eagle`s wings - St. John the Evangelist

eagle`s wings - St. John the Evangelist

EAGLE’S WINGS
A Bi-Annual Newsletter Published by St. John the Evangelist R.C. Church
Fall/Winter 2013
Our New Associate Pastor
Welcome Fr. Nestor Watin
Rev. Nestor Watin became an Associate Pastor here at
St. John the Evangelist in June of this year, and we would like
to take this opportunity to
both welcome him to our
parish and to tell you a bit
about our newest priest.
Father Nestor has been a
priest for 31 years, having
been ordained in the
Philippines on May 10, 1982.
He was born the second boy
and seventh child in a family
of ten children. His father was
an
accountant
and
Father Nestor Watin
agriculturist and his mother
was a licensed midwife. He grew up poor, but his parents
reinforced the importance of education and struggled to make
sure Nestor and his siblings all went to good schools. His
family later moved to the United States in 1987.
Father Nestor had simple ambitions growing up and
thought about becoming a farmer or a carpenter. He assisted
as an altar server in his parish and that led him to the
Pontifical and Royal University of Santo Tomas, The
Catholic University of the Philippines, where he completed
four years of seminary training and two years of post-graduate
studies in canon law. From 1983 to 1988, Father Nestor was
Assistant Chancellor and Associate Pastor of a parish in his
Diocese, where he further taught school.
Father Nestor also graduated from Yale University in
New Haven, Connecticut with a degree in Educational
Management and School Administration. He was at Yale
from 1989 to 1991; the bishop from his Diocese back in the
Philippines sent him there because they were opening a
college/university that they wanted Father Nestor to take over.
In the early 90s, Father Nestor served two parishes, and as
Chancellor back home.
It was his fundraising work from 1995 to 2004 that
served as a “stepping stone,” bringing Father Nestor to
(continued on Page 5)
Volume 17, Number 2
A Message From Our Pastor
“Where To Check Your Parish’s Spiritual Health?”
By Fr. Walter F. Kedjierski
Mayor Koch used to walk around
with a sign that read, “How’m I
doin’?” He was certainly a very
brave man. He showed that he cared
enough about the people of New
York City to want to know what was
going on in their lives, and how his
government was helping them or not helping them.
As a pastor, I am sometimes tempted to walk around
with a similar sign, but not with the question “How am I
doing,” because a parish is far more than just the pastor. The
question would be, however, “How are we doing?” I have
not gathered up enough courage to do that yet. Maybe
someday I will. However, maybe I really do not need to.
to.
A few months ago, I had to run over to a nearby
supermarket to pick up some things. As I ran into the store,
a few people gave me a smile of recognition, but several
stopped me so that we could chat. In fifteen minutes, I
must have chatted with at least four people while I ran
down the aisles to get what I needed. One woman stopped
me in order to say thank you. She said that for the longest
time she was looking for a job and our Parish Outreach
program helped her to keep some bill collectors off of her
back while she looked. She told me that now she had
finally found a job, the bills were being paid, and she
would never have gotten anywhere if it was not for our
Parish Outreach. Then, there was another lady who stopped
me when I got into a different aisle. In this aisle, I heard
some tales about a few conflicts this woman was having
with members of her family. She was keeping me updated
and asked for a little bit of advice on conflict resolution and
the proper Christian thing to do when family members end
up doing disappointing things. It was quite a conversation.
Then, when I finally got into the frozen foods section, I
happened upon another lady who was very joyful. She had
asked me to pray for her a long time ago because she was
struggling with very serious health issues. I had not seen
her for a while and had kept her in my private prayers. She
(continued on Page 7)
News From
Our Lady Queen of
Apostles School
Each year our Lady Queen of Apostles holds a
dedication to the Blessed Mother with a May Crowning.
The Second grade class will be leading this year’s crowning.
The dedication will take place on May 16 at 1:30PM on
Friday afternoon.
According to Principal Stacie Stueber, it is a tradition for
the second grade class to wear their First Holy Communion dresses and suits during this celebration.
In addition to Mary’s Crowning, the children lead the prayer and song.
This year’s dedication will be both ceremonious and educational, as it is based on the Litany to Mary and the
fifty states. “Each month the children focus on five different states for each of the ten Masses celebrated during
the school year,” says Principal Stueber. The May Crowning of the Blessed Mother was created based on the
1976 bicentennial of Mary and the fifty states. “Each state patron is chosen with a spiritual focus” says Stueber.
She continues, “Mary in the fifty states is somewhat academic. We talk about a different state each month and
how each state was inducted into the union. We are currently discussing the state of South Carolina and our
focus is, Our Mother and Lady of Joyful Hope. The growth of the Church is particularly evident in this state
because the icon is new, created as recent as 2003 depicting Mary holding the Infant Jesus.”
According to Principal Stueber, the May ceremony will focus on our state of New York with the spiritual
focus on the help of Christian immigrants
who came through New York. There will
also be a surprise for this year’s May
Crowning based on the World
Mission Rosary.
~Raina Oats
St. John the Evangelist: Christmas 2013 Schedule
Monday, December 23
Confessions
4:00 PM ~ 5:00 PM
8:30 PM ~ 9:30 PM
Christmas Eve Masses
Tuesday, December 24
4:00 PM Children’s
*Overflow Mass in Auditorium
6:00 PM
9:00 PM
Spanish
12 Midnight
Christmas Day Masses
Tuesday, December 25
7:30 AM, 9:00 AM
10:30 AM, 12 Noon
NO 5:30 PM Mass
New Year’s Eve Masses
Tuesday, December 31
7AM, 8AM
7:30 PM (Eve of Holy Day)
New Year’s Day Masses
Wednesday, January 1, 2014
Solemnity of Mary, the Mother of God
*Holy Day of ObligaƟon*
8:00 AM
12 Noon
5:00 PM
...those who hope in the Lord will renew their2 strength. They will soar on wings like eagles;
A Journey of Faith
Parishioners Set Off On A Pilgrimage to Italy
On August 14, eighteen pilgrims embarked on a
We toured ancient Rome enjoying the fascinating
journey to Italy under the guidance of Father Walter.
history of the Coliseum and forums. The Trevi
Some travelers were parishioners, others were friends
Fountain, an extraordinary masterpiece of Italian
and family from neighboring parish communities. Little
culture, holds the legend that if visitors throw a coin into
did we know what spiritual riches awaited us as we
fountain, they are ensured a return to Rome, and so we
boarded the plane for our eight-hour ride.
did. We marveled at Michelangelo’s David and his
Typically, a pilgrimage is a
Moses, which served to
journey to a shrine or other
confirm that our talents are
location that is of importance to a
God’s gift to man. The
person’s beliefs and faith. This
weather
was
always
trip promised that spiritual quest,
cooperative, the food was
yet delivered much more. New
enjoyable,
and
the
insights to our faith were provided
architecture -- so beautiful it
and a deeper understanding was
had to be divinely motivated
attained each day.
-- never ceased to leave us
Father Walter celebrated
breathless.
Mass every day at a different
After 10 days, we
location. We received the
said arrivederci to Italy,
Eucharist just steps from the Pictured are the pilgrims from St. John the
changed forever by the
tomb of St. Peter in Rome, and Evangelist, who visited various Holy sites in warmth of its people and the
at St. Mark’s resting place in Italy in August, including the Vatican.
depth of its spiritual inspiration
Venice. Inspired by the Basilica of St. Anthony of
and traditions. We gained new friends and a lifetime of
Padua, we celebrated the feast of the Assumption of the
memories. It is said that upon
Blessed Virgin Mary and the birthday of St. Anthony,
return from a pilgrimage, life
just steps from the relics of his tongue and
is seen with different eyes
lower jaw bone.
and nothing will ever be
High upon a serene mountain top, we worshipped at
quite the same again.
the tomb of St. Francis of Assisi and marveled while we
We all agree.
heard his life story. “Pace Bene,” as it is known in
~Christine Longo
Assisi, became our group’s mantra; translated,
means “peace and goodness.” We sang out in praise, in
a hollowed out tunnel of a catacomb. In the Sancta Scala
Shrine across from St. John Lateran, on our knees,
A Semi-Annual Newsletter
pilgrims navigated the very steps that Jesus walked on
when He was brought to Pontius Pilate. The richly
decorated stained glass in every Basilica relayed New Published twice a year under the supervision of Father John
and Old Testament stories. The majestic artwork in Corcoran, Pastor Emeritus, and Father Walter Kedjierski,
mosaics told narratives in the Churches of Ravenna, and Pastor, of Saint John the Evangelist Roman Catholic Church,
the monumental frescoes 25 Ocean Avenue, Center Moriches, New York. Printed by
painted
by
the J. S. Paluch Co., Inc., delivered through third class mail.
most
famous
artists
Editor: Elizabeth Harrington Dyer
recounted several biblical
stories. While gazing Staff: Suzan Fitzpatrick, Chris ne Longo, Ray Paren ,
upon
each
one, Michelle Pirraglia, Rhonda Riccio, Mary Rodriguez, Dennis
we contemplated the Satriano, Terry Seng, Maria Sikora, Angela Werner,
passages,
as
Father Maria Werner, Kelly Zenker and Carmine Zingarino.
Walter inspired us.
EAGLE’S WINGS
t h e y w i l l r u n a n d n o t g r o w w e a r y , t h e y w3i l l w a l k a n d n o t b e f a i n t . ~ I s a i a h 4 0 : 3 1
Bienvenido Padre Nestor WaƟn
Rev. Nestor Watin se hizo pastor asociado aquí en San Juan, en junio de este año , y nos gustaría aprovechar esta
oportunidad para darle la bienvenida tanto a nuestra parroquia y contarles un poco acerca de nuestro nuevo sacerdote.
Padre Nestor ha sido sacerdote por 31 años, después de haber sido ordenado en las Filipinas el 10 de mayo de
1982. Nació el segundo hijo varón y el séptimo hijo de una familia de diez hijos. Su padre era contable y agricultor
y su madre era una partera con licencia. Él se crió en la pobreza, pero sus padres reforzaron la importancia de la
educación y luchó para asegurarse de que Nestor y sus hermanos todos fueron a buenas escuelas. Su familia se
mudó a los Estados Unidos en 1987.
Padre Nestor tenía ambiciones sencillas y pensaba en seguir una carrera de un agricultor o un carpintero. Asistió
como monaguillo de su parroquia y con esa experiencia asistió a la Universidad Pontificia y Real de Santo Tomás,
la Universidad Católica de las Filipinas, donde completó cuatro años de formación en el seminario y dos años de
estudios de postgrado en la ley canónico. De 1983 a 1988, el Padre Nestor era Canciller Adjunto y el pastor
asociado de una parroquia en su diócesis, donde también era profesor en la escuela.
Padre Nestor también se graduó de la Universidad de Yale en New Haven, Connecticut, con una licenciatura en
Suministración Educativa y Administración Escolar. Él estudiaba en Yale desde 1989 hasta 1991. El obispo de la
Diócesis en las Filipinas le había enviado a Padre Nestor a Yale porque estaban abriendo un colegio /universidad y
querían a Padre Nestor como administrador. A principios de los años 90, el padre Néstor sirvió dos parroquias, con
el papel de Canciller en una de ellas, en las Filipinas.
Fue su trabajo de recaudación de fondos desde 1995 hasta 2004, que llevo Padre Nestor a Canadá y otra vez a los
Estados Unidos. Mientras en Canadá (entre los años 2000 a 2004 y sirviendo como canciller de una parroquia), el
padre Nestor aplicó para trabajar en la diócesis de Rockville Centre. Obispo William Murphy le respondió y el 3 de
noviembre de 2005, el Padre Nestor fue nombrado a la parroquia Virgen de Lourdes en West Islip. Al mismo
tiempo, Padre prestó asistencia a la parroquia de Santa Ana en Brentwood. Seis meses después, fue enviado a la
parroquia de Nuestro Santo Redentor en Freeport, donde decía la misa en español y ayudó a la comunidad hispana.
En 2011, el Padre Nestor volvió a su trabajo de recaudación de fondos y mientras él disfrutaba de la oportunidad
de viajar a nuevos lugares, le hizo falta su trabajo en una comunidad parroquial. En 2012, fue reasignado a la
parroquia St. Louis de Montfort en Sound Beach. Él pasó tres meses allí y luego otro puesto temporario por tres
meses en Nuestra Señora de la Gracia en West Babylon. Durante ocho meses, antes de venir a San Juan, el padre
Nestor era pastor asociado de Nuestra Señora de Loreto en Hempstead.
Padre Nestor dice que le encanta estar aquí en San Juan el Evangelista y encuentra que nuestra comunidad es
muy unida y acogedora. Le gusta decir la misa en español cada segundo y cuarto domingo en la parroquia San
Francisco de Sales en Patchogue, y dice que su parte favorita de estar aquí es llegar a trabajar con niños otra vez.
Cuando estaba en Freeport y Hempstead, las escuelas católicas fueron cerradas. Para los feligreses más jóvenes, él
quiere proyectar que "la vida religiosa es una cosa muy “cool”, y animar a las personas más jóvenes a abrazar
participación en la iglesia y tal vez incluso aceptar una llamada al seminario o convento.
(continued on Page 5)
Mensaje del Pastor Padre Walter: “¿Dónde Compruebe Salud Espiritual de su Parroquia?”
Por el Rev. Walter F. Kedjierski
El alcalde Koch siempre salía a la calle con un letrero preguntando a los neoyorquinos: "¿Cómo lo estoy haciendo? " (“How’m I doin?”) El alcalde Koch
era-- sin duda-- un hombre muy valiente. Demostró que para él, lo importante fue saber como la gente de la ciudad de Nueva York estimaba el trabajo que el
estaba haciendo, y quería saber de la gente lo que estaba pasando en su vida, y cómo su gobierno estaba ayudando o no.
Como pastor, estoy a veces tentado a caminar con un letrero similar, pero no con la pregunta "¿Cómo lo estoy haciendo? ", porque la parroquia es mucho más
que sólo el pastor. La pregunta sería, sin embargo, " ¿Cómo vamos?” Creo que no tengo el valor suficiente para hacer eso todavía. Tal vez algún día lo haré. O,
tal vez no necesito hacerlo.
Hace unas semanas, tuve que ir corriendo a un supermercado cercano para recoger algunas cosas. Mientras corría a la tienda, unas cuantas personas me
dieron una sonrisa de reconocimiento, pero varios me dejaron para que pudiéramos hablar. En quince minutos, yo debía haber conversado con por lo menos
cuatro personas, mientras corría por los pasillos para conseguir lo que necesitaba. Una mujer me dejó con el fin de dar las gracias. Dijo quedurante mucho tiempo
que estaba buscando un trabajo, y el programa de Alcance Parroquial (Parish Outreach) le ayudó a hacer que esperar algunos cobradores mientras que ella
buscaba. Ella me dijo que ahora que finalmente había encontrado un trabajo, estaba pagando las cuentas, y que nunca habría llegado a ninguna parte si no fuera
(continued on Page 7)
...those who hope in the Lord will renew their4 strength. They will soar on wings like eagles;
Living on the Edge
Middle School Ministry
Heather Arciero, previously
known as Heather Whelan,
is our Edge Coordinator
here at St. John the
Evangelist. Not only has this busy newlywed taken on
the Edge position this past year in our Faith Formation
Office, she has recently taken on a job as an administrator
(the Director of Student Services) at McGann-Mercy
High School, as well. Heather started at St. John's as a
core member volunteer for our Life Teen program four
years ago, where she still
serves faithfully today. She
started coordinating teen
lectors in her second
year here.
The Edge Program was
initiated last year for
eighth graders, and ran once Heather & Dean Arciero
every
other
month w e r e m a r r i e d o n
during regularly scheduled October 26, 2013 at St. John’s.
religion classes. This year, it has been expanded to
include both seventh and eighth graders, and will be held
during religion classes every three weeks.
What is Edge? It is a special enrichment program
geared towards middle school students, in order to give
them a head start at understanding their Catholic faith more
deeply. This "edge" helps to guide them in the realization
that Catholic education and growing in faith does not stop
with Confirmation, but continues throughout one's lifetime,
especially during high school and college, when life
decisions require spiritual direction and strength that only
God can provide. Edge activities are focused on interactive
games, skits, prayers, discussions and activities, which
prepare middle school students for Confirmation. Edge
nights are essentially "mini-retreats," meant to relate to their
age groups, while relating the Catholic faith to the secular
world. Edge nights from last year included a "knights and
ladies" theme, which was linked teens' leadership roles to
saintly lives as chivalrous and polite young adults. There
was also a "parables night," where teens connected age-old
fairy tales such as the "three little pigs" to the stories that
Jesus told in the Bible to relate his followers' lives to God's
spiritual kingdom.
Edge is a great addition to the parish Faith Formation
program, and serves as an essential link between
elementary school religion classes and Life Teen.
~Maria Werner
Father Nestor...
(continued from Page 1)
Canada and back again to the United States. While in Canada
from 2000 to 2004, and serving as a judge of the matrimonial
tribunal of the Archdiocese of Edmonton in Alberta, Father
Nestor applied to work in the Diocese of Rockville Centre.
Bishop William Murphy wrote him back and on November
3, 2005, Father Nestor was appointed to Our Lady of Lourdes
in West Islip; at the same time, he provided assistance to
St. Anne’s in Brentwood. Six months later, he was sent to Our
Holy Redeemer in Freeport, where he said the Spanish Mass
and assisted the Hispanic community.
In 2011, Father Nestor returned to his fundraising work
and while he enjoyed the opportunity to travel to new places,
he missed his work within a parish community. In 2012, he
was reassigned to St. Louis de Montfort Parish in Sound
Beach. He spent three months there and then had another
temporary position for three months at Our Lady of Grace in
West Babylon. For eight months, before coming to St. John’s,
Father Nestor was Associate Pastor of Our Lady of Loretto
in Hempstead.
Father Nestor says he loves being here at St. John the
Evangelist Church and finds our community to be close-knit
and welcoming. He enjoys saying the Spanish Mass every
second and fourth Sunday at St. Francis de Sales in
Patchogue, and says his favorite part of being here is getting to
work with children again. When he was in Freeport and
Hempstead, the Catholic schools were both closed. To our
youngest parishioners, he wants to project that “religious life is
a cool thing,” and encourage more young people to embrace
church participation and perhaps even a call to the
seminary or convent.
He hopes our parish community and, having grown up
poor himself, specifically those less fortunate, will be inspired
by Pope Francis and the new direction, “the new dawning,”
the Church is heading in. He wants to see the church pews as
full as possible. Overall, Father Nestor is very happy to be here
at St. John’s and thanks everyone for their kindness and
warm welcome.
~Kelly Zenker
Bienvenido Padre Nestor WaƟn…
(continued from Page 4)
Él espera que nuestra comunidad parroquial en general
y, como se crió en la pobreza a sí mismo, especialmente
a los menos afortunados, se sentirán inspirados por el
Papa Francisco y la nueva dirección, “el nuevo
amanecer”, de la Iglesia. Él quiere ver a los bancos de la
iglesia llena de gente. En general, el padre Nestor está
muy contento de estar aquí en San Juan y gracias a
todos por su amabilidad y bienvenida tan sincera.
~Kelly Zenker (Translated by Mary Rodriguez)
t h e y w i l l r u n a n d n o t g r o w w e a r y , t h e y w5i l l w a l k a n d n o t b e f a i n t . ~ I s a i a h 4 0 : 3 1
The Tradition of Saint Valentine
Could our Valentine be someone we never knew? This February 14th marks
the one thousand, five hundred, and eighteenth annual Feast of
Saint Valentine. Christians embrace him as the Saint of courtly love. His feast
day is anticipated and marketed by florists, chocolate manufacturers and greeting
card companies. However, the actual identity of Saint "Valentinus" remains
obscure.
Church tradition holds that there are three martyrs by the name of Valentinus, who
were executed February 14, circa AD 269-273. One is a saintly Christian from
Africa, of whom little is known. The two other Valentinuses lived in close proximity
to one another in Italy. One was a priest at Rome and the other a bishop at Terni. It is
commonly understood that the histories of these two Saints are, in fact, the story of
one Saint—Father Valentinus, told from two different perspectives.
Father Valentinus was a third century Roman Priest who faithfully
ministered under the persecution of Emperor Claudius II. Until the 4th century reign of Constantine, the
Roman government was hostile toward Christianity. Thus, Claudius II had little tolerance for a Christian
world view. He sought to strengthen Roman authority over colonial provinces. To accomplish this, he needed
a fearless army willing to crush resistance. Claudius reasoned that single soldiers excel in bravery, having no
wife and family to care for. He prohibited Roman soldiers from marrying and raising families.
Being true to our God, Father Valentinus disobeyed Claudius's decree and continued to marry Roman
soldiers to their betrothed. In time, he was discovered, jailed, and sentenced to death. While in prison, he
befriended his jailer and brought him into the Christian faith. The jailer had a blind daughter who's sight was
restored by the prayers of the good priest. Father Valentinus and the young woman became friends. Shortly
before his execution, he wrote words of encouragement to her and signed off, your Valentinus. The priest's
farewell signature has become legendary.
Pope Gelasius I established the Feast of Saint Valentine in AD 496. He is the patron saint of marriages,
engaged couples, bee keepers, and is a bulwark against plague and epilepsy. The feast is also recognized by
the Eastern Orthodox, Anglican, Lutheran, and individual Baptist Churches.
~Ray Parenti
Can You Help?
In every way I have shown you that
by hard work of that sort we must
help the weak, and keep in mind the
words of the Lord Jesus who himself
said, ‘It is more blessed to give than
to receive.’”
~Acts 20:35
Volunteers from our parish food pantry help to serve hundreds of
parishioners and area residents in need.
St. John the Evangelist’s Parish Outreach program always is looking for volunteers to
assist with the food pantry, thrift shop and office work. For more information, please
contact our Outreach Coordinator, Sr. Ann Berendes, at 874-3617.
...those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles;
6
A Message From Our Pastor...
Mensaje del Pastor Padre Walter...
proceeded, practically jumping up and down, to tell me that
the doctors were saying the worst was over and her
prognosis was very good. I was so happy to share in her joy
at that moment.
I think that visit to the supermarket was a wonderful
affirmation to me that we are doing wonderful things here at
St. John the Evangelist in Center Moriches. People feel
comfortable enough to share with their pastor their deepest
joys and their most painful sorrows. I am sure the same
applies for our truly heroic staff and dedicated volunteers.
Together, we make up a family rooted in Jesus Christ. I am
extremely pleased that some people have found something
very special by being a part of our parish family.
Over the past few months, our parish reached a
registered population of over 6,700 families. That is a huge
milestone! I would not be surprised if we are now the third
or fourth largest parish on Long Island. All of those
individual families, once registered, have a choice to make.
By registering with us, each family has chosen to become a
part of the larger parish family. Some families have
members who organize family functions, bring people
together, and do special things like remember each other’s
birthdays or visit family members who are sick in the
hospital. Sometimes there are family members who decide
not to make it to family gatherings too often – maybe just
for the holidays. Some do not even make it to the holidays.
They are seen just at weddings or funerals. Some do not
even make it for those pivotal events in the lives of their
family members.
I pray for all of the members of our parish family –
those who come everyday and those who come almost
never. As a pastor who loves his people, I must admit I am
sometimes disappointed at how many choose not to be an
active part of our Church family. This is not because I am
legalistic or think that people need to be blindly obedient
and do what the Pope tells them to do. The real reason why
I am disappointed is because I am able to witness how much
our parish blesses people each and every day. I am able to
witness all the goodness and love here. I am humbled every
day at the generous and loving hearts that are a part of this
parish community. I am disappointed that more do not play
an active role in the family of the parish because they are
missing out on so much. I believe that we each long for
Christian community. I believe we yearn for an experience
that is safe, moral, and uplifting. I believe we can find all of
those things here because Jesus is proclaimed as alive and
active in our midst. The good news is that our doors are
always open to people in our family. We will welcome you
with open arms and love. All you need to do is come and be
a part of the family. God bless you!
por nuestro programa de Parish Outreach. Entonces, había otra señora que me
detuvo cuando me metí en un pasillo diferente. En este pasillo, escuché algunos cuentos sobre algunos conflictos que esta mujer tenía con los miembros
de su familia. Ella me mantenía informado y me pidió un poco de información
sobre la resolución de conflictos y la actitud cristiana apropiada de hacerlo cuando los familiares terminan haciendo cosas decepcionantes. Fue una conversación intensiva. Luego, cuando finalmente me metí en la sección de alimentos
congelados, me encontré con otra señora que era muy alegre. Hace tiempo ella
me había pedido que orara por ella, porque ella estaba luchando con problemas
de salud muy graves. Yo no la había visto desde hacía un tiempo y la había
guardado en mis oraciones privadas. Se procedió, prácticamente saltando
arriba y abajo, para decirme que los médicos decían lo peor había pasado y su
pronóstico era muy bueno. Yo estaba tan feliz de compartir su alegría en
ese momento.
Creo que la visita al supermercado era una afirmación maravillosa para
mí que estamos haciendo las cosas maravillosas aquí en San Juan el Evangelista en Center Moriches. La gente se siente cómoda para compartir con su
pastor sus alegrías más profundas y sus penas más dolorosas. Estoy seguro de
que lo mismo se aplica a nuestros empleos verdaderamente heroicos y voluntarios dedicados. Juntos formamos una familia enraizada en Jesucristo. Estoy
muy contento de que algunas personas han encontrado algo muy especial por
ser parte de nuestra familia parroquial.
En los últimos meses, nuestra parroquia alcanzó una población de más de
6.500 familias registradas. Esto es un gran hito! No me sorprendería que ahora
seamos la tercera o cuarta parroquia más grande en Long Island. Todas las
familias individuales, una vez registrado, tiene que tomar una decisión. Al
registrarse con nosotros, cada familia ha elegido ser parte de la familia parroquial. Algunas familias tienen miembros que organizan reuniones familiares, unir
a la gente, y hacer cosas especiales, como recuerdan los cumpleaños de cada
uno, o visitar a sus familiares que están enfermos en el hospital. A veces hay
familiares que deciden no llegar a las reuniones familiares con demasiada
frecuencia - quizás sólo para las fiestas. Algunos ni siquiera llegan a las fiestas.
Se ven sólo en las bodas o funerales. Algunos ni siquiera lo hacen para esos
eventos cruciales en la vida de sus familiares.
Rezo por todos los miembros de nuestra familia parroquial - los que
vienen todos los días y los que vienen casi nunca. Como un pastor que ama a
su pueblo, debo admitir que a veces me siento decepcionado por la cantidad de
optar por no ser parte activa de nuestra familia de la Iglesia. Esto no es porque
soy legalista o creo que la gente debe ser ciegamente obedientes y hacer lo que
el Papa les dice que hagan. La verdadera razón por la que estoy decepcionado
es porque soy testigo a la manera de que nuestra parroquia bendice a la gente
todos los días. Puedo dar testimonio al de la bondad y el amor aquí. Me siento
muy honrado todos los días por los generosos y amorosos corazones que forman parte de esta comunidad parroquial. Estoy decepcionado de que más no
participan en un papel activo en la familia de la parroquia, ya que se están perdiendo de mucho. Creo que cada uno de nosotros anhelamos comunidad
cristiana. Creo que anhelan una experiencia que es seguro, moral y edificante.
Creo que podemos encontrar todas estas cosas aquí porque Jesús es
proclamado como viva y activa en medio de nosotros. La buena noticia es que
nuestras puertas están siempre abiertas a la gente en nuestra familia. Le
daremos la bienvenida con los brazos abiertos y el amor. Todo lo que necesitas
hacer es venir y ser parte de la familia. Que Dios los bendiga!
~Translated by Mary Rodriguez
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t h e y w i l l r u n a n d n o t g r o w w e a r y , t h e y w7 i l l w a l k a n d n o t b e f a i n t . ~ I s a i a h 4 0 : 3 1
See What We’ve Been Up To!
Teens learned how to get through the
“jungle of life” at the 2011 Lock-In.
It’s been a busy time for St. John the
Evangelist Life Teen! In July, our teens
joined thousands of youth for the
Steubenville East Retreat. Our Bowl-AThon fundraiser was a big success—thank
you to all who participated! Our Kick-Off
BBQ & Life Nights have offered teens a
fun and safe place to grow in their faith and
form solid Catholic friendships.
For the new year, we are planning our
third annual weekend retreat at Kellenberg
High School for the end of March, as well
as a trip to the Diocese’s Holy Hour/
Dodgeball event. For more info, call Youth
Minister Mike Clauberg at 874-4910.