Christmas Eve Thursday, December 24th

4:00 PM (Upper Church & Lower Church) 6:00 PM and 10:30 PM

We do not have a Mass at Midnight.

Christmas Day Friday, December 25th

7:00 AM, 9:00 AM, 10:30 AM, 12:00 Noon We have no evening Mass on Christmas Day.

Feast of the Holy Family

Saturday, December 26th - 5:00 PM Sunday, December 27th

7:00 AM, 9:00 AM, 10:30 AM, 12:00 Noon and 5:00 PM

New Year�s Eve (Vigil Mass for Solemnity of Mary) Thursday, December 31 - 5:00 PM

New Year�s Day

Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God Friday, January 1, 2009

8:00 AM, 10:00 AM, 12:00 Noon

Baptism of the Lord Saturday, January 9, 2010 - 5:00 PM

Sunday, January 10, 2010 7:00 AM, 9:00 AM, 10:30 AM

12:00 Noon, 5:00 PM Also at 12 Noon Mass: Blessing of Babies

who were baptized here this past year

The Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confessions for Christmas)

Scheduled Confessions Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays

after the 7:00 AM and 9:00 AM Masses Sat. Mornings after 8:00 AM Mass and 4:00 - 4:45 PM

Reconciliation Service (with Individual Confessions)

Thursday, December 10th - 7:30 PM

Individual Confessions (with the Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament)

Tuesday, December 22nd 7:00-8:00 PM

St. Joseph�s Roman Catholic Church

Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament

Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament takes place every Monday

(except holidays) from 2-6:45 PM

And on each First Friday from 7:30- 8:30PM

Please come and spend some quiet time with the Blessed Sacrament

Our Lady of Fatima Devotion

The 1st Saturday of each month will be devoted to Our Lady of Fatima. The devotion will include 8am Mass, Novena to Fatima / the Rosary, Confessions after Mass and fellowship in Carew Hall at 9am.

Our Lady came to Fatima with a message from God to every man, woman, and child of our century. Our Lady of Fatima promised that the whole world would be in peace, and that many souls would go to Heaven if Her requests were listened to and obeyed. Please join us in this devotion.

St Joseph�s Parish Monthly Recollection

On the First Friday of every month, at 7:30 PM, we hold our Monthly Parish Recollection. This is an hour of prayer, of recollection before our Lord present in the Blessed Sacrament - whose Sacred Heart is the source of im-mense charity and generous love. The foundation of this prayer is God�s presence in our souls as Creator, Pre-server, and Author of Graces (�in Him we live, and move, and are� Acts 17:28). God is our Father, and our Friend and is our sweet Guest. We must acknowledge the realization of this great truth: God is in each of us, our soul is His Temple. This prayer of recollection includes the Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and Benediction, Praying of the Psalms, Silence, Gospel Reading and a Talk /Reflection on the following topics: The Cardinal Virtues of pru-

dence, justice, temperance and fortitude. The Theological Virtues of faith, hope and love. The gifts of the Holy Spirit; wisdom, under-standing, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety and fear of the Lord.

Every soul, hungry & thirsty for God, is invited to this holy hour every First Friday of the month to adore, venerate & contemplate the Sacred Heart of Jesus, & to have a quiet dialogue with God.

Parish Office Hours Monday Through Friday (effective January 2, 2009) 9am to Noon; 1:15 to 5:00 PM; 6:00 to 8:00 PM Saturday - 9:00 AM to Noon; 1:00 to 5:00 PM Sunday - 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM Pray with the Parish Rosary - Prayed daily after the 9 AM Mass Liturgy of the Hours - Prayed at 8:40 AM (Monday to Friday) and 7:40 AM on Saturday Eucharistic Adoration - Mondays (except holidays), 2:00 to 6:45 PM Nocturnal Adoration & Devotion to the Sacred Heart - 7:30 to 8:30 PM on First Fridays.

Eucharist The Lord�s Day: Saturday 5:00 PM Sunday 7:00, 9:00, 10:30, 12 Noon & 5:00 PM Weekdays 7:00 AM & 9:00 AM, 8:00 AM Saturday Holy Days As announced in Bulletin Exposition Monday 2:00 to 6:45 PM First Friday 7:30 to 8:30 PM Penance/Reconciliation Mon., Wed., and Fri. after the 7:00 AM & the 9:00 AM Mass. Saturday after the 8:00 AM Mass and 4:00 to 4:45 and also upon request

MASS INTENTIONS

Sunday, December 27 (Feast of the Holy Family) 7:00 Joan Pettine req. by The Binger Family 7:00 Virginia Giommetti req. by Loving Husband & Family 9:00 Dec�d Mbrs. of St. Regis K of C & Columbiettes 9:00 Joseph & Toni Matera (LIVING) 40th Wedding Anniversary 10:30 Mark Kurnatowski Jr. req. by Loving Mom, Dad & Sister 10:30 Johanna Monchak req. by St. Josephs 10:30 Choir 12:00 Michael Bonserio req. by Loving Wife & Family 12:00 Tracy Milillo req. by Thomas & Helen 5:00 Felicisimo Rueda req. by Rico & Joy Reievo & Family 5:00 Rosemarie Rago req. by Millie & Tom D�Agostino Monday, December 28 7:00 Anastacio Sanz req. by Maria Sanz 7:00 Stanley Sajnacki req. by Bill Sajnacki & Diane 9:00 William Charles Burns req. by Joseph Kunicki 9:00 Sarah Patti req. by Sharron & Ken Rossi & Donna Patti Tuesday, December 29 7:00 Claire Palazzolo req. by Anna Maggio 7:00 Stefano Liuzzi req. by Bill Paduano & Family 8:45 John Weber req. by Anne Weber 8:45 Nicholas Svercel req. by Timother Katsaros & Family Wednesday, December 30 7:00 James Kennedy req. by Maureen & John 7:00 Augie Lanzellatto req. by The Mottola Family 9:00 John Ramirez req. by The Mawn Family 9:00 Rafel Burgos req. by The Fischer Family Thursday, December 31 7:00 John LoPipero req. by Bill Pauano & Family 9:00 Intentions of the Celebrant 9:00 Patrick Dineen req. by AnnMarie Steele 9:00 James D. Rocchio req. by AnnMarie Cucchiaro 5:00 Michelina Carlisle, Robert Doerr & Antoinette Partenope req. by the Loo Family 5:00 For the People of the Parish Friday, January 1 (Happy New Year) 8:00 For the People of the Parish 10:00 For the People of the Parish 12:00 For the People of the Parish Saturday, January 2 8:00 Theresa & Angelo DeFilippo req. by Marie DeFilippo 8:00 Edward & Walter Kenny req. by Claire & Jim Anticipated Mass for Sunday 5:00 Mabel Wolper req. by The Paciulli Family 5:00 Richard Pedrotti req. by Daria Pedrotti Sunday, January 3 7:00 James Baker req. by Joseph Feleppa 9:00 Paula D�Arienzo req. by Eileen D�Arienzo 9:00 Eileen Clampett req. by The Gil Family 10:30 Jose Martins req. by Loving Family 10:30 Maureen Bardon req. by Loving Father 12:00 Jack DeMauro req. by Loving Family 12:00 Anna Ruocco req. by Michele Yuskiewicz 5:00 Dolores Tala Pabuslan req. by Virginia & Virgilio Rimando 5:00 Pray to End Abortion req. by St. Regis K of C

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

Page 3 Sunday, December 27, 2009

OUR LITURGY

Today, Sirach speaks of the mutual care and respect desirable between parents and children. The Gospel tells of Jesus remaining in Jerusalem, and Mary and Joseph finding him in the Temple. Jesus returns with them to Nazareth and is obedient to them. In the second reading Paul emphasizes many virtues that are important to the family life.

OUR PRIEST-CELEBRANTS Priest Schedule Subject to Change

This Week Next Week

Fr. Thomas 5:00 PM Fr. Maffeo Fr. Thomas 7:00 AM Fr. Maffeo Fr. Boyle 9:00 AM Fr. Rene Fr. Rene 10:30 AM Fr. Boyle Fr. Maffeo 12:00 PM Fr. Rene Fr. Rene 5:00 PM Fr. Boyle

Are You A Registered Parishioner?

Many parishioners support St Joseph�s in the weekly collection and we do not have them listed in our census. We would like to make sure you are given proper credit for your donations. If you do not receive mail from us then you are not on our census.

Please fill in the bottom of this page and we will send you a registration form.

Name:_____________________________

Address:___________________________

Town:_____________________________

City & Zip:_________________________

Altar Bread & Wine In Loving Memory of

The Mickelson & Williams Families requested by

Barbara Mickelson

Sunday, December 27, 2009 Page 4

FROM THE DESK OF FR. MIKE

Today this first Sunday after Christmas we celebrate the Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph. While we know very little about the life of this special family, since there is little about Jesus� life as a boy in the Canonical Scriptures. There are however, some stories which come from the Oral Tradition and from other non-Canonical writings. But, it should be remembered that they are considered non-Canonical, because they present Our Lord in a way which is not accord with the Jesus we see in the inspired Gospels of Mathew, Mark, Luke and John. So with this being the case, what is it that we are focusing on for this Sunday, and what are celebrating as we approach the altar? To answer that question, we look at the history of this Feast Day. Devotion to the Holy Family is a recent development, and it started right here in 17th Century North America. As the story goes, Louis and Barbe d�Ailleboust came to Canada in 1643 in order to devote their lives to the welfare of the Native Americans. After her husband passed away, Barbe with the help of the Jesuit Priest Fr. Chaumonot founded the Confraternity of the Holy Family. This Confraternity spread all over Canada and the effect of promoting good morals. In 1675, the Bishop of Quebec gave his official approval to the Confraternity and sent a little book about it (with instructions on procedures to follow) to Paris to be printed. The bishop also established the Feast of the Holy Family and had a Mass drawn up which was proper for the celebration in the Diocese of Quebec. But it did not stop there! On October 26, 1921 the Sacred Congregation of Rites, under Pope Benedict XV added this Feast to the Calendar for the whole Church. Until 1969 the Church celebrated this Feast on the first Sunday after the Epiphany, however, with the reform of Liturgy as a result of the Second Vatican Council, Pope Paul VI moved to were it is today on the Sunday between Christmas and New Years. This Feast is not just about the Holy Family, it is also about our families; as the Holy Family is presented to us a model to follow. It is hoped that our family life will become sanctified when we try to live the life of the Holy Family and the Church within our own homes. This �Domestic Church� as it was called by Pope John Paul II and by St. John Chrysostom, is how all families should look at themselves and live accordingly every day. How? First we can try to follow the family life suggested in today�s readings (especially in Sirach and the 1st Letter of John), we can also read Scripture everyday, pray everyday, attend Mass every Sunday and

Holy Days, focus on positive actions that help build up families and try to avoid actions which are harmful and contrary to God�s plan for family and human happiness. Take actions which support all human life, help those who are poor, victims of injustice, and carry out all that Jesus tells us in Mathew Chapter 25. What ever you do as a family make Christ and His Church the center of you life and you will be able to get through anything. Use this Feast well; use it to pray for your family especially if it is not ideal and going through a time of struggle. If your family has suffered the pains of death and/or divorce pray that the love, grace, and mercy of God will come into your life to heal you and show you new ways to carry on. Pray also for our special family the Church, pray that all of us may create a better world where all families can grow and excel. Also pray for our children, no matter how old they are. Ask God to protect them, help them, especially any 12 year old who might stay behind in the Temple to teach His elders a thing or two! Let us pray: Father in heaven, creator of all, you ordered the earth to bring forth life and crowed its goodness by creating the family of humanity. In history�s moment when all was ready, you sent your Son to dwell in time, obedient to the laws of life in our world. Teach us the sanctity of human love, show us the value of family life, and help us to live in peace with all that we may share in your life for ever. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen!

Merry Christmas Fr. Mike

Remember Our Sick PRAY FOR OUR TROOPS SGT Deborah Alfieri SPC Matthew Altonji CPL Justin Aragones TSGT Louis Barletta LT Stephen Bartoszak LT Michael-Jon Bonacorsa LCPL John Brown PFC Justin Browne LTCOL James Cersosimo CPL Glenn Clacher SPC Thomas E. Corcoran SPC Jason Crawford CPT Edward Cuevas PFC John B Cuneo CPT Ryan Delaney TSGT Timothy Dermody SGT Stephen DiGirolamo SSGT Tony Elliott CPL Joseph Espinoza LT Kelly Fletcher SPC Adam Franciosa CPT Mark Gillman CPT Evan Gotkin LCPL RJ Hartmann AFC J.R. Kay SAMN Jessica Kay SGT John W Keohane MAJ Sean P Kilkenny WO-1 Steven Knight CPL Andrew Kochman LCPL William Langdon SPC Christopher Leone RCT Tiffany LiCausi SPC Thomas J Lupo SGT Wade Lynch MAJ Kevin McCue PVT Thomas B McGinn SGT Patrick McNally PFC William Meyer CPL Brian G Meyer CPO Gregory Migliore SGT Glenn Miller LT Heather Miras SPC4 George Monica SPC4 John Monica SGT Daniel Montville SSGT Brian Moran MAJ Gregory Mueller LCPL Thomas Napolitano LCPL Michael Napolitano PVT Todd Nelson LCPL James Neubauer LCPL Anthony Notaroberta PVT James Notaroberta SGT Brian Pacella N/Seal Paul Padro ENS3 Lucy Padro PFC Matthew Pandolfi CPT Michael Parisi 2LT Anthony Parisi MAJ Paul E Pinaud CTR2 Matthew Pistritto LT David A Rewkowski SGT Edwin Rivera, II LCPL William R Rodgers LCPL Anthony M Sbrocco SSGT Jason Schiavo CPL Brian Schildt LCPL W.Mason Shehan CPL Samantha Sickles SPC James Stanek SPC Erica Sweeney EO3 Taylor Taranto MM3 Gregory Taranto PFC Greg Terrish SGT Jason Tulowitzki SSGT Nick Vicale SGT John Thomas Vogt CPL Brandon Waldon SGT Randolph Weaver MSTR Robert Casey MAJ Jennifer Kochman-Gotkin ILT Richard Lutz II HN Frederick James Borsello PV2 Darian L. Clark SAMN Bill Ried CPL Michael Casonova SPEC4 David Cooper MIDN Michael Cristiano Sgt. Brian P. O�Leary PFC Gregory Caplan MPS Timothy Caplan E6PO1 Gerard McGarrity LT John Cox II

REMEMBERING THE SICK ___________________________________

Name of person who is ill _____________________________ _________________________ Person making this request: Relationship to ill person

Your Phone #: ________________________ (Friends can be placed on the silent prayer list only)

REMEMBERING OUR TROOPS __________________________________

Name, Rank and Branch of Service

______________________________ ____________________ Person making this request Relationship to Soldier

(Friends can be placed on the silent prayer list only)

REMEMBER OUR DEAD our deceased soldiers and all of our deceased relatives and friends.

Eternal rest grant unto them O Lord and let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace. May their souls and all the souls of the faithful departed rest in peace. Amen

Michael Ambrosio Kevin Archbold Jacqueline Babgak Anne Bannon Sophia Belmonte Noel Blackwell Oliver Bouchard Giovanna Buccellato Bill Bulinski Veronica Burns Danny Caggiano John Carreiras Patrick Cassidy Denio Castagna Virginia Catalano Regina Cohen Kathie Costigan Mrs. Larry Costigan Carmela & Victor Crema Jolan Csaszar Kathy Cunningham John Dadabo Janice DeLalia Michael DePinto Susan DePinto Anthony DeVito Cosmo DiTucci Ann Doherty Bernard Eilers Lois & Michael Emma Philip Fava Frank Ferigno Robert Filce William C. Fischer Carl Freiermuth Anthony Gallway Catherine Grace Hanson Gregory Heraghty Jasper InDelicato Margaret InDelicato Clinton Inniss

Cecelia Keller Thomas J. Lamm Alfred LaRocca Kevin Latini Vito Lucivero Marie Mangan Mark Mangiacapre Flora Martin Sheila McGovern Michelle McHugh Donato Morganelli Anne Murtha 3 year old Nathan Marian O'Grady Christian Ohlenschlager Catherine Prainito Nicole Ramaglia Ralph R. Redo Emma Grace Riccio William Rotteck Louis Russo Dawn Saporito Monica Scanlon Krista Schramm Nancy Schramm Marie Scott Richard Silvia Darryll Smith Nancy Ann Smith Michael Tenore Robert Torres Gloria Totten Donna Tritto Anthony Troiano Orazio Troiano Richard Troiano Lloyd Turnier Diane Zimmerman

We regularly update our SICK LIST and our TROOPS LIST. Please notify the Rectory Office if you would like to renew your relative�s posting in either list. Each week we remove entries older than two months on the sick and six months on the troops.

St. Joseph�s Roman Catholic Church Page 6

Religious Education

e-mail: RelEd@StJoRonk.org website: RelEd.StJoRonk.org

981-1805 Office Hours

Monday through Thursday 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM

There is no Religious Education classes this week, Dec. 29th, 30th and 31st.

Classes will resume for Tuesday classes on January 5th. Wednesday�s classes start On January 13th and Thursday classes start on January 14th. There are no classes on January 6th or 7th due to staff conferences. The Level 2 video scheduled for January 6th and 7th has been rescheduled for January 13th and 14th. Level 2 First Reconciliation is January 16th or 23rd in Church at 10:30 a.m. Please follow your assigned date

Entertainment Books:

Our NEW 2010 BOOK is available. They are only $20.00. You may order by calling the Religious Education Office at 981-1805 or our chairlady Kathy Wiener at 981-2617. Get great money-saving coupons for your favorite places to eat and shop.

St. Joseph Parish Outreach Center

e-mail � sjpo@verizon.net website � http://outreach.stjoronk.org

Through your generosity we were able to help more than 296 people throughout the month of November. Finan-cial assistance for the month of November was $5,031.05 In these tough economic times we are seeing people of increasing need. On their behalf, we thank you for sharing your own limited resources with your brothers and sisters. "Whenever you did it for the least of my people, you did it for me."

Parish Outreach

St. Joseph School

e-mail: school@stjoronk.org

website: www.stjoeronkelem.org

Rejoice in the Spirit of Christmas which is Peace. The miracle of Christmas which is Hope, The heart of Christmas which is Love. On behalf of Mrs. Arpino and the Faculty and Staff of St. Joseph School we wish you a Merry Christmas and Blessed New Year!

SAVE THE DATE

Our annual Chinese Auction will be on Thursday, February 11, 2009 at the Watermill Inn. Tickets will go on sale shortly. Consider this wonderful evening of fun as a Christmas gift for the family.

Blood Drive December 28, 2009

2:45 p.m. to 8:45 p.m. St. Joseph School Gym

-service project of Conor Buckley-

Weekly Offering

Last Sunday, Dec. 20, 2009, Offerings $7,349 Same collection last year 18,211

Poor Box last weekend $198

Fuel Collection $6,254 Same time last year 5,998 YTD Fuel Cost $6,698

Weekly Budget Amount $18,500 YTD $296,000 Collection 7,349 YTD 262,923 Shortage -11,151 Shortfall -33,077 Pay Down Debt Donations $2,745 �Help�!!!The Blizzard all but wiped us out last week. Please do your best to make it up this week. Average weekly shortage is $7,268 based on last year�s figures. If you missed last week, please make it up this week. Thank you.

Envelopes 155

Thank you and God Bless You Always, Fr. Mike

Sunday, December 27, 2009

Respect Life America must decide � a child�s right to life or a woman�s right to end that life? Pro-choice people feel that at any time during her pregnancy, a woman has the right to abort that baby. One of the most common reasons given is 1) that a woman should be able to control her own body. Yes, but not another individual�s body, which the unborn child surely is. According to Dr. A.W. Liley, �genetically, mother and baby are separate individuals from the moment of conception.� Consider, as this �father of fetology� says, can one body have two blood types, and be both male and female? Good question, doctor! 2) To save relationships � Researcher Emily Milling studied over 400 couples where abortion had taken place and found that 70% ended their relationships within one month of the abortion 3) To prevent possible suicide � Studies have consistently shown abortion to be a primary cause of suicide and pregnancy to be a curb against it � even among women refused abortions prior to their legalization. This according to research of Suiciders Anonymous, J. Ottosson, Whitlock & Edwards, Minnesota Maternal Mortality Committee. 4) To reduce back-alley abortions � Prior to legalization, (Roe v. Wade) 85-90% of illegal abortions in America were performed by licensed physicians. Those who favor abortion, such as Planned Parenthood, misrepresent the number of deaths from back-alley clinics to suit their agenda. That it is a life is not in question � science has proved that. Dr. Alfred M. Bongioanni, professor of pediatrics and obstetrics at the University. of Pennsylvania states �I have learned from my earliest medical education that human life begins at the time of conception.� Professor Hymie Gordon, Mayo Clinic :�By all the criteria of modern molecular biology, life is present from the moment of conception.� Dr. Watson A. Bowes, U. of Colorado Medical School: �The beginning of a single human life is from a biological point of view a simple and straightforward matter � the beginning is conception. This straightforward biological fact should not be distorted to serve sociological, political or economic goals.� �Together we will work, we will protest, we will defend, we will intervene, we will educate, and we will win this struggle for the lives of our unborn brothers and sisters.� Fr. Frank Pavone, Director of Priests for Life.

Page 7

Help us Welcome the Newest Members of Our Community

Embroiderers are needed to make Baptismal Bibs for infants to be Baptized here at St. Joseph�s. Please call 588-8456 if you can help.

Maxwell Ace Cameron

St. Joseph School - Easy Fundraising Programs

Dear St. Joseph�s Parishioners, The St. Joseph School community would like to ask you to consider participating in one or more of the very easy fund raising programs that the school partici-pates in. These programs provide money or goods to St. Joseph�s School with very little effort on your part. We invite you to explore them further by visiting the links below. Don�t forget to invite your family and friends to participate as well!

Box Tops for Education � Clip box tops from hundreds of participating prod-ucts, shop online through the Box Tops Marketplace or the Reading Room to earn cash for our school. Find more information, including a list of participat-ing products, and sign up to support our school at www.BTFE.com . Clipped box tops may be placed in the Sunday collection basket.

Target Take Charge of Education � When you use your Target RED card (Target Visa Credit Card, Target Credit Card, or Target Check Card), Target will donate up to 1% of your purchase to our school. Visit www.Target.com/tcoe or call 1-800-36-6142 to designate St. Joseph�s School and to find more information.

Campbell�s Labels for Education - Save UPC�s and beverage caps from par-

ticipating Campbell�s products. They can be redeemed for Arts, Athletic and Academic equipment for our school. Visit www.labelsforeducation.com for a list of participating products and more information. Labels may be placed in the Sunday collection basket.

Stop and Shop A+ Bonus Bucks - Register your Stop and Shop card at

www.stopandshop.com (click on A+ under the Our Stores link), then swipe your card each time you shop and earn one point for every dollar spent, which then earns cash for St Joseph�s School.

If you have any questions, please call the school at 588-4760. Thank you for

The Friedenslicht aus Betlehem is a Christmas tradition from Austria.

Every year at Christmas the �Light� enters the homes of millions of people in Europe. This Light of Peace comes from Bethlehem as a reminder of seasonal peace and of the deeper meaning of Christmas. Every year an Austrian child is taken to fetch the Light of Peace from Bethlehem in the course of a pilgrimage � the symbol of peace is ignited in Bethlehem�s Grotto of the Nativity.

It is lit in the European parliament in Strasbourg, as well as in the European Union institutions in Brussels.

Shortly after the fall of the Iron Curtain, the Light of Peace became a symbol for Europe�s reunification. At Christmas in 1989 more than 10,000 people in the center of the Czech town of Budweis welcomed the light as a symbol of the new neighborly closeness. That year the Light from Bethlehem shone at the now open Berlin Wall for the first time.

The Light of Peace was also presented to those responsible for European reunification. The former German chancellor, Helmut Kohl, received it 2002 in Berlin, the former President of the Soviet Union, Mikhail Gorbachev, in 1995 in Linz. Pope John Paul II and Pope Benedict XVI also received the Light of Peace.

Now in its 24th year, the Peace Light from Bethlehem campaign was originally organized by the Austrian Broadcasting Company - ORF (Linz) - and was part of a large charitable relief mission - Light into Darkness, for children in need in Austria and abroad. Since 1986, there has been a great deal of co-operation between Scouts and Guides in many countries which has allowed the light to travel throughout Europe, such that the light is passed on to 23 European Countries and, for the past few years, on to America. Each year, a child from Upper Austria fetches the light from the grotto in Bethlehem where Jesus was born. The light is then flown to Austria from where it is distributed at a Service of Dedication to delegations from across Europe who take it back, with a message of Peace, to their own countries for use at ecumenical services throughout the continent. Scouts and Guides can then take the light to churches, hospitals, senior citizen homes, prisons, and places of public, cultural and political importance - to anyone who appreciates the significance of the "gift". In past years, the light has been presented to Pope John Paul II and Pope Benedict XVI, Mikhail Gorbachev, former King Hussein of Jordan, EU President Romano Prodi and other members of the European parliament in Strasbourg, the UN Troops in Kosovo and to Ground Zero, New York. In the USA, the International Peace Light from Bethlehem Project is coordinated by a committee associated with the International Division of the Boy Scouts of America. The year 2010 marks the 100th Anniversary of Scouting in the United States of America. The Peace Light will be an important part of the Anniversary Celebrations throughout the year. Scouting Volunteers from several countries will be distributing the Peace Light in the USA, Canada, Mexico and South America. The Peace Light has been delivered this year to Military Chaplains at Fort Hood, Texas, and Fort Bragg, North Carolina, as a message to all who serve our Country in the Armed Forces that we appreciate their service, especially those who are away from home or who have lost family members in their service to our nation this year.

This year�s Peace Child is 13-year-old Simon Binder from Linz. Simon was chosen because of his work with the Samaritans youth group - over the last seven years with the Samaritans youth group, he has been able to learn first aid and volunteer to help out in different homes for the elderly. Accompanied by his mother, Simon flew to Israel along with 455 pilgrims to collect the light from the Grotto of the Nativity in Bethlehem. Upon his return, Simon is involved in a very busy schedule to help distribute the Peace Light. Summing up the experience Simon said, "For me, being the Peace Child is a great honor - an experience I will always remember."

The Peace Light from Bethlehem arrived in NYC from Vienna, Austria, at JFK International Airport on Friday, December 4, 2009. A Welcome Ceremony was held at Our Lady of the Skies Chapel, Terminal Four, JFK International Airport, Queens, NY soon after the arrival of the Peace Light on an Austrian Airlines flight.

We, the people of St. Joseph�s Parish, gladly receive this light as a sign of our willingness to be channels of peace, by our words and actions.

This year, the flame of the Bethlehem Peace Light is in our Sanctuary. We shall keep the flame lit throughout the Christmas Season.

Calendar Club 2009 Prizes

Weekdays* and Saturdays*---$25(*no prize is awarded for Holy Thursday, Good Friday, or Holy Saturday)

Sundays---$50larger prizes on the following special days...

Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God---$50St. Joseph's Day---$50Easter Sunday---$200April Fools Day---$50

Ascension Thursday---$50Mothers Day---$75Fathers Day---$75

Independence Day---$75Feast of the Assumption of Mary---$75

All Saints Day---$75Thanksgiving Day---$75

Feast of the Immaculate Conception of Mary---$75Christmas Day---$200

New Years Eve---special drawing,drawn from those who have not won throughout the year---$250

Calendar Club

Calendar Club 2010 Prizes

2010

THE WINNERS ARE!!!

Calendar Club 2009

SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY

12/6 #745

Mike Drum $50

12/7 #617

Kathy & Charlie Wiener

$25

12/8 #610

Amy Scannella $25

12/9 #601

Brianne Herr $25

12/10 #355

Mr. & Mrs. Pat Mauro

$25

12/11 #711

The Muratore Family

$25

12/12 #19

John LaPlante $25

12/13 #713

Barbara Curry $50

12/14 #338

Michele & Dave Woods

$25

12/15 #631

Vinny Ferrante $25

12/16 #52

John J White $25

12/17 #146

John & Victoria Ryder $25

12/18 #516

Thomas Gillin $25

12/19 #601

Brianne Herr $25

12/20 #849

Phyllis & Joseph Declemente

$50

12/21 #616 Laura

Markowski $25

12/22 #896

Camille & Nick Vicale

$25

12/23 #485

The DeLouisa Family

$25

12/24 #407

Walter & Marilyn

$25

12/25 #884

Joshua & Andrea Mooney

$200

12/26 #389

Valerie Kniesser $25

Congratulations to our Winners. Thank you for your generous support!

CAN YOU CARRY A TUNE?? DO YOU PLAY AN INSTRUMENT??

Graduation has past and this year we have lost several key members of our choir. If you are interested in joining the 9:00 AM choir, we would love to talk to you. We are in need of instruments, and voices. If you like to sing but cannot read music, it�s OK. However playing an instrument requires reading music. Please see Andrea (Flute) or Ann (Piano) after the 9:00 AM Mass.

Page 13

Our Youth

In Action

Venturing Events In Carew Hall after 5:00 PM Mass

Venturing is open to men and women age 14 through 20 who have graduated from 8th Grade. This year's crew plan

is jam packed with interesting and fun activities here at St. Joseph's and "off-campus" as well.

Come down to our meeting and check it out.

Visit our next meetings � Sunday, Dec. 27th Sunday, Jan. 3rd

e-mail: Crew272@StJoRonk.org

phone: Advisor Mike Keller (631) 467-6468

What did you do this weekend?

Cub Scout Pack 272 Boy Scout Troop 272

St. Joseph�s Cub Scout Pack 272 and Boy Scout Troop 272 have fun, exciting, educational, character building pro-grams for boys, age 7 through 17 (first Grade and up).

For more information or to enroll your child, contact Dr. Louis Scotti at 656-8428

or e-mail JoinScouting@StJoRonk.org.

Pack, Troop, and Crew 272 have a YEAR-ROUND scouting program.

CYO Sport Programs Baseball:

Intramural (Coed, ages 5-16): Gene !588-1879 Travel * (Boys): Vinny !467-3651 Basketball:

Girls Intramural Debbie !467-6174 Clinic Division (Coed Grades K-2) Henry !467-6091 Boys Intramural(Grades 3-12) : Henry !467-6091 Travel* (Boys): Vinny !467-3651 Track:

Boys & Girls, Grades K-8: Karen !588-8636 or Gina !676-6208 Soccer :

Intramural Boys & Girls(ages 4-12): Joe !737-6299 Travel (LIJSL): Tony B !737-5159

*Must register for the intramural program as well

YOUTH IN MINISTRY Every Sunday at 5:00 PM, St. Joseph�s Parish offers an upbeat experience of celebrating Mass designed especially for youth and their families.

Everyone in Grades 7-12 is invited to participate. We�re looking for: Lectors Ushers Musicians/Singers Altar Servers, Eucharistic Ministers (Eucharistic ministers must be over 18) For more information about joining Youth in Ministry, contact YIM@StJoRonk.org or call the rectory.

My salvation and my honor depend on God; He is my mighty rock, my refuge.

Psalm 62:7

D.O.G.

DEPEND On

GOD

Page 14

Courtesy Announcements

Charismatic Prayer Meeting - at Our Lady of the Island Shrine the fourth Wednesday of each month from 7- 9PM. Praise, worship & teaching. Contact the Shrine at 631-325-0661 for info.

Free Food for NY Seniors - the FAN is offering free food for Seniors age 60 & over who are in-come eligible. New eligible include a single senior whose gross monthly is $1,127 or less, & a sen-ior couple whose gross monthly income is $1,517 or less. Call 631-491-4169 or 631-491-4156.

Meals-On-Wheels - Lake Nutrition Meals-on-Wheels provides food to elderly & homebound Mon-day thru Friday, two meals a day. Hot meals & cold meals are available for a charge of $6 for both meals. Call 467-8948 for information.

Professional Therapy - provided by NYS licensed therapists, are available to our parish & 80 other parishes. It is provided by the Catholic Counseling Center which is independent of & not con-trolled or supervised by the parish or diocese. Most insurance policies are honored. For information & appointment, call Dr Giuliani at 243-2503 or visit our website at http://thecatholiccouncelingcenter.net.

Sons of Italy - Everyone (18 yrs, and over) is invited to join Sons of Italy in America (and Daughters, too). We are the old-est and largest organization of Italian American men and women in the U.S., however, you do not have to be Italian to be-long. Have fun, many activities and become a leader. Meetings are held in Ronkonkoma. Many parishioners are already members. Call Mary (631-588-8467) to sign up or for more information.

A Worthy Cause - The number of abortions is rising. Perhaps this is so because we are not reaching mothers-to-be who are fearful, economically deprived and uninformed about the life they are taking. This is the task which Birthright has taken on: to offer help, to educate, to refer, to celebrate the new life within. We cannot do this without the assistance of the women in surrounding communities to serve our sisters in need. We are in need of two or more volunteers to staff a shift at our Birthright office at 43 West Main Street, Smithtown. With increased staff, perhaps we may even be able to open on Sat-urday. We also would like help with fundraising and public relation projects. Please call Anita @ 979-0578 or Elaine @

265-9486 for more information. Training classes will start in January.

Alaskan Cruise - The Suffolk County Chapter Knights of Columbus is sponsoring a 7 night Alaskan Cruise, July 16-23, 2010, ocean view cabin for $1119 or land and cruise for 11 nights, July 12-23, 2010 ocean view cabin for $2119. For more information contact Don at 631-567-0025.

St. Joseph�s College - The Footsteps of St. Paul-Greece, May 28-June 7, 2010, 11 days. $2,998 per person double occupancy fro, New York Travel with St. Joseph�s College faculty members, Father Francis Pizza-relli, SMM and Sister Grace Rowland, CSJ. For a detailed brochure call Sister Grace at 631-654-0199 or e-mail growland@sjcny.edu

Sisters of St. Joseph - Deepening your Spiritual Practice through the use of �FOCUSING�. Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2010 7:30 pm to 9:30 pm. Facilitator is Kathy Porter , Offering $15.00.

The Beginning Experience - Help for the heartache of divorce, separation, and widowhood. A weekend away for a lifetime of change. The next weekend is February 19th through the 21st 2010. For more information and reservations, call John at 516-822-0635, Karen at 201-865-6784 or Jim at 718-474-3779.

Today is the feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph. We also cele-brate that we all belong to the holy fam-ily of God which makes us brothers and sisters to each other. May the peace and joy of the New Year be yours!!

Please remember to support the Society of St. Vin-cent de Paul in the coming year so that together we can continue to bring comfort and peace to our brothers and sisters who are suffering.

Attention all Babies, Toddlers and Preschoolers!

You�re invited to bring your mom, dad, grandparent or care-giver to St. Joseph�s Playgroup. We meet on Fridays at 10:00 in Fr. Carew Hall whenever school is in session. No registra-tion is required, just come on down. For information, call Sally Miller @737-5120.