Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time 25 October 2015 Saint Luke Church, Whitestone, New York From the Pastor -- The following remarks are to be given at all the Masses this weekend, October 24 & 25, by members of the Finance Council. It is my hope to continue to keep you up to date on all matters affecting parish life. I thank the members of the Finance Council for their continuing support and counsel. Kent Martin Charles Mangiaracina Jorge Fonseca James Mooney Judith DeAngelis Dennis Ring Fernando Minchella Anne McNicholas Good Morning/Good Evening--- My name is and I am a member of the Parish Finance Council. The Council has been working closely with Msgr. Tosi throughout the parish Capital Campaign. Recently we carefully reviewed the status of the Campaign and its impact on parish finances. Allow me to briefly share with you some of our findings. Although the Campaign was a great success enabling the parish to accomplish many projects, most especially the complete restoration of the exterior and interior of the church; the creation of a parish pastoral center and the repair of critical structural issues, the cost was far more than the original estimate and we were unable to complete desired work on the school. Work on a building over one hundred years old resulted in additional cost; a dangerous structural problem with the church roof; the need to completely rebuild both large side entrance steps; special projects like addressing water drainage and drywells, and an unbudgeted approximately $13,000 a month interest only payment during the redemption period, all can contribute to over a one million dollar increase! The council along with Msgr. Tosi likewise received the status of the redemption stage of the Campaign. As we come close to the close of the three to five year payment phase there is Good News and Not So Good News. Thank you to the many donors who have completed payment of their pledge; and to those who continue to faithfully send in payments to cover their pledge. Yet a significant number of pledged donors have either fallen behind in payment or made no payment at all. As of now over a million and a half dollars in pledges remain outstanding. Please we encourage all our donors to honor their pledge commitment. Some may be unable and we understand, yet we ask those who can, please send in your payments. It is critical to the financial stability of the parish. To address both these situations, it has also been decided to put up for sale one half of the large parking lot/school yard across from the school strictly for the building of one or two family homes, consistent with neighborhood zoning requirements. St. Luke s will also do its utmost to rethink traffic patterns and pick up/dismissal, in order to minimize impacts to our neighbors and the school parents. We see this decision as a positive action enabling us to accomplish what otherwise would be impossible. With the funds generated we can: pay off the parish debt to the diocese; complete needed work on the exterior and interior of the school; address improvements to the remaining property for parish use and put some money in the bank as a reserve for the future. As a parish our sources of income are limited. The sale of property is a viable and much needed income source. Without the sale we are not be able to address the debt and continue the improvements to the parish buildings, specifically the school. We are an active, vibrant parish providing services and activities for parishioners of all ages. It is here in the sacred and beautiful space that we celebrate the sacraments and worship God. It is here that we grow in the Christian life living the Gospel and sharing it with others. Thank you for giving me this opportunity to speak to you today. With God s help and the support and generosity of dedicated parishioners like yourselves together we will continue to do great things for the Lord. God bless you. Page 1
2016 CALENDARS -- Are now available at the doors of the church. We wish to express our thanks to Martin A. Gleason Funeral Home for once again donating the calendars to our parishioners. Their yearly generosity is most appreciated. Pick up your calendars as you leave church this weekend. All Liturgical Ministers -- A meeting has been scheduled for all Liturgical Ministers on Monday, November 9th at 7:30pm in the church. Your presence at this meeting is most important. We look forward to seeing you. BEREAVEMENT GROUP -- Our parish Bereavement Group will meet on Tuesday, November 3rd at 7:30pm in the St. Matthew Room of the Pastoral Center. Sister Theresa will be available for individual bereavement counsel sessions and can be contacted at (718) 746-8531. Let us remember to keep those who are grieving the loss of loved ones in our prayers. *************************************************************************** Daylight Savings time ends next weekend. Please remember to turn back your clocks one hour on Saturday, October 31st. 2016 MASS BOOK The 2016 Mass Book will open on Wednesday, October 28th at 9:00am. An offering of $15 per Mass is payable in cash or by check. Limit of five Masses per family. Please bring exact change for number of Masses you wish to arrange. To accommodate the large number of parishioners on the first day, please come to the Pastoral Center. If possible please have dates and times of Masses you wish to arrange prepared in advance so that we may use time efficiently. Thank you for your cooperation. Page 2
MINISTRY TO THE SICK & HOMEBOUND All Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion who visit the sick and homebound will meet in the Pastoral Center on Monday, October 26th. One meeting is scheduled for 1pm and the other is scheduled for 7:30pm. Ministers are asked to attend the meeting which is more convenient for them. Any minister who cannot attend either meeting is asked to contact Sister Theresa at 718-746-8531. *************************************************************************** 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 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. ************************************************************************* The members of the Doo-Wop Committee for another enjoyable evening of good food, great company, and dancing to the music of the Accords. Thank you to those who attended the evening and those who donated baskets for the raffle. A 50/50 was also supported by those present. The committee was pleased to present to Msgr. Tosi $4,942.48 in profits. The committee wishes to thank the following who donated gifts to the evening: Larry Chianese - Larry s Auto Collision Peter Zuccarello - Queens Garden Florist Anastasia Manesis - Anastasia s Gift Shop VOCATION REFLECTION -- Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time What do you want Me to do for you? Could you answer be the grace of a vocation to the priesthood or consecrated life? Call the Vocation Office at 718-827-2454, or email: vocations@diobrook.org. Page 3
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. Caritas is dedicated to serving the poorest of the poor through the art of sacred choral music. Based in central New Jersey, Caritas Chamber Chorale was founded for the purpose of presenting concerts of a cappella sacred music to raise funds for the Adorno Fathers St. Francis Caracciolo Mission, Democratic Republic of Congo, Africa. The free will offering goes entirely to this cause. www.caritaschamberchorale.org Page 4
COLLECTIONS October 17 & 18 $12,248 Envelopes Mailed 2067 Amount Needed $13,425 Envelopes Received 591 GOOD NEWS -- ANNUAL CATHOLIC APPEAL 2015 We ve made it! I would like to express my sincere thanks and gratitude to all who supported the Annual Catholic Appeal 2015. As of October 21st a total of $103,258.34 has been pledged meeting the parish goal of $100,500. This represents the gifts of 419 donors. As of this date, $96,454.34 has already been received. Thank you...thank you Have you made your gift/pledge yet? Your support is even more important now that every gift returns to the parish! It s not too late to lend your support so crucial to the parish. SHARE THE JOY OF THE GOSPEL **************************************************************************** WORLD MISSION SUNDAY Thank you for your generous response to the Society for the Propagation of the Faith last weekend on World Mission Sunday. Through your generosity a total of $2,089 was collected. Some people are called to go to serve in other countries to develop the Church and serve its people, but all of us can pray and support the Missions from right here in the parish. **************************************************************************** Ensuring the Future of your church Saint Luke Church relies on your goodness and generosity to ensure that the mission and ministry of Jesus continues here in Whitestone. A charitable bequest is an excellent way to create a lasting memorial. Many of our parishioners use their wills or living trusts to make their most generous gifts. Please remember us when you create yours. Page 5
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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 November 8 & 22 November 16 December 6 & 27 December 14 January 10 & 24 January 11 February 14 & 28 February 8 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 7
SCRIPTURE READINGS Mon. - Rom 8:12-17; Lk 13:10-17 Tues. - Rom 8:18-25; Lk 13:18-21 Wed. - Eph 2:19-22; Lk 6:12-16 Thurs. - Rom 8:31b-39; Lk 13:31-35 Fri. Rom 9:1-5; Lk 14:1-6 Sat. - Rom 11:1-2a,11-12,25-29; Lk 14:1,7-11 WE PRAY FOR THE SICK: GEORDANO GALEOTTI MARIA GUERRA LUCAS T. GRACE D. PATRICIA A. FRAN ROCCO EILEEN McCARTHY JULIUS & FRANCES JACOBSON KAREN KNIGHT GERARDINA D ANGELO CATERINA INGUAGGIATO SUSANNA WINSHIP AND FOR THE DECEASED: JOHN P. MASCUCH MEMORIALS The Altar Bread is given in memory of MAUREEN O CONNOR (Birthday) requested by her daughter The Sanctuary Lamp is given in memory of DENNIS McDAID requested by his mom, Maggie McDaid, brothers & sisters The Altar Candles are burning in memory of ANTONIO TARDUGNO requested by Gaetano Tardugno & Family ANNOUNCED MASSES FOR THE WEEK OF October 26, 2015 Monday, October 26 7:00 Eileen Helmer 12:00 Rocco Michielli & family Tuesday, October 27 8:30 Christos Rentos 12:00 John & Marcella Granelli Wednesday, October 28 7:00 Lorraine Paolino 12:00 John Franolic Thursday, October 29 8:30 Gabriel Coletti (Anniversary) 12:00 Silvia Rauzi Friday, October 30 7:00 Deceased members of the O Neill & Sullivan Families 12:00 Joseph Trotta (Wed. Ann.) Saturday, October 31 8:30 Rocco Bacchia COLLECTIVE INTENTIONS MASS The next Collective Intentions Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, November 14th at 12 noon. At this Mass we pray for TITO DURSO ANNE RICH JUMP New Memorial The Altar Flowers are given in memory of ENRICO & LUCY TOSI at the request of Msgr. Tosi Page 8
PILGRIMAGE TO THE SHRINE OF SAINT FRANCES XAVIER CABRINI Saturday, November 14, 2015 On Saturday, November 14, 2015, we will be going on pilgrimage to the Shrine of St. Frances Xavier Cabrini in Manhattan and celebrating Mass at her tomb. We will leave from Saint Luke Church at 8:45am and we will return by 2:30pm. The cost will be $20, and it will be collected that day. The Mass will be in Italian, but with some parts in English as well. Coffee will be provided, but if you wish you are asked to bring your own lunch. There will be time to visit the shrine, pray at the tomb of St. Frances Xavier Cabrini, and meet her Sisters. To reserve your spot, call the Rectory or Claudia Morelli at 718-961-7751. Sabato, 14 Novembre 2015, andremo in pellegrinaggio al Santuario di Santa Francesca Cabrini a Manhattan e celebremo la Messa alla sua tomba. Partiremo alle 8:45am davanti alla Chiesa de San Luca e torneremo per 2:30pm. Il prezzo e $20. Se volete, potrete portare un sacco de pranzo. Avremo tempo per visitare la chiesa, celebrare la Santa Messa, pregare alla tomba della Santa, e incontrare le Sorelle del Sacro Cuore. Per prenotare, dovete chiarmare l ufficio parrochiale o Claudia Morelli 718-961-7751. Page 9
ALL SAINTS DAY Sunday, November 1, 2015 Regular Sunday Schedule of Masses will be celebrated. ALL SOULS DAY Monday, November 2, 2015 7:00am 8:30am 12:00 noon The annual All Souls Mass for the faithful departed of our parish and their families especially those who died and were buried from Saint Luke Church this past year (since last November 2014) will be celebrated on Saturday, November 21 12 noon at Saint Luke Church All are invited to join in praying for our beloved faithful departed and the light reception to follow in the Pastoral Center. Page 10
ST. LUKE SCHOOL WHERE FAITH AND KNOWLEDGE MEET 718-746-3833 www.slswhitestone.org Celebrating 105 Years of Excellence in Catholic Education 1910 2015 Learning About the Rosary in Nursery During October, Mrs. Kenny s nursery class spent some time learning that the Rosary is a special way to pray. We discussed how we pray the Rosary and the children enjoyed passing around the Rosary Beads and feeling them. Next, we colored an Our Lady of the Rosary picture to send home to our Mommy s and Daddy s. Lastly, to enjoy the beautiful gift of a perfect Fall day that God gave us, we went outside and took this cute picture in front of St. Luke s Church! Page11
COME JOIN ST. LUKE SCHOOL MOMMY & ME Halloween Party! Grow, Learn, Explore & Laugh all in a safe & nurturing environment Lots of Fun Activities for Baby & Caretaker! October 27 9:30AM ~ 11:00AM Pumpkin Picking on the Great Lawn, Goodie Bags, Extra Sweet Treats! St. Luke School 16-01 150th Place Whitestone, NY 11357 Please enter through the Main Entrance Ages 6 months and up $10.00 per child For more information call: Tina 646-229-6594 or visit our website at www.slswhitestone.org Page 12
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Volunteers Needed One hour per week to assist the homebound senior citizens of northeast Queens with friendly visits, food shopping, etc. For more information please contact Chris Schneider, Program Manager, Catholic Charities at (516) 641-7541. **************************************************************************** SISTERS OF LIFE The Sisters of Life in Manhattan are in need of baby clothes, baby strollers, cribs, bassinets and infant car seats. For pick up of any items you may have, please call John Ho at (646) 334-0149. **************************************************************************** The St. John s University Speech & Hearing Center will be offering FREE speech and hearing screenings until December 12, 2015. Please call the center at 718-990-6480 to schedule an appointment. The Speech & Hearing Center is located at 152-11 Union Turnpike, Flushing, N.Y. **************************************************************************** The Sisters of Saint Dominic of Amityville Cordially invite you to please join them for Vespers at 4pm in St. Albert s Chapel at the Queen of the Rosary Motherhouse on the following Sundays: October 18 - Bilingual Vespers; November 15 - Youth Vespers; December 13; January 17; March 13; April 17 and May 15. The Sisters of St. Dominic are located at 555 Albany Avenue, Amityville, NY 11701. For more information, please call (631) 842-6000. **************************************************************************** Worldwide Marriage Encounter Married Couples Would you attend a seminar to enhance your job or to increase your salary? Why not give your marriage the same attention? Enhance your good marriage by attending a Worldwide Marriage Encounter Weekend. Weekends are scheduled throughout the Metro New York area. The next weekend on Long Island is scheduled for November 6-8 at the Montfort Spiritual Center, 26 South Saxon Avenue, Bay Shore, N.Y. For more information about the weekends or to apply, call 1-877-697-9963 or visit the website at http://www.wwme.org. **************************************************************************** St. John s Preparatory School Announces the Peter F. Vallone Scholarship Examination on Saturday, November 14, 2015. applications on website: www.stjohnsprepschool.org or call the Admissions Office at 718-721-7200, ext. 699. Page 15
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