MassesSSaattuurrddaayy EEvvee 5:00PMSSuunnddaayy 7:30, 9:00, 10:30AM,

12Noon and 4:30PMDDaaiillyy 7:15, 8:45 AMSSaattuurrddaayy 8:45 AM

Pastoral TeamPPaassttoorrFather Chuck Romano

PPaassttoorr EEmmeerriittuussMsgr. William V. Singleton (1924-2012 RIP)

AAssssoocciiaattee PPaassttoorrFather Frank EiseleFather James Isabakaki

DDeeaaccoonnssDeacon Robert C. Campbell, OFSDeacon Thomas Wm. Connolly, T.O CarmDeacon Guy DonzaDeacon Thomas J. Malone Jr.

PPaassttoorraall AAssssoocciiaattee,, YYoouutthh && PPaarriisshh SSoocciiaall MMiinniissttrryyDeacon Richard W. LaRossa, S.F.D.

SScchhooooll PPrriinncciippaallSr. Ruthanne Gypalo, I.H.M.

DDiirreeccttoorr ooff RReelliiggiioouuss EEdduuccaattiioonnMrs. Evelyn Contaldi

BBuussiinneessss MMaannaaggeerrThomas J. Donovan

SSoouutthh NNaassssaauu HHoossppiittaall CChhaappllaaiinnFather Anthony Chido Osuagwu

Parish StaffMMuussiicc MMiinniissttrryy FFoollkk GGrroouuppLaura Garbitelli Rob Drummond

HHaanndd BBeellll CChhooiirrSe-beng Koh

PPllaanntt MMaannaaggeerrSteve Bennett

PPaarriisshh SSeeccrreettaarryyAnnamarie Reilly

BBuulllleettiinn EEddiittoorrPauline Birmingham

The Parish ofThe Parish of

St. RaymondSt. RaymondA Eucharistic Community ofA Eucharistic Community ofFaith, Love and FriendshipFaith, Love and Friendship

Sunday, December 15, 2013

263 Atlantic Avenue, East Rockaway, NY 11518 516-593-5000

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Saint Raymond R.C. Church Page 1

Welcome To Our Parish Family!

Not registered? Please stop by our rectory during office hours to be included in our parish family.

Rectory

Office Hours are Monday—Friday from 9:00am - 5:00pm. Please call ahead for an appointment.

Telephone Numbers

Rectory………………………………………...…...593-5000 Rectory Fax…… ……………………………...…..887-0554 St. Raymond School………………………….…...593-9010 St. Raymond School Fax……………………..…..593-0986 Religious Education Office……….……………....593-9075 Religious Education Office Fax….……………….593-1156 Parish Social Ministry…………….…..……….…..887-9197 Parish Social Ministry Fax……….…..……….…..593-6278

Web Site: www.SaintRaymonds.org

E-Mail: StRayRcc@optonline.net

Pastoral Care Of The Sick

Holy Communion— Available to the homebound.

Devotions

Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament Thursdays from 1:00-4:00pm in Our Lady’s Chapel.

Nocturnal Adoration First Fridays from 8:00-9:00pm.

Miraculous Medal Novena Saturdays following 8:45am Mass.

Confessions

Saturdays from 3:30-4:30pm, or by appointment.

Baptisms

Baptisms are celebrated the 2nd and 4th Sundays of the month. Please call the Rectory for an appointment.

Bereavement Support Group

Call the rectory office for meeting times.

Marriages

Engaged couples are encouraged to call the Rectory a year in advance of their wedding date to assure adequate time to participate in preparation programs for the Sacrament of Marriage.

Prayer Groups

Charismatic Prayer Group: Every Tuesday at 7:30pm in the rectory basement meeting room (MWMR). Men’s Prayer Group: Every 4th Friday at 8:00pm in Our Lady’s Chapel.

Music Ministries

Children’s Choir: Sings at the 9:00 Mass on the 3rd Sunday of the month from September—June, and meets for practice every Tuesday at 5:00pm in the school auditorium. Choir (Adult): Sings at 10:30am Mass on Sunday from September—June, and meets for practice on Wednesday evenings at 7:30pm in the church. Folk Group: Sings at 12 Noon Mass on Sundays from September—June, and meets for practice on Wednesday evenings at 7:30pm in the rectory basement. Hand Bell Choir: Plays at the 5:pm Mass on the 4th Saturday of the month from September—June, and meets for practice on Thursday evenings at 7:30 in the church.

This Week In Our Parish

MONDAY, December 16th 1:00pm—Human Life Comm. Meeting MWMR 7:30pm—RCIA MWMR 7:30pm—Sodality of Our Lady Meeting Cafeteria TUESDAY, December 17th 5:00pm—Children's Choir Practice Auditorium 7:30pm—Charismatic Prayer Group MWMR WEDNESDAY, December 18th 7:00pm—School Christmas Concert Auditorium 7:30pm—Families Anonymous Cafeteria THURSDAY, December 19th 7:30pm—Handbell Choir Practice Church FRIDAY, December 20th 7:30pm—Boy Scouts Gym SATURDAY, December 21st 3:30pm—Confessions Church

If you or someone you know was affected by Hurricane Sandy

WE ARE HERE TO HELP …

Project Hope provides one-to-one or group counsel-ing services wherever you wish to have them: in your home, place of work, community centers, schools or houses of worship. At a time of crisis, during holidays and at anniversaries of the event, many people find it helpful to have someone who cares, someone who listens. Along with providing support, Project Hope counselor’s helps individuals to understand their reac-tions to the disaster and its aftermath. We help you to think about options and to find people or agencies that can assist with any disaster-related problems. Project Hope counselors are available to meet at your home or public meeting spot.

Support groups at the East Rockaway Library, on Tuesdays 12-1:30pm & 6:30pm-8pm.

Counselors available at Little Pebbles on Fridays, from 4-6pm.

You can reach Project HOPE at: (516) 870-1605

Family Residences & Essential Enterprises, Inc.

Defensive Driving Course

Where: St. Raymond School Cafeteria When: Saturday, January 11, 2014 Time: 9am-3:30pm Cost: $50.

For reservations, call Rose Giglio at the school office: 593-9010

Fr. Chuck’s Corner

Saint Raymond R.C. Church

Page 2

our regular schedule of Masses, there is today’s

monthly Family Mass at 9am. Following this Mass is

the blessing of the “parish crèche” on the front

lawn. Then there is an extended Hospitality Sunday

in the school cafeteria sponsored by the Sodality of

Our Lady. Plenty of yummy treats and refreshments

are waiting for you to taste them after the 9am,

10:30am and 12noon Masses. Make sure you stop by

to share in the goodies and spend some time with fam-

ily and friends. Our Children’s Choir will be there to

lead us in some Christmas Carol singing. Also during

the hospitality time, the Christmas Plant Orders can

be picked up by everyone who placed an order. Don’t

forget to come and get your plant items. And then

there will be the Christmas Cash 50/50 drawing at the

end of hospitality time. Half the money raised by the

drawing will go to the luck winner. Chances will be

available for sale in the cafeteria right up to the

drawing time. Going into today the pot is over

$9000. Don’t miss out on a great chance to win some

big bucks. Our Gaudete Sunday celebration will

come to an end most fittingly with a presentation of

Lessons and Carols by our Adult Choir starting at

7pm in the church. Join us for this scriptural and mu-

sical highlight that is a surefire way to spiritually pre-

pare for Christmas. Come and bring a friend!

This coming Tuesday, December 17th, there will

be a special Advent Penance Service with Confes-

sions celebrated in our church at 7:30pm. The Sacra-

ment of Reconciliation is a very appropriate part of

every Catholic’s spiritual preparation for getting ready

during Advent. Join us Monday evening to experience

this healing sacrament of God’s enduring forgiveness

and love. Once again we will have the “No Questions

Asked” format whereby you simply make your con-

fession and receive the words of absolution spoken by

the priest. Jesus would love to see you there.

Please remember to take home a copy of the bulle-

tin when you leave Mass today. It contains many

items of interest and invitation especially concerning

all of the above mentioned happenings for the Third

Week of Advent here at St. Raymond’s. Keep a copy

of the bulletin at home each week for quick and easy

reference.

Have a great week. Keep waiting but now put

some real joy and Christmas anticipation into it

too. And remember: When you stop believing in

Santa Claus is when you start getting clothes for

Christmas. God’s continued Advent blessings be

yours always.

—Father Chuck

Greetings and God’s Gaudete Blessings be yours

on the Third Sunday of Advent! Unexpected things

are going on here in today’s readings. Deserts are

blooming. The usually weak are becoming

strong. Dormant senses are coming to life. Long

time exiles are returning. In the first reading from

Isaiah it says: “Those whom the Lord has ran-

somed will return and enter Zion singing, crowned

with everlasting joy; they will meet with joy and

gladness, sorrow and mourning will flee.” Then in

James’ letter, patience is required: “You too must be

patient. Make your hearts firm, because the com-

ing of the Lord is at hand.” Yet there is some-

thing jarring in Matthew’s gospel. John the Baptist,

who was so confident in Jesus as the Messiah, is now

asking questions. He and his disciples aren’t sure

what to make of all these wonderful events so they

fire off this question to Jesus: “Are you the one who

is to come or shall we look for another?” Jesus

says in reply that John, who is great now will be-

come the least. So what gives? Perhaps the scrip-

tures are telling us this year to get past some of the

old familiar attitudes toward Christmas and look for

something different?

We call the Third Sunday of Advent- “Gaudete

Sunday” which means “rejoice” and comes from

the first word of the Entrance Antiphon from to-

day’s Mass. We are to “Rejoice in the Lord al-

ways.” Like Lent, Advent is by nature a penitential

season which is why the liturgical color is pur-

ple. But on Gaudete Sunday, having passed the

midpoint of the season, the Church lightens the

mood a bit. The priest may now wear rose colored

vestments and the Advent Wreath candle is also a

rose or pink colored one. It is meant to encourage us

to continue our spiritual preparation for Christmas;

especially in prayer, fasting and good works. Now is

the time to decorate for Christmas and bless the

crèches and nativity scenes that we have in our

homes and churches. Our two pronged approach of

preparation should be in full swing- to celebrate the

birthday of Jesus on Christmas, when the Christ-

child was welcomed into the world and also getting

ready for Jesus’ second coming at which time great

and wonderful things will occur. So in both kinds

of preparing for Advent there should always be a joy

and gladness in the promised Savior which should

never be absent from our hearts.

As we celebrate Gaudete Sunday at St. Ray-

mond’s today we have a wide array of activities to

mark this special Third Sunday of Advent. Besides

Saint Raymond R.C. Church

Page 3

An Evening of Lessons & Carols

Presented by..

ST. Raymond’S ChoiR

Celebrate the Miracle !

Sunday, December 15th 7:00pm

St. Raymond Church 263 Atlantic Ave., East Rockaway

Laura Garbitelli, Director

Eric Williams, Organist

Keep Christ in Christmas!

Christmas 2013

Confessions Schedule

Saturday, December 14th Confessions in the Church

3:30-4:03 p.m.

Tuesday, December 17th 7:30 p.m. Communal Penance Service

in the Church

Saturday, December 21st Confessions in the Church

3:30-4:03 p.m.

Christmas Mass Schedule

Christmas Eve Tuesday, December 24th

5:00 p.m 8:00 p.m. (Folk Group)

10:30 p.m. (Choir Carol Service) 11:00 p.m. (Mass ending at Midnight)

Christmas Day Wednesday, December 25th

9:00 a.m., 10:30 a.m. & 12 Noon (No Evening Mass on Christmas Day)

Solemnity of Mary New Year’s Eve

Tuesday, December 31st 5:00 p.m., 7:30 p.m.

New Year’s Day Wednesday, January 1st

9:00 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 12 Noon

Christmas Masses of Remembrance

Many people like to request the intention for a Mass on Christmas Day. Since there are a limited number of Masses for Christmas, all requests are not able to be fulfilled.

Therefore, there will be a special Novena of Masses for Christmas that will be the Christmas Masses of Remembrance. Those whom you would like will be remembered at all the Masses during the Christmas season. Special envelopes have been mailed with the regular envelope packet and in the Christmas mailing to all parishioners. They are also available on the front side pews and on the back pews by the doors of the church. Simply fill out the intention you wish to have remembered on the front of the envelope, include your donation and either mail it back, drop it in the Sunday Mass collection or place it in one of the wooden boxes marked “Christmas Masses.” Please do so by Tuesday, December 24th, Christmas Eve. Thank you.

Saint Raymond R.C. Church

Page 4

Blessing of the Creche

The blessing of our outdoor crèche will take place immediately following the 9:00am Family Mass today, Sunday, Dec. 15th. Be sure to stop by the school cafeteria for the Gaudete celebration afterwards! Bring the whole family!

Today, December 15th, is the Third Sunday of Advent, takes the name “Gaudete Sunday” to emphasize that having reached the halfway point of Advent it is time to focus on “rejoicing.” As part of our parish rejoicing for Gaudete Sunday, we will have a special Gaudete Hospitality throughout the day from 10am until 2:00pm in the School Cafeteria. There will be refreshments, carols, the picking up of Christmas Plant orders, the pulling of the winning Christmas Cash ticket at 2:00pm and other “Gaudete Surprises.” So make plans to stop by after Mass to get in the spirit of Advent Rejoicing that will lead to Christmas Joy.

GAUDETE SUNDAY

Christmas 2013

Sponsor a Family Program

If you can possibly share Christmas Blessings with a family ...

...please call St. Raymond’s Parish Social Ministry at 887-9197; additional details will be provided.

“No Questions Asked”

Advent Penance Service With confessions

Tuesday, Dec. 17th, 7:30pm St. Raymond Church

A gentle way to come back to

this healing sacrament.

PARISH BULLETIN BOARD

Saint Raymond R.C. Church

Page 5

To Jesus Through Mary

The Sodality of Our Lady

Mary said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done unto me according to your word.” Luke 1:38

The Sodality of Our Lady receives corporate Communion today at the 10:30am Mass. This Sunday the Sodality of Our Lady will be hosting the Hospitality at the Gaudete celebration. We invite everyone to come to the cafeteria starting at 10:00am to enjoy coffee and breakfast. You can also pick up your wreath and plant orders. Don‘t forget to stay for the Christmas Cash drawing. Father Chuck will pick the winning ticket at 2:00pm. Our monthly meeting will take place Monday December 16

th in the school cafeteria at 7:30pm, the

doors open at 6:45pm. After the business portion of the meeting, we will be having our annual Christmas party. Chairladies Joan Rice and Loretta Broughal have plenty in store for us. Each table is asked to bring whatever they decide they would like to eat. We also ask each table to bring 2 desserts for a communal dessert buffet. Paper goods, coffee, tea and ice will be provided. Exchanging grab bag gifts will be up to the discretion of each table or you can donate $10 per person and donate to your favorite Charity. The Sodality of Our Lady extends a warm welcome to all new members and extends an invitation to all the ladies in the Parish to join us.

As the celebration of our Savior’s birth draws near, the members of the Sodality

of Our Lady would like to wish everyone in our parish family a Blessed Christmas.

Pastoral Council…

Pastoral Council Members

Jim Caffrey (Pres.) Michaelena Cooper, Karen Gonyon, Michael Palumbo, Mary Murphy (Secretary),

Tom Schnaidt, Christopher Simeti, Liz Tortorella (VP), Irene Villacci, Fr. Chuck Romano

St. Raymond Human Life Committee

Spiritual Adoption Program Sixth Month Developing Baby

Although your spiritually adopted baby is growing rapidly, your baby's organs are still developing. The baby's skin is bright pink, covered with a heavy protective creamy ointment "vernix". His eyelids separate, eyelashes form and the eyes

are partially opened. The baby's weight is about two pounds. Any baby born at this time has a very good chance of surviving. Today, medical advances in car-ing for extremely small new-born infants are extraordi-nary. About nine out of ten babies will now survive with intensive care services. As this spiritually adopt-ed child is being formed by our loving God, please continue to be faithful in your prayers for him or her, so that the parents will choose life for their little one. Remember, the taking of innocent life in the womb through abortion is legal in America, up to and including the ninth month of pregnancy. We would like to acknowledge and thank Fr. Chuck for his continuing support of our Committee's pro-life work and the annual "Vigil for Life". Thanks also to those who joined with us in prayer, supplication and devotion to Our Lord on behalf of His little ones. We trust that one day, through God's grace and our na-tion's openness to His Will, that all of His children, from conception to natural death, will be treasured and protected.

Next Monthly Meeting: Monday, Dec. 16th, 1pm - 2:30pm;

Rectory lower level, Msgr. Walsh Meeting Rm. All are invited and needed!

Prayer for Religious Freedom

Almighty God, Father of all nations, for freedom you have set us free in Christ Jesus. (Gal. 5:1) We praise and bless you for the gift of religious

liberty, the foundation of human rights, justice, and the common good. Grant to our leaders the wisdom to protect and promote our liberties; by your grace

may we have the courage to defend them, for ourselves and for all those who live in this blessed land. We ask this through the intercession of Mary Immaculate, our

patroness, and in the name of your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, with

whom you live and reign, one God, forever and ever, Amen.

Love begins at home, and it is not how much we do,

but how much love we put into what we do."

--Blessed Mother Teresa

Saint Raymond R.C. Church

Page 6

Stewardship Thought for the Week

Each of us has his or her own role to play in the coming of the Kingdom of God. John the Baptist was called to be the herald of the Messiah, preparing the way of the Lord. To what is the Lord calling me?

Sacrificial Giving

December 8, 2013: $16,680 December 9, 2012: $17,132

Monthly sharing with:

Queen of the Most Holy Rosary Church: $50

PARISH BULLETIN BOARD

Parish Social Ministry

This year, the White House Lit the Holiday Tree. The US Post Office advertised Hanukkah and Kwanzaa Stamps but not Christmas, although at least Two Holy Christmas stamps are definitely available for order on line if you do not find them in the Post Office. While touting diversity, NY City‘s Mayor Elect excluded a Catholic priest from his 60-member transition team while he included

2 rabbis, 2 ministers and an imam. Are these events not a little bit disconcerting? The following was written by Ben Stein and recited by him on CBS Sunday Morning Commentary and is the concern of many Christians, I believe.

My Confession

I don't like getting pushed around for being a Jew, and I don't think Christians like getting pushed around for being Christians. I think people who believe in God are sick and tired of getting pushed around, period. I have no idea where the concept came from, that America is an explicitly atheist country. I can't find it in the Constitution and I don't like it being shoved down my throat... Or maybe I can put it another way: where did the idea come from that we should worship celebrities and we aren't allowed to worship God as we understand Him? I guess that's a sign that I'm getting old, too. But there are a lot of us who are wondering where these celebrities came from and where the America we knew went to. In light of the many jokes we send to one another for a laugh, this is a little different: This is not intended to be a joke; it's not funny, it's intended to get you thinking. In light of recent events... terrorists attack, school shootings, etc.. I think it started when Madeleine Murray O'Hare (she was murdered, her body found a few years ago) complained she didn't want prayer in our schools, and we said OK. Then someone said you better not read the Bible in school...The Bible says thou shalt not kill; thou shalt not steal, and love your neighbor as yourself. And we said OK. Then Dr. Benjamin Spock said we shouldn't spank our children when they misbehave, because their little personalities would be warped and we might damage their self-esteem (Dr. Spock's son committed suicide). We said an expert should know what he's talking about.. And we said okay…Now we're asking ourselves why our children have no conscience, why they don't know right from wrong, and why it doesn't bother them to kill strangers, their classmates, and themselves. Probably, if we think about it long and hard enough, we can figure it out. I think it has a great deal to do with 'WE REAP WHAT WE SOW. Funny how simple it is for people to trash God and then wonder why the world's going to hell. Funny how we believe what the newspapers say, but question what the Bible says. Funny how you can send „jokes‟ through e-mail and they spread like wildfire, but when you start sending messages regarding the Lord, people think twice about sharing. Funny how lewd, crude, vulgar and obscene articles pass freely through cyberspace, but public discussion of God is suppressed in the school and workplace. Are you laughing yet? Are you praying yet?

The Heart of the Parish

Baby Clothes Collection

During Advent, as we await the birth of the Infant Jesus, St. Raymond‘s conference of the St. Vincent de Paul Society will again be collecting baby clothes for Momma‘s House, Regina Residence and Birthright. Most needed are clothing (sizes Infant to 2-years), blankets, diapers and nursing bottles. (Please note: we cannot accept car seats, infant carriers, cribs carriages, etc.) Items should be left in the baskets in front of the Blessed Mother‘s statue by today, Sunday,

Dec. 15th, ―Gaudete‖ Sunday.

Parish Social Ministry Office Closed for Christmas & New Year’s Holidays

The Parish Social Ministry office will be closed on Monday, Dec.23rd through and including, Sunday, Jan. 5th. The office will reopen on

Monday, Jan. 6th at 10:00am

Defensive Driving Course

Where: St. Raymond School Cafeteria When: Saturday, January 11, 2014 Time: 9am-3:30pm Cost: $50.

For reservations, call Rose Giglio at the school office: 593-9010

Pantry Items Needed:

Peanut Butter & Jelly, Mayo, Deodorant, Toothburshes, Diapers 4,5, 6.

PARISH BULLETIN BOARD

Principal’s Corner

Rejoice! It‘s GUADETE SUNDAY and we‘re getting very close to the ―birthday of our King‖. You might say that we are getting closer and closer to Bethlehem. The question remains, ―Are we prepared to meet our Savior?‖ We still have a short time left to ready ourselves for this special feast. This is the last week of school before

the Christmas break. So let‘s see how it lines up:

Monday – Grade 6 to morning Mass; Baked ziti at lunch; Student Council meeting at lunchtime

Tuesday – Grade 5 to morning Mass; PSA‘s Christmas Boutique for the children; Math Enrichment at lunchtime; Parish Children‘s Choir from 5 to 6pm

Wednesday – Kindergarten to morning Mass; Band lessons; Pizza lunch; Math Enrichment and Twirling after school

Thursday – Grade 4 to morning Mass; Hot pretzels at lunch; Spirit team home game vs SEAS at 3:30pm Friday – School Mass at 8:45am hosted by the seventh grade; Dismissal at 11:30amfor all as Christmas vacation begins!

Thanks once again to all those folks who continue to support the school and all its fundraising efforts. Trust me; every little cent makes a difference. We are especially grateful to those who registered with Stop and Shop, and Target. Of course, all those little Box Tops and Campbell‘s labels sure help a lot. God bless you all for thinking of us.

Catholic Schools

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Education

Saint Raymond R.C. Church

Page 7

Religious Education-Faith Formation

The children of our parish Religious Education program and St. Raymond School presented a Christmas Pageant on Sunday, December 8

th, at 7pm

in the Church. Each and every one of them did a terrific job of portraying the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ in such a prayerful and heartfelt manner. We would like to thank the following people for volunteering their time and talent in assisting in the production of this Christmas Pageant; Mrs. Madeline Parlato, Mrs. Donna Viemeister, Mrs. Lynn Ferguson, Mrs. Donna Delia , Mrs. Theresa DiGirolamo, Mrs. Julianne Grennen, Mrs. Christine Paccio and Mr. Steve Bennett. Without their help and devotion to our children, this pageant would not be possible. They each played an intricate part in putting together such a wonderful evening enjoyed by all and for that we are truly grateful and blessed to have them in our lives. Also, our gratitude goes to the Msgr. Walsh Knights of Columbus for providing hot chocolate and cookies for all who attended the pageant. Their unceasing support to our program never goes unnoticed – thank you!! Thank you to all the children in our program who participated in the ‗Keep Christ in Christmas‘ poster contest. All entries will be submitted during the week of 12/23/13.

Mission News

We continue with our description of a typical Mission Awareness Trip...

Usually the first night in our new "home" is an early to bed night. The trip has been tiring. Before we head to our rooms each night we pray as a group. Our

prayer consists of a reading that is appropriate to the day followed by time for discussion. The discussion can center on the actual reading or go in any direction. Perhaps someone saw something or heard something that they have questions about. We finish by praying the "Love Prayer" that Jesus gave us—the Our Father—followed by singing Ubi Caritas (where there is love, there is God). Then off to bed. Some may chose to spend a few minute writing in a notebook, listing some of the things they experienced during the day. As we go through the trip we will go on overload and it will be difficult to remember everything. It is best to write it down. (To be continued...)

O Come, O Come, Emmanuel!

Prayer for Those Living Through the After-Effects of the Storm

Oh God, Creator of earth and sea and sky, we pray together today for our sisters and

brothers who are living through the after-effects of this storm. Give them the endurance and

strength and help when needed. We know that you remain with us In every moment of our lives.

Lord, increase our faith now and let it guide us in these difficult days. Help us focus on what is good in the human spirit and thank you for all

those who have stepped forward to help others. May even this become a moment of grace for us all.

Amen.

Saint Raymond R.C. Church

Page 8

2013 CATHOLIC MINISTRIES APPEAL

“Serving God by Serving Others”

As the month of December and the Advent season moves along, the 2013 Catholic Ministries Appeal is

still a long ways from success. There has been some progress of late, due to the recent parish collection, but

we still have over $20,000.00 to go in reaching our goal. Hopefully, we will continue to see an upswing for

our parish total. Our challenge is to once again have a successful campaign here at St. Raymond’s. At this

point in the campaign we are still behind the 2012 totals for the same period. The past three years have not

been successful ones for our parish and we have seen our annual rebate shrink from over $10,000 to just

$1256 for the 2012 campaign. Our new goal for 2013 is $98,500.00 which is a slight increase. The

campaign office sent a new mailing a few weeks ago in hopes of getting more pledges and gifts. Maybe

you can consider helping out at this time. And thanks to those parishioners who have already responded this

year. The rebate formula nets the parish 20% of the goal amount once it has been fully paid and then 50% of

any money raised over the goal. Please take time to read the information found in the weekly bulletin and

mailings. There are always special pledge envelopes on the pew shelves at the front doors of the

church. You can return them to us or directly back to the appeal office. Either way, St. Raymond’s will get

the credit. Let’s give it our best shot and try to get back on the winning track this year.

2013 Catholic Ministries Goal

$98,500.00

Pledge/Gift Total as of 12/11/13

$77,307.00

Number of Pledges/Gifts 322 Number of Pledges/Gifts

319

Masses for this Week

Monday, December 16th 7:15 Holy Souls in Purgatory 8:45 Jack Quadrino

Tuesday, December 17th 7:15 Beverly Toekel 8:45 Geraldine A. Gillis

Wednesday, December 18th 7:15 Msgr. William Singleton 8:45 The Holy Souls in Purgatory

Thursday, December 19th 7:15 Isabell Santucci—1st Anniversary 8:45 Eligio Guarino

Friday, December 20th 7:15 Msgr. William Jablonski (living) 8:45 Joseph Ingrao

Saturday, December 21st St. Peter Canisius 8:45 Howard & Teresa Kimetel, Anne & John Pirrone, Gladys Serrano 5:00 Tom & Muriel Henry

Sunday, December 22nd 4th Sunday of Advent 7:30 Gasper Trama 9:00 Rose & Jack Pellicano 10:30 Robert J. Lacchini 12:00 Alice & Herb Mogensen, Angre Ferraro, Terrance Casey (living), Linda Early (living), Anne Gallagher (living), Francis Gallagher (living) 4:30 For the People of the Parish

Please Pray For Our Sick

Aidan Pearsall, Michelina Vito, Janet Kelly, Alana Downey, Brady James Hicks, Andrew Richetti, ―Little‖ Bridget Feminella, Little Matthew Ramos, Baby Scarlett Hoolihan, Lydia Bolton, Andrew Stefanotti, Baby Natalie Cicero, Angela Criscuolo, Maria Mazzola, Jean Criscuolo,

Nancy Shannon, Patty Cavanagh, Michael Reder, Raymond Mayle, Lisa Vocearo, Carole Thornton, Ben Dito, Clara Hildebrand, Baby Gabriel Joseph, Eugene Batih, Roanne Sisco-Yadanza, Carol Witte, Mary Sleefe, Santa Barbarino, Anthony Favuzzi, Carolyn Ferretti,

Catalina Aloi, Peggy Gillespie.

Saint Raymond R.C. Church

Page 9

Scripture Readings for the Week

Monday Numbers 24:2-17; Psalm 25:4-9; Matthew 21:23-27

Tuesday Genesis 49:2, 8-10; Psalm 72:1-17; Matthew 1:1-17

Wednesday Jeremiah 23:5-8; Psalm 72:1-19; Matthew 1:18-25

Thursday Judges 13:2-7, 24-25; Psalm 71:3-17; Luke 1:5-25

Friday Isaiah 7:10-14; Psalm 24:1-6; Luke 1:26-38

Saturday Song of Solomon 2:8-14 or Zephaniah 3:14-18;

Psalm 33:2-3,11-12, 20-21; Luke 1:39-45 Sunday

Isaiah 7:10-14; Psalm 24:1-6; Romans 1:1-7; Matthew 1:18-24

The Rose for Life Is in Memory of

William E. Dengel

Donated by his Family.

Rest in Peace

John Edward Schoenig

The Altar Bread & Wine

For this week is in loving memory of

With love from their family.

The Altar Bread & Wine

For this week, is in loving memory of

Vincent Saldutti From the Family.

Capt. Kathryn M. Costello, U.S.M.C. Recruit Joseph R. Diltz, USMC

Lance Corporal Sean M. Donohue, U.S.M.C. Lt. Gregory Durso, U.S.ARMY Pvt. Brian Efferen, U.S.M.C.

Sgt. John David Efferen, U.S.M.C. Corporal Daniel J. Ferrato, U.S.M.C.

LCpl. Yonik Gomez USMC Michael Gondek, National Guard

Lance Corporal Dylan J. Hickam, U.S.M.C. Lt. Col. Mary P. King, M.D., U.S.ARMY

PFC Brian Lantz, U.S. ARMY Lt. jg Joseph Leahy, U.S.N.

Capt. Joseph McQuade, U.S.N. .Lt. Jake Murphy, U.S.ARMY Capt. Brian Peterson, USAF

Capt. Graham A. Perry, U.S.M.C. 1ST Lt. Roy Ragusa, Jr., U.S. ARMY

Lt. Kevin Reilly, U.S. ARMY Lt. Cmdr. Andrew Schimenti, U.S.N.

SO2 Craig T. Smith, USN

Please remember our wounded soldiers as well.

Please pray for our U.S. Service Men & Women

ALBERT W. CHIANESE & ASSOCIATESAttorneys At LawServing the Lynbrook/East Rockaway Community for over 25 years

Healthcare Proxies and Living WillsAccidents Malpractice Labor Accidents

Matrimonial Real Estate Estates

CCaarrppeenntteerr •• RRooooffeerr •• HHaannddyymmaann40 Years Experience

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Gutter Cleaning Reasonable Rates

Free Consultationon all Matters

100 Merrick Rd., Suite 103 East, RVC 516-599-2020 Fax 516-599-6476

DIOCESAN & COMMUNITY BULLETIN BOARD

Advertising

Blankets Warming Hearts

Cathy Turner and her family will be delivering new lap or throw size, store bought or homemade blankets to those who are shut in during the holidays. “Blankets Warming Hearts” brings warmth,

cheer and a sense of community to the residents and patients at local hospitals, nursing homes and rehabilitation centers during the holiday season.

Please drop off all donations to: Cathy Turner

14 Denton Ave., East Rockaway, NY 11518

Advent Parish Mission “Preparing for Christmas…

as Catholics in this Secularized Society”

Presented by Al Barbarino St. Anthony Church, Anchor Ave., Oceanside

Mon. Dec.16th thru Wed., Dec. 18th; 7:30pm

Raise the Roof for the Poor in Appalachia

Appalachia is home to some of the worst poverty in America. “Father Beiting Appalachian Mission Center” has started a new project called, “Raise the Roof.” Many families in Eastern Kentucky and W.Virginia have requested assistance in repairing their homes. Many of those repairs were caused by leaking roofs. Unfortunately many of those repairs cannot be made until the problem of a leaking roof is fixed first. The lack of resources has forced many families to choose be-tween immediate daily needs and home maintenance creating structural problems with their homes. Mone-tary donations in any amount, large or small, would be greatly appreciated in supporting the goal of “Raising Roofs.”

Please visit www.fbamc-ky.org to make a donation, or mail to: Father Beiting Appalachian Mission Center,

332 Riverbend Rd., Louisa, KY 41230, Att: Dominic Please indicate “RTR project” on check.

Thank you for any little help you can give. You are helping to alleviate poverty and bringing hope to

people. God forever bless you. Whatever we do for the poor will be treasure in heaven.

DR. DANIELDAVIES

PODIATRIC MEDICINE & SURGERY6 Scranton Ave., Lynbrook

596-0022

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George L. Perry, Roy A. SolaceSince 1825

118 Union Avenue, Lynbrook

516.593.1111 www.perryfh.com

BIRTHRIGHTOF

NASSAU/SUFFOLK(516) 785-4070ConfidentialAssistance

ADRIAN M.HARDEJ, DDS

50 Hempstead Ave.Lynbrook 593-8808

Family Dentistry ~ Implants

DDoorrii ss FFlloorr ii ss ttWEDDINGS • THEME PARTIES • FUNERALSFRUIT & GIFT BASKETS • PARTY FAVORS233 LONG BEACH RD • ISLAND PARK

897-2460 WWW.CREATIVEFLORISTISPK.COM

Pro Tech Electric Inc.Licensed ElectricalContractor887-2064CAREFREE

AIR CONDITIONING GAS HEATINGAIR FILTRATION WATER FILTRATION

516-599-2848

Marilyn I. Ventuleth, Psy. D.,ABSNPNeuro Psychologist

Evaluations, Psychotherapy120 Broadway, Lynbrook 887-4548

Celebrity Chase Collision191 Earle Ave., Lynbrook, NY 11563

516 593-0920Ask about your parish discount.

Joe Carroll40 Rowe Ave. Lynbrook, NY

Tel 516-825-1110Fax 516-825-1115

www.CarrollFinancialGroup.NetThe advice you deserve.

Sound AudiologyHearing Aids and Audiology Services

Clare Villanueva, AuD & Donna Rubino, AuD215a Atlantic Ave., Lynbrook, NY 11563

(516) 224-7588

Family RestaurantHome Style Cooking and Baking401 Sunrise Hwy., Lynbrook(516) 593-1661• Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner • Early Bird Specials

• Daily Atlantic City TripsVViillllaaggee SSqquuaarree RReessttaauurraanntt aanndd BBaarr23 Atlantic Ave., Lynbrook 559933--66660000Lunch • Dinner www.villagesquareny.com

Sun Brunch $15.95 (Adults)$8.95 (Kids)

(516)599-1702CLEAN AS A WHISTLEHouses • Mansions • Condoswww.CleanAsAWhistleLI.com

278 Earle Ave. Lynbrook, NY 11563 Patrick Pettit

Where Perfection is the only Standard!Kevin M. Flynn, F.N.A.O.Licensed Ophthalmic Dispenser

141 Main St. E. Rockaway599-9300

FATHER & SONAUTO CORP.

AUTO REPAIRS SALES170 Atlantic Ave.

Lynbrook, NY 11563516.599-8666 516.599.9271www.fatherandsonauto.com

Edwin C. Gerrity AgencyAll your Insurance needs

25D Main St., East Rockaway, NY 11518Serving the Community over 50 years

(516) 593-4242

R.A. KrendelContracting, Inc.

Licensed General Contractor516.599.8460

“Specializing in all types of Residential Remodeling

Please Patronize Our Advertisers

Assisi VeterinaryHospital

Internal Medicine, Surgery & Emergency MedicinePet Grooming and Boarding Available

250 Hempstead Ave., Malverne516-256-0022

www.assisivh.com

East Rockaway Progressive Care Facility

IS CHANGING ITS NAME TO

Lynbrook Restorative Therapy & Nursing

TThhee ssaammee ffiivvee--ssttaarr ccaarree wwee’’vvee ddeelliivveerreedd ffoorr yyeeaarrss!!!!!!243 Atlantic Avenue, Lynbrook, NY 11563

516-599-2744 Carlton Williams

Vision QuestQuality Eyecare481 Sunrise Hwy.

Lynbrook516-561-EYES (3937)

Most union and insurance plans accepted

20% Off w/ad (not combinable)

Pizzeria • RestaurantWine Bar

88 Atlantic Ave., Lynbrook516-596-1600

Open 7 Days • Free DeliveryCatering

for all Occasions!$2 Off Any Pie! w/ad

“Long Island’s Most TrustedName in Real Estate”

HILARY H. BECKER, C.P.M. 887-0677SHANE OILS, LTD

Scranton & Atlantic Ave.E. Rockaway

599-9704Complete Foreign

& DomesticMechanical Repairs

Road Service • State InspectionMike Carver Est. 1970

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FF ll iinn cchh && BBrruu nnssFuneral Home, Inc.

• Pre-Arrangement Counseling• Medicaid Approved Burial Trusts

• Cremation Services• Serving All Faiths

• Monuments • Funeral DirectorsAvailable 24 hours a day

“A Continued Family Tradition”Serving the Local Communities with Tradition,

Commitment, and Integrity since 1932.34 Hempstead Ave., Lynbrook, NY 11563

(cor. Peninsula Blvd.)516-599-3600 / 516-599-3602 (fax)

www.flinchandbruns.com

Est. 1932

Edward A. BrunsJohn F. FerranteMichael J. Grant

Newly Expanded and Decorated • Ample Parking

Est. 1978

#186 FORADVERTISING: THE CHURCH BULLETIN INC., 200 DALE ST., W. BABYLON, NY 11704-1104 (631) 249-4994 • www.thechurchbulletininc.com

Serving ourCommunityover 70 Yrs.

Major Brand Tires 766-3008

236 North Long Beach Rd., Rockville Centre

• Family Owned & Operated• Newly Renovated• Area’s Largest Chapel• Preplanning• Prepayment

• Handicap Accessible• Monuments & Inscriptions• Children’s Playroom• Competitive Pricing• Ample Parking

DESIGNS BY DORIS