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Statue of St. Patrick in the Church

St. Patrick's R.C. Church

Pre-Cana

Reception halls, dresses, tuxedos, rings, flowers ... all are some of the preparations that go into planning a wedding.  Even more important, however, are preparations that will help couples build a successful marriage.  Giving couples the tools they need to build a better relationship with each other and with God is the job of St. Patrick's Pre-Cana Program.

Two crosses intertwined with two wedding rings

 

St Patrick's of Smithtown

Pre-Cana

(Taken from the 2002

St. Patrick's 50th Anniversary Journal)

 

Pre-Cana

The Pre-Cana Program began at St. Patricks in 1975 when Father Joseph Canning sent Mike and Marge Cortegiano to a Diocesan Pre-Cana Traing Program.  In 1976, the Cortegianos launched the program with the help of St. Patrick's new Pastor, Father John Mott.  The Cortegianos headed the program until 1986, when Gail and Carl Valentino became the coordinators.

In recent years, the Pre-Cana program was revamped under the leadership of four couples - Jim and Donna Nebgen, Dan and Ellen Bartley, Bob and Bev Bieneman, and Helene and Owen Farley.  The biggest change was the incorporation of Foccus (Facilitating Open Couple Communication, Understanding, and Study) - a survey in which both members of an engaged couple answer questions on a variety of subjects.  The surveys are then entered into a computer.  The results help give an inventory of the relationship.  The survey covers areas such as communication, finances, friendships and spirituality.  Couples are able to see what areas of their relationship are strong and what areas need work.  The survey is completely confidential.  Only the couples theselves see the results.

Today's Pre-Cana consists of 15 married couples who work with the engaged couples.  The program runs three times per year (fall, winter and spring) for six weeks, with 15 to 20 couples participating each season.  The first of the six-weekly meetings is an introductory night.  The couples meet at the church and hear from one of the parish priests.  During the next four weeks, the couples meet in the home of the facilitating couple.  They have discussions and work their way through a workbook entitled, "Decisioin to Love."  The work book covers topics such as communication, family of origin, personalities and pasts, sexuality, children, sprituality, finances, family, and friends.  Couples spend part of the time working one-on-one, and part in group discussions.  The couples meet for a final time at Mass where they are called forward into the sanctuary, have their rings blessed, receive a cross.  The Mass is followed by a party.

In the end, the couples hopefully have a better understanding of their relationship to God and each other and are better prepared for a lifelong journey together.

Continued on next page...

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. 


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