Church of Saint Mary Parish Bulletin: December 25, 2022

MARY

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

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 26th St. Stephen, the First Martyr Acts 6:8-10, 7:54-59, Mt 10:17-22 9:00 AM | Zigmond Baron

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

F. McCarthy

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

Tuesday, December 27th St. John, Apostle & Evangelist 1 Jn 1:1-4, Jn 20:1a, 2-8 9:00 AM | Luigi & Michelina Cestra

Wednesday, December 28th

The Holy Innocents, Martyrs 1 Jn 1:5-2:2, Mt 2:13-18 9:00 AM | Henry & Julian Miller

Thursday, December 29th

St. Thomas Becket, Bishop & Martyr 1 Jn 2:3-11, Lk 2:22-35 9:00 AM } Kevin Soltis

Friday, December 30th

The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph Sir 3:2-6, 12-14, Mt 2:13-15, 19-23 9:00 AM | Abraham J. Gross

Saturday, December 31st

St. Sylvester I, Pope 1 Jn 2:18-21, Jn 1:1-18 9:00 AM | Honorato Nolasco 5:00 PM | Antoinette Giuliano Giuseppe Sbuttoni Thomas J. Flynn, Sr. Dolores Marino Caol M. & Martin A. Cavanagh Eneida Colon

Sunday, January 1st

Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God The Octave Day of the Nativity of the Lord Nm 6:22-27, Gal 4:4-7, Lk 2:16-21

7:30 AM | People of the Parish 9:00 AM | Delanie Fekert 10:30 AM | Anthony Krzywicki Kelly Marie Moulton Cesare Thomas Lacertosa Josephine & Robert SanAngelo Joan SanAngelo Rosemary Moore Gov. Mario M. Cuomo 12:00 Noon | Purgatorial Society

On the cover: The Nativity. Artist: Franz von Rohden (1817-1903).

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.

The Solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord | December 25, 2022

Donal

Stewards of God’s Gifts

Jesus came into the world for us. His humility, His living and dying, His ministry was all for us—because He loves us.

Living Stewardship ~ Pillar of Hospitality: Merry Christmas! Throughout all the days of Christmas, share God’s love with all those you meet. Spread Christmas joy and Christian love to everyone!

The collection for Sunday, December 11, 2022 amounted to $26,577.00.

The collection for Sunday, December 12, 2021 amounted to $26,022.00

The collection for the Retirement Fund for Religious amounted to $7,281.00

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.

Christmas Flower Offerings In Memory

Of

Gilda & Vincent DeJoseph

Antonio Tenaglia

Mario Tenaglia

The Johnston Family

James & Madalynne Imperato

Paul & Elissa Meyers

Peter & Maria Verde

Joseph & Carmela Maiella

John & Kay Longo

Vincent & Mary DeVito

John & Emma Endrizzi

Francesco & Carmina Scannello

Louis Scannello

Douglas Corbett

Helen DeFazio

Theresa Scalesse

Eugene Scalesse

Jean L.

Gennaro F. Parrella

Florence H. Lechleider

Wally CasaNova

Charles Carmack

Ruth Ferguson

Timothy & Mary O’Connor

Eileen O’Connor

Bruno & Margaret Cirillo

Mr. & Mrs. Carmelo Cataudella

Mr. & Mrs. Concetto Gentile

Mr. Peter Cataudella

Mrs. Lucy Tully

Gribbon Family

Peduzzi Family

Rocco & Antonia Sforza

Sounda & Frank Meloni

Phil Sforza

Mauro Meloni

Salvatore & Mary Catalano

Carmine & Antoinette Sosa

Anthony D’Amica & Family

Mary Ozcuck & Family

Aunt Rosie

Catherine & Giocomo Ruggiero

Florence & Anthony DeMar

Margaret & Paul Fortner

Robert Mastro

Joseph & Dorothy Salat

Anthony Robustelli, Jr.

JoAnn Garramone

Mario Garramone

Vera Haynes

Francesco Ferro

Irene & Jerry Morici

Jenny & Joseph Tortorece

Mrs. Toni Sulzbach

Mrs. Nancy Mastrangelo

Mr. Rocco Mastranagelo

Catherine Ondrey

Emil Ondrey

Joan Boylston

Adrian Boylston

Paul Rondinelli

Michelle Longo

Margaret Morris

William T. Morris

Maria Palmadessa

John Palmadessa

Mr. & Mrs. William N. Samela

Mr. Justin Samela

Mr. Don McDonnell

Frank Castiglione

Angela & Peter Castiglione

Millie & Fred Durante

Sarah & Donald Harwood

Stanley & Rose Wiencko

Slyvia Reynolds

Frank Reynolds

John Reynolds

Patrick Standon

Bridget Standon

Mrs. Lina Albanese

Andrew N. Singh

Agnes Singh

Andrew Singh James Miller

Thomas J. Flynn, Sr.

Betty Butler Albert McGrath

Elaine Owens

John V. Downey

Sheila E. Downey

Janet McHale

Mrs. Jean Spina

Mr. John Battaglia

Mr. Joseph Pfeuffer

Ms. Corrine Rodi

Domenica Russo

Carmine Russo

Gigi Daly

Robert Daly

Dorothy Daly

Frank Daly

Henry J. Miller

O’Neill and Hallissy Families

Ruth Sauvigne

Frances Maher

Gerald Sauvigne

Richard Maher

Louis Perfetto, Sr.

Mary & Gasper Indelicato

Dorothy & Valentine Brincat

Andrew Chizmadia

William McDonough

Ferucio Frankola

Lucia Lazarizit

Ron Hansen

Dr. Peter J. Calabretta, Sr.

Catherine & Albert Infante

Esther & Paul Calabretta

Victoria Strocchia

John Peluso

Mary & Al Peluso

Grace & Artie Reffelt

Julia McKeon

Larry Pierce

Lucia DeRosa

Annette Riviello

We endeavor to record your intentions accurately; please forgive any typographical errors. Additional flower offering intentions will appear in a future bulletin.

The Gift Shop Volunteers Wish Everyone a Blessed Christmas & Happy New Year

ST. MARY’S GIFT SHOP IS O P E N on S U N D A Y S

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

Business

Bread & Wine are offered this week in loving memory of Dr. Peter J. Calabretta, Sr.

Third Time

John Habert and Anna de Venoge

Holy Cross, St. Mary, West Town, NY Manhasset, NY

if you would

bulletin, please call JS Paluch at 1-800-524-0263. Our parish code is 571800.

in

Readings and Questions for Faith Sharing on the Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God

Reading I: Numbers 6:22-27 The Lord look upon you kindly and give you peace.

Reading II: Galatians 4:4-7 God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying out, “Abba, Father!”

Gospel: Luke 2:16-21 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen.

Question for Adults: How do I ponder God’s gift of the Messiah in my heart?

Question for Children: Like Mary, can I trust God to always be with me and help me? Church of Saint Mary

St. Mary’s High School The Footsteps of St. Paul

St. Mary’s High School is excited to be bringing 25 students to Greece in February, 2023. Our chaplain, Fr. Dominik Wegiel, will accompany these students as they experience the religious and classical highlights of Greece, walking in the footsteps of St. Paul and seeing the various sites from biblical times and early church history.

In order to help offset the cost of the trip, St. Mary’s High School is hosting a fundraising raffle. There will be one grand prize of $500., and a second place prize of $200. Each ticket is $20.00, and the drawing will take place on January 21st.

Cash and checks are accepted and can be either dropped off at the Parish Office or mailed to St. Mary’s High School, 51 Clapham Avenue, Manhasset, NY 11030. Checks can be made out to “St. Mary’s High School.”

Respect Life Ministry

Today we celebrate the birth of Our Lord Jesus Christ, who came to us in the most humble of surroundings — a tiny baby, among animals, visited by shepherds. May we see the face of Jesus in every vulnerable human life!

Thank you to all who visited our table at the Christmas Boutique. Your words of encouragement are very much appreciated.

St. Mary’s Respect Life Ministry will hold its regular monthly meeting this Wednesday evening, December 28th, 2022, at 7:00 PM, in the St. John Paul II Room of the Parish Center.

Please consider participating — and bring friends — as we discuss ways we can follow and implement for our Parish the three important steps outlined by Bishop Barres: (1) stay informed and educated, (2) get involved, and (3) PRAY!

St. Mary’s Respect Life Ministry encourages you to join in our pro-life efforts — your help is needed locally now more than ever. For more information about St. Mary’s Respect Life Ministry, email RespectLife@StMary.ws

The Solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord | December 25, 2022

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. Name Address

Parish Social Ministry Hosts Christmas Lunch for 155 East Shore Road Residents

The Parish Social Ministry office staff and volunteers thoroughly enjoyed hosting a Christmas luncheon for Manhasset’s lower income senior population. Much good cheer and conversation was had over sandwiches, salads and desserts. We hope to see this group of vibrant seniors again soon!

Parish

Our office is overwhelmed with gratitude for the generosity of our parishioners. Of course, we understand that gift giving is not the purpose of the Christmas season; however, giving to others is one way we show our love for them. Our Parishioners certainly showed their love and concern for the poor this year! Through parishioners’ efforts, we were able to provide about fifty families (most with children) with presents to brighten their Christmas day! We had an amazing twenty families who participated in Share Christmas and shopped for entire families, really giving their time, monies, creativity and good cheer to provide for those in need. We collected enough shoes to ensure all the children we serve have a new pair of shoes prior to school starting, and we collected enough in gift cards to help families purchase perishable food items and other necessities throughout 2023.

Our office would also like to extend the most heartfelt thank you to our very dedicated volunteers, who without their many hours of service, we would not be able to provide for these families around the holidays in the way that we do. This is a case where it takes a village and our volunteers are much appreciated “villagers.” Thank you Peggy Guillo, Maria Swanberg, Jane Lucey, Mary Ryan, and Caroline Fischer for your many, many hours of service to the poor.

We hope all the families of St. Mary’s have the most blessed Christmas and all your days are filled with the joy and peace that Christmas provides.

God bless, Kathleen Kosciusko, Director of Parish Social Ministry

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?

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 Board of St. Mary’s Rosary wishes all our members, parishioners, and their families, a blessed and very Merry Christmas! Thanks to everyone for their generosity and support during 2022. We are looking forward to 2023 as another year filled with devotion to Our Lady!

Marijo Lantier President

Prinzipia Duggan Vice President

Susan Martinez Treasurer

Mary Hauck Membership Secretary Alaina Finamore Secretary

Society of St. Vincent de Paul

Today we celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ, hearing the words of the angel, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy”. Today and throughout the new year, may we take care of our suffering brothers and sisters, bringing hope, not fear. In the month of December, through your gifts, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul brought the spirit of Christmas to those who are suffering, by assisting families with food, gifts, and utility and rent bills.

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.

In Session with Dr. Patricia Pitta

Building Peace Within: Through Your Connection with God

“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men” (Luke 2:14).

In preparing for the birth of Jesus, there is a hope and sentiment we share with each other: “Peace on earth and good will to all.”

With all the concerns in your busy and complicated lives, how can you find peace within so you can share your goodwill with your family members, friends, and larger community through creating an atmosphere of love around you?

The first step is finding the peace within. Can you allow yourself to unwind and connect with the spirit of God within you? You are given the Holy Spirit by Our Lord, who is your guide as you venture through life’s many challenges as well good times. Remember, with the Lord you have the Father who protects you, the Son who gave his life for you, and the Holy Spirit who guides you, no matter what the situation.

So how do you internalize the Holy Spirit within? The answer is through prayer. Prayer can take you to a calmer reality and enable you to connect with the Holy Spirit who serves as your guide in dealing with your matters at hand. Prayer can put you in the state of contemplation that enables you to connect with the love within you inspired and informed by the Holy Spirit.

Envision the glow of love within you. For me, it is a bright light that shines through my spine and gut and travels to my brain. That is the love of God right inside. Sit still, contemplate your vision, say a prayer, and feel the calm. Whatever you envision is correct and right for you. You can do it. So many people say that they can’t quiet themselves. Take a minute and try it. You might be surprised how you feel. The more you practice, the easier it will be for you to connect with the love of God and the Spirt of God who guides you and resides right within you. Then, anytime you feel stressed, challenged or uncomfortable, you will be able to get in touch with the love within which is filled with God’s messages that can guide your thoughts and actions.

It is that simple. As you take time to work, exercise, cook, and many other activities, add time to pray. As you pray, your relationship with the Lord will grow and before you know it, you can feel HIS presence whenever you call HIM. You have the direct route to inner peace and Lord.

Below is a prayer that you can say to connect with the Lord, our God, and you will feel your inner peace informed by God’s messages and inspired through the Holy Spirit, Take the Lord with you in all that you do, and peace will be a constant companion.

A Blessed Christmas to you, your families, friends, and larger communities.

Merry Christmas from the St. Mary’s Mental Health Ministry

Prayer for Peace Within: My dear Lord, may your strength and example become my model that I imitate and share with my family, friends, and community. May your love set a peace within me to know that I can trust myself based on my love for you and knowledge of your Word. I know if I can love as you love me, I will be able to be an agent of change in our world where peace and feelings of safety can grow and be present always.

As a result, you will be able to share your peace with those you interact with and before you know it, your world will become a better place. Each person who feels your love will share love with others and peace will grow in their personal relationships and within your community,

People are so concerned about the level of violence and division in our communities and nation. Share love and treat your neighbor with love informed by the Lord’s Word and it can be a new beginning for you and those you connect with.

Dr. Pitta is a Clinical Psychologist and a Board-Certified Couple and Family Psychologist practicing in Manhasset and is the chair of the Mental Health Ministry of St. Mary’s. She is also a professor of psychology at St. John’s University and a graduate of the Pastoral Formation Institute of Rockville Centre. She is the author of Solving Modern Family Dilemmas: An Assimilative Therapy Model published by Routledge. The Solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord | December 25, 2022

Exposition and Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament

In This Holy Season

Lord, in this holy season of prayer and song and laughter, we praise you for the great wonders you have sent us: for shining star and angel’s song, for infant’s cry in a lowly manger. We praise you for the Word made flesh in a little Child. We behold His glory, and are bathed in its radiance. Be with us as we sing the ironies of Christmas, the incomprehensible comprehended, the poetry made hard fact, the helpless Babe who cracks the world asunder. We kneel before you shepherds, innkeepers, wise men. Help us to rise bigger than we are. Amen.

Prayer to Jesus in the Manger

Exposition and Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament with Benediction

Mondays

3:00 - 5:00 PM

O divine redeemer Jesus Christ, prostrate before thy crib, I believe thou art the God of infinite majesty, even though I do see thee here as a helpless babe. I humbly adore and thank thee for having so humbled thyself for my salvation as to will to be born in a stable. I thank thee for all thou didst wish to suffer for me in Bethlehem, for thy poverty and humility, for thy nakedness, tears, cold and sufferings.

Would that I could show thee that tenderness which thy virgin mother had toward thee, and love thee as she did. Would that I could praise thee with the joy of the angels, that I could kneel before thee with the faith of St. Joseph, the simplicity of the shepherds. Uniting myself with these first adorers at the crib, I offer thee the homage of my heart, and I beg that thou wouldst be born spiritually in my soul. Make me reflect in some degree the virtues of thy admirable nativity. Fill me with that spirit of renunciation, of poverty, of humility, which prompted thee to assume the weakness of our nature, and to be born amid destitution and suffering. Grant that from this day forward, I may in all things seek thy greater glory, and may enjoy that peace promised to men of good will.

RCIA and Adult Faith Formation

The RCIA webinars have recessed until January 5th, 2023. Those involved wish all who read this announcement a Christmas filled with love and joy for you and your families and a Happy and Blessed New Year.

Do You Know Someone Who Would Like to Become a Catholic?

Our door is still open for anyone who is interested in joining the Catholic Church, Learning more about the Faith we practice and becoming a fully initiated Catholic for anyone who has not received First Communion or Confirmation. In order to qualify as a Godparent in Baptism the person must have received all the Sacraments of Initiation. They include Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Communion.

Sister Teresa can be contacted about our RCIA and other Adult Faith Formation programs at 516-627-0385, ext. 1010. Her office hours are Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday between 10:00AM and 4:00PM and other times by appointment.

In the mystery of the Incarnation, we rejoice in the coming together of heaven and earth. Taking on human flesh, Christ Incarnate enters time to be with us forever. The Eternal One speaks about time throughout his ministry. Announcing the Kingdom, He proclaims “This is the time of fulfillment. The kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the Gospel” (Mk 1:15). We are invited to change ourselves and embrace His gospel of peace. Through the Sacrament of Reconciliation, we conform ourselves evermore to Christ. In so doing, we not only receive grace to reflect Him in the present world around us, but also to illumine the joy of the “new age” that is to come in the Kingdom of God.

In this season of Advent, St. Mary Religious Education students are receiving the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Thank you to our parish priests for the day and evening hours to be present for our large student community. The crafts led by Grade 2 Catechists Mrs. Schembri and Mrs. Gulbenkian beautifully reflect the joy of this sacramental season.

Let us shine Christ’s joy and peace wherever life takes us,

Mrs. Granieri