Third Sunday of Lent 7 March 2010 Saint Luke Church, Whitestone, N.Y. Let me begin with a sincere thank you for your kind attention to my talk at all the Masses last weekend as we together begin the 2010 Annual Catholic Appeal. Your past generosity in support of the Appeal is a source of confidence in the success of this year s Appeal. Once again the Appeal supports the mission and ministry of both the Diocese and the parish. As Bishop DiMarzio has written: The Appeal allows us to continue important ministries and programs that express our core values. On the diocesan level the Appeal supports the following ministries: Catholic Charities; Support of Priestly Vocations; Catholic Migration Services; Catholic Education; Faith Formation and Pastoral Life and Chaplaincies. On the parish level all money raised over our goal ($93,000) will return to the parish to continue needed maintenance and repair of our parish buildings. In particular this year s funds will be used to repair and maintain the stained glass windows of the church. I have written to the Bishop for permission and will follow the process mandated to obtain his approval. Once again the task before us great and perhaps some think beyond our ability to complete. Yet, I am hopeful that working together and trusting in God we can accomplish yet another improvement to our parish. We are truly blessed to have such a beautiful church built in 1898. As good stewards we are called to preserve this gift and to continue to provide a worthy place to worship God, celebrate the Sacraments, spend time in prayer and grow in holiness as God s Priestly People. God bless. Let us pray for one another, Come celebrate with us --- The month of March celebrates two great saints of the church: March 17th - Saint Patrick March 19th - Saint Joseph In observance of these two saints, a Solemn Mass will be celebrated on each feast day at 12 noon. A reception will follow after each Mass in the lower church. All are invited to join the celebration: Wednesday, March 17th at 12 noon. Saint Patrick Mass - Reception to follow All are invited to bring their home made Irish Soda Bread & other goodies to the reception. Friday, March 19th at 12 noon. Saint Joseph Mass - Reception to follow All are invited to bring their home made Italian pastries and other goodies to the reception. MISSION STATEMENT As a community of believers in Jesus Christ and in communion with the universal church, we strive to follow the Lord s command to love God and one another. Rooted in word and sacrament, we grow together as a Eucharistic community inviting all to the Good News of Jesus. Page 1
February 28 Collection Amount Needed $14,061.00 $13,000 Envelopes Mailed Envelopes Received 1,750 711 SECOND COLLECTION --- This weekend, March 6 & 7, there will be a second collection taken up for the Support of the American Bishop s Overseas Appeal. Your generosity is greatly appreciated. DIOCESAN WEDDING ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION Couples celebrating their 25th, 30th, 40th and 50th anniversary are invited to attend the Diocesan Wedding Anniversary Mass on Saturday, April 24, 2010 at Our Lady of Angels Church, located at 7320 Fourth Avenue, Brooklyn at 11:00AM. Please call the Rectory at 718-746-8102 to register no later than Friday, March 26. All registered couples will receive a personalized certificate and those couples in attendance will have their picture taken with Bishop DiMarzio who will celebrate Mass. ST. LUKE S ANNUAL ITALIAN DINNER DANCE --- Come join the fun! This annual event will take place on Saturday, March 20 from 7:00pm until Midnight in St. Luke s School Hall. Tickets are $50 per person. For more information please call Damiana at (718) 746-6269. JUST TO LET YOU KNOW --- Once a month we will print the count of envelopes received at each Mass. Saturday, 2/27 5:00pm 72 Sunday, 2/28 7:30am 62 9:00am 96 10:30am 125 11:45am 124 1:00pm 82 5:0pm 122 By mail 28 Total 711 ------------------------------------------------------ EXTRAORDINARY MINISTERS OF HOLY COMMUNION & LECTORS --- The Little Black Book for Lent and Easter are in the sacristy. Please pick up your copy and sign the sheet. LAY CARMELITES, ST. LUKE CHAPTER --- will meet on Friday, March 12, 2010 at 7:00pm in the Rectory basement. ST. ANTHONY NOVENA --- The St. Anthony Novena will begin on Tuesday, April 13 after the 12 noon Mass and continue through Tuesday, June 8. Since June 13th falls on a Sunday this year, the feast day will not be celebrated. However, at the 11:45am Mass on Sunday, June 13 a special prayer will be said in honor of St. Anthony. Page 2
WELCOME TO THE LITTLE SISTERS OF THE POOR --- For their annual Craft Fair next weekend, March 13th and 14th after all the Masses. The Fair will offer many beautiful crafts made by the residents of Queen of Peace Home run by the Little Sisters here in Queens Village. Stop over after Mass in the church basement and do some early Easter shopping while supporting the good work of the Little Sisters of the Poor. FIRST PENANCE --- Will be celebrated on the next few Saturdays for the boys and girls in our Catholic School and Religious Education Program preparing to receive First Holy Communion in the Spring. Please remember to pray for the boys and girls and their families during this special time of grace and blessing. A THOUGHT --- Perhaps this Lent is a good time for us to also celebrate the Sacrament of Penance or like we used to say - Go to Confession. Confessions are available every Saturday at 3:30pm to 4:30pm in the church and on Monday of Holy Week Reconciliation Monday March 29 here at St. Luke from 1:00pm to 5:00pm & following Evening Prayer at 7:30pm Please note: On Reconciliation Monday the Sacrament of Penance will be available in all the parishes throughout Brooklyn and Queens. JUST TO LET YOU KNOW --- That your increased weekly offering has been a great help to the parish in meeting its financial obligations. Your increased contributions have provided a more stable financial basis for the parish now and as we move forward in planning for the future. Msgr. Tosi is most grateful to those who have increased their weekly contribution and encourages them to continue their giving. Due to this increased support we have been able to pay our bills and meet other obligations to the diocese. As of March 2 we have made payments in the amount of $27,800 toward our diocesan assessment of $72,800 resulting in a balance of $45,000 to be paid by August 31, 2010. And Payments to the Elizabeth Ann Seton Trust Fund for Catholic Education in the amount of $8,333 with a balance of $4,266 to be paid by March 15, 2010. Your continued support enables us to meet these many obligations. Again, thank you. Page 3
2010 ANNUAL CATHOLIC APPEAL PRAYER Loving Father, through Baptism you have made us members of the Body of your Son and His Priestly People. You have enriched us with the outpouring of the gift of your Holy Spirit. You continue to make your Son present among us through the Sacrament of His Body and Blood in the Eucharist. We are grateful for what you do for us and week seek to respond by revealing your goodness through the witness of our lives. Help us to nourish and support those members of the Body of Christ who are in need of our generous sharing of our time, talent and treasure. We make this prayer through Christ our High Priest and Lord. Amen MEMORIALS AVAILABLE --- Among the many pastoral responsibilities of the parish is the spiritual care of the Catholic residents at the Queens Center for Rehabilitation and Residential Health Care on 19th Avenue. A dedicated team of parish volunteers under the direction of Sister Catherine T. Reilly, O.P. visits the facility on a regular basis for prayers and visits especially in providing weekly Holy Communion. The priests of the parish celebrate Mass once a month at the Center. At this time a number of memorials are available for items needed in our pastoral care: Mass Kit - Contains everything needed for Mass. A donation of $500 is being asked. A Silver Communion Plate - Used in the distribution of Holy Communion. A donation of $400 is being asked. Vestments - in the various Liturgical colors. A donation of $500 each is being asked. Please call the Rectory at (718) 746-8102 if you are interested in a memorial or desire more information. Page 4
LENT & EASTER 2010 STATIONS OF THE CROSS Wednesdays after the 12 Noon Mass March 10,17 & 24 FRIDAY EVENINGS AT 7:30pm March 12 - Liturgical Ministers March 19 - Prayer Groups March 26 - Family ITALIAN STATIONS OF THE CROSS Monday evenings at 7:30pm March 8, 15, 22 DISCIPLES IN MISSION Lenten Faith Sharing Program See Bulletin Flyer for more information. FAITH FORMATION Luke in Lent - Scripture Study of the Lenten Gospels February 16, March 9 & 16 Fr. Chirichella February 23 & March 2 Fr. Dettmer Tuesdays at 7:30pm in the Rectory COULD YOU NOT WATCH ONE HOUR WITH ME? Quiet prayer before the Blessed Sacrament. Tuesday afternoons 3:00PM-5:30pm Page 5
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DIVINE MERCY CONFERENCE --- SATURDAY, MARCH 27, 2010 Cardinal Spellman High School - Bronx This conference is co-sponsored by the Marians of the Immaculate Conception (M.I.C.), The Franciscan Friars of the Renewal (C.F.R.), and the Divine Mercy Apostolate of the Diocese of Brooklyn. For information and registration (including optional bus transportation) call 1-800-462-7426. Online at www.thedivinemercy.org/bronx ########################################################################### First Saint of the Congregation of the Holy Cross --- Blessed Bro. Andre Bessette, CSC, known popularly as the Miracle Man of Montreal, will be canonized the Congregation of Holy Cross first saint on October 17, 2010 in Rome. A man of fervent prayer and service to others, Bro. Andre s life provides all of us with a model for Christian holiness. The Brothers of Holy Cross invite you to join them in offering prayers of gratitude and thanksgiving as they prepare to celebrate Bro. Andre s canonization in the Fall. For more information about Bro. Andre, visit their website at www.holycrossbrothers.org. The Brothers of Holy Cross, with Provincial Offices in New Rochelle, conduct Holy Cross High School in Flushing, N.Y. Page 12
God has given each of us our own work to do. It is for us to pursue our road, that is to say, our vocation When God gives us such and such a vocation, He bestows upon us at the same time His grace to fulfill it. - On Vocation - The Cure of Ars Page 13
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PRE-JORDAN PROGRAM--- If you are planning a spring Baptism, please note the following dates: Baptism Class Baptism Sunday Mon., March 15 March 14 March 21 Mon., April 19 April 18 April 25 Mon., May 17 May 16 May 23 For more information or to schedule a Baptism, please call Sister Catherine T. Reilly, O.P. at 718-746-8531. *************************** SACRAMENTAL CELEBRATIONS --- During the month of February there were: 7 Baptisms 21 Funerals 1 Marriage *************************** ATLANTIC CITY BUS TRIP --- Join the St. Luke Golden Age Club for a bus trip to the Showboat Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City on Tuesday, March 30, 2010. Bus leaves 8:00am SHARP!! Cost is $25 per person. For more info, please call Eileen at (718) 352-3902 or Martha at (718) 539-4396. MUSIC MINISTRY CONTINUES ITS VISIT OF MASSES --- The Choir will be visiting the following Masses: Folk Group Saturday, March 6 5:00pm Mass Adult Choir Sunday, March 7 10:30am Mass *********************************** BEREAVEMENT GROUP --- The Bereavement Group Meeting will be held on Tuesday, April 13, 2010 at 7:30pm in the Rectory. The bereavement ministry is an outreach to those who have experienced the death of a loved one. Through prayer, scripture and faith filled sharing this ministry seeks to bring healing to those left behind. If you are interested in joining us once a month, please call Sister Catherine T. Reilly, O.P. at (718) 746-8531, or Father Vincent Chirichella at (718) 746-8102. PADRE PIO PRAYER GROUP --- The next meeting of the Padre Pio Prayer Group will be held on Tuesday, March 23, 2010 at 7:30pm in the church. All are welcome to attend. Page 15
SCRIPTURE READINGS Mon.- 2Kgs 5:1-15b; Lk 4:24-30 Tues.- Dn 3:25,34-43; Mt 18:21-35 Wed. - Dt 4:1,5-9; Mt 5:17-19 Thurs.- Jer 7:23-28; Lk 11:14-23 Fri. - Hos 14:2-10; Mk 12:28-34 Sat. - Hos 6:1-6; Lk 18:9-14 WE PRAY FOR THE SICK OF THE PARISH: ANN PITARO GRACE GAMBY SARA DARAB CHARLIE DOONAN AND FOR THE DECEASED: JOHN DORE SALVATORE PATIRI MARIA ZICOPULA GERARDO F. GARRAMONE CARMELA LOSPINUSO Collective Intentions Mass --- The next Collective Intentions Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, March 13 at 12 noon. ANNOUNCED MASSES FOR THE WEEK OF MARCH 8, 2010 Monday, March 8 7:00 Bridie Roche (birthday) 12:00 Joe Greco (birthday) Tuesday, March 9 8:30 Fiamma, DeMarco, Tamborello & Costanzo Families 12:00 Frank Ventura (anniversary) Wednesday, March 10 7:00 Rick Luca 12:00 Barbara & Bill Karpouzas Thursday, March 11 8:30 Joseph & Giovanna Pezzulich 12:00 Molloy & McNeeley Families Friday, March 12 7:00 Thomas P. & Mary C. Scanlon 12:00 Ida Bacchia (10th anniversary) Saturday, March 13 8:30 Michael Iracondo MEMORIALS The Altar Bread is in memory of GIRARD M. CURRY at the request of Mr. & Mrs. Edward Curry. At this Mass we pray for: FRANCES DICHIARA Page 16
ST. AGNES ACADEMIC HIGH SCHOOL, COLLEGE POINT, N.Y. Homecoming for all Alumni especially anniversary years ending in 0 or 5. Saturday, April 24, 2010 from 1:00pm to 5:00pm. For info please call 718-353-6276. POPPENHUSEN INSTITUTE, COLLEGE POINT, N.Y. --- Upcoming Events: Annual Multi-Cultural Dance Fest with Haitian, Peruvian and Greek Dancers and great performance by vocalist Natalia Salemmo. Date: Saturday, March 20 at 8:00pm. Admission is free. Contact us at poppenhusen@juno.com or (718) 358-0067. Free Drama Workshop for ages 10-15. Program includes the beginning to end process of putting on a show which will be performed on June 26. Space is limited, so register. Start date: Saturday, April 10 (class will be held each Saturday until the end of June). Time: 11:00am - 1:00pm. Call (718) 358-0067 for more information. ST. LEO S SCHOOL 85TH ANNIVERSARY --- Dinner Dance on Saturday, May 22nd. Reaching out to priests and Religious men and women who graduated from the school over the years. For info please call (718) 592-7050. CALLING ALL ALUMNI FROM OUR LADY OF HOPE SCHOOL --- If you are an alumni of Our Lady of Hope please call 718-458-3535 or e-mail us at olhoff@ourladyofhopeschool.org. Attn: Alumni. If you e-mail us, please include your maiden name, married name & e-mail address. ST. ANDREW AVELLINO SCHOOL - REUNION FOR CLASS OF 1960 --- The St. Andrew Avellino Alumni Association is looking for Graduates from St. Andrew s Class of 1960. To participate in or help organizing this celebration, please contact SAAAlumni@hotmail.com or call 718-359-7887. Do you or someone you know attend York College or Laguardia College? You are not alone - become a part of college students following the Lord! Contact Fr. Martin, Catholic Chaplain at 347-261-4406 or email mesguerra@dobmail.org. DOMINICAN VILLAGE --- Conveniently located on a sprawling, 13 acre campus, Dominican Village is a not-forprofit, non-sectarian, independent and assisted living residence rental retirement community offering outstanding programs, all-inclusive services and bountiful amenities. For more information, or to schedule a tour at your convenience, contact us today at 631-842-6091 or info@dominicanvillage.org. Page 17