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

John 12:20-33: said, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. Amen, amen, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains just a grain of wheat; but if it dies, it produces much fruit. Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will preserve it for eternal life. Whoever serves me must follow me, and where I am, there also will my servant be. The Father will honor whoever serves me. “I am troubled now. Yet what should I say? „Father, save me from this hour‟? But it was for this purpose that I came to this hour. Father, glorify your name.” Then a voice came from heaven, “I have glorified it and will glorify it again.” The crowd said, “An angel has spoken to him.” Jesus answered and said, “This voice did not come for my sake but for yours. Now is the time of judgment on this world; now the ruler of this world will be driven out. And when I am lifted up from the earth, I will draw everyone to myself.” He said this indicating the kind of death he would die.

Fifth Sunday of Lent March 21, 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 Fifth Sunday of Lent March 21, 2021

THE CLERGY MASSES FOR THE WEEK Rev. Christopher Costigan, Pastor Rev. Sylvester Ileka, Associate Pastor Mon. March 22 - Fifth Sunday of Lent Rev. Vincent Schifano, Associate Pastor 6:30 Rev. Deacon Thomas R. Hennessy 9AM Mario & Kathleen Donato & Family Rev. Deacon Christopher P. Quinn Rev. Deacon Ronald Lacsa Tues. March 23- Saint Turibius 6:30 John Martuge Trustees: Carol Buffa and Frank Mekalainas 9AM Hugh Hanley- 2nd Anniversary

Parish Council: Martin Meaney, Tom Beck, Annette Crofton Wed. March 24 Louie Gandolfo, Rosanna Kluth, Michael Leva 6:30 Stacey Keller Lucy McNamara, Robert J. Smith 9AM John Miele- Anniversary

Finance Committee: John McCarthy, Frank Aiello Thurs. March 25- The Annunciation of the Lord Carol Buffa, John Lynam, Lucy McNamara, John McTigue 6:30 Barbara Casey Frank Mekalainas, Tina O’Donnell, Susan Oliver 9AM Michael Zura Liturgy: Deacon Tom Hennessy, Deacon Chris Quinn Deacon Ronald Lacsa, Janet McKenna, Frank Mekalainas Fri. March 26 Pat Ricci, Elena Scollo 6:30 9AM Amy Ryan Rectory Office: Tel. 931-0818 • Fax 931-0559 Hours: Monday - Friday: 9AM-8PM Sat. March 27 Exception Tuesday: 9AM-5PM - no evening hours 9AM Szmytkowski & Zoitke Families Saturday: 9AM-6PM; Sunday: 8AM-12Noon Rowell Ramirez

Office of Faith Formation: -822 9768 Deacon Jose Roa & Rosa Roa Patricia Ryan and Laura Leigh Agnese, Coordinators 5PM Frances Inzerillo

Parish Social Ministry: • 931-7332 Sun. March 28- Palm Sunday

Music Ministry: Elena Scollo, Director of Music • 713-8854 7:30 Dec members of Aull, Cortese & Giffone families 10AM Carmela Gandolfo Facility Manager: George Lucas • 635-7944 12PM Frances Jauregui First Friday Devotions: After the 9AM Mass 5:30PM People of the Parish First Saturday Devotions: 8:30AM Church READINGS FOR THE WEEK : Karen Dillon, Coordinator • 454-6454 Mon. Dn 13:1-9,15-17,19-30,33-62; John 8:1-11 Sacrament of Matrimony: Please contact the rectory office Tues. Nm 21:4-9; John 8:21-30 at least 6 months prior to the wedding. Wed. Dn 3:14-20,91-92,95; John 8:31-42 St. Vincent de Paul : 718-687-8854 Thurs. Isaiah 7:10-14,8:10; Luke 1:26-38 Fri. Jeremiah 20:10-13; John 10:31-42 New parishioners: Go to smtbethpage.org. & under Our Sat. Ezekiel 37:21-28 ; John 11:45-56 Parish/Becoming a Parishioner, click the registration form. Sun. Isaiah 50:4-7

Confession Times: Philippians 2:6-11 Saturday: 2:00 - 3:00 p.m. Sunday: 4:30 - 5:15 p.m. Mark 14:1-15:47

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 Charles McGuinness, Barbara Casey, Change of address: Please notify the rectory. Charlotte Ford, Timothy T. Motto Victims of COVID-19 throughout the world.

Page Three Fifth Sunday of Lent March 21, 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 Juice, brown rice, and pancake syrup . 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, 9a.m.-12p.m. 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 21, 2021 Week of March 21, 2021 Sanctuary Candle is lit Bread & Wine is offered In Loving Memory of In Loving Memory of Rita Travers Joan Ferraro

40 DAYS FOR LIFE

Second Banns A 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: 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, Rich Lofalo

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 21, 2021 Fifth Sunday of Lent Page Four

The Pastor’s Letter

Fifth Sunday in Lent

The Fifth Sunday in Lent marks the beginning of the final period of Lent, known as Passiontide. The focus of the Preface used at Masses going forward changes from our works of penitence and reliance on God's mercy to more direct focus on the Cross of Christ. This is the time to renew with more fervor your Lenten practices (or to pick them back up in you've fallen away). Plan time in the next two weeks to go to Confession, especially if it has been a long time! There will be a Penance Service this Wednesday, March 24, at 7pm in the Church. This is the conclusion of our 3 part Parish Mission based on the Forgiven program on the Formed Platform. Next Monday, March 29, Monday of Holy Week, is the Diocesan Day of Reconciliation. Every parish in our Diocese, as well as the Diocese of Brooklyn and the Archdiocese of New York, will have confessions scheduled continuous from 3pm to 9pm. Take advantage of this opportunity. In addition, if you regularly travel to New York City, the Franciscans on 31st Street, just across from Penn Station, have confessions multiple times each day, as do the of St. Agnes Parish, located just across from Grand Central. And remember that we have confession times scheduled 7 days a week here at St. Martin of Tours!

Please see the bulletin, ParishApp, and website for the schedules and information regarding the Paschal Triduum and the schedule of Easter Masses. At this time we are still working on the permits for the Outdoor Stations of the Cross at Bethpage State Park. As you might imagine, adding coronavirus procedures to the usual bureaucratic processes can delay things. If we are not approved for the permit we will pray the Stations on our parish campus.

One of the blessings of easing restrictions is that the work of the Hartigan Council of the Knights of Columbus is coming back! The Council will be conducting a food drive TODAY (Sunday, March 21) at the Council Hall, the newly renovated Hartigan House, on Central Avenue. All contributions will benefit our Pantry. Stop by and support our Pantry as well as check out the renovated Hartigan House (which is booking rentals).

As mentioned last week, we are working on the possibility of live-streaming of the Triduum and other liturgies. All of the liturgies of the Triduum will be live broadcast from St. Agnes Cathedral on the Catholic Faith Network, which can be found on cable providers as well as the internet and streaming services. Due to coronavirus restrictions, the Chrism Mass will be held on Tuesday of Holy Week at 4pm and will be closed to the public but will be broadcast of CFN.

Father Christopher Costigan, Pastor [email protected] www.smtbethpage.org March 21, 2021 Fifth Sunday of Lent Page Five Page Six Fifth Sunday of Lent March 21, 2021

Charismatic Prayer Group Thank you God for waking me up today. I vow to give glory to you in all I say and do. If negative thoughts, desires or actions enter my mind, give me the courage , strength and wisdom to ask your Blessed Mother for help. For I know Satan will flee at the mention of her name. If faced with a trial today, help me to remember that you are always with me and will never leave me alone.

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

GOOD FRIDAY SILENT VIGIL ON BEHALF OF PREBORN CHILDREN

THE LONG ISLAND COALITION FOR LIFE is holding a GOOD FRIDAY SILENT VIGIL ON BEHALF OF PREBORN CHILDREN on APRIL 2, 2021, FROM 10:30AM TO NOON, in front of Nassau University Medical Center (2201 Hempstead Tpke., East Meadow; on the public sidewalk). Pro-life women, men and children are needed to take part in this peaceful vigil for the protection of life in the womb and against abortions committed throughout Long Island. We stand as a reminder that abortion is not healthcare. Signs provided (east end of hospital). Information: 631-243-1435; [email protected].

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 Fifth Sunday of Lent March 21, 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

3/08/21 Paula Alfaronie #567 $25 ROSELINE LIFE CENTER 24 HOURS 631-243-2373 3/09/21 Robert Frandolig #337 $25 PROJECT RACHEL WWW.HOPEAFTERABORTION.COM 3/10/21 Jim & Diana Hughes #410 $25 Baby Safe Haven, Safe Babies, Safe Place 1 (877) 796-HOPE Adoption, Foster Care 3/11/21 Dorothy Donohue #491 $25

3/12/21 Nell & Jim Peyton #274 $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 Regular $9951.67 Following Students from SMT! (Masses- 6918.67; Mail 3033.00) Catholic Relief Special collection $1430.00 St Francis Preparatory School Second Quarter Honor Roll You can choose to make weekly donations online by Lawson Hohmann registering at Vanco Payment Solutions by going to Matthew Hohmann the smtbethpage.org website. You will find it on the home page or under the Giving dropdown to Support St. Dominic High School St. Martin of Tours. For those who do not have inter- Second Quarter Honor Roll net access, we thank you for supporting SMT by mail- Emma Santivasci- 1st Honors ing in or dropping your donations through the rectory Marisa La Rocca- 1st Honors mail slot. Above all else, God keep you safe in the Amanda Rynkar- Principal‟s List Tyler VonBevern- Principal‟s List palm of his hand! Justin DiMartino- 2nd Honors

March 21, 2021 Fifth 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 21, 2021 Fifth 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 21, 2021 Fifth Sunday of Lent Page Ten

2021 Holy Land--Good Friday collection Each day, the news reminds us of the violence and instability plaguing the Middle East, but we rarely hear of the shrinking Christian community there, a community that struggles to remain in the land of Christ‟s birth, death and resurrection. Please help support our brothers and sisters in the Holy Land by giving to the Good Friday Collection. This Pontifical Collection allows the Franciscans and others to continue caring for Christianity‟s holiest sites and for God‟s people in the Holy Land. Please be generous. March 21, 2021 Fifth 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 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 21, 2021 Fifth Sunday of Lent Page Twelve

Saint of the Week

Catholics in Latin America and throughout the world will celebrate the life and ministry of St. Turibius of Mogrovejo on March 23. The 16th century up- held the rights of 's indigenous peoples, and became one of the first canon- ized saints of the Americas. Turibius was born in Spain during 1538, to a noble family in the kingdom of Leon. He frequently prayed, fasted, and gave to the poor even as a child, and eventually developed the daily habit of praying the Rosary along with the Little Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary. He went on to study law at the University of , and eventually served as a judge for five years in the territory of . His judicial wisdom and diligence drew the attention of King Philip II, who wanted Turibius – who was still a layman – to be consecrated as a missionary archbishop for the Spanish colony of Peru. Turibius became greatly dismayed, protesting to the king and Church authorities that he was not even a and could not possibly accept the charge. In a series of letters, he pled that he was not personally capable of serving as the Archbishop of Lima – nor, he reminded them, did canon law permit a layman to become an arch- bishop. Eventually, however, he had little choice but to comply. He was consecrated as a bishop in 1581, at the age of 43, and immediately left for Lima, Peru. The new archbishop undertook to travel throughout the rugged and mountainous diocese, where he observed many of the worst effects of colonialism – both upon the enslaved and oppressed natives, and on many of the colonists who seemed to have lost their souls in the pursuit of wealth. He responded with constant prayer and pen- ance, as he traveled throughout his territory administering the sacraments, teaching the Catholic faith, and establishing schools, seminaries and hospitals. To the indigenous Peruvians, the archbish- op was a herald of the Gospel who held their lives as more precious than their country's supplies of gold and silver. But to the many colonists whose behavior showed no sign of their Catholic origins, he was a prophetic scourge – whose efforts to awaken the public conscience earned him rebukes and opposition. Turibius ultimately managed to make three visitations of his diocese, under rugged and dangerous conditions, which occupied about half of his 25 years as Archbishop of Lima. He united the Peruvian Church at an administrative level by holding several local councils of its clergy, but was also known to spend days traveling to reach a single individual with the message of Christ. The archbish- op became seriously ill in 1606. He sensed that his death was imminent, and decreed that his pos- sessions should be distributed to the poor. St. Turibius died on March 23, and his body was found to be incorrupt the next year. He was declared a saint in 1726, and is now regarded as the patron of native peoples' rights and Latin American .

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 March 21, 2021 Fifth Sunday of Lent Page Thirteen

Lent Coloring Page

Prayer for Lent It is only you who can read and understand the language of our hearts, only you who can translate our 'sorry' into the prayer we would have prayed, if we had the words within us. Then you forgive, and having forgiven surround us in an embrace of love, drawing us close to your heart, as it was always meant to be. Thank you, Loving Father, that you listen to hearts, as well as voices Thank you. March 21, 2021 Fifth Sunday of Lent Page Fourteen

OFFICE OF HUMAN LIFE, FAMILY AND BIOETHICS, DRVC: USCCB Pro-Life: The EQUAL RIGHTS AMENDMENT (ERA) was passed by Congress in 1972 with the stated purpose of enshrining equality between the sexes in our Constitution. However, it failed to be ratified by three-fourths of the states (38) within the 7 year time limit established by the Congress. Now, abortion activists in Congress, among others, are trying to revive it by passing a resolution to eliminate the deadline for ratification by the states (H.J.Res.17). The House plans to vote this week and needs to hear from you now. TAKE ACTION NOW Catholic teaching and recent popes, speak very clearly and strongly about the equality of men and women based upon their equal dignity as children of God. And, although many advances were made for women's equality in the years immediately following passage of the amendment, the Church recognizes the need to do more to address unjust inequalities between women and men. However, the ERA in its current form poses VERY SERIOUS PROBLEMS, including likely requiring FEDERAL FUNDING FOR ABORTIONS, OVERTURN- ING PRO-LIFE AND CONSCIENCE PROTECTION LAWS, and even undermining government programs designed to promote women's advancement in education and the workplace. More information about the ERA and its consequences is presented on this fact sheet. Go to: www.USCCB.ORG/PROLIFE. EMAIL [email protected]. Because of these serious problems, the Bishops are URGING members to oppose the ERA in its current form, and to vote NO on H.J.Res.17. PLEASE JOIN THE BISHOPS AND CONTACT YOUR MEMBER TODAY! Please compose your message and send it to .US Representative.

CATHOLIC ACTION NETWORK: NEW YORK STATE CATHOLIC CONFERENCE: REJECT RECREATIONAL MARIJUANA! Legislative leaders are reportedly very close in finalizing a three-way deal with the governor to legalize recreational marijuana. The legislation they seek to enact is S.854/A.1248, which is called the MARIJUANA REGULATION AND TAXATION ACT. This bill could advance in the legislature at any time! Now is the time to tell your elected representatives to reject the legalization of marijuana. Please act today! Send a message to your elected representatives in Albany.

HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY There was no green line down the middle of 5th Avenue this year due to the Coronavirus pandemic, just as last year when the pandemic hit our country and the world. The procession, which normally draws millions of spec- tators as it moves up Fifth Avenue from Midtown to the Upper East Side was once again cancelled. Instead, a virtual parade composed of past marching groups began at 10 a.m.. There was a live Mass streaming from St. Patrick's Cathedral. Most still served their corned beef and cabbage, wore green, and celebrated St. Patrick. May God bless us all, and hopefully may we return to all of our celebrations next year. A special word of "Thanks," to the parishioner who donated cases of baby formula and diapers to the Life Cen- ter of Long Island. Sadly, many of our parishioners who crocheted baby blankets for our newborns, have moved away from New York. Anyone who would like to knit or crochet baby items, would be appreciated. These little babies, in hats and booties, wrapped in a warm blanket, is a sight to see!

The Respect Life Ministry March 21, 2021 Fifth Sunday of Lent Page Fifteen

Bulletin Reflection: Although a seemingly minor scene in today’s Gospel, Philip and Andrew bring the Greek visitors to see Jesus. We should be like the Apostles and bring others to Jesus through our way of life. Living Stewardship ~ Pillar of Hospitality: This week do something extra kind for someone in your family. If you don’t normally do the laundry, try it. If you don’t normally do the dishes, do them. General Intercession: That the Church may be strengthened to share the Good News this Lenten season. We pray to the Lord...