Church of Saint Mary Parish Bulletin: November 17, 2024
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
Tursday 7:00 AM (when school is in session)
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 Te 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 Ofce to make arrangements for Anointing or to receive the Eucharist.
Parish Ofce
627-0385 | Fax 627-6070
Monday 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday - Friday 9:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday - (phone only) 10:00 AM–1:30 PM
Sunday 9:30 AM - 2:00 PM
E-mail: information@stmary.ws
Good Samaritan House
365-2705
Monday-Wednesday-Tursday 11:00 AM-3:00 PM
E-mail: kkosciusko@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 Tursday 9:00 AM–6:00 PM
Closed on Friday
PARISH DIRECTORY
Pastoral Staf
Rev. Fr. Robert A. Romeo Pastor 627-0385 | ext. 1004 pastor@stmary.ws
Rob Cammarata Director of Operations 627-0385 | ext. 1037 rcammarata@stmary.ws
Jane Cliford Bulletin Editor bulletin@stmary.ws
Marie T. Granieri
Director of Religious Education 627-4028 | ext. 1127 releddirector@stmary.ws
Kathleen Kosciusko Director of Parish Social Ministry 627-0385 | ext. 1126 kkosciusko@stmary.ws
Jennifer LaChance Ofce Manager
627-0385 | ext. 1000 information@stmary.ws
Daniel Maimone Music Director 627-0385 | ext. 1021 dmaimone@saintmarysmanhasset.org
Vanessa Quiros
Parish Ofce
627-0385 | ext. 1008 vquiros@stmary.ws
Te Schools of Saint Mary Nursery through 12th Grade
Very Rev. Dom Daniel Nash, Can. Reg. President 627-2711 president@stmary.ws
Norma Ragalli Staford Director of Admissions 627-2711 | ext 1084 nstaford@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 Grifn ’02, ’06 Liaison for School Relations sgrifn@saintmarysmanhasset.org
St. Mary’s Elementary School 627-0184 www.stmary11030.org
Teresa A. Kemp Principal tkemp@stmary11030.org
St. Mary’s High School 627-2711 www.saintmaryshs.org
Gerard J. Buckley Principal gbuckley@saintmaryshs.org
From the Pastor’s Desk
Dear Parishioners,
“Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.” (Mark 13:31)
Te days are becoming shorter and darkness seems to be taking over. We seem to spend more time in “night” than we do in “day.” We all know the metaphor of light and dark; good and evil. We long for the light and warmth of earlier days. Te trees have lost their leaves and death seems to surround us. We turn to God as our hope that these days may pass in the safety of our souls. Te readings these next few weeks preceding Advent will focus on the end times. Jesus reminds His listeners that His Second Coming will take place when it is least expected. Tis prediction is not given to us to put fear into us, but rather as a reminder that we need to be prepared to one day stand before God.
What does it mean to be prepared for the coming of Jesus? It is being able to live in the expectation of the Second Coming of Jesus. Tis means that each day we are doing our best to follow what Jesus asks of us. We have to realize that this world will pass away and one day we will stand before God to make an account of our lives. For most of us this should not be a time of total fear, BUT it needs to always be a moment to refect on our lives. Living in that expectation of Jesus’ coming should help us to evaluate the actions and path of our lives. Are we the forgiving, merciful, trusting, and generous people that Jesus challenges us to be? Are there actions or even people in our lives that need the healing power of Jesus? It is not something that we should ever put of, but the challenge for us is to LIVE each day as if it were our last. Again, not to live in fear or become paralyzed that we will “be condemned to hell,” but rather because we have found that living in the light and following Jesus brings us peace. We hear in the Old Testament the prophet Daniel says that “those whose names are found written in the book” will be spared.
Go to the Sacrament of Confession and allow the healing and gentle voice of Jesus call you to conversion and a deeper relationship with Him. Feel the freedom this wonderful sacrament ofers. And turn always to Jesus and the cross for strength and vision. St. Anthony of Padua says,
“Christians must lean on the Cross of Christ just as travelers lean on a staf when they begin a long journey. Tey must have the Passion of Christ deeply embedded in their minds and hearts, because only from it can they derive peace, grace, and truth.”
It is through meditating on the Passion of our Lord that we realize how truly loved we are. Isn’t the best motivator a realization of love? If we have fallen in love with Jesus, then the Second Coming should be a joyous event that we await with anticipation.
As people of faith, we can be pretty much assured that our names are inscribed in that Book. So with that knowledge, we should have a desire to shine in our world as people who have been graced and blessed by God. Having led lives of faith, we are promised that we will “shine as bright as stars for all eternity.” Let us then take seriously these promises of Jesus and form our lives in His vision. Te results are, as we know, beyond what we can imagine.
In Jesus and Mary, Fr. Bob
J Stewards of God’s Gifts
In today’s Gospel, Jesus tells us about the end times.
Living Stewardship ~ Pillar of Formation: We know neither the day nor the hour that we will be called home. Start improving your relationship with the Lord now and let it continue to grow.
Te collection for Sunday, November 10, 2024 amounted to $23,466.00.
Te collection for Sunday, November 12, 2023 amounted to $22,333.00.
Te collection for All Saints’ Day, 2024 amounted to $4,659.00
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 Ofce at least one month in advance to see if a date is available and to arrange to fll out pre-baptismal paperwork. New parents are required to attend a Baptism preparation session held once every month. Tose 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 ofers 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 Confrmation requires two years. Classes are held at St. Mary’s for Grades 1 through 5 on Tuesdays and Tursdays
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 ofer 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.
Respect Life Ministry
We strive to help build a civilization of love and life that upholds the dignity and inviolability of all innocent human life, seeks objective moral Truth, embraces the value of redemptive sufering, and yearns for the fullness of life in eternal communion with God the Creator. For more information, email RespectLife@StMary.ws.
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 Ofce.
Opportunities For Prayer
Te 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. Te 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.
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Masses and Special Intentions
Maria DeAngelis
Donna Chesney
Erica Klock
Mason
Gabriel & Frances Romeo
Ann Shields
Mickey Kennedy
Nina Principe
Cole Marguglio
Sandy Pittman
Richard & Mary Atkinson
Anthony Polizzi
Kathy Dellis-Stover
Neil Gillis
Pamela Gallo
Allison Azzara
Teddy Connolly
Sarah Praay
Agnes Gaus
Glenn LaChance
Mary Jo Beagen
Christine Marchese
Names will remain on the list for three months. Please email bulletin@stmary.ws if you would like to continue with the listing
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, CPT, USA
Amerson, Jason, CPT, USA
Anderson, Michael, 1LT, USA
Arnold, James, LCpl, USMC
Arnoux, Seraph, PFC, USA
Avasthi, David, Capt, USAF
Baber, Joseph, Maj, USAF
Blake, Julia, Cadet, USN
Broderick, Evan, SGT, USA
Broderick, Steven, SN, USN
Brodie, Virgina H., 2ndLt, USMC
Brown, Jason, SGT, USA
Casazza, Jack, 2nd Lt, USMC
Collins, Matthew, LT, USN
Fontanetta, Joseph, Maj, USMC
Grubert, Sean, LCpl, USMC
Hannan, Jack, ENS, USN
Hayes, Andrew, Ca1837-1890pt, US MC
Hellman, Tomas, 2d Lt, USSF
Hernandez, Steven, SSgt, USAF
Higgins, James, GySgt, USMC
Hilton, Justin, SGT, USA
Hilton, Nathaniel, SGT, USA
Horner, Brian G., 1stLt, USMC
Howard, Edward M., GySgt, USMC
Jones, Scott B., LT, USN
Jones, Katherine L., LTJG, USN
Kennedy, Michael, Col, USAF
LaManna, Vincent S., Jr., PVT, USA
Landolphi, Michael, ENS, USN
Lanza, Anthony E., LtCol, USMC
Madden, Michael E., Major, USAF
Major, A. Edward, III, LTC, USA
Marine Medium Tilt Rotor Squadron 161
Marine Transport Squadron 352
McGorry, Patrick F., HM2, USN
McKievear, Gary, LT, USA
Millau, Jefrey, PFC, USMC
Morris, Jr., Brian J., ENS, 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
Saville, John A., ENS, 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, LT, USN
Wood, Kelly, BMSR, USN
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.
Masses for the Week
Monday, November 18th
Te Dedication of the Basilicas of Ss. Peter & Paul, Apostles
St. Rose Philippine Duchesne, Virgin
Rev 1:1-4, 2:1-5, Lk 18:35-43
9:00 AM | Carl R. Stover
Tuesday, November 19th
Rv 3:1-6, 14-22, Lk 19:1-10
9:00 AM | James O’Brien, Sr.
Wednesday, November 20th
Rv 4:1-11, Lk 19:11-28
9:00 AM | Vincent & Mimi de Venoge
Tursday, November 21st
Te Presentation of the Blessed Virign Mary
Rv 5:1-10, Lk 19:41-44
7:00 AM | Tyler Godfrey
9:00 AM | Marie Iacono
Friday, November 22nd
St. Cecilia, Virgin & Martyr
Rv 10:8-11. Lk 19:45-48
9:00 AM | James Meade
Saturday, November 23rd
St. Clement I, Pope & Martyr
St. Columban, Abbot
Bl. Miguel Agustin Pro, Priest & Martyr
Rv 11:4-12, Lk 20:27-40
9:00 AM | Mary Stark
5:00 PM | Peter Calabretta, Sr.
Tomas J. Flynn, Sr.
Carmelo Cataudella
Edwin Kennedy
Chris Ferrari
Mary Stark
Joseph Tumbarello
Claire P. Buhr
Sunday, November 24th
Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe
Dn 7:13-14, Rv 1:5-8, Jn 18:33b-37
7:30 AM | Duke Vagelos
9:00 AM | Victoria Strocchia
10:30 AM | People of the Parish
12:00 Noon | Ramon Dee
Joseph C. Giuliano
Courtney Barbella
Tyler Godfrey
Jane Cotter
Jake Blake
Diane Bosse
Cover Art: Salvator mundi.
Artist: Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519).
Virginia Jo D’Aria
ST. MARY’S GIFT SHOP ANNUAL ADVENT SALE
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 24TH
AFTER THE 9:00, 10:30 AM, & 12:00 NOON MASSES IN THE SOUTH VESTIBULE
ADVENT BOOKS, CANDLES, & HOLDERS, CRAFTS FOR CHILDREN & MORE
Bread & Wine are ofered this week in loving memory of Dorothy Jurgielewicz
Readings and Questions for Faith Sharing on the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe
Reading I: Daniel 7:13-14
His dominion is an everlasting dominion that shall not be taken away, his kingship shall not be destroyed.
Reading II: Revelation 1:5-8
“I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “the one who is and who was and who is to come, the almighty.”
First Time
William Hirschmann and Jaclyn LiPera American Martyrs, St. Mary, Manhattan Beach, CA Roslyn, NY
Christopher Matteo and Christina George St. Mary, St. Mary, Manhasset, NY Manhasset, NY
Gospel: John 18:33b-37
“For this was I born and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice.”
Question for Adults:
How am I being called to the greatness of self-sacrifcing love?
Question for Children: How can I be “great” today?
SAINT MARY’S HIGH SCHOOL
Catholic Highlights of Spain Fundraising Raffle
St. Mary’s High School is excited to be bringing 23 students to Spain on a Pilgrimage in February 2025. Several faculty members will chaperone our students as they experience the religious and classical highlights of Spain, seeing various sites in Madrid, Avila, Toledo, Granada and Seville. We are happy to welcome our new Campus Minister, Mr. Brieg Bevilacque, as he joins us on his first pilgrimage with the students.
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, and the drawing will take place January 31st.
Please consider buying a raffle and helping fund this amazing opportunity for our students. Look for our tables after all Masses on Dec. 7 and 8! Thank you!
Name:
Phone Number:
Email Address:
Cash and checks are accepted. Checks can be made out to “St. Mary’s High School.”
Rosary Society
Our Mission Statement: Te 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 diference 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.
Annual Rosary Society Christmas Dinner
Tursday, December 5th, at 6:00 PM
Strathmore Vanderbilt Country Club
Christmas Shopping Boutique
Grand Prizes - 50/50 Drawing - Rafe Baskets
Special Performance by the St. Mary’s Adult Choir
Please remember to RSVP by November 25th
Christmas Dinner Rafe tickets will be sold after all Masses this weekend, November 16th-17th.
Rafe Baskets will be wrapped on the following dates/times: Friday, November 22nd, at 3:00 PM, Saturday, November 23rd, at 11:00 AM, and Sunday, November 24th, at 11:00 AM, at the home of Marijo Lantier, 11 North Plandome Road in Port Washington. Please contact Marijo at MALantier510@gmail.com, or 917-496-5640 if your are able to help.
Rafe Basket Donations: We are accepting contributions to our Rafe Baskets, including cash gifts. Our Rosarian Volunteeers are happy to do the shopping for you! Please contact Marijo if you are able to donate to the rafe prizes (contact information above). Te enormous generosity of our members and parishioners is greatly appreciated. Tanks for helping to make our ONLY fundraiser of the year successful for 2024-2025!
Society of St. Vincent de Paul
Te Gospel predicts end times; our challenge though is to live faithfully now. When we live in conformity to the Word, hearing Jesus’ words and living them out, the future holds no fear for us. As you place your gift in the Society of St. Vincent de Paul poor box, know that you are hearing the words of Jesus and living them out.
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. Tank you for your continued support.
A New Ministry at St. Mary’s: GARDEN CLUB
As many parishioners know, our now-retired Facilities Manager, Vincent Hartley, established and maintained the beautiful seasonal plantings and outdoor decor around our church buildings. Fr. Bob would now like to start a Garden Club to offer parishioners with “green thumbs” the opportunity to select, organize, plant, and maintain garden areas around the church. If you are interested, please contact our Director of Operations, Rob Cammarata, at 516-627-0385, ext 1037 or email him at rcammarata@stmary.ws
Cheerful Catholic Academic
THE SCHOOLS OF ST. MARY
Fifth-graders Celebrate Meaningful All Saints Day
In celebration of All Saints Day, the fifth-grade students at St. Mary’s Elementary School embarked on a meaningful WebQuest. This activity was more than just a lesson; it was an opportunity for the children to connect deeply with the traditions of Día de los Muertos and All Saints Day. As they explored the stories of beloved saints, they reflected on the importance of honoring the memories of those who came before us and have impacted our lives – especially in our Catholic faith.
The students also took the time to recognize the “saints” in their own lives—family members, friends, or anyone who has inspired them, embodying the qualities of everyday heroes. This journey enriched their understanding of these traditions and allowed them to carry forward the spirits of those who have shaped their lives in such meaningful ways. What a beautiful tribute to the love and remembrance they created together!
National Honor Society Hosts Blood Drive
On Tuesday, November 5, 2024, the National Honor Society at Saint Mary’s High School, in collaboration with the New York Blood Center, organized a Blood Drive. The students, under the guidance of their moderator, Mr. Joseph DeMerit, actively promoted the event among their peers, parents, faculty, and staff. This collective effort aimed to make a significant impact on our local community by encouraging blood donations, a cause that directly saves lives.
Thanks to this initiative, the New York Blood Center collected 55 pints of blood, which can help save the lives of 165 patients. We are deeply grateful to our students, faculty, staff, and family members for their generous donations. Your contributions have made a significant difference. We also extend our thanks to the members of the National Honor Society and Mr. DeMerit for their hard work in making this event a success. Congratulations to everyone involved—well done, Gaels!
Interested in becoming a CLOW Prayer Leader? Please contact Jane Cliford at bulletin@stmary. ws or sit in with us on a Sunday. Materials and training are provided; scheduling is fexible.
Knights of Columbus
Fr. William A. Daly Council #2122
Annual Coat Drive
November 2 - November 17
Te Knights of Columbus Fr. William A Daly Council #2122 is holding their annual coat drive from November 2 through November 17, 2024. We will collect new and gently used coats, jackets, sweaters, hoodies, hats, gloves, mittens, scarves, etc. Boxes will be set up in the south lobby for donations. We will accept donations of all sizeskids, adults, male and female. Some weather outlets are predicting a cold winter. So, if you are able to, please consider donating to this worthy cause.
Any questions, please contact Tomas Mayerhauser at 516 852-0812
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, eforts, and resources are dedicated to these values: Charity. Unity. Fraternity. Patriotism.
We come from diferent 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 Cliford at Maclif56@gmail.com
Church of Saint Mary | 12
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 26
Br. Kenneth Robert Gymnasium
Warm Up 6:30 PM | Game 7:00 PM RECEPTION TO FOLLOW
Exposition and Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
HOLY HOUR - Part 4
You may conclude your Holy Hour with a suitable following prayer to Christ:
Anima Christi
Soul of Christ, sanctify me; Body of Christ, save me; Blood of Christ, inebriate me; water from the side of Christ, wash me; Passion of Christ, strengthen me; O good Jesus, hear me: within thy wounds hide me, sufer me not to be parted from thee, from the malicious enemy defend me, in the hour of my death call me, and bid me come to thee that with thy saints I may praise thee forever and ever. Amen.
Prayer to Christ the King
O Christ Jesus, I acknowledge you King of the universe; all that has been made has been created for you; make full use of your rights over me. I renew the promise I made in Baptism, when I renounced Satan and all his pomps and works, and I promise to live a Christian life; and especially I undertake to help, to the extent of my means, to secure the triumph of the rights of God and of your Church.
Divine Heart of Jesus, I ofer you my eforts to obtain that all hearts may acknowledge your sacred royalty, and that so the Kingdom of your peace may be established throughout the entire universe.
Prayer for the Spread of Eucharistic Adoration
Heavenly Father, increase our faith in the real presence of your Son, Jesus Christ, in the Holy Eucharist. We are obliged to adore him, to give him thanks and to make reparation for sins. We need your peace in our hearts and among nations; we need conversion from our sins and the mercy of your forgiveness; may we obtain this through prayer and our union with the Eucharistic Lord.
Exposition and Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament with Closing Benediction Mondays 3:00 - 5:00 PM in the Church
Please send the Holy Spirit upon all peoples to give them the love, courage, strength, and willingness to respond to the invitation to Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration.
We beseech you to spread perpetual exposition of the Most Blessed Sacrament in parishes around the world. We ask this in the name of Jesus the Lord. Amen.
Our Lady of the Most Blessed Sacrament, help us to spread the glory of your Son through perpetual adoration of the Holy Eucharist.
Respect Life Ministry
All Are Welcome
St. Mary’s Respect Life Ministry will hold its next regular meeting on Wednesday, November 20th, at 7:00 PM, in the Pope St. John Paul II Room of the Parish Center. We will focus on the 2024-2025 program. Please join us – and bring a friend – as we explore ways to promote our mission:
Our mission is to build a civilization of love and life which upholds the dignity and inviolability of all innocent human life, seeks objective moral Truth, embraces the value of redemptive sufering, and yearns for the fullness of life in eternal communion with God the Creator.
For more information about St. Mary’s Respect Life Ministry, email RespectLife@StMary. ws. Confdential, compassionate post-abortion help is available. Do not lose hope! Visit: drvcLife.org/ProjectRachel
In Session with Dr. Patricia Pitta
Hope and Prayer Help You Manage the Challenges of Life
“Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.” (Romans 12:12)
Life is flled with challenges and dilemmas. Did you notice that I don’t use the word “problems.” In my mind problems have a negative connotation. Problems set of the thought that you want to remove the problems. So much energy is expended in trying to escape what is troubling you that you become stuck in your problems and can’t move forward.
When I think about challenges or dilemmas, I feel motivated that I can do something about them. Tese words set me into action flled with hope that my challenges can be overcome and my dilemmas can be resolved. Hope is a gift of not surrendering your power over to what you cannot resolve. Maybe realizing you can’t resolve an issue is fnding the answer to your situation as you explore new ways to envision your life and your challenges.
Te power of prayer with the direction of the Holy Spirit empowers you to stay on the path to resolution. Now, that doesn’t mean that you get what you were wishing or praying for. Many times, the resolutions are not what we wanted. Even what appears to be a negative outcome will, with time, enable you to fnd meaning and peace in the life you are leading. And many times, lead you to new beginnings and hope for now and the future.
Part of the human condition is experiencing loss. Life is a series of
gains and losses. Te deepest loss is when we lose the ones we love. Te journey is difcult and requires much strength. With God as your companion, you can persevere and build new connections and meaning in your life. Each day do one thing that brings you closer to God; e.g., say a prayer, call a friend. Go to the store and speak to someone and wish them a Happy Day. Look at the sun or maybe the rain and express what you are grateful for. Put on a funny movie, even if you don’t feel in a funny mood and allow yourself to laugh.
Many relationships struggle with a lack of connection even though people profess their love for each other. In marital relationships or adult relationships people feel lonely even though there is a person right next to you. In family relationships there are conficts and emotional issues that lead people to be cut of and lonely. When those disconnected feelings get set of, people either fght, fee, or compensate.
(Fight) You feel not related to, so you get angry. Some yell and scream while some can become physical. Tis resolves nothing and just heats up the environment to promote more negativity. You become more angry, depressed, and anxious. If you fnd yourself in these patterns, do seek help from a psychologist.
(Flee) You distance yourself. You are left feeling even more alone and now are relating to your thoughts and fantasies. Isolation leads to depression and experiencing negative thinking which is not functional for leading a satisfying and meaningful life. Many times, in these scenarios, people resort to addictions (alcohol, drugs, food) to calm their anxieties and negative thoughts. Join a group to talk about your feelings. Don’t stay alone with
your issues. It is amazing that if you speak to others, you will fnd that the human condition is one in which we all experience loss and confusion on how to deal with our situations and feelings.
(Compensate) You develop behavior patterns like people pleasing or become over controlling as in micromanagement where people don’t feel comfortable around you. You can become overly focused on achievements or acknowledgements and work too much and it doesn’t have to be for money. You can fnd yourself working for validation and no matter how much you do, there is an emptiness within. Te bottom line is you do not deal with your feelings. You feel the emptiness and sadness not enabling you to fnd the road to your personal peace. Take time to relax which could be doing something that makes you feel good. Do you have a hobby? Maybe fnd one that brings you together with others. Join a group of like-minded people who come together to help each other and, in the process, they help others; e.g., Rosary Society, Knights of Columbus, Bible Study, painting, writing, dancing, exercising. Te point is to just do something that brings you peace and connection.
Do you believe in the concept of a guardian angel? I do. It is the Holy Spirit in action. I believe when we pray to God, as you know, we are praying to the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Whomever is on call and receives our prayer. Trough our faith and relationship with God, we are helped with our challenges and dilemmas. Remember, the outcome might not be what you wanted, but with the support of the Lord you will be able to adapt, adjust, and eventually feel peace and strength. (continued on the next page -->)
Dr. Patricia Pitta (con’t.)
In this season of Tanksgiving, why not start a daily routine of praying to God to assist in this ever-changing world and life. God is on call 24/7. You are never alone and you can fnd your way to peace. Below is a prayer of Tanksgiving and connection to say daily.
Happy Tanksgiving to you, your family, and friends from the Mental Health Ministry.
Dear Lord: I thank you for sending the Holy Spirit to empower me and show me the way when I feel lost and do not know where to turn. As I pray to you, I give myself a chance to quiet my mind and get in touch with the many gifts you have bestowed upon me even in the times of chaos and tribulation. I know, if I stay strong, I will achieve resolution of my challenges and dilemmas. I also know that the outcomes may be not what I wished for, but in communion with You and through the direction of the Holy Spirit, I will achieve inner peace and be able to celebrate the joys of life. Te road will be rocky, but I will stay strong through my commitment to You.
Remember, life is what is happening now and not what we wished for. Praying gives you the strength of connection to God to help you journey to your next step in the grace of God and love for the life you have created.
Dr. Pitta (drpatriciapitta.com) is a Clinical and Family Psychologist practicing in Manhasset and is the chair of the Mental Health Ministry of St. Mary’s. She is a professor of psychology at St. John’s University and the former director of the Postgraduate Couple and Family Terapy Program within the department of Psychology. She is a graduate of the Pastoral Formation Institute of Rockville Centre. Dr. Pitta is the author of Solving Modern Family Dilemmas: An Assimilative Terapy Model published by Routledge and Integrative Couple and Family Terapies published by American Psychological Association.
January 24-26, 2025
You can support the Schools of Saint Mary and St. Mary’s Rosary Society by selecting our organizations as your designated charities during this year’s shopping event!
JONATHAN DILLER SCHOLARSHIP FUNDRAISER
at Mulcahy’s in Wantagh NOV 20 6:30-10:30 P WED
Live Music, Raffles, Food, Drinks, & more!
Scholarship Fund
Admission is $65pp all inclusive food and drinks with musical guests: Simon Forever, the Joe Saladino Band, plus the NYPD Pipes & Drums Band!
ALL ARE WELCOMEDOORS OPEN AT 6:30 PM!
Scan the code to purchase event tickets or make a donation today!
Your donation of any amount will help us reach our goal to establish this Scholarship.
DETECTIVE JONATHAN DILLER SCHOLARSHIP FUND
TO BENEFIT STUDENTS OF ST. MARY’S HIGH SCHOOL
Tirty-Tird Sunday In Ordinary Time
Psalm 16:5 and 11 “O Lord, my allotted portion and my cup, you, it is who hold fast my lot. You will show me the path to life.” God can also show you the path for a great marriage. Have faith in Him. A Worldwide Marriage Encounter (WWME.org) can help you to grow in intimacy and grow in faith with one another. Some of the dates to sign up are:
November 15-17, 2024, Bennington, VT
January 7-February 18, 2025, Virtual 3RE, 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 Kevin & Regina Hickson at 516-554-3835 or https://wwmenyli.org/.
