A community of Faith hope and love

Transcription

1 A community of Faith hope and love TWENTY-SECOND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME August 30, 2015 How great is your goodness, O 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 Joy Varkey, Resident Priest ext. 124 Father Martin J. Hall, Retired Priest in Residence Mrs. Susan Martin, Director of Religious Education Phone/ Fax The Religious Education Center is closed on Fridays. 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 Parish on the left side of the home page form. If you move away, please notify us as well. S T. BERNARD S CATHOLIC CHURCH Sr. Christine Sammons, O.P., Coordinator of Parish Social Ministry PSM@StBernardChurch.org Ms. Sarah Kropac, Coordinator of Youth Ministry skropac@stbernardchurch.org Mrs. Mary Jane Witte, Director of Liturgical Music MJWitte@StBernardChurch.org ext. 142 Ms. Diane Vella, Pastoral Associate DVella@StBernardChurch.org ext. 143 Mrs. Rose Marie Rotondo, Sacristan Sacristan@StBernardChurch.org Mr. Len Lanzi, Facilities Manager ext. 120 Mr. Dimas Carbajal, Head of Maintenance Maintenance@StBernardChurch.org ext. 126 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 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 5. 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

3 Signs of Welcome E mail Father Ralph: shepherd@stbernardchurch.org Parking Lot Update I ve spent the last couple of weeks meeting with four engineering/architectural firms to discuss the renovation of our parking lot and the repair of our tower. I m awaiting their initial responses and then with the help of the diocesan building office, we ll select a firm who will develop plans for these projects. Once the initial plans have been produced, we ll schedule some community meetings to get feedback from parishioners and neighbors. Levittown Tribune If you re a subscriber to the Levittown Tribune you might have noticed that there is a new columnist. That would be me! I was invited by the editor to write the Spirit of Levittown column and I m grateful for the opportunity to share insights with the wider Levittown Community. See you later! I m taking the final leg of my vacation and will be back after Labor Day. You may have seen the new large sign on the Parish Center that invites people to come to church on Sunday. Here s the story...a few weeks ago someone drove into the building damaging the doors and structure. Fortunately everyone was safe. But the building had to be boarded up and we re now in the process of dealing with the insurance company, an engineering report, and the fabrication of new doors. This could take a few months. So rather than looking at plywood during that time, teens from the Fixup Club painted the boards and Father Augustine painted an image of St. Bernard just in time for the Feast of St. Bernard. Then during the evening picnic, we invited people to take turns painting the letters on the sign. This is an example of how to turn an unfortunate incident into something positive. This is the time of the year when many visitors come to St. Bernard s school building to register for BOCES or Tender Gardens and others come to play basketball. Perhaps they ll feel the warm welcome that we extend to everyone who comes to worship with us. So if you see new faces in church (and even if they end up in your seat), be sure to continue the welcome. While we re on a mission to bring the gospel out into the community, we also pay attention to how we make those who come to us feel at home. 3

4 Parish News Miraculous Medal Novena On Monday, August 31 and Monday, September 7, Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal Novena will be held after the 8:00 am Mass. Mid-Week Mid-Morning Book Discussion Join your fellow parishioners on Wednesday, September 23 rd at 10:00 am in the Parish Center for an informal discussion of this best selling novel. Set during one of the most conflicted and volatile times in American history, Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet by Jamie Ford is an e x t r a o r d i n a r y s t o r y o f commitment and hope. You won t be able to put this one down! For more information contact Wally Rodier at wrodi@verizon.net or Gifts of treasure Sunday collections August 23, 2015 August 24, 2014 $ 11, $ 12, envelopes 547 envelopes Faith Direct $ 2, $ 1, Total Collection $ 14, $ 14, Capital Campaign Goal: $1,000, Pledged: $1,199, Collected to date: $1,002, Please continue to fulfill your pledge commitment so that all of the planned projects can be accomplished. Thank you for your continued generosity. Faith Direct Have you enrolled yet? Code = NY272 See page 11 for details Friday, September 4, is the First Friday of the month and is always dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. the Gifts of bread and wine for the weekend of August 29 th & August 30 th have been requested in loving memory of William & Rose McNerney by Rosemary McNerney Come join us at a Zumba Gold class! It is for people (men and women) 55 and up. We will do a little dancing a little toning and a lot of fun. The classes will start Tuesday, September 8. We will have classes Tuesday from 2-3pm and Thursday from 9-9:45am in the Parish Center. The cost is $5 a class. No contracts!! Wear sneakers and comfortable clothes. Bring a towel, water and 1 lb hand weights. Looking forward to seeing you! 4

5 mass intentions This listing may not reflect recent changes or additions. Monday, August 31 8:00 am Jean Marie Foote Tuesday, September 1 8:00 am Louise Manzo Wednesday, September 2 8:00 am Salvatore Spirelli Thursday, September 3 8:00 am Joseph McGrath Friday, September 4 8:00 am Sr. Lawrence Marie Matthews Saturday, September 5 8:00 am 5:00 pm Theresa Flanigan Sunday, September 6 7:30 am Gertrude Marrazzo 9:00 am Benjamin Eclipse 10:30 am Jim Lassus, Marie P. Cummings, Raymond McDevitt Sr., James D. Vosseler Sr. 12 Noon Pamela Wise - Living 5:30 pm For all parishioners Baptisms sacraments We welcome into the parish the following new members: Chloe Marie Batista Alyson Rose Gilman Michaela Grace Ingersoll Patrick Scott McNevin Congratulations to the happy parents. BANNS OF MARRIAGE First Time Catherine Hall, St. Frances de Chantal, Wantagh Gonzalo Cantos, St. Bernard Parish, Levittown Jacklyn Minutillo, St. Mary Gate of Heaven, Ozone Park Daniel Wicelinski, St. Bernard Parish, Levittown for the sick of our parish 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. Salvatore Bumbalo Al Camilleri Jean Dooling John Flahive Bernadette Habeeb Frank Hafkell John Hartofil Eileen Klein Mario Isidoro Debbie Mathiesen Christopher Rotondo Ellen Salvato Mary Ellen Walsh Charles Yevoli Please pray for all those on our Long-term Sick List Parish calendar (Subject to change) Monday, August 31 After 8:00 am Mass Miraculous Medal Novena, Church Tuesday, September 1 10:00 am Our Lady of Consolation, Parish Center 7:00 pm Boy Scout Troop 316, Cafeteria 7:00 pm Pastoral Formation Institute - PFI, Parish Center 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 Adult Choir, Church Wednesday, September 2 8:00 pm Bread of Life Prayer Group, Parish Center Thursday, September 3 10:00 am Shawl Ministry, Parish Center 2:15 pm St. Vincent Meeting, Clairvaux House 6:30 pm Most Holy Trinity Novena, Prayer Room Saturday, September 5 11:00 am Women s AA Meeting, Cafeteria Sunday, September 6 6:30 pm Youth Ministry Meeting, YM Room 8:00 pm AA Meeting, Cafeteria Baby Mason Francis Combs Susan Arena Arlene Barsch Irene Boyce Helen Clarke Rosemary Clark Roberta Curran Richard DeLaRosa Monica DeLaRosa Juanita Dones Harold Encizo Jim Finlan Kathleen Flaherty Teresita Gallego Colleen Grasing John Guiffre Mike Hach Patricia Hafner Carolyn Hakim Suzanne Hanna Annette Hannon Donna Hare Judy Hupfer Gervas Ignacio Vicki Jacona Jerome W. Kalkhof Eileen Klein Tia Mabanta Andrew Mahoney William McDonagh Teresa McDonald Mary McLean Gerard McManus Mary Messina Irmgard Montanino Kerri Orlando Johnny Perdue Rosina Perri Raymond Pfiefer Catherine Pipinou Joan Rampolla Fred Rappa Laureen Quinn-Sturge Deanne Reilly Christopher Rotondo John Rotondo, Jr. Federico Rueda Terri Saccente Eve Saint Thomas Saint Terry Sherwood Joseph Smithwick, Sr. Norma Steiger Marina Suazo Liberty Tabag David Testa Rosalie Travers Donna Vollaro Theresa Votta Ann Dolores Walsh Pat Welisher Pray for our beloved deceased and those who mourn for them Lillian Boden Margaret Gruter Robert S. Lane Joseph M. McGrath Catherine O Meara Robert A. Picariello 5

6 ADULT FAITH FORMATION Diane Vella, Pastoral Associate Fall Adult Education Preview! Jesus: A Pilgrimage book journey and virtual pilgrimage with Fr. James Martin, S.J. One Friday evening a month starting Sept. 18 at 7:30 p.m. Come on this 10-month pilgrimage of spiritual reflection and discussion with this NY Times best-seller! (See separate ad below!) AWAKENING FAITH informal study/discussion groups for Catholics 20s-40s 6 Wednesdays starting Sept. 23, 7:30-8:45 p.m. OR 6 Saturdays starting Oct. 3, 9:00-10:15 a.m. Come learn and discuss with others like you questions about the Catholic faith. All questions/doubts welcome! Lutherans, Anglicans & Roman Catholics: What divides us? What unites us? 3 Wednesdays starting October 7, 7:30 p.m., Christ Lutheran Church in Wantagh Presented by members of the Long Island Lutheran-Anglican-Roman Catholic Dialogue: Diane Vella, St. Bernard s; Rev. Laurie Cline, St. John s Lutheran Church in Bellmore, and Rev. Christopher King, St. James Episcopal Church in Long Beach. Fall Bible Study The Mystery of Suffering and Evil in the Bible 6 Thursdays starting Oct. 15, 7:30 p.m. OR 6 Fridays starting Oct. 16, 10:00 a.m. Come study and discuss the Book of Job and other passages of the Bible that address the question of suffering and evil in the world. (First session is for those who are new to St. Bernard s Bible Study program; returnees may join the 2nd session) JOIN OUR VIRTUAL PILGRIMAGE TO THE HOLY LAND WITH FATHER JAMES MARTIN, S.J. Starts Friday, Sept. 18, 7:30-9:00, Parish Center READ JESUS: A PILGRIMAGE AND JOIN US ONE FRIDAY EVENING A MONTH FOR 10 MONTHS FOR DISCUSSION, VIDEO, AND WINE AND CHEESE! Father Jim is a witty and engaging speaker and writer who is often sought by the media to provide commentary on all things Catholic. (Check him out: PLEASE PRE-REGISTER! Name: Phone: Place in collection basket, or return to parish office or call/ Diane Vella: or dvella@stbernardchurch.org 6

7 ADULT FAITH FORMATION Diane Vella, Pastoral Associate Becoming Catholic: Does any of this apply to you or someone you know? Going to church but not baptized? Going to a Catholic church but not Catholic? Going to a Catholic church but not confirmed? Interested in finding out more about full membership in the Catholic Church Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA): A Journey in Faith! Name: Phone: Best time to call: Place form in collection basket, or contact Diane Vella: or dvella@stbernardchurch.org St. Bernard S Center for religious education Mrs. Susan Martin, M.A., Director, News from the Religious Education Office We welcome back our veteran catechists and our newbies to the important ministry of bringing Jesus to our youth. Please mark your calendars now for the dates of our meetings. As your new director, I look forward to meeting each one of you. This year s catechetical theme is Safeguarding the dignity of every human person. Do come for a special blessing on Catechetical Sunday, September 20 th. Any new catechist MUST take the mandated diocesan class of Virtus. Simply go to for registration information. Any questions, feel free to contact your grade level coordinator or myself, Susan Martin. May God bless you for your dedication and generosity in the challenging ministry of teaching the Good News. Meeting dates are as follows: Wednesday, September 9 - grade level catechists in both 7 & 8 at 7:30-9pm in peach room. Thursday September 10 - catechists for grades 3, 4, 5, & 6 meet 7:30-9pm in peach room. Saturday, September 12 - grade levels 1 & 2 (First Eucharist prep) 9-10:30am in peach room. Saturday, September 12 - our special needs catechists will meet 10:30-12 noon in the Center. Together we can do something beautiful for God. (Blessed Teresa of Calcutta) VIRTUS CLASS Protecting Gods Children All church volunteers, catechists (religion teachers) and / or hall monitors must take the required diocesan Virtus class which recognizes the signs of sexual child abuse. This is a one-time class for approximately. 2-3 hours. You need to enroll before classes begin thus we are pleased to announce this course will be offered on our premises on Tuesday, September 15 th at both 9:30am and 7:00pm in the peach room of the Parish Center. Please select your convenient time. Participants MUST REGISTER on-line at Click on Rockville Centre diocese and scroll down to St. Bernard s OR any other parish to suit your calendar. We look forward to seeing you then! Any questions, feel free to contact Susan Martin in the Religious Education Office Smartin@stbernardchurch.org. 7

8 Liturgy Corner TWENTY-SECOND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME August 30, 2015 In the Second Reading St. James tells us, humbly welcome the word that has been planted in you and is able to save your souls. First Reading: As Moses presents God s law, he insists that obedience will make the people famous and assure a good life. Most of all, he underlines the fact that they are uniquely privileged in the way God is present to them and has taught them. This reading, coming at the end of the summer season, invites us to look at our religious experience and tradition and appreciate our faith heritage in the same way that Moses encouraged his people to do. Responsorial Psalm 15: When we pray those who do justice will live in the presence of God, we are not saying that God is absent from the unjust. Rather, doing justice is our way of choosing to be conscious of and responsive to his presence. The one who does justice will live in the presence of the Lord. Second Reading: In today s language we might say that the Epistle of James is the epistle of transparency. James insists that our faith must be expressed in action for the good of others. If we are saved, then we will act like people who have nothing to worry about and who therefore can share with abandon. He goes so far as to equate work for justice with worship. In the light of that, he would ask us how we live and worship outside of the church building. Gospel: If we want to summarize today s Gospel with a key question, it would be Where is your heart? The law that the religious leaders were quoting to Jesus was actually scholarly commentary on God s law developed over centuries. Certainly, it was a good and healthful practice to eat with clean hands, but scrupulous attention to detail was not part of Jesus vision of God s reign. According to Jesus, those whose religiosity focuses more on legal detail than on the needs of others block the way to God for themselves as well as for others. Saint of the Week Thursday, September 3. St. Gregory the Great ( ) was a mayor, a monk, a pope, and a writer. Unhappy with his life as mayor of Rome, St. Gregory allocated half of his fortune to the poor and the other half to the foundation of seven monasteries. After joining a monastery in pursuit of a simple life, he was elected to the papacy. As pope, he cared for the poor, implemented the Gregorian reforms to improve Church governance and clerical behavior, promoted the monastic vocation, and renewed the liturgy. His name is associated with Gregorian chant (plainsong) and Eucharistic Prayer II (along with St. Hippolytus). A prolific writer and Doctor of the Church, St. Gregory composed numerous theological texts and is cited 374 times in St. Thomas Aquinas s Summa Theologiae. September is designated as The Month of Our Lady of Sorrows Mary most sorrowful, pray for us. Sourcebook

9 Readings for August 30, 2015 September 6, 2015 Sunday, August 30. Twenty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time. Deuteronomy 4:1-2, 6-8; James 1:17-18, 21-22, 27; Psalm 15:2-5; Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, Monday, August Thessalonians 4:13-18; Psalm 96: 1, 3-5, 11-13; Luke 4: Tuesday, September 1. 1 Thessalonians 5:1-6, 9-11; Psalm 27: 1, 4, 13-14; Luke 4: Wednesday, September 2. Colossians 1:1-8; Psalm 52: 10-11; Luke 4: Thursday, September 3. Saint Gregory the Great, Pope and Doctor of the Church. Colossians 1:9-14; Psalm 98: 2-6; Luke 5:1-11. Friday, September 4. Colossians 1:15-20; Psalm 100:1-5; Luke 5: Saturday, September 5. Colossians 1:21-23; Psalm 54: 3-4, 6, 8; Luke 6:1-5. Sunday, September 6. Twenty Third Sunday in Ordinary Time. Isaiah 35:4-7a; Psalm 146:7-10; James 2:1-5; Mark 7: For The Ride Home This feature is for families to share their thoughts as they travel to and from Church. 22 nd Sunday of Ordinary Time August 30, 2015 Gospel: Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, Adults: How do I prepare my heart to receive the transformative power of God s words? Children: How do I welcome the words of Jesus into my heart? LAST CHANCE TO SIGN UP! St. Bernard s Church Vatican Splendors: A Journey Through Faith October 21, 2015 (pick-up at St. Bernard at 7:00AM ) at the Franklin Institute, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Experience 2000 years of Vatican Art and History Trip includes: Deluxe motor coach transportation Admission ticket A tour of the Basilica of St. Peter & Paul All tips and taxes Lunch on your own Cost: $89.00 For more information call, Ginny Smithwick Make Checks payable to Rendezvous Travel. Mail check to: Eileen Heffernan 101 Orchid Road Levittown, NY Include your name, number of people, phone number. Rosary Rally With The Holy Shroud Presented by the Fatima Prayer Cell for World Peace To be held on: Monday - August 31, 2015, 7:00 pm sharp. Be Early! Doors will open at 6:00 pm! Location: St. Brigid /Our Lady of Hope Regional School, Maple Avenue, Westbury, NY. The presenter for this evening is Mr. Donald Nohs, the Director General of the Confraternity of the Passion and will be leading us through The Sorrowful Mysteries of the Holy Rosary according to the Burial Shroud of Jesus! See the Image of Jesus in His Holy Shroud! A relic of the Holy Shroud will be available for veneration! For directions and more information call Garol Spear at HELP WANTED Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School in West Islip is searching for: An Early Childhood and Primary Grade SPANISH teacher. MUST absolutely love the language and culture, speak fluent Spanish and be NYS certified. This is a FULL time position with benefits. 3 Early Childhood Nursery and Pre-K paras. This is a per diem position. Pay is $10 per hour, approximately 25 hours a week. NYS certified teachers are encouraged to apply as substituting opportunities are available. Para positions become available because we hire first from within to fill open teaching positions each year. If interested, please send and resume to lkrol@ollschool.org 9

10 Parish social ministry Sr. Christine Sammons, O.P., St. Vincent de Paul: Special thanks to Our Lady of Consolation Prayer Group and the Levittown Swimming Association for their gift card and food donations. We appreciate the help of each and every donor~~many thanks to everyone! This week, our pantry needs include: Coffee and tea (regular, instant, decaf) Canned meat and fish Canned pasta (Chef Boy-ar-dee type) Tomato products of all kinds Shelf-stable, powdered and evaporated milk Juice/juice boxes Peanut butter (small jars), jelly Toilet tissue and feminine hygiene products, paper towels Baby wipes Laundry detergent (smaller sizes) As always, thank you! Please remember the poor boxes and to buy one, get one free! Back to School! We are actively engaged in collecting and distributing school supplies to our children, and are most grateful for each and every donation. If you are still inclined to shop, we would be happy to accept: Blue, black, red pens Marbled composition books (not spiral since they are not permitted) Pencils Pencil sharpeners Erasers 2 or 3 binders Loose leaf paper Pocket folders (any colors) Packs of 3 x 5 index cards 24-box crayons Packs of 3 x 3 Post-its (type) Box of colored pencils Markers Highlighters Elmer s (type) glue Glue sticks Pencil case or pouch Large or extra-large backpacks for girls and boys We will gladly accept any school supplies before our children return to classes. As always, thank you for your kind generosity! 10 St. Bernard s Healthy Sunday: This Sunday August 30 th, nurses from St. Joseph Hospital will be present in our parish center from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. for free blood pressure screening, height, weight and determining BMI (body mass index) for all parishioners. This effort is part of Catholic Health Services outreach to communities on Long Island. Please stop by the parish center! (If flu vaccines are available, you may request a flu shot!) Bereavement Support Groups: We are very fortunate that Dr. Lou Sabatini will be leading support groups for recently bereaved family members and friends. General support group will begin on Thursday, September 24; 6:30-7:45 pm, continuing each week until December 3. Bereaved Parents support group will begin on Monday, September 14; 7:00-8:15 pm, continuing every other week until December 21. Survivors of Suicide support group will begin Monday, September 21; 7:00-8:15 pm continuing every other week until December 14. All groups will meet in the parish center. Preregistration is required; a $20 fee is requested. Please call our office for a registration form or if you have questions! In addition, a facilitator training for bereavement support groups will be offered beginning Thursday, October 1 and continuing through November 19. The fee is $60. If interested, please contact Dr. Sabatini directly at (516) or lousab@aol.com. Friends of the Poor Walk: On Saturday, September 19 th, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul will walk in honor of Pope Francis visit to the United States. They are dedicating the Society s 7 th Annual Friends of the Poor 5K walk to Pope Francis. The walk will begin at Bethpage Community Park and will take steps to stamp out poverty. Every dollar raised will help people in our local community. For more information, visit or call (516) Registration begins at 9:00 a.m. and the walk begins at 11:00. All are welcome. The members of our Conference will have a table after Masses during September to accept your donations.

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12 Catholics For Freedom of Religion - CFFR "Religious freedom... has to do with immunity from coercion in civil society." Vatican II - Declaration on Religious Liberty Some school districts continue to resist any accommodation of student religious expression often resulting in many years of legal battles. Pocono Mountain S.D., PA: A 5th grade student was barred from distributing invitations to a Christmas party at her church. After years in lower courts, the U.S. Court of Appeals found in the student's favor and ruled elementary students have free-speech rights protected by the First Amendment. (adfmedia.org, 12/6/13; edweek.org, 3/12/13) Baldwinsville S.D., NY: A poster created by a Kindergartener for an assignment about saving the earth was rejected for showing Jesus along with various pictures depicting recycling and the words, "The only way to save the world". The teacher covered the picture of Jesus. When the parents objected to their child's poster being censored, a 10-year legal battle ensued and was finally sent to the U.S. Supreme Court. (wnd.com, 3/13/10) In both of these cases, the school districts spent years in court and spent hundreds of thousands of taxpayer dollars - apparently because of an overwrought fear that the school might be seen as "endorsing" religion. (firstamendmentcenter.org) As the Alliance Defending Freedom letter to PA schools explains, "The Supreme Court has made it clear that students do not shed their constitutional rights to freedom of speech or expression at the schoolhouse gate." "The Supreme Court has definitely held that religious expression - whether spoken, written, or symbolic - is protected by the First Amendment." (adfmedia.org/news, 12/6/13) "...our grandchildren will pay the full price if we allow our freedom to be relinquished." Barbara Samuells, president Catholics For Freedom of Religion Mark your Calendar: Thursday, Sept. 10, 7:30PM, St. Patrick Church, 280 E Main St., Smithtown, NY 11787, in the church. Thomas Renker, General Counsel of Diocese of Rockville Centre, will speak on threats we are facing to our religious freedoms. Come and learn more about how our religious freedoms are being undermined and how you can help to preserve them. Thursday, Sept. 17, "Constitution Day" is to be observed in all public schools which are mandated to provide educational programming on the history of the U.S. Constitution adopted on September 17, Saturday, Oct. 10, 11AM-2PM, Nassau Community College "Center for Catholic Studies", Garden City, NY, will present "Religion and the Civil War: Focus on the Catholic Church"; keynote speaker: Brother Syriac, Chaminade H.S. faculty; free admission & lunch - must register for parking pass: The Diocese of Rockville Centre will distribute tickets to the Papal Mass at Madison Square Garden on Friday, September 25, 2015 at 6:30 pm thorough a lottery process. Please complete the ticket request form available through your parish and on the diocesan website ( and return it by Thursday September 10, Those selected to receive tickets will be notified after September 15,

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