Roman Catholic Church of Saint Aidan 505 Willis Avenue, Williston Park, New York 11596 516-746-6585 516-746-6055 (Fax) Fifth Sunday of Lent March 13, 2016 Give me justice, O my God The Pastoral Staff Rev. Msgr. James M. McDonald, Pastor - ext. 9108 Rev. Jeff Yildirmaz, Associate Pastor - ext. 9105 Rev. Michael Edathil, Associate Pastor - ext. 9106 Rev. Damian Halligan, SJ In Residence Deacon Salvatore B. Villani Deacon Francis J. Love - ext. 9557 Deacon Rudy Martin - ext. 9412 Mr. Drago Bubalo, DMA (cand). Music Director ext. 9130 E-mail 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. 9401 Mrs. Elaine Smith, Director of Special Needs ext. 9406 Parish Social Ministry - ext. 9408 Ms. Rosemarie Cavallaro, Director - ext. 9410 Youth Ministry Mr. Stephen Loewenthal, Coordinator - ext. 9403 SaintAidanYouthGroup@gmail.com Pastoral Council - ext. 9592 Members: Toti Conforti, Cathy Frischmann, Bonnie Parente, Erin Flynn, Mary Ellen Testa, Suellen Peterson, and Jackie McHugh Xavier Fleming Buildings & Grounds Department ext. 9122 Liturgy of the Eucharist Saturday Morning 9:00 AM Saturday Evening 5:00 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, 12:30 & 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. 9101 Tuesday-Friday between the hours of 10:00 AM-3:00 PM. BAPTISM CLASS FOR NEW PARENTS The required Baptism class for new parents is held the second Sunday of each month beginning with the 12:00 Mass parents are asked to gather at St. Joseph s statue to the right of the main altar. Penance/Reconciliation The Sacrament of Penance is celebrated every Saturday from 1:00-1:30 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. 9101. Adoration First and third Fridays of the month 1:00-3:00 PM in the Church. 12:30-1:30 PM on Saturdays in the church.
FIFTH SUNDAY OF LENT MASSES AND SERVICES FOR THE WEEK MONDAY, MARCH 14, 2016 Lenten Weekday Dn 13: 1-9, 15-17, 19-30, 33-62 or 13: 41c-62; Jn 8: 12-20 6:30 AM Sally & George Piltz (Anniversary Rem.) 7:30 AM Arena & Smith Families 9:00 AM Vito & Paul Patrick Dondiego and De Vito & Dondiego Family 10:00 AM Funeral-William Marangoni 12:30 PM Catherine Peterson (Birthday Rem.) 5:30 PM Msgr. Robert Kirwin TUESDAY, MARCH 15, 2016 Lenten Weekday Nm 21: 4-9; Jn 8: 21-30 6:30 AM Eileen Henson (Anniversary Rem.) 7:30 AM Smith & Boylan Families 9:00 AM Stephen Rounds (3rd Anniversary Rem.) 12:30 PM Maureen Kalenka 5:30 PM Daniel Kopetic (Birthday Rem.) WEDNESDAY, MARCH 16, 2016 Lenten Weekday Dn 3: 14-20, 91-92, 95; Jn 8: 31-42 6:30 AM Msgr. Robert Kirwin 7:30 AM Miriam Latorre 9:00 AM Susan Stumpf Martinez (Birthday Rem.) 12:30 PM Vernon Grinsell (5th Anniversary Rem.) 5:30 PM Costanza Villani (Birthday Rem.) 6:30-9:15 PM Spirit Night THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2016 Lenten Weekday St. Patrick, Bishop Gn 17: 3-9; Jn 8: 51-59 6:30 AM Patrick Kearney 7:30 AM Maureen Fitzpatrick 9:00 AM John Mulrooney 12:30 PM Michael Callahan (Birthday Rem.) 4:00 PM-5:00 PM New Altar Server Meeting 5:30 PM Patricia Hefele FRIDAY, MARCH 18, 2016 Lenten Weekday St. Cyril of Jerusalem, Bishop and Doctor of the Church Jer 20: 10-13; Jn 10: 31-42 6:30 AM George Bores 7:30 AM Kealy and Fullard Families 9:00 AM Mildred Lally (Birthday Rem.) 10:00 AM Funeral-Robert Vilbig 12:30 PM Magdalen Costkow 1:00-3:00 PM Eucharistic Adoration 5:30 PM Philip Calvin Amico 7:30 PM Stations of the Cross MASSES AND SERVICES FOR THE WEEK SATURDAY, MARCH 19, 2016 Lenten Weekday St. Joseph, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary 2 Sm 7: 4-5a, 12-14a, 16; Rom 4: 13, 16-18, 22; Mt 1: 16, 18-21, 24a or Lk 2: 41-51a 9:00 AM Bob Gaffney (Birthday Rem.) 11:00 AM Jennifer Clingo/Brian McLaughlin Nuptial Ceremony 12:30 PM Jennifer Holt/Daniele Vezza Nuptial Ceremony 12:30-1:30 PM Confession & Adoration 4:45 PM Agnes Villa (Birthday Rem.) William J. Farrar (36th Anniversary Rem.) Michael De Cristoforo (3rd Anniversary Rem.) Rev. Edward J. Donnelly 7:30 PM Parishioners of St. Aidan SUNDAY, MARCH 20, 2016 Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord Lk 19: 28-40; Is 50: 4-7; Phil 2: 6-11; Lk 22: 14 23: 56 or 23: 1-49 7:30 AM Bernadette Fitzpatrick 9:00 AM Mr. & Mrs. William O Brien (Anniversary Rem.) 10:30 AM Philip Calvin Amico 12:00 PM Modesto Maulion Fidel Viana Constance Grauwiler Diane Holbrook Gloria Albanese 5:00 PM Donald F. Bruschi (17th Anniversary Rem.) BREAD & WINE MEMORIAL Birthday Blessings CONCETTA MAZZIOTTA 100th Birthday Remembrance Requested by Her Loving Family BANNS OF MARRIAGE FIRST WEEK Maria Pinto, St. Aidan Vincent Dorsa, St. Edward the Confessor, Syosset, NY THIRD WEEK Jennifer Clingo, St. Aidan Brian McLaughlin, Our Lady of Hope, Carle Place, NY Jennifer Holt, St. Margaret, Middle Village, NY Daniele Vezza, St. Margaret, Middle Village, NY
MARCH 13, 2016 REAL CLEAR RELIGION-PART TWO It is true that faith is a gift of God and that you can't talk anybody into having faith, but you can certainly encourage and develop the faith that is already there. This week I want to discuss positive ways you can help younger people grow in their appreciation of the Catholic faith. Here goes: Promote a Catholic Identity Whenever and Wherever. In homes there should be evidence of Catholicism. While the house does not need to look like a small religious articles store, it should have crucifixes, statues of Our Blessed Lady and some Catholic books and magazines. Every family member should have a rosary. (Hint for grandparents: if your grandchildren come from a home that is not ostensibly religious, you can make a religious atmosphere in your home when the grandchildren visit.) I always notice when I visit Kellenberg High School that there are endless signs of Catholicism. Talk about the Faith. The key idea is to make religion pleasant and a genuine part of life. Avoid too much and too little. Keep a balance. When you go on vacation, stop off at a Catholic Church for a visit to the Blessed Sacrament. Holy Week and Easter offer unlimited opportunities to talk about the Passion, Death and Resurrection of Christ. Bring palm home on Palm Sunday and place it behind holy pictures and crucifixes and kids always like to make the palm crosses. I urge you to try to bring your family to the Holy Week Services. It's not a week like any other. If Holy Week passes and it's just a lot of time off from school, something is wrong. You've missed a genuine chance to teach about Jesus Christ. Keep things positive. I must admit it took me a long time to realize that it generally does no good to argue about religion. It only engenders anger and resentment. The same goes for criticizing the lack of religious practice of others or even their very open abandonment of the Catholic faith. In almost all cases, they know exactly what you think. I have found that the best antidote to irreligion or lack of religion is unfailing kindness and charity. It's usually difficult to be angry with someone who is very good to you. Be proud of the Gospel. For us, Jesus Christ always comes first. It is our goal to be with Him forever and to bring as many people as we can with us. We never need to be hesitant in bringing up the Gospel. I have no qualms in talking to waiters, barbers, trades people or anybody at all about God. I try to be somewhat mild about it, but at least I try. I often think: how will they ever hear of Jesus Christ unless somebody talks about him. Actually St. Paul said the same thing."and how can they hear the Gospel if there is no one to preach to them?" (Romans 10:14)
Read the Bible at home. You don't have to make a big deal about it. Most families say grace. How about someone reading one verse of the Gospel immediately after grace. That might take all of ten seconds. The Pope tweets regularly. His messages are short and to the point. His "tweet name" is Pontifex. Ask your kids. They'll know how to get it. Talk about his messages. A lot of them now are about mercy and forgiveness. There are also ways of preaching the Gospel. Perhaps the best way is by concrete acts of charity and kindness. When people see these, they know the Gospel of Jesus Christ is real and that you are making a genuine effort to imitate the Lord of All Kindness and Compassion. There is a great Latin expression: Verba movent; exempla trahunt. That means: Words move people; example draws them along. Try it! Suggested Weekly Lenten Practice-Read Chapter 15 of St. Luke. It s all about the mercy of God. In Jesus and Mary, Monsignor James M. McDonald, Pastor In today's second reading, St. Paul says, For his sake I have forfeited everything: I have accounted all else rubbish so that Christ may be my wealth. Does my stewardship suggest that I could say the same? STEWARDSHIP 03/08/15 $25,835 03/06/16 $30,189 (+16.8%) CATHOLIC RELIEF SERVICES 03/15/15 $ 6,531 03/06/16 $ 5,965 (-8.67%) Thank you for your kind and generous support of our parish. SICK: PLEASE PRAY FOR OUR SICK & DECEASED Christine Schifaudo, Christine Lucivero, Cecilia Han, Geraldo Peixoto, Kimberly Holmes, Father Brian Dalton, Stacy Test, Owen Hogan, Kathleen Gattis, Joseph Fitzgerald, John Moore, Rita Amendola, Virginia Fallon, Joyce French, Barney Rinaldi, Brian Hoffarth, Mary Price, Marie McLaughlin, Judy Eberso-Kostovick, Chris Lynch, Joann McDermott, Janice Liguori, Ana Marie Georgeou, DECEASED: Annette Marinello, Attilio Ligotti, Patricia Dispenza, William Marangoni and for all those who have died serving our country. IMPORTANT MESSAGE FROM MONSIGNOR MC DONALD Please do not move the bike racks that are surrounding the west corner of the Lower School near the elevator. Also, please do not remove any caution tape that has been placed on any of the buildings. They are there for safety purposes and should not be touched under any circumstances. The safety of our parishioners is of the utmost importance!
2016 HOLY WEEK SCHEDULE SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION- CONFESSIONS Monday, March 21st from 3:00-9:00 PM Holy Thursday, March 24th from 4:30-6:00 PM Good Friday, March 25th from 4:30-6:00 PM Holy Saturday, March 26th from 12:00-6:00 PM Additional times for Reconciliation will be announced in the weekly bulletin. PASSION (PALM) SUNDAY, SATURDAY, MARCH 19TH 4:45 PM - Vigil Mass Saturday Solemn Blessing of Palms & Procession in St. Francis Garden (between church & school)) 7:30 PM - Vigil Mass PASSION (PALM) SUNDAY-SUNDAY, MARCH 20TH Masses 7:30 AM, 9:00 AM, 10:30 AM, 12:00 Noon and 5:00 PM HOLY THURSDAY MARCH 24TH Sung Morning Prayer - 9:00 AM Solemn Mass of the Lord s Supper and Procession - 7:30 PM Adoration at the Repository - 9:30 to 11:45 PM Night Prayer - 11:45 PM GOOD FRIDAY MARCH 25TH Sung Morning Prayer - 9:00 AM Sacred Cantata for Choir and Orchestra The Seven Last Words of Christ 12:00 PM Solemn Liturgy of the Passion and Death of our Lord - 3:00 PM Stations of the Cross with Veneration - 7:30 PM HOLY SATURDAY MARCH 26TH Sung Morning Prayer - 9:00 AM Blessing of Food - 12:00 Noon Solemn Easter Vigil Mass - 7:30 PM EASTER SUNDAY MARCH 27TH Masses 7:30 AM, 9:00 AM *10:30 AM (church & Kirwin Hall) *12:00 Noon (church & Kirwin Hall) and 1:30 PM No 5:00 PM Mass on Easter Sunday
CATHOLICS FOR FREEDOM OF RELIGION www.cffor.org "May you defend these rights, especially your religious freedom, for it has been given to you by God himself." Pope Francis EWTN and Supreme Court: As the U.S. Supreme Court prepares to hear the religious freedom case of Little Sisters of the Poor on March 23rd, EWTN Global Catholic Network has filed a brief with the Court. "Our brief argues that the government's mandate (requiring employers to offer health insurance plans covering contraception, sterilization and abortion-producing drugs)... seek to coerce EWTN and other religious organizations into violating our strongly held beliefs," said EWTN Chairman. "The Supreme Court needs to find the mandate unconstitutional." For failing to comply with the mandate, EWTN would face fines of $35,000 per day, about $12.7 million per year. The brief charges that the government aims to force EWTN into "complicity with wrongdoing.... Giving in would not only violate EWTN's conscience, but would destroy its credibility as a witness to the Catholic faith it proclaims every day to a worldwide audience." (www.patheos.com, 1/13/16) Event: April 20, 2016, 7:00 PM. Thomas Renker, Counsel for Diocese of Rockville Centre and Barbara Samuells, President, Catholics for Freedom of Religion, St. John the Evangelist, 25 Ocean Ave, Center Moriches, NY
Church of St. Aidan s Winter Blood Drive Sunday March 20, 2016 8:00 AM ~ 2:00 PM Msgr. Kirwin Hall When you give blood, you give another day at the beach, another hike in the woods, another night under the stars, another smile, another hug, another chance at life. Eligibility Criteria: Bring ID with signature or photo, minimum weight 110 lbs. Age 16 75 (16 year olds must have parental permission, age 76 and over need doctor s note), eat well (low fat) & drink fluids, no tattoos for past 12 months. To make an appointment, please return the bottom portion to Parish Center or call Edward Pearce 917-971-4635 For questions concerning medical eligibility call 1-800-688-0900. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please contact: Rosemarie Cavallaro (516) 746-6585 x 9410. BEREAVEMENT GROUP SPRING 2016 COPING WITH GRIEF: A DIFFICULT BUT IMPORTANT JOURNEY When a loved one dies, a period of grief usually follows. It is almost impossible for humans to experience loss without feeling some kind of grief. Grief can be painful, confusing and overwhelming. To share with others who are experiencing what you are experiencing can be supportive and healing. A Bereavement Group for people whose loved one has died (parent, spouse, sibling, or friend) will be held in the Peter & Paul Room of the Finamore Parish Center by trained Bereavement Facilitators. Tuesdays, 9:45 AM, April 5 th, 12 th, 19th & 26 th, May 3 rd & 10 th Thursday, 7:30 PM, April 7 th, 14 th, 21 st, 28 th, & May 5 th & 12 th Please call the Parish Social Ministry Office at (516) 746-6585 x9408 to register. The only feelings that do not heal are the ones you hide. Henri Nouwen
THANK YOU FROM THE SISTERS OF ST. DOMINIC Sisters Mary Pat and Laura wish to thank you, our parishioners, on behalf of the Sisters of St. Dominic for your heart-felt response to our request for prayers and donations. Your generosity will assist in the health care needs of our retired Sisters in our Motherhouse in Amityville. We were overwhelmed by your gracious contribution of over $2,000. Blessings on each of you and always our prayers in support of your intentions. HOPE OF THE GENERATION UGANDA (HOGU) Erin Lawless will be joining us and speaking about her non-profit Hope of the Generation Uganda (HOGU) at all Masses this weekend March 12th/13th. She will be sharing a few updates and a big thank you to all of the St. Aidan's parishioners that have been supporting the non-profit over the years. With your support, HOGU has been able to reach hundreds of young people affected by poverty and HIV/AIDS with health promotion messaging in the most rural areas of Uganda using creative education techniques. The HOGU youth members have MUCH to be thankful for this year and are keeping St. Aidan s Church and School in their prayers! If you are interested in learning more join us for Mass and you can also go to www.hogu.org or email Erin at lawless136@gmail.com. Erin will be collection donations at the doors of the church. NEW ALTAR SERVER MEETING Any boy or girl (grades 5th-12th) who would like to become an altar server please come the meeting on Wednesday, March 17th from 4:00-5:00 PM in the church. If you cannot make either of the meetings and would like to be trained please call Father Jeff at (516) 746-6585 x9105. ALTAR CLEAN-UP The St. Aidan s Rosary Altar Society will be doing the Easter altar clean-up on Tuesday, March 15th after the 9:00 AM Mass. All are welcome to help. Many hands make light work. CYO MEETING A CYO meeting will be held on Monday, March 14th at 7:30 PM in the St. Francis Room in Finamore Parish Center (basement). New volunteers are always needed to assist in the administration of our youth sports programs. All are welcome. For further information please contact Kevin Kiley at (516) 294-4463 after 8:00 PM or email at kiley@optonline.net.
The Passion According to Saint Luke WILL BE SHOWN Wednesday, March 23, 2016 7:00 PM in Msgr. Kirwin Hall MOVIE IS ONE HOUR LONG An inspiring movie where the Easter story is brought to life in a beautiful, deeply moving, and dramatic portrayal of the Death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ. Leonard Defillipis dramatic performance of these events, taken directly for Luke s Gospel, draw us to a deep appreciation of God s Love and Mercy. The Passion opens with Jesus entry into Jerusalem and carries us though the Last Supper, the Agony in the Garden, onto the Cross, and to the glorious Resurrection; allowing the text and the majestic musical score to speak straight to the heart.
QUOTES FROM POPE FRANCIS ON THE HOLY YEAR OF MERCY Let us open our eyes and see the misery of the world, the wounds of our brothers and sisters who are denied their dignity, and let us recognize that we are compelled to heed their cry for help! GOLDEN WEDDING CELEBRATION This spring, couples that have been married fifty years or more will be honored at liturgies on Sunday, April 10th at the Church of St. Lawrence in Sayville and on Sunday, April 24th at the Church of Maria Regina in Seaford. Both liturgies will begin at 2:30 PM. Couples may register for ONE liturgy. Registration forms and complete instructions can be obtained at the Rectory office. Registration must be received by March21st for the April 10th liturgy and April 1st for the April 24th liturgy. There will be additional celebrations in the fall for those who may find that more convenient. If you have any questions please call (516) 678-5800 x207. ST. AIDAN S ROSARY ALTAR SOCIETY The Day of Recollection has been rescheduled for Saturday, March 19th from 9:30 AM- 3:00 PM at Our Lady of Grace Center. Standing with the Women will be presented by Sister Chris Koellhoffer, IHM. We will remember the women who were with Jesus during his lifetime and at Calvary. Tickets can be purchased at our March meeting or by calling Eleanor Brassill at (516) 747-5189. A check, payable to St. Aidan's Rosary Altar Society for $40 (includes coffee and cake upon arrival and lunch) can also be mailed to Eleanor at 21 Fordham St. Williston Park, NY 11596.
LITURGY CORNER Some of us may remember years ago this Sunday was called Passion Sunday and it started the season of Passiontide. That changed on March 21, 1969, the Sacred Congregation of Rites published the General Norms for the Liturgical Year and the Calendar which stated that The Sundays of this season are called the First, Second, Third, Fourth, and Fifth Sundays of Lent. The Sixth Sunday, which marks the beginning of Holy Week, is called Passion Sunday (Palm Sunday)., or as we now name it, Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord. We also no longer refer to this week as Passiontide. It is the last full week of Lent. Beginning next Sunday, our Lenten preparations conclude and we will concentrate our thoughts on the passion of Our Lord. SAINT AIDAN S BOOSTER CLUB The Booster Club is administered by The Saint Aidan s School Board. All proceeds will directly benefit the school. Prizes Weekly Monthly 1 winner @ $25 1 winner @ $50 4 winners @ $20 2 winners @ $25 January Winners $20 Winners K. Morgan John M. Henson Robert E. Borst Marie & Robert McLaughlin Rosa Barroca Marge & Ron Saporita Ann Cronin Mildred Clinton Eleanor Lusardi Anne Brennan Kevin & Nancy Kiley Patty Gormley Carol Lovly Mary & Alan Reardon Ed Rising Mr. & Mrs. Robert Battista $25 Winners Marie Eilbacher Teresa Kennedy Marge & Ron Saporita Nancy M. Coyne Patty Regan Concetta Bombace $50 Winner: Eileen P. Oliver $100 Winner: Grace M. Klvana Winning checks will be mailed within the next 10 days. Name Phone Address City, State, Zip E-mail address I would like numbers at $30 each. $ enclosed Make all checks payable to Saint Aidan s Booster Club and return to the Rectory.
EASTER FLOWER MEMORIALS In anticipation of decorating the church for Easter, we are offering the opportunity to donate some flowering bushes and plants. These items will decorate the sanctuary for the Easter Season. If you would like to memorialize an item we welcome you to take it home and plant it in your garden after Easter. We will announce in the bulletin when we are ready to take the items off the altar. We will be accepting donations to decorate the church stained glass windowsills. There will be two beautifully decorated kalanchoe plants placed in each stained windowsills of the church (26 windows) with the Luminaria candle. These memorials may be donated In Loving Memory of someone, to commemorate a special occasion, family name, etc. A list of Memorials will be published in the Bulletin and each items will have a card attached with the inscription of your choice. 2 Dog Wood Trees @ $200.00 $ Inscription 3 Forsythia Bushes @ $80.00 $ Inscription 2 Rhododendron Bushes @ $100.00 ea $ Inscription 17 Hydrangea Plants @ $80.00 Each $ Inscription 8 Stained Glass Window Memorials @ $80.00 Each $ (two Kalanchoe plants w/parish candle in center-both plants may be taken home for planting-not the candle.) Inscription 14 Triple Stem Lilies @ $80.00 Each $ Inscription 17 Azalea Plants @ $80.00 Each $ Inscription If you would like to donate an item please complete this form and send to the Rectory office with payment as soon as possible. Please make all checks payable to: Church of Saint Aidan. For information please call (516) 746-6585 x9101. Name Telephone # E-mail address All donations will be published in the Bulletin. Yes No Please indicate if you would like your name to appear in the bulletin with your donation. Amount Enclosed $ Cash Check #
LIGHTHOUSE CATHOLIC MEDIA It seems it was only yesterday that we receive the ashes on our foreheads on Ash Wednesday. It is pretty amazing, but this is the last week of Lent. Next Sunday it is Palm Sunday! Next week the Church will be reading Gospel of Luke. In most of this gospel Jesus is on His journey to Jerusalem and it is for the last time knowing that death awaits him there. Now we also are in a journey during Lent, a journey that takes us to die of our sins and petty desires and become a new creation in Him who is waiting for us. Also in Luke s Gospel, we read that Jesus went up the mountain to pray. and again we can reflect on ascending our own spiritual mountain during Lent, trying to reach the summit. The Lord is willing to meet us halfway if we undertake the struggle to climb to Him. To receive His Word and to see his glory, we must make the arduous journey. It is the hard and rocky journey that prepares us to receive Our Resurrected Lord on Easter. Next week we will be showing a movie here in our Parish, The Passion According to Saint Luke which is a beautiful and powerful film. I encourage all of you to take the time to see it. It will bring the Passion anew to you! Come to see the extent of Our Lord s Love and Mercy for us, manifested in all that He suffered for us. We will see Him as He was enduring the Passion, a man of flesh and bones suffering real pain, real agony, and not a figure from a book which we read time and time again. Enjoy the last week of Lent, the most Holy Week is waiting around the corner with the bitter-sweet remembrance of the Passion. Do not forget to take CDs from the kiosks about Lent! Give them to others who do not know what and why we celebrate Lent. Do the work of Lord who wants all people to know Him, relay on the Holy Spirit to guide you! And if you send greetings cards for Easter, include there a CD about the Passion, believe me they would listen to it and be surprised! Let s pray for one another! Toti Conforti P.A.C.E BUS TRIP St. Aidan's P.A.C.E. is sponsoring a bus trip to RE- SORTS CASINO on Saturday, April 2nd. The cost is $35.00 per person. Luxury motor coach departs at 9:15 AM from St. Aidan School. RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED. Space is limited, so reserve your seat today by calling Eileen Oliver at (516) 746-6585 x9301.
Save the Dates! Week 1: July 25-July 29 Week 2: August 1-August 5 Open to students entering Pre-K through 5th grade. Counselor in Training program open to entering 6th graders. Junior Counselors entering 7th-9th graders. Senior Counselors entering 10-12th graders. We are in need of college volunteers. *All volunteers over the age of 18 must have a background check form filled out and must be Virtus trained. ST. AIDAN S HOLY NAME SOCIETY Parish Men s Retreat 2016 Dates: April 22 (Friday 7:00 PM) April 24 (Sunday 12:00 noon) Place: Bishop Molloy Passionist Retreat House 86-45 Edgerton Blvd. (178 th St.) Jamaica Estates, NY 11432 (718) 739-1229 Theme: A Journey Worth Taking Reflection on our faith journey over the lifespan A weekend of quiet and relaxation Conferences and workshops on faith and the spiritual life Opportunities for reflection, private prayer, celebration of the Eucharist and the Sacrament of Reconciliation Offering for the weekend is $210. If you would like further information, contact Al Carbuto at (516) 747-0190, the retreat house at the number above, or the website: www.bishopmolloy.org For your convenience, you may tear off the form below and send your deposit to the retreat house at the address above. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I would like to reserve a space for the retreat on the weekend of April 22- April 24 with the St. Aidan group. Name Address Phone Email Is this your first retreat at Bishop Molloy Retreat House? Yes No Deposit (non-refundable) for the weekend enclosed $50.00
Tomorrow s Hope Foundation provides financial assistance to families who are interested in Catholic Elementary Education in the Diocese of Rockville Centre. Financial Aid Scholarship applications are available by going to the Tomorrow's Hope website at www.tomorrowshopefoundation.org and clicking on the tab for Financial Aid. For additional information please call Miss Eileen Oliver, Principal of St. Aidan School at (516) 746-6585 x9202 or 9302. Applications must be post marked by April 22, 2016.
ONE FAITH FAMILY One of the most important members of our family of faith are our priests the Fathers who are there for us day in and day out throughout our lives. Ordained in June of 2015, Fr. Sean Magaldi grew up in Williston Park where he attended Mass with his family at Saint Aidan Parish. It was in his junior year at Chaminade High School that he first started thinking about studying to be a priest. My goal is to get as many people to heaven as possible including myself to journey with the people of our Diocese in growing closer to Christ. Fr. Sean Magaldi The priesthood was something that I started thinking about in high school; throughout college it was in the back of my mind but I wasn t ready to take the next step to enter the seminary. After graduating from college, I started working as a Catholic Campus Minister at Hofstra University. Working with the students at Hofstra helped me realize that God was calling me to be a priest and I needed to enter the seminary. Father Magaldi currently serves as an Associate Pastor at St. Patrick in Smithtown where he shared his goals as a priest. Please consider donating to the Appeal and a difference in someone s life. Thank you! Make checks payable to: Catholic Ministries Appeal Parish Pledge: $ Name Down payment: $ Address City, State, Zip: Phone: Signature: Date: 2016 CATHOLIC MINISTRIES APPEAL CHURCH OF ST. AIDAN 2015 GOAL: $172,900 PLEDGED: $ 75,466 # OF GIFTS: 328 AVERAGE GIFT: $206.80
You Are Cordially Invited To Join Fellow St. Aidan Parishioners & Friends at the 2016 Annual St. Aidan s School Golf Outing Monday, May 2, 2016 Wheatley Hills Golf Club 147 East Williston Ave. (Hillside Avenue), East Williston Featuring Lunch, Golf, Drinks & Dinner $300 per golfer or $1,100 per foursome Sponsorships Also Available If you don t play golf, please join us for Dinner Only $100 per person Special Honoree: Marty Lyons #93 Defensive Lineman for the New York Jets & Member of the Famed NY Sack Exchange Founder & Chairman The Marty Lyons Foundation To register or for more information, please visit: staidanschool.ejoinme.org/golfouting16 or contact Tony Santos, Golf Outing Chair at 646-220-0540 or by email at staidangolf@yahoo.com Please Support Our Parish School! Thank you.
(**PLEASE KEEP THIS PORTION**) -7 week Dance Program is open to girls three years old through 7 th grade. *Note: Girls MUST be at least 3 years old by January 30, 2016 and must be fully potty-trained. -Cost: $95 for 7-week session, includes t-shirt, classes and recital. Each additional class style is $60. -Sibling discount: $10 off the second child Checks can be made out to: Church of Saint Aidan 505 Willis Avenue Williston Park, NY 11596 *Payment/Registration form can either be dropped off at the Rectory or mailed to the address above. -Nursery, PreK and Kindergarten parents are asked to stay in the waiting room for the duration of their child s class. -Girls should wear clothing they can dance in. -Classes begin on April 9 th and run for seven weeks. Recital date: May 21, Time TBA -Girls can wear either sneakers or dance shoes (Dance shoes are strongly encouraged). NO BOOTS, PLEASE! -Classes begin & end with prayer & taught by experienced dance instructors - Faith filled, fun, stress-free environment, where your daughter will learn dance technique & dedication! -Classes are held in the Convent-16 Pembroke Street -Contact us with any additional questions. SaintAidanDanceAcademy@gmail.com Praise God Through Dance! Psalm 150 Spring Class Schedule Saturday: 9:00-10:00 (A) N, PK, K Jazz/Hip Hop 10:00-11:00 (A) N, PK, K Ballet/Tap 10:00-11:00 (B) 1 st -5 th Jazz/Hip Hop 11:00-12:00 (A) 1 st -4 th Cheer/Kickline 11:00-12:00 (B) PK & K Cheer & Kickline Intro Class Registration Form PLEASE PRINT CLEARLY. Child s Name: Age: Grade: Date of Birth: School: Home Address: City: Zip Code: Home Phone: Cell Phone: E-mail Address: Emergency Contact Information Name: Relationship to Child: Phone Number: Physical limitations: Allergies: Class(es) Your Child Will Be Taking: Class Grade Level Day: Time: *If you need additional space for more than one class, please attach an extra sheet. Parent/Guardian Signature: X Date:
Saint Aidan Dance Academy 18 months to 3 Years Old Dance Program -30 minute session every Saturday beginning on April 9, 2016 from 9:15-9:45 AM and running for seven consecutive weeks. (girls must be accompanied by a parent or caregiver.) -Classes will be held in the Convent at 16 Pembroke Street, Williston Park -This program does not participate in the recital, but girls are invited to the recital to receive their certificate of participation. -Girls should wear sneakers or dance shoes -Cost: $50 for 7-week session, checks can be made out to Church of Saint Aidan. -Includes t-shirt for girls only *Limited Spaces! Please register BEFORE the first day of class! -Come and stretch, sing songs and dance with your little one! -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Registration Form for 18 months-3 Year Olds PLEASE PRINT CLEARLY. Child s Name: Age: Date of Birth: Home Address: City: Zip Code: Home Phone: Cell Phone: E-mail: Emergency Contact Name: Relationship to Child: Phone Number: Physical limitations: Allergies: Parent/Guardian Signature X Today s Date: *GIRLS MUST BE ACCOMPANIED BY EITHER A PARENT OR A CAREGIVER FOR EVERY CLASS.
March 13th March 24th April 3rd April 17th May 6th May 7th May 8th May 15th June 14th 1:00 PM Meeting Convent Community Room 2:00-4:00 PM East egg coloring Parker Institute-drivers needed 10:30 AM Mass 12:00-4:00 PM Mother Daughter Brunch Lucky Duck 9:00 AM-12:00 PM Birthright/Mommas House Collection Finamore Center 12:30-1:30 PM Meeting St. Francis Room Help needed to separate plant orders at the Flynn House time to be announced 10:00 AM-12:00 PM Plant Pick-Up at 9 Astor Place, Williston Park Happy Mother s Day to All Moms 9:00 AM-12:00 PM Bake Sale St. Francis Garden 12:30 1:30 PM meeting/ Elections St. Francis Room 7:00 PM JCDA Board Installation Mass (church) Senior court installation and Reception in Kirwin Hall immediately following Mass. KNIGHTS CORNER Perhaps now is the time to consider joining the Knights of Columbus! KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS NAMED A MOST ETHICAL COMPANY The Knights of Columbus has been recognized as a 2016 World s Most Ethical Company by the Ethisphere Institute, a global leader in defining and advancing the standards of ethical business practices. This year marks the 10th anniversary of Ethisphere and its World s Most Ethical Companies designation, which recognizes companies that align principle with action, work tirelessly to make trust a part of their corporate DNA, and help shape future industry standards by introducing tomorrow s best practices today. For three consecutive years, the K of C has been recognized among the world s most ethical companies and is one of only two in the life insurance category, underscoring the Knights commitment to leading ethical business standards and practices. The Knights of Columbus was founded on providing financial security to our members and their families in keeping with Catholic values, said Supreme Knight Carl Anderson. Those principles continued to guide our company as we grew into a top-rated insurer with the same ethical commitment in every aspect of our business, our corporate governance, our professional agency force, our investments and our day-to-day business operations. It is this commitment to our Catholic principles that is the key to our ethical, sustainable and successful business model. COLUMBIETTE NEWS The Columbiettes, an organization of Catholic women with a dedication to service, are looking for new members! There are no specific requirements of your time you may participate at whatever level you feel comfortable. Please consider giving your time and special skills back to our community through our organization. Meetings are held on the 2 nd Monday of each month at 8:00 pm in the K of C Hall (lower level) at 186 Jericho Turnpike, Mineola. Why not plan to join us. Our next meeting is March 14 th. BLOOD DRIVE Corpus Christi Council together with St. Aidan s Parish is sponsoring a Blood Drive on Sunday, March 20 th from 8:00 AM 2:00 pm in Msgr. Kirwin Hall. What a meaningful way to observe Palm Sunday giving the gift of life. Plan to participate! HALL RENTAL Corpus Christi Council is available for parties BIG and SMALL. For information on hall rental call Tom at (516) 746-8643.
PARISH SOCIAL MINISTRY As Pope Benedict XVI said in his Encyclical, Deus Caritas Est, Everything has its origin in God's love, everything is shaped by it, everything is directed towards it. Love is God's greatest gift to humanity; it is his promise and our hope. FOOD PANTRY - Our monthly food drive took place last weekend. You can still donate food or personal hygiene items please bring them to the back of Church or across the street to the Parish Social Ministry Office. We also have a refrigerator for eggs, dairy products, sliced bread and a freezer for ground beef, chicken cutlets and frozen pizzas. BLOOD DRIVE - Please save the date, Sunday, March 20 th, 8:00 am 2:00 pm. The Knights of Columbus and the parish social ministry office will be holding our winter blood drive in Msgr. Kirwin Hall! See bulletin for my information. BEREAVEMENT GROUP - Our spring schedule will start again on Tuesday mornings, April 5 th and Thursday evenings on April 7 th. Please see flyer in bulletin for more information. ITEMS OF THE WEEK ARE: individual bags of snacks, cookies and Clorox wipes DRIVING COORDINATOR We are in need of individuals who are willing to coordinate driving requests. Your responsibility will involve matching a senior citizen s driving request with a volunteer driver. The coordinator will be called upon approximately once every six weeks. This is a volunteer position that is done from the comfort of your home. If you are able to assist us please call Parish Social Ministry (516) 746-6585 x9408. 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 prayer shawl committee will meet again on Monday, March 14 th. If you have some wool to donate to this ministry, please bring it to the Parish Social Ministry Office. Please call our office if you would like to receive a blessed prayer shawl or if you know of someone who would like one. If you have any questions, please call Parish Social Ministry (516) 746-6585 x9410. PLEASE NOTE: The Parish Social Ministry is open Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM-3:00 PM. Please use the Finamore Parish Center entrance (across from the church on Willis Avenue). RELIGIOUS EDUCATION ATTENTION ALL VOLUNTEERS: Are you aware that the Diocese of Rockville Centre requires ANY- ONE 18 YEARS OR OLDER IN ANY MINISTRY MUST BE VIRTUS TRAINED AND HAVE A BACKGROUND CHECK. A ministry includes Catechists, CYO Coaches, Liturgical Ministers, and all parish organization members. Check the Virtus Training Schedule and Register Online at www.drvc.org. Classes are offered by several parishes throughout the diocese. HAPPY ST. PATRICK S DAY! A reminder to all who normally attend Religious Education classes on Thursdays: NO CLASSES will be held on Thursday, March 17 th. EASTER RECESS Religious Education Families are reminded that the program will enter Easter Recess effective March 21 st ; classes WILL NOT be conducted between March 21 st and March 31 st. Classes will resume, on their regular time and day, effective Monday, April 4 th. OPERATION RICE BOWL A reminder to all families participating in the Rice Bowl program please send your rice bowls with donations to the Religious Education Office when your children return to class after Easter, the week of April 4 th. HOURS - The Religious Education Office is open Monday Friday from 12:00 noon 4:00 PM. Additionally, the office is open Monday & Tuesday evening from 6:00 8:00 PM.
PROMISE TO PROTECT-PLEDGE TO HEAL If you have been abused or victimized by someone representing the Catholic Church please believe in the possibility for hope and help and healing. We encourage you to come forward and speak out. Every arch/ diocese/eparchy in the United States now has a victim assistance coordinator who is available to obtain support for your needs, to help you make a formal complaint of abuse to the arch/diocese/eparchy, and to arrange a personal meeting with the bishop or his representative, if you desire. The victim assistance coordinator for your arch/diocese/eparchy is Mary McMahon, LCSW, Director at (516) 594-9036. All volunteers 16 and over must be background checked and all volunteers 18 and over must attend the Virtus class. CORPUS CHRISTI CHURCH, Mineola, NY-You are invited to a virtual Lourdes pilgrimage on April 6th at 7:00 PM inside Corpus Christi Church, Mineola, NY. The Rosary Society and Catholic Daughters are sponsoring this. There will be a relic, and water from the grotto, which will be distributed. For more information, contact Anne Gallagher at 516-698-3412, or Pat Gavin at 516-741-8095. THE LONG ISLAND COALITION FOR LIFE-is holding a GOOD FRIDAY SILENT VIGIL ON BEHALF OF UNBORN CHILDREN on MARCH 25th, from 10:30 AM to NOON, in front of Nassau University Medical Center (2201 Hempstead Tpke., East Meadow). Pro-life women, men and children take part in this peaceful vigil for the protection of life in the womb and against abortions committed at NUMC and throughout Long Island. We stand on the public sidewalk - a reminder that abortion is not healthcare. Signs provided. Information: (631) 243-1435; info@prolifeli.org. WORLDWIDE MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER is hosting two upcoming weekend experiences for spring and summer of 2016. April 29th to May 1st at The Montfort Spiritual Center and June 10th to 12 th at The Seminary of the Immaculate Conception. Space is limited. For more information about the weekends or to apply call 1(877) 697-9963 or visit our web site at http://www.wwme.org SEMINARY OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION, Huntington, NY-You are cordially invited to visit the Jubilee Holy Doors at the Seminary any Wednesday during this Extraordinary Jubilee Year of Mercy. The Wednesday program consists of Rosary, Mass, Adoration, Divine Mercy Chaplet, and Benediction. Visits to the Doors and Rosary begin at 1:15 PM, followed by Mass in the Main Chapel at 2:00 PM. Adoration takes place after Mass and concludes with the Divine Mercy Chaplet at 3:00 PM and Benediction at 4:00 PM. KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS COUNCILS OF THE 8TH DISTRICT NEW YORK DISTRICT AND LIFE CENTER OF LONG ISLAND-The 8th Annual Celebrate Life Fundraiser Pasta Dinner & Chinese Auction will be held on Sunday, April 10th from 1:00-5:00 PM at Our Lady of Grace Parish, Father Patrick Shanahan Hall (666 Albin Avenue, West Babylon, NY). Guest speaker: Al Barbarino, Lay Franciscan and Brother Knight. Tickets: $13 per person or $25 per couple. Includes dinner, beer, wine and soda. For tickets please call Carmine at (631) 586-0883 or Nancy at (516) 983-1205. DIVINE MERCY CONFERENCE-Please join us for the 11th Annual Divine Mercy Conference on April 16th from 9:00AM-5:30 PM at Cardinal Spellman High School, Bronx, NY. Featured speaker is Sister Briege McKenna, OSC other speakers include Msgr. James Lisante, Father Dan Cambra, Father Joe Roesch, MIC, Father Pio Maria Hoffmann, CFR and the main celebrant of Holy Mass will be Msgr. Thomas Nydeggar, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Newark. For information and registration please call 1 (800) 462-7426 or go to: TheDivineMercy.org/bronx