Papal Survey on the Family

Bishop DiMarzio was sent a questionnaire from the Synod of Bishops in preparation for an Extraordinary General Assembly on the “Pastoral Challenges to the Family in the Context of Evangelization” which has been summoned by Pope Francis. We invite you to share your thoughts on the family by going to https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/DOB_papalsurvey before Friday, December 13, 2013. Your input will be deeply appreciated!

Typhoon Haiyan Fundraiser Concert

An outstanding showcase of musical talent was presented on November 30th to raise money to assist victims of Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines. Several classical and opera works, Philippine folk songs, show tunes, as well as two original Japanese koto pieces made up the three-act production. Funds raised will be given to Catholic Relief Services for their work in the Philippines.
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Message from Bishop DiMarzio

The United States Bishops in their November meeting spent time on important issues like the situation in Haiti and the Philippines, matters of worship, service to the poor, immigration reform and religious freedom.  The Bishops, in the past, have often spoken in favor of health care reform for all people.  In their November statement on the recent health care reform, the Bishops again affirmed that “the Catholic Church has long been a provider of, and advocate for accessible, life-affirming health care.”  The Bishops also said that the US government however “is refusing to uphold the obligation to respect the rights of religious believers.”  They went on to say: “despite our repeated efforts to work and dialogue toward a solution.  The mandate (which is part of the Affordable Care Act) undermine(s) our ministries’ ability to witness to our faith…”  The Bishops pledge that “we will continue our efforts in Congress and especially with the promising initiatives in the courts to protect the religious freedom that ensures our ability to fulfill the Gospel by serving the common good.”
For information on how you can take action to protect religious freedom please visit www.usccb.org/freedom.  To learn more about the challenges to religious liberty and conscience rights go to www.usccb.org/conscience.

Help Wanted!

Eucharistic Minister Training
Are you interested in becoming a Eucharistic Minister? The next training workshop for new Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion for the Diocese of Brooklyn is scheduled for December 7 at Bishop Kearney High School from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

If you are interested in attending this training session, or in just learning more about serving as a Eucharistic Minister, please call the rectory and provide us with your name and contact information.

Lectors Needed
Are you interested in serving as a lector at Sunday Mass or in learning more about this lay ministry? We are always on the lookout for more lectors to read at Sunday Mass – are you willing to offer your voice to God and your fellow parishioners? For more information please call the rectory and provide us with your name and contact information, or email Donna Whiteford at [email protected] .