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A Message From Our Pastor

Dear Parish Family,

This year as you know is the 50th Anniversary of the founding of the parish.

What a year it has been so far for all of us in the midst of a pandemic.

My grandparents lived thru the last one. My grandmother Helen was born in 1900. They met the challenge in faith.

One of the special events this year to support the ongoing mission of the parish is the Annual 300 Club Raffle.

I ask that you give prayerful consideration in support of this special fund raiser.

It was a great success last year. Maybe you can combine a ticket with several friends.

I am very grateful to our own Knights of Columbus for their invaluable support with the raffle.

Thank you and God bless you!
Bishop Robert Coyle 
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Offerings

Mass Intentions

Sunday - September 27
​7:00 a.m.  People of Good Shepherd Parish  8:30 a.m. Guillermo Rios  10:00 a.m. Mass Guild Members 12 Noon Frank Zaniewski   5:00 p.m William B. Baker

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Monday - September 28
​​​​​​​​​9:00 a.m. Intentions of the Living: Patrick Mendola

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Tuesday - September 29
​​​​9:00 a.m. Mary Munda

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Wednesday - September 30
​​​​9:00 a.m. William Przwara

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Thursday - October 1
​​​9:00 a.m. Anthony Fronzoni III

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Friday -  October 2
​​​​9:00 a.m. Deacon Ed Tappin

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Saturday - October 3
​​​9:00 a.m. Lee Ann Piazzola   5:00 p.m. Dottie Priest

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Mass Guild Members
September 27, 2020

Michael Frustaci     Alexis Lamb     Frank Funicelli     Victor Hernandez Sr.     Angela Zaza     Jack Naughton      Charles Giordano     Intentions of Living: Donna Marie Oricoli, Special Intention 

Gifts of Bread and Wine

The Gifts of Bread & Wine are donated this week:
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If you would like to make a Gift of Bread and Wine, please contact the parish office at (631)588-7689

The 2021 Mass Book will be available to reserve Masses on Friday, September 11th. The office will open at 9am. 

Respect Life Sunday
Sunday, October 4 is Respect Life Sunday. As we celebrate Respect Life Sunday, we are reminded that the assaults on human dignity come in many forms. The Office of Human Life, Family and Bioethics is charged with deepening our already strong commitment to pro-life activities and parish education. Please support this vital work through participation in the special Respect Life envelope collection. Your prayers and assistance are greatly appreciated. 

 

Reading and Saints of the Week

Due to COVID-19, video reflections may not be available on any given day.

Monday

St. Wenceslaus





Listen to Monday's Reading

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Reading 1
Job 1:6-22
One day, when the angels of God came to present themselves before the LORD,
Satan also came among them.
And the LORD said to Satan, "Whence do you come?"
Then Satan answered the LORD and said,
"From roaming the earth and patrolling it."
And the LORD said to Satan, "Have you noticed my servant Job,
and that there is no one on earth like him,
blameless and upright, fearing God and avoiding evil?"
But Satan answered the LORD and said,
"Is it for nothing that Job is God-fearing?
Have you not surrounded him and his family
and all that he has with your protection?
You have blessed the work of his hands,
and his livestock are spread over the land.
But now put forth your hand and touch anything that he has,
and surely he will blaspheme you to your face."
And the LORD said to Satan,
"Behold, all that he has is in your power;
only do not lay a hand upon his person."
So Satan went forth from the presence of the LORD.

And so one day, while his sons and his daughters
were eating and drinking wine
in the house of their eldest brother,
a messenger came to Job and said,
"The oxen were ploughing and the asses grazing beside them,
and the Sabeans carried them off in a raid.
They put the herdsmen to the sword,
and I alone have escaped to tell you."
While he was yet speaking, another came and said,
"Lightning has fallen from heaven
and struck the sheep and their shepherds and consumed them;
and I alone have escaped to tell you."
While he was yet speaking, another messenger came and said,
"The Chaldeans formed three columns,
seized the camels, carried them off,
and put those tending them to the sword,
and I alone have escaped to tell you."
While he was yet speaking, another came and said,
"Your sons and daughters were eating and drinking wine
in the house of their eldest brother,
when suddenly a great wind came across the desert
and smote the four corners of the house.
It fell upon the young people and they are dead;
and I alone have escaped to tell you."
Then Job began to tear his cloak and cut off his hair.
He cast himself prostrate upon the ground, and said,

"Naked I came forth from my mother's womb,
and naked shall I go back again.
The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away;
blessed be the name of the LORD!"

In all this Job did not sin,
nor did he say anything disrespectful of God.

Responsorial Psalm
Psalms 17:1bcd, 2-3, 6-7
Incline your ear to me and hear my word.
Hear, O LORD, a just suit;
attend to my outcry;
hearken to my prayer from lips without deceit.
R. Incline your ear to me and hear my word.
From you let my judgment come;
your eyes behold what is right.
Though you test my heart, searching it in the night,
though you try me with fire, you shall find no malice in me.
R. Incline your ear to me and hear my word.
I call upon you, for you will answer me, O God;
incline your ear to me; hear my word.
Show your wondrous mercies,
O savior of those who flee
from their foes to refuge at your right hand.
R. Incline your ear to me and hear my word.

Alleluia
Mark 10:45
R.Alleluia, alleluia
The Son of Man came to serve
and to give his life as a ransom for many.
R.Alleluia, alleluia

Gospel
Luke 9:46-50
An argument arose among the disciples
about which of them was the greatest.
Jesus realized the intention of their hearts and took a child
and placed it by his side and said to them,
"Whoever receives this child in my name receives me,
and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me.
For the one who is least among all of you
is the one who is the greatest."

Then John said in reply,
"Master, we saw someone casting out demons in your name
and we tried to prevent him
because he does not follow in our company."
Jesus said to him,
"Do not prevent him, for whoever is not against you is for you."

Tuesday

Saints Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael





Listen to Tuesday's Reading

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Reading 1
Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14
As I watched:

Thrones were set up
and the Ancient One took his throne.
His clothing was bright as snow,
and the hair on his head as white as wool;
His throne was flames of fire,
with wheels of burning fire.
A surging stream of fire
flowed out from where he sat;
Thousands upon thousands were ministering to him,
and myriads upon myriads attended him.

The court was convened, and the books were opened.
As the visions during the night continued, I saw

One like a son of man coming,
on the clouds of heaven;
When he reached the Ancient One
and was presented before him,
He received dominion, glory, and kingship;
nations and peoples of every language serve him.
His dominion is an everlasting dominion
that shall not be taken away,
his kingship shall not be destroyed.

or Rv 12:7-12ab

War broke out in heaven;
Michael and his angels battled against the dragon.
The dragon and its angels fought back,
but they did not prevail
and there was no longer any place for them in heaven.
The huge dragon, the ancient serpent,
who is called the Devil and Satan,
who deceived the whole world,
was thrown down to earth,
and its angels were thrown down with it.

Then I heard a loud voice in heaven say:
"Now have salvation and power come,
and the Kingdom of our God
and the authority of his Anointed.
For the accuser of our brothers is cast out,
who accuses them before our God day and night.
They conquered him by the Blood of the Lamb
and by the word of their testimony;
love for life did not deter them from death.
Therefore, rejoice, you heavens,
and you who dwell in them."

Responsorial Psalm
Psalms 138:1-2AB, 2CDE-3, 4-5
R. (1) In the sight of the angels I will sing your praises, Lord.
I will give thanks to you, O LORD, with all my heart,
for you have heard the words of my mouth;
in the presence of the angels I will sing your praise;
I will worship at your holy temple
and give thanks to your name.
R. In the sight of the angels I will sing your praises, Lord.
Because of your kindness and your truth;
for you have made great above all things
your name and your promise.
When I called, you answered me;
you built up strength within me.
R. In the sight of the angels I will sing your praises, Lord.
All the kings of the earth shall give thanks to you, O LORD
when they hear the words of your mouth;
And they shall sing of the ways of the LORD
"Great is the glory of the LORD
R. In the sight of the angels I will sing your praises, Lord.

Alleluia
Psalms 103:21
R.Alleluia, alleluia
Bless the LORD, all you angels,
you ministers, who do his will.
R.Alleluia, alleluia

Gospel
John 1:47-51
Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him and said of him,
"Here is a true child of Israel.
There is no duplicity in him."
Nathanael said to him, "How do you know me?"
Jesus answered and said to him,
"Before Philip called you, I saw you under the fig tree."
Nathanael answered him,
"Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the King of Israel."
Jesus answered and said to him,
"Do you believe
because I told you that I saw you under the fig tree?
You will see greater things than this."
And he said to him, "Amen, amen, I say to you,
you will see heaven opened
and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man."

Wednesday

St. Jerome





Listen to Wednesday's Reading

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Reading 1
Job 9:1-12. 14-16
Job answered his friends and said:

I know well that it is so;
but how can a man be justified before God?
Should one wish to contend with him,
he could not answer him once in a thousand times.
God is wise in heart and mighty in strength;
who has withstood him and remained unscathed?

He removes the mountains before they know it;
he overturns them in his anger.
He shakes the earth out of its place,
and the pillars beneath it tremble.
He commands the sun, and it rises not;
he seals up the stars.

He alone stretches out the heavens
and treads upon the crests of the sea.
He made the Bear and Orion,
the Pleiades and the constellations of the south;
He does great things past finding out,
marvelous things beyond reckoning.

Should he come near me, I see him not;
should he pass by, I am not aware of him;
Should he seize me forcibly, who can say him nay?
Who can say to him, "What are you doing?"

How much less shall I give him any answer,
or choose out arguments against him!
Even though I were right, I could not answer him,
but should rather beg for what was due me.
If I appealed to him and he answered my call,
I could not believe that he would hearken to my words.

Responsorial Psalm
Psalms 88:10BC-11, 12-13, 14-15
R. (3) Let my prayer come before you, Lord.
Daily I call upon you, O LORD;
to you I stretch out my hands.
Will you work wonders for the dead?
Will the shades arise to give you thanks?
R. Let my prayer come before you, Lord.
Do they declare your mercy in the grave,
your faithfulness among those who have perished?
Are your wonders made known in the darkness,
or your justice in the land of oblivion?
R. Let my prayer come before you, Lord.
But I, O LORD, cry out to you;
with my morning prayer I wait upon you.
Why, O LORD, do you reject me;
why hide from me your face?
R. Let my prayer come before you, Lord.

Alleluia
Philippians 3:8-9
R.Alleluia, alleluia
I consider all things so much rubbish
that I may gain Christ and be found in him.
R.Alleluia, alleluia

Gospel
Luke 9:57-62
As Jesus and his disciples were proceeding
on their journey, someone said to him,
"I will follow you wherever you go."
Jesus answered him,
"Foxes have dens and birds of the sky have nests,
but the Son of Man has nowhere to rest his head."
And to another he said, "Follow me."
But he replied, "Lord, let me go first and bury my father."
But he answered him, "Let the dead bury their dead.
But you, go and proclaim the Kingdom of God."
And another said, "I will follow you, Lord,
but first let me say farewell to my family at home."
Jesus answered him, "No one who sets a hand to the plow
and looks to what was left behind is fit for the Kingdom of God."

Thursday

St. Thérèse of Lisieux





Listen to Thursday's Reading

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Reading 1
Job 19:21-27
Job said:

Pity me, pity me, O you my friends,
for the hand of God has struck me!
Why do you hound me as though you were divine,
and insatiably prey upon me?

Oh, would that my words were written down!
Would that they were inscribed in a record:
That with an iron chisel and with lead
they were cut in the rock forever!
But as for me, I know that my Vindicator lives,
and that he will at last stand forth upon the dust;
Whom I myself shall see:
my own eyes, not another's, shall behold him,
And from my flesh I shall see God;
my inmost being is consumed with longing.

Responsorial Psalm
Psalms 27:7-8A, 8AB-9ABC, 12-13
R. (13) I believe that I shall see the good things of the Lord in the land of the living.
Hear, O LORD, the sound of my call;
have pity on me, and answer me.
Of you my heart speaks; you my glance seeks.
R. I believe that I shall see the good things of the Lord in the land of the living.
Your presence, O LORD, I seek.
Hide not your face from me;
do not in anger repel your servant.
You are my helper: cast me not off.
R. I believe that I shall see the good things of the Lord in the land of the living.
I believe that I shall see the bounty of the LORD
in the land of the living.
Wait for the LORD with courage;
be stouthearted, and wait for the LORD.
R. I believe that I shall see the good things of the Lord in the land of the living.

Alleluia
Mark 1:15
R.Alleluia, alleluia
The Kingdom of God is at hand;
repent and believe in the Gospel.
R.Alleluia, alleluia

Gospel
Luke 10:1-12
Jesus appointed seventy-two other disciples
whom he sent ahead of him in pairs
to every town and place he intended to visit.
He said to them,
"The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few;
so ask the master of the harvest
to send out laborers for his harvest.
Go on your way;
behold, I am sending you like lambs among wolves.
Carry no money bag, no sack, no sandals;
and greet no one along the way.
Into whatever house you enter, first say,
'Peace to this household.'
If a peaceful person lives there,
your peace will rest on him;
but if not, it will return to you.
Stay in the same house and eat and drink what is offered to you,
for the laborer deserves his payment.
Do not move about from one house to another.
Whatever town you enter and they welcome you,
eat what is set before you,
cure the sick in it and say to them,
'The Kingdom of God is at hand for you.'
Whatever town you enter and they do not receive you,
go out into the streets and say,
'The dust of your town that clings to our feet,
even that we shake off against you.'
Yet know this: the Kingdom of God is at hand.
I tell you,
it will be more tolerable for Sodom on that day
than for that town."

Friday

Feast of the Guardian Angles



Listen to Friday's Reading

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Reading 1
Job 38:1, 12-21; 40:3-5
The LORD addressed Job out of the storm and said:

Have you ever in your lifetime commanded the morning
and shown the dawn its place
For taking hold of the ends of the earth,
till the wicked are shaken from its surface?
The earth is changed as is clay by the seal,
and dyed as though it were a garment;
But from the wicked the light is withheld,
and the arm of pride is shattered.

Have you entered into the sources of the sea,
or walked about in the depths of the abyss?
Have the gates of death been shown to you,
or have you seen the gates of darkness?
Have you comprehended the breadth of the earth?
Tell me, if you know all:
Which is the way to the dwelling place of light,
and where is the abode of darkness,
That you may take them to their boundaries
and set them on their homeward paths?
You know, because you were born before them,
and the number of your years is great!

Then Job answered the LORD and said:

Behold, I am of little account; what can I answer you?
I put my hand over my mouth.
Though I have spoken once, I will not do so again;
though twice, I will do so no more.

Responsorial Psalm
Psalms 139:1-3, 7-8, 9-10, 13-14AB
R. (24b) Guide me, Lord, along the everlasting way.
O LORD, you have probed me and you know me;
you know when I sit and when I stand;
you understand my thoughts from afar.
My journeys and my rest you scrutinize,
with all my ways you are familiar.
R. Guide me, Lord, along the everlasting way.
Where can I go from your spirit?
From your presence where can I flee?
If I go up to the heavens, you are there;
if I sink to the nether world, you are present there.
R. Guide me, Lord, along the everlasting way.
If I take the wings of the dawn,
if I settle at the farthest limits of the sea,
Even there your hand shall guide me,
and your right hand hold me fast.
R. Guide me, Lord, along the everlasting way.
Truly you have formed my inmost being;
you knit me in my mother's womb.
I give you thanks that I am fearfully, wonderfully made;
wonderful are your works.
R. Guide me, Lord, along the everlasting way.

Alleluia
Psalm 103:21
R.Alleluia, alleluia
Bless the LORD, all you angels,
you ministers, who do his will.
R.Alleluia, alleluia

Gospel
Matthew 18:1-5, 10
The disciples approached Jesus and said,
“Who is the greatest in the Kingdom of heaven?”
He called a child over, placed it in their midst, and said,
“Amen, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children,
you will not enter the Kingdom of heaven.
Whoever humbles himself like this child
is the greatest in the Kingdom of heaven.
And whoever receives one child such as this in my name receives me.

“See that you do not despise one of these little ones,
for I say to you that their angels in heaven
always look upon the face of my heavenly Father.”

Saturday

St. Theodora Guérin





Listen to Saturday's Reading

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Reading 1
Job 42:1-3, 5-6, 12-17
Job answered the LORD and said:

I know that you can do all things,
and that no purpose of yours can be hindered.
I have dealt with great things that I do not understand;
things too wonderful for me, which I cannot know.
I had heard of you by word of mouth,
but now my eye has seen you.
Therefore I disown what I have said,
and repent in dust and ashes.

Thus the LORD blessed the latter days of Job
more than his earlier ones.
For he had fourteen thousand sheep, six thousand camels,
a thousand yoke of oxen, and a thousand she-asses.
And he had seven sons and three daughters,
of whom he called the first Jemimah,
the second Keziah, and the third Kerenhappuch.
In all the land no other women were as beautiful
as the daughters of Job;
and their father gave them an inheritance
along with their brothers.
After this, Job lived a hundred and forty years;
and he saw his children, his grandchildren,
and even his great-grandchildren.
Then Job died, old and full of years.

Responsorial Psalm
Psalms 119:66, 71, 75, 91, 125, 130
R. (135) Lord, let your face shine on me.
Teach me wisdom and knowledge,
for in your commands I trust.
R. Lord, let your face shine on me.
It is good for me that I have been afflicted,
that I may learn your statutes.
R. Lord, let your face shine on me.
I know, O LORD, that your ordinances are just,
and in your faithfulness you have afflicted me.
R. Lord, let your face shine on me.
According to your ordinances they still stand firm:
all things serve you.
R. Lord, let your face shine on me.
I am your servant; give me discernment
that I may know your decrees.
R. Lord, let your face shine on me.
The revelation of your words sheds light,
giving understanding to the simple.
R. Lord, let your face shine on me.

Alleluia
Matthew 11:25
R.Alleluia, alleluia
Blessed are you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth,
you have revealed to little ones the mysteries of the Kingdom.
R.Alleluia, alleluia

Gospel
Luke 10:17-24
The seventy-two disciples returned rejoicing and said to Jesus,
"Lord, even the demons are subject to us because of your name."
Jesus said, "I have observed Satan fall like lightning from the sky.
Behold, I have given you the power
'to tread upon serpents' and scorpions
and upon the full force of the enemy
and nothing will harm you.
Nevertheless, do not rejoice because the spirits are subject to you,
but rejoice because your names are written in heaven."

At that very moment he rejoiced in the Holy Spirit and said,
"I give you praise, Father, Lord of heaven and earth,
for although you have hidden these things
from the wise and the learned
you have revealed them to the childlike.
Yes, Father, such has been your gracious will.
All things have been handed over to me by my Father.
No one knows who the Son is except the Father,
and who the Father is except the Son
and anyone to whom the Son wishes to reveal him."

Turning to the disciples in private he said,
"Blessed are the eyes that see what you see.
For I say to you,
many prophets and kings desired to see what you see,
but did not see it,
and to hear what you hear, but did not hear it."

Sunday

St. Francis of Assisi





Listen to Sunday's Reading

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Reading 1
Isaiah 5:1-7
Let me now sing of my friend,
my friend's song concerning his vineyard.
My friend had a vineyard
on a fertile hillside;
he spaded it, cleared it of stones,
and planted the choicest vines;
within it he built a watchtower,
and hewed out a wine press.
Then he looked for the crop of grapes,
but what it yielded was wild grapes.

Now, inhabitants of Jerusalem and people of Judah,
judge between me and my vineyard:
What more was there to do for my vineyard
that I had not done?
Why, when I looked for the crop of grapes,
did it bring forth wild grapes?
Now, I will let you know
what I mean to do with my vineyard:
take away its hedge, give it to grazing,
break through its wall, let it be trampled!
Yes, I will make it a ruin:
it shall not be pruned or hoed,
but overgrown with thorns and briers;
I will command the clouds
not to send rain upon it.
The vineyard of the LORD of hosts is the house of Israel,
and the people of Judah are his cherished plant;
he looked for judgment, but see, bloodshed!
for justice, but hark, the outcry!

Responsorial Psalm
Psalms 80:9, 12, 13-14, 15-16, 19-20
R. The vineyard of the Lord is the house of Israel.
A vine from Egypt you transplanted;
you drove away the nations and planted it.
It put forth its foliage to the Sea,
its shoots as far as the River.
R. The vineyard of the Lord is the house of Israel.
Why have you broken down its walls,
so that every passer-by plucks its fruit,
The boar from the forest lays it waste,
and the beasts of the field feed upon it?
R. The vineyard of the Lord is the house of Israel.
Once again, O LORD of hosts,
look down from heaven, and see;
take care of this vine,
and protect what your right hand has planted
the son of man whom you yourself made strong.
R. The vineyard of the Lord is the house of Israel.
Then we will no more withdraw from you;
give us new life, and we will call upon your name.
O LORD, God of hosts, restore us;
if your face shine upon us, then we shall be saved.
R. The vineyard of the Lord is the house of Israel.

Reading 2
Philippians 4:6-9
Brothers and sisters:
Have no anxiety at all, but in everything,
by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving,
make your requests known to God.
Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding
will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

Finally, brothers and sisters,
whatever is true, whatever is honorable,
whatever is just, whatever is pure,
whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious,
if there is any excellence
and if there is anything worthy of praise,
think about these things.
Keep on doing what you have learned and received
and heard and seen in me.
Then the God of peace will be with you.

Alleluia
CF John 15:16
R.Alleluia, alleluia
I have chosen you from the world, says the Lord,
to go and bear fruit that will remain.
R.Alleluia, alleluia

Gospel
Matthew 21:33-43
Jesus said to the chief priests and the elders of the people:
"Hear another parable.
There was a landowner who planted a vineyard,
put a hedge around it, dug a wine press in it, and built a tower.
Then he leased it to tenants and went on a journey.
When vintage time drew near,
he sent his servants to the tenants to obtain his produce.
But the tenants seized the servants and one they beat,
another they killed, and a third they stoned.
Again he sent other servants, more numerous than the first ones,
but they treated them in the same way.
Finally, he sent his son to them, thinking,
'They will respect my son.'
But when the tenants saw the son, they said to one another,
'This is the heir.
Come, let us kill him and acquire his inheritance.'
They seized him, threw him out of the vineyard, and killed him.
What will the owner of the vineyard do to those tenants when he comes?"
They answered him,
"He will put those wretched men to a wretched death
and lease his vineyard to other tenants
who will give him the produce at the proper times."
Jesus said to them, "Did you never read in the Scriptures:
The stone that the builders rejected
has become the cornerstone;
by the Lord has this been done,
and it is wonderful in our eyes?
Therefore, I say to you,
the kingdom of God will be taken away from you
and given to a people that will produce its fruit."

 

What Good Shepherd Means to Me

Celebrating our Jubilee year ​

As we celebrate our Jubilee Year, we invite you to share with us what Good Shepherd means to you. Please email a very short statement to the main office goodshepherdstaf@aol.com and it will go online in our e-bulletin in the coming weeks and months. Thank you. 

September 20, 2020

As an active and long-time parishioner I can say without hesitation Good Shepherd changed my life. Over the past 40 years I have been privileged to support this parish with my time, talent and treasure. Good Shepherd is not just a beautiful building - this community is very special and one that continues to be a source of faith, hope and love to me, my family and countless others who pass through our doors............Jim Marino 

July 24, 2020

On June 24, 1970, Father Barry and Father Moore arrived in Holbrook. They had a meeting in a parking lot at MacArthur Airport. They lived at The Cenacle. The first Mass was celebrated on June 28, 1970, outside the Civic Hall on Grundy Avenue. By August 1970, people had set up a large tent on the south side of the Civic Hall and Mass was held under the tent. In the winter parishioners moved back into the Civic Hall for Mass. There were Masses in the tent, the firehouse, the Greenbelt Recreation Center, the Cenacle and in parishioners' homes. Daily Mass was in the Cenacle Chapel. 

At this time, on August 1, 1970, Tom and I were married and moved to our first apartment in Hillcrest Village on Broadway Avenue. We became members of Good Shepherd and have been in the Parish for 50 years! Over these years we have formed lifelong friendships through our involvement in parish activities. 

What does Good Shepherd mean to us? Tom says Community, and for me Good Shepherd means Family!! We have participated in the life of Good Shepherd, our Community, our Family, in many ways over these 50 years. 

My involvement began as a helper in the pre-school with Sister Dorothy Fowler and Sister Barbara St. Peter in the mid-70s. In 1978, I was invited to become a Eucharistic Minister and have been one for 42 years. I coordinated the Eucharistic Ministers in the pre-computer days and remember making up the schedule randomly by putting names in a shoebox and picking them one at a time. That was when we served at whatever Mass we were given, not a specific Mass as we do today. I was asked to distribute Communion at Brookhaven Hospital and to bring Communion to the sick and homebound. I had a very special friendship with one homebound parishioner for 20 years until she was called home to God. 
Earlier I had been invited to serve on the Liturgy Committee and eventually to head the Committee. Mary Ann Uzzo invited me to be on the CORE of Parish Outreach. When the Genesis II program began, I served as a facilitator, then in 1987 learned all about Small Church Communities and became a Pastoral Facilitator of a Small Church Community for over thirty years. 

Tom spent 14 years as a referee for Good Shepherd's Hockey League and as a coach for two years too. When asked to become a part of the Fellowship Activities Committee, together Tom and I taught Country Line dancing from 1997 to 2011. Each of those 14 years we taught free line dance lessons at Good Shepherd in the summers culminating with an annual fundraiser dance. We also taught Country Line dance lessons at several Family Day gatherings during those years. 

As Father Tom was approaching retirement, I chaired the History Committee and wrote the History of Good Shepherd from its beginnings in the 1930s (when people in the area were dreaming of creating a parish in Holbrook) to 2013, the year Father Tom retired. 

This history book can still be found online for purchase from Amazon.com (all proceeds go to Good Shepherd Parish). 

There is no other parish than Good Shepherd where we would want to belong! 

Tom & Terry Sexon

July 19, 2020

In September of 1988 we moved into Holbrook, and from the first time attending Sunday Mass, I knew Good Shepherd was a very special place.
 
Although my full time position at Stony Brook University kept me from becoming actively involved , I have been a faithful participant for over 32 years.

Several years ago, we downsized and moved to Medford , but Good Shepherd will always be my parish because of how Msgr. Tom, Msgr. Jerry and now Bishop Coyle have made it a place where we are all family. I look forward to many more years praying and worshiping at Good Shepherd.
Theresa La Rocca Meyer

July 12, 2020
My Dear Friends:
Today during these hard times, especially for our churches, I would like to share my story of how I became a part of the Church of the Good Shepherd family. I can’t tell you the exact time or date but I know that it was over 20 years ago because our children were in their teens and the parish we were attending was cold and often left us feeling empty, our children were bored and Den and I were not spiritually filled by liturgies and homilies. In short, we were looking for something more. Den & I both grew up Catholic and have always been involved in some ministry in the Catholic church, so we decided to “go shopping” for a new Catholic church.

At the time we lived in Sayville, so we went north on Broadway Avenue and found ourselves at Good Shepherd. We were greeted at the door with the open arms and hugs of Msgr. Tom Spadaro, and Fr. Bob who we knew from Dennis’ Youth Ministry days in Sayville and many smiling faces who welcomed us to the church. We prayed with these welcoming people, many of whom we still see as we walk up the path from the parking lot to the church and in the Narthex. We listened for four Sundays to Fr. Paul, Fr. Bob, Fr. Tom and finally Fr. Charlie and were inspired once again by their homilies. We felt deep in our hearts and souls that we were “home”, but most of all we were touched by the sense of community and genuine care of the people who make a church a church. We knew God lived there because there was Love and where there is Love there is God.

We invited Fr. Tom to dinner at our house and explained why we wanted to join Good Shepherd, even though we were not in the catchment area of the parish. There our fellowship began, and it did not take us long to get involved in parish ministries. Den & I became involved in Pre Cana, a ministry we had been involved in for over 35 years now. Fr. Tom and Sister Ellen invited us to host a Parish Retreat and what I first though meant hospitality evolved into us directing Parish Retreats and training team members. Fr. Jerry Ringenback and Deacon John invited us to cook several meals for special occasions and decorate Fellowship Hall for large celebrations.

Personally, I am a Eucharistic Minister who brings communion to the homebound. This ministry is a blessing in my life and a great source of grace to be able to bring Jesus and the love of this community to those who cannot get to the church because of sickness or age. I am currently a member of the Parish Council as well and will be stepping down from this ministry at the end of June.

Den and I have truly been blessed by this community and although we transitioning from many of our leadership roles we will always feel a strong attachment to the people of Good Shepherd because of the strength and support we have received over the years. We have and still do feel your hugs in this time of quarantine and social distancing. It has become abundantly clear to us that though we are socially distancing and not meeting you at our beautiful place of worship we will never be spiritually distanced. We are experiencing difficult times but as always. we are the Family of God and I thank you for all the hugs, the prayers and love for embracing our family in the spirit of our parish Vision Statement. God bless you all.
Your sister in Christ,
​Barbara Fretto 

July 5, 2020
Ordinary people helping each other connect life and faith every day. This was our Vision Statement for many years and it still holds true today. When I look around Good Shepherd it is not the beauty of the building that I see, it is the dedication of the people who fill the building that makes my heart beat stronger.

The different ministries that work tirelessly fill it with their time, talent and treasure. Decorating our church inside and out with ceaseless energy, filling it with song and ministering to our people socially and reverently. As I watch our parishioners walk to the front door, even in the worst weather, a smile comes to their face; I’m home. Someone welcomes them and they find the people they have missed the past week. All the people that work together to celebrate the Good News and the good times also comfort each other in the difficult times as we worship our Lord together. 

This brings some sanity in our troubled world. After more than 46 years I still look forward to being in the loving embrace of our community of Good Shepherd, every day.--Jack Wrightson 

June 28, 2020
Where to begin? With Father Tom? Because for me, there is no Good Shepherd without him. What about that special feeling you get as soon as you walk in the door. Perhaps it’s the countless number of homilies heard over the years that have touched your heart. It could be the open invitation for all of us, no matter who you are, to come to the Holy Table to receive the Body and Blood of Christ. Or maybe, it’s just the people here at Good Shepherd. The ordinary people in the pews. The smile “Hello”. The simple handshake. “Peace Be With You”. You may not know the names, but you know the faces and they all mean something to you. I guess it can all be summed up with one word, “love”. That is what Good Shepherd means to me, a place of unconditional love. --Donna Lovaglio 

Online Resources

 

Formed

To sign up on Formed, click here.

A Family of Saints: the Martins of Lisieux, Sts. Térèse, Loius, and Zélie 
"God gave me a father and mother more worthy of heaven than of earth." —Saint Thérèse of Lisieux
The recent, and unprecedented, canonization by Pope Francis of a husband and wife, Louis and Zélie Martin, the parents of Saint Thérèse, has stirred a great interest in this extraordinary family. This work, by the highly regarded expert on the Martin family, Father Stéphane-Joseph Piat, O.F.M, is the definitive biography of this amazing "family of saints."
​Read Book>>

St. Thérèse: Child of Jesus
This definitive film, made in honor of the 100th anniversary of her death (1897), tells the story of the life of St. Thérèse of Lisieux from childhood to her holy death as a Carmelite nun. Filmed on location in France it gives her whole story through interviews, dramatizations, examination of her writings and extensive visits to her home and inside the Carmel at Lisieux. Commentary is provided by Bishop Guy Gaucher, the bishop of Lisieux.
Watch>>

The Four Levels of Happinesss by Fr. Robert Spitzer
Fr. Robert Spitzer, SJ, a highly a renowned philosopher and the founder of the Magis Center, provides a truly enlightening and practical discussion on how to achieve deep and enduring happiness. Referencing the wisdom of the ages, including that of Aristotle and Plato, this talk provides the keys to achieving the universal desire for happiness given to every person by God himself.
Listen>>

 

Faith Formation

 

Jubilee Dinner Postponed

Due to current COVID-19 circumstances, our June 24, 2020 Jubilee Dinner has been postponed. Many thanks to all who have volunteered to assist in its' planning. Another date will be selected and we will joyously celebrate at that time!

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Blessing of the Animals

October 4 after the 12 Noon Mass

In honor of the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, we will be having blessing of the animals outside on Sunday, October 4th after the 12Noon Mass. Please bring your special friends if you would like to have them blessed. For the safety of everyone, please make sure all dogs are on a leash. Masks are required.

 

OUTDOOR CRAFT FAIR
& RAFFLE

October 17 & 18

Saturday 12pm - 6pm        Sunday 7:30am - 6 pm

* Decor and Holiday Crafts        *Basket Raffles (includes $500 and Lottery Tickets)
*Food and Refreshments for Sale         *Home Baked Cakes and Brownies

Church of the Good Shepherd
1370 Grundy Avenue, Holbrook

 

300 CLUB RAFFLE

Tickets go on sale soon!!!

Only 300 Tickets will be sold at $100 each. Prize winners will share 50% of the proceeds and the other 50% will go to parish programs and the upkeep of our parish’s increasing costs to maintain our church building.

Family, friends, groups can pool together in purchasing a raffle.

Tickets are limited to 300 sold.

The drawing will be on 11/21/20 after the 5pm Mass.

Prizes

Grand Prize: $10,000
Second Prize: $2,500
Third Prize: $1,000
Fourth Prize: $500
5 Fifth Prizes: $200

If all 300 tickets are sold the prizes will be listed as above. If less than 300 tickets have been sold by 11/21/20, the prize fund, equal to 50% of the ticket receipts, will be divided in the proportions listed above to yield nine prizes.

 

Support Good Shepherd, Shop Amazon Smile
Shop Amazon? If you shop through Amazon Smile, a portion of your purchases will go to Good Shepherd at no additional cost to you. When you shop at smile.amazon.com, you’ll find the exact same low prices, vast selection and convenient shopping experience as Amazon.com.
Click here for more information

 

Our office is reaching out to you or anyone you know in our area that is in need of assistance for food, temporary financial help, counseling, advice or referrals, or is sick, homebound, lonely, and hurting.  If in need of our services, please call our office at 585-4544. All information taken is treated privately and confidentially except where disclosure is made at your request or with your permission.

Senior Group

As we plan to start meeting again, the following guidelines are in place:

• masks must be worn at all times
• social distancing must be maintained
• no double tables together
• 4 people at each table
• no games

The kitchen will not be available (you can bring your own snacks and drinks)

If you plan on attending, please let your table captain know to reserve space and limits.

We hope all who had birthdays and special events over the past few months enjoyed their day in spite of everything going on and look forward to seeing all.

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The Peanut Butter and Jelly Gang

The PB&J Gang will not be meeting until further notice. Please hold all donations. Thank you!

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Friendship Garden

On Thursday, October 15th, we will be starting to gather together again at the church from 9:30 am until noon.
There are some rules that MUST be followed.....
1. Masks are mandatory.
2. Social Distancing will be enforced.
3. We will have NO kitchen privileges. You may bring your own food and/or drink, but will not have access to the kitchen.

As always, we look forward to seeing many “old friends” and being introduced to “new friends”.

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Food Pantry

If you need assistance with the food pantry, please call the outreach office at 631-585-4544.

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Beginning Monday, June 8th @ 7:30pm
Streaming Live on Facebook & YouTube

DRVC Youth Ministry FB Page
DRVC YM YouTube Channel

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Community News

We Welcome

We welcome to our faith community those Children to be Baptized in September 2020 

Cole Matthew Bennett
Luca Greyson Clark
Carter Jax Gabay
Vincent Francis Russo
Grace Rose Ferrante
Edison Frank Guido
Marianna Lucia Ottaviano
Arianna Faith Patalano
Hazel Marie Roach
Mia Lee Hall
Carmelina Linda Long
James Christion Lutz Jr
Trevor James Quinn
Franklin Benjamin Wilson
Stella James Kiely
Edison Frank Guido 

We Remember

May the good Lord bless all the faithful departed. May their souls rest in peace. ​​
Thomas V. Chisari 

Pray for the Sick

Pray for our Military