A COMMUNITY OF FAITH HOPE AND LOVE Fifth Sunday of easter May 2, 2010 Behold, I make all things new!
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 Rev. Gerard A. Ringenback, Pastor Rev. Christopher M. Costigan, Assistant Pastor Rev. Mr. John Blakeney, Deacon Rev. Cyprian Osuegbu, 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, Director dvella@stbernardslevittown.org or 731-4220 Church Rose Marie Rotondo, Sacristan 731-4220 Facilities Len Lanzi, Facilities Manager 731-4220 Frank Santillo, Maintenance Supervisor IN RESIDENCE: PARISH MEMBERSHIP We welcome new members to St. Bernard s Parish, a community of faith, hope, and love. We will strive to foster your spiritual growth and hope you will share with us the gifts God has given to you. Please register by stopping by the rectory and completing the registration form. If you move away, please notify us as well. Bulletin Deadline: Friday, 5:00 pm, nine days prior to publication. You may email us at Bulletin@StBernardsLevittown.org or leave a hard copy in the inbox on the bulletin desk in the Parish Office. Thank you for your cooperation! 2 SPIRITUAL LIFE Schedule of Masses: SATURDAY: 5:00 PM SUNDAY: 7:30 AM, 9:00 AM (FAMILY MASS) 10:30 AM, 12:00 N, 5:30 PM WEEKDAYS: 7:00 AM & 9:00 AM SATURDAYS: 9:00 AM HOLY DAYS: See website: www.stbernardslevittown.org Confessions: SATURDAY: 4:00-5:00 PM & 7:30-8:00 PM WEEKDAYS: After the 7:00 am Mass Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal Novena and Benediction: MONDAY Evening: 7:30 PM, in the Church. Morning Prayer: MONDAY to SATURDAY: 8:30 AM Books are available. Please join us. Baptism of Children: We welcome infants and children to our Christian community! Baptisms are held select Sundays at 1:30 pm. Arrangements should be made at least 6 weeks prior to an anticipated Baptism. Prior to the baptism, parents will meet with a parish staff member to be welcomed and make arrangements, and then participate in a group conversation with other parents presenting children for Baptism. These group gatherings are held on selected Thursday evenings at 7:30 pm. Please call 731-4220 to arrange an initial meeting. 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 Sister Christine at 731-6074. PARISH & COMMUNITY SERVICES AA Meetings: Tues.& Sun 8:PM, Women, Sat. 11:AM Birthright of Nassau/Suffolk: 785-4070. Catholic Daughters of the Americas, Court St. Pius X, No. 1690: Every second Thursday, 7:30 pm, Parish Center. Charismatic Prayer Group: Wednesday evenings at 8:00 PM in the Parish Center. All are welcome. Call 933-5431 or 731-3395. Children s Choir: Thursday evenings at 6:15 PM in the Parish Center, Ernie & Maryclare Meditz: 731-1809. Church Choir: Every Tuesday evening at 7:30 PM in the Church. Family, Marriage & Individual Counseling: Catholic Counseling Center, phone 631-243-2503. Folk Group: Wednesdays, 8:00-9:30 PM. If you are interested, please call Carmen Greico at 735-1939. Knights of Columbus, Holy Innocents Council. Call Jim McHale,796-0894 Men s Catholic Fellowship: Sunday evenings at 7:00 PM in the Church. Ministry of Consolation: Every third month, Monday at 8:00 PM. Meetings are listed in Parish Schedule (page 5) as date nears. Ministry of Praise: Sister Christine Sammons, O.P. 731-6074. Nocturnal Adoration Society: Hour of Adoration, every first Saturday of the month from 8:00-9:00 PM. Pastoral Council: Every first Tuesday at 7:30 PM in the Rectory. Rosary Society: First Monday of the month at 8:00 PM (September June). St. Bernard s of Levittown Widows and Widowers: Every second Thursday of the month at 8:00 PM (dance is on the 4th Friday of the month), Elks Lodge, 2162 Veteran s Blvd., Massapequa. Call Chris at 631-842-6734. St. Bernard s Youth Basketball (CYO): Tom Page, 731-4403/Bill Beiersdorfer, 731-7980. St. Vincent de Paul Society: 735-3218. Tender Garden, Early Childhood Learning Center: 731-4322. Usher Society: Head Usher, Jerry Rosalia 735-9022. Wedding Coordinator: Rose Marie Rotondo 731-4220.
CONFIRMATION CLAIRVAUX CHRONICLE CONFIRMATION: A BEGINNING NOT AN ENDING. Bishop Paul Walsh will be at St. Bernard s tomorrow, May 3, 2010 to confer the Sacrament of Confirmation on 151 of our children. Please join in prayer with all of our Parish Family that these young people will continue through their lives to carry on the Gospel teachings that they have learned, and to be active in the Life and Worship of the Church, and to always give Christian witness of Love and Service. A Fond Farewell to our Retirees More stories and photos on pages 10 and 11 You can also see them all in color on our newly enhanced website: www.stbernardslevittown.org This coming Monday Bishop Paul Walsh will be conferring the Sacrament of Confirmation on more than 150 young people of our parish. Their 8 years of faith formation culminates in receiving the gifts of the Spirit. With their parents and sponsors present, they will recommit themselves to living the Catholic faith as a fully initiated young man or woman. It is a proud moment not only for their teachers and parents but for the whole parish. We owe a debt of gratitude to the catechists who have faithfully taught these students over the years and to Sr. Margaret who has coordinated these efforts. We also acknowledge the parents who placed a high priority on the religious formation of their children. But Confirmation is clearly not a graduation. It is much more of a beginning than an ending. It marks a deeper commitment in living after the example of Jesus and a stronger connection with the Catholic Church. One of the ways we see this happening is through our Youth Ministry. As these young people enter high school, they have the opportunity to join with other teenagers who come together weekly to support each other, keep their faith alive, and find moral strength. We are especially proud of two young men who will graduate from high school this year and have been active members of St. Bernard s Youth Ministry. They are Michael Comuniello and Michael Reilly. Each of them has received top academic honors in their schools one a valedictorian and the other a salutatorian- and look forward to successful college careers. They have set a fine example to other young people and demonstrate what a positive influence youth ministry has been for them. We look to them and to all of the young people who are part of St. Bernard s Youth Ministry to be the future leaders of our church. HAIL AND FAREWELL This issue of the bulletin provides a fitting recognition to our retirees. I invite you to look at pages 10 and 11 where we have listed those who are leaving us and the ways they have shown such great devotion to St. Bernard s. We wish them much happiness in the years ahead and our prayers for a restful, enjoyable retirement. 3
PARISH NEWS THE ROSARY CONFRATERNITY MEETING Tuesday, May 4, 2010 at 8:00pm Parish Center The Rosary will be said in the Center. New members will also be inducted at this meeting. We will be holding a Baby Shower to benefit Birthright. There is a special need for the following: Crib sheets, receiving blankets, onesies, sweaters, infant snowsuits, blankets and Pampers. Cash and Gift Cards are welcome. Please bring gifts unwrapped. Our guest speaker will be our own Sister Christine Sammons, O.P. All women of the parish are welcome and refreshments will be served. St. Bernard s 50 / 50 WINNER for April $ 857.50 Alice Sanchez Don t forget. Next week, May 9th is Mother s Day, there will be flowers on sale to benefit BIRTHRIGHT. The cost is $1.00 per flower. Mothers Day novena cards are now available in the back of the church. The offering envelope may be left in the rectory or put in the collection basket next week. Special Thanks to students who helped with the Spring Cleanup: Sean Cunningham, Damon Evans Steven Fing, Christina Lownie Sebastian Vargus, Karlo Zabala and Gabriel Zabala. We depend on our volunteers to tend and care for our parish gardens. PARISH STEWARDSHIP SUNDAY COLLECTIONS REGULAR April 25, 2010 April 26, 2009 $ 16,575.75 $ 15,914.00 711 envelopes 696 envelopes Collection for Elementary Schools $ 3705.35 $ 3,953.10 355 envelopes 372 envelopes We thank you for your generosity to our parish. Catholic Ministries Appeal The amount already pledged for 2010, 388 parishioners is $ 105,380.00 Paid $ 58,409.00 Parish Goal of $ 93,193.00 We have reached our goal Congratulations!! 80 % of all pledges from now on will come back to our parish. Sincere thanks to all. ***************************** In a letter to Father Jerry last week, Bishop William Murphy wrote: Enes Carnesecca and her team have shared with me the good news that your parish is over goal in pledges for the 2010 Catholic Ministries Appeal! Congratulations and many thanks! This is a wonderful tribute to you and your parishioners and we thank you for your dedication. We are deeply grateful to your parishioners for their generosity, which is directly supporting important ministries in your parish as well as throughout the Diocese. You have my deepest thanks for everything you have done to support the work of our Church. ************************************ If you have not made your pledge yet, please do, so that our parish will be that much more supported. YOU can make a difference in St. Bernard s Parish and in the lives of those around us. 4
MASS INTENTIONS Monday, May 3 Sts Philip and James, apostles 7:00 am Gail Moran Wedding Anniversary 9:00 am James Hunter, Sr. Tuesday, May 4 7:00 am Martha Reith 9:00 am James F. McGinn Wednesday, May 5 7:00 am Thomas and Katherine McLaughlin 9:00 am Andrew Mineo Thursday, May 6 7:00 am Carol Slovack 9:00 am John Albanese Friday, May 7 7:00 am Robert Long 9:00 am Bill Lacey Saturday, May 8 9:00 am Leonard Cautela 5:00 pm George Hampson Sunday, May 9 Sixth Sunday of Easter 7:30 am Living & deceased members of the Lynch and Albano Families 9:00 am Anthony Condrill 10:30 am Mothers Day Novena 12 Noon For all Parishioners 5:30 pm Francis Scharf PARISH SCHEDULE Monday, May 3 9:00 am Miraculous Medal Novena after Mass Tuesday, May 4 7:00 pm Rosary recitation in Spanish, Prayer Room 7:30 pm Rosary Meeting, Peach Room 7:30 pm Strengths, Blue Room ( see page 6 ) 7:30 pm PFI classes, Parish Center 8:00 pm AA, Cafeteria Wednesday, May 5 8:00 pm Prayer Group, Parish Center Thursday, May 6 10:00 am Strengths, Blue Room ( see page 6 ) 10:00 am Shawl Ministry, Parish Center 6:15 pm Children s Choir, Parish Center Friday, May 7 8:00 am Life Line Screening 6:00 pm Book Discussion, Parish Center Saturday, May 8 11:00 am Women s AA, Cafeteria 11:00 am & 12:30 pm First Communion, Church 8:00 pm Nocturnal Adoration, Church Sunday, May 9 9:00 am RCIA, Parish Center 10:30 am & 12:00pm First Holy Communion, Church 7:00 pm Men s Fellowship, Prayer Room 8:00 pm AA, Cafeteria SACRAMENTS BAPTISM We welcome into the parish the following new members: Abigail Margaret Chiapetta Andrew Jeremy Lichter Congratulations to the proud parents BANNS OF MARRIAGE SECOND TIME: Ramona Almonte, St Bernard Parish, Levittown, NY Joseph Healy, St Bernard Parish, Levittown, NY THIRD TIME: Jennifer Miller, St Bernard Parish, Levittown, NY Michael Sheridan, St. Peter Parish, Port Washington, NY PRAYERS REQUESTED FOR THE SICK OF OUR PARISH FAMILY AND THOSE WHO CARE FOR THEM Baby Christian Murphy Helen Blach Rudie Braithwaite Joan Cassidy Roberta Curran Kathy Duggan Jim Finlan Theresa Flanigan Margie Foley Mary Frangiose Mike Giambruno Christopher Ginther Jessica Glas Irene Gosse Colleen Grosing Mike Hach Kathleen Hailazopolous Dorothy Honeyman Betty Lalonde MaryAnn Loeschner Joseph Lyons James McArdelle Michael McCarthy Mary Messina Joseph Newmeyer Donald Perdue Johnny Perdue Helen Pfeifer Joseph Pfeifer Raymond Pfeifer Natalie Pickett Catherine Pipinou Luke Rosato Lauren Quinn Sturge Deanne Reilly Eve Saint Thomas Saint Alice Sanchez Michael Sanchez Jeanette Sepe Patricia Shand Michael Silvasie Joseph Smithwick,Sr Anne Sonnick Teresa Sonnick- David Testa Rosalie Travers Karen Wasielewski PRAY FOR OUR BELOVED DECEASED AND THOSE WHO MOURN FOR THEM. Phyllis Orga Madeline Pohlman John W. Pergola Frank Zoremba Friday, May7 is the First Friday of the month and always dedicated to the Sacred Heart Of Jesus 5
GIFTED, ENGAGED, GROWING ST. BERNARD S PASTORAL PLAN Goal #1: To provide opportunities for all parishioners to discover and live their strengths, and thereby engage more parishioners in service to the parish and community If you have taken the StrengthsFinder and learned your top 5 God-given talents, join together with fellow strengths-finders to better understand and be the person God made you to be! Join a 4-week Strengths Group 4 Tuesday evenings beginning May 4, 7:30-9:30 p.m. or 4 Thursday mornings beginning May 6, 10 a.m.-12 noon St. Bernard s Parish Center Call or email Diane Vella at 516-731-4220 or dvella@stbernardslevittown.org (If you can t pre-register, JUST COME!) Goal #2: To motivate and equip engaged parishioners to reach out and invite others to become engaged. Do you Woo? If you DO, we need YOU! Woo-ers are people who can easily Win Over Others. Do you Include? If so, we d like to include YOU! Includers are people who like to stretch the circle wider and make others feel part of the group. St. Bernard s parish would like to expand our group of wooers and includers who are members of our Mass Greeter Ministry. These friendly women and men are the ones who greet us at the doors of the church on Sundays with a warm smile and words of welcome! St. Bernard s parish thanks them for their service, and is looking to add to their number! Research on young adults and religion indicates that younger Catholics who are not regular Massgoers (this group is about 80% of our younger parishioners) are specifically looking for communities that emphasize welcome. Creating a wel- coming environment at every Mass is the job of ALL of us; however our greeters are the ones who set the tone. If you have the kind of natural talents that would make you a good welcomer, have you ever considered using these God-given gifts in the service of our parish community as a Mass greeter? Individuals, couples, and even families are welcome to be welcomers! The commitment involves serving at one Mass approximately every four weeks. Contact Diane Vella at 731-4220 or dvella@stbernardslevittown.org to discuss the possibilities! 6
St. Bernard s Faithful Parents Jumpin with Jesus! Exercise group for toddlers ages 18 mos. 4 years and their parents!** Led by Erin Pinto, New York State Certified Physical Education Teacher, parent of a two-year old daughter and a nine-month old son, and St. Bernard s Parishioner Six Saturday mornings May 22 June 26, 2010 10:00 to 10:45 a.m. in St. Bernard s Church Parish Center 516-731-4220 Limited to 20 children with parents - Advance registration is required A $25 REFUNDABLE registration fee is required to hold your place. ($20 refunded at conclusion of program if child attends at least 4 sessions) All Christian children invited; preference given to St. Bernard s parishioners! For registration form, email or call Diane Vella dvella@stbernardslevittown.org or 516-731-4220. DEADLINE: FRIDAY, MAY 14, 2010 Can t find your checkbook or envelope Sunday morning? Join the parishioners who are using Faith Direct for automated giving to St. Bernard s. It is secure, convenient and Faith Direct will provide you an offertory card to place in the basket during the collections. There is no cost to you, and the program provides a great benefit to the parish. Sign up today by visiting www.faithdirect.net, our parish code is NY272. TOP TEN REASONS TO MAKE YOUR OFFERTORY GIFT THROUGH DIRECT FAITH 1. No more checks to write or envelopes to find. 2. 52 weeks of predictable income for your parish 3. Greater security than cash or checks. 4. No cost for you to participate. 5. Online control for your offertory giving - including special collections. 6. Reduction of envelope and postage expense for St.Bernard s. 7. Less work for our parish office staff to post contribution records. 8. Offertory cards enable you to witness your gift of treasure. 9. Earn credit card points for your offertory gift. 10. Father Jerry does! 7
LITURGY CORNER FIFTH SUNDAY OF EASTER MAY 2, 2010 During the second half of the Easter season, the Gospel is drawn from the farewell discourse of Jesus at the Last Supper, in John's account. It is interesting to hear some of the words we had heard on Holy Thursday through the lens of the Resurrection and the filter of five weeks of mystagogical reflection. Sourcebook 2010 THE SACRAMENT OF CONFIRMATION The words of the Rite of Confirmation: All-powerful God, Father of Our Lord Jesus Christ, by water and the Holy Spirit you freed your sons and daughters from sin and gave them new life. Send your Holy Spirit upon them to be their helper and guide. Give them the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of right judgment and courage, the spirit of knowledge and reverence. Fill them with the spirit of wonder and awe in your presence. We ask this through Christ our Lord. The essential rite of the sacrament follows. In the Roman rite, the Sacrament of Confirmation is conferred through the anointing with Chrism on the forehead, which is done by the laying of the hand, and through the words: Be sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit. Confirmation is one of the seven principle liturgical rites of the Church through which participants experience the love and power of God (grace) that flows from Christ s Passion, death, and Resurrection. The traditional teaching, affirmed by the Council of Trent (1545), that in the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Orders a character is imprinted on the soul, a certain spiritual and indelible mark, and for that reason these sacraments cannot be repeated. The ties for Confirmation may be chosen due to need; they should fall within the octave of Easter or at least in the season prior to Pentecost. The faithful are born anew by baptism, strengthened by the sacrament of confirmation, and finally are sustained by the food of eternal life in the Eucharist. FATHERS OF THE CHURCH with MONSIGNOR GRAHAM There will be no class on Monday, May 2 because of The Sacrament of Confirmation in our parish. PLEASE NOTE: The Novena prayers will be recited after the 9:00 am Mass on Monday, May 2. On May 10, The class on St. Ignatius of Antioch will be held at 8:00 pm in the Parish Center. Please join us for this interesting talk. The class will begin after Novena prayers in the church. Scriptures for May 2 May 9, 2010 Sunday, May 2. Fifth Sunday of Easter. Acts 14:21-27; Psalm 145:8-13; Revelation 21:1-5; John 13:31-35 Monday, May 3. 1 Corinthians 15:1-8; Psalm 19:2-5; John 14:6-14 Tuesday, May 4. Acts 14:19-28; Psalm 145:10-13, 21; John 14:27-31 Wednesday, May 5. Acts 15:1-6; Psalm 122:1-5; John 15:1-8 Thursday, May 6. Acts 15:7-21; Psalm 96:1-3, 10; John 15:9-11 Friday, May 7. Acts 15:22-31; Psalm 57:8-10, 12; John 15:12-17 Saturday, May 8. Acts 16:1-10; Psalm 100:1-3, 5; John 15:18-21 Sunday, May 9. Sixth Sunday of Easter. Acts 15:1-2, 22-29; Psalm 67:2-3, 5-6, 8; Revelation 21:10-14, 22-23; John 14:23-29 Text from the pamphlet compiled by H. Lacey for St. Bernard s Parish, Levittown, NY, and the Encyclopedia of Catholicism, Richard P. McBrien, General Editor. 8
PARISH SOCIAL MINISTRY Sr. Christine Sammons, O.P., 731-6074 ST. VINCENT DE PAUL: Once again, we thank the Charitable KIDZ and all who worked with them to conduct a very successful food drive on April 17 th. Many who visited the pantry were delighted to see that the shelves were full, for the first time in a long time. Thanks, too, to all our parishioners who are always conscious of our less fortunate neighbors. If you are in a position to help, our pantry needs this week include: peanut butter, jelly, cereal, canned pasta, hearty soups, tomato sauces of all kinds, rice, beans (Goya-type), boxed potatoes, canned fruit and vegetables (except green beans), coffee and tea, dessert mixes (Jell-o, cake, muffin). Actually, any food we receive is sure to be taken by one of our visitors. Always welcome are paper towels, toilet tissue, tissues and napkins, as well as toiletries of all kinds since these cannot be purchased with food stamps. Our little people are thrilled when we have Pampers and wipes. As always, many thanks! Please remember the poor boxes and to buy one, get one free! Please remember that we are unable to accept clothing. Kindly bring clothing to the St. Vincent de Paul bins at the Salem Lane exit of the parking lot. Thank you. CATHOLIC CHARITIES CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION: Catholic Charities USA is celebrating its 100 th year of ministry this year. All are invited to a special Mass on Saturday, May 22 nd at 2:30 p.m. at Kellenberg Memorial High School in Uniondale. A reception will follow immediately. Catholic Charities has done so much good work in our diocese, and this event is an opportunity to celebrate the blessing that Charities is in the Rockville Centre diocese. A ticket is free and necessary. Please call Sylvia at 733-7078 and she will get a ticket to you. LIFE LINE SCREENING: A day for stroke screening will take place at St. Bernard s on Friday, May 7 th. An appointment is necessary and can be obtained by calling 1-800-636-0418. The tests being offered are carotid artery, heart rhythm, abdominal aortic aneurysm, peripheral arterial disease and osteoporosis screenings. The first four tests are $149.00 and the fifth can be added for $10 more. Results will be received in 21 days. HARVEST HOUSES RESIDENCES FOR WELL ELDERS: Harvest House is home for eight elderly women and men, a true experience in family. It is affordable, gracious living that offers seniors both privacy and companionship, security and quality of life. There are openings in both the Syosset and Floral Park residences. If you are interested in more information or visiting a Harvest House, please call Sister Jeanne A. Brendel, OP at 516-496-9796. HELP WITH PERSONAL AND GROCERY SHOPPING: ACLD (Adults and Children with Learning and Developmental Disabilities) is an organization which helps adults learn life skills while helping members of the community. They have offered to do personal and grocery shopping for Levittown seniors. The adults are assisted and supervised by staff members of ACLD. If this is a service you would find helpful, please call our office. It can be a win-win situation for our seniors and the adults of the program. 9
A Fond Farewell to Our Retirees Marilyn Gancio Religious Education Secretary who has served St. Bernard s for an amazing 40 years. Marilyn has served 4 pastors and seen thousands of children pass through the program of instruction. We are indebted to her for so many years of service. She has always loved her work behind the scenes and now we wish her many years of good health in retirement. Terri Votta And Bill Votta Terri has been Bookkeeper and Secretary serving in the rectory office for 17 years. Terri reflected a spirit of true dedication to her work and took great pride in what she did. Many of you would know Terri from your visits to the rectory. She was always on hand to be of help. We wish her well as she now begins the retirement phase of her life with her husband, Bill. He concludes his years at St. Bernard s as a part-time maintenance man keeping the school in clean condition. Kathy Salvatierra Rectory Receptionist who also served St. Bernard s for 17 years. Kathy came on initially just part time, but as the job grew she came to be at the front desk full time. In many ways Kathy was the face of St. Bernard s, the person most people would see at the office or speak to on the phone. Her unassuming ways and listening ear gave comfort to many people. She now looks forward to spending time in retirement with her grandchildren and taking on leisure activities. Fran Witkowski Secretary in the rectory office who came out of retirement to take over from Carol Daly five years ago. Fran was very competent and ready to handle any situation. Though she worked part time, she accomplished a great deal each day. We re glad she will now have the opportunity to really retire and enjoy her hobbies and free time activities. 10
Tom Mawn Business Manager for 12 years. Tom came to us from a banking background and has been invaluable to both myself and before me, Msgr. Graham, for his knowledge, wise counsel, and common sense. Although Tom prides himself in being called Ebenezer Scrooge, underneath he has always shown a good heart and a good sense of humor. He will continue to be with us until he retires at the end of May. Others who will be stepping down from their positions are Alice Wasielewski who served as evening receptionist and Ann Shields who worked in the counting room. We salute all who have served St. Bernard s so faithfully and wish them well as they enjoy their retirement. Charitable KIDZ of St. Bernard's A Teenage Community Service Group We thank our generous and wonderful parishioners who once again came out in the cold to donate to the pantry on April 17. We are most grateful to everyone who contributed in response to such delightful and energetic KIDZ on behalf of such an important need. We had the full support of King Kullen of Levittown many thanks to them for helping us to make this all possible. "Thank you for remembering the less fortunate Together we can make a difference!" 11
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION Sr. Margaret 731-8511 St. Bernard s Religious Education Registration Registration for children entering 1 st grade in September 2010 The Religious Education Center on: Monday, May 17 through Thursday, May 20 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM Tuesday, May 18 7:00 pm - to 8:00 pm Sunday, June 6 10:00 am - Noon Requirements for Registration: ** A copy of your child s Baptismal Certificate (even if they were baptized in St. Bernard s) ** Registered parishioner of St. Bernard s Parish (please bring your weekly envelope number with you) ** Payment of registration fee $195 New Students - Grades 2 through 8 Letter of transfer from previous religious education program Fifth Sunday of Easter May 2, 2010 (Disciples of Love ) Reading I : Acts 14:21-27 ( They Called the Church Together.) Reading II: Revelation 21:1-5a ( A New Heaven and a New Earth. ) Gospel : John 13:31-33a, 34-35 ( Love One Another. ) FOR THE RIDE HOME Adults: What are the obstacles in my life that hinder or impede me from freely loving as Jesus did - universally, completely, and without reserve? Children: When did I see Jesus love in the actions or words of someone? 12 TODAY together with the Youth Ministry, the Altar Servers will be holding a PLANT SALE at the School Lobby. Come and support our youth.
ST. BERNARD S YOUTH MINISTRY Dear Families and Friends of St. Bernard's: Greetings! I hope that you are all doing well! It has been some time since I have written to you (much too long in fact!), but after a few weeks I felt it was definitely time to let you know what has been happening in the world of the Youth Ministry! First, Thank you to all who have purchased flowers to support the Youth Ministry and Altar Servers, your constant support never ceases to amaze me! A special thanks to Elizabeth Burden and Kathy Romero for all of their effort and time to make this fundraiser happen! We have been so honored to have some great new members join the group recently! We are so excited to see so many 8th grade students decide to take the next step. If you are interested in joining, just let me know! The St. Bernard's youth ministry now has a FACEBOOK page AND a TWITTER! Come check out what we are doing, and we will welcome you any time! Last week, we joined with the youth ministry of Holy Family church to attend our yearly weekend retreat. We ventured to Camp DeWolfe in Wading River where we spent the weekend with a very special retreat team who gave us time to grow closer to each other and most important, grow closer to God. The retreat was facilitated by, "ABC Ministries", an incredible trio who bring an amazing spirit to all teens they interact with! Our thanks to ABC ministries! Please, pray for them as they continue to touch the lives of youth around the entire diocese! The youth ministry in the past several months has enjoyed so many things: a Lock-In on Holy Thursday, trip to the city, Dodgeball tournaments, Holy Hours, the 8th grade Confirmation retreats, and especially our weekly meetings. Lately, we have been focusing on team building, faith challenges, and allowing the teens to embrace their own personal faith. It has been incredible to see lately...and you should be proud of this church's future leaders! I promise that in the future I will write more to you all sooner, so you may be aware of the incredible things the Youth Ministry has been involved in! Please pray for us, as we will continue to pray for you! "...And Robinson Cano just made the sign of the cross as he rounded third on his 2nd home run of tonight's game." - Joe Buck, Yankee's commentator on the player's obvious act of thanks to God during a game recently. The photo to the left was taken of our Youth Ministry at their Retreat at Camp DeWolfe at Wading River, LI. Peace, Mike Rodgers Youth Ministry Coordinator StBernardsYouth@aol.com 13
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COMMUNITY BULLETIN BOARD You Can Help Heal Your Marriage Now! Do you feel alone? Are you frustrated or angry with each other? Do you argue or have you just stopped talking to each other? Does talking about it only make it worse? Retrouvaille helps couples through difficult times in their marriages. This program has helped thousands of couples worldwide experiencing ALL TYPES of marital difficulties. For confidential information about the Retrouvaille program, or to register for the upcoming weekend that begins on Friday, May 21, 2010 at the Montfort retreat house in Bay Shore, please call 1-800-470-2230 and you will be connected directly and confidentially to a couple from Long Island/Metro Retrouvaille who can help.. Free Screenings: Blood Sugar for Diabetes and Blood Pressure, provided by HealthCare Partners, Friday, June 4 th, 8:30am 9:45am at Briarcliffe College, 1055 Stewart Avenue, Bethpage, NY. If you are over the age of 63 and would like to attend, please call 1-800-501-1799 for free tickets. Join us for A Night of SUPERMARKET BINGO Friday, May 14, 2010 7:30 pm 10:30pm Sponsored by Holy Innocents Columbiettes 3581 Jeffries Road Levittown, New York 11756 Tickets are $7 ( includes coffee, cake and 1 game card) Hot Dogs, Knishes & Light Refreshments available at additional cost. Questions/Tickets: Maureen 516-622-5473 Diocese of Rockville Centre Diocesan Liturgy Bishop John Dunne, Presiding Spe- Celebrating the Gifts of Persons with cial Needs Families and Friends are Welcome to Come and Celebrate With Us! Sunday, May 16, 2010 3:00 p.m. St. Frances de Chantal Church 1309 Wantagh Ave. Wantagh, New York 11793 Light refreshments will follow in the Parish Center Please forward the completed registration form to The Office of Faith Formation. Mail to Mary Anne Russo, The Office of Faith Formation, Diocese of Rockville Centre, P.O. Box 9023, Rockville Centre, NY 11571-9023 or call Mary Anne at 516-678-5800 ext. 540 or email: marusso@drvc.org. Name Address TownZip Phone Number Number Attending Name of Community Residence 15