21ST SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME AUGUST 27, 2017

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1 21ST SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME AUGUST 27, 2017 He said to them, But who do you say that I am? Fr. Christopher Costigan, Pastor... Ext. 302 Cheryl Nicholson... Ext. 301 Parish Assistant Mrs. Kathy Day... Ext. 304 Bookkeeper Mrs. Marlene Jean-Baptiste Co-Director of Social Ministry or , Ext. 320 Ms. Barbara Powell Co-Director of Social Ministry or , Ext. 321 Cheryl Nicholson... Ext. 312 Bulletin Editor Voice Mail Only: Must Leave a Message Deacon Hernst Bellevue... Ext. 346 Director of Adult Faith Formation English/Creole Baptismal Program Mr. Alvin Ingram... Ext. 347 Liturgy Chairperson Mr. Tom Gould... Ext. 348 Plant Manager Mrs. Dulce Sepulveda... Ext. 349 Spanish Baptism Program Elissa Hanson... Ext.350 Choir Director & Organist Ms. Lisette Joachim... Ext 351 Ministry of Consolation Deacon Evenou Saint-Louis Parochial Archivist... Ext. 352 RELIGIOUS EDUCATION Deacon Trevor Mathurin, Director of Religious Education...Ext. 311 Mrs. Imogene Regan, RCIA Director...Ext PRAY FOR OUR MILITARY PERSONNEL U.S. Air Force: Staff Sgt. Andrew D. Simpson Master Sergeant Scott Moller Tech. Sgt. Francisco J. Velasquez Master Sgt. Jeremy Salaver U.S. Army: Private Angelique J. Rosado Master Sergeant Jill Agront Sgt. Hisnard Cadet, Jr. Staff Sgt. Misael Exantus PFC Zaymery Villalobos Special Force Kareem Inniss Spc. Richard Aquilar Captain Gavin Campbell McMahon LTC Douglas Boltuc Sgt. Andrew Gandolfo PFC Francisco Fuentes Melinium PFC Stefan Saindoux PFC Luc-Ambert Saindoux, Jr. PFC Betty Piquion Sgt. Henry Pazmino U.S. Marines: 1 st Battalion Carlos Fuentes CPL Daniel C. Monroe RCT Eric Joel Vazquez Sergeant W. Jason Ferris L. Cpl. Alfonso Rodriquez Oswaldo Pazmino INDEPENDENCE STRENGTH FREEDOM U.S. Navy: Airman Herbert J. Alvarado JE-4/CS3 Jesus Ron Lt. Joseph A. Baugh Cpl. Eric Omar Matos Lt. John R. Esposito AG2/Petty Officer 2 nd Class Michael McGee Gordy Garcia

2 Saint Martha Roman Catholic Church 546 GREENGROVE AVENUE, UNIONDALE, NEW YORK Phone: (516) THE PASTOR S WEEKLY LETTER August 27, 2017 ~ Twenty-First Sunday in Ordinary time ~ As we prepare to select members for the three new Pastoral Committees as mentioned in previous bulletins, please prayerfully reflect and consider others (or yourself) who might be a faithful member of one of the committees. The person does not have to be someone who is already involved in many parish activities, but must be someone who is a faithful Sunday worshipper here at St. Martha. All members of any committees must complete background checks and VIR- TUS training. Please return all nominations to Parish Office by September 18. Name of Nominee: Address: Phone: Name of one nominating: Phone and Primary Mass attended: Why do you recommend this person to serve? Alors que nous préparons la sélection des membres pour les trois nouveaux comités pastoraux, comme mentionné dans les précédents bulletins, veuillez s il vous plaît réfléchir dans la prière et désigner une autre personne (ou bien vous-même) qui pourrait être un membre fidèle dans un de ces comités. La personne n a pas besoin d être déjà impliquée dans plusieurs activités paroissiales, mais elle doit assister régulièrement à la messe du dimanche ici à Sainte Martha. Tous les membres des comités devront compléter une vérification de leurs antédédents et un cours de formation VIRTUS. Veuillez retourner toutes les candidatures au bureau de la paroisse avant le 18 septembre. Nom du Candidat Proposé: Adresse: No. de Téléphone: Nom du Présentateur: Téléphone et Messe habituelle: Pourquoi recommandez-vous cette personne pour servir? 2

3 Saint Martha Roman Catholic Church 546 GREENGROVE AVENUE, UNIONDALE, NEW YORK Phone: (516) THE PASTOR S WEEKLY LETTER August 27, 2017 ~ Twenty-First Sunday in Ordinary time ~ A medida que nos preparamos para seleccionar a los miembros de los tres nuevos comités pastorales como se mencionó en los boletines anteriores, por favor reflexionen en oración y consideren a otros (o a ustedes mismos) que podrían ser miembros fieles de uno de los comités. La persona no tiene que ser alguien que ya está involucrado en muchas actividades de la parroquia, pero debe ser alguien que es un fiel adorador de Domingo aquí en Todos los miembros de cualquier Comité deben completar los controles de antecedentes y la formación Virtus. Favor de devolver todas las nominaciones a la oficina parroquial para el 18 de Septiembre. Nombre del candidato: Dirección: Teléfono: Correo electrónico: Nombre de alguna nominación: Teléfono y correo electrónico: Misa primaria atendida: por qué recomienda a esta persona para servir? THE PHARISEES LACK OF TRUE PERFECTION First, it must be known that every venial sin merits a punishment in this world or in the next, and for those who are lost through having died in the state of mortal sin, this punishment of venial sin will be eternal. Furthermore, venial sin weakens and enervates the soul; thus it renders it more feeble in resisting temptations and in doing good. It makes the fervor of charity grow cold. It retards spiritual progress. If many...do not attain true perfection it will not be necessary to seek another cause for this fact. Not keeping themselves with fear in the presence of God, they allow themselves to be easily carried away by useless and vain things. Venial sin is also a great obstacle to the familiar friendship of the soul with God, to the secret consolation of the Holy Spirit, to the interior taste of the divine goodness and suavity. Lastly, it easily disposes to mortal sin, as we have said, if one does not make an effort to correct it with constant vigilance. This meditation should produce in us three effects: a profound hatred of sin, a resolution to detest it by frequent acts of contrition, and a firm purpose to die rather than ever to commit it again. The Angelic Doctor exhorts us strongly to this hatred of sin. He says: If you love everything, exclude sin, fear nothing but sin. Love God alone and let nothing render you sad except sin. VENERABLE MOTHER JULIENNE MORELL, O. P. (+1653) was a Dominican nun born in Barcelona, Spain. She spoke several languages, and was the first woman to receive a Doctor of Laws Degree. 3

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5 If thou love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength, thou shall serve Him well. This is NOT a substitute for your schedule! Please refer to the schedule you received from the head of your ministry! If you are unable to serve, do not call the office! Find a replacement or contact your ministry head! 5:00PM - Lector: John D Atri Altar Server: David LaBlanc Eucharistic Ministers: Hermine Lydia Charles, Josephine Ferrier, Ingrid Isidore-Lamour Ushers: Rosemarie Allen, Thomas Maddox, Jennifer King, Mario Cadavid, Alejandro Apresa 7:30AM - Lector: Daniel Cronin Eucharistic Ministers: Carol Bargeron, Virginia Costello, Dolores Spagnoli Ushers: Jim Capriotti, Carmen Charles, Anton Brown, Genevieve Charles, Joseph Gedeon, Alex Apresa 11:00AM - Lector: Marie Jiha Altar Servers: Alexa Morgan, Christopher Ervilus, Jiovhannah James Eucharistic Minister: Yolande Augustin, Maggie Austrie, Mary Bediako, Winston Delpesh, Phyllis Droessler, Karleine Graham Ushers: Bennett Paul, Agnes Duclairon, Wilner Nestor, Frantz Denis Thank you for your generosity to St. Martha s Parish! August 20, :00 PM Mass... $ :30 AM Mass... $ :45 AM Mass... $2, :00 AM Mass... $1, :30 PM Mass... $ Poor Box... $66.00 (Does not reflect donations made by Faith Direct) st Sunday in Ordinary Time August 27, 2017 Monday August 28-St. Augustine, Bishop and Doctor of the Church 8:30 AM... Ray D Atrio and Jude Larkin Tuesday August 29-The Passion of St. John the Baptist 8:30 AM... In Thanksgiving for Yolande Augustin Wednesday August 30 8:30 AM... Patricia Rosalia Thursday August 31 8:30 AM... In Thanksgiving for Joseph Anthony Friday September 1 8:30 AM... Morning Prayer Service Saturday September 2 5:00 PM... Pauline Mauzoul Sunday September 3 7:30 AM... The Parishioners of St. Martha 8:45 AM... Ralph J. D Atri & Elizabeth D Atri 11:00 AM... In Thanksgiving for Schneider Francois 12:30 PM... In Thanksgiving for Rosemarie Allen Bulletin Reflection In today s readings, St. Paul reminds the Romans - and us - that all things come from God: For from Him and through Him and for Him all things are. Good stewards understand that all is gift and share generously the gifts of time, talent and treasure with which they ve been blessed. Living Stewardship We are grateful this week for all stewards in our parish who strive to make their gifts grow and to share them lovingly, in justice, with others. SCRIPTURE READINGS FOR 22ND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME September 3, 2017 Jeremiah 20:7-9 Ps 63:2, 3-4, 5-6, 8-9 Romans 12:1-2 Matthew 16:21-27

6 A LIGHT UNTO MY PATH Twenty-First Sunday in Ordinary Time -Bishop Robert Barron - - In the famous conversation at Caesarea Philippi, described in the 16 th chapter of Matthew s Gospel, Jesus speaks to Simon the son of Jonah: And so I say to you, you are Peter and upon this rock I will build my church. And then he adds, And the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it. I don t know about you, but I managed more or less to misunderstand this image for about forty years. I always took it to imply that the powers of hell would come after the Church and that the Church would always be able to withstand the attack. But in point of fact, the figure of speech employed by Jesus is meant to suggest something in the opposite direction. In the ancient world (and really up until practically modern times), an invading army would attack a walled city at its most vulnerable point, namely, the gates. Therefore, to state that the gates of the underworld will not prevail against the Church is to imply that the community of Jesus Christ is the aggressor. Jesus is not saying that we will always prevail against their attack; he is saying that they will never prevail against our attack. Mind you, we never fight with the weapons of the world, but by God, we fight and we will win. We aren t tremblingly waiting for our enemies to come after us; we re going after them! Love will conquer hate; compassion will conquer cruelty; non-violence will conquer violence. So go forth, disciples of Jesus. Rite of Christian Initiation (RCIA) will begin classes next week. Any adult 18 years and older, who wants to receive the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist), please call the office at (516) , Ext. 314 and leave your name and a good contact phone number. NO ONE IS TOO OLD TO RECEIVE THESE SACRAMENTS 6

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8 Lectio Divina A Prayerful Reading of Sacred Scripture The Gospel for the Twenty-First Sunday in Ordinary Time Matthew 16:13-20 Jesus went into the region of Caesarea Philippi and he asked his disciples, Who do people say that the Son of Man is? (16:13). Bishop Robert Barron notes that the Lord asks not What do the people think about my teaching? but rather this question about his identity. Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger: Jesus proclamation was never mere preaching, mere words; it was sacramental, in the sense that his words were and are inseparable from his I - from his flesh. Verbum Domini 92: The novelty of the Christian message does not consist in an idea but in a fact: God has revealed himself. They replied, Some say John the Baptist, others Elijah, still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets (16:14). Saint John Chrysostom: After the disciples replied by recounting the opinion of the common people, Jesus then by a second question invites them to higher thought concerning him. He said to them, But who do you say that I am? Simon Peter said in reply, You are the Christ, the Son of the living God. (16:15-16). Saint Thomas Aquinas: In Peter s response perfect faith is touched upon, for faith in the humanity of Jesus is touched upon. Anointing belongs to Jesus according to his humanity. So Peter says this that they might regard the humanity of Christ in a way different from the crowds. Saint Hilary of Poitiers: The reason for maintaining this confession is that we may remember that Jesus is both the Son of God and the Son of Man. The one without the other offers no hope for our salvation. Saint John Paull II: Only the faith proclaimed by Peter, and with him by the Church in every age, truly goes to the heart, and touches the depth of the mystery. Jesus said to him in reply, Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah. For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my heavenly Father (16:17). Aquinas: Although others confessed Jesus to be an adoptive son, Peter confessed him to be the natural Son. Therefore this one is blessed before the others because he first confessed the divinity. Father Cornelius a Lapide, S.J.: Blessed and happy are you, O Peter, on account of this new faith concerning me. For this is a mighty gift and benefit, not of flesh and blood, that is, not of nature, but by the grace of God inspiring and revealing to you this very thing. For this faith is the beginning and the foundation of all grace and glory, and, therefore, it shall lead you, and many through you and your example and preaching, to eternal blessedness. Father John Tauler, O.P.: The Holy Spirit leads those who prepare their souls for him, who long to be filled with him, who would entertain him as their divine guest, who would yield themselves freely and loyally to his guidance. How glad we should be to extend him this welcome. And so I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it (16:18). Saint Leo the Great: Jesus says, Even as my Father has made known to you my excellency, so do I also make 8

9 Lectio Divina Cont d A Prayerful Reading of Sacred Scripture The Gospel for the Twenty-First Sunday in Ordinary Time Matthew 16:13-20 are a rock, because you are strengthened by my strength, and the things that are mine by my own power are yours by participation with me. On this strength I will raise up an eternal temple, and the loftiness of my Church, piercing into heaven, will rise up on the firmness of this faith. Hence, who would dare beat against this impregnable solidarity, except either antichrist or the devil? Origen: In heavenly things every spiritual sin is a gate of hell, to which are opposed the gates of righteousness. I will give you the keys to the kingdom of heaven. Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven (16:19). Aquinas: Christ communicated this so that sins might be removed through a ministry which is completed by the strength of Christ s blood. Chrysostom: The reason God s plan permitted Peter to sin was because he was to be entrusted with the whole people of God, and sinlessness added to his severity might have made him unforgiving toward his brothers and sisters. He fell into sin so that, remembering his own fault and the Lord s forgiveness, he also might forgive others out of love for them. Peter, the teacher of the world, was permitted to sin so that, having been forgiven himself, he would be merciful to others. Then he strictly ordered his disciples to tell no one that he was the Christ (16:20). Chrysostom: Jesus says in effect, Preach me when I shall have suffered those things, since it is not expedient that Christ should be publicly proclaimed, and his majesty made commonly known among people, when they are shortly to behold him scourged and crucified. For that which once was rooted but afterward has been torn 9

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11 On June 30, 2016, a ring was found after the 11:00 AM Mass and was returned to the parish center by one of our deacons. If you lost a ring, and thought you d never find it, we may have it! It appears to be very special and it was Fr. Chris who came up with the idea of running an ad to connect it to its rightful owner. Contact the parish Center at , Ext 301. CATHOLIC MINISTRIES APPEAL AS OF AUGUST 2, 2017 GOAL: $40,000 REBATE STARTS AT $32,000 PLEDGES TO DATE: $26,986 UNDER GOAL: $13,014 UNDER FIRST REBATE: $5014 NUMBER OF DONORS: 216 HOMEBOUND COMMUNICANTS Any EM interested in bringing Communion to the homebound, please call Ginny at (516) and leave your name & number. Thank you! ROSARY SOCIETY Anyone who is interested in joining the Rosary Society, we are having a meeting on September 7, 2017 in Bethany Hall at 12:30 PM. We pray, we share and we gather for our annual communion breakfast in October. Please come! Thank you! Scripture Readings August 28 September 2 Monday, August 28 1 Thessalonians 1:1-5, 8b-10 Psalm 149 Matthew 23:13-22 Tuesday, August 29 Jeremiah 1:17-19 Psalm 71 Mark 6:17-29 Wednesday, August 30 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13 Psalm 139 Matthew 23:27-32 Thursday, August 31 1 Thessalonians 3:7-13 Psalm 90 Matthew 24:42-51 Friday, September 1 1 Thessalonians 4:1-8 Psalm 97 Matthew 25:1-13 S a t u r day, Se p t e mber 2 1 Thessalonians 4:9-11 Psalm 98 Matthew 25: Vocation Prayer Merciful Father, you sent your Son into the world to free us from the power of sin and evil. Grant that, through the intercession of the Virgin Mary, our Mother of Mercy, many young men will respond to your call to give of themselves in imitation of Christ the Redeemer. Fill them with the light of your Holy Spirit that they may renounce the power of the world, proclaim truth and freedom, and bring consolation and relief to oppressed Christians. Bless our family of Mercy with numerous holy priests and brothers who will offer our world the testimony of your faith and love. We ask this through Christ our Lord. AMEN

12 Cada miércoles, de 9:00 AM a 2:00 PM y de 4:00 PM a 7:00 PM, el Padre César R. Bejarano, OFM se encuentra disponible en el Centro Parroquial para confesiones y dirección espiritual. LA EUCARISTÍA SE OFRECE: Por el eterno descanso de Casimira Amaya de Maldonando. GRUPO DE ORACION: Los miércoles, a las 7:00 PM en el gimnasio. ULTREYA: Cada domingo, a las 11:00 AM en la Capilla. JUVENTUD SIN FRONTERAS: Los jueves, a las 7:30 PM en el Salón Betania. CORO HISPANO: No hay ensayos durante el mes de julio y agosto. MINISTERIO DE ACOGIDA: Aquellos ministros que extienden la bienvenida y entregan las hojas de canto a los feligreses que van entrando a la Iglesia.. MOVIMIENTO FAMILIAR CATÓLICO: Se reúne cada 15 días. Para informarse, llamen al o al CENACULO DIVINA MISERICORDIA: Primer martes, a las 7:00 PM en la Capilla. MISA JUVENIL Y DE NIÑOS: Cada segundo domingo del mes. LOS NIÑOS: Cada domingo los niños son convocados al Salón Betania para escuchar y compartir las enseñazas de las lecturas dominicales. ESCUELA DE LA PALABRA: Cada martes, a las 7:30 PM en San Ladislaus. PRESENTACION Y BENDICION DE PÁRVULOS: Cada segundo y cuarto domingos del mes. EL SACRAMENTO DEL BAUTISMO: El tercer domingo de cada mes, a las 2:30 PM en la iglesia. Los interesados consulten con la Sra. Dulcelina Sepúlveda. XXI DOMINGO ORDINARIO Indiscutiblemente que en el tiempo de Jesús eran muchos los que se declaraban mesías; también se conocían muchos grupos religiosos, alejados de las prescripciones de la Ley, que buscaban un mesías que les sirviera de líder religioso o político. La pregunta que Jesús hace a sus discípulos en la región de Cesarea de Filipo, por lo tanto, tiene sentido. Quién dice la gente que soy yo? Quién dicen ustedes que soy yo? Jesús no busca un reconocimiento político, sino una respuesta de fe. Creer en Jesús implica creer en todo lo que Jesús dice y muestra con su vida y mostrará con su muerte y resurrección. Por ello, el primero en responder es Pedro, quizás en nombre de los demás. Pedro es la roca sobre la cual la Iglesia se construyó. Su profesión de fe es también la 12

13 THANK YOU to everyone who has donated to my medical fund thus far. I found out my initial campaign (not run by me) has been shut down for an unknown reason. The first campaign helped cover my household bills from missed work, as well as smaller hospital bills. This new campaign is set up in hopes of paying back some of the $90k+ I owe as of now. (This is only one of the two surgeries I have had so far.) It is very possible I will have to claim bankruptcy if I cannot make a good dent. That is a very frightening thought as a single parent. For those of you who either have donated already, or cannot afford to, please do not feel obligated. I ask for prayers for myself and for my family. It has been a very rough couple of months. The new link is You can also leave donations at the Parish Center. Every little bit helps, and has helped. God bless and thank you so much. St. Martha s has been incredible with your generosity. ~Elissa Hanson, Music Director he list of names that will appear under this column will reflect ONLY those who are CRITICALLY ILL. The individual or family member must contact the Parish Center in order to be placed on the Sick List. Please note the new address the Parish Center at cnicholson@saintmartha.org ( PRAY FOR THE SICK MUST APPEAR IN YOUR S SUBJECT LINE); or come by the Parish Center with your request in writing, no later than Monday. This list will be updated on a monthly basis. Helen Zeiser Edith Lucchi Carolyn Maffettone Frank Brown Ginger Dudek Ofelia de Torres Sophia Kyriakaksis Julienne Jacques Mercia Edwards Leopold Johnson Baby McCann Omnipotent and Eternal God, the everlasting Salvation of those who believe, hear us on behalf of Thy pitying mercy, that, with their bodily health restored, they may give thanks to Thee in Thy church. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Marie C. Meus... +August 15, 2017 Frances M. Claus... +August 24, 2017 Dear Lord, As my life declines and my energies decrease, more than ever hold me by Your Power, that I may not offend You, but daily increase in Your Love. Give me strength to work in Your Service till the last day of my life. Help me to ever have an increasing dread of venial sin, or whatever would cause the slightest withdrawal of Your Love; all day long, and at night keep me close to Your Heart; and should I die, ere the morning breaks, may I go rejoicing in that vision of Your entrancing beauty, never to be separated from You. Amen. For everything you need to know in faith formation, Visit Memorialize a loved one with a leaf on our parish s Tree of Life, located in the Church Lobby. If you would like more information about this lovely memorial, please contact the Parish Office at (516) Ext 301 The Mass Intentions Book... is now open until the end of Dec & The Bread and Wine Calendar... is now open until the end of Dec

14 Give us our daily bread Social Ministry/Outreach Office Hours Mon., Wed., Thurs., Fri. 10:00AM 2:00PM (516) or (516) , Ext. 320 (English/Spanish/French/Creole) Professional Therapy and Counseling Family, marriage, and individual therapies, provided by New York State licensed therapists, are available to our parish. For confidential information and appointment, call Dr. Giuliani at (631) or go to our website at: An Immigration Consultant... will be available at the Parish Social Ministry the second Wednesday of each month. The next date will be on: Wednesday, September 13, :00AM - 1:00PM F I D E L I S C A R E HEALTH INSURANCE It s time to start preparing for our back-to-school event. We at St. Martha s Ministry would like to help the children of our community with the tools (materials) they will need to begin the new school year. As always, we depend on your generosity in donating the following items: Backpacks (lots of..) Loose Leaf Binders Loose Leaf Paper 3 and 5 Subject Notebooks Marble Notebooks Folders Pocket Folders Cloth bookcovers Erasers Glue, Glue Sticks Pencils Pens Pencil Cases Rulers Crayons Scissors Markers, Highlighters We thank you for your kindness! GIFT CARDS ARE WELCOME! Mrs. Marlene Jean-Baptiste Ms. Barbara Powell Co-Directors of Social Ministry/Outreach Is in Social Ministry every Wednesday from 10AM 12 PM Ask to see Soraya 14