THIRD SUNDAY IN LENT
MARCH 7, 2010
"I shall cultivate the ground around it and fertilize it; it may bear fruit in the future."
~Exodus 3:1-8a,
13-15~
~1 Corinthians 10:1-6, 10-12~
~Luke 13:1-9~
St.
Mary's Church
Main St., East Islip, N.Y.
(631) 581-4266
Rev. Donald E. Babinski
Pastor ext. 108
Rev. Janusz Mocarski
Associate Pastor ext. 110
Rev. Hugh Cannon
Associate Pastor ext. 112
Rev. Msgr. Peter Chiara
Pastor Emeritus
Sr. Patricia Tippen, IHM
Pastoral Associate ext. 134
Rectory: 581-4266 ext. 100
Rectory
Hours
Monday thru Friday - 9am to 8pm
Saturday - 9am to 4pm
Sunday - CLOSED
Parish
Social Ministry:
9:30 - 4:30pm Mon, Tues, Wed, Fri; 1pm - 4:30pm Thurs
Pastoral Minister
Sr. Camille Solis, DW
ext.
128
Music &
Liturgy:
Pastoral Minister
Barbara
J. Grace
ext. 107
Family Faith Enrichment:
9am - Noon & 1pm - 5pm, Monday - Friday
Pastoral Minister For Catechesis
Claire
Moule
ext. 122
Pastoral Minister For Baptism
MaryAnn Giannettino
ext. 120
Pastoral Minister For
Family Life And Youth
Theresa
Roach
ext. 124
Parish School:
8am -
2:30pm, Monday - Friday
Pastoral Minister & Principal Biagio M. Arpino ext. 138
Buildings & Grounds: Frank Mangilomini ext. 101
Birthright: 277-3888
New Parishioners: All new families are welcome to the parish. They are asked to register by stopping at the Rectory during office hours or by calling our Parish Ministry & Development Office (*ext 125)..
Anointing of the Sick: 1st Saturday of each month at 8:30 A.M. Mass in the church.
Weekday Masses: Monday through Friday, 7:30am and 9:00 am, Saturday 8:30am
Sunday
Masses: Saturday 5pm in the Auditorium
Sunday: Church - 7:30am, 11am*, 5pm
Auditorium - 9:15am,10:45am, 12:15pm
(* - There is NO 11am mass during July
and August)
Holyday Masses: To Be Announced in the Church and Auditorium
Baptism: Baptisms celebrated during scheduled masses as well as Sundays at 1:30pm. Parents please call to make arrangements prior to your child's birth. Baptism is not celebrated during Lent.
Reconciliation: Saturday, 4:00pm to 4:45pm
Marriage: Please call to begin the process at least one year in advance. No dates for marriage will be set over the phone. Either the bride or groom must be a member of St. Mary's.
8:30 a.m. Francis Mc Caffrey
5:00 p.m. Deceased Members of Fr. Don
The Del Genio Family
7:30 a.m. Emil Gacovino Fr. Pete
9:15 a.m. All Parishioners Fr. Janusz
10:45 a.m. John Mc Gorry Fr. Hugh
11:00 a.m. Anthony J. Santoro Fr. Janusz
Robert Delgenio
Francis Mc Caffrey
Bruce Clay
Rose Monaco
12:15 p.m. Rosa Maria Villegas Fr. Hugh
5:00 p.m. Mary Colletti Fr. Don
MONDAY 03/08 ~ Saint John of God
7:30 a.m. Francis McCaffrey
9:00 a.m. David Sce
7:30 a.m. Francis McCaffrey
9:00 a.m. Mary & Daniel Malanca
9:00 a.m. Jennie Mezzacappa
7:30 a.m. Doris Corriss
9:00 a.m. Maurice Farley
8:30 a.m. Bea Acorn
5:00 p.m. Marie & August Speth Fr. Janusz
7:30 a.m. Francis McCaffrey Fr. Hugh
9:15 a.m. Rosa Pacifico Fr. Don
10:45 a.m. All Parishioners Fr. Hugh
11:00 a.m. Genowepa Galazka Fr. Pete
Sally Gentile
Maria Bilello
Patricia A. Archer
Amelia F. Serra
12:15 p.m. RosaMaria & Enrique Villegas Fr. Don
5:00 p.m. Gerald Malone Fr. Janusz
THE SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION (PENANCE)
Penance on Wednesday, March 10th at 8-8:45am Fr. Janusz
Penance on Saturday, March 13th at 4-4:45pm Fr. Don
SCRIPTURE READINGS FOR THE WEEK
Monday: 2 Kings 5:1-15b; Luke 4:24-30
Tuesday: Deuteronomy 3:25, 34-43; Matthew 18:21-35
Wednesday: Deuteronomy 4:1, 5-9; Matthew 5:17-19
Thursday: Jeremiah 7:23-28; Luke 11:14-23
Friday: Hosea 14:2-10; Mark 12:28-34
Saturday: Hosea 6:1-6; Luke 18:9-14
Sunday: Joshua 5:9a, 10-12;2 Corinthians 5:17-21
Psalm 34:2-3, 4-5, 6-7;Luke 15:1-3, 11-32
COMMUNITY LIFE
The PASTORAL COUNCIL will meet on Saturday, April 10th at 9:30am in the Joseph Room.
The FINANCE COUNCIL will meet on Tuesday, March 23rd at 7pm on the Rectory Porch.
Our PARISH LENTEN MISSION with Father Edward Beck, C.P., will be held on Sunday, MARCH 14th at 7pm in the Auditorium. Come one! Come all! Bring a friend!
Please join us on Tuesday, May 11th for a book discussion & conversation with Fr. Don at 7:30pm in Sacred Heart Hall on the recently published My Life with the Saints, by Father James Martin, SJ.
St. Mary’s Rosary Society ~ Please join us for our next meeting on Wednesday, MARCH 10th after the 9am Mass. We will meet at 9:30am at the St. Joseph Room. Come and enjoy the recital of the Holy Rosary. Bring a friend!
ATTENTION WOMEN OF ST. MARY’S ~ BYOB (Bring Your Own Bible)! Join us for a monthly Women’s Bible Study, Discussion & Reflection. Meet us in the Joseph Room (10-11am) on the following dates: April 14th, and May 19th. If you have any questions or want to RSVP, please call Avida Del Genio at 277-0520 or Sister Patty at 581-4266, x134.
THE SHAWL MINISTRY will meet on MARCH 18th from 1:00pm to 3:00pm in the Joseph Room. Each shawl, baby hat, lap throw or blanket is made with special prayers before given to those in need of comfort during an illness, recovery or bereavement to remind them that they are part of a parish community and that they will be remembered in prayer. To learn more about this wonderful ministry, please call Collette at 277-0759.
A
WEEK OF DIRECTED PRAYER ~ Sunday, MARCH 21st – Saturday, MARCH 27th.
A great opportunity to renew and refresh your spirit! This is a retreat you
can do at home and then meet each day with a prayer guide in the parish. For
more information about this great opportunity for growth in freedom and love,
call Sister Patty (x 134) or Claire Moule (x122).
ST.
MARY’S MEN’S MINISTRY:
All men, 18 years of age and older, are invited to attend our next gathering
on Tuesday, MARCH 16th at 7:30pm in Sacred Heart Hall.
We will read and reflect on the Passion and Death of Our Lord
(John 18:1-19:42). Come and join us on this journey of our faith, bring a
friend!
HOLD
THIS DATE! VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL ~ JULY 19-23:
We hope you will plan to join us for another fun filled week of faith! Open
to all those ages 4 (who have finished 1 year of Pre-K) thru 6th
Grade. Adult & Teen Volunteers needed (Grade 7 & up) and a
Nurse for each day. For more information, please call Theresa
Roach at 581-4266, x124.
CALLING All HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS! You are invited to join us at our St. Mary’s Youth Group Meetings on Sundays: February 28th & Sunday, March 14th after the 5pm Mass. We will meet at 6:15pm in Sacred Heart Hall. If you have any questions, please call Fr. Janusz, Moderator, at 581-4266 or e-mail: jmocarski@stmaryseastislip.org. (Schedule of future meetings will be forthcoming).
PARISH SPAGHETTI DINNER! A Youth Ministry Retreat fund-raiser on Monday, MARCH 15th from 5pm to 7pm in the Auditorium. Raffles & 50/50! Prepaid tickets (by 3/12): $5/adults & $3/children. Tickets sold at the door: $7/adults & $5/children. Proceeds from this event will go towards the cost of our Youth Retreat to Camp DeWolfe in Wading River (April30-May2). This retreat is open to youth in Grades 6-12. For tickets information & reservations call Theresa Roach at 581-4266, x124.
ATTENTION TEENS! YOUTH MINISTRY is about FUN, FAITH & FRIENDSHIP & SERVICE! Hold this date for our next YOUTH RETREAT~APRIL 30th-MAY 2nd. For more info, call Theresa Roach at 581-4266, x124 or e-mail stmarysteenministry@yahoo.com.
YOUTH MINISTRY WISH LIST: A small couch, love seat, or small chairs for our meeting room in the FFE Office.
HELP WANTED: Our Youth Ministry is growing! We are also looking for someone to be in charge of monthly service projects and work collaboratively with our Youth Ministry Leadership Team. Background checks and Virtus Training will be required. For more info about any of the above, please call Theresa Roach at 581-4266, x124.
ATTENTION ALL ARTISTS in Grades 5-12 ~ You are invited to paint an Icon of an Angel on Saturday, March 13th at 1-3:30pm in the Family Faith Enrichment Office. All students may participate in the 4th Annual Christian Icon Art Exhibition held on April 17th. There is a $7 materials fee which includes canvas, paint, brushes, inspiration & snack. To register, please call Theresa Roach at 581-
TEENS WANTED for CHILDREN’S STATIONS OF THE CROSS REHEARSALS on Sunday, MARCH 28th (1:30pm) & APRIL 2nd (9:30am) in the Auditorium. Children’s Stations of the Cross will be held on Good Friday, April 2nd at 12Noon in the Auditorium. If interested, please call Theresa Roach at 581-3304, x124.
Help Wanted! MUSICALLY TALENTED STUDENTS to be a part of the RELIGIOUS EDUCATION WEEK CHOIR! The Mass will be held on Sunday, March 21, 2010 at 3pm at St. Agnes Cathedral. If interested, please call Claire Moule at 581-4266, x122.
PRAYER-A-CISE: LADIES OF ALL AGES! Please join us in a comfortable, serene setting and learn another way to pray through dance which can enhance our prayer life. Great music~learn at your own pace~have fun~find peace! We meet on Wednesday evenings in the Rectory Chapel at 7:15pm (6:45pm for beginners). We look forward to seeing you! For more info, please call Marianne Brandt at 516-480-8722.
ST. MARY SCHOOL NEWS! REGISTRATION FOR 2010-2011 SCHOOL YEAR is ongoing. Please call 581-3423.
CASINO TRIP to MOHEGAN SUN ~ Come have fun . . . Saturday, March 20th. Call 581-4266 #4 for reservations. $35 per person and receive $10 food voucher & $10 wheel chip.
St. Mary School Family Association Fashion Show is Thursday, March 25th at 6pm at Timber Point Country Club in Great River. This year’s theme is “A Night at the Beach.” It is a night to celebrate friendship and enjoy fun fashions, dinner, and exciting raffles. Adult ticket prices are $55. For further information, contact Gina Bianculli at 859-5206 or e-mail makeafriend1240@aol.com. Tickets can also be purchased by contacting the School Main Office at 581-3423 or at the SCRIP table in the auditorium after Sunday Masses.
SCRIP is great to use to buy your groceries each week at the supermarket or even to give as gifts to family and friends. You get dollar for dollar on every purchase. The merchants support our school by you participating in the SCRIP Program. Please don’t forget to purchase your SCRIP either after Mass in the Church or Auditorium or in the School Business Office on school days. Thank you!
|
FORMATION |
Dear Friends,
One of my favorite authors is Charles Dickens. In his novel A Tale of Two Cities he writes “It was the best of times; it was the worst of times.” Dickens’ description of 19th Century England could easily be applied to the current economic crisis that is affecting everyone.
No one knows when this global recession will end. Nor are there any signs to indicate that things are improving. On the contrary, it would seem things are getting worse. We continue to hear and read news reports about impending layoffs in agencies like the MTA and closures like nearby Heckscher State Park. Even the Diocese of Rockville Centre recently announced it would be taking preventive measures like its Voluntary Separation Program to offset deficits that it and its parishes would be experiencing this year and into the future.
Yet, despite this bleak picture coupled with our own past financial difficulties, we as a parish continue to operate. That doesn’t mean, however, that we have nothing to be concerned about. We still aren’t “out of the woods!” But unlike the world around us, we do show signs of improvement.
If you looked at the parish financial report for the past fiscal year (9/1/08-8/31/09), you would have noticed that we ended with a $39,000 deficit. That figure is higher since it doesn’t include $200,000 that the parish borrowed from the $500,000 line of credit afforded us by the diocese and which must be paid back in three years. Nevertheless, the overall deficit of $239,000 is $211,000 less than what was predicted. This would not have happened if we hadn’t taken some drastic measures to reduce spending. We continue to monitor expenses and will make further cuts where possible if demanded.
Besides reducing costs and exercising good judgment in buying, the parish needs to increase its revenue. Back in the Fall, members of the Parish Finance Council spoke at every Mass asking parishioners to increase their weekly contribution. We have recently begun to see signs of that increased giving. A word of “thanks” is extended to those who have generously responded to that request. But it’s still not enough.
If every household in the parish contributed $350 a year, that is roughly $6.75 a week or about 95cents a day, we would be on easy street. The fact is less than 20% of our registered parishioners attend Sunday Mass, and of those who do attend only 20% are giving more than $10.00 a week. Simply put, a very small percentage of parishioners are carrying the financial weight of the parish of St Mary. Is that fair? I don’t think so. We need to do better. AND I BELIEVE WE CAN DO BETTER!
I am asking those of you who have not increased your giving to please consider doing so. I am asking those who give only a dollar or two each week to consider doubling your amount. I’d like to see more of Lincoln and less of Washington. And I am asking those who let the collection basket pass without putting anything in it to reconsider their obligation and to start dropping some money in the Sunday collection. This is a group effort. We will only succeed if we all participate.
Up to now we have been fortunate to maintain all our parish ministries and not cut any services. That’s not to say that will be the case in the future unless we increase our offertory revenue. Currently, we are about $2,500 short each week in meeting the expenses for which we budgeted. If more people do what I just mentioned in the previous paragraph we will be able to bridge the gap, pay off our debt and even put money away for a “rainy day,” and create a reserve fund.
We have made considerable progress in trimming the budget. We’ve cut when and where it was necessary and we promise to continue to do as needed. When purchasing, we are very conscious of getting the most for our dollar. We are trying to be what the Sym’s commercial suggests, “everyone loves an educated consumer.”
One specific example of how we are saving money involves the removal of snow. I’m sure all of you can relate to that task, especially with the kind of winter storms we’ve had this season. We are able to save the parish money because we don’t hire out a private contractor. Our snow removal is done by our maintenance staff, who by the way, have done and continue to do a remarkable job when you figure the amount of snow removal that needs to be done with a plant our size: the walkways, steps and parking lots.
But to do that kind of plowing, shoveling, salting and snow blowing, you need the right equipment, and that costs money. So we have been diligent in repairing some of the older machinery and have replaced antiquated machinery with new and better equipment, all of which are cost efficient. But to do that, you also need money. When it comes to snow, we are no different from you at home – it has to be removed. The only difference is that the parish’s task and responsibility is significantly larger and more demanding.
Meanwhile, as we continue to weather another type of storm – the current economic storm – let me once again reassure you that we are doing everything possible as a parish to become financially solvent again. Though we have certainly felt the pinch like everyone else, we’ve made great strides and we promise that we will continue to do so. Although we would prefer a quicker rebound, let’s not lose hope. We are moving in the right direction. Please keep up your support, both spiritual and financial for “it is in giving that we receive.”
God bless you,
Fr. Don
Please take home a butterfly located in the baskets by the entrance to the Auditorium or at the Offertory Table in the Church, and pray for one of the children that are preparing to celebrate their First Eucharist this year.
On
Sunday, APRIL 18th, couples married 50 years or more are
invited to a special Mass to be celebrated by Bishop John Dunne at St.
Lawrence the Martyr in Sayville at 3pm.
Please pick up your registration card at the Rectory Reception Desk,
complete it, and return to the Rectory in time to reach the Diocese of
Rockville Centre no later than April 2nd. Approximately one
week before the ceremony, information regarding the day will be mailed to
you. If you have any questions, please call 516-678-5800, x583.
MORNING FOR WOMEN ~ Ruth & Naomi Companions on the Journey: A morning of prayer, input, reflection & sharing on Tuesday, MARCH 9th (9:30am-12Noon) at St. Ignatius Jesuit Retreat House (251 Searingtown Rd., Manhasset, NY). Presenters: Sr. Karen Doyle, SSJ and Dot Horstmann. Free will donation. For info, call 516-621-8300, x15 or visit www.inisfada.net.
Fr. Hugh will hold a Lenten Scripture Class on the PASSION & RESURRECTION NARRATIVES on Tuesday evenings during Lent March 9, 16, & 23) from 7:30pm to 9pm in the Rectory Chapel.
NEEDED ~ Facilitators for our “Catholics Return Home Program.” This program is designed to reach out to non-practicing Catholics who wish to return to the Church and the sacraments. We meet for 6 weeks beginning in October on Monday evening at 7:30pm until 9pm in the Joseph Room. If you are interested in helping with this ministry, please contact Claire Moule at 581-4266, x122.
RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) is for those individuals that have either never been baptized or were baptized in a different Faith Tradition and desire to celebrate Eucharist and Confirmation in the Roman Catholic faith If you are interested in learning more about our Tradition of Faith and the RCIA process, please call Claire Moule at 581-4266, x122.
PRE-CANA:
Proper marriage preparation is a priority in the Church. As a sign that
the whole parish is involved in this preparation, more than the priests of the
parish are involved. There are four areas where interested parishioners
may minister: 1). The initial meeting with the engaged couples.
2). Helping the couples with FOCCUS. This tool is strongly recommended
by the Bishops of the US, and helps the couple look at the different areas of
marriage that are important for discussion before entering marriage. 3).
The Pre-Cana In-Home Sessions facilitated by married couples. (The first
and last meetings are held on parish grounds.) 4). Leading the
rehearsals before the marriage.
COMMUNION
TO THE HOMEBOUND:
If you know anyone who is unable to come to Mass on Sunday and who would like
to receive Holy Communion, please call the Rectory Office and one of the
Eucharistic ministers will be happy to visit with them.
|
LITURGY |
ST. MARY’S MISSION STATEMENT
“A vision of Church as envisioned by the Second Vatican Council, the Gospel message proclaimed by the Lord, Jesus Christ, the solemn obligation to hear the cry of all those in need.”
With these as
our FOUNDATIONAL STONES, the
ST. MARY’S MISSION STATEMENT is:
“CENTERED IN THE WORD OF GOD AND THE GIFT OF JESUS IN OUR MIDST, THE MISSION OF ST. MARY’S PARISH FAMILY IS TO BE A WELCOMING COMMUNITY WHICH PROCLAIMS THROUGH WORD AND ACTION THE DIGNITY OF EVERY PERSON.”
Please remember to silence your cell phone or pager before Mass. Thank you for your consideration & cooperation!
Sacrament of Reconciliation ~ During Lent, Confessions will be held on Wednesdays from 8-8:45am in the Church, and Saturdays from 4-4:45pm in the Church. The parish Communal Penance Service will be held on Thursday, March 25th at 9:45am & 7:30pm in the Church (the service will be followed by individual confessions). Holy Week Confessions (Church): Monday, March 29th from 3:30-8:30pm; Wednesday, March 31st from 8-8:45am; Good Friday, April 2nd from 11am-12Noon; and Holy Saturday from 3:30-5pm.
Stations of the Cross & Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament will be held on all Fridays during Lent in the Church from 12 Noon-1pm.
TAIZE Prayer: March 30th at 7:30pm in the Rectory Chapel.
LITURGICAL MINISTERS! PLEASE NOTE . . . On the upcoming EM/Lector Schedule, April 4th (Easter Sunday) was inadvertently listed. This is a separate sign-up. If you would like to serve at any Mass on Good Friday, Easter Vigil or Easter Sunday, please call Teresa Van Buren (x105). Thank you!
ATTENTION
EXTRAORDINARY MINISTERS OF HOLY COMMUNION, LECTORS & USHERS!
We are in need of your services for the First Eucharist Masses
that will be held in the Church during the Easter season. The Masses begin on
Saturday, April 10th and continue each weekend
until Saturday, May 23rd. The Masses will be
held at 11am & 1pm in the Church. If you are able to help, please call
Claire Moule at 581-4266, x122.
HOLY HOUR: Please join us as we pray for priests every third Monday of the month in the Church from 12noon to 1pm.
CHILDREN’S CHOIR: Our next rehearsal will be Tuesday, MARCH 9th from 6-7pm in the Auditorium. We will be singing at the Children’s Stations of the Cross on Good Friday and at the 9:15am Mass on Easter Sunday. We are always in search of new members to join us. Please contact Mrs. Cook at stmaryschildrenschoir@yahoo.com or speak to Barbara Grace, x107.
New members are welcome! For information, call the Music Ministry Office or contact Mrs. Cook at stmaryschildrenschoir@yahoo.com.
ADULT CHOIR: Our next rehearsal is Wednesday, March 10th at 7:30pm in the Auditorium. All welcome!
CENTERING
PRAYER 
“Centering Yourself in Prayer” ~ Take some time from your busy, hectic day/week! Spend some quiet, quality time with God! “When two or more are gathered in my name. . .” Our next gathering is Monday, March 8th at 10am in the Rectory Chapel for approximately 30 minutes; come, sit and pray in a small circle and in a non-threatening, non-intimidating manner. Have your own inner, reflective, meditative time with God. For more info, call Sister Patty at 581-4266, x134 or visit www.contemplativeoutreach.org.
Please
remember that the Mass Intention for the fourth Sunday of each month at
the 5pm Mass on Sunday will be ”PEACE IN THE WORLD”. On the
first Monday of each month, we will celebrate Eucharistic Devotion from
5pm –8:30pm in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel in the Church.
Just a Reminder: If a child has not as yet received his or her First Eucharist and walks up in the communion procession each week and would like to receive a Blessing, please have the child cross his or her hands across their heart. This gesture indicates to the Priest or Extraordinary Minister that the child standing before him or her would like to receive a Blessing.
CIRCLE
OF SCRIPTURE
Please
join us each Tuesday to break open and pray the Scripture of the day at 8:30am
in the Joseph Room. All are welcome!
Third Time
Thomas A. Viskovick, Jr. and Daniele Connors
The Sick
Queen of All Saints ~ Our Sister Parish
The Deceased
Queen of All Saints ~ Our Sister Parish
Francis Clarke, Terron Massengung
NEEDED:
Caring flexible people willing to join a funeral team that rotates every
six weeks. Our teams are in need of parishioners that are available
usually during the day to help families prepare the funeral liturgy. This
area of the Ministry of Consolation deals directly with families. Mentoring
and interviewing skills will be provided. There are special people that can
fill this need. We welcome your help.
The ANOINTING OF THE SICK will be celebrated on Saturday, April 10, 2010 at the 8:30am Mass in the Church. All are most welcome ~ Please come and pray with us!
Opportunity for Spiritual Direction: A parishioner has recently completed studies and certification requirements at St. Ignatius Retreat Center program for Spiritual Directors. If you are seeking a spiritual director, this may be a good contact. Please call Sister Patty at 481-4266 x134 for additional information.
Devotional Wall Candles ~ Week of March 7th
Donated by Ginger Michelini Carls in honor of Michael Michelini.
Bread & Wine Offering ~ Sunday, March 7th
9:15am Mass: The Bread & Wine was donated anonymously in honor of Francis McCaffrey.
PARISH SOCIAL MINISTRIES
Parish Outreach Office
Hours
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday 9:30-4:30;
Thursday 1:00-4:30
Dear All of You,
God got Moses’ attention all right . . . a bush ragingly burned, but was not consumed. What a curiosity! Moses came closer. God then spoke, “I am the God of your mothers and fathers. I heard the cries of the suffering and I am here to rescue.”
Probably many of us think that encounters of this highest kind can only happen to people like Moses and in a long ago time and a long ago place.
More often, it is we who clamor for God’s attention. We storm heaven with our prayer, especially if we are fearful and troubled. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we would hear, “I heard the cries of the suffering and I am here to rescue.”
But my unexplainable faith tells me that God does seek out my attention. For me God’s voice hasn’t come booming forth from a bush on fire. Maybe God speaks through a lingering thought that seems to come out of no where, an unusual feeling of peace in a very stressful situation, the advice of a dear friend or as I listen and get involved with someone else’s sorrow.
God speaks to us in our everyday language and in the ordinary of our lives. A major reason for missing the message is that we underestimate God’s indescribable love for us. God has great compassion and does not want us to suffer. We must believe this even when there isn’t a bush burning on our lawn.
When Moses asked God, “What will I tell the people if they ask your name?” God replied, “I am.”
God’s name is the perfect response to our every plea.
“Please help me and my family.” “I am.”
“Heal me.” “I am.”
“Forgive me.” “I am.”
In Wisdom’s love, Sr. Camille
Please note: PARISH SOCIAL MINISTRIES HAS A NEW PHONE NUMBER ~ 581-7070
RAINBOWS:
Parish Social Ministry offers a support group for children and parents
struggling to cope with the effects that separation and divorce have upon
their family dynamics. We are in need of sensitive and caring individuals
willing to be trained to work with this specific population. If you would
like to be considered for this special ministry, please contact Sr. Camille at
581-4266, x128.
FOOD PANTRY NEEDS ~Each week the people of St. Mary’s Parish donate very generously to our Food Pantry & Outreach. The following statistics show exactly how these donations were used: We served 196 people, some people more than once. These included 72 children, 114 adults and 10 senior citizens. We were able to give 227 people food, 10 people bus tickets, 60 people thrift shop vouchers and other basic needs of living. God bless the parishioners of St. Mary!!!
ST
MARY’S EASTER FOOD DELIVERIES:
Volunteers are being solicited to help in the preparation and delivery
of EASTER FOOD BASKETS to those in need. On Friday, APRIL 2nd
at 4:30pm (immediately following the Solemn Liturgy of the Passion and
Death of the Lord) volunteers (young and not so young) are needed to
assemble the food baskets. The estimated time for this would be 1½
hours. On Saturday, APRIL 3rd starting at 10am, volunteers
are needed to help deliver the food baskets to the recipients. The
delivery process should take about 1 hour. If you are available, please
contact Rosanne at our Parish Social Ministry Office at 581-7070, x129.
Our
Thrift Shop is once again back to regular hours ~ from 10m to 4pm everyday
except Sunday. Come in to browse around and look for great bargains.
Remember that you can get St. Mary School uniforms for free! Perhaps you
would consider volunteering for one of the 3-hour shifts per week? Call Rosanne
at 581-4266, x129.
FOOD
DELIVERY VOLUNTEERS NEEDED ~ AS LITTLE AS ONE HOUR PER YEAR:
As you can imagine, the need for
food in this current economic climate has dramatically increased. Our
parish is able to help by providing food to many of our neighbors.
Volunteers are being solicited for seasonal food deliveries (about one hour of
your time) for Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas. Also, we are in
need of additional volunteers who would be able to deliver food baskets to those
who call the Outreach Office but cannot pick up the food. This would
require a commitment of -at the most- a few days per month. If you
are motivated to help in any way, please contact Parish Social Ministry at
581-4266, x128. Thank you in advance for your consideration.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:
TRANSPORTATION
~ The Parish Social Ministry is in need of people who would be able to provide
rides to parishioners to supermarkets, doctors’ appointments, and Sunday
MORE VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES: Parish Social Ministry offers a unique opportunity to be a part of the numerous ministries serving others. We can give you information on being a part of the Core or Reception Team in the Outreach Office, Thrift Shop, Rainbows or Bread of Life Ministry to name just a few. Please call 581-4266, x128. You can make a difference!
MINISTRY OF REASSURANCE ~ St. Mary’s Parish Social Ministry offers the Ministry of Reassurance to anyone who is homebound or in a nursing home. If you, or someone you know, would like a friendly phone call or note, please call Nora at 581-4266, x133. Feel free to leave a message and she will return your call. If you would be interested in volunteering your time in this ministry, please call 581-4266, x129.
If you or someone you know is in need of assistance, please contact the Outreach Office of Parish Social Ministry at 581-4266, ext. 128. All contacts will be confidential.
PRAYER/SUPPORT GROUPS:
The next meeting for
Catholic Gays/Lesbians and their Parents will be held on the third Tuesday
of each month at 7:30pm. For further information, please call Al and
Rita Mazza at 631-650-7016.
If you are in any process of Divorce and Separation and would like information regarding the support and prayer group, please contact Parish Social Ministry at 581-4266 ext. 128. All calls confidential.
How well are you caring for yourself so you can care for others? St. Mary’s hosts “COMPASSION FATIGUE” on Saturday, March 13th from 9:30am to 11:15am in Sacred Heart Hall, and presented by Barbara Redmond, RN, BSN. Parents, caregivers, professionals . . . Come be renewed! Please contact the Rectory Receptionist to reserve a seat at 581-4266, x100.
BEREAVEMENT CONFERENCE: “Open My Heart, O Lord,” the Diocesan Bereavement Conference, will be held at Kellenberg Memorial High School on Saturday, March 20th from 8:30am to 5:30pm. This conference is for the bereaved and the people who minister to them. The cost is $50 per person if postmarked by February 22nd. For additional information, registration and workshop selections, please contact Elaine Stillwell at 516-334-7990, x120 or access the web site at www.holyroodcemetery.org/bereavement. If you would like to car pool with others attending the conference, please contact Pat McKelvey at 581-6299 to make these arrangements.
Please
remember in your prayer those members of St. Mary’s Parish who serve in the
Military and have asked for our prayers. If you have a relative or friend
that you would like to add to our Prayer List, please call Teresa Van Buren at
581-4266 (x105).
Let us remember in our prayer:
James Misner, Nick Cerbone, Michael Skelly, Travis Trelsa, Kyle Kalman, Colin Dornemann, Anthony Adam Wilson, Ryan Samuels, John Gregory Finn, Adam Ferrone, Robert Necci, Jr., Crpl. Joseph Hart, William L’Hommedieu, Michael Paradiso, Robert Domozych, Private Donald Scott, Andrew Citarella, Jr., Logan Phillips, Paul Minihan, Colleen Stephens-Minihan, Sgt. Timothy Chaplin, Lance Corporal Marine Matthew Gervais, Keith & Teague Liming, Ray Callahan, SSGT Rick Seitz USAF, Christopher Hill, Ray Sigman, John Parry, Evan Kennedy, Michael Pare, Petty Officer 2nd Class Perry Bellino, Charles Flood III, Petty Officer Mike Bottego, Master Chief Scott McKendrick, and Commander Mick Mortimer.
RESPECT LIFE
Pro-Life Counseling Centers nearest to abortion sites: Life Center of L.I. (35 E Willow St., Massapequa)-call 516-798-9100 for hours; Birthright of Nassau/Suffolk (Smithtown)-call 631-360-7707 for hours; Hempstead (bilingual counseling)-call 516-408-6300 for hours. PRAY that the slaughter of the innocents through the practice of abortion may come to an end.
LET YOUR VOICE BE HEARD! CATHOLIC CHARITIES is urging us to contact our elected officials to Support an Extension of Jobless Worker Benefits & COBRA through the end of 2010. Without congressional action, these critical benefits will run out at the end of February affecting millions of dislocated workers. Sign on to www.catholiccharitiesusa.org. click on ADVOCACY and then TAKE ACTION. Once connected, you will be able to read in detail the documentation in question. If you agree, click on TAKE ACTION. Thank you.
Ministry & Development
Thank you for sharing your Treasure
Last Week’s Offering $19,410
Biweekly Offering (EFT)……… $ 2,817
A Will is your final statement of your Christian stewardship. When planning your bequests and memorials, prayerfully consider including our parish community of St. Mary’s.
“Sunday Reflection”
“To be a saint means to pass through the world gathering fruits for heaven from every tree and reaping God’s glory in every field. The saint is one who is in contact with God in every possible way, in every possible direction. He is united to God by the depths of his [or her] own being. He sees and touches God in everything and everyone around him. Everywhere he goes, the world rings and resounds (though silently) with the deep harmonies of God’s glory.”
Thomas Merton ~ Seasons of Celebration
NEXT VIRTUS CLASSES will be held in the St. Mary School Library on Wednesday, MARCH 10th at 1pm & 7pm; and Tuesday, MARCH 16th at 10am. All parish volunteers over the age of 16 are required to take the class. A Volunteer Application for a background check is also required. For more information or to register, please contact Jack Abruzzo, Director of Ministry Development & Operations, at 581-4266, x125.
2010 CATHOLIC MINISTRIES APPEAL ~ One Faith, One Hope, Many Gifts: Every year, through the support and commitment of individuals and organizations, we serve more than 500,000 people in our Long Island community. This support enables our children to continue to receive the gift of spiritual formation, sacramental preparation, and quality education. It allows seminarians, deacons, and lay leaders to fulfill their calling to serve their community. With our support, Catholic Charities can maintain its services for the poor and disadvantaged, and we can continue to reach out to our young people and others to find the best ways to guide and pass on our faith from generation to generation. Please visit us at www.catholicministriesappeal.org.
Attention all Parishioners of St. Mary & St. Mary School Families!
Effective immediately, St. Mary’s has a new phone system. Please note the new separate telephone numbers:
St. Mary’s Parish: 631-581-4266
St. Mary School: 631-581-3423
Parish Social Ministry: 631-581-7070
Family Faith Enrichment: 631-581-3304
(Please note that the FFE Office also includes the following ministries:
FFE (x122), Baptism (x120), Family Life & Youth (x124).
THE CATHOLIC RELIEF SERVICES COLLECTION is next weekend (March 14th). This collection helps to fund six Catholic organizations that improve the quality of life and protect human dignity. Your gift will support agricultural development to strengthen economies and create food sustainability, provide outreach services to survivors of human trafficking, and supply pastoral care and advocacy for immigrants and refugees. By helping the marginalized and impoverished, you give hope to Jesus in disguise. Please be generous in your charitable contribution in next week’s Catholic Relief Services Collection.
DEVOTIONAL
WALL CANDLES ~ Located in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel in the Church
Weekly Wall Candle Devotions for any occasion ~ to honor someone’s Birthday, Special Anniversary, Sacrament Celebration, Memorial, etc. Name of Honoree will appear in the bulletin and underneath the candle. Minimum of 2 weeks prior to the desired week must be given to meet the bulletin printing deadline. Please see the Rectory Receptionist during office hours to arrange. Offering is $25 per week.
BREAD
& WINE OFFERING ~ One Offering for each Sunday Mass
Dedicate a Bread & Wine Offering for a loved one to celebrate any occasion. Honoree’s name will appear in the bulletin. Minimum of 2 weeks prior to the desired Sunday must be given to meet bulletin printing deadline. Please see the Rectory Receptionist during office hours to arrange. Offering is $25 per Mass.
Stewardship Prayer
Generous God,
I give thanks to you for the gifts you have given me ~ my life, my family, my friends ~ time, talents, and material possessions. All that I have comes from you. Help me to remember this and rejoice in your goodness.
Walk with me, my God. Help me, on my spiritual journey, so that I may constantly renew my relationship with you and all the good people in our parish and throughout Long Island.
Renew in me your Spirit. Give me the strength and courage to become a better follower of Jesus, to be a disciple. Help me hear the call to “Come, Follow Me.”
I give glory to you, my God as I make
Stewardship a way of life.
Amen.
REMEMBER OUR PARISH
Please consider continuing your lifelong stewardship by leaving a bequest to St. Mary’s. A gift to us in your will or trust affirms your everlasting commitment to the Parish’s life and works. You can instruct your attorney to use this wording:
I hereby give, devise and bequeath to St. Mary’s Church, with offices at 20 Harrison Avenue, East Islip, NY, the sum of $_____ to be used for its most urgent needs.
As an alternative, you can make a gift of what remains in your estate or living trust after all other bequests and expenses have been paid:
I hereby give, devise and bequeath to St. Mary’s Church, with offices at 20 Harrison Avenue, East Islip, NY, all the rest, residue and remainder of my estate (trust) to be used for its most urgent needs.
For more information about remembering the Parish in your will or living trust, or to request a brochure, please contact Barbara Kilarijian, Director of Marketing and Development at the Diocese of Rockville Centre at 516-379-5210, x229.
St. Mary’s Automated Sacrificial Giving
St. Mary’s is pleased to offer Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) as a convenient way for you to deliver your regular sacrificial gift to our parish. Here’s why you may want to consider this option:
Convenience ~ Your gift is automatically received once a month.
Consistency and Planning ~ Even when you are away, your gift provides consistent support of our parish and ministries. Your participation enhances our budget planning.
Confidentiality and Security ~ EFT utilizes the Automated Clearing House (ACH), the same network used for Direct Deposit and Electronic Bill Payment. In addition, paperless transfer prevents possibility of loss or theft.
Community ~ We will continue to send you envelopes. If you choose, mark your weekly envelope with the letters “EFT” and place it in the collection basket. This will allow you to participate in the offertory, and will assure us that your gift is not missing from the envelope. Also included in this mailing are specialty envelopes not part of this program.
If you are interested in this option, please complete and submit the form below. For further information, contact the Office of Ministry & Development at 581-4266, x125.
AUTOMATED GIVING AUTHORIZATION FORM
I, ____________________________________, authorize St. Mary’s R.C. Church, East Islip, New York, to initiate monthly withdrawals from my (choose one): ( ) Checking, ( ) Statement Savings, or ( ) Money Market account.
To convert a weekly gift to a monthly one, multiply dollar amount by 4 ⅓.
My monthly sacrificial gift is $____________. I would like my gift to be deducted from my account on the (choose one):
( ) 1st of each month, or ( ) 15th of each month.
Note: Your gift will be clearly listed on your monthly bank statement.
This authorization will remain in effect until St. Mary’s
______________________________ _______________________ Date:__________
Authorized signature for account Printed Name
______________________________ __________________________ Date:__________
Joint signature for account Printed Name
Please retain a copy of this completed form for your records. Attach a voided check to the original document and return it to:
St. Mary’s Office of Ministry & Development – EFT, 20 Harrison Avenue, East Islip, NY 11730-2391
Queen of All Saints Church is a Roman Catholic Community of believers whose mission is to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ through Word and Deed. Mandated by Christ to love and serve God and one another, we worship our God and address the needs of humanity during these challenging times. We embrace this mandate by standing firm in our faith that Jesus Christ is our Lord and Savior.
MOVING TO or FROM ST. MARY’S PARISH? Please assist us in keeping our records up-to-date by completing this form and returning it either in the collection basket or to the Rectory. Thank you!
___*New to St. Mary’s ~ Welcome! ___Change of Address ___Moving out of parish ___Phone
(*Please contact the Rectory to register at 581-4266, ext. 125)
Name: ___________________________
Address: _________________________
Phone: __________________________