St. Patrick R.C. Church 280 East Main Street, Smithtown, New York 11787 “Christ with us. Christ before us. Christ behind us.” April 11, 2021 - Divine Mercy Sunday 1 2 3 4 5 A Very Holy Week - This year, Holy Week seemed all the more holy in that we were once again able to gather and celebrate. At this time last year, churches were closed due to the coronavirus. Pictured above are: (1) Palm Sunday, (2) Holy Thursday, (3) Good Friday, (4) a baptism at the Easter Vigil, and (5) one of three Easter Masses held outside under a tent. St. Patrick Church 280 East Main Street, Smithtown, NY 11787 631-265-2271, [email protected] www.stpatricksmithtown.org Mass Times Reconciliation Weekdays: 6:45 A.M., 9:00 A.M., 12:10 PM Saturday: from 3:45 to 4:45 PM Saturday: 9:00 AM, 5 and 8 PM Sunday: from 8:15 to 8:45 AM Novena Mass (Miraculous Medal): Monday, 7:30 PM Monday: 6:45 to 7:15 P.M. before the Novena Mass Sunday: 7:30, 9:00, 10:30 AM, 12 Noon, 5 PM Anytime by appointment in the Rectory Marriage Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament Couples should make arrangements at the Rectory Thursdays for one hour following 12:10 PM Mass at least six months before the desired wedding date. First Fridays after 12:10 Mass until 2:30 PM Benediction* Baptisms Nocturnal Adoration, third Saturday of the month Currently by appointment. For information, go to from 9 PM to 7 AM Sunday** www.stpatricksmithtown.org > Sacraments > Baptism **Time may be shortened to 1 hour due to Covid-19. Pro-Life Holy Hour, third Tuesday of the month, 7:30 PM **Watch bulletin for possible changes in concluding time From the Pastor’s Desk At times we wonder if we can do what we have raised them beyond doubt and its accompanying fears committed ourselves to do, and at other times we and excuses to bring God Himself into our world. We jump in with enthusiasm, courage, and joy. We don’t so much doubt like St. Thomas, nor do we never know exactly what the future holds for us. One always have the solid faith of Joseph and Mary. Yet, of the questions I pondered before I took the final God has no doubts about who we are and all we are step to ordination as a priest was, “Will I be able to truly capable of in the best sense possible. The more do what a priest does?” As time goes by, I have we can see Jesus walking with us on our journey of learned many things and I thoroughly enjoy being a life, the more security, peace, and joy we have. Jesus priest. believes in each one of us and knows the joy we can Back in the 1950s before the LIE was built, we bring into the world when we join with Him and one would go to visit my mother’s family in Pennsylvania. another as people of faith, hope, and love. That is Route 25 took us right through Smithtown on the what the Resurrected Jesus is all about. That is what way to the Parkway. Never did it enter my mind that we are all about. one day I would be a priest and serve here. If you had asked me if I would write a message every day I offer these verses from Psalm 18 for your for more than a year to the people of my parish, I prayerful reflection: would have cringed in doubt. But looking at what I think should be done became a reality I have I love you, Lord, my strength, embraced through prayer, reading, and the joy of my rock, my fortress, my savior. priesthood. Whether it is our profession, My God is the rock where I take refuge; relationships, or religion, total commitment is not my shield, my mighty help, my stronghold. work, but an opportunity to become fully alive. The Lord is worthy of all praise, Today’s Gospel (John 20:19-31) relates two when I call I am saved from my foes. Resurrection appearances of Jesus to His apostles. Jesus appears to them where they are physically, He rewarded me because I was just, mentally, and spiritually - filled with fear and behind repaid me, for my hands were clean, locked doors. His appearance restores their faith, for I have kept the way of the Lord, hope, and love for Him. Jesus did not doubt that they and have not fallen away from my God. would follow Him and continue what He began. In the first appearance, Thomas was not present and For his judgments are all before me: he refused to believe that Jesus had appeared to I have never neglected his commands. them: “Unless I see the mark of the nails in His I have always been upright before him; hands and put my finger into the nail marks and put I have kept myself from guilt. my hand into His side, I will not believe.” As much as these are words of human doubt on the part of He repaid me because I was just Thomas, the response is love and hope on the part and my hands were clean in his eyes. of Jesus. Jesus invites Thomas to put his fingers into You are loving with those who love you: the wounds and believe. This passage does not say you show yourself perfect with the perfect. whether Thomas actually touched the marks on Jesus’ body. It simply tells us that Thomas believed With the sincere you show yourself sincere, as he responded: “My Lord and my God.” but the cunning you outdo in cunning. Jesus refusal to dismiss Thomas with his doubts For you save a humble people raised Thomas to be one of the foundation stones of but humble the eyes that are proud. our Church. Jesus has no doubts about what we are capable of when we follow and trust Him with all our You, O Lord, are my lamp, heart, soul, mind, and strength. The Blessed Virgin my God who lightens my darkness. Mary trusted God and conceived through the power With you I can break through any barrier, of the Holy Spirit. St. Joseph did not doubt the words with my God I can scale any wall. of an angel in his dream when he was told Mary conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit. Both Mary Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the and Joseph had no doubts when it was time for Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning is now and shall Jesus to be born and lovingly brought Him from be for ever. Amen. Mary’s womb in a stable. Mary’s faith was truly challenged when she walked with Jesus on the road to Calvary. She did not doubt God’s way would prevail. Like Mary and Joseph, we do not have all he answers ahead of time. Their complete trust in God Masses for the Week Saturday, April 10th: 5:00 PM Kathleen Ramistella 8:00 PM Betty Lavallee Our Pastoral Team Sunday, April 11th: Rev. Msgr. Ellsworth R. Walden, Pastor Rev. Thomas Acheampong, Associate Pastor 7:30 AM Anna Ramos Rev. Abraham Thannickal, Associate Pastor 9:00 AM Ninh Nguyen Rev. Fred Hill, In Residence 10:30 AM Michael & Regina Grieco Deacon Jerry Reda 12:00 PM Deceased Members of the Deacon Mahew Faughnan Recco Family Mr. Joseph Menge, Business Manager 5:00 PM Michael Kissane Mrs. Barbara Pellerito, School Principal Monday, April 12th: Mrs. Elaina Kedjierski, Dir. of Religious Ed., Levels 1-4 Mrs. Peggy Soviero, Dir. of Religious Ed., Levels 5-8 6:45 AM Diane Osman Romano Ms. Dianne Williams, Parish Social Minister 9:00 AM June Fleck Ms. Cindy Marsh, Youth Administrator 12:10 PM Olga Correa 7:30 PM Joaquin Lopez Mr. Josh Moore, Youth Minister Tuesday, April 13th: Contact Us 6:45 AM Brian O’Connor Rectory - 265-2271 9:00 AM Regina Huria Rectory Fax - 863-1586 12:10 PM Vincent Buchanan Parish Website: stpatricksmithtown.org Outreach - 265-2668 Wednesday, April 14th: Religious Formaon - 724-7454 6:45 AM Edward J. Coyne St. Patrick School - 724-0285 9:00 AM Orsola Pasquarelli School Website - spssmith.org 12:10 PM Leona McCoy Youth Community - 360-0185 Thursday, April 15th: Fr. Walden’s Email - [email protected] Parish Email - [email protected] 6:45 AM Regulo Quintokiano Office Hours: Rectory 9 AM to 7 PM, Mon. - Fri. 9:00 AM Ann Bates 9 AM to 5 PM Sat., 10 AM to 1 PM Sun. 12:10 PM Anthony & Josephine Corbo Parish Outreach:9:15 AM to 3:00 PM, Mon.—Fri. Friday, April 16th: Youth Community: 9 AM to 3 PM, Mon. - Fri. Religious Formaon: 9 AM to 3:30 PM, Mon. - Thurs. 6:45 AM James Lynch St. Patrick’s Pastoral Council Email: 9:00 AM Rose DeSalvo 12:10 PM William Eyring [email protected] Saturday, April 17th: Parish Organizaons* 9:00 AM *Multiple Intentions Bereavement Support: Call Outreach at 265-2668 5:00 PM Marie Lamicella Catholic Daughters: 1st Tues., 7 PM 8:00 PM People of the Parish Choir: Thurs. evening, 8 PM Columbiees: 2nd Sat. 10:30 AM Sunday, April 18th: Jusce & Peace: Once a month, 7:00 PM Outreach Ctr. 7:30 AM Joseph Pette Knights of Columbus: 2nd & 4th Tues., 8 PM 9:00 AM Anthony Nuzzi Jr. Legion of Mary: Tues.