CHURCH OF ST. CHARLES
644 CLAWSON STREET, OAKWOOD HEIGHTS, STATEN ISLAND, NY 10306
MARCH 22, 2020 FOURTH SUNDAY OF LENT
Pastoral Staff Pastor Rev. Louis R. Jerome Parochial Vicar Fr. Stefan Chanas Fr. Ruwandana Mendis In Residence Bishop John J. O’Hara Weekend Associate Bishop Edmund J. Whalen Permanent Deacons Deacon Stephen Tobon Deacon Lawrence Droge Pastoral Associate Sr. Jeanine Conlon, O.P. School Principal Mr. J. C. Kiernan Religious Education Coordinator Ms. Kerry Quinn Director of Music Mr. Paul Light Sacristan Mr. Frank Castelao
Contact Information Rectory School 644 Clawson Street 200 Penn Avenue (718) 987-2670 (718) 987-0200 Fax: (718) 987-7950 Fax: (718) 987-8158 Email Address Tuition Office [email protected] (718) 987-5780 Website: www.stcharlessi.org Religious Education 200 Penn Avenue www.saintcharlesccd.org (718) 979-6800 [email protected]
Parish Office Hours Sunday 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM Monday - Friday 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM Saturday 10:30 AM - 6:30 PM
Sacramental Life Mass Schedule
Parish Registration New parishioners need to register at the rectory. Please inform us if you move into or out of the parish.
Confessions
Saturday: 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM, 5:00 - 5:30 PM, and after Mass on the Eve of a Holy Day.
Baptisms Second Sunday of the month at 2:30 PM Instruction for parents of the children to be baptized to be ar-ranged at the rectory. SPONSOR CERTIFICATES REQUIRED for Godparents and also a copy of the child’s birth certificate.
Marriages To arrange a marriage at St. Charles, consult with a priest or deacon at least six months prior to the pro-posed date and before social arrangements. Attend-ance at Pre-Cana and Natural Family Planning Clas-ses is required.
Anointing and
Communion of the Sick Regular administration of the Sacraments should be arranged for shut-ins by calling the rectory. Emer-gency sick calls anytime.
Religious Education Program
Instruction for all grade levels beginning with first grade. For information call the Religious Education Office.
Weekend Masses Saturday Evening 4:00 & 5:30 PM Sunday 8:15, 9:30 & 10:45 AM 12:00, 1:15
Weekday Masses Monday - Friday 8:30 & 12 Noon Saturday 8:30 AM
Holy Days Masses Eve of the Holy Day 7:30 PM
8:30, 12:00 and 7:30 PM
2
LITURGY CORNER MONDAY – MARCH 23 8:30 - Claire Feren - Mem. 12:00 - Kathleen Egert - Mem. TUESDAY - MARCH 24 8:30 - Msgr. Thomas Gaffney - Mem. 12:00 - The Vollaro Family - Mem. WEDNESDAY - MARCH 25 8:30 - Anthony, Mary, & Annette Battista-Mem 12:00 - Vincent Nicita - Mem. THURSDAY - MARCH 26 8:30 - Rev. Robert Gannon - Ann. 12:00 - Mathilda & Anthony Daly - Mem. FRIDAY - MARCH 27 8:30 - Frank Rienzo - Mem. 12:00 - Msgr. Thomas Gaffney - Ann. SATURDAY - MARCH 28 8:30 - Rose Walsh - Mem. 4:00 - Margaret & Morton Thompson - Mem. 5:30 - Josephine Carmiciano & Family - Mem. SUNDAY - MARCH 29 8:15 - The Sucich Family - Living Intention 9:30 - Parishioners of St. Charles 10:45 - Deacon Vincent Brigande - Ann. 12:00 - Luigi DiRe - Mem. 1:15 - Joseph Catapano - Mem.
March 8, 2020 March 10, 2019 $8,529.01 $10,989.51
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament Monday - Friday at 12:00-5:00 PM in the Chapel
First Mondays at 7:30 PM in the Church (cancelled in August)
First Fridays at 7:00 PM in the Church (cancelled in August)
Call Jeannette Burrell (718-979-0034) or Lois Galvin (718-948-8193) for information
Rosary and Novenas
The Rosary is recited each weekday at 8:10 and 11:30 AM and on Saturday at 8:10 AM. The Miraculous Medal novena prayers are said after the 8:30 & 12:00 PM Masses on Mondays.
Flowers, Wine & Hosts and Oil
The Wine & Hosts for the week of March 22nd - March 28th, 2020 are in loving memory of Kathleen Egert at the request of her daugh-ters, Eileen and Mary. If you would like to make arrangements to have the flowers for the main altar, the wine & hosts, or oils used for Mass Candles in memory of a loved one or a special occasion, please, call the rectory.
PLEASE NOTE
If a Mass is being said for a member of your family on Saturday evening or Sunday, it would be most fitting if someone from the family would bring up the gifts at the Offertory. Please let one of the ushers know before Mass.
3
Weekly Offerings
PARISH MINISTRIES Adult Faith Formation Wednesday - 1:30; rectory Baptism Classes First Tuesday of the month at 8:00 PM; rectory Bereavement Group Will resume in the Spring Book Club Third Thursday each month at 4:00 PM; rectory Caregivers Support Group Thursday - 9:30 - 11:30 AM; rectory Choir (Adult) Thursday at 7:30 PM; church Divine Mercy Devotion Friday at 3:00 PM; chapel Eucharistic Ministers First Fridays at 7:00 PM; church Legion of Mary Wednesday at 4:00 PM; rectory chapel Prayer Group & Holy Hour First Monday of the month at 7:30 PM; church Prayer Shawl/Blanket Ministry Last Friday of the month at 10:00 AM; rectory Religious Education Classes Monday 3:45 - 5:15 PM Grades 6 & 7 Wednesday 3:45 - 5:15 PM Grades 1-5 Special Needs: Monday 5:30 - 6:00 PM St. Vincent de Paul Society Meeting - Second Tuesday of month at 1:30 PM; rectory Food Pantry open 2nd & 4th Tuesday of every month 11:30 AM -1:30 PM; rectory Teen Club Sunday at 7:00 PM; auditorium Women’s Wednesday Worship - April 15 at 7:30 PM; rectory
WEEKLY COFFEE HOUR Coffee and donuts will be served following the 9:30 Mass. All are welcome.
St. Charles School 2020-2021
Application and Registration Process for NEW students is NOW OPEN!
Application and Registration for the 2020-2021 school year is now open for families interested in Pre-Kindergarten (3 year olds) and grades
Kindergarten through 8th.
Families can now begin applying to St. Charles School by accessing the school website at
www.SaintCharlesSchool SI.org
**Financial Assistance is available**
After completing the application, the school will contact the applicant and discuss the next steps. Upon registration, all students will re-quire birth certificate, baptismal certificate (if applicable), immunization and physical docu-mentation, and past year report cards and NYS
standardized test results (if applicable).
The FREE Universal Pre-Kindergarten (UPK) registration process for children born in the year 2016 will not begin until February 2020.
You can stay up to date on the UPK registration process by going to www.nyc.gov/prek.
If you have any questions or would like to schedule a school tour with our principal,
Mr. Kiernan, please contact Mrs. Browne in the main office at 718-987-0200 or 718-987-5780.
We hope to welcome you to the
St. Charles School family real soon!
4
PARISH NEWS
CALENDAR OF EVENTS March 23, - March 29, 2020
Monday - March 23 Debs Cheer Practice - 5:00 PM; auditorium Spiritual Direction - 7:30 PM; rectory Tuesday - March 24 Bingo at 7:30 PM; doors open at 6:00 PM; early bird 7:15 PM Wednesday - March 25 Adult Faith Formation - 1:30 PM; rectory Girl Scouts - 2:30 PM - 3:45 Pm; auditorium Legion of Mary - 4:00; rectory Thursday - March 26 Caregivers - 9:30 AM; rectory Bereavement Group - 7:30 PM; rectory Friday - March 27 Boy Scouts - 7:00 PM; auditorium Goretti Group - 7:00 PM; rectory Saturday - March 28 Biddy Cheer Practice - 8:00 AM; auditorium Lector’s Breakfast - 9:00 AM - 12:00; rectory Sunday - March 29 Teen Club - Stations of the Cross Practice - 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM; church
CYO BASEBALL/SOFTBALL REGISTRATION
Sign up is currently underway for the
following divisions Co-Ed
Biddys: kindergarten, 1st and 2nd grades Boys
Rookies: 3rd and 4th grades Tyro: 5th and 6th grades
Varsity: 7th and 8th grades Girls
Deb Girls: 3rd, 4th and 5th grades Varsity Girls: 6th, 7th and 8th grades
• Season starts first weekend of April for varsity, weekend after Easter break for all other divisions
• Approximately 15 games and playoffs with 1-2 practices per week
• Currently we need to see who wants to play
• Go to www.stcharleschargers.com and fill out the interest form online
• Registration fee not due at this time.
ST. VINCENT DE PAUL SOCIETY
FOOD PANTRY
Our food pantry is in need of non-perishable food items to replenish our pantry. Dona-tions can be left in the vestibule of the church or brought to the rectory. Suggested items are: pancake mix, syrup, peanut butter and jelly, cereal, pasta and sauce, tuna fish, cof-fee, juice, condiments. This pantry services those in need in our parish. Your generosity is very much appreciated.
5
Join Richmond University Medical Center on Saturday, April 4th for its 5K Run/Walk at Clove Lakes Park to benefit the Neonatal Inten-sive Care Unit (NICU) - Big Journeys Begin with Small Steps. The race begins at 10:00 AM. For more information, visit www.rumcsi.org/5K or call 718-818-2106.
WE PRAY...WE CELEBRATE...WE REMEMBER
THE GET WELL LIST
WE REMEMBER Eternal rest grant unto their souls, O Lord.
And let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace. Amen.
May their souls and the souls of the faithful departed rest in peace. Amen
Thomas Dunn
Rosemarie Caparimo
Keith Alaimo Paul Alaimo Sr. Robert Aviles Debbie Bernfeld Hanah Black Madeline Buonpane Jodi Butt Mary Campitelli Lee Canning Marietta Canning Marty Casey Nick Castagna Grace Castelao Nicholas Christy Elaine Cupak Teresa Deegan Frank Deegan Andrew DiPadova Mary Lou Fiore James Gallagher Isabella Gallo Nina Giblin Lou Gioia Cathy Harris Emily Harris
Jim Hlavac Cheryl Houss Jeannette Castelao Keane Rosaria Ladaro Thomas Willam Larson Elizabeth Linton Anthony Locicero Jr. Nicole Lucchini Lauren Marie Virginia McBride Mary McKeever Alfred Merendino Mary Messias Loraine Minutillo MaryAnn Mongiello Steven Morvillo Eileen Raineri Ella Reilly Dorothy Sabatell Dolores & Tony Sclafani Anthony Scocco Marie Starita Abigail Taylor Jude Riley Taylor Christopher Wandy
MARRIAGE BANNS We Celebrate
We ask the family of St. Charles to pray for the following couples who will receive the Sacrament of Marriage
Erica Lotito & Daniel Kane
WEDDING MUSIC If you are planning a wedding in the near fu-ture and would like to arrange for music, please, call the rectory two months prior to the wedding, and leave a message for Paul Light, our Music Director at (718) 987-2670.
WELCOME PACKET If you know someone new to your neighbor-hood, please contact the rectory to obtain a “Welcome to the Neighborhood” packet which includes a welcome letter from Fr. Jerome, a bulletin and a bottle of holy water. In the spirit of hospitality, your new neighbor does not have to be Catholic, we just want to welcome them to the neighborhood. We ask that all of you, our parishioners, be the “welcomers”, but if you do not feel comfortable visiting a new neighbor, let us know and we will take
BEREAVEMENT GROUP The Bereavement Group meets every Thurs-day evening at 7:30 PM in the rectory. The time of grief can be a time of much confu-sion and many adjustments. Participation in a group often provides an opportunity to share concerns with others. Whether you suffered a loss of a loved one recently or in the past, you are welcome to attend our weekly meetings. For further information , call 718-987-0658.
6
©�������������������������� ������������������
Dealing with dif�cult people Jesus’ way
Why do Catholics callGood Friday “good”?
Discovering hope and joy in the Catholic faith. March 2020
Although a sad day, Good Friday actually is “good” because it is the day when Jesus saved us from our sins, reconciled us with God, and reopened Heaven. Out of what seemed like defeat, God brought a greater victory. With
his sacri�ce, Jesus conquered sin and death. On Good Friday, we see more clearly God’s goodness, justice,
wisdom, power, and love. “God proves his love for us in
that while we were still sinners Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8).
People who argue, �ght, or refuse to cooperate can make our lives downright miserable. Yet, Jesus was masterful at dealing with dif�cult people. Following his example can save our sanity and our relationships. Know when to ignore. When Jesus made his Nazareth friends and neighbors so mad that they wanted to throw him off a cliff, he knew there was no reasoning with them. “Passing through the midst of them he went away” (Luke 4:30). When people speak harshly or offensively, the best response can be to disengage and walk away. Know when to say “no.” Sometimes others demand more from us than we
are able or willing to give, yet we give in out of guilt or fear of displeasure.
Two of his best friends, James and John, said to Jesus, “we want you to do whatever we ask of you” (Mark 10:35). In response to this stunning breach of boundaries, Jesus was calm and �rm. He said “no” and didn’t second-guess himself when he didn’t make his loved ones happy. Know when to stay calm. When Jesus took a Sabbath stroll with his friends (Matthew 12),
Pharisees barged in and accused him of breaking the
Sabbath. He remained calm and answered them peacefully. He wasn’t afraid of being tripped up or trapped because he was unconcerned about others’ opinions.
St. Toribio de Mogrovejo Born in Mayorga,
Spain, St. Toribio was educated in law
and became the Professor of Law at Salamanca University. His work and his holiness earned him the notice of the king, who named him to be the next Archbishop of Lima. Despite his arguments, Toribio was ordained a priest, consecrated, and sent to Peru. He spent his of�ce reforming the then-corrupt diocese, catechizing the native Peruvians, and defending them from the abuses of the Spanish conquistadors.
Sunday rest Rather than a day to catch up on errands and chores, God intends Sunday to be a day of contemplation and of rest. Sunday is the day we set aside for God and moments of praise and worship.
“I would like everyone to feel loved by the God who gave his Son for us and showed us his boundless love. I want everyone to feel the joy of being Christian” (Pope Benedict
XVI).
Fr. Louis JeromeSt. Charles Church
March 2020 Page 2
Success Publishing & Media, LLCPublishers of Growing in Faith™ and Partners in Faith™
(540)662-7844 (540)662-7847 fax http://www.growinginfaith.com
(Unless noted Bible quotes and references are fromthe Revised Standard Version and the New American Bible)
To provide practical ideas that promotefaithful Catholic living.
© Copyright 2020 Success Publishing & Media, LLC
The point of Lent is not to greet Easter a few pounds lighter but to be transformed. Try something new this Lent:
Make extra time for him each day.
Read the Bible, attend daily Mass, pray a Rosary,
or visit Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament.
Avoid the mirror. Take the focus off your appearance or
looks. Refuse to compare yourself to others or accept others’ view of you. Remember, your worth isn’t in how others see you, but in God’s in�nite, unchanging love for you. Give up one thing at every meal. Offer up a little something every time you eat – forego sugar in coffee, honey on cereal - to keep the idea, “it’s Lent,” in the forefront. Offer the heroic minute. St. Josemaría Escrivá suggested jumping out of bed – no snooze button - as soon as the alarm goes off, “without granting a single minute to laziness. If, with the help of God, you conquer yourself in that moment, you’ll have accomplished a great deal for the rest of the day.”
March 3 – St. Katharine Drexel (1955). A Philadelphia heiress, Katharine Drexel became a nun and used her inheritance to establish the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament for African and Native American peoples. She founded missions for Native Americans and Xavier University in New Orleans, the �rst to admit African American students. March 4 – St. Casimir of Poland (1483). When his father sent him to conquer Hungary, Casimir assessed the odds against winning the war and
turned back out of concern for his troops. He resolved never to be involved in war again. March 19 – St. Joseph, husband of Mary (1st Century). Jesus’ earthly father and husband to the Blessed Mother, St. Joseph is a model of fatherhood and a protector of families. March 27 – St. John of Egypt (c.394). Born in modern Assiut, Egypt, St. John became a hermit when he was twenty. He lived an ascetic life but preached publicly on weekends. Also a prophet, he made two accurate predictions for Emperor Theodosius I.
A close, loving relationship with God depends on a rich prayer life. It is through prayer that God guides, consoles, strengthens, challenges, and transforms us. Ingredients of a strong prayer life can include a Scripture reading, quiet meditation, and expectation. Meditate on Scripture each day: The Bible contains everything God wants us to know. Start each morning with a verse, a chapter, or a phrase that speaks to you and carry it with you
throughout the day. Listen in silence: Listening is as important as talking. Spend 15 minutes in silence each day
to listen to what God wants your heart to know. Wait in positive expectation. When we have
faith that God personally loves us and wants what is best, we eagerly await the plans he has for us. “... faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1). The conviction
that God hears and answers us makes our prayer truly powerful.
John 11:1-45, Trust, and you shall be rewarded
3 ingredients for powerful prayer
Can you suggest a meaningful sacri�cefor Lent?
God’s ways can be puzzling. In this Gospel passage, Martha and Mary sent word to Jesus that their brother was seriously ill, believing Jesus could help. Yet, Jesus delayed in coming to them and Lazarus died. Despite this, Martha showed great faith: “Even now I know that whatever you ask of God he will give you.” For her �rm faith in God, she was rewarded generously. God never leaves us in our troubles but draws closer to us. When the situation was at its bleakest for his friends, Jesus was with them. He wept;
he wasn’t insensitive to their pain. God’s timing is not ours, yet
everything he does – even when he does it – is with our best interests
in mind. He was not too late for
Lazarus, but right on time
and worked his greatest miracle
yet. The next time it
feels like God isn’t listening, remember Jesus’ own words: “Father I thank you for hearing me. I know that you always hear me.” We can trust his response, while perhaps not what we want, will work for good.
PARISH NEWS
STATIONS OF THE CROSS Every Friday during Lent, Stations of the Cross will be conducted after the 12 Noon Mass fol-lowed by Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament in the Chapel. The Teen Club will conduct the Living Stations of the Cross on Friday, April 3rd Friday, April 10th at 8:00 PM in the Church.
ABSTINENCE Abstinence from meat is observed on Ash Wednesday, Good Friday and all the Fridays of Lent by all Catholics 14 years and older.
FASTING Fasting is observed on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday by all Catholics between the ages of 18 and 59. Those bound by this rule may take only one full meal; two smaller meals are permit-ted as necessary to maintain strength according to one’s needs, but eating solid food between meals is not permitted. There is a serious obliga-tion to observe these penitential practices in a substantial way. Those whose work or health would be impaired are excused from fast and ab-stinence. Individual conscience should decide proper cause of excuse. A more serious excuse is required to excuse oneself from Ash Wednesday and Good Friday fast and abstinence. During Lent, the Church encourages attendance at daily Mass, self-imposed time of fasting and generosity to local, national and worldwide programs of sharing.
DIGITAL PRAYER TOOLS
FORMED.org (parish code XQ43Q3) 3minuteretreat.com
Dynamiccatholic.com
40 DAYS FOR LIFE CAMPAIGN All individuals and families are invited to stand (or sit) with us in silent witness and prayer at SIU Hospital North on Seaview Avenue from Ash Wednesday, February 26th to Sunday, April 5th anytime between 7:00 AM and 7:00 PM. St. Charles parishioners will be there from 1:00 PM to 7:00 PM EVERY Sunday. This prayerful, silent presence speaks volumes in helping moms in need of alternatives to abor-tion. We will also pray for and be in solidarity with all who have experienced the heartache and pain of losing a child. Please email [email protected] for updates and more in-f o r m a t i o n o r g o t o h t t p s : / /www.40daysforlife.com. There will be a large group Witness for Life on Saturday, March 21st after the 9:00 AM Mass at St. Christopher’s Church (130 Midland Avenue) followed by light refreshments and campaign updates in the Community Center (corner of Midland and Edi-son). A carpool will follow to SIUH North for a large group vigil from 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM.
WOMEN’S DAY OF REFLECTION “COME UNTO ME”
The Catholic Mental Health Professionals are holding their annual Women’s Day of Reflec-tion on April 4th at Notre Dame Academy High School, 134 Howard Avenue from 10:30 AM - 3:00 PM. The Mass celebrant is Fr. Glenn Su-dano, CFR. Presentations by: Laura Parisi and Connie Salhany followed by a prayer service, discussions, fellowship and give-aways. Re-freshments and a light lunch will be provided. The event is free but space is limited. RSVP by March 27 by calling Laura Bonamo at 347-273-1290 or email [email protected].
511977 St Charles Church (B) www.jspaluch.com For Ads: J.S. Paluch Co., Inc. 1-800-524-0263
Bozo’s Army, Navy StoreSneakers • Jeans • Work Clothes
Complete Line4170 Hylan Blvd.
Staten Island, NY 10308
351-8465
Your Neighborhood Funeral Home is Now Staten Island’s Largest FacilityOur Newly Enlarged and Decorated Home is Now Staten Island’s Largest Facility
Unlimited Onsite Parking Facilities are Now Available
Pre-Arranged Funerals Invited for Burial or Cremation
John Vincent Scalia Home for Funerals, Inc.
(718) 356-6363 (at Eltingville Station) 1-800-727-0700
TRIFAROPHYSICAL THERAPY, PCMichael D. Trifaro M.S., P.T.
511 Tysens LaneStaten Island, NY 10306
718-979-7588
2595 Hylan Blvd.
718-569-3080www.RCBK.com
Richmond County Savings Bank
Always gives you >More!!
Securitas NOW HIRINGon Staten Island, F/T-P/T
positions available.
Must be 18yrs of age or older, HS Diploma or GED required. Security guard license a
plus (will train). Must be computer literate, must have documentation to
prove that you are eligible to work in U.S.
All interested must apply onlinewww.securitasjobs.com
Licensed by NYSDOS EOE/M/F/Vet/Disabilities
Residential • Commercial Investments • Management
SalesFor all your Real Estate Needs, Call Us!
307 Sand Lane | Staten Island, NY 10305(O) 718-668-2550 | StatenIslandHomeSearch.com
Agata ZukowskiN.Y.S Licensed
Real Estate PersonCell: 347.404.0844
Marta GusztynN.Y.S Licensed
Real Estate PersonCell: 718.915.2037
Get thisweekly bulletindelivered byemail - for FREE!
Sign up here:https://www.jspaluch.com/BulletinSubscribe.aspx
Courtesy of J.S. Paluch Company, Inc.
DO YOU HAVE SALES EXPERIENCE? ARE YOU WELLNETWORKED IN THE LOCAL COMMUNITY?
J.S. PALUCH COMPANYNATIONAL PUBLISHER OF CHURCH BULLETINS
• Full Time Positions Available with Excellent Earning Potential!
• Medical Benefits, 401K, Life & AD&D Insurance Available
• Excellent Commission Compensation Program
Interested? Call Kay Leane 1.800.621.5197 x2823or Email Resume to [email protected]
www.jspaluch.com
EARN MONEY!DO GOOD! MAKE A
POSITIVE IMPACT!
Catholic Cruises and Tours and The Apostleshipof the Sea of the United States of AmericaTake your FAITH ON A JOURNEY.
Call us today at 860-399-1785 or [email protected]
www.CatholicCruisesandTours.com
(CS
T 2
1179
90-7
0)
Yourad
couldbe inthis
space!
511977 St Charles Church (A) www.jspaluch.com For Ads: J.S. Paluch Co., Inc. 1-800-524-0263
The J.L. Wegenaar Co. Inc. ~ Since 1872Memorial Designers & Builders
MONUMENTS HEADSTONES INSCRIPTIONS
Marie Wegenaar ❖ Julie Wegenaar ❖ Laura WegenaarServicing the Tri-State Area 3334 AMBOY ROAD, 10306718.351.1420 Fax: 718-667-9790 [email protected]
HEADSTONES
li
When Service Matters ...Staten Island’s Finest is Family Owned &
Operated with 4 Generations of ExperienceCOLONIAL FUNERAL HOME IS OWNED IN WHOLE BY
COLONIAL CORP. STOCKHOLDERS ARE: ANTHONY LANZA AND LEWIS ROVEGNO
We are Pre-Arrangement/Counseling Specialists718-351-5858 2819 Hylan Boulevard • SI, NY 10306
SPECIALIZING IN FRESHLY MADE RAVIOLI * STUFFED SHELLSTORTELLINI * MANICOTTI * FRESH PASTA * CAVATELLI & SAUCESTEL: (718) 667-2194-5 1076 RICHMOND ROAD, S.I.
FRANK E. HANLEY Founder
Life Is Not Ended…But Merely Changed.
LARGE PARKING PLAZA60 NEW DORP LANE, STATEN ISLAND, NEW YORK 10306
718-351-1800
FUNERAL HOME INC.
MIKE JR’S OAKWOOD DINEROpen 7 DaysFree Delivery
Catering Available3161 Amboy Road 718-668-1570
SafeHarbor HomeCare ServicesSince 1967
Licensed Private Duty NursesCertified Home Health AidesAvailable all hours & all shifts
www.safehrbr.com 718-979-6900
Practicing in Elder
Law, Estate Planning,
Probate, Estate and
Trust Settlement and
Business Planning
885 Huguenot Avenue, Staten Island, NYTel: 718.354.8646 • Fax: 718.354.8647
www.leporelaw.com
THE LAW OFFICES OF
CARING MATTERS • Breakfast • Lunch • Grab & Go Dinner • Hot Catering
2300 Hylan Blvd.718-987-7600
We Deliver
RONNIE’SSANDWICH
SHOPPE
STATEN ISLANDGARAGE
DOOR CO.Sales • Service
Installations
Prompt Emergency
Service
Call Mike
718-982-9200
917-440-9018Our 25th Anniversary
Dr. Scafuri & AssociatesSpecializing in Internal Medicine, Infectious Diseases & Pediatrics
North Shore Office South Shore Office2177 Victory Blvd. 4143 Richmond AvenueStaten Island, NY 10314 Staten Island, NY 10312(718) 370-3730 (phone) (718) 966-5556 (phone)(718) 698-9412 (fax) (718) 966-7483 (fax)
Email: [email protected] Website: DrScafuri.comOpen 7 Days a Week
www.moravianflorist.com
718-351-44402286 Richmond RoadStaten Island, NY 10306
10% OFF TOTAL PURCHASE
For Information ... Call
800.524.0263
www.jspaluch.com
Grow Your Business,Advertise Here.
Support Your Church & Bulletin.
Free professional ad design & my help!
email: [email protected]
Download Our Free App or Visit
MY.ONEPARISH.COM
Grow in your faith,find a Mass, and
connect with yourCatholic Community
with OneParish!
$29.95/Mo. billed quarterly
• One Free Month• No Long-Term Contract• Price Guarantee• Easy Self Installation
Call Today! Toll Free 1.877.801.8608
Medical Alert System
ConsiderRememberingYour Parish in
Your Will.For further information,
please call the Parish Office.
FROM THE PASTOR’S DESK
MARY’S “YES” AND OUR “YES.” I can never forget, as most priests never forget, the day of their ordination. Saturday, November 12, 1988 was an overcast, cloudy day. However, not one of us seven new priests were “overcast” on that morn-ing in Saint Patrick’s Cathedral as we received the Sacrament of Holy Orders from the late Cardinal John O’Connor. The ordination Mass is such a beautifully touching ritual. During one point in the Mass, all the bishops and priests place their hands on the heads of the candi-dates for ordination. To me that was such a moving experience. As I knelt there and saw so many good priests whom I had known over the years blessing me, I started to tear up. The guy kneeling alongside of me, in a loud stage whisper muttered, “Stop crying! You’re a priest now!’ Later on when I told that story, a friend of mine said, “Maybe if you had known all the problems ahead, you would have cried more!” Well, maybe he had a point. But despite all the “ups and downs” which are part of every life, the priesthood is truly a wonderful vocation. Comparable to a priest’s ordination is the wedding day for a couple so much in love. Husband and wife recite their vows and pledge to be true to each other “In good times and in bad, in sickness and in health until death do us part.” Of course, through the years as I have witnessed marriages, I have seen brides and grooms tear up too at the moment they give their consent in church. It is a powerful moment. Marriage as we know is a union that is both sacred and serious. Not knowing what the future holds for both of them, couples commit themselves for life, just the way the priest does at ordination. It is their “yes” to God. Today when we think about it, commitment and sacrifice are not too popular anymore. There are priests who have left the ministry. Certainly we all know about married couples who have split up and divorced. Obviously, this is not the scenario that God intended in the beginning! However, “life” as we might say, with all its problems and stresses often gets in the way. Certainly, it is not easy to remain faithful to the Church or to one’s partner for an entire lifetime. Without God’s grace it is impossible. Perhaps we might look to one person who truly fulfilled her God given vocation to the Lord without “copping out.” Her name was Mary and this week on March 25th, we celebrate one of her great feasts-the Annunciation. The Annunciation refers to the event in the Gospel where the Archangel Gabriel came to Mary as God’s messenger and asked her to be the Mother of God. After a brief clarification, Mary gave her consent to the angel-her “Yes” to God. She said, “I am the Handmaid of the Lord, may it be done to me according to your word.” As Carryl Houselander wrote in her book, The Reed of God: “Our Lady said yes. She said yes for us all. Our Lady said yes for the human race. Each one of us must echo that yes for our own lives.” At times in life, it is not easy to say yes when there is suffering and pain. However, we should look to Mary and her great example in order to gain courage and strength. When she uttered her “Yes” at the An-nunciation, Mary did not know the extent of the troubles that she would have to endure as the Mother of God. In fact, she had seven great sorrows in her life. Our Blessed Mother “stayed the course”-she did not run away either but remained always faithful to the will of God for our lives. Sincerely in Christ, Father Jerome 10
