Twenty-Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time 20 September 2015 Saint Luke Church, Whitestone, New York From the Pastor -- Then he sat down, called the Twelve, and said to them, If anyone wishes to be first he shall be the last of all and the servant of all. (Mark 9:30-37) As excitement grows for the arrival of Pope Francis this week in his first pastoral visit to our country - and city people eagerly seek tickets and hope for at least a glimpse of the Holy Father. And yet, the Gospel of this Sunday reveals the true greatness of any follower of Christ - the first shall be the last and the servant of all! Perhaps this explains the appeal of Pope Francis to so many both within the church and beyond. He is the first because he puts into practice the Gospel message - last and servant of all. From the beginning of His pontificate Pope Francis has given us the example of true Gospel living. His concern for the poor; his willingness to serve the weak, abandoned and forgotten; his simplicity in dress and living all challenge so many values of the world in which we live - and the church. Who can forget his first Holy Thursday as Pope as he washed the feet of the poor, sick, men and women, even non-catholics, prisoners and others not considered great or important. As we seek to see the Pope let us pray for open hearts to hear the message Pope Francis will bring to our city, nation and world. So often we are like the disciples in today s Gospel - arguing about who was the greatest. Pope Francis reminds us - greatest for the Christian is found in a life of service, compassion and mercy. The challenge is great - with God s help, strengthened by the gift of the Holy Spirit and nourished by the holy Eucharist all things are possible. Imagine a world that accepted the challenge of Jesus in the Gospel! Let us not only dream of such a world but work to make such a dream a reality. Please pray for our Holy Father, Pope Francis - for his safety, wisdom and Christ like example. God bless! Let us pray for one another, A Gift For Pope Francis-- To welcome our Holy Father a special collection will be taken up here at the parish to assist three organizations dedicated to serving those in need. The collection will be taken up at all the Masses on the weekend of September 26 and 27th when the Pope is in our country and city. Your generous donation will be our Gift to the Holy Father. The collection will go to assist: - Providence House - a transitional shelter for homeless and abused women, women on parole and their children. Sr. Janet Kinney, C.S.J., Executive Director. - Hour Children - to help incarcerated and formerly incarcerated women and their Children successfully rejoin the community; reunify with their families and Build healthy, independent and secure lives. Sr. Tesa Fitzgerald, C.S.J., Executive Director. - CHIPS - Christians Helping in Park Slope - Social service agency for the poor, homeless, hungry; a residence for young homeless, single pregnant women, their babies and toddlers. A soup kitchen serves hot meals six days a week with pantry and clothing distributed each week. Ms. Denise Scaravella, Director. Please help us give a beautiful gift to the Pope - one he will most appreciate. A second collection will be taken up at all the Masses September 26 & 27th. God bless. Page 1
MISSION STATEMENT As a community of believers in Jesus Christ and in Communion with the universal church, we strive to follow the Lord s command to love God and one another. Rooted in word and sacrament, we grow together as a Eucharistic community inviting all to the Good News of Jesus. ST. LUKE PARISH REPORT is now available for all our parishioners at the doors of the church. The report contains a complete overview of the mission and ministries of our parish - every organization, society and prayer group is represented; also included is information about Saint Luke School and Religious Education Program. The Report describes the sacramental life of the parish as well. Take one home with you - take another and share with someone who may be interested in our parish. Special thanks to Cookie Kurtz who served as coordinator of this project and all those who so willingly cooperated with her. The Report is a team effort that highlights our parish in such a wonderful way. ************************************************************************ THE POPE IS COMING Holy cards in celebration of the visit of His Holiness, Pope Francis are available at the doors of the church this weekend - September 19 & 20th. We wish to thank GLEASON FUNERAL HOME and FREDERICK FUNERAL HOME for their generous donation of the cards in observance of the Holy Father s visit. ************************************************************************ OFFICE OF THE VICAR GENERAL DIOCESE OF BROOKLYN To: All Parishes From: Vicar General s Office Re: Central Park Papal Procession Date: September 15, 2015 Through the kindness of the Archdiocese of New York, we have just been informed that there is an opportunity for the faithful of Brooklyn and Queens to receive 2 tickets to be in Central Park on Friday, September 25, as the Papal Motorcade passes by on its way to Madison Square Garden. These are on a 1st come 1st serve basis. You may sign up using the link https://popefrancisp.splashthat.com/ and the access code is centralpark (all one word). Please pass this information along to your parishioners. Page 2
Blessing of the Animals Saturday, October 3, 2015 11:00am in the Church Parking Lot on Clintonville Street in front of the statue of St. Francis of Assisi. Bring your pets for God s blessing as we celebrate the goodness of God s many gifts. ********************************** Religious Education - Good News! This past week saw the start of a new year for religious education of the boys and girls attending public school. As the year begins we are delighted to welcome Michael Agovino and Carlos Germosen who join our dedicated Staff of Catechists. Both Michael and Carlos are college level seminarians studying for the priesthood and living at the Cathedral College Seminary residence in Douglaston. Michael has a Grade 6 class and Carlos a 4th Grade class. Michael comes from St. Theresa of the Infant Jesus Parish in the Bronx. Carlos from St. Peter - St. Dennis Parish in Yonkers. Please pray for Michael and Carlos and for all discerning God s call to the priesthood and religious life. New Envelopes -- For Saint Luke On the first weekend that the new Welcome to St. Luke Church envelopes they were well received. 4 envelopes came from people recently moved into the parish who expressed a desire to register in the parish and receive envelopes. 1 was used by a parishioner who forgot the envelope home. These new envelopes will be available at the doors of the church for the convenience of those coming to worship at Saint Luke: - visitors - recently moved into the parish - those without envelopes but would like to receive them and - for our own good parishioners who may have forgotten their envelope. We hope they continue to be used in helping to make your contribution to the church. God bless Msgr. Tosi VOCATION REFLECTION -- Twenty-Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time Wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield. Praying for wisdom will help you yield to Christ s choice of you, should He extend to you the gift of a vocation to the consecrated life or priesthood. If you are discerning your vocation, call the Vocation Office at 718-827-2454, or email: vocations@diobrook.org. Page 3
COLLECTIONS September 12 & 13 $10,711 Envelopes Mailed 2067 Amount Needed $13,425 Envelopes Received 567 ANNUAL CATHOLIC APPEAL 2015 We re almost there! Msgr. Tosi would like to express his thanks and gratitude for your generous response to the Annual Catholic Appeal 2015. As of September 15, a total of $99,918 has been pledged by 402 donors with $89,499 already received. Thank you for your support and encouragement. Have you made your gift/pledge yet? Your gift is important to fund the mission and ministry of both the diocese and the parish. It s not too late to lend your support! SHARE THE JOY OF THE GOSPEL *************************************************************************** The Catholic University of America Thank you for your contributions to last week s second collection for The Catholic University of America! Through your generosity a total of $1,533 was collected. Your gift will make great things possible by providing direct financial aid to more than 4,000 students from dioceses across the country. Thank you and God bless! *************************************************************************** A Thank You from the Pontifical Mission Societies - Propagation of the Faith **************************************************************************** NEW MEMORIAL AVAILABLE Want to remember a loved one who has died in a special way or wish to mark a special event in the life of a family member or friend? Why not place a fresh arrangement of flowers by Queens Garden Florist at the altar. This new memorial will begin in October on a weekly basis as are the other memorials presently available. A suggested donation of $100 is requested. The name of the person remembered will be printed in the bulletin. Please call or visit the rectory to arrange for this beautiful memorial. Page 4
SCRIPTURE READINGS Mon. - Eph 4:1-7,11-13; Mt 9:9-13 Tues. - Ezr 6:7-8,12b,14-20; Lk 8:19-21 Wed. - Ezr 9:5-9; Lk 9:1-6 Thurs. - Hg 1:1-8; Lk 9:7-9 Fri. Hg 2:1-9; Lk 9:18-22 Sat. - Zec 2:5-9,14-15a; Lk 9:43b-45 WE PRAY FOR THE SICK: GEORDANO GALEOTTI STEVEN ROSSI BERNARD J. MADDI MARIA GUERRA EDNA McKEOWN LUCAS T. GRACE D. PATRICIA A. FRAN ROCCO IRENE McCARTHY AND FOR THE DECEASED: JOSEPH TROCKEL THOMAS E. McNALLY VINCENT DIGRICOLI ******************************************* MEMORIALS The Altar Bread is given in memory of FRANCES MARY HERZOG (1st Anniversary) requested by Lisa & Damian Scardamaglia & Family The Sanctuary Lamp is given in memory of WILLIAM IVERSON (Birthday) requested by his family The Altar Candles are burning in memory of BRIDGET McCABE requested by The Ring & Zuccarello Families ANNOUNCED MASSES FOR THE WEEK OF September 21, 2015 Monday, September 21 7:00 Rosemarie & Dominic Pugliese 12:00 Fran Herzog (1st Anniversary) Tuesday, September 22 8:30 John & Emilia Vosilla 12:00 Mary & Gerard Rooney Wednesday, September 23 7:00 All Souls in Purgatory 12:00 Deceased Members of the Byrne & McGaghran Families Thursday, September 24 8:30 William Keatley (Wed. Ann.) 12:00 Grace Melotin Friday, September 25 7:00 Mary English 12:00 Vincenzo Sciorilli Saturday, September 26 8:30 Cosmo DiTucci & Damiano Scardamaglia *********************************** COLLECTIVE INTENTIONS MASS The next Collective Intentions Mass will be celebrated on Sunday, September 27 at 11:45am. At this Mass we pray for EVELYN LYNCH HENRY DIERKS Page 5
BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT GROUP -- Our parish Bereavement Group will resume meeting on Tuesday, October 6th at 7:30pm in the St. Matthew Room of the Pastoral Center. Sister Theresa will be available for individual bereavement counseling sessions and can be contacted at (718) 756-8531. Let us always remember to keep those who are grieving the loss of loved ones in our prayers. ************************************* SOLEMN MASS IN HONOR OF SAINT PIO will be celebrated on Wednesday, September 23rd at 7:30pm. Light refreshments in the Pastoral Center will follow. All are welcome. La Santa Messa con la venerazione della reliquia sulla Festa di San Pio de Pietrelcina: 23 Settembre 2015 alle 7:30pm qui alla Chiesa di San Luca. Una recezione dopo nel Centro Pastorale. Tutti sono invitati! ************************************* CONGRATULATIONS -- Please keep these couples in your prayers as they prepare to receive the Sacrament of Marriage here in our parish. ITALIAN CLASS REGISTRATION Monday, September 21 from 6:30pm-8:00pm in the School Hall. Classes will begin Monday, September 28th. For more information, please call Damiana Testa at (718) 746-6269. Friday, September 25 at 1pm PABLO ANDRES AGAMI & ANGELICA LEE CARMODY Saturday, September 26 at 3pm STEVEN ZWEIER & TIFFANY SANTO Page 6
ST. LUKE SCHOOL WHERE FAITH AND KNOWLEDGE MEET 718-746-3833 www.slswhitestone.org Celebrating 104 Years of Excellence in Catholic Education 1910 2015 WELCOME TO THE CLASS OF 2016 The eighth grade teachers, Mrs. Volpe and Miss Scialfa, were excited to welcome their new eighth grade class with open arms. Keeping with tradition, the first day of eighth grade consisted of taking a memorable class picture in front of our school. The quiet summer hallways quickly filled with laughter and the sound of a promising new school year. The students were eager to meet their new teachers as well as learn about their new curriculums. Our first week was full of new information and rules, but we loved seeing the smiles of students enthusiastic about getting back into their school routine. Many exciting and memorable moments come with being an eighth grade teacher and student. The eighth grade teachers look forward to having a wonderful year with their graduating class. We wish them well as they begin to complete their last year at St. Luke School and prepare for their new journeys ahead. Page 7
Now Presenting...The Stars of Room 3-2 As the students of class 3-2 entered the room with their smiles shining bright, they were all eager to start the new school year off right. All of the children were energetic and curious as to what this new year would entail. Miss Fritz s Hollywood themed classroom inspired the students to make Oscar winning performances as they shared some of their favorite things with the class. The class worked on Rising Star posters that are hanging in the front of the room, which allowed the students to get to know each other better. This whole year will be filled with many adventures and fun. Soon enough all these stars will be a part of their own walk of FAME! WELCOME POPE FRANCIS The excitement of the beginning of the school is upon us! Students will be meeting new teachers and making new friends as they embark on another school year. This year is particularly exciting as we prepare for the visit of Our Holy Father, Pope Francis to New York City. In religion classes we will be discussing the role of the Pope in the Roman Catholic Church and discovering many interesting facts about His Holiness, and the trip he has planned to the United States beginning on September 22 nd. The students in second grade will be experiencing a memorable year as they prepare for the sacraments of Penance and First Eucharist. Their teachers along with Fr. Lucasz Lech, our new associate priest, will guide the children and help them to understand the meaning of these sacraments Page 8
HOORAY FOR GRANDPARENTS DAY! What better way to help little learners feel safe and comfortable during the first days of nursery school than to talk about their Grandma and Grandpa? In anticipation of Grandparents Day on Sunday, September 13 th, Mrs. Kenny s brand new nursery class read Hooray It s Grandparents Day by Nancy Carlson and Llama Llama Gram and Grandpa by Anna Dewdney. Next, we sat in circle time and told our friends why our grandparents are so wonderful. Lastly, the kids participated in a fun stamp pad handprint craft to give to Grandma and/or Grandpa on their special day. INTRODUCING THE CLASS OF 2024! The halls of Saint Luke School are quiet no more. Mrs. Molen had the pleasure of meeting all the boys and girls of her new class on Wednesday, September 9 th. The children got acquainted with their new surroundings and met new friends. K-1 made hats, Our First Day of Kindergarten 2015, to celebrate this very special day. We look forward to the year ahead and all the progress we will make! Page 9
Calling All Two Year Olds to St. Luke School Tiny Tots Program A gentle and gradual separation program Limited spaces still available for the 2015-2016 School Year Classes begin September 28, 2015 For additional information, tuition, and class times please call 718-746-3833 Mommy and Me Classes start on Tuesday, September 29. The class hours are every Tuesday throughout the school year from 9:30AM to 11:00AM and the cost is only $5.00 per child (2 siblings $8.00) - no pre-registration necessary. All babies and their caretakers are welcome. The classes are a wonderful way of socializing your baby while spending time with other families. The babies will explore and learn through various activities, such as circle time, music time and story time. A snack is also included for both caretaker and baby. There is no need to join in advance. Simply pay as you go it s that easy! For further information, visit our website at www.slswhitestone.org or call the school office at 718-746-3833. Page 10
A NEW LOOK FOR SAINT LUKE SCHOOL Work on the front facade of Saint Luke School continues. After nearly three months of work, the beauty of the original building has been restored; in addition, much needed repair and maintenance work has been completed hopefully preparing the school building for many more years of service to our parish. If you haven t yet taken a look for yourself, please do so at your convenience. We still need to address the two sides and back of the building as the necessary funds become available. Needed: to complete the façade of the school two new Guardian Angels are to be placed in niches to the right and left of the main entrance. The Guardian Angels will guard and protect all who enter especially the young boys and girls in our school and religious education program. If you might be interested in donating the cost of one of the Guardian Angels, please call Msgr. Tosi at the rectory for additional details. Page 11
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BAPTISM PROGRAM When preparing for the Baptism of your child, parents must attend a Pre-Baptism Class. Godparents are welcome and encouraged to attend. The class is held once a month usually on the third Monday night of the month at 7:30pm. The Baptismal Liturgy is usually celebrated on the second and fourth Sunday of the month at 3pm. No Baptism can take place until the church receives a copy of the child s Birth Certificate as required by the diocese. If you are planning a Baptism, please note the following dates: Baptism Sunday Baptism Class September 27 September 21 October 11 & 25 October 19 November 8 & 22 November 16 December 6 & 27 December 14 When considering godparents, please understand that a Godparent should: 1. be a firm and enthusiastic believer, ready, willing, and able to help his or her godchild live a Christian life. 2. be at least sixteen years old. 3. lead a life in harmony with the faith and the role to be undertaken. 4. have received all three of the Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation. 5. not be the child s parent. For more information and to schedule a baptism appointment, please call Sister Theresa at (718) 746-8531. Page 17
OPEN HOUSES St. Agnes Academic High School (Sponsored by the Sisters of St. Dominic) 13-20 124th Street, College Point, NY Invites you to attend Open House on Saturday, October 17 from 10am to 12:30pm. Come & visit St. Agnes Academic High School a small, Catholic college preparatory school for young women. For information please contact the school at (718) 353-6276 or visit the website at www.stagneshs.org. St. John s Preparatory School 21-21 Crescent Street, Astoria, NY Open House on Saturday, October 17th from 11am-3:00pm. For more information please call 718-721-7200. The Mary Louis Academy 176-21 Wexford Terrace, Jamaica Estates, NY Open House for 7th & 8th Grade students and their parents/guardians on Sunday, October 18 from 10am to 3pm. Last presentation at 2pm. For more information please call 718-297-2120. St. Francis Preparatory School 6100 Francis Lewis Blvd., Fresh Meadows, NY Open House on Saturday, October 17th from 12 noon till 4:30pm. Auditorium Presentations: 12:15, 1:15, 2:15 and 3:30pm. For more information please call 718-423-8810 Regis High School 55 East 84th Street, New York, N.Y. Invites students and their parents to its Queens Admissions Information Night on Tuesday, September 29th at 7pm at Resurrection Ascension School, 85-25 61st Road, Rego Park, N.Y. For more information, contact Eric DiMichele, Director of Admissions, 212-288-1100, Ext. 2057; edimichele@regis.org. Regis High School is an all-scholarship Jesuit secondary school for Catholic boys. Open House for students and their parents on Columbus Day, Monday, October 12th, from 1:00-4:00pm. For additional information, please write, e-mail or call Director of Admissions. TACHS PREPARATION PROGRAM A six week TACHS Preparation Program will be offered at Holy Cross High School beginning Saturday, September 26th. Parents of students who will be entering the 8th grade may call the following number for further information: (914) 771-8577. TACHS PREP COURSE St. Agnes Academic High School - Course date: Sept. 24 & Oct. 1,8,15,22,29 & Nov. 5 Time: 3:15pm-4:45pm Cost: $200 per student (course open to boys & girls) Application can be found online at www.stagneshs.org St. Francis of Assisi 9th Annual Parish Festival 46th Street & 21st Avenue, Astoria, N.Y. Saturday, September 26, 2015 - Rain or Shine Festival begins with an Outdoor Mass at 11:30am and continues until 9pm. Fun for all! Rides, games, food, contests, prizes & much more! Live music by Spitfire! Free Admission. ROSARY FOR LIFE, INC. Annual Mass to Celebrate Life - Main Celebrant & Homilist Most Rev. Frank J. Caggiano, DD Monday, October 5, 2015 at 7pm at Good Shepherd R.C. Church, 1950 Batchelder St., Bklyn. The Rosary begins at 7pm followed by the Mass at 7:30pm. Investiture in the Brown Scapular following Mass. For more information please call Rosary For Life, Inc. at 718-377-6920. mission. Call 718-728-7801 for more information. Page 18
St. Luke Golden Age Dinner Theater Trip to Hunterdon Hills Playhouse CHRISTMAS SHOW Tuesday, November 10, 2015 Bus departs 9am sharp! St. Luke Church Parking Lot Cost: $89 per person Includes: Full Course Meal - Dessert Buffet - Show - Transportation - Taxes - Gratuity Cash Bar For details please call: Eileen (718) 352-3902 Millie (718) 746-1707 Page 19
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