Church of Saint Mary Parish Bulletin: December 10, 2023

CHURCH of SAINT MARY The Second Sunday of Advent December 10, 2023

Reverend Father Robert A. Romeo | Pastor Reverend Father Dominik Wegiel | Parochial Vicar Reverend Father Rafal Borowiejski | Parochial Vicar Reverend Father Edward Obi, MSP | Parochial Vicar

1300 Northern Boulevard | Manhasset, New York 11030 516 627 0385 | Fax 516 627 6070 www.saintmarysmanhasset.org

Parish Mission Statement We, the community of Saint Mary’s, Manhasset, building on our rich heritage of Catholic faith and tradition, center ourselves in the Eucharist and honor God in proclaiming the Good News of Jesus Christ.

Guided by the Holy Spirit, we seek to be the presence of Christ through our liturgical, educational and social ministries.

We dedicate our time, talent and treasure to the service of all as we build the kingdom of God in our world. We commit to this mission in the name of Jesus Christ.

Church of Saint Mary 1300 Northern Boulevard Manhasset, New York 11030 (516) 627-0385 Fax (516) 627-6070 www.saintmarysmanhasset.org

Schedule of Masses Thursday 7:00 AM (when school is in session) Monday–Friday 9:00 AM Saturday 9:00 AM, 5:00 PM Sunday 7:30 AM, 9:00 AM, 10:30 AM, 12:00 Noon

PARISH DIRECTORY Pastoral Staff Rev. Fr. Robert A. Romeo Pastor 627-0385 | ext. 1004 pastor@stmary.ws Rev. Fr. Dominik Wegiel Parochial Vicar 627-0385 | ext. 1006 frdominik@stmary.ws Rev. Fr. Rafal Borowiejski Parochial Vicar

Sacrament of Penance

Rev. Fr. Edward Obi, MSP Parochial Vicar

Saturdays from 4:00-4:45 PM and by appointment. Please call 627-0385.

Parish Staff

Anointing of the Sick The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick is celebrated in the Chapel on the second Sunday of the month following the 10:30 AM Mass. If you are unable to come to Church, please call the Parish Office to make arrangements for Anointing or to receive the Eucharist.

Parish Office 627-0385 | Fax 627-6070 Monday 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM Tuesday - Friday 9:30 AM - 4:00 PM Saturday - (phone only) 10:00 AM–1:30 PM Sunday 9:30 AM - 2:00 PM E-mail: information@stmary.ws

Parish Social Ministry 365-2705 Monday-Wednesday-Thursday 11:00 AM-3:00 PM E-mail: socialmin@stmary.ws St. Vincent de Paul Society: svdp@stmary.ws

Religious Education 627-4028 Monday 12:00 Noon-8:00 PM Wednesday 9:00 AM–5:00 PM Tuesday and Thursday 9:00 AM–6:00 PM Closed on Friday

Jane Clifford Bulletin Editor bulletin@stmary.ws Marie T. Granieri Director of Religious Education 627-4028 | ext. 1127 releddirector@stmary.ws Vincent Hartley Facilities Manager 627-0385 | ext. 1002 Kathleen Kosciusko Director of Parish Social Ministry 627-0385 | ext. 1126 kkosciusko@stmary.ws Jennifer LaChance Office Manager 627-0385 information@stmary.ws Daniel Maimone Music Director 627-0385 | ext. 1021 dmaimone@saintmarysmanhasset.org Vanessa Quiros Parish Office 627-0385 vquiros@stmary.ws Sr. Teresa Raftery, IHM Adult Faith Formation 627-0385 | ext. 1010 traftery@stmary.ws

The Schools of Saint Mary Nursery through 12th Grade Very Rev. Dom Elias Carr, Can. Reg., Ph.D. President

627-2711 president@stmary.ws Norma Ragalli Stafford Director of Admissions 627-2711 | ext 1084 nstafford@stmary.ws Edward Short Vice President of Development 627-2711 | ext 1120 eshort@stmary.ws Eileen M. Symmons ’82, ’86 Director of Communications 627-2711 esymmons@stmary.ws Kiera Gmelich Walsh Director of Alumni and Parent Relations 627-2711 | ext. 1162 kwalsh@stmary.ws Sarah de Venoge Griffin ’02, ’06 Liaison for School Relations sgriffin@saintmarysmanhasset.org St. Mary’s Elementary School 627-0184 www.stmary11030.org Theresa A. Kemp Principal tkemp@stmary11030.org St. Mary’s High School 627-2711 www.saintmaryshs.org Gerard J. Buckley Principal gbuckley@saintmaryshs.org

From the Pastor’s Desk Dear Parishioners,

“Make ready the way of the Lord.” (Mark 1:3) In today’s Gospel, St. John the Baptist echoes the words of the prophet Isaiah. The people of the Old Testament waited in longing for the promised Messiah. He would be the one who would proclaim and BE the presence of God in their midst. For this Messiah to come, the people were called to a deep and abiding repentance. The image of the valleys being filled and the mountains made low were a metaphor for the people of Israel themselves. For them and for us, in this holy Season of Advent, we are called to prepare for the coming of the Lord. St. Peter reminds us that, though time for God is different than it is for us, we must still search and wait for that Second Coming. The waiting is not a passive waiting, but an active call.

So again we turn to the image of the mountains and valleys. The path that is separated by a mountain range or a deep valley makes travel difficult at best and impossible at worst. We are reminded that anything that hinders an open heart to God must be changed. So the road to our heart needs to be straight for the Lord to enter. We need to heed the call of St. John the Baptist so we can be converted. St. Paul tells us that Jesus “wants no one to be lost.”

In order for us to be counted among the saved, we need to profess that Jesus is truly Lord of our lives. When we confess the lordship of Jesus, it then demands a response on our part. These weeks of Advent are the “wake up” call for each of us to take stock of who we are.

St. Peter goes on to remind us that in order to be saved we also have to “change our ways” to straighten the paths that the Lord uses to enter our lives. I am sure most of us are aware of those areas that need the healing touch of Jesus. Like those times when we act contrary to the Gospel which keep the mountainous path to our hearts so high that Jesus’ light and voice cannot “get through.” Are the teachings of Jesus important enough that we want to incorporate them in our everyday experiences? Are we as loving, forgiving, and merciful as we can be? Do our words and actions about and to others reflect a deep-seated respect and concern for them? What are the mountains that keep the Lord out? What valleys make the pathway to your heart a difficult journey? Make the day of Advent count...PREPARE THE WAY OF THE LORD! One of the best ways to prepare is to take advantage of the Sacrament of Reconciliation (confession). This beautiful Sacrament frees us from the bonds of sin and re-focuses us for the journey ahead. Do not let fear or pride keep you from hearing Jesus’ loving words of forgiveness. Please see page 7 of this bulletin and the packet sent to your home that list the many opportunities for Confession.

A reminder that the Giving Tree is in the South Vestibule. Please take an ornament and purchase a present for those in need.

The Gift Shop is open each Sunday. Please take a look at some of the beautiful religious objects that are offered for sale.

In Jesus, the long expected Savior, Fr. Bob

The Second Sunday of Advent | December 10, 2023

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Stewards of God’s Gifts In today’s Gospel, we are introduced to John the Baptist who came and proclaimed the coming of Jesus Christ.

Living Stewardship ~ Pillar of Prayer: As Catholics, we are called to proclaim Jesus Christ to others as St. John the Baptist did. We should use the talents and gifts God has given us to draw others to Him. Pray to God to show you how you are called to invite people to grow closer to Him.

The collection for Sunday, December 3, 2023 amounted to $26,222.00 The collection for Sunday, December 4, 2022 amounted to $28,140.00

Have you enrolled yet? Visit www.faithdirect.net. Our parish code is NY281.

We Care for Our Parish Community Baptism We celebrate Baptism at 1:30 PM on the second Sunday of the month and at 12:30 PM on the fourth Saturday of the month as scheduled. Please call the Parish Office at least one month in advance to see if a date is available and to arrange to fill out pre-baptismal paperwork. New parents are required to attend a Baptism preparation session held once every month. Those chosen as sponsors for Baptism should lead lives in harmony with the Catholic faith and the role of Godparent.”

4:30-5:30 PM. Classes also meet on Sundays from 9:3010:20 AM for Grades 1 through 8 and on Mondays from 7:00-8:00 PM for Grades 6, 7 and 8. We also offer the option of an online home program for Grades 1 through 7. For information about Grades 1-8 call 627-4028 or email Mrs. Marie Granieri at releddirector@stmary.ws.

Parish Social Ministry We care for our sisters and brothers through our Parish Social Ministry and Food Pantry. For information call 365-2705.

Marriage Youth Ministry

At least six months before you plan to be married and before you make arrangements for the reception, please make an appointment with one of the priests to begin the necessary preparations.

We reach out to our teens though our Youth Ministry Program. For information email youth@stmary.ws or visit stmarysyouth.weebly.com.

Children’s Education

New Parishioners

Saint Mary’s Elementary School offers excellent education in the spirit of the Gospel from grades N, Pre-K to Eighth grade. For information call 627-0184.

We welcome new members to the Catholic Church and to Saint Mary’s Parish. If you are new in the area or interested in learning more about the Catholic faith, please call the Parish Office.

Empowering Character, Innovation and Leadership in our students, Saint Mary’s High School is a dynamic, contemporary, Catholic value-centered school, combining a commitment to academic excellence and educational innovation, with a passion for learning, and an emphasis on moral character development through the pursuit of truth and discovered in faith and reason. For information call 627-2711.

The Religious Education Program provides excellent formation in the Catholic Faith for children in public or private schools. Preparation for First Holy Communion and Confirmation requires two years. Classes are held at St. Mary’s for Grades 1 through 5 on Tuesdays and Thursdays

Opportunities For Prayer The Church is open Monday to Friday until 8:45 PM, on Saturday until the end of the 5:00 PM Mass, and on Sunday until 6:00 PM so that we may have the opportunity for quiet prayer before the Blessed Sacrament. The Miraculous Medal Novena is said each Monday following the 9:00 AM Mass. Monday to Saturday the Rosary is said following the 9:00 AM Mass. Eucharistic Adoration is held every Monday from 3:00 to 5:00 PM in the Chapel. On First Saturdays, the Scriptural Rosary is recited following the 9:00 AM Mass.

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Masses and Special Intentions Ann Shields Ronald Grubert Jane Hone Anna Forte Mickey Kennedy Dr. Michael O’Grady Sarah Horsham Gladys Jean Theresa Fallon Nina Principe Douglas Martocci, Sr. Christine Marchese Cole Marguglio Katharine Whelan Maria DeAngelis Phil Quartararo Carol Furciato Donna Chesney Edward Wachowicz, Sr. Mason Erica Klock Tom Francess Jacob Rivera Gabriel Romeo Jaxson Rivera Helen Kennedy Names will remain on the list for three months. Please email bulletin@stmary.ws if you would like to continue with the listing.

Ernest J. Pardi Angeles Portela Rose Villani

Masses for the Week Monday, December 11th St. Damasus I, Pope Is 35:1-10, Lk 5:17-26 9:00 AM | Patricia Donovan Tuesday, December 12th Our Lady of Guadalupe Zec 2:14-17, Lk 1:26-38 9:00 AM | Eleanor Brassill Wednesday, December 13th St. Lucy, Virgin & Martyr Is 40:25-31, Mt 11:28-30 9:00 AM | Sal Butta Thursday, December 14th St. John of the Cross, Priest & Doctor of the Church Is 41:13-20, Mt 11:11-15 7:00 AM | Donald Schaller 9:00 AM | Lucia De Rosa Friday, December 15th Is 48:17-19, Mt 11:16-19 9:00 AM | Edith & Edward Arienti

Hilton, Nathaniel, SGT, USA Horner, Brian G., 1stLt, USMC Howard, Edward, PV2, USA Hussey, James M., GySgt, USMC Jones, Scott B., LT, USN Jones, Katherine L., LTJG, USN Kennedy, Michael, Col, USAF 125th Brigade Support Battalion LaManna, Vincent S., Jr., PVT, USA 23rd Marine Regiment Landolphi, Michael, ENS, USN 25th Marine Regiment Lanza, Anthony E., LtCol, USMC 2-4 GSAB Task Force Mustang Madden, Michael E., Major, USAF 2-211th GSAB Task Force Major, A. Edward, III, LTC, USA War Horse Marine Medium Tilt Rotor Squadron 161 51st Security Force Squadron Marine Transport Squadron 352 75th Ranger Regiment McGorry, Patrick F., HM2, USN 82nd Expeditionary Rescue Squadron McKievear, Gary, LT, USA Alacqua, Alexander, 1LT, USA Millau, Jeffrey, PFC, USMC Amerson, Jason, CPT, USA Morris, Jr., Brian J., MAC, USN Anderson, Michael, 1LT, USA O’Leary, Jason, SSgt, USAF Arnold, James, LCpl, USMC Petracca, Evan L., LTJG, USN Arnoux, Seraph, PFC, USA Quinn, Anthony, Jr., SGT, USA Avasthi, David, Capt, USAF Richardson, Timothy, PV2, USA Baber, Joseph, Maj, USAF Broderick, Evan, SGT, USA Radman, Paul Cpl, USMC Broderick, Steven, SN, USN Rodi, Caroline G., CAPT, USN Brodie, Virgina H., 2ndLt, USMC Saville, John A., ENS, USN Brown, Jason, SGT, USA Sharkey, John J., LtCol, USMC Collins, Matthew, LT, USN Spivak III, Edmund, Capt, USAF Fontanetta, Joseph, Maj, USMC Sweeney, Timothy, CPT, USA Hannan, Jack, ENS, USN Swersky, Roberto, Capt, USMC Tafone, Samantha, SGT, USA Hayes, Andrew, Capt, USMC Ullrich, Kenneth C., HN, USN Hellman, Thomas, 2d Lt, USSF Unger, Matthew J., SPC, USA Hernandez, Steven, SSgt, USAF Vachris, Madison, LTJG, USN Higgins, James, GySgt, USMC Wood, Kelly, BMSR, USN Hilton, Justin, SGT, USA If you have a service member that you would like to add to this list please e-mail bulletin@stmary.ws. Please include name, rank and branch of service.

Saturday, December 16th Sir 48:1-4, 9-11, Mt 17:9a, 10-13 9:00 AM | Julie Kim 5:00 PM | Thomas J. Flynn, Sr. Thomas Cannon Walter Shorak Elizabeth Anne Henderson Ursula DiFilippi Johm Geoghegan Richard Edward Nabet Sunday, December 17th The Third Sunday of Advent Gaudete Sunday Is 61:1-2a, 10-11, 1 Thes 5:16-24, Jn 1:6-8, 19-28 7:30 AM | Franca Calobrisi 9:00 AM | John & Miriam Richardson 10:30 AM | People of the Parish 12:00 Noon | Arthur Adamo Venerable Gallo Jeanette Albanese Deceased Members of the Sciara and DeRosa Families Carmine DiDonato Leslie Ann Kempa Anette Marie Kempa

Cover: St. John the Baptist Preaching.

Artist: Mattia Preti (1613-1699).

The Second Sunday of Advent | December 10, 2023

ST. MARY’S GIFT SHOP IS OPEN ON SUNDAYS AFTER THE 9:00, 10:30 AM, & 12:00 NOON MASSES WE HAVE BEAUTIFUL GIFT ITEMS FOR ADVENT AND CHRISTMAS We are in the Parish Ministry Center below the church.

516-627-0385 ext. 1033

Readings and Questions for Faith Sharing on the Third Sunday of Advent Reading I: Isaiah 61:1-2a, 10-11 So will the Lord God make justice and praise spring up before all the nations.

Reading II: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24 Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing.

In all circumstances, give thanks.

Let the little children come to me... (Matt 19:14)

Children’s Liturgy of the Word Every Sunday at the 9:00 AM Mass

Gospel: John 1:6-8, 19-28 I baptize with water; but there is one among you whom you do not recognize, the one who is coming after me.

Business Owners: Please consider advertising in our bulletin.

It’s a great way to support our parish.

Call our printer, LPi at 1-800-477-4574 or visit their website www.4lpi.com for more information.

We are in region 03.

Question for Adults: How do I care for the poor, comfort the broken-hearted, and bring freedom to captives?

Question for Children: How can I bring the light of Jesus to others?

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Celebrate Christmas at St. Mary’s Confessions Saturday, December 16th 9:45 to 10:45 AM Thursday, December 21st 9:45 to 10:45 AM 7:00 to 8:00 PM Friday, December 22nd 9:45 to 10:45 AM Saturday, December 23rd 9:45 to 10:45 AM 4:00 to 4:45 PM

Christmas Eve Masses Sunday, December 24th 4:00 PM in Church 4:15 PM in Elementary School Wiest Gym 5:30 PM in Church 11:00 PM Mass in Church Christmas Music begins at 10:30 PM

Christmas Day Masses Monday, December 25th 7:30 AM in Church 9:00 AM in Church 10:30 AM in Church 12:00 Noon in Church 12:15 PM in Elementary School Wiest Gym

Schedule is subject to change.

There is an elevator for those who have difficulty with stairs at the south entrance to the Church and at the entrance to Wiest Gym. Please Note: “Midnight” Mass begins at 11:00 PM this year.

The 7:30, 9:00, 10:30 AM and 12:00 Noon Masses on Sunday, December 24th will be for the 4th Sunday of Advent as will the 5:00 PM Mass on Saturday, December 23rd.

Rosary Society Our Mission Statement: The Rosary Society fosters devotion to Mary through prayer and good works for causes that would be dear to her heart Invest 20 minutes of your day to pray the Rosary, and see the difference it will make in your life.

If you would like the Rosarians to pray for a special intention, please e-mail us at rosarysociety@stmary.ws.

LAST MEETING OF 2023 - FRIDAY, DECEMBER 15TH, AT 8:00 AM In an effort to include Rosarians who are unable to attend late morning meetings due to work schedules or other commitments, we will host an early morning meeting.

The hope is to allow more people to attend our monthly meetings and connect more closely with fellow Rosarians.

Thank you all who participated in this year’s Champions for Charity event at the Americana. The monies we receive help fund our various events throughout the year as well as our scholarship programs benefiting our wonderful schools.

Tuesday, December 12th - Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe The feast in honor of Our Lady of Guadalupe (December 12th) goes back to the 16th century.

Chronicles of that period tell us the story: A poor Indian named Cuauhtlatohuac was baptized and given the name Juan Diego. He was a 57-year-old widower, and lived in a small village near Mexico City. On Saturday morning December 9, 1531, he was on his way to a nearby barrio to attend Mass in honor of Our Lady.

Juan was walking by a hill called Tepeyac when he heard beautiful music like the warbling of birds.

A radiant cloud appeared, and within it stood an Indian maiden dressed like an Aztec princess.

The lady spoke to him in his own language and sent him to the bishop of Mexico, a Franciscan named Juan de Zumarraga. The bishop was to build a chapel in the place where the lady appeared.

Eventually the bishop told Juan to have the lady give him a sign. About this same time Juan’s uncle became seriously ill. This led poor Juan to try to avoid the lady. Nevertheless, the lady found Juan, assured him that his uncle would recover, and provided roses for Juan to carry to the bishop in his cape or tilma. On December 12th, when Juan Diego opened his tilma in the bishop’s presence, the roses fell to the ground, and the bishop sank to his knees. On the tilma where the roses had been, appeared an image of Mary exactly as she had appeared at the hill of Tepeyac.

Dear Mary, we love you.

We thank you for your promise to help us in our need.

We trust in your love that dries our tears and comforts us.

Teach us to find our peace in your son, Jesus, and bless us every day of our lives.

Help us to build a shrine in our hearts.

Make it as beautiful as the one built for you on the mount of Tepeyac.

A shrine full of trust, hope, and love of Jesus growing stronger each day.

Mary, you have chosen to remain with us by giving us your most wonderful and holy self-image on Juan Diego’s cloak.

May we feel your loving presence as we look upon your face.

Like Juan, give us the courage to bring your message of hope to everyone.

You are our mother and our inspiration.

Hear our prayers and answer us. Amen.

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Music Ministry Hello St. Mary’s Parishioners, First, let me say a huge THANK YOU to Fr. Bob and to all of you for welcoming me home. It is truly a privilege and a joy to be back in the parish where I grew up. I am blessed to direct a reverent music ministry; one that offers the Propers of Mass -The Introit and Communion Antiphons every Sunday and Holy Days of Obligation.

You may have been wondering – why does our cantor chant text right after the opening hymn, and before the communion hymn? These are the Introit and Communion Antiphons, two parts of the Mass Propers. The Propers are the texts which change every week: they are proper to the Sunday or Holy Day we are celebrating. These are the readings, responsorial psalms, priests’ presidential prayers, and antiphons. The Ordinaries are the texts that never change – you know those as the Glory to God, the Nicene Creed, Holy Holy, Lamb of God, etc. The Ordinaries and Propers have been the structure of Holy Mass for nearly the entire 2,000 year history of our Church. The use of hymns at Mass came about after Vatican II, when the Mass was translated to English and we did not yet have translations for all the antiphons. Now, we are incorporating antiphons with the hymns every week to “get back to our roots.” Chanting the antiphons is also a great way to express that we are a Universal Church – Mass customs, hymns and traditions may be different around the world, but we all use the same antiphons. We are working on bringing the antiphons to the pew missals, so you can chant along with our cantor.

Our two choirs are awaiting your talent! Our youth choir is off and running, comprising kids from 3rd through 8th grade. If you are in high school or older, come join our Adult Choir! If you are an instrumentalist, there is a place for your talent as well – we have had a cellist parishioner offer her talent at a few of our Masses already! Email me at dmaimone@saintmarysmanhasset.org, call me at extension 1021, or just come on up to the loft!

May the Lord bless you all, as we await His coming in this beautiful season of Advent, and always!

Daniel Maimone

Exposition and Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament Advent Prayer Lord Jesus, Master of both the light and the darkness, send your Holy Spirit upon our preparations for Christmas.

We who have so much to do and seek quiet spaces to hear your voice each day, We who are anxious over many things look forward to your coming among us.

We who are blessed in so many ways long for the complete joy of your kingdom.

We whose hearts are heavy seek the joy of your presence.

We are your people, walking in darkness, yet seeking the light.

To you we say, “Come Lord Jesus!’

Amen. by Henri Nouwen

Prayer for Lighting the Advent Wreath Candles Second Week God of power and mercy open our hearts in welcome. Remove the things that hinder us from receiving Christ with joy so that we may share his wisdom and become one with him when he comes in glory, for he lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.

Exposition and Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament with Closing Benediction Mondays 3:00 - 5:00 PM in the Church

AT ST. MARY’S ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Kindness Week at St. Mary’s kicked off by creating kindness pledges to fill our hallways and remind us what it means to be kind. The week-long project focused on ways to be kind throughout the school year. From kindness posters created by students and displayed throughout the buildings to catching students demonstrating random acts of kindness towards their classmates and faculty, it was an excellent way to remind one another about often simple actions that make an impact when someone may need it most. We rounded out our week by “Teaming Up For Kindness.” Mrs. Kemp invited students to wear their favorite team jersey or colors while our teachers sported “jerseys” of their own. Great job, St. Mary’s! Let’s continue showing our Catholic values daily to our school family and beyond!

Catholic Academic Cheerful

ST. MARY’S HIGH SCHOOL

Project Impact: Making Meals from the Heart at RMHC As their latest volunteer effort, twelve Saint Mary’s High School’s Project Impact Club students visited the Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) in New Hyde Park along with Mr. Brian Stalter and Mr. Gerard Buckley. Together in the fully stocked kitchen onsite, they cheerfully prepared an early Thanksgiving dinner for the families in the home. Each student had a specific role in making the meal and preparing it on time for dinner service that evening. They enjoyed learning more about being in the kitchen and the partnerships formed with one another to complete the tasks at hand.

The students were grateful for the chance to support the RMHC mission “to build a community of compassionate care by creating and supporting programs that directly improve the health and well-being of sick children and their families.” They appreciated the opportunity to participate in the Making Meals from the Heart Program at the Ronald McDonald House. These children and their families will be in our prayers.

Parish Social Ministry SHARE CHRISTMAS “Blessed is the one who considers the poor!

In the day of trouble, the Lord delivers him.” Psalm 41:1 This is the 27th year that St. Mary’s Parish Social Ministry will be supporting local families who struggle to provide a traditional Christmas for their family members. Our support for these families, of course, includes providing food for them. But we also like to provide gifts for them and their children. Many of these families rarely have the disposable income to purchase special gifts for themselves or those they love. They are truly struggling every month just to make ends meet, some months they have more success than others.

We are offering a couple of ways for our parishioners to help these families have a less stressful holiday if they choose to.

Our office really appreciates donations in the form of gift cards. This allows us to shop for individuals around the holidays, tailoring their gifts to best meet their needs. Any leftover gift cards are used throughout the year to support these families with needed items. An example of when we would use a leftover gift card is around September for a single mom to buy shoes for her children before school. Suggestions for gift cards that would make wonderful gifts include:

Visa

Marshalls/TJ Maxx Raindew American Express

Amazon Macy’s Target

If you prefer to shop for gifts yourself, please fill out the form below, and we will send you a “Wish List” created by a specific family or a person in need. You may also email kkosciusko@stmary.ws to get on the “Share Christmas Shopper” list.

Gifts and gift cards can be dropped off to our office Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM. They can also be dropped at the Parish Office during normal business hours. Please label any donations with your name and “Share Christmas.” Please deliver all gifts by Thursday, December 14th.

As always, your generosity and the spirit in which you give to those in need are so appreciated. We sincerely hope you and your family experience the beauty of God’s grace this holiday season. We hope you have much joy and peace and many beautiful moments.

Name:

Telephone:

Address:

Email:

I would like #

Family Member(s) or

A Complete Family

I prefer to give gift cards and will deliver them to the Parish Social Ministry Office by Dec. 14

This week’s specific needs include:

Mustard Ketchup Mayonnaise Salad Dressing

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To register, return the form above to the Parish Social Ministry Office or scan the code below: nj

Parish Social Ministry The Advent Giving Tree is in the south vestibule of the church and if parishioners would like to participate in giving to local families in need, they can take an ornament off the tree. Donations, unwrapped or in gift bags with the ornament attached, can be dropped off in the Parish Office or the Parish Social Ministry office during normal business hours. The deadline is December 16th (gift cards by December 14th).

May God bless you for your continued generosity and support. Have a blessed Christmas.

Thank you to the anonymous guardian angel that sent enough shampoo and toothpaste to last our clients several months. Your delivery was greatly appreciated by us!

Good Samaritan House is giving a big thank you to Ailey Barry and Duffy Concannon’s 4th grade religion class. They gathered together and sold their homemade baked goods to raise money for Manhasset’s low income community! All in, they raised close to $400 in their sale. What a special thing to do this Advent season. Thank you, kids, for keeping those struggling with poverty on your mind and in your hearts and answering God’s call to serve those in need!

Society of St. Vincent de Paul In today’s Gospel John the Baptist urges us to “Prepare the way of the Lord.” We are called to help prepare the way of the Lord by making the real meaning of Christmas come alive in our own hearts, in our family and to reach out to those in need. Is there a family you know who needs assistance?

Please call the Society of St. Vincent de Paul so that together we can help the suffering and poor to celebrate Christmas.

Our St. Vincent de Paul Conference is able to help our neighbors in need through the generosity of our St. Mary’s parishioners. Each time you donate, either through the collection slots at the doors of the church, or in an envelope marked for St. Vincent de Paul, you are helping our neighbors within St. Mary’s Parish. If you or someone you know is in need of assistance, contact the St. Vincent de Paul Society at 516-627-0385, ext. 1125, or email SVDP@stmary.ws. To donate furniture, clothing or household items, please call the store in Garden City Park at 516-746-8250. Thank you for your continued support.

ST. MARY’S ELEMENTARY SCHOOL EARLY CHILDHOOD PROGRAM Registration for the St. Mary’s Early Childhood Program featuring Cherubs (2s), Nursery (3s), Pre-K (4s), and Kindergarten classes is now open for 2024!

Enroll by Jan. 1 for “Early Bird” Tuition Incentive

1340 Northern Blvd.

Manhasset, NY 516-627-0184

TO LEARN MORE SCAN THE QR CODE OR VISIT SAINTMARYSES.ORG

Marriage Struggling?

Do you feel alone?

Are you frustrated or angry with each other?

Do you argue or have you just stopped talking to each other?

Does talking about it only make it worse? x Are you separated or divorced, or thinking about separation or divorce? x x x x

Another marriage-saving weekend is coming to the Metro/New York Area: January 19-21, November, 4-62024 2022 The Retrouvaille Program helps couples through difficult times in their marriages. To be connected directly and confidentially to someone who can help, or to register, contact:

1-800-470-2230 or

www.helpourmarriage.org Long Island/Metro Retrouvaille is a 5013c non-profit, peer ministry. Couples of all faiths, or no faith, are encouraged to attend, and no one is ever turned away for lack of funds.

Retrouvaille (Retro vi – French for rediscover) Because No Marriage is Beyond Hope

Second Sunday of Advent Prepare the Way of the Lord, make straight his paths.

Issiah 40:1-5, 9-11: “Comfort, give comfort to my people, says your God. A voice cries out in the desert prepare the way of the Lord! Make straight in the wasteland a highway for our God.” Give your spouse a gift. Be transformed.

Love your spouse always. Attend a Worldwide Marriage Encounter Experience. You can find one by looking up WWME.org. Some of the dates to sign up are: January 26-28, 2024 in Derby Line, VT February 9-11, 2024 in Huntington, NY March 15-17, 2024 in Upton, MA Worldwide Marriage Encounter sponsors a variety of in-person and virtual marriage experiences, some on weekends and some on seven weekdays. Couples explore their relationship with each other, God, and the Church.

Registration is limited; there is a $100 application fee.

For more information or to apply, call Kevin & Regina Hickson at 516-554-3835 or https://wwmenyli.org/.

Church of Saint Mary | 16

THE CHURCH OF ST. MARY, MANHASSET HISTORY ARCHIVES PROJECT

Get Ready for Christmas!

Advent Prayer Group Meets on Tuesdays at 1:00 PM The first Advent Prayer meeting took place on Tuesday, December 5th. Those in attendance felt blessed with the sharing and look forward to the two more that will be coming on December 12th and 19th. All are welcome to come even if you were not al the first one. The group meets in the parish library at 1:00 PM. Please contact Sr. Teresa at 516-627-0385, ext. 1010 with any questions or for more information.

Awaiting Baby Jesus Advent Prayer My heart is beating, filled with joy, awaiting Mary’s baby boy.

For with this child, we embrace the birth of God’s most precious grace.

Baby Jesus, soon to come!

For us comes the Promised One. Baby Jesus, God’s own Son, you will be the Chosen One to lead our flock into salvation.

Our eternal life awaits.

The birth of Jesus brings us nearer Heaven’s holy gates.

Sing with joy, and count the days, for soon to come, the Lord we’ll praise.

Rejoice that Jesus will soon arrive, the Messiah and our faith alive.

Amen.

YOUR HELP IS NEEDED! At Fr. Bob’s direction, a new project has begun to update and add to the history of the parish of St. Mary, Manhasset. ALL PARISHIONERS are asked to support this endeavor, as we search for documents, photos, and other items related to events during the past 170 years of St. Mary.

If you have any of the following from any event, ministry, or of any of the Schools of St. Mary’s, sharing these would be greatly appreciated: Photos Journals, Programs Announcements Newspaper articles Family remembrances Information regarding: The Elementary and High School (s) Past pastors, priests, nuns, school principals Clergy & Religious who were parish residents Knights of Columbus, Rosary Society, and other ministries Celebrations, graduations, sacraments, galas, etc.

Any and all of these would be very helpful.

PLEASE NOTE: Any article of information which you wish to be returned can be “digitized” (scanned) and saved, then returned to you.

Please include this request with your item with the contact information for its return to you.

There will be a box placed in the Parish Office to receive these valuable pieces of our parish’s history. We appreciate any aid as we look forward to the Centennial of the Elementary School (in 2026) and the Parish’s 175th Anniversary (in 2028).

For more information, please contact either Mary Lou de Venoge 516-993-2706 doggonelab@msn.com or Marijo Lantier 917-496-5640 MALantier510@gmail.com

Knights of Columbus Father William A. Daly S.J. Council #2122 Serving St. Mary’s Parish in Manhasset and St. Aloysius Parish In Great Neck www.kofc2122.org

What is a Knights of Columbus Family?

We are Catholic families building a bridge to our faith.

Our lives, time, efforts, and resources are dedicated to these values: Charity. Unity. Fraternity. Patriotism.

We come from different places, backgrounds, and all stages of life. But the common thread is our Catholic faith. We are Catholic families seeking to improve ourselves and the world. It’s one thing to say who you are. It’s another thing is to live it. Put your values into practice. Become a Knights of Columbus family.

Interested? Please call: Tony Racioppo 917 539 0859 Dan Garcia 516 358 1817 Ladies interested in joining the Columbiettes Please contact Maura Clifford at Macliff56@gmail.com

Venerable Anthony Vincent Gallo Diocesan Priest, Oblate of the Congregation of the Priests of the Sacred Heart Montforte Irpino: 11 January 1899 - Rome: 2 May 1934

O Most Holy Trinity, Who deigned to raise Venerable Anthony Vincent Gallo to the priesthood, and endowed him with precious gifts, especially that of a burning love for suffering and immolation, we humbly beseech You, if it be Your will, that he may be glorified on earth, and that we may obtain through his intercession the particular grace which we ask for with living faith.

Amen.