Fourth Sunday of Advent December 22, 2019 Let the King of ...
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Fourth Sunday of Advent December 22, 2019 Let the King of Glory enter! A community of Faith and love hope
Transcript of Fourth Sunday of Advent December 22, 2019 Let the King of ...
Fourth Sunday of Advent
December 22, 2019
Let the King of Glory enter!
A community of Faith and love hope
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Bulletin Deadline: Friday, 5:00 pm, nine days prior to publication. You may email us at [email protected] or leave a printed copy in the inbox on the bulletin desk in the Parish Office. Thank you for your cooperation!
Confessions:
Saturday: 4:00 - 5:00 pm. Weekdays: After the 8:00 am Mass
Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal Novena:
Monday: After 8:00 am Mass
Morning Rosary Group: Monday through Saturday 8:30 am in
the Church
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
[email protected] 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
Rectory to set up an appointment with a priest, 731-4220.
Ministry to the Sick and Aging: If you are, or know of
someone who is homebound and would like to receive Holy
Communion, please call the rectory at 731-4220.
St. Vincent De Paul Society: 735-3218
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.StBernardChurch.org
Spanish Mass: 2nd & 4th week each month @ 7:30PM
Would you like to join our vibrant community of Faith, Hope, and Love at St. Bernard’s? Sign-up and get to know us at one of our monthly New Parishioner Registration and Welcome evenings! For information, call the parish office at 516-731-4220, or download a form from our website www.stbernardchurch.org. Click on “Join St. Bernard’s” on the bottom of the home page form. If you move away, please notify us as well.
S T.BERNARD’S CATHOLIC CHURCH
516-731-4220 Phone/516-731-4355 Fax Email: [email protected] Website: www.StBernardChurch.org
PASTORAL TEAM Father Ralph Sommer, Pastor
[email protected] ext. 130
Father Joe Nohs, Associate Pastor [email protected]
ext. 128
Father Innocent Duru, Chaplain In Residence [email protected]
Deacon John Blakeney
[email protected] 516-731-4220
Deacon James Flannery
[email protected] 516-731-4220
Mrs. Susan Martin, Director of Faith Formation
[email protected] 516-731-8511 Phone /516-731-7860 Fax
The Religious Education Center is closed on Fridays.
Pat McDonough, Director of Confirmation Faith Formation [email protected] Ext. 144
Sr. Christine Sammons, O.P.,
Coordinator of Parish Social Ministry [email protected]
516-731-6074
Mrs. Mary Jane Witte, Director of Liturgical Music [email protected]
ext. 142
Ms. Diane Vella, Pastoral Associate [email protected]
ext. 143
Mrs. Rose Marie Rotondo, Sacristan/Wedding Coordinator [email protected]
516-731-4220
Mr. Dimas Carbajal, Head of Maintenance [email protected]
ext. 126 CYO Basketball: email: [email protected]
website: www.stbernardcyo.org
MISSION STATEMENT
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.
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Joseph's Trust
E– mail Father Ralph: [email protected]
Put yourself in Saint Joseph’s position. You’re about to be married when your
teenaged bride confides in you that she is pregnant with a baby that is not
yours. Moreover, she says that it’s God’s baby. That an angel told her that.
On a scale of one to ten, how much do you believe her? Honestly, I’d be a
“zero” on the trust scale. And it turns out that Joseph was at the same level.
Today’s gospel (Matthew 1:18-24) says that he, “decided to divorce her
quietly.” The alternative was to publicly shame her and perhaps even incite his
family and friends to stone her. But no, the scriptures tell us, because he was an
“upright man” he doesn’t go that route. But he definitely isn’t going to marry
her.
Have you ever been in a position where you had made up your mind on a
course of action that you were sticking to, no matter what? Maybe you’re in
such a situation now. So the surprise that comes to Joseph might cause some
discomfort in your certainty. The gospel written by Matthew tells of an angel
appearing to Joseph -- his Jewish audience would not find an angelic
appearance to be out of character for God, as other angels had appeared to
other holy people throughout the ages when God was calling someone to do
God’s work. The angel corroborates Mary’s account and just as she had to
decide whether to go along with the divine plan, so now did Joseph.
Whereas in Luke’s gospel we hear Mary speak with the angel about her
doubts and fears and ultimately of her “yes”, we hear not a word from Joseph.
He simply awakes from his dream-like encounter with the angel and takes
Mary into his home as his wife.
This change of mind can challenge us when we have firmly made up our
minds to do something (or not do something). While it’s not likely that we’ll be
visited by an angel (or ghosts of Christmases past), our trusting relationship in
God might indeed move us to see our decisions in a new light and thus move
our actions in new and unexpected ways.
Tips for Christmas
Here are some helpful hints as
to how to be “successful” in
celebrating Christmas at Saint
Bernard’s:
Pick a Mass that “fits”.
Our 4pm Mass in church is so
popular that the church fills like
a Bethlehem town. So if you get
to the doors and the seats are
filled, come over to the gym
which has been transformed
into a church for the occasion.
There is plenty of space at the
4:15 Mass.
While we love the energy
families bring to these
Christmas Masses, you might
prefer a gentler experience this
year. Our 6:30 “gentle
Christmas Mass” is a calming
and profound experience, with
music to match this mood. For
those who like the tradition of
Mass at midnight, plan on
arriving at 11:30pm for a half
hours of beautiful carols.
And Christmas morning
Masses offer a fresh start to
celebrate the birth of Jesus. One
final thing: be kind to whoever
is sitting in “your” seat! Your
joy at seeing them in church is
a gift you can only give once a
year.
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Sunday Collections Parish News
The collection amounts for December 15 were not
available for this week’s bulletin due to an early
printing deadline. They will appear in next
week’s bulletin
Faith Direct
Have you enrolled yet?
www.faithdirect.net Code = NY272
Monday, December 23
8:30 am Novena
Tuesday, December 24 , Christmas Eve
10:00 am Our Lady of Consolation Prayer Group,
Parish Center
11:00 am Alzheimer Support Group, Parish Center
2:00 pm Zumba Gold, Parish Center
7:00 pm Boy Scouts Troop 316, Cafeteria
7:00 pm Spanish Rosary, Prayer Room
7:30 pm AA Meeting, School Room 207
7:30 pm Vivitrol Support Group, School Room 206
Wednesday, December 25, Christmas Day
See above for Christmas Day Mass schedule
Thursday, December 26
10:00 am Shawl Ministry, Parish Center
2:00 pm St. Vincent de Paul, Clairvaux House
6:30 pm Scouts, Parish Center
Saturday, December 28
11:00 am Women’s AA Meeting, Cafeteria
7:30 pm Spanish Mass, Church
8:30 pm Spanish Mass Reception, Peach Room
Sunday, December 29
8:00 pm AA Meeting, Cafeteria
Altar Gifts
Parish calendar (Subject to change)
GIFTS OF BREAD & WINE
December 21st and December 22nd
Have been donated in memory of
Frank Criscuolo,
30th Birthday Remembrance in heaven
by his children and grandchildren
Christmas Masses Christmas Eve
Tuesday, December 24
4:00 pm in Church
4:15 pm in Auditorium
6:30 pm “Gentle Christmas” Mass in
Church
12 Midnight Mass in Church – Carols
begin at 11:30 pm
Christmas Day Wednesday, December 25
7:30 am, 9:00 am, 10:30 am, 12 Noon
There is no evening Mass
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mass intentions
Pray for our beloved deceased
and those who mourn for them
Joan Patricia Armitage Helen Brzezinski
Albert Cuoco Ann Ward Graham
Poi Chang Pang Paul Wicelinski
This listing may not reflect recent changes or additions. Saturday, December 21 8:00 am Thanksgiving to the Blessed Mother, Ellen Borosky, Suzanne MacPherson, Donato Zampini 5:00 pm FOR ALL PARISHIONERS Sunday, December 22 7:30 am The Hynes and Legere Families Living and Deceased 9:00 am John Fleming 10:30 am Mary Kelly, Msgr. George P. Graham, Eugene Lynch, Matthew Ruiz– 5th Anniversary 12:00 pm Ellen Schnebel 5:30 pm Meyer & Magaña-Babich Families Living & Deceased Monday, December 23 8:00 am Charles and John Neal Tuesday, December 24 8:00 am Carol Slovick
See page 4 for Christmas Eve Mass Schedule Wednesday, December 25, Christmas
See page 4 for Christmas Mass Schedule Thursday, December 26 8:00 am Martin and Salvatierra Family Members Friday, December 27 8:00 am Katherine Thornton - 6th Remembrance Saturday, December 28 8:00 am K of C Holy Innocents Council Living & deceased members, Donato Zampini, Patrick McDermott, Ellen Borosky 5:00 pm Geri McBride 7:30 pm Spanish Mass Sunday, December 29 7:30 am FOR ALL PARISHIONERS 9:00 am James Reichert 10:30 am Maureen Levinson, Elsa Combariza, Michael Caplice, Josephine Cammarasana 12:00 pm Helen Wilson 5:30 pm Elizabeth Jackowski
Please pray for all those on our Long-term Sick List
Fran Alongi John Connolly Patricia Foley Mary Kelly Wanda Krasnoff Richard McKinney Marie Monteau Gary Peterson Terri (Foley) Smith
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.
Pray for the sick of our parish
Chris Angyal Susan Arena Brian Austin Arlene Barsch Ken Bausert Henry John Berg Thomas Brennan Lois Byrne Jean Caprera Rosemary Clark Mason Francis Combs William Conroy Linda Costello Justin Dawson Monica DeLaRosa May Ann Dima Debra Dowdell Margaret Dowdell Evangeline Duckworth Gerry Finlan Jim Finlan Linda Fitz Kathleen Flaherty Rich Fuleki Bobby Gallagher Teresita Gallego Michael Giampetruzzi Colleen Grasing Maureen Guarino John Guiffre Mike Hach Patricia Hafner Carolyn Hakim Cynthia Hansen Donna Hare John Hartofil Vicki Jacona Jerome W. Kalkhof Katherine Anne Kwestel Violet Kwestel Rosemarie LaFrance William Lellis Eugene Francis Luginsland Bernadette Lynch Tia Mabanta Jaime Macias Andrew Mahoney John Matlock William McDonagh Teresa McDonald Dick McKinney Mary McLean Mary Messina Marc Monteau Maryann Mulholland Carole O'Donnell Kerri Orlando Rosina Perri Gerry Pokorny Laureen Quinn-Sturge Fred Rappa Deanne Reilly Jacki Robins Vinny Rosa John Rotondo, Jr. John Rotondo, Sr. Flore Rowe Eve Saint Thomas Saint Terry Sherwood Guadalupe Silva Katie-Ellen Spinell Danielle Stallone Frances Stallone Norma Steiger Liberty Tabag David Testa Fook Sin Tung Rosalie Travers Frances Trzcinski Joan Virostko Marguerite Vlaun Theresa Votta Thomas Williams, Jr. James P. Ward Cynthia Wilson
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Adult faith formation
Adult Education Opportunities Come in from the cold
and warm up your faith!
The Journey/El Camino (in English or Spanish; Inglés o Español)
ENGLISH: 6 Wed. mornings 10-11:30 am, starts Jan. 15 OR 6 Thurs. evenings 7:30-9 pm, starts Jan. 16 $10 materials donation asked.
The Journey is a 6-session program that explores various dimensions of Jesus through Scripture stories.
Each session includes a short video presentation, and time for discussion, meditation, prayer and action.
The goal is to invite participants to understand, experience and embrace Jesus and their Christian faith in a
deeper way.
The evening sessions will be facilitated by Deacon John and Terri Blakeney; the morning sessions will be facilitated by
Pastoral Associate Diane Vella. Register: [email protected] or 516-731-4220, ext. 143.
ESPAÑOL: 6 semanas comenzando viernes, el 17 de enero, 7:00-8:30 p.m.
No es necesario haber completado las partes 1 y 2 para participar.
Solicitamos una donación por el costo de los materiales.
EL CAMINO... UNA OPORTUNIDAD PARA PROFUNDIZAR TU CONOCIMIENTO DE JESÚS. Nuestra parroquia
ofrecerá a todo el mundo una oportunidad de apuntarse para EL CAMINO, una experiencia de seis semanas
para compartir, rezar y reflexionar que puede ayudar a todos los feligreses —ya sean activos o no—a crecer
en la fe.
Monthly FRIDAY FAITH Dinner-Presentation-Discussion Enjoy dinner (a bargain at 10 bucks!), a video and/or live presentation on a topic of faith, and then conversation with
your table group sharing viewpoints and insights.
Friday, January 24, 7-9 pm Topic: God and Suffering—Why??
Friday, February 21, 7-9 pm Topic: Sin—What it is and what it isn’t
For information and registration, contact Diane Vella at [email protected] or
516-731-4220, ext. 143 or register on line at www.stbernardchurch.org/fridayfaith.
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Sunday, December 22— Longing for Healing “O King of all the nations, the only joy of every human heart… come and save the
creature you fashioned from the dust ." O Antiphon for Dec. 22
At one time, people commonly called a soothing balm that was used to heal a burn or a
wound a “salve.” Look closely at that word: it’s the root of the words “salvation” and
“savior”, and it means to heal. Yes, that’s right, “salvation” means “healing,” and Jesus our
coming “savior” is our coming “healer.” We have many kinds of wounds in our lives: physical
wounds; some easily healed and some not. We have psychological and emotional wounds
that are sometimes even harder to heal than the physical ones. And we have spiritual wounds
as well. No matter what the kind of wound, the Church’s short Advent prayer of longing for
this day prays for healing to take place in our lives. Think about what it might mean in your
life to understand Jesus’ role in the world as the “healer” of the world.
O come, Desire of Nations!
For Prayer and Reflection: Does knowing that the word “salvation” means “healing”
open up any new insights about how Jesus is savior of the world and YOUR savior?
Monday, December 23— Longing for God to be with us “O Emmanuel, king and lawgiver, desire of the nations, Savior of all people, come and
set us free ." O Antiphon for Dec. 23
Emmanuel means “God is with us.” It was one of the names that the people of Israel from the
time of Jesus’ ancestor King David had used as they prayed and longed for God to save them
from their many woes. By praying for a savior using this name, they expressed their innate
understanding that somehow they could not save themselves and their world, that only “God
with us” could do that. And if we’re honest, we know it too. The sin of this world, as well as
our own sins that contribute to it, are far too out of our control for us to make it right by our-
selves. We long and beg for God to be with us. God-with-us does not “fix” things per se, but
strengthens us to fix them. Jesus showed us how in his teaching, his healing, his compassion,
his forgiveness, his cry for justice, and in his willingness to die rather than compromise his
commitment to proclaiming and living God’s Kingdom in the world. And he hasn’t left us; he is
still God-with-us in his Spirit that dwells in us. O come, O come Emmanuel!
For Prayer and Reflection: What is one way you are aware that God is with you?
Tuesday, December 24— Longing for the Light “In the tender compassion of our God the dawn from on high shall break upon us,
to shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death .” Lk. 1:79
So it’s the last day of Advent, better known as Christmas Eve. Before making the “transition”
to a Christmas state of mind, stop for a minute and think about how this Advent has been for
you. Has it been a time where you have been able to gradually see, in the words of the Gospel
of Luke, the tender compassion of God dawning upon in some new way—even just a little bit?
If this season of longing, waiting and expecting has given you any new insight into yourself and
your relationship with God, if any darkness or shadow has been lightened in your life, then
Jesus has indeed come to you, and you are spiritually ready to celebrate Christmas. Christmas
does not represent the end of the darkness, but it does bring us the light of sure hope and
trust that even in the midst of personal or global darkness, God is with us—Emmanuel!
For Prayer and Reflection: What “dawn” has broken upon you this Advent?
Da
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Christmas 2019
To the People of God of the Diocese of Rockville Centre:
In his December 1, 2019 Apostolic Letter Admirabile Signum: On the Meaning and Importance of the Nativity Scene,
Our Holy Father Pope Francis writes:
“The nativity scene is like a living Gospel rising up from the pages of sacred Scripture…I wish to encourage the
beautiful family tradition of preparing the nativity scene in the days before Christmas, but also the custom of
setting it up in the workplace, in schools, hospitals, prisons and town squares.
Great imagination and creativity is always shown in employing the most diverse materials to create small
masterpieces of beauty. As children, we learn from our parents and grandparents to carry on this joyful tradition,
which encapsulates a wealth of popular piety. It is my hope that this custom will never be lost and that, wherever it has
fallen into disuse, it can be discovered and revived.”
The Holy Father captures so poignantly how we creatively share our Catholic faith generation to generation
through the Nativity sets and creches that bring Christ’s light and love into our homes, our parishes and our
public squares.
He also captures how the poor, the outcast, the ignored, the forgotten and the vulnerable have a privileged place
in every Nativity scene: “The presence of the poor and the lowly in the nativity scene remind us that God became
man for the sake of those who feel most in need of his love and who ask him to draw near to them. Jesus, ‘gentle
and humble in heart’ (Mt 11:29), was born in poverty and led a simple life in order to teach us to recognize what
is essential and to act accordingly. The nativity scene clearly teaches that we cannot let ourselves be fooled by
wealth and fleeting promises of happiness. We see Herod’s palace in the background, closed and deaf to the
tidings of joy. By being born in a manger, God himself launches the only true revolution that can give hope and
dignity to the disinherited and the outcast: the revolution of love, the revolution of tenderness. From the manger,
Jesus proclaims, in a meek yet powerful way, the need for sharing with the poor as the path to a more human and
fraternal world in which no one is excluded or marginalized.”
As we celebrate the joy of Christmas and the power and presence of the Prince of Peace in our families, in the
Church and in the World, we realize at the same time that the Christmas Crib can never be separated from the
agony of Calvary’s Cross.
Post Office Box 9023, Rockville Centre, NY 11571-9023 • phone 516.678.5800 • fax 516.678.3138 •
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DIOCESE OF ROCKVILLE CENTRE
OFFICE OF THE BISHOP
Even as we rejoice this Christmas of 2019, we remember and stand with the poor, the hungry, the addicted, the
mentally ill, the global refugees and non-documented immigrants, and survivors of sexual abuse.
As we pray before the Christmas manger and see the beauty, the hope, the possibility in the birth of Jesus, we are
compelled to remember that far too many children do not receive the welcome and joy they deserve for the
miracle of their existence.
We cannot forget this Christmas season the great sadness that New York State, through the passage of the horrific
Reproductive Health Act, has enshrined into law the killing of innocent human beings through abortion up until the moment of actual birth and beyond, as this radical law permits the killing of those children who survive abortion.
Together, we invoke the power of the Prince of Peace and His compassionate Word found in the Beatitudes and
in His call to serve the poor and the most vulnerable among us in Matthew 25. Our Lord gives us the courage
and the voice as the Catholic Church in New York State and around the world to speak of the beauty, the sanctity
and the dignity of every human life.
We will continue to be “a sign of contradiction” by witnessing relentlessly and courageously to the Gospel of
Human Life. As is said in the first words of the Didache, the earliest known nonScriptural Christian writing:
“There are two Ways, one of Life and one of Death…” We will always stand with our earliest ancestors in the
Christian faith in favor of the Way of Life and opposed to the Way of Death.
We will continue to seek the intercession of St. Thomas More, patron of statesmen, politicians and lawyers for the
conversion of the public servants who have supported this tragic legislation.
The Cistercian biblical scholar Father Simeon writes: “The Child, while present only in Bethlehem by his poverty and weakness, is already present in the pattern of the constellations by his splendor and his glory.”
May our praise and glory of the Prince of Peace fill our hearts and homes and give us the courage and prayerful
determination to bring the Joy of the Gospel and the Splendor of Truth to every public square in New York State
and throughout the world.
Sincerely in Christ,
Most Reverend John O. Barres Bishop of
Rockville Centre
____________________________________________________
https://www.drvc.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/ReproductiveHealthCareAct.pdf
Erasmo Leiva-Merikakis (Fr. Simeon), Fire of Mercy Heart of the World: Meditations on the Gospel according to
St. Matthew Volume 1 (San Francisco: Ignatius Press, 1996), 76.
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Our level 6 coordinator, Laura Cardinale and her team of festive “elves”
sponsored a Christmas raffle in which students purchased tickets for one dollar
to win donated prizes. Because of this thoughtful and fun activity, our students
were able to present Sr. Christine from the Parish Social Ministry office a check
for $161.00. This will go towards helping the needy in our parish. The
students also sang Christmas carols with the accompaniment of Mrs. Susan
Martin and the piano. This annual activity was an example of the corporal
works of mercy in which we are all called to put our faith into action and think
of those less fortunate!
Mrs. Jessica Berju, level 3 catechist, taught the meaning of Advent and
Christmas in an unusual and fun way by playing a trivia game. As she asked
various questions pertaining to our Faith, those who answered correctly were
given rings to toss on a reindeer’s antlers. The excitement was contagious, and
all agreed it was a memorable lesson. Each week our students are also treated
to Fr. Ralph’s 3-minute video which introduces the upcoming Sunday Gospel.
This past week we also watched/heard the creative version of the song, “O
Come O Come Emmanuel” with young men and their guitars and banjos.
Levels 3, 4, 5 were introduced to the Jesse Tree. The Jesse Tree was
explained as a family tree of Jesus. Old testament biblical figures such as Adam
and Eve, Noah, Abraham and Sarah, Isaac, Moses, David, and New
testament persons of St. John the Baptist, Jesus, St. Joseph, St. Mary,
were assigned to volunteer students complete with hand-made
costumes. The role and story of the biblical figures was taught to the
students. As coordinator Mrs. Connie Cole introduced each of the
characters. Students were given the ornament symbol to hang on the
Jesse Tree. Then catechists, students, and invited parents all joined in
singing religious Christmas carols with the piano. (see students posing
in costume)
Those students preparing for First reconciliation are reminded to
check their assigned dates and times for the sacrament. If any student is
ill on January 4th, they are asked to participate on our other date,
January 11th. We ask everyone to pray for our youngsters who will meet
Jesus for the first time in the sacrament of healing. Such a beautiful way
to begin the NEW YEAR!
The Faith Formation
Office will be closed
beginning December 19th and will re-open January 6th in the new year.
We wish you and your families a blessed Christmas season and an
appreciation of the gifts of our Infant-King which are His love, peace,
and joy. Merry Christmas to all!
St. Bernard’S religiouS education Mrs. Susan Martin, Director of Faith Formation [email protected] 516-731-8511
Levels 3, 4 and 5 singing religious Christmas carols joined by their catechists!
Jesse tree advent service in levels 3, 4 and 5. Following the service we sang Christmas carols
A different group of children portraying figures of Jesus' family tree called the Jesse tree!
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St. Bernard’s
Alzheimer’s
Caregiver Support
Group meetings are held on the 2nd and 4th
TUESDAY of the month from 11:00 am to 12:00
Noon in St. Bernard's Parish Center. This program is designed to help each other cope with the challenging situation of dealing with someone with dementia. For more information, please call Mike Bartholomew at is 516-754-8146.
Parish social ministry Sr. Christine Sammons, O.P., 731-6074
St. Vincent de Paul:
On behalf of the many families
who were beneficiaries of your
kindness to them at Christmas,
we would like to say thank
you. We distributed several
hundred gifts on Saturday,
December 21st to the delight of
our seniors, adults and
children. We were also able to
provide gifts for Dismas
House, a home sponsored by the Society of St. Vincent
de Paul, for men who are returning to society after
imprisonment.
Because of the kindness of so many individuals and
groups, our pantry has been very full, and our neighbors
were also provided with good food for a Christmas
dinner.
Special thanks to the many people who made monetary
donations as well. We are privileged to help our
neighbors in your name!
We are grateful to Laura Cardinale, the sixth grade
catechists and students who participated in a pre-
Christmas raffle and donated $166.00 to Parish Social
Ministry. (I always enjoy saying that I taught Laura in
the 7th grade in Astoria in the early 70’s!)
All of us from the Society of
St. Vincent de Paul and
Parish Social Ministry
wish everyone a blessed Christmas,
and a Happy, Healthy 2020!
May we continue to share
“the vision” of the corporal and
spiritual works of mercy which Jesus
taught us!
Bereavement Support Groups:
Good Shepherd Hospice Bereavement Services are
opened to anyone in the community who has
experienced a loss through death. Upcoming groups
include:
Spousal/Partner Loss Group, January 8-February
26, 11:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Adult Loss of Parent or Sibling Group, January 8-
February 26, 5:30-7:00 p.m.
Both groups will meet at Good Shepherd Hospice
Administrative Office, 110 Bi-County Blvd. Suite 114,
Farmingdale.
There is no charge for these support groups, but
registration is required.
Please call Carolyn at (631) 828-2679.
The Ride Home
This feature is for families to share their thoughts
as they travel to and from Church.
Fourth Sunday of Advent
December 22, 2019
Gospel: Matthew 1:18-24
Adults: Whom do you find it difficult to welcome in
your life? What can you do to overcome that?
Children: What could you do this week to make
someone feel welcome, as Joseph welcomed Mary?
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Dear Fellow Parishioners,
We have been living in the Levittown area for more than 50 years. We have
also been parishioners of St. Bernard’s for that time. We have been honored
to be part of many different ministries for much of that time. As the years
passed, we began to seek out another ministry in which to serve the Lord.
After speaking to several Eucharistic Ministers to the homebound, we realized
that it was the perfect way to give back to a God who has blessed us with so
many wonderful gifts in our life. We took the required class and were, admittedly, a bit anxious when
we began this new ministry.
We are writing this piece to convey to you, our brothers and sisters of St. Bernard’s,
that this is one of the most satisfying ministries and one which can be done so easily.
We have met the most gracious and thankful people who have become more than just
“a trip to bring the Eucharist and then go on with my life.” No, they are lovely people
who are so thankful to see us. Although they can watch the Mass on television, you make it possible for
them to actually receive the body of Christ. Many times you are the only
person they see all week and their gratitude is overwhelming. Yes, they do
begin as strangers, but in a short time they become people who truly touch
your life. That, I think, is the work of God our Father; and being part of that is
so rewarding.
St. Bernard’s is in great need of Eucharist Ministers to serve our growing homebound population,
especially now, as many current ministers leave the area for the winter months. We encourage you
to consider being a new member of this ministry. We cannot tell you enough that service to our
homebound parishioners is filled with great personal satisfaction.
Please consider this ministry. For information on how to become a Eucharistic Minister to the
Homebound, contact the rectory at 516-731-4220. You will be glad you did.
Many blessings,
Jim and Sheila McHale
Coordinators of St. Bernard’s Eucharistic Minister to the Homebound
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Deck the Halls and Houses
Ever since Fr. Ralph and I arrived in
2013, we have created an annual tradition for
the parish priests every Christmas eve. After we
finish the 6:30 “Gentle Mass” the 3 priests get into the car and drive
around to enjoy the night. I get the list of houses with the most spectacular light setups and decorations,
from the newspaper and plug them into my GPS. We spend about an hour driving around Levittown,
Massapequa and Seaford.
It dawned on me that the newspapers may not have listed all of
the houses. Perhaps you know where we should pass and see. We
typically stop for a second and take a quick photo before moving on.
We have to be back on time for the midnight Mass.
Could you help us out? Please let me know what addresses I
should plug into my GPS. Simply send me an email at: [email protected].
Thank you for your help.
Have a joyful and blessed Advent.
Fr. Joe
Michael Agunzo, Jr. Joseph Albertini, US Army Edward Alexander, USAF PFC John Amon, USMC Andrew Anton Patrick Ayoung, USAF Sean Ayoung, USN Sgt. Eric R. Brouillet, USMC Nicholas Catalano LCpl Steven Churchill, USMC Airmen 1st class Sean Cook, USAF Sgt. William Curtin, US Army Maj. Christopher DarConte, USAF Michael J. DiDomenico, Jr., USMC Seaman Jack Doupe, USN Captain Carey Eden Pvt. Erick Elkowitz, USMC Sgt. Matthew Ferrante, USMC Albert Giovanniello,
USAF Frank Iadevia, USAF Sgt. Jonathan Iliev, US Army Colonel John P. Kilbride, US Army Lt. Colonel Thomas J. Kilbride, US Army Michael Kruszewski, USN Lt. Jacen Lanclos Pvt. Nicholas Lane, US Army Sgt.1st Class Chris Manzililio LCpl Kieran McCaughey, USMC 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 Conor O’Leary, US Army Matthew P O'Neill, US Army P.O. Dawn M. Orlando
Please pray for those
Serving in the military
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.
Rob Owens, USMC Frank Pascale Jacqueline Peterson LCPL. Christopher Piccolo, USMC Joseph R. Ralph, USN Cpl. Michael Randazzo Sgt. Samuel Rodriquez, US Army John Ross, USAF Sgt. Tony G. Rotondo, USMC Carl M. Saviano MSgt. Matthew Schwally, USAF Sgt. Vince Senn PFC Desmond Slattery Kevin J. Smithwick, USMC Sgt. Jonathan Soto, US Army Joseph A. Squillace, USAF Pvt Michael Stinnett, US Army Thomas Sullivan Cpl. William Sutch, USMC
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