On behalf of the priests and staff of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, we wish you a Joyous and Blessed Easter. May we all take comfort and rejoice in the fulfilled promises of our Risen Lord! Page 1 Our Lady of Lourdes Parish April 12, 2020
DIOCESE OF ROCKVILLE CENTRE OFFICE OF THE BISHOP Easter 2020 Dear Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ:
None of us could have imagined even weeks ago, that we would celebrate Holy Week and Easter Sunday virtually.
I have been amazed and inspired by the creativity and initiative of our pastors, our people and our parishes to continue evangelizing all of Long Island.
Whether it is video-streaming Masses and Eucharistic adoration, conducting a virtual parish mission, or a health precaution sensitive Eucharistic procession through neighborhoods, you are all moving forward and trusting in the transformative power of the Risen Christ as we continue to experience the tragedies, trauma, unemployment, financial and economic distress of the COVID- 19 crisis.
The light that streams from the glorified wounds of the Risen Jesus always touches and transforms our wounds and fears, and the wounds and fears of the world.
We remember in a special way this Easter Sunday and throughout the Easter season the souls of those who have died from the corona virus and their families, and those who, as Pope Francis says, are “writing the decisive events of our time: doctors, nurses, supermarket employees, cleaners, caregivers, providers of transport, law and order forces, volunteers, priests, deacons, religious men and women and so very many others.” We remember our families and the efforts of each of us to care for our families and our neighbors.
While we are all in pain that our Holy Week 2020 needs to be a virtual one, we do have a Pastoral Letter, The Great Week: A Pilgrimage with the Lord in Holy Week which can help strengthen, lift and inspire our virtual Holy Week celebrations.
This Pastoral Letter is a user-friendly, easily understandable synthesis of Holy Week and the Sacred Triduum, its liturgical theology, spirituality and history, designed to show the relationship between the Sacred Liturgies of Holy Week and Catholic Evangelization.
I encourage everyone to participate in all the Holy Week liturgies virtually through the Catholic Faith Network (see: catholicfaithnetwork.org for details) and through your own parishes streaming the liturgies.
Post Office Box 9023, Rockville Centre, NY 11571-9023 • phone 516.678.5800 • fax 516.678.3138 • [email protected]
Page 1 Our Lady of Lourdes Parish April 12, 2020
DIOCESE OF ROCKVILLE CENTRE OFFICE OF THE BISHOP
Let’s take this unique and virtual evangelization opportunity to pray that the Risen Christ might lead a massive return of Catholic Long Islanders to a full, active and conscious participation in our Holy Week liturgies and our Sunday Masses throughout the year.
I encourage you all to read and pray our Pastoral Letter which is available on our diocesan website DRVC.org and in the March 2020 Long Island Catholic magazine that many of you received at home.
I also had the opportunity on March 27, 2020, to share the Pastoral Letter with every American Bishop in the United States for possible use in their dioceses as they celebrate virtual Holy Weeks around the country.
I received an email from the Bishop of Fairbanks, Alaska. He thanked the Diocese of Rockville Centre for sharing the Holy Week Pastoral Letter with the people of Fairbanks, Alaska and said: “We have 37 remote parishes of Native Alaskans, pretty much on ‘lock down’ that could benefit enormously from the Pastoral Letter.”
Catholic Long Islanders stand in the solidarity of the Risen Lord with Catholic Alaskans! This is just another example of the global Catholic solidarity that our Holy Father Pope Francis models for us and calls us to.
Thank you for continuing to support your parish and the vital ministries of our Church as your means allow during this most challenging time for all of us. The Church continues to serve the spiritual and physical needs of people during this crisis. Weekly collections mailed or given online will be critical to the sustaining and reemergence of our parishes.
Our Easter joy may be delayed this year, but our faith, hope and trust in the power of Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection must shine brighter than ever. The cross of this crisis offers us the opportunity for a renewed and lasting appreciation for the gift of family and the transformative power of faith.
Know that you and all your families are in my heart and in my prayers as we celebrate The Great Week, Easter Sunday, the Easter Octave, Divine Mercy Sunday and the Easter Season.
He is Risen! Alleluia!
Sincerely in Christ,
Page 7 Our Lady of Lourdes Parish April 12, 2020
Holy Week Masses and Services
Please follow Holy Week Masses by visiting the parish website at www.ollmp.org
Father Andy will be celebrating Holy Thursday, the Feast of the Last Supper * Father Kevin will be celebrating Good Friday of the Passion of Christ * Monsignor Jim will be celebrating Easter Sunday Mass
While we are all observing social distance through this very difficult time and the Lenten season, we know that on Easter Sunday we can still celebrate Our Lord’s victory over death as a parish and church family. Monsignor Jim, Fa- ther Kevin, Father Andy, and the parish staff are here for you, and the entire parish is remembered in all of our prayers and Masses.
A big thank you to those parishioners who have continued to support our par- ish by enrolling in online giving through Faith Direct, by mailing your enve- lopes, or by dropping them off at the rectory. Your continued support at this time so very appreciated, and we know how much you are sacrificing to continue to do so.
Together with God and His Blessed Mother we will get through!
Page 3 Our Lady of Lourdes Parish April 12, 2020
Dear Parishioner:
I hope you and your loved ones are safe and in good health during the terrible coronavirus tragedy we are all experiencing. From the stories I hear daily, every family has had someone down with the virus, or knows of someone close who has. We are going through an unbelievable period. Who would have thought that the day would come when all Churches would have to be closed and parishioners directed not to attend mass? During periods like this, all of us should become closer to God, and pray like never before. I want you to know the parish is here to help you in any way we can.
I must report on the current situation at Our Lady of Lourdes. During normal times, we receive between $15,000 and $17,000 per week in collection income. With no Sunday collections for the past several weeks and knowing that this will continue for some time, you can see that the parish is experiencing terrible finan- cial difficulties. Fortunately, some are still contributing regularly, about $2,500 per week. This is a long way from what we normally receive, but when you expect nothing, it has been a godsend!
To relieve the pressure, I am inaugurating the Our Lady of Lourdes Virus Crisis Appeal, with the hope that some parishioners might be in a position to help us financially. This is a very reluctant decision, because I know that many – probably most – cannot help. But for those who can, the parish would be most grateful. Please, even if it is a small amount, know your contribution matters and is counted on.
Enclosed is a contribution form and a self-addressed envelope. If you are in a position to do so, please com- plete the form, enclose the form and your contribution in the self-addressed envelope and either place it in the mail or drop it off at the rectory mailbox.
All parishioners and their loved ones are in my thoughts and prayers during this time of adversity. Let’s look forward to the day when terms like “social distancing” will be forgotten and we will resume being close to- gether and joyfully sharing the “kiss of peace” at mass.
Thank you for all you have done for the parish in the past and may the Lord be with you and those you cher- ish during this terrible crisis.
In the Love of Christ,
Page 4 Our Lady of Lourdes Parish April 12, 2020
Our Lady of Lourdes Massapequa Park, New York
Virus Crisis Appeal Contribution Form
Dear Monsignor Lisante:
To provide our share in meeting the needs of Our Lady of Lourdes during the coronavi- rus tragedy all of us currently are going through,
I/we wish to participate in this appeal by making the following contribution:
□ $ other: enter amount $______
□ $1,000
□ $500
□ $250
□ $100
Please make checks payable to Our Lady of Lourdes Virus Crisis Appeal
………………………………………………………………………………………………
NAME: ______
ADDRESS: ______
CITY/STATE: ______
PHONE: ______SIGNATURE______
EMAIL______DATE______
□ When we are all gathered together again, in appreciation of your generosity the parish will print an alpha- Page 5 Our Lady of Lourdes Parish April 12, 2020
Our Lady of Lourdes Massapequa Park, New York
Virus Crisis Appeal Contribution Form
I would like to make my payments by credit card. Please charge my:
□ VISA □ MasterCard □ American Express for $______
Please charge: □ one time □ each month for ______months
Card#______Exp. Date______Security Code______
Authorized Signature ______Date ______
……………………………………………………………………………………………………
□ Attached is a copy of a check from the account to be debited. (This is needed for us to have accurate bank information)
Please charge: □ one time □ each month for______months.
Authorized Signature______Date ______
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
NAME______
ADDRESS______
______ZIP______ENV.#______
PHONE______SIGNATURE______
EMAIL______DATE______Page 6 Our Lady of Lourdes Parish April 12, 2020
Our Lady of Lourdes Massapequa Park, New York
Until further advised, following are the parish directives
Sunday and Daily Masses will be posted on the parish website each day. Please go to www.ollmp.org
Rectory Hours: Parish Office Hours: Monday-Friday from 9am-4pm; Saturday 9am-1pm Closed on Sunday
Chapel Hours: Open Monday through Saturday from 9am to Noon for private prayers. Please Keep all visits short and please sit a safe distance apart from others making visits at the same time.
Church Hours: The church will be open for private prayer on Sunday from 9am to Noon. Please use the space and distance yourself from other making visits at the same time.
Daily Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament is cancelled until further notice.
Confessions: Confessions will be heard by appointment only. Please call the rectory office to schedule an ap- pointment with the priest on duty.
Emergency calls for the Sacrament of the Sick can be scheduled by calling the rectory.
The parish hours will be updated as changes are made and posted on the parish website. Please check back frequently.
Page 8 Our Lady of Lourdes Parish April 12, 2020
The donations for Sunday 4/5 were $13,662. We thank those parishioners who remembered, and we ask those who are able to try to continue your envelopes and utilize Faith Direct to donate as the parish has financial commitments that still have to be met.
Our Parish Community prays for the Catechists of the Week:
Judy Snyder
Laura Squadrito
and for all our catechists and their families. Page 9 Our Lady of Lourdes Parish APRIL 12, 2020 From the Our Lady of Lourdes Department of Religious Education
Registration for 2020-2021 Forms were mailed home. Please fill out and return via mail or drop off at the rectory office ASAP
All Religious Education families must be registered as parishioners in our Parish. If you received a Parish Census form with your registration materials, please return it to our office along with your registration form.
Early bird discounted tuition is in effect until May 31. Do not delay registration due to financial burden; let us know and we will work with you.
The Wednesday 4:00 PM session is especially popular, and enrollment will be strictly limited to the number of students that can be safely supervised. If this time is impor- tant to you, it is essential that you register very early or risk being closed out.
All requirements for Levels 3 through 7 must be fulfilled before students can be reg- istered for the next school year. No exceptions. The extension for those who have
The Sacrament of First Holy Communion will be celebrated on Saturday, August 22 at 10 AM or 12:30 PM
The session to which you were originally scheduled will remain the same
Tuesday, August 18– Rehearsal for readers ONLY at 5pm or 6pm in the church.
Thursday, August 20 – Communion Rehearsal for all students in the church at 5pm or 7pm, as assigned.
If you have a scheduling conflict, please call our office (516) 799-5179, not the rec- tory. Leave a message and we will contact you ASAP.
Message for Confirmation Candidates
You have not been forgotten. We are working on scheduling a new date for Confir- mation. We acknowledge how hard you have worked to prepare for this Sacrament, and we are very proud of you for making this choice to become full members of the Church and to fully commit yourself to God. We ask the Our Lady of Lourdes parish family to join us in praying for you!
As soon as the new date has been scheduled, you will be informed by robocall, and a Page 10 Our Lady of Lourdes Parish APRIL 12, 2020 Parish Outreach
Food Pantry
The Parish Outreach remains open with very limited hours. I would like to thank everyone who has continued to donate to their neighbors in need at this very challenging time.
We have been able to give out bags of food and other items that have been donated to our regular clients as well as others who have come to our door seeking assistance. It is only because of your kindness and generosity that we are able to continue to serve so many in the community that find themselves in circumstances beyond their control.
Below is a list of foods that we offer our clients. You may drop donations at Outreach or the Rectory. The bins in the back of the church remain in place should you make a visit to the Church on Sunday. If you feel unsure of how and when you can make a donation, for either the Outreach or the Parish, please call Outreach 516-541-1260 or email [email protected] and I will be happy to speak to you.
Canned Canned Cereal Pancake Mix Oatmeal Syrup Tuna Pasta Canned Rice Pasta Pasta/Rice Tomato Instant Meat Sides Sauce Potatoes
Canned Macaroni & Peanut But- Coffee & Tea Jelly Juices Vegetables Cheese ter Canned Powdered Soup Jell-O/ Beans Cookies/ Fruit Milk Pudding Crackers
*Given current circumstances, there is a very big need for hand soap – bars or liquid.
Parish Pantry Hours are being determined weekly. If you would like to donate, or need assistance yourself, I suggest you call first to see if the Outreach is open before you come to the office. Please be sure to leave a message on the answering machine and someone will get back to you as soon as possible.
“We Care” Blankets
We Care Blankets will not be meeting in Room 4 until further notice. We are, however, continuing to take donations of acrylic yarn. Your donations may be brought to Parish Outreach or the Rectory Office. Thank you for supporting the efforts of this special group of ladies.
The Bereavement Support Group originally scheduled to start in April is being postponed to a later date. Details to follow. Page 11 Our Lady of Lourdes Parish APRIL 12, 2020 Our Parish depends solely on your generosity to meet each week’s expenses. Our regular Sun- day collections account for more than 60% of our operating budget. Your continued support, es- pecially during these difficult economic times, is both needed and appreciated.
Thank You!
Let us continue to pray for Prayers for the Sick peace. Let us also pray for all those serving in the military or the Peace Corps. With special care we pray especially for: Sgt. Brian Andrew Dayman US Army, PFC Joseph DiCicco Army, Commander Christopher DeMay - Navy , Nicholas R. DoLieto - Marine Corps, Timothy Erkens USAF Staff Sergeant, Army, Capt. Michael Fer- rari, USMC, Spencer French, 1st Lieutenant, SRA Sen- Barbara Belli ior Airman Robert J. Gerry - Air Force, Spec. Steven Gianatiempo - US Army, Brandon Goodwin, Petty Off., Tim Burn, 2nd Class, USCG, Stefanie Goodwin, Petty Off., 3rd Class, USN, Kenny Greening -PFC-Army, Sean Hen- Patrick Campbell, drickson -Master of Arms, US Navy, Chaplain Major John Cappa, Timothy Hirten, USAF, Maj. Luke Holian USMC, SPC Justin Lansford -US Army, Sgt. Todd J. Lobraico USAF, Billy Coyne, Major Michael Edward Loconsolo, US Army, Pvt Mat- thew Macario - US Army, Sgt. Matthew McQuade-US William Gallagher, Army, Jason Moritz - Sgt. USAF, Pvt 1st Class Joshua Jeff Luther, Nichols - US Army, Lt. Col. Thomas O’Connor, US Army, Cpt. David Paolillo USAF, Cpt. Kathleen Paolillo Fred Margiotta, USAF, L. CPL Michael E. Porfidio - USMC, PFC Domi- nique R. Quiban, USMC Capt. Joseph Shultz, Sgt. Mat- Carol McNeany, thew Sirianni, 2nd LT, Army, Christopher John Sher- Marie Molloy, lock, US Army, L CPL Eric Vazquez USMC, US Army, Spec. Zachary Small - US Army, US Army Sgt. Michael Theresa Moran, Stephney, Capt. James Eyester—US Army, CPL. Ryan Thomas Albergo - USMC, Private 1st Class Bryan An- Mary Mullin, tico - US Navy, Senior Airman Justin Craig, 1st Lt. Vincent Pinto, Connor Lewis - US Army, Timothy Breen Combes—US Army, CPL Ken Chun - US Army, Pvt. Brady Mary Lou Polizzi, O’Sullivan—US Army, Sgt. Nicholas J. Schneider—US Army, Kyle Beck—Navy Airman, Pvt. Jesse Tiska, US Cliff Stevko, Army, L. CPL Jake P. Brandimarte—USMC, Pvt 1st Jean Trier Class Jack D. Burton—USMC, Sgt. Nikita Smith—US Army, Ashlea Beck, Seaman—US Navy, L. CPL Mat- thew Carnevale—USMC, L. CPL/E3 Jake Anthony Alessi—USMC, Alexander Emmolo—USMC
If you know a Service Member that you would like to add to this list please contact the rectory at 516-541-3270. Please include name, rank, and branch of service.
Page 12 Our Lady of Lourdes Parish APRIL 12, 2020
PRO LIFE NEWS
40 DAYS FOR LIFE – FEBRUARY 26 – April 5: CANCELLED for the remainder of the Spring Campaign at ALL locations.
GOOD FRIDAY FACE THE TRUTH at Nassau University Medical Center is CANCELLED.
A PRAYER FOR PREGNANT MOTHERS
O Blessed Mother, you received the good news of the Incarnation of Christ, your Son, with faith and trust. Grant your protection to all pregnant mothers facing difficulties. Guide us as we strive to make our parish communities places of welcome and assistance for mothers in need. Help us become instruments of God’s love and compassion.
Mary, Mother of the Church, graciously help us build a culture of life and a civilization of love, together with all people of good will, to the praise and glory of God, the Creator and lover of life. Amen.
Life, what a beautiful choice! Mother and Child, we love you both! If you need help, or if you can help:
Birthright of Nassau & Suffolk 516-785-4070 1134-A Wantagh Ave, Wantagh NY 11793 Life Center of Long Island 516-798-9100 35 East Willow St, Massapequa NY 11758 Momma's House 516-781-8637 1857 Wantagh Ave, Wantagh NY 11793 Mother of Good Counsel 516-223-1013 Roosevelt, Assisting young mothers Regina Residence 516-223-7888 Merrick, Housing & Support Services for mothers & children Baby Safe Haven 877-796-4673 Don't Abandon - No Questions Gabriel’s Courage 631-465-6300 For families who receive a life-limiting prenatal diagnosis Hope & Healing after Abortion 866-575-0075 Sisters of Life - Days of Prayer and Healing Post Abortion Help 877-586-4621 www.postabortionhelp.org [email protected] Abortion Pill Reversal 877-558-0333 www.abortionpillreversal.com Natural Family Planning 631-376-3232 The Gianna Center, 661 Deer Park Ave, Babylon Mother’s Circle of Hope 631-376-4673 Support, help with depression, anxiety during, after pregnancy
Everyone counts/Census 2020
Have you filled out your 2020 Census yet? The Census impacts our hospitals, our healthcare, our disaster programs - all systems that are being stretched thin by the current public health crisis. Fill out the Census today to contribute to a brighter, more resilient future for Long Island. Go to www.2020census.gov or call 844-330-2020. APRIL 12, 2020 Page 13 Our Lady of Lourdes Parish Page 14 Our Lady of Lourdes Parish APRIL 12, 2020 Page 15 Our Lady of Lourdes Parish APRIL 12, 2020 Page 16 Our Lady of Lourdes Parish APRIL 12, 2020 Page 17 Our Lady of Lourdes Parish APRIL 12, 2020 Page 18 Our Lady of Lourdes Parish APRIL 12, 2020 Page 19 Our Lady of Lourdes Parish APRIL 12, 2020 Page 20 Our Lady of Lourdes Parish APRIL 12, 2020
“I desire to grant unimaginable graces to those souls who trust in My mercy." -from the diary of St. Faustina
The Novena to The Divine Mercy is being said online in a group video meeting* starting on Good Friday (April 10th), at 3pm. All are very welcome. This is a wonderful way to gather in prayer and share our trust in Jesus while maintaining safety and compliance. With God's love and mercy, we can help each other through our individual trials and the trials we're facing as a community. Join fellow parishioners and meet new friends as we experience the power of this Novena, together.
Please send a request via text to: 516-362-6537 or via email to: [email protected]
You'll recieve a link to the group and the Novena prayer packet before Day 1 of the Novena.