A community of Faith hope and love Second Sunday of Lent March 16, 2014 Our soul is waiting for the Lord!
516-731-4220 Phone/516-731-4355 Fax Email: Parish@StBernardsLevittown.org Website: www.stbernardslevittown.org PASTORAL TEAM Father Ralph Sommer, Pastor Shepherd@StBernardsLevittown.org ext. 130 Father Joe Nohs, Associate Pastor FrNohsBest@StBernardsLevittown.org ext. 128 Deacon John Blakeney DeaconJohn@StBernardsLevittown.org 516-731-4220 Deacon James Flannery DeaconJim@StBernardsLevittown.org 516-731-4220 Deacon Timm Taylor DeaconTimm@StBernardsLevittown.org 516-731-4220 Father Joy Varkey, Resident Priest JVarkey@DRVC.org ext. 124 Father Martin J. Hall, Retired Priest in Residence Sr. Margaret Sammon, O.P., Director of Religious Education RelEd@StBernardsLevittown.org 516-731-8511 Phone/516-731-7860 Fax The Religious Education Center is closed on Fridays. Sr. Christine Sammons, O.P., Coordinator of Parish Social Ministry PSM@StBernardsLevittown.org 516-731-6074 Mr. Mike Rodgers, Coordinator of Youth Ministry MRodgers@StBernardsLevittown.org 516-978-8193 Mrs. Mary Jane Witte, Director of Liturgical Music MJWitte@StBernardsLevittown.org ext. 142 Ms. Diane Vella, Pastoral Associate DVella@StBernardsLevittown.org ext. 143 Mrs. Rose Marie Rotondo, Sacristan Sacristan@StBernardsLevittown.org 516-731-4220 Mr. Len Lanzi, Facilities Manager ext. 120 Mr. Matt Gagas, Maintenance Supervisor Maintenance@StBernardsLevittown.org ext. 126 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. 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. 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 (Youth Mass) 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 Bulletin Deadline: Friday, 5:00 pm, nine days prior to publication. You may email us at Bulletin@StBernardsLevittown.org or leave a printed copy in the inbox on the bulletin desk in the Parish Office. Thank you for your cooperation! 2 S T. BERNARD S CATHOLIC CHURCH
Racing Downhill A Visit with Fr. Jerry For the past twelve years, Father Jerry Ringenback pastored St. Bernard s parish and now is happily shepherding the people of Good Shepherd parish in Holbrook. We re glad to have him back for Wednesday night s evening prayer at 7:30pm in the church. Come join with fellow parishioners to experience this Lenten service with the man who led this community for a dozen years. He ll be glad to see you and so will I. Mission Accomplished Thanks to all who came out for the parish mission, our Spiritual Olympics last week. It was such a joyful experience to be with so many parishioners and their friends night after night. I especially want to thank all of you who reached out to invite others to attend. We had many first-timers. And of course I thank Father Joe whose heartfelt stories and insights were so moving. We really had a good time bringing this mission to you. We just finished our parish mission using the theme of Lent as a Spiritual Olympics but we didn t talk about downhill racing. Imagine yourself on a high mountain, looking down at the valley below. You re on skis. Do you go or not? (For those at the mission, recall Father Joe s exploits on the high diving board -- it s a similar feeling.) The mountaintop experience Jesus has in today s gospel (Matthew 17:1-9) is more about going down the mountain than it is being on the mountaintop. This is because Jesus has to face a big decision: does he go on to Jerusalem, where it is likely that he will be arrested (at best) and possibly killed (at worst)? His other choice would be to go back to Galilee where no one was threatening him and where he had great success as a preacher and as a healer. What choice would YOU make? Myself? I d go to Galilee. I could see myself doing a lot of good for people while I was still alive -- and after all, if I was in Jesus sandals, I d be thinking... It s only been three years since I started my public ministry. I m sure I could work for a few more years before I faced the prospect of dying. But Jesus date with the cross loomed large. He can t make the decision surrounded by the people clamoring for healing or those who wanted to hear more of his message. So he escapes up the mountain -- taking his closest friends along for companionship. And there he prays about his future. The appearance of Elijah and Moses represent the deep history of God s presence to God s people through the law and the prophets. Jesus reflects on these and then makes his decision. His Father gives him encouragement in that transfiguring moment and even though he chooses the cross, all looks bright. And then he heads down the mountain to accomplish his saving work. Do you have a tough decision to make? Jesus gives us the pattern of how to face it. Go away to a quiet place; consult some close loving friends; read the bible for guidance; pray to God the Father for light to see what you re meant to do. God will not leave you alone without guidance. Trust. And God will transfigure you too! 3
parish news St. Patrick and St. Joseph Breakfast Monday, March 17, after 8:00 am Mass in the Parish Center. Join us for Mass and breakfast in celebration of two great saints! dedication of the new bricks today after the 10:30 am Mass in the Memorial Garden near the church. All are welcome to attend! St. Bernard S Altar Server & Youth Group Annual Spring Flower Sale May 3, 2014 1:00pm-7:00pm & May 4, 2014 8:00am-7:00pm We offer a wide selection of your favorite Annuals, Vegetables, Perennials and Hanging Baskets! All available for Pre-Order! Remember Pre-ordering saves money, time, and gives you first choice plants all ready for pick up or delivery! Pre-order price $12.00 per flat of 48 plants. Date of Sale price $14.00 per flat of 48 plants. All pre-orders must be accompanied with full payment by check made payable to St. Bernard s Church. Order forms are available in the rectory, on the St. Bernard s Website ( www.stbernardslevittown.org) or give us a call and we will email one to you! All completed forms and payments must be received by the rectory NO LATER THAN MARCH 30 TH. All orders are available for delivery (Levittown vicinity) at an additional cost of $5.00, or may be picked up in the school lobby at the dates and times listed above. Some of our offerings include: Flowering Vinca,, Double Begonias, Gerbera Daisies, Shasta Daisies, Sage, Lavender, Black Eyed Susan, Day Lilies, Double Impatiens, Dahlias, Million Bells, Portulaca, Wave Petunia, Cilantro, Mint, Rosemary & Thyme! We will also have Spikes & Vines, Dahlias & Daisies, Geraniums & More available for purchase day of sale. All proceeds from this sale go to the St. Bernard s Altar Server and Youth Group Ministries. Any questions? Call Elizabeth 731-8595 or Kathy 697-0303 or email: plantsale@stbernardslevittown.org Gifts of treasure Sunday collections March 9, 2014 March 10, 2013 $ 14,936.68 $ 13,843.65 632 envelopes 634 envelopes Faith Direct $ 1,869.09 $ 2,496.50 Total Collection $ 16,805.77 $ 15,485.20 Second Collection The Church in Need $ 4,045.90 $ 3,751.00 337 envelopes 302 envelopes There will be a second collection next Sunday, March 30 for Catholic Relief Services. This collection supports six agencies benefiting millions of vulnerable, displaced and impoverished families and individuals around the world. From direct humanitarian services to helping victims of human trafficking and working to reunify families, the funds from this collection make a real difference in lives across the globe. How will you help? Please support the Catholic Relief Service and Jesus in Disguise. Capital Campaign Goal: $1,000,000.00 Pledged: $1,199,925.00 Paid to date: $ 631,773.89 Please continue to fulfill your pledge commitment so that all of the planned projects can be accomplished. Thank you for your continued generosity. Have you enrolled yet? www.faithdirect.net Code = NY272 St. Bernard S WinnerS CirCle February 2014 Winner is Ed Gruber Congratulations! 4
mass intentions Monday, March 17, St. Patrick 8:00 am Ryan & Matthews Families Tuesday, March 18, St. Cyril of Jerusalem 8:00 am Kieran Morgan Wednesday, March 19, St. Joseph, spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary 8:00am Joseph Curcio Thursday, March 20 8:00 am Hattie DeLeo Friday, March 21 8:00 am Margaret McFadden Saturday, March 22 8:00 am Angela Zampini, George A. Steiger, Jr. 5:00 pm Theresa Oggeri Sunday, March 23,Third Sunday of Lent 7:30 am John Ballantyne 9:00 am Antonino Mineo 10:30 am John Ballantyne, Charles Foley, Harriet Lacey, William McNerney 12 Noon For All Parishioners 5:30 pm Mary Eagan (deceased) Parish schedule Monday, March 17 After 8am Mass St. Patrick & St. Joseph Breakfast, Parish Cntr 7:30 pm Miraculous Medal Novena, Church Tuesday, March 18 10:00 am Our Lady of Consolation, Parish Center 10:00 am St. Francis Mobile Bus, Parking Lot, see page11 6:15 pm Children s Choir, Parish Center 7:00 pm BSA Troop 316, 2nd floor School 7:00 pm Spanish Rosary, Prayer Room 7:30 pm Adult Choir, Church 7:30 pm PFI, Parish Center 8:00 pm AA Meeting, Cafeteria Wednesday, March 19 10:00 am MMPT, Parish Center 7:30 pm Lenten Evening of Prayer, Church 8:00 pm Prayer Group, Parish Center 8:00 pm Youth Prayer Group, Youth Ministry Room Thursday, March 20 10:00 am Shawl Ministry, Parish Center 2:15 pm St. Vincent Meeting, Clairvaux House 6:30 pm Most Holy Trinity Adoration, Prayer Room 7:30 pm Awakening Faith, Youth Ministry Room 7:30 pm Welcome Orientation, Parish Center Friday, March 21 2:00 pm Stroke Support, Parish Center 7:30 pm Stations of the Cross, Church Saturday, March 22 9:00 am Awakening Faith, Youth Ministry Room 9:00 am Parent Meeting, Cafeteria 10:30 am Special Needs Religious Ed, Parish Center 11:00 am Women s AA Meeting, Cafeteria 12:30 pm CYO Girls Pictures, Cafeteria Sunday, March 23 9:00 am Children s Choir Mass, Church 9:00 am RCIA, Parish Center 6:30 pm Youth Ministry Meeting, YM Room 8:00 pm AA Meeting, Cafeteria sacraments Baptisms We welcome into the parish the following new member: Logan Matthew Pantano Congratulations to the parents. BANNS OF MARRIAGE Second Time: April Carbaugh, St. Bernard Parish, Levittown, NY Anthony Kleinlaut, Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, West Islip, 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. Ernest Cassano, Jr. Kerry Chavez Harry Desena Joseph Gallagher Dorothy Gormley Frances Haskell Brenda Hudson Mary Lou Inciarano Vicki Jacona Andrew Mulina Federico Rueda Joan Rampolla Patricia Sferrazza Kathryn Smith Laureen Quinn-Sturge Rosalie Travers Theresa Vargas Katie Walsh Please pray for all those on our Long-term Sick List Baby Mason Francis Combs Susan Arena Walter Bartnick Frank Bond Phil Blum Helen Clarke Rosemary Clark Roberta Curran Vincent Davi Bridget Dell Aera Juanita Dones Gerry Dowling Jim Finlan Kathleen Flaherty Margie Foley Bob Foley Colleen Grasing Mike Hach Patricia Hafner Carolyn Hakim Suzanne Hanna Frances Haskell Judy Hupfer Sally Jacovina Jerome W. Kalkhof Robert Lane Tia Mabanta Andrew Mahoney Mary Messina William McDonagh Mary McLean Gerard McManus Kerri Orlando Johnny Perdue Rosina Perri Joseph Pfeifer Raymond Pfiefer Catherine Pipinou Fred Rappa Deanne Reilly John Rotondo, Jr. Terri Saccente Eve Saint Thomas Saint Joseph Smithwick, Sr. Norma Steiger Marina Suazo David Testa Theresa Votta Pat Welisher Mary Jane Wozniuk Pray for our beloved deceased And those who mourn for them Elizabeth Muller Robert Probst 5
GIFTED, ENGAGED AND GROWING St. Bernard S pastoral plan Goal 3: To increase support and recognition of engaged parishioners CALL TO SUBMIT NOMINATIONS for our THIRD ANNUAL SPIRIT OF ST. BERNARD AWARD! This award will be given annually to a parishioner or parishioners who have responded exceptionally to their baptismal call to build up the Kingdom of God in the parish of Saint Bernard, especially in the year just completed. These men and women have followed the call of Christ and participated in the mission of the parish by praying and worshipping, educating others in the faith, assisting those in need, and/or working for justice in the world. They have shown their devotion to the Holy Father, the Diocese, and the Parish through their commitment to the corporal and spiritual works of mercy. Qualifications for nominees are as follows: Registered parishioners of Saint Bernard s who participate regularly in Sunday Eucharist and the sacraments. Members of a formal parish organization or group, or may work informally. Consideration is to be given to those whose work is seen by the parish as well as those who work behind the scenes. Nominees cannot be prior recipients of the Diocesan Saint Agnes Medal or the Spirit of St. Bernard Award. Nominees can be an individual, couple, or in certain cases, a small team working together. 2011 recipients: Marie McNamara and Denise Lownie 2012 recipients: Sandy Leonard and Patricia Muench 2013 recipient: Bill Lynch PLEASE SUBMIT FORMAL LETTERS OF NOMINATION DETAILING HOW THE NOMINEE/S MEETS THE ABOVE QUALIFICATIONS TO FATHER RALPH NO LATER THAN TUESDAY, APRIL 1, 2014 Goal 2: To motivate and equip engaged parishioners to reach out and invite others to become engaged Faithful Families presents Mass, Pizza and Movie Night! Saturday, April 5, 5:00 p.m. Mass followed by pizza and a showing of THE BIG MIRACLE See the trailer: http://www.universalstudiosentertainment.com/big-miracle/ $10 per family, payable at the door Reservations needed: faithfulfamilies@stbernardslevittown.org 6
Need some prayer time? LENTEN EVENING PRAYER Meditative Scripture, Prayer, Music, Candles, Incense and Guest Preachers Wednesday, March 19, 7:30 p..m. Monsignor Jerry Ringenback Father Jerry, ordained in 1972, served at St. Vincent de Paul in Elmont, Holy Name of Mary in Valley Stream, and as Spiritual Director at St. Pius X H.S. and Immaculate Conception Seminary before being named pastor of St. Peter the Apostle in Islip Terrace. After serving two terms, he was named pastor of St. Bernard s, where he served until becoming pastor of Good Shepherd in Holbrook in June. In addition, he has served on numerous diocesan committees and as area Dean. Father Jerry is settling into his new place, and looks forward to returning to St. Bernard s to see his old friends! Wednesday, April 2, 7:30 p..m. Sister Elaine Jahrsdoerfer, O.P. Sister Elaine has been a member of the Sisters of Saint Dominic of Amityville (the same community as Sister Margaret and Sister Christine) for 49 years. In that time she has served as a liturgical and music minister with 35 years of experience in parish ministry, and has been a mentor and teacher of liturgy for the Diocese of Rockville Centre s Liturgical Commission for 30 years. Sister Elaine was elected Assistant Prioress of her order in 2007, and served a six-year term. She is currently Liturgical Minister for the Dominican sisters. Join us for prayer and reflection Wednesday, March 26, 7:30 p..m. Reverend Laurie Cline Pastor Cline was ordained for the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America in 1998, and has served ever since as pastor of Saint John Lutheran Church in Bellmore. In addition, she has served the church and community as a member of several committees of the Metropolitan New York Synod (the Lutheran equivalent of a diocese), as the clergy representative on the Community Wellness Council of the Bellmores and Merrick, and as a member of several interfaith and ecumenical groups, including the Long Island Lutheran/Anglican/Roman Catholic dialogue. Pastor Cline and her husband Edward have three children and three grandchildren. Miércoles/Wed., Abril/April 9, 7:30 p..m. Servicio Bilingüe/Bilingual Service Elsa y Greg Preston Elsa y Greg Preston se casaron hace 19 años y son bendecidos con una hija de 15 años, Gabriella. Ambos son abogados y participan en la preparación matrimonial y en el ministerio del blog de Familias en Santa Brígida en Westbury. Ellos predicarán en inglés y español. Elsa and Greg Preston have been married for 19 years and are blessed with a 15-year-old daughter, Gabriella. They are both attorneys, and participate in marriage preparation and Family Blog ministries at St. Brigid s in Westbury. They will preach in English and Spanish. 7
Blood Drive - Spring of 2014 A few of the many who came out to give the gift of life! 8
Every year we see smiling faces God bless each one! 9
Parish social ministry Sr. Christine Sammons, O.P., 731-6074 St. Vincent de Paul: We thank Levittown Kiwanis for their recent food donation. We are grateful to everyone who remembers our low-income neighbors. Although the recession is officially over, we are still welcoming new people each week who are struggling to make ends meet. We thank you for your monetary donations as well! This week our pantry needs include: Tomato products of all kinds Cake mixes, frosting Knorr or Lipton sides Ramen noodles As always, many thanks! Charitable KIDZ Food Drive: Our wonderful Charitable KIDZ and their parents will conduct a food drive to benefit our pantry on Saturday, March 22 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at King Kullen and Stop & Shop (Wantagh Avenue). They will be outside the stores handing out a list of most needed items for the pantry. If you are able to shop and donate, we would be most grateful. We thank our KIDZ in advance for this wonderful effort, which is an especially appropriate Lenten activity! Job Opportunity: Merry Maids, Levittown office (3000 Hempstead Tpke. Suite 102) is looking to hire for their home cleaning service. We know the requirements, but if interested, you may call Josephine at 931-0758 for details. Starting salary is at least $10 an hour and full benefits. Working But Still Poor Conference: A Call to Solidarity for Economic Justice on Long Island This conference, sponsored by Long Island Jobs With Justice and the Long Island Federation of Labor, will take place on Friday, March 28 th at Touro Law Center in Central Islip from 9:00 to 2:30 p.m. The entire program of excellent speakers and workshops can be found at www.longisland jwj.org/ conference. On-site registration is $30.00. This is an excellent day to explore the many challenges of living on Long Island in the 21 st century. Free Tax Preparation-through April 12 th : The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program offers free tax help for low to moderate income ($55,000 and below) individuals and families. Bi-lingual tax assistors are available. Call our office for days, times and locations, and necessary documentation. For more information, contact Community Development at (516) 349-4288 or community@bethpagefcu.com. Catholic Charities Immigrant Services Catholic Charities would like to assist elderly or disabled immigrants apply for citizenship. Counselors will prepare the citizenship application for those who qualify, at no cost to the applicant. If you are (or know of someone who is) a legal resident of the US for five years or more (three if married to a United States citizen), have good moral character, are at least 18 years of age, you may call Catholic Charities at (631) 789-5210. Strength & Hope for the Journey Bereavement Conference This excellent conference will take place on Saturday, March 22 nd at Kellenberg High School, Uniondale from 8:00 (registration and continental breakfast) to 4:00 closing with Mass (Bishop Perez). There are keynote addresses including Bishop Perez, and very practical workshops for the bereaved and those ministering to them. The registration fee is $50 which includes lunch and materials. This is a most worthwhile event, most supportive to those who are grieving, or who are working with the bereaved. Our eighth graders prepared 285 peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for the INN and for our food pantry. Thanks to them and Denise Lownie who directs this community service project. 10
ADULT FAITH FORMATION Diane Vella, Pastoral Associate The Two Annunciations A Lenten Day of Retreat between the Feasts of St. Joseph and the Annunciation of Mary God s message came to both Joseph and Mary to announce God s invitation to them. What annunciation is God making to YOU this Lent? MONDAY, MARCH 24 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. (Bring lunch or order lunch for $10.) Facilitated by Pastoral Associate Diane Vella Please register by Friday, March 21 Contact Diane Vella at 516-731-4220 or dvella@ stbernardslevittown.org Looking for a different way to pray? Join us for a morning of Centering Prayer Centering Prayer is an ancient Christian method of reflective, silent prayer that prepares us to receive and recognize the gift of God s presence within us. Monday, March 31, 10:30-12:00 pm Parish Center Led by Sister Jo Ann Walsh, RSM For The Ride Home This feature is for families to share their thoughts as they travel to and from Church. March 16, 2014 Second Sunday of Lent Gospel: Matthew 17: 1-9 Adults: What difference does your faith in Jesus Christ make in your life? Children: What does it mean to you to be a holy person? People like to know that they are remembered and everyone likes to receive mail. Maybe during this Lenten Season but also in the days after...think about sending a note or just a cheery card to someone. Msgr. Graham s new address: Monsignor George Graham Our Lady of Consolation 10 Nazareth 111 Beach Drive West Islip, NY 11701 Readings for March 16 March 23, 2014 Sunday, March 16. Second Sunday of Lent. Genesis 12:1-4; Psalm 33:4-5, 18-20, 22; 2 Timothy 1:8-10; Matthew 17:1-9 Monday, March 17. Daniel 9:4-10; Psalm 79:8-9, 11, 13; Luke 6:36-38 Tuesday, March 18. Isaiah 1:10, 16-20; Psalm 50:8-9, 16-17, 21, 23; Matthew 23:1-12 Wednesday, March 19. Solemnity of Saint Joseph, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary. 2 Samuel 7:4-5, 12-14, 16; Psalm 89:2-5, 27, 29; Romans 4:13, 16-18, 22; Matthew 1:16, 18-21, 24 Thursday, March 20. Jeremiah 17:5-10; Psalm 1:1-4, 6; Luke 16:19-31 Friday, March 21. Genesis 37:3-4, 12-13, 17-28; Psalm 105:16-21; Matthew 21:33-43, 45-46 Saturday, March 22. Micah 7:14-15, 18-20; Psalm 103:1-4, 9-12; Luke 15:1-3, 11-32 Sunday, March 23. Third Sunday of Lent. Exodus 17:3-7; Psalm 95:1-2, 6-9; Romans 5:1-2, 5-8; John 4:5-42 St. Francis Hospital Community Outreach Van will be at St. Bernard s on March 18, 10:00-2:00 pm. offering free health screenings using their state-of-the-art outreach van. These screenings include a brief cardiac history, blood pressure, simple blood test for cholesterol, and diabetes screenings with the appropriate patient education and referrals needed for clients above the age of 18. For more information, please call (516) 629-2013. 11
Liturgy Corner SECOND SUNDAY OF LENT March 16, 2014 We can bear our hardship for the Gospel because through the grace of the Transfiguration we have been given the strength that comes from God. The grace we need in order to go where God directs us has been made manifest through the appearance of our savior Christ Jesus. Magnificat, March 2014 First Reading: God begins to form a people for himself, beginning with the call of Abraham. What is most significant is Abraham s prompt obedience in the face of the call and the promise of the Lord. All the communities of the earth did indeed find blessing in him and in his descendant, Jesus (see Matthew 1:1). Responsorial Psalm 33: How fitting is today s response, given the unhesitating trust that Abraham placed in God s Word. Lord, let your mercy be on us, as we place our trust in you. Second Reading: Hardships are part and parcel of life. Hardships are especially a part of trying to live a life in accord with Gospel values and teaching. Endure these, carry these ultimately they have no power over us. Life and immortality is ours through Jesus, our Savior. Gospel: Mountains are privileged places of encounter with God. So it was for Moses, for Elijah, and for Jesus. So it was also for Jesus companions when they glimpsed the divine glory that was his as well as the presence of Moses and Elijah. How important it was that Israel listen to the words God gave to Moses. How important that Jesus disciples listen to the words of God that he speaks. According to the prophet Malachi, Elijah would come preaching a message of repentance before the coming of the day of the Lord. In the verses immediately after the Transfiguration, Jesus tells his disciples that Elijah had already come in the person of John the Baptist (Matthew 17:12-13). Yes, the day of judgment, the day of salvation, is imminent in the person of Jesus. How important it is that we listen to the words of the one who is not only judge but the beloved Son who is pleasing to the Lord. How important it is that we take his words to heart. WORDS FROM YOUR HEART: Jesus, when others walk away, my friends are there, healing my hurts and giving me hope. Help me do the same for them. Amen. From our parish book for Lent: 40 Days of Hope and Healing by Joseph Sica Saints of the Week Monday, March 17. Many legends have developed around Saint Patrick (390-460), from driving snakes out of Ireland, to using the shamrock to explain the Trinity; however, his popularity stems beyond these stories, to his missionary zeal and astonishing ability to inspire faith. He was sold into slavery at a young age and eventually freed, and so he wanted people enslaved by doubt and skepticism to know the liberation found in Jesus Christ. Although he had little education, he was appointed Bishop of Ireland. His many accomplishments include the conversion of Ireland, ordination of clergy, consecration of virgins, and organization of missions to evangelize Europe. He also makes an appearance on the Russian Orthodox calendar. Today is a solemnity and holyday of obligation in Ireland. Tuesday, March 18. Saint Cyril of Jerusalem s life is woven of two dimensions: on the one hand, pastoral care; and on the other, his involvement, in spite of himself, in the heated controversies that were then tormenting the Church of the East. Cyril was born at or near Jerusalem in A.D. 315. He received an excellent literary education which formed the basis of his ecclesiastical culture, centered on the study of the Bible. Cyril was exiled three times within the course of approximately twenty years: first in 357, after being deposed by a Synod of Jerusalem; followed in 360, instigated by Acacius; and finally in 367, by a the philo-arian Emperor Valens. Of Cyril s writings, twenty-four famous catecheses have been preserved, which he delivered as bishop in about 350. Doctors of the Church by Pope Benedict XVI. Wednesday, March 19. Solemnity of Saint Joseph, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Saint Joseph was an honorable and just man who took the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of Jesus, as his wife. While engaged to Mary, Joseph found out that she was pregnant, but he knew he was not the father. After an angel appeared to him in a dream, in which he was told that the child was from the Holy Spirit, he courageously moved forward, and still planned to marry his beloved Mary and protect the soon-to -be-messiah. Saint Joseph, a carpenter by trade, appears at various points in the four Gospel accounts, including Luke s genealogy, the infancy narratives, and the flight into Egypt. Although he disappears from the Gospel after Jesus early years, he continues to be a source of inspiration and veneration for many. Sourcebook 2014 12
Charitable KIDZ of St. Bernard's Young Vincentians - Teenage Community Service Group CHARITABLE KIDZ FOOD DRIVE SATURDAY, MARCH 22, 2014 9:00 A.M. TO 3:00 P.M. at TWO STORES! KING KULLEN 3284 Hempstead Turnpike LEVITTOWN STORE STOP & SHOP 3750 Hempstead Turnpike LEVITTOWN STORE To benefit St. Vincent de Paul FOOD PANTRY at St. Bernard s THE CHARITABLE KIDZ WILL GREET YOU WITH A SUNNY SMILE! CharitableKIDZ@aol.com "Thank you for remembering the less fortunate Together we can make a difference!" 2014 LENTEN SOUP AND BREAD SUPPER Hosted by: The Catholic Daughters of the Americas Date: Time: Place: Wednesday, March 26 th 6PM School Gym The Guest Speaker will be from Hope House of Port Jefferson Good Will Offering appreciated. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ RSVP by March 19, 2014 Name: # of Attendees: 13
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Name: ARE YOU A FASHIONISTA?? HERE S YOUR CHANCE TO BE ONE CATCH THE NEW LINE OF ST. BERNARD S CLOTHING!! CLOTHING ORDER FORM Address: Phone #: E-mail: (Please print) Description Color Quantity Size Please circle Unit Price T-Shirt Maroon S M L XL 8.00 Sweatshirt Maroon S M L XL 23.00 Polo - Women Maroon S M L XL 15.00 Polo - Men Maroon S M L XL 13.00 TOTAL ORDER $ Total Price For office use only: Payment received on: / / Cash: Check: Prayer and Public Witness with Catholics to the Capitol We are going to Albany on March 19, 2014 to speak to our legislators and to pray together in the Cathedral. Participants will represent all eight dioceses of New York State. Many will meet with their legislators, while others will serve as a visible presence in the halls of the state Capital. Participants will lobby their legislators on five issues identified as priorities by the bishops. They are: 1. Support Pregnant Woman and Oppose Abortion Expansion 2. Preserve Catholic Schools 3. Ensure Sufficient Funding for Programs for Vulnerable Populations 4. Support Humane Treatment for Incarcerated Individuals 5. Support Equitable Labor Standards for Farmworkers Also on March 19, 2014, Catholics for Freedom of Religion will be honored by the Bishops through an award, the J. Alan Davitt Award for Exemplary Service, to Barbara Samuells who, with Eileen Wolfe, founded Catholics for Freedom of Religion, a grassroots movement of lay Catholics working for religious liberty in the Diocese of Rockville Centre as well as other states. Many of the volunteers who have worked thousands of hours in their own and other parishes will be there working once again for the cause of religious liberty by supporting the Catholic voice in Albany and by explaining to Catholics from all over New York State how they can work for religious liberty in their own parishes. Learn more at: www.catholicsforfreedomofreligion.org 15