Church of Saint Mary Parish Bulletin: March 26, 2023

CHURCH of SAINT MARY

The Fifth Sunday of Lent

March

Reverend Father Robert A. Romeo | Pastor

Reverend Father Dominik Wegiel | Parochial Vicar

Reverend Father Kingsley Nwanwa | Parochial Vicar

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

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

PARISH DIRECTORY

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 | ext. 1089 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 traftery@stmary.ws

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

Theresa A. Kemp Principal tkemp@stmary11030.org

St. Mary’s High School 627-2711

www.saintmaryshs.org

Gerard J. Buckley Principal gbuckley@saintmaryshs.org

Saint Mary’s y

From the Pastor’s Desk

Dear Parishioners,

“Do you believe this?” Martha said, “Yes, Lord. I have come to believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God.” (John 11:26-27)

In our Gospel of the raising of Lazarus, Jesus confronts Martha and questions her if she believes in Him. Martha replies yes because she knows who Jesus is. Jesus was very much a part of the lives of Martha, Mary, and their brother, Lazarus. In her journeying with Jesus, Martha has experienced many remarkable things. I dare say that it was more than the works she may have witnessed that gave her the grace to affirm Jesus as Lord. We know from the Scriptures that Martha, Mary, and Lazarus were very close to Jesus. As good friends and people whom Jesus loved, they would have known more than just His works; they would have known His heart. It is in knowing His heart that Martha is able to say yes to Jesus.

In our own journey of faith, we are called to deepen our relationship with Jesus. We are called to know more than just the stories about Him. In order for us to give our hearts and lives away, we must cultivate that deep and abiding relationship with Jesus. It is in that close relationship that Jesus is able to enter the very fabric of our being. When we welcome Him in, His message can be the light that guides our path. St. Paul tells us today that “the Spirit of God has made His home in us.” How comforting and hopeful that is for us. We know we do not have to walk this journey alone but we are animated by the Holy Spirit. If we have the strength to fall into the arms of Jesus, the Holy Spirit will give us the grace we need to follow Him with our entire being. BUT it takes trust, and, as we heard in the Sacred Scriptures, making God the priority in our lives. When God is first, all else that is contrary to God will take a “back seat.” Then the power of the Holy Spirit can be unleashed in our lives and we can experience an attitude of gratitude.

This is the joy by which we give our lives to God and acknowledge the many blessings He has bestowed on us. So we need to list those blessings, name them, give them life. When we know them, we must then use them for the greater glory of God. God has gifted us with time, talent and treasure. These gifts, through our faith, have been entrusted to us to share with others. And so we become accountable to God for the gifts He has given us. Remember, each of us has been entrusted with a plot of land in the Kingdom of God and our accountability is how we sow the seeds of the Kingdom. This is our gift back to God as His stewards. St. Teresa of Calcutta said, “Faith in action is love, and love in action is service.” As we walk these days of Lent, we are reminded of the Light that has come into the world. That Light who brings us eternal life calls us to believe and, in that belief, to act. So we hear Jesus ask us the question He asked of Martha...”DO YOU BELIEVE?” Pray, my sisters and brothers, that the Holy Spirit may give you and I the strength to always say YES.

I want to congratulate our St. Mary’s High School Girls’ Basketball team for winning the State Championship the second year in a row. They did a fantastic job and made us so proud. Go Gaels!

A reminder that our Diocese, along with the Archdiocese of New York and the Diocese of Brooklyn, will celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation (confessions) on the Monday of Holy Week, April 3rd. Each parish in all three dioceses will have priests available in the confessionals from 2:00-4:00 PM and 6:00-9:00 PM. Please take advantage of this wonderful opportunity to prepare for the great days of Holy Week.

The Veiling of Crosses and Statues on the 5th Sunday of Lent

As you come into the church today, you will see that the crosses and statues have been covered or “veiled.” Why are we doing this?

Veils over sacred images keep our minds on the promise of Easter.

It might seem strange that during the most sacred time of year, Catholics cover everything that is beautiful in their churches, even the crucifix. Shouldn’t we be looking at the painful scene at Calvary while we listen to the Passion narrative on Palm Sunday?

Church of Saint Mary | 4

From the Pastor’s Desk

While it may appear counterintuitive to veil statues and images during the final weeks of Lent, the Church recommends this practice to heighten our senses and build a longing for Easter Sunday within us. It is a tradition that should not only be carried out in our local parish, but can also be a fruitful activity for the “domestic church.”

The rubrics can guide us in the practices of this season. In the Roman Missal, we find the instruction, “In the Dioceses of the United States, the practice of covering crosses and images throughout the church from [the fifth] Sunday [of Lent] should be observed. Crosses remain covered until the end of the Celebration of the Lord’s Passion on Good Friday, but other images remain covered until the beginning of the Easter Vigil.”

This is the current practice of the Church, but veiling from the Fifth Sunday of Lent onward is minuscule compared to what was once practiced. For example, in Germany, there was a tradition to veil the altar from view throughout all of Lent.

Families are also encouraged to imitate this practice and veil prominent religious images in their homes. It helps us to participate in the liturgical season, especially if we are not able to go to Mass during the week. Otherwise, we only see the veiled images in church once or twice before Easter and it has a minor effect on us. It is also a beautiful tradition to pass down to our children, who will be intrigued by it, and it will make this time of year truly special for them. We go through great lengths to decorate our homes for Easter, so why not prepare for the great feast by using veils?

But why go through such lengths to cover up images that are designed to raise our hearts and minds toward heaven?

First of all, we use veils to alert us to the special time that we are in. When we walk into church and notice everything is covered, we immediately know that something is different. These last two weeks of Lent are meant to be a time of immediate preparation for the Sacred Triduum and the veils are a powerful reminder to get ready.

Secondly, the veils focus our attention on the words being said at Mass. When we listen to the Passion narrative, our senses are allowed to focus on the striking words from the Gospel and truly enter into the scene.

Third, the Church uses veils to produce a heightened sense of anticipation for Easter Sunday. This is further actualized when you attend daily Mass and see the veils each day. You don’t want them to be there because they are hiding some very beautiful images.

And therein lies the whole point: the veils are not meant to be there forever. The images need to be unveiled; it is unnatural for them to be covered.

The unveiling before the Easter Vigil is a great reminder of our own life on earth. We live in a “veiled” world, in exile from our true home. It is only through our own death that the veil is lifted and we are finally able to see the beauty of everything in our lives.

In Jesus, our Crucified Lord, Fr. Bob

Stewards of God’s Gifts

In today’s Gospel, Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead.

Living Stewardship ~ Pillar of Hospitality: Throughout this Lenten season, how have you acted (or reacted) to your fellow man? Be sure that as you grow closer to the Lord this season, you also grow kinder to those around you.

The collection for Sunday, March 19, 2023 amounted to $25,502.00.

The collection for Sunday, March 20, 2022 amounted to $24,007.00

The collection for Catholic Relief Services amounted to $9,586.00

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

Ann Pardi

Stephen Sheehan

Sandy Pittman

Jeanette Albanese

Laarni Melliza

Donna Chesney

Erica Klock

Jacob Rivera

Masses for the Week

Monday, March 27th

Lenten Weeekday

Dn 13:1-9, 15-17, 19-30, 33-62, Jn 8:1-11

9:00 AM | William Jappe

Tuesday, March 28th

Lenten Weekday

Theresa Fallon

Christine Marchese

Thomas Hyland

Nina Marie

Maria DeAngelis

James McCabe

Chuck Sockett

Moira Feely

Kristin O’Shea O’Keefe

Marguerite Barone

Robert Labriola

Vincent Nicky O’Donnell

Grace Williams

Jaxson Rivera

Irene Elber

Ronald Grubert

Fred Herman

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

Marcia O’Donnell

Christie Mucci

Antonio Cafarelli

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

Nm 21:4-9, Jn 8:21-30

9:00 AM | Richard Masterson

Wednesday, March 29th

Lenten Weekday

Dn 3:14-20, 91-92, 95, Jn 8:31-42

9:00 AM | Lucille Lukin

Thursday, March 30th

Lenten Weekday

Gn 17:3-9, Jn 8:51-59

7:00 AM | Deceased and living members of the Denihan Family

9:00 AM | Eugene G. Rorke

Friday, March 31st

Lenten Weekday

Jer 20:10-13, Jn 10:31-42

9:00 AM | Ignatius Lechleider

Saturday, April 1st

First Saturday

Ez 37:21-28, Jn 11:45-56

9:00 AM | Ann O’Keefe May

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

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

5:00 PM | Irene Krescanko

Thomas J. Flynn, Sr.

Edward J. Gaus, Jr.

Florence Feltych

John Silvestri

Maryann Pasqualone

Sunday, April 2nd

Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord Mt 21:1-11, Is 50:4-7, Phil 2:6-11, Mt 26:14-27:66

7:30 AM | People of the Parish

9:00 AM | Victoria Strocchia

10:30 AM | Jeanne Morrissey

Ann O’Keefe May

Joseph Brincat

Richard Rice

Marie Gadaleta

Estela Fernandez

Mary Simone

12:00 Noon | Purgatorial Society

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.

Cover: Raising of Lazarus by Jesus.

Artist: Carl Heinrich Bloch (1834-1890).

The Fifth Sunday of Lent | March 26, 2023

The hours are after the 9:00 AM, 10:30 AM, & 12:00 Noon Masses. It is located in the Parish Ministry Center below the church.

Any inquiries, please call 526-627-0385 ext. 1033

and Questions for Faith Sharing on Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord

Readings

Reading I: Isaiah 50:4-7

I gave my back to those who beat me, my cheeks to those who plucked my beard, my face I did not shield from buffets and spitting.

Reading II: Philippians 2:6-11

He humbled Himself, becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.

Gospel: Matthew 26:14-27:66

Jesus cried out again in a loud voice, and gave up His spirit.

Question for Adults:

How am I preparing myself for Holy Week?

Question for Children:

How can I return the love that Jesus showed by dying on the cross for me?

Church of Saint Mary | 8

The Gift Shop is open on SUNDAYS We have beautiful items for Lent and Easter

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.

During Lent, Pray the Rosary!

Lent is a perfect time to renew our devotion to Mary as our spiritual mother who cares for us in the midst of challenges and difficulties.

One of the oldest known prayers to Mary is called the Sub Tuum Praesidium (“Under Thy Protection”), which goes back to the third or fourth century... it reads:

“We fly to your protection, O Holy Mother of God; Despise not our petitions in our necessities, but deliver us always from all dangers, O Glorious and Blessed Virgin. Amen.”

Let Mary be our guide this Lent.- Our Lady in Lent

S

SATURDAY, APRIL 22ND

ST. MARY’S ROSARY SOCIETY

ANNUAL COMMUNION BRUNCH

11:00 AM Mass with Induction of New Members

Brunch Immediately Following at the Strathmore-Vanderbilt Country Club Guest Speaker: Rosarian Michele Bernic Raffle Baskets - Spring Plant Sale

Any woman of the parish interested in becoming a Rosarian can contact the Rosary Society at rosarysociety@stmary.ws for more information.

FAST AND ABSTINENCE DURING LENT

Those who have reached their fourteenth year are bound to abstain entirely from meat on Ash Wednesday and all the Fridays of Lent. All Catholics between the ages of eighteen and fifty-nine are also bound to fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. This means to limit oneself to a single full meal and avoid food between meals. Two other light meals, which together do not equal a full meal, may be taken during the day.

Business Owners:

Please consider advertising in our bulletin. It’s a great way to support our parish. Call our new printer, LPi at 1-800-477-4574 or visit their website www.4lpi.com for more information.

We are in region 03.

Please Patronize Our Advertisers

The Schools of Saint Mary Career Day Makes the Mark at St. Mary’s High School!

Saint Mary’s High School hosted its annual Career Day on Wednesday, March 15, 2023. Career Day welcomes alums back to campus to give inspiring and informative presentations for the students. This year’s format change and selection process allowed for a much more intimate and interest-driven experience for both alumni and students alike. Students were able to choose from fifteen different careers and attended three separate 40-minute sessions packed with practical advice, words of wisdom, and moving anecdotes from the outstanding alums.

Alums ranged in graduation class from ’67 all the way up to ’17 and covered fields from art curation to veterinary medicine to financial services and everything in between. Principal Gerard Buckley stated, “Career Day is a day to be proud of the St. Mary’s product - for nearly 75 years, St. Mary’s High School has been a Catholic center of academic excellence, inspiring a diverse student body to pursue their interests while in high school, which later leads to successful and fulfilling careers.”

A sincere thank you to each and every alumni for spending invaluable time with the students. And a special thank you to Mrs. Kiera Walsh, Director of Alumni Relations, and Mrs. Sarah Griffin ’02, ’06, for their efforts in recruiting such an incredible and wide-ranging group of presenters for this event and creating a full schedule for the day. Students are already looking forward to Career Day 2024.

(Photos by G. Shemitz for the Office of Communications. Contact esymmons@stmary.ws for permission to reprint).

Dear St. Mary Religious Education Family,

Given the size of our student community, our catholic education program relies on younger adults desiring to share the Gospel each week. These dedicated volunteers come from within St. Mary’s Parish and nearby Long Island high schools. Working together as a two person team, they model a wonderful way to live the Catholic faith in service to others.

So what brings them? Each year, Lily Filipski (Grade 6) returns to carry the torch lit by her grandmother, who served as a St. Mary Catechist for many years. Mr. Bartul teaches grades seven and eight, and is now joined by his daughters who catechize our first grade students each Sunday. Caroline McKeon and Anthony Guzman also serve the program on Sunday, working with me to teach the fifth grade each week. And now we see long-time teachers Cate Leder and Lily Klimuszko heading to college in the fall. Both served our ministry for several years with beautiful dedication.

All have come from families committed to serving the Catholic Church. Their desire to share the Good News of Jesus has bloomed in the lives of their children. Truly, they shine the light of the young Jesus teaching in the Temple. “And all who heard him were astounded at his understanding and his answers” (Luke 2:47). Thank you – all of you!

Blessings, Mrs.

Granieri

Exposition and Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament

From Scripture for Lent

Psalm 134

O come and bless the Lord, All you servants of the Lord, Who stand by night in the house of the Lord, Lift up your hands to the holy place, And bless the Lord.

May the Lord bless you from Zion, Who made both heaven and earth.

Colossians 3:12-15

Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, bearing with one another and forgiving one another, if one has a grievance against another; as the Lord has forgiven you so must you also do. And over all these put on love, that is, the bond of perfection. And let the peace of Christ control your hearts, the peace into which you were called in one body. And be thankful.

Children’s Liturgy of the Word

Sundays at the 9:00 AM Mass

What Is It? After the Opening Prayer, children gather and are dismissed from the church with a blessing by the priest, proceed to the chapel for the Sunday Readings and a short reflection on the Gospel, all on a level that children can understand. They are returned to the church at the beginning of the Creed.

Society of St. Vincent de Paul

THE NEXT SVDP MEETING IS TUESDAY, APRIL 4TH at 7:00 PM

in the Saint John Paul II Room. New members are always welcome! We invite you to explore the St. Vincent de Paul Society of St. Mary’s Church. There are no special qualifications to join, other than the desire to join with others in helping Neighbors in need. As a group, we meet monthly. Come decide for yourself if God is calling you to this special Ministry.

The Gospel today, challenges us to see and believe the signs of grace in our lives: joy, peace, forgiveness, mercy and kindness. This month, through your gifts, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul was able to assist families, providing food, assisting with utility and rent bills, etc. Thank You!

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.

RCIA and Adult Faith Formation

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

Our door is 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.

The Lenten Prayer Groups continue to meet on Thursdays of until March 30th. The groups discuss and pray over the readings for the upcoming Sunday. They find this makes the Sunday Mass more meaningful to them. Walk-ins are still welcome for the last meetings on Match 30th. The next Thursday will be Holy Thursday and we are all encouraged to participate in the Holy Week services.

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.

Plenary Indulgence for Attending the Chrism Mass at St. Agnes Cathedral

Consider attending this year’s Chrism Mass at 4:00 PM on Tuesday, April 4th at St. Agnes Cathedral. A pontifical blessing with a plenary indulgence attached will be imparted at the celebration of the Chrism Mass. The following conditions must be fulfilled in order to obtain the plenary indulgence: 1) Detachment from all sin, even venial. 2) Confession of sins in the sacrament of Penance. 3) Reception of Holy Communion. 4) Prayer for the intentions of the Supreme Pontiff. Having fulfilled these conditions, the faithful who attend this Mass and receive this blessing will benefit from the indulgence along with those who participate through radio, television or livestreaming. This celebration of the Eucharist is exceptionally beautiful and steeped in rich symbolism. During the Chrism Mass, Bishop Barres will consecrate the Oil of Chrism and bless the Oil of Catechumens and the Oil of the Sick. These holy oils will be used throughout the Diocese during the coming year in celebration of the sacraments. Priests of the Diocese will also renew their call to the Holy Priesthood of Jesus Christ. If you are unable to attend in person, the Mass will air live on Catholic Faith Network and cfntv.org.

Parish Social Ministry

FOCUS St. Patrick’s Day Luncheon

Spring 2023

EUCHARISTIC CELEBRATION THE MASS - STEP BY STEP LITURGY EXPLAINED

Join BISHOP ANDRZEJ

this Spring at these in-person presentations. All are welcome! Registration is REQUIRED.

Tuesday, March 28, 2023

Mass Introductory Rites Explained St. Paul the Apostle, Brookville

Tuesday, May 23, 2023

Liturgy of the Word Explained St. Paul the Apostle, Brookville

Tuesday, June 20, 2023

Liturgy of the Eucharist Explained

Curé of Ars, Merrick

Tuesday, July 11, 2023

Mass Concluding Rites Explained

Curé of Ars, Merrick

All sessions begin at 7:30 pm and take place in the Church.

St. Paul the Apostle 2534 Cedar Swamp Road Brookville, NY 11545

Curé of Ars 2323 Merrick Avenue Merrick, NY 11566

Advance registration is required. Please contact the Western Vicariate office with your name, parish, email address and phone number. Send your email to: westernvicariate@drvc.org or call Suzanne at 516-744-6850. Please do not contact the parish directly.

Respect Life Ministry

St. Mary’s Respect Life Ministry proudly supports this event

RecapturetheBeat…

From the Heart Dinner Dance benefitting

Mothers and Babies of Good Counsel Homes

Surpassing its goal for this beautiful event would make it possible for Good Counsel Homes to dedicate funds toward expanding to Long Island.

Monsignor Jim Lisante, Emcee

Pastor, Our Lady of Lourdes, Massapequa Park Host, “Personally Speaking,” on Sirius XM Radio

Honoring

Margaret Colin

Wife, Mother, Actress, Catholic Prolife Advocate

Saturday, April 15, 2023 Cocktails 6:30 PM, Dinner 7:30 PM

Leonard’s Palazzo, 555 Northern Boulevard, Great Neck NY Cocktail Attire ◊ Glenn Drewes Orchestra

A free-will offering will be taken at the event

GoodCounselHomesisa501(c)(3)non-profitorganizationco-foundedin1985by Rev. Benedict Groeschel, CFR (1933-2014) and Christopher Bell, providing a loving home, care and compassion to homeless, expectant, and new mothers and their children.

Tickets Deadline is April 10

$200 per person

Table of eight — $1,600

Table of ten — $2,000

From the Heart Patron Table

$2,500 (table of 10, Red Border full page ad)

Journal Opportunities

Deadline is April 7

Inside Front Cover $1,000

Inside Back Cover $1,000

Back Cover $1,000

Red Border Full Page $500

Full Page (white) $250

Half Page (white) $100

Business Card $50

Sponsorship Opportunities

We would appreciate the generosity of our benefactors to help underwrite the Long Island Fundraiser. Deadline is April 7.

St. Gregory Sponsor: music $2,000

St. Benedict Sponsor: invitations $1,000

St. Theresa Sponsor: flowers $750

St. Gabriel Sponsor: postage $500

St. Martha Sponsor: Maître d’ gratuity $300

St. Christopher Sponsor: valet parking $100

Register at GoodCounselHomes.org/Heart. Questions? Call Rosemary, Lynn or Sandra at Good Counsel (201-795-0637) or email Silvana_Cowden@GoodCounselHomes.org.

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:

April, 21-23 2023

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

(Retro vi – French for rediscover)

Because No Marriage is Beyond Hope

Romans 8:8-11: Since Christ is in you, the Spirit is alive because of righteousness. Just like Christ gives life to your mortal bodies, he will give your marital relatioship new life. Trust in Him and sign up for a Worldwide Marriage Encounter Experience. You will be glad you did. Check out the WWME.org website. There are many experiences out there. One of them is happening on:

June 23-25, 2023 in Huntington, NY

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 Chuck & Maria Reiss at 631-486-8607 or https:// wwmenyli.org/.