Our Lady Queen of Martyrs 53 Prospect Road, Centerport, NY 11721 631.757.8184 www.olqmparish.org November 23, 2014 PASTORAL STAFF Pastor Father John D. Gilmartin jgilmartin@olqmparish.org Pastor Emeritus Rev. Msgr. T. Peter Ryan Deacon John Rieger jrieger@olqmparish.org Pastoral Associate Sister Eileen Corcoran secorcoran@olqmparish.org 631.757.6250 Children’s Faith Formation Ninette Euler, Director ninetteeuler@olqmparish.org 631.757.0720 Parish Social Ministry Kevin Blum, Director kblum@olqmparish.org 631.754.9045 Administrator: Mary Martin mmartin@olqmparish.org Assistant: Judy Smith jsmith@olqmparish.org Youth Minister: Bill Leone bleone@olqmparish.org Parish Facilities Director Alexei Korenevski Music Coordinator Deirdre Kupka Weekend Assistant Fr. Dowling, Fordham University PRAY WITH US Daily Masses Monday-Thursday at 12pm Saturday at 9am Weekend Masses Saturday at 5pm Sunday at 8am, 10am and 12pm Special Needs Masses Saturday, December 13 at 5:00pm Holy Days 7:30pm Vigil evening of the Feast and 9am on Holy Day CELEBRATE THE SACRAMENTS Baptism Second Saturday of each month at 1pm Preparation class required. Reconciliation Saturdays 9:30 -10am and 4 - 4:45pm Anytime upon request. Marriage Contact rectory to make necessary preparations. Anointing of the Sick 1st Saturday of every month at 9am. Please call the rectory if you are hospitalized or homebound. Additional information on our website. Faith Formation Our program serves children pre-school through high school (youth group). Adult Faith Formation Our adult faith formation has a primary focus of promoting spiritual growth and maturity of faith in our parish community. Parish Social Ministry The Church community calls us to respond to the needs of one another, locally as well as in Nicaragua, with compassion and care, respecting the dignity of each individual. Our Lady Queen of Martyrs welcomes persons with disabilities. Special seating and wheelchair area reserved at all masses. Hearing devices available. ~ Our Lady Queen of Martyrs ~ Students in our Faith Formation program work together with our Youth Group teens to make Christmas ornaments to decorate wreaths for the elderly and homebound of our parish. Our 3rd Graders in Faith Formation gathered for their Living Our Faith celebration. The children heard stories and joined in songs and prayers about sharing and thankfulness. Each 3rd grade class made cards or donated items to be distributed to Newborns in Need, HIHI, Food Ministry and other groups helped by our Parish Social Ministry Office. Their generosity will give many families in need a happier Thanksgiving. REMINDER: Parish offices will be closed on Thursday, November 27 & Friday, November 28th in observance of Thanksgiving. Wishing you and your family a blessed holiday. Please join us on Thanksgiving Day as we celebrate the Eucharist. Thursday, November 27th at 10:00 am CORRECTION: The Adult Choir will be singing Happy Thankksgiving! Msgr. Ryan wins one of the raffles at Pat Finn’s fundraiser for his upcoming trip to Nicaragua. ~ All Are Welcome ~ The season of Advent begins this year on Sunday, November 30th. The Liturgical Environment members will once again have Advent candles and wreaths available for purchase after all masses on November 22,23, 29 and 30. The cost is $5 for candles and $12 for wreaths. Please remember the importance of family prayer as we await the birth of Christ and begin or continue using an Advent wreath each night. We will have a table with candles at the entrance of the church. Put Our Lady Queen of Martyrs on your Christmas card list this year ! We would like to update our parish database to include a picture of each family. Send us your family photo Christmas card! OVER 50 CLUB ANNUAL CHRISTMAS LUNCHEON SOMETHING NEW FOR THE NEW CHURCH YEAR (Advent begins on November 30th) Our annual Christmas Luncheon will be held on Tuesday, December 2nd at 12:00 noon at the Centerport Yacht Club. Cost is $33 per person. Please call Pat McDonough to RSVP or if you have questions. (631) 261-4206 There is so much noise in the world! May we learn to be silent in our hearts and before God. ~Pope Francis You are invited to take a copy of the “Little Blue Book” It consists of daily reflections for our journey through Advent and Christmas. Reflections are based on the daily Gospels of Advent. Reflections begin on the First Sunday of Advent, November 30, 2014, and end on the Baptism of the Lord, Jan. 11, 2015. Pick up one copy per family on the weekend of November 29th and 30th. ~ All Are Welcome ~ RE-FOCCUS MARRIAGE ENRICHMENT PROGRAM We will once again be offering a special program for married couples who want to increase the intimacy, communication and focus in their relationships. This program was offered here last Spring and was a big success. Couples shared how powerful this experience was for them and appreciated the insights they gathered which helped to strengthen the foundation of their marriages. ok if I’m hat it’s t w a s is not “I really t, my spouse ip isn’t fec lationsh not per e r r u o nd nts us perfect a rfection preve Pe perfect. an.” ing hum from be “No ma tte life, our r what goes o n in m first bec arriage needs to be ause if we nur and eac ture it ho all else w ther – everyon e and ill benefi t.” “Our usual date night was supplanted by this program but it’s been spectacular.” “Being at these classes, and away from all the other demands of life, helped me to focus 100% on my marriage.” The RE-FOCCUS Program consists of a couples’ survey and a series of workshops. During the 3 workshop sessions, facilitated by psychologist Dr. Tom Demaria, general trend responses from the Re-Foccus surveys will be reviewed. Only common issues that couples identify in their relationships will be covered in the workshops and we do not disclose any specific personal and private issues of couples. If couples would like to review specific issues, they can speak with Dr. Tom in a private session. The sessions are scheduled for 3 consecutive Wednesday evenings December 3rd, 10th and 17th at 7:00- 9:00pm. The program will conclude with a Mass on Saturday, December13th at 6:30pm where we have the renewal of Marriage vows. If you are interested in participating in this program, please contact the rectory to make an appointment with Father John to register for the survey. The Re-Foccus survey, which guides the content of the workshops, is taken on-line at home prior to the first session. ~ Youth Ministry ~ YOUTH GROUP HAPPENINGS Meetings Monday, November 24th -- 7:00pm Meetings are held in the Community Room. Bring a friend and come join us! Questions....comments....suggestions..... Contact Bill Leone at bleone@olqmparish.org ~~~~ CALLING ALL HIGH SCHOOL TEENS ~~~~ Mark your calendars and save the date for our next Youth Ministry Retreat in the Community Room. Friday, December 5th @ 6pm until Saturday, December 6th @ 3pm. Please e-mail Bill Leone at bleone@olqmparish.org to register and reserve your spot. Permission forms will be e-mailed. Questions.....comments......suggestions..... Contact Bill Leone ~ Living Stories of Faith, Hope & Love ~ Special Needs Mass “Ninety people came together on Saturday, November 15 to participate in the monthly Special Needs Mass. We enjoyed readings by Alex Brygider and Chris Biernacki. Fr. John welcomed all of the special needs individuals to join him around the beautiful new altar. The altar, lectern, and crucifix from St. Gabriel’s Retreat House on Shelter Island have found their new “forever home” in our Community Room, adding an even holier dimension to our Special Needs Mass. It is a unique celebration, where “all are welcome” and many come. The lines of our differences are blurred, as we share an experience of spirituality and grace.” Alex Brygider and Father John the children are focused on the Eucharist. Chris Biernacki doing an amazing job reading. OMS students acted as ushers and bought up the gifts. Father John with Gia Destafano and the kids around the altar celebrating the Eucharist. Carol Hardie offering communion with the support of Dave Derosa. “If you judge people, you have no time to love them” TWITTER @ PONTIFEX ~For Information About Parish Social Ministry ~ ~the giving season~ The Giving Season Youth and family volunteer opportunities. The Giving Season is an opportunity for us, through Parish Social Ministry, to respond to the needs of one another and by doing so, come to know Jesus. By sharing our gifts, we are able to provide compassionate care to those in need within our faith community. Below is a list of community service projects for Faith Formation classes and families. Contact Maria Ryan for more information and additional events mryan@olqmparish.org ~ 754 9045 Holiday Wreaths, Cookie Bake for the Elderly and Homebound This project pairs young children with teens in a unique way. The younger children can create Christmas cards and or decorate a wreath with festive homemade holiday ornaments. Older children bake holiday cookies that will be wrapped. The project is completed by attaching a greeting card signed and decorated by all of the participants along with an Advent prayer. This gift can be delivered by the family or the Faith Formation class who prepared it. We welcome any and all assistance for this program which will enable us to spread comfort and joy to these special members of our parish family. Donations are appreciated to offset the cost of the wreaths. Please call or visit Parish Social Ministry to reserve your wreath, or find out about these projects. December 4th kits and cookies due December 6th delivery to homebound HiHi There are several ways to support HIHI. Please call Parish Social Ministry for more details. Saint Vincent de Paul Food Drive Will take place in the Community Room. Children and parents are welcome December 13th 9 am Adopt a Family The holiday season can be a challenging time of the year for many in our community. You too can be a “Secret Santa” for someone in need. Our parishioners provide assistance and comfort in a variety of ways. As a parishioner, you can select an individual or family in need to “adopt” in which you purchase gifts anonymously. For many of these families, this assistance is all they will receive for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Our goal to supply these families with Christmas gifts and Holiday food treats. Please call to be placed on our list of sponsors The Giving Tree Beginning early in December, stop by the vestibule at the back of the church and take an “ornament” that has an item needed for someone in our parish. Please wrap the gift and tie the “ornament” to the gift. By giving this gift, you are providing a member of our parish family the assurance that they are part of a faith community that cares. December 19th~gifts due under the tree ~Parish Social Ministry ~ Sunday December 7th at 4 p.m. Come join us for a unique Christmas Concert featuring the many talents of Our Lady Queen of Martyrs Choirs: Adult Contemporary Teen and Children’s Choirs Join us for light refreshments and holiday cheer following the concert in the Community Room Donations will benefit Our Lady Queen of Martyrs Parish Social Ministry and are greatly appreciated. IllllnessSupport Group Our next meeting will be Monday December 1st Following the noon Mass Our Food Pantry Needs This Week: ~~~~~~~~~ Shampoo, Bar Soap, Coffee, Clothes Detergent Dish Deteregent. ~~~~~~~~~~ Any and all donations are appreciated. We thank you and appreciate your continued support. ~Contact Kevin Blum or Maria Ryan at 754-9045~ kblum@olqmparish.org ~ mryan@olqmparish.org Raising Thankful Children Gratitude is a feeling of appreciation or thanks. God is good and all gifts come from him. Recognizing the many gifts God has given us results in happiness and spiritual growth. Gratitude is like a muscle; it takes practice to make this quality strong in our children. How do we do this? First – thank God. The best way to teach gratitude is to be grateful ourselves. Throughout the day, make recognizing blessings an ongoing conversation with God that includes your children. Together, thank God each morning for the gift of another day, and before eating a meal, and before bedtime. Best of all; thank God for the gift of your family. Next – thank the family. We are often more likely to thank strangers than our families. Thank your child for chores well done, for completing homework, for being pleasant. Thank your spouse for making dinner, for work done for the home, for any thoughtful gesture. Finally – thank the community. Children learn by doing. In return for blessings your family has received, come up with a plan to bless others. Perhaps your child can do extra chores to earn money to put in the poor box, or volunteer at a charity, or do yard work for a neighbor, or donate a toy. Scripture Lesson Matt 25:31-46 We love Jesus by loving others Today’s feast of Christ the King teaches us about loving others. Jesus is very clear about the importance of doing good for others. He tells us that whenever we do something good or kind for anyone, we do it for him. And when we fail to show kindness and love to someone, we fail to love him. When we truly live our Catholic faith, we see Jesus in all those who are in need. And when we recognize the face of Jesus in another person, we cannot help but to reach out to them with loving kindness. But we do not reach out to others simply in honor of Jesus. Instead, Jesus tells us today that we reach out to others because we are reaching out to Jesus himself. ~ Adult Faith Formation ~ A THANKSGIVING PRAYER FROM SCRIPTURE I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel. Thanks be to God! Give thanks to the Lord, call on his name; make known among the nations what God has done. Thanks be to God! I will give you thanks in the great assembly; among throngs of people I will praise you. Thanks be to God! Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members on one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Thanks be to God! Now bless us, O Lord, and these Thy gifts, which we receive from your bounty, through Christ our Lord. Amen! Thanks be to God! Friday, December 5th Chapel Taize is meditative 7:30—8:30 PM an evening chanting and time for with All are welcome. Come and bring a friend. BOOK DISCUSSION GROUP Date: (Quoted from: Philippians 1:3-5; 1 Corinthians15:56-57; Colossians3:15) prayer reflection and adoration of the cross. Pope Francis Room of 10:00-11:30 am December 9th Book: Defending Jacob By: William Landay Call: Mary Ellen Mack 757-3492 ~ PRAYER AND WORSHIP ~ Bill Ayres shares his reflections on the scripture readings. November 23, 2014 Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe A reading from the BOOK OF the prophet ezekiel Here we are at the end of another liturgical year. Advent begins next week. Ancient Israel was a very pastoral country with numerous herds of sheep and many shepherds to protect them from predators and bad weather. David who became Israel’s greatest king was a shepherd who took good care of his people. Every king was required to, in a sense, be a good shepherd but not all did. Here, Ezekiel has God saying that he will take care of the people in every way. In one of the truly moving passages in the scriptures God says he will rescue them, give them land and rest, seek out the strays and bring them back, bind up the injured and heal the sick. That and more is what our God does for us every day. God lives within us and all around us. That is true even when God seems far away and we may feel unworthy or lost in depression, addiction, loss of a loved one or some combination of painful situations. As we seek God out, God is already there. We need only to be open and not think of God’s love as having magical powers. We ask for something and there it is. No! What we have with God is never magic but rather Mystery in the best and deepest sense, the Mystery of Unconditional Love, a true ongoing relationship beyond our deepest longings. A reading from the letter of saint paul to the thessalonians A paradox is not the same as a contradiction. Our faith is full of paradoxes that are not contradictions. Saint Paul is talking about the paradox of the Resurrection. Through the Resurrection of Jesus Christ we too share in new life. It is happening now, but the paradox is that it is not yet complete. As we have mentioned several times over the past year in these commentaries, Paul and most of the early Christians thought that the completion, the Second Coming of Christ was coming in their lifetime. That never happened and so over the centuries we have learned to live in the paradox, the life of the resurrection has already begun but is not complete. Let us focus on what already is and rejoice in it. REFLECTIONS ON the holy gospel according to matthew Many people call themselves “Matthew 25 Christians” because they hear this part of the Gospel as a call from Jesus for social justice. The words are powerful and challenging. “For I was hungry and you gave me food. I was thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me, naked and you clothed me, ill and you cared for me, in prison and you visited me.” Matthew says that then the righteous will say when... when did they do all of these things for him? Jesus replies that “Whatever you do for one of the least brothers of mine, you did for me.” The next section has Jesus being harsh with those who did not do any of these things to help “one of the least one.” So, where do you and I stand in our generosity and justice for those on the bottom of society? What is our responsibility? Can we actually do all those things for all those in need? The key in this is to remember that we are not only individuals but part of communities. We can help through our Parish Outreach, by contributing to today’s Catholic Campaign collection one of the most effective anti-poverty programs in America. We can also let our leaders know that we want them to provide services for those truly in need through federal, state and local programs. There are so many ways that we can fulfill our responsibilities to “these least ones.” It is one of the strongest commands of Jesus. ~ Stewardship ~ A way of life ~ With the busy times of Thanksgiving and Advent season right around the corner, enrolling in Faith Direct today is a great way to ensure your gifts of treasure to Our Lady Queen of Martyrs are received even if you may be out of town. Please pick up an enrollment form from the parish office today or enroll online at www.faithdirect.net - our Church Code is NY229. Already using Faith Direct? Don’t forget to add your Christmas or End-of-Year contributions to your account this fall. Thank you in advance for your support and for using Faith Direct! STEWARDSHIP SHARING Current Previous Fiscal Year Fiscal Year November 16, 2014 November 17, 2013 Collection Collection Budget Envelopes Faith Direct Cumulative To Date Sunday Collections Budget $16,843 $17,450 293 105 $ 202,950 $ 191,950 $15,884 $17,020 258 113 $211,820 $187,220 Thank you for your continued support. Poor Box last week $166 November 23—Christ the King: Today as we celebrate Christ the King, we hear Jesus say: “…whatever you did for one of the least brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” Knowing that we find the face of Christ in the poor, this month, through your gifts, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul was able to serve needy families in our community. Thank You! CATHOLIC MINISTRIES APPEAL 2014 PARISH GOAL: $106,200 PLEDGES TO DATE: $138,328 PAID TO DATE: $129,641 NUMBER OF PLEDGES: 296 Thank you for your support of the 2014 Catholic Ministries Appeal SPECIAL COLLECTION THIS WEEKEND Collection for the Catholic Campaign for Human Development which includes Home Missions (CCHD). CCHD was founded 40 years ago by the bishops of the United States when they realized that the lives of those in need would not improve until the systems and policies that keep people in poverty were changed. For 40 years, CCHD has funded community groups that seek justice and create lasting change. Fight poverty in America. Defend human dignity. Give to the CCHD Collection. ~Praying for and Supporting One Another~ Mass intentions MASS INTENTIONS DATE TIME OFFERED FOR 11/22 5:00 PM 11/23 8:00 AM 10:00 AM 12:00 PM 11/24 12:00 PM Thomas Melia - 25th Anniversary 11/25 12:00 PM Rita Ann Gartner 11/26 12:00 PM Walter Wifall - Living Intentnion 11/27 10:00 AM Mary Gore and John Gore 11/28 Ann Meise Joseph Geiss James Kelly Thomase Launi Helen Miller Deceased Members of the Rousseau Family Rodolfo de Paolis No Mass on Fridays 11/29 9:00 AM Art Shelko 5:00 PM Christine Bandl 11/30 8:00 AM Parishioners of Our Lady Queen of Martyrs 10:00 AM Cheryl Baruccheri Rebecca Domencetti Patricia Knuth Brian Paton 12:00 PM Joseph Carillo MASS & PRIEST SCHEDULE Saturday, November 29th 5:00pm Msgr. Ryan Sunday, November 30th 8:00am Msgr. Ryan 10:00am Father John 12:00pm Father Ed Dowling PRAYER REQUESTS L et us especially remember those who have asked for our prayers. Kathleen Ridini Louise Ammirati Robert Caputi Pat Gerlach Laura Oliveri Glenn Crisafi Evelyn Darby Jim Hartnett Donald Kuntz Tom Corbett Colette Rielly Lina Gallo Alice Shatzle Fr. Edward Dowling Patrick Enright Mark Borstelman Jacqueline Rousseau Tom Smith Concetta Daurio Rita Deluise Jane Schiano-Wigutow Alicia Bunyan Karen Larson Thomas Mulhern William Clarke Dolores Reichle Armand Qualliotine Brenda McCusker Rita Liotta Deacon Rodger Miller Allison Kerr Franklin LaBarbara Betty Brennen Nancy Naughton Joseph Finneran Maria King Jamie Wrede Brian Dowling Alice Gabrielle Patricia Zvokel Matthew Ingrassia Neil King for the peaceful rest of all our beloved and friends especially Prayparishioners ayKenallO’Brien those who have gone before us M share the joys of eternal life . ~ In the Community~ SAVE THE DATE.... Our Huntington Interfaith Thanksgiving Service is scheduled for Sunday, November 23, 7:00 PM at the First Presbyterian Church of Northport, 330 Main St., Northport. Thank you to our host, the Rev. Tim Hoyt Duncan. The preacher for the service is the Rev. Jude Geiger, Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Huntington. All are welcome to join us for this wonderful community event. Increasing denial of freedom of conscience and religion is destroying America’s liberty and threatens our hospitals, charities and schools. Learn for Our Guest Speaker: Thomas Renker, Esq. General counsel of the Diocese of Rockville Centre Mr. Renker has long been involved in efforts in this Diocese to protect religious liberties. He will discuss the fallout from the Hobby Lobby decision and the ongoing attacks on freedom of religion posed by the HHS mandate and other governmental and social initiatives. Date: Thurs, Dec 11, 2014 Time: 7:30pm Place: Seminary of the Immaculate Conception 440 West Neck Rd. Huntington Trinity Regional School Open House Catholic School’s Week Sunday, January 25, 2015 9am-1pm Nursery - 8th Grade Come Visit Us...... AN UNDIVIDED HEART A Year of Consecrated Life Sponsored by St. John’s University, the Dioceses of Brooklyn and Rockville Centre, and the Vincentian Family Come take part in 14 retreat days of celebration on the second Saturday of every month, 2:00 – 5:00 PM, from December, 2014 - January 2016. Consecrated persons of our dioceses will speak about how to make 2015 a year of deepening commitment. Featuring: Gathering Prayer Reflection Private time Eucharist St. Thomas More Church St. John’s University 8000 Utopia Parkway Queens, NY 11439 St Hugh’s Widows & Widowers Club St Hugh’s Widows and Widowers Interfaith Club will meet on Tuesday, November 25th at 1pm in the cafeteria on at St. Hugh’s School in Huntington Station. New members are welcome. $2 for non-members. For further information, call Lucy at 427-7645.
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