Pastor: Msgr. James P. LisanteAssistants: Rev. Anthony John Heinlein

Rev. Edward SeagriffIn Residence: Rev. Cletus NwaogwugwuPermanent Deacon: Rev. Mr. Dominick Valdaro

Rev. Mr. Frank GariboldiParish Manager: John CarlsenBusiness Manager: John BrosnanOutreach Director: Corinne LokMusic Director: J.C. Laws

ollmpmusic@gmail.comReligious Ed. Director: Bernadette Schaefer

Telephone NumbersRectory: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .541-3270Religious Education: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .799-5179Convent: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .541-1748R.C.I.A.: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .799-5179Parish Outreach: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .541-1260

Website: www.ollmp.orgThe Parish Office Schedule

Monday to Thursday 9AM to 9PMFriday 9AM to 5PMSaturday 9AM to 5PMSunday 9AM to 3PMThe office is Closed from 12/Noon to 1PM for Lunch

Mass TimesMonday through Friday: 6:45, 8:30am, 8:00pmSaturday: 6:45, 8:30am/5:00pm and

5:15pm ChapelSunday: 7:30, 9:00, 10:30am,

12:15 & 1:30pm

BaptismIt is advised that the parents schedule an interview with apriest one month before the preferred baptism date.Baptismal preparation classes are offered on the 2ndSunday of the month. Parents are encouraged to attend the10:30 AM mass on the 2nd Sunday and the preparationclass will follow the mass in the Rectory. All couplesseeking to baptize a child must attend the class. Baptismsare preformed on the 2nd and 4th Sunday of every monthat 3PM. Please call the Rectory to schedule anappointment at (516) 541-3270.

ConfessionsSaturdays, Eves of Holy Days and Eves of First Fridays4:00 to 5:00pm.

MarriagesThe prospective bride and groom should discuss details ofthe marriage with one of the priests of the parish at leastsix months prior to the date of the wedding.

Fifth Sunday of LentMarch 13, 2016

The Mission Statement ofOur Lady of Lourdes Parish

Our Lady of Lourdes is a welcoming parish familywhose purpose is to model Christ, as guided by Mary,in a life defined by faith and love. We seek to advanceGod's will through acts of Charity and Kindness.

“to Jesus through Mary”

Our Lady of Lourdes ChurchMassapequa Park, New York 11762

Page 2 March 13, 2016

Masses For The Week

Lector Schedule

The Bread and Wine has been

Donated this week

In loving memory of Kenneth Bellando

From Carolyn, Denise, Gina & Sue

The Sanctuary Candle in the Chapel has been donated for a Special Intention

The Sanctuary Candle in the Church

has been donated for a Special Intention

Pray for the repose of the souls of

Vincent Fargione Rose Frascella

Rest in peace

Our Lady of Lourdes

Monday, March 14th 6:45 Mary Kollar Your Friends at the Life Center 8:30 Pettit Family Mary Thomas 8 PM Int. Andrea Barrett Danny Tuesday, March 15th 6:45 Alan A. Illicete Matthew, Claire Illicete 8:30 Jane Deglman Joan Olton 8PM Int. Chantale Beauvais The Prayer Group Wednesday, March 16th 6:45 Int. Fr. Cletus 8:30 Special Intention Patty Dugin 8PM Richard Galek Charles & James Kavanaugh Thursday, March 17th 6:45 Albina Kaval Family 8:30 Joseph & Josephine Nolan M/M Michael Nolan 8PM Int. Peter & Evelyn Regan Friday, March 18th 6:45 Int. Sal DeCaro Family 8:30 Catherine & Andrew Murphy Kathleen & Jeff Cronin 8PM Elna Routier Gisele Routier Saturday, March 19th 6:45 In Thanksgiving to St. Joseph 8:30 Henry Wulforst Margaret & Chris Sabella 5PM Salvatore Triglia Carol Twaits 5:15 Barbara A. Schiavello Barbara, Bruce & Eric Factor Sunday, March 20th 7:30 Int. Fr. Cletus Nwaogwugwu – Pat & Dom Valdaro 9:00 Matthew Fagan Cunningham Family 10:30 Pollini & Ricciuti Families - Ellen &Vincent Ricciuti 12:15 Rita O’Connell Andrea & Daniel Barrett 1:30 Angela & Guiseppe Vincent Sturiale- M/M Mike Nolan

PALM SUNDAY VIGIL, 3/19 - 5:00 PM – DAN DONAHUE (NARRATOR) & AL HANS

(VOICE)

PALM SUNDAY, 3/20

- 7:30 AM – MICHELLE TINE (NARRATOR) & THERESA

PINGHERA (VOICE)

9:00 AM – SUE BOUFFIER (NARRATOR) AND DAVE

GORDON (VOICE)

10:30 AM – RICK BACANI (NARRATOR) AND JIM DO-

LAN (VOICE)

- 12:15 PM – BARRY CHAMPNEY (NARRATOR) AND

TOM VARRIALE (VOICE)

- 1:30 PM – JEANNE VIRZERA (NARRATOR) AND EFREN

BACANI (VOICE)

HOLY THURSDAY, 3/24

- 8:00 PM – LISA JANDOVITZ AND BOB KALIBAN

GOOD FRIDAY, 3/25

- 3:00 PM – ISIDORA BACANI (NARRATOR) AND DAN

DONAHUE (VOICE)

- 7:30 PM – JEANNE VIRZERA (NARRATOR) AND MARY

CHAMPNEY (VOICE

This Weekend!!

Page 3 Our Lady of Lourdes March 13, 2016

Continued….

March 2, 2016

by Cardinal Timothy Dolan

A Good Time to Confess

Two weeks ago, my column was about the Sacrament of Baptism, remember?

I recalled our Catholic belief that, at Baptism, original sin is washed away, and our soul is teeming with God’s very life, the actual

indwelling of the Blessed Trinity we term sanctifying grace.

That’s how God always wants our soul to be: free from sin, radiant with His grace, innocent, like it was on the day of our christen-

ing.

But, what happens when that glow is tarnished by sin? Are we lost? Can we recover it?

You bet we can! How? Through the Sacrament of Penance!

I love hearing confessions at St. Patrick’s Cathedral. (I also love going to confession, and need to, about every two-weeks-or-

so.) Often, people who observe they are “new Catholics”—in other words, adults who entered the Church at the Easter vigil over

the last recent years—come to confession, and tell me that one of the attractions of becoming a Catholic was the Sacrament of Rec-

onciliation (as confession is sometimes called), and that they approach it a lot. God bless them!

I only wish we lifelong Catholics would do so! You will not be shocked by the statistic that only about 10 percent of our Catholic

people rely regularly (at least once a year) on this powerful vehicle of God’s mercy.

Why? I guess there are a number of reasons Catholics sadly shun the confessional.

For one, some report “bad experiences” from confession in the past, especially as kids. That’s sad, and not a favorable reflection on

whatever priest happened to be crabby that day.

But, come on! Odds are we have some fretful experiences of a dentist, a nurse giving us a shot, an exam or teacher at school, but

we have hardly given up on all of those!

Two, some report that they no longer know how to go to confession. Once again, a rather lame excuse. We don’t really know how

to give blood either, but I’m sure glad so many simply trust the professionals who guide us through this life-giving procedure. All

we have to do is say, “Father, it’s been awhile, I’m rusty. Can you help me out, and even help me remember and confess my sins?”

Three, tragically, some folks stay away because they think their sins are so ugly, horrible, and many that God wants nothing to do

with them. While a realistic admission of the evil of our sins is good, to stop there is not. The main message of God’s revelation, in

the Bible, and especially in the words of Jesus, is that God’s mercy is a lot more powerful than our sins. Don’t “play God” with

yourself! He’s told us over and over that He wants to forgive us. Don’t be stricter on yourself than He is!

But I’m afraid reason number four is much more common today: “I don’t have any sins!”

We Catholics used to be mocked because we believe that one human person, Mary, was free from sin, in anticipation of the mercy

of her Son. Now, we seem to believe she’s not the only one: I’m immaculate, too!

One priest tells me, “When someone says to me, ‘Father, I really don’t have any sins to confess,’” he replies, “‘Well, you do now, because you

just told a lie.’ The Bible tells us that ‘He who says he is without sin is a liar.’” He’s got a point!

Page 4 Our Lady of Lourdes March 13, 2016

Continued…. What’s sadder than sin is to presume we’re without any! If we think we are without sin, we reject Jesus, who came to save us from our sins! “Nice

of you to offer yourself as a Savior, Lord. Thanks, but no thanks. Others sure need you—I’ll tell you their sins if you want—but I don’t.” To

claim to be without sin is to make our Lord’s death on the cross useless.

Five, some Catholics today ask why we have to confess our sins to a priest. This is especially timely as we are relentlessly reminded of the sins

and scandals of priests. And we are supposed to confess our sins to these hypocrites who are worse than me?

Well...yes. While the form of the Sacrament of Penance as we know it took centuries to develop in the Church, the principle of forgiveness of sins

by an agent of Jesus dates from the first Easter night, when the Risen Lord gave His first priests, the apostles, the authority to forgive sins in His

name and by His power. Thank God that the effectiveness of the sacraments hardly depends on the sinlessness of the priest!

Reluctance to confess to a priest is especially strange in a culture where people are telling their deepest secrets and vices to any TV talk show host

around, and where “transparency” and “getting it all out” is praised when it comes to drugs, alcohol, and sexual immorality. A psychologist teased

me, “I’m glad folks have dropped going to confession. A lot of my patients desperately want an assurance of mercy, love, and a fresh start. They’d

save money going to you instead of me!”

Those are some of the reasons I guess folks have dropped confession. I recently confided in our priests that we’re to blame partly, too, as we rarely

preach it, encourage it, or teach our people about it.

And along comes Pope Francis! The Pope of Mercy! The Pope who reminds us that Jesus told us not to judge! Yet, surprise, the Holy Father who

constantly speaks of the power and beauty of the Sacrament of Reconciliation, who is not shy about letting us watch him kneel in front of a con-

fessor, and who himself sneaks over to St. Peter’s Basilica to hear confessions.

And...the Pontiff who has proclaimed a Year of Mercy, urging us, like a prophet of the Old Testament, like Jesus, like the apostles, like the saints,

to ask Jesus for His mercy in our prayer, in the sacrament, and then to show this mercy to others.

This is the Successor of St. Peter who has softened the hardened heart of the world, who speaks often of sin, Satan, hell, the hypocrisy of those

who judge others but not themselves, the power of the Sacrament of Penance, and the explosive, liberating medicine of mercy!

This is the Holy Father who claims, “The best Christians are those standing in line for confession; the happiest are those who have made a humble

one.”

What a better time to “get back in line” than Lent of this Year of Mercy!

Our Parish depends solely on your generosity to meet each week’s expenses. Our regular Sunday collections account

for more than 60% of our operating budget. Your continued support, especially during these difficult economic times,

is both needed and appreciated.

Last week you donated: $ 17, 246.21

Prayers for the Sick

Let us continue to pray for

peace. Let us also pray for all

those serving in the military.

With special care we pray especially for: Christopher B. Afetian - Sgt USMC, Sgt. Kevin L. Blieka

U.S. Army, Sgt. Brian Andrew Dayman US Army, PFC

Joseph DiCicco Army, Commander Christopher DeMay -

Navy , Nicholas R. DoLieto - Marine Corps, A1C Timothy

Erkens USAF, Army, Capt. Michael Ferrari, USMC,

Spencer French, 1st Lieutenant, SRA Senior Airman

Robert J. Gerry - Air Force,Spec. Steven Gianatiempo -

US Army, Brandon Goodwin, Petty Off., 2nd Class, USCG,

Stefanie Goodwin, Petty Off., 3rd Class, USN, Kenny

Greening -PFC-Army, Sean Hendrickson -Master of Arms,

US Navy,

Chaplain Major Timothy Hirten, USAF, Maj. Luke Holian

USMC, SPC Justin Lansford -US Army, Sgt. Todd J. Lo-

braico USAF, Major Michael Edward Loconsolo, US

Army, Pvt Matthew Macario - US Army, Garrett Macchio

A1C, Air force, Pvt. Ryan McCann Army, Pvt. Matthew

McQuade-Army, Jason Moritz - Sgt. USAF, Pvt 1st Class

Joshua Nichols - US Army, Lt. Col. Thomas O’Connor, US

Army, Spc. Manuel E. Palmer US Army, Cpt. David

Paolillo USAF, Cpt. Kathleen Paolillo USAF, L. CPL Mi-

chael E. Porfidio - USMC, PFC Dominique R. Quiban,

USMC Capt. Joseph Shultz, L CPL Eric Vazquez USMC,

US Army, Spec. Zachary Small - US Army, US Army Sgt.

Michael Stephney

If you know a Service Member that you would like to

add to this list please contact the rectory 516-541-3270

Please include

name, rank

and branch

of ser- vice.

Carol Abrams, Kay Abugel, Gayle Bennett, , Clara Bernal,

Alice Bonarrigo, Scarlette Boune, Ed Burch, Kevin Burch,

Timothy Burns, Kenny Burns, John Cappa, Michael

Caselli, Carol Castellano, Mike Conlin, Billy Coyne, Si-

ham Denho, Jane Depraida, Patrick DiGennaro, Barbara

Donovan, John Dorrer, Bartley Drury, Jose Dungca, Bob

Ellis, Michelle Epstein, Leticia Escanan, Leo Fabrizio,

Santina Figliola, John Galietti, Joanne Gaudioso, Lucille

Gaudioso, Carol Hayward, Russ Hayward, Michael

Heinlein, Peggy Helm, Gaspar Ingui, Joan Johnson, Jesus

Jupio, Peter Kearns III, Basilio Klonis, Richard Kmitis,

Nicholas Krosofsky, Sophia Mary Maglione, Donald Ma-

son, Marie Molloy, Mary Mullin, Blanche & Herman

Navon, Bill Pesek, Vincent Pinto, Helga Richert, Jean

Marie Roncallo, Ayden W. Sabino, Jan Santacapita, Nicole

Scrofani, Charles Sinisi, William & Patricia Slezak, Eric

Spring, Cliff Stevko, Carolyn Sweeney, Ann Stella Thom-

son, Ann Marie Tine, Larry Tomanelli, Patti Toner, Donna

Vollaro, John J. Wilson, Jr.

Page 5

Thank you!

Our Lady of Lourdes March 13, 2016

Parish Outreach

“We Care Blankets”

As our wonderful group of “Care Blanket” volunteers con-

tinue to meet on Wednesday mornings from 10:00 -

11:30am at Parish Outreach, the gifts of their love, time and

talent in crocheting and knitting beautiful blankets for seri-

ously ill children is nothing less than a beautiful thing!

Since our group began in November 2009, the completed

blanket count stands at 1,828 I’m sure in no time at all we

will be adding to this amazing number. Thank you to our

lovely group of ladies for all the good work you do to bring

love and comfort to many children undergoing cancer care.

Outreach is happy to accept donations of yarns, crochet

hooks or knitting needles in support of this effort.

If you are interested in joining our group please contact

Parish Outreach at 516-541-1260.

Page 6 Our Lady of Lourdes

“Ministry of Consolation”

Our parish is richly blessed to have gathered a wonderful group of volunteers who make up Our Lady of Lourdes “Ministry of Consolation” team. The most valuable gifts we can give are the gifts that come from the heart. The precious gifts of our time, love and compassion are espe-cially needed during the time of the loss of a loved one.

Created to provide warmth, caring and personal attention to assist families in preparation for the funeral mass, this par-ticular ministry can never have too many helping hands. Whether your interest be that of a Greeter, Lector or EM, please give some thought as to sharing your time and tal-ents and being a part of this ministry’s call to love and care for one another.

Thank you so much to our coordinator, Deacon Frank Gari-boldi and all our volunteers for embracing this beautiful ministry. Please call Parish Outreach at 516-541-1260 if you would like to volunteer. Thank you for your consid-eration.

“Food Pantry”

My gratitude always to everyone for all you do to help us to

help others. It is only through your kindness and generosity

that we can accomplish the good work of assisting those

most in need in our community.

As our pantry is understandably in need of some replenish-

ing this time of year, please continue to be as generous as

you can. Each and every donation is greatly appreciated

By next week the food pantry will need restocking of a few

items in particular… Jelly, Canned Tuna, Tomato Sauce,

Pasta and Powdered Milk. On behalf of those we serve,

thank you for your continued support and concern for the

poor.

Canned Tuna Cereal s Coffee

Canned Fruit Pancake Mix Tea bags

Applesauce Pancake Syrup Powdered Milk

Pasta Can Vegetables Juices

Tomato Sauce Instant Potatoes Soups

Peanut Butter Egg Noodles Macaroni & Cheese

Jelly Rice Cookies/Crackers

Oatmeal Beans Jell-O/ Pudding

Parish Outreach hours are Mon.-Thurs., 9:00am-4:00pm.

March 13, 2016

Our Lady of Lourdes Massapequa Park

“Bereavement Support Group”

GENERAL BEREAVEMENT

…For the Loss of a Loved One…

STARTS TUESDAY, APRIL 5th, 2016

Tuesday Evenings - 8 Weeks April 5,12,19,26, May 3,10,17,24

7:00pm – 8:30pm

PRE- REGISTRATION REQUIRED:

Please call: Parish Outreach ……………516-541-1260,

or Rectory Office ………………516-541-3270

2nd THURSDAY EVENINGS, 7:30 PM

IN THE PARISH CENTER ROOM 16

We have changed our MOSJ meeting days to ONLY ONE

Thursday each month.

Next Meetings: April 14th

May 12th

NEXT COFFEE SOCIAL

March 13th

TODAY 8 am to 12:30 pm

Everyone welcome!

(Helpers needed…..phone rectory)

Page 7 Our Lady of Lourdes

NEXT WEEKEND MASS CELEBRANTS

If you know of anyone who, because of age or infir-mity, can’t come to Church for sacraments, please phone the Rectory and leave their name, address & tele-phone number, so a Priest or Eucharistic Minister can visit them.

We NEED Eucharistic Ministers to take communion to shut-ins. If you are a

Eucharistic Minister and are willing to bring commun-ion to shut-ins, please call the rectory.

March 13, 2016

Saturday, March 19th 5:00 p.m. Fr. Cletus

5:15 p.m. Fr. Tony / Chapel

Sunday, March 20th 7:30 a.m. Fr. Ed

900 a.m. Fr. Tony

10:30 a.m. Msgr. Lisante

12:15 p.m. Fr. Marty

1:30 p.m. Fr. Cletus

Page 8 Our Lady of Lourdes March 13, 2016

Worldwide Marriage Encounter

Attention Married Couples!

Spring into Love! with a

Worldwide Marriage Encounter Weekend This might be just what you’re looking for!

It’s time to renew your relationship.

Rediscover your love and enhance your hopes and dreams!

WWME is the original and still the best!

April 29 to May 1, 2016 @ The Montfort Spiritual Center

26 South Saxon Ave Bay Shore, NY 11706

June 10 to 12th @ The Seminary of the Immaculate Conception

440 W Neck Rd, Huntington, NY 11743

Page 9 Our Lady of Lourdes March 13, 2016

Page 10 Our Lady of Lourdes March 13, 2016

Page 11 Our Lady of Lourdes

THEOLOGY CLASS

7:30 - 9:00pm in the Church basement

Abstracts of each class are given out, so you can best follow the lectures.

Phone the rectory for more information.

Next meeting: Tuesday, March 15th

7:30 P.M. Church Basement

Tuesday Evenings, approx. every 2 Tuesdays, from 7:30 to 9pm. (14 Tuesdays)

Everyone Welcome! Come whenever you can!

Books, videos & DVD’s for Loan

Free of charge

Subjects: 1. Church History 2. Church Dogma 3. Apologetics 4. Scripture

March 13, 2016

EVENT: Run for Tomorrows Hope Foundation DESCRIPTION: A timed, officially sanctioned 5K running race and a ‘fun run’ of 1 mile for non-competitive run-

ners and kids

HOST: St. Joseph School in Garden City – 450 Franklin Ave., Garden City

DATE: Saturday, March 19th

TIME: Opening Liturgy at 7:30 am, Fun run at 8:30, 5K at 9 am COST: Registration 5K: $30 5K (under 14 years old) $20 Catholic Elementary School Teachers (5K): $10 Fun Run Registration: $15 Clergy: Complimentary

T-shirts for all participants, prizes in many categories for the children.

MORE INFORMATION or TO REGISTER: https://runsignup.com/Race/NY/GardenCity/

StJosephSchoolSpirit5K

GOOD FRIDAY SILENT VIGIL ON BEHALF OF

UNBORN CHILDREN

THE LONG ISLAND COALITION FOR LIFE is holding

a GOOD FRIDAY SILENT VIGIL ON BEHALF OF UN-

BORN CHILDREN on MARCH 25, 2016, from 10:30AM

to NOON, in front of Nassau University Medical Center

(2201 Hempstead Tpke., East Meadow). Pro-life women,

men and children take part in this peaceful vigil for the

protection of life in the womb and against abortions com-

mitted at NUMC and throughout Long Island. We stand on

the public sidewalk - a reminder that abortion is not health-

care. Signs provided. Information: 631-243-1435;

info@prolifeLI.org.

Page 12 Our Lady of Lourdes March 13, 2016

VISIBILITY MATTERS: There is a weekly prayerful presence at the Planned Parenthood facility in

Massapequa on Saturday mornings, 10:30am-noon, 35 Carmans Rd, Massapequa (across from the mall

parking lot). For information: 516-541-8056. We need your presence now more than ever!

Good Friday Silent Vigil on Behalf of the Unborn: March 25th, 10:30am - noon, Rain or Shine, in

front of the Nassau University Medical Center, 2201Hempstead Tpke, East Meadow. Pro-life women,

men, and children take part in this peaceful vigil for the protection of life in the womb and against abortions committed

at NUMC and throughout Long Island. We stand on the public sidewalk - a reminder that abortion is not healthcare.

Signs are provided at site. Call 631-243-1435 or email info@prolifeLI.org for information/questions. Sponsor: LI Coa-

lition for Life

Holy Saturday Annual Liturgy for the Pre-Born: March 26th, 10:00am in front of Planned Parenthood, 540 Fulton

St (Rte 24), Hempstead. Sponsored by Cathedral Church of the Intercessor. All are invited to attend. Call 516-599-3780

or email seekfirst@verizon.net for information/questions.

From www.mercatornet.com, March 4, 2016, by Michael Cook, Editor:

Mario Melazzini was recently appointed as chairman of the board of Italy's body for regulating pharmaceutical prod-

ucts. He practiced for about 20 years as a cancer specialist. In 2002 he was diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclero-

sis (ALS or Lou Gehrig's disease). He uses a ventilator to breath properly; he needs a wheelchair for mobility; he is fed

intravenously; and he needs constant care. He is president of the Italian research foundation for ALS; he is the former

councilor for health and research in the region of Lombardy, and he is the author of five books about disability, eutha-

nasia and his own wrestling match with ALS. His latest book was published last year: Lo sguardo e la speranza: La

vita è bella, non solo nei film (The look and the hope: Life is beautiful, and not just in the movies). In an interview

with the Italian magazine Business International he said, "When I started to look at my disease with fresh eyes, I under-

stood it and made a fresh start on life. The moment I stopped thinking about what I could not do because of ALS, but

what I could do for myself, for my children and friends, my life changed...Life is a gift, an asset which must be nurtured

from the moment of conception to natural end, even with illness. Life must not be manipulated according to an ideol-

ogy. We need to realize that in any condition, when properly supported, everything can be seen as a great opportu-

nity...The only incurable thing is the will to live!

Melazzini admits that not long after he was diagnosed he typed "assisted suicide" into a search engine, and actually

made an appointment with Dignitas, the Swiss assisted suicide clinic in Zurich. But he did not go. He began to see that

life was too beautiful and precious. He was involved in the heated debate over assisted suicide in Italy in 2006. His faith

has sustained him through his illness, especially by reading the Old Testament book of Job, the just man stripped of

everything he loved and owned. Melazzini is grateful to Fr. Luigi Giussani, founder of a Catholic group called Comun-

ione e Liberazione. Fr. Giussani taught Melazzini that even with his immobility, he is still free.

Melazzini's expectation of miracles is modest - not the miracle of a cure, but the miracle of acceptance: "The miracle is

not walking, drinking and many other things that I can no longer do. The miracle is serenity and an awareness of my

limitations. I can't ask for anything more than what I had. I thought that I would be dead after a few years of illness, and

instead, here I am, alive and active...The miracle happened: I opened my heart. I was locked into myself. Now I am

open to myself and this allowed me to open up wide to others...Hope is a path that can lead to a better space. Pain and

suffering, as such, are neither good nor desirable - but that doesn't mean that they are meaningless. And suffering can be

contextualized and treated as a life experience...In our day-to-day lives, all of us will meet suffering sooner or later, and

not just physical pain, sickness and frailty. We ought to be able to treasure it, turning it into something valuable in our

path through life...And the disease can really become a form of health. It's healthy because it allows us to feel useful

again for ourselves and others, beginning with the family and including friends and colleagues. It's healthy because it

helps us to realize that in life one should never take anything for granted, not even a glass of water sipped without chok-

ing."

There is a well financed and well organized campaign to legalize assisted suicide in NYS. Proposed legislation in

the Senate and the Assembly, S.5814/A.5261-B and S.3685/A.2129-A, would do just that. Please contact your

NYS Senator and Assemblyperson regarding this dangerous legislation. (http://assembly.state.ny.us

www.nysenate.gov)

Page 13 Our Lady of Lourdes March 13, 2016

The Fifth Week of Lent

This week is filled with drama. We continue to prepare our-selves to be open to God's graces. We continue to try to choose Lent, to act Lent, in very concrete ways. We are exam-ining our patterns and realigning our priorities. Our hearts are being renewed, as we experience God's reconciling love and beg for the gift of healing. All this is wonderfully supported by the drama of the daily lit-urgies. We begin with the raising of Lazarus (and we may cele-brate the Scrutinies). During the week, we have powerful sto-ries about the accusation against Susanna, a healing image lifted up in the desert, the three faithful witnesses who survive the fiery furnace, the account of God's covenant with Abram, Jeremiah's fearful trust in the midst of the plot against him, and Ezekiel's incredible vision of restoration of the nation - that God will make a new and everlasting covenant.

Each of these readings is matched with a gospel from

John. We hear about witnesses and testimony and judgment,

about his being lifted up (on the cross and in glory), about

the freedom/liberation he has come to bring, about himself as

the fulfillment of God's covenant, the new and everlasting

covenant. And, we can feel the opposition rising against

him. And we grow in devotion, and grace, as we realize that

it is all “for me.”

"Taken from the Praying Lent pages of Creighton Univer-

sity's Online Ministries web site:

www.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/online.html.

Used with Permission."

Page 14 Our Lady of Lourdes March 13, 2016

Page 15 Our Lady of Lourdes March 13, 2016

Page 16 Our Lady of Lourdes March 13, 2016

If you would like to present the Gifts at

the Mass for your family member/Intention, PLEASE

advise an Usher prior to start of Mass.

Page 17 Our Lady of Lourdes March 13, 2016

Our Lady of Lourdes March 13, 2016 Page 18

Community News

Our Lady of Lourdes Church

855 Carmans Road, Massapequa Park

Friday $1800 in prizes at 7:30 PM Tuesday Golden Society, at 7:30 PM $2000 in Prizes w/Progressive Jackpot

$2000 IN PRIZES - $850 GIANT JACKPOT Progressive Jackpot on Tuesdays

Page 19 Our Lady of Lourdes

",

Do you want to develop a deeper relationship with God? Does your search for God seem to be at a crossroad? Do you want to explore new methods in prayer? Or has prayer become difficult?

Do you feel the need for someone to assist you in discern-ing the call of the spirit? Or do you feel the need for a companion on the spiritual journey to walk with you and listen?

I will be glad to help you...Efren R. Bacani, Spiritual Di-rector & Parishioner here at Our Lady of Lourdes. Please call me @ (516)281-5876

March 13, 2016

ALL ST. JOHN OF GOD &

OUR LADY OF PROVIDENCE REGIONAL

SCHOOL GRADUATES:

Our Lady of Providence Regional School (formally St.

John of God School) is reaching out to all SJOG and OL-

POP graduates, to become a member of the SJOG / OLOP

Alumni Association. As a member you will re-

ceive Alumni Newsletters that will take you “down mem-

ory lane”, update you on activities in the school and an-

nounce dates for Alumni events and reunions So please get

us your information (Name, address, e mail, phone #, year

graduated) please!

Please Send your information to sjogno1@aol.com /631

234 6535 Ext 135.

Beta Sigma Phi Xi Master Chapter presents our annual

fundraiser to benefit Hope House Ministries.

Please join us for our DIVA NIGHT Dinner/Auction fea-

turing Elvis - Professional Impersonator on Thursday,

April 7 from 6:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m. at the beautiful Villa

Lombardi’s in Holbrook, NY.

For ticket information, please call Deb @ (631)821-7598

or Peg @ (631)928-2628.

Chinese Auction/Pasta Dinner Sunday April 10, 2016/ 1PM-5 PM

To Benefit: The Life Center of LI

Hosted: Knights of Columbus Councils of the 8th District

Our Lady of Grace Parish

Fr. Patrick Shanahan Hall

666 Albin Avenue

West Babylon, NY 11704

Admission: $13 or 2 for $25

Includes: Pasta Dinner/Beer, Wine, Soda

Auction tickets sold separately

Tickets available at the Door

GREAT PRIZES!

Call 516-798-9100 for more info and tickets

www.lifecenterli.org

OʼKEEFE, CPA, LLCCertified Public AccountingPERSONAL INCOME TAX,

BUSINESS RETURNSNOT-FOR-PROFIT

Timothy F. OʼKeefe, CPA, CFP, MA(parishioner)

www.okeefecpallc.com516-586-4940

375 Fulton St., Farmingdale, NY 11735

ROB FLORIELANDSCAPING

(516) 799-7845NEEDANESTIMATE??E-MAILYOURADDRESS,PHONENUMBER

&LANDSCAPENEEDSTOFLORIELANDSCAPE@VERIZON.NET

COMPLETELAWN&LANDSCAPEDESIGNRESIDENTIALORCOMMERCIAL**** STUMP GRINDING ****

*WeeklyLawnCare * Sod&SeedLawns *RailroadTies * CustomPlanting&Design*PowerRaking *Tree&StumpRemoval *LawnChemical Program

CleanUps - Spring&Fall *RockGardens *TopSoil“ServingMassapequa /MassapequaPark, Farmingdale&Vicinity”

Nursing & Rehabilitation CenterVOTED THE BEST! (by L.I. Business News)• Subacute Care •Outpatient Rehabilitation

•Skilled Nursing •Adult Day Services •Volunteer Opportunities(631) 264-0222--www.broadlawn.org

399 County Line Rd, Amityville, NY 11701

PPHHIILL CCEEPPAARRAANNOO Plumbing & HeatingAll Leaks Repaired • Floods Pumped

Repair or Replace: Faucets • Toilets • Sinks • Drains • Heat • Waste & Water Lines Residential Specialist

ALL WORK PERFORMED BY OWNERHighly Recommended By His Customers

TRY ME ONCE YOU’LL BE IMPRESSED WITH THE SERVICE

McCourt & Trudden Funeral Home Inc.Newly Expanded With Large Spacious Chapels and Located Only 2 Miles From Our Lady of Lourdes

Joseph Trudden - Owner/Director385 Main Street, Farmingdale

MMAAIIDDEENNBBAAUUMM PPRROOPPEERRTTYY TTAAXX RREEDDUUCCTTIIOONN GGRROOUUPP,, LLLLCC

CustomerService@MPTRG.com Office: (516) 336-8622Over 25 Years of Experience

PAT DOLAN PLUMBINGLicensed Master Plumber24 HR. EMERGENCY SERVICE

798 - 8 9 4 3

SStt.. MMaarrttiinn OOff TToouurrss SScchhooooll41 Union Avenue, Amityville, NY 11701

663311--226644--77116666CCaallll ffoorr aa TToouurr TTooddaayy!! www.smtschool.org

CLASS “A” ROOFING & SIDINGROOFING SPECIALIST

“We Live Here, We Worship Here”(516) 826-5514

ARTHUR F. WHITE FUNERAL HOME, INC.A tradi t ion of Caring Since 1923

FARMINGDALE BETHPAGEROBERT A. WHITE, SR. - OWNER 315 CONKLIN STREET 234 BROADWAY STEPHEN J. MAHONEY - DIRECTORNANCY J. WHITE - OWNER 516-249-0336 516-931-1454 WILLIAM D. PARSONS

See Your Advertisement in Full Color!Call The Church Bulletin Inc.

for more information(631) 249-4994

Custom Exteriors

Home Improvements

• SIDING• WINDOWS• ROOFING

Call for FREE estimate(516) 797-9610

POWELL FUNERAL HOME, INC.Serving This Area Since 190867 Broadway Amityville, N.Y.

691-0172

QUICK EMERGENCY RESPONSE 24 HR. 7 DAYS

516-454-655735 YEARS EXPERIENCEwww.ceparanoplumbing.com

Serving the Parish Area

Lic. Master PlumberServing all NassauNo Job Too Small

Insured

AndHolidays

249-1303

“How Can We Help You?”

#209 FOR ADVERTISING: THE CHURCH BULLETIN INC., 200 DALE ST., W. BABYLON, NY 11704-1104 (631) 249-4994 • www.thechurchbulletininc.com

ASK ABOUT MY 2 YEAR GUARANTEE

Ed’s Service Center950 Carmans Rd., Massapequa

(516) 795-5121State Inspection, Alignments,General Repairs, Road Service

Computer Diagnostics

FreeEstimates

Licensed &Insured

540 Broadway • Massapequa • NY • 11758JamesFuneralHome.com

516.541.4000•Newly Renovated Chapel • Preplanning • Handicapped Accessible

Monuments & Inscriptions • Children’s Playroom

Lic/Ins

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