OUR LITURGY

From the Book of Genesis we hear the promise which God made to Abraham and to his descendants—the land of Canaan would be theirs. In our second reading, Paul advises the Christians at Phillippi to imitate Christ in assurance of the heavenly reward of a glorified body. Today’s gospel text is the Transfiguration—the glory of Jesus shown to Peter, James, and John.

Next week) 1) Exodus 3:1:-8a, 13-15 2) 1 Corinthians 10:1-6, 10-12 3) Luke 13: 1-9

Liturgical Commission Publishings, Diocese of Lansing, Lansing, MI

Altar Bread And Wine

The gifts offered at our Masses this week end are donated in Memory of:

Ann Donnelly

Requested by: The Ministry of Consolation

REMEMBER OUR DEAD

John R. Jocher, William F. Fehringer Lorraine Martonik Ralph Yamicello Joseph Marinello, Sr., Angelo Cosmo, Joseph Rinaldo and our deceased soldiers, and all of our deceased relatives and friends.

REMEMBER OUR SICK

For this week, please pray for the sick, especially:

Angela Aponte Frank Belsito Maureen Beradon

Jean Boland Matthew Boland Kathy Butler

John Cannizzano Jennnifer Carlisle Emmanuel Coby

Al Croce Josephine D’Agostino Dylan DiLauro

Wendy Eilers Maggie Errico Louis Fava

Robert Filce Mary Ellen Flynn Michael Flynn

Mary Forsythe Joseph Fortier Ed Hansen

Patti Hunt Ashlee LaRocca Georgianna Lopez

William Marisak Juliana McLarney Brett Meyers

Marie Minto Rosann Moscato Sam Nettles

Robert Lang Joyce E. Ryan Helen Schaefer

Theresa Schiano William Schmeyer Gary X. Stadler

Maria Stadler Phyllis Stewart Linda Stultz

Stacie Tizzard George Tizzard, Jr. Mckayla Vilsant

Patricia Wickers

PLEASE NOTE: To keep our prayer list current, we will keep names on the sick list for two months. We ask families to return the bulletin cut-out to include names of those who are ill for another two months.

MASS INTENTIONS

Anticipated Mass for Sunday

5:00 Ann Garziano requested by Jerry and Pat Peters

5:00 Paul Accardi Pat & Vinnie Brienzo

5:00 Victoria Dynia requested by Cathleen & Joe Terrano

Sunday- March 7- Second Sunday of Lent

7:00 Greg Catrone requested by the Visco family

7:00 Rev. David Clifford requested by loving family

9:00 For an end to Abortion requested by The Respect for Life Committee

9:00 John Brzeski requested by John & Rose Carroll

9:00 Vivian Hines requested by Cathy Szynaka & Agnes Ludwigson

10:30 Deceased members of the 11am Choir requested by the 11 am Choir

10:30 Grace Pagnotta requested by the Katsaros family

10:30 Elizabeth DeMaio requested by loving husband

12:00 Andrew D’Angelis requested by Millie & Tom D’Agostino

12:00 Holy Souls In Purgatory requested by Thomas DuBritz & son

12:00 Jerry Cronin requested by Dottie & Sonny

5:00 Evelyn Lipman requested by Ann Scala

5:00 Thomas Rakocz requested by Ken & Linda Nelson

5:00 Joseph & Shirley Payne requested by Norma & Arthur Owen

Monday- March 8- St. John of God

7:00 Josephine Brakx requested by Mr. & Mrs.Jeff Hartmann

7:00 Edward Irwin requested by Ann Planken

9:00 Donald J. Frislid, Sr. requested by James & Debra Klein

9:00 For the People of the Parish

Tuesday- March 9- St. Frances of Rome

7:00 Edward Irwin requested by Mr. & Mrs.McManus

7:00 For Our Beloved Dead

8:45 Augusta Croce requested by loving family

8:45 Ada D’Angelo requested by loving family

8:45 Robert Cory requested by The Peters Family

Wednesday- March 10

7:00 Nicholas Santo requested by Virginia Rich

7:00 For the Intentions of the Celebrant

9:00 William Nolte requested by the Brady Family

9:00 Frank Cussen requested by all the Ushers

Thursday- March 11

7:00 Denise Singh requested by the Cassidy family

7:00 For the Intentions of the Celebrant

9:00 Thomas Kane requested by The Murphy Family

9:00 Intentions of the Celebrant

Friday- March 12

7:00 For Our Beloved Dead

7:00 For the Intentions of the Celebrant

9:00 Augusto Lucas requested by loving family

9:00 Intentions of the Celebrant

Saturday- March 13

8:00 Joseph C. Hennessy requested by loving family

8:00 Jamie Giel requested by the Hebert family

Anticipated Mass for Sunday

5:00 William and Theresa Foy requested by Jim and Cathy Foy

5:00 Brian McGee requested by D’Agostino family

5:00 Alan Divesek requested by Alfredo & Maria Viola

Sunday- March 14- Third Sunday of Lent

7:00 William Mammes requested by Mr. & Mrs. Ferrara

7:00 For the People of the Parish

9:00 Ann Gregory requested by Les

9:00 Louis Pagnoni requested by Loretta Finnegan

9:00 John Duran requested by Mr. & Mrs. John Villanueva

10:30 John W. Mulligan requested by loving family

10:30 Frank Pipino requested by the Pisano family

10:30 John Reed requested by Rose Lee Iacobelli

12:00 Helen Ford requested by the Lucivero family

12:00 Blanche Clark requested by the Knoll family

5:00 Mary Hunt requested by the Noll family

5:00 Dorothy Falcinelli requested by Annette & Scott Dale

5:00 Frank Cussen requested by Jerry & Anne Peters

IF ANYONE WOULD LIKE TO BRING UP THE GIFTS AT THE MASSES ON SATURDAY OR SUNDAY, PLEASE CONTACT ONE OF THE USHERS WHEN YOU ARRIVE FOR MASS.

From Fr. Mike’s Desk

“What Peter has said is true, [now you must understand]-The Son of Man must undergo great suffering…and be killed… and be raised.” All of this is said in the Gospel before we arrive at the place where today’s Gospel Reading takes us –the Mount of the Transfiguration. The Apostles are upset about what Jesus tells them and they cannot believe that the Messiah would die as he described. So, Jesus brings them with Him as He goes to pray about His entry into Jerusalem, and while he is in prayer, we are told of how Jesus becomes dazzling white and how Moses and Elijah appear on either side of Him. We are told that they are speaking with Jesus about His death, but also about His resurrection-and in effect what Jesus is sharing with the Apostles, is a pre-view of how He will appear to them on the first Easter Sunday. He is sharing this with them so that they will not lose heart, and when they came back to their senses they will remember this event and Jesus’ prophecy that He would rise from the dead.

This event is held out to us, to remind us that the Resurrection follows the Cross of Jesus. That the Cross and the Resurrection are signs of hope to us when we lose heart, and feel that we cannot go on. This account reminds us that the Risen Christ is always there to help us and free us. This account also points out to us how we will appear on Resurrection Day-when we like Christ (and Moses and Elijah) will take on the Glorified Body. In a sense, this reading and the Easter Sunday Readings are pre-views as to what we shall become through the love, grace, and forgiveness of God!

One of the traditional Lenten Sacrifices has been the giving of alms, the giving of some of our treasure to those who are in need or to help those who help those in need. As we mentioned last week in this space, and what we will speak about next weekend at all of the masses is St. Joseph’s participation in the New Catholic Ministries Appeal. Again, there is more behind this than just a name change-from the Bishop’s Annual Appeal. The FOCUS of the appeal has changed; from now on, all of the funds collected go to support the various worthwhile ministries of the Church. Those ministries which go to help the poor, the sick, those with special needs, to help educate our children and adults (for lay and ordained ministry in the church), and a greater share to help support the parishes in the diocese. None of the money collected will go to maintain the administration of the diocese, as was done in pervious years-mind you the diocese did make it clear that a percentage of the collected funds would go to maintain the administration, but no more!

Bishop Murphy, through his representatives, met with the pastors of the diocese, and listened when we expressed the concerns of so many that the Appeal had lost some of its original intent, and the money was not going to the proper places. As a result, we have the changes that are given to us in this new and improved Appeal. The breakdown of the funds raised will look like this: 20.3% will go to Catholic Charities, 7.2% will go to support the Seminary of the Immaculate Conception-which helps prepare people for Lay and Ordained Ministries). 18.2% for Education (High School and Elementary Schools-like our own beloved St. Joseph’s), 34.3% for Pastoral Ministries (Respect Life Office, the Diocese Mission Parish in the Dominican Republic, our Hospitals, and so much more), and 20% is earmarked to go back to the parishes.

With this new Appeal comes a better formula for how the parishes will receive money back. With the new formula we will not have to raise has much as we did before to get a part of our rebate, however, when we reach our goal and go beyond it we will receive even more-it truly is a win-win situation. Now we are given this great opportunity to help our brothers and sisters in need (some who could be people of our own parish) and we can help ourselves in this almost painless fundraiser. As always, your donation can be made all at once or you can pay it over time. St. Joseph’s goal for this year has been rolled back to what it was in 2001-$65,900. While at first glance this seems like a lot, I know that we will raise it because it fits right in the wonderful tradition that the good people of St. Joseph’s are known for-your generosity when it comes to helping people in need. This new Ministries Appeal does just that. Please pray about this worthwhile appeal and please be as generous as you can. If you have received a mailing directly form the Diocese, please feel free to use the reply form and send it in. Saint Joseph’s will get full credit for your contribution.

As always, thank you for all you do for St. Joseph’s. God bless you always.

Fr. Mike

ROOF APPEAL—We have reached 30% of our goal.

International Night March 13th

The Parish Council is in the process of planning this year’s evening. Seating is limited to 250 people. They need to know how many people are coming. This year we are asking for a $5 donation per person to offset the cost of the evening Please call the Rectory at 588-8456 by March 9th to make your reservations.

SAYING A PRAYER FOR OUR TROOPS

Please continue to remember them in your prayers.

Cpl Jason Bertran  Cpl. Michael Bruno

Cpt. Kevin Connolly Capt Edward Cuevas

Sgt Ryan Delaney Pvt. Matthew DiNardo Capt. Keith Flick SSG Jeremy Garcia

Spc. Tristin Mortensen Capt. Evan Gotkin

Capt. Jennifer Gotkin Sgt. Steven Knight

Pfc. Brian Lane Spc. Adam Mackey

Andy Mezador Cpt. Gregory Mueller

SSG Joey Napolitano COP Jonathan Norris

Spc. Brian Pacella Sgt. Rudy Schoverling

Ensign 3 Lucy P. Padro Navy Seal Paul M. Padro

PFC Christopher Reid Sg.t. Edwin Rivera, II

PO2 Roger Schoverling Pvt. James Stanek

SR. Andrew J. Szynaka SSG Thomas J. Valentino

SSG Dusty Williamson

(If you would like to include a soldier from your family who is serving our country, place their name and rank on a piece of paper in the collection basket)

RESTORATION FUND—We are always accepting pledges to our parish fund drive to carry on the work of rebuilding and restoring. To date, we have used over $960,000 to pay for various parts of the parish infrastructure. Thanks to all those who are making regular payments and to those who have increased their pledges.

St. Joseph’s School News

On Tuesday, February 24, 2004 the children in St. Joseph’s School, Lake Ronkonkoma celebrated Mardi Gras. In preparation the children made a large Alleluia banner. The children wore masks and jewelry and paraded on the school grounds chanting Alleluia.

Then a prayer service was held officiated by Father Peter Devaraj. The children had class parties and indulged in feasting on Fat Tuesday, which ushered in the Lenten season. The Alleluia banner was put away until Easter when it will be once more displayed.

Vegas Night

Try your luck at our up-coming Vegas Night which

will be held here on March 19th and 20th in the basement of the Church from 7:30pm-12:30am. You must be 18 years old to come.

Home School Association

ST. JOSEPH’S SCHOOL ‘GOES HOLLYWOOD’ at its Annual Spring Fashion Show on March 31, 2004 at Villa Lombardi’s. Tickets are $45.00 each for the Show, Dinner, Beer, Wine and Soda. For more information call the school office at 588-4760 or pick up a ticket order .at the Rectory Please join us for a wonderful evening. Hope to see you at our next McDonald’s night on Monday March 15th between 5-7pm.

Religious Ed New

The Religious Ed office is open Monday 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Tuesday and Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Please be aware that our office closes at 3:30, as our staff needs to be in the school buildings for class times. The office will open on Wednesdays at 10:00 a.m. to 3:30 pm.

Level 2 reminder that a Child’s First Communion video will be shown during class times on March 9, 10th and 11th. All parents are required to attend.

The Seder for Level 6 is scheduled for March 18th. A request for volunteers was sent home to level 6 parents. Please let us know if you can help as we need to meet to discuss setting up, serving, etc. Reminder that only our Level 6 students do not have class time on Tues March 16, and 17. They must attended Seder on Thurs March 18 at 7:00 p.m.

Level 1 Activity on March 22nd at 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. You may take your choice of time.

Respect Life

Do you want to stay informed? Sure you do – that’s the smart way to be. Do you want to join with thousands of others to work for justice in our society and to promote the values important to our faith? That’s another given. You may have wondered how to do this – well, the New York State Catholic Conference, which is the official public policy voice of the Catholic Church in the Empire State (www.nyscatholic.org) has formed the Catholic Advocacy Network.

The idea behind the Network is that together, we can speak out in support of the poor and vulnerable, the sick and elderly, families and children, and of course, the unborn.

The most efficient way to sign up is online. Go to www.nyscatholic, org and click on “Join the Network.” THERE IS NO COST.

The Bishops of New York State urge all Catholics to become members. This Internet-based tool will enable NYS Catholics to learn, in a timely manner, about public policy issues affecting the unborn, the frail and sick, the elderly, families and children, and the poor. Additionally, there is a mechanism to easily communicate with your legislators, and share your views.

If you wish to sign up and do not have access to the Internet, you may do it by regular mail. You need to send your name, address, phone number, diocese and parish; also indicate your areas of interest from this group (choose as many as you like):

Family Life/Respect Life; Education; Health Care; Human Services/Social Justice; Criminal Justice.

Send t his information to: NYS Catholic Conference, 465 State St., Albany, NY 12203. You may also telephone – 518-434-6195 or fax –518-434-9796.

And, while you are on the Internet, you can visit the Conference’s home page. From there you can read alerts on important legislative issues and email or write your legislator with just a few clicks of your mouse. An easy and fun way to keep informed about issues important to us all, and at the same time letting our legislators know that we are keeping up with their work.

DID YOU KNOW?

More than one and a half million abortions are performed in the United States each year. The number of legal abortions has increased each year since abortion was first legalized in some states in 1967. Today, in 2004, abortion is legal in all states throughout the nine months of pregnancy, not just the first three months as many have been led t o believe. About one percent of all abortions in the U.S. are performed for reasons relating to the mother’s physical health, about one percent are performed for psychological reasons and to prevent the birth of a handicapped child. The remaining 98 % are performed for mainly social or financial reason.

Although abortion is legal throughout pregnancy for ANY reason, public opinion polls continue to show that the majority of Americans do not approve of this policy.

Banns of Marriage

Jacqueline O’Brien of Good Shepherd. & Donald Peter Curry of St. Joseph’s

Stacie Desiante of St. Joseph’s Luis Velez of St. Nicholas of Tolentine

Jessica M. Poissant of St. Joseph’s & Joseph Sinacori of Resurrection

Shannon Siedlecki of St. Philip Neri & Christopher Masi of St. Joseph’s

Sheryl Ann Jonap of Smithtown & Douglas Charles Osborne, Jr. of St. Joseph’s

Parish Outreach

PREGNANCY CRISIS HOTLINEWe are here to help you. Please call 981.6888.

FOOD SUPPORT—Your donations of food and staple items is always appreciated. Kindly leave them in the front of Mary’s statue in the Church before or after Mass.

Weekly Offering

Last Sunday’s collection $ 17,492

Same collection last year 17,683

Poor Box last weekend 310

L. I. Catholic Collection 04 2,831

Same Collection for 03 2,308

Subscription cost 9/1/03 thru 02/29/04 $8,299

Less Collection to date 2,873

Parish Subsidy to date is 5,426

Ash Wednesday Collection 04 6,140

Same Collection for 03 5,426

Central & Eastern Europe 04 1,075

Same Collection for 03 1,182

We thank you for your continued and generous support!

Calendar Club

Feb. 22 $50 #689 Edward Kotak

Feb. 23 $25 #444 Kerry & Jeff Migliaro

Feb. 24 $25 #478 V. Coletti

Feb. 25 $25 #683 Fr. Mike

Feb. 26 $25 #452 The Meola Family

Feb. 27 $25 #564 M/M Harry Watson

Feb. 28 $25 #349 Ann Ryan

Restoration Fund

Pledged to date $1,120,210

Paid to date: . 982,401

Scrip Corner

Scrip sales last week $ 24,425

Same period last year 13,050

Gross Profit 1,075

Until further notice Wal-Mart is not available.

Stewardship

Peter, James, and John wanted to build a “booth” for Jesus and just stay on the mountain where His Transfiguration took place. But the Son of God, the Chosen One, knew that He must instead keep moving toward His Crucifixion. We, too, must rise from worship and do what we can to hasten the coming of the Kingdom.

Boy Scout Troop 272 News

St. Joseph Troop 272’s 4th Annual Pancake Breakfast will be on March 21, 2004 from 8 am to 12 noon. All are welcome. Please support our Troop and enjoy breakfast out. Free Raffle for advanced ticket sales available on March 7 & 14th after Mass - $3 for children, $5 for adults.

SURFING THE WEB?

Visit

St. Joseph Parish Online

~ now even easier to find at ~

StJoRonk.org

The parish bulletin is posted on our website each week.

- also for your convenience-

You can now communicate with the parish

office by e-mail. Send your inquiries to

Info@StJoRonk.org

Used Inkjet Cartridges, Where are you?!

Ever wonder how to continue the useful life of that inkjet cartridge that just went dry? We have found a way to help St Joseph and keep those complicated pieces of plastic, metal and printed circuit boards out of the land fill. Drop them off (in a plastic baggie) when you come to mass. We will send them to a company who reuses them and gives the parish a bounty for each. One note, to clear confusion, if it is larger than a fist, it is not an inkjet cartridge!!!

REMEMBERING THE SICK

Please include the following in the bulletin sick list:

______________________________

Name of person who is ill:

 

_____________________________ ____________________

Person making this request: Relationship to ill person

Your Phone #: _____________________

(Please place in collection basket or return to Church Office)

PARISHIONER REQUEST FORM

 

I/we would like to register in the parish of St. Joseph’s.

NAME(s): ____________________________________________

ADDRESS:__________________________________ _________

PHONE:

I/we would like become members of the parish. ( ) Yes

I/we would like to receive contribution envelopes.

( ) Yes ( )No. ( ) Weekly ( ) Monthly

I/we would like to receive the LI Catholic newspaper.

( ) Yes ( ) No.

( ) I would like to become a lector.

( ) I would like to become an altar server.

( ) I would like to become a Eucharistic Minister.

( ) I would like to become a choir member

( ) I would like to offer my following talents to the parish

 

( ) I would like to help maintain the parish plantings

(Please return to the Church Office or place in Collection Basket)

One Person’s Trash, Another’s ...

BOX TOPS from cereals for Educational purposes are always welcomed. Please drop them in the collection.

DEPOSIT BOTTLES AND CANS—Please place them in the blue truck that is located on the school side of the Church on weekends (when it works) or behind the rectory during the week.

CELL PHONES—Please bring your no longer used or needed cell phones and deposit them at the Scrip table in the Church lobby.

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