The Nativity of the Lord December 25, 2016 Today is born our Savior, Christ the Lord!

Transcription

1 A community of Faith hope and love The Nativity of the Lord December 25, 2016 Today is born our Savior, Christ the Lord!

2 Phone/ Fax Website: PASTORAL TEAM Father Ralph Sommer, Pastor ext. 130 Father Joe Nohs, Associate Pastor ext. 128 Deacon John Blakeney Deacon James Flannery Deacon Timm Taylor Father 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 CYO Basketball: website: 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 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 4. Morning Prayer: Monday through Saturday, 8:30 am, Prayer Room. Books are available. Baptism of Children: We welcome infants and children to our Christian community! Baptisms are held on select Sundays at 1:30 pm. Please contact the parish at least 3 months before an anticipated baptism even before a new child is born to ensure enough time to complete the baptism preparation process. Our three-step preparation process includes: 1) at-home reading and preparation by the parents; 2) an intake conversation with a member of our parish staff; and 3) participation with other parents in a Sunday morning gathering, which begins with attendance at our 9:00 am Family-friendly Mass. Please call or parish@stbernardchurch.org to request a Baptism information and preparation packet. Marriages: Church arrangements should be made at least 6 months before the marriage and before making any contracts with restaurants or caterers. Please call the Rectory to set up an appointment with a priest, Ministry to the Sick and Aging: If you are, or know of someone who is homebound and would like to receive Holy Communion, please call the rectory at St. Vincent De Paul Society: Usher Coordinator: John Lyons (516) or Jlyons8234@gmail.com Bulletin Deadline: Friday, 5:00 pm, nine days prior to publication. You may us at Bulletin@StBernardChurch.org or leave a printed copy in the inbox on the bulletin desk in the Parish Office. Thank you for your cooperation! 2

3 All He wants for Christmas Many Thanks! I have so much to be thankful for this Christmas. Thank you to the many people who recently donated to cover the insurance deductible after the break-in we had at the church. Thank you to all who continue to support the work of the church throughout the year. Thank you for all who DO the work of Jesus through the church throughout the year. Thank you to all who made the Christmas celebrations so beautiful by decorating, leading singing, and serving in different capacities at our liturgies. Thanks to all who sent us Christmas cards and gifts. Thanks to all who came to pray today. And most of all I thank God for blessing us with good times and helping us through the hard times. Let us continue, with faith, hope and love, to bring the gospel of Jesus to the people of Levittown and beyond. Merry Christmas! It s almost impossible these days to listen to the radio or an internet Christmas station without hearing some version of Mariah Carey s All I want for Christmas is You. And then there s some version of a Facebook post from parents to their children that reads in part: What do I want for Christmas? I want you. I want you to keep coming around, I want you to talk to me, I want you to ask me questions, ask my advice, tell me your problems, ask for my opinion, ask for my help. I want you to tell me about your life, whatever. Tell me about school, your friends, your job, your worries. Hearing you laugh is music to me. I want you to promise me that if you are having a bad day, you'll know tomorrow will be better. Never give up. Don't give in to peer pressure. Stay away from drugs. If you are overwhelmed, call me. I'm a good listener. Bring your friends over too. I want to see you happy and healthy. When you ask me what I want for Christmas, I'll say I want you. I know someone else singing a version of that song and writing a version of that post: Jesus. We go through so much trouble to celebrate his birthday -- lighting our homes, buying tons of presents, consuming vast quantities of all kinds of delights. Yet at the core of this holiday is Jesus desire to be with us. After all, that s why he came into the world in the first place: he is Emmanuel, which means God is with us. So how about it? What will you give Jesus this Christmas? Can you give him the gift he desires most? You! Perhaps you re familiar with the of-the-monthclub gift. (Fruit of the Month...Jam of the Month...Flowers of the Month...etc.) in which the recipient gets a different gift each month of the year. I m inviting you and your family to give Jesus an of the week gift. Here s how it works: Spend one hour of each week giving him exclusive time by coming to church. Simply one hour. (Living a too busy life? Even busy people can pledge simply one hour.) But wait, that s not all. Pledge one more hour in doing something deliberately charitable for others. Call a lonely person or bake them cookies. Shovel your neighbor s walk when it snows. Buy a little extra food when you re shopping and bring it to church when you come so we can continue to feed hungry people. Figure out your own ways to be charitable. Looking forward to sharing the gift of ourselves together throughout the year ahead. 3

4 PARISH NEWS Feast of Mary, the Mother of God Mass Schedule New Year s Eve, Saturday, December 31: 5:00 pm. New Year Day, Sunday January 1 7:30 am 9:00 am 10:30 am 12 Noon 5:30 pm GIFTS OF TREASURE SUNDAY COLLECTIONS December 18, 2016 December 20, 2015 $ 12, $ 15, envelopes 567 envelopes Faith Direct $ 2, $ 2, Total Collection $ 14, $ 17, Capital Campaign Goal: $1,000, Pledged: $1,199, Collected to date: $1,135, Please continue to fulfill your pledge commitment so that all of the planned projects can be accomplished. Thank you for your continued generosity. Christmas and New Year s Rectory office hours: Christmas Eve: Christmas Day: December 26 th : New Year's Eve: New Year's Day: January 2 nd : 9am-3pm Closed All Day Closed all Day 9am-3pm Closed All Day Closed All Day Faith Direct Have you enrolled yet? Code = NY272 THE GIFTS OF BREAD AND WINE for the weekend of December 24 th & December 25 th have been requested in loving memory of Mary McNulty, First Christmas in heaven By Wilkinson Monday, December 26 7:30 pm Miraculous Medal Novena, Church Tuesday, December 27 10:00 am Our Lady of Consolation, Parish Center 11:00 am Alzheimer Caregiver Support Group, Parish Center 2:00 pm Zumba Gold, Parish Center 6:15 pm Children s Choir, Parish Center 7:00 pm Boy Scout Troop 316, 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 Choir Practice, Church PARISH CALENDAR (Subject to change) 4 Wednesday, December 28 7:30 pm Folk Group, Off-site 8:00 pm Bread of Life Prayer Group, Parish Center Thursday, December 29 9:00 am Zumba Gold, Parish Center 10:00 am Shawl Ministry, Parish Center 2:15 pm St. Vincent Meeting, Clairvaux House Friday, December 30 6:00 pm Girl Scout Cadette Troup, Parish Center Saturday, December 31 11:00 am Women s AA Meeting, Cafeteria

5 MASS INTENTIONS This listing may not reflect recent changes or additions. Monday, December 26 8:00 am Stella Borosky Tuesday, December 27 8:00 am Donna Zappalla Wednesday, December 28 8:00 am Living and Deceased Members of the Holy Innocents Council Thursday, December 29 8:00 am Anthony Romano Friday, December 30 8:00 am Donald Beckers Living Saturday, December 31 8:00 am Mary Moran 8th Anniversary, Lillian Gallo Kane, Keith Fradella, Vin Cangelosi 5:00 PM Kevin J. Gallagher Sunday, January 1 7:30 am All parishioners 9:00 am Therese McCarthy 10:30 am Frank Danko, Lynne Manzi, Rich Hegel, Cynthia Simpson 12 Noon Margaret O Brien 5:30 pm Thanksgiving to the Blessed Mother PARISH CALENDAR (Subject to change) Sunday, January 1, :15 pm Youth Choir Rehearsal, Church 7:00 pm Men s Catholic Fellowship, Prayer Room 8:00 pm AA Meeting, Cafeteria SACRAMENTS BAPTISMS We welcome into the parish the following new members Sebastian Alan Desposorio Congratulations to the happy parents. PRAY FOR THE SICK OF OUR PARISH Diane Faticone Muriel Gallagher Brian McHue Devin O'Rourke Ron & Richie Seleski Cynthia Wilson 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 Brian Austin Arlene Barsch Kathleen Biscardi Eileen Bopp Irene Boyce Jean Caprera Rosemary Clark Ed Costello Diane DeSalvo Monica DeLaRosa Debra Dowdell Margaret Dowdell Gerry Finlan Jim Finlan Linda Fitz Kathleen Flaherty Rich Fuleki Teresita Gallego Regina Gorman Colleen Grasing John Guiffre Mike Hach Patricia Hafner Carolyn Hakim Suzanne Hanna Annette Hannon Cynthia Hansen Donna Hare John Hartofil Judy Hupfer Vicki Jacona Steve Jugan Jerome W. Kalkhof Anne Kalman Katherine Anne Kwestel Violet Kwestel Tia Mabanta Andrew Mahoney Lucy Marconi Gene McDonagh William McDonagh Teresa McDonald Dr. John McLaughlin Mary McLean John McMahon Mary Messina Irmgard Montanino Kerri Orlando Johnny Perdue Rosina Perri Raymond Pfeifer Catherine Pipinou Joan Rampolla Fred Rappa Laureen Quinn-Sturge Deanne Reilly John Rotondo, Jr. John Rotondo, Sr. Flore Rowe Federico Rueda Terri Saccente Eve Saint Thomas Saint Keith Sessa Terry Sherwood Norma Steiger David Testa Rosalie Travers Jerry Valinoti Donna Vollaro Theresa Votta Richard Yankowski Frank Zizzo Christ our Savior is born to us PRAY FOR OUR BELOVED DECEASED AND THOSE WHO MOURN FOR THEM Charles Kerrigan 5

6 LITURGY CORNER December 25, 2016 Solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord (Christmas) First Reading: Where one might expect sweetness in this prophecy, stark images create contrast: harvest for the hungry, relief from oppressive burdens like yokes and poles, freedom for those beaten by a slave master, burning boots that tromp through battlefields and cloaks rolled in blood. What provokes such dramatic change, such abundant rejoicing? A child s birth. Responsorial Psalm 96: Even trees, plains, and oceans rejoice in the figurative language of the psalm. But the human voice alone can tell the story of salvation, and sing the song of justice finally restored by the Lord s rule over the earth. What better time is there to raise the roof with carols sung robustly? Second reading: The grace of God appears not through a military ruler nor a political giant, but in Jesus, taking the vulnerable role of an infant. What is the right response? Not gargantuan deeds, but simple human attitudes like living justly and reverently, searching earnestly for hope, being eager to do good. Gospel: Luke s story begins during the reign of a specific Roman emperor and governor, is grounded in a specific journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem, and culminates with tangible objects: a manger and swaddling clothes. Luke wants his audience to know concrete people and places, not get the mistaken impression that these events occur in cloudy vapors removed from earth. Then his spotlight comes to rest on the most unlikely figures: parents and baby who have none of the power and prestige of those mentioned in the first two lines. The birth of any baby is precarious; so much can go wrong. Add in an arduous journey, an unfamiliar setting, no room indoors: it could be a recipe for disaster. But hope is rewarded: the news is joyful, the child is healthy and angels appear to shepherds, stilling their fear. Saints and Feasts of the Week Monday, December 26. Saint Stephen (first century) is the protomartyr, the first martyr. When the Apostles chose deacons to help in their ministry, he was among the first seven. Stephen was arrested and tried by the Sanhedrin for blasphemy. His fate was sealed when he had a vision during his trial and cried out, (Acts of the Apostles 7:56): Behold, I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God He was dragged out of the city and stoned to death by the mob, which included Saul of Tarsus. Stephen is shown in art with three stones and a martyr s palm, sometimes wearing a dalmatic, a deacon s vestment. Tuesday, December 27. Saint John (first century), apostle and fourth Evangelist, is called the beloved disciple because of his close relationship with Jesus. Throughout his account of the Gospel, Saint John, named as the son of Zebedee and brother of Saint James the Greater, makes an appearance at significant moments in Jesus life; specifically, at the Last Supper, the Garden of Gethsemane, the foot of the Cross, and the upper room. His account of the Gospel is quite different from the synoptic accounts (Matthew, Mark, and Luke) due to his high Christology (divine emphasis), which is proclaimed through symbolic language and poetic form. The eagle is the chosen symbol for John s account, representing the depth and height to which the human spirit must soar in order to grasp the meaning of John s text. Wednesday, December 28. Feast of the Holy Innocents, Martyrs. Herod the Great, fearing for his throne after the Magi told him about the birth of Jesus, ordered the execution of all male children in Bethlehem, hoping that Jesus would be among those killed. According to Matthew, this fulfilled the prophecy of Jeremiah (31:15): In Ramah is heard the sound of sobbing, bitter weeping! Rachel mourns for her children. 6

7 Tidings of Great joy! Good News from Saint Bermard s that you can share 2016 was a really good year at Saint Bernard s. It was the Year of Mercy and there were so many experiences of mercy. Weekly participation at Mass is up and very many people are involved in our charitable works. Due to generous parishioners we re able to pay all our bills and we continue to go throughout Levittown and beyond to share the gospel of Jesus by our actions and words. Why can t all Christians just get together? Every year Christians celebrate a Week of Prayer for Christian Unity in January, and this year St. Bernard s will be hosting two special events: On Wednesday, January 18 at 7:30 pm the Long Island Lutheran-Anglican-Roman Catholic Dialogue will present an evening on how far Lutherans and Catholics have come in achieving unity since the Reformation 500 years ago. On Sunday January 29 at 3:00pm, we ll host a neighborly visit from St. Thomas Indian Orthodox Church in Levittown, whose parishioners graciously hosted us for a visit back in November. Both events are to celebrate our unity, and to encourage cooperation among the Christian communities of Levittown Something to try in the new year Is the Bible True?? Saint Bernard s offers ongoing study and discussion of this question through an exploration of different books of the Bible. This winter, our topic will be The Prophets: Fortune-Telling Fools or Faithful Fanatics? Who were the prophets in the Bible, and why do we still hear from them in church almost every Sunday? This 6-week course begins with a one-session Introduction to Catholic Bible Study for those with no previous formal Catholic Bible study experience. Evenings starting Thurday Jan. 12, 7:30-9:00 pm and mornings starting Friday Jan. 13., 10:00-11:30am. Members of the Charitable Kidz collected hundreds of medical items to send to Nigeria with Father Patrick. Thanks to all who donated! You are making a difference. Time to Belong? Going to church but not baptized? Baptized, going to a Catholic church but not Catholic? Baptized Catholic, going to church, but not confirmed? Give us a call or us!

8 What you did in 2016 Had the following blessed: Your pet Levittown Fire Engine & Firefighters Your new driver & his/her license Your basketball or baseball team Your ring, cross, medal Your baby (before and after birth) Your new car Your house Dads, Moms, Veterans, Catechists Said farewell: To Monsignor George Graham, Pastor Emeritus, who died in 2016 To 130 Parishioners who also went home to the Lord Welcomed: 96 newly baptized babies and older children Many new parishioners who joined the parish Sang and Ate and Danced Parish dances and parties Feast of Saint Bernard Parish Block Party Soup Supper & Pasta Night Donated a new $70,000 Organ Thanks to Liz Bailey for her most generous gift! Worshipped Fed the Hungry Played Basketball Swam Taught Religion Prayed Brought your children to Jesus Gossiped Visited the Sick Wrote a nasty post Got help for addiction Started sitting up front in church Forgave someone Showed Mercy Posted a Selfie of you in Church Drove Drunk Joined Scouting Got Connected Started wearing St BernardWear (Wear the Bern!) Check out our online store! Subscribed to our Blog: sign up at Began to use Faith Direct to donate electronically to support the work of the church Took some time to explore our website Liked us on Facebook

9 Coming in 2017 Valentines Celebration February 11th Celebrate St Valentine's Day with your sweetie at St Bernard's at and after the 5:00 Mass on Saturday, February 11, After a blessing of couples at Mass, you and and your sweetheart will have an elegant buffet dinner, slow dancing, and the warmest and friendliest fellowship of your parish family at Saint Bernard s. Watch the bulletin and the website for details. Vatican Changes Marriage Rites It s true! Starting in 2017 there are new prayers, vows and opportunities for couples to customize their church wedding. If you re planning to get married some day (even if you haven t found the right one yet), it would be good to go to Father Ralph s workshop on what s new in the future of weddings. Wednesday February 1st 7:30pm in the church Already married civilly and didn t get married in the church? Look for the Convalidation link online. We can make it happen this year. Stations of the Cross We ll be walking the stations of the cross along Hempstead Turnpike as we ask God s protection and blessing on our community. Saturday, April 1st 12 noon Starting at Veteran s Memorial Park IS YOUR FAITH ASLEEP? Surveys tell us that a significant number of adults in their 20s-40s in the U.S. are religiously nones meaning that they claim no religious affiliation, or have no particular faith. Are you a Catholic none baptized Catholic but religiously indifferent or asleep? We have an alarm clock that could help wake you up: AWAKENING FAITH is an informal study and discussion group for younger adults that explores topics like: Faith What is it and do you have it?; Prayer What is it and does it work?; Salvation: What is it and how do I get it? All are welcome; no topic is off-bas. Come, even just once to try, and bring friends! This 4-week discussion begins Sat., Jan. 7 from 9:00-10:15 a.m. in the School Youth Ministry Room. (If you re interested in this but can t make the time, we will customize a group to your time, place and convenience with a minimum of 6 people!) Info? dvella@stbernardchurch.org Novedades! Misa en EspaNol Anunciamos que el segundo sábado de cada mes, a las 7:30pm celebraremos una misa en español aquí en la Iglesia San Bernardo. La próxima misa será el 14 de Enero. Invitamos a todos a participar! 2017 is the year we make choices about the leaking tower, adding a steeple, building a bigger lobby, consolidating offices, redesigning the parking lot. If you haven t already returned your opinion card please send it back this week or bring it to church with you next Sunday. See the proposals on our website. A new look for our church?

10 2016: The year of Our 2016 Mercy in Motion workshops: on different areas of life that could use some help and mercy. Ongoing Mercy Our food pantry serves close to 100 Levittown families who reside within our parish boundaries. Families may visit the pantry on a weekly basis if necessary. They may choose the items that will best meet the needs of the family. Most of the food in the pantry is donated by parishioners, but the Charitable KIDZ, Scouts, Kiwanis, the Knights of Columbus, Scouts, sports teams and other community groups share food with us on a regular basis. We are also members of Long Island Cares and Island Harvest, and through grants we are able to receive free or low-cost foods. St. Vincent de Paul and Parish Social Ministry funds help provide assistance in emergency situations. Home visits are an integral part of the ministry of St. Vincent de Paul. Monetary donations from our parishioners are the mainstay of these emergency funds, and people are most generous! The Charitable KIDZ are a teen service organization. Since September 2016, they have participated in the Friends of the Poor Walk, a food drive for our pantry, a Thanksgiving party for our friends from Catholic Charities Group Homes, a coat drive, a durable medical equipment collection for Father Patrick (and a pizza party!) In January, they will be gearing up for the Souper Bowl of Caring collection which will be shared with Father Patrick who hopes to oversee the drilling of a water well in his Nigerian village. Our Shawl Ministry which meets every Thursday morning has created beautiful afghans for our newly-baptized children, and for those who are homebound or in hospitals. Their creations are truly works of art! In the fall, we were able to have Bereavement Support Groups for the newly bereaved, bereaved parents, and for family members of those who have taken their own lives. In addition, other adults have been trained to be facilitators of future support groups. The Peanut Butter and Jelly Gang is a group of young teens who made 1800 sandwiches for the homeless and a group of folks are creating an outreach ministry to the homeless who live in Levittown. Sister Christine is a member of the Income Supports Committee at the Nassau County Department of Social Services, which helps access what low-income people might be entitled to through the County, such as SNAP, Medicaid, etc. Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Rockville Centre and the Central Council of St. Vincent de Paul conduct regular trainings and days of prayer for our volunteers so we can best serve those in our care. Parishioners are most welcome to visit our office and pantry to see what happens on a day-to-day basis. Facing Concerns for Elderly Relatives Facing Bullying Facing Addiction * Facing Divorce and Annulment Improving Family Communication Facing Alzheimer s Facing Widowhood End of Life Issues Facing Foreclosure

11 Saints and Feasts of the Week Thursday, December 29. Saint Thomas Becket ( ) was born in London as the son of Norman parents (he was not a Saxon, as in the play, Becket). He received a good education at Merton Abbey, and later in Paris. When he left school, he became a secretary, a position of some prestige in a society with limited literacy. Eventually he became assistant to Theobald, archbishop of Canterbury. Recognizing his talent, Theobald sent him to the court of King Henry II, and eventually Thomas was named Lord Chancellor of England. In 1162, hoping to gain control over the Church, Henry had him installed as archbishop of Canterbury, but Thomas had a conversion, resigned as Chancellor, and this began a conflict between King and archbishop. When Thomas returned from exile in France and excommunicated Henry s followers, Henry said in a rage, Will no one rid me of this meddlesome priest? Four knights took this as a command and killed Thomas as he went to join the monks for vespers in the abbey church. The story is retold in T.S. Eliot s play Murder in the Cathedral and Jean Anouilh s play, Becket. Friday, December 30. Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph. This liturgical feast has been on the Church calendar for about one hundred years often on different dates. It is a devotional or idea feast that was inaugurated by Holy Family associations. Everything we know about the Holy Family, which is not much, comes from the Gospel accounts read over the three years. It celebrates the unity and love so evident in the family of Joseph, Mary and Jesus. Saturday, December 31. Very little is known about Saint Sylvester I. He was pope from 314 to 335 during the era of Constantine, when the Church was able to come out of hiding after years of persecution. During his pontificate some of the great churches in Rome were built, such as the Lateran Basilica and the original Saint Peter s Basilica on the Vatican Hill. Also, the First Council of Nicea in 325, at which the Nicene Creed was adopted, occurred during his papacy. Readings for December 25, January 1, 2017 Sunday, December 25. The Nativity of the Lord (Christmas). Isaiah 52:7-10; Hebrews 1:1-6; Psalm 98:1-6; John 1:1-18. Monday, December 26. Feast of Saint Stephen, first martyr. Acts 6:8-10; 7:54-59; Psalm 31:3-4, 6-8, 16-17; Matthew 10:17:22. Tuesday, December 27. Feast of Saint John, Apostle and evangelist 1 John 1:1-4; Psalm 97:1-2,5-6,11-12; John 20:1-8. Wednesday, December 28. Feast of the Holy Innocents, martyrs. 1 John 1:5-2:2; Psalm 124:2-5,7-8; Matthew 2: Thursday, December 29. The Fifth Day in the Octave of Christmas. 1 John 2:3-11; Psalm 96:1-3,5-6; Luke 2: Friday, December 30. The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph. Sirach 3:2-6, 12-14; Psalm 128:1-5; Matthew 2:13-15, Saturday, December 31. The Seventh Day in the Octave of Christmas. 1 John 2:18-21; Psalm 96:1-2,11-13; John 1:1-18. Sunday, January 1. The Octave Day of Christmas Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God. Numbers 6:22-27; Galatians 4:4-7; Psalm 67:2-3,5-6,8; Luke 2:

12 PARISH SOCIAL MINISTRY Sr. Christine Sammons, O.P., St. Vincent de Paul: As we celebrate the great feast of Christmas, we are most grateful for all the ways the Word becomes flesh in the great kindness and generosity of our parishioners and friends of the Levittown community. God bless us, everyone! Souper Bowl of Caring: As always, thank you! Please remember the poor boxes. This year, our Souper Bowl of Caring collection will be directed toward Father Patrick s project of a new well in his village. If you would like to be part of this effort, please begin collecting loose change around the house to contribute to the Souper Bowl of Caring which will take on February 4 th and 5 th, 2017! Many families and individuals from our community were recipients of your Christmas gifts. In their name, we thank you very much! Christmas Schedule: During Christmas week, the office and pantry will be OPEN: TUESDAY-FRIDAY (December 27-30) 10:00 A.M. to NOON. SATURDAY, NEW YEAR S EVE 10:30-11:30 A.M. We will be CLOSED: MONDAY, DECEMBER 26 MONDAY, JANUARY 2 Regular hours will resume on: Tuesday, January 3, Christmas Reflection & New Year s Renewal: Molloy College Kaiser Art Gallery is hosting an exhibition of The Saint John s Bible which is an illuminated, handwritten Bible, a masterpiece of the ancient craft of calligraphy and illumination. Begun at the start of the new millennium, this unique undertaking combines a centuries-old tradition of craftsmanship with the latest capabilities of computer technology and electronic communication. Molloy is located at 1000 Hempstead Avenue, Rockville Centre. The exhibit runs through January 23 rd, Monday-Thursday 11 am-7 pm; Fridays 12 noon-8 pm. The phone number is

13 9

14 10

15 Please pray for OUR SERVICEMEN AND WOMEN Michael Agunzo, Jr. Joseph Albertini, US Army Edward Alexander, USAF John Amon, USMC PFC Andrew Anton Patrick Ayoung, USAF Sean Ayoung, USN Eric R. Brouillet, Sgt., USMC Nicholas Catalano LCPL Steven Churchill Pvt. William Curtin Cpt. Christopher DarConte, USAF Sgt. Mark Dennington Seaman Jack Doupe, USN Captain Carey Eden Pvt. Erick Elkowitz U.S. Marine Corp Sgt. Matthew Ferrante, USMC Albert Giovanniello, USAF Sgt. Andre Hiden, US Army Frank Iadevia, USAF Major John P. Kilbride Major Thomas J. Kilbride Michael Kruszewski, US Navy Lt. Jacen Lanclos Pvt. Nicholas Lane, US Army Sgt.1st Class Chris Manzililio Lt. Kyle McDermott Airman 1st Class Maritza R. Mazzara, USAF Ricardo Melendez, USMC Seaman Mike Mercado, USN Robert S. Meyers LCpl Nicholas Montalvo, USMC Pvt. William Munn, US Army P.O. Dawn M. Orlando Rob Owens, USMC Frank Pascale Jacqueline Peterson LCPL. Christopher Piccolo, USMC Cpl. Michael Randazzo Sgt. Samuel Rodriquez, US Army John Ross, USAF Tony G. Rotondo, USMC Carl M. Saviano MSgt. Matthew Schwally, USAF Sgt. Vince Senn PFC Desmond Slattery Sgt. Jonathan Soto, US Army Thomas Sullivan Pvt. 1st Class William Sutch, USMC Jonathan Taggart, USMC Call the Rectory to have names added or removed from this list, or to add the branch of service. Remember and pray for all the wonderful men and woman serving in our Military especially those who are away from their homes so that we can enjoy peace and freedom. God bless all of them and comfort those who have suffered sickness or injury. Catholics For Freedom of Religion CFFR Religious Expression at Christmas: Religious expression in the schools is a perennial issue, but at no time in the school calendar is it more controversial than at Christmas. The University of Tennessee sought to ban Christmas celebrations, but thanks to a public outcry, guidelines issued by the Office of Diversity and Inclusion were rescinded. James Madison University in Virginia sought to ban religious songs at a concert on campus saying songs must be secular. They are wrong. The problem is also commonplace at grades K-12. The fact is that public schools at all levels are neither required nor prohibited from holding Christmas celebrations, including concerts that include religious lyrics. However, due to a lack of clear public information on this subject, many school officials, worried about a lawsuit, play it safe and opt to censor Christmas. (catholicleague.org, 12/10/15) The Remedy and Mission Statement: Catholics For Freedom of Religion, CFFOR, provides resources to assist people of all faiths to educate and inspire on a non-partisan basis within each faith community for First Amendment Freedom of Religion. So that First Amendment Religious Freedom may be practiced and preserved for every generation, it is essential that Americans understand this freedom and the circumstances from which it came. Dear Christ Child, born to us this day, we pray that our gifts of love and service may be pleasing to you. Infant Jesus, we ask you to bless us in our vigilance for religious liberty based on your gift of free will to all mankind. Amen 11

16 EAST MEADOW 2515 N. Jerusalem Road WANTAGH 603 Wantagh Avenue Serving Proudly the St. Bernard Parish for over 50 Years QUICK EMERGENCY RESPONSE 24 HR. 7 DAYS And Holidays PLUMBING & HEATING All Leaks Repaired Floods Pumped Repair or Replace: Faucets Toilets Sinks Drains Heat Waste & Water Lines - Residential Specialist ALL WORK PERFORMED BY OWNER Highly Recommended By His Customers TRY ME ONCE YOU LL BE IMPRESSED WITH THE SERVICE PHIL CEPARANO 35 YEARS EXPERIENCE Serving the Parish Area RAYMOND NARDO ATTORNEY AT LAW 129 Third St., Mineola, NY Are you Selling Your Home? Do You Need a Will? ASK ABOUT MY 2 YEAR GUARANTEE LEVITTOWN HICKSVILLE 2786 Hempstead Tpk. 47 Jerusalem Avenue (516) (516) HOLY INNOCENTS COUNCIL # Jeffries Rd., Levittown, N.Y. For Membership info Call (516) * * * * * * * * * * Banquet Facility available (516) SPECIALTY CAKES BIRTHDAY SWEET 16 WEDDING ANNIVERSARY OR ANYTHING ELSE YOU CAN THINK OF LET US BE AT YOUR NEXT PARTY! 2374 HEMPSTEAD TPKE., EAST MEADOW VALENCIABAKERY.NET Lic. Master Plumber Serving all Nassau No Job Too Small Insured Comforting families Since 1924 Family Owned and Operated by Timothy J. Dalton and Beth Dalton-Costello mptrg.com/apply Maidenbaum Property Tax Reduction Group, LLC MAKING CAKES SINCE 1948 Law Office of Roy A. List Wills Trusts Elder Law Medicaid Planning Medicaid Applications Free Consultation 109 Newbridge Road, Hicksville DISCOVER A FAST & NATURAL WAY TO LOSE WEIGHT The Sadkhin Complex No Medications, No Special Foods, No Surgeries, No Heavy Exercise. For a Free Consultation: Garden City Plaza, Suite 250 (located near Roosevelt Field Mall) GardenCity@Sadkhin.com CLASS A ROOFING & SIDING ROOFING SPECIALIST We Live Here, We Worship Here (516) VERNON C. WAGNER FUNERAL HOMES, INC. 125 Old Country Road 655 Old Country Road Hicksville, NY Plainview, NY (516) (516) Our Service Speaks For Itself Prevete Real Estate 3705 Hempstead Turnpike Levittown, New York Business (516) Fax (516) Cell (516) YOU LL BE AMAZED CALL FOR FREE Market Analysis Your Personal Realtor - Member Long Island Board of Realtors - Member New York State Association of Realtors - Member National Association of Realtors Each Office is Independently Owned And Operated John Satriano, ABR, SRES N.Y.S. Lic. R.E. Broker Associate Notary Public Lic/Ins DIVISION CAR CARE All Repairs Guaranteed Foreign & Domestic N.Y. State Inspections 40 Division Ave Levittown Mary Ann Nuzzi, C.P.A. INCOME TAXES Available Year-Round PAT DOLAN PLUMBING Licensed Master Plumber 24 HR. EMERGENCY SERVICE #172 FOR ADVERTISING: THE CHURCH BULLETIN INC., 200 DALE ST., W. BABYLON, NY (631)