A community of Faith hope and love Fourth Sunday of Lent March 11, 2018 Rejoice, Jerusalem, and all who love her.
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 516-731-4220, or download a form from our website www.stbernardchurch.org. Click on Join St. Bernard s on the bottom of the home page form. If you move away, please notify us as well. S T.BERNARD S CATHOLIC CHURCH 516-731-4220 Phone/516-731-4355 Fax Email: Parish@StBernardChurch.org Website: www.stbernardchurch.org PASTORAL TEAM Father Ralph Sommer, Pastor Shepherd@StBernardChurch.org ext. 130 Father Joe Nohs, Associate Pastor FrNohsBest@StBernardChurch.org ext. 128 Father Innocent Duru, Chaplain In Residence onyeduru@yahoo.com Deacon John Blakeney DeaconJohn@StBernardChurch.org 516-731-4220 Deacon James Flannery Aquinas69@gmail.com 516-731-4220 Mrs. Susan Martin, Director of Religious Education RelEd@StBernardChurch.org 516-731-8511 Phone/516-731-7860 Fax The Religious Education Center is closed on Fridays. Sr. Christine Sammons, O.P., Coordinator of Parish Social Ministry PSM@StBernardChurch.org 516-731-6074 Pat McDonough, Director of Youth & Young Adults pat@stbernardchurch.org Ext. 144 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 516-731-4220 Mr. Len Lanzi, Facilities Manager facilitiesmanager@stbernardchurch.org ext. 120 Mr. Dimas Carbajal, Head of Maintenance Maintenance@StBernardChurch.org ext. 126 CYO Basketball: email: info@stbernardcyo.org website: www.stbernardcyo.org 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: www.stbernardchurch.org Confessions: Saturday: 4:00-5:00 pm. Weekdays: After the 8:00 am Mass Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal Novena and Benediction: Monday: Check schedule on page 4. Morning Prayer: Monday through Saturday, 8:30 am, Prayer Room. Books are available. Baptism of Children: We welcome infants and children to our Christian community! Baptisms are held on select Sundays at 1:30 pm. Please contact the parish at least 3 months before an anticipated baptism even before a new child is born to ensure enough time to complete the baptism preparation process. Our three-step preparation process includes: 1) at-home reading and preparation by the parents; 2) an intake conversation with a member of our parish staff; and 3) participation with other parents in a Sunday morning gathering, which begins with attendance at our 9:00 am Family-friendly Mass. Please call 731-4220 or e-mail 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, 731-4220. 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 731-4220. St. Vincent De Paul Society: 735-3218 Usher Coordinator: John Lyons (516) 390-5150 or Jlyons8234@gmail.com Bulletin Deadline: Friday, 5:00 pm, nine days prior to publication. You may email 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.
Not Condemning E mail Father Ralph: shepherd@stbernardchurch.org Slow but Steady I m now going out to Physical Therapy for my knee three times a week. Most days are good, most night are still bad (hard to sleep) but I m making steady progress. My goal is to be fully operational by Palm Sunday. So keep those prayers (and selfies at church) coming. And once again, thank you to Bishop Murphy for coming to celebrate Mass Wedding Bells We rejoice with the couples who are participating in our Pre-Cana Marriage Preparation this weekend. We wish them happiness in the days and years ahead. Couples who are thinking of getting married at St. Bernard s in the future are encouraged to speak with one of priests or deacons to begin the process. You can read about weddings at St. Bernard online: www.stbernardchurch.org/ Marriage I haven t been in church for the past couple of weeks as I m recovering from knee replacement surgery. And I totally understand feelings of frustration. But I heard that while I was out last weekend that some of our faithful were starting to get on each other s nerves. Comments about latecomers to Mass...comments about behavior of children...comments about people sitting in my seat... This week s gospel (John3: 14-21) comes none too soon for the grumpy faithful. Jesus tells Nicodemus, God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him. Nicodemus is a Pharisee and we know Pharisees specialized in judgment, criticism and condemnation. They had a world view that put people in two categories: the faithful and the unfaithful. Of course they considered themselves to be among the faithful, and if anyone didn t live up to their expectations, they judged them to be less than holy. The devil still tempts us to do that today, and even though we ve heard Jesus criticism of the Pharisees all our lives, we fall for the temptation to criticize others. Sometimes our judgements come out as full sentences, sometimes as a joking quip, sometimes as a sigh, and sometimes we just give others the look. And each time we do those things, I imagine the devil cackling with glee. Another division in the Body of Christ. When Jesus came to save the world, it would have been easy for him to preach non-stop condemnations against all the evil things people did. But as he proclaimed to Nicodemus, he came NOT to condemn. And since we re his disciples, we need to rid ourselves of the behaviors that reveal our judgment and criticism of others. Perhaps you ve rid yourself of chocolate or some other treat this Lent. Jesus words today encourage us to give up critical attitudes as an even more worthy sacrifice. And here s a way to turn from negative judgments: open your eyes and look around for something to praise. For example, while you might be temporarily annoyed at a crying baby, take time on the way out of church to affirm the parents who are bringing that child to Jesus. (They re no more thrilled at the crying than you are, and you ll have lifted them up with a kind word.) See how many kind things you can say in the week ahead. 3
Parish News Mid-Week Mid-Morning Book Discussion In the award-winning The Light Between Oceans by M.L. Stedman we are swept into a story about extraordinarily compelling characters seeking to find their North Star in a world where there is no right answer. Set in 1918 Australia we meet a lighthouse keeper and his wife who make one devastating choice that forever changes two worlds. Join your fellow parishioners on Wednesday March 21 at 10 AM in the St. Bernard Parish Center for an informal discussion of this best-selling novel which recently became a major motion picture. For more information please contact Wally Rodier at 516-731-6690 or wrodi@verizon.net. Ushers Needed Men and women are needed to usher at all Masses. If you are available to usher, please contact our Usher Coordinator-John Lyons at 516-390-5150. Gifts of treasure Sunday Collections March 5, 2018 March 5, 2017 $ 15,578.15 $ 15,300.70 640 envelopes 588 envelopes Faith Direct $ 2,482.65 $ 2,776.25 Total Collection $ 18,060.80 $ 18,076.95 Faith Direct Have you enrolled yet? www.faithdirect.net Code = NY272 the Gifts of bread and wine for the weekend of March 10 th and March 11 th have been requested in loving memory of Patrick Winberry, 2 nd Anniversary by his loving Family Parish calendar (Subject to change) Monday, March 12 After 8am Mass Miraculous Medal Novena, Church 2:00 pm Zumba Gold, Parish Center 7:00 pm Bereavement, Parish Center 7:30 pm Alpha Planning Meeting, Parish Center Tuesday, March 13 10:00 am Our Lady of Consolation, Parish Center 11:00 am Alzheimer Support Group, Parish Center 6:15 pm Children s Choir, Parish Center 6:45 pm Boy Scout Troop 316, Cafeteria 7:00 pm Spanish Rosary, Prayer Room 7:00 pm Vivitrol Support Group, School Room 206 7:30 pm AA Meeting, School Room 207 7:30 pm Adult Choir Rehearsal, Church Wednesday, March 14 2:00 pm Zumba Gold, Parish Center 7:00 pm CFFR Meeting, Parish Center 7:30 pm Evening of Prayer, Church 8:00 pm Bread of Life Prayer Group, Parish Center Thursday, March 15 9:30 am Padre Pio Prayer Group, Prayer Room or Marian Room 9:30 am Shawl Ministry, Parish Center 1:45 pm St. Vincent De Paul, Clairvaux House 7:00 pm Catholic Daughters Meeting, Parish Center Friday, March 16 12 Noon Exposition & Benediction, Church 2:00 pm Stroke Support Society, Parish Center 4
mass intentions This listing may not reflect recent changes or additions. Saturday, March 10 5:00 pm Roland French 7:30 pm Spanish Mass Sunday, March 11 7:30 am Juanita Dones Collazo 9:00 am Andrew Mineo 10:30 am Giovanna Paladino, FOR ALL PARISHIONERS, Helen Leggio, Carmela Bonomo 12:00 pm Members of Society of St. Vincent de Paul & their families 5:30 pm Raymond Guenthner Monday, March 12 8:00 am Joseph Gannon Tuesday, March 13 8:00 am Thanksgiving to the Blessed Mother Wednesday, March 14 8:00 am Joseph McNulty Thursday, March 15 8:00 am Marilyn Mahoney Friday, March 16 8:00 am Patrick Winberry - 2nd Anniversary Saturday, March 17 8:00 am Hedwig & Roman Bielen, Matthew T. Walsh, Kevin Regan, Peter Johnson 5:00 pm Susan Vitale Sunday, March 18 7:30 am Michael Giampetruzzi living 9:00 am Edward Kelley 10:30 am Patricia DeRosa, Robert McWilliams, Evelyn O'Brian, John Jack Lynch 12:00 pm FOR ALL PARISHIONERS 5:30 pm John Zeiss living Parish calendar (Subject to change) 7:15 pm Most Holy Trinity Prayer Group, offsite 7:30 pm Stations of the Cross, Church 7:30 pm Spirituality Book, Parish Center 8:15 pm Stations of the Cross in Spanish, Church Saturday, March 17 11:00 am Women s AA Meeting, Cafeteria 6:00 pm Sacred Heart Community, Parish Center Sunday, March 18 9:00 am Baptism Preparation Mass, Church 10:00 am Baptism Preparation Gathering, Parish Center 4:30 pm Youth Choir Practice, Church 6:30 pm Youth Ministry Meeting, Parish Center 8:00 pm AA Meeting, Cafeteria 5 BANNS OF MARRIAGE First Time Jonathan Hom Rachelle Ocampo, St. Bernard Parish, Levittown Pray for the sick of our parish Chris Angyal Anthony D'Auria, Sr. Anthony Gaudette Gary Gartmayer Thomas Gulatta Tom Joyce Doris & Martin Logan Julie Russo All names will remain on the list for 4 weeks after you call in. After that time we ask, if necessary, to call again. Thank you for cooperating and God bless all. Please pray for all those on our Long-term Sick List Pray for our beloved deceased and those who mourn for them Lillian Coffey SACRAMENTS Baby Mason Francis Combs Susan Arena Brian Austin Lorraine Bardolf Arlene Barsch Irene Boyce Lois Byrne Jean Caprera Rosemary Clark Ed Costello Monica DeLaRosa Sr. Juliana Deptuch Debra Dowdell Margaret Dowdell Gerry Finlan Jim Finlan Linda Fitz Kathleen Flaherty Rich Fuleki Muriel Gallagher Teresita Gallego Michael Giampetruzzi Regina Gorman Colleen Grasing John Guiffre Mike Hach Patricia Hafner Carolyn Hakim Cynthia Hansen Donna Hare John Hartofil Vicki Jacona Steve Jugan Jerome W. Kalkhof Anne Kalman Katherine Anne Kwestel Violet Kwestel Tia Mabanta Jaime Macias Andrew Mahoney Lucy Marconi Len Martinez Gene McDonagh William McDonagh Teresa McDonald Mary McLean Mary Messina Irmgard Montanino Kerri Orlando Johnny Perdue Rosina Perri Catherine Pipinou Dolores Pizzo Joan Rampolla Fred Rappa Laureen Quinn-Sturge Deanne Reilly John Rotondo, Jr. John Rotondo, Sr. Flore Rowe Federico Rueda Eve Saint Thomas Saint Terry Sherwood Danielle Stallone Frances Stallone Norma Steiger Louis Steinberg David Testa Rosalie Travers Joan Virostko Theresa Votta Brendan Wagner Janice Evarone
Lenten spirituality Lenten Evening Prayer Candles Incense Music Psalms Peace Wednesdays in Lent, 7:30 p.m. March 14 Dr. Phyllis Zagano Dr. Zagano is Senior Research Associate-in-Residence and Adjunct Professor of Religion at Hofstra University. She is the author or editor of twenty books in religious studies, including Holy Saturday: An Argument for the Restoration of the Female Diaconate in the Catholic Church (Crossroad, 2000), winner of Catholic Press Association and College Theology Society Annual Book Awards. Her award-winning twicemonthly column was nationally syndicated by the Religion News Service until 2010 and now runs in the National Catholic Reporter and in other journals around the world. On August 2, 2016, Pope Francis appointed her to the Papal Commission for the Study of Women in the Diaconate, which convened in Rome November 2016. She lives in Point Lookout, where she is a member of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal parish. Adult faith formation A Study and Discussion for those who don t know the basics and those who think they do! 6 Wednesday evenings starts April 11, 7:30-9:00 p.m., Parish Center This is a GREAT opportunity for People who want to know more People curious about the Church People who feel they didn t get a good religious education Parents of young children who feel unprepared to discuss faith with them Catechists who teach others Those who haven t learned anything new about the faith since their Confirmation! For information contact Diane Vella, 516-731-4220 or dvella@stbernardchurch.org 6
Adult faith formation Confirmation for Adults Becoming fully Catholic Are you 18 or over and coming to Mass every week? Baptized, but not confirmed in the Catholic Church? Feeling called to a relationship with Jesus through the Church? If you ve come this far, consider confirming your faith in Jesus and your relationship with his community of faith through the Sacrament of Confirmation. Adult Confirmation Preparation Question and Information Session: Wed. Apr. 4, 7:30 p.m., Parish Center Interactive Catholicism 101 Preparation Sessions continue: 6 Wed. beginning Apr. 11, 7:30 9:00 p.m. Interested but unable to come to the info session? Contact Diane Vella at 516-731-4220 or dvella@stbernardchurch.org before April 4. Spring Bible Study: The Acts of the Apostles Confused by the Bible? Come get smart in just ONE SESSION! Understanding the Bible can be tricky until you learn the keys to unlocking its meaning. You ll be surprised what you didn t know and what a difference it will make! THURS. APR. 12, 7:30 pm OR FRI. APR. 13, 10 am PARISH CENTER PLEASE PRE-REGISTER! Contact Diane Vella at 516-731-4220 or dvella@stbernardchurch.org What happened that turned a bunch of scared people who abandoned Jesus into the beginning of a movement that continues to transform the world? The Acts of the Apostles tells the story! 4 sessions starts Thurs. eve. Apr. 19, 7:30-9 p.m. or Fri. morn. Apr. 20, 10-11:30 a.m. Parish Center IF YOU ARE NEW TO BIBLE STUDY AT ST. BERNARD S, PLEASE REGISTER FOR OUR INTRO SESSION For info & registration contact Diane Vella at 516-731-4220 or dvella@stbernardchurch.org 7
Parish social ministry Sr. Christine Sammons, O.P., 731-6074 St. Vincent de Paul: Many thanks to everyone who remembers our lowincome neighbors on a regular basis. We are most grateful! Special thanks to the Skills USA Club of the Gerald Claps Career and Technical Center for their donation of new hats, gloves and socks for those in need. Thanks for thinking of us! This week our pantry needs include: Peanut butter Jelly (NOT homemade please!) Canned tomatoes Canned pasta ( Chef Boy-ar-dee type) Low-sugar cereals (Toasted oats, Cheerio s type) Oatmeal (canisters or envelopes) Please remember the poor boxes and to buy one, get one free! Spring Bereavement Groups: We are once again offering bereavement support groups to members of our parish and neighborhood. A group for newly bereaved persons will meet on Thursday, April 5 th from 6:30-7:45 p.m. in the parish center. A group for bereaved parents (newly bereaved and ongoing) will meet on the 1 st and 3 rd Mondays of the month, began on Monday, March 5 th from 7:00-8:15 p.m. in the parish center. The next meeting of this group is March 19 th. A group for anyone who has lost a loved one through suicide (recently or ongoing) meets on the 2 nd and 4 th Mondays of the month. The next meeting is Monday, March 12 th from 7:00-8:15 p.m. Pre-registration is requested (call our office or come in for a form,) as there is a fee of $20 payable to Parish Social Ministry. Call us or Dr. Lou Sabatini (799-5873) if you have any questions. Peanut Butter and Jelly Team: Laura Cardinale, her adult volunteers and teens made 877 peanut butter and jelly sandwiches on Monday, February 26 th for the INN and for our pantry! Our teens make sandwiches as part of their community service obligations for school and our religious education program. Thanks, everyone! Charitable KIDZ: Our Charitable KIDZ are happy to announce that on Saturday, March 3 rd, we were able to present a large check for $6,500 to Sister Diane Capuano and the students of Molloy College who each year travel to Kermit, West Virginia to spend time with children living in one of the poorest areas of our country at the Big Laurel Learning Center. Our KIDZ are most grateful to our parishioners for the many large and small donations which added up to this monumental gift! Charitable KIDZ Food Drive: Our Charitable KIDZ will be conducting a food drive at Stop & Shop on Saturday, March 24 th. We hope you can mark your calendars and stop by to make a purchase. Many young people from our area will be gathering to make their voices known about gun violence in our schools on this day. Our Charitable KIDZ will be in solidarity with them as they collect food for the less fortunate of our community. Our KIDZ, their parents and leaders will be at Stop & Shop, Wantagh Avenue and Hempstead Tpke. from 9:00 a.m.- 3:00 p.m. On Super Bowl Sunday, the Charitable KIDZ of St. Bernard's, Levittown (Young Vincentians) collected money in soup pots as part of the Souper Bowl of Caring. They collected $6,500 for Diane Capuano and the Molloy students to assist the people of the Big Laurel Learning Center in Kermit, WV. Sister Diane accepted the "big check" on Saturday, March 3rd at St. Bernard's! 8
Parish social ministry Sr. Christine Sammons, O.P., 731-6074 Faith and Service in the City~~Vincentian Leadership Institute for High School Students: This amazing program is accepting applications for their week-long residential program at St. John s University campus. It is an exciting and unique program for high school sophomores and juniors to work with faculty members and campus ministers, focusing on Catholic social teaching and social justice through an exploration of theology and participation in activities throughout New York City. It is funded by the Lilly Endowment, (cost to students: $100 we can help!) and will be repeated three times Sunday through Saturday! Week of July 8 th Week of July 22nd Week of August 5 th Will look great on your resume! Come and talk to Pat or Sister Christine we have applications! Mass of Transferral Father Martin Hall (November 11, 1926 February 19, 2018) Dominican Commercial High School: Msgr. Thomas Costa interpreted/signed for the deaf. Many D.C. graduates may be aware that the property which formerly housed Dominican Commercial since 1936 closed in 1998 due to declining numbers and changing demographics. At the present time, the Dominican Sisters are negotiating the sale of the property at 89 th Avenue and 162 nd Street in Jamaica, Queens, which previously had been rented to several non-profit agencies. On Sunday, April 22, 2018 between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Sisters, former teachers and Alumnae are invited to join together for some laughter, good memories, light refreshments and bidding a fond farewell to a place that will forever be in the hearts of so many young women who graduated from D.C. If you would like to attend, please email cmasoneop@amityop.org or call (631) 842-6000 X 212. HOLY INNOCENTS KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS BIRTHRIGHT Fundraiser Sunday, April 8, 2018 Music, Beer, Wine, Soda 3 To 6 P.M. -$20.00 Per Person For Tickets Contact: For tickets contact: Ty McDonough at 718-689-2660 or Chris Wilson at 242-5605 COME JOIN THE HOLY INNOCENTS COLUMBIETTES AT THEIR ANNUAL BUNNY BREAKFAST ON SUNDAY MARCH 25 TH, 2018 FROM 10AM TO 12PM $10 PER PERSON & KIDS UNDER 5 ARE FREE BRING YOUR CAMERA TO TAKE A PICTURE CALL FOR RESERVATIONS: MAUREEN:516-622-5473 OR ROXANA:917-596-2470 50/50 RAFFLES 9
Traditionally, this Fourth Sunday of Lent marks a joyful relief amidst the seriousness and somberness of the many weeks of preparation for Easter. Hence, today is called Laetare Sunday, a name that comes from the Entrance Antiphon for this Mass: Rejoice, Jerusalem, and all who were in mourning; exult and be satisfied at her consoling breast Even in Lent, a time of fasting and repentance, we rejoice, because we know that God is love, and our loving God will provide for all our needs. First Reading: After the reign of King Josiah, a number of kings have led the people poorly, subjugating the people to the Egyptians. Although Jeremiah has witnessed to Nebuchadnezzar s place as the servant of the Lord meting out deserved punishment against Judah, the unfaithful Zedekiah revolts against Babylon. Nebuchadnezzar destroys both Judah and Jerusalem and the Babylonian captivity begins. After 70 years, Cyrus, the good king of Persia, calls for the rebuilding of the Temple and allows the Jews to return to Jerusalem for this critical task. Responsorial Psalm 137: To lose Jerusalem and the Temple was to lose access to God. The people grieve in their captivity, and their captors demand entertainment from them their laments should be replaced with songs of joy and gladness. But the songs of Zion are songs of Liturgy Corner FOURTH SUNDAY OF LENT March 11, 2018 worship, and they would be desecrated if sung outside of the worship of the Temple. Second Reading: The Epistle reminds us that we are saved by the pure and unfettered gift that is the grace of God. We are reminded that it is God who gives, and we who receive by this beautiful passage, and that even if we are dead in our transgressions, as were the people of Judah in their exile, God awaits us with salvific, healing grace. Gospel: Jesus has been conversing with the Jewish leader and teacher Nicodemus, who is both open and curious about Jesus, coming to him in the night and affirming that clearly Jesus must be from God, or he would not be able to perform such signs. Nicodemus wants to understand what it means to be reborn. Jesus begins his answer with a reference to the miracle performed by Moses in the book of numbers, where a bronze serpent on a stick is raised and the people are saved (a confusing passage for Bible scholars given the prohibitions of the second commandment). Jesus, too, will be raised on wood the Cross but his death is one death for the salvation of all, for all time. Verse 16 may be one of the most widely known verses of scripture in the United States due to its appearance in popular culture. SAINT OF THE WEEK Saturday, March 17. Many legends have developed around St. Patrick (390-460), from driving snakes out of Ireland, to using the shamrock to explain the Trinity; however, his popularity stems beyond these stories, to his missionary zeal and astonishing ability to inspire faith. He was sold into slavery at a young age and eventually freed, and so he wanted people enslaved by doubt and skepticism to know the liberation found in Jesus Christ. Although he had little education, he was appointed bishop of Ireland. His many accomplishments include the conversion of Ireland, ordination of clergy, consecration of virgins, and organization of missions to evangelize Europe. St. Patrick s life has a universal appeal; therefore, his feast day is celebrated by the Roman Catholic Church, the Church of England, the Episcopal Church in America, and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. He also makes an appearance in the Russian Orthodox calendar. Remember to celebrate this saint and to think of the outreach associated with him. Consider serving at a local food pantry as part of your Lenten concern for the poor. Sourcebook 2018 10
The Ride Home This feature is for families to share their thoughts as they travel to and from Church. Fourth Sunday of Lent March 11, 2018 Gospel: John 3:14-21 Readings for March 11, 2018 March 18, 2018 Sunday, March 11. Fourth Sunday of Lent. 2 Chronicles 36:14-16, 19-23; Ephesians 2:4-10; Psalm 137:1-6; John 3:14-21. Monday, March 12. Isaiah 65:17-21; Psalm 30:2, 4-6, 11-13; John 4:43-54.. Tuesday, March 13. Ezekiel 47:1-9, 12; Psalm 46:2-3, 5-6, 8-9; John 5:1-16. Wednesday, March 14. Isaiah 49:8-15; Psalm 145:8-9, 13-14, 17-18; John 5:17-30. Thursday, March 15. Exodus 32:7-14; Psalm 106:19-23; John 5:31-47. Friday, March 16. Wisdom 2:1, 12-22; Psalm 34:17-21, 23; John 7:1-2, 10, 25-30. Saturday, March 17. Jeremiah 11:18-20; Psalm 7:2-3, 9-12; John 7:40-53. Sunday, March 18. Fifth Sunday of Lent. Jeremiah 31:31-34; Hebrews 5:7-9; Psalm 51:3-4, 12-15; John 12:20-33. Daily readings can be found online at: www.usccb.org/bible/readings Adults: Do I see the world as good or evil, and how does my view impact my life? Children: What are some of the ways that God shows his love for me? How can I show God my love? Focus on Religious Freedom From Catholics For Freedom of Religion- CFFR Update: Turning Lemons into Lemonade at Ohio School District When the atheist Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF) threatened West Branch H.S., insisting they ban offering a short prayer at athletic events, and the school district agreed, admitting they couldn't afford a lawsuit, FFRF didn't expect that hundreds of young people would arrive at games with a better idea. "Everybody's really coming together to support the prayer issue," said a local pastor. (Now) we're having more conversations about prayer and the Gospel than we've ever had before." By mid-february over 5,000 "Prayer Matters" T-shirts were sold. More than half the attendees at a recent game were wearing these shirts and, when the team played on the road, the home team they visited made and wore their own "Prayer Matters" tees in a sign of solidarity. Some students have also created "Coexist" shirts, calling out the atheist minority's unwillingness to allow free-flowing ideas on campus. They believe allowing individuals to avoid all encounters with religion should be discouraged since it creates an atmosphere of closemindedness, intolerance, ignorance and hypersensitivity. "All the proceeds will go to any legal fee incurred on this matter," said one parent who helped start the drive to reinstate prayers. First Liberty Institute are now investigating a way to restore religious freedom to these students. Therefore, rather than being discouraged by the FFRF's efforts to censor prayer, a pastor enthusiastically declared, "The opportunities to talk about prayer and the Gospel are tremendous... all because of "No Prayer at Basketball Games!" These students are showing millions of Americans how to thwart the overreach of a special interest minority, just as the Founding Fathers intended. (ratchetfights.org, 2/8/28; frc.org, 2/16/18; ohio.com, 2/7/18; truthrevolt.org, 2/7/18) "And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28 11
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St. Bernard s Altar Server & Youth Ministries Annual Spring Flower Sale May 5, 2018 12:00pm-7:00pm & May 6, 2018 8:00am-7:00pm Flowers and Plants Make Great Mother s Day Gifts!! We offer a wide selection of your favorite Annuals, Vegetables, Perennials and Hanging Baskets! All plants are available for Pre-Order! Remember Pre-ordering saves money, time, and gives you first choice plants all ready for pick up or delivery! Save money by pre-ordering! Pre-order price $12.00 per flat of 48 plants Date of Sale price $14.00 per flat of 48 plants *ALL PRE-ORDERS MUST BE ACCOMPANIED WITH FULL PAYMENT BY CHECK MADE PAYABLE TO ST. BERNARD S CHURCH Order forms are available in the rectory, in the church bulletin, on the St. Bernard s Website or give us a call and we will be happy to mail or email one to you! All completed forms and payments must be received by the rectory no later than March 25 th! All orders are available for delivery (Levittown vicinity) at an additional cost of $5.00, or may be picked up in the school lobby at the dates and times listed above. Some of our offerings include: Flats of Impatiens, Flowering Vinca, Begonias, Snapdragons & Portulaca Baskets of Fuchsia, Lobelia, Petunias, Million Bells & Ivy Geraniums Containers of: Daisies, Lavender, Black Eyed Susan, Asiatic Lilies & Gaillardia, We also have Dahlias, Wave Petunias, Geraniums, Spikes and Vines, Vegetables, Cilantro, Mint, Rosemary & Thyme and Much More! All Proceeds from this sale go to the St. Bernard s Altar Server and Youth Ministries Any questions? Call Elizabeth 731-8595 or Kathy 697-0303 13
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St. Bernard s Winter Blood Drive Sunday, February 25 110 pints were donated! First time donor, Aaliyah 15
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