St. Patrick RC Church - Saint Patrick`s Roman Catholic Church
Transcription
St. Patrick RC Church - Saint Patrick`s Roman Catholic Church
St. Patrick R.C. Church 280 East Main Street, Smithtown, New York 11787 “Christ with us. Christ before us. Christ behind us.” January 10, 2016—The Baptism of the Lord Special Guests St. Patrick’s welcomed some very special guests last weekend. On Sunday night, Congressman Lee Zeldin, who represents New York’s first Congressional District, spoke about issues concerning religious freedom. On Saturday night, the “three wise men” visited our 5 PM family Mass in celebration of the Feast of the Epiphany. (More photos and information inside.) St. Patrick Church 280 East Main Street, Smithtown, NY 11787 631-265-2271, [email protected] Mass Times Reconciliation Weekdays: 6:45 A.M., 9:00 A.M., 12:10 PM Saturday: 9:00 AM, 5 and 8 PM Novena Mass (Miraculous Medal): Monday, 7:30 PM Sunday: 7:30, 9:00, 10:30 AM, 12 Noon, 5 PM Saturday: from 3:45 to 4:45 PM Sunday: from 8:15 to 8:45 AM Monday: 6:45 to 7:15 P.M. before the Novena Mass Anytime by appointment in the Rectory Marriage Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament Couples should make arrangements at the Rectory at least six months before the desired wedding date. Baptisms Sundays at 1:30 P.M. Parents must make arrangements at the Rectory. Thursdays for one hour following 12:10 PM Mass First Fridays after 12:10 Mass until 3:00 PM* Nocturnal Adoration, third Saturday of the month from 9 PM to 7 AM Sunday Pro-Life Holy Hour, third Tuesday of the month, 7:30 PM (*Watch bulletin for possible changes in concluding time) FromthePastor’sDesk There are many things that change and transform our lives. We are changed and transformed most powerfully by those we love and those who love us. Those of you who are married have been transformed by the presence of a spouse who knows and loves you more than anyone else. You have the gift of a person not only who knows you but who trusts you and who you can trust. The gift of children opens our eyes to the joy of loving them and their innate trust in us, especially in their early and formative years. They are beloved children. They elicit from our hearts love, sacrifice, joy, and wonder. During this Christmas Season which ends today liturgically as we celebrate the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, we have had the opportunity to see and reflect on the love, sacrifice, joy, and wonder we have elicited from God’s heart. Last week we celebrated the feast of the Epiphany seeing once again how the Magi followed a star and found the Christ child. They offered their gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. But before they offered these gifts they offered the ultimate gift we can all give, the gift of themselves. The passage from Matthew’s Gospel that recounts this event tells us that the first thing they did was prostrate themselves in homage, a gesture of humble gratitude and joy. We do the same every time we come into a church building and genuflect. Like the Magi we bow down in humble joy, hope, and gratitude. We offer God the gift of our presence, trusting in His love for us. In today’s Gospel we see how people were amazed at the wisdom and insights about God from John the Baptist. He was a person that they allowed to touch their hearts, to feed the desire we all have deep within us to know and experience the presence of God. The longer we know someone and the more time we spend with them, the more we see their goodness and love. The more we are filled with joy, wonder, and gratitude. The people who listened to John the Baptist and were open to his message knew that they had found a treasure. He opened their minds to the need they and all of us have for God, and at the same time pointed to the one who is God Himself, Jesus. Wonder, joy, and gratitude are three wonderful feelings that lift us beyond confusion, ignorance, fear, and a sense of unworthiness of being loved, to allow God and others to feed, sustain, inspire, and give us life everyday. Last Tuesday we celebrated the feast of St. John Neumann, an immigrant from Bohemia who came to America in 1836 and eventually became the bishop of Philadelphia. In a reflection from him published in the Magnificat he said, “I feel within myself an ardent desire to love Jesus and to be closely united with Him. The daily reception of His Sacred Body and Blood brings with it immense graces to my soul. But I find that I am not sufficiently watchful over my senses. I am indolent in the discharge of my duties. I say my prayers with distraction. O my dearest Jesus, what a great privilege to visit you daily, as often as I choose and to receive you each day in Holy Communion..... O my God, I have consecrated myself to you. Do with me whatever is most pleasing to you. I beg of you, O my God, to let me see clearly what I ought to do.” As I read this reflection I can certainly identify with Neumann’s sense of unworthiness and the struggle to get beyond distractions. Distractions are part of our lives not just when we pray, but in all we do each day. We can be distracted while driving or in what we are doing at the present moment. I can identify with his desire to live up to his responsibilities as a pastor ever more fully. We all have that feeling at times that we could have done something better or more sincerely. The key is to recognize and experience Neumann’s faith. As much as he struggled, even more he responded to God’s love for him. He recognized he was what the voice in today’s Gospel says about Jesus: “You are my beloved Son!” All of us are God’s beloved children. We are God’s beloved sons and daughters. That is why He came into our world in Jesus. That is why He died on the cross for usThat is why He is always there when we pray and ready to sustain and nourish us with Himself in the Eucharist as well as the other Sacraments where we encounter Him and His life giving love and presence. We became God’s beloved sons and daughters when we were baptized. How important is that reality to us? We are intimate members of God’s family. The question is: “How deeply have we immersed ourselves into our life with Him?” How deeply have we allowed Him into our lives? There is no doubt about His desire to be part of our lives. That is what Christmas is all about. There are many powerful forces in our world. Today, more than ever, we are capable of communicating, researching, and exploring in areas of health, energy, and technology. But we are still confronted with the age old quest of finding a way to live in peace with all people. I began this column by stating that the most powerful force that changes and transforms us is the power of love. As God’s beloved sons and daughters we have the most powerful force for good in all of creation, the power of God and His love. May we be like St. John Neumann and allow our faith to fill us with wonder, joy, humility, and gratitude. The gift of Jesus we celebrate at Christmas is a gift we are blessed with every moment of our lives - the gift of God’s love for us as His beloved sons and daughters. Masses for the Week Saturday, January 9th: 5:00 PM 8:00 PM Victor Minicucci People of the Parish Sunday, January 10th: 7:30 AM 9:00 AM 10:30 AM 12:00 PM 5:00 PM Charles & Pauline Becker Ramiro C del Castillo, Sr. Luddy Dellova John Schook Geri and Chuck Kirol Monday, January 11th: 6:45 AM 9:00 AM 12:10 PM 7:30 PM Anna Rodriquez Catherine Carey Alice & Walter Casper Dominic Auriana Tuesday, January 12th: 6:45 AM 9:00 AM 12:10 PM Carol Derby Kevin Keough Antonio Ceraso Wednesday, January 13th: 6:45 AM 9:00 AM 12:10 PM Dr. John Malangone Cornelius N. Healey Nick & Idelene Reeber Thursday, January 14th: 6:45 AM 9:00 AM 12:10 PM Charlie Sauer Richard Lo Sqadro Dominic Di Vito Friday, January 15th: 9:00 AM 12:10 PM 5:00 PM Nancy Sabater Lorraine Kerrigan Rose La Rosa Saturday, January 16th: 9:00 AM 5:00 PM 8:00 PM *Multiple Intentions Eileen Perrino Edith Kucala Sunday, January 17th: 7:30 AM 9:00 AM 10:30 AM 12:00 PM 5:00 PM Lenny Fodera, Jr. People of the Parish James & Robert Stravino James McDonal Alfredo Pulito *Fran Fontane, Larry Cervellino, Anita & Frank Sheard, James Bungay, Mya Cohen, Bob Stravers Treasure Communal Offering for December 27, 2015: $25,118.97. Offering for Corresponding Sunday, 2014: $25,474.00. Communal Offering for January 3, 2016: $28,719.56. Offering for Corresponding Sunday, 2015: $29,298.38. Our Pastoral Team Rev. Msgr. Ellsworth R. Walden, Pastor Rev. Sean Magaldi, Associate Pastor Rev. Shibi Pappan, Associate Pastor Rev. Fred Hill, In Residence Rev. Xavier Lakra, In Residene Deacon Richard Janiec Deacon Bernard Sherlock Mr. Joseph Menge, Business Manager Mrs. Linda Pymm, School Principal Mrs. Elaina Kedjierski, Dir. of Religious Ed., Levels 1-4 Mrs. Peggy Soviero, Dir. of Religious Ed., Levels 5-8 Ms. Dianne Williams, Parish Social Minister Ms. Cindy Marsh, Youth Administrator Mr. Tony Bellizzi, Youth Minister Contact Us Rectory - 265-2271 Rectory Fax - 863-1586 Parish Website: stpatricksmithtown.org Outreach - 265-2668 Religious Forma on - 724-7454 St. Patrick School - 724-0285 School Website - spssmith.org Youth Community - 360-0185 Fr. Walden’s Email - [email protected] Parish Email - [email protected] Parish Website: stpatricksmithtown.org Office Hours: Rectory 9 AM to 7 PM, Mon. - Fri. 9 AM to 5 PM Sat., 10 AM to 1 PM Sun. Parish Outreach:9:15 AM to 3:00 PM, Mon.—Fri. Youth Community: 9 AM to 3 PM, Mon. - Fri. Religious Forma on: 9 AM to 3:30 PM, Mon. - Thurs. St. Patrick’s Pastoral Council Email: [email protected] Parish Organiza ons Bereavement Support: Mon., 7 PM Outreach Ctr. Blue Lancers Drum, Bell & Bugle Corps., 979-8578 Catholic Daughters: 3rd Mon., 8 PM Choir: Thurs. evening, 8 PM Columbie es: 2nd Mon., 8 PM Jus ce & Peace: Once a month, 7:00 PM Outreach Ctr. Knights of Columbus: 2nd & 4th Tues., 8 PM Legion of Mary: Tues. mornings at 9:30 AM Nocturnal Adora on Society: 3rd Sat. from 9 PM-7AM Pro Life Family: Last Tues., 7:30 PM in school R.C.I.A. (Rite of Chris an Ini a on for Adults); 265-2271 Sacred Heart Prayer Group: Tues., 7:30 PM, Emmaus Room Something for Seniors; 2nd & 4th Wed., 1 PM, 265-0034 Let anyone who comes to you go away feeling better and happier. Everyone should see goodness in your face, in your eyes, in your smile. Joy shows from the eyes. It appears when we speak and walk. It cannot be kept closed inside us. It reacts outside. Joy is very infectious. - Blessed Teresa of Calutta Come Pray With Us! Do you feel compelled to pray for your family? Do you have a heart for all the suffering in our world today? Do you have a desire to pray with other women for these intentions? Then maybe God is calling you to join our St. Anne Women's Prayer Group. Experience a deeper relationship with God as we pray the Rosary then read and discuss the upcoming Sunday Gospel. Come experience the joy and peace of praying with other faith-filled women. When: Every Tuesday Afternoon-from 1:00 to 2:00PM Where: Parish Center (formerly The Convent) Contact: Ann (631) 724-4749 or Joan (631) 379-7438 A woman who prays can be the single greatest force for good in the life of her family---a woman like you! We believe God changes lives forever when women gather together to pray. Please Join Us! Rosary Makers now meets on the third Friday of the month! Join us on Friday, January 15th at 7:00 PM in the Parish Center. All ages are welcome! Students participating in Rosary Makers may use this activity for service hours for Confirmation. For information, call 631-374-1116. The Altar Bread and Wine were donated for the week in loving memory of Helen Cadwell. Sacred Heart Prayer Group The Sacred Heart Prayer group is a charismatic prayer group that meets every Tuesday evening at 7:15 PM in the Small Meeting Room of the Parish Center (old convent). We are looking for new members, young and old……All would be welcomed. We would especially like to reach out to anyone who might like to join our music ministry. If you play the guitar or sing, we would love for you to join us! Please call Barbara Hall at 631-366-0252 with any questions. Pro-Life Rose St. Patrick’s Pro-Life Family invites you to dedicate a Pro-Life Rose for any intention by contacting Lisa by email at [email protected] or call 656-6343. Your participation helps bring a greater awareness of the sacredness of all human life, especially the unborn. The cost is $10. Bread & Wine Memorial To arrange a memorial for Altar Bread and Wine, please call Diane Sperzel at 265-3307. Donation for the week is $50. Cards will be sent to the family. Reservations are now being taken for the National March for Life in Washington D.C. Friday, January 22nd Mass at 4:00 AM followed by a continental breakfast courtesy of the Knights of Columbus. Bus leaves at 5:00 AM and returns at approximately 11:30 PM. Cost is $20 per person—limited seating. For reservations and information, Call Ignatius Rienzo at 631-265-1081 We are a People of Prayer Please continue to say the following prayers each day as we seek God’s guidance, strength and courage Gracious God, we are your people embraced by your love. We thank you for your presence with us throughout all time. Create us anew. Liberate us from that which keeps us from you. Enable us to recreate our world and restore justice. Heal us from every form of sin and violence. Transform us to live your Word more profoundly. Reconcile us so enemies become friends. Awaken us to the sacred; nurture our relationships; enliven our parishes; reunite our families. Fill us with joy to celebrate the fullness of life. Empower us to be a community of love growing in your likeness. Amen. Thank you Father for the gift of life. Thank you for the gift of your Son, Jesus. May my gratitude inspire and sustain me in doing everything I can to respect the lives of all people and to do all in my power to end abortion and everything else that harms, abuses, or threatens human life. Give me the courage and strength to live in your image each day. Amen. Lord, the plight of our brothers and sisters is deep and the suffering of Christians is severe and frightening. Therefore, we ask you Lord to spare their lives to grant them patience and courage to continue their witness of Christian values with trust and hope. Lord, peace is the foundation of life; Grant us the peace and stability that will enable us to live with each other without fear and anxiety, and with dignity and joy. The symbol to the right (the Arabic letter “N” for Nazarene) is being used to mark Christians in Iraq for persecution. Holy Families On the weekend of December 26th and 27th, several parish families helped us celebrate the Feast of the Holy Family by serving as lectors. Pictured are (from left, from top) the Garrity family, the Flanagan family, the Brennan family, the Bartels family, the DiStefano family, the Guglielmo family and the Scanlon family. Thank you to all our lector families for bringing the readings to life. Join us for the Knights of Columbus Free Throw Competition This Sunday, January 10th at 12 Noon in Canning Hall Boys & Girls ages 9 to 14 may participate. Entry forms available at directprocessserver.com/form.pdf Birth certificate or other proof of age required. Free to enter—Non-perishable food donation requested. Questions? Email [email protected] Mark your calendar for the St. Patrick School Open House Sunday, January 31st from 1:00 to 3:00 PM A Catholic education cultivates the whole person. A structured school environment, high expectations, attention to the discipline and underlying values that are integrated with curriculum all help develop the mind, body and spirit of St. Patrick School students. Students leave St. Patrick School with strong self-confidence, well developed interpersonal skills and a great respect for themselves and others—all of which will help them in their further schooling , and in life. Call 631-724-0285 for details, and learn more about how a St. Patrick School education can benefit your child. Living in Faith . . . Growing in Character Mark your calendar for the Catholic Daughters’ Baby Shower After Masses Saturday & Sunday January 23rd & 24th Members of the Catholic Daughters will be in the back of church to gladly accept your donations of new baby items (for newborns through 24 months) as well as monetary gifts. Please bring your gifts unwrapped. Some Suggestions: Diapers (up to size 6) and Diaper Bags - Bottles, Brushes, Bibs & Sippy Cups - Pacifiers - Bedding (crib size & bassinet) - Baby Tubs, Towels, Wash Clothes and Toiletries - Clothing and Socks (up to 24 months) - Pack ’n Plays - Car Seats - Bouncer Seats - High Chairs - Booster Seats - Bassinettes Folding Gates *Gently used baby items may be donated to the Life Center of Long Island, 1167 Deer Park Avenue, Deer Park, 234-2373. Giving Made Easier If you are a regular contributor to our parish, Faith Direct—our electronic giving program—is for you. Faith Direct eliminates the need for church envelopes and allows you to support our parish even when travel or other commitments make it impossible for you to attend Mass at St. Patrick’s. To apply online, visit www.faithdirect.net. Royal Visitors at the 5:00 PM Family Mass 33 Special visitors at the Saturday 5:00 PM Family Mass helped us celebrate the Feast of the Epiphany last weekend. The three wise men were portrayed by parishioners Anthony Corbo and Nick Reeber, along with our associate pastor, Fr. Shibi. In the Neighborhood . . . . Job Fair—Tuesday, January 12th from 9:30 AM to 2:30 PM at the Clarion Hotel and Conference Center, 3845 Veterans Memorial Highway in Ronkonkoma. This is a great opportunity to meet with many of Long Island’s top companies in one day. Free admission and parking. Wear proper attire and bring copies of your resume. For more information, visit www.LiJobFinder.com. For directions, call 631-585-9500. Medical Mondays—St. James Parish in Setauket and Catholics for Freedom of Religion are hosting a series of discussions on the moral and ethical issues confronting patients, families, healthcare workers and administrators in the 21st century. Meetings will be held in the St. James Parish Center from 7:30 to 9:30 PM. The series includes: Fertility Treatments and Sterility Procedures on January 11th; Vaccines Derived from Cell Lines of Aborted Fetuses and Stem Cell Research on January 25th; Sexual Assault Protocols, Plan B and Other Emergency Contraception on February 1st; Euthanasia and Physician-Assisted Suicide on February 8th; The Ethics of Sex Change Procedure on February 15th; and Moral Dilemmas in the Patient-Caregiver Relationship and Following One’s Conscience on February 22nd. Presenters are Dr. James Spencer, Sr, VP, Mission and Ministry, Catholic Health Services of Long Island and Jamey Hutchinson, BSB, CFCP. For information call 631 -941-4141. Worldwide Marriage Encounter—Are you looking for the perfect Valentine’s gift? A Worldwide Marriage Encounter Weekend might be just what you are looking for. Worldwide Marriage Encounter is the original and still best communication weekend for married couples. The next weekend is February 12th to 14th at the Montfort Spiritual Center in Bay Shore Space is limited. For more information or to apply, call 1-877-697-9963 or visit www.wwme.org. You Can Help Heal Your Marriage—Do you feel alone? Are you frustrated or angry with each other? Do you argue or have you just stopped talking to each other? Does talking about it only make it worse? Retrouvaille helps couples through difficult times in their marriages. This program has helped thousands of couples worldwide experiencing ALL TYPES of marital difficulties. For confidential information about the Retrouvaille program, or to register for the upcoming weekend that begins Friday, January 22nd, please call 1-800-470-2230.You will be connected directly and confidentially to a couple from Long Island/Metro Retrouvaille who can help. Please call or go to the web at www.retrouvaille.org to make a reservation. PARISH FINANCIAL SUMMARY (For the month of December) PARISH INCOME Sunday & Holyday Collections Christmas Flower Collection Christmas Collection Interest Income Religious Ceremonies (Baptisms) Votive Candles (Poor Box Collections) Wedding & Funeral Music Fees Building Use Assessment Fees Miscellaneous Parish Organization Reimbursement for Diocese Quarterly Assessment Religious & Clergy in Residence Altar Bread and WineDonations Room Rental PARISH EXPENSES Salaries Fringe Benefits (Medical, Pension, Soc. Sec., etc.) Office Expenses (Postage, printing,computer fees, $114,162.00 2,536.00 102,188.00 16.00 1,030.00 3,415.00 4,625.00 2,666.00 3,312.00 7,136.00 1,000.00 250.00 300.00 $242,636.00 $56,762.00 36,392.00 6,728.00 telephone, supplies,offertory envelopes, copier leases, etc.) Nocturnal Adoration Next week the Nocturnal Adoration Society will meet for its monthly night of prayer. The first vigil (hour of prayer) will begin immediately after the 8:00 PM Saturday Mass. Parishioners are encouraged to stay and pray privately or with the Nocturnal Adoration group. The first vigil will be from 9 PM to 10 PM. The vigils will continue throughout the night. The last one will be from 6 AM to 7 AM, followed by Benediction and the 7:30 AM Mass. All are invited to participate at any time during the night. Come and spend time with our Lord Jesus. Liturgical Items Utilities (Heat, water, electric) Building Maintenance, supplies & general repair Contracted Services (cleaning, waste services, (grounds maintenance, snow removal, etc.) Diocesan Quarterly Assessment School Subsidy Rectory Household Major Repairs Miscellaneous Charity Net Surplus 2,349.00 7,228.00 3,856.00 10,916.00 39,737.00 20,724.00 1,720.00 2,435.00 2,025.00 1,350.00 $192,222.00 $50,414.00 Fiscal Year-To-Date (Sept. 1, 2015 to August 31, 2016) Total Income $671,791.00 Total Expenses $695,299.00 Net Deficit ($23,508.00) A Visit from our Congressman Last Sunday evening, our church hosted a talk by Rep. Lee Zeldin, U.S. representative for New York’s first congressional district which covers central and eastern Suffolk County, including most of Smithtown. The event was sponsored by Catholics for Freedom of Religion. Congressman Zeldin spoke about religious freedom issues and took questions from those in attendance. Also pictured are Barbara Samuells (top left) and Linda DiScala (top center) from Catholics for Freedom of Religion. Many thanks to Rep. Zeldin for a very informative evening. Pray for our Military Lt. Michael R. Beggins, EOD, U.S. Navy E6 Christopher Bobrowski PFC Christopher Bonenfant, USMC Pvt. 1st Class Michael A. Brescia Lt. John C. Burk, U.S. Army Pvt. Douglas Butera Lt. Alex Buschor, USN Sgt. John P. Byrne Pvt. 1st Class Thomas P. Campbell Cpl. Claude Castille Sgt. Eric J. Coyne, Air Force Pvt. Patrick Fagan Lt Col. Andrew Fetherston Lt. Col. Kristin Fetherston Lt. John Joseph Foley MM1 Stephen P. Foster Sgt. James Fowler Capt. David Geller Capt. Bret Guglielmi Major Thomas Hanifen Master Sgt. Michele Harris, Air Force Capt. Erin Hayde Major Ryan Hayde Senior Master SPvt. Donald Henley Lance Cpl. Sondra Nowack, USMC Capt. Kyle Higgins Pfc. Jorge Rostra Obando Capt. Michael Huggins Sgt. August R. Oetting, III, USMC Warrant Officer Christopher Kaminsky Sgt. 1st Class Thomas O’Carroll Air Force Staff Sgt. Travis Kendall Capt. Daniel J. O’Sullivan, USAF Airman 1st Class Jacob Kendall Stephen Outcault, USMC Pvt. 2 Ryan Kettell Pvt. Vincent Patrizio Lance Cpl. Kurt Kusterbeck Cpl. Brian Plunkett, USMC Pfc. Connor Russ Lang, US Army Capt. Paul Proios, U.S. Army CAPT Anthony LaVecchia, Jr., USN Lance Cpl. Jean Prou Specialist Andrew Steven Lawler, US Army 1st Sgt. William Pullar, Jr. Sgt. Patricia Heikkila Sgt. Andrew Rea Major Timothy MacGinley Private Eric Roehrig Lt. Col. Jill L. Mackin, U.S. Army Sgt. Michael William Rousseau Col. Patrick B. Mackin, U.S. Army Cpl. Patrick Sheridan Lance Cpl. Vincent Martinelli PFC Richard N. Silecchio Pvt. Kyle T. McCarthy SF1 Corey Slattery Capt. Chris McLoughlin Specialist Edward Stephenson Cmdr. Brian Melvin, Coast Guard Timothy Sweeney, Navy Seals Lt. Anthony Mercado Gen. Kenneth E. Tovo Lt. Col. John K. Meehan Lt. Amanda J. Towey EDO U.S. Navy Specialist Edward Meraglia Sgt. Matthew Vergara Col. Mark Nordstrom Gunnery Sgt. Richard Derek Vergara SFC Philip Nordstrom Gunners/Mate 1st Class Instr. James W. Vigliotti 1st Lt. Joel Nordstrom Fun, Fellowship and Food for the Hungry The first annual St. Patrick’s Charity Wiffle Ball Tournament was held on December 29th. Young adults ages 18 to 39 participated. Each participant donated non-perishables and a $5 fee to participate. Both the entry fees and the canned goods went to our Parish Outreach Food Pantry. Many thanks to all our wiffle ball players! Mark your calendar for the St. Patrick Dinner Dance Friday, March 11th at Flowerfield in St. James Come and support our school and celebrate the feast day of our patron saint! Parish Social Ministry Religious Formation Project Warmth There will be no religion classes on Monday, January 18th due to the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday. Level 2—Level 2 Parent Meetings regarding First Holy Communion will be held on January 11th, 12th, 13th and 16th in Canning Hall during your child’s class time. Level 7—The remaining sponsor meetings for sponsors of our Level 7 students are being held on the following dates: Wednesday, January 13th at 7:00 PM All meetings will be held in the Large Meeting Room in the Parish Center For more information on our Religious Formation program, call 631-724-7454 or visit stpatsrfc.wordpress.com Are you having difficulty paying for heating costs due to unforeseen circumstances? Project Warmth, a program made available through the United Way, may be able to assist you with a one time benefit. There are no income eligibility guidelines for Project Warmth. A confidential application can be made through the Parish Outreach office. Please call 265-2668, Monday–Friday, 9:30 AM to 3 PM for further information. Please remember…all inquiries are confidential. Only in Christ can men and women find answers to the ultimate questions that trouble them. Only in Christ can they fully understand their dignity as persons created and loved by God. - St. Pope John Paul II St. Patrick Adult Faith Formation Learn more about your faith through our Adult Faith Formation courses! St. Patrick’s offers courses each year in conjunction with the diocese Religious Studies Program. Courses may be used for personal faith enrichment or for credit toward the Basic Theology Certificate and Advanced Theology Certificate offered by the Diocese of Rockville Centre. The courses are free for St. Patrick parishioners. For non-parishioners, the fees are $10 for Basic Courses and $15 for Advanced Courses. For a list of courses offered throughout the diocese, visit www.drvc-faith.org and go to the Adult Education tab. The next course offering at St. Patrick’s is: Christology Instructor: Mrs. Elaina Kedjierski, MA When: Wednesdays, January 20th, 27th, February 3rd, 10 & 24th Time: 7:30 to 9:30 PM Where: Parish Center: Small Meeting Room Who do you say that I am? This course will present an overview of the responses to this question by Jesus given by Scripture, Tradition and contemporary Church teaching. Participants will also have the opportunity to reflect on their own faith responses to this question. To register, call 631-724-7454. Reflections on the Sunday Scriptures January 17, 2016 The Second Sunday in Ordinary Time Readings: Isaiah 62: 1-5; 1 Corinthians 12: 4-11; John 2: 1-11 Attention Level 2 Students—For your convenience, copies of the cards on which you write your gospel reflections will be included in the Sunday bulletin. Feel free to use the form below and to make copies. Your reflection may be dropped into the collection basket as your gift to our parish. (Please provide your first and last name. Only first names will be used in the bulletin.) There was a wedding at Cana in Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. Jesus and his disciples were also invited to the wedding. When the wine ran short, the mother of Jesus said to him, “They have no wine.” And Jesus said to her, “Woman, how does your concern affect me? My hour has not yet come.” His mother said to the servers, “Do whatever he tells you.” Now there were six stone water jars there for Jewish ceremonial washings, each holding twenty to thirty gallons. Jesus told them, “Fill the jars with water.” So they filled them to the brim. Then he told them, “Draw some out now and take it to the headwaiter.” So they took it. And when the headwaiter tasted the water that had become wine, without knowing where it came from — although the servers who had drawn the water knew —, the headwaiter called the bridegroom and said to him, “Everyone serves good wine first, and then when people have drunk freely, an inferior one; but you have kept the good wine until now.” Jesus did this as the beginning of his signs at Cana in Galilee and so revealed his glory, and his disciples began to believe in him. Focus Questions: 1. Talk about an experience that helped you believe that Jesus is present in the world today. 2. Describe a time when an ordinary event ended up having a great deal of meaning to you. 3. Relate an experience when the “wine ran out of your life.” Who or what helped you replenish it? Children and Family Reflections: In today’s gospel, Jesus is one of the guests at a wedding celebration. Talk about a special occasion that your family celebrates. I strongly suspect that if we saw all the difference even the tiniest of our prayers to God make, and all the people those little prayers were destined to affect, and all the consequences of those effects down through the centuries, we would be so paralyzed with awe at the power of prayer that we would be unable to get up off our knees for the rest of our lives. - Dr. Peter Kreeft Something for Seniors meets on the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month in the Parish Center (old convent) at 1 PM. Join us for some fun and friendship! For more information, call Jerry at 981-9716 or Barbara at 265-0034. Words of Wisdom from our Level 2 Students Second grade students from our Religious Formation Program and our school are asked to read the “Children and Family Reflection” column in the bulletin and write down their thoughts on cards provided for them. They then drop the cards in the collection basket on Sunday as their contribution to our parish. Below are a few reflections on our gospel reading by our second graders. Gospel Reading: Luke 2: 41-52 Children and Family Reflection: What makes you proud of your family? • My family is loving, hard working and generous. They follow Jesus.—Logan • The best present that I have is my brother and my mom, dad and grandma. Thank you for creating me and my brothers. I love you God and Jesus.—Michael • We try to see our grandpa on Sundays. We try to catch up on things my brother and I do during the week. Because they are helpful.—Matthew • I am proud of my family because we help people that have less than us.—Leah • My parents take care of me. We volunteer our time to help others and donate money and food and clothing to others.—Alyssa • I’m proud of my family because whenever I am sad they help me with whatever the problem is.—Ryan • I am proud of my family because we always do things as a family and spend holidays together.—Ben • I’m proud of my family when they use up their time for me.—Madeline • My family donated a gift from the tree of stars. Help people in need.—Blake • I’m proud of my family when we give food to the poor.—Keira • They are really nice and always take care of me.—Logan • My family strived to be holy this Christmas by putting out our nativity set and putting Baby Jesus out on Christmas day.—Sofia • I am proud because our family always tries to make each other happy.—Jimmy • That we do fun things, we go to church. We love each other.—Madi • I’m proud of my family because they are such a loving, nice family to have. I’m proud that we go to church together.—Alexandra • I am proud of my family because they help other people nicely, they are respectful to one another and they are kind to other people.—Hollie • I am proud of my mom and dad. They are both community helpers. My mom is a nurse and my dad is a firefighter.—Andrew • I’m proud to be in this family because we do everything together and I love it! - Elena • I am proud of my family because we love each other and we always are happy. The most special thing about my family is we can count on each other.—Regina • My family works hard to get me to church on time.—Nicholas • That we all ski and golf together.—Ryan • I am proud that we help people.—Sean • I am proud of my family because they teach me things.—Meghan • I am proud that my family goes to church every week. Mommy teaches religion and my sister is an altar server.—Julianna (continued on following page) Words of Wisdom from our Level 2 Students (continued from previous page) • Because we love each other and we stick together no matter what.—Chris • My mom and dad work very hard making a home for me. They help me with my homework and take me everywhere I need to go.—Rocco • I am proud of my family because they love me and they are good to me. They are nice to others and try to be the best they can be for God.—Michela • Family is important when you need help. They are there to love you. My family goes to church for Christmas.— Johnny • I am proud of my family because we donate clothes and toys to people and kids in need and are always there for each other. I love my family.—Caroline Pray for our Priests Please remember to keep our priests in your prayers. This week we ask that you pray especially for the following priests from our diocese: Notes to Consider from Catholics for Freedom of Religion "Proclaim liberty throughout the land." Lev. 25-10 January 10th Bishop Robert J. Brennan January 11th Rev. Joseph McComiskey & Rev. Felix Alarcon January 12th Msgr. John Heinlein & Rev. William Winters OFM Cap January 13th Rev. Robert Blyman & Rev. Ryszard Ficek January 14th Rev. Frederick Hill & Msgr. John Cervini January 15th Msgr. John Nosser & Rev. Emmanuel Otiaba January 16th Rev. Hyacinth Jemigbola & Rev. Malcolm Burns Gracious and loving God, we thank your for the gift of our priests. Through them, we experience your presence in the sacraments. Help our priests to be strong in their vocation. Set their souls on fire with love for your people. Grant them the wisdom, understanding, and strength they need to follow in the footsteps of Jesus. Inspire them with the vision of your Kingdom. Give them the words they need to spread the Gospel. Allow them to experience joy in their ministry. Help them to become instruments of your divine grace. We ask this through Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns as our Eternal Priest. Amen. Religious Freedom Sunday (Jan. 10) is a national event in which churches inform parents, students, and educators within their congregations about the freedom of religious expression students from Kindergarten through twelfth grade have at school. (religiousfreedomsunday.com - usccb) Almost 20 years ago, the U.S. Department of Education directed public schools to tell students what their religious freedom are. "Catholics For Freedom of Religion" remembers National Religious Freedom Day, Jan.16th each year, with "Free to Speak" pamphlets, published by Gateways to Better Education, to help students and teachers know their civil liberties. "We want our young people to be bold in their faith. We have let them know they can be. That it's perfectly legal for them to be bold," said Director Eric Buehrer. All Americans, liberal and conservative, religious or not, can agree that religious freedom, anchored in conscience rights, is fundamental to U.S. democracy. (Religious Freedom in America, by Allen Hertzke, amazon.com) "Hold on to the Constitution, for if the American Constitution should fail, there will be anarchy throughout the world." Daniel Webster St. Patrick Youth CPR Training Course for coaches will be offered throughout the year. Call the Youth Office if interested. Exercise Classes on-going. $5 fee. All welcome. Call Cindy at 360-0185 for class times. Regarding Sports Parking—Please park only on the east side of the property. Enter sports court at east gate entrance. Enrichment/Extended Day Program– Monday through Friday, 2:30 to 6 PM. Homework help, arts/crafts, indoor/outdoor gym activities, snacks, games and more for 3 to 13-year-olds Three-year-old, Pre K extended hours, 8 AM to 2:30 PM. Before/ Aftercare also offered. Children must be preregistered to attend. Call 707-4355. Limited space available. Music Ministry – Folk Group (grades 6-12), and Children’s Choir (grades 1-5). Children’s choir practices from 6:15 to 7:00 PM in Keegan Hall and Folk Group practices from 7:15 to 8:30 in the church—both on Wednesday nights. New members welcome! Call 360-0185 for information. Youth Ministry— Attention High School Students! Please join us for Youth Ministry on Sunday nights at 6:30 PM in the Parish Center. Call the Youth Office for details. Junior Catholic Daughters- JCDA is a young woman’s service organization. Young women in grades 5th -11th are welcome. Call the Youth Office for details. JCDA meets every 3rd Tuesday of the month in our Modular Classroom from 6:00 to 7:00 PM. Playtime with Mommy/Caregiver – Children ages 17 months through two-years-old. Mondays & Wednesdays 9:30 to 10:30 AM. Separation Class– Two-year-olds, Tuesday & Thursdays 10 AM to 12 PM. Call Miss Patty for details 707-4355. St. Patrick Learning Center – Tutors for all areas of study, Pre-K through high school. SAT Prep, etc. New York certified teachers available Monday through Friday. Call 7241261 for information. Catholic Entrance Exam Prep is available. Contact the Youth Office. Fall Deck Hockey – Season has ended. Many thanks to all our coaches, parents and players for a great season! Winter Intramural Basketball – For girls and boys grades Kindergarten – 12th grade. Season begins in January. Clinic program for grades K to 3 & league program for 4th to 12th grade. Registration has ended. Coaches will be contacting team members shortly. VIRTUS– All volunteers/coaches are required to attend a VIRTUS class if they have not done so. Online registration must be completed before you attend. See VIRTUS.org for information and registration. St. Pat’s Youth web address is: stpatsyouth.com. All program information & registration forms may be found on the website. The Youth Office can be reached by email at [email protected] Attention High School Age Young People! Join us for Youth Ministry on Sunday, January 17th at 6:30 PM in the Parish Center. It’s never too late to start! Come and bring a friend! Pray for the Sick Maureen Alagna Rita Apollaro Joseph Barone Judith Bartley Darlene Bass Richard Belardo Tom Beirne Mary Lynn Brassil Michael Carbuccia Moses Carbuccia Sam Cioffi Taylor Rose Clarke Mary Beth Condon John Coonan Stephen Costello Alex Cozzo Lois Crowley Matthew DeGraw Jimmy Demato John Michael Dellova Joseph DiDonato Jean Doski Shirley Dunn Joseph Dwyer Joan Every Fred Facompre Raymond Facompre Brooke Failla Patricia Foley Fran Fontane Joseph Formichelli Grace Fragala Ralph Gallo Dennis Gartland Thomas Goldrick & Family Francine Goldman Claudio Ghattas Ralph Gunderson, Sr. Loretta Harrigan Bob Heilig Carole Hennessy Angelo Cynthia Kambos Michael Kelly Elizabeth Knowd Br. John Lawrence, OSF Josephine Licata Matthew Lowney Megan Madden Michael C. Maloney Bobby Malwitz John Mangiamele Terrance Martin Tom Matteo Helen McDowell Danny Meyer Eric Mendola Sheryl Minter Theresa O. Moebes Alice Moore Thomas Mooney Ron Moran Anna Morreale Jean Noschese Melissa Ording Rose Pastore Brandon Raber Maria Rametta Connie Rinaldi Michael Romano Joanna Scheidel Suzanne Schmidt Randy Schnittger Julie McDowell Scott Teresa Smith Maryanne Spargue Lauren Spencer Donald Stanton Virginia Stanton Jeane Stiles Catherine Tamburino Emmi (Emerita) Tiedemann Alejandro V. Jeffrey Vollmer Steve Ward Ken Wind Eva Zalak George Zangrillo Baby Joey Ziegler Pray for the Dead John Anthony Bailo Joseph Curreri Salvatore LaRocca Edward P. McNulty Joseph R. Rediger Victoria T. Saglimbeni Rosemarie M. Santoro Wilma Sollecito The St. Patrick’s Bulletin: A Great Place to Advertise Did you know that the St. Patrick’s bulletin is printed at no cost to our parish each week? Not only that, our parish receives a part of the advertising commission. So please frequent the fine establishments that advertise in our bulletin! If your business could use a shot in the arm, consider advertising in the bulletin. Approximately 3,700 people attend Mass at St. Patrick’s each weekend, most of whom live and shop in the Smithtown area. It’s an easy way to reach thousands of area families with information about your business. For information on how to advertise in our bulletin, call Frank Capanzano at 631-987-0064.