pentecost sunday 23 may 2010 saint luke church,...

On May 17th the Parish Self Study Report was sent to the Vicar for Strategic Planning Msgr. Edward Scharfenberger as part of the process of Strategic Planning mandated by Bishop DiMarzio for all the parishes of the Diocese. The report was the result of a long process involving consultation with both parish leaders and interested parishioners who attended the Parish Gathering on April 20, 2010; also involved in the process were the members of the Parish Pastoral Council, the Finance Council, the parish trustees and the pastoral staff. As a result of two joint meetings the Parish Pastoral Council, Finance Council, parish trustees and pastoral staff completed the Planning Questionnaire which consisted of twelve questions. Taken along with the Parish Data Report and the Engagement Ratio Worksheet these three documents form the Parish Self Study Report which has been sent to the Vicar. I have published in today’s bulletin the completed Planning Questionnaire so that you will be aware of the parish’s response to the Bishop. The responses flow from the imput of many and therefore, I believe, provide an accurate answer to each question. Of course some may have a differing opinion. Yet each response reflects a concensus of those charged with formulating the answer. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to call. In September the parish will receive a response to its parish self study from the Bishop and/or the Diocesan Commission on Strategic Planning regarding our pastoral and temporal goals for the future. Once again my sincere thanks to all who have been involved in the process. I am most grateful for your dedication to and love for the parish. God bless. Let us pray for one another,

Pentecost Sunday 23 May 2010 Saint Luke Church, Whitestone, N.Y.

MISSION STATEMENT

As a community of believers in Jesus Christ and in Communion with the universal church, we strive to follow the Lord’s command to love God and one another. Rooted in word and sacrament, we grow together as a Eucharistic community inviting all to the Good News of Jesus.

ALTAR SERVER BAKE SALE --- A special thank you to all the parents who donated baked goodies for the Altar Server Bake Sale held last weekend. Thanks to the generosity of God’s people, we raised $900.75. Thank you one and all! Fr. Vincent ********************************* Planning Wedding Music at St. Luke Church Among her responsibilities, Jessica Tranzillo Smith, Director of Music of St. Luke will assist engaged couples with all music arrangements for their wedding at the church. As Music Director she acts as can-tor/soloist for all weddings and she will help choose vocal and organ music appropriate for Weddings. Consultation with Jessica is required before any musicians and/or solo-ists are hired from outside the St. Luke Mu-sic staff. Jessica will answer questions or dis-cuss wedding music by appointment. Please call the Music Office at (718) 746-3862.

JUST A REMINDER --- Now that the warm weather is back with the arrival of summer, please remem-ber to come to church properly attired. Again, how we dress for church shows our love, respect and reverence for the house of God and the sacred rites being celebrated. And the church is air-conditioned! What may be appropriate for other places is often not appropriate for church. *********************************** Religious Education 2010-2011 Registration Dates --- Sister Katherine Burke, C.S.J. has scheduled the following days and times for the 2010-11 Religious Education Pro-gram Registration: Wed., May 26 3:30pm-5:30pm Thurs., May 27 3:30pm-5:30pm Sun., May 30 9:30am-11:00am Sun., June 13 9:30am-11:00am All children attending public school should be registered as soon as possible. Please call Sr. Katherine Burke, C.S.J. at (718) 746-3409 for more infor-mation.

ST. ANTHONY NOVENA --- The St. Anthony Novena will continue through Tuesday, June 8 after the 12 noon Mass. Since June 13th falls on a Sunday this year, the feast day will not be celebrated. However, at the 11:45am Mass on Sunday, June 13 a special prayer will be said in honor of St. Anthony. *********************************** PRE-JORDAN PROGRAM --- IF you are planning a summer Baptism, please note the following dates: Baptism Class Baptism Sunday 7:30pm 3:00pm Mon., June 21 June 27 Mon., July 19 July 11 & 25 Mon., Aug. 16 August 8 & 22 *********************************** FAMILY MASS---SAVE THE DATE--- Join us at the Family Mass on June 20th, Father’s Day at 11:45am honoring St. Joseph and all fathers. We hope to see all families there! *********************************** WANTED--- GOLFERS Plan to attend the Golf Outing sponsored by the Athletic Association of Saint Luke on Friday, June 4, 2010 at the Clearview Golf Course! Why not get some friends together for an enjoyable day of golf - all for a good cause and for what is planned to be a great event. See the flyer in the bulletin for details.

SUMMER IS JUST AROUND THE CORNER--- And with the coming of summer comes vacation and a change of pace here at the parish. During July and August there are NO meetings for all groups, societies or or-ganizations which meet in the parish. All involved are asked to make plans now to schedule no meetings in July and August. The summer schedule will begin the week of June 28th; the fall schedule will resume on Tuesday, September 7th. ************************************ BEREAVEMENT GROUP --- The Bereavement Group Meeting will be held on Tuesday, June 1, 2010 at 7:30pm in the Rectory. If you are interested in join-ing us once a month, please call Sister Cath-erine T. Reilly, O.P. at (718) 746-8531, or Father Vincent Chirichella at (718) 746-8102. ************************************ PADRE PIO PRAYER GROUP --- The next meeting of the Padre Pio Prayer Group will be held on Tues-day, June 29, 2010 at 7:30pm in the church. All are welcome to attend ************************************ ATLANTIC CITY BUS TRIP --- Join the St. Luke Golden Age Club for a bus trip to the Showboat Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City on Tuesday, May 25, 2010. Bus leaves 8:00am SHARP!! Cost is $25 per person. For more info, please call Eileen at (718) 352-3902 or Martha at (718) 539-4396. ************************************ ST. LUKE’S ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION REGISTRATION NEWS --- Registration for Fall Sports (Basketball, Dev. Swim, Girls Swim Team and Soccer will take place on Wed., June 9th from 7-9pm in the church basement. It is important to register for soccer now as CYO rosters must be submitted in early Sept. Fees pay-able by check ONLY. www.slaacyo.org

May 16 Collection $12,728 Amount Needed $13,000 Ascension Thursday $ 4,055 Communications $ 1,575 Envelopes Mailed 1,780 Envelopes Received 673

CONGRATULATIONS ---- To the boys and girls of St. Luke Religious Education Program who received their First Holy Communion on Saturday, May 22 and their teachers Mrs. Doreen Pericic and Mr. Edward Weisenburger. Please keep them in your prayers: Jamie Asan George Kosnik Jennifer Van Oss Peter Asan Alexandra LiMandri Christopher Velaoras Robert Bacich Natalia Madera Ashley Yacono Antonio Colombo Sean Mahon Shannon Zolla Alicia Conte Alexa Marino Francesca Daddio Serena Minca Gabriella Davi Antonio Restivo Christopher Ellis Dylan Sayegh Jessica Gega Julia Sims Lucia Hernandez Alexander Sirna James Hopkins Alexa Theander **************************************************************************

“Look often with your inner eyes on Christ Jesus Crucified, naked, blasphemed, slandered, forsaken and overwhelmed with all sorts of troubles, sorrows, and labors; and remember that all your sufferings, either in quality or quantity are not comparable to His, and that you can never suffer anything for Him equal to that which He has suffered for you.” - St. Frances de Sales

************************************************************************** ANNUAL CATHOLIC APPEAL--- Have you made your gift to the 2010 Annual Catholic Appeal? Your support is so im-portant in helping the parish reach its goal of $93,000 which supports the works of the Dio-cese. All monies over goal assists our parish. This year we hope to use the over goal monies to repair and maintain the stained glass windows of the church which are in much need of care. As of May 18 a total of $92,530 has been pledged from 336 donors with $61,447.50 already received. Remember: God’s Love Shines Through Us - We are a Priestly People

Congratulations to the boys and girls of St. Luke School and St. Luke Religious Education Program who received Confirmation on Tuesday, May 18th and their teachers Danielle Borges, Lisa Coscia, Nancy Barone, Angelo Amato, Frank Durkin, Linda DeVito and Mary DeMarco.

6:30PM to Midnight

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SCRIPTURE READINGS Mon.- 1Pt 1:3-9; Mk 10:17-27 Tues.- 1Pt 1:10-16; Mk 10:28-31 Wed. - 1Pt 1:18-25; Mk 10:32-45 Thurs.- 1Pt 2:2-5,9-12; Mk 10:46-52 Fri. - 1Pt 4:7-13; Mk 11:11-26 Sat. - Jude 17,20b-25; Mk 11:27-33 WE PRAY FOR THE SICK OF THE PARISH: MARIA LATA MATHIAS SCHMALZ DEBBIE JOHNSON JOSEPHINE MADDI AND FOR THE DECEASED: MARIA FILIPPI GAIL PLASMATI-FREER DOLORES A. HALVEY DANIEL WALSH VINCENT MORALE Collective Intentions Mass --- The next Collective Inten-tions Mass will be celebrated on Sunday, May 23 at 11:45am. At this Mass we pray for: SAM & ANNE PARCASE GIUSEPPE LORIGGIO WILLIAM KEATLEY

ANNOUNCED MASSES FOR THE WEEK OF MAY 24, 2010

Monday, May 24 7:00 Lt. Thomas McDonagh 12:00 Nancy Tomasso Tuesday, May 25 8:30 Francesca Neglia 12:00 Paronic Family Wednesday, May 26 7:00 James Tuohy 12:00 Frank Brienza (Anniversary) Thursday, May 27 8:30 Evelyn Collins (Birthday) 12:00 Dianne Gunder Friday, May 28 7:00 DelleDonne & Parente Families 12:00 Antoinette Pascarelli (Birthday) Saturday, May 29 8:30 Roberto Salvio

MEMORIALS

The Altar Breads are in memory of THERESA LEONE at the request of Sophie Caro; The Sanctuary Lamp is in honor of DAMIANO SCARDAMAGLIA on the occa-sion of his 86th Birthday requested by Judy, Marion, Cosmo, Marie & Betty.

DIOCESE OF BROOKLYN CHRIST JESUS, OUR HOPE

STRATEGIC PLANNING PROCESS PLANNING QUESTIONNAIRE

17 May 2010

1. What are the signs of growth in your parish? The signs of growth in the parish are many and varied. These include increased spiri-tual activities such as the parish mission, expanded Holy Week services, opportunities for the sacrament of reconciliation for our Parish School and Religious Education students, as well as several adult faith formation programs throughout the year and the institution of a Family Mass. The number of altar servers has increased steadily over the past few years. The Parish School has experienced a steady increase in enrollment and is financially self-sufficient. In addition, the School has initiated several innovative programs which have been highly suc-cessful, such as the Tiny Tots and Mommy and Me programs. Our Religious Education Pro-gram continues to grow and maintains the largest enrollment in the cluster. Our Music Minis-try has expanded and continues to grow. There is an increasing sense of welcome and family atmosphere in the parish, and the parishioners continue to be extremely generous in their sup-port of the parish, both spiritual and financial. The Parish staff works well together and the guidance and involvement of the Pastor and priests has been essential in the experience of this increased growth in the parish. 2. What is the greatest strength of your parish? The greatest strength of the parish continues to be our parishioners who have a strong sense of fidelity to the parish and who are always ready to respond positively to its needs. In addition, the leadership of the pastor and the relationship between our priests and parishioners has been instrumental in fostering the growing sense of community enjoyed in the parish. There is open and transparent communication through the parish bulletin and the parish maga-zine, the PAX. 3. What are the greatest concerns or challenges facing your parish now and in the

projected future? Many of the greatest concerns and challenges faced by the parish are those which it shares with many other parishes in the diocese, namely, the decrease in mass attendance, the concerns over the physical condition of the parish buildings, the challenges of continuing to staff the parish, and, obviously, maintaining the financial security of the parish. Also, there is the need to expand and add to those programs dealing with our youth. Continuing to foster lay leadership in the areas of both finances and ministry is another challenge the parish faces.

4. Which of these challenges do you feel the parish can address or has been addressing? How?

The parish has been addressing these challenges through a series of recent initiatives which include offering more opportunities for spiritual enrichment, such as scripture study, prayer groups, a parish mission, the family mass, a greater participation of school children in the daily life of the parish, as well as the formation of a welcoming committee for new parish-ioners and the beginning of a hospitality Sunday once a month. A vocation committee has also been formed. Regarding concerns surrounding parish buildings, the parish is looking to improve the physical plant through a capital campaign in the near future and seeking better uses of the re-sources of the parish. 5. Which challenges seem beyond the ability of the parish to adequately address with

your current resources? While there are contributing factors to each of these concerns and challenges which are obviously outside the control of the parish, there is a strong sentiment that none of the con-cerns and challenges are beyond the ability of the parish to address. 6. What are your pastoral priorities for the next 5 years? The overall pastoral priority for the next 5 years is to continue the mission of the parish in spreading the Gospel and of being of service to the community. Within this priority, the parish seeks to establish a formal Youth Ministry Program, to attract more young families to the parish community, and to activate the hospitality and welcoming committees. Maintain-ing the financial stability of the parish and the repair and maintenance of the parish plant re-main priorities as well. 7. What ministries need to develop or be strengthened in the next 5 years? Those ministries which need to be developed are those which involve teens, young adult singles, and married couples; outreach to young families and a more comprehensive ministry to the elderly should also be considered. The aforementioned welcoming committee needs to be further developed as well as the ongoing development of lay leadership and lay involvement in greater aspects of parish life and ministry.

8. Based on your review of the parish financials, do you believe that the Parish is finan-cially sound and sustainable for the next 5 years? What factors lead you to this determination?

The parish is indeed financially sound and sustainable for the next 5 years. The follow-ing factors contribute to that soundness and sustainability: the parish deficit has been reduced; weekly contributions have increased; the parish is current with all expenses; the parish school is self-sustaining; the support of the Annual Catholic Appeal remains strong, with the above-goal donations reverting to the parish. These factors inspire confidence in the financial sound-ness of the parish. 9. How does the parish plan to address any financial challenges that exist or may

emerge? The parish plans to address such challenges by continuing to cultivate a sense of stew-ardship among the people of the parish; by sustaining and increasing weekly offerings; by re-lying on the combination of the Parish Fund Balance, the above-goal donations to the Annual Catholic Appeal, and, if the situation dictates, the possible lease or sale of parish property. 10. What is the status of all parish buildings? Are there any capital repairs to any build-

ings that you anticipate in the next 5 years? Do you have any buildings which have the potential to be rented or used in an adaptive manner?

The status of all parish buildings is mixed. Over the past 5 years there have been many improvements to the parish buildings and grounds. Such improvements include the installa-tion of an elevator allowing the elderly and disabled clear access to the church and the instal-lation of air conditioning in the church. Much needed repair and renovation have been made to the rectory, both the public parish areas as well as the private living quarters of the priests. The outdoor shrine to the Blessed Mother was renovated. In addition, the school roof has been repaired, school bathrooms have been completely renovated with general repairs to the school also being completed, such as painting and the restoration of the hardwood floors. Also in the school, a prayer room for the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd program and a room for the Tiny Tots program have been added. A study of all parish buildings was conducted within the last 2 years. The results of this study indicate that repairs to the physical plant are needed. A capital campaign will be needed to fund these repairs. The parish has no buildings which would be available for rental.

11. How do you see your parish collaborating with other parishes in the future? The parish would welcome the opportunity to join with other parishes in sharing in those programs and activities which have been successful with the possibility of planning joint activities in the future. Pooling resources to have spiritual and social events which individual parishes might not be able to afford alone is yet another possibility. Specifically, joining other parishes in hiring a Youth Minister would be opportune. Also, the parish might wish to consider coordinating weekly and Sunday mass sched-ules. 12. What is your hope for your faith community in the coming years? The people of the parish hope to thrive and bear fruit in the spreading of the Gospel. To continue to grow in ministering to the overall community and to build relationships which fos-ter the values of the faith while serving the needs of the people of Whitestone. ***************************************************************************

“Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful. And kindle in them the fire of your love.

Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created.

And you will renew the face of the earth.

Roman rite

The Xavier Society for the Blind --- Has a large lending library of books in Braille, large print and audio CDs. They record ten periodicals (some weekly, some monthly and some quarterly), and provide the Mass read-ings for Sundays and Feast days in all three formats. Mailing is free to and from people certi-fied as blind (which can also include having partial vision or having difficulty dealing with traditional print because of other physical ailments, dyslexia or other impediments). To regis-ter and get a free catalogue of books and periodicals and other items available, call (212) 473-7800 or (800) 637-9193. There is a web site at www.xaviersocietyfortheblind.org. Email: [email protected]. (It may be long but it’s really easy to remember.) Diocesan Alcohol and Substance Abuse Assistance Program --- The Diocese of Brooklyn has created a program to provide confidential ongoing assis-tance 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 assis-tance. 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. For general information, please visit Catholic Charities’ website: www.ccbq.org. Are You a Registered Parishioner? If you would like to register as a parishioner of St. Luke Parish you may do so by com-ing to the Rectory Office and filling our a census card. You may return the card by mail, in person at the Rectory Office or in the Sunday collection basket. You will then be registered in the parish and will receive weekly offering envelopes.

POPPENHUSEN INSTITUTE 114-04 14th Road, College Point, N.Y. Free Meditation and Gardening Project - Meditation session will not be religious, but rather focus on deep relaxation and detaching from the external and centering oneself to ob-tain a calm sense of being. Those who want to stay can lend their green thumbs in working in our historic garden. Starting date is Saturday, May 8 (Every Saturday until September thereafter. You can join anytime.) Meditation is from 10-11am and gardening is from 11am-1pm. People can participate in both or just one of these activities. Call (718) 358-0067. HARVEST HOUSES --- Every Harvest House is home for eight elderly women and men, a true experience in family. A Harvest House is affordable, gracious living that offers seniors both privacy and companionship, security and quality of life. An opening is now available in the Syosset Residence and the Floral Park Residence. If you are interested in finding out more information or visiting, please contact Sister Jeanne A. Brendel, O.P., CSW, Executive Director at 516-496-9796 or [email protected]. 1st Annual Mass & Devotion to Saint Dymphna --- Patroness of those suffering from emotional and psychological difficulties, autism and Alzheimer’s disease. A first ever Healing Mass and devotion to St. Dymphna will be held on Tuesday, June 8, 2010 at 6:30pm at the Main Altar of the Cathedral of St. Patrick, 460 Madison Avenue, New York City.

MSGR. McCLANCY HIGH SCHOOL --- Is now accepting applications for their summer basketball and baseball camps. The baseball camp, for boys ages 6 to 15, runs for two weeks, July 5th-9th, and July 12th-16th; basketball for boys ages 7-15, runs for one week, Aug. 2nd-6th. For more information please call the school at (718) 898-3800, ext. 18. ST. FRANCIS PREP SUMMER ACADEMY 2010 ---

St. Francis Prep will be offering a one week enrichment program this July 26th to 30th from 9:00am-3:00pm. The purpose of the program is to provide students age 10 to 14 an opportunity to more deeply develop and broaden their academic skills in a positive, student-centered learning environment. For additional information and application call 718-423-8810, ext. 210 or visit the school website at www.sfponline.org and click on

Summer Academy. ST. AGNES BASKETBALL CAMP FOR GIRLS --- Ages 8-14 July 12-16, 2010 Cost $180 For more information or camp form call 718-353-6276. HOLY CROSS H.S. 2010 SUMMER BASKETBALL CAMP FOR BOYS AGES 8-16 --- 4 Great Sessions: 6/28-7/2; 7/5-7/9; 7/12-7/16 & 7/19-7/23 For more information and/or to request an application, please call (718) 886-7250, ext. 525 or visit our website at www.holycross.org. MSGR. MCCLANCEY MEMORIAL HIGH SCHOOL--- Is now accepting applications for the T.A.C.H.S. preparation program to be held at the school for the first seven Saturdays of the next school year beginning on Sept. 12th. For more information, please contact the school at 718-898-3800, ext. 18. ST. FRANCIS PREP 22ND ANNUAL TERRIER BASKETBALL SUMMER CAMP --- The girls week will be July 12-16; boys week July 19-23. The hours of operation are 9am-3pm. For additional information and application call 718-423-8810, ext. 310 or visit the school website at www.sfponline.org and click on Sports, then Basketball Camp.

pentecost sunday 23 may 2010 saint luke church,...

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