MASS INTENTIONS Sunday, December 3, 1st Sunday of Advent 7:00 Nicholas Liguori (living) requested by Loving Daughter 7:00 Carolyn Esposito requested by Karen Ingram 9:00 Nancy Percoco requested by The Wolfert Family 9:00 Genevieve Joziwak requested by The Kelly Family 10:30 Ann & Thomas Dennis requested by Claire & Jim 10:30 Kathleen Schwartz requested by Frank Soviero 12:00 Justino Santos requested by The Lucas Family 12:00 Phillip Vicanzana requested by Peter & Madeline Stevens 5:00 Rocco Armandi requested by Matthew & Laurie Armandi 5:00 Dolores Turner requested by Loving Family Monday, December 4, St John of Damascus 7:00 Jesse Star requested by The Kay Family 7:00 Ida Ortiz 9:00 Rudolph Rinaldo requested by Loving Daughter & Family 9:00 Helen Kwiathouski requested by The Kwiathouski Family Tuesday, December 5 7:00 James LaSalle requested by Keith Sutherland 7:00 Edith Napoli 8:45 Anne Johnson requested by The Munoz Family 8:45 Frederick Crane requested by The Antonucci Family Wednesday, December 6, St Nicholas 7:00 Arthur Demeroto requested by Thomas Caminiti 7:00 For the People of the Parish 9:00 Edward Vaczy requested by Ann Bannon 9:00 Johanna Saetta requested by Ann Bannon Thursday, December 7, St Ambrose 7:00 Francis Donohue requested by Joan Marino 9:00 Thomas Ryan requested by The Hughes Family 9:00 Emily Digilio requested by Rich & Oksana Polsley 7:30 Helen Liguori requested by Loving Daughter Friday, December 8, Feast of the Immaculate Conception 7:00 For the People of the Parish 9:00 For the People of the Parish 12:10 For the People of the Parish 5:00 For the People of the Parish 7:30 For the People of the Parish Saturday, December 9, St Juan Diego 8:00 John H Burnett requested by Loving Family 8:00 Irma Ivanovic requested by Mate Kapovic & Family Anticipated Mass for Sunday 5:00 Pray for an End to Abortion 5:00 Morris Singleton requested by Albert & Marie Cintron Sunday, December 10, Second Sunday of Advent 7:00 Norma Brown requested by Loving Husband 7:00 Joseph DiBiasi Jr requested by Chris & Dyann Woolcock 9:00 Jospeh Onufrak requested by Loving Wife & Family 9:00 Everett Olsen requested by Susana Munoz 10:30 Harry Romney requested by Mr & Mrs E Scandiffio 10:30 Josephine Russo requested by Mr & Mrs Robert Rate 12:00 Brian McGee, Mary & Jack D’Agostino requested by Family 12:00 Antonio Flores requested by The Lucas Family 5:00 Margaret Long requested by Carlo & Mary Verardi 5:00 Alexander J Baker requested by Frank & Maria Maccalone

Feast of the Immaculate Conception December 8th

Mass will be at Dec 7 th 7:30PM Dec 8 th

7 & 9 AM 12:10, 5 & 7:30 PM

Page 2 St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church

ALTAR BREAD & WINE

Kathleen Schwartz Requested by Rose & Brian Dugan

OUR LITURGY

Scripture uses a variety of images to describe Jesus’ Second Coming-a master who settles accounts, a

bridegroom coming to meet his bride, harvest time. Luke’s Gospel today envisions the Son of Man coming with power and glory. Paul urges the Thessalonians to

abound in love and be blameless in holiness at the coming of the Lord.

OUR PRIEST-CELEBRANTS

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

Kayla Rose Chmielewski

Leah Nicole DiMaggio

Meaghan Kathryn Doherty

Joshua William Lind

Anthony Jon Soares

This is a scary future indeed and why does the Church start the New Year off this way? Well to remind us that this world is passing and the things of this world, and it’s situations-especially those which cause us great pain are not forever. What last forever is our soul and our life dedicated to the love of God and neighbor and that is what we should concen-trate on and is our hope. As today’s Gospel continues; “And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. But when these signs begin to happen, stand erect and raise your heads because your redemption is at hand.” Now back to the maybe, from above. This reading and the other gospel passages like it are not to be feared by us who want to see the Kingdom of God fully established, and the world that waits for us is a place of full redemption. Yes, there is a warning given to us, and that basically is to keep your life focused more and more on Christ and the Gospel than the things that would distract us and take us away from Christ. Jesus tells us that we have nothing to fear if we can follow the Gospel and that is the truth for us now and it will be the truth for when Christ comes again. So don’t worry and don’t make the mistake, as so many Christians and those in the media do, of reading these books and taking them word for word. The authors of these books never meant this to be the case, so don’t use them as a handbook for the End of the World. Count on one thing and one thing only, the love of God seen through the promises of Christ! Please check the bulletin for all of the events hap-pening during this Advent Season including Breakfast with St. Nicholas and the 50/50 Christmas Cash Raffle, The Tree Lighting, Lessons and Carols, and Evenings of Prayer and Reconciliation. Also remember Dec.8th is the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary and is a holy day of obligation-see the bulletin for Mass information. Also following the 7:30 PM Mass on Dec 8th, we will have a Holy Hour for Life before the exposed Blessed Sacrament.

Happy New Year Fr. Mike

Here we are again entering a new Liturgical Year and a new Advent Season. As you know, the 1st two weeks of Advent call us to remember that Christ will come again and the 2nd two weeks (although this year we will have only one day of the 4th week of Advent) help us to focus on Christ coming to as an Infant at Bethlehem. As we read in today’s Gospel we are not presented with a very pretty or pleasant picture, if fact it’s down right scary. Well maybe? All four Gospels, as we noted 2 weeks ago, have a section of Apocalyptic Literature, and we also will find in Scripture 2 whole books dedicated to this type of writing-The Book of Daniel in the OT and The Book of Revelation in the NT. These books and the sections of the 4 Gospels were written at a time when Israel was under occupation and fighting for its religious life and faith or at a time when the early Church was facing persecution by the Roman Empire. In these books, they speak about a past time (as in Daniel) or a future time (as in the Gospels and Revelations), when things had happened or will happen to those who oppose the God of Israel or oppress the Church. They told us how the judgment of God will be upon them and that they will be punished, and the true glory of God would be seen. Daniel is written during the time when Israel was occupied by the Greek Generals who followed Alexan-der the Great. They had divided up Alexander’s Empire after his death and those who ruled Israel would not al-low for the free worship of God according to the ancient rites. You can read more about this in the 1st and 2nd Books of Maccabees which were also written at the same time of Daniel. The author went back in time to tell the story of when Israel was being held captive in Babylon, and how the Prophet Daniel through the power of God was able to outsmart King Nebuchadnezzar and his son, and eventually they would be punished, and Israel would triumph in the end-as it did with the rising of the Persian Empire. Daniel in short tells his audience that God would do the same for them as they suffered under the Seleucid Kings (Antiochus IV in this case) and liberate them with a great deliverer. In the Book of Revelation, and in the Gospels the Church was being oppressed 1st by the Jews in the Roman Empire and then by the Empire itself. John in this book, tells how in the future (and the not too distance future) Rome and the unfaithful Church leaders will be punished by God who will deliver the Church through the power of Christ. In the Gospel, the authors have Jesus speaking about the time of the final judgment and what it would be like as Jesus helps the Church to put into a wider context what they themselves were going through. As we see in today’s Gospel: “There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars and on earth the nations will be in dismay…People will die of fright in anticipation of what is coming upon the world, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken.”

Sunday, December 3, 2006 Page 3

FROM THE DESK OF FR. MIKE

PS. Thanks to all who volunteered their time and talents and to our sponsors who made the Backwards Raffle Party last weekend a great success. Special thanks to all who were at the back of the Church selling the tickets throughout the months-we could not have done it with out you!

REMEMBER OUR SICK Paul Ahearn Rosemarie Aiello Lucy Amato Michael Ambrosio Andrew Anderson Anne Bannon Bill Barry Rose Bassett Marie Behling Richard Berkhout Christine Biancrosia Richard Bossi Oliver Bouchard Mary Ellen Bowers Hazel Boyce Mr Michael Boyle Sr Cynthia Caesar Bill Cairns Ashley Cirigliano Dominick Costanza Dylan Jack Cuevas Richard Delamater Ryan Delaney Joseph DeMaio Michael DePinto Angelina DeSimone Msgr Donald Desmond Pricilla DeStanfo Brian Devereux Barbara DiGirolomo Nancy DiTrapani Mary Dougherty Kathy Errico Richard Fahey Angela Ferrante Robert Filce Margaret Fitzgerald Flavio Gabrielli Frances Gaeta Frank Gaeta John Gracey Pat Gracey Sonny Grosso Peter Harkins Gary Hernandez Catherine Hickey Gregory Hionas Tom Horvath Jack Kelleher Cecelia Keller Stephen Kelly Joseph Liguori Nicholas Liguori Paul Liguori Betty Limov Georgiana Lopez Marie Mangan John McCullagh Sr Howard Meeks Sam Monteleone Daniel Mungavin Susan Percoco Grace C Peshkur Joseph Poirot Nicole Ramaglia Joan Reilly John Reynolds Joseph Sabourin Dawn Saporito Louise Schaaf Richard Shadwick Darryll Smith Frances Stagnitta Jesse Taylor Lloyd Turnier Joseph Vereline Jr

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.

CPL Deborah Alfieri PFC Matthew Altonji Tech SGT Louis Barletta 2LT Stephen Bartoszak PFC Justin Browne SGT Michael Bruno CPL Glenn Clacher SPC Thomas E. Corcoran SGT Ryan Delaney TSGT Timothy Dermody LTCOL Kurt Diehl SGT Stephen Gene DiGirolamo LT John Kenneth DiNero SSGT Tony Elliott LT Kelly Fletcher PFC Adam Franciosa CPT Evan Gotkin PVT2 Edward Johnston SGT John W Keohane SSGT Steven Knight CPL Andrew Kochman 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 SSGT Nick Vicale SGT John Thomas Vogt 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

Joseph O’Neill, Robert Dirosse, Agnes M Becker, 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

Page 4

Sunday, December 3, 2006 Page 5

Religious Education reled@stjoronk.org

Monday & Thursday 9 am to 4 pm Tuesday & Wednesday

10 am to 3:30 pm The office is closed on Fridays.

Reminder for Level 1 Parent/Child prayer Service in Church at 7:15 PM on Monday, December 11th. You may return your Angel Ornament which you will received at the Prayer Service at either the 5PM Mass on Saturday, Dec.16th or at the 10:30 AM Mass on Sunday, Dec.17th.

Level 2 & 3 Advent Prayer Service on December 16th in the Church at 12 Noon. Level 5 Reconciliation on Monday, December 18th.

“That’s Entertainment” Yes we have the Entertainment Books on sale again. You may contact our office at 981-1805 if you wish to buy one. They are only $20.00 and make great Christmas gifts.

Congratulations & Blessings to our young men and women who

received Confirmation. * *

Many Thanks and God’s Blessings upon all those who gave

of their time and talent to these young people in

preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation. The Spirit is truly alive in St. Joseph’s community.

We will be lighting our parish Christmas tree on Saturday, December 9th after the 5 o’clock Mass. Everyone is welcome to join in the festivities.

On The Street Where You Live Wherever you may live in our parish, there are poor families within walking distance of your

home. When in need, they ring the rectory bell. They are, in effect ringing your doorbell. Your coins in the St. Vincent de Paul Poor Boxes assist these neighbors.

St Joseph’s School school@stjoronk.org

Congratulations to all the school families that won in the Parish Backward Raffle! The grand prize winners were also from our school. Our Prestige Fundraiser items were deliv-ered this week. Thanks to all who sup-ported our school. Congratulations to our 8th graders who received the sacra-ment of Confirmation. Our teachers spent the day Monday, November 27 at edu-cational workshops in our school. They learned new ways to use the smartboard in the classroom along with 2 new science curriculum presentations. We will be using new science materials in the Fall 2007. Our Holiday Boutique will be open in Carew Hall the week of Dec. 4-7th. All are welcome to come and shop! Our students in grades K-3 will be presenting our Christ-mas concert, “A Shepherd’s Story” in the school gym on Monday evening Dec.4 at 7:30 PM. Our band students will be presenting their Christmas Con-cert in the school gym on Wednesday evening Dec 6 at 7:30 PM. Report cards will be distributed on Thursday, Dec 7 from 12:30-6:00 PM in the gym. Our school will be closed on Friday, Dec 8, the Immaculate Conception. Outreach sjpo@verizon.net

The St Joseph Parish Outreach would like to thank all the generous people who donated food and clothing this Thanksgiving. You really helped our friends in need. Thank you and may God Bless each and every one of you. Volunteers Needed For The Soup Kitchen! Asst. Cook (not necessarily a professional) for alternate Mondays start-ing at 3 PM. We also need 2 or 3 people to alternate pick-ing up food donations from Island Harvest in C.I. at @ 11AM on Fridays & delivered to the kitchen in Carew Hall. Call Mary Dougherty at 648-3261 (daytime) to volunteer.

Weekly Offering

Sunday, November 26, 2006 Offerings $16,931 Same collection last year 16,937

Number of envelopes 637

Poor Box last weekend $673

Fuel Oil Collection YTD $6031 Same time last year 2005 6745

Campaign for Human Development $1199 Same collection last year 1021

Thank you for your generous response to the appeal for increased giving.

God Bless You Always, Fr Mike

CATHOLIC DAUGHTERS NEWS The next meeting of Court St. Joseph will take place on

December 5th, at 7:30 PM in Fr. Carew Hall. Christmas lunch details. C.

D I O C E S E O F R O C K V I L L E C E N T R E

5 0 T H A N N I V E R S A R Y

Beginning in January 2007 we as a Diocese will be

celebrating our 50th Anniversary

In the coming weeks watch the bulletin for a

calendar of events.

Page 6 Sunday, December 3, 2006

Mark Your Calendars Dec 3 Unity Sunday Dec 8 Feast of the Immaculate Conception Masses 7&9 AM, 12:10, 5 & 7:30 PM Dec 8 Benediction & Prayer Service for Life 8:20-9:20 PM Dec 9 Breakfast with St Nicholas 9-12 Dec 9 Parish Tree Lighting after 5PM Mass Dec 10 Lessons & Carols 2:30-4:00 in the Church Dec 12,13 & 14 Advent Evening of Prayer 7:30-8:30 Dec 14 Reconciliation Service Dec 17 Sunday School Christmas Pageant 10:15-11:15 AM School Auditorium Dec 17 K of C Christmas Concert 7:00 PM

RESPECT LIFE

More and more, we are reading about in-credible scientific advances in curing diseases and saving lives, BUT with a twist-no fetuses are being used/killed. You may have read about

one of these advances in the November 16 issue of Suffolk Life; the headline reads: “Umbilical Cord Blood Can Save Lives”. Here is the article, excerpted. We are all aware of the fact that umbilical cord blood, if saved at delivery, offers a life-saving promise. Umbilical cord blood stem cells are obtained from the umbilical cord and the placenta after the baby has been delivered, and is being attended to by the nursing staff. The cord blood then containing the stem cells is collected in a special kit for processing and storage for future use. If it is not preserved, it will be discarded immediately after the delivery of the baby Dr. Nabil Hagag, scientific director of stem cell trans-plantation at Stony Brook University Medical Center says that “cord blood stem cells are currently widely used to treat many cancers in both children and adults suffering with neuroblastoma, leukemia, lymphoma and some forms of anemia, such as sickle cell anemia; they have also been used to treat autoimmune diseases such as lupus and mul-tiple sclerosis.” “Raising awareness among the public and healthcare professionals of cord blood stem cells is important,” Dr. Hagag says. Currently, there is but one public cord blood stem cell bank in New York, the National Cord Blood Pro-gram; however, the Suffolk County Legislature recently approved legislation that authorizes the county health de-partment to become more active in educating patients about cord blood donations and use, through printed materials and doctor/patient counseling. The bill was approved by the Legislature on October 17, 2006 and signed into law by Suffolk County Executive Steve Levy on November 2, 2006. Legislator Steven Stern (D-Huntington), vice chair-man of the Health and Human Services Committee is quoted as saying “This legislation promotes awareness of the very important option of utilizing cord blood after a live birth. It can literally be the key to saving a life. Healthcare providers need to be trained for this use and also be able to have informed conversations with those who receive ser-vices,” (meaning, the doctors need to be trained so they can explain all this to their patients.) To be continued….

Billy Graham said “Courage is contagious. When a brave person takes a stand, the spines of others are stiffened.” PREGNANCY CRISIS HOTLINE -We are here to help you. Please call 981-6888.

Page 7 REMEMBERING Friends and LOVED ONES

Help Us Grow the

Tree Of Life At

St Joseph’s

Throughout the ages, trees have symbolized life. The Tree of Life at St Joseph’s represents our par-ish’s commitment to life by providing for the spiritual, educational and social needs of our parish. The beau-tiful sculptures, leaves and stones render a tale of support, friendship, remembrance and dedication. Occupying a prominent position in our Baptistry, and All Saints Shrine, the Tree of Life commemorates our support of St Joseph’s Parish. Leaves and stones may be engraved to honor benefactors, highlight or memorialize people or events with special significance in life, or express the sentiments of donors.

The Leaves Each inscribed leaf on The Tree of Life represents a gift of $1,000 or more. Inscriptions may recognize a valued friend and supporter of St Joseph’s Church, celebrate a significant event in your family, or memori-alize a loved one.

The Stones Each inscribed stone permanently recognizes a con-tribution of $5,000 or more given by an individual benefactor, foundation or corporation.

Name________________________________________ Address______________________________________ Town__________________State______Zip_________ Phone _______________________________________

Bricks For The Future

Bricks For the Future welcome our parishioners and friends alike as they enter St Jo-seph’s Church each day. Some stop to read the in-scriptions, others to say a prayer in memory. As we hear The Word proclaimed inside the Church build-ing, outside on the step we are witnesses to that faith. The growth of the Bricks for the Future program at St Joseph’s Church through your gift, allows you to have a significant and meaningful part in develop-ing and sharing our Community of faith and love in Jesus. Your contribution helps St Joseph sustain our parish plant and buildings to keep them from deterio-rating now and in the future as major projects arise. Your tax deductible gift gives you the opportunity to share with others those special persons and meaningful events that touch, shape and illuminate your life. Each brick in the walk represents a gift of $1,800. Brick inscription allows up to 4 rows of characters, symbols and spaces as shown above (approx 28). If you wish to have a special symbol (shamrock, cross, heart) on the tab of the brick, please contact the rec-tory.

Single Annual Semi Annual Quarterly Monthly

Tree of Life Leaf $1000 $334 $167 $84 $28

Tree of Life Stone $5000 $1667 $834 $417 $139

Brick For the Future $1800 $600 $300 $150 $50

Upon receipt of your down payment we will send you a form for the exact wording of the inscription. For your convenience we will mail you a statement according to your payment schedule.

Page 8

You’re Invited to St Joseph’s

Advent Evenings of

Prayer

Please Join Us on

Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday

December 12th, 13th & 14th

7:30 - 8:30

In the Church

Thursday there will be a Penance service followed

by individual confessions

You’re encouraged to take advantage of this

Page 9 St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church

A Brief History of THE FESTIVAL OF LESSONS and CAROLS

The tradition of the “Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols” was established in England on Christmas Eve, 1918, in the chapel of Kings College, Cambridge University. The Service of Nine Lessons and Carols usually consists of nine lessons (beginning with the Old Testament and working through to the beginning of the Gospel of Saint John) each followed by a carol. The custom of performing Lessons and Carols on the first Sunday in December, began as a festival in thanksgiving for the impending Incarnation.

Lessons and Carols

Sunday December 10th 2:30 PM in the Church

Readings and Music to Celebrate the Season

Join us for an Advent Celebration

time to reflect on the true meaning of the season.

THE GIVING TREE IS UP IN THE LOBBY OF THE CHURCH

This year we are asking for donations of gift cards rather than

wrapped gifts.

Many of our generous parishioners have told us how much they enjoy

purchasing gifts for the Giving Tree.

When we give our clients gift cards they are able to experience the same joy

of selecting gifts for their family.

For those of you who would still like to purchase a gift rather than give a

gift card, please know that a toy for children from ages 2–8 would be truly

appreciated.

Please take an angel from the tree and return you gifts by December 14th to the Outreach office or the Rectory.

AS ALWAYS YOUR GENEROSITY ALLOWS OTHERS TO SHARE IN THE SPIRIT

OF THE SEASON THANK YOU

Page 10

Page 11

BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND

The Calendar Club

ST. JOSEPH’S 2007 CALENDAR CLUB OFFICIAL REGISTRATION FORM

YOUR $25.00 DONATION MUST ACCOMPANY THIS FORM. THANK YOU AND GOOD LUCK!! YOUR 2007 CALENDAR WILL BE MAILED TO YOU WHEN ALL RETURNS ARE RECEIVED. MAIL ALL DONATIONS TO: St Joseph Church 45 CHURCH STREET RONKONKOMA, NY 11779-3300 IN ORDER TO KICK OFF THE DRAWING IN JANUARY OF 2007, WE ASK YOU TO RETURN YOUR REQUEST AS SOON AS POSSIBLE BUT NO LATER THAN 12/31/06. NOTE: If more than 1000 calendars are sold, prizes will be increased proportionately. MEMBERS NAME: ____________________________ ADDRESS: ____________________________________ TELEPHONE NUMBER: ________________________ NUMBER OF CALENDARS: X $25 = $ ______ 5 FOR $100 TOTAL ENCLOSED $ __________

Holy Hour for Life Friday Evening, December 8th

8:20-9:20 PM

Immediately following the 7:30 Mass

During this time before the Blessed Sacrament, we will pray the Rosary and other prayers for an end to abortion, for all victims of abortion and for the respect and sanctity of all human life from womb to natural death. Please Join Us This hour is part of the National Night of Prayer for Life taking place in churches across Long Island.

Seasons Greetings !!

Dean Jauregui, in an effort to raise money for his Eagle Scout Project, will be selling wreaths and grave blankets

outside the Church this holiday season.

The wreaths and grave blankets are of the same great quality as they were last year and the prices still unbeatable.

The wreaths are 24” at $14 & 26” at $16. The grave blankets are 2’x3’ at $17 & 2’x2’ at $15.

75’ length of roping is only $22.

Dean will be outside the church on December 9th & 10th or you can call him at 467-1683 to set up delivery or confirm an order.

Your support is appreciated & will go towards “The Rosary Walk” behind the church.

Page 12

Page 13

Catholic Ministries Appeal Diocese of Rockville Centre

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

November 16, 2006 Reverend Michael T. Maffeo St. Joseph Church 45 Church Street Ronkonkoma, New York 11779 Dear Father Maffeo, Based upon payments received as of October 31st, your parish has attained 91% of your Catholic Ministries Appeal goal. Following the sharing formula established for the Appeal, we are pleased to forward a check representing the payments received exceeding the payments already forwarded to you. Please encourage your parishioners to continue making their gifts to the Catholic Ministries Appeal so that you can continue sharing in the funds collected. It will be beneficial to let the parishioners know that the parish will share 80% of the funds raised over your goal. 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 Parish Share: $6,773.10 Previously Received: 5,597.90 Check Enclosed: $1,175.20

Page 14

St Joseph’s celebrates

Breakfast with St. Nicholas Please join us on Saturday, December 9, 2006

from 9 to 12 Noon in Carew Hall Adults: $ 5.00 and Children: $ 3.00

Seniors and children under 3 yrs.: Free Children’s Craft Table Photographs Available

Christmas Carols & More!

Breakfast w/ St. Nicholas St Joseph R C Church 45 Church St, Ronkonkoma, NY 11779

Number of Adults _____ # of Children _______ # Seniors & Children under 3: _______

Thank you for your support. Please make checks payable to: St Joseph RC Church

Name: ________________________________________________________________________

Address:_______________________________________________________________________

City _______________________________________ State _______ Zip______________

Please return with payment to Rectory or Place in Collection Basket by December 3rd. Thank You.

Page 15

CHRISTMAS CASH

The Sky’s the Limit 50/50 RAFFLE

TICKETS ARE $10 EACH; 3 FOR $25 DRAWING TO BE HELD ON DEC. 9TH

AT BREAKFAST WITH ST. NICHOLAS (Winner need not be present)

GRAND PRIZE... DETERMINED BY TICKET SALES

HALF OF TOTAL PROCEEDS GOES TO ST. JOSEPH’S CHURCH &

HALF TO ONE LUCKY WINNER

Could you use some extra

CHRISTMAS CASH???

Watch for tickets in your parish mailing Or you may purchase tickets at the rectory

Page 16

Backward Drawing And the winners are….

Ticket Drawn Ticket # Winner Prize Amount 1 451 Kevin McCabe $200.00 50 179 Ann Marie Weilminster $200.00 100 249 Geraldine LePage $200.00 150 273 Eileen Flaherty $200.00 200 206 Ginny Santangelo $200.00 250 96 Joseph Panullo & Lucretia Lucivero $250.00 300 51 Ed & Helen Pena $200.00 350 368 Mrs Michael Schmitt $200.00 400 171 Steven & Susan Wallner $200.00 450 203 William & Sally Hausner $200.00 495 317 Mr & Mrs Michael Laudonio $300.00 496 369 The Scilingo Family $400.00 497 481 Jo, Pat, Catherine & Rosemary $500.00 498 230 James Munro $750.00 499 170 Robert Pavinski $1,000.00

LAST TICKET DRAWN 337 Mr & Mrs Andrew Murphy $10,000.00

Thank You! We wish to thank all of our Sponsors whose generous donations helped to defray the cost of all the food,

beverages and entertainment for this evening. They are:

Tax and Financial Services of NY Manzi Homes East, LLC Commercial Air Heating and Cooling

Villa Lombardi’s Restoration Experts Ronkonkoma Plumbing Supply

Dr. Lupinacci, Chiropractor Maloney’s Funeral Home

We also thank our local merchants for their donations of Raffle and Door Prizes. The perfect way to show them our gratitude is by stopping in and patronizing their business.

Red Lobster, LIE; Chuck E Cheese; Have a Bagel; Mike’s Custom Cuts;

Prestano’s Bakery; Once Upon a Craft; Sundried Tomato Café; Stop & Shop-Portion Rd; Perry’s Florist; Charlie Brown’s LIE; Laser Kingdom; Wood Kingdom; Carvel-Portion Rd; Lake Ronk. Florist; Mama Cucina’s Pizza; JP Lake Shore Wine & Liquor; Albert’s

Pizza; A Shore Tan; Cool Joe’s; Maureen Ennis-Avon; and LI Business Solutions.

A Very Special Thank you to all the Volunteers who donated their Time and Talent throughout to help by selling tickets, setting up, cleaning up and getting donations

in support of this Fund Raiser. We couldn’t do it without you!

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

Sport for all Seasons ST JOSEPH CYO

For the Young at Heart

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!

Page 17

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 Alternate Sundays in Carew Hall after 5:00 PM Mass

Pius XII Faith Discussion Groups Share with your peers how our faith applies in your daily life. Usually on alternate Sundays (12/3, 12/17)

Table Tennis Clinics Learn to play “ping-pong” or improve your current skills. (12/3, 12/17)

Plans in progress : Karaoke Workshop Karaoke is fun for everyone, even those who don’t usually sing.

Auto Painting 101 Learn by doing – We’ll paint one of the parish trucks.

CPR Course Learn skills that could save a life.

Café Construction Project Build new equipment for Café De Notre Dame, our Crew’s contribution to the Family Festival.

E-mail: Crew272@StJoRonk.org Phone: Advisor Mike Keller (631) 467-6468

Attention Catholic Boy Scouts and Venturers… Earn the Catholic Awards for Scouting.

Our parish has a team of six counselors/facilitators for the

Ad Altare Dei and Pius XII religious awards.

AAD meets every Sunday after the 5:00 PM Sunday Mass. Join us ASAP. Meetings have already begun. See Venturing Events for Pius XII schedule. (open to all troops and crews)

Join Us! Tonight !

Fr Renee will show you

how!

Courtesy Announcements Monthly Mass for Individuals in any 12 Step Recovery Program - Sunday December 3 at 7 PM At St John Nepomucene Church located on Church Street and Locust Avenue in Bohemia. An 11th Step meeting (on meditation and prayer) will follow at 8 PM in the lower level of the Church. For more information call Fr. Kevin Gruber at 589-0540.

You are invited to join the Pro-Life Community in celebrating The Feast of the Holy Innocents, December 28th at 7:30 PM Mass at the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church, Centereach. Msgr Curley, will be the main celebrant. Hospitality will follow. Info 585-8760.

Healing Mass at Sts Philip & James on Monday, December 11th at 7:30PM. Info call 584-5454.

St Cecelia School in Greenpoint, Brooklyn will be celebrating it’s 100th Anniversary on Sunday, November 26th at the 10AM Mass. Light Refreshments will be served immediately following the Mass. For more information please call 718-389-3161.

Suffolk Catholic Singles Dance Saturday, December 9th from 9PM-12:30AM at the Holiday Inn at MacArthur Airport. Admission is $20 & includes DJ, deli buffet, free snacks & raffle tickets. Neat casual attire. For ages 30’s through 60’s. For more information call Jerry at 516-520-9385

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 Stu-dents) & Receive Career Counseling! For 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 con-ducted 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 dio-cese. Most insurance policies are honored. For confidential information and appointment, call Dr Giuliani at 243-1550.

Cenacle Retreats - * Silent Advent Afternoon Retreat - Sunday , December 3, 12:30 thru dinner at 6:00 ∗ Christ Lights Our Darkness - (for those who have lost a loved on through suicide) Sunday, December 17, 1:30 to 5:00 PM ∗ Holiday Evening with Your Higher Power - Friday evening December 15, 6-10PM, includes supper. A 12-Step evening, with a festive dinner followed by presentation, personal processing & integration. For more information concerning these retreats please call 631-588-8366.

Pilgrimage to Sicily & Southern Italy; Spirit & Spirituality with St Joseph’s College faculty members from May 31 to June 10, 2007. For a detailed brochure call Sister Grace at 654-0199 or e-mail growland@sjcny.edu.

Gala New Years Eve Celebration at St Regis Knights of Columbus on December 31st at 8PM. Where else can you go for New Years Eve for $55 per person!! This includes Ham, Turkey, Stuffed Eye Round Roast, Stuffed Loin of Pork, Salad and all side dishes as well as an Open Bar ! Only 100 tickets will be sold. Call Joe Matera at 585-1615 for reserva-tions.

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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 com-pany 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