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St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church

OUR LITURGY
In vivid terms, Jeremiah compares the faithful person with the one who neither fears nor hopes in God. The first is like a fruitful tree planted near the water, the other like a barren bush in the desert. Jesus continues this comparison in the Beatitudes. Blessed are those who in their pain look to God, but woe to those who never admit their need of God.

ALTAR BREAD & WINE
Offered In Memory Of
Julia Patanella
Requested by
The D’Agostino Family

OUR PRIEST-CELEBRANTS
This Week End Mass Next Week
Fr Maffeo 5:00 pm Fr Boyle
Fr Maffeo 7:00 am Fr Boyle
Fr Boyle 9:00 am Fr Tapel
Fr Tapel 10:30 am Fr Maffeo
Fr Boyle 12:00 pm Fr Tapel
Fr Tapel 5:00 pm Fr Maffeo
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 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
Monday, February 12
7:00 Arthur Holzknecht requested by The Mai Family
7:00 Thomas McCormick requested by The Busacca Family
9:00 Edward Kenny requested by Claire & Jim
9:00 Dorothy LaForgia requested by Marie Rossi
Tuesday, February 13
7:00 Marie Kathan requested by John & Toni Nelson
7:00 Millie Wachnicki requested by Mr & Mrs L Riccardelli
8:45 Rita Powers requested by The Aragones family
8:45 Veronica Perdue requested by Loving Family
Wednesday, February 14, St Cyril & Methodius
7:00 Nancy Fiore requested by Virginia & Carla Campanera
7:00 Marks Murray requested by Nancy A Ramsdell
9:00 Bridget, Jack & Patrick McWeeney requested by Loving Mary & Anne
9:00 James Gibson requested by Patricia Brozinsky
Thursday, February 15
7:00 Howard Schlecker requested by John & Anne Farkas
7:00 Rose Ramos requested by Maryellen Nicoletti
9:00 Betty Mulligan requested by Loving Family
9:00 Jozef Wolanski requested by Loving Family
Friday, February 16
7:00 Richard Kleever requested by Jack Hough
7:00 Deborah McIntyre & Family requested by Deborah McIntyre
9:00 Katherine Kennelly requested by The Mawn Family
9:00 Ana Villa requested by The Rimando Family
Saturday, February 17
8:00 William Hanson requested by Loving Family
8:00 Josephine & Franklin Laurence requested by
Loving Children
Anticipated Mass for Sunday
5:00 Christina Rossi requested by Cathy & Jim Foy
5:00 Donna Zuccarello requested by Friends
Sunday, February 18, Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time
7:00 Aaron Ashuin Krueger requested by Lina DeLouisa
7:00 Patrick Dineen requested by Loving Family
9:00 Marie McHugh requested by Linda & Joe Savage & Family
9:00 Thomas Toscano requested by Mary Caron
10:30 Elizabeth Mulligan requested by Claire & Jim
10:30 Otto A Vitale requested by The Keller Family
12:00 Andrew A Monaco requested by Susan & Tim Grant
12:00 John Walsh requested by Margaret Walsh
5:00 Kenneth Hamilton Sr requested by Doreen Owen
5:00 Vincent Robert Joseph Heart requested by Loving Brother

Sunday, February 11, 2007

Sunday, December 31, 2006

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Today’s Gospel takes us to Luke’s account of Jesus’ Sermon on the Plain, where He delivers the Beatitudes. Now we see the Beatitudes (the Blessings or those who are blessed) in two places in the 4 Gospels in today’s account and in Mathew’s Gospel. When you read the two accounts you will see that there are several differences. One Mathew’s account occurs not on a plain but on the mount, and two Luke has Jesus saying Blessed are you who are poor, and Blessed are you who are hungry, while Mathew has Jesus saying Blessed are the poor in spirit and Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness. While they are similar they are not actually the same. Those who are poor in spirit do not necessarily have to be materially or physically poor, rather it means more of a way of living in this world where one is not caught up in the things of this world and humble in their total approach to this life-looking forward to the next. Those who hunger and thirst for righteousness are those who work for justice, peace and love in this world, and they will not stop until they achieve it through Christ Jesus!
Luke does not mean this, he has Jesus truly speaking about those who are truly materially and physically poor in this world and Jesus is speaking about those who truly are without food or drink. Now one may ask whose account is correct Luke’s or Matthew’s. The answer is both are correct, both
approaches are correct and what we as Christians should follow. That is why we have four accounts of the life and teachings of Jesus in the New Testament. For we should try to live as being poor in spirit and hunger and thirst for righteousness sake, but we should also be mindful of those who are physically poor and hungry and take care of their very real needs. We are called by Christ to join in the fight against those powers that allow this situation to exist. If we ignore the plight of the poor, the homeless, the displaced, etc. then we will be in the same situation of those who receive warnings from Jesus-“But woe to you who are rich for you have received your consolation. Woe to you who are filled now, for you will be hungry…” In short Jesus is saying, if you have it all now, and if all you care about in this life is yourself, you will receive your consolation now, and will receive nothing in the life to come. Nothing but the unhappiness and self absorbed life for eternity that was worked for so hard here!
Luke writes the Beatitudes the way he does, because he wishes to stress Jesus’ and the Church’s pre-disposition for the poor and suffering. This is seen throughout Luke’s Gospel and it reminds us what we as Christians are to do in living out this life
and working for the next. Some of us may say, but I am not rich, and I am not a Bill Gates, or Donald Trump, so what can I do? The answer is we can do a lot. No, not individually but as a group of people guided by the Holy Spirit to put the Gospel into practice. We can do a great deal by our support of the Church on the parish level through our various programs and education departments and of course Parish Outreach. And we can do it through our giving to the Catholic Ministries Appeal for 2007. Our goal for this year $83,400, and while this is more than last year’s goal, I know we can do it when we realize we are commanded by Christ to help those in deep need. The Catholic Ministries Appear carries out this very command by combining the strength and generosity of all the parishes throughout the Diocese which enables us to help so many. The Catholic Ministries Appeal also allows us to educate our children and adults throughout the whole Diocese. Through the Appeal we support Catholic Schools, Elementary and High Schools, the Seminary of the Immaculate Conception where candidates for Priests and Deacons are trained and where lay members of the Church can study for a Masters in Theology Degree and serve the Church. The Appeal helps support the Pastoral Formation Institute and various workshops and instructional days throughout the year. The Appeal also helps train our young people in the faith through our Religious Education Programs in the Diocese, and there is so much more and we can all be a part of it.
Please consider making a pledge to this worthwhile appeal and remember you can make a pledge today or during the next two weekends with or without a down payment, and you have 10 months to pay it off. Please consider increasing your pledge from last year if you can, and if you can’t please give what you did last year. If possible it would be great if you could make a pledge of at least $200 which if you pay it off over the 10 months is only $20 a month-that’s less than going to McDonalds and it is $20 that will go a long way to help so many! And don’t forget when we make our goal and go over it as we did last year, we get a sizable rebate which will help St. Joseph’s in so many ways.
So through the Catholic Ministries Appeal you can help so many and know that you are truly blessed and doing what Jesus commands us all to do.
Thank you, for all you do for St. Joseph’s.
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 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 Frank Gaeta
Sonny Grosso Raymond Harold
Mary Hickey Eugene Hornef
Thomas Horvath Frank E Kammerer
Jack Kelleher Cecelia Keller
Marie Mangan Donna R Martinez
John J McCullagh, Sr Howard & Irene Meeks
Sam Monteleone Baby Aiden Muschter Joanora O'Donnell Christopher Owen Grace C Peshkur Baby Rebecca Petrellese Anna Petrone Joseph Poirot Ralph Raymond Janet Rodgers Dawn Saporito Sharon Schneider Marie Scott Barbara Seibel-Schoenfeld Darryll Smith 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 SPC Jason Crawford
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
Antoinette Shea, Silvio Desilva Jr, Robert Montgomery, William Arabio, 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 11, 2007

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St Joseph’s School
school@stjoronk.org
Our students in grades N-8 will be selling candy for one of our school fundraisers. Please help support our children.
Our students in grades N-5 and their families celebrated Valentine's Day with a dance on Friday evening February 9th. It was a great event for all our families.
Our 6-8th graders will enjoy a Valentine's Day social in school on Wednesday, Feb. 14.
Our students will be on winter break the week of Feb 19th- 23rd. We will return in the season of lent and will be beginning with a day of prayer. More information will follow.
Registration begins on Monday Feb. 12 at 9 AM. Children may register for grades Nursery - Grade 8 for the 2007 - 2008 school year. Please bring a copy of your child's birth certificate, baptismal certificate, and medical records to registration. Please call the office for more information or to arrange a tour of our school.
Financial Aide is available for families wishing to send their children to St. Joseph's. This is available thru the Diocese thru the Tomorrow's Hope Foundation. There will be a meeting at St. Joseph's on Tuesday, February 27th at 7:30PM in the gym or Wednesday, February 28th at 4 PM in the gym for any one who needs help to complete the paperwork for the application. This is a very simple application to complete; someone will be available to answer any questions you may have. Please feel free to attend. Contact the school office for more information.
Fashion Show tickets are now on sale. Please call the school office for more information or see the information in the bulletin.
Congratulations to Joseph Skidmore a 2003 graduate of St. Joseph School. Joseph received a Nomination from Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton into The United States Air Force! Joseph will be graduating St. Anthony's High School in June and he is now an official candidate! Great job Joseph. Congratulations to his family.

Banns of Marriage
(First Time)
Andrea DeNezzo of Lake Grove and
Matthew Meehan of St Joseph’s
Kathy Matthews of Holtsville and
Kevin Gierloffe of St Joseph’s
Gina Capodieci of St Joseph’s and
John James DeFlumeri Jr

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.
Reminder for Level 1 Activity night will be held Monday, 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.
Level 6 students went home this past week with their Reconciliation reminder and index card.
Reconciliation will be held on Monday, February 26 at 7:15 pm.

St. Vincent de Paul
In the Gospel today we hear the
Beatitudes and we find the blessing of Jesus standing with those who are poor, hungry and weeping.
By your gift to the Society of St.Vincent de Paul you indeed put your faith into action as you stand with the poor, hungry and weeping.

Robert Lendvai

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Sunday, February 11, 2006
, 2005

RESPECT LIFE
Have you noticed that the media rarely differentiates between adult stem cells and embryonic stem cells? Especially when they talk about the need to push for “stem cells to cure diseases”—well, it makes some of us wonder why, and if maybe ….they themselves do not know the difference? Is it possible? We pro-lifers know very well that embryonic stem cell research causes death to the embryos – they are in other words, used and discarded. There are adult stem cells, cord blood stem cells, and even stem cells from the amniotic fluid – and all of these have the potential to cure. So from now on, let us focus on the wonderful things happening there; pray for God to soften the hearts of those, who for whatever reason, keep insisting on killing embryos, which are unborn babies.
Here’s a story to illustrate: Five month old Luis Fernando Rojo was near death in a Miami hospital, suffering with blisters and bloody diarrhea, after his tiny body rejected part of a bone marrow transplant for a rare bone disorder. Fortunately, United States officials allowed Luis’ doctors to try an unapproved therapy from Osiris Therapuetics, Inc., based in Baltimore. The treatment, designed to react with the baby’s immune system to reduce inflammation, used adult stem cells taken from living people, not destroyed embryos. It worked and two years later little Luis is healthy and the therapy, in final testing, could reach the market in a year or two. The treatments, from companies such as Osiris, Cytori Therapeutics and Aastrom Biosciences, Inc., promise do everything from rebuilding knees and breast tissue to treating rare disorders. The use of stem cells in medicine has arrived.
The idea that adult stem cells could be used to replace other types of cells originated in 1961 when two Canadian scientists showed that certain cells inside bone marrow could become all three types of blood cells: red, white and platelets. Their work paved the way for broader use of bone marrow transplants for some rare diseases and spurred a new field of research into other uses.
To be continued….. Newsday, January 16, 2007
Do call or write to your Senator concerning the upcoming vote on embryonic stem cell research (which passed in the House 253-174, short of necessary votes to override a promised presidential veto.)
U.S. Senate, Washington, D.C. 20510
Senator Local Phone D.C. Phone & FAX
Schumer 212-486-4430 202-224-6542/228-3027
Clinton 212-688-6262 202-224-4451/228-0282
To discuss Federal legislation, call John Healy 598-0430 Life News, February 2007
(call 631-243-1435 to subscribe to Life News, a powerhouse of information.)
PREGNANCY CRISIS HOTLINE - We are here to help you. Please call 981-6888.

Weekly Offering
Sunday, February 4, 2006 Offerings $17,705
Same collection last year 18,657
Number of envelopes 620
Poor Box last weekend $539
Fuel Oil Collection YTD $8086
Same time last year 2006 8799
Snow Removal $1177
Same time last year 2006 1800
Thank you for your generous response to the appeal for
increased giving.
God Bless You Always, Fr Mike
Outreach sjpo@verizon.net
For the month of January we serviced 146 clients. Financial assistance amounted to $3,023. There were 22 new clients added and total services and referrals provided were 280. This included food, living needs, Health Care information, advocacy and housing. Your continued support of the Outreach Program makes all of this possible.

Bible Study
Fr Boyle has resumed teaching the Bible on Tuesdays.
The class is held at the same time each week. 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 11 Scout Sunday 12 o’clock Mass
Feb 12 Baptism Prep Class 8-9 PM Rectory
Feb 13 & 20 Bible Study 10 AM & 7:30 PM Carew Hall
Feb 21 Ash Wednesday - ashes will be distributed at all the Masses - 7 & 9AM, 12:10,5 & 7:30PM
Feb 23 Stations of the Cross 7:30 PM in the Church
Feb 27 Bible Study 10 AM & 7:30 PM Carew Hall
Mar 2 Parish Recollection & Stations of the Cross
7:30 PM in the Church
Mar 4 Parish Lenten Retreat begins

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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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St. Joseph School
Dear Parishioners,
Falling test scores, discipline problems, low graduation rates, it seems every time you read the newspaper or go online, there's distressing information about education.
Here at St. Joseph's we provide a positive classroom environment, classrooms that teach more than the curriculum or reading and writing. Your children learn the importance of character and integrity. St. Joseph's School provides the opportunity to touch the future. We are helping students and families:
*Stand up and live the gospel message.
*Appreciate the lessons in learning and have role models and moral principles for making life choices.
*Use skills to communicate ideas and language to understand the ideas of others.
*Excel through academic excellence and challenges
*Openly use technology as a tool of human progress.
*Understand and respect life as stewards of God.
*Grow in faith and prayer in the wider faith community.
Our Catholic Schools Week was very successful. We met many new families who were truly looking for the best Catholic School for their children for September. At this time I would like to share with you some of the exciting things that they said:
*We had families register their children right at the time of their Open House tour. They had been to other schools and no other Catholic School compared to our school. They were extremely impressed by the display of student work and the quality of the work our children performed.
*Our students were constantly complimented for their informative tours, manners, knowledge and love of their school and each other.
*Our teachers were helpful, knowledgeable, happy and proud to be working here at St. Joseph's.
*Our test scores spoke for themselves and demonstrated the competence and quality we have to offer.
I am proud to share these successes with you as we continue to move our school ahead. Thank you to all who shared in our celebration and those who made it so exceptional.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Leona Arpino
Principal

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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.

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And the Winners Are….

February 2007

Sun	Mon	Tue	Wed	Thu	Fri	Sat
				1 $25 / Elaine Mazziotti / # 660	2 $25 / Anthony Misa / # 503	3 $25 / Ron & Christine / Firestone / # 806
4 $50 / Alfonse / Nunziata / # 55	$25 / Kathleen Schmidt / # 401	$25 / William & Joan Mangan / # 35	$25 / Anne / DiGregorio / # 749	$25 / Carol Fischer / # 709	$25 / Anne Kelly / # 695	$25 / Anne / DiGregorio / # 768
11	12	13	14	15	16	17
18	19	20	21	22	23	24
25	26	27	28

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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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

Page 13

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.

Page 14

Spring Fling Fashion Show
Sponsored by
St. Joseph’s Parents Association

Thursday, March 29, 2007
At Villa Lombardi’s Holbrook
7PM to 11PM

*Raffle Baskets* Door Prizes* Grand Raffle Baskets*
**Grand 50/50 CASH Prize

$50.00 per person includes:
Salad, dinner, dessert, coffee/tea/beer/wine/soda. Valet parking available.

To purchase show tickets please remit your name, return address, number of tickets requested and names of all attendees. If you are a school parent, please note your child’s name and grade.
Checks are made payable to St. Joseph’s School.

Credit Cards
Are Accepted:

Remit the above information with your
Name, Phone Number, Zip Code, Credit Card #, Expiration Date & Security Code (if you need assistance, please call the School at (631) 588-4760 and ask for Mrs. Ambrosio

Please mail your ticket request to:
St. Joseph School
25 Church Street
Ronkonkoma, NY 11779
Attn: Ann Ambrosio, PA Treasurer

**If there is a specific group you would like to sit with, please
request. Our best efforts will be made to accommodate you.

***Show Tickets Must Be Purchased In Advance****

Page 15

“Spring Ahead”
…with the Grand 50/50

Drawing will be held
At the St. Joseph’s Fashion Show
Thursday, March 29, 2007

?

?

The more tickets sold,
The bigger the CASH prize.

$

WATCH THE POT GROW…

Signs will be posted in the school and church lobbies
for the current prize amount.

Last year’s winner
Took home over
$3,000.00 CASH!

Donation: $5.00/each or 6 for $25.00
(YOU NEED NOT ATTEND THE FASHION SHOW TO WIN!!!)

To purchase tickets please remit payment and form below to:
St. Joseph School, 25 Church Street, Ronkonkoma, NY 11779
Attn: Ann Ambrosio, PA Treasurer

Name:_____________________________ Phone___________
Address:____________________________________________
# of Tickets:__________ Amount Enclosed________________
Child’s Name & Grade: (St. Joseph School Only)______________________________________________

Page 16

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 !!
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
Lake Nutrition Meals on Wheels provides food to elderly and homebound Monday thru Friday two meals a day. Hot meals & cold meals for a charge of $6 for both meals. Call 467-8948 for more information.
American Sign Language Classes - Cleary School for the Deaf is offering evening Adult Education classes in American Sign Language, levels 1-5. The Spring Sessions begin on March 12 thru May 14. Adults only (age 16 & up). Call Carolyn Kelly at 588-0530 for more information.
St Patrick’s Singles Fellowship - Sunday, February 18th from 10AM to 1PM. Coffee and conversation. All widowed, single, divorced, separated ages 30 to 60 plus years are welcome. $2.00 per person. For more information call Gail at 366-0124, Monday thru Friday.
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.
Cenacle Retreats— * Myers-Briggs Workshop - February 16-18 registration Friday between 4-7:15 dinner and close after lunch on Sunday.
For more information call 588-8366.
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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Now only $ 16,62400 to go.

Now only $ 16,62400 to go.

Now only $ 16,62400 to go.

Now only $ 16,62400 to go.

Roof Emergency Fund

Roof Emergency Fund

Roof Emergency Fund

Roof Emergency Fund

A Guide to Giving
Pledge 10 Payments
$ 250 $ 25
500 50
800 80
1,500 150
2,500 250

A Guide to Giving
Pledge 10 Payments
$ 250 $ 25
500 50
800 80
1,500 150
2,500 250

A Guide to Giving
Pledge 10 Payments
$ 250 $ 25
500 50
800 80
1,500 150
2,500 250

A Guide to Giving
Pledge 10 Payments
$ 250 $ 25
500 50
800 80
1,500 150
2,500 250