Our Lady of the Snow Catholic Church 175 Blue Point Avenue Blue Point, New York Telephone:

Transcription

1 Our Lady of the Snow Catholic Church 175 Blue Point Avenue Blue Point, New York Telephone: Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time August 24, 2014 How deep are the riches and the wisdom and the knowledge of God! (Romans 11: 33-36) MASS SCHEDULE WEEKLY MASSES: Monday Friday 8:30AM in Mother Church NEW WEEKEND MASS SCHEDULE Saturday 5PM in Large Church Sunday 7:30AM in Mother Church 9AM, and 11:00AM in Large Church SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION (CONFESSION) Saturday 4PM 4:30PM in Large Church PARISH OFFICE HOURS Monday Thursday 9AM-4:30PM Friday 9AM 2:30PM Saturday 9AM 2PM OFFICES CLOSED WEEKDAYS 12:30PM 1:30PM RELIGIOUS EDUCATION Monday Thursday 9:30AM-12:30PM and 1PM 4:30PM PARISH OUTREACH Office and Pantry Hours Monday Thursday 10AM-1PM Vice is a monster of such horrible mien, That to be hated needs but to be seen. But seen too oft, grown familiar with its face First we endure, and then embrace. --William Blake William Blake ( ) was a poet, artist, and visionary. Malcolm Muggeridge, the famous English journalist, who, late in life, became a Christian and finally a Catholic, included Blake in his book, The Third Testament, the stories of six men who, by their lives and writings, Muggeridge thought, continue to reveal to us, as the other two Testaments do, the truth of God and our relationship to Him. Visit us online!

2 The Pastoral Team Clergy Rev. Edward R. D Andrea, Pastor Rev. Msgr. Charles Fink, Parish Administrator Rev. John Amoah, Associate Pastor Deacon Frank Hartmann Deacon Edward Karan Retired Clergy Deacon Robert Gronenthal Parish Staff Mrs. Beth Rivalsi, Director of Faith Formation for Adults Mrs. Patricia Bartoldus, Director of Faith Formation, K-9 Mrs. Diana Mongan, Director of Outreach Mrs. Theresa Martin, Director of Music Parish Office: Fax: Mrs. Lindsay Butler, Parish Asst., ext. 10 Mrs. Loraine Gonzalez, Admin. Asst., ext. 10 Hours: Monday -Thursday 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Friday 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Closed from 12:30-1:30 p.m. Monday - Friday ourladyofthesnowbp@gmail.com Religious Education: Mrs. Eileen Mulry, Secretary, ext. 15 Mrs. Susan Gressler, C.R.E., ext. 14 Office hours: Monday Thursday 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. & 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. olsbpre@aol.com Faith Formation for Adults: Mrs. Beth Rivalsi, Director of Faith Formation for Adults olsbeth@aol.com Parish Outreach: Mrs. Diana Mongan, Director Mrs. Patricia Fulco, Outreach Assistant Office hours and food pantry, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. Monday - Thursday in the cottage Evening Hours Available by Appointment olsoutreach@yahoo.com For full information on all sacraments, sponsor requirements for Godparents/ Confirmation Sponsors, schedules and dates, please consult our website, or call the Parish Office. SACRAMENTAL INFORMATION (631) extension 10 Rite of Christian Initiation (R.C.I.A.) Persons interested in becoming Catholic and adults who have not received Confirmation or First Eucharist, please contact Beth Rivalsi at Marriage: Arrangements must be made at least six to twelve months in advance. It is advisable to call the church prior to arranging the reception. Baptisms: Are celebrated on the second Saturday and fourth Sunday of most m o n t h s. Please visit our website at com for complete information. New parishioners: Please register at the parish or call , ext. 10 for information. Communion for the Homebound: To make arrangements to have Communion brought to the home, please call the parish office at , ext. 10. For emergency sick calls, please call the parish at any time.

3 A Message from Father Charles Fink Page 3 August 24, 2014 My dear parish family, I expect quite a few of you have heard of or seen the little periodical called Magnificat. It s about the size of a Readers Digest and like it comes to subscribers once a month. Each issue contains not only all the prayers and readings for that month s daily and Sunday Masses but lives of the saints for each day, short daily reflections by top-notch spiritual writers, brief essays on the faith and religious works of art, morning, evening, and night prayers modeled on the Liturgy of the Hours priests and many religious pray each day, and more. Next weekend, through the kindness of Fr. Peter Cameron, O.P., the editor of Magnificat, the September issue will be available to you free. I urge every family in church on August 30 or 31 to take one home, look it over, and then read through each day s prayers, readings, and reflections for one month. If you find it helpful, take out a subscription and make Magnificat part of your daily prayer. Bring it to Mass, too, and use it to follow along. Magnificat is a great way to stay in tune with the rhythm of the Church s liturgical life and to steep yourself in Catholic tradition. A commitment to using it daily a very small commitment in time (maybe ten minutes a day) and money (twelve cents a day) is almost guaranteed to deepen your knowledge and appreciation of our Catholic faith and bring you closer to Christ. I get Magnificat myself and have found it a wonderful source of inspiration and blessing. I think it can be the same for you. Give it a try. If you like it, subscribe to it. If you like it a lot, give a gift subscription to a friend or family member, maybe one who isn t going to church. Again, the September issue is yours free. Don t think of it as a gift from me, or even Fr. Cameron. Think of it as a gift from God. And don t pass it up! With love and prayers, Fr. Charles Fink P.S. Remember: One to a family. If there are left-overs, I ll let you know, and encourage you to take another to give away, but initially, let s let everyone in church get one before taking handfuls to share with others.

4 Prayers & Intentions Page 4 August 24, 2014 MASS INTENTIONS FOR THE WEEK August 25-, 2014 Saturday: Aug 23 5:00 p.m Fr.John Amoah Sunday: Aug 24 7:30 a.m. Fr. Charles Fink 9:00 a.m. Fr. Charles Fink 11:00 a.m. Fr. John Amoah MASS PRESIDERS Subject to Change Saints and Special Observances also indicated Monday August 25 St. Louis St Joseph Celasanz 8:30AM Anna Golden Tuesday August 26 8:30AM Marie Affenita Saturday: Aug 30 5:00 p.m Fr.John Amoah Sunday: Aug 31 7:30 a.m. Fr. John Amoah 9:00 a.m. Fr. Charles Fink 11:00 a.m. Fr. Charles Fink Readings for the Week Monday 2 Thessalonians 1: 1-5, Matthew 23: Tuesday 2 Thessalonians 2: 1-3a, Matthew 23: Wednesday 2 Thessalonians 3: 6-10, Matthew 23: Thursday 1 Corinthians 1: 1-9 Matthew 24: Friday 1 Corinthians 1: Mark 6: Saturday 1 Corinthians 1: Matthew 25: Sunday Jeremiah 20: 7-9 Romans 12: 1-2 Matthew 16: Wednesday August 27 St. Monica 8:30AM James Duffy Thursday August 28 St. Augustine 8:30AM Donald Stanton Friday August 29 8:30AM Bettyann Furci Saturday August 30 5:00PM Michael Walsh Kathryn Barthman Harry and Elaine Thyberg Sunday August 31 7:30AM Eileen Tobin 9:00AM Parishioners 11:00AM Rolando Siao Kevin Banigan Gerald Blescia Mass intentions for deceased persons are indicated with a It is the policy of Our Lady of the Snow that the intention of each priest who celebrates a parish Mass will be for the intentions listed in the Parish Mass intention book. Pray for Our Sick We pray for all who are sick, for their healing in both body and spirit. Caitlin Brook Marie Corrigan, Patrick J. Corrigan III, Jeannie Reiderer Frances Coviello & Lainey Mets Genevieve Dunham In Sympathy For all who have died this past week, that they rejoice in the heavenly banquet Thomas O Reilly Lt. Col Christopher Ederle Major Meghan Ederle Capt Kyle Brown 1st Lt. Tara Brown Gomez 1st Lt Thomas Gomez Ensign Sean Brown 3/c Midshipman Shannon Brown Army Specialist Justin Brown Banns of Marriage John Salvador & Jessica Periagine Ryan Vollmuth & Dayna Brent

5 Stewardship and Peace WASHINGTON The chairman of the Committee of International Justice and Peace of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) asked the U.S. bishops to invite the people of their dioceses to pray for peace in Iraq on Sunday, August 17. Bishop Richard E. Pates of Des Moines, Iowa, made the request, August 6, sending the bishops the text of a prayer written by the Chaldean Catholic Patriarch of Iraq, His Beatitude Louis Rafael Sako. Bishop Pates recounted the struggles of Christians and others in Iraq who have faced the destruction, burning and looting of churches, homes and businesses and, under threat of the Islamic State (ISIS) to join their extremist brand of Islam, have fled for their lives. Accordingly, he urged Catholics to let their elected representatives know of their concern that humanitarian assistance reach Christian and other religious minorities who are suffering in Iraq, Syria and other countries. Bishop Pates also noted Pope Francis calls for peace in Iraq and his observation that violence generates more violence; dialogue is the only path to peace. This article is from the USCCB website and from our own diocesan website drvc.org This is the prayer of Chaldean Catholic Patricarh of Iraq, His Beatititude Louis Rafael Sako Image from the Catholic Company On Facebook STEWARDSHIP FINANCIAL REPORT Collection As stewards of God s creation we need to join with one voice to pray for peace in Iraq, Israel, Palestine, Syria and all places that are besieged by the terror and destruction of life by war. Week of 8/19 Week of 8/18 TOTAL $8548 $7153

6 RCIA Are you or someone you know thinking about becoming a Catholic? Have you been baptized and now have the desire to receive Holy Communion and Confirmation? If so Call Beth Rivalsi, Director of Adult Faith Formation at HOMEBOUND VISIT TO THE SICK If you are some one you know cannot leave home to attend Mass and receive the Eucharist, we can arrange for a Homebound Visit from an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion. Homebound Ministers bring Holy Communion, prayer and a connection to the parish for those who are sick. Call to arrange a visit for yourself, a family member or a neighbor. Pre-Cana Are you a married couple who would like to share your marriage experience with engaged couples? Join our Pre-Cana Program, by calling Beth Rivalsi at Welcome Committee! A Welcome Committee is being formed! If you would like to be part of a team of people who will help create a welcoming plan for new parishioners join us on August 20 at 7 p.m. in the cottage for our first meeting. Eucharistic Adoration In life today, which is often noisy and scattered, it is more important than ever to recover the capacity for interior silence and recollection (Pope Benedict XVI ) Join us in the Mother Church for Adoration on Mondays from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

7 KNOWING OUR FAITH The Second Century: More Trials; More Saints This century saw the martyrdom of St. Ignatius, Bishop of Antioch, who, in a famous letter, described himself as God s wheat, which would be ground by the teeth of wild beasts so that it might become the pure bread of God. Ignatius also described Rome and its bishop as having authority over the whole Church, this before the year 116 A.D. In 154 A.D. St. Polycarp, Bishop of Smyrna, was burned at the stake at the age of eighty-six. We possess an eyewitness account of the execution, and it shows, as do the catacombs where Masses were secretly celebrated, that already the martyrs and those revered as saints were being venerated in the early Church. At the same time that Polycarp, disciple of John the Apostle and Evangelist, was being martyred, St. Justin, a philosopherconvert to Christianity, was presenting his explanation and defense of the faith to the Emperor Antoninus Pius. We have it in written form, and it gives, among other things, a detailed description of the worship of early Christians, which is striking for sounding like an exact description of a Catholic Mass in the twenty-first century: liturgy of the word, offertory and collection, liturgy of the Eucharist, communion given only to professed, believing Catholics. was finally forced to condemn Marcion and his followers, who, while claiming to be Christian, in fact the truest Christians, argued that the God of Jesus was neither the Creator of this world nor the God of Israel but a new, more spiritual deity. From the very beginning, the Church has faced assault from without and division from within. When we consider what a tiny minority she was at this stage in her development, how virulent the powers arrayed against her, how even from within she suffered dissension, how her worship had to be conducted largely in secret, how simply to be accused of being a Christian could mean loss of property, position, even life, it seems like a miracle that the Church survived. Amidst all the hostility and terror the early Christians faced, however, two things stood out about them: their courage and willingness to die for the faith (Tertullian was to say, The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the Church) and their extraordinary charity and care for the needy; sometimes in ridicule, sometimes with grudging respect, often with outright admiration, it became a commonplace to hear it said, See how these Christians love one another. Next week, The Third Century: Teens and Tombs Already, too, besides the threat of persecution from Imperial Rome, another plague threatened the still infant Church, the specter of heresy. It was Pope Pius I who

8 Italian Ice Music by DJ Cisco Scavenger Hunt Great event for Confirmation Candidates looking to start their service hours. Contact Pat Bartoldus at

9 Parish Outreach & Local Events Page 9 August 24, 2014 Parish Outreach News Summer Food pantry Alert During the summer months donations to our food pantry drop drastically, but Parish Outreach is helping those in need every day. Due to these tough economic times we are helping an increased number of our neighbors in need. We are currently in need of all food items but especially Boxed milk, canned meats, tuna, stew, chili, chicken, mayonnaise, tea, coffee, all juices, cereal, pancake mix and syrup, bottles of water, pasta sauce, pork and beans, mixed vegetables, spinach, potatoes, carrots, peas, cookies, crackers, paper towels, toilet paper, laundry detergent, baby wipes, and all toiletries, especially deodorant. Gift cards in $5 and $10 denominations to local area supermarkets would also be appreciated. These will enable those in need to purchase meat and perishable items. Food can be dropped off at the outreach office Mon- Thur 10am-1pm or in the food bin outside the pantry door in the foyer of the large church before or after every mass. **Back To School Help** Thank you for the abundance of school supplies that we have received. Our children in need are so excited to return to school with their new school supplies! We are still in need of only the following items; Plastic 2 pocket folders, Binder dividers, loose leaf reinforcers, Erasable pens, Book covers, 3x3 sticky notes, 1 inch binders, 2 inch binders and gift cards to Staples and Target.. Upcoming Events Family, Marriage and Individual Therapy provided by New York State licensed professionals is available to our parish under the direc on of Dr. George Giuliani. Informa on and appointments can be made by calling Dr. Giuliani at The Neighborhood House 8 week support groups are forming for children, families and individuals grieving the loss of a family member due to suicide. Groups will meet Tuesday evenings from 6-8PM at New Life Community Church, Sayville. There is no cost for participating. For more information, call or visit Golden Wedding Liturgies This fall, couples who have been married 50 years or more will be honored at liturgies on Sunday, September 21st at Church of Christ the King, Commack and Sunday, October 5th at the Church of St. Rose of Lima, Massapequa. Both liturgies begin at 2:30PM. Couples may register for ONE liturgy. Registra on forms may be obtained in the rectory office. Forms must be received by the Office of Worship by Sept 3rd for the Sept 21st date, and Sept 17th for the Oct. 5 liturgies. School Sisters of Notre Dame Mul -School Reunion Sunday September 14, 2014, Garden city Hotel, Garden city New Yorrk Call (800) for more informa on St Ursula Center in Blue Point has space available for mee ngs, conferences and adult family events. Please contact sandy Horan, Administrator for rates and further informa on ext Pilgrimage to Greece and Italy- Catholic Pilgrimage in the Footsteps of St. Paul visi ng Greece and Rome October 14-23, 2014 with air from JFK. For more informa on call Cathie or Mike Milano at (631) Gennesaret Retreat - For those facing serious illness. A retreat especially designed for persons who live with a serious illness. September 12-14, 2014 at Mon ort Spirituality center in Bayshore. To register or receive more informa on call Cole e Fanelli (631)

10 Religious Education Page 10 August 24, 2014 OUR LADY OF THE SNOW RELIGIOUS EDUCATION OFFICE Office Hours: Monday to Thursday 9:30-4:30 or by appointment The ministry of Religious Education strives to bring all into a closer relationship with Jesus through Word, Worship and Service. AUGUST 24 Parents of 1st Graders Children entering 1st grade (Sept 2014) should be registered in the Religious Education Program in preparation for receiving the Sacraments of First Reconciliation and First Communion. Participation in Level 1 is the first level of the Diocesan mandated 2 year preparation program. VIRTUS Training Thurs. Aug. 28th 2pm & 7pm Cottage- All catechists are required to attend a VIRTUS trainings session. If you have not taken the training please register on DRVC.org (Diocesan website) for one of these sessions. Confirmation Level 9 Readiness Interviews are now being scheduled. Please call the Religious Education Office to make an appointment. Readiness Interviews are a Diocesan requirement for all Candidates for Confirmation. CATECHISTS NEEDED If you are interested in sharing your faith with our young people please call or the Religious Education Office. Level 2 needs 3 catechists Mon. Tues. or Wed. at 4:30 or Wed at 6 Level 3 needs 5 catechists Wed. at 4:30 or 6 Level 5 needs 5 catechists Wed. at 4:30 or 6 Level 6 needs 3 catechists Wed. at 4:30 or 6 Level 7 needs 5 catechists Mon. at 6 or 7:30 Level 8 needs 4 catechists Mon. at 6 or 7:30 Level 9 needs 2 catechists (Confirmation) Wed. 7:30 once a month Children are now on waiting lists. LATE REGISTRATION Registration Forms are on the parish website ourladyofthesnowbluepoint.com Hard copies can be found on the backstairs of the Religious Education Office You can mail or drop off your registration forms at the Religious Education Office

11 WHAT S YOUR CATHOLIC IQ? A Self-Assessment for Your Fun and Enlightenment! (Permission granted by Joe Paprocki, D.Min., and Catechist Magazine) This educational self-assessment is a fun way to help you see how much you know about your Catholic faith. Answers can be found on the bottom of this page. 1. Which two of the following do we omit from Mass during Lent? (a) lively music; (b) the Sign of Peace; (c) the Alleluia; (d) the Gloria 2. The traditional spiritual practices during Lent include fasting, praying, and... (a) complaining; (b) giving to those in need (almsgiving); (c) dieting; (d) resenting the many non-practicing Catholics who fill up the parking lot during Lent. 3. Two ways to fast during Lent are (a) avoid chocolate and candy; (b) refrain from eating ice cream and yogurt; (c) give up meat on Fridays and eating at seafood restaurants; (d) abstain from an unnecessary indulgence and develop a Godly habit 4. On Palm Sunday, we reenact Jesus triumphal entry into Jerusalem by... (a) weaving palms into crosses; (b) waving palms; (c) going to church on a donkey; (d) singing the second part of the Holy, Holy, Holy a little louder 5. Lent is a time of prayer and penance designed to prepare us for... (a) Easter; (b) the end of fasting; (c) the relatives who will visit on Easter; (d) the extra weight you put on eating Easter candy Catholic IQ Answers: 1.c and d; 2.b; 3.d ; 4.b; 5.a Save the Date! A Welcome Celebration For Monsignor Charles Fink Please join us as we welcome Msgr. Charles Fink to our parish home as our new Parish Administrator Sunday, September 21st 1:00-5:00PM Ursuline Center, Blue Point Check the bulletin next week for more information... TREASURES FROM OUR TRADITION In recent weeks, we have looked at the evolu on of how Roman Catholics ini ate children into the life of the Church. How did customs evolve in the Eastern Church? At one me, Chris ans in both East and West preferred to celebrate bap sm in a community se ng, with large numbers of adults and children ini ated at Easter. The two branches of Chris anity began to split on the proper me to do this. In the East, water was blessed in abundance on the feast of the Epiphany, which marked, among other things, the bap sm of the Lord. Once infant bap sm was fixed on that day, local customs marking a birth began to evolve. One celebra on was the giving of a name on the eighth day, another was the purifica on of the mother on the for eth day a er birth. In that blessing, reenac ng Mary and Joseph s journey to the temple, the priest took the baby in his arms and placed the child before the altar. Just as Simeon received the child Jesus, so the priest received the new Chris an while chan ng Simeon s prayer. Later, normally on Epiphany, the priest would bap ze, chrismate (confirm), and give a few drops of the Precious Blood to the child in a joyous celebra on of the whole community. Rev. James Field, Copyright J. S. Paluch Co.

12 VIRTUS TRAINING PROTECTING GOD S CHILDREN This program is designed to: 1. increase adults awareness of the scope of child sexual abuse, 2. show adults what and how to teach our children about sexual abuse, 3. help adults recognize the warning signs of abuse, 4. teach appropriate ways to respond to suspicious behavior, 5. empower adults with specific steps to prevent child sexual abuse. All volunteers are mandated to take Virtus Training! If you have not taken this training and are a volunteer please plan on attending. Parents, grandparents and all interested adults are welcome to participate as well. A new session of Protecting God s Children Our Lady of the Snow is offering Virtus Training on August 28 th at 2 p.m. and again at 7 p.m. Please note: On line pre registration is required. To do this, go to click on the yellow tab labeled Registration, and follow the directions. The name of our organization is Diocese of Rockville Centre. Our center is Our Lady of the Snow, Blue Point. If you are a volunteer and cannot attend this session look for other sessions offered in this diocese. If you are unable to register on line, or if you have any questions, please call Beth at But Jesus called the children to Him and said, Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the Kingdom of God belongs. Luke 18: 16

13 A little humor from Father Fink Here s a true funny story about my mother. She s 92 and still pretty sharp, but she does have spacey moments now and then. One of her occasional obsessions is bacon. It s become her favorite food. She not only loves eating it:; she loves talking about it too. One day, in an attempt to get her off the subject, I said, "Mom, last night I saw your favorite movie on TV. Do you remember what you told me your favorite movie was? No, she said, but I ll bet it had bacon in it. (By the way, the movie was Random Harvest with Ronald Colman and Greer Garson)