A community of Faith hope and love Seventh Sunday of Easter May 12, 2013 Lord, hear my voice, for I have called you!
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. Msgr. Gerard A. Ringenback, Pastor Rev. Christopher M. Costigan, Assistant Pastor 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 Stefan Jensen, Maintenance Supervisor IN RESIDENCE: Rev. Martin J. Hall 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. 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! 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 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) at-home 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 Mass. Please call 731-4220 or e-mail 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
Clairvaux chronicle Don t Forget Your Baby Bottle! On Mother s Day weekend, Saint Bernard s parish will be hosting a Baby Bottle Fundraiser to benefit The Life Center of Long Island. The Life Center is a crisis pregnancy center that counsels women and men who are experiencing an unplanned pregnancy. They provide maternity housing, medical care, referrals, cribs, car seats, diapers and ALL other baby items that are needed. We are asking that you pick up a baby bottle and fill it with your change. Most importantly, we are asking you to recite the prayer on the bottle. The prayer attached to the bottle will enable the counselors at The Life Center to say just the right words a mother or father may need to hear. It especially opens a mother s heart to accept the truth. We believe these prayers lead abortion-minded women to call The Life Center in the first place. Let us pray with our whole heart for the lives of our unborn children. No small sacrifice A few days ago my sister called me, and I could tell by her voice that this was not a good-news message. My sister informed me that her son learned from his wife that after 7 years of marriage she wanted a legal separation and presumably after that a divorce. A further heartbreak involves the two young children of this marriage who will soon have to deal with parents who no longer live together. Sad to say it is an all too common outcome of marital relationships in today s world. For my sister s family it will darken this Mother s Day which should be a bright occasion of gratitude and festivity. It is a sobering reminder that a successful marriage is the result of a constant, daily effort to nurture the relationship, otherwise it will disintegrate. Every parent wants only what is best for their son or daughter. One of the greatest joys for a Mom or Dad is to know their child is happy and, for those who choose to marry, has found a spouse who will bring true happiness. But it does not always happen that way. Marriage today is a high risk venture, and there are many factors that can lead to a separation. As a result older parents at times find themselves raising their own grandchildren or filling in the gaps that can occur in family life. They do this willingly and often at no small sacrifice. It is a true test of what it means to be a Mom or Dad in circumstances that could never be foreseen but require a generous response. Mother s Day and Father s Day are prized American traditions. They are occasions to take stock of family life, to appreciate the gift of marriage, to affirm those who are single parents, and to recognize the crucial role that parents play in the lives of their children, a role which is both fulfilling and demanding. Is it any wonder that God saw fit to image Himself as a parent who would reveal to us the best of being mother and father. 3
parish news May is the month of Mary Our Rosary Walks will take place again on Saturday mornings in May after the 8am Mass. Please bring your Rosary and join us as we walk into Mary s garden praying Mary s Rosary. Gifts of treasure Sunday collections May 5, 2013 May 6, 2012 $ 13,022.25 $ 13,242.25 559 envelopes 582 envelopes Faith Direct $ 1,944.08 $ 2,451.53 Total Collection $ 14,966.33 $ 15,693.78 Second Collection Catholic Education $ 2,956.95 $ 3,345.78 271 envelopes 310 envelopes A Blessed Day is wished to All Mothers Memorial Day is a few weeks away. Is there anyone you know from the parish who should be on the list of deceased service people other than the names that we ve listed in the past? If you are not sure, drop it by again. Please include the branch of service. Thank you for your cooperation in keeping the lists up to date. DATES TO REMEMBER: Saturday May 25 th from 12noon to 1:00pm Outside Rosary Rally for Freedom of Religion. See page 11 for further information. On Sunday, June 9 th after the 10:30am Mass, there will be a special blessing of the newest bricks for the Memorial Garden located by the statue of St. Bernard. Farewell Mass - Father Jerry and Father Chris Please keep in mind the date, Sunday, June 23. At the noon day Mass Father Jerry and Father Chris will say their Farewell Mass, followed by a reception which will be held in the school auditorium. All are welcome to attend. Campaign Program Goal: $1,000,000.00 Pledged: $1,188,666.00 Paid: $ 363,819.00 Catholic Ministries Appeal 2013 Goal: $ 97,500.00 Pledged: $ 78,570.00 Paid: $ 41,102.00 (5/1/13) # of Gifts : 312 % Goal: 80.6 St. Bernard's winners circle April 2013 WINNERS Irene and Antonio Sotu Congratulations! the Gifts of bread and wine for the weekend of May 11th and May 12th were requested in celebration of The 60th Wedding Anniversary of Arthur and Anne Sonnick requested by Walter and Marie Bartnick 4 Please Pray Daily: Jesus and Mary, we love you, please restore our religious Freedom.
mass intentions Monday, May 13, 2013 8:00 am Mother s Day Novena Tuesday, May 14, St. Matthias 8:00 am Mother s Day Novena Wednesday, May 15 8:00 am Mother s Day Novena Thursday, May 16 8:00 am Mother s Day Novena Friday, May 17 8:00 am Mother s Day Novena Saturday, May 18, St. John I 8:00 am Mother s Day Novena 8:00 am Rae Nuzio 4th Anniversary 8:00 am Pauline Oleyar 8:00 am Charles E. Wilson, Sr. 5:00 pm Margaret and Cornelius Flaherty Sunday, May 19 7:30 am The Hynes & Legere Family 9:00 am For all Parishioners 10:30 am Mother s Day Novena 10:30 am Carl Giovanniello 10:30 am James Martin 10:30 am Bruce J.Adams 12 noon Jacqueline Mineo 5:30 pm Preston Winslow Note: The 8:00am Mass on May 11, didn t show Morgan Malvoism. The Mass was offered for that intention, we missed in printing. We apologize. Parish schedule Monday, May 13 8:00 am Miraculous Medal Novena, Church 7:00 pm Bereavement Group, Parish Center Tuesday, May 14 6:15 pm Children s Choir, Parish Center 6:30 pm Cub Scout Meeting, School 7:00 pm Boy Scouts, Youth Ministry Room 7:00 pm Spanish Rosary, Prayer Room 7:30 pm Adult Choir, Church 8:00 pm AA Meeting, Cafeteria Wednesday, May 15 10:00am & 7:30pm Strengths Group 1, Parish Center 7:30 pm Welcome Orientation, Parish Center 8:00 pm Prayer Group, Parish Center Thursday, May 16 10:00 am Shawl Ministry, Parish Center 2:00 pm St. Vincent Meeting, Clairvaux House 6:30 pm The Most Holy Trinity Adoration, Prayer Room 7:15 pm Bereavement Facilitator Training, Parish Center 7:30 pm Liturgy Meeting, Parish Center 7:30 pm Vatican II Course, Parish Center Friday, May 17 10:00 am Vatican II Course, Parish Center 2:00 pm Stroke Support, Parish Center 7:15 pm Cub Scout Pack Night, Cafeteria Saturday, May 18 11:00 am First Communion, Church 11:00 am Women s AA Meeting, Cafeteria Sunday, May 19 9:00 am Baptism Mass 9:00 am RCIA, Parish Center 10:30am & 12Noon First Communion, Church 12:00 Noon RCIA Confirmation 6:30 pm Youth Ministry, Parish Center 7:00 pm Men s Prayer Group, Prayer Room 8:00 pm AA Meeting, Cafeteria Prayer requests Baptisms: We welcome into the parish the following new member: Damien Michael DeSantis Austin Daniel Marciano BANNS OF MARRIAGE Second Time Daniel T. Bulger, St. Bernard s Parish, Levittown, NY Cassandra Beatty, St. Isidore s Parish, Riverhead, 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. Denise Connelly Michael Flaherty Anthony Henaghan Vicki Jacona Amrut Mistry Joan Russo Laureen Quinn-Sturge Katherine M. Saciolo Bryan Solomone Orlino Tabog Rosalie Travers Stephen Turkovich Please pray for all those on our Long-term Sick List Baby Christian Murphy Susan Arena Helen Clarke Rosemary Clark Roberta Curran Vincent Davi Bridget Dell Aera Juanita Dones Gerry Dowling Jim Finlan Colleen Grasing Margaret Habermehl Mike Hach Carolyn Hakim Jerome W. Kalkhof Andrew Mahoney Mary Messina William McDonagh Mary McLean Kerri Orlando Johnny Perdue Rosina Perri Helen Pfiefer Joseph Pfeifer Raymond Pfiefer Catherine Pipinou Deanne Reilly Terri Saccente Eve Saint Jeannette Sepe Thomas Saint Joseph Smithwick, Sr. Norma Steiger Marina Suazo David Testa Theresa Votto Rob Weidermann Congratulations to the parents Jack Anthony Dunne Chanelle Marie Orlandini Pat Welisher Pray for our beloved deceased And those who mourn for them Elizabeth R. Cambria John Joseph Cotter Charles Dispenzieri Marilyn L. Sallar Jack Santamaria 5
GIFTED, ENGAGED AND 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 serve to the parish and community. DO YOU HAVE THE TIME AND TALENT TO WELCOME PEOPLE TO WORSHIP ON SUNDAYS? How nice it is to be greeted at the door of the church and welcomed by the smiling faces and warm hearts of our Worship Greeters! You may have noticed recently that on some weeks at some Masses we no longer have Greeters at the door. A number of our veteran Greeters have needed to retire from the ministry recently, and we are looking to replenish their ranks. Church growth research shows clearly that among younger generations, how people are welcomed to a parish or to a worship experience makes a big difference in whether or not they come back. Our Worship Greeters are one way that St. Bernard s seeks to make people feel welcomed and comfortable at Mass. We welcome teens, adults, and even families to consider joining our team of Worship Greeters! Commitment is for half an hour before a Mass every third week. You need to have the talent of a warm smile and be able to easily greet strangers. Greeters are needed at the Saturday 5:00 p.m., Sunday 10:30 and 12:00 p.m. Masses. Contact Diane Vella at 516-731-4220 or dvella@stbernardslevittown.org to discuss the possibilities! Goal 2: To motivate and equip engaged parishioners to reach out and invite others to become engaged. St. Bernard s Faithful Families presents FAMILY SPORTS NIGHT! Friday, May 31, 7:00-9:00 p.m., St. Bernard s School Gym Bring your family and & shoot some hoops, toss some bean bags and run some races! There will be activities appropriate for children from 2 to 12 years old! All activities are designed for parents to participate with children. Free snacks provided! PLAYIN, PRAYIN, JUMPIN WITH JESUS 4 Saturdays starting June 1, 10-11:30 a.m. in the Parish Center Parents and children ages 18 mos. 4 years play, pray and jump together in this faith-themed prayer, craft and exercise program. Pre-registration necessary! Go to www.stbernardslevittown.org home page for link to information and registration form. Let us know you are coming by contacting faithfulfamilies@stbernardslevittown.org Contact Diane Vella at 516-731-4220 or dvella@stbernardslevittown.org 6
GIFTED, ENGAGED AND GROWING st. Bernard s pastoral plan Goal 3: To increase support and recognition of engaged parishioners What Happened at Vatican II? A six-session monthly series celebrating the anniversary of the opening of the Second Vatican Council What changed and what didn t and why? SESSION 5: Outreach to Other Christians/Religions Thursday, May 16, 7:30-9:00 p.m. or Friday, May 17, 10:00-11:30 a.m. in the Parish Center Goal 1: To provide opportunities for all parishioners to discover and live their strengths, and thereby engage more parishioners in serve to the parish and community. On STRENGTHS SUNDAY 170 more parishioners joined the Strengths journey! If you have a Strengths book, we encourage you to do the StrengthsFinder assessment and report your God-given talents back to us. If you haven t yet gotten a Strengths book, you can still get a FREE COPY at the Parish Office during office hours. BECOME THE PERSON GOD MADE YOU TO BE! Contact Diane Vella at dvella@stbernardslevittown.org or 516-731-4220 Instructor: Diane Vella, M.A. Pastoral Associate For information contact Diane Vella at 516-731-4220 or dvella@stbernardslevittown.org Goal 3: To increase recognition and support of engaged parishioners Many thanks to another St. Bernard s Angel using his STRENGTHS! George Hores is a student at Division Avenue High School and is active in our Youth Ministry here at St. Bernard s. You may also recognize him as the sacristan at our Sunday 5:30 p.m. Mass. Recently, George played a major part in setting up our parish Facebook page, and in tutoring the clueless staff members on how to use it. George continues to monitor things, and to assist with any questions we have. We ve been complimented by parishioners and by other parishes on how we are using our Facebook page for information and outreach. We wouldn t have been able to do it without George and his generosity of time and talent! George and other parishioners generously give of their time and talent to serve in individual and group ministries in many ways that help us carry out our mission of sharing Christ with others. Whatever talent you have, and however much or little time you have, you can contribute! Are you a behind-the-scenes kind of person? We can put your talents and interests to work! Contact Diane Vella at 516-731-4220 or dvella@stbernardslevittown.org. 7
Liturgy corner J esus prayer to the Father in this passage transcends the Gospel narrative and touches our lives directly. After reading it one cannot help but feel the stirring of the Holy Spirit, pointing to one truth; Jesus prayed to his heavenly Father with all his future followers in mind, including you and me. Millennia before our present day, Jesus Christ already held us in his heart and offered us in prayer to God this is a truly mysterious and amazing thing to ponder. First Reading: Today s first reading from Acts of the Apostles recounts the death of Stephen, the first martyr in the church. It is an interesting choice for this second to last Sunday of Easter Time. Perhaps Stephen s vision of God s glory prompted its choice since Jesus prays in today s Gospel that his followers will see the glory which the Father has given him. This is precisely what Stephen sees in his vision. Stephen s death and Jesus reception of his spirit, marks the completion of his journey to his heavenly home. So it will be for us. Responsorial Psalm 97: Today s Psalm, although not specifically mentioned, celebrates God s kingship. The language evokes the prophet Daniel s vision of the exaltation of the Son of Man. The Lord is king, the most high over all the earth. SEVENTH SUNDAY OF EASTER May 12, 2013 Second Reading: The verses chosen for today s reading come from the end of Revelation, a book filled with descriptions of heaven and of the rewards given to those who are judged righteous after their death. Note the names given to Jesus, especially Alpha and Omega: these very words are used in the preparation of the paschal candle at the Easter Vigil. Note also the prominence of the word come. Jesus promises to come soon. The Church prays, come, Lord Jesus. How deep is our longing, our prayer, for his coming? Gospel: Today s Gospel is set in the context of Jesus last words to his disciples the night before he died. Here Jesus is speaking not only to the disciples, but to the heavenly Father. In his prayer, Jesus asks that his followers will be united as one, more specifically, as he and the Father are one. The unity of his followers will give witness to the world that the Jesus in whom they believe, and whose teachings they follow, was indeed sent by the Father. The unity of the Father and the Son, the love between the Father and the Son this is the same unity and love that Jesus prays will be the experience and the witness of all who believe in him. 8
Readings FOR may 12, 2013 - may 19, 2013 A Time of Transition Over the next few weeks, this column will include something about Fr. Ralph that he would like us to know. Sunday, May 12. Seventh Sunday of Easter. Acts 7:55-60; Psalm 97:1-2, 6-7, 9; Revelation 22:12-14, 16-17, 20; John 17:20-26 Monday, May 13. Acts 19:1-8; Psalm 68:2-7; John 16:29-33 Tuesday, May 14. Feast of Saint Matthias, Apostle. Acts 1:15-17, 20-26; Psalm 113:1-8; John 15:9-17 Wednesday, May 15. Acts 20:28-38; Psalm 68:29-30, 33-36; John 17:11-19 Thursday, May 16. Acts 22:30; 23:6-11; Psalm 16:1-2, 5,7-11; John 17:20-26 Friday, May 17. Acts 25:13-21; Psalm 103:1-2, 11-12, 19-20; John 21:15-19 Saturday, May 18. Acts 28:16-20, 30-31; Psalm 11:4-5, 7; John 21:20-25 Sunday, May 19. Pentecost Sunday. Acts 2:1-11; Psalm 104:1, 24, 29-31, 34; 1 Corinthians 12:3-7, 12-13; John 20:19-23 Things to Know About Fr. Ralph - Part 3 Our new pastor, Fr. Ralph Sommer, has a number of hobbies. Among them are gardening, woodworking, web design, photography and video production. He fosters recycling, encourages composting, likes to repurpose things in creative ways. He loves music of many genres, is fond of the Simpsons and the Mets. Charitable Kidz A teenage Community Service Group of Young Vicentians For the ride home This feature is for families to share their thoughts as they travel to and from Church. St. Vincent de Paul Communion Breakfast with the Charitable KIDZ (Young Vincentians) May 5, 2013 May 12, 2013 Seventh Sunday of Easter First Reading: Acts 7: 55-60 Second Reading: Revelation 22: 12-14, 16-17, 20 Gospel: John 17: 20-26 Adults : Who in your family has the gift of wisdom? How does he or she use this gift? Children: Who is the wisest person that you know? What has he or she taught you? Heartfelt thanks to St. Bernard s Vincentians, parishioners and friends for on-going support of the Charitable KIDZ program together we perform wonderful works of community service! 9
Parish social ministry Sr. Christine Sammons, O.P., 731-6074 St. Vincent de Paul: Please accept our gratitude for the many ways you reach out to our low-income Levittown neighbors. We are most grateful! These are real people in real need and who are so grateful for any assistance they are able to receive from the People of God at St. Bernard s! This week, our pantry needs include! Laundry and dish detergent Toiletries of all kinds Cereal Tomato products of all kinds Jelly Cake mixes and frosting Long-grain rice Canned fruit Chef Boy-ar-dee pasta Lipton or Knorr sides Cookies and snacks Kindly remember the poor boxes and to buy one, get one free! Job Opportunity at Catholic Charities Diocese of Rockville Centre: Bi-lingual (Spanish/English) Hourly Social Worker Mental Health Outpatient Services, Freeport We are seeking a talented, caring Social Worker (fluent in Spanish & English) to provide individual and/or group therapy to children, adolescents and adults seeking care at our Freeport Mental Health Clinic. The Social Worker must have strong computer skills and will complete psychosocial assessments, develop/ implement treatment plans, complete progress notes, and facilitate linkage to appropriate resources and community services, if indicated. Our ideal candidate will be a LCSW, LMSW or LMHC, fluent in Spanish/ English with at least 1 year prior experience in a related program. To apply: email cover letter and resume to: jobs@catholiccharities.cc or fax to: 516.733.7038 Divorced, Separated, Single Catholics: A new-member orientation will take place for this nondenominational group on Tuesday, May 28 th at 8 p.m. at St. Frances de Chantal Church, 1309 Wantagh Avenue, Wantagh. Widow/ers welcome! For further information, call Carol at 516-794-4933 or Eileen at 516-661-4353. Thanks to our friends at Stop & Shop! We received an unexpected call from Rob Altenburger, the manager of Stop & Shop, who had a collection last fall in the store. He shared $3,507.00 with us and St. James Outreach. We are grateful for his thinking of us and we assured him that we will keep the sharing going. Many thanks, Rob and the folks of Stop & Stop! Divorced, Separated, Single Catholics: A new-member orientation will take place for this nondenominational group on Tuesday, May 28 th at 8 p.m. at St. Frances de Chantal Church, 1309 Wantagh Avenue, Wantagh. Widow/ers welcome! For further information, call Carol at 516-794-4933 or Eileen at 516-661-4353. Happy Mother s Day to all mothers and especially to those whom we are privileged to serve through St. Vincent de Paul and Parish Social Ministry! 10
Rosary Rally for Religious Freedom Please join us on May 25th from 12noon to 1pm as we pray the rosary during this time of unprecedented threats to our religious freedom. The two articles below highlight just a few of these threats. Abortion Expansion In his state of the State address, Governor Cuomo announced his support for a bill called the Reproductive Health Act. This is an extreme bill, and it would greatly expand abortion in New York State. It would declare abortion a fundamental right, and would ensure that abortion is legal through nine months of pregnancy, for any reason. It would prevent any reasonable regulation such as parental notification or informed consent requirements, or bans on partial birth abortion. It would endanger woman by allowing non-doctors to perform abortions. It could threaten the religious liberty of religious hospitals be requiring them to cooperate in abortions. New York State already has far too many abortions - over 30% of pregnancies end in abortion, over 111,000 each year. We don t need broader abortion laws. We need our law to respect human life at all stages. And we need to offer New York women real alternatives to abortion and provide them with a network of support and resource to enable them to bear their children and raise their families with dignity. Please contact your state legislator to oppose the Reproductive Health Act or any other measure designed to expand abortion in New York State. To do so, visit: www.nyscatholic.org and click on Take Action Go to www.newyorkersforlife.org to keep up on the latest information. Allowing Over-Counter Sale of Contraceptives to All Ages Simply Wrong An April 5 decision by a New York federal judge to lift age limits on purchases of over-the-counter emergency contraceptives should be appealed and overturned, according to an official of the U.S. Catholic Conference of Bishops. No public health consideration justifies the unregulated distribution of such drugs to children, said Deirdre McQuade, spokeswoman for the USCCB s Secretariat for Pro Life Activities. Many studies have shown that wider access to emergency contraception among young people does not reduce pregnancy or abortion rates, but can contribute to higher rates of sexually transmitted disease, she said in a statement. Plan B, known generically as levonorgestrel, uses large doses of birth-control pills to prevent conception up to 72 hours after unprotected sex. According to Ms. McQuade, Plan B does not prevent or treat any disease, but makes young adolescent girls more available to sexual predators. She said the court s action undermines parents ability to protect their daughters from such exploitation and from the adverse effects of the drug itself. Catholic New York, 4/8/13 St. Bernard's Faith, Freedom, and Action Committee has joined with the religious freedom committees of seven other Long Island parishes under the title of "Catholics for Religious Freedom".(www.CatholicsforReligiousFreedom.org). " I encourage you to consider participation in such a group."-- Bishop Murphy 11
St. Bernard school of religion Sister Margaret Sammon, OP, Director 731-8511 Attention Parents of Kindergarteners! If you are NOT yet a registered Parishioner... Parents and Guardians of children currently attending Kindergarten will have the opportunity to register their children for St. Bernard s Church two-year First Holy Communion Preparation program, which will begin in September of 2013. In order for a child to be eligible for the First Holy Communion program, a parent or legal guardian must be a registered member of St. Bernard s parish. Parents who are not yet formally registered in the parish may join the parish at an upcoming New Member Welcome Orientations, to be held on: Wednesday, May 15 at 7:30 p.m. in St. Bernard s Parish Center. First Holy Communion program registration information packets will be available at the orientation. Please call the rectory at 516-731-4220 or visit www.stbernardslevittown.org and click on the Join St. Bernard s Parish link for Welcome Orientation information and sign up. If you are not sure if you are actually a current registered parishioner, please call the rectory to verify. ***************************************** NO REGISTRATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED WITHOUT ALL OF THESE REQUIREMENTS If you are already a current registered parishioner and DO NOT already have other children in our program, registration for your First Year child will take place at the Religious Education Center : Monday, May 20 thru Thursday, May 23 from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM Tuesday, May 21 from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM Sunday, June 2 from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM In order to register you will need: Parish Envelope Number, Your payment (cash or check only) for $195 A copy of your child s Baptismal Certificate (Even if they were Baptized at St. Bernard s ) Transition Team This June, St. Bernard s will be saying goodbye to Father Jerry and welcoming Father Ralph. A Transition Team has been established to work with Fr. Jerry as well as Fr. Ralph to foster a smooth transition over the next 8 months. If you have any questions, comments, or concerns regarding the transition, please email us at transition@stbernardslevittown.org 12
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Community Bulletin Board Fatima Day, May 13, 2013 Shrine of Our Lady of the Island, Manorville, NY 10:00 am - Stations of the Cross 11:30 am - Holy Mass 12:30 pm - Lunch 1:30 pm - The Triumph - a powerful documentary film, two years in the making, that offers a rare glimpse into the life of the visionary Mirjana, who was chosen by Our Lady to release ten prophetic secrets of Medjugorje to the world. Gianna Mass for Couples Struggling with Infertility and Recurrent Miscarriage On Thursday, May 16 th at 6:30 p.m., The Gianna Mass will be offered at St. Catherine of Siena Church, 411 East 68 th Street (between York and First Ave.), Manhattan, for the intentions of those struggling with infertility and pregnancy-related difficulties. Time for veneration of the relics of St. Gianna will be made available. A light wine and cheese reception will follow at which Dr. Anne Nolte from the Gianna Center and additional Creighton fertility care practitioners will be on hand to speak with anyone who is interested. The event is open to the public and all are invited to attend. For more information contact the Diocese of Rockville Centre Respect Life Office at 516-678-5800, ext 626. Volunteers Needed Volunteers are needed at A. Holly Patterson Extended Care Facility in Uniondale to transfer residents to and from their rooms in wheelchairs to the auditorium for Sunday Mass at 10:30 am. This facility serves the sick, the elderly and the dying - reaching residents from thirty years of age to over one-hundred. If you can assist on a Sunday, please call Fr. R. Michael Reid, Chaplain, at 516-572-1479 and leave a message. Staff Position St. Anthony House A ministry of the St. Vincent de Paul Society, St. Anthony House is a home and transition program for men. Applications are being accepted for a full time staff position. This position requires a valid NYS license and a real interest in working with a ministry. It involves direct contact with clients, helping them to independent living. If interested, contact Deacon Patrick, Box 340, Roosevelt, NY 11575; email: anthonyhouseny@aol.com. Marianist Family Retreat Center - a seashore setting for a unique and Christ-centered Catholic family experience. You are invited to enhance your family s spiritual growth by joining other families and the Marianist Community in a weekend or week-long retreat. Week-long Family Retreat (every Monday - Saturday), June 24 th - August 24 th. Single-parent Family Retreat July 15 th - 20 th. For information, rates, brochure and application: The Marianist Family Retreat Center P.O. Box 488 Cape May Point, New Jersey 08212 e-mail: mfrc@capemaymariantists.org website: www.cpemaymarianists.org The University of Notre Dame Folk Choir in Concert at St. Agnes Cathedral 29 Quealy Place Rockville Centre, NY 11570 Wednesday, May 22 nd at 7:30 pm Come and enjoy four part harmony, an ingenious blend of guitar, organ, instruments and percussion, with a reverent diversity of style. A free will offering to benefit Tomorrow's Hope Foundation is greatly appreciated Chaminade Summer Camps Summer 2013 Instructional Sports Camps - Basketball - Crew - Lacrosse -Track & Field - Baseball - Wrestling - Soccer - Football - Speed & Agility - Swimming - Volleyball For more information, go to www.chaminade-hs.org/ or contact Mr. Michael Ingrassia, Director of Camps, at 516-742-5555 Ext 522 or email: mingrassia@chamindate-hs.org Academic and Cultural Camps - Civil War Camp - Drama Camp - LI Heritage Camp - Science Camp - Writing Workshop 15