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Statue of St. Patrick in the Church
Logo for St. Patrick’s Parish of Smithtown

Smithtown, NY

Sunday, September 13th, 2009
Twenty-Fourth Sunday
in Ordinary Time

Parish highlights for September 13th, 2009

St Patrick’s of Smithtown

Welcome to the Parish


 
Fr. Walden

A Message from Msgr. Walden Regarding Changes Due to the Flu Season

Blessed with the gift of faith, we come to mass each week and sometimes every day for our spiritual nourishment and spiritual health.  With the current concern about the flu season coming and the swine flu, we need to be prudent and take steps to make sure we are doing what we can to prevent the spread of germs at our masses and gatherings.  In reflecting on this situation and talking with many people, including our Parish Council, we will make some temporary changes in what we do at mass and in our church until the flu season is over.  We have ordered hand sanitizers for each of the doors in the church which anyone can use who enters or leaves the church.  During this time we will not offer the Precious Blood from the cup, since many mouths touch the cup for the reception of the Blood of Christ.  We will install a hand sanitizer on the wall in back of the altar and all those distributing communion will wash their hands before and after they distribute the Body of Christ in the hosts.  At the sign of peace we encourage you to turn to the people next to you who are not your family and nod with your head and say, “Peace be with you.”  At the end of mass the priests will be at the door and greet you.  If you wish to shake our hands that is fine.  Know that we will wash our hands frequently.  These are temporary measures for good health and concern for one another.  As soon as the flu season is over we will return to our present practices.

Fr. Walden
Father Walden  

Reminder Regarding our Church Tile Work

Under Construction Sign

From now until September 25th, our church will be closed on weekdays to allow for the replacement of the floor tiles.  Weekday masses will be celebrated in the Emmaus Room.  For our weekend masses, part of the church will be roped off.  Please do not walk in this area.  Overflow masses will be celebrated in Canning Hall for the 5 PM Saturday and 10:30 AM and 12 Noon Masses on Sunday if need be.  More information on how the tile work will affect our parish scheduling is available in Fr. Walden’s letter in the August 2nd bulletin. 

The letter may be accessed online at:  
www.stpatricksmithtown.org/home/archive/home_-_2009-08-02/#DESK

Now that school is open and our religious education classes will start, we will have the following procedure for coming to weekday mass in the Emmaus Room.  This procedure will be followed until we return to the church building on September 29th.

The outside entrance into the school hall will remain the same: the doors on the southwest corner of the school.  These doors will be open for 6:45 AM mass each day and locked at 7:30 AM.  They will be reopened at 8:45 AM and locked at 9:45 AM.  They will be reopened at 11:45 AM and locked at 12:45 PM.  The school will not be open during the day for visits to the Blessed Sacrament.  On Saturday, September 19th and Saturday, September 26th the southwest doors will be opened at 8:45 AM and locked after mass at 9:45 AM since children will be in the building at that time for our religious education program. On Monday evenings beginning September 14th, we will open the southwest doors at 7:00 PM and lock them at 8:15 PM. We are following this procedure to keep the school secure.  A new security system has been installed for the safety of the children who are entrusted to us.  I apologize for any inconvenience.  This procedure is only for three weeks since the work on the church should be completed by September 28th. I ask for your cooperation and understanding for the safety of the children and the security of our school building. Weekday Mass in Emmaus Room - Now through September 28th.

Thank you for your patience and cooperation!

St. Francis of Assisi

Blessing of the Animals

Sunday, October 4th
at 3 PM by the Playground area

You and your favorite animal friends are cordially invited to the Blessing of the Animals on Sunday, October 4th, the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi, patron saint of animals. Fr. Fred Hill will once again give all animals a special blessing. (Dog owners, please leash your dogs.)

The Parish of St. Patrick invites all our parishioners who are celebrating their 25th, 40th, 50th or 55th-plus Wedding Anniversary this year to a special Mass on Sunday, October 11th at 1:15 PM, followed by a reception in Canning Hall. Interested couples should fill out this form and mail it or drop it off at the rectory, Attention: St. Patrick Wedding Anniversary, by October 2nd.

St. Patrick’s
Adult Faith Formation
presents
Course Offerings for 2009-10

Bible with with shadow of cross

If you are interested in learning more about your faith or earning a Basic or Advanced Theology Certificate, St. Patricks is offering the following courses during the 2009-10 school year.  Courses are open to all adults.  There are no prerequisites.  Parishioners may attend free of charge.  For non-parishioners there is a $10 charge for a basic course and a $15 fee for an advanced course.

“Church as a Pilgrim People”

(Advanced Course in Church/Spirituality)
Classes held on the the following Thursdays:
September 10th, 24th, October 1st, 8th & 15th
from 7:30 to 9 PM in Room 104 of St. Patrick School
Instructor: Mrs. Beverly Bienemann

The Course will explore the question; What does it mean to be church?  Models of the church will be examined.

Christology

(Basic Course)
Classes held on the the following Wednesdays:
September 16th, 23rd, 30th, October 7th & 14th
from 7:30 to 9:30 PM in Room 108 of St. Patrick School
Instructor: Mrs. Elaina Kedjierski

Learn how scripture, tradition and church teaching have described and defined the identity and mission of Jesus Christ.  Participants will reflect on the role of images of Jesus in Catholic faith and spirituality.

Other Upcoming Course Offerings

Also mark your calendar for more upcoming courses:

  • Hebrew Scriptures
    (Basic Course)
    Wednesdays, January 13th, 20th, 27th, February 3rd & 10th
  • The Covenant Relationship:
         “You Will Be My People and I Will Be Your God,”
    (Advanced Scripture/Morality Course)
    Wednesdays, April 21st, 28th, May 5th, 12th & 19th

For more information or to register for the courses, call Becky at the rectory, 265-2217, or register the first evening of the course.

Coffee and Croissants
St. Patrick’s Singles Fellowship
invites all 30-60+ Singles to
(widowed, separated, divorced,
never married) to

Coffee and Conversation

Sunday, September 20th

At 10 AM, after the 9 AM Mass

Please join with us in the Youth Enrichment Center
located behind the school, opposite the convent.
Cost: $2.00
For information, call 265-2668.

St. Patrick’s Pro-Life Family

Hosts a Monthly Holy Hour

Sacred Heart of Jesus Sacred Heart of Mary

 
 
Adoration
 
 
Thanksgiving
 
 
Reparation
 
 
Petition

Tuesday, September 15th
7:30 to 8:30 PM in the church
Due to construction in the church,
the Holy Hour will be held in the Emmaus Room.

Jesus said, “My soul is sorrowful even to death.  Remain here and keep watch.”  He advanced a little and fell to the ground and prayed that if it were possible the hour might pass by Him; he said “Abba, Father, all things are possible to you.  Take this cup away from me, but not what I will but what you will.”  When he returned he found them asleep.  He said to Peter, “Simon, are you asleep?  Could you not keep watch for one hour?  Watch and pray thay you may not undergo the test.  The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak.”

The hour begins with the Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, followed by the recitation of the Rosary to end abortion and concludes with Benediction.

For more information on Pro-Life works of mercy, please contact Marguerite Sperduto at 724-0714.

Please join us as we “keep watch and pray.”

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
Are you a card carrying member of our parish?
Stylized St. Patrick Membership Card
At St. Patrick’s we don’t have membership cards because everyone is always welcome! But if you attend or are planning on attending Mass here, and are NOT registered with the parish, please fill out a registration form and return it to the Rectory. Please help us get to know you better so that you can best take advantage of everything our parish has to offer.

St. Patrick’s Weather

Jesus with the little children

Religious Formation Center Updates

RFC updates & events

Religious Formation Calendar

Download Center

Mass For The Dead
The
Mass
Book
for
2013
will open on
January 18th
Stop by the Rectory to order Masses for your departed loved ones.  Please note that the Mass Book fills quickly.
Monstrance

Exposition
of
the
Blessed
Sacrament

 
Friday, February 3rd
First Friday of the Month
We will have Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament following the 12:10 PM Mass until 3:30 PM in the church.  The Chaplet of Divine Mercy will be recited at 3:00PM.  Please join us as we adore our Lord Jesus.
Rosary Crusade Mary
First
Saturday
Devotion

Saturday, February 4th
8:15 AM
In the Church

Join us in praying the Rosary.

Our Lady came to Fatima with a message from God to every man, woman, and child of our century. Our Lady of Fatima promised that the whole world would be in peace, and that many souls would go to Heaven if Her requests were listened to and obeyed. Please join us in this devotion.

Detailed information on how to participate in this devotion will be available in the Church.

Happy Anniversary

Marriage Vow Renewals

 
Married in January?
Please join us at the
Sunday, February 5th
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, February 3rd
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 804-7222.
Rosary Crusade Mary
Invites all to join them for their
Monthly Meeting.
Monday, February 6th
 
Agenda: Recitation of the Rosary at 7:00 PM Mass at 7:30 PM
Mass will be followed by Novena prayers.
After Mass, all will gather in Canning hall for a Business Meeting / Valentine’s Party. Please Join us!
Sacred Heart of Jesus

Sacred Heart Prayer Group

Tuesday Evenings
at 7:30 PM in the church.

The Sacred Heart Prayer group is a charismatic prayer group that meets every Tuesday evening at 7:30 PM.We are looking for new members, young and old……All would be welcomed. We would especially like to reach out to anyone who might like to join our music ministry. If you play the guitar or sing, we would love for you to join us! If you have any questions, call Barbara Hall at (631) 366- 0252.

All are invited to attend!
Catholic Daughters Logo

Catholic Daughters Court 1702

Monthly Meeting

If you interested in being a part of a vibrant group of women who faithfully support the work of the church and help those in need, consider becoming a “Catholic Daughter”.  Feel free to stop by the next Catholic Daughter Meeting:

Monday, January 23th
following the 7:30pm Novena Mass.
Gift From God Baby
Pro-Life Family
Monthly Meeting
 Tuesday, January 31st
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, January 21st
after the 8 PM Mass.

Join us for a night of prayer in front of the Sacred Sacrament.  The first vigil (hour of prayer) will begin immediately after the 8 PM Saturday night Mass.  Parishioners are encouraged to stay after Mass for Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and may pray privately or with the Nocturnal Adoration group.  The first vigil will be from 9 PM to 10 PM.  The vigils will continue throught the night.  The last one will be from 6 AM to 7 AM followed by Benediction and the 7:30 AM Mass.  All are invited to participate. Come and spend sometime with our Lord Jesus.

Singles Coffee

St. Patrick’s Singles Fellowship Gathering

All singles are invited to refreshments & conversation
Sunday, January 15th
at 10:00 AM
(after the 9 AM Mass)
Youth Enrichment Center
Donation: $5.00

Hospitality Sunday

Coffee and Croissants
February 5th
after the
9 AM & 10:30 AM Masses

St. Patrick’s celebrate’s
“Hospitality Sunday.” 
Please join us for
coffee and cake. 
Cost: $2.00. 
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.

Knights of Columbus Tilted Logo small

Knights of Columbus Membership Drive

After all Weekend Masses on September 19th & 20th

The Holy Mother Mary Council of the Knights of Columbus along with sister organization, the Columbiettes, form a vital and vibrant part of our parish and local community.  The Knights sponsor such events as the annual Beach Mass and the Smithtown Memorial Day Parade.  The Knights also support the work of other parish and community organizations such as the Pro-Life Family during the annual March for Life in Washington D.C., the Lobster Fest, and other liturgical, charitable and social events.  Support is also given to men following the call to the priesthood or deaconate.

The Knights offer members and their guests social gatherings, family film nights for the kids, field trips, an adult mens’ softball team, Monday Night Football, picnics, and scholarships to colleges and Catholic High Schools. More importantly, the Knights offer men the chance to come together in fellowship and find better ways to serve their families, church and community.  The Knights meet every second and fourth Tuesday of the month at 7:30 PM at the council house.

The Knights will be holding a membership drive the weekend of September 19th & 20th. If you are interested in becoming a Knight, members will be available at the church exits to answer any questions you may have. Information is also available at membership@holymothermarykoc.org or by calling John Vigilante at 631-484-5929.

Baby Holding Finger

Please note the date change and mark your calendar for the

St. Patrick’s Pro-Life Family

Annual Communion Breakfast

Sunday, October 18th
after the 9AM Mass in Canning Hall

Guest Speaker: George Frost, Professor of Political Thought & Economics,
Suffolk Community College,

will speak on “Reaching High School & College Students: A Pro-Life Message”

and
a message from the 2009 High School Oratory Contest Winner

Adults: $15
Youth 18 & Under: $5
Family of three or more: $35

Proceeds will defray expense of bus to the March For Life in Washington D.C. on January 22, 2010.

For information and reservations call Ignatius Rienzo at 265-1081

Pro-life Stand Up for Life with Msgr. Walden

Long Island Coalition for Life

 

Stand Up For Life

Sunday, October 4th
from 2 to 3:30PM

Join with thousands across the country in standing up for the defenseless unborn at the 12th Annual Stand Up for Life event.  Sponsored by the Long Island Coalition for Life, the event is a part of a national campaign to give a voice to the unborn as well as support to women in crisis pregnancies.  The event will be held in two locations:

Along Route 110 and Route 25
Huntington, Long Island, NY

SUFL, East - LIE, Exit 70N/S
Manorville, NY

Signs will be distributed at both locations.

You Are Cordially Invited. . .

Golf Outing Logo

St. Patrick’s Golf Outing and Dinner

Honoring the Clergy and Religious of St. Patrick’s

Friday October 16th, 2009

Enjoy an afternoon of golf at the Tall Grass Country Club in Shoreham, NY.  Refreshments will be provided during the event.  Afterwards, a dinner in honor of our priests and nuns will be held at the Smithtown Elk’s Club.

If you can not join us for a day on the links, you are invited to attend the dinner at the Elk’s Club. 

golf banner

Sponsorships/Tee Signs/Dedication Memory Signs available

Voluteers are needed for the event.

More information is available at the golf outing website golf.stpatricksmithtown.org .

To sponsor the event, volunteer or to get more information, please call John Mangione at 631-513-5382.

Retired Priest assisted by Nurse

St. Pius Enriched Living Facility Fund

Special Collection, September 19th & 20th

“Caring for Those Who Cared for Us”

On September 19th & 20th, we will have our inaugural special second collection for the retired priests of our Diocese who are residing at St. Pius X Enriched Living Facility in Amityville.

There are currently 116 retired priests in our Diocese.  Many of these faith-filled men are living independently in parishes or their own homes and continue to serve God and the people of Long Island in varied and important ways.  A much smaller group requires intensive medical support and is lovingly being cared for in skilled nursing home  facilities.  There is, however, another group of retired priests who require assistance with daily living in order to ensure that they can live their senior lives as actively and fully engaged members of our community.

To accommodate these priests, our Diocese has created an innovative enriched living facility to replace the former St. Pius X Residence in Uniondale.  The new facility, also called St. Pius X, is located within Dominican Village in Amityville and can accommodate 19 to 20 of our retired priests.  It offers wheelchair accessibility, nutrition counseling, transportation into town, and computerized emergency call systems.  In addition to these necessities, St. Pius X in Amityville allows our retired priests to live together in community, in a setting that fosters their spiritual lives, nurtures their physical and mental well-being, and guarantees that they can continue to live their older years with dignity.

Over the last twenty-four years, we have generously assisted in supporting the needs of the members of our local religious communities through the Retired Religious Collection for brothers and sisters.  Let us extend this same gratitude to our priests, servants of our Lord, for their decades of dedicated service to us.  Please prayerfully consider a donation, as generous as your means will allow, to the St. Pius X Enriched Living Facility Fund.  You may use your envelope to place this donation in the mail or drop in the collection basket next weekend, the weekend of September 19th & 20th.

On behalf of all the priests who serve our diocese, thank you for your generosity.

Catholic High Scool Open House

You are invited to explore the benefits of a Catholic High School Education.
Please feel free to visit our schools during the time and dates listed below:

Saturday, Sept. 19th
Sunday, Sept. 20th
 
Sunday, Sept. 27th
 
Saturday, Oct. 3rd
 
 
Saturday, Oct. 17th
 
 Our Lady of Mercy Academy
 St. Anthony’s High School
 St. Dominic High School
 Holy Trinity H.S.
 St. Mary’s College Prep H.S.
 Sacred Heart Academy
 Kellenberg Memorial H.S.
 Chaminade H.S.
 McGann-Mercy Dioc. H.S.
 St. John the Baptist Dioc. H.S.
11:00 AM to 1:30 PM
10:00 AM to 1:00 PM
1:00 PM to 4:00 PM
12:00 PM to 2:30 PM
2:00 PM to 4:30 PM
9:00 AM to 12:00 PM
10:00 AM to 1:00 PM
2:00 PM to 4:00 PM
10:00 AM to 1:00 PM
10:30 AM to 2 PM
 
CMA Voice of our Youth Essay Contest Banner

2009 “Voice of our Youth” Essay Contest

How do you see the Catholic Ministries Appeal at work in your community, your school, your parish?

We want to hear from you!  Send us your essay and our judging panel will select a winning essay from all entries.

The winning essay will be printed in our Newsletter, The Long Island Catholic and posted on the Diocese Web Site - www.drvc.org.   You and your family will also be invited to a special CMA “Thank You” event at the end of  the year, where you will be given the opportunity to read your essay aloud.

Did you know? Every year because of the Catholic Ministries Appeal we are able to serve more than 500,000 people in our Long Island community.  For more information about the Catholic Ministries Appeal, you can visit our Web Site at: www.drvc.org.

Contest Rules:

  • Essay entries should be no longer than 1,000 words
  • Contest is open to all youth ages 12-17
  • All entries must be received by October 1, 2009
  • Essays can be submitted via email to:
           bkilarjian@drvc.org
    or Mail to:
           Barbara Kilarjian-Essay Contest
           Director Marketing & Development
           Offce of  Institutional Advancement
           Diocese of  Rockville Centre
           PO Box 9023
           Rockville Centre, NY 11571-9023
Food Pantry Goods St. Patrick’s Parish Outreach

Help Restock Our Pantry!

Tough economic times have placed a strain on our pantry.  We are in need of many items.  During your next shopping trip, please consider helping those who are in need at this time.  In order to service our recipients with food, we are in dire need of bags. Other items we desperately need include:

Meats
Vegetables
Canned Fruit
Cookies
Crackers
Pancake Mix & Syrup
Pasta & Jarred Sauces
Canned Tuna, Salmon
Tissues*
Toilet Tissue*
Feminine Hygiene Items*
Shampoo*
Diapers (sizes 4,5,or 6)*

( * Please keep in mind that many of these items may not be purchased with food stamps.)

Peanut Butter
Jelly
Juice
Ketchup
Shelf Stable Milk
Mayonnaise
Mustard
Snack Foods

Note: Parish Outreach has a freezer which allows us to accept meats and frozen goods.  Please drop off frozen items between 9 AM and 1 PM, Monday through Friday, so they can be placed in the freezer immediately.

If you have a surplus amount of vegetables, please consider sharing them with the needy.  Please bring your fresh vegetables to the Outreach Office.

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.

Want to know more?

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.


 
Linda Pymm

From the Desk of Linda Pymm

(During the summer, Msgr. Walden’s column was written by members of the pastoral staff. We conclude this week with a message from Linda Pymm.)

 
What Makes My Job Worthwhile

When Monsignor Walden asked the staff on the Pastoral Team to write a column for the summer bulletin I wasn’t quite sure what I would write about until this morning.  As I write this, it is the beginning of August and quite frankly I can’t wait for school to start again.  I will continue to enjoy the beach and the rest of the summer but I can’t wait to see all of the students again.

As Assistant Principal, part of my job is to meet with prospective new students and their families.  Quite often I am asked what makes our school different from a public school.  Certainly it is not the curriculum, we all must follow New York State mandates, so what is it then?  It is not because we have high test scores although we do.  It is not because we offer Religion as a daily subject which sets us apart.  It is our sense of community as Catholics.  We pray together, attend the sacrifice of the Mass and receive the sacraments together.  It is the dedication of our teachers who probably could make twice as much if they were in public school... always striving to do better by continuing their own education.  To them this is not a job, it is a vocation, their way of serving God.  It is giving something extra.  All of this, is what makes us special.

I would like to share a story of a little Kindergärtner in our school.  It was the beginning of the school year.  I had gone into his classroom to visit.  This is one of my favorite things about my job, that I am free to visit with so many students.  I especially love the little ones who are so very innocent and say whatever it is they are feeling.  In this particular class there was a little boy who had been in our school since the three-year-old nursery program.  Whenever I had visited his classroom in the past, I would always say hello to Thomas and he would look down at his feet too shy to say anything or to even look at me.  Well on this particular day, as I was leaving the classroom, he tapped my arm.  I said “what is it Thomas?”  He said “Mrs. Pymm: I love you.”  My eyes filled with tears.  This is just one of the many happy memories that are etched in my heart.  It is what makes my job worthwhile.

Nine years ago when I went back to school to become an administrator, my plan was to eventually leave St. Patrick to become a principal.  Somewhere along the way, I realized that I could not leave our school.  It had become too much of my life.  I choose to stay here.  It probably is the most wonderful Catholic School in the Diocese.  Although it is not perfect it is a great place to be.  I thank God (most days) that I can get up every morning and come here to serve.  I wonder how many people are able to say that?

Linda Pymm St. Patrick School Asst. Principal

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.

© 2012 St. Patrick’s Parish
280 East Main Street, Smithtown, NY 11787
(631) 265 - 2271