Ministries And Organizations - Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament

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Volume XXXIX No. 2
Pastor
Fr. Robert Whelan
Moderator
Fr. Lawrence Ryan
Editors
Barbara O’Keefe
Anne O’Connell
Staff
Deacon Ernesto Avallone
Margaret Brower
Peggy Buckley
John Candela
Joanne Cheek
Valerie De Mato
Peggy Devine
Bill Douglas
Maria Franzetti
Vilma Greene
Joe Liotta
James McBreen
Ann Reisig
Lou Tirella
REFLECTIONS is published quarterly with seasonal issues during Fall, Winter, Spring and Summer. Submissions for inclusion
in these issues must meet deadlines of September 15, December
1, March 1 and June 1. As always, we welcome input from all
parish organizations and individuals. Keep in mind that we cannot reproduce any copyrighted material but any original material can be placed in the REFLECTIONS box in the Rectory – or
contact Barbara O’Keefe at 718-352-0210 or
email nealbarbok@aol.com Monthly meetings are held on the
first Thursday of the month at 7:30pm in the Rectory, but
check the weekly Bulletin for confirmation. New members and
ideas are always welcome. The most recent issue can be found
on the Parish website at
http://www.OLBSChurch.org.
All Rights Reserved.
OUR LADY OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT CHURCH
34-24 203RD Street, Bayside, NY 11361 3
718-229-5929
As has happened so often since I arrived at
OLBS parish almost three years ago, the Lord has
blessed me in many ways on this, my last weekend
here. I’m blessed with beautiful weather. I’m
blessed with the Evangelization Team hosting a Hospitality Session down in the Parish Center after each
of the Masses to give me the opportunity to thank
people individually and personally. Perhaps most
importantly I’m blessed with a set of Scripture readings that seem to fit the occasion so well.
In our First Reading from the Acts of the
Apostles we hear from Peter; Peter, a second-career
man and a bit of a late vocation like me; Peter, someone with whom I can identify with so readily in his
tendencies – that we hear about elsewhere in Scripture – to be impulsive, to speak before thinking, and
– yes – despite the assurances he made to the contrary – to be all too quick to deny the Lord. But this
morning we hear from the Post-Resurrection, PostPentecost Peter; Peter, the Post-Resurrection, PostPentecost Peter, who is such an effective preacher
and leader; Peter, who testifies before the Sanhedrin,
the highest rank of the Jewish leadership in First
Century Jerusalem; Peter, who confidently testifies
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to the Sanhedrin about the essence of the Good
News of the Gospel, the Good News that it was
through the power of the Name of the Resurrected
Jesus that a man crippled from birth was healed,
and it is only through and by the power of that
same name, Jesus, that we can be saved. This excerpt from Acts is certainly part of a fine send-off
for a priest on his way over to begin a new assignment at Holy Name of Jesus parish in Brooklyn.
Our Gospel is part of St. John’s Good Shepherd narrative. In that section of St. John’s Gospel,
Jesus tells us quite clearly that He is the Good
Shepherd. Each year on this Fourth Sunday of
Easter we hear accounts of Jesus as the Good Shepherd. The Church has designated the Fourth Sunday of Easter as Good Shepherd Sunday and as the
World Day of Prayer for Vocations.
And again, that Gospel reading fits well into
my situation at this point in time. I have been very,
very privileged – at an unusually late age – to be
ordained into the ministerial priesthood. I have
been even more privileged to have been assigned to
Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament parish for the
past three years. It has been a wonderful place to
participate in the (and I don’t even think it’s a
word), to participate in the “Shepherdship” that is
the ministerial priesthood of Jesus Christ. Our pastor, Father Bob Whelan, my fellow priests and deacons, our consecrated religious sisters, the parish
staff, and – most importantly, you, the faithful pa5
rishioners at this fine parish, have received me – a
new priest - so warmly into your lives. You have allowed me the privilege of ministering to you in the
Sacraments of the Eucharist, Penance, Baptism, Matrimony and the Anointing of the Sick. You have let
me participate in your many and varied ministries
and activities in support of the parish, and you have
gone out of your way to thank me for my participation. Please know that it is I who should be thanking
you, and I do so from the bottom of my heart. The
ordained Catholic priesthood, with its unique opportunities to participate so intimately in the
“Shepherdship” of Jesus Christ, is a wonderful vocation. If there’s anybody out there who thinks they
may be called to the priesthood, or who knows someone whom they think may be called to the priesthood, I urge you or them to seriously and prayerfully
explore the possibility of that call. So much for the
recruiting pitch. This morning I mainly want to
thank you for allowing and helping me to experience
so much of what is so good about the ordained
priesthood during my almost three years here at
OLBS.
But – wait a minute, wait a minute! Thus far
I’ve mainly talked about me and about my gratitude
to you. I’ve been sincere about what I’ve said, but I
think I’m leaving some important things out. First,
thus far I’ve neglected to mention and to thank God
for all the opportunities I’ve been given and for everything you have so warmly shared with me. Sec6
ond, I’ve also neglected to mention and to thank our
Blessed Mother Mary and so many of the angels and
saints for their intercessory role in all of this.
Third, and possibly most importantly, I’ve neglected to stress that it’s really not so much about me
at all. It’s really about us; about you and me and
about our relationship to Him, to Jesus Christ, and
about how well we do in that relationship by answering His call for us to be both Good Sheep and Good
Shepherds.
Good Sheep and Good Shepherds? What do I
mean by that? Well, just about everybody here this
morning believes that Jesus is the Good Shepherd. If
we didn’t believe that, we wouldn’t be here. We believe that Jesus is the Good Shepherd because He laid
down His life to save us, His often wayward sheep.
Jesus is the Good Shepherd because He goes out of
His way to recover the sheep who are lost to the fold.
Jesus is the Good Shepherd because He has an individual relationship with each one of us. He knows
each of us by name. He knows our voice and if we
listen prayerfully and attentively enough, He’ll
“speak” to us.
If we listen prayerfully and attentively enough,
Jesus will tell us what He is “calling” us to do - “to
call” from the Latin infinitive “vocare”, the root of
the word “vocation”. At certain stages of our life,
that “call” from Jesus might be to a particular state in
life: to the priesthood, to consecrated religious life,
to married life, to the faithful lay single life. How7
ever, throughout our lives, every day probably, Jesus
is “calling” us (you and me) to carry out our particular state in life in particular ways that conform to His
teachings. In the words of our Second Reading from
St. John, Jesus is “calling” us to lead our lives as
“children of God”. In the context of our Gospel, Jesus is “calling” us (you and me) to live our lives
every day as His disciples, as good “sheep” who, as
Jesus’ faithful disciples, both hear and answer His
call, just like Jesus Himself heard and answered His
Father’s call to lay down His life for us. Every day,
Jesus is also calling us to be more than “Good
Sheep”. Every day Jesus is also calling us (you and
me, in a way appropriate to our particular state in
life) to be “Good Shepherds”. He is calling us, each
of us, to participate (dare I use that non-word again)
more fully in His “Shepherdship” by helping to lead
others to Him, by helping to lead others to Jesus by
our work, by our actions, by the choices we make
about how we live our lives.
So, this morning is a time of thanksgiving by
me, thanksgiving to God: Father, Son and Holy
Spirit; to Our Blessed Mother, and to the angels and
saints, and to all of you for allowing me to serve you
as a priest here at OLBS parish. This morning is also
a time of prayer, prayer by me and – I would ask –
also by you, that the people of OLBS parish, the people of Holy Name of Jesus parish, and indeed that all
people may hear and answer our individual call by
Jesus Christ to be both “Good Sheep” and “Good
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Shepherds”. It is by being both “Good Sheep” and
“Good Shepherds” that – to paraphrase our Second
Reading – we will become more like Jesus. It is by
being both “Good Sheep” and “Good Shepherds” that
– and again to paraphrase our Second Reading – we
will reach eternal happiness in Heaven where “we
will see God as He is”. That’s our goal. That’s why
God made us. I’ve asked you to pray for a lot of
things this morning but, in the final analysis, that we
get to see God face to face is probably the most important prayer of all.
Thank you again and remember, remember:
Praise be the Holy Name of Jesus Christ now and
forever.
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We at Reflections will miss your light but sure
guiding touch. Always encouraging and supporting our ideas while inspiring us to reach
for more. But ever ready to check our theological accuracy!
We’ll miss all your contributions to the content of Reflections. A particularly notable example was our Veterans’ tribute last fall.
From idea to execution you were so very much
hands on with this issue - from researching
the cover to interviewing and writing up the
stories of some WW II veterans whose stories might not otherwise have been told.
We’ll miss the humor, the stories, the fun you
added to our monthly meetings.
We think everyone will miss your homilies, the
readings explored, explained and then transformed into thought provoking conclusions –
but we had to listen carefully! (And if we
were fortunate enough to happen on one of
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your illustrated homilies directed at some of
the school children, that was a real treat!)
Mostly we will truly miss your ever present,
generous spirit. (And hearing that you practiced for days in order to offer the best
possible Mass in Spanish for them, we suspect the children of Nicaragua miss that
too.)
We will miss your smile. We will miss you.
Godspeed.
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On November 29, 2013, Pope Francis announced that 2015 would be a year dedicated to the
celebration of consecrated life. He asked the Church’s
religious sisters, brothers and priests to “wake up the
world” with their testimony of faith, hope, and service.
Consecrated life is a stable form of living by
which, the faithful following Christ more closely are
totally dedicated to God.
When asked to write about my vocation and
life as a consecrated woman my initial response was
“not me I’m no writer” but God kept needling me
during prayer to write down my thoughts. So here
goes!
God works in unusual ways. He knows what
He wants of each of us. Psalm 139 comes to mind for
me.
“O my beloved, You have searched me and know
me…You discern my inmost thoughts…You know my
strengths and weaknesses.. More than I know myself
do you know me; my essence was not hidden from
You…”
I truly believe this is the case. Fortunately I had
the good fortune to be exposed to Religious Sisters
and Priests. Though we were of simple means my
parents struggled to provide tuition to send the six of
us to parochial school. Along with that, my father’s
first cousin was a Sister of St. Joseph of Boston. By
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the time I was in High
School my cousin was
approaching me about
a religious vocation.
Though I was drawn to
a religious vocation I
was also interested in
caring for children.
Little did I realize that the Lord was planting the
seed. One weekend my sister picked up a small pamphlet from our parish church and left it on our dining
room table. I picked it up and began to read. To this
day I do not recall the name of the pamphlet. It was
about the Daughters of Charity and their charism of
service to the poor and in particular to serving children in a children’s home. A light came on, The Lord
was leading me. For some time I kept my thoughts in
the depth of my heart and prayed that if the Lord
wanted this He would again provide an opportunity
for me to meet a Daughter of Charity. He did provide!
While working at my first job as a wrapper in a
department store in Boston I met a young woman
who was also a wrapper. We began talking to one another and the conversation led to my asking her about
her plans when she graduated from High School. Her
response was “I am entering the Daughters of Charity” - my breath was taken away! I told her of my
story and she introduced me to the Daughters of
Charity. For two years I volunteered and served children and the elderly with the Sisters. My initial at13
traction was the ministry of service but I grew to realize I was drawn to the Sisters deep commitment to
living in community, sharing prayer and working together in serving the less fortunate. The seeds were
being nurtured. Upon completion of High School I
entered the Daughters of Charity.
The Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent
DePaul were founded in Paris, France in 1633 by St.
Vincent DePaul and St. Louise deMarillac. They were
deeply concerned with the poverty and suffering surrounding them. They brought together a group of
young women who shared their concern for the poor
and the sick. These first twelve peasant girls were
unlike other Sisters at that time. This challenged conventions because Traditionally Sisters lived a cloistered life. St Vincent DePaul did not want this for his
community he wrote:
“The Daughters of Charity have.. for a convent, the
houses of the sick; for cell, a rented room; for chapel,
the parish church; for cloister, the streets of the
city ,for enclosure obedience; for grille the fear of
God; and for veil, holy modesty.”
In the 19th century, inspired by the work of
these original Daughters of Charity St. Elizabeth Ann
Seton founded a community of Sisters in the United
States that later joined with the Daughters of Charity
in France. Today, there are over 17,000 Daughters of
Charity living and working in more than 90 countries
throughout the world.
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As a Daughter of Charity I am called to a life of
service. My relationship with God is at the heart of
my calling and through my life in Community I am
supported by my Sisters. My Community life nurtures
my spirit and strengthens my relationship with God.
We live a life of humility, and simplicity dedicated to
charity. Christ’s unwavering compassion and selfless
generosity energizes my spirit. Our vows are simple,
not solemn vows as first established by St Vincent
DePaul, and are made annually. By making a special
vow of service to the poor along with vows of poverty, chastity and obedience we continually reaffirm
our devotion to God.
Here at Our Lady of
Blessed Sacrament I am blessed
to live with eight other Daughters
of Charity and one Presentation
Sister. We serve each other in
Community and minister to others in varied ways. Presently my
ministry is as a Pastoral Minister
to the residents of Ozanam Hall
Nursing Home. What a privilege and blessing it is to
companion and serve our seniors. God has blessed me
with many opportunities and experiences in serving
all age groups from the beginning of life to the end of
life.
- Sister Joanne Donovan,
Daughter of Charity
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On April 17, 2015 Sister Denise LaRock, Vocation
Director of the Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent
de Paul, spoke with OLBS students as part of our
parish observance of the Year of Consecrated Life.
Pope Francis has declared that the period from November of 2014 to February of 2016 be recognized as
the Year of Consecrated Life. It is a time when all
men and women in consecrated life are called to reexamine and renew their commitment to vowed life; a
time when those in consecrated life are called - in the
words of Pope Francis - to "wake up the world"; and a
time when all Catholics are called to express their appreciation and thanksgiving for the witness and service of those in consecrated life." Several articles relating to consecrated life will be appearing in Reflections throughout the Year of Consecrated Life.
Sister Denise LaRock speaks to OLBS students.
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We come to Mass each Sunday and see the priest
dressed in particular vestments. There is a rich symbolism attached to the vestments. Since the earliest
days of the Church, liturgical vestments have been
worn by priests for the celebration of the Mass. St.
Jerome asserted, “The Divine religion has one dress
in the service of sacred things, another in ordinary
intercourse and life.” The Church continued to refine “who wore what when and how” until about the
year 800 when liturgical norms for vesting were basically standardized and would remain so until the
renewal following the Second Vatican Council.
For the celebration of Mass, the priest wears the
amice, alb, cincture, stole, and chasuble. The vesting itself is its own short ritual which takes place
before Mass. First the priest washes his hands and
recites the following, " Give virtue to my hands, O
Lord, that being cleansed from all stain I might
serve you with purity of mind and body” Then as
each vestment is put on, the priest says a particular
prayer associated with that vestment. I have included the prayer in italics after each description.
AMICE
The amice is a white linen cloth, rectangular in
shape, with two long cloth ribbons, placed around
the neck. The practical purpose of the amice is to
conceal the normal clerical clothing of a priest. In
the Graeco-Roman world, the amice was a head
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covering, oftentimes worn underneath the helmets
of the Roman soldiers. The amice symbolizes the
helmet of salvation, that is, the virtue of hope (1
Thess. 5, 8), that helps the priest to overcome the
attacks of Satan. "Place upon me, O Lord, the helmet of salvation, that I may overcome the assaults
of the devil."
ALB
The alb is a long, white garment, which extends
from shoulders to ankles, and has long sleeves extending to the wrists. (alb means “white.”) It is
worn by all clerics at liturgical celebrations
(celebrant, concelebrant, deacon, or acolyte). The
Alb symbolizes the innocence and purity that
should adorn the soul of the priest who ascends the
altar. The priest must offer the Mass with purity of
body and soul, and with the dignity befitting
Christ’s priesthood. “Make me white, O Lord, and
cleanse my heart; that being made white in the
Blood of the Lamb I may deserve an eternal reward."
CINCTURE
The cincture is a long, thick cord with tassels at the
ends which secures the alb around the waist. It
symbolizes the virtues of chastity and continence
required of the priest. “Gird me, O Lord, with the
cincture of purity, and quench in my heart the fire of
concupiscence, that the virtue of continence and
chastity may abide in me."
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STOLE
The stole is a long cloth, about four inches wide and
of the same color as the chasuble, that is worn
around the neck like a scarf. The priest wears the
stole around his neck so that it hangs equally down
his chest in front or forms an X-shaped Cross; the
deacon wears his stole over the left shoulder and tied
at his right side; the bishop wears his stole so that it
hangs equally down his chest. It is a symbol of
priestly authority. Whenever a priest celebrates Mass
or administers the Sacraments, he wears the Stole as
a sign that he is occupied with an official priestly
duty. "Lord, restore the stole of immortality, which I
lost through the collusion of our first parents, and,
unworthy as I am to approach Thy sacred mysteries,
may I yet gain eternal joy."
CHASUBLE
Finally, the chasuble is the outer garment worn over
the alb and stole. Spiritually, the chasuble reminds
the priest of the charity of Christ. So, the charity of
the priest, symbolized by the chasuble, is greater
than the authority of the priest, symbolized by the
stole. “O Lord, who has said, 'My yoke is sweet and
My burden light,' grant that I may so carry it as to
merit Thy grace."
DALMATIC
This outer, sleeved tunic is worn in place of the
chasuble, by the deacon and subdeacon. It symbolizes the joy and happiness that are the fruit of dedication to God. "Lord, endow me with the garment of
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salvation, the vestment of joy, and with the dalmatic
of justice ever encompass me."
BACKGROUND
In the Middle Ages, two popular interpretations of the
meaning of the vestments arose. The most prevalent
one interpreted the vestments as symbols of Jesus’
passion: the blindfold (the amice) and the garment
(the alb) as He was mocked and beaten; the ropes and
fetters (the cincture) which bound Him during the
scourging; the cross (the stole) He carried; and the
seamless garment (the chasuble) for which the soldiers rolled dice.
The other popular interpretation focused on the vestments in their Roman military origins and viewed
them as symbols of the priest as the soldier of Christ
doing battle against sin and Satan.
In all, the vestments used at Mass have a two-fold
purpose: “These should therefore symbolize the function of each ministry. But at the same time the vestments should also contribute to the beauty of the
rite” (General Instruction on the Roman Missal,
#335). Moreover, the vestments inspire the priest and
all of the faithful to meditate on their rich symbolism.
- Maria Franzetti
www.catholicstraightanswers.com www.the-latinmass.com
www.fisheaters.com/vestments.html
www.whycatholicsdothat.com/why-do-catholic-priest-wearvestments/
www.catholicdoors.com/courses/roman.htm
www.vatican.va/news_services/liturgy/details/
ns_lit_doc_20100216_vestizione_en.html
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On Good Friday, speaking of the Stations of the
Cross, Father Ryan remarked that after a visit to the
Holy Land and walking the Way of the Cross, the location of one station, the tenth where Jesus is stripped
of His garments, made a particular impression on him.
I have always been impressed by the sixth station
where Veronica wipes the face of Jesus.
This was an extraordinary act of compassion –
and also of bravery. In those days an execution was a
cause for excitement and mobs followed, taunting and
jeering the victim along the way. Veronica had to
struggle through that mob, and also the Roman soldiers to get to Jesus. Even as a child, her brave and
compassionate action struck a chord with me which
continues to this day.
While there are exceptions to every rule, I believe women are more compassionate than men – but
as we progress I feel this is changing and that it bodes
well for our future.
- John Buckley
Can you
identify our
Mystery
Parishioner (on
the right)?
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After a long cold winter, we had a beautiful
warm spring day on Easter. The lawn next to the
auditorium was a bright green, yellow, pink, red,
blue, purple and gold, as the grass was covered with
over 1,300 Easter eggs. The children looked adorable with their best Easter clothes - and Easter baskets ready to hunt.
The annual Easter egg hunt featured eggs
filled with candy, toys and lucky prize numbers for
15 children who won Easter baskets. 500 of the eggs
came from Sunny Bunny Easter Eggs—special eggs
by amazing people. We chose this company because
they hire people with disabilities to fill the eggs. This
year, Olivia McLernon donated many animated animal toys. These cat and puppy toys meowed and
barked as they slowly walked across the grass and
were a huge hit with the kids.
The egg hunt was sponsored by the Knights of
Columbus, Council #430.
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Joseph & Maria Troina
have been parishioners of
Our Lady of the Blessed
Sacrament for over forty
years and feel so very
blessed that God has
brought them to this wonderful parish. They have
been married for 51 years
and have two children and
six grandchildren. Last
year they celebrated their
50th wedding anniversary
with a Mass in Brooklyn with Bishop Di Marzio. Joe
was born and raised in Brooklyn, a member of St.
Finbar’s parish. Maria was born in Salerno, Italy and
came to America when she was thirteen years old.
They are very much involved in the community
around OLBS. Joe is on the Parish Pastoral Council
and is a member of the Adult Faith Formation team as
well as the #3 Bingo team. For many years, he was
Grand Knight of the St. Robert Bellarmine Council of
the Knights of Columbus and is presently lecturer and
religious coordinator for the council. Maria is an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion and also
works on the Bingo team. Both are regulars at the
Monday evening rosary prayer group. Thinking
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about his connection to OLBS, Joe recalls the strange
coincidence of an earlier connection when he was fifteen and asked by a cousin to be an usher at his wedding. The bride lived on 32nd Avenue and the ceremony took place at Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament church. At the time he had never been to Bayside nor heard of OLBS. “Little did I know that faith
would bring me to this place and that I would raise
my family here and be part of the church community
for 41 years. The Christmas and Easter Masses at
OLBS are fantastic and wondrous celebrations that
we are happy to be part of and celebrate with a loving church community.”
Tess Agostisi,
as she says farewell
to OLBS, leaves
with us some great
memories: I was
born on February
6th 1925 and
moved to Bayside 200 St & 34th Avenue - six months later; this area
was all farmlands at that time; I attended P S 159 &
Bayside High School; I remember OLBS being built
- from the Church to the School to the Auditorium
etc.; when we first moved to Bayside my Mother, an
Italian, made her own wine and donated it to the
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Church to be used as Altar Wine - she also belonged
to the Rosary Society; I got married at OLBS Church
in 1946 to Red Agostisi and we had 4 children Jerry, Jay, Fran, & Jimmy; they all attended and
graduated from OLBS School; my husband Red died
in 1978; when I went to work at York College they
were so pleased with my work they asked if I had any
friends that would like to come to work at the college
- I worked at York for 26 years; I volunteered at CYO
and the Bowling team - we bowled at the Victory
Movie House on 32nd Avenue; I also belonged to the
Rosary Altar Society and performed in many of their
shows - one was Can-Can; I worked on many fund
raisers, even ringing door bells and asking for donations with Bill Molloy. I will be leaving OLBS and
Bayside on April 21st and moving to an assisted living apartment in Connecticut to be near my children
and grandchildren.
Mothers were celebrated at the Masses
on Mothers’ Day, 2015.
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28
29
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HOLY CROSS HIGH SCHOOL
Principal’s Award for Academic Excellence Grant
Thomas Romano
Nicholas Sanso
ST. AGNES HIGH SCHOOL
Partial Scholarship
Jenna Fiocca
ST. AGNES HIGH SCHOOL
Principal’s Recommendation Scholarship Award
Madeline Sershen
ST. FRANCIS PREP HIGH SCHOOL
Partial Scholarship
Chiara Cinquemani
Thomas Rocco
Julia Santana
ST. MARY’S HIGH SCHOOL
Full Scholarship
Karl Muczynski
SPECIALIZED PUBLIC HIGH SCHOOL
BRONX SCHOOL OF SCIENCE
Thomas Rocco
PUBLIC HIGH SCHOOL
FRANK SINATRA SCHOOL OF THE ARTS
(Fine Arts Program)
Olivia McLernon
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Congratulations to –
- Kathleen (Ranieri) and Peter Giuliani, on the birth
in March of their first child, Nora Marianne. The
happy grandparents are Mary and Nick Ranieri.
More news for the Ranieri family –
- Linda (Saur) and Michael Ranieri on the birth on
April 30th of their second child, Elizabeth Anne. The
proud grandparents are Barbara and Jim Saur and
Mary and Nick Ranieri.
- Kathleen (Dermody) and Mike Carolan, on the birth
of their triplets – Aisling, Brendan and Niamh. The
thrilled grandparents are Kathleen and Mike Dermody.
- Joan Bertrand, on the birth of her fifth grandchild,
finally a girl, called Elizabeth.
- Tara and Michael Young on the birth of a daughter,
Allison Rae, on February 4. This is the fourth grandchild for Sue and John Young.
- Our 2015 OLBS graduates (see list of scholarship
winners in this issue).
- Bob Reid, a parishioner of OLBS since 1978, on
receiving the Queens Impact Award from the Bayside
Times, for his contributions to the community and
the local youths. A retired NYPD detective, Bob has
made a difference in the lives of many of our children.
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Birthday Wishes to –
- John Buckley and Marion Sodaro, both of whom are
celebrating their 85th birthdays.
- Millie Simonelli and Liz Somers, who are both celebrating their 75th birthdays.
 Siobham, who will be heading to Ireland in June to
celebrate her very special ?? birthday.
Best Wishes and Thanks to two special Reflections
people -Joanne Cheek, who is “retiring” from the Reflections
staff after many years of contributing thoughtful and
inspirational pieces, and
 Father Larry Ryan, our Moderator, who is taking up
residence at Holy Name of Jesus Parish in Brooklyn (see “An Open Letter to Father Larry” in this
issue)
Best of Luck to –
- Tess Agostisi, who is moving to CT to be near her
children. (See the article in this issue about Tess, an
OLBS parishioner who has lived here in Bayside for
90 years.)
That’s it for now, but don’t forget to share your news
with the parish – leave a note for me at the Rectory so
I can include it in the next issue of Reflections.
- Peggy Buckley
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For the past three years I have been completing
the Lay Ministry Program of the Pastoral Institute,
School of Evangelization, Diocese of Brooklyn. This
program is for anyone interested in becoming a lay
minister and serving a leadership role in the parish
life. I was not sure the effect it would have on me but
I knew it would enlighten me in a positive way. I
started this program wanting to better serve Our Lady
of the Blessed Sacrament parish. It requires a commitment of three years of study. In the program there
are different courses of study relating to religion and
ministry roles. Each course has its required work and
papers to submit. There are skill workshops, ministry
seminars, spiritual formation and theological reflections courses you are required to take and pass. You
meet and work with a mentor throughout three years.
I am blessed to have worked with Sister Carla, as my
mentor. In the third year of the course you practice
your specific ministry with guidance and observation
from an experienced supervisor. When you complete
the program, as I will on May 21st, you become a
commissioned Lay Pastoral Leader (I can’t believe
it!), ready to serve the parish where it is needed.
This year my courses were on devotions and
liturgical services for my specific ministry. This
course required that I organize three devotions to ac34
tually take place in my parish church of O.L.B.S. The
devotions would be observed by my instructor/
supervisor Sister Karen Cavangh, an inspiring writer
for the Tablet. After each devotion service, I would
have to submit to my instructor/supervisor a portfolio. The portfolio included still pictures of the devotion, a written description of the devotion and my
written summary of the history and the theology behind the devotion.
My devotions services were Saint Padre Pio,
the Epiphany and Saint Joseph. The devotion for
Saint Pio was held in September it was a wonderful
way to share this saint with others and reflect on St
Pio’s comforting words of “Pray, Hope and Don’t
Worry”. This devotion is extra special to my family
and me as we are related to St.Pio. In January, the devotion for the Epiphany started the New Year on a
positive note as we remembered the Three Kings
who honored Jesus - as we should all year long. At
the end of the service we gave out a special blessing
prayer and chalk for all to take home. In March we
held a devotion service for Saint Joseph, including
the setting up of the St Joseph table. The St Joseph
table is an Italian tradition and custom that was wonderful to share with parishioners. We moved the St
Joseph statue to the front of the church and set the
table in front of it. The table was filled with different
fruits, cookies, breads, flowers, and prayer cards, all
to show gratitude to St Joseph for all his help in our
prayers. At the end of the service parishioners shared
35
the food and took home St Joseph prayer cards and a
special fava bean (for a year long blessing from St
Joseph!).
These devotions and feast days celebrations
are old traditions which I am blessed to bring anew
to our parish. As we know, the overall role of devotions in the Catholic prayer tradition has a long history. By bringing these prayers to Our Lady of the
Blessed Sacrament Church we are encouraging more
groups of people to pray together. We are able to
pray to different saints who are close to GOD, who
can help us with our prayers. They can put in a ‘good
word’ for us with GOD in heaven (We could all use
it!). These devotions do not take our focus off GOD,
but encourage us to get closer to GOD, as the saints
did. The saints are wonderful role models for us. I
organized the devotion services by getting the appropriate readings, litanies and prayers to follow (our
great clergy were a big help!) I put together whatever
materials were needed for each service: novenas,
pictures, statues, prayer cards and treats for parishioners to take home. I was so thankful for all those
who came and prayed and I’m looking forward to
future devotion services.
My courses in my last year of the Lay Ministry Program, and my experience in organizing devotion/prayer services have helped me understand more
about our faith. This journey has helped me to grow
spiritually and share this with others. It has been
wonderful getting closer to fellow parishioners, as
36
well as learning from them. I am so thankful and
grateful for all their support throughout this journey.
I further understood the overall role of devotions,
prayer and saints through this program. I have gotten an excellent grade from my supervisor, and I’m
looking forward to May 21st, for the commissioning
ceremony! I will be able to share many other devotions services in the future with everyone at Our
Lady of the Blessed Sacrament, as a Commissioned
Lay Pastoral Leader!
- Mrs. Marisa C. Avallone
Saint Joseph’s Day celebration.
37
38
39
Some details about Pope Francis’ much anticipated visit to the U.S. were revealed this spring by
Archbishop Bernardito Auza, who serves on the committee arranging the visit. Scheduled to coincide with
September’s World Meeting of Families in Philadelphia in September, the U.S. trip will also include visits
to Washington, D.C. and New York.
Pope Francis is set to arrive in Washington,
D.C., on the evening of Sept. 22 and will visit the
White House the following morning. He will also
celebrate Mass at the Basilica of the National Shrine of
the Immaculate Conception, a Mass primarily for bishops, consecrated and religious men and women, seminarians and representatives from humanitarian and
Catholic charitable organizations. Francis will then address a joint meeting of Congress.
The Pope is then expected in New York on Sept.
24 where he will address the U.N. general assembly.
Archbishop Auza also indicated that Pope Francis is
scheduled to attend an "interethnic meeting" with a diverse representation of New York residents. He is also
expected to visit Ground Zero.
Pope Francis will then go to Philadelphia on
Saturday, Sept. 26, for the Festival of Families, and is
expected to celebrate papal Mass on Sunday on the
40
Benjamin Franklin Parkway outside the Philadelphia
Art Museum where some 2 million people are expected to attend.
Keep an eye on the local media for more specifics and changes – and if anyone has the privilege
of being present at one of these events we’d love to
hear from you!
41
Thanks in large part to a generous grant from
the Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Trust Fund, the fourth,
sixth and eighth grade students at Our Lady of the
Blessed Sacrament School had the fortunate opportunity to participate in a weekly performing arts class
with teaching artists from the Stages on the Sound
Arts Residency program. Stages on the Sound is a
theatre company that offers performing arts education
and original performances to students from Kindergarten to grade 12. They offered a fifteen week inschool Arts Residency program which provided three
separate curricula including film production, playwriting and Shakespeare based on the New York State
Blueprint for the Arts. Not only did the students at
O.L.B.S. enhance their technology and English Language Arts skills, but they had the opportunity to utilize their creativity to develop self-confidence while
having fun collaborating with their peers and mentors.
The fourth grade students learned many useful
skills while participating in this program. They were
taught the fundamentals of filmmaking through games
and activities. The fourth graders looked forward to
their weekly “special” with the artists, and all the
spontaneous creativity involved. Within those fifteen
weeks, the class worked together in teams and created
different characters, plots, problems, resolutions, built
sets and filmed movies using iPads. Various strategies helped the students with sequence and organiza42
tion such as using storyboards and creating tableaus.
Drawing pictures to demonstrate the important
scenes was a great way for them to visualize their
story. They were taught how to film using “stopmotion animation” and their final projects were
amazing! The fourth grade students were able to
present their edited films to both their parents and to
the other classes. This experience was one that they
will be sure to always remember and to cherish.
The students
in the sixth grade
went one step further and focused
on playwriting. At
the onset of the
program, they
worked together
on a variety of exercises that allowed them to become comfortable working with and performing in
front of their peers in an effort to help foster selfconfidence. “The teachers helped us to develop
valuable skills like teamwork and initiative that
were needed to write and perform our plays,” said
William Brunn, a sixth grade student who was a
narrator in his team’s production of “The Greatest
Space Escape.” Under the guidance of their teaching artists, the students worked in teams of 5-6 and
collaboratively scripted their own plays. Using their
imagination, each team wrote a play that included
43
all elements of playwriting from characters and setting to problem and solution to narration and stage directions. The end result was an original script that allowed each and every team member the chance to participate in some way. Using props, the sixth graders
had the opportunity to put their plays into action as
they performed their masterpieces for the upper
grades and parents as a way to celebrate and showcase
their talent and hard work.
Throughout the program, the eighth graders focused on the plays and works of William Shakespeare. Each session began with warm-up exercises
to encourage the students to learn stage directions, eye
contact with fellow actors, and preparing their
voices. Over the weeks, Shakespeare’s sonnets were
introduced by the artists to teach the students about
iambic pentameter, which is the rhythmic pattern used
in many of Shakespeare’s works. Learning about the
language used, how to block scenes, and how to properly deliver lines during a performance were some of
the skills the students developed. Scenes
44
from Hamlet, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and Romeo and Juliet were performed in segments when the
students volunteered for parts and took on the roles of
the characters. Proper body language and vocal delivery were crucial to the understanding of the scene. By
the culmination of the fifteen weeks, the students
were able to perform scenes from A Midsummer
Night’s Dream as a class. “They did an amazing job
when the lights went on! This program enabled many
of the students to come out of their shells and exhibit
their talents!” said Miss Masi, the eighth grade ELA
teacher.
The faculty and students at Our Lady of the
Blessed Sacrament School were very grateful for this
opportunity. With continued support from the Saint
Elizabeth Ann Seton Trust Fund, they are hopeful that
this program will become a fixture in the school for
many more years to come.
- Kristin Amend, Denise O'Leary and Kim Masi
Grades 6, 4 and 8 faculty members of
Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament School
45
The heathen raged, the kingdoms were moved. (Ps.
46:6)
The Book of Judith begins with a crisis: “The inhabitants of the western countries ignore the summons
of Nebuchadnezzar, King of the Assyrians.”
“By the living power of my kingdom,” vows the
King in anger, “the feet of my soldiers will cover the
whole face of the earth and I will plunder it.” He
sends Holofernes to put to the sword all who oppose
him, and so successful is his campaign that before
long all the nations surrender--all except one, “the
Sons of Israel.”
When Holofernes inquires about the Israelites,
Achior the Ammonite says, “It would be better to abstain from attacking them for fear that their Lord and
God should protect them.”
Holofernes replies, “We shall burn them all. The
mountains will be drunk with their blood and their
plains filled with their corpses.”
When Israelites of Bethulia learn that the Assyrian
army is approaching the city, they decide to wait five
days (for God’s intervention) before surrendering.
They put on sackcloth and pray ardently for deliverance.
In Bethulia lived a widow named Judith, renowned for her beauty and piety, who “lived among
her possessions without anyone finding a word to say
against her, so devoutly did she fear God.” After her
46
husband’s death she had secluded herself for more
than three years in a room on the roof of her house.
She wore sackcloth, prayed, fasted and came down
only to celebrate on the Sabbath and on festival days.
When Judith heard what elders had planned to do,
she chided them: “Who are you to put God to the test
today? Listen to me. I intend to do something, the
memory of which will be handed down to the children of our race from age to age. You must not ask
what I intend to do. I will not tell you until I have
done it.”
She prayed, “God of the heritage of Israel, see
the Assyrians, boasting in their army, glorying in
their horses, and their riders, exulting in the strength
of their infantry. They plan to profane your holy
places. Give me a beguiling tongue and the needful
courage to this widow’s hand. Break their pride by a
woman’s hand.”
She put on her finest garments and set out with
her maidservant across the valley. The Assyrian pickets, “impressed by her beauty,” brought her to
Holofernes who was also impressed by her courage
as well as her beauty. He treated her as a guest, even
permitting her to leave the camp at night to pray in
the valley.
Holofernes held a great feast and invited Judith
as his guest of honor. His intention was to sleep with
her. During the dinner, she made a flattering speech
and promised to be his “guide throughout all Judaea.”
47
Delighted, he replied, “You are as beautiful as you are
eloquent. You shall make your home in the palace of
King Nebuchadnezzar and be famous throughout the
world.”
The banquet over, he dismissed his guards, led Judith into his bedchamber and promptly “collapsed,
wine-sodden on his bed.” (It was a custom at Assyrian
banquets for men to drink themselves into a stupor.)
Alone, Judith prayed, then “went up to the bedpost
by Holofernes’ head, took down his scimitar, caught
him by the hair and struck twice at the nape of his
neck with all her strength.” With his head in a pouch
she and her maidservant left the camp and made their
way back to Bethulia. Inside the gates she called the
people together, removed the head of Holofernes from
her pouch, and cried out,
“Praise God who has not withdrawn his mercy
from the House of Israel. This is the head of Holofernes, here is the canopy under which he lay drunk. My
face seduced him, only to his own undoing. He committed no sin with me to shame me or disgrace me.
Hang his head on the battlements.”
The next day the Israelites attacked, and the Assyrians, discovering their decapitated general, fled in
panic.
Judith is an archetype of Mary and prefigures
Mary’s great virtues of prayerfulness, humility and
courage. And Mary, like Judith, when faced with a
daunting task, a “mission impossible,” unhesitatingly
put her faith and trust in God.
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Mary too “lived among her possessions without
anyone finding a word to say against her, so devoutly
did she fear God” and remained hidden, spending her
early teens wearing the sackcloth of humility and silence.
In Judith’s day, Holofernes threatened to destroy
“The tabernacles of the Lord.” In Mary’s day, Herod
threatened to destroy the Lord Himself. Both Judith
and Mary triumphed.
In Mary’s Magnificat can be heard the echo of Judith:
“My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord and
my spirit exults in Giod my Savior because he has
looked upon his lowly handmaid…He has shown the
power of his arm, He has routed the proud of heart.”
Against the New Assyrians of the Modern World,
Mary wields her scimitar--The Holy Rosary. Like Judith, in times of crises, Mary leaves “the room on the
roof of her house” and comes to Earth to fight for the
people of God.
In Mary are many Judiths.
-Paul Franzetti
49
Hi, my name is Corrina DiLeo and my husband’s name is Paul DiLeo. It is truly an honor to
share some of our life story with the parish community of OLBS. I would like to thank Mrs. Peggy Devine for the invitation.
Prior to moving to the Bayside community, I
resided in New Hyde Park for nine years. I had left
the Church for many years due to alcohol abuse, but
in 1999 I was led back. Finding my way back to the
Church was a coming home. I was so grateful that
the parish of Notre Dame was there for me. Looking
back, I know today that was my first step towards
God. Even though I made a lot of mistakes along the
way, God’s grace carried me. I felt safe at the foot of
the Cross, all of me, both good and bad. After attending Mass faithfully, God changed my heart slowly
and I was given the opportunity to serve as a CCD
teacher to a special needs child, who then was able to
make her first Holy Communion with her healthy
twin sister. I also had the privilege to take many of
the elderly in the community to their doctor’s appointment and continued to do service in my home
taking care of my Aunt who had dementia.
In 2004 I had a motor vehicle accident on the
Grand Central Parkway. As I lay bleeding, a doctor
happened to be driving by. He stopped, applied a
tourniquet, and saved my life. I was rushed to Belle50
vue Hospital and over a three
month period, I underwent many
long operations. As a result of the
accident, I lost my left leg. My
life changed forever. Many people came to my room and prayed
with me and for me. I had been
sober for a year and a half at that
time, attending AA meetings and
helping others. When I arrived
home from the hospital, a fellow AA would pick me up
and take me to meetings to speak (about God) – how
God led me to AA and AA led me to God. These
speaking commitments helped my healing process,
spiritually, mentally, and physically, in ways that only
God can. Many people in and out of AA were seeing
God’s power in and through me. I felt a strong sense
of purpose and fulfillment in knowing God was using
me.
In 2005 I moved to Williston Park. I lived alone
and after being homeless for three months, Coalition
for the Homeless helped me find an apartment. I immediately went to St. Aidan’s to do service and was
able to become a Eucharistic Minister. I met Paul in
November 2007 through my sister, who is also an outstanding member of AA. Paul had helped her on her
journey towards God. I saw a change in my sister
through her lesson with Paul, which inspired me to ask
for Paul’s number so that we could go through the
process together. Once a week we started reading to51
gether in my kitchen and halfway through the process
Paul asked me if I would read and journal the book,
“A Purpose Driven Life”. That is a forty day process,
and I said yes. Halfway through that book, we started
meeting to read Paul’s grandmother’s text about Jesus’ ministry. We also started to visit churches to
learn and for fellowship. Little by little, we fell in
love with the God that we saw in each other. On June
14, 2008 Paul asked me to marry him and I said yes.
Paul then sold the home in Brooklyn he had
lived in since childhood and soon after we started to
shop for our own home. We put our resources together and found our home in Bayside on 202nd Street
and 33rd Avenue. Before we moved in, it was important that we have a priest bless our new home. I went
to OLBS rectory to ask if a priest would bless our
new home – that priest turned out to be Father Bob
Whelan. He was also new to the community and
gladly stopped over. I thank God for our home and
for Father Bob’s blessing. It is truly God’s Home.
On May 22, 2011 at 2 PM, Father Bob married us.
Both Paul and I get to minister to many new AA
members, and not only do they get and stay sober, but
they come to know God. This year I was able to
make a commitment to OLBS to serve at the 11 AM
Mass as a Eucharistic Minister. I know that any desire or enthusiasm I have for the Church and God
comes from the Holy Spirit and for that I am grateful.
Yours truly,
Corrina DiLeo
52
On Divine Mercy Sunday, emphasizing mercy
and love, as he has done from the first days of his papacy, Pope Francis officially proclaimed, in a document entitled “The Face of Mercy,” an extraordinary
holy year, a Jubilee of Mercy. The year is to extend
from December 8, 2015 to November 20, 2016 and
will open on the 50th anniversary of the closing of the
Second Vatican Council, an event the Pope said the
Church feels a great need to keep alive,
Jubilee Years originated in Judaism and were
linked to universal pardons and reconciliations. In the
Book of Leviticus (25:8-13) we learn it was celebrated
every 50 years; slaves and prisoners were freed, debts
were forgiven and God’s mercy was made more manifest. The church revived the tradition in 1300 under
Pope Boniface VIII. Since then there have been 29
jubilees or holy years.
Pointing out that the church’s “very credibility is seen
in how she shows merciful compassion and love,”
“The Face of Mercy,” points out that, "The temptation ... to focus exclusively on justice made us forget
that this is only the first, albeit necessary and indispensable step," and that "The time has come for the
Church to take up the joyful call to mercy once more."
In one section of the document, Pope Francis quotes
from Peter's question in Matthew's Gospel about how
many times it is necessary to forgive, where Jesus responds: "I do not say seven times, but seventy times
53
seventy times.” “This parable contains a profound
teaching for all of us," states the Pope, "Jesus affirms
that mercy is not only an action of the Father, it becomes a criterion for ascertaining who his true children
are."
Look for more about the upcoming Jubilee Year
in future issues – and continue to celebrate with us the
present Year of Consecrated Life.
Sources:
America, March 30, 2015
National Catholic Reporter, April 11, 2015
54
O’Neill’s – is located at 6421
53rd Drive Maspeth, NY Phone
(718) 672-9696 Fax (718) 4291538 (www.oneillsrestaurant.com) Valet parking is
available.
Family owned and operated for 80 years!
O'NEILL'S first opened its doors as a restaurant on
December 5, 1933, the day Prohibition
ended. Originally founded as the Plateau Tavern by
George O'Neill, Sr., the establishment has now been
family owned and operated for 80 years. Although
O'NEILL'S thrived in the days following Prohibition,
its most significant growth began when current proprietor George O'Neill, Jr. returned from a 1956 tour
of duty as a US Army cook in Hawaii to join his father
behind the bar and turn the establishment into a fullfledged restaurant. Generations later, O'Neill and his
son-in-law Danny Pyle, who married O'Neill's daughter Tara, are now co-proprietors. It was very nice talking to Deidra, the manager and George O’Neill’s
daughter, who told us that George is still hands on
with the customers every night. In 2011 a kitchen fire
gutted the restaurant forcing owners to replace everything but the walls holding it up.
55
Open 7 days a week and all Holidays. Serves breakfast, lunch and dinner daily.
Sunday’s brunch, available from 11am to 3pm for
$13.95, includes a complimentary Mimosa, Bloody
Mary or Screwdriver. There is also catering available
for up to 200 people. O’Neill’s has an Irish Pub setting
with a large round bar in the middle of the restaurant,
and several large screen TVS. O’Neill’s is known for
having the best wings and burgers around. The prices
are reasonable and the portions are generous and the
wait staff very efficient. There are nightly specials besides the extensive menu.
Appetizers: offers a choice of 19; they all look delicious but we decide to not to have an appetizer that
night and just have salads.
Salads: Offers a choice of 9; the Classic Caesar Salad
that my friend Kathy and I shared was generous and delicious.
Burgers, Sandwiches and wraps: offers a choice of 7
burgers, 11 sandwiches and 3 wraps. Kathy was very
happy with her Burger platter.
The Soups: offers Soup of the day, French Onion and
on the weekend Lobster Bisque is offered.
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There is also a Poultry menu and Steak and Chops
Menu. I never thought that I would say this but my
friend Jack was right about the Calves liver (served
with sautéed Spinach Leaves, sautéed onions and bacon) – I did not believe Jack when he raved how delicious it was but it was actually good!
Seafood: offers 9 choices; I loved my choice of the
Maryland Crab cakes served over Potatoes with Remoulade Sauce.
Pasta: Pasta of the Day and Linguine Carbonara; you
can add shrimp for $20 or chicken for $18 to your
pasta.
Sides: offers a choice of 14.
Classic Old World Pizza: offers a choice of 12 from
traditional to artisan pizza such as Buffalo Chicken
pie (Boneless Chicken in a Savory Buffalo Sauce over
fresh Mozzarella topped with Blue Cheese and fresh
chopped Scallions); Popcorn Shrimp & hot Cherry
Peppers (fried shrimp, sliced hot Cherry Peppers over
a bed of fresh Mozzarella) and Hawaiian Pie (Cubed
Honey Roasted Ham & sliced Pineapples on a bed of
fresh Mozzarella) are just a few …
Good Choice. Kathy and Jack and I really enjoyed
our dining experience at O’Neill’s,
Bon appetite!
- Ann Reisig
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Junipero Serra was born on the island of Mallorca in 1713. This island,
belonging to Spain, was off Spain’s eastern coast in the Mediterranean Sea.
When he joined the Franciscan Order, he
took the name Junipero, the name of St.
Francis’ childlike companion, Brother
Juniper.
His early Franciscan years were spent
studying, and then teaching, Theology. He had also developed a reputation as a preacher when, at the age of
35, his life took a new direction. Long aware of the
missionary work of St. Francis Solanus in South America, he suddenly decided to fulfill his desire to work
with and convert native peoples in the New World.
After sailing to Vera Cruz, Mexico, he and a companion began the 250 mile walk to Mexico City. On the
way, an insect bite to his left leg led to an infection that
was never fully resolved and became one of Junipero’s
crosses, one that at times threatened his life. Nevertheless he worked in central Mexico and in the Baja Peninsula for 18 years, eventually becoming president of the
missions there.
When the threat of a Russian invasion south from
Alaska resulted in Charles III of Spain’s ordering an ex58
pedition north to prevent Russia from gaining territory, the military leader, Jose de Galvez, persuaded
Junipero to join the expedition. They headed for
what is now Monterey, California, a 900 mile journey.
In 1769, the first mission was founded, the
mission of San Diego. After that accomplishment, a
shortage of food almost halted the endeavor. Plans
were made to give up and leave on March 19, St. Joseph’s day, but Junipero and another friar vowed to
stay with the local people and began a novena in
preparation for the feast. On the scheduled day of departure, the relief ship arrived and the expedition was
able to continue.
Following the founding of Mission San Diego
were Monterey/Carmel (1770); San Antonio and San
Gabriel (1771); St. Luis Obispo (1772) San Francisco
and San Juan Capistrano (1776); Santa Clara (1777);
San Buenaventura (1782). And after Junipero Serra’s
death in 1784, twelve more missions were founded.
While establishing his missions, Junipero
Serra, encountered significant differences with the
military commander overseeing the area and at one
point made the long trip back to Mexico City to settle
the problem. He arrived at the point of death, but obtained what he sought, a “Regulation” protecting the
Indian population and the missions. It became the
basis for the first significant legislation in California,
in what has been described as a “Bill of Rights” for
Native Americans.
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In the view of the Spaniards, the Native
Americans were living a less than human life, and
this resulted in the friars being made their legal
guardians. To prevent them from being corrupted by
former influences, the Native Americans were kept
at the mission after Baptism – a practice understandably now labeled injustice by contemporary
critics.
The American Catholic website describes Junipero’s missionary life “as a long battle with cold
and hunger, with unsympathetic military commanders and even with danger of death from nonChristian native peoples. Through it all his unquenchable zeal was fed by prayer each night, often
from midnight till dawn. He baptized over 6,000
people and confirmed 5,000. His travels would have
circled the globe. He brought the Native Americans
not only the gift of faith but also a decent standard
of living. He won their love, as witnessed especially
by their grief at his death.”
Juipero Serra is buried at Mission San Carlo
Borromeo, Carmel, California. He was beatified in
1988 by Saint John Paul II and is to be canonized
during Pope Francis’ visit to the United States in
September of this year.
His motto: “Always forward, never back.”
- Bill Douglas
Source: www.americancatholic.org
60
At a recent Reflections meeting, we were
thinking up ideas for future issues and, with the approach of summer, we thought about vacation stories and plans. What and where will it be this year
– the mountains, the shore, a cruise or a trip abroad?
I must admit, as the years take their toll, I am rather
content sitting home, relaxing in the sun, and remembering days gone by.
How could I ever forget the summer of 1957
– almost sixty years ago! That was the year three of
my friends and I left our jobs and headed off to
Europe for three months. Sailing from New York
Harbor after a fun-filled bon voyage party, little did
we realize what wonderful times lay ahead and what
great memories would be built. After disembarking
in LeHavre, we made our way to Paris for two
weeks. Europe was still recovering from the war,
and the city was filled with American soldiers stationed there who gave us unending advice about
what to see and do – they even introduced us to the
PX. The price was right so, pretending to be Army
wives, the PX became the go-to dining spot for us
throughout our trip. However, and this was the best,
they encouraged us to buy a car to do our touring.
That we did, and so using our fare money to get
back home, we bought a blue Renault, and there in
Europe I taught my three friends how to drive,
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something I still cringe about to this day. Off we went,
heading to the chateau section of France, over to Spain, all
along the French coast, into Italy, then Switzerland, Germany and back to Paris. Communications from home were
hard to come by – no email, no cell phones and transAtlantic calls were very expensive - so our first stop in
every major city was American Express, to hopefully receive mail from America.
What do I still remember most vividly? The bath
water at Lourdes, the bull fights in Madrid, sunbathing at
Majorca, gambling at Monte Carlo, the Vatican and our
group audience with Pope Pius XII, gondola rides in Venice, the cow bells in Switzerland, the brew houses in Germany, and most of all, the million and one laughs shared
with my friends, before heading home and back to reality.
There is a saying “Enjoy the little things, for one day
you may look back and realize they were the big things.”
That is so true – that trip, filled with so many little things,
was really a big thing. Those girls are all grown now – we
are mothers to 15 children, and grandmothers to more than
thirty with whom we can share these happy memories and
many crazy stories.
What I wish for you all is a fun-filled summer, great
trips and many happy memories, which I hope you will
share with us in the next issues of Reflections.
- Peggy Devine
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It was rare that we could gather everyone together to
spend a day at the beach. Even in the summer when Paul
was off from teaching, I was still working at the time, with
project deadlines and meetings always on the calendar. So,
it was a special day when we gathered all the kids into the
car and headed to Jones Beach.
We got there about ten o'clock and the tide was
really low. All through the day we romped in the water and
munched on the food we had brought from home. Of
course, there were trips to the snack bar for those treats that
the kids simply couldn't resist.
Three times we had to move the blanket because the
upcoming tide had licked the edges of the blanket. And
each time we settled ourselves farther and farther up the
sand.
Finally, about five o'clock we decided it was time to
leave and we began to pack up. Suddenly with a wrenching
feeling I realized that my Miraculous Medal was not in the
bag. I had removed it from my neck the first time I went in
the water. Why I did that, I can't say. I had never done that
before and never, ever did that again. But, this one day, I
did, and now it was gone!
I looked frantically around the blanket. Carefully
lifting it, I looked under. Nothing! I looked toward the
shore where the blanket had been originally and it was now
completely submerged. I turned to Paul. "We can't leave,"
I told him emphatically, "not until I find my medal." And
then the tears welled up in my eyes. "It's my baby Miracu63
lous Medal. I can't leave it here. I've worn it since I was a
little girl." The thought of leaving it there was just awful.
This medal had been my companion for years and years,
given to me by my mom.
So, he, too, began to look and we enlisted the kids as
well. Finally, he did the only thing he could think of. He
told the kids to pray. And pray we did. I prayed to St. Anthony and to Our Blessed Mother. After about five minutes,
he looked at me and I knew what his eyes said without his
saying a word. We needed to leave. It was lost.
With tears still on my face, I began to fold the blanket. Just then, Paul called to me. Turning around I saw
something which took my breath away. Paul was walking
beside a man whom he had seen down the beach. It was a
man with a metal detector. "My medal, my baby Miraculous Medal. It's gone," I pleaded as he got closer. He
smiled. "If it's here, we'll find it." After about three minutes, which seemed like hours, he stopped, dug a little and
pulled it out. I was overwhelmed.
Of course, the man
in his kindness would not take any remuneration. Again, he
smiled. "Just say a prayer for me," and off he went down
the beach.
On the way home, Paul and I were both quiet.
"Maria, what are the chances that just as we were about to
leave, we would encounter a man with a metal detector?"
Unlikely, very unlikely. I felt privileged, blessed and still
overwhelmed.
I have thought about that incident many times over
the years and have come to realize that this is the way God
operates. We are sometimes caught in situations which we
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believe are hopeless. We pray and pray, almost out of rote,
wanting to trust and yet being pulled by the realistic observation that the situation is beyond repair. Just when we
think that the situation is hopeless, He comes through in a
way which seems, well, miraculous.
- Maria Franzetti
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann
Shaffer and Annie Barrows is a series of letters that tell an amazing
story of survival on the island of Guernsey during the German occupation of the Second World War. The letters tell the story of a population of endearing characters, at once quirky and heroic, refusing to
be cowed by their occupiers. This is a heartwarming book, laced
with all the humor hinted at in the title. You’ll definitely want to pass
it along to your best friend. – Barbara O’Keefe
Jesus: A Pilgrimage by James Martin S.J. – Whether a pilgrimage to
the Holy Land is an impossible dream, or a trip you’re actually planning, you have to read this book. Intending to write a book about
Jesus, Fr. Martin was persuaded that travelling to Gospel sites should
be a part of his research and so spent two weeks seeking out and
walking in many of the footsteps of Jesus. This pilgrimage then became the framework for a series of Gospel explorations and meditations. And, as always, Fr. Martin brings his own personal stories into
the mix, so we also hear about the travel experiences of two very human Jesuits travelling in present day Israel and Palestine.
– Barbara O’Keefe
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The Distant Land of My Father by Bo Caldwell, is a favorite of
many of the people who read it. It takes place in Shanghai, as
well as California during World War II. It is a well-written story
about the ties between a little girl and her father and mother. It
is a story about love, the pain of loving, and forgiveness. It is
about sharing one's faith, and being willing to change. A must
read.
– Judy Tolan
The Orphan Train by Christina Baker Kline, is an intriguing
historical novel based on 20,000 orphans who were collected
from the streets of New York City and Boston during the 1860's.
They were randomly "given" to families who agreed to take
them in the Midwest. It is a story about fate, and learning to live
with the cards one has been dealt. A fascinating story with welldeveloped characters. It will open your eyes to a little spoken
about period in history. – Judy Tolan
The Light Between Oceans by M.L.Stedman, is a beautifully
written story about a couple in Australia, who are the caretakers
of a lighthouse. They are unable to have children. One rainy
night, a boat comes to shore carrying a living baby and a dead
man. The rest of the story evolves around the decision that the
couple makes about what to do with the baby and man. This is
an intriguing, soul-searching story about how we make decisions, and how they affect others in our world. An unforgettable
story.
– Judy Tolan
The Joy of the Gospel by Pope Francis - The book cover quotes
Pope Francis: "The joy of the Gospel fills the hearts and lives of
all who encounter Jesus. With Christ, joy is constantly born
anew." Join your fellow believers and read and pray with the
words of our Beloved Pope Francis on the new Evangelization,
and how we can joyfully share our faith in the Risen
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Christ. Your soul will be transformed with the reading of this
beautifully written inspirational book. – Judy Tolan
The Handsome Man's DeLux Cafe by Alexander McCall
Smith - I don't recommend this book to be read unless you have
been fortunate enough to have read the preceding 14 books that
lead up to it. It is the latest in the author's series starting with
The No.1 Ladies Detective Agency which was written in
2003.There was an HBO movie of this book not too long ago.
This is not great literature, but many of us have been captivated
by Precious Ramotswe, the main character who lives in Botswana, Africa. The author, having spent many years in that part
of the world, has given us through these books a chance to see
both the landscape and the lifestyle so different from our busy
city life. However, while it is simple in the telling, it conveys
much in the relationships of family and the detective's clients.
So I suggest you read or try to read the first one. If it takes, you
will be hooked. I am always delighted when a new one comes
out and we can discover more about the wonderful characters he
has given us - among them her assistant Mma. Makutse who
seems unable to control saying what she thinks. But I tell you no
more. Just enjoy!
– Margaret Brower
Bel Canto by Ann Patchett - The setting of this novel is quite
unique. In a country not named, at a birthday party with some
very gifted musicians in the home of a high-end politician, terrorists arrive to hold the entire party hostage. What occurs is the
wonder of human relations as time goes on both for the terrorists
and their captives. It is so well written, when I think about it I
think I must have been there. An excellent novel.
– Margaret Brower
The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls - This is a memoir of Ms.
Wall’s childhood and was on the New York Times best seller
list for 261 weeks and has sold over 3 million copies. So if you
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are one of the few who have not yet read it, please find a copy
and treat yourself. One of my grandsons read it as a school assignment and one of my sons uses it as part of his English Literature course for his students. It is amazing. It douses you with
hope and possibility when you realize how much we are capable
of overcoming. And most amazing of all, it is written with love.
Treat yourself to this book. – Margaret Brower
Traveling to Infinity: The True Story behind the Theory of Everything by Jane Hawking – This too is a memoir. It is Jane's life
with Stephen Hawking. It is a long book, but I could not put it
down. Aware that Jane's view is hers alone, her vantage point,
and that others may have seen things differently, what was most
touching to me was in all the tremendous difficulties she encountered over so many years; she writes of it with love. In spite
of everything, her love comes through. Although I have never
experienced anything near her daily struggles, yet I found myself understanding and inspired as her life unfolded on the
pages. A wonderful work. If you have seen the movie, you have
not seen even half the story. – Margaret Brower
The Bonesetter's Daughter by Amy Tan - Amy Tan, so well
known as the author of The Joy Luck Club in 1989, which soon
after was made into a movie, became one of my favorite authors. This work was her fourth novel written in 2001 and I have
just had the opportunity to read it recently. As with most of her
novels, this one centers on the Chinese culture and the new immigrant that comes to the American shores. This story takes us
back several generations in China as Ruth, the protagonist, discovers her past. The book is dedicated to Amy Tan's mother
whose image appears on the cover. Probably the highest praise
came from her after she read it. She told Amy, now I don't have
to say anything more. A fine book. I think her best.
– Margaret Brower
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In If I Stay by Gayle Forman, a book that has been turned into a
movie, a teenage girl and her family take a car ride to get icecream. During this short journey they become involved in a disastrous car accident which is fatal to the teenage girl's family. Mia is not sure what happened, but as the pages turn, we
find the story is being told to us by Mia who is within an out of
body experience. This twist truly makes the story quite interesting. We are part of her experience and the main question she
needs to answer becomes a question for us as well. How will
you answer it? - Joanna Scaltro
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark
Haddon - The teenager telling the story in this book is an autistic boy named Christopher who is "15 years and 3 months and 2
days" old. He comes upon his neighbor's dog at night-time, and
it is not moving. The dog has been murdered! Mysterious to be
sure. But, this boy is bent on finding the murderer. With the
little we know about autism, one can't help but wonder how this
boy can hope to find the answer. Through his narrative we get a
sense of what may be going through an autistic mind, and how
that mind works. As he investigates this mystery we find out
that there are various other mysteries that we would never have
imagined. (This book has been turned into a play which is running on Broadway at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre.)
- Joanna Scaltro
Our mystery
parishioner is…
Betty McLoughlin!
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Ministries And Organizations
ADULT CHOIR – Rehearsals on Tuesday evenings at
8:00pm in the choir loft. New members always welcome.
Contact Michael Martinka at 718-229-5929,
e-mail: music@olbs.org
YOUTH CHOIR – Young adults from 7th grade and up.
Rehearsals on Wednesday evenings at 7:30pm in the Parish
Center. Contact Valerie DeMato at 718-423-7017, e-mail:
vdemato@gmail.com.
CHILDREN’S CHOIR – Children from 3rd to 8th grade.
Rehearsals on Monday at 4:30– 5:30 PM in the Parish Center. Contact Margaret Abel at 718-428-7409,
e-mail: abelbunch@gmail.com
CHERUB CHOIR – Children from Kindergarten to 2nd
grade. Rehearsals on Monday at 3:15– 4:00 PM in the Parish
Center. Contact Margaret Abel at 718-428-7409,
e-mail: abelbunch@gmail.com
FAMILY MASS GROUP –Parents of children attending
9:30am Mass every Sunday. Contact: Betty May 718-4902397, e-mail: bamaym@verizon.net
FUNERAL CHOIR – Members of this group are present at
every funeral and represent our parish to the relatives of the
deceased. If you are interested in this Work of Mercy contact Judy Morrissay at 718-352-7091
LECTORS - Proclaim the Word of God in liturgical celebrations. Coordinator: Madeline Wrzesc, 718-428-6922, e-mail:
madeline.wrzesc1@verizon.net
EXTRAORDINARY MINISTERS OF HOLY COMMUNION - Serve at the Liturgy of the Eucharist and can
also be trained to bring Holy Communion to the sick and
homebound. Contact: Eileen Baginski, 718-358-1381, email: embaginski@yahoo.com
ALTAR SERVERS - Help the priests at masses, funerals
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Ministries And Organizations
and weddings. Coordinators: Kevin and Kathleen Cadigan, 718352-2239, cell: 917-599-7532, e-mail: kcadigan3@verizon.net
ADULT ALTAR SERVERS - Serves morning masses and funerals when children are not available. Coordinator: Lou
Tirella 718-423-8848, e-mail: LOUDANTE1@aol.com
CHURCH ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE - Enhances the
worship space for Christmas, Easter, and other seasonal ad rituals. Coordinator: George Bourbeau, 718-229-5929, e-mail:
youth@olbschurch.org
WEDDING COMMITTEE - Prepares couples for their wedding ceremony. Contact: Judy Reilly, 718-229-8895, e-mail:
jereilly520@gmail.com
PRE-CANA PROGRAMS - Marriage preparation required by
the church. Contacts: Steve and Laura DiMichael, 718-3529247, e-mail: ldimichael@aol.com
PASTORAL CARE PROGRAM - COMMUNION TO THE
HOMEBOUND – Anyone who cannot attend Mass because of
illness may receive the Eucharist at home on a regular basis.
Coordinators: Mrs. Agnes Pappas, 718-631-4793,
e-mail: gmapap15@aol.com
PARISH ADVOCATES FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES - bring to the parish level the work of the Diocesan Office
for Persons with Disabilities, to enable all to have as full access
to the Liturgy and Sacraments as possible. Contacts: Barbara
O’Keefe, 718-352-0210, e-mail: nealbarbok@aol.com
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION PROGRAM - Classes on
Wednesday afternoons for grades 1 – 5. Grades 6 and 8 are
taught on Tuesday evenings. Director: Sr. Carla Lorenz PBVM
718-225-6179, e-mail: olbsreled@hotmail.com
RCIA - The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is a
process for those who are inquiring about the Christian Faith.
Director: Sr. Carla Lorenz PBVM 718-225-6179, e-mail:
olbsreled@hotmail.com
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Ministries And Organizations
ADULT CONFIRMATION PROGRAM - This program is a
6 week course for those seeking this sacrament. Director: Sr.
Carla Lorenz PBVM 718-225-6179, e-mail:
olbsreled@hotmail.com
REFLECTIONS - A quarterly magazine. Focused on events
and issues of interest to our parish
community. Contact: Barbara O’Keefe, 718-352-0210, e-mail:
nealbarbok@aol.com
EVANGELIZATION TEAM - Outreach to inactive Catholics, non-Catholics, and the unchurched, and to enable the parish and parishioners to be more evangelizing. Coordinator: Joe
Traver, joeka@nyc.rr.com
MINISTERS OF HOSPITALITY – USHERS - New volunteers are always welcome. Coordinator: John Cronan, 718-3527529, e-mail: jjcronan@aol.com
ADULT FAITH FORMATION TEAM – Meets once a
month to support and facilitate the ongoing faith formation of
the adult members of the parish. Contact Valerie
DeMato,vdemato@gmail.com
ROSARY ALTAR SOCIETY - Honors Our Blessed Mother,
promotes the spiritual growth of the women of our parish and
aids the parish through fund raising activities. New members
of all age groups are welcome and needed. President: Betty
McLoughlin 718-352-2452, e-mail: glenamoy00@msn.com
RESPECT LIFE COMMITTEE - Meets on the first Saturday
of the month after the 9am Mass. Purpose is to foster a “culture
of life.” Contact: Karen and Joe Traver at joeka@nyc.rr.com
NICARAGUA MISSION TEAM - Raises material and financial support for children with disabilities through Mustard Seed
Communities; includes an annual trip. Coordinators: Nancy
Gentile, kc647@aol.com and Margaret Brower,
mmbrower1@yahoo.com
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Ministries And Organizations
KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS, #430 Dr.Dooley/Fr. McGivney – Meetings at Joyce Kilmer Hall (35-79 160th St., Flushing) every Tuesday. Contact: Jason DeNivo, 845-519-0961,
jason,denivo@gmail.com - Website:kofc.org
HOME SCHOOL ASSOCIATION – Supports school program, advocates for continuing excellence and keeps parents
informed about school affairs and upcoming events. President: Ana Monteverdi, 917-922-4275, olbshsa@live.com,
website: olbsschool.org
YOUNG ADULT MINISTRY (YAM) - For young adults
(20s and 30s) looking for ways to serve in the community and
connect with like-minded people. Meets Thursdays at 8PM.
Email Linda Starace at 347-732-0903, e-mail:
BaysideYAM@hotmail.com.
TEEN CLUB - Church related atmosphere for teens at the
junior high level with meetings in the gym on Wednesday evenings and a supervised dance every six to eight weeks. Coordinator: George Bourbeau, 718-229-5929, e-mail:
youth@olbschurch.org
CATHOLIC TEEN COMMUNITY (CTC) - Made up of
parish and non-parish high school teens who meet every Tuesday evening in the convent to plan projects to help the poor.
Contact: OLBS Youth Minister, George Bourbeau, 718-2295929, e-mail: youth@olbschurch.org
CATHOLIC YOUTH ORGANIZATION – Boys and girls
may participate in the following sports: basketball, swimming,
soccer, baseball, softball and track. Coordinator: Michael
Monteverdi, 917-699-6039. Website: olbsCYO.com
BINGO COMMITTEE – Organize and run BINGO games
for the benefit of the school. New volunteers desperately
needed and always welcome. Volunteers scheduled 3 1/2
hours every 5 weeks. Coordinator: Cathy Jones, 718-2244700
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Ministries And Organizations
MOMMY AND ME - Mothers (fathers, grandparents and nannies)
with babies and toddlers are invited to meet in the school auditorium.
Contact: Ana Monteverdi, 917-922-4375; Website:
MommyNme-olbs.com.
SENIOR CITIZENS LEISURE CLUB – Meetings are held every
Wednesday afternoon from 12pm to 4pm in the school cafeteria.
Coordinators: Louis and Tina Tirella, 718-423-8848. e-mail:
LOUDANTE1@aol.com
GROUNDSKEEPERS - Dedicated parishioners assist the maintenance staffing caring for the parish lawn and gardens. Contact:
Ramon Urena, 718-229-5929
OFFICE VOLUNTEERS –Volunteer receptionists normally work
a set day of the week and a time period of at least three hours. Other
tasks, such as bulk mailings may be scheduled to fit the volunteer’s
schedule. Coordinator: Jane Brunhuber, Parish Secretary, 718-229
-5929 , e-mail: secretary@olbs.com
FUNERAL PLANNING TEAM - Assists family members at the
time of a death in planning the funeral mass. Coordinator: Judy
Morrissey 718-352-7091
GIRL SCOUT CADETTES, TROOP #4267 - Meets alternating
Mondays in school auditorium from 3:00 – 4:30. Coordinator:
Donna Arma 718-939-8756, e-mail: darma0512@gmail.com
GIRL SCOUT DAISIES, - Meets 1st Thursday of each month in
school cafeteria from 3:00 – 4:30. Coordinator: Enza Vella 347-728
-8589, e-mail: jvella65@verizon.net
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NEIGHBORHOOD PARISH MASS SCHEDULES
OLBS PARISH
34-24 203rd St., Bayside, NY 11360
Tel: 718-229-5929
Weekends: Sat: 5pm; Sun: 8, 9:30, 11, 12:30pm
Weekday: M- F: 7am, 9am: Sat: 9am
Summer Schedule: Sat: 5pm; Sun: 8, 10, 12 noon
SACRED HEART PARISH
215-35 38th Ave.
Bayside, NY 11361
718-428-2200
Weekends: Sat: 5pm;
Sun: 9:30, 11, 12:30 & 5pm
Weekdays: M- S: 9am
ST. MEL’S PARISH
26-15 154th St.
Flushing, NY 11358
718-886-0201
Weekends: Sat: 5pm
Sun: 7:30, 9 (Italian), 10:30, 12
Weekdays: M – F: 7 & 9am
(In Summer, 8AM only. No
7AM or9AM on M – F )
Sat: 9am
ST. JOSAPHAT CHURCH
34-32 210th St.
Bayside, NY 11361
718-229-1663
Weekends: Sat: 7pm
Sun: 8:30 am (Polish), 10, 12
Weekday: M – F: 8am
Sat: 8am
ST. KEVIN’S PARISH
45-21 194th St.
Flushing, NY 11358
718-357-8888
Weekends: Sat: 5pm
Sun: 8, 10, 12
Weekdays: M – Sa: 9a
ST. ROBERT’S PARISH
213– 09 58th Ave.
Bayside Hills, NY 11364
718-229-6465
Weekends: Sat: 5pm
Sun: 8, 9:15 (Korean), 10:45,
12:15
Weekdays: M – F: 7 & 9am
Sat: 9am
ST. ANDREW’S PARISH
35-60 158TH St.
Flushing, NY 11358
718-359-0417
Weekends: Sat: 5pm
Sun: 7:30, 9, 10:30, 12,
1:30 PM (Spanish)
Weekdays: M-F: 8:30, 12Noon
In summer, no 12 Noon Mass
M-F, Sat: 8:30
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