St. Vincent de Paul. A Parish with Heart. Roman Catholic Church DePaul Street Elmont, N.Y

Transcription

1 St. Vincent de Paul Roman Catholic Church 1500 DePaul Street Elmont, N.Y A Parish with Heart Pastoral Staff Rev. Msgr. Richard M. Figliozzi Administrator (516) Parish Social Ministry Monday, Wednesday and Thursday 9:00 am to 1:00 pm (516)

2 Fourth Sunday of Easter April 17, 2016 From Msgr. Figliozzi: Scriptural Reflection for the Week For the Lamb who is in the center of the throne will shepherd them and lead them to springs of life giving water, and God will wipe every tear from their eyes. (see Revelations 7:14b-17) The images used here and throughout the entire Book of Revelation, the last book in the Bible, are very symbolic. They were written by Saint John who also composed the Fourth Gospel. They are written to the early Christians suffering intense persecution. They are written to encourage and strengthen them during their time of trial. The images used then still maintain their force today. No doubt our suffering sisters and brothers in various parts of the world today may also draw strength from them. And so may we! During Mass, when we come with our own difficulties in life, failures, and seeming helplessness in the face of our own sins and the sins of others, we hear the words: Behold the Lamb of God. We hear these words and see Jesus in the consecrated Host before us. At this point of the Mass, He is the center of the world. Jesus shepherds us as we receive Him in Holy Communion. He does this by taking our broken lives unto Himself as a shepherd cares for his own sheep. Then, He leads us to life giving water! That is, Jesus refreshes us by His grace and peace. He even can be felt wiping every tear from their eyes. That is, He forgives our sins as we express sorrow for them and binds the wounds that are caused by the sins of others. Jesus is truly our Good Shepherd! Community Bible Study We are offering this Study to all those interested in our Elmont neighborhood. The sessions begin May 12 th and will be held in our School Building Cafeteria at 7:30pm. They are being led by Mr. John Sullivan. Please spread the word ALL ARE INVITED! Easter Catechesis at St. Catherine of Sienna Come hear a presentation on living the Christian life today by members of our Neocatechumenal Way Team. The sessions begins on Monday, April 25 th at 7:30pm in the Sienna Center St. Patrick s Room. Last Weekend s Collection and Attendance Parish: $3, Attendance: 4:00pm 245 8:30am :00am 98 Total: 487 Thank you for your support. One Final Thought I believe that the most important thing is for us to love Jesus, then to love one another and our families and to show our love for the poor. Blessed Teresa of Calcutta Stewardship.. Reflection Paul and Barnabas encountered both violent rejection and joyful acceptance of the message that they preached. We, too, may meet with mixed reactions when we use our gifts in the service of God. But, the Gospel assures us, the reward for those who follow faithfully is eternal life. Living Stewardship We are grateful this week for all stewards in our parish who further the message and mission of Jesus through the spiritual work of mercy - to counsel the doubtful - by serving as a catechist or other educational minister.

3 Saturday April 16 4:00 pm Maribel Lizard Sunday April 17 8:30 am Dario Perciballi 10:00 am SAINTS AND SPECIAL OBSERVANCES Sunday: Fourth Sunday of Easter; World Day of Prayer for Vocations Thursday: St. Anselm Friday: Earth Day; Passover begins Saturday: St. George; St. Adalbert Monday April 18 8:30 am Famiglia Mulé Tuesday April 19 8:30 am Ronnie & Joseph Donahoe Wednesday April 20 8:30 am - Thursday April 21 8:30 am People of The Parish Friday April 22 8:30 am Richard Mitarotonda Saturday April 23 4:00 pm Bernard DeMatteis Sunday April 24 8:30 am Dorothy Heimann 10:00 am Frank Agostino Jubilee Holy year of Mercy Pilgrimage Place YOUR INTENTIONS in BASKETS located around the Church. Pilgrims travelling on this year s TOUR OF THE SAINTS will take INTENTIONS to every place they visit. All parishioners will be remembered in daily prayer. PILGRIMS WILL VISIT: Our Lady of La Salette; St John Vianney Ars; St Margaret Mary Alacoque Paray-le-Monial; St Bernadette Nevers; St Therese Lisieux; St Catherine Laboure Paris; St Vincent de Paul Paris; St Catherine of Siena Siena; St Francis of Assisi Assisi; St Clare Assisi; St John Paul II Rome; St John XXIII Rome MAJOR BASILICAS: Basilica of St Peter; Basilica of St John Lateran; Basilica of St Mary Major; Basilica of St Paul Outside the Walls; Basilica of Sacre Coeur; Basilica of Notre Dame BREAD & WINE For the week of April 17 thru April 23 Is in Loving Memory of Louis & Richard Mitarotonda As requested by Ann Mitarotonda & Louise Matera MISSION STATEMENT As members of St. Vincent de Paul Roman Catholic Parish we are committed to assisting our members in both the spiritual and temporal needs of life. We are a parish with heart who are committed to Let all things be done with charity and show we are disciples of Christ by our love for one another.

4 8th Graders Confirmation Retreat We had a total of 155 students from SCOS parish who came on either Saturday April 2nd or Saturday April 9th to St Vincent de Paul Parish for a day of Faith & Fun. Thanks to The Catholic Ministry Team our Young people heard and saw a witness of the Holy Spirit in action through talks, games, music, and prayer. Our 8th Graders were fired up to share about the Holy Spirit. On the retreat our Candidates not only sang: Yes Lord, Yes Lord, Yes! Yes! Lord! but were led to renew their covenant their YES with the risen Lord. We ended with Mass in which parents and family members showed their support and joined in prayer and thanksgiving.

5 Please Pray for our sick Relatives & Friends: Rev. Msgr. William Jablonski Abigail Budram Albert Bartlett Ann Donahue Ann Mitarotonda Ann Parazelli Anna Christina Diaz Anna Marie Orlando Anthony Gangemella Arlindo Marcelino August Montalbano Barbara Ostipwko Bob Soveign Bridget Corrigan-Brassel Brittany Wilson Carlos Mackey Charlotte Orlando Diane Drescher Diane Wilson Dominick Consolazio Dorie Harbin Dorothy Mink Honald Eugenia Lane Fran Roberts Frances Oliva Francine Lupo Frank Saccone Please Pray for our Men & Women in the U.S. Armed Forces Aaron J. Shattuck Arlindo Almida Brian Kevin Corrigan Carlos Felix Christopher Messano Diane Rosemary Patrick Frankie Umile James E. Allen Jimmy Bustamante John Marco Militano Garrett Fitzgerald George McAuliffe Helen Strohm Howard Wirth Jack Musolino Janet Falco Jean Henry Jeanette Longobardi John Corrigan Jr. John Cusack John White Kaelyn Judith Donlon Karen Baez Karen Carlucci Karen Hoffmeyer Madeline Corrigan Madelyn Kushner Maria Rossi Pashayen Maria Scuccimarra Mary Italo Matthew Noah Michael O Malley Millie Palumbo Raul Matos Shane Harbin Theresa Chevalier Theresa Porri Thomas Fagan Tom Camberiarti Tommy Lannan Vincente Mejias Joseph A. Galante Joseph Giordano Latasha Coward Max Haerter Michael Arana Michael Borg Nicholas Russo Peter Dilos Rev. David Kruse (Chaplain) Thomas Bradshaw Thomas Lainis Welcome to St. Vincent de Paul Parish Parish Office (516) Hours: Monday thru Thursday - 9:00 am to 2:00 pm Saturday - 9:00 am to 2:00 pm Friday and Sunday Closed Fax (516) svdp1500@optonline.net Web: For Emergency relating to death or dying after 2 pm call St. Catherine of Sienna - (516) We Celebrate the Eucharist Saturday Vigil 4:00 pm Sunday 8:30 am & 10:00 am Weekdays: Monday thru Friday 8:30 am Holy Day Mass Schedules will be announced in the Bulletin on the prior Sunday. We Celebrate the Sacraments Sacrament of Reconcilia on Saturdays immediately after celebration of the Vigil Mass, or by calling the Parish Office for an appointment with a Priest. Sacrament of Bap sm call the Parish Office to arrange for an interview. This should be done while awaiting the birth of your child. Sacrament of Marriage call the Parish Office to make an appointment with a priest before making social arrangements. Visitation of the Sick and Homebound call the Parish Office to arrange for a visit by a Priest to receive the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick, and also to receive Holy Communion. Holy Hour on the first Friday of the month after the 8:30 am Mass with Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and concluding with Benediction. Devotions The Rosary is recited daily before the 8:30 am Weekday Masses. Miraculous Medal Novena and Special Prayers to St. Anthony are said on Thursdays after the 8:30 am Mass. The Clergy from St. Catherine of Sienna who serve here at St. Vincent de Paul are as follows: Pastor/Administrator Rev. Msgr. Richard M. Figliozzi Associate Pastors Rev. Allan Arneaud Rev. Johnny Mendonca Deacons Joseph Benincasa Frank Gonzalez

6 .GOOD SHEPHERD SUNDAY By Rev. Johnny R. Mendonca The fourth Sunday of Easter is known as GOOD SHEPHERD SUNDAY, the Gospel is always from the 10 th chapter of John where Jesus speaks of himself as the "good shepherd". Jesus emphasizes the self-sacrificing element in his own life: "The good shepherd is one who lays down his life for his sheep." He contrasts the good shepherd who owns the sheep to someone who is simply hired to look after them. The hired man thinks primarily of his own welfare and, if he sees a wolf coming, he takes off, leaving the sheep to be attacked and scattered in fear and terror. Jesus, on the other hand, will not be like a hired person: "I lay down my life for my sheep." Jesus contrasts himself with the leaders among his own people and to be found even in our own time who do just what is expected of them but have no real commitment or sense of responsibility to those in their charge. So, Jesus knows his sheep. The good shepherd knows his sheep and they know him. There is a mutual bond of love and intimacy. That love is compared to the deep mutual relationship that exists between Jesus and his Father. "My own know me just as the Father knows me." Again the hired man or the self-interested leader will not have such a relationship with his people. As St. John says in similar terms in his second letter, "Think of the love that the Father has bestowed on us, that we may be called children of God. Yet so we are." (3:1) Jesus as the Good shepherd works to gather all to one flock.the good shepherd deeply desires that many other sheep should come to identify themselves with him. "There are other sheep I have that are not of this fold, and these I have to lead as well." The ultimate goal is that "there will be only one flock, and one shepherd", that the whole world will be united together with its God and Lord. This is the meaning of the Kingdom which is at the heart of the Gospel message. This is of the Church even today. There are still so many millions of people who have not yet heard the message of the Good Shepherd of the Loving God who sent his only Son to die for them. They seek meaning and happiness in their lives by pursuing all kinds of other goals which inevitably turn to ashes: material abundance, status in the eyes of others, power over others, mistaking pleasure for happiness In so doing, they reject Jesus the Good Shepherd. "Because the world refused to acknowledge him, therefore it does not acknowledge us." This is something we must learn to accept as a fact, even if it is hard to understand and even harder to take. Good Shepherd Sunday..it is also Vocation Sunday, when the church asks us to pray for vocations to the priesthood, diaconate and religious life, so many more may follow the example of the Good Shepherd. Vocations don t necessarily begin in the pews. Life of faith begins in the home. Sometimes a vocation begins in the kitchen, with a teenager at conversation with family, an inner spark catching flame. Above all, when a family comes together in prayer. It might begin around the dining room table, or in the car on the way to some place, or in the classroom, when someone poses a casual question and you can t get it out of your head: Did you ever think about becoming a priest? It s been said that prayer should be like a conversation with a friend. A prayer for vocations needs to be a conversation, too. A conversation with God. And a conversation with one another. I would challenge everyone to have that conversation, with your son or daughter, your brother or sister, your niece or nephew, your grandchildren. Dare to ask the question: have you ever thought about religious life? Do you think you might want to be a priest? Good Shepherd Sunday provides an opportunity to ask these questions and also to thank God for the gift of priesthood. It is a day when it is good to thank God for the many priests that have been witnesses to the death and resurrection of Christ in our lives and handed on the gift of Catholic faith. Some have done this in spite of all struggles. They are reminders that God s plan is beyond our human reasoning and his ways are not our ways. On the World Day of Prayer for Vocations we pray for the priests of our parish, diocese and all throughout the world following the example of the Good Shepherd. Through his prayer, the priest offers the people to God the loving Father, knowing that only His Spirit can bring true healing and peace. In this way the priest deepens his own relationship with Christ, his shepherd and friend, so that he may be more available to Him and to his flock. May the priest always pray, Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening (1 Sam 3:9). (to be continued) PARISH IN HOME PRAYER PROGRAM Host Family/Individual PILGRIM STATUE OF OUR LADY OF FATIMA Christian & Maureen Bustamante CUP OF PRAYER The Vera Family Lit - ur- gy n. a form of public worship; a collection of formularies for public worship; the celebration of the Eucharist APRIL IS DESIGNATED AS CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION MONTH

7 Syro-Malankara Catholics celebrate first eparchy founded outside India By Beth Griffin Catholic News Service ELMONT (CNS) Decades after a change in immigration laws started a wave of Indian migration to the United States, Syro-Malankara Catholics celebrated the establishment of their first eparchy, or diocese, outside of India. St. Mary, Queen of Peace Syro-Malankara Catholic Eparchy was inaugurated Jan. 23. It covers Canada and the U.S., and its headquarters are on Long Island at St. Vincent de Paul Parish in Elmont. The Syro-Malankara Catholic Church is an Eastern Catholic Church based in the southwest Indian state of Kerala. It traces its origins to evangelization by St. Thomas the Apostle in the first century. The church has more than 435,000 members, including 11,500 in North America. It is one of two Eastern churches that, along with the Latin Church, comprise the Catholic Church in India. The other is the Syro-Malabar Catholic Church. The 1965 Immigration and Nationality Act and subsequent legislation favoring skilled immigrants provided an initial entry for students and professionals from India. Syro-Malankara Catholic communities developed in New York, Philadelphia and Chicago, and the Syro-Malankara Catholic Mission of North America was inaugurated in New York with the help of the late Cardinal John O Connor, then archbishop of New York. In 2010, Pope Benedict XVI established an exarchate for the church and named Bishop Thomas Mar Eusebius its first bishop. An apostolic exarchate the equivalent of an apostolic vicariate in the Latin Church is created by the Vatican for the pastoral care of Catholics living outside of the territory of the Eastern Catholic Church to which they belong. Bishop Eusebius told Catholic News Service Feb. 14 that the growing diocese now has 16 parishes, spread from New York to California and as far north as Calgary, Alberta in Canada. He said that if there are 25 families, he tries to open a parish. In our tradition, our people have a very strong affinity for our liturgy. If they do not have a Syro-Malankara parish nearby, they miss something, he said. It s essential we provide pastoral care, or the Catholic Church may lose them. He added, The Malankara Catholic youth movement is very strong and we try our best to keep the youth close to the church. The faith has to be carried on through them. He ordained the first priest for the exarchate in 2013 and assigned him to the youth movement. The group will hold a four-day diocesan youth convention in Philadelphia in July. The diocese is served by 18 priests and 34 religious sisters. There are also 16 Syro-Malankara Catholic priests serving in Latin dioceses, as well as a number of bi-ritual Latin-rite priests who can offer the Divine Liturgy for the Syro-Malankars. Two seminarians are preparing for ordination. The St. Vincent de Paul Malankara Catholic Cathedral Parish in Elmont has 150 families, and 95 percent of the members attend Divine Liturgy on Sunday, Bishop Eusebius said. On alternating weeks, the liturgy is offered in English and Malayalam, a language common in southwestern India. Bishop Eusebius said there has been an effort to translate the missal, prayers and other worship aids into English. First-generation parishioners may be more comfortable with Malayalam, but secondand third-generation Syro-Malankara Catholics have grown up with English. Bishop Eusebius presided at a morning prayer service and subsequent Divine Liturgy for the first Sunday of Lent. In his homily, he said Lent is an opportunity for a radical renewal of our life and cleansing our soul. The tragedy of our culture is we have lost the sense of sin, and so every heinous act can be justified, he said. When we bypass the voice of conscience, we become numb. During the liturgy, Bishop Eusebius wore embroidered red and gold vestments and was assisted by seven male servers and a transitional deacon. The servers, in stocking feet, proclaimed the readings, swung censers, rang bells and shook polemounted, angel-faced metallic discs, called marabasas, to call attention to the most solemn parts of the liturgy. The celebrant and the congregation prayed and responded in an a cappella tonal chant. Afterward, Bishop Eusebius said it is traditional to forgo shoes in the sanctuary. He used slip-on liturgical shoes, which he removed as needed, including when he prostrated himself before the altar. He also explained that the segregation of men and women on either side of the main aisle was voluntary and the custom varied from parish to parish. The Syro-Malankars separated from the Catholic Church in the 16th century and became Orthodox. On Sept. 20, 1930, a group of five people led by Bishop Geevarghese Mar Ivanios reunited with the Catholic Church; there are currently 435,000 Syro-Malankara Catholics. The Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church has a membership of 2.5 million people. Bishop Eusebius applauded the historic meeting Feb. 12 between Pope Francis and Russian Orthodox Patriarch Kirill. He said it recalled Bishop Ivanios dream that the whole Malankara church would come into the Catholic Church. Bishop Eusebius did not suggest that reunification is an outcome of the meeting. Bishop Eusebius was born in Kerala in 1961, ordained a priest in 1986 and holds a doctorate in philosophy from the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome. By tradition, when he was ordained a bishop, he stopped using his surname, Naickamparampil, and assumed the name of Eusebius, a fourth-century bishop and church historian. He said the name was chosen in consultation with Cardinal Baselios Cleemis, major archbishop of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church. Cardinal Cleemis presided at the Jan. 23 inauguration of the diocese, which took place during and despite a blizzard which closed roads, bridges and airports. Bishop Eusebius said travel in his diocese, spread over two countries, is challenging. He relies on parishioners generosity and help from the U.S. bishops Catholic Home Missions Appeal grant program. He visits each parish more than once a year, serves on committees of the U.S. and Canadian bishops conferences and attends Syro- Malankara church synods in India. The bishop serves as his own secretary and lives and works in a rectory that doubles as the diocesan chancery. It is important people understand that we are as Catholic as the Latin Catholics and there is no difference in our Catholicity. The Holy Father is the supreme head of the church. All Eastern Catholic churches are apostolic, with distinctive liturgical and spiritual traditions, he said. As an example, he said the Syro-Malankara Catholics have a period of fasting and intense spiritual preparation before every major feast, including 50 days before Easter, 15 days before the Assumption and 14 days before the feast of Sts. Peter and Paul.

8 MOTHER TERESA S CANONIZATION Vatican City, Mar 15, 2016 / 03:57 am (CNA/EWTN News).- After months of anticipation, the date of Mother Teresa s canonization has finally been announced. It falls on Sept. 4, which this year will also mark a special jubilee for workers and volunteers of mercy. Though it's been rumored for months that Mother Teresa s canonization will take place Sept. 4, the Vatican made the date official during a March 15 consistory of cardinals. Mother Teresa was born Agnes Gonxha Bojaxhiu Aug. 26, 1910, in Skopje, Macedonia. After joining the Sisters of Loretto at age 17, she was sent to Calcutta, where she later contracted tuberculosis, and was sent to rest in Darjeeling. On the way, she felt what she called an order from God to leave the convent and live among the poor. After she left her convent, Mother Teresa began working in the slums, teaching poor children, and treating the sick in their homes. A year later, some of her former students joined her, and together they took in men, women and children who were dying in the gutters along the streets. In 1950, the Missionaries of Charity were born as a congregation of the Diocese of Calcutta. In 1952, the government granted them a house from which to continue their mission of serving Calcutta's poor and forgotten. She died Sept. 5, 1997, and was beatified just six years later by St. John Paul II Oct. 19, In addition to Mother Teresa, the consistory also decided on the canonization dates of four other blesseds: Bl. Maria Elisabetta Hesselblad, Bl. Jose Sanchez del Rio, Bl. Stanislaus of Jesus Mary and Bl. Jose Gabriel del Rosario Brochero. The canonization of Bl. Jose Sanchez del Rio is also noteworthy. He will be made a saint Oct. 16, alongside Bl. Jose Gabriel del Rosario Brochero. Blessed José Luis Sánchez del Río was brutally tortured and killed when he was 14 years old during the religious persecution by Mexican President Plutarco Elías Calles. José Luis had enlisted in the ranks of the Cristeros, under the command of General Prudencio Mendoza. He was martyred by the Federal Army Feb. 10, According to the story, the soldiers cut off the soles of his feet and forced him to walk barefoot to his grave. Moments before he was killed, the boy shouted, Viva Cristo Rey! or Long live Christ the King! His character was one of the main protagonists in the 2013 film For Greater Glory. Blessed Jose Gabriel del Rosario Brochero, frequently referred to as the gaucho priest, will be Argentina's first saint. Born March 16, 1840, the priest suffered from leprosy throughout his life, and is known for his service to the sick and the dying. He died in 1914 and was beatified by Pope Francis Sept. 14, Sweden will also receive a new saint in Bl. Maria Elizabeth Hesselblad, who will be canonized June 5 alongside Polish Blessed Stanislaus of Jesus and Mary Papczynski. Born in the small village of Faglavik, in Sweden s western coast province of Alvsborg June 4, 1870, Bl. Maria Elisabeth was a nurse and a convert to Catholicism. After her conversion, she went on to found a new order of Bridgettines, called the Most Holy Savior of Saint Bridget. She died in Rome April 24, 1957, and was beatified April 9, 2000, by St. John Paul II. Blessed Stanislaus of Jesus and Mary Papczynski is a Polish priest born in 1631 and beatified by Benedict XVI in Often referred to as the Father Founder, Bl. Stanislaus is known for his writings and constant encouragement to contemplate God s mercy and to turn to Mary Immaculate for guidance and protection. In addition to founding the Congregation of Marian Fathers of the Immaculate Conception of the Most Blessed Virgin Mary, the priest also experienced visions of Holy Souls in Purgatory, and urged penance and prayers on their behalf. St. Vincent de Paul Society & Parish Social Ministry (OUTREACH) From the desk of Maryann & Magda This Sunday is often called Good Shepherd Sunday. It is a time to reflect on Jesus words, No one can take them out of my hand. We are called to hear the voice of the Good Shepherd who calls us to rejoice in the goodness showered on us who are faithful to his call. Your contributions to the poor box and gifts of food show that you are disciples of Jesus, the Good Shepherd. Your contributions are very much appreciated and make a positive difference in the lives of many who need assistance in meeting financial challenges. This week the St. Vincent DePaul pantry is in need of canned vegetables such as carrots, peas, and mixed vegetables, syrup, and instant mashed potatoes. Thank you for your continuing generosity. The pantry is open Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, from 9 am to 1 pm. All are welcome.

9 UPCOMING EVENTS & NEWS Join us for our annual CAMP SIENNA DAY! Special registration promotions available! Sunday, May 15 th, :00am 3:00pm In the Parking Field (corner of Holzheimer St. & Pacific Ave.) World Youth Day 2016 Dear Friends: We are asking for your support in donating your coins: pennies; nickels; dimes; quarters or dollars to subsidize the cost of our young people going to Poland. Collection boxes will be placed at the entrances of the church every week. Thank you for your support. God Bless You! Come join us, meet some of our counselors, enjoy some fun activities and register your child for a fun filled summer! For information regarding Camp Sienna s prices, enrollment and deposit policy please call: Phone (516) ext. 403 St. Catherine of Sienna BUS TRIP Saturday, June 11, 2016 Pickup: 990 Holzheimer St. Franklin Sq. Pickup Time: 8:00am FOXWOODS CASINO & TANGER OUTLETS Angels on the Road is off to Foxwoods Casino Resort in Ledyard, Ct. Enjoy a 6-hour casino stay at Foxwoods Casino as well as onsite discount shopping at the Brand New Tanger Outlets. Includes: Deluxe Motorcoach Transportation, 6 Hour Casino Stay at Foxwoods Casino, $10.00 Keno Bonus, Enjoy an All You Can Eat Luncheon Buffet at Foxwoods Casino Discount, Shopping at Tanger Outlet, Discount Coupon Booklets for Shopping All Taxes and Meal Gratuities Price: $49.00pp Make checks payable to AMAZING DESTINATIONS For More Information Call Maryann (516) or (516)