Shrine Church of St. Bernadette

Upcoming Events

• But men are offended when someone appears to do God’s business and still is only a man.  They want messengers who speak more brilliantly, heralds who preach more persuasively, hearts that burn with a hotter flame.  They would gladly receive God’s representative, provided he always had the upper hand, had an answer for everything, could handle every problem.  But what is the terrible and hapy truth?  Those who come are weak men, who live in fear and trembling, men who themselves must pray over and over, “Lord I believe, help my unbelief!” men who themselves must keep beating their breasts, “Lord, be merciful to me, a sinner!”

  And still they preach the faith that conquers the world and bring the grace that makes redeemed saints our of lost sinners.  God sends men.  They come and through their poor humanity they say, “Look, it is the likes of us that God takes pity on.  Look, the star of grace has risen for the poor and the stupid, the desperate and the dying.” As the human messengers of the everlasting God, they say, “Do not be scandalized at us.  We know that we carry God’s treasure in vessels of clay; we know that our shadow keeps darkening God’s light, which we ought to bring to you.  Be merciful towards us; do not judge us; feel sympathy and us weaklings, on whose shoulders God has loaded more grace than we can carry.  You can take this as a promise for yourselves, the fact that we too are men.  From it learn that God has no horror of human beings.  You will someday feel horror and be shocked ay yourselves, when you experience in yourselves what man is and what is in man.  Blessed will you be then, those of you who have not been scandalized at the man in the priest.  He is human so that you can believe that man –poor real man – can possess the grace of God.” (Karl Rahner)

• There will be Lenten Devotions on Wednesday evenings at 7:30 PM during Lent. There will be Stations of the Cross on Friday evenings at 7:30 PM during Lent.  Reminder: Friday during Lent are days of abstinence, No meat is to be eaten.
• The Easter Statue of the Risen Christ has been donated in memory of Laurie Ann Lombardi from her Mom and Fred Lomangino.
• The Altar Rosary Society News will be sponsoring “Hospitality Sunday” following the 11:00 AM Mass on Sunday, March 21^st.  This mass is in honor of all living and deceased members of the Altar Rosary Society.  Please join us for refreshments after the mass.
• St. Bernadette School News – Due to two snow days, Registration opportunities for St. Bernadette School for students in Pre Kindergarten 4-year old and Kindergarten through Grade 7 were lost.  Applications and information concerning registration may be obtained through the school office at 718-236-1560 or through email at stbernadette83@yahoo.com

  Registration:  If you are interested in registering your child for our Pre K 4 Kindergarten or Grade 1-7 programs, give our school at call at 718-236-1560 to make an appointment for registration during the week of February 22-26.  Today, more than ever, its critically important to instill an unshakeable faith and hope for the future in your child in St. Bernadette School, children grow spiritually and develop a personal connection to God that will serve them for a lifetime.

  St. Bernadette School provides unique quality through a faith-based education that supports the whole child in learning about and leading a fulfilled life.  You child will be challenged at St. Bernadette School – challenged to grow academically, spiritually and as an individual.  SBS students, in turn, will set the trend to a brighter future through service and leadership in their families, communities, church, and business

  Give your child a strong foundation for a lifetime of confidence, faith, and service.  Enroll your child in a National Blue Ribbon School, a Middle States Accredited School – ST. BERNADETTE SCHOOL!!! Call: 718-236-1560 today!

• Brooklyn West 8 Cluster News:
  Ministry Day:  Saturday, March 6^th (8:45 AM – 10:45 AM) St. Anselm Mass – 11:00 AM
  Youth Day for Confirmandi Saturday, March 20^th (1:30 PM – 6:00 PM Begins at St. Patrick – St. Anselm – OLA (Mass)
  Lenten Soup Supper Monday, March 22^nd (6:00 PM) OLA
  Sacrament of Reconciliation Saturday, March 27^th (1:00 PM) OLA
• Lourdes Virtual Pilgrimage Experience Sponsored by St. Bernadette’s Holy Name Society – March 4^th at 7:30 PM – North American Lourdes Volunteers will present a 90 minute spiritual and prayerful pilgrimage which includes the invitation apparitions and message of Lourdes in the footsteps of Bernadette.  During this guided virtual tour you will:  touch a piece of the Grotto, experience the baths with water from the Spring at Lourdes, receive a Eucharistic Blessing and experience a decade of the rosary procession – the next best thing to being there – a spiritual journey without the travel!  Each pilgrim receives a bottle of Lourdes water to take home.  All are welcomed to attend.  Please feel free to contact the rectory at 718-837-3400 with any additional questions.
• 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.furtersineducation.org.
• Save our Catholic Schools – Are you a Catholic School Alumni or friend of Catholic schools? Interested in saving our schools? Join Regis Philbin and thousands of Catholic school veterans to create a new future for our Catholic schools.  It’s about time we STAND UP! Visit www.clickyes.com!
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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 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.
• 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.
• Year For Priests June 19, 2009 – June 19, 2010 Pope Benedict XVI declared a Year For Priests in an effort to foster within priests a yearning for “spiritual perfection:”  During this Jubilee Year, the Pope will also proclaim St. John Vianney to be patron saint of all the world’s priests.  This year marks the 150^th anniversary of the death of this 19^th century saint who represents a “true example of a priest at the service of the flock of Christ.”  While St. Bernadette’s has already done much to pray and encourage vocations, watch the bulletin for further news of how we will be celebrating this very special year.  In the meantime, in your charity, include a special remembrance of all priests in your daily prayers.  Be sure to include your parish priests, but also priests who are closed to you (The one who baptized you, the one you frequently go to for confession, the priest who officiated at your marriage, etc.).  God will reward your spiritual generosity for his consecrated ministers of word and sacrament.  As you pray for priests, remember also the seminarians of our diocese who are already answering God’s call.  They count on your spiritual support.  Finally, be sure to include a prayer that vocations to priesthood and religious life may come from our own beloved St. Bernadette’s!
• Our Lady of Angels Church will Celebrate St.Patrick/St. Joseph Celebration – Show and Dinner featuring Steve Lippa’s dedication to the American Crooners, Sunday, March 14^th at 3:30
• CCD News – Classes for grades 1-7 resume on February 24^th.  Confirmation parent meeting, Thursday, February 25^th at 7:30 PM in Church.Women’s Day of Prayer – There will be a Day of Prayer for women 18 years and older on Saturday, April 24^th.  The day is called OASIS and is hosted by The Religious Teachers Filippini, the community of sisters that serves in our Parish.  The theme for the day is “Women of the Church” and will be presented by Fr. Lynam, Pastor of St. Augustine of Canterbury Parish, Kendall Park, NJ Diocese of Metuchen.  The day will take place at Villa Walsh, the Motherhouse of the Filippini sisters, in Morristown, NJ.  The day begins at 9:30 AM and ends at 3:30 PM Registration is due no later than April 10, 2010.  For more information or to register for the day you can contact our own sisters at 718-259-9844 or contact Sr. Joan at 718-236-1560 or email us at oasis.mpf@gmail.com.  There is a $10.00 fee for the day.  Participants are asked to bring a brown bag lunch.  Beverages will be available.  Villa  Walsh is handicap accessible.
• Senator Golden to provide free income tax service to senior citizens and low income residents.  Appointments will be available at his district office located at 7408 5^th Avenue, from February 4^th through April 15^th, every Thursday from 6:00 PM to 8:30PM and on Saturdays from 9:00 AM to 11:30 AM.  For appointments or more information please call (718) 238-6044.

Parish Meetings & Committee News

• The Altar Rosary Society meeting information to follow..
• Holy Name meeting information to follow.
• 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 Carmelites 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.
• 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.
• Bay Ridge and Bensonhurst Seniors:  Are you stuck in the house due to failing health?Do you worry about how long you will be able to live independently at home?  Catholic Charities – Benson Ridge Senior Services can help.  We assist with housekeeping, personal care, meals, transportation, accessing government benefits and solving other problems related to growing older.  One of our friendly Case Mangers would be happy to pay you a visit to discuss options for aging comfortably, with dignity, in you own home.  We care-You are not alone!  Call today for a free consultation.  718-680-3530.  Program funded by the New York City Department for the Aging.
• Diocesan Pilgrimage – A Lenten Pilgrimage to Assisi and Rome – March 4^th – 12^th, 2010  Trip Includes 2 Nights Assisi, 5 Nights, Rome, Breakfast daily and Most Meals Air and Accommodations (Double Occupancy) All tours per Itinerary All Taxes.
• Bishop Ford Catholic High School will host its Annual Doo Wop Spectacular on Saturday, March 27^th.  Showtime is 7:30 PM doors open at 7:00 PM>  Tickets are #40.00 each, reserved seating.  Call 718-360-2587 for further information.
• Our Lady of Grace – Spring Fair on Saturday, March 20^th from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM and Sunday, March 21^st from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM in the lower level of the Church (Handicap accessible and parking) located at 430 Avenue W in the Gravesend section of Brooklyn.  There will be crafts, a variety of vendors selling new items, food, refreshments and pictures with the Easter Bunny.  For more information call Mary Ann at 718-376-2220 or the rectory at 718-627-2020.
• Music at Xaverian Presents:  Sounds for Haiti, a concert to raise funds for the People of Haiti, Featuring the Riverside Brass Group, Bavarian Jazz Band, Pamela Golkin and more.  Wednesday, February 24^th at 7:00 in the Brother Warren Able Auditorium.  Tickets are $10.00, all proceeds will go to the XBSS Haitian Relief Fund.  Please contact the Music Dept. at 718-836-7100, ext. 177 with any questions.

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.
• 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.