Easter Sunday The Resurrection of the Lord March 27, 2016 The Lord is risen, truly!

Transcription

1 A community of Faith hope and love Easter Sunday The Resurrection of the Lord March 27, 2016 The Lord is risen, truly!

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 Patrick Abem, Chaplain in Residence ext 124 Mrs. Susan Martin, Director of Religious Education Phone/ Fax The Religious Education Center is closed on Fridays. Sr. Christine Sammons, O.P., Coordinator of Parish Social Ministry Ms. Sarah Kropac, Coordinator of Youth Ministry Mrs. Mary Jane Witte, Director of Liturgical Music ext. 142 Ms. Diane Vella, Pastoral Associate ext. 143 Mrs. Rose Marie Rotondo, Sacristan Mr. Len Lanzi, Facilities Manager ext. 120 Mr. Dimas Carbajal, Head of Maintenance ext. 126 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 on the bottom of the home page form. If you move away, please notify us as well. S T. BERNARD S CATHOLIC CHURCH 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! 2 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

3 The Next Fifty E mail Father Ralph: shepherd@stbernardchurch.org Holy Week Thanks I am so grateful to Jesus for loving us by giving his life for us and for rising from the dead and sharing that resurrected life with us. After all, he could have given up on humanity after the crucifixion and retired to the happiness of heaven. But he comes to us now, even in our imperfections. I am so grateful to everyone who participated in the celebrations during Holy Week where we remembered in such powerful ways how Jesus loves us. Thank you to everyone who gave of their time to decorate, to proclaim God s Word, to make music, to welcome and guide us, to lead prayers, to serve, and to do a thousand little things behind the scenes so that our celebrations could be so rich and spiritually rewarding. May God continue to bless our parish during these great fifty days ahead and we look forward to more joyful moments as we prepare for Holy Communion and Confirmation celebrations. How do you plan on celebrating Easter this year? Wait...you went to church, right? So isn t THAT how you celebrated Easter this year? Yes, that s the best way to start celebrating Easter but Easter is a fifty day feast that ends at Pentecost. So we ought to take a few moments to consider how to continue today s celebration throughout the weeks ahead. Catholics are particularly good at doing Lent. At least we know that there are forty days of prayer, fasting and doing good works. (Whether we were faithful to all our goals might be another story.) We can be even better at Easter since it s more joyful, fun, creative and life-affirming. Here are some things to consider. More Mass. For some people that means coming to Mass each weekend to hear the unfolding story of the resurrection. Make it part of your routine. Dress up. Make it a special prayer time for you and your family. Do something fun after Mass together. For some people, their Easter season is blessed by coming to Mass during the week. Lots of people do this for Lent. Why not for Easter? A daily dose of scripture and communion goes a long way. More laughter. Monday of Easter week is traditionally the day to laugh at the devil. What could be more depressing and evil than killing the Son of God. The devil thought that he won. But no...jesus victory over sin and death is for all time. So laugh! Tell funny jokes. Do things to bring a smile to the face of others. Find ways to live in creative joy these next fifty days. More water. Since Easter is all about Baptism (we baptized six people at Easter Vigil this year and we got sprinkled with water as we renewed our Baptism Promises) go to the water. Take an early spring visit to one of our beautiful beaches, find a park with a pond, take some Holy Water from church and put it in a bowl on your dining room table and bless yourself with the water frequently during these fifty days. Just as April showers lead to May flowers, so too Easter water leads us to new, clean, refreshed, life-filled days ahead. More determination. If you gave up something bad for Lent, don t go back to it. If Lent was a conquering of smoking or cursing or nagging, Easter isn t the time to go back to that. And if in Lent you picked up a good habit (exercising, helping the neighbors, etc.) don t stop now. Happy Easter! 3

4 Parish News Mass Book Opening The Mass book will be open for the 2nd half of 2016, July - December 2016, in the Parish Center on: Thursday, March 31, 2016, 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm Friday, April 1, 2016, 8:30 am - 9:30 am Catholic Daughters of the Americas Meeting Thursday, April 14 at 7:30 PM in the Parish Center. Save the Date! Gift Card Bingo Play Bingo for gift card prizes Friday, May 20-6:00PM to 10:00 PM $5 admission buys three cards There will be a Holy Hour on April 9th at 1 PM to pray that the Supreme Court Justices will rule in favor of the Little Sisters of the Poor so that they will avoid bankrupting fines imposed by the US Dept of Health and Human Services ( HHS) mandate. Father Ralph will speak after the Holy Hour. Mid-Week Mid-Morning Book Discussion The Nightingale by Kristen Hannah tells the stories of two sisters, separated by years and experience, by ideals, passion and circumstance, each embarking on her own dangerous path toward survival, love, and freedom in German-occupied, war-torn France - a heartbreakingly beautiful novel that celebrates the resilience of the human spirit. Join your fellow parishioners for an informal discussion of this award winner on Wednesday April 13 at 10 AM in the Parish Center. Also.coming in May.. a discussion of Thomas Merton s towering best-selling autobiography, The Seven Storey Mountain. For more information contact Wally Rodier at wrodi@verizon.net or St. Bernard s Altar Server & Youth Group Annual Spring Flower Sale will be held April 30, :00pm-7:00pm and May 1, :00am- 7:00pm. Save money by pre-ordering! *All pre-orders must be accompanied with full payment by check made payable to St. Bernard s Church. An order form can be found in the rectory or on the St. Bernard s Website or call and we will an order form to you! All completed forms and payments must be received by the rectory no later than March 27 th! Gifts of treasure Sunday collections March 20, 2016 March 22, 2015 $ 16, $ 15, envelopes 716 envelopes Faith Direct $ 2, $ 2, Total Collection $ 18, $ 17, Second Collection - Flowers $ Capital Campaign Goal: $1,000, Pledged: $1,199,925 Collected to date: $1,106,103 Please continue to fulfill your pledge commitment so that all of the planned projects can be accomplished. Thank you for your continued generosity. Faith Direct Have you enrolled yet? Code = NY272 Parish calendar (Subject to change) Monday, March 28 7:30 pm Miraculous Medal Novena, Church Tuesday, March 29 10:00 am Our Lady of Consolation, Parish Center 2:00 pm Zumba Gold, Parish Center 6:00 pm K of C Founders Day Mass, Church 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 Wednesday, March 30 7:30 pm Adult Confirmation, Parish Center 7:30 pm Folk Group, Off-site 8:00 pm Bread of Life Prayer Group, Parish Center Thursday, March 31 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 4

5 mass intentions This listing may not reflect recent changes or additions. Monday, March 28 8:00 am Frank Squillace Sr. Tuesday, March 29 8:00 am Father Ralph Besendorfer Wednesday, March 30 8:00 am Michael Del Villar 22 nd Anniversary Thursday, March 31 8:00 am Peter Rooney Friday, April 1 8:00 am Thomas Cummings Saturday, April 2 8:00 pm Nula McNulty, Patricia Scola 5:00 pm For All Parishioners Sunday, April 3 7:30 am For all parishioners 9:00 am Adriana Crivici 10:30 am John Deptuch, Dorothy O. Shepski, Thomas Cummings, For All Parishioners, For the Poor Who Are Always with Us 12 Noon Joseph Smithwick 5:00 pm Gwendolyn Miles Parish calendar (Subject to change) Friday, April 1 7:00 pm Paint Night CYO Swimming, Cafeteria Saturday, April 2 9:00 am Awakening Faith, YM Room 9:00 am Religious Ed- First Communion Sale, Parish Center 10:00 am Charitable Kidz, Parish Center 10:30 am Special Education, Parish Center 11:00 am Women s AA Meeting, Cafeteria 8:00 pm Concert - Family Ministry, Cafeteria 8:00 pm Nocturnal Adoration, Church Sunday April 3, Hospitality Sunday; K of C Bake Sale in School Lobby 3:00 pm Divine Mercy Chaplet, Church 6:30 pm Youth Ministry Meeting, YM Room 8:00 pm AA Meeting, Cafeteria Friday, April 1, is the First Friday of the month and is always dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Sacraments BANNS OF MARRIAGE Second Time Tracy Spear, St. Bernard Parish, Levittown Anthony Porcelli, St. Bernard Parish, Levittown for the sick of our parish Mario Barris Norma Beyer Joan Bonsignore Mary Fugina Vincent Gazzo Regina Gorman Mary Hartman Peter McEntee Karin Ann Michaels Rick Naughton Eileen Rogers Jeanette Pokorny John Rotondo, Sr. Richard Selesky Orlino Tabag 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 Ed Costello Roberta Curran Monica DeLaRosa Harold Encizo Jim Finlan Kathleen Flaherty Teresita Gallego Colleen Grasing John Guiffre Mike Hach Patricia Hafner Carolyn Hakim Donald Hall Suzanne Hanna Annette Hannon Cynthia Hansen Donna Hare John Hartofil Judy Hupfer Gervas Ignacio Vicki Jacona Steve Jugan Jerome W. Kalkhof Tia Mabanta Andrew Mahoney Lucy Marconi Gene McDonagh William McDonagh Teresa McDonald Mary McLean Mary Messina Irmgard Montanino Kerri Orlando Johnny Perdue Rosina Perri Raymond Pfiefer Catherine Pipinou Joseph Popadiuk Joan Rampolla Fred Rappa Laureen Quinn-Sturge Deanne Reilly John Rotondo, Jr. Federico Rueda Terri Saccente Eve Saint Thomas Saint Charles Schieck Keith Sessa Terry Sherwood Norma Steiger David Testa Rosalie Travers Donna Vollaro Theresa Votta Pray for our beloved deceased and those who mourn for them Patricia Duffy Kevin Macaulay Edward O Neill Joan Patta Charles S. Schieck Marina Suazo John Tirino Patrick J. Winberry the Gifts of bread and wine for the weekend of March 26 th and March 27 th have been requested in loving memory of a dear friend, Mary Kate Dinan by Joan Cushman 5

6 YEAR OF MERCY OCT NOV A Series of Help and Support Pope Francis has proclaimed December 8, 2015-November 20, 2016 a Year of Mercy. In celebration, St. Bernard s will sponsor a series of monthly presentations designed to support families who are facing various challenges in their homes or community. Facing Concerns About Drug Addiction Monday, April 11, 7:30 p.m.-9:00 p.m., Levittown Library All are welcome. St Bernard's is taking its Mercy in Motion Series out on the road into the Levittown Community. The Levittown Community Council is hosting an evening on dealing with Drug Addiction. The presenters will include Father Ralph, who will speak on the impact of addiction on our neighborhood and families; Irene Sabatasso, of the Wantagh-Levittown Ambulance Corps who will speak about what the corps sees weekly as they respond to overdose emergencies; Corinne Alba, Director of Prevention and Outreach from the Y.E.S. Community Counseling Center who will talk about aspects of recovery. Next Up: May 18: Facing Alzheimer s Disease Ellen Tolle, RN, MPS, Alzheimer s Disease Resource Center Words of MERCY from Pope Francis: Jesus keeps knocking on our doors... Over the course of the next year we will feature some thoughts from one of Pope Francis talks or homilies. 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. Jesus keeps knocking on our doors, the doors of our lives. He doesn t do this by magic, with special effects, with flashing lights and fireworks. Jesus keeps knocking on our door in the faces of our brothers and sisters, in the faces of our neighbors, in the faces of those at our side. From Pope Francis Homily at St. Patrick s Cathedral, Sept. 24, 2015 How is Jesus knocking at your door? Will you open to him?? Which brother, sister, neighbor or close friend or relative needs you to bring the love of Jesus to him or her? 6

7 ADULT FAITH FORMATION Diane Vella, Pastoral Associate GOT QUESTIONS?? AWAKEN YOUR FAITH! An informal study and discussion group for people in their 20s-40s SAMPLE TOPICS: AM I SPIRITUAL? WHO IS JESUS? WHY GO TO MASS? DIVORCE AND ANNULMENT IS FAITH POSSIBLE TODAY? All are welcome. No topic off base. No registration Just come, and bring a friend! 4 Saturdays starting Apr. 2, 9:00-10:15 a.m. Youth Ministry Room in the School Building AWAKENING FAITH can be offered ANYTIME, ANYWHERE for a group of 6 interested people. Contact Diane Vella at or dvella@stbernardchurch.org for more information, or to schedule a group. Confirmation for Adults Becoming Fully Catholic! Are you 18 or over and coming to Mass every week? Baptized, but not confirmed in the Catholic Church? Feeling called to a relationship with Jesus through the Church? If you ve come this far, consider confirming your faith in Jesus and your relationship with his community of faith through the Sacrament of Confirmation. 7 Wed. beginning Mar. 30, 7:30 p.m. St. Bernard s Parish Center (First session is a no-obligation information and question session.) Interested but unable to come to the first session? Contact Diane Vella at or dvella@stbernardchurch.org before March 30. WHAT DOES THE BIBLE REALLY SAY AND MEAN? Luke s Jesus (Part II) You can join even if you didn t do Part I Request the book! 6 weeks, evening or morning, starts Thursday Apr. 7*, 7:30 pm or Friday Apr. 8*, 10:00 a.m. St. Bernard s Parish Center Instructor: Diane Vella, M.A., Pastoral Associate *These first sessions are INTRODUCTION TO CATHOLIC BIBLE STUDY sessions. If you have already participated in this series you do not need to attend this first session. Contact Diane Vella at or dvella@stbernardchurch.org 7

8 Attention Parents of Kindergarteners! If you are NOT yet a registered Parishioner Parents and Guardians of children currently attending Kindergarten will have the opportunity to register their children for St. Bernard s Church two-year First Holy Communion Preparation program, which will begin in September of In order for a child to be eligible for the First Holy Communion program, a parent or legal guardian must be a registered member of St. Bernard s parish. Parents who are not yet formally registered in the parish may join the parish at an upcoming New Member Welcome Orientations, to be held on: Tuesday, April 19 th at 7:30 or Monday May 9 th at 7:30 in St. Bernard s Parish Center. First Holy Communion program registration information packets will be available at the orientation. Please call the rectory at or visit and click on the Join St. Bernard s Parish link for Welcome Orientation information and sign up. If you are not sure if you are actually a current registered parishioner, please call the rectory to verify. ***************************************** If you are already a current registered parishioner (and DO NOT already have other children in our program. If you do you will receive instructions on how to register your new 1 st year student with your older child s Re-registration.) Registration for your First year child will take place at the Religious Education Center on the following dates: Monday May 23 thru Thursday May 26 from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM Tuesday May from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM Sunday May 22 from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM In order to register you will need: 1. Parish Envelope Number 2. Your payment (cash or check only) for $ A copy of your child s Baptismal Certificate (Even if they were Baptized at St. Bernard s ) NO REGISTRATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED WITHOUT ALL OF THESE REQUIREMENTS Catechist needed for level 3 on Thursdays 4:15-5:30pm. Must have taken Virtus and agree to a background check. Lesson plans are given thus if you are interested please contact the Religious Education Office for an interview with Mrs. Martin. This class of God s children will be happy that you have responded to our need. 8

9 St. Bernard S Center for religious education Mrs. Susan Martin, M.A., Director, The Peanut Butter and Jelly Ministry hits another home run thanks to Mrs. Laura Cardinale and her 27 Confirmation students. Together over 1,399 sandwiches have been made using 160 loaves of bread, 26 jars of grape jelly and 32 jars of peanut butter. Any student who wishes to serve in this ministry please check out our web page for information. This is a wonderful corporal work of mercy especially in our Year of Mercy as declared by Pope Francis. The sandwiches were made with care and love that were distributed to our homeless brothers and sisters. We are looking for a person(s) who can sew and make us purple placemats to be used as prayer cloths to cover desks for our classrooms. If you own a sewing machine and would like to assist in this project, please contact the Religious Education Office at We are looking for persons with Special Education background to help us plan and organize a new program for our children with special needs. We need committed and qualified catechists who are willing to work with children who fall on the autism spectrum, those who may have Down Syndrome and O.D.D. In the past, our classes were held for 45 minutes on Saturdays. Since many of our seasoned catechists are retiring, we are hoping to continue this vital service for God s children. IF you are interested in being on the dream team, please contact Susan Martin in the Religious Education Office. Come bring your ideas, enthusiasm, spirituality, and most of all, your love! First Eucharist. Religious article sale including communion pocketbook kits, required banners, arm bows, medals, bibles, etc will be held on APRIL 2 nd from 9-11am in the Parish Center. Confirmation. No classes the week of holy week from March 21 through March 29 th. Classes WILL resume on March 30 th. Families are asked to bring their children to all of our special liturgies during holy week. All children have been given their Holy Childhood Association mission mite boxes. Sacrificial pennies, nickels and dimes are to be collected after class after Easter. Thank you for making a difference! CALL TO SUBMIT NOMINATIONS for our Sixth ANNUAL SPIRIT OF ST. BERNARD AWARD! This award will be given annually to a parishioner or parishioners who have responded exceptionally to their baptismal call to build up the Kingdom of God in the parish of Saint Bernard, especially in the year just completed. These men and women have followed the call of Christ and participated in the mission of the parish by praying and worshipping, educating others in the faith, assisting those in need, and/or working for justice in the world. They have shown their devotion to the Holy Father, the Diocese, and the Parish through their commitment to the corporal and spiritual works of mercy. Qualifications for nominees are as follows: Registered parishioners of Saint Bernard s who participate regularly in Sunday Eucharist and the sacraments. Members of a formal parish organization or group, or may work informally. Consideration is to be given to those whose work is seen by the parish as well as those who work behind the scenes. Nominees cannot be prior recipients of the Diocesan Saint Agnes Medal or the Spirit of St. Bernard Award. Nominees can be an individual, couple, or in certain cases, a small team working together recipients: Marie McNamara and Denise Lownie 2012 recipients: Sandy Leonard and Patricia Muench 2013 recipient: Bill Lynch 2014 recipients: Connie D Auria, Ted and Carol Blach 2015 recipients: Ellen Borosky and Dick McKinney PLEASE SUBMIT FORMAL LETTERS OF NOMINATION DETAILING HOW THE NOMINEE/S MEETS THE ABOVE QUALIFICATIONS TO FATHER RALPH NO LATER THAN APRIL 1,

10 Easter 2016 Dear Brothers and Sisters in the Risen Christ, This is the day the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad, Alleluia! Alleluia! Saint Paul tells us that In Christ Jesus you are a new creation! Today we know with the mind of faith and feel in our hearts filled with joy how true that is and whence comes this wondrous and unique gift. It is God s gift that shows the boundless love He has for us when in the fullness of time He sent His Son, born of a woman. Without the obedient love of the Son who became one like us in all things but sin, we could never have been saved in the extraordinary way that in fact we are saved. We have been saved by one like us. That means that all we are and all that we experience on this earth has been embraced by Jesus, the God-Man. He alone could save us as Son of God. He alone, as fully human as we all are, could transform us, with whom He shares our humanity, by offering us the way to share in His divinity. Nailed to the cross, He overcame that ancient curse of universal death. For His death became the passage way that destroys death and opens the path to eternal life for us and for all humankind. Now He breaks the bonds of death by breaking forth from the tomb in His glorified state. Now the angels can say to the first apostles, Why look among the dead for one who is living? He is not here among the dead! He has risen as He said! Nicodemus once asked Jesus How can a person once grown old be born again? Surely he cannot reenter his mother s womb and be born again, can he? No, Nicodemus, that is true. But Jesus has made the Holy Sepulchre His tomb to be the womb from which He comes forth to the glorified state that He shares with us. We who have entered into the font of Baptism and emerged from the waters of Baptism are His new creation sharing the life of the One Who today we truly proclaim God s Son, the Victor over sin and death, the Savior of all humankind. As His new creation, Paul rightly calls us Ambassadors of Christ. In this Jubilee Year of Mercy, on this Easter Day as we rejoice, I would like to call us all to re-commit ourselves to being Ministers of Reconciliation in our families and our communities but especially in our Church and in our nation. Too many members of our Church engage in polemic and seek to divide us as if bishops are persecutors of the laity or consecrated women and men are at odds with priests and pastors. These attitudes and these divisions deny the new creation the Risen Christ has given us. Our nation has sunk into a new low in public discourse when political leaders and pressure groups ridicule and label one another or accuse those who disagree with the prevailing forces as being haters and phobic. May all of us on Easter Sunday, in the presence of the Risen Christ, at Mass, in our homes and in our hearts, put aside those attitudes and commit ourselves to the ministry of reconciliation, eschewing the tawdry and the degrading, and re-affirming the respect and dignity of all, for HE came to be the Savior of all Humankind and today in our hearts and in our world, we proclaim JESUS CHRIST IS RISEN AND HE IS LORD FOREVER AND EVER. AMEN! Bishop of Rockville Centre PO Box 9023, Rockville Centre, New York telephone fax

11 Liturgy Corner EASTER SUNDAY: SOLEMNITY OF THE RESURRECTION OF THE LORD March 27, 2016 Readings for March 27, April 3, 2016 The celebration of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ continues into Easter Sunday morning. Easter Sunday marks the end of the Triduum and is the first day of the Easter Octave. The forty days of fast yield to the fifty days of feast. First Reading: Peter and Cornelius received a divinely inspired vision that led them to one another. They must have recognized the gift of that grace because it was extremely unlikely that a Jew (Peter) would be a guest in a Gentile home. What they heard remains ours today as we hear the First Reading: Jesus of Nazareth, anointed by God with the Holy Spirit, healed many people. He was put to death but was raised by God. We have seen him and have eaten with him. And this is the truth we speak to you today: Everyone who believes in him will receive forgiveness of sins through his name. Responsorial Psalm 118: The psalmist gives voice to the great joy of the people, expressing their overwhelming gratitude for the faithfulness of the Lord. Second Reading: The Colossians reading urges us to die to self in order to focus on the Lord, for having been baptized in Christ, the concerns of the world should diminish in meaning. Sequence: This Sunday, the Church sings a sequence an ancient, poetic song that precedes the singing of the Gospel. Gospel: Mary Magdalene is the first person at the tomb in all four Gospel accounts. She is the messenger who then brings Peter and the Beloved Disciple to see that the stone has been moved. There are no angels in this story to suggest that a body has inexplicable been raised. There are only cloths that lay on the ground, the head cloth arranged in a separate place, all to indicate that this is not the scene of a robbery. As we gather on this Easter day, we remember and celebrate that Jesus is indeed risen and walks among us still. Yet, it is only with eyes of faith that we recognize him in the breaking of bread, in the preaching of his Word, and in the presence of his people gathered in his name. Sunday, March 27. The Resurrection of the Lord The Mass of Easter Day. Acts 10:34, 37-43; Colossians 3:1-4; Psalm 118:1-2, 16-17, 22-23; John 20:1-9. Monday, March 28. Acts 2:14, 22-32; Psalm 16:1-2, 5, 7-11; Matthew 28:8-15. Tuesday, March 29. Acts 2:36-41; Psalm 33:4-5, 18-20, 22; John 20: Wednesday, March 30. Acts 3:1-10; Psalm 105:1-4, 6-9; Luke 24: Thursday, March 31. Acts 3:11-26; Psalm 8:2, 5-9; Luke 24: Friday, April 1. Acts 4:1-12; Psalm 118:1-2, 4, 22-27; John 21:1-14. Saturday, April 2. Acts 4:13-21; Psalm 118:1, 14-21; Mark 16:9-15. Sunday, April 3. Second Sunday of Easter (or Sunday of Divine Mercy). Acts 5:12-16; Revelation 1:9-13, 17-19; Psalm 118:2-4, 13-15, 22-24; John 20: The Ride Home This feature is for families to share their thoughts as they travel to and from Church. Solemnity of Easter Sunday Gospel: John 20:1-9 March 27, 2016 Adults: What change could the hope of the Resurrection of Christ inspire you to make? Children: What bad habit would you like to clear out during the hopeful time of this Easter season? 11

12 Parish social ministry Sr. Christine Sammons, O.P., St. Vincent de Paul: Thanks to everyone who contributes food to our pantry. We are most grateful. Special thanks to our children who bring food for the blue wagon at the 9:00 Mass. Every donation makes a difference. This week our pantry needs include: Cereal Jars of tomato sauce Shelf-stable milk 11 oz. cans of coffee Tea regular and decaf As always, we are grateful! Please remember the poor boxes and to buy one, get one free! Peanut Butter and Jelly Teams: As you may know, the young people of our parish are expected to perform community service for school and our religious education program. To help them, Laura Cardinale has been coordinating the making of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches which are shared with the I.N.N., the largest soup kitchen on the Island, and with our pantry. In six months, they have used: 740 loaves of bread 197 jars of peanut butter 162 jars of jelly 6,551 sandwiches! We thank Laura, her helper-moms and our young people for this service which helps us feed the hungry of Long Island! Voter Registration: As Americans, we are privileged to have the right to vote. In this important election year, participation in the electoral process is particularly important. Registration for the primary election is March 30 th. We have voter registration forms in our office for anyone who would like one. At this point, it must be delivered in person to the Board of Elections, 400 County Seat Drive, Mineola, (516) Dominican Youth Day: In celebration of the 800 th Anniversary of the Dominican Order ( ) a Dominican Youth Day will take place at Queen of the Rosary Motherhouse in Amityville on Saturday, April 30 th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for young people in 7 th, 8 th, 9 th and 10 th grades. It will be a day of celebration for students and adults. The Sisters would be delighted to have our young people visit and enjoy the day. If you are interested, please contact Sister Christine by April 1st. If you are willing to drive to Amityville (about 8 miles away,) please call Sister Christine. Parish Social Ministry will pay for tickets. Lunch and prizes will be included. Spring Bereavement Group: Everyone who has experienced the loss of a loved one and could use some support in the days and months following the death is invited to join one of our bereavement groups. (1.) Beginning on Thursday, March 31 st from 6:30 PM to 7:45 PM there will be a weekly support group for the recently bereaved. This program is designed to help the newly bereaved learn about the grief process, develop skills to learn to cope with their grief, and to begin adjusting to living in a world without the deceased. (March 31 through May 26.) Our Staff and Volunteers wish all of our parishioners Easter Blessings in abundance. CATHOLIC CHARITIES EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES We are always looking for individuals to join the ministry of Catholic Charities and offer Care With Dignity Life With Hope. Our current opportunities include: Administrator Senior Services - Hicksville Administrator Chemical Dependence Services Commack Caregiver Support Specialist Mental Health Services Freeport Medicaid Service Coordinator (temp.) Disabilities Services Amityville RN Supervisor Disabilities Services Amityville Supervising Social Worker (LCSW) Mental Health Services - Medford For additional information, a full listing of jobs and their descriptions, and how to apply, please go to: and click on the jobs tab. Catholic Charities An Equal Opportunity Employer 12

13 Beginning a Master Plan for Parking & Church For the past half-year, we have been interviewing architect/engineering firms to begin the process of re-designing the parking lot, solving the problem of the leaking church tower and helping us design a master plan that best uses the parish buildings into the future. We are happy to announce that the firm of San Fanandre Justin Architects PC has been selected to do the feasibility study which will help us to consider our options -- and what each of the options will cost. Because of the Capital Campaign which parishioners so generously contributed to, we are able to take this first step. Project Timeline March - April -- evaluation of traffic patterns, physical condition of parking area -- evaluation of church tower -- evaluation of church campus and building uses May-June Presentation to parishioners of findings. Feedback from parishioners at town hall meeting. Signing the contract: Eric Anderson, Diocesan Building Department; Father Ralph, Pastor; Len Lanzi, Parish Facilities Manager; Jeanne SanFanandre and Craig Justin. Dinner at the Rectory Contest We re happy to announce that we have reached over 83% of our Catholic Ministries Appeal goal! Thanks to the nearly 300 people who have already pledged over $79,000. As a fun incentive to give, we re raffling off dinner at the rectory. There s only one week to go before we pull the winners. (Deadline Monday, April 4th.) To enter, make a donation of $250 or more -- or, if you are first time donor to the appeal, we ll also enter your name for a donation of any amount. Contributions must be made this week either at the rectory office or online at So far 119 people have given $250 or more and we have 68 first time donors. So...don t miss this opportunity for a really great reward for your participation! June Pastor s consultation with -- Parish Staff -- Parish Finance Council -- Pastoral Council to choose options and consider funding. The funding for the parking renovation has been raised in the Capital Campaign. Funding for any additional work will be evaluated. We re encouraging parishioners to begin to support the work of our parish using online giving. Just go to: 13

14 We Give As A Seed We Sow, Not As A Debt We Owe! The response to the 2016 Catholic Ministries Appeal has been extremely encouraging. We are truly grateful for the generous spirit that continues to be one of the hallmarks of our parish. Please take a look at where we are so far: Our Parish Goal: $95,000 Total Pledges: $61,463 Donors: 238 Percent of Goal: 64.70% Raffle Participation for Dinner at the Rectory You can still get in on this raffle for early-bird pledges/donations made through Easter! General Participation Raffle: New Donor Raffle # of people Ticket amounts 13 1 person 10 tickets 2 people 6 tickets 11 people 4 tickets 2 people 3 tickets 25 people 2 tickets 53 people 1 ticket Please consider donating to the Appeal and making a difference in the life of our Catholic Church on Long Island. Thank you! Make checks payable to: Catholic Ministries Appeal Parish Pledge: $ Name Down payment: $ Address City, State, Zip: Phone: Signature: Date: 14

15 Blog Update By Palm Sunday 335 people had signed up for our free weekly blog. We're hoping that at Easter we'll have reached 400. Have you signed up yet? You'll receive a weekly written by one of our staff members that includes an inspirational thought and tips for families as they celebrate their faith. Plus if there is any fastbreaking parish news, you'll be among the first to get it sent to your computer or mobile device. To sign up go to and click on the blog signup logo. 15

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