Church of Saint Mary Parish Bulletin: December 24, 2023

CHURCH of SAINT MARY The Fourth Sunday of Advent December 24, 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,

“Behold I am the handmaid of the Lord.” (Luke 1:38) This passage from Luke’s Gospel is one of my favorites, not only because it begins the wondrous story of the birth of Christ, but also because it is filled with such human “drama,” if you will. Here is this young virgin from Galilee, a place, by the way, that was constantly in turmoil. The people of Galilee were poor peasants prone to insurrections and revolutionary tendencies. Not a place that would seem to be conducive to prayerfulness and meditation. Yet, here is this young girl who leads a life of faithfulness in the midst of this chaos, and is chosen by God to bear the Son. What is Mary’s response? Well, we can surmise from the words of the Gospel that she must have been afraid, and the angel is quick to alleviate her fears. Mary listens, asks one question, and then her life of faithfulness gives us the response that changed human history: “Behold I am the handmaid of the Lord, may it be done to me according to your word.” It is the answer the angel was waiting for and he leaves to return to God. Mary’s yes was an enormous act of faith and trust on her part. Why? Well, to be unmarried and pregnant would have exposed her to many trials and the possibility of being stoned to death. Yet, in spite of possible personal struggle and pain, Mary gives her assent to God’s will. She becomes the model of a believer, not only because of her yes, but, more importantly, because she was able to put aside her own fears and TRUST in God’s plan. This passage teaches us that trust in God for the plan of our lives, as difficult as it might be to comprehend and accept, can lead to a life that goes beyond what we could have anticipated for ourselves. To be able to trust is surely not easy; it takes a letting go of control and putting ourselves in the hands of God. As we know, it doesn’t take away any difficulty, but rather helps us to live in peace.

Pope Francis says, “Having faith and trust does not mean having no difficulties, but having the strength to face them, knowing we are not alone.” How can that be done? Well, we know Mary was a woman of prayer. It is through prayer that we are able to listen and discern the voice of God who speaks to us. We might avoid this silent prayer because we feel we do not have a life of peace and meditation. Our lives are so busy, right? Well, again, look at Mary. She grew up in a place that was in constant war and unrest. In spite of this environment, she was still able to enter into prayer and silence. Our lives may be in constant flux, yet we, like Mary, are called and invited to that relationship with God. It takes a desire to know the voice of God and then TO WORK ON IT. Each day, try to spend time with the Scriptures. Pick up the daily readings that are listed in the bulletin. Spend time in silence reflecting on the Word and pondeing what God is trying to say to you. But, like all things worthwhile, it takes commitment and discipline.

Try putting aside that time each day and remain faithful to that prayer time. It may be difficult in the beginning… but I assure you, if you are faithful to it, God will speak to you in such a way that it will forever change your relationship to God (and yes, even His relationship with you). When all the gifts you receive at Christmas are unwrapped and put away (and some forgotten) this can be a truly wonderful and lasting Christmas gift you give to yourself.

Please see this bulletin for the schedule of Masses on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. A special note: Midnight Mass has been moved to 11:00 PM. On behalf of myself, Fr. Dominik, Fr. Eddy, the IHM Sisters, the Dominican Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Eucharist, and the entire Pastoral Staff here at St. Mary’s, we wish you and your families a very happy and blessed Christmas.

In Jesus, our long expected Savior and Mary, Mother of the Incarnation, Fr. Bob

The Fourth Sunday of Advent | December 24, 2023

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Stewards of God’s Gifts Imagine how Mary felt at the birth of Jesus: excited, awed, frightened. Deep faith was her light in the darkness, for Jesus was born during the night of the year when darkness is the longest.

Your gift to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul brought light into the darkness surrounding the heart of those living in poverty bringing them the real, lasting, and deep joy of Christmas.

The collection for Sunday, December 10, 2023 amounted to $28,636.00.

The collection for Sunday, December 11, 2022 amounted to $26,577.00 The collection for the Retirement Fund for Religious amounted to $7,065.00

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

Marie Ann Parascos Jean Andrews Ryan Sipperly Hilton, Nathaniel, SGT, USA Horner, Brian G., 1stLt, USMC Howard, Edward M., GySgt, USMC Jones, Scott B., LT, USN Jones, Katherine L., LTJG, USN Kennedy, Michael, Col, USAF LaManna, Vincent S., Jr., PVT, USA Landolphi, Michael, ENS, USN Lanza, Anthony E., LtCol, USMC Madden, Michael E., Major, USAF Major, A. Edward, III, LTC, USA Marine Medium Tilt Rotor Squadron 161 Marine Transport Squadron 352 McGorry, Patrick F., HM2, USN McKievear, Gary, LT, USA Millau, Jeffrey, PFC, USMC Morris, Jr., Brian J., MAC, USN O’Leary, Jason, SSgt, USAF Petracca, Evan L., LTJG, USN Quinn, Anthony, Jr., SGT, USA Richardson, Timothy, PV2, USA Radman, Paul Cpl, USMC Rodi, Caroline G., CAPT, USN Saville, John A., ENS, USN Sharkey, John J., LtCol, USMC Spivak III, Edmund, Capt, USAF Sweeney, Timothy, CPT, USA Swersky, Roberto, Capt, USMC Tafone, Samantha, SGT, USA Ullrich, Kenneth C., HN, USN Unger, Matthew J., SPC, USA Vachris, Madison, LTJG, USN Wood, Kelly, BMSR, USN

125th Brigade Support Battalion 23rd Marine Regiment 25th Marine Regiment 2-4 GSAB Task Force Mustang 2-211th GSAB Task Force War Horse 51st Security Force Squadron 75th Ranger Regiment 82nd Expeditionary Rescue Squadron Alacqua, Alexander, 1LT, USA Amerson, Jason, CPT, USA Anderson, Michael, 1LT, USA Arnold, James, LCpl, USMC Arnoux, Seraph, PFC, USA Avasthi, David, Capt, USAF Baber, Joseph, Maj, USAF Broderick, Evan, SGT, USA Broderick, Steven, SN, USN Brodie, Virgina H., 2ndLt, USMC Brown, Jason, SGT, USA Collins, Matthew, LT, USN Fontanetta, Joseph, Maj, USMC Hannan, Jack, ENS, USN Hayes, Andrew, Capt, USMC Hellman, Thomas, 2d Lt, USSF Hernandez, Steven, SSgt, USAF Higgins, James, GySgt, USMC 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.

Masses for the Week Monday, December 25th The Nativity of the Lord (Christmas) Is 52:7-10, Heb 1:1-6, Jn 1:1-18 7:30 AM | Joseph Brincat 9:00 AM | Mary & Joseph Stanszek 10:30 AM | Yolanda & Anthony Spinetta 12:00 Noon | Domenick Puleo Vincent & Marie DeVito Francesco & Carmina Scannello Victoria Lam Karen Calcagno Josephine Rudolf Wanda Muller 12:15 PM | William McDonough Tuesday, December 26th St. Stephen, the First Martyr Acts 6:8-10, 7:54-59, Mt 10:17-22 9:00 AM | Zigmond Baron Wednesday, December 27th St. John, Apostle & Evangelist 1 Jn 1:1-4, Jn 20:1a, 2-8 9:00 AM | Lori Larocca Thursday, December 28th The Holy Innocents, Martyrs 1 Jn 1:5-2:2, Mt 2:13-18 9:00 AM | Henry & Julian Miller Friday, December 29th St. Thomas Becket, Bishop & Martyr 1 Jn 2:3-11, Lk 2:22-35 9:00 AM | Leon Michon Saturday, December 30th Sixth Day within the Octave of the Nativity of the Lord 1 Jn 2:12-17, Lk 2:36-40 9:00 AM | Walter Fischer 5:00 PM | Thomas J. Flynn, Sr. Giuseppe Sbuttoni Edward John Gaus, III (1st anniversary) Robert Bernard Rosaria C. Scognamillo James E. Sharkey Jimmy Katsoulakis Sunday, December 31st The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, & Joseph Gn 15:1-6, 21:1-3, Heb 11:8, 11-12, 17-19, Lk 2:22-40 7:30 AM | Warren Webster, Sr. 9:00 AM | People of the Parish 10:30 AM | Salvatore Bona 12:00 Noon | Antoinette Giuliano Carol Cavanagh Dolores Marino Leslie Ann Kempa Annette Marie Kempa Neil Reda Kathleen Quinn (living)

The Fourth Sunday of Advent | December 24, 2023

Cover Art: The Annunciation.

Artist: Luca Giordano (1634-1705).

Christmas at St. Mary’s 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.

Readings and Questions for Faith Sharing on the Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary & Joseph

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.

Reading I: Genesis 15:1-6, 21:1-3 Abraham put his faith in the Lord.

Reading II: Hebrews 11:8, 11-12, 17-19 By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to.

Gospel: Luke 2:22-40 “Behold, this child is destined for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be contradicted.”

The Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary,

Mother of God Monday, January 1st – New Year’s Day Masses 9:00 AM 10:30 AM

Question for Adults: How am I living out my call to holiness?

Question for Children: How can I be a model of holiness in my own family?

Please note that the Solemnity of Mary is not a holyday of obligation this year but attending Mass is encouraged especially since Mary is our patroness.

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The Parish Office will be closed on Christmas Day. Adoration will not take place.

No 7:00 AM Mass on Thursday.

Christmas Flower Offerings 2023 In Memory Of Bruno & Margaret Cirillo Timothy & Mary O’Connor Eunice Marangiello Anthony Marangiello Margaret Coscia Dominick Coscia Stanley & Rose Wiencko Rafael & Virginia Gaonzalez Cabo Ronald Gonzalez Alan Hernandez Frances Cannizzaro Dorothy Pullo Paul Pullo Joseph Cannizzaro Rocco Sforza & Family Frank Meloni & Family Edith & Edward Arienti Marie & Al Iacono Marge & Jim Murray Emma Dailey Tim Dowd Timithy Dowd Ruth Sauvigne Frances Maher Jurgielewicz and Henry Families Nicole Ann Jaronczyk Theresa & Eugene Scalesse Jean Ludlam Dr. Peter J. Calabretta, Sr. Catherine & Albert Infante Ester & Paul Calabretta Bertrand F. Barry Audriene G. Barry Peter J. Cosgrove, Sr. Anne M. Cosgrove Gloria Andersen Sadie Komninos John Milone Nicholas Komninos Mr. George D. McDonnell Mr. & Mrs. WIlliam N. Samela Dominick F. Amoruso

Anne Scholz James & Madalynne Imperato Pietro & Maria Verde Paul & Elissa Meyers Sûusje Karssen Angelo Papa Teresa Papa Howard Miller Irene Miller Lucia DeRosa Annette Riviello Thomas & Mary Madigan Frank & Mary Caulson Cornelius & Ellen Jordan Michelle Longo JoAnn Garramone Mario Garramone Frank Ferro Vera Haynes Margaret Morris William T. Morris, Jr. Mae Herlihy John Palmadessa Maria Palmadessa Dad - Dr. Gary, MD Mom - Mrs. Mary Gary John Gary Skip Gary Arlene D’Arienzo John Peluso Julie McKeon Juanita & Adam Figueroa, Sr. Edmond & Mari Cullinan John & Catherine Gillis M. Elizabeth Grogan Robert Symmons and Conway Family Catherine & Giacomo Ruggiero Florence & Tony DeMar Margaret & Paul Fortner Louise DeMar Chester Dutkiewicz

Eleanor Dutkiewicz Eileen Amato Doris Urig Frank Castiglione Peter & Angie Castiglione Fred & Millie Durante Nancy Mizzarro Anthony Robustelli, Jr. Agesilas D’Anna Victoria Strocchia Clara & Pat Strocchia Ann Catalano Mary & Phil De Rosa Dom Severino Helen & Vincent Lee Antoinette & Joseph Giuliano Linda Dunn June Typermass Gerry McManus Anthony & Yolanda Spinetta Catherine Ondrey Emil Ondrey Joan Boylston Adrian Boylston Christopher R. Costa Kenneth DiCamillo Ernest F. Costa Anthony Major Francis Reynolds Sylvia Reynolds John Reynolds Patrick Standon Josephine & Robert San Angelo Frank & Martin Wadham Frank J. Swierad Joan San Angelo Louis A. Perfetto Gigi Daly Robert Daly Dorothy Daly Frank Daly Joseph & Dorothy Salat

We endeavor to record your intentions accurately; please forgive any typographical errors.

Additional flower offering intentions will appear in a future bulletin.

Catholic Academic Cheerfu f l

THE SCHOOLS OF ST. MARY

Bishop Barres Makes Pastoral Visit on the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception On Friday, December 8, 2023, the community of Saint Mary’s gathered to celebrate the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The day began with breakfast for all, followed by the opportunity for each grade to perform Corporal Works of Mercy. The students wrote Christmas cards to children in hospitals and retired priests, packed bags of food, and wrapped gifts for families.

The Most Reverend John O. Barres, bishop of the Diocese of Rockville Centre, made his pastoral visit to campus and celebrated Mass for the Middle and High School students. After Mass, students returned to Marist Hall, anxiously waiting for classmates and clergy members to arrive in the building. The Juniors and Seniors lined the hallways to witness the Eucharistic procession with Bishop Barres carrying the Blessed Sacrament that began in the Church and traveling to the High School. Campus Ministry members were present in the Chapel for the sacred transfer of the Most Sacred Body of

Christ into the Tabernacle once the Bishop blessed it. The rest of the student body utilized campus-wide technology to watch the blessing and transfer via livestream in their classrooms.

Because of the recent campus renovations and reimagining of space, the students can stop in the new Chapel at any time to pray and know that His presence is with them - truly a gift from God! Bishop Barres also took the time to visit the Elementary School to get a firsthand look at the Middle School and all of the fantastic changes in Immaculata Hall to further enrich the student experience.

He had the opportunity to speak with faculty members and students who cheerfully engaged in conversation along the way.

The school administration thanked Bishop Barres for visiting Saint Mary’s, celebrating Mass, blessing the Tabernacle in the Chapel, and for visiting students in their classes. It was truly a beautiful day at St. Mary's!

Parish Social Ministry FOCUS GROUP CHRISTMAS LUNCHEON

St. Mary’s FOCUS (Friends Offering Care Understanding and Support) group hosted its annual Christmas Luncheon at North Hempstead Country Club in December. Father Eddy gave a wonderful blessing. All attendees enjoyed themselves in a beautiful environment, with great food, and warm company. It was a wonderful way to kick off the Christmas season for these individuals. If interested in joining the FOCUS group, please reach out to Bill Urig at dorisbilljag98@aol.com.

RCIA and Adult Faith Formation There will be no meetings or classes during Christmas week. All will resume on Tuesday, January 2nd. Sr. Teresa and the RCIA Team wish everyone a very Merry Christmas.

Sister Teresa can be contacted about our Adult Faith Formation programs at 516-627-0385, ext. 1010. Her office hours are Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM and other times by appointment.

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Society of St. Vincent de Paul THE NEXT SVDP MEETING IS WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 3RD at 7:00 PM in the Saint John Paul II Room.

New members are always welcome!

We invite you to explore the St. Vincent de Paul Society of St. Mary’s Church. There are no special qualifications to join, other than the desire to join with others in helping Neighbors in need. As a group, we meet monthly. Come decide for yourself if God is calling you to this special Ministry.

Imagine how Mary felt at the birth of Jesus: excited, awed, frightened. Deep faith was her light in the darkness, for Jesus was born during the night of the year when darkness is the longest. Your gift to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul brought light into the darkness surrounding the heart of those living in poverty bringing them the real, lasting, and deep joy of 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.

Religious Education Dear St. Mary Family, The season of Advent is moving quickly. Students are prayerfully reflecting on these joyful weeks of anticipation and preparation for the coming of Christ. Participating in parish events especially brings to life the meaning of Christmas. Our fifth grade class not only decorated the Giving Tree, but also attended Mass together with their Catechist.

It is a special blessing to journey through this time of “waiting and wonder” in fellowship with friends!

Students devoted time to remembering the great faith of St. Joseph.

In total obedience, he follows the path assigned to him by God with everlasting love. Quiet and silent, St. Joseph is so lovingly present with the Mother of God in the stable. May we turn to the Father of the Holy Family in our time of need.

St. Joseph, pray for us.

Mrs. Granieri

Business Owners: Second Time Kevin Miller and Sabina Jargilo St. Mary, St. Mary, Manhasset, NY Manhasset, NY

Please consider advertising in our bulletin.

It’s a great way to support our parish.

Call our printer, LPi, at 1-800-477-4574

Please Patronize Our Advertisers

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 CHRISTMAS We are in the Parish Ministry Center below the church.

516-627-0385 ext. 1033

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

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

Bread & Wine are offered this week in loving memory of

Deceased Members of the Pennisi/Bonventre Families

A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS FOR DONATING TOWARDS

EVENING W i t h SANTA Louie’s Prime Steak & Seafood Umbertos Manhasset Graces Market DiMAGGIOS Trattoria Gino’s Pizzeria Villa Milano Gemelli Dominic’s Deli Vito’s Leonetti Organic Crush Mineola Portugese Center

Fee at the door

Knights of Columbus Creche Lighting 2023

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

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

Exposition and Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament Circle us, Lord iin n this da d ark world worrld l Circle us with the light of your presence, bright within dark Enable us to be overcomers of fear ear and temptation temptat a ion Enable us to be victors over sin and despair Enable us to become that which h you would desiree (Silent prayer) Lord of creation, Lord of Salvation ion Circle us with the light of yourr presence pre rese senc se ncce n

Circle us, Lord Circle this nation with Advent love and hope Create Crrea e te a desire to listen to the Advent message Create Crreate a willingness C willingn to understand and respond Create a need to reach out to the Christ Child (Silent (Sil (S Sillen e t prayer) Lord L rd of creation, Lord of Salvation Lo Circle C rc Ci rcle le our ourr nation nat atio io with the light of your presence io

Circle us, Lord Circle our family within the shelter lter off your outstretched outstreettcche hed arms armss Protect them in each moment off their i daily lives ir Protect them in the decisions that at they th hey face Protect their homes and relationships nship ps (Silent prayer) Lord of creation, Lord of Salvation ion Circle our families with the light ght off your presence presencce

Circle Ciirc C Circ rcle us, Lord Circle Circcle le this thi h s world with the joy of your Salvation Where and disease bring healing W ere there Wh t ere is sickness th si Where there and despair bring hope th here is hunger h Where there and oppression bring release th here is torture to (Silent prayer) prrayer) Lord of creation, creation, Lord of Salvation Circle this th his world with the light of your presence

Prayer for Lighting the Advent Wreath Candles Fourth Week All-powerful God, your eternal Word took flesh on our earth when the Virgin Mary placed her life at the service of your plan. Lift our minds in watchful hope to hear the voice which announces his glory and open our minds to receive the Spirit who prepares us for his coming. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

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

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.

The Board of the Rosary Society wishes everyone a very Merry Christmas!

The Fourth Sunday of Advent | December 24, 2023

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

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.