Parish of Martin of Tours 40 Seaman Avenue, Bethpage, New York 11714

Mark 1:29-39: And at once on leaving the synagogue, he went with James and John straight to the house of Simon and Andrew. Simon's mother-in-law was in bed and feverish, and they told him about her. He went to her, took her by the hand and helped her up. And the fever left her and she began to serve them. The whole town came crowding round the door, and he cured many who were sick with diseases; he also drove out many devils. In the morning, he left the house and went off to a lonely place and prayed there. When Simon and his companions found him they said, 'Everybody is looking for you.' He answered, 'Let us go elsewhere, to the neighboring country towns, so that I can proclaim the message there too, because that is why I came.’

Jesus Heals Yesterday, Today, Forever...

Fifth Sunday Ordinary Time February 7, 2021

OUR MISSION STATEMENT

We, the parish family of St. Martin of Tours, focus on the Eucharist because it affords all of its parishioners the opportunity to participate and celebrate the presence of our Risen Lord. We seek through Word and Eucharist to be guided by the Holy Spirit. We do so to build a welcoming community of love and mutual respect through our liturgical, spiritual, educational and social ministries where all can grow in their relationship with God. Page Two 5th Sunday in Ordinary Time February 7, 2021

THE CLERGY MASSES FOR THE WEEK Rev. Christopher Costigan, Pastor Rev. Sylvester Ileka, Associate Pastor Mon. Feb 8 -Fifth week in Ordinary Time Rev. Vincent Schifano, Associate Pastor 6:30 Sebastiano Caruso Rev. Deacon Thomas R. Hennessy 9AM Concetta Sciulara Rev. Deacon Christopher P. Quinn Rev. Deacon Ronald Lacsa Tues. Feb 9 6:30 Robert & Deatrick Hermann Trustees: Carol Buffa and Frank Mekalainas 9AM George Benasutti- Second Anniversary

Parish Council: Martin Meaney, Tom Beck, Annette Crofton Wed. Feb 10 - Saint Scholastica Louie Gandolfo, Rosanna Kluth, Michael Leva 6:30 Lucy McNamara, Robert J. Smith 9AM Lillian Fantry

Finance Committee: John McCarthy, Frank Aiello Thurs. Feb 11 - Our Lady of Lourdes Carol Buffa, John Lynam, Lucy McNamara, John McTigue 6:30 Frank Mekalainas, Tina O’Donnell, Susan Oliver 9AM Lucille & Vincent Ventura - In Thanksgiving Liturgy: Deacon Tom Hennessy, Deacon Chris Quinn Deacon Ronald Lacsa, Janet McKenna, Frank Mekalainas Fri. Feb 12 Pat Ricci, Elena Scollo 6:30 Siobhan Hanrahan 9AM Lillian (Ruby) Fisichello Rectory Office: Tel. 931-0818 • Fax 931-0559 Hours: Monday - Friday: 9AM-8PM Sat. Feb 13 Exception Tuesday: 9AM-5PM - no evening hours 9AM Saturday: 9AM-6PM; Sunday: 8AM-12Noon 5PM Madeline & Edward Stein

Office of Faith Formation: -822 9768 Sun. Feb 14- Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time Patricia Ryan and Laura Leigh Agnese, Coordinators 7:30AM Francis Orticelle Parish Social Ministry: • 931-7332 10AM People of the Parish

Music Ministry: Elena Scollo, Director of Music • 713-8854 12PM James Thomas Lynch Agapi Papadopoulos Facility Manager: George Lucas • 635-7944 Ottavio Fanelli First Friday Devotions: After the 9AM Mass 5:30PM First Saturday Devotions: 8:30AM Church READINGS FOR THE WEEK Baptism: Karen Dillon, Coordinator • 454-6454 Mon. Genesis 1:1-19; Mark 6:53-56 Sacrament of Matrimony: Please contact the rectory office Tues. Genesis 1:20-2:4a; Mark 7:1-13 at least 6 months prior to the wedding. Wed. Genesis 2:4b-9, 15-17; Mark 7:14-23 St. Vincent de Paul : 718-687-8854 Thurs. Genesis 2:18-25; Mark 7:24-30 Fri. Genesis 3:1-8; Mark 7:31-37 New parishioners: Go to smtbethpage.org. & under Our Sat. Genesis 3:9-24; Mark 8:1-10 Parish/Becoming a Parishioner, click the registration form. Sun. Leviticus 13:1-2, 44-46

Confession Times: 1 Corinthians 10:31-11:1 Saturday: 2:00 - 3:00 p.m. Sunday: 4:30 - 5:15 p.m. Mark 1:40-45

Monday - Friday: immediately following 6:30 a.m. Mass, 8:30-8:50 a.m. before 9:00 a.m. Mass

Rest in the peace of Christ Change of address: Please notify the rectory. Sebastiano Caruso

Victims of COVID-19 throughout the world. Page Three 5th Sunday in Ordinary Time February 7, 2021

“Whatever you do for one of these, the least of my sisters and brothers, you did it for me.”

"We can't thank you all enough for the continual generous donations to the pantry! This week, the pantry is running low on spaghetti sauce, dish soap and size 6 diapers. Together, we can get through these tough times. We are able to serve many families because of the generosity of those who give of their time, treasure and talent." The parish food pantry is open on Monday and Thursday. Please feel free to refer people. Those in need can call 931-7332 to set up an appointment.

Parish Outreach Food Pantry THE PANTRY IS AVAILABLE 208 Broadway, Bethpage NY BY APPOINTMENT ONLY ON Phone: (516) 931-7332 MONDAY & THURSDAY.

Week of February 7, 2021 Week of February 7, 2021 Sanctuary Candle is lit Bread & Wine is offered In Loving Memory of the In Loving Memory of McTighe & White Families Barbara Hill

Please Note: Starting in February, requested names will be placed on the prayer list for a month. Parishioners may request to keep names on this list at the end of that month for another 30 days. REMINDER: Please call the rectory at 931-0818 to remove a name from the list at any time.

Please pray for the sick of our parish: Leevalli Annearosa, Leigh Murphy, Richard Piernini, Joseph Simon, Douglas Torres, Liz Robertson, Amy Hayes, Pat Cannata, Christopher Gratton, Barbara Thompson, Dorothy Quinn, Zachery Duff, Sam Zubov, Patricia Morrone Mary Lynn Brassil, Brendan Rodriguez, Rebecca Passaro, Annette Giuliano, Tom Schuerlein, Katie Walsh, Louise Sandberg, Anthony Luisi Tommy Johnson, Chris & Raymond Mirendia, Florencio Carmenate, Mary McCarthy, Karen Kilgard, Ann Marie Frayler, Nicholas Balducci Robert Kennan, Corey Voboril, Baby Scarlett, May Duffey, Daniel Costa, Janet Medina, Kevin Henson, Marie Newman, Hector Valentine Theresa DuRoss, Terry Hall, Bob & Anna Baciuska, Elsa Ryan, The Scudder Family, Vincent Esposito, William Boyce, Catherine A. McCarthy, Paul Granberg, Sarah Messina, Michael Arato, Jo Ann Anastos, Connie Burgess, Dolores Miller, Elizabeth Ryan, Layla Barr, Susan Carroll-Goyan, Patty Turano, Jesusa Aquin, Nicholas Amato, Joseph McCroary, Richard Graziano, Jean Mulligan, Edward Boyce, Fran Gandalfo, Johnny D., Joseph & Joyce Kostyak, William Castle, Anthony Della Croce, Nicole Carbone, Barbara Rusch, Connie Kane, Beverly Viselli, Casey, Betty Mara, Teri Pigott, George Reif, Ed Ingels, Liam Escaniel, Gus Kunze, Eddie Morales, Tom Miles, Debra Dowdell, Elizabeth Hill, John Anderson, Daniel McCullough, Mary Lafauci, Gerry Russo, Allegra LaFalce, Jessica Czarnecki, Bill Monahan, Maureen Roberts, Pete Moran, Brendan Donahoe, Janet Scarpelli, Andrew McCarthy, Alicia Manetta, Baby Lucia Bianchi, Pat James, Joseph David Iovieno, Robert Daniel, Dorothy Eisenstadt, David Drohan Ralph Caputo, Kristen Smith, Michael Vigotty, Vinny Vanturini, Tom Mitchell, Pat Murphy, Tarabokija Family, Philip Marino, Kathy Smith Henry Hamilton, Nancy Gerace, Robert Collelouri, Arthur Baudo, Samantha McNeill, Veronica McCarthy-Pigott, Janine, Mary Jedlicka, Fr. Paul Wood, Brian John Roe III, Jacklyn Baddalucco, Yolanda Zitelli, Rose Marie Gaccione, Andrew Bartolozzi, Pat Bergersen, Robert, Amy & Richard Ferranti, Joseph V. Pace, Jr., Justin Turner, Christopher Hehn, Baby Remy, Jimmy Rizzo, Thomas Kelly, Peggy Epstein, John Murphy, Al DeBatto, Adeline Norton, Ed Segretto, Ann Marie Wezel, Jeanie Wilkins, Ann Soehngen, Fred Cameron Ryan Westbrook, Donna Strickland, Anthony Clese, Valerie Haberly, Brendan Langhauser Family, Helen Kurlowicz, Christine Marsiello, Michael M. Durante, Sonny D’Ambrosio, Thomas Triola, Keith Ferrara, Margaret De- Marco, Annemarie Frayler, Mario Ratti, Yvonne McDonnell, Denise Dolan, Henry Hamilton, Christian Bogdanos, Liam, Bridget, Karen Murphy, Richard Baker Kevin, Dina Ledogard, Ed Russo, Petrina Dralas, Michael John, Jean Vanturini Diane Passaro, Toni Novak, Susan Estabrook, Baby Luke, Heather Gilroy, Linda Jean, Marie Sirianni, Frances Valenti, William Wojcik, Denise Lombardi, Christopher Connelly, Mike & Carol Leva Michael Barry, Deborah A. Sullivan, Mary Castora, Diana Hart Mirando, Patricia & Ralph Keck, Inge Luckmann, Lucy Zgrablic, James Carbone, Theresa Leicht, Brian Kevan, Barbara Weis, Teri Bunker, Diane Kelly, Andy Lomuscio, Baby Dominick, Bridget Lissy, Madison Milio, Edison Esposi- to, Gene Stasiuk, Carlo Ruggiero, Rose Kuhn, Doris Krahn, Joseph Gagliano, Jimmy Brown, Bucky Montgomery, Steve Lazzara, Dorothy Kelly, Bob Hoffman, Stephanie Koster, Maria Panno, Carolyn Smith, Margaret Pehrsson, Daniel Harrington, Bob Amato, Barbara Gula, John Prentice, Rich- ard Lertora, Anthony Valente, Jr., Gerry McCarthy, Paul Caparatta, Celina Bauer, Serafina Rose Maniscalco, Genny Mitchell, Scott Cullen, Tom Engelhart, Jane Edwards, Lexie Baudo, Josephine Rosa, Dorothy Branston, Baby Julia, Patrick Vanacore, Dan Acosta, Giovanna Altube, Christina Marchissio, John Binder, Cates Family, Maureen Cioni, Barbara Casey, John Osicki, Robert Pellegrino, Joseph Bagliano, Kate Mayerhofer, Maya, Maureen Lavin, Marie Gragnaniello, Maryann Smith, Phil Scollo, Rene Cantarero, Anita Pepe, Marie Teresa Fielack, Annetta Esposito, Paulette Kloos, Maria Osicki, Marion Cannon February 7, 2021 5th Sunday in Ordinary Time Page Four

The Pastor’s Letter 5th Sunday in Ordinary Time

In the First Reading Job asks, "Is not life on earth a drudgery?" As I write this our area is in the middle of the largest winter storm we have had in some time. While storms like this can be magical to children, they can be like Job's drudgery for those who have to shovel, plow, clean off the car and attempt to drive through it. While many are able to spend time home relaxing, many have to either work at essential jobs or are busy working to clear the snow and make travel conditions safe. Thank you to George Lucas and all who contribute to our maintenance work at the parish. A major snow storm complicates the already added burdens of regular parish cleaning and COVID protocols but like always we are meeting the challenge.

Many of you know that our long-time parish secretary, Genny Mitchell, retired at the end of last year. We thank her for her years of service and friendship. We wel- comed Colleen Sheridan as our new parish secretary. Many of you have met her in person or spoken to her on the phone. Mary Vitti, our coordinator of Parish Outreach for the last few years has also decided to step down. We are happy to welcome Grace Pigott to our staff as the new Parish Outreach Coordinator. Grace has recently gradu- ated St. John's University where she was a part of the Catholic Scholars Program as well as very involved in campus and service activities. Mary will be staying on for a short period to assist in the transition. It is our hope to not only continue and expand the work of the Mother Teresa Pantry but to grow into a holistic Outreach Program that is involved with our Faith Formation, Youth Ministry, and our Bethpage Com- munity. The COVID crisis has brought many people in our community together on an ad hoc basis to coordinate our Operation Hope food drives. It is my hope that we can work together in a more organized way to have periodic projects that benefit the community as a whole.

In the middle of the blizzard the parish Liturgy Committee will be meeting by Zoom to coordinate the details of Lent for our Parish. Those details well be an- nounced soon. Please as always stay tuned to our website, Parish App, and Facebook page.

Father Christopher Costigan, Pastor [email protected] www.smtbethpage.org February 7, 2021 5th Sunday Ordinary Time Page Five

The Sisters of St. Dominic of Amityville Celebrate Irish Night

Many of you know the Dominican Sisters of Amityville through our ministry in schools, health facilities, parish affiliations, etc. This year, we celebrate and honor those whose daily dedication and hard work foster the creation of a caring community. This year's festivities will take place virtually on Saturday, March 6, 2021 and offer us an opportunity to gather together for liturgy, followed by a joyful program of song, dance, and Irish spirit!

Please consider supporting our efforts by purchasing one or more of the following: A ticket for our Irish Sweepstakes Raffle. Tickets are $10 each, or 6 for $50. Extra tickets are available on our website. A special edition Irish Night cookbook which includes tasty recipes and culinary traditions from all across the Emerald Isle. Cookbooks are $10 each. An event ticket for $40, which includes 1 entry into our door prize raffle, an entry into the Irish Sweepstakes and a copy of the cookbook.

For more information, please contact our Advancement Office at 631-842-6000 ext.246 or visit the event website: www.sistersofstdominic.org/irishnight2021 As always, thank you for your continued support of the Congregation. We hope you will join us on March 6th and raise a glass to good health this coming year - Sláinte!

Ash Wednesday Schedule

Masses: 6:30am and 9:00am

Liturgies of the Word with distribution of ashes: 12pm, 4pm, 6pm, 8pm

Please note that ashes will be sprinkled on the top of the head and not imposed on the forehead. February 7, 2021 5th Sunday in Ordinary Time Page Six of the Week

Twins often share the same interests and ideas with an equal intensity. Therefore, it is no surprise that Scholastica and her twin brother, Benedict, established religious communities within a few miles from each other. Born in 480 of wealthy parents, Scholastica and Benedict were brought up together until he left central Italy for Rome to continue his studies. Little is known of Scholastica’s early life. She founded a religious community for women near Monte Cassino at Plombariola, five miles from where her brother governed a monastery. The twins visited each other once a year in a farmhouse because Scholastica was not permitted inside the monastery. They spent these times discussing spiritual matters.

According to the Dialogues of St. Gregory the Great, the brother and sister spent their last day together in prayer and conversation. Scholastica sensed her death was close at hand and she begged Benedict to stay with her until the next day. He refused her request because he did not want to spend a night outside the monastery, thus break- ing his own Rule. Scholastica asked God to let her brother remain and a severe thunderstorm broke out, preventing Benedict and his monks from returning to the abbey. Benedict cried out, “God forgive you, Sister. What have you done?” Scholastica replied, “I asked a favor of you and you refused. I asked it of God and he granted it.”

Brother and sister parted the next morning after their long discussion. Three days later, Benedict was praying in his monastery and saw the soul of his sister rising heavenward in the form of a white dove. Benedict then announced the death of his sister to the monks and later buried her in the tomb he had prepared for himself.

Saint Jerome Emiliani A careless and irreligious soldier for the city-state of Venice, Jerome was captured in a skirmish at an outpost town and chained in a dungeon. In prison Jerome had a lot of time to think, and he gradually learned how to pray. When he escaped, he returned to Venice where he took charge of the education of his nephews—and began his own studies for the priesthood. In the years after his ordination, events again called Jerome to a decision and a new lifestyle. Plague and famine swept northern Italy. Jerome began caring for the sick and feeding the hungry at his own expense. While serving the sick and the poor, he soon resolved to devote himself and his property solely to others, particularly to abandoned children. He founded three orphanages, a shelter for penitent prostitutes and a hospital. Around 1532, Jerome and two other priests established a congregation, the Clerks Regular of Somasca, dedicated to the care of orphans and the education of youth. Jerome died in 1537 from a disease he caught while tending the sick. He was canonized in 1767. In 1928, Pius Xl named him the patron of orphans and abandoned children. St. Jerome Emiliani shares his liturgical feast day with St. on February 8.

Josephine was born around 1869 in Darfur (now part of western Sudan). Her family was part of the powerful Daju people (after whom Darfur is named). Her uncle was chief of their village, and Josephine was surrounded by a loving, prosperous family during her early years. When Josephine was eight, her life took a tragic turn when she was snatched by slave traders and brought to El Obeid, a large city in central Sudan.

In the fall of 1888, Bakhita, as she was now called, and her young charge went to stay with the Canossian Sis- ters in Venice while the rest of the family was away on business. While staying with the , Bakhita encountered Christianity the first time. The kind sisters instructed Bakhita in the Christian faith. When the Michieli family returned to bring back Bakhita to Sudan, Bakhita refused to go. The Michielis appealed to the courts, who upheld Bakhita’s freedom. Shortly thereafter, Bakhita was baptized and received the new name of Josephine in 1890. Three years later, she entered the Canossian novitiate. After a life spent in being uprooted, Josephine was assigned to the Canossian convent in Schio and remained there for forty-two years. When asked later by one of her students what she would do if she met one of her captors or former owners, Josephine responded: “If I were to meet those who kidnapped me, and even those who tortured me, I would kneel and kiss their hands. For, if these things had not happened, I would not have been a Christian and a religious today.”

Remarking on Josephine Bakhita’s remarkable love and forgiveness, Pope Benedict XVI, in his encyclical Spes Salvi ("In Hope We Are Saved"), attributed Sr. Josephine's hope and love to her hope in God’s love for her. Immediately after her death on February 8, 1947, the people of Schio began to petition for the of their beloved Madre Moretta or "little black mother." On October 1, 2000, Pope John Paul II canonized Josephine Bakhita; she has since become the patron saint of Sudan and of the victims of human trafficking. Page Seven 5th Sunday in Ordinary Time February 7, 2021 Page Eight 5th Sunday in Ordinary Time February 7, 2021

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE FOLLOWING Congratulations to the STUDENTS FROM SMT! H.O.P. Club Winners! Principal's List at St Francis Preparatory High School 2/1/21 Thomas McGowan #562 $25 Jane McNamara 2/2/21 Lisa & Ray Haller #104 $25 2/3/21 Jeanne Sokolski #406 $25 Chaminade High School 2/4/21 Sheila Regan #3 $25 First Trimester Honor Roll Alexander Beattie, Ryan Spero, Matthew Mullen, 2/5/21 Jean Marie McGlynn #353 $50 Ryan Farrell, Drew Spero, Samuel Beattie, Sean McDermott

MOMMAS House continues to operate during the COVID-19 Pandemic as an essential service providing housing and support services to the moms and babies in our care. We need help with supplies: reusable face masks, disposable gloves, disinfectant cleaners/Lysol spray, toilet paper, paper towels, hand soap, hand sanitizer. We cannot accept donations of any used items at this time. Please call us at 516-781-8637 or email [email protected] if you can help. We have to purchase additional supplies and have additional staffing costs associated with this emergency and we anticipate a decrease in our normal fundraising as we cannot hold in person events for the time being. Any financial assistance to help us get through this crisis would be greatly appreciated. Donations can be made through PayPal or by mail: MOMMAS House 1857 Wantagh Avenue, Wantagh, NY 11793.

OUR WEEKLY SACRIFICIAL GIFT

Regular weekly: 9790.67 Masses: 5781.67 Mail : 4009.00 Fuel offering : 2104.00

You can choose to make weekly donations online by registering at Vanco Payment Solutions by going to the smtbethpage.org website. You will find it on the home page or under the Giving dropdown to Support St. Martin of Tours. For those who do not have internet access, we thank you for supporting SMT by mailing in or dropping your donations through the rectory mail slot. Above all else, God keep you safe in the palm of his hand!

February 7, 2021 5th Sunday in Ordinary Time Page Nine

Registered parishioners who would like a statement of their 2020 Contributions The Divine Mercy Prayer Group is back can call our Business Manager, Susan every Friday at 2PM in the Church. Oliver, at the Rectory or email at [email protected] or Please join us as we pray for the [email protected] Mercy of Jesus Christ on us and the whole world.

PLEASE PRAY CONSTANTLY FOR THOSE SERVING IN OUR MILITARY Lord of Hosts, we commend to Your gracious care and keeping all the men and women of our armed forces at home and abroad. Defend them day by day with Your heavenly grace; strengthen them in their trials and temptations; give them courage to face the perils that beset them; and grant them Your abiding presence wherever they may be. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

MAJ Gregory Holownia, US Army E3 CORPSMAN Robert Fidnarick, US Navy MAJ Erika Holownia, US Army 1LT Brian Thorpe, US Navy SGT Zachary John Sheehy, USMC PO3 Joshua Zimmerman, US Navy PVT Travis Ruggiero, US Army MAJ Brendan McEvoy, US Army SGT Dennis Diesel, USMC PO3 James Fischer, US Navy SGT Matthew P. Sirianni, US Army LTC John Evans, US Army CPT Conor B. Murphy, USMC ABHAA Michael Creagh, US Navy PO1 John Paul Pedalino II, US Navy PVT Steven DiPaolo, USMC CPT Thomas P. Shea, USAF SSGT Sean V. Oliva, US Army SGT Michael John Kelly, USMC 2LT Samantha Lopez, US Navy 1LT Brian McGrath, US Army SSG George Howard, US Army SPC Matthew Castellano, US Army LT Mario Lopes, USMC SSGT Michael Patrick Murphy, US Army PVT Brian Barcavage, US Army CPL William Corrigan, USMC CS1 Andrew L. DeMarsico, USN LCDR Daniel Cloonan, USCG MAJ Thomas E. Mangiamele, US Army PVT Daniel Kuhlmann, US Army PVT Edward Morales, US Army LCPL Jonathan M. Gordon, USMC LTC Michael F. Wendelken, USAF CPT Sean O’Donnell, USAF PVT John Marcel, Jr USMC A1C Jake DeRossi, USAF LCPL Brendan M. White, USMC CPT Mike Polan, US Army PFC Clint Applegate, US Army L/CPL Daniel O’Shea, USMC CPT Patrick C. Looney USAF PVT Salvatore Castellano, US Army SGT Ryan O’Keeffe, USMC PVT Matthew Jelinek, US Army SGT Jean Marie Cassar, US Army SGT Matthew C. Windisch, USMC PVT Kyle Kachagourian, US Army

PRAYER TO SAINT MICHAEL

St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle, be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him, we hum- bly pray; and do thou O Prince of the heavenly host, by the power of God, thrust into Hell Satan and the other evil spirits who prowl about the world for the ruin of souls. Amen. Pope Leo XIII February 7, 2021 5th Sunday in Ordinary Time Page Ten

Retrouvaille Weekend You Can Help Heal Your Marriage

Do you feel alone? Are you frustrated or angry with each other? Do you argue or have you just stopped talking to each other? Does talking about it only make it worse?

Retrouvaille helps couples through difficult times in their marriages. This program has helped thousands of couples worldwide experiencing ALL TYPES of marital difficulties.

For confidential information about the Retrouvaille program, or to register for the upcoming weekend that begins on Friday, May 7th, 2021, please call 1-800-470-2230 and you will be connected directly and confidentially to a couple from Long Island/Metro Retrouvaille who can help.

Location:

Marriott Melville Long Island 1350 Walt Whitman Road Melville, NY 11747

From our St. Vincent de Paul Conference

Need help paying for a fuel delivery? Paying your utility bill? Medical bills? Housing? Help is available. Parishioners fac- ing financial difficulties, especially those issues related to COVID-19, call St. Martin of Tours St. Vincent de Paul Conference- at 718-687-8854. Our mission is to "Help People." Call, if you need us. All calls are confidential.

e want to thank our parishioners and visitors to St. W Martin of Tours for wearing their masks.

However, in order to abide by all guidelines, please note that masks must completely cover your nose, mouth and chin while inside of our church. Wearing the mask under your nose or under your chin does not prevent the spread of COVID-19.

We also understand that people suffer from asthma and other chronic illnesses and masks may make it hard for breathing. In that case, the Diocese of Rockville Centre still has the dispensation in place which allows you to watch Mass on TV or online. While this is not ideal, it is an option to keep you and everyone else safe. Thank you for your cooperation. February 7, 2021 5th Sunday in Ordinary Time Page Eleven

FOR HELP IN A CRISIS PREGNANCY Call Diana Hart Mirando [email protected] (C) 830-5077 (H) 605-1979

ROSELINE LIFE CENTER 24 HOURS 631-243-2373 PROJECT RACHEL WWW.HOPEAFTERABORTION.COM Baby Safe Haven, Safe Babies, Safe Place 1 (877) 796-HOPE Adoption, Foster Care

Maternity Services Catholic Home Bureau 1 (800) 592-4357 NATIONAL CHILD ABUSE HOTLINE 1-800-4-Child or 1 800-422-4453

"Informed: Life is Worth Living" Film Presentation Long Island Coalition for Life will show the film "Informed: Life is Worth Living" at its meet- ing on Monday January 25, 2021, 7:30PM at St. Regis Council K of C Hall (Rosevale Ave. & Pond Rd., Ronkonkoma). This video, produced by Human Life Alliance, interviews peo- ple who have dealt with life and death health situations involving themselves, their family, and medical practitioners. The film (~ 1 hour) discusses end-of life decisions and experi- ences with assisted suicide, adverse prenatal diagnosis, organ donation, hospice and withholding of medical care. Please join us and become informed. Infor- mation: [email protected]; 631-243-1435.

Charismatic Prayer Group

Imagine a year that had NO seasons! Seasons are more than just a change for us! So much of life depends upon the seasons. It is God’s timetable and all of nature follows it....all because of a tilt of the Earth’s axis!!! What an amazing God we worship!!!

Join us on ZOOM on Mondays at 7:30pm. We are also in the church. No need to belong to the group just join in! Please call 516-993-9672 for more information or prayer requests. https://us02web.zoom.us/j/8067813931? pwd=NDE5a0lNaUQ0cDdkVDJERm00UC9vUT09 Meeting ID: 806 781 3931 Password: stmartin or Dial by your location +1 929 205 6099 US (NY) Meeting ID: 806 781 3931 February 7, 2021 5th Sunday in Ordinary Time Page Twelve

MARCH FOR LIFE 2021

Catholic Standard: Although the 2021 March For Life was far different from the previous 47 annual marches to protest the Supreme Court's decision legalizing abortion, organizers and rally speakers stressed that a smaller, and primarily virtual crowd, delivered the very same message. It was simply "more somber and prayerful, " said Jeanne Mancini, president of the March for Life Defense and Ed- ucation Fund, in the live-streamed broadcast of a group of pro-life leaders making their way to the Supreme Court after the virtual rally.

The opening prayer was said by Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann of Kansas City, Kansas, chair- man of the U.S. bishops' Committee on Pro-Life Activities, and the closing prayer was said by Cissie Graham Lynch, granddaughter of the well-known Southern Baptist minister, Rev. Billy Gra- ham. The archbishop prayed for God's blessing on the "pro-life movement in this nation," and noted that even though its members were separated by distance, they were united by the use of their talents in building a culture of life. He also prayed for pregnant women and for those who have been "wounded by abortion," stressing the need to "walk with them in their time of need." As Jeanne Mancini said in her closing remarks, the fight would continue in other marches to state capitols and in the work every day by people in the pro-life movement.

Those of you that tuned into the March virtually, caught the heart felt and encouraging speech by Tim Tebow. With God's blessings, we may be able to walk together next year and stand strong for the rights of every human person, born and unborn.

VATICAN NEWS: (excerpts) Pope Francis met with a delegation from Catholic News Service on the hundredth anniversary of the establishment of the news agency's establishment by the Bishops of the United States. "Fair, faithful, informed:" Pope Francis noted that "in a world when news can be easily manipulated and misinformation spread," CNS strives to live up to their motto by "making the truth known in a way that is."fair, faithful, and informed." He encouraged CNS "to continue fostering dialogue and honest communication between individuals and communities," saying that in today's world "we need media than can help people, especially the young, to distinguish good from evil, to develop sound judgments based on a clear and unbiased presentation of the facts, and to appreciate the importance of working for justice, social concord and respect for our common home."

THE LONG ISLAND CATHOLIC: Tomorrow's Hope now accepting scholarship applications for 2021 - 2022. The Tomorrow's Hope Foundation provides assistance with tuition at Catholic elemen- tary school (grades K-8) within the Diocese of Rockville Centre. To apply for scholarships for the upcoming academic year visit: https://online.factsmgt.com/grant-aid/inst/4KYQC/landing- page. For information and assistance, contact staff at Tomorrow's Hope at 516 745 7611 or [email protected].

VATICAN CITY: (CNS) Pope Francis announced the establishment of a World Day of Grandpar- ents and the Elderly as a reminder of the important role they play as a link between genera- tions. "Every year on the fourth Sunday of July to coincide with the feast of Sts. Joachim and Anne, Jesus' grandparents. The first celebration of this day will be July 25." "It is important for grandparents to meet their grandparents because - as the prophet Joel says - grandparents, before their grandchildren, will dream and have great desires, and young people - taking their strength from their grandparents - will go forward and prophesy," he said.

The Respect Life Ministry February 7, 2021 5th Sunday in Ordinary Time Page Thirteen

Lord, Jesus, scripture tells us that You are the same yesterday, today, and forever. You are the God who performs miracles! Take our pain away, according to Your will, in Your time. We’re not promised a painless life on this earth, but You do want us to live a happy one. Send Your Spirit to help us see past our circumstances. Fill our hearts with hope as we wait on You to move in our lives and flow out from our hearts. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Bulletin Reflection: In today’s Gospel, Jesus heals many people including St. Peter’s mother-in-law. Do not be afraid to call upon the Lord in prayer and ask Him to help you in your needs. Living Stewardship ~ Pillar of Formation: Like St. Paul, we are called to share the Good News with others. We can start with our spouses, children and friends. General Intercession: For all the sick in our parish. We pray to the Lord...