Your word, O Lord, is truth!

A community of Faith hope and love TWENTY-SIXTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME September 27, 2015 Your word, O Lord, is truth!

516-731-4220 Phone/516-731-4355 Fax Email: Parish@StBernardChurch.org Website: www.stbernardslevittown.org PASTORAL TEAM Father Ralph Sommer, Pastor Shepherd@StBernardChurch.org ext. 130 Father Joe Nohs, Associate Pastor FrNohsBest@StBernardChurch.org ext. 128 Deacon John Blakeney DeaconJohn@StBernardChurch.org 516-731-4220 Deacon James Flannery DeaconJim@StBernardChurch.org 516-731-4220 Deacon Timm Taylor DeaconTimm@StBernardChurch.org 516-731-4220 Father Joy Varkey, Resident Priest JVarkey@DRVC.org ext. 124 Father Martin J. Hall, Retired Priest in Residence 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. 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.stbernardslevittown.org. 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 516-731-6074 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 516-731-4220 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 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. 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.stbernardslevittown.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 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 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

Blessing our Children E mail Father Ralph: shepherd@stbernardchurch.org Farewell to Father Marty Father Marty Hall who has resided at St Bernards since his retirement has decided to move to Dominican Village where the St. Pius X assisted living facility for priests is located. We were planning a farewell reception for him next week before he moved. But I was just surprised with the news that he already moved on Tuesday! So stay tuned as to how we can bid him farewell. Youth Ministry Invitation All students in High School are invited to be part of our Youth Ministry Program each Sunday night. We gather at the 5:30pm Sunday Mass (unless you ve attended Mass earlier in the day) and the Mass is followed each week by a gathering in the Youth Room (which is in the school). Most nights there ll be pizza and each week there s time for socializing, discussion and time to pray for people in our lives. If you know a high school student, please show them this invitation. Throughout Pope Francis visit to the United States it was quite moving to see when he reached out to bless children. I can only imagine that when these children grow up to be great-grandparents that they will tell the children in their lives of this encounter with this holy man. What about OUR children here in Levittown who didn t get a chance to be blessed in person by the pope? Depending on what happens in the next few years of their lives, they too might have tales to tell of their spiritual encounters when they grow up. Here s what I mean. When our children are brought to church each week and grow up surrounded by the love and support of our church family, when they come to know Jesus as they listen to the gospel -- and when they see the gospel acted out by their moms and dads -- they will have a spiritual life to pass on to the next generation. There is another possibility that might unfold for some of our children. In this future, some children will only come to an hour s worth of religion class each week until they receive first communion or confirmation and then they will leave the church and not grow up with Jesus as part of their lives. I don t mean leave the church as some kind act of rejection, but rather they just won t be here. Their seat will be empty. Their life will be missing what their peers will grow up with. Their life may be missing WHO their peers will grow up with. So even though most of our children didn t experience a face-to-face encounter with Pope Francis, all of our children can have the chance to encounter Jesus as he lives in our church. It s up to parents, grandparents and today s greatgrandparents to decide how this will happen. Or to decide that this will not happen. Today at our 9am Mass we are blessing many children and their backpacks so that they will have a sense that the Lord will be accompanying them through their new school year. I hope they ll be coming back next week at any of our Masses to continue to get the strength and inspiration that God wants to give them in their lives. Let us pray for our children and our families so that this year is the moment for all to re-discover how much they are loved and cared for not only by God but by our parish family. 3

Parish News Backpack Mass Today Sunday, September 27, 2015, 9 am All students are invited to bring their backpack to the 9am Mass to receive a special blessing. Rosary Confraternity The Rosary Confraternity will meet on Monday, October 5 th in the church at the 7:30pm Novena. We will pray the Rosary together and then go to the Parish Center, where Deacon John Blakeney will speak to us. We will also have the Blessing of Roses. All women of the parish are welcome. Blessing of the Animals on St Francis' Feast Day The traditional blessing of animals will take place at 3:00 pm outside church on Sunday, October 4 th. Bring your cherished pet and join in the celebration. USHERS and USHERETTES NEEDED Men and women are desperately needed to usher for all Masses. If you are available to usher, please contact our Usher Coordinator-John Lyons at 516-390-5150. We would appreciate and welcome any volunteers and thank you for the giving of your time and talents. NOCTURNAL ADORATION SOCIETY gathers this Saturday, October 3 at 8:00 pm in the Church. All are welcome to attend and spend time in adoration of our Lord Jesus Christ in the Blessed Sacrament. St. Bernard's Men's Fellowship Group will meet on Sunday, October 4th. The next meeting for the group will be on Sunday, October 4th at 7:00 PM in the Prayer Room of the Church. Meetings are generally held on the first and third Sundays of each month. Meetings consist of reviewing the Sunday readings followed by a short conversation about how we can apply the Gospel message to our daily lives. All men of the parish are welcome to attend. 4 Gifts of treasure Sunday collections September 20, 2015 September 21, 2014 $ 12,778.05 $ 12,424.95 596 envelopes 567 envelopes Faith Direct $ 1,945.75 $ 1,904.14 Total Collection $ 14,723.80 $ 14,329.09 Second Collection - Pius X Enriched Living $ 4,148.65 $ 3,745.60 336 envelopes 317 envelopes Capital Campaign Goal: $1,000,000.00 Pledged: $1,199,925.00 Collected to date: $1,029,746.00 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? www.faithdirect.net Code = NY272 Parish calendar (Subject to change) Monday, September 28 After 8:00 am Mass Miraculous Medal Novena, Church 4:15 pm Religious Ed Opening Day Grades 1 & 2 7:30 pm Board Meeting - Rosary Confraternity, Parish Center Tuesday, September 29 10:00 am Our Lady of Consolation, Parish Center 6:15 pm Children s Choir Practice, Parish Center 7:00 pm Boy Scout Troop 316, Cafeteria 7:00 pm Catechist Training, 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 30 7:30 pm Awakening Faith, Youth Room 7:30 pm Folk Group-Off site 7:30 pm Welcome Orientation, Parish Center 8:00 pm Bread of Life Prayer Group, Parish Center Thursday, October 1 9:00 am Zumba Gold, Parish Center 10:00 am Shawl Ministry, Parish Center

mass intentions This listing may not reflect recent changes or additions. Monday, September 28 8:00 am Bill Lacey Tuesday, September 29 8:00 am Michael Tumbarello Wednesday, September 30 8:00 am The Liturgy of the Hour Prayer Group Thursday, October 1 8:00 am Jane Howard Friday, October 2 8:00 am Miriam C. Fishbein Saturday, October 3 8:00 am 5:00 pm Tschinkel/Waters Family Sunday, October 4 7:30 am Paul Callaghan 9:00 am James & Doris Flannery 10:30 am For all parishioners, Maria Camacho, Eugene Lynch, John McLaughlin 12 Noon Living & Deceased members of American Legion Post 1711 5:30 pm Mary Ellen Santoriello Parish calendar (Subject to change) 2:15 pm St. Vincent Meeting, Clairvaux House 6:30 pm Most Holy Trinity Novena, Prayer Room 7:30 pm Religious Ed Grade 7 Parent/ Candidate Meeting, Cafeteria 7:45 pm Training for Bereavement Facilitator, Parish Center Saturday, October 3 9:00 am Awakening Faith, Youth Ministry Room 10:00 am Charitable Kidz Opening Meeting, Parish Center 10:30 am Special Ed, Parish Center 11:00 am Women s AA Meeting, Cafeteria 8:00 pm Nocturnal Adoration, Church Sunday, October 4, Hospitality Sunday 3:00 pm Blessing of the Animals, Outside Church 6:30 pm Youth Ministry Meeting, YM Room 7:00 pm Men's Fellowship Group, Prayer Room 8:00 pm AA Meeting, Cafeteria sacraments Baptisms We welcome into the parish the following new members: Brayden Kenneth McNally John Patrick Schuler Congratulations to the happy parents. BANNS OF MARRIAGE Second Time Joseph Melendez, St. Bernard Parish, Levittown Danielle D Ambrosia, St. Bernard Parish, Levittown for the sick of our parish Lisa Baron Jean Caprera Msgr George Graham Jane Howard Stephen Kalman Joseph Lynch Joan Munisteri John O Neill Regina Silverio Kristen Simpson Charles Yevoli 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 Baby Mason Francis Combs Susan Arena Baby Liam Barrett Arlene Barsch Irene Boyce Jean Caprera 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 John Hartofil Judy Hupfer Gervas Ignacio Vicki Jacona Jerome W. Kalkhof Amanda Kuck 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 Keith Sessa Terry Sherwood Joseph Smithwick, Sr. Norma Steiger Marina Suazo Liberty Tabag David Testa Rosalie Travers Donna Vollaro Theresa Votta Ann Dolores Walsh Pat Welisher 5 Pray for our beloved deceased and those who mourn for them Elizabeth J. McArdelle

ADULT FAITH FORMATION Diane Vella, Pastoral Associate Lutherans, Anglicans, and Roman Catholics: What Divides Us? What Unites Us? A 3-week presentation and discussion sponsored by The Long Island Lutheran - Anglican Roman Catholic Dialogue PRESENTERS: Ms. Diane Vella, St. Bernard s Rev. Laurie Cline, St. John s Lutheran Church, Bellmore Rev. Christopher King, St. James Episcopal Church, Long Beach Wednesdays, October 7, 14, 21, 7:30-9:00 p.m. NOTE LOCATION: Christ Lutheran Church, 3384 Island Road, Wantagh 516-221-3286 www.clcwantagh.org No pre-registration is necessary. For information, contact Diane Vella at 516-731-4220 0r dvella@stbernardchurch.org. Becoming Catholic: Does this apply to you or someone you know? Going to church but not baptized? Baptized, going to a Catholic church but not Catholic? Baptized, going to a Catholic church 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: 516-731-4220 or dvella@stbernardchurch.org 6

ADULT FAITH FORMATION Diane Vella, Pastoral Associate WHAT DOES THE BIBLE REALLY SAY AND MEAN? GOT QUESTIONS?? AWAKEN YOUR FAITH! Fall Bible Study: The Mystery of Evil & Suffering We all ask the question: Why do bad things happen to good people? We are not the first people to ask that question, and the Bible struggles with it. Come explore the Book of Job and other Biblical passages that address this question. An informal study and discussion group for people in their 20s-40s TOPICS: AM I SPIRITUAL? WHO IS JESUS? WHAT S THE HOLY SPIRIT AND DO I HAVE IT? IS GOD MERCIFUL AND AM I FORGIVEN? DO I BELONG IN THE CHURCH? WHY GO TO MASS? 6 weeks, evening or morning, starts Thursday Oct. 15*, 7:30 pm or Friday Oct. 16*, 10:00 a.m. St. Bernard s Parish Center (Please be sure to pre-register for evening sessions.) All are welcome. No topic off base. No registration Just come, and bring a friend! 6 Saturdays starting Oct. 3, 9:00-10:15 a.m. with Pastoral Associate Diane Vella Youth Ministry Room in the School Building Instructor: Diane Vella, M.A., Pastoral Associate *These first sessions are INTRODUCTION TO CATHOLIC BIBLE STUDY sessions. If you have already participated in this series you do not need to attend these first sessions unless you would like a refresher. Contact Diane Vella at 516-731-4220 or dvella@stbernardchurch.org Contact Diane Vella at 516-731-4220 or dvella@stbernardchurch.org for more information 7

Liturgy Corner TWENTY-SIXTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME September 27, 2015 As both Joshua and Jesus disciples learned, God uses the least likely people to be his instruments of grace. Maybe he does so to uproot in us the self-righteousness and indignation that instinctively provokes. Moses asks Joshua, Are you jealous for my sake? A conceited, disdaining mindset, a spirit of entitlement, an attitude of arrogance can become like stored up treasures. But their corrosion will be a testimony against you; it will devour your flesh like a fire. Magnificate First Reading: God commanded that seventy of the elders come to the Meeting Tent, that holy place in which Moses and the elders of the people came into the presence of God. Although the scene may seem strange to us because it reflects the assumptions of a different culture, it was solemn, and its setting conveys a sense of awe and the sacred. When other leaders wanted to stop two outsiders, Eldad and Medad, who were neither elders nor present at the meeting, from speaking in God s behalf, Moses showed his largeness and his quality of leadership by indicating that the spirit of God was with the outsiders too. Responsorial Psalm 19: Psalm 19 has three focal points; creation s testimony to God s goodness, the beauty of God s law, and the human desire to serve God well. The psalmist admits that no one, no matter how faithful or vigilant, can be perfect. Our only recourse is to turn to God, who will cleanse and guide us. The precepts of the Lord give joy to the heart. Second Reading: James writes in the context of the impending end of the world. He warns the rich that they have stored up treasures for the last days, but the end times that are coming will reverse all their hopes. That which they could have spent on others will not only be rusted, but the money and moth-eaten garments will actually testify against them. Gospel: Jesus wastes no time in refocusing the disciples priorities. If someone performed a mighty deed in Jesus name, that was a sign of the person s solidarity with Jesus and his ministry. The disciples believe that Jesus is acting with the power of the Spirit of God; therefore, they should recognize that anyone who does the kind of works he does is also graced with power from the same Spirit. Saints of the Week Monday, September 28. Most people are familiar with Wenceslaus (903-935), due to the popular Christmas carol Good King Wenceslaus. Although this ancient carol is not based on historical events, it illustrates the fame King Wenceslaus received because of his heroic life. As a Christian king in Bohemia, a primarily pagan country, he worked fervently to Christianize his people. His attempt to evangelize the Bohemians was not received well by some, including his brother who eventually murdered him. As he was dying, he prayed that God would forgive his brother. Shortly after his death, people proclaimed him a martyr. And St. Lawrence Ruiz (1600-1637), a married man with three children, fled to Japan from Manila to escape an unjust charge. Upon his arrival he was greeted with hostility, due to a recent edict that banned Christianity. When he and fifteen other companions would not adhere to the state religion and trample on religious images associated with the Catholic faith, they were executed. St. Lawrence and his companions join 231 8 other Catholics martyred in Japan between the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. Tuesday, September 29. We celebrate the feast of three archangels, Sts. Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael, the great heralds of salvation and defenders against the power of evil. St. Michael is guardian and protector of the Church, from its roots in Israel to the Church of today and beyond. In Hebrew, his name means who is like to God. St. Gabriel, whose name means hero of God, announces that John the Baptist will be born to Elizabeth and Zechariah. He is entrusted with the most important task of revealing to Mary that she will bear the Son of God. Then, there is St. Raphael, whose name is Hebrew for God has healed. He is named in Tobit 12 as the one standing in the presence of God, and in I Enoch (early Jewish writing) as the healer of the earth (10:7). Wednesday, September 30. St. Jerome (345-420) is the patron saint of scholars and librarians. With a great love

Liturgy Corner of learning and books, as a monk and priest he developed a passion for the interpretations of Sacred Scripture. With a comprehensive knowledge of classical languages, St. Jerome produced a Latin text of the entire Bible eventually known as the Vulgate. Along with writing, he provided spiritual guidance to wealthy widows and mentored young monks in monastic discipline. St. Jerome joins three other saints (Ambrose, Augustine, and Gregory the Great) as the fist Doctors of the Church. Thursday, October 1. St. Thérèse of Lisieux of the Child Jesus 1873-1897), known as the Little Flower, was a spiritual athlete, but not in the same way as her contemporaries. Contrary to the spirituality of her time, which favored self-mortification and miraculous phenomena, she approached God through the ordinary experiences of everyday life. As a Carmelite nun, she coined the phrase the Little Way, referring to her belief that every act, no matter how small, is an opportunity to meet and praise God. While struggling with the debilitating disease of tuberculosis, she wrote her spiritual autobiography, The Story of a Soul. Her autobiography, translated into over fifty languages, has inspired faith in the skeptic and strengthened the soul of the believer. She is patron saint of the missions and a Doctor of the Church. Sourcebook 2015 The month of October is dedicated to The Most Holy Rosary. Queen of the Most Holy Rosary! Pray for us. Vendors Wanted! St. Bernard s will be hosting its Third Annual Craft Market Saturday, November 28 9:00 am - 4:00 pm St. Bernard s Gym 3100 Hempstead Turnpike, Levittown. New merchandise only 6 foot table and 2 chairs provided for $45.00 Send requests for a Vendor Agreement or questions to craftmarket@verizon.net Readings for September 27, 2015 October 4, 2015 Sunday, September 27. Twenty-sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Numbers 11:25-29; Psalm 19:8, 10, 12-14; James 5:1-6; Mark 9:38-43, 45, 47-48. Monday, September 28. Zechariah 8:1-8; Psalm 102: 16-23; Luke 9:46-50. Tuesday, September 29. Feast of Saints Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael, archangels. Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14; Psalm 138:1-5; John 1:47-51. Wednesday, September 30. Memorial of Saint Jerome, Priest and Doctor of the Church. Nehemiah 2:1-8; Psalm 137:1-6; Luke 9:57-62. Thursday, October 1. Memorial of Saint Thérèse of the Child Jesus, Virgin and Doctor of the Church. Nehemiah 8:1-12; Psalm 19:8-11; Luke 10:1-12. Friday, October 2. Memorial of the Holy Guardian Angels. Baruch 1:15-22; Psalm 79:1-5, 8-9; Matthew 18:1-5, 10. Saturday, October 3. Baruch 4:5-12, 27-29; Psalm 69:33-37; Luke 10:17-24. Sunday, October 4. Twenty-seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time. Genesis 2:18-24; Psalm 128:1-6; Hebrews 2:9-11; Mark 10:2-16. Friday, October 2, is the First Friday of the month and is always dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. For The Ride Home This feature is for families to share their thoughts as they travel to and from Church. 26 th Sunday of Ordinary Time September 27, 2015 Gospel: Mark 9:38-43, 45, 47-48 Adults: What three values motivate me daily? Why? Children: Do I help or do I keep people away from Jesus? 9

St. Bernard S Center for religious education Mrs. Susan Martin, M.A., Director, 516-731-8511 What is a Family? What is a family? A family is a community of love which takes on many shapes. It is within the family that your child comes to know of our loving God. Parents(s) put on the face of God by their daily interactions with their children. Did you know your home is holy and considered a domestic church according to Vatican Council II? Mitch Finley says a family is holy when it deals with conflict, learns to forgive, and surrenders to Gods light when darkness around us seems overwhelming. It means persistence in struggle when attempting to bring creative order to chaos. There is no perfect family yet a holy family maintains its love, compassion, humor, and forgiveness. It is within the structure of family life that faith is often caught not taught. By this I mean living one s vocation as a Catholic parent in daily life. Your child notices when he sees you praying in good times and in bad, when you bring outgrown clothing to the St. Vincent de Paul clothing bin, or when you donate food for the needy. Your child grows in awe and wonder of the Eucharist when he sees you receiving Our Lord each week. To nurture the growth of a lifelong relationship with Jesus, children need to see what healthy human relationships look like! How does your family practice forgiveness and kindness? How do you respond to accidents? How do you show respect for one another? Stress that Jesus is our best friend and He is always with us. Look for the sacred in your everyday family life. Appreciate the presence of God in the beauty of nature. Take a field trip to the beautiful Shrine of Our Lady of the Isle exit 61 on Sunrise Highway in Eastport which is owned by the Montfort Fathers. Celebrate the religious significance of Advent, Christmas, Lent, and Easter. Come to our family Mass here at 9:00am each Sunday. Because today s family is under attack by our secular society, we ask for prayers for the success of the World Meeting of Families. This will be held in Philadelphia, the city of brotherly love which includes prayer, keynote speakers and more. The exciting climax will be a visit from Pope Francis who will celebrate Mass. The greatest gift you and I can give our children is the gift of faith thus pray for Pope Francis and his historic visit to the USA. Viva la papa! News from the Religious Education Office All catechists are invited to attend a mini-workshop for being an effective catechist. Topics will include class management, creative lesson planning, resources, discipline, use of the manual and prayer in the classroom. Remembering the spiritual challenge of presenting the Person of Jesus, we need to be authentic witnesses. How is your prayer life? Do you try to attend Mass each week? Workshop date: Tuesday, September 29 th in blue room of Center 7-8:15pm. Please RSVP at 735-8511 or at Smartin@stbernardchurch.org Also, we are excited to welcome our holy father, Pope Francis who will be in New York City mid-september and who serves as a Master Catechist for us all. Let us keep him in prayer for this important visit to the USA. My teaching is not mine but His who sent me. (John 7:16) A Faith Enriching Experience You are invited to a Conference Celebrating the Family At Kellenberg Memorial High School On Saturday, October 24, 2015 Keynote Speakers include: Dr. Larry Feingold and Dr. Benedict Nguyen as well as Dr. Tim Herrman and Prof. Douglas Bushman. $15 Registration Fee includes a light breakfast at 9:00 am as well as lunch at noon. We will close the Conference with a Mass at 4:00 pm. Register at www.kellenberg.org or call Alex Basile (516) 292-0200 x 342. 10

Parish social ministry Sr. Christine Sammons, O.P., 731-6074 St. Vincent de Paul: Thanks to everyone who remembers our low-income neighbors. We are grateful for your kind generosity. Special thanks are extended to Girl Scout Troop 3539 who are working toward their Silver Award and are making sandwiches and meals for our pantry visitors. Great work, girls! This week our pantry needs include: Coffee and tea (regular, instant, decaf) Canned tomato products of all kinds Canned vegetables of all kinds Canned fruit Puddings Hearty soups (Progresso-type) Oatmeal Cake mixes and frosting Toilet tissue and feminine hygiene products Baby wipes As always, thank you! Please remember the poor boxes and to buy one, get one free! And by the way...if you have never seen our office and food pantry, we would be happy to have you visit us. Every now and then someone asks where the food they place in the bin in church goes! Come and see! The pantry is open each weekday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and on Saturdays, from 10:30-11:30! The Charitable KIDZ (a.k.a. Young Vincentians) will meet for the first time this school year on Saturday, October 3rd in the parish center at 10:00 a.m. Students in 8th grade through high school are welcome to be part of this great group whose activities broaden their horizons and accomplish many and varied good works locally and world-wide. Parents are also most welcome! The Blue Wagon will return from vacation, and will greet our children on Sunday, October 4th. We encourage our children to bring a non-perish-able food item, or some change, to be placed in the wagon during the presentation of the gifts at the 9:00 am Family Mass. We thank our parents who for years have encouraged this good habit of sharing with those who are less fortunate! Friends of the Poor Walk: Our St. Vincent Conference is grateful for the many contributions made for the Friends of the Poor walk on September 19th. Every penny of these donations remains with our Conference and is used to further the work of the Society at St. Bernard s. Thanks again to all who contributed, collected or walked on behalf of our brothers and sisters! We are happy to report that just over $3,000 was donated to our conference. Many thanks! Bereavement Support Groups: Those who grieve the loss of a loved one often benefit from participation in a support group. We recognize the need for such support, and are happy to be able to provide it through Dr. Lou Sabatini and trained facilitators. The General support group will begin on Thursday, September 24; 6:30-7:45 pm, continuing each week until December 3. The Bereaved Parents support group began on September 14, but will meet again on September 28; 7:00-8:15 pm, continuing every other week until December 21. Survivors of Suicide support group will meet on Monday, October 5; 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) 799-5873 or lousab@aol.com. 27 th Annual Mass For Deceased Children We invite all who have experienced the loss of a child to join us at St. Agnes Cathedral, Rockville Centre on Saturday, October 17, 2015 for Mass at 12:30 p.m., with refreshments to follow in the Parish Center. All are welcome. Come early to inscribe your child s name in the Book of Families. Refreshments following Mass in the Parish Center. For more information contact Deacon Darrell Buono, Associate Director Marriage and Family 516-678-5800 x200 dbuono@drvc.org 11

Stewardship reminds us to count our blessings, acknowledge God s gifts to us and express thanks to Him. We sincerely thank the 342 households who, as good stewards, have made a gift to the 2015 Catholic Ministries Appeal. You are helping our Church to serve more than 600,000 people each year. Our Parish has raised $85,689, reaching 89.63% of our parish goal of $95,600. If you have not yet pledged, please consider a gift today and help us to meet our goal. Our parish will receive 20% back when we reach our goal. You may pick up information and pledge cards in the back of the church, or for more information visit www.catholicministriesappeal.org or call 516-379-5210 ext. 2. EVERY GIFT MATTERS AND MAKES A DIFFERENCE IN THE LIVES OF OTHERS! Thank You Please consider what you can do to make this campaign successful. Please make your check payable to: Pledge: $ Catholic Ministries Appeal Down Payment $ Balance: $ Parish: Name: Monthly Quarterly Address: Annually Other City, State, Zip: Phone: Donor Signature: Acct # 12

Community bulletin Board Holy Innocents Council Presents It's ANNUAL CHILDRENS HALLOWEEN PARTY Saturday, October 24-12 To 3pm Games, Good Fun and Food for the Kids. $5 per non member Child/Grandchild. Food will be provided for the children, adults can stay with their child. Children must be signed up. If we are sold out - no signs ups at the door. Sign up Sheet at the Council Holy Innocents Columbiettes Present SUPERMARKET BINGO Friday, October 16, 2015 at 7pm. At Holy Innocents Knights of Columbus Tickets are on sale at the council for $8.00 per person. Reservations required. For more information, please call Marie at 735-0037, Fran at 735-7746 or Sandy at 735-7990. Spirituality For Singles - Monthly Singles Gathering will be held on Saturday, Oct 3, 2015, 8:30PM at St. Aidan Parish, 510 Willis Ave., Williston Park, NY, 11596. This monthly gathering for singles will include discussion, meditation, socialization. Ages 35+;$5.00 donation - snacks, pizza and beverages will be served Contact: Ray (516) 561-6994 or spiritualityforsingles@gmail.com Catholics For Freedom of Religion - CFFR On Saturday, October 10, 11am - 2pm there will be a presentation, "Religion and the Civil War: Focus on the Catholic Church" at Nassau Community College Center for Catholic Studies, Garden City, NY. Keynote speaker: Brother Syriac, Chaminade H.S. faculty; free admission & lunch - must register for parking pass: 516-572-7472. We Want Musicians and Singers Choir rehearsals are beginning again so please contact one of the following Directors to join one of our many wonderful choirs. Singers and musicians welcomed. The 5:30pm Sunday Mass is welcoming all High School, College and young adults. Just bring your instruments, voices and youthful exuberance to join this contemporary ensemble in praising God. Rehearsals are on Sunday before the 5:30 Mass - email Terence Purtell - Director@terencePurtell.com. Children s Choir sings once a month at the 9am Sunday Mass -2 nd Grade and higher. They rehearse 3 Tuesday evenings a month at 6:15pm in the Parish Center call Dottie Monaco for more information 796-5631. Folk Choir joyfully sings the 9am Sunday Masses and rehearses on Wednesday evenings - call Carmen Greico 735-1939. Adult Choir leads the congregation at the 10:30am Sunday Mass and rehearses on Tuesday evenings at 7:30pm in the Church call Mary Jane 731-4220 ext. 143. Honor Roll We congratulate the following St. Bernard parishioners who earned a place on the honor roll for the 2014-2015 school year: Kellenberg Memorial High School Ryan Aljader Hannah Argiros Jillian Kieber Paul LaFranca Marissa Manzione Christopher O Boyle Meghan Osonitsch Thomas Osonitsch Ryan Silverman Gabrielle Sparro Joseph-Ryan Virga Patrick Wilson 13 St. Anthony High School Nicholas Campa Salvatore DeLisio Philip Siemers

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