OUR LITURGY
Isaiah recalls the critical moment when the Israelites were saved from their slave masters as God split the Red Sea and destroyed the Egyptian army under the collapsing waters. God continues to set all people free. In today’s Gospel, Jesus refuses to condem the woman caught in adultery and exemplifies His compassion and mercy.
Liturgical Commission Publishings, Diocese of Lansing, Lansing, MI
Altar Bread And Wine
The gifts offered at our Masses this week end
are donated in Memory of:
Deacon Arnold Quaranta
Requested by: Loving Son & Family
REMEMBER OUR DEAD
Jean Cunningham, William Marisak, Marlene Urban, Angelo Miranda Teresa Carusillo
and our deceased soldiers, and all of our deceased relatives and friends.
REMEMBER OUR SICK
For this week, please pray for the sick, especially
:Angela Aponte Frank Belsito Maureen Beradon
Jean Boland Matthew Boland Kathy Butler
John Cannizzano Jennifer Carlisle Alex Cintron
Emmanuel Coby Al Croce Josephine D’Agostino
Dylan DiLauro Wendy Eilers Maggie Errico
Anna Esposito Louis Fava Robert Filce
Mary Ellen Flynn Mary Forsythe Joseph Fortier
Ed Hansen Patti Hunt Robert Lang
Ashlee LaRocca Georgianna Lopez Catherine Gracey
Juliana McLarney Brett Meyers Marie Minto
Rosann Moscato Anita L Nanry Tom Nanry
Sam Nettles Salvatore Romagnuolo Joyce E. Ryan
Helen Schaefer Theresa Schiano William Schmelzer
Gary Xavier Stadler Maria Stadler Phyllis Stewart
Linda Stultz Stacie Tizzard George Tizzard, Jr.
Marlene Urban Mckayla Vilsant Patricia Wickers
John Bickel
PLEASE NOTE:
To keep our prayer list current, we will keep names on the sick list for two months. We ask families to return the bulletin cut-out to include names of those who are ill for another two months.
OUR PRIEST-CELEBRANTS
(Subject to last minute changes)
This Sunday / Next SundaySaturday
5:00 pm Fr Devaraj Fr. Devaraj
Sunday
7:00 am Fr. Maffeo 7:00 am
9:00 am Fr. Rieder 9:00 am
10:30 am Fr. Maffeo 10:30 am TO BE ANNOUNCED
12:00 pm Fr. Devaraj 12:00 pm
5:00 pm Fr. Devaraj 5:00 pm
MASS INTENTIONS
Anticipated Mass For Sunday
5:00 George Hartmann requested by the Hartmann family
5:00 Vincent Fazzolari requested by M/M Richard Delamater
5:00 Margaret Gugliemetti requested by the Hoos family
Sunday- March 28- Fifth Sunday of Lent
7:00 Joseph Louis Ferrar requested by loving family
7:00 For the People of the Parish
9:00 Knights of Columbus & Columbiettes
9:00 Knights of Columbus & Columbiettes
9:00 Salvatore Lordi requested by Marilyn & Dom Pizzurro
10:30 Jill Heller requested by John & Marie Hoffman
10:30 Suellen Donaghy & family requested by Thomas Dubritz & son
10:30 Richard Drury requested byLisa & Anthony Lupo
12:00 John Martin requested by Cathy & Jim Foy
12:00 Deceased members of the Midura and Margas families
12:00 Edna Pandole requested by Felicia Heraghty
5:00 Thomas Hodes requested byPhil & Barbara Hoos
5:00 Linda Wood requested by the Eagler family
5:00 Howard Sutherland requested by Ann Scala
Monday March 29
7:00 Agnes Kane requested by the Murphy family
7:00 The Intentions of the Celebrant
9:00 Mary Napolitano requested by loving daughter and family
9:00 Cornelius J. Dunleavy requested by loving wife Anne
9:00 Joseph Crisco-Munch requested by Michael & Susan Bitonti
Tuesday March 30
7:00 Rosemarie Terrini requested by Constanza Maravegas
7:00 For Our Beloved Dead
8:45 Theresa DeFilippo requested by Marie DeFilippo
8:45 Nicholas Santo requested by the Wimpelberg Family
Wednesday March 31
7:00 Jacqueline Heederman requested by The Baker Family
7:00 For the People of the Parish
9:00 Crystal Clark requested by loving mother
9:00 Bridie Dunn requested by Louise & Bill Schaaf
Thursday, April 1
7:00 Edie Ryan requested by Bill Paduano & Family
7:00 For the Intentions of the Celebrant
9:00 Mae and Murray Lombardo and family requested by Tim Cleere and family
9:00 Kenny & McQuillan Families requested by Claire & Jim
9:00 Michael Pavlovsky requested by Catherine & Jim Gallagher
12:10 Doris Valsechi requested by The Purcaro Family
Friday- April 2- First Friday- St. Francis of Paola
7:00 Janet Percesepe requested by Margaret & Chris Marshall
7:00 For the Intentions of the Celebrant
9:00 Cornelius J. Dunleavy requested by loving wife Anne
9:00 Richard Drury requested by Michael Varley
Saturday- April 3- First Saturday
8:00 Theresa DeFilippo requested by Marie DeFilippo
8:00 Frances Zanleone requested by Anthony and Donna Scordia
8:00 Anthappai Mappilai requested by Loving Family
Anticipated Mass for Sunday
5:00 Yumiko Gruja requested by loving husband
5:00 Josephine M. Eisinger requested by Daria Arnold
5:00 Frank Cussens requested by Phil & Barbara Hoos
Sunday- April 4- Palm Sunday of the Lord’s Passion
7:00 For The People of the Parish
7:00 Anthony Maltese, Jr. requested by Joann Mazzara
9:00 Felicia Scordia requested by Anthony and Donna Scordia
9:00 Maria Rizzuto requested by St. Regis Columbiettes
10:30 Ann Gregory requested by Les
10:30 For an End to Abortion requested by Respect Life Committee
12:00 Mary Thienhen requested by Rosemary Schlicht
12:00 Mary & Stephen Salata requested by Loving Children
5:00 Paul Shadlich, Rita and Bill Hubbard (requested by loving family)
5:00 Thomas Hodes requested by Theresa Marino
5:00 Edie Ryan requested by the Muench Family
IF ANYONE WOULD LIKE TO BRING UP THE GIFTS AT THE MASSES ON SATURDAY OR SUNDAY, PLEASE CONTACT ONE OF THE USHERS WHEN YOU ARRIVE FOR MASS.
From Fr. Mike’s Desk
“Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” She replied, “No one sir.” Then Jesus said, “Neither do I condemn you. Go, and from now on do not sin any more.” This story about Jesus and the woman caught in adultery is one of the most remembered from the Gospel because of the three very important points it calls to mind. The first is that divine forgiveness is freely given. Notice, Jesus does not go into a long discussion with the woman. No, He asks her about those who accused her, and then He tells her, her sins are forgiven. However, with forgiveness comes the constant challenge to change her life, as Jesus tells her to go and avoid this sin. The second point is something we should always remember when we deal with our brothers and sisters who have found themselves in sin. That is-love the sinner, but hate the sin. So many times people confuse the two. Those who brought the woman to Jesus seemed to equate the person with the sin, as if there is no difference. To them the woman was sin and worthy of all hate! Jesus shows us that we are more than our sins and shortcomings. For we are made in the image and likeness of God, and there is much more to us than just the bad we do. The third point goes right along with the second, in that we ourselves should not judge the sinfulness of others. Who are we to judge others, when we have our own sins and problems to deal with! “Let the one among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.”
This is much to think about as we enter into the last two weeks of Lent.
Please join us for Lenten Evening Prayer on the Tuesday Evenings of Lent at 8 PM, and every Friday Evening at 7:30 PM for Stations of the Cross. Also, please consult the Parish Bulletin for the schedule of events for Holy Week. Also, remember that on Monday of Holy Week, April 5, 2004, we will participate in the Diocesan Day of Reconciliation. Confessions will be heard from 4-5 PM and at 7-8:30 PM.
In Mathew Chapter 25, Jesus tells us that what ever we do for the least of our brothers and sisters that we do for Him. If we minister to those who are hungry or sick or in any need at all, we are ministering to Jesus! The Society of Saint Vincent de Paul, which has a wonderful history of service here at Saint Joseph’s, is looking for a few good people who have a few hours a week to do the Lord’s work. This work could be bringing food to those in need and can’t get out. Visiting with the sick and those who are lonely, or whatever comes up. It will not take a great deal of time, but it will mean so much to those who you help. If you are one of those called to this ministry, please call the Parish Outreach at 981-6888 and someone from the Society will get back to you.
We would like to congratulate Michael Lanotte who is a finalist for Poetry Level I in the Respect Life Contest: Life is a Miracle. Michael and his family are members of the parish and he attends St. Joseph’s School. Congratulations Michael, we are very proud of you.
Let us pray as we enter into these last two weeks of Lent,
Lord, we carry with us the burden of our sins and failings. But, you, oh Lord, do not cast stones at us, no, you roll away all stones that stand in our way from approaching you. Help us, to grow in your wisdom and mercy and not to judge one another. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen
God bless you always,
Fr. Mike
ROOF APPEAL—We have reached 54% of our goal.
SAYING A PRAYER FOR OUR TROOPS
Please continue to remember them in your prayers.
Cpl Jason Bertran Cpl. Michael Bruno
Cpt. Kevin Connolly Capt Edward Cuevas
Sgt Ryan Delaney Pvt. Matthew DiNardo Capt. Keith Flick SSG Jeremy Garcia
Spc. Tristin Mortensen Capt. Evan Gotkin
Capt. Jennifer Gotkin Sgt. Steven Knight
Pfc. Brian Lane Spc. Adam Mackey
Andy Mezador Cpt. Gregory Mueller
SSG Joey Napolitano COP Jonathan Norris
Spc. Brian Pacella Sgt. Rudy Schoverling
Ensign 3 Lucy P. Padro Navy Seal Paul M. Padro
PFC Christopher Reid Sg.t. Edwin Rivera, II
PO2 Roger Schoverling Pvt. James Stanek
SR. Andrew J. Szynaka SSG Thomas J. Valentino
SRA Jason M. Schiavo SSG Dusty Williamson
(If you would like to include a soldier from your family who is serving our country, place their name and rank on a piece of paper in the collection basket)
RESTORATION FUND—We are always accepting pledges to our parish fund drive to carry on the work of rebuilding and restoring. To date, we have used over $960,000 to pay for various parts of the parish infrastructure. Thanks to all those who are making regular payments and to those who have increased their pledges.
St. Joseph’s School News
Campbell’s Labels for Education- Please support St. Joseph School by collecting the entire label from Campbell, Pepperidge Farms, Swanson, Franco-American, V-8, Prego and Pace Products. Labels are redeemed for free education merchandise. Please drop them in the collection.
Home School Association
ST. JOSEPH’S SCHOOL ‘GOES HOLLYWOOD’
at its Annual Spring Fashion Show on March 31, 2004 at Villa Lombardi’s. Tickets are $45.00 each for the Show, Dinner, Beer, Wine and Soda. For more information call the school office at 588-4760 or pick up a ticket order .at the Rectory.
Religious Ed NewS
The Religious Ed office is open Monday 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Tuesday and Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Please be aware that our office closes at 3:30, as our staff needs to be in the school buildings for class times. The office will open on Wednesdays at 10:00 a.m. to 3:30 pm.
This is the last week of Religious Ed classes.
Registration forms for 2004/2005 have been mailed out. This is a mail in registration, please return your forms as soon as possible. Please note the new instructions in our cover letter. If you did not get your forms, please call our office at 981-1805.
Level 5 students had their Sacrament Skits this past week. We congratulate our students and their catechists for doing such a great job. Thank you to the parents who brought juice and cookies.
Level 1 Parent /Child Year End Celebration on Friday April 2nd,
in Church at 6:45 p.m. with Activity to follow in Carew Hall.
Sunday School Year end Celebration on Sunday April 4 (Palm Sunday) in Auditorium at 10:00 a.m.
Respect Life
A personal and powerful behind-the-scenes look at the abortion industry is found in Carol Everett’s autobiography, “Blood Money: Getting Rich Off a Woman’s Right to Choose”. Here Everett testifies to the fact that the motive of financial profit pervades the business of abortion, belying noble-sounding rhetoric of “helping women in need.”
Here then, from a former abortionist, are some words of advice to parents:
Parents need to get involved in the schools, on the school boards and with the curriculum so they know what is being taught regarding sex education and reproduction.
Parents need to know whether or not a school-based clinic is in their children’s school.
Keep open lines of communication with your children so they are not afraid to come home and say, “Guess what happened in school today?
Parents must make school administration aware of the abortion industry’s tactics and its methods for getting into the schools.
Parents need to educate themselves by reading books like Grand Illusions, the Legacy of Planned Parenthood by George Grant, and understand exactly how the abortion industry operates. Then they must educate the school administration who must educate the teachers and others not to let these people in.
Parents need to ensure there are school policies that make parents aware of outside interest groups giving presentations to students. This would enable parents to request that their child be excused from class if the parent deems the materials/subject matter inappropriate.
Today, Carol Everett recounts the deceptive way she targeted teenagers for her lucrative abortion business. Unbeknownst to parents and school administrators, Ms. Everett shrewdly put a wedge between teens and their parents on the topic of sex and contraception. Gaining the trust of teens by using the public school system gave Carol Everett the perfect avenue to sell abortions to teens.
One way to counteract such actions is to be aware that every spring Planned Parenthood puts on a “Health Fair” at a local hotel. Schools in our area actually bus the students there. Do the schools know what really is discussed? Do the parents who must sign permission slips know what is really the purpose of this “Health Fair”? You may want to ask your school’s administrators about the intended program. You should also know that there are education professionals connected with the L.I. Coalition For Life, and they will speak on pro-life concerns in schools, congregations and organizations.
Call 631-243-1435 for more information.
Consider this quote from the pamphlet “Selling Teens Abortions, Parents Beware”:
Q: How did you get to these kids?
A: I got to them very easily through the schools. I simply called the health teacher or one of the other teachers.. I even worked with English teachers.
Parish Outreach
Fienstein Matching Grant
This foundation will match all dontations made to the Outreach Program during the months of March and April. This is a great way to make your contribution dollar go farther. The need is great but the supply is low.PREGNANCY CRISIS HOTLINE
—We are here to help you. Please call 981.6888.FOOD SUPPORT—Your donations of food and staple items is always appreciated. Kindly leave them in the front of Mary’s statue in the Church before or after Mass.
Weekly Offering
Last Sunday’s collection $ 15,933
Same collection last year 17,349
Poor Box last weekend 440
Education Collection 135
Catholic Relief Collection 04 1,592
03 1,561
We thank you for your continued and generous support!
Calendar Club
Mar 14 $50 #605 Peter V. BornemanMar 15 $25 #549 Ann & John Reynolds
Mar.16 $25 #639 Thomas Drum
Mar 17 $25 #733 Anne & Peter Kelly
Mar 18 $25 #445 Joseph M. Minerva
Mar 19 $25 #320 Mr. & Mrs. S. Quinn
Mar 20 $25 #773 Ed & Kay Ward
Stewardship
When Jesus heard about the illness of His friend, Lazarus, He responded, “This illness does not lead to death; rather it is for God’s glory, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it.” Every aspect of our lives—our sufferings as well as our gifts—can, if surrendered to Christ, lead to blessing for ourselves and others.
Restoration Fund
Pledged to date $1,120,210
Paid to date: 986,363
Scrip Corner
Scrip sales last week $ 16,800
Same period last year 16,455
Gross Profit 839
WE NEVER SAUSAGE A GREAT TURNOUT!
Troop 272’s Pancake Breakfast was an overwhelming success. Our scouts are
grateful to the parish for your
generous support.
We have fun, exciting, educational, character building programs for boys, age 7 through 17 (or first grade and up). For more information or to enroll your child, contact Dr. Louis Scotti at 724-4460 or e-mail JoinScouts@StJoRonk.org.
COURTESY ANNOUNCEMENT
On Sunday, April 25, 2004 Our Lady of Mercy Academy in Syosset, NY is holding a “Come Back To Mercy Tea” for the class years of 1967-1977, from 2:00-4:00 p.m. For information please call Patti-Ann Olsen, Alumnae Director at (516) 921-1047 ext. 28 or e-mail Sr. Elaine Hanson, RSM at elainevmeh@aol.com.
Catholic Ministries Appeal 2004
When we have paid our goal of $65,900 St Joseph Parish will get a rebate of $13,180. Every dollar paid to the Appeal over that amount means 80 cents to the parish.
Many of the dollars collected also come back to us through our hospitals (including Good Samaritan, St Catherine, St. Francis and St Charles), our high schools (including St John the Baptist and McGann Mercy), the support for St Joseph School from the Diocese (such as last year’s $10,000 technology grant), Diocesan support of our Religious Education program, the Tribunal that helps with annulments, as well as Catholic Charities with the support it gives our parish outreach as well supporting the Diocesan Senior Citizen Housing.
SURFING THE WEB?
Visit
St. Joseph Parish Online
~ now even easier to find at ~
StJoRonk.org
The parish bulletin is posted on our website each week
.- also for your convenience-
You can now communicate with the parish
office by e-mail.
Send your inquiries toInfo@StJoRonk.org
Used Inkjet Cartridges, Where are you?!
Ever wonder how to continue the useful life of that inkjet cartridge that just went dry? We have found a way to help St Joseph and keep those complicated pieces of plastic, metal and printed circuit boards out of the land fill. Drop them off (in a plastic baggie) when you come to mass. We will send them to a company who reuses them and gives the parish a bounty for each. One note, to clear confusion, if it is larger than a fist, it is not an inkjet cartridge!!!
