Masses For The Week. Altar Server Assignments. Lector Schedule. the Faithfully Departed. Page 2 Sunday March 2, 2014

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1 Page 2 Sunday March 2, 2014 Masses For The Week Monday, March 3rd 6:45 Louis Grefig, Jr. Family 8:30 Anthony & Antoinette Segreti-Theresa Lawrence Family 8 PM Alex & Eve Kasmir DiFalco Family Tuesday, March 4th 6:45 Int. Isabella Spencer 8:30 Richard Hiller Alice Brosseau 8PM Geraldine Perrella Reid Family Wednesday, March 5th 6:45 Sylvania S. Rose Family 8:30 Genevieve Berger Suzanne Cunha 8PM William Soper William Finnegan Thursday, March 6th 6:45 Int. Cedric Edmon Family 8:30 Int. Alice Hoffman Family 8PM Tom Butera Palermo Family Friday, March 7th 6:45 Kenneth Grimes Your Friends at the Life Center 8:30 Gerald Bartlett Karen Wright 8PM Holy Souls in Purgatory Saturday, March 8th 6:45 Sr. Kay Shed Milton Family 8:30 Fred Dorsa Frank Salmeri 5PM Frank Massaro Family 5:15 Susan & Peter Ennis Family Sunday, March 9th 7:30 St. Joseph s Book of Remembrance 9:00 Int. Marie Bonnarigo Jack Foley and family 10:30 Joan P. Reid Marguerite Bitetti 12:00 Int. Fr. Robert E. Mason Alice & Ernest Hoffman 1:30 Anita Reyes Oliva Pedraza Monday, March 3 8 pm - Tuesday, March 4 8 pm Joseph Giglio Wednesday, March 5 8 pm - Daniel Tomic Altar Server Assignments Thursday, March 6 8 pm Alexander Zapata Gabriel Zapata Friday, March 7 8 pm - Brendan O Keefe Peter O'Keefe Saturday, March 8 5 pm - Laura Glynn Mary Glynn Cameron Russo Sunday, March 9 7:30 am - Miguel Hutchinson 9:00 am - Brendan O Keefe Peter O Keefe 10:30 am - Christopher Giglio Joseph Giglio Jennifer Jandovitz Keith Irving 12:00 noon Alexander Zapata Gabriel Zapata Joshua Michael 1:30 pm - Stephen Martinez Matthew Russo Please pray for the repose of the souls of the Faithfully Departed Rest in peace The Bread and Wine have been donated this week For a Special Intention The Sanctuary Candle in the Chapel has been donated for A Special Intention The Sanctuary Candle in the Church has been donated for A Special Intention Lector Schedule Ash Wednesday, 3/5-6:45 AM Joselyn Mirabal and Efren Bacani - 8:30 AM Isidora Bacani and Bernard Hennelly - 8:00 PM Mary Champney and Jean Cooper -12:00 PM Lenten Services Mary Lucich - 3:00 PM Lenten Services Vince Gatto - 5:00 PM Lenten Services Dan Donahue Saturday, 3/8-5:00 PM Jean Cooper Sunday, 3/9-7:30 AM Joselyn Mirabal - 9:00 AM Al Hans - 10:30 AM Dave Gordon and Jim Dolan - 12:00 PM Rick Harrington - 1:30 PM Vincent Gatto

2 Our Lady of Lourdes Page 3 Dear Friends, My thanks to all who have seriously considered being a part of the Catholic Ministries Appeal. We're off to a good start and I hope many parishioners will join in the effort to support the most needful on Long Island. A great beginning in our desire to participate in helping the needful around us. Please give prayerful thought to making your own pledge to the Catholic Ministries Appeal. And if you've been blessed during the past year, think of sharing your blessings with others who haven't been as fortunate. I remember years ago asking my Mom why she and my father always remembered to make their pledge to the Catholic Ministries Appeal. And she told me the story of what it was like to grow up in the Depression back in Brooklyn. And how much, in tough times, they relied on the Catholic Church to get them through when there was so little hope around. Well, she reasoned, now we have the comfort of a better life. Shouldn't we be aware of and helpful to those who are in serious need in our own times? I've already made my pledge. And I ask you to join in this life-affirming means of assisting those who really do need your help. Please make a pledge to the Catholic Ministries Appeal. Thank you. On another note, a holy Catholic writer sent me 6 thoughts for Lent on how we can be instruments of Jesus' healing touch this holy season. These include: -Fasting from anger and hatred. And figuring out a way to give your family an extra dose of love each day. -Fast from judging others. Before we quickly judge the sins of others, remember that we're a church based on a Jesus who overlooked and forgave the faults and sins of others. -Fast from discouragement. Hold fast to the promise of Christ that He has a perfect plan for your life. And if we cooperate with His plan, we needn't worry or get discouraged when our own plans don't turn out as we wish they would. -Fast from complaining. Measure your words each day this Lent and try to go positive and avoid the negative. -Fast from resentment and bitterness. It can be a bottomless well that produces nothing good or positive. Holding grudges traps and ensnares us. It never helps us to grow and evolve. -Fast by spending less and give the savings to people who are truly in need. You'll then have the grace of knowing that your generosity made a family in need better able to carry the burden of their tough times. Enjoy a blessed week and remember during Lent to make these 40 days of preparation for Easter a time of true rededication to the Lord who loves us. In His Love, Msgr. Jim Lisante Pastor

3 Page 4 Sunday March 2, 2014 Our Parish depends solely on your generosity to meet each week s expenses. Our regular Sunday collections account for more than 60% of our operating budget. Your continued support, especially during these difficult economic times, is both needed and appreciated. Last week you donated $ 15, Thank you Let us continue to pray for peace. Let us also pray for all those serving in the military. With special care we pray especially for: Christopher B. Afetian - Sgt USMC, Pvt. Kevin L. Blieka U.S. Army, Sgt. Brian Andrew Dayman, US Army, Commander Christopher DeMay - Navy, Spc. Gregory Devaney -Army, Nicholas R. DoLieto - Marine Corps, A1C Timothy Erkens USAF, Capt. Michael Ferrari, USMC, Spencer French, 1st Lieutenant, US Army, Airman Steven Freund-USAF, SRA Senior Airman Robert J. Gerry - Air Force,Spec. Steven Gianatiempo - US Army, Brandon Goodwin, Petty Off., 2nd Class, USCG, Stefanie Goodwin, Petty Off., 3rd Class, USN, Kenny Greening -PFC-Army, Capt. Michael Hanna- US Army, Chaplain Major Timothy Hirten, USAF, Maj. Luke Holian USMC, Kristen Janoscak DOD-USAF, 1st Lt. Josef Kaplan- US Army, SPC Justin Lansford -US Army, Sgt. Todd J. Lobraico USAF, Major Michael Edward Loconsolo, US Army, Pvt Matthew Macario - US Army, Garrett Macchio A1C, Air force, Jason Moritz - Sgt. USAF, Pvt 1st Class Joshua Nichols - US Army, Lt. Col. Thomas O Connor, US Army, Lyle Oldmixon- Pvt. 1st Class USMC, Spc. Manuel E. Palmer US Army, Cpt. David Paolillo USAF, Cpt. Kathleen Paolillo USAF, L. CPL Michael E. Porfidio - USMC, Capt. Joseph Shultz, L CPL Eric Vazquez USMC, US Army, Spec. Zachary Small - US Army, US Army Sgt. Michael Stephney If you know a Service Member that you would like to add to this list please contact the rectory Please include name, rank and branch of service. Prayers for the Sick Beatrice Barber, Vivian Blum, Joanne Brady, Ed Burch, Al Cavalli, Jason Connor-Costabile, Angelo DeCosimo, Angela DePolo-Huges, Jane M. Depraida, Theresa Dimitri, Barbara Donovan, Connie Fennessey, Kathi Finnegan, Peggy Folan, Wilfred Furlong, Pedro Galvez, Bill Goodman, Hart Family, Gloria Hartford, Carol & Russ Hayward, Gasper Ingui, Jesus Jupio, Sandra Laub, Elaine Lentini, Vanessa Linn, Noel Martinez, Robert E. Mason, Marie Molloy, Pat O'Brien, Florence O'Neill, Marie Peritore, Georgia Pettit, Vincent Pinto, Lisa Roberts, Donald Rubin, Ayden W. Sabino, Angie Scandiffio, Walter Schulein, Zina Smaowell, Ginny Stanton, Edward Steiger, Mary Sweeney-Lynaugh, Annemarie Tine, Thomas Tine, Jr., Larry Tomanelli, John Vota There are still available 6:45am, 8:30am and 8pm Masses open for the month of March. If you would like to have a Mass intention for a loved one, living or deceased, please stop by the rectory office. WE WELCOME INTO OUR PARISH FAMILY THE FOLLOWING NEWLY BAPTIZED Liam Jake Schnatter Emily Massucci Joelle Rose Semosh Patrick Hurd Robinson Kamryn Anthony Crouthamet Raffaeola Mia DiGrigoli

4 Our Lady of Lourdes Page 5 Our Lady of Lourdes Memorial Garden Phase II Spring 2014 Once again, we would like to thank all who have helped support our Memorial Garden Grotto Project Phase I. We are very pleased with the workmanship and outcome of the memorial bricks and benches. As spring 2014 approaches, we will now begin Phase II of the Memorial Garden Grotto Restoration. We are now offering another opportunity to purchase memorial bricks, for anyone who hasn t had a chance to do so. (Please refer to the attached Reservation Form ) As a reminder, memorial text can contain a message of remembrance for our deceased loved ones, but can also pave our Living Walkway, marking moments such as; Births, Baptisms, Birthdays, Weddings, Graduations, Holy Orders, Anniversaries etc. In addition to the bricks, we are also replacing the top of the altar in the Memorial Garden with a stunning new, black granite piece deserving of its sacred purpose. The four sides of the altar top will be engraved in gold lettering to match the benches, one of which, (front) is already spoken for. There is an opportunity to purchase one of the remaining three sides of the grotto altar. Please call the rectory if you re interested in dedicating or memorializing these special sites. Please watch for the many upcoming changes, as we restore this beautiful garden dedicated to Our Blessed Mother and Bernadette. We will keep you informed in the bulletin of the different opportunities to care and share in memorializing and restoring items in the Grotto. If you have any questions, please contact the rectory Thank you for your continued support. God Bless!

5 Page 6 Sunday March 2, 2014 HOW TO ORDER BRICKS Your contribution of $ entitles you to have a 4 x 8 brick engraved with up to 3 lines of script, 14 characters per line including spaces and punctuation.. Your contribution of $ entitles you have an 8 x 8 brick engraved with up to 6 lines of script, 14 characters per line including spaces and punctuation. Engrave my inscription as follows: 4 x 8 Brick Please complete the following information RESERVATION FORM *Note: A 20% minimum deposit is required with your order and 8 x 8 Brick payment in full by May 5, 2015 Purchaser s Name Address Payment Method CASH: $. CHECK:$, City State Zip OWES:$. PIF: Phone One order form per brick. Additional order forms are available at the rectory. Please return this form with your check payable to Our Lady of Lourdes Church 855 Carmans Road, Massapequa Park, NY 11762

6 Our Lady of Lourdes Page Catholic Ministries Appeal Serving God by Serving Others A Letter from Bishop Murphy Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, In this special season of Lent, the Catholic Ministries Appeal gives each of us an opportunity to join together to support the wonderful work of our Church. I am grateful for the dedication and sacrifice that you and so many of our parishioners have demonstrated in the past by supporting the CMA with an annual gift. Each of us in our own way has been blessed by God. The Catholic Ministries Appeal is an opportunity to live the faith we profess; to be Disciples of Christ and good stewards of all that we have received. The Church counts acts of charity as the greatest best sacrifice in Lent. Alms-giving covers a multitude of sins. Therefore, I am inviting you to join with me this Lenten season, not only in a spirit of sacrifice, but also in a mutual expression of gratitude. The programs and ministries that are funded by the CMA bring life and meaning to Jesus words. Through our gifts, we help those in need - the poor and the vulnerable. Our gifts also demonstrate our commitment to vocations for the priesthood, the diaconate and the consecrated life, religious education and the defense of the unborn. Our generosity strengthens families and enables our various ministries to do good works throughout the year. I ask you to consider prayerfully a meaningful gift to the 2014 Catholic Ministries Appeal. May the Holy Spirit guide you and bestow His graces upon you as together we share our gifts in love and service in the name of Christ Jesus. In the spirit of Lent, I hope that you will join this effort today. With my gratitude and prayers, I am Yours sincerely in Christ, Bishop of Rockville Centre For more information about the Catholic Ministries Appeal, to view the video, or to donate, please visit or call ext. 2.

7 Page 8 Sunday March 2, 2014 Parish Outreach Food Pantry Our parish food pantry continues to thrive all because of you! Thank you everyone for your generosity, support and encouragement. We could not do all we do without your kind concern for those in need. Thank you for helping us to help others! Again, McKenna Elementary School organized a Souperbowl food drive for our parish community. 24 cartons, filled to the brim, with nutritious good soups were delivered to our door. On behalf of those we serve, thank you to the students, teachers and faculty for your praiseworthy efforts. The gifts of your kindness and charity will be shared with our neighbors in need throughout this winter season. Each and every donation is a big help in keeping our pantry in good shape. The highlighted items below are those that we run low on most often. Please continue to be as generous as your means allow. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Canned Tuna Cereal Coffee or Tea Pasta Oatmeal Powdered Milk Tomato Sauce Canned Fruit Juices Peanut Butter Can Vegetables Soup Jelly Instant Potatoes Macaroni & Cheese Pancake Mix Rice Cookies/Crackers Pancake Syrup Beans Jell-O/ Pudding Parish Outreach hours are Mon.-Thurs., 9am to 4pm We Care Blankets Our Care Blankets group of volunteers continues to meet on Wednesday mornings from 10:00am to 11:30am, in Room 4, right next door to Parish Outreach. Since our group began in November 2009, a total of 1,038 gorgeous hand-made colorful blankets have been lovingly created. Thank you so much for the care, time and talent that goes into every beautiful creation, each a special gift for a very special child undergoing cancer care. We are happy to accept contributions of yarns, crochet hooks or knitting needles. If you would be interested in joining please give Parish Outreach a call at (516) The more the merrier! Temporary Employment Opportunity at Catholic Charities Diocese of Rockville Centre Temporary Driver Suffolk Meals on Wheels Program Babylon/Amityville area (core work schedule: 19 hrs./week; M-F, 10 am start) We are seeking an experienced delivery driver who is familiar with Southwest Suffolk routes to deliver meals to homebound seniors while monitoring and reporting any changes in their physical, emotional or mental status. HS/GED and a valid NYS Driver s License required. Our ideal candidate will have at least 2 years experience as a delivery driver and demonstrated knowledge of vehicle maintenance. Solid communication, organizational and client service skills are needed. This position is temporary. resume and cover letter to: jobs@catholiccharities.cc or fax to: Please specify Temporary MOW Driver in subject line of your or fax. Ministry of Consolation Our parish is richly blessed to have gathered a wonderful group of volunteers who make up Our Lady of Lourdes Ministry of Consolation team. The most valuable gifts we can give are the gifts that come from the heart. The precious gifts of our time, love and compassion are especially needed during the time of the loss of a loved one. Created to provide warmth, caring and personal attention to assist families in preparation for the funeral mass, this particular ministry can never have too many helping hands. Whether your interest be that of a Greeter, Lector or EM, please give some thought as to sharing your time and talents and being a part of this ministry s call to love and care for one another. Thank you so much to our coordinator, Deacon Frank Gariboldi and all our volunteers for embracing this beautiful ministry. Please call Parish Outreach at if you would like to volunteer. Thank you for your consideration.

8 Our Lady of Lourdes Page 9 "Euthanasia is a false solution to the drama of suffering, a solution that is not worthy of man. The real answer cannot be, in fact, to give death, as 'gentle' as this may be, but to testify to the love that helps us to face pain and agony in a humane way." Pope Benedict XVI On February 14th, the Belgian Parliament made euthanasia available to children. Many questioned the ability of minors to make such a grave decision. 200 Belgian pediatricians voiced their opposition, as well as a group from the Assembly of the Council of Europe and the International Children's Palliative Care Network (ICPCN). The ICPCN stated that euthanasia is not part of palliative care and is not an alternative to palliative care. Bart Sturtewagen, Chief Editor of one of Belgium's largest daily newspapers, was upset with the international attention and stated, "I'm annoyed at hearing 'you'll kill children' in the foreign media. We don't use that kind of language anymore. It's a very different debate on a different level." The group statement from members of the Assembly of the Council for Europe said that child euthanasia "promotes the unacceptable belief that a life can be unworthy of life which challenges the very basis of civilized society." Sturtewagen defended the change and reflected that during the last 12 years of legal euthanasia, Belgians had grown used to it as an option. US publishing executive Steve Forbes wrote in an opinion piece, "We are on the malignantly slippery slope to becoming a society like that envisioned by Nazi Germany, one in which 'undesirables' are disposed of like used tissue." Even some euthanasia supporters have questioned this new law. Sean Davidson, who was tried and found guilty of assisting his mother to die in New Zealand told the Volksblad newspaper that "it is hard to believe that a child is able to make an informed decision about his or her life, while there are adults" who have difficulty understanding euthanasia. Alex Schadenberg, chair of Euthanasia Prevention Coalition International stated, "It took them [Belgium] 10 years to add children, but in fact...they needed to add that because they were already doing it to children. The law was being ignored. It was already being abused, and doctors wanted cover for it." Megan Daum, defending the law in her column in the Los Angeles Times, said, "Children in Belgium won't be able to ask for life-ending medication by merely hitting a nurse's call button. They must be suffering from pain that doctors have deemed truly unmanageable. They must get approval from their parents and their medical team, and they must be evaluated by psychologists. They must make the request several times and demonstrate that they understand what they are asking for. And, of course, they must be close to death anyway." Bioethicist Wesley J. Smith responded, "Close to death doesn't excuse killing. Also worth noting, the law doesn't define how close the child must be - and thus, that will be decided by the death doctor. And what does unbearable suffering mean? Could it mean the child's anguish at seeing her parents grief? In the Netherlands, the suffering of the parents is now allowed by the Dutch Medical Association as a consideration in euthanizing babies - this, even though infanticide remains technically murder under Dutch law...besides, there is no way that these restrictions will hold. They are cruel, requiring a child to write a note asking to be killed. That is so cold, you watch how soon it will be ignored. Moreover, the law was instituted in the first place because doctors were already killing sick children even though it was clearly illegal. What do legal restrictions have to do with anything when the overriding meme is that killing is an acceptable answer to human suffering? Indeed Belgium shows how fast the euthanasia stain spreads: We have seen joint euthanasia of elderly couples, due to a botched sex change operation, and coupling the killing of the mentally ill with organ harvesting." On February 21, Smith reported that a healthy Italian woman paid a Swiss right-to-die clinic 10,000 Euros for an assisted suicide because she had lost her looks and was lonely. Her family had reported her missing, and only found out about her death when they received her ashes and death certificate from the clinic. Smith concluded, "The same expansion will happen with children too-and eventually the law will be amended to accommodate the actual practice...it seems that all we do these days is discuss death and promote suicide. What we [the U.S.] are - still - is killing squeamish, and may we ever be so! Belgium does show the truth about euthanasia and the consequences of a culture embracing the culture of death. In the end, it is never enough."

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10 Our Lady of Lourdes Page 11 Our Lady of the Island, Knights of Columbus Council 6911 is looking for a few good men to join the Knights order. The Knights of Columbus is an organization of Catholic men and their families who derive a great sense of satisfaction from being able to develop lasting friendships with each other while assisting in times of need. Founded in 1882 by Fr. Michael McGivney to assist widows and orphans, the Knights have grown to more than 1,800,000 members worldwide. Every day, the K of C provides its members with the opportunity to discover the importance of charity, unity, fraternity, and patriotism to our country and the world. Representatives from the Our Lady of the Island, Knights of Columbus Council 6911 will be available after all masses next weekend in the vestibule to answer questions and accept applications for membership. Remember the Church in Your Will My Dear Friends in Christ: Do you ever wonder why universities, hospitals and other nonprofit institutions are so successful? THEOLOGY CLASS 7:30-9:00pm in the Church basement Abstracts of each class are given out, so you can best follow the lectures Phone the rectory for more information. Subjects: 1. Church History 2. Church Dogma 3. Apologetics 4. Scripture Next Class - Tuesday, March 4th Everyone Welcome! Books, videos & DVD s for Loan Free of charge CYO BASKETBALL Phone Rectory, ask for Fr. Tony Or phone John Get on the waiting list for next season Travel for Boys Clinic for Boys & Girls Note: Now accepting clinic athletes Today, the financial and gift support from alumni and friends has made the difference maker for many non-profits. A gift of a percentage of your estate in your will or a specific gift amount can be a lasting tribute to you, your family as well as secure the future of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish. Many friends are anxious to make major gifts but are concerned about family, expenses, tuition or retirement. A gift through your will can enable you to make a return of the many blessings God has bestowed upon you and also enable you to make the major gift you may have always wanted to make. A will is an important document that protects you and your family and should be updated regularly. A regular update is also an opportunity to include Our Lady of Lourdes. Please prayerfully consider remembering Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in your will. A gift can help God s work long after you ve passed into His hands. As always, we will remember you, your loved ones, and your intentions in our prayers every day. Faithfully yours in the Lord Jesus, Msgr. James P. Lisante Next Get-Together: Saturday, March 15th 6 to 8 pm in Room 7 in the School. Diocesan Holy Hour for Youth of high school and college age: Friday, March 21st at St. Ignatius Parish, in Hicksville at 7pm. Our group will leave for the Holy Hour at 6:15 pm from the front of the school. Let Fr. Tony know ( ) if you d like to attend, so that we will have enough car space for everyone.

11 Page 12 Sunday March 2, 2014 Our observance of Lent begins on Ash Wednesday In 1966 Pope Paul VI reorganized the Church's practice of public penance in his "Apostolic Constitution on Penance" (Poenitemini). The 1983 revision of the Code of Canon Law incorporated the changes made by Pope Paul. Not long after that, the U.S. bishops applied the canonical requirements to the practice of public penance in our country. To sum up those requirements, Catholics between the ages of 18 and 59 are obliged to fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. In addition, all Catholics 14 years old and older must abstain from meat on Ash Wednesday, Good Friday and all the Fridays of Lent. Fasting as explained by the U.S. bishops means partaking of only one full meal. Some food (not equaling another full meal) is permitted at breakfast and around midday or in the evening depending on when a person chooses to eat the main or full meal. Abstinence forbids the use of meat, but not of eggs, milk products or condiments made of animal fat. Abstinence does not include meat juices and liquid foods made from meat. Thus, such foods as chicken broth, consommé, soups cooked or flavored with meat, meat gravies or sauces, as well as seasonings or condiments made from animal fat are not forbidden. So it is permissible to use margarine and lard. Even bacon drippings which contain little bits of meat may be poured over lettuce as seasoning. Each year in publishing the Lenten penance requirements, the U.S. bishops quote the teaching of the Holy Father concerning the seriousness of observing these days of penance. The obligation to do penance is a serious one; the obligation to observe, as a whole or "substantially," the days of penance is also serious. But no one should be scrupulous in this regard; failure to observe individual days of penance is not considered serious. Moral theologians remind us that some people are excused from fasting and/or abstinence because of sickness or other reasons. In his "Apostolic Constitution on Penance," Pope Paul VI did more than simply reorganize Church law concerning fast and abstinence. He reminded us of the divine law that each of us in our own way do penance. We must all turn from sin and make reparation to God for our sins. We must forgive and show love for one another just as we ask for God's love and forgiveness. The Code of Canon Law and our bishops remind us of other works and means of doing penance: prayer, acts of self-denial, almsgiving and works of personal charity. Attending Mass daily or several times a week, praying the rosary, making the way of the cross, attending the parish evening prayer service, teaching the illiterate to read, reading to the blind, helping at a soup kitchen, visiting the sick and shut-ins and giving an overworked mother a break by baby-sitting all of these can be even more meaningful and demanding than simply abstaining from meat on Friday.

12 Our Lady of Lourdes Page 13 We have many talented parishioners here at Our Lady of Lourdes. We re asking you to think about how you might help with the necessary repairs in our convent by working with us to accomplish the necessary changes through volunteering your time and talent. If you're good at painting and spackling or don't mind helping by being an all-around handyman or handywoman, we can certainly use your assistance. Parishioner Anthony Rubano, a member of the Parish Council, is helping to coordinate this effort to improve the building which has housed our Religious Sisters for over fifty years. If you think you can give some of your time, knowledge or dedication to helping our Sisters, please leave a message for Anthony at the rectory and he'll be in touch with you. The rectory number is Collection Envelopes It helps our counters to keep an accurate account of your donations if you write the amount of your donation on the space provided on the front of the envelope. Also, please do not tape or staple your envelope closed

13 Page 14 Sunday March 2, 2014 Lent offers us all a very special opportunity to grow in our relationship with God and to deepen our commitment to a way of life, rooted in our baptism. In our busy world, Lent provides us with an opportunity to reflect upon our patterns, to pray more deeply, experience sorrow for what we've done and failed to do, and to be generous to those in need. The First Four Days of Lent These days serve as an introduction to our Lenten journey. Before we begin the first full week of Lent, we have a powerful set of readings about our Prayer, Repentance, Almsgiving and Fasting. We place ashes on our foreheads and learn about the meaning of death and life. Over two days we pray over the powerful challenge of Isaiah 58. And Jesus reminds us that he is inviting us to a "change of heart." ASH WEDNESDAY Wednesday, March 5th The Ashes will be imposed after all of the daily Masses at 6:45 A.M, 8:30 A.M., and 8 P.M. In addition ashes will be imposed at Lenten Prayer Services held at 12/Noon, 3P.M. and 5P.M. Fast & Abstinence: On Ash Wednesday and on all Fridays of Lent, all Catholics who have reached their fourteenth year should abstain totally from meat. On Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, all Catholics between the ages of eighteen and fifty- nine inclusive, should also fast strictly, which means limiting one-self to a single full meal and avoiding food between meals. To add to the sacrifice of voluntary fasting, works of charity and special acts of penance may be done so that every Lenten Friday will be a significant spiritual day to bring about reconciliation and peace.

14 Our Lady of Lourdes Page 15 Community News Our Lady of Lourdes Church 855 Carmans Road, Massapequa Park Friday $1800 in prizes at 8:00 PM Tuesday Golden Society, at 7:30 PM $2000 in Prizes w/progressive Jackpot $2000 IN PRIZES - $850 GIANT JACKPOT Progressive Jackpot on Tuesdays 2 ND AND 4 TH THURSDAY EVENINGS, 7:30 PM IN THE PARISH CENTER ROOM 16 Next Meeting: March 13 & March 27rh Little Sisters of the Poor at Queen of Peace are holding their annual Irish Night at Antun s of Queens Village on Thursday, March 6 th from 7 11 PM. The dinner/dance event features a traditional Irish meal of corned beef and cabbage. All proceeds support the Little Sisters ministry to the elderly poor. Admission is $50.00 per person and reservations must be made in advance. For more information visit or call the development IS IT TIME FOR YOU TO CONSIDER A DEGREE IN SOCIAL WORK? Healing Mass February 27th, 2014, 7:30pm at St. Francis of Assisi Church, 29 Clay Pitts Road, Greenlawn, NY Fordham University Graduate School of Social Service offer an exciting Graduate Social Work Program (MSW Degree) at Molloy College s Rockville Centre campus, Fordham s Lincoln Center campus and Online. Information session will be held at the Molloy campus (Casey Center, Room 014) on Monday evening, March 10 th at 6:00pm. For more information, please contact Agnes Mitchell at , amitchell@molloy.edu. THE CASE FOR LIFE The Long Island Coalition for Life Educational Trust invites you to learn how to persuasively defend the pro-life position. Scott Klusendorf, president of Life Training Institute, will give two dynamic presentations: Fri. March 28, 7 9PM (articulating pro-life truths) and Sat. March 29, 9AM-Noon (effective tactics responding to abortion advocates). Location: Joseph Barry Knights of Columbus Hall (45 Heitz Pl. Hicksville). Weekend registration donation: $20; $10 for students (covers both days plus a book on making the case for life). Light refreshments. Courtesy RSVP (for book count) to FORTYD- FLLI@gmail.com. Additional information: ; info@prolifeli.org.