Saint Catherine of Sienna Catholic Church

Saint Catherine of Sienna Catholic Church
33 New Hyde Park Road, Franklin Square, New York 11010-3692
Deacons
Joseph Benincasa
Frank Gonzalez
Music Director
Evelyn Fiore
Organist
Jennifer Wells
Parish Social—Outreach
Ministry
Maureen Russell
Pastor
Rev. Msgr. Richard M. Figliozzi
Associate Pastors
Rev. Johnny Mendonca
Rev. Charles N. Srion
Rev. Allan Arneaud
Faith Formation
Coordinator
Debbie Hurley
Trustees
Dennis Canese
Marion G. Dreyfus
Retired Priest in Residence
Rev. William D. O’Rourke
Parish office: (516) 352-0146
FAX: (516) 326-7427
Faith Formation: (516) 354-4554
Social / Outreach: (516) 775-0840
Web Site: www.stcatherineofsienna.org
Sunday Masses
Saturday: Saint Catherine Chapel, Sienna Center 5:00PM
Sunday: Church 7:30AM, 9:30AM and 11:30AM
Saint Catherine Chapel, Sienna Center 9:00AM,
11:00AM and 1:00PM
Weekday Masses
Monday through Saturday: 8:00AM
Parish Office Hours
990 Holzheimer Street
Monday to Thursday, 9 AM—8 PM
Friday, 9 AM—7 PM
Saturday, 9:00AM—4:00 PM
Sunday, 10:00AM– 1:00PM
Parish Membership
New members are welcome to our parish family and
should register at the Parish Office. All are invited to join
our many and varied Parish Ministries and Societies.
Getting Married?
Please make an appointment with a priest or deacon
before making social arrangements.
Prayer Life
Adoration: Fridays 9:00AM-9:00PM in the Saint Catherine
Chapel, Sienna Center
Miraculous Medal Novena: Monday after the 8:00AM
Parishioners with Special Needs
The Church & Saint Catherine Chapel, Sienna Center are
accessible through the doors on the right side of the
Parish Social Ministry Outreach Hours
Church, where two buildings meet. The Sienna Center is
995 Lutz Street
accessible through front door. An elevator is available
Monday through Friday, 11:00AM-1:00PM
through main door of Sienna Center (left side of stairs)
Thursday, 4:00PM - 6:00PM
which allows access to Church as well.
1St Saturday of the month 11:00AM - 1:00PM
Assisted Listening Devices are available in the
Additional hours by appointment only.
Church, for the hearing impaired. Please ask an usher if
you need one.
Anointing of the Sick
Special Needs Advocacy: Dr. Priscilla O’Connell may
There is a communal Anointing of the Sick on Thursday
be reached by calling the Parish Social Ministry Office at
during the 8:00AM Mass. Please notify a priest if anyone is
775-0840, if you have additional needs to be addressed.
sick at home.
Mass for those with special needs, family & friends is
Emergency sick calls at any time: Call 352-0146
celebrated on the 3rd Saturday of each month at 3:00PM
Saint Catherine Chapel, Sienna Center.
We Celebrate Baptism
We celebrate welcoming new people to our parish through Professional Therapy & Counseling
Baptism. Call the Parish Office to make arrangements.
Family, marriage, and individual therapies, provided by
Children: Celebrated every Sunday at 2:00PM
New York licensed therapists, are available to our parish.
(except Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday - January – June 2014) Call Dr. Giuliani, Catholic Counseling Ctr., 631-243-2503.
First & Third Saturdays at 12:30pm Beginning July 2014
Prep. Class: 2nd Tuesday of each month at 7:30PM
(pre-registration is required)
Adults: Adults to be Baptized or Confirmed are invited
The Baptism of the Lord
to call the Parish Office for assistance.
Reconciliation
Saturday: 4:00PM-5:00PM
January 12, 2014
SANCTUARY LAMP
During the week of January 12,
the Sanctuary Lamp will burn in our Church
In Memory of Ralph Anginli
With the prayers of his Wife and daughters
(Jan 13 - Jan 19)
BREAD AND WINE
During the week of January 12,
the Bread and Wine used at Masses will be
In Memory of Bruce, Jane, Harold
& Elizabeth Muller
With the Prayers of Judy Muller
MON.
8:00 AM
Jan 13– St. Hilary
Helen Lynett
TUES.
8:00 AM
Jan 14
Mae & Frank Perunko
WED.
8:00 AM
Jan 15
Bob Heinimann
THURS.
8:00 AM
Jan 16
Matthew McGowan
FRI.
8:00 AM
Jan 17– St. Anthony, abbot
David Brooks
SAT.
8:00 AM
5:00 PM
Jan 18
Raymond Newbert
Helen M. Linehan
Kalb Family
Mark, Patrick & Carolyn Garrish
Maria Perciballi
Gus Esposito
SUN.
7:30 AM
9:30 AM
11:30AM
(SC)
9:00 AM
11:00AM
1:00 PM
Jan 19– 2nd Sunday of
Ordinary Time
For the People of the Parish
Pasquale & Santa Armocida
John DiBella
Maria, Michele, Rina & Gino Tangorra
Robert Rossi
Paul Brito
OUTREACH
Work We Do To Help Others This Week Is
In memory of George & Alice Hummel
With the prayers of Light of Christ Prayer Group
PARISH ‘IN HOME’ PRAYER PROGRAM
Host Family/Individual:
PILGRIM STATUE OF OUR LADY OF FATIMA
ANNA TOLOMEO
CUP OF PRAYER
U.S.NAVY
PRAY for DECEASED and their Families:
Taras W. Andrews, Michael Brogna,
Mary Nardone, Doris Collins, James Maidhof,
Michelle Casaretto, Mary Ann Paino,
Nicholas A. Giambrone, Emanuel Sarfin,
Dominick A. Vigliotti Sr., Peter Blondo.
MAY THEY REST IN PEACE.
PRAY for the SICK:
Christine Girgenti, Patrick Connolly,
Tyler Flotte, Frankie Foudin,
MaryAnn Tolomeo, Joseph Consolazio,
William Mossbrugger.
PARISH OFFICE
Esn. Anthony Patrick Huskisson
USMC
Sgt. Patrick Brady
PFC Erik Jacobsen
PFC Michael P. Kelly
ET3 Peter J. King
E3 Thomas Mannle
USAF
Chaplain Col. Msgr. Mark Rowan
Airman 1st Class. Phil Gautiere
U.S.ARMY
Maj. Thomas Babbitt
Cpl Thomas R. Kroez, Jr.
Maj. Catherine Babbitt
Sgt. Michael Salemi
Cpl. Christopher Montes Capt. Richard Babbitt
Capt. Shaun R. Cullen A.N.G.
Cpl. Joseph Blaikie
M. Sgt. Peter Jacobsen
Robert Vitale
Lt. Col. Christopher Congalise
MISSION STATEMENT
As members of St. Catherine of Sienna Roman Catholic Parish, we are committed by our Baptism to spread the teachings
of Jesus Christ by living our faith in loving service to all people. Inspired by the Holy Spirit and through worship and
prayer, we use our time, talent and treasure, to nourish the soul, care for the needy, minister to the alienated, nurture
the children and WELCOME all people into our community of faith.
From Msgr. Figliozzi
Scriptural Reflection for the Week
“Thus says the Lord: Here is my servant whom I uphold, my chosen one with whom I am pleased, upon
whom I have put my spirit; he shall bring forth justice
to the nations, not crying out, not shouting, not making his voice heard in the street.” (see Isaiah 42:1-4)
The prophet describes the Messiah who is to come. He
does not come showing signs of earthly authority
or power. He must be recognized by an inner act of faith
in the one who will come to believe in Him. How often we
think the “answers” to life‘s problems come through those
and those things that try to capture our attention by the
sheer force of their presence and attractiveness. Yet, the
true Messiah, the Saviour, the One who heals and saves
from sin and death, comes into our midst with the deepest of humility. He who is the greatest comes among us
as the smallest and least significant. His greatness will
be fully realized in the hushed silence surrounding the
cross He will hang on and the empty tomb He will rise
from. Do we realize who He is and what He is saying to
us in this silence? Do you have a heart capable by
grace to believe in Jesus of Nazareth, the Saviour of the
human race?
The Baptism of the Lord
“…; today the Lord comes to be baptized, so that mankind may be lifted up; today the one who never has to
bow inclines himself before his servant so that he may
release our chains; today we have acquired the kingdom
of heaven: indeed, the kingdom of heaven that has no
end.” (from Byzantine Daily Worship)
On Your Baptismal / Christening Day
 Do you know your day of baptism?
 Do you renounce Satan, and all his works and all his
empty promises?
 Do you believe in God, the Father Almighty; His Son,
Jesus Christ; our Lord; and the Holy Spirit; the holy,
catholic Church; the communion of saints; the forgiveness of sins; and life everlasting?
Carnevale 2014
Is scheduled for Saturday, February 22nd (snow date is
March 1). Tickets will be available soon. Dinner is being
prepared by Papa Ciro’s of New Hyde Park and the
evening’s entertainment will be provided by the group,
PRIMAVERA (musicbyprimavera.com). Watch the bulletin for more information.
Catholic Ministries Appeal
Thank you to all who have completed their pledge payments. For those who have yet to do so, if you are able,
please complete before January 31st so the parish will
get credit for your 2013 pledge.
Thanks much.
Last Weekend’s Collection
Was: $12,151.00
Christmas 2013: $65,240.00
Thanks you for your support.
One Final Thought
“Jesus must be brought to every man and woman.
Jesus is the only answer.“
- Blessed Teresa of Calcutta
Stewardship…..
The Baptism Of Our Lord
Reflection
Our Baptism, like the Lord’s, is a consecration to
service. The bishops’ pastoral on stewardship reminds
us that “...there is a fundamental obligation arising
from the sacrament of Baptism that people place their
gifts, their resources - their selves - at God’s service in
and through the Church.
Stewardship
We are grateful this week for all stewards in our parish
who develop their talents to the fullest in order to use
them to benefit church and community through such
programs as our own Parish Social Ministry.
lit · ur · gy
n. a form of public worship;
a collection of formularies for public worship;
the celebration of the Eucharist
Saint Catherine of Sienna Parish
LITURGICAL CALENDAR HIGHLIGHTS
JANUARY 2014
(Month of the Holy Name)
12 Baptism of the Lord
18 Mass for Those with Special Needs
(3:00PM Sienna Center)
21 Saint Agnes (Feast Day)
22 National Day of Prayer & Penance for Life
25 Mass in Italian
(7:30PM Sienna Center)
Scripture Readings for
the NEXT SUNDAY. . .
Second Sunday
in Ordinary Time
1.19.14
As we continue through the first month of the new calendar
year, we focus on the resolutions we have made to deepen
our faith through reading scripture. Reflect upon the passages and continue to strengthen your relationship with the
Lord. Prepare for your participation in the celebration of the
Eucharist, the Mass.
Reading I - Isaiah 49: 3, 5-6
Reading II - 1 Corinthians 1: 1-3
Gospel - John 1: 29-34
For weekday readings visit our diocesan website at
www.drvc.org and go to THE DAILY READINGS
PRAY TOGETHER …
Sing praises to the Lord,
O you his faithful ones,
and give thanks to his holy name.
For his anger is but for a moment;
his favor is for a lifetime.
Weeping may linger for the night,
but joy comes with the morning
Psalm 30: 4-5
THE FEAST OF THE BAPTISM OF THE LORD
By Rev. Johnny R. Mendonca
The season of Christmas ends with our celebration of the Lord’s baptism. At first glance, the Baptism of the Lord might seem an odd feast.
Since the Catholic Church teaches that the Sacrament of Baptism is
necessary for the remission of sins, particularly Original Sin, why was
Christ baptized? After all, He was born without Original sin, and He
lived His entire life without sinning. Therefore, He had no need of the
sacrament, as we do. In submitting Himself humbly to the baptism of
John the Baptist, however, Christ provided the example for the rest of
us. If even He should be baptized, though He had no need of it, how
much more should the rest of us be thankful for this sacrament, which
frees us from the darkness of sin and incorporates us into the Church,
the life of Christ on earth! His Baptism, therefore, was necessary--not
for Him, but for us.
Many of the Fathers of the Church, as well as the medieval Scholastics, saw Christ’s Baptism as the institution of the sacrament. His flesh
blessed the water, and the descent of the Holy Spirit - in the form of a
dove - and the voice of God the Father announcing that this was His
Son, in Whom He was well pleased, marked the beginning of Christ’s
public ministry.
Jesus’ public life begins with the baptism by John in the Jordan
(Lk 3:23; Acts 1:2). “The Baptist hesitates, but Jesus insists and receives baptism. Then the Holy Spirit, in the form of a dove, comes
upon Jesus and a voice from heaven proclaims, ‘This is my beloved
Son.’ (Mt 3:13-17) This is the manifestation (“Epiphany”) of Jesus as
Messiah of Israel and Son of God.” (CCC 535)
“Through Baptism the Christian is sacramentally assimilated to
Jesus, who in his own baptism anticipates his death and resurrection.
The Christian must enter into this mystery of humble self-abasement
and repentance, go down into the water with Jesus in order to rise with
him, be reborn of water and the Spirit so as to become the Father’s
beloved son in the Son and ‘walk in newness of life’ (Rom
6:4)” (CCC537)
The greatest of gifts is ours in baptism: God’s very own life and love.
A life to overcome the death which is our inheritance from Adam’s sin,
a love to overpower and win us away from love of self to love of God
for his own sake and our neighbors for his glory. Another of the baptismal gifts we receive is the ability, in Christ to praise and worship the
Father in the Holy Spirit, and to be found pleasing to God as we do so.
As you dip your fingers into the font and make the sign of the cross
each time you enter His house to worship the Lord, remember it is by
the power of your baptism that you render fitting and pleasing worship
to God in your spiritual sacrifice of holiness of life and, most fully, the
Eucharistic sacrifice. It is by your bath in the waters flowing from the
side of Christ the High Priest in his one, perfect offering on the cross
that you have been incorporated into the one, holy, catholic and apostolic body of Christ in the world, his bride the Church.
Saint Catherine of Sienna
YOUR PARISH NEEDS YOU!
As we begin the next 100 years as a faith community and parish …
consider sharing your time and talents with us for others!
Saint Catherine of Sienna Parish for the last 100 years was a major part of the Franklin Square
community and still is! In our Church and Sienna Center we celebrate Masses during the week
and every weekend—the celebration of the Eucharist is our center and core—the liturgical life of
our parish.
Our strength comes from family and friends participating in
ministry through our prayer groups, formation, religious education
and the many social events bringing our parish family together. Our
events and activities are hosted by our various ministry groups.
Many hands make light work; and we need additional help in variety
of areas such as our Parish Office, Annual Family Festival as well as
Faith Formation Office and other ministry work.
Can you help us?
Are you ‘tech’ savvy? Do you posses skill in WORD, Excel or
graphic design? Do you like to write, or have a flair for telling a
story? Enjoy photography? Do you have experience in Public
Relations? Do you posses good people skills and enjoy talking
with others? Do you have a background in marketing or sales?
Maybe you’re very organized, a gifted carpenter, talented orator
or performer willing to share your gift.
Simply complete form below and we will contact you to discuss possibilities and opportunities.
Your Parish needs YOU—please consider sharing your talents helping us to continue the many
programs and events here at Saint Catherine of Sienna!
Saint Catherine of Sienna Parish — Yes, I Can Help!
Please complete form, print clearly. Drop off at the Welcome Desk located in lobby of the Parish Activity Complex,
place in an envelope and put in offertory collection basket at Mass or mail to our Parish Office.
Name: _____________________________________________________ Tel.# ______________________________
Address: ________________________________________________________________________________________
Street
Town
State
Zip
Email: __________________________________________________ Best time to contact: ________________________________
Please indicate the talents you possess by checking all that apply and add additional skills or areas of interest that may
not be listed! You will be contacted within 3 weeks of our receiving form and THANK YOU for responding!
__ Computer: __ WORD __ Excel __Publisher __Photoshop __ Graphics __ Other: ___________________________
__ Marketing
__ Public Relations __ Carpentry __ Business Mgmt. __ Fund Raising __ Construction __ Sales
__ Communication __ Finances __ Writing __ Negotiations __ Clerical Work __ Story Telling __ Public Speaking
Other: __________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
Saint Catherine of Sienna RC Church, 33 New Hyde Park Road, Franklin Square, NY 11010
T: 516-352-0146 www.stcatherineofsienna.org
Messa in Italiano
La Messa in Italiano sarà celebrata Sabato
25, gennaio 7:30 PM. Sienna Center.
Siete pregati di partecipare tutti, e anche
informare i vostri amici.
Italian Mass. All parishioners who would like to
attend the Italian Mass please join us
on Saturday, January 25th at 7:30 PM
in the Sienna Center.
LIGHT OF CHRIST PRAYER
GROUP
PLEASE NOTE:
New time for our Prayer Meeting is 7:30PM!
Mark your calendar:
Join us on Monday , January 27th at 7:30PM in
the Saint Catherine Chapel with Sister Ave Clark.
Her Topic is: A New Year’s Glow called
“WONDERFUL GOSPEL LIVING”!!
ALL ARE WELCOME BRING A FRIEND OR TWO!!
… to our
Faith Community & Parish!
Sienna Small Fries
Story Time for Toddlers
This fun program for 2-3 year olds includes prayer, song, stories and active play with a different theme each week. Past
themes have included colors, animals, counting, rhythm and holidays.
Classes will be held on Tuesdays in the Auditorium and will begin on Tuesday, January 28 th (10:00 am to
11:00am) and run for 10 sessions.
Pre-registration is required: Please call Carmela at 516-488-7597 for more information or to register. Registration
fee is $20. Child’s name, date of birth and copy of birth certificate are required for first-time registrants. Make check
payable to: St. Catherine of Sienna and mail to 33 New Hyde Park Road, Franklin Square or drop off in the parish office
during business hours. Parents/caregivers are not required to participate, but must remain on the premises.
Registration is on a first come, first served basis and is limited to only 25 children!!!
NEED SPECIAL
PRAYERS ?
The Sisters of Saint Catherine of Sienna Convent
will gladly remember your special intentions in
their daily Masses and community prayers.
Place your petitions in the weekly collection basket
or drop off at the Parish Welcome Desk.
God Bless You.
PLEASE, NO DONATIONS
9th Annual Divine Mercy Conference
Saturday, April 5, 2014
from 9am - 5:30pm
Cardinal Spellman High School Bronx, NY
For More Info: 1-800-462-7426
General Admission: $60
Boxed Lunch: $9.00 (must pre-order)
Bus Transportation available: W.H. Public Library.
To register for bus transportation, you must pre-register
for the Conference first.
Cost of Bus: $15
Bus Contact: Dawn Wyrick at 413-298-1304
Speakers for this all-day event include:
• Fr. Andrew Apostoli, CFR — co-founder of the Community of the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal
and Vice-Postulator for the Cause of Canonization for
Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen
• Fr. Michael Gaitley, MIC — Director of the Association of Marian Helpers, Author
• Dr. Scott Hahn — Professor of Theology and Scripture at Franciscan University of Steubenville and
founder and director of the Saint Paul Center for Biblical Theology
• Msgr. James Lisante — Pastor, author, radio and television host and commentator
• Fr. Frank Pavone, MEV — National Director, Priests
for Life and Missionaries of the Gospel of Life
• George Weigel — Distinguished Senior Fellow of
Washington’s Ethics and Public Policy Center,
and Author.
Witness to Mercy:
Christopher Bell — co-founder of Good Counsel’s
homes
Level 3 Mass
All third grade students and their families are invited
to attend Mass on:
Sunday, January 19th
9:00am in the Saint Catherine Chapel
Catechists-Save the Date
An evening of prayer and sharing for all our Faith
Formation volunteers:
Thursday, January 23rd
7:00pm in the Parish Activity Complex Cafeteria
Level 4 Mass
All fourth grade students and their families are invited
to attend Mass on:
Sunday, January 26th
9:00am in the Saint Catherine Chapel
Pantry Item of the Week
Items to bring Next Week:
Peanut Butter & Jelly
You may leave it in the green bins, labeled for
this purpose, conveniently located in the
Church and Sienna Center, Parish Activity
Complex Welcome Desk or Outreach Offices.
during regular office hours.
Telecare Telethon 2014!
The Telecare Telethon is the weekend of Saturday,
January 18th from 2PM -10PM and Sunday, January 19th
from 12PM to 10PM. Please tune in on Cablevision channel 29/137 or Verizon FiOS channel 296 to support our
Diocesan Television Station. It will be 18 hours filled with
many guest “stars” including many of the clergy, religious
and dedicated lay people of our Diocese. Additionally,
visits from some celebrity chefs, musical groups and New
York sports teams will help fuel the enjoyment. Join Msgr.
Jim Vlaun and the priests of our Diocese and beyond for
the 22st annual Telecare Telethon celebrating Catholic
evangelization through Television! Consider making a donation by phone or a secure donation over the internet at
www.TelecareTV.org.
ONLY TWO MORE WEEKS UNTIL THE
2014 CARDINAL O’CONNOR
CONFERENCE ON LIFE!
Listen, Learn, Lead Pro-Life
Your chance to hear from and interact with distinguished members of the academic and activist pro-life community.
Monday, January 20,2014
(MLK Day)
9:00am to 4:00pm
Georgetown University
Washington, DC
Group Rates are available
To purchase tickets go to
[email protected]
Speaker Includes:





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Robert P. George
Hadley Arkes
Charmaine Yoest
Bay Buchanan
Georgette Forney
Hanna Klaus
Steven Mosher
The 2014 Conference:


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Keynote address by Robert P. George
Panel Discussion: “Publicly Pro-Life:
Why Abortion Is Not a Private Issue”
Breakout speakers on: theology,
activism, bioethics, and law
Mass for life celebrated by Bishop
Michael Barber, S.J. of Oakland
Faith Formation Students, please take this page to class
Name_______________________ Grade Level________ January 12, 2014
COLOR ME!
It is okay when things
get hard, you can ask for
help just like Jesus
did#GodIsLove
In the month of January, the
Catholic Church commemorates
the Feast of Most Holy Name of
Jesus. In the bible everyone’s
name has a meaning which identified them to the world. Jesus
means “God saves His People”.
This fits perfectly with who Jesus
is for us. Find out if your name
has a meaning behind it and
share it.
_______________________________
_______________________________
_______________________________
_______________________________
_______________________________
_______________________________
Write every second letter in turn on the lines below
to read what the voice said.
On the Sacrament of Baptism– Vatican City, January 2014
Dear brothers and sisters, good morning!
Today we begin a new series of Catecheses
on the Sacraments, and the first is Baptism.
By a happy coincidence, next Sunday marks
the feast of the Baptism of the Lord.
Baptism is the sacrament in which our faith
is founded upon and which engages us as
living members in Christ and in His Church.
Together with the Eucharist and Confirmation, they form the so-called “Christian Initiation”, which constitutes as a single, great
sacramental event that configures us to the
Lord and makes of us a living sign of His
presence and His love.
But a question may arise in us: is Baptism
truly necessary to live as Christians and to
follow Jesus? Isn’t it basically a simple rite,
a formal act of the Church to give a name to
a boy or a girl? It is a question that may
come to us. In this context, it is illuminating
what the Apostle Paul writes: “Or don’t you
know that all of us who were baptized into
Christ Jesus were baptized into his death?
We were therefore buried with him through
baptism into death in order that, just as
Christ was raised from the dead through the
glory of the Father, we too may live a new
life” (Rom. 6,3-4). Therefore, it is not a formality! It is an act that profoundly touches
our existence. A baptized child and a nonbaptized child is not the same! A baptized
person and a non-baptized person is not the
same! With Baptism we come immersed in
that inexhaustible source of life that is the
death of Jesus, the greatest act of love in all
of history; and thanks to this love we can
live a new life, no longer at the mercy of
evil, of sin and death, but in the communion
with God and with the brothers.
2. Many of us do not have the slightest
memory of the celebration of this Sacrament, obviously, if we were baptized shortly
after birth. I have asked this question two or
three times here in the Square. Who here
knows the date of their Baptism? Raise your
hand! Who knows? Few, eh! Very few. It is
important! It is important to know what day
you were immersed in that current of salvation of Jesus! Permit me to give you a piece
of advice. More than an advice, a homework
for today: Today at home search for, ask for
the date of your Baptism. And thus you may
truly know well that beautiful date of your
Baptism. Will you do it? [People: Yes!] I
don’t hear enthusiasm. Will you do it?
[People: Yes!] Yes! Because it is to know a
happy date! Our Baptism! But the risk is to
lose the memory of that which the Lord has
done in us, the memory of the gift that we
have received. We end up considering it as
only an event that happened in the past - and
not even by our own will, but that of our
parents -, that no longer has any effect in our
present. We must awaken the memory of
our Baptism. Awaken the memory of Baptism. We are called to live our Baptism every day as an actual reality in our existence.
If we follow Jesus and remain in the Church,
despite our limitations, our weaknesses and
our sins, it is precisely by the Sacrament
through which we become new creatures
and we are reinvested by Christ. It is in
virtue of Baptism, in fact, that, free from
original sin, we are grafted into the relationship of Jesus with God the Father; that we
are bearers of a new hope because Baptism
gives us this new hope! The hope of going
on the path of salvation for the rest of our
life. And nothing and no one can extinguish
this hope, because hope does not deceive.
Remember this. The hope in the Lord never
deceives us. Thanks to Baptism, we are capable of forgiving and to love even those
who offend us and hurt us, that we can recognize in the last ones and in the poor the
face of the Lord who visits us and comes
close to us and with this Baptism helps us to
recognize in the face of the needy, in those
suffering, even in our neighbor, the face of
Jesus. It is a grace of this strength of Baptism.
3. One last important element and I’ll ask a
question. Can a person baptize himself?
[People: No!] I can’t hear your! [People:
No!] Are you sure? [People: Yes!] One cannot baptize himself/herself! No one can
baptize themselves! No one! We can ask for
it, desire it, but we always have need for
someone to confer this Sacrament in the
name of the Lord. Baptism is a gift that is
given in a context of solicitude and fraternal
sharing. Always in history, one baptizes
another, and another. It is a chain, a chain of
grace. But I cannot baptize myself. I must
ask another for Baptism. It is an act of
brotherhood, an act of filiation to the
Church. In its celebration we can recognize
the most genuine features of the Church,
which as a mother continues to generate new
children in Christ, in the fruitfulness of the
Holy Spirit. Let us now ask the Lord with
our whole heart to be able to experience
evermore, in daily life, the grace that we
have received with Baptism. That in meeting
us, our brothers may encounter true children
of God, true brothers and sisters of Jesus
Christ, true members of the Church. And
don’t forget your homework for today,
which is, to search, to ask, for the date of
your Baptism. And as one knows their date
of birth, so must they also know the date of
Baptism because it is a feast day!
**
Speaker:
Dear Brothers and Sisters:
Today we begin a series of catecheses on the
sacraments, starting with baptism. The Second Vatican Council tells us that the Church
herself is a “sacrament”, a grace-filled sign
which makes Christ’s saving work present
in history, through the power of the Holy
Spirit.
The first of the Church’s seven sacraments,
baptism gives us new birth in Christ, makes
us sharers in the mystery of his death and
resurrection, grants the forgiveness of sin
and brings us new freedom as God’s children and members of his Church. Let us not
forget the great gift we have received. Our
baptism has changed us, given us a new and
glorious hope, and empowered us to bring
God’s redeeming love to all, particularly the
poor, in whom we see the face of Christ.
Our baptism has also given us a share in the
Church’s mission of evangelization; as disciples, we are also missionaries. As we celebrate the feast of the Baptism of the Lord
this Sunday, let us ask him to renew in us
the grace of our baptism and to make us,
with all our brothers and sisters, true children of God and living members of his
body, the Church.
***
Pope Francis (in Italian):
I greet all the English-speaking pilgrims
present at today’s Audience, including those
from Australia, Haiti and the United States
of America. Upon you and your families I
invoke God’s blessings of joy and peace!
***
The members of the Golden Circus of Liana
Orfei performed a circus act for the Holy
Father. After their performance, the Pope
said the following:
To all Italian-speaking pilgrims present in
this first General Audience of 2014, I offer a
cordial greeting of serenity and peace for the
new year. I greet the priests of Milan and
Genoa; the Apostles of the Sacred Heart of
Jesus; the parish groups and the Associations, in particular those volunteering and
offering assistance to the children of the
East, of Enna and of Modugno.
I welcome the members of the Golden Circus of Liana Orfei, (They were very good!
My compliments!) who this year will privilege the Latin American world, and I invite
them in their travels from city to city, to
become messengers of joy and brotherhood,
in a society that needs it so much. I affectionately greet the young patients of the National Institute for the Research and Cure of
Tumors of Milan and I assure you of my
prayers so that the Lord may sustain each
one of you with His grace.
Finally, my thoughts go to the youth, the
sick and the newlyweds. Dear friends, in
these days that follow that feast of the
Epiphany, we continue to meditate on the
manifestation of Jesus to all peoples. The
Church invites you, dear youth, especially
the students of the Bishopric of Nola, to be
enthusiastic witnesses of Christ among you
peers; I exhort you, dear sick, to spread every day His light with serene patience; I encourage you, dear newlyweds, to be a sign
of his renewing presence with your faithful
love.
COMMUNITY NEWS
On Saturday, Feb. 8, 2014, the Feast of St. Josephine
Bakhita, the Office of Multicultural Diversity
Catholics of African Ancestry – Haitian American Apostolate
will present
rd
The 33 Annual Black History Month Mass
of Thanksgiving at St. Agnes Cathedral, 2PM
Principle Celebrant: Bishop Robert J. Brennan,
D.D. Guest Homilist: Rev. James E. Goode, OFM, Ph.D.
ALL ARE WELCOME!
St. Joseph Catholic School
CATHOLIC SCHOOL SUNDAY
Will be Sunday, 1/26/2014 at St. Joseph School right after
the 9:00an Mass.
The purpose of Catholic School is to have parents tour our
school and reconsider the benefits of a Catholic School
Education.
For more information please call (516) 747-1520
2014 PSAT/SAT EXAM PREP COURSE
For the May 3rd SAT Exam
Course will be held on the following Saturdays:
March 1,15 & 22, 29
And April 5, 12
9:00—11:30am in Marian Hall
Course Fee: $250.00 (includes text book)
CONTACT: Mrs. Stytzmann 516-922-488 x 5241
St. Dominic High School
110 Anstice Street
Oyster Bay NY 11771
Our Lady of Mercy Academy in Syosset:
Knights of Columbus
Twelve Apostles # 5001
UPCOMING EVENTS:
Christmas Gathering Fri. Jan 17th 2014 @ Filomena’s
Restaurant from 7:30pm to 11:30pm Cost $40.00 Adults
and Children 4 to 12 $20.00
Contact Carlo @ (917) 587-9647
Blood Drive Feb. 9th, 2014 from 8:15am to 2:15pm in the
Lower level of the Sienna Center. Save the date and
please pass the word. Give the Gift of Life.
MEETING NOTICE:
Next Officers meeting will be on Feb. 3rd @ 7:30pm
Next General Meeting will be on Jan. 13th @ 7:30pm .
Please note the change of date.
DUES NOTICE: Jim Walsh PGK FS will be sending out
notices for dues for this coming Columbian Year. Please
send in your payments promptly to avoid suspension.
Any question contact the Grand Knight
Have you seen the Lighthouse Catholic Media display
in the lobby—have you ever purchased a CD to listen
to, or share? Maybe now is the time to take advantage
of this wonderful opportunity to grow in your
knowledge of the faith and pass it onto others. CD’s
are $3 each, less than the cost of a gourmet coffee!
will offer SAT and ACT prep courses beginning
February 2014. The SAT prep class will be held on
Saturday’s from 9:30am to 11:30am; February 1, 8,
March 1, 8, 15, 28, April 5 and 12, 2014. The Cost is
$650. The ACT prep course will be held on Saturday’s
from 9:30am to 12:30pm on May 10, 17 and 31.
The cost is $400. If taken together the cost is
$1,000.
To register your daughter or son, please contact
Mrs. June Kennedy at (516)921-1047, ext. 112.
Online Parish Book Store and More
“Bear witness to the faith through
the digital world. Employ these
new technologies to make the
Gospel known, so that the good
news for all people will resound
in new ways.” Pope Benedict
XVI 2009 World Communications Day
Did you know that we now have a partnership with a new, top-of-the-line, Parish Web Store on the
Saint Catherine of Sienna web site! www.stcatherineofsienna.org
This is a fantastic way to purchase great Catholics books, ebooks, CDs, MP3s, DVDs, rosaries, religious art,
Catholic clothing and more. Saint Catherine of Sienna receives a donation from every order!
Great gift items for all occasions!