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

John 3:14-21: For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him. Whoever believes in him will not be condemned, but whoever does not believe has already been condemned, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God. And this is the verdict, that the light came into the world, but people preferred darkness to light, because their works were evil. But whoever lives the truth comes to the light, so that his works may be clearly seen as done in God.

Fourth Sunday of Lent March 14, 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 Fourth Sunday of Lent March 14, 2021

THE CLERGY MASSES FOR THE WEEK Rev. Christopher Costigan, Pastor Rev. Sylvester Ileka, Associate Pastor Mon. March 15 - Fourth Sunday of Lent Rev. Vincent Schifano, Associate Pastor 6:30 Nicoletta Mattariello Rev. Deacon Thomas R. Hennessy 9AM Maria & Pietro Sirianni Rev. Deacon Christopher P. Quinn Rev. Deacon Ronald Lacsa Tues. March 16 6:30 Trustees: Carol Buffa and Frank Mekalainas 9AM Brendan Cronin

Parish Council: Martin Meaney, Tom Beck, Annette Crofton Wed. March 17 - Saint Patrick Louie Gandolfo, Rosanna Kluth, Michael Leva 6:30 Patrick Hopkins & Andrew McCarthy Lucy McNamara, Robert J. Smith 9AM George Benasutti- Birthday Remembrance

Finance Committee: John McCarthy, Frank Aiello Thurs. March 18 - Saint Cyril Carol Buffa, John Lynam, Lucy McNamara, John McTigue 6:30 Frank Mekalainas, Tina O’Donnell, Susan Oliver 9AM Frank & Dorothy Corbet Liturgy: Deacon Tom Hennessy, Deacon Chris Quinn Deacon Ronald Lacsa, Janet McKenna, Frank Mekalainas Fri. March 19 - Saint Joseph Pat Ricci, Elena Scollo 6:30 Angelo Cascione 9AM Michael J. Alloggio- Birthday Remembrance Rectory Office: Tel. 931-0818 • Fax 931-0559 Hours: Monday - Friday: 9AM-8PM Sat. March 20 Exception Tuesday: 9AM-5PM - no evening hours 9AM Edward Segretto Saturday: 9AM-6PM; Sunday: 8AM-12Noon 5PM Father Denis Sweeney

Office of Faith Formation: -822 9768 Sun. March 21 - Fifth Sunday of Lent Patricia Ryan and Laura Leigh Agnese, Coordinators 7:30 People of the Parish Parish Social Ministry: • 931-7332 10AM Michael Romano

Music Ministry: Elena Scollo, Director of Music • 713-8854 12PM Tom & Rose Gilday Marjorie Bruno Facility Manager: George Lucas • 635-7944 Justin Fermin First Friday Devotions: After the 9AM Mass Joan Ferraro First Saturday Devotions: 8:30AM Church 5:30PM Ben Scully

Baptism: Karen Dillon, Coordinator • 454-6454 READINGS FOR THE WEEK

Sacrament of Matrimony: Please contact the rectory office Mon. Isaiah 65:17-21; John 4:43-54 at least 6 months prior to the wedding. Tues. Ezekiel 47:1-9,12; John 5:1-16 St. Vincent de Paul : 718-687-8854 Wed. Isaiah 49:8-15; John 5:17-30 Thurs. Exodus 32:7-14; John 5:31-47 New parishioners: Go to smtbethpage.org. & under Our Fri. 2 Sm 7:4-5a,12-14a,16; Mt 1:16,18-21,24a or Parish/Becoming a Parishioner, click the registration form. Luke 2:41-51a

Confession Times: Sat. Jeremiah 11:18-20; John 7:40-53 Saturday: 2:00 - 3:00 p.m. Sunday: 4:30 - 5:15 p.m. Sun. Jeremiah 31:31-34 Monday - Friday: immediately following 6:30 a.m. Mass, Hebrews 5:7-9 8:30-8:50 a.m. before 9:00 a.m. Mass John 12:20-33

Rest in the peace of Christ Change of address: Please notify the rectory. Theresa Varga, Rita Mary Onken Victims of COVID-19 throughout the world. Page Three Fourth Sunday of Lent March 14, 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 March 14, 2021 There will be no Stations of Sanctuary Candle is lit the Cross March 19th at 3PM In Loving Memory of George Benasutti

40 DAYS FOR LIFE

First Banns A ROSARY WILL BE HELD EACH WEDNESDAY AT 7:00 PM..IN THE CHURCH. Alexander Mangano & Patricia Brady JOIN US AS WE PRAY FOR ALL LIFE ISSUES.

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:

Vincent Esposito, Genny Mitchell, Donna Strickland, James McVey, Suzanne Elia, John A. Rose Sr., Stephanie Gavin, Andrea Bertram, Marie Londino, Edward Segretto, Carl Hoffman

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 facing 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. March 14, 2021 Fourth Sunday of Lent Page Four

The Pastor’s Letter

Rejoice, Jerusalem! The Fourth Sunday of Lent each year is known as Laetare Sunday, from the word "rejoice" in the proper Introit Antiphon. This Sunday the sacred ministers wear rose colored vestments, and the music and decorations in the church are a little more joyful than the barrenness of Lent. We are also at the halfway point of Lent. It's a good place for each of us to take stock of where we are compared to where we were on Ash Wednesday, and where we want to be on Easter Sunday. Today's first reading and Gospel give us a good snapshot of where we are and where we are called to be. The Second Book of Chronicles tells us that everyone-- princes, priests, and people, were giving into sin after sin. But in the Gospel of John we see the essential aspect of the Gospel, that God came into the world that we might not perish but have eternal life! Saint Paul reminds us that God is rich in mercy! So let us sincerely seek out that mercy, and let us truly practice that mercy with one another.

We are currently working out the final details for Holy Week according to the Roman Missal and the guidelines received from Rome and Rockville Centre. While last year there were no public celebrations of these most sacred liturgies, this year we will be able to celebrate them almost completely, but with some limitations. Palms will be distributed at all Palm Sunday Masses but there will be only a short procession before Mass. The Passion Gospel may be read through at some of the Masses rather than in three parts. On Holy Thursday there will be no Washing of the Feet and the Altar of Repose will be in the church, but without a formal procession from the altar of sacrifice to the altar of repose. On Good Friday there will be no individual veneration of the Cross (by kissing or touching). At the Easter Vigil there will be a simple preparation and lighting of the Paschal Candle, no lighting of individual candles, and a limited Sprinkling Rite.

We are now one year into the Dispensation given by Bishop Barres from the obligation of the faithful to attend Holy Mass each Sunday and Holy Day of Obligation. This dispensation began shortly before the shutdown, obviously continued through the shutdown, and has prudentially continued until this point as people are at various stages of comfort and risk due to the coronavirus. It's important to remember that this dispensation, like all moral choices, requires the exer- cise of the virtue of prudence (we will discuss the virtues and decision making at our online Adult Faith Formation ses- sions beginning tomorrow). As restrictions are lifted and vaccinations increased, prudence and good conscience dictate that we should make an informed choice about our attendance at Sunday worship or not. If we are in an at-risk category and have been limiting our traveling outside of the house and contact with others, then not attending Mass would be a prudential decision. But if we are out and about every Sunday shopping, dining in restaurants, and gathering with friends, then perhaps we may need some examination of our priorities? Are we using the dispensation as a prudent decision to protect our health and that of others, or are we using it as an excuse not to come to Mass?

Some have asked about the possibility of once again live-steaming Mass from St. Martin of Tours. Once public Mass began last summer we discontinued live-streaming from our parish. The decision was based on two factors. The first was practical. We did not have the technology to "produce a good product" from the church and so our live-steams came from the rectory chapel. It was not practical to add an additional Mass just for the live-stream with a full Mass and sacrament schedule. The second was theological. The live-stream Mass was never meant to be permanent but was a temporary stop-gap until public worship was resumed. No less than Pope Francis came to the same decision and discontinued his live-stream Masses as soon as public worship was resumed. We don't want to make "going to Mass online" a normal thing! Live the early TV Masses, it is meant to be an aid to the faith of a group of people in limited situations (like the sick) and not the normal practice for everyone. Also, remember that there is never an "obligation to watch online Mass." As suggested last year, if you prudentially decide not to attend Mass due to the dispensation, praying the Liturgy of the Hours or even the Rosary as a family rather than passively watching would be more beneficial.

That being said, we have been receiving requests for live-streaming of weddings and funerals. These are one-time liturgies that family and friends are often not able to attend due to restrictions. Several parishes have been offering this to families who request it for a small donation to offset the cost of buying and operating the equipment. We are looking into that option and testing equipment. If everything works out, we will be able to restore live-streaming on a limited basis (weddings, funerals, baptisms, etc upon request as well as special liturgies). If things work well we will look into live-streaming perhaps one Mass each Sunday. If you remember from last spring we began using Youtube as our streaming service. Because we have less than 1000 followers we are limited to streaming from a laptop not a mobile device. This requires extra equipment to work in the church. Therefore, we need more followers! Please register to follow our Youtube Channel SMTBethpageSocialMedia (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMFlLnxffH4u0_ISA-yELRw)!

Father Christopher Costigan, Pastor [email protected] www.smtbethpage.org March 14, 2021 Fourth Sunday of Lent Page Five

There will be no Stations of the Cross March 19th at 3PM Page Six Fourth Sunday of Lent March 14, 2021

Charismatic Prayer Group Here are two pictures that tell the story of the paralyzed man who was lowered down to see Jesus! Let us focus on the determination of them carrying the paralyzed man. They carried him a long distance to get to Jesus and then devised a way to lower him through the roof. Also think about the trust of the man being carried by his friends and the trust they all had in Jesus! Lessons to be learned! Are we not asked to “carry our friends” when they need help and bring them to Jesus?

Please share this and invite a friend. Also, send me their email. 7:15 pm - Chaplet of the Divine Mercy (For the sins of Abortion, etc in our Country) 7:30 pm - Prayer Meeting starts

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

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

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. Page Seven Fourth Sunday of Lent March 14, 2021

Congratulations to the FOR HELP IN A CRISIS PREGNANCY H.O.P. Club Winners! Call Diana Hart Mirando [email protected] (C) 830-5077 (H) 605-1979

3/01/21 Carol Asch #593 $25 ROSELINE LIFE CENTER 24 HOURS 631-243-2373 3/02/21 Victoria Maley #260 $25 PROJECT RACHEL WWW.HOPEAFTERABORTION.COM 3/03/21 Khloe Basilicato #145 $25 Baby Safe Haven, Safe Babies, Safe Place 1 (877) 796-HOPE Adoption, Foster Care 3/04/21 Janet McKenna #547 $25

3/05/21 Debbie & Frank Aiello #023 $50 Maternity Services Catholic Home Bureau 1 (800) 592-4357 NATIONAL CHILD ABUSE HOTLINE 1-800-4-Child or 1 800-422-4453

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 Congratulations to the $13469.67 (Masses $7767.67 Mail:$5702) Following Students from SMT! Online giving for February: $3244.98 St Francis Preparatory School You can choose to make weekly donations online by Second Quarter Honor Roll registering at Vanco Payment Solutions by going to Lawson Hohmann the smtbethpage.org website. You will find it on the Matthew Hohmann home page or under the Giving dropdown to Support St. Martin of Tours. For those who do not have inter- St. Dominic High School net access, we thank you for supporting SMT by mail- Second Quarter Honor Roll ing in or dropping your donations through the rectory Emma Santivasci- 1st Honors mail slot. Above all else, God keep you safe in the Marisa La Rocca- 1st Honors palm of his hand! Amanda Rynkar- Principal‘s List Tyler VonBevern- Principal‘s List Justin DiMartino- 2nd Honors

March 14, 2021 Fourth Sunday of Lent Page Eight

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 PO3 James Fischer, US Navy SGT Dennis Diesel, USMC LTC John Evans, US Army SGT Matthew P. Sirianni, US Army ABHAA Michael Creagh, US Navy CPT Conor B. Murphy, USMC PVT Steven DiPaolo, USMC PO1 John Paul Pedalino II, US Navy SSGT Sean V. Oliva, US Army CPT Thomas P. Shea, USAF 2LT Samantha Lopez, US Navy SGT Michael John Kelly, USMC SSG George Howard, US Army 1LT Brian McGrath, US Army LT Mario Lopes, USMC SPC Matthew Castellano, US Army PVT Brian Barcavage, US Army SSGT Michael Patrick Murphy, US Army CS1 Andrew L. DeMarsico, USN CPL William Corrigan, USMC MAJ Thomas E. Mangiamele, US Army LCDR Daniel Cloonan, USCG PVT Edward Morales, US Army PVT Daniel Kuhlmann, US Army 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 March 14, 2021 Fourth Sunday of Lent Page Nine

STEP 1: Suggested Gift Plan – Every Gift Counts!

Use the table below as a guide but feel free to adjust the payments to your means. Pledge Down 10 Monthly Here’s what your Pledge can do to pave Create

Payment Payments Pathways of Faith (billed by

Diocese) $ 50 $ 10 $ 4 per month $50 may pay for gas for a Meals on Wheels van to deliver food for the day

$ 75 $ 25 $ 5 per month $75 may help pay the electric bill in a cold winter month for a family in need. $ 150 $ 30 $ 12 per month $150 may help care for a newborn infant in Catholic Charities

Regina Residence $ 200 $ 40 $ 16 per month $200 may help fund a Youth minister, inspiring vocations and

evangelization $ 250 $ 50 $ 20 per month $250 may help subsidize a home for an adult who is developmentally disabled.

$ 500 $100 $ 40 per month $500 may help subsidize faith formation for an adult attending the Diocese’s Missionary Disciples program $ 750 $150 $ 50 per month $750 may help support a Deacon’s formation $1,000 $200 $ 80 per month $1,000 may help support a Seminarian’s education

STEP 2: Pledge & Payment Information – To make a payment on line, go to https://www.drvc.org/CMA/

Please check the appropriate boxes below. Checks should be made payable to: Catholic Ministries Appeal Amount of Pledge: $______Payment Plan: (Please Check One)

 Payment Toda of  Down Payment Today of ______

STEP 3: Name and Address

Make checks payable to: Catholic Ministries Appeal Parish:. 004: St. Martin of Tours, Bethpage Pledge: $______Name ______Down payment: $______Address______City, State, Zip: ______

Phone: ______Signature: ______Date:______

Thank you for your support! To make a donation, you can also visit https://www.drvc.org/CMA/ or call us at 516-678-5800 ext. 296. March 14, 2021 Fourth Sunday of Lent Page Ten March 14, 2021 Fourth Sunday of Lent Page Eleven

Molloy College is hosting a Spring Open House for prospective students and their guests. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, they will be hosting their open house virtually. It will take place

Sunday, April 18th, 2021 1:00 PM

40 DAYS FOR LIFE - FEBRUARY 17TH - MARCH 28TH PRO BIKERS FOR LIFE WILL BE SPONSORING A 40 DAYS FOR LIFE CAMPAIGN ON LONG ISLAND, NY.

ATTN: THERE WILL BE A MASS AT ST. LADISLAUS CATHOLIC CHURCH LOCATED AT 18 RICHARDSON PLACE, HEMPSTEAD NY. 11550 AT 9:00AM. HOLY SACRIFICE OF THE MASS WILL BE CONCELEBRATED BY PBFL CHAPLINS FR LIAM MCDON- ALD & FR. FIDELIS MOSCINSKI, CFR. ADMINISTRATOR OF THE PARISH, FR. MARIUSZ GORAZD. ATTERWARDS, THERE WILL BE A SHORT PROCESSION TO PLANNED PARENTHOOD, HEMPSTEAD FOR A WITNESS AND THE ROSARY (SINCE THE FIRST) COORDINATED 40 DAYS FOR LIFE CAMPAIGN TOOK PLACE IN 2007. YOU ARE INVITED TO JOIN OTHER CHRISTIANS IN PEACEFULLY PRAYING FOR THE UNBORN DURING A 40 DAY VIGIL OUTSIDE PLANNED PARENTHOOD, LOCATED AT 540 FULTON AVENUE, HEMPSTEAD, NY. 11550. THE VIGIL TAKES PLACE 6 DAYS A WEEK, (MONDAY TO SATURDAY) BETWEEN THE HOURS OF 9AM - 5PM. INFO SIGN UP: www.40daysforlife.com/Hempstead. WE HAVE REACHED OVER 1000 CITIES IN 63 COUNTRIES. SEE THE AMAZING RESULTS: https://www.40daysforlife.com/about-results.aspx. IF YOU HAVE AN HOUR TO SPEND IN PRAYER TO HOPEFULLY CHANGE A HEART, PLEASE JOIN US! March 14, 2021 Fourth Sunday of Lent Page Twelve March 14, 2021 Fourth Sunday of Lent Page Thirteen

Saints of the Week

Saint Patrick is Ireland's patron saint, known for spreading Christianity throughout the country as a missionary during the 5th century. His father, Calphurnius, was a deacon from a Roman family of high social standing. Patrick's mother, Conchessa, was a close relative of the great patron Saint Martin of Tours. Surprisingly, Patrick himself was not raised with a strong emphasis on religion. Education was not particular- ly stressed during his childhood either. When Patrick was 16 years old, he was captured by Irish pirates. They brought him to Ireland where he was sold into slavery. There his job was to tend sheep. Patrick's master, Milchu, was a high priest of Druidism, a Pagan sect that held major religious influence over the country at the time. Patrick came to view his enslavement as God's test of his faith. During his six years of captivity, he became deeply devoted to Christianity through constant prayer. In a vision, he saw the children of pagan Ireland reaching out their hands to him and grew increasingly determined to convert the Irish to Christianity. Around 408 A.D., the idea of escaping enslavement came to Patrick in a dream, in which a voice promised him he would find his way home to Britain. Eager to see the dream materialize, Patrick convinced some sailors to let him board their ship. A free man once again, Patrick went to Auxerre, France, where he studied and entered the priesthood under the guidance of the missionary Saint Germain. He was ordained a deacon by the Bishop of Auxerre around 418 A.D. As time passed, he never lost sight of his vision to convert Ireland to Christianity. In 432 A.D., he was ordained as a bishop and was soon sent by Pope Celestine I to Ireland to spread the gospel to non-believers while also providing support to the small community of Christians already living there. Upon his arrival in Ireland, Patrick was initially met with re- sistance but managed to spread Christian teachings far and wide, along with other missionaries, through preaching, writing and performing countless baptisms. It is believed that Patrick may have introduced the Celtic cross. Saint Patrick died circa 461 A.D. in Saul, Ireland, and is said to have been buried in the nearby town of Downpatrick, County Down. Saint Patrick is recognized as the patron saint of Ireland, and his writings, noted for their humble voice, include the autobiographical Confessio and Letter to Coroticus. Many legends also have been associated with his life including that he drove away all the snakes from Ireland and he introduced the Holy Trinity through the three -leaved shamrock. Saint Patrick is annually honored with the celebration of Saint Patrick's Day on March 17 (which some cite as the date of his death), which falls during the Christian season of Lent. For more than 1,000 years, the Irish have observed Saint Patrick's Day as a religious holiday. Traditionally, on Saint Patrick's Day, families attend church in the morning and observe other rituals — including eating a traditional meal of cabbage and Irish bacon. The holiday has expanded into the secular world as well, becoming a robust international celebration of Irish culture and heritage.

Joseph was a descendant of the house of King David. After marrying Mary, he found her already pregnant and, ―being a righteous man and unwilling to expose her to public disgrace‖ (Matthew 1:19), decided to divorce her quietly, but an angel told him that the child was the Son of God and was conceived by the Holy Spirit. Obey- ing the angel, Joseph took Mary as his wife. After Jesus‘ birth at Bethlehem in Ju- daea, where the Holy Family received the Magi, an angel warned Joseph and Mary about the impending violence against the child by King Herod the Great of Judaea, whereupon they fled to Egypt. There the angel again appeared to Joseph, informing him of Herod‘s death and instructing him to return to the Holy Land. Avoiding Bethlehem out of fear of Herod‘s successor, Joseph, Mary, and Jesus settled in Nazareth (Matthew 2:22–23) in Galilee, where Joseph taught his craft of carpentry to Jesus. Joseph is last mentioned in the Gospels when he and Mary frantically searched for the lost young Jesus in Jerusalem, where they found him in the Temple (Luke 2:41–49). Like Mary, Joseph failed to comprehend Jesus‘ ironic ques- tion, ― ‗Why were you searching for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father‘s house?‘ ‖ The circumstances of Joseph‘s death are unknown, except that he probably died before Jesus‘ public ministry began and was certainly dead before the Crucifixion (John 19:26–27). March 14, 2021 Fourth Sunday of Lent Page Fourteen

USCCB MARKS YEAR OF PANDEMIC

WASHINGTON (CNS): THE LONG ISLAND CATHOLIC: (excerpts): U.S. life has "dramatically changed" due to the yearlong pandemic and alongside it, racial injustices and political divisions have shaken the nation, yet there is "comfort in God's promise," the U.S. bishops; Administrative Committee said in a March 9 pastoral message. To date. 525,000 lives have been lost to the disease just in the U.S., according to data from Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore. Worldwide, the death toll is 2.6 million. "Many have endured extraordinary hardships: sickness, death, mourning, a lack of food, unstable housing, loss of work and income, struggles with education, separation, abuse, isolation, depression and anxiety," said the USCCB. "We saw countless acts of sacrifice by health care workers, first responders, chaplains, those who work in our soup kitchens and homeless shelters, mail carriers, agricultural and grocery store workers, friends and even strangers," the committee said. "We are also very grateful to our priests, deacons, religious, teachers, catechists and lay ecclesial ministers who have ministered to the people of God during these difficult times." In the United States, two COVID-19 vaccines received emergency-use approval by the federal Food and Drug Administration in early December. ABC News reported that to date, 30 million Americans have received a COVID-19 vaccine and said that March 9, the U.S. "hit a new daily record for vaccinations with 2.9 million shots in arms in just one day." As a result of more people being vaccinated and COVID-19 cases declining, many states are loosening some pandemic restrictions - though cautioning people to still take precautions and continue to use face masks, social distance and regularly wash their hands, because the country is not out of the woods yet. Catholic leaders have also reiterated the need to continue to take these precautions. Visit www.licatholic.org for latest diocesan news.

USCCB RESPECT LIFE: JOIN ST. JOSEPH ADOPTION NOVENA (WEDNESDAY, MARCH 10 - THURS- DAY, MARCH 18. We pray for all those lives are touched by adoption, through the intercession of St. Joseph, foster father of Jesus. Invite family and friends to join the novena at usccb.org/adoption-novena.

PRAYER FOR ADOPTION

Dear God our Father, Please help all parents in their role as mother or father. Make them an instrument of your peace and love. Inspire all patents to provide the best example for their children in their words, actions, and tempera- ment. Encourage all adoptive families to discuss their unique story, and to always stress the love that brought them together. Help adoptive parents to be merciful and loving in their thoughts and actions when it comes to a child's birthparents. Loving Jesus, Direct parents' speech to be loving and helpful; Guide all parents' actions to meet the needs of their individual children; and Give patents the patience they need to build strong, loving, and faithful children. Amen.

Please continue to Witness outside Planned Parenthood 540 Fulton Ave. Hempstead, during 40 Days For Life. You are welcome to pray the Rosary every Wednesday evening at 7:00 pm for the sanctity of all human life during the 40 Days for Life Campaign.

The Respect Life Ministry March 14, 2021 Fourth Sunday of Lent Page Fifteen

Bulletin Reflection: Reflect on the words, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son.” Do you understand how much God loves you? Do you struggle to believe that you can be loved? Living Stewardship ~ Pillar of Service: This week reach out to a friend or family member who may be lonely. This is a wonderful act of service to God and neighbor. General Intercession: For those who do not feel loved, that they may one day know the truth that God loves them immeasurably. We pray to the Lord...