Page 2 Sunday, October 19, 2014 Masses For The Week Monday, October 20th 6:45 Isabelle Isidro Homer & Tina Guanlao 8:30 Brenda Aliberti Grant Family 8 PM William Kingston Marie Desiderio Tuesday, October 21st 6:45 Int. Rudolph Berndlmaier Anne & Joe Anderson 8:30 Nicholas Dagger Nan & Pop Conti 8PM Peter Panza Wife & Family Wednesday, October 22nd 6:45 Clement Hudson Family 8:30 Robert Viciguerra Robert & Grace Marasciullo 8PM Bob Goohs Charles Kavanaugh Thursday, October 23rd 6:45 Nancy Cody Family 8:30 Concetta Schiano Gretschel Family 8PM Int. Shawn & Maryann Kildare Liz & Frank Friday, October 24th 6:45 Lisa Formato Talierchio Family 8:30 Joseph DePaula Mary & Joseph 8PM Joseph M. Bernstein OLL Office Staff Saturday, October 25th 6:45 Cynthia Prag 8:30 Vincent Ricci Wife & Children 5PM James & Benjamin Spinella-Walter & Laura Sosnowski 5:15 Lydia & William Spaulding Charlotte & Chrissy Sunday, October 26th 7:30 Joseph Russolello Marguerite Tamborrino 9:00 Keith Lisante Fred & Barbara Ferrara 10:30 Nancy Domingo Husband Angelo Monday, October 20 8 pm - Tuesday, October 21 8 pm - Joseph Giglio Wednesday, October 22 8 pm - Daniel Tomic Altar Server Assignments Thursday, October 23 8 pm Alexander Zapata Gabriel Zapata Friday, October 24 8 pm - Brendan O Keefe Peter O'Keefe Saturday, October 25 5 pm - Cameron Russo Mary Glynn Laura Glynn Sunday, October 26 7:30 am - Keith Irving 9:00 am - Brendan O Keefe Peter O Keefe 10:30 am- Jennifer Jandovitz Joseph Giglio 12:00 noon - Alexander Zapata Gabriel Zapata 1:30 pm - Stephen Martinez Matthew Russo Please pray for the repose of the souls of The faithfully departed Rest in peace The Bread and Wine have been donated this week For a Special Intention The Sanctuary Candle in the Chapel has been donated for For a Special Intention The Sanctuary Candle in the Church has been donated for A Special Intention Saturday, 10/25 Lector Schedule - 5:00 PM Jean Cooper Sunday, 10/26-7:30 AM Nina Castoria - 9:00 AM John Moreno - 10:30 AM Barry Champney and Mary Lucich - 12:00 PM Isidora Bacani - 1:30 PM Al Hans
Our Lady of Lourdes Page 3 Dear Friends: During this past week I headed to my personal physician to get my annual flu shot. Like so many, I had inclinations to avoid this ritual. But my doctor was pretty definite, warning that it's nearly impossible to be doing the weekly back-ofthe-church greeting of parishioners without picking up the flu at some point. Better, he warned, safe than sorry! Which brings me to reception of the Eucharist; with the oncoming flu season and a much more widespread concern this year about passing Illnesses on to others, I've consulted with Jackie Rubano (who coordinates the Eucharistic Ministers), and we've decided that for the winter months, we will dispense with Communion offered under both forms. The Body of Christ will, as always, be distributed. But we will refrain from offering the Precious Blood until the flu season passes. Which brings me to a more sensitive subject; the way we receive the Eucharist. During these months of concern for health and the spreading or viruses, it might be wise to give thought to the way about half of our parishioners receive the Body of Christ. As any priest, deacon or Eucharistic Minister will honestly admit, it's nearly impossible to give Eucharist on the tongue without coming into contact with the tongue of several recipients. This is, understandably, a cause for concern at a time when folks are worried about germs and virus passing. I believe it is almost always safer to place the Eucharist in the palm of any recipient than to place it on his or her tongue. Having said that, I know that many Catholics believe reception on the tongue is both more traditional and more sacred. And while respecting the spirituality that underpins such an approach, the reality is that touching a tongue is not a wise thing either for the person receiving or distributing Holy Communion. More to the point, we can be fairly sure that at the Last Supper, the First Eucharist, the Lord passed His Precious Body to the Apostles, and was unlikely to have placed the Communion directly on their tongues. Anyway, give this all some thought. We will respect reception of the Eucharist on both the tongue and on the hand, but it is my belief (and the Eucharistic Ministers Leadership as well), that in this season of concern for passing illness, reception on the open palm of your hand is the wiser and safer way to receive the Body of Christ. And as long as I'm addressing liturgical practice, let me address just one more sensitive topic. Increasingly, parishioners are departing Mass immediately after receiving Communion. I presume that's because of obligations at work or home, or because people don't like to be stuck in departing church traffic? But, PLEASE, consider staying until the end of Mass. It truly breaks the spirit of the Mass to see a third of the Church leave before the Final Blessing. I promise, time spent patiently waiting to leave the parking lot will surely diminish your time in purgatory!! :-) Have a beautiful and peaceful week. In His Love, Msgr. Jim Lisante Pastor
Page 4 Sunday, October 19, 2014 Our Parish depends solely on your generosity to meet each week s expenses. Our regular Sunday collections account for more than 60% of our operating budget. Your continued support, especially during these difficult economic times, is both needed and appreciated. Last week you donated $ 13, 839.52 Thank you! Let us continue to pray for peace. Let us also pray for all those serving in the military. With special care we pray especially for: Christopher B. Afetian - Sgt USMC, Pvt. Kevin L. Blieka U.S. Army, Sgt. Brian Andrew Dayman US Army, PFC Joseph DiCicco Army, Commander Christopher DeMay - Navy, Nicholas R. DoLieto - Marine Corps, A1C Timothy Erkens USAF, Capt. Michael Ferrari, USMC, Spencer French, 1st Lieutenant, US Army, Airman Steven Freund-USAF, SRA Senior Airman Robert J. Gerry - Air Force,Spec. Steven Gianatiempo - US Army, Brandon Goodwin, Petty Off., 2nd Class, USCG, Stefanie Goodwin, Petty Off., 3rd Class, USN, Kenny Greening -PFC-Army, Capt. Michael Hanna- US Army, Chaplain Major Timothy Hirten, USAF, Maj. Luke Holian USMC, 1st Lt. Josef Kaplan- US Army, SPC Justin Lansford -US Army, Sgt. Todd J. Lobraico USAF, Major Michael Edward Loconsolo, US Army, Pvt Matthew Macario - US Army, Garrett Macchio A1C, Air force, Jason Moritz - Sgt. USAF, Pvt 1st Class Joshua Nichols - US Army, Lt. Col. Thomas O Connor, US Army, Spc. Manuel E. Palmer US Army, Cpt. David Paolillo USAF, Cpt. Kathleen Paolillo USAF, L. CPL Michael E. Porfidio - USMC, PFC Dominique R. Quiban, USMC Capt. Joseph Shultz, L CPL Eric Vazquez USMC, US Army, Spec. Zachary Small - US Army, US Army Sgt. Michael Stephney If you know a Service Member that you would like to add to this list please contact the rectory 516-541-3270 Please include name, rank and branch of service. Prayers for the Sick Baby James Bass, Baby Steven Marshall Antosek & Family, Beatrice Barber, Rudolph Berndlmaier, Joseph Bernstein, Celeste Biggs, Vivian Blum, Charlotte BreretonEd Burch, Kevin Burch, Carol Castellano, Al Cavalli, Jason Connor-Costabile, Patricia David, Angelo DeCosimo, Angela DePolo-Huges, Jane M. Depraida, Lenore & Susan DeSantis, Jean Desroches, Mrs. Devotier, Emily Rose Di Marino, Theresa Dimitri, May Donnelly, Jerry D'Onofrio, Barbara Donovan, Peggy Fabrzio, Connie Fennessey, Kathi Finnegan, Melissa Firmes-Ray, Peggy Folan, Donna Fredericks, Wilfred Furlong, Sal Foti, Pedro Galvez, Justin Gibbons, Bill Goodman, Elizabeth Gould, Carlo Guercia, Carolyn Guerra, Hart Family, Carol & Russ Hayward, Michael Heinlein, Gasper Ingui, Mary Jalaf, Jesus Jupio, Brian Scott Kaminky, Sr. Joan Kellenberg, June Kuligowski, Steven Ladicci, Lynn Laine, Sandra Laub, Philip Leifer, Elaine Lentini, Barbara Libardi, Vanessa Linn, John Lynch, Joe Madison, Jr., Maltese Family, Noel Martinez, Robert E. Mason, Margaret Massey, Gina Mastrantoni, Colleen McGuire, Marie Molloy, Amparo Monsalve, Bill Moran, William Mossbrugger, Sandy Nyegaard, Barbara Oliveri, Florence O'Neill, Mary O'Neill, Adrianne Passaglia, Georgia Pettit, Vincent Pinto, Russell Pulvino, Marylynn Ressler, Jerry Rizzo, Lisa Roberts, Jill Rogan, Michael Ronan, Frank Roskowski, Donald Rubin, Ayden W. Sabino, Walter Schulein, William Slezak, Zina Smaowell, Bruna Soper, Eileen Soper, Jennifer Sparcino, Tammie Stanley, Ginny Stanton, Edward Steiger, Mary Sweeney-Lynaugh, Stella Thomson, Annemarie Tine, Thomas Tine, Jr., Larry Tomanelli, Donna Vollaro, John Vota, Vincent Whifield, Joey Wujick
Our Lady of Lourdes Page 5 Food Pantry As we look forward to and enjoy this beautiful Autumn season, it to remind us it s that time of year when we realize Thanksgiving will be here before we know it! With the help of our good and generous parishioners, along with some wonderful organizations in our community, Outreach will begin accepting your holiday donations in preparation for Thanksgiving Food Baskets. Please take a look at our annual Thanksgiving Flyer posted in the bulletin for further details and listing of items needed to prepare holiday food baskets. In these challenging times when we see many families in need, your kindness for the less fortunate in our community has always been a great blessing, as together we can again provide the gift of a Happy Thanksgiving to those who come to our door. On behalf of all the families we serve, thank you for your continued support. Donations can be brought directly to Parish Outreach, or for your convenience, items may be placed in the usual baskets provided in the entrance of the church during weekend masses. Parish Outreach Looking for Caring Men and Women EAC Network s In-Home Caregiver Services is looking for caring men and women interested in helping caregivers of older adults in your local area. For more than 27 years, Senior Respite has been supporting family caregivers by offering them anywhere from 2 6 hours off each week. We introduce a companion to visit with their loved one, keeping them safe and engaging in activities. Companions can volunteer, or elect to receive a wage of $8.00 an hour. They will receive ongoing training, professional support and an opportunity for personal enrichment. If you are a caregiver or potential companion interested in more information or to register for training please call the Senior Respite Program at 516-539-0150, ext. 218. EAC Network is a not-for-profit human service agency. The Senior Respite Program is funded by the NYS Office of Aging, Project Independence and the Helen L. Morris Foundation. Parish Outreach hours are Monday thru Thursday 9:00am 4:00pm We Care Blankets As our wonderful group of Care Blanket volunteers continue to meet on Wednesday mornings from 10:00-11:30am at Parish Outreach, the gifts of their love, time and talent in crocheting and knitting beautiful blankets for seriously ill children is nothing less than a beautiful thing! Since our group began in November 2009, the completed blanket count stands at 1,208 I m sure in no time at all we will be adding to this amazing number. Thank you to our lovely group of ladies for all the good work you do to bring love and comfort to many children undergoing cancer care. Outreach is happy to accept donations of yarns, crochet hooks or knitting needles in support of this effort. If you are interested in joining our group please contact Parish Outreach at 516-541-1260. Ministry of Consolation Our parish is richly blessed to have gathered a wonderful group of volunteers who make up Our Lady of Lourdes Ministry of Consolation team. The most valuable gifts we can give are the gifts that come from the heart. The precious gifts of our time, love and compassion are especially needed during the time of the loss of a loved one. Created to provide warmth, caring and personal attention to assist families in preparation for the funeral mass, this particular ministry can never have too many helping hands. Whether your interest be that of a Greeter, Lector or EM, please give some thought as to sharing your time and talents and being a part of this ministry s call to love and care for one another. Thank you so much to our coordinator, Deacon Frank Gariboldi and all our volunteers for embracing this beautiful ministry. Please call Parish Outreach at 516-541-1260 if you would like to volunteer. Thank you for your consideration.
Page 6 Sunday October 19, 2014 WE NEED YOUR HELP As Thanksgiving approaches, we ask all to be as generous as possible in contributing to our food pantry. We will be making Thanksgiving Food Baskets for many needy families in our parish. We will be assembling Baskets in the next coming weeks. Last year through your generosity, we were able to provide Thanksgiving baskets to more than 200 families from our parish and the immediate surrounding area. We are anticipating a greater demand this Thanksgiving, as the past year has seen a marked increase in families looking to us for assistance. Below is a shopping list of items we will be using to make up the baskets. We will begin accepting donations now through November 17th. May we ask you to inspect the expiration dates on intended donations? Please bring the items to the Food Pantry no later than Monday, Nov. 17th, since we will be distributing Thanksgiving Baskets the week of Nov. 17th. Parish Outreach hours are Monday - Thursday from 9am - 4pm. Please feel free to donate any or all of the items on the list to complete a basket. Please do not bring any perishable items including turkeys or hams at this early date, because we do not have the facilities to store them. Kindly consider a Gift Card in lieu of a turkey. However if you choose to donate a frozen turkey or ham, please bring them to the Outreach office only on the days of November 18th, (Tues), November 19th, (Wed) and November 20th (Thurs), when we will be distributing the Thanksgiving food baskets. Thank you for your continued kindness and generosity to our neighbors in need. This would be an excellent opportunity for Girl Scout Troops, Boy Scout Troops and Confirmation Candidates as a Christian Service Project, to participate in this much needed community effort. Thanksgiving List (EACH BASKET WILL CONSIST OF THE FOLLOWING ITEMS) 1 READYMADE PANCAKE MIX 1 PANCAKE SYRUP 1 STUFFING MIX 1 CRANBERRY SAUCE 1 INSTANT POTATOES 1 PREPARED TOMATO SAUCE 1 CANNED YAMS 1 POUND MACARONI 2 CANS OF VEGETABLES 2 MACARONI & CHEESE 1 CAN TURKEY GRAVY 1 APPLE SAUCE OR FRUIT SALAD 1 CORNBREAD MIX 2 BOXES PUDDING OR JELLO HOT COCOA MIX 1 BROWNIE MIX 1 CANNED PUMPKIN 1 BOX POWERED MILK EITHER A TURKEY OR HAM Thank you!
Our Lady of Lourdes Page 7 Our Lady of the Island, Knights of Columbus Council 6911 is looking for a few good men to join the knights order. The Knights of Columbus is an organization of Catholic men and their families who derive a great sense of satisfaction from being able to develop lasting friendships with each other while assisting in times of need. Founded in 1882 by Fr. Michael McGivney to assist widows and orphans, the Knights have grown to more than 1,800,000 members. worldwide Every day, the K of C provides its members with the opportunity to discover patriotism to our country and the world. Representatives from the Our Lady of the Island, Knights of Columbus Council 6911 will be available after all masses this weekend in the vestibule to answer questions and accept applications for membership. THEOLOGY CLASS 7:30-9:00pm in the Church basement Abstracts of each class are given out, so you can best follow the lectures Phone the rectory for more information. Subjects: 1. Church History 2. Church Dogma 3. Apologetics 4. Scripture Next Class - Tuesday, Oct. 21st Everyone Welcome! Books, videos & DVD s for Loan Free of charge MARIA REGINA EARLY CHILDHOOD OPEN HOUSE! Tuesday, October 21, 2014 from 9:00AM - 10:00AM All new families are welcome to tour our exceptional Early Childhood Programs. Come to see our Nursery Program - 3 year olds, Pre-K Program - 4 year olds, and Kindergarten Program - 5 year olds in action! Vouchers will be given for early registration. Registration will be during the month of January. Any family with a voucher will be guaranteed a spot for the September school year 2015. Any questions, do not hesitate to contact me. Thank you, Beth West Maria Regina School (516)541-1229 St. Christopher s Elementary School Looking for alumni to help celebrate the 100th Anniversary of our Parish Email us at: info@stchrisbaldwin.org or contact Jaime Riecker Selover at St. Christopher s Rectory 516-223-0723
Page 8 Sunday, October 19, 2014 Adoration & Rosary for Life Program The Diocesan Respect Life Office has asked us to unite in prayer and participate in this special program for life. During the month of October, we are asked to spend time before the Blessed Sacrament and pray the Rosary for the conversion of hearts and minds so that all might have reverence and respect for the God-given gift of life, from the moment of conception until natural death. 13th Annual Youth Respect Life Contest The Diocesan Respect Life Office is conducting the 13th Annual Youth Respect Life Contest. Students in grades 7 or 8 may register for Level One, and students in Grades 9-12 may enter Level Two. The theme for this year's contest is "Each of us is a Masterpiece of God's Creation." All students in the diocese, including those with special needs, are encouraged to enter this contest. The contest gives young Catholic women and men the opportunity to show through words, images and song, expressed in a way that is in harmony with our faith, how dear the gift of life is to them. Winners will receive monetary awards in support of their future education. Categories include: bookmark design, poetry, essay, photography, music, video clip design and pin-it/photomontage board. For guidelines, entry forms and more information go to: www.drvc.org and click on Ministries, then Respect Life Office and scroll down and click on 2015 Respect Life Contest. The entry deadline is January 26, 2015. Pro-lifers throughout Long Island are invited to take part in the national 40 Days for Life effort from September 24th through November 2nd. In addition to 40 days of prayer and fasting for an end to abortion in America, please join the prayer vigil outside of the Planned Parenthood abortion facility in Hempstead 540 Fulton Avenue (Hempstead Tpke) between the hours of 7AM and 7PM during these 40 days. Please spread the word to others about this important lifesaving effort. You CAN make a difference! All who want to join this prayerful, peaceful, and powerful campaign to end abortion are welcome! For information call Regina Carbonaro 516-795-7568. ************** Ezekiel Emanuel wrote an article in The Atlantic entitled "Why I hope to die at 75" and said, "Here is a simple truth that many of us seem to resist: living too long is also a loss. It renders many of us, if not disabled, then faltering and declining, a state that may not be worse than death but is nonetheless deprived. It robs us of our creativity and ability to contribute to work, society, the world. It transforms how people experience us, relate to us, and most important, remember us. We are no longer remembered as vibrant and engaged but as feeble, ineffectual, even pathetic. By the time I reach 75, I will have lived a complete life. I will have loved and been loved. My children will be grown and in the midst of their own rich lives. I will have seen my grandchildren born and beginning their lives. I will have pursued my life's projects and made whatever contributions, important or not, I am going to make. And hopefully, I will not have too many mental and physical limitations. Dying at 75 will not be a tragedy. Indeed, I plan to have my memorial service before I die. And I don't want any crying or wailing, but a warm gathering filled with fun reminiscences, stories of my awkwardness, and celebrations of a good life." Wesley J Smith responded at www.nationalreviewonline/corner on 9/18/14: "This is the quality of life ethic in action. It is an expression of the increasing bigotry we are witnessing against the aged. It is egotistical in that the only thing that matters is what Emanuel wants without regard to the impact it might have on others. It is fearful of difficulty. It denies the equal dignity and importance of elderly human life. It embraces the idea of elderly people as burdens and disdains the value others may derive when caring for their elderly loved ones. It more than implies that living with limitations isn't worth living. Emanuel is free to think what he wants, of course. But the article is important because it expresses the value system upon which...health-care public policies will be predicated if the Ezekiel Emanuels get their way. In other words, it won't be so much about choosing not to receive expensive care after 75, but being unable to get it even if that is what you want." Smith continued on 10/3/14, "The antidote for lethal ageism is to assure our elderly at every opportunity that caring for them is an honor not a burden - a great gift not just a moral duty...st Paul put it this way: Love 'bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails.' We must love our elderly in just this way if we are to make them feel welcome and safe in an increasingly hostile world. We are responsible collectively for our elderly worrying so deeply about being 'burdens'. We also have the ability to undo the existential damage we have inflicted."
Our Lady of Lourdes Page 9 All Souls Novena Nov. 2nd To have your deceased relatives included in our All Souls Novena, please return the envelopes before the Novena begins on Nov. 2nd Look for All Souls Envelopes in the back of the Church COFFEE SOCIAL Sunday, November 9th 9:30 am to 12:30 pm Everyone welcome! (Helpers needed:phone rectory) For our Coffee Social, also for our CYO. If you d like to help in either of these Parish activites phone Fr. Heinlein @541-3270 or John Chester @799-5640 for the CYO or Margie Corradina @518-0669 for the Coffee Social World Youth Day Krakow Poland July 24-August 2, 2016 Join the Diocese of Rockville Centre on this amazing pilgrimage. Please join us on October 22, 2014 at 7:30 in St. Agnes Parish Center to hear more about this pilgrimage! 206 Tours will be on hand to address any questions or concerns you may have. Please rsvp to Marianne Sheridan, Director for Youth Ministry at msheridan@drvc.org no later than October 21. CYO BASKETBALL Phone Rectory, ask for Fr. Tony 516-541-3270 Or phone John Chester @ 516-799-5640 Get on the waiting list for next season Travel for Boys Clinic for Boys & Girls IS IT TIME FOR YOU TO CONSIDER A DE- GREE IN SOCIAL WORK? Fordham University Graduate School of Social Service offers an exciting Graduate Social Work Program (MSW Degree) at Molloy College s Rockville Centre campus, Fordham s Lincoln Center campus and Online. Information session will be held at the Molloy campus (Casey Center, Room 014) on Monday evening, October 20 th at 6:00pm. For more information, please contact Agnes Mitchell at 516-323-3883, amitchell@molloy.edu.
Page 10 Sunday, October 19, 2014 A Beautiful Public Observance of Faith Timothy Cardinal Dolan September 25th, 2014 One of the things I ve most come to appreciate during my 5 ½ years as Archbishop of New York is just how seriously our Jewish neighbors approach their holy days. Traffic is lighter, things quiet down a bit in this hectic City, as the observance of these solemn days begin. Whether we are Jews, Christians, Muslims, or any religion or no particular religion at all this public observance of faith being lived out is a beautiful example that we can all admire. It is a joy and an honor for me to be able to offer my prayerful best wishes to all the Jewish family, as today they celebrate the Jewish New Year, Rosh Hashanah, followed by the holiest day of the Jewish calendar, Yom Kippur, the day of Atonement, and, finally, the Festival of Sukkot, the ever-timely reminder of God s providence and care for His people. We are fortunate that, here in New York, there exists such a warm and close relationship between the many different faith communities that call this City home. We saw that most recently when I was asked by Mayor DiBlasio to host a meeting of religious leaders, brought together to help find a way to reduce tension at a difficult time. We all agreed, however, that our gathering must not be simply in response to a particular crisis but must instead be the occasion for the beginning of an ongoing effort to continue and expand the efforts each faith group was making to serve God through our service to those around us. Today, far too often, we see religion portrayed as being responsible for division and separation, and a cause for hatred and violence. Last Sunday, in Albania, Pope Francis declared, Let no one use God as a shield while planning and carrying out acts of violence and oppression! May no one use religion as a pretext for actions against human dignity and against the fundamental rights of every man and woman, above all, the right to life and the right of everyone to religious freedom! Unfortunately, in some parts of the world, this twisted interpretation of religion is a reality. We are blessed that we New Yorkers know from our shared experience that religion can be the foundation of tolerance, understanding, and unity. Would that our experience be a model for others to follow! Of course, Jews and Catholics in New York have long enjoyed a special relationship that extends back decades, built upon a joint dialogue that has resulted in mutual respect, and friendship. I have personally come to appreciate the beauty of that friendship as, for instance, I have lit a candle on the menorah at Temple Emanu-El, hosted a gathering at my residence of Jewish leaders to discuss the visit of the Pope to a Synagogue in Rome, attended a Passover seder, or accepted the gift of a granite bench from the ADL in commemoration of the wonderful spirit of interfaith understanding between Catholics and Jews. I am grateful to my predecessors as Archbishop of New York, as I am to those leaders of the Jewish community, whose work bravely brought us closer together at a time when relationships were not as strong, nor the atmosphere as open for dialogue as it is today. While each of the Jewish holy days and festivals has special meaning, I am particularly inspired each year by Yom Kippur, the day of atonement for sins, and a recognition of God s great mercy towards His people. There are, of course, parallels in Christian practices. I am reminded of Lent and Holy Week in the Christian calendar, where we reflect on our sins, and, for Catholics and many other denominations, are encouraged in a special way to participate in the Sacrament of Confession (Reconciliation), and to engage in fasting and acts of self-sacrifice. Who can forget the many times that Pope Francis has spoken of the great and tender mercy of God. All of these find their roots in the Jewish call for examining our lives, acknowledging our sinfulness, seeking reconciliation with God and neighbor, and undergoing a personal conversion of heart. What message could be more timely for us today than one that reminds us of the need to own up to our shortcomings and seek God s help for doing better in the future. It s easy to think of conversion of heart as something that other people need to do, and we are especially reminded during UN week that there are many troubled spots in our world, places like Syria, or the Ukraine, for instance, where it is easy to pray that God will bring about a change of heart and peace will come. But what about conversion in our own hearts and lives? Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta, that shining symbol of holiness and self-sacrifice, said it best when she was once asked, If you could change one thing in the world, what would it be? She replied, simply, Me. All of us, starting with yours truly, need to ask: Am I living up to what I profess? Where do I fall short and what about my life needs changing? It s at the heart of Yom Kippur, and a welcome reminder to us all. So, as we wish our Jewish brothers and sisters a peaceful and prayerful celebration of their High Holy Days, we also thank them for reminding us of the reality of sin and necessity of conversion.
Our Lady of Lourdes Page 11 Bus Transportation is Available ($35) from Massapequa to a "Celtic Twilight Christmas" starring Andy Cooney & Phil Coulter at Carnegie Hall on December 8th. Please contact Susan Bies @ (516) 319-9837. **Tickets to show must be bought separately through Carnegie Hall. A portion of the bus ticket benefits Operation Hearts and Home and Our Lady of Lourdes parish.
Page 12 Sunday, October 19, 2014 Catholic Ministries Appeal Dear Parishioners, The Catholic Ministries Appeal is an Island-wide effort by our Church to support the critically important services and programs that serve more than 600,000 people every year. To each of you who have already made a gift, please know that I am very grateful. I want you to realize that I believe so deeply in this program that I also contribute every year. And I hope that those of you who have not yet had an opportunity to do so will seriously consider using the envelope that is included in your monthly packets next week, and include with the regular collection or pick up an envelope at the back of the church and make a contribution to the Catholic Ministries Appeal. Every day, because of the Catholic Ministries Appeal, we are able to serve our brothers and sisters who are without shelter and adequate food. We are able to support the critical formation studies of our Seminarians and Deacons, and help provide religious education to hundreds of thousands of our youngsters in public schools, while forming future generation of Catholics through Campus Ministry, Young Adult and Youth Ministry programs. If you have not already contributed, please prayerfully consider joining with me in serving God by serving others by making a gift to the 2014 Catholic Ministries Appeal. A special collection will be taken up next Sunday. Please remember no gift is too small and all gifts make a difference in someone s life! Thank you,
Our Lady of Lourdes Page 13 1st & 3rd THURSDAY EVENINGS, 7:30 PM IN THE PARISH CENTER ROOM 16 We have recently changed our MOSJ meeting days to the first and third Thursday s of the month. Next Meeting: October 23rd (Due to the special meeting for Ushers on Oct. 16 th, we have moved our meeting to the 23 rd. ) Sunday, October 19th, at the 1:30pm Mass, until Tuesday, October 21st, at the 8:30 am Mass in the Church. CATHOLIC CHARITIES Commodities Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) provides a free monthly food package (worth up to $65) to low-income, eligible seniors (60 years and older). U.S. citizenship is not required to participate in CSFP. Office locations are in Freeport and Wyandanch; there are also 97 mobile locations in Nassau and Suffolk counties. Call 516-623-4568 or 631-491-4166 Are you or someone you know having family or interpersonal problems due to drinking ALCOHOL and/or using DRUGS? CATHOLIC CHARITIES / Talbot House, a Chemical Dependence Crisis Center, located in Bohemia provides withdrawal and stabilization services on a voluntary basis to males and females over the age of 18, who are seeking to stop and/or withdraw from alcohol and/or other drug use. The medical and clinical staff at Talbot House will assess the kind of care the person needs, to begin his/her journey in recovery. For more information, please call: 631-589- 4144. Talbot House staff is available 24/7. Each call is confidential. Talbot House is a NO fee for service program. Do you have questions about the immigration court process? The Legal Orientation Program for Custodians of Unaccompanied Alien Children is a program that offers free legal information about the immigration court process for family members of alien children who are in, or were released from, a shelter. You can call the number below to attend an orientation closest to where you live. Long Island, NY Catholic Charities 631-789-5210 Please Remember! When you go to a legal orientation, take all the documents that the child brought from the shelter, especially the documents that pertain to immigration court. Sunday, October 26th, St. Killian s Parish youth Group has invited Our Lady of Lourdes Youth Group to attend their teen Halloween party. Come with a sibling or a friend. Please call Nancy Eckert @ 516-799-9664
Page 14 Sunday, October 19, 2014 Community News Our Lady of Lourdes Church 855 Carmans Road, Massapequa Park Friday $1800 in prizes at 7:30 PM Tuesday Golden Society, at 7:30 PM $2000 in Prizes w/progressive Jackpot $2000 IN PRIZES - $850 GIANT JACKPOT Progressive Jackpot on Tuesdays Social Service Coordinator Position: If you are a caring, compassionate person who enjoys helping people, this job is for you. Organizational and computer skills a must. Part-time position at a senior citizen apartment complex located in Uniondale, sponsored by Catholic Charities. Salary plus medical benefits & 401k. Fax or email resume: Stanan Mgmt Corp., 33 Front St., Hempstead, NY 11550. Fax: 516-486-1896 or email to: stananrlty@aol.com. Spirituality For Singles - Monthly Singles Gathering Saturday, Nov 1, 8:30PM, after the 7:30PM Mass St. Aidan Parish, 510 Willis Ave., Williston Park, NY, 11596 Our Monthly gathering for singles; discussion, meditation, socialization. $5.00 donation - snacks, pizza and beverages will be served This Gathering will feature as guest speaker noted author Rachel Devine Contact: Ray (516) 561-6994 or spiritualityforsingles@gmail.com Substitute Teachers: Our Lady of Mercy School (520 South Oyster Bay Road, Hicksville, NY) would like to expand its list of substitute teachers. If you are or if you know someone who is Virtus trained and qualified to be a substitute teacher, please send that information along with references to jtoppin@olmshicks.org. Bishop McDonnell Alumnae Association Alumnae Reunion April 25, 2015 On Saturday, April 25, 2015 the Bishop McDonnell Alumnae Association will host its Annual Alumnae Reunion. The reunion will celebrate the special anniversary classes of 1940, 1945, 1950, 1955, 1960, 1965, 1970. All 30s, 40s and early 50s classes are always welcome. The reunion will take place at Gargiulo s Restaurant 2911 West 15 th Street in Brooklyn, five minutes off the Belt Pkwy and one block from the D train. The cost for this event is $90 per person which includes coffee and wine on arrival and a buffet dinner. Invitations will be mailed in January or you can register or ask questions by calling Rita Monaghan-Maloney at 718-857-2700 ext 2253 or rmaloney@blmhs.org.