ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI Holy Week Schedule Monday, April 2nd 8:30am Mass Diocesan Day of Reconciliation Confessions: 3:00pm 9:00pm Tuesday, April 3rd 8:30am Mass Wednesday, April 4th 8:00am Morning Prayer Liturgy of the Hours 8:30am Mass Thursday, April 5th Holy Thursday No Morning Mass 8:30am Morning Prayer 4:00pm 5:00pm Confessions 7:30pm Mass of the Lord s Supper Friday, April 6th Good Friday 8:30am Morning Prayer 10:00am 11:00am Confessions 12:00 noon Outdoor Stations of the Cross 3:00pm Good Friday Solemn Service 7:00pm 8:00pm Confessions 8:00pm In Church Stations of the Cross Saturday, April 7th Holy Saturday 8:30am Morning Prayer No Morning Mass 11:00am 1:00pm Confessions 4:00pm 5:00pm Confessions 7:30pm Easter Vigil and First Mass of Easter EASTER SUNDAY APRIL 8th Masses at 8:00am, 10:00am, 12:00pm and 2:00pm (Youth Mass) March 25, 2012 5th Sunday of Lent
March 25, 2012 2 ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI 29 Northgate Drive, Greenlawn, NY Telephone: 757-7435 FAX #757-0469 E-mail: stfrangreenlawn@aol.com Website: www.stfrancisgreenlawn.org MASSES FOR THE WEEK Sunday, March 25th 8:00am St. Francis Parishioners 10:00am Gabriel Nucci+, Joan Montaigne+, Kate Porto+, Diana Fay+, Dominick Granite+ 12:00pm Thomas Gillen+, Rita Roat+, Antonio Amato+ 5:00pm Youth of St. Francis, Monica Lobasso+ Monday, March 26th 8:30am William Ryan Frith+ Tuesday, March 27th 8:30am Adeline Fischer+ Wednesday, March 28th 8:30am Robert Lake+ Thursday, March 29th 8:30am Monica Lobasso+ Friday, March 30th 8:30am Atalie Bernic+ Saturday, March 31st 4:30pm Frank Garvey, Angelo Uliano+, James Mckenna+, Vincent James Salvato+, Maryann McKenna+ Sunday, April 1st - Palm Sunday 8:00am St. Francis Parishioners 10:00am Frances & Pasquale Lobasso+, Monica Lobasso+, Joseph Longo+, Felice Conte+ 12:00pm Saverio & Emma Lauto+ 5:00pm Youth of St. Francis Ministers for Saturday and Sunday March 31 & April 1st Saturday 4:30pm Eucharistic Ministers: Deacon Allan Longo,Lorraine Longo, Peggy Evans, Giselle Nelson, Eileen McGloin Lector: Joe Clines Altar Servers: Emily Lozito, Robert & Gabrielle Gregor Sunday 8:00am Eucharistic Ministers: Deacon Jim Byrne, Gawaine Esteibar, June Rowland, Joe Koferl, Bill Giordano Lector: Rosemarie Esteibar Altar Servers: Julia & Amanda Slawinski, Thomas Witthuhn 10:00am Eucharistic Ministers: Deacon Jean Cantave, Marie Cantave, Michael Lobasso, Frank Brown, Doreen McNiff Lector: Henry Bokuniewicz, Ellen Lobasso Altar Servers: Brittany Coscio, Alexandra Vallejos 12:00pm Eucharistic Ministers: Diane Bauge, George Pozderec, Lorraine Cullen, Mariejo Prezeau, Pat Warheit Lector: Paul Papa, Bob Bauge Altar Servers: Amy Florio, Kristen Paradine 5:00pm Eucharistic Ministers: Mary Ann Fetzer, Tom Fetzer Lector: Neil Coscio Altar Servers: Michael & Robert Saxer Holy Thursday 7:30pm Eucharistic Minister: Deacon Jim Byrne, Deacon Jean Cantave, Deacon Allan Longo Lector: Marilyn Reilly Good Friday 3:00pm Eucharistic Minister: Deacon Jim Byrne, Deacon Jean Cantave, Deacon Allan Longo Lector: Ellen Lobasso Saint Francis Parish/Huntington Hospital Eucharistic Schedule First, Third, Fourth and Fifth Sundays of the Month Meet at 9:15am in Hospital Lobby April 1st: * Charles Giardino, Deacon Jean Cantave, Joe Clines, Laurette DeCabia, Anita Modelewski, Ginny Moore, Mary Schlaikjer, Chris Torns Please pray for the sick of the Parish Don Lammers, Patrick Bissex, Walter Dichurt, Connie Zurcher, Kathy La Russo, Carol Nicastro, Frank Schutta, Lori Miller, Jean Sepp, Robert Potenza, Thomas Segur, Sean McGrath, Gus Hueber, Eleanor A. Thompson, Connie Granite, Courtney Kane, Annette Brigandi, Helen Czech, Flori Young, Josephine & Christopher Caiozzo, Linda Bokuniewicz, Emily Rose, Thomas Connors
March 25, 2012 3 Report On the Mission An unlooked-for Blessing! Word got out about Father Kevin and his inspired and uplifting message and people in very good numbers showed up. We had to scramble at the last minute to get extra priests to help with all the confessions! A Lenten Mission is always a beautiful and grace-filled event but we were doubly blessed this year with Fr. Kevin and a great time-out. Fr. Kevin had been here 18 years ago as he just launched his preaching assignment. We were probably the first parish in the diocese to hear him. Now he is well seasoned and tempered in the work and yet still full of expectations for God s Love and the opportunity to share it with others! A Special Invitation to All Parishioners We know that there is something very special about being Catholic; yet we might be hard put to say it in just so many words. Here is an opportunity to celebrate our Catholic Faith in a new DVD program. The new program by Fr. Robert Barron, a priest with a great natured reputation, is called simply Catholicism. There are 10 sessions hosted by Fr. Peter (myself). The program each night will last one hour, including a $12 video and a 1 ½ hour discussion each night. We begin on April 10 th at 8pm in the lower church and continue until June. In the times of harsh criticism of the Church by people who would simply like to damage it because they cannot accept its position or will not, we all need a morale booster as Catholics and believe me this is it. Don t miss any of these great sessions if you at all can be here. Lent at St. Francis 2012 Here are the highlights of our Lenten Program this year. Lenten Weekly Mass 8:30am (Mon Fri) Morning Prayer - Liturgy of the Hours Every Wednesday at 8:00am Stations of the Cross (in the church) Every Friday in Lent at 8pm we celebrate the Stations of the Cross presided over by one of our deacons or priests (Mar 30, Apr 6 (Good Friday) Day of Reconciliation - Mon. April 2nd 3pm - 9pm Available now to parishioners: a fine booklet of Daily Meditations for Lent, Five Minutes with the Word 2012 check the back of the Church. Take one free of charge while supplies last. All Catholics who have reached their fourteenth year are bound to abstain entirely from meat on Ash Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2012 and all the Fridays of Lent. All Catholics between the ages of 18 and 59 inclusive are also bound to observe the law of fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday (April 6). This means limiting oneself to a single full mean and avoiding food between meals. Two other light meals, which together do not equal a full meal, may be taken during the day. Mass of the Resurrection For children who died prematurely thru abortion or miscarriage Wednesday, March 28th 12:00 noon Many families have suffered from these loses. Please come and join us as we offer a Mass of the Resurrection for your loved ones.
March 25, 2012 4 Time, Talent & Treasure Fostering Stewardship as a way of life (Regular Sunday Offertory) Last Sunday s weekly offering: $12,930.50 Last Year s Sunday offering: $10,495.50 Thanks for Giving First Fruits & Taking a Step!!! Bulletin Reflection If anyone would serve me, says Jesus in today s Gospel, let him follow me; where I am, there will my servant be. In what ways is Jesus inviting me to follow Him? What service is He asking of me? Living Stewardship We are grateful this week for all stewards in our parish who embrace every aspect of their lives sufferings as well as gifts by surrendering to Christ their very selves through service to the parish and wider community. March 25, 2012 Fifth Sunday of Lent: In the Gospel today, Jesus says Whoever serves me must follow me, and where I am, there also will my servant be. The Father will honor whoever serves me. When we help the poor we are truly followers of Jesus, servant of the poor. This month, through your gifts, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul was able to bring the mercy of Jesus into the hearts of the poor, by assisting families, providing food and money for utility and rent bills. Medjugorje Pilgrimage Join Fr. Peter of St. Francis and Sr. Marcie Purpura For the 23rd Annual Youth Festival The youth festival attracts people of all ages, celebrations for everyone. July 28 - August 7, 2012 All Inclusive $2,749 from NYC Lighthouse Catholic Media offers a practical and effective program to help Catholics know their Faith, keep their Faith, and share their Faith! We all have friends or family members who are searching for answers about their Faith but don t know where to begin. Now you can reach out to them by offering a wonderful learning tool: a Lighthouse Catholic Media CD. Whether in the car or at home, people can deepen their understanding of the Catholic Faith when they listen to inspiring talks given by some of the best Catholic speakers in the world. You might consider listening to these CDs as part of your Lenten commitment to come closer to Christ. Healing Mass at St. Francis Celebrant Fr. Peter Thursday, March 29th 7:30pm Is anyone among you suffering? He should pray. Is anyone in good spirits? He should sing praise. Is anyone among you sick? He should summon the presbyters of the church and they should pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord and prayer of faith will save the sick person and the Lord will raise him up. If he has committed any sins, he will be forgiven. Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The fervent prayer of a righteous person is very powerful. The weekly St. Francis Booster Club Winner is: Eileen Adams The weekly Booster Club Prize is $60.00 The monthly Booster Club Prize is $600.00. Don t miss out on your chance to be a winner. Tickets are $50.00 and are available in the Rectory and at the Port-a-Store. Your ticket is entered to win Every Week!
March 25, 2012 5 SOS Bible Study This year we are exploring the four different temperament types of personality in light of the Word of God and how all our relationships can be improved by knowing which one you are and which one you are dealing with in friends and family! The Bible is the best self-help book ever! Wednesdays 10:00am to 12:00pm in the parish hall. For information, call Joan at 631-367-4788 Our Lady Queen of Peace Medjugorje Prayer Meeting A new prayer meeting is gathering monthly to ask the Intercession of Our Lady Queen of Peace (her title in Medjugorje) for peace in our hearts, in our families, community and the world. We will meet on Sunday, March 25th at 4:30pm following the movie Blood Money, In the Lower Church Please join us to pray
March 25, 2012 6 Remember Your Loved Ones Next Sunday is Food Collection Sunday Baskets will be available at the doors of the church for your contributions. Please help to feed the hungry of the parish. This spring, couples that have been married fifty years or more will be honored at liturgies on Sunday, April 22 at the Church of St. Lawrence the Martyr in Sayville and on Sunday, May 20 at the Church of Regina in Seaford. Both liturgies will begin at 2:30pm. Couples may register for One liturgy. Registration forms and complete instructions can be obtained at the rectory. Registration must be received by the Office of Worship by April 5th for the April liturgy and by May 3rd for the May liturgy. There will be additional celebrations in the fall for those who may find that more convenient. If you have any questions you may call 516-678-5800, ext. 207. With Annual Memorial Candles that brighten your intentions. The offering for each candle is $120 for 6 months or $200 for 12 months, which will support the work and needs of St. Francis Parish all year long. Order forms are available by the candles, in the vestibule of the church and at the rectory. The Pastoral Care Office is in need of volunteers to answer the phones on weekday mornings for about 2 hours (9-11).If you can spare some time and would like to help those in need please call Peggy Evans at 261-4837 Almsgiving In Lent During the Lenten Season we are asked to pray, fast and give alms. Please pray for those in need--whether it is for their material, emotional or spiritual need. And when you practice fasting and abstinence during these forty days, please remember those who are hungry on Long Island every day, and consider sharing your gifts with them. One way to do this is by making a gift to the Catholic Ministries Appeal, which supports programs that help to feed seniors and families in need in our community. For more information about the Catholic Ministries Appeal, please visit www.catholicministriesappeal.org or call 516-379-5210 ext. 2. There are also materials available at the back of the Parish for you to review. What you do to the least of my brethren, you do unto me. Mt. 25.35,40
March 25, 2012 7 Before I formed you in the womb I knew you. RESPECT LIFE NEWS ADOPT A BABY PROGRAM Baby s Name (to be placed on scroll) Your Name or Family Name I hereby pledge to pray each day for my unborn spiritually adopted child and parents ------------------------------------------------------------- Prayer of Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen Jesus, Mary, and Joseph I love you very much. I beg you to spare the life of the unborn child that I have spiritually adopted who is in danger of abortion. Please keep as a reminder of your pledge! Hail, Mary, full of grace; the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Father Frank Pavone (Priests for Life) says that the solemnity of the Feast of the Annunciation marks the moment when God Himself began redeeming the unborn child and all of us who once were unborn children by becoming one Himself. Never can the unborn be considered too small to be significant or to possess rights, for God Himself was that small. As we observe on March 26 th the Annunication of Our Lord, we now begin our Spiritual Adopt-A- Baby Program. Please see our pledge form for details. Just choose a name for your baby and pray each day for your baby and all babies born and unborn. Watch for your baby s name to be listed on a scroll (when you return the bottom portion of the pledge.) Remember God knows who these babies are and that our prayers are saving babies and helping their parents. More than ever, we need to fight for the sanctity of life from conception to natural death. Please Note: The Administrative Committee of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, gathered for its March 2012 meeting, is strongly unified and intensely focused in its opposition to the various threats to religious freedom in our day look forward to the upcoming publication of A Statement on Religious Liberty, This document reflects on the history of religious liberty in our great Nation; surveys the current range of threats to this foundational principle; and states clearly the resolve of the Bishops to act strongly, in concert with our fellow citizens, in its defense. ~A Statement of the Administrative Committee of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, March 14, 2012. Intercessions for Life: March 25 th Fifth Sunday of Lent That out of love for their children, all Catholic parents will learn and pass on the teachings of our faith on the sanctity of life, sexuality, and marriage; We pray to the Lord: Our St. Francis of Assisi Baby Corner needs Huggies and Pampers diapers sizes 4, 5, and 6, unscented baby wipes, unscented baby shampoo, and unscented baby wash. Your contributions of money and baby coupons are also greatly appreciated. We thank God through the intercession of Our Lady of Guadalupe and St. Francis for all you give for our babies. Need assistance? Wish to join our RESPECT LIFE COMMITTEE? Please call 631-757-7435. The Life Center of Long Island at 631-243-2373. Call for help with a crisis pregnancy, healing after an abortion, or to donate baby equipment. (Please do not bring baby equipment into our Church; rather call the Life Center to make arrangements. Thank you!) The Life Center s Life Line is open 24 hours, 7 days a week at 631-243-0066. THE RACHEL VINEYARD WEEKEND RETREAT FOR MEN AND WOMEN seeking healing after an abortion experience is scheduled for Friday, May 25-Sunday, May 27, 2012. Call Frank Gariboldi 516-523-0586 or e-mail fgariboldi@optonline.net Please continue to pray each day for all our precious babies born and unborn and their parents!!! Pray the rosary each day for the conversion of America s heart to end abortion.
March 25, 2012 8 St. Francis Little Peoples Liturgy Egg Hunt Sunday, April 1, 2012 (Palm Sunday) GOD - UNITED Please join us at our next PB&J Gang date: Sunday, April 15th 6:30-8:00pm NEWS Meet downstairs after the 10am Family Mass All children up to the age of 10 are invited. Please donate 1 dozen filled eggs for each child by Friday, March 30. All children up to the age of 10 are invited to participate in the Egg Hunt. To the Men of St. Francis of Assisi Parish Our Annual Men s Retreat will be held at Bishop Molloy Retreat House located in Jamaica Estates, it is being held on the weekend of Fri. March 30th and concludes on Sunday April 1st at noon. All of us need to go on a retreat. You may ask why, I can only speak for myself, I need more time to spend with God, more prayer time to reflect on the past year, the highs and lows and continue to grow in my spirituality. This weekend is being held during Lent and afford us an opportunity to get away for a weekend and spend it growing in your faith. All retreatants have their own private room and the meals are great. Give it a try and join us on this special weekend. Call me for more information and reservations, George at 261-5771. St. Francis Cookbooks NOW $10.00! Check out our recipe for Easy French Onion Soup on page 13! Hip hip hooray! We just broke our record! We made an amazing 1,324 sandwiches at our last PB&J Gang. Loving hands, Caring hearts, Spreading joy, is a very good thing. Come and join us in spreading the joy. Please bring donations of Bread, Smooth Peanut Butter & Jelly! PB&J gang can help satisfy your service hour requirements I am only one but I can do something, and what I can do with God s help, I will do -St Francis of Assisi Thirsting for Healing? Living Waters Center is a counseling center which provides the Healing Waters of Counseling, Prayer and Love to those who come through our doors. Our therapists are rooted in the prayer that is a basic part of our Catholic Tradition and Faith. Living Waters Center provides individual, family, couple and group therapy. Most insurance plans are accepted. For more information, please call 631-754-3990 or go to our website livingwatersli.com or email us at livh20@verizon.net PRAYERS FOR AMERICA All are invited to St. Francis of Assisi Church on Tuesday evenings to join together in public prayer for our nation at this historic time. Apparitions of Our Lady of Fatima and Our Lady of America, both approved by the Church, promise that special devotion to our Lady and her Rosary will bring untold blessings and peace to individuals, families and nations. The United States of America is consecrated to Our Lady under the title of the IMMACULATE CONCEPTION. It is through Her intercession that America will be saved and Grace restored to this Land. She must be invoked to receive this Blessing! Please Join us on Tuesday evenings between 7;00-7:30pm at St. Francis of Assisi Church to invoke Our Lady s intercession for the United States of America St. Francis Port-a-Store Check out our new Easter items! Please see Sign Up Sheet in Church Foyer if you are able to take a "shift" at our St. Francis Port-A-Store before and after Masses.
March 25, 2012 9 St. Hugh s Widows and Widowers Interfaith Club will meet at 1:30pm in the cafeteria on Tuesday March 27th at St. Hugh s School, 1450 New York Ave. Huntington Station. Enter from Pulaski Rd. New members are welcome. $2 for non-members. For further information, call Lucy at 427-7645 Spring Open House Sunday, April 29,2012 1:00pm Molloy College Rockville Centre, NY (516) 678-5000 ex. 6230 EMERGENCY HEAP (HOME ENERGY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM) is available to those whose household income for the month is within income limits for household size and are in an emergency situation as defined by HEAP. HEAP benefits are also available to repair or replace primary heating systems for homeowners when system is not operable. Applicants who have already been approved for 2011-2012 regular benefits can apply for emergency benefits by phone. Recipients should call the local Department of Social Services office. Smithtown Center: 631-853-8714 (general number) NYS HEAP WEBSITE: www.otdany.gov/programs/heap HEAP OIL: www.heapoil.org Additional info and eligibility screening can be found at www.mybenefits.ny.gov Can YOU give this priceless gift? A parishioner at St. Francis needs a kidney. She is suffering with kidney disease (her diseased kidneys have been removed and she is on dialysis) and is asking someone special to prayerfully consider donating a kidney. THIS IS AN URGENT SITUATION! Please contact the rectory if you can help, 757-7435 PRAYER FOR OUR MEN AND WOMEN IN MILITARY SERVICE O prince of peace, we humbly ask Your protection for all our men and women in the military service. Give them unflinching courage to defend with honor, dignity and devotion the rights of all who are imperiled by injustice and evil, Please guard our churches, our homes, and our schools, our hospitals, our factories, our buildings and all who are within from harm and peril. Protect our land and its peoples from enemies within and without. Grant an early peace with victory founded upon true justice. Please instill in the hearts and minds of people everywhere a firm purpose to live forever in peace and good will toward all. Amen. Attention ALL Cub Scouts: The annual Diocesan Cub Scout Retreat will be held on Sat. March 31 at St. Patrick s Parish in Bay Shore 10:00 AM 2:00 PM. This year s theme is JOURNEY WITH JESUS, and will feature fun and informative activities based on various locations in the life of Christ. Cub Scouts from ALL Packs are welcome. For more information or to register contact Austin Cannon at 516 678-5800, ext. 245 or scouting@drvc.org. Visit our website at www.ccos-drvc.org/sccbsa1.html. Join with other Catholic Cub Scouts in a day of crafts, games, prayer and fun. Learn about the traditions that are a part of our Catholic faith. Let us all Journey with Jesus. TRINITY REGIONAL SCHOOL 1025 5 TH Avenue, East Northport Open Houses Every Wednesday 9am 11am Full Day Nursery and Pre-Kindergarten Programs Full Day Kindergarten Grade 8 Half-Day Nursery and Pre-K Programs 364 Main Street, Northport 175 Wolf Hill Road, Melville CALL FOR DETAILS 631-261-5130