, September 20 10:00 am Shawl Ministry, Parish Center 2:00 pm St. Vincent de Paul, Clairvaux House 7:00 pm Most Holy Trinity Adoration, Prayer Room 7:00 pm CYO Swim Registration, Parish Center 7:30 pm Liturgy Meeting, Parish Center 7:30 pm Strengths Group, Parish Center Friday, September 21 2:00 pm Stroke Support, Parish Center 7:15 pm Cub Scout Pack Nite, Cafeteria Saturday, September 22 8:00 am Fall Planting, Parish Center 11:00 am AA Meeting, Cafeteria Sunday, September 23 6:30 pm Youth Ministry, Parish Center 7:00 pm Men s Prayer Group, Church 8:00 pm AA Meeting, Cafeteria Baptisms sacraments We welcome into the parish the following new members: Dean James Carney Gianna Rose Ficara Mateo Brayden McLaughlin BANNS OF MARRIAGE First Time Susan Poka, St. Stephen Parish, Warwick, NY Carl Morales, St. Bernard Parish, Levittown, NY Vincent DeMasi, St. Bernard Parish, Levittown, NY Stephanie Abella, St. Bernard Parish, Levittown, NY Shawn Beattie, St. Bernard Parish, Levittown, NY Lisa Tangredi, Notre Dame Parish, NHP, NY Second Time Victor Montes, St. Bernard Parish, Levittown, NY Melissa Verdi, St. Boniface, Elmont, NY Third Time Peyton Christine Henry, St. Patrick s Parish, Watertown, NY Gary Robert Farley, Jr., St. Bernard Parish, Levittown, NY Pray for the sick of our parish Jean Caprera Catherine Colon Ronald Costello Vincent Davi Mary Steiger Hauskin Vicki Jacona Joseph Lobo Lorraine Murray Gerard Pokorny Edna Pokorny Rosemarie Puras Pat Rosalia Laureen Quinn-Sturge Rosalie Travers Please pray for all those on our Long-term Sick List Baby Christian Murphy Helen Clarke Roberta Curran Juanita Dones Jim Finlan Colleen Grasing Vincent Grappone Mike Hach Carolyn Hakim Jerome W. Kalkhof Betty Lalonde Mary Mackey Andrew Mahoney Mary Messina James McArdelle William McDonagh John McKeon Mary McLean Kerri Orlando Johnny Perdue Rosina Perri Helen Pfiefer Joseph Pfeifer Raymond Pfiefer Catherine Pipinou Deanne Reilly Eve Saint Thomas Saint Jeannette Sepe Joseph Smithwick, Sr. Marina Suazo David Testa Rob Weidermann Pat Welisher Pray for our beloved deceased And those who mourn for them Kathryn Watzel 5

6 ADULT FAITH FORMATION Diane Vella, Pastoral Associate The Nicene Creed: I believe in one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church This is the seventh article in a series based on the adult formation course We Believe in...what? offered at St. Bernard s this past winter and spring. 6 Meaning of Church. The English word church comes from the New Testament Greek word ekklesia, which means those who have been called out. In its Christian meaning, it refers to the community of people who have been called out through Baptism to follow the way of Jesus Christ. (You may recognize in the Greek word the root of the English word ecclesiastical. ) Anyone who is baptized and pledges to follow Christ is a member of the one Church of Christ. Marks of the Church. One, holy, catholic and apostolic are what are called the marks of the Church. In other words, they are what makes the Church what it is. Christians believe that the Church is called to live according to these marks or principles. One Unified Church. Jesus willed that his community be one and united. But from the beginning, human nature being what it is, there were divisions; this is evident even in the New Testament itself. Through the centuries, further splits and divisions took place. Although many Christians are united in the most essential beliefs and practices, we are not so united in others. And so we have many churches and communities within the one Church. The Catholic Church teaches that only in Catholicism is the fullness of the Christian faith expressed. But whatever the differences, all Christians, through Baptism, are truly one in Christ Jesus, and our goal is to someday be fully united as one Church. A Holy Church. The Second Vatican Council s main topic was the Church. The Council said that the Church the community of baptized followers of Jesus was holy because it is imbued with the presence of God. The Church is holy only because of God s presence within its members, and is holy to the extent that its members live out this holiness in their lives. Of course, we know that this does not guarantee that every member of the Church is at all times truly holy. But in the Creed we do affirm our belief that God is always present in the Church, and the Church as a whole reflects that holiness in the world. A Catholic Church. The word catolicos in Greek can have several related meanings, universal and worldwide among them. On one level, the Church is catholic (note the lower case c ) because it exists throughout the world, and it includes people of every race, nation and culture. Further analysis of the word universal reveals the meaning, unity in diversity : so the word catholic also suggests that the Church is united even in spite of its differences. These meanings allow all Christians, including Protestant, Anglican and Orthodox, to profess belief that the Church is catholic. The Roman Catholic Church and those Eastern Churches in communion with it include the word Catholic (with an upper case C ) in their name to emphasize its worldwide, universal reach. An Apostolic Church. The Church is apostolic because it professes and practices the faith that has come to it through the apostles. For the Catholic, Orthodox and Anglican Churches, this means that the faith has been handed down authoritatively through an unbroken succession of bishops, the successors of the apostles. Other Christians have different understandings of this apostolic succession, but all Christians believe that the Church continues the tradition of the apostles of Jesus those who were sent out to spread the Good News. One Baptism for the Forgiveness of Sins. Baptism is the sign of two related things: God s grace leading a person to turn away from sin (or in the case of a child, God gracing the parents to raise the child to resist sin), and the decision to become a member of the Church, the community that seeks to resist sin. There is truly one baptism in the Church: anyone who is baptized in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, and with the sign of water, is considered baptized by most churches; there is no re-baptism if one joins a different church. As St. Paul says, there is one Lord, one faith, one Baptism; one God and Father of all. (Eph. 4:5) Amen!

7 Gifted, engaged, growing St. Bernard S pastoral plan GOAL # 1: To provide opportunities for all parishioners to discover and live their strengths, and thereby engage more parishioners in service to the parish and community Already joined a Strengths Group? THERE S MORE TO LEARN ABOUT YOUR STRENGTHS!! Explore Your Strengths Group Part 2 3 Thursdays beginning September 20 7:30-9:30 p.m. in the Parish Center Completion of the StrengthsFinder and Strengths Group part 1 required. Pre-registration of at least 6 people by September 17 required. Contact Diane Vella at or dvella@stbernardslevittown.org GOAL #2: To motivate and equip engaged parishioners to reach out and invite others to become engaged. St. Bernard s Faithful Families Presents Prayin, Playin and Jumpin with Jesus! Prayer, Exercise and Craft group for toddlers ages 18 months. - 4 years and their parents! (Parents participate in all activities with their children; it s mommy/daddy and me!) 4 Saturday mornings October 6, 13, 20, 27 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. St. Bernard s Parish Center For information and registration form, contact the parish office at or parish@stbernardslevittown.org GOAL #2: To motivate and equip engaged parishioners to reach out and invite others to become engaged. DISCUSSION GROUP FOR CATHOLIC SEEKERS IN THEIR 20s-40s Wondering if Catholic faith has any meaning for your life? Explore this question with others at AWAKENING FAITH! 5-week informal study/discussion group Topics include: What is Spirituality? Who is Jesus? Why go to Mass? Why bother with the Church? No topic or question is off base. 5 Saturdays beginning October 6, 9:00-10:15 a.m. in the school (other dates and times possible!) Contact Diane Vella at or dvella@stbernardslevittown.org 7

8 Readings FOR September 16-23, 2012 Sunday, September 16. Twenty-fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Isaiah 50:5-9; James 2:14-18; Psalm 116:1-6, 8-9; Mark 8:27-35 Monday, September Corinthians 11:17-26, 33; Psalm 40:7-10, 17; Luke 7:1-10 Tuesday, September Corinthians 12:12-14, 27-31; Psalm 100:1-5; Luke 7:11-17 Wednesday, September Corinthians 12:31 13:13; Psalm 33:2-5, 12, 22; Luke 7:31-35 Thursday, September Corinthians 15:1-11; Psalm 118:1-2, 16-17, 28; Luke 7:36-50 Friday, September 21. Ephesians 4:1-7, 11-13; Psalm 19:2-5; Matthew 9:9-13 Saturday, September Corinthians 15:33-37, 42-49; Psalm 56:10-14; Luke 8:4-15 Sunday, September 23. Twenty-fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Wisdom 2:12, 17-20; Psalm 54:3-8; James 3:16 4:3; Mark 9:30-37 For the ride home This feature is for families to share their thoughts as they travel to and from Church. Twenty-fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time (You are the Messiah) September 16, 2012 First Reading Isaiah 50: 5-9a ( I Offered my Back ) Second Reading James 2: ( Faith in Works ) Gospel Mark: 8: ( Who am I?) Adults: What is one thing I can do every day this week to show others that Jesus is the Messiah? Children: What can I do this week to be a friend to someone who really needs one? military prayer list Remember and pray for all the wonderful men and women serving in our Military and who are away from their homes so that we can enjoy peace and freedom. God bless all of them and comfort those who have suffered sickness or injury. Michael Agunzo, Jr. Andrew Anton John Chung-Salomone Sgt. Christopher P. Catalano LCPL Steven Churchill Pvt. William Curtin Charles Decker Captain Carey Eden Alec Essig-Peppard, US Navy Lance Cpl. Matthew Ferrante William Gilmartin Major John P. Kilbride Major Thomas J. Kilbride Lt. Jacen Lanclos Lt. Kyle McDermott Staff Sgt. Chris Manzililio Robert S. Meyers Pvt. William Munn, US Army P.O. Dawn M. Orlando Jacqueline Peterson Frank Pascale Lance Cpl. Christopher Piccolo Cpl. Michael Randazzo Sgt. Samuel Rodriquez, U.S. Army Carl M. Saviano Jimmy Schrick Patrick Schrick Jeff Shilanski MSgt. Matthew Schwally, USAF Sgt. Vince Senn Capt. Frank Squillace III Lance Cpl. Matthew J. Sutch Lance Cpl. Michael E. Sutch Jonathan Taggart, USMC Call the Bulletin Desk at the Rectory to have names added or removed 8

9 St. Bernard S music ministry Mary Jane Witte, Director Children s Choir News... For the past fifteen years Ernie and Maryclare Meditz have given their time, talent and treasure to St. Bernard s Parish by their unselfish dedication to our Children s Choir. The past few years have been especially challenging for Ernie and Maryclare due to a change in Ernie s work schedule. We are currently in the process of finding someone to step into Ernie and Maryclare s shoes, and since the children of this parish are so very important to us we will make every effort to ensure that the Children s Choir Program meets all the expectations of the Parish Staff, the children themselves and their parents. Ernie, Fr. Jerry and myself will be all very much a part of this process. We will be posting to the bulletin, as well as an altar announcement, all information regarding sign ups and rehearsal dates and times, as soon as we have everything in order. We will also be planning a Thank You Mass for Ernie and Maryclare as a way for all of us, especially the children and their parents to say a sincere and heartfelt Thank You to two wonderful people who have been a shining example of Christian love and devotion. God bless you Ernie and Maryclare. Sincerely, Mary Jane Witte Calling All Singers and Musicians Choir rehearsal will be starting in September and October so please contact one of the following Directors to join one of our many wonderful choirs. Singers and musicians encouraged to join us in praising God with your unique gifts. Mary Jane Witte Adult Choir , ext 42 Carmen Greico Folk Choir Mike Rodgers Youth Choir

10 hen Christ asks, Who do people say that I am? the disciples W answer by identifying Jesus with the greatest men of their history: Elijah, John the Baptist, the prophets. But no one dares to call Jesus the Messiah of God until Peter pipes up claiming You are the Christ. The change that has happened in Peter as a result of his union with Jesus can only be the work of God. To follow after Christ in the work of faith, then, we rebuke all our insufficient reasoning. For if our conviction goes so far as to embrace Christ and his passion, who will prove us wrong? First Reading: The testimony of the Lord s servant acknowledges that the word he speaks is the one he first heard from the Lord. For him, God s word was a call to embrace a way of Liturgy corner TWENTY-FOURTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME September 16, 2012 suffering. At the same time, it was a word or promise of God s help and deliverance. Responsorial Psalm 116: Today s Psalm is the prayer of one who experiences God s deliverance and the joy of walking before God in the land of the living. Second Reading: Faith must be given expression in good works, particularly toward those in need. Gospel: Who is Jesus? The Messiah, the servant of God who must suffer. Anything, anyone who dissuades him from this way is acting as Satan, the evil one, even if the tempter is one of his own disciples. Saints of the Week Monday, September 17. Saint Robert Bellarmine ( ), Bishop and Doctor of the Church, was an astute scholar with a knack for diplomatically responding to the controversies of his day. As a Jesuit priest, embroiled in the Protestant Reformation, he sensitively communicated through word and writing the Catholic perspective, especially regarding the relationship between Church and state. One of his most important contributions to the Church is a three-volume work, Disputations on the Controversies of the Christian Faith, which explains Catholic fundamentals in a non-defensive, systematic way. Wednesday, September 19. Saint Januarius (+305) was Bishop of Benevento in Italy during the Diocletian persecutions. After suffering the fate of a martyr, being thrown to wild beasts and then beheaded, his relics were transported to Naples, where it is said that a vial of his blood liquefies on three feast days related to his life: today, his feast day; the day he supposedly prevented an eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 1631 (December 16), and the Saturday before the first Sunday in May, commemorating the transfer of his relics. He is the patron saint of blood banks and Naples, where he is referred to as San Gennaro. Each year on his feast day, large crowds are drawn to the cathedral of Naples where the vial is kept. Thursday, September 20. Saints Andrew Kim Tae-gǒn, Priest, Paul Chüng Ha-sang, and Companions, Martyrs. The Martyrs of Korea: During the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, approximately eight thousand adherents to the Catholic faith in Korea were martyred, 103 of whom were canonized by Pope John Paul II in The canonized martyrs were victims of a particularly heinous series of persecutions happening between 1839 and During this time period, Korea was ruled by anti- Christian dynasty that did everything possible to eliminate Catholic ideology and influence, including the malicious mass murder of Christian missionaries and their followers. Two of the more notable martyrs are Saint Andrew Kim Taegǒng, priest, martyr, and Saint Paul Chüng Ha-sang, a layman, both of whom were dedicated to the revitalization of the Church in Korea. Friday, September 21. Saint Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist. Referred to as the tax collector, is one of the Twelve Apostles and the evangelist who authored the first of the four accounts of the Gospel. His Gospel has a two-fold purpose: one, to announce that Jesus is the eternal king of all creation; and two, to encourage faith in the face of doubt, especially regarding persecution. We have very little information about him, other than he invited Jesus to his home to dine with societal outcasts (see Matthew 9:9-13), and that he preached the Good News after the Resurrection. Tradition says he began preaching in Judea, then moved onto Ethiopia, Persia, Syria, Macedonia, and possibly to Ireland. He is venerated as a martyr, even though there is no historical evidence to validate this claim. 10

11 Parish social ministry Sr. Christine Sammons, O.P., What can you do to help reduce poverty in America? Hit the pavement and join the Friends of the Poor Walk! More than one in seven Americans (one in five children) are living below the official poverty line ($22,113 for a family of four). By taking part in the Friends of the Poor Walk, you can help raise national awareness of the challenges faced by the nation s poor and raise significant funds for use in direct service to the poor. We invite our whole parish to join our Vincentians and Charitable KIDZ to Walk for the Poor on Saturday, September 29 th at Bethpage State Park Picnic Area. Check in begins at 9:00 a.m. Walk begins at 11:00 a.m. 100% of all pledges we raise will be used by our St. Vincent de Paul Conference to assist our Levittown neighbors. To register to walk, visit: or call (516) If you would like to make a donation to the walk, our Vincentians will be outside of church on this weekend to accept your pledge or donation. Last year we received a $1000 bonus! Walk a mile in someone else s shoes and find out how good it feels to give! St. Vincent de Paul: Thanks to everyone who has brought food or school supplies to the pantry. The list of food items and school supplies remains the same. This week we ask for help with: Cereal Hearty and regular soups Peanut butter and jelly Tuna, canned meats and pasta Coffee and tea, juice Rice, beans, potatoes, pasta Macaroni and cheese Tomato sauces and products of all kinds Dessert mixes (pudding, Jell-o, cake, brownies, icing) Coffee, tea (regular, decaf, instant) Paper goods: toilet tissue, napkins, towels, tissues Toiletries: soap, deodorant, toothpaste and brushes, razors, shampoo, conditioner, etc. Pampers and wipes, laundry and dish detergent Thank you! In today s Gospel, Jesus says: Anyone who wishes to come after me must deny thy self, take up the cross and follow in my steps. The cross of Jesus and the crosses of his members can evangelize us: the sick who bear illness with courage, the grieving who hope against hope, the dying who clearly trust in the resurrection, our suffering brothers and sisters who are hungry and homeless, but who still trust in God s love. Is there a neighbor or friend of yours who is in temporary need because of a job loss or illness? Help us help them by making a donation to the poor box! God bless! Bereavement Support Group: We have contacted many members of our parish who have experienced the loss of a loved one this past year. It would appear that a group is coming together. Participants will learn about the grief process and their own individual reaction to their loss. Greater self-awareness will enable participants to develop coping skills to better manage their grief, especially during very stressful times, such as the holidays. The only cost is a one-time registration fee of $20. We also hope to train volunteers so that eventually the parish will have its own bereavement program. If you are interested in joining the group, please call Gloria in the Parish Social Ministry office at A registration form will be mailed to you and must be completed and returned by Monday, September 24 th. The group will begin meeting on Tuesday, September 25 th in the afternoon or evening, depending on the preferences of the participants. If you have questions about the group or would like to be trained as a support group facilitator, please contact Dr. Sabatini at (516) or via at lousab@aol.com. All are welcome, regardless of who died, and when. However, it is necessary to register with us! Please call as soon as possible! Morning Brew: Kathy Ryan at Maria Regina in Seaford runs a longstanding job networking support group on Monday mornings from 10 to 11:30 a.m. in the St. Francis Room. If you are interested, please call Kathy at or karmro2@aol.com. 11

12 center for Religious Education. Sr Margaret Sammon, O.P., Director Registration New students grades 1 though 8, please call the office at to make an appointment to register your child for September classes. All new students must bring a copy of their baptismal certificate. If your child attended another program, please bring a letter of transfer. If you have not sent in the registration form for students previously in our program, please return them ASAP. Opening Dates: Grade 2 Saturday September 15 9 am Cafeteria Grades 3, 4, 5 Wednesday September 19 4:15 pm Cafeteria Northside, Island Trees, Lee Road, East Broadway Grade 8 Wednesday September 19 7:30 pm Cafeteria Grades 3, 4, 5 Thursday September 20 4:15 pm Cafeteria Summit Lane & Gardiners Ave Grade 7 Thursday September 20 7:30 pm Cafeteria Grade 1 Saturday September 22 9 am Cafeteria Grades 3, 4, 5 Monday September 24 4:15 pm Cafeteria Abbey Lane Grade 6 Monday September 24 7:30 pm Cafeteria Special Ed. Saturday September 29 10:30 am School Lobby When Christ had finished his work of earth, and had returned to heaven, the angel Gabriel met him. Lord, said Gabriel, may I ask what plans you have made for carrying on your work on earth? I have chosen some men and women, said Christ. they will pass my message on till it reaches the whole world. But, said the angel, supposing those few people fail you--what other plans have you made? Christ smiled, I have no other plans, he said. I am counting on them. Anonymous Throughout history God has counted on many messengers to spread the Good News of God s love for us. Here at St. Bernard s Parish we are blessed by the many catechists who volunteer their time each week to share their faith with our children. Through baptism every Christian shares in the mission of Jesus to be spokespersons for God. Catechists are called to help others develop a special relationship with Jesus and through Jesus with God. Please consider this a personal invitation to help in this work. We are in need of teachers on all grade levels, substitute teaches and hall monitors. Our 1 st and 2 nd grade program meets on Saturday morning 9am - 10:15am Special Education meets Saturday morning 10:30am- 11:15am 3 rd, 4 th and 5 th grade program meets Monday, Wednesday & Thursday afternoon 4:15pm-5:30pm Grade 6, Monday, 7:30pm- 8:45pm Grade 8, Wednesday, 7:30pm - 8:45pm Grade 7, Thursday, 7:30pm - 8:45pm If you can help, please call the Religious Education Office Remember: Christ is counting on each of us to continue his mission on earth. 12

13 R.c.i.a. Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults Director: Sr. Margaret Sammon, O.P AT ONCE THEY LEFT THEIR NETS AND WENT WITH HIM St. Bernard s Parish invites you to Come and See. Come to learn about our faith and what we believe as Catholics. We will begin the RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) on October 2. If you desire to become a Catholic or to complete your initiation into the Church by receiving the Sacraments of Confirmation or Eucharist or if you wish to come into Full Communion with the Catholic Church, please Come and See. For more information, please complete the form and return it to the Rectory or call Sister Margaret Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults Name: Address Home Phone: Work Phone: I am interested in receiving: Baptism Eucharist Confirmation Coming into Full Communion with the Catholic Church Registration for the Season has BEGUN! Date: Thursday, September 20th Wednesday, October 24th Time: 7:00 pm until 9:00 pm Place: St. Bernard's Parish Center For more details please call Caitlin at FOR GREATER GLORY Here is a Movie that shows how far people will go to fight for religious freedom. On Friday, September 21st at 7:30 pm in the Parish Center of Curé of Ars, in Merrick. It is a deeply moving and thought - provoking show. Would we be willing to do this today? Following the movie there will be a discussion. All are welcome. CURRENT THREATS TO RELIGIOUS LIBERTY SUMMER 2012 Pope Benedict XVI spoke earlier this year about his worry that religious liberty in the United States is being weakened. He called religious liberty the most cherished of American Freedoms. However, unfortunately, our most cherished Freedom is under threat. THREAT #2 Catholic Foster Care and Adoption Services in Boston, San Francisco, District of Columbia, and the State of Illinois have driven Catholic Charities out of the business of providing adoption or foster care services - by revoking their licenses, by ending their government contracts, or both because those charities refused to place children with same sex couples or unmarried opposite couples who cohabit. Threat #3 State Immigration Laws. Several states have recently passed laws that forbid what they deem as harboring of undocumented immigrants - and what the Church deems as Christian charity and pastoral care to these immigrants. 13

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15 Community bulletin board Pray for Religious Freedom Please note: The Patriotic Rosary is being said Thursdays at 3:00 pm at Holy Family Church, Fordham Avenue, Hicksville, NY FREE Prostate Cancer Screening St. Joseph Hospital! September 22, 2012 ~ 9am 12pm Ambulatory Surgery Area 4295 Hempstead Turnpike, Bethpage, NY To schedule an appointment, please call A Member of Catholic Health Services of Long Island Birthright Volunteers Needed Volunteers needed to answer phone and various other duties twice a month from 10:30 am to 1:30pm. First training session will be on Wednesday, September 19, To register please call th Wedding Anniversary This fall, couples that have been married fifty years or more will be honored at liturgies on Sunday, October 21 at the Church of Christ the King in Commack. Liturgy will begin at 2:30 pm. Registration forms and complete instructions can be obtained at the rectory. Registration must be received by the Office of Worship by October 4th for the October 21st liturgy. There will be additional celebrations in the spring for those who may find that more convenient. If you have any questions you may call , extension 207. MORNING PRAYER, Monday through Saturday, 8:30 am Prayer Room, Church. Now that we are in an Ordinary Time cycle it is a perfect opportunity to become familiar with the Church's Liturgical Morning Prayer. These prayers are the same that Pope Benedict, religious, priests, and many lay people pray every morning. Books are available. You do not have to come every morning of the week, but we think that you will find that it is a beautiful way to start your day. Catholic High Schools of Long Island Open House Schedule Chaminade High School, Mineola, Saturday, October 13 - (2 pm - 4 pm) Holy Trinity DHS, Hicksville, Sunday, September 23 - (12 noon - 2:30 pm) Kellenberg Memorial HS, Uniondale, Saturday, October 13 - (10 am- 1 pm) McGann-Mercy DHS, Riverhead, Saturday, September 22 - (9:00 am- 12 pm) Sacred Heart Academy, Hempstead, Saturday, September 29 - (9 am- 1 pm) St. Anthony's HS, South Huntington, Sunday, September 16 - (10 am- 1 pm) St. Dominic High School, Oyster Bay, Sunday, September 30 - (1:30 pm- 4:00 pm) St. John the Baptist DHS, West Islip, Sunday, October 21 - (10:30 am-2 pm) St. Mary's High School, Manhasset, Sunday, September 23 - (2 pm- 4:30 pm) For more information, contact Catholic Secondary School Administrators at or FAITH ON TAP Young Adult Ministry of DRVC Wantagh Inn 3264 Railroad Avenue, Wantagh Talk begins at 7:30 doors open at 7:00 September 24 John Gonzalez is a Parish Social Ministry Developer at Catholic Charities in the Diocese of Rockville Centre and adjunct instructor at Molloy College. John s goal is to serve the Catholic American community by promoting and advocating the social teachings of the Catholic faith through new social media communications and by promoting opportunities for being actively engaged in social ministries. In this election year, John will be speaking about an important topic: Who Would Jesus Vote for How Not To Vote for the lesser evil For more information contact Marianne Sheridan at msheridan@drvc.org NOTE: The Altar Server Schedule can be found on our website, Click on Liturgical Ministries, then click Altar Servers. 15