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St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church

OUR LITURGY
Today’s first reading tells us of Isaiah’s response to God’s call “Here I am, send me.” Paul reminds the Corinthians, and us, to be true to the Gospel for through it we are saved. In the Gospel, Simon, James, and John accept the call of Jesus and leave everything to follow Him.

ALTAR BREAD & WINE
Offered
In Thanksgiving
Requested by
A Child

OUR PRIEST-CELEBRANTS
This Week End Mass Next Week
Fr Tapel 5:00 pm Fr Maffeo
Fr Tapel 7:00 am Fr Maffeo
Fr Maffeo 9:00 am Fr Boyle
Fr Boyle 10:30 am Fr Tapel
Fr Maffeo 12:00 pm Fr Boyle
Fr Boyle 5:00 pm Fr Tapel
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.

PARISH MISSION - RENEWAL
Your Life Renewed
In Christ
In Faith
In the Liturgy
In the Word of God
March 3 thru 8th
Preached by
the Passionists
Prayer for the Success of Our Parish Mission
Loving Father, you sent your Son Jesus into the world to tell us of your love and mercy.
Open our hearts so that Jesus’ message might come to us in a special way during our mission.
Stir our hearts in eager expectation. Come in your gentle power to heal our wounds and unite us in hope.
Give us your Holy Spirit and we shall be wonderfully renewed. We ask this through Jesus Christ your Son and our Lord. Amen.

MASS INTENTIONS
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
Monday, February 5, St Agatha
7:00 Joseph T Cush requested by The McCullagh Family
7:00 Justin (living)
9:00 Lillian Dorsa requested by Loving Family
9:00 James Stone requested by The Johnston & Fisher Families
Tuesday, February 6, St Paul Miki
7:00 Alfred Ossana requested by John & Paula Martire & Family
7:00 Alfred Ossana requested by Mike & Sue Martire & Family
8:45 Bernard Nachtmann requested by Leona Arpino
8:45 Nancy Hidalgo (living) requested by
Yolanda & Mitch Schwartz
Wednesday, February 7
7:00 Harold Christopherson requested by
Joe, Barbara, Lisa & Megan
7:00 For the People of the Parish
9:00 Jean Kalish (living) requested by Louise & Bill Schaaf
Thursday, February 8, St Jerome Emiliani &
St Josephine Bakhita
7:00 Doris Rose Lucivero & Deceased Members of the Lucivero Family requested by Loving Family
9:00 Frank, Bunny & James (living) requested by
Louise & Bill Schaaf
9:00 Eleanor LaPore requested by The Ciaffone Family
Friday, February 9
7:00 Edie Ryan requested by Loving Family
7:00 Kathi Pagliuca requested by Loving Husband
9:00 Bridget McWeeney requested by
Loving Daughters Mary & Anne
9:00 Ed Szynake requested by Loving Family
Saturday, February 10, St Scholastica
8:00 Donald Garvey requested by Louise & John Montouri
8:00 Cecilia Loesch requested by Kim Eiden
Anticipated Mass for Sunday
5:00 James Gibson requested by Patricia Brozinsky
5:00 William Simone requested by The Anderson Family
Sunday, February 11, Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time
7:00 Gaspar Vaz requested by George & Angie Alves
9:00 Pray for an End to Abortion requested by Respect Life
9:00 George Schuster requested by Dr & Mrs Joseph A Parisi
10:30 Richard Clarke requested by Jerry & Patty Peters
10:30 Bill Groten requested by Barbara & Ed Piccola
12:00 Veronica Kelly requested by Loving Friends
12:00 Giovanna Aliotta requested by Frank & Maria Maccarone
5:00 Madeline Conti requested by
Kathleen, John & John Ryan Kelly
5:00 Frederick Klarmann Sr requested by Kathleen Kelly

Sunday, February 4, 2007

Sunday, December 31, 2006

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I the Lord of sea and sky, I have heard my people cry. All who dwell in dark and sin my hand will save. I who made the stars of night, I will make their darkness bright. Who will bear my light to them? Whom shall I send? Here I am, Lord, is it I Lord? I have heard you calling in the night. I will go Lord, if you lead me. I will hold your people in my heart. These words from the hymn “Here I am Lord” come from today’s reading from the Book of the Prophet Isaiah and these words have much to do with the theme that runs through all three readings, namely those who God summons and sends to do His will.
We see that Isaiah, after his lips were purified responds freely to the Lord’s voice “Whom shall I send...Here I am…send me!” We see St. Paul telling us how many responded to God’s call through the Risen Christ (1st to Cephas [St. Peter] and the rest of the 12) and finally to him, and we see in today’s gospel how St. Peter was called by Jesus by the Sea of Galilee-also known as Lake Gennesaret. All three were called by God, and so have you and me, and every single member of the Church. Yes, we have all been summoned by God to do our part, to spread the word and carry out the practices and teachings of Gospel, as we see in stories like the Prodigal Son, The Good Samaritan, The Beatitudes, and as seen in Mathew 25, and now the question remains, will you respond?
Notice in the readings, how those who were called tried to deny the call claiming that they were sinners or unworthy. [Isaiah said, “Woes is me, I am doomed! For I am a man with unclean lips”, or Peter who said, “Depart from me Lord for I am a sinful man.”, and Paul telling us, “For I am the least of the Apostles not fit to be called an Apostle.”] They did so not because of laziness, or I just don’t feel like doing this, but because of fear. After all they just had a wonderful encounter with the Divine-which for most of us would be a very frightening experience- so they were deeply moved and felt unworthy. Yet, their fear and feelings of unworthiness did not stand in God’s way from calling them and does not stand in His way of calling us. If you are fearful of answering the summons because of sin or feelings of unworthiness, don’t be because God won’t let that stand in the way. If you fail to answer the summons because you don’t feel called or I just don’t want to do it-well in short WAKE UP AND ANSWER THE CALL because we have all been called through Baptism and God does not take no for an answer. Sure because of free will He won’t force you, but remember this life is not our only life and at the end of this life, we will all have to appear before the judgment seat of God (Mathew 25), and well you figure out the rest!
We are each called to help and serve according to our gifts and talents (given to us by God) to help the world and build the Kingdom of God, and of course we do it all together with other members of the Body of Christ, together
all of us can make a difference. One way we can do this is for our Parish and the Diocese is through the 2007 Catholic Ministries Appeal. Through the Catholic Ministries Appeal we support Catholic Charities, Catholic Schools, Seminarians like Lee and Lachlan, Deacon Candidates like Frank and Bill who are from our parish, support of parishes through out the diocese including our own. Next week I will be speaking at all of the masses about this year’s appeal and you will be able to make a pledge next week or in the next two weeks following-as volunteers will be in the back of the church. You also can make a pledge by sending it directly to the Diocese from their mailing (yes, we will receive credit for your pledge) or by using the form found in the bulletin. Look for more information about the Appeal in the weeks to come. We have been called; let us all respond “Here I am Lord”!
God bless you for all you do for our parish and the diocese as a whole.
Fr. Mike

FROM THE DESK OF FR. MIKE

FROM THE DESK OF FR. MIKE

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REMEMBER OUR SICK
Michelle Altonji William Arabio
Florio Barello William Barry
Rosemary Bello Christine Biancrosia
Oliver Bouchard Hazel Boyce
Mr Michael Boyle Sr Dylan Jack Cuevas
Joan DeCicco Ryan Delaney
Michael DePinto Angelina DeSimone
Msgr Donald Desmond Pricilla DeStanfo
Nancy DiTrapani Anthony Diubaldo
Marie Diubaldo Mary Dougherty
Richard Fahey Kathleen Farrell
Vincent Fortunato Flavio Gabrielli
Virginia Giommetti Sonny Grosso
Raymond Harold Mary Hickey
Eugene Hornef Jack Kelleher
Cecelia Keller Georgiana Lopez
Marie Mangan Donna R Martinez
John J McCullagh, Sr Howard Meeks
Sam Monteleone Joanora O'Donnell
Christopher Owen Sylvia Persico
Grace C Peshkur Baby Rebecca Petrellese
Joseph Poirot Janet Rodgers
Dawn Saporito Sharon Schneider
Marie Scott 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
PVT Erica Sweeney 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
Bruno D Suraci, James Vicinanza, 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, February 4, 2007

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St Joseph’s School
school@stjoronk.org
A tremendous thank you to everyone who helped prepare the activities for Catholic School's Week. It was a great success for us and fun for all who participated. We met many new families interested in our school and shared good memories with our families who are present. We will submit highlights of the week in our bulletins to come.
Our students attended a great laser presentation on Tuesday afternoon produced by the Prismatic Magic company. A great time was had by all students along with a chance to share our American Pride.
We thank the many parishioners who have been purchasing tickets for our Fashion Show. A lot of baskets are already prepared and many more donations are coming in. Thank you to all who are so generous with donations. Anyone who wishes to purchase tickets may call the school office at 588-4760 for information.
This Friday evening our Parent's Association will sponsor a family Valentine's Dance. All students in grades Nursery - 5 are welcome to attend with their families. Students in grades 6 -8 will have a Valentine's Day Social in school however they are welcome to help us the evening of the dance. Please contact the Parent's Association for more information.
Our candy sale will begin the week of February 12. Please help support our school.
Registration for the school year 2007-2008 will begin on February 12. Call our school office for a tour of our school and further information.
Our Brownie troop #740 helped prepare goodie bags for the guests at our Soup kitchen. Thank you girls for your kindness and consideration to all people.

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.

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.
Unity Sunday is being hosted by Religious Ed today. Please come down and visit.
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.
There are NO religion classes on Thursday February 15th.
NO Sunday School on February 18 or 25th.
There will be NO religion classes the week of February 19th . This is Winter Break.
Reminder February 21st is Ash Wednesday. Please check the bulletin for the times for distribution of ashes.

St. Vincent de Paul
In the Gospel today, Jesus shows 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.

Tyler Luke Cesarski
Ava Marie Inserra
Abigail Elizabeth Lynch
Gianna Christina Pitocco
Christian Anthony Rinaldi
Hannah Ann Scionti

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Sunday, February 4, 2006
, 2005

RESPECT LIFE
More than 1,000 Long Islanders made the trek to Washington, D.C. this past Monday, January 22nd, as we enter the 35th year of life with Roe v. Wade. As we all know, that is the name of the Supreme Court decision of 1973 which made all abortions legal – whether in the first month of prenatal life or the last month. Teens and young adults from different parts of America were prominent in the crowds. Having so many young people attend this March For Life was very encouraging to all.
Rick Hinshaw, in his article in the Long Island Catholic of January 24th, deplores the facts that our House of Representatives has approved funding for embryonic stem cell research (you know that means an embryo dies) as well as the new governor of our state and the causes he backs (definitely not pro-life) and so the picture of the future could be discouraging ---BUT as it is better to light one candle than to curse the darkness, we should take a moment to celebrate the countless numbers of people who have given so much to the pro-life cause.
We must honor those women who, often in the face of daunting social, economic, or personal pressures, have chosen life for their children; and also those families, friends, caring neighbors who supported them in their difficult, life-affirming choices.
We must say “thank you” to all those who volunteer their time and talents in the pro-life support groups providing whatever is needed – be it material help such as baby clothes, health care, emotional and spiritual help- to assist mothers and their babies.
Here in our own parish of St. Joseph’s the support for needy mothers and children is tremendous, from the work done by Parish Outreach to Respect Life’s baby showers –
including the Baby Bottle campaign which last year raised over $10,000 for the Life Center-and shows the generosity of people when they see the need.
Because of them, lots of candles are lighted and the darkness is diminished.
PREGNANCY CRISIS HOTLINE - We are here to help you. Please call 981-6888.
CATHOLIC DAUGHTERS NEWS
Court St. Joseph 975 will meet on this Tuesday, February 6th in Father Carew Hall at 7 p.m. Remember to bring your “unwanteds” for the Penny Auction!
C. West, Regent 585-1719
M. Flood, Vice Regent, 585-5352

Weekly Offering
Sunday, January 28, 2006 Offerings $18,671
Same collection last year 17,992
Number of envelopes 638
Poor Box last weekend $575
Fuel Oil Collection YTD $7896
Same time last year 2006 8614
Snow Removal $1027
Same time last year 2006 1794
Thank you for your generous response to the appeal for
increased giving.
God Bless You Always, Fr Mike
Dear Fr. Mike,
We are very grateful for your parish’s generous offering for the calendar year 2006. We are happy to report that the response was indeed generous. The monies remitted for each collection were as follows:
Missionary Cooperative Appeal: $5,791.26
World Mission Sunday: $1,428.50
Through your generosity to the Propagation of the Faith and the Mission Office, your parishioners are part of the Church throughout Africa, Asia, the Islands of the Pacific and remote regions of Latin America. Indeed they are vitally connected to the work of all the missionaries who proclaim, in word and deed, the love and peace of Jesus.
Thank you and all at St Joseph for your enthusiasm and support. Sincerely Brother William Boslet, OSF

Bible Study
Fr Boyle will resume teaching the Bible on Tuesday,
February 6th. The class is held each week at the same time. You can choose mornings 10-11:30 AM or evenings 7:30-9 PM. Registration is not necessary, neither is a fee. Anyone wishing to learn is welcome to attend as many or as few classes as you want. Come and go as you please. Join us !

Mark Your Calendars
Feb 4 Unity Sunday
Feb 5 Baptism Prep Class 8-9 PM Rectory
Feb 6 Bible Study 10 AM & 7:30 PM Carew Hall
Feb 11 Scout Sunday 12 o’clock Mass
Feb 12 Baptism Prep Class 8-9 PM Rectory
Feb 13 Bible Study 10 AM & 7:30 PM Carew Hall
Feb 21 Ash Wednesday

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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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And the Winners Are….

January 2007

Sun	Mon	Tue	Wed	Thu	Fri	Sat
	$50 / Rich & Leslie Maynard / # 622	$25 / Mary Ann Mullahey / #636	$25 / Kathleen Donahue / #446	$25 / David Halinski / #137	$25 / Fred Amerino / #696	$25 / Elaine Mazziotti / # 155
$50 / Tom & Evelyn Bourguignon #510	$25 / Mary Ann & Ed Kochman # 411	$25 / Ellie Steeneck / # 86	$25 / Barbara Mickelson # 554	$25 / The Clahane Family # 582	$25 / Phil & Geraldine LePage # 205	$25 / Walter Poggi / #474
$50 / Angela Scannella / #476	$25 / Evelyn Batt / #174	$25 / Robert G. Lingner / #78	$25 / Ellie Steeneck / #467	$25 / Linda A. / Perniciaro / #435	$25 / Cathy & Jim Foy / #827	$25 / Donna Romano / #789
$50 / Richard & Joanne Fahey / #99	$25 / The Muratore Family / #678	$25 / Marguerite Smith / #29	$25 / Harry Watson Jr / #375	$25 / Richard & Joanne Fahey / #509	$25 / Mary T. Biglin / #160	$25 / Barbara Mickelson / #390
$50 / Mary T. Biglin / #659	$25 / Patrick Hughes / #676	$25 / Harry Watson Jr / #388	$25 / Helen Groppi / #477

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 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. We ask you to return your request as soon as possible so you can get in on the winning. 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 $ __________

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Saint Patrick’s
St. Regis’ Annual
St. Patrick’s Dinner Dance
Honoring
Henry Melchiona, Grand Marshal
February 24, 2007
8:00 PM to Midnight
Dinner & Open Bar
Live Band & much more Entertainment
50/50 Raffle at the Door
$35 per person
See Jimmy Tallman
For tickets or call
588-1837

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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 years of age or older may call Karl Sundquist at 631-265-2691 to schedule an appointment or just stop in.
Cub Scout Pack 91
Will be holding a
Spaghetti Dinner /
Chinese Auction
Following the 5PM Mass
Saturday, February 10th
The dinner will be held in Carew Hall.
Tickets are $5 per person and will be available at the door.
Please come out and support the boys.

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 by February 16th.
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

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

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!

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Courtesy Announcements
Life In Christ, an Adult Education Course, will be presented at the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church Hall, Crown Acres Rd, Centereach by Msgr Joseph Curley, Pastor, on Tuesdays starting February 27th to April 3 at 9:30 AM & 7:30 PM. All are welcome to attend. For more information please call 631-585-8760.
Siol na hEireann Pipe Band is starting a new student class for those who are interested in learning to play the bag pipes. Lessons are provided free every Wednesday night at 7:30 at the AOH hall located on Magnolia Dr. and Washington Heights St in Selden. We look forward to seeing you. For more info contact Band Mgr. Phil Sullivan at 467-0629.
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.
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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