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

Smithtown, NY

Sunday, December 20th, 2009
The Fourth Sunday of Advent

 The St. Patrick Youth Community Christmas Show

(Top Row)  The St. Patrick Youth Community put on their annual Christmas Show.

 Celebration of the Third Week of Advent

(Second Row, Left)  St. Patrick Parish celebrated the third week of Advent by lighting the third candle on the Advent wreath during all Masses last weekend.

 Bread for the World

(Second Row, Right)  St. Patricks was recently recognized by Bread for the World, a Christian organization that urges our nation’s decision makers to end hunger at home and abroad. Pictured are Stella Baker (left) and Fran Dolan, members of St. Patrick’s Peace and Justice Committee, who worked tirelessly asking parishioners to sign letters urging our representatives in Washington to vote yes to bills that would help alleviate hunger and poverty. Congratulations!

 Tree of Remembrance

(Row 3)  A very special Christmas tree stands in our church lobby this time of year - the Tree of Remembrance. The tree is decorated with stars containing the names of all those whose funerals took place at St. Patrick’s in the past year. Ribbons are available for those who would like to write the name of a loved one who has died and add that person to our tree.

 “Reach for a Star”

(Row 4)  Our parishioners helping transport “Reach for a Star” gifts to Parish Outreach.  All the stars on the trees (a record number) were taken.  Thank you to all who generously gave to those in our area under financial hardship.

 Choir Performs at Nursing Home

(Row 5, Left)  St. Patrick’s Choir performed at Sunrise Assisted Living in Smithtown, NY. The Choir takes time every year to help spread the spirit of the season to the senior members of our community.

 Annual Christmas Fair

(Row 5, Right)  St. Patrick School students shop at the annual Christmas Fair.

 National Night of Prayer for Life

(Row 6)  St. Patrick’s joined with churches throughout the country on Tuesday, December 8th for the National Night of Prayer for Life. St. Patrick’s Pro-Life Family hosted the event which ran from 9 PM to 1 AM. Members of various parish societies took turns leading those in attendance in prayer for the defenseless unborn. The hour from 12 midnight to 1 AM was the Hour of Unity when all churches taking part in the event were in prayer. Thank you to all who participated. Please continue to pray for the many innocent young lives at risk due to abortion.
Photos courtesy of Gregory A. Shemitz, 3VPhoto.com

 Young Carolers Sing at Nursing Home

(Row 7)  Young people from St. Patrick’s Folk Group, Children’s Choir and Youth Group sing Christmas caroles for residents of Nesconset Nursing Home.

Nativity Banner

O Come, O Come, Emmanuel

Parish highlights for December 20th, 2009

St Patrick’s of Smithtown

Welcome to the Parish


 

Christmas and New Year’s Schedule

Christ our Saviour is Born
 Christmas Vigil 
Thursday, December 24th
3:30 PM in the Church (Family Liturgy)
3:30 PM in Canning Hall
5:00 PM in the Church (Family Liturgy)
5:00 PM in Canning Hall
8:00 PM in Church
12 Midnight Church (see note)
Note: Please arrive by 11:15 PM for seating for our choir’s special presentation.
Nativity
 Christmas Day 
Friday, December 25th
7:30 AM, 9:00 AM, 10:30 AM,
12:00 Noon and 1:15 PM
(No 5 PM Mass Christmas Day)
The Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God
 
 The Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God 
Thursday, December 31st
5:00 PM Vigil Mass
Friday, January 1st
9:00 AM & 12:10 PM
Girl at Confession
 
 Confession Schedule 
Saturday, December 19th
3:45 to 4:45 PM
Monday, December 21st
6:00 PM to 9:00 PM
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

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.

Pray For Our Priests

Annus Sacerdotalis Logo - small

During this Year of the Priest, please remember to keep our priests in your prayers.  The Rockville Centre Apostolate of Prayer for Priests asks that you remember the following priests from our diocese in a special way in your prayers this week:

  • December 20th - Bishop James J. Daly
  • December 21st - Msgr. Thomas F. Mulvanerty & Rev. Gregory J. Cappuccino
  • December 22nd - Rev. William F. Brisotti & Rev. Francis X. Eisele
  • December 23rd - Rev. Francis G. Hourihane & Rev. Karl Esker C.Ss.R
  • December 24th - Rev. Josep Kadungamparambil & Rev. Vincent Cunningham SMM
  • Our Holy Father December 25th -
  • Rev. Francis J. Schneider & Rev. Rene O. Tapel December 26th -

“Our Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI, declared this Year for the Priest “precisely to encourage priests in this striving for spiritual perfection on which, above all, the effectiveness of their ministry depends . . .”

- Address of His Holiness announcing Year for Priests

March for Life - 2010

Pro-Life Ribbon

St. Patrick’s Pro-Life Family
will once again offer bus transportation
to the annual
 
March For Life
Friday, January 22nd, 2010
in Washington, D.C.

Mass at 4:00 AM
Continental Breakfast following Mass
Compliments of Holy Mother Mary Council
Knight of Columbus
 
Bus leaves St. Patrick’s Church at 5:00 AM
Seating is Limited
 
Cost: $20 per person
March to give a voice to the defenseless unborn.

Stand Up Now!
Unite for the Life Principles
-- No Exception! No Compromise! --
March for Life - 2009

For more information or to reserve your spot,
call Igatius Rienzo at 265-1081


Open bible shadowed by cross

St. Patrick’s Adult Faith Formation presents:

Hebrew Scriptures

A Basic Theology Course
Instructor: Mrs. Elaina Kedjierdski
5 Classes Held on Wednesdays Evenings
from 7:30 to 9 PM in the Emmaus Room
January 13th, 20th & 27th
and February 3rd & 10th

Learn more about your faith in our adult faith formation classes.  Our next course offering is Hebrew Scriptures.  In this course, participants are introduced to the major events, themes, and characters of the Hebrew Scriptures (old testament) and the basic principles of Catholic Bible study.

The course is free for parishioners, $10 for non-parishioners.  It may be used for credit toward a Basic Theology Certificate or for personal faith enrichment.  For more information or to register for the course, call Becky at the rectory, 265-2271.

Happy Anniversry

Happy Anniversary

On Sunday, January 3rd at the 12 noon Mass, all couples who are celebrating their anniversary during the month of November 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.

Coffee and Croissants

Hospitality Sunday

Sunday, January 3rd

after the 9 AM and 10:30 AM Masses

St. Patrick’s will celebrate Hospitality Sunday.  Please join with fellow parishioners outside the School/New Life Center for coffee and cake.  If the weather is inclement, join us in Canning Hall.  We look forward to seeing all of you there. 


Looking for the Perfect Christmas Gift?

St. Patrick Choir CD

Advent is here so Christmas can’t be far behind.  This year, give the gift of Christmas music, joyfully presented by our St. Patrick’s Choir.  Our choir is offering its CDs for the low price of two for $10.

If you would like to purchase CDs, see one of our choir members after the Sunday 10:30 AM Mass or leave a message for Lenny Scotto at 979-8478.

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

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; A Caseworker to give you the support needed to walk you through the red tape of Social Services; A ride when you need medical treatment; A Support Group for the Bereaved and Divorced & Separated; Eucharistic Ministers to bring Communion to the Homebound; Ministry of Prayer to pray for your intentions; Ministry of Consolation to support the family at the time of death;  LifeNet to offer support for a crisis pregnancy. We are privileged to serve you. .... (read more)

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

Social Ministry
Rainbows and Spectrum

Today in the United States, there are more than 20 million children living in a single parent family - more than that if you include those children in a step-family.  That is 1 in every 3 in our classrooms!  In time to come many more children will have had to cope with the anguish of losing one of their parents through death, divorce or being born out of wedlock.

Children learn from their hearts upward; thus, if a child hurts emotionally, he/she often has difficulty in school.  In addition, statistics already show that a vast majority of these grieving children are turning to drugs, alcohol and even suicide as a means of coping.

Through the support group, we hope to assist the child in expressing and understanding his/her feelings, feel acceptance for what has happened, and to feel a sense of belonging and love.  Because we are unable to answer their questions or solve their problems, we strive to accomplish this through the channels of peer support, nurturing adults to guide them, and a secure place to share themselves.

St. Patrick Parish Outreach is proud to announce the start of another year of Rainbows and Spectrum (the High School level).  Registration is now taking place.  Call Parish Outreach at 265-2668 for further information.

Mass For The Dead
Stop by the Rectory to order Masses for your departed loved ones.  Please note that the Mass Book fills quickly.
 
Friday, August 7th
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.
 
Saturday, August 7th
8:15 AM

Join us in praying the Rosary.

The First Saturday Devotion was first mentioned by Our Lady of Fatima on July 13, 1917. Eight years later, on December 10, 1925, Mary and the the Child Jesus appeared to Fatima visionary Lucia, again requesting this devotion, saying that “many souls will be saved and there will be peace.”

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

Happy Anniversary
Married in March?
Please join us at the
Sunday, September 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, September 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 981-3022.
Rosary Crusade Mary
Invites all to join them for their
Monthly Meeting.
Monday, September 6th
 
Agenda:
Rosary at 7 PM
Mass at 7:30 PM
Mass will be followed by Novena prayers.

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, September 20th
following the 7:30pm Novena Mass.
Gift From God Baby
Pro-Life Family
Monthly Meeting

Tuesday, July 27th
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, September 18th
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.

All singles are invigted to refreshments & conversation
Sunday, September 19th
10:00 AM
(after the 9 AM Mass)
Cost: $2.00
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.
St. Patrick’s Something for Seniors group meets on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday at 1 PM of every month at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 130 Lake Avenue South in Nesconset.
Wed., Sep. 8th
Wed., Sep. 22nd
at 1:00 PM
All are welcome!

Knights of Columbus - Holy Mother Mary Council #3958

Knights of Columbus Free Throw Contest

Free Throw Contest

For Boys and Girls
Ages 10 to 14
 
Sunday, January 16th
at 7:30 PM in Canning Hall

Knights of Cpolumbus Logo

The Knights of Columbus annual “Basketball Free Throw Contest”, sponsored by Holy Mother Mary Council, will be held on Saturday, January 16th at 7:30 p.m at Canning Hall.  Girls and boys between the ages of 10 and 14 are invited to participate in the contest.  Winners will represent the Council in the District contest and beyond.  Participants must have an adult with them to sign an entry form.

For more information, call Ed Garrone at 724-5509.

St. Patrick School Open House

Sunday, January 31st
from 1 to 3 PM
(following the 12 noon Mass)

If you are considering Catholic education for your child, this is an excellent opportunity to come and see what St. Patrick School is all about.  Established in 1966, St. Patrick School offers Catholic education for students in nursery to 8th grade.  The school offers Smartboards in every classroom (K - 8), middle school athletic competition in soccer, volleyball, basketball, cross country and baseball through the Catholic Middle School Athletic Association, and numerous extracurricular clubs and activities.  St. Patrick School adheres to both New York State and Diocese of Rockville Centre standards.  For more information, call 631-724-0285 or visit the school website at spssmith.org.

St. Patrick School Students

HELP OUR SCHOOL!

LFE Logo Boxtop Logo

Labels and Boxtops for St. Patrick School

If you use General Mills products or Campbell’s Soup products, what you might normally throw away can be a big help to St. Patrick School.  Each of these companies have a program through which schools can turn in product labels in exchange for school supplies.  St. Patrick School has already purchased numerous items for the school through the programs.  If you would like to help, a box is available in the church lobby where you can place your box tops or labels.  For more information on products  with the Box Top or Campbells labels, go to:

http://www.labelsforeducation.com/participating-products.aspx
or
http://www.boxtops4education.com/

Cambell’s Labels for Education Box Top Labels
St. Patrick Youth Community Flyer Header St. Patrick Youth Community Flyer

Download the St. Patrick Youth Community Flyer

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.


Fr. Walden

From the Pastor's Desk:

Hello, how are you?  Who speaks these words to us and fills us with joy?  Those who we love and who love us light up our lives with their presence and their words.  As we open the mail in these days before Christmas we delight in hearing from those we have not heard from in a while with their Christmas cards.  In this age of technology in which we live we can even experience this joy through e-mail or text messages.

Today’s gospel is the account of the second joyful mystery of the rosary - the Visitation (Luke 1:39-45).  This passage is immediately preceded by the account of the Annunciation where the angel Gabriel appears to Mary and hears her consent to bring the savior into the world (Luke 1:26-38).  When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting she was filled with joy.  The words of this greeting are not included in the scriptures, but we see the joyful response to Mary’s words and presence.  Here we have two women who can identify with each other not only because they are both miraculously pregnant, but because they are true women of faith.  Elizabeth had longed to be a mother but was barren into the years when child bearing would become impossible.  What joy she had to experience when she became pregnant.  The angel had appeared to her husband, Zechariah, and told him, “Do not be afraid, your prayer has been heard.  Your wife Elizabeth is to bear you a son and you must name him John.  He will be your joy and delight and many will rejoice at his birth, for he will be great in the sight of the Lord.”

Elizabeth considered it a pure blessing to have Mary come to be with her.  “But who am I that the mother of my Lord should come to me?”  What a gift to be able to recognize the gift other people are in our lives.  Who is a blessing for us?  Who are we a blessing to?  A blessing is a gift that has its ultimate source in God’s goodness and love.  It is humbling to think we are the subjects of God’s graciousness.  Elizabeth expressed this humility perfectly and purely - who am I to have such an honor.  We have the blessing of many people in our lives, especially our family and friends.  Some we see or speak to everyday.  The visitation reminds us of the joy we will know when we get beyond taking our loved ones for granted.  I am inspired and uplifted so often by the joy, love, and sacrifices I see when I visit those who are sick.  True beauty and goodness is only seen in the passage of time.  It is far beyond physical appearance. That is what makes those who love us a blessing.

It is also humbling to think and realize that “I” can be a blessing to others.  How good it is to see how we have such a good, positive effect on the lives of others.  It is not the great things we do or extravagant gifts we buy, but our constant loving, patient, kind, tender, gentle, compassionate presence to them.  It a blessing to be able to be this gift for others.

Not only was Elizabeth filled with joy at the visit of Mary, even the child in her womb leapt for joy.  Someone special and extraordinary came and even in the womb John the Baptist recognized this blessing.  Through the joy of his mother, John the Baptist knew something wonderful was happening.  The good things we hear about others and the good we say about them, the appreciation we show and receive, all of these communicate what Elizabeth is proclaiming in today’s gospel - good news, a pure blessing.  Again, a blessing has its ultimate source in the goodness, love and life of God.

At mass we express our joy in God’s presence in may ways.  We respond to the readings by saying: Thanks be to God and Praise to you Lord Jesus Christ.  These words express our faith-filled wonder.  We imitate Elizabeth in our words just before we receive Holy Communion - “Lord I am not worthy to receive you.”  Does this prayer not echo, “Who am I that the mother of my Lord should come to me?”  Who am I that God would enter my very being with his loving presence?  What a blessing to be alive and to have the gift of faith that opens our minds and hearts to the blessing of love in God, ourselves and those who light up our lives with their presence.

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.

© 2010 St. Patrick's Parish
280 East Main Street, Smithtown, NY 11787
(631) 265 - 2271