THIRD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME JANUARY 24, 2016

THIRD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME JANUARY 24, 2016 For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, slaves or free persons, and we were all given to drink of one Spirit. Msgr. Francis Caldwell, Pastor... Ext. 302 Cheryl Nicholson... Ext. 301 Parish Assistant Mrs. Kathy Day... Ext. 304 Bookkeeper Mrs. Marlene Jean-Baptiste Director of Social Ministry 292-1603 or 481-2550 Ext. 320 Cheryl Nicholson... Ext. 312 Bulletin Editor Voice Mail Only: Must Leave a Message Mr. Richard Lee... Ext. 345 Counseling & Marriage Preparation Deacon Hernst Bellevue... Ext. 346 Director of Adult Faith Formation English/Creole Baptismal Program Mr. Alvin Ingram... Ext. 347 Liturgy Chairperson Mr. Tom Gould... Ext. 348 Facilities Manager Mrs. Dulce Sepulveda... Ext. 349 Spanish Baptism Program Elissa Hanson... Ext.350 Choir Director & Organist Ms. Lisette Joachim... Ext 351 Ministry of Consolation Deacon Evenou Saint-Louis Webmaster & Parochial Archivist... Ext. 352 RELIGIOUS EDUCATION Deacon Trevor Mathurin, Director of Religious Education... Ext. 311 Mrs. Imogene Regan, RCIA Director... Ext. 314 1 PRAY FOR OUR MILITARY PERSONNEL U.S. Air Force: Staff Sgt. Andrew D. Simpson Master Sergeant Scott Moller Tech. Sgt. Francisco J. Velasquez Master Sgt. Jeremy Salaver U.S. Army: Private Angelique J. Rosado Master Sergeant Jill Agront Sgt. Hisnard Cadet, Jr. Staff Sgt. Misael Exantus PFC Zaymery Villalobos Special Force Kareem Inniss LT COL. Elizabeth Werns-Romano Flight Surgeon Spc. Richard Aquilar Captain Gavin Campbell McMahon LTC Douglas Boltuc Sgt. Andrew Gandolfo PFC Francisco Fuentes Melinium PFC Stefan Saindoux PFC Luc-Ambert Saindoux, Jr. PFC Betty Piquion U.S. Marines: 1 st Battalion Carlos Fuentes CPL Daniel C. Monroe RCT Eric Joel Vazquez Sergeant W. Jason Ferris L. Cpl. Alfonso Rodriquez INDEPENDENCE STRENGTH FREEDOM U.S. Navy: Airman Herbert J. Alvarado JE-4/CS3 Jesus Ron Chief Petty Officer John V. Sparkowski Lt. Joseph A. Baugh Cpl. Eric Omar Matos Lt. John R. Esposito AG2/Petty Officer 2 nd Class Michael McGee

Saint Martha Roman Catholic Church 546 GREENGROVE AVENUE, UNIONDALE, NEW YORK 11553-2145 Phone: (516) 481-2550 info@saintmartha.org www.saintmartha.org Dear Parishioners: THE PASTOR S WEEKLY LETTER January 24 th 2016 ~ Third Sunday of Ordinary Time ~ ME: My twelve years (two terms) as pastor here at St. Martha s comes to an end on June 30 th 2016. Leaving will be very sad for me! Back in November I had requested to stay longer but an extension wasn t given by the bishop. So, now the change process is in motion. At the moment I do not know where I will be on July 30 th. But, I do know things will work out for St. Martha s and for me. So, to that end, MEETINGS: This week I invite and encourage parishioners to attend two Town Hall Meetings to discuss the selection process of the next pastor of St. Martha s. Please join as we welcome the Episcopal Vicar, the Personnel Director and Dean to discuss the qualities that folks are looking for in the sixth pastor of St. Martha s. We are familiar with these town hall gatherings and have them quarterly as you know. These two meetings are important as we will be both reviewing the overall parochial plans for the next several months and sharing ideas about future leadership. SCHEDULE: The two meetings will be tomorrow and Tuesday (January 25th & 26th) in Bethany Hall at 7:30 PM. We will have wine and cheese after tomorrow s meeting and bakery goods after Tuesday s meetings. Neither meeting should go beyond two hours. Both meetings will be video-taped so that the new pastor will be able to appreciate the hopes and aspirations of St. Martha s folks going forward. May I ask that all the ministers who have a gold parish blazer wear them for the meetings and other folks consider attending in Sunday best attire! Thank you! MISSION: Our Lenten Mission will take place during the week of March 6 th this year! The presenter this year will be Father Anthony Stanganelli, the Pastor of St. Brigid s Parish in Westbury. The theme will be the Y ear of Mercy beginning on the weekend that we hear the Gospel parable of the Prodigal Son. RETREAT DAY: Our Annual Retreat Day for ALL volunteers will be on Saturday, February 27 th 2016 beginning at 12:30 and concluding with the 5 PM Mass. It is presumed that all who volunteer will be present for the entire day as we together make our annual commitment to be faithful to our parochial obligations whatever they may be. Some 218 volunteers were present at our Christmas gathering on Epiphany Sunday a few weeks ago. So, we re hoping all 218 and more will be present on February 27 th. Should it be necessary to postpone this date due to snow (God forbid) the snow date will be the following Saturday, March 5 th! Our presenter will be Father Gregory Cappuccino, Pastor of St. Francis in Wantagh. Father Greg grew up here in Uniondale and celebrated his First Mass here. He is an excellent speaker and we re lucky he is free to join us for the Annual Retreat Day. If for some reason you can t make the retreat, please email me (see bulletin cover). Thank You! SAVE THE DAY: Please keep open Saturday, April 2 nd at 5 PM for the Vigil Mass of Divine Mercy Sunday. Archbishop Bernardito Auza, the Apostolic Nuncio to the United Nations will be here. The Archbishop is particularly important to the people of Haiti since he was Nuncio in Port Au Prince at the time of the earthquake and he is responsible for the gift of Fr. Rony to St. Martha s! Please save the date. Fr. Frank 2

Saint Martha Roman Catholic Church 546 GREENGROVE AVENUE, UNIONDALE, NEW YORK 11553-2145 Phone: (516) 481-2550 info@saintmartha.org www.saintmartha.org Chers Paroissiens: THE PASTOR S WEEKLY LETTER January 24 th 2016 ~ Third Sunday of Ordinary Time ~ MOI: Mes douze années (deux mandats) comme curé ici à Sainte Martha arrivent à terme le 30 juin 2016. Ce sera très triste pour moi de quitter! En novembre, j'avais demandé de rester plus longtemps mais une extension n'a pas été accordée par l'évêque. Donc, maintenant, le processus de changement est en mouvement. Pour le moment, je ne sais pas où je serai le 30 juillet. Mais, je sais que les choses s arrangeront pour Sainte Martha et pour moi. Donc, à cette fin... REUNIONS: Cette semaine, j'invite et j encourage les paroissiens à assister à deux réunions de «Town Hall» pour discuter du processus de sélection du prochain curé de Ste. Martha. S'il vous plaît, veuillez vous joindre à nous pour accueillir le Vicaire Épiscopal, le Directeur du Personnel et Doyen pour discuter des qualités que les gens recherchent chez le sixième curé de Sainte Martha. Nous avons l habitude de ces rassemblements «town hall» que nous tenons chaque trimestre, comme vous le savez. Ces deux réunions sont importantes car non seulement nous examinerons nos plans pour la paroisse pendant les prochains mois, mais nous partagerons aussi nos idées sur la direction future de la paroisse. HORAIRE: Les deux réunions auront lieu demain et mardi (25 et 26 janvier) à 7h30 du soir à Bethany Hall. Nous aurons du vin et du fromage après la réunion de demain et de la patisserie après la réunion de mardi. Ces réunions ne devraient pas durer plus de deux heures. Les deux réunions seront enregistrées en vidéo pour que le nouveau curé soit en mesure d apprécier les espoirs et les aspirations des gens de Sainte Martha pour l avenir. Puis-je demander que les ministres qui en possèdent portent leur veste jaune or à ces réunions et que les autres personnes considèrent de porter une tenue «endimanchée»! Merci! MISSION: Notre Mission de Carême aura lieu durant la semaine du 6 Mars cette année! Le présentateur sera le Père Anthony Stanganelli, Curé de la Paroisse de Ste. Brigid à Westbury. Le thème sera «l Année de la Miséricorde», débutant pendant le week-end où nous entendons la parabole évangélique du Fils Prodigue. JOURNÉE DE RETRAITE: Notre journée annuelle de retraite pour tous les bénévoles aura lieu le Samedi 27 Février 2016, commençant à Midi et demie et finissant avec la Messe de 5 heures PM. On présume que tous les bénévoles seront présents toute la journée pour prendre ensemble notre engagement annuel d'être fidèles à nos obligations paroissiales quelqu'elles soient. Quelques 218 bénévoles étaient présents à notre réunion de Noël le dimanche de l Épiphanie il y a quelques semaines. Ainsi, nous espérons que tous les 218 et plus encore seront présents le 27 février. S'il est nécessaire de reporter cette date en raison de la neige (Dieu nous en préserve), la "date de neige" sera la suivante, le samedi 5 mars! Notre présentateur sera le Père Gregory Cappuccino, curé de St. Francis à Wantagh. Père Greg a grandi ici à Uniondale et a célébré sa première messe ici. Il est un excellent orateur et nous sommes chanceux qu'il soit libre de se joindre à nous pour la Journée Annuelle de Retraite. Si pour une raison quelconque, vous ne pouvez pas venir à la retraite, s'il vous plaît écrivez-moi (voir le couvercle du bulletin). Merci! RÉSERVEZ LA DATE: S il vous plaît, réservez le Samedi 2 Avril à 5 heures p.m. pour la Vigile de la Messe du dimanche de la Miséricorde Divine. L Archevêque Bernardito Auza, Nonce Apostolique auprès des Nations Unies, sera ici. L Archevêque est particulièrement important pour le peuple haïtien, puisqu il était Nonce à Port-au- Prince pendant le tremblement de terre et il est responsable du don du Père Rony à Ste. Martha! Pere Frank 3

Saint Martha Roman Catholic Church 546 GREENGROVE AVENUE, UNIONDALE, NEW YORK 11553-2145 Phone: (516) 481-2550 info@saintmartha.org www.saintmartha.org Queridos feligreses: CARTA SEMANAL DEL PASTOR - 24 enero de 2016 ~ Tercer Domingo del Tiempo Ordinario ~ YO: Mis doce años (dos períodos) como pastor aquí en Santa Martha llegara a su fin el 30 de Junio del 2016. Dejarlos sera muy triste para mí! En Noviembre había pedido quedarme más tiempo, pero la extensión no me la concedio el Obispo. Así pues, ahora el proceso de cambio está en movimiento. Por el momento no sé dónde estaré el 30 de Julio.Pero, lo que sí sé es que las cosas saldrán bien para Santa Marta y para mí. Así, con este fin,... REUNIONES:Esta semana los invito - y animo - feligreses a asistir a dos reuniones "Town Hall" para discutir el proceso de selección del próximo párroco de Santa Martha. Por favor, únase al dar la bienvenida al Vicario Episcopal, el Director de Personal y Dean para discutir las cualidades que la gente está buscando en el sexto párroco de Santa Martha. Estamos familiarizados con estas "reuniones de ayuntamiento" que ellos tienen trimestral como usted sabe. Estas dos reuniones son importantes ya que estaremos tanto en la revisión de los planes parroquiales generales para los próximos meses y el intercambio de ideas sobre el futuro lider. HORARIO:.Las dos reuniones serán mañana 25 y el Martes 26 de Enero en Bethany Hall a las 7:30 PM.Tendremos vino y queso después de las reuniones y buena reposteria después de las reuniones del Martes. Ninguna reunión durara más allá de dos horas. Ambas reuniones serán grabado en vídeo para que el nuevo pastor pueda apreciar las esperanzas y aspiraciones de la gente de Santa Martha de cara al futuro. Podria pedirles que todos los ministros que tienen un blazer parroquia de oro los usen para las reuniones y otras personas que consideren asistir usen sus mejores"trajes de domingo"! Gracias. MISIÓN:Nuestra misión cuaresmal se llevará a cabo durante la semana del 6 de Marzo de este año! El presentador de este año será el Padre Anthony Stanganelli,el Pastor de la Parroquia de Santa Brígida en Westbury. El tema será el"a ño de la Misericordia",que comienza el fin de semana que escuchamos la parábola evangélica del hijo pródigo:. DIA DE RETIRO :Nuestro Día Anual de Retiro para TODOS los voluntarios será el Sábado 27 de Febrero del 2016 a partir de las 12:30 y concluyendo con la Misa de las 5:00PM.Se supone que todos los voluntarios estará presente durante todo el día, ya que juntos hacemos nuestro compromiso anual para ser fieles a nuestras obligaciones parroquiales sean las que sean. Unos 218 voluntarios estaban presentes en nuestra reunión de Navidad en la Epifanía del Domingo hace unas semanas. Por lo tanto, estamos esperando todos los 218 - y mucho más que estarán presentes el 27 de Febrero.En caso de que sea necesario aplazar esta fecha debido a la nieve (Dios no lo quiera) la "nueva fecha" será el sábado siguiente, 5 de Marzo!Nuestro presentador será padre Gregory Cappuccino,Pastor dela parroquia de San Francisco en Wantagh. El Padre Greg creció aquí en Uniondale y celebró su primera misa aquí. Él es un excelente orador y tenemos suerte de que este libre de unirse a nosotros para el Día Anual de Retiro. Si por alguna razón usted no puede hacer el retiro, por favor envíeme un correo electrónico (ver portada boletín). Gracias APARTE ESTE DIA : Por favor, mantenga el Sábado 2 de Abril a las 5 PM apartado, para la Misa de Vigilia de la Divina Misericordia.. arzobispo BernarditoAuza,Nuncio Apostólico ante las Naciones Unidas estará aqui El arzobispo es particularmente importante para el pueblo de Haití desde que era nuncio en Puerto Príncipe en el momento del terremoto y es responsable por el donativo del Padre Rony a Santa Martha! Por favor, aparte la fecha. El P. Franco 4

Pastor s Homily 2 nd Sunday of Year January 17 th 2016 You know I often try to find a story in the news that can connect with the Gospel of the day as a homily starter and a link to the readings. Well that was easy this week because on Tuesday the news featured a 102 year old teacher in New Jersey who s not the retiring type. In this Gospel we just heard, Jesus ends up lending a hand to a wedding party in trouble at Cana but He doesn t seem too eager to perform miracles because, he says, my hour has not yet come. Well, there s a 102-year-old New Jersey teacher who doesn t feel the time has yet come for her retirement, So Agnes Zhelesnik continues to work 35 hours a week teaching elementary school students how to cook and sew. She s the oldest teacher in America. Mrs. Zhelesnik started working as a teacher at age 81 and she hasn t missed a day of work since she was 98. Imagine that! Students and family this past Tuesday celebrated Granny s latest birthday at the private Sundance School in North Plainfield, New Jersey where she teaches. The Principal, Benjamin Fox says: Granny Zhelesnik is an icon. Besides the fact that she feeds everyone and makes the school smell wonderful, she just makes everybody smile." So the next time someone tells you (or you find yourself saying) I m too old to. whatever, bring Granny Zhelesnik to mind. When we feel needed and happy with the contribution we can make, life really has no limits. Our time to make a contribution has indeed come. And Mary brings that out in Jesus through today s beautiful story of the Wedding at Cana. I can t help but wonder if Jesus and his disciples were invited because of his mother. She seems to be a friend of the family or, was she a relative? It s still early in the feasting and drinking when Mary expresses her concern to Jesus, They have no wine. What an embarrassment for the family. Perhaps the host couple had realized that Jesus and his disciples were in the area and, because of their relationship to Mary, they felt obliged to invite them. How many disciples were with Jesus? (Maybe a dozen?) Who knows? A good number probably. Is that why they ran out of wine, because of the added number of guests the family hadn t planned for? It s a wonder they didn t run out of food too, with those travelers arriving weary from the road, with their big appetites and thirst. But St. John isn t just telling us about one wedding in a small peasant town, a long time ago! It s a very symbolic story and there are many approaches to preaching about it! It s curious, don t you think, that St John doesn t mention if they ran out of food? They certainly ran out of wine, Mary noticed, and she says something to Jesus and he did something about it, with his disciples present to watch and learn. At first Jesus is reluctant to respond to his mother s subtle request. Was he concerned that if he did provide the wine things would get out of hand? After all, there were six water jars nearby waiting to be changed. That s a lot of water. And that will be a lot of wine. Things could become quite exuberant and celebratory with that much wine. Mary s observation should be ours as well. The world is in need and we believe Jesus can address those needs. Like Mary, we followers of Jesus, observe the needs of those around us. We might wonder: why does Jesus seem reluctant to do anything about pressing issues like poverty, war, terrorism, addictions, fatal illnesses and on and on? Why doesn t he come and do something big for us, as he did for those wedding guests in Cana? The Cana story is ripe with symbolism. Yes, there is a need. Yes, at first Jesus seems to hold back, but when he acts, it s with a superabundance. An overflowing supply of wine is a biblical symbol for God s grace. Isn t that a message for us as we take the Eucharistic cup today? Are we being offered an abundance of grace to help us address the evils (that) we might be waiting for God to handle? Remember how today s story opens: Jesus disciples had been invited to a wedding at Cana. Well, so are we. And likewise, we re being challenged to learn and act, when and where the occasion requires. 5

Page 2 Pastor s Homily 2 nd Sunday of Ordinary Time January 17 th 2016 The impulse for Jesus to act seems to come from his mother. Isn t that what we are doing in our prayer today, joining Mary and asking God to do something about all that is wrong in our world; all that needs to be done in our families and church? In the psalms, the Jews often cried out, in complaint and urgent prayer to God, Do something! Isn t that the message Dr. Martin Luther King heard and reacted to 50 years ago? His doing something changed our nation even though some try to push back even till today. I don t believe God is reluctant to do good in the world. Quite the contrary. He sends Mary and Jesus, Dr. King, Agnes and us to do something to change circumstances positively. But it does seem that when we look around we still see the enormous evils that permeate our world. Perhaps our prayers need more urgency about them. Not because of God s complacency, but our own. Stirred by a more urgent prayer ( Do something! ) I might be moved to do something myself. But do what? Well, as St. Paul tells us today there are different gifts and services but each person has a manifestation of the spirit for some benefit. So everyone one of us can do something to change some negative circumstances. When we look at the conditions of the world we can feel powerless. But maybe the example of that 102 yearold Jersey teacher is instructive for us! That s the message - just do something about the little corner of the world closest to us è be it the classroom, the boardroom or any other room we enter. That s what Agnes is doing at 102 in her corner of the world. So, when we simply do what we can to make a difference, we contribute to the common good and offer a contribution and a witness. And like Agnes that mission might even keep us young at heart. What needs do we see? What can we do, about them? Just do something! The symbol of the abundant wine today is a reminder that when we do something, God s grace will be there for us. The hour has come. Let us trust that God will provide more than enough help (and reason to celebrate) no matter how late in the game we re getting started. Msgr. Frank Caldwell 6

5:00PM - Lector: Joanne Williams Eucharistic Ministers: Yolande Augustin, Miracienne Denis, Florence Etienne, C. Nicholson, S. Nicholson, Nancy Napoleon Ushers: Rosemarie Allen, Thomas Maddox, Jim Downey, Jennifer King, Mario Cadavid, Alejandro Apresa, Luis Maldonado 7:30AM - Lector: Audric Mathurin Eucharistic Ministers: Monica Brown, Elaine Burke, Francesca Delle, Paul Delle, Karen Hart, Barbara Powell Ushers: Jim Capriotti, George Leonard, Carmen Charles, Genevieve Charles, Joseph Gedeon, Alex Apresa 11:00AM - Lector: Maggie Austrie If thou love the Lord thy God with all thy heart,... and with all thy soul,... and with all thy mind,... and with all thy strength,... thou shall serve Him well. Altar Servers: Denise Wilson, Maya Jerome Eucharistic Minister: Solange Bricourt, Marie Lourdes Charles, Karleine Graham, Marie Jiha, Lisette Joachim, Gloria Maffettone Ushers: Bennett Paul, Agnes Duclairon, Wilner Nestor, Frantz Denis, Luis Maldonado For everything you need to know in faith formation, Visit WWW.DRVC-FAITH.ORG 1-24-2016 - Third Sunday in Ordinary Time January 24, 2016 Monday January 25-Conversion of St. Paul, Apostle 8:30 AM... Compare, Etienne & Mathrin Families Tuesday January 26-Sts. Timothy & Titus, Bishops 8:30 AM... Monise Charles Wednesday January 27-St. Angela Merici, Virgin 8:30 AM... In Thanksgiving for Claudine Antoine Thursday January 28-St. Thomas Aquinas, Priest Doctor of the Church 8:30 AM... In Thanksgiving for Tamara Tassy-Pinard Friday January 29 8:30 AM... Prayer Service Saturday January 30 5:00 PM... Frank & Mary Helm Sunday January 31 7:30 AM... Maria Guerrero 8:45 AM... Parishioners of St. Martha 11:00 AM... Antonio Vaca 12:30 PM... In Thanksgiving for The Lamour Family The Bread and Wine for the Week of January 24 to January 30, 2016 are offered in Thanksgiving for Louis Fong Lee Requested by Barbara Fong Lee Thank you for your generosity January 17, 2016 Total English Masses... $4,908.62 Total Spanish Mass... $3,176.00 Total Haitian Mass... $994.00 Poor Box... $64.00 This information does not reflect the Faith Direct weekly/monthly deposits. SCRIPTURE READINGS FOR FOURTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME January 31, 2016 Jeremiah 1:4-5, 17-19 Psalm 71:1-6, 15, 17 1 Corinthians 12:31-13 Luke 4:21-30 7

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In honor of Black History Month The Brooklyn Vicariate for Black Catholic Concerns & The Rockville Centre Office of Multicultural Diversity Catholics of African Ancestry and Haitian American Apostolate Ministry Would like to invite you to a Revival with Rev. Freddy Washington, CSSp, Pastor of St. Mark the Evangelist, Harlem, New York A member of the Congregation of the Holy Spirit (Spiritans), Father Freddy Washington, CSSp, is pastor of St. Mark the Evangelist Church in Harlem, New York. He is the former pastor of St. Mary Magdalene and St. Ambrose Parishes in Chicago. Father Washington is an associate professor of Pastoral Theology at Xavier University in New Orleans and an adjunct Instructor of Pastoral Theology at Loyola-Marymount University in Los Angeles. He earned his Bachelors of Arts degree From Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, PA, a Master of Divinity from Catholic Theological Union in Chicago, a Master of Theology from Xavier University in New Orleans and a Doctor of Ministry from United Theological Seminary in Dayton, OH. His many years of working in multicultural settings have offered him unique insight into the opportunities and challenges of discovering our true selves, drawing on all of our cultural gifts to become who we most authentically are. Fri., Feb. 12, 2016, 7:30pm, St. Brigid R.C. Church, 75 Post Avenue, Westbury, NY 11590 Sat., Feb. 13, 2016, 7:30pm, St. Joseph R.C. Church, 108-43 Sutphin Blvd., Jamaica, NY 11435 Theme: An Instigator of Peace For Information Contact: Brooklyn Vicariate for Black Catholic Concerns #718-774-3806 Rockville Centre Office of Multicultural Diversity #516-678-5800, X239 (over) 9

ST. THOMAS AQUINAS Feast Day: July 23 rd By universal consent, Thomas Aquinas is the preeminent spokesman of the Catholic tradition of reason and of divine revelation. He is one of the great teachers of the medieval Catholic Church, honored with the titles Doctor of the Church and Angelic Doctor. At five he was given to the Benedictine monastery at Monte Cassino in his parents hopes that he would choose that way of life and eventually became abbot. In 1239 he was sent to Naples to complete his studies. It was here that he was first attracted to Aristotle s philosophy. By 1243, Thomas abandoned his family s plans for him and joined the Dominicans, much to his mother s dismay. On her order, Thomas was captured by his brother and kept at home for over a year. Once free, he went to Paris and then to Cologne, where he finished his studies with Albert the Great. He held two professorships at Paris, lived at the court of Pope Urban IV, directed the Dominican schools at Rome and Viterbo, combated adversaries of the mendicants, as well as the Averroists, and argued with some Franciscans about Aristotelianism. His greatest contribution to the Catholic Church is his writings. The unity, harmony and continuity of faith and reason, of revealed and natural human knowledge, pervades his writings. One might expect Thomas, as a man of the gospel, to be an ardent defender of revealed truth. But he was broad enough, deep enough, to see the whole natural order as coming from God the Creator, and to see reason as a divine gift to be highly cherished. The Summa Theologiae, his last and, unfortunately, uncompleted work, deals with the whole of Catholic theology. He stopped work on it after celebrating Mass on December 6, 1273. When asked why he stopped writing, he replied, I cannot go on... All that I have written seems to me like so much straw compared to what I have seen and what has been revealed to me. He died March 7, 1274. Patron Saint of Catholic schools, colleges, schools and students Comment: We can look to Thomas Aquinas as a towering example of Catholicism in the sense of broadness, universality and inclusiveness. We should be determined anew to exercise the divine gift of reason in us, our power to know, learn and understand. At the same time we should thank God for the gift of his revelation, especially in Jesus Christ. Quote: Hence we must say that for the knowledge of any truth whatsoever man needs divine help, that the intellect may be moved by God to its act. But he does not need a new light added to his natural light, in order to know the truth in all things, but only in some that surpasses his natural knowledge (Summa Theologiae, I-II, 109, 1). UPDATE... In the season of Thanksgiving, I would like to give a heartfelt thanks to the parish family of Saint Martha's. Your generosity financially and emotionally in my time of need has been tremendous. People have been donating throughgofundme.com and handing me cards with their hardearned money in them for the past month since my brain surgery. I am happy to say that Winthrop Hospital accepted me for charity care for a large portion of the bill but there are still many bills hanging over my head but, I know God will provide. The generosity of some people, specifically, who I will keep anonymous, has made me want to be a better person. My physical healing feels very slow, as I have been recently in hospital due to an infection within the wound site (but I am very very thankful for my life). The doctors are not able to remove the actual tumor because of its location, but they believe it is incredibly slow growing. My previous surgery removed the hydrocephalus, yet I will have to keep a close eye on it for the rest of my life. I have faith that I will have a long life ahead of me. Thank you once again for all who donated and continue to donate. I certainly know well how difficult it is to give financially. My Saint Martha's family has truly been Christ-like in their giving. It is wonderful to feel loved within your church. This Thanksgiving and Christmas, I am thankful for all of you and your help in this difficult season of life. Continue to remember me and my family in your daily prayers. I still have a long road to travel in my recovery. Please visit www.gofundme.com and search elissa hanson's surg/medical fund. ~or~ contact the Parish Center at 481-2550, Ext. 301. Thank you. God bless! 10

Right after 911, I had this vision; a man dressed in white told me, You see what happened? I said yes. He said You know why this is happening? It s because they don't have love for one another like we have. He said Go and tell the whole world to recite Psalm 25. I asked him how was I to do that? He said Go tell Oprah. I know myself as a shy and timid person; I could never tell Oprah or tell anyone. But after what happened in Boston, I felt such guilt and disobedience in not doing what I was told. The same way that the Lord loves us, so we must love one another. Please help me to tell the world to recite Psalm 25 and maybe the world will be a better place. Thank you, Marie FanFan To thee, O LORD, I lift up my soul. 2 O my God, in thee I trust, let me not be put to shame; let not my enemies exult over me. 3 Yea, let none that wait for thee be put to shame; let them be ashamed who are wantonly treacherous. 4 Make me to know thy ways, O LORD; teach me thy paths. 5 Lead me in thy truth, and teach me, for thou art the God of my salvation; for thee I wait all the day long. 6 Be mindful of thy mercy, O LORD, and of thy steadfast love, for they have been from of old. Scripture Readings Jan. 25 Jan. 30 Monday, Jan. 25 Acts 22:3-16 Psalm 117 Mark 16:15-18 Tuesday, Jan. 26 2 Timothy 1:1-8 Psalm 96 Luke 10:1-9 Wednesday, Jan. 27 1 Samuel 7:4-17 Psalm 89 Mark 4:1-20 Thursday, Jan. 28 2 Samuel 7:18-19, 24-29 Psalm 132 Mark 4:21-25 Friday, Jan. 29 2 Samuel 11:1-4, 5-10, 13-17 Psalm 51 Mark 4:26-34 Saturday, Jan. 30 2 Samuel 12:1-7, 10-17 Psalm 51 Mark 4:35-41 Bulletin Reflection The US Bishops pastoral on stewardship reinforces today s reading from 1 Corinthians: Because its individual members do collectively make up the Body of Christ, that body s health and well-being are the responsibility of the members-the personal responsibility of each of us. We all are stewards of the Church. Living Stewardship We are grateful this week for all stewards in our parish who invite a new family in town to supper, actively celebrating a corporal work of mercy as they provide welcome to a stranger. 11

Lord Jesus Christ, you have taught us to be merciful like the heavenly Father, and have told us that whoever sees you sees Him. Show us your face and we will be saved. Your loving gaze freed Zacchaeus and Matthew from being enslaved by money; the adulteress and Magdalene from seeking happiness only in created things; made Peter weep after his betrayal, and assured Paradise to the repentant thief. Let us hear, as if addressed to each one of us, the words that you spoke to the Samaritan woman: If you knew the gift of God! he list of names that will appear under this column will reflect ONLY those who are CRITICALLY ILL. The individual or family member must contact the Parish Center in order to be placed on the Sick List. Please note the new email address the Parish Center at cnicholson@saintmartha.org ( PRAY FOR THE SICK MUST APPEAR IN YOUR EMAIL S SUBJECT LINE); or come by the Parish Center with your request in writing, no later than Monday. This list will be updated on a monthly basis. Helen Zeiser Josephine Esposito Paul Peisel Leopold Johnson Bernadette Hoffman Peter Johns Nathan (Nate) Harkin Frances Rasmussen John Muller Edith Lucchi Sophia Kyriakakis Omnipotent and Eternal God, the everlasting Salvation of those who believe, hear us on behalf of Thy pitying mercy, that, with their bodily health restored, they may give thanks to Thee in Thy church. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Yvon Senat... +December 27, 2015 Sister John Raymond McGann, CSJ... +January 6, 2016 Segundo R. Arias, Sr.... +January 9, 2016 Robert S. DiNucci... +January 13, 2016 Jenne Marie Cheramy... +January 18, 2016 Juan Williams... +January 2016 I am the light of the world, says the Lord; whoever follows me will have the light of life. Dear Lord, As my life declines and my energies decrease, more than ever hold me by Your Power, that I may not offend You, but daily increase in Your Love. Give me strength to work in Your Service till the last day of my life. Help me to ever have an increasing dread of venial sin, or whatever would cause the slightest withdrawal of Your Love; all day long, and at night keep me close to Your Heart; and should I die, ere the morning breaks, may I go rejoicing in that vision of Your entrancing beauty, never to be separated from You. Amen. Memorialize a loved one with a leaf on our parish s Tree of Life, located in the Church Lobby. If you would like more information about this lovely memorial, please contact the Parish Office at (516) 481-2550 Ext 301 The Mass Intentions Book... is now open until the end of February & The Bread and Wine Calendar... is now open until the end of March 12

PADRE MIGUEL ÁNGEL RIVERA: Cel. 516-939-7165 / E-mail: frammm@hotmail.es Se encuentra a su disposición cada martes y miércoles, a partir de las 7:30 PM hasta las 10:30 PM en el Centro Parroquial, al costado de la Iglesia, para dirección espiritual y confesiones. Tengan la bondad de apuntarse con el Padre en el Salón Betania, después de la misa. INTENCION DE LA MISA: Por Isabel Suárez. GRUPO DE ORACION: Miér coles, 7:00 PM, en el gimnasio de la Escuela. ULTREYA: Domingo, 11:00 AM en la Capilla. ESCUELA DE DIRIGENTES: Cada lunes, 7 a 10 PM en la Escuela Marianista. MOVIMIENTO FAMILIAR CRISTIANO CATÓLICOS: Se reúne cada 15 días. Para información llamar al 516-554-4503 o al 516-965-7311. JUVENTUD SIN FRONTERAS: Cada jueves, 7:30 PM, en el Salón Betania. CORO HISPANO: Ensayo cada viernes en la Iglesia, a las 8:00 PM. MINISTERIO DE ACOGIDA: Ministros que extienden la bienvenida y entregan las hojitas de canto. CENACULO DE LA DIVINA MISERICORDIA: Primer martes, 7:00 PM en la Capilla. ESCUELA DE LA PALABRA: Mar tes, 7:30 PM en la Iglesia de San Ladislaus. MISA DE NIÑOS Y JOVENES: Segundo domingo del mes. LOS NIÑOS: Se reúnen cada domingo en el Salón Betania para compartir las lecturas dominicales. MINISTERIO SOCIAL: Lunes, martes, jueves, viernes, 10:00 AM a 2:00 PM. en el sótano del convento. (516) 481-2550, Ext. 320 o (516) 292-1603 (se habla español). EL SACRAMENTO DEL BAUTISMO: El tercer domingo del mes, 2:30 PM en la iglesia. Los interesados consulten con la Sra. Dulce Sepúlveda después de la Misa. LA IGLESIA: Per manece abierta diariamente de 7 a 3 PM. LECTURAS PARA: El IV Domingo Ordinario, 31 de Enero.: Primera Lectura: Jeremías 1, 4-5, 17-19. Salmo: 70, 1-2. 3-4. 5-6, 15 y 17. Segunda Lectura: 1 Corintios 12, 31 13, 13. Evangelio: Lucas 4, 21-30. MESSE DOMINICALE: Chaque dimanche à partir de 12h30, la communauté haïtienne se réuni à l église pour célébrer la messe. Venez avec votre famille et vos ami(e)s pour participer à notre célébration dominicale. Aujourd'hui, la masse est offert pour Germaine Honoré PRIERE : Chaque mercredi soir à partir de 7h30 PM nous avons une prière charismatique à la chapelle. Vous êtes tous invité(e)s. ADORATION: Le St Sacrement sera exposé les lundis et vendredis de 9h AM 3h PM à la chapelle. Il nous faut une présence à tout moment durant l exposition. S il vous plait ne laissez pas le St Sacrement seul. Merci. MESSAGE IMPORTANT : Après la catastrophe du 11 Septembre, l une de nos sœurs Marie Fanfan a eu une vision dans laquelle un homme lui disait qu il n y avait pas assez d amour dans le monde et que tous les chrétiens devaient réciter le psaume 25. Par timidité elle ne voulait pas communiquer la nouvelle; mais, après l incident de Boston elle a jugé nécessaire de faire passer le message. Elle demande à tous de l aider à faire circuler la nouvelle et de prier pour un monde meilleur. SERVICE SOCIAL: Les bureaux du service social de Ste Martha sont à votre disposition si vous avez besoin de nourriture, habits, demande et offre d emploi, service d immigration etc. Contactez-les au (516) 292-1603 du lundi au vendredi, excepté les mardis de 10h AM 2h PM. Tous les lundis Mr Michael Gibbons est disponible pour vous aider si vous avez besoin de préparer votre résumé ou remplir une application pour un emploi. N.B Cette semaine nous avons grand besoin de boite de conserve, riz, poulet, viande et pois. Nous vous remercions pour votre générosité et Dieu vous récompensera pour votre bonne action. BULLETIN DU DIMANCHE: Prenez avec vous le bulletin du dimanche et lisez le. Vous y trouverez des informations importantes sur votre communauté votre paroisse. 13

Give us our daily bread Social Ministry/Outreach Office Hours Mon., Wed., Thurs., Fri. 10:00AM 2:00PM (516) 292-1603 or (516) 481-2550, Ext. 320 (English/Spanish/French/Creole) Mondays from 10:00AM-2:00PM, in Outreach, Mr. Michael Gibbons will be available to assist with resumes and job applications, as well as online job applications. You can stop by or call (516) 292-1603 for an appointment. F I D E L I S C A R E HEALTH INSURANCE Catholic Charities WIC 1000 N. Village Avenue Rockville Centre, NY 11571 (516) 705-3645 We are currently in need of the following items: Rice and Beans! Any variety of rice Any variety of meats (1-2 pounds) Any variety of beans Help keep our pantry stocked. Please remember to keep us in mind when you do your grocery shopping. It is only through your generosity that we are able to help those in need. Is in Social Ministry every Wednesday from 10AM 12 PM Ask to see Soraya 14