A community of Faith hope and love Twenty-eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time October 13, 2013 We will be like the Lord, when He appears.
MISSION STATEMENT We are a Parish Community of men and women who serve God, our country and one another. Inspired by St. Bernard s love of God and humanity, we proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ by praying and worshipping together, educating one another in faith, providing assistance for those in need, working for justice in the world, and welcoming all to the sacramental life of the Church in the Roman Catholic tradition. With Faith, Hope, and Love, we dedicate ourselves to the mission of living and sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ in the world. 731-4220/731-4355 Fax Email: Parish@StBernardsLevittown.org Website: www.stbernardslevittown.org PASTORAL TEAM Father Ralph Sommer, Pastor Shepherd@stbernardslevittown.org 731-4220 ext. 130 Father Joe Nohs Associate Pastor FrNohsBest@stbernardslevittown.org 731-4220 ext. 127 Father Todd Saccoccia Rev. Mr. John Blakeney, Deacon Rev. Mr. James Flannery, Deacon Rev. Joy Varkey, Resident Center for Religious Education & RCIA Sr. Margaret Sammon, O.P., Director 731-8511/731-7860 Fax The Religious Center is closed on Fridays. Parish Social Ministry Sr. Christine Sammons, O.P., Coordinator 731-6074 Youth Ministry Mike Rodgers, Coordinator MRodgers@StBernardsLevittown.org or 516-978-8193 Liturgical Music Mary Jane Witte, Director 731-4220 Adult Faith Formation Diane Vella, Pastoral Associate dvella@stbernardslevittown.org or 731-4220 Church Rose Marie Rotondo, Sacristan 731-4220 Facilities Len Lanzi, Facilities Manager 731-4220 Matt Gagas, Maintenance Supervisor IN RESIDENCE: Rev. Martin J. Hall Bulletin Deadline: Friday, 5:00 pm, nine days prior to publication. You may email us at Bulletin@StBernardsLevittown.org or leave a printed copy in the inbox on the bulletin desk in the Parish Office. Thank you for your cooperation! 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) athome 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 M a s s. P l e a s e c a l l 7 3 1-4 2 2 0 o r e - m a i l parish@stbernardslevittown.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 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.
Installation E mail Father Ralph: shepherd@stbernardslevittown.org Today s Installation Thank you to everyone who contributed their time and talent to my installation as pastor today. I m grateful to everyone who came to the Mass and the reception afterwards. I look forward to many years of blessings together. ME25 Thanks to everyone who filled out the Gallup Survey last weekend and to all who are working to enter the surveys into the computer. If you are 18 years or older and a parishioner of St. Bernard s and if you missed the chance to have your input into the survey, you still have time to do it online this week. Go to https://my.gallupfaith.com/ stbernard_11756 and use the access code: CCE8247 (use capital letters). We ll have the results in a couple of months. By the way, Father Todd and I enjoyed having a few minutes at each Mass with the young people who attended church last weekend. I think it s odd to call the formal public presentation of a new pastor to the parish an installation. Wouldn t missioning be a better biblical concept? But we ve been calling it an installation for as long as I can remember. And in our modern day, maybe there is something useful in the term. Today people use the word installation when it comes to computer software as in, Have you installed your new operating system yet? Perhaps the installation of pastor is something like this. First I should mention that in our diocese a pastor becomes a pastor as soon as the Bishop appoints him. So I ve been your pastor since June 28th. But just as it is with some software, you get a demo period to try out the program. So you ve been trying me out for a couple of months and today is the chance to register the new software! I apologize upfront to those gentle readers who have never used a computer since these metaphors won t be resonating with you. But for those who have ever upgraded an operating system, you know these things to be true: You don t lose your old files when a new system is put in place. Some applications don t work with the new system; You have to upgrade the application. New operating systems bring new possibilities that you never could do before. You may have to control some mild cursing when the new system frustrates you before you completely learn it. After a while, you get very comfortable with the new system. Aren t those some of the very same things that happen when a new pastor begins to serve a parish? You don t lose all the ministries that have been going on before he arrived. But sometimes an upgrade happens because he brings some fresh ideas and new possibilities to parish life. And yes, his ways could be frustrating, especially if you re not used to them. But -- and I m hoping for this -- after some time, the new installation will seem most natural as a growth beyond the former operating system, which in its day was a growth beyond the system before that! I must tell you that after these months of a demo period I m most happy today that you have welcomed me and invited me into your lives. I m ready for the permanent installation. 3
4 parish news St. Bernard S WinnerS CirCle 50th Anniversary Blessings September 2012 Winner Brick Memorial Garden: If you are thinking of donating a memorial gift for a person who was special in your life, an inscribed brick can be purchased for the Memorial Garden, located around the statue of St. Bernard ( south side of Church ) - The cost of each brick is $100.When we receive a minimum order of 20 or more we will be able to process the order. We just need a few more to place another order. Details and forms can be found in the rectory office or call and ask for the receptionist, Marie. This Fall, couples that have been married fifty years or more will be honored at a liturgy on Sunday, November 3 rd at the Church of Christ the King in Commack. Liturgy will begin at 2:30 pm. Registration forms and complete instructions can be obtained at the rectory. Registration forms must be received by the Office of Worship by October 17 th for the November 3 rd Liturgy. There will be additional celebrations in the Spring for those who might find that more convenient. Dates for Spring will be announced at a later time. If you have any questions call 516-678-5800, ext. 207. is Deacon John and Terri Blakeney Congratulations! Miraculous Medal Novena will take place on Monday, October 14 after the 8:00 am Mass due to the Columbus Day Holiday. Gifts of treasure Sunday collections October 6, 2013 September 30, 2012 $ 14,079.30 $ 14,530.05 604 envelopes 668 envelopes Faith Direct $ 2,407.34 $ 2,271.00 Total Collection $ 16,486.64 $ 16,801.05 Second Collection Respect Life $ 1,659.20 $ 1,720.05 Next Sunday, World Mission Sunday, our Holy Father, Pope Francis, calls every Catholic to celebrate at the Eucharist, our vocation to be missionary and to help the Missions. As Catholics around the world, here at home and in the Missions, gather at the Eucharistic table, let us pray for the Church s worldwide mission and offer financial help through the Propagation of the Faith for more than 1,150 dioceses in Asia, Africa, Latin America and the Pacific Islands. Thank you for your generosity. Campaign Program Goal: $1,000,000.00 Pledged: $1,189,416.00 Paid: $ 485,945.48 Please continue to fulfill your pledge commitment so that all of the planned projects can be accomplished. Thank you for your continued generosity. Have you enrolled yet? www.faithdirect.net Code = NY272 the Gifts of bread and wine f th for the weekend of October 12 and October13 th were requested in loving memory of Ted Brosnan, Sr. Ted Brosnan, Jr. requested by Mary Brosnan
mass intentions Monday, October 14, St. Callistus I 8:00 am Bob Leonard Tuesday, October 15, St. Teresa of Jesus 8:00 am Tessie & John Deptuch Wednesday, October 16, St. Hedwig; St. Margaret Alacoque 8:00 am Judie Lynch Thursday, October 17, St. Ignatius of Antioch 8:00 am Frank Squillace, Jr. Friday, October 18, St. Luke, evangelist 8:00 am Catherine Squillace Saturday, October 19, St. John de Brebeuf & St. Isaac Jogues & companions; 8:00 am Robert Gagnon (birthday remembrance), Mariano Benin, Pancrazio & Mary Salomone, Theresa Possillico 5:00 pm Theresa D. Flanigan Sunday October 20, 29 th Sunday in Ordinary Time; World Mission Sunday 7:30 am For all parishioners 9:00 am Grace Simmons 10:30 am Harry Leggio, William E. Ladouceur, Sr., Edna Pokorny, Patricia Tuerlings 12:00 pm Angela & Anthony Buttafuoco 5:30 pm Vincent J. Connors, 80 th birthday Parish schedule Monday, October 14 After 8am Mass Miraculous Medal Novena, Church 7:00 pm Bereavement Training, Parish Center Tuesday, October 15 10:00 am Our Lady of Consolation, Parish Center 7:00 pm BSA Troop 316, 2nd Floor School 7:00 pm Spanish Rosary, Prayer Room 7:30 pm Adult Choir, Church 7:30 pm PFI, Parish Center 8:00 pm AA Meeting, Cafeteria Wednesday, October 16 7:30 pm Grade 7 Meeting, Cafeteria 7:30 0m Welcome Orientation, Parish Center 8:00 pm Prayer Group, Parish Center Thursday, October 17 10:00 am Shawl Ministry, Parish Center 2:15 pm St. Vincent Meeting, Clairvaux House 6:30 pm The Most Holy Trinity Adoration, Prayer Rm 7:30 pm Grade 8 Parent Meeting, Cafeteria 7:30 pm The Pope s Interview, Parish Center Saturday, October 19, CDA Raffle Sale 9:00 am Awakening Faith, Youth Ministry Room 10:30 am Special Needs Religious Ed, Parish Center 11:00 am Women s AA Meeting, Cafeteria Sunday, October 20, CDA Raffle Sale 9:00 am RCIA, Parish Center 6:30 pm Youth Ministry Meeting, Youth Ministry Rm 7:00 pm Men s Prayer Group, Church 8:00 pm AA Meeting, Cafeteria sacraments for the sick of our parish All names will remain on the list for 4 weeks after you call in. After that time we ask, if necessary, to call again. Thank you for cooperating and God bless all. Father Joe Nohs Candy Auer Liz Bailey Lucy Coletto Agnes Frey Susanne Hanna Judy Hupfer Vicki Jacona Fran O Neill Noreen O Neill Earnest Orlandini Marian Overbough Laureen Quinn-Sturge Fred Rappa Kristofer Rose Rosalie Travers Dr. Joan Virotsko Please pray for all those on our Long-term Sick List Baby Christian Murphy Baby Mason Francis Combs Susan Arena Walter Bartnick Michael Bode Frank Bond Phil Blum Helen Clarke Rosemary Clark Roberta Curran Vincent Davi Bridget Dell Aera Gina DeMarinis Juanita Dones Gerry Dowling Jim Finlan Colleen Grasing Mike Hach Carolyn Hakim Sally Jacovino Jerome W. Kalkhof Nicole Ladouceur Betty Lalonde Robert Lane Tia Mabanta Andrew Mahoney Mary Messina William McDonagh Mary McLean Gerard McManus Kerri Orlando Johnny Perdue Rosina Perri Joseph Pfeifer Raymond Pfiefer Catherine Pipinou Deanne Reilly Frances Rotondo John Rotondo, Jr. John Rotondo, Sr. Terri Saccente Eve Saint Thomas Saint Robert Schwally Joseph Smithwick, Sr. Norma Steiger Marina Suazo David Testa Theresa Votto Pat Welisher Pray for our beloved deceased And those who mourn for them Luciano Consoli Jack Kneafsey Theodore Koerner Stanley M. Kresevic Roy Tunison 5
GIFTED, ENGAGED AND GROWING St. Bernard S pastoral plan Have you done the survey yet? Tell us how you feel about being a member of St. Bernard s If you didn t complete the Gallup survey either at Mass last weekend or online since, please do! All parishioners age 18 and older are requested to fill out the survey. Paper surveys are available at the church entrance. Surveys may also be completed online throughout the month of October; please go to our parish website www.stbernardslevittown.org and follow the instructions on the home page. Please complete the survey only once, either on paper or online! HELP IS STILL NEEDED WITH SURVEY DATA ENTRY! IF YOU CAN SPARE EVEN A COUPLE OF HOURS (YOU CAN DO THIS AT HOME!) PLEASE CONTACT US! To volunteer, or for information contact Diane Vella at 516-731-4220 or dvella@stbernardslevittown.org Goal 1: To provide opportunities for all parishioners to discover and live their Strengths. Fall Explore Your Strengths Groups Got a Strengths book? Taken the StrengthsFinder? Join a fun and informative 4-week group to learn more! There are now TWO ways to take the StrengthsFinder: Either get a FREE book in the Parish Office, or go directly to the StrengthsFinder website to purchase an access code.: https://gallupstrengthscenter.com/purchase. (That will cost you $10.) TAKE THE STRENGTHSFINDER, THEN JOIN A GROUP: 4 Monday evenings starting October 21, 7:30-9:30 p.m. OR 4 Wednesday mornings starting October 23, 10:00-12:00 p.m. in the Parish Center (Minimum pre-registration required to run group; please register by October 18.) For information and registration, contact Diane Vella at 516-731-4220 or dvella@stbernardslevittown.org 6
GIFTED, ENGAGED AND GROWING St. Bernard S pastoral plan Goal 2: To motivate and equip engaged parishioners to reach out and invite others to become engaged. Frightful Faithful Families Presents ALL HALLOWS EVE FAMILY DANCE PARTY!! Friday, October 25, 7:00-9:00 p.m. in the school cafeteria DJ Mike will provide the ghoulish music Free drinks and snacks (donations gladly accepted) To make this event happen, we need the assistance of parents and teens to help set-up, supervise, and clean up, and need a commitment by October 14. We also want to know that enough families are interested in attending, so if you plan to attend, please contact FAITHFUL FAMILIES no later than October 18 to avoid the risk of cancelling the event. To sign up your family to attend, and to offer assistance for the evening, contact FaithfulFamilies@stbernardslevittown.org ADULT FAITH FORMATION Diane Vella, Pastoral Associate Come and meet with others asking the same questions! Are you a younger adult (20s-40s) wondering if Catholic faith makes any sense in your life? AWAKENING FAITH is a 4-week informal study and discussion group which explores questions like What is spirituality?, Why does the Mass matter?, Do I belong in the Church? No judgment; no questions are off-base. Try it out; you can leave or stay as you like! 4 Wednesdays starts Oct. 30, 7:30-8:45 p.m. School Youth Ministry Room. Just come. Bring a friend. Questions or info contact Diane Vella at 516-731-4220 or dvella@stbernardslevittown.org WHAT DID THE POPE REALLY SAY?? Come learn about and discuss Pope Francis' recent interview that caused quite a stir! Thursday, October 17,7:30 p.m. in the Parish Center Don t rely on newspaper reports or TV commentators to interpret the Pope s words; be sure to read the entire interview yourself at www.americamagazine.org/popeinterview 7
Parish social ministry Sr. Christine Sammons, O.P., 731-6074 St. Vincent de Paul: We are happy to report an additional donation to the walk for the poor bringing our total up to $1658.00. All pledges and donations will be used directly to help our low-income Levittown neighbors. Thanks to all who walked and donated. We are grateful! We are grateful to all who remember the less fortunate by bringing non-perishables to the pantry. This week our pantry needs include: Coffee and tea (regular, decaf, instant) Cereal (hot and cold) Canned meats and fish (tuna**) Cake mixes, frosting, Jell-o, brownie, pudding, etc. Canned fruit and vegetables (peas!) Potatoes canned and boxed; long-grained rice Hearty soups Jelly and peanut butter The Charitable KIDZ Food Drive: Just a reminder that our KIDZ, parents and leaders will be at Stop & Shop on Saturday, October 19 th from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. They will be distributing a list of items we need for the pantry. We hope that if you are able, you will shop there and support our KIDZ and our pantry, while feeding the hungry! Please remember also that the Charitable KIDZ will be hosting a children s coat drive after each of the Masses on Sunday, November 3 rd. New, clean and gently used children s coats will be accepted and given to Ethical Friends of Children, a community group which provides free clothing and furnishings to children. As always, thank you! We are always in need of paper towels, toilet tissue, napkins and tissues, as well as toiletries of all kinds. In addition, we welcome: Pampers (4, 5, 6) and wipes as well as laundry and dish detergent. As always, thank you! Please remember the poor boxes and to buy one, get one free! The Blue Wagon is Back! Our children who attend the 9:00 a.m. Mass are invited to bring an item (or two, or three) of food when they come to church on Sundays. The donations will be collected before Mass in our now-famous blue wagon, and brought to the pantry after Mass! Should the children forget to bring food, we have a little blue pail which will happily accept the monetary value of a food item (or two, or three!). Thanks for remembering. We hope that thinking of those less fortunate will become a good habit for our children! H.E.A.P. season opens soon! Just a reminder that the federal grant program for heating opens on November 18 th. If you are a lowincome individual or family (for one person maximum monthly income is $2,175 add $669 per family member), make sure to apply for this program. We can help! We need help! We ask that you not drop baby items or clothing off at the pantry. Clothing should go to the bin at the back of the property. We have no way of using or storing baby items, so they have to go to the dumpster. Ethical Friends of Children, 38 Old Country Road, Garden City (280-5526) is happy to accept baby clothing and furnishings. Thanks for your help! 8
St. Bernard S music ministry Mary Jane Witte, Director A Special Thank You to Plaza Productions, Inc. For their fabulous production of I Do, I Do And four Special Bakeries that made our Saturday afternoon at the Theatre so very enjoyable Sweet Surrender Bake House 297 Wantagh Ave., Levittown Unbelievable Pastries Dortoni Bakery Pastry Shoppe 3264 Hempstead Tpke. Levittown Delicious Cookies Ivarone Bros. Bakers 1166 Wantagh Ave, Wantagh Wonderful Cookies King Kullen Bakery Corner of Gardiners/Hempstead Tpke. Gift Card Thank you Rose Mary McNerney, Nancy Hoare and Fran Witkowski for all your help. 9
Charitable KIDZ of St. Bernard's Young Vincentians - Teenage Community Service Group CHARITABLE KIDZ FOOD DRIVE SATURDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2013 STOP & SHOP 3750 HEMPSTEAD TPKE LEVITTOWN STORE 8:00 A.M. TO 4:00 P.M. TO BENEFIT ST. BERNARD'S FOOD PANTRY THE CHARITABLE KIDZ WILL GREET YOU WITH A SUNNY SMILE! Ted and Carol Blach Sister Christine CharitableKIDZ@aol.com "Thank you for remembering the less fortunate Together we can make a difference!" 10
Liturgy Corner What are Doctors of the Church? Doctors of the Church are men and women who have been recognized for both holiness of life and profundity in learning. They are saints and teachers, synthesizing both callings in a way that has enriched the Church over the centuries. Their life with God informs their life of learning, and their study and teaching enrich their response to God in his Church. These great teachers and saints show how God is always provident and never abandons his people to their own ignorance and sinfulness. A series of questions therefore arose proper to each age of the Church, questions that were sometimes violently contested but that developed historically as they were attended to by the Doctors in their proper times. Jesus is Lord, challenged the categories of rational understanding of ancient times. Perhaps the best known Doctors in this era would be St. Athanasius and St. Basil in the East and St. Ambrose and St. Jerome in the West. The medieval scholastic Doctors of the Church, who were largely professors rather than bishops, had to distinguish anew between nature and grace. Doctors examined how the goodness of God can be truly reflected in the goodness of human persons who act always to strengthen their relationship to Christ. The intellectual syntheses of St. Bonaventure and St. Thomas Aquinas are paramount in their time. The Doctors of the Church of early modern times up to the nineteenth century wrote most persuasively about Christian spiritual life and the life of prayer. God raised up wellknown masters of the spiritual life to help the Church develop various schools of prayer that have kept alive questions about how holiness, the goal of life in Christ, is to be attained. Teachers and preachers, bishops, priest, and religious women all wrote of how personal prayer complements the worship of God in the Church s liturgy: all showed how prayer is indispensible to the life of learning and of sanctity. Saint Teresa of Ávila and Saint John of the Cross, along with Saint Francis de Sales and Saint Thérèse of Lisieux are probably the names most recognizable among the Doctors of the modern age. The Mission of the Church in every age is to introduce the world to Christ, its savior. The Church cannot accomplish her mission without learned men and women who are saints of God. Excerpts from Doctors of the Church by Pope Benedict XVI. Readings for October 13, 2013 - October 20, 2013 Sunday, October 13. Twenty-eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time. 2 Kings 5:14-17; Psalm 98:1-4; 2 Timothy 2:8-13; Luke 17:11-19 Monday, October 14. Romans 1:1-7; Psalm 98:1-4; Luke 11:29-32 Tuesday, October 15. Memorial of Saint Teresa of Jesus, Virgin and Doctor of the Church. Romans 1:16-25; Psalm 19:2-5; Luke 11:37-41 Wednesday, October 16. Romans 2:1-11; Psalm 62:2-3, 6-7, 9; Luke 11:42-46 Thursday, October 17. Memorial of Saint Ignatius of Antioch, Bishop and Martyr. Romans 3:21-30; Psalm 130:1-6; Luke 11:47-54 Friday, October 18. Feast of Saint Luke, Evangelist. 2 Timothy 4:10-17; Psalm 145:10-13, 17-18; Luke 10:1-9 Saturday, October 19. Memorial of Saints John de Brébeuf and Isaac Jogues, Priests, and Companions, Martyrs. Romans 4:13, 16-18; Psalm 105:6-9, 42-43; Luke 12:8-12 Sunday, October 20. Twenty-ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Exodus 17:8-13; Psalm 121:1-8; 2 Timothy 3:14-4:2; Luke 18:1-8 For the ride home This feature is for families to share their thoughts as they travel to and from Church. October 13, 2013 Twenty-eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time First Reading: 2 Kings 5:14-17 Second Reading: 2 Timothy 2:8-13 Gospel: Luke 17:11-19 Adults: Whose generosity do you tend to take for granted? How will you change this? Children: When have you failed to say thank you? Why does this matter? 11
We are looking for some more great boys and girls to become a part of the St. Bernard s Altar Servers Team! Qualifications: 1. 4 th grade or higher 2. Be a great kid 3. Be responsible 4. Attend Mass 5. Likes to be part of a team 6. Wants to have fun If you meet these qualifications, why don t you think about becoming one of St. Bernard s newest Altar Servers? Watch for an announcement when classes will begin! Please fill out the form below and return it to the rectory addressed to: Fr. Ralph/Altar Servers Name: Address: Parent(s) Name: Phone #: Cell #: D.O.B.: Grade: School Attending: E-mail Address: Youth ministry Mike Rodgers, Director, (516) 978-8193 Six Flags Great Adventure October 14 ( Columbus Day ) All youth of the parish, grades 9 through 12 are invited. Space is limited so let us know if you d like to come. Permission slips are in the rectory. Cost $72 includes: bus, park ticket and a meal voucher. Meet at St. Bernard s at 7:45 am, we ll be back around 9:00 pm Put in an envelope and address to Mike Rodgers. Any questions please email or call : Mike Rodgers at (516) 978 8193 or StBernardsYouth@aol.com Leave at rectory and ask that it gets put in Mike Rodger s mailbox. 12
St Bernard s Catholics for Freedom of Religion CFFR, would like to thank Father Ralph, Cathy Lawlor, Marie Pustorino, Kathy Scarallo, as well as all the Parishioners who supported the Rosary Rally at Good Samaritan Hospital this past Saturday (October 5 th ). Thank you for your presence at the Rally and to all those who prayed for us! Over 700 Catholics, some 30 parishes joined in asking for Heavens Help, via Our Lady s intercession to Restore Our Religious Liberty. In the meantime, anyone interested may join CFFR or you can help in the following ways: What Can I Do? Pray Fast Adoration Holy Mass Sacrifice Penance Educate family and friends Follow USCCB Action Items at http://www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/religious-liberty/index.cfm Join and follow the NYS Catholic Action Network for news of developments affecting freedom of religion and conscience in New York at http://www.nyscatholic.org/ Advise your federal and state officials of the critical need for them to actively support freedom of religion for all. Remind them of their obligation as elected officials and as Americans to uphold the 1 st amendment s protection of religious liberty. Invite a speaker from Catholics for Freedom of Religion to speak to your fellow parishioners. Call (631) 896-8331. Initiate or join a Catholics for Freedom of Religion group in your parish. www.catholicsforfreedomofreligion.org Please remember, God has given free will, intellect and a voice to preach the truth of His love for all mankind and to protect His church including its mission of healing. We pray to our Blessed Virgin Mother to strengthen us that we may use our abilities wisely to preserve religious freedom for all. O Immaculate Mother, Queen of our country we consecrate our hearts, our homes, our land to your Most Pure Heart. Sister Mary Ephram 13
14
Community Bulletin Board You are cordially invited to the 6th Annual Women s Communion Breakfast Living Faith as a Team on Oct. 27th, 2013. Mass is at 10:00 am. The Celebrant will be Fr. John McCarthy. Buffet breakfast to follow Guest Speaker: Susan Cassidy, Alumna 83, NYPD Retiree and Coach at Molloy College. This is a special time for all ladies -daughters, mothers, grandmothers, aunts- to gather together to celebrate their faith, and share in God s blessings together! Please join us for this lovely event! Tickets: $15. Seating limited to 300, so please purchase your tickets in advance by Oct. 22 th. Please call 516-433- 2900 ext. 170 for additional information. Hunger for Life Banquet Life is Good How Do We Keep it that Way?? Open to All Students in Grades 9-12. Join us for Mass, Music, Faith Sharing, Service Opportunities, Food, Fellowship and Fun! We will have with us the Full Armor Band, inspiring speakers and information about the many service opportunities available that our young people can sign up for. It's important for our youth to know that we are all different, however, what we do have in common is that God loves each and every one of us join us as we celebrate this great love on October 20, 2013 at 4:00-8:30. Doors open at 3:30. St. Agnes Parish Center, St. Agnes Cathedral, 29 Quealy Avenue, Rockville Centre. For more information, please contact Marianne Sheridan, Coordinator, Youth Ministry, DRVC at msheridan@drvc.org please RSVP no later than October 17. Divorced, Separated and Single Catholics of Long Island Widows and Widowers New Member Orientation, Tuesday, October 22, 2013 at 8pm, at St. Frances de Chantal, 1309 Wantagh Ave, Wantagh, NY. Non denominational. All are welcome. Refreshments are served after the meeting. Please bring proof of single status to join. For more information call Carol at 516-794-4933 or Eileen at 516-661-4353. The Institute for the Study of Religion in Community Life of Saint Joseph s College series on Vatican II Revisited: Perspectives from Fifty Years Later continues on Monday, October 21 at 7:30 p.m. in the McGann Conference Room on the Patchogue campus. Susannah Heschel, Eli Black Professor of Jewish Studies at Dartmouth College and daughter of Rabbi Abraham Heschel will be speaking on Monotheistic Triangle: Christianity and Islam from a Jewish Perspective. No R.S.V.P. is required. This talk is free and open to the public. For more information contact the Institute for the Study of Religion in Community Life at 631-687-2689. The Hibernian Festival Singers are seeking new members for all vocal parts, and have a particular need for men s voices. If you are interested, please visit their website at www.hibernianfestivalsingers.org or call their President, Ronnie Allen, at 631-665-1371. You are welcome to attend a rehearsal, and membership is by audition. Knights of Columbus Blood Drive A Blood Drive, hosted by the Levittown Fire Department, in cooperation with Holy Innocents Council #3581, American Legion Post #1711 and VFW Post#9592, will occur on Thursday, October 17, 2013, from 4pm to 9pm. Location: Levittown Fire Dept., Gardiners Avenue at Jefferies Road (one traffic light south of Hempstead Turnpike; use entrance on Jefferies Road), Levittown, New York. Blood supplies are low and desperately needed at this time. Please take the time to give someone a precious gift of life. Refreshments and snacks will be provided. Proper I.D. Required. For more information call Carl Bonsignore at 516-796-3520. Holy Innocents Council will be sponsoring a bus trip to Caesar s Casino in Atlantic City on November 29, 2013 - the Friday after Thanksgiving. The bus will leave Holy Innocents at 9 am and stay for 6 hours at Caesar s Atlantic City. The cost: $40 per person. You will receive $20 back from the Casino. Limited to 50 tickets - First come first served. Sorry we cannot hold tickets. Proceeds to benefit Holy Innocents Council. For ticket information call Vin Mineo at 516-306-1152. Tickets available at Holy Innocents Council. Annual John Lane Memorial A.C.D.S. Fundraiser Benefiting Children With Down Syndrome, Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities will be held on Sunday, October 20, 2013 from 2pm to 6pm at Temple B nai Torah, 2900 Jerusalem Avenue, Wantagh. There will be food, raffle prizes, live music, beer, wine and soda. Cost: $15 per person. Sponsors include: Holy Innocents Council #3581, American Legion Post 1711, Holy Innocents Columbiettes, Columbus Club Of Levittown, Maria Regina K of C, F.O.P. Nassau County Lodge #69, Our Lady Of Mercy K of C, Temple B nai Torah, Holy Family K of C, Michael J. Hartigan K of C. For information call Danny Mymymy Robinson at 516-781-7514 or Wayne Murphy 516-520-6603. All donations are tax deductible. 15