Parish Bulletin Online - August 22nd, 2004
OUR LITURGY
Each of today’s readings speak about the discipline which is necessary for those who wish to enter into the heavenly kingdom. The narrow gate of right living requires an offering of self-discipline and living according to the rules of God. We must conform to the Lord’s ways.
Liturgical Commission Publishings, Diocese of Lansing, Lansing, MI
Altar Bread And Wine
The gifts offered at our Masses this weekend
Are Donated in Memory of:
Stephanie Ann Amore
Requested By: Loving Aunt Bea Delisio
REMEMBER OUR DEAD
Olga Shugrue, Michael P. Romolo and for our deceased soldiers, and all of our deceased relatives and friends.
REMEMBER OUR SICK
For this week, please pray for the sick, especially:
Susan Bateman John Biglin Alice.Boyle
William J. Brodie James Butler Mercedes Chipe
Rosemary Demarest David DeParis Rose Dicanio
Maggie Errico Keith Ferraro David Hoffman
Joseph F. Koenig Samantha Larocca Evelyn Lombardi
Richard McKenna William Mytok Anita L. Nanry
Frank Nostro Christine Paglino Edward Percesepe
Grace Peshkur Molly Piccirillo Artie Plouffe’,Jr.
Eleanor Purcaro Thomas Purcaro Denise Rodriguez
Santo Rodriguez Annette Rodriguez Barbara Rooney
Rose Russo Diana I. Sacia Mario Schiano
Theresa Schiano Chris Sweeney Edward Tedla
Stacie Tizzard Gloria Toten Adam Vaneron
Gladys Zapata
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.
OUR PRIEST-CELEBRANTS
(Subject to last minute changes)
This Sunday Next Sunday
Saturday
5:00 pm Fr Thomas 5:00 pm Fr. Boyle
Sunday
7:00 am Fr Liu 7:00 am Fr. Boyle
9:00 am Fr Thomas 9:00 am Fr. Liu
10:30 am Fr Maffeo 10:30 am Fr. Thomas
12:00 pm Fr Maffeo 12:00 pm Fr. Maffeo
5:00 pm Fr Boyle 5:00 pm Fr Thomas
MASS INTENTIONS
Sunday, August 22- Twenty-first Ordinary Sunday
7:00 For The People of The Parish
9:00 Deceased Knights of Columbus & Columbiettes
10:30 Antonia LoBrutto requested by
Calogero & AnnaMarie DiMaria
10:30 Mary Carson requested by Christine & Alexandria Santoro
12:00 Nicholas & Dorothy Stiefel requested by Loving Family
12:00 Gary Gonzalez requested by The Mayo Family & Beloved Friends
5:00 Giovanna Vitanza requested by Mr. & Mrs. Ed Spahn
5:00 Margarita Rivera requested by Fred Hissiger
Monday, August 23- St. Rose of Lima
7:00 Thomas Cavallo requested by The Mitchell Family
7:00 Margarita Maldonado requested by Martha Sconfienza
9:00 Harry A. Ballard requested by Louis & Mary Cifaliello
9:00 Robert Izzo requested by Loving Mom & Dad
9:00 Jillian Hall (Living) requested by Grandad Suli
Tuesday, August 24- St. Bartholomew
7:00 Asha Sara Mathew requested by Dana & John Segretto
9:00 Bess Muzzi requested by The Baskiewicz Family
9:00 Linda Pinzone requested by The Maro Family
Wednesday, August 25- St. Louis of France and St. Joseph Calasanz
7:00 Special Intention (Living)
9:00 Steven J. Mally requested by Matthew C. Valites
9:00 Edward Ennesser requested by Mr. & Mrs. S. D’Aguanno
Thursday, August 26
7:00 Special Intention (Living)
9:00 The Hughes family requested by the Hughes family
9:00 Eleanor Calabrese requested by Loving Daughter & Family
Friday, August 27- St. Monica
7:00 Teresa Cipollone requested by Loving Friend
9:00 Anthony Croce, Jr. requested by Loving family
9:00 Donald Timpone requested by Loving wife
Saturday, August 28- St. Augustine
8:00 Susan Catherine Schubert requested by Bill & Dot Barron
8:00 Vecchiarellos Family (living) requested by Rosie
Edward Ennesser requested by Susan Mahlstedt
Anticipated Mass for Sunday
5:00 Tom McGrann, Sr. Requested by Loving Family
5:00 James A. Cleere and family requested by Tim Cleere and family
5:00 William Gonzales requested by Cerna Family
Sunday, August 29- Twenty-second Ordinary Sunday
7:00 Michael Mylott requested by Gina Appel
9:00 Arlene Dinu requested by The Mackeys
9:00 Maryan Stipicevic requested by The Cristiano Family
9:00 For The People of the Parish
10:30 Joseph Molinaro requested by the Ericson Family
10:30 Theresa Gandolso requested by Anna & James Impellizzeri
12:00 William Rea, Sr. requested by Ann Harrington
12:00 James Colletti requested by Felicia Heraghty & Family
5:00 Adelaide Gerretz requested by Katherine Yamaguchi
5:00 Leona Perez requested by The Garcia Family
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.
SAY A PRAYER FOR OUR TROOPS
Please continue to remember them in your prayers.
Cpl. Jason Bertran Cpl. Michael Bruno
Cpt. Kevin Connolly Spc. Thomas E. Corcoran
Cpt. Edward Cuevas Col. Stephen Czerwinski
Sgt. Stephen DiGirolamo Pvt. Matthew DiNardo
Lt. John DiNero SFC Raymond Fulton
SSG Jeremy Garcia Cpt. Evan Gotkin
Cpt. Jennifer Gotkin Sgt. Steven Knight
PFC Brian Lawson SPC Adam Mackey
GM2 Gerard McGarity Sgt. Patrick McNally
Cpt. Gregory Mueller SSG Joey Napolitano
L/Cpl Michael Napolitano L/Cpl. Thomas Napolitano
FROM THE DESK OF FR. MIKE
In today’s Gospel Reading, Jesus is asked if only a few people will be saved? Jesus’ answer at first seems to imply that there are indeed limits as He says, “Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many I tell you, will attempt to enter, but will not be strong enough.” Yes, Jesus appears to place limits on who can enter, but in reality the opposite is true. God is not placing restriction on who can enter the Kingdom, in the sense that He does not care where the people are from, what their race is, or even what their former way of life was. No, every one is invited! In John’s Gospel, we read where Jesus says that He has not come into the world to do His will, but the will of the one who sent Him. And this is the Father’s will that all be saved through the life death and resurrection of the Son.
Remember while we are all invited, the gate into God’s Kingdom is narrow, and not all will be able to pass through! The gate is Jesus Himself, His teachings, and His constant call for people to change their lives. To pass through the gate we must answer Jesus’ call for us to love God and our neighbor, to forgive one another and to right that which is wrong and to live a life under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. We must be willing to totally accept what the Gospel calls us to do-we can not just accept the parts we like and disregard the rest because we don’t like them or they are too hard. We also are not to assume that God is giving us all the time in the world that we can put off till tomorrow to amend our lives, for tomorrow will be here before you know it!
What in effect Jesus is telling us is the only one who can place limits on our entering through the narrow gate is none other than ourselves. God is freely giving us the call and freely gives us the grace we need to respond to the call, and will even take any late comers-provided that they make a complete change. But, the call cannot be answered if we do not accept it. It cannot lead us to salvation if we set up roadblocks between God and ourselves. We must constantly be open, we must never be complacent in our faith or in the practice of our faith, and we must never let the opportunities for prayer to escape us. Now is the time to be open to the Spirit and answer the call to pass through the Narrow Gate.
We are happy to announce that we have received another rebate payment from this year’s Catholic Ministries Appeal. The amount of this rebate was $149.57-bringing our total so far to $1,205.89. Of course, as more pledges are completed, we will receive more rebates. Once again thank you to all who participated in this worthwhile appeal to support the diocese’s ministries and the ministries of our beloved parish.
What happened to the large crucifix between the Church and the School? Perhaps you have noticed that the large crucifix is missing. I am happy to say that it was not a victim of vandalism, but it was a victim of age and the weather. Last week the arm fell off the corpus while some one was praying in front of the cross. No, neither the person, nor their prayers had anything to do with these events, and thank God, no one was hurt. In time, we will replace it with a new cross and corpus-one that is made for the outdoors and will be more resistant to the elements. If you or a group of people, or a parish organization would like to help us replace the crucifix and have a loved one remembered, we will be accepting memorial donations. Please help us to restore this beautiful part of our parish’s prayer life. If possible, we hope to repair the corpus from the old crucifix (as we believe that it came from one of our previous church buildings) and place it as a wonderful symbol of our faith in the lobby of the Parish Hall. In this way, when people come down the main stairs they will see all that Jesus has done to save us. If you can help us with either project please call, the rectory-God bless you and thank you.
As mentioned in this letter, several members of our Boy Scout Troop #272 and from our parish who belong to other local area troops have earned the Ad Altare Dei and/or the Pius XII awards for the practice and understanding of their faith and the role of God in their lives. We are proud of them and they will receive their awards at a special ceremony at St. Agnes Cathedral in early October. However, on the parish level we will honor them on Sunday September 12th at the 12 PM Mass. We invite all of those involved in Scouting (Boy and Girl Scouts, Cub Scouts and Brownies, etc) to come to this Mass in uniform and support those who earned these awards and all Scouts. St. Joseph’s is very proud of our scouts and all the adults who help our young people.
Also as mentioned earlier, we are going to try a new FUN AND FUNDRAISER for this Summer/Fall Season. Usually we do the Calendar Club, but this past year it seemed that many people, who usually support this drive have lost interest. That is why we have decided to try something new this year. We have to, because in reality we still need the support that traditionally came in from the Calendar Club. It is a Football Fun/Fund raiser, which is linked to the scores of the weekend NFL games. Some of the great features of this event are that it only cost $5 per entry, and of course, you can get as many as you want-which gives you more chances to win. At this cost, more people can participate in this event where perhaps they couldn’t with the Calendar Club. And to answer the question some may have, no, this is not gambling or anything like the pools one may enter at a Bar or in the Deli. It’s a chance to have fun, bring some excitement to the NFL Season (even those who do not like football), and of course to help St. Joseph’s meet its expenses.
Thank you, for your past and your future support and please continue to help us with your constant prayers, and God bless you always.
Fr. Mike
Rosary on the front Lawn
Two more Mondays left in August for you to join us in praying the Rosary outdoors. Bring your chair and be
rejuvenated by the power of prayer.
Religious Education News
The Religious Education Office will re-open this Monday, August 23rd. Our office hours are Monday thru Thursday, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. We are looking forward to seeing our catechists, families and students again.
Just a friendly reminder for our Level 6 and 7 catechists about our Catechist Meeting on Tuesday, August 24 or Thursday, August 26. We will be meeting in the Rectory, room A at 7: 30 pm.
Parish Outreach
SCHOOL SUPPLIES NEEDED
Parish Outreach is in need of school supplies for the up-coming school year. Pencils, pens, spiral notebooks, hard covered notebooks, book covers, etc. If you can help, please drop the supplies off at Parish Outreach
PREGNANCY CRISIS HOTLINE—We 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
621 envelopes $11,810
Loose collection 1,982
Total Last Sunday $ 13,792
Same collection last year 13,886
Poor Box last weekend 248
L. I. Catholic 1,457Feast of The Assumption
04 3,00603 4,045
Why the Cross Came Down
Act of God or Act of Man, Film at 11!
Last week one of our parishioners had a harrowing experience. While she was praying at the large outside cross (on the site of the first church), Jesus’ arm fell off and landed next to her. A close examination showed that the cross was really meant to be used indoors and the metal rods that held the arms had rusted through. We would like to know if anyone remembers where this cross came from in 1969 when it was installed.
Further, we are looking into getting a replacement crucifix intended for outdoors. If there is any families who would like to purchase this for the parish we would like to hear from you.
The old cross will be restored and will find a proper and fitting place inside where it will stand a better chance of staying intact.
Restoration Fund
Thank you to those who have upped their pledges. We received a total of $ 6,620 in increases this year.
Pledged to date $1,126,830
Paid to date 1,003,351
Scrip Corner
Scrip sales last week $11,350
Same period last year 15,075
Gross Profit 567
Calendar Club
Congratulations to this week’s winners!!!
Aug. 08 $50 #516 Carol Napoli Petty
Aug. 09 $25 #295 Helen & Joe Onufrak
Aug. 10 $25 #512 Ida Compasso
Aug. 11 $25 #588 Laura Frodell
Aug. 12 $25 #367 Celeste Richards
Aug. 13 $25 #099 Roger & Marie Koferl
Aug. 14 $25 #211 Mr. & Mrs. Edmond Blinn
Mums are Back
Once again we will have beautiful Fall Mums available for purchase at our Labor Day Weekend Masses September 4th and 5th.
Please mark your calendars as we have a limited supply. Cost of a 9” pot of mums in assorted colors will be $5 each
St. Regis Knights of Columbus C & B Fundraiser
Is hosting a trip to New York Radio City Music Hall for the Christmas Spectacular on November 4, 2004 the 3PM show The cost is $65 per person.
This includes breakfast at the Knights of Columbus hall 2850 Pond Road, Ronkonkoma, NY. The breakfast will be at 9AM and consist of coffee and a bagel. Departure at 10AM from the Hall. Call
Nick Crismali 648-3964.
RESPECT LIFE
Did you know that:
Fifty-eight United States Senators are demanding that President Bush approve of and provide federal funding for human embryonic stem cell research? In a recent interview on the matter, Sen. Orrin Hatch defended the senators’ ghoulish demands by callously claiming that embryonic stage human beings are really only “fertilized eggs that are going to be discarded, anyway”.
“The scientific fact is that a human being begins at fertilization. What Sen. Hatch is spouting is science fiction. Human embryonic stem cell research is unethical. One can never do evil, even if good might come from it”. So says Judie Brown, President of American Life League, quoted in the July 2004 issue of ALL/News.
Sen. Hatch is leading a misguided effort to convince Americans that it is consistent to claim to be pro-life while supporting the wholesale killing of the youngest members of the human family through embryonic stem cell research. “Regardless of how many Nobel laureates and Hollywood stars join Hatch and other senators in this position, research that kills living human embryos can never be justified”, said Mrs. Brown.
Coincidentally regarding this issue, Larry King of CNN had a guest on his show this past week – Joni Eareckson Tada – a quadriplegic woman who is just sensational in her faith and love of God. She knows, and said, that embryonic stem cell research is wrong, and that great good has come from adult stem cell therapy. Read what she has to say in her book, “The God I Love”, or go to her website, Joniandfriends.org. Joni has said that she would welcome a discussion on this subject with Christopher Reeve. Larry King said he would try to arrange it. Let’s hope that happens.
COURTESY ANNOUNCEMENTS
Icon Painting Class Forming Now
Learn this ancient Christian art under the guidance of Janine Manheim at St. Luke’s church, Brentwood. There will be classes 6 hours each running September 10, 17, 24, and October 8, 15, and 22. Class time is 1 pm—7 pm. Students will create icons using traditional techniques passed down from antiquity (egg tempera, and gold leaf on a wooden panel). Tuition is $400 and includes all supplies. No experience necessary. Interested students should call Janine Manheim at 631-952-3105 for further information.
SISTERS OF SAINT JOSEPH
Sisters of St. Joseph fund-raiser “Godspell” - Saturday, October 2nd—6 P>M> on the grounds of the Motherhouse in Brentwood—$75 includes dinner and play. All proceeds to benefit the ministries of the sisters. For further information call 631-273-1187 Ext. 25 or 26.
ANCIENT ORDER OF HIBERNIANS
The Ladies and the Men of The Ancient Order of Hibernians, Selden, are having their annual Fall Dance on Saturday September 18th, 2004.
This year we are honoring Dolores Byrnes & Tom McKenna as our Hibernians of the Year.
The dance will be held at the Division 8 Hibernian Hall, Selden Frank Keegan Band will provide the music. $25 per person includes cold platters, tap beer, wine & soda. Advance sales only. For reservations:
Call Pat & Rich Cremmins 631-698-7261.
IRISH CLASSES FOR CHILDREN & ADULTS ON LONG ISLAND
The Gery Tobin Irish Language School’s new Mommy, Daddy, & Me program for children and their parents begins Thursday, 9/9/04 at 7:15PM in the AOH Hall in Babylon. Adult classes at all levels begin at 7:45PM. All are free. Everybody’s invited. Come and have fun. For info., call Jerry Kelly at 516-221-2910.
Find out about
Scouting
Tiger Cubs
—entering First Grade in SeptemberCub Scouts—entering Second or Third Grade
Webelos Scouts—entering Fourth or Fifth Grade
Boy Scouts—entering Sixth grade or age 11 through 18
St. Joseph’s Pack 272 and Troop 272
E-MAIL JoinScouting@StJoRonk.org
or
PHONE 724-4460 (Dr. Louis Scotti)
or
ONLINE Scouting.StJoRonk.org
