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.

SATURDAY  03/13

8:30 a.m.          Bea Acorn

5:00 p.m.          Marie & August Speth              Fr. Janusz

SUNDAY  03/14

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

MONDAY  03/15

7:30 a.m.          Vincent Li Buono

9:00 a.m.          Francis Mc Caffrey

TUESDAY 03/16

7:30 a.m.          David Sce

9:00 a.m.         Thomas Frascinella


WEDNESDAY 03/17 ~ Feast of St. Patrick

7:30 a.m.         Charles R. Kessler

9:00 a.m.          The Burns Family

THURSDAY  03/18

7:30 a.m.          Robert Farrell

9:00 a.m.          Joyce Baratto

FRIDAY  03/19 ~ Feast of St. Joseph

7:30 a.m.         Nick Roberts

9:00 a.m.         Frank Ferrentino

SATURDAY  03/20

8:30 a.m.          Joan Meehan

5:00 p.m.          Donald Bucher                          Fr. Hugh

SUNDAY  03/21

7:30 a.m.          Carman Chavez                       Fr. Janusz

9:15 a.m.          Frank Chiodo                           Fr. Don

10:45 a.m.       Brendan Bury                            Fr. Don

11:00 a.m.       All Parishioners                        Fr. Janusz

12:15 p.m.       Anthony J. Santoro

                           Rosanne Urraro

                           Pasquale Urraro

                           Rosa Maria Villegas

                           John Burbank

                           Juan Conception Rivera        Fr. Pete

5:00 p.m.          Francis Mc Caffrey                  Fr. Hugh

THE SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION (PENANCE)

Penance on Wednesday, March 17^th at 8-8:45am     Fr. Don

Penance on Saturday, March 20^th at 4-4:45pm          Fr. Don

SCRIPTURE READINGS FOR THE WEEK

Monday:                 Isaiah 65:17-21; John 4:43-54

Tuesday:                Ezekiel 47:1-9, 12; John 5:1-16

Wednesday:          Isaiah 49:8-15; John 5:17-30

Thursday:               Exodus 32:7-14; John 5:31-47

Friday:                    2 Samuel 7:4-5, 12-14, 16;

       Romans 4:13, 16-18, 22;

       Matthew 1:16, 18-21, 24

Saturday:               Jeremiah 11:18-20; John 7:40-53

Sunday:                 Isaiah 43:16-21

                               Philippians 3:8-14

                               Psalm 126:1-2, 2-3, 4-5, 6

                               John 8:1-11

 COMMUNITY LIFE

The PASTORAL COUNCIL will meet on Saturday, April 10^th 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 14^th at 7pm in the Auditorium.  Come one!  Come all!  Bring a friend!

Please join us on Tuesday, May 11^th 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.

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 14^th, and May 19^th.  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 18^th 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 21^st – Saturday, MARCH 27^th.  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 16^th 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 6^th 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 Sunday, March 14^th 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 15^th 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 30^th-MAY 2^nd. 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 13^th at 1-3:30pm in the Family Faith Enrichment Office.  All students may participate in the 4^th Annual Christian Icon Art Exhibition held on April 17^th.  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 28^th (1:30pm) & APRIL 2^nd (9:30am) in the Auditorium.  Children’s Stations of the Cross will be held on Good Friday, April 2^nd 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 20^th.  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 25^th 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!

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Dear Friends,  

When it comes to celebrating the saints this is the week for two of the most popular ~ St. Patrick (March 17^th) and St. Joseph (March 19^th). 

Unlike many of the early Christian saints whose biographies are largely attributed to legends and other hagiographical sources, Patrick’s life history is quite different.  The details of his life (387-493) are rather historical, thanks to two authentic letters he wrote, Declaration and Letter to the Soldiers of Coroticus which give us a short account of his person and mission.

Patrick (Latin name is Patricius and Irish name is Naomb Padroig) was born in Roman Britain  at Banna Venta Berniae.  His father Calpornius was a deacon and his grandfather Potitus was a priest.  We know that he was captured as a teen by Irish raiders and taken as a slave to Ireland where he worked as a herdsman for about six years.  He writes in Declaration that during his captivity he prayed daily and his faith grew.  It is likely in one of those prayer times that he heard a “voice” telling him to go home.  Subsequently, he fled his master and traveled some 200 miles to a port where he boarded a ship back to his native land where he was reunited with his family.

Back home he resumed his studies under monastic tutelage.  He was then ordained a priest and eventually became a bishop.  Years later Patrick had another vision in which he heard the voice of Victoricus, asking Patrick to return to Ireland and care for the spiritual well-being of the Irish people in the north and west of the island.  Victoricus served as Archbishop of Rouen in the late 4^th century and was the only church official at the time to advocate the practice of converting pagans.  Patrick accepted his new role as missionary and went back to Ireland.

In his writings Patrick indicates that as a bishop he “baptized thousands of people.”  He ordained local men as priests to lead the new faith communities he had founded.  Some of the people he converted were kings and tribal chieftains; others were wealthy women who became nuns much to the disapproval of their families.

But Patrick also had his share of problems as he spread the gospel.  His missionary work came at a great price.  He refused to accept gifts from kings.  His refusal put him at odds with rulers who considered his actions disobedient and ungrateful.  Since he was a foreigner without protection of the law, he reports that on one occasion he was beaten, robbed of everything he had, shackled and imprisoned, and even awaited execution.

Charges were also leveled against Patrick by his fellow Christians and bishops.  For these he would later stand trial.  Historians think the basis of these accusations was Patrick’s alleged financial improprieties and using his bishopric in Ireland for personal gains, none of which were true of course!

In his letter to the soldiers of Coroticus, Patrick publicly excommunicates Coroticus because he had taken some of Patrick’s converts into slavery while raiding the countryside of Ireland.  Some would suggest that it was the sending of this letter which provoked the trial which Patrick cites in his confessions.

Among the legends credited to Patrick is banishing the snakes from Ireland.  Though evidence shows that post-glacial Ireland never had snakes, it is possible that the snakes actually refer to the serpent symbolism of the Druids or the beliefs associated with Pelagianism, a heresy from which Pope Celestine I wanted Patrick to safeguard the Irish converts.  Patrick is also credited by legend to have used the 3-leaf clover, the shamrock, to teach the Irish about the Trinity.  The shamrock illustrated the Christian belief that there are three divine persons in one God.

Though the exact date of Patrick’s death is undetermined, March 17^th has popularly become the day he died and the day on which his feast day is celebrated.  For the first half of the Church’s 2,000 year history, canonization that is designating a person’s life as saintly or holy, was done on a regional or diocesan level.  As a result, Patrick has never been formally canonized a saint by a pope.  Nevertheless, his sanctity and popularity has always been recognized.  Therefore, Patrick is widely venerated as a saint throughout the universal Church and is the patron saint of Ireland along with Saints Brigid and Columba.

The other saint whose feast day we celebrate this week is Joseph.  As you know, Joseph was the husband of Mary, the mother of Jesus.  Although he is not Jesus’ biological father, Joseph was chosen by God to act as the foster father of His Son, serving as head of the Holy Family, and given the earthly responsibility to care for and protect Jesus and Mary.  In the bible Jesus is referred to as “the son of Joseph” during Jesus’ public life.

There is no evidence of where and when Joseph was born and died.  All that we know about Joseph comes from the gospels.  They tell us Joseph lived at times in Nazareth in Galilee before Jesus’ birth and he returned there with Jesus and Mary after being exiled in Egypt for several years.  The gospels also tell us that Joseph and the family returned to Nazareth after their Passover visit to Jerusalem when Jesus was about the age of twelve.  Thereafter, there is no more mention of Joseph in the gospels.  It is widely assumed that Joseph was deceased before Jesus’ crucifixion.

We know from Matthew’s gospel in particular that Joseph was awakened by an angel in a dream two times.  The first time the Lord’s messenger informed Joseph about Herod the Great’s plan to kill the newborn Jesus and ordered Joseph to save the boy by taking him and his mother to Egypt.  And Joseph promptly did so.  The second time, the angel told Joseph to return to Nazareth and settle there with Jesus and Mary.  Tradition has Joseph being a carpenter by trade and has Mary being a widow during most of the adult ministry of her son.

Compared to other saints, veneration of Joseph was introduced rather late in the Church’s history. His feast day of March 19^th only began to be celebrated in some parts of the West in the 10^th century.  It wasn’t until 1479 that his feast day became part of the official Roman calendar.  In 1870 Joseph was declared patron saint of workers and the patron saint and protector of the Roman Catholic Church by Pope Pius IX.  Almost a century later, Pope Pius XII introduced another day to honor Joseph, May 1^st to counteract the communist’s celebration of workers known as May Day.

The March 19^th feast day is celebrated by the Church as a Solemnity.  It is one of the few times during Lent when the Gloria is used at Mass.  When this feast day falls on a Sunday during Lent, it is transferred to another day.

As we celebrate these two great pillars of faith this week, let us imitate their love for and fidelity to God.  Sts. Joseph and Patrick, pray for us!

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 18^th, 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 2^nd.  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 9^th (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 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.

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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 25^th at 9:45am & 7:30pm in the Church (the service will be followed by individual confessions).  Holy Week Confessions (Church):  Monday, March 29^th from 3:30-8:30pm; Wednesday, March 31^st from 8-8:45am; Good Friday, April 2^nd 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 30^th at 7:30pm in the Rectory Chapel.

LITURGICAL MINISTERS!  PLEASE NOTE . . . On the upcoming EM/Lector Schedule, April 4^th (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 10^th and continue each weekend until Saturday, May 23^rd.  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 16^th 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 24th 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, April 19^th 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

Mary Burns, Vivian Faller, Marge Welki, Barbara Welki, Carol Glantz, Sierra Bianchni,

Brian Hocker, Teagan Haniszewski, Jim Bowe,

Maureen Bodkin, Bill McNamara, Bill Hutnick, Margaret Mohr,

Maureen Glaser, Dotti Bever, Antoinette Herr, Warren Kaehne,

Amelia Serra, Jeannette Feminella, Judith Wertheim, Joseph Slavinsky, Bill Birkel,

 Nina Auker, Richard Rothman, Regina Childs, Scott Marzolf, Ed Conroy, Kati Daly,

William Zimmer, Manny Vaamonde, Ronnie Sherin, Matthew Babinsky, Judy Holmes,

Carol Ann Ramsey, Warren Saxon, Jeanette Ehrenborg, Logan Barsch, Thomas Magoulas,

Patricia Paules, Thomas Leuzzi, Baby Henry Sidden, Kathie Costigan, Jack Marchese,

Marie & Edward Finknagel, Jim Hannigan, Tom Fitzmaurice,

Jerry Giordano, Frank Petrolino, Grace Caliendo, Nicholas Williams,

Jimmy O'Connor, Charles Macchio, Marilyn Johnson, Sally Jo Gabriel

Queen of All Saints ~ Our Sister Parish  

Robert & Helen Fenn, Gwen Finch, Joe Franklin, Marie Henry, Fern Hunter, The Khudan Family,

 Gertrude Krus, Jacques Maurice, Sabrina Maloney, Clara Morehead, Eileen McGloin Mullen,

Demia and Michelle Pueblo, Charles Remice, the Sardinha Family, Steve Thomas, Agnes Willis.

The Deceased

Nick Roberts, Ralph Daigneault, Philip Anthony Fico,

Ann Nemecek, Laura Brown, William Clarence Pearsall

Queen of All Saints ~ Our Sister Parish   

Francis Clarke, Terron Massengung

PRAYERS OF THE FAITHFUL ~ The names for the sick will be announced from the pulpit for a maximum of three weeks, but will remain  in the bulletin for as long as necessary.  Thank you.

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 14^th

Donated by The Zanfardino Family in honor of Beatrice Vagra

Bread & Wine Offering ~ Sunday, March 14^th

9:15am Mass:  The Bread & Wine was donated anonymously in honor of Francis McCaffrey

10:45am Mass:  The Bread & Wine was donated by The Zanfardino Family in honor of Beatrice Vagra

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PARISH SOCIAL MINISTRIES

          Parish Outreach Office Hours

 Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday 9:30-4:30; 
 Thursday 1:00-4:30  





                         

Dear All of You,                 

         We hear today the ever familiar story of the Prodigal Son.  There are three main characters:  the young son who squanders his inheritance and returns home poor and hungry, the older son who feels that he has not been appreciated despite his faithfulness, and the father who loves both sons and forgives them regardless of their attitude and behavior.

            When reading or listening to this parable in the past, I have put myself in a place of one of the characters, according to what was going on in my life at the time.  I’m sure you have done this too.

What I noticed this year is that this story does not really have an ending.  We don’t ever find out if the younger son was really repentant or just sorry that he ran out of money.  Did the older son reconcile with his father and brother eventually or did he leave the estate?  And even though the father loved and forgave both his children, did he sorrow with them over their choices?

            I guess you can say that this unfinished parable gives us an opportunity to write the ending.  We get that same opportunity to write the ending in our own lives, wouldn’t you say?

            We know that our God is always ready to forgive us and we are loved beyond our wildest expectation.  We always have the choice whether to accept God’s forgiveness and return home or remain home.  We also get the choice every day to forgive others in our life.   

            Let’s pray that we choose well.

           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 2^nd 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 3^rd 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 Mass.   If you like meeting people and can spend some time helping someone in need, please consider adding your name to our “on call” list.  For more information, contact us at 581-4266 x128.  

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.

BEREAVEMENT CONFERENCE:  “Open My Heart, O Lord,” the Diocesan Bereavement Conference, will be held at Kellenberg Memorial High School on Saturday, March 20^th 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 22^nd.  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 2^nd Class Perry Bellino, Charles Flood III, Petty Officer Mike Bottego, Master Chief Scott McKendrick, and Commander Mick Mortimer. 

RESPECT LIFE

Pope John Paul II in his encyclical, “The Gospel of Life,” (March 25, 1995) had more to say about capital punishment than any previous Pope, restricting the use of the death penalty further than previous church teaching:  “. . . punishment . . .  ought not go to the extreme of executing the offender except in cases of absolute necessity . . . such cases are very rare if not practically nonexistent . . .”  PRAY that we learn from Jesus’ example of compassion and non-violence instead of meeting violence with vengeance. 

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                     $20,440

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”

“May the Strength of God guide us. 
May the Power of God preserve us.
May the Wisdom of God instruct us.
May the Hand of God protect us.
May the Way of God direct us. 
May the Shield of God defend us.
May the Angels of God guard us
Against the snares of the evil one.
May Christ be with us!”

~Saint Patrick's Breastplate

NEXT VIRTUS CLASSES will be held in the St. Mary School Library on Tuesday, MARCH 16^th 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 this weekend (March 14^th).  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. 

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): 

(  ) 1^st of each month, or  (  ) 15^th 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 R.C. Church , East Islip , New York , has received written notification at least five (5) days in advance of the desired termination date.

______________________________                               _______________________     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

Mission Statement of Our Sister Parish
Queen of All Saints

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.