The Church of St. Christopher

130 Midland Avenue

Staten Island, New York 10306

Parish Office: (718) 351-2452

Fax: (718) 351-1174

Office Hours: Monday - Friday,

9:30am - 4:00pm

Web: www.stcstmmsi.org

The Parish of

St. Christopher -

St. Margaret Mary

April 3rd, 2016 - 2nd Sunday of Easter; Divine Mercy

The Church of St. Margaret Mary

560 Lincoln Avenue

Staten Island, New York 10306

Church Office: (718) 351-2612

Fax: (718) 987-0446

Office Hours: Monday - Friday,

9:30am - 2:30pm

Web: www.stcstmmsi.org

Rev. Joseph M. McLafferty, Pastor

Rev. Tomy Joseph, Parochial Vicar

Rev. John P. DeLora, SIUH Chaplain, in residence

Rev. Edward Devina, in residence

Rev. John A. Boehning, Weekend Celebrant

Rev. Deogracias Lingao, Weekend Celebrant

Rev. Thomas J. Mullin, Weekend Celebrant

Deacon Patrick Graham

MASSES Monday - Friday: St. Christopher …… 9:00am

St. Margaret Mary ... 8:00am

Monday: Island Shores ….….. 10:30am, Residents Mass

Saturday: St. Christopher ….… 9:00am and 4:30pm (Vigil)

Sunday: St. Christopher ….… 9:15am, 12:00pm

and 7:00pm

St. Margaret Mary ... 8:00am and 10:30am

Holy Days of Obligation ……………… as announced

CONFESSION

*Friday: St. Christopher …... after 9:00am Mass - 10:00am

Saturday: St. Christopher ….... 1:30pm - 2:30pm

Otherwise by appointment; call ……… (718) 351-2452

* Throughout the Year of Mercy, Dec. 8th, 2015 - Nov. 20th, 2016.

BAPTISMS

By appointment. Interviews of parents seeking baptism for their

children are arranged by calling the Parish Office; (718) 351-2452.

MARRIAGES

By appointment with one of the priests at least six months in

advance of the wedding date. Please contact the Parish Office

for further information; (718) 351-2452.

SICK CALLS

Please call the Parish Office; (718) 351-2452.

EUCHARISTIC ADORATION

Monday - Friday: St. Christopher …… 12:00pm - 4:30pm

Mrs. Ellie Keane, Coordinator (718) 987-3059

NEW PARISHIONERS

All new parishioners are invited to register at the Parish Office

and to participate in our parish life.

ST. CHRISTOPHER SCHOOL

15 Lisbon Place, 10306 (718) 351-0902

Mrs. Catherine Falabella, Principal

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION and RCIA

560 Lincoln Avenue, 10306 (718) 351-2119

Mrs. Barbara Regan, Coordinator

“… Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed.”

- John 20:29

FOR THE WEEK OF APRIL 3rd:

The Bread & Wine are being offered in memory of:

St. Christopher ……. Maurice (Spike) Watson

St. Margaret Mary ….. James Regan

The Sanctuary Lamp is being offered in the memory of:

St. Margaret Mary ….. James Regan

MASS INTENTIONS

Rosalina Alvarez

Agnes Bartunek

Ann Basso

Baby Jake Bozzo

Paul Cigliano

Julia Cinoti

Tyler Collins

Victoria Decker

Mary Graham Delmar

Janet Dennis

Domenick DiLella

Edwina Dunne

Michelle Galati

Ann Gambino

Frank Gambino

Lester Garncarz

Debbie Guardino

Valerie Howard

Michael Leone

Nicholas Lombardi

Diego Lopez

Richard Malanga

Timmy Mohin

Stephen Murray

Otto Pampellonne

Robert Sabatino, Sr.

Alexis Savattere

Carmen Santore

Eleanor Shields

Lisa Simpson

Louie Viola

Richard Zatorski

Saturday, April 2nd

9:00am (C)

4:30pm (C)

Sunday, April 3rd

8:00am (M)

9:15am (C)

10:30am (M)

12:00pm (C)

7:00pm (C)

Monday, April 4th

8:00am (M)

9:00am (C)

Tuesday, April 5th

8:00am (M)

9:00am (C)

Wednesday, April 6th

8:00am (M)

9:00am (C)

Thursday, April 7th

8:00am (M)

9:00am (C)

Friday, April 8th

8:00am (M)

9:00am (C)

Saturday, April 9th

9:00am (C)

4:30pm (C)

Sunday, April 10th

8:00am (M)

9:15am (C)

10:30am (M)

12:00pm (C)

7:00pm (C)

PRAY FOR OUR SICK “... touch only the tassel on his cloak,

and as many as touched it were healed.” - Mark 6:56

Christopher Fahy

Deceased Members of the Vito Family

Louis Cretella and Sylvia Scotto

Deceased Members of the Costanzo

and Gillick Families

Virginia Giordano

Paul Giambro & Renee Giambro Puleo

Lazzaro & Adele Capitelli and

The Bertoli Family

Anna & Matteo Conti and Katie Bolta

Michael Lennon

Tom & Annie Hayes and Margaret Hess

Catherine & Harold Engels

James Regan

In Thanksgiving - Eucharistic Adorers

Ronald Porrazzo

Blanche Cesario

Frank Illuzzi

Mary Allen

Frank Rose Manzulli

Frank Manno, Jr.

For the Parishioners

Holy Name Society

Orlando Jongoy

Antoinette & John Lattuga and

Eugene & Petronella Lutz

Richard Willis

(C) St. Christopher Church (M) St. Margaret Mary Church

TODAY’S READINGS

A SYNOPSIS First Reading: Acts 5:12-16

The people held the apostles in great esteem and

brought sick people to them to be healed. Although some were

afraid to be known, the number of Jesus' followers continued to

grow steadily.

Second Reading: Revelation 1:9-11a, 12-13, 17-19

John depicts a vision of lamp-stands of gold and one like the Son

of Man in a robe with a sash of gold. This apparition told John

he had nothing to fear and then described himself as one who was

dead but now lived again. He then instructed John to record any

other visions he might have.

Gospel: John 20:19-31

Jesus appeared to the disciples and breathed on them saying,

"Receive the Holy Spirit." He gives them the power to forgive

people's sins or hold them accountable. Thomas, who was not

present, refused to believe Jesus had appeared until he came to

them once more. Jesus told Thomas to believe and added,

"Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed." ©2000 Bon Venture Services, Inc.

REFLECTION

life of slavery to fear--whatever that fear may be, whether it's fear

for our health; fear for our reputation; fear for our comfort; or

even fear that our sins are too big for forgiveness.

Today as we celebrate the feast of Divine Mercy, we remember

that God's love is strong enough to conquer the greatest of all

human fears: death itself. This confidence leads us to a renewed

joy. As Pope Francis wrote in his declaration of this, the Year of

Mercy, "Mercy is the force that reawakens us to new life and

instills in us the courage to look to the future with hope." Once

we are firmly established in this hope, we are called to be

witnesses of mercy to others. The Holy Father continues with a

challenge for all of us, "Jesus asks us also to forgive and to give.

To be instruments of mercy because it was we who first received

mercy from God." © Liturgical Publications Inc.

HELPING OTHERS Sister Madeleine is collecting empty pill

containers for the needy in Africa. Just remove

the information on the outside of the container

and bring them to the St. Christopher Rectory.

This is an easy way in helping others during this

year of Mercy.

"Jesus came and stood in their midst and said to them, 'Peace be

with you.'" The disciples were paralyzed by fear. After the

Crucifixion, they had locked themselves in a room and were

keeping a low profile. They didn't want to end up how Jesus had

ended up. But the Lord stepped right into this paranoia and

dispelled it in an instant: "The disciples rejoiced when they saw

the Lord."

Although these first Christians were very concerned about

preserving their lives, the fact is that living holed up in an attic

wasn't a life of much freedom or joy. Jesus wanted his followers

to have the fullness of life, but this required trust in him and his

promises. As today's Gospel puts it, through the belief that Jesus

Christ is the Son of God, "you may have life in his name." When

we come to really accept who Jesus is, there is no more need for a

YOUR ENVELOPE COUNTS Easter, ‘16 Easter, ‘15

St. Christopher Unavailable Thank you for your

St. Margaret Mary $7,070 $9,040 continuing generosity.

2016 CARDINAL’S APPEAL To date our parish has received $51,971 in pledges/gifts from 155

families towards our goal of $68,500.

Thank you for your kind support.

PART XI

The Spiritual Works of Mercy

Instructing the Ignorant Learn about our faith and be open to talking with others about our

beliefs. There is always something more to discover about our

faith.

Invite someone to go to Mass with you this weekend

Volunteer to help with religious education programs at your

parish

Participate in Faith Formation and the Legion of Mary

Go on a service trip or short term mission trip. No time?

Donate to support someone on their service trip

Know your faith! Read through the USCCA to find out more

about the Catholic faith and how to live it

[Source: USCCB, Jubilee Year of Mercy; http://www.usccb.org/beliefs-and-

teachings/how-we-teach/new-evangelization/jubilee-of-mercy/the-spiritual-works-of-mercy.cfm]

BEREAVEMENT PROGRAM Our Bereavement Program begins their meetings this Monday,

April 4th and will run from April 4th to June 13th every Monday

from 7:00pm to 8:30pm in St. Christopher Rectory.

It is open to people of all faiths. Our bereavement ministers' goal

is to provide a safe place where the bereaved can share their

experiences with others, learn about the process of grief and be

supported by a church family during a difficult time.

If you are interested in attending or would like additional

information, please call the parish office at (718)351-452.

Please inform the office staff if you would like a member of the

bereavement team to call you back.

BAKE SALE Your Faith Formation Team will be holding its semi-annual Bake

Sale on the weekend of April 16th - 17th. These Bake Sales are

the major source of income for Faith Formation.

It is through these sales that they are able to

hold the Advent, Lenten and other Retreats,

Scripture Study, Fellowship Gatherings,

Family Night at the Movies, Pot Luck Dinner

Dances, Parish Breakfasts and the Parish

Picnic - all free and open to everyone.

Faith Formation takes no monies from the

parish.

The Baked Goods are outrageously delicious and you will be

helping your Parish Community.

They are always looking for Bakers and contributors. If you are

able to bake or contribute in any way, please contact Jerry LePre

at (917) 841-8971 or jerrylepre@stcstmmsi.org.

NIGHT AT THE RACES The Holy Name Society will hold it's

semi-annual "Night at the Races" on Saturday,

April 16th at 7:00pm in the Community

Center. Admission is $10 and it includes food

and beverage.

To reserve a table, or if you have any questions - call or text

Joe at (718) 938-7560. There’s plenty of parking in the Church’s

Parking Lot.

ANNUAL BASKET AUCTION Join us for St Christopher's Annual Basket

Auction on Friday, April 22nd at 6:00pm at

St Christopher's School, 15 Lisbon Pl. 10306.

Grand Prize Raffle: $1,000 Money Tree!

100+ Raffles, amazing food from our kitchen,

great night out with friends

Under 14 not admitted. Ages 14-17 must be accompanied by an

adult. $5 admission at the door.

IT MATTERS WHAT WE SAY AND DO A true story from one of our parishioners:

As he’s packing his 5th grade granddaughter’s lunch, one Friday

during Lent, he remembers that on Friday she likes to buy pizza

for lunch at school. He mentions to her that he’ll only pack a

piece of fruit for a snack. She then tells him that the school was

going to stop serving pizza and that there would be no “meat free”

choice. She continues to tell him that she was so upset over that

decision she gathered some friends together and spoke to the

Cafeteria Manager and the School Principal protesting the

decision to have no “meat free” choice during Lent. Their

position was so well presented that the Principal reinstated pizza

during Lent.

The grandfather, who home schools his granddaughter in

Religious Education, was truly taken back. She then tells him

that it was his teaching and practice that made her realize the

importance of sacrifice and that it wasn’t so much the meat itself

but what it represented - sacrifice.

It does matter what we say and do.

People are listening and watching. Live the faith.

THIS COMING WEEK FAITH FORMATION … The monthly meeting of Faith

Formation will be held this coming Tuesday, April 5th at

7:00pm in the Dongan Hall Meeting Room (lower level of

St. Margaret Mary Church). This is a change of schedule.

GRANT CITY CIVIC ASSOCIATION … No meeting on

Tuesday, April 5th. Instead, there will be a ”Spring Dine Out “

at 7:00pm at Chef Jan Kitchen on Lincoln Avenue. Dinner is

$30 per person, which includes soup, appetizer, family-style main

course and dessert. Call (718) 987-7006.

THANK YOU Our sincere thanks goes out to Margaret

Pisciottano, Mary Ann Powers, Carmella

Saverino, Maria Aurora Sigua, Elizabeth A.

Tormey, Cheryl Ann Lee & her 8th Level

Religious Education Class and Kathy & Charlie Cannizzaro of

Carroll’s Florist for their dedication in making our churches so

beautiful for Easter.

ON THE LIGHTER SIDE

Acts 5:12-16

Revelations 1:9-11a, 12-13, 17-19

John 20:19-31

Isaiah 7:10-14; 8:10

Luke 1:26:38

Acts 4:32-37

John 3:7b-15

Acts 5:17-26

John 3:16-21

Acts 5:27-33

John 3:31-36

Acts 5:34-42

John 6:1-15

Acts 6:1-7

John 6:16-21

Acts 5:27-32, 40b-41

Revelations 56:11-14

John 21:1-19

[Source for Readings: Today’s Missal; Volume 83, Number 2

Saints: www.catholic.org/saints]

WEEKLY READINGS The daily Readings & Saints for the week of April 3rd:

Sunday, April 3rd…………....

St. Richard of Wyche

Monday, April 4th………......

St. Isidore of Seville

Tuesday, April 5th ………......

St. Vincent Ferrer

Wednesday, April 6th…….....

St. William of Eskilsoe

Thursday, April 7th ………....

St. John Baptist de la Salle

Friday, April 8th…………......

St. Julie Billiart

Saturday, April 9th..................

St. Waldetrudis

Sunday, April 10th…..............

St. Michael de Sanctis

[Source: Liturgical Publications, Inc aka LPi]

INSPIRITUAL

DIVINE MERCY PRAYER On this Divine Mercy Sunday, let us pray:

Eternal God, in whom mercy is endless

and the treasury of compassion inexhaustible,

look kindly upon us and increase Your mercy in us,

that in difficult moments we might not despair

nor become despondent,, but with great confidence

submit ourselves to Your holy will,

which is Love and Mercy itself.

Amen.

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION Sacramental Dates

Confirmation … Friday, April 29th at

4:00pm in St. Christopher Church. This

will include the children from

St. Christopher School and St. Christopher-St. Margaret Mary

Religious Education Program.

First Eucharist … The Archdiocese has encouraged us to

celebrate the sacrament in each church.

St. Christopher School children … Saturday, May 7th at

10:00am in St. Christopher Church.

St. Christopher-St. Margaret Mary Religious Education

Program children from the St. Christopher Church

community ... Saturday, May 7th at 12:00noon in

St. Christopher Church.

St. Christopher-St. Margaret Mary Religious Education

Program children from the St. Margaret Mary Church

community … Saturday, May 14th at 11:00am in

St. Margaret Mary Church.

SOLES FOR SOULS

THANK YOU Girl Scout Troop 5289 would like to

extend a huge thank you to all of those

who contributed to their shoe drive for

the Soles for Souls charity! They couldn’t have earned their

Bronze award without your help. Thank you again for helping

them help their community.

NYC PILGRIMAGE - YEAR OF MERCY On Saturday, April 16th (Rain date September 17th) there will be

a walking Pilgrimage from the top to the bottom of Manhattan

(13.5 miles), visiting churches in honor of the Year of Mercy!

It will start at 9:00am at the Shrine of St. Frances Xavier Cabrini

(701 Fort Washington Ave.) and end at the Shrine of St. Elizabeth

Ann Seton (7 State St.) for a 6:15pm Mass.

believe

Holy Spirit

retain

Father

Blessed

seen

Peace

forgiven

KID’S CORNER

In today’s Gospel, Jesus tells his disciples He

is sending them out to bring peace and

forgiveness of sin to those who believe.

And Jesus said to His disciples:

1. “___________ be with you.”

2. “As the ___________ has sent me, so I send you.”

3. “Receive the ___________ ___________ .”

4. “Whose sins you forgive are ___________ them.”

5. “And whose sins you ___________ are retained.”

6. “Put your finger here and see my hands … do not be

unbelieving, but ___________ .”

7. “Have you come to believe because you have ___________

me?”

8. “___________ are those who have not seen and have

believed.”

Trivia What sacrament did Jesus give us in today’s reading?

(a) Confirmation (b) Penance/Reconciliation (c) Holy Orders