RCIA and Adult Faith Formation

Lent Is Just Around the Corner - Time to Join a Prayer Group!

Sr. Teresa is organizing a Lenten Prayer Group to meet once a week during the Lenten Season. If you would like to be part of this group, please call or email Sister to register now. So far, too few people have signed up and so it may not be possible to offer this opportunity for Lenten prayer this year. If you have never been in a prayer group and would like to know more, Sister Teresa will be happy to work with you.

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.

Society of St. Vincent de Paul

In the Gospel Jesus says: “Whoever fulfills and teaches these commands shall be great in the kingdom of God.” By your gift to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul you indeed put your faith into action as you fulfill the commands of Jesus.

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. Thank you for your continued support.

Respect Life Ministry

A Letter to All People of Good Will

Just as St. Peter wrote letters to us for all time (as did Ss. James, John, Jude and Paul), his successors continue to write to us, even to this day. Through the wonders of technology, the Vatican website gives us instant access to papal writings and some of these are directed to the whole world. St. John Paul’s “Gospel of Life” is addressed to “All People of Good Will.” He points out that the Gospel of Life “is at the heart of Jesus’ message,” and “has a profound and persuasive echo in the heart of every person — believer and non-believer alike — because it marvelously fulfills all the heart’s expectations while infinitely surpassing them.”

As we provide the themes and excerpts of this important teaching in coming bulletins, we hope that people of good will may, with open hearts and minds, ponder what it tells us and what it asks of us. We offer this in keeping with the 3-point program: (1) stay informed and educated, (2) get involved, and (3) PRAY!

St. Mary’s Respect Life Ministry will hold its next monthly meeting on Thursday, February 23rd, at 7:00 PM in the Library of the Parish Center. You are welcome and encouraged to join in our pro-life efforts — your help is needed now more than ever. For more information about St. Mary’s Respect Life Ministry, email RespectLife@StMary.ws