7:00 Viola Johnson & Antoinette Mastrianni requested by Loving Family

7:00 For Our Beloved Dead

9:00 Patrick Kelly requested by James Kelly

9:00 Edie Ryan requested by Ann & Vince Festa

9:00 Cecilia Gonzales Perez requested by Dillfia Munoz

7:00 Robert Ortiz (requested by loving family)

7:00 Stanley Fairbrothers requested by the Seus Family

8:45 Sylvia Graham requested by Lorraine, Jeff & Loren

8:45 Nicholas Santo requested by The Pray Family

7:00 Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Payne requested by The Pappas Family

7:00 For the Intentions of the Celebrant

9:00 Anthony Fenimore requested by Loving Wife

9:00 Barbara & Dominick DiBari requested by Loving Daughter

9:00 Frances Panella requested by Cathy and Norm West

7:00 Paul Bongiorno requested by Loving Wife

7:00 Barbara Avellino requested by the Pappas Family

9:00 Antoinette Catalano requested by Katherine Ferraro

9:00 Brian Just requested by loving family

9:00 Joseph P. Connelly, Jr. requested by Loving wife

7:00 John Sellitti requested by Loving Family

7:00 The Intentions of the Celebrant

9:00 Edie Ryan requested by Cathy & Norm West

9:00 George Colleman requested by Ann & Don Rubbo

9:00 Emerito Gutierrez Mercado requested by

Mr. & Mrs. Oquendo

8:00 Adrian Muller requested by Loving Wife

8:00 Arlene & Gary Gaslow & Family requested by

Thomas DuBritz & Son

8:00 Charles Rubino requested by Loving Wife

5:00 Beatrice Lichte requested by the Brienzo Family

5:00 Edie Ryan requested by Rosemary & Gil Balkam

5:00 Milagros Ramirez requested by Rene Torres

Sunday- April 25- Third Sunday of Easter

7:00 Raymond Dean requested by Lisa Coscia

7:00 Jennifer Gavazza requested by Joe Armagno

9:00 Knights of Columbus & Columbiettes

9:00 Knights of Columbus & Columbiettes

9:00 Howard L. Smith requested by Speddon - Console Family

10:30 Rosario Colonna requested by Ralph and Ann Castiglione

10:30 John Scionti, Sr. requested by love always Melanie and Laurie

10:30 Nicholas Santo requested by Jane Favale

12:00 Dorothy DeFlorio requested by Stella Assante

12:00 Deceased members of the Midura and Margas families

12:00 Frank Calderoni requested by William Richardson

5:00 Victor Cappellazzi requested by Joseph & Joyce Ando

5:00 Mrs. Casquarelli requested by the Lavdas Family

5:00 Bill & Rita Hubbard, Paul Shadlich requested by

Loving 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 Thomas’ doubt comes the certainty of the greatest statement of faith (and the best identification of who Jesus truly is) found in the entire New Testament. Thomas’ statement tells us not only that Jesus is the Messiah, but also that He in none other than God Himself-who came into the world to set us free. Seeing the Risen Lord, Thomas no longer doubts, and Jesus of course says to Him the very familiar challenge-“Have you come to believe because you have seen me?” “Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed.” Jesus is of course speaking about us (and all of those who came before us and will come after us), those who believe in the Risen Lord without seeing! Those of us who believe without the same benefits that Thomas and those like him, had who saw and lived with Jesus.

Sometimes we may judge Saint Thomas too harshly, and ask ourselves, why did he not believe? But, remember he was not alone in his disbelief. The other disciples also didn’t believe, as we see them locking themselves in the upper room because they were afraid, and did not trust. They also did not believe when Mary Magdalene came to them and told them that she had seen and spoken to the Risen Lord. And they still did not believe, even after seeing the Risen Lord, when they were hiding behind locked doors a week later when Thomas was there. After all, Jesus told them to go out and spread the good news-“As the Father has sent me, so I send you.”

We also should not be so hard on Thomas, because he-like others, who loved and believed in Jesus- was greatly shaken by His death on the Cross. So caught up in grief at the sight of His passion and death Thomas (and others) forgot for a while what Jesus promised them-that He would rise from the dead on the third day. I think Thomas wanted to believe when he was told that they saw the Risen Lord, but he was so caught up in the memory of the Crucifixion he decided not to believe, not to hope! That is why when he does see Jesus –who is now glorified-he does not just believe, he truly believes, and thus is able to make his profound statement of faith. It is to our benefit to remember St. Thomas’ words of faith, especially when we find ourselves in times of despair and disbelief. In those times when we believe that there is nothing to hope for, we have the promise of Jesus that He will be with us always. That is why fear is useless, what is necessary it trust.

On behalf of the entire St. Joseph’s Family, I would like to congratulate and welcome into the Roman Catholic Church and our Parish Community: Michael George Cantley, Richard Patrick Hartnett, Henry George Morales, Mayra Francis Morales, Shawna Rose Webb, and Shaylin Theresa Webb. These wonderful people were Baptized, Confirmed and received First Communion at the Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday Night. Also, at the same celebration, Leonard Robert Buccellato and Luiz Enrique Velez were brought into full communion in the Church, as they were Confirmed and received Jesus in the Eucharist for the first time. May God bless these new fully initiated members of the Body of Christ, and may they serve to be a reminder to all of us how blessed we are to have received the great gift of faith that God has given to us. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank our parish’s RCIA Team. These dedicated members of our parish shared their time, talents and faith with theses 8 people and met with them during the week and every Sunday beginning in the late summer/early fall. If you know of someone who is interested in becoming Catholic (and is either not Baptized or who is a Baptized non-Catholic Christian) or who has not received First Communion and Confirmation please tell them about the RCIA-again this wonderful process will begin in the late summer. Please call the Rectory for more details.

Also remember this afternoon at 3PM we will observe an Hour before the Blessed Sacrament in Honor of the Divine Mercy-this is open to all the members of the parish.

Once again, on behalf of all who minister and work here at St. Joseph’s we wish you and your families a very Happy Easter Season.

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

SFC Raymond J. Fulton 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

St. Joseph Student Council has donated $200 to Parish Outreach Fienstein Matching Grant. This foundation will match donations given to Parish Outreach during March and April. This foundation helps make your dollar worth twice as much. The hard work of both the students of St. Joseph and the members of the Student Council in fundraisers and other activities have provided our school the opportunity to give back to the community.

The Religious Ed office is open Monday through Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Classes are over for this year. Please send in your Registration forms for 2004/2005. This is a mail in registration, please return your forms as soon as possible. If you did not get your forms, please call our office at 981-1805. Any child entering Grade 1 in the Fall should be registered for Level 1. This is the first year of our two year Communion prep program. Call the office for registration forms.

We want to thank, Barbara Hoos, Joanne Mileto and Marie Hoffman for helping out in the office while Cathy Foy was ill. Cathy Foy is back and feeling much better and thanks to all for your many prayers. We wish also to thank all our Catechist and hall monitors for all your assistance and help during this past year.

Reminder for all parents whose child is receiving First Eucharist on Sunday May 2^nd.

Lottery and Rehearsal for the 9:30 a.m. Mass will be on April 26 at 7:00 p.m.

Lottery and Rehearsal for the 12:30 p.m. Mass will be on April 28^th at 6:45 p.m.

Reminder a Level 8 Parent meeting will be held in Church at 7:30 p.m. on April 27^th.

Michele Shaver & Ronald Clifford

both of St. Joseph’s

Angela Liberto & Terrence Tringone

both of St. Louis de Montfort

Carolyn Minker of St. Patrick &

James P. Domiano of St. Joseph’s

Lanette Dwyer of St. Louis De Montfort Peter Pizarro of St. Joseph’s

lobbyists spoke of their concerns. A letter from the LICL president, Dr. Jerry Higgins, which detailed these concerns and asked for legislative support of our position on these bills, which protect innocent human life, was left for each legislator. The four points are these:

Support the “Family Protection Act” (S.2893/A.6770) which requires a woman considering an abortion be given information regarding the development of her baby, the potential effects of abortion on her physical and mental health, and alternatives to abortion. It also requires parental consent for girls under 18 seeking abortion, with a judicial bypass provision as required by the U.S. Supreme Court.

Support the “Unborn Victims of Violence Act” (S. 403/A.7524) which makes it a crime to injure or kill a pre-born baby during the commission of a crime against a pregnant woman. Over half the states (29) have enacted such laws and both houses of Congress have passed a law covering 68 FEDERAL crimes of violence. (On April 1^st President Bush signed it into law.)

Support and co-sponsor the “Human Cloning Prohibition Act (S. 206) which bans all human cloning thus preventing human life from being turned into a commodity.

Oppose A.888/S.3339 and A.384/S.185 which have to do with so-called “emergency contraception” (EC).The former bills permit distribution of EC, potentially to minors, without physician oversight or parental knowledge. Authors of this legislation claim EC is safe which is a premature assertion since the FDA is continuing to study the effects of repeated use of mega-doses of hormones. The latter bills mandate a campaign promoting EC on all State University and College campuses which would include the false or unproven assurances that it is safe and does not cause abortion, which it does.

On Saturday, April 24^th, the May issue of LIFE NEWS will be folded. Please come to the gym in the Old School starting at 8:30 am. Lunch, coffee and cake will be provided for all. Confirmation service hours can be earned by helping with this work. All catechism students are welcome!

Also happening on Saturday April 24^th is an Ecumenical Day of Prayer & Witness for Life. The day will begin with Mass said at Assumption of Blessed Mary Church on Crown Acres Road in Centereach at 8:30 a.m. The Presider will be Msgr. Joseph Curley, of that parish.

Following the Mass, everyone will meet at Grace Baptist Church, 163 Hallock Road, Lake Grove, and from t here process to the abortion center on Nesconset Highway. There the rosary will be recited in peaceful, prayerful witness to the sanctity of life.

As we return to Grace Baptist Church we will gather there for refreshments, cordially offered. All are welcome, with a special invitation to young adults and teens.

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.

Easter Sunday’s collection $ 44,606

Same collection last year 46,057

Poor Box last weekend 351

Apr 05 $25 #299 Dorothy & Bill Onufrak Apr 06 $25 #321 Les Brown

Apr 07 $25 #319 Thomas Drum

Apr 08 $ # Holy Thursday Apr 09 $ # Good Friday

Apr 10 $ # Holy Saturday

“Blessed are they who have not seen and have believed,” Jesus says in today’s Gospel. For those who have not seen to believe, however, we must be good stewards of our faith, living it joyfully and sharing it generously. Then, in our time too, “men and women in great number” will be “added to the Lord.”

Pledged to date $1,120,210

Paid to date: 986,363

Scrip sales last week $ 19,450

Same period last year 24,105

Gross Profit 962

Confirmation Program

There will be a meeting on Tuesday Evening April 27th at 7:30 pm in the Church for the parents of all those who wish to be considered for Confirmation. As with Baptism and Marriage, there is a Parish preparation program, run each fall, for those to be confirmed. For admission to the program, each candidate must be interviewed by a member of the parish staff.

Before scheduling an interview, the candidates must have completed the study of the sacraments, Old Testament, New Testament, and regularly attend mass on Sunday. The parents of those candidates who have completed this preparatory work should attend the meeting. There we will explain the Confirmation program and hand out the forms needed to apply for the sacrament.

We recently received word from the Bishop’s Office that they have set the date of Confirmation for Thursday, November 11^th

St. Joseph’s Cub Scout Pack 272 and Boy Scout Troop 272 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 JoinScouting@StJoRonk.org.

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!!!

Please include the following in the bulletin sick list:

______________________________

Name of person who is ill:

_____________________________ ____________________

Person making this request: Relationship to ill person

Your Phone #: _____________________

( ) I/we would like to pledge to St. Joseph’s Parish Restoration
Campaign.

( ) I/we would like to increase our current Pledge Amount

___ $5,000 ___ $4,000 ___ $3,000 ___ $2,000 ___ $1,000

I/we would like to make payments

___Annually ___Semi-Annually ___Quarterly ___ Monthly

I/we would like to spread the payments over

___One year ___ Two years ___ Three years ___ Four years

ADDRESS:

PHONE:

AMOUNT ENCLOSED NOW: $ ________

I/we would like to register in the parish of St. Joseph’s.

NAME(s): ____________________________________________

ADDRESS:__________________________________ _________

PHONE:

I/we would like become members of the parish. ( ) Yes

I/we would like to receive contribution envelopes.

( ) Yes ( )No. ( ) Weekly ( ) Monthly

I/we would like to receive the LI Catholic newspaper.

( ) Yes ( ) No.

( ) I would like to become a lector.

( ) I would like to become an altar server.

( ) I would like to become a Eucharistic Minister.

( ) I would like to become a choir member

( ) I would like to offer my following talents to the parish

( ) I would like to help maintain the parish plantings

DEPOSIT BOTTLES AND CANS—Please place them in the blue truck that is located on the school side of the Church on weekends (when it works) or behind the rectory during the week.

CELL PHONES—Please bring your no longer used or needed cell phones and deposit them at the Scrip table in the Church lobby.