Mission Statement. The Salvation of Souls is the Supreme Law

Transcription

1 Roman Catholic Church of Saint Aidan 505 Willis Avenue, Williston Park, New York (Fax) Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time February 9, 2014 Come let us worship God and bow low! The Pastoral Staff Rev. Msgr. James M. McDonald, Pastor - ext Rev. Kevin Dillon, Associate Pastor - ext Rev. Michael Edathil, Associate Pastor - ext Rev. Msgr. Robert J. Kirwin, Pastor Emeritus Rev. Damian Halligan, SJ In Residence Deacon Salvatore B. Villani - ext Deacon Francis J. Love - ext Deacon Joseph Connelly - ext Deacon Rudy Martin - ext Mr. Drago Bubalo, DMA (cand). Music Director ext address drago@staidanparish.org The Salvation of Souls is the Supreme Law Mission Statement We, the parish family of the Church of Saint Aidan, strengthened by the Eucharist and encouraged by the Word of God, welcome all, for we recognize that everyone is a child of God and no one should be excluded. Guided by the Holy Spirit through prayer, we strive as one to build the Body of Christ. We commit ourselves to nurturing life-long faith formation, fostering lay leadership, promoting social justice, engaging our youth in every aspect of parish life, and offering care and compassionate service to all. We invite everyone to walk with Jesus and experience His healing power and love. St. Aidan School (Grades Nursery-3. ext. 9202, 9203) (Grades 4-8, ext. 9302, 9303) Ms. Eileen P. Oliver, Principal Ms. Jo-Anne Rowan, Assistant Principal Faith Formation and Spirituality - ext. 9404, 9405 Mr. James F. Corrigan, Director of Faith Formation ext Mrs. Elaine Smith, Director of Special Needs ext Parish Social Ministry - ext Mrs. Rosemarie Cavallaro, Director - ext Youth Ministry Mr. Stephen Loewenthal, Coordinator - ext SaintAidanYouthGroup@gmail.com Pastoral Council - ext Members: Toti Conforti, Cathy Frischmann, Brendan Hickey, Larry McGovern, Bonnie Parente, Erin Flynn, Mary Ellen Testa and Suellen Peterson Buildings & Grounds Department ext Liturgy of the Eucharist Saturday Evening: 5:00 PM and 7:30 PM Sunday: 7:30 AM, 9:00 AM, *10:30 AM, 12:00 PM & 5:00 PM *Liturgy of the Word for Children Daily: 6:30 AM, 9:00 AM, 12:15 & 5:30 PM Monday thru Friday Morning Prayer 8:40 AM Monday thru Saturday Baptism Baptism of Children: Each month on the 1st Sunday and 3rd Sunday at 1:30 PM ceremony. Required: Parents class on the 2nd Sunday of each month beginning with the 12:00 Mass. For baptismal information, contact the Rectory office ext Tuesday-Friday between the hours of 10:00 AM-3:00 PM. Penance/Reconciliation The Sacrament of Penance is celebrated every Saturday from 12:30-1:30 PM and 4:00-5:00 PM in our church or by appointment. Marriage Arrangements are to be made at the Rectory office at least 9 months in advance. Pre-Cana and FOCCUS registrations must be arranged through the parish. Anointing of the Sick & Communion of the Sick The anointing of the sick takes place after the 12:00 PM Mass on the 4th Sunday of each month. Anyone who is homebound may receive Holy Communion at home on a regular basis. Eucharistic ministers assist the priests in this ministry. Please call the rectory - ext Adoration First and third Fridays of the month 12:45-3:00 PM in the Church. 12:30-1:30 PM on Saturdays in the church.

2 Roman Catholic Church of Saint Aidan 505 Willis Avenue, Williston Park, New York (Fax)

3 FIFTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME MASSES AND SERVICES FOR THE WEEK MONDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2014 St. Scholastica, Virgin 1Kgs 8: 1-7, 9-13; Mk 6: :30 AM Stanley Kowalski (Birthday Rem.) 9:00 AM Ellen Collins 12:15 PM Ruth Dustin 5:30 PM Nicholas Haller (1st Anniversary Rem.) TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2014 Our Lady of Lourdes 1Kgs 8: 22-23, 27-30; Mk 7: :30 AM Mary Ebel 9:00 AM D Ambrosio Family 12:15 PM In Appreciation of Msgr. McDonald 5:30 PM Honora Dutkowsky (2nd Anniversary Rem.) WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2014 Weekday 1 Kgs 10: 1-10; Mk 7: :30 AM John Mc Partlan 9:00 AM Robert Ebel (9th Anniversary Rem.) 12:15 PM Anne Marie Monroe 5:30 PM William Winters (Birthday Rem.) THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2014 Weekday 1 Kgs 11: 4-13; Mk 7: :30 AM Jack Baneo 9:00 AM William Leo Grande (1st Anniversary Rem.) 12:15 PM In Thanksgiving to the Blessed Mother & St. Joseph 5:30 PM John Mc Partlan FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2014 Sts. Cyril, Monk and Methodius, Bishop 1 Kgs 11: 29-32; 12: 19; Mk 7: :30 AM Robert Ebel 9:00 AM Louis J. Corrao 12:15 PM Michael Condon 5:30 PM Joseph T. Wallace (4th Anniversary Rem.) SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2014 Weekday 1 Kgs 12: 26-32; 13: 33-34; Mk 8: :00 AM Jean Sowinski (6th Month Anniversary) 12:30-1:30 PM Confession & Eucharistic Adoration 3:00 PM Jacqueline Marien/Jeffrey Giza Nuptial Mass 4:00-5:00 PM Confession 5:00 PM Cummin Clancy (1st Anniversary) Michael J. Cahill (Birthday Rem.) Alisha Walsh 7:30 PM Matthew Wallace SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2014 Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time The Chair of St. Peter the Apostle Sir 15: 15-20; 1 Cor 2: 6-10; Mt 5: or 5: 20-22a, 27-28, 33-34a, 37 7:30 AM Parishioners of St. Aidan 9:00 AM Julian Albuquerque MASSES AND SERVICES FOR THE WEEK (continued) 10:30 AM Marie Pacher 12:00 PM Robert & Dorothy Koster Eileen Higgins Ellen Collins (Birthday Rem.) 5:00 PM Blaine R. Emken (Birthday Rem.) BANNS OF MARRIAGE SECOND WEEK Gina Viola, Blessed Sacrament, Valley Stream, NY John Kuriger, St. Aidan THIRD WEEK Jacqueline Marien, St. Paul, Mt. Vernon Jeffrey Giza, St. Paul, Mt. Vernon PLEASE PRAY SICK: Barbara Ueland, Christine Schifaudo, Christine Lucivero, Cecilia Han, Geraldo Peixoto, Kimberly Holmes, Father Brian Dalton, Stacy Test, Owen Hogan, Msgr. Robert Kirwin, Carol Bova, Robert Caden, Peggy Mazza DECEASED: John E. Leddy, Joseph P. Hurley, Frances J. O Kula, Eugene K. O Connor for all those who have died serving our country. BREAD & WINE MEMORIAL In Loving Memory of VINCENT LA SALA Birthday Remembrance Requested by Your Loving Family PARISH LENTEN MISSION The parish Lenten Mission will be held March 30th-April 1st. The mission will be given by Bishop Emil Wcela. More details will follow shortly.

4 February 9, 2014 A TOUGH ARTICLE Not often, but on occasion, I watch some of Piers Morgan on CNN. It s an interview show and often enough features movie stars. These I usually avoid. Tuesday night, however, there was an actor who was being asked about the death of a prominent star of an alleged overdose. He was asked how he had survived addiction in his own life. He gave a fantastic answer: He had wonderful parents who were well grounded and brought him up in an exemplary way. I thought what a great tribute it was to his folks. Nevertheless, an awful lot of kids have the best of parents, but kids fail to pick up on the lessons taught by their parents. They just don t get it. The US Government tells us that 40% of teens have already experimented with alcohol by the time they reach eighth grade. While I cannot vouch for the validity of that statistic, it at least indicates that we have a very significant problem. By the time high school years arrive, things only get worse. Communities have meetings about alcohol and drug use in the schools and newspapers only confirm what is already known. Within the past month Newsday had a powerful article on the increase of heroin use on Long Island. The absolute fact is that young lives are being ruined by alcohol or one drug or another. And so are the lives of adults. It would be great if there were some formula that could be given to parents to obviate drug and alcohol problems in the lives of their children. While there isn t there are some positive steps that can be taken. First and foremost is the importance of morality in the home. Kids need to be taught by believing parents that the abuse of drugs and alcohol is sinful. Once I was in a Catholic High School religion class and the students were somewhat surprised to hear that deliberate drunkenness is sinful. It never seemed to occur to them. Parents are the great moral teachers and they should exercise that office by what they say and do. Excessive drinking in the home by parents is a clear signal that it is ok and the kids will learn fast enough. While parents should be merciful and compassionate, they cannot tolerate teen drinking and simply imagine that this is a phase their child is going through. America magazine tells us that 70% or more college students habitually engage in binge drinking. Imagine sending your kids to college so that they can become full blown alcoholics or drug users! All these matters should be explained and discussed with kids before they start spending your

5 money and drinking because it is the thing to do. If you think I am an alarmist, ask any college student what goes on, and, if he or she is truthful, you will learn more than you want to know. It is very true that you cannot control a lot of things about your kids behavior, but you can create an atmosphere of personal respect and human dignity in the home. After all we are followers of Jesus Christ and are expected to have His values and not those of the world in which we live. Right here at St. Aidan we have a number of AA and NA groups that meet regularly. Simply by calling the Rectory, you can find out when these very helpful groups convene. Deacon Sal is a professional alcohol and drug counselor and is always willing to help. As your pastor, I am more than happy to meet with anyone who wishes to discuss these matters (or anything else) with me. Those who come will be met with kindness and understanding. I urge you to share this message with your children or grandchildren. In Jesus and Mary, Monsignor James M. McDonald GIRL SCOUT COOKIES Girl Scouts from troop #1151 will be selling Girl Scout cookies outside of church next Sunday, February 9th from 8:00 AM-1:00 PM. Please take home a box of cookies for your family and support the girls in their fundraising efforts. The Gospel reminds us that our lives and our deeds must serve as examples to others, pointing the way to the Father. Not for our own benefit do we labor, but so that others may see our good works and give glory to our Father in heaven. STEWARDSHIP COLLECTION 02/10/13 $24,056 02/09/14 $28,126 (+16.93%) CHRISTMAS COLLECTION 12/25/12 $153,106 12/25/13 $149,883 (-2.11%) This weekend s second collection is for Hope of the Generation Uganda Thank you for your kind and generous support of our parish!

6 HOPE OF THE GENERATION UGANDA (HOGU) Williston Park native and St. Aidan's graduate, Erin Lawless, reflected on her over 10 years of experience in public service during a guest alumni speech she delivered at the Sacred Heart Academy (SHA) Class of 2013 Commencement Ceremony this past summer. One of the greatest accomplishments she highlighted was the success of the nonprofit she founded and continues to run today called Hope of the Generation Uganda (HOGU). HOGU was created by Erin in 2005 when she was a Peace Corps Volunteer in rural Uganda for over 2.5 years. Uganda is a country you may know from the media showing pictures of child soldiers from the 30 year long civil war, where people live on less than a dollar a day, where more than 50% of the population is 15 years old or younger due to war, HIV and other diseases, and there are 2.5 million orphans that need support. Erin was able to start HOGU with the help of a handful of community members that wanted to make a difference for the next generation in their village. They were committed to turning the tide of the HIV epidemic and they wanted to do this in the local language through song, dance and story. The group started out by walking for miles from village to village educating people by putting on performances and shows that creatively teach about staying safe and healthy, staying in school and the value of service in the community. When Erin left Uganda in 2007 she was able to leave behind a group of 30 community volunteers, the first local Ugandan volunteers to ever do anything for themselves in the ways of community service in this particular village. The group continues to travel around doing HIV/AIDS education and in the 7 years since she has left the village, HOGU has created a scholarship program that now supports over 30 students a year. Those students volunteer with HOGU, delivering HIV/AIDS prevention education and earn the scholarships based on their volunteer hours. In addition to this, HOGU has a soccer and volley ball league that uses sports to teach about life skills. They built a resource center with a library and computers in it that run on solar power, (the only structure like it for miles), they carry out HIV testing and counseling at their center, they implement an annual Life Skills Camp for over 100 kids a year and they started a school that now educates 250 students each year. These results sound simple but they have only come because of the hard work of dedicated people in Uganda and here in the U.S. We should mention that Erin now has the assistance of 3 other St. Aidan's and SHA alumnae on her U.S. Board of Directors: Suzanne Graziano, Kara Shine and Kathryn Stolz Gavagan. Erin says there is still work to do. This year HOGU has taken on a major fundraising effort to construct a brick school to replace their school that is currently made out of scraps of wood and cardboard. HOGU's school is a place where caring teachers welcome orphans and vulnerable children into the classroom despite their family's hardships, where children get breakfast and lunch, and participate in extracurricular activities. The school not only provides education to nursery through 7th grade, but also works in partnership to provide employment to HOGU volunteers. When HOGU volunteers complete their education in the field of teaching they are guaranteed a teaching job at the school. Erin will be visiting HOGU during the last week of February, as she always does, to see the progress made on the school and to create a 2014 strategic plan with HOGU. When she returned from Uganda, Erin worked for Rebuilding Together, a non-profit that rebuilds houses for low-income homeowners and was primarily focused on Hurricane Katrina relief. She subsequently worked for Atlas Corps, a non-profit that brings volunteers from around world to the U.S. to apply their skills with groups such as Habitat for Humanity and Special Olympics. Currently, Erin is the Program Specialist in the Office of Global Health and HIV at the United States Peace Corps, focusing on programming that will support Peace Corps volunteers working with orphans and vulnerable children (OVC) affected by HIV/AIDS around the world. When asked what top three lessons Erin took away from her family and education to help her overcome challenges and carry out the work of HOGU, she said: Surround yourself with positive people, our capacity to do good will overcome the bad in the world, and always selflessly serve. Lawless, who earned her bachelor's degree at Elon University in North Carolina, said she went to Uganda while working on a Masters degree at Boston University in international public heath that inked completion of her degree to a Peace Corps program. Erin credits her parents and her Catholic upbringing for instilling a sense of social justice that inspired her work in Uganda. She has maintained her connection to her home town and said the Rotary Club of Williston Park, St. Aidan's Church and School, the Catholic Daughters of St. Aidan, and many individual donors from the area have made contributions that have made a huge difference in supporting her organization, HOGU. She also credits her husband, John Graziano, also a Williston Park native, for his support. A former Youth Minister at St. Aidan's, Graziano has been working at a non-profit that rebuilds underserved elementary school libraries around the U.S. You can learn more and/or contribute to HOGU at or Erin at development@hogu.org.

7 2014 Catholic Ministries Appeal Serving God by Serving Others All funds raised support the Appeal and its Ministries Every year, through the support and commitment of individuals and organizations, we serve more than 600,000 people in our Long Island community. This support enables our children to continue to receive the gift of spiritual formation, sacramental preparation, and quality education. It allows seminarians, deacons, and lay leaders to fulfill their calling to serve their community. With your support Catholic Charities can maintain its services for the poor and disadvantaged, and we can continue to reach out to our young people and others to find the best ways to guide and pass on our faith from generation to generation. Many wonder what benefits or services the parish receives from the Appeal. There are many, many ministries which are made possible, in whole or in part, by the Annual Appeal. These ministries connect our local parish with the entire Catholic Church community on Long Island. By sharing your gifts, you help to: Feed and clothe the needy Comfort the sick and dying Protect the dignity of all life Teach our children about our Faith through religious education programs Educate seminarians on their path to becoming priests Support outreach programs at the Parish level Bring our Faith to young people through youth, young adult and campus ministry programs These are just some of the good works that are made possible by the Catholic Ministries Appeal. You can make a difference in your parish and in the lives of those around us by making a gift to the 2014 Catholic Ministries Appeal. Visit the CMA Web Site at for more information, or to view the video.

8

9 R C I A The Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults Q. What can each parishioner do to help with the Initiation Process? A. The Parish community has a big role in the whole RCIA process! It s not just the priests and deacons, or the RCIA team. Everyone is an evangelizer, someone who lives the Good News and spreads it to all around. The local parish is the first group mentioned in the RCIA document. The people of God, as represented by the local Church, should understand and show by their concern that the initiation of adults is the responsibility of all the baptized. You have done that by being examples of faith and caring for our catechumen and candidates. They have told us so many times! Just your words of encouragement or just shaking their hand and saying Welcome. You can continue that example by praying for them frequently. You can also continue that example by saying Hello when you see them at the grocery store or any local store around town. Another example is to encourage others to join us. If you know someone who is looking for a parish to call their own have them call Msgr. McDonald to set up an appointment at (516) x9108. Preserving Religious Liberty for All Catholics for Freedom of Religion will meet on February 17 th at 7:30 pm in Kirwin Hall PLEASE CALL YOUR NYS SENATOR asking that they vote against the Abortion-expansion Bill that the NYS Assembly just passed. This bill allows for abortion on demand into the 9 th month of pregnancy and takes away the right of conscious objection from doctors, nurses and Catholic Hospitals who will lose their licenses for refusing to perform them. This Bill also allows nonphysicians to perform abortions. PRAY that this Bill be once again defeated as it was in Save the date: March 19 th for Catholics at the Capital. Registration information to follow..let our voices be heard in

10 Join Us for the First Annual Saint Aidan Community Service Project We are blessed to have a giving and prosperous parish. All in the Saint Aidan Community are invited to enjoy a delicious pasta dinner on Wednesday, March 19th in the upper school cafeteria from 6:00-8:00 PM. There is a minimum donation of $10 per family with a non-perishable food item for the parish food pantry. All donations will go to St. Anne RC Church in Brentwood. Seating is limited so please send your reservations in early. There will be no walk-ins that evening. Please return the attached form with your check made out to St. Aidan School no later than Thursday, February 27th to Kathy Behette 493 Pennsylvania Ave, Williston Park, NY or through school in an envelope labeled Spaghetti Dinner. For more information or questions please contact Michele Ungania (646) or Kathy Behette (917) FAMILY SPAGHETTI DINNER Family Name Number of Guests Donation Amount $

11 St. Aidan Rosary Altar Society s Annual St. Patrick s Dance Saturday, March 8, 2014 Msgr. Kirwin Hall (Willis Avenue, Williston Park) 8:00 PM-12:00 AM Music by: Irish Mist Band Chairlady: Mary Reardon (516) Cost: $35.00 per person (includes soda, beer, wine, sandwiches, chips, set-ups, cookies, coffee) Reservations required. No tickets at the door. Please call Ginny Casey (516) Name Phone # # of People Sit With Amount Enclosed$ Return to: Ginny Casey, 113 Fordham Street, Williston Park, NY Join us for an evening of friendship!

12 ST. AIDAN ROSARY ALTAR SOCIETY Due to weather we have re-scheduled our General meeting for Monday, February 10th to be held in Msgr. Kirwin Hall at 7:30 PM. Our guest speaker will be Dr. Barbara George of Winthrop Hospital. The subject will be Cardiovascular Lifestyle medicine. Please join us and bring a neighbor for this very informative evening. PRAYER GROUP The United Hearts of Jesus and Mary Prayer Group meets on the last Friday of each month at 7:30 PM in the Upper School Cafeteria. The next meeting will be held on Friday, February 28th at 7:30 PM. Our evening will include Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and Mass. Family Consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary & the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Music by Ria Music Ministries. Any questions please call Tecky (516) or Angela (516) CATHOLIC DAUGHTERS OF THE AMERICAS COURT ST. AIDAN #1577 FATHER TULLEY AND JOAN P. FOY MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIPS All children of St. Aidan Parish, whether they attend public or private school, are eligible to apply for the Father Tully Memorial Scholarship and the Joan P. Foy Memorial Scholarship. Applicants must meet the following requirements: 1) Student has taken the High School Placement Test in October or November ) Student has been accepted and plans to attend a Catholic High School in September of ) Families must be registered parishioners of St. Aidan Parish. Students who attend St. Aidan School will receive an application from their principal or homeroom teacher. All other interested students please contact the Court Education Chairperson at (516) for an application and further information. ALL APPLICATIONS MUST BE RECEIVED BY MARCH 1, 2014 TO QUALIFY.

13 CATHOLIC DAUGHTERS OF THE AMERICAS THEMES: Choose only one: COURT ST. AIDAN No NATIONAL EDUCATION CONTEST JESUS LOVES US. HOW DO WE SPREAD THAT LOVE? OR HOW DO I PROMOTE PEACE IN THE WORLD? Prizes: First Place $50 Second Place $30 Third Place $20 ****************************************************************************** POETRY: No more than 8 lines ESSAY: No more than 500 words DIVISION I: Grades 4-5 DIVISION II: Grades DEADLINE: February 12, 2014 IMPORTANT: Please list your name, address, telephone number, school, and grade on the BACK of your work. Please deliver entries to Contest Chairperson: Erin Flynn,9 Astor Place, Williston Park, NY CELL PHONES, CHARGERS AND OLD IPODS NEEDED If you have any old cell phones, chargers or ipods (even if they are broken) that you would like to donate, please drop them off in the vestibule of the church. Sister Diane Kirwan, in New Hyde Park is collecting them. Any questions please call (203) SENIOR VALENTINES SOCIAL The Village of Williston Park is hosting their Annual Senior Valentines Social on Saturday, February 15 th from 2:00-5:00 PM at the American Legion Hall on Willis Avenue. All Williston Park Senior Citizens are welcome to attend. Light refreshments will be served. Musical entertainment will also be provided. Free of charge to all Williston Park Senior citizens. All are invited to attend and enjoy an afternoon with neighbors and friends.

14 THE KNIGHT S CORNER (Providing information from the Knights of Columbus) ARE YOU READY TO JOIN? Corpus Christi Council # 2502 serves both St Aidan and Corpus Christi Parishes. Membership in the Knights is open to all Catholic Men at least 18 years of age. For information call (516) or contact Jim Corrigan at the Religious Education office (516) x9401. Did You Know Established in 1982, the Knights of Columbus Museum, Inc. is a nonprofit institution serving the educational interests of the general public through periodic exhibitions of artwork and related content. The museum features world-class exhibitions of artwork and history particularly those representing the heritage of Catholicism. It also maintains a permanent gallery of the K of C s annals, as well as one dedicated to its founder (and sainthood candidate) Fr. Michael J. McGivney ( ). Its permanent collections of Christopher Columbus and papal memorabilia are also on regular exhibition. Current exhibits include Windows into Heaven: Russian Icons and Treasures which includes more than 225 examples of Russian Orthodox iconography, along with other liturgical and devotional items. The Knights of Columbus Museum is located at 1 State Street, New Haven, CT and is open daily (10:00 am 5:00 pm). Admission is free and there is also free parking. For Group Tour information contact Kathy Gogan at (203) Further information and an online tour can be found at SAVE THE DATES March 2 nd - Corpus Christi Council (186 Jericho Turnpike, Mineola) will be open during and after the Mineola St. Patrick s Day Parade. Admission is free; sandwiches, hot-dogs and beverages will be available for purchase. March 8 th - Corpus Christi Council will hold its annual St. Patrick Dinner-Dance honoring Bobby & Marian Redmond as Irish Couple of the Year. The dance will run from 8:00 12:00 PM. Admission of $ 50 per person will include open bar, family style conned beef & cabbage dinner, shepherd s pie, coffee and dessert. Music will be provided by Latham Road. HALL RENTAL Big parties or small, the Corpus Christi Council Hall is available for rental. For information call Tom at (516) INCOME TAX DONATION LETTER If you need an income tax statement for your 2013 Stewardship donations to the parish, please call the Rectory office at (516) x9101 or send in or drop the tear-off into the collection basket and a statement will be sent out in the mail. Name Telephone # (as it appears on your envelopes) Address Envelope Number # (if you know it-not necessary)

15 LIGHTHOUSE CATHOLIC MEDIA Winter Greetings!!... I believe all of us have a story to tell of this weather which does not want to get better. Still it is a way to do acts of charity, look after our elderly neighbors in need of help, to small children not able to go out and in need of practical ways to be entertained while the mother takes a break. Make phone calls to family members, giving them an opportunity to share while we listen. Many opportunities to evangelize and touch people s lives when there are needs. We might want to listen to some inspirational stories and teachings about the Catholic Faith. God has given us powerful witness in our time to those who have been empowered to speak about our Faith in a dynamic and convincing way, but we must do our part to drop this mighty seeds. Pray and let the Holy Spirit do the rest. We have new CDs in our kiosks; spend a few moments learning about our Faith. It will be a way to appreciate and learn to explain our beliefs to others, which the Lord has sent to us to do, and are in need of knowing the love of our God for us. Church Beliefs, the Faith of Millions by Jesse Romero. He explains how the power and truth of the Catholic Faith lie within God s Word rooted in the Tripod of Truth : Scripture, Tradition, and the Church s Magisterial Teachings. This CD will strengthen your love for the truth and equip you to share it with others. A very inspiring CD!! A Pastor s Wife s Journey Home by Kimberly Hahn. Kimberly, the wife of Dr. Scott Hahn, shares her difficult journey into the Catholic Faith and why she came to believe that our Church was the church that was founded by Christ. She explains about God s design for the family, and how it enriches a couple s life together. An excellent CD for couples ready to get married! No Turning Back, Teenage Rebel to Catholic Priest by Father Donald Calloway, M.I.C. A diehard agnostic transformed into a fervent apostle of Christ! How he was led into the Faith and the priesthood by God s grace and the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary. It is a moving, emotional and motivational CD. It is a talk to share with our teenager s children. These CDs are most effective when they are passed around to others. It is a way to help those who have fallen away from the Church. Thanks for your support of this ministry. Your donations help us to replenish our supplies. God bless you and your families. Toti Conforti SUGGESTIONS FOR THE MONTH OF FEBRUARY Let us now be persistent in our life of prayer. Jesus exhorts us to be insistent in our prayer Ask and it will be given you; seek and you will find. (Lk 11:9-10). We need to find power in the Word of God. We need to pray as a child, the prayer of the son who calls upon his Father for help. Let ask the Lord to make us people of prayer, and to hear the voice of the Spirit within us, as to be ever closer to the Lord that call us. Our Mother be with us. May she accompany us in this journey, so that we may worship the Lord just as she did and go out to proclaim the marvels He has done for us. Share your reactions and feedback at : pastoralcouncil@staidanparish.org or call (516) x9592. St. Aidan s Pastoral Council tries to be responsive to the needs of our parish.

16

17

18

19 PARISH SOCIAL MINISTRY Love caritas is an extraordinary force which leads people to opt for courageous and generous engagement in the field of justice and peace. It is a force that has its origin in God, Eternal Love and Absolute Truth. Encyclical of Pope Benedict XVI, June 29, PLEASE DO NOT LEAVE ANY BAGS OF CLOTHING ON THE BACK STEPS OF THE PARISH SOCIAL MINISTRY OFFICE! IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO DONATE ITEMS, PLEASE CONTACT THE PARISH SOCIAL MINISTRY OFFICE! FOOD PANTRY: Thank you to all the parishioners who donated food last weekend during our monthly food drive. Please bring your donations of non-perishable food and personal hygiene items to back of church or the Parish Social Ministry office. The item needed for this week is: cans of fruit. We are also in need of metro cards which we use for our families throughout the year. MINISTRY OF CONSOLATION - BAKING: This ministry provides home baked goods to those living in our neighborhood during the difficult time of loss. Our volunteers have the option of either bringing the cake to the family home or directly to the funeral home during the wake. If you would like to participate in this important ministry, please contact our office at (516) x9408. An act of kindness really goes a long way! PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY Our Prayer Shawl Ministry meets the second and fourth Monday of each month at 9:45 am in the Peter and Paul Room of the Finamore Center to knit or crochet prayer shawls or lap blankets for our sick and homebound parishioners. New members are always welcome. You need not know how to knit or crochet. We have talented parishioners who can teach you. The next meeting will take place on Monday, February 10 th. If you or someone you know would like to have one of these shawls or blankets, please contact our office. If you have any questions, please call Parish Social Ministry (516) x9410. The Parish Social Ministry office is open Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM 3:00 PM. Please use the Finamore Parish Center entrance. The only feelings that do not heal are the ones you hide. Henri Nouwen The Parish Social Ministry office is open Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM 3:00 PM. Please use the Finamore Parish Center entrance.

20 February 9th-Meeting 6:00-7:30 PM *Begin gloves and socks donations! March 2nd- Meeting 6:00-7:30 PM March 23rd Meeting 6:00-7:30 PM March 30th-Luigi s/chill n Night 6:00-7:30 PM April 13th-Palm Sunday-Prayer Service & Meeting 6:00-7:30 PM April 18th-Stations of the Cross in the Streets April 20th-No Meeting-Happy Easter! May 4th-Rockclimbing Trip to Island Rock May 18th-Ronald McDonald House Volunteering June 1st-Meeting/End of Year Party-bring snacks! 6:00-7:30 PM Volunteering Opportunities for the Summer: Vacation Bible School, Dance Academy, Art School. See Stefanie or Steve if you are interested in volunteering! *White Water Rafting trip will be held in July. Details to follow. February 9th 1:00-2:00 PM Convent Meeting March 16th 1:00-2:00 PM Convent Meeting March 30th 9:00-10:00 AM Church Mass 12:00-3:00 PM Lucky Duck Mother/Daughter Brunch April 6th 9:00 AM-12:00 PM Finamore Parish Center Birth Right/Mommas House Drive April 17th 1;00-3:00 PM Parker Institute Egg Dying 1:00-2:00 PM Convent Meeting May 4th 9:00 AM-12:30 PM St. Francis Garden Bake & Plant Sale 12:30-2:00 PM Convent Meeting & Elections June 10th 7:00-8:00 PM Church Installation Mass 8:00-9:30 PM Kirwin Hall Meeting Annual dues are $15.00, $16.50 for new members. For information please call Adele Lamere at (631)

21

22 RELIGIOUS EDUCATION ATTENTION ALL VOLUNTEERS: Are you aware that the Diocese of Rockville Centre requires ANYONE IN ANY MINISTRY TO BE VIRTUS TRAINED AND HAVE A BACKGROUND CHECK. A ministry covers Catechists to CYO Coaches, Ushers to Liturgical Ministers, and all parish organization members. Check the Virtus Training schedule and register online for a class being offered by several local parishes at CLASS MASS Our 5 th Grade students will join us at the 10:30 AM Mass this weekend. Following the Mass, all 5 th Grade students and their families are invited to attend a reception in Msgr. Kirwin Hall. RELIGIOUS EDUCATION WEEK - will be observed throughout the Diocese of Rockville Centre the week of February 23 rd through March 2 nd. This week is set aside to recognize our volunteers, our students and our programs. The theme for the week is Opening the Door to Faith. All are invited to join together to kick-off this special week on Sunday, February 23 rd at the 10:30 am Mass. ATTENTION ALL 8 TH GRADE PARENTS AND STUDENTS As part of the Confirmation Preparation Program, a special Spirit Night activity will be conducted in St. Aidan Church for our 8 th grade students on Tuesday, February 25 th and Wednesday, February 26 th. Students preparing to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation in the fall need to attend one of the two sessions. We ask that at least one parent accompany each student to this reflection evening. The service will begin at 7:00 pm and is expected to run until 8:30 pm. Deacon Thomas Connolly is once again travelling to Saint Aidan to present this special evening for our students and parents. It should also be a wonderful preparation for the season of Lent which begins the following week. For further information please call the Religious Education Office at (516) ext AIDES WANTED SPECIAL NEEDS PROGRAM We are in need of high school students to work as aides assisting catechists and children with special needs. We will provide training and guidance. To volunteer or to receive further information please contact Mrs. Elaine Smith, Director of Special Needs at (516) x9406. OFFICE HOURS The Religious Education office (Upper School, Room 301) is open from 10:00 AM 4:00 PM Monday to Friday. For information call (516) x9404.

23 RELIGION AND ROCK-Tune into Religion and Rock with Msgr. Jim Vlaun on Sunday from 7:00-8:00 AM on WBAB FM or 95.3 on the East End of Long Island. Listen on Saturdays at 11:00 PM on Sirius Radio Channel 159, the Catholic Channel and at 11:00 PM on XM Satellite Channel 117. You can visit us anytime to listen or download a show at or Religion & Rock on Tunes. For more information about our television shows go to or, for more information, please call (516) COAT COLLECTION-Keep the homeless warm this winter. Contribute a used winter coat or jacket to a soup kitchen that serves 100,000 meals a year. For information contact Tecky at (516) Please help these children and adults. SEPARATION AND DIVORCE SUPPORT GROUP-an eight week program for those separated or going through the process of divorce. The program is designed to help men and women find encouragement as they explore the emotions and experiences often associated with separation and divorce. The group meets every Friday beginning February 21st at 7:30 PM at St. William the Abbot Church, 200 Jackson Avenue, Seaford. Cost for the eight week program is $20. For further information and registration please contact Carol (516) or Angie at (516) or us at BeginningToday@gmail.com. DOMINICAN VILLAGE-is a not-for-profit independent and assisted living retirement community sponsored by the Sisters of St. Dominic. Located on a sprawling, 13-acre campus. We are located in Amityville, which is in Western Suffolk County. Please join us for an open house February 6th, 15th, 20th and 27th from 1:00-3:00 PM. For information or to schedule a tour at your convenience, please contact us at (631) or go to the website at info@dominicanvillage.org. HIBERNIAN FESTIVAL SINGERS-On Saturday, March 2nd at 7:00 PM the Hibernian Festival Singers will be hosting Andy Cooney s Irish Cabaret at the Bay Shore High School. The show will feature Andy and His Band, Ireland s greatest comedian, Noel V. Ginnity, the Darrah Carr Dance and the Hibernian Festival Singers, under the direction of Christopher Bilella. Tickets are $35. For more information please call (631) IRISH NIGHT DANCE-The Dominican Sisters of Amityville will be hosting their annual Irish Night Dance for the benefit of their senior sisters on Saturday, March 8th at St. Brigid s School, Westbury. The evening will begin with a Mass for Peace in the World at 7:00 PM followed by a truly Grand Irish Celebration including Step Dancers, Bag Pipers and music buy the Celtic Connection Band at 8:00 PM. Back by popular demand is a traditional hot Irish dinner. For more information or to purchase tickets for this fun evening ($40 per person) please the Dominican Sisters Development office, (631) x238 or contact S. Patricia Koehler, OP, Irish Night Chairperson for event flyer and ticket information at: pkoehlerop@amityop.org. OUR LADY OF LOURDES, Massapequa, NY- The Catholic Youth Organization of Our Lady of Lourdes will be holding a Classic Oldies Show, featuring Lenny Cocco and The Chimes and Time Was on February 28th at 7:00 PM (855 Carmans Road, Massapequa). Tickets are $35 and include music, dancing, food and beverages. For tickets please call (516) or (516) CURE OF ARS, Merrick, NY-The Immaculate Heart of Mary Long Island Homeschool and Parent Conference will be held at the Cure of Ars Roman Catholic Church, 2323 Merrick Avenue, Merrick. The conference will be held March 21st from 12:00-8:00 PM. Speakers include Father Luke Sweeney, Mrs. Mary Ellen Barrett, Mrs. Alice Gunther and Mrs. Virginia Seuffert. Admission is free and pre-registration is not required. For more information please visit or call (540)