February 26, 2017
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Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time
T h i s We e k ' s
Mass Intentions
8:00AM
9:30AM
11:00AM
12:30PM
5:00PM
Sunday, February 26, 2017
Maria Sannino (Rachele Sannino)
Theresa & Anthony DiGiosa (Rachele Sannino)
Gloria Espinal (Carmen Pagan)
Phyllis Zehro (Mihaila Family)
For The Parishioners
Monday, February 27, 2017
9:00AM
Marialaina Poggio (Loving Family)
Tuesday, February 28, 2017
9:00AM
Paul O’Connor (Isabel Wilkins)
Wednesday, March 1, 2017—Ash Wednesday
7:00AM
9:00AM
11:00AM
3:00PM
4:00PM
7:30PM
Phyllis & Rocco Miranti (Loving Family)
Victor Salsa (Donovan Family)
Prayer Service
Prayer Service
Prayer Service
Michael & Mary Leccese (Jo-Ann & Phyllis Leccese)
Miriam Americo, Lisa B., Baby Alexandra
Bachert, Caroline Bachert, Frances Baio,
Dolores Barbieri, Al Barton, Catherine Capato, Sally Capoziello, Shang Cheng, Antoinette & Catherine Chiarelli, Marge D’Auria,
Amalia Dandola, Mary Ann D’Angelo, Baby
Christopher Brian Demmerle, Domenica DeVito, Virginia DiGangi, Mary Divers, Francesca Gaudino, Ian
Genovese-Williams, Joseph Gentile, Anthony Giampietro,
John Joseph Gleeson, John Pierce Gleeson, Christine Healy, Aurea Hernandez, Maria Hernandez, Rosemary Hogan,
Elizabeth Isolano, Jennie Iuggiano, Keri & Baby Tristan,
Amelia Kalb, Pam Karwan, Baby T.J. Krieg, Kathleen Krieg,
Klavdia Krieg, Anthony Lamantia, James Leung, Valerie
Librizzo, Thomas & Patricia Lipari, William J. Litt, Cindy
Maione, Maryann Maione, Ralph Maresco, Mary Mastrangelo, Camillo Mazella, Rosemary Menechella, Jordan Miller,
John Myers, Salvatore Noto, Angela Ottomanelli-Hubbs,
Michael Palermo, Gina Palya, Santo Pantina, Ann Parsell,
Anna Petito, Doris, Carlo, Philip & Frank Pecchillo, Vivian
Puglissi, Joseph Questore, Mary Romano, Marge Rosina,
Jake Rothman, Louise Ruggiero, Bill Sangirardi, Felice
Scimeca, Fred Sepulveda, Rosalia Sindone, Michael Tamburo, Chrissie Tremblay, Paul Tremblay, Paul John Tremblay, Ann Marie Vayda, Sr. Joanne Walters, Elizabeth Weimer.
Deceased:
Rita LaRotonda, Michael Mannarino
The Holy Name Society will hold their next
meeting Sunday, March 5th after the 8AM Mass.
Fr. Colamaria will speak at this meeting. All men
of the parish are invited.
Thursday, March 2, 2017
9:00AM
7:30PM
Dominick Vendittelli (MaryJo & Will Vendittelli)
For The Parishioners
Friday, March 3, 2017 St. Katharine Drexel
9:00AM
Angelina Romano (Sister, Nina & Family)
Saturday, March 4, 2017 St. Casimir
9:00AM
Adele Czeczko (Helen Rabuse)
Ersilia Polito (Annmarie & Angelo Gurino)
Charles Sangirardi (Cabral Family)
Eileen Feeney, Yoraima Fuentes-Rosales, James
Kernochan, Grace Lagreca, Anne McDonald
5:00PM
Sunday, March 5, 2017—First Sunday of Lent
8:00AM
9:30AM
11:00AM
12:30PM
5:00PM
George & Ann Papandrea
Karl Albrecht (Special Friends)
Patricia DeVore (Loving Sister)
Mario Fragapane (Loving Wife & Children)
For The Parishioners
St. Helen’s Purgatorial Society Mass
All parishioners have the opportunity to enroll the names
of loved ones in the Purgatorial Society. The Purgatorial
Society Mass will be held on the last Friday of each
month. The offer ing to be enr olled in the Pur gator ial
Society is $120 per name (a total of 12 Masses for one
year will be said for your loved one). Aside from listing
one name, a husband and wife together, or a family name
is also acceptable. Having a Purgatorial Society is wonderful way of living out the Scriptures and will be a relief
for those who desire to have their loved ones remembered
with prayers all year long at God’s Altar. Please stop in
at the Rectory if you are interested in having a loved one
enrolled in the Purgatorial Society. The next Purgatorial
Society Mass will be held Friday, March 31, 2017!
While The Church Is Undergoing Renovation…
Visiting the Church under any circumstances is
prohibited during the renovation due to safety concerns.
Please check the parish Facebook for updates on the work.
In the unexpected event that a funeral should
need to take place, the option of use of Fr. Dooley Hall or
Our Lady of Grace will be presented to the family. All
Funeral Masses at Our Lady of Grace for St. Helen’s parishioners will be celebrated by priests from St. Helen.
We apologize in advance for the inconvenience construction will present to all of our lives in the next few months.
GOOD SHEPHERD STATUE
We would like to thank Aurora Martello, who kept
the statue this past week. Anyone interested in keeping the statue in their home and praying for vocations
for one week should contact the Rectory.
The Altar Bread for this week is
donated in memory of Lenny Altamura, requested by The Quagliariello family.
February 26, 2017
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Update ON Church Renovation #8
"Mr. Gorbachev, Tear Down This Wall"- Ronald Reagan, Berlin.
On June 12, 1987, President Ronald Reagan made his famous plea from the free world, to
tear down the wall that divided East and West Germany. The border between East and West was
officially opened on November 1989, but demolition of the wall did not occur until June 13,
1990! My guess, is that the delay was caused by permits.
On Friday February 17th, the shoring drawings and steel fabrication plans to tear down the
wall separating the meeting room from the main body of the Church were finally approved! This
is the beginning of the end of any demolition in the Church; after this, we will be in build-itback mode.
The first step of this process is installing the shoring to support the ceilings on either side of
the wall; then demolition can begin. This process is approved based on mathematical equations
(engineering) that will ensure that the roof remains where it belongs until a steel beam is raised
in place to support the roof. A special inspector is to remain on the premises throughout the process, so that it goes smoothly. Folks, this is why engineering school is expensive! Remember, the
removal of this wall is the primary objective of this entire project... to maximize seating capacity
in the Church.
Meanwhile, the terrazzo men have been busy. Through the use of lasers, the floors are measured to ensure they are even. I must say, carpeting hides a multitude of imperfections! There
was an odd dip on the right side of the church that amounted to almost 3 inches at its worst. This
required some minor filling. Then the floors were outlined with brass joints. I find this an extremely interesting process. With precision, brass moldings are placed according to plan and
then are eventually filled with the terrazzo mix. In fact, one section has already been filled...and
it looks terrible—because it is just cement and rocks! After it cures, it is then ground down with
a diamond plate buffer. This grinding process will reveal the true color of the marble chips and
floor color... this is when the terrazzo will sparkle with color!
During the course of the week, the bathrooms were studded for walls and some drilling took
place for drains.
Also, Net TV (the Diocesan news channel) covered some of the work in progress and was featured on Net TV. This video clip can be viewed on the parish Face Book page or on YouTube. If
you don't use Face Book or YouTube, then have one of your children or grandchildren show you
the video. Spoiler Alert!!!!!! Watching this video will reveal the artist's rendition of the Sanctuary! In this video, you will see a quick glimpse of the entire scope of this project and, of course,
the pictures do not do justice to what is actually envisioned in the finished product. I plan on issuing some detailed drawings (albeit in black and white) during Lent. One Altar Server commented to me after seeing the video... "Father it’s beautiful, you are making Saint Helen's great
again"! Actually, this entire project was the work of many people and the largesse of those who
have gone before us, as well as those who have given so generously towards the Campaign
"Generations of Faith".
When Ronald Reagan delivered his speech in 1987, the words "tear down this wall" were
barely a mention on the nightly news. Some reported that the speech was war mongering. In
fact, in Berlin 50,ooo people protested that an American President was in Berlin! It wasn't until
the wall came down, that his speech, his words, his vision were memorialized. Every step of this
project, I maintain the vision that so many people have left a legacy to Saint Helen parish, and so
when all is said and done with this renovation, their legacy and love will be memorialized for the
Glory of God.
Fr. Colamaria
February 26, 2017
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ST. HELEN CATHOLIC ACADEMY’S 200-TO-1 RAFFLE!
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Only 200 tickets, at $100 per raffle ticket, will be available for sale. The Grand Prize of $10,000 will be awarded to
the last ticket drawn at our “Wine & Cheese Drawing.” There will also be an additional $1,000 in prize money spread
amongst other tickets as they are drawn.
This special fundraiser will be held on Friday, April 7, 2017, beginning at 7:00PM in St. Helen Catholic Academy’s cafeteria. To be successful, we need to sell all 200 tickets! Winners need not be present at the drawing.
200 to 1 Raffle Tickets are now on sale through Friday, March 31st.
Please call Maria Elrose at 917-715-0908 or Diane Joseph at 917– 697-5351 to purchase 200 to 1 Raffle Tickets.
Ticket numbers will be given on a first-come first-served basis.
Additional Monetary Prizes Listed As Tickets Are Drawn:
First Ticket: $250 50th Ticket: $150 100th Ticket: $200 150th Ticket: $150 190th Ticket: $250
Deal will be offered for the last remaining 10 Tickets: 191st – 200th : All ticket holder s must be pr esent for
this deal to be offered. 200th Ticket Drawn: $10,000 (Grand Prize!)
For additional information, please call 718-835-4155.
Thank You for Supporting St. Helen Catholic Academy!
Policies Regarding Infant Baptism at St. Helen Parish
Parents seeking Baptism for their children who live within the territory of St. Helen Parish are asked to
register as members of the parish before requesting an initial interview for Baptism. Registration is easily done at the parish office anytime during business hours. Parents seeking Baptism for their children
who live outside the territory of St. Helen Parish are asked to obtain a letter from the parish in which
they live authorizing the Baptism to take place at St. Helen. Initial meetings with parents seeking Baptism for their children will normally take place on the second Wednesday of each month from 7:00–9:00PM and on the fourth Saturday of each month from 10:30AM–12:30PM.
MARCH—MAY 2017
Mornings of Preparation-Required Before a Baptism:
(All begin at the 11:00AM Mass and continue in the Msgr. McGinness Room)
March 12 & 26 — April 23 & 30 — May 7 & 28
Schedule for Baptisms:
(All begin at 2:00PM)
March 12 & 26 — No Baptisms in April — May 21 & 28
Please call 718-738-1616 for more information and/or to schedule an appointment.
Please realize that the Church building of Saint Helen is undergoing a renovation thru April 2017. The Church will be
closed and Fr. Dooley Hall will be used as a worship space in the interim. Baptisms will still be offered in this time period in the Hall. Some may choose to wait for Baptism until the construction is completed and this is fully understandable. If there are any questions please contact the Deacons who can give more details as to the renovation period.
ST. HELEN SCHOOL ALUMNAE — 50th Anniversary of St. Helen School
Help us make our 50th Anniversary one to remember! St. Helen Catholic Academy is in the process of updating
our contact information for all graduates of St. Helen School. If you are a graduate or a family member, we are
asking for your help by providing us with your name, email, address, and phone number. Please fill out the form
below and return it to the rectory or email your information to [email protected]. Thank you.
ST. HELEN SCHOOL ALUMNAE
Name: ___________________________________________________________________________________
Maiden Name if Married: ____________________________________________________________________
Graduation Year: __________________________________________________________________________
Email: ___________________________________________________________________________________
Address: _________________________________________________________________________________
Phone Number: ___________________________________________________________________________
February 26, 2017
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ASH WEDNESDAY
MARCH 1, 2017
REGULATIONS CONCERNING
FASTING AND ABSTINENCE
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Masses:
7:00AM & 9:00AM
Prayer Services: 11AM, 3PM & 4PM
Evening Masses:
7:30PM
Ashes will be distributed only during the Masses
and Prayer Services. Anyone planning to receive ashes should arrive for the beginning of
whichever ceremony they plan to attend and
should remain for the entirety of that ceremony.
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Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are days of mandatory fasting and abstinence from meat.
All Fridays in Lent are days of mandatory abstinence
from meat.
The obligation to fast applies to those aged 18-59.
The obligation to abstain from meat applies to those
aged 14 and older.
Those fasting may eat only one normal-sized meal.
Two smaller meals may be eaten, if needed for
strength. These smaller meals together should not equal
a normal-sized meal. No food may be eaten between
meals.
The bishops of the United States recommend voluntary
fasting on the other weekdays of Lent. It is a praiseworthy tradition to fast on Holy Saturday, until the
Easter Vigil.
It is worth remembering that every Friday of the year is
a day of penance, unless a solemnity falls on a Friday.
In the United States, on Fridays outside of Lent, one
may choose either to abstain from eating meat or to
perform some other act of penance.
Lenten Schedule 2017
Stations of the Cross:
Monday afternoons at 12:30PM
Friday evenings at 7:30PM followed by Benediction
Weekday Masses:
Monday—Saturday: 9:00AM
Weekend Masses:
Saturday at 5:00PM
Sunday: 8:00AM, 9:30AM, 11:00AM, 12:30PM & 5:00PM
Confessions:
Monday—Friday at 8:45AM
Saturdays 12:30-1:30PM, or by appointment (please call Rectory)
Thursdays at 7:30PM
RECONCILIATION MONDAY: APRIL 10, 2017
Throughout the N.Y. region, this day is set aside for the Celebration of the Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession) in preparation for Easter. Here at St. Helen, the opportunity for the Sacrament will
be offered from 3:00PM thru 9:00PM.
You’re Invited to Participate in CRS Rice Bowl!
We trust in the mercy and love of our Lord, Jesus Christ, who went to the margins to
encounter the poor, vulnerable and outcast. We voice our own petitions, asking for our
needs and the needs of our brothers and sisters all over the world, saying, “Lord, may we
love as one human family.”
February 26, 2017
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Choose life that
you and your
descendants
Mon., Feb. 27: Sir 17:20-24; Mk 10:17
may
live.
When
someone
dies
whose
death
seems
-27
“timely,”
there
may
be
sadness,
but
also
joy.
But when
... and he went away sad, for he had
someone
dies
in
the
prime
of
life
or
even
before
that
many possessions. Jesus does not say
prime
is
reached,
it
can
be
a
struggle
to
reconcile
one’s
that the wealthy won’t go to heaven. He
does suggest that accumulating material feelings. And when a person dies by suicide, the mournHomiletic starters
and scriptural things makes focusing on the kingdom of ing never stops. In forty years of pastoral work I’ve seen
reflection points for God more difficult. Even if we observe
this many times. I’ve felt it. One mourns all the
each day of the month
“descendants” that are never to be, whether children or
the commandments and avoid doing
wrong, that doesn’t mean we’re confriends never known, or good works never completed.
sciously doing what is right. We’re simply doing what’s
My witness of this painful reality has led me to embark
expected. Jesus tells the obedient rich young man that
on a new initiative: www.LifeAroundTheCorner.com. I
there’s still more to do. The young man goes away sad. Je- invite you to take a walk around the site and stop in at
sus’ clarification presents a hardship. The young man has
Paige’s Corner to post a comment. Lord, give us the
grown accustomed to a certain lifestyle, as have many of us. courage to trust in your plan for us.
Jesus’ challenge forces us to reconsider our priorities. Material possessions are nice, but they’re temporary and their
Fri., Mar. 3 | Is 58:1-9a; Mt 9:14-15
pursuit distracts us from seeking the one source of lasting
This, rather, is the fasting that I wish ... I have counseled
joy: Jesus Christ. Lord, help us to focus on what is truly
cantors about their nervousness when singing at Mass.
important.
What I advise is to think of leading song as an act of love
and when you’re loving someone else, you’re less likely
Tues., Feb. 28: Sir 35:1-12; Mk 10:28-31
to think about yourself. Self-interest is normal, but along
Give to the Most High as he has given to you, generously,
according to your means. Early in his papacy Pope Francis comes Lent with the words of Isaiah reminding us that
the sacrifice God desires is to let go of our self-interest
said, “Life is not given to us to be jealously guarded for
ourselves, but is given to us so that we may give it in turn.” and think of others, especially those who are most vulWe’re stewards of God’s great gifts. Showing gratitude is a nerable and easily overlooked as we rush through our
daily lives. What if part of our Lenten discipline would
choice. We invest our time and resources in those things
most important to us. If prayer, worship, service or the ma- be to reach out once a day to someone we normally fail
terial wellbeing of the church take a backseat to other inter- to notice? That practice might change us. It might even
ests and endeavors, by default we’re saying that we’re too
change the world. Loving God, bless us and all those you
busy to acknowledge how much God has given us. We’ve
put on our path as we enter this Lenten season.
no time to return such generosity, and, frankly, we aren’t
that grateful. How much and what we give are dramatically Sat., Mar. 4 | Is 58:9b-14; Lk 5:27-32
increased by why and, especially, how we do. Help me to
“Repairer of the breach,” they shall call you ... It’s not
be a cheerful and grateful giver.
the most melodious of titles, but it’s one I would be
proud to have inscribed on my tombstone. Breach repairWed., Mar. 1 | Jl 2:12-18; 2 Cor 5:20-6:2; Mt 6:1-6, 6-18
ers are much needed. The divisions among us are painful,
Ash Wednesday
Behold, now is a very acceptable time. I get caught between and many of good heart are wondering how to bring people together. Isaiah gives us a hint: “Remove from your
conflicting self-assessments: “I can do that anytime,” and
midst oppression, false accusation and malicious
“It’s too late for me.” Learn to speak Spanish,
practice Tai Chi, write that novel. I procrastinate as if I can speech ... ” Living what we believe without succumbing
do it anytime while also fearing to start because it seems too to the temptation to present ourselves as better than the
other would be a most worthy discipline to attempt this
late. These attitudes are reflections of the sins against the
Holy Spirit which are part of traditional Catholic piety: pre- Lent. Tomorrow is the First Sunday of Lent when our
family finally begins our chosen Lenten discipline. Let us
sumption (anytime) and despair (too late). Why are they
called sins against the Holy Spirit? Because they exclude
pray for each other, that we may live Lent so as to find at
the possibility of grace. And when do we encounter grace? Easter a world that is a little bit nicer. Create in me a
Now. Our family takes these first days of Lent to talk about clean heart, O God, and put a steadfast spirit within me.
our Lenten discipline and then we start on Sunday. This
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year mine may have something to do with “living in the
now.” Gracious God, open my eyes to your grace all around
me.
EIGHTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME
Thurs., Mar. 2 | Dt 30:15-20; Lk 9:22-25