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Father Ken's Corner

Dear Sisters and Brothers of Good Shepherd Parish,

As you read this column, it will be almost exactly four months since I arrived at The Church of the Good Shepherd as pastor. I have come to feel very comfortable here and I can say that being visible at all the weekend liturgies I’ve met many wonderful people. In those four months, I have come to know and respect the people who are a very visible part of the parish staff like Father Jerry and Fr. Rudy and Deacon Tom and Deacon John, and so many people who serve as ushers, music ministry, lectors and Eucharistic ministers. There are a number of individuals who most of you don’t see who also are a very important part of our parish life – our business manager, religious formation team, receptionists, parish outreach, sacristans, our plant manager and a number of other people who serve YOU – the parish in ways that are not always noticed.

What I have noticed over these past four months is that there is a very significant portion of the parish who are invisible, who also are a very important part of our parish life. That is the youth – the many school aged children of Holbrook who attend both our primary schools and high schools. I know that in November I will have the distinct pleasure and honor of presiding at the celebration of the sacrament of confirmation for about 175 of our eighth grade children. To be totally blunt and honest – I have not seen a total of 175 children of all ages at our weekend masses.

I say this with tremendous sadness. I was hoping that over the summer with families traveling on vacation, that I would be able to meet a greater number of our young parishioners over the past few weeks once school and religious formation classes began. In the gospel of Mark (8:36) Jesus asks a very serious question as a part of his teaching the people. “For what profit is there for a man to gain the entire world and to forfeit his soul in the process?” The question that Jesus asks can easily be retooled today. What good is it for your daughter or son to be a great football, soccer, baseball, hockey, basketball player, skater or dancer and never really come to know Jesus and the love he has for them? What real good is any activity if we make millions of dollars (and we’re only talking potential salaries) and fail to make that Third Command – Keep Holy the Sabbath Day – a part of our lives. We can have all sorts of hopes and dreams of how talented and gifted our children are, yet statistics show quite plainly that less than 1/100 of 1 percent (.01) of all the children playing a sport today will make their living playing that sport.

It had been my hope and plan to reestablish our Mass at 10am on Sundays as a family and children’s mass once we had moved to a greater normality after the Covid-19 pandemic. That is still my hope and plan - to place a greater focus on directing the level of the homilies toward the youth of our parish (and indeed past experience shows that parents benefit as well), inviting them into a greater participation in the celebration of our liturgies by helping with the collection, taking the readings of the day from the children’s lectionary, and allowing them to do those readings. Yet having a family-oriented mass is difficult without families.
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At the same time our total numbers in church on any Sunday are still about half of the pre-covid 19 levels. Realizing that there are a number of our seniors who cannot personally be present because of various health issues including the fear of being infected by the virus at church, I appeal to those who are still absent to make that extra effort to rejoin our visible community of faith. Presence gives a strong witness to others; we need to be inspired by each other. In the Book of Revelation (3:15), Jesus says to the faith community of Laodicia, “...I know all about you: how you are neither hot nor cold. How I wish you were one or the other, but since you are neither, but only lukewarm, I will spit you out of my mouth.” I truly wonder, is Jesus now talking to us? 

 

Ignatian Year

This year marks the 500-year anniversary of Ignatius’ wounding and spiritual conversion in Pamplona, Spain.  The year will conclude on July 21, 2022, the anniversary of St. Ignatius passing into eternal life.  ​As part of the exploration of the life and legacy of St. Ignatius during this year Father Michael Bissex in the attached pastoral reflection, explores St. Ignatius’ conversion following the Battle of Pamplona.

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Chapter 11 Filing

Information regarding the deadlines for filing proofs of claim in the Diocese’s chapter 11 case and the forms to use can be found by clicking on the following link to the Diocese’s bankruptcy website and scrolling down the page: https://dm.epiq11.com/drvc

 

Mass Intentions

Sunday - October 24
​7:00 a.m.  People of Good Shepherd Parish   8:30 a.m. John M. Peters  10:00 a.m. Mass Guild Members   12 Noon Nick Rapalone  5:00 p.m Vincent Yannucci

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Monday - October 25
​​​​​​​​​9:00 a.m. Jacob Weissman

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Tuesday - October 26
​​​​9:00 a.m. Michael McGinn

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Wednesday - October 27
​​​​9:00 a.m. Intentions of: Father Zach

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Thursday - October 28
​​​9:00 a.m. Francis Perillo

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Friday -  October 29
9:00 a.m. Fredrico Makayan

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Saturday - October 30
9:00 a.m. Mark Barry Weinstein 5:00 p.m. Ann & Frank Yannucci

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Mass Guild Members
October 24, 2021

In Memory of:

Michael Frustaci       Danielle Jackson     Tina Abbenante       Zenaida Ilogon     Dennis Flavin       Joan LoPresti     Maonna Dash     Rolando Alvarez      Anthony Garrio      Eugene F. Murphy 

Gifts of Bread and Wine

In Memory of:
Richard Mason

Donated by:
The Smith Family

If you would like your loved one remembered in this special way, please contact the Main Office at 631-588-7689 

Sanctuary Lamp

In Memory of:
Linda Bauerle, Jana Johnson, & Anthony Johnson 

Donated by:
Good Shepherd Music Ministry 
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The Sanctuary Lamp, which burns near the Tabernacle in our Daily Chapel, is the reminder of the Lord's Presence in the Most Holy Eucharist.
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World Mission Sunday
We celebrate this day by remembering our baptismal call – to bring the Gospel to all! The collection today for the Society for the Propagation of the Faith supports the work and witness of the Mission Church, as it provides for priests, religious and lay leaders who offer the Lord’s mercy and concrete help to the most vulnerable communities in the Pope’s missions. Thank you for your generosity. 

All Saints Day
All Saints Day is Monday, November 1, 2021. This year it is not a Holy Day of Obligation. We will have a 9am Mass and 7pm Mass on All Saints Day.

All Souls Day
We will have 9am Mass and 12Noon Mass on Tuesday, November 2, 2021 for All Souls Day. 

Diocesan News

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Reading and Saints of the Week

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

Monday

Saint Luke





Listen to Monday's Reading

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Reading 1
2 Timothy 4:10-17B
Beloved:
Demas, enamored of the present world,
deserted me and went to Thessalonica,
Crescens to Galatia, and Titus to Dalmatia.
Luke is the only one with me.
Get Mark and bring him with you,
for he is helpful to me in the ministry.
I have sent Tychicus to Ephesus.
When you come, bring the cloak I left with Carpus in Troas,
the papyrus rolls, and especially the parchments.

Alexander the coppersmith did me a great deal of harm;
the Lord will repay him according to his deeds.
You too be on guard against him,
for he has strongly resisted our preaching.

At my first defense no one appeared on my behalf,
but everyone deserted me.
May it not be held against them!
But the Lord stood by me and gave me strength,
so that through me the proclamation might be completed
and all the Gentiles might hear it.

Responsorial Psalm
Psalms 145:10-11, 12-13, 17-18
R. Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel; he has come to his people.
He has come to his people and set them free.
He has raised up for us a mighty savior,
born of the house of his servant David.
R. (12) Your friends make known, O Lord, the glorious splendor of your Kingdom.
Let all your works give you thanks, O LORD,
and let your faithful ones bless you.
Let them discourse of the glory of your Kingdom
and speak of your might.
R. Your friends make known, O Lord, the glorious splendor of your Kingdom.
Making known to men your might
and the glorious splendor of your Kingdom.
Your Kingdom is a Kingdom for all ages,
and your dominion endures through all generations.
R. Your friends make known, O Lord, the glorious splendor of your Kingdom.
The LORD is just in all his ways
and holy in all his works.
The LORD is near to all who call upon him,
to all who call upon him in truth.
R. Your friends make known, O Lord, the glorious splendor of your Kingdom.

Alleluia
SEE John 15:16
R.Alleluia, alleluia
I chose you from the world,
to go and bear fruit that will last, says the Lord.
R.Alleluia, alleluia

Gospel
Luke 10:1-9
The Lord Jesus appointed seventy-two 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 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.’”

Tuesday

Saint Isaac Jogue, Jean de Brébeuf and Companions





Listen to Tuesday's Reading

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Reading 1
Romans 5:12, 15B, 17-19, 20B-21
Brothers and sisters:
Through one man sin entered the world,
and through sin, death,
and thus death came to all men, inasmuch as all sinned.

If by that one person's transgression the many died,
how much more did the grace of God
and the gracious gift of the one man Jesus Christ
overflow for the many.
For if, by the transgression of the one,
death came to reign through that one,
how much more will those who receive the abundance of grace
and the gift of justification
come to reign in life through the one Jesus Christ.
In conclusion, just as through one transgression
condemnation came upon all,
so, through one righteous act
acquittal and life came to all.
For just as through the disobedience of one man
the many were made sinners,
so, through the obedience of the one
the many will be made righteous.
Where sin increased, grace overflowed all the more,
so that, as sin reigned in death,
grace also might reign through justification
for eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Responsorial Psalm
Psalms 40:7-8A, 8B-9, 10, 17
R. Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will.
Sacrifice or oblation you wished not,
but ears open to obedience you gave me.
Burnt offerings or sin offerings you sought not;
then said I, "Behold I come."
R. Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will.
"In the written scroll it is prescribed for me,
To do your will, O my God, is my delight,
and your law is within my heart!"
R. Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will.
I announced your justice in the vast assembly;
I did not restrain my lips, as you, O LORD, know.
R. Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will.
May all who seek you
exult and be glad in you,
And may those who love your salvation
say ever, "The LORD be glorified."
R. Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will.

Alleluia
Luke 21:36
R.Alleluia, alleluia
Be vigilant at all times and pray
that you may have the strength to stand before the Son of Man.
R.Alleluia, alleluia

Gospel
Luke 12:35-38
Jesus said to his disciples:
"Gird your loins and light your lamps
and be like servants who await their master's return from a wedding,
ready to open immediately when he comes and knocks.
Blessed are those servants
whom the master finds vigilant on his arrival.
Amen, I say to you, he will gird himself,
have them recline at table, and proceed to wait on them.
And should he come in the second or third watch
and find them prepared in this way,
blessed are those servants."

Wednesday

Saint Paul of the Cross





Listen to Wednesday's Reading

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Reading 1
Romans 6:12-18
Brothers and sisters:
Sin must not reign over your mortal bodies
so that you obey their desires.
And do not present the parts of your bodies to sin
as weapons for wickedness,
but present yourselves to God as raised from the dead to life
and the parts of your bodies to God
as weapons for righteousness.
For sin is not to have any power over you,
since you are not under the law but under grace.

What then? Shall we sin because we are not under the law
but under grace?
Of course not!
Do you not know that if you present yourselves
to someone as obedient slaves,
you are slaves of the one you obey,
either of sin, which leads to death,
or of obedience, which leads to righteousness?
But thanks be to God that, although you were once slaves of sin,
you have become obedient from the heart
to the pattern of teaching to which you were entrusted.
Freed from sin, you have become slaves of righteousness.

Responsorial Psalm
Psalms 124:1B-3, 4-6, 7-8
R. Our help is in the name of the Lord.
Had not the LORD been with us,
let Israel say, had not the LORD been with us–
When men rose up against us,
then would they have swallowed us alive;
When their fury was inflamed against us.
R. Our help is in the name of the Lord.
Then would the waters have overwhelmed us;
The torrent would have swept over us;
over us then would have swept the raging waters.
Blessed be the LORD, who did not leave us
a prey to their teeth.
R. Our help is in the name of the Lord.
We were rescued like a bird
from the fowlers' snare;
Broken was the snare,
and we were freed.
Our help is in the name of the LORD,
who made heaven and earth.
R. Our help is in the name of the Lord.

Alleluia
Matthew 24:42A, 44
R.Alleluia, alleluia
Stay awake!
For you do not know when the Son of Man will come.
R.Alleluia, alleluia

Gospel
Luke 12:39-48
Jesus said to his disciples:
"Be sure of this:
if the master of the house had known the hour
when the thief was coming,
he would not have let his house be broken into.
You also must be prepared,
for at an hour you do not expect, the Son of Man will come."

Then Peter said,
"Lord, is this parable meant for us or for everyone?"
And the Lord replied,
"Who, then, is the faithful and prudent steward
whom the master will put in charge of his servants
to distribute the food allowance at the proper time?
Blessed is that servant whom his master on arrival finds doing so.
Truly, I say to you, he will put him
in charge of all his property.
But if that servant says to himself,
'My master is delayed in coming,'
and begins to beat the menservants and the maidservants,
to eat and drink and get drunk,
then that servant's master will come
on an unexpected day and at an unknown hour
and will punish the servant severely
and assign him a place with the unfaithful.
That servant who knew his master's will
but did not make preparations nor act in accord with his will
shall be beaten severely;
and the servant who was ignorant of his master's will
but acted in a way deserving of a severe beating
shall be beaten only lightly.
Much will be required of the person entrusted with much,
and still more will be demanded of the person entrusted with more."

Thursday

Saint Hilarion





Listen to Thursday's Reading

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Reading 1
Romans 6:19-23
Brothers and sisters:
I am speaking in human terms because of the weakness of your nature.
For just as you presented the parts of your bodies as slaves to impurity
and to lawlessness for lawlessness,
so now present them as slaves to righteousness for sanctification.
For when you were slaves of sin, you were free from righteousness.
But what profit did you get then
from the things of which you are now ashamed?
For the end of those things is death.
But now that you have been freed from sin and have become slaves of God,
the benefit that you have leads to sanctification,
and its end is eternal life.
For the wages of sin is death,
but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Responsorial Psalm
Psalms 1:1-2, 3, 4 AND 6
R. Blessed are they who hope in the Lord.
Blessed the man who follows not
the counsel of the wicked
Nor walks in the way of sinners,
nor sits in the company of the insolent,
But delights in the law of the LORD
and meditates on his law day and night.
R. Blessed are they who hope in the Lord.
He is like a tree
planted near running water,
That yields its fruit in due season,
and whose leaves never fade.
Whatever he does, prospers.
R. Blessed are they who hope in the Lord.
Not so the wicked, not so;
they are like chaff which the wind drives away.
For the LORD watches over the way of the just,
but the way of the wicked vanishes.
R. Blessed are they who hope in the 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 12:49-53
Jesus said to his disciples:
"I have come to set the earth on fire,
and how I wish it were already blazing!
There is a baptism with which I must be baptized,
and how great is my anguish until it is accomplished!
Do you think that I have come to establish peace on the earth?
No, I tell you, but rather division.
From now on a household of five will be divided,
three against two and two against three;
a father will be divided against his son
and a son against his father,
a mother against her daughter
and a daughter against her mother,
a mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law
and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law."

Friday

Saint John Paul II



Listen to Friday's Reading

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Reading 1
Romans 7:18-25A
Brothers and sisters:
I know that good does not dwell in me, that is, in my flesh.
The willing is ready at hand, but doing the good is not.
For I do not do the good I want,
but I do the evil I do not want.
Now if I do what I do not want, it is no longer I who do it,
but sin that dwells in me.
So, then, I discover the principle
that when I want to do right, evil is at hand.
For I take delight in the law of God, in my inner self,
but I see in my members another principle
at war with the law of my mind,
taking me captive to the law of sin that dwells in my members.
Miserable one that I am!
Who will deliver me from this mortal body?
Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Responsorial Psalm
Psalms 119:66, 68, 76, 77, 93, 94
R. Lord, teach me your statutes.
Teach me wisdom and knowledge,
for in your commands I trust.
R. Lord, teach me your statutes.
You are good and bountiful;
teach me your statutes.
R. Lord, teach me your statutes.
Let your kindness comfort me
according to your promise to your servants.
R. Lord, teach me your statutes.
Let your compassion come to me that I may live,
for your law is my delight.
R. Lord, teach me your statutes.
Never will I forget your precepts,
for through them you give me life.
R. Lord, teach me your statutes.
I am yours; save me,
for I have sought your precepts.
R. Lord, teach me your statutes.

Alleluia
See 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 12:54-59
Jesus said to the crowds,
"When you see a cloud rising in the west
you say immediately that it is going to rain–and so it does;
and when you notice that the wind is blowing from the south
you say that it is going to be hot–and so it is.
You hypocrites!
You know how to interpret the appearance of the earth and the sky;
why do you not know how to interpret the present time?

"Why do you not judge for yourselves what is right?
If you are to go with your opponent before a magistrate,
make an effort to settle the matter on the way;
otherwise your opponent will turn you over to the judge,
and the judge hand you over to the constable,
and the constable throw you into prison.
I say to you, you will not be released
until you have paid the last penny."

Saturday

Saint John of Capistrano





Listen to Saturday's Reading

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Reading 1
Romans 8:1-11
Brothers and sisters:
Now there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.
For the law of the spirit of life in Christ Jesus
has freed you from the law of sin and death.
For what the law, weakened by the flesh, was powerless to do,
this God has done:
by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh
and for the sake of sin, he condemned sin in the flesh,
so that the righteous decree of the law might be fulfilled in us,
who live not according to the flesh but according to the spirit.
For those who live according to the flesh
are concerned with the things of the flesh,
but those who live according to the spirit
with the things of the spirit.
The concern of the flesh is death,
but the concern of the spirit is life and peace.
For the concern of the flesh is hostility toward God;
it does not submit to the law of God, nor can it;
and those who are in the flesh cannot please God.
But you are not in the flesh;
on the contrary, you are in the spirit,
if only the Spirit of God dwells in you.
Whoever does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him.
But if Christ is in you,
although the body is dead because of sin,
the spirit is alive because of righteousness.
If the Spirit of the one who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you,
the one who raised Christ from the dead
will give life to your mortal bodies also,
through his Spirit that dwells in you.

Responsorial Psalm
Psalms 24:1B-2, 3-4AB, 5-6
R.(see 6) Lord, this is the people that longs to see your face.
The LORD's are the earth and its fullness;
the world and those who dwell in it.
For he founded it upon the seas
and established it upon the rivers.
R. Lord, this is the people that longs to see your face.
Who can ascend the mountain of the LORD?
or who may stand in his holy place?
He whose hands are sinless, whose heart is clean,
who desires not what is vain.
R. Lord, this is the people that longs to see your face.
He shall receive a blessing from the LORD,
a reward from God his savior.
Such is the race that seeks for him,
that seeks the face of the God of Jacob.
R. Lord, this is the people that longs to see your face.

Alleluia
Ezekiel 33:11
R.Alleluia, alleluia
I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked man, says the Lord,
but rather in his conversion that he may live.
R.Alleluia, alleluia

Gospel
LUke 13:1-9
Some people told Jesus about the Galileans
whose blood Pilate had mingled with the blood of their sacrifices.
He said to them in reply,
"Do you think that because these Galileans suffered in this way
they were greater sinners than all other Galileans?
By no means!
But I tell you, if you do not repent,
you will all perish as they did!
Or those eighteen people who were killed
when the tower at Siloam fell on them--
do you think they were more guilty
than everyone else who lived in Jerusalem?
By no means!
But I tell you, if you do not repent,
you will all perish as they did!"
And he told them this parable:
"There once was a person who had a fig tree planted in his orchard,
and when he came in search of fruit on it but found none,
he said to the gardener,
'For three years now I have come in search of fruit on this fig tree
but have found none.
So cut it down.
Why should it exhaust the soil?'
He said to him in reply,
'Sir, leave it for this year also,
and I shall cultivate the ground around it and fertilize it;
it may bear fruit in the future.
If not you can cut it down.'"

Sunday

Saint Anthony Mary Claret





Listen to Sunday's Reading

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Reading 1
Jeremiah 31:7-9
Thus says the LORD:
Shout with joy for Jacob,
exult at the head of the nations;
proclaim your praise and say:
The LORD has delivered his people,
the remnant of Israel.
Behold, I will bring them back
from the land of the north;
I will gather them from the ends of the world,
with the blind and the lame in their midst,
the mothers and those with child;
they shall return as an immense throng.
They departed in tears,
but I will console them and guide them;
I will lead them to brooks of water,
on a level road, so that none shall stumble.
For I am a father to Israel,
Ephraim is my first-born.

Responsorial Psalm
Psalms 126:1-2, 2-3, 4-5, 6
R. (3) The Lord has done great things for us; we are filled with joy.
When the LORD brought back the captives of Zion,
we were like men dreaming.
Then our mouth was filled with laughter,
and our tongue with rejoicing.
R. The Lord has done great things for us; we are filled with joy.
Then they said among the nations,
"The LORD has done great things for them."
The LORD has done great things for us;
we are glad indeed.
R. The Lord has done great things for us; we are filled with joy.
Restore our fortunes, O LORD,
like the torrents in the southern desert.
Those that sow in tears
shall reap rejoicing.
R. The Lord has done great things for us; we are filled with joy.
Although they go forth weeping,
carrying the seed to be sown,
They shall come back rejoicing,
carrying their sheaves.
R. The Lord has done great things for us; we are filled with joy.

Reading 2
Hebrews 5:1-6
Brothers and sisters:
Every high priest is taken from among men
and made their representative before God,
to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins.
He is able to deal patiently with the ignorant and erring,
for he himself is beset by weakness
and so, for this reason, must make sin offerings for himself
as well as for the people.
No one takes this honor upon himself
but only when called by God,
just as Aaron was.
In the same way,
it was not Christ who glorified himself in becoming high priest,
but rather the one who said to him:
You are my son:
this day I have begotten you;
just as he says in another place:
You are a priest forever
according to the order of Melchizedek.

Alleluia
Cf 2 Timothy 1:10
R.Alleluia, alleluia
Our Savior Jesus Christ destroyed death
and brought life to light through the Gospel.
R.Alleluia, alleluia

Gospel
Mark 10:46-52
As Jesus was leaving Jericho with his disciples and a sizable crowd,
Bartimaeus, a blind man, the son of Timaeus,
sat by the roadside begging.
On hearing that it was Jesus of Nazareth,
he began to cry out and say,
"Jesus, son of David, have pity on me."
And many rebuked him, telling him to be silent.
But he kept calling out all the more,
"Son of David, have pity on me."
Jesus stopped and said, "Call him."
So they called the blind man, saying to him,
"Take courage; get up, Jesus is calling you."
He threw aside his cloak, sprang up, and came to Jesus.
Jesus said to him in reply, "What do you want me to do for you?"
The blind man replied to him, "Master, I want to see."
Jesus told him, "Go your way; your faith has saved you."
Immediately he received his sight
and followed him on the way.

Online Resources

 

Formed - October Saints

Térèse
A pampered child from a middle-class 19th century French family, Therese Martin journeys to Rome to beg Pope Leo XIII for permission to enter the Carmelite monastery at the unheard-of age of 15. Once admitted she experiences the joys and rigors of monastic life, and makes the surprising yet simple discovery that holiness can be achieved by small acts of love and compassion – a spiritual path she calls her “Little Way.” With a soundtrack composed by a cloistered Carmelite nun, this film is a beautiful retreat into the world of a Saint Therese of Lisieux, an ordinary girl with an extraordinary soul.
Watch>> 

Saint Francis
 Filmed on location in Assisi and at other actual locations where St. Francis lived and died, this feature film vividly tells the story of the greatly beloved saint from childhood to his death. Beautifully filmed with outstanding cinematography and fine acting talent, this film stars Italian actor Raoul Bova as Francis and was directed by acclaimed filmmaker Michele Soavi. Captured by the enemy as a soldier and put in prison, he has a life changing experience that inspires him after being freed to abandon his riches and dedicate his life to living the Gospel in simplicity, poverty, and charity towards all.l
​l.Watch>>

St. Teresa of Avila
A powerful epic mini-series shot on location in Spain that tells the story of one of the most amazing women in history, St. Teresa of Avila. With meticulous attention to detail and historical accuracy, outstanding production values, and an incredible performance by actress Concha Velasco as Teresa, this acclaimed major film production is the definitive film on the life of this great saint.
Watch>>

John Paul II: The Man, the Pope, and His Message
An intimate portrait of the man, the pope and his message, this series of documentaries reveals the epic proportions of the life and work of Pope John Paul. By special arrangements with the Vatican, this timeless footage over the span of five hours, was produced by renown Italian journalist, Alberto Michelini. Delving deep into the papacy of Pope John Paul II, embark on soul-stirring journey into the heart of his messages and world travels—and even into his private life within the Vatican. Encounter the face of Christ through one of his most powerful messengers, Blessed Pope John Paul II, a leader not only for the Catholic Church but also humanity.
Watch>>

To sign up on Formed, click here.

The Chosen: Season 1
The Chosen is the first-ever-multi-season TV show about the life of Jesus. Created outside of the Hollywood system, The Chosen allows us to see Him through the eyes of those who knew him. No matter where you are at in your journey with Jesus Christ, this TV show is for you. Season 1 is now available on YouTube.
Watch Season 1>>

RCIA

Interested in Becoming a Catholic or completing your Sacraments?

The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is the process by which adults are brought into the Catholic Church. The process is for those individuals who have never been baptized or who have been baptized into another Christian Faith and wish to be received into the Catholic Church. The RCIA process is also for those Baptized individuals who wish to complete the Sacraments of Initiation; Communion and Confirmation.

The journey begins on Tuesday, September 28, 2021. We meet at the Church once a week for instruction and then beginning on the 1st Sunday of Advent, November 28th, we will meet at the 12Noon Mass and every Sunday thereafter leading to the Easter Vigil.

If you are interested in becoming a part of the RCIA process, please lave your name and number at the main office and someone will contact you. 

 

Faith Formation

 

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. 

February 21, 2021

My memories of 50 years At Good Shepherd Church
By: Judy Schellberg
In November 1969, my husband, Robert, and I and two small daughters moved to “close-in Hobrook”, as houses in Holbrook were advertised at that time. In June, 1970, I saw a picture in the newspaper of a new church beginning in Holbrook. The parish did not have a name at that time and the pastor Fr. Ron Barry and associate Fr. Jack Moore said that the parishioners should have a say in the naming of the parish because the people were the church. As we know now, Good Shepherd was the name chosen.
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Over those early years Fr. Barry held classes on how to develop a well formed conscience and Sisters Dorothy Fowler and Barbara St. Peter taught the Basic Course in order to encourage people to become catechists. These classes helped me to grow into my adult faith, during this post Vatican II time. I think, we then all came to understand the concept that the people were the church.

About that time too, Good Shepherd became one of the first three churches on Long Island to model the vision of Catholic Charities of serving the needs of the people at the parish level and Parish Outreach was started. In 1990, I became the part-time secretary in the Outreach Office working with Deacon Joseph Gioglio, who was the coordinator, and many wonderful volunteers, Gene Colangelo included. I saw first hand the support and involvement in the Outreach from Fr. Tom, the priests, sisters and staff at the time and wonderful parishioners always willing to help where there was a need. It was not only about giving food but what were the underlying causes of the need for food, the injustices and unfairness that needed advocating about. It was as Joe Gioglio said – “Parish Outreach is a living expression of the Gospel message”.

In the fall of 1997 the diocese introduced the idea of parish assistance at the time of the death of a Parishioner and the Ministry of Consolation was started under Connie Hornick and support of Joe Gioglio, through the Parish Outreach. Sadly, Joe Gioglio died that fall at 46 from a heart attack. The Consolation Ministry, with many dedicated ministers through the years, has continued, especially with the leadership of Noranne Hill who headed the ministry for many year and died in 2016. Deacon John Newhall has always been there to offer his guidance to the ministry.

We have been blessed with many good pastors over these years and at this time we are especially remembering Fr. Tom, who led us out of a dark place and reminded us, once again, that the building is not the church, the people are.
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Over the fifty years of my memories are some very wonderful and memorable times and some very sad and distressful times but what always came through are the blessings God has given us at Good Shepherd through the priests, the sisters, the deacons, the staff and always from our close parish family and it is my hope that this parish spirit will continue to grow for many generations to come. 

December 20, 2020
By Barbara Paeth

I am a Newbe of sorts to Good Shepherd - here 9 1/2 years. From Day One in Good Shepherd -it was like I found a second home - the people, the priests and the staff -accepted and loved, especially the Senior Group headed by Rosemarie Vilim.

November 29, 2020
By Julie DeCollibus

My husband Vinny and I moved to Holbrook in July of 1977 and joined the Good Shepherd parish. From the first time we attended Mass, we felt we belonged to a new “family” of worship. I remember Father would allow the little ones to sit on the steps of the altar as they would color or play with their toys. Since then, I have been blessed with many memories both happy and sad. Our family “survived the fire” and joined the campaign to rebuild our church. My husband and I were privileged to attend the dedication of the new church. My daughter was baptized at Good Shepherd. Both our children received First Holy Communion while we were congregating in “the factory,” and they both were confirmed at our parish. I taught religious education for many years. In 2001, my parents moved from Nassau County and became parishioners. They also loved the parish and were especially fond of Monsignor Tom Spadaro. Monsignor Jerry Ringenback said the funeral masses for both my mom and my husband.

Family and Friends who have joined me in worship at our church have always commented about our wonderful parish and the true sense of community and strong faith exhibited by the people. My ties to Good Shepherd continue to grow as my daughter and son-in-law are now members of our parish. My grandson, Dylan was baptized here, and received his First Holy Communion in our church this past August. As I am now a part of the Consolation Ministry, I continue to meet new friends and work with such wonderful and devoted people.

These memories make me cherish my 43 years as a member of Good Shepherd! 

September 28, 2020
By Diane McClernon  

Ever since my husband and I moved to Holbrook, we have been parishioners of Good Shepherd. Our 3 children made their sacraments here. We even renewed our wedding vows here on our 20th and 30th anniversaries. One thing that separates this parish apart from others is feeling welcomed in.

Over the years there have been changes in priests and pastors as well as to some aspects of the building. But what has not changed is the welcoming atmosphere. Whether it’s by joining a ministry, volunteering for one of the many events taking place or being at mass every week, you feel like you belong here.

Without a doubt, worshipping at Good Shepherd has strengthened our faith life. So when people ask me what my parish is, I smile and proudly reply, “Good Shepherd.” 

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 

 

 

Men's Prayer Group

Men of the Church of the Shepherd:
You are invited to an afternoon of prayer with the Men’s Prayer Group of Good Shepherd Parish and the Men of Solidarity of St. Rose of Lima Parish.

Two presentations will be given: MEN AT WORK, MEN AT PRAYER and WHY DO I FIND IT SO HARD TO PRAY?

Our Gathering will take place on Sunday 24 October at 2pm and will conclude with the 5pm Sunday Mass. We hope that you will join us with other men who seek to deepen their relationship with Jesus.

Please call the church (631-588-7689) to help give us a count or if you have any questions.

 

Flu Shots

Flu shots will be available to all parishioners Tuesday, October 26th downstairs in Fellowship Hall from 10am. If you are interested, please call the office at 631-588-7689 by October 25th to register. Please be bring identification and your insurance card.

 

Good Shepherd Knights of Columbus Christmas Wreath & Grave Blanket Sale

Dates: Saturday, Oct. 30th & Sunday, Oct. 31st and Sunday, Nov. 6th & Sunday, Nov. 7th
Pick up: Saturday, Dec. 4th & Sunday, Dec. 5th - Before & after all Masses

(Note - Early sale date the result of trucking issues due to the pandemic)

 

Lazarus and All Souls Rememberance Mass

On Saturday, October 30, 2021 at 12Noon a Mass will be celebrated for all members of our parish family who have died this year and had their Funeral or Memorial Mass at Good Shepherd. It is also a time to join in prayerful remembrance of all our loved ones who have gone before us to the heart of God.

All Souls Day Remembrance Novena envelopes will be placed near the altar at the Lazarus Mass as we pray for our deceased family and friends during the following nine days at the daily 9AM Mass

Good Shepherd Parish Retreat
2021-2022

After a long wait, due to COVID-19, our Parish Retreat has been scheduled to begin on Advent, Monday, November 22, 2021 and meet on Monday Nights through Pentecost.
The theme is:

Journey Through the Shadows

For more information or to register for the live or virtual event please email Dennis Fretto at dfretto07@gmail.com or call (631)803-2557.

We are currently looking for musicians who would like to join us in this journey. If you play and would like to pray with us, please contact Paul or Dennis.

"All are welcome as we come together,
Awaken our faith,
and Serve one another."

Dennis Fretto
Retreat Director
dfretto07@gmail.com
(631)803-2557.

Paul Mendola
Music Director
crescent50@aol.com
(631)275-8058

 

Knights of Columbus -
Keep Christ in Christmas

Once again the Knights of Columbus will be conducting “Keep Christ in Christmas” poster contest which is a fun and easy way to put your faith into action. The goal of this pro- gram is to increase the awareness of young people’s faith, while encouraging them to speak to other youth “in their own language” about the true meaning of Christmas. Contest entrants compete in one of three age groups ---- ages 5 through 7 ; ages 8 through 10; ages 11 through 14 (note – age of the contestant as of November 1st)

Rules
Poster must reflect the theme of Keep Christ in Christmas
Must be the original work of a single person
Poster should be approximately 11x17 inches
Name and Date of Birth of the entrant should be printed on the reverse side of poster Each poster must be submitted with an entry form (#5025)
(available at the front office late August)

Judging
Judging team will consist of Father Rudy, Sister Ellen and a Knight

Deadline
December 1st

Awards
$50 check for the first place entry in each age group Participant certificate for every entry

 

 

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.

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Senior Group

We have some parties and plans in the works so please join us after the 9:00am mass Tuesday mornings. Happy 100th Birthday to Jessie.

Jessie, at 100 years young is such a Blessing to us at Seniors 

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

We gather 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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At the Movies With Donna

Jungle Cruise
Walt Disney pictures brings us this adventure comedy based on one of their theme park attractions. A scientist enlists the help of a steamboat skipper to take her and her side-kick brother, down the Amazon River in search of a medical discovery that could change the future of medicine. Reminiscent of “Indian Jones”, “The Mummy” and “Pirates of the Caribbean”, this feel-good movie is funny, action-packed, and exciting. Well-directed by Jaume Collet-Serra, with a lively musical score by James Newton Howard. Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt are fantastic! Great chemistry between the two. We could use more of these good old-fashion, family-friendly films just about now.

Stillwater 
An unemployed oil-rig worker, travels to France every few months to visit his daughter, who is in prison for murder. On this particular trip, new evidence comes to light that can free his daughter keeping him for an extended stay. As much as it is the story of a strained father/daughter relationship, the search for the truth of whether the daughter is innocent or guilty, and the relationship between a man and a kind French woman and her daughter who become family, it is even more the story of a lonely man who is seeking redemption. Matt Damon gives an understated performance as a man who basically does the best he can with what he has. Well-directed and co-written by Tom McCarthy. 

The Green Knight 
Based on the 14th-century poem, “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight”, this is the story of King Arthur’s nephew and his journey to courage and truth. Directed, written, edited and produced by David Lowery, with a cast that includes Dev Patel, Alicia Vikander, Joel Edgerton and Sarita Choudhury.

As a Dev Patel fan, I was looking forward to seeing this movie. However, whenever I find myself evaluating a movie while watching it, I know something’s wrong. The stories of King Arthur and the Knights of the Roundtable have included sorcery and the magical spells of Merlin in the past, but this film was extremely dark and uneasy to follow. These stories are usually uplifting, full of chivalry, bravery and the fight to overcome injustice and evil. Not this time. It was very disappointing.

Free Guy
 A video game is the setting for this story about an every-day-guy who happily follows the same routine day after day. Stylishly directed by Shawn Levy and skillfully written by Matt Lieberman, with the perfect cast led by Ryan Reynolds, Jodie Comer, Joe Keery and Lil Rel Howery. This movie reminds us that it’s ok to be nice to each other, and you can live in a world of beauty and peace. “We don’t have to be spectators in the world”.

Respect
Based on the life of iconic singer, Aretha Franklin, this story follows her career from a child singing in her father’s church choir to her superstardom. A life filled with personal tragedy, abusive relation- ships, self-destructive behavior, faith, and her struggles to find her own voice. Well-directed by Liesl Tommy and written by Tracey Scott Wilson. Remarkable performances by a cast including Jennifer Hudson, Forest Whitaker, Marlon Wayans (who is just terrific), Audra McDonald and Tituss Burgess. It’s amazing to see the obstacles she overcame in her life, while still maintaining a powerful voice and keeping her faith.

The Protégé 
An orphaned Vietnamese girl is adopted by a top assassin and grows up to be the world’s most skilled contact killer. Yes, you could say this is the female version of John Wick and follows the same violent, bloody and action-packed formula as that franchise. They are all “bad” guys, you just root for the “better” bad guy or girl, in this instance. Some will find this movie morally offensive. There is crude language, gore and torture. Putting that aside, the fight scenes are well choreographed, and there is an actual interesting story behind all this. Martin Campbell does a good job as director, and it is well-written by Richard Wenk. A stellar cast with Maggie Q, Samuel L. Jackson and Michael Keaton. “We never sent anyone away who didn’t have it coming, but, we all have to pay for our sins eventually. 

 

Community News

 

Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion

Training Opportunities—Fall 2021
This training is required for all those who are beginning as Ministers.
This “BASIC” training is required for all Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion.
Those who wish to minister in hospitals, nursing homes and to the homebound are required to attend “SPECIALIZED” training in addition to BASIC training. One must attend BASIC training prior to SPECIALIZED training.
Plans for SPEICALIZED training will be communicated in a separate memo.

Dates and Locations for Ministry Training

Suffolk County:

• St. Rosalie / Hampton Bays: Saturday, October 30,2021 9:00 am—12 noon (Community Center)

Doors will open one half hour prior to start time so that attendees can check-in and pick up materials. Those 18 years and above, interested in serving the parish as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion should request to be registered for this training. Please call the office for more information.

We Welcome

We welcome to our faith community those Children to be Baptized in October 2021
Maddox Alexander Carde
Nicholas Laurence Caruso
Isabella Carolina Ranieri
Michael William Rodgers
Shea Iris Frers
Cole Joseph Macchio
Antoinette Juliet Richard
Chase Kenny Robbins
Kelsey Rose Sinagra ​

We Remember

May the good Lord bless all the faithful departed. May their souls rest in peace. 

Mildred Galano
Maria Petrucelli 

Pray for the Sick

Pray for our Military