Church of Saint Mary Parish Bulletin: December 26, 2021

CHURCH of SAINT MARY The Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph December 26, 2021

Reverend Father Robert A. Romeo | Pastor Reverend Father Dominik Wegiel | Parochial Vicar Reverend Father Jude T. Dioka | Parochial Vicar

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

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.stmary.ws

Schedule of Masses 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

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

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 - Friday 9:30 AM–5:00 PM Saturday - Sunday (phone only) 10:00 AM–1:30 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

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. Jude T. Dioka Parochial Vicar 627-0385 frjude@stmary.ws

Parish Staff Jane Clifford Bulletin Editor bulletin@stmary.ws Sean Collins ’77 Parish Development

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

Jennifer Fedele Office Manager 627-0385

Kiera Gmelich Walsh Director of Alumni and Parent Relations 627-2711 | ext. 1162 kwalsh@stmary.ws

Marie T. Granieri Director of Religious Education 627-4028 | ext. 1127 releddirector@stmary.ws

St. Mary’s Elementary School 627-0184 www.stmary11030.org

Vincent Hartley Facilities Manager 627-0385 | ext. 1002

Sarah Griffin (de Venoge) ’02, ’06 Co-Principal sdevenoge@stmary11030.org

Robert Levulis Music Director 313-7606

Theresa A. Kemp Co-Principal tkemp@stmary11030.org

Vanessa Quiros Parish Office 627-0385 vquiros@stmary.ws

St. Mary’s High School 627-2711 www.saintmaryshs.org

Sr. Teresa Raftery, IHM Adult Faith Formation 627-0385 | ext. 1010

Gerard J. Buckley Principal gbuckley@saintmaryshs.org

Masses and Special Intentions Lottie Jennings Jeanette Albanese Christine Marchese Kristen Lovero Gabriella Tranchina Margaret Murray Elizabeth Alford Anna Forte John Michael Tedesco Joyce & Alan Hein Laarni Melliza Perlman Gina Corleto Tony Loomis Maryann McDermott Ellen Ward Madison Milio Marie Pellegrino Thomas Ryan Thomas Hyland Marguerite Baron Theresa Fallon Estela Fernandez Eileen Zurndof Virginia Fallon Rudolfo Iacono Gina Ross Salvatore Marsala Marko Russ Eugene Rorke Paul Rogalli Names will remain on the list for three months. Please email bulletin@stmary.ws if you would like to continue with the listing.

Angelo Gimondo

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 Alacqua, Alexander, 1LT, USA Amerson, Jason, CPT, USA Anderson, Michael, 1LT, USA Arnold, James, LCpl, USMC 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 Fontanetta, Joseph, Maj, USMC Hayes, Andrew, Capt, USMC Hernandez, Steven, SSgt, USAF Higgins, James, GySgt, USMC Hilton, Justin, SGT, USA 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 LaManna, Vincent S., Jr., PVT, USA Landolphi, Michael, ENS, USN Lanza, Anthony E., LtCol, USMC Madden, Michael E., Capt, USAF Major, A. Edward, III, MAJ, USA McGorry, Patrick F., HM3, USN McKievear, Gary, LT, USA Millau, Jeffrey, PFC, USMC Morris, Jr., Brian J., MA1, 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 Sharkey, John J., LtCol, USMC Spivak III, Edmund, Capt, USAF Sweeney, Timothy, CPT, USA Tafone, Samantha, SGT, USA Ullrich, Kenneth C., HN, USN Unger, Matthew J., SPC, USA Vachris, Madison LTJG, USN Wood, Kelly, BMSR, USN

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 27th St. John, Apostle & Evangelist 1 Jn 1:1-4, Jn 20:1a, 2-8 9:00 AM | 1. Edward Whelan 2. Msgr. Francis Midura Tuesday, December 28th The Holy Innocents, Martyrs 1 Jn 1:5-2:2, Mt 2:13-18 9:00 AM | 1. Henry J. & Julian Miller 2. Richard Augeri Wednesday, December 29th Fifth Day within the Octave of the Nativity St. Thomas Becket, Bishop & Martyr 1 Jn 2:3-11, Lk 2:22-35 9:00 AM | 1. Richard Augeri 2. Maureen Kenlon Thursday, December 30th Sixth Day within the Octave of the Nativity 1 Jn 2:12-17, Lk 2:36-40 7:00 AM | Walter Fischer 9:00 AM | Tricia Grieco Friday, December 31st Seventh Day within the Octave of the Nativity St. Sylvester I, Pope 1 Jn 2:18-21, Jn 1:1-18 9:00 AM | 1. Genevieve Kelly 2. Carol Cavanagh 5:00 PM | Dolores Marino Saturday, January 1st Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God The Octave Day of the Nativity of the Lord New Year’s Day Nm 6:22-27, Gal 4:4-7, Lk 2:16-21 9:00 AM | Rose Ensemenger 12:00 Noon | Eileen Hoban 5:00 PM | Thomas J. Flynn, Sr. Joseph Oddo Arlene Worth Peter Gorman Maureen Webber & Michael J. Lydon Richard Weingarten Sunday, January 2nd Epiphany of the Lord Is 60:1-6, Eph 3:2-3a, 5-6, Mt 2:1-12 7:30 AM | People of the Parish 9:00 AM | Maria Norat 10:30 AM | Mary Beth & Gary Eggers 12:00 Noon | Purgatorial Society *(5:00 PM)| Alberto Zeppieri Wendy Bennett Brian V. Casey Cristian Caamano

*( ) celebrated at the 9:00 AM Mass On the cover: Teaching in the Temple.

Artist: Carl Heinrich Bloch (1834-1890).

The Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph | December 26, 2021

From the Pastor’s Desk Dear Parishioners,

“The Child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom.” (Luke 2:52) The Fathers of the Second Vatican Council referred to the family as the Domestic Church, or Church at home, in the section on the laity in the document “Lumen Gentium.” This idea was expanded on by St. Pope Paul VI in a general audience when he said, “The mission of proclaiming the message of Jesus is, in a special way, entrusted to the family as baptized people endowed with and sanctified by the sacrament of matrimony.”

Each culture has held up the family as the bulwark of society and each succeeding pontiff has often referred to the need for strong family bonds. Strong families ensure a stable and healthy society. A traditional family is defined as a mother, a father and children. In our own time, we have seen the decline of the traditional family. Today, we are encountering families in many different ways. We have single parents, blended families and families moving back in with their parents. While we still mostly uphold this nuclear body, we can either bemoan the fact of its decline (which does no good) or we can help each family to continue, in new ways, to be that place where the Gospel message is still lived.

Today, in our second reading from the letter to the Colossians, St. Paul presents a wonderful road map for the way families, and all people, should interact with each other. I suggest that you read and reread this passage often. He says so beautifully that we are “to put on, as God’s chosen ones, heartfelt compassion, gentleness and patience, bearing with one another, and to forgive as the Lord has forgiven you…let the peace of Christ control your hearts …and be thankful …singing hymns and songs of praise to God…and to do all things in the name of the Lord Jesus.”

While this is not easy, it can be done if we are willing to put the time, energy and love into it. Good families are not created; they are the fruit of work and a deliberate decision to be places where all may flourish. In our Gospel today, we hear that Jesus went with Mary and Joseph back to Nazareth, where He grew in wisdom and the strength of God. This was a result of the home in which He was reared. We hold up the Holy Family as a model for all family life, not because they were above the human condition, but rather BECAUSE they were human.

So, of course, it can be done. Each family may find that at certain periods of their development, they need some outside help and assistance and that is truly fine and beneficial. Never be afraid to seek help; it is not a sign of weakness, but an action of love.

I came across this very simple yet powerful article in Our Sunday Visitor for children (OSV Kids) called Five “Marks” of the Catholic Family by Dr. Gregory Popcak. I encourage you to go online and order the pamphlet. I will just offer a brief summary here.

Catholic families worship together: The Eucharist is the source of deep love that Jesus offers and families that worship together regularly are more prone to a deeper relationship with each other through the worship of God. Discussion question: Ask yourselves how you can make Mass a priority throughout the year.

Catholic families pray together: Prayer is, of course, first the intimate relationship with God, but it can also be a means for a family in open prayer to hear the needs of others. Hearing the needs then to be instruments to make those needs a reality. Pray grace before meals as a reminder of the place of God in the life of a family.

Discussion question: What are you grateful to God for today?

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From the Pastor’s Desk (con’t.)

Catholic families are called to intimacy: This intimacy is lived out by the way each member treats the other. Children learn about relationships by how they see the adults in their lives live out that relationship. Is kindness and respect given to each person within the household? Are children, as well as parents, quick to apologize when a wrong is done? Does discipline teach virtue and good behavior instead of merely punishing a wrongdoing?

Discussion question: How can you as a family be kinder to each other this week?

Catholic families put family first: The family is the primary and first means which God uses to assist us in this life. Knowing that, family activities should be held in the highest regard. When we continually excuse members from family activities, what does that say about their importance? Are meals a time when the focus is on the family and not the cell phone? It can be a wonderful time for each member to learn more about another.

Discussion question: On Sunday, the Lord’s Day, maybe have a “media break” where all screens are turned off and the Holy Spirit is allowed to guide you in discussion. Enjoy the silence too, to rest the brain!

Catholic families are a witness and a sign: The love of Jesus is not meant to be hidden but shared with the world. We let that love be expressed in our care for those around and beyond us. Let others see that we act in mercy and justice because it flows from our love of Jesus.

Maybe that grace you say at the table before meals can be done in a public restaurant (BTW, I love the reaction of others when I say grace in public!).

Discussion question: What is one action you can do to brighten someone’s day?

These are just small suggestions to help deepen the bonds, so that each of our families can be a HOLY FAMILY. The priests would like to thank everyone who so generously sent us gifts and cards this Christmas season. We are truly appreciative.

On behalf of myself, Fr. Dominik, Fr. Jude, The Sister Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, The Dominican Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Eucharist, and the entire staff here at St. Mary’s, we wish you a continued merry and joyful Christmas. Remember, we as Catholics celebrate the octave or eight days of Christmas. So for eight days, it IS Christmas. The Christmas season continues until the Baptism of the Lord on January 9th.

In Jesus, our New Born King, Fr. Bob

The Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph | December 26, 2021

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Stewards of God’s Gifts In today’s Gospel, Jesus is separated from His parents while in Jerusalem for the feast of Passover. This event is also the Fifth Joyful Mystery of the Holy Rosary.

Living Stewardship (Pillar of Hospitality): Share the joy of Christmas with others this season! Fill our community with love, by being hospitable to all around you.

The collection for Sunday, December 12, 2021 amounted to $26,522.00.

The collection for Sunday, December 13, 2020 amounted to $26,255.00.

The collection for the Retirement Fund for Religious amounted to $7,110.00

H.ave 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 Ministryã 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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Christmas Flower Offerings In Memory Of Mary St. Jeanos Richard C. Augeri Christine Melchione Michelle Longo Joseph Taliuaga Eileen Amato Anthony DiProperzio Antoinette DiProperzio Daniel Signorile Angela Signorile Vincenzo Ardito Andrew Chizmadia Francis Reynolds Sylvia Reynolds Patrick Stundon Doris Urig Alfred Lepore William Sanzeri Mario & Marie Reali Ruth Ferguson Hallissy/O’Neill Families Bruno & Margaret Cirillo Timothy & Mary O’Connor Eileen O’Connor Joe & Lorraine Mellen Madelene & Charles Hannett Nicole Ann Jaronczyk Edith & Ed Arienti Marie & Al Iacono James Murray Msgr. John McCann Albert Ronci Mary Ronci Sal Cennamo Dennis Martinelli Lucia DeRosa Dr. & Mrs. Louis Barricelli Angela Barricelli Jacqueline & Sylvester Bilello Barbara B. Stynes Joseph Indinemao James Imperato

Madalynne Imperato Joseph Maiella Carmela Maiella Dezio Blascovich Dennis Lafferty Langdon Woo Michael Farrell Mr. Willaim N. Samela Mrs. Filomena Samela Mr. George D. McDonnell Evelyn Parietti Raymond Parietti Concetta Marino Salvatore Marino Jennie Tortorice Joseph Tortorice Irene Morici Jerry Morici Mrs. Betty Robinson Toni E. Sulzbach Margaret Morris Mae Herlihy William T. Morris, Jr. John Palmadessa Patricia Ruggiero Rosemary De Martino Grace Belfar Florence De Mar Edmond & Mari Cullinan John N. & Catherine Gillis Alfred Sittner Sittner & Bock Families Larry Pierce Domenica Russo Carmine Russo Joseph G. Petrosino Frances O. Petrosino Frank N. Della Ratta Rose Della Ratta Ernest Costa Diane M. Urban John J. Geoghegan

John & Mary Geoghegan Frank & Mary DeMaio Dorothy & William Rafferty James O’Brien, Sr. Wally CasaNova Gloria Diminich Richard D. Lynch, Jr. Dick Lynch Helen & Vincent Lee Antoinette & Joseph Giuliano Gerry McManus June Typermass John Racioppo Emma Racioppo Jean Manzione Jim Cacciabeve Bernard Kovach Dr. Peter J. Calbretta Albert & Catheine Infante Paul & Esther Callabretta Edward Brady Daniel Brady Magadalena Semmel Gilda & Joseph DeJoseph Deceased Members of the Greco & Macina Family Vincent & Marie De Vito Francesco & Carmina Scannello John & Emma Endrizzi Louis Scannello Charles Ancona Jean & Louis Starace Jimmy Whelan Ann Sullivan Frank Coughlin Matt Falcone GiGi Daly Robert Daly Patricia Preston James Acierno Gerard Gaveau Tim & Timothy Dowd

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

Additional flower offering intentions will appear in a future bulletin.

The Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God Masses Friday, December 31st - New Year’s Eve 5:00 PM Saturday, January 1st – New Year’s Day 9:00 AM 12:00 Noon Not a Holyday of Obligation This Year

IMPORTANT UPDATE to NEW YORK STATE MASK MANDATE The Governor of New York State has included houses of worship in her recent directives. Therefore, since the Church does not require parishioners to present proof of vaccination in order to worship God, we ask that all parishioners (two years of age and older) comply with the requirement to wear masks when participating in any activities on parish grounds. This State requirement is currently in effect through January 15, 2022. We will continue to adapt accordingly as new information becomes available. Your patience and Christian charity towards one another during this difficult time is appreciated.

Bread & Wine are offered this week in loving memory of

Dr. Peter J. Calabretta, Sr.

Readings and Questions for Faith Sharing on the Epiphany of the Lord Reading I: Isaiah 60:1-6 Rise up in splendor, Jerusalem! Your light has come.

Reading II: Ephesians 3:2-3a, 5-6 The Gentiles are coheirs, members of the same body, and copartners in the promise of Christ Jesus through the gospel.

Gospel: Matthew 2:1-12 “When King Herod heard this, he was greatly troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.”

Question for Adults: How do challenging social and political forces draw my attention toward or away from Christ??

Question for Children: How do I know that God is present in my life?

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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.

Prayer to The Holy Family Dear Lord, Bless our family. Be so kind as to give us the unity, peace, and mutual love that You found in Your own family in the little town of Nazareth.

Saint Joseph, pray for the head of our family. Obtain for him the strength, the wisdom, and the prudence he needs to support and direct those under his care.

Mother Mary, pray for the mother of our family. Help her to be pure and kind, gentle and self-sacrificing. For the more she resembles you, the better our family will be.

Lord Jesus, bless the children of our family. Help them to be obedient and devoted to their parents. Make them more and more like You. Let them grow, as You did, in wisdom and strength and grace before God and man. Amen.

Religious Education It was wonderful to partake in Catechist Mrs. O’Connor’s class discussion on the Holy Family. Students reflected on Mary and Joseph and how they obediently turned their lives over to God. Even with their “yes” to God, they were not promised an easy life. The young Mary still had to face the enormous difficulty in sharing what the angel tells her.

And Joseph struggled for some time before God sent the angel to him in a dream. While both are the blessed of God, they simply went back to the challenges that come with daily life. We all can turn to Mary and Joseph for the faith needed to willingly move to the rhythm of God’s will for our lives too.

Thank you to all St. Mary Catechists, volunteers, families and students. Together we approach the New Year as the family of the Church of St. Mary!

Blessings, Mrs. Granieri

The Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph | December 26, 2021

Reflections on the Creed by Fr. Dominik Wegiel The Son of God The last few letters have delved into questions about God’s existence and about the Father.

The proofs of God’s existence, the problem of evil, and the reality of God’s love are all easily applied to the same God of Judaism and Islam. In Chapter 3 of Light from Light: A Theological Reflection on the Nicene Creed, Bishop Barron reflects on the nature and personhood of Jesus Christ. How we understand the identity of Jesus is precisely what separates us from other religions. There are two important titles given to Jesus: the Son of God and the Son of Man. We hear them all the time, but rarely do we understand how significant those titles were to first century Judaism.

The title “Son of God” is used throughout the Old Testament. Generally, the title was meant to convey a close and deep relationship with God. It was a title given to King Solomon who was the son of David. Israel as a nation is also referred to as the Son of God. Even St. John refers to his disciples as “children of God” in his letters. This reveals that religious believers share an intimate connection of love which is similar to a love that a parent has for a child. God took care of the Israelites as they wandered in the desert. God promised King David that his scepter, his kingship, would never perish and, therefore, God would protect the children of David. As baptized Christians, we are children of God and share in a unique intimacy with him.

However, Jesus’ divine sonship is radically different from ours. In the Gospel, Jesus reveals his power to forgive sins, and cure the sick. In Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus says, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away” (Matthew 24:35). He also says, “Whoever comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and even life itself, cannot be my disciple” (Luke 14:26). No Jewish prophet, no Jewish King, no devout Jewish man would ever make such claims. When Jesus said to the paralyzed man, “Son, your sins are forgiven,” the crowd responded, “Why does this fellow speak this way? Who can forgive sins but God alone?” (Mark 2:7). And our response is yes, exactly. Only God can forgive sins, and that is the point of the Gospel which is meant to reveal that Jesus is God. Bishop Barron summarizes, “These outrageous claims on their own behalf might be construed as signs of lunacy or moral turpitude… However, the most powerful affirmation of Jesus’ claims regarding his own person come from his Resurrection from the dead” (Barron, 50).

During its first two hundred years, Christianity was persecuted by the Roman government who had martyred and marginalized the entire Christian community. Despite the persecution, Christianity continued to thrive and eventually was legalized with the Edict of Milan (AD 313). Christianity was no longer a small sect of believers, but became the official religion of the Roman Empire and therefore part of the mainstream culture.

With newfound popularity, Christianity was now seeking uniformity about the identity of Jesus. A young priest named Arius was a dynamic preacher and he became a powerful voice within the Empire. What made Arius controversial was his belief about the divinity of Christ. In fact, Arius denied that Jesus was truly God and instead was only human. The movement begun by Arius swept the entire Empire such that the whole world seemed to embrace Arian theology.

Arius’ great opponent would be Bishop Athanasius who wrote his famous book, Four Discourses against the Arians. The main thrust of his argument was that both Arius and Athanasius agreed that Jesus was the Messiah who came to save us from sin and death. Yet, sin and death are more powerful than any human being. No man has the power to save us from death itself. Only God can truly redeem us from humanity’s greatest enemy. Bishop Barron writes, “Since God alone can save, were Jesus simply a creature, he would not be a savior. If he were made, he would require, like any other creature, the grace of God to be saved” (Barron, 53). However, the writings of the Apostles, the letters of Paul, and the gospels are filled with verses which constantly affirm that Jesus is the savior who defeated sin and death once and for all.

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Reflections on the Creed (con’t.)

No creature is capable of this; hence, Jesus must have a divine nature. All of Christianity stands on whether it affirms the divinity of Christ or not. If Christ is not divine, then his crucifixion was simply one horrible sacrifice with no redeeming value. Yet St. Paul writes, “But may I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Galatians 6:14). Why would anyone boast about such an embarrassing event unless it was truly the Son of God who was crucified?

The Emperor Constantine saw the political and religious divide that Arius was creating and therefore, in the year 325, he called for a council among the leaders of the Church to settle the debate and produce a common statement of belief to unify the Church. The answer would lead to the Nicaean Creed which overwhelmingly affirmed the divinity of Jesus. This is why we profess “I believe in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God, born of the Father before all ages. God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made.” It affirms that Jesus is not like King David or Solomon or any other pious prophet, but is rather the definitive and iconic Son of God who perfectly reflects the Father’s love for creation. This is why at Jesus’ baptism, the crowd heard the voice, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased” (Matthew 3:17).

It is fascinating to observe that centuries after the Arian controversy, the heresy is still alive today. Almost everyone today reduces Jesus to a nice spiritual guru, prophet, or teacher. Yet it seems to me that the Gospels, the letters of Paul, and the history of the Church testify that Jesus was never simply a nice teacher, but truly the Son of God. We have the great responsibility to reclaim the divinity of Jesus because the redemption of our own humanity is at risk. Jesus is the great bridge, the ladder between heaven and earth, between the divine and our broken humanity. Jesus is the one who is light from light and showers the earth with his grace and presence. God has given us access to his life through the words and power of his Son, Jesus Christ. It is through Jesus’ own divine sonship that we become children of God. Ed. Note: All references are to Light from Light: A Theological Reflection on the Nicene Creed by Bishop Robert Barron which is available in hardcover from Word on Fire (bookstore.wordonfire.org)and on Amazon.com. Amazon also has a Kindle version.

The Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph | December 26, 2021

St. Mary’s High School Catholic Highlights of Italy St. Mary’s High School is excited to be bringing 25 students to Italy in February, 2022. Our chaplain, Fr. Dominik Wegiel, will accompany these students as they experience the religious and classical highlights of Italy in the cities of Venice, Padua, Assisi, Florence, Sorrento and Rome.

In order to help offset the cost of the trip, St. Mary’s High School is hosting a fundraising raffle. There will be one grand prize of $500., and a second place prize of $200. Each ticket is $20., and the drawing will take place on January 15th.

Cash and checks are accepted and can be either dropped off at the Parish Office or mailed to St. Mary’s High School, 51 Clapham Avenue, Manhasset, NY 11030. Checks can be made out to “St. Mary’s High School.”

Name: Phone Number: Email Address: Amount Enclosed:

No. of Tickets:

What should I do if I suspect a child is being abused?

If you or someone you know has experienced an incident of sexual abuse by clergy, employee or volunteer of the Diocese of Rockville Centre, please contact law enforcement and the Office for the Protection of Children and Young People.

CONFIDENTIAL HOTLINE NUMBER: 516-594-9063.

AmazonSmile for St. Mary’s The Church and Schools of Saint Mary have partnered with AmazonSmile. Each time you make a purchase on Smile.Amazon.com, a portion of the sales will be donated to St. Mary’s at no additional cost to you. It’s the same products, same prices, same services as the Amazon you know. Choose St. Mary’s as your favorite charity, and you will be shopping and supporting a great cause at the same time!

All donations received from this program will be divided among the parish, high school and elementary school. We encourage you to sign up today!

Church of Saint Mary | 12

Parish Social Ministry Parish Social Ministry would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the parishioners of St. Mary’s. Through your kindness, generosity, and Christian spirit, you have provided a bright and blessed Christmas for many children and families who are in need. Each year, the Share Christmas and Giving Tree programs provide much needed basic needs of living, special gifts, and hope to those who are struggling and reach out to us for help and assistance.

As we celebrate the birth of Our Savior, Jesus Christ, let us give thanks to God for the blessings he has bestowed upon us. May the joyous spirit of Christmas remain with you and your families throughout the coming year.

Peace and Blessings!

Society of St. Vincent de Paul Today is the feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph, and so we can celebrate that we all belong to the holy family of God which makes us brothers and sisters to each other.

If you or someone you know needs assistance, contact the St. Vincent de Paul Society at 516-627-0385 ext. 1125 or SVDP@stmary.ws. If you would like to make a donation, you may use the collection slots at the doors of the church or place an envelope in the regular collection marked “St. Vincent de Paul Society.” For furniture and household donations, please call 516-746-8250 to arrange for a pick up.

RCIA and Adult Faith Formation The RCIA Candidates Complete “Inquiry” The RCIA has completed “Inquiry” the first part of their process, and now seriously decide if they feel ready to move on to the next phase which is called “Catechumenate.” This is the heart of the instructional section of their journey. They will participate in the Rite of Acceptance and then be prayed over weekly at a Sunday Mass. Those to be baptized will be referred to as “catechumens.” The RCIA process is taking a break during the Christmas holidays and will return on January 2nd of the New Year. Do keep them in your prayers.

Sister Teresa can be contacted about our RCIA and other Adult Faith Formation programs at 516-627-0385, ext. 1010.

Her office hours are Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday between 10:00AM and 4:00PM and other times by appointment.

Exposition and Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament Prayer for the Family Before the Blessed Sacrament He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was obedient to them; and his mother kept all these things in her heart. And Jesus advanced [in] wisdom and age and favor before God and man. Luke 2:51-52 Lord, I do offer myself to You this day and in doing so I offer You my family. I offer every relationship, be it good or difficult, and I offer every challenge we face. Please come and sanctify my family, making it holy in imitation of your family in Nazareth. Jesus, I trust in You. Amen.

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

Retrouvaille Weekend

Church of Saint Mary

You Can Help Heal Your Marriage 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?

The Retrouvaille Program is for married couples facing difficult challenges in their relationships. It is primarily a practical program to improve communication, build stronger marriages and help couples reconnect. Presenters are not trained marriages counselors, but rather couples sharing their personal stories of marital struggles and the tools they used to rediscover their love.

For confidential information about the Retrouvaille program, or to register for the upcoming weekend that begins on Friday, January 21, 2022, please visit our website www.helpourmarriage.org or call 1-800470-2230 and you will be connected directly and confidentially to a couple from Long Island/Metro Retrouvaille who can help.

Worldwide Marriage Encounter To support married couples during this time of social distancing, Worldwide Marriage Encounter is sponsoring virtual marriage experiences. Some are on weekends and are seven sessions on weekdays from 7:00pm to 9:30pm.

Couples will explore their individual personality styles, improve listening and communication skills, understand God’s plan for their marriage, and learn how to keep their relationship a priority. Registration is limited and a $100 application fee is required. For more information or to apply, call Chuck & Maria Reiss at 631-486-8607 or visit them at https://wwmenyli.org/.

Give yourselves the best Christmas present ever – take time for your marriage. Strengthen your relationship, rekindle your romance and renew your sacrament by attending the next Worldwide Marriage Encounter Experience.

Information regarding the deadlines for filing proofs of claim in the Diocese’s chapter 11 case and the forms to use can be found by clicking on the following link to the Diocese’s bankruptcy website and scrolling down the page: https://dm.epiq11.com/drvc

Mass Intentions, Flowers, and Bread & Wine Offerings

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Church of Saint Mary | 14

NEW SCHEDULE IN EFFECT NOVEMBER 28, 2021

CHURCH OF SAINT MARY

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DAILY MASS: 9:00 AM - MONDAY THROUGH SATURDAY WEEKEND MASS: 5:00 PM SATURDAY VIGIL SUNDAY 7:30 AM*, 9:00 AM, 10:30 AM + 12:00 PM (NO 5:00 PM) *BEGINNING THE FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT - 11/28/21, THE 7:30 AM MASS RETURNS TO THE SUNDAY SCHEDULE.

LIVESTREAM SCHEDULE WE WILL CONTINUE TO LIVESTREAM MASS FOR THOSE WHO WISH TO REMAIN AT HOME.

DAILY MASS: 9:00 AM MONDAY THROUGH SATURDAY WEEKEND MASS: 5:00 PM SATURDAY VIGIL

CONFESSIONS: SATURDAY 4:00 PM IN THE CHURCH OR BY APPOINTMENT. PLEASE CALL 627-0385 TO SCHEDULE TIME. EUCHARISTIC ADORATION AND BENEDICTION: MONDAY 3:00-5:00 PM RECITATION OF THE MOST HOLY ROSARY: IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING THE 9:00 AM DAILY MASS EACH THURSDAY THAT SCHOOL IS IN SESSION, MASS FOR THE DOMINICAN SISTERS OF MARY, MOTHER OF THE EUCHARIST WILL BE CELEBRATED AT 7:00 AM IN THE CHURCH. ALL ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND. POSTED NOVEMBER 13, 2021

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.

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.

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

Please Patronize Our Advertisers Business Owners: if you would like to advertise in our bulletin, please call JS Paluch at 1-800-524-0263.

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