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

Smithtown, NY

Sunday, October 11th, 2009
Twenty-Eighth Sunday
in Ordinary Time

 

 Stand Up for Life

(Top 2 Rows)  Last Sunday, St. Patrick’s parishioners were among thousands across the country taking part in the Stand Up for Life event.  Participants held up signs along two Long Island locations - Route 25 and Route 110 in Huntington and Long Island Expressway exit 70 N/S in Manorville.  The event is part of a national campaign to give a voice to defenseless unborn children as well as to give support to young women in crisis pregnancies. 

On Sunday the 18th of October, St. Patrick’s Pro-Life Family will be sponsoring their Pro-Life Communion Breakfast after the 9:00 AM Mass.  See below for more information.

 

 Blessing of the Animals

Last Sunday, October 4th, was also the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, patron saint of animals.  Fr. Fred Hill once again blessed the animal of our parish.  Dogs, cats, birds and fish were among the animal friends present.

Parish highlights for October 11th, 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  

sunrise morning prayer cross

An Invitation to
Morning Prayer

Beginning October 1st
Thursdays Mornings
from 10 AM to 11 AM

Sister Eileen extends an invitation to all those who are seeking contemplation, prayer, quiet time and engagement with God to come aside and rest awhile. Please join us on Thursdays from 10 to 11 AM in the convent chapel, beginning October 1st.

Rosary with Blessed Mother Join us for a

An Family Rosary

Sunday, October 25th
 Immediately following
 the 5 PM Mass
  
Come unite with other families in prayer.
St. Michael Church of Brooklyn

St. Michael’s  Benefit Concert

Sunday, November 8th

St. Michael’s Parish in Brooklyn is holding a Benefit Concert featuring Karl Scully of The Irish Tenors and Deirdre Masterson of The Irish Sopranos on Sunday, November 8th at 3:30 PM.  The day will include a reception with an open bar, hors d’oeuvres, dessert and dancing. A bus will once again be provided for those from our parish who wish to attend.

What is the St. Patrick’s connection with St. Michael’s?  Several years ago, Holy Mother Mary Council of the Knights of Columbus, St. Patrick’s council, learned that a young seminarian needed help.  His parents had died and his brothers and sisters, policemen and firemen, were struggling to help their youngest brother in the seminary.  The Knights rallied to his support and with God’s help he was ordained a priest.  This warm and loving priest came out to Smithtown to say an outdoor Mass every summer in gratitude for the Knights’ help, even bringing bagels from Brooklyn.  Soon, Fr. Patrick was named pastor of an aging church in the Sunset Park section of Brooklyn.  The church, which was at the time “everything” to the immigrants from Ireland and Italy, is now home to another phase of immigrants.  It is being lovingly restored and repaired by this giving priest.  One way Father raises money is by arranging a fundraising concert, featuring well known musicians.  Father reaches out to friends in Smithtown, the NYPD and NYFD and others to help sell tickets.  Devoted St. Michael’s parishioners volunteer to usher, clean up, serve, etc.  After the concert, there is a reception.  Father joins those in attendance.  His warm and thankful presence adds to the spirit of the day.  Please join in supporting the good people of St. Michael’s and a wonderful priest.  The cost for the concert, reception and bus transportation is $120.  The bus will leave St. Patrick’s at 1 PM.  For more information or to reserve your spot, call Tom or Eileen

Fr. Fred Hill’s
 Fr. Fred Hill’s Christmas Dinner Dance

Holiday for Children Dinner Dance

Friday, November 6th
from 7 to 11:30 PM in the Gym

Fr. Fred’s annual fundraiser helps provide Christmas gifts
for needy children and their families in our area.

Buffet Dinner
Open Bar
Dancing

Tickets: $40 per person
(Hurry! Tables of 10 sell out quickly!)

For tickets, call Fr. Fred at the rectory, 265-2271.

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

Coffee and Conversation

Sunday, October 18th

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, October 20th
7:30 to 8:30 PM in the church

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.”

Holy Mother Mary Knights of Columbus presents

Deck the Halls &
De-Stress Your Holidays

An Inspirational Talk
presented by
Ron Villano, M.S., LMHC, ASAC

Friday, November 13th
at 7:30 PM
at the Council House
130 Lake Ave. South, Nesconset

Wine, Cheese & Conversation to follow

Ron Villano

Ron Villano is a leading expert in working through change.  As a father who lost his 17-year-old son in a car accident, he always speaks from the heart.  As a licensed psychotherapist and life coach, he counsels others on how to work through difficult times.  As a national speaker and author of The Zing, Ron has appeared before sold-out audiences throughout the country and is currently featured on the new Verizon FiOS1 network.  His funny, captivating and approachable style creates the powerful, life-changing moments you have been looking for.

Learn more about Ron Villano at his website www.ronvillano.com.

Tickets: $10 per person, seating is limited

For tickets or more information,
call Ed Masak at 516-967-3192
or John Vigilante at 631-484-5929

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. 

Knights of Columbus

KofC Breakfast Platter

Join the Knights for Breakfast!

on Sunday, October 25th
from 9 to 11:30 AM
at the Council House
130 Lake Ave. South, Nesconset

The Knights will be offering
sausage, eggs, bagels and more!

Our “Breakfast Cafe” will run continuously from 9 to 11:30 AM.
(Last serving to follow the 10:30 AM Mass)

Cost: $5 per person; $10 per family

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

Catholic Daughters Logo

Catholic Daughters
Court Queen of the Universe #1702 presents a

Chinese Auction

Wednesday, October 21st
at 7 PM in Canning Hall

Admission cost of $7 includes Coffee, tea & cake
Also some free chances and prizes!

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 .

Downloadable Event Flyers and Registration Form:

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

Last Supper Banner
 
206 Tours Logo
 
Shroud of Turin -- head
Oberammergau
Passion Play
Shroud of Turin
The Last Supper
Milan, Salzburg, Vienna

Friday, May 21 thru Sunday, May 30, 2010

$3999 per person from New York ( plus airport taxes)
w/ Fr. Mickey Bancroft
www.206tours.com/frmickey or 800-206-8687
Passion Play and Tour Locales
Fashion Models
 
St. Patrick School Parent - Teacher Partnership presents

“Fall Into Fashion”

Tuesday November 10th
at the Watermill Caterers in Smithtown

A night of fashion, fun and fine-dining for $50.00 per person.

For information, please call Mary McKee at 724-9031.

 
St. Patrick Youth

Time Marches On

For those of you who were away during the summer months . . . welcome back!  St. Patrick Youth was busy all summer and never missed a beat.  Summer Camp, Vacation Bible School, Softball, Baseball, Summer Hoops for boys and girls and our Kickline and Basketball camps kept the staff  busy!!

As Fall arrives we find that we are housing one of our largest Deck Hockey Programs ever.  Thanks to our coordinators, coaches and refs who hit the ground running.  Let’s hope the weather cooperates for all of our games.  We replaced our scoreboard and roof on the dek, as the elements have taken their toll over the past decade.  Thanks to all involved and their efforts to accomplish this.

Children’s Choir and Folk Group have resumed their practices, which are now held on Sunday evenings.  Our Youth Ministry saw more than 20 new faces on our new Friday evening meetings.  We are excited about our new program.  A special thanks to Marilyn Webster and the music staff who assisted us over the summer and filled our spot at the 9:00 AM Mass.

Catholic High School Prep courses are underway for those students taking the exam on Halloween.  Our Playtime with Mommy and Before/Aftercare programs are at capacity…we have been blessed with so many wonderful children and parents.

Please contact the Youth Office if you have any questions regarding our programs.  We may be viewed on www.stpatsyouth.com.  By mid-October we will be going “live” with on-line registration for our programs.  See you soon!

Cynthia Marsh St. Patrick Youth Administrator

St. Patrick’s was once again a place where hundreds of young people gathered during the summer for a wide variety of activities.  Our Youth Community continues to strive be a safe, healthy place for our young people.  Our fall programs are now underway.

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?
Fr. Walden

From the Pastor's Desk:

“The root of joy is gratefulness..... It is not joy that makes us grateful, it is gratitude that makes us joyful.”  This quote from “Ruthless Trust” by Brennan Manning sheds light on for on an experience I had last weekend and on this Sunday’s gospel.  Last weekend I joined with hundreds of others to stand along Route 110 in Huntington in witness to life.  Our purpose was to witness the sanctity of life and at the same time to speak out against abortion and all else that harms or abuses human life.  After reading the above quote I realized that to witness in the best way we must first be grateful for the gift of life.  That sounds so simple but it is so necessary if we are to see who we are and to be fully alive.  Each day is a gift we can appreciate simply because we are alive.  Even more than the beauty of nature we are uplifted by the goodness and love of others.  What a blessing to be known and loved as we are right now.  God in his love does not wait for us to be what we think he expects of us, he loves us as we are right now.  The clearest statement we can make in the name of life is first and foremost to be grateful to God for life and the world we live in.  That gratitude is the foundation for any work in defense of life and any statement against abortion or abuse.

It is recognizing that all is a gift, beginning with life itself, that helps us to understand the point Jesus is making in today’s gospel.  A man comes up and asks Jesus what he must do to inherit eternal life.  The first part of Jesus answer is basic - obey the commandments.  When the man says he has done all that Jesus looks on him with love and challenges him to take the next step: “Go sell what you have and give to the poor and you will have treasure in heaven.”  The gospel tells us that the man left sad because he had many possessions.  Our society is often called a consumer society.  Advertisements continually bombard us from every angle encouraging us to buy and acquire.  The underlying message is that we need possessions to be happy and find security.  While we need to be prudent and be responsible with what we have, we must look at our attitude with our possessions and our drive to own and possess.  We work hard to get where we are and to acquire what we have.  But instead of giving us a sense of security that enables us to reach out to others, they all too often make us want to protect and defend what we have.  That attitude easily leads us to be suspicious of anyone who might need or want what we have.  When that happens our hearts are closed and cold.  There is no life in us, only fear, suspicion and anxiety.

To keep our possessions in perspective gratitude is key.  We have what we have first of all because we are alive.  The basic foundation is the gift of life.  True joy comes from gratitude and naturally leads us to share our joy.  Our possessions do not own us, we own them and use them for our good and the good of all those God entrusts to us.  We know the joy that comes from giving to others without counting the cost.  Their gratitude fills them with joy and at the same time increases our joy.  It is not what we have that brings us security, but what we do with what we have that brings peace.  As much as gratitude is the foundation of that peace, its by products are love and hope.

There is no clearer example of giving than Jesus offering his life on the cross for us.  His willingness to do this for us brings us to mass and to pray with humble gratitude.  Our words of gratitude strengthen our faith and open our minds and hearts to the joy that comes from such love.  This gratitude enables us to go far beyond obeying the commandments.  We want to do far more than avoid killing, adultery and lying.  True life and satisfaction comes from jumping with both feet into the joys, sorrows, challenges and problems of the lives of one another.  It is this willingness to live with one another in love that shows we have the spirit of wisdom that comes only from the gift of God’s Spirit.

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.

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