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St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church

OUR LITURGY
Stephen gives us many examples as he imitates Christ by preaching, willingly giving up his spirit, and forgiving his persecutors. John’s vision foretells the final judgment with longing, glory, and eagerness. Christ’s revelation is that we need to be united to the Trinity as the Trinity is to itself.

ALTAR BREAD & WINE
Michael F. Boyle
Requested by
Ann & Vince Festa

OUR PRIEST-CELEBRANTS
Fr Thomas 5:00 PM Fr Maffeo
Fr Thomas 7:00 AM Fr Maffeo
Fr Maffeo 9:00 AM Fr Boyle
Fr Boyle 10:30 AM Fr Thomas
Fr Maffeo 12:00 Noon Fr Boyle
Fr Boyle 5:00 PM Fr Thomas
IF ANYONE WOULD LIKE TO BRING UP THE GIFTS AT THE MASSES ON SATURDAY OR SUNDAY, PLEASE CONTACT ONE OF THE USHERS WHEN YOU ARRIVE FOR MASS.

Feast of
Corpus Christi
Procession
Saturday, June 9th
Witness to your Catholic faith and join in the walk with Christ on the Feast of Corpus Christi. The procession will take place immediately following the 5PM Mass.
The priests of our parish will lead the procession, carrying the Monstrance starting from our church after the 5PM mass. The procession will travel along Church St to the Knights of Columbus Hall on Pond Rd then we will proceed on to the Outreach Office, then the Lower School making a final stop at the front of the rectory.
Join in the hymns & prayers along the route.
The procession will culminate at the Main Altar with Solemn Benediction & reposing of the Blessed Sacrament.

MASS INTENTIONS
Sunday, May 20, Seventh Sunday of Easter
7:00 Patrick Farrell requested by Jack & Mary Devaney
7:00 Evo Caldera requested by Dario Pedroth & Family
9:00 Joseph Onufrak requested by Loving Wife & Family
9:00 Anne Crocco requested by Kathleen & John Kelly
10:30 Nadine & John Beneventi requested by Loving Family
10:30 Rosemary Beck requested by Ann & Jimmy O’Brien
12:00 Bernadette McNiff requested by Barbara
12:00 Bill Biles requested by D’Agostino Family
5:00 Mother’s Day Novena Intentions
5:00 Richard Ryan requested by Marilyn
Monday, May 21
7:00 Mother’s day Novena Intentions
9:00 Alice O’Keefe requested by Gerard & Christina
9:00 Helen McMullan requested by Louis & Kim DeQuatro
Tuesday, May 22, St Rita of Cascia
7:00 Matteo Guiliano requested by The Moschella Family
7:00 T.J. Irons (living) requested by Loving Friends
8:45 Anne Bartik requested by Loving Family
8:45 Michael F Boyle requested by The Antonucci Family
Wednesday, May 23
7:00 Consuelo Ortiz requested by Loving Family
7:00 Blanche Puglissi requested by The Wimpelberg Family
9:00 Carmine Somma requested by Loving Family
9:00 Mary Dougherty requested by Phil & Barbara Hughes
Thursday, May 24
7:00 Robert Ortiz & Michael C D’Amico requested by Loving Family
7:00 For the People of the Parish
9:00 Ida Ilardi requested by Nancy Fedele & Maria Bionomo
9:00 Joseph Daniel Beyrodt requested by Dcn Joe & Marie Califano
Friday, May 25
7:00 Alan DelGardo requested by Loving Mom
7:00 Blanche Puglissi requested by Vitali Family
9:00 Theresa DeFilippo requested by Loving Daughter Marie
9:00 Norma Brown USN requested by Loving Husband
Saturday, May 26, St Philip Neri
8:00 For the Intentions of the Celebrant
Anticipated Mass for Sunday
5:00 Rose Napolitano requested by The DuRussel Family
5:00 Nicholas Mungavin requested by Phil & Barbara Hoos
Sunday, May 27, Pentecost
7:00 Patrick & Mary Dineen requested by Loving Family
7:00 Jacquelyn Gazzo requested by Patricia Brignardello
9:00 For the Deceased Members of St Regis
Knights of Columbus & Columbiettes
10:30 Elizabeth Essex requested by Theresa Puma
10:30 Joseph Ferrara requested by Cathy West
12:00 Mary Elizabeth Barone requested by Karen Behr
12:00 Cecilia Brown requested by Andrew & Elise Huber
5:00 Justino Bello requested by Zulay Bello
5:00 Anne Laporte requested by Christopher Cummings

****The 2008 Mass Book is now open. Please stop at the rectory to schedule your memorial Masses for next year.****

Sunday, May 20, 2007

Sunday, December 31, 2006

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FROM THE DESK OF FR. MIKE

FROM THE DESK OF FR. MIKE

We are now entering the last week of our Easter Season as we are between the Feast of the Ascension and Pentecost. These 9 days from last Thursday to Pentecost constitute the original novena in which the readings from the liturgy recount the prayers and patience of the disciples waiting for the coming of The Holy Spirit. Our 1st reading from the Acts of the Apostles brings us back to the martyrdom of St. Stephen. We read it today because of the vision Stephen has as he is being stoned and filled with the Holy Spirit. As we read, “Behold, I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.” This vision confirms the fact that even though Christ has ascended into heaven, He is still here with us; just as Stephen saw Him. Jesus in His “Priestly Prayer” from John’s Gospel prays for His disciples and for us the Church. He asks the Father to help the disciples, and those who will follow the faith they shared, to always know the glory and love which is given to the Son is also shared with us. As Jesus prays to His Father, “…that the love with which you loved me may be in them and I in them.”
In short, what our readings are telling us today is that Jesus is with us always, and He is always present to give us what we need to preserve us in faith, just as He did for Stephen. We will of course learn more about this next weekend when we celebrate Pentecost-so more to come!
Next Sunday at the 10:30 AM and 5PM Mass we will celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation for those adults and young adults who did not receive this sacrament at the usual time. It has been the custom that on Pentecost Sunday the Bishop allows the priests of the diocese to confer this sacrament on people who fall into this category. As I have mentioned before, there is an alarming number of Adult Catholics who have not received Confirmation and unfortunately most people don’t seem to care. This is a shame, because by not being Confirmed they are passing up on every good gift that God wants to give us. And while its true we won’t hold up a person from getting married in the Church if they are not Confirmed, it is also true that the Church stresses that every person should complete their initiation into the Church before they take this very important step, and if they haven’t been Confirmed we stress that they do so as soon as possible. Also if one is not confirmed, they are not allowed to be Godparents or Sponsors for Confirmation. Now, keep in mind that this not my rule or St. Joseph’s Rule or even the Diocese’s Rule this the Rule of the
Universal Church. Sometimes in the past people were allowed to serve in these capacities, but the Church is keeping to the Rule more and more to stop the tide of too many people being baptized and having no idea what their faith is all about. Why do you need to be confirmed to serve in these capacities? Well how can you pass on the faith to someone else when you don’t have all that you need to do it? How can you sponsor someone, when you yourself need someone to sponsor you? Again, why would you deprive yourself of all the God wants to give you? If you have not received the Sacrament of Confirmation, now is the time to act. Sign up for next years classes, so that next year at Pentecost you can join those who we are confirming this year in receiving the fullness of the gifts of The Holy Spirit. For more information please call the rectory. Also congratulations to those who are receiving Confirmation next Sunday we are very proud of you and know that you are always in our prayers.
Lord send out your Spirit renew the face of the Earth. Happy Easter.
Fr. Mike
PS. Mark your calendars for Saturday June 9th following the 5 PM Mass when we will process with the Blessed Sacrament for our Annual Observance of Corpus Christi. This is an ancient tradition in the Church we are happy to keep it going at St. Joseph’s. Also on that same weekend Deacon Lee Descoteaux will be ordained to the Priesthood on Saturday June 9th at St. Agnes Cathedral in Rockville Centre and will celebrate his 1st Mass here Sunday June 10th at 12 Noon-all are invited with a parish reception to follow in Carew Hall.

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REMEMBER OUR SICK
Paul Ahearn Michelle Altonji
Michael Ambrosio William Barry
Oliver Bouchard MaryEllen Bowers
Hazel Boyce George Brennan
Ronald Cassidy John Ciullo
Paul Ciullo Michael Delaney
Ryan Delaney Nancy DiTrapani
Anthony Diubaldo Marie Diubaldo
Pam Dutoit Richard Fahey
Sal Farrugia Robert Filce
Rose Frodell Flavio Gabrielli
Frank Gaeta Dominick Golio
Sonny Grosso Elaine Halpin
William Hausner Mary Hickey
Thomas Horvath Lois Johnson
Jack Kelleher Cecilia Keller
Sharon Keller Paul Liguori
Betty Limov Georgiana Lopez
Agnes Ludwigson Marie Mangan
Joanora O'Donnell Sylvia Persico
Grace C Peshkur Baby Rebecca Petrellese
Nicole Ramaglia Betty Reddington
Joan Reilly Dawn Saporito
Linda Savage Lucille Shaver
Darryll Smith Joyce Smith
Antonina Sturiano James Sturiano
Sr Kathleen Taylor, OP Stacie Tizzard
Lloyd Turnier Alexander Muhall
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.

PRAY FOR OUR TROOPS
Please continue to remember them in your prayers.
SGT 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 PFC John B Cuneo
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
E1 J.R. Kay SGT John W Keohane
SSGT Steven Knight CPL Andrew Kochman
LCPL David Lindsey LCPL Marshall
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 PFC Greg Terrish
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 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)

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
Federico Clar, 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, May 20, 2007

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Avalanche Ranch!!
An exciting Vacation Bible School here at St Joseph Parish from July 9th-12th
We need volunteers to be group leaders and assistants – ages 12 to ?
If you are interested please attend the meeting for training volunteers on
Wednesday, May 30, 2007 from 7:30 – 8:30 pm in Carew Hall.
Please call Sister Anne Marie at the Religious Education Office, 981-1805, if you have any questions

Abagail Rose Marino
Michael Joseph Doll

St Joseph’s School
school@stjoronk.org
Congratulations to the following students who have graduated from our school and have achieved honors at their high school. Connor Buckley, Michael Pacifico, Karissa Johnson, Ian Powell, Teresa Schmitt, Gabrielle Stasiowski, Thomas Dulovic, Grace Tobin, Felicia Cruz, Michael Raggi, Amber King, Joseph Antonucci, Ashley DiGregorio, Taylor Stephens, James Doran, Dylan Evans, Vanessa Nicosia, Isabel Fernandes, and Thomas Ballato. Great job! Keep up the good work!
Thank you to all who helped us with our Golf Outing on Monday, May 14th. It was a beautiful day and a great success.
Our children created their own beautiful writing with our author, Orel Protopopescu on Tuesday, May 15. Children in grades K - Grade 8 had a wonderful lesson on creative writing.
Thanks to all who shared dinner with us at Pizza Uno! It was a great fundraiser to bring families together in a relaxed atmosphere.
Field Day was a great success. Thank you to all the parents who helped in any way. Thank you to Mr.Wallace who organized the barbeque lunch for us.

Religious Education
reled@stjoronk.org
Our Religious Education Office hours are:
Monday through Thursday 9 am to 4 pm
Registration for the 2007/2008 year is now taking place. Please return your forms as soon as possible.
Any child entering grade1 in September should be registered for the first year of Religious Ed. Our communion program is a 2 year preparation. Please call our office for further information.
To all our level 1 parents and parents new to the program, please attend the following meeting for important information concerning your child.
Tuesday – May 22 7:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m in Fr. Carew Hall
We are looking forward to being with all our Catechists at our meeting on Wednesday, May 23 at 7:30 p.m. in Fr Carew Hall
We have moved!! We are now located in Room 12 in the Upper School. Our phone number is still 981-1805.

St. Vincent de Paul
Today as we celebrate the feast of the Ascension we are reminded that Christ’s saving work on earth continues through his disciples...and now through us.
When we give to the poor, God indeed pours his love, peace and joy into our hearts, into our lives and into the hearts of those who are poor.

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Sunday, May 20, 2007
, 2005

RESPECT LIFE
In the News..
Sao Paulo, Brazil…Pope Benedict XVI, on his first papal visit to Latin America yesterday suggested Catholic politicians in Mexico had excommunicated themselves by legalizing abortion in that nation’s capital. The Pope spoke strongly against abortion during his first speech in Brazil, and when asked if he agreed with the excommunications given to legislators in Mexico City, he replied, “Yes, based simply on the principle that the killing of an innocent human child is incompatible with going in Communion with the Body of Christ.” Newsday, May 9, 2007
Did you know….Late in the evening of March 31, 2007 the NYS Legislature passed the health-related budget bills enacting the “Empire State Stem Cell Board” and “Trust Fund.” For the first time, New York State’s budget will contain public money for the destruction of innocent human life in the laboratory through embryonic stem cell research.
The details of the new law, which took effect immediately, were ironed out behind closed doors by legislative leadership and the Governor. The thousands of pages of bills that comprise the 2007-2008 State Budget were literally still warm from being printed as they were being voted on by legislators, many of whom had no idea what the bills contained. The bills did not “age” the required three days because the Governor issued a “necessity” message for the votes to take place.
And difficult to believe, but only two members of the entire state legislature-comprised of 212 members- spoke against the stem cell provisions. They are Assembly Member Michael Benjamin (D-Bronx) and Assembly Member Mark Schroeder (D-Buffalo), and both spoke eloquently in favor of adult stem cell research funding and opposed the embryonic stem cell funding. Twenty-nine Assembly members voted against the health budget for various different reasons, and not one member of the State Senate spoke on the Senate floor objecting to taxpayer funding, and not one member of the Senate voted against the bill. This budget contains $100 million for stem cell research this year, and a promise of an additional $500 million spread out over the next ten years.
What happened here with our elected officials was that they granted permission to finance the destruction of human embryos in laboratories across the state, and they granted this permission with hardly a fight.
The only bright side to all this is that the law contains a definition of “stem cell” that can apply to adult stem cells,cord blood cells and placental cells, in addition to embryonic cells. Pro-life advocates must continue their education and advocacy efforts to help steer public resources toward ethical successful adult stem cell research and away from destructive embryo research. NYS Pro-Life Reporter, April 20, 2007
You can communicate with your elected officials by going to www.nyscatholic.org and then click on the “Take Action” button to access the NYS Catholic Conference’s Legislative Action Center.
PREGNANCY CRISIS HOTLINE - We are here to help you. Please call 981-6888.

Weekly Offering
Sunday, May 13, 2007 Offerings $17,725
Same collection last year 16,442
Number of envelopes 604
Poor Box last weekend $480
Thank you for your generous response to the appeal for
increased giving.
God Bless You Always, Fr Mike
Banns of Marriage
(First Time)
Octavia DeCarlo and James H Penn
both of St Joseph’s
Lauren Vetrano and William J Kennedy
both of St Joseph’s
Andrea Baatz and Timothy Mollick
both of St Joseph’s
Erin Kempel of St Sylvester’s and
Anthony Aiello of St Joseph’s

Confirmation Corner
The Sacrament of Confirmation will be celebrated on
Monday, October 29,2007 !
*** Please note the change in the dates for the preparation sessions:
Tuesday 7:00 to 8:30 PM Sept 25, Oct 2,9 & 16
Wednesday 7:00 to 8:30 PM Sept 26, Oct 3, 10 & 17
Thursday 5:45 to 7:00 PM Sept 27, Oct 4, 11 & 18

Mark Your Calendars
May 23 Catechist Meeting 7-9 Carew Hall
May 26 Girl Scout Car Wash 9-4
May 27 Pentecost Sunday
June 1 & 2 Las Vegas Nights
June 3 Unity Sunday
June 9 Corpus Christi Procession after 5 PM Mass
June 10 Rev Lee Descoteaux 1st Mass 12:00
Reception to follow in Carew Hall
June 13 Feast of St Anthony Mass 7:30 PM
July 18-22 St Joseph Annual Festival

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Congratulations
To all the
First Communicants
of
St Joseph’s Parish
May you continue to grow in your faith
and
May our Blessed Mother keep you in Her loving care always.

Religious Retirement Fund
The weekend of June 2-3 is the annual collection for the Religious Retirement Fund.
Religious Sisters and Brothers who have been involved in education, health care and social ministry in the Diocese of Rockville Centre need our help. The stipends being earned by young members of religious communities are no longer enough to support the needs of the elderly members of their Communities. The number of elderly Religious in assisted living or nursing facilities continues to rise and health care costs are rising too.
For this reason, the Diocese of Rockville Centre, for the past twenty-one years has committed to return to our
Religious Communities a portion of our gifts of treasure, in appreciation for the many years of service to the people of our
Diocese of these dedicated servants of Our Lord.
Please come prepared to assist the elderly Religious on June 2-3, with a once a year gift, as generous as your means will allow. These gifts will be distributed among the thirty-one communities who serve our Diocese.
On behalf of the Religious who serve in our parishes and hospitals, we thank you for your generosity.

Hear Ye Hear Ye!
We need your help!
Tickets for this year’s Festival Grand Prize Drawing go on sale Memorial Day weekend. This is a big portion of the festival income and we need your help. If you are able to sell the tickets at the weekend masses, please call the rectory, 588-8456, and leave your name and phone number and someone will contact you. Thank you.

Spring Blood Drive
IT TAKES ALL TYPES!
St Regis
Knights of Columbus
Monday, May 21
4-9 PM
Free Hot Buffet for all donors; Baby / Child sitting for donors provided by the Girl Scouts; Each donor is entered to win 4 LI Ducks tickets. For more information call 664-0823

PROTECTING GOD’S CHILDREN
For all new Parish Volunteers and St Joseph School parents, the Diocese requires that you complete a background check and attend a Virtus training session. The Diocese will be offering a VIRTUS TRAINING session at St Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish Hall on Wednesday, June 13 at 7PM. To reserve your spot or to check on other locations/dates, please go to www.virtus.org. Thank you for all you do for our beautiful parish.

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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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My Dear Parish Family,
Perhaps you have heard Con Ed’s slogan “Pardon our dust, but dig we must, for a better New York”. I would like to borrow that slogan and change it a little to describe what is going to happen here at St. Joseph’s. Here we go, “Pardon our dust, but demolish we must, for a better St. Joseph’s!” Many wonderful projects have been completed since Msgr. Midura began the Restoration Fund eight years ago: new doors installed in the Church, the Altar/Sanctuary Area and the Choir Section redesigned and renovated, a new Pipe Organ added and, a new restroom added to the Church. Thanks to your contributions to the Elevator Fund, an elevator was finally added to the Church and Carew Hall. Once again my thanks to all of you who fulfilled or are currently completing your pledges. Your help has been invaluable.
While much was accomplished, we were forced to postpone the reconstruction of the old convent into the new Religious Education Office due to an unexpected and very costly repair to the Rectory heating system. This project, which required a total rebuilding of the plumbing, radiators, and thermostats, cost over $100,000. While we have not been able to undertake any major projects, we have not been idle during the past four years. Thanks to the remaining pledges from the Restoration Fund and help from the Catholic Daughters and the St. Regis Council of the Knights of Columbus and the Columbiettes, we have accomplished some smaller projects and repairs. These projects include: fixing the façade on the Church and Rectory, improving the air conditioning, and new lights for the Church grounds. The improvements to the air conditioning system in Carew Hall and the Church lobby were designed to extend the life of the main system. We have also repaired the Church roof due to your overwhelming response to my direct appeal. I have been putting any remaining Restoration Fund money into a savings account to complete future projects.
At this time the current Religious Education Office is barely habitable, as it has been ravaged by carpenter ants and the building is filled with mold and mildew. Sr. Anne Marie and the entire staff are getting sick. Likewise, the old convent has been without heat for the last 7 1/2 years and it is filled with so much mold and mildew that the only, and cheapest, option we have is to tear it down. Even though we do not have enough money to fully complete this project, we have to act now! This spring we will begin by tearing down the Religious Ed Office and the old work shed/garage, and later we will tear down the old Convent. We hope to be able to do this as quickly as possible without any major disturbances (but you know how these things go). We will temporarily move the Religious Ed Office to a classroom in the upper School building. We will be taking every step to protect the security and the safety of our St. Joseph School Children and Staff. The maintenance department will be moved to the old library under the stage in the upper School. After demolition is complete, we will work on the Convent’s foundation and complete the necessary site work to erect two modular buildings to become our new Religious Education Center. We are purchasing these buildings at a very good price from our sister parish, St. Catherine of Sienna, in Franklin Square.
It is our hope that this work will be completed in late summer or early fall. I am writing this letter in the bulletin to keep you informed of our plans. As always, please keep our beautiful parish in your prayers so that all we plan to do can be quickly accomplished. In a month or so, I will be speaking at all of the Masses to give you an update on the progress and to discuss with you how each parish family can help make a difference to the future of our beloved St. Joseph’s.
Thank you for all you do for St. Joseph’s and God bless you always.
Fr. Mike

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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

Your gift to the Catholic Ministries Appeal enables the Diocese of Rockville Centre to continue sharing it’s traditions by responding to the specific needs of today and the future.
PASTORAL MINISTRIES
Office of Worship
Diocesan Mission Office
Office of Catholics of African Ancestry
Office of Hispanic Ministry
Office of Haitian American Apostolate
Office of Renewal
Office of Ecumenical & Inter-Religious Affairs
Office of Campus Ministry
Office of Prison Ministry
Office of Respect Life
Vicars for Religious
Office of Priest Personnel
Vicar for Senior Priests
Office of Ministry to Priests
Office of Vocations
Cathedral College at Douglaston
Office of Parish Stewardship
Office of Healthcare Chaplains
Telecare

Our Goal Is $83,700

Pledges as of May 15, 2007

$71,380

We’ve
Reached
85% of our Goal !!!!

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….

May 2007

Sun	Mon	Tue	Wed	Thu	Fri	Sat
$50 / William Romano / # 782	$25 / Marie Kubicsko / # 410	$50 / St Joseph the Worker / Anne DiGregorio / # 793 / Anne DiGregorio	2 $25 / Rosemarie Rubenbauer / # 385	3 $25 / June Schaum / # 271	4 $25 / James Gracey / # 551	5 $25 / Mr & Mrs K. Aiello / # 83
6 $50 / Thomas McCann / # 748	7 $25 / Christine Kammerer / # 862	8 $25 / Melissa Boerner / #136	9 $25 / Lisa Naldrett / # 618	10 $25 / Geraldine Loughlin / # 568	11 $25 / Christine Kammerer / # 821	12 $25 / Tina Donegan / # 717
$75 / Mother’s Day / K & B O’Keefe / # 791	14 $25 / Rosemarie Rubenbauer / # 385	15 $25 / Vita O’Keefe / # 803	16 $25 / Mr & Mrs Chris Liberti / # 63	$50 / Ascension / Mary T Biglin / # 242	18 $25 / Amy Scannella / # 396	19 $25 / Jack Hough / # 547
20 $50	21 $25	22 $25	23 $25	24 $25	25 $25	26 $25
27 $50	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 $ __________

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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 !!
May 20
Project Development
May 27
Pius XII Discussion Group & Business Meeting
E-mail: Crew272@StJoRonk.org Phone: Advisor Mike Keller (631) 467-6468

Sport for all Seasons
ST. JOSEPH CYO CYO

Travel Soccer:
Tony B (737-5159
Intramural Soccer:
Joe (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 will be offered at Cleary School for the Deaf . Summer Session runs from July 2 through August 8th. Both children (age 10 & up) and adults are welcome. Call Carolyn Kelly at 588-0530 or email her at asl4ck@cs.com for more information.
Smithtown Central School District Adult Basic Education Program–Free Classes ! 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
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 has been conducted in the diocese for the past 34 years for the convenience of parishioners. It is provided by the Catholic Counseling Center 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.
Spring has sprung...so why not put the spring back in your marriage. Don’t you and your spouse deserve a beautiful, romantic weekend away together? If you agree then you’ll want to attend a Worldwide Marriage Encounter Weekend. The next weekend is scheduled for June 1-3. Registration is limited. For more information or to register, call toll free, 1-866-499-6354. Please visit our local web site at http://www.wwmeli.org or email Ron and Chris Morasse at ron@morassefamily.com for more information.
A Time to Remember - Memorial Day Peace Procession - May 26, 2007 Pax Christi invites you to gather with Long Island peace groups at Jones Beach from 10 AM until noon on Saturday May 26, for a solemn procession & recitation of the names of Americans and Iraqis who have been killed in the war. We will assemble at the western end of Parking Field 2, ( $9 parking fee per car). As we process east toward the needle & the main mall, we will carry the Memorial Ribbons and pause at intervals along the boardwalk to read the list of names. Everyone is welcome to participate.
Come Dance With Us! Live 16-piece band “Playing the music you like to hear from yesteryear!” St Sylvester’s Parish Center, 68 Ohio Ave, Medford. Sunday, May 27th, 2-5PM. Admission is $10. For more information call 730-3333 or visit our website @ www.goodolddanceband.com.
Vigil of Pentecost Healing Mass - Saturday, May 26 beginning at 8PM in the St Barnabas Holy Family Chapel, Bellmore. The celebrant will be Fr Tony Ozelli. There will be the laying on of hands. For further information call the Charismatic Prayer Groups at (516) 785-0054.

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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