Praise the Lord, my soul!

Transcription

1 A community of Faith hope and love Twenty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time September 9, 2012 Praise the Lord, my soul!

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 Committee for Freedom, Faith and Action This coming Thursday, September 13th, the committee will have a speaker, Mr. John Gonzalez. He is the Public Policy Coordinator for Catholic Charities of the diocese. Mr. Gonzalez will speak on the bishops document Faithful Citizenship, with special attention to the recent mandate from the Department of Health and Human Services. This mandate poses a threat to our religious liberty. The meeting will take place on Thursday, September 13th in the school cafeteria at 7:30 pm. All are welcome to attend. See related article on page 11 Current Threats to Religious Liberty Clairvaux chronicle Staying on solid ground A s the summer fades and the fall season gets underway, there are a host of activities and events that will take place in the parish in the coming months: capital campaign receptions, parish block party, start of religious instruction, backpack Sunday, Diocesan Year of Faith, Faithful Citizenship Course, religious freedom initiatives - to name just a few of the items on the parish agenda. No doubt each family has its own list of activities and responsibilities that quickly fills up the time each of us has to get so much accomplished. And time seems to be at such a premium these days. I hope in the coming months you will be able to invest some of your time in what the parish has to offer. The web site, bulletin and announcements will keep you up to date from week to week as well as s that we hope to send out. We are inundated today with all kinds of messages from a wide range of sources. We can be swept along by the latest fad or novelty Today we have to be selective as never before. Hopefully we can be attuned to what nourishes and strengthens our Catholic identity and what is seen as having lasting value. And at the same time we strive to avoid what is harmful or destructive to the inner spirit. That will enable each family to withstand the pressures of modern day society and establish a Christ-centered way of life. 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 3

4 parish news The Rosary Confraternity will be starting up again. The first meeting will be on Monday, September 10th at 8:00 pm in the Parish Center, after the 7:30 pm novena which is held in the church. It will be a Social meeting, refreshments will be served. All women in the parish are welcome. If anyone is interested in becoming a Rosarian, please call Pat Kahl 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. Remember the victims and their families especially on this memorial date. Then add to your prayers the hope that God will bless and protect out country in the coming years. Gifts of treasure Sunday collections September 2, 2012 September 4, 2011 $ 13, $ 17, envelopes 743 envelopes Faith Direct $ 2, $ 1, Total Collection $ 15, $ 19, Thank you for your continued generosity. There will be a Second Collection this weekend September 8/9, to help in the support of Catholic University Have you enrolled yet? Code = NY272 Today is Grandparents Day God bless all in our parish family Have a Happy Day! See page 13 for the special message regarding our Youth Ministry who are having their first meeting of the season this evening, September 9th. 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

5 mass intentions Monday September 10 8:00 am Anastasia Brennan (Birthday) Tuesday, September 11 8:00 am Victims, Living & Deceased of 9-11 Wednesday, September 12, The Most Holy Name of Mary 8:00 am Ted Brosnan, Jr. (6th anniversary) Thursday, September 13, St. John Chrysostom 8:00 am Bernie Larkin Friday, September 14,The Exaltation of the Holy Cross 8:00 am Linda Fader Saturday, September 15 Our Lady of Sorrows 8:00 am Howard Herold Leon C. Tuthill, Jr. Marilyn Mahoney Tommy Judge 5:00 pm Giovaniello and Hannon Families Sunday, September 16, 24rd Sunday in Ordinary Time 7:30 am Zeferina Zea 9:00 am Living and deceased members of The Lynch and Albano families 10:30 am Eileen O Grady (5th anniversary) 12 Noon Paul V. Seamon, Sr. 5:30 pm For all parishioners Parish schedule Monday, September 10 7:30 pm Miraculous Medal Novena, Church 7:30 pm Parent Meeting, Cafeteria 8:00 pm Rosary Meeting, Parish Center Tuesday, September 11 10:00 am Our Lady of Consolation Prayer Group, Parish Center 6:30 pm Cub Scout Meeting, School 7:00 pm Boy Scouts, Youth Ministry Room 7:30 pm Teacher Meeting 7:30 pm PFI, Parish Center 8:00 pm AA Meeting, School Cafeteria Wednesday, September 12 7:30 pm Grade 8 Teacher Meeting, Parish Center 7:30 pm Pastoral Council, Parish Center 7:30 pm Welcome Orientation, Parish Center 8:00 pm Prayer Group, Parish Center Thursday, September 13 10:00 am Shawl Ministry, Parish Center 3:00 pm St. Vincent de Paul, Clairvaux House 7:00 pm Most Holy Trinity Adoration, Prayer Room 7:30 pm Committee for Freedom, Faith & Action, Cafeteria 7:30 pm Grade 7 Teacher Meeting, Parish Center 7:30 pm CDA, Parish Center Saturday, September 15 9:00 am Grade 2 1st Session & Parent Meeting, Cafe 11:00 am AA Meeting, Cafeteria Sunday, September 16, St. Vincent de Paul Walk for the Poor Pledges, after all Masses 1:00 pm Parish Block Party, Church Grounds 6:30 pm Youth Ministry, Parish Center 7:00 pm Men s Prayer Group, Church 8:00 pm AA Meeting, Cafeteria sacraments BANNS OF MARRIAGE First Time Victor Montes, St.Bernard Parish, Levittown, NY Melissa Verdi, St.Boniface, Elmont, NY Second Time Peyton Christine Henry, St. Patrick s Parish,Watertown, NY Gary Robert Farley, Jr., St. Bernard Parish, Levittown, NY Third Time Alaine DeRosa, St. Bernard Parish, Levittown, NY Douglas MacDougall, Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, Massapequa Park, NY Pray for the sick of our parish 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 All names will remain on the list for 4 weeks after you call in. After that time we ask, if necessary, to call again. Thank you for cooperating and God bless all. Please pray for all those on our Long-term Sick List Baby 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 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 5

6 Gifted, engaged, growing St. Bernard S pastoral 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 Living Your Strengths Activator God has gifted Activators with the ability to make things happen by turning thoughts into action. They do God s will by making plans work! If Activator is one of your Strengths, here are some ways to develop your Strength for the glory of God: Find a cause that means something to you. If the parish is already doing something, get involved. If not, you re the perfect person to start it! Try to work on action-oriented teams; planning committees will bore you. Your spiritual growth will come more from doing than from discussing or thinking don t let others make you feel guilty about that! 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 What are YOUR God-given gifts and talents? Take the StrengthsFinder and find out! Books with the StrengthsFinder assessment access code are available in the parish office anytime. Goal 1: To increase support and recognition of engaged parishioners. Helping Behind the Scenes Many thanks to parishioner Jim Kelly, who every week washes down the front windows of our church building. Thanks to Jim, the windows are kept clean and unsmudged for our Sunday worship and other gatherings. Thanks to Jim and to all our parishioners who work behind the scenes for the benefit of all of us! 6

7 Readings FOR September 9, 2012 September 16, 2012 CURRENT THREATS TO RELIGIOUS LIBERTY SUMMER 2012 Sunday, September 9. Twenty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time. Isaiah 35:4-7; Psalm 146:7-10; James 2:1-5; Mark 7:31-37 Monday, September Corinthians 5:1-8; Psalm 5:5-7, 12; Luke 6:6-11 Tuesday, September Corinthians 6:1-11; Psalm 149:1-6, 9; Luke 6:12-19 Wednesday, September Corinthians 7:25-31; Psalm 45:11-12, 14-17; Luke 6:20-26 Thursday, September 13. Saint John Chrysostom, bishop and doctor of the Church. 1 Corinthians 8:1-7, 11-13; Psalm 139:1-3, 13-14, 23-24; Luke 6:27-38 Friday, September 14. Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross. Numbers 21:4-9; Psalm 78:1-2, 34-38; Philippians 2:6-11; John 3:13-17 Saturday, September Corinthians 10:14-22; Psalm 116:12-13, 17-18; John 19:25-27 Sunday, September 16. Twenty-fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Isaiah 50:5-9; Psalm 116:1-6, 8-9; James 2:14-18; Mark 8:27-35 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 - Week Two HHS mandate for contraception, sterilization, and abortion inducing drugs. The mandate of the Department of Health and Human Services forces religious institutions to facilitate and fund a product contrary to their own moral teaching. Further, the federal government tries to define which religious institutions are religious enough to merit protection of their religious liberty. 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. 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 or stbsswimming@gmail.com 7

8 St. Bernard's bucks It s that time of year again! St. Bernard s Annual Block Party Sunday, September 16th, 1pm - 4 pm Rain Date September 23rd Food! Games! DJ! Face Painting! FUN! We will supply the chicken, hot dogs, hamburgers, Potato and Macaroni Salad, condiments and drinks. & for the sharing Table, Bring a Dessert. Please feel free to bring additional salads for your tables. Again this year, our parish will be sponsoring ST. BERNARD S BUCKS 50/50. This will be a parish wide drawing ( one lucky winner will receive half of all monies donated. ) The drawing will take place at our Annual Block Party, which will be held on Sunday, September 16. You do not have to be present to win the winner will be contacted by phone. Tickets and instructions are being mailed to all parishioners. Additional 50/50 tickets will be available at the rectory and the block party. Checks should be made payable to St. Bernard s Church. PLEASE SIGN UP AFTER ALL MASSES TODAY Note: Children must be accompanied by an adult. No skate boards, bikes, scooters, etc. For more information, contact Elizabeth Burden In case you don t get to sign up after Mass, fill out tear off sheet and leave in box in rectory. Thank you FAMILY NAME HOW MANY ATTENDING PHONE # ADDRESS 8

9 T oday, Jesus in the Gospel comes to heal the deaf and mute man by saying, Be open! It is interesting how Jesus opens the man s ears in order to heal his speech impediment. This teaches us that before we are able to speak rightly, we must first listen. Prayer is essentially an act of listening to God and his word. After having listened, we are better equipped to go out and speak the word that we have heard. First Reading: Those who are fearful are to be encouraged by God s promise. That the coming of the Lord will be a time of salvation is manifest in healing and restoration to life. Responsorial Psalm 146 is a song of praise. Praise the Lord, my soul! Note that the groups mentioned as the recipients of the Lord s fidelity and mercy are the same as mentioned in today s First Reading. Liturgy corner TWENTY-THIRD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME September 9, 2012 Second Reading: The Lord s special care for the poor is to be given expression in the Christian assembly. James warns his listeners against showing favoritism, especially on the basis of wealth. Gospel: The time of the Messianic era has come in Jesus, whose actions fulfill the prophecy of Isaiah. In antiquity, spittle was considered to have healing properties. Ephphatha is an Aramaic word, which Mark, writing in Greek, translates for his readers. The inclusion of this word suggests that the tradition considered this to be the very word used by Jesus, who would have spoken Aramaic. Note that the man was brought to Jesus by others. What about our role in bringing others to Jesus? Throughout the Gospel according to Mark, we see Jesus exhorting people to secrecy about his works. His identity would not be fully understood until the end of his life. Saints of the Week Wednesday, September 12 Memorial of the Most Holy Name of Mary. The Most Holy Name of Mary is the counterpart of the optional memorial of the Most holy Name of Jesus celebrated on January 3. Thursday, September 13. After a short stint as a monk, Saint John Chrysostom ( ), whose surname means golden mouth, returned to Antioch where he was ordained a priest and became a noted preacher. During his free time, he wrote commentaries on the Pauline letters as well as the Gospels according to Matthew and John. Due to his reputation for preaching and writing, he was appointed Bishop of Constantinople. As Bishop, he initiated a program of reform that challenged clerical abuses and the extravagant lifestyle of the upper class. Saint John Chrysostom bears two distinctive titles in the Church: father of the Church and Doctor of the Church. Friday, September 14. Exaltation of the Holy Cross. In the Cross, we see the very mystery of Christ. We pray that we might receive the redemption it promises in heaven. The Cross was the altar of which the sacrifice we celebrate is offered, and we ask for the cleansing from sin it signifies. Saturday, September 15. Our Lady of Sorrows. After the feast of the Exaltation of the Cross, today with the Church we honor Mother Mary, Our Lady of Sorrows. Mary, the Stabat Mater, standing at the foot of the cross, participated in her Son s work of redemption by uniting her pain and sorrows to those of Jesus, thus offering her life as a spiritual sacrifice to the Lord. Today we look to her as an example of how to suffer well, and we ask her to pray for us and offer us her motherly comfort and support. Sourcebook

10 Parish social ministry Sr. Christine Sammons, O.P., School Supplies: 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 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) Can t participate? Make a donation or pledge to our Society of St. Vincent de Paul at St. Bernard s. Walk a mile in someone else s shoes and find out how good it feels to give! Thanks to those who are dropping off school supplies. We are happy to accept highlighters, marble notebooks, glue/glue sticks, 3 x 3 Post-its, crayons, pencils ( +sharpeners/boxes), pens, looseleaf binders and paper, erasers, pocket folders (red, blue, green), backpacks. We are also happy to accept gift cards from Walmart, Target and Payless. Many thanks! St. Vincent de Paul: Special thanks this week to Our Lady of Consolation Prayer Group for their monetary donation, as well as school supplies. Thanks, too, to 7-year old Adriana and 5-year old Carley who conducted a food drive on their block, and were so happy to stock our pantry shelves. Thanks to everyone else who helps on a regular basis. This week our pantry needs include: Cereal Peanut butter and jelly Tuna, canned meats and pasta Coffee and tea, juice Rice, beans, potatoes, pasta all kinds Tomato sauces and products of all kinds Macaroni and cheese, sides Dessert mixes (pudding, Jell-o, cake, brownies, icing) Paper goods: toilet tissue, napkins, towels, tissues Toiletries: soap, deodorant, toothpaste and brushes, razors, shampoo, conditioner, etc. Pampers and wipes, laundry and dish detergent Please remember to buy one, get one free. Bereavement Support Group: Through Parish Social Ministry, we would like to offer a 10-week bereavement support group beginning on Tuesday, September 25 th in the afternoon (4:00-5:15) or evening (7:15-8:30) in the parish center. The group will be facilitated by Dr. Lou Sabatini, a bereavement councilor with over 25 years of experience in facilitating support groups. 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. 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. 10 On September 9 th, we will celebrate the feast of Blessed Frederic Ozanam, the founder of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. Frederic heard the call of Jesus to love and serve those who are suffering. And in the poor he found the face of Christ. In his honor, we hope you will make a donation via the poor boxes. Thanks!

11 center for Religious Education. Sr Margaret Sammon, O.P., Director 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. 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 11

12 D U C K S G A M E 12 ST.BERNARD S ALTAR SERVERS 2012

13 St. Bernard S youth ministry Mike Rodgers (516) Dear Friends: Well, summer is almost over and it's time for Youth Ministry to kick off next week! I would like to take a moment to invite you to check out the Youth Ministry here are St. Bernard s. We celebrate mass at 5:30 p.m., and our meetings go from 6:30 p.m. 9:00 p.m. Throughout the year we take different trips, meet with other youth groups, and really just have a great time when we are all together. I guarantee you will have a good time. Just give it a try, but give it a real try, come to a few meetings, and if it s not for you, then you ll know you gave it a shot. However, you also may love it. You might really enjoy the people you meet and the things we ll do. I d like to especially invite you to some of our events. Welcome Night and Party Sunday, September 9 th, 6:30 p.m. in the Parish Center: Come check out the first meeting of the year with a great welcome night. Prizes will be involved and we will make this an outstanding night for you! Six Flags Great Adventure Monday, October 8, 2012: The Youth Ministry makes its yearly trip to Six Flags for a great day of rides and all the park has to offer! There is a small cost for this trip, but it includes the coach bus, lunch and park ticket! Dodgeball and Holy Hour: This is a great event that we try to make every month it is offered. Several youth groups get together on a Friday night, where we have an amazing prayer service with a dynamic speaker, and then comes the Dodgeball tournament. Plus, it s FREE! As you can see, we are a very active group that does a ton of stuff throughout the year. This is only the tip of the iceberg! If you are interested we are looking for more people to join the Youth Choir at the 5:30 p.m. mass as well. If you sing, would like to sing, or play an instrument, please contact me and join us. We rehearse at 4:15 pm right before Mass. We are looking forward to greatly expanding the choir this year and are exploring the possibility of a Summer Concert tour in Canada next year! Please, feel free to contact me or send me an or a message if you have any questions. Also, St. Bernard s Youth Ministry can also be found on Facebook! Remember, you have a chance to be the difference that makes the difference, and I challenge you to accept a chance to make new friends, become a strong individual, and learn about what it really means to have faith See you September 9 th! Peace, Mike Mike Rodgers, Youth Ministry, Coordinator, StBernardsYouth@aol.com "...if only we have the will to walk, then God is pleased with our steps."- C.S. Lewis

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15 Community bulletin board 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 Annual Mass for Deceased Children St. Agnes Cathedral, Rockville Centre Saturday September 15th, 12:30 pm Celebrated by Msgr. William Koenig Come early to inscribe child s name in the Book of Families. All are welcome. Light refreshments and fellowship following in the Rectory Meeting Room. For information call 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. 50th 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. 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) Our Lady of Mercy Academy, Syosset, Saturday, September 15 - (11 am - 1:30 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