November 29, 2015 - St. Bernard`s Church • Levittown NY

A COMMUNITY OF FAITH
HOPE
AND LOVE
The First Sunday of the Season of Advent
November 29, 2015
Come, Lord Jesus, come!
’
T.
B
ERNARD
S
S CATHOLIC CHURCH
516-731-4220 Phone/516-731-4355 Fax
Email: Parish@StBernardChurch.org
Website: www.StBernardsLevittown.org
MISSION STATEMENT
PASTORAL TEAM
Father Ralph Sommer, Pastor
Shepherd@StBernardChurch.org
ext. 130
Father Joe Nohs, Associate Pastor
FrNohsBest@StBernardChurch.org
ext. 128
Deacon John Blakeney
DeaconJohn@StBernardChurch.org
516-731-4220
Deacon James Flannery
DeaconJim@StBernardChurch.org
516-731-4220
Deacon Timm Taylor
DeaconTimm@StBernardChurch.org
516-731-4220
Father Joy Varkey, Resident Priest
JVarkey@DRVC.org
ext. 124
Father Andres Fernadez, Resident Priest
ext 131
Mrs. Susan Martin, Director of Religious Education
RelEd@StBernardChurch.org
516-731-8511 Phone/516-731-7860 Fax
The Religious Education Center is closed on Fridays.
Sr. Christine Sammons, O.P.,
Coordinator of Parish Social Ministry
PSM@StBernardChurch.org
516-731-6074
Ms. Sarah Kropac, Coordinator of Youth Ministry
skropac@stbernardchurch.org
Mrs. Mary Jane Witte, Director of Liturgical Music
MJWitte@StBernardChurch.org
ext. 142
Ms. Diane Vella, Pastoral Associate
DVella@StBernardChurch.org
ext. 143
Mrs. Rose Marie Rotondo, Sacristan
Sacristan@StBernardChurch.org
516-731-4220
Mr. Len Lanzi, Facilities Manager
ext. 120
Mr. Dimas Carbajal, Head of Maintenance
Maintenance@StBernardChurch.org
ext. 126
With faith, hope, and love the people of
St. Bernard's parish family are on a mission
to bring the gospel of Jesus
to the Levittown Community and beyond.
Spiritual Life
Schedule of Masses:
Saturday: 8:00 am and 5:00 pm
Sunday: 7:30 am, 9:00 am (Family Mass), 10:30 am,
12 Noon, 5:30 pm (Youth Mass)
Weekdays: 8:00 am
Holy Days: see website: www.StBernardsLevittown.org
Confessions:
Saturday: 4:00 - 5:00 pm. Weekdays: After the 8:00 am Mass
Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal Novena and
Benediction:
Monday: Check schedule on page 5.
Morning Prayer:
Monday through Saturday 8:30 am, Prayer Room. Books are
available.
Baptism of Children: We welcome infants and children to our
Christian community! Baptisms are held on select Sundays at
1:30 pm. Please contact the parish at least 3 months before
an anticipated baptism – even before a new child is born –
to ensure enough time to complete the baptism
preparation process. Our three-step preparation process
includes: 1) at-home reading and preparation by the parents;
2) an intake conversation with a member of our parish staff;
and 3) participation with other parents in a Sunday morning
gathering, which begins with attendance at our 9:00 am
“Family-friendly” Mass.
Please call 731-4220 or e-mail
parish@StBernardChurch.org to request a Baptism information
and preparation packet.
Marriages: Church arrangements should be made at least
6 months before the marriage and before making any
contracts with restaurants or caterers. Please call the
Would you like to join our vibrant community of Faith, Hope Rectory to set up an appointment with a priest, 731-4220.
and Love at St. Bernard’s? Sign-up and get to know us at Ministry to the Sick and Aging: If you are, or know of
one of our monthly New Parishioner Registration and Wel- someone who is homebound and would like to receive Holy
come evenings! For information, call the parish office at
Communion, please call the rectory at 731-4220.
516-731-4220, or download a form from our website
St. Vincent De Paul Society: 735-3218
www.StBernardsLevittown.org. Click on “Join St. Bernard’s
Usher Coordinator: John Lyons (516) 390-5150 or
Parish” on the left side of the home page form. If you
move away, please notify us as well.
Jlyons8234@gmail.com
Bulletin Deadline: Friday, 5:00 pm, nine days prior to publication. You may email us at Bulletin@StBernardChurch.org or leave a printed
copy in the inbox on the bulletin desk in the Parish Office. Thank you for your cooperation!
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It's not about the baby (yet)
E– mail Father Ralph: shepherd@StBernardChurch.org
Thanksgiving Thanks
There were quite a few
Thanksgiving celebrations
at the parish this past
week. There was
“Cubsgiving” with Cub
Pack 318, there was the
“Taco Thanksgiving” with
the St. Bernard Youth
Group, there was of course
our Thanksgiving Mass on
the day itself. A special
thanks to all who made the
celebrations great
moments of gratitude.
Thank you to King Kullen
for supplying the rolls that
we gave on Thursday
morning.
As we know, there are
some in our
neighborhoods who
struggle to make ends meet
and we were able provide
Thanksgiving meals for
about 100 families so the
anxiety of providing a
traditional feast was
lessened. Thanks to so
many who made all sorts
of charity possible during
these days. See page 10 of
this bulletin for a more
complete listing of those
who reached out in
charity.
I offer my gratitude for all
who served others either in
these public or in private
ways.
As Catholics we know that the Advent season in which we prepare for
Christmas isn’t really about snowflakes (on our coffee cups or not), reindeer, trees
or tinsel. We do know it is about Jesus’ coming. Where we sometimes get
mistaken is that we think Advent is preparation for Jesus coming as the “baby
Jesus”, back in the manger again.
While there is an aspect of Advent that leads us to remember that first coming of
Christ, the earliest part of Advent is about the SECOND coming of Christ. Jesus
promised to come again and Advent is a time to live in joyful hope that he is
coming back. Maybe today? Maybe tomorrow?
If I knew for sure that Jesus’ second coming would be this week, I would
definitely prioritize my life a bit differently. What would YOU do differently? The
problem is that after 2000 years he hasn’t come back yet, so we figure that he won’t
be showing up before Christmas again this year. But, what if he was about to show
up? Would that lead us to be different in any way?
In the past, I’ve shared my theory as to why he hasn’t returned yet. Let me share
it again: The first time Jesus came to walk the earth didn’t turn out so well for him.
Most everyone rejected him and his message, and he ended his earthly life being
tortured to death on a cross. With all the evil that still exists in the world, why
would he expect to fare any better in his second coming? Unless he was coming to
destroy the earth. But since he forgave the crucifixion and was resurrected to show
us his merciful love, I really doubt he would now change his mind and come back
as the vengeful, punishing God.
Rather I think he hasn’t come back because he is patiently waiting for us --as the
human race -- to choose good over evil. When we are all actually acting in love, he
will come back. Indeed the acts of love we already do are ways that Jesus comes
into the world. But the definitive “Second Coming” is delayed each day we do
destructive things to ourselves, our families, our neighborhoods, our country, our
earth, and the nations of the earth. So if we quit our bad addictive habits, if we quit
saying awful things about others (and quit Facebooking the awful things too), if we
stopped bullying --whether it be the schoolyard bully, the parent on the sidelines of
the game bully, or the ultimate terrorist bully, if we stopped poisoning earth and sky
-- then Jesus would be back sooner. And Jesus would be back for good. This week - let us be good.
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Parish News
Gifts of treasure
26th Annual National
Night of Prayer for Life
Sunday collections
November 22, 2015
November 23, 2014
$ 14,161.60
$ 13,229.95
644 envelopes
680 envelopes
Faith Direct
$
1,903.77
$ 2,183.52
Total Collection
$ 16,065.37
$ 15,413.47
We will be united in churches across the
country in prayer to end abortion and to
restore God's blessings of Life and
Religious Liberty in America from
Tuesday, December 8th - Wednesday,
December 9th from 9:00 pm to 1:00 am.
Second Collection—Home Missions
$
3,094.10
301 envelopes
Reminder for all the Ministers in the Ministry of
Consolation. There will be an Advent gathering and
meeting on Thursday December 3rd at 7 p.m. in the
peach room of the Parish Center. I hope to see you all
that night.
Sandy
Capital Campaign
Goal: $1,000,000.00
Pledged: $1,199,925.00
Collected to date: $1,068,322
Please continue to fulfill your pledge commitment
so that all of the planned projects can be accomplished.
Thank you for your continued generosity.
NOCTURNAL ADORATION SOCIETY gathers
this Saturday, December 5 at 8:00 pm in
the Church. All are welcome to attend and
spend time in adoration of our Lord Jesus
Christ in the Blessed Sacrament.
Faith Direct
Have you enrolled yet?
www.faithdirect.net Code = NY272
Friday, December 4, is the First Friday of the
month and is always dedicated to the Sacred
Heart of Jesus.
Catholic Daughters, Court St. Pius X, #1690
Meeting in the Parish Center
Thursday, December 10, 2015,
7:30 pm
Parish calendar
(Subject to change)
Monday, November 30
After 8am Mass - Miraculous Medal Novena, Church
4:15 pm Religious Ed Advent Prayer, Church
7:30 pm Liturgy Committee Meeting, Parish Center
Tuesday, December 1
10:00 am Our Lady of Consolation, Parish Center
2:00 pm Zumba Gold, Parish Center
6:00 pm Religious Award Boy Scout Troop 316,
Cafeteria
6:15 pm Children’s Choir Practice, Parish Center
7:00 pm Boy Scout 316 Meeting, Cafeteria
7:00 pm Spanish Rosary, Prayer Room
7:00 pm Vivitrol Support Group, School Room 209
7:30 pm AA Meeting, School Room 207
7:30 pm Adult Choir Rehearsal, Church
Wednesday, December 2
4:15 pm Religious Ed Advent Prayer, Church
7:30 pm Folk Group, Off-site
8:00 pm Bread of Life Prayer Group, Parish Center
USHERS NEEDED
Ushers are needed at all Masses. Woman and men
are invited. We especially need ushers at the
Saturday 5:00 pm Mass and Sunday Noon Mass. If
you are interested, please contact John Lyons, Usher
Coordinator, at 516-390-5150 or email him at
Jlyons8234@gmail.com
Are YOU
the salt of the earth?
Table salt enhances the flavor of food.
Our SALT is a new ministry that seeks
to enhance the lives of the
Sick Aging Lonely Tired
through little acts of kindness
( ex. a telephone call, a card, a visit, a pat on the back).
Would you like to join us and be a “Salt Shaker”?
Do you know of someone that we can serve?
Please call Bob Foley at 735-3278.
$ 3,176.75
354 envelopes
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mass intentions
sacraments
This listing may not reflect recent changes or additions.
Monday,
8:00 am
Tuesday,
8:00 am
Wednesday,
8:00 am
Thursday,
9:00 am
Friday,
8:00 am
Saturday,
8:00 am
5:00 pm
Sunday,
7:30 am
9:00 am
10:30 am
12 Noon
5:30 pm
BANNS OF MARRIAGE
First Time
November 30
Scott Neal, St. Bernard Parish, Levittown
Susan de los Angeles Guadamuz Gomez,
December 1
Vera Elefante
December 2
St. Bernard Parish, Levittown
Baptisms
We welcome into the parish the following new member:
December 3
Hunter Shea Poultney
Congratulations to the happy parents.
December 4
Eugenia Mattani
December 5
Benedict Rotondo,
Rosemary Tiefenwerth Birthday Remembrance,
Norbert Stemcosky
For all parishioners
December 6
for the sick of our parish
Joseph Ceraldi, Sr.
Fr. James Christie S.J.
Ed Costello Baby Brianna Fleming
Andrew Lalonde, Jr.
Deborah McGinn
Della Dorn Rice
Mark Thomas
All names will remain on the list for 4 weeks after you call in.
After that time we ask, if necessary, to call again.
Thank you for cooperating and God bless all.
Catherine Mahoney
Raymond McDevitt,
Sandra McDevitt,
Alessio Camilleri,
Stephen Witkowski
Marie Sheehan
Aniello Gandiello
Parish calendar
Please pray for all those on our Long-term Sick List
Baby Mason Francis Combs
Susan Arena
Arlene Barsch
Irene Boyce
Jean Caprera
Rosemary Clark
Roberta Curran
Richard DeLaRosa
Monica DeLaRosa
Juanita Dones
Harold Encizo
Jim Finlan
Kathleen Flaherty
Teresita Gallego
Colleen Grasing
John Guiffre
Mike Hach
Patricia Hafner
Carolyn Hakim
Donald Hall
Suzanne Hanna
Annette Hannon
Cynthia Hansen
Donna Hare
John Hartofil
Judy Hupfer
Gervas Ignacio
Vicki Jacona
Steve Jugan
Jerome W. Kalkhof
Amanda Kuck
Tia Mabanta
Andrew Mahoney
William McDonagh
Teresa McDonald
Mary McLean
Mary Messina
Irmgard Montanino
Kerri Orlando
Johnny Perdue
Rosina Perri
Raymond Pfiefer
Catherine Pipinou
Joan Rampolla Fred Rappa
Laureen Quinn-Sturge
Deanne Reilly
Federico Rueda
Terri Saccente
Eve Saint
Thomas Saint
Keith Sessa
Terry Sherwood
Joseph Smithwick, Sr.
Norma Steiger
Marina Suazo
Liberty Tabag
David Testa
Rosalie Travers
Donna Vollaro
Theresa Votta
Ann “Dolores” Walsh
Pat Welisher
Charles Yevoli
(Subject to change)
Thursday,
9:00 am
10:00 am
2:15 pm
4:15 pm
6:30 pm
7:00 pm
December 3
Zumba Gold, Parish Center
Shawl Ministry, Parish Center
St. Vincent Meeting, Clairvaux House
Religious Ed Advent Prayer, Church
Most Holy Trinity Novena, Prayer Room
Consolation Ministry Meeting,
Parish Center
7:30 pm Bereavement Candlelight Service,
Prayer Room
Saturday, December 5
9:00 am Religious Ed Pageant Practice, Gym
10:00 am Charitable Kidz, Parish Center
10:30 am Special Education, Parish Center
11:00 am Women’s AA Meeting, Cafeteria
8:00 pm Nocturnal Adoration, Church
Sunday, December 6
After 10:30 Mass - Brick Dedication, Memorial Garden
6:30 pm Youth Ministry Meeting, YM Room
8:00 pm AA Meeting, Cafeteria
Pray for our beloved deceased
and those who mourn for them
Annmary Hoare
Gerard J. McManus
Marion P. Sinisi
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ADULT FAITH FORMATION
Diane Vella, Pastoral Associate
Advent Evening Prayer
What’s a Christian to do??
Wed. Dec. 2, 9, 16, 23
7:30 p.m. in Church
by Diane Vella
Many Christians become indignant when people who
serve us in stores and other businesses have been instructed
at this “holy-day” time to offer a cheerful “Happy
Holidays!” as they ring us up. Presumably, this is so no one
is “offended” and everybody is “included.”
Recover some ADVENT PEACE
in the midst of a world that’s forgotten it.
Candlelight, incense, music and
reflective guided meditation in preparation
for Christmas.
Before we get all riled up about this, we do have to
realize that there IS a legitimate concern behind this
misguided attempt to be “nice”: Keep in mind that not
everyone is a Christian. We on Long Island should be
especially aware that at least one in 3 people who live here
are not explicit followers of Jesus Christ and do not
celebrate Christmas as a holy day. That means that it’s
likely that every third person who buys a vente latte at
Starbucks in a red “Christmas” cup (see last week’s bulletin)
is not going to be celebrating Christmas. So, it really isn’t
proper to indiscriminately wish everyone a “Merry
Christmas.” But does that mean we ditch faith greetings all
together? Absolutely not! Remember, in America we have
freedom OF religion, not freedom FROM religion!
Advent Retreat Day:
Here’s how I handle it: when someone wishes me a
“Happy Holidays,” I smile, thank them, and then say, “I’m
celebrating Christmas—are you celebrating a Holy Day at
this time?” They’re either caught off guard and stumble, or
smile in relief. When they say yes, I ask which one, and
then appropriately wish them a “Merry Christmas,”
a “Happy Hanukah,” or just a good day. They often
then wish me a hearty “Merry Christmas!”
Beginning by Waiting
Friday, December 4
1o a.m.– 2:30 p.m., Parish Center
The songs of Luke’s Gospel: Mary, Zechariah, John the Baptist, the angels and Simeon—tell us what the coming of the
savior means to each of them. What does it mean to me
that Jesus- Emmanuel (God with us) - is “with me,” and
how can I wait for and experience Jesus’ presence during
Advent in practical ways?
Then there’s the “Merry Xmas” thing.
Sometimes church-going Christians react to this one by
wearing buttons that say “Keep Christ in Christmas.” The
interesting thing is that most people don’t realize that the
“X” is actually an ancient symbol for Jesus. It’s the first
letter of the word “Christ” in Greek, the language of the
New Testament. (The second letter is “P”, and that’s why
you sometimes see the symbol above in churches.) So
“Merry Xmas” IS keeping Christ in Christmas—although
nobody knows that! Let’s by all means keep Christ in
Christmas. How will we all make that button saying a
reality this year??
Mrs. Claire Stiglic from St. Kilian’s will
lead our retreat day.
$20 in advance includes lunch.
Register: dvella@stbernardchurch.org
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ADULT FAITH FORMATION
Diane Vella, Pastoral Associate
But I’m Catholic!
What’s this got to do with me?
Last Saturday about 30 people from St. Bernard’s and surrounding parishes—all members of teams that
assist people who are in process of becoming Christian or Catholic - participated in a workshop in our
church to learn more about the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA). They learned how people
on this journey are helped to experience what it means to be a Catholic Christian through a very intentional
process of connecting with Christian Liturgy (worship), Learning, and Living. They learned that this process is very similar to a growing and deepening love relationship: it goes from curiosity, to casual dating,
to steady dating, to engagement, to marriage, and to the honeymoon period. Falling in love with and making a life commitment to Jesus through his Church is kind of like this. And just as there are rituals that signify the different steps in a deepening love relationship (the “going steady” school ring, the engagement,
the wedding), there are also rituals that signify the movement into different phases of someone’s deepening
relationship with Jesus. You may have occasionally seen some of these ritual ceremonies in church.
Several of the workshop participants who had seen only the ritual steps in church had their eyes opened
to the beauty of the process behind this: how people were slowly being initiated into how we worship, what
we believe, and how we live. They said they realized for the first time that everyone in the parish has a
responsibility to be models and mentors of how Catholic Christians worship, believe and live. They were
enthusiastic about sharing this “good news” with the people of the parish. And so they will!
Pope Francis says:
Have dinner with your FAMILY,
not your smartphone!
Over the course of the next year we will feature some thoughts from one of Pope Francis’ talks or homilies. We invite you
to think, talk and pray about what it might be saying to you and to our parish about our MISSION as followers of Jesus
Christ as we seek with faith, hope and love to bring the Gospel to the Levittown community and beyond.
“A family that almost never eats together, or that never speaks at the table but looks at
the television or the smartphone, is hardly a family…. When children at the table are
attached to the computer or the phone and don’t listen to each other, this is not a
family.... Sitting at table for the family dinner, sharing our meal and the experiences of
our day, is a fundamental image of togetherness and solidarity.”
From Pope Francis’ General Audience with pilgrims in St. Peter’s Square, Nov. 11, 2015
What is one thing your family can do right now to eat together more often, and to listen to one another better?
(Hint, hint: See photo up top!)
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Liturgy Corner
FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT
November 29, 2015
healthy “fear” of the Lord that assures us his friendship.
“The joy of the gospel fills the hearts and lives of all who
encounter Jesus” What better season to immerse ourselves in
the joy of meeting Jesus, our Messiah, than
Advent. In this holy season, we stop and reflect
upon, anticipate and prepare for the miraculous
moment when God became human, entering into
the history of the world in a way that brought
transformation and new life.
Second Reading: Paul and his Thessalonian converts
expected the great and terrible day of Christ’s
return to be imminent. But his advice is to do
more of the same: continue turning their lives
over to Christ, keep on loving one another as
Paul instructed, remain pure and blameless in
God’s sight. Not panic, but peace. Not frantic
activity but calm. Anxiety and fear are for
those who don’t know their future. Paul
assured the Thessalonians of theirs, and
confidence fosters love.
First Reading: Jeremiah offers sure hope in
the midst of hardship saying, “The days are
coming…I will fulfill the promise.” His focus is
on a future when current woes will cease,
promises will be fulfilled, and transformation
will be achieved so completely that all who
look upon Judah will recognize the saving hand
of God. By longing for the fulfillment of God’s
promises—in faith that turns to action—we can
help bring it about.
Gospel: A new year begins with imagery of
distress on the earth and in the sky. Luke is not
trying to incite panic, but surely this text is
meant to discomfort us and to keep us awake
and aware of what we are doing and what is
going on in the world around us. Luke’s words
are not without hope, however, because
implicit in what he says is the possibility that we can be
among those who “raise [their] heads” without fear in
anticipation of the drawing near of our “redemption.”
Responsorial Psalm 25: The psalmist knows
the key to friendship with God and therefore pleaded
“teach me, guide me.” Ironically, knowing God’s ways,
clinging to the path of truth, humbly acknowledging our
sinfulness so God can lead us to justice demonstrate a
Saints of the Week
Thursday, December 3. St. Francis Xavier (15061552), a native Spaniard, was one of the founding
members of the Society of Jesus (the Jesuits). Francis
Xavier felt called to be a “spiritual soldier” through
missionary endeavors to Christianize foreign lands and
convert the hearts of unbelievers. Francis tended to the
needs of the sick and infirm, revitalized the liturgical
and sacramental life of already existing Christian
populations, and drew people to faith in Jesus Christ.
from the misinterpretation on the part of the emperor
and many others that Christians were using sacred art as
a means of idol worship. St. John composed three
treatises with the goal of lifting up images of Christ, the
saints, and Mary as a doorway to the mystery of God’s
saving work.
Sourcebook 2016
Friday, December 4.
Most notably, St. John
Damascene, priest and Doctor of the Church, is
remembered for his avid defense of the use of sacred art
in churches, monasteries, and homes against iconoclasm
which sought to destroy all images of devotion, resulting
O Almighty God, in the form of a little child!
Make me worthy to meditate upon Your
greatness and power, Your goodness and
mercy, and Your majesty as God and Man.
December is the Month of the Divine Infancy
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Readings for
November 29, 2015 – December 6, 2015
Catholics For Freedom of
Religion - CFFR
Thanksgiving Proclamation - 1789
"Whereas it is the duty of Nations
to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God ... whereas
both Houses of Congress ... requested a day of public
thanksgiving and prayer to be observed by acknowledging
with grateful hearts the many signal favors of Almighty
God ... I do assign Thursday the 26th day of November
next ... to the service of that great and glorious Being..."
George Washington
Sunday, November 29. First Sunday of Advent.
Jeremiah 33:14-16; Psalm 25:4-5, 8-9, 10, 14;
1 Thessalonians 3:12—4:2; Luke 21:25-28, 34-36.
Monday, November 30. Feast of Saint Andrew,
Apostle. Romans 10:9-18; Psalm 19:8-11; Mathew
4:18-22.
Coach Suspended for "Religious Conduct":
A Washington State H.S. football coach is suspended
from his job for offering a lawful, private, personal prayer
of thanks at the 50-yard line after every game since 2008
without drawing any complaints. Coach Joe Kennedy, a
Marine veteran, will silently "take-a-knee" after shaking
hands with the opposing coaches and is sometimes joined
by students and game attendees.
Tuesday, December 1. Isaiah 11:1-10; Psalm 1-2, 7
-8, 12-13, 17; Luke10:21-24.
Wednesday, December 2. Isaiah 25:6-10a; Psalm
23:1-6; Mathew 15:29-37.
Thursday, December 3. Saint Francis Xavier,
Priest. Isaiah 26:1-6; Psalm 118:1, 8, 9, 19-21, 2527; Mathew 7:21, 24-27.
Coach Kennedy was told by Bremerton H.S. officials that
he could pray after games under one condition: that it
wouldn't be "observable to students or the public."
Friday, December 4. Saint John Damascene,
Priest, and Doctor of the Church. Isaiah 29:17-24;
Psalm 27: 1, 4, 13-14; Mathew 9:27-31.
Teachers, coaches, administrators - or public employees
of any kind - don't lose their religious freedom when they
step on school property. Insisting otherwise is a violation
of their civil rights. "No reasonable observer could
conclude that a football coach who waits until the game
is over, and the players have left the field, and walks to
mid-field to say a short, private, personal prayer, is
speaking on behalf of the state. Quite the opposite ... to
ban or prohibit Coach Kennedy - or any private citizen praying, violates the First Amendment," said Liberty
Institute attorneys. "Among the most basic rights that
Americans enjoy are the free exercise of religion, free
speech, and the freedom of association."
(libertyinstitute.org, 10/27/15; cbsnews.com, 10/30/15)
Saturday, December 5. Isaiah 30:19-21, 23-26;
Psalm 147:1-6; Mathew 9:35—10:1, 5a, 6-8.
Sunday, December 6. Second Sunday of Advent.
Baruch 5:1-9; Psalm 126:1-6; Philippians 1:4-6, 811; Luke 3:1-6.
For The Ride Home
This feature is for families to share their thoughts as
they travel to and from Church.
1st Sunday of Advent
"To be a Christian without prayer is no more possible than to be
alive without breathing."
Martin Luther
November 29, 2015
Gospel: Luke 21:25-28, 34-36
Adults: What have been the strengths of your prayer
life? What habit of prayer could you strengthen during
this Advent season?
Children: What prayers will you say each day and
each week during Advent?
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Parish social ministry
Sr. Christine Sammons, O.P., 731-6074
St. Vincent de Paul:
Can you help?
During the month of December, we will not be asking for items for the pantry since we have had many
donations of food which should carry us through to
the New Year.
One of our senior parishioners has been walking to
the 12:00 Sunday Mass. As winter approaches, her
daughter, who lives out of state, is concerned for her
safety. She lives just off Shelter Lane. If you might be
willing to drive her to and from church on occasion,
please call our office. Thanks!
We were able to provide Thanksgiving dinner to all
of our families. In particular, we would like to thank:
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The Christmas Giving Tree~~2015:
Levittown Kiwanis
The Catholic Daughters
Marco Polo Lodge
The Camaro and Generation 5 Mustang
Car Clubs
Lance and Miller’s Ale House
The Lions Club
The Charitable KIDZ and parents
Island Harvest
Runyon’s Restaurant of Seaford
Stop & Shop Meat Department
The American Legion (Island Trees)
Our Faith Formation Children and Catechists
The Shawl Ministry
Girl Scout Troop 3371
Each and every individual and family who
contributed baskets, turkeys, supermarket
gift cards, cash and checks
Denise Lownie who organized our baskets
for distribution.
During this Advent season, we invite you to take our
Christmas Giving Tree tags to help our families.
(The gifts requested cost $25.00 or less.)
Please:





take a tag
purchase the gift
wrap it
attach the tag (securely)
and return the gift to our office,
no later than December 12th so we can prepare the
gifts for our families (for distribution on Saturday,
December 19th.)
Please do not leave gifts in the food bin, and if you
purchase a gift card, you may put it in the collection
basket at Mass. It will find its way to us! Thanks for
your consistent generosity!
We are such a richly blessed community, on a
mission to bring the gospel of Jesus to the
Levittown community and beyond!
Thanks to everyone. If we missed your name, please let
us know!
Thanksgiving Blessings to everyone!
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St. Bernard’S Center for religiouS eduCation
Mrs. Susan Martin, M.A., Director, 516-731-8511
Reflection for the first week of Advent… Our society recognizes signs of the holiday
season with secular decorations of glass balls and snowflakes, snowmen and Santa Claus,
black Friday, mail order catalogs for Christmas cards and Hickory Farms, and a sense of
frenzied commercialism which tugs at our pocketbooks and consciences. Our Church
offers a peaceful alternative which is called Advent. Advent means “the coming.” In
these four weeks of Advent, we aim to prepare our hearts and minds for the coming of
our Prince of Peace. This holy season is the beginning of the new church year calendar
as well. It teaches our children to wait since we know good things are worth waiting for!
The Church in her wisdom shows us how to enter into the beauty of the Christmas
season by observing Advent. We recall the Incarnation (God becoming man) at
Christmas and we also await Jesus’ Second Coming.
The first Sunday of Advent is Nov. 29th. In chapter 21 of Luke, we read that the Son
of Man is coming. We are hopeful because our redemption is at hand.
For your domestic church at home..
Why not begin a family tradition of the Advent Wreath in your home?
This is a visible reminder of God’s presence during this spiritual season.
A simple makeshift wreath of some greenery (symbolizing eternity and
vitality of life) shaped in a circle (representing God who has no
beginning and no ending) with four candles is inserted in the wreath.
Each Sunday one candle is lit by a family member and a prayer is read
or sung. This teaches our little ones how to wait for Christmas with
the emphasis of Jesus being the reason for the season. Purple candles
(symbolizing repentance) are lit on the first, second, and fourth Sundays. A pink candle
(representing joy and hope) is lit on the third Sunday. Here is a family prayer for the
First Sunday of Advent:
First Week of Advent: Lord Jesus, we know Advent is a time to prepare for
Christmas. Help us to wait and prepare in Your Spirit of Love. Help us to practice
quiet in our lives so that we may hear you speak to us. Amen.
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Please pray for
Our Servicemen and Women
Michael Agunzo, Jr.
Joseph Albertini, US Army
Edward Alexander, US Air Force
John Amon, USMC PFC
Andrew Anton
Patrick Ayoung, USAF
Sean Ayoung, USN
Eric R. Brouillet, LCpl, USMC
Nicholas Catalano
LCPL Steven Churchill
Pvt. William Curtin
Cpt. Christopher DarConte, USAF
Sgt. Mark Dennington
Captain Carey Eden
Pvt. Erick Elkowitz U.S. Marine Corp
Sgt. Matthew Ferrante, USMC
Julianna Ferrante, USAF
William Gilmartin
Albert Giovanniello, USAF
Frank Iadevia, USAF
Major John P. Kilbride
Major Thomas J. Kilbride
Michael Kruszewski, US Navy
Lt. Jacen Lanclos
Sgt.1st Class Chris Manzililio
Lt. Kyle McDermott
Airman 1st Class Maritza R. Mazzara, USAF
Ricardo Melendez, USMC
Seaman Mike Mercado, USN
Robert S. Meyers
LCpl Nicholas Montalvo, USMC
Pvt. William Munn, US Army
P.O. Dawn M. Orlando
Rob Owens, USMC
Frank Pascale
Jacqueline Peterson
Lance Cpl. Christopher Piccolo
Cpl. Michael Randazzo
Sgt. Samuel Rodriquez, U.S. Army
Carl M. Saviano
MSgt. Matthew Schwally, USAF
Sgt. Vince Senn
PFC Desmond Slattery
Sgt. Jonathan Soto, U.S. Army
Thomas Sullivan
Jonathan Taggart, USMC
Call the Rectory to have names added or removed from this list, or to add the branch of service.
Remember and pray for all the wonderful men and woman serving in our Military especially those who are away from their
homes so that we can enjoy peace and freedom. God bless all of them and comfort those who have suffered sickness or injury.
Community Bulletin Board
Young Adult Ministry
Faith on Tap is a forum engaging young adults in
straight talk and honest answers to questions of faith.
FOT is a venue where young adults can meet others
who are living out their faith. Please join us for our next
Faith on Tap on Monday, November 30, 2015 at 7:30
p.m. at the Wantagh Inn, across from the Wantagh RR
Station. Our talk for the evening is entitled “33 To
Life—Kevin and Giorgio’s Miracle Story”. Our
speaker, Kevin Becker, will share with us his story of
how Pier Giorgio’s intercession saved his life.
Help Wanted
Full time Human Resource Director position open for
small long term care facility (100 employees) in Queens
Village. Must have experience. Payroll experience a
plus. Excellent benefits. Please fax resume to 718-4644308 or e-mail to
qphumanresources@littlesistersofthepoor.org .
Dominican Village Open House:
Thursday, December 3, 1:00 —3:00 pm
Saturday, December 5, 1:00 —3:00 pm
Thursday, December 17, 1:00 —3:00 pm
Saturday, December 19, 1:00 —3:00 pm
Dominican Village, sponsored by the Sisters of St.
Dominic, is a not-for-profit and non-sectarian
independent and assisted living residence. Respite and
short term stays are available. For more information or
to schedule a tour at your convenience call 631-8426091 or email info@dominicanvillage.org. Dominican
Village is located at 565 Albany Avenue, Amityville,
NY 11701. Website: www.dominicanvillage.org.
Spirituality For Singles - Monthly Singles Gathering
Saturday, Dec 5, 2015, 8:30PM at St. Aidan Parish, 510
Willis Ave., Williston Park, NY, 11596. Our Monthly
gathering for singles; discussion, meditation,
socialization. This Gathering will feature a guest
speaker. Ages 35+; $5.00 donation - snacks, pizza and
beverages will be served. Contact: Ray (516) 561-6994
or spiritualityforsingles@gmail.com
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WANTAGH
603 Wantagh Avenue
EAST MEADOW
2515 N. Jerusalem Road
516-826-1010
516-731-5550
Serving Proudly the St. Bernard Parish for over 50 Years
QUICK EMERGENCY RESPONSE 24 HR. 7 DAYS
P H IL C E P A RA N O
PLUMBING & HEATING
All Leaks Repaired • Floods Pumped
ATTORNEY AT LAW
ALL WORK PERFORMED BY OWNER
Highly Recommended By His Customers
TRY ME ONCE
YOU’LL BE IMPRESSED WITH THE SERVICE
35 YEARS EXPERIENCE
www.ceparanoplumbing.com
Serving the Parish Area
RAYMOND NARDO
129 Third St., Mineola, NY 11501
Are you Selling Your Home?
Do You Need a Will?
516-248-2121
516-454-6557
g xÇw x Ü _É ä x V t Üx
Telephone - 516-342-1335
Email -atlchomecare@outlook.com
Compassionate home care
for your loved one including:
Bathing assistance
Light Meal Preparation
Light House Keeping
Doctor Visits
Medication Reminders Shopping and more…
We treat your loved ones like family.
Lic. Master Plumber
Serving all Nassau
No Job Too Small
Insured
Comforting families Since 1924
ASK ABOUT MY 2 YEAR GUARANTEE
Homecare corp.
Family Owned and Operated by Timothy J. Dalton and Beth Dalton-Costello
LEVITTOWN
2786 Hempstead Tpk.
(516) 796-0400
HICKSVILLE
47 Jerusalem Avenue
(516) 931-0262
www.thomasfdaltonfuneralhomes.com
MAIDENBAUM PROPERTY
TAX REDUCTION GROUP, LLC
CustomerService@MPTRG.com
Office: (516) 336-8622
Over 25 Years of Experience
PAT DOLAN PLUMBING
Licensed Master Plumber
HOLY INNOCENTS COUNCIL #3581
3581 Jeffries Rd., Levittown, N.Y.
For Membership info Call (516) 731-9018
**********
Banquet Facility available (516) 735-1724
Serving
Hicksville
for 50 years
HICKSVILLE FLOWERS
East Village Car Care, Inc.
Jim Langenfeld
Complete Auto Repair
Foreign & Domestic
151 Jerusalem Ave., Levittown, NY
(East Village Green Shopping Center)
(516) 731-3737
We
Deliver
Weddings • Funerals • Fruit Baskets • Plants
Anywhere
• Bouquets • All Flower Arrangements
18 Newbridge Rd., Hicksville (just North of R.R.)
516-681-5010
Open 8-8 M-S • Sun. 10-5:30
Mary Ann Nuzzi, C.P.A.
INCOME TAXES
• Available Year-Round
798-8943
516-731-4635
VERNON C. WAGNER FUNERAL655
HOMES,
INC.
125 Old Country Road
Old Country Road
24 HR. EMERGENCY SERVICE
Hicksville, NY 11714
(516) 935-7100
See Your Advertisement in Full Color!
Now
conveniently in
East Meadow
Call The Church Bulletin Inc.
for more information
(631) 249-4994
www.kensfaucetandtoiletrepairs.com
KENS FAUCET
& TOILET REPAIRS INC.
All Plumbing Repairs
All Bathroom Leaks
Licensed
including Tile Repair Master Plumber
516-488-2480
serving the Community Since 1990
“Our Service Speaks For Itself”
DIVISION
CAR CARE
“All Repairs Guaranteed”
731-8900
Foreign & Domestic
N.Y. State Inspections
40 Division Ave.
Levittown
Plainview, NY 11803
(516) 938-4311
CLASS “A” ROOFING & SIDING
ROOFING SPECIALIST
“We Live Here, We Worship Here”
(516) 826-5514
Lic/Ins
John Satriano, ABR, SRES
N.Y.S. Lic. R.E. Broker Associate
Notary Public
Prevete Real Estate
Office Hours
By Appointment
MATTURRO DENTAL P.C.
3705 Hempstead Turnpike
Levittown, New York 11756
General & Cosmetic Dentistry
“YOU’LL BE AMAZED”
CALL FOR FREE Market Analysis
Your Personal Realtor
Telephone: (516) 735-7444
Business (516) 520-3838
Fax (516) 520-5738
Cell (516) 330-9940
- Member Long Island Board of Realtors
- Member New York State Association of Realtors
- Member National Association of Realtors
Each Office is Independently Owned And Operated
3601 Hempstead TpkeSuite 422
Levittown, NY 11756
Parish Member Supporting
Our Community
#172 FOR ADVERTISING: THE CHURCH BULLETIN INC., 200 DALE ST., W. BABYLON, NY 11704-1104 (631) 249-4994 • www.thechurchbulletininc.com
Repair or Replace: Faucets • Toilets • Sinks • Drains • Heat
Waste & Water Lines - Residential Specialist
And
Holidays