December 6, 2009 - St. Bernard`s Church • Levittown NY

A COMMUNITY OF FAITH
HOPE
AND LOVE
The Second Sunday of Advent
December 6, 2009
People of Zion, the Lord will come !
SPIRITUAL LIFE
Schedule of Masses:
SATURDAY: 5:00 PM
SUNDAY: 7:30 AM, 9:00 AM, 10:30 AM, 12:00 NOON, 5:30 PM
MISSION STATEMENT
WEEKDAYS: 7:00 AM & 9:00 AM
We are a Parish Community
SATURDAYS: 9:00 AM
of men and women who serve God,
HOLY DAYS: As announced on the previous Sunday.
our country and one another.
Inspired by St. Bernard’s love
Confessions:
of God and humanity,
SATURDAY: 4:00-5:00 PM & 7:30-8:00 PM
we proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ by
WEEKDAYS: After the 7:00 am Mass
praying and worshipping together,
Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal Novena and Benediction:
educating one another in faith,
MONDAY Evening: 7:30 PM, in the Church.
providing assistance for those in need,
working for justice in the world, and
Morning Prayer:
welcoming all to the sacramental life of the Church MONDAY to SATURDAY: 8:30 AM Books are available. Please join us.
in the Roman Catholic tradition.
Baptism of Children: We welcome infants and children to our Christian community!
With Faith, Hope, and Love, we dedicate
ourselves to the mission of living and sharing
Baptisms are held most Sundays at 1:30 pm. Arrangements should be made at
the Good News of Jesus Christ in the world.
least 6 weeks prior to an anticipated Baptism. Prior to the baptism, parents
will meet with a parish staff member to be welcomed and make arrangements,
731-4220/731-4355 Fax and then participate in a group conversation with other parents presenting chilEmail: [email protected]
dren for Baptism. These group gatherings are held on selected Thursday eveWebsite: www.stbernardslevittown.org
nings at 7:30 pm. Please call 731-4220 to arrange an initial meeting.
PASTORAL TEAM
Rev. Gerard A. Ringenback, Pastor
Rev. Christopher M. Costigan, Assistant Pastor
Rev. Mr. John Blakeney, Deacon
Fr. Cyprian Osuegbu, Resident
Sr. Margaret Sammon, O.P., Director
Center for Religious Education & RCIA
731-8511/731-7860 Fax
The Religious Center is closed on Fridays.
Sr. Christine Sammons, O.P., Coordinator
Parish Social Ministry
731-6074
Mike Rodgers, Coordinator
Youth Ministry
[email protected] or 516978-8193
Mary Jane Witte, Director
Liturgical Music
731-4220
Diane Vella, Director
Adult Faith Formation
[email protected] or 731-4220
Rose Marie Rotondo, Sacristan
Church
731-4220
Len Lanzi, Facilities Manager
Facilities
731-4220
Frank Santillo, Maintenance Supervisor
IN RESIDENCE:
Rev. Msgr. George P. Graham, Pastor Emeritus
Rev. Martin J. Hall
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 Sister
Christine at 731-6074.
PARISH & COMMUNITY SERVICES
Birthright of Nassau/Suffolk: 785-4070.
Catholic Daughters of the Americas, Court St. Pius X, No. 1690: Every
second Thursday, 7:30 pm, Parish Center.
Charismatic Prayer Group: Wednesday evenings at 8:00 PM in the Parish
Center. All are welcome. Call 933-5431 or 731-3395.
Children’s Choir: Thursday evenings at 6:15 PM in the Parish Center,
Ernie & Maryclare Meditz: 731-1809.
Church Choir: Every Tuesday evening at 7:30 PM in the Church.
Family, Marriage & Individual Counseling: Catholic Counseling Center,
phone 631-243-2503.
Folk Group: Wednesdays, 8:00-9:30 PM. If you are interested, please call
Carmen Greico at 735-1939.
Men’s Catholic Fellowship: Sunday evenings at 7:00 PM in the Church.
Ministry of Consolation: Every third month, Monday at 8:00 PM. Meetings
are listed in Parish Schedule (page 5) as date nears.
Ministry of Praise: Sister Christine Sammons, O.P.: 731-6074.
Nocturnal Adoration Society: Hour of Adoration, every first Saturday of the
month from 8:00-9:00 PM.
Pastoral Council: Every first Tuesday at 7:30 PM in the Rectory.
PARISH MEMBERSHIP
Rosary Society: First Monday of the month at 8:00 PM (September—June).
We welcome new members to St. Bernard’s
St. Bernard’s of Levittown Widows and Widowers: Every second Thursday of
Parish, a community of faith, hope, and love. the month at 8:00 PM (dance is on the 4th Friday of the month), Elks Lodge, 2162
We will strive to foster your spiritual growth Veteran’s Blvd., Massapequa. Call Chris at 631-842-6734.
and hope you will share with us the gifts God
has given to you. Please register by stopping St. Bernard’s Youth Basketball (CYO): Tom Page, 731-4403/Bill
by the rectory and completing the registration Beiersdorfer, 731-7980.
form. If you move away, please notify us as St. Vincent de Paul Society: 735-3218.
well.
Tender Garden, Early Childhood Learning Center: 731-4322.
Usher Society: Head Usher, Jerry Rosalia, 735-9022.
Bulletin Deadline: Friday, 5:00 pm, nine days
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prior to publication. Disk and hard copy preferred. Thank you for your cooperation!
Wedding Coordinator: Rose Marie Rotondo: 731-4220.
CLAIRVAUX CHRONICLE
FROM “BLACK FRIDAY”
TO
“WHITE FRIDAY”
Schedule of Masses
For
The Solemnity
Of
The Immaculate Conception
of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Monday, December 7, 2009
at 5:00 pm
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
7:00 am, 9:00 am and Noon
and 7:30pm
This is a Holyday of Obligation
PRAY FOR VOCATIONS
There will be a Holy Hour of
Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament
on the Fridays of Advent.
December 4, December 11, and December 18
at 12 Noon in the Church.
During these hours we’ll specially pray for
vocations to the priesthood.
All are welcome to attend.
Note: this is in addition to the regularly
scheduled Nocturnal Adoration of the evening
of the First Saturday of the month.
B
lack Friday” has come and gone. Retailers
tell us that more people were in the stores, but
they were spending less, no doubt due to the
weak economy and unemployment. Perhaps
people are also realizing that this season of
“frantic activity, blatant commercialism, and
festive excess” may not produce the “White
Friday,” we so long for, i.e., Friday, December
25. What is this longing in the depth of our
souls? It is a longing for God, a hunger for justice
and equality, the thirst for deeper meaning, and a
desire to belong. We believe that only in Jesus,
the Savior who took upon himself our very flesh,
will we ever have that longing satisfied and those
desires fulfilled.
Thus the Advent season refrains from ‘festive
excess” and with its restrained mood, dark purple
color, bare sanctuary, and readings of expectant
hope, reminds us to wait patiently for the coming
of the Savior. Such an emphasis can filter down
on a practical level to how much we spend, how
generously we share with the poor, how much
time we devote to family and friends, how we
sustain a spiritual focus, etc.
These December weeks seem to race by and soon
– and very soon- we will celebrating the Feast of
the Incarnation. How we spend each of the
coming days will have much to do with what we
experience on Christmas Day and perhaps how
we live out the New Year
Father Chris Costigan
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PARISH NEWS
TODAY, SUNDAY, DECEMBER 6 IS
HOSPITALITY SUNDAY:
Please plan on joining your fellow parishioners in the
Parish Center for some friendly conversation,
refreshments, and an opportunity to purchase beautiful
Christmas cards to benefit the Parish Social Ministry.
ROSARY CONFRATERNITY
The Rosary Confraternity will meet on Monday,
December 7th at 8 pm in the Parish Center following
Novena devotions in the Church. The program will be a
social presented by the Executive Committee. We will
be entertained by the children’s choir under the direction
of Ernie and Maryclair Meditz. If you wish to take part
in the grab bag fun, bring a NEW, wrapped item worth
$1.00 to the meeting. All women of the parish are
welcome.
We will be holding our Annual
Christmas Dinner on
Wednesday, December 16th.
ANNUAL
The dinner will take place at the
CHRISTMAS
DINNER
Milleridge Inn Carriage House.
Tickets are on sale, at $40 per
person, call Connie at 731-5446. Reserve your table
before December 9. All women of the parish are
welcome to attend.
CATHOLIC DAUGHTERS OF THE
AMERICAS
December 5 & 6, Bake and Basket Sale,
after all the Masses in the School Lobby.
PARISH STEWARDSHIP
SUNDAY COLLECTIONS
November 22, 2009
$ 15,826.10
( 750 envelopes )
November 23, 2008
$15,985.50
(730 envelopes )
Catholic Campaign for Home Missions
$ 3,728.05
$ 3,624.55
( 385 envelopes )
( 390 envelopes )
November 29, 2009
$ 15,390.40
( 748 envelopes )
November 30, 2008
$ 16,483.64
( 796 envelopes )
We thank you for your generosity to our parish.
CONSOLATION MINISTRY
Friday, December 11, 2009 in the Peach Room of
the Parish Center at 7:00 pm. New Schedules will
be given out.
Please note: This is a wonderful ministry and
anyone who would be interested in learning more
about it, please come and join us or call Sandy
Leonard at 735-7990
NOTE TO ALL USHERS:
You will soon be receiving cards to indicate which
Masses you will serve on Christmas Eve and Christmas
Day. Please indicate at which Masses you would like to
serve and return to Jerry Rosalia. Please consider
serving at an additional Mass if possible. The Christmas
Eve 4:00pm Mass in the school is the most attended
Mass of the year and always has the fewest ushers.
Thank you for your help.
Father Christopher Costigan & Jerry Rosalia
IMPORTANT EVENTS TO CHECK
IN THIS WEEK’S BULLETIN
December meeting will be on Thursday , December 10th
at 7:30 pm in the Parish Center. The Children’s Choir
will be performing. We will be wrapping the gifts for the
Special Education children. If you have buttons from
clothing, please bring them to the December meeting ,
they are going to be donated for a special craft project.
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Clairvaux Chronicle
Feature Page
A “Gentle” Christmas Mass
Liturgy Page
Giving Tree
Breakfast with St. Nicholas
The Ride Home
Auction Donors
Children’s Pages
Community Page
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13, 14
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SACRAMENTS
MASS INTENTIONS
Monday,
7:00 am
9:00 am
5:00 pm
Tuesday,
7:00 am
9:00 am
12 Noon
7:30 pm
Wednesday,
7:00 am
9:00 am
Thursday,
7:00 am
9:00 am
Friday,
7:00 am
9:00 am
Saturday,
9:00 am
5:00 pm
Sunday,
7:30 am
9:00 am
10:30 am
Noon
5:30 pm
December 7, St. Ambrose, bishop
Vincenza Mairano
Ed Sutch
Living & Deceased members of
St. Bernard Usher Society
December 8, Solemnity of the Immaculate
Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Sarane Burke
Dorothy Shepski
John Deptuch
Francis M, Lawrence J. & Mary Cooley
December 9, St. Juan Diego, hermit
Sarah Lombardi
Gervas and Catherine Ignacio
December 10
Joseph Cosenza First Anniversary
Edward and Ned Quigley
December 11, St. Damasus I, pope
Rose and Vito Mannino
Bernadette Fahey
December 12, Our Lady of Guadalupe
Joseph Cosenza
Jim Favalaro
December 13, Third Sunday in Advent
Dorothy Anson, Birthday Remembrance
Gloriaelsy Torres
Irene Carroll
For All Parishioners
Helen Dalton
PARISH SCHEDULE
Monday, December 7
7:30 pm Miraculous Medal and Our Lady
of Fatima Novena prayers, Church
7:30 pm Rosary Meeting
8:00 pm Bible Study, Parish Center
Tuesday, December 8
8:00 pm AA, Cafeteria
Wednesday, December 9
8:00 pm Prayer Group, Parish Center
Thursday, December 10
10:00 am Shawl Ministry, Parish Center
6:15 pm Children’s Choir, Parish Center
7:30 pm Catholic Daughters of America Meeting
Friday, December 11
7:00 pm Ministry of Consolation Meeting, Parish Center
Saturday, December 12
10:00 am Special Friends Christmas Party, Auditorium
11:00 am Women’s AA, Cafeteria
Sunday, December 13
After all Masses, Youth Group Wreath Sale
9:00 am RCIA Parish Center
10:00 am Breakfast with St. Nicholas, Cafeteria
7:00 pm Men’s Fellowship, Prayer Room
8:00 pm AA, Cafeteria
BAPTISM
We welcome into the parish the following new members:
Claire Marie Lagnese Kaitlyn Grace Nugget
Ava Marie Recher
Congratulations to the proud parents
BANNS OF MARRIAGE
Second Time:
Christopher Desmond—St. Bernard Parish, Levittown, NY
Jessie Vanessa Tasso—Immaculate Conception Parish,
Astoria, NY
PRAYERS REQUESTED
FOR THE SICK OF OUR PARISH FAMILY
AND THOSE WHO CARE FOR THEM
Baby Christian Murphy
Bill Bartnick
Helen Blach Rudie Braithwaite Ed & Mary Brennan
Joan Cassidy
Roberta Curran
Yolanda Dunne
Jim Finlan
Margie Foley
Mary Frangiose
Christopher Ginther Colleen Grosing
Mike Hach
Kathleen Hailazopolous
Dorothy Honeyman
Bill Kranis
MaryAnn Loeschner
Erica Margan
James McArdelle Michael McCarthy Mary Messina
Joseph Newmeyer Miriyah Oberman Donald Perdue
Johnny Perdue
Helen Pfeifer
Raymond Pfeifer
Natalie Pickett
Catherine Pipinou Roger Pokorny
Deanne Reilly
Luke Rosato
Eve Saint
Thomas Saint
Alice Sanchez
Michael Sanchez
Jeanette Sepe Patricia Shand Joseph Smithwick, Sr.
Anne Sonnick
Leah Sonnick
David Testa
Rosalie Travers
Karen Wasielewski
PRAY FOR OUR BELOVED DECEASED
AND THOSE WHO MOURN FOR THEM.
Scott Pendergrass
Irmagard (Emma) Daly
THE GIFTS OF BREAD AND WINE
have been requested
in memory of
Vivian Bartnick
by
Evangelia Chakos
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FEATURE PAGE
From Saint Nicholas
to Santa Claus:
How did we get here?
December 6 was traditionally the
Feast of Saint Nicholas. Nicholas was one
of the saints who lost his date on the
liturgical calendar because he was
regarded as a “minor” saint, and most
of his life was shrouded in legend. But
he is of special interest to us, because he is the
saint on which the modern-day secular figure of
Santa Claus is loosely based. Very loosely!
Nicholas lived in the 4th century in what is now
Turkey. He was orphaned as a child, grew up in his
uncle’s monastery, and became a priest and bishop of
the city of Myra.
He taught and lived Jesus’
injunction to “sell what you have and give to the
poor.” There are many stories of Nicholas’ generosity:
one is that he anonymously provided dowry money for
poor girls so they could get married. Depending on
the version of the story, he either dropped gold down
the chimney so that it fell into their stockings hanging
by the fire to dry, or he threw the gold through an open
window and it landed in their shoes.
Because of how he lived in imitation of Christ,
Nicholas became a much-beloved saint in Europe after
his martyrdom. People continued the tradition of
giving anonymously to those in need around his feast
day – and extending later in the month to Christmas.
In addition, people honored Nicholas – and Christ
whom he served – by secretly placing nuts, apples, and
sweets in shoes left beside beds, on windowsills, or
before the hearth.
It was the Dutch and German people who brought
the tradition of Saint Nicholas Day to the new world
in the 16th and 17th centuries. As society gradually
became more secularized, so did the figure of Saint
Nicholas and the customs associated with his feast
day. A turning point came in 1809 when Washington
Irving published the satirical fiction, Knickerbocker's
History of New York, with numerous references to a jolly
Saint Nicholas character. This was not the saintly
bishop, but rather an elfin Dutch burgher with a clay
pipe. Here originated some of the legends about Saint
Nicholas, including the one that Nicholas comes
down chimneys to bring gifts. Irving's work was
6 regarded as the "first notable work of imagination in the
by Diane Vella, Director, Adult Faith Formation
New World." It went on from there. Clement Moore’s
famous 19th century poem A Visit from Saint Nicholas
(“The night before Christmas…”), delightful as it is,
shows just how far the now completely secularized figure
of Nicholas had come.
Artwork downplayed the fact that Nicholas was a
bishop, and his episcopal red vesture – red symbolizing
his martyrdom – gradually morphed into a generic red
suit – suited not to the climate of Turkey, but to the
colder climates of northern Germany and the Netherlands
from which our American image of him came. His
bishop’s pastoral staff became a candy cane, and his
mitre a stocking cap. Rest assured that, being from
Turkey, Nicholas did not have puffy pink skin and “a big
red cherry nose,” nor was he likely to have ever seen a
reindeer (again, from the north). Nor elves. (Maybe they
were Bishop Nicholas’ deacons??)
Sadly, lost in all of this was the real Saint
Nicholas, and what he stood for: the origin of gift-giving
for Saint Nicholas Day and Christmas was to give money
or needed items to those in need. Instead of using most
of our resources of time, energy and money to help those
in need at Christmas time in the spirit of Saint Nicholas,
most of us now use most of those resources to give nice
gifts to one another.
What do Nicholas and Jesus think of all of this?
How does our Christian faith call us to re-think
Christmas? How could we shift the balance
back
so that we celebrate the Incarnation mostly
by
giving of ourselves and our resources to
help others and make the world a better
place? How can we show our love and
affection for family and friends by rediscovering the simplicity of traditions like
secretly leaving little treats for one
another and giving up gift-giving as we’ve
come
to know it?
What new Saint Nicholas/Christmas
traditions can we start in our homes that better honor and
imitate the saint and the savior?
For much more on Saint Nicholas, and
great ideas for celebrating him in the home,
go to www.stnicholascenter.org
Some ideas from the website:
* Send Saint Nicholas Day cards!
* Turn chocolate Santas into Saint Nicholas!
* Learn Saint Nicholas customs from around the world!
* Use candy canes to teach about Nicholas!
STRENGTH FINDER
SILENT NIGHT, HOLY NIGHT...
Learning and Living Your Strengths
Are you an
“Achiever?”
A “Gentle” Christmas Mass
Being an over-achiever may not be something to aspire
to, but to some people God has given the innate talent
of “Achiever.” Achievers are driven – in a good way!
If a day passes without the Achiever recognizing some
accomplishment, he or she feels dissatisfied. The
Achiever’s drive brings him or her the energy needed
to work long hours without burning out. Achievers are
busy, productive people, and derive satisfaction from
their accomplishments.
We need Achievers in our families, communities,
workplaces and Church because they know how to
stick with things and get done what needs to be done.
Achiever talents are valuable because they help the
Achiever to reach goals and push themselves and
others to higher levels of excellence. Achievers do
have to be careful, though, not to succumb to an
unhealthy “workaholism,” or to have unrealistic
expectations of their own or others’ limits.
How do you know if you’re an Achiever??
Take the StrengthsFinder™
It’s easy!!
The StrengthsFinder™ is an online instrument that
helps you discover your top 5 God-given talent themes
- that special mix of gifts and talents that God dreamed
up just for you! Taking the assessment, along with
reading the book Living Your Strengths, is an easy and
fun way to discover more about the person God made
you to be. After you’ve taken the assessment and read
the book, you will have the opportunity to join a
Strengths Group and join with others in the strengths
discovery journey!
Books and instructions are available any time in the
parish office any time for a discounted price of $10.
Call or e-mail Diane Vella for info
516-731-4220 or [email protected]
Christmas Eve
Thursday, December 24
6:30 p.m.
For those who are grieving…
For those who are struggling…
For those with loved ones who are far away…
For those who are feeling burdened or troubled…
For those who prefer more reflective prayer...
If for any reason you are not feeling “merry” this
Christmas, or simply wish to participate in a more
reflective celebration, you are most welcome to join
us for this quieter, gentler Christmas Mass, with
music and sermon to better suit the mood of those
who are grieving, struggling or simply meditating at
this time.
All are most welcome to join us
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LITURGY CORNER
Edited by Fr. Chris Costigan
Transforming Culture
THE SECOND VATICAN COUNCIL stated, “The
Church, sent to all peoples of every time and place, is
not bound exclusively and indissolubly to any race or
nation, any particular way of life or any customary way
of life recent or ancient. Faithful to her own tradition
and at the same time conscious of her universal mission,
she can enter into communion with the various civilizations, to their enrichment and the enrichment of the
Church herself” (Gaudium et Spes, 58).
On the one hand, the Catholic Church’s mission of
evangelization might seem obviously countercultural to
many people today. The modern divisions between faith
and culture, and between morality and freedom, often
observed by Popes Benedict XVI and John Paul II, create a hostile atmosphere in which the Good News of
salvation in Christ is difficult to proclaim and to receive.
Nonetheless, the Church is not an enemy of culture.
To the contrary, as John Paul II taught in his 1995 encyclical Evangelium Vitae (The Gospel of Life), “The
purpose of the Gospel, in fact, is ‘to transform humanity
from within and to make it new.’ Like the yeast which
leavens the whole measure of dough (cf. Mt 13:33), the
Gospel is meant to permeate all cultures and give them
life from within, so that they may express the full truth
about the human person and about human life” (95).
This power of the Gospel to transform culture was perhaps nowhere more evident than on the foot of a hill
near modern-day Mexico City in 1531. There, the extraordinary appearance of the Virgin Mary to St. Juan
Diego led to an unprecedented number of conversions to
Christianity. Our Lady’s message of God’s saving love
resonated with the indigenous people, who perceived
profound meaning through the numerous symbolic elements of the Guadalupe image, which was miraculously
imprinted on Juan Diego’s cactus fiber cloak and has
survived almost 500 years.
In 2002, the bishops of Mexico said, “Christ’s message, through his Mother, took up the central elements
of the indigenous culture, purified them and gave the
definitive sense of salvation.” In this light, when John
Paul II canonized St. Juan Diego in Mexico City on
July 3l of the same year, he called the Guadalupe event
a “model of perfectly inculturated evangelization.”
Our Lady of Guadalupe, patroness of the Americas,
continues to unite and transform cultures. Indeed, Our
Lady leads us to her Son, uniting various cultures while
overcoming the (anti) culture of death.
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So, let us recall that the Gospel is meant for all people
and for every age. Neither retreating from the world nor
surrendering to prevailing worldviews, we are called to
recognize what is good in every culture, to boldly proclaim the Gospel of Life and to transform humanity
from within.
Alton J. Pelowski,
Managing Editor,
COLUMBIA November 2009
20th ANNUAL NATIONAL NIGHT
OF PRAYER FOR LIFE
December 8/9 2009
9:00 PM TUESDAY TO 1:00 AM WEDNESDAY
And the word was made flesh and dwelt among us” John 1:14
As soon as the Holy Spirit overshadowed
the womb of the Virgin Mother,
God immediately became
one of the human family.
In like manner when a child is
conceived in his mother’s womb,
he becomes one of us. This little
human being now dwells in us.
So that the world may understand this truth,
COME PRAY WITH US !
Prayerfully join us in UNITY OF PRAYER
across the country
in our cathedrals, churches and chapels,
Highlighting Eucharistic Adoration and the Rosary.
NATIONAL HOUR OF UNITY IS 12AM TO 1 AM (EST)
PARISH SOCIAL MINISTRY
Sr. Christine Sammons, O.P., 731-6074
IN THIS SEASON OF GRATITUDE:
We are so grateful for each and every donation—large and small—which helped us help our many Levittown neighbors. People were stopping by all week with monetary donations, gift cards, food, offerings of help,
and the list goes on. We thank the many volunteers for their countless hours of service and concern. And we are
grateful to community organizations which supported the effort to provide baskets and food for the less fortunate
among us. Please know of our prayers for all of our very generous benefactors. May God bless you abundantly
in return!
PARISH CHRISTMAS CARDS:
We have our beautiful Christmas cards for purchase at the give-away cost of $5.00 for 30 cards. You may pick up
the cards in our office or on Hospitality Sunday, this weekend—December 6th. All proceeds benefit Parish Social Ministry. You might remember that our beautiful parish crèche is the photo on the front of the card. The picture was taken by our own Jimmy Rea.
The Christmas Giving Tree:
We hope that you have noticed the two Christmas trees (one in the prayer room and
near the north exit of the church.) On the trees are gift requests from 70 of our families and the Veteran’s House on Constable Lane. We hope that if you are able, you
will take a “star” with a gift suggestion on it, purchase the gift, attach the “star” to the
gift and return it to our office on or before December 14th so we can sort and distribute the gifts to our friends. We would like to provide one gift per person, valued at
approximately $25.00, and we have placed almost 300 “stars” on the trees. We ask
that you do not leave gifts or gift cards in the food bin, since they might not make it to the
person for whom it is intended. You may put the gift cards in the collection basket and
they will be routed to us. As always, thank you in advance for your kind generosity.
We are so richly blessed to have so many generous parishioners!
The second candle in the Advent wreath is called
The Bethlehem Candle.
It urges us to prepare, to receive, and to cradle the Christ Child both in Bethlehem and in our Hearts.
Looking for a Christmas gift that keeps giving?
$100 will buy a chance to win $10,000 and four tickets to St. Bernards’s Winner’s Wonderland Dance
on February 20, 2010. Raffle tickets go on sale December 12th.
SAVE THE DATE!
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BEREAVEMENT MINISTRY NEWS
Fall 2009 Bereavement Group
1st Row seated (L-R) Patricia Newmeyer, Florence Leone, Justine Carr
2nd Row standing (L-R) Theresa Locke, Patricia Brosnan, Marion Johns, Josephine Walston, Dorothy Hollman
Under the guidance of our new facilitators, Patricia Brosnan, Dorothy Hollman, and Therese Locke, St. Bernard’s
Bereavement Ministry completed the fall session with a social for the attendees.
Light refreshments and sparkling apple cider, provided by the attendees, coordinators and facilitators gave them
time to reflect on their journey past and into the future. A future that will not be the same, yet one where
acceptance will be reached and hope is eternal for all of them.
The participants learned the steps in grieving and how to cope with them in daily living.
We have been blessed with our new facilitators (who were in one of St. Bernard’s past classes) and thank them for
sharing their time.
St. Bernard's Youth Ministry and Boy Scout Troop 316 Fundraiser!
Christmas Wreath Sale!
Sunday, Dec. 13, 2009 after all Sunday morning masses!
Wreaths are $12.00!
Proceeds go to benefit the St. Bernard's Retreat program and
St. Bernard's Boy Scout Troop 316!
Any questions contact: Mike Rodgers (516) 978 - 8193
or Frank Messina (516) 510 - 4798
Email: [email protected]
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E!
T
A
ED
H
T
E
SAV
Please join the Family Ministry
as we begin celebrating
the Christmas
having
Season
Breakfast with St. Nicholas
Sunday, December 13, 2009
10:00 am until 12:30 pm in the school cafeteria
We will be selling tickets after all the Masses on
this weekend, December 5/6.
Remember to bring your camera to take a
picture with this Beloved Saint.
Tickets are $10 per family (2 adults + children)
Help stock our parish food pantry for the holidays by bringing a non-perishable food item.
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
Second Sunday of Advent
December 6, 2009
(Prepare the Way )
Sr. Margaret Sammon, O.P. , 731-8511
FOR THE RIDE HOME
Reading I : Baruch 5:1-9 (God Will Show Your Splendor)
Reading II : Philippeans 1: 4-6, 8-11 (Be Pure and Blameless)
Gospel : Luke 3: 1-6 ( John the Baptist )
Adults:
Children:
How can I become a better herald for Christ, one who announces His coming ?
What can I do to better prepare for the celebration of Christmas, the birth of Jesus ?
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A note of thanks from Linda and Gary Crozier : to all who
helped make the auction a success and a fun night. The committee who helped run the
auction, our donors, and those who bid on the items that night.
OUR DONORS
Jane Nieman
Marie & Walter Bartnick
Antonella Teri– Pietraniello
Cathy Marinelli
Fran Witkowski
Sally Cook
Tony Conti
James Taylor
Beth Dalton
Debbie Stellakis
Mary Ellen Walsh
Theresa Eppich
Paula Novak & Legion of Mary
Rosary Confraternity
Elizabeth Bailey
Tom & Mary Mawn
Frank Mormando
Dennis Dunne
Shirley Delahanty
Richard DeLucia
Olga Lopez
Catholic Daughters
Sisters of St.Joseph
Frances Musco
Deacon John & Terri Blakeney
Diane VellaMarijane Witte
Fr. Jerry & Fr. Chris
Dolores & Ed Josiah
Charles Mauro
Bob & Margie Foley
Audrey Lorie
St.Bernard’s Shawl Ministry
Victor Masi
Mike Rodgers
Richard Alexander
Mr & Mrs Vincent Raab
Regina Vogel
Domenico’s
Art Flowers & Gift Shoppe
McCormick
East Coast Car Wash
East Village Car Care
Division Car Care
Division Avenue Deli
NY Hall of Science
Friendly’s
Ruby’s BBQ
Jays Appliances
Levittown Lanes
Cradle of Aviation
Bronx Zoo
LaGuna Grille
The NY Islanders
Spumante Restaurant
Chelsea Piers
Knights of Columbus
NY Liberty
Calda Pizza
Hunan Dynasty
Dawn Nail
O’Shea’s Funeral Home
Busto’s Karate
Alice & Mike Sanchez
Thomas Sepe
Pat McBride
Mr & Mrs Paul Bopp
Mr & Mrs Joseph Gould
SPECIAL THANK YOU TO
Colleen Drozd
Robert Caserta
ASTORIA FEDERAL SAVINGS BANK
FOR DONATING THE FOOD & DESSERTS FOR THE NIGHT Ellen’s Pilates & Fitness
Outback Steakhouse
AND
Nassau Gymnastics Center
Governor’s Comedy Club
MILLER’S ALE HOUSE
Onyx Packaging
FOR DONATING THE HOT APPETIZERS
Dalton’s Funeral Home
The Milleridge Inn
**if by any chance we have forgotten to include someone,
please know that it was a slip of the pen and not of the heart.
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Charles Fries
Kathy Scarallo
St.Bernard’s CYO Basketball
Mary Lynn Borst
Marilyn Skitz
Columbiettes
Ruth Ramos
Jerry Jacona
Gary Hudes, Gennaro Jewelers
Marie McNamara
Mary & Warren Smith
Jeannette Werfel
Mary Ann Nuzzi
Theresa Rappa
Grace Herold
Eileen Henschel
Jeanne Romano
Erin Pinto
Frances Hall
Religious Education Dept.
Rosemary McNerney
Rose Warren
Tom & Joan Caritela
Hilda Gorman
Kathleen Quinn
Denise Milazo
Eileen Avidano
Jm McHale
Connie D’Auria
Jennifer Cottone
Nell Mallen
Fred Form
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COMMUNITY BULLETIN BOARD
ST. VINCENT’S FAMOUS MODEL TRAIN AND
TOY SHOW, in Elmont, Sunday, December 6, 10:00
am to 3:00 pm. Featured are Lionel, LGB and American
Flyer trains and accessories with an extensive array of
toys, crafts, and Match Box Miniatures. $5.00 at the
door for adults, children under 12 free when accompanied by an adult, seniors $4.00. Over 200 dealers with
merchandise on display. For more information call 516352-2127.
STATIONS OF THE NATIVITY: AN ADVENT
DAY OF PRAYER, Sunday, December 6, 1:30 to 5:30
pm. Registration begins at 1:00 pm. In the tradition of
the Stations of the Cross, the Stations of the Nativity are
a retreat day that will lead us through a journey of hope
and Advent to Epiphany. Drawn from the infancy narratives in Luke and Matthew, each station illumines a different aspect in the story of Jesus’ birth. Offering is $30
for the afternoon. Light refreshments will be served. Presenters are Jackie Bates, r.c. and Kathy Madden, CND.
The program is presented by the CENACLE SISTERS,
310 Cenacle Road, Ronkonkoma 11779-0430 or call 631588-8366.
LEVITTOWN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Holiday
Tree Lighting, an annual tradition, will take place on
Monday, December 7, 2009, 6 to 8 pm. at Veteran’s
Memorial Park, across from the Levittown Library. St.
Bernard’s choir will be performing. Santa arrives at 7 pm.
Tree Lighting at 8 pm.
Men’s Gathering “A TIME SET ASIDE FOR YOU”,
Tuesday, December 8, 10:00 am to 12:00 noon. The
presenter is Michael Dunne and team. The offering is
$20 and includes breakfast. Presented by the Sisters of St.
Joseph. The gathering takes place at 1725 Brentwood
Road, Brentwood 11717. Call 631-273-1187, ext. 23 or
email [email protected].
THE MAGIC OF CHRISTMAS, Tuesday, December
8, 8:00 pm. Tickets are now on sale for the “The Magic
of Christmas” at Carnegie Hall starring Andy Cooney
with guest star Crystal Gayle and violinist, Eileen Ivers.
Also appearing will be the Christmas Festival Orchestra,
Fordham University Choir, and The Festival Youth
Chorus. Buses leave from St. Rose of Lima, Massapequa, $75 Dress Circle Seat and $110 Dress Circle Seat
and roundtrip bus. The purchase of the tickets will benefit the Medugorje Miracle Fund. This is the 13th year that
the fund has helped people in need go to Medugorje for
spiritual growth. For tickets call Susan/Peter Bies at 516799-0643.
Scriptures for December 6 — December 13, 2009
Second Sunday of Advent, December 6. Baruch 5:1-9;
Philippians 1:4-6,8-11; Psalm 126:1-6; Luke 3:1-6
Monday, December 7. St. Ambrose, Bishop, Doctor of
the Church. Isaiah 35:1-10; Psalm 85:9-14; Luke 5:17-26
Tuesday, December 8. The Immaculate Conception of
the Blessed Virgin Mary. Genesis 3:9-15, 20; Ephesians
1:3-6,11-12; Psalm 98:1-4; Luke 1:26-38
Wednesday, December 9. St. Juan Diego, Hermit.
Isaiah 40:25-31; Psalm 103:1-4, 8, 10; Mathew 11:28-30
Thursday, December 10. Isaiah 41:13-20; Psalm 145:1, 913; Mathew 11:11-15
Friday, December 11. Isaiah 48:17-19; Psalm 1:1-4, 6;
Mathew 11:16-19
Saturday, December 12. Our Lady of Guadalupe. Zechariah 2:14-17; (Psalm) Judith 13:18-19; Luke 1:26-38
Third Sunday of Advent, December 13. Zephaniah 3:1418; Philippians 4:4-7; Isaiah 12:2-6; Luke 3:10-18
dential information about the Retrouvaille program, or to
register, please call 1-800-470-2230 and you will be connected directly and confidentially to a couple from Long
Island/Metro Retrouvaille who can help.
IRISH CULTURE MEETS POP CULTURE, Sunday,
December 13, 3:00 pm. Brian Cogan of Molloy College
will examine how 100 years of Irish culture have influenced American popular culture. Take a look at Thomas
Nast’s Irish cartoons and their influence on early American cartoons, Irish stage plays and songs and their relation
to popular culture, then move on to Irish folk music and
its influence on Dylan and the American folk scene, Samuel Beckett’s influence on Seinfeld, Bono’s influence on
what it means to be an American today, and many other
topics! Light refreshments will be served. To RSVP, contact Catherine Muscente at [email protected].
YOU CAN HELP HEAL YOUR MARRIAGE NOW,
Friday, December 11.Do you feel alone? Are you frustrated or angry with each other? Retrouvaille helps couples through difficult times in their marriages. For confi15