St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church

Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament

Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament takes place every Monday

(except holidays) from 2-6:45 PM

And on each First Friday from 7:30- 8:30PM

Please come and spend some quiet

time with the Blessed Sacrament

Our Lady of Fatima Devotion

The 1st Saturday of each month will be

devoted to Our Lady of Fatima. The devotion

will include 8am Mass, Novena to Fatima / the

Rosary, Confessions after Mass and fellowship

in Carew Hall at 9am.

Our Lady came to Fatima with a message from God to eve-

ry man, woman, and child of our century. Our Lady of Fat-

ima promised that the whole world would be in peace, and

that many souls would go to Heaven if Her requests were

listened to and obeyed. Please join us in this devotion.

St Joseph’s Parish Monthly Recollection

On the First Friday of every month, at 7:30 PM, we hold our Monthly Parish Recollection. This is an hour of pray-

er, of recollection before our Lord present in the Blessed Sacrament - whose Sacred Heart is the source of immense

charity and generous love. The foundation of this prayer is God’s presence in our souls as Creator, Preserver, and

Author of Graces (“in Him we live, and move, and are” Acts 17:28). God is our Father, and our Friend and is our

sweet Guest. We must acknowledge the realization of this great truth: God is in each of us, our soul is His Temple.

This prayer of recollection includes the Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and Benediction, Praying of the

Psalms, Silence, Gospel Reading and a Talk /Reflection on the following topics: The Cardinal Virtues of pru-

dence, justice, temperance and fortitude. The Theological Virtues of faith, hope and love. The gifts of the Holy

Spirit; wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety and fear of the Lord.

Every soul, hungry & thirsty for God, is invited to this holy hour every First Friday of the month to

adore, venerate & contemplate the Sacred Heart of Jesus, & to have a quiet dialogue with God.

Parish Office Hours

Thurs, & Friday (effective August 1, 2011)

9am to Noon; 1:15 to 5:00 PM; 6:00 to 8:00 PM

Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday 9am to Noon; 1:15 to 5:00 PM

Saturday - 9:00 AM to Noon; 1:00 to 5:00 PM

Sunday - 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM

Pray with the Parish

Rosary - Prayed daily after the 9 AM Mass

Eucharistic Adoration - Mondays (except holidays),

2:00 to 6:45 PM

Nocturnal Adoration & Devotion to the Sacred Heart -

7:30 to 8:30 PM on First Fridays.

Eucharist

The Lord’s Day: Saturday 5:00 PM

Sunday 7:00, 9:00, 10:30, 12 Noon & 5:00 PM

Weekdays 7:00 AM & 9:00 AM,

8:00 AM Saturday

Holy Days As announced in Bulletin

Exposition Monday 2:00 to 6:45 PM

First Friday 7:30 to 8:30 PM

Penance/Reconciliation

Mon., Wed., and Fri. after the 7:00 AM & the 9:00 AM Mass.

Saturday after the 8:00 AM Mass and 4:00 to 4:45 and also upon

request

MASS INTENTIONS Sunday, March 31 (Easter)

7:00

9:00

10:30

11:00

12:00

12:30

NO 5 PM MASS

Monday, April 1

7:00 Lawrence Murdock req. by Mike Guariglia

7:00 MaryLou Lianzo req. by Charlie Schultz

9:00 Theresa DeFilippo req. by Marie DeFilippo

9:00 John Perdue req. by Loving Daughter

Tuesday, April 2

7:00 Catherine Placco req. by Nicholas Placco

7:00 Dec’d. Mbrs. of the Weber & Fox Families req. by Linda Weber

9:00 George J. Raab Jr. req. by Loving Family

9:00 John Petrone req. by Loving Family

Wednesday, April 3

7:00 Marc Jaycee Butiu req. by Loving Mom, Dad & Family

9:00 Patricia Blair req. by Eileen & Tom McManus

9:00 Clementine Wilga req. by Mr. & Mrs. V. Marino

Thursday, April 4

7:00 Mary Pecoraro req. by The Clarry Family

9:00 Frank J. Desensi req. by Loving Daughter

9:00 Agnes Salemi req. by Ann Festa

Friday, April 5

7:00 Mary Pecoraro req. by The CBP Chiefs & Supervisors

7:00 Dominick Poio req. by Dotty & Jerry Block

9:00 Anna Somma req. by Ann Festa & Maria Gillin

9:00 Agnes Szymczyk req. by Matthew Patkowski

Saturday, April 6

8:00 Angelo & Theresa DeFilippo req. by Marie DeFilippo

8:00 James Hughes req. by The Balestrieri Family

Anticipated Mass for Sunday

5:00 Paul Liguori req. by Loving Mom & Family

5:00 Angelina Maddaluno req. by Pat Peters & Gerri Liquori

Sunday, April 7 (Devine Mercy)

7:00 Cornelius J. Dunleavy req. by Loving Wife Anne

7:00 Frank James Dell’Aglio Jr. req. by Frank Dell’Aglio

9:00 John W & Mary T. Biglin req. by Loving Family

9:00 Frank Michael Bitonti req. by The Gallagher Family

10:30 Joseph S. Maffeo req. by Catherine & Norm West

10:30 Frank J. DeSensi req. by Rosemary Long & Frank P. DeSensi

12:00 Jim McQuillan req. by Clara Kirschner

12:00 Robert Satterly req. by Victoria Ryder & Family

5:00 Anne Bannon req. by Ken Staufenberg

5:00 Sophie Dlugokensky req. by The Balestrieri Family

Page 3 Sunday, March 31, 2013

OUR LITURGY

In the first reading Peter proclaims Jesus as the anointed Son of God. The second reading urges all to seek what is above for it is there, with Christ, that our life will continue. In the Gospel, Mary Magdalene finds the stone removed from the tomb. She runs to tell the others; they did not yet understand the Scripture that he had to rise from the dead.

Altar Bread & Wine In loving memory of

Mickelson & Williams Families

Requested by

Barbara Mickelson

OUR PRIEST-CELEBRANTS Priest Schedule Subject to Change

This Week Next Week 5:00 PM Fr. Maffeo

7:00 AM Fr. Maffeo 9:00 AM Fr. Thomas

10:30 AM Fr. Leuthardt 12:00 PM Fr. Thomas

5:00 PM Fr. Leuthardt

2013

Easter Vigil 7:30 PM Fr. Maffeo

Easter Day 7:00 AM Fr. Thomas

9:00 AM Fr. Maffeo

10:30 AM Fr. Leuthardt

Carew Hall 11:00 AM Fr. Thomas

12:00 Noon Fr. Maffeo

Carew Hall 12:30 PM Fr. Leuthardt

2013

See

Schedule

Below

For the

People

of the

Parish

Sunday March 31, 2013 Page 4

From the Pastor’s Desk When I was a kid, and even now, my favorite cartoon character was Bugs Bunny. Why, well whom else but Bugs Bunny could get out of any trouble by using his charm, wits and brain, and also knowing when to run. I bring this up, because of one episode from 1947 when Bugs was asked by the Easter Rabbit to take his place, because he was so tired. Of course, the Easter Rabbit looks at the audience and says that he does this every year to some unsuspecting rabbit! So Bugs is happy to play the Easter Rabbit and he goes along with a basket of Easter Eggs singing his song (The Easter Rabbit hooray...). Then he comes along a house with a sign that reads the “Dead End Kid”. Bugs goes into the house and gives the kid an egg and the kid immediately starts going after Bugs, who knows when to run away. Bugs tries to give the job back to the Easter Rabbit who tells him he has to try harder and sends Bugs off on his way still singing but not happily. Next, he comes upon a house, which has signs all over it, welcoming the Easter Rabbit, so Bugs thinks things are changing. However, the house is owned by Elmer Fudd who wants the Easter Rabbit to come in so he can have him for Easter Dinner, what ever happened to Lamb? As usual Bugs has to use his talents and brains to get out of this new trouble, which he most certainly does.

While this cartoon can make you laugh, it totally misses what it is we are celebrating today. It is like most things in this secular society, which is only focusing on the pagan symbols (which the Church in the early days Christianized, only so they could go back to a new paganism). While hoping for the Easter Bunny to come and bring us Easter Eggs and candy is fun and we all enjoy it, let us not lose fact that this day marks the most important day in Human History, even more important than Creation. For on this day, a man who was dead has come back to life and not a returning to this life, but the new life of the Resurrection. On this day, Christ takes on the Glorified Body as so does the rest of humanity. On this day the Kingdom of God is more firmly established as the Gates of Heaven are opened again. This day marks the day when humanity becomes brand new and better than it ever was before (that is why this day is more important than Creation).

Death has been destroyed, darkness has been conquered, and we are no longer slaves to sin and the temptations of the world and the devil.

Easter is the greatest day on the Church’s Calendar, in fact all days move toward it and when we have completed the great 50 Days of Easter, we

begin to move toward it for next year.

Every Sunday is Easter in the Church; that is why the Church moved the Sabbath from Saturday. What better way to celebrate the new life of the Resurrection then to gather and celebrate the Eucharist and make that day holy.

How will you mark this day? I am sure you will spend it with family and friends and that is great, but will you let the Gospel Message of “Why are you looking for the living among the dead?” transform you? Will it just be a normal Sunday? Or will you strive to make it the best day of the year for you and yours? Will you allow the graces you received in Baptism and Confirmation renew you, or will you just let this day pass by? Please allow this day to change you, just as Jesus was changed in the tomb! Let us say the words that St. Thomas will say next week, when he saw the risen Lord, “My Lord and my God!” But let us not say that one day of the year or even the week, but every single day of our lives.

Next Sunday is Divine Mercy Sunday and Our Lord through St. Faustina asked that we remember Him in the role of the Divine Mercy always there for us, to forgive us and lead us to the new life. We will observe this day with a Holy Hour before the Exposed Blessed Sacrament, praying the Chaplet of the Divine Mercy from 3-4 PM closing with Benediction. Please join us for this very special hour on this special day.

On behalf of Fathers: Thomas, Henry and Peter Liu and Deacons: James Altonji, Joseph Dougherty, Joseph Califano, Michael DeBellis, Frank Dell’Aglio, Bill Dobbins, Michael Devenney, Sr. Anne Marie Dean, CSJ., Mrs. Leona Arpino, Mrs. Anne Kelley, Mr. Michael Keller, Mrs. Ann DeBellis, Mr. Jerry Peters, and the entire staff of Saint Joseph’s we wish you and your families a very Happy Easter

Fr. Mike

PFC Eric Lange, USMC

SGT Deborah Alfieri

SGT Matthew Altonji

SPC Andrew Altonji

LCPL Matthew Balestrieri, USMC

TSGT Louis Barletta

LT Michael-Jon Bonacorsa

LCPL John Brown

PFC Justin Browne

LTCOL James Cersosimo CPL Glenn Clacher SPC Thomas E. Corcoran

SPC Jason Crawford

CPT Edward Cuevas

PFC John B Cuneo

CPT Ryan Delaney

TSGT Timothy Dermody

SGT Stephen DiGirolamo

SSGT Tony Elliott

LT Kelly Fletcher

SPC Adam Franciosa

CPT Mark Gillman

CPL RJ Hartmann

SSGT J.R. Kay USAF

SSGT Jessica Kay

SGT John W Keohane

MAJ Sean P Kilkenny

CW2 Steven Knight

LCPL William Langdon

SPC Christopher Leone

SGT Wade Lynch

MAJ Kevin McCue

PVT Thomas B McGinn

SGT Patrick McNally

PFC William Meyer

CPL Brian G Meyer

CPO Gregory Migliore

SGT Glenn Miller

LT Heather Miras

SPC4 George Monica

SPC4 John Monica

SGT Daniel Montville

GYSGT Brian Moran, USMC

MAJ Gregory Mueller

LCPL Thomas Napolitano

LCPL Michael Napolitano

PVT Todd Nelson

LCPL James Neubauer

SGT Brian Pacell

CPT Stephen Bartoszak

ENS3 Lucy Padro

PFC Matthew Pandolfi

LCPL Kevin J. Uffmann Marine

SFC James Munro Army

CPT Michael Parisi

2LT Anthony Parisi

MAJ Paul E Pinaud

CTR2 Matthew Pistritto

LT David A Rewkowski

SGT Edwin Rivera, II

SGT Anthony M Sbrocco, USMC

SSGT Jason Schiavo LCPL W. Mason Shehan

SSGT Timothy McGoyne

SPC James Stanek EO3 Taylor Taranto

MM3 Gregory Taranto

PFC Greg Terrish

SGT Jason Tulowitzki

SGT John Thomas Vogt

CPL Brandon Waldon

SGT Randolph Weaver

MSTR Robert Casey ILT Richard Lutz

HN Frederick James Borsell

SPC Darian L. Clark/Army

SAMN Bill Ried

CPL Michael Casonova

SPEC4 David Cooper

MIDN Michael Cristiano

SGT Brian P. O’Leary

PFC Gregory Caplan

MPS Timothy Caplan

E6PO1 Gerard McGarrity

LT John Cox II

PFC Nicholas Barbieri

LCPL Jim A. Mock

SGT Maj. John A. Krumholz

LCPL Joseph R. DeGroot, USMC

RCT Dustin A. Whitton, USMC

SPC Peter Reilly

SMAN T.J. Waldhauser, US Navy

LCPL Brian Kolarik, USMC

LCPL Kevin Erb

PVT Chris Dorn, Army

SSGT Ray C. Sigman ll

N/Seal Paul Padro

LCPL Sean Rainone, USMC

SGT Thomas Lupo

SGT Mike Hengerle, USMC

SPC Anthony Lupo US Army

Kelly R. Denimarck ENS Navy

SFC James Munro Army

Kristen M. Saporito USMC

Captain Sean Lavigne USAF

LCPL Daniel Pfeifer USMC

AB John Kelton USAF

PRAY FOR THE SICK ___________________________________

Name of person who is ill

_____________________________ _________________________ Person making this request: Relationship to ill person

Your Phone #: ________________________ (Friends can be placed on the silent prayer list only)

PRAY FOR OUR TROOPS

__________________________________

Name, Rank and Branch of Service

______________________________ ____________________ Person making this request Relationship to Soldier

(Friends can be placed on the silent prayer list only)

—REMEMBER THOSE WHO HAVE DIED— Gary Kroll

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

Anthony

Lynn Abeze

Josie & Joe Alessandro

Tom & Louise Alessandro

Theresa Bennett

John Bertone

Dottie Bially

Ryan Blair

Emma Boine

Charles Brechter

Henry G. Brechter

Anthony Bruton

Kathryn Carroll

Vivian Catuogno

Doreen Childs

Anthony Chindamo

Martin Condit

Kathleen Connelly

Richard Delamater

Batist Eichelsdorfer

Sharon T. Eichler

Lucy Erraught

Priscilla Fagerlund

Ellen Fava

Louis Fava

S Fay

Robert Filce

Carl Freiermuth

Eileen Fuschi

Melissa G

Marie & Frank Guidice

Joe Hartman

Erica House

William Hughes

Margaret & Jasper Indelicato

Thomas Jankay

Mary Jo L’Ambrose

Agnes Lane

Kevin Latini

Ida Lucivero

Vito Lucivero

Agnes Ludwigson

Roseann McCormick

Claire McQuillan

Sharon Marchany

Carolyn Martins

Nichole Mignone

Catherine Mucha

Ray Nicchia

Peter Noel

Helen Onufrak

Baby Olivia Faith Penta

Anna Pepe

Barbara Petersen

Gary Plouffe

Donna Marie Priolo

Nicole Ramaglia

Baby Aidan Reichel

Anna Reynolds

Baby Emma Grace Riccio

Isabella Rochford

Ann Sabourin

Dawn Saporito

Denise Savage Harper

George Scotti

Angela Stoner

Richard Troiano

Lloyd Turnier

Priscilla Vero

Mary Yodice

Frank Yodice

Carol Walsh

Debra Wanglin

Briana Wilson

Pray for Our Troops Pray for the Sick

Sunday, March 31, 2013 Page 6

Weekly Offering

Fiscal Year Beginning 9/1/2012

Palm Sunday, March 24, 2013 Offering $25,648 Same collection last year 24,214 Education Collection YTD This year 3,865 Last year 3,770 Rvc Cath. Relief 2013 2,710 2012 1,687

Poor Box Last Week 292

Fuel Collection YTD $5,215 Same time last year 4,755 YTD Fuel Cost 14,401 Palm Sunday Wkly. Budget. Amt. $22,000 YTD Budget $632,950

Collection Sunday 25,648 Actual YTD 649,738

Weekly Overage +3,648 YTD Overage +16,788

*Pay Down Debt Donations This Month $ 7,983 Total Funds 276,589 Less Payments made to RVC 230,000 Fund Balance $46,589

RVC Loan 605,000 Less Payment 230,000 Balance $375,000

*Includes Faith Direct Collections for March (57 Participating Households)

If you missed last week , please try to make it up this week. Thank you.

Envelope users : Please enter the amount of your donation on the envelope in the space provided. This will be a big help to us when counting the collection. Also, it is not necessary to tape or staple the envelope closed. Your help is appreciated.

Thank you, Deacon Mike DeBellis

Thank you and God Bless You Always, Fr. Mike

Respect Life Here and there….

Pennsylvania – Prosecutors yesterday opened the murder trial of a Philadelphia abortion provider by telling jurors he routinely forced women who came to him into labor and killed their babies. Dr. Kermit Gosnell faces the death penalty if convicted of first-degree murder in the deaths of seven infants allegedly born alive at his clinic. Gosnell has pleaded not guilty.

Newsday, March 19, 2 013

Umbilical cord blood, or cord blood for short, can be powerful in saving people who need bone marrow transplants for diseases such as leukemia. If a family doesn’t want to bank a newborn’s cord blood for its own potential future use, which involves annual storage fees and a collection fee, it can donate the cord blood to the public registry available to others. Otherwise, the cord is thrown away as medical waste after the birth.

The New York Blood Center’s National Cord Blood Program collects only from births at Long Island Jewish Medical Center, says Michael Zdanowski, director of operations.

However, the “Be a Match” National Marrow Donor Program has a wider network of participating hospitals, or can send par-ents a kit the hospital can use to save and deliver the blood re-motely, says Mary Halet, director of recruitment and community development for “Be the Match”. Visit marrow.org/cord to see if you are eligible; for instance, women expecting twins are not be-cause each baby has a separate immune system, Halet says. You’ll then be able to see a list of participating hospitals or how to get a remote kit. Moms-to-be also get answers to frequently asked questions.

According to Zdanowski and Halet there is no cost to donate. (It’s important that you realize, though it’s not mentioned in the article above, that umbilical cord blood contains stem cells- stem cells which could ultimately save a person’s life, and no child had to be aborted to retrieve them.) beth.whitehouse@newsday.com

Good News: Bishop Murphy reports in the LI Catholic of March 2013 that the federal Second Circuit Court in New York has up-held the legitimacy of the request of the Archdiocese of New York as well as Catholic Health Services of LI to proceed with their case that the HHS mandate violates our religious freedom as indi-viduals and as institutions. A federal court in Washington has done the same. Some other courts have denied this; this howev-er, sets the stage for an eventual U.S. Supreme Court decision.

“We bishops”, he says, “will continue to press for legislation and always are open to discussions with the Obama administration. This must be a concern not just for bishops, but for all of us.” For updates, go to www.drvc.org and www.nyscatholic.org.

Happy and Joyous Easter to you all!

St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church Page 7

Religious Education E-mail: RelEd@StJoRonk.org

Website: RelEd.StJoRonk.org

981-1805

Office Hours

Monday through Thursday

9:00 Am - 3:00 PM

St. Joseph School e-mail: school@stjoronk.org

On behalf of the Administration, Faculty and Staff of St. Joseph School we wish everyone a Happy and Blessed Easter.

This week the students prayerfully remembered Holy Week. Students in grades 2 - 8 received the sacrament of reconciliation on Monday, March 25th along with the parish

and Diocesan Day of forgiveness. Students in grades K - 8 celebrated Mass on Tuesday. All students Nursery thru Grade 8 kept Wednesday, March 27th as a very reverent day with classroom activities such as seder services, mak-ing pretzels for symbols of prayer, using the colors of jelly-beans to remind us of the many symbols of Jesus. The chil-dren had a very meaningful experiences remember this special week of our faith.

Registration for religious education classes, which begin in October, will start this month. To register a child for the first time, you can find all the forms on line at reled@stjoronk.org or call us at 981-1805 to have them sent to you. All others please return the re-registration form your child will brought home. Please register as soon as possible to be assured of the time and day that is the most convenient for you.

May the peace of the Risen Christ be with you!

Happy Easter!

Noah John Cardone

Gavin Michael Connelly

Angelina Capri Fiorentino

Anthony Christopher Fiorentino

Christopher Thomas Licari

Zoe Ann Percoco

Outreach Ministry

Feinstein Matching Grant - This foundation will match all donations made to the Outreach Program during the months of March and April. The more of a donation you send the more Feinstein money Out-reach will get. Dear Friend: My name is Alan Shawn Feinstein. For the past 12 years, I have been giving away $1 million each year to anti-hunger agencies throughout the country. This year, I am doing it again...whatever you do-nate to OUTREACH, I will add money to it. The more you give, the more of my $1 MILLION they’ll get – thanks to you! Why am I doing this? Because I believe each of us was put here on earth to do what we can to help those in need. This letter is written because we feel that YOU believe that, too. This has become the greatest grass roots campaign ever to fight hunger in our country. Your donation makes you a partner in it with me! I’m only here to give you some support and to remind you of this: That all that will matter to us someday is what we did while we were here to help those who needed us. Please give whatever you can– I will gladly add some of my money to yours. Thank you for sharing my heart, and the hope that-someday-no one will ever go hungry. Sincerely Yours, Alan Shawn Feinstein

Divine Mercy Sunday 3 PM Holy Hour — April 7, 2013

During the course of Jesus' revelations to Saint Faustina, He asked that a feast day be dedicated to the Divine Mercy on the Sunday after Easter Sunday. The liturgical texts of that day center around the Sacrament of Penance, the Tribunal of Divine Mercy, were well suited to the request of Our Lord. This feast was granted to the Universal Church by Pope John Paul II at the canonization of Saint Faustina. In a decree dated 23 May 2000, the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments stated, “Throughout the world the Second Sunday of Easter will receive the name Divine Mercy Sunday, a perennial

invitation to the Christian world to face, with confidence in divine benevolence, the difficulties and trials that mankind will experience in the years to come.”

Anointing of the Sick Mass

April 13, 2013 — 11:00 AM This Mass is celebrated twice a year for those who are preparing to undergo surgery, those who are homebound, and those who are suffering from long term illness or the effects of old age. If this applies

to you or someone you know, please plan to join us at this Mass. If you are unable to attend this Mass, please call the Rectory so that one of the priests can arrange to visit you at home.

First Friday of Easter 7:30 PM - This Friday, April 5, 2013

Holy Hour - in the Church

Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament Sung Evening Prayer

Benediction

In Thanksgiving for the Divine Mercy of Jesus

Join us in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament for Solemn Sung Evening Prayer, with music led by Chris Catalano and Voices of Faith, a Homily by Fr. Mike Maffeo, Quiet Reflection, and Benediction.

“Worship the Lord in the Beauty of Holiness.”

Easter Sunday 2013

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ Jesus:

Why do you seek the living one among the dead? Those startling words caused the puzzled women at the empty tomb to

return from the tomb and announce all these things to the eleven and to all the others. And in one extraordinary moment,

this great truth upended all human life and all human history. Peter and John ran to the tomb. Thomas could not believe

what the other disciples told him. But it is true! He is risen as He said. Nailed to a cross Jesus nailed sin and death to that

tree which by that great act became the tree of life, a bridge over death to bring us into a share in his divine life. Hail O

cross, our only hope! Hail, O Savior Divine! Your death destroyed our death. On this Easter Sunday, we proclaim you as

Lord and rejoice because your life gives us the sure promise of immortality. Let all the world rejoice. May all humankind

recognize their Savior and proclaim His resurrection. Let Alleluia be our song. Let every heart be renewed and every life

transformed. He is risen as He said!

In a particular way, Peter becomes the model for us today. Once he grasped the truth of the resurrection, he went forth to

tell the good news and to witness that God had raised this Jesus up. That transformation from a frightened man with no

hope to a witness to the resurrection became the permanent mark of the apostolic preaching of Peter. Every one of his suc-

cessors down to our new Holy Father, Pope Francis, have been steadfast in their Easter witness to the resurrection of Christ

from the dead.

Their witness reminds you and me that we too are called to be witnesses to the same truth, the same good news, the same

radical transformation that is offered to every man and woman who believes and professes that Jesus is the Lord. In this

Year of Faith, I offer you an Easter call to be witnesses of the Risen Christ. I call you to join the Holy Father, me and all my

brother bishops in communion with Francis, in being witnesses to the Resurrection by holiness of life and active love of our

neighbor, especially the poor, the marginalized, and the vulnerable whether in the womb or the nursing home. Ours is a

faith that leads to action. We are called to belong more deeply to Him and to His Church so that we can be effective serv-

ants to one another, effective bearers of Christ’s love. May that love that burst forth from the tomb that first Easter live in

your hearts and be expressed daily in your lives and the life of His Holy Church.

In the joy of Easter, I am

Your Brother in Christ,

Bishop of Rockville Centre

St Joseph

Catholic Seniors

Psst! The word is out! St. Joseph Catholic Seniors are seeking new members to join us on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month.

Meetings are held at the St. Regis Knights of Columbus on Pond Rd. at 11 am. Stop by and be our guest for a cup of coffee or tea or call Arlene at 648-3582 if you have any questions.

Outreach Resources

St. Joseph Parish Outreach Center

e-mail — sjpo@verizon.net website — http://outreach.stjoronk.org

Through your generosity we were able to help more than 128 people throughout the month of February. Financial assistance for the month of February was $858.19 In these tough economic times we are seeing people of increasing need. On their behalf, we thank you for sharing your own limited resources with your brothers and sisters. "Whenever you did it for the least of my people, you did it for me."

Parish Outreach

Emergency Resources

Response of Suffolk County

Crisis Hotline

631-751-7620 or 631-751-7500 (hotline 24 hrs./7 days)

Www.responsehotline.org

Victims Information Bureau of Suffolk—VIBS

Domestic/date violence, rape, sexual assault, & elder abuse

631-360-3730 or 631-360-3606 (24 hrs. hotline for domestic violence and rape)

Www.vibs.org or www.inforatvibs.org

Suffolk County Coalition Against Domestic Violence

631-666-8833 (hotline)

Www.sccadv.org

The Retreat

Domestic Violence

631-329-2200 (hotline 24hrs/7 days shelter)

Www.theretreatinc.org

Brighter Tomorrows

Domestic Violence

Hotline (631)395-1800

Islip Hotline

Crisis Hotline: 631-277-4700

Runaway Hotline

631-549-8700, 1-800-621-4000

American Red Cross, Suffolk County Chapter

631-924-6700

Www.redcross.org/ny/suffolk

Child Abuse

1-800-342-3720 (24-Hr.)

HIV and Aids Teen Hotline

1-800-440-TEEN (fri./Sat. 6:30PM to Midnight)

Child Health Plus Information and Referral

1-800-522-5006 (24 Hr.)

Family Resources/Support Groups

Child Care Council of Suffolk

631-362-0303

Www.childcaresuffolk.org

Family Service League of Suffolk County

631-427-3700

Www.fsl.li.org

Hope House Ministries

631-928-2377

Www.hhm.org

Islip Town Teen Parent Resource Center

631-224-9766

Suffolk County Department of Health Services

Project Hope Mothers’ Group

631-853-3035 (call for locations)

Www.co.suffolk.ny.us/health

Haven House/Bridges

631-231-3619

Www.tsli-hhb.org

Alcoholics Anonymous

631-669-1124

Gamblers Anonymous

631-586-7171

Narcotics Anonymous

631-827-9500

Life Center of L.I. - Pregnancy Care

631-243-0066

Birthright of Nassau/Suffolk

516-785-4070

Al-Anon Suffolk County

631-669-2827

info@AL-Anon-Suffolk-NY.org

Congratulations to our Winners.

Thank you for your generous support!

Calendar Club 2013

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

3/3

#879

Louis Lopez

$50

3/4

#157

Rae McDermott

$25

3/5

#1057

Gerard Johnston

$25

3/6

#351

Walter & Maxine

Katz

$25

3/7

#705

Marilyn Crisham

$25

3/8

#80

Maryanne Leitch

$25

3/9

#664

Dianna & Peter

Dunbar

$25

3/10

#710

Reno J. Staffa

$50

3/11

#52

Dcn. Mike DeBellis

$25

3/12

#866

Debbie Ambrico

$25

3/13

#1191

Sue Keller

$25

3/14

#936

Fred A,erino

$25

3/15

#1033

Henry Melchiona

$25

3/16

#213

Martin Loughlin

$25

3/17

#944

John & Maureen

Gay

$50

3/18

#216

Dianna & Peter

Dunbar

$25

3/19

#369

Ann & Chris Zoas

$50

3/20

#816

Bernadette & Dan

Murphy

$25

3/21

#896

Thomas McCann

$25

3/22

#837

Diane Thure

$25

3/23

#418

Anne Weber

$25

3/24

#367

Mr. & Mrs. T

Galgan

$50

3/25

#976

Mary & Louis

Scotti

$25

3/26

#511

Florence Buckley

$25

3/27

#1021

Virginia Coletti

$25

Holy Thursday

No Drawing

Good Friday

No Drawing

Holy Saturday

No Drawing

Golden Wedding Jubilee

On Sunday, April 14, 2013, couples married 50 years or more are invited to a special mass to be celebrated by Bishop William Murphy at the Church of Saint Lawrence the Martyr in Sayville and on Sunday, May 5 at the Church of Maria Regina in Seaford. Both liturgies will begin at 2:30 PM. Couples may register for ONE liturgy. Please pick up your registration card at the rectory, fill it out and return it to the rectory in time to reach the Diocese of Rockville Centre no later than March 28th and by April 18th for

the May 5th liturgy. Approximately one week before the ceremony, information regarding the day will be mailed to you. There will be another celebration in the fall for those who may find that more convenient. If you have any questions you may call 516-678-5800, extension 207.

Altar Servers: Boys and girls 4th grade and older are trained to assist the priest in the celebration of the sacred mysteries.

Baptismal Assistants: Some assist priest or deacon during the baptism ceremony. Others cut and sew bibs given to the babies being baptized.

Baptism Prep: Trained leaders facilitate the class to remind parents of the significance of the role they play in guiding their children in the faith.

Bereavement: This ministry meets every Thursday at 7:00 in the school library.

Boy & Girl Scouts: Adult scout leaders help to develop qualities of leadership as well as strong moral and social values.

Catholic Daughters: The main purpose of this organization is charity work mostly within the parish.

CYO: Baseball, Basketball and Track program which helps to promote sportsmanship for children, their parents and coaches through Catholic Christian ideals.

Columbiettes & Squirettes: An integral part of the Knights of Columbus raising money for charitable organizations.

Consolation: Compassionate volunteers help families in making arrangements for the funeral mass of a loved one.

Evangelization: To become aware of our Christian Calling. To be a Christian means to be a Proclaimer and an Evangelizer. We proclaim the Good News with our lives. “Each One Reach One”

Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion: Formal Diocesan training required to assist in the distribution of Holy Communion at Mass and to the homebound.

Gardening: Anyone with a green thumb is welcome to join us as we maintain the beauty of our parish grounds.

Knights of Columbus & Squires: Members live principles of Charity, Unity, Fraternity and Patriotism and are strong volunteers in the parish and the community.

Lectors: Parishioners who read well may feel called to proclaim The Word of the Lord.

Mailing Ministry: We meet several times a year to assist in the preparation of parish mailings.

Music: We have many choirs. So if you like to sing, we invite you to join us. Anyone who plays a musical instrument may be interested in providing accompaniment.

Parish Outreach: We have food & clothing to share as well as instructions on how to attain help with medical & everyday needs.

Pre Cana: Married couples who share their faith and experience with engaged couples as they prepare for marriage.

RCIA: Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults is a process to receive people seeking full initiation into the Catholic Church,

Religious Education: Faith formation of young people ages 3-17 taught by volunteer catechists.

Right to Life: An Organization that educates people about Pro Life issues. Meetings held quarterly at St. Joseph’s.

St. Joseph’s School: Co-educational school, Nursery through Grade 8. Our mission is to educate our children through a love of learning and strength of character while contributing to the Church and the community.

St. Joseph’s Seniors: We welcome any seniors to join us on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday each month at the K of C Hall Pond Rd.

Servants of the Lord: A prayerful group meeting the 1st and 3rd Friday of each month.

Sunday School: A pre school religious education program that teaches 3, 4 & 5 year olds about our Catholic Faith. We meet during the 10:30 mass.

Ushers: They are the men and women who greet and help seat our parishioners and visitors and assist by taking the collection of your donations at mass.

Vacation Bible School: A one week program in the summer to help young children learn about the Love of Jesus through fun crafts and activities. Junior counselors are needed as well as adult volunteers.

Venturing Crew: Venturing is a youth development program for young men and women 14- 20. The dynamic relationship of the youth, adult leaders and the parish is what helps our youth peruse their special interests and grow and develop leadership skills for life.

Mass Schedule and Prayer Opportunities listed inside the front cover of the bulletin along with information of the sacraments.

Plus, we have many celebrations and fundraising events throughout the year such as, St. Joseph’s Feast Day in March, Annual Golf Outing, St. Joseph’s Parish Family Party in July, the Backward Drawing with a $10,000 Grand Prize in November, Breakfast with St. Nicholas in December and much more.

We invite you and encourage you to become involved in what ever facet of the Parish that you feel called to and please know that whatever you do, it is greatly appreciated. If you are interested and would like more information, please call the rectory, 588-8456 for contact phone numbers of selected ministries.

St. Joseph’s Parish

Take a Closer Look:

Celebrating Over 100 Years of Service

The Mother Church of the Ronkonkomas

Place in collection basket. —or— Drop off at the Rectory. —or—

Mail to St. Joseph Church, 45 Church Street, Ronkonkoma, NY 11779-3301

St Joseph Church Ronkonkoma NY 11779 Parish #146

2013 Catholic Ministries Year to Date Comparison:

This Year Last Year

Parish Goal: $105,600 $100,500

Pledged to date: $ 62,110 $ 70,777

Number of Pledges: 268 303

Percent of Goal: 62% 70%

Rebate to Parish * * * * * * * * $ 22,000

We are doing well but we are behind the pace of last year. This year our Goal is $105,600.00.

We hope that everyone will do their part to help us reach the goal so we are ‘Serving God by

Serving Others’. In doing so, we will also be helping our own parish. Last year we received a

rebate of $22,000 and we would love to be able to achieve that again this year. When we sup-

port the Catholic Ministries Appeal we are in fact, helping ourselves by helping others (it is in

giving that we receive). What a wonderful way to live our faith through sharing our gifts with

those around us and our own Parish family as well . Please give whatever you can; the only gift

too small is when you give no gift at all! Thank you for your generous support.

Venturing Crew 777

Chinese Auction

Venturing Crew 777 (Sponsored by MacArthur Busi-ness Alliance) will hold their 10th Annual Chinese Auc-tion on Saturday April 13th from 6-9pm in Fr. Carew Hall. Dessert will be served, and as always, there will be plenty of fantastic items. Please come out to support the scouts. For tickets ($5), or if you would like to make a donation, or have any questions, please call 631-981-1399.

The Boy Scouts of America's Good Turn traces back to

American businessman William D. Boyce who was lost in a

London fog. A boy offered to take Boyce to the address he

wanted and refused a tip, saying he was a Boy Scout. Boyce's

curiosity was aroused. He later had the boy take him to

Scouting's British founder, Lord Baden-Powell. From this

chance meeting, the Boy Scouts of America was born.

Among many references to the Good Turn in BSA literature is this comment

from the Boy Scout Handbook: "To people who know about Scouting, the daily

Good Turn is one of the finest features of our movement. The record of Good Turns,

small and large, that have been done by Scouts since the day Scouting was founded

is truly impressive."Scouting for Food collection began in 1988. One million Scouts

nationwide that year collected an estimated 65 million cans of nonperishable food

for people in need.

This year more than ever we need your help, due to high unemployment many

of our neighbors are in need. Please take a look at some specials on items extremely

low in Outreach pantry, of course you may donate whatever else you like.

All Food collected will go to St. Joseph’s Parish outreach Thanks.

Cub Scout Pack 272.

Stop and Shop

Please join us at our

Catholic Daughters of the

A m e r i c a s m e e t i n g

scheduled for Monday,

April 1st at 7:00 pm in

Carew Hall. We have a lot

of activities planned for

the upcoming months. Look forward to

seeing you there! Light refreshments will be

served.

St. Joseph R.C. School

Invites you to join us at the

19th Annual Dinner and Chinese Auction

Thursday, April 11, 2013 The Watermill Inn, Smithtown, NY

7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.

Featuring: Grand Raffle Baskets, Exclusive Grand Raffle Baskets

(for attending guests) Regular Raffle Baskets and Mega 50/50

Ticket Price: $50.00

Includes: Hors d'oeuvres, Choice of Entree, Dessert, Soda, Cash Bar, Coffee, Tea & DJ

Reservations are limited and must be received by March 22, 2013

Page 19

Our Youth

In Action

Venturing Events In Carew Hall after 5:00 PM Mass

Venturing is open to men and women

age 14 through 20 who have graduated

from 8th Grade. This year's crew plan is jam packed

with interesting and fun activities here at St. Joseph's

and "off-campus" as well.

Come down to our meeting and check it out.

Visit our next meetings:

Sunday, April 7

e-mail: Crew272@StJoRonk.org

phone: Advisor Mike Keller (631) 467-6468

What did you do this weekend?

Cub Scout Pack 272

Boy Scout Troop 272

St. Joseph’s Cub Scout Pack 272 and Boy Scout Troop 272

have fun, exciting, educational, character building pro-

grams for boys, age 7 through 17 (first Grade and up).

For more information or to enroll your child,

contact Dr. Louis Scotti at 656-8428

or e-mail JoinScouting@StJoRonk.org.

Pack, Troop, and Crew 272 have

a YEAR-ROUND scouting program.

CYO Sport Programs

http://stjoecyosports.com

Baseball:

Intramural (Coed, ages 5-16): Gene 588-1879

Travel * (Boys & Girls): Vinny 467-3651

Basketball:

Girls Intramural Debbie 467-6174

Clinic Division (Coed Grades K-2) Henry 467-6091

Boys Intramural(Grades 3-12) Henry 467-6091

Travel* (Boys): Vinny 467-3651

Track:

Boys & Girls, Grades K-8 Jerry 585-4048

Soccer :

Intramural Boys & Girls(ages 3-13 ) Joe 737-6299 Travel (LIJSL): Rob 721-8831

*Must register for the intramural program as well

YOUTH IN MINISTRY Every Sunday at 5:00 PM, St. Joseph’s Parish offers an up-

beat experience of celebrating Mass 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, con-

tact YIM@StJoRonk.org or call the rectory.

My salvation and my honor depend on God;

He is my mighty rock, my refuge.

Psalm 62:7

D.O.G.

DEPEND On

GOD

Interested in joining Venturing?

Want to enroll your son in

Cub Scouting or Boy Scouting?

Send an e-mail from your

Smartphone or Blackberry

while it’s on your mind to

JoinScouting@StJoRonk.org

You can scan us!

Courtesy Announcements

Charismatic Prayer Meeting - at Our Lady of the Island Shrine the fourth Wednesday of each month from 7- 9PM. Praise, worship & teaching. Contact the Shrine at 631-325-0661 for info.

Free Food for NY Seniors - The C.S.F.P. funded by USDA NYSDOH, and administered by Catholic Charities is offering free food for 6 to 12 months post partum women, children from the age of 5 up to their sixth birthday, and seniors age 60 and over, who are income-eligible. Gross monthly income for seniors: Single Senior $1,174 or less or Senior Couple $1,579 or less. For further information, and income guidelines for women & children in Nassau or Suffolk, please call 631-491-4166 or 631-491-4156.

Meals-On-Wheels - Lake Nutrition Meals-on-Wheels provides food to elderly & homebound Monday thru Friday, two meals a day. Hot meals & cold meals are available for a charge of $6 for both meals. Call 467-8948 for information.

Professional Therapy - provided by NYS licensed therapists, are available to our parish & 80 other parishes. It is provided by the Catholic Counseling Center which is independent of & not controlled or supervised by the parish or diocese. Most insurance policies are honored. For information & appointment, call Dr. Giuliani at 243-2503 or visit our website at http://thecatholiccouncelingcenter.net.

Faith & Light Mass - Friday, April 5th at 7 PM. Parish of the Holy Cross, 95 Old Nichols Rd, Nesconset. (Faith and Light is an international faith-sharing organization for people with developmental challenges and their families and care-givers.)

Diocesan Annual Bereavement Conference - Friday, April 19, 2013 (St. Joseph, Babylon) or Saturday, April 20, 2013 (St. Frances de Chantal, Wantagh) from 8:30 AM - 1:00 PM. Keynote - Allen Siegel - MA,SFO,RN - A Catholic/Interfaith Chaplain at South Nassau Communities Hospital in Oceanside. Workshop presentations include-Grief through the Eyes of an Adolescent, Re-creating My World Steps Towards Healing a Broken Heart, Songs for the Heart, What to Do After Everyone Goes Home - Making Peace with the Loneliness/Emptiness that Comes with Grief. To register please go to www.drvc-faiyh.org (bereavement ministry) or call 516-678-5800 Ext 236 or 204.

Help Wanted - The Ronkonkoma Cenacle is looking for a person to letter prayer cards and folders and to enter phone and mail orders into our database. You must have neat lettering skills, be computer literate and have good phone skills. Hours are 9am to 4:30pm. Monday to Wednesday. Please call Marilyn at 631-588-8366, ext. 137.

Page 20

Paschal Candle Memorials

If you would like to memorialize the Paschal Candle for the upcoming year please fill out and return this form with your donation of $100 to the Rectory.

Paschal Candle Memorial Name:

Address:

Telephone: Parishioner ID#

In Memory Of: