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St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church

OUR LITURGY
Jeremiah is assured by God that even though the people reject him, God is in control. Paul teaches the Corinthians that love is the root of all goodness; without it, faith is empty and meaningless. In today’s Gospel, Jesus reminds us that God gives gifts to all people; that God’s love is bestowed upon all; and, that salvation has come for all.

ALTAR BREAD & WINE
In Memory of
Jane Favale
Requested by
Bea Delisio

OUR PRIEST-CELEBRANTS
This Week End Mass Next Week
Fr Maffeo 5:00 pm Fr Tapel
Fr Maffeo 7:00 am Fr Tapel
Fr Boyle 9:00 am Fr Maffeo
Fr Tapel 10:30 am Fr Boyle
Fr Boyle 12:00 pm Fr Maffeo
Fr Tapel 5:00 pm Fr Boyle
IF ANYONE WOULD LIKE TO BRIN G UP THE GIFTS AT THE MASSES ON SATURDAY OR SUNDAY, PLEASE CONTACT ONE OF THE USHERS WHEN YOU ARRIVE FOR MASS.

St. Joseph’s Parish Monthly Recollection
On the First Friday of every month, at 7:30 PM, we hold our Monthly Parish Recollection. This is an hour of prayer, of recollection before our Lord present in the Blessed Sacrament - whose Sacred Heart is the source of immense charity and generous love. The foundation of this prayer is God’s presence in our souls as Creator, Preserver, and Author of Graces (“in Him we live, and move, and are” Acts 17:28). God is our Father, and our Friend and is our sweet Guest. We must acknowledge the realization of this great truth: God is in each of us, our soul is His Temple.
This prayer of recollection includes the Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and Benediction, Praying of the Psalms, Silence, Gospel Reading and a Talk /Reflection on the following topics: The Cardinal Virtues of prudence, justice, temperance and fortitude. The Theological Virtues of faith, hope and love. The gifts of the Holy Spirit; wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety and fear of the Lord.
Every soul, hungry & thirsty for God, is invited to this holy hour every First Friday of the month to adore, venerate & contemplate the Sacred Heart of Jesus, & to have a quiet dialogue with God.

MASS INTENTIONS
Sunday, January 28, Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time
7:00 Charles Good requested by Debra & John Kowalski
7:00 Joseph McIntyre requested by Deborah McIntyre
9:00 For Deceased Members of the
Knights of Columbus and Columbiettes
10:30 Mr & Mrs LoBrutto requested by Loving Family
10:30 Mary Iadanza requested by Mr & Mrs Sal Anello
12:00 Tony, Elisa & Frank Valisno requested by
The Samson Family
12:00 Christopher Callahan requested by Joseph Armagno
5:00 Bernard Sellick requested by Norma, Arthur & Doreen Owen
5:00 Linda Knudsen requested by Elizabeth Dinger & Family
Monday, January 29
7:00 Anne Gannon requested by Anne Marie
9:00 Ana Villa requested by The Villalon Family
9:00 Donald Leon requested by The Darois Family
Tuesday, January 30
7:00 Jane Favale requested by Peggy McGrann
8:45 Jane Favale requested by Loving Family
8:45 Robert Vorel requested by The Lyon Family
Wednesday, January 31, St John Bosco
7:00 Joan Hennessey requested by Anthony Demartini
9:00 Norma Brown requested by Loving Husband
9:00 John W Biglin requested by Loving Wife & Family
Thursday, February 1
7:00 William Tuhey requested by Loving Wife
9:00 Ron Michael requested by Bertha
9:00 Antoinette Carneglia requested by Dcn Joe & Marie Califano
9:00 Elsie Misciagna requested by Loving Husband
Friday, February 2, Presentation of the Lord
7:00 Robert Mucha requested by Loving Wife
7:00 For the People of the Parish
9:00 Jackson R McLear requested by The Penfold Family
9:00 Mark Kurnatowski & Josef Wolanski requested by
Loving family
Saturday, February 3, St Blaise
8:00 Theresa DeFilippo requested by Loving Daughter Marie
8:00 Veronica Volpe requested by Louise & John Montuori
Anticipated Mass for Sunday
5:00 Jerry Caccappolo requested by Cathy & Jim Foy
5:00 Margaret Russo requested by The Quagliata Family
Sunday, February 4, Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time
7:00 Margaret Lencek & Sally & Paul Cordasci requested by
Christine & Frank DeSalvo
7:00 Ann M Chiusano requested by The Mai Family
9:00 Anne Johnson requested by The Majeskis’
9:00 Leona Y Demetillo requested by The Majeskis’
10:30 Bill Groten requested by Janet Kramer
10:30 Rose Pitka requested by Doris Peterson & Family
12:00 Gertrude Albert requested by Mr & Mrs Edward J Gabriel
12:00 Deceased members of the Mucci & Gabriel Families
5:00 Lillian Keane requested by Jerry & Patty Peters
5:00 Peter Biegen requested by Loving family

Sunday, January 28, 2007

Sunday, December 31, 2006

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For the past few weeks and for the next few weeks our second reading comes from Saint Paul’s First Letter to the Corinthians. As you may know, Paul’s letters are older than the written Gospels and they were written to instruct, reinforce, or encourage the many Christian Communities that he founded or visited during his missionary journeys. These letters are extremely valuable because they tells us what Orthodox beliefs and teachings were (are) since the early days of the Church. If you have ever wondered why we carry out certain practices or have certain beliefs that are not found in the Gospels or the Bible that is because they go back to a time before the Bible was put together by the Church under the guidance of The Holy Spirit. Remember the Church was not founded by the Bible, but by our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and as stated above, it was the Holy Spirit that inspired the authors of the Gospels, Letters, and the Book of Revelation, and the books of the Old Testament and the Bishops of the Church who put the Bible in its present form.
Now back to this letter written by St. Paul. Corinth was a Roman City located in Greece and it was a commercial crossroads. It was a melting pot of many different beliefs and pagan cults. It was a seaport so it had more then its fair limits of political, religious, and moral problems. St. Paul established a Christian Community in Corinth in the year 51 AD on his 2nd Missionary Journey. At first Paul sought out the Jewish Community that was there, but they rejected him. So Paul turned to the Gentiles who were poor, underprivileged and were happy to hear what he had to say. When Paul was in Ephesus on his 3rd Journey, he received disquieting news about Corinth. The community was experiencing factionalism, brought on by people like Apollos (who was a Jewish Christian from Alexandria) who some followed and put his teachings over Paul’s (mainly that one had to become Jewish before they could be baptized and they had to follow Jewish Law). Other members of the community were getting too caught up in the pagan society, its ways and its courts of law (forgetting the Christian law of love and forgiveness), and this was also seen in how the people celebrated the Liturgy. Some community members discriminated against others drinking too freely at the fellowship meals that followed and didn’t help to feed those members who did not have food. Likewise many members were caught up in the Charismatic Gifts of the Holy Spirit and were so caught up in these gifts and its various prayer forms that they neglected works of charity and were caught up in who God loved more-in short my gift and powers are better than yours, so God loves me more! There were also other problems that caused Paul to write his letters so the community could guard against these things and correct them.
Thanks to these problems we learn first how things were supposed to be done, and we learn, as we see in this week’s
selection, that the most important aspect and gift of Christian life is LOVE; “If I give away everything I own, and if I hand my body over so that I can boast, but I do not have love, I gain nothing.” We also see from Paul, how the gifts of the Spirit are given to each person differently and how each gift, while different, are equal to all others and are all necessary for the building up and the carrying out the Church’s earthly mission. We also see in Paul’s letter that all Christians are united in the Church and how one person (or as we see in the analogy of the Church and the body and its separate parts) is not more important than the other, because all are necessary for the body to live and function properly –and so it is for all who make up the Church. In the Church there are proper roles and offices each with their proper rights and responsibilities. And each member of the Church must respect each office and those who hold them, and likewise those who have specific tasks must respect and work for all who are in the Church. In this way the whole Body of Christ works together for the good of all, for the building up of the Kingdom, and for the Greater Glory of God.
As it was in the early days, so it is today and will be until Christ comes again. We must remember one key aspect of Church membership, or else we will face the same problems experienced by the Church at Corinth, and that is we belong to the Church and not the other way around-the Church is not our personal property. We are called by Christ to be a part of His living body and to follow the Gospel everyday. While the Church is here to give us comfort, support, love, compassion, and the love of God as seen through the Sacraments, Liturgies, Prayers and services she has to offer, we as its members must be ready to serve one another and work together as Church leaders guide us. We are called to serve just as Christ came into the world to serve. Likewise so are those who Christ has called to serve through the Sacraments of Holy Orders, the Consecrated Life, and Professional Lay Ministers as leaders of the community working for the good of the community and the world. Please pray for Bishops, Priests, Deacons, Religious Women and Men and Lay Ministers of the Church so they can always do their best to serve the Church, pray for an increase of vocations and pray that God will show all of us how to continue to use the gifts of the Spirit and build up the Church and the Kingdom of God. Don’t forget today is the beginning of Catholic Schools Week and do we have a school for you right here at St. Joseph’s. See the bulletin for details on all of this week’s happenings and visit the school or speak to our Principal Mrs. Arpino for more information about our school.
God bless you always.
Fr. Mike

FROM THE DESK OF FR. MIKE

FROM THE DESK OF FR. MIKE

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REMEMBER OUR SICK
Michelle Altonji Lucy Amato
William Arabio Florio Barello
William Barry Marie Behling
Rosemary Bello Christine Biancrosia
Oliver Bouchard Hazel Boyce
Mr Michael Boyle Sr Cynthia Caesar
Dylan Jack Cuevas Joan DeCicco
Ryan Delaney Joseph DeMaio
Michael DePinto Angelina DeSimone
Pricilla DeStanfo Nancy DiTrapani
Anthony Diubaldo Marie Diubaldo
Mary Dougherty Richard Fahey
Kathleen Farrell Robert Filce
Vincent Fortunato Flavio Gabrielli
Virginia Giommetti Sonny Grasso
Raymond Harold Mary Hickey
Eugene Hornef Jack Kelleher
Cecelia Keller Georgiana Lopez
Marie Mangan Donna R Martinez
Howard Meeks Sam Monteleone
Joanora O'Donnell Christopher Owen
Sylvia Persico Grace C Peshkur
Baby Rebecca Petrellese Joseph Poirot
John Reynolds Janet Rodgers
Dawn Saporito Sharon Schneider
Barbara Seibel-Schoenfeld Antoinette Shea
Darryll Smith Anntonina Sturiano
Stacie Tizzard Lloyd Turnier
Joseph Vereline Jr Theresa Vlahos
Gerard Weber
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.

REMEMBERING THE SICK
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 #: _____________________
(Please place in collection basket or return to Church Office)
(Friends can be placed on the silent prayer list only)

PRAY FOR OUR TROOPS
Please continue to remember them in your prayers.
CPL Deborah Alfieri PFC Matthew Altonji
Tech SGT Louis Barletta 2LT Stephen Bartoszak
PFC Justin Browne SGT Michael Bruno
CPL Glenn Clacher SPC Thomas E. Corcoran
SGT Ryan Delaney TSGT Timothy Dermody
LTCOL Kurt Diehl SGT Stephen Gene DiGirolamo
LT John Kenneth DiNero SSGT Tony Elliott
LT Kelly Fletcher PFC Adam Franciosa
CPT Evan Gotkin PVT2 Edward Johnston
SGT John W Keohane SSGT Steven Knight
CPL Andrew Kochman LCPL David Lindsey
PVT Thomas B McGinn SGT Patrick McNally PFC William Meyer SGT Glenn Miller 2LT Heather Miras SGT Daniel Montville SSGT Brian Moran CPT Gregory Mueller LCPL Thomas Napolitano LCPL Michael Napolitano Pvt Todd Nelson LCPL James Neubauer LCPL Anthony Notaroberta PVT James Notaroberta SGT Brian O'Leary SGT Brian Pacella N/Seal Paul Padro ENS3 Lucy Padro CPT Michael Parisi 2LT Anthony Parisi MAJ Paul E Pinaud CTR2 Matthew Pistritto SGT Edwin Rivera, II PFC William R Rodgers LCPL Anthony M Sbrocco SSGT Jason Schiavo LCPL W.Mason Shehan SPC James Stanek SSGT Nick Vicale SGT John Thomas Vogt LCPL Brandon Waldon SGT Randolph Weaver 2LT John Wolven
If you would like to include a soldier from your family who is serving, place their name and rank and branch of service on the cut -out and put it in the collection basket.

REMEMBERING OUR TROOPS
Please include the following soldier in your prayers :
______________________________
Name, Rank and Branch of Service
_____________________________ ____________________
Person making this request: Relationship to Soldier
Your Phone #: _____________________
(Please place in collection basket or return to Church Office)
(Friends can be placed on the silent prayer list only)

REMEMBER OUR DEAD
Gaspar Vaz, Lucy Jerome, Louis Agnese, Marie Zinna, for our deceased soldiers
and all of our deceased relatives and friends.
Eternal rest grant unto them O Lord and let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace.
May their souls and all the souls of the faithful departed rest in peace. Amen

Sunday, January 28, 2007

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St Joseph’s School
school@stjoronk.org
Thank you to Legislator Kennedy for attending our DARE Graduation on Friday. Also thank you to Officer Riley who prepared the children so well.
Plans are underway for our annual Fashion Show. Please call the school office or check the church lobby for information on ticket purchases. Tickets are on sale now.
Thank you to the Long Island Science Center. They presented excellent workshops on Friday to our students in grades K- 2. The students were greatly involved.
Farewell to our Korean friends. Our Korean exchange students will be leaving on Monday, January 29th for their return home. It was truly a great experience for all children involved. Our students learned valuable moral lessons of concern and respect for other people along with learning styles and study practices of other children their age. I'm sure with the availability of technology, e-mail etc. our children will be able to keep in touch with their new friends.
Today begins Catholic School's Week. We have many activities planned for our school families and children this week. We welcome everyone in our parish to our OPEN HOUSE, today, Sunday, January 28 from 10:00AM - 1:00PM. Come and walk through our school and see the great things that are going on in each room. Also extend the invitation to any one with school age children seeking a great learning experience for their child. Catholic School offers excellence in education along with spiritual development. Take the time to look at us!
Welcome to all our Grandparents! We are so proud to have you in our school today. Please enjoy refreshments in the school gym with your grandchildren. Have them give you a personal Grand Tour of our school! Please see the schedule of events for this week. All are welcome to attend.
Registration is open beginning February 12th for the 2007 - 2008 school year. Please mark your calendar. Registration is open to children who will be 3 years old on or before Dec 1st for Nursery, 4 year olds for Pre-kindergarten and grades Kindergarten thru Grade 8.
Congratulations to all our 8th graders! High School acceptance letters were received this week. Our students were all accepted into the high school of their choice. Congratulations to the following students who were awarded scholarships to McGann/Mercy & St. John the Baptist, Kellie Bridges, James Lunghi, Eric Mattessich & Edward Schmidt. The following were awarded scholarships to Chaminade Stephan Brandt, Matthew Lanotte, James Lunghi, Bishara Mansur, Eric Mattessich, Edward Schmidt, & Thomas Thieke. Congratulations !

Religious Education
reled@stjoronk.org
Monday & Thursday 9 am to 4 pm
Tuesday & Wednesday
10 am to 3:30 pm
The office is closed on Fridays.
Important Reminder - Level 6 - Our visit to Temple Beth Chai will take place on Monday, January 29th. Directions to the temple were given out in class last week.
On Monday , January 29th a memorial mass will be held for Jane Favale at 7:00 p.m. All are invited to attend.
Reminder for Level 1 Activity night will be held on February 12 at 4:00 pm and 6:30 pm, you may take your choice of time.

St. Vincent de Paul
In the Gospel today, Jesus show us that we are called to place gospel values before any other values and to be willing to put our lives on the line for them. Taking care of God’s poor is indeed living gospel values.

Christopher Charles Callahan, Jr
Calin Logan Connor
Amanda Marie D’Alessandro
Ashley Rose Kolacinski
Brenden Lee Mock

Attention all:
Cub Scout Packs, Boy Scout Troops, Venturing Crews
St. Joseph’s will celebrate Scout Sunday on February 11th
St. Joseph Church, Pack, Troop, & Crew 272 invite all Scouting Units in the area to celebrate with us on Sunday, February 11th, at the 12:00 PM Mass. Refreshments will be available after Mass. Please let us know that you will be coming. E-mail ScoutSunday@StJoRonk.org or call 588-8456 and leave a message.

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Sunday, January 28, 2006
, 2005

RESPECT LIFE
In one of his final acts as Governor of New York State, George Pataki announced
$10 million in funding to establish an umbilical cord blood research institute in central New York. On November 3, Pataki detailed the plan for the “New York State Cord Blood Science Institute” to be based in Syracuse, a collaborative effort between the State Department of Health, its Wadsworth Center laboratories, SUNY Upstate Medical University and the NYS Blood and Tissue Council.
“The Institute will develop a program to facilitate the donation of potentially life-saving stem cells from umbilical cords,” Pataki said. “These stem cells have been shown to have potential for the treatment of a variety of blood and immune-system related diseases including leukemia, lymphoma, sickle cell anemia and Krabbes Disease. This cord blood bank will also dramatically increase the potential for cord blood transplants.”
The program would collect, type, test, store and distribute for research treatment cells derived from umbilical cord blood collections, which until now has generally been routinely discarded as medical waste.
“Having spearheaded the efforts to have this life-saving facility located in Syracuse, I am ecstatic that Central New York will be home to a center that will promote the use of umbilical cord blood for research and the treatment of illnesses,” said Senator John DeFrancisco (R-Syracuse). “This is an incredible opportunity for Central New York and for those whose lives will be spared through such a facility.”
NYS Pro-Life Reporter, January 9, 2007
For interested persons, go to www.nyscatholic.org for more information.
You are invited to the next Long Island Coalition for Life meeting, January 29th, at the Knights of Columbus Hall on the corner of Pond Road and Rosevale Avenue. This will be this coming Monday evening at 8 pm. The speaker, Chris Slattery, is a pro-life activist and the director of fifteen Pregnancy Care Centers, located in the Bronx, Manhattan, and Brooklyn. His topic will be “Emerging Political Threats Against Frontline Crisis Pregnancy Centers.” Visitors generally leave after the speaker is finished, and the Coalition goes on with its meeting. These speakers always have interesting and thought-provoking pro-life things to say. Will you give it a try?
PREGNANCY CRISIS HOTLINE - We are here to help you. Please call 981-6888.

Weekly Offering
Sunday, January 21, 2006 Offerings $17,039
Same collection last year 18,461
Number of envelopes 642
Poor Box last weekend $344
Fuel Oil Collection YTD $7501
Same time last year 2006 8409
Christmas (to date) $54,582
Same Collection last year 51,208
Snow Removal $876
Same time last year 2006 1747
Long Island Catholic $1881
Same collection last year 1747
Thank you for your generous response to the appeal for
increased giving.
God Bless You Always, Fr Mike
CATHOLIC DAUGHTERS NEWS
Court St. Joseph 975 will meet on Tuesday, February 6th in Father Carew Hall at 7 p.m. Remember, we’ll be doing the Penny Auction!
C. West, Regent 585-1719 , M. Flood, Vice Regent, 585-5352

Fr Boyle will resume teaching the Bible on February 6th. The class is held every Tuesday in two sessions. You can choose mornings 10-11:30 AM or evenings 7:30-9 PM. Registration is no longer necessary, neither is a fee. Classes will meet every week. Anyone wishing to learn is welcome to attend as many or as few classes as you want. Feel free to come and go as you please. Join us !

Mark Your Calendars
Jan 28 Catholic Schools Week Begins
Feb 2 Parish Recollection 7:30-8:30
Feb 3 Blessing of Throats after 8AM Mass
Feb 4 Unity Sunday
Feb 5 Baptism Prep Class 8-9PM Rectory
Feb 6 Bible Study 10 AM & 7:30 PM Carew Hall
Feb 11 Scout Sunday 12 o’clock Mass

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Catholic Ministry Appeal Update
The Catholic Ministry Appeal for 2006 has very successful. Not only did we surpass our goal of $74,800 in pledges, we received the total goal in payments. That means that St. Joseph’s will receive the full parish rebate of $14,960! That is awesome and you should be very happy and proud that you, the loyal and generous parishioners of St. Joseph have made it possible. We thank you so much for your continued support. If you still owe money on your pledge, it’s not to late to send in your final payment. All money received by January 31st will be credited and we’ll receive a final rebate of 80% of the total over the goal.
Goal: $74,800
Pledges: $78,836
Received to date: $75,114
In a few short weeks, we will begin the Appeal for 2007. We are hopeful that the response will be even better than last year’s. There will be a Diocesan mailing followed by presentations at weekend masses of Feb.10 & 11. We need volunteers to help make this year’s Catholic Ministry Appeal even more successful. If you are interested and would like to volunteer, please call the rectory and leave your name and telephone number. It is very rewarding to be part of something so vital to this parish and the Dioceses. We thank you and look forward to a great year.
WE DID IT !!

Catholic Ministries Appeal 2006

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A NOTE ON RECEIVING JESUS IN THE BLESSED SACRAMENT
My Dear Parish Family,
Recently it has been brought to my attention about some problems with the distribution and receiving of Holy Communion, so I thought it would be a good idea for all of us to review the proper procedures on how to receive Holy Communion. Remember that the Eucharist is not a symbol for Jesus or something that just reminds us of Him, nor is it just blessed bread and wine; no it is truly the BODY, BLOOD, SOUL, and DIVINITY OF OUR LORD AND SAVIOR JESUS CHIRST! When the bread and wine are consecrated at the Eucharistic Prayer of the Mass, they truly become Jesus’ Body and Blood even though they may look like and taste like the bread and wine that were changed. The elements were changed by the power of The Holy Spirit, and as St. Thomas Aquinas tell us the appearance, taste, color, etc of the bread wine are the accidents left behind, but none the less the bread and wine have truly changed into Jesus’ Body and Blood until they are consumed by a member of the faithful. We call this Transubstantiation, and this belief is shared by our Eastern Orthodox Christian Brothers and Sisters and by some branches of the Anglican/Episcopal Church.
With this in mind, we should always approach the Eucharist with great reverence, respect and most importantly love; for this is truly our Divine Lord that we are about to receive in our hearts and souls. Therefore, we should prepare our souls to receive Jesus through a period of silent prayer and reflection and a prayer of thanksgiving after receiving the Blessed Sacrament. We should try not to be distracted as we approach the minister who is offering us communion, so this is not the time to talk with others or extend greetings (save that for after Mass outside the Church), and we should not have anything in our mouths like candy or gum as we approach the minister-believe it or not it does happen.
Communion may be received either in the hand or on the tongue; the decision belongs to the individual communicant, not to the minister distributing communion. A communicant receiving on the hand should remove gloves, and hold up the hands to receive with the left hand cupped and open supported by the right hand (a left handed person can rest the right upon the left) and then taking the right hand bring the Eucharist to his or her mouth. As St. Cyril of Jerusalem taught that in this way our hands form a throne to receive our King. As the communicant approaches and stands in front of the minister, the minister holds up the host and the communicant bows the head and the minister says, “The Body of Christ”, to which the communicant responds, “Amen.” The response “Amen” is an expression of the person’s belief in the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist. These words should not be altered; they are the universal ritual practice for Catholics throughout the world. Likewise it should be noted, that the saying of “Amen” is not optional, it must be said to acknowledge our full belief and sad to say too many people do not say it. Also one does not walk away with the Eucharist to their seat or any other place in the Church, no the Eucharist should be placed immediately into ones mouth. Likewise, when we are receiving in the hand, we do not reach out and take the host from the minister with out fingers; for we never take the Eucharist we receive the Eucharist!

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and take the host from the minister with our fingers; for we never take the Eucharist we receive the Eucharist!
Once again do not take the host to your seat or leave it in the pew (so should you get on the Communion Line and then feel that you can not receive, please give the host back to the minister or simply get off the line, do not show disrespect to the Eucharist by leaving it somewhere or putting into you pocket-this is no way to treat our dear Lord! Also do not take the Eucharist with the purpose of bringing the Eucharist to someone else-only Ordained Ministers or Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion are authorized by the Church to take Communion to the homebound or sick-the only reason we take communion to someone outside of the church- and if you have need of this you should call the rectory so we can meet any other needs the person may have. Likewise please do not break off a piece of the host and give it to small children who are not of an age to fully understand who it is they are receiving. While, you may think this is an act of kindness or you don’t want the child to feel left out, you are actually cheating that child from the great joy and anticipation of receiving Jesus for the 1st time when they are of age. The best way to handle this would be to tell the child now is not the time, but soon, and to explain why they have to wait and how great it will be when they too are ready to receive.
One thing to those who receive on the tongue, please fully stick out your tongue not just a little of it, and since we are no longer receiving at the Communion Rail and you are not kneeling down, please do not tilt you head back as it makes it very hard to give you the host and please wait to feel the host securely in your mouth before you retract your tongue- I have had more incidents of the Eucharist falling on the floor from people receiving on their tongues than in the hand, because they retract their tongues too soon!
Remember the Eucharist truly is the Body and Blood of Christ, it is not just a symbol, and it should not be received lightly or by those who do not fully understand what they are doing and who they are receiving. Additionally, when you come into the Church during the Celebration of The Mass (even if you are not attending the Mass) and the Eucharistic Prayer is being said, you should kneel during the words of consecration [“This is my body…” “This is the cup of my blood…”] and when the Tabernacle doors are open-you should remain kneeling until the doors are closed. In this way we show proper and true respect for Jesus present in the Eucharist. If by chance you can not kneel then please stand or sit respectfully with you head bowed.
Thank you, for your kind attention to this letter and I hope it has been of some help to clarify what are some of the proper procedures to follow, so we can all fully participate and show the proper respect for Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament and each other.
God bless you always
Fr. Mike

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St. Joseph School
Proudly Presents
CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK
January 28th, 2007– February 2,2007
COME JOIN US!
SUNDAY, JANUARY 28, 2007
9:00 AM Mass
10:00-1:00 OPEN HOUSE/ Grandparents Tea
Monday, January 29, 2007
A Celebration of our Parents
Career Day
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
A Celebration of our Parish Community
8:45 Catholic School Mass
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
A Celebration of St. Joseph Students
Kid’s Day!
Thursday, February 1, 2007
A Celebration of our School
9:00-10:00 AM Open House
Friday, February 2, 2007
A Celebration of Faculty / Staff

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January 28, 2007
Dear Friends,
This week begins our Catholic School’s Week Celebration. Through the selfless contributions of many people throughout our history we have ensured the success of our school and spread the good news of Catholic Education.
Please join us in our celebration. Participate in the activities. Visit the classrooms during our Open House, meet with the teachers, staff, administration and students. Congratulate them on their accomplishments. Encourage friends and neighbors who may be considering Catholic education to visit our school. Not only is this a time to celebrate , it’s also a time to spread the word about the “good news” in education!
Devotedly yours in Christ,
Mrs. Leona Arpino
Principal

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The Calendar Club
Everyday for the next year we will draw one number. The owner of that number will win the prize for that day. Then the number is put back into the mix for the next day’s drawing, giving you yet another opportunity to WIN! A donation of only $25 buys you 1 number and 362 chances to win.
A donation of $100 will buy you 1,810 chances to win !!!!
Your donation must accompany this form. In order to kick off the drawing in January 31st, we ask you to return your request as soon as possible . Thank you and Good Luck!
MAIL ALL DONATIONS TO: St Joseph Church, 45 CHURCH STREET, RONKONKOMA, NY 11779
MEMBERS NAME: ____________________________
ADDRESS: ____________________________________
TELEPHONE NUMBER: ________________________
NUMBER OF CALENDARS: X $25 = $ ______ 5 FOR $100
TOTAL ENCLOSED $ __________

The winning is about to begin!!
We’re almost there!
The first winners will be announced next week.
Don’t miss out !!!
Please Join today !!!

SUPPORT
OUR
TROOPS
If you would like to support our troops, here’s how…
Help Venturing Crew 272 support the brave
men and women of the United States armed services in Iraq by assisting us in creating care packages for our soldiers.
Any donation of non-perishable food, clothes
or personal hygiene items would be
greatly appreciated.
Donations can be left at the Rectory c/o Jeff Tierno.
With your help, we can make these brave soldiers very happy. Thank you.

REMEMBERING
Friends and LOVED ONES

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Help Us Grow the
Tree Of Life
At
St Joseph’s
Throughout the ages, trees have symbolized life. The Tree of Life at St Joseph’s represents our parish’s commitment to life by providing for the spiritual, educational and social needs of our parish. The beautiful sculptures, leaves and stones render a tale of support, friendship, remembrance and dedication.
Occupying a prominent position in our Baptistry, and All Saints Shrine, the Tree of Life commemorates our support of St Joseph’s Parish. Leaves and stones may be engraved to honor benefactors, highlight or memorialize people or events with special significance in life, or express the sentiments of donors.
The Leaves
Each inscribed leaf on The Tree of Life represents a gift of $1,000 or more. Inscriptions may recognize a valued friend and supporter of St Joseph’s Church, celebrate a significant event in your family, or memorialize a loved one.
The Stones
Each inscribed stone permanently recognizes a contribution of $5,000 or more given by an individual benefactor, foundation or corporation.

Bricks For The Future
Bricks For the Future welcome our
parishioners and friends alike as they enter St Joseph’s Church each day. Some stop to read the inscriptions, others to say a prayer in memory. As we hear The Word proclaimed inside the Church building, outside on the step we are witnesses to that faith.
The growth of the Bricks for the Future program at St Joseph’s Church through your gift, allows you to have a significant and meaningful part in developing and sharing our Community of faith and love in Jesus. Your contribution helps St Joseph sustain our parish plant and buildings to keep them from deteriorating now and in the future as major projects arise.
Your tax deductible gift gives you the opportunity to share with others those special persons and meaningful events that touch, shape and illuminate your life.
Each brick in the walk represents a gift of $1,800. Brick inscription allows up to 4 rows of characters, symbols and spaces as shown above (approx 28). If you wish to have a special symbol (shamrock, cross, heart) on the tab of the brick, please contact the rectory.

Name________________________________________
Address______________________________________
Town__________________State______Zip_________
Phone _______________________________________

	Single	Annual	Semi Annual	Quarterly	Monthly
Tree of Life Leaf	$1000	$334	$167	$84	$28

Tree of Life Stone	$5000	$1667	$834	$417	$139
Brick For the Future	$1800	$600	$300	$150	$50

Upon receipt of your down payment we will send you a form for the exact wording of the inscription. For your convenience we will mail you a statement according to your payment schedule.

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Jubilee Prayer
In thanksgiving for our fifty years as a diocese, together we pray…
Sing joyfully to the LORD, all you lands;
serve the LORD with gladness;
come before him with joyful song.
Know that the LORD is God;
he made us, his we are;
his people, the flock he tends.
Enter his gates with thanksgiving,
his courts with praise;
Give thanks to him; bless his name.
The LORD is good:
the LORD, whose kindness endures forever,
and his faithfulness, to all generations.
Glory be…

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For the Young at Heart

YOUTH IN MINISTRY
Every Sunday at 5:00 PM, St. Joseph’s Parish offers a modern, upbeat, worship experience designed
especially for youth and their families.
Everyone in grades 7-12 is invited to participate.
We’re looking for: Lectors Ushers Musicians/Singers Altar Servers
Eucharistic Ministers (Eucharistic ministers must be over 18)
For more information about joining Youth in Ministry, contact YIM@StJoRonk.org

Christ was one child Who knew more than His parents --
yet He obeyed them.
Venturing Events
In Carew Hall after 5:00 PM Mass
Open to all young men & women from 9th grade to age 20. Join Crew 272 as they venture into 2007 !!
January 28th
Pius XII Discussion up - Movie Night
February 9, 10 & 11th
Pius XII Retreat in Uniondale
March 16, 17 & 18th
Venturing Leadership Skills Course at Clear Lake
Reservation in Putnam Valley , NY
E-mail: Crew272@StJoRonk.org Phone: Advisor Mike Keller (631) 467-6468

St Joseph's
Play Group
Calling all babies, toddlers and pre schoolers -
Come meet new friends at the St Joseph’s Playgroup!
Bring your Mom, Dad, Grandparents or caregiver to Father Carew Hall on Thursday’s at 9:30 AM. There you’ll meet other St Joseph’s families and spend an hour of fun with other children from birth to age 5. For more information please call Sally Miller at 737-5120. Hope to see you there!

Sport for all Seasons
ST JOSEPH CYO CYO

Travel Soccer:
Gene (467-0541
Intramural Soccer:
Beth (737-6299
Track
Karen (588-8636
Chairman: Henry
Baseball:
Gene (588-1879
Girls Basketball:
Christine (275-8321
Boys Basketball:
Frank (585-6921
Melchiona (467-6091

CYO SPRING SPORTS REGISTRATION
Baseball, Soccer & Track
Sunday, January 28th
1-4 PM
At St Joseph’s Church
Carew Hall (Church’s lower level)
CYO Jackets & Sweatsuits
also on sale!!!

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Courtesy Announcements
Blood Drive - Monday, February 19th from 4PM to 9PM. Sponsored by the Knights of Columbus, St Regis Council at their Council Hall on Pond Road. Babysitting Provided by the Girl Scouts. Persons 18 or older may call Karl Sundquist at 631-265-2691 to schedule an appointment or just stop in.
The Beginning Experience - Help for the heartache of divorce, separation, and widowhood. A weekend away for a lifetime of change. The next weekend is February 16-18. For more information call Connie at 516-735-1720.
Irish Tenor Concert - the world famous Irish Tenors will perform a concert at St Michael’s Church, (4th Ave Brooklyn) on Sunday, March 4th at 3:30 PM. Donation $50. Includes concert and cocktail reception. Honorees are Sr Lorna Colin CSJ and Cpt John McKenna IV (posthumously). All seats reserved. For more information please call 718-768-6065.
Monthly Mass for individuals in any 12 Step Recovery Program - Sunday, February 4th at 7:00 PM at St John Nepomucene Church in Bohemia. An 11th Step meeting (on meditation and prayer) will follow at 8:00 PM in the lower level of the Church. Family and friends are welcome. For more information call Fr Kevin Gruber at 589-0540.
Cenacle Retreats—* Dream Workshop - February 2-4 registration Friday between 4-7:15 dinner and close after lunch on Sunday.
* Midwives to the Future - February 2-4 registration Friday between 4- 7:15 dinner and close after lunch on Sunday.
* Myers-Briggs Workshop - February 2-4 registration Friday between 4-7:15 dinner and close after lunch on Sunday.
For more information call 588-8366.
The Beginning Experience - Help for the heartache of divorce, separation, and widowhood. A weekend away for a lifetime of change. The next weekend is February 16 through 18th. For information, call Connie at 516-735-1720.
Suffolk Catholic Singles Dance - Saturday night January 27th. At the Holiday Inn at MacArthur Airport from 9 PM to 12:30 AM. Admission is $20 at the door and includes Band, DJ, Deli buffet, free snacks and raffle tickets. Neat casual attire. For ages 30’s through 60’s. For more info call Jerry at 516-520-9385.
Smithtown Central School District Adult Basic Education Program–Free Classes ! All Welcome! Learn English, Earn your GED (High School Equivalency Diploma, Prepare for Citizenship, Gain Basic Computer Skills (Seniors & ESL Students) & Receive Career Counseling! For more info call 382-2181 or www.smithtown.k12.ny.us
St John’s Bohemian Singles - 55 & Up meets on the 1st & 3rd Sunday of every month in the lower level of our church. Coffee & cake is served. If you are interested in a very active group that offers a full calendar of social events every month. Please call Mary Ann at 563-8982. Admission is $4.00. (St John Nepomocene Church)
Professional Therapy & Counseling provided by NYS licensed psychologists are available to our parish. You may be seen at any of the other 70 participating parishes. This program, under the direction of Dr George Giuliani, has been conducted in the diocese for the past 34 years for the convenience of parishioners. It is provided by the Catholic Counseling Center, a propriety professional corporation, which is independent of and not controlled or supervised by the parish or diocese. Most insurance policies are honored. For confidential information and appointment, call Dr Giuliani at 243-1550.

We’re Looking For…
BOX TOPS - from cereals for Educational purposes are always welcomed. Please drop them in the collection.
DEPOSIT BOTTLES AND CANS- Please place them in the baskets that are located on the school side of the Church on weekends 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.
INKJET CARTRIDGES - 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!!!

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