Our Lady of Grace Roman February 2, 2020 The Presentation of the Lord

We change lives through the Risen Christ

By Prayer By Presence

Praying daily for the success of our Joining together at Mass every weekend for mission and for our intentions. mutual support and the grace God offers .

666 Albin Avenue, West Babylon, New York 11704 Parish Office (631) 587-5185 Fax (631) 587-1427 Faith Formation Office (631) 661-9353 Parish Social Ministry Office (631) 661-9354 Day Care Office (631) 422-4681 www.ourladyofgrace.net [email protected]

We Celebrate the

Vigil of Sunday: 5:00pm Saturday Evening Sunday: 8:00am, 10:00am (Children’s Liturgy of the Word), 12:00 Noon (Choir) Weekdays: Monday - Friday 8:00am and 9:00am - Saturday 8:00am Holy Days: See inside

By Witness By Support Witnessing daily our love for God Sharing our gifts and and neighbor. encouraging one another. Our Parish Communion Our Clergy Baptism Rev. Joseph Davanzo, Pastor Call the Office for more information or to schedule Rev. Gabriel Miah, Associate an appointment for a Baptism interview. Rev. Martin Adu Gyamfi, Associate This should be done as soon as practicable. Deacon Ricardo Garcia +++++++++ Deacon Brian Miller Matrimony Deacon Irwin Saffran Arrangements for marriage should be made as soon Our Pastoral Staff as possible but not less than 18 months prior to the Jeanmarie Florio, Day Care Director intended wedding date. Peggy Harnisch, Faith Formation Director +++++++++ Ann Kristoffersen, Parish Social Ministry Reconciliation James Pisano, Facilities Manager Every Saturday: 4:00 - 4:45pm in the Church Terence Purtell, Director of Music or call for an appointment. Doreen Scalise, Kids of the Kingdom/ +++++++++ Summer Fun Coordinator Anointing of the Sick Tischa Stanley, Angel Care Coordinator Every Saturday during the 8:00am Mass Our Pastoral Council for those facing surgery or with major disorders. Lee Abseck Ralph Fiorillo Call the Office for other arrangements. Mary Ellen McEntee James Nevins +++++++++ Maria Russello-Chetti Lucy Sanchez Initiation as a Catholic Kathleen Scheid Concetta Whelan For adults, teens, or children over seven Our Finance Council who are interested in becoming a Catholic or completing their Sacraments of Initiation Richard Korcz (Trustee) Joseph Salzone (Baptism, Confirmation, Communion) Leonardo LoCricchio Robert Scharf (Trustee) Call the Office. Debra Nicosia Thomas Villella

Regular Devotions: Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament: Mondays: 2:00pm - 9:00pm except holidays or when noted. Miraculous Medal with Rosary: Mondays following 8:00am & 9:00am Masses. Holy Face of : Parish Office Hours: Hour of Reparation 1st Friday after 9:00am Mass. Monday and Tuesday: Padre Pio Prayer Group: 9:00am - 1:30pm - 2:00pm - 9:00pm 2nd Tuesday of each month at 7:30pm. Scripture Sharing: Wednesday through Friday: Every Tuesday - 9:30am (except July & August) 9:00am - 1:30pm - 2:00pm - 5:00pm Saturday: 3:00pm - 6:00pm Sunday: 9:00am - 12:00pm From The Pastor

As you have seen in past bulletins, I use this space not only to share spiritual and theological reflec- tions, but also information regarding various parish matters and projects, and the condition of our property and finances. I try to be forthcoming so together we can approach challenges that we face as a parish com- munity. When we exercise good stewardship of our talents and seek the counsel and guidance of the Holy Spirit, we can find ways to address the various realities we face. In that spirit, I share with you a new challenge that has come our way which is very different from the others. It comes from litigation related to New York State’s new “Child Victims’ Act.” As you may know, starting on August 14, 2019, the statute of limitations for allegations of sexual abuse against minors has been lifted for one year. The Act allows lawsuits to be brought during the one-year window regardless of how many years or decades ago the alleged abuse may have taken place. Our parish has been named as a defend- ant in litigation that has arisen from this Act. The alleged events by a priest who served at the parish go back over 50 years and defense attorneys are at work representing us through these legal proceedings. The path forward is still under discussion, and no decision will be made without consultation with the Finance Com- mittee and parish Trustees. I share this difficult news because I believe that what affects the parish affects us all. News of this kind is always distressing, even if the allegations go back far into the past, but I choose to trust that the Holy Spirit always walks with us and strengthens us through upsetting times. I encourage every parishioner to pray for the spiritual well-being of all parishioners and support one another as true brothers and sisters in Christ, particularly through the spiritual and corporal works of mercy. The challenges we face, individually and as a parish, in no way diminish the eternal truths God has taught us, the power and value of His grace, the im- portance of living virtuously, and our call to be disciples and evangelizers for Christ. For that reason, by sharing this news, I share also the sincere belief that we remain in a time of grace, where the witness we give at this time will impact the faith of parishioners in years to come. God has placed us here, in this parish and at this time, not by coincidence, but intentionally. I have great hope that His grace will flow from the prayers and service of our community. This is a chance for us to engage each other, our parish community, and our wider community, on a more profound level than before. This is a chance to once again see that God remains present and alive today as ever before and for us to share that Good News with all whom we meet. My prayer is that you be strengthened at this time and not despair, that you have hope and do not shy away, but instead run along the path on which Christ has placed us. We can be current day “new saints” who shine in God’s light. May we live in and for the one who lived and died for us, Jesus Christ, and become tem- ples of the Holy Spirit, whose grace refreshes and inspires our souls. May we be on this journey with the prayers of our Mother Mary, who is Our Lady of Grace, and by St. Joseph, her spouse. Thank you for all you do for our parish. You are in my prayers each day.

Respect Life: “Court Reverses Ban on Prayer at High School Football Game” A U.S. Court of Appeals reversed a decision prohibiting two Christian schools from praying at the Citrus Bowl before a championship game. The 11th Circuit Court acknowledged that Cambridge Christian School’s free speech and free exercise rights were violated. In 2015, the Florida High School Athletic Asso- ciation forbid Cambridge Christian School (CCS) from using the public address system to pray before the game against University Christian School. The FHSAA said the stadium was city-owned and a “less than a minute prayer” violates the Constitution. Players, coaches and fans were devastated because prayer is a tra- dition. Jeremy Dys, counsel at First Liberty argued the “1st Amendment protects the rights of students and teachers at a private Christian school to pray before a football game, especially when both teams are Christian and have a tradition of prayer before games.” By banning prayer they were sending a message that prayer is wrong and something you should be ashamed of. This is dangerous and unconstitutional. (LifeSiteNews.com; Nov. 18, 2019) Happening this Week Worship This Week

Monday, February 3 Mon. St. Blaise, St. Ansgar Adoration: 2:00 - 9:00pm (Church) Feb. 3 2 Sm 15:13-14,30;16:5-13 / Mk 5:1-20

Tuesday, February 4 8:00 Joseph Gargano Bingo: 7:00 - 11:00pm (PES) 9:00 Vincent Hagan Youth Ministry: 7:30 - 9:00pm (Rm 212) Tues. Weekday Wednesday, February 5: Bereavement class 7:00 - 9:00pm (Rm 109) Feb. 4 2 Sm 18:9-10,14,24-25,30-19:3 / Mk 5:21-43 8:00 Fr. George Mitchell Saturday, February 8: Youth Ministry Bake Sale 4:00-6:00pm (Lobby) 9:00 Hunter Thomas Bradley Bingo: 7:00 - 11:00pm (PES) Wed. St. Agatha

Sunday, February 9: Feb. 5 2 Sm 24:2,9-17 / Mk 6:1-6 Youth Ministry Bake Sale 7am-2pm (Lobby) 8:00 Rev. Cyril F. Doody 9:00 Francis Gilroy (15th Anniv.) Gilroy & O’Malley Family

Memorials this Week: February 2, 2020 Thurs. St. Paul Miki & Companions Feb. 6 1 Kgs 2:1-4,10-12 / Mk 6:7-13 8:00 Rev. Joseph M. Nolan 9:00 Angela McCally Fri. Weekday Feb. 7 Sir 47:2-11 / Mk 6:14-29 8:00 Holly Cappiello & Sue Caruso 9:00 Holy Face of Jesus - Living & Deceased Sat. St. Jerome Emiliani, St. Josephine Bakhita In Memory of Theresa Durante Feb. 8 1 Kgs 3:4-13 / Mk 6:30-34 8:00 Maria Hortencia Duran

Sunday Worship - February 9, 2020 5th Sunday in Ordinary Time Is 58:7-10 / 1 Cor 2:1-5 / Mk 5:13-16

Presider We Pray Especially For 5:00pm Fr. Joe/Dcn. Ricardo John Chiofalo, John Soscia, Artie Cummings

8:00am Fr. Joe/Dcn. Ricardo People of the Parish 10:00am Fr. Martin Regina Brodmerkel

12:00pm Fr. Gabriel/Dcn. Irwin Patsy Ingenito 1:30pm Fr. Gabriel Persons with Special Needs Faith Formation

Faith Formation Hours: Monday to Friday: 9:00AM - 4:00PM. Open on Saturdays while class is in session. Evening and weekend appointments available; call 631-661-9353 This month our First Holy Communion level 2 students will make their 1st Reconciliation. Please pray for them as they receive this beautiful sacrament of God’s forgiveness!

Journey Our Lady of Grace offers middle school students in grades 6, 7, and 8 their very own Youth Ministry Program called “JOURNEY” to provide youth the opportunity to deepen their relationship with Jesus and their faith, while having fun and building friendships. JOURNEY meets 1 or 2 Mondays per month between September and May. Please join us from 7:00pm-8:30pm in Rooms 210/212 on the following dates: Feb. 10 & 24, Mar. 9 & 23, Apr. 6 & 20, May 4 & 28. (Dates are subject to change if needed). Please see our Facebook Page @ Journey OLOG or email us at: [email protected]. Bring your friends!!

Bringing Forth the Bread and Low Gluten Hosts Wine Low gluten hosts are available for those who If you would like to carry the cannot receive Holy Communion using the offerings forward at the normal hosts. Please speak with one of our Presentation of the Gifts during sacristans, Anthony Colletti or Fran Sarvis. the Mass, please let the ushers They will be more than happy to accommo- know before Mass begins. (You date you. must arrive early.)

UPCOMING FAITH FORMATION WORKSHOPS The Altar Society For information: WWW.DRVC-FAITH.ORG Altar Society members take turns caring for Building Intercultural Competence in Ministry the altar linens used at Masses. We are still St. Frances Cabrini, Coram in need of help. If you are able to lend a hand, Thursdays, Feb. 6, 13, 27; Mar. 12, & 19, -10am to 12pm. please call the Parish Office at Or 631-587-5185 or email : Queen of the Most Holy Rosary, Roosevelt [email protected] Mondays, Feb. 10, 24; Mar. 2, 9, & 16, - 6:30 to 8:30 pm. ______Basic Religious Studies Course Series St. Mary’s Elementary School, Manhasset - 3:15 - 5:15pm.

Old Testament - Mondays, Feb. 24; Mar. 2, 9, 16, & 23

New Testament - Mondays, Mar. 30; Apr. 6, 20, 27, & May 4.

Christology - Mondays, May 11, 18; June 1, 8, & 15, 2020. Parish Social Ministry CATHOLIC SOCIAL TEACHING

Pope Francis’ Message for World Day of the Sick 2020 – January 3, 2020 Jesus’ words, “Come to me, all you who labour and are burdened, and I will give you rest” (Mt 11:28) point to the mysterious path of grace that is revealed to the simple and gives new strength to those who are weary and tired. These words of Christ express the solidarity of the Son of Man with all those who are hurt and afflicted. How many people suffer in both body and soul! Jesus urges everyone to draw near to him, “Come to me!” and he promises comfort and repose. “When Jesus says this, he has before him the people he meets every day on the streets of Galilee: very many simple people, the poor, the sick, sinners, those who are marginalized by the bur- den of the law and the oppressive social system…These people always followed him to hear his word, a word that give hope! Jesus’ words always give hope!” (Angelus, 6 July 2014). On this World Day of the Sick, Jesus repeats these words. Jesus does not make demands of those who endure situations of frailty, suffering and weakness, but offers his mercy and his comforting presence. He looks upon a wounded humanity with eyes that gaze into the heart of each person. That gaze is not one of indifference; rather, it embraces people in their entirety, each person in his or her health condition, discarding no one, but rather invit- ing everyone to share in his life and to experience his tender love.

Today is SOUPER BOWL SUNDAY Apprenticeship Preparation Program Join us with $1 and/or a can of soup Opportunities Long Island is an intensive 240 hour Confirmation students will be at the doors of the apprenticeship training program which includes church collecting $1 or a can of soup for the benefit of OSHA 30, Blueprint Reading, and much more to help local Soup Kitchens: Mercy INN - Wyandanch, St. prepare a career in the building and construction John’s Lutheran - Lindenhurst, 1st Presbyterian & trades of the Nassau-Suffolk Building. Training is no United Methodist - Babylon that assist many in our cost! community. Please join us with $1 and/or a can of th soup to support them. The next training: Thursday, February 13 at 1:00pm Huntington Opportunity Resource Center, 1264 New York Ave., Huntington Station. Parish Pantry: Beef, Poultry, Fish & Pork You will be given a reading and math test. For the people served in our parish pantry having Expect to be there for 3 hours. For information con- meat, be it beef, poultry, fish or pork to cook is a tact: Erica Rechner @ 631-348-1170 ext. 316 blessing. Our Parish Social Ministry does have a re- frigerator and freezer, and meat is really appreciated. However, these items need to be brought to our Parish Outreach Office during office hours on Monday - Thursday, 10am-2pm. Thank you for your outreach to Senior Advocate Schedule those in need. Seniors who need assistance applying for benefits on SNAP, SCAT, Medicare & others: Rainbow Center: Wed., February 5, 8:30 -11:00am Tanner Park Center: Fri. February 14, “Little Red Corvette” or “Pink Cadillac”? 8:30am - 1:00pm The parish needs to replace the vehicle used by the Wyandanch Nutrition Center: Wed., February 19, summer priests and maintenance department. 10:00am-12:00pm If you are willing to donate a used car it can be a tax write off. Please call the office. Ministries with Children and Families

Family Life Ministry We host the monthly breakfast after the 10am Mass. Join us and new people. We also offer spiritual and social several events during the year. If you’d like to help, contact Maria at [email protected]; [email protected] or call the office at 631-661-9353.

Our next Hospitality Breakfast: Feb. 9th, 2020 co-hosted with the Knights of Columbus .

Summer Camp is Coming Registration for this summer’s Kids of the Kingdom Program is taking place as of 3/31/2020 between the hours of 1-6pm in Fr. Shanahan Hall. This action packed experience is open to children 5 through 12 years of age. Each day includes snacks, entertain- ment, or a field trip and lots of fun. Kids of the Kingdom runs for 8 weeks during the summer, from 6/29 - 8/21. Camp starts at 8:30am and concludes at 4:30pm. (We also offer an early drop off from 7:30-8:30am and an aftercare from 4:30-5:30pm, at an additional $5.00 per session used.) For more details contact Doreen Scalise at 631-893-6564 between the hours of 1-6pm

SAVE THE DATE! Our Lady of Grace Family Life Ministry Invites you to our Mardi Gras Celebration! Join us as we usher in the season of Lent with an evening of prayer, crafts and food! Tuesday, February 25, from 7:00 pm, Place - Room 109 All families invited! We will have games and raffles! We ask for a donation of $5.00 per family to defray the cost of the evening. Please bring in a food item for our pantry if you can! Please use the tear off below so we know you’re coming so that we may have enough supplies! Drop the bottom off in Faith Formation Office with $5.00 by February 20, 2020 In the case of inclement weather, this event will not be rescheduled; please check www.ourladyofgrace.net.

Mardi Gras Family Name: ______Phone # ______

# Adults ______# and age of children ______

# Crafts for your family ______E-mail: ______Parish News

Please Pray for Those Who Have Died Marie Luciano Christopher Dunn Kathleen Garcia

Mass Intentions Unannounced Masses We offer unannounced Mass intentions which will be offered almost immediately. These inten- tions are not put in the bulletin or announced at any Mass. The cost is $20. Please come to or

call the Parish Office at 631-587-5185. Multiple Mass Intentions We offer one multiple Mass intention for Sundays alternating between the Saturday, 5pm (Vigil) and the Sunday, 8am Masses.

Catholic Heart Healthy Lifestyle Stewardship in Action 2019 Catholic Ministries Appeal The Catholic Health Services wants to help you enjoy a heart healthy lifestyle. Not sure how? Check these Goal: tips for eating habits, exercise & lifestyle choices: 206 Pledges to Date: 45,966.00 https://www.chsli.org/heart-healthy-tips. Average Pledge: $223.91

Remember or Honor Loved Ones through our Memorial Opportunities: Sanctuary Lamp: $10 Rose for Life: $10 Bread & Wine: $25 each Prayer Garden Paver: $75

You can also donate to our Altar Fund; cards available in the Office. For more information, call 631-587-5185.

Be a Winner & Support Our Calendar Raffle $25 ticket lasts 6 months.

1/27/20 1/28/20 1/29/20 1/30/20 1/31/20 2/1/20 2/2/20 581 324 247 450 192 112 94 More Parish News

Divine Mercy Canvas As soon as we announced our hope to purchase a church-sized framed canvas image of Divine Mercy, a family im- mediately came forward and covered the entire cost. This image will be in memory of a deceased family member. We are most grateful for their generos- ity and look forward to celebrating Di- vine Mercy, as prescribed by Christ, every year on the Sunday after Easter. The canvas image will be in place by Palm Sunday or hopefully before.

Exploiting Women for Their Eggs & Wombs Gov. Cuomo has signaled his intention to repeal NY’s ban on surrogate motherhood for profit. The bill (A.1071-C / S.2071-B) would enable the buying & selling of children and the exploitation of women for their eggs & wombs. It will lead to an increased reliance on in vitro fertilization and the destruction of human embryos. Please urge your elected officials to oppose this dangerous and misguided measure. Go to www.nyscatholic.org to learn more & contact Al- bany.

Convent Update!! We are hoping to move ahead with plans to utilize the Convent as a parish Retreat Center. While the building is in good shape, many updates are needed to utilize it fully. In an effort keep costs as low as possible we would like you to consider donating something to be used in the Retreat Center. At this time we are in need of chairs for the meeting room, Chapel and dining room. For all 3 rooms we are hoping to purchase 100 - 125 chairs. Chairs can be donated at a cost of $30.00 each. Large round tables will also be needed at a cost of $80.00 each. We are hoping to purchase 10 to 12 of these. You can drop your donation at the Faith Formation office. Please mark it Convent donation. As we continue to plan please pray for the success of this exciting new use of our Convent! Updates will follow. If you have any questions call Peggy at 631-661-9353. Please use the tear off below with your donation: Name ______Phone ______Email ______Amount ______More Parish News

Youth Ministry Lock-In On Jan. 17th, the members of the Youth Ministry participated in an Equality/Social Justice Lock-In where they experienced faith, friendship and some good food. Here are a few of the pictures from that night.

Sweet Treats Youth Ministry will be hosting their ‘Bake Sale’ on the weekend of February 8th & 9th, before and after all the weekend Masses. Stop by the lobby and check out some of the scrumptious items on dis- play as well as helping out the Youth of our Parish with all the good that they do.

Parish Pantry: Toiletries, Hygiene and Cleaners For the people served by our Parish Social Ministry personal hygiene prod- ucts, such as toilet tissue, shampoo, soap, paper products, tissues, tooth- paste and toothbrushes, combs and brushes, deodorant, talcum and baby powders, shaving products, laundry detergent, cleaning products are a blessing. These can be brought any time and placed in the food bin in the parish lobby. Thank you for your outreach to those in need.