Bulletin Announcements

Bulletin Announcements

Bulletin Announcements

75th Anniversary Dinner Cruise 2010

St. Bernadette’s Fair 2010

When someone dares to take up the happy and terrifying life of a priest, then the happy occasion can strike us speechless with fear, because here is the beginning of something that no human being can finish.  But we comfort ourselves with the grace of God; not we but grace will finish what it has begun.  For He who called the priest is true to His word and His graces are given without repentance.  But during this celebration of the holy scarifies let us pray for the Church on earth: pray God to send workers into His harvest, for the workers are few.  Pray for our priests, that they begin in the fear and joy of the Lord and persevere in faithful service up to that happy end which all aspire to, when all vocations will find one happy end in the endless sacrificial celebration of eternity, when the Son and we with Him give over everything to the Father, so that God may be all in all.  (Karl Rahner)

Upcoming Events
- We will have May devotions on Wednesday, May 26^th at 7:30 PM.

-The Diocese has launched a new website to keep all parishioners up to date on Christ Jesus, Our Hope – the Diocesan Strategic Planning process.  The website is www.ChristJesusOurHope.org.  The site contains information relevant to the current process, including a text of the Bishop’s Pastoral Letter, provides answers to some frequently asked questions that parishioners may have about the process and provides a forum for you to submit your questions and thoughts.  As the process continues, you are encouraged to check this site for up to date information regarding the planning process and the changes happening in our Church.

-On Saturday, May 29^th at the 5:30 PM Mass, Fr. Joseph Dolan will celebrate his 50^th Anniversary as a priest.  All are invited to attend this special Mass of Thanksgiving which will be followed by light refreshments at a reception in our auditorium.  Please plan to attend and offer Fr. Dolan your prayerful congratulations on this significant milestone in his life.

-SAVE THE DATE!!! – On Thursday, September 23, 2010 The Shrine Church of St. Bernadette will be celebrating the 75^th Anniversary of our Parish with a Dinner Cruise! We will be sailing on the Statue Cruise Lline out of Battery Park, NY.  Boarding will be at 6:00 PM and will disembark at 10:00 PM.  The cost is $100 per person.  Bus transportation will be provided for a nominal fee of $10 per person.  What a terrific way to celebrate our Church’s 75^th Anniversary! Plan to join us!  Look for further information in the coming weeks via the bulletin.  Call for reservations at 718-837-3400 or email us at 75anniversarycruise@gmail.com.

-St. Bernadette Parish is having it’s Annual Spring Festival/Flea Market from June 24^th through June 27^th.  Flea Market tables are available at the same low price of $25 per table (Thurs. – Fri.) and ($30 per table (Sat. – Sun.).  All four days are $100 per table.  Interested?  Call Ann Marie Fascianella or Debbie Russo at 718-236-1560 or email (preferable) stbspring-festival@gmail.com where your questions can be answered and contracts can be sent electronically!

-The DHAA St. Bernadette Knights will be hosting their fourth annual kid’s marathon on Saturday, June 5^th on 12^th Avenue, starting from 9:00 AM and ending at 12:30 PM. The Knights will team up with the American Cancer Society to raise money for Breast Cancer research.  The race will consist of boys and girls, ages 5 through 16, who wish to give something back to the community in which they live, as well as to honor all women affected by this terrible disease.  Each child will obtain $40.00 in sponsorships for the run.  All the runners will start on 82^nd Street and 13^th Avenue – go to 71^St Street and 12^th Avenue and then back again.  Participants may also walk instead of run.  We are asking if anyone is interested in participating please fill out the application attached to the flyers in the back of the church and summit completed for to the Rectory Office.  Any questions, please call Peter McCarthy at 718-259-4469.

-The annual Novena of the Sacred Heart will be held at Visitation Monastery, from Thursday, June 3^rd through Friday, June 11^th with an evening Mass every night at 7:30PM ESCEPT SUNDAY JUNE 6, which will be at 2:00 PM in the afternoon, in conjunction with the celebration of the 400^th anniversary of the Visitation Order on that day.  (Visitation Monastery, 8902 Ridge Boulevard, Brooklyn, NY  11209, 718-745-5151.

-Bishop Kearney High School’s Summer Camps – for more information or application call 718-236-6363 or go to www.bishopkearneyhs.org.  Musical Theater Workshop (ext 280) – June 28^th through July 9^th, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM,  Mon-Fri for two weeks, Gr. 6-9 Coed, Performance July 9^th at 3:00 PM, Fee $250.  Digital Photography Workshop (ext. 223) – June 28^th through July 2^nd, 10:00 AM – 12:15PM, Gr. 6-8, Girls only, fee $100.  Basketball Camp (ext. 258)- July 19^th through July 23^rd, 9:00 Am – 1:00, Gr. 5-8, girls only, Fee $175.  Volleyball Camp (ext. 258) – July 12^th through July 16^th, 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM, Gr. 5-8, girls only, Fee $175.  Summer Chorus Workshop (ext.2 80) – July 19^th through July 30^th, 1:00PM – 3:00 PM, Mon.-Fri. for two weeks Gr. 5-8, Coed, Performance July 30^th at 2:00 PM. Fee $200.

Parish Information

-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.

-St. Bernadette School Moms and Tots Program – For Moms (Dads or guardians) and their children who will be two years old by December 31, 2010.  Ongoing registration Please call 718-236-1560 or email stbernadette83@yahoo.com for further information.

-St. Bernadette School – Registration for 2010-2011 Faith Formation classes (CCD) is on Wednesday, June 2, 2010 between 2:00 PM and 3:30 PM and again at 7:30 PM and 8:30 PM in the Religious Education Office located in the St. Bernadette School building located in the St. Bernadette School building.  Use the 83^rd Street front entrance.  For all Families who want their children to participate in Faith Formation classes (CCD) Family has to be registered member of the St. Bernadette Parish. Family has to be an active, participating and worshipping  member of St. Bernadette Parish.  First Eucharist preparation is a two year program with First Eucharist taking place in Gr. 2.  Confirmation is a seven year preparation program with a 2-year immediate preparation with confirmation taking place in Gr. 7  For New students and those entering Grade 1 classes, family has to be a registered member of St. Bernadette Parish, family has to be an active, participating and worshipping member of St. Bernadette Parish.  Come to registration with child’s Birth Certificate, Baptismal Certificate, proof of residency and registration fee of $150.00 per family.  Students matriculating into either the general program of Faith Formation or the Sacramental Preparation Program because they are new to the area need to provide proof from former Parish of their participation in religious instruction.  All of the above information holds for the students already enrolled in the program.  Re-registration for students currently enrolled will take place between May 5^th and May 26^th.  The Faith formation Classes meet as follows:  Grs. 1-5 meet on Wednesday afternoon from 2:05 PM to 3:15PM (release time program) Grs. 6-7 meet on Wenesday afternoon from 3:30 PM to 4:50 PM.  Any questions call 718-232-7733 and speak with Sr. Joanne or Mrs. Anello.
-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.

-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!

-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.

Parish Meetings & Committee News

The Altar Rosary Society will meet on Tuesday, May 25th in the cafeteria.

• 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.
• 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.

Upcoming Events
· The word that God put in the mouth of the priest is not just a word-in-general, spoken out into the indeterminate.  It is God’s word: hence it ought to find its mark in the individual in his uniqueness and in his unique place in time.  It ought to be said to the individual – in the morning hours of his lie, when he begins to create an eternity in time; on the many everydays of his pilgrimage, during which he has to pick his way laboriously through all the valleys and meanderings of a human life; in the dead despair of guilt; in that holy moment, the moment of death, when it looks as though the fruits of time will issue once and for all into the inescapable grasp of death and eternity.  In such moments must the priest speak the word of God, the mighty and creative word, the word that does not talk but acts, the sacramental word.  I baptize thee, I absolve thee from thy sins, this is my body such are the words, spoken in the person of Christ, which the priest speaks into man’s concrete situation. (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.
· Easter Mass Schedule:  Vigil Mass – March 27^th 5:30 PM  Sunday Masses 8:00 AM, 9:30 AM, 11: 00 AM, 12:30 PM.  Wednesday – March 31^st 7:00 Tenebrae Prayer Service followed by individual confessions (this will be the only time for confession before Easter).  Holy Thursday – April 1^st Mass – 9:00 AM Mass of the Lord’s Supper – 7:30 PM  Good Friday – April 2^nd Passion Play – 12 Noon, Good Friday Liturgy – 3:00 PM, Stations of the Cross – 7:30 PM, Holy Saturday – April 3^rd, Easter Vigil Mass – 8:00 PM, Easter Sunday – April 4^th,  8:00 AM, 9:30AM, 11:00 AM, 12:30 PM.
· Easter Flower club – The Flower club of St. Bernadette’s is now accepting donations for the Easter decorations of our church.  The offering is $25.00 per plant and may be brought to the rectory from Monday through Friday during the usual office hours.  We will publish a list of the donors and/or one name In memory of, for each plant, and you will be remembered in the Masses and prayers of the parish during the Easter season.  Personal acknowledgements of your contribution will also be sent.  In this time of rising costs, the parish counts even more, on your generosity to continue our tradition of a beautifully decorated church.
· The Diocese has launched a new website to keep all parishioners up to date on Christ Jesus, Our Hope – the Diocesan Strategic Planning process.  The website is www.ChristJesusOurHope.org.  The site contains information relevant to the current process, including a text of the Bishop’s Pastoral Letter, provides answers to some frequently asked questions that parishioners may have about the process and provides a forum for you to submit your questions and thoughts.  As the process continues, you are encouraged to check this site for up to date information regarding the planning process and the changes happening in our Church.
· 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
· 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.
· Super $10,000 Raffle – St. Bernadette’s Home School Association is offering their annual Super $10,000 Raffle.  The cost of each ticket is $50.00.  The wining ticket will pay $10,000  The seller of the winning ticket will receive $100.00.  The winner will be drawn at our annual Ladies’ Night Out Fundraiser on April 15^th, 2010, and need not be present.  If you are interested in purchasing a ticket, please come to the St. Bernadette Rectory and ask for Mrs. Toni Carestia who will assist you in purchasing your ticket.  All tickets must be made payable to St. Bernadette School.  All funds benefit St. Bernadette School.  Thank you for your support and good luck to all!!
· 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!
· Diocesan Wedding Anniversary – The annual Diocesan Wedding Anniversary celebration will take place on Saturday, April 24^th at Our Lady of Angels Church, located at 7320 Fourth Avenue, Brooklyn, NY  11209.  it will begin at 11:00 Am couples celebrating their 25^th, 30^th, 40^th, and 50^th Anniversary and above are invited to attend with their families.  If you are interested, please come into the Rectory during normal business hours to register.  The fee is $35.00 per couple.  All registered couples will receive a personalized certificate and those couples in attendance will have their picture taken with the Bishop.  Please register no later than March 26^th.
· 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.
· Holy Name Society News – We are listening and we are in the process of planning many events and programs in the coming months at St. Bernadette.  We would like your feedback and suggestions.  Please email us at holyname8201@aol.com and let us know what type of events and programs you would like us to bring to St. Bernadette. We invite all parishioners to joine His Excellency, Most Reverend Nicholas DiMarzio, PhD., DD and the thousands of other faitful from our neighboring parishes, in The Solemn Candlelight Good Friday Procession.  Our Bishop will lead us in praying The Stations of the Cross in Italian, while the states of “The Dead Christ” and  “Our Most Sorrowful Mother” are carried from Shallow Jr. HS (16^th Ave. & 66^th St.) to The Church of St. Frances Cabrini (86^th St. and Bay 11^th St.) where a closing ceremony will be held in Italian.  This year the parishioners of St. Bernadette will be near the beginning of the procession, right behind the statue of “Our Most Sorrowful Mother.”  Parishioners living on 15^th Ave. Between 75^th Street and 86^th St. are encouraged to light up their homes, display crosses, etc. inorder to demonstrate their faith and welcome the procession along its route.  Candles and buss service to Shallow Jr. HS and from St. Frances Cabrini’s will be provided, for free by the Holy Name Society.  Meet in front of St. Bernadette Rectory on April 2, 2010 at 7:00 PM Bring your family and friends, young and old, for a traditional and prayerful walk on this Most Solemn Night.  IF you are interested, please write your name on the sign-up sheet in the back of the church.
· 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.
· Catherine McAuley High School – will hold its Annual Renunion at Russo’s on the Bay, Howard Beach on Saturday, April 17^th from noon – 5:00 PM.  Alumnae, former faculty, friends and Sisters of Mercy are cordially invited.  If you, or someone you know is a graduate of McAuley or Mercy Commercial and would like further information about the reunion, please call Sister Margaret Dempsey at 718-462-7282 ext. 16 or e-mail mdempsey@mcauleybrooklyn.org. Thank you.

Parish Meetings & Committee News

• The Altar Rosary Society will meet on Tuesday, March 23^rd in the church at 7:00 PM for our Lenten Spring Cleaning.  Hope to see you there..
  
• 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.
  
• 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.
  

• 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.