From the Pastor’s Desk

Dear Parishioners,

“Whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.” (Matthew 10:39)

Charitable works are an intrinsic part of the life of a Christian. The Scriptures and teachings of the Church constantly exhort us to give of ourselves for the good of others. In our Gospel today, Jesus Himself reminds us that hospitality to a prophet and a believer brings blessings to the life of the giver. St. James reminds us that ”faith without works is dead.”

(James 2:17)

The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) reminds us “faith requires of us a personal act-the free response of the human person to the initiative of God who reveals Himself (166). We must seek out Jesus and to know Him we have to live like Him. Jesus spoke often, especially in the Gospel of St. John, of the importance of love. For us, as believers, love and how we live out that love must have the component of how that is expressed in our service to others. All faith must be rooted in grace, which is a participation in the life of God. This is lived out in our works of kindness and mercy to our brothers and sisters in need. In St. Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus separates the goats from the sheep. The sheep (those who do good works) are invited into the Kingdom while the goats (those who refuse to assist those in need) are condemned to hell.

With this in mind, there needs to be a caution and challenge for us. We can sometimes see “good works” as the only criteria for us to act. If we go back to the words of St. James that faith without good works is dead, then we have to build on that. Good works without faith are simply good works. This reduces what we are commanded to do to simply humanitarian actions. For us, there must be something deeper. What is the criteria; certainly good works, but good works done how? Jesus says when I was hungry, naked, and imprisoned and you fulfilled these, you did them for and to ME. That is the key. It is doing and acting in the name of and for JESUS Himself. Good works and charity are important when they flow from our faith in Jesus.

There is sometimes a tendency to think that if we do good works then we are good Catholics. Remember that you don’t have to be Christian to do good works. Many non-Christians and even non-believers can do good works. For us, there must be the constant reminder of in whose name we do acts of charity. It should flow from our belief that Jesus is Lord and Savior. We must condition our minds and hearts to name the reason we serve one another.

Wasn’t this lived out in a very concrete way during the COVID-19 pandemic? With the suspension of Holy Mass and Communion, we “suffered” for the sake of our sisters and brothers. We laid down what was and is so important to us to protect the vulnerable and, in a real way, died to self. I know the medical and essential workers are very grateful for our sacrifice. Jesus says in the Gospel today, “For My sake” we are called to act. It is then through and because of Jesus, as the fruit of our faith, when works of service take on a deeper meaning. They become the works of our salvation and a return to the Lord for all He has done. Continue your generous acts…just remember in whose name you act.

I want to thank Fr. Kingsley Nwanwa for his dedicated service to our parish. He has been assigned to St. Peter of Alcantara in Port Washington to minster to the Spanish-speaking community. We welcome back Fr. Rafal Borowiejski, a son of our parish, who was ordained a priest of our diocese three years ago. He has completed his first assignment at Our Lady of Victory in Floral Park and should be here this week barring a possible visa renewal complication. We also welcome Fr. Edward Obi, MSP, a priest of the Missionary Society of St. Paul, who will be with us for a year. I know you will welcome him as you do to all the priests who serve the parish.

As we celebrate our Independence Day, let us be mindful of our freedoms and those who sacrificed for them. Let us continue to pray for our Freedom of Religion. Let us pray for an end of violence in our cities so that dialogue may take place. We also pray for those who feel excluded from society.

In Jesus, Fr. Bob

J Stewards of God’s Gifts

As Christians, we are called to pick up our crosses and follow Christ.

Living Stewardship ~ Pillar of Formation: Whatever you are dealing with this week, ask God to help you deal with it and to find a way to glorify Him through it.

The collection for Sunday, June 25, 2023 amounted to $23,307.00. The collection for Sunday, June 26, 2022 amounted to $23,996.00.

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 Ministry

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.