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Page 1Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church210 South Wellwood Avenue Lindenhurst, New York 11757 Telephone: 631-226-7725 Fax: 631-225-9597 www.olphlindenhurst.com Facebook: Our Lady of Perpetual HelpThe people were astonishedat Jesus’ teaching,for he taught them as one having authorityand not as the scribes.Mark 1:22FOURTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIMEJanuary 28, 2018PASTORAL STAFFPastor: Reverend Monsignor Joseph DeGroccoParochial Vicars: Reverend Fidelis Ezeani, Reverend Frank ZeroDeacons: Deacon William Crosby, Deacon Douglas G. Smith, Deacon Robert A. BeckerBusiness Manager: Mr. Frank PokorneyDirector of Faith Formation: Mrs. April KleinlautMusic Director: Mr. Christopher ——-—Pastor Emeritus: Reverend Monsignor Daniel S. HamiltonDeacon Frank Odin, RetiredCOME IN AND PRAY Our church is open 6:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. sevendays a week, except for Thursdays when it closesafter the 12:15 p.m. Mass for cleaning.Come in and spend some time in prayer.MASS SCHEDULEMonday – Friday6:30 a.m. and 12:15 p.m.Saturday Morning:8:00 a.m.Saturday Afternoon (Sunday Anticipated):5:00 p.m.Sunday Masses:8:00 a.m., 10:00 a.m.,12:00 p.m. & 5:00 p.m.LITURGY OF THE HOURSWe pray Evening Prayer each Saturday andSunday after the 5:00 p.m. Mass.We pray Daytime Prayer each Wednesdayat 1:50 p.m.SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATIONMonday – Friday following the 12:15 p.m. Mass(except on Holy Days of Obligation)Saturday: 4:00 p.m. to 4:45 p.m.The Sacrament of Reconciliation is always available bymaking an appointment with one of our priests.OLPH NOVENA DEVOTIONSMonday evenings at 7:00 p.m. in the Church(unless otherwise announced)ADORATION OF THEBLESSED SACRAMENTMonday Evening: after OLPH Novena DevotionsWednesday: 12:45 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.Sunday: 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.First Saturday: 8:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.PARISH OFFICE HOURSMonday- Friday: 9:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.Saturday: 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.Sunday: 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Page 2January 28, 2018ENGRAVED BRICK MEMORIAL PHASE THREE
January 28, 2018Page 3PASTOR’S PAGESpotlight on Pre-Cana MinistryEvery so often I like to use a portion ofmy Pastor’s Column to spotlight a particularministry, and this time around I would like tofocus your attention on our Pre-Cana ministry.The Pre-Cana ministry consists ofmarried couples preparing engaged couples fortheir future sacramental marriage in the Church.This is done through a series of discussionswhich are facilitated by the married couples.Topics covered are usually ones such ascommunication in marriage, spirituality, issuesabout family of origin, finances, and naturalfamily planning.We all know that the divorce rate todayis extremely high, as high as 50%. This is atragedy, and it makes marriage preparationprograms such as Pre-Cana all the moreimportant. Married couples who minister toengaged couples in Pre-Cana find it to be very,very rewarding and fulfilling. Married couplescan have an extremely positive effect on the lifeof the engaged couple, not only at the time ofPre-Cana, before the marriage, but also yearsdown the line, because Pre-Cana gives engagedcouples tools for building a healthy marriage. Inaddition, it is not unusual for couples to comeback to the life of the Church as a result ofPre-Cana, after being away for a long time.I am thrilled that we have a vibrant andexciting Pre-Cana ministry here at OLPH underthe very capable leadership of Dan and ChristineVolpe, and I thank them for their many years ofinvolvement in this ministry (over 21 years!)and, in the last few years, for heading it up.As you can imagine, we are alwayslooking for more married couples to becomeinvolved in Pre-Cana, and Dan and Chris wouldwelcome newcomers. I am extending aninvitation for more married couples to serve inthe Pre-Cana ministry, with a specialinvitation to couples who have been marriedfor five to ten years or so (although not onlycouples married those numbers of years).Now, let me dispel one myth concerningbecoming a Pre-Cana couple: you do not haveto have a perfect marriage in order to do this!First of all, there is no such thing as a perfectmarriage! Second, if by chance your marriagewere perfect, you probably would not make agood Pre-Cana couple, since we need coupleswho represent the reality of marriage: its upsas well as its downs, and both its day-to-dayjoys and its day-to-day struggles, the good, thebad and the ugly! You may be thinking that youand your spouse are not “qualified” for onereason or another, but let me assure you thereare no special “qualifications” other than being acouple of faith who have a valid Catholicmarriage, who attend Mass regularly, who wantto help influence engaged couples to havehappy, healthy and holy marriages and who canshare some insights about their ownrelationship.Actually, being a Pre-Cana couple willbuild up your own marriage and bring the two ofyou closer together! Also, it’s a fairly low timecommitment. There are two sessions each year,one in the spring and one in the fall, so the realcommitment revolves only around thosesix-week sessions twice a year. Why notconsider becoming a Pre-Cana couple? ContactChristine Volpe at cvolpe664@gmail.com tooffer to become a couple or just to get moreinformation. Training will be provided; you cansit in on a six-week session, and you’ll also havecoaching available from other couples involvedin Pre-Cana. A spring session will be startingsoon, and Chris and Dan would love towelcome you, so now is a great time to hop onboard!What a beautiful offering you and yourspouse could make by becoming a Pre-Canacouple! You’ll have a great effect on an engagedcouple and you’ll be strengthening yourmarriage as well! You’ll be adding yet anotherreason for OLPH being “the place to be!”Pope Francis’ Catecheses on the Holy MassWe continue our series printing PopeFrancis’ catecheses on the Holy Mass, given athis Wednesday audiences. Since Mass is socentral to our life as Catholics, we can never belearning enough about it. This selection comesfrom his audience of December 20, 2017 as he
January 28, 2018Page 4PASTOR’S PAGEcontinues his reflections on the introductory ritesof the Mass; I present his words verbatim.*****************The priest addresses the liturgicalgreeting with the expression, “The Lord be withyou,” or another similar one ― there are several― and the assembly responds, “And with yourspirit.” We are in dialogue; we are at thebeginning of the Mass and we must think of themeaning of all these gestures and words. We areentering a “symphony,” in which various tonesof voices resound, including times of silence, inview of creating “agreement” among all theparticipants, namely, to recognize one anotheranimated by one Spirit and by one same end. Infact, the priestly greeting and the people’sresponse manifest the mystery of the gatheredChurch. Expressed thus is the common faith andthe mutual desire to be with the Lord and to livein unity with the whole community.And this is a praying symphony, which isbeing created and presents immediately a verytouching moment, because the one who presidesinvites all to acknowledge their sins. We are allsinners. I don’t know, perhaps one of you isn’t asinner; if someone isn’t a sinner, please raise hishand, so we can all see. But there aren’t anyraised hands; o.k., your faith is good! We are allsinners and, therefore, we ask for forgiveness atthe beginning of the Mass. It’s the PenitentialAct. It’s not only about thinking of the sinscommitted, but much more: it’s the invitation toacknowledge ourselves sinners before God andbefore the community, before brothers, withhumility and sincerity, as the publican in theTemple. If the Eucharist truly renders presentthe Paschal Mystery, namely the passage ofChrist from death to life, then the first thing weshould do is to recognize what are our situationsof death are to be able to rise with Him to newlife. This makes us understand how importantthe Penitential Act is.*****************Needed: Altar Servers for Funeral MassesI am putting out another appeal forassistance, this time concerning the celebrationof Funeral Masses. We are in need of adultswho will serve as altar servers at FuneralMasses. Your commitment would be once ortwice a week, depending on the number offunerals we have in a week.This is a great ministry for you if youwere an altar server as a youngster or if youwanted to be one but weren’t (now’s yourchance!). It’s also perfect for you if you want toserve your fellow parishioners at a very sensitiveand touching time ― when they haveexperienced the loss of a loved one. Your serviceas an altar server makes an importantcontribution to the dignity and reverence of theFuneral Mass. Believe me, it won’t bedepressing; just the opposite: it will be extremelyrewarding and fulfilling as you help create abeautiful liturgical experience for the celebrationof the Funeral Mass.The main requirement is that you beavailable weekdays during the day to serve atFuneral Masses; full training will be provided foryou! Men or women, younger or older we’ll behappy to have you! It’s actually a very easyministry, and I would like you to consider beinga part of it. If you are interested, please contactme at msgrjoe@oloph.org or at the rectorynumber and we’ll get things underway! Thankyou for considering this!In conclusion Together, let’s aim high in Christ.Together, let’s bring out the best in each other.Together, let’s be the best we can be in Christ.And let’s always remember: LOVE IS AGIFT.Sincerely,
January 28, 2018Page 5PRAYER AND WORSHIPEveningPrayerFIRST FRIDAY,FIRST SATURDAY& FIRST SUNDAY DEVOTIONSAll are invited to comeand pray with our parish community.First Friday Devotions will take placeFebruary 2 after the 6:30 a.m. and 12:15 p.m.Masses.First Saturday Devotions—in honor of OurLady of Fatima—will be conducted Saturday,February 3 beginning with the Rosary at 7:40a.m., Mass at 8:00 a.m. and continued devotion following Mass.Each month, all are invited to join themembers of the Nocturnal Adoration Societyfor Eucharistic Adoration. Adoration will beheld on Saturday, February 3 from 8:00 to11:00 p.m. Reflecting the diverse communitypresent at OLPH, each hour of the evening iscelebrated in different languages (English,Spanish, Polish). The evening concludes withBenediction at 11:00 p.m.First SundayDevotions —Adorationof the Blessed Sacrament will take place onSunday, February 4 at7:00 p.m. in the church.All are invited to prayEvening Prayer onSaturdaysandSundays after the 5:00p.m. Mass. Here wepray the psalms, listento the Word of Godand give thanks toGod for the blessings of the day. EveningPrayer is usually about ten to fifteen minutes inlength.So come and pray Saturdaysand SundaysAfter the 5:00 p.m. Mass“The Liturgy of the Hours is intended to become the prayer ofthe whole People of God. In it Christ himself ‘continues hispriestly work through his Church .Pastors of souls shouldsee to it that the principal hours, especially Vespers (EveningPrayer) are celebrated in common in church on Sundays andon the more solemn feasts.’”-Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1175SPECIAL NEEDSMINISTRYMass for People with Special NeedsThis vital ministry offers experiences for those with special needsand their families, including special Masses, various activitiesand opportunities to come together as a parish community.Saturday, February 34:00 p.m. in the School AuditoriumAll are welcome come celebrate Mass with us!We can use some help in preparing for our monthly Mass and other special needs events.How about you? Contact Jessica Becker at 631-226-7725 X 252 or email to jbecker@oloph.org
Page 6January 28, 2018PRAYER AND WORSHIPBlessing of Throatson Saturday,February 3,the Memorial ofSt. Blaise,Bishop and MartyrSaturday, February 3 isthe Memorial of St.Blaise, Bishop andMartyr. Saint Blaise wasthe bishop of Sebaste inArmenia during thefourth century, and it isbelieved that he was martyred in a persecutionin the early fourth century. His associationwith the healing of throats arose from a legendthat while he was in prison he cured a boywho had a fish bone stuck in this throat. Thepractice of blessing throats with two crossedcandles seems to have arisen in the sixteenthcentury when devotion to St. Blaise reached itspeak.Here at OLPH, we will be blessing throatsduring the 8:00 a.m. Mass Saturday morning,as the conclusion to the Universal Prayer (thePrayer of the Faithful), as indicated in the Bookof Blessings.REMINDER REGARDINGTHE COMMUNION FASTPlease remember that we are supposedto observe a Communion Fast beforereceiving Holy Communion. This means wedo not eat any foods or drink any liquids forone hour before receiving Holy Communion,the only exception being water or medicine.This also means that we are not to chew gumduring Mass, and certainly not while we arecoming forward to receive HolyCommunion. Let’s be sure we areappropriately prepared to receive HolyCommunion by observing this important ruleof the Church.BRING PALMSTO BEBURNEDFOR USE ASASHESWe are all familiar with the practice ofreceiving ashes on Ash Wednesday, whichthis year is February 14. The ashes are asign of the public penance to which we areall called during the Lenten season. As wepromise to repent and believe in the Gospel,the ashes brand us with the sign of the cross— a sign of our commitment to the journeyof prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, a journeywhich ends with the new life of baptism andbaptismal renewal during Easter Time.Penitential acts are undertaken as acommunity, as together we journey to thecross and resurrection.What you may not know is where theashes come from. Very simply, the ashesused on Ash Wednesday are the ashes frompalms saved from Palm Sunday theprevious year, which have been burned.This year we once again invite you toshare in our communal celebration of AshWednesday in a special way. We ask youto bring old palms from your home anddeposit them in the baskets which will beavailable. These palms will then be burnedat our Mardi Gras celebration onFebruary 13 and used as ashes on AshWednesday.Please join in this meaningful gestureof community and solidarity as together weembark on our Lenten disciplines.
January 28, 2018Page 7SPECIAL FEAST COMING UPTHE FEAST OF THE PRESENTATION OF THE LORD — FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 2The Presentation of the Lord pulls manyfavorite mementos from the Catholic cupboard:candles, blessings, Christmas, and church. TheMass of February 2 begins with a blessing oflighted candles held by the faithful, who glowwith the memory of the birth of Jesus.The origins of the feast lie in ancient Jewishcustom. On the 40th day after childbirth, parentsbrought the infant to the Temple to present it tothe Lord and to purify the mother. St. Luke tellsus that Joseph and Mary sacrificed two birds forthe occasion after the birth of Jesus. Count up 40days after Christmas and you’ll come to February2. Until the 1960s, we used to call this day “ThePurification of Mary.” The title changed forseveral reasons. We no longer believe that womenwho give birth need purification, and the truesignificance of the feast concerns Jesus coming tothe Temple. He is the Promised One, whose lightwill shine, beaming rays of hope to all the world.Also on the old calendar, this feast closed theChristmas season. Now we end the Christmasseason with the Baptism of the Lord. So, eventhough the date for the Presentation still dependson Christmas, it has become a feast of OrdinaryTime. Since it is a feast of the Lord, it takesprecedence even when it falls on Sunday. 1997, Resource Publications, Inc.“Now, Master, you may let your servant go in peace, according toyour word, for my eyes have seen your salvation, which youprepared in sight of all the peoples, a light for revelation to theGentiles, and glory for your people Israel.” - Luke 2:29-32During the 6:30 a.m. and 12:15 p.m. Masses on Thursday, we will bless candles whichyou can use in your home throughout the year. The candles remind us of the words theprophet Simeon used when he said that Jesus was a light for the nations. We invite you tobring in your own candles. You may also take home a set of candles which we willprovide in the church; we ask for a 5 offering to cover the cost of these candles. Thecandles will also be available after all the Masses in the rectory.
Page 8January 28, 2018PRAYER AND WORSHIPPrayer for PeacePlease join us for a special Holy Hour devotedto praying for world peace within our owncountry and throughout the world. This HolyHour for Peace, with prayers focusing on theintention of peace, will be held on the second,third and fourth Sunday evenings of the monthfrom 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The Holy Hour ofReparation which has been held on the firstSunday of the month will continue every firstSunday evening as usual, with the prayers thatare usually said for that first Sunday Holy Hour.Lord Jesus Christ,who are called the Prince of Peace,Who are yourself our peaceand our reconciliation,Who so often said ‘Peace to you’,Grant us peace!Make all men and women witnessesof truth, justice and brotherly love.Banish from their heartswhatever might endanger peace.Enlighten our rulersthat they may guaranteeand defend the great gift of peace.May all peoples of the earthbecome as brothers and sisters.May longed-for peace blossom forthand reign always over us all.AMENMary, Queen of Peace, Pray for us!(Pope Saint John XXIII)Novenato Our Lady ofPerpetual HelpEach Monday, parishioners pray to seekthe help and assistance of the Lord forhealing, family, children and the needs ofthe world, seeking the intercession of theBlessed Mother. Following the Novenaprayers, Exposition of the BlessedSacrament takes place. The eveningconcludes with veneration of a relic of St.Catherine Laboure. Take some time eachMonday to join in the OLPH Novena.Monday, January 29—7:00 p.m.Monday, February 5—7:00 p.m.Monday, February 12—7:00 p.m.BRINGINGFORWARDTHE OFFERINGS OFBREAD AND WINEIf the announcedintention at Mass is foryour intention, or ifyou have memorialized the bread andwine, and you would like to carry thoseofferings forward at the Presentation of theGiftsduring Mass, please be sure to letthe ushers know this before the Massbegins. They will be happy to have you dothis. If no one steps forward to specificallyrequest this, then they will select peoplefrom the assembly.
January 28, 2018Page 9ADULT FAITH FORMATIONCELEBRATING CONFIRMATIONIf you are an adult who is baptized and has received first Holy Communionbut has not been confirmed, please let us know.Classes will be held:February 6, 13, 20, 27,March 6, 20,April 3, 10, 24,May 1, 8For adults who desire more information, contact DeaconRobert Becker at 631-226-6175 or e-mail to rabecker@optimum.net.For teenagers and their families who desire more information, contact the Faith FormationOffice at 631-226-7725, x 251 or e-mail to religioused@oloph.org.A WORD ABOUT LITURGICAL PRACTICES AND GOOD HEALTHAs we come to celebrate Mass together each week during these winter days, it’s a good time toreview some common-sense liturgical practices and issues, to help everyone stay healthy and to care forone another. Holy Communion: Priests, deacons and extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion areespecially encouraged to wash and sanitize their hands before Mass begins. If Communionministers need to clean their hands during Mass, it must be done discreetly. The best way forextraordinary ministers of Holy Communion to clean their hands during Mass is to use asanitizing liquid in the pew before coming into the sanctuary (sanitizing liquids have no placeon the altar or among the Communion vessels and other sacred items on the credence table). Communion from the Chalice: The faithful should refrain from drinking from the chalicewhen one has a cold or is fearful of being infected. Receiving on the Tongue: Faithful who normally receive Holy Communion on the tongueshould refrain from receiving on the tongue and instead receive in the hand when one has a coldor is otherwise contagious. Do not spread your saliva to the hand of the Communion minister ifyou are sick; receive Communion in the hand instead. Greeting of Peace: Use your own discretion and best judgment when invited to exchange thegreeting of peace during the liturgy; limit physical contact with others if necessary. If ahandshake is not advisable, a simple bow of the head is acceptable. Do not be insulted ifsomeone prefers to avoid shaking your hand.Mass Attendance: MOST IMPORTANTLY, IF YOU ARE SICK, PLEASE DO NOT COMETO MASS! There is no obligation to attend Mass if you are sick; it is not a sin to miss Mass forthis reason. (Also, there is no need to go to Confession if you miss Mass because you are sick.)Personal prayer and reflection on the Sunday Scripture readings is encouraged; many people alsoenjoy viewing the Mass on television.
January 28, 2018Page 10FAMILY LIFE MINISTRYMARDI GRASICE CREAM SOCIALCome join us for a family evening of prayer and funincluding the burning of palms as we begin our Lenten journeyby strengthening our relationship with God!Tuesday,February 137:00 p.m.in the churchPlease bring non-perishable food itemfor the St. Vincent de Paul pantry!Music, games and toppings galore!Any questions or ticket information contact:Deirdre Strigaro 631-225-0928 or familylife@oloph.orgMARDI GRAS REPLY FORMFirst & Last Name:#of adults# of children & agesTelephone number:Email Address: @Please return to OLPH Rectory or in the collection basketNO LATER THAN SUNDAY, February 11th.
January 28, 2018Page 11OFFICE OF FAITH FORMATIONOFFICE HOURS:Located in the RectoryPhone # 631.226.7725 x. 253Email: religioused@oloph.orgDirector: Mrs. April Kleinlaut(akleinlaut@oloph.org)Monday: 12:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.Tuesday: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.Wednesday: 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.Thursday: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.Friday: CLOSEDSaturday: By AppointmentLevel 8Levels 6 & 7Levels 6-8Are you ready foryour midtermtomorrow?Don’t forget tostudy!Are you ready foryour midtermWednesday?Don’t forget tostudy!Are you up to datewith yourworkbooks?January ends thisweek!Saint of the DaySt. Peter NolascoSt. Peter Nolasco was originallyfrom France and founded theOrder of Mercedarians with St.Raymond of Penafort. He wasonce a crusader and afterbecame the tutor to King JamesI of Aragon. It was in Barcelonain 1218 that the three men wereable to create the Order, whichwas meant to send the membersin as ransom for Christianprisoners. St. Peter went toAfrica himself, freeing 400 ofthe captive Christians there. Hefinally retired in 1249 and wascanonized in 1628 by PopeUrban VIII.
January 28, 2018Page 12PARISH SOCIAL MINISTRY Blue Door Thrift Boutique: Tricia olics for the Freedom of Religion: Kathy Feldman—631 225-9864— cdefeldman@optonline.netCommunity Meal: Gigi �Mary Leon— mleon719@yahoo.comGolden Age Society: Dolores Barone—631.957.3432Homeless Ministry: Regina Muir—631.226.2709—rmuir11@aol.com—Peggy Pannullo—631. 921.5994—justin97@aol.comHospital Visitors: Peter ddle Ages: Gail ursing Ministry: Regina Muir—631.226.2709—rmuir11@aol.comRespect Life Committee: Louise .netSt. Bernard League: Deacon Doug Smith—631-226-7725—dsmith4475@aol.comSt. Vincent de Paul Society: Deborah Deasy—631.226.7725, x. 234Senior Moments/Spirituality: Fran ial Needs Ministry: Jessica ne Grogan— 631.225.7688—straightclaw@optonline.netNEW Food Pantry List!PASTA SAUCECANNED MEATSCANNED FRUITPEANUT BUTTERJELLY OR JAMCOFFEEPANCAKE SYRUPSHELF STABLE MILKSMALL BOTTLES OF WATERSHAMPOOThank you for your continued generosity.Cut out this list and bring it with youwhen you go shopping!Society of St. Vincent de PaulLocated in Room 24 of the SchoolUse Parking Lot locatedon corner of Gates & High Streets631.226.7725 x. 234The office is open:Monday, Wednesday and Friday9:00 a.m.—12:00 Noon1st & 3rd Saturdays: 1:30 p.m.—3:00 p.m.In the Gospel today we read that because Jesus spokewith authority his reputation spread throughout thesurrounding region of Galilee. As his disciples, we can alsospeak with authority when we put our faith into actions byhelping the poor and suffering.This month, through your gifts, the Society of St.Vincent de Paul was able to assist 103 families, including 26seniors, 187 adults and 82 children. St. Vincent de Paul alsoassisted 33 families providing food and gifts forChristmas. May God bless you for your support!† A LIVING MEMORIALTHANK YOU!!! The Society of St. Vincent de Paul OLPHConference wishes to thank those who have supported ourLiving Memorial Card program. Your donations are used tooffer person-to-person service to the needy and suffering withinour parish.Memorial donation envelopes are available on the pew ledges,in the SVDP Food Pantry (M-W-F, 9:00 a.m.-12:00 noon and1st & 3rd Saturdays, 1:30 p.m.-3:00 p.m.) or at the Rectory. Abeautiful memorial card acknowledging your donation is sent tothe bereaved.Please contact Janet Hume at the SVDP Office at631-226-7725 X 234 for further information.
January 28, 2018Page 13PARISH SOCIAL MINISTRYHOMELESS MINISTRYDONATIONSWe are in need of the following items:Men's pants (jeans & sweat pants) - larger sizesWomen's new underwear (sizes 5,6,7)Heavy hoodies - L to 3 XLWinter hats (skull type)/gloves - men & womenSneakers - 10, 11, 11.5, 12, 13, 15Work boots (in good condition)Shampoo - 1.5 oz.Lotion - 1.5 oz.DeodorantLip balmGently used tentsIf it is easier, we can always use Kmart gift cards(and the like) or financial donations, and we'll do theshopping.Donations can be dropped off at the Parish Office from9:00 a.m.—9:00 p.m. daily and 9:00 a.m.—3:00 p.m.on the weekends.MIDDLE AGESAre you a womanin your late 40s, 50s, or early 60s?COMMUNITYMEALMINISTRYOLPH’s Community Meal Ministry hasserved hundreds of meals to members ofour parish community. Generally heldeach month, the Community Meal seeksto provide a place of good food, goodfellowship and good times for all whocome!Our next Community Meal isSunday, February 4Come and pray with us at the12:00 p.m. Mass then join usfor “Sunday Dinner” at 1:00 p.m.BLUE DOOR BOUTIQUETuesday, February 6Van lunches and Valentine projectin Room 24 at 7:00 p.m.Meetings are usually held on the first and thirdweeks of the month in Room 24 of the “new”school. For more information, call Gail e.netSENIOR MOMENTSGive yourself a ChallengeThe Senior Moments Ministry is a committedspiritual family who meet once a monthon the 2nd Tuesday of the month.The Blue Door Boutique is looking for a few moreofferers to help out at the shop. Saturday shifts from 1:30p.m. to 3:00 p.m. are available and much needed.Come and join our team!We have a great time and serve a great need in the parish.For more information, email buckleyt@optonline.netHOURS OF OPERATIONM, W, F 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.SAT. 1:30-3:00 p.m.Tuesday, February 13Fran ns gratefully accepted whenever theshop is open. Please no toys, stuffed animals,books or electric items.
Page 14January 28, 2018CATHOLICS FOR FREEDOM OF RELIGIONFocus on Religious Freedomwww.cffor.orgDisciplined For Religious Beliefs in the Air Force:Highly decorated Air Force Col. Leland Bohannon was relieved of command,transferred, and denied promotion after he refused to sign a certificate of appreciationfor a retiring master sergeant's same-sex spouse since it conflicted with his conscienceand religious beliefs. The certificate is traditionally given to the spouses of retiringmilitary members but is not legally required to be given and is not an official document.Col. Bohannon consulted others on the base and his command chaplain suggested he file a religiousaccommodation request that would excuse him from signing the certificate. That request was returned six weekslater "without action." Instead, an off base superior officer agreed to sign the certificate in Bohannon's place.Subsequently, the master sergeant filed a complaint alleging Bohannon discriminated against him by not signingthe certificate himself."No airman . should ever have to forfeit their religious beliefs in order to serve in the military," said a FirstLiberty Institute attorney. ".The accommodation should have been granted." (military.com,10/27/17;prnnewswire.com, 3/29/17; abqjournal.com, 10/26/17)"A wind is picking up that is hostile to those with traditional moral beliefs."Supreme Court Justice Samuel AlitoCatholics for Freedom of Religion was invited to help out in the booth at theMarch for Life Conference & Exhibition in Washington, D.C.on Friday, January 19.MARCH FOR LIFEHere is the OLPHcontingent at the March forLife in Washington, D.C.on Friday, January 19.They are in front of theSupreme Court, where theyprayed the SorrowfulMysteries of the Rosary.Thank you for your witnessto life!
January 28, 2018Page 15PRAYING FOR AND SUPPORTING ONE ANOTHERBANNS OF MARRIAGEWE BELIEVEPlease pray for the following members of our parishcommunity preparing for the Sacrament of Matrimony.We pray for the sick of our parish First Announcement:Bryan Beltrami & Gina LaterzaWE REMEMBERWe remember those who have died in our parishcommunity this week:Elizabeth M. SchottElizabeth Majorie AntoineCharles Burgio“O God, who through the ending of present things open upthe beginning of things to come, grant, we pray, that the soulof your servant may be led to you to attain the inheritance ofeternal redemption.”PERPETUAL HELP MASSSUNDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2018AT 10:00 A.M. MASSGregory DoyleRequested byThe Doyle FamilyJoseph CataniaRequested byDenise SegretoArvo PodrangRequested by yourloving wife & childrenGLUTEN-FREE HOSTSGluten-free hosts are available for tho
important. Married couples who minister to engaged couples in Pre-Cana find it to be very, very rewarding and fulfilling. Married couples can have an extremely positive effect on the life of the engaged couple, not only at the time of Pre-Cana, before the marriage, but also years down the line, because Pre-Cana gives engaged
