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Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time Lisa B., Baby Alexandra Bachert, Caroline Bachert, Frances Baio, Al Barton, Catherine Capato, Sally Capoziello, Shang Cheng, Cath-erine Chiarelli, Marge D’Auria, Mary Ann D’Angelo, Baby Christopher Brian Demmerle,

Domenica DeVito, Virginia DiGangi, Mary Divers, Jean Fochetta, Francesca Gaudino, Ian Genovese-Williams, John Joseph Gleeson, John Pierce Gleeson, Christine Healy, Thomas Healy, Aurea Hernandez, Maria Hernan-dez, Rosemary Hogan, Elizabeth Isolano, Jennie Iuggiano, Keri & Baby Tristan, Amelia Kalb, Pam Karwan, Baby T.J. Krieg, Kathleen Krieg, Klavdia Krieg, Anthony Lamantia, James Leung, Valerie Librizzo, Thomas & Patricia Lipari, William J. Litt, Cindy Maione, Maryann Maione, Ralph Maresco, Camillo Mazella, Rosemary Menechella, Jordan Miller, John Myers, Salvatore Noto, Angela Ottomanelli-Hubbs, Michael Palermo, Gina Palya, Santo Pantina, Ann Parsell, Anna Petito, Doris, Carlo, Philip & Frank Pecchillo, Vivian Puglissi, Joseph Questore, Mary Romano, Jake Rothman, Bill Sangirardi, Felice Scimeca, John Secreti, Fred Sepulveda, Rosalia Sindone, Patrick Smith, Michael Tamburo, Chrissie Tremblay, Paul Tremblay, Paul John Tremblay, Ann Marie Vayda, Sr. Joanne Walters, Elizabeth Weimer.

Deceased: Mary Anne Jaume

T h i s We e k ' s M a s s I n t e n t i o n s

Sunday, July 23, 2017 8:00AM Gatti Family (Blaise Corozzo) 9:30AM Joseph Bosco (Vastano Family) 11:00AM Frank Saverio Tullo (Vito & Angela Tullo) 12:30PM Mary Camelo & Joshua Basin (Zena Basin) 5:00PM For The Parishioners

Monday, July 24, 2017 St. Sharbel Makhiuf

9:00AM Rocco Morro (Gabriella Guido)

Tuesday, July 25, 2017 St. James 9:00AM Geraldine Azuwike-Nwachukwu (Joe Barreca)

Wednesday, July 26, 2017 Sts. Joachim & Anne 9:00AM John Maguire (Margaret Bellino)

Thursday, July 27, 2017 9:00AM Jocson Family (Aida Jocson)

Friday, July 28, 2017 9:00AM Purgatorial Society Mass

Saturday, July 29, 2017 St. Martha 9:00AM Phyllis Capasso (Ann Roberto) Mary Corrigan (Joe Barreca) James D’Amato (Pane Family) 5:00PM Nancy & Buddy Capone, Stephanie DeLete, Robert Grzelaczyk, Jennie Maniscalco, Joseph Nocerino

Sunday, July 30, 2017 8:00AM Gaetano DiManso (Michael & Elizabeth Pearce) 9:30AM Michael Fontana, Jr. (Barbara DiPierro) 11:00AM Stella & Henry Gorycki (Helen Repstad) 12:30PM Michael Mannarino (Lorri Lennon) 5:00PM For The Parishioners

GOOD SHEPHERD STATUE We would like to thank Connie Camelliri, who kept the statue this past week. Anyone interested in keeping the statue in their home and praying for vocations for one week should contact the Rectory.

St. Helen’s Purgatorial Society Mass

All parishioners have the opportunity to enroll the names of loved ones in the Purgatorial Society. The Purgatorial Society Mass will be held on the last Friday of each month. The offering to be enrolled in the Purgatorial Society is $120 per name (a total of 12 Masses for one year will be said for your loved one). Aside from listing one name, a husband and wife together, or a family name is also accepta-ble. Having a Purgatorial Society is wonderful way of living out the Scriptures and will be a relief for those who desire to have their loved ones remem-bered with prayers all year long at God’s Altar. Please stop in at the Rectory if you are interested in having a loved one enrolled in the Purgatorial Soci-ety. The next Purgatorial Society Mass will be held Friday, July 28, 2017.

The Order of Franciscans Secular meet on the 3rd Saturday of every month in St. Helen’s Rectory after the 9AM Mass. Come and learn more about the Franciscan way of life.

SUMMER OFFICE HOURS July 3—September 3, 2017

Monday-Friday: 9:00AM-12:00PM & 1:00-4:00PM Saturday & Sunday: 9:00AM-12:00PM No Evening Hours During the Summer!

Congratulations to the following students from St. Helen Parish who have achieved Honor Roll status at The Mary Louis Academy for the third marking period:

Principal’s List: Caitlin Clementi, Isabella Ferrino First Honors: Marissa Marta, Noelle Murgida Second Honors: Valerie Reiter

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Renovation on Update No. 22

"Annuntio vobis gaudium magnum:

Habemus Ecclesia!”

I announce to you a great joy:

We Have A Church!

FATHER COLAMARIA

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Policies Regarding Infant Baptism at St. Helen Parish

Parents seeking Baptism for their children who live within the territory of St. Helen Parish are asked to register as members of the parish before requesting an initial interview for Baptism. Registration is easily done at the parish office anytime during business hours. Parents seeking Baptism for their children who live outside the territory of St. Helen Parish are asked to obtain a letter from the parish in which they live authorizing the Baptism to take place at St. Helen.

Initial meetings with parents seeking Baptism for their children will normally take place on the second Wednes-day of each month from 7:00–9:00PM and on the fourth Saturday of each month from 10:30AM–12:30PM.

AUGUST, 2017

Mornings of Preparation Required Before a Baptism: (All begin at the 11:00AM Mass and continue in the Msgr. McGinness Room)

August 13 & 27

Schedule for Baptisms: (All begin at 2:00PM) August 13 & 27

Please call 718-738-1616 for more information and/or to schedule an appointment.

New Family Religious Education Registration for 2017-2018

Our program consists of Eight Religious Education grades: Kindergarten through 7th Grade

We are now registering children for the 2017-2018 school year. You may pick up a registration form at the Religious Education Office located in the school building. The registration fee is $75 for one child, and $100 for two or more children in the same family for registrations received up to and including 7/13/17. The registration fee for forms received after 7/13/17 is $100 for one child, and $125 for two or more children in the same family. If the child was baptized at a Church other than St. Helen, you will need a copy of your child's Baptismal Certificate. If you do not have one available, you should contact the rectory of the Church where your child was baptized. It takes a couple of weeks to process a Baptismal Certificate at most parishes. Place your request now so your registration for our program will not be delayed. If you have any concerns or questions please contact us at 718-916-2319. Re-registration for those enrolled in the current year was sent home.

Howard Beach Community Blood Drive

Wednesday, August 2, 2017 3:00-7:30PM

At St. Helen Catholic Academy

Eligibility Criteria:

• Bring your NY Blood Center or alternate signature or photo ID

• Minimum weight: 110 lbs.

• Ages 16-75 (16 yr. olds must have parent’s permission—aged 76 & older must have doctor’s note)

• Eat well (low fat) and drink fluids

• No tattoos for the past 12 months

All Donors Will Receive A Pair of Mets Tickets!! (Tickets will be redeemed on line).

For more information please call 1-800-688-0900

CATHOLIC CHARITIES NEIGHBORHOOD SERVICES

HOWARD BEACH SENIOR CENTER

The Center, located at 155-55 Cross Bay Blvd., across from Stop N Shop on Cross Bay Blvd., will be offering:

A DEFENSIVE DRIVING CLASS

on the following dates:

Saturday, July 29th, Wednesday, August 23rd, and Saturday, September 23rd. All classes are from 9AM-4PM. Pre-registration in person is required. Cost is $20 for AARP members, and $25 for non-members (payable by check).

Please call Rosalie at 718-738-8100 for further information.

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St. Helen Parish Purgatorial Society Mass Intentions

Friday, July 28, 2017

All Souls in Purgatory Kathleen Cocchiola Antonino Allo Loving Friends Miriam Americo St. Helen Support Group Geraldine Azuwike-Nwachukwu Annette & Marty Gould Adriano & Lorenza Bello Bello Family Gina Bender Loving Aunt & Uncle Josie & Pat Bernardo Jean Bernardo Frank W. Bitetto Barbara Bitetto Paul Anthony Bono Bono Family Gerald Braganza Braganza Family Mary & Jim Cabral Cabral Family Camelo & Basin Family Zena Basin Nancy & Emanuel Camelliri Constance & Joseph Camelliri Antoinette & Silvio Casazza Maria Russo Catherine Cleary Anne M. Vigliarolo William Cleary Anne M. Vigliarolo William & Mary Corrigan Loving Family Jerry Codispoti Mrs. Frances Codispoti Claire Louise Colamaria Fr. Colamaria Vincent J. D'Amato D'Amato Family Margarita & Gervasio Espada Luisa & Jeff Karoly Louise & Vincent Festa Annette & Martin Gould William & Rose Fioto Amelia Pepe Frank Fogliano Loving Family Gidaro Family Catherine Gidaro-Izzo Anna Gonzalez Will Espada Gorycki Family Helen Repstad Gwardjak-Kosinski Family Mystkowski Family Brendan Hawk Frank & Monica Ottomanelli Carole Hinchcliffe Paul Hinchcliffe Eddie Juba Barbara Dorme Michael & Mary Leccese Jo-Ann & Phyllis Leccese Dominick & Angelina Librizzi Rosalie Librizzi Catherine & Joseph Lumetta Pauline Mantineo Justine Nigra Maguire Deidre McVey Jennie Maniscalco Daughter Rosalie & Family Rocco & Phyllis Miranti Loving Family Lillian & Charles Monastero Vita Monastero Richard Pargansky Constance Chwalek Dominick Pepe Amelia Pepe Joseph Pepe Amelia Pepe Pepe-Bitetto Family Barbara Bitetto Christine Piotrowski Loving Family Markey Pullen Anne M. Vigliarolo Joseph Quagliariello Quagliariello Family Questore Family Joseph Questore Joanne Relucchi Cynthia Ottomanelli Maria & Luciano Sannino Rachele Sannino Benito & Leonila Santiago Loving Family Linda & James Scagnelli Heedles Family Kay & Walter Schretzman John Schretzman Frank T. Serpico Serpico Family Sica Family Irene DeStefano Antoinette Tomasello Linda Tomasello Maryann E. Tomitz Patricia Turrigiano Family Antoinette Turrigiano Walter & Elizabeth Ujazdowski Quagliariello Family Albert F. Valenzuela Loving Family Ruben & Ana Vega Gloria Martinez Vendittelli Family Loving Family Carl Vigliarolo Anne M. Vigliarolo Frank J. Vigliarolo Anne M. Vigliarolo Mary Zurick Sophia Gadinis

Requested By:

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Mon., July 24 | Ex 14:5-18; Mt 12:38-42 Why are you crying out to me? The Israelites see their situation as hope-less. They’re so distraught that they’d rather stay slaves in Egypt than be chased by Pharaoh’s chariots. They lash out at Moses, who cries out in frustration. Yes, we’re urged to call

upon the Lord, but here it’s counterproductive. The Lord already responded. They know what to do: Get past their trepidation and stand firm, but they falter. The Lord questions not their reliance on him but, their unwilling-ness to move forward trusting his command. They know the harsh reality of their former situation and dream of a brighter future, but, they fear the difficult journey and lose heart. Give us the strength and courage, Lord, to know when we’re headed in the right direction. Tues., July 25 | 2 Cor 4:7-15; Mt 20:20-28 We hold this treasure in earthen vessels... Scripture tells us we’re like clay pots or formed from dust. Our delicate human condition is obvious. We’re fragile, weak and easily broken. We experience disappointment, sickness, suffering and death. On the surface, it’s a pretty bleak image; however, our purpose lies not in our form but in our intended function. Even the humblest vessel can house something precious. The Lord gently and purpose-ly crafted us. We’re made uniquely for his use. Our mod-est construction puts the focus where it rightly should be — on what we hold. We’re designed exactly to bear the most valuable content the Lord can offer — himself. Mold us, Lord, and fill us with your goodness. Wed., July 26 | Ex 16:1-5, 9-15; Mt 13:1-9 I will now rain down bread from heaven for you. During every lesson at least one student asks, “Will this be on the test?” They seek specific answers now while the in-structor desires them to gain knowledge for future situa-tions. Similarly, the Lord tests Moses and his people’s trust, commitment and ability to apply his lessons. He gives explicit instruction, but, wants them to realize he provides immediate resources like manna to sustain them as they learn. He prepares them for the ultimate final ex-am. In giving them daily bread, he wants them, and us, to see the answer to every question: His loving providence fully lies in something more — his gift of Jesus, the liv-ing bread come down from heaven, the bread that gives eternal life. Teach us, Lord.

Thurs., July 27 | Ex 19:1-2, 9-11, 16-20b; Mt 13:10-17 To anyone who has, more will be given and he will grow

rich. “Use it or lose it.” It’s an apt

reminder not only for our physical health but, also for our spiritual wellbeing. We cannot grow in faith, hope and love if we don’t exercise those virtues. It’s just as easy to lapse in our spiritual fitness as it is in our physical. Com-mitment to a daily routine is vital if we’re to experience any lasting transformation. Without upkeep, gains are short lived. Jesus tells the disciples that the mysteries of the kingdom have been granted to them, but they still work to build understanding. Even elite athletes practice. Our spirituality grows from regular use. Lord, give me the patience and the discipline to build my spiritual strength. Fri., July 28 | Ex 20:1-17; Mt 13:18-23 Remember to keep holy the sabbath day. A simple com-mand — set one day aside for the Lord. Rest and reflect. Note the word remember; the language indicates an un-derstanding of the potential for lax adherence. In modern society, we’re content with making that command one hour for attending Sunday liturgy — to turn off the de-mands of the world and turn attention to God. When we find ourselves pressed to find time for worship and pray-er, it’s time for a reminder that the Sabbath was made for us. We need it, not only for physical rest but for remem-bering all that God does for us and for reaching out to our brothers and sisters as the body of Christ. May we take the time to rest in you, O Lord. Sat., July 29 | Ex 24:3-8; Jn 11:19-27 or Lk 10:38-42 But even now I know that whatever you ask of God, God will give you. Loss makes getting angry with God easy. However, while Martha believes that Jesus’ presence would have prevented her brother’s death, she doesn’t fault him. Rather, she declares Jesus’ intimate connection to God. She doesn’t directly request that Jesus raise Laz-arus, although she intimates that it’s not beyond his au-thority. When Jesus promises that Lazarus will rise, Mar-tha sees beyond the moment and professes profound faith both in the resurrection of the dead and in Jesus as the Christ. When tragedy and pain test her, Martha, knowing Jesus’ love and power boldly goes out to meet him in-stead of waiting for him to come to her. May we confi-dently turn to the Lord in our deepest sorrow.

SIXTEENTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

Homiletic starters and scriptural

reflection points for each day of the month