:   :   :   :   
Statue of St. Patrick in the Church

Welcome to

St. Patrick’s R.C. Church

of Smithtown, NY

Sunday, June 28th, 2009
Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

 

Our Car Raffle Lucky Winners!

(Pictured Top Row) Congratulations to John and Juanita Goodwin, winners of this year’s Car Raffle, shown here with Fr. Walden at the Lobster Fest following the raffle drawing.  The Goodwins were handed the key to a brand new Chevy Malibu.  Second prize, a seven-night stay at a Wyndham Resort plus two roundtrip airline tickets to any Southwest Destination in the U.S., went to the Jusas Family.  Third prize, $1,000 in cash, was won by  the Meneilly Family.  Congratulations to all our winners and thank you to all who supported the raffle!

Thank You Fr. Peter!

(Pictured Rows 2 & 3) Unfortunately, Fr. Peter Dugandzic was only passing through.  Fr. Peter came to St. Patrick’s shortly after Fr. Jilson’s departure to temporarily serve in his place.  Now, he has moved on to Blessed Sacrament Church in Valley Stream where he will serve as pastor.  Contact information for those wishing to stay in touch is listed below.  Thank you, Fr. Peter. Our thoughts and prayers go with you as you begin your new role as pastor of Blesssed Sacrament Church in Valley Stream.  For those who would like to stay in touch with Fr. Peter, his contact information is a follows:

Fr. Peter Dugandzic
Blessed Sacrament Church
201 North Central Avenue
Valley Stream, NY  11580
(516) 568-1027
frpeterd@hotmail.com

Girl Scouts receive Marian Medal

(Pictured Row 4) Six girl scouts from our parish recently received the Marian Medal, a religious recognition award presented to girls at the cadette and senior level of scouting.  Congratulations Nicholette, Emily, Mrs. Jacobs (girl scout coordinator for our parish), Samantha, Kaitlyn, Brittany and Kristen.  The Marian Medal is a National Award offered to give a girl scout the opportunity to look at personal values, approaches to life, relationships with God and the opportunity to grow in faith.

Congratulations!

Sr. Marie Bernadette, OP
aka Susan Thompson

(Pictured Row 5, Left) Some in our parish may remember Sr. Marie Bernadette, OP as Susan Thompson, daughter of St. Patrick’s parishioner Joan Thompson and a music teacher at St. Patrick School at one time.  Today, Sr. Marie Bernadette is a member of the Dominican Sisters of St. Cecilia whose mother house is located in Nashville, TN.  She recently was in Smithtown again for a visit.  She currently teaches fifth grade in Jackson, TN and will be renewing her vows on July 27th.  Please keep Sr. Marie Bernadette in your prayers as well as all those pursuing or considering a religious vocation.

Lobsterfest!

(Pictured Rows 5, Right thru Bottom) Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Vivamus ligula risus, mattis et ultrices ut, tempus ut lorem. Aliquam pretium porta elit. Curabitur tempus orci id nisl interdum ac laoreet dui interdum. Etiam dictum consequat nulla, eu luctus leo fermentum eleifend. Integer mattis lacus sed elit consequat ut porttitor sapien. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Vivamus ligula risus, mattis et ultrices ut, tempus ut lorem. Aliquam pretium porta elit. Curabitur tempus orci id nisl interdum ac laoreet dui interdum. Etiam dictum consequat nulla, eu luctus leo fermentum eleifend. Integer mattis lacus sed elit consequat ut porttitor sapien. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Vivamus ligula risus, mattis et ultrices ut, tempus ut lorem. Aliquam pretium porta elit. Curabitur tempus orci id nisl interdum ac laoreet dui interdum. Etiam dictum consequat nulla, eu luctus leo fermentum eleifend. Integer mattis lacus sed elit consequat ut porttitor sapien.

Parish highlights for June 28th, 2009

St Patrick’s of Smithtown

Welcome to the Parish


 

RCIA, St. Patrick's Smithtown, NY

R C I A ?

  • Are you a baptized Catholic who was never confirmed?
  • Are you someone baptized in another faith, but interested in becoming Catholic?
  • Are you someone who was never baptized?

RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults) is a process for individuals who desire to complete their sacraments or who would like to enter into the the Catholic Church.  Over the years, St. Patrick’s has welcomed Baptists, Lutherans, Jews, Methodists and Muslims into the Church, through this program.  Those who complete their sacraments and those entering the Church have one thing in common, they are touched by the Holy Spirit.  The program starts in September and ends at the Easter Vigil.  Are you or is someone you know interested in entering into the Church?  If so, please call Fr. Patrick or Becky at the Rectory at 631-265-2271.


Happy Anniversry Happy Anniversary

On Sunday, July 5th at the 12 noon Mass, all couples who are celebrating their anniversary during the month of February are invited to renew their marriage vows and to receive a special blessing for married couples.  We encourage all to participate in this very special tribute.


DRVC Logo

Basic Course Summer Series

Refresh your knowledge,
Renew your faith,
and still have time for fun in the sun!

Catholic school teachers can earn credit
toward a Basic Certificate.
 
Catechists can enrich their knowledge of the faith
and become more effective in their teaching.
 
All adults and teens can benefit
by learning more about their faith.

For Adults

Our Lady of Peace, Lynbrook
Liturgy & Sacraments : June 29sth - July 2nd
Church : July 6th - July 9th
Christolgy : July 13th - July 16th

St. Anne Church,, Brentwood
Old Testament : June 29sth - July 2nd
New Testament : July 6th - July 9th
Church : July 13th - July 16th

For Teens

St. Luke Church, Brentwood
Christology : June 29sth - July 2nd
Ecclesiology : July 6th - July 9th

All courses are Monday through Thursday
from 9:30 AM to Noon

Cost
Adult courses - $40 per course
Teen courses - $10 per student 5 or more $40

Register online at www.drvc.org
or register the first day of class.


St. Patrick Nursery and Pre-School

 
St. Patrick School

Nursery & Pre-school Openings

St. Patrick School still has openings for pre-school for September 2009.  Our pre-school program offers a warm and nurturing environment in which children are given the opportunity to grow intellectually, emotionally, socially and spiritually.  The curriculum is in accordance with New York State standards as well as the Diocese of Rockville Centre.   A Catholic education affords children both a spiritual and moral benefit as well as academic excellence.  If you are looking for a warm, stimulating environment for your pre- school child, please consider our program.  We have NY State licensed teachers and full time teacher assistants.

Nursery (3 year olds)
2 or 3 day program
8;30 AM to 11:00 AM

Pre-Kindergarten (4 year olds)
3 or 5 day program
12 Noon to 2:30 PM

For additional information, please call 724-0285 or visit www.spssmith.org.


Son Rock Bible School

Children ages 3 to 8 are invited to enjoy games, arts and crafts, songs, skits, fun and friendship while learning about God’s great love for them.

Cost of $50 for the week includes snacks and a T-shirt
Call 631-360-0185 for information

Student volunteers (ages 12-14) are needed.
Call 631-360-0185 if interested.


To Our Dear Friends at St. Patrick’s,

Thank You

Nine months ago, illness struck our family, and as some of you know, we had no idea where to turn.

Since then, we have received an enormous outpouring of care, concern, cards, flowers, food, phone calls, prayers and gift cards from scores of parishioners, as well as concern and encouragement from our pastor and parish priests. Our children have had the unqualified support of their classmates and teachers. The most recent gift that we received from the 6th and 8th grade families of St. Patrick School was awe inspiring. Our lives have been touched deeply by all of you.

As Catholics we are taught very early that it is always better to give than to receive. We have been on the receiving end from so many wonderful people and families that a simple ‘thank you’ doesn’t seem fitting or enough. Know that your kindness and generosity will have an impact on this family forever.

John & Christine Mundy

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

Mass Times

Today's Mass Readings
Weekdays:
6:45am, 9:00am, 12:10pm
Saturday:
9:00am, 5:00pm, 8:00pm
Sunday:
7:30am, 9:00am,
10:30am, 12:00pm
5:00pm
Main Rectory Phone #:
631-265-2271
Jesus with the little children
Updated information on the schedule for times & events for your child's class.  And a complete calendar for the current school year.

Parish Social Ministry

St Patrick's Parish Outreach Logo

Social Ministry

What is Parish Outreach

A helping hand when you can’t cope with an emergency; food, financial assistance, housing, employment in crisis situations when resources are available;  A smiling visitor when you are shut-in for an extended period;  ....(read more)

We are only a phone call away. Please call 265-2668, Monday - Friday, 9 AM to 3

Congratulations, Graduates!

Thank you to all of our graduates who have helped Outreach in some way during their school career.  Congratulations and All God’s Blessings!  May you have success in your future endeavors.

Mass For The Dead
Stop by the Rectory to order Masses for your departed loved ones.  Please note that the Mass Book fills quickly.

RSS News Feed

for Upcoming Events at

St. Patrick’s Parish

Right click on “RSS” button, “copy link or short cut” and paste it into your RSS enabled News Reader.

RSS Feeds Explained

 
Friday, July 3rd
First Friday of the Month
From the 12:10 PM Mass until 3:30 PM.  The Chaplet of Divine Mercy will be recited at 3:00PM.  Please join us as we adore our Lord Jesus.
 
Saturday, July 4th
8:15 AM

Join us in praying the Rosary.
Happy Anniversary
Married in February?
Please join us at the
Sunday, May 3rd,
Noon Mass.
All couples are invited to renew their vows and recieve a special blessing.  We encourage all to participate in this very special tribute.
Rosary Kit

Rosary Makers

 
Rosary Makers invite you to our
Monthly Meeting
Friday, June 5th
7 PM in Room 209.
Join with others making Rosaries and spreading devotion to Our Blessed Mother.  All ages welcome.  For more information please call 981-3022.
Rosary Crusade Mary
Invite all to join them for their
Monthly Meeting.
Monday, June 1st
 
Agenda:
Rosary at 7 PM
Mass at 7:30 PM and Installation of new Executive Board for 2009-2010
 
Followed by a meeting and celebration party
Gift From God Baby
Pro-Life Family
Monthly Meeting

Tuesday, June 30th
St. Patrick School
Room 103 at 7:30 PM
St. Patrick's Pro-Life Family invites you to join us for our monthly meeting.  Please come and unite with us as we witness to the sanctity of Life.
Nocturnal Adoration Society

Saturday, June 27th
after the 8 PM Mass.

Join us for a night of prayer in front of the Sacred Sacrament. 

bottle gifts for babies

Don't Forget
Your Bottle Money

The 4th Weekend of the Month

Please recycle your bottle and cans and donate the money to the worthy cause of helping mothers and their babies in need.  Look for the Pink Baby Bottle banks at the church exits.
Collection Box

The first weekend of the month, we will have the offering for the Hungry and homeless.  Please look for the Hungry & Homeless boxes at the church exits and be generous in sharing God’ blessings.

Church in Binoculars

You are Invited to

Tour our Church

The parish website has a new section dedicated to our church and all its sacred art and furnishings.  Learn the names of the various parts of the church.  Who is that Saint in the window?  Why does the saint in the corner have a big club? What is in that arched niche behind the lecturns? If you have wondered about these questions instead of focusing on the Homily, these articles are just what you need. 

Start the Tour


Calling all St. Pats Alumni

Calling all St. Patrick School Alumni

St. Patrick’s School has been preparing children to maximize their potential and to lead a life firmly anchored in their belief and trust in Christ for about 40 years.  As we think back on those years, one thought keeps coming to mind, We miss you!  St. Patrick’s would love to be able to inform you of the latest happenings at the school and special alumni events.

If you were a student of St. Patrick’s please consider sending us your contact information (Name, Address, Phone & Email).  Or if you have a family member or friend who attended the school, please let them know that we are "Calling All Alumni".

Please drop off or mail your contact information to the rectory.  You can also call at 631-265-2271 or email stpatrick@stpatricksmithtown.org


Church Envelopes Tips on Church Envelopes Use
& Faith Direct

In order to ensure an accurate record of your contributions to the parish, please place your donation in your church envelope and write the amount in the space provided.  If Faith Direct you lose or forget your envelope, please place your contribution in one of the temporary envelopes found in the pews (or in any envelope) and write your name, address, envelope number and the amount of your contribution on the outside.  If you do not receive envelopes on a monthly basis, call the rectory and we will be glad to order them for you.  St. Patrick’s also offers parishioners the convenience of contributing through automatic deductions.  For more information about automatic giving, call Faith Direct at 866-507-8757 or visit them on the web at FaithDirect.net.


2009 Catholic Ministries Appeal

2009 Catholic Ministries Appeal

The Hands of Christ-supporting the Community Around Us

Did you know...Next to the Federal Government, the Catholic Church is the leader in providing educational, charitable and social services?  Help continue these much needed services on Long Island with a gift to the Catholic Ministries Appeal.  Thanks to the generosity of 346 of our parish families, $74,914.00 has been pledged to the appeal.  One hundred percent of the dollars raised through the Appeal go to the following ministries: Catholic Charities, Pastoral Outreach, Education, Parishes, and Formation.

2009 Catholic Ministries Appeal Graph

Catholic Minististries supports many activities and programs in the church, the communitity and the world. These include Education in our various elementary and high schools; Formation for religious instruction and guidance for our children, adult parishioners, those newly entering our faith and our various Seminarians; our Parishes; Catholic Charities; and Pastoral Outreach.
Please consider making a gift to this program that supports our church, our faith, our community and our world.


Legislative Update

Lopez/Kruger & Markey/Duane Bills

As a follow up to Fr. Walden’s column of March 29th about bills in the New York State Legislature that will affect the church, follow this link for a summary of two bills .  Please support the Lopez/Kruger Bill and oppose the Markey/Duane Bill.  Please take the time to read the information.  Then contact Assemblyman Michael Fitzpatrick to voice your support of the Lopez Bill and opposition to the Markey Bill.  Contact Senator John Flanagan to voice your support of the Kruger Bill and opposition to the Duane Bill.  Together our voices will make a difference for who we are and what we do as the Catholic Church. 

More information on these bills can also be found at the Diocese of Rockvile center’s website at http://www.drvc.org/statute-of-limitations/index.php

Contact information for Assemblyman Fitzpatrick and Senator Flanagan is as follows:

Senator John J. Flanagan
flanagan@senate.state.ny.us
260 Middle Country Road
Suite 203
Smithtown, NY 11787
631-361-2154
Assemblyman Michael Fitzpatrick
fitzpam@assembly.state.ny.us
50 Route 111
Suite 202
Smithtown, NY 11787
631-724-2929

Pro-Life News

There are two pieces of legislation which we all should be aware of in our definse of human life. These are:

The Freedom of Choice Act (FOCA)
(Federal Level) which would:
  • Require states to allow brutal partial-birth abortions and other late term abortions.
  • Require tax funding of abortion on demand, even when used as a method of birth control.
  • Deny parents an opportunity to be involved in their minor daughters’ abortion decision.
  • Require all doctors and hospitals to perform abortions against their consciences.
  • Eradicate the ban on Partial Birth Abortion which was affirmed by the U.S. Supreme Court, and 122 state laws restricting PBA, late term abortions, parental notification and consent for a minor seeking an abortion.

Please contact your elected officials listed below:

President Barak H. Obama
Send Web-based Email
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue Northwest
Washington, DC 20500
Phone: 202-456-1414
Phone: 202-456-1111
Fax: 202-456-2461
Senator Kirsten E. Gillibrand
kirsten_gillibrand@gillibrand.senate.gov
531 Dirksen Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
Phone: 202-224-4451
Fax: 202-228-0282
Senator Charles L. Schumer
Send Web-based Email
313 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
Phone: 202-224-6542
Fax: 202-228-3027
Representative. Tim Bishop
Send Web-based Email
Washington, D.C. Address
225 Cannon House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
Phone: 202-225-3826
Fax: 202-225-3143
The Reproduction Health and Privacy Act (RHAPP)
(State Level) which would:
  • This radical legislation could force doctors to perform abortions, force all hospitals to allow abortions, deny parents involvement in abortion decisions of their children and much more.

Please contact and to express your opposition.

Govenor David Paterson
Send Web-based Email
State Capitol
Albany, NY 12224
Phone: 518-474-8390
 
Assembly Member Michael Fitzpatrick
fitzpam@assembly.state.ny.us
Legislative Office Building 544
Albany, NY 12248
Phone: 518-455-5021
 
Senator John J. Flanagan
flanagan@senate.state.ny.us
260 Middle Country Road, Suite 203
Smithtown, NY 11787
Phone: 631-361-2154
Fax: 631-361-5367

More information on how to contact our elected officials is available at the rectory, 265-2271.


 

Fr. Walden

From the Pastor's Desk:

Last weekend there was a lot of excitement in the sports world with the US Open golf championship being played at the Black Course in Bethpage here on Long Island.  People were going early in the morning to park and get to the course, even in the rain.  Volunteers paid for what they had to wear. Spectators spent $150 per ticket to get in.  People worked hard to squeegee the rain off the greens so the professional golfers could play.  Players and fans got wet, walked through mud and put up with a lot of inconvenience to be there.  As I was looking at the final results, the players who were listed last on the money list in the paper (the 40th and 41st people) won $32,492.  That’s not bad for four days “work,” even if it was in the rain.

I enjoy playing golf, watching it on TV and reading about it. It certainly generates a lot of enthusiasm.  As I look at that situation I ask, “What can we do to get so excited about our faith?  What can we do to get so enthused about coming to mass every Sunday?”  At mass we are in the presence of someone who is much more powerful and awesome than any golfer or other athlete.  We come into the presence of God through Jesus Christ.  In today’s gospel we see two people seeking him out in their time of need.  The man called Jairus has a daughter who is at death’s door and asks Jesus to come and put his hands on her so she will be healed.  Jairus was a synagogue official.  Most of them looked at Jesus with skepticism, suspicion, doubt and disregard.  In his desperation and love for his daughter Jairus rose above these negative associations and appealed to Jesus.  The response of Jesus was immediate.  He started on the way with Jairus to the home where the daughter was.  On the way Jesus encounters another desperate person, a woman who had been bleeding for twelve years and had found no cure or relief despite her efforts with the doctors of her time.  As strong as her desire for relief and healing is, her faith is even stronger.   She believes that if she just touches the cloak of Jesus she will be healed.  And that is exactly what happened.  Jesus felt divine power going out of him and asked who touched him.   The woman came forward with fear and fell at Jesus’ feet admitting she was the one.  Jesus response was one of joy for him and for her, “Daughter, your faith has saved you.  Go in peace and be cured of your affliction.”

Jesus cured the woman and raised the little girl from the dead.  In both instances those seeking his help truly believed he could bring healing and life.  What excitement, enthusiasm, and joy to be noticed, acknowledged and touched by him.   This is the same Jesus who longs to touch our hearts and minds with his loving presence.  We readily turn to him in our desperate and trying moments.  In doing so we acknowledge that there are things that are beyond our control.  We do not turn to Jesus because there is no where else to turn.  We turn to him because we know he will give us what we need.  That is not always what we seek or want.  But like anyone who loves us, he knows even more what is good for us.  The healing comes when we see how we have weathered the desperate and stormy moments of life.  Those moments of light lead us to see how blessed we truly are.  Not only do we thank God for being with us in our struggles, we thank him for all that is good in our lives.  One of the sevenfold gifts of the Holy Spirit is wonder and awe.  When we see how we are touched by Jesus we cannot help but express joyful gratitude for all that we are, the people in our lives, and the life that we have.  We do put time and energy into what is important to us.  In Jesus we see how God has put the ultimate time and energy in for us.

Last week in the second reading St. Paul expressed his joyful faith as he said, “The love of Christ impels us.”  Realizing how patient, merciful and generous he had been with his love, St. Paul is transformed not only to thank and praise God but also to be impelled and driven to love in the same way.  That is gratitude that leads to enthusiasm, joy and passion in life.  This week in the second reading St. Paul says, “For you know the gracious act of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, for your sake he became poor, so that by his poverty you might become rich.”  That is the God we worship at mass and who feeds us with his Word and very self in the sacrament of the eucharist.  How can we not be enthused, grateful and eager to be at mass.  To be touched by God is to become rich.  Jesus was not depleted or emptied of life when he gave his life on the cross for us.  It is that giving that makes both the giver and receiver truly rich and fully alive.  It is that giving that we imitate, enabling us to experience joy that only unconditional love can evoke.

This past Wednesday Fr. Peter Dugandzic, who has helped us for the past four months, left for his new assignment as pastor of Blessed Sacrament Parish in Valley Stream.  During his stay with us he also taught two courses in moral theology at St. Joseph’s Seminary in the diocese of New York.  He also received his diploma as a Doctor of Moral Theology from Academia Alfonsiana in Rome.  In the name of all of us, I thank him for his priestly presence among us and congratulate him on his degree.  May God bless him in his new assignment as pastor of Blessed Sacrament Church.  At this point we have no one to replace him.  Fr. Robert, who was with us last summer, is coming once again on July 3rd to help us for the summer. We look forward to his priestly presence with us.

Fr. Walden
Father Walden  


St. Patrick's Vision Statement:

The Roman Catholic Community of St. Patrick, Smithtown sees itself as:

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

© 2009 St. Patrick's Parish
280 East Main Street, Smithtown, NY 11787
(631) 265 - 2271