St. Patrick RC Church - Saint Patrick`s Roman Catholic Church

St. Patrick R.C. Church
280 East Main Street, Smithtown, New York 11787
“Christ with us. Christ before us. Christ behind us.”
January 10, 2016—The Baptism of the Lord
Special
Guests
St. Patrick’s welcomed some very special
guests last weekend. On Sunday night,
Congressman Lee Zeldin, who represents
New York’s first Congressional District, spoke
about issues concerning religious freedom.
On Saturday night, the “three wise men”
visited our 5 PM family Mass in celebration of
the Feast of the Epiphany. (More photos and
information inside.)
St. Patrick Church
280 East Main Street, Smithtown, NY 11787
631-265-2271, rectory@stpatricksmithtown.org
Mass Times
Reconciliation
Weekdays: 6:45 A.M., 9:00 A.M., 12:10 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM, 5 and 8 PM
Novena Mass (Miraculous Medal): Monday, 7:30 PM
Sunday: 7:30, 9:00, 10:30 AM, 12 Noon, 5 PM
Saturday: from 3:45 to 4:45 PM
Sunday: from 8:15 to 8:45 AM
Monday: 6:45 to 7:15 P.M. before the Novena Mass
Anytime by appointment in the Rectory
Marriage
Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament
Couples should make arrangements at the Rectory
at least six months before the desired wedding date.
Baptisms
Sundays at 1:30 P.M. Parents must make
arrangements at the Rectory.
Thursdays for one hour following 12:10 PM Mass
First Fridays after 12:10 Mass until 3:00 PM*
Nocturnal Adoration, third Saturday of the month
from 9 PM to 7 AM Sunday
Pro-Life Holy Hour, third Tuesday of the month, 7:30 PM
(*Watch bulletin for possible changes in concluding time)
FromthePastor’sDesk
There are many things that change and transform
our lives. We are changed and transformed most
powerfully by those we love and those who love us.
Those of you who are married have been transformed
by the presence of a spouse who knows and loves you
more than anyone else. You have the gift of a person
not only who knows you but who trusts you and who
you can trust. The gift of children opens our eyes to the
joy of loving them and their innate trust in us, especially
in their early and formative years. They are beloved
children. They elicit from our hearts love, sacrifice, joy,
and wonder.
During this Christmas Season which ends today
liturgically as we celebrate the Feast of the Baptism of
the Lord, we have had the opportunity to see and reflect
on the love, sacrifice, joy, and wonder we have elicited
from God’s heart. Last week we celebrated the feast of
the Epiphany seeing once again how the Magi followed
a star and found the Christ child. They offered their gifts
of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. But before they
offered these gifts they offered the ultimate gift we can
all give, the gift of themselves. The passage from
Matthew’s Gospel that recounts this event tells us that
the first thing they did was prostrate themselves in
homage, a gesture of humble gratitude and joy. We do
the same every time we come into a church building
and genuflect. Like the Magi we bow down in humble
joy, hope, and gratitude. We offer God the gift of our
presence, trusting in His love for us.
In today’s Gospel we see how people were amazed
at the wisdom and insights about God from John the
Baptist. He was a person that they allowed to touch
their hearts, to feed the desire we all have deep within
us to know and experience the presence of God. The
longer we know someone and the more time we spend
with them, the more we see their goodness and love.
The more we are filled with joy, wonder, and
gratitude. The people who listened to John the Baptist
and were open to his message knew that they had
found a treasure. He opened their minds to the need
they and all of us have for God, and at the same time
pointed to the one who is God Himself, Jesus. Wonder,
joy, and gratitude are three wonderful feelings that lift us
beyond confusion, ignorance, fear, and a sense of
unworthiness of being loved, to allow God and others to
feed, sustain, inspire, and give us life everyday.
Last Tuesday we celebrated the feast of St. John
Neumann, an immigrant from Bohemia who came to
America in 1836 and eventually became the bishop of
Philadelphia. In a reflection from him published in the
Magnificat he said, “I feel within myself an ardent desire
to love Jesus and to be closely united with Him. The
daily reception of His Sacred Body and Blood brings
with it immense graces to my soul. But I find that I am
not sufficiently watchful over my senses. I am indolent
in the discharge of my duties. I say my prayers with
distraction. O my dearest Jesus, what a great privilege
to visit you daily, as often as I choose and to receive
you each day in Holy Communion..... O my God, I
have consecrated myself to you. Do with me whatever
is most pleasing to you. I beg of you, O my God, to let
me see clearly what I ought to do.” As I read this
reflection I can certainly identify with Neumann’s
sense of unworthiness and the struggle to get beyond
distractions. Distractions are part of our lives not just
when we pray, but in all we do each day. We can be
distracted while driving or in what we are doing at the
present moment. I can identify with his desire to live
up to his responsibilities as a pastor ever more
fully. We all have that feeling at times that we could
have done something better or more sincerely. The
key is to recognize and experience Neumann’s
faith. As much as he struggled, even more he
responded to God’s love for him. He recognized he
was what the voice in today’s Gospel says about
Jesus: “You are my beloved Son!”
All of us are God’s beloved children. We are God’s
beloved sons and daughters. That is why He came
into our world in Jesus. That is why He died on the
cross for usThat is why He is always there when we
pray and ready to sustain and nourish us with Himself
in the Eucharist as well as the other Sacraments
where we encounter Him and His life giving love and
presence. We became God’s beloved sons and
daughters when we were baptized. How important is
that reality to us? We are intimate members of God’s
family. The question is: “How deeply have we
immersed ourselves into our life with Him?” How
deeply have we allowed Him into our lives? There is
no doubt about His desire to be part of our lives. That
is what Christmas is all about.
There are many powerful forces in our world. Today,
more than ever, we are capable of communicating,
researching, and exploring in areas of health, energy,
and technology. But we are still confronted with the
age old quest of finding a way to live in peace with all
people. I began this column by stating that the most
powerful force that changes and transforms us is the
power of love. As God’s beloved sons and daughters
we have the most powerful force for good in all of
creation, the power of God and His love. May we be
like St. John Neumann and allow our faith to fill us
with wonder, joy, humility, and gratitude. The gift of
Jesus we celebrate at Christmas is a gift we are
blessed with every moment of our lives - the gift of
God’s love for us as His beloved sons and
daughters.
Masses for the Week
Saturday, January 9th:
5:00 PM
8:00 PM
Victor Minicucci
People of the Parish
Sunday, January 10th:
7:30 AM
9:00 AM
10:30 AM
12:00 PM
5:00 PM
Charles & Pauline Becker
Ramiro C del Castillo, Sr.
Luddy Dellova
John Schook
Geri and Chuck Kirol
Monday, January 11th:
6:45 AM
9:00 AM
12:10 PM
7:30 PM
Anna Rodriquez
Catherine Carey
Alice & Walter Casper
Dominic Auriana
Tuesday, January 12th:
6:45 AM
9:00 AM
12:10 PM
Carol Derby
Kevin Keough
Antonio Ceraso
Wednesday, January 13th:
6:45 AM
9:00 AM
12:10 PM
Dr. John Malangone
Cornelius N. Healey
Nick & Idelene Reeber
Thursday, January 14th:
6:45 AM
9:00 AM
12:10 PM
Charlie Sauer
Richard Lo Sqadro
Dominic Di Vito
Friday, January 15th:
9:00 AM
12:10 PM
5:00 PM
Nancy Sabater
Lorraine Kerrigan
Rose La Rosa
Saturday, January 16th:
9:00 AM
5:00 PM
8:00 PM
*Multiple Intentions
Eileen Perrino
Edith Kucala
Sunday, January 17th:
7:30 AM
9:00 AM
10:30 AM
12:00 PM
5:00 PM
Lenny Fodera, Jr.
People of the Parish
James & Robert Stravino
James McDonal
Alfredo Pulito
*Fran Fontane, Larry Cervellino, Anita & Frank Sheard,
James Bungay, Mya Cohen, Bob Stravers
Treasure
Communal Offering for December 27, 2015: $25,118.97.
Offering for Corresponding Sunday, 2014: $25,474.00.
Communal Offering for January 3, 2016: $28,719.56.
Offering for Corresponding Sunday, 2015: $29,298.38.
Our Pastoral Team
Rev. Msgr. Ellsworth R. Walden, Pastor
Rev. Sean Magaldi, Associate Pastor
Rev. Shibi Pappan, Associate Pastor
Rev. Fred Hill, In Residence
Rev. Xavier Lakra, In Residene
Deacon Richard Janiec
Deacon Bernard Sherlock
Mr. Joseph Menge, Business Manager
Mrs. Linda Pymm, School Principal
Mrs. Elaina Kedjierski, Dir. of Religious Ed., Levels 1-4
Mrs. Peggy Soviero, Dir. of Religious Ed., Levels 5-8
Ms. Dianne Williams, Parish Social Minister
Ms. Cindy Marsh, Youth Administrator
Mr. Tony Bellizzi, Youth Minister
Contact Us
Rectory - 265-2271
Rectory Fax - 863-1586
Parish Website: stpatricksmithtown.org
Outreach - 265-2668
Religious Forma on - 724-7454
St. Patrick School - 724-0285
School Website - spssmith.org
Youth Community - 360-0185
Fr. Walden’s Email - ERWALDEN71@aol.com
Parish Email - rectory@stpatricksmithtown.org
Parish Website: stpatricksmithtown.org
Office Hours: Rectory 9 AM to 7 PM, Mon. - Fri.
9 AM to 5 PM Sat., 10 AM to 1 PM Sun.
Parish Outreach:9:15 AM to 3:00 PM, Mon.—Fri.
Youth Community: 9 AM to 3 PM, Mon. - Fri.
Religious Forma on: 9 AM to 3:30 PM, Mon. - Thurs.
St. Patrick’s Pastoral Council Email:
pastoral_council@stpatricksmithtown.org
Parish Organiza ons
Bereavement Support: Mon., 7 PM Outreach Ctr.
Blue Lancers Drum, Bell & Bugle Corps., 979-8578
Catholic Daughters: 3rd Mon., 8 PM
Choir: Thurs. evening, 8 PM
Columbie es: 2nd Mon., 8 PM
Jus ce & Peace: Once a month, 7:00 PM Outreach Ctr.
Knights of Columbus: 2nd & 4th Tues., 8 PM
Legion of Mary: Tues. mornings at 9:30 AM
Nocturnal Adora on Society: 3rd Sat. from 9 PM-7AM
Pro Life Family: Last Tues., 7:30 PM in school
R.C.I.A. (Rite of Chris an Ini a on for Adults); 265-2271
Sacred Heart Prayer Group: Tues., 7:30 PM, Emmaus Room
Something for Seniors; 2nd & 4th Wed., 1 PM, 265-0034
Let anyone who comes to you go away feeling better and happier. Everyone should see
goodness in your face, in your eyes, in your
smile. Joy shows from the eyes. It appears
when we speak and walk. It cannot be kept
closed inside us. It reacts outside. Joy is very
infectious.
- Blessed Teresa of Calutta
Come Pray With Us!
Do you feel compelled to pray for your
family? Do you have a heart for all the
suffering in our world today? Do you have a
desire to pray with other women for these
intentions? Then maybe God is calling you
to join our St. Anne Women's Prayer Group.
Experience a deeper relationship with God as we
pray the Rosary then read and discuss the
upcoming Sunday Gospel. Come experience the
joy and peace of praying with other faith-filled
women.
When:
Every Tuesday Afternoon-from 1:00 to 2:00PM
Where:
Parish Center (formerly The Convent)
Contact:
Ann (631) 724-4749 or Joan (631) 379-7438
A woman who prays can
be the single greatest force
for good in the life of her
family---a woman like you!
We believe God changes
lives forever when women
gather together to pray.
Please Join Us!
Rosary Makers now meets
on the third Friday of the month!
Join us on Friday, January 15th
at 7:00 PM in the Parish Center.
All ages are welcome!
Students
participating
in
Rosary Makers may use this
activity for service hours for
Confirmation. For information,
call 631-374-1116.
The Altar Bread and Wine
were donated for the week
in loving memory of
Helen Cadwell.
Sacred Heart
Prayer Group
The Sacred Heart Prayer group is a charismatic
prayer group that meets every Tuesday evening at
7:15 PM in the Small Meeting Room of the Parish
Center (old convent). We are looking for new
members, young and old……All would be welcomed.
We would especially like to reach out to anyone who
might like to join our music ministry. If you play the
guitar or sing, we would love for you to join us! Please
call Barbara Hall at 631-366-0252 with any questions.
Pro-Life Rose
St. Patrick’s Pro-Life Family invites
you to dedicate a Pro-Life Rose for
any intention by contacting Lisa by
email at lisapollicino@yahoo.com
or call 656-6343.
Your participation helps bring a greater awareness of
the sacredness of all human life, especially the
unborn. The cost is $10.
Bread & Wine
Memorial
To arrange a memorial for Altar
Bread and Wine, please call
Diane Sperzel at 265-3307.
Donation for the week is $50.
Cards will be sent to the family.
Reservations are now being taken for the
National March for Life
in Washington D.C.
Friday, January 22nd
Mass at 4:00 AM followed by
a continental breakfast
courtesy of the Knights of Columbus.
Bus leaves at 5:00 AM and
returns at approximately 11:30 PM.
Cost is $20 per person—limited seating.
For reservations and information,
Call Ignatius Rienzo at 631-265-1081
We are a People of Prayer
Please continue to say the following prayers each day
as we seek God’s guidance, strength and courage
Gracious God, we are your people embraced by your love. We thank you for your presence with us throughout all
time. Create us anew. Liberate us from that which keeps us from you. Enable us to recreate our world and restore
justice. Heal us from every form of sin and violence. Transform us to live your Word more profoundly. Reconcile us
so enemies become friends. Awaken us to the sacred; nurture our relationships; enliven our parishes; reunite our
families. Fill us with joy to celebrate the fullness of life. Empower us to be a community of love growing in your
likeness. Amen.
Thank you Father for the gift of life. Thank you for the gift of your Son, Jesus. May my gratitude inspire and sustain
me in doing everything I can to respect the lives of all people and to do all in my power to end abortion and
everything else that harms, abuses, or threatens human life. Give me the courage and strength to live in your image
each day. Amen.
Lord, the plight of our brothers and sisters is deep and the suffering of
Christians is severe and frightening. Therefore, we ask you Lord to
spare their lives to grant them patience and courage to continue their
witness of Christian values with trust and hope. Lord, peace is the
foundation of life; Grant us the peace and stability that will enable us to
live with each other without fear and anxiety, and with dignity and joy.
The symbol to the right (the Arabic letter “N” for Nazarene) is being
used to mark Christians in Iraq for persecution.
Holy Families
On the weekend of December 26th and 27th, several parish
families helped us celebrate the Feast of the Holy Family by
serving as lectors. Pictured are (from left, from top) the Garrity
family, the Flanagan family, the Brennan family, the Bartels family,
the DiStefano family, the Guglielmo family and the Scanlon family.
Thank you to all our lector families for bringing the readings to life.
Join us for the
Knights of Columbus
Free Throw Competition
This Sunday, January 10th
at 12 Noon in Canning Hall
Boys & Girls ages 9 to 14 may participate.
Entry forms available at
directprocessserver.com/form.pdf
Birth certificate or other proof of age required.
Free to enter—Non-perishable food donation requested.
Questions? Email knights@directprocess.com
Mark your calendar for the
St. Patrick School Open House
Sunday, January 31st from 1:00 to 3:00 PM
A Catholic education cultivates the whole person. A structured school environment,
high expectations, attention to the discipline and underlying values that are
integrated with curriculum all help develop the mind, body and spirit of St. Patrick
School students. Students leave St. Patrick School with strong self-confidence, well
developed interpersonal skills and a great respect for themselves and others—all
of which will help them in their further schooling , and in life.
Call 631-724-0285 for details, and learn more about
how a St. Patrick School education can benefit your child.
Living in Faith . . . Growing in Character
Mark your calendar for the
Catholic Daughters’
Baby Shower
After Masses Saturday & Sunday
January 23rd & 24th
Members of the Catholic Daughters will be in the back of church to gladly accept your
donations of new baby items (for newborns through 24 months) as well as monetary gifts.
Please bring your gifts unwrapped.
Some Suggestions:
Diapers (up to size 6) and Diaper Bags - Bottles, Brushes, Bibs & Sippy Cups - Pacifiers - Bedding (crib
size & bassinet) - Baby Tubs, Towels, Wash Clothes and Toiletries - Clothing and Socks (up to 24
months) - Pack ’n Plays - Car Seats - Bouncer Seats - High Chairs - Booster Seats - Bassinettes Folding Gates
*Gently used baby items may be donated to the
Life Center of Long Island, 1167 Deer Park Avenue, Deer Park, 234-2373.
Giving Made Easier
If you are a regular contributor to our parish, Faith Direct—our electronic giving program—is for you. Faith
Direct eliminates the need for church envelopes and allows you to support our parish even when travel or
other commitments make it impossible for you to attend Mass at St. Patrick’s. To apply online, visit
www.faithdirect.net.
Royal Visitors
at the 5:00 PM
Family Mass
33
Special visitors at the Saturday 5:00 PM Family Mass helped us celebrate the Feast of the Epiphany last
weekend. The three wise men were portrayed by parishioners Anthony Corbo and Nick Reeber, along with our
associate pastor, Fr. Shibi.
In the Neighborhood . . . .
Job Fair—Tuesday, January 12th from 9:30 AM to 2:30
PM at the Clarion Hotel and Conference Center, 3845
Veterans Memorial Highway in Ronkonkoma. This is a
great opportunity to meet with many of Long Island’s top
companies in one day. Free admission and parking.
Wear proper attire and bring copies of your resume. For
more information, visit www.LiJobFinder.com. For
directions, call 631-585-9500.
Medical Mondays—St. James Parish in Setauket and
Catholics for Freedom of Religion are hosting a series of
discussions on the moral and ethical issues confronting
patients, families, healthcare workers and administrators
in the 21st century. Meetings will be held in the St.
James Parish Center from 7:30 to 9:30 PM. The series
includes: Fertility Treatments and Sterility Procedures on
January 11th; Vaccines Derived from Cell Lines of
Aborted Fetuses and Stem Cell Research on January
25th; Sexual Assault Protocols, Plan B and Other
Emergency Contraception on February 1st; Euthanasia
and Physician-Assisted Suicide on February 8th; The
Ethics of Sex Change Procedure on February 15th; and
Moral Dilemmas in the Patient-Caregiver Relationship
and Following One’s Conscience on February 22nd.
Presenters are Dr. James Spencer, Sr, VP, Mission and
Ministry, Catholic Health Services of Long Island and
Jamey Hutchinson, BSB, CFCP. For information call 631
-941-4141.
Worldwide Marriage Encounter—Are you looking for
the perfect Valentine’s gift? A Worldwide Marriage
Encounter Weekend might be just what you are looking
for. Worldwide Marriage Encounter is the original and
still best communication weekend for married couples.
The next weekend is February 12th to 14th at the
Montfort Spiritual Center in Bay Shore Space is limited.
For more information or to apply, call 1-877-697-9963 or
visit www.wwme.org.
You Can Help Heal Your Marriage—Do you feel alone?
Are you frustrated or angry with each other? Do you argue
or have you just stopped talking to each other? Does
talking about it only make it worse? Retrouvaille helps
couples through difficult times in their marriages. This
program has helped thousands of couples worldwide
experiencing ALL TYPES of marital difficulties. For
confidential information about the Retrouvaille program, or
to register for the upcoming weekend that begins Friday,
January 22nd, please call 1-800-470-2230.You will be
connected directly and confidentially to a couple from
Long Island/Metro Retrouvaille who can help. Please call
or go to the web at www.retrouvaille.org to make a
reservation.
PARISH FINANCIAL SUMMARY
(For the month of December)
PARISH INCOME
Sunday & Holyday Collections
Christmas Flower Collection
Christmas Collection
Interest Income
Religious Ceremonies (Baptisms)
Votive Candles (Poor Box Collections)
Wedding & Funeral Music Fees
Building Use Assessment Fees
Miscellaneous
Parish Organization Reimbursement for
Diocese Quarterly Assessment
Religious & Clergy in Residence
Altar Bread and WineDonations
Room Rental
PARISH EXPENSES
Salaries
Fringe Benefits (Medical, Pension, Soc. Sec., etc.)
Office Expenses (Postage, printing,computer fees,
$114,162.00
2,536.00
102,188.00
16.00
1,030.00
3,415.00
4,625.00
2,666.00
3,312.00
7,136.00
1,000.00
250.00
300.00
$242,636.00
$56,762.00
36,392.00
6,728.00
telephone, supplies,offertory envelopes, copier leases, etc.)
Nocturnal
Adoration
Next week the Nocturnal Adoration Society will meet
for its monthly night of prayer. The first vigil (hour of
prayer) will begin immediately after the 8:00 PM
Saturday Mass. Parishioners are encouraged to
stay and pray privately or with the Nocturnal
Adoration group. The first vigil will be from 9 PM to
10 PM. The vigils will continue throughout the night.
The last one will be from 6 AM to 7 AM, followed by
Benediction and the 7:30 AM Mass. All are invited to
participate at any time during the night. Come and
spend time with our Lord Jesus.
Liturgical Items
Utilities (Heat, water, electric)
Building Maintenance, supplies & general repair
Contracted Services (cleaning, waste services,
(grounds maintenance, snow removal, etc.)
Diocesan Quarterly Assessment
School Subsidy
Rectory Household
Major Repairs
Miscellaneous
Charity
Net Surplus
2,349.00
7,228.00
3,856.00
10,916.00
39,737.00
20,724.00
1,720.00
2,435.00
2,025.00
1,350.00
$192,222.00
$50,414.00
Fiscal Year-To-Date (Sept. 1, 2015 to August 31, 2016)
Total Income
$671,791.00
Total Expenses
$695,299.00
Net Deficit
($23,508.00)
A Visit from
our Congressman
Last Sunday evening, our church hosted a talk by
Rep. Lee Zeldin, U.S. representative for New
York’s first congressional district which covers
central and eastern Suffolk County, including
most of Smithtown. The event was sponsored by
Catholics for Freedom of Religion. Congressman
Zeldin spoke about religious freedom issues and
took questions from those in attendance. Also
pictured are Barbara Samuells (top left) and Linda
DiScala (top center) from Catholics for Freedom
of Religion. Many thanks to Rep. Zeldin for a very
informative evening.
Pray for our Military
Lt. Michael R. Beggins, EOD, U.S. Navy
E6 Christopher Bobrowski
PFC Christopher Bonenfant, USMC
Pvt. 1st Class Michael A. Brescia
Lt. John C. Burk, U.S. Army
Pvt. Douglas Butera
Lt. Alex Buschor, USN
Sgt. John P. Byrne
Pvt. 1st Class Thomas P. Campbell
Cpl. Claude Castille
Sgt. Eric J. Coyne, Air Force
Pvt. Patrick Fagan
Lt Col. Andrew Fetherston
Lt. Col. Kristin Fetherston
Lt. John Joseph Foley
MM1 Stephen P. Foster
Sgt. James Fowler
Capt. David Geller
Capt. Bret Guglielmi
Major Thomas Hanifen
Master Sgt. Michele Harris, Air Force
Capt. Erin Hayde
Major Ryan Hayde
Senior Master SPvt. Donald Henley
Lance Cpl. Sondra Nowack, USMC
Capt. Kyle Higgins
Pfc. Jorge Rostra Obando
Capt. Michael Huggins
Sgt.
August R. Oetting, III, USMC
Warrant Officer Christopher Kaminsky
Sgt. 1st Class Thomas O’Carroll
Air Force Staff Sgt. Travis Kendall
Capt. Daniel J. O’Sullivan, USAF
Airman 1st Class Jacob Kendall
Stephen Outcault, USMC
Pvt. 2 Ryan Kettell
Pvt. Vincent Patrizio
Lance Cpl. Kurt Kusterbeck
Cpl. Brian Plunkett, USMC
Pfc. Connor Russ Lang, US Army
Capt. Paul Proios, U.S. Army
CAPT Anthony LaVecchia, Jr., USN
Lance Cpl. Jean Prou
Specialist Andrew Steven Lawler, US Army
1st Sgt. William Pullar, Jr.
Sgt. Patricia Heikkila
Sgt. Andrew Rea
Major Timothy MacGinley
Private
Eric Roehrig
Lt. Col. Jill L. Mackin, U.S. Army
Sgt. Michael William Rousseau
Col. Patrick B. Mackin, U.S. Army
Cpl. Patrick Sheridan
Lance Cpl. Vincent Martinelli
PFC Richard N. Silecchio
Pvt. Kyle T. McCarthy
SF1 Corey Slattery
Capt. Chris McLoughlin
Specialist Edward Stephenson
Cmdr. Brian Melvin, Coast Guard
Timothy Sweeney, Navy Seals
Lt. Anthony Mercado
Gen. Kenneth E. Tovo
Lt. Col. John K. Meehan
Lt. Amanda J. Towey EDO U.S. Navy
Specialist Edward Meraglia
Sgt. Matthew Vergara
Col. Mark Nordstrom
Gunnery
Sgt. Richard Derek Vergara
SFC Philip Nordstrom
Gunners/Mate 1st Class Instr. James W. Vigliotti
1st Lt. Joel Nordstrom
Fun, Fellowship and
Food for the Hungry
The first annual St. Patrick’s Charity
Wiffle Ball Tournament was held on
December 29th. Young adults ages
18
to
39
participated.
Each
participant donated non-perishables
and a $5 fee to participate. Both the
entry fees and the canned goods
went to our Parish Outreach Food
Pantry. Many thanks to all our wiffle
ball players!
Mark your calendar for the
St. Patrick Dinner Dance
Friday, March 11th
at Flowerfield in St. James
Come and support our school and
celebrate the feast day of our patron saint!
Parish Social
Ministry
Religious
Formation
Project Warmth
There will be no religion classes on Monday,
January 18th due to the Martin Luther King, Jr.
holiday.
Level 2—Level 2 Parent Meetings regarding First
Holy Communion will be held on January 11th, 12th,
13th and 16th in Canning Hall during your child’s
class time.
Level 7—The remaining sponsor meetings for
sponsors of our Level 7 students are being held on
the following dates:
Wednesday, January 13th at 7:00 PM
All meetings will be held in the
Large Meeting Room in the Parish Center
For more information on our Religious
Formation program, call 631-724-7454 or visit
stpatsrfc.wordpress.com
Are you having difficulty paying for heating costs due to
unforeseen circumstances? Project Warmth, a program
made available through the United Way, may be able to
assist you with a one time benefit. There are no income
eligibility guidelines for Project Warmth. A confidential
application can be made through the Parish Outreach
office. Please call 265-2668, Monday–Friday, 9:30 AM to
3 PM for further information. Please remember…all
inquiries are confidential.
Only in Christ can men and women find
answers to the ultimate questions that
trouble them. Only in Christ can they fully
understand their dignity as persons created
and loved by God.
- St. Pope John Paul II
St. Patrick Adult Faith Formation
Learn more about your faith through our Adult Faith Formation courses! St. Patrick’s offers courses each year in
conjunction with the diocese Religious Studies Program. Courses may be used for personal faith enrichment or
for credit toward the Basic Theology Certificate and Advanced Theology Certificate offered by the Diocese of
Rockville Centre. The courses are free for St. Patrick parishioners. For non-parishioners, the fees are $10 for
Basic Courses and $15 for Advanced Courses. For a list of courses offered throughout the diocese, visit
www.drvc-faith.org and go to the Adult Education tab.
The next course offering at St. Patrick’s is:
Christology
Instructor: Mrs. Elaina Kedjierski, MA
When: Wednesdays, January 20th, 27th, February 3rd, 10 & 24th
Time: 7:30 to 9:30 PM
Where: Parish Center: Small Meeting Room
Who do you say that I am? This course will present an overview of the responses to this question by Jesus given
by Scripture, Tradition and contemporary Church teaching. Participants will also have the opportunity to reflect
on their own faith responses to this question.
To register, call 631-724-7454.
Reflections on the Sunday Scriptures
January 17, 2016
The Second Sunday in Ordinary Time
Readings: Isaiah 62: 1-5; 1 Corinthians 12: 4-11;
John 2: 1-11
Attention Level 2 Students—For your
convenience, copies of the cards on which you
write your gospel reflections will be included in the
Sunday bulletin. Feel free to use the form below
and to make copies. Your reflection may be
dropped into the collection basket as your gift to
our parish. (Please provide your first and last
name. Only first names will be used in the bulletin.)
There was a wedding at Cana in Galilee, and the
mother of Jesus was there. Jesus and his disciples
were also invited to the wedding. When the wine ran
short, the mother of Jesus said to him, “They have no
wine.” And Jesus said to her, “Woman, how does your
concern affect me? My hour has not yet come.” His
mother said to the servers, “Do whatever he tells you.”
Now there were six stone water jars there for Jewish
ceremonial washings, each holding twenty to thirty
gallons. Jesus told them, “Fill the jars with water.” So
they filled them to the brim. Then he told them, “Draw
some out now and take it to the headwaiter.” So they
took it. And when the headwaiter tasted the water that
had become wine, without knowing where it came from
— although the servers who had drawn the water knew
—, the headwaiter called the bridegroom and said to
him, “Everyone serves good wine first, and then when
people have drunk freely, an inferior one; but you have
kept the good wine until now.” Jesus did this as the
beginning of his signs at Cana in Galilee and so
revealed his glory, and his disciples began to believe in
him.
Focus Questions:
1. Talk about an experience that helped you believe
that Jesus is present in the world today.
2. Describe a time when an ordinary event ended
up having a great deal of meaning to you.
3. Relate an experience when the “wine ran out of
your life.” Who or what helped you replenish it?
Children and Family Reflections:
In today’s gospel, Jesus is one of the guests at a
wedding celebration. Talk about a special occasion
that your family celebrates.
I strongly suspect that if we saw all the
difference even the tiniest of our prayers to
God make, and all the people those little
prayers were destined to affect, and all the
consequences of those effects down
through the centuries, we would be so
paralyzed with awe at the power of prayer
that we would be unable to get up off our
knees for the rest of our lives.
- Dr. Peter Kreeft
Something for Seniors meets on the second
and fourth Wednesdays of the month in the
Parish Center (old convent) at 1 PM. Join us
for some fun and friendship!
For more
information, call Jerry at 981-9716 or Barbara
at 265-0034.
Words of Wisdom from our Level 2 Students
Second grade students from our Religious Formation Program and our school are asked to read the “Children and
Family Reflection” column in the bulletin and write down their thoughts on cards provided for them. They then drop
the cards in the collection basket on Sunday as their contribution to our parish. Below are a few reflections on our
gospel reading by our second graders.
Gospel Reading: Luke 2: 41-52
Children and Family Reflection: What makes you proud of your family?
•
My family is loving, hard working and generous. They follow Jesus.—Logan
•
The best present that I have is my brother and my mom, dad and grandma. Thank you for creating me and
my brothers. I love you God and Jesus.—Michael
•
We try to see our grandpa on Sundays. We try to catch up on things my brother and I do during the week.
Because they are helpful.—Matthew
•
I am proud of my family because we help people that have less than us.—Leah
•
My parents take care of me. We volunteer our time to help others and donate money and food and clothing
to others.—Alyssa
•
I’m proud of my family because whenever I am sad they help me with whatever the problem is.—Ryan
•
I am proud of my family because we always do things as a family and spend holidays together.—Ben
•
I’m proud of my family when they use up their time for me.—Madeline
•
My family donated a gift from the tree of stars. Help people in need.—Blake
•
I’m proud of my family when we give food to the poor.—Keira
•
They are really nice and always take care of me.—Logan
•
My family strived to be holy this Christmas by putting out our nativity set and putting Baby Jesus out on
Christmas day.—Sofia
•
I am proud because our family always tries to make each other happy.—Jimmy
•
That we do fun things, we go to church. We love each other.—Madi
•
I’m proud of my family because they are such a loving, nice family to have. I’m proud that we go to church
together.—Alexandra
•
I am proud of my family because they help other people nicely, they are respectful to one another and they
are kind to other people.—Hollie
•
I am proud of my mom and dad. They are both community helpers. My mom is a nurse and my dad is a
firefighter.—Andrew
•
I’m proud to be in this family because we do everything together and I love it! - Elena
•
I am proud of my family because we love each other and we always are happy. The most special thing about
my family is we can count on each other.—Regina
•
My family works hard to get me to church on time.—Nicholas
•
That we all ski and golf together.—Ryan
•
I am proud that we help people.—Sean
•
I am proud of my family because they teach me things.—Meghan
•
I am proud that my family goes to church every week. Mommy teaches religion and my sister is an altar
server.—Julianna
(continued on following page)
Words of Wisdom from our Level 2 Students
(continued from previous page)
•
Because we love each other and we stick together no matter what.—Chris
•
My mom and dad work very hard making a home for me. They help me with my homework and take me
everywhere I need to go.—Rocco
•
I am proud of my family because they love me and they are good to me. They are nice to others and try to be
the best they can be for God.—Michela
•
Family is important when you need help. They are there to love you. My family goes to church for Christmas.—
Johnny
•
I am proud of my family because we donate clothes and toys to people and kids in need and are always there
for each other. I love my family.—Caroline
Pray for our Priests
Please remember to keep our priests in
your prayers. This week we ask that
you pray especially for the following
priests from our diocese:
Notes to Consider
from Catholics for
Freedom of Religion
"Proclaim liberty throughout the land." Lev. 25-10
January 10th
Bishop Robert J. Brennan
January 11th
Rev. Joseph McComiskey & Rev. Felix Alarcon
January 12th
Msgr. John Heinlein & Rev. William Winters OFM Cap
January 13th
Rev. Robert Blyman & Rev. Ryszard Ficek
January 14th
Rev. Frederick Hill & Msgr. John Cervini
January 15th
Msgr. John Nosser & Rev. Emmanuel Otiaba
January 16th
Rev. Hyacinth Jemigbola & Rev. Malcolm Burns
Gracious and loving God, we thank your for the gift of
our priests. Through them, we experience your presence in the sacraments. Help our priests to be strong in
their vocation. Set their souls on fire with love for your
people. Grant them the wisdom, understanding, and
strength they need to follow in the footsteps of Jesus.
Inspire them with the vision of your Kingdom. Give them
the words they need to spread the Gospel. Allow them
to experience joy in their ministry. Help them to become
instruments of your divine grace. We ask this through
Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns as our Eternal Priest.
Amen.
Religious Freedom Sunday (Jan. 10) is a
national event in which churches inform parents,
students,
and
educators
within
their
congregations about the freedom of religious
expression
students
from
Kindergarten
through
twelfth
grade
have
at
school. (religiousfreedomsunday.com - usccb)
Almost 20 years ago, the U.S. Department of
Education directed public schools to tell students
what their religious freedom are. "Catholics For
Freedom of Religion" remembers National
Religious Freedom Day, Jan.16th each year, with
"Free to Speak" pamphlets, published by
Gateways to Better Education, to help students
and teachers know their civil liberties. "We want
our young people to be bold in their faith. We
have let them know they can be. That it's
perfectly legal for them to be bold," said Director
Eric Buehrer.
All Americans, liberal and conservative, religious
or not, can agree that religious freedom,
anchored in conscience rights, is fundamental to
U.S. democracy. (Religious Freedom in America,
by Allen Hertzke, amazon.com)
"Hold on to the Constitution, for if the American
Constitution should fail, there will be anarchy
throughout the world." Daniel Webster
St. Patrick Youth
CPR Training Course for coaches will be
offered throughout the year. Call the Youth
Office if interested.
Exercise Classes on-going. $5 fee. All
welcome. Call Cindy at 360-0185 for class
times.
Regarding Sports Parking—Please park
only on the east side of the property. Enter
sports court at east gate entrance.
Enrichment/Extended
Day
Program–
Monday through Friday, 2:30 to 6 PM.
Homework help, arts/crafts, indoor/outdoor
gym activities, snacks, games and more for 3
to 13-year-olds
Three-year-old, Pre K
extended hours, 8 AM to 2:30 PM. Before/
Aftercare also offered. Children must be preregistered to attend. Call 707-4355. Limited
space available.
Music Ministry – Folk Group (grades 6-12),
and Children’s Choir (grades 1-5). Children’s
choir practices from 6:15 to 7:00 PM in
Keegan Hall and Folk Group practices from
7:15 to 8:30 in the church—both on
Wednesday nights. New members welcome!
Call 360-0185 for information.
Youth Ministry— Attention High School
Students! Please join us for Youth Ministry
on Sunday nights at 6:30 PM in the Parish
Center. Call the Youth Office for details.
Junior Catholic Daughters- JCDA is a
young woman’s service organization. Young
women in grades 5th -11th are welcome. Call
the Youth Office for details. JCDA meets
every 3rd Tuesday of the month in our
Modular Classroom from 6:00 to 7:00 PM.
Playtime with Mommy/Caregiver – Children
ages 17 months through two-years-old.
Mondays & Wednesdays 9:30 to 10:30 AM.
Separation Class– Two-year-olds, Tuesday
& Thursdays 10 AM to 12 PM. Call Miss
Patty for details 707-4355.
St. Patrick Learning Center – Tutors for all
areas of study, Pre-K through high school.
SAT Prep, etc. New York certified teachers
available Monday through Friday. Call 7241261 for information. Catholic Entrance
Exam Prep is available. Contact the Youth
Office.
Fall Deck Hockey – Season has ended.
Many thanks to all our coaches, parents and
players for a great season!
Winter Intramural Basketball – For girls
and boys grades Kindergarten – 12th grade.
Season begins in January. Clinic program for
grades K to 3 & league program for 4th to 12th
grade. Registration has ended. Coaches will
be contacting team members shortly.
VIRTUS–
All
volunteers/coaches
are
required to attend a VIRTUS class if they
have not done so. Online registration must
be completed before you attend. See VIRTUS.org for information
and registration.
St. Pat’s Youth web address is: stpatsyouth.com.
All program information & registration forms
may be found on the website.
The Youth Office can be reached by email at
spyouth@optonline.net
Attention High
School Age Young
People!
Join us for Youth Ministry on Sunday, January 17th at
6:30 PM in the Parish Center. It’s never too late to start!
Come and bring a friend!
Pray for the Sick
Maureen Alagna
Rita Apollaro
Joseph Barone
Judith Bartley
Darlene Bass
Richard Belardo
Tom Beirne
Mary Lynn Brassil
Michael Carbuccia
Moses Carbuccia
Sam Cioffi
Taylor Rose Clarke
Mary Beth Condon
John Coonan
Stephen Costello
Alex Cozzo
Lois Crowley
Matthew DeGraw
Jimmy Demato
John Michael Dellova
Joseph DiDonato
Jean Doski
Shirley Dunn
Joseph Dwyer
Joan Every
Fred Facompre
Raymond Facompre
Brooke Failla
Patricia Foley
Fran Fontane
Joseph Formichelli
Grace Fragala
Ralph Gallo
Dennis Gartland
Thomas Goldrick & Family
Francine Goldman
Claudio Ghattas
Ralph Gunderson, Sr.
Loretta Harrigan
Bob Heilig
Carole Hennessy
Angelo
Cynthia Kambos
Michael Kelly
Elizabeth Knowd
Br. John Lawrence, OSF
Josephine Licata
Matthew Lowney
Megan Madden
Michael C. Maloney
Bobby Malwitz
John Mangiamele
Terrance Martin
Tom Matteo
Helen McDowell
Danny Meyer
Eric Mendola
Sheryl Minter
Theresa O. Moebes
Alice Moore
Thomas Mooney
Ron Moran
Anna Morreale
Jean Noschese
Melissa Ording
Rose Pastore
Brandon Raber
Maria Rametta
Connie Rinaldi
Michael Romano
Joanna Scheidel
Suzanne Schmidt
Randy Schnittger
Julie McDowell Scott
Teresa Smith
Maryanne Spargue
Lauren Spencer
Donald Stanton
Virginia Stanton
Jeane Stiles
Catherine Tamburino
Emmi (Emerita) Tiedemann
Alejandro V.
Jeffrey Vollmer
Steve Ward
Ken Wind
Eva Zalak
George Zangrillo
Baby Joey Ziegler
Pray for the Dead
John Anthony Bailo
Joseph Curreri
Salvatore LaRocca
Edward P. McNulty
Joseph R. Rediger
Victoria T. Saglimbeni
Rosemarie M. Santoro
Wilma Sollecito
The St. Patrick’s Bulletin:
A Great Place to Advertise
Did you know that the St. Patrick’s bulletin is printed at no cost to our
parish each week? Not only that, our parish receives a part of the
advertising commission. So please frequent the fine establishments that
advertise in our bulletin!
If your business could use a shot in the arm, consider advertising in the
bulletin. Approximately 3,700 people attend Mass at St. Patrick’s each
weekend, most of whom live and shop in the Smithtown area. It’s an easy
way to reach thousands of area families with information about your
business. For information on how to advertise in our bulletin, call Frank
Capanzano at 631-987-0064.