April 11, 2021 Sunday of Divine Mercy

St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church 39 North Carll Avenue ~ Babylon, New York 11702

Jesus, I Trust in You

April 11, 2021 Sunday of Divine Mercy

Website ~ www.stjosephsbabylon.org Sunday of Divine Mercy Page 2 Masses Monday, Wednesday, Thursday-- 7:30 AM & 9:00 AM; Tuesday & Friday-- 9:00 AM (only) Saturday -- 9:00 AM Saturday (Nolan Hall) -- 5:00 PM Sunday (Church) -- 7:00 AM; 9:00 AM; 10:30 AM & 12:00 PM (Spanish) (Nolan Hall) -- 9:15 AM & 10:45 AM

The following Masses will be Live Streamed on www.stjosephsbabylon.org 9:00 AM Daily Mass (English) ; 10:30 AM Sunday (English); 12:00 PM Sunday (Spanish)

Happy Easter Week to All!

It was wonderful to worship in person with so many people this past weekend!

As promised, we are going to begin closing down the reservation system. The HALL has the most available and flexible seating, so we will start with eliminating the reservations for the HALL. The CHURCH has limited seating, so that will remain in place a bit longer.

So, if you plan to attend the Saturday 5pm or Sunday 9:15 or 10:45 Mass in the HALL, you do not need to register. All other safety protocols will remain in place— masks must be worn and the chairs will remain properly physically distant.

Our Hospitality Ministry Team will also remain in place to welcome you as they have been doing since June. And if you have been calling the office to register for the Hall — please feel free to keep calling in just to say HELLO!

ONE BLESSING as a result of the Reservation System has been that both STAFF and VOLUNTEERS have been able to speak with more people than we would have otherwise! Sunday, April 11, 2021 Page 3

For Our Sick

Please remember the sick of our Parish in your prayers: Aidan Peña, Joseph Hovanec, Karen Laney, Terrence McGoldrick, Michael Schauer, Michelle Diaz, Christian Lavoie, Patty Orzano, Monica Restrepo, Sophie Sanson, Norman Gomez, Silvio Gomez, Evelyn Scalise, Madison Milio, Joe Scalise, Lisamarie Hulsen, Edward Henry, Providence Colascione, Lori Senatore, Baby Jonathan

Cerniglia, Viola Plansker & Family, Bill Valentin, Donna

Russo, Arianna Messina, William McDonald, Baby Pablo

Lecuna, Judy Jacques, Elke Grimm, Thomas Morton,

Lawrence Schoenfelder, Kathleen Wenk, Arlene Monday, April 12 Aurcchione, Luca Gargiulo, Kathleen Elsner, Joseph Sharp, Christina and George, Luca Ozgurengin, Diane Mahlstadt, Acts 4:23-31; Ps 2:1-9; Susan Hozanez & Walter Arnold. Jn 3:1-8

Tuesday, April 13 Prayers for Our Military Acts 4:32-37; Ps 93:1-2, 5; We continue to pray for the following military Jn 3:7b-15

personnel and their families: Wednesday, April 14 Acts 5:17-26; Ps 34:2-9; U.S. Navy: U.S. Army: Jn 3:16-21

Lt. Cdr. Michael Catalano LTC John Kallo Lt. John T. Izzo LTC Jon J. Uebel Lt. Caroline Mayer Capt. Stephen Scuderi Thursday, April 15 Lt. Dylan Kelly 1LT Mark Barbera Acts 5:27-33; Ps 34:2, 9, 17-20; Lt. Christian Amelia 2LT Anthony C. DiBiasi PO1 Rasheen Tice LT Joseph A. Vanderveldt, III Jn 3:31-36 PO2 Kristen Tice SSG Josuah Insull

PO3 Matthew Waldron SSG David C. Ray Friday, April 16 E2 Liam McKeown Sgt Edwin Zambrano E3 Nicholas Ruf SPC Elliot Chodkowski Acts 5:34-42; Ps 27:1, 4, 13-14; U.S.M.C. : SPC Alexandra Diaz Jn 6:1-15 PFC Dominick Pititto Capt. Matthew Witcofsky PV2 Danny Bornschein 1stLt MarcAnthony Parrino Eric Stein Saturday, April 17 st 1 Lt R.J. Parrino U.S.A.F: Acts 6:1-7; Ps 33:1-2, 4-5, 18-19; Sgt. Lauren Colantropo Cpl Alyssa E. Grimaldi MSGT John Hatzidakis Jn 6:16-21 PFC Joshua J. Coughlin SSGT Brandon Ward Malik Rodriguez AB Christopher Signoretti Nelson Sanchez, Jr. AB Eric Benzing Sunday, April 18 ~ U.S. Coast Guard: AB Vincent E. Berger Third Sunday of Easter

Capt. Matthew W. Sibley CPO Benjamin Flad Acts 3:13-15, 17-19;

Ps 4:2, 4, 7-9; 1 Jn 2:1-5a; For Our Deceased

Please pray for the families and souls our Lk 24:35-48 deceased members including Brendan Ronald Becci.

Sunday of Divine Mercy Page 4 Sacrificial Giving Thank you for your generosity in returning to God and God’s work some of what God has given to you.

Due to an early Bulletin deadline the Sacrificial Giving for Easter was not available at publication time. It will be published in the next bulletin. Thank you for your patience.

Our Parish also has the ability to accept on-line donations through a program known as FAITH DIRECT. It is a secure on line program which allows donations to electronically go to the Parish. You have the ability to adjust your settings for any amount or frequency. All details and even a video explaining FAITH DIRECT are on the website at: https://stjosephsbabylon.org/faith-direct

If you have any questions, please give the office a call. Thank you for your generosity.

Pastoral Team

Rev. Jason U. Grisafi, Pastor--- [email protected]

Rev. Marcin Nabozny, Parochial Vicar--- [email protected]

Rev. David Atanasio, In Residence

Deacon Michael J. Leyden--- (631) 669-0068 ext.180 Deacon Julio Murillo Deacon John F. Sullivan - Retired Dr. Marie Drohan, Music Director--- [email protected] Mrs. Barbara McNulty, Pastoral Associate--- [email protected] Ms. Claire Moulé, Faith Formation--- [email protected] Mrs. Patricia Taggart, Nursery School--- [email protected] Mrs. Sigrid Villalobos A., Parish Social Ministry--- [email protected] Sunday, April 11, 2021 Page 5

Wedding Banns

First Time~ No Banns

Second Time~ Eric Fix & Alyse Wexler Michael Pantaleo & Ashley DeMartino Kevin Michael Kempf & Ashley Nicole Williamson

Third Time~ John Trapani & Natalie Kozikowska

Monday- April 12 We are presently taking 7:30 AM Paul Dupuis Mass Intentions, 9:00 AM Richard Carlson Altar Rose, Candles, and Bread/Wine Tuesday- April 13 through June 2021. 9:00 AM Bertha Witthohn To have your loved one remembered in a Wednesday- April 14 special way at Mass, please call 7:30 AM People of St. Joseph’s the Parish Office at (631) 669-0068 ext 100. 9:00 AM Joan Lynch (Best time to call is between 2 - 5 PM Monday- Friday)

Thursday- April 15 Leave your name, telephone number and the 7:30 AM Thomas DeRosa date/time of your Mass request and you will 9:00 AM For the Intentions of receive a call back to see if it is available. Maria Laila & Nick Delaney Donations may be mailed in or dropped off in the Mailbox outside the Parish Office. Friday- April 16 9:00 AM John & Joanne Confalone Once payment is received your Mass card will be mailed to you.

Saturday- April 17 9:00 AM Maximino Rodriguez Please be sure to clearly label your donation as Mass Intention-Attention Theresa 5:00 PM Barbara Whalen on the envelope. Marie Callahan

KevinKelly The Weekday Mass schedule is available Sunday- April 18 through March and is as follows: 7:00 AM For the Intentions of Bernadette & Philip Schaefer Monday, Wednesday, Thursday:

9:00 AM People of St. Joseph’s 7:30am & 9:00am 9:15 AM Deceased Members of the Tuesday & Friday: 9:00 am (only) Crumlish Family Saturday: 9:00am 10:30 AM Thomas J. Scott 10:45 AM Francesca Cali Thank you for your patience. 12:00 PM -Español Sunday of Divine Mercy Page 6

So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ ~ Galatians 3:26-27

We welcomed the following new members in the month of March:

Francesca Marie Accardi Zachary Robert Beckford Caroline Rose Castellano Lina Lucia Espinal Makenna Quinn Freeman Thomas Maurice Lundrigan Jameson Oliver Masopust Sophia Martina Mersereau Elle Alexandra Moran Louis Andrew Pergamo Alessia Maya Quigley Kade Hunter Schaefer Ava Marie Skeete Lyanna Vetere Olivia Ryan Warren Robert Michael Wendel

Sunday, April 11, 2021 Page 7

We Celebrate the Sacraments

Baptism Parents are requested to call the Parish Office at least two months before child’s birth to make arrangements. Contact: Toni at [email protected]

RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) Anyone who wishes to join the Catholic Church should call the Parish Office.

Matrimony Couples are requested to call at least six months before the wedding for an appointment with a Priest or Deacon to set the date and make arrangements. No arrangements can be made by phone. Contact Toni at [email protected]

Anointing of the Sick Call the Parish Office.

Reconciliation Wednesday: 7pm-8pm in the Church and Saturday: 4pm-5pm in the Nolan Hall.

Parish Office Fax: (631) 669-9175 Email: [email protected]

Baptisms & Weddings: (631) 669-0068 ext.110 Email: [email protected]; [email protected] Bulletin- Email: [email protected] Outreach Office: (631) 669-4544; [email protected] Food Pantry: (631) 669-0068 ext.201 Family Ministry: (631) 669--0068 ext. 108 Cemetery Office: (631) 669-0068 ext. 107

Our Parish Mission Statement

The Parish of St. Joseph is a Roman Catholic Community of Christ’s Disciples: We Welcome. We Worship. We Witness. Sunday of Divine Mercy Page 8

Bulletin Reflection:

In today’s Gospel, Jesus appears to all of the Apostles (with the exception of Thomas.) Later, Jesus appears to Thomas, who doubted the story told to him by his friends.

On Wednesday evenings from 4 - 8pm the Church will be open for those who wish to spend some quiet time in Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.

All who wish to stop by for some silent individual prayer are welcome to do so. It is not necessary to stay for the full hour. Please be mindful of the limited capacity of our Church.

Masks must be worn at all times and social distance maintained.

There will be wipes and sanitizer available in the Church—please be courteous of others and wipe down your seat as you leave.

Thank you for praying with us.

Sacrament of Reconciliation

Wednesdays: 7 - 8 PM In the Church

Saturdays: Starts at 4 PM In the Nolan Hall

Join Family Life Ministry in Virtual Prayer— Wednesdays at 7pm via ZOOM Join us as we pray the Rosary together—ALL AGES WELCOME!

Join Zoom Meeting https://us04web.zoom.us/j/78942305700?pwd=Zm5TOVVIK0dYVzBUbStIQmgydUNIdz09

Meeting ID: 789 4230 5700 Passcode: Rosary Time: 7:00 pm Wednesdays Sunday, April 11, 2021 Page 9 Sunday of Divine Mercy Page 10 Deacon’s Column

Believing is Seeing The Text: John 20:19-31

Saint Thomas is certainly not one of the more prominent among the apostles. His name appears in the New Testament only twelve times. Three of the Gospels and the book of Acts do not mention him at all, except to say that he was one of the twelve. Obviously, we know very little about the details of his life, but enough is told to reveal him as a man of deep dedication and honest doubts. Faith did not come easily for Thomas. He is best known for his refusal to believe that Christ had risen from the dead until he had both visual and tactual proof.

The story is recorded in our Gospel reading for today. It deals with two post-resurrection appearances of Jesus. Each took place in the same room somewhere in Jerusalem, possibly the upper room where Jesus and his friends had celebrated the last Passover. At the first appearance, Thomas was not present. Apparently, all of the others were, and both saw and talked with the risen Christ. They, of course, told Thomas what had happened and tried to convince him that the Lord was actually alive. Then it was that Thomas made the statement for which he has become famous: “Unless I see in his hands the print of the nails, and place my finger in the mark of the nails, and place my hand in his side, I will not believe it.”

The second appearance took place a week later, and this time Thomas was present. Jesus walked into their midst with the greeting, “Shalom – Peace.” Then He singled out Thomas and said, “Take your finger and examine my hands. Put your hand into my side; and do not be faithless, but believing.” Thomas must have been utterly overwhelmed and could do nothing but say, “My Lord and my God.” Jesus then went on to say, “You have believed because you have seen. Blessed are those who have never seen and yet believe.” That blessing is directed to you and me. Our belief in the risen Christ is not based upon sight. And so we belong to that group of people upon whom Jesus pronounced a special blessing because we can believe without seeing.

But before we start taking bows, let’s be honest enough to admit that there is a part of us that can identify with Thomas. We, too, would like to have more visual documentation of our faith. It isn’t easy to believe in a God whom we have never seen, or to follow a Christ who lived and died and rose again almost two-thousand years ago. At times the events of the New Testament seem so far removed from our lives that it’s almost impossible to bridge the gap between then and now. And we wish that God would somehow update the records, that He would walk into our world once more and give us something tangible on which to build our faith. Surely, it would be easier to follow a Christ whom we could see with our eyes, and hear with our ears, and touch with our hands.

But I wonder if tangibility would really make any difference in the quality of our faith. Would it be any easier to “love your neighbor as yourself” if God shouted it from heaven, or if we heard the words spoken by a Galilean Carpenter? Would the cross of Calvary have any more meaning for our lives, if we witnessed it with our own eyes? Would we understand it better? In a few weeks or a few months, after the trauma was past, would it make any more difference in the way we live than it does now? Would the resurrection be any more real if we, like Thomas, could see and touch the nail prints on His hands? If so, how long would that reality last and what relevance would it have to life? Do we really think that we would never again doubt His presence, or wonder about His power, or question His love?

Peace

Deacon Mike Sunday, April 11, 2021 Page 11

Thank you! Words simply are not enough to express appreciation for our Hospitality Ministry Team.

These men, women, and teens, have been welcoming us at Mass since June. Some are seasoned volunteers, and some are brand new. They have combined the ministries of Greeters & Ushers & Cleaners & Information Desk all into one. And, under their masks, they have kept smiling each weekend!

If you have not yet had the chance to do so, please introduce yourself to one of the Team Members—and make a new friend in the parish!

Peace, Barbara McNulty 631-669-0068 ext 108

And more THANK YOU’S— HAPPENINGS TO LOOK FORWARD TO:

To ALL who contributed!  Pray the Rosary via ZOOM Such a generous parish! with us every Wednesday! 20 minutes very well spent—and The sale of Palm Crosses the whole family can join and was tremendous this year— learn and pray together. 3 times more than we sold last year. THANK YOU  PANERA BREAD FUNDRAISER—we Laraine for coordinating are working on setting that date in May. this project again this year. Stay tuned!

The 50/50 raffle benefitted the parish with over $5,000! THANK YOU  Spring and Summer Family Events are Sharon, MaryAlice, and Mary. being discussed now. Have ideas? Send them in to: [email protected] And in the office, Theresa, Joanne, and those who do all the financial counting—THANK YOU FOR -VIRTUS Session….for all interested parents & KEEPING US ON TRACK! volunteers. Note your calendar: Tuesday 5/18. More details to follow. Sunday of Divine Mercy Page 12

Visit our website www.stjosephsbabylon.org for parish news. (631) 587-4717

Faith Formation Office hours are Monday – Friday 9am – 5pm. The office is not open to the public yet. Please call the office when you arrive and let us know what you need. The phone number is on the front door to the Parish Center (631-587-4717). Someone will meet you at the front door wearing a mask and we ask that you also wear a mask.

The Faith Formation Office will be closed for the Easter break beginning Thursday, April 1st at 1pm and will reopen Monday, April 12th. We hope that you and your family enjoy a wonder Easter.

Level 7 & 8 March Reviews were sent out via email last week. This is the last of the monthly reviews for the year.

Level 8 requirements – monthly reviews for November, January, February and March are due by the beginning of April. The Community Service Pledges were due at the end of January. The Petition to the Pastor and the Sponsor forms were due by the end of March. We need to order the Confirmation robes so please send me your child’s height if you have not done so already.

Level 8 Confirmation – we have our dates! Confirmation will be celebrated on Tuesday, May 25th & Thursday, May 27th @ 10am and 2pm in Nolan Hall. An email went out to the families asking them to choose the day and time that works best for them. Due to COVID-19 restrictions we have to limit the number of families at each celebration. The dates are based on a first come, first serve basis. We will reserve 4 seats for each family, which includes the child celebrating Confirmation and their sponsor. Please keep these families in your prayers.

Level 8 Confirmation Retreat – will take place on Wednesdays from 6:30pm-8:30pm in Nolan Hall. For those with last names beginning with the letters A-F come on April 14th, those with last names beginning with the letters G-N come on April 21st and those with last names beginning with the letters O-Z come on April 28th. Every Confirmation Candidate must go to confession before celebrating Confirmation. Confessions will be offered at the end of the retreat. You may also go to confession when the parish offers the sacrament – but you will need to complete a Reconciliation form if you decide to do this. Please contact the office for a form if you would rather go on a Wednesday evening or a Saturday afternoon.

First Communions will be celebrated in April, May & June. There are still families that need to choose a Communion date and time for their child/children. Please send Claire an email with your request if you haven’t done so already: [email protected].

Unit Reviews – there are 5 unit reviews for levels 1-6. Students need to answer the questions and return them to the Faith Formation Office either by emailing them to [email protected] or sending them via mail. You may also drop them off in the mailbox located outside the front door to the Parish Center.

Monthly Mass Reflections and/or Mass attendance – the Mass reflection form can be found on the website: stjosephsbabylon.org, Faith Formation, Monthly Mass Reflection Form. Parents should be talking with their children about the Mass and what they learned from it and parents should fill out the reflection and submit it. If you wish to attend Mass in person, you can hand in a Mass attendance envelope in the collection basket instead of doing a Mass reflection. Attendance envelopes can be found in the back of the Church and Hall. You will need to register to attend Mass in person. Register for the weekend Mass on the website anytime after 10am on Wednesday prior to the weekend.

Sunday, April 11, 2021 Page 13

Visit our website www.stjosephsbabylon.org for parish news. (631) 587-4717

Our Confirmation Candidates have been doing some amazing community service projects! We will feature some of the best projects each week in the bulletin.

This week’s pick is Melanie Kamalic and here is what she did:

“I am fortunate that through Junior Catholic Daughters we do a lot of giving back to the community. For example, I donated to mothers-to-be (nail files, nail polish, hair ties, masks, etc.), participated in a cell phone and sneaker drive, purchased gloves, undershirts, and underwear for the men’s shelter, and bought a Christening gown for the annual baby shower. I bought clothes for a family whose house caught fire and they lost everything. I also spend time with my grandparents and help with the food shopping with my mom since they are unable to leave the house during COVID. I chose these activities because I knew it would make a difference in the world. This made me happy knowing others would benefit from my actions too. I am glad I can help other people when they need it.”

Great job Melanie! Keep up the good works. Sunday of Divine Mercy Page 14

Parish Social Ministry Parish Social Ministry (PSM) Outreach by phone (631) 669-4544 E-mail: [email protected] Fax Number: (631) 620-3267

He Has Risen “Christ is risen from the dead! Truly risen! Alleluia! So let us each day rise with Him, beyond all the little and great deaths that come our way-----

Let us raise up our whole lives to God, the source of all life, the very ground of our being. For with Christ, we are a people who rise and rise again! ~ Gregory Norbet

We are truly blessed!

Thanks to your overwhelming response, our shelves are full. With the blessing of our Pastor Fr. Grisafi, Easter distribution was a great success, and we were able to assist more than 75 families with Easter foods and goodies. We would like to thank Michael Hernández, Commander of Babylon American Legion for the generous food donation, including thirty-seven precooked hams. Over the years the American Legion has become an essential part of our special programs. Thank you to the St. Joseph Nursery School, for the food and financial donations. Thank you to the St. Vincent De Paul members who helped stock the pantry shelves and assisted our clients in filling their wagons and supplied every family with a $25 food card. Thank you to the Torta Fina Bakery, who provided us this year with delicious crumb cakes which we were able to give to each family. Thank you to all St Joseph’s parishioners who contributed food, gift cards, and monetary gifts, which enabled us to assist many families for Easter. It is heart-warming to witness the generosity and compassion of the entire St. Joseph’s parish family.

We wish you a joyful Easter Season. Sunday, April 11, 2021 Page 15

We want to thank all those who participated in Knights of Columbus sponsored Winter Blood Drive for their outstanding support during this time of COVID. Fifty-one total pints were credited to our drive.

The breakdown is as follows:  Total potential donors interviewed - 54  Total donors accepted - 46  Total whole blood donations - 41 pints  Total automated red cell collections - (5 x 2) = 10 pints Total pints collected - 51

The NY Blood Center personnel were grateful to St. Joseph’s for allowing the Blood Drive to take place. Be well - stay safe

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Reflections

BACK TO BASICS

With some light now at the end of the proverbial tunnel in terms of mobility and with warmer weather teasing our spirits to venture outside after an extremely cold and snow-filled winter, there is the greater possibility of our wonderful Parish of St. Joseph returning to its mission of fully satisfying both the temporal and spiritual needs of those in its surrounding area. Though some protocols have been relaxed, essential safeguards will remain to ensure the wellbeing of worshippers one and all. There should be every reason then for parishioners to frequent the sacraments.

This said, I believe I have accepted the fact things will not be the same for me as once they were. If I remove technological, political (unfortunately more difficult for me to understand that technological), and cultural aspects from the equation, many effects attributed to the pandemic will be lasting. The Big Three: Social Distancing, Hand Washing, and Mask Wearing will be with us for the near future. The approach to local education remains unsettled, and the challenges facing those on both sides of the desk at all levels remain real and complicated. I have no worries about the social skills I have developed but pray our grandchildren will have the same opportunities for true socialization as did we.

In my days of relative isolation, I found myself going back to basics…basics I shortchanged the first time around. I have been a poor reader for most of my life; however, I am now reading Scriptures more intently, starting with the Old Testament and working my way to the New Testament Letters. While some passages are immediately familiar, others are being met for the first time. Let me not suggest I am taking a scholarly approach to this; rather, I am hopeful the Holy Spirit’s gift of Understanding will descend upon me, and I will have a better appreciation for God’s inspired words.

Other basics will include corresponding with old and new friends more often; a sensible approach to aging; the sacrament of Reconciliation; and continually redefining my priorities.

How about you? What’s in your life these days?

Sunday of Divine Mercy Page 16

Celebremos los Sacramentos

Bautizo

Llamar a la oficina (631) 669-0068 para mayor información

RICA

Los invitamos a una preparación spiritual de conversión a la Fe Católica. Llamar al telefono: (631) 741-4373 (Ada Gonzales)

Matrimonio

Se solicita a las parejas que llamar a la oficina al menos seis meses antes de la boda para una cita con un sacerdote o diácono y para fijar la fecha y hacer los arreglos.

Uncion de las Enfermos

Llamar a la oficina (631) 669-0068

Confesiones

Llamar a la oficina (631) 669-0068 par mas información

Sunday, April 11, 2021 Page 17

Abril Viernes 7 - 9 pm Sunday of Divine Mercy Page 18 Sunday, April 11, 2021 Page 19 Outside the Parish

Virtual Spring Open House Sunday, April 18, 2021 1:00 PM

Office of Admissions: 516-323-4000 1000 Hempstead Ave. PO Box 5002 Rockville Centre, NY 11571-5002 www.molloy.edu