The Salvation of Souls is the Supreme Law Mission Statement

Transcription

1 Roman Catholic Church of Saint Aidan 505 Willis Avenue, Williston Park, New York (Fax) Third Sunday of Advent December 15, 2013 Rejoice in the Lord always The Pastoral Staff Rev. Msgr. James M. McDonald, Pastor - ext Rev. Kevin Dillon, Associate Pastor - ext Rev. Michael Edathil, Associate Pastor - ext Rev. Msgr. Robert J. Kirwin, Pastor Emeritus Rev. Damian Halligan, SJ In Residence Deacon Salvatore B. Villani - ext Deacon Francis J. Love - ext Deacon Joseph Connelly - ext Deacon Rudy Martin - ext Mr. Drago Bubalo, DMA (cand). Music Director ext address drago@staidanparish.org The Salvation of Souls is the Supreme Law Mission Statement We, the parish family of the Church of Saint Aidan, strengthened by the Eucharist and encouraged by the Word of God, welcome all, for we recognize that everyone is a child of God and no one should be excluded. Guided by the Holy Spirit through prayer, we strive as one to build the Body of Christ. We commit ourselves to nurturing life-long faith formation, fostering lay leadership, promoting social justice, engaging our youth in every aspect of parish life, and offering care and compassionate service to all. We invite everyone to walk with Jesus and experience His healing power and love. St. Aidan School (Grades Nursery-3. ext. 9202, 9203) (Grades 4-8, ext. 9302, 9303) Ms. Eileen P. Oliver, Principal Ms. Jo-Anne Rowan, Assistant Principal Faith Formation and Spirituality - ext. 9404, 9405 Mr. James F. Corrigan, Director of Faith Formation ext Mrs. Elaine Smith, Director of Special Needs ext Parish Social Ministry - ext Mrs. Rosemarie Cavallaro, Director - ext Youth Ministry Mr. Stephen Loewenthal, Coordinator - ext SaintAidanYouthGroup@gmail.com Pastoral Council - ext Members: Toti Conforti, Cathy Frischmann, Brendan Hickey, Larry McGovern, Bonnie Parente, Erin Flynn, Mary Ellen Testa and Suellen Peterson Buildings & Grounds Department ext Liturgy of the Eucharist Saturday Evening: 5:00 PM and 7:30 PM Sunday: 7:30 AM, 9:00 AM, *10:30 AM, 12:00 PM & 5:00 PM *Liturgy of the Word for Children Daily: 6:30 AM, 9:00 AM, 12:15 & 5:30 PM Monday thru Friday Morning Prayer 8:40 AM Monday thru Saturday Baptism Baptism of Children: Each month on the 1st Sunday and 3rd Sunday at 1:30 PM ceremony. Required: Parents class on the 2nd Sunday of each month beginning with the 12:00 Mass. For baptismal information, contact the Rectory office ext Tuesday-Friday between the hours of 10:00 AM-3:00 PM. Penance/Reconciliation The Sacrament of Penance is celebrated every Saturday from 12:30-1:30 PM and 4:00-5:00 PM in our church or by appointment. Marriage Arrangements are to be made at the Rectory office at least 9 months in advance. Pre-Cana and FOCCUS registrations must be arranged through the parish. Anointing of the Sick & Communion of the Sick The anointing of the sick takes place after the 12:00 PM Mass on the 4th Sunday of each month. Anyone who is homebound may receive Holy Communion at home on a regular basis. Eucharistic ministers assist the priests in this ministry. Please call the rectory - ext Adoration First and third Fridays of the month 12:45-3:00 PM in the Church. 12:30-1:30 PM on Saturdays in the church.

2 Third Sunday of Advent MASSES AND SERVICES FOR THE WEEK MONDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2013 Advent Weekday Nm 24: 2-7, 15-17a; Mt 21: :30 AM William Hannon 9:00 AM John, Anna & John Dwyer 12:15 PM Kevin Conroy 5:30 PM Miriam Davy (1st Anniversary Rem.) 7:30 PM Religious Freedom Mass TUESDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2013 Late Advent Weekday Gn 49: 2, 8-10; Mt 1: :30 AM John O Halloran 9:00 AM Daniel Steiniger 12:15 PM Msgr. Charles Birmingham (10th Anniversary Rem.) 5:30 PM Dan Maguire WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2013 Late Advent Weekday Jer 23: 5-8; Mt 1: :30 AM Robert Schnelle (13th Anniversary Rem.) 9:00 AM Msgr. John J. Clark (6th Anniversary Rem.) 12:15 PM Marie Bellew 5:30 PM Agnes Willoughby THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2013 Late Advent Weekday Jgs 13: 2-7, 24-25a; Lk 1: :30 AM Therese Scheets (1st Anniversary Rem.) 9:00 AM Meghan Justic (2nd Anniversary Rem.) 12:15 PM Donald O Dwyer 5:30 PM Nicola Liberatoscioli (1st Anniversary Rem.) FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2013 Late Advent Weekday Is 7: 10-14; Lk 1: :30 AM Patrick Duffy (Anniversary Rem.) 9:00 AM Margaret Stewart 12:15 PM Susan Madison 12:45 PM Eucharistic Adoration 5:30 PM George Lang (40th Anniversary Rem.) SATURDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2013 St. Peter Canisius, Priest/Doctor of the Church Sg 2: 8-14 or Zep 3: 14-18a; Lk 1: :00 AM Walter Terlecki 12:30-1:30 PM Confessions 5:00 PM Theresa M. Meehan (4th Anniversary Rem.) James & Margaret Twohig Peggy Duffy Carmela Colavolpe (1st Anniversary Rem.) Margaret Stewart (1st Anniversary Rem.) 7:30 PM Thomas Jr. and Sr. Robert and Mabel McMahon SUNDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2013 Fourth Sunday of Advent Is 7: 10-14; Rom 1: 1-7; Mt 1: :30 AM Parishioners of St. Aidan MASSES AND SERVICES FOR THE WEEK 9:00 AM Joseph Pometti (4th Anniversary Rem.) 10:30 AM Emma Matzinger (Anniversary Rem.) 12:00 PM Mary O Connor Carmine Marzullo Nicollette Koller Edith DeVito Olivia Rosario (1st Anniversary Rem.) 5:00 PM Loughlin, Fitzpatrick & McManus Families ANOINTING OF THE SICK AFTER THE 12:00 PM MASS BANNS OF MARRIAGE SECOND WEEK Lauren Reiff, St. Aidan Garrett Boos, Miller Place, NY CHRISTMAS CUSTOMS REVISITED In Slavic countries there are many customs connected with the celebration of the Christ Child s birth. One such tradition is the breaking of Oplatek or Christmas wafer. The wafer, which looks much like unconsecrated communion bread, is traditionally broken at grace before the Christmas Eve meal. If you are interested in making the tradition part of your Christmas celebration, please purchase an Oplatek at the Rectory office ($2.00 donation). BREAD & WINE MEMORIAL Birthday Remembrance DIANE VILLA Requested by Bernadette & Armand Villa PLEASE NOTE There will be no 6:30 AM Mass on Tuesday, December 24th, Thursday, December 26th, Tuesday, December 31st or Thursday, January 2nd. HELPERS ARE NEEDED Volunteers are needed to assist with arranging the Sanctuary flowers for Christmas. If you have an hour of free time on Monday, December 23rd, please come to the church after the 12:15 PM Mass to lend a hand.

3 December 15, 2013 THE LAST ACCEPTABLE PREJUDICE Arthur Schlesinger,Jr, is a distinguished American historian who has written extensively and has been very involved in the American political scene. Some years ago he wrote that anti-catholicism is the last acceptable prejudice of the American people. We know from the media that a great number of Americans is very lacking in knowledge of history, particularly our own history. (During the Second World War, for example, a large percentage of Americans did not know what the Bill of Rights was.) It is not surprising that so many Catholics (and non-catholics as well) seem to have forgotten the difficulties of the Catholic Church in the early days of our country. They seem to have forgotten that it was necessary to found Maryland as a haven for Catholics because they were unwelcome in so many other places. They fail to remember how misunderstood Catholicism was even in the 1960 Presidential Election. Catholic teaching is a real puzzle for some. They just can t understand how we can be so behind the times. Imagine a Church that still rejects divorce and remarriage (as Christ did.) Of course, there can be times when a divorce may be sought for self-protection and absolutely intolerable circumstances. In those cases an annulment must be obtained before there can be a new marriage. Imagine a Church that teaches for two thousand years that abortion is a grave offense against the moral law even though contemporary society is accepting of this manifestly evil practice. There are others, Christians and non-christians who think the same way as we do, but we have many more institutions and that is the current problem. At the present time the Government wants Catholics to violate our consciences and go against the sacred teachings of our faith. The problem is we have so many institutions, schools, universities and hospitals as well as a multiplicity of charitable organizations. There is no institution like the Catholic Church in the United States. For example, one in every six persons in the United States who goes to the hospital is treated in a Catholic Hospital. If these hospitals were to close, it would be a tragedy. On the other hand, we cannot have Catholic hospitals that perform abortions and provide abortion causing drugs. Nor can we have

4 Catholic hospitals that provide immoral operations. The government unfortunately may sanction evil, but we will not. That is why this religious liberty question is of the utmost importance. We must be free to not only worship God but also to live our faith and not to be coerced into activities which are immoral and totally against Catholic teaching. A few weeks ago our bishops met in Baltimore and issued a statement on this pressing problem. They indicated that the government is seeking to impose a great burden and or ministries and, in a certain sense, is willing to curtail the many ministries of the Catholic Church. Such an attack on the Church is unjust, unwarranted and absolutely intolerable. It is an act of tyranny against the Church. In Jesus and Mary, Monsignor James M. McDonald STEWARDSHIP COLLECTION 12/09/12 $29,271 12/08/13 $28,673 (-2.04%) Thank you for your kind and generous support of our parish! PLEASE PRAY SICK: Barbara Ueland, Christine Schifaudo, Peter F. Brala, Christine Lucivero, Geoffrey Hamilton, Jenny Malewicz, Louis Malewicz, Marianne Cusmano, Cecilia Han, Geraldo Peixoto, Kimberly Holmes, Father Brian Dalton, Stacy Test, Owen Hogan, Pat Laughlin, Matthew Blennau, Savitri Ann Persaud, Chuck Smith, Linda Colon DECEASED: Frank Ferrante, Mary Russo, Ralph Covelli, Sr. and for all those who have died serving our country.

5 The spectacular Christmas Concert: Noel-Night of Ever Lasting Love will feature our own Ignis Angelicus (Angelic Fire) choir and orchestra will offer some magnificent Christmas music. Freewill offering will be taken.

6 VÉÅx tçw xç}éç à{x ÜxtÄ ÅxtÇ Çz Éy V{Ü áàåtá tà à{x Sixth Annual Christmas Pageant Sunday, December 15, 2013 Church 6:45 PM Come see our children bring Christmas to life! ALCOHOL & SUBSTANCE ABUSE If any alcoholic, substance abuser, family or friend of a substance abuser needs help or support, call the L.I. Council on Alcohol (LICADD) at (516) The following are self-help meetings are available at St. Aidan parish that meet in the Rectory basement unless otherwise stated or call Dc. Sal Villani at (516) AA-Wednesday 7:15 PM (S); 9:00 PM (CD); Friday 6:00 PM (S); Saturday 11:00 AM (CD), 7:15 PM (B) and 9:00 PM (O); Big Book Study Group Monday 7:30 PM (O). NA (Narcotics Anonymous) Tuesday 8:00 PM, Thursday 8:00 PM, Sunday 8:30 PM. NA Hot Line (516) AL-ANON/Adult/Child-Tuesdays 8:00 PM (CD) Finamore Parish Center. AL-ANON-Thursday (S) 11:30 AM-12:30 PM. Location: LICADD, 114 Old Country Road, Mineola, NY (S)=Step; (CD)=Closed/Discussion; (B)=Beginners; (O)=Open. SUGGESTIONS FOR THE MONTH OF DECEMBER Finding the true meaning of Christmas: And that is not decking the halls, dashing through stores, making wish lists too long to check once, much less twice. When did Christmas get so complicated? It is time to rethink the way we celebrate and focus on the true meaning. Reach the sick, the lonely, the poor, the suffering children with our love that reflects God s love. Give to others what we wish for ourselves, and we embrace the true spirit of giving. Reach out to those in our family who are distant from us with a phone call, a note, a hug, putting beliefs into action. Share your reactions and feedback at pastoralcouncil@staidanparish.org or call (516) x9592. St. Aidan s Pastoral Council tries to be responsive to the needs of our parish.

7 CHURCH OF SAINT AIDAN 2013 CHRISTMAS MASS & CONFESSION SCHEDULE CONFESSIONS Saturdays 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM and 4:00 PM 5:00 PM Monday, December 23, :00 PM 5:30 PM and 7:30 PM 8:30 PM Tuesday, December 24, :00 PM 6:00 PM MASSES CHRISTMAS VIGIL Tuesday, December 24, :00 PM Church 4:00 PM Msgr. Kirwin Hall 4:15 PM Gym 5:30 PM Church 8:00 PM Church 12:00 Midnight Solemn Mass with Choir CHRISTMAS DAY Wednesday, December 25, :30 AM, 9:00 AM, 10:30 AM, 12 NOON, 1:30 PM No Evening Masses on Christmas Night MARY, MOTHER OF GOD VIGIL Tuesday, December 31, :30 PM Wednesday, January 1, :00 AM, 10:30 AM, 12:00 NOON, and 5:00 PM

8 2013 MEMORIAL ADVENT CANDLES Over the years a popular practice has developed of naming each Advent candle. FIRST ADVENT CANDLE Profit Candle, which symbolizes HOPE In Loving Memory of HUMBERTO & EDITH SARMIENTO Requested by M. Isabel Friedman SECOND ADVENT CANDLE Bethlehem Candle, which symbolizes Faith or Preparation as people prepare for the coming of Jesus. In Remembrance of My Loving Wife FLORENCE MARY SIMBLETT THIRD ADVENT CANDLE Shepherd s Candle, which symbolizes the joy which the angels proclaimed when Jesus was born. In Loving Memory of Our Son DANNY STEINIGER Requested by Bob & Kathy Steiniger

9 ST. AIDAN SCHOOL REGISTRATION FOR SEPTEMBER 2014 Phone Number (516) x9202 or x9302 Registration of new applicants wishing to attend St. Aidan School in September 2014 will take place as follows: Tuesday, December 3, 2013 Nursery (3 year olds) West Campus Building 9:00-10:15 A.M. for Parishioners 10:30-11:30 A.M. for Non-parishioners Tuesday, December 10, 2013 Pre-Kindergarten (4 year olds) West Campus Building 8:45-9:45 AM for Parishioners 10:00-11:00 AM for Non-parishioners Re-registration of our present Nursery students returning for Pre-K will be completed through the mail. Information will be forwarded to you through school. Tuesday, January 7, 2014 Kindergarten and Grade 1 West Campus Building 9:00-10:00 A.M. for Parishioners 10:15-11:15 A.M. for Non-parishioners Re-registration of our present Pre-K students returning for Kindergarten will be completed through the mail. Information will be forwarded to you through school. Tuesday, January 14, 2014 Grades 2-3 West Campus Building and Grades 4-8 East Campus Building 9:00-10:00 A.M. for Parishioners 10:15-11:15 A.M. for Non-parishioners Parents who are unable to make the scheduled registration times, should call office for an appointment. Preference is given to those presently enrolled in our school and to students who have siblings in St. Aidan School. The following items are required for all new applicants at registration: copies of birth and Baptismal certificates (will not be returned), all immunization and health records, social security number and your parish envelope number. There will be a non-refundable fee of $150 per family for all registrants. The age cut-off date for all grades is November 30 th. This registration is an application process only. Applications will be reviewed thoroughly and you will be notified as to the status of your child s acceptance into our school.

10 SAINT AIDAN S BOOSTER CLUB The Booster Club is administered by The Saint Aidan s School Board. All proceeds will directly benefit the school. $30 Annual Membership runs September August chances to win every month Prizes Weekly Monthly 1 $25 1 $50 4 $20 2 $25 Monthly Bonus Prizes $100 in January, February, April, May, July, August, September, October and November $500 in March, June and December November Winners $20 Winners Jo Jansen Jean & John Weber Louise Rogan Karen & Bill Wiley Mary A. Price Maddy & Doug Cegelski Jill Wallace Jim & Bernadette Harrison Frances Bruschi Eileen Hargrove Mildred Clinton Patrick & Christine O Gara Harold Guarracino Muriel McMahon Elizabeth McMahon Mr. & Mrs. Cavallaro $25 Winners Kelly Tripodi Sean & Marcia Devaney William & Doreen Downes Mark Wengenosky Jean & John Weber Alexander & Marjorie Perillo $50 Winner: Eileen & John Fitzgerald $100 Winner: Joan E. Flynn Winning checks will be mailed within the next 10 days Name Phone Address City, State, Zip address I would like numbers at $30 each. $ enclosed Make all checks payable to Saint Aidan s Booster Club and return to the Rectory. REMEMBERING OUR SERVICE MEN & WOMEN Protect our service men and women, Lord Jesus, as we continue to pray for world peace.

11 CATHOLICS FOR FREEDOM OF RELIGION You are all invited to a special Mass being offered on December 16 th at 7:30 PM in the church here at St. Aidan. It is being offered in Thanksgiving for all we have accomplished as Catholics for Freedom of Religion and asking for the gifts of Wisdom and Perseverance as we stand with the Bishops to protect our religious freedom... As the government s implementation of the HHS mandate against us approaches, we bishops stand united in our resolve to resist this heavy burden and protect our religious freedom.. Remember the HHS mandate to affect us on January 1, Refreshments and fellowship will follow the Mass in Kirwin Hall. All are welcome! THE KNIGHT S CORNER (Providing information from the Knights of Columbus) BLOOD DRIVE The Knights will be assisting at the Blood Drive that will be held in Msgr. Kirwin Hall on January 5 th from 8:00 AM 2:00 PM. Why not plan to give the gift that saves lives. The time around the Christmas Season is traditionally a time when blood supplies become extremely low in our region, and with the high numbers of people who will travel to our area for the upcoming Super Bowl, we could experience a critical shortage. Each donor will be entered into a drawing for two Super Bowl tickets. KEEP CHRIST IN CHRISTMAS Corpus Christi Council has several Keep Christ in Christmas items available to show your belief in the real meaning of this Holy Season. Items available include lawn signs ($9), car magnets ($4 ea or 3 for $10) and buttons ($1 each or 5 for $4). For further details or to purchase any of the items contact Jim Corrigan at the Religious Education office at (516) x9401 or at home (516) WATCH SPORTING EVENTS The Knights of Columbus Lounge (186 Jericho Turnpike, Mineola - lower level) is open Monday Friday evening at 7:30 PM and Sunday afternoons during football season, and has large flat screen TVs for your watching pleasure and reasonably priced beverages. ARE YOU READY TO JOIN? Corpus Christi Council # 2502 serves both St Aidan and Corpus Christi Parishes. Membership in the Knights is open to all Catholic Men at least 18 years of age. For information call (516) or contact Jim Corrigan at the Religious Education office (516) x9401. HALL RENTAL Big parties or small, the Corpus Christi Council Hall is available for rental. For information call Tom at (516)

12 CATHOLIC MINISTRIES APPEAL We are almost there! $173, 000 GOAL: $173,000 Pledges: $150,834 # of Gifts 642 Amount Needed: $ 22,166 Catholic Ministries Appeal Serving God By Serving Others Thank you for your generous support of the 2013 Catholic Ministries Appeal. Please remember that any new pledges must be received by December 31 st, 2013 and current pledges must be paid by January 31 st, 2014 for the 2013 Appeal. Completing your 2013 pledge ensures that our Parish will benefit by receiving the full rebate. PARISH: PLEDGE: $ NAME : DOWN PAYMENT: $ ADDRESS: BALANCE: $ Please mail this form and checks made payable to: PHONE: Catholic Ministries Appeal PO Box 4000 DONOR SIGNATURE: Rockville Centre, NY

13 LIGHTHOUSE CATHOLIC MEDIA This Advent season when we prepare for the coming of Christ at Christmas, it should be a time for families to come together in prayer. However, it is easy to get distracted with all the decoration in the stores, the urge to buy presents earlier and earlier, tend to increase our anxiety. We get tired of Christmas by the time Christmas Day finally arrives! But we can slow down, celebrating Advent as it is meant to be celebrated! Then when Christmas arrives, we can greet Christ with joy. Why not add to your daily prayers a reading from Scripture for the Advent season. Most of the readings at this time come from the Old Testament book of the Prophet Isaiah, who, more than any other prophet, foretold the coming of Christ. When was the last time you went to Confession? Why not come back to this Sacrament as part of our Advent celebration? How often we offend God, all this collects in our heart and we must seek forgiveness from God. He is the only one to say I forgive you. And He does that in Confession, we must say I am sorry, and we will regain our peace. Our Holy Father, Pope Francis, told the people in his weekly audience, Listen to the voice of the Lord: Let not the cry of the poor ever leave us indifferent, may the suffering of the sick and of those who are in need not find us inattentive, may the solitude of the elderly and the weakness of children move us, may every human life be loved and respected by all. What a profound way to celebrate the coming of Christ! This week we have informative new CDs: Signs of Life: Catholic Customs and Their Biblical Roots by Dr. Scott Hahn. He guides us to a deeper faith through the Old Testament historical roots that underlies Catholic beliefs and practices. Dr. Hahn clears up common misconceptions about specific liturgical rituals and objections about them. The Mass Comes Alive These are 2 CDs for kids ages 3-11 to help them learn and love their Faith, using prayer, faith filled stories and catchy songs. It teaches powerful lessons for living out their Faith every day. There two terrific CDs, ideal for Christmas gifts. I suggest using these CDs as Christmas gifts, it will serve two purposes: give what is important in the true spirit of Christmas and impart knowledge of our Faith to those that may not have it. Your contribution to this program also would help us to bring new tittles every week. Toti Conforti

14 tçw }âáà ã{tà tüx çéâ wé Çz ÉÇ WxvxÅuxÜ FD? ECDFR VÉÅx ux t ÑtÜà Éy áéåxà{ Çz áñxv tä4 TÇÇâtÄ fàa T wtç ctü á{ axã lxtüëá Xäx ctüàç Msgr. Kirwin Hall 8:30 PM - 12:30 AM Chairpersons: Peggy & Charlie Karazia Outstanding music by Steve Griffin *soda*beer* wine*sandwiches*salads*cookies*coffee* tea*chips* Champagne for toasting*warm atmosphere* fun evening*welcome in the New Year with friendsall this for only $35.00 per person. Cut off date: December 20 th. Tickets/Reservations: Please make all checks payable to St. Aidan Church or call: Mary Lou Grady Please contact the above if you would like to be a part of the committee. We need and welcome your help. Remember don t sit home to ring in 2014 let s be together. Give someone you love New Years Eve Tickets for Christmas! We thank Monsignor McDonald for allowing this party to continue. Name: Phone# Amount enclosed: $ Please sit me with Call above or bring to Rectory: Attention: Mary Lou New Year s Eve Don t wait make your reservations early cut off date December 20th after that tickets will be $40.00 per person.

15 Don t Miss St. Aidan Holy Name Society 2nd Annual Super Bowl Raffle Check Out these Four Super Prizes 1st Quarter: $250 2nd Quarter: $500 3rd Quarter: $250 Final: $1500 Here s How it Works: Only 100 Boxes Will Be Sold Cost: $50 Per Box Boxes Will be Picked Randomly You ll be Notified of Box Number by or Phone Drop off the Below Form to Rectory by January 15, Winners will be Notified Day After Super Bowl Holy Name 2013 Super Bowl Raffle Name: Phone: Thank You for Your Support of the Holy Name Society Mission! Any questions call Fred Pacher (516) or fpacher@optimum.net

16 PARISH SOCIAL MINISTRY Love caritas is an extraordinary force which leads people to opt for courageous and generous engagement in the field of justice and peace. It is a force that has its origin in God, Eternal Love and Absolute Truth. Encyclical of Pope Benedict XVI, June 29, PLEASE DO NOT LEAVE ANY BAGS OF CLOTHING ON THE BACK STEPS OF THE PARISH SO- CIAL MINISTRY OFFICE! IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO DONATE ITEMS, PLEASE CONTACT THE PARISH SOCIAL MINISTRY OFFICE! Sharing Our Treasures: WOW!!!! The generosity and kindness that has been shown to all the families we assist at Christmas has been spectacular! We will begin distributing all of these gifts next week and if you still have an ornament from our tree to return, please return it to the rectory or the Parish Social Ministry office. FOOD PANTRY: Our monthly food drive took place last this weekend. Please bring your donations of non-perishable food and personal hygiene items to Parish Social Ministry Office. The ITEMS FOR THIS WEEK ARE: dish washing liquid and cereal. We are also in need of metro cards which we use for our families throughout the year. THANK YOU - On behalf of the many families that received Thanksgiving Baskets, turkeys and gift cards to purchase additional food items for their dinner, I would like to thank all of you from the bottom of my heart! The generosity and kindness that you our beautiful parishioners, St. Aidan s School Families/Religious Education Families, Catholic Daughters of America and our Girl/Boy Scout troops shared with our families were absolutely amazing! Please know that all of our families were so genuinely appreciative and because of your kindness everyone was able to enjoy a delicious meal. I would also to thank the owners of one of our local restaurants, Mitch & Toni s for their generosity in opening up their restaurant for a few of our families to enjoy a Thanksgiving Dinner! PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY Our Prayer Shawl Ministry meets the second and fourth Monday of each month at 9:45 AM in the Peter and Paul Room of the Finamore Center to knit or crochet prayer shawls or lap blankets for our sick and homebound parishioners. New members are always welcome. You need not know how to knit or crochet. We have talented parishioners who can teach you. The next meeting will take place on Monday, January 13th. If you or someone you know would like to have one of these shawls or blankets, please contact our office. If you have any questions, please call Parish Social Ministry (516) x9410. APARTMENT/ROOM We have several parishioners who need of a new place to live! If you know of or have an apartment or room to rent, can you please contact the parish social ministry office at (516) x9408. The Parish Social Ministry office is open Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM 3:00 PM. Our office will be closed on December 24 th December 26 th. Please use the Finamore Parish Center entrance. The only feelings that do not heal are the ones you hide. Henri Nouwen

17 RELIGIOUS EDUCATION ATTENTION ALL VOLUNTEERS: Are you aware that the Diocese of Rockville Centre requires ANYONE IN ANY MINISTRY TO BE VIRTUS TRAINED AND HAVE A BACKGROUND CHECK. A ministry covers Catechists to CYO Coaches, Ushers to Liturgical Ministers, and all parish organization members. Check the Virtus Training schedule and register online for a class being offered by several local parishes at AIDES WANTED SPECIAL NEEDS PROGRAM We are in need of high school students to work as aides assisting catechists and children with special needs. We will provide training and guidance. To volunteer or to receive further information please contact Mrs. Elaine Smith, Director of Special Needs at (516) x9406. CONFIRMATION DVDs HAVE ARRIVED Videos were taken of the Confirmation ceremonies that were held on October 19 th. The DVDs from those ceremonies have arrived at the Religious Education office. If you ordered a video, it is available for pick-up in our office during normal office hours. 3 RD GRADE TEACHER NEEDED We are in need of a caring individual who can assume the position of a 3 rd Grade Teacher for an already formed class that meets every Tuesday, from 4:00 5:00 PM. Due to a schedule change for the current teacher, she will be unable to continue after the Christmas recess. The new teacher is needed beginning Tuesday, January 7 th. If you are able to volunteer for this position or would like additional information, please contact the Religious Education Office at ( x9404. ATTENTION 2 ND GRADE PARENTS The next session of a meeting for parents of children scheduled to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation for the first time will be conducted on Monday, December 16 th at 7:30 PM in the Saint Aidan School Cafeteria which is located in the basement of the upper school building (across the street from the church). Entrance to the cafeteria will be through the back parking lot; door closest to the baseball field. Parents who DID NOT attend the session on December 3 rd are asked to make every effort to attend this meeting. OFFICE HOURS The Religious Education office (Upper School, Room 301) is open from 10:00 AM 4:00 PM Monday to Friday. December 22th Youth Group Christmas Party!

18 RELIGION AND ROCK-Tune into Religion and Rock with Msgr. Jim Vlaun on Sunday from 7:00-8:00 AM on WBAB FM or 95.3 on the East End of Long Island. Listen on Saturdays at 11:00 PM on Sirius Radio Channel 159, the Catholic Channel and at 11:00 PM on XM Satellite Channel 117. You can visit us anytime to listen or download a show at or Religion & Rock on Tunes. For more information about our television shows go to or, for more information, please call (516) COAT COLLECTION-Keep the homeless warm this winter. Contribute a used winter coat or jacket to a soup kitchen that serves 100,000 meals a year. For information contact Tecky at (516) Please help these children and adults. RESPECT LIFE- Open Your Hearts to Life! Respect Life Contest Level I (7-8 grade) Level II (9-12 grades). Categories: Music, Photography, Essay, Pin-board Design, Video Clip, Bookmark and Poetry. 1st Prize: $400, 2nd Prize $250 and 3rd Prize $150. Entries deadline: January 27, 2014, Youth Award Ceremony: March 27, Registration forms are available at LEGION OF MARY-Notre Dame Parish, New Hyde Park, holds a weekly Legion of Mary meeting on Tuesdays at 7:30 PM. For information please call (516) MINEOLA DISTRICT COUNCIL OF PTAS AND THE MINEOLA PUBLIC SCHOOLS-announce the upcoming show of the CHILDREN'S CULTURAL ARTS SERIES FOR , BUBBLEMANIA - A great show, LASER SCIENCE SPECTACULAR, a light and music show is also not one to miss. Delve into the mystery of light, color, perception and lasers -- then enjoy an awesome laser and music show that proves science is cool. This performance is on Saturday, January 4, 2:00 PM. Tickets are $5. You may purchase tickets at the door or may reserve your tickets in advance by submitting your requests with payment and telephone contact information to DISTRICT COUNCIL CULTURAL ARTS, c/o Debbie Tobar, 12 Croyden Road, Mineola, NY Checks should be written out to District Council Cultural Arts. You may then pick up your tickets at the Box Office 30 minutes prior to the show. Children under three and adults are FREE. Adults must remain with children during the shows. If you have any questions, contact Debbie or debtobar@yahoo.com. SAINT WILLIAM THE ABBOT, Seaford, NY-will be holding it's second Candlelight Carol Sing on Wednesday, December 18th, 2013 beginning at 7:30 PM. A wonderful event sure to become a holiday family tradition, attendees participate in singing familiar Christmas favorites as well as being entertained with the sounds of beautiful music provided by professional musicians, handbells and a wonderful group of singers. A featured moment of the evening is the singing of the familiar "Silent Night" carol with the church illuminated only by candlelight. Arriving early is recommended. Those arriving early (on or before 7:00 PM) will enjoy warm cider or hot chocolate on the front plaza around a fire while a brass quintet serenades them. Admission is free, although freewill offerings are accepted. Please bring your family and friends for an unforgettable event. For more information please call our music office at (516) or visit THE CATHOLIC LEARNING CENTER-Professional therapy, provided by New York State licensed therapists, is available to our parish and 148 other parishes. This program, under the direction of Dr. George Giuliani, has been conducted in the Diocese for the past 40 years for the convenience of parishioners. Services are provided by the Catholic Counseling Center, a proprietary professional corporation, which is independent of and not controlled or supervised by the parish or Diocese. Confidential information and appointments are available by calling Dr. Giuliani at (631) or go to the website at: