CHURCH OF ST. CHARLES

644 CLAWSON STREET, OAKWOOD HEIGHTS, STATEN ISLAND, NY 10306

MARCH 22, 2020 FOURTH SUNDAY OF LENT

Pastoral Staff Sacramental Life Pastor Mass Schedule Rev. Louis R. Jerome Parochial Vicar Weekend Masses Fr. Stefan Chanas Saturday Evening 4:00 & 5:30 PM Fr. Ruwandana Mendis Sunday 8:15, 9:30 & 10:45 AM In Residence 12:00, 1:15 John J. O’Hara Weekday Masses Weekend Associate Monday - Friday 8:30 & 12 Noon Bishop Edmund J. Whalen Saturday 8:30 AM Permanent Deacons Holy Days Masses Deacon Stephen Tobon Eve of the Holy Day 7:30 PM Deacon Lawrence Droge 8:30, 12:00 and 7:30 PM Pastoral Associate Sr. Jeanine Conlon, O.P. Parish Registration School Principal New parishioners need to register at the rectory. Mr. J. C. Kiernan Please inform us if you move into or out of the parish. Religious Education Coordinator Ms. Kerry Quinn Confessions Director of Music Saturday: 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM, 5:00 - 5:30 PM, Mr. Paul Light and after Mass on the Eve of a Holy Day. Sacristan

Mr. Frank Castelao Baptisms

Second Sunday of the month at 2:30 PM Instruction Contact Information for parents of the children to be baptized to be ar- Rectory School ranged at the rectory. SPONSOR CERTIFICATES 644 Clawson Street 200 Penn Avenue REQUIRED for Godparents and also a copy of the child’s birth certificate. (718) 987-2670 (718) 987-0200 Fax: (718) 987-7950 Fax: (718) 987-8158 Marriages Email Address Tuition Office To arrange a marriage at St. Charles, consult with a [email protected] (718) 987-5780 priest or deacon at least six months prior to the pro- posed date and before social arrangements. Attend- Website: ance at Pre-Cana and Natural Family Planning Clas- www.stcharlessi.org ses is required. Religious Education 200 Penn Avenue www.saintcharlesccd.org Anointing and (718) 979-6800 [email protected] Communion of the Sick Regular administration of the Sacraments should be arranged for shut-ins by calling the rectory. Emer- Parish Office Hours gency sick calls anytime. Sunday 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM Monday - Friday 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM Religious Education Program 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM Instruction for all grade levels beginning with first Saturday 10:30 AM - 6:30 PM grade. For information call the Religious Education Office. 2 LITURGY CORNER

MONDAY – MARCH 23 8:30 - Claire Feren - Mem. Weekly Offerings 12:00 - Kathleen Egert - Mem.

TUESDAY - MARCH 24 March 8, 2020 March 10, 2019 8:30 - Msgr. Thomas Gaffney - Mem. $8,529.01 $10,989.51 12:00 - The Vollaro Family - Mem.

WEDNESDAY - MARCH 25 8:30 - Anthony, Mary, & Annette Battista-Mem Flowers, Wine & Hosts and Oil 12:00 - Vincent Nicita - Mem.

The Wine & Hosts for the week of March 22nd - THURSDAY - MARCH 26 8:30 - Rev. Robert Gannon - Ann. March 28th, 2020 are in loving memory of 12:00 - Mathilda & Anthony Daly - Mem. Kathleen Egert at the request of her daugh- ters, Eileen and Mary. FRIDAY - MARCH 27 8:30 - Frank Rienzo - Mem. If you would like to make arrangements to have 12:00 - Msgr. Thomas Gaffney - Ann. the flowers for the main altar, the wine & hosts, or oils used for Mass Candles in memory of a SATURDAY - MARCH 28 loved one or a special occasion, please, call the 8:30 - Rose Walsh - Mem. rectory. 4:00 - Margaret & Morton Thompson - Mem. 5:30 - Josephine Carmiciano & Family - Mem. Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament SUNDAY - MARCH 29 Monday - Friday at 12:00-5:00 PM in the Chapel 8:15 - The Sucich Family - Living Intention First Mondays at 7:30 PM in the Church 9:30 - Parishioners of St. Charles (cancelled in August) 10:45 - Deacon Vincent Brigande - Ann. First Fridays at 7:00 PM in the Church 12:00 - Luigi DiRe - Mem. (cancelled in August) 1:15 - Catapano - Mem. Call Jeannette Burrell (718-979-0034) or Lois Galvin (718-948-8193) for information

Rosary and Novenas The Rosary is recited each weekday at 8:10 and 11:30 AM and on Saturday at 8:10 AM. The Miraculous Medal novena prayers are said after PLEASE NOTE the 8:30 & 12:00 PM Masses on Mondays. If a Mass is being said for a member of your family on Saturday evening or Sunday, it would be most fitting if someone from the family would bring up the gifts at the Offertory. Please let one of the ushers know before Mass. 3

PARISH MINISTRIES

Adult Faith Formation Wednesday - 1:30; rectory Baptism Classes First Tuesday of the month at 8:00 PM; rectory Bereavement Group St. Charles School 2020-2021 Will resume in the Spring Application and Registration Process Book Club for NEW students is NOW OPEN! Third Thursday each month at 4:00 PM; rectory Caregivers Support Group Application and Registration for the 2020-2021 Thursday - 9:30 - 11:30 AM; rectory school year is now open for families interested Choir (Adult) in Pre-Kindergarten (3 year olds) and grades Thursday at 7:30 PM; church Kindergarten through 8th. Divine Mercy Devotion Friday at 3:00 PM; chapel Families can now begin applying to St. Charles Eucharistic Ministers School by accessing the school website at First Fridays at 7:00 PM; church www.SaintCharlesSchool SI.org Legion of Mary Wednesday at 4:00 PM; rectory chapel **Financial Assistance is available** Prayer Group & Holy Hour First Monday of the month at 7:30 PM; church After completing the application, the school Prayer Shawl/Blanket Ministry will contact the applicant and discuss the next Last Friday of the month at 10:00 AM; rectory steps. Upon registration, all students will re- Religious Education Classes quire birth certificate, baptismal certificate (if Monday 3:45 - 5:15 PM Grades 6 & 7 applicable), immunization and physical docu- Wednesday 3:45 - 5:15 PM Grades 1-5 mentation, and past year report cards and NYS Special Needs: Monday 5:30 - 6:00 PM standardized test results (if applicable). St. Vincent de Paul Society Meeting - Second Tuesday of month at 1:30 PM; The FREE Universal Pre-Kindergarten (UPK) rectory registration process for children born in the Food Pantry open 2nd & 4th Tuesday of every year 2016 will not begin until February 2020. month 11:30 AM -1:30 PM; rectory You can stay up to date on the UPK registration Teen Club process by going to www.nyc.gov/prek. Sunday at 7:00 PM; auditorium Women’s Wednesday Worship - April 15 at If you have any questions or would like to 7:30 PM; rectory schedule a school tour with our principal, Mr. Kiernan, please contact Mrs. Browne in the WEEKLY COFFEE HOUR main office at 718-987-0200 or 718-987-5780.

Coffee and donuts will be served We hope to welcome you to the following the 9:30 Mass. All are St. Charles School family real soon! welcome. 4 PARISH NEWS

CYO BASEBALL/SOFTBALL CALENDAR OF EVENTS March 23, - March 29, 2020 REGISTRATION

Monday - March 23 Sign up is currently underway for the Debs Cheer Practice - 5:00 PM; auditorium following divisions Spiritual Direction - 7:30 PM; rectory Co-Ed Biddys: kindergarten, 1st and 2nd grades Tuesday - March 24 Boys Bingo at 7:30 PM; doors open at 6:00 PM; early Rookies: 3rd and 4th grades bird 7:15 PM Tyro: 5th and 6th grades Varsity: 7th and 8th grades Wednesday - March 25 Girls Adult Faith Formation - 1:30 PM; rectory Deb Girls: 3rd, 4th and 5th grades Girl Scouts - 2:30 PM - 3:45 Pm; auditorium Varsity Girls: 6th, 7th and 8th grades Legion of Mary - 4:00; rectory • Season starts first weekend of April for varsity, weekend after Easter break for all Thursday - March 26 other divisions Caregivers - 9:30 AM; rectory • Approximately 15 games and playoffs Bereavement Group - 7:30 PM; rectory with 1-2 practices per week • Currently we need to see who wants to Friday - March 27 play Boy Scouts - 7:00 PM; auditorium • Go to www.stcharleschargers.com and Goretti Group - 7:00 PM; rectory fill out the interest form online • Registration fee not due at this time. Saturday - March 28 Biddy Cheer Practice - 8:00 AM; auditorium ST. VINCENT Lector’s Breakfast - 9:00 AM - 12:00; rectory DE PAUL SOCIETY FOOD PANTRY Sunday - March 29

Teen Club - Stations of the Cross Practice - 7:00 Our food pantry is in need of non-perishable PM - 9:00 PM; church food items to replenish our pantry. Dona- tions can be left in the vestibule of the church Join Richmond University Medical Center on or brought to the rectory. Suggested items Saturday, April 4th for its 5K Run/Walk at are: pancake mix, syrup, peanut butter and Clove Lakes Park to benefit the Neonatal Inten- jelly, cereal, pasta and sauce, tuna fish, cof- sive Care Unit (NICU) - Big Journeys Begin fee, juice, condiments. This pantry services with Small Steps. The race begins at 10:00 those in need in our parish. Your generosity AM. For more information, visit is very much appreciated. www.rumcsi.org/5K or call 718-818-2106. 5 WE PRAY...WE CELEBRATE...WE REMEMBER

THE GET WELL LIST

Keith Alaimo Jim Hlavac WE REMEMBER Paul Alaimo Sr. Cheryl Houss Eternal rest grant unto their souls, O Lord. Robert Aviles Jeannette Castelao Keane And let perpetual light shine upon them. Debbie Bernfeld Rosaria Ladaro Hanah Black Thomas Willam Larson May they rest in peace. Amen. Madeline Buonpane Elizabeth Linton May their souls and the souls of the faithful departed Jodi Butt Anthony Locicero Jr. rest in peace. Amen Mary Campitelli Nicole Lucchini Lee Canning Lauren Marie Thomas Dunn Marietta Canning Virginia McBride Rosemarie Caparimo Marty Casey Mary McKeever Nick Castagna Alfred Merendino Grace Castelao Mary Messias MARRIAGE BANNS Nicholas Christy Loraine Minutillo We Celebrate Elaine Cupak MaryAnn Mongiello We ask the family of St. Charles to Teresa Deegan Steven Morvillo Frank Deegan Eileen Raineri pray for the following couples who will receive Andrew DiPadova Ella Reilly the Sacrament of Marriage Mary Lou Fiore Dorothy Sabatell James Gallagher Dolores & Tony Sclafani Erica Lotito & Kane Isabella Gallo Anthony Scocco Nina Giblin Marie Starita WEDDING MUSIC Lou Gioia Abigail Taylor Cathy Harris Jude Riley Taylor If you are planning a wedding in the near fu- Emily Harris Christopher Wandy ture and would like to arrange for music, please, call the rectory two months prior to the wedding, and leave a message for Paul Light, our Music Director at (718) 987-2670. BEREAVEMENT GROUP

The Bereavement Group meets every Thurs- WELCOME PACKET day evening at 7:30 PM in the rectory. The If you know someone new to your neighbor- time of grief can be a time of much confu- hood, please contact the rectory to obtain a sion and many adjustments. Participation in “Welcome to the Neighborhood” packet which a group often provides an opportunity to includes a welcome letter from Fr. Jerome, a share concerns with others. Whether you bulletin and a bottle of holy water. In the spirit suffered a loss of a loved one recently or in of hospitality, your new neighbor does not the past, you are welcome to attend our have to be Catholic, we just want to welcome weekly meetings. For further information , them to the neighborhood. We ask that all of call 718-987-0658. you, our parishioners, be the “welcomers”, but if you do not feel comfortable visiting a new neighbor, let us know and we will take 6

Discovering hope and joy in the Catholic faith. March 2020 St. Charles Church Fr. Louis Jerome

Dealing with dif cult people Jesus’ way People who argue, ght, or refuse are able or willing to give, yet we give to cooperate can make our lives in out of guilt or fear of displeasure. St. Toribio de Mogrovejo downright miserable. Yet, Jesus was Two of his best friends, James Born in Mayorga, masterful at dealing with dif cult and John, said to Jesus, “we Spain, St. Toribio was people. Following his example want you to do whatever we ask educated in law can save our sanity and of you” (Mark 10:35). In and became our relationships. response to this stunning the Professor Know when to breach of boundaries, Jesus of Law at ignore. When Jesus was calm and rm. He said Salamanca made his Nazareth “no” and didn’t University. His friends and second-guess himself work and his holiness earned neighbors so mad when he didn’t make his him the notice of the king, that they wanted to loved ones happy. who named him to be the throw him off a cliff, Know when to stay next Archbishop of Lima. he knew there was no calm. When Jesus took a Despite his arguments, Toribio reasoning with them. Sabbath stroll with his was ordained a priest, “Passing through the friends (Matthew 12), consecrated, and sent to Peru. midst of them he went Pharisees barged in and He spent his of ce reforming away” (Luke 4:30). When people accused him of breaking the the then-corrupt diocese, speak harshly or offensively, the best Sabbath. He remained calm and catechizing the native response can be to disengage and walk answered them peacefully. He wasn’t Peruvians, and defending them away. afraid of being tripped up or trapped from the abuses of the Spanish Know when to say “no.” Sometimes because he was unconcerned about conquistadors. others demand more from us than we others’ opinions. Sunday rest Rather than a day to catch up on errands and chores, God intends Sunday to be a day of contemplation and of rest. Why do Catholics call Sunday is the day we set aside for God and moments of praise Good Friday “good”? and worship. “I would like everyone to feel Although a sad day, Good Friday his sacri ce, Jesus conquered loved by the God who gave his actually is “good” because sin and death. On Good Son for us and showed us it is the day when Jesus Friday, we see more clearly his boundless love. saved us from our sins, God’s goodness, justice, I want everyone to reconciled us with God, and wisdom, power, and love. feel the joy of reopened Heaven. Out of “God proves his love for us in being Christian” what seemed like defeat, God that while we were still sinners (Pope Benedict brought a greater victory. With Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). XVI).

©         March 2020 Page 2 3 ingredients for powerful prayer

A close, loving relationship with God throughout the day. depends on a rich prayer life. It is through Listen in silence: Listening is as important as prayer that God guides, consoles, talking. Spend 15 minutes in silence each day strengthens, challenges, and transforms us. to listen to what God wants your heart to know. Ingredients of a strong prayer life can Wait in positive expectation. When we have include a Scripture reading, quiet meditation, faith that God personally loves us and wants what and expectation. is best, we eagerly await the plans he has for us. “... Meditate on Scripture each day: The Bible faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction contains everything God wants us to know. Start of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1). The conviction each morning with a verse, a chapter, or a phrase that God hears and answers us makes our prayer that speaks to you and carry it with you truly powerful.

Can you suggest a John 11:1-45, Trust, and meaningful sacri ce you shall be rewarded for Lent? God’s ways can be puzzling. In this he wasn’t insensitive to their pain. The point of Lent is not to greet Easter Gospel passage, Martha and Mary sent God’s timing is not ours, yet a few pounds lighter but to be word to Jesus that their brother everything he does – even when he transformed. Try something new this was seriously ill, believing Jesus does it – is with our best interests Lent: could help. Yet, Jesus in mind. He was not too Make extra time delayed in coming to late for for him each day. them and Lazarus Lazarus, but Read the Bible, attend died. Despite this, right on time daily Mass, pray a Rosary, Martha showed great and worked his or visit Jesus in the Blessed faith: “Even now I greatest miracle Sacrament. know that whatever you yet. Avoid the mirror. Take the ask of God he will give The next time it focus off your appearance or you.” For her rm faith in feels like God isn’t looks. Refuse to compare yourself God, she was rewarded generously. listening, remember Jesus’ own words: to others or accept others’ view of you. God never leaves us in our troubles “Father I thank you for hearing me. I Remember, your worth isn’t in how but draws closer to us. When the know that you always hear me.” We can others see you, but in God’s in nite, situation was at its bleakest for his trust his response, while perhaps not unchanging love for you. friends, Jesus was with them. He wept; what we want, will work for good. Give up one thing at every meal. Offer up a little something every time you eat – forego sugar in coffee, honey turned back out of concern for his on cereal - to keep the idea, “it’s Lent,” troops. He resolved never to be in the forefront. involved in war again. Offer the heroic minute. St. Josemaría March 19 – St. Joseph, husband of Escrivá suggested jumping out of bed – March 3 – St. Katharine Drexel Mary (1st Century). Jesus’ earthly no snooze button - as soon as the alarm (1955). A Philadelphia heiress, father and husband to the Blessed goes off, “without granting a single Katharine Drexel became a and Mother, St. Joseph is a model of minute to laziness. If, with the help of used her inheritance to establish the fatherhood and a protector of families. God, you conquer yourself in that Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament for March 27 – St. John of Egypt moment, you’ll have accomplished a African and Native American peoples. (c.394). Born in modern great deal for the rest of the day.” She founded missions for Native Assiut, Egypt, St. John Americans and Xavier University in became a when he To provide practical ideas that promote New Orleans, the rst to admit African was twenty. He lived an faithful Catholic living. American students. ascetic life but preached Success Publishing & Media, LLC March 4 – St. Casimir of Poland publicly on weekends. Publishers of Growing in Faith™ and Partners in Faith™ (540)662-7844 (540)662-7847 fax (1483). When his father sent him to Also a prophet, he made http://www.growinginfaith.com conquer Hungary, Casimir assessed the two accurate predictions (Unless noted Bible quotes and references are from the Revised Standard Version and the New American Bible) odds against winning the war and for Emperor . © Copyright 2020 Success Publishing & Media, LLC PARISH NEWS

STATIONS OF THE CROSS 40 DAYS FOR LIFE CAMPAIGN

Every Friday during Lent, Stations of the Cross All individuals and families are invited to stand will be conducted after the 12 Noon Mass fol- (or sit) with us in silent witness and prayer at lowed by Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament in SIU Hospital North on Seaview Avenue from the Chapel. The Teen Club will conduct the Ash Wednesday, February 26th to Sunday, Living Stations of the Cross on Friday, April 3rd April 5th anytime between 7:00 AM and 7:00 Friday, April 10th at 8:00 PM in the Church. PM. St. Charles parishioners will be there from 1:00 PM to 7:00 PM EVERY Sunday. This prayerful, silent presence speaks volumes in ABSTINENCE helping moms in need of alternatives to abor- Abstinence from meat is observed on Ash tion. We will also pray for and be in solidarity Wednesday, Good Friday and all the Fridays of with all who have experienced the heartache Lent by all Catholics 14 years and older. and pain of losing a child. Please email FASTING [email protected] for updates and more in- Fasting is observed on Ash Wednesday and formation or go to https:// Good Friday by all Catholics between the ages of www.40daysforlife.com. There will be a large 18 and 59. Those bound by this rule may take group Witness for Life on Saturday, March 21st only one full meal; two smaller meals are permit- after the 9:00 AM Mass at St. Christopher’s ted as necessary to maintain strength according Church (130 Midland Avenue) followed by light to one’s needs, but eating solid food between refreshments and campaign updates in the meals is not permitted. There is a serious obliga- Community Center (corner of Midland and Edi- tion to observe these penitential practices in a son). A carpool will follow to SIUH North for a substantial way. Those whose work or health large group vigil from 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM. would be impaired are excused from fast and ab- stinence. Individual conscience should decide WOMEN’S DAY OF REFLECTION proper cause of excuse. A more serious excuse is “COME UNTO ME” required to excuse oneself from Ash Wednesday and Good Friday fast and abstinence. During The Catholic Mental Health Professionals are Lent, the Church encourages attendance at daily holding their annual Women’s Day of Reflec- Mass, self-imposed time of fasting and generosity tion on April 4th at Notre Dame Academy High to local, national and worldwide programs of School, 134 Howard Avenue from 10:30 AM - sharing. 3:00 PM. The Mass celebrant is Fr. Glenn Su- dano, CFR. Presentations by: Laura Parisi and Connie Salhany followed by a prayer service, DIGITAL PRAYER TOOLS discussions, fellowship and give-aways. Re- freshments and a light lunch will be provided. FORMED.org (parish code XQ43Q3) The event is free but space is limited. RSVP by 3minuteretreat.com March 27 by calling Laura Bonamo at 347-273- Dynamiccatholic.com 1290 or email [email protected].

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MARY’S “YES” AND OUR “YES.” I can never forget, as most priests never forget, the day of their ordination. Saturday, November 12, 1988 was an overcast, cloudy day. However, not one of us seven new priests were “overcast” on that morn- ing in Patrick’s Cathedral as we received the Sacrament of Holy Orders from the late Cardinal John O’Connor. The ordination Mass is such a beautifully touching ritual. During one point in the Mass, all the and priests place their hands on the heads of the candi- dates for ordination. To me that was such a moving experience. As I knelt there and saw so many good priests whom I had known over the years blessing me, I started to tear up. The guy kneeling alongside of me, in a loud stage whisper muttered, “Stop crying! You’re a priest now!’ Later on when I told that story, a friend of mine said, “Maybe if you had known all the problems ahead, you would have cried more!” Well, maybe he had a point. But despite all the “ups and downs” which are part of every life, the priesthood is truly a wonderful vocation. Comparable to a priest’s ordination is the wedding day for a couple so much in love. Husband and wife recite their vows and pledge to be true to each other “In good times and in bad, in sickness and in health until death do us part.” Of course, through the years as I have witnessed marriages, I have seen brides and grooms tear up too at the moment they give their consent in church. It is a powerful moment. Marriage as we know is a union that is both sacred and serious. Not knowing what the future holds for both of them, couples commit themselves for life, just the way the priest does at ordination. It is their “yes” to God. Today when we think about it, commitment and sacrifice are not too popular anymore. There are priests who have left the ministry. Certainly we all know about married couples who have split up and divorced. Obviously, this is not the scenario that God intended in the beginning! However, “life” as we might say, with all its problems and stresses often gets in the way. Certainly, it is not easy to remain faithful to the Church or to one’s partner for an entire lifetime. Without God’s grace it is impossible. Perhaps we might look to one person who truly fulfilled her God given vocation to the Lord without “copping out.” Her name was Mary and this week on March 25th, we celebrate one of her great feasts-the Annunciation. The Annunciation refers to the event in the Gospel where the Archangel came to Mary as God’s messenger and asked her to be the Mother of God. After a brief clarification, Mary gave her consent to the angel-her “Yes” to God. She said, “I am the Handmaid of the Lord, may it be done to me according to your word.” As Carryl Houselander wrote in her book, The Reed of God: “Our Lady said yes. She said yes for us all. Our Lady said yes for the human race. Each one of us must echo that yes for our own lives.” At times in life, it is not easy to say yes when there is suffering and pain. However, we should look to Mary and her great example in order to gain courage and strength. When she uttered her “Yes” at the An- nunciation, Mary did not know the extent of the troubles that she would have to endure as the Mother of God. In fact, she had seven great sorrows in her life. Our Blessed Mother “stayed the course”-she did not run away either but remained always faithful to the will of God for our lives.

Sincerely in Christ,

Father Jerome

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