a community of faith hope and love - liturgical...
TRANSCRIPT
TWENTY-SECOND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
August 30, 2015
How great is your goodness, O Lord!
A community of Faith hope and love
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516-731-4220 Phone/516-731-4355 Fax Email: [email protected]
Website: www.StBernardsLevittown.org
Bulletin Deadline: Friday, 5:00 pm, nine days prior to publication. You may email us at [email protected] or leave a printed copy in the inbox on the bulletin desk in the Parish Office. Thank you for your cooperation!
MISSION STATEMENT
With faith, hope, and love the people of
St. Bernard's parish family are on a mission
to bring the gospel of Jesus
to the Levittown Community and beyond.
Confessions:
Saturday: 4:00 - 5:00 pm. Weekdays: After the 8:00 am Mass
Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal Novena and
Benediction:
Monday: Check schedule on page 5.
Morning Prayer:
Monday through Saturday 8:30 am, Prayer Room. Books are available.
Baptism of Children: We welcome infants and children to our Christian community! Baptisms are held on select Sundays at 1:30 pm. Please contact the parish at least 3 months before an anticipated baptism – even before a new child is born – to ensure enough time to complete the baptism preparation process. Our three-step preparation process includes: 1) at-home reading and preparation by the parents; 2) an intake conversation with a member of our parish staff; and 3) participation with other parents in a Sunday morning gathering, which begins with attendance at our 9:00 am “Family-friendly” Mass. Please call 731-4220 or e-mail [email protected] to request a Baptism information and preparation packet.
Marriages: Church arrangements should be made at least 6 months before the marriage and before making any contracts with restaurants or caterers. Please call the Rectory to set up an appointment with a priest, 731-4220.
Ministry to the Sick and Aging: If you are, or know of someone who is homebound and would like to receive Holy Communion, please call the rectory at 731-4220.
St. Vincent De Paul Society: 735-3218
Usher Coordinator: John Lyons (516) 390-5150 or
Spiritual Life
Schedule of Masses:
Saturday: 8:00 am and 5:00 pm
Sunday: 7:30 am, 9:00 am (Family Mass), 10:30 am,
12 Noon, 5:30 pm (Youth Mass)
Weekdays: 8:00 am
Holy Days: see website: www.StBernardsLevittown.org
Would you like to join our vibrant community of Faith, Hope and Love at St. Bernard’s? Sign-up and get to know us at one of our monthly New Parishioner Registration and Wel-come evenings! For information, call the parish office at 516-731-4220, or download a form from our website www.StBernardsLevittown.org. Click on “Join St. Bernard’s Parish” on the left side of the home page form. If you move away, please notify us as well.
S T. BERNARD’S CATHOLIC CHURCH
PASTORAL TEAM Father Ralph Sommer, Pastor
[email protected] ext. 130
Father Joe Nohs, Associate Pastor [email protected]
ext. 128
Deacon John Blakeney [email protected]
516-731-4220
Deacon James Flannery [email protected]
516-731-4220
Deacon Timm Taylor [email protected]
516-731-4220
Father Joy Varkey, Resident Priest [email protected]
ext. 124
Father Martin J. Hall, Retired Priest in Residence
Mrs. Susan Martin, Director of Religious Education [email protected]
516-731-8511 Phone/516-731-7860 Fax The Religious Education Center is closed on Fridays.
Sr. Christine Sammons, O.P., Coordinator of Parish Social Ministry
[email protected] 516-731-6074
Ms. Sarah Kropac, Coordinator of Youth Ministry [email protected]
Mrs. Mary Jane Witte, Director of Liturgical Music [email protected]
ext. 142
Ms. Diane Vella, Pastoral Associate [email protected]
ext. 143
Mrs. Rose Marie Rotondo, Sacristan [email protected]
516-731-4220
Mr. Len Lanzi, Facilities Manager ext. 120
Mr. Dimas Carbajal, Head of Maintenance [email protected]
ext. 126
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Signs of Welcome E– mail Father Ralph: [email protected]
You may have seen the new large sign on the Parish Center that invites
people to come to church on Sunday. Here’s the story...a few weeks ago
someone drove into the building damaging the doors and structure.
Fortunately everyone was safe. But the building had to be boarded up and
we’re now in the process of dealing with the insurance company, an
engineering report, and the fabrication of new doors. This could take a few
months. So rather than looking at plywood during that time, teens from the
Fixup Club painted the boards and Father Augustine painted an image of
St. Bernard just in time for the Feast of St. Bernard. Then during the
evening picnic, we invited people to take turns painting the letters on the
sign.
This is an example of how to turn an unfortunate incident into something
positive. This is the time of the year when many visitors come to St.
Bernard’s school building to register for BOCES or Tender Gardens and
others come to play basketball. Perhaps they’ll feel the warm welcome that
we extend to everyone who comes to worship with us. So if you see new
faces in church (and even if they end up in “your” seat), be sure to continue
the welcome. While we’re on a mission to bring the gospel out into the
community, we also pay attention to how we make those who come to us
feel at home.
Parking Lot Update
I’ve spent the last couple of
weeks meeting with four
engineering/architectural
firms to discuss the
renovation of our parking
lot and the repair of our
tower. I’m awaiting their
initial responses and then
with the help of the diocesan
building office, we’ll select a
firm who will develop plans
for these projects. Once the
initial plans have been
produced, we’ll schedule
some community meetings
to get feedback from
parishioners and neighbors.
Levittown Tribune
If you’re a subscriber to the
Levittown Tribune you
might have noticed that
there is a new columnist.
That would be me! I was
invited by the editor to write
the “Spirit of Levittown”
column and I’m grateful for
the opportunity to share
insights with the wider
Levittown Community.
See you later!
I’m taking the final leg of
my vacation and will be
back after Labor Day.
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the Gifts of bread and wine
for the weekend of August 29th & August 30th
have been requested
in loving memory of
William & Rose McNerney by
Rosemary McNerney
Gifts of treasure Parish News
Please continue to fulfill your pledge commitment
so that all of the planned projects can be accomplished.
Thank you for your continued generosity.
Capital Campaign
Goal: $1,000,000.00 Pledged: $1,199,925.00 Collected to date: $1,002,896.00
Faith Direct
Have you enrolled yet? www.faithdirect.net Code = NY272
Sunday collections
August 23, 2015 August 24, 2014
$ 11,999.95 $ 12,585.55
537 envelopes 547 envelopes
Faith Direct
$ 2,192.50 $ 1,850.23
Total Collection
$ 14,192.45 $ 14,435.78
See page 11 for details
Come join us at a Zumba Gold class!
It is for people (men and women) 55 and up. We will do a little dancing a little toning and a lot of
fun. The classes will start Tuesday, September 8. We will have classes Tuesday from 2-3pm and
Thursday from 9-9:45am in the Parish Center. The cost is $5 a class. No contracts!! Wear sneakers
and comfortable clothes. Bring a towel, water and 1 lb hand weights. Looking forward to seeing you!
Mid-Week Mid-Morning Book Discussion
Join your fellow parishioners on Wednesday,
September 23rd at 10:00 am in
the Parish Center for an
informal discussion of this best
selling novel. Set during one of
the most conflicted and volatile
times in American history,
Hotel on the Corner of Bitter
and Sweet by Jamie Ford is an
e x t r a o r d i n a r y s t o r y o f
commitment and hope. You
won’t be able to put this one
down!
For more information
contact Wally Rodier at [email protected] or 516-731-
6690.
Miraculous Medal Novena
On Monday, August 31 and Monday, September 7,
Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal Novena will be held
after the 8:00 am Mass.
Friday, September 4, is the First Friday of
the month and is always dedicated to the
Sacred Heart of Jesus.
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Baptisms
We welcome into the parish the following new members:
Chloe Marie Batista Alyson Rose Gilman Michaela Grace Ingersoll Patrick Scott McNevin
Congratulations to the happy parents.
mass intentions
Please pray for all those on our Long-term Sick List
Baby Mason Francis Combs Susan Arena Arlene Barsch Irene Boyce Helen Clarke Rosemary Clark Roberta Curran Richard DeLaRosa Monica DeLaRosa Juanita Dones Harold Encizo Jim Finlan Kathleen Flaherty Teresita Gallego Colleen Grasing John Guiffre Mike Hach Patricia Hafner Carolyn Hakim Suzanne Hanna Annette Hannon Donna Hare Judy Hupfer Gervas Ignacio Vicki Jacona Jerome W. Kalkhof Eileen Klein Tia Mabanta Andrew Mahoney William McDonagh Teresa McDonald Mary McLean Gerard McManus Mary Messina Irmgard Montanino Kerri Orlando Johnny Perdue Rosina Perri Raymond Pfiefer Catherine Pipinou Joan Rampolla Fred Rappa Laureen Quinn-Sturge Deanne Reilly Christopher Rotondo John Rotondo, Jr. Federico Rueda Terri Saccente Eve Saint Thomas Saint Terry Sherwood Joseph Smithwick, Sr. Norma Steiger Marina Suazo Liberty Tabag
David Testa Rosalie Travers Donna Vollaro Theresa Votta Ann “Dolores” Walsh Pat Welisher
sacraments
Pray for our beloved deceased
and those who mourn for them
Lillian Boden Margaret Gruter Robert S. Lane
Joseph M. McGrath Catherine O’Meara Robert A. Picariello
All names will remain on the list for 4 weeks after you call in. After that time we ask, if necessary, to call again.
Thank you for cooperating and God bless all.
Salvatore Bumbalo Al Camilleri Jean Dooling John Flahive Bernadette Habeeb Frank Hafkell John Hartofil Eileen Klein Mario Isidoro Debbie Mathiesen Christopher Rotondo Ellen Salvato Mary Ellen Walsh Charles Yevoli
for the sick of our parish
BANNS OF MARRIAGE
First Time Catherine Hall, St. Frances de Chantal, Wantagh Gonzalo Cantos, St. Bernard Parish, Levittown
Jacklyn Minutillo, St. Mary Gate of Heaven, Ozone Park Daniel Wicelinski, St. Bernard Parish, Levittown
This listing may not reflect recent changes or additions.
Monday, August 31
8:00 am Jean Marie Foote
Tuesday, September 1
8:00 am Louise Manzo
Wednesday, September 2
8:00 am Salvatore Spirelli
Thursday, September 3
8:00 am Joseph McGrath
Friday, September 4
8:00 am Sr. Lawrence Marie Matthews
Saturday, September 5
8:00 am
5:00 pm Theresa Flanigan
Sunday, September 6
7:30 am Gertrude Marrazzo
9:00 am Benjamin Eclipse
10:30 am Jim Lassus,
Marie P. Cummings,
Raymond McDevitt Sr.,
James D. Vosseler Sr.
12 Noon Pamela Wise - Living
5:30 pm For all parishioners
Monday, August 31
After 8:00 am Mass Miraculous Medal Novena, Church
Tuesday, September 1
10:00 am Our Lady of Consolation, Parish Center
7:00 pm Boy Scout Troop 316, Cafeteria
7:00 pm Pastoral Formation Institute - PFI,
Parish Center
7:00 pm Spanish Rosary, Prayer Room
7:00 pm Vivitrol Support Group, School Room 209
7:30 pm AA Meeting, School Room 207
7:30 pm Adult Choir, Church
Wednesday, September 2
8:00 pm Bread of Life Prayer Group, Parish Center
Thursday, September 3
10:00 am Shawl Ministry, Parish Center
2:15 pm St. Vincent Meeting, Clairvaux House
6:30 pm Most Holy Trinity Novena, Prayer Room
Saturday, September 5
11:00 am Women’s AA Meeting, Cafeteria
Sunday, September 6
6:30 pm Youth Ministry Meeting, YM Room
8:00 pm AA Meeting, Cafeteria
Parish calendar (Subject to change)
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JOIN OUR VIRTUAL PILGRIMAGE
TO THE HOLY LAND
WITH FATHER JAMES MARTIN, S.J.
Starts Friday, Sept. 18, 7:30-9:00, Parish Center
READ JESUS: A PILGRIMAGE AND JOIN US ONE FRIDAY EVENING A MONTH FOR 10 MONTHS
FOR DISCUSSION, VIDEO, AND WINE AND CHEESE!
Father Jim is a witty and engaging speaker and writer who is often sought by the media to provide
commentary on all things Catholic. (Check him out: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lRe7jpVJzzU)
PLEASE PRE-REGISTER!
Name: ____________________________________________________________________________Phone: _____________________________
E-mail:_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Place in collection basket, or return to parish office or call/email: Diane Vella: 516-731-4220 or [email protected]
Fall Adult Education Preview!
Jesus: A Pilgrimage book journey and virtual pilgrimage with Fr. James Martin, S.J. One Friday evening a month starting Sept. 18 at 7:30 p.m. Come on this 10-month “pilgrimage” of spiritual reflection and discussion with this NY Times best-seller! (See separate ad below!)
AWAKENING FAITH informal study/discussion groups for Catholics 20s-40s 6 Wednesdays starting Sept. 23, 7:30-8:45 p.m. OR 6 Saturdays starting Oct. 3, 9:00-10:15 a.m. Come learn and discuss with others like you questions about the Catholic faith. All questions/doubts welcome!
Lutherans, Anglicans & Roman Catholics: What divides us? What unites us? 3 Wednesdays starting October 7, 7:30 p.m., Christ Lutheran Church in Wantagh Presented by members of the Long Island Lutheran-Anglican-Roman Catholic Dialogue: Diane Vella, St. Bernard’s; Rev. Laurie Cline, St. John’s Lutheran Church in Bellmore, and Rev. Christopher King, St. James Episcopal Church in Long Beach.
Fall Bible Study The Mystery of Suffering and Evil in the Bible 6 Thursdays starting Oct. 15, 7:30 p.m. OR 6 Fridays starting Oct. 16, 10:00 a.m. Come study and discuss the Book of Job and other passages of the Bible that address the question of suffering and evil in the world. (First session is for those who are new to St. Bernard’s Bible Study program; returnees may join the 2nd session)
ADULT FAITH FORMATION Diane Vella, Pastoral Associate
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ADULT FAITH FORMATION Diane Vella, Pastoral Associate
Becoming Catholic: Does any of this apply to you
or someone you know?
___ Going to church but not baptized?
___ Going to a Catholic church but not Catholic?
___ Going to a Catholic church but not confirmed?
___ Interested in finding out more about full membership
in the Catholic Church
Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA): A Journey in Faith!
Name: _____________________________________________________________Phone: _____________________________
Best time to call: ________________________________________________________________________________________
Place form in collection basket, or contact Diane Vella: 516-731-4220 or [email protected]
News from the Religious Education Office…
We welcome back our veteran catechists and our “newbies” to the important ministry of bringing Jesus to our youth.
Please mark your calendars now for the dates of our meetings. As your new director, I look forward to meeting each
one of you. This year’s catechetical theme is “Safeguarding the dignity of every human person.” Do come for a
special blessing on Catechetical Sunday, September 20th. Any new catechist MUST take the mandated diocesan class
of Virtus. Simply go to www.virtus.org for registration information. Any questions, feel free to contact your grade
level coordinator or myself, Susan Martin. May God bless you for your dedication and generosity in the challenging
ministry of teaching the “Good News.” Meeting dates are as follows:
Wednesday, September 9 - grade level catechists in both 7 & 8 at 7:30-9pm in peach room.
Thursday September 10 - catechists for grades 3, 4, 5, & 6 meet 7:30-9pm in peach room.
Saturday, September 12 - grade levels 1 & 2 (First Eucharist prep) 9-10:30am in peach room.
Saturday, September 12 - our special needs catechists will meet 10:30-12 noon in the Center.
“Together we can do something beautiful for God.” (Blessed Teresa of Calcutta)
VIRTUS CLASS… “Protecting Gods’ Children”
All church volunteers, catechists (religion teachers) and / or hall monitors must take the required diocesan Virtus
class which recognizes the signs of sexual child abuse. This is a one-time class for approximately. 2-3 hours. You
need to enroll before classes begin thus we are pleased to announce this course will be offered on our premises on
Tuesday, September 15th at both 9:30am and 7:00pm in the peach room of the Parish Center. Please select your
convenient time. Participants MUST REGISTER on-line at www.virtus.org . Click on Rockville Centre diocese and
scroll down to St. Bernard’s OR any other parish to suit your calendar. We look forward to seeing you then! Any
questions, feel free to contact Susan Martin in the Religious Education Office [email protected].
St. Bernard’S Center for religiouS eduCation
Mrs. Susan Martin, M.A., Director, 516-731-8511
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Liturgy Corner
In the Second Reading St. James tells us, “humbly welcome
the word that has been planted in you and is able to save your
souls.”
First Reading: As Moses presents God’s law, he insists
that obedience will make the people famous and assure a
good life. Most of all, he underlines the fact that they are
uniquely privileged in the way God is present to them
and has taught them. This reading, coming at the end of
the summer season, invites us to look at our religious
experience and tradition and appreciate our faith heritage
in the same way that Moses encouraged his people to do.
Responsorial Psalm 15: When we pray “those who do
justice will live in the presence of God,” we are not
saying that God is absent from the unjust. Rather, doing
justice is our way of choosing to be conscious of and
responsive to his presence. “The one who does justice will
live in the presence of the Lord.”
Second Reading: In today’s language we might say that
the Epistle of James is the epistle of transparency. James
insists that our faith must be expressed in action for the
good of others. If we are saved, then we will act like
people who have nothing to worry about and who
therefore can share with abandon. He goes so far as to
equate work for justice with worship. In the light of that,
he would ask us how we live and worship outside of the
church building.
Gospel: If we want to summarize today’s Gospel with a
key question, it would be “Where is your heart?” The
“law” that the religious leaders were quoting to Jesus was
actually scholarly commentary on God’s law developed
over centuries. Certainly, it was a good and healthful
practice to eat with clean hands, but scrupulous attention
to detail was not part of Jesus’ vision of God’s reign.
According to Jesus, those whose religiosity focuses more
on legal detail than on the needs of others block the way
to God for themselves as well as for others.
TWENTY-SECOND SUNDAY IN
ORDINARY TIME
August 30, 2015
Saint of the Week
Thursday, September 3. St. Gregory the Great
(540-604) was a mayor, a monk, a pope, and a
writer. Unhappy with his life as mayor of Rome, St.
Gregory allocated half of his fortune to the poor
and the other half to the foundation of seven
monasteries. After joining a monastery in pursuit of
a simple life, he was elected to the papacy. As pope,
he cared for the poor, implemented the Gregorian
reforms to improve Church governance and clerical
behavior, promoted the monastic vocation, and
renewed the liturgy. His name is associated with
Gregorian chant (plainsong) and Eucharistic Prayer
II (along with St. Hippolytus). A prolific writer and
Doctor of the Church, St. Gregory composed
numerous theological texts and is cited 374 times in
St. Thomas Aquinas’s Summa Theologiae.
September is designated as
The Month of Our Lady of Sorrows
Mary most sorrowful, pray for us.
Sourcebook 2015
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For The Ride Home
This feature is for families to share their thoughts as
they travel to and from Church.
22nd Sunday of Ordinary Time
August 30, 2015
Gospel: Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23
Adults: How do I prepare my heart to receive the
transformative power of God’s words?
Children: How do I welcome the words of Jesus into
my heart?
Sunday, August 30. Twenty-second Sunday in Ordi-
nary Time. Deuteronomy 4:1-2, 6-8; James 1:17-18, 21
-22, 27; Psalm 15:2-5; Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23.
Monday, August 31. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; Psalm
96: 1, 3-5, 11-13; Luke 4:16-30.
Tuesday, September 1. 1 Thessalonians 5:1-6, 9-11;
Psalm 27: 1, 4, 13-14; Luke 4:31-37.
Wednesday, September 2. Colossians 1:1-8; Psalm 52:
10-11; Luke 4:38-44.
Thursday, September 3. Saint Gregory the Great,
Pope and Doctor of the Church. Colossians 1:9-14;
Psalm 98: 2-6; Luke 5:1-11.
Friday, September 4. Colossians 1:15-20;
Psalm 100:1-5; Luke 5:33-39.
Saturday, September 5. Colossians 1:21-23; Psalm
54: 3-4, 6, 8; Luke 6:1-5.
Sunday, September 6. Twenty Third Sunday in Ordi-
nary Time. Isaiah 35:4-7a; Psalm 146:7-10; James 2:1
-5; Mark 7:31-37.
Readings for
August 30, 2015 – September 6, 2015
Rosary Rally With The Holy Shroud
Presented by
the Fatima Prayer Cell for World Peace
To be held on: Monday - August 31, 2015, 7:00 pm
sharp. Be Early! Doors will open at 6:00 pm! Location:
St. Brigid /Our Lady of Hope Regional School, Maple
Avenue, Westbury, NY. The presenter for this evening
is Mr. Donald Nohs, the Director General of the
Confraternity of the Passion and will be leading us
through The Sorrowful Mysteries of the Holy Rosary
according to the Burial Shroud of Jesus! See the Image
of Jesus in His Holy Shroud! A relic of the Holy Shroud
will be available for veneration! For directions and more
information call Garol Spear at 516-414-7610.
LAST CHANCE TO SIGN UP !
St. Bernard’s Church Vatican Splendors:
A Journey Through Faith
October 21, 2015
(pick-up at St. Bernard at 7:00AM ) at the
Franklin Institute, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Experience 2000 years of Vatican Art and History
Trip includes:
• Deluxe motor coach transportation
• Admission ticket
• A tour of the Basilica of St. Peter & Paul
• All tips and taxes
• Lunch on your own
• Cost: $89.00
For more information call, Ginny Smithwick 796-9251
Make Checks payable to Rendezvous Travel.
Mail check to: Eileen Heffernan
101 Orchid Road Levittown, NY 11768
Include your name, number of people, phone number.
HELP WANTED
Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School in West Islip is searching for:
• An Early Childhood and Primary Grade SPANISH teacher. MUST absolutely love the language and culture,
speak fluent Spanish and be NYS certified. This is a FULL time position with benefits.
• 3 Early Childhood Nursery and Pre-K paras. This is a per diem position. Pay is $10 per hour, approximately
25 hours a week. NYS certified teachers are encouraged to apply as substituting opportunities are available. Para
positions become available because we hire first from within to fill open teaching positions each year.
If interested, please send email and resume to [email protected]
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Parish social ministry Sr. Christine Sammons, O.P., 731-6074
St. Vincent de Paul:
Special thanks to Our Lady of Consolation Prayer Group
and the Levittown Swimming Association for their gift
card and food donations. We appreciate the help of each
and every donor~~many thanks to everyone! This week,
our pantry needs include:
Coffee and tea (regular, instant, decaf)
Canned meat and fish
Canned pasta (Chef Boy-ar-dee type)
Tomato products of all kinds
Shelf-stable, powdered and evaporated milk
Juice/juice boxes
Peanut butter (small jars), jelly
Toilet tissue and feminine hygiene products, paper
towels
Baby wipes
Laundry detergent (smaller sizes)
As always, thank you!
Please remember the poor boxes and to
“buy one, get one free!”
“Back to School!”
We are actively engaged in collecting and distributing
school supplies to our children, and are most grateful for
each and every donation. If you are still inclined to shop,
we would be happy to accept:
Blue, black, red pens
Marbled composition books (not spiral since they
are not permitted)
Pencils
Pencil sharpeners
Erasers
2” or 3” binders
Loose leaf paper
Pocket folders (any colors)
Packs of 3 x 5 index cards
24-box crayons
Packs of 3 x 3 Post-its (type)
Box of colored pencils
Markers
Highlighters
Elmer’s (type) glue
Glue sticks
Pencil case or pouch
Large or extra-large backpacks for girls and boys
We will gladly accept any school supplies
before our children return to classes.
As always, thank you for your kind generosity!
St. Bernard’s Healthy Sunday:
This Sunday August 30th, nurses from St. Joseph
Hospital will be present in our parish center from
10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. for free blood pressure
screening, height, weight and determining BMI
(body mass index) for all parishioners. This effort is
part of Catholic Health Services outreach to
communities on Long Island. Please stop by the
parish center! (If flu vaccines are available, you may
request a flu shot!)
Bereavement Support Groups:
We are very fortunate that Dr. Lou Sabatini will be
leading support groups for recently bereaved family
members and friends.
“General” support group will begin on
Thursday, September 24; 6:30-7:45 pm, continuing
each week until December 3.
Bereaved Parents support group will begin on
Monday, September 14; 7:00-8:15 pm, continuing
every other week until December 21.
Survivors of Suicide support group will begin
Monday, September 21; 7:00-8:15 pm continuing
every other week until December 14.
All groups will meet in the parish center. Pre-
registration is required; a $20 fee is requested.
Please call our office for a registration form or if you
have questions!
In addition, a facilitator training for bereavement
support groups will be offered beginning Thursday,
October 1 and continuing through November 19. The
fee is $60. If interested, please contact Dr. Sabatini
directly at (516) 799-5873 or [email protected].
Friends of the Poor Walk:
On Saturday, September 19th, the Society of St.
Vincent de Paul will walk in honor of Pope Francis’
visit to the United States. They are dedicating the
Society’s 7th Annual Friends of the Poor 5K walk to
Pope Francis. The walk will begin at Bethpage
Community Park and will take steps to stamp out
poverty. Every dollar raised will help people in our
local community. For more information, visit
www.svdli.org or call (516) 822-3132. Registration
begins at 9:00 a.m. and the walk begins at 11:00. All
are welcome. The members of our Conference will
have a table after Masses during September to accept
your donations.
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Catholics For Freedom of Religion - CFFR
"Religious freedom ... has to do with immunity from coercion in civil society."
Vatican II - Declaration on Religious Liberty
Some school districts continue to resist any accommodation of student religious expression
often resulting in many years of legal battles.
Pocono Mountain S.D., PA: A 5th grade student was barred from distributing invitations to a Christmas party at her
church. After years in lower courts, the U.S. Court of Appeals found in the student's favor and ruled elementary
students have free-speech rights protected by the First Amendment. (adfmedia.org, 12/6/13; edweek.org, 3/12/13)
Baldwinsville S.D., NY: A poster created by a Kindergartener for an assignment about saving the earth was rejected
for showing Jesus along with various pictures depicting recycling and the words, "The only way to save the world".
The teacher covered the picture of Jesus. When the parents objected to their child's poster being censored, a 10-year
legal battle ensued and was finally sent to the U.S. Supreme Court. (wnd.com, 3/13/10)
In both of these cases, the school districts spent years in court and spent hundreds of thousands of taxpayer dollars -
apparently because of an overwrought fear that the school might be seen as "endorsing" religion.
(firstamendmentcenter.org)
As the Alliance Defending Freedom letter to PA schools explains, "The Supreme Court has made it clear that students
do not shed their constitutional rights to freedom of speech or expression at the schoolhouse gate." "The Supreme
Court has definitely held that religious expression - whether spoken, written, or symbolic - is protected by the First
Amendment." (adfmedia.org/News, 12/6/13)
"...our grandchildren will pay the full price if we allow our freedom to be relinquished." Barbara Samuells, president Catholics For Freedom of Religion
Mark your Calendar:
• Thursday, Sept. 10, 7:30PM, St. Patrick Church, 280 E Main St., Smithtown, NY 11787, in the church. Thomas
Renker, General Counsel of Diocese of Rockville Centre, will speak on threats we are facing to our religious
freedoms. Come and learn more about how our religious freedoms are being undermined and how you can help to
preserve them.
• Thursday, Sept. 17, "Constitution Day" is to be observed in all public schools which are mandated to provide
educational programming on the history of the U.S. Constitution adopted on September 17, 1787.
• Saturday, Oct. 10, 11AM-2PM, Nassau Community College "Center for Catholic Studies", Garden City, NY,
will present "Religion and the Civil War: Focus on the Catholic Church"; keynote speaker: Brother Syriac,
Chaminade H.S. faculty; free admission & lunch - must register for parking pass: 516-572-7472.
The Diocese of Rockville Centre will distribute tickets to the Papal Mass at
Madison Square Garden on Friday, September 25, 2015 at 6:30 pm
thorough a lottery process. Please complete the ticket request form –
available through your parish and on the diocesan website
(www.drvc.org) and return it by Thursday September 10, 2015. Those
selected to receive tickets will be notified after September 15, 2015.
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