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

Smithtown, NY

Sunday, March 7st, 2010
Third Sunday in Lent

 Celebrate Lent!

St. Patrick’s Parish offers many opportunities to take advantage of the graces offered in our preparations for the coming of the risen Lord.  Click here to learn more.

 Congratulations! Fr. Patrick Reigger

(Top Row)  Our loss will be Infant Jesus Parish’s gain.  Fr. Patrick Riegger has been named pastor of Infant Jesus Parish in Port Jefferson effective in June.

Fr. Patrick has been associate pastor at St. Patrick’s since June of 2005.  He previously served as associate pastor at St. Anne’s Church in Garden City.  Though his warm and welcoming presence will be greatly missed, Fr. Patrick is sure to be a tremendous blessing to parishioners of Infant Jesus.  From your many, many good friends at St. Patrick’s, congratulations Fr. Patrick!

 RCIA: Rite of Sending Forth and Call to Continuing Conversion

(Rows 2 thru 5)  At the 10:30 AM Mass last Sunday, candidates in our RCIA program (those already baptized) participated in the Rite of Sending Forth (pictured top left).  The cadidates were “sent forth” to join with hundreds of RCIA candidates from parishes across Suffolk County at the Call to Continuing Conversion, celebrated by Bishop Paul H. Walsh at St. Anne’s Church in Brentwood.  Please keep our candidates and catechumens in your prayers as they prepare to receive sacraments at the Easter Vigil.

 Listening Session Report to Parishioners

Our Pastoral Council has composed a Report to Parishioners from the most recent Listening Session.  The report is now available for download here. or hard copies are available at the rectory.

Parish highlights for March 7th, 2010 St. Patrick with Listening Session Horn

St Patrick’s of Smithtown

Welcome to the Parish


 

This Week in the Parish

Third Sunday of Lent
Lent logo

Lent offers us the opportunity to deepen our relationship with God, to examine our hearts and our lives and to help those less fortunate than ourselves. Please take advantage of the following opportunites offered by our parish:

Next Lenten Activity
Next Lenten Activity
Stations of the Cross

Stations of the Cross

Every Friday during Lent
 
at 7:45 PM
in the Church
 
begining February 19th

Take 20 minutes each week to reflect on the final hours of Jesus’ life by taking part in the Stations of the Cross.  Please bring a non-perishable food item to help those in need.  The Stations will be led by a different group from our parish each week as follows:

        • February 19th
- Catholic Daughters 
        • February 26th
  
  
- Legion of Mary 
- Columbiettes 
- Pro-Life Family 
        • March 5th
- Rosary Altar Society 
        • March 12th
- Youth Community 
        • March 19th
- Knights of Columbus 
        • March 26th
  
- Level 8 Students 
    (This year’s Confirmation Classs)
Next Lenten Activity
Lenten Prayer

Lenten Evenings

of Prayer

with the

Sisters of
St. Joseph
Wednesdays during Lent:
February 24th,
March 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th, & 31st

at 7:30 PM in the Convent Chapel

Step away from the hectic pace of life and spend some time in prayer with our Sisters of St. Joseph.

Next Lenten Activity
Symbols of the Lenten Mass

Weekday Mass

Monday through Friday

6:45 AM Mass
 
9:00 AM Mass
 
12:10 PM Mass
 
7:30* PM Mass
* Monday Night Novena Mass
 

Next Lenten Activity
Confession

Confession

Saturday -- 3:45 to 4:45 PM
 
Sunday -- 8:15 to 8:45 AM
 
Monday -- 6:45 to 7:15 PM**
 
Anytime by appointment in the rectory.
 
Additional opportunities for Reconciliation
will be offered during the Holy Week
 
Next Lenten Activity
Fr. Fred Hill

Parish Retreat

March 29th - 31st

This year our parish will offer a retreat at the conclusion of Lent led by Fr. Fred Hill on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday of Holy Week (March 29th - 31st) at 7:30 PM in the church.

The themes will be as follows:
Monday, 3/29
 
 
Tuesday, 3/30
 
Wednesday, 3/31
 
 
-  
 
 
-  
 
-  
 
 
Know Who We Are: Reconciliation*
    * (Confessions will be offered)
 
Know What We Believe: Eucharist
 
Know What We Are Up Against:
Confirmation

 
Make this Truly a Holy Week!
 
Next Lenten Activity
Lenten Cross with Purple Stole, Lilies and Sun

Lenten Regulations:
Abstinence & Fasting

All Catholics who have reached their 14th year are bound to abstain entirely from meat on Ash Wednesday and all the Fridays of Lent.  All Catholics between the ages of 18 and 59, inclusive, are also bound to observe the law of fast on Ash Wednesday & Good Friday.  This means limiting oneself to a single full meal and avoiding food between meals.  Two other light meals, which together do not equal a full meal, may be taken during the day. 

The obligation to do penance and to observe the appointed penitential season is a serious one.  Those whose work or health would be impaired are excused from fast and abstinence.  Individual conscience should decide proper cause for excuse.  A more serious reason is required to excuse oneself from Ash Wednesday and Good Friday fast and abstinence.

Next Lenten Activity
Easter Basket

Lenten Suggestions:

St. Patrick Parish Outreach is a helping hand to those experiencing financial hardship.  Consider contributing to Outreach by donating non-perishable food items in the white bins at the church exits or through financial contributions.

Donate Blood at the upcoming St. Patrick’s Blood Drive on Thursday, March 11th.

Spend Time with God. Consider attending weekday Masses whenever possible.  St. Patrick’ offers weekday Masses at 6:45 AM, 9:00 AM and 12:10 PM each day as well as a Monday night Novena Mass at 7:30 PM.

Next Lenten Activity
Lenten Project House

Parish Lenten Project:

For this year’s Lenten Project, we are turning our attention to those in our area who are struggling in this tough economy to pay for basic necessities.  Your contributions will help those unable to pay:

Utilities   -   Rent   -   Mortgage   -   Oil   -   Gas

Our Parish Outreach Office is working hard to assist the many familes facing financial hardship.  You can help by placing contributions in the “house containers” at the church exits.  Help keep people in their homes and help the many families in need through these tough economic times.

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.

St. Joseph with Christ child

St. Joseph’s Day Liturgy

Friday, March 19th
at the 9:00 AM Mass.

All are invited to celebrate St. Joseph’s Day on Friday, March 19th at the 9 AM Mass.  For hundreds of years, the people of Sicily have celebrated this feast with tables of food set out for neighbors.  Monetary donations were given which were shared with the poor.  St. Patrick’s will celebrate in similar fashion.  Our priest will bless the St. Joseph bread and invite all to share this bread and coffee in the Emmaus Room after the Mass.  A loaf of bread can be taken home and shared with your family.  This bread is a reminder that as God has given us much, so are we responsible for sharing what we have with those who have little.  Your optional monetary donation will be given to Parish Outreach.

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:

  • March 7th - Bishop WIlliam F. Murphy
  • March 8th - Rev. Christopher Adunchezor & Msgr. Thomas Hartman
  • March 9th - Rev. Thomas Moriarty & Rev. Robert Vaughn OP
  • March 10th - Rev. Paul Dolan & Rev. Polycarp Nnajiofor
  • March 11th - Rev. Felix Alarcon & Rev. John Moore
  • March 12th - Msgr. Charles Fink & Rev. Robert Scheckenback
  • March 13th - Rev. Camilo Lugo & Rev. Fnu Phili

“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

Coffee and Croissants

Hospitality Sunday

Sunday, March 7th

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. 

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.




Mass For The Dead
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.

 
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.

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
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!

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.


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. 


Sharing Life

St. Patrick’s Blood Drive

Every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood.  Blood cannot be manufactured.  It can only come from generous donors.

Thursday, March 11th 4 to 10:00 PM in Canning Hall

Sign Up To Donate

Take time to share this life-giving gift on Thursday, March 11th.  Sign-ups will take place on February 27th & 28th after all Masses.  Walk-ins will also be welcome on the day of the drive.

Mark your calendar for the
St. Patrick’s Parent-Teacher Partnership’s

St. Patrick’s Day Dinner Dance

Friday, March 12th at the Watermill Caterers in Smithtown

In recognition of “The Year of the Priest,” this year’s dance will honor the many devoted priests of our St. Patrick Family - past, present and future.

Tickets will be on sale after the 5 PM Mass on Saturday, February 20th
and the 9 AM, 10:30 AM and 12 Noon Masses on Sunday, February 21st

The Evening Will Include:
A 6:30 to 8 PM “Prestige Cocktail Hour,”
Your choice from four entree selections,
Music and dancing to the sounds of the Tommy Mulvihill Band, and an Open Bar.
And, don’t forget to take a chance on one of our Theme Raffle Baskets!

St. Patrick’s Day Decorative Leprachaun Scroll

For information & reservations, call Mary Ellen McCrossen at 631-360-8896.

Basilica Shrine of the Immaculate Conception

Mark you calendar for

The Diocesan Pilgrimage to the
Basilica Shrine of the Immaculate Conception
in Washington D.C.

Saturday, April 10th

Yes, Lord, We Do Believe!

Bus transportation from St. Patrick’s will be provided free of charge, but seating is limited.  The bus will depart at 5 AM and return later that night.  If interested, in attending, please call the rectory at 265-2271.

Holy Mother Mary Columbiettes

International Dinner

Flags

Saturday, April 24th at 6 PM

at the Knights of Columbus Council Hall
130 Lake Avenue South, Nesconset

Join us for Good Food and Good Company!

Cost: $15.00
Reservations limited to the first 80 people to respond.
Please call Toni Baldi at 724-1381 to reserve your tickets

Columbiettes Logo

“Finding Hope Amid the Chains of Poverty”

The Columbiettes are also helping the children of Appalachia by donating children’s clothing, shampoo, combs, brushes, baby lotion, toothbrushes, toothpaste, or any other children’s items.  Please help those in poverty in our own nation by bringing an item to donate.

St. Patrick School Car Show

Mark Your Calendar for the

5th Annual St. Patrick School Car Show

for Sunday, April 11th
(raindate April 18th)

All Car Clubs/Private Owners Welcome! Vendor Space Also Available!

For information, call Janet at 843-947-0392 (vendors) or John at 631-588-2696 (cars).

For up-to-date information and details please go to the carshow website at
carshow.stpatricksmithtown.org.

Enjoy some of Smithtown’s best baking at the

Catholic Daughters Bake Sale

Saturday & Sunday, March 13th & 15th after all Masses

Plenty of Irish Soda Bread for St. Patrick’s Day Day plus an assortment of other goodies!

Catholic Daughters Bake Sale
CPR Training Class

Holy Mother Mary Knights of Columbus is hosting a

CPR CLASS

Friday, March 26th at 7 PM
at the Knights’ Council Hall
at 130 Lake Ave. South, Nesconset

Open to all! Cost: $35

Sponsored by Holy Mother Mary Coucil of the Knights of Columbus

Limited to 40 people.  The course will be given by CPR trainers from St. Francis Hospital.  This course is for both pediatric and adult CPR.  You will receive certification from the American Red Cross.  (Please make checks payable to St. Francis Hospital or Cash.  No credit cards.) 

To make a reservation or for more information,
call Tom Keane at 631-882-7755.

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

Picture Yourself in Folk Group or Children’s Choir

Picture Yourself in Youth Choir

If you would like to be a part of a great group of young people who generously give of their time and talent, join our Folk Group or Children’s Choir.  Folk Group (for young people in grades 6 to 12) sings regularly at our 9 AM Sunday Mass.  Reheasals are held on Sundays following the Mass from 10 to 11:30 AM.  Children’s Choir (for children in grades 1 to 5) also sings regularly at the 9 AM Mass.  Rehearsals are held on Wednesdays from 6:15 to 7 PM.  Be a part of something bigger than yourself!

For more information, call 360-0185.

St. Patrick Summer Camp

Visit the St. Patrick Youth Community Website

Raising Them Well - Parenting Courses

Visit the St. Patrick Youth Community Website

St. Patrick Youth Community Updates
St. Patrick Youth Community Flyer Header

Take the initiative and lead the way. Join St. Patrick Youth Programs. You can make a difference.

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 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. 

Faith Direct

St. Patrick’s also offers parishioners the convenience of contributing through automatic deductions via Faith Direct. Our church number is NY51. .

Signing up for our automated giving program, Faith Direct is simple.  You can sign up online by going to www.faithdirect.net or stop by the rectory for a form to fill out and mail to Faith Direct. You may also call them at 866-507-8757.  When registering for the program, you will be asked for our church number which is:  NY51. Below are some frequently asked questions about Faith Direct.

How does Faith Direct work?  This secure program works directly with your bank, in the same way as other electronic funds transfer systems you may already conduct (such as utility bills or your mortgage payment).  All transactions are done electronically, debiting your bank account or charging your credit card automatically for the amount to which you have agreed in writing.  It is a hassle free, simple solution for today’s busy families.

Can any additional funds be taken from my account other than what I have authorized?  No!  The Faith Direct program is strictly regulated, and only you can designate the amount of money that may be debited on a monthly basis.  The Social Security Administration processes direct deposits of benefit payments for more than 18 million people each month, and not a single one has ever been lost. 

Can I stop, increase or decrease my payment at any time?  Yes, you can contact Faith Direct by calling us toll-free at 1-866-507-8757, or by using our email form.  You can also make changes by accessing your account online. 

How does my church benefit from my participation in Faith Direct?  Your church will see a substantial increase in net revenue, a decrease in administrative costs, and a clearer picture of cash flow for your church’s needs. 

I would feel strange not placing a check or envelope in the offering basket, what should I do?  We realize that the offertory collection is an important part of church services.  For those enrolled with Faith Direct we provide “offertory cards” to drop in the collection basket as a visible sign of your electronic donations.

Catholic Ministries Appeal

2010 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.

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:

Our lives are a combination of balancing the world we live in with the world to come.  We have both a secular and spiritual dimension to our lives.  I thank you for taking the time last week to read my column about the finances of our parish.  We do operate in the secular world and need money to do so.  Thank you for all you are able to do financially for our parish.  Again, if you have not thought about it, please look into using Faith Direct, the automated giving program, for you weekly donation.  There is form you can use to sign up in this bulletin.  This week I am very happy to go back to sharing thoughts about our spiritual lives with you.

Currently I am reading a book entitled, “Alter Christus, St. Paul Speaks to Priests” by John Gilchrist, as part of my daily prayer.  Each day I get a lot of food for thought from one of the brief chapters.  Each begins with a scripture quote followed by the author’s reflection and concludes with quotes from various saints, writers and leaders in the church.  In this column I would like to share some of his thoughts and quotes with you.  In one chapter he begins with a passage from the Letter to the Hebrews (12:14) - “Strive for peace with everyone.”  He concludes his reflection by saying, “Our peace comes from a pure heart that sees all things as God’s and all people as creatures of God.”  The last thing we do at times is see other people and situations as part of God’s love and life.  In the chapter previous to this Gilchrist says, “We find ourselves drawn to some and repelled by others.  We are driven by our own emotions and reactions to favor certain people and to instinctively repulse others.  This also leads to judgment and prejudice.  It is so easy to see guilt in the soul of those we find distasteful and to bear cheerfully with the faults of those we like.  Is it not difficult to judge impartially?  Yet a further question - Should we judge anyone at all?”  We all want peace in our lives and especially in our hearts.  The absence of peace is seen in our anxiety, impatience and negative attitude and judgments toward others.  How do we get beyond this very human tendency?  Lent is a wonderful time to ask that question.  As long as we are repelled by and dislike certain people we will never find peace.  That does not mean we have to embrace those who are truly evil or invite everyone who comes along into our lives.  The key is to try and see others as God does.  As Gilchrist says, “Our peace comes from a pure heart that sees all things as God’s and all people as creatures of God.”  A pure heart is not easy to achieve.  Not only do we have the obstacles of our own negative thoughts and reactions, we can usually find others who will agree with us or at least listen to us complain about those we dislike and their faults as we see them.

St. Francis of Assisi says, “Where there is patience and humility, there is neither anger or worry.”  Impatience leads to a closed mind and rash judgments.  How often have we said something impatiently and then felt bad when we saw how wrong we were.  How terrible we feel when we say things about others that may or may not be true and then come to see positive points in them.  There is no greater example of patience and humility than Jesus loving us to the very end as he hung dying on the cross.  What patience and humility to say, “Father forgive them, for they know not what they do.”  The rash judgments and anger of people of his time resulted in the passion and death of Jesus.  What greater injustice and evil can we see in the history of the human race with our God?  Yet even more, what greater example of humility, patience and love.  Jesus died unjustly, but died with peace in his heart.  He saw beyond the faults and anger of his accusers to the love and forgiveness they needed, the very love and forgiveness of God.

A week ago Friday the gospel at mass came from the Sermon on the Mount where Jesus expanded our understanding of the fifth commandment, You shall not kill.  Even though we do not take the lives of others literally we do drain life out of them with our harsh words and spiteful actions.  The reverse of that of course is patience and humility.  How life giving our words and presence are when we are patient, understanding and humble.  When others experience these from us their lives are fuller and more joyful.  Perhaps a good thing during these remaining weeks of lent is to not just watch our negative words and judgments, but to speak words that are life giving.  Simple words like “thank you”, “you did a great job”, “I love you”, “can I help you” can only come from a pure heart, a heart that shares the peace that is within.  How good it is when that is God’s peace within 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.

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