THIRTY THIRD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME. November 15, You are my inheritance, O Lord!

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1 A community of Faith hope and love THIRTY THIRD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME November 15, 2015 You are my inheritance, O Lord!

2 Phone/ Fax Website: PASTORAL TEAM Father Ralph Sommer, Pastor ext. 130 Father Joe Nohs, Associate Pastor ext. 128 Deacon John Blakeney Deacon James Flannery Deacon Timm Taylor Father Joy Varkey, Resident Priest ext. 124 Father Andres Fernadez, Resident Priest ext 131 Mrs. Susan Martin, Director of Religious Education Phone/ Fax The Religious Education Center is closed on Fridays. 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. S T. BERNARD S CATHOLIC CHURCH Sr. Christine Sammons, O.P., Coordinator of Parish Social Ministry PSM@StBernardChurch.org Ms. Sarah Kropac, Coordinator of Youth Ministry skropac@stbernardchurch.org Mrs. Mary Jane Witte, Director of Liturgical Music MJWitte@StBernardChurch.org ext. 142 Ms. Diane Vella, Pastoral Associate DVella@StBernardChurch.org ext. 143 Mrs. Rose Marie Rotondo, Sacristan Sacristan@StBernardChurch.org Mr. Len Lanzi, Facilities Manager ext. 120 Mr. Dimas Carbajal, Head of Maintenance Maintenance@StBernardChurch.org ext. 126 MISSION STATEMENT With faith, hope, and love the people of St. Bernard's parish family are on a mission to bring the gospel of Jesus to the Levittown Community and beyond. 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 (Youth Mass) 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: Check schedule on page 5. 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@stbernardchurch.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: Usher Coordinator: John Lyons (516) or Jlyons8234@gmail.com Bulletin Deadline: Friday, 5:00 pm, nine days prior to publication. You may us at Bulletin@StBernardChurch.org or leave a printed copy in the inbox on the bulletin desk in the Parish Office. Thank you for your cooperation!

3 Signs of the Times E mail Father Ralph: shepherd@stbernardchurch.org From time to time, people get interested in when the end of the world will come. Several fundamentalist preachers in recent years have predicted when the end time will happen, only to see their predicated date come and go. This curiosity about how much time we have left shows itself in Jesus time too as we hear in today s gospel. (Mark 13:24-32). Jesus is clear about one thing: no one, not even he, knows the date of the end of the world. Welcome Father Andres We welcome Father Andres Fernandez who will be living with us at St. Bernard s while he is covering for the chaplain at St. Joseph s Hospital for the next three months. Father Andres was ordained in 2004 in the Diocese of Madrid, Spain. He has a BA in History and a Masters in Information and Documentation. He has served as associate pastor at several parishes in Madrid, Spain. He also served as associate pastor at Saint Gabriel Parish Church in New Rochelle for three years and since 2014 served St. Bridget s in Leesburg Virginia. Father Andres likes music (he plays the organ) and traveling -- he has traveled through many countries throughout Europe. We are glad to welcome him. He does say that his followers ought to be alert to watching the signs around them. He points to the fig tree and notes that when it begins to bud, it s a sure sign that summer is about to come. So, he says, we should be open to recognizing the signs of when he is going to come again. He notes that the ultimate sign will be when the sun is darkened and the stars will fall from the sky, but these things can t be predicted. So what are the signs of Jesus coming? I d like to suggest that rather than look for signs of disasters, we ought to look for signs of mercy. Whenever there is an act of kindness, of sacrifice, of love, there Jesus is coming. The devil wants to distract us from the loving, forgiving, helping behaviors and instead send our energies after the little disasters (e.g. What? No snowflakes on our coffee cups? or What? no Christmas tree and elves in the mall? ) Could it be that Jesus will return again at the end of time only when all our hearts are set on the right things, when divisions between people will cease, when there is peace between warring nations and warring spouses? Let us keep our eyes open to the signs of where love and healing is needed and then offer what help we can. Then watch as Jesus comes again. And again I want to take moment to invite you to a little series of teachings I am doing. Each month I m doing an hour look at ten things to teach others about a certain topic. Last year I covered ten things to teach about Jesus, about the Bible, about Advent, Christmas, Lent, Easter and the Holy Spirit. This year s series is about Sacraments. While I ve designed these for catechists in particular, they are also suitable for parents, grandparents, godparents, and anyone who wants a quick refresher about what we believe. The first in the series is today (Sunday) at 3pm and it will be repeated tomorrow (Monday) at 7:30pm in the parish center. All welcomed. 2

4 Parish News Mid-Week Mid-Morning Book Discussion Here s a change of pace a whodunit! complete with courtroom maneuvering and surprising turns of evidence and at the same time a mystery, something altogether richer and deeper! Join your fellow parishioners on Wednesday, November 18 at 10 AM in the Parish Center for an informal discussion of Snow Falling on Cedars by David Guterson. Start reading early it s 460 pages, but well worth the time. You won t be sorry! For more information contact Wally Rodier at wrodi@verizon.net or Catholic Daughters, Court St. Pius X, #1690 Meeting in the Parish Center Thursday, December 10, 2015, 7:30 pm Gifts of treasure Sunday collections November 8, 2015 November 9, 2014 $ 16, $ 14, envelopes 660 envelopes Faith Direct $ 1, $ 2, Total Collection $ 17, $ 17, Next weekend there will be a second collection for the Catholic Campaign for Human Development. Capital Campaign Goal: $1,000, Pledged: $1,199, Collected to date: $1,059,166 Please continue to fulfill your pledge commitment so that all of the planned projects can be accomplished. Thank you for your continued generosity. Are YOU the salt of the earth? Table salt enhances the flavor of food. Our SALT is a new ministry that seeks to enhance the lives of the Sick Aging Lonely Tired through little acts of kindness ( ex. a telephone call, a card, a visit, a pat on the back). Would you like to join us and be a Salt Shaker? Do you know of someone that we can serve? Please call Bob Foley at Holy Innocents Knights of Columbus Council 3581 In Service to One - In Service to All We are looking for men to join us in promoting the spiritual, social and charitable welfare of the Council and our Parish. Are you interested in helping those in need, serving the parish and community, and Living out Faith through Charity? All Practical Catholic Men over the age of 18 are welcome. Contact our Grand Knight for additional details: JoinKofC@gmail.com 3 Faith Direct Have you enrolled yet? Code = NY272 Parish calendar (Subject to change) Monday, November 16 4:00 pm Peanut Butter & Jelly, Parish Center 7:30 pm Miraculous Medal Novena, Church 7:30 pm Ten Things, Parish Center 7:30 pm Rosary Confraternity Board Meeting, Parish Center Tuesday, November 17 10:00 am Our Lady of Consolation, Parish Center 12:00 pm Deanery Meeting, Cafeteria 2:00 pm Zumba Gold, Parish Center 6:00 pm Religious Award Boy Scout Troop 316, Cafeteria 6:15 pm Children s Choir Practice, Parish Center 7:00 pm Boy Scout 316 Meeting, Cafeteria 7:00 pm Spanish Rosary, Prayer Room 7:00 pm Vivitrol Support Group, School Room 209 7:30 pm AA Meeting, School Room 207 7:30 pm Adult Choir Rehearsal, Church 7:30 pm Pastoral Council Meeting, Rectory Wednesday, November 18 7:30 pm Folk Group, Off-site 8:00 pm Bread of Life Prayer Group, Parish Center

5 mass intentions This listing may not reflect recent changes or additions. Monday, November 16 8:00 am Steve Kalman Tuesday, November 17 8:00 am Frances Rotondo - 1st Anniversary Wednesday, November 18 8:00 am Kevin Regan Thursday, November 19 8:00 am Mildred Ceravolo Friday, November 20 8:00 am Al Camilleri Saturday, November 21 8:00 am Leokadja and Withold Berg & Family, John Heanue Jr. 5:00 pm 60 th Anniversary of St. Bernard s St. Vincent DePaul Society Sunday, November 22 7:30 am Jack Irwin 9:00 am Estelle T. Vinberg 10:30 am Steven Kalman, George McIntosh, Regina Robertson, Agnes Simpson 12 Noon For all parishioners 5:30 pm Judson "Buddy" Posa Parish calendar (Subject to change) Thursday, November 19 9:00 am Zumba Gold, Parish Center 10:00 am Shawl Ministry, Parish Center 2:15 pm St. Vincent Meeting, Clairvaux House 6:30 pm Most Holy Trinity Novena, Prayer Room 7:30 pm Bible Study, Parish Center 7:30 pm Welcome Orientation, Parish Center 7:45 pm Training for Bereavement Facilitator, Parish Center Friday, November 20 10:00 am Bible Study, Parish Center 2:00 pm Stroke Support, Parish Center Saturday, November 21 10:30 am Special Education, Parish Center 11:00 am Women s AA Meeting, Cafeteria 1:00 pm RCIA Team Workshop, Church & Prayer Room 7:00 pm Cub Scout Pack 318 Pack Night, Cafeteria Sunday, November 22, Christ the King 9:00 am Children s Choir Mass 6:30 pm Youth Ministry Meeting, YM Room 8:00 pm AA Meeting, Cafeteria 4 sacraments BANNS OF MARRIAGE Third Time Audrey A. Catapano, St. Bernard Parish, Levittown Jason M. Orsini Chongae James Peter Howard Borosky, St. Bernard Parish, Levittown for the sick of our parish Rocky Abbondola Michelle Breslin Grace & Gloria Burrell Joseph Ceraldi, Sr. Baby Brianna Fleming Steve Jugan Andrew Lalonde, Jr. Irene Lambert Della Dorn Rice Grace Slaby 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 Mason Francis Combs Susan Arena Arlene Barsch Irene Boyce Jean Caprera Rosemary Clark Roberta Curran Richard DeLaRosa Monica DeLaRosa Juanita Dones Harold Encizo Jim Finlan Kathleen Flaherty Teresita Gallego Colleen Grasing John Guiffre Mike Hach Patricia Hafner Carolyn Hakim Suzanne Hanna Annette Hannon Cynthia Hansen Donna Hare John Hartofil Judy Hupfer Gervas Ignacio Vicki Jacona Jerome W. Kalkhof Amanda Kuck Tia Mabanta Andrew Mahoney William McDonagh Teresa McDonald Mary McLean Gerard McManus Mary Messina Irmgard Montanino Kerri Orlando Johnny Perdue Rosina Perri Raymond Pfiefer Catherine Pipinou Joan Rampolla Fred Rappa Laureen Quinn-Sturge Deanne Reilly Federico Rueda Terri Saccente Eve Saint Thomas Saint Keith Sessa Terry Sherwood Joseph Smithwick, Sr. Norma Steiger Marina Suazo Liberty Tabag David Testa Rosalie Travers Donna Vollaro Theresa Votta Ann Dolores Walsh Pat Welisher Charles Yevoli Pray for our beloved deceased and those who mourn for them Msgr. James Boesel Theresa Huebner Renee Celban Frank Kless

6 ADULT FAITH FORMATION Diane Vella, Pastoral Associate How does someone become Catholic - and what does that have to do with you? RCIA: Confirmation for 7-year olds?? Last week we mentioned that a few weeks ago at the 9:00 am Mass we welcomed some children as catechumens, meaning they are committing to seriously learning what it means to be Catholic so they can be baptized, confirmed, and welcomed to the Lord s Eucharistic Table all at the same time. This year we have a special group of children who have not been baptized, but are at least 7 years old, and therefore capable of being catechized and having some say in their decision to follow Jesus. (With children younger than 7, we baptize them based on the faith of their parents, and then welcome them to the Lord s Table and confirm them later when they are old enough to have some understanding.) These children had already been inquiring (like casual dating) and learning about Jesus, and just recently took this next step of going steady with the Catholic Church as catechumens. When they, their parents, their catechists and their pastor decide that they re ready to become Catholic, we will joyously baptize them, AND confirm them, AND welcome them to the Table of the Lord, all at the same time! Say what??? While this idea is strange to many Catholics, it goes back to the way that people ORIGINALLY became Christians, shortly after the time of Jesus and for centuries afterward. The three initiation sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist were originally a package deal, each one signifying a different aspect of the reality of committing oneself to Jesus. There are all kinds of historical reasons why, over time, these 3 sacraments came to be celebrated separately at different stages of life, and there is still a value in doing it that way when children are baptized as infants. But for about 40 years now, the Catholic Church has been returning to the more ORIGINAL practice of initiation when dealing with people who are of catechetical age ; that is, age 7 through adult. We have children and adult catechumens in our midst every Sunday at Mass as well as at other parish events. They may live on your block, go to school with your kids, or work beside you. They are watching us and learning from us; we are their MODELS for Christian liturgy, learning and living. What lesson are YOU teaching them with your demeanor, your enthusiasm, your participation and your commitment, both at Church and at home and in the community? Advent Evening Prayer Wed. Dec. 2, 9, 16, 23 7:30 p.m. in Church Candlelight, incense, music and reflective guided meditation in preparation for Christmas. Advent Retreat Day: Beginning by Waiting Friday, December 4 1o a.m. 2:30 p.m., Parish Center The songs of Luke s Gospel: Mary, Zechariah, John the Baptist, the angels and Simeon tell us what the coming of the savior means to each of them. What does it mean to me that Jesus- Emmanuel (God with us) - is with me, and how can I wait for and experience Jesus presence during Advent in practical ways? Mrs. Claire Stiglic from St. Kilian s will lead our retreat day. $20 in advance includes lunch. Preregister: dvella@stbernardchurch.org 5

7 ADULT FAITH FORMATION Diane Vella, Pastoral Associate The Francis Effect Over the course of the next year we will feature some thoughts from one of Pope Francis talks or homilies during his recent visit to the United States. We invite you to think, talk and pray about what it might be saying to you and to our parish about our MISSION as followers of Jesus Christ as we seek with faith, hope and love to bring the Gospel to the Levittown community and beyond. [There are] unprecedented changes taking place in contemporary society, with their social, cultural [and legal] effects on family bonds. These changes affect all of us.christians are not immune to the changes of their times. This concrete world, with all its many problems and possibilities is where we must live, believe and proclaim. From the speech at the Festival of Families in Philadelphia, Sept What are some of the changes in contemporary society that have affected your family s life? How can you and your family live, believe, and proclaim the Gospel of Jesus in this concrete world with all its many problems and possibilities? CALLING ALL GRANDPARENTS! Get ready for: THE GRAND ADVENTURE at OUR LADY OF MERCY, Hicksville Join us in this joint effort between St. Bernard s and Our Lady of Mercy for a brand new ministry created for grandparents as we face changing trends and accept new roles in the 21st century!! WELCOME MEETING on November 17, 2015 Six-Session Program + Introduction + Tuesday Evenings from 7:30-9 p.m. Convent Basement Meeting Room Call Christine from St. Bernard s at or Lisa from Our Lady of Mercy at to sign up FORMING the BRIDGE PAST to FUTURE!!! 6

8 Liturgy Corner THIRTY-THIRD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME I November 15, 2015 n the midst of the darkness, the quaking of the heavens, and the unsurpassed distress of the last days, one thing remains to give us comfort: the presence of Jesus Christ. Magnificat First Reading: Daniel, who earlier interpreted dreams and advised the Babylonian king, is here warning the people to live uprightly, for there will come a day of severe reckoning. Wisdom and prudence tell us to live in a manner that acknowledges a day of judgment, when our lives shall be evaluated and a sentence passed. A key point of this passage is its reference to the notion of resurrection. While earlier Jewish thought told only of Sheol, the abode of the dead, here we find one of the earliest references to the resurrection of the just, to be later developed in the New Testament. Responsorial Psalm 16: There are several lines of connection between the previous reading and this psalm. In verse 8, I set the Lord ever before me is a poetic way of expressing the will and desire to follow God s law; on the Day of Judgment, God, who knows the human heart, will reward the upright. In verses 9-11, the psalmist refers to both Sheol (death) and the path to life. Though this psalm is not expressing a belief in resurrection, to experience the abounding joy in [God s} presence is a way of living uprightly, and righteously coming before God in the Temple. Second Reading: This week, the author of Hebrews brings another dimension to the fruitless efforts of sacrifice according to the Old Law. The priests offer sacrifice daily, but it failed to bring about its hoped for results. Again, it is Christ whose sacrifice has accomplished the reconciliation that had never been done before; he thus eliminates the levitical priesthood. Christ s once-for-all and single sacrifice, perfected by his total offering, has opened the way for our eternal salvation. Gospel: Watching for the signs has given rise to predictions of the final and awesome day; yet Jesus clearly says of that day, no one knows, but the Father. With all the upheaval that will take place, the one thing that will remain is God s Word: my words will not pass away. Mark is encouraging the early Christians to hold fast to their faith, for in the end it brings them a share in the heavenly and eternal kingdom. Most importantly, they must remain firm and faithful. 7 Readings for November 15, 2015 November 22, 2015 Sunday, November 15. Thirty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time. Daniel 12:1-3; Hebrews 10:11-14, 18; Psalm 16:5, 8-11; Mark 13: Monday, November Maccabees 1:10-15, 41-43, 54-57, 62-63; Psalm 119:53, 61, 134, 150, 155, 158; Luke 18: Tuesday, November 17. Memorial of Saint Elizabeth of Hungary, Religious. 2 Maccabees 6:18-31; Psalm 3:2-7; Luke 19:1-10. Wednesday, November Maccabees 7:1, 20-31; Psalm 17:1, 5-6, 8, 15; Luke 19: Thursday, November Maccabees 2:15-29; Psalm 50:1-2, 5-6, 14-15; Luke 19: Friday, November 20. Maccabees 4:36-37, 52-59; (Ps) 1 Chronicles 29:10-12; Luke 19: Saturday, November 21. Memorial of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary. 1 Maccabees 6:1-13; Psalm 9:2-4, 6, 16, 19; Luke 20: Sunday, November 22. The Solemnity Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe. Daniel 7:13-14; Revelation 1:5-8; Psalm 93:1-2, 5; John 18: For The Ride Home This feature is for families to share their thoughts as they travel to and from Church. 33 rd Sunday of Ordinary Time, November 15, 2015 Gospel: Mark 13:24-32 Adults: What would I do differently, if I were meeting Jesus tomorrow? Children: How can I be faithful and a better disciple of Jesus?

9 Saints of the Week Monday, November 16. St. Margaret of Scotland (1045/ ), the wife of King Malcolm III of Scotland, managed to raise eight children while promoting Church reform, especially in the area of liturgical practice. As a woman of great faith, she founded and restored monasteries, provided hospitality to pilgrims, spoke out on behalf of the falsely accused, and fed the poor from her own dining table. All of her charitable activity was grounded in a strong prayer life. Also, St. Gertrude the Great ( ) was a nun at the Benedictine monastery of Helfta, the abbey where two other great female spiritual writers lived: Mechtild of Magdeburg and St. Mechtild. Through prayer she was graced with many mystical and ecstatic experiences, which are recorded in a five-volume work entitles Legatus divinae pietatis, commonly called The Life and Revelations of Saint Gertrude the Great. Tuesday, November 17. St. Elizabeth of Hungary ( ) Religious, the Queen of Hungary and mother of four children, had a special love for the downtrodden. She built a hospital in the basement of her castle, nursed the sick, fed the hungry, and provided life-giving work for the poor. After the death of her husband, she took the habit of a Franciscan tertiary (Third Order Franciscan), devoting herself to a life of simplicity and almsgiving. St. Elizabeth is the patron saint of Franciscan tertiaries, bakers, beggars, brides, the homeless, and charities (among others). Wednesday, November 18. Memorials of the Dedication of the Basilicas of Sts. Peter and Paul. Apostles. As we celebrated last week the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica (the mother and head of all churches in the whole world and the cathedral church of the Bishop of Rome, the pope), today we celebrate the Basilicas of St. Peter and St. Paul. It is not so much the church buildings we are honoring, of course, as the saints to whom they are dedicated. The proper readings for today s memorial focus our attention on the special grace God gave all believers through two imperfect, impetuous, but exceptional men: Peter and Paul. Sourcebook 2015 Community bulletin Board Young Adult Ministry Faith on Tap is a forum engaging young adults in straight talk and honest answers to questions of faith. FOT is a venue where young adults can meet others who are living out their faith. Please join us for our next Faith on Tap on Monday, November 30, 2015 at 7:30 p.m. at the Wantagh Inn, across from the Wantagh RR Station. Our talk for the evening is entitled 33 To Life Kevin and Giorgio s Miracle Story. Our speaker, Kevin Becker, will share with us his story of how Pier Giorgio s intercession saved his life. On August 26, 2011, Kevin fell 13 feet off of the roof of his college apartment. Kevin's fall left him in a coma with multiple fractures to his skull -- in fact, every lobe of his brain sustained injuries, with only a 30% chance of survival. While he was in a coma, Kevin's large and loving family rallied to his side both physically and spiritually. One of his cousins had recently been introduced to Pier Giorgio and told a family member, "He needs a miracle to be a saint and so do we!" The next day he awoke and gave the thumbs up sign! Come and hear the story of Kevin s Miracle! To find out more about Kevin s miracle go to frassatiusa.blogspot.com/2014/07/time-for-miraclenovena-day-nine.html. Doors open at 7:00 come early get something to eat meet new friends, re-connect with old friends. For questions, please contact Marianne Sheridan at msheridan@drvc.org. Biology of the Theology of the Body Vicky Thorn, Director of the National Office on Post - Abortion Healing and Ministry, will be presenting a fascinating workshop on Monday, November 30 th, 2015 at the Seminary of the Immaculate Conception, 440 West Neck Road, Huntington, NY This compelling presentation is designed to further the understanding on the bio-chemistry and science of attraction. This important study on sexual morality and biological data present the value of Church teaching and highlight the many significant benefits for the physical, emotional and spiritual well being that respect and advance men and women today. For more information, contact Diana Tellis at Respect Life Office, x 626 & 381 or dtellis@drvc.org. 8

10 Parish social ministry Sr. Christine Sammons, O.P., St. Vincent de Paul: Since we are in the process of collecting food for Thanksgiving, we are keeping our list short for the month of November, so this week our pantry needs include: Toilet tissue **Please do not leave perishable items in the food bin in church. We have to throw them away! Please bring them to the office. Thanks! Please remember the poor boxes and to buy one, get one free! On the weekend following Thanksgiving, we will be inviting you to take our Christmas Giving Tree tags to help our families. Thanks for your consistent generosity! The Charitable KIDZ thank you! Thanks for contributing new or gently used children s coats. We are happy to be able to help our neighborhood children, as well as our friends at Ethical Friends of Children in Garden City. Thanksgiving is just around the corner! In the past, individuals, families and community groups have assembled baskets which we have distributed to our families for Thanksgiving. Here is how you might help us: 1. If you would like to prepare an entire basket for a family of four, call our office and we will provide you with a list of suggested items (OR) 2. If you would like to donate specific items to be included in a basket, you can purchase corn, string beans, turkey gravy, Stove Top stuffing, boxed mashed potatoes, (jellied) cranberry sauce, canned white potatoes, coffee and tea. We will assemble baskets with these items. 3. Donate a supermarket gift card. 4. Donate a turkey or a gift certificate for a turkey. (Some of our families prefer a ham, so we will purchase hams for these families.) gram who have been bringing in items for our baskets. Thanks, too, to those who have given us checks and gift cards. You help us help so many of our good neighbors! PSEGLI Energy Forum: On October 30 th, over 300 advocates from across the Island gathered to be informed about the latest benefits being made available to residents through PSEG, National Grid, HEAP, REAP, SNAP, Project Warmth, Nassau-Suffolk Law Services, etc. We are well informed and able to help access these benefits. Of special import is HEAP which helps with heating costs. If a household has an annual income of less than $26,931 for one; $35,217 for two, $43,504 for 3, etc., you may be eligible for a HEAP benefit. The program opens on November 16 th. Call us if you are low-income and might be a candidate for this program. Save the Date! The St. Bernard Conference of the St. Vincent de Paul Society invites you to celebrate the 60 th Anniversary of its founding (November 28, 1955) on Saturday evening, November 21 st, 2015 at the 5:00 p.m. Mass followed by light refreshments in the Parish Center. A special invitation is extended to all former members of our Conference! All are welcome! If you intend to provide an entire basket, would you please let us know as soon as possible so that we can factor it into our overall Thanksgiving planning! Thanks to the children in our religious education pro- 9

11 Parish social ministry Sr. Christine Sammons, O.P., The Charitable KIDZ and parents prepared baskets for our families for Thanksgiving! They are just wonderful! Catholics For Freedom of Religion - CFFR "As a grateful Nation, let us show our appreciation by honoring our Veterans and working to ensure the promise of America is within the reach of all who have protected it." Veterans Day Proclamation President Obama God & the Military: A group that seeks to separate God from the military is demanding the relocation or removal of a sign at a Marine base in Hawaii that asks God's blessing on the Armed forces and reads, "God bless the military, their families and the civilians who work with them." Captain T. Irish told the Marine Corps Times that the matter is currently under review. "Only someone with a great misunderstanding of the First Amendment or an ax to grind against religion would claim that such a slogan poses a threat or is in any way unconstitutional," said retired Chaplain (COL) Ron Crews. "'God bless our military' is a slogan little different than the official national motto, 'In God we trust' that appears so publicly on our money and the courts have repeatedly upheld it." (realitynews.international/group, 9/27/15) In 1925 a Maryland American Legion erected a World War I Veterans Memorial Cross inscribed, "This Memorial Cross Dedicated To The Heroes of Prince George's County Who Gave Their Lives In The Great War For The Liberty Of The World." In February, 2014, the American Humanist Association filed a complaint alleging the memorial display violated the Establishment Clause. The case is currently before the U. S. District Court for the District of Maryland. (libertyinstitute.org/bladensburg, 2015) "The willingness with which our young people are likely to serve in any war, no matter how justified, shall be directly proportional to how they perceive the Veterans of earlier wars were treated and appreciated by their nation." George Washington Events: Wednesday, November 18, 7:00-9:00 pm, Thomas Renker Esq. & Barbara Samuells, CFFR President, will speak about denials of religious freedom in America, Our Lady of Victory School - Memorial Hall, 2 Bellmore St., Floral Park, NY

12 Rosary Confraternity Bake Sale October 24-25, 2015 St. Bernard S Center for religious education Mrs. Susan Martin, M.A., Director, A Catechist Classic: Mrs. Lyons first grade class was talking about ALL SAINTS DAY. She asked her small Christian community if they knew what a saint was and what saint they were named after?? Little Michael spoke up and said his dad, also named Michael is a saint. The catechist asked why is he special? Because he is my best friend, replied little Michael! Mrs. Musacchia s third level class was given a church tour which included a song Mrs. Martin taught about joy and the love of Jesus in our hearts. The following week, catechist Musacchia heard that exact song on television for a coke commercial. She laughed when she realized that the joy in our hearts from Jesus was now transferred to joy drinking this beverage. Yet some of her students were amazed that just the week before they were introduced to this oldie but goodie song, I ve got the joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart! and that it was heard on TV! We are in need of substitute catechists for levels 3, 4, 5 on Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday afternoons. As the winter season approaches, often a teacher s own child becomes ill thus cannot come in to teach the class. If you are available to teach and have taken or plan to take the Virtus diocesan class, please contact the Religious Education Office at Consider being a part of our vibrant program as we are called to be missionary disciples. Now more than ever, our youth need to know Christ. We wish to thank those students who remembered to bring in a can of food for our parish pantry for the Thanksgiving season. It is greatly appreciated. Jesus reminds us, whatsoever you do to the least of my brothers and sisters, you do unto Me. 11

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16 EAST MEADOW 2515 N. Jerusalem Road WANTAGH 603 Wantagh Avenue Serving Proudly the St. Bernard Parish for over 50 Years QUICK EMERGENCY RESPONSE 24 HR. 7 DAYS And Holidays PLUMBING & HEATING All Leaks Repaired Floods Pumped Repair or Replace: Faucets Toilets Sinks Drains Heat Waste & Water Lines - Residential Specialist ALL WORK PERFORMED BY OWNER Highly Recommended By His Customers TRY ME ONCE YOU LL BE IMPRESSED WITH THE SERVICE PHIL CEPARANO 35 YEARS EXPERIENCE Serving the Parish Area LEVITTOWN HICKSVILLE 2786 Hempstead Tpk. 47 Jerusalem Avenue (516) (516) MAIDENBAUM PROPERTY TAX REDUCTION GROUP, LLC CustomerService@MPTRG.com Office: (516) Over 25 Years of Experience PAT DOLAN PLUMBING Licensed Master Plumber 24 HR. EMERGENCY SERVICE See Your Advertisement in Full Color! Call The Church Bulletin Inc. for more information (631) Now conveniently in East Meadow KENS FAUCET & TOILET REPAIRS INC. All Plumbing Repairs All Bathroom Leaks including Tile Repair serving the Community Since ASK ABOUT MY 2 YEAR GUARANTEE Serving Hicksville for 50 years Lic. Master Plumber Serving all Nassau No Job Too Small Insured Comforting families Since 1924 Family Owned and Operated by Timothy J. Dalton and Beth Dalton-Costello RAYMOND NARDO ATTORNEY AT LAW Homecare corp. 129 Third St., Mineola, NY Are you Selling Your Home? gxçwxü _Éäx VtÜx Do You Need a Will? Telephone atlchomecare@outlook.com Compassionate home care HOLY INNOCENTS COUNCIL # Jeffries Rd., Levittown, N.Y. For Membership info Call (516) * * * * * * * * * * Banquet Facility available (516) HICKSVILLE FLOWERS Weddings Funerals Fruit Baskets Plants Bouquets All Flower Arrangements 18 Newbridge Rd., Hicksville (just North of R.R.) Open 8-8 M-S Sun. 10-5:30 VERNON C. WAGNER FUNERAL HOMES, INC. 125 Old Country Road 655 Old Country Road Hicksville, NY Plainview, NY (516) (516) Our Service Speaks For Itself Licensed Master Plumber DIVISION CAR CARE All Repairs Guaranteed Foreign & Domestic N.Y. State Inspections 40 Division Ave Levittown Prevete Real Estate 3705 Hempstead Turnpike Levittown, New York Business (516) Fax (516) Cell (516) YOU LL BE AMAZED CALL FOR FREE Market Analysis Your Personal Realtor - Member Long Island Board of Realtors - Member New York State Association of Realtors - Member National Association of Realtors Each Office is Independently Owned And Operated John Satriano, ABR, SRES N.Y.S. Lic. R.E. Broker Associate Notary Public We Deliver Anywhere for your loved one including: Bathing assistance Light Meal Preparation Light House Keeping Doctor Visits Medication Reminders Shopping and more We treat your loved ones like family. Jim Langenfeld East Village Car Care, Inc. Complete Auto Repair Foreign & Domestic 151 Jerusalem Ave., Levittown, NY (East Village Green Shopping Center) (516) Mary Ann Nuzzi, C.P.A. INCOME TAXES Available Year-Round CLASS A ROOFING & SIDING ROOFING SPECIALIST We Live Here, We Worship Here (516) Lic/Ins Office Hours By Appointment MATTURRO DENTAL P.C. General & Cosmetic Dentistry 3601 Hempstead TpkeSuite 422 Levittown, NY Telephone: (516) Parish Member Supporting Our Community #172 FOR ADVERTISING: THE CHURCH BULLETIN INC., 200 DALE ST., W. BABYLON, NY (631)