December 21, 2014 4th Sunday of Advent ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI 29 Northgate Drive, Greenlawn, NY Telephone: 757-7435 FAX #757-0469 E-mail: stfrangreenlawn@aol.com Website: www.stfrancisgreenlawn.org Parish Staff: Rev. Peter F. Kaczmarek, Pastor Msgr. Patrick Armshaw, Pastor Emeritus Deacon David Campbell Deacon Jean Cantave Deacon Allan D. Longo, Faith Formation Deacon James Byrne Christmas Schedule Parish Mass Schedule: Saturday: 4:30pm Sunday: 8:00am, 10:00am, 12:00 noon 5:00pm Youth Mass (Christian Rock Mass) Monday Friday: 8:30am Holy Days of Obligation: as announced. Office Hours: Monday-Thursday: 9:00am 3:30pm; Friday 9:00am- 12:30pm Closed 12:30pm 1:15pm Daily Evenings: By appointment only December 24th, Christmas Eve (Wednesday) 4:00pm-Youth Band 6:00pm-Cantor, Organ & Instrumental 10:00pm-Adult Choir December 25, Christmas (Thursday) 8:00am-Cantor & Organ 10:00am-Junior Choir 12:00pm-Adult Choir December 31st (Wednesday) Anticipated Solemnity of Mary 6:00pm January 1st (Thursday) Solemnity of Mary 8:30am 12:00pm 7:30pm Confessions December 22nd, Monday 7:00pm-8:00pm December 24th, Wednesday 12:30pm 2:00pm
December 21, 2014 2 MASSES FOR THE WEEK Sunday, December 21st, 2014 8:00am St. Francis Parishioners 10:00am Kate Porto+, Joan Montaigne+, Anna Marie Odorfer+, Matthew John Simeone III+, Mr. & Mrs. Jack Giordano+ 12:00pm Lynnette Crawford+, William Marino+, Kristy LoPipero+, Michael LoPipero+, John LoPipero+, Joseph Bonifazio+ 5:00pm Youth of St. Francis, Tommy Connors+ (2nd Anniv.), Joseph Colamussi, Sr.+ Monday, December 22nd, 2014 8:30am Conversion of America s Heart to End Abortion Tuesday, December 23rd, 2014 8:30am In Honor of St. Appolonia Wednesday, December 24th, 2014 8:30am Francis A. Lobasso, Jr.+ 4:00pm Thomas Buckley, Sr.+ 6:00pm Anna Iengo+, Madeleine Jaeger+ 10:00pm Kay & Bob Clemens, Fr. Tony Magbanua+ Thursday, December 25th, 2014 Christmas 8:00am Umberto Colasante+ 10:00am Fino & Carole Giordano 12:00pm Louis Santosus+ Friday, December 26th, 2014 8:30am Eva & Vito Marino+ Saturday, December 27th, 2014 4:30pm Maria Santana+, The Lobasso Family, Sal Giordano+ Sunday, December 28th, 2014 8:00am St. Francis Parishioners 10:00am Kate Porto+, Walter Montaigne+, Michael DeLea+ 12:00pm Mario Piscitelli+, Anne Albanese+, Angelo Abatiello+, Michael DeLea+, Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Chalopa+ 5:00pm Youth of St. Francis Mission Statement: St. Francis of Assisi Parish is a Christ-centered family of believers, celebrating Christ alive in our lives through the inspiration of the Gospel, church teachings and traditions and the Sacraments. We are sensitive to the spiritual and temporal needs of God s people, acknowledging their uniqueness and dignity and are dedicated to reaching out and serving them through prayer, liturgical celebrations and social ministries. Guided by the Holy Spirit and nourished by the Holy Eucharist, we welcome all people with, respect and compassion. We are vigilant in protecting the rights of the most vulnerable. In the tradition of our patron, St. Francis of Assisi, we put the good news of the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ into action. Please pray for the sick of the Parish Ministers for Saturday and Sunday December 27th & 28th Saturday 4:30pm Eucharistic Ministers: Deacon Allan Longo, Lorraine Longo, Lisa Love, Eileen McGloin, Lois Greaux Lector: Mary Schlakjer Altar Servers: Owen & Andrew Murphy Sunday 8:00am Eucharistic Ministers: Deacon Jim Byrne, Rosemarie Esteibar, Clare Intemann, Dolores Dooley, Carol Queally Lector: Gawaine Esteibar Altar Servers: Julia Slawinski 10:00am Eucharistic Ministers: Deacon Jean Cantave, Carol Nucci, Judy McKenna, Jo Amadio Lector: Joe Dissler Altar Servers: William Barbaccia & Valerie Giannotti 12:00pm Eucharistic Ministers: George Pozderec, Jeannine Tiemann, Lynda Kremmelbein, Barbara Beller, Diane French Lector: Nancy Christensen Altar Servers: Elias Smith 5:00pm Eucharistic Ministers: MaryAnn Fetzer, Thomas Fetzer Lector: Michael Kitakis Altar Servers: Michael Young & Olivier Michel Saint Francis Parish/Huntington Hospital Eucharistic Schedule First, Third, Fourth and Fifth Sundays of the Month Meet at 9:15am in Hospital Lobby December 28th: *Nancy Christensen, Pat Ammirato, Dcn. Jim Byrne, Rachel DeRiso, MaryAnn Farmer, MaryAnn Fetzer, Clare Intemann, Carol Queally Bruna Ambrose, Albert Arbeeny, The Bauge Family, Susan Bitonti, Frank Bitonti, Josephine & Christopher Caiozzo, Elizabeth Caroll, Ruperto Caruajal, Patrick Cashin, Gianna Cerulli, Roy Chowdry, Nina Crilly, Patricia Davis, Walter Dichurt, Susan DiSalvo, Joseph & Peggy Dissler, Walter Fay, Liam Forstor, Paul Gabel, Joe & John Geiss, Kathleen Gleason, Sandra Henrich, Mary Ellen Hess, Victoria Hren, Gus Hueber, Bonnie Inzalaco, August Justesen, Courtney Kane, Frank Kotasek, Don & Eileen Lammers, Kathy La Russo, Janice A. Lewis, Peter LoRe, Gil Lorenz, Clementina Maldunado, Carol McDonald, Sean McGrath, Doris Mickowski, Danielle Nicosia, Barbara Nigro, Joan O Neil, Bud Pace, Felix Perkowski, Philip Gene Phelan, Debby Quartin, Regina Rakowski, Mark Russell, Lillian Sanchez, Eleanor A. Thompson, Rose Varghese, Leslie Malone Walker, Frank Ward, Daniel Wilbur, Marlene Wyleczuk, Flori Young
December 21, 2014 3 The St. Francis Christmas Booster Club Winner is Barbara Koferl! May the love, the peace, the happiness the Holy Family share fill your heart and home at Christmas and in the New Year. Father Peter & the Priests, Deacons & Staff of St. Francis of Assisi Parish Tickets are $50.00 and are available in the Rectory. Your ticket is entered to win Every Week! Christmas Raffle Winners: $1000 Gwen Neary Olivewood Nativity M. Zalak Betsy s Baskets Linda Costello Roth Longaberger Basket Connie Alibrandi
December 21, 2014 4 Time, Talent & Treasure Fostering Stewardship as a way of life Thanks for Giving First Fruits & Taking a Step!!! (Regular Sunday Offertory) Last Sunday s weekly offering: $9,148.00 Last Year s Sunday offering:$8,446.93 Bulletin Reflection In the first reading, God promised King David that his house and his kingdom will endure forever. It is through Mary s Yes - I am the handmaid of the Lord. Let it be done to me as you say. - that the promise finds fulfillment. Living Stewardship We are grateful this week for all stewards in our parish who have the courage, like Mary, to listen to God s voice in their own hearts and conscientiously pursue the tasks - whatever they are - to which they have been called. December 21 Fourth Sunday of Advent: Imagine how Mary felt at the birth of Jesus: excited, awed, frightened. Deep faith was her light in the darkness, for Jesus was born during the night of the year when darkness is the longest. In faith is found the real, lasting, and deep joy of Christmas. This month, through your gifts, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul was able to bring Christmas to the hearts of the poor, by assisting families, by providing food, gifts, and money for utility and rent bills. Thanks! SUNDAY READINGS for next week, December 28th Sirach 3:2 6, 12 14 or Genesis 15:1 6; 21:1 3 God asserts a parent s authority, and children are exhorted to honor their parents through obedience, respect, and generous care. Doing so blesses the whole family. Colossians 3:12 21 or Hebrews 11:8, 11 12, 17 19 Saint Paul describes Chris an behavior and family life as peaceful, pa ent, and loving discipleship. Spousal and parentchild rela onships and roles are clarified. Luke 2:22 40 Presen ng Jesus in the Temple, Mary and Joseph meet Simeon and Anna, who praise God and declare the baby s arrival as a sign of redemp on and salva on. Send us your email if you would like to start receiving Bringing Home the Word, a weekly message based on the Sunday Scripture readings. The Rectory, Pastoral Care & Religious Ed Office will be closed Dec. 24, 25 & 26 for Christmas December 31st (Wednesday) Anticipated Solemnity of Mary 6:00pm-Cantor January 1st (Thursday) Solemnity of Mary 8:30am 12:00pm 7:30pm God Made Man In this Christmas themed presentation, Fr. Shannon Collins sheds new light on the biblical narratives of the birth of Jesus Christ, as well as the beautiful Christmas traditions of the Church. Advent CD s are now available for purchase in the vestibule. Many titles to choose from at $3 each.
December 21, 2014 5 Newly Baptized: Rose Kathryn Bopp, Wilson Pepper, Quinn Aubrey Chatterton, Peyton Christina Gentile, Wyatt Edward Katz Road Angels are needed to drive parishioners to and from doctor appointments. Please call the Pastoral Care Office if you can help! 261-4837 The Faith Direct program gives you: A convenient and consistent way to support St. Francis of Assisi by electing to use direct debit from your bank or credit card account. The opportunity to support our parish even if you are absent from Mass for travel or illness. A solution to a situation I know many families face on their way to Mass: where did I put my envelopes?! Thank you for your generous support of the 2014 Catholic Ministries Appeal. Completing your 2014 pledge ensures that our Parish will benefit by receiving our full rebate. If you have not yet had the opportunity to give, please prayerfully consider making a donation to the Appeal. Pledges can be accepted until December 31 st and payments can be made through January 31 st! Extra envelopes are provided in the back of the church. Join us as we Serve God by Serving Others! Thank You! Mass Intentions are available for weekday and weekend Masses! The offering is $20. Stop by the Rectory to select a Mass for a loved one living or deceased and experience the satisfying thought that you have united your personal prayer to the public and official prayers of the Church. Fourth Week of Advent Leader: O Lord, stir up Thy power, we pray Thee, and come; and with great might help us, that with the help of Thy Grace, Thy Merciful forgiveness may hasten what our sins impede. Through Christ our Lord. All: Amen.
December 21, 2014 6 Bible Study Wednesdays 11:00am In the parish hall For information, call Jeanie 631-663-5191 DIVINE WILL STUDY GROUP For over 40 years Jesus taught Servant of God Luisa Piccarreta, to live on earth as it is in Heaven. The Church has given the Imprimatur and Nihil Obstat to the first 19 of 36 volumes given to Luisa; the Cause for her Beautification began in 1994. If you desire to live in the Divine Will of God please join our weekly meetings on Thursdays, 7-9pm in the basement auditorium here at St. Francis. 24/7 Prayer Ministry Call 631-514-9916 Pray With Deacon Dave Campbell Scripture teaches that night-and-day prayer is deeply connected to the fullness of God s power and purpose being released (Luke 18:7-7, Isaiah 62:6-7). Pray now for the Holy Spirit to be manifest in power to transform anxiety and depression and to heal us spiritually, emotionally and physically. Our Lady s Home Visitation Program At St. Francis of Assisi The statue of Our Lady of Fatima will be visiting the home of: 12/12/14 Rosemarie Esteibar 12/19/14 Dawn Chaffin 1/2/15 Rosemarie Esteibar 1/9/15 Rosy Mandel 1/16/15 Grace Ann Ricca 1/23/15 Barbara Magali 1/30/15 Judith Torchon If you would like to be added to the list, please call Barbara 631-757-1794 or Louise 631-796-2070
December 21, 2014 7 we do not cease praying for you and asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding to live in a manner worthy of the Lord, so as to be fully pleasing, in every good work bearing fruit and growing in the knowledge of God, strengthened with every power, in accord with His glorious might Colossians 1: 9-11 Volunteers Needed For our new St. Francis Gift Boutique New and Exciting Gifts ALL PROCEEDS GO TO ST. VINCENT DE PAUL CALL 631-514-9916 Trinity Regional School Open Houses Catholic Schools Week Sunday, January 25, 2015 (Snow Date: Sunday, February 1, 2015) 9am-1pm and Every Wednesday beginning January 28th 9am-11am Nursery - 8th Grade Come Visit Us... 1025 5th Ave, East Northport (631) 261-5130 RESPECT LIFE NEWS MERRY CHRISTMAS!!! May the Christ Child bless you and your family with His gifts of love, peace, and joy. Our St. Francis of Assisi Respect Life Committee thanks you so much for your extra beautiful gifts placed lovingly in our baby corner crib for our precious babies. During this season we reflect upon the Crib of Our Savior. Just as shepherds and Kings surrounded the Crib at the first Christmas bearing gifts for Our Lord, we too, come bearing gifts for the Christ Child. Whenever we help to dress or feed a baby of a needy family, we are doing this for the Infant Jesus. We greatly appreciate all you have done to make Christmas more special for all God s little ones with your wonderful gifts. Our moms and dads thank you too. Praise God! Stop by the St. Francis of Assisi Baby Corner located in the Chapel in the rear of our Church and say a prayer for our precious babies and their parents. Please say a daily prayer for all God s precious babies. (Especially needed are Huggies, Pampers, and Luv s diapers sizes 4, 5, 6 diapers, unscented baby wash, unscented baby wipes, baby coupons, and money for formula.) Join our Respect Life Committee today! Need assistance? For further information call the rectory at 757-7435. Intercessions for Life December 21st Fourth Sunday of Advent For all expectant mothers, especially those facing challenges: That they may look to Our Lady s example of faith in God s care. We pray to the Lord: Word of Life: Never tire of firmly speaking out of defense of life from its conception and do not be deterred from the commitment to defend the dignity of every human person with courageous determination. Christ is with you: be not afraid! ~Address of John Paul II to the Bishops and Apostolic Administrators of Albania on their Ad Limina Visit, February 3, 2001 (2001 Libreria Editrice Vatican) MARCH FOR LIFE JANUARY 22, 2015: On Thursday, January 22 nd, the annual March for Life will be held in Washington, D.C., and will memorialize the victims of abortion, born and unborn, on the 42 nd anniversary of the Supreme Court decision that legalized abortion. More information to follow. The Life Center of Long Island at 631-243-2373. Call for help with a crisis pregnancy, healing after an abortion, or to donate baby equipment. Please do not bring cribs, car seats, etc. into our Church; rather call the Life Center to make arrangements. Thank you! The Life Center s Life Line is open 24 hours, 7 days a week at 631-243-0066. Please continue to pray each day for our precious babies born and unborn and their parents!!! Pray the rosary for the conversion of America s heart to end abortion.
December 21, 2014 8 St. Francis Youth Ministry GOD - UNITED Please join us at our next PB&J Gang date: Sunday, December 21st 6:30-8:00pm NEWS Hip hip hooray! We made an amazing 522 sandwiches at our last PB&J Gang. Thank you to all who helped! Loving hands, Caring hearts, Spreading joy, is a very good thing. Come and join us in spreading the joy. PB&J gang can help satisfy your service hour requirements St Francis of Assisi Youth Ministry Bowling Fundraiser Sunday December 28, 201 at Larkfield Lanes 332 Larkfield Rd, East Northport 6:30pm-8:30pm St. Francis Christmas Pageant December 21, 2014 During 10:00 Mass If you have any questions, please contact Barbara Morgan at 757-1635. The Night includes two hours of Bowling and shoe rental Cost $20 per person RSVP stfranyouth@gmail.com Invite a Friend, Reserve a Lane (Six people per lane ) Please bring donations of Bread, Smooth Peanut Butter & Jelly! I am only one but I can do something, and what I can do with God s help, I will do -St Francis of Assisi Jr. Choir Boys and Girls, grade 2-7 Come join the St. Francis Children s Choir. Rehearsal will be from 11-11:30, after Sunday Mass. Marianne Craven 368-3141 CRAVEBO36@gmail.com St. Francis Rocks! Come check out the 5 pm Sunday Mass and see what it s all about! For information about the Youth Mass Contact our Youth Music Coordinator Greg at ggullotti1@optonline.net
December 21, 2014 9 Thirsting for Healing? Living Waters Center is a counseling center which provides the Healing Waters of Counseling, Prayer and Love to those who come through our doors. Our therapists are rooted in the prayer that is a basic part of our Catholic Tradition and Faith. Living Waters Center provides individual, family, couple and group therapy. Most insurance plans are accepted. For more information, please call 631-754-3990 or go to our website livingwatersli.com or email us atlivh20@verizon.net Jeff Froh s book, Making Grateful Kids is available for $10 at the Rectory and the Gift Boutique PRAYER FOR OUR MEN AND WOMEN IN MILITARY SERVICE O prince of peace, we humbly ask Your protection for all our men and women in the military service. Give them unflinching courage to defend with honor, dignity and devotion the rights of all who are imperiled by Injustice and evil, Please guard our churches, our homes, and our schools, our hospitals, our factories, our buildings and all who are within from harm and peril. Protect our land and its peoples from enemies within and without. Grant an early peace with victory founded upon true justice. Please instill in the hearts and minds of people everywhere a firm purpose to live forever in peace and good will toward all. Amen. BEATLES NIGHT featuring The Rockinghams Presented by: Fr. Thomas A. Judge Knights of Columbus and Columbiettes Saturday, January 17, 2015 7:00 pm to11:00 pm Saint Anthony of Padua Parish Hall, Cheshire Place and Fifth Avenue East Northport, NY 11731 $35.00 per person Show, Dinner, Beer, Wine, Soda, Coffee and Dessert Call: Jackie (516) 318-5809 Theresa (631) 379-2655 No tickets will be sold at the door. (Snow date Jan. 18, 2015 6:00 pm 10:00 pm FRIEND US! Find information and pictures on parish activities. www.facebook.com/stfrangreenlawn Check out our new Photo Gallery on our website, www.stfrancisgreenlawn.org.