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Third Sunday of Lent

Debbie Abbene, Sally Capoziello, Shang Cheng, Marge D’Auria, Mary Ann D’Angelo, Patrick Delaney, Domenica DeVito, Virginia DiGangi, Richard H. Dimler, Mary Divers, Jean Fochetta, John Joseph Gleeson, John Pierce

Gleeson, Christine Healy, Maria Hernandez, Elizabeth Isolano, Keri & Baby Tristan, James Leung, Thomas & Patricia Lipari, William J. Litt, Cindy Maione, Barbara Mil-ler, Angela Ottomanelli-Hubbs, Michael Palermo, Sebas-tian Panasci, Santo Pantina, Joseph Questore, Ronald J. Reid, Frances Russo, Bill Sangirardi, John Secreti, Patrick Smith, Frank Spremulli, Remington Stafford, Michael Tamburo, Chrissie Tremblay, Paul Tremblay, Paul John Tremblay, Sr. Mariet Varban, Sr. Joanne Walters.

Deceased: Dominic Abatiello, Edward Vinciguerra

T h i s We e k ' s M a s s I n t e n t i o n s

Sunday, March 4, 2018 8:00AM Claire Maltese (Vincent Vaiano) 9:30AM William DiPietra (St. Helen Rel. Ed Catechists) 11:00AM Anthony Purrchio (Ann Vetrano & Fran McCabe) 12:30PM Maria & Giovanni Gagliano (Anna Fasulo) 5:00PM For The Parishioners

Monday, March 5, 2018

9:00AM Laura Dalton (Steven Giusto)

Tuesday, March 6, 2018 9:00AM Martha Metzger (Formanek Family) 7:30PM Anthony & Clara DeVitto (Linda DeSantis)

Wednesday, March 7, 2018 Sts. Perpetua & Felicity

9:00AM Vlad Formanek (Formanek Family)

Thursday, March 8, 2018 St. John of God 9:00AM Dino Aquilano (Diana Salvati) 7:30PM Michael Zwosta (Vita & Paul)

Friday, March 9, 2018 St. Frances of Rome 9:00AM Leonard Brattoli (Wife, Josephine & Daughter, Lucille)

Saturday, March 10, 2018 9:00AM John Arcella (Vita & Paul) Angela D’Angelo Tocco (Loving Family) Johnny Mercado (Michele Mercado) 5:00PM Adelina Barone (Enza Clemenza & Son) Jerry Calcagnile (M/M Alberto Patti) Nicholas Colavito (M/M John Diaz & Family) William F. DiPietra (Helen & Frank DiPietra) Julie Giammanco (Michele Carollo & Family)

Sunday, March 11, 2018 8:00AM George & Ann Papandrea 9:30AM Joseph Mullalley (Loving Family) 11:00AM Joseph A. Albergo (Loving Family) 12:30PM Stanley Jasiak, Jr. (Loving Family) 5:00PM For The Parishioners

St. Helen’s Purgatorial Society Mass All parishioners have the opportunity to enroll the names of loved ones in the Purgatorial Society. The Purgatorial Socie-ty Mass will be held on the last Friday of each month. The offering to be enrolled in the Purgatorial Society is $120 per name (a total of 12 Masses for one year will be said for your loved one). Aside from listing one name, a husband and wife together, or a family name is also acceptable. Having a Pur-gatorial Society is wonderful way of living out the Scriptures and will be a relief for those who desire to have their loved ones remembered with prayers all year long at God’s Altar. Please stop in at the Rectory if you are interested in having a loved one enrolled in the Purgatorial Society. The next Purgatorial Society Mass will be held Friday, March 23, 2018.

New Families: All are welcome to St. Helen Parish, and are asked to please register at the Rectory dur-ing office hours.

Sacrament of Baptism: Please call the Rectory to register for the baptism of your child. Baptisms will be held on the 2nd and 4th Sunday of the month (no Bap-tisms during Lent).

Sacrament of Confession: Saturdays 12:30PM to 1:30PM. Weekdays: 15 minutes prior to the 9:00AM Mass.

Sacrament of Marriage: Couples should contact the Rectory at least one year in advance of the desired date. Please call for an appointment for the initial interview.

Communion Calls: Please call the Rectory to arrange for one of the priests to bring Holy Communion to a sick person who is confined to home due to a serious illness.

Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick: Anyone who expects to be hospitalized (or in an emergency) and wishes the Anointing of the Sick, should call the Recto-ry.

Rosary for Peace…New Place, New Time The Rosary for Peace, sponsored by the Saint Helen Secular Franciscan Fraternity, takes place in the Church at 6:30PM every Wednesday. The group prays for our Blessed Mother’s intercession to end violence (both domestic and civil) and the persecution of Christians throughout the world. All parishioners are invited to join us. We welcome anyone willing to lead a decade of the Rosary in a language other than English.

W naszej parafii ks. Łukasz może również służyć pomocą w języku polskim.

The Order of Franciscans Secular meet on the 3rd Saturday of every month in St. Helen’s Rectory after the 9AM Mass. Come and learn more about the Franciscan way of life.

Daylight Savings Time

Begins Next

Sunday, March 11th!

So remember to put your clocks ahead 1 hour Saturday evening before bedtime!

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St. Helen Parish

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JOURNEY THROUGH LENT

St. Helen R.C. Church “Holy Name Society”

Presents Lenten Movie Night with Discussion in Fr. Dooley Hall

Son of God Wednesday, March 14th at 7:30PM

The Holy Name Society will be selling refreshments: Hot Dogs, Popcorn, Snacks, Drinks

Come Join Us For A Tour Of

The Cathedral of St. John The Divine

Wednesday, April 18, 2018 Bus departs at 9:30AM

Tour at 11:00AM

Lunch at Carmine’s Broadway From 1:00-3:00PM

Bus returns to St. Helen after Lunch

$45.00 Rosarians — $50.00 Non-Rosarians

Call Agnes Cummings (917) 716-5898

This trip is sponsored by St. Helen’s Rosary Ministry

Congratulations to the following students from St. Helen Parish who have merited recognition for commendable academic performance at their high school during the second quarter:

St. Francis Preparatory School: John P. Cardone Sabrina M. Chirafisi Alexander C. D’Amelio Daniella M. DeBlasi Joseph DelGeorge Vincent J. Giuga Johnanthony Grillo Gianna V. Kosinski Sabrina F. Leone

Jody Lynn Mancuso Dana L. Napolitano Benjamin J. Oritz Victoria Padavona Francesca M. Puleo Stephanie C. Reiter Bruno F. Rinaldi Ryan J. Widensky

Cathedral Preparatory School & Seminary: Anthony Leone MarcAnthony Ramos

Holy Cross High School: Joseph Campanella Salvatore Como Nicholas Perez Thomas VonToussaint, Jr.

The South Ozone Park Knights of Columbus (135-45 Lefferts Blvd., So. Ozone Park) will once again cele-brate the annual Feasts of St. Patrick & St. Joseph on Saturday, March 10th at 8PM. Full Irish dinner with music and dancing. Cost is $35 for adults, $30 for Seniors 65+, and youth under 16 yrs. $20. For more information please contact Carl Aliviado at (929) 256-3215 or email at grandknight2236@gmail.com.

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You’re Invited to Participate in CRS Rice Bowl! How can you work to improve the lives of others this Lent? Visit crsricebowl.org for more information.

A&G Peace Tours is sponsoring an overnight trip to The Shrine of the Miraculous Medal in Philadelphia, and The Sight & Sound Theatre in Lancaster, PA to see “Jesus”, April 14-15, 2018 (bus will depart Our Lady of Grace Church, HB at 6AM). Price per person is $365 double-occupancy ($449 for single) and includes bus transportation, theatre ticket, breakfast & dinner Saturday, breakfast & brunch Sunday, hotel accom-modations and gratuities (no refunds). For more information and/or reservations call A&G Peace Tours at (718) 423-5077, or you may also email: agpeacetours@yahoo.com.

Policies Regarding Infant Baptism at St. Helen Parish

Parents seeking Baptism for their children who live within the territory of St. Helen Parish are asked to register as members of the parish before requesting an initial interview for Baptism. Registration is easily done at the parish office anytime during busi-

ness hours. Parents seeking Baptism for their children who live outside the territory of St. Helen Parish are asked to obtain a letter from the parish in which they live authorizing the Baptism to take place at St. Helen. Initial meetings with parents seeking Baptism for their children will normally take place on the second Wednesday of each month from 7:00–9:00PM and on the fourth Saturday of each month from 10:30AM–12:30PM.

MARCH—APRIL, 2018

Mornings of Preparation Required Before a Baptism: (All begin at the 11:00AM Mass

and continue in the Msgr. McGinness Room) March 11 — April 22

Schedule for Baptisms: (All begin at 2:00PM) March 11 — April 22

Please call 718-738-1616 for more information and/or to schedule an appointment.

CATHOLIC CHARITIES NEIGHBORHOOD SERVICES HOWARD BEACH SENIOR CENTER

The Center is located at 155-55 Cross Bay Blvd., across from Stop N Shop on Cross Bay Blvd. Seniors aged 60 and older are invited to become members. Activities and services are offered Monday-Friday from 9:00AM to 4:00PM. Every day delicious and nutritious full, hot lunches are catered by Russo’s on the Bay ($2 dona-tion requested).

On Friday, March 23rd, at 1:15PM, the Center will be conducting a “Walking 101” workshop given by NY Road Runners. Among other things, they will be talking about the benefits of exercise. Plan on attending this bene-ficial workshop for seniors.

On Tuesday, March 27th, at 10:30AM, the Center will be presenting Jokersize With Howie. There will be exercise combined with jokes. All seniors are invited for a good time.

On Friday, April 13th, at 1:00PM, the Center will hold a Mah Jongg class for beginners. Seating is limited, so you must register beforehand by calling Rosalie at the number below.

For further information, contact Rosalie at 718-738-8100.

Maggie’s Little Theater (66-05 79th Pl., Middle Village) will hold auditions for Man of La Mancha, on Wednesday, March 7th, and Friday, March 9th from 7:30-9:30PM, and on Sunday, March 11th from 7:00-9:00PM (doors will open 30 minutes prior for sign-up). All roles are open except Don Quixote and the Padre. You will be expected to sing, read, and learn a short dance routine. Songs from the show are preferred but not required. Rehearsals begin April 4th, with 6 performances beginning June 30th. For more information visit www.maggieslittletheater.org, or you may also email maggieslittletheater@gmail.com

Altar Server Training will take place after the Easter Holiday (Springtime). Keep posted on dates for rehearsals in the bulletin and for letters that will be sent home to all children in the

Academy and Religious Ed. All children of the parish are welcome to become Altar Servers. Requirements are simply a willingness to serve at the Altar, attendance at the rehearsals/training, and the child is well behaved. Keep posted!

St. Helen Catholic Academy 200 to 1 Raffle

$10,000 Grand Prize ($100 per Ticket)

Friday, April 20, 2018 in Father Dooley Hall

“Wine and Cheese Drawing”

To purchase tickets or for additional infor-mation please call Maria Ford 718-344-1998 or Diane Joseph 917-697-5351. Tickets will be available for sale at St. Helen Catholic Academy on Saturday, March 10th from 9:00AM–Noon. Tickets sold on a first-come first-serve basis. Only 200 tickets will be sold! Winner need not be present to win.

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Monday, March 5, 2018 2 Kgs 5:1-15ab; Ps 42; Lk 4:24-30 Three times in this story, a servant de-livers good news to the army com-mander Naaman. A young Jewish girl who had been kidnapped during one of his military raids in Israel, now a slave, tells Naaman’s wife about the prophet Elisha. Elisha’s servant — not Elisha

himself — tells Naaman what he must do to be healed of his leprosy. Another servant prods the proud and arrogant Naaman to do what he thinks is too easy: Wash seven times in the Jordan River. Three times, God works through the unexpected, the powerless, to bring about Naaman’s healing. Open our eyes and hearts to your mysterious ways, O God. Tuesday, March 6, 2018 Dn 3:25, 34-43; Ps 25; Mt 18:21-35 Much of the Bible is about forgiveness — God’s for-giveness of humankind, the various people who were able to forgive, and the others who were not. It is about all who are forgiven, including all of us. And it is about Je-sus, surely one of the greatest forgivers of all time. So there’s no getting around it: If we claim to be disciples of Jesus, we cannot grow in our faith and discipleship with-out thinking about forgiveness. Most commentators agree that Jesus never intended for us to keep score. Instead, Jesus wanted human forgiveness to be an expression of gratitude for God’s forgiveness. Because we have experi-enced God’s forgiveness, we can offer forgiveness to oth-ers. Forgive us that we may forgive others, Divine Mer-cy. Wednesday, March 7, 2018 Dt 4:1, 5-9; Ps 147; Mt 5:17-19 I suspect these words were confusing to the disciples. Af-ter all, the law was the Law, God’s law, part of the cove-nant given to Moses and the Hebrew people following the exodus out of Egypt. The law was given to help them live as a covenant community. Much of the Hebrew Scriptures is a record of how faithful they were — as well as how much they struggled. And then, Jesus comes and takes the law to a whole new level, an even higher standard for life and faith. No murder, but also no hatred and prejudice. No adultery, but also no exploitation. Love your neigh-bor, but also love your enemy. Holy One, we pray for the grace to follow the spirit and intent of your law.

Thurs-day,

March 8, 2018 Jer 7:23-28; Ps 95; Lk 11:14-23 Like many prophets before him and after him, Jeremiah called the people back to the covenant with God. And, like many prophets before him and after him, Jeremiah’s words were not always appreciated. In today’s reading, God tells Jeremiah that the people may not listen to him because their track record with earlier prophets was ap-palling. It’s never easy to hear prophetic voices calling us to faithfulness, justice and covenant, but it’s also difficult to be a prophet. A prophet almost always questions the status quo and threatens our comfortable lives. Grant us the courage to hear and respond to the prophets of our day, O God. Friday, March 9, 2018 Hos 14:2-10; Ps 81; Mk 12:28-34 The Pharisees generally get the blame for making the covenant more about the law than about God’s love. It does have a certain appeal; in any kind of dilemma, all you have to do is look up the relevant law and follow the rules. Jesus, on the other hand, says it’s all about love: love for God, love for neighbor, love for self. It’s not multiple choice, and it’s not either-or. But remember, this is not love as a feeling, an emotion. This is love as an act of will — learning throughout our lives to love others as God loves us. Trusting in your love, Great God, help us to love you, our neighbors, and ourselves. Saturday, March 10, 2018 Hos 6:1-6; Ps 51; Lk 18:9-14 Imagine the shock on the disciples’ faces when Jesus de-clares that the tax collector went home reconciled to God. It seems that God prefers humility and trust over arro-gance and pride. This parable reminds us that prayer is not for getting what we want — or for telling God how faithful and deserving we are. Prayer is not meant to pull God into our world, but to pull us toward God. Here, as on so many other occasions, Jesus turns the ways of the world upside down. Clearly, God wants us to keep the covenant – we just have to remember it’s not all our do-ing. It’s not about us; it’s not about trusting in what we ourselves can accomplish. It’s about trusting God. Hear our prayers, O God, and be merciful to us.

THIRD WEEK OF LENT

Homiletic starters and scriptural

reflection points for each day of the month