A Community of Faith Hope and Love

A community of Faith hope and love

TWENTY-SECOND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

August 30, 2015 How great is your goodness, O Lord!

’ T. BERNARD S S CATHOLIC CHURCH 516-731-4220 Phone/516-731-4355 Fax Email: Parish@StBernardChurch.org MISSION STATEMENT Website: www.StBernardsLevittown.org PASTORAL TEAM With faith, hope, and love the people of Father Ralph Sommer, Pastor [email protected] St. Bernard's parish family are on a mission ext. 130 to bring the gospel of Jesus Father Joe Nohs, Associate Pastor [email protected] to the Levittown Community and beyond. ext. 128 Deacon John Blakeney [email protected] 516-731-4220 Spiritual Life Deacon James Flannery [email protected] Schedule of Masses: 516-731-4220 Saturday: 8:00 am and 5:00 pm Deacon Timm Taylor Sunday: 7:30 am, 9:00 am (Family Mass), 10:30 am, [email protected] 12 Noon, 5:30 pm (Youth Mass) 516-731-4220 Father Joy Varkey, Resident Priest Weekdays: 8:00 am [email protected] Holy Days : see website: www.StBernardsLevittown.org ext. 124 Father Martin J. Hall, Retired Priest in Residence Confessions: Mrs. Susan Martin, Director of Religious Education [email protected] Saturday: 4:00 - 5:00 pm. Weekdays: After the 8:00 am Mass 516-731-8511 Phone/516-731-7860 Fax Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal Novena and The Religious Education Center is closed on Fridays. Benediction: Sr. Christine Sammons, O.P., Monday: Check schedule on page 5. Coordinator of Parish Social Ministry [email protected] Morning Prayer: 516-731-6074 Monday through Saturday 8:30 am, Prayer Room. Books are Ms. Sarah Kropac, Coordinator of Youth Ministry available. [email protected] Baptism of Children: We welcome infants and children to our Mrs. Mary Jane Witte, Director of Liturgical Music Christian community! Baptisms are held on select Sundays at [email protected] 1:30 pm. Please contact the parish at least 3 months before ext. 142 an anticipated baptism – even before a new child is born – Ms. Diane Vella, Pastoral Associate to ensure enough time to complete the baptism [email protected] preparation process. Our three-step preparation process ext. 143 includes: 1) at-home reading and preparation by the parents; Mrs. Rose Marie Rotondo, Sacristan 2) an intake conversation with a member of our parish staff; [email protected] and 3) participation with other parents in a Sunday morning 516-731-4220 gathering, which begins with attendance at our 9:00 am Mr. Len Lanzi, Facilities Manager “Family -friendly” Mass. Please call 731-4220 or e-mail ext. 120 [email protected] to request a Baptism information Mr. Dimas Carbajal, Head of Maintenance and preparation packet. [email protected] ext. 126 Marriages: Church arrangements should be made at least 6 months before the marriage and before making any contracts with restaurants or caterers. Please call the Would you like to join our vibrant community of Faith, Hope Rectory to set up an appointment with a priest, 731-4220. and Love at St. Bernard’s? Sign-up and get to know us at Ministry to the Sick and Aging: If you are, or know of one of our monthly New Parishioner Registration and Wel- someone who is homebound and would like to receive Holy come evenings! For information, call the parish office at Communion, please call the rectory at 731-4220. 516-731-4220, or download a form from our website St. Vincent De Paul Society: 735-3218 www.StBernardsLevittown.org. Click on “Join St. Bernard’s Parish” on the left side of the home page form. If you Usher Coordinator: John Lyons (516) 390-5150 or move away, please notify us as well. [email protected]

Bulletin Deadline: Friday, 5:00 pm, nine days prior to publication. You may email us at [email protected] or leave a printed copy in the inbox on the bulletin desk in the Parish Office. Thank you for your cooperation! 2

Signs of Welcome

E– mail Father Ralph: [email protected]

Parking Lot Update I’ve spent the last couple of weeks meeting with four engineering/architectural firms to discuss the renovation of our parking lot and the repair of our tower. I’m awaiting their initial responses and then with the help of the diocesan building office, we’ll select a firm who will develop plans for these projects. Once the initial plans have been ou may have seen the new large sign on the Parish Center that invites produced, we’ll schedule Y some community meetings people to come to church on Sunday. Here’s the story...a few weeks ago to get feedback from someone drove into the building damaging the doors and structure. parishioners and neighbors. Fortunately everyone was safe. But the building had to be boarded up and we’re now in the process of dealing with the insurance company, an Levittown Tribune engineering report, and the fabrication of new doors. This could take a few If you’re a subscriber to the months. So rather than looking at plywood during that time, teens from the Levittown Tribune you Fixup Club painted the boards and Father Augustine painted an image of might have noticed that St. Bernard just in time for the Feast of St. Bernard. Then during the there is a new columnist. evening picnic, we invited people to take turns painting the letters on the That would be me! I was sign. invited by the editor to write the “Spirit of Levittown” This is an example of how to turn an unfortunate incident into something column and I’m grateful for positive. This is the time of the year when many visitors come to St. the opportunity to share Bernard’s school building to register for BOCES or Tender Gardens and insights with the wider others come to play basketball. Perhaps they’ll feel the warm welcome that Levittown Community. we extend to everyone who comes to worship with us. So if you see new faces in church (and even if they end up in “your” seat), be sure to continue See you later! the welcome. While we’re on a mission to bring the gospel out into the I’m taking the final leg of community, we also pay attention to how we make those who come to us my vacation and will be feel at home. back after Labor Day.

Parish News Gifts of treasure

Miraculous Medal Novena Sunday collections On Monday, August 31 and Monday, September 7, August 23, 2015 August 24, 2014 Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal Novena will be held after the 8:00 am Mass. $ 11,999.95 $ 12,585.55 537 envelopes 547 envelopes Faith Direct $ 2,192.50 $ 1,850.23 Mid-Week Mid-Morning Book Discussion Total Collection Join your fellow parishioners on Wednesday, $ 14,192.45 $ 14,435.78 September 23rd at 10:00 am in the Parish Center for an informal discussion of this best Capital Campaign selling novel. Set during one of Goal: $1,000,000.00 the most conflicted and volatile Pledged: $1,199,925.00 times in American history, Collected to date: $1,002,896.00 Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet by Jamie Ford is an Please continue to fulfill your pledge commitment extraordinary story of so that all of the planned projects can be accomplished. commitment and hope. You Thank you for your continued generosity. won’t be able to put this one down! For more information contact Wally Rodier at [email protected] or 516-731- 6690.

Faith Direct Have you enrolled yet? www.faithdirect.net Code = NY272

the Gifts of bread and wine for the weekend of August 29th & August 30th have been requested See page 11 for details in loving memory of William & Rose McNerney by Friday, September 4, is the First Friday of Rosemary McNerney the month and is always dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

Come join us at a Zumba Gold class!

It is for people (men and women) 55 and up. We will do a little dancing a little toning and a lot of fun. The classes will start Tuesday, September 8. We will have classes Tuesday from 2-3pm and Thursday from 9-9:45am in the Parish Center. The cost is $5 a class. No contracts!! Wear sneakers and comfortable clothes. Bring a towel, water and 1 lb hand weights. Looking forward to seeing you!

mass intentions sacraments

This listing may not reflect recent changes or additions. Baptisms Monday, August 31 We welcome into the parish the following new members: Chloe Marie Batista Alyson Rose Gilman 8:00 am Jean Marie Foote Michaela Grace Ingersoll Patrick Scott McNevin Tuesday, September 1 Congratulations to the happy parents. 8:00 am Louise Manzo

Wednesday, September 2 8:00 am Salvatore Spirelli BANNS OF MARRIAGE Thursday, September 3 First Time 8:00 am Joseph McGrath Catherine Hall, St. Frances de Chantal, Wantagh Friday, September 4 Gonzalo Cantos, St. Bernard Parish, Levittown 8:00 am Sr. Lawrence Marie Matthews Jacklyn Minutillo, St. Mary Gate of Heaven, Ozone Park Saturday, September 5 Daniel Wicelinski, St. Bernard Parish, Levittown 8:00 am 5:00 pm Theresa Flanigan Sunday, September 6 for the sick of our parish 7:30 am Gertrude Marrazzo All names will remain on the list for 4 weeks after you call in. 9:00 am Benjamin Eclipse After that time we ask, if necessary, to call again. 10:30 am Jim Lassus, Thank you for cooperating and God bless all. Marie P. Cummings, Salvatore Bumbalo Al Camilleri Jean Dooling Raymond McDevitt Sr., John Flahive Bernadette Habeeb Frank Hafkell James D. Vosseler Sr. John Hartofil Eileen Klein Mario Isidoro 12 Noon Pamela Wise - Living Debbie Mathiesen Christopher Rotondo Ellen Salvato 5:30 pm For all parishioners Mary Ellen Walsh Charles Yevoli

Please pray for all those on our Long-term Sick List Parish calendar (Subject to change) Baby Mason Francis Combs Susan Arena Arlene Barsch Irene Boyce Monday, August 31 Helen Clarke Rosemary Clark Roberta Curran After 8:00 am Mass Miraculous Medal Novena, Church Richard DeLaRosa Monica DeLaRosa Juanita Dones Tuesday, September 1 Harold Encizo Jim Finlan Kathleen Flaherty 10:00 am Our Lady of Consolation, Parish Center Teresita Gallego Colleen Grasing John Guiffre 7:00 pm Boy Scout Troop 316, Cafeteria Mike Hach Patricia Hafner Carolyn Hakim 7:00 pm Pastoral Formation Institute - PFI, Suzanne Hanna Annette Hannon Donna Hare Judy Hupfer Gervas Ignacio Vicki Jacona Parish Center Jerome W. Kalkhof Eileen Klein Tia Mabanta 7:00 pm Spanish Rosary, Prayer Room Andrew Mahoney William McDonagh Teresa McDonald 7:00 pm Vivitrol Support Group, School Room 209 Mary McLean Gerard McManus Mary Messina 7:30 pm AA Meeting, School Room 207 Irmgard Montanino Kerri Orlando Johnny Perdue 7:30 pm Adult Choir, Church Rosina Perri Raymond Pfiefer Catherine Pipinou Wednesday, September 2 Joan Rampolla Fred Rappa Laureen Quinn-Sturge 8:00 pm Bread of Life Prayer Group, Parish Center Deanne Reilly Christopher Rotondo John Rotondo, Jr. Thursday, September 3 Federico Rueda Terri Saccente Eve Saint Thomas Saint Terry Sherwood Joseph Smithwick, Sr. 10:00 am Shawl Ministry, Parish Center Norma Steiger Marina Suazo Liberty Tabag 2:15 pm St. Vincent Meeting, Clairvaux House David Testa Rosalie Travers Donna Vollaro 6:30 pm Most Holy Trinity Novena, Prayer Room Theresa Votta Ann “Dolores” Walsh Pat Welisher Saturday, September 5 11:00 am Women’s AA Meeting, Cafeteria Pray for our beloved deceased Sunday, September 6 and those who mourn for them 6:30 pm Youth Ministry Meeting, YM Room Lillian Boden Margaret Gruter Robert S. Lane 8:00 pm AA Meeting, Cafeteria Joseph M. McGrath Catherine O’Meara Robert A. Picariello 5

ADULT FAITH FORMATION Diane Vella, Pastoral Associate Fall Adult Education Preview!

Jesus: A Pilgrimage book journey and virtual pilgrimage with Fr. James Martin, S.J. One Friday evening a month starting Sept. 18 at 7:30 p.m. Come on this 10-month “pilgrimage” of spiritual reflection and discussion with this NY Times best-seller! (See separate ad below!)

AWAKENING FAITH informal study/discussion groups for Catholics 20s-40s 6 Wednesdays starting Sept. 23, 7:30-8:45 p.m. OR 6 Saturdays starting Oct. 3, 9:00-10:15 a.m. Come learn and discuss with others like you questions about the Catholic faith. All questions/doubts welcome!

Lutherans, Anglicans & Roman Catholics: What divides us? What unites us? 3 Wednesdays starting October 7, 7:30 p.m., Christ Lutheran Church in Wantagh Presented by members of the Long Island Lutheran-Anglican-Roman Catholic Dialogue: Diane Vella, St. Bernard’s; Rev. Laurie Cline, St. John’s Lutheran Church in Bellmore, and Rev. Christopher King, St. James Episcopal Church in Long Beach.

Fall Bible Study The Mystery of Suffering and Evil in the Bible 6 Thursdays starting Oct. 15, 7:30 p.m. OR 6 Fridays starting Oct. 16, 10:00 a.m. Come study and discuss the Book of Job and other passages of the Bible that address the question of suffering and evil in the world. (First session is for those who are new to St. Bernard’s Bible Study program; returnees may join the 2nd session)

JOIN OUR VIRTUAL PILGRIMAGE TO THE HOLY LAND WITH FATHER JAMES MARTIN, S.J.

Starts Friday, Sept. 18, 7:30-9:00, Parish Center

READ JESUS: A PILGRIMAGE AND JOIN US ONE FRIDAY EVENING A MONTH FOR 10 MONTHS FOR DISCUSSION, VIDEO, AND WINE AND CHEESE! Father Jim is a witty and engaging speaker and writer who is often sought by the media to provide commentary on all things Catholic. (Check him out: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lRe7jpVJzzU)

PLEASE PRE-REGISTER!

Name: ______Phone: ______

E-mail:______Place in collection basket, or return to parish office or call/email: Diane Vella: 516-731-4220 or [email protected]

ADULT FAITH FORMATION Diane Vella, Pastoral Associate Becoming Catholic: Does any of this apply to you or someone you know?

___ Going to church but not baptized? ___ Going to a Catholic church but not Catholic? ___ Going to a Catholic church but not confirmed? ___ Interested in finding out more about full membership in the Catholic Church

Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA): A Journey in Faith!

Name: ______Phone: ______

Best time to call: ______

Place form in collection basket, or contact Diane Vella: 516-731-4220 or [email protected]

St. Bernard’S Center for religiouS eduCation Mrs. Susan Martin, M.A., Director, 516-731-8511

News from the Religious Education Office… We welcome back our veteran catechists and our “newbies” to the important ministry of bringing Jesus to our youth. Please mark your calendars now for the dates of our meetings. As your new director, I look forward to meeting each one of you. This year’s catechetical theme is “Safeguarding the dignity of every human person.” Do come for a special blessing on Catechetical Sunday, September 20th. Any new catechist MUST take the mandated diocesan class of Virtus. Simply go to www.virtus.org for registration information. Any questions, feel free to contact your grade level coordinator or myself, Susan Martin. May God bless you for your dedication and generosity in the challenging ministry of teaching the “Good News.” Meeting dates are as follows:  Wednesday, September 9 - grade level catechists in both 7 & 8 at 7:30-9pm in peach room.  Thursday September 10 - catechists for grades 3, 4, 5, & 6 meet 7:30-9pm in peach room.  Saturday, September 12 - grade levels 1 & 2 (First Eucharist prep) 9-10:30am in peach room.  Saturday, September 12 - our special needs catechists will meet 10:30-12 noon in the Center.

“Together we can do something beautiful for God.” (Blessed Teresa of Calcutta)

VIRTUS CLASS… “Protecting Gods’ Children” All church volunteers, catechists (religion teachers) and / or hall monitors must take the required diocesan Virtus class which recognizes the signs of sexual child abuse. This is a one-time class for approximately. 2-3 hours. You need to enroll before classes begin thus we are pleased to announce this course will be offered on our premises on Tuesday, September 15th at both 9:30am and 7:00pm in the peach room of the Parish Center. Please select your convenient time. Participants MUST REGISTER on-line at www.virtus.org . Click on Rockville Centre diocese and scroll down to St. Bernard’s OR any other parish to suit your calendar. We look forward to seeing you then! Any questions, feel free to contact Susan Martin in the Religious Education Office [email protected].

Liturgy Corner TWENTY-SECOND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME Saint of the Week August 30, 2015

In the Second Reading St. James tells us, “humbly welcome Thursday, September 3. St. Gregory the Great the word that has been planted in you and is able to save your (540-604) was a mayor, a monk, a pope, and a souls.” writer. Unhappy with his life as mayor of Rome, St. First Reading: As Moses presents God’s law, he insists Gregory allocated half of his fortune to the poor that obedience will make the people famous and assure a and the other half to the foundation of seven good life. Most of all, he underlines the fact that they are monasteries. After joining a monastery in pursuit of uniquely privileged in the way God is present to them a simple life, he was elected to the papacy. As pope, and has taught them. This reading, coming at the end of he cared for the poor, implemented the Gregorian the summer season, invites us to look at our religious reforms to improve Church governance and clerical experience and tradition and appreciate our faith heritage behavior, promoted the monastic vocation, and in the same way that Moses encouraged his people to do. renewed the liturgy. His name is associated with Gregorian chant (plainsong) and Eucharistic Prayer Responsorial Psalm 15: When we pray “those who do II (along with St. Hippolytus). A prolific writer and justice will live in the presence of God,” we are not Doctor of the Church, St. Gregory composed saying that God is absent from the unjust. Rather, doing numerous theological texts and is cited 374 times in justice is our way of choosing to be conscious of and St. Thomas Aquinas’s Summa Theologiae. responsive to his presence. “The one who does justice will live in the presence of the Lord.” Second Reading: In today’s language we might say that the Epistle of James is the epistle of transparency. James September is designated as insists that our faith must be expressed in action for the The Month of Our Lady of Sorrows good of others. If we are saved, then we will act like people who have nothing to worry about and who therefore can share with abandon. He goes so far as to equate work for justice with worship. In the light of that, he would ask us how we live and worship outside of the church building.

Gospel: If we want to summarize today’s Gospel with a key question, it would be “Where is your heart?” The

“law” that the religious leaders were quoting to Jesus was actually scholarly commentary on God’s law developed over centuries. Certainly, it was a good and healthful practice to eat with clean hands, but scrupulous attention to detail was not part of Jesus’ vision of God’s reign. Mary most sorrowful, pray for us. According to Jesus, those whose religiosity focuses more on legal detail than on the needs of others block the way Sourcebook 2015 to God for themselves as well as for others.

Readings for LAST CHANCE TO SIGN UP ! August 30, 2015 – September 6, 2015 St. Bernard’s Church Vatican Splendors: A Journey Through Faith Sunday, August 30. Twenty-second Sunday in Ordi- October 21, 2015 nary Time. Deuteronomy 4:1-2, 6-8; James 1:17-18, 21 (pick-up at St. Bernard at 7:00AM ) -22, 27; Psalm 15:2-5; Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23. at the Monday, August 31. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; Psalm Franklin Institute, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 96: 1, 3-5, 11-13; Luke 4:16-30. Tuesday, September 1. 1 Thessalonians 5:1-6, 9-11; Experience 2000 years of Vatican Art and History Psalm 27: 1, 4, 13-14; Luke 4:31-37. Trip includes: Wednesday, September 2. Colossians 1:1-8; Psalm 52: • Deluxe motor coach transportation 10-11; Luke 4:38-44. • Admission ticket A tour of the Basilica of St. Peter & Paul Thursday, September 3. Saint Gregory the Great, • • All tips and taxes Pope and Doctor of the Church. Colossians 1:9-14; • Lunch on your own Psalm 98: 2-6; Luke 5:1-11. • Cost: $89.00 Friday, September 4. Colossians 1:15-20; For more information call, Ginny Smithwick 796-9251 Psalm 100:1-5; Luke 5:33-39. Make Checks payable to Rendezvous Travel. Saturday, September 5. Colossians 1:21-23; Psalm 54: 3-4, 6, 8; Luke 6:1-5. Mail check to: Eileen Heffernan Sunday, September 6. Twenty Third Sunday in Ordi- 101 Orchid Road nary Time. Isaiah 35:4-7a; Psalm 146:7-10; James 2:1 Levittown, NY 11768 -5; Mark 7:31-37. Include your name, number of people, phone number.

Rosary Rally With The Holy Shroud Presented by For The Ride Home the Fatima Prayer Cell for World Peace

This feature is for families to share their thoughts as To be held on: Monday - August 31, 2015, 7:00 pm they travel to and from Church. sharp. Be Early! Doors will open at 6:00 pm! Location: St. Brigid /Our Lady of Hope Regional School, Maple nd 22 Sunday of Ordinary Time Avenue, Westbury, NY. The presenter for this evening August 30, 2015 is Mr. Donald Nohs, the Director General of the Gospel: Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23 Confraternity of the Passion and will be leading us through The Sorrowful Mysteries of the Holy Rosary Adults: How do I prepare my heart to receive the according to the Burial Shroud of Jesus! See the Image transformative power of God’s words? of Jesus in His Holy Shroud! A relic of the Holy Shroud will be available for veneration! For directions and more Children: How do I welcome the words of Jesus into information call Garol Spear at 516-414-7610. my heart?

HELP WANTED Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School in West Islip is searching for:

• An Early Childhood and Primary Grade SPANISH teacher. MUST absolutely love the language and culture, speak fluent Spanish and be NYS certified. This is a FULL time position with benefits. • 3 Early Childhood Nursery and Pre-K paras. This is a per diem position. Pay is $10 per hour, approximately 25 hours a week. NYS certified teachers are encouraged to apply as substituting opportunities are available. Para positions become available because we hire first from within to fill open teaching positions each year.

If interested, please send email and resume to [email protected]

Parish social ministry Sr. Christine Sammons, O.P., 731-6074

St. Vincent de Paul: St. Bernard’s Healthy Sunday: Special thanks to Our Lady of Consolation Prayer Group This Sunday August 30th, nurses from St. Joseph and the Levittown Swimming Association for their gift Hospital will be present in our parish center from card and food donations. We appreciate the help of each 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. for free blood pressure and every donor~~many thanks to everyone! This week, screening, height, weight and determining BMI our pantry needs include: (body mass index) for all parishioners. This effort is

 Coffee and tea (regular, instant, decaf) part of Catholic Health Services outreach to  Canned meat and fish communities on Long Island. Please stop by the  Canned pasta (Chef Boy-ar-dee type) parish center! (If flu vaccines are available, you may  Tomato products of all kinds request a flu shot!)

 Shelf-stable, powdered and evaporated milk Bereavement Support Groups:  Juice/juice boxes We are very fortunate that Dr. Lou Sabatini will be  Peanut butter (small jars), jelly leading support groups for recently bereaved family  Toilet tissue and feminine hygiene products, paper members and friends. towels  “General” support group will begin on  Baby wipes Thursday, September 24; 6:30-7:45 pm, continuing  Laundry detergent (smaller sizes) each week until December 3.  Bereaved Parents support group will begin on As always, thank you! Please remember the poor boxes and to Monday, September 14; 7:00-8:15 pm, continuing “buy one, get one free!” every other week until December 21.  Survivors of Suicide support group will begin “Back to School!” Monday, September 21; 7:00-8:15 pm continuing We are actively engaged in collecting and distributing every other week until December 14. school supplies to our children, and are most grateful for All groups will meet in the parish center. Pre- each and every donation. If you are still inclined to shop, registration is required; a $20 fee is requested. we would be happy to accept: Please call our office for a registration form or if you have questions!  Blue, black, red pens  Marbled composition books (not spiral since they In addition, a facilitator training for bereavement are not permitted) support groups will be offered beginning Thursday,  Pencils October 1 and continuing through November 19. The  Pencil sharpeners fee is $60. If interested, please contact Dr. Sabatini  Erasers directly at (516) 799-5873 or [email protected].  2” or 3” binders  Loose leaf paper Friends of the Poor Walk: th  Pocket folders (any colors) On Saturday, September 19 , the Society of St.  Packs of 3 x 5 index cards Vincent de Paul will walk in honor of Pope Francis’ visit to the United States. They are dedicating the  24-box crayons Society’s 7th Annual Friends of the Poor 5K walk to  Packs of 3 x 3 Post-its (type) Pope Francis. The walk will begin at Bethpage  Box of colored pencils Community Park and will take steps to stamp out  Markers poverty. Every dollar raised will help people in our  Highlighters local community. For more information, visit  Elmer’s (type) glue www.svdli.org or call (516) 822-3132. Registration  Glue sticks begins at 9:00 a.m. and the walk begins at 11:00. All  Pencil case or pouch are welcome. The members of our Conference will  Large or extra-large backpacks for girls and boys have a table after Masses during September to accept

We will gladly accept any school supplies your donations. before our children return to classes. As always, thank you for your kind generosity! 10

Catholics For Freedom of Religion - CFFR

"Religious freedom ... has to do with immunity from coercion in civil society." Vatican II - Declaration on Religious Liberty

Some school districts continue to resist any accommodation of student religious expression often resulting in many years of legal battles.

Pocono Mountain S.D., PA: A 5th grade student was barred from distributing invitations to a Christmas party at her church. After years in lower courts, the U.S. Court of Appeals found in the student's favor and ruled elementary students have free-speech rights protected by the First Amendment. (adfmedia.org, 12/6/13; edweek.org, 3/12/13) Baldwinsville S.D., NY: A poster created by a Kindergartener for an assignment about saving the earth was rejected for showing Jesus along with various pictures depicting recycling and the words, "The only way to save the world". The teacher covered the picture of Jesus. When the parents objected to their child's poster being censored, a 10-year legal battle ensued and was finally sent to the U.S. Supreme Court. (wnd.com, 3/13/10) In both of these cases, the school districts spent years in court and spent hundreds of thousands of taxpayer dollars - apparently because of an overwrought fear that the school might be seen as "endorsing" religion. (firstamendmentcenter.org) As the Alliance Defending Freedom letter to PA schools explains, "The Supreme Court has made it clear that students do not shed their constitutional rights to freedom of speech or expression at the schoolhouse gate." "The Supreme Court has definitely held that religious expression - whether spoken, written, or symbolic - is protected by the First Amendment." (adfmedia.org/News, 12/6/13) "...our grandchildren will pay the full price if we allow our freedom to be relinquished." Barbara Samuells, president Catholics For Freedom of Religion

Mark your Calendar: • Thursday, Sept. 10, 7:30PM, St. Patrick Church, 280 E Main St., Smithtown, NY 11787, in the church. Thomas Renker, General Counsel of Diocese of Rockville Centre, will speak on threats we are facing to our religious freedoms. Come and learn more about how our religious freedoms are being undermined and how you can help to preserve them. • Thursday, Sept. 17, "Constitution Day" is to be observed in all public schools which are mandated to provide educational programming on the history of the U.S. Constitution adopted on September 17, 1787. • Saturday, Oct. 10, 11AM-2PM, Nassau Community College "Center for Catholic Studies", Garden City, NY, will present "Religion and the Civil War: Focus on the Catholic Church"; keynote speaker: Brother Syriac, Chaminade H.S. faculty; free admission & lunch - must register for parking pass: 516-572-7472.

The Diocese of Rockville Centre will distribute tickets to the Papal Mass at Madison Square Garden on Friday, September 25, 2015 at 6:30 pm thorough a lottery process. Please complete the ticket request form – available through your parish and on the diocesan website (www.drvc.org) and return it by Thursday September 10, 2015. Those selected to receive tickets will be notified after September 15, 2015.