Church of Saint Mary Parish Bulletin: December 18, 2022

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.

PARISH DIRECTORY

Church of Saint Mary 1300 Northern Boulevard Manhasset, New York 11030 (516) 627-0385 Fax (516) 627-6070 www.saintmarysmanhasset.org

Schedule of Masses

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

The 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 Office to make arrangements for Anointing or to receive the Eucharist.

Parish Office 627-0385 | Fax 627-6070

Monday 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Tuesday - Friday 9:30 AM - 4:00 PM Saturday - Sunday (phone only) 10:00 AM–1:30 PM E-mail: information@stmary.ws

Parish Social Ministry 365-2705

Monday-Wednesday-Thursday

11:00 AM-3:00 PM E-mail: socialmin@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 Thursday 9:00 AM–6:00 PM Closed on Friday

Pastoral Staff

Rev. Fr. Robert A. Romeo Pastor 627-0385 | ext. 1004 pastor@stmary.ws

Rev. Fr. Dominik Wegiel Parochial Vicar 627-0385 | ext. 1006 frdominik@stmary.ws

Rev. Fr. Kingsley Nwanwa Parochial Vicar 627-0385 frkingsley@saintmarysmanhasset.org

Parish Staff Jane Clifford Bulletin Editor bulletin@stmary.ws

Jennifer Fedele Office Manager 627-0385

Marie T. Granieri

Director of Religious Education 627-4028 | ext. 1127 releddirector@stmary.ws

Vincent Hartley Facilities Manager 627-0385 | ext. 1002

Kathleen Kosciusko Director of Parish Social Ministry 627-0385 | ext. 1126 kkosciusko@stmary.ws

Robert Levulis Music Director 313-7606

Vanessa Quiros Parish Office 627-0385 vquiros@stmary.ws

Sr. Teresa Raftery, IHM Adult Faith Formation 627-0385 | ext. 1010

The Schools of Saint Mary Nursery through 12th Grade

Very Rev. Dom Elias Carr, Can. Reg., Ph.D. President 627-2711 president@stmary.ws

Norma Ragalli Stafford Director of Admissions 627-2711 | ext 1084 nstafford@stmary.ws

Edward Short Vice President of Development 627-2711 | ext 1120 eshort@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 Griffin ’02, ’06 Liaison for School Relations sgriffin@saintmarysmanhasset.org

St. Mary’s Elementary School 627-0184 www.stmary11030.org

Kristen Schreiner Principal kschreiner@stmary11030.org

St. Mary’s High School 627-2711 www.saintmaryshs.org

Gerard J. Buckley Principal gbuckley@saintmaryshs.org

Dear Parishioners,

“Behold, a virgin shall conceive a Son, and they shall name him Emmanuel (which means God is with us).” (Matthew 1:23)

As we celebrate the Fourth Sunday of Advent, the joy of the news of the Birth of Jesus presents us with hope. Hope in the coming of Jesus; the Jesus who not only brings us salvation, but offers us hope each day. If we believe that Jesus has come as the Savior, what does it mean for us? Well, Jesus has come as a light to burn in the darkness of our lives. That light should draw us to Jesus and dispel the fear that darkness brings. So whatever situation we find ourselves in, we are reminded that “God is with us.” He comes as the hope in the struggling moments and the joy in our days of celebration. If we could embrace that understanding, how much more peaceful would our lives be? How easier to deal with each moment of our lives knowing that Jesus is just waiting - waiting for each of us to turn to Him every day, so that He can offer us His comfort, peace and strength. Turn to Jesus, bring Him your heart, your needs, and desires and know that the Jesus born in Bethlehem is the Jesus who went to the cross and rose for us...because of His great love.

Jesus is our Emmanuel. Once again, He is our Christmas gift who brings light into our darkness and hope to our struggles. In Jesus, love has pierced the chill of our world and warmed us with an embrace that will not let go of us…God is with us!

Like St. Joseph who was asked to do a difficult thing, we can be called to that same trust in our own lives. So if we are surrounded by burdens and uncertainties of life, we have to believe that God is faithful and He will be born again in our lives. For God is truly with us. BELIEVE.

In these last days before Christmas, I encourage you to go to Confession to unburden yourself and to truly celebrate the wonder of the Nativity of the Lord.

I would like to thank the priests, religious, parish staff and the many volunteers who share their time and talent so freely with our parish. Nothing in a parish happens by magic, but is the culmination of the work of many. The beautiful altar, the grounds and buildings, visiting the sick and homebound, lectors, extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion, altar servers, music ministers, ushers, money counters, prayer groups, various lay organizations, outreach, sacramental preparation, the teaching of our young people, the bulletin, finance council, pastoral and strategic council, school and religious education boards, trustees, sports programs, and the list goes on and on . . . to all these people, I am truly grateful and humbled by all who share their gifts. And most especially to the wonderful people of St. Mary’s. Your generosity, kindness and sense of welcome are truly gifts of this parish.

To all, I wish you a very merry and blessed Christmas. May the joy of the new-born king bring true peace to you and your families.

In Jesus, our newborn Savior and Mary, His Mother, Fr. Bob

Stewards of God’s Gifts

In today’s Gospel, we hear the story of how St. Joseph trusted in God’s plan for Mary and himself.

Living Stewardship ~ Pillar of Formation: As we wrap up the Advent season and come closer to Christmas day, use the remaining days of Advent to teach someone (perhaps a friend or child) the meaning of Christmas.

The collection for Sunday, December 4, 2022 amounted to $29,248.00. The collection for Sunday, December 5, 2021 amounted to $29,558.00

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 Office at least one month in advance to see if a date is available and to arrange to fill out pre-baptismal paperwork. New parents are required to attend a Baptism preparation session held once every month. Those 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 offers 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 Confirmation requires two years. Classes are held at St. Mary’s for Grades 1 through 5 on Tuesdays and Thursdays

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 offer 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 Ministryã

We care for our sisters and brothers through our Parish Social Ministry and Food Pantry. For information call 365-2705.

Youth Ministry

We reach out to our teens though our Youth Ministry Program. For information email youth@stmary.ws or visit stmarysyouth.weebly.com.

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 Office.

Opportunities For Prayer

The 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 so that we may have the opportunity for quiet prayer before the Blessed Sacrament. The 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.

Masses and Special Intentions

Paul Martocci

Geralyn Gerba

Parker James Austin

Mark

Stapleton

Ann Pardi

Stephen Sheehan

Robert Levulis

Sandy Pittman

Masses for the Week

Monday, December 19th Jgs 13:2-7, 24-25a, Lk 1:5-25

9:00 AM | Mimi & Vincent de Venoge

Tuesday, December 20th Is 7:10-14, Lk 1:26-38

Theresa Fallon

Christine

Thomas

Marchese

Hyland

Estela Fernandez

Cherie Baldenko

Carol Bennett

Lisa

Fontenelli

Frank Prince

Hope Della Ratta

Nina Marie

Maria DeAngelis

Judith Betts ’55 ’59

James McCabe

Chuck Sockett

Jeanette

Albanese

Moira Feely

Kristin

O’Shea O’Keefe

Marguerite Barone

Robert Labriola

Names will remain on the list for three months. Please email bulletin@stmary.ws if you would like to continue with the listing

9:00 AM | Deceased Members of the Lobello Family

Wednesday, December 21st

St. Peter Canisius, Priest & Doctor of the Church Sg 2:8-14, Lk 1:39-45 9:00 AM | Vincent DeVito

Thursday, December 22nd

1 Sm 1:24-28, Lk 1:46-56 7:00 AM | Larry Denton 9:00 AM } Andrea Smith

Friday, December 23rd

St. John of Kanty, Priest Mal 3:1-4, 23-24, Lk 1:57-66 9:00 AM | Maryellen Blaney

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, 1LT, USA

Amerson, Jason, CPT, USA

Anderson, Michael, 1LT, USA

Arnold, James, LCpl, USMC

Avasthi, David, Capt, USAF Baber, Joseph, Maj, USAF

Broderick, Evan, SGT, USA

Broderick, Steven, SN, USN

Brodie, Virgina H., 2ndLt, USMC Brown, Jason, SGT, USA

Fontanetta, Joseph, Maj, USMC

Hayes, Andrew, Capt, USMC

Hernandez, Steven, SSgt, USAF

Higgins, James, GySgt, USMC Hilton, Justin, SGT, USA Hilton, Nathaniel, SGT, USA

Horner, Brian G., 1stLt, USMC Howard, Edward, PV2, USA

Hussey, James M., GySgt, USMC Jones, Scott B., LT, USN Jones, Katherine L., LTJG, USN LaManna, Vincent S., Jr., PVT, USA Landolphi, Michael, ENS, USN Lanza, Anthony E., LtCol, USMC Madden, Michael E., Major, USAF Major, A. Edward, III, MAJ, USA Marine Medium Tilt Rotor Squadron 161 Marine Transport Squadron 352 McGorry, Patrick F., HM2, USN McKievear, Gary, LT, USA Millau, Jeffrey, PFC, USMC Morris, Jr., Brian J., MAC, USN O’Leary, Jason, SSgt, USAF Petracca, Evan L., LTJG, USN Quinn, Anthony, Jr., SGT, USA Richardson, Timothy, PV2, USA Radman, Paul Cpl, USMC Rodi, Caroline G., CAPT, 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 LTJG, USN Wood, Kelly, BMSR, USN

Saturday, December 24th

2 Sm 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16, Lk 1:67-79 9:00 AM | Anthony Cacciola 4:00 PM | Al Pennisi Steven Salerno Thomas J. Flynn, Sr. Tommaso Chieco Gerald & Antoinette Cardinal Charles Ancona 4:15 PM | Martin Woods McHale 5:30 PM | Provvidenza & Salvatore Asaro 12:00 Midnight | William McDonough

Sunday, December 25th

The Nativity of the Lord (Christmas) Is 52:7-10, Heb 1:1-6, Jn 1:1-18 7:30 AM | Michael Zacchea 9:00 AM | Marie & Vincent DeVito Anthony & Yolanda Spinetta Charles Vachris Dorothy Cowhey Cristian Caamano Toni-Ann Zarra (living) 10:30 AM | Casey Brosokas 12:00 Noon | Peter J. Calabretta, Sr. 12:15 PM | Deceased Members of the Forlenza Claps Families

On the cover: The Dream of Saint Joseph. Artist: Philippe de Champaigne (1602-1674).

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.

Doris Schneider

Theresa Marie Rooney

ST. MARY’S GIFT SHOP O P E N T O D A Y S U N D A Y

after the 9:00 AM, 10:30 AM, & 12:00 Noon Masses.It is located in the Parish Ministry Center below the church. 516-627-0385 ext. 1033

Second Time

John Habert and Anna de Venoge Holy Cross, St. Mary, West Town, NY Manhasset, NY

Business Owners: if you would like to advertise in our bulletin, please call JS Paluch at 1-800-524-0263. Our parish code is 571800.

Readings and Questions for Faith Sharing on the Solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord (Midnight)

Reading I: Isaiah 9:1-6

For a child is born to us, a son is given us.

Reading II: Titus 2:11-14

We await the blessed hope, the appearance and glory of our great God and savior Jesus Christ.

Gospel: Luke 2:1-14 For today in the city of David a savior has been born for you who is Christ the Lord.

Question for Adults: What is our response to our savior Jesus Christ who came and dwelt among us?

Question for Children: How does the story of the birth of Jesus inspire me?

Church of Saint Mary | 6

Celebrate Christmas at St. Mary’s

Confessions

Monday, December 19th

9:30 to 10:30 AM

7:00 to 8:00 PM

Thursday, December 22nd

10:00 to 11:00 AM 7:00 to 8:00 PM

Friday, December 23rd 10:00 to 11:00 AM

Christmas Eve Masses

Saturday, December 24th

4:00 PM in Church

4:15 PM in Elementary School Wiest Gym 5:30 PM in Church Midnight Mass in Church Christmas Music begins at 11:30 PM

Christmas Day Masses

Sunday, December 25th

7:30 AM in Church 9:00 AM in Church 10:30 AM in Church 12:00 Noon in Church

12:15 PM in Elementary School Wiest Gym

Schedule is subject to change.

There is an elevator for those who have difficulty with stairs at the south entrance to the Church and at the entrance to Wiest Gym.

There is NO 5:00 PM Mass on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day.

Parish Social Ministry

Bereavement Ministry

The Parish Social Ministry office at St. Mary’s Manhasset will be offering two weekly support groups for the bereaved and those struggling with unresolved loss starting the week of January 23rd, 2023. Both sessions will run for ten consecutive weeks. The primary goals of the groups are to help the participants learn about the grief process, to develop skills to manage their grief, and to help them adjust to living in a world without the deceased. The groups are open to anyone who has lost a spouse, partner, parent, or sibling. One group will be offered on Wednesdays from 1:30 PM to 3:00 PM and a second group will be offered on Saturdays from 9:30 to 11:00 AM.

Wednesday’s session will be facilitated by Tara Barenello and Bernadette Casalino. Saturday’s session will be facilitated by Marie Granieri, Dr. Robert Windorf, and Jordon Rini. All facilitators were trained by Dr. Lou Sabatini who is a bereavement counselor with over thirty years of experience. Tara also has an MS in counseling and an Advanced Certificate in Mental Health, Marie Granieri has a Masters in Sacred Theology, and Dr. Robert Windorf is a long time educator and has worked with the Passionists to facilitate retreats for young adults.

In an effort to meet the needs of all of those suffering with grief from loss, we are offering two different types of bereavement counseling. The Saturday session will be rich with Catholic faith-based tools, using Scripture and prayer to help in the healing process. Marie Granieri will draw from her in-depth knowledge of the suffering of Christ and the ability to find peace and grace through lamentation to help those in need. The Wednesday sessions will be more secular.

There is a one-time registration fee of $10.00 to cover the costs of the course. To register for a group, please send a check made out to St. Mary’s PSM and the requested information below to St. Mary’s PSM Office, 1300 Northern Blvd., Manhasset, NY 11030 by January 5th. For more information on the sessions, please call Kathleen Kosciusko at 917-8642802 (cell) or 516-365-2705 (office). You can also email her at kkosciusko@stmary.ws.

RCIA

Parish Social Ministry

All Are Invited to a Catholic Theology Discussion

Lamenting Suffering in the Light of Christ

January 21, 2023 at 10:00 AM in the Ministry Center

Presenter: Mrs. Marie Granieri

Human suffering comes in a multitude of forms that can be expressed visibly or stay concealed beneath the surface of what the eye can see. In his Apostolic letter, On the Christian Meaning of Human Suffering (Salvifici Dorloris), Pope Saint John Paul II states that “Suffering, like all human things, finds its true meaning in Jesus Christ. And when tethered to the anchor of God’s love, we discover the redemptive meaning of every form of human suffering.”

Drawing from the teaching of Pope Saint John Paul II, the presentation will share insights on:

The quest for an answer to the question of the meaning of suffering. How does human suffering permeate the salvific beauty of Christ in daily life? How can we entrust suffering to God through lament as a spiritual practice?

Uniting one’s suffering to Christ does not come easily. Every personal experience of suffering raises the great question of “why.” But Christ answers this question from the cross, saying “Take up your cross and follow me.” In this way, Mrs. Granieri will share how the salvific meaning of suffering is revealed.

Mrs. Granieri holds multiple degrees including a Masters in Sacred Theology.

Rosary Society

Our Mission Statement:

The 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 difference 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.

The Most Holy Rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary—a seemingly never-ending string of Hail Marys, each set of ten followed by The Lord’s Prayer and a Gloria Patri. This venerable prayer might seem repetitive and monotonous to people outside of the Catholic tradition, but that is actually its saving grace.The mind and heart are left free to meditate on the central mysteries of our faith as the recitation provides a sacred space in which to apply the stories to our lives.A full rosary would walk us through the birth, death, resurrection and ascension of Christ. The Joyful Mysteries, first of the three sets, focuses on the events surrounding His conception, birth and early childhood—perfect for the Advent/Christmas Season.

“Let us pray… God of the Promise, the Blessed Mother knew what it was to fear for the safety of her child and to hope for a better world for Him. Through our meditations and prayers this day, and throughout our Advent journey, may we gain her compassion, strength and resolve that we too may be used to accomplish your will: that the peace won for us through the life, death and resurrection of her Son may be a growing reality in our broken world. We ask this through the same Jesus Christ, your Son, our brother who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. “ - Father Michael J. Nicosia, An Advent Rosary (2016)

Society of St. Vincent de Paul

In today’s Gospel, we hear that Jesus will be named Emmanuel, which means “God is with us.” The mystery of the birth of Jesus is supremely a mystery of love. May each Christmas find us more and more like him: more humble, more holy, more happy and more full of God. Your gifts to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul helped those who are poor and suffering to find Emmanuel and they also came to know that “God is with us.”

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 516-7468250. Thank you for your continued support.

Parish Social Ministry

Reminder: Advent Giving Tree donations are due on Monday, December 19th. Please leave your unwrapped gifts at the back of the church or drop off at the Parish Social Ministry Office.

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, efforts, and resources are dedicated to these values: Charity. Unity. Fraternity. Patriotism.

We come from different 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 Clifford at Macliff56@gmail.com

The Fr. William Daly Council 2122 would like to thank you, the parishioners of St. Mary’s, for all your donations to our recent coat drive. This year quite possibly could be our best year yet. We could not have done this without your support. We would not be able to do any of our projects without your support and the support from Fr. Bob. Thank you all once again. The Knights would like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year.

Marriage Struggling?

Do you feel alone?

Are you frustrated or angry with each other?

Do you argue or have you just stopped talking to each other? Does talking about it only make it worse?

Are you separated or divorced, or thinking about separation or divorce?

Another marriage-saving weekend is coming to the Metro/New York Area: November, 4-6 2022

The Retrouvaille Program helps couples through difficult times in their marriages. To be connected directly and confidentially to someone who can help, or to register, contact: 1-800-470-2230 or www.helpourmarriage.org

Long Island/Metro Retrouvaille is a 5013c non-profit, peer ministry. Couples of all faiths, or no faith, are encouraged to attend, and no one is ever turned away for lack of funds.

Retrouvaille

Are you ready for more growth and happiness in your marriage or priesthood? Uncover the secrets to a lasting, supportive, transformational marriage! Questions? call Chuck & Maria Reiss (631) 486-8607 Long Island Application Couple Apply at: www.WWME.org click apply and search by zip code or address

January, 27-29 2023 Make this Christmas even more special Give the gift of a weekend away to focus on your relationship February 3-5 Held at the Seminary of the Immaculate Conception Huntington, Long Island

Exposition and Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament

Catholic Prayers This Advent Season

Dear Lord, please allow me to embrace Advent in the way the Church intends: as a way to prepare for Your arrival. May everything I do–every gift I send, every party I attend, every meal I share–remind me to prepare space in my heart for You. Amen.

Heavenly Father, heal my heart during this season of Advent. Help me to love more fully. To forgive more generously. To wait more patiently for Christmas, embracing each day and hour knowing the joy that awaits. In Your name I pray. Amen.

Lord, send down Your Spirit to guide me during Advent this year. May the Holy Spirit help me journey closer to You and lift me up when I feel down and lead me when I feel lost. I may stumble at times, but I know my ultimate journey is to draw closer to You and build Your kingdom here on earth–a kingdom that Jesus’ birth, life and death helped secure. Amen.

I pray for focus today, dear God, because during Advent, my mind and attention tend to wander. There are so many distractions, many of them well-meaning. But nothing gives my heart rest like resting in You. I pray that I will keep You at the focus of my day today, because I know the peace that only You offer. Amen.

These are the gifts of the Advent season. The gifts you help share here in our community, throughout the year, with your thoughtful stewardship.

Are

Being Called to Serve as a Deacon?

By virtue of Baptism,

are called to holiness—the lay faithful as well as bishops, priests, and deacons.

B But have you felt called to serve in a much deeper and committed way? ?

If you are a man between the ages of 30 and 59, who feels that you are being called to ordained ministry as a deacon in the Church, you are invited to come for an E Evening of Prayer and Discernment with other men of faith to discuss and explore that very question. There is no cost to the evening—just your time and openness.

COME TO ANY ONE OF THESE MEETINGS

-

PREPARED - to LISTEN, to PRAY, t to REFLECT, t to DISCERN where God is calling you!

EVENINGS are being offered conveniently at THREE LOCATIONS.

7:00PM, Tuesday, January 10 St. Joseph Ronkonkoma, 45 Church Street

7:00PM, Wednesday, January 11—Maria Regina Seaford, 3945 Jerusalem Avenue

7:00PM, Thursday, January 19 St. Aidan Williston Park, 505 Willis Avenue with an EARLY WEEKEND OPTION to be held at

1:00PM, Sunday, January 15 —St. John the Evangelist Center Moriches, 25 Ocean Avenue

RSVP by Friday, January 6th, to 631-423-0483 Ext. 179 or by email to diaconateforma on@drvc.org