Celebrating the Resurrection comes hard when your hope is all but dead.

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Clyde Harvey Hamilton
5 years ago
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2 Easter is supposed to be a joyful time to celebrate new life, but it s easy to lose the spring in your step when you re struggling. While your kids want to dye Easter eggs, you may be wrestling to believe God can breathe new life into the things that are weighing you down. You may not feel like celebrating Jesus victory over death if you re struggling to believe He ll come through for you. Maybe you re praying for a sick friend or a wayward child, but you don t see any answer. Celebrating the Resurrection comes hard when your hope is all but dead. Yet Jesus tells us that faith as small as a mustard seed is all we need to move mountains. The story of the criminal on the cross next to Jesus illustrates the power of even the smallest glimmer of faith...in the toughest and most hopeless times of our lives. What can we learn about hope in difficult circumstances from the convict who died on the cross next to Jesus? As he himself lay dying on a Roman cross, this man (popularly known as Dismas) cried out, Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom. (Luke 23: 42) How could he possibly hope that Jesus, nailed and tied to a cross, could be the Messiah people were waiting for? And how did he muster up enough faith and courage to call on Jesus while he himself suffered torture? Surely his best hope was a quick death. Yet somehow the man had a glimmer of faith, and he exercised it by calling on Jesus: Remember me when you come into your kingdom We find three powerful words at the heart of his prayer: Jesus, remember me! Isn t that what faith is? Aren t we all hoping that God will remember us and remember our prayer? Remember my struggling marriage and family life. Remember my sick friend...my friend struggling with life-threatening addictions...or terminal illness. Remember my loved one who I m grieving for. Remember my children...my grandchildren...i m scared about the world they're growing up in. Remember my hopes and dreams. You and I can call on Jesus just as that criminal did. As we place our hopes before Him, we can trust He ll remember us. He ll provide for us. He can even increase our faith when we re not really sure He ll hear and act on our prayers. Let s take a look at Luke 23:39-43 to see what else we can learn: One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: Aren t you the Messiah? Save yourself and us! But the other criminal rebuked him. Don t you fear God, he said, since you are under the same sentence? We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong. Then he said, Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom. Jesus answered him, Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise. Our criminal on the cross might not have fully recognized who Jesus was, but he knew some people called Him the Messiah, the King of the Jews. When the first crucified criminal began to taunt Jesus, our man defended him. He said, This man has done nothing wrong. Our convict took the little he knew about Jesus and acted upon it. He took the small faith he had and put it to work by calling on Jesus. And Jesus responded to his small faith: Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise. You and I know much more about Jesus than the convict dying next to Him did. Jesus is the Son of God, He s the Resurrection and the Life, and He can bring life to all things dead. Even our wilted hopes. So let s act on what we know, and muster up our mustard seed faith and small glimmer of hope. Let s call on Him today: Jesus, remember me. And He will. Jesus will remember us. He rewarded the small, incomplete faith of that criminal on the cross; He promised the man eternal life, and he has a reward for our imperfect faith as well. He will not forget us. A Prayer for Hope Jesus, remember me. You know the desires of my heart, You love me perfectly, and You have the power to meet all my needs. Help me to trust you even when I cannot see you working as I d like. I lift my mustard seed faith up to you. Make it grow, and renew my hope. In your name I pray, Amen.

at 11:00 AM in Travis Hall and experience the joy

The liturgy will be specifically inclusive of our

4 ST. JOSEPH'S FAMILY MASS! St. Joseph's Parish is excited to announce the Family Mass Schedule for 2018! April 8 th and 22 nd Please join us for Family Mass at 11:00 AM in Travis Hall and experience the joy that comes from attending Sunday Mass as a family! The liturgy will be specifically inclusive of our youngsters who are attending with their families. Immediately following Mass we will enjoy hospitality together!

6 SAVE THE DATE Music at St. Joseph s Wednesday, April 18, 12:15 PM Noontime Organ Recital Frank Crosio, Organist Friday, May 11, 7:30 PM Spring Concert St. Joseph s Choirs

Thomas believed because he saw the risen Jesus. Although we have never seen him, we believe that Jesus is the Christ, begotten by God.

There is an old French saying which states that God often visits us but most of the time we are not at home.

The others tried to convince him that they had seen the Lord, but his continued reaction was to doubt.

He would not trust again without crystal clear proof. Unless I see the holes that the nails have made in his hands and can put my hand into his side, I refuse to believe.

He understood fully his situation as he does ours in our moments of crisis and despair. Doubt for him proved a growing point of a faith made stronger when tested.

How else as Christians are we linked across the centuries with the disciples of the early church if not by an unbreakable bond of faith.

Living as we do in an age where there is a natural explanation for everything, it is difficult to see beyond surface appearance and to trust unreservedly in God's word.

The gospel made a real impact on the lives of the first believers. They took it to heart and reached out, related and encouraged one another in a prayerful spirit of community.

There is no greater example of faith than to live with others in a common spirit of friendship, harmony and love.

When everything else fails and our faith is needed, nothing can compensate for its absence. Focus on Religious Freedom From Catholics For Freedom of Religion www.cffor.

9 Thomas believed because he saw the risen Jesus. Although we have never seen him, we believe that Jesus is the Christ, begotten by God. We give thanks to the Lord that he has formed us into a community of believers united in the Spirit. There is an old French saying which states that God often visits us but most of the time we are not at home. On the evening of the first day of the week, when the Lord appeared to the apostles while they were at prayer in the upper room, Thomas was not at home. The others tried to convince him that they had seen the Lord, but his continued reaction was to doubt. Good Friday and the death of Jesus on the hill of Calvary, had crushed Thomas' dream of a lifetime, and left him a deeply wounded, disillusioned and an angry man. He would not trust again without crystal clear proof. Unless I see the holes that the nails have made in his hands and can put my hand into his side, I refuse to believe. The loud doubts he echoes in the gospel lurk in all of us. Thomas' honesty met him at the very point of his uncertainty. He understood fully his situation as he does ours in our moments of crisis and despair. Doubt for him proved a growing point of a faith made stronger when tested. Today is a day for honest reflection on the depths of our own Easter faith and a time to ask the Lord to strengthen our convictions and trust in his word. How else as Christians are we linked across the centuries with the disciples of the early church if not by an unbreakable bond of faith. The bottom line of that faith is our belief in Jesus Christ as the Risen Lord. Faith is a struggle, a challenge and a battle and there is nothing comfortable about it. Living as we do in an age where there is a natural explanation for everything, it is difficult to see beyond surface appearance and to trust unreservedly in God's word. As descendants of the first Christians, mere belief in Christ as the Son of God is not enough. There must be life in his name. The gospel made a real impact on the lives of the first believers. They took it to heart and reached out, related and encouraged one another in a prayerful spirit of community. For us, living a truly Christian life involves putting into practice in our daily lives the faith which we profess to believe. There is no greater example of faith than to live with others in a common spirit of friendship, harmony and love. Faith is a blessing because it alone gives meaning to our lives and is a driving force to our existence. When everything else fails and our faith is needed, nothing can compensate for its absence. Focus on Religious Freedom From Catholics For Freedom of Religion ANY AND ALL CHRISTIAN MUSIC IS BANNED! Florida: This sign was posted in a commons area of a condo building where a group of residents had held a Bible study for almost a year. The (condo Board) resolution (banning prayer and other religious meetings) is discriminatory and violates the Fair Housing Act..., said First Liberty law firm. Michigan: Citizens at a Senior Center were told that if they continued to say Grace before meals, federal funding for the meals would end. Pennsylvania: In 2016, when the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) revised regulations regarding food distribution to the homeless to say that no religious activities - such as praying over the meal - could occur, Bethesda Mission was forced to decline accepting USDA surplus food. Whoever would overthrow the liberty of a nation must begin by subduing the Freedom of Speech. Benjamin Franklin Action Steps: * Pray for a restoration of tolerance and kindness in our culture. * See multiple search engines such as DuckDuckGo, Startpage.com, and others, to read more news stories on this topic.

Knights of Columbus 821 Father Seyfried Council Blood Drive Thursday, April 10, 2018 Knights of Columbus Hall 44 Church Street, Kings Park, NY 1:00 PM ~ 7:00 PM Eligibility Criteria: Bring ID with

13 Knights of Columbus 821 Father Seyfried Council Blood Drive Thursday, April 10, 2018 Knights of Columbus Hall 44 Church Street, Kings Park, NY 1:00 PM ~ 7:00 PM Eligibility Criteria: Bring ID with signature or photo. Minimum weight 110 lbs. Age (16 year olds must have parental permission. Age 76 and over need doctor s note) Eat well (low fat) and drink fluids No tattoos for past 12 months To schedule an appointment contact: James or jdjjamk@optonline.net Did you know only 2% of Long Islanders donate blood compared with 5% nationwide. Over 800 pints of blood are needed EVERY DAY to meet the needs of patients in over 50 Long Island hospitals. You have a gift that could save 3 lives with one donation. Please share that gift and DONATE BLOOD! Thank You for Caring! For information regarding medical eligibility, please call

Clothing/Shoes/Housewares/Novelties/Games Fundraiser Sponsored by the Junior Catholic Daughters Court Ave Maria #832, Kings Park, New York Spring Clothing Plus Drive 2018 When: Saturday and Sunday,

15 Clothing/Shoes/Housewares/Novelties/Games Fundraiser Sponsored by the Junior Catholic Daughters Court Ave Maria #832, Kings Park, New York Spring Clothing Plus Drive 2018 When: Saturday and Sunday, April 14 th and 15 th and April 21 st and 22 nd, 2018 from 9:00AM to 1:00PM Where: Saint Joseph s R.C. Church, 59 Church Street, Kings Park NY Parish Center/Lighthouse Contacts: Maria Frontario (631) , Jo Ann Bergin (631) , Michelle Werner (631) , Veronica Vivolo (631) or at jcdakp@gmail.com Help the JCDA raise funds by cleaning out your closets, attics, garages and basements. Please place your gently used/new/unwanted items in tightly tied plastic bags (i.e. 33 gallon black garbage bag). All styles and colors of bags accepted. Every bag counts! Give your items a first or second chance to be worn or used again. The more our collection weighs the more we raise. Thank you for your Support! Examples of Items for Collection: Adult and Children Clothing, Shoes, Sandals, Sneakers, Boots, Jackets, Coats, Rain Gear, Leathers, Belts, Ties, Pants, Shirts. Sweaters, Vests, Blouses, Dresses, Skirts, Robes, Undergarments, Curtains, Sheets, Pillowcases, Bedspreads, Comforters, Towels, Linens, Tablecloths, Hats, Scarves, Gloves, Handbags, Purses, Jewelry, Watches, Uniforms, Jerseys, Backpacks, Stuffed Animals, Small Appliances, Small Household Items, Etc.

Items such as cereal, pasta, peanut butter, jelly, soup, baby food, pancake mix, tea/coffee, detergents, juice boxes, toothpaste, etc. are always needed. Gift cards are always welcome.

16 Knights of Columbus Council Food Drive Saturday, April 21 st & Sunday, April 22 nd 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM In cooperation with St. Joseph s Society of St. Vincent DePaul we invite donations of canned and packaged foods. Items such as cereal, pasta, peanut butter, jelly, soup, baby food, pancake mix, tea/coffee, detergents, juice boxes, toothpaste, etc. are always needed. Gift cards are always welcome. After the holiday period, the need to support the food pantry remains an ongoing one. We will be collecting the donations at the Council Hall, 44 Church Street, on Saturday, April 21 st and Sunday, April 22 nd from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM. If this is not convenient, please call Bob Normandin ( ) or Charlie Herbert ( ) to make alternate arrangements.

18 St. Joseph s Is In Need Of Ushers If you would like to join our team and volunteer at St. Joseph s, please contact Roberta Traynor at The following masses are in need of Ushers Saturday 5:00 PM - CH: 2 Ushers needed Sunday 12:00 Noon - CH: 3 Ushers needed Sunday 9:30 AM - TH: 2 Ushers needed. Sunday 11 AM - TH: 2 Ushers needed (CH = Church, TH = Travis Hall) Ushers are the first person our Parishioners see. We are the ones greeting and seating with our maroon Blazers. It is up to us to make sure everyone is comfortable and safe. We are responsible for the stocking and handing out literature, collection, assigning persons to bring up gifts and straightening the Church before Mass. It is a great way to ease into volunteering with the Church or become a familiar face within our parish and most important to give back to our community. ALREADY AN USHER VITRUS TRAINING AVAILABLE PLEASE CONTACT ROBERTA FOR INFORMATION AND DIRECTIONS All Participants must register at St. Joseph s in Babylon St. Joseph s in Babylon St. Frances Cabrini in Coram Tues 4/24/18 9:30 AM Tues 4/24/18 7:00 PM Thurs 5/17/18 7:00 PM REMINDERS TO ALL USHERS: Please arrive a few minutes early to your assigned Mass to straighten up and restock. Last Mass of the day, please coordinate who is to lock the doors If you have not yet attended VIRTUS Training or do not have a blazer, please contact me. If you cannot make your Mass please let someone in your group or myself know. A communication board is now located on our closet door in the church; please review it frequently.

19 Have you ever considered becoming an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion? Purpose: This ministry exists to assist the priests of the parish in the distribution of Communion. Many members of this ministry also take Communion to the homebound, so that our homebound parishioners may partake of Holy Communion at least once a week. Activities/Responsibilities: Eucharistic Ministers serve at Mass on Sundays, Weekday Mass and Holy Days of Obligation through out the year. Background: With the shortage of priests, the laity is needed to assist where possible in the mission of the Church. One of the Corporal Works of Mercy (to visit the sick) is borne out by making Holy Communion available by those unable to attend Mass. By taking them communion, sharing some of the scripture readings and or homily for that Sunday, giving them a copy of the church bulletin, and engaging in small talk and listening to their concerns, they are connected to the parish community even though they cannot be present physically. Requirements: Training for Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion is required for all those who are interested. The pastor (Fr. Seán) will send a letter to the Bishop on behalf of those interested and they will then attend a Diocesan Training Session. Upon successful completion, they will be commissioned and begin their service/ministry to St. Joseph s parish. The minimum age for Eucharistic Ministers is 18. Commitment: Most Ministers commit to a two-year term of service, renewable at the discretion of the Pastor. Upcoming Time/Location for Ministry Training: EM A Session ~ Saturday, April 14, 2018; 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM ~ St. Agnes Parish Center, Rockville Centre Saturday, May 12, 2018; 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM ~ St. Rosalie, Hampton Bays EM B Session for Extraordinary Ministers (for those ministering in hospitals, nursing homes and to homebound parishioners). Session A Must be attended prior to Session B. Saturday, April 21, 2018; 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM ~ St. Agnes Parish Center, Rockville Centre Saturday, May 19, 2018; 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM ~ St. Rosalie, Hampton Bays Evening Sessions for Extraordinary Ministers at St. Elizabeth, Melville Session A ~ Wednesday, May 16, 2018; 7:00 to 10:00 PM Session B ~ Wednesday, May 23, 2018; 7:00 to 10:00 PM If interested, please call Cathy Cotter at the Parish Center ext: 219 so that she may register you for the Diocesan Training Session.

20 Have you ever considered becoming a Lector? Purpose: Lectors proclaim the Good News of Salvation to the parish community, striving to present it as a friend of St. Paul s in Corinth in biblical times might have done; as a letter from a very special friend, about a topic very important to all. Activities: Each lector proclaims about once every 2-3 weeks on Sundays, Weekday Mass and Holy Days of Obligation. Lectors prepare themselves to proclaim the scriptures by meditating on the readings during the week prior to their assignment. This meditation is facilitated by using the workbook provided to all lectors. The workbook contains the readings, historical and contextual notes, tips on proclaiming the passage, and a pronunciation guide for difficult biblical words. Background: The scriptures recount the relationship between God and His people through many centuries. The three readings and the Psalms proclaimed at Mass are selected by the church to present a common theme, message, or lesson. Since the Lector proclaims not just any word, but the Word of God, it is essential that they develop the skills required to communicate God s message competently. The ministry of the lector calls for a person to grow in a warm and loving knowledge of Scripture, the living word of God. Responsibilities: Completion of Diocesan Training Session; training and preparation of the readings for your assigned Mass; acquainting oneself with the Prayer of the Faithful/Pulpit Announcements when you arrive for your scheduled assignment. Commitment: To qualify, a lector must be a member of the parish, at least a high school junior (11 th grade), and have public reading skills. A 3-year commitment is requested to coincide with the 3-year lectionary cycle developed by the Church. Participants are required to attend a training workshop held once each year (See below). Lectors whose commitments limit them to a particular Mass are accommodated; others are rotated through each of the weekend masses. Upcoming Training Session for the Ministry of Lector: Saturday, April 14, 2018; 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM ~ St. Agnes Parish Center, Rockville Centre Saturday, May 12, 2018; 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM ~ St. Rosalie, Hampton Bays Evening Sessions for Ministry of Lectors at St. Elizabeth, Melville Wednesday, May 16, 2018; 7:00 to 10:00 PM If interested, please call Cathy Cotter at the Parish Center ext: 219 so that she may register you for the Diocesan Training Session.

21 CYO ~ Ball Fields 1, 2 and 4 8:00 AM 8:30 PM CYO ~ Ball Fields 1, 2 and 4 8:00 AM 8:30 PM

Please Pray For Our Confirmation Candidates. May the hearts and minds of our young men and women be open to the

Please Pray For Our Confirmation Candidates May the hearts and minds of our young men and women be open to the outpouring of the Gifts of the Holy Spirit at Confirmation on Thursday, April 26, 2018! Congratulations