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