Our Lady of Grace Roman Catholic Church

Our Mission: We change lives through the Risen Christ

By Prayer We pray every day for the success of our parish’s mission as well as for our own intentions.

By PresenceWe join our communion of

faith for Mass every Sunday for mutual support and for

the grace God offers us.

By Witness We love God and neighbor each day.

By Support

We share our gifts and we encourage one another.

We Celebrate the Eucharist Vigil of Sunday: 5:00pm Saturday Evening

Sunday: 8:00am, 10:00am (Children’s Liturgy of the Word), And12:00 Noon (Choir)

Weekdays: Monday – Friday 8:00am and 9:00am • Saturday 8:00am Holy Days: See inside

666 Albin Avenue, West Babylon, New York 11704 Parish Office (631) 587-5185 � Fax (631) 587-1427

Faith Formation Office (631) 661-9353 Parish Social Ministry Office (631) 661-9354

Day Care Office (631) 422-4681 www.ourladyofgrace.net • parish@ourladyofgrace.net

April 29, 2018 • Fifth Sunday of Easter

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Worship This Coming Week Mon. Easter Weekday Thu. Ss. Philip and James

Apr. 30 Acts 14:5-18/Jn 14:21-26 May 3 1 Cor 15:1-8/Jn 14:6-14 8:00 Charles Lyons 8:00 Msgr. Christopher Huntington 9:00 Maureen Caruso 9:00 Edward Kavanaugh (13 Anniv.) Tue. Easter Weekday Fri. Easter Weekday

May 1 Acts 14:19-28/Jn 14:27-31a May 4 Acts 15:22-31/Jn 15:12-17 8:00 Msgr. Joseph Colligan 8:00 For the Intentions of the Blessed Mother

9:00 Angela R. Tedesco 9:00 Devotees of the Holy Face of Jesus (Living and Deceased)

Wed. St. Athanasius Sat. Easter Weekday May 2 Acts 15:1-6/Jn 15:1-8 May 5 Acts 16:1-10/Jn 15:18-21

8:00 Marie Liberti (B’day) 8:00 Angela Filingeri, Nicholas Austin Smith, 9:00 Maria Iannitti Jerry Lynch

The Sacrament of Reconciliation Saturday, 4:00pm, Presiders: Fr. Gabriel and Fr. Vin

Worship for Sunday, May 6, 2018 Sixth Sunday of Easter

Acts 10:25-26, 34-35, 44-48/1 Jn 4:7-10/Jn 15:9-17 Presiding We pray at this Mass especially for

5:00pm (Sat.) Fr. Gius People of the Parish

8:00am Fr. Gius Giovanni Iemma

10:00am Fr. Vin Veronica Preiss

12:00pm Fr. Gabriel Rose Cody and Carmine Piccirilli

The Sacrament of Baptism

Sunday, 1:30pm: Presider: Deacon Brian Baptisms are celebrated throughout the year on most

Sundays and occasionally on Saturday. Call the Parish Office for more information or to schedule an appointment for a Baptism interview. This should be

done as soon as practicable.

The Sacrament of Matrimony

First Banns: Christina Wydro – Daniel Posimato Arrangements for marriage should be made as soon as possible, but not less than six months prior to the

intended wedding date.

The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick

This sacrament is celebrated each Saturday during the 8:00am Mass for those facing surgery or those with major disorders. Other arrangements may be

made by calling the Parish Office.

Becoming a Catholic • Completing Initiation as a Catholic

Any adult, teen, or child older than age seven who is interested in becoming a Catholic or in completing the

Sacraments of Initiation as a Catholic (Baptism, Confirmation, Communion), is invited to contact the

Parish Office.

Regular Devotions: Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament: Mondays from

2pm to 9pm except holidays or when noted.

Miraculous Medal Novena with Rosary: Mondays following the 8am and 9am Masses.

Holy Face of Jesus: Hour of Reparation First Friday after 9am Mass.

Padre Pio Prayer Group: Second Tuesday of each month at 7:30pm.

Scripture Sharing: Every Tuesday at 9:30am (except during July and August).

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Our Parish Communion

This week: Monday, April 30: Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament 2-9pm.

Tuesday, May 1: Scripture Sharing 9:30am. RCIA 7pm. Youth Ministry 7pm.

Next week: Monday, May 7: Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament 2-9pm.

Tuesday, May 8: Scripture Sharing 9:30am. Rosary Makers 10am. RCIA 7pm. Youth Ministry 7pm.

Thursday, May 10: The Ascension of the Lord. (Holy Day of Obligation.) Masses at 5:30pm Wednesday (Vigil), and Thursday at 8am, 9am, and 7:30pm.

Upcoming: Saturday, May 19: Vigil of Pentecost. Celebration of the Sacrament of

Confirmation for teens and adults, 5pm Mass.

Weekday Mass Intentions: The Parish Mass Book through June 30, 2018, is open for Monday through Friday Masses only. All Masses must be requested in person, and the offering must be given at the time of the request.

All dates and times are subject to change when a priest cannot be available, and the Mass must be rescheduled.

Pastoral Council Self-Nominations Invited Do you enjoy planning? Are you intrigued by making complex organizations work better? Do you have a talent for envisioning a better future, plus a way to get there? If so, God has given you gifts that could serve others through our Pastoral Council! You should send a completed Statement of Interest (available from the Parish Office or website) and a one- or two-page letter describing your experience, vision for the future of our parish, and potential contribution to the Council to Fr. Vin no later than May 21.

Our Pastoral Council Mrs. Karen Elefterion Mr. Ralph Fiorillo Ms. Mary Ellen McEntee Mr. James Nevins Ms. Maria Russello-Chetti Ms. Lucy Sanchez Ms. Haydee Santini Mrs. Concetta Whelan Mrs. Annemarie Zaret

Our Finance Council Mr. Richard Korcz (Trustee) Mr. Leonardo LoCricchio Ms. Debra Nicosia Mr. Joseph Salzone Mr. Robert Scharf (Trustee) Mr. Thomas Villella

Our Ministries Ministries of Worship

Msgr. Vincent Rush, Pastor Rev. Gabriel Miah, Associate Rev. Gius Garcia, Associate Deacon Brian Miller Deacon Irwin Saffran Mr. Terence Purtell, Director of Music

Parish Social Ministry Mrs. Ann Kristoffersen, Coordinator

Ministries with Children and Families

Mrs. Peggy Harnisch, Director Ms. Jeanmarie Florio, Day Care Director Mrs. Tischa Stanley, Angel Care Coordinator Ms. Doreen Scalise, Kids of the Kingdom / Summer Fun Coordinator

Ministries of Administration

Parish Services, Finance Mr. James Pisano, Facilities Manager

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As I See It By Fr. Vin

The Vine, the Branches, and Churches Today in the U.S.A.

In today’s Gospel Jesus says:

Just as a branch cannot bear fruit unless it remains on the vine, So neither can you unless you remain in me.

I am the vine, you are the branches.

- John 15:4b-5

This text is commonly (and correctly) applied to us as individual Christians, but it’s also a useful lens for thinking about the state of churches today. (Nothing I’m about to say should be taken to impugn the sincerity, or integrity, or faith, of members or leaders of other churches. I’m speaking here of organizations and social forces, not individuals.)

One thing about the growth of Christianity in North America was, to use the Gospel imagery above, a disconnection from the “vine” of historical Christianity. Historians note that Christianity was spread in the early days of the U.S. by roving preachers founding local churches and by traveling revivalists; there were few universities to train (and thus certify the soundness of) preachers (except in the Northeast, where Harvard and Yale were founded as seminaries to train Puritan and Congregationalist clergy respectively). There was little centralized authority to correct religious leaders whose teaching went off the rails. This not only led to the growth of eccentric religious groups (think Mormons [founded in the 1820s], Christian Scientists [1875], Millerites [1833], and many, many more1) but also to a social environment for clergy that has been called entrepreneurial. Clergy succeeded when they “brought people to Christ,” founded church congregations, saw to their growth, and were seen to have social influence in the wider community. (Think of the recently deceased Rev. Billy Graham as an outstanding model of this sort of clerical ministry.) The deep political involvement of some non-Catholic clergy flows from this social model with consequences for the public perception of Christianity especially by young people who may not be closely connected to any church.

The “vine” of historical Christianity (Roman Catholic in the West, Orthodox in the East) serves as a brake on clerical freelancing and entrepreneurship. If I start preaching there are four persons in the Trinity, the bishop will correct me, and if necessary, remove me. I can’t start founding new parishes or organizations without an ok from above (from the bishop, not from God). Bishops who go off the rails in their teaching or innovations get corrected by their fellows or by higher Church authority. Theologians have to show that their teaching is consonant with a tradition that not only goes back to origins, but takes into account the thought of scholars all along the way. Candidates for Catholic or Orthodox priesthood must undergo approved professional training, be examined on their mastery of an approved curriculum, and be ordained and supervised. Freelancing of any sort is forbidden.

And there’s no reward (in terms of acclaim by peers or upward promotion) for Catholic clergy who seek to wield political influence. Through long experience with different forms of political organization all over the world, our Church has learned that too-close connection to secular politics is damaging to the Church over the long run whatever short-term benefits it may seem to offer.

Our ongoing connection to the Vine through history is one reason many faithful Catholics feel homeless in today’s political arena; our moral values and our perspective on what is truly beneficial to human life and flourishing don’t line up with any political agenda. The only way to be comfortably at-home within any secular political perspective is (again to return to the Gospel image) to cut off our connection to the “Vine.” The organizational history of other churches in America may make it possible – even opportune – for them to involve themselves deeply in political issues and to seek political influence. Our heritage is different, and we believe is more in keeping with the desires of the One who gives us true life. Until next week, peace.

1 Writing about his visit here in 1831, the French political scientist / historian Alexis de Tocqueville noted that

“religious insanity is very common in the United States.” [Democracy in America, Book II, ch. 12.]

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Faith Formation Catholic Teachers in Public Schools Communion Breakfast 2018

If you are a public school teacher or if a friend or family member is one, this morning is for you and for them. Your witness as an educator, informed by your Catholic values, touches so many young lives.

Sunday, May 6, 2018 - 11am Mass – Seminary Chapel 12pm Brunch and Presentation – Seminary Dining Room

Seminary of the Immaculate Conception, 440 West Neck Road, Huntington, NY 11743 Offering $10.00

Please register at www.drvc-faith.org

Faith Formation Office Hours

The Faith Formation Office is open each day from 9am to 4pm from Monday to Friday. Evenings available by appointment!

Clothing Drive Finished

Our Clothing Drive is finished for this year! Thank you all so much for donating the clothes you no longer need. They will go to St. Vincent DePaul for the needy of our community! An update on how much we have collected will be forthcoming.

Registration for the 2018 – 2019 School Year

We are already planning for next year’s Faith Formation Program! Registration has begun! Please print the Registration form from the parish website or pick one up in the Faith Formation Office. Remember, we will not be mailing forms home. The early incentive runs until August 1, 2018. All balances must be paid, and all previous work made up in order to be able to register early.

If you will have a child entering first grade in the fall, now is the time to register him/her for Faith Formation classes. The Diocese of Rockville Centre requires two years of formation before receiving First Holy Communion, and we adhere to that! Come on in during our office hours and get started. We look forward to meeting you!

Resurrection Garden

Our Level 5 students and their parents recently made a dish garden that included a tomb, crosses, rocks and planted seed that will grow. We talked about the passion, death and resurrection of Jesus. I know the students will be excited to watch the gardens grow!

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Parish Social Ministry CATHOLIC SOCIAL TEACHING

Pope Francis: On the Call to Holiness in Today’s World

In his new Apostolic Exhortation Gaudete et Exsulate, Pope Francis uses the Beatitudes to reflect on our response to God’s call to holiness in today’s world:

The worldly person ignores problems of sickness or sorrow in the family or all around him; he averts his gaze. The world has no desire to mourn; it would rather disregard painful situations, cover them up or hide them. Much energy is expended on fleeing from situations of suffering in the belief that reality can be concealed. But the cross can never be absent.

A person who sees things as they truly are and sympathizes with pain and sorrow is capable of touching life’s depths and finding authentic happiness. He or she is consoled, not by the world but by Jesus. Such persons are unafraid to share in the suffering of others; they do not flee from painful situations. They discover the meaning of life by coming to the aid of those who suffer, understanding their anguish and bringing relief. They sense that the other is flesh of our flesh, and are not afraid to draw near, even to touch their wounds. They feel compassion for others in such a way that all distance vanishes. Knowing how to mourn with others: that is holiness.

Spring Workshop – Honoring our Parents and Loved Ones

Particular focus on coping through Mother’s and Father’s Day holidays. This workshop is appropriate for anyone who is grieving a loss.

Tuesday May 8, 2018 – 7pm - 8:30pm Good Shepherd Hospice Administrative Office 110 Bi-County Blvd, Suite 114, Farmingdale

Registration required - Call Carolyn Lisi-Haas at (631) 828-7629

Thursday, May 24, 2018 – 7pm – 8:30pm Good Shepherd Hospice Inpatient Center 200 Belle Terre Road, Port Jefferson, NY

Registration required – Call Diane McNamara at (631) 828-7636

Displaced Homemaker Program

The Displaced Homemaker Program in conjunction with the Suffolk County One-Stop Employment Center is available for Suffolk County residents who are widowed, divorced, separated and unemployed or underemployed and are struggling to make ends meet. The following services are available at no cost

• Counseling and Resource Referrals – individual assessment and career counseling services. • Career Preparation – workshops in choices exploration, resume and cover letter preparation,

interviewing techniques, salary negotiations, internet job search techniques, transferable skills, employability skills for the workplace, networking and social media.

• Computer Classes and Tutorials – on site classes and tutorials in Microsoft Office applications • Career Quests – opportunities to find your personal career direction by meeting and speaking to

industry leaders. • Job Fairs/On-Site Recruitments – meet company representative who attend our events seeking to

hire new staff. • Career Couture – onsite boutique offering individuals appropriate interview and new job attire

without charge. Call (631) 853-6540

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Parish News Let Us Welcome Our Newly Baptized Into Our Parish Communion

Charlotte Rae Pomilio Dominick Michael Spinelli Kenneth Joseph Logallo III Lukin James Pelletier

Please Pray for Those Who Have Died This Week

June Vadala Leonard J. Lamagna Grace Sudano

Gifts of Bread and Wine

The bread and the wine have been donated in loving memory of Mary Clark for the week of April 29 through May 5, 2018.

Bereavement Class

The next Bereavement Class will begin on Saturday morning, May 5, at 9am. For further information, please call Fran at 631-587-1578.

From Fr. Vin: Thanks to all who expressed support for the idea of converting the convent building into a spiritual retreat center after the sisters depart. I’ve set up a task force from among those offering their expertise to see if it’s feasible and could be self-supporting. I’ll keep you informed of the group’s progress. Keep praying that we can make it happen!

Financial Stewardship Report

September 1, 2017, through April 2, 2018 (Excludes Palm Sunday and Easter)

Sunday offering target: $13,300 per week Target to date: $385,700

Collections to date: $396,044 Over target by $10,344

Easter Target: $36,000 Received to April 16: $36,545

Many thanks to our generous sacrificial givers!

Your sacrificial giving makes our ministries and our mission from Christ possible. Please be generous.

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Ministries with Children and Families

What is Family Life Ministry? Family Life Ministry hopes to address the needs of families of all ages and sizes through events that also strengthen our faith. From those in single person families or multi-generational families, we are all part of the parish family of Our Lady of Grace. Contact Maria at mrchetti4olog@gmail.com or call our Faith Formation Office at 631-661-9353 for more information. Our next meeting will be on Monday, May 7, 2018, at 7:30pm! Join us!

Hospitality Breakfast Our next Hospitality Breakfast will be Sunday, May 20, 2018. Come join us after the 10am Mass during the Easter Season to share food and hospitality! Even if you attend a different Mass, come down at 11am and join us. Everyone is welcome! This is a great way to get to know those we worship and pray with each week! This is Pentecost, a great day to celebrate!

May Crowning This year our annual crowning of the statue of Mary will take place on Monday evening, May 21, at 7pm. We encourage all parishioners and especially all First Communicants (wearing their First Communion clothes) to attend! Refreshments (including ice cream) to follow! This is always a beautiful and touching tribute to Mary.

Adult Faith Formation Classes Are you interested in learning more about your faith? This summer the diocese is offering several classes to complete the Basic Catechist Certificate. All classes will be held at St. Cyril and Methodius in Deer Park. Old Testament July 9 - July 12, 2018: 9:30am – 12pm. New Testament July 9 - July 12, 2018: 1pm – 3:30pm. Christology July 16 - July 19, 2018: 9:30am - 12pm. Church July 16 - July 19, 2018: 1pm – 3:30pm. Morality July 23 - July 26, 2018: 9:30am - 12pm. Liturgy and Sacraments July 23 - July 26, 2018: 1pm – 3:30pm. Register Online at www.drvc-faith.org, or forward the completed registration form below along with a check payable to “Office of Faith Formation” to Diocese of Rockville Centre, Office of Faith Formation, P.O. Box 9023, Rockville Centre, NY 11571-9023. This series of courses is designed for teachers, catechists and interested adults. Location: Ss. Cyril and Methodius, 125 Half Hollow Road, Deer Park, New York 11729 Cost: $40.00 per person/per session | $30.00 per person if taking more than one course. For more information, please visit www.drvc-faith.org or contact Elizabeth Ramirez at eramirez@drvc.org | 516-678-5800 ext.408. Name __________________________________________ Phone ___________________________________________ Address ________________________________________ City/Zip _________________________________________ Parish / Parish Town __________________________________________________________ Email ______________________________________________________________________ Number of Courses _______________________ X $30.00 per course | One course only $40.00

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Parish News A Reminder about ID Badges

Parish staff and volunteers wear I.D. badges (except at worship) to identify themselves as people who have authority and responsibility for the good order of the parish and its programs. You should feel free to question (or to report to the Parish Office) anyone who seems to be in an area or doing anything out of order if the person is not wearing I.D. Keep yourself and others safe on our campus!

Volunteers and staff: Please remember that wearing your ID as required is a contribution to the safety and good order of our parish.

Day Care News

Day Care is in for a fun-filled spring! Our curriculum includes the ABCs, science, math, music and art for toddlers and preschoolers. We have a few openings available at each level. Please feel free to call or email me to set up a tour or ask questions at 631-422-4681 or Jflorio@ourladyofgrace.net.

Youth Ministry Meeting

Youth Ministry, 7:30pm, Tuesdays in Room 212/214. Teens 9th – 12th grade. Nothing to do Tuesday nights? Room 212. Join us for faith, fun and fellowship!

Kids of the Kingdom is Coming

Summer is approaching quickly and our summer sun and fun program begins on June 25, 2018. It runs for eight weeks through August 17, 2018. The hours are 8:30am - 4:30pm, Monday through Friday.

There is before care from 7:30am – 8:30am and after care from 4:30pm – 5:30pm which is an additional cost of $5 for each session used.

Our program ranges from daily field trips to on-grounds recreation. Feel free to choose any or all weeks as needed. We accommodate children ages five to twelve.

Outer Space Music

May 5, at 6pm in the church, Extra Chi (flute and piano) performs Hans Zimmer’s “Interstellar” and Stephen Hawking biopic “The Theory of Everything.” A $10 offering will be taken for the annual parish performance license. These monthly concerts are open to the public and take place the first Saturday of every month at 6pm.

Collection for Catholic Elementary Schools

The annual collection for Catholic elementary schools is next weekend, May 5-6. Half of the money collected in parishes with schools and parishes that support regional schools stays with the school, and the other half is sent to the diocese and is given to Tomorrow’s Hope Foundation for scholarships. The money from the non-school parishes is sent to the diocese and goes for Tomorrow’s Hope scholarships. Let us be generous with our support of Catholic Education.

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More Parish News Bookkeeper Position Available

The Catholic Diocese of Rockville Centre, Office of Parish Support, is seeking part-time bookkeepers to provide bookkeeping and accounting services to a select group of parishes and schools. These are part-time positions; 21 to 25 hours per week. Regular travel to assigned parishes and schools required.

Position Requirements - Associate degree, preferably in the discipline of accounting or bookkeeping preferred, knowledge of Microsoft Office software products, good verbal and written communications skills, Quickbooks experience a plus.

Please email your cover letter and resume in Word format as an email attachment to employment@drvc.org. Please note “Part-Time – Bookkeeper” in the subject line. Or mail/fax to Human Resources Department: Diocese of Rockville Centre, P O Box 9023, Rockville Centre, NY 11570 - Fax: 516-678-9566

Your Help is Needed

Are you available to drive someone to a local doctor or to visit a local nursing home? For more information about this ministry, please contact the Parish Social Ministry Office at 631-661-9354.

Academic Honors

Our Lady of Grace Parish extends congratulations to the following students from Kellenberg Memorial High School who have maintained Honor Roll status for the second trimester:

Danielle DePetris Erin Doherty William Doherty John Pisani

Catherine Dotzier Kathryn MacGown Eleina Pisani

Calling Altar Servers

If you are going into 3rd Grade (or higher), willing to be trained, love to come to Mass, then come and become an altar server!! If interested, please fill in the tear off sheet below and drop it off at the Parish Office. You may also call 631-587-5185 and leave your name and phone number with the secretary.

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Yes I want to become an Altar Server

Name: _________________________________________________ (please print)

Age: _____________ Telephone Number: __________________________

Address: __________________________________________________________________