Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
CHURCH OF ST. CHARLES
644 CLAWSON STREET, OAKWOOD HEIGHTS, STATEN ISLAND, NY 10306
OCTOBER 14, 2018 TWENTY-EIGHTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
Pastoral Staff Pastor Rev. Louis R. Jerome
Parochial Vicar Fr. Marius Fernando Fr. Stefan Chanas
In Residence Bishop John J. O’Hara
Weekend Associate Rev. Msgr. Edmund J. Whalen
Permanent Deacons Deacon Stephen Tobon Deacon Lawrence Droge
Pastoral Associate Sr. Jeanine Conlon, O.P.
School Principal Mr. J. C. Kiernan
Religious Education Coordinator Ms. Kerry Quinn
Director of Music Mr. Paul Light
Contact Information Rectory School 644 Clawson Street 200 Penn Avenue (718) 987-2670 (718) 987-0200 Fax: (718) 987-7950 Fax: (718) 987-8158 Email Address Tuition Office [email protected] (718) 987-5780 Website: www.stcharlessi.org Religious Education 200 Penn Avenue www.saintcharlesccd.org (718) 979-6800 [email protected]
Parish Office Hours Sunday 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM Monday - Friday 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM Saturday 10:30 AM - 6:30 PM
Sacramental Life Mass Schedule
Parish Registration New parishioners need to register at the rectory. Please inform us if you move into or out of the par-ish.
Confessions
Saturday: 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM, 5:00 - 5:30 PM, and after Mass on the Eve of a Holy Day.
Baptisms Second Sunday of the month at 2:30 PM Instruc-tion for parents of the children to be baptized to be arranged at the rectory. SPONSOR CERTIFI-CATES REQUIRED for Godparents and also a copy of the child’s birth certificate.
Marriages To arrange a marriage at St. Charles, consult with a priest or deacon at least six months prior to the proposed date and before social arrangements. At-tendance at Pre-Cana and Natural Family Plan-ning Classes is required.
Anointing and
Communion of the Sick Regular administration of the Sacraments should be arranged for shut-ins by calling the rectory. Emergency sick calls anytime.
Religious Education Program
Instruction for all grade levels beginning with first grade. For information call the Religious Educa-tion Office.
Weekend Masses Saturday Evening 4:00 & 5:30 PM Sunday 8:15, 9:30 & 10:45 AM 12:00, 1:15
Weekday Masses Monday - Friday 8:30 & 11:30 AM Saturday 8:30 AM
Holy Days Masses Eve of the Holy Day 7:30 PM 6:45, 8:30, 11:30 AM and 7:30 PM
2
LITURGY CORNER MONDAY – OCTOBER 15 8:30 - Marchette & Cangiano Families - Mem. 11:30 - Tom Dempser & Family - Mem. TUESDAY - OCTOBER 16 8:30 - Joan Chase - Mem. 11:30 - Nicola Sama - Ann. WEDNESDAY - OCTOBER 17 8:30 - Deacon Robert Galvin - Ann. 11:30 - John M. Odorisio - Mem. THURSDAY- OCTOBER 18 8:30 - Michael Pasqualone - Mem. 11:30 - John Odorisio - Mem. FRIDAY - OCTOBER 19 8:30 - Blanche & Dominick Patino - Mem. 11:30 - Gabriele Farina - Mem. SATURDAY - OCTOBER 20 8:30 - Anne & Nat Gorga - Mem. 4:00 - Margaret Coppinger - Mem. 5:30 - Helen & Alex Kivel & Louis Sisto -Mem. SUNDAY - OCTOBER 21 8:15 - Dolores Laieta - Mem. 9:30 - Parishioners of St. Charles 10:45 - Deacon Vincent Brigande - Mem. 12:00 - Anthony LoGatto - Mem. 1:15 - Maryanne Barranco-Byrne & The Gatto Family - Mem.
September 30, 2018 October 1, 2017 $11,775.40 $14,856.77
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament Monday - Friday at 12:00-5:00 PM in the Chapel
First Mondays at 7:30 PM in the Church (cancelled in August)
First Fridays at 7:00 PM in the Church (cancelled in August)
Call Jeannette Burrell (718-979-0034) or Lois Galvin (718-948-8193) for information
Rosary and Novenas
The Rosary is recited each weekday at 8:10 and 11:10 AM and on Saturday at 8:10 AM. The Miraculous Medal novena prayers are said after the 8:30 & 11:30 AM Masses on Mondays.
Flowers, Wine & Hosts and Oil
The Wine & Hosts for the week of October 14, - Oc-tober 20, 2018 are offered in loving memory of James Kelly at the request of his wife, Stefani. If you would like to make arrangements to have the flowers for the main altar, the wine & hosts or oils used for the Mass candles in memory of a loved one or a special occasion, please, call the rectory.
October 20 / October 21 Mass Schedule
4:00 Fr. Maximus 10:45 Msgr. Whalen 5:30 Fr. Stefan 12:00 Msgr. Whalen 8:15 Fr. Jerome 1:15 Fr. Maximus 9:30 Fr. Stefan
PLEASE NOTE
If a Mass is being said for a member of your family on Saturday evening or Sunday, it would be most fitting if someone from the family would bring up the gifts at the Offertory. Please let one of the ushers know before Mass. 3
Weekly Offerings
PARISH MINISTRIES Adult Faith Formation Wednesday - 1:30; rectory Baptism Classes First Tuesday of the month at 8:00 PM; rectory Bereavement Group Thursday - 7:30; rectory Book Club Third Thursday each month at 4:00 PM; rectory Caregivers Support Group Thursday - 9:30 - 11:30 AM; rectory Choir (Adult) Thursday at 7:30 PM; church Divine Mercy Devotion Friday at 3:00 PM; chapel Eucharistic Ministers First Fridays at 7:00 PM; church Legion of Mary Wednesday at 4:00 PM; rectory chapel Prayer Group & Holy Hour First Monday of the month at 7:30 PM; church Religious Education Classes Monday 3:45 - 5:15 PM Grades 6 & 7 Wednesday 3:45 - 5:15 PM Grades 1-5 Special Needs: Wednesday 5:10 - 5:45 PM St. Vincent de Paul Society Meeting - Second Tuesday of month at 1:30 PM; rectory Food Pantry open 2nd & 4th Tuesday of every month 11:30 AM -1:30 PM; rectory Teen Club Sunday at 7:00 PM; auditorium Women’s Worship Wednesdays October 25th at 7:30 PM at St. Patrick’s Rectory
Bingo is held every Tuesday evening in the audi-torium starting at 7:30 PM. Early bird is at 7:15 PM. Doors open at 6:00 PM.
MSGR. FARRELL HIGH SCHOOL Open house for Msgr. Farrell High School, 2900 Amboy Road, will take place on Sunday, Octo-ber 14th from 11:30 - 3:00 PM. For more infor-mation, call 718-987-2900 or email www.msgrfarrellhs.org.
ST. PETER’S BOYS HIGH SCHOOL Open house for St. Peter’s Boys High School, 200 Clinton Avenue, will be held on Sunday, October 28th from 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM. For more information, call 718-447-1676.
TACHS TEST The entrance test for Catholic high schools in the Archdiocese of New York, will be adminis-tered on Friday, November 2nd in selected high schools throughout the Archdiocese. Students may register 7 days a week online via www.tachsinfo.com or via telephone from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM at 1-866-61TACHS (1-866-618-2247).
ANOINTING MASS
Our Annual Anointing Mass will be celebrated on Sunday, October 28th at the 1:15 Mass. Anointing will take place directly after the Mass. All are invited for coffee and cake in the auditorium following the Mass. Please call the rectory to register for the Anointing Mass. 4
NOTRE DAME ACADEMY HIGH SCHOOL
Open house for Notre Dame Academy High School, 134 Howard Avenue, will take place on Sunday, October 21st from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM. For more information, call 718-447-8878.
PARISH NEWS
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
October 15, - October 21, 2018
Monday - October 15 Cheerleading - 2:45 PM - 4:00 PM; gym 7th Grade Confirmation Meeting - 7:00 PM; church Spiritual Direction - 7:30 PM; rectory Tuesday - October 16 Bingo at 7:30 PM; doors open at 6:00 PM; early bird 7:15PM Wednesday - October 17 Adult Faith Formation - 1:30 PM; rectory Legion of Mary - 4:00 PM; rectory chapel Shower of Roses/Wizard of Art - 6:00 PM - 9:30 PM; auditorium 2nd Grade Communion/Reconciliation Meet-ing - 7:00 PM; church Thursday - October 18 Caregivers - 9:30 AM; rectory Book Club - 4:00 PM; rectory Cheerleading - 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM; auditorium Cheerleading - 7:30 PM - 9:30 PM; auditorium Bereavement Group - 7:30 PM; rectory Friday - October 19 Cheerleading - 2:45 PM - 4:00 PM; gym Cub Scouts 7:00 PM; auditorium Saturday - October 20 Our Lady of Fatima Presentation - 1:00; Auditorium Sunday - October 21 Teen Club - 7:00 PM; auditorium
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION NEWS
Sacrament Information
MANDATORY CONFIRMATION INVES-TITURE & MEETING - Parent and student MUST attend - Monday, October 15th at 7:00 PM in the church. MANDATORY FIRST HOLY COMMUN-IONT METTING - Parents only, Wednes-day, October 17th at 7:00 PM in the church.
BOOK CLUB
The next selection for the book club is Spal-deen Dreams - A Boy Comes of Age in 1950’s Brooklyn by James Pantaleno. A quote from the book: “The Spaldeen was a big part of my childhood. My friends and I spent end-less hours playing with this little pink ball while dreaming of becoming the next Joe Di-Maggio or Ted Williams. Any kid who could hit a Spaldeen “two sewers” was among the first picked when we chose up sides for stickball. I guess those “Spaldeen Dreams” never came true for most of us, but along the way we were creating wonderful memories of growing up in Brooklyn during the 1950’s. One in seven Americans can trace their roots back to Brooklyn. And if you asked them, I’d bet not many would choose to trade their childhood on the streets of Brooklyn for any other place in the world.” The book is available from Amazon. Jim is a parishioner of St. Charles. Sr. Jeanine loved the book. The next meeting is Thursday, Oc-tober 18th at 4:00 PM in the rectory base-ment.
5
WE PRAY...WE CELEBRATE...WE REMEMBER
THE GET WELL LIST
WE REMEMBER Eternal rest grant unto their souls, O Lord.
And let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace. Amen.
May their souls and the souls of the faithful departed rest in peace. Amen
Keith Alaimo Paul Alaimo Sr. Joseph Bisking Joan Boragi Chris & Cookie Bradshaw Judy Bunting Christopher Buono Madeline Buonpane Mary Campitelli Marietta Canning Marty Casey Nick Castagna Grace Castelao Gianna Cerullo Monica Cipriani John Colella Michael Coleman Anna DiCamillo Donato DiCamillo Teresa Deegan Andrew DiPadova Mary Driscoll Russell Dunn Joseph Elia Pietrina Emro Charles Faberzak Dorothy Fleming Danny Fortunato Mary Gallart Aniel Garcia Phyllis Golding Harry Guarnieri Josephine Guarnieri Emily Harris Rosemary Hennessey Cheryl Houss Helen Istico Colleen Kaplan Gary & Harriette Kaye Jeannette Castelao Keane Amanda Lavoro Loretta Lecce Elizabeth Linton Anthony Locicero Jr. Linda LoCocero
Diego Lopez Annette Luzzi Helen Mahon Lauren Marie Barbara Marino Jim McKenna James McGill Anna Miele Gennaro Musto Virginia Novaro Helen O’Brien Eileen O’Neill Rita Paragone Mary Parnell Kristina Patafio Christian Pepo Diane Petraglia (McKenna) Pasquale Petrucci Eileen Raineri Ella Reilly James Rezac MaryAnn Rezac Lee Rhatigan Marilyn Rossano Jeanine Russo Rose Russo Dorothy Sabatell Grace Salerno Vincent Santore Geoffrey Schaller Dolores & Tony Sclafani Anthony Scocco Jerry Scotti Howard Shock Howard Shock, Jr. Maryann Sparano Marie Starita Ann Van Houten Herb Van Houten Fred Volk Christopher Wandy Sara Weiss Norm Zuniga
MARRIAGE BANNS We Celebrate
We ask the family of St. Charles to pray for the following couples who will receive the Sacrament of Marriage
Julianne Venturino & Nicholas Tingos Colleen Fitzgerald & John Galbo Christina Smith & Joseph Labrit
Gina Lopez & Frank Cipriani Caitlin Guzzi & Nicholas Macaluso Jessica Smith & Andrew Colantoni
WEDDING MUSIC If you are planning a wedding in the near future and would like to arrange for music, please, call the rectory two months prior to the wedding, and leave a message for Paul Light, our Music Director at (718) 987-2670.
6
PRE-CANA CLASS Pre-Cana Class will be held on Sunday, October 14th from 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM in the St. Patrick’s School Building (3560 Richmond Road, Rich-mondtown). To register, please go to their web-site (www.stpatrickssi.org) or call the Parish Of-fice at 718-979-4227 for details; cost $200.00
PARISH NEWS
OUR LADY OF FATIMA PRESENTATION
St. Charles will be hosting a special “Our Lady of Fatima Presentation” on Saturday, October 20th from 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM in the auditorium. All are invited to be inspired by the messages of Fatima, which are unfolding now. Come and listen to Our Lady’s peace plan for humanity. The messages are of grave importance now more than ever, based on the church crises and devastating world situation. The presentation will include video clips of the “Miracle of the Sun” and other apparitions will be shown. Please note FREE LITERATURE, brown scapu-lars, rosaries, etc. will be available. All are wel-come to this beautiful event! Refreshments will be served following the presentation. For more information, please contact the rectory at 718-987-2670.
WORLD MISSION SUNDAY This year’s World Mission Sunday, October 20th, marks the 110th Anniversary of our “mission independence”. Through 2908, the Church in the United States was the beneficiary of the generosity of the Catholic faithful of Eu-rope through the Society of the Propagation of the Faith. In fact, two thirds of the very first col-lection of the Propagation of the Faith in 1822, was sent to the Church in America, making it possible to build churches and schools, educate clergy and religious, provide for the good works of religious communities and support evangeli-zation here at home. More than 100 years later, we are called upon to assist both spiritually and financially the more than 1,150 “young church-es” in Asia, Africa, the Pacific Island and Latin America, all of which have the same needs that the United States once had. With this in mind please be as generous as your means will allow this World Mission Sunday. Together with Pope France let us pray that World Mission Sun-day will generate a renewed awareness of the need to proclaim the Gospel to all corners of the world.
SETON FOUNDATION The Seton Foundation for Learning is a not for profit organization that supports special educa-tion programs in Staten Island. Their mission is to ensure that special needs children are provid-ed with an appropriate and individualized edu-cational program. Representatives from the Se-ton Foundation will be here next weekend sell-ing chances. Please consider supporting this wonderful organization.
7
BBQ FOR VETERANS Hearing our Heroes is an organization founded and run by students at Msgr. Farrell High School. They aim to assist local veterans and thank them for their service. In doing so, we re-mind our members and others how much our brave veterans sacrificed to protect the blessings of liberty. To celebrate and honor our service-men and women, past and present, Msgr. Farrell will host a barbeque on Sunday, October 28 from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM at Msgr. Farrell High School Gym. Cost is FREE to all who RSVP by October 18th and $5.00 per person after October 18th and at the door. This price includes food, dessert, beer, soda, water and entertainment. For more information, call Matthew at 917-932-4266 or Will at 917-524-4251 or email [email protected].
Eger Health Care and Rehabilitation CenterHigh Quality Post Hospital and Long Term Care
Enriched Environment Inside and Outside
YOU HAVE A CHOICE...INSIST UPON EGERMission Driven Not-For-Profit Health Care
718-989-3057
Tours Welcome
Homemade Italian FoodOpen 7 Days
Private Party Rooms • Catering41-26 Hylan Blvd.
718-569-3180Your Neighborhood Funeral Home is Now Staten Island’s Largest Facility
Our Newly Enlarged and Decorated Home is Now Staten Island’s Largest Facility
Unlimited Onsite Parking Facilities are Now Available
Pre-Arranged Funerals Invited for Burial or Cremation
John Vincent Scalia Home for Funerals, Inc.
(718) 356-6363 (at Eltingville Station) 1-800-727-0700
$29.95/Mo. billed quarterly
• One Free Month• No Long-Term Contract• Price Guarantee• Easy Self Installation
Call Today! Toll Free 1.877.801.8608
Medical Alert System
Get thisweekly bulletindelivered byemail - for FREE!
Sign up here:https://www.jspaluch.com/BulletinSubscribe.aspx
Courtesy of J.S. Paluch Company, Inc.
511977 St Charles Church (B) www.jspaluch.com For Ads: J.S. Paluch Co., Inc. 1-800-524-0263
From the WLP Vaultcomes the Bible Story of Christmas
featuring 8 Classic Christmas Carols and a reading of the Gospel of Luke 2: 4-20 by Bing Crosby!
Also available on vinyl.
Visit WLPmusic.com to purchase your copy - CD $10.00
800-566-6150 Photo Courtesy of Bing Crosby Enterprises
TRIFAROPHYSICAL THERAPY, PCMichael D. Trifaro M.S., P.T.
511 Tysens LaneStaten Island, NY 10306
718-979-7588
Bozo’s Army, Navy StoreSneakers • Jeans • Work Clothes
Complete Line
4170 Hylan Blvd.Staten Island, NY 10308
351-8465
New solo piano CDby composer Peter Kolar
Beautiful, classically-inspired arrangements ofCatholic hymns in the style of Beethoven,
Brahms, Mozart, and Bach.
www.wlpmusic.com800-566-6150
If You Live Alone You Need MDMedAlert!24 Hour Protection at HOME and AWAY!
✔Ambulance✔Police ✔Fire✔Friends/Family
CALLNOW!
FREE ShippingFREE ActivationNO Long Term Contracts
Solutions as Low as $19.95 a month
This Button SAVES Lives!As Shown GPS,
Lowest Price Guaranteed!
GPS Tracking w/Fall DetectionNationwide, No Land Line Needed
EASY Set-up, NO Contract24/7 365 Monitoring in the USA
800.809.3352MDMedAlertSafe-Guarding America’s Seniors Nationwide!
DO YOU HAVE SALES EXPERIENCE? ARE YOU WELLNETWORKED IN THE LOCAL COMMUNITY?
J.S. PALUCH COMPANYNATIONAL PUBLISHER OF CHURCH BULLETINS
• Full & Part Time Positions Available with Excellent Earning Potential!
• Medical Benefits, 401K, Life & AD&D Insurance Available
• Excellent Commission Compensation Program
Interested? Call Kay Leane 1.800.621.5197 x2823or Email Resume to [email protected]
www.jspaluch.com
EARN MONEY!DO GOOD! MAKE A
POSITIVE IMPACT!
For Information ... Call
800.524.0263
www.jspaluch.com
Grow Your Business,Advertise Here.
Support Your Church & Bulletin.
Free professional ad design & my help!
email: [email protected]
The Most Complete OnlineNational Directory
of Catholic Parishes
CHECK IT OUT TODAY!
2595 Hylan Blvd.
718-569-3080www.RCBK.com
Richmond County Savings Bank
Always gives you >More!!
SPECIALIZING IN FRESHLY MADE RAVIOLI * STUFFED SHELLSTORTELLINI * MANICOTTI * FRESH PASTA * CAVATELLI & SAUCESTEL: (718) 667-2194-5 1076 RICHMOND ROAD, S.I.
��The J.L. Wegenaar Co. Inc. ~ Since 1872
Memorial Designers & BuildersMONUMENTS �� HEADSTONES �� INSCRIPTIONS
Marie Wegenaar ❖❖ Julie Wegenaar ❖❖ Laura WegenaarServicing the Tri-State Area 3334 AMBOY ROAD, 10306718.351.1420 Fax: 718-667-9790 [email protected]
��
MIKE JR’S OAKWOOD DINEROpen 7 DaysFree Delivery
Catering Available3161 Amboy Road 718-668-1570
Download Our Free App or Visit
MY.ONEPARISH.COM
Grow in your faith,find a Mass, and
connect with yourCatholic Community
with OneParish!
Luxury Senior LivingWithout the Luxury Pricetag
Island Shores Senior Residence1111 Father Capodanno Blvd.
Staten Island, NY 10306
718.667.0666www.islandshores.org
800-566-6150 • www.wlpmusic.com
Saint Margaret Sunday Missal
Readings • Reflections • PrayersIn Stock & Ready to Order Today.
CALL OR ORDER ONLINE. $39.95
Designed to be
through 2030Your Personal
Prayer Companion
FRANK E. HANLEYFounder
Life Is Not Ended…But Merely Changed.
LARGE PARKING PLAZA60 NEW DORP LANE, STATEN ISLAND, NEW YORK 10306
718-351-1800FUNERAL HOME INC.511977 St Charles Church (A) www.jspaluch.com For Ads: J.S. Paluch Co., Inc. 1-800-524-0263
When Service Matters ...Staten Island’s Finest is Family Owned &
Operated with 4 Generations of ExperienceCOLONIAL FUNERAL HOME IS OWNED IN WHOLE BY
COLONIAL CORP. STOCKHOLDERS ARE:ANTHONY LANZA AND LEWIS ROVEGNO
We are Pre-Arrangement/Counseling Specialists718-351-5858 2819 Hylan Boulevard • SI, NY 10306
SafeHarbor HomeCare ServicesSince 1967
Licensed Private Duty NursesCertified Home Health AidesAvailable all hours & all shifts
www.safehrbr.com 718-979-6900
CANLON’S RESTAURANT
@ Oakwood Train StationLunch • Dinner • Catering1825 N. Railroad Ave.
7 Days 718-667-3013
Brian or Sally, coordinators
860.399.1785
www.CatholicCruisesAndTours.comCST 2117990-70
an Official TravelAgency of Apostleship
of the Sea-USA
TRACKSIDEbar & grill
61 New Dorp PlazaStaten Island, NY 10306
718-987-6100
Bring in this ad and get one free appetizer.Choice of: Mozzarella Sticks, Chicken Tenders, Zucchini Sticks,
Jalapeño Poppers, Buffalo Wings (8), or Potato Skins.Receive a complimentary glass of wine with purchase of one entree.
Offer expires 10/31/2018.Serving lunch and dinner daily.
Live entertainment every Friday and Saturday.Live music every Sunday afternoon 4pm-8pm
Karaoke every Thursday.
NOWOPEN!
Practicing in Elder
Law, Estate Planning,
Probate, Estate and
Trust Settlement and
Business Planning
885 Huguenot Avenue, Staten Island, NYTel: 718.354.8646 • Fax: 718.354.8647
www.leporelaw.com
THE LAW OFFICES OF
CARING MATTERS
Standing on the Rock CD by James Wahl
FUN AND FAITH-FILLED MUSICfor little ones, with 10 songs based on Bible
stories and the teachings of Jesus.This is a new music collection for
preschool children and those who are in early grade school.
$17.00 + S&H
800-566-6150 • www.wlp.jspaluch.com/14028.htm
FROM THE PASTOR’S DESK
THREE STEPS TO HEAVEN… I’m really a big fan of oldies music from the 1950’s and 60’s. In my opinion, that music is infinitely better than what the kids listen to today, if you can even call it music! Besides hundreds of old 45 RPM rec-ords which I have collected over the years, someone sent recently me a wonderful collection of oldies on two CD’s which were wonderfully restored and remastered. No scratchy noises like on the 45’s! Most of the songs on the CD I recognized. However, one of them I did not. The song had an interest-ing title: “Three Steps to Heaven.” Guess you see why it got my attention right away! The song which reached the top of the charts in the United States in 1960 was sung by Eddie Cochran who died a tragic death. In the song, Eddie Cochran sang about how to achieve eternal happiness in three steps. The three steps are: Find a girl. Get her to fall in love with you. Make her feel loved! Not a bad synopsis if you are in-terested in romance but probably too old fashioned and slow in today’s society! Taking that song title and applying it to our own lives, what would be the three steps to heaven for us as Catholics? Well here they are: Mass and Holy Communion every Sunday, going to confession on a regular basis and finally, praying the holy rosary. Let’s look at each of these three steps for a moment. The Sunday Mass is extremely important for us as Catholics. The Lord asks us for only one hour out of 168 in a week. Certainly that is not asking too much. How much time we all waste on the internet, watch-ing TV, shopping and other activities! Let’s try to give God his due. A priest once said, “If you are too busy to go to Mass, you’re probably too busy!” Of course at Mass, we receive Jesus Christ in holy communion which is the greatest privilege that we have. The Lord becomes our very food and spiritual nourishment. Cut off from the life giving bread of the eu-charist, our soul will wither and die. Mass and holy communion is truly our “passport to paradise.” It is the first and most important step in getting closer to God. Secondly, going to penance. We live in an age where everybody’s sins and failings are trumpeted throughout the cyber world and across the media. Instead of focusing on other peoples bad behavior, maybe all of us need to look within and see those areas in life where we could do better and be better as Christians. Confession gives us that opportunity. When we sincerely confess our sins, some important things happen. Our conscience is purified, grace is increased, the will is strengthened, we grow in virtue, humility grows and our bad habits are corrected. Go-ing to the Sacrament of Reconciliation can assist us in living a good Christian life which is really tough in the world that is “2018.” Finally, the third step to heaven is to pray the rosary if we can each and every day. The month of Octo-ber that we are now in is dedicated to Mary and the rosary. Padre Pio was once asked by one of his fellow con-freres, “Father can you give me a short cut to reach God?” The saint replied, “The short cut is the Blessed Virgin Mary and her most powerful prayer the rosary!” The rosary keeps us connected with Jesus and his mother, and we need that kind of connection much more than Twitter, Instagram or Facebook! Even if you don’t like old songs, you can still follow these “Three Steps to Heaven” which will lead you someday to true happiness and joy! Sincerely in Christ, Father Jerome
10
