november 19, 2017 the 33rd sunday in ordinary timesmrcc.org/files/nov19_2017_smrcc.pdf · november...

November 19, 2017 The 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time 1

SCHEDULE OF MASSES

SATURDAY: 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. Spanish Mass

SUNDAY: 7:30 a.m., 9:30 a.m. (Family Mass), 11:00 a.m. (Choir Mass), 12:30 p.m. and also at

12:30 p.m. (Latin) Tridentine Mass in the Chapel.

MONDAY - SATURDAY : 9:00 a.m. Mass in the Church. Holy Days will be printed in the bulletin.

CONFESSIONS: Saturday 4:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m. For any other time, please call to make an appointment with a

priest.

BAPTISM SCHEDULE

The 1st and 3rd Sundays of each month at 1:45 p.m. and the 4th Saturday of the month at 12:30 p.m. (No Bap-

tisms Easter Sunday or Christmas Weekends.) Please contact the Parish Center for the Baptismal Packet contain-

ing the registration form and all other necessary paperwork. First-time parents are also asked to register for one of

the Baptismal Preparation Classes offered on the last Tuesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. in the Church. (No class

is held in December.) You may register on-line for the Baptism class only (not the Baptism itself) at

www.smrcc.org.

MARRIAGE

Arrangements should be made at least 6 months in advance and should be made prior to making plans for a re-

ception. Call the Parish Center for an appointment with the priest or deacon you wish to witness your wedding. All

couples are required to attend Pre-Cana.

Roman Catholic Church of St. Matthew 35 North Service Road, Dix Hills, New York 11746 (631) 499 - 8520 Fax: (631) 499 - 1530 www.smrcc.org

Office Hours Mon-Fri in the Parish Center 9 am-12:30 pm & 1:30 pm-5 pm

T h e S a l v a t i o n o f S o u l s i s t h e S u p r e m e L a w

Deacons

James McQuade,

Carmine DeStefano,

and Luis Polanco

Pastoral Associate

Sister Kathleen McCarthy, O. P.

D.R.E.: Mary Donaldson

Music Director: Lee Forsythe

Pastor

Rev. Robert Hewes

Parochial Vicar

Rev. Allan Sikorski

In Residence

Rev. Lawrence Rafferty

November 19, 2017 The 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time


INSTRUCTIONS IN THE FAITH Those adults who live in the Dix Hills area and/or those with family in the parish seeking information about becoming a Catholic or completing their Sacra-ments are invited to contact the Pastor concerning the RCIA Program. FIRST FRIDAY: Mass is at 9:00 a.m. Exposition of the Holy Eucharist takes place in the chapel from Fri. 7:00 p.m. until Sat. 8:30 a.m. and concludes with Benediction. FIRST SATURDAY: 8:15 a.m. devotions ANOINTING OF THE SICK: The Sacrament is available EVERY SATURDAY after the 9:00 a.m. Mass. The Sacra-ment is available for those who are to undergo a serious medical procedure the following week or who have a seri-ous illness and who have not been anointed within the past three months. If you wish to be anointed, please let the cele-brant know before Mass. PASTORAL CARE OF THE SICK: Holy Communion will be ministered to those confined at home. Those who are seri-ously ill should request a priest for the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick. PARISH REGISTRATION: New families and new parishion-ers are encouraged to register at St. Matthew. Registration forms are available at the Parish Center or online at smrcc.org. PARISH SCHOOL: HOLY FAMILY REGIONAL: 631-543-0202

Mondays Miraculous Medal Novena after the 9:00 A.M. Mass

Legion of Mary 2:30 p.m. in the Blessed

Mother Classroom Tuesdays

Rosary Society The first Tuesday of each

month at 7:00 p.m. K of C

General/Business Meeting 8:00 p.m. (2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month)

* Children’s/Youth Choir 5:30 p.m.

in the Family Room Adult Choir practice 7:00 p. m. in Family Room

Thursdays Carmelite Holy Hour The 3rd Thursday of each

month. 4 pm-5 pm in the Chapel

Young Seniors 9:00 a.m.

Apostleship of Prayer 1st Thursday after

9:00 a.m. Mass Fatima Spiritual

Formation Prayer Group 1st Saturday of the month

after 9 a.m. Mass in Blessed Mother Room

Saturdays Bible Study 9:45 a.m. Spanish Bible Study

1:00 p.m. Tridentine Mass Choir

(Latin) 4:00 p.m. in Family Room Youth Ministry

8:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m.

Business Manager Dolores Tiernan

Finance Chairperson Richard Bove

Trustees Deacon Carmine DeStefano

And Joseph Napolitano

Weekly Collection

Faith Direct: $2,300.00

First Friday Exposition: From 7 PM the First Friday of the month till 8:30 AM Saturday morning in the Parish Center Chapel. Thursday December 7

th, the Vigil of the Immaculate Conception:

12 Noon to 1 PM for the Church in the United States. Private and authorized group prayer before the Blessed Sacrament in the Tabernacle is encouraged at any time during the many hours the main church and Chapel are open. Occasions on which specific groups request Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, can only be conducted by

a priest or deacon with the knowledge and approval of the Pastor.


ALTAR SERVERS: Porzia DiGiorgio: [email protected] And John DiGiorgio: [email protected] APOSTLESHIP OF PRAYER: Kathryn Giandoreggio: 631-491-3735 ATHLETIC WEBSITE: www. smrcc.org ATHLETICS DIRECTOR/ INTRAMURAL & CYO TRAVEL COORDINATOR: Chris Felice: [email protected] ATHLETICS MODERATOR Rev. Allan Sikorski: 499-8520 x 125 BAPTISM OFFICE: Bettyanne Russo: 499-8520 x 126 BEREAVEMENT: Kathryn M. Douglas: 631-495-8541 Including: Teens (12-17) who have lost a parent. Widows and Widowers 65 and under Widow and Widowers 65 and over BIBLE STUDY: Anthony Albano : 586-4827 BOY SCOUTS: Ernst Tramposch: 631-254-2656 BULLETIN: email: [email protected] BUSINESS MANAGER: Dolores Tiernan: 499-8520 x 113 CATHOLICS FOR FREEDOM OF RELIGION Ann Podina :858-0684 CATHOLIC MINISTRIES APPEAL: John Gatto: 499-8520 x 117 C.C.D. RELIGIOUS ED. Mary Donaldson, D.R.E., Rita Minder, Assistant: 864-3321 CHOIR: Lee Forsythe: 631-499-8520 x 116 Ed Oriani, Cantor for Tridentine Mass COMPASSIONATE CARE & CONSOLATION MINISTRY: Sr. Kay McCarthy: 499-8520 x 124 EXTRAORDINARY MINISTERS OF HOLY COMMUNION: Ray Smolenski: 243-0449 EXTRAORDINARY MINISTERS TO THE HOMEBOUND: Sr. Kay McCarthy: 499-8520 x 124 FEED THE POOR MINISTRY Frank Harnos: 499-0074 or Julie Maddaloni: 242-2183 FOOD PANTRY: Sr. Kay McCarthy: 499-8520 x 124 HOSPITALITY: Dolores Tiernan: 499-8520 x 113 KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS: Kevin Bertolini GK: 516-652-6438 K OF C SQUIRES: Sir Francis Scotti: 917-567-9829 LECTORS: Helen Campa: 586-0682 LEGION OF MARY: Judy Archbold: 667-4629 MINISTRY OF PRAISE: Rosemary Sammon 499-5176 MOMMY and ME: Jessica Larsen: 258-3965 PARISH OUTREACH: Sr. Kay McCarthy: 499-8520 x 124 PILGRIM MADONNA: Rosa Nappo: 920-2446 or Lucia Agnone: 940-4015 PLANT ENGINEER: Luis Flores: 492-7881 PRE-CANA: Deacon Carmine DeStefano: 631-896-0983 RCIA: Marie Prainito: 499-4725 or Robert Ruvio: 917-589-8473 RIGHT TO LIFE: Toni Shannon: 586-3807 ROSARY ALTAR SOCIETY: Terry Sbashnig: 254-9472 PASTOR/PARISH SECRETARY: Bettyanne Russo: 499-8520 x 126: Mon/Tues 9-5, Wed 9-4, Thurs/Fri 9-5 SONS OF ITALY : Diana Grauer: 631-242-2710 SPANISH MINISTRY: Deacon Luis Polanco: 648-7330 ST. VINCENT de PAUL : John Gatto: 499-8520 x 117 USHERS: Thomas Siegler YOUNG SENIORS MODERATOR: Fr. Sikorski: 499-8520 x125 YOUTH MINISTRY: Gina Drost: 631-835-3088 Email: [email protected]

Saturday, Nov 18 5:00 PM Giacomo Di Stefano Tom Slevin Intentions of Jack Tseng James Mordeno James Fitzgerald Joseph Raio 7:00 PM Jaime Zhune

Sunday, Nov 19

7:30 AM In Loving Memory of

Anna & Nancy Cortina 9:30 AM Dominic Iandoli 11:00 AM Gaetana Cavitolo 12:30 PM (L) For People of the Parish 12:30 PM Jenny Klausing

Monday, Nov 20

9:00 AM Geraldine Pape

Tuesday, Nov 21

9:00 AM Rocco Amoroso

Wednesday, Nov 22

9:00 AM Peter Mantione

Thursday, Nov 23

9:00 AM Salvatore Montesano

Friday, Nov 24

9:00 AM Joseph A. Todaro

Saturday, Nov 25

9:00 AM Ann Mc Nulty Mary Raio John Brawn Pauline Newkirk Lillian Milana Stephen Barone 5:00 PM Millie & Frank Tricamo Marie Meo Intentions of Jack Tseng Ralph Franco Peter Wichrowski Margaret De Ciantis 7:00 PM Sunday, Nov 26

7:30 AM John & Florence Ciechanski 9:30 AM Joseph Marzano 11:00 AM Anthony Gentile & Raymond & Lorraine Cortelli

12:30 PM (L) For the People of the Parish 12:30 PM David Montelle

PARISH MINISTRIES

mailto:[email protected]


RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

The Place for Learning and Praying

Our Family/Children’s Mass is Sunday at 9:30 a.m.

Mary Donaldson, Director, Rita Minder, Assistant

Religion Office Phone 864-3321 Fax 499-1530 [email protected]

.

LOOKING AHEAD

When registering a new student, 1st thru 8th grade, you must come into the Religion Office

on the second floor of the Parish Center, Monday through Thursday, between 11:00 AM and 5:00 PM.

Please be sure to bring a copy of the child’s Baptismal Certificate when you come. The fee of $175.00 per

child is due at that time.

GRADE LEVEL MASSES FOR WINTER AND SUMMER PROGRAM STUDENTS

Sunday, November 19, 2017, 5th & 6th grade will attend the 9:30 Mass.

Sunday, November 26, 2017, 7th & 8th grade will attend the 9:30 Mass.

Sunday, December 3, 2017, 3rd & 4th grade will attend the 9:30 Mass.

Sunday, December 10, 2017, 1st & 2nd grade will attend the 9:30 Mass. Breakfast with

Santa to follow the 9:30 Mass.

These Masses do include all the Summer Program students as well. For those students

attending grade level Masses listed above, please sit in the front of the Church, try to arrive by 9:10 AM and

remember your tithing envelope as it is not only used for a donation but also for taking attendance. All

family members are invited to join us at these Masses.

THANKSGIVING FOOD DRIVE

As Thanksgiving approaches, let us not forget those in need. We are asking our students’

families for non perishable food donations to be distributed through St. Vincent de Paul and St. Matthew’s

Parish Outreach Program. The children can bring these items when they come to class between now and

Monday, November 20th. This kind of sharing and caring is a wonderful example to the students about

helping people who may not be as fortunate as they are. Thank you in advance for your generosity.

PLEASE NOTE: Classes are cancelled on Wednesday, November 22nd and Thursday, November 23rd

for the Thanksgiving Holiday.

All orange First Holy Communion selection cards are due back to the Religion Office

by Friday, December 8, 2017.


November 25th & 26th

Baby Chloe Atienza Gerard Costa Joseph Costa

Thomas Detore Elisabeth Dorovich Thomas Iuculano

Lee Mannino Christian Martino Lois McCarthy John McIntyre Marie Pecoraro Peter Prestia Marge Puccio

Alice Reilly Helen Reineking Casey Rodriquez Christopher Sabato, Sr. June Sheehan George Schnell Brian Tripp

We Pray, especially for our Service Men and Women: SSG Michael Hughes, SPC John Vautrin-Gardinier, US Army, Tyler Smith-Reynolds, U.S. Coast

Guard, , Lance Corporal Ryan, Matthew Ferrara– Marines, Matthew Kirchner — Army, Noah Kirchner—Air Force, Ensign Melanie Thompson - Navy, Capt. Joseph De Monte IV-Pilot-United

States Air Force, Lt. Joseph Morgan, Lt. Brendan Johnston, U.S. Navy, , LCPL Michael Porfidio, Marine in Afghanistan, Jeffrey Gabriellini - Air Force , Corporal Michael Grella — Navy Airman, Julien-Army-Iraq., Lt. Col. Robert Wright-Marines, Michael Wissemann, LPL San Sievero -Marines, Ambrose Michelino,

Jarod Racuot-Army, Robert Scarpelli, Anthony Lazado -Marines , Richard Freese, Jr. -Navy, Rho Nagasguna - Marines ,Michael Doherty -Army, Pablo Quirindongo-CW4-Army, Cpl. Ronnie Belmarez- Marines, Lt. Com-

mander Christopher Grande-Navy.

NOVEMBER Christians in Asia. That Christians in Asia, bearing witness to the Gospel in word and deed, may promote dialogue, peace, and mutual understanding, especially with those of other religions.

OUR SICK

Eucharistic

Ministers

5:00 P.M. 7:30 AM 9:30 AM 11:00 AM 12:30 PM

R. Smiolenski J. Campa G. DiGiorgio K. Zaki B. Abadom

Second Time

James Trollo & Stephanie Scalera

The Altar Flowers, Altar Candles and the Bread and Wine are In Loving Memory of

Anna & Nancy Cortina

5:00 P.M. 7:30 AM 9:30 AM 11:00 AM 12:30 PM

I. Lucie J. D’ Agostino J. Napolitano G. Cruz A. Fazio

J. Commisso B. Hermosura C. DeStefano E. McEvoy M. Shef

R. Grande K. DiGiovanna B. Napolitano A. Sosnilo

M. Brennan G. Gurrieri J. Maccio


Please consider taking an ornament from

The St. Vincent de Paul Society’s Angel Tree

located in the back of the church.

Each ornament contains information needed in order to choose

an appropriate gift. Please make someone’s

Christmas a little brighter this year.

Attach the ornament to the wrapped present and return it no later than

December 10th. Returning the gift sooner would be appreciated.

If you are donating a gift certificate, please put the gift certificate inside the

special gift certificate box under the tree.

Recently, after the 9:30 AM Mass, I spoke with a young, cheerful, lovely man who was sitting in a wheel-chair. Until that conversation, I had no idea of his background and why he was in wheelchair. With his per-mission, I am going to quote a letter he recently wrote to me.

“I am a handicapped MD who was involved in a critical automobile accident about 14 years ago. I was a young physician, only in practice for 3 years, when I was paged to go to a local emergency room to see one of my ill patients. On the drive to the hospital, I took Bethpage State Parkway. On that day that changed my life, another driver crossed over the double yellow lines on the parkway and hit me head-on. Because of the good Lord, my guardian angel and Mary (my accident occurred on August 15th), I survived the critical accident. I was intubated while still in my car. The jaws of life were used to get me out of the vehicle. I had sus-tained a collapsed lung, ruptured spleen, head injury, massive blood loss and over 20 broken bones. I was hospitalized for 6 months, had 6 months of rehabilitation and it took 12 months before I was able to return to practicing medicine on a part-time basis. But, in the past 2 years my orthopedic handicaps increased and I had to shift my role in the medical field. My purpose changed and St. Joseph’s Hospital in Bethpage sought my assistance to help the hospital flourish and provide care to the well deserved Community. I am now a full-time employee in the management team as a Physician Advisor. Catholic Health Services of Long Island is truly a wonderful organization and I can see the positive influences it does daily. I have gone through extensive adaptive driver training. I have undergone 28 operations. I truly feel grateful for all that has occurred in my life. I never feel that the day of my accident was the worse day in my life. I always tell everyone it was the BEST day in my life. My handicaps give me credibility as a doctor. Throughout my treatments, I have gained experience and knowledge which few if any physi-cians and hospital administrators have. Some say that I survived a tragedy, but I view everything in a different light. Jesus has a plan for eve-ryone and although some say that I had a tragic accident I like to word it as a “beneficial incident” which was sustained in order to better my life. There is a reason for everything and one can learn from all inci-dents which occur in his or her life. I never feel down but I look at each day as a gift from God. I am al-ways thankful. I keep trying to get stronger and keep looking to the future.”

At this time of Thanksgiving, I thank God for His many blessings, for all of the wonderful people at St. Mat-thew’s, including amazing Dr. Thomas Hodyl. His courage, great love for the Blessed Mother, trust in God’s plan and his love for his beautiful children and lovely wife are a great inspiration to me. God bless him & God bless you. Happy Thanksgiving! Sr. Kay


50

The St. Matthew Conference of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Celebrates its 50th Anniversary.

1967-2017

Many thanks and much gratitude to all the parishioners of St. Matthew for your prayers, generosity, caring and sharing in our mission

of helping those in need.

Donald Mallon was one of our passed presidents and is still an honorary member since 1968. Thank you, Don!

Present Members

Judy Archbold, Larry Benenati, Helen Campa, Henry DeBonis, Mary Perry, Joseph Napolitano, Nancy Nestola, Annmarie Rosario, Frank Harnos,

Resti and Bill Stio

President: John Gatto Vice President: Maureen Furlan Secretary: Barbara Napolitano Treasurer: Michael Brennan

God bless you and please continue supporting our mission.


St. Matthew/ K of C #7479

Thanksgiving Blood Drive

Sunday, November 26, 2017

8:00 am – 2:00 pm in

Msgr. Goggin Hall

We need your help!

Your donation will help to save up to THREE lives.

Our community hospitals need your help. Please share this lifesaving gift!

Eligibility Criteria: Bring ID with signature or photo. Minimum weight 110 lbs. Eat well (low fat) & drink fluids No tattoos for past 12 months Age 16 – 75 (16 year olds must have parental permission. Age 76 and over need doctor’s note)

For questions concerning medical eligibility call 1-800-688-0900 www.nybc.org. For more information please call: George Wolf (631) 223-5049

NATIONAL NIGHT OF PRAYER FOR LIFE

Friday, December 8, 2017

9 p.m. to 1 a.m. in the Chapel

On Friday, December 8, 2017, our parish will participate in the National Night of Prayer for Life. The purpose of this prayerful event is to unite our prayers with Catholics throughout the country in an effort to turn hearts towards Christ, thus bringing an end to abortion and the destruction it causes to all those in-volved. The hours are chosen to coincide with Our Lady of Guadalupe’s ap-pearance to Juan Diego. Each hour will include formal prayer as a group and silent meditation. We conclude with Benediction at 1 a.m.

PLEASE COME PRAY WITH US!

November 19—Thirty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time:

The good news of today’s Gospel is the extravagance of what is being giv-en us. All we need do is be faithful in “small matters.” The cost of fidelity has no comparison to the reward given.

When you give the furniture, household items and clothing you no longer use to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, you are sharing God’s extravagant love.


St. Matthews Youth Ministry—November Schedule We meet every Saturday at 8 PM in the Library.

“Thankful for Our Differences” "We must never undervalue any person. God is present everywhere,

and every person is His work." Saint Francis De Sales

Nov 3 Holy Hour— Holy Family Parish, Hicksville at 7 PM Nov 4 Discussion Night “How boring would it be if we were all the same?” Nov 11 Youth Leader—Meeting 6 pm Craft Fair set up. Nov 12 Craft Fair Nov 18 Movie Night “BFG” Nov 25 Game Night

Contact Information Gina Drost, Youth Minister E-mail [email protected] Phone or Text 631-835-3088

Facebook @ St. Matthews Youth Ministry Insta@stmatthewym

1 Timothy 4:12 Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.

Senior News … YES Again, we were so fortunate to have Sister Ave with us to share her beautiful and inspirational stories. Sister has written a book called, "Arthur” who was to Sister more than a challenged man, he was very special . The book is a very good read and if anyone is interested, just get in touch with me and I will make it happen. The book is $10 and proceeds will go to Sister’s Ministry. Reminders: November 23 there is no meeting and on November 30th, Melissa Levitan will speak about the services and programs provided by the Town of Huntington. If you don't live in Huntington, you can inquire if your town has similar benefits. December 7th will be a regular meeting and the last one of the year. December 14th will be our Annual Christmas Party at Cinque Terre, a new experience for us . It comes highly recommended. Roberta will have directions for you. Everyone have a wonderful Thanksgiving full of family and friends. Maybe you know someone who will be alone on that day and would love to be invited. Pray for all those who are ill and for their loving caregivers. Pray also for those who protect us and our Country. God Bless America. See you in Church, Pat Friendship is something that raises us almost above humanity...It is the sort of love one can imagine among the angels. C.S .Lewis. When friends meet, hearts melt. English Proverb



RESPECT LIFE NEWS Spiritual Adoption Program

MONTH TWO – Developing Baby

Your baby is making progress developing all of his/her external features and internal organs. His/her brain is functioning at 40 days. His/her mother can hear his/her heartbeat now on an ul-trasonic stethoscope. Milk-teeth buds are pre-sent at 6 ½ weeks. And it has been reported that

a two-month old baby can suck his/her thumb. From this moment, your spiritually adopted baby grows and refines his/her body. But everything he/she needs to survive once he/she is born is al-ready present by the end of the eighth week.

PREGNANT? NEED HELP?

Birthright Inc. 24 HOUR HELPLINE

1-800-550-4900

Wantagh: 516-785-4070 Islip: 631-277-3888

Hampton Bays: 631-728-8900 Southold: 631-876-5138

Rocky Point: 631-821-9727

Retreat in Assisi and visit to Rome - June 15 – 25, 2018 I wish to invite you to a special retreat in the footsteps of St. Francis and St. Clare in Assisi June 15 – 25, 2018. I will give two conferences a day for six days in Assisi with Mass each day in the various Churches. There is ample time for prayer and visiting the holy places. The entire city of Assisi be-comes the retreat house. We will be staying at the Hotel Posta in Assisi. We will then spend three days in Rome at Domus Carmelitana not far from St. Peter’s. For further information you can access the brochure at: www.pilgrimages.com/frmcnamara All arrangements are being made by 206 Tours and you register through them. You can call Chris at 206 Tours: 800 206 8687 or email him at: [email protected] I look forward to sharing this with you. Fr. Jim McNamara

Diocese of Rockville Centre Day of Prayer and Healing for Women

The Day of Prayer and Healing for Women is an opportunity to experience the loving mercy of God in a safe and sacred space.

The day is directed by faithful priests who have a sensitivity and a heart for those who suffer.

Saturday, December 9, 2017 Long Island Location

For more information visit: respectlife.drvc.org To register contact: Project Rachel

1-888-456-4673 | [email protected] All reservations and information will remain confidential.

http://www.pilgrimages.com/frmcnamara




Join the Friends of the Seminary of the Immaculate Conception for a Celebration of Mary to be held at the Seminary on Sunday, December 3, 2017. Journey to the heart of Mary through Theology, Spirituality, and the Arts. Beginning with Mass at 10 AM, celebrated by Bishop Andrzej Zglejszewski, Auxiliary Bishop of Rockville Centre, the day will include lunch, presentations by Fr. Michael Whalen, CM, Associate Professor at St. John’s U., Brother Timothy Driscoll, SM, Kellenberg Memorial H.S Faculty member, and Theresa Bissex, Music Director at Church of St. Rocco, Glen Cove. Advance registration required. $40 per guest. For reservations & information, contact Seminary Development Office, 440 West Neck Road, Huntington, NY 11743. 631.423.0483 x 102; [email protected].

Worldwide Marriage Encounter “When one finds a worthy wife, her value is far beyond pearls.” Spouses, find value in one another by attending a Worldwide Marriage Encounter Weekend. The next Weekends are Feb 9-11, 2018 in Huntington, NY and Apr 27-29, 2018 in Huntington, NY. For more information, call John & Toni Torio at 718-344-3700 or visit them at http://www.wwmeli.org.

Focus on Religious Freedom From Catholics For Freedom of Religion www.cffor.org

Thanksgiving: The Religious Freedom Holiday The Pilgrims who established the first Thanksgiving Day were in search of the freedom to prac-tice their faith after being persecuted, arrested and fined for their form of Christianity. After flee-

ing England, their beloved mother country, and a ten-year sojourn in Holland, these so-called "separatists" prayerfully decided to depart for America to find what the governor of Plymouth, William Bradford, called "freedom of religion for all men." There were 102 Pilgrims aboard the Mayflower who suffered the 67 days of rough sailing before they finally landed at Plymouth Bay in November, 1620. After indescribable hardships, by March 1621, less than a year after arriving, only 51 of the original 102 re-mained alive. Fortunately, some Native Americans taught the Pilgrims survival skills in this new land, and at the end of their first harvest, they decided to hold a feast of celebration and thanksgiving to God for their har-vest, newfound friends, and freedom to worship as their hearts desired. Now, almost 400 years later, let us reflect on the sacrifice of these brave souls who valued their freedom of religion above all security and comfort and have bequeathed to us this gift. Proclamation: Thanksgiving Day 1789 "I do recommend and assign Thursday the 26th day of November next, to be devoted by the People of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being who is the beneficent author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be ... our sincere and humble thanks." President George Washington (footprintsofhope.com; mormonnewsroom.org, 11/21/11; pilgrimhallmuseum.org). Lorraine Yovino, Bulletin Editor Catholics for Freedom of Religion [email protected]

Barbara Samuells, President Catholics for Freedom of Religion www.cffor.org


http://www.wwmeli.org

http://www.cffor.org/


http://www.cffor.org


Open Monday through Saturday 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Closed 12:30 pm - 1:30 pm Unique religious gifts, rosaries, books, fonts, statues, picture frames, wedding and

unity candles, vestments and St. Teresa of Calcutta rosaries. We have many books to read including books for children in Spanish.

All Proceeds Benefit Our Parish.

located in the Parish Center

november 19, 2017 the 33rd sunday in ordinary timesmrcc.org/files/nov19_2017_smrcc.pdf · november...

Documents