Church of Saint Mary Parish Bulletin: February 9, 2025
Parish Mission Statement
We, the community of Saint Mary’s, Manhasset, building on our rich heritage of Catholic faith and tradition, center ourselves in the Eucharist and honor God in proclaiming the Good News of Jesus Christ.
Guided by the Holy Spirit, we seek to be the presence of Christ through our liturgical, educational and social ministries. We dedicate our time, talent and treasure to the service of all as we build the kingdom of God in our world. We commit to this mission in the name of Jesus Christ.
Church of Saint Mary
1300 Northern Boulevard
Manhasset, New York 11030 (516) 627-0385
Fax (516) 627-6070 www.saintmarysmanhasset.org
Schedule of Masses
Tursday 7:00 AM (when school is in session)
Monday–Friday 9:00 AM
Saturday 9:00 AM, 5:00 PM
Sunday 7:30 AM, 9:00 AM, 10:30 AM, 12:00 Noon
Sacrament of Penance
Saturdays from 4:00-4:45 PM and by appointment. Please call 627-0385.
Anointing of the Sick Te Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick is celebrated in the Chapel on the second Sunday of the month following the 10:30 AM Mass. If you are unable to come to Church, please call the Parish Ofce to make arrangements for Anointing or to receive the Eucharist.
Parish Ofce
627-0385 | Fax 627-6070
Monday 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday - Friday 9:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday - (phone only) 10:00 AM–1:30 PM
Sunday 9:30 AM - 2:00 PM
E-mail: information@stmary.ws
Good Samaritan House
365-2705
Monday-Wednesday-Tursday 11:00 AM-3:00 PM
E-mail: kkosciusko@stmary.ws St. Vincent de Paul Society: svdp@stmary.ws
Religious Education
627-4028
Monday 12:00 Noon-8:00 PM
Wednesday 9:00 AM–5:00 PM
Tuesday and Tursday 9:00 AM–6:00 PM
Closed on Friday
PARISH DIRECTORY
Pastoral Staf
Rev. Fr. Robert A. Romeo Pastor 627-0385 | ext. 1004 pastor@stmary.ws
Rob Cammarata Director of Operations 627-0385 | ext. 1037 rcammarata@stmary.ws
Jane Cliford Bulletin Editor bulletin@stmary.ws
Marie T. Granieri
Director of Religious Education 627-4028 | ext. 1127 releddirector@stmary.ws
Kathleen Kosciusko Director of Parish Social Ministry 627-0385 | ext. 1126 kkosciusko@stmary.ws
Jennifer LaChance Ofce Manager
627-0385 | ext. 1000 information@stmary.ws
Daniel Maimone Music Director 627-0385 | ext. 1021 dmaimone@saintmarysmanhasset.org
Vanessa Quiros
Parish Ofce
627-0385 | ext. 1008 vquiros@stmary.ws
Te Schools of Saint Mary Nursery through 12th Grade
Very Rev. Dom Daniel Nash, Can. Reg. President 627-2711 president@stmary.ws
Norma Ragalli Staford Director of Admissions 627-2711 | ext 1084 nstaford@stmary.ws
Eileen M. Symmons ’82, ’86 Director of Communications 627-2711 esymmons@stmary.ws
Kiera Gmelich Walsh Director of Alumni and Parent Relations 627-2711 | ext. 1162 kwalsh@stmary.ws
Sarah de Venoge Grifn ’02, ’06 Liaison for School Relations sgrifn@saintmarysmanhasset.org
St. Mary’s Elementary School 627-0184 www.stmary11030.org
Teresa A. Kemp Principal tkemp@stmary11030.org
St. Mary’s High School 627-2711 www.saintmaryshs.org
Gerard J. Buckley Principal gbuckley@saintmaryshs.org
From the Pastor’s
Dear Parishioners,
“Here I am, send me.” (Isaiah 6:8)
In our Scriptures today, we hear the calls of the great prophet Isaiah and of the disciples. Te common thread of prophets always seems to be a reluctance to accept the call of God to preach to the people. In our Scripture passage from Isaiah, we see Isaiah struggling with the problem of “I’m not good enough.” And many of us, like Isaiah, often feel a sense of low or no self-worth. Some of the saddest responses I have had when inviting someone to ministry is the sense that they are unworthy, or worse, unloved by God. We might think, “Who am I that God might want to send me? I’m not good enough. If Jesus really knew me, He wouldn’t call me.” Even today, St. Peter asks the Lord Jesus to depart from him because he is “a sinful man.”
Sin, unhealthy guilt, shame, past failures, all of these separate us from God and block us from living in intimate relationship with Jesus. Te frst eight verses of Isaiah, Chapter 6 describe one of the best known of Isaiah’s prophetic visions. He is summoned to the throne of God and surrounded by awe and terror. Isaiah is struck right between the eyes with the realization of his unworthiness.
And so Isaiah cries out, “I’m a man with unclean lips, and I live among a people with unclean lips. Yet I’ve seen the king, the Lord of heavenly forces!” How many of us would be terrifed to be caught in the same situation? Would we feel “ruined” if we were to stand before the throne of God?
I can remember when I ran Youth Groups in some of my parishes that this sense of sinful unworthiness was so prevalent among the youth. So many of them felt that Jesus was disappointed in them for past actions. Tis paralyzed them with such fear that they could not accept the call of discipleship. Tis was like a dagger in my heart! Tese were good people who maybe made some wrong choices and felt they had no other alternative but to defne themselves by their sins. How so very sad!
St. Paul reminds us today that “Jesus died for our sins.” Also, as the Lord sends a burning charcoal from the incense fre in the Holy of Holies to purify Isaiah, He does something greater for us. He sent Jesus to forgive our sins. Tat ministry of the Cross is ofered to us each day in the Sacrament of Confession (Reconciliation) where we are purifed from our sins, not by a burning charcoal, but rather those powerful words of Jesus as expressed by the priest, “Go in peace, your sins are forgiven.”
Does sin, at times, keep us from the Lord? Yes. It is not always a bad thing if it calls us to conversion. It becomes destructive when we feel so unworthy, so flled with shame, or even worse, pride, that we cannot approach the Lord for His grace and forgiveness.
My dear sisters and brothers, never forget how much we are loved by God. Tis same God in Jesus calls us, yes, in our weakness, to be His disciples and share the Good News of salvation with our world. Do not be afraid to say yes to ministry and service. Jesus will give us the grace and power of the Holy Spirit to overcome our sin and weakness and purify us for the task at hand. Say yes to ministry and service.
So when the question is asked by the Lord, “Whom shall I send” answer from the depth of your being, “Here I am, send me.” You will never regret it!
In Jesus and Mary, Fr. Bob
J Stewards of God’s Gifts
In the Gospel reading, the future Apostles of Jesus listen to His instructions on catching fsh. Despite not catching anything all day, they do as He says—and their catch is miraculously large.
Living Stewardship ~ Pillar of Prayer: Tis week, develop a habit of praying AND listening. Each morning, ask Jesus to show you the way throughout the day and for the wisdom and courage to follow His way.
Te collection for Sunday, February 2, 2025 amounted to $23,455.00
Te collection for Sunday, February 4, 2024 amounted to $24,665.00
Te collection for California Wildfre Assistance amounted to $3,457.00
Te collection for Christmas 2024 amounted to $237,115.00
Te collection for Christmas 2023 amounted to $233,727.00
Have you enrolled yet? Visit www.faithdirect.net. Our parish code is NY281.
We Care for Our Parish Community
Baptism
We celebrate Baptism at 1:30 PM on the second Sunday of the month and at 12:30 PM on the fourth Saturday of the month as scheduled. Please call the Parish Ofce at least one month in advance to see if a date is available and to arrange to fll out pre-baptismal paperwork. New parents are required to attend a Baptism preparation session held once every month. Tose chosen as sponsors for Baptism should lead lives in harmony with the Catholic faith and the role of Godparent.”
Marriage
At least six months before you plan to be married and before you make arrangements for the reception, please make an appointment with one of the priests to begin the necessary preparations.
Children’s Education
Saint Mary’s Elementary School ofers excellent education in the spirit of the Gospel from grades N, Pre-K to Eighth grade. For information call 627-0184.
Empowering Character, Innovation and Leadership in our students, Saint Mary’s High School is a dynamic, contemporary, Catholic value-centered school, combining a commitment to academic excellence and educational innovation, with a passion for learning, and an emphasis on moral character development through the pursuit of truth and discovered in faith and reason. For information call 627-2711.
The Religious Education Program provides excellent formation in the Catholic Faith for children in public or private schools. Preparation for First Holy Communion and Confrmation requires two years. Classes are held at St. Mary’s for Grades 1 through 5 on Tuesdays and Tursdays
4:30-5:30 PM. Classes also meet on Sundays from 9:3010:20 AM for Grades 1 through 8 and on Mondays from 7:00-8:00 PM for Grades 6, 7 and 8. We also ofer the option of an online home program for Grades 1 through 7. For information about Grades 1-8 call 627-4028 or email Mrs. Marie Granieri at releddirector@stmary.ws.
Parish Social Ministry
We care for our sisters and brothers through our Parish Social Ministry and Food Pantry. For information call 365-2705.
Respect Life Ministry
We strive to help build a civilization of love and life that upholds the dignity and inviolability of all innocent human life, seeks objective moral Truth, embraces the value of redemptive sufering, and yearns for the fullness of life in eternal communion with God the Creator. For more information, email RespectLife@StMary.ws.
New Parishioners
We welcome new members to the Catholic Church and to Saint Mary’s Parish. If you are new in the area or interested in learning more about the Catholic faith, please call the Parish Ofce.
Opportunities For Prayer
Te Church is open Monday to Friday until 8:45 PM, on Saturday until the end of the 5:00 PM Mass, and on Sunday until 6:00 PM. Te Miraculous Medal Novena is said each Monday following the 9:00 AM Mass. Monday to Saturday the Rosary is said following the 9:00 AM Mass. Eucharistic Adoration is held every Monday from 3:00 to 5:00 PM in the Chapel. On First Saturdays, the Scriptural Rosary is recited following the 9:00 AM Mass.
Church of Saint Mary | 4
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Masses and Special Intentions
Maria DeAngelis
Donna Chesney
Erica Klock
Mason
Gabriel & Frances Romeo
Ann Shields
Nina Principe
Cole Marguglio
Richard & Mary Atkinson
Anthony Polizzi
Kathy Dellis-Stover
Neil Gillis
Pamela Gallo
Allison Azzara
Sarah Praay
Agnes Gaus
Glenn LaChance
Christine Marchese
Gerald Schmaedick
Jon Jodka
Heather Smolowik
Teresa Malysa
Ronald Grubert
Names will remain on the list for three months. Please email bulletin@stmary.ws if you would like to continue with the listing.
Anthony Joseph Perna
Joseph P. Bzezinski
Robert Wehbe
125th Brigade Support Battalion
23rd Marine Regiment
25th Marine Regiment
2-4 GSAB Task Force Mustang
2-211th GSAB Task Force War Horse
51st Security Force Squadron
75th Ranger Regiment
82nd Expeditionary Rescue Squadron
Alacqua, Alexander, CPT, USA
Amerson, Jason, CPT, USA
Anderson, Michael, 1LT, USA
Arnold, James, LCpl, USMC
Arnoux, Seraph, PFC, USA
Avasthi, David, Capt, USAF
Baber, Joseph, Maj, USAF
Blake, Julia, Cadet, USN
Broderick, Evan, SGT, USA
Broderick, Steven, SN, USN
Brodie, Virgina H., 2ndLt, USMC Brown, Jason, SGT, USA
Casazza, Jack, 2nd Lt, USMC
Collins, Matthew, LT, USN
Fontanetta, Joseph, Maj, USMC
Grubert, Sean, LCpl, USMC
Grygiel, Jack, MIDN, USN
Hannan, Jack, ENS, USN
Hayes, Andrew, Capt, USMC
Hellman, Tomas, 2d Lt, USSF
Higgins, James, GySgt, USMC Hilton, Justin, SGT, USA
Hilton, Nathaniel, SGT, USA
Horner, Brian G., 1stLt, USMC
Howard, Edward M., GySgt, USMC
Jones, Scott B., LT, USN
Jones, Katherine L., LTJG, USN
Kennedy, Michael, Col, USAF
LaManna, Vincent S., Jr., PVT, USA
Landolphi, Michael, ENS, USN
Lanza, Anthony E., LtCol, USMC
Madden, Michael E., Major, USAF
Major, A. Edward, III, LTC, USA
Marine Medium Tilt Rotor Squadron 161
Marine Transport Squadron 352
McGorry, Patrick F., HM2, USN
McKievear, Gary, LT, USA
Millau, Jefrey, PFC, USMC
Morris, Jr., Brian J., ENS, USN
O’Leary, Jason, SSgt, USAF
Quinn, Anthony, Jr., SGT, USA
Richardson, Timothy, PV2, USA
Radman, Paul Cpl, USMC
Rodi, Caroline G., CAPT, USN
Saville, John A., ENS, USN
Sharkey, John J., LtCol, USMC
Spivak III, Edmund, Capt, USAF
Sweeney, Timothy, CPT, USA
Swersky, Roberto, Capt, USMC
Tafone, Samantha, SGT, USA
Ullrich, Kenneth C., HN, USN
Unger, Matthew J., SPC, USA
Vachris, Madison, LT, USN
Wood, Kelly, BMSR, USN
If you have a service member that you would like to add to this list please e-mail bulletin@stmary.ws. Please include name, rank and branch of service.
Masses for the Week
Monday, February 10th
St. Scholastica, Virgin Gn 1:1-19, Mk 6:53-56
9:00 AM | Peter Calabretta, Sr.
Tuesday, February 11th
Our Lady of Lourdes
World Day of the Sick
Gn 1:20-2:4a, Mk 7:1-13
9:00 AM | Mary Keogh
Wednesday, February 12th
Gn 2:4b-9, 15-17, Mk 7:14-23
9:00 AM | Robert Delaney
Tursday, February 13th
Gn 2:18-25, Mk 7:24-30
7:00 AM | Connie Pustorino
9:00 AM | Carlos Salvatori
Friday, February 14th
Ss. Cyril, Monk & Methodius, Bishop
Gn 3:1-8, Mk 7:31-37
9:00 AM | Richard Masterson
Saturday, February 15th
Gn 3:9-24, Mk 8:1-10
9:00 AM | Marilyn Gerlach
5:00 PM | Tomas J. Flynn, Sr.
Tomas Milone
Mary Keogh
Willaim Gaus
James Krach
Anne Amoruso
M. Sue Kendall
Sunday, February 16th
Te Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Jer 17:5-8, 1 Cor 15:12, 16-20, Lk 6:17, 20-26
7:30 AM | People of the Parish
9:00 AM | Victoria Strocchia
10:30 AM | Walter Fischer
12:00 Noon | Yolanda & Anthony Spinetta
Tomas Nicosia
Kathleen Rorke
Carrado Mancini
Lucy Mondelli
Robert Palma
Marica Angela Donadic
Cover art: Te Calling of the Apostles Peter and Andrew.
Artist: Duccio di Buoninsegna (ca.12501318).
Location: National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.
ST. MARY’S GIFT SHOP IS OPEN S U N D A Y S AFTER THE 9:00, 10:30 AM, & 12:00 NOON MASSES
We are in the Parish Ministry Center below the church. 516-627-0385 ext. 1033
Bread & Wine are ofered this week in loving memory of Dr. Peter J. Calabretta, Sr.
First Time
John Butler and Stefany Clotet
St. Anastasia, Our Lady of Angels, Little Neck, New York Forest Hills, NY Business
Readings and Questions for Faith Sharing on the Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Reading I: Jeremiah 17:5-8
Blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose hope is the Lord.
Reading II: 1 Corinthians 15:12, 16-20
If Christ is preached as raised from the dead, how can some among you say there is no resurrection of the dead?
Gospel: Luke 6:17, 20-26
“Blessed are you who are poor, for the kingdom of God is yours.”
Question for Adults:
How do the blessings and woes of daily life afect my relationship with God?
Question for Children:
How can I share what I have with the poor?
Are You Interested in Serving St. Mary’s as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion (EM) or a Lector?
Te Diocese of Rockville Centre has announced Spring Training Dates and Locations
Please Note: Only candidates recommended by the Pastor are eligible for the training
Send an email to Fr. Bob at pastor@stmary.ws to tell him of your interest in becoming an EM and/or Lector and give the date and location of the training session(s) you prefer
For Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion, Part A* and Lectors
Saturday, March 29th - Immaculate Conception in Westhampton Beach - 9:00 AM - 12:00 Noon
Tursday, April 3rd - St. Agnes in Rockville Centre - 7:00 - 10:00 PM
Tuesday, April 8th - St. Elizabeth in Melville - 7:00 - 10:00 PM
For Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion, Part B* (presented in conjunction with Catholic Health)
Saturday, March 29th - Immaculate Conception in Westhampton Beach - 1:00 - 4:00 PM**
Tuesday, April 29th - St. Elizabeth in Melville - 7:00 - 10:00 PM
Tursday, May 8th - St. Agnes in Rockville Centre - 7:00 - 10:00 PM
*Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion, Part A Training - Tis “BASIC” training is required of all those beginning as Ministers. Tose wish to minister in hospitals, nursing homes, eldercare facilities, and to the homebound are required to attend Part B Training in addition to BASIC Training. BASIC Training must be taken before the Part B Training. If you have taken the Part A Training only in the past, but would now like to serve in hospitals, etc. you should indicate your interest in EM Part B Training only. Questions about EM training and service may be directed to Jane Cliford, Coordinator of EMs at St. Mary’s, at bulletin@stmary.ws.
**We are ofering Part A and Part B on the SAME day. Tose who attend Part A in the morning are welcome to bring lunch or leave for lunch and return for the 1:00 PM Part B session. Please indicate if you are doing BOTH on your registration letter from your pastor.
Lector training may be taken by both new and experienced lectors. Questions about serving as a Lector at St. Mary’s may be directed to Rich Bentley, Coordinator of Lectors at St. Mary’s, at RBentley@downstate.edu.
Rosary Society
Our Mission Statement: Te Rosary Society fosters devotion to Mary through prayer and good works for causes that would be dear to her heart
Invest 20 minutes of your day to pray the Rosary, and see the diference it will make in your life.
If you would like the Rosarians to pray for a special intention, please e-mail us at rosarysociety@stmary.ws.
Rosary 101 - Tuesday, February 11th, at 7:00 PM in the Church
Join us to learn more about Our Lady’s Rosary, why we pray it, and the prayers included in it.
OPEN TO ALL PARISHIONERS
Lenten Day Of Recollection
- Saturday, March 8th
Our annual event of Lenten refection, includes Mass and lunch.
Attention! All women of the parish are invited to join the Rosary Society
We are looking for new members to join our group. As a member we ask that you share in our devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary and the Rosary. Membership dues are $35.00 annually. We ofer many opportunities for fellowship, prayer, and charity throughout the year. We understand members are unable to attend all events. Feel free to attend as many or as little as your schedule allows.
For more information as to who we are, please check the parish website: saintmarysmanhasset.org. Locate the upper banner, click on community, then a click on “Rosary Society” in the drop down menu. You can also contact us via email at rosarysociety@stmary.ws. New members will be formally welcomed during our Annual Mass and Communion Brunch on Sunday, May 4th. If you have a friend who is a member of a local parish that doesn’t have a Rosary Society, you are most welcome to invite her to join.
Opportunity for Daily Rosary - Are you looking for an opportunity to pray the Rosary in a group setting? Join fellow parishioners and Rosarians as they pray the Rosary immediately following the 9:00 AM Mass Monday-Saturday in the chapel.
Tuesday, February 11th - Memorial of Our Lady of Lourdes, World Day of the Sick Prayer
O ever Immaculate Virgin, Mother of Mercy, Health of the Sick, Refuge of Sinners, Comfort to the Aficted, you know my wants, my troubles, my suferings. Deign to cast upon me a look of mercy. By appearing in the grotto of Lourdes, you were pleased to make it a privileged sanctuary, whence you dispense your favors; and already many suferers have obtained the cure of their infrmities, both spiritual and corporal. I come, therefore, with the most unbounded confdence to implore your maternal intercession. Obtain, O loving Mother, the granting of my requests. Trough gratitude for favors, I will endeavor to imitate your virtues that I may one day share your glory.
Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for us. (Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be.)
Pope St. John Paul II began the observance of the World Day of the Sick in 1992 to encourage people to pray for the ill, as well as their caregivers. He chose February 11th because it coincides with the Memorial of Our Lady of Lourdes. Lourdes has been a pilgrimage site for healing for over a century.
Good Samaritan House
Our pantry is running low on the following items:
Paper Towels
Shampoo
Toothpaste
Small Packages of Toothbrushes
Small Bottles of Laundry Detergent
Thank you so much for your continued generosity!
Society of St. Vincent de Paul
In the Gospel today, the disciples decide to leave everything to follow Jesus. We are also called to follow Jesus, who tells us that “whatever you do to the least of mine, you do for me.”
Your gift to the poor can bring the love and peace of Jesus to those who live in fear and doubt,
Our St. Vincent de Paul Conference is able to help our neighbors in need through the generosity of our St. Mary’s parishioners. Each time you donate, either through the collection slots at the doors of the church, or in an envelope marked for St. Vincent de Paul, you are helping our neighbors within St. Mary’s Parish. If you or someone you know is in need of assistance, contact the St. Vincent de Paul Society at 516-627-0385, ext. 1125, or email SVDP@stmary.ws. To donate furniture, clothing or household items, please call the store in Garden City Park at 516-746-8250. Tank you for your continued support.
Let the little children come to me... (Matt 19:14)
All Children Are Invited to Participate in Children’s Liturgy of the Word
Every Sunday at the 9:00 AM Mass
Interested in becoming a CLOW Prayer Leader?
Please contact Jane Cliford at bulletin@stmary. ws or sit in with us on a Sunday. Materials and training are provided; scheduling is fexible.
Part-Time Custodial, Cleaning, and Laundry Specialist Positions
Here at St. Mary’s
St. Mary’s is currently seeking dedicated individuals to join our team in providing essential maintenance and custodial services for our buildings and essential cleaning and laundry services for the rectory household and parish ofces. Onthe-job training will be provided. Please send applications or inquiries to rcammarata@stmary.ws. For a complete job descriptions, go to https://www.catholicjobs.com/employers/ view/15120167790 and https://www.catholicjobs.com/ employers/view/15120168009.
Cheerful Catholic Academic Gaels Gather for Alumni Basketball Reunion
In the weeks leading up to the holiday season, our Saint Mary’s High School administrators and staff worked with a dedicated core alum group to get a mini-basketball reunion off the ground at Thanksgiving. And so they did! Former Gaels returned to the hard court in Marist Hall, where they laced up their sneakers, secured the velcro on many a knee or ankle brace and donned their event t-shirts. Many took their rightful place on the bench or as spectators in the bleachers for what turned out to be a great night of fun reminiscing about the glory days of Gaels basketball – and the legendary Brother Kenneth Robert, FMS, who served on the faculty and as the athletic director for decades of the school's storied athletic program. The reunion was just the springboard for the string of events planned this year leading up to the 75th Anniversary Gala which will take place on Saturday, May 3, 2025. We are grateful to all who showed up, the men and women who gave it their all on the court. And to the family and friends who joined them for moral support and shared stories about the “good old days” at St. Mary's. We were happy to welcome back former boys varsity Coach Billy Harkins who joined our current Coach, Ira Hunt, as honorary refs! And just a bit more special, we enjoyed meeting the children – our future Gaels who will hopefully play for us one day!
THE SCHOOLS OF ST. MARY
HERE’S A SAMPLING OF OUR FOOD & BEVERAGE DONORS: A
Saint Mary
’s High School
Parents’ Association
Saint Mary’s High School JOIN
7:00 PM | Marist Hall
Br. Kenneth Robert Gymnas
Br. Kenneth Robert Gymnasium
Saint Sc ium hool more
Saint Mary’s High School and moreall to School.
In Session with Dr. Patricia Pitta
Loving Your Children through Discipline and Kindness: Be Directive, Persistent, and Prayerful
“Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me, receives not me but Him who sent me.” (Mark 9:37)
When you give birth to your child he is made in the likeness of God, a gift from God. Te journey for the child to live in the likeness of God becomes the journey and responsibility of the parents’ love that includes their parenting style, commitment, and knowhow.
Each child comes with assets and weaknesses. It is the parent’s responsibility to enjoy the assets and help mold their child in the likeness of God which is “in love.” At the same time, parents will embrace the weaknesses to enable their child to face their shortcomings that can become strengths when helped and tweaked in whatever ways needed so the child can grow in the likeliness of God and His beauty which is love.
Remember, God is love. Where there is love, all can heal. It is the job of the parent to love each child for whom he or she is. Many parents can become disappointed if they did not get the gender of the child they wished for. You have the child that God planned for you.
Others become overwhelmed emotionally because of medical issues that the child faces which puts much work, stress, and pain on the child and the parents to
handle. And for some, loss. You will be able to deal with whatever you need to no matter how difcult. Te journey may not be easy, but you will do what you need to do with the guidance of the Lord and other helpers.
Wherever there are assets and limitations parents are called to use all their knowledge, love, and commitment to make sure the child receives the direction and caring he/ she needs.
Even with a child who has all the looks, intelligence, and other attributes, the parents need to help the child learn to be kind, considerate, and not get stuck in their ability to attract attention because of what they represent. Te parent needs to develop their child’s inner core of being able to love. How does the parent do that? Te simple answer is by example. Children with “all the gifts” whatever that means, can become self-absorbed and seek attention rather than connection, love, and kindness that is meaningful. Tat means the child putting his ability to love in action and enjoying life’s oferings. And to be able to listen to limits and boundaries set by parents and to be able to relate and show empathy.
For the child who is not as outrightly as gifted as others, parents get the gift of challenge: to be certain that this child is loved as he/she is. At the same time, gaining special skills to develop the self in diferent ways that lead the child to self-appreciate and value who he/she is. As a result, your child will develop according to his opportunities and direction based in love and acceptance. Te important task for the parent is to deal with
your own emotions and always be able to love no matter what is happening while you instruct your child and to self-regulate.
So, what do I mean by loving your child? It means to be disciplined in your approach to parenting. Discipline means to be positive in your approach to your child, to state limits, and boundaries no matter how young the child, to answer their distress with calm and resolve. To be active in your approach to them and explain what you mean and follow through in what you say as you set the example. You are their rock and their world. You make their space safe and enable them to appreciate who they are and what they do. You help them fnd God so they can grow in love through acting appropriately, being kind, and following your direction.
Tere was a book published many years ago entitled, All I Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten (R. Fulgham, 1986), Tis book talked about learning to hold hands, be kind, look before you cross the street, share… you get the idea. What we teach our children becomes the bedrock of their lives, how they see life and what they will do in the future. In therapy, when teens or adults are stuck in their feelings and behaviors, it can be many times traced back to what they experienced in childhood. So, try to make your child’s early years as orderly and predictable with love and discipline. Tat is the best you can do. Remember, “You need only be a good enough parent; we humans are not perfect.”
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Dr. Patricia Pitta (con’t.)
Te goal for all our lives is to grow in the likeness of God no matter what we must face. When we teach our children these lessons from early childhood to the present day, we interact with them with love and support that will enable them to grow with love in their hearts, kindness in their actions, and strength is knowing what is right from wrong. Tey will learn that God is always present and by their side no matter what they do, who they are, and what they want to become.
If you live by God’s messages, you will never be alone, and you will always fnd answers to your issues and problems. Tey may not be the answers you wanted, but you will be able to feel supported and loved by God and you will send these messages to your children, and they will thrive in the love of life, God, and resilience. Below is a prayer for Parents to say together to develop the strength and resolve to come together to parent in more love.
My Dear Lord: Please give me the resolve to love our children with the control of my emotions, discipline, and persistence. May I show them how to love through active parenting and not passivity. May I teach them about their strengths and their weaknesses so they are prepared to do the work to become the best people they can be. With your love at the core, I will prevail and enjoy the gifts of life as I journey through the challenges.
Happy Valentine’s Day from the Mental Health Ministry
Dr. Pitta (drpatriciapitta.com) is a Clinical and Family Psychologist practicing in Manhasset and is the chair of the Mental Health Ministry of St. Mary’s. She is a professor of psychology at St. John’s University and the former director of the Postgraduate Couple and Family Terapy Program within the department of Psychology. She is a graduate of the Pastoral Formation Institute of Rockville Centre. Dr. Pitta is the author of Solving Modern Family Dilemmas: An Assimilative Terapy Model published by Routledge and Integrative Couple and Family Terapies published by American Psychological Association. fro
Exposition and Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
Prayers for Adoration
Consecration to the Sacred Heart of Jesus
Adorable Heart of Jesus, the tenderest, the most amiable, the most generous of all hearts, penetrated with gratitude at the sight of Ty benefts, I come to consecrate myself wholly and unreservedly to Tee! I wish to devote all my energies to propagating Ty worship and winning, if possible, all hearts to Tee. Receive my heart this day, O Jesus!
Or rather take it, change it, purify it, to render it worthy of Tee; Make it humble, gentle, patient, faithful, and generous like Tine, by infaming it with the fre of Ty love. Hide it in Ty Divine Heart with all hearts that love Tee and are consecrated to Tee; never permit me to take my heart from Tee again. Let me rather die than grieve Ty Adorable Heart.
Tou knowest O Heart of Jesus, that the desire of my heart is to love Tee always, to be wholly Tine in life and in death, in time and eternity. Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on us.
Hail to Tee, True Body
(A Prayer to our Eucharistic Lord)
Hail to thee, true body born
From Virgin Mary’s womb!
Te same that on the cross was nailed And bore for man the bitter doom.
Tou, whose side was pierced and fowed Both with water and with blood; Sufer us to taste of thee,
In our life’s last agony.
O kind, O loving one!
O sweet Jesus, Mary’s Son!
Exposition and Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament with Closing Benediction Mondays 3:00 - 5:00 PM in the Church
Good Samaritan House FOCUS
Friends Ofering Care, Understanding, and Support
Please Join Us for
Tursday, February, 13th
in the Marian Room Lunch at 12:00 Noon followed by Miracles from Heaven starring Jennifer Garner
Reservations $20.00 per person
RSVP by February 10th
Chairpersons: Esther Markiewicz & Bill Urig For information, call 516-320-5879 or 516-697-9579
Make checks payable to: St. Mary’s Good Samaritan House. Return the form below with payment to: 1300 Northern Blvd. Manhasset, NY 11030, Attention: FOCUS Movie & Lunch or drop of at the Parish Ofce.
NAME
PHONE NO.
COLUMB
WILLIAM A. DALY
FREE THROW CHAMPIONSHIP
FREE THR HAMPIONS
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2025
FREE TO ALL CHILDREN AGES 9-14
ST. MARY’S MIDDLE SCHOOL REGISTER AT 9:00 AM
THE WINNERS WILL ADVANCE THROUGH LOCAL, DISTRICT, REGIONAL, AND STATE COMPETITIONS.
THE COMPETITION WILL BEGIN PROMPTLY AT 9:30 AM. (REGISTRATION OPENS AT 9:00 AM).
PARTICIPANTS WILL BE ASKED TO SHOOT 25 CONSECUTIVE FREE THROWS. THE WINNERS OF THE TOURNAMENT WILL PROCEED TO THE COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIPS IN MARCH.
ALL PARTICIPANTS WILL COMPETE IN THEIR RESPECTIVE AGE DIVISIONS. PARENTAL PERMISSION IS REQUIRED FOR THIS COMPETITION.
Knights of Columbus
Father William A. Daly S.J. Council #2122
Serving St. Mary’s Parish in Manhasset and St. Aloysius Parish In Great Neck www.kofc2122.org
What is a Knights of Columbus Family?
We are Catholic families building a bridge to our faith.
Our lives, time, eforts, and resources are dedicated to these values: Charity. Unity. Fraternity. Patriotism.
We come from diferent places, backgrounds, and all stages of life. But the common thread is our Catholic faith. We are Catholic families seeking to improve ourselves and the world. It’s one thing to say who you are. It’s another thing is to live it. Put your values into practice. Become a Knights of Columbus family.
Interested? Please call:
Tony Racioppo 917 539 0859
Dan Garcia 516 358 1817
Ladies interested in joining the Columbiettes, please contact Maura Cliford at Maclif56@gmail.com
St. Paul says, “by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me has not been inefective.” God’s grace can and will help your marriage. Check out testimonials and sign up for a Worldwide Marriage Encounter (WWME.org). It can help you in your communication, teach you many skills, and also help you to grow in intimacy and in faith with one another. Some of the dates to sign up are:
March 21-23, 2025 in Burlington, VT
April 25-27, 2025 in East Sandwich, MA
May 30-June 1 in New Hampshire
Worldwide Marriage Encounter sponsors a variety of in-person and virtual marriage experiences, some on weekends and some on seven weekdays. Couples explore their relationship with each other, God, and the Church. Registration is limited; there is a $100 application fee. For more information or to apply, call Kevin & Regina Hickson at 516-554-3835 or https://wwmenyli.org/.
