A community of Faith hope and love Twenty-seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time October 6, 2013 We are one bread, one body.
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.
Getting Engaged E mail Father Ralph: shepherd@stbernardslevittown.org Being Installed Next Sunday, October 13th, I will be formally installed as Pastor of St. Bernard s at the 12 noon Mass. A reception in the gym will follow. All are invited. This is a wonderful opportunity for the parish to gather together as a family and celebrate our unity, our past and our future. Father Joe Update When Father Joe s medical tests showed significant heart disease and blockages, our prayers were that last week s procedures would heal him. But when they went to do the procedure, they found no blockages, nor disease! The doctors called that a false positive in the tests. We re calling that: God healed him in answer to our prayers. Now that the heart issues are done, Fr. Joe is moving on to some of the other health concerns so we continue to pray for his ongoing healing and his swift return to us. Oh, and let s thank God for the gift of healing! Last week I had the chance to be with many of the leaders of our parish ministries and organizations. I looked around the room and realized the blessings of this parish that I have inherited for the years to come. I felt so blessed and welcomed. We spent some time together, looking back at the legacy of Father Jerry and recognized that people missed his presence here; they missed his homilies, his wise counsel, his caring attention, his gift of calling forth the gifts and strengths in others. Our transition team went to Holbrook to take him out for pizza and check to make sure he was doing well. And he is adjusting nicely to Good Shepherd parish. Then we spent some time considering two questions: (a) In three years time, what would we like St. Bernard s to be known for in the community? and (b) Since you now have me as your pastor, what would you like to do -- you and me together -- during my time here? Now I could tell you what people said at the meeting, but that would probably keep you from the conversation -- as if it was asked and answered. I d be interested in how YOU would answer those questions? I invite you to take some time this week to consider your thoughts on these issues. You might know that the parish five-year plan is in its fifth year so that sometime in the near future, I ll be wanting to come up with a plan for the next five years. As I listen to the ideas of parishioners, I ll have a better sense of where to begin to plan. So, how about it? Would you share with me your thoughts about what you think we should be known for in the wider community? And, what shall we do together in the days ahead? + + + Nothing beats one-to-one conversations for inviting people to be engaged in the life of the church, yet today s use of social media throughout society gives us extra ways of reaching out to people. If you use Facebook, please like our parish site: www.facebook.com/stbernardslevittown. And please be sure to write on your own personal timeline when you are involved in some activity at our parish. (Each Sunday you can write went to church just to witness in a simple way that God is part of your life.) 3
4 parish news Rosary Confraternity meeting, Monday, October 7 at 7:45, Parish Center. Catholic Daughters of America, meeting, Thursday, October 10, at 7:30 pm in Parish Center. Parents and Teens please check out Mike Rodgers letter of welcome to the Youth Ministry on page 11 and details of the Great Adventure trip planned for Columbus Day ( October 14th ) on page 12 of this Bulletin. 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. 50th Anniversary Blessings 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. Gifts of treasure Sunday collections September 29, 2013 September 30, 2012 $ 13,424.10 $ 15,000.70 574 envelopes 684 envelopes Faith Direct $ 2,407.34 $ 2,271.00 Total Collection $ 15,831.44 $ 17,271.70 There will be a Second Collection on today, October 6, for Respect Life Sunday. Campaign Program Goal: $1,000,000.00 Pledged: $1,189,416.00 Paid: $ 462,486.00 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 for the weekend of October 5 th and October 6 th were requested in celebration of her 70 th Jubilee as a Sister of St. Joseph Sister St. Monica Diffley, CSJ requested by Mary Ann Cina and Alicia Avery
mass intentions Monday, October 7, Our Lady of the Rosary 8:00 am Helen Mazurek Tuesday, October 8 8:00 am Helen Mazurek Wednesday, October 9, St. Denis & Companions 8:00 am Jon Pustorino, (Birthday, living) Thursday, October 10 8:00 am Rosemary Licati Friday, October 11, 8:00am Margaret Habermehl Saturday, October 12, Blessed Virgin Mary 8:00 am Richard J. Fitzpatrick 8:00 am Florence Burrafato 8:00 am Nicholas Villone 8:00 am Theresa Posillico 5:00 pm For all parishioners Sunday, October 13, 28 th Sunday in Ordinary Time 7:30 am Thomas P. Duggan 9:00 am Andrew Mineo 10:30 am John Quinn (Birthday Remembrance) 10:30 am Grace Simmons 10:30 am Nicole Pustorino (Birthday, living) 10:30 am Norman A. Murray, Jr. 12:00 pm Ann Pinelli 5:30 pm Joseph Bracco Parish schedule Monday, October 7 7:15 pm Moving on Bereavement Group, Parish Center 7:00 pm Bereavement Training, Parish Center 7:30 pm Miraculous Medal Novena, Church 7:45 pm Bereavement Group, Parish Center 7:45 pm Rosary Confraternity, Parish Center Tuesday, October 8 10:00 am Our Lady of Consolation, Parish Center 6:15 pm Children s Choir, 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 9 7:30 pm Grade 7 Meeting, Cafeteria 8:00 pm Prayer Group, Parish Center Thursday, October 10 10:00 am Shawl Ministry, Parish Center 2:15 pm St. Vincent Meeting, Clairvaux House 4:00 pm Awakening Faith, Youth Ministry Room 6:30 pm The Most Holy Trinity Adoration, Prayer Room 7:15 pm Bereavement Group, Parish Center 7:30 pm CDA, Parish Center 7:30 pm Grade 8 Parent Meeting, Cafeteria Friday, October 11 10:00 am MMPT, Parish Center Saturday, October 12 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 13 9:00 am Baptism Gathering Mass, Parish Center 9:00 am RCIA, Parish Center 6:30 pm Youth Ministry Meeting, Youth Ministry Room 7:00 pm Men s Prayer Group, Church 8:00 pm AA Meeting, Cafeteria sacraments Baptisms We welcome into the parish the following new members: Jocelyn Sarah Cleary Jolene Jessie McKeown Banns of marriage Third Time Kathryn Taraci, St. Bernard Parish, Levittown, NY Daren Wigger, St. Ann Parish, Hoboken, NJ Nicole Alatsas, St. Bernard Parish, Levittown, NY Jerard Selatski, St. Bernard Parish, Levittown, NY 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 Baby Mason Francis Combs Lucy Coletto Agnes Frey John Goeller Susanne Hanna Judy Hupfer Vicki Jacona Tia Mabontia Frank Morales Fran O Neill Noreen O Neill Marian Overbough Andy Pfortsch 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 Susan Arena Walter Bartnick Frank Bond Phil Blum Helen Clarke Rosemary Clark Roberta Curran Vincent Davi Bridget Dell Aera Juanita Dones Gerry Dowling Jim Finlan Colleen Grasing Mike Hach Carolyn Hakim Sally Jacovino Jerome W. Kalkhof Nicole Ladouceur Betty Lalonde Robert Lane 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. 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 Frances M. Schubert Alianna Mary Stanley Congratulations to all the parents Roy Tunison 5
GIFTED, ENGAGED AND GROWING St. Bernard S pastoral plan Today you can tell us how you feel about being a part of St. Bernard s Parish The Gallup Member Engagement Survey is being administered in church for the third time at St. Bernard s (last time was Oct. 2010.) All parishioners age 18 and older are requested to fill out the survey as directed during Mass. Surveys may also be completed online throughout the month of October. If you prefer to complete the survey online, 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 NEEDED FOR THE NEXT 2 WEEKS 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 3: To increase recognition and support of engaged parishioners. St. Bernard s thanks and blesses our parishioners who work as Teacher s Aides Teacher s aides or assistants are an invaluable part of today s classroom scene! They are responsible for assisting classroom teachers with instructional and clerical duties, and just about anything else that needs to be done to help the teacher be more effective and available, and to help the students have a better learning experience. They use their gifts of warmth and friendliness and sensitivity to the children to help creative a healthy and nurturing classroom environment. Several of our parishioners work as teacher s aides at Tender Garden, the nursery and pre-school that rents part of our parish school building. Others may be here at Mass with us today as well. For all you do, St. Bernard s thanks you and asks God to bless you and your work! 6
GIFTED, ENGAGED AND GROWING St. Bernard S pastoral 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. We also want to know by October 18 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 WHAT DID THE POPE REALLY SAY?? Come learn about and discuss Pope Francis' recent interview that caused quite a stir! NEW DATE: 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/pope-interview 7
Scout Troop 316 Court of Honor 2013 This past Tuesday night, Father Ralph joined the Boy Scout Troop 319 in the Parish Center for the Troop s September Court of Honor. At the ceremony, they rewarded the scouts for the accomplishments they completed over the summer. There were 92 merit badges earned, 10 scouts advanced in rank and 19 scouts earned The Duty to God Award. Father Ralph Shaking hands with Scoutmaster Frank Messina 8
Parish social ministry Sr. Christine Sammons, O.P., 731-6074 St. Vincent de Paul: Our Walk for the Poor was attended by about 25 members of our conference the Charitable KIDZ! We thank you for your donations which amounted to $1,608 to be used by our Levittown conference for our low income neighbors! It was a great island-wide event, and we are happy to be part of this national event! If you look carefully at the picture, you may see Father Jerry. He has been appointed the diocesan moderator of the St. Vincent de Paul Society and led the prayer at the walk. It was such a delight to see him! We are grateful to all who remember the less fortunate by bringing non-perishables to the pantry. This week our pantry needs include: 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 We are always in need of paper towels, toilet tissue, napkins and tissues, as well as toiletries of all kinds. we have a little blue pail which will happily accept the monetary value of a food item (or two, or three!) Thanks to Denise Lownie who considers the blue wagon as an extension of her right arm! The Charitable KIDZ: Our Charitable KIDZ had their first meeting of the year on Saturday, October 5 th at which they planned their future activities. Their first major event will be a food drive for our pantry which will take place on Saturday, October 19 th at Stop & Shop from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. We hope that if you are able, you will shop there and perhaps support our KIDZ and our pantry! For anyone not familiar with this wonderful teen group, the Charitable KIDZ are Young Vincentians who meet throughout the year to do community service together, while having fun and making new friends. The group is open to young people in grades 8-12 and beyond (some members have stayed with the group into their college years!) Carol and Ted Blach, with the assistance and support of many interested parents, coordinate the activities. Teens interested in joining this great group can contact charitablekidz@aol.com. All that is required is an openness to help those in need and a willingness to collaborate with other teens in doing good for our community! Please remember 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! 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, 9
Liturgy Corner TWENTY-SEVENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME October 6, 2013 Jesus Christ was a great teacher, and the metaphor of the mustard seed is another example of his wise approach to teaching the faith. Mustard seeds are tiny, making it an encouraging and accessible image for those who hear it. Even a tiny bit of faith is enough for the radical transformation to begin in us toward the fullness of life promised by God. First Reading: It takes great faith not to lose hope in God in times of deep suffering and affliction. Habakkuk, in today s First Reading, exhorts his hearers to faith and hope. Responsorial Psalm: If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts. Psalm 95 calls us to humble obedience to the God in whom we find strength. Second Reading: Bear your hardships, encourages Paul, fan into even stronger flames the fervor of your zeal for the Gospel. Embrace in your heart the rich deposit of faith the Church teaches. Gospel: Today s Gospel consists of two rather independent sayings or teachings. The first begins with a request or prayer: Increase our faith. Jesus response points out the strength and power of even a little faith. The second part of the Gospel is the parable of a servant. How easy it is to think only of what we shall receive in return for whatever we do. Before the Lord, however, we are servants and whatever we do is only what we have been commanded. Saints of the Week Monday, October 7. Memorial of Our Lady of the Rosary. Pope John Paul II called the Rosary the school of Mary, a special devotion that teaches us about the profoundly close relationship Mary shared with her Son, Jesus Christ. More than this, praying the Rosary invites us into this relationship, nurturing our faith and deepening our understanding of who Jesus Christ was for the world. The Church celebrates Our Lady of the Rosary in order to honor Mary s example and guidance to her Son. May we learn in her school how to open our lives to her Son Jesus, and how to imitate his example of sharing God s love with the world. Wednesday, October 9. Saint Denis. In Paris there still stands one of the world s oldest churches still in continuous use, the Royal Abbey of Saint Denis. Its first stones were laid in the third century. The legend surrounding the saint s life is complex, as three historical figures appear to have been conflated into one legendary figure. He is portrayed as Dionysius, the evangelizer of Gaul; Dionysius the Areopagite, a disciple of Paul; and later as Pseudo-Dionysius the Areopagite, the author of mystical works. Who was the real Saint Denis? Historians have not reached a consensus, partly because the stories are too good not to be told. The favorite of the French is about the beheading of Bishop Denis on the hill of Montmartre; he did not lose his head, however, for he picked it up and walked two miles, his lips chanting the Psalms, until he reached his chosen burial spot. Besides being the patron saint of those with headaches, he is the patron of France and of the city of Paris. Saint John Leonardi, founder of Clerks Regular of the Mother of God of Lucca, was born in Tuscany and ordained in 1572. He founded the Confraternity of Christian Doctrine and the College for the Propagation of the Faith, an important part of the Counter- Reformation. Sourcebook 2013 10
Readings for October 6, 2013 - October 13, 2013 Youth ministry (516) 978-8193 Sunday, October 6. Twenty-seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time. Hebrews 1:2-3; 2:2-4; Psalm 95:1-2, 6-9; 2 Timothy 1:6-8, 13-14; Luke 17:5-10 Monday, October 7. Memorial of Our Lady of the Rosary. Jonah 1:1-2:2, 11; (Ps) Jonah 2:2-5, 8; Luke 10:25-37 Tuesday, October 8. Jonah 3:1-10; Psalm 130:1-4, 7-8; Luke 10:38-42 Wednesday, October 9. Jonah 4:1-11; Psalm 86:3-6, 9-10; Luke 11:1-4 Thursday, October 10. Malachi 3:13-20; Psalm 1:1-4, 6; Luke 11:5-13 Friday, October 11. Joel 1:13-15; 2:1-2; Psalm 9:2-3, 6, 8-9, 16; Luke 11:15-26 Saturday, October 12. Joel 4:12-21; Psalm 97:1-2, 5-6, 11-12; Luke 11:27-28 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 For the ride home This feature is for families to share their thoughts as they travel to and from Church. October 6, 2013 Twenty-seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time First Reading: Hebrews 1: 2-3, 3-4 Second Reading: Timothy 1: 6-8, 13-14 Gospel: Luke 17: 5-10 Adults : When have you done more than required of you in the service of others? Children: When have you done something extra for someone in your family without being asked? What did you learn from this? Dear St. Bernard's: Greetings, my friends! Hope you are all well! Right now, I am praying that the Giants and Jets remember what New York football is supposed to look like! But hey, Hockey is almost here!! I want to focus on the word, "Fellowship." It's such a great word and to me, it signifies what the church experience really is. It's taking the food from mass and sharing it after in discussion, individualized prayer, and simply just being together. It's what binds us as Christians. Last week, the youth group had a great night of fellowship, we shared some food, played some games, laughed, and prayed together. As always, it was special. We particularly prayed for the growth of the youth ministry. We want to see new faces and learn new names. Continue to allow our fellowship to grow! The world needs more power in the youth, our church needs it. Can you take the challenge? Did you know that the Mark Wahlberg, Derek Jeter, Mark Texiera, Jimmy Fallon, Sylvester Stallone, Fergie, Lady Gaga, and Bruce Springsteen are all Catholic? Just to name a few! The best part, is that they all are practicing Catholics! They live a faithful life...and aren't afraid to identify to that identity. It's incredible to find that even though we don't see it like we should, faith IS alive in our world. We are excited for our trip to Six Flags Great Adventure on Columbus day, and we have plenty of seats left, so please, come and join! It will be a great time. $72.00 for the bus, ticket, and meal voucher! We meet at St. Bernard's at 7:45 a.m. and come back around 9:00 p.m. It's a great day, so please, spread the word! Grade 9th - 12th welcome! Please, encourage your teenager to come check out a few meetings. We love new faces and names and would love to have more of the parish youth experience something amazing! We also will be attending the Holy Hour/ Dodgeball night in October! Our service trip to Kentucky in August of 2014! We have brand new shirts and hoodies! We need your encouragement the most to help us to grow! Invite friends and invite all! I promise, you won't regret it! Please, pray for us, and we will continue to pray for you! "The first thing I do when I start my day is, I get down on my hands and knees and give thanks to God. Whenever I go outside of my house, the first thing I do is stop at the church." - Mark Wahlberg Peace, Mike Rodgers, Youth Ministry Coordinator 11
Rite of Christian initiation Of adults (Rcia) Sr. Margaret Sammon, OP - 731-8511 St. Bernard s Parish invites you to Come and See. Come to learn about our faith and what we believe as Catholics. We will begin the RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) on Sunday, October 6. If you desire to become a Catholic or to complete your initiation into the Church by receiving the Sacraments of Confirmation or Eucharist or if you wish to come into Full Communion with the Catholic Church, please Come and See. For more information, please complete the form and return it to the Rectory or call Sister Margaret 731-8511. Name: Address I am interested in receiving: Home Phone: Work Baptism Eucharist Confirmation Coming into Full Communion with the Catholic Church 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. St. Pius X Enriched Living Facility Caring for those who cared for us The response to last week s Special Collection for St. Pius X Enriched Living Facility at our Parish was outstanding. On behalf of all of the retired priests in our Church community, thank you for all of your support and for helping to care for those who have cared for us. 12
backpack Sunday September 29, 2013 All students were invited to bring their backpack to Mass to receive a special blessing at the beginning of the new school year. Each family is asked to donate one item, such as: School supplies: crayons, notebooks, pencils, pens, folders, etc. Lunch box items: snacks, cookies, juice boxes, etc. Personal supplies such as tooth brush, tooth paste, soap, shampoo, pocket size tissues, combs. These supplies will be given to families in our parish through the Parish Outreach Program. Parents, pray for all children as they begin the school year. Children, do your best and pray that Jesus will be your guide as you start the new school year. 13
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Community Bulletin Board Pet Fair and Rabies Shot Program On Saturday, October 12 from 10 am to 4 pm the Hempstead Town Animal Shelter, located at 3320 Beltagh Avenue, Wantagh, NY, will be offering: Pet adoptions Micro chipping, to help locate lost pets, for $25.00 Rabies vaccinations for $10.00. Limit 3 pets per family. You must pre-register your pets by calling 516-785-5220. ENDOW Facilitator Training The Diocese of Rockville Centre is pleased to host its first Endow Facilitator Training with Eileen Love on Saturday, October 26, 2013 from 9 am - 4 pm at the Seminary of the Immaculate Conception, 440 West Neck Road, Huntington, NY 11743. This all day training prepares women to become small group facilitators, equipped to help other women grow in their faith. Endow (Educating on the Nature and Dignity Of Women) is a Catholic educational program that brings women together to discover their God given dignity and to understand their role in humanizing and transforming society. Cost: $60.00, includes full day training, all materials and lunch. To register for this training, please visit www.endowgroups.org/calendar. For more information, please call Sr. Mary Alice Piil, C.S.J. at 516-678-5800, ext. 512 or the Endow office at 720-382-5242. Our Lady of Fatima Day at Shrine of Our Lady of the Island Eastport, NY on Sunday, October 13, 2013. 10:00 am Rosary Walk 11:30 am Holy Mass 12:30 - Lunch 1:30 pm Speaker, Fr. Scott Daniels, OP 3:00 pm Benediction Pope Francis will consecrate the world to Our Lady of Fatima in Rome on this day. For information call 631-325- 0661. 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. St. Anthony s High School Honor Roll Congratulations to the following St. Bernard s parishioners who have earned a place on St. Anthony s High School Honor Roll for the 2012-2013 academic year: Kate Nappi Eva-Marie Van Ihsem 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