Last weekend both Father Thomas and myself spoke at nearly all our Sunday Masses regarding the current crisis within our Catholic Church. The overwhelming and positive response of parishioners has demonstrated that this was the right thing to do. Further, we want to thank you for the words of encouragement and affirmation you shared with us we appreciate that more than you can imagine but in the midst of that, I don t want any of us to lose sight of those who deserve our attention, compassion, and concern ~ the victims who suffered these horrors. There s no doubt the Church failed abuse victims in the past and I want to highlight a few with some sound, and I hope, helpful ways to guard against these failures in the future. I do believe the Church has made great progress since 2002 that we not repeat the tragic history we ve seen exposed. Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it. 1. Instinctively Siding With The Abuser ~ It was common practice for the Church to side with a person in an influential position rather than to take seriously the claims against him or her by a less influential individual. Isn t that expressed when an abuse victim says I didn t think anyone would believe me? Nobody wanted to believe that Father could be capable of such a crime even when there were allegations of it happening before. I hope the Church, and all society, has moved well beyond such a mindset and that everyone knows to take the accusations seriously. Recognize how difficult it is for a victim to come forward and that anyone (even a spiritual leader) is capable of great sin. Assure victims that that the church values their safety and that they will do everything in their power to protect the victim. 2. Shaming and Blaming ~ These responses inappropriately place the blame and responsibility for the abuse on the victim instead of where it belongs... on the shoulders of the abuser. It distracts from the real issue and shifts focus towards the victim s perceived imperfections. I read earlier this week of a senior churchman who said: Some accusers should be ashamed to point their finger at clerics because many of them have skeletons in their own closets. There s really no adequate response to such asinine and idiotic remarks. If true, his remarks are part of the problem and not helpful to a solution. Our response must always be to believe and reassure the victim that there is nothing they could ever do which gives another person the permission to hurt them. The Church should have offered empathy for the trauma the victim had experienced rather than project judgment upon the victim. 3. Silencing The Victims and Covering Up the Abuse ~ We can all see where this practice has gotten us. In a terribly tragic and misguided attempt to avoid scandal, the Church invited a global scandal which is obviously worse than dealing with the issue head on and in an appropriate way. The response of the Church should have been (and must always be) to praise the victim for being so brave as to come forward with this important information. Then, promise to take the matter seriously and then actually follow through by reaching out to the proper professionals and authorities. 4. Failing To Report To The Proper Authorities ~ How this didn t happen in the first place is something I ll never understand. Victims have shared their accounts of how failing to report abuse to the police resulted in additional abuse and even led to more victims. The response should have been to reach out to trained professionals and law enforcement immediately following abuse disclosure in order to gain guidance and direction. In the past, that didn t always happen. I don t believe that s going to happen again and if it does, it s unjustifiable, reprehensible, and criminal ~ which it s always been. Bishop Barres Discusses Recent Church and Diocesan Developments on Special Sunday Encounter Program on Telecare On a special edition of Encounter -- Bishop John Barres will discuss Pope Francis recent letter to the People of God and our diocese s response to the challenges put forth affecting the life and mission of our Church. This special program will air on Telecare beginning on Sunday, August 26 th at 8:00 p.m. Other air times include: Monday at 10:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.; Tuesday at 8:00 p.m.; Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. and 10:30 p.m.; Thursday at 11:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.; Friday at 9:00 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. and Saturday at 7:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. Telecare can be seen on Cablevision channel 29/137, Verizon FiOS TV channel 296, Spectrum channel 162/471. Encounter can also be viewed on demand on drvc.org, licatholic.org, telecaretv.org and on Diocese of Rockville Centre Facebook (Diocese of Rockville Centre) and Twitter (@RVCDiocese) social media platforms. You are encouraged to view this important program. Fr. Seán
September 4 th ~ First Day of School ~ 8:00 AM September 4 th ~ Back to School Breakfast for Parents ~ 8:00-10:00 AM September 7 th ~ First Friday/Welcome Back Mass ~ 1:00 PM
50/50 RAFFLE TICKETS ~ $10 each or 3 for $25 GRAND PRIZE HALF the monies raised GRAND PRIZE Drawing will be held on Wednesday, September 5 th in the Parish Center after 8:45 AM Mass Tickets are available for purchase at the Parish Center. (Proceeds will go toward the Bell Tower Project)
Parish Center Office Hours AUGUST 20 THROUGH AUGUST 31st Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday 9:00 AM to 12:00 Noon 9:00 AM to 12:00 Noon 9:00 AM to 12:00 Noon 9:00 AM to 12:00 Noon 9:00 AM to 12:00 Noon 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM 9:00 AM to 1:30 PM Office closed for Lunch 12:00 noon to 1:00 PM on Saturday
VOLUNTEER for the 16 th Annual KINGS PARK BLUFF CLEAN UP Sunday September 16, 2018 at 9:00am SHARP!
Joshua confronts the tribes of Israel: Will you desert your covenant with Yahweh? The desertion of the disciples is a prelude to the paschal mystery. With Peter, however, let us profess our faith in the Lord who gave Himself up for all of us, not just a select arrogant few. Our faith, like the faith of our ancestors, is like a fragile seedling. It may grow to full bloom or it may wither and easily die. It was so from Jesus own time, as we read in today s gospel. The crowds had seen His miracles but when they heard the promise of the Eucharist they turned away. They just could not take on board such a reality. It offered too much and demanded too much. The offer was a sharing in the life of God Himself. The demand was to live out the love and the values of the God who comes to change us. The offer and the demand were very closely linked so that the crowds rejected them both and walked away. Under the leadership of Peter, the seedling faith of the core disciples were protected. It grew and eventually blossomed into full commitment in the infant church. In our time many young adults, and some not so young, are voting with their feet. It is a sad fact, they no longer come to Eucharist. It is true that they are walking away from many other traditional institutions and values also. But, the changing attitudes toward the Eucharist are much more significant because Eucharist is so central to living as a follower of Jesus. The Twelve stand out as a contrast to the crowd. They vow their loyalty to Jesus. Only Jesus has the words of eternal life. They have arrived at faith. Eucharist symbolizes the community s allegiance to Christ. By sharing the bread and wine, the community reconnects itself to carrying out the terms of the covenant in daily life. To eat and drink with Christ means to demonstrate loyalty to Christ by loyalty to the community. The initial faith of the young is quickly crushed unless it is protected and nurtured. Most of us have doubts and face difficulties about our faith, but like Peter we would be lost without it. At every Mass, Christ, once again invites us to be His faithful followers and to share His work among humankind. We have to have the strength and the courage to respect the words of Peter from the very depth of our hearts: Lord, where else will we go? We believe you have the message of eternal life. Who will speak the word of encouragement like Peter that will enable them to stay in the church and blossom to full disciples? Can you do so? Will you? Focus on Religious Freedom From Catholics For Freedom of Religion www.cffor.org School is Open! And YES, Students May Express their Faith - (Part 1) However, many Americans incorrectly believe that any mention of God by students in school is forbidden. This belief is false! But, why do so many Americans believe this falsehood? How did we get here? School-sponsored prayer was removed from the public education system through a number of court cases over several decades that culminated in a 1963 Supreme Court ruling. The ruling stated that school-sponsored prayer and/or Bible reading by a teacher or other school personnel was a violation of the establishment cause of the First Amendment. This ruling did not stop school prayer or Bible reading completely since voluntary student prayer was still permitted and protected. Nevertheless, for over 50 years, the misunderstanding and misrepresentation of the 1963 Supreme Court ruling has led to countless cases that deny our children their First Amendment free exercise rights. (supreme.justia.com/cases; allabouthistory.org; free2pray.info; historynet.com) ACTION! Go to www.youtube.com and watch It s OK to Pray a 9 minute video
St. Joseph CYO Intramural Basketball Registration Is Now Open If you have played for us in previous seasons spread the word to friends and neighbors to REGISTER NOW to qualify for the early bird pricing special (ends 9/15) St. Joseph CYO rosters 50 teams annually for the intramural season and 10 teams for the travel season. The Kindergarten, 1 st, 2 nd Grade Clinic Program teaches basketball skills to approximately 150 boys and girls per season. Scheduled Leagues this season include: Boys 3 rd /4 th Grade Division Boys 5 th /6 th Grade Division Boys 7 th /8 th Grade Division Boys Senior Division 9 th to 12 th Grades Girls 3 rd /4 th Grade Division Girls 5 th /6 th Grade Division Girls 7 th /8 th Grade Division Girls Senior Division 9 th to 12 th Grades The success of our program lies in our experienced, dedicated coaches, ongoing development of players, emphasis on sportsmanship and philosophy of all players getting equal playing time on the court. SEASON STARTS IN MID OCTOBER We cannot guarantee your child's placement on a team after registration closes. Go to www.stjosephcyo.com and click REGISTER NOW to Join the Fun!
For Office Use Only: Donation: $125.00 Approved by Purchaser:
Have you ever considered becoming an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion? Purpose: This ministry exists to assist the priests of the parish in the distribution of Communion. Many members of this ministry also take Communion to the homebound, so that our homebound parishioners may partake of Holy Communion at least once a week. Activities/Responsibilities: Eucharistic Ministers serve at Mass on Sundays, Weekday Mass and Holy Days of Obligation through out the year. Background: With the shortage of priests, the laity is needed to assist where possible in the mission of the Church. One of the Corporal Works of Mercy (to visit the sick) is borne out by making Holy Communion available by those unable to attend Mass. By taking them communion, sharing some of the scripture readings and or homily for that Sunday, giving them a copy of the church bulletin, and engaging in small talk and listening to their concerns, they are connected to the parish community even though they cannot be present physically. Requirements: Training for Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion is required for all those who are interested. The pastor (Fr. Seán) will send a letter to the Bishop on behalf of those interested and they will then attend a Diocesan Training Session. Upon successful completion, they will be commissioned and begin their service/ministry to St. Joseph s parish. The minimum age for Eucharistic Ministers is 18. Commitment: Most Ministers commit to a two-year term of service, renewable at the discretion of the Pastor. Upcoming Time/Location for Ministry Training: EM A Session ~ Saturday, October 6, 2018; 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM ~ St. Rosalie, Hampton Bays Saturday, October 27, 2018; 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM ~ St. Agnes Parish Center, Rockville Centre EM B Session for Extraordinary Ministers (for those ministering in hospitals, nursing homes and to homebound parishioners). Session A Must be attended prior to Session B. Saturday, October 13, 2018; 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM ~ St. Rosalie, Hampton Bays Saturday, November 3, 2018; 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM ~ St. Agnes Parish Center, Rockville Centre Evening Sessions for Extraordinary Ministers at St. Elizabeth, Melville Session A ~ Monday, October 15, 2018; 7:00 to 10:00 PM Session B ~ Monday, October 22, 2018; 7:00 to 10:00 PM If interested, please call Cathy Cotter at the Parish Center 269-6635 ext: 219 so that she may register you for the Diocesan Training Session.
Have you ever considered becoming a Lector? Purpose: Lectors proclaim the Good News of Salvation to the parish community, striving to present it as a friend of St. Paul s in Corinth in biblical times might have done; as a letter from a very special friend, about a topic very important to all. Activities: Each lector proclaims about once every 2-3 weeks on Sundays, Weekday Mass and Holy Days of Obligation. Lectors prepare themselves to proclaim the scriptures by meditating on the readings during the week prior to their assignment. This meditation is facilitated by using the workbook provided to all lectors. The workbook contains the readings, historical and contextual notes, tips on proclaiming the passage, and a pronunciation guide for difficult biblical words. Background: The scriptures recount the relationship between God and His people through many centuries. The three readings and the Psalms proclaimed at Mass are selected by the church to present a common theme, message, or lesson. Since the Lector proclaims not just any word, but the Word of God, it is essential that they develop the skills required to communicate God s message competently. The ministry of the lector calls for a person to grow in a warm and loving knowledge of Scripture, the living word of God. Responsibilities: Completion of Diocesan Training Session; training and preparation of the readings for your assigned Mass; acquainting oneself with the Prayer of the Faithful/Pulpit Announcements when you arrive for your scheduled assignment. Commitment: To qualify, a lector must be a member of the parish, at least a high school junior (11 th grade), and have public reading skills. A 3-year commitment is requested to coincide with the 3-year lectionary cycle developed by the Church. Participants are required to attend a training workshop held once each year (See below). Lectors whose commitments limit them to a particular Mass are accommodated; others are rotated through each of the weekend masses. Upcoming Training Session for the Ministry of Lector: Saturday, October 6, 2018; 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM ~ St. Rosalie, Hampton Bays Saturday, October 27, 2018; 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM ~ St. Agnes Parish Center, Rockville Centre Evening Sessions for Ministry of Lectors at St. Elizabeth, Melville Monday, October15, 2018; 7:00 to 10:00 PM If interested, please call Cathy Cotter at the Parish Center 269-6635 ext: 219 so that she may register you for the Diocesan Training Session.
The Church of St. Joseph Kings Park, NY Policies Dealing with Allegations of Sexual Abuse STANDARD The Church of St. Joseph, Kings Park, NY, with its clergy and staff, is committed to fostering the dignity of children and young people and reasserts its commitment to creating a safe environment for children and youth. Therefore, 1. it is the moral obligation of all to report knowledge or reasonable suspicion of child abuse and 2. the pastoral responsibility of the diocese/parish to implement and enforce an internal program of clear, practical actions to require the reporting of suspected child abuse. REPORTING AN INCIDENT When a complaint of sexual abuse of a child or minor is brought to any person working for the Church, he or she is 1. to urge the complainant to notify the legal authorities immediately and assist the person to do so if the complainant wishes; 2. to call the legal authorities immediately after receiving whatever information has been provided; 3. to inform the diocesan Office of the Protection of Children and Young People at 516-678-5800 ext. 216/573. The person accepting the complaint will initiate the diocesan standardized incident report form, and as a precaution, also inform the legal authorities before beginning the preliminary internal investigation. In an effort to ensure a response to those who wish to report incidents of sexual abuse of minors by members of the clergy, the Diocese of Rockville Centre has installed a dedicated telephone line for reporting of all cases. That phone number is (516) 594-9063. If the caller does not reach someone directly, messages can be left on an answering machine connected to the phone. Those messages will be retrieved by a member of the Intervention Team and returned as soon as possible. If there are any questions regarding our policy please speak with Deacon John or myself. Fr. Seán J. Gann, Pastor
St. Joseph's Church, Kings Park VOLUNTEER'S CODE OF CONDUCT Our children are the most important gifts God has entrusted to us. As a volunteer, I promise to strictly follow the rules and guidelines in this Volunteer's Code of Conduct as a condition of my providing services to the children and youth of our parish. As a volunteer, I will: Treat everyone with respect, loyalty, patience, integrity, courtesy, dignity, and consideration. Avoid situations where I am alone with children and/or youth at Parish activities. Use positive reinforcement rather than criticism, competition, or comparison when working with children and/or youth. Refuse to accept expensive gifts from children and/or youth or their parents without prior written approval from the pastor or administrator. Refrain from giving expensive gifts to children and/or youth without prior written approval from the parents or guardian and the pastor or administrator. Report suspected abuse to the pastor, administrator, or appropriate supervisor and the New York State Central Registry (1-800-342-3720). I understand that failure to report suspected abuse to civil authorities is, according to the law, a misdemeanor. Cooperate fully in any investigation of abuse of children and/or youth. As a volunteer, I will not: Smoke or use tobacco products in the presence of children and/or youth. Use, possess, or be under the influence of alcohol at any time while volunteering. Use, possess, or be under the influence of illegal drugs at any time. Pose any health risk to children and/or youth (i.e., no fevers or other contagious situations). Strike, spank, shake, or slap children and/or youth. Humiliate, ridicule, threaten, or degrade children and/or youth. Touch a child and/or youth in a sexual or other inappropriate manner. Use any discipline that frightens or humiliates children and/or youth. Use profanity in the presence of children and/or youth. I understand that as a volunteer working with children and/or youth, I am subject to a thorough background check including criminal history. I understand that any action inconsistent with this Code of Conduct or failure to take action mandated by the Code of Conduct may result in my removal as a volunteer with children and/or youth of St. Joseph's Church.
CYO ~ Ball Fields 1, 2 and 4 8:00 AM 8:30 PM Parish Center And School of Religion Closed Labor Day CYO ~ Ball Fields 1, 2 and 4 8:00 AM 8:30 PM