November 1, 2015 - Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church

Our Lady of Grace
Roman Catholic Church
Our Mission: We change lives through the Risen Christ
By Prayer
By Presence
We pray every day for the
success of our parish’s
mission as well as for
our own intentions.
By Witness
We love God and
neighbor each day.
We join our communion of
faith for Mass every Sunday
for mutual support and for
the grace God offers us.
By Support
We share our gifts and we
encourage one another.
We Celebrate the Eucharist
Vigil of Sunday: 5:00pm Saturday Evening
Sunday: 8:00am, 10:00am (Children’s Liturgy of the Word),
12:00 Noon (Choir), and 5:30pm (Except July 1 through Labor Day)
Weekdays: Monday – Friday 8:00am and 9:00am • Saturday 8:00am
Holy Days: See inside
666 Albin Avenue, West Babylon, New York 11704
Parish Office (631) 587-5185 Fax (631) 587-1427
Faith Formation Office (631) 661-9353
Parish Social Ministry Office (631) 661-9354
Day Care Office (631) 422-4681
www.ourladyofgrace.net [email protected]
November 1, 2015 • All Saints Day
Worship This Coming Week
Mon. The Commemoration of All the
Faithful Departed
Nov. 2 Wis 3:1-9/Rom 5:5-11
8:00 All Souls Day Intentions
9:00 All Souls Day Intentions
7:30 All Souls Day Intentions
Thu. Weekday
Nov. 5 Rom 14:7-12/Lk 15:1-10
8:00 Mario Commisso
9:00 Vincent Hagan
Tue.
Nov. 3
8:00
9:00
Weekday
Rom 12:5-16b/Lk 14:15-24
Nary and John Stancanti
Pellegrino Trapani
Fri.
Nov. 6
8:00
9:00
Weekday
Rom 15:14-21/Lk 16:1-8
Jimmy Thanhauser
Devotees of the Holy Face of Jesus –
Living and Deceased
Wed.
Nov. 4
8:00
9:00
Saint Charles Borromeo
Rom 13:8-10/Lk 14:25-33
Anita Allan
John F. Kristoffersen (B’Day)
Sat. Weekday
Nov. 7 Rom 16:3-9, 16, 22-27/Lk 16:9-15
8:00 John Chao, Maria Chao, Enrique Cheng,
Pasquale Pino
The Sacrament of Reconciliation
Saturday, 4:00 – 4:45pm: Presider: Fr Gabriel
Worship for Sunday, November 8, 2015
Thirty-Second Sunday in Ordinary Time
1 Kgs 17:10-16/Heb 9:24-28/Mk 12:38-44
5:00pm Vigil
8:00am
10:00am
12:00pm
1:30pm
5:30pm
Presiding & Preaching
Fr. Vin
Fr. Vin
Fr. Gabriel
Fr. Gius
Fr. Gius
Fr. Gabriel
We pray at this Mass especially for
Jeannette Bell
People of the Parish
Jean Horan and Nicholas Bertucci
Rosemarie Farina
For Persons with Special Needs
Salvatore Laurice
The Sacrament of Baptism
Saturday, 11:00am: Deacon Peter
Baptisms are celebrated throughout the year on most Sundays and occasionally on Saturday. Call the Parish Office for
more information or to schedule an appointment for a Baptism interview. This should be done as soon as practicable.
The Sacrament of Matrimony
Second Banns: Patricia Santorelli – William Southarland (St. Joseph’s)
Arrangements for marriage should be made as soon as possible, but not less than six months prior to the intended
wedding date.
The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick
This sacrament is celebrated each Saturday during the 8:00am Mass for those facing surgery or those with major
disorders. Other arrangements may be made by calling the Parish Office.
Becoming a Catholic • Completing Initiation as a Catholic
Any adult, teen, or child older than age seven who is interested in becoming a Catholic or in completing the
Sacraments of Initiation as a Catholic (Baptism, Confirmation, Communion), is invited to contact the Parish Office.
Our Parish Communion
This week:
Sunday, November 1: All Saints’ Day. Masses at usual weekend
times.
Monday, November 2: All Souls’ Day. Masses at 8am, 9am, and
7:30pm. Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament 2-6pm.
Tuesday, November 3: Scripture Sharing 9:30am and 7:30pm.
RCIA 7pm. Youth Ministry begins at 7:30pm.
Saturday, November 7: Centering Prayer 4:00pm.
Next week:
Sunday, November 8: Mass for Persons with Special Needs 1:30pm.
Monday, November 9: Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament 2-9pm.
Tuesday, November 10: Scripture Sharing 9:30am and 7:30pm.
RCIA 7pm. Youth Ministry begins at 7:30pm.
Saturday, November 14: Centering Prayer 4:00pm.
Upcoming:
Tuesday, November 10: Discussion group on The Four Signs of a
Dynamic Catholic, 7:30-9pm, Room 109. (First of four Tuesday
evenings; also November 17, 22, December 1)
Sunday, December 6: Craft Fair, 9am – 4pm.
Regular Devotions:
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament: Mondays from 2pm to 9pm
except holidays or when noted.
Miraculous Medal Novena with Rosary: Mondays following the 8am
and 9am Masses.
Centering Prayer: Every Saturday, 4pm, Room 106.
Holy Face of Jesus: Hour of Reparation First Friday after 9am Mass.
Padre Pio Prayer Group: Second Tuesday of each month at 7:30pm.
Scripture Sharing with Deacon Peter: Every Tuesday at 9:30am and
7:30pm (except during July and August).
Our Pastoral Council
Mr. Joseph Carbonette
Mrs. Karen Elefterion
Mr. Michael Engrassia
Ms. Maria Russello-Chetti
Ms. Haydee Santini
Mrs. Samantha Stainkamp
Mrs. Concetta Whelan
Mrs. Annemarie Zaret
Our Finance Council
Mr. Richard Korcz
Mr. Joseph Salzone (Trustee)
Mr. Robert Scharf
Mr. Thomas Villella
Mr. William Whelan (Trustee)
Our Ministries
Ministries of Worship
Msgr. Vincent Rush, Pastor
Rev. Gabriel Miah, Associate
Rev. Gius Garcia, Associate
Deacon Peter DiGiuseppe
Deacon Brian Miller
Deacon Irwin Saffran
Terence Purtell, Director of
Music
Parish Social Ministry
Mrs. Ann Kristoffersen,
Coordinator
Ministries with Children
and Families
Mrs. Peggy Harnisch,
Director
Ms. Jeanmarie Florio, Day
Care Director
Mrs. Tischa Stanley, Angel
Care Coordinator
Ms. Doreen Scalise, Kids of
the Kingdom / Summer Fun
Coordinator
Ministries of Administration
Parish Services, Finance
Mr. James Pisano, Facilities
Manager
As I See It
By Fr. Vin
Saints and Souls - II
Monday is All Souls’ Day so let’s talk about Purgatory. Start with a story.
Some years ago I walked into a wake service to preside, and since I didn’t know the deceased, I looked
for a family member to give me a bit of background. One of the sons came up and said (I remember this
verbatim, and you’ll see why), “Father, whatever you say don’t say anything good about my mother. She
was a b**** and everyone knows it.” Well. Cue a very generic homily.
So what happened to Mom when she died, and where was she as we spoke? From the son’s comment it
seems likely that the process of sanctification or theosis hadn’t quite come to a successful conclusion by
the time of that wake. There was still more work for Mom to do, apparently, to become the “best version
of herself” that was God’s dream for her. Enter the doctrine of Purgatory.
Having seen a bit of human nature over the years, I realize that the often-heard solicitous comment that
“S/he (the deceased) is in heaven now” is meant to console the mourners – but we go off the tracks if we
think it’s a reliable guide to what awaits us all after death. I may be wrong, but it seems to me that few
people I’ve known have finished becoming “the best version of themselves” by the point of death. (And,
while I’m working on it for myself, I strongly suspect that I won’t have the years left to finish the project
either before I’ve shuffled off this mortal coil…)
Our Church reassures us that this is where God’s mercy comes in. We’re not stuck with what we’ve made
of ourselves at death. Nor do we get a second chance with another life. (Religious traditions that trust in
reincarnation face the same problem I’m talking about but answer it differently: instead of Purgatory, they
anticipate another few – or few thousand – lifetimes to finish up the work. We Catholics see it differently.)
Now no one – including our Church – knows exactly what God has in store for us. Some theologians
(including Pope Emeritus Benedict) have suggested that seeing God face-to-face provides an
instantaneous (although painful) healing for what’s still broken in us. Other descriptions rely on our
earthly experience that change happens with hard work over time, and that this is the better metaphor for
how God helps us toward sanctification. (Think of working to change a bad habit.)
Perhaps the greatest imaginative vision of this process is in Dante’s Purgatorio. A devout and very
insightful Catholic and great poet, Dante understood a great deal about the soul’s transformation in this
life and used that insight to craft his poem. In it, the souls in Purgatory are given two great gifts: they see
clearly exactly what ails them, and are given the opportunity for undistracted work on healing that fault.
Their sufferings are not punishments, but exactly the right remedy – self-imposed – for their distorted
selves.
For example: in the “Valley of the Rulers” Dante puts good kings; a commentator today says that would be
the equivalent in our time of “anxious parents, over-burdened housewives and breadwinners, social
workers, busy organizers, and others who are so ‘rushed off their feet’ that they forget to say their
prayers.” Another commentator adds to that list, “overworked doctors, psychologists, priests, and
ministers … indeed all those who take refuge from themselves in an unreflective pursuit of good, pouring
all their energy into the redemption of society or the succor of other people, while blind to their own
darkness.” In their Purgatory, they wait. They wait for a fixed span of time they cannot alter, until they
learn the proper use of time, something they had failed to do in this life.
But, Dante says, there is one thing that can help them along the way (and here he is fully basing his poem
on Catholic teaching): The prayers of the living can shorten their span. Again the Holy Communion of the
baptized comes into view, and God’s grace comes to them through others.
On Monday, join us if at all possible to pray for the faithful departed. Masses are at 8am, 9am, and
7:30pm. And remember and pray for all those (like perhaps “Mom”) who departed this life without
finishing their work of sanctification. We can help them along by our prayers. Until next week, peace.
Faith Formation
Congratulations to Our Catechists and Leaders!
On October 20, 2015, several of our catechists received awards for
service at a ceremony held at St. Agnes Cathedral. Lorraine Busamante
received an award for teaching for 50 years! Her husband Frank has
taught with her for 30 years. Lorraine runs the Special Needs Faith
Formation Program here, and it is by far one of the best if not the best in
the diocese. She has listened to the needs of her students and has a
post Confirmation program that is truly one of a kind! Through her work, we have a Special Needs Mass
each month as well. Nancy Gorman has taught for over 25 years. She teaches in both the Level 2 First
Holy Communion program and our Confirmation Prep 6 Level. Theresa Forde received an award for
teaching for 10 years. She teaches FHC Level 2, Levels 3 and 4 and Special Needs. All three of these
ladies also volunteer at East Neck Nursing Home among other ministries. Additionally, awards will be
given to JoAnn and Anthony Colletti for 30 years. JoAnn runs our teen Faith Formation Program. This has
become such a vital program in the parish and helps those students that for whatever reason had little or
no faith formation. Anthony teaches a sacristan class for our Level 7 students and assists JoAnn with the
teens. A ten-year award will be given to Mary Ellen McEntee who teaches in Confirmation Prep 8, plus is
in charge of Altar Servers at Our Lady of Grace. I am more than blessed to work with these incredible
volunteers and am so thankful for their service to our children!
This week in Faith Formation
Classes this week – November 1 to November 7:
Sacrament Prep Level 5 Fall – Tuesday – November 3, 2015 – 6:30 – 8:00pm
Sacrament Prep Level 3 – Wednesday and Thursday – November 4 and 5, 2015 – 4:30-5:45pm
Peanut Butter and Jelly – Conf. Prep 8 Service – Wednesday November 4, 2015 - 7:00 to 8:00pm
FHC Level 2 – Saturday – November 7, 2015 times: 9am, 11am and 1:30pm.
Confirmation Prep 6, 7 and 8 – November 7, 2015 times: 9am and 11am.
Retreat Confirmation Prep 8 – November 7, 2015 – 1:00 to 4:00pm.
Winter Hall Monitors and Catechists – Opportunity to Serve
Would you like to share your faith with our Level 4 and Level 5 students? We need catechists and Hall
Monitors who are willing to share their time each week in our Faith Formation Program. See Peggy if able
to help. We do a background check and require a one-time Virtus class. Please pray about helping us in
this vital ministry!
Faith Formation Tuition
We encourage all Faith Formation families to use WeShare for tuition payments. It’s easy, convenient and
you retain all control over payments from the comfort of your home. You can find a link to set up your
WeShare account on the parish website – ourladyofgrace.net. You may set up either one time or recurring
payment.
Faith Formation Registration for Students with Special Needs
Registration for our classes for students who have special needs is now underway at the Faith Formation
Office. If your child was not baptized at Our Lady of Grace and will be new to the program, please bring a
copy of their baptismal certificate.
If your child attended last year and has not re-registered, please do so as soon as possible. Schedules
will soon be going out.
Parish Social Ministry
CATHOLIC SOCIAL TEACHING
Rights and Responsibilities
Election Day is Tuesday, November 3 – Remember to Vote
The Catholic tradition teaches that human dignity can be protected and a healthy community can be
achieved only if human rights are protected and responsibilities are met. Therefore, every person has a
fundamental right to life and a right to things required for human decency. Corresponding to these rights
are duties and responsibilities to one another, to our families, and to the larger society.
U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops
What Kind of Nation and World Do We Want to Shape?
Today’s democratic societies…call for new and fuller forms of participation in public life by Christian and
non-Christian citizens alike. Indeed, all can contribute by voting in elections for lawmakers and
government officials, and in other ways as well, to the development of political solutions and legislative
choices which, in their opinion, will benefit the common good.
Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith
Study the issues and implications. May the reflections of our faithful citizenship lead to less cynicism and
more participation and civil dialogue on the issues.
November 1 is All Saints Day and Food Pantry Sunday
We celebrate those who serve in the pantry, the Outreach office and those who contribute food and
financial support for the needy in our community. We pray for all of them.
Monday November 2 is All Souls Day
Into your hands, Father of mercies,
we commend our brothers and sisters
in the sure and certain hope that,
together with all who have died in Christ
they will rise with him on the last day.
Prayer of Commendation A
May we live consciously, be fully awake for the greatest adventure of our lives.
As part of our mission for the people of our parish, we remember the deceased loved ones of our
parishioners. The Parish Outreach celebrates their lives at three Bereavement Masses during the year.
The next Mass is scheduled for February 2016. All are welcome.
Do You Know?
The HEAP Program, a one-time assistance with heat or utility costs will be available on November 16,
2015. You must be eligible for food stamps (SNAP) to qualify automatically. All others call the Suffolk
Office of the Aging – 631-853-8255.
EPIC, a program for elderly pharmaceutical insurance, provides co-pay assistance for Part D covered
drugs. Gross Income under $75,000 qualifies. Please call 800-332-3742 for further information.
SCAT – Suffolk County Accessible Transportation
For individuals with disabilities (documented by their doctor) who cannot use regular buses. Cost is $4.00
each way. Call 631-853-8337.
Parish News
Let Us Welcome Our Newly Baptized into Our Parish Communion
Chase Rylee Johnson
Mason Christopher Ingraldi
Jayden Louis
Angelo Jason Mercer
Aubrey Rose Kelly
Austin James Jackson-Booth
Please Pray for Those Who Have Died This Week
Cheryl Ann McGreevy Rupple
Louise Marie Bilancia
James Cahalan
Nancy Ruben
St. Agnes Medal of Service Award Winner
Bishop Murphy last Sunday presented the annual St. Agnes Medal of Service Award for 2015 for our
parish to Barbara DiGiuseppe at a ceremony in St. Agnes Cathedral. Barbara has volunteered in our
Faith Formation Program for 47 years including in our program for persons with special needs. Barbara
also volunteers as a song leader at our monthly Special Needs Masses. Barbara has been a part of the
parish’s adult choir for many years and is also a leader of song and a lector for parish Sunday Masses.
We thank her for her generosity with her time and talents and join in congratulating her!
Faith Formation Donations
Pennies can make a difference. We again ask you to drop them off at the Faith Formation Office mail slot,
the Parish Office, or in the Sunday collection (place them in an envelope marked for Faith Formation).
Last week $50 was donated for the 2015-2016 year. The total to date: $152. Thanks to all who donate.
Widows and Widowers News
The Our Lady of Grace Widows and Widowers Group will be meeting on Friday, November 20, 2015, at
12pm in Room 109. New members are always welcome. For information, please call 661-5375.
Calendar Raffle Winners
10/19/15
10/20/15
10/21/15
10/22/15
10/23/15
10/24/15
10/26/15
51192
51174
51036
51398
51256
51042
51071
**Tickets are now available in the Parish Office for the July-December Drawing.**
Financial Stewardship Report
(includes electronic giving)
Offering target: $14,225 per week
As increasing numbers of parishioners use WeShare and give
monthly, weekly totals are becoming misleading. We have moved to
a monthly report so monthly electronic giving can be included.
For October:
Target: $113,800
Actual: $114,899
Over target by $1,099
Thank you for your generosity!
Ministries with Children and Families
Family Ministry
Our next Family Life Ministry meeting is Monday, November 2, 2015, at 7:30pm. Come join us! Everyone
welcome - we would love your help and input to plan our events!
Day Care News
Our day care cares for babies from six weeks to five years old. Each age group
has its own curriculum, which the teachers follow. Come in for a tour and see
how warm and nurturing our staff is. Learn about all the interesting lessons the
children are experiencing throughout our day care. This is our busiest registration
time, and our policy is first come, first served. To register or set up a tour, please
contact the director Jeanmarie Florio at 422-4681 or by e-mail at [email protected].
We are also looking for a lead teacher and a float. Please send a resume to [email protected].
Youth Ministry News
Come see what our Youth Ministry is about- Faith, fun, food,
fellowship, trips, community service projects, & dealing with
subjects that affect your life as teens. All faiths/all teens 9th-12th
grade invited to Rm. 212 every Tuesday 7:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Be a part of something unique!!”
Advent Gathering - All Families Invited!!
On Sunday, November 29, at 11am we’ll be making Advent wreaths! Advent wreaths are a wonderful way
for every family to celebrate each week of this beautiful season of Advent in preparation for the birthday of
Jesus! We’ll have coffee, tea, hot cocoa as well as some snacks! We hope you will join us! Ten dollars
covers all supplies – wreath ring, candles and fresh greenery. If you were here last year, you can order
just candles and greenery! Please use tear off below to reserve your supplies now for this day! For more
information, call Peggy at 587-5185 x 220. Whatever the size of your family, come share this day with
fellow parishioners!
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Please return this form and your money by November 16, 2015, to ensure we have enough
supplies!
Family last name ________________________________ number attending __________________
Phone # ____________________________ number of children attending ___________ (ages _______)
Email ______________________________
We will be able to bring something for the dessert table - circle - Yes or No (cookies, brownies etc.)
Ring, Candles and Greenery $10.00 each set _________ Candles and greenery only $5.00 _________
Please send this part of the form with your $10.00 in an envelope to the office or mail to:
OLOG, 666 Albin Avenue, West Babylon, NY 11704.
Parish News
Lost Glasses?
We have quite a collection growing in our lost and found. Any glasses that are not
claimed will be disposed of next week, so please stop by the Parish Office.
News from the RCIA Program
Do you know someone who is interested in learning about the Catholic Church? Do
you have friends and/or family members who have not completed their sacraments? It
is not too late to join the RCIA Program.
For information, contact the Parish Office at 631-587-5185. If you are a practicing
Catholic and would like to assist with the program, please contact the Parish Office, also.
Care to Help on Sunday Mornings?
The religious article counter is in need of help for the 10am and 12pm Masses. If you are able to volunteer
your time, please leave your name and phone number at the Parish Office, and we will contact you.
Youth band Leader Wanted
The Church of St. Joseph, Babylon, is seeking a liturgical musician who can lead our youth on
instruments and in song at the Sunday 5pm Liturgy. Guitar and vocal skills are desired; music degree
preferred, but will consider one’s experience and musical talent. Rehearsals are held in the church on
Sundays, just prior to Mass. The candidate should exude spirituality, enthusiasm, social graces and enjoy
working with teen and young adults. Send all contact information with resume and two letters of
recommendation to the pastor by mail to: Msgr. Chris Heller at Church of St. Joseph, 39 N. Carll Avenue,
Babylon, NY 11702, or via e-mail to [email protected].
Moving On Group
Church of St. Joseph in Babylon, NY, is offering an after bereavement group for widows and widowers on
Friday, November 20, 2015, at 7:30pm. The topic is “Change Your Thinking/Change Your Life” by Glenn
Poveromo. For further information, please call Geri Olson at 631-661-8994.
Attention all Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion
Our Lady of Grace is in need of some new ministers to visit the homebound. We have received six new
requests this month and need volunteers to visit them.
If you are interested in helping take Holy Communion to our family members at home and you are trained
to be a minister, please fill out the form below and leave it in the Parish Office.
Name: _______________________________________Phone:_________________________________
Email: _______________________________________
Please circle the day/s you are available to take Communion to the homebound.
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
The Last Good Word
Let’s Talk: by Flo Aubin
Doreen Scalese
Doreen Scalese is a very pleasant lady who has always enjoyed working with children. Doreen was born
and brought up in Ozone Park, Queens, and attended St Mary’s Gate of Heaven Church. She and her
husband, Glenn, were married there 25 years ago. Today they have two children.
Nineteen years ago, the Scaleses moved to West Babylon and to Our Lady of Grace Parish where their
children received their sacraments. Glenn works as a painter for Hunter College and Doreen became a
stay-at-home mom.
In 2007, Doreen became a counselor in the Angel Care Program and as an assistant to Tischa Stanley.
The Angel Care Program has 156 children. There are 46 children registered in the am program and the
children range in age from five to twelve years of age.
Last year, Doreen began to run the Kids of the Kingdom Summer Program, and she was assisted by
Debbie Fredericks. Doreen told me that she loves working with the children. They always bring a smile to
her face with their cute stories.
There are always many activities planned to keep the children happy in the summer such as: the
aquarium, Wickhams Farm (to pick fruit) and to the theatre. There are about 12 counselors to supervise
these outings.
The children who attend these programs are very fortunate to have such caring adults working and
watching over them.
Donation of the Bread and the Wine
The bread and the wine have been donated in loving memory of All the Souls in Purgatory for the week of
November 1 through November 7, 2015.
You’ve Read the Book; Now Join the Discussion!
If you’d like to talk with other parishioners about the Four
Signs of a Dynamic Catholic, here’s your chance. We’re
offering a discussion group open to all for four Tuesday
evenings: November 10, 17, and 24, and December 1.
Meetings will be from 7:30 to 9pm. Meetings are in Room
109 (except 11/17, which is in the church).
No need to start at the beginning; we hope you will, but you
can join the group at any meeting.
If you haven’t yet gotten the book, copies are available in the
parish office.
So we know how many to expect, please call the parish office
(631-587-5185), or e-mail
[email protected].
Pray. Study. Give. Evangelize.
Be bold. Be Catholic.