Shrine Church of St. Bernadette

Upcoming Events

• “Now by this we may be sure that we know Him, if we obey His commandments.” Jesus wants to make Himself known to you through the vocation He cooses for you.  Will you obey His call to the priesthood or consecrated life”.   Talk to your pastor or contact the Vocation Office at 718-827-2454 or vocations@diobrook.org.
• We are in need of households to take the St. John Vianney Vocation Statue and pray for vocations to priesthood and religious life.  Each household takes the statue for a week and promises to pray the paryers provided each day.  If you would like to take part in this important prayer for vocations, please call the rectory to reserve a week.
• Give the Gift of Education – Be an angel to a student!  As an angel, you enable a student, who is at-risk financially, to remain in his or her Catholic school.   100% of your contribution is directed to the tuition, with the parents or guardians contributing their part.  Your tax-deductible contributions can be made in honor or in memory of someone you hold dear, while assisting a child who might not otherwise be able to afford the benefit that a Catholic school education offers.  For further information, please contact St. Bernadette School principal, Sr. Joan at 718-236-1560 or e-mail her at stbernadette83@yahoo.com.  You may also contact the Futures in Education at 718-965-7340 or find further information at www.furturesineducation.org.
• St. Bernadette’s has an urgent need for more ushers.  If you are willing to serve in this ministry, please call the Rectory and leave your name and telephone number.  Someone will contact you shortly.
• Given some recent unfortunate events, ladies are encouraged to take their pocketbooks with them while going up to Holy Communion.
• If you have arranged to have a mass offered on a Sunday and you would like to carry the gifts to the altar at the Offertory, please inform the ushers upon your arrival at church so they know where you are seated and they will not pick someone else.  Please help us to avoid embarrassment and hard feelings.  If we do not know where you are seated, the ushers will select two other people.
• We remind parishioners that the New Directions for Receiving Holy Communion are to be followed.  When you are the next person to receive, you are asked to make a bow of your head in reverence to the Blessed Sacrament.  When it is your turn to receive let the host be placed on the palm of your hand, step aside, and with your free hand pick up the host and consume it.
• Parish Registration – We ask all new parishioners to stop by the rectory and register their families.  If you are not registered and using your weekly envelopes we cannot issue letters in connection with sponsorship for Sacraments or give recommendations for positions, schools, etc.  When moving out of the parish, please notify the rectory.
• Reminder – When you are reading the bulletin this week, take some time to look at the names of the many advertisers that support our church.  These businesses show their support by advertising in our Sunday bulletin.  We should return the favor by letting them know how much we appreciate it.  When you are shopping or looking for a business – look to our advertiser pages and let them know where you saw their ad and be sure to thank them for their support.
• Prayer for Vocations – Loving God, you chose Jesus as your beloved servant to bring justice to the world.  Through baptism you also call us to be your chosen servants.  Show us the path to follow and be with us on our journey.  May your Spirit guide women and men to serve the church.  Bless us with your grace now and forever.  Amen.
• Please note:  When you are attending our week-end liturgy and it is for the intention of your loved one, please approach one of our ushers, before Mass, so that you may present our offertory gifts to His Table.
• The Shrine Church of St. Bernadette Adult Choir – If you enjoy praising god through song, consider joining our choir.  We sing at the 11:00 AM Mass on Sunday and meet weekly for rehearsal on Tuesday at 8:00 PM.  There is a need for all voices, especially tenors, baritones and basses.
• St. Bernadette will open its Announced Mass Book as follows:  The week of Monday, May 11^th through Friday, May 15^th 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM.
• A Simple Way to Show Support for St. Bernadette School – Our Internet shopping mall offers a chance for you and your family to support St. Bernadette School when you do your online shopping.  We have partnered with hundreds fo the thop Internet  merchants to develop a secure shopping environment.  You pay the same price, as you would otherwise, and up to 15% of your purchase can go to St. Bernadette School.  Please keep us in mind whenever you do your online shopping.  Visit our website at www.stbernadetteschool.onecause.com.
• Dyker Heights Athletic Association – The DHAA – St. Bernadette Association will be hosting it’s annual children’s runners’ marathon on Saturday, May 16^th, 2009 on 12^th Avenuen – from 9:00 AM until 12:30 PM.  The 3^rd “Freedom is Not Free” marathon will be focused on honoring our fallen heroes  of this war on terror.  The funds raised by the children obtaining sponsors will be donated to the Children of Fallen Soldiers Relilef Fund.  The Children of Fallen Soldiers Relief Fund, a non-profit 501@ 3 organization that was founded in October, 2003, as a means of providing College Grants and Financial Assistance to surviving children and spouses of our US military service members who have lost their lives in the Iraq and Afghanistan wars.  If anyone is interested in participating, please fill out the applications, which are in the back of the church, and submit to the rectory.  Should you have any questions, please call Peter McCarthy at 718-259-4469.
• On Friday, May 1^st from 7:30 PM to 8:30 PM, the Vocation Committee of the parish will sponsor a Holy Hour of Eucharistic Adoration for Vocations to priesthood and religious life.  All members of the parish are encouraged to attend.  This event, will include two short presentations given by two of our school students, Cathleen Giordano and James Bruzzese.  Readings from Scripture, a decade of the Rosary, as well as other prayers and devotions will be prayed and conclude with Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament.  Please plan to come and pray with us and bring along a friend.
• First Friday – May 1^st is the First Friday of the Month.  Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament will take place after the 9:00 AM Mass until 2:30 PM Immmaculate Heart of Mary Cenacle of the Marian Movement of Priest – there will be a one hour of prayer, a rosary, song, readings and quiet time during First Friday from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM Chaplet of Mercy to follow.
• A Special Request – Parishioners are asked not to leave Mass before the priest exits the church.  While it is sometimes but not always necessary for some parishioners to leave Mass early, all should plan to stay until the end of the Mass.  This is a mark of respect for the liturgy and, above all, for the Blessed Sacrament received in Holy Communion.  A good rule to follow is Mass is over when the priest leaves the church.  Please also avoid talking socially in church.  We all need a place where we can be silent with God for prayer and meditation.  Thank you for keeping our church a place of reverence.

Parish Meetings & Committee News

• Altar Rosary Society will be meeting on Tuesday, April 21^st at  7:30 PM in the Cafeteria.  We will be preparing for our Spring Festival Baskets.
• Holy Name will be hosting a Cake Sale (including home baked goodies) after all the Masses on Sunday, May 3^rd.  All are invited.  Free coffee will be offered.  All proceeds from this event will go to the Sisters of Life, a contemplative/active Religious Community of Women, founded in 1991 by Cardinal O’Connor for the protection and enhancement of the sacredness of human life..
• Evangelization Committee meeting information to follow..
• The St. Bernadette Evangelization Committee invites you to join them for their weekly prayer group on every Monday night at 7:00 PM in the Rectory. The lectionary readings will be studied and reflected upon. Everyone is welcome.
• Outreach Committee more information to follow.
• Worship Committee more information to follow.

Cluster News

• Diocesan Alcohol and Substance Abuse Assistance Program
  The Diocese of Brooklyn has created a program to provide confidential ongoing assistance to parish and community families who suffer from the effects of alcohol and substance abuse. The program provides counseling, support, treatment and care to those seeking assistance. To connect to a network of services that will help you and your family in addressing this concern, please make a confidential call to the Diocesan Alcohol and Substance Abuse Assistance Program Hotline: 1-800-659-1603. Any one with depression can also call the hotline. For general information, please visit Catholic Charities’ website: www.ccbq.org.
• Help the Needy Program
  Knights of Columbus John Hughes Council has created the Help the Needy Program in order to collect food clothing and toys to help the less fortunate. Items must be in good condition. Items can be brought to the council between the hours of 10am to 4:30pm and 7:30pm to 10pm, seven days a week. For more information, call John Adesso at (718) 614-2689 or Frank Marzigilano at (718) 533-0491
• Italian Board of Guardians
  Located at 7808 18 Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11214 offers Home Companion Services, Counseling Services, Psychological Evaluations and Tutoring Services. Please call 718.232.4242 for more information.
• Make your Voices Heard
  The New York State Catholic Bishops have formed a statewide Catholic Advocacy Network of concerned Catholics who want to put their faith into action. Together, we can speak out in support of the poor and vulnerable, the sick and elderly, the unborn, children and families. Our parish encourages you to join this network. There is no cost. The easiest way to join is to go to www.nyscatholic.org to sign up. Or you can send your name, address, phone number and e-mail address to Catholic Advocacy Network, New York State Catholic Conference, 465 State Street, Albany, NY 12203-1004. Be sure to mention you are a member of St. Bernadette parish in the Diocese of Brooklyn. For more information, see the flyers in the back of the church.
• Our Lady of Angel’s Third Order Lay Carmelite chapter meets every first Saturday of the month.  Do you sense that God might be calling you into a deeper relationship with Him?  Men and women in every age identified themselves with the Carelites as members of the Third Order.  We invite you to se the answers to your questions and discern whether or not you may have a vocation as a Lay Carmelite.  We meet every first Saturday of the month from 2-4pm in the Cavanaugh Room at Our Lady of Angels Church, 7320 Fourth Avenue, Brooklyn, NY.  For more information call: 718-788-5290, or 917-841-1403.
• Caregivers Support Group – Our Lady of Angels Human Service Center will be forming a new Caregivers Support Group.  We want you to be a part of our group!  Every 2^nd and 4^th Wednesday of the month, 3:30PM to 5:00PM (Time and dates may be changed upon group’s request).  To sign up please contact:  Rudy A. Nieves, Our Lady of Angels Human Service Center, 336 – 73^rd Street, Brooklyn, NY  11209, 718-680-6344.  You are not alone!!!
• Mercy First – Angel Guardian Guild – Gift and Thrift Shop, 6301-12^th Avenue Brooklyn, NY, Open every Thursday from 10:30AM to 3:30PM and all proceeds to benefit the Youth Scholarship Fund..
• Dominican Village is a not-for-profit Independent and Assisted Living Retirement Community sponsored by the Sisters of St. Dominic located in Amityville, NY.  Should you have any questions, please contact:  Emily – at 1-631-842-6618.
• Holy Family Nursing Home – Volunteers are needed to transport residents from their unit to the chapel, especially from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM.  We are also in need of Eucharistic Ministers to administer our Jesus to our residents.  Please contact Sister Teresita at 718-232-3666 Ext. 254.  – Pastoral Care Department.
• Camp Bernadette – Camp Fatima for boys and Camp Bernadette for girls are now accepting registrations for the 2009 summer season.  The camps located in the Lakes Region of NH , offer 2 week overnight sessions for children, 6 to 15 years of age.  Round trip bus transportation is also available from Long Island.  For more information, contact Michael Drumm at 603-364-5851 or email mdrumm@diocamps.org. or visit on web at www.diocampos.org.
• Irish Dance Program for children meets at St. Patrick’s located at 9511 4^th Avenue on Tuesdays 3:30PM and at Holy Name, Windsor Terrace on Fridays. At 5:00 PM.  Classes are taught by Bernadette Buckley Kash, TCRG (Member Irish Dance Teachers Association, NA and Irish Dance Commission, Dublin, Ireland) For more information call:  718-965-9424.
• Parents keep your kids safe – Visit the following websites for valuable information regarding your ability to protect your children against pornography and solicitation.  The information provided will alert you to filtering and parental control systems, as well as free resources to be downloaded.  www.icarecoalition.org – click resources  www.nationalcoalition.org.
• Please note:  Parishioners are kindly requested not to leave personal refuse behind in the pews.  This is especially true for items such as tissues and other personal refuse that might be health risk for those who come after and particularly for those who clean the church.  Your cooperation is appreciated.
• Legislation Unfairly Target Church – The New York State Legislature is considering a bill that would allow individuals to file civil lawsuits claiming abuse at any time in the past.  The bill does not apply evenly to all victims and all institutions.  It is selectively targeted at the Catholic Church and other private organizations.  Significantly, it would not apply to public schools or other public entities.  The proposal would rescindstatue of limitations on abuse-related lawsuits against private organizations for one year, rejecting a legal doctrine respected by generations of judges and legislatures that civil claims should be brought in a timely fashion to ensure a fair and just resolution based on the facts.  The New York State Catholic Conference and other religious organizations have urged the Legislature to adopt alternative legislation that treats all victims and institutions fairly and evenly.  The unfair legislation, if enacted, could imperil all of the Church’s missions and ministries in New York State.  For more information and to contact your legislators about this important issue please visit www.protectnychildren.com.
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• Eagle Scout Project Come to the New Utrecht Reformed Church located at 1828 83^rdStreet on May 9^th for an Environment Awareness Fair, organized by Edward Maddaleana, to achieve the highest rank in Scouting:  Eagle Scout.  It will be a fun day, with a give away of a free, reusable canvas bag.  City and State organizations, such as the DEC and Park Rangers, will be there answering questions, in addition to local environmental activists.  The fair runs from 11:30 AM to 2:30PM.

Fund Raisers   

• Memorial Funds
  Remember to support St. Bernadette memorial funds next time you need to memorialize a relative or friend. Arrangements can be made through the Rectory to memorialize with bread, wine, altar flowers, altar candle or sanctuary lamp for one week.
• Prayer Cards
  Available now in the Rectory Office is an assortment of prayer cards for different saints and various special donations. The selection of prayer cards will change depending on the Liturgical season and upcoming feast days. There is a small donation of 25 cents for each card.
• St. Bernadette Wall of Remembrance
  You can remember your beloved departed with a small cross. The donation for the first year is $200.00 and each additional year is $100.00 The crosses are made from imported wood from Belgium, with the name engraved on a metal plate. There are three ways that the engraving can be made on these plates - “John Doe”, “Mr. & Mrs. John Doe” or “The Doe Family”. Included in this donation will be remembrance each month at the Purgatorial Mass and a special remembrance on All Souls Day. If someone wishes not to re-enroll, we will give them the cross as a keepsake. The cross is placed on the wall with a temporary label, and when the metal plate is engraved, it will be put on the cross. Arrangements can be made through the Rectory Office Monday to Friday from 9am to 4pm.
• Box Tops Education
  In the vestibule of the church, there is a large box where Box Tops can be dropped off. Find and clip 10¢ Box Tops coupon on hundreds of General Mills, Ziploc and Kleenex products to help St. Bernadette School can earn up to $60,000.00 per year.
• 2008 Annual Catholic Appeal
  If you have received the Appeal letter in the mail, please return it to the Diocese, making sure that you list St. Bernadette as the parish. If you will be making a pledge, please do so as soon as possible since the Appeal not only helps the Bishop, it also helps our Parish.  Please be as generous as your means will allow.