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St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church

OUR LITURGY
In today’s first reading, we hear the account of Moses meeting God in the burning bush. With courage, Moses asks God’s name and God replies: “ I Am.” In the Gospel , Jesus teaches the people that everyone stands before God - equally in need of reform and salvation - and only God can know a person’s heart.

ALTAR BREAD & WINE
In Memory of
Mary Branciforte
Requested by
Loving Sister

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

Recalling the Passion of Our Lord Jesus during Lent has become a tradition dating back to the early days of Christianity. One of the ways we recall Jesus’ way of the cross is by praying the Stations of the Cross. Join us each Friday during Lent at 7:30 PM in the Church as our Deacons lead us in praying the Stations.

My Lord and My God

MASS INTENTIONS
Sunday, March 11, Third Sunday of Lent
7:00 Patrick & Mary Dineen requested by Loving family
7:00 Joseph Ferrara requested by The Ferrara Family
9:00 Leona Demetillo requested by The Ambrosio Family
9:00 Richard Hughes requested by The Minter Family
10:30 Mr & Mrs LoBrutto requested by Loving Family
10:30 Betty Mulligan requested by St Joseph’s Catholic Seniors
12:00 Mr & Mrs Charles Nicotra requested by Roseann & Eddie
12:00 Pray for an End To Abortion requested by
St Joseph’s Respect Life
5:00 Antonino Borruso requested by Mr & Mrs Frank Buratti
5:00 Patricia Stapleton requested by The Trink Family
Monday, March 12
7:00 The Webb Children (living) requested by Loving Mom
7:00 Janet Rodgers requested by Mr & Mrs Castrogiovanni
9:00 Josephine Castrogiovanni requested by
Christopher McCarthy
9:00 Anthony Monteverdi requested by The Sheldrick Family
12:10 Special Intention requested by The Buttonow Family
Tuesday, March 13
7:00 Marianna Piche` requested by Rev Michael Boyle
8:45 Mary Ross requested by The Binger Family
8:45 Anna Delano requested by The Beach Family
12:10 Icelin Brandon requested by John Lesko & Linda Downing
Wednesday, March 14
7:00 Dorothy Alwaise requested by Loving Family
7:00 For the People of the Parish
9:00 Mass of Thanksgiving requested by Jacqueline Rozario
9:00 Anna Leone requested by The Entire Mittasch Family
12:10 Frank Pipino requested by Toni & Gus Pisano
Thursday, March 15
7:00 Richard Santiago (living) requested by Dawn Poccia
7:00 Jose Collazo requested by Dawn Poccia
9:00 Frances Marchese requested by Cathy & Norm West
12:10 Eileen Gabriellini requested by Loving Sister & Family
Friday, March 16
7:00 Darlene Burke requested by The DeCarlo Family
9:00 Giuseppe Perrucci requested by Loving Daughter
9:00 Anna Kenny requested by Claire & Jim
12:10 Henry Mullaney requested by The Mottola Family
Saturday, March 17, St Patrick
8:00 Edie Ryan requested by Loving Family
8:00 Catherine Brannigan Burke requested by Debbie Albert
Anticipated Mass for Sunday
5:00 James J Reilly requested by Loving Family
5:00 Rita Griffith requested by Diane Reilly
Sunday, March 18, Fourth Sunday of Lent
7:00 Helen Montelbano requested by
Frankie & Jim Raiti & Meri Ciano
7:00 Norma Brown, USN requested by Loving Husband
9:00 George Schuster requested by Dr & Mrs Joseph Parisi
9:00 John Feeney requested by Martin DeBobes
10:30 Frank Corello requested by Mr & Mrs Kelly
10:30 Rosemary Beck requested by St Joseph’s Catholic Seniors
12:00 Guy E Fleming requested by The Gibbons Family
12:00 Joseph DiBiasi Jr requested by Your IRS Friends
5:00 Arcilia Rivera requested by The Dinger Family
5:00 Thomas Giammarino requested by The Dinger Family

Sunday, March 11, 2007

Sunday, December 31, 2006

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FROM THE DESK OF FR. MIKE

FROM THE DESK OF FR. MIKE

We are all familiar with the expression, don’t judge a book by its cover-well that seems to be the theme running through today’s readings. We see it with Moses’ encounter with God in the Burning Bush. Moses climbs up to see this wonderful site-a bush that’s afire but is not consumed by the flames. I am sure that while Moses thought this was a miraculous sight, it is also probably true that he did not expect to have an encounter and conversation with God. Nor does he expect that he will be given a command by God to go to Egypt and free God’s people in slavery. Nor does he expect to receive the most important illumination in the Old Testament as to who God truly is.
And Jesus is doing the same thing as He tells those gathered around Him that they should not judge people as good or sinners because of the things that happened to them. Jesus uses the two examples of Pilate mixing the blood of Galileans with the blood of their sacrifices, and the 18 people who lost their lives when a tower at Siloam fell on them. As Jesus tells us in both instances, “do you think they were more guilty than everyone else…?” Remember people in Jesus’ time believed that bad things like this happened to people because they sinned or because their forbearers sinned. Thus they are judging people by what happened to them (just like judging a book by its cover). Of course Jesus tells them and even us too-“By no means!”
Yet, Jesus tells us when it comes to Sin we must all repent before its too late! Why, because of the nature and effects of sin! Sin gets in the way of a full relationship with God and each other and it has an effect on us all. Our individual sins affect our [individual] lives and the whole world-this is the injurious nature of sin. Therefore, repent because while we have been redeemed from sin (by the life, death, and resurrection of Christ) we are still caught up sins after effects. Repent so salvation may be complete, repent so we can be instruments of Christ’s peace, mercy and forgiveness. Repent for we do not live here forever and we must appear before the judgment seat of God.
Yes, repent but it is so hard at times. How can we repent? By remembering what God said to Moses from the Burning Bush- “I am who am.” “The Lord the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, the God of Jacob has sent me to you. This is my name forever; thus am I remembered through all generations.” God is telling us that He is with us forever and we can trust our loving Father to deliver us if we turn to His Son. Yes, we can repent through Jesus the Christ.
So, how is your Lent going as we enter into this 3rd week? Are you using this time wisely to move away from those things standing in your way between you and God? If not there is still time, we have 3 more weeks to go, 3 more weeks to let this Lent make a difference in your lives and those who you love.
I would like to thank Fr. Thomas Griffiths for the wonderful Lenten Mission he preached for us during this past week, and we continue to pray for him in his devoted ministry to the Church.
Next Saturday March 17th following the 5PM Mass we will celebrate our Parish’s Patron Saint, Saint Joseph with a Dinner Party in Carew Hall. While there is no charge to attend, there is only room for 250 people so tickets are needed on a first come first serve basis please call the rectory to book your reservation. Also on Monday March 19th, the actual day, we will celebrate Mass at 7:30 PM with the blessing of St. Joseph’s Bread.
Also next Sunday at our 10:30 AM Mass we will honor the Alumni from our beautiful St. Joseph’s School and also celebrate our current students as they will march in procession at the beginning and ending of Mass. On Thursday March 22nd starting at 7PM in Carew Hall our Level 6 Students will be participating in the annual Seder, this is a wonderful experience for all as we explore the Jewish roots to our faith and celebration of the Eucharist.
On Thursday March 29th, St. Joseph’s Parents Association will hold it Annual Fashion Show at Villa Lombardi’s, this is one of the school’s biggest fund- raisers and it promises to be a great time. See the bulletin for more details.
Let us pray; Father, you have taught us to overcome our sins by prayer, fasting and works of mercy. When we are discouraged by our weakness, give us confidence in your love. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
God bless you
always.
Fr. Mike

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REMEMBER OUR SICK
Michelle Altonji William Barry
Marie Behling Oliver Bouchard
Hazel Boyce Mr Michael Boyle Sr
Cynthia Caesar Joseph DeMaio
Angelina DeSimone Msgr Donald Desmond
Priscilla DeStanfo Nancy DiTrapani
Mary Dougherty Debra Esposito
Richard Fahey Robert Filce
Vincent Fortunato Flavio Gabrielli
Frank Gaeta Sonny Grosso
Raymond Harold Philip Heilig
Mary Hickey Eugene Hornef
Thomas Horvath Frank E Kammerer
Jack Kelleher Cecilia Keller
Steve Lindblad Georgiana Lopez
Marie Mangan John J McCullagh, Sr
Howard Meeks Irene Meeks
Sam Monteleone Baby Aiden Muschter
Christopher Owen Grace C Peshkur
Baby Rebecca Petrellese Anna Petrone
Joseph Poirot Nicole Ramaglia
Ralph Raymond Betty Reddington
John Reynolds Elizabeth Ross
Dawn Saporito Dawn Saporito
Louise Schaaf Sharon Schneider
Marie Scott Lucille Shaver
Darryll Smith Antonina Sturiano
Stacie Tizzard Lloyd Turnier
Annette Vitalino 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 LTCOL James Cersosimo
CPL Glenn Clacher SPC Thomas E. Corcoran
SPC Jason Crawford SGT Ryan Delaney
TSGT Timothy Dermody LTCOL Kurt Diehl
SGT Stephen 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
Janet Rodgers, Anna Leone, 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, March 11, 2007

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Looking at Lent
Our parish bookrack now includes new and informative booklets for the young and not so very young concerning these forty days of lent. Take a look at what is available - we never know when the Spirit will move us!

St Joseph’s School
school@stjoronk.org
Please cheer us on as we march in the St. Patrick's Day Parade, today, Sunday, March 11th.The parade begins at 2 PM on Portion Road & ends here in front of St. Joseph's School. The children & parents from our school will be in the parade. Plan to join us !
Thank you to all who helped us in any way on Unity Sunday. Our Science Fair & Unity Sunday sharing were very successful. Congratulations to all of our students & teachers. We selected 5 projects to continue on & participate in the Chaminade High School Invitational Science Fair. Congratulations to Elizabeth Easton, Edward Schmidt, Eric Mattessich, Victoria Massey & Matthew Fortunato, who were selected. Good luck at the next level!
Our Open School Board meeting is Monday, March 12 @ 8:00PM in Carew Hall. All are welcome to attend.
Tickets are on sale for our Parent's Association Fashion Show. Please call the school office at 588-4760. Chances & tickets are also being sold after all the Masses in the church lobby.
Report card conferences are on Friday, March 16th. The students will be dismissed at 12:00noon.
Congratulations to the following St. Joseph graduates who are now on the Honor Roll at their high school. Michael Pacifico, James Doran, Thomas Dulovic, Vanessa Nicosia, Michael Raggi, Amber King, Dylan Evans, Grace Tobin, Felicia Cruz, Thomas Ballato, Ashley DiGregorio, Teresa Schmitt, Taylor Stephens, Joseph Antonucci, Karissa Johnson, Ian Powell, Gabrielle Stasiowski, & Connor Buckley.
Congratulations to the following students in St. Joseph School who have participated in the Diocesan Respect Life Contest & are finalists: Brian Sullivan for Essay, level 1 - Edward Schmidt for Bookmark design - level 1 & Anthony DeLisio for Photograph - level 1. Great job & good luck.
Attention St. Joseph School Alumni !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Our School Board along with our school would like to invite all our alumni to a special Mass & tour of our school. We will celebrate the 10:30 Mass together on Sunday, March 18th. It will be followed by a coffee & cake reception in the faculty room. So that we may be prepared, please RSVP in the school office on or before March 15th @ 588 - 4760. Please come & introduce yourselves to us - we look forward to meeting you!

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.
Level 7 The Confirmation Preparation Meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, March 14th and will be held in Fr. Carew Hall at 7:30 pm. One parent or guardian is expected to attend this meeting.
Reminder for Level 1 – Activity in auditorium on March 19th at 4 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. You may take your choice of time.
Level 3 please check your child’s folder for a special invitation for Palm Sunday.
Banns of Marriage
( Second Time)
Kelly McHale of St Joseph’s and Christian Soto of St Raymond’s
Mary Rhea Woodcock of St Joseph’s and Mark Kitybida of St Peter the Apostle
Christiann Kelly of St Joseph’s and Chad Thomson of Ronkonkoma
Rosa Rivera of Good Shepherd and Steven Nave of St Joseph’s

St. Vincent de Paul
In today’s Gospel Jesus is quite clear in His message: “bear fruit or be cut down.” This Lent we are called to cultivate & fertilize our spiritual lives through prayer, fasting and almsgiving.
Is there a family you know who needs assistance? Please call the Society of St Vincent de Paul so that together we can help the suffering and poor.

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Sunday, March 11, 2007
, 2005

RESPECT LIFE
DR. WILLKE WRITES (Dr. Willke is a world-renowned expert in the field of human sexuality and abortion. He and his wife Barbara have written ten books translated into 28 languages. The following paragraphs are theirs, and our hope is that you find them thought-provoking.)
SNOWFLAKE BABIES – A recent Cincinnati Post article reported that 11 snowflake babies have been conceived and delivered in the Cincinnati area. These were once tiny, frozen embryos stored in liquid nitrogen at -196 degrees Celsius. Originally conceived by in vitro fertilization, the parents, for whatever reason, did not have them implanted in the original mothers’ wombs. Accordingly, they have placed them for adoption with other couples. Each tiny embryo was thawed and placed in an adoptive mother’s womb, so that this tiny little one was nurtured, carried to term, and delivered as her own snowflake baby. Dr. Glen Hoffman of Bethesda Hospital has been quietly doing this pioneering work. Since the news was released, the hospital has a waiting list of couples, eager to adopt a frozen embryo.
EMILY’S LIST – The largest single pro-abortion feminist political group in the country, Emily’s List, did very poorly in the November 2006 election. Of the 19 competitive House races in which Emily’s List funded a pro-abortion candidate, only two won. Two years ago, only three of thirteen won in competitive races.
EMBRYONIC STEM CELLS ‘NOWHERE CLOSE’ – A Massachusetts Institute of Technology professor lecturing in Canberra, Australia, has stated that embryonic stem cell research is “nowhere near close to helping patients.” This is because injecting these cells into another human causes tumors and cancers made up of “lots of different kinds of tissues.” Since tumor formation is an inherent feature of these cells, the professor said, “it is possible that the problem will be solved down the road, but it is going to be a very long time coming, if ever.”
EMBRYONIC STEM CELLS ALTERNATIVE- Dr. Sieber-Blum at U. of Wisconsin published a study in a recent issue of Stem Cells, Cell Differentiation and Proliferation. Researchers found that hair follicle stem cells, (epidermal, neural, crest stem cells) isolated at high levels of purity, have both embryonic and adult stem cell characteristics. They are readily accessible, without any invasive procedures and certainly, without killing any embryos. They would be compatible with the patient’s own cell types, and may well prove to be an alternative to embryonic stem cells which can only be obtained by killing five day old living human embryos.
NEW MINORITY LEADERS PRO-LIFE – Congressmen John Boehner of Ohio, and Roy Blunt of Missouri were elected as Minority Leader and Minority Whip respectively, for the new Congress. Both have 100% pro-life voting records. Senator Mitch McConnell is Senate Minority Leader, and he also has a 100% pro-life voting record. In contrast, the House Democrats picked staunch pro-abortion advocate Nancy Pelosi as Speaker. Pelosi has a 0% pro-life voting record.
Cincinnati Right to Life Educational Foundation, Inc. February 2007
PREGNANCY CRISIS HOTLINE - We are here to help you. Please call 981-6888.

Weekly Offering
Sunday, March 4, 2007 Offerings $20,191
Same collection last year 18,441
Number of envelopes 667
Poor Box last weekend $306
Fuel Oil Collection YTD $9141
Same time last year 2006 9798
Snow Removal $1690
Same time last year 2006 2030
Central & Eastern European Churches 2007 $1006
Same collection last year 827
Thank you for your generous response to the appeal for
increased giving.
God Bless You Always, Fr Mike
Paschal Candle
Memorials
If you would like to memorialize
the Paschal Candle for the upcoming year please fill out
and return this tab with your
payment of $100 to the Rectory.
In Memory of:_____________________________
From:______________________________
Telephone:___________________

Mark Your Calendars
Mar 11 K of C St Patrick’s Day Parade
Mar 12 Ministers of Holy Communion Meeting
7:30 PM in the Church
Mar 13 Bible Study 10 AM & 7:30 PM Carew Hall
Mar 16 Stations of the Cross 7:30 PM
Mar 17 St Joseph Day Dinner 6:30 Carew Hall
Mar 19 Feast of St Joseph Mass 7:30 PM
Mar 20 Bible Study 10 AM & 7:30 PM Carew Hall
Mar 20 Lectors Meeting 7:30 PM in the Church

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The Feast of Saint Joseph

On Saturday, March 17th we will be celebrating the Feast of St Joseph - our parish’s patron saint - with a dinner in Carew Hall following the 5PM Mass. While there is no charge, reservations are necessary so please call the Rectory and leave your name, the number of people attending and your phone number.
On Monday, March 19th, the Feast of St Joseph, we will celebrate Mass in his honor at 7:30 PM. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to join us.

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2007

Ashes, Prayers & Stations

Rules of Fast and Abstinence
During the season of Lent the Church calls us to fast and abstain. The days of fast are Ash Wednesday and Good
Friday. Fast means that those between the ages of 18 and 59 limit themselves to one full meal and eat nothing between meals. The other meals on a fast day are light meals. All the Fridays of Lent, as well as Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, are also days of abstinence, which means that those 14 years of age and older are to abstain from eating meat.

Daily Mass—A Lenten Tradition
Monday through Friday 7AM, 9AM and 12:10 PM.
Saturday at 8AM
Sunday Masses remain the same at 5PM on Saturday, 7, 9 & 10:30 AM, 12 Noon and 5PM on Sunday

The Sacrament of Reconciliation
Daily as we pray the “Our Father “ we petition our God to “forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.” These simple words recall the basic need that each of us has to experience forgiveness and to share it with others. As a faith community the Sacrament of Reconciliation has long served to seek forgiveness of God and to be reconciled with one another. Celebrating the Sacrament of Reconciliation provides us with an encounter with our Compassionate God. Lent is an especially opportune time to experience God’s mercy in this sacramental way.
The parish offers weekly celebrations of the sacrament each Monday, Wednesday & Friday after the 7 & 9 AM Masses and on Saturday after the 8AM Mass and from 4-4:45 PM.
The Sacrament of Reconciliation will also be celebrated at the following times:
Monday of Holy Week - April 2 - after the 7 & 9 AM masses , 4-5PM and 7-8:30PM
Wednesday of Holy Week - April 4 - after the 7 & 9AM masses
Holy Saturday - April 7 - 10-12 Noon for those unable to attend other services.

Stations of the Cross
Recalling the Passion of our Lord Jesus during the season of Lent has nourished Catholics from the earliest days of Christianity. One of the traditional ways in which we recall Jesus’ way of the cross is the praying of the Stations of the Cross. Join us for the Stations on each of the following Fridays: March 9, 16th, 23rd, 30th and April 6th.

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Lenten Feast Days
Celebrate with us two of our favorite patron saints - St Patrick & St Joseph. There will be a St Patrick’s Day Parade on Sunday, March 11th sponsored by the Knights of Columbus. On Saturday, March 17th we will be celebrating the Feast of St Joseph with a dinner in Carew Hall following the 5PM Mass.

Seven Last Words
Good Friday is a time of deep recollection and prayer. For centuries Christians have prayed over the Passion of the Lord in many ways. As a parish community, On Good Friday at 12 Noon, our prayer service will be structured around “The Seven Last Words” a very powerful and moving reflection presented by members of our parish family. Come pray with us.

Palm Sunday
Distribution of Palm at all Masses
Saturday, March 31
5:00
Sunday April 1st
7,9,10:30 AM
12 Noon
5:00PM

Holy Thursday
April 5th
9:00
Morning Prayer
7:30 PM
Mass of the Lord’s
Supper followed by
Solemn Procession with the Blessed Sacrament to the Repository
11:00 PM
Closing of Repository

Good Friday
April 6th
9:00
Morning Prayer
Noon
Reflection on the Seven Last Words
3:00
Commemoration of the Passion and Death of the Lord Jesus
7:30PM
Stations of the Cross

Holy Saturday
April 7th
9:00
Morning Prayer and Blessing of Easter food
10-12 Noon
Confessions for those unable to attend other services.
7:30
Easter Vigil Liturgy

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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

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“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)______________________________________________

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A Look At Our Progress
Diocese of Rockville Centre - PO Box 4000, Rockville Centre, NY 11571-4000
P 516-379-5210 ext. 2 F 516-379-5043 e-mail catholicministries@drvc.org
Thank you for your support. Please make checks payable to: Catholic Ministries Appeal
Pledge $_____________Payment $______________Balance $___________
Name:___________________________________________________________
Address:________________________________________________________
City:_________________________State:_________Zip:_______________
Telephone:________________________ Parish: 146-St Joseph
Every Gift Counts!
Can we count on you?

Catholic Ministries Appeal 2007

Catholic Charities
Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Rockville Centre provides a wide range of services to approximately 60,000 Long Islanders each year, as it strives to bring God’s healing love to the poor and vulnerable among us.
These services are designed to help people with many of their most critical needs, such as helping a senior citizen find safe and affordable housing, or providing a disadvantaged family with access to nutritious food and health care, or by developing residential services for children and adolescents who suffer from serious emotional difficulties, or helping a young, frightened, teenaged mother-to-be become prepared and equipped to be a loving and effective parent.
Catholic Charities operates 14 programs of service including more than 60 sites from Elmont to the East End and works closely with more than 100 of our parishes’ social ministries, helping them develop their own local programs of service. The Catholic Ministries Appeal provides 22 percent of all dollars raised to ensure the continuation and expansion of these vital services and programs.

Our Goal Is $83,700 —_―

What a Great Start to our Campaign!

Pledges as of March 1, 2007

$39,485

2007

Touching the lives of many through
Diocesan & Parish
ministries and
services.

A GUIDE TO GIVING
Other $_______

Pledge
$5000
2500
1500
1000
500
300
200
100

10 Payments $500
250
150
100
50
30
20
10

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And the Winners Are….

March 2007

Sun	Mon	Tue	Wed	Thu	Fri	Sat
				$25 / Barbara Mickelson / # 472	$25 / Liz & Jim Kay / # 351	$25 / Lorraine & Joseph Onufrak / # 426
$50 / Barbara Mickelson / # 382	$25 / Miranda & Morgan Tenaglia / # 279	$25 / Vincent Lifrieri / # 255	$25 / Anne Kelly / # 504	$25 / Jim & Arlene Altonji / # 517	$25 / Mr & Mrs K Aiello / # 83	$25 / Mr & Mrs R / Firestone / # 473
11 $50	12 $25	13 $25	14 $25	15 $25	16 $25	17 $25
18 $50	19 $50	20 $25	21 $25	22 $25	23 $25	24 $25
25 $50	26 $25	27 $25	28 $25	29 $25	30 $25	31 $25

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! $25 buys you 1 number & 362 chances to win. $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 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 $ __________

Page 14

OUTREACH
sjpo@verizon.net
For the month of February we serviced 116 clients. Financial assistance amounted to $2,080. There were 10 new clients added and total services and referrals provided were 222. This included food, living needs, Health Care information, advocacy and housing. Your continued support of the Outreach Program makes all of this possible.
Feinstein Matching Grant - This foundation will match all donations made to the Outreach Program during the months of March and April. The more of a donation you send the more Feinstein money Outreach will get. This is a great way to make your contribution dollar go farther.
Here’s the letter we received from Mr. Feinstein:
Please use MY money to help your neighbors in need!
Dear Friend:
My name is Alan Shawn Feinstein. For the past 9 years, I have been giving away $1 million each year to anti-hunger agencies throughout the country.
This year, I am doing it again...WHATEVER YOU DONATE TO OUTREACH, I WILL ADD MONEY TO IT. THE MORE YOU GIVE, THE MORE OF MY $1 MILLION THEY’LL GET– THANKS TO YOU!
Why am I doing this? Because I believe each of us was put here on earth to do what we can to help those in need. This letter is written because we feel that YOU believe that, too.
This has become the greatest grass roots campaign ever to fight hunger in our country. Your donation makes you a partner in it with me!
My money started this campaign but it is YOU who will help decide how many needy people in your city or town will be fed this year. I’m only here to give you some support and to remind you of this: That all that will matter to us someday is what we did while we were here to help those who needed us.
We Are Needed Now!
Please give whatever you can– I will gladly add some of my money to yours. My $1 million will be divided in full proportionately among the agencies receiving donations toward my offer.
Thank you for sharing my heart, and the hope that-someday-no one will ever go hungry.
Sincerely Yours,
Alan Shawn Feinstein

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Ronald Keith D’Anna Olivia Rose DeSane Stephen Joseph Doner
Rocco Anthony Giovacco Ryan Matthew Miller
Michael Peter Pernesiglio Emily Erin Pfisterer Maximilian Klaus Riker
Thomas Gerard Vogt Blake Richard Walmsley
Victoria Catherine White

Confirmation Corner
The Spring Confirmation meeting will be on Wednesday, March 14th in Carew Hall at 7:30 PM. This meeting is for parents or guardians of those receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation in the Fall.

Catholic Ministries Appeal
Diocese of Rockville Centre
Touching the lives of many through
Diocesan & Parish ministries and services
February 23, 2007
Reverend Michael T. Maffeo
St. Joseph Church
45 Church Street
Ronkonkoma, New York 11779
Dear Father Maffeo,
Based upon payments received as of January 31st 2007, your parish has attained 101% of your Catholic Ministries
Appeal goal. Following the sharing formula established for the Appeal, we are pleased to forward a final check for
2006 Appeal representing the payments received exceeding the payments already forwarded to you.
We are also pleased to report that your parish qualifies for a bonus rebate! You were able to increase your 2006 total number of first of $50 or more by 10%, which entitles you to an increased share of over goal funds by 5%.
Please convey our sincere appreciation to your generous parishioners and your Appeal Committee for their support.
Sincerely,
Enes J. Carnesecca
Director of the Office of Institutional Advancement
****Total 2006 Rebate: $15,459.20
Parish Share: $6,773.10
Previously Received: 5,597.90
Check Enclosed: $1,175.20

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HAPPY 95TH BIRTHDAY GIRL SCOUTS !
Today is Girl Scout Sunday. The first Girl Scout meeting was held in the United States on March 12, 1912. Girl Scouts of Suffolk County is the largest youth-serving agency on Long Island, serving more than 43,000 girls and 9,000 adult volunteers. One of every four girls in grades K through 12 in Suffolk County is a Girl Scout. Suffolk County is the 5th ranked Girl Scout Council in the Nation (out of more than 300 councils) and the largest Council in New York State. Their mission & objective is to assist all girls in achieving their highest potential and becoming vital parts of their community. We wish all our Girl Scouts a very Happy Birthday and many more to come!

Venturing Crew 777, BSA
Will hold their 4th Annual Spaghetti Dinner & Chinese Auction on Saturday, March 24th from 6-9PM in Carew Hall
Funds raised go directly to the youth in order to subsidize their yearly activities. The tickets are $6 each and can be purchased by contacting 981-1399.

And
Chinese Auction

On Sunday
March 25th
Canadian Catholic singer/ songwriter Mark Mallett will be giving a concert at
St Joseph’s Parish as part of a 2-month US Concert Tour.
Mark tours extensively throughout North America and recently sang at the Vatican and presented his
ministry to Pope Benedict XVI. His music and message appeals to ALL ages, so please show your support for a very gifted Catholic musician & plan to go on March 25th !
We Hope to see you all there!

St. Regis’
Knights of Columbus
St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Henry Melchiona, Grand Marshal
Sunday, March 11, 2007 2:00PM
Beginning with a blessing from Fr.Maffeo, the parade will step off
from the corner of Portion Rd &
Patchogue-Holbrook Rd - Ending at
St Joseph’s Church.
For information contact parade chairman Martin P. Gaughan,PGK at 981-4887

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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

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 11
Pius XII Discussion Group & Business Meeting
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
The Journey, Cross & Crucifixion will be presented by Creative Ministries on Good Friday, April 6th at 8PM at Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary on Crown Acres Rd in Centereach.
HELP WANTED - Mary Immaculate Church in Bellport is looking for a PT Secretary, 3 Days per week. Duties include Rectory office work, telephones and weekly bulletin. Must be computer literate. Please call 286-0154.
- St Hugh of Lincoln Parish Outreach in Huntington Station, is in need of a Secretary. Monday thru Friday, 9am to 4pm beginning April 2nd. Computer knowledgeable, good phone and people skills. Spanish speaking a plus. Contact Fran Leek at 427-0638 or e-mail outreach@sthugh.org for an interview.
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.
Forever Irish Concert featuring Andy Cooney - Sunday, March 18th at 3:00 PM at the North Fork Theatre to benefit The Pilgrimage Miracle Fund. For reservations call Susan or Peter Bies at 516-804-6196.
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.
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.
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.
Cenacle Retreats - Walking Toward Calvary: A reflection on the events of Holy Week - Friday, March 16th registration between 4-7:15 PM dinner and close on Sunday March 18th after lunch. Presenter Mary Ann Massey,EDD.
For more information call 631-588-8366.

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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Prayer:
Saint Joseph, patron of the universal Church, watch over the Church as carefully as you watched over Jesus, help protect it and guide it as you did with your adopted son. Amen