St. Patrick R.C. Church 280 East Main Street, Smithtown, New York 11787

“Christ with us. Christ before us. Christ behind us.” October 18, 2020 - Twenty-ninth Sunday in Ordinary

St. Patrick Church 280 East Main Street, Smithtown, NY 11787

631-265-2271, rectory@stpatricksmithtown.org www.stpatricksmithtown.org

Mass Times Weekdays: 6:45 A.M., 9:00 A.M., 12:10 PM

Saturday: 9:00 AM, 5 and 8 PM Novena Mass (Miraculous Medal): Monday, 7:30 PM

Sunday: 7:30, 9:00, 10:30 AM, 12 Noon, 5 PM Marriage

Couples should make arrangements at the Rectory at least six months before the desired wedding date.

Baptisms Currently by appointment. For information, go to

www.stpatricksmithtown.org > Sacraments > Baptism

Reconciliation Saturday: from 3:45 to 4:45 PM

Sunday: from 8:15 to 8:45 AM (not currently offered) Monday: 6:45 to 7:15 P.M. before the Novena Mass

Anytime by appointment in the Rectory

Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament Thursdays for one hour following 12:10 PM Mass

First Fridays after 12:10 Mass until 2:30 PM Benediction*

Nocturnal Adoration, third Saturday of the month from 9 PM to 7 AM Sunday* *Watch bulletin for modified times

First Wednesday of the month from 7:30 to 9:00 PM in “A Quiet Place” Chapel located in the Parish Center

Pro-Life Holy Hour, third Tuesday of the month, 7:30 PM **Watch bulletin for possible changes in concluding time

First Holy Communions / Rosary Rally

Last spring, First Holy Communions were put on hold due to the coronavirus. Now, little by little, children who had prepared to “join us at the table” are finally able to do so. First Holy Communions are taking place during some of our regular Masses and at some additional Masses. Pictured here are four children who received their First Communion at a Friday evening Mass. Congratulations to all our First Communicants. May you continue to walk in faith, strengthened by Jesus in the Eucharist. Pictured below are participants in last Saturday’s Rosary Rally held in front of our church. Prayers were said for our nation.

From the Pastor’s Desk

Are you on our Parish Email List? Our parish stays in touch with parishioners via email concerning important announcements, Christmas and Easter schedules, and daily reflections from our pastor, Fr. Walden. It is a great way to be an informed, inspired parishioner! If you would like to join our email list, just send an email to stpatrickssmithtown@gmail.com requesting to be added to our email list!

One of the simple, refreshing experiences I have is taking a walk just before sunset around our school and church. At times I am awed by the beautiful tall trees with their leaves as I walk west by the school. How beautifully blue the sky is on a clear day. Creation is a gift from God. Even more, human life is a gift from God. We have been created in His image and He has entrusted the whole world to our care. What an awesome, humbling thought. With all that is going on in our world with the coronavirus and the upcoming election, it is all too easy to get angry, worried, confused, and irritable, to lose our sense of wonder. In the Gospel for today’s Mass (Matthew 22:15-21), we see what some people would call a taboo - the mixing of religion and politics. Some Pharisees try to trap Jesus by asking a question that is simple, but loaded with consequences. “Should we pay the tax to Caesar or not.” Jesus’ answer is clear - “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s.” We are in the midst of giving human beings in political parties power to guide our nation. What guidance and direction does our faith in God give? Where is God in our nation? In the book The Day is Now Far Spent by Robert Cardinal Sarah, he offers this observation: I think that people do not realize the extent to which all of Western culture is marked by this blasé indifference to God that gives rise to sadness and hopelessness….. The continents that came to know the Good more recently are still astonished and enchanted by the beauties of God, the marvels of His actions in us. The West is perhaps too accustomed it. It no longer shivers with joy before the manger scene; it no longer weeps with gratitude before the Cross; it no longer trembles in amazement before the Blessed Sacrament. I think that people need to be astonished in order to adore, to praise, to thank this God who is so good and so great. Wisdom begins with wonder, Socrates said. The inability to wonder is the sign of a civilization that is dying. The biggest place we have lost the sense of beauty, wonder, and truth is in the miracle of life conceived in a woman’s womb. From the moment of conception that human being grows and is wondrously fed by his/her mother. Abortion is a choice and an act that destroys a human life. How sad that it is an issue for debate and defense in the upcoming election as well as the hearing for Judge Barrett who has been nominated to the Supreme

Court. It is the issue that divides us. Evil always divides and makes its defenders allies. To put this evil in perspective, in 2017 there were 860,000 abortions. That is 2,361 per day, 98 per hour, and one every 37 seconds. That is a horrible wonder! By failing to be guided by faith, we only compound the problem and make the division wider. Cardinal Sarah says that when we separate ourselves and our way of life and decisions away from God “we refuse to let joy come to us from someone other than ourselves, from God!” I offer Psalm 121 for your prayerful reflection.

I lift up my eyes to the mountains; from where shall come my help? My help shall come from the Lord

who made heaven and earth.

May he never allow you to stumble! Let him sleep not, your guard.

No, he sleeps not nor slumbers, Israel's guard.

The Lord is your guard and your shade;

at your right side he stands. By day the sun shall not smite you

nor the moon in the night.

The Lord will guard you from evil, he will guard your soul.

The Lord will guard your going and coming both now and for ever.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be. Amen. Psalm Prayer: Lord Jesus Christ, you have prepared a quiet place for us in your Father's eternal home. Watch over our welfare on this perilous journey, shade us from the burning heat of day, and keep our lives free of evil until the end.

Masses for the Week Saturday, October 17th: 5:00 PM Josephine Attard 8:00 PM Anthony Mirabella

Sunday, October 18th: 7:30 AM Charles & Pauline Becker 9:00 AM Ann Knowd 10:30 AM Emanual Aquino 12:00 PM People of the Parish 5:00 PM Dorothy Flick

Monday, October 19th: 6:45 AM Dolores Adams 9:00 AM John J. Sullivan 12:10 PM Diane Saraniero 7:30 PM Katharina Nitz

Tuesday, October 20th: 6:45 AM Renee Seaman 9:00 AM Maryann Ost 12:10 PM Mark Vassallo

Wednesday, October 21st: 6:45 AM Susan Wiseman 9:00 AM Lester Castellana 12:10 PM Mary Chisari

Thursday, October 22nd:

6:45 AM Stephen Preble 9:00 AM Ann Theresa Spade 12:10 PM Antonia Pedone

Friday, October 23rd: 6:45 AM Salvatore Rosina 9:00 AM Vittoria DeCillis 12:10 PM Dolores Medrano Aguinaldo

Saturday, October 24th: 9:00 AM *Multiple Intentions 5:00 PM John Reeber 8:00 PM Matthew Campisi

Sunday, October 25th: 7:30 AM Maureen Newman 9:00 AM Jenny Monzillo & Verniero Monzillo 10:30 AM Frank Bisulca 12:00 PM Juliana Poljanic 5:00 PM People of the Parish

*Carlos & Jennifer Fermo, Ann Maccaro, Robert Fanning, Rosario Olivero

Treasure Communal Offering October 11, 2020: $29,808.82. Offering Corresponding Sunday 2019: $23,273.64. Thank you for your generosity.

Our Pastoral Team Rev. Msgr. Ellsworth R. Walden, Pastor Rev. Thomas Acheampong, Associate Pastor

Rev. Abraham Thannickal, Associate Pastor Rev. Fred Hill, In Residence

Deacon Jerry Reda Deacon Ma hew Faughnan

Mr. Joseph Menge, Business Manager Mrs. Barbara Pellerito, School Principal

Mrs. Elaina Kedjierski, Dir. of Religious Ed., Levels 1-4 Mrs. Peggy Soviero, Dir. of Religious Ed., Levels 5-8

Ms. Dianne Williams, Parish Social Minister Ms. Cindy Marsh, Youth Administrator

Mr. Josh Moore, Youth Minister Contact Us

Rectory - 265-2271 Rectory Fax - 863-1586

Parish Website: stpatricksmithtown.org Outreach - 265-2668

Religious Forma on - 724-7454 St. Patrick School - 724-0285

School Website - spssmith.org Youth Community - 360-0185

Fr. Walden’s Email - ERWALDEN71@aol.com Parish Email - rectory@stpatricksmithtown.org Office Hours: Rectory 9 AM to 7 PM, Mon. - Fri.

9 AM to 5 PM Sat., 10 AM to 1 PM Sun. Parish Outreach:9:15 AM to 3:00 PM, Mon.—Fri.

Youth Community: 9 AM to 3 PM, Mon. - Fri. Religious Forma on: 9 AM to 3:30 PM, Mon. - Thurs.

St. Patrick’s Pastoral Council Email: pastoral_council@stpatricksmithtown.org Parish Organiza ons*

Bereavement Support: Call Outreach at 265-2668 Catholic Daughters: 1st Tues., 7 PM

Choir: Thurs. evening, 8 PM Columbie es: 2nd Sat. 10:30 AM

Jus ce & Peace: Once a month, 7:00 PM Outreach Ctr. Knights of Columbus: 2nd & 4th Tues., 8 PM Legion of Mary: Tues. mornings at 9:30 AM

Nocturnal Adora on Society: 3rd Sat. from 9 PM-7AM Pro Life Family: Last Thursday, 10:30 AM , Parish Center R.C.I.A. (Rite of Chris an Ini a on for Adults); 265-2271 Something for Seniors; 2nd & 4th Wed., 1 PM, 265-0034

Part-time Custodian Needed

St. Patrick’s is in need of a part-time custodian. Daytime hours. Cleaning and light maintenance work. Please call 631-360-2980 if interested.

St. Patrick Parish Social Ministry

The Altar Bread and Wine were donated for the week

in loving memory of Charles J. Weinhofer, Sr. & Charles J. Weinhofer, Jr.

.

Religious Formation

The Religious Formation Office can also be reached by email at stpatsrfc@optonline.net. Information is also available on our Religious Formation website: https://stpatsrfc.wordpress.com.

Pro-Life Rose St. Patrick’s Pro-Life Family invites you to dedicate a Pro-Life Rose for any intention by contacting Lisa by email at lisapollicino@yahoo.com or call 656-6343.

Your participation helps bring a greater awareness of the sacredness of all human life, especially the unborn. The cost is $10.

To arrange a memorial for Altar Bread and Wine, please call Diane Sperzel at 265-3307. Donation for the week is $50. Cards will be sent to the family.

Bread & Wine Memorial

Our Religious Formation Program is now underway for the 2020-21 term. Levels 5 and 6 have returned to the school for class, and levels 1-4 are working at home with a parent-guided program until we can safely add more classes into the school. Any parent who has not yet received materials for their child is asked to stop into our office, Monday through Thursday from 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM to pick them up. Please call us at 631-724-7454 with any questions you may have.

Regina Maternity Services Community Program

The Regina Maternity Services and Pregnancy Support Community Program provides case management services and assistance to pregnant and parenting young women. Help is available in accessing educational training, medical and mental health services, and needed supplies for your baby, while you are navigating the maze of social services. Group counseling is offered on topics such as parenting, child development, independent living skills, nutrition, financial literacy, personal fulfillment, self-esteem and anger management. Their Volunteer Mentoring Program connects you with community role models who provide guidance with encouragement and positivity. Call 516-223-7888 to find out how they can help. Serving Nassau and Suffolk counties. The coronavirus has

affected nearly every aspect of life, including donations for mothers and babies in need. Next weekend, October 24th & 25th, our Bottles of Babies collection will

resume. This month monies will be donated to Momma’s House, residences based in Wantagh that provide housing and support services to young mothers and their babies. Momma’s House seeks to give mothers the opportunity to continue their education or vocational experience interrupted by pregnancy. Please drop your donations in the large baby bottles at the exits. The need is DIRE! Thank you!

Bottles for Babies Next Weekend!

Newly elected officers of the Catholic Daughters of the Americas Court Queen of the Universe #1702 were installed by Msgr. Walden and CDA District Deputy Barbara Dellacroce on Monday, October 12th. Pictured (from left) are: Barbara Dellacroce, District Deputy; Laura Chimenti, Recording Secretary; Hilda Torero, Treasurer; Maria Hillman, Vice Regent; Angela Monson, Regent; Gertrude Condon, Financial Secretary; and Msgr. Walden.

REOPENING PARISH LIFE

After months of lockdown due to the coronavirus, our parish and our community are beginning to reopen. Below is information how parish life is resuming.

MASSES We have resumed our normal Mass schedule:

Weekdays: 6:45 A.M., 9:00 A.M., 12:10 PM Saturday: 9:00 AM, 5 and 8 PM

Novena Mass (Miraculous Medal): Monday, 7:30 PM Sunday: 7:30, 9:00, 10:30 AM, 12 Noon, 5 PM

For the time being, we will be limited to 50 percent of the church’s capacity. Social distancing protocols will be in place.

PLEASE WEAR A FACE MASK TO MASS!

ADORATION We have resumed the following opportunities for adoration:

Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament — Exposition is offered every Thursday for one hour following the 12:10 PM Mass. First Friday Observance — On the first Friday of each month, the parish has an Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament after the 12:10 PM Mass which concludes with Benediction at 2:30 PM. (Concluding time can vary due to our wedding schedule. Check the bulletin.) Pro-Life Holy Hour - On the third Tuesday of the month from 7:30 to 8:30 PM. St. Patrick’s Pro-Life Family hosts this Holy Hour which includes Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and Benediction.

Nocturnal Adoration - On the third Saturday of the month, Nocturnal Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament begins after the 8:00 PM Saturday Mass. Initially Nocturnal Adoration will be offered for one hour after the Mass. Watch the bulletin for information on when Nocturnal Adoration through the night will resume.

PLEASE WEAR A FACE MASK AND OBSERVE SOCIAL DISTANCING PROTOCOLS.

CONFESSIONS All our Confession times have resumed. Confessions are heard from 3:45 to 4:45 PM on Saturday, 8:15 to 8:45 AM on Sunday, and 6:45 to 7:15 PM on Monday.

PLEASE WEAR A FACE MASK!

ST. PATRICK SCHOOL AND RELIGIOUS FORMATION

A new school year is underway for both St. Patrick School and our Religious Formation program. For more information, check the websites below:

ST. PATRICK SCHOOL https://spssmith.org/calendar?page=1

ST. PATRICK RELIGIOUS FORMATION https://stpatsrfc.wordpress.com/calendar/

Other Parish Events That Have Resumed: Bereavement Group - Our Monday night Bereavement Group has resumed meetings. Call 631-265-2271 to register. You must wear a facemask. Parent Bereavement Group - For those who have lost an adult child. The group meets monthly. For more information call 631-265-2668. St. Anne’s Prayer Group is meeting on Tuesdays from 1:00 to 2:00 PM outside the Parish Center in the shade by the St. Anthony statue. Please bring a chair and wear a face mask. First Saturday Devotion - All are welcome to come and pray at 8:00 AM in the church on the First Saturday of the month. Life Teen - Our youth ministry for high school students is meeting on Sunday evenings. Email spslifeteen@gmail.com for information.

Our Something for Seniors group will not meet until January.

A CALL TO PRAYER Our country is in great need

of prayer and healing

Please join us on Thursday evenings from 7:30 to 8:30 PM in the church

for a Holy Hour and Prayers for our Nation Members of our Legion of Mary and St. Anne’s Prayer Group will be lead us in prayer as we entrust our country to Divine Providence through Our Lady’s Intercession.

Around the

Parish

Pictured are: Last Saturday’s Rosary Rally where people gathered to pray for our country and artwork inside and outside of St. Patrick School.

You can make a difference in the lives of those around us by making a gift to this year’s Catholic Ministries Appeal

Every Gift Counts! A gift of $25 may help pay the gas for a Meals-On-Wheels van to deliver food for a day.

A gift of $50 from an emergency fund may help pay the electric bill in a cold winter month for a family in need.

A gift of $100 may help care for a newborn infant in Catholic Charities Regina Residence.

A gift of $250 may help subsidize a home for an adult who is developmentally disabled.

To make a donation, you can also visit https://www.drvc.org/CMA/ or call us at 516-678-5800 ext. 296

Mail in forms are available at the rectory

Are you a college student attending Adelphi, LIU Post, Hofstra, or Stony Brook University? Be sure to check out your campus ministry offered through the Diocese of Rockville Centre:

Chaplain: Fr. Cody Bobick Music Ministry: Govinda Willard gwillard@drvc.org Contact: adelphinewman@gmail.com to find out about COVID schedule Facebook: AdelphiCatholicLife Newman Club Instagram: adelphinewman Newman Club Facebook: adelphinewman Chaplain: Fr. Sean Magaldi smagaldi@drvc.org Campus Minister: Gina Hackett ghackett@drvc.org Mass: Sundays No Mass or in person activities due to COVID Instagram: hofstracatholic Facebook: Hofstra CatholicLife

Chaplain: Fr. Elias Carr Campus Minister: Patrick Morrissey pmorrissey@drvc.org Contact to check about COVID Schedule Student Union - Suite L12 Chaplain: Fr. Lachlan Cameron Campus Minister: Felicia Viscusi fviscusi@drvc.org Mass: Sunday 5:00 PM in Student Union Ballroom; Monday 3:00 PM in Interfaith Chapel (L10-03); Tuesday 5:30PM in Interfaith Chapel (L10-03); Wednesday 3:00 PM in Interfaith Chapel (L10-03); Thursday 12:00 PM in Interfaith Chapel (L10-03) Newman Club: Monday at 8:00 PM via Zoom Website: www.sbucatholic.org Facebook: Stony Brook University Catholic Campus Ministry Instagram: StonyBrookCatholic

Support our Bulletin Advertisers!

We always encourage our St. Patrick parishioners to support our bulletin advertisers, but during this time when so many businesses are struggling to survive, we encourage it even more. Please take the time to take a look at the advertising pages at the back of the bulletin and should you be in need of one services or products found there, please make our advertisers your first call. And, if you are a business in need of customers, the St. Patrick’s bulletin is a great place to advertise. Just call 1-800-524-0263.

Giving Made Easier Churches now routinely offer online giving for church donations. There are many reasons for this. Fewer people are using cash and checks. Mass attendance at your home parish is usually interrupted by vacations, business trips, illness, snow storms, etc. And many people find it easier (and greener) to not have to deal with church envelopes.

St. Patrick’s offers several forms of online giving:

(1) Faith Direct: Signing up for Faith Direct allows you to indicate a weekly contribution amount that is automatically withdrawn from your account. Just go to faithdirect.net or download the Faith Direct app from the App Store. Our Parish code is NY51.

(2) Our website: You can contribute at any time by going to our website: stpatricksmithtown.org. Just click the “Donate” button at the top right.

(3) Our Parish App: In addition to its many other features, the OneParish App has a donation page that allows quick and easy one-time or recurring donations. You can download the One Parish App at the App Store.

We are a People of Prayer Please continue to say the following prayers each day as we

seek God’s guidance, strength and courage

Gracious God, we are your people embraced by your love. We thank you for your presence with us throughout all time. Create us anew. Liberate us from that which keeps us from you. Enable us to recreate our world and restore justice. Heal us from every form of sin and violence. Transform us to live your Word more profoundly. Reconcile us so enemies become friends. Awaken us to the sacred; nurture our relationships; enliven our parishes; reunite our families. Fill us with joy to celebrate the fullness of life. Empower us to be a community of love growing in your likeness. Amen.

Thank you Father for the gift of life. Thank you for the gift of your Son, Jesus. May my gratitude inspire and sustain me in doing everything I can to respect the lives of all people and to do all in my power to end abortion and everything else that harms, abuses, or threatens human life. Give me the courage and strength to live in your image each day. Amen.

Lord, the plight of our brothers and sisters is deep and the suffering of Christians is severe and frightening. Therefore, we ask you Lord to spare their lives to grant them patience and courage to continue their witness of Christian values with trust and hope. Lord, peace is the foundation of life; Grant us the peace and stability that will enable us to live with each other without fear and anxiety, and with dignity and joy. Amen.

The symbol to the right (the Arabic letter “N” for Nazarene) is being used to mark Christians in Iraq for persecution.

Are you curious about Catholicism or interested in becoming Catholic? Do you need to complete the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Eucharist, Confirmation?) Do you need to be baptized? Do you have a child who has passed his/her

seventh birthday without being baptized? Do you have a child who has passed confirmation age without being confirmed?

IF ANY OF THESE SITUATIONS APPLY TO YOU, LET US KNOW!

Each year our Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) and our RCIA for Young People programs welcome people from a variety of faith backgrounds as well as Catholics who need to complete their sacraments.

Our 2020-21 RCIA Year has begun, but you can still sign up! Call 631-265-2271 or email rcia@stpatricksmithtown.org to learn more.

Your support of Parish Outreach Is Making a Huge Difference

Thank you to all our parishioners who have reached out to help those in need through your generous donations of food. Please know that our Parish Outreach office is open from 9:30 AM to 2:30 PM, Monday through Friday, should you be in need of food or other services. For the safety of all concerned, we will be serving people outside the rectory. Please call our office ahead of your visit at 631-265-2668 and speak through our intercom system at the side door of the rectory. Food items will be brought out to your car. If you are in the position to donate food, please bring donations to the Parish Outreach office between 9:30 AM and 2:30 PM. Please use our intercom system and we will pick up donations at the side door.

Thank you for your generosity during these difficult times.

XLT Holy Hours 2020-21 Yes, they are back! All are welcome to join us at our XLT Holy Hours! XLT (for exalt) Holy Hours are a time to grow closer to Christ through song, word, and adoration. Take some time to step away from the world and into a face-to-face encounter with Jesus. XLT Holy Hours are scheduled for the following Friday nights from 7:00 to 8:00 PM in the

November 6th January 8th February 5th

March 5th April 16th May 7th June 4th

The holy hour in our modern rat race is necessary for authentic prayer. Our world is one of speed in which intensity of movement is a substitute for lack of purpose; where noise is invoked to drown out the whisperings of conscience; where talk, talk, talk gives the impression that we are doing something when really we are not; where activity kills self-knowledge won by contemplation. - Archbishop Fulton Sheen

If you are in high school, please join us for Life Teen 2020-21! Below is a list of our meeting dates:

October 18th* October 25th

November 1st

November 15th* November 22nd

December 6th

December 13th

January 3rd January 10th* January 24th January 31st

February 7th February 21st

February 28th

March 7th* March 14th* March 21st* March 28th*

April 11th April 18th April 25th*

May 2nd May 16th May 23rd

June 6th

June 13th

All meetings are from 6:00 to 8:00 PM following the 5:00 PM Mass. Please meet in the Parish Center parking lot.

When the weather is inclement, meetings will move to the gym For more information, email spslifeteen@gmail.com

Wear a facemask. *Wear Sneakers

In the Neighborhood . . .

Donations Needed - The Life Center of Long Island in Deer Park is in need of fall and winter girls’ and boys’ clothing, new or gently used, sizes newborn through 3T. Additionally, diapers, wipes, and car seats (2015 or newer) are needed. If you have any items you would like to donate, please call 631-243-0066 to schedule a day and time to drop off donations. Donations are not being picked up at this time due to COVID-19. The Deer Park Center is located at 1767 Deer Park Avenue in Deer Park. Salute to Service - St. John the Baptist Diocesan High School will honor all those who have served and continue to serve our country by placing 3’ X 5’ American flags on the school’s front lawn the week of November 9th through 13th in honor of Veteran’s Day. You may purchase a flag for display for $50 or $75 with a personalized ribbon. Flags are limited to the first 200 and will be given on a first come first serve basis. Funds raised will supplement the school’s Hardship and Incentive Scholarships. All major fundraising events for the year have been cancelled due to COVID-19 while requests for financial assistance have increased. Go to: stjohnthebaptisths.net/salutetoservice to reserve your flag. Volunteer Needed - Are you technologically savvy? Can you navigate a smart phone? Are you familiar with Facebook’s Marketplace? Hope House Ministries is looking for someone to volunteer at the Hope Springs Eternal Second Chance Boutique in Port Jefferson Station. Store owners Barbara and Arti Morin opened Hope Springs Eternal last January as a way of supporting the young men in recovery at Little Portion Friary. Since then this all volunteer effort has generated $45,000. With the right volunteer, much more can be done by reaching a much larger audience via Facebook. If you are interested in donating your time and talent for this worthwhile cause, please visit www.hhm.org/volunteer and fill out the volunteer application. Worldwide Marriage Encounter - "Then repay to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God." Your marriage belongs to God. Bring God into your marriage on the Worldwide Marriage Encounter Experience via Zoom for seven sessions every Monday and Thursday evenings, November 2nd to 23rd from 7:00 to 9:30 PM. Registration is limited and a $100 application fee is required. For information or to apply, call John and Toni Torio at 718-344-3700 or visit us at http://www.wwme.org/

Join Bishop John Barres and the Seminary of the Immaculate Conception in celebrating with praise and thanksgiving the 90th anniversary of the seminary and welcome with joy and enthusiasm our newly ordained priests.

Our newly ordained priests, Rev. Rafal Borowiejski (left) and Rev. John Crozier, with Bishop Barres.

Te Deum Seminary of the Immaculate Conception

“Thee, O God, we praise”

Sunday, November 1st 4:00 PM Vespers, Cocktail Reception

Commemorative Journal

Special Guest Speaker Rev. Msgr. Peter I. Vaccari

Limited Capacity Reservations Required

$150 per guest, $100 for clergy For reservations, journal,

& sponsorship opportunities, contact the Seminary Development Office

at 631-423-0483, ext. 102, email bmalone@icsemimary.edu

or visit www.icseminary.edu.

Students in Level 3 of our religious formation program recently completed work in their workbooks that asked them to design a webpage. Students were directed to use the space provided to design a page using words and drawings to show people from all over the world some ways to follow Jesus. Level 3 student Gia Mayer designed the webpage at right, which contains some excellent spiritual advice.

A Future Web Designer

One of the great advantages of the Internet is having access to so many resources. This includes spiritual resources. St. Patrick’s pays an annual fee so that all our parishioners can sign up for FREE to FORMED. FORMED is an online platform that offers 24/7 access to the best Catholic content on almost any device, including your computer, smartphone and tablet. You will have instant access to thousands of books, audio talks, movies, documentaries, studies and more. FORMED also includes excellent content for children.

To sign up for FORMED, go to: https://stpatricksmithtown.formed.org

SUGGESTIONS FOR THE WEEK ON FORMED

Focus on Religious Freedom

From Catholics For Freedom of Religion

www.cffor.org

Embracing Goodness & Truth “Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship”

from USCCB "Woe to you that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter." Isaiah 5:20 Political and social questions require citizens to develop a well-formed conscience. "Conscience is not something that allows us to justify doing whatever we want, nor is it a 'feeling' about what we should or should not do. Rather, conscience is the voice of God resounding in the human heart, revealing the truth to us and calling us to do what is good and shunning evil."(1) “There are some things we must never do because they are always incompatible with love of God & neighbor and are called 'intrinsically evil' actions." These actions must always be rejected and opposed. (2)

In “Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship” the US Conference of Catholic Bishops states, “The threat of abortion remains our preeminent priority because it directly attacks life itself, because it takes place within the sanctuary of the family, and because of the number of lives destroyed.” (3) "As we all seek to advance the common good - by promoting religious freedom, by defending human life from the moment of conception until natural death, by defending marriage, by feeding the hungry and housing the homeless - it is important to recognize that not all possible courses of action are morally acceptable." (3) The Catechism of the Catholic Church states, "Some things are always wrong and no one may deliberately vote in favor of them. Citizens support these evils indirectly if they vote in favor of candidates who propose to advance them." (4) Pope Francis said, "We are living in an information driven society which bombards us indiscriminately with data - which leads to superficiality in the area of moral discernment. We need to develop critical thinking and encourage development of moral values."(5)

(usccb.org/forming consciences, p.18, (1); usccb.org/consciences, p.19 #22(2);usccb.org/consciences,

usccb.org/consciences, #20(3); ccc2240 (4); Evangelii Gaudium, #64 (5); lifesitenews.com, 9/21/20 (6)

Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI considered moral relativism to be the most dangerous dictatorship existing in the world today. In this presentation, Chris Stefanick debunks the powerful and epidemic myth of relativism with honesty, relevance, humor, and logical validity, offering a

much-needed perspective on the current status quo of morality.

Archbishop Paul Coakley attended the University of Kansas where he completed his undergraduate studies in English and Classical Antiquities. After being ordained to the priesthood in 1983, he served as a priest of the Wichita Diocese for 21 years. He was installed as bishop of Salina, Kansas by Pope John Paul II in 2004 and was appointed by Pope Benedict XVI as the fourth archbishop of Oklahoma City, where he has served since 2011. His episcopal motto is Duc in Altum, which translated from Latin means, "Put out into the deep." In this presentation, given at the Rediscover Catholic Celebration in Minneapolis, Archbishop Coakley reflects on his own journey, and discusses the importance of prayer to the spiritual life.

The Christian ideal has not been tried and found wanting. It has been found difficult; and left untried. - G.K. Chesterton

Why am I here? What's life all about?

What happens when we die?

Have you ever stopped to consider life’s deepest questions? What is this journey in between the event we call “birth” and the one we call “death”? Is the journey taking you somewhere, or are you leading yourself to some kind of destination – a destination that could extend beyond your last breath? What do you want from your life during the in between? The questions are there. And, the answers are too. Take a look at these important questions by watching “The Search,” a seven-part video series, free of charge once you sign up for FORMED. FORMED is an online platform that offers access to an amazing amount of Catholic content including books, audio talks, movies, documentaries, studies and more. FORMED also includes excellent content for children.

Sign up for FORMED for free at: https://stpatricksmithtown.formed.org and then search for “THE SEARCH.”

Pray for our Military Please Keep our Parishioners Serving in the Military in Your Prayers

GY SGT Bradley Baran LT Michael R. Beggins, EOD, U.S. Navy

E6 Christopher Bobrowski Pfc Christopher Bonenfant, USMC

PV1 Michael A. Brescia SSgt Sarah L. Brown, USAF

CPT John C. Burk, U.S. Army PVT Douglas Butera

LT CMDR Alex Buschor, USN SGT John P. Byrne Cpl. Claude Castille

Lt. Matthew James Correa USAF Sgt Eric J. Coyne, Air Force

Lt. James D’Aprile, U.S. Army LCpl. Richard Dekanchuk, USMC

PVT Patrick Fagan LTC Andrew Fetherston LTC Kristin Fetherston LT John Joseph Foley

MM1 Stephen P. Foster SGT James Fowler CPT David Geller

Lt. Salvatore DiGiacomo, USAF CPT Bret Guglielmi

MAJ Thomas Hanifen CPT Erin Hayde

MAJ Ryan Hayde Senior Master SPvt. Donald Henley

CPT Kyle Higgins CPT Michael Huggins

WO Christopher Kaminsky SSgt. Travis Kendall, Air Force A1C Jacob Kendall, Air Force

Cpl. Michael J. Knipper, US Marines LCpl. Kurt Kusterbeck. US Marines Pfc. Connor Russ Lang, US Army

SPC Andrew Steven Lawler, US Army SGT Patricia Heikkila

MAJ Timothy MacGinley Cpl. Vincent Martinelli

Seaman Ronald Martiny, USN Cassandra McCarthy, US Army

SGT Kyle T. McCarthy, US Army CPT Chris McLoughlin LT Anthony Mercado

COL John K. Meehan. U.S. Army SPC Edward Meraglia

COL Mark Nordstrom SFC Philip Nordstrom 1LT Joel Nordstrom

Lt. Kristen Noviello, USMC LCpl Sondra Nowack, USMC

PFC Jorge Rostra Obando

Sgt August R. Oetting, III, USMC SFC Thomas O’Carroll LT Patrick O’Hea, USN

Capt. Daniel J. O’Sullivan, USAF Stephen Outcault, USMC

Pvt. Vincent Patrizio Cpl Brian Plunkett, USMC

LCpl Jean Prou SFC William Pullar, Jr.

SGT Andrew Rea Private Eric Roehrig

SGT Michael William Rousseau Cpl. Patrick Sheridan

PFC Richard N. Silecchio SF1 Corey Slattery

SSG Zachary A. Small LCDR Christian Stanco, USCG

MAJ Marc Stanco, USAF SPC Edward Stephenson

Timothy Sweeney, Navy Seals Cpt. Kathleen Thomas, USAF

GEN Kenneth E. Tovo LT Amanda J. Towey EDO USN

GySgt Matthew Vergara GySgt Richard Derek Vergara

Senior Chief Kenneth Virgilio EOD USN PO1 Steven Virgilio, EOD, USN

GM1Class Instr. James W. Vigliotti

Did You Know . . . If you are new to our parish or our school, you may not realize the tremendous impact the Sisters of St. Joseph have had on St. Patrick’s. Many remember the Sisters as the founders of St. Patrick School which opened in 1966, but their involvement with our parish actually began with our Religious Formation Program (CCD) in the 1950s. Sisters, many novices at the time, came from the mother house in Brentwood. They helped the lay people who taught religion in the basement of St. Patrick Church when it was located at Edgewater and Mayflower Avenues. Students were also bussed to St. John of God in Central Islip where the sisters instructed them. On Sundays Sisters came from the Academy of St. Joseph in Brentwood to teach CCD classes in our parish. When our parish was preparing to open St. Patrick School in the mid-1960s, then pastor Fr. Joseph Canning invited the Sisters of St. Joseph to staff the new school. Initially the school consisted of four grades, staffed by six sisters and two lay teachers. Sister St. Catherine was the first principal. Over the years, dozens of sisters have lived in the St. Patrick Convent, serving in our parish and many teaching in our school The school quickly became known for its academic excellence and for encouraging students to lead a life firmly anchored in their belief and trust in Christ. Sister Muriel Keegan, who served as principal for more than two decades, encouraged students to “think, speak and act like Jesus.” Through their work in our school, they impacted thousands of lives. Many played an active role in parish life, working in ministries such as Baptism, LifeNet, Social Justice, Girl Scouts, Ministry of Consolation, Religious Formation, the choir and serving as Eucharistic Ministers and Lectors. The sisters also regularly invited parishioners to join them in prayer in their chapel—on Thursday mornings and in the evenings during Advent and Lent. Our Parish Center served as a convent for the Sisters until 2014 when the remaining Sisters moved to other convents. Though no longer a presence in our parish and school, their influence will long remain through the thousands of lives they touched.

Pictured are the Sisters of St. Joseph through the years, beginning with Sister St. Catherine with Fr. Joseph Canning and Bishop Walter Kellenberg at St. Patrick School’s dedication, and ending with St. Patrick school students in 2014 praying for the Sisters during a Mass held in their honor.

The Vision Statement of St. Patrick Parish Family

The Roman Catholic Community of St. Patrick, Smithtown, sees itself as: The People of God, The Body of Christ Enlightened by the Word of God Nourished by the Life of Christ in the Sacraments Supported by our love for and our forgiveness of each other. Empowered to bring the love, justice and peace of Christ to our families, our neighbors, our friends, our enemies, the poor and the powerless. Called to reach out to the unchurched and the non-practicing members of our community and to assist in the spiritual, intellectual and social growth of all whose lives we touch.

Reflections on the Sunday Scriptures October 25, 2020

Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time Readings: Exodus 22: 20-26;

1 Thessalonians 1: 5C-10: Matthew 22: 34-40

Focus Questions:

Children & Family Reflection:

The Long Island Catholic: licatholic.org/ Catholic Faith Network: catholicfaithnetwork.org

or Optimum channel 29/137; Verizon FiOS TV channel 296; Spectrum channel 162/471

EWTN (Eternal Word Television Network): ewtn.com

or Cablevision channel 135/1097; Verizon channel 285/1741

Relevant Radio: relevantradio.com Vatican News: https://www.youtube.com/channel/

UCxIsefyl9g9A5SGWA4FvGIA/

Keep up with what’s going on in our diocese and in our world:

Attention Level 2 Students: For your convenience, copies of the cards on which you write your gospel reflections will be included in the bulletin most Sundays. Feel free to use the form below and to make copies. Your reflection may be dropped into the collection basket as your gift to our parish. (Please provide your first and last name. Only first names will be used in the bulletin.)

When the Pharisees heard that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, they gathered together, and one of them, a scholar of the law tested him by asking, "Teacher, which commandment in the law is the greatest?" He said to him, "You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and the first commandment. The second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. The whole law and the prophets depend on these two commandments."

1. Relate a time when you showed concern for another and acted on his/her behalf. 2. Jesus tells us that we are to love our neighbor as ourselves. How well do you love the neighbor who is difficult? How well do you love yourself? 3. Talk about something unselfish or loving that you have done.

What are you doing to show your love for God, your neighbor and yourself?

St. Patrick Youth St. Patrick’s Youth web address is:

stpatsyouth.com All forms and registrations are

available on our website. Youth Office email is spyouth@optonline.net

Our phone is 631-360-0185

VIRTUS Training All volunteers/coaches are required to attend a VIRTUS class if they have not done so. On-line

registration must be completed before you attend. See VIRTUS.org for information and registration.

CPR/First Aide Training courses are available and will be

available throughout the year. You may call the office for more information

Read the Bible in a year challenge! St. Patrick’s Youth challenges you to read the

Bible in a year! Just go to the website and you will find the link with daily readings

Enrichment/Before and Aftercare Program Before Care – Our program is offered Monday through Friday following the St. Patrick School

schedule. It begins at until 8:20 AM After Care- Our program is offered Monday

through Friday following the St. Patrick School schedule, from 2:20 to 6:00 PM You must register in advance.

You may download forms from our website 3,4,5 year old Enrichment Program –

Our program offers NY State guided curriculum along with daily religion, music, arts and crafts

and gross motor play. Playtime with Mommy/Caregiver –

Children ages 18 months through 2 years. Creative fun, play, crafts, light snack & music time

Separation Class Children ages 2 to 3 years old

Circle time, music, playing and sharing Small group instruction, crafts and snack time

Music Ministry Folk Group (Grades 6 -12)

Children’s Choir (Grades 1-5) Children’s Choir practice:

6:15 to 7:00 PM in Keegan Hall Folk Group practice:

7:15 to 8:30 PM in the church New members always welcome!

Junior Catholic Daughters JCDA is a young women’s service organization

Young women grades 5 -11 are welcome! JCDA meet every 3rd Tuesday of the month in our

modular classroom from 6:30 to 7:30 PM Call Patty Davis at 631-780-6313 for details

Learning Center Tutoring for Pre-K through High School

All areas of study, catholic entrance exam and SAT preparation

SPORTS PROGRAMS Fall Deck Hockey

The Fall Deck Hockey Season is underway. Regarding Sports Parking

Please park only on the east side of the property. Enter sports court at east gate entrance.

Pray for the Sick Lillian Adams Thomas Adams Laura Alam Dennis Anderson Russ Anderson Allan Ahrens Don Atmanchuk Sr. J.M.A. Grace B. Stacey Badawi Lenore Baran John Bartley Judith Bartley Ann Bono Ashley Borino Anthony Borrelli Agnes Black Brady Browning George Bruckbauer Francis C. Rick C. Daniel Carrano Tom Clark

Maria Clarke Carly Colvell Kenneth Cook Anthony Costaro, III Marie Crowley Joseph Cuccia Grace Demille Karen Dempsey Matthew DiStefano Richard DeVilla Salvatore Esposito Robert Gann Marilyn Gast Mary Gorman Geraci Elinor Glasser Thomas Gould Bob Heimink Robert Heimink, Jr. Cynthia Kambos Thomas Keane Mary K. Bassam Khudari Matthew LaTorre

Angela M. Chris M. C. Madden Paul Mason Alison McDonald Dustin McGranahan James McLean Joseph Merriam Kathleen N. Connie Polik Fred Polik Ariel Ruvinsky Bea S. Lawrence Savery Joan Schiavoni Tankyard Schiavoni Kay Slevin Theresa Soriano Jackie Spinelli Christine Streckerr Christine Thompson John Weiss James Wheeler

Those listed under “Prayers for the Sick” remain on the list for a limited period of time. If you would like to add a name or return a name to the list, please call Parish Outreach at 631-265-2668.

Pray for the Dead Catherine Cesa Kevin Duckham Ursula Pittelli

We live in a society in which it seems that every space, every moment must be 'filled' with initiatives, activity, sound; often there is not even time to listen and dialogue... Let us not be afraid to be silent outside and inside ourselves, so that we are able not only to perceive God's voice, but also the voice of the person next to us, the voices of others. - Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI

Parting Shot . . . . School Gets a Thumbs Up - School is not always among a young person’s favorite activities, but after being away from school and friends for nearly six months, students seem happy to be back. Here a St. Patrick School student gives a thumbs up.