A community of Faith hope and love

Easter Sunday The Resurrection of the Lord April 1, 2018 The Lord is truly risen, Alleluia!

T.BERNARD’S S 516-731-4220 Phone/516-731-4355 Fax Email: @StBernardChurch.org Website: www.StBernardChurch.org MISSION STATEMENT PASTORAL TEAM With faith, hope, and love the people of St. Bernard's parish family are on a mission to Father Ralph Sommer, Pastor [email protected] bring the gospel of Jesus ext. 130 to the Levittown Community and beyond. Father Joe Nohs, Associate Pastor [email protected] ext. 128 Spiritual Life Father Innocent Duru, Chaplain In Residence [email protected] Schedule of Masses: Deacon John Blakeney Saturday: 8:00 am and 5:00 pm [email protected] Sunday: 7:30 am, 9:00 am (Family Mass), 10:30 am, 516-731-4220 Deacon James Flannery 12 Noon, 5:30 pm (Youth Mass) [email protected] Weekdays: 8:00 am 516-731-4220 Holy Days: see website: www.StBernardChurch.org

Mrs. Susan Martin, Director of Religious Education [email protected] Confessions: 516-731-8511 Phone/516-731-7860 Fax The Religious Education Center is closed on Fridays. Saturday: 4:00 - 5:00 pm. Weekdays: After the 8:00 am Mass Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal Novena and Sr. Christine Sammons, O.P., Coordinator of Parish Social Ministry Benediction: Monday: Check schedule on page 4. [email protected] Morning Prayer: 516-731-6074 Pat McDonough, Director of Youth & Young Adults Monday through Saturday, 8:30 am, Prayer Room. Books are [email protected] available. Ext. 144 Mrs. Mary Jane Witte, Director of Liturgical Music Baptism of Children: We welcome infants and children to our [email protected] Christian community! Baptisms are held on select Sundays at ext. 142 1:30 pm. Please contact the parish at least 3 months before Ms. Diane Vella, Pastoral Associate an anticipated baptism – even before a new child is born – [email protected] to ensure enough time to complete the baptism ext. 143 preparation process. Our three-step preparation process Mrs. Rose Marie Rotondo, Sacristan includes: 1) at-home reading and preparation by the parents; [email protected] 2) an intake conversation with a member of our parish staff; 516-731-4220 and 3) participation with other parents in a Sunday morning

Mr. Len Lanzi, Facilities Manager gathering, which begins with attendance at our 9:00 am [email protected] “Family-friendly” Mass. Please call 731-4220 or e-mail ext. 120 [email protected] to request a Baptism information and preparation packet. Mr. Dimas Carbajal, Head of Maintenance [email protected] Marriages: Church arrangements should be made at least ext. 126 6 months before the marriage and before making any CYO Basketball: email: [email protected] contracts with restaurants or caterers. Please call the website: www.stbernardcyo.org Rectory to set up an appointment with a , 731-4220. Would you like to join our vibrant community of Faith, Ministry to the Sick and Aging: If you are, or know of Hope, and Love at St. Bernard’s? Sign-up and get to know someone who is homebound and would like to receive Holy us at one of our monthly New Parishioner Registration and Communion, please call the rectory at 731-4220. Welcome evenings! For information, call the parish office St. Vincent De Paul Society: 735-3218 at 516-731-4220, or download a form from our website www.stbernardchurch.org. Click on “Join St. Bernard’s” on Usher Coordinator: John Lyons (516) 390-5150 or the bottom of the home page form. If you move away, [email protected] please notify us as well.

Bulletin Deadline: Friday, 5:00 pm, nine days prior to publication. You may email us at [email protected] or leave a printed copy in the inbox on the bulletin desk in the Parish Office. Thank you for your cooperation!

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April Fools!

E– mail Father Ralph: [email protected]

Let’s Build! Update My sisters and and I were the masters of April Fools jokes in our Are you wondering about our house when we were growing up. Our parents were the recipients of many new building campaign in pranks over the years and we’re still not sure why they didn’t disown us after which we’re raising funds to suffering through another brilliant set of mischievous deeds. Perhaps they take down the leaking tower, admired our creativity. put up a steeple, build a larger lobby, and finally redesign and fix the parking lot? Because of It just so happens that Easter Sunday falls on April first this year and I think my recent knee surgery and we are now celebrating the greatest “April Fools Joke” of all time. You see, recovery, we postponed the the devil was convinced he had won. Jesus was dead. Judas committed official start of the campaign suicide. The apostles all ran off and locked themselves away in fear. Mary’s until the end of Easter, but in heart was broken. The ongoing violence of the Roman occupation was in full the meantime I’ve been talking swing. The messiah was sent to God’s chosen people and they chose to with a few dozen parishioners destroy him instead of believing in him. Things couldn’t have gone better for who have already pledged over the power of evil. $330,000 to get us started. I am so grateful that they’ve But then, early on Easter morning, all that was about to change. Now I’m gotten us started even before sure Jesus didn’t burst from the tomb shouting “April fools!” But all of heaven the formal campaign probably erupted with joy and pride when he proved that all those who begins. As we get ready for the thought that his death was the end of the story were wrong. God’s immense start of our largest fund raising surprise was that no matter how far people stray, no matter how many campaign, please start thinking unloving choices we make, no matter how we mess up the plans and desires of about what you’ll be able to our creator, we don’t get to write the end of the story. contribute. Some people will be getting tax refunds. Some are at an age where they have When you come back each Sunday over the next six weeks of Easter, you’ll to take IRA distributions hear how God writes the never ending story of forgiveness, healing and peace. which are not counted as Each week, we’ll get a new glimpse into how God acts despite our own income if those funds are weaknesses. And this isn’t merely about how God acted back then -- it is most donated to charity. How will importantly how God acts with us now! you be able to contribute? So now it’s time to do foolish acts of love for others: forgive! feed! apologize! volunteer! pray! visit! affirm! worship God in church! Look to do these things in a big Easter-like way. Make the devil howl in defeat as we turn our lives to doing good -- and not just good, but “Jesus good.” Let the creative power of the Holy Spirit begin again in you and together we’ll bring joy, healing and peace to those around us.

Happy Easter! Alleluia!

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Parish News Gifts of treasure The Rosary Society will meet in the Sunday Collections prayer room of the church on Monday, March 25, 2018 March 26, 2017 th April 9 where we will pray the rosary $ 16,314.80 $ 13,602.40 together. We will continue to pray for 665 envelopes 603 envelopes peace, our parish family and our own Faith Direct families, Pope Francis, Bishop Barris, $ 2,482.65 $ 2,776.25 Father Ralph, Father Joe, Father Innocent, and all Total Collection clergy and religious. We always remember our country, $ 18,797.45 $ 16,378.65 its leaders, those in the armed services, and the people who protect us at home. Please remember “For where two or three gather in my name, I am there with them.” Matthew 18:20. All women of the parish are welcome. the Gifts of bread and wine st st Please try to join us. for the weekend of March 31 and April 1 have been requested in loving memory of Vincent Staub St. Bernard’s Altar Server & by Youth Ministries Alfred & Debbie Annual Spring Flower Sale May 5, 2018 12:00pm-7:00pm & May 6, 2018 8:00am-7:00pm

Faith Direct Have you enrolled yet? www.faithdirect.net Code = NY272

Parish calendar (Subject to change) Monday, April 2 After 8am Mass Miraculous Medal Novena, Church Parish calendar (Subject to change) 2:00 pm Zumba Gold, Parish Center 7:00 pm Bereavement Group, Parish Center Thursday, April 5 Tuesday, April 3 9:30 am Padre Pio Prayer Group, Prayer Room or 10:00 am Our Lady of Consolation, Parish Center Marian Room 6:15 pm Children’s Choir, Parish Center 9:30 am Shawl Ministry, Parish Center 6:30 pm Spanish Rosary, Prayer Room 1:45 pm St. Vincent De Paul, Clairvaux House 6:45 pm Boy Scout Troop 316, Cafeteria Friday, April 6 7:00 pm Cub Scout Pack 318 Leader Meeting, Parish Center 7:15 pm Most Holy Trinity Prayer Group, Prayer Room 7:00 pm Vivitrol Support Group, School Room 206 Saturday, April 7 7:30 pm AA Meeting, School Room 207 11:00 am Women’s AA Meeting, Cafeteria 7:30 pm Adult Choir Rehearsal, Church 6:00 pm Sacred Heart Community, Parish Center 7:30 pm Leaders Meeting (A), Parish Center 8:00 pm Nocturnal Adoration, Church Wednesday, April 4 Sunday, April 8, Divine Mercy Sunday & 10:00 am Bereavement, Parish Center Hospitality Sunday 2:00 pm Zumba Gold, Parish Center 11:30 am Adult RCIA, Parish Center 7:30 pm Adult Confirmation Information Session, 4:00 pm Divine Mercy Adoration & Penance, Church Parish Center 4:30 pm Youth Choir Practice, Church 7:30 pm Leaders Meeting (B), Parish Center 6:30 pm Youth Ministry Meeting, Parish Center 8:00 pm Bread of Life Prayer Group, Parish Center 8:00 pm AA Meeting, Cafeteria

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mass intentions Pray for the sick of our parish This listing may not reflect recent changes or additions. Rudie Braithwaite Linda Costello Sr. Margaret Mary Igoe Saturday, March 31, Holy Saturday Irene Lambert James Lane Doris & Martin Logan 8:00 pm Easter Vigil Andrea Patricia Obregon Luciana Ulloa Obregon Sunday, April 1, Easter 7:30 am No intentions Maria Paletta Julie Russo Dixie Ulrich 9:00 am “ “ 9:15 am “ “ 10:30 am “ “ All names will remain on the list for 4 weeks after you call in. 10:45 am “ “ After that time we ask, if necessary, to call again. 12:00 pm “ “ Thank you for cooperating and God bless all. 12:15 pm “ “ No evening Mass on Easter Sunday Please pray for all those on our Long-term Sick List Monday, April 2 Baby Mason Francis Combs 8:00 am Marie Curcio Susan Arena Brian Austin Lorraine Bardolf Tuesday, April 3 Arlene Barsch Irene Boyce Lois Byrne 8:00 am Albert Nieman Jean Caprera Rosemary Clark Ed Costello Wednesday, April 4 Monica DeLaRosa Sr. Juliana Deptuch Debra Dowdell 8:00 am Frances Giovaniello Margaret Dowdell Gerry Finlan Jim Finlan Thursday, April 5 Linda Fitz Kathleen Flaherty Rich Fuleki 8:00 am Ruth Ziesig Muriel Gallagher Teresita Gallego Michael Giampetruzzi Regina Gorman Colleen Grasing John Guiffre Friday, April 6 th Mike Hach Patricia Hafner Carolyn Hakim 8:00 am Richard and Paula Novak– 65 Wedding Cynthia Hansen Donna Hare John Hartofil Anniversary Vicki Jacona Steve Jugan Jerome W. Kalkhof Saturday, April 7 Anne Kalman Katherine Anne Kwestel Violet Kwestel 8:00 am Benedict Rotondo - Anniversary Tia Mabanta Jaime Macias Andrew Mahoney Remembrance Lucy Marconi Len Martinez Gene McDonagh 5:00 pm FOR ALL PARISHIONERS William McDonagh Teresa McDonald Mary McLean Sunday, April 8 Mary Messina Irmgard Montanino Kerri Orlando 7:30 am Kathleen Walsh Johnny Perdue Rosina Perri Catherine Pipinou 9:00 am Ann Fattorini Dolores Pizzo Joan Rampolla Fred Rappa Laureen Quinn-Sturge Deanne Reilly John Rotondo, Jr. 10:30 am Carmela Bonomo, John Rotondo, Sr. Flore Rowe Federico Rueda Gloria Fadel, Eve Saint Thomas Saint Terry Sherwood Jonathan Paul Schreiber-Living Danielle Stallone Frances Stallone Norma Steiger Edith Sauve Louis Steinberg David Testa Rosalie Travers 12:00 pm Living and Deceased Members Holy Joan Virostko Theresa Votta Brendan Wagner Innocents Council Knights of Columbus 5:30 pm

Pray for our beloved deceased and those who mourn for them

Firefighter Michael Davidson

NOCTURNAL ADORATION SOCIETY gathers this Saturday, April 7 at 8:00 pm Friday, April 6 is the First Friday in the Church. All are welcome to attend of the month and is always and spend time in adoration of our Lord dedicated to the Jesus Christ in the Blessed Sacrament. Sacred Heart of Jesus.

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Volunteer ministry

CALL TO SUBMIT NOMINATIONS for our 7th ANNUAL SPIRIT OF ST. BERNARD AWARD!

This award will be given annually to a parishioner or parishioners who have responded exceptionally to their baptismal call to build up the Kingdom of God in the parish of Saint Bernard, especially in the last year. These men and women have followed the call of Christ and participated in the mission of the parish by bringing the Gospel of Jesus to the Levittown community and beyond through prayer and worship, education and formation, service to those in need, and/or efforts on behalf of justice in the world. They have shown their devotion to the Holy Father, the , and the parish through their commitment to the corporal and spiritual works of mercy. Qualifications for nominees are as follows:

Registered parishioners of Saint Bernard’s who participate regularly in Sunday Eucharist and the sacraments. Current members of a formal parish organization or group, or may currently work informally. Nominees can be those who work “behind the scenes” to support the mission of our parish. Nominees can be an individual, couple, or in certain cases, a small team working together. Nominees cannot be prior recipients of the Diocesan Saint Agnes Medal or the Spirit of St. Bernard Award.

PLEASE SUBMIT FORMAL LETTERS OF NOMINATION DETAILING HOW THE NOMINEE/S MEETS THE ABOVE QUALIFICATIONS TO FATHER RALPH NO LATER THAN MONDAY, APRIL 30, 2018 for our annual Volunteer Ministry “Thank You” party FRI., MAY 11 AT 7 PM!

If you are 21 or older and CURRENTLY serving in one or more of the ministries listed below and wish to attend the party, please indicate the ministry/ies below and return the completed form by May 1; no late reservations can be accepted. You are welcome to bring your spouse or one guest. (Couples please submit 1 form for the two of you; no guests.) Please note check-in begins 6:30; bar opens 7:00 p.m.

 Adult Acolytes  Adult and Folk Choirs  Altar Server Coordinators  Baptism Preparation Team  Baptism Greeters  Bereavement Ministry  Blood Drive Coordinators  Bulletin Editors  CYO Coordinators  Charitable Kidz Adult Coordinators  Children’s Catechists/Assistants/Monitors  Consolation Ministry  Extraordinary Min. of Communion  Finance Council  Gardening Team  Hospitality Team  Inclusion Committee  Lectors  Marriage Preparation  Meals on Wheels/Island Harvest  Parish Social Ministry  Pastoral Council  Prayer of the Faithful Committee  RCIA Team  Renaissance Group  Shawl Ministry  St. Martha Society  St. Vincent de Paul  Ushers  Welcome Ambassadors  Worship Greeters  Youth Ministry Leaders (over 21)

NAME/S: ______

ADDRESS AND TOWN: ______

E-MAIL: ______

PHONE: ______ONE OR TWO ATTENDING? ______

Responses accepted only until May 1; sorry, but no later reservations can be accepted. Volunteer Party, 3100 Hempstead Tpk., Levittown, NY 11756 OR e-mail complete sign-up information to Diane Waldhof at [email protected].

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Adult faith formation

Confirmation

for Adults

Becoming fully Catholic A study and discussion

 Are you 18 or over and coming to Mass every week? for those who don’t know “the basics”…  Baptized, but not confirmed in the Catholic Church? and those who think they do!  Feeling “called” to a relationship with Jesus through the Church? 5 Wednesday evenings starts April 18

If you can check off all three, consider confirming your 7:30-9:00 p.m. Parish Center faith in Jesus and your relationship with his community of faith through the Sacrament of Confirmation. This is a GREAT opportunity for…

Adult Confirmation Preparation  People who want to know more

Question and Information Session:  People curious about the Church  People who feel they didn’t get a good religious education Wed. Apr. 4, 7:30 p.m., Parish Center  Parents of young children who feel unprepared to discuss faith with them Interactive “Catholicism 101”  Catechists who teach others Preparation Sessions continue:  Those who haven’t learned anything new about the faith since their Confirmation! 5 Wed. starts Apr. 18, 7:30—9 p.m. Interested but unable to come to the info session? For information contact Diane Vella at 516-731-4220 Contact Diane Vella at 516-731-4220 or or [email protected] [email protected] before April 4. Spring Bible Study: The Acts of the Apostles

What happened that turned a bunch of scared people who abandoned Jesus into the beginning of a movement that continues to transform the world? Confused by the Bible? The Acts of the Apostles tells the story! Come get smart in just ONE SESSION! 4 sessions starts Understanding the Bible can be tricky until you learn Thurs. eve. Apr. 19, 7:30-9 p.m. or the keys to unlocking its meaning. You’ll be surprised what you didn’t know and what a difference it will make ! Fri. morn. Apr. 20, 10-11:30 a.m. Parish Center THURS. APR. 12, 7:30 pm OR FRI. APR. 13, 10 am PARISH CENTER IF YOU ARE NEW TO BIBLE STUDY AT ST. BERNARD’S, PLEASE REGISTER FOR OUR PLEASE PRE-REGISTER! INTRO SESSION Contact Diane Vella at 516-731-4220 or [email protected] For info & registration contact Diane Vella at 516-731-4220 or [email protected] 7

Parish social ministry Sr. Christine Sammons, O.P., 731-6074

St. Vincent de Paul: for a form,) as is a fee of $20 payable to Parish Social Thanks to everyone who supports our pantry with food Ministry. Call us or Dr. Lou Sabatini (799-5873) if you and monetary donations. We are most grateful for your have any questions. kind assistance! Because of our recent Charitable KIDZ food drive, we are not making any special requests this Does anyone have a no-longer-needed weekend. We thank our great KIDZ, their parents and laptop to share with one of our young leaders who spent March 24th at Stop & Shop for the col- mothers returning to school? lection. We thank those who shopped there and donat- ed to the drive. We are so appreciative! Please remember the poor boxes and to Faith and Service in the City~~Vincentian Leadership “buy one, get one free!” Institute for High School Students: This amazing program is accepting applications for their Peanut Butter and Jelly Teams: week-long residential program at St. John’s University campus. It is an exciting and unique program for high school sophomores and juniors to work with faculty members and campus ministers, focusing on Catholic Social Teaching and social justice through an explora- tion of theology and participation in activities through- out New York City. It is funded by the Lilly Endow- ment, (cost to students: $100—we can help!) and will be repeated three times—Sunday through Saturday!  Week of July 8th  Week of July 22nd  Week of August 5th Will look great on your resume! Come and talk to Pat or Sister Christine—we have applications! Special thanks to Laura Cardinale, her team of adults and teens who made 1,179 sandwiches for the INN and The Dream and our Deepest, Truest Selves: our pantry on March 19th. In the past 6 months, the This Wednesday, April 4th, 2018 we commemorate one team made 5,837 sandwiches with 506 loaves of bread, sacred life, laid down as a witness to our fundamental 191 jars of peanut butter, 163 jars of jelly! Thanks, equality as sisters and brothers in Christ. This is the 50th Laura, for your energy and great organizational skills Anniversary of the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther which help our young people complete their required King, Jr. We are invited to remember, in prayer, a man community service hours and help feed those in need! who allowed himself to be an instrument of God. Even-

ing prayer will be celebrated at St. Agnes Cathedral at Spring Bereavement Groups: 7:30 p.m. Bishop Barres will preside and preach, and We are once again offering bereavement support groups the Thea Bowman Diocesan Gospel Choir will lead the to members of our parish and neighborhood. music. For further information, contact Darcel at the  A group for newly bereaved persons will meet on Office of Multicultural Diversity, (516) 678-5800 x 239. th Thursday, April 5 from 6:30-7:45 p.m. in the parish center. Can you help?  A group for bereaved parents (newly bereaved and Catholic Charities Immigrant Services is seeking tempo- ongoing) will meet on the 1st and 3rd Mondays of the rary (1-3 months) housing for a young Ugandan gentle- month, from 7:00-8:15 p.m. in the parish center. man who is coming to the United States legally to find The next meeting of this group is April 2nd. permanent housing and employment. He has a Bache-  A group for anyone who has lost a loved one lor’s degree, speaks English, and is eager to re-locate to through suicide (recently or ongoing) meets on the nd th our country. He needs a room, for which some rent 2 and 4 Mondays of the month. The next meet- money will be provided. If you would like to know ing is Monday, April 9th from 7:00-8:15 p.m. more, please contact Sister Christine. Pre-registration is requested (call our office or come in 8

St. Bernard’S Young adultS St. Bernard’S Center for Pat McDonough, Director of Youth & Young Adults religiouS eduCation 516-731-4220 extension144 Mrs. Susan Martin, M.A., Director, 516-731-8511  Here in Religious Education, we are asking for 9 inch YOUNG ADULT RETREAT! aluminum pie plate donations so they can be used for a special Easter craft with our level 3 students. You is The Society of St. Vincent de Paul, may drop them off at the Office and thank you in hosting a Young Adult Vincentian Retreat on Sunday, advance. April 15 from 2pm - 6 pm. College students and young  On behalf of our Religious Education team, we wish adults are welcome. For more information, please you and yours a blessed Holy Week and Easter contact Pat McDonough @ [email protected] season. There will be NO CLASSES the week of by April 6th . April 2nd.  Level 2 First Communion banner sale will be held Saturday April 14th in the Parish center from 9-11. Be sure to pick up your child's banner as well.

Community Bulletin Board

Spirituality For Singles - Monthly Singles Gathering Saturday, Apr 7, 2018, 8:30PM. St. Aidan Parish, 510 Willis Ave., Williston Park, NY, 11596. Our Monthly HOLY INNOCENTS KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS gathering for singles; discussion and socialization. BIRTHRIGHT Fundraiser This Gathering will feature an interesting talk with Joan Sunday, April 8, 2018 McGovern from the Cenacle. Ages 35+; $5.00 donation Music, Beer, Wine, Soda - snacks, pizza and beverages will be served. 3 To 6 P.M. -$20.00 Per Person Contact: Ray 516-561-6994 or For Tickets Contact: [email protected] For tickets contact: Ty McDonough at 718-689-2660 or

Chris Wilson at 242-5605 The Glen Cove-Hicksville-Syosset Chapter of the Mercy League The Mercy Derby On Sunday, April 8, 2018, 2:00-5:00 PM at St. Ignatius Worldwide Marriage Encounter Loyola Gym, 120 Broadway, Hicksville, NY. “And hope does not disappoint, because the love of Admission is $10.00. For more information please God has been poured out into our hearts through the contact Judy Galgano @516-681-29994. Holy Spirit who has been given to us.” Let the Holy The Mercy League is a volunteer organization that raises Spirit acknowledge and increase our love for our money for enrichment activities and equipment at Mercy spouses by attending a Worldwide Marriage Encounter Medical Center. Weekend. The next Weekends are Apr 27-29, 2018 in Huntington, NY and Nov 16-18, 2018 in Huntington, Trip to the National Centre for Padre Pio NY. For more information, call John & Toni Torio at 877-697-9963 or visit them at http://www.wwmeli.org. Barton, Pennsylvania Monday, May 7, 2018 $79 per person for 40 or more passengers. For more information contact Virginia Smithwick at 516-796-9251. Rendezvous Travel • www.rendezvous.travel 516–867-8747 • email: [email protected]

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Liturgy Corner Easter Sunday of the Resurrection of the Lord April 1, 2018 First Reading: On Easter Sunday morning, the First Gospel: On Easter, we proclaim not the presence of the Reading takes us to the home of Cornelius a devout man Risen Christ, but the empty tomb. Mary of Magdala, who was also a Roman centurion. He has had a vision Peter and the “other disciple whom Jesus loved” are in which he has been instructed to send for Peter, who they key characters, as is the empty tomb. Mary can also had a vision that questions the Jewish only surmise that the body has been stolen as food purity rules about which animals are she rushes to Peter. Peter and the beloved run clean versus unclean. In this passage, we to the tomb. The beloved disciple gets there hear Peter recount the story of the life, death first, but waits for Peter to arrive before and resurrection of Jesus Christ. While all he entering. Both Mary and the beloved disciple has accomplished has been witnessed to by seem to acknowledge Peter's priority status the prophets, the redemption of the Risen among the disciples. Peter arrives and enters Christ has been accomplished for all people, the tomb followed by the beloved disciple. including the gentiles. Anyone who believes Both see the burial cloths but no body. The and bears witness to him will be forgiven. beloved disciple sees and believes. Peter does not yet appear to believe for "they did not yet Second Reading: Both of these selections for understand the Scripture that he had to rise the Second Reading exhort the followers of from the dead." Jesus Christ to set aside the old self and old life in favor Like the disciples, we acknowledge that Resurrection of the new life they have been given in Christ. In the belief is a mystery. Scripture continues to sustain us in letter to the community in Corinth, Paul utilizes the that belief. The living witness of those who believe, metaphor of leaven. The image of yeast, a small bit of however, concretized in lives of care, concern, and which can raise a great deal of flour, is one of the reconciliation, is the clearest proof that the Lord is risen predominant images for the role of the laity in the and active among us. Let us always continue to constitutions of Vatican II. Laypeople are called, intensify our witness to the Resurrection by continuing through their faith and holiness, to “work for the the Risen Lord's ministry. sanctification of the world from within as a leaven” (Lumen gentium, 31).

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The Ride Home Catholic Daughters This feature is for families to share their Sunday, April 15. Deadline for submission of applications for scholarships offered by Catholic Daughters Court #1690. If thoughts as they travel to and from Church. you are a member of our Court and have a child or

grandchild who will be attending their first semester of Solemnity of Easter Sunday Catholic high school or graduating high school and attending

Gospel: John 20:1-9 their first semester of college, consider having them submit an application. Rules and application may be obtained by Adults: Why do I believe that I will live with contacting Amelia Montgomery at Christ for all eternity? [email protected]. All applications will be reviewed and winner(s) determined by an independent party Children: Who has helped me believe that I will who is not a member of our court. Scholarship dollar amount live with Jesus forever ? (s) will be based on the available funds in the education savings account. Friday, May 4. Gift Card Bingo in the school gym. Doors open at 6:30 PM. More info to follow. July 17-22, CDA 57th Biennial National Convention in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. 100th Anniversary of the State Readings for Court. For information: contact Jean Leviton at 516-796- April 1, 2018 —April 8, 2018 6750.

Catholic Daughters always welcomes new members. For information, please contact Rosemary Brunoforte at 516-796-0021.

Focus on Religious Freedom From Catholics For Freedom of Religion- Sunday, April 1. Easter Sunday - The Resurrec- CFFR tion of the Lord. Acts 10:34, 37-43; Colossians Freedom of Worship's Assault on "Freedom of Religion": 3:1-4; Psalm 118:1-2, 16-17, 22-23; John 20:1- "Freedom of worship" means religious beliefs should remain 9. in a home or house of worship and that faith is a private affair Monday, April 2. Acts 2:14, 22-33; Psalm 16:1 that is relegated to personal activities or weekend worship -2, 5, 7-11; Matthew 28:8-15. services. Tuesday, April 3. Acts 2:36-41; Psalm 33:4-5, "Freedom of religion" means religious believers can say and 18-20, 22; John 20:11-18. do as their conscience dictates in the public square. It in- cludes freedom of worship but is also the right to evangelize, Wednesday, April 4. Acts 3:1-10; Psalm 105:1- change their religion, have schools and charitable institutions, 4, 6-9; Luke 24:13-35. and conduct their jobs and businesses according to their con- Thursday, April 5. Acts 3:11-26; Psalm 8:2, 5- science and religious beliefs. (firstlings.com; wsj.com, 9; Luke 24:35-48. 6/10/16; ncregister.com, 8/18/16) Friday, April 6. Acts 4:1-12; Psalm 118:1-2, 4, 22-27; John 21:1-14. "Congress shall make no law respecting the establishment of reli- Saturday, April 7. Acts 4:13-21; Psalm 118:1, gion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; ..." 14-21; Mark 16:9-15. First Amendment to the Bill of Rights Sunday, April 8. Second Sunday of Easter or Divine Mercy Sunday. Acts 4:32-35; 1 John 5:1 Action Steps: -6; Psalm 118:2-4, 13-15, 22-24; John 20:19-31. 1. Pray that all Americans cherish our freedoms. 2. Learn all 5 freedoms in the First Amendment. Daily readings can be found online at: 3. Contact Catholics For Freedom of Religion at www.usccb.org/bible/readings 631-896-8331 to arrange a speaker for your parish or ministry group. 11

Attention Parents of Kindergarteners it’s time to register for Religion!

Level I Communion Program (read all about it on our website!)

If you are NOT yet a registered parishioner:

Parents and Guardians of children currently attending Kindergarten will have the opportunity to register their children for St. Bernard’s Church two-year First Holy Communion Preparation program, which will begin in the Fall of 2018.

In order for a child to be eligible for the First Holy Communion program, a parent or legal guardian needs to be a registered member of St. Bernard’s parish. Parents who are not yet formally registered in the parish may join the parish at an upcoming New Member Welcome Orientation, to be held on:

Monday, April 23 7:30pm

First Holy Communion program registration information packets will be available at the orientation. Please call the rectory at 516-731-4220 or visit www.stbernardchurch.org and click on the “Join St. Bernard’s Parish” link for Welcome Orientation information and to sign up. If you are not sure if you are actually a current registered parishioner, please call the rectory to verify. *****************************************

If you are already a current registered parishioner: But DO NOT have other children in our program (If you currently have children registered in our program you will receive instructions on how to register your new 1st year student with your older child’s Re-registration.)

Registration will take place at the Religious Education Center on:

Monday May 14 thru Thursday May 17 from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM

Tuesday May 15 from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM

Sunday May 20 from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM

In order to register you will need:

 Parish Envelope Number  Your payment (cash or check only) for $195  A copy of your child’s Baptismal Certificate (Even if they were Baptized at St. Bernard’s )

NO REGISTRATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED WITHOUT ALL OF THESE REQUIREMENTS

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ALTAR SERVER SCHEDULE APRIL 2018 C=Crossbearer 1. Please arrive 15 minutes prior to Mass A=Acolyte 2. Please dress appropriately for Mass B= Bookbearer 3. Please find replacements if you cannot serve T=Thurifer 4. Please remember to sign in

MASS APRIL 7 & 8 APRIL 14 & 15 APRIL 21 & 22 APRIL 28 & 29 DIVINE MERCY 3rd SUNDAY OF 4th SUNDAY OF 5th SUNDAY OF SUNDAY EASTER EASTER EASTER 5:00 pm Sat. C Frank Pietraniello Jayson Melgar Britney Cardenas Zac Martin A Julianna Pietraniello Eddie Cahill Christopher Gordon Kenneth Gonzalez A Michael Pietraniello James Lawlor Thomas Kruk James Lawlor B Seanacy Lawlor Seanacy Lawlor Seanacy Lawlor Seanacy Lawlor 7:30 am Sun. C Tyler McManus Liam Burden Collin McVetty Danny Russo A James Lawlor Isabelle Torre Gina McGough Colleen Daly Nicole A Frank Vespa Marcela Vasquez Stueckenschneider Ron Renda 9:00am Sun. C Chris Leshinsky Gina McGough Nicole Leshinsky Michael Albrecht A Alyssa Leshinsky Kevin Leshinsky Alyssa Leshinsky Chris Leshinsky A Kevin Leshinsky Ron Renda Kevin Leshinsky Emilia Salazar B Kaila Hess Brian Leshinsky Kaila Hess Brian Leshinksy 10:30 am Sun. C Collin McVetty Lauren Barsch Tyler McManus Elisa Montanino A Thomas Kruk Nicole Barsch Frank Vespa Isabella Montanino A Danny Lang Jake Hopkins Kenneth Gonzalez Jake Hopkins B Victoria Lang Samantha Keegan Caroline Keegan Andrea Chavarria 12 noon Sun. C Zac Martin Michael Manfredo Frank Pietraniello Greg Milau A Bridget Paddock Britney Cardenas Julianna Pietraniello Anthony Louie A Emilia Salazar Kathy Aguilar Danny Lang Kathy Aguilar B Caroline Keegan Ayden Lemoine Victoria Lang Samantha Keegan 5:30 pm Sun C Marcela Vasquez Tyler Zorn Tyler Zorn Ryan Thompson A Anthony Louie Shannon Zorn Jenna Summer Louie Sabino Nicole A Christopher Gordon Stueckenschneider Shannon Zorn Eddie Cahill B Andrea Chavarria Ryan Paladino Ryan Paladino Ayden Lemoine HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO: K. Macias 4/9 S. Macias 4/9 E. Cahill 4/10 F. Pietraniello 4/15 R. Thompson 4/18 J. Summer 4/27 N. Barsch 4/28 As always Thank You for your Service & Dedication to St. Bernard's

15 EAST MEADOW WANTAGH 2515 N. Jerusalem Road 603 Wantagh Avenue 516-826-1010 516-731-5550

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