St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church

Our Mission:

We strive daily to be a community of believers, alive

in Christ. In our diversity and in a spirit of

reconciliation, we journey toward God. Our faith

finds expression in worship. Our live is the center of

care for all people. Our hope is the longed for

promise of union with God, and with each other, as

we continue the mission of proclaiming the Kingdom

at St Joseph’s in Ronkonkoma.

Come pray with us!

Masses

Saturday: 5:00pm

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

Weekdays: 7:00 & 9:00 AM* Saturday 8:00AM

*During School year Tuesday mass is at 8:45AM

Eucharistic Adoration:

Mondays 2:00 - 6:45 PM (except holidays)

First Friday 7:30—8:30 PM (Sacred Heart Devotion)

Rosary: Daily after 9:00 Mass

Reconciliation: Mon, Wed, Fri: after morning mass

Sat: after morning mass and 4:00 - 4:45 PM

St Joseph Rectory Office

45 Church Street 588-8456 Fax 471-2569

Religious Education

35 Church Street 981-1805

Director: Mrs. Maryanne Trezza

Parish Outreach

2855 Pond Rd 981-6888

Director: Mrs. Anne Kelly

St Joseph School

March 15, 2015 — Fourth Sunday of Lent

Priests

Rev. Michael J Rieder, Pastor

Rev. Juniper J. Thomas Rev. Henry Leuthardt

Rev. Peter T. Liu (retired)

Deacons

Dcn. James Altonji Dcn. Joseph Califano

Dcn. Michael DeBellis Dcn. Frank Dell’Aglio

Dcn. Michael Devenney Dcn. William Dobbins

Serving Your Sacramental Needs

The Sacrament of Baptism The Sacrament is celebrated on Sundays at 1:30 PM.

Parents, please call the parish office to arrange a

meeting with one of our priests or deacons to begin to

make arrangements.

The Sacrament of Eucharist See front cover for mass times. If you are sick for an

extended period of time or are homebound, please

contact the parish office to arrange to have someone

bring Communion to you.

The Sacrament of Confirmation School aged children can prepare for this Sacrament

by contacting our religious Education office. Adults

or older teens who have yet to be Confirmed should

contact the Parish Office

The Sacrament of Reconciliation As listed on front cover or call rectory for an

appointment with one of our priests.

The Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick This Sacrament is for the living. We celebrate this

Sacrament each Spring and Fall for those who are

chronically ill, advanced in age, or who are about to

undergo surgery or hospitalization. We can arrange

the Sacrament at other times by calling the Parish

Office..

Emergencies: call the office to arrange a visit from a

priest.

Nighttime emergencies (631) 585-1130

The Sacrament of Matrimony Bride or Groom please call the office at least six

months before your desired wedding date to begin

preparations for marriage. Please make contact with

the parish before making other wedding day plans!

The Sacrament of Holy Orders Anyone who is feeling called to service in the church

as a priest deacon or in consecrated religious life

should contact the parish office to speak to one of the

priests or deacons for guidance.

Interested in possibly becoming Catholic? Please contact the rectory to arrange a meeting to

discuss your questions. We have regular classes to

help people learn about the faith and decide if

becoming Catholic is what you and God want for you

right now. This whole process of inquiry and

potential conversion is called RCIA—The Rite of

Christian Initiation of Adults.

We will respect your personal journey with God!

Prayer and Devotion Opportunities Our Lady of Fatima Devotion

Our Lady came to Fatima with a message from God

to every man, woman and child. She promised that

the whole world would be at peace, and that many

souls would go to heaven if her requests were listened

to and obeyed.

In response to her requests, the First Saturday of each

month is devoted to Our Lady of Fatima. This

devotion includes 8:00 AM mass, a novena to Our

Lady of Fatima, the Rosary, the opportunity to

celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation, and

fellowship in Carew hall at 9:00 AM.

All are welcome at this devotion.

St Joseph 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 prayer (recollection) before our Lord present

in the Blessed Sacrament—whose 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 all

Graces (“In Him we live and move and have our

being.” Acts 17:28). God is our Father and our

Friend and is our sweet Guest.

We are called to acknowledge this great truth: God is

in each of us, our soul is His Temple.

This evening of recollection includes Exposition of

the Blessed Sacrament, praying the Psalms, Silence, a

Gospel reading and a reflection on many topics

including: the Cardinal Virtues of prudence, 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 awe & wonder in God’s

presence. The evening ends with Benediction.

Every soul, hungry and thirsty for God, is invited to

this holy hour every First Friday of the month to

adore, venerate and contemplate the Sacred Heart of

Jesus and to have a quiet dialogue with God.

St Joseph Men’s Prayer Group

We meet every Tuesday evening at 7:30 PM in the

Church where we pray the Rosary.

Afterward we move to the main vestibule for coffee,

donuts and fellowship.

This is a great opportunity to be strengthened in your

commitment as a Catholic man just by spending time

with others like you!

See you Tuesday!

March 15, 2015 — Fourth Sunday of Lent

OUR LITURGY

In the first reading, the chosen people of God are free to return to Israel. In Ephesians we hear of God’s rich mercy. Jesus teaches in the Gospel that God sent him as a sacrifice to save us. He compares his being lifted up on the cross to the bronze serpent lifted by Moses to heal the Israelites.

Altar Bread & Wine

In Loving Memory of

Gerard Johnson

Requested by

Gilda Johnson

Mass Intentions for the Week

Sunday, March 15 (Fourth Sunday in Lent)

7:00 Anita Louise Hauger (Loving Family)

9:00 Joseph J. Onufrak (Loving Mother & Family), Paul

& Lucy Shadlich (Richard & Janine Hubbard)

10:30 Antoinette Denish (Mr. & Mrs. Richard Kelly),

Clair & Jim McQuillan (Loving Family)

12:00 Stephen Brooks (Katherine Yamaguchi & David

McAteer & Family)

5:00 James Vaughn (The Newman & Attridge Families),

Carmine Ca,bria (Bob Castagna), Philomena

Esposito (Carla Caponera & Al Musher)

Monday, March 16

7:00 Lucille Pasternostro (Frances Bruno)

9:00 Feliciana Goncalves (Mr. & Mrs. Jose Pedra,

Jennie Tierno (Dcn. & Mrs Michael Devenney)

Tuesday, March 17

7:00 Edie Ryan (Loving Family)

8:45 John Kelleher (Loving Wife Eileen),

Emanuele Quarantino (Loving Wife & Family)

Providencia Gonzalez (Victor & Maria Mendez)

Wednesday, March 18

7:00 Jennifer Hartnett (Vinny & Michelle Coletta)

9:00 Rosemary & William Hughes (Loving Family),

Jennie Tierno (Eileen Kelleher)

Thursday, March 19

7:00 Josephine Scala (LIVING) (Josephine Scala),

Norman Weber (AM Rosary)

9:00 Andrew & Mary Napolitano (Loving Family),

Fr. Douglas Arcoleo (LIVING) (The Addiss Family)

Friday, March 20

7:00 Intentions of the Celebrant

9:00 Gabbiella Messina (Vito & Frank Messina & Family

Anthony Ricciardella (Monica & Thomas & Kelly)

Saturday, March 21

8:00 Carolyn Jean Hommer (Her Rosary Friends) Will

Kolibas Sr (Ron Tuscano & Textile Recovery)

5PM Charles Whal (Mr. & Mrs. Motto) & Dino

Prestigiacomo (The DiMola Family)

Sunday, March 22 (Fifth Sunday of Lent)

7:00 Intentions of the Celebrant

9:00 Joseph J. Onufrak (Loving Wife & Family),

Dec’d. Mbrs. of St. Regis K of C & Columbiettes

10:30 Lillian Albergo (Tony & Cindy Prisco), Mary

McGee (Marie Mawn)

12:00 James Vaughn ( Millie & Tom D’Agostino), Dino

Presigiacomo (Joseph & Elaine Giordano)

5:00 Salvatore Pellitteri (Loving Mom, Dad & Family)

Paul & Lucy Shadlich (Janine & Rich Hubbard)

March 15, 2015

Additional Parish and School Contact

Information

Parish Website: stjoronk.org

School Website: stjoeronkelem.org

E-mail addresses

General: Info@StJoRonk.org

Pastor: pastor@StJoRonk.org

Religious Ed: RelEd@StJoRonk.org

School: tmehern@stjoeronkelem.org

Parish Trustees

Robert Koepper Walter Poggi

Business Manager

Deacon Michael DeBellis

Music Ministry

Michael Keller, Director

Ann DeBellis, 9:00 Choir

Rectory Hours

Monday thru Friday 9:00 - 5:00 (closed for lunch

12:00 - 1:15)

Saturday 9:00 - 5:00 (closed for lunch 12:00 - 1:15)

Sunday 9:00 - 12:00

Look for Signs!

On Ash Wednesday I told a story from my days in college seminary. There was a guy whose house

job was to take care of the decorations in the chapel for all the seasons of the year. The week before

Lent began he went out and got a bunch of sand and filled big terra cotta pots with the sand. Then he

got a bunch of dead branches and stuck them in the sand in the pots and that was the decorations for

the season - dead branches. It definitely set a tone of dessert for me that Lent.

Then, a few weeks into Lent I saw something amazing - little green buds were beginning to appear on

those dead branches. I couldn’t believe it - they were dead but now they seemed to be coming to life!

I never thought of Lent as a season for miracles but that year it appeared as if I was seeing one!

As the season went on the little buds continued to appear and even grow. By Holy Week there were

little leaves on the branches.

On Holy Thursday there was a lot of activity in the chapel in the seminary. I was in the choir and we

were practicing for the celebrations over the next three days. There were altar servers going over the

different responsibilities of the liturgies and lectors going over their readings. In the midst of this I

saw the guy who was in charge of decorating the chapel at work preparing for Easter. He had a glue

gun and was gluing leaves on the branches and even starting to put flowers on them as well - it was

all a trick!!!! But it was a good one! I fell for it!

We are at a point in Lent where we might be getting tired of the “giving up” of stuff. We could be at

a turning point in Lent as a parish community.

We got hit two weeks ago with the financial realities we face as a community. But when we were

hit with that we were also invited to put our trust in God to take care of us every day. But now

two weeks later we could be overwhelmed with the reality that this situation is going to be with us

for a very long time.

We just had a parish retreat experience and you may have found that to be a positive experience.

But now we just have a long haul between now and Easter.

So what do we do?

Now is the time for us to start to look for the buds! We have had a long and harsh winter (even

though the first part of January was pretty mild). But new life is beginning to sprout in the promise of

spring - which is also the promise of the resurrection! Last Monday evening Fr. Henry and I had the

joy of seeing a cardinal perched in a hedge outside our dining room window for a few minutes. It was

wonderful to see the bright red of its feathers instead of the gray of old dirty snow.

But that reminded me to start to look for signs of new life in my heart too! On Ash Wednesday we

marked ourselves with death - ashes. But as we did it, we also marked ourselves with hope - as

Christians we know that the resurrection follows every experience of death. So as we began our

journey of self denial in Lent we hopefully planted the seeds of new life in our hearts at Easter.

So as the winter seems to drag on in this month of transition...as Lent seems to drag on and our

promises and penitential practices begin to feel like burdens, it is time for us to look forward with

hope - to look for signs of new life that comes to us at Easter.

Look around!

Look for the first crocus or the first daffodil begin to break through the soil.

Look for the first robin of spring.

Look for buds on the branches in your yard that appear to be dead.

Look for the first full moon of spring (that always happens in Holy Week!)

But when you see these things, do two other things:

Tell someone what you saw and how it gave you hope - the Good News needs to be shared!

Look into your heart and ask God to give you the gift of new life as Easter begins to bloom!

Enjoy the rest of this wonderful season of promise that we call Lent!

Mark Your Calendar!

Set Your Clock!

Easter is April 5. This year we are

planning a Sunrise Mass!

We are still working on a permit for the

beach but they have us “penciled in”.

If all goes well we will celebrate the

rising of the Son at sunrise at

Ronkonkoma Beach so we will see the

sunrise over the lake.

Sunrise is at 6:31 so mass will begin

at 6:15.

If the weather doesn’t cooperate (or if

we run into a glitch with the Town of

Islip and don’t get our permit) we will

have the mass here in the church.

Why a sunrise mass?

Two reasons:

First, it was early in the morning

when they found the empty tomb.

We commemorate that event by

gathering in prayer early in the

morning.

Second, Easter is the most important

day on our calendar - the

resurrection of Jesus made

everything in our world different!

So maybe we ought to do something

different to celebrate this event. So

get up early! Come in your PJ’s if

you want! But make the day

different. After the celebration you

can go home and take a nap before

you get involved in family

celebrations.

Who knows? Maybe this will be the

beginning of a new parish (and

family) tradition

Important Announcement for those who

attend daily mass!

Thursday March 19 is our Feast Day!

St Joseph School will be celebrating the

feast day by attending mass.

The morning mass on

Thursday, March 19

Being Transparently Present at Sunday Mass

One of the first things I teach Altar Servers is that

we need to be transparent. Of course I have to

explain that this means “see-through”. In other

words it is fine for people to look up at mass and

say to themselves, “Isn’t it nice that Greg or Lester

is up there serving.” But they shouldn’t have an

opportunity to say, “Wow, Greg and Lester are

fooling around instead of doing their job.” I teach

them that our presence should add to the celebration

– never take away or distract from it. Each member

of the community shares this call to be transparent

while we are praying together. How we are present

at mass should not distract or take away from the

celebration.

What gets in the way of being transparent?

One embarrassing distraction that can happen at any

time is to have your cell phone ring. Please

remember to silence your phone as you come in.

Unfortunately some don’t find this embarrassing - I

have seen people texting during mass. Honestly I

can’t imagine any text so important that it needs to

interrupt your prayer.

As we move into the spring and summer months the

way we dress can also be a distraction. I once saw

(in another parish) a pre-teenaged girl with shorts

that had the word “juicy” across her butt. I would

never want my daughter to wear that and it was a

distraction at mass for many. I have also seen T-

shirts with sayings on them that are kind of “R”

rated which would also be a distraction.

Parishioners frequently tell me they are distracted

by the way people come to mass.

I just want to ask everyone to ask yourself (and your

family) as you get ready to come to church, “Is

there anything about what I am wearing that might

be a distraction to people around me?” If so, you

would be doing these people a great favor by

making a minor change so we can all be

transparently present to one another and to God.

Glorify the Lord by your life!

Respect Life

Sunday, March 15, 2015

Weekly Offering

Fiscal Year Beginning 9/1/2014 - 8/31/15

Sunday, March 8, 2015 Offering $16,988 (Includes Faith Direct ($1,580)

Last Year $21,947 Poor Box Last Week $— Dio. Catholic Relief YTD 2015 $1,776 YTD 2014 $2,294 Education Collection YTD 2015 $1,886 YTD 2014 $1,753

*Pay Down Debt Donations Additions This Month $ —— Total Funds 448,960 Less Payments made to RVC 425,000 Fund Balance $23,960

RVC Loan 605,000 Less Payment 425,000 Balance $180,000

*Includes Faith Direct Collections for February (77 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

.The United States House of Representatives had a golden opportunity to take a stand for the unborn..but they didn’t.

Just a few weeks ago, the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act was poised to pass in the U.S. House, but it didn’t.

If it had passed, countless babies in the womb old enough to feel pain, the pain of abortion, would have been one step closer to the legal protection they need.

Our representatives refused to take a stand for the unborn, even knowing that hundreds of thousands of Americans want them to; especially after the March for Life in Washington which drew thousands of people to demand equality for the unborn. People who oppose this inhumane and barbaric practice, and who will never give up; people like you and me who oppose our Governor’s extremist legislation – he has promised that his abortion expansion agenda will be on the table once again this year.

You may want to join a pro-life cause or get in touch with your elected representatives; letting them hear from you, a voter, gives them direction.

Parting Thought

“Few men are willing to brave the disapproval of their fellows, the censure of their colleagues, the wrath of their society.

Moral courage is a rarer commodity than bravery in battle or great intelligence. Yet it is the one essential, vital quality for those who seek to change a world which yields most painfully to change”.

Robert F. Kennedy, 1966 speech

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

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

LTCOL Gregory Mueller, USMC

LCPL Thomas Napolitano

LCPL Michael Napolitano

LCPL James Neubauer

SGT Brian Pacell

CPT Stephen Bartoszak

PFC Matthew Pandolfi

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 SPC Darian L. Clark/Army

SAMN Bill Ried

CPL Michael Casonova

SPEC4 David Cooper

ENS Michael Cristiano, USN

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

PVT Chris Dorn, Army

SSGT Ray C. Sigman ll

CPL Sean Rainone, USMC

SGT Thomas Lupo

SSGT Mike Hengerle, USMC

Kelly R. Denimarck ENS Navy

SFC James Munro Army

CPL Kristen M. Saporito USMC

Captain Sean Lavigne USAF

LCPL Daniel Pfeifer USMC

MSGT Thomas J. Valentino USAF

CSM Lawrence Doughterty, USArmy

PFC Thomas Conran USArmy

SRA Matthew Maisano USAF

SPJonathan G. Romano USANG

PFC Daniel R. Hayes USMC

PFC Allecia N. Ahearn USMC

Lt. James Ciccarello US ARMY

Sal Evangelista, US ARMY

Nick Vicale SFC ARMY

PFC. Michael A. Davison USMC

CAPT. Glenn Miller

—REMEMBER THOSE WHO HAVE DIED— Giacomina Raicovi, Barbara Koziuk, James Batjer, Carmella Streffacio, Jeanine Walsh, Reno Staffa, James Barrett

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

Lynn Abe-Zaid

Louise Alessandro

Frank Ambrosio

Philip Ambrosio

Robert Aglialoro

Olivia Bender

Anthony Bernardo

Jeffrey Bratisax

Janet Belz

Mary Ann Bonitz

Elaine Catenaccio

Louise Cipolla

Martin Condit

Cathy Connolly

Eileen Cross

Rick Crotta

Csaba Csaszar

Michael D’Orio

Joanne DeBellis

Michael DePinto

Rita Diubaldo

Christine DiFilippo

Eva Dayton

Sharon T. Eichler

Lois & Michael Emma

Sally & Phil Enright

Donna Evers

Jason Falco

Philip Fava

Amelia Fava

Helen Fenyak

Mary & Frank Ferrigno

Robert Filce

Patrick Flynn

Roseanne Gabriel

Patricia Geiser

Loretta Gerstner

Michael Heuler

Edward Hoffman

David Hoffman Sr.

Jasper & Margaret Indelicato

Richard & Thomas Jankay

Emily Jensen

Kevin Krivacsy

MaryJo L’Ambrose

Alfred LaRocca

Kevin Latini

Grace Loud

Louis Lopez

Ida Lucivero

Vito Lucivero

Agnes Ludwigson

Carolyn Martins

Pamela Makely

Andrea Maloney

Philip Masi

Isabel McAdams

Maureen Melchiona

Dana Monteanu

Helene Nieswandt

Joseph Nicosia

Joanora O’Donnell

Joseph Olivieri

Helen Onufrak

Anna Pepe

Eileen Perrino

Barbara Petersen

Dorothy Pistritto

Joan Plouffe

Donna Marie Priolo

Kathy Purcaro

Nicole Ramaglia

Evelyn Rosario

Victoria Rosenblum

Mary Ann Rossi

Angela Russo

Mary Ann Russo

Ann Sabourin

Norma Salazar

Franciso Sanchez

Dawn Saporito

Linda Savage

Denise Savage Harper

Joan Scanlon

Ben Scannella

Krista & Nancy Schramm

Nancy Schramm

Maryann Schaudel

Janet Shapiro

Jamie Smith

Michele Smith

Dennis Staufenberg

Abe Stegman

Angela Stoner

Richard Stroup

Matthew Swenson

Richard Tizzard

George Tizzard

Analea Torborg

Richard Troiano

Lloyd Turnier

Regina Turnier

Anna Urizzo

James Waldner Sr.

Linda Weber

Peter Wrins

Joseph Yasso

Richard Zwirblis

Pray for Our Troops Pray for the Sick

Golden Wedding Jubilee

On Sunday, April 19, 2015, 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, April 26th 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 April 6th and by

April 13th for the April 26th 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.

2015 Catholic Ministries Appeal

Comparison as of 3/3/2015

2014 Goal : $107,800

2015 Goal: $110,000

2014 Pledges #202

2015 Pledges #184

2014 Amount Pledged $50,256

2015 Amount Pledged $49,578

2014 Percent of Goal 46.5%

2015 Percent of Goal 45%

“For God so loved the world that He gave

His only son, that everyone who believes in

Him might not perish but might have eternal

life. For God did not send His Son into the

world to condemn the world, but that the

world might be saved through Him.”

Three Pillars of Lent Prayer, Fasting, Almsgiving

During Lent, we are asked to focus more in-

tently on Almsgiving which means “donating

money and goods to the poor and performing

other acts of Charity”. Giving alms to the

poor is a witness to fraternal charity: it is al-

so a work of justice pleasing to God.

(Catechism of the Catholic Church, n.2462)

Making a pledge to the Catholic Ministries

Appeal is a perfect way to give Alms during

Lent. We ask that you please Pray about it;

ask yourself-what can you give up (Fast from)

during Lent that will allow you to give Alms

by making a pledge to the Catholic Ministries

Appeal. May this Lent be your best ever—

Pray. . . Fast. . . give Alms.

Make Checks payable to the Catholic Ministries Appeal mail to PO Box 4000 Rockville Centre NY 11571-4000 or return to rectory

If you wish to use Credit Card please call: 516-379-5210 ext 2 or

Log on to WWW.CATHOLICMINISTRIESAPPEAL.ORG

Name: _________________________________________________________________

Address:____________________________________City:________________Zip_____

Pledge: $______ Payment: $______ Enclosed: $______ Bill me: Monthly or Quarterly

Parish: St. Joseph’s Ronkonkoma #146

LEVEL6 SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION- Monday, March 16, 2015

Remember to bring the attendance card that was mailed home, labeled with your

name. It is collected at the Church and used for attendance purposes.

Students attending Tuesday class arrive at 7:15PM, Wednesday class

arrive at 7:30PM, and Thursday class arrive at 7:45PM

LEVEL 6 & ST1 VISIT TO TEMPLE BETH CHAI

Monday, March 23, 2015, 6:50pm-8:00pm

870 Townline Rd., Hauppauge, NY 11788

Remember to bring the attendance card that was mailed home, labeled with

your name. It is collected at the Temple and used for attendance purposes.

Parents are encouraged to attend. Students will only be dismissed to a parent.

RELGIOUS EDUCATION NEWS…

LEVEL 4 FAMILY MASS- Sunday, March 15, 2015, 10:30AM Mass

Remember to place your Works of Mercy slip in the

Offertory (collection) basket at Mass.

LEVEL ONE ACTIVITY - March 16, 2015, 4:45 or 6:45pm

Student attendsat their assigned time. See your Table Monitor for attendance and further

instruction.

LEVEL ONE PRAYER RECITATION & BOOK-CHECK-Saturday, March 21, 10:30am-12:00pm

Prayers are recited to a priest, deacon, or catechist and books are checked for completion.

This year, the parents of parish religious education children were asked to teach

basic grade level prayers to their child which would later be recited to the cate-

chist. Praying as a family surely nurtures a child’s relationship with Christ and

should include personal, informal prayer. A parent has a golden opportunity to

witness their own faith to their child and develop the child’s Catholic identity.

Recently while listening to a group of parents speak about their families and their weekly activi-

ties, I was reminded about the very fast past and oftentimes overwhelming obligations of today’s

family. Although their families and activities were varied, they did have one overriding activity in

common — they spent a great deal of time in the car! I suggested using this time together to learn

their prayers. And for those personal and very special intentions, you might include the following:

Bless us on this outing, help us be grateful for the gifts you give us, bless this meal that we share

(yes, many dinners are eaten in the car), help us remember to pray for those who have no food,

help us to do our best today, thank you for the family and friends we have, and Lord please help

us remember to go out of the way to help someone today. End your prayer with these or similar

words: we ask this in Jesus' name. Amen.

Congratulations to our Winners.

Thank you for your generous support!

Calendar Club 2015

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

3/1

#691

Walter Poggi

$50

3/2

#620

George & Marie

Hunt

$25

3/3

#157

Walter Poggi

$75

3/4

#596

Marty & Melanie

Loughlin

$25

3/5

#124

Nora Faretta

$25

3/6

#574

Fran & Al Yoli

$25

3/7

#484

Katherine

Yamaguchi

$25

Cenacle Retreat All women are invited to join the St. Regis Columbiettes on March 22nd at the Cenacle for the Annual Re-treat from 2 pm to 6 pm. Cost is $45 per person with dinner includ-ed. Keynote speaker is Fr. Glenn Sudano CFR, mass included. If you are interested, please call Geri Devenney 631-419-6856 or

631-553-3734.

Chinese Auction Venturing Crew 777

Venturing Crew 777 (Sponsored by MacArthur Business Alliance) will hold their 12th Annual Chinese Auction on Saturday April 11th from 6-9 PM in Fr. Carew Hall. Dessert will be served, and as always, there will be plenty of fantastic items. Please come out to support scouts. For tickets ($5), or if you would like to make a donation, or have any questions, please call 631-981-1399.

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:

LECTORS WANTED!

To parishioners of Confirmation age or higher:

Are you reasonably comfortable addressing large groups?

Do you speak and read clearly – with confidence, strength,

passion, and certain knowledge of what you speak or say?

Do you feel a calling – a vocation – to become God's

instrument in proclaiming His Word to His people?

Do you believe you can truly bring Scripture alive to the

listener; and are you willing to spend a half-hour or more

in practice (before each assignment) to assure a smooth,

effective, and vibrant proclamation?

If your answer to all of the above is "Yes," then your

parish needs you!

On an evening in mid-March, a two-hour Lector Training

session will be held in the rectory.

Interested? Call Greg Walsh at 585-4524.

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 Outreach will get. Dear Friend: My name is Alan Shawn Feinstein. For the past 14 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 donate 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

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 166 people throughout the month of February. 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

631-689-6262

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

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.

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 meeting:

March 15th Tonight

March 22nd

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 4-16): Gene 588-1879

Travel * (Boys) Vinny 543-4100

Basketball:

Girls Debbie 467-6174

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

Boys Grades 3-12) Vinny 543-4100

Travel* Vinny 543-4100

Track:

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

Soccer :

Intramural Boys & Girls(ages 3-13 ) Joe 585-0748 Travel (LIJSL): Rob 721-8831

Softball: Dennis 467-6174

*Must register for the intramural program as well

My salvation and my honor depend on God;

He is my mighty rock, my refuge.

Psalm 62:7

D.O.G.

DEPEND On

GOD

PRAY FOR THE SICK ___________________________________

Name of person who is ill

_____________________________ _________________________ Person making this request: Relationship to ill person

(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)

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.

Professional Therapy - provided by NYS licensed therapists, are available to our parish & 148 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

Spiritual Care Companion - Would you like to lean to become a Spiritual Care Companion sharing your time and presence for hose hospitalized, living in nursing homes, homebound or adults with special needs? Catholic Health Services of Long Island sponsors this free three-weekend training. Trainings: Saturday, March 14th, 28th and April 11th from 9:15 - 3:30. (Bring bag lunch). To register, please contact Carol Cella at (631) 465-6307 or Christine Torns at (631) 465-6306 or Jo-Andrew D’Alessandro Accary at (631) 465-6308.

The Feast of Saint Joseph

Our Parish Patron Saint

Thursday, March 19th is the Feast of

St. Joseph, our Parish Patron. We will celebrate with a special dinner in

Carew Hall on Saturday, March 21st following the 5 PM Mass. While there

is no charge, reservations are necessary, so please call the Rectory

and leave your name, the number of people attending and your phone

number.

Prayer to St. Joseph

Saint Joseph, Patron of the Universal

Church, watch over the Church as

carefully as you watched over Jesus.

Help protect it and guide it as you

did with your adopted Son.

Amen.