First Sunday in Lent February 21, 2010

A COMMUNITY OF FAITH HOPE AND LOVE First Sunday in Lent February 21, 2010 When the Lord calls, I will answer!

731-4220/731-4355 Fax Email: stbrnd@optonline.net 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 StBernardsYouth@aol.com or 516-978-8193 Liturgical Music Mary Jane Witte, Director 731-4220 Adult Faith Formation Diane Vella, Director dvellastbernard@aol.com or 731-4220 Church Rose Marie Rotondo, Sacristan 731-4220 Facilities Len Lanzi, Facilities Manager 731-4220 Frank Santillo, Maintenance Supervisor IN RESIDENCE: Rev. Msgr. George P. Graham, Pastor Emeritus Rev. Martin J. Hall 2 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. 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. Disk and hard copy preferred. Thank you for your cooperation! SPIRITUAL LIFE Schedule of Masses: SATURDAY: 5:00 PM SUNDAY: 7:30 AM, 9:00 AM, 10:30 AM, 12:00 NOON, 5:30 PM WEEKDAYS: 7:00 AM & 9:00 AM SATURDAYS: 9:00 AM HOLY DAYS: As announced on the previous Sunday. 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 most 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 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. 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.

CLAIRVAUX CHRONICLE Lenten Schedule Lenten Mission 7:30 pm Evening Prayer and Preaching beginning with our three Bishops. * Monday, February 22 Bishop Peter Libasci *Tuesday, February 23 Bishop John Dunne * Wednesday, February 24 Bishop William Murphy ( see page 7 for details) The Mission Continues! Wednesdays at 9:00 am Mass with parish staff as speakers or Wednesdays 7:30 pm Evening Prayer with guest speakers (more details see page 7) The Sacrament of Reconciliation The Sacrament of Reconciliation is a great way to renew your relationship with God and others. Diocesan Day of Reconciliation, Monday, March 29 Confessions 3:00 9:00 pm at St. Bernard s and in every Catholic Church in Nassau and Suffolk All Saturdays 4:00-5:00 pm and 7:30 pm Holy Thursday, April 1 4:00-4:30 pm Holy Saturday, April 3 9:30 am - 11:00 am ( No confessions on Good Friday, April 2 ) THE THREE BISHOPS T his coming week our Lenten Parish Mission takes place with something unusual: 3 bishops will offer their insights into the major themes of Lent which are prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. Given the many administrative tasks of bishops these days, it is not surprising that they would accept our invitation to take on a more pastoral role and share their spiritual wisdom. This event also reminds us of our unity as a diocese and links us with the universal church.. For centuries the church has considered prayer, fasting, and works of charity (alsmsgiving) as concrete ways to experience the change of heart and conversion of spirit that is at the center of Lenten practices. In addition to the three days of the mission we are also offering Evening Prayer on Wednesdays with a guest preacher as well as the opportunity to join a faith-sharing group that will meet weekly for the Lenten Season. The sacrifice here is clearly one of time, a most precious commodity in the hectic, multi tasking world of today. Perhaps that is all the more reason to take some time this Lenten Season to reflect, focus, and give our inner spirit some nourishment. If you sense that you are running on empty, then this Lent could be the opportune moment to fill up on the prayer, fasting and works of charity that bring us through Lent to the joy of Easter. Allow me to also suggest that you might be an ambassador for Christ by inviting a family member, friend, or neighbor to join you for the mission or Wednesday evening prayer. During Lent people are more disposed to respond to such an invitation and nothing can match the effectiveness of the personal touch. You might be the very means of enabling a fellow Catholic to be on the Lenten journey as never before. Please note: Last week there was an error in the time of the Mission. The correct time is 7:30 pm. 3

PARISH NEWS ROSARY CONFRATERNITY MEETING FOR MARCH. The meeting will be on Monday, March 1, immediately following the Lenten Mass, in the Peach room of the Parish Center. The guest speaker will be Jim McHale, who will speak about the Inclusion Committee (getting persons with disabilities involved in the parish) Refreshments will be served. All women in the parish are welcome! GIRL SCOUT SUNDAY, MARCH 7. All levels of Girl Scouts are invited to attend the 9:00 am Mass in uniform. Some Brownie Girl Scouts will be receiving Religious Awards. Diocesan patches will be available. All are welcome to bring a paper good (tissues, toilet paper, paper towels) for the benefit of St.Bernard s Social Ministry Program. It is not too early to think about Religious Awards for next year. If you are interested in the Religious Award Program or have any questions, please call Mary Lynn Borst 731-5633. PARISH STEWARDSHIP SUNDAY COLLECTIONS February 14, 2010 February 15, 2009 $14,755.95 $15,945.65 ( 699 envelopes) ( 748 envelopes) We thank you for your generosity to our parish. ST. PATRICK S PARTY Got the winter blahs? What you need is a day of fun and music! Come to Holy Innocent s, Knights of Columbus Council Hall (3581 Jeffries Road in Levittown) on March 14, 2-6 pm, for an old fashioned Irish party with good food and music (both Irish and American). All for the incredible price of $32.50 per person. Price includes admission, a complete Corned Beef And Cabbage Dinner, Irish Soda Bread, a demonstration of Irish Step Dancing, music and an Open Bar. Last year was a great success with a good time had by all. Come celebrate the holiday with your neighbors. Don t miss out on a good time! IN THIS WEEK S BULLETIN Clairvaux Chronicle 3 Gifted, Engaged and Growing 6 4 Parish Mission 7 Liturgy Page 8 Parish Social Ministry 9 Religious Ed and R.C.I.A. 10 The Ride Home 10 Upcoming Events 11 Paul Paoli Concert Photos 12 Blood Drive 13 Children s Page 14 Community Bulletin Board 15 CHECK PAGE 13 FOR DETAILS OF NEXT WEEK S BLOOD DRIVE REMEMBER OUR MILITARY PEOPLE Keep our brave men and women in your prayers. Ask Jesus, Mary and Joseph to watch over them.

MASS INTENTIONS Monday, February 22, The Chair of St. Peter 7:00 am William McKenna 9:00 am All Deceased Rosarians Tuesday, February 23, St. Polycarp 7:00 am Margaret Long 9:00 am Jack Sciascia Wednesday, February 24 7:00 am Steven DeStefano 9:00 am Thomas Jude Nupp Thursday, February 25 7:00 am Michael Tumbarello 9:00 am Frances J. Murray Friday, February 26 7:00 am William McKenna 9:00 am Fred Lohr Saturday, February 27 9:00 am Howard R. Lawrence 5:00 pm Paul V. Seamon, Sr. Sunday, February 28, Eighth Sunday Ordinary Time 7:30 am Florence M. Wilson 9:00 am Joseph Shields 10:30 am For All Parishioners Noon Judith Kossack 5:30 pm Ann Brennan PARISH SCHEDULE Monday, February 22 9:00 am Miraculous Medal Novena, Church 7:30 pm Marriage Prep Meeting, Parish Center 7:30 pm Parish Mission, Church Tuesday, February 23 7:00 pm Rosary recitation in Spanish 7:30 pm PFI, Parish Center 7:30 pm Parish Mission, Church 8:00 pm Prayer Group, Parish Center 8:00 pm AA, Cafeteria Wednesday, February 24 7:30 pm Parish Mission, Church Thursday, February 25 10:00 am Shawl Ministry, Parish Center 6:15 pm Children s Choir, Parish Center 7:30 pm Sponsor Meeting, Cafeteria Friday, February 26 12-3pm Exposition and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament 7:30 pm Stations of the Cross, Church Saturday, February 27 9:00 am Communion Parent Meeting, Cafeteria 11:00 am Women s AA, Cafeteria Sunday, February 28 8:30am 2:30 pm Blood Drive, Parish Center 9:00 am RCIA Parish Center 6:30 pm Pre-Cana, Parish Center 7:00 pm Men s Fellowship, Prayer Room 8:00 pm AA, Cafeteria PRAYERS REQUESTED BANNS OF MARRIAGE FIRST TIME: Lichele Abear, - St. Bernard Parish, Levittown, NY Christopher Lucatorto -St. Bernard Parish, Levittown, NY FOR THE SICK OF OUR PARISH FAMILY AND THOSE WHO CARE FOR THEM Baby Christian Murphy Babies Noel & Logan Rega Mary Benenati Helen Blach Ellen Borosky Rudie Braithwaite Lucy Cannone Joan Cassidy Roberta Curran Yolanda Dunne Frank Falzone Jim Finlan Margie Foley Mary Frangiose Mike Hach Christopher Ginther Colleen Grosing Kathleen Hailazopolous Dorothy Honeyman Mike Hach MaryAnn Loeschner Gene Lynch Jerry Malanga Erica Margan James McArdelle Michael McCarthy Mary Messina Giorgio Mutino, Sr. Joseph Newmeyer Donald Perdue Johnny Perdue Helen Pfeifer Joseph Pfeifer Raymond Pfeifer Natalie Pickett Catherine Pipinou Deanne Reilly Luke Rosato Eve Saint Thomas Saint Alice Sanchez Michael Sanchez Jeanette Sepe Patricia Shand Crystal Shainman Joseph Smithwick,Sr Lee Sonnick Laureen Quinn-Sturge David Testa Rosalie Travers Karen Wasielewski PRAY FOR OUR BELOVED DECEASED AND THOSE WHO MOURN FOR THEM. Dana Anne Barry Elizabeth J. Basch Louise V. Eisenberg Alan Grimes James Thomas THE GIFTS OF BREAD AND WINE have been requested in loving memory of Marie Lott by Dorothy Hampson 5

Lent s Coming! Lenten Mission 2010 PRAYER... Connecting with God FASTING Getting priorities straight ALMSGIVING Reaching out in love Monday, February 22 Bishop Peter Libasci Bishop Libasci is an Auxiliary Bishop of the Diocese of Rockville Centre, and liaison for the parishes in the Eastern Vicariate; he resides in Southampton. Bishop Li basci will preach on the Lenten call to connect with God through a deepened life of prayer. Tuesday, February 23 Bishop John Dunne Bishop Dunne is an Auxiliary Bishop of the Diocese of Rockville Centre, and liaison for the parishes in the Central Vicariate; he resides in Farmingdale. Bishop Dunne will preach on the Lenten call to fast from what distracts us and to un-clutter our lives to make room for God. Wednesday, February 24 Bishop William Murphy Bishop Murphy has been Bishop of Rockville Centre since 2001, the fourth bishop of our diocese. He serves on several Vatican commissions, and is currently Chair of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops Committee on Domestic Justice, Peace and Human Development. Bishop Murphy will preach on the Lenten call to give alms, or to reach out in love to those in need. THE MISSION CONTINUES!! EVENING PRAYER WITH GUEST PREACHERS CONTINUES WEDNESDAYS IN LENT March 3, 10, 17 and 24, 7:30 P.M. JOIN A FAITH-SHARING GROUP no need to attend mission to join! Return this form to the parish office, or call or email Diane Vella at 516-731-4220 or dvellastbernard@aol.com Name/s: Email (preferred) or phone: Availability (note day/s of week and whether morning or evening): 6

Wednesday, March 3, 7:30 p.m. THE MISSION CONTINUES! Wednesdays at 9:00 a.m. Mass (with parish staff as speakers) and 7:30 p.m. Evening Prayer (guest preachers, below) Mr. Christopher Ferraro is the Pastoral Associate at Christ the King Parish in Commack. He is also the Director of Liturgy and Music there, as well as a member of the Diocesan Liturgical Commission, Co-Chair of the Rockville Centre Chapter of the National Association of Pastoral Musicians, and an adjunct faculty member of the Seminary of the Immaculate Conception in Huntington, where he earned his Master s Degree. Chris and his wife Cathy live in Bay Shore, and are expecting their first child later in the month. Wednesday, March 10, 7:30 p.m. Ms. Suzanne Richards is Director of Adult Faith Formation at Christ the King Parish in Commack, and also serves as a workshop and retreat presenter/facilitator/instructor for many diocesan programs. (Suzanne recently presented a training for Consolation Ministers here at St. Bernard s.) She is the former Director of Weekend Formation and Multicultural Ministry for the diocesan Office of Pastoral Formation. Her past experience includes work as a Development Director, and as a Trainer/Consultant for 7-Eleven Inc., northeast region. She holds a B.S. in Finance Economics from SUNY Empire College, and an M.A. in Religious Education from Fordham University. Suzanne is an Affiliate of the Sisters of St. Dominic, Amityville, and resides in East Northport. Wednesday, March 17, 7:30 p.m. Deacon Kevin McCormack. is a Deacon of the Diocese of Rockville Centre, assigned to Our Lady of Peace parish in Lynbrook. Involved in Catholic education for over 20 years, Deacon Kevin is currently the principal of Xaverian High School in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, and an adjunct instructor of Theology at Molloy College. He is also the co-host of WABC 770's Religion on the Line with Rabbi Joseph Potasnik, on Sunday Mornings 7:30-10:00 am. Kevin has presented days of reflections, parish missions, adult religious education classes throughout the Brooklyn and RVC Dioceses. He completed his deacon training and earned his Master s Degree from the Seminary of the Immaculate Conception in Huntington. Kevin and his wife and four daughters live in Lynbrook. Wednesday, March 24, 7:30 p.m. Sister Anne-Marie Kirmse, O.P., is a member of the Sisters of Saint Dominic of Amityville, and served as Executive Assistant to Avery Cardinal Dulles, S.J., at Fordham University for over twenty years. Since the Cardinal s death last year, she continues as her work as Research Associate in the Laurence J. McGinley Chair in Religion and Society at Fordham. Sister Anne-Marie holds a B.A. degree from St. Francis College in Brooklyn, a Master's degree from Providence College in Rhode Island, and a Ph.D. from Fordham University. She has taught on the elementary school level and also in college and graduate schools. During her long career in education, she has been active in teacher training and creative educational programs, and serves the Dioceses of Brooklyn and Rockville Centre in adult religious education programs. She is listed in Who's Who in America, Who's Who in American Women, Who's Who in the East, and Who's Who in Religion. 7

LITURGY CORNER Benediction Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament is a service of worship and blessing centered on the Catholic belief in the real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist. It began in the middle ages as a popular devotional exercise. In recent years the frequency of its celebration has lessened, but it remains in our liturgical books. Some older Catholics remember it fondly; some younger Catholics have never heard of it. After Vatican Council II, the Catholic Church revised its order of service for benediction along with all the other liturgical rites. The full title, Rite of Eucharistic Exposition and Benediction, helps explain its purpose. The faithful gaze at an unconsumed host from a previous Mass and worship the presence of the risen Christ in that host. The ceremony has four parts: exposition, adoration, benediction and reposition. During exposition, the minister goes to the tabernacle and removes a large host reserved there. Placing it in a monstrance (a windowed liturgical vessel that displays the host), the minister sets the object of our devotion on the altar. The period of adoration may be lengthy. Prayers, Scripture readings, Edited by Father Chris Costigan songs, homily and silence may fill the time. At the close of this period, if the minister is a priest or a deacon, he blesses the assembly with the monstrance and says a concluding prayer. This blessing is the benediction from which the service derives its name. If a communion minister is presiding, he or she does not give a blessing. Finally, the minister removes the Blessed Sacrament from the monstrance and places it back in the tabernacle, an action called reposition. Traditionally, Catholics have sung two popular eucharistic hymns during the adoration, O Salutaris Hostia and Pange Lingua, but any eucharistic hymn will serve. A litany of acclamations to God, The Divine Praises, usually concluded benediction, but the revised liturgy does not specifically include them. Any acclamation or song of praise may close the service. Benediction enhances our devotion to the Eucharist and whets our appetite for the Mass. The main reason we have eucharistic bread is to consume it with the cup in communion with one another and with Christ. However, it may also serve as an object of praise, a vision of the great treasure we share at every Mass. Paul Turner Let us continue to pray for our sisters and brothers in Haiti and to do what we can to help yet again in the midst of another natural disaster! Scriptures for February 21 February 28, 2010 Sunday, February 21. First Sunday in Lent. Deuteronomy 26:4-10; Psalm 91:1-2, 10-15; Romans 10:8-13; Luke 4:1-13 Monday, February 22. Feast of the Chair of St. Peter, Apostle. 1 Peter 5:1-4; Psalm 23:1-6; Mathew 16:13-19 Tuesday, February 23; Isaiah 55:10-11; Psalm 34:4-7, 16-19; Mathew 6:7-15 Wednesday, February 24. Jonah 3:1-10; Psalm 51:3-4, 12-13, 18-19; Luke 11:29-32 Thursday, February 25. Esther C:12, 14-16, 23-25; Psalm 138:1-3, 7-8; Mathew 7:7-12 Friday, February 26. Ezekiel 18:21-28; Psalm 130:1-8; Mathew 5:20-26 Saturday, February 27. Deuteronomy 26:16-19; Psalm 119:1-2, 4-5, 7-8; Mathew 5:43-48 Sunday, February 28. Second Sunday in Lent. Genesis 15:5-12, 17-18; Psalm 27:1, 7-9, 13-14; Philippians 3:17-4:1; Luke 9:28-36 8 EXPOSITION AND BENEDICTION OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT will take place on Fridays during Lent from 12 3pm in the Church. MONDAY NIGHT BIBLE STUDY CLASSES WITH MONSIGNOR GRAHAM There will be no Bible Study during Lent. When it resumes after Lent it will be titled "Fathers of the Church".

ST. VINCENT DE PAUL: PARISH SOCIAL MINISTRY Sr. Christine Sammons, O.P., 731-6074 SOUPER BOWL SCORES! Our wonderful Charitable KIDZ, their parents and friends had a beautiful Super Bowl weekend to collect for St. Bernard s (civil) Parish in New Orleans, which was devastated by Hurricane Katrina. Our KIDZ collected $2019.47 which will be given to Sister Diane Morgan who will be returning to New Orleans to work on the Nun s Build segment of the St. Bernard s Project. We are proud of our very fine KIDZ and are grateful to everyone who contributed. We are especially grateful, in light of these difficult economic times. Would you believe that $394.47 of the total was in pennies, nickels, dimes and quarters? Start saving for the 2011 Souper Bowl! Thank you to everyone who contributes on a regular basis to our pantry. We continue to stretch our resources to meet the needs of our neighbors. This week, our pantry needs include the following staples: hot and cold cereal, peanut butter and jelly, canned meat, fish (tuna, especially), hearty soups, pasta, noodles, macaroni and cheese, rice, canned and dried beans, tomato products of all kinds, potatoes and sides, canned vegetables, canned fruit, dessert mixes, coffee and tea. Paper goods (towels, tissues, toilet tissue, napkins), toiletries of all kinds, Pampers and wipes are always welcome. As always, we appreciate your generosity! Remember to Buy one, get one free, and don t forget the poor boxes! FREE TAX PREPARATION: Bethpage Federal Credit Union will be on site at two Island Harvest locations to provide Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (V.I.T.A.) for low-to-moderate income people (generally $49,000 and below) who cannot prepare their own tax returns. On-site visits will be on March 8 from 1-4 p.m. at 199 Second Street, 2nd floor, Mineola (516) 294-8528; March 22 from 1-4 at A. Holly Patterson Warehouse, 875 Jerusalem Avenue, Uniondale (516) 805-4782. If you are interested, call the Parish Social Ministry office and we will provide a list of documents you will need to bring. JUST FOR LAUGHS The short fortune-teller who escaped from prison was a small medium at large. The roundest knight at King Arthur's round table was Sir Cumference. He acquired his size from too much pi. I thought I saw an eye doctor on an Alaskan island, but it turned out to be an optical Aleutian. A rubber band pistol was confiscated from an algebra class because it was a weapon of math disruption. Two silk worms had a race. They ended up in a tie. Time flies like an arrow. Fruit flies like a banana. Atheism is a non-prophet organization. Two hats were hanging on a hat rack in the hallway. One hat said to the other, "You stay here; I'll go on a head." I wondered why the baseball kept getting bigger. Then it hit me. A chicken crossing the road is poultry in motion. When cannibals ate a missionary, they got a taste of religion. 9

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION Sr. Margaret Sammon, O.P., 731-8511 LENT IN YOUR FAMILY As we begin the season of Lent all the children in our Religious Education Program will receive a Lenten Booklet. Please remind your children to use the book and perhaps you might do the activities as a family. During Lent we are reminded to reach out to those in need. Our children will receive Mite Boxes. These can be made into banks and placed in a prominent place in your home. As a family you can place money in the bank and have them return them to class the week of Mach 21. All the money collected will be forwarded to the Mission Office to be sent to countries where the needs are very great. Religious Article Sale will take place on Saturday, March 6, from 9am to 10:30 am in the Parish Center. other religious articles, stop by. All are welcome. If you are looking for a present for a First Communion child, or First Sunday of Lent February 21, 2010 (The Desert Journey) Reading I : Deuteronomy 26: 4-10 (Brought Out of Egypt) Reading II : Romans 10: 8-13 (The Lord of All) Gospel : Luke 4: 1-13 ( The Temptation of Jesus ) FOR THE RIDE HOME Adults: What areas of my life do I need to fully surrender into God s hands? Children: How does Jesus show us a way to be close to our heavenly Father? Today at the 10:30 Mass, we celebrate the Rite of Sending for Ramona Velez, who is participating in the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults. Later in the afternoon, Ramona, who is our catechumens, will participate in the Rite of Election where Bishop Murphy will call her and about 250 other catechumens to the Easter Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist at the Easter Vigil. ST. BERNARD S CHARISMATIC PRAYER GROUP The prayer group will meet Tuesdays during Lent starting Feb 23, March 2, 9, 16, 23. This will allow its members to partake in the Lenten devotions. 10

SAVE THE DATE: Pilgrimage to the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception The Diocese will once again be sponsoring a pilgrimage to the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception on Saturday, April 10, 2010 (This is the Saturday following Easter Sunday). We hope to send a bus of parishioners to the pilgrimage for the day (young and old--and everyone in between!). In the past the day included the opportunity for confession, tours of the largest church in the western hemisphere, recitation of the Rosary led by the Bishop and Diocesan Choir, and Mass celebrated by Bishop Murphy and the bishops and priests of the Diocese. We will leave early Saturday morning and return in the evening. If interested, please leave your name and number of people attending so we can look into specific arrangements. If you would like to help organize our group, please contact Fr. Chris at the rectory. Fr. Chris Costigan Knights of Columbus Holy Innocents Council 3581 Will be hosting A Cocktail Party & Chinese Auction Fundraiser Honoring the Memory of Martin and Helen Curtin In Support of Birthright SUNDAY FEBRUARY 28, 2010 3:00 TO 6:00 PM $17.50 per person Includes Music, Food, Tap Beer, Wine & Soda (Cash Bar For All Other Drinks) Music By: Paul Krasko Tickets available at the Council : 3581 Jeffries Rd. Levittown For more information call : Ed Scheid - 516-395 - 7208 or Eugene Messmer 516-509 - 2575 YOUTH MINISTRY Mike Rodgers, Coordinator 516-978-8193 Save the Date!!! Special Event! YOUTH MINISTRY STATIONS OF THE CROSS Palm Sunday Evening March 28, at 7:30pm Save the Date!!! Our Youth Ministry will perform a contemporary living Stations of the Cross, featuring reflections, contemporary music, and veneration of the cross. This is a prayerful and moving experience for all ages. Join us as we enter into the great Easter mystery!! Make it a family night together!! 11

PAUL PAOLI BAND CONCERT 12 presented by The Family Ministry

You ll be giving the Gift of Life! Come to St. Bernard s Catholic Church Blood Drive Next Sunday, February 28, 2010 8:30 am to 2:30 pm Your donation will help to save THREE lives. Our community hospitals need your help. Please share this lifesaving gift. Thank you for caring. Eligibility Criteria: Bring ID with signature or photo. Minimum weight 110 lbs. Age 16 75 (16 year olds must have parental permission. Age 76 and over need doctor s note) Eat well (low fat) and drink fluids. No tattoos for past 12 months For questions concerning medical eligibility call New York Blood Center 1-800-688-0900.. For more information or to schedule an appointment contact: Ernie Meditz at 731-1809. 13

14

COMMUNITY BULLETIN BOARD Divorced, Separated, and Single Catholics of Long Island, new member orientation, Friday, February 26, 2010 at 8pm. The meeting will be held at St. Frances de Chantal, 1309 Wantagh Avenue, Wantagh. Refreshments will be served after the meeting. The annual St. Patrick Day s Day Dinner Dance will be on March 14 at St. Frances. All denominations are welcome. For info: 516-897-2721 or 516-794-4933. People of Faith in the Public Square: Taking an Active Role in Shaping Public Policy in the 21 st Century, sponsored by the Respect Life Office of the Diocese of Rockville Centre, will be held on Saturday, February 27, 2010, 1:30 6:00 pm at St. Anthony s High School, South Huntington. ALL ARE INVITED. Dr. John DiIulio Jr., the keynote speaker, is Professor of Politics, Religion, and Civil Society at the University of Pennsylvania; first director of the White House Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives. Current public policy issues in New York State will be discussed. The Convocation will conclude with Mass celebrated by the Most Reverend John C. Dunne at 5:00 pm. Registration required: avalos.silvia@catholiccharities.cc or 516-733-7078. Birthright Fundraiser, Knights of Columbus, 2183 Jackson Ave, Seaford, NY., March 4, 2010, 7pm 11pm. Cordon Bleu Dinner, beer, wine & soda, Chinese auction. $15 per person. For information, call 796-1079. The Annual John Lane Child Welfare Fundraiser at the American Legion Post 1711, North Jerusalem Road, Levittown is scheduled for March 7, 2010, 2-6pm. Proceeds support our several Special Friends activities throughout the year. This worthy top shelf event includes Music, Open Bar and Scrumptious Gourmet Buffet. Cost reduced this year to $20.00 per person, Reservations and Information please contact J. J. Brady at 579-7797 cell 917-699-3530, Jim McHale 796-0894, Post 1711 at 731-9114, Holy Innocents K of C at 731-9018. Email: JJB2036@AOL.com Twelfth Annual Family Walk in celebration of LEAD (Levittown Against Destructive Decisions) XXIV, will be held Sunday, March 21, 2010 at 10:30 am. The walk will begin and end at Levittown Memorial Education Center, 150 Abbey Lane, Levittown. LEADD is observed annually in all Levittown schools to reinforce the importance of making healthful choices in one s life including those regarding alcohol and substance abuse. For info call: 520-8300 ext. 625. The Bishop McDonnell High School Reunion will be held on Saturday, March 27, 2010 at the former Bishop McDonnell building at 260 Eastern Parkway in Brooklyn. Classes ending in the years 0 and 5 will be honored and all grads from the 30 s and 40 s are welcome. For specific information please call Rita Monaghan-Maloney 59 at 718-857-2700 ext 2253 or Maloneyblmhs.org. Franciscan Spirit Tours, Refresh your spirit~renew your soul!. Capuchin Franciscan friars Fr. Michael Sevigny and Fr. Michael Marigliano, are leading several upcoming pilgrimages to Holy Sites around the world: Guadalupe/Mexico City Our Lady in the New World; Great Women of Faith; Medugorje Journey to Peace; Footsteps of John Paul II Poland/Prague; Franciscan Italy; Italy and Medugorje; Holy Land, Jesus Our Savior; Fatima with the Pope (Anniversary, May 13, lead by Pope Benedict); Young Adult Service Project in Peru. Proceeds benefit the work of the Franciscans. For info: 646-736-7964 or 646-861-3634; email: info@franciscanspirittours.com; website: www.franciscanspirittours.com. 15