February 16, 2020~ Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time St. Joseph R. C. Church 39 North Carll Avenue, Babylon N. Y. 11702 Parish Phone (631) 669-0068 - Parish Fax (631) 669-9175 Website - www.stjosephsbabylon.org We Celebrate the Sacraments Baptism Parents are requested to call the Parish Office at least two months before child’s birth to make arrangements. New Parents’ Instruction Class will be held on the 3rd Thursday of each month from 7:30pm to 8:30pm in Room 257. Baptism is celebrated every Sunday of the month at 1:45pm. RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) Anyone who wishes to join the Catholic Church should call the Parish Office. Reconciliation (Confession) Saturday 4:00 to 4:45pm in the Church or call the Parish Office for an appointment. Matrimony Couples are requested to call at least six months before the wedding for an appointment with a Priest or Deacon to set the date and make arrangements. No arrangements can be made by phone. Anointing of the Sick Fourth Saturday of the month at the 9:00am Mass or call the Parish Office. We Assemble for Prayer Rosary Every Monday at 8:20am we pray the Patriotic Rosary. Before the 9:00am Eucharist Tuesdays through Saturdays we pray the Rosary. Miraculous Medal Novena We pray this at the 7:45am & 9am Mass every Tuesday. Men’s Spirituality Group: Witness and grow in Faith. Meets every 3rd Tuesday of the month at 7pm in the Church. Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament Hours of Adoration: Mon (7am-9pm); Tues. (8am-9pm); Thurs. (8am) - Fri.(Midnight). We have Holy Hour to the Holy Face of Jesus every Wednesday at 5pm & Friday at 3pm in the Divine Mercy Chapel. Call Parish Office for more information. Nocturnal Adoration A Holy Hour with the Blessed Sacrament is offered on the First Friday of each month, from 9:00pm to 10:00pm in the Chapel. We Celebrate the Eucharist Sunday Mass Schedule Saturday Vigil - 5:00pm Church Sunday Church - 7:00am, 8:45am, 10:15am, 12:00pm, 5:00pm Nolan Hall - 9:30am- Family Mass 11:30am (en Español) Weekday Mass Schedule Mon. to Fri. - 7:45am, 9:00am Church Saturday - 9:00am Church Our Parish Mission Statement The Parish of St. Joseph is a Roman Catholic Community of Christ’s Disciples: We Welcome. We Worship. We Witness. Pastoral Team Rev. Jason U. Grisafi, Pastor Rev. Ethel Anarado, Associate Pastor Rev. David Atanasio, In Residence Rev. Francis A. Samuel, O.I.C. Resident/Associate Deacon Michael J. Leyden Deacon Julio Murillo Deacon John F. Sullivan- Retired Dr. Marie Drohan, Music Director Mrs. Barbara McNulty, Pastoral Associate Ms. Claire Moulé, Faith Formation Mrs. Patricia Taggart, Nursery School Mrs. Sigrid Villalobos A., Parish Social Ministry
We Celebrate the Sacraments Baptism Parents are requested to call the Parish Office at least two months before child’s birth to make arrangements. New Parents’ Instruction Class will be held on the 3rd Thursday of each month from 7:30pm to 8:30pm in Room 257. Baptism is celebrated every Sunday of the month at 1:45pm.
RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) Anyone who wishes to join the Catholic Church should call the Parish Office.
Reconciliation (Confession) Saturday 4:00 to 4:45pm in the Church or call the Parish Office for an appointment.
Matrimony Couples are requested to call at least six months before the wedding for an appointment with a Priest or Deacon to set the date and make arrangements. No arrangements can be made by phone.
Anointing of the Sick Fourth Saturday of the month at the 9:00am Mass or call the Parish Office.
We Assemble for Prayer Rosary
Every Monday at 8:20am we pray the Patriotic Rosary. Before the 9:00am Eucharist Tuesdays through Saturdays we pray the Rosary.
Miraculous Medal Novena We pray this at the 7:45am & 9am Mass every Tuesday.
Men’s Spirituality Group: Witness and grow in Faith. Meets every 3rd Tuesday of the month at 7pm in the Church.
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament Hours of Adoration: Mon (7am-9pm); Tues. (8am-9pm); Thurs. (8am) - Fri.(Midnight). We have Holy Hour to the Holy Face of Jesus
every Wednesday at 5pm & Friday at 3pm in the Divine Mercy Chapel. Call Parish Office for more information.
Nocturnal Adoration A Holy Hour with the Blessed Sacrament is offered on the First Friday of each month, from 9:00pm to 10:00pm in the Chapel.
We Celebrate the Eucharist
Sunday Mass Schedule
Saturday Vigil - 5:00pm Church
Sunday Church - 7:00am, 8:45am, 10:15am, 12:00pm, 5:00pm
Nolan Hall - 9:30am- Family Mass
11:30am (en Español)
Weekday Mass Schedule Mon. to Fri. - 7:45am, 9:00am Church
Saturday - 9:00am Church
Our Parish Mission Statement
The Parish of St. Joseph is a Roman Catholic Community of Christ’s Disciples:
We Welcome. We Worship. We Witness.
Pastoral Team
Rev. Jason U. Grisafi,
Pastor
Rev. Ethel Anarado,
Associate Pastor
Rev. David Atanasio,
In Residence
Rev. Francis A. Samuel, O.I.C.
Resident/Associate
Deacon Michael J. Leyden
Deacon Julio Murillo
Deacon John F. Sullivan- Retired
Dr. Marie Drohan, Music Director
Mrs. Barbara McNulty, Pastoral Associate
Ms. Claire Moulé, Faith Formation
Mrs. Patricia Taggart, Nursery School
Mrs. Sigrid Villalobos A., Parish Social Ministry
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The Sacraments of Life
For Our Deceased
Please pray for the families and souls of our deceased members including
Robert Olmo.
Mass Schedule & Readings For The Coming Week:
Altar Rose In Memory of Nunzio & Giuseppa
DiLorenzo
Eucharistic Minister Teams:
Weekend of February 15/16- Team B
Weekend of February 22/23- Team A
Newly Baptized
Sophia Rose Cinquemani &
Bennett Paul Reardon.
At this Mass, we remember
Monday, February 17 Jas 1:1-11; Ps 119:67-68, 71-72, 75-76; Mk 8:11-13
7:45 No Mass- Holiday (President’s Day) 9:00 Sam Lisy
Tuesday, February 18 Jas 1:12-18; Ps 94:12-15, 18-19; Mk 8:14-21
7:45 Antonina Pedone
9:00 Patrick Manley
Wednesday, February 19 Jas 1:19-27; Ps 15:2-5; Mk 8:22-26 7:45 Antonio Contrino
9:00 George Rebecchi, Jr.
Thursday, February 20 Jas 2:1-9; Ps 34:2-7; Mk 8:27-33 7:45 Lily Ferro
9:00 Elizabeth Burderi
Friday, February 21 Jas 2:14-24, 26; Ps 112:1-6; Mk 8:34-9:1 7:45 Patrick Ryan 9:00 Marek Papiewski
Saturday, February 22 1 Pt 5:1-4; Ps 23:1-6; Mt 16:13-19
9:00 Annabelle Milano
Weekend Celebrations (barring last minute changes) 4:00 Confessions Today Fr. Jason
5:00 People of St. Joseph’s Fr. Francis
Sunday, February 23~ Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time Lv 19:1-2, 17-18; Ps 103:1-4, 8, 10, 12-13; 1 Cor 3:16-23; Mt 5:38-48
7:00 For the Intentions of Albert Pagano Fr. Dave 8:45 Dennis Radesky & James Carew Fr. Jason 9:30 (NH) Rosemary Cox Fr. Ethel 10:15 Christopher Rochford & Collen McNamara Fr. Francis
11:30 (Español- NH) Fr. Jason
12:00 Margaret Guzzardo & Nina Montuori Fr. Ethel
5:00 Fortunata Tesoro Fr. Francis
Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time
For Our Sick
Please remember the sick of our
Parish in your prayers: Aidan Peña, Attracta Roche, Joseph Hovanec, Martin Kennedy, Terrence McGoldrick, Michael Schauer, Michelle Diaz, Christian Lavoie, Patty Orzano, Monica Restrepo, Sophie Sanson, Norman Gomez, Silvio Gomez, Evelyn Scalise, Madison Milio, Lisamarie Hulsen, Edward Henry, Providence Colascione, Sandra Lakotta, Lori Senatore, Baby Jonathan Cerniglia, Viola Plansker & Family, Bill Valentin, James Drohan, Frank McLaughlin, Donna Russo, Arianna Messina, William McDonald, Baby Pablo Lecuna, Judy Jacques, Glenn Doan, Elke Grimm, Thomas Morton, John Shine, Lawrence Schoenfelder, Bob Burrows & Rita Torre.
Preparing for Marriage Banns Posted
First Time ~ Shawn Magistro & Kathleen McCabe
Daniel Sonefield & Elizabeth Maro
Second Time ~ No Banns
Third Time ~ Stephen Bates & Anna Domingo
Giuseppe Vaccaro & Kathryn Skrynecki
At this Eucharist, we will have the Communal Anointing and the Blessing of the Sick, Families and Caregivers. The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick is for those who have not already been anointed during a particular illness or burdensome condition. Those already anointed, family members, friends and caregivers are welcome to join us at the Eucharist that morning and receive the Blessing of the Sick or the Blessing of Family, Friends and Caregivers.
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Sunday, February 16, 2020
From the desk of fr. Jason
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
On Wednesday, February 12th, our parish once again celebrated the great sacrament of Confirmation. Our young brothers and sisters in the faith formation program were confirmed by Bishop Henning, completing their process of initiation into the Catholic Church. We are proud of them and give thanks to God for the awesome gift of His grace given to these, His children. In light of that, I thought it would be a good idea to review the sacrament of Confirmation with the entire parish community. In doing so, I also invite any adult parishioner who has not been confirmed to seriously consider contacting our RCIA coordinators so that you, too, can benefit from the sanctifying grace of this sacrament.
So what, exactly, happens in the sacrament of Confirmation? What we see is someone, who is already baptized and in full communion with the Catholic Church, is anointed on the forehead with sacred chrism by a bishop (and, in cases of necessity or if someone is in danger of dying, then a priest may receive permission to confirm). After laying hands on them, the bishop anoints the person, saying, "be sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit." He then gives a sign of peace. With this short act, there is a change to the soul of that person, akin to what happened at their baptism. They are forever graced by God with the capacity to receive the full aid of the Holy Spirit in their lives. In this generous gift of God, their soul is permanently changed to be able to act upon the promptings of the Holy Spirit in a way that was impossible for them before. In theological language, we say that the sacrament imparts an "indelible character" on the soul. The sacramental grace specifically imparts the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit. These seven gifts are wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord. We understand these gifts from the prophecy of Isaiah 11:1-3 and the life of Christ. These, in turn, help to produce the fruits of the Holy Spirit. While the list of the fruits of the Spirit come from Galatians 5:22-23, we should note that the Catholic tradition identifies twelve fruits (coming from the translation of that passage of scripture by St. Jerome): love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, modesty, self-control, and chastity. See paragraphs 1831 and 1832 (and surrounding) of the Catechism of the Catholic Church for more details.
It is important to note that while these gifts and fruits use words that we may associate with certain natural virtues, they are speaking of things that we cannot accomplish except for the grace of God, and so it would be good to review the theological meaning of these words. For example, knowledge does not mean what we can learn from books or teachers, but is, rather, the ability to perceive God's creation from His perspective, seeing His handwork and intention for each thing. Remember that we wouldn't need a sacrament to obtain these if they could be received in another way. Or, put differently, the only way for us to achieve these gifts is through the Sacrament of Confirmation. Here's a distinction that, perhaps, we don't make often enough. Living a good life is not sufficient! We progress in the spiritual life, in holiness, by cooperation with God's grace, not by our own strength (cf. CCC 406). In this sense, Confirmation is necessary for anyone wishing to draw close to God and "to share in the divinity of Christ," as the priest prays at each Mass.
Finally, I would like to express publicly my gratitude to the many people who helped with the coordination of Confirmation, and the Confirmation liturgy. These words of thanks go wide: I thank the catechists of our faith formation program, as well as volunteers in the program, especially those who keep our children safe by monitoring the parking lot and the halls. I thank Cathy, Leslie, and Theresa who work in the faith formation office, and Claire who is director of the entire program. Let's appreciate how she is able to direct a program with around 1,200 kids in it! I am thankful for those who helped in liturgical ministries: sacristans, ushers, lectors, extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion, musicians, and the choir under the direction of Dr. Drohan. I am thankful for all of those who helped clean and prepare the space and materials that we used, as well as those who helped the families rehearse. I am thankful for the extraordinary work of our office and maintenance staff. Many things that we take for granted would not be accomplished without them, such as the reservation of space, arrangement of documents, coordination of funds, hospitable welcome to our families, and the preservation of a safe and clean space for our children. A big thank you to Bishop Henning for coming to celebrate the Confirmation of our children. And to any other staff member or volunteer whose hands and heart have been poured out in service towards this sacrament of Confirmation: Thank you!
Talbot House: Chemical Dependence Help (631) 589-4144
Porn Addiction www.reclaimsexualhealth.com
Sacrificial Giving
Thank you for your generosity in returning to God and God’s work some of what God has given to you.
2/9/2020
Collection $ 18,471.00 Last year $ 20,701.00
God Bless You!
Bulletin Reflection: Stewardship involves more than just the gift we bring to the altar. Today’s readings say clearly that it is fidelity to God’s law that makes our offering acceptable.
U.S. Navy:
Lt. Cdr. Michael Catalano Lt. John T. Izzo
Lt. Caroline Mayer Lt. Dylan Kelly
Lt. Christian Amelia MA2 William S. Murtha
PO1 Rasheen Tice PO2 Kristen Tice
PO3 Matthew Waldron E2 Liam McKeown
E3 Nicholas Ruf
U.S.M.C.:
Capt. Matthew Witcofsky 1stLt MarcAnthony Parrino
1stLt R.J. Parrino Sgt. Lauren Colantropo Cpl Alyssa E. Grimaldi PFC Joshua J. Coughlin
Malik Rodriguez Nelson Sanchez, Jr.
U.S. Coast Guard:
Capt. Matthew W. Sibley CPO Benjamin Flad
F.A. Madison Mulders
U.S. Army:
LTC John Kallo LTC Jon J. Uebel
Capt. Stephen Scuderi 1LT Mark Barbera
2LT Anthony C. DiBiasi LT Joseph A. Vanderveldt, III
SSG Josuah Insull SSG David C. Ray
Sgt Edwin Zambrano SPC Elliot Chodkowski
SPC Alexandra Diaz PFC Dominick Pititto
PV2 Danny Bornschein Eric Stein
U.S.A.F:
MSGT John Hatzidakis SSGT Brandon Ward
AB Christopher Signoretti AB Eric Benzing
AB Vincent E. Berger
We continue to pray for the following military personnel and their families:
Prayers for Our Military
The Parish Office will be closed on
Monday, February 17, 2020
in observation of President’s Day.
The Parish Office will re-open on
Tuesday, February 18, 2020 at 9:30AM.
Parish Office Closing
The Parish Office will be closed on Wednesday, February 19, 2020
from 9:30AM-4:00PM.
The Parish Office will be open on Wednesday, February 19, 2020 from 4:00PM-7:30PM.
Lenten Opportunities
Pray & Meditate with the Little Black Book of prayers.($1.00)
Pray with the poor by participating in the ‘Rice Bowl’ project.
Pray with Jesus by carrying the ‘Lenten Nail’. (not for children)
The Faith Formation Office Hours: Monday-Friday 9am-4pm.
Visit our website @ www.stjosephsbabylon.org for information regarding upcoming meetings, events and other parish news.
Faith Formation Handbook is also on the website!
A note about attending Mass: Please remember to bring your Mass attendance envelope, print all your children’s names and grade levels clearly and include your last name. While donations are appreciated, the envelopes are mainly for attendance purposes. Weekend Masses begin on Saturday at 5pm and continue through Sunday @ 5pm.
The Faith Formation Office will be closed the week of February 17th for Winter Recess. There will be no faith formation classes that week.
Order Form: Mardi Gras Tickets
Family Name_______________________ Phone # _________________ # of Tickets purchased ______________ Tickets: $5 per person Check: (made out to St. Joseph’s Church) $_______ Cash: $____________
Tear off and bring order form to Parish Center during business hours.
Family Mardi Gras
Tuesday, February 25th
6:30-8:00PM
Mardi Gras Parade- Come dressed as your favorite saint!
Bring a dessert for our sharing table.
Food Music Games
Thanks to everyone who helped make Confirmation such a success this year, especially Bishop Henning, the priests, deacons, Eucharistic Ministers, ushers, lectors, altar service, sacristans, maintenance, office personnel, musicians, catechists, sponsors and family members! A lot of hard work goes into making this day a success and I appreciate everyone who helped. Mucho gracias!
The Level 6 students are expected to attend any Mass the weekend of February 29th & March 1st to hand in their interview sheets and to receive a special blessing.
My good deed for the week was: Nick was nice to his brother, Christian cleaned his room, Jack got
out of bed at 5am to let the dog out, Caroline cheered up her friend when she was upset, Owen helped
his friend after he fell on the concrete, Sebastian helped his sister with a puzzle, Grace attended an
event in the elementary school because her neighbors wanted her to, Jordan made his bed, Sansai
watched over his sick brother, Clare brought her sister an Australian cattle dog stuffed animal,
Caroline helped her mom fold laundry, Hyacinth went to Washington, D.C. for the March for Life and
FUN n FAITH on FRIDAYS! We will be meeting 2/28 and 3/6 @ 7pm and All in grades 5 and above welcome to join us!
PBJ GANG Join us Thursday 2/20 for PBJ GANG @ 7pm in the Madonna Room. Grade 5 and above please. Reserve your seat— see website for details: https://stjosephsbabylon.org/pbj-gang
MARDI GRAS—Tuesday, 2/25 @ 6:30pm Tickets available now. $5 per person. All asked to bring a desert for the sharing table. ALL AGES WELCOME!! Care to join the fun Mardi Gras parade? Come dressed as your favorite saint!
More details for all events on the Parish Website: www.stjosephsbabylon.org
SATURDAY, MARCH 7th—Adults Only—enjoy a night out! —
A fun night with great music & food & dancing.
Tickets on sale after all masses next weekend.
MOMS OF TEENS - Interested in joining us Friday 2/21 @ 6—10pm for a night of prayer and fellowship—a time we gather to appreciate our strengths as Mothers—as we appreciate the quiet of some time without our teens.
All are welcome! Please give me a call or email so I can fill you in on the details
and make sure we have a comfy chair with your name on it! Barbara McNulty 669-0068 ext 108 or [email protected]
PASTA DINNER was a lot of Fun!
Check the website for more pictures— Special THANK YOU to Fr. Jason…
He prepared his own Marinara Sauce & Meatballs which we used for a fantastic Raffle – won by Vito & Pat Colletti!!
Congratulations to the following St. Joseph parishioner who received the Honor Roll certificate for the Second Quarter at St. Dominic High School.
We are very proud of your accomplishments.
Principal’s List
Mary Napolitano
Congratulations
Living Stewardship ~
Pillar of Prayer: The First Reading today tells us that we have a simple choice: to follow God or not. Sometimes, however, we may not know what God is asking of us or we may be tempted to chose to disobey God. This week, ask the Lord in prayer to show you the way.
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Sunday, February 16, 2020
Reflections
Deacon’s Corner
Deacon John
I Need God {From A World of Stories for Preachers and Teachers by William Bausch}
In his book Life After God, Douglas Coupland writes: “Now--here is my secret: I tell it to you with an openness of heart that I doubt I shall ever achieve again, so I pray that you are in a
quiet room as you read these words. My secret is that I need God--that I am sick and can no longer make it alone. I need God to help me give, because I no longer seem capable of giving; to help me be kind, as I no longer seem capable of kindness; to help me love, as I seem beyond being able to love.”
“FIFTH FLOOR…GOING UP!!”
While technology has provided an excess of opportunities never considered when the new decade arrived, it has also debased our once patient sensibilities as we oft find ourselves fuming when something we expect to happen does not. It might be at home when we await our outdated computers to “boot up” like the new ones do or the wait, promised to be no longer than five minutes, when an Uber has been arranged or, in my latest case, simply getting on an elevator.
Though there were a total of six cars on the fifth floor where I was standing, it seemed every time the elevator stopped to proceed upward, the car was filled to capacity. Adding to the situation was the unusual number of riders on ridable scooters, in wheelchairs, or using walkers. Hoping for better luck with the next arrival, I patiently anticipated boarding when the door opened again. Same thing: no room for me at all. Then it hit me. The surest way to find space on an elevator headed north was to board one heading south. When the next car with a downward arrow appeared, I hopped on and had all the space I needed. When it reached its final destination, it began its ascent, and when it stopped on the fifth floor, I saw some the faces of those with whom I had just been standing as the door closed…still thinking there was only one way to get to their journey’s end. The road God has planned for us does not always work as we think it should. These are the times He gives us the Grace we need to be creative, find new ways of doing things, and get to the place He expects us to be. Knowing He is with us is all we need…even when the elevator is going in the opposite direction.
Lent ~ Easter 2020
Distribution of Ashes
Masses: 7:45 AM, 9 AM, & 12:15 PM
in the Church
Prayer Services: 3:45 PM & 5:15 PM in Msgr. Nolan Hall
Evening Masses: 7:30 PM in English in the Church
7:30 PM Misa en Español
in Msgr. Nolan Hall
Stations of the Cross Fridays
English: 2 PM
in the Church
Español: 7 PM
in Msgr. Nolan Hall
Beginning February 28
Parishioners are welcome to bring palm for burning to any Mass they attend on the weekends of February 15/16 and February 22/23.
Ushers will have bins available at the doors of the Church and Nolan Hall.
Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time
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BAUTISMO: Tercer domingo de cada mes. Clase: Segundo domingo de cada mes. Venir a la oficina del Ministerio Hispano con dos meses de anticipación o llame @ (631) 669-0068, Ext. 131. Traer el certificado de nacimiento original del niño.
RITO DE INICIACIÓN CRISTIANA PARA ADULTOS: (RICA) Les invitamos a una preparación espiritual de conversión a la fe católica. Llame al (631) 669-0068, ext. 131.
MATRIMONIO: Las parejas que desean casarse, deben inscribirse con seis meses de anticipación. Llamar al Padre Jason Grisafi @ (631) 669-0068 x 106.
RECONCILIACIÓN: Sábado a las 4:00pm - 4:45pm, o llamar para una cita, al Tel. # 669-0068 ext. 104.
UNCION DE LOS ENFERMOS: Llamar a la oficina principal (631)669-0068 Ext. 100.
CURSILLO DE CRISTIANDAD: Los invita a vivir un fin de semana con Cristo. Tenemos Ultreya todos los domingos a las 12:30pm. en el Salón # 256. Mas información contáctese con el Sub-Vocal de Piedad Geremías Herrera @[email protected].
MADRES ORANDO POR SUS HIJOS: Todos los Miercoles de 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM. Para informacion, contactese con Ana Ramos @ (631) 617-2129
RENOVACION CARISMATICA: Les invitamos a experimentar el amor de Dios de una manera diferente al escuchar un mensaje de buenas noticias y esperanza para su vida y la de su familia. Todos los viernes @ 7:15 p.m. Para mas información contáctese con Jamie Duque al (631) 805-2654
CENACULO MARIANO: El primer sabado de mes a las 7:00 a.m. en la Capilla de Adoración. Información: Jaime Duque, tel (631) 805-2654 COMITE: El primer sábado de cada mes a las 10:00am en el salón # 256. Para la agenda, contáctese con Ana Ramos @ [email protected].
ROSARIO: Domingos a las 11:00am en la Capilla o llamar a la oficina para solicitar rezarlo en su hogar
HERMANAS UNIDAS: Todos los segundos domingo de cada mes, en el salón # 256, después de la misa. EL APOSTOLADO DE LA CRUZ: Todos los jueves de 7:00 - 9:00pm en el Salón # 256. Comunicarse con Luz Marina López.
INTENCIONES PARA UNA MISA: Ver a Claudia Rodas después de la misa. Viernes de 7:00 PM. HORA SANTA: Cuarto domingo del mes. 12:30pm
MONAGUILLOS O ACOLITOS: Contáctese con Lidia Corella @ (631) 290-9145. Los niños deben haber recibido la Primera
Queridos Hermanos y Hermanas en Cristo,
El miércoles, febrero 12, nuestra parroquia celebro nuevamente el sacramento de la Confirmación. Nuestros jóvenes en el programa de formación de la fe fueron confirmados por el Obispo Henning, completando su proceso de iniciación a la fe de la Iglesia Católica. Estamos orgullosos de ellos y le damos gracias a Dios por el maravilloso regalo de Su gracia que les fue dada a ellos. A la luz de esto, he creído que es una buena idea reflexionar sobre el sacramento de la Confirmación con toda la comunidad.
Asimismo, invito a todos los adultos que no han sido confirmados, a considerar seriamente contactar a nuestros coordinadores de RICA para que así, también se puedan beneficiar de la gracia santificante de este sacramento.
Entonces, ¿que es exactamente lo que sucede en el sacramento de la Confirmación? Lo que vemos es a alguien que ya ha sido bautizado y en comunión con la Iglesia Católica, que es ungido en la frente con el crisma sagrado por el obispo (y en caso de necesidad, o si alguien esta en peligro de muerte, un sacerdote puede recibir el permiso de confirmar). Después de imponer las manos en ellos, el obispo unge a la persona diciendo: “Queda sellado con el don del Espíritu Santo”. Entonces le da el signo de la paz. Con este pequeño acto, ocurre un cambio en el alma de la persona, parecido a lo que sucedió en su bautismo. Ellos reciben para siempre la gracia de Dios, con la capacidad de recibir la ayuda total del Espíritu Santo en sus vidas. En este regalo generoso de Dios, su alma es permanentemente transformada para poder actuar bajo la guía del Espíritu Santo, de una manera que no era posible anteriormente. En lenguaje teológico, se dice que el sacramento imparte un “carácter indeleble” en el alma. La gracia sacramental imparte específicamente, los siete dones del Espíritu Santo. Estos siete dones son: sabiduría, entendimiento, consejo, fortaleza, conocimiento, piedad y temor de Dios. Conocemos de estos dones a través de la profecía de Isaías 11:1-3 y por la vida de Cristo. Estos, a su vez, nos ayudan a producir los frutos del Espíritu Santo. Aunque la lista de los frutos del Espíritu los encontramos en Gálatas 5:22-23, debemos notar que la tradición católica identifica doce frutos (De la traducción del pasaje de las escrituras de San Jerónimo): amor, alegría, paz, paciencia, amabilidad, bondad, generosidad, fe, mansedumbre, modestia, autocontrol y castidad. Ver párrafos 1831, 1832 (y siguientes) del Catecismo de la Iglesia Católica para mas detalles.
Es importante notar que, aunque estos dones y frutos usan palabras que podemos asociar con ciertas virtudes naturales, se refieren a cosas que no podemos lograr si no es con la gracia de Dios, por lo que seria bueno revisar los significados teologales de estas palabras. Por ejemplo: conocimiento, no significa lo que aprendemos de los libros o de los profesores, mas bien, es la habilidad de percibir la creación de Dios desde Su perspectiva, viendo Su trabajo e intención en cada cosa. Recordemos que no necesitaríamos un sacramento para obtener estos, si pudieran ser recibidos de otra manera. O dicho de otra manera, la única manera para recibir estos dones es a través del sacramento de la Confirmación. Aquí hay una distinción, que quizá no hacemos con la frecuencia necesaria ¡Vivir una buena vida no es suficiente! Progresamos en nuestra vida espiritual y en santidad con la cooperación de la gracia de Dios, no por nuestras propias fuerzas (Cf. CCC 406). En este sentido, la Confirmación es necesaria para quien se quiera acercar a Dios y “compartir la divinidad de Cristo”, como ora el sacerdote en cada misa.
Finalmente, me gustaría expresar públicamente mi gratitud a todas las personas que ayudaron con la coordinación y la liturgia de la Confirmación. Este agradecimiento se extiende a los catequistas del programa de Formación de la Fe, así como a los voluntarios del programa, especialmente aquellos que mantienen a nuestros niños seguros, monitoreando el parqueo y los pasillos. Agradezco a Cathy, Leslie y Theresa que trabajan en la oficina de Formación de la Fe y a Claire que es la directora del programa. Apreciamos como ella es capaz de dirigir un programa con un aproximado de 1,200 niños. Agradezco a aquellos que ayudaron en los ministerios litúrgicos: sacristanes, acomodadores, lectores, ministros extraordinarios de la Santa Comunión, músicos y el coro bajo la dirección de la Dr. Drohan. Agradezco a todos aquellos que ayudaron en la limpieza y preparación de los espacios y materiales que usamos, así como a los que ayudaron a las familias en los ensayos. Agradezco la extraordinaria labor del personal de oficina y mantenimiento. Muchas cosas que damos por sentado, no serian posibles sin todos ellos, cosas como la reservación de los espacios, la preparación de documentos, coordinación de fondos, el recibimiento hospitalario a nuestras familias y la preservación de espacios seguros y limpios para nuestros niños. Agradezco a todos los demás miembros del personal y voluntarios que han volcado sus manos y corazones en el servicio para la realización del sacramento de Confirmación: ¡Muchas Gracias!
