PARISH CONTACT INFORMATION

IMMACULATE CONCEPTION CHURCH 2 1 - 4 7 2 9 t h S t r e e t ~ A s t o r i a , N e w Yo r k 1 1 1 0 5

The Fifth Sunday of Easter

May 10th, 2020

www.immacastoria.org ~ 718-728-1613 ~ info@immacastoria.org ~ 718-956-9229 (Parish Website) (Main Telephone Number) (Main Email) (Fax Number)

The Blessed Virgin Mary Our Lady of Fatima

WEEKLY MASS SCHEDULE

ALL PUBLIC MASSES ARE CANCELED

UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE

OTHER SACRAMENTS

Baptisms Baptisms for infants and children are celebrated monthly. Please contact the Rectory Office for an appointment.

Sick Calls Please contact the Rectory Office at any time. Only use the Emergency Number for cases of Extreme Unction (Last Rites).

Holy Matrimony (Marriages) Please make an appointment to meet with a Priest at least six (6) months before the desired wedding date. Please check with the Church before contacting the Catering Hall.

CCD & RCIA If you or someone you know is interested in completing, or receiving all, the Sacraments of Initiation, please contact Mrs. Marylyn Crum of the Religious Education Office for more information.

RECTORY OFFICE HOURS

RECTORY CLOSED UNTIL

FURTHER NOTICE

CLERGY Rev. Msgr. Fernando Ferrarese...…………..Pastor Rev. Liju Augustine, CMI……...…….Parochial Vicar Rev. William A. McLaughlin…….…..Parochial Vicar Dcn. Francisco Hernandez Dcn. Elkin Tamayo In Residence: Rev. Msgr. Charles Patrick Boccio Rev. Msgr. Vincent Fullam

Immaculate Conception Catholic Academy in Astoria Ms. Eileen Harnischfeger, Principal 718-728-1969 - www.iccaastoria.org Religious Education (CCD) Office Mrs. Marylyn Crum, Director 718-956-4494 - mcrum@immacastoria.org

CONFESSIONS

CONFESSIONS BY APPOINTMENT

ONLY

PARISH DEVOTIONS

ALL PARISH EVENTS &

DEVOTIONS ARE CANCELED

UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE

IMMACULATE CONCEPTION PARISH DIRECTORY

Time to Think Many years ago, I caught a talk that my old Rector from the Seminary gave after he went to a Parish to be a Pastor. After speaking about several things, he learned in his new assignment that he startled everyone with the assertion that each day he enjoyed stopping work and going upstairs to sit and think. “Think what?”, I thought. It seemed like a waste of time to me! Then, maybe, what he was alluding to was going to his room for a siesta! Coming from a working-class background, I was told to be useful and, if I ever attempted to sit and ‘think’, my mother would have slapped me in the back of the head and told me to get busy! Even our garden had to be useful. I once announced to my parents that I was going to plant flowers in our garden. They both looked at me in horror. Finally, my mother broke the silence and said: “Don’t be stupid. You can’t eat flowers!” And so, I planted tomatoes and string beans! So, when my old Rector said he went to his room to think, I heard him with my working-class ears and my working-class attitude. But he was right. We confuse thinking with wasting time. But, if we are honest, we probably think a lot, even obsess, when we should be keeping our attention on what we are doing. We could be driving or doing something in the garden or being at work, and yet our minds are churning away. Worry, getting even, plans, fears: our minds are constantly at it. But is it fruitful? We seem to do a lot of thinking when we should have our attention fixed on what we are doing or to whom we are listening. The Rector that I spoke about dedicated real time to do some real thinking, sometimes with a pad and pencil and sometimes looking at the sunset as he drifted from thinking to praying. The ability to think is one of the most important things about being human. We are rational beings. Our brains are the most complex realities known to man. Thinking, therefore, should be more than what we do accidentally from the corners of our consciousness. Setting aside some time to think through our lives and what we love and value should be one of our top priorities. Arguably, one of the results of this lockdown in our dealing with the Pandemic is that we have more time to think. We must, however, distinguish this from brooding, which is not a healthy choice. Brooding is filled with fear and anger. One can be the play-thing of demons if we enter into that stage of consciousness! The true companion of thinking is praying. In prayer, we open ourselves up to Divine Providence, so that our thinking moves in the direction of wisdom and some of the other gifts of the Holy Spirit. To me, it is amazing that, when I have a seemingly impossible problem and I ask for help from God and just wait in confident hope for God to assist me, things become clearer: I see what I have to do and what I have to avoid. I can’t fully explain it. It just happens! God wants to be so involved and, yet, we often close Him out and go our own way. He gets the blame, though, if things go wrong! For this to work for our benefit, we need solitude and time. We need an open heart. Mix a little silence with these and we have a wonderful spiritual meal! Even in secular literature, be it Plato or Thoreau, you get the oft repeated axiom, “An unexamined life is not worth living.” That is akin to what I am trying to say. If we go slowly and think in quality time, and if we include the Divine Observer, life becomes more livable and the future is not as frightening! It is a gift to just take a comfortable moment and decide to think through a problem or an issue! That time is not wasted. Arguably, it is a great use of time since we may come upon an unexpected and attractive choice that would not be in our mind unless we spent that time.

Time is spent in thought is a good investment. So invest now!

exäA `ÉÇá|zÇÉÜ YxÜÇtÇwÉ YxÜÜtÜxáx

Although no public Masses are being celebrated, we thank those who continue to support our Parish during this

crisis.

MEMORIALS THE GIFTS OF BREAD & WINE are donated this week in loving memory of Irene Boot & Irene Dunne, requested by the Boot Family. THE ALTAR CANDLES are donated this week in loving memory of Virginia & Mary Porcari, requested by the Caruana Family. THE FIRST SANCTUARY LAMP is donated this week in loving memory of Vivian Colon, requested by Miliagros Colon. THE SECOND SANCTUARY LAMP is donated this week in loving memory of Vivian Colon, requested by Miliagros Colon. THE FLOWERS AT THE ALTAR are donated this week in loving memory of Giuseppe Cacchioli, requested by his wife Antonia.

SUNDAY May 16 (Vigil) & May 17

Joan & Jason DiMarco For the People of the Parish (Pro Populo)

Ruth Niemand & Family Italian: Felicita & Antonio Malpeli; Fiorella Tenaglia

& Rosanna Cipollone Madeline Tesseyman

Spanish: Noris Lopez Rojas, Candida Rosa Sanchez, Shay Bradley & Linda Bishop

Celmira Cabrera & Hernan Calderon

Please pray for all the faithful departed, especially...

Those Who Have Died From COVID-19

Grant them eternal rest, O Lord, and may perpetual light shine upon them.

PLEASE KEEP THEM ALL IN YOUR PRAYERS

SUNDAY May 9 (Vigil) & May 10

The Scarimbolo Family For the People of the Parish (Pro Populo)

Violanta Giannini & Angela Sarro Italian: Felicita & Antonio Malpeli; Fiorella Tenaglia

& Rosanna Cipollone Mary Arevalo & Florcy Ramirez

Spanish: Ruth Magdalena Matute; Benedicta Grandra; Francisca Villatoro; Efrain Canales; Carlos Garcia;

Francesca Valdivia The Mother’s Day Novena

MONDAY May 11

The Mother’s Day Novena James Fernandez (Birth. Rem.)

Dolly De Londono TUESDAY May 12

The Mother’s Day Novena Tony Jimenez

Msgr. Edward Nolan WEDNESDAY May 13

The Mother’s Day Novena Isabel Gonzalez (Birth. Rem.) & Betty Lelekides

Giovanni Tenaglia THURSDAY May 14

The Mother’s Day Novena Fr. Liju Augustine (Liv. Birth.)

Nancy & Antonio De Pace FRIDAY May 15

The Mother’s Day Novena Bobby Varvi

Jose Ignacio Chaparro SATURDAY May 16

The Souls of the Purgatorial Society The Mother’s Day Novena

LIVE-STREAMED MASSES WILL BE CELEBRATED BY MSGR. FERRARESE, FR. LIJU AUGUSTINE & FR. WILLIAM MCLAUGHLIN FOR THE FOLLOWING INTENTIONS:

REMINDER

NO PUBLIC MASSES, EVENTS, OR DEVOTIONS WILL TAKE PLACE

UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE. In addition to the live and pre-recorded Masses available through the Diocese and Archdiocese, we as a Parish have made Sunday and weekday Masses available, both live and recorded! Please visit our website or Facebook page for more information and links to the videos once they are posted. Please visit our website and Facebook page for up-to-date information regarding the COVID-19 crisis; and spiritual tools, such as prayers and meditations, that you can do at home. The entire Immac Parish Family is praying for the ending of this crisis. Join with us! Please use the Spiritual Communion prayer found to the right (Spanish on other side) in the absence of attending Mass and receiving the Blessed Sacrament. According to St. Catherine of Siena, she saw in a vision how precious a Spiritual Communion is. The Saint was afraid that a Spiritual Communion was nothing compared to a Sacramental Communion. In the vision, Our Lord held up two ciboriums, and said, "In this golden ciborium I put your Sacramental Communions. In this silver ciborium I put your Spiritual Communions. Both ciboriums are quite pleasing to Me."

AN ACT OF SPIRITUAL COMMUNION My Lord Jesus Christ, I firmly believe that You are present in the Most Blessed Sacrament as true God and true Man: Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity. I love You above all things and I desire You with all my heart. Since I cannot now receive You Sacramentally, I ask You to come spiritually into my heart. I embrace You as if You were already in my heart and unite myself to You completely. Never let me fall away from Your Holy Presence. Amen. Virgin Immaculate, perfect lover of Our Lord in the Most Blessed Sacrament, we ask you to obtain for us the graces we need to become true adorers of our Eucharistic God. Grant us, we beg of you, to know Him better, to love Him more, and to center our lives around the Eucharist, that is, to make our whole life a constant prayer of adoration, thanksgiving, reparation, and petition to Our Lord in the Most Blessed Sacrament. Amen.

O Mother of the Most Holy Eucharist,

pray for us!

UN ACTO DE COMUNIÓN ESPIRITUAL

Mi Señor Jesucristo, creo firmemente que estás presente en el Santísimo Sacramento como verdadero Dios y verdadero hombre: cuerpo y sangre, alma y divinidad. Te amo por encima de todas las cosas y te deseo con todo mi corazón. Como ahora no puedo recibirte sacramentalmente, te pido que vengas espiritualmente a mi corazón. Te abrazo como si ya estuvieras en mi corazón y me uno a ti por completo. Nunca me dejes alejarme de Tu Santa Presencia. Amén. Virgen Inmaculada, amante perfecta de Nuestro Señor en el Santísimo Sacramento, te pedimos que nos obtengas las gracias que necesitamos para convertirnos en verdaderos adoradores de nuestro Dios Eucarístico. Concédenos, te suplicamos, conocerlo mejor, amarlo más y centrar nuestras vidas alrededor de la Eucaristía, es decir, hacer de nuestra vida una oración constante de adoración, acción de gracias, reparación y petición a Nuestro Señor en el Santísimo Sacramento Amén.

Oh Madre de la Santísima Eucaristía, ¡Ruega por nosotras!

PRAYER TO OUR LADY OF PERPETUAL HELP Oh Mother of Perpetual Help, grant that I may ever invoke your powerful name, the protection of the living and the salvation of the dying. Purest Mary, let your name henceforth be ever on my lips. Delay not, Blessed Lady, to rescue me whenever I call on you. In my temptations, in my needs, I will never cease to call on you, ever repeating your sacred name, Mary, Mary. What a consolation, what sweetness, what confidence fills my soul when I utter your sacred name or even only think of you! I thank the Lord for having given you so sweet, so powerful, so lovely a name. But I will not be content with merely uttering your name. Let my love for you prompt me ever to hail you Mother of Perpetual Help. Mother of Perpetual Help, pray for me and grant me the favor I confidently ask of you.

Mary, Our Lady of Fatima, pray for us

and protect us from all evil!

338800 Immaculate Conception Church www.jspaluch.com For Ads: J.S. Paluch Co., Inc. 1-800-524-0263

OFFERING DIGNIFIED PERSONAL SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY 718-728-3131O’SHEA-HOEY FUNERAL HOME, INC.

JOHN PAUL HOEY, MANAGER 29-13 DITMARS BLVD., ASTORIA, NY 11105

The Area’s MostPreferred

Funeral Home38-08 Ditmars Blvd.

Astoria, NY

(718) 726-6060Locally Owned

& Operated

GARY F. MIRETATTORNEY AT LAW

31-17 DITMARS BLVD., ASTORIA, NY

718-274-6900Former Queens County

Assistant District AttorneyCriminal Defense, Family LawReal Estate, Wills & Immigration

FREE CONSULTATION

Your Neighborhood LawyerFor Your Neighborhood’s Needs

SE HABLA ESPAÑOL

THOMAS NIEMCZYK, D.D.S.PETER J. KOUBSKY, D.D.S.FAMILY DENTISTRY

22-01 31st StreetAstoria, NY 11105

OFFICE HOURS BY APPOINTMENT

(718) 278-6266

BARTUNEK, INC. HARDWARELocksmiths • Glass • Paints • ToolsPlumbing and Electrical Supplies

718-278-1723 • Fax 718-278-267928-07 23RD AVENUE • ASTORIA, N.Y. 11105

TRI-BORO PHYSICAL THERAPYOrthopaedic & Neurological

DisordersHome Visits Available

-Most Insurances Accepted-718-606-9513

29-23 24th Avenue • Astoria NY 11102

LINDA’S HAIR DESIGNFull Service Salon

Open Tues. to SatCall 718-726-067428-10 Ditmars Blvd., Astoria

Specializing in Weddings

21-76 31st St., Astoria, N.Y.Trattoria

L’incontro ROCCO SACRAMONE

Chef/Ownerwww.trattorialincontro.com 718-721-3532

AVENUE CHEMISTSFREE DELIVERY

We can fill your prescriptions while you wait...Bring in your prescription bottle for a refill today!

, ITALIANO, EspañolALL MAJOR INSURANCES ACCEPTED

45-01 30TH AVENUE, ASTORIATEL 718.545.1010 • FAX 718.545.1542

ODYSSEY OPTICAL INC.“ONE HOUR SERVICE

IN MOST CASES”Eyes Examined • Glaucoma Screening

22-38 31st St., Astoria, NY 11105718-278-3600

BRETONE-STIVANPLUMBING-HEATING

Licensed Master Plumber #527• Plumbing • Heating • Violation Removals

• Boilers & Hot Water Heaters Serviced & Installed

718-545-7750

CHICKEN FESTIVAL RESTAURANTRotisserie • BBQ Ribs • Pollos A La Brasa

OPEN 7 DAYS

CATERING FOR ALL OCCASIONS

29-19 Ditmars Blvd. 718-728-9696

SPECIAL DISCOUNTS TO ALL PARISHIONERS!25-01 Ditmars Boulevard, Astoria, NY 11105

Fax: 718.777.1140crescentapothecary@gmail.com

718.777.1110www.crescentapothecary.com

Ivan Butkovic, President Master Licensed Electrician ivan@einstein-electrical.com Tel: (718) 274-7600 Fax: (718) 274-7601 42-16 28th Avenue Astoria, NY 11103 Now Accepting Credit Cards

Bill Manolopoulos, CFP®

31-12A 23rd Avenue, Astoria, NY 11105Office: 718-777-2455 Cell: 646-932-2251

• Financial Planning • Investments • Long Term Care

Get thisweekly bulletindelivered byemail - for FREE!

Sign up here:https://www.jspaluch.com/BulletinSubscribe.aspx

Courtesy of J.S. Paluch Company, Inc.

Advertising Sales¿TIENES EXPERIENCIA EN VENTAS Y DISFRUTAS

LLAMAR A LAS EMPRESAS LOCALES?PODEMOS TENER UNA POSICIÓN IDEAL PARA USTED.

TIEMPO COMPLETO.POTENCIAL DE INGRESOS DE $45K A $60K

CONVIÉRTASE EN VENDEDOR DE PUBLICIDAD PARA

J.S. PALUCH COMPANY,EDITOR NACIONAL DE BOLETINES DE LA IGLESIA.

• Excelente Programa de Compensación de la Comisión• Beneficios médicos, 401k, seguro de vida y discapacidad disponible

Si está interesado mande su currículum por correoelectrónico a boberr@jspaluch.com

www.jspaluch.com EOE

EARN MONEY!DO GOOD! MAKE A

POSITIVE IMPACT!

DO YOU HAVE SALES EXPERIENCE? ARE YOU WELLNETWORKED IN THE LOCAL COMMUNITY?

J.S. PALUCH COMPANYNATIONAL PUBLISHER OF CHURCH BULLETINS

• Full Time Positions Available with Excellent Earning Potential!• Medical Benefits, 401K, Life & AD&D Insurance Available• Excellent Commission Compensation ProgramInterested? Call Kay Leane 1.800.621.5197 x2823or Email Resume to RECRUITING@JSPALUCH.COM

www.jspaluch.com

For Information ... Call800.524.0263

www.jspaluch.com

Grow Your Business,Advertise Here.

Support Your Church & Bulletin.Free professional ad design & my help!

email: sales@jspaluch.com

Grow in your faith,find a Mass, and

connect with yourCatholic Community

with OneParish!

Download Our Free App or Visit

MY.ONEPARISH.COM

The Most CompleteOnline National

Directory ofCatholic ParishesCheck It Out Today!

Thank you for advertising inour church bulletin.

I am patronizing your businessbecause of it!

Please Cut Out This “Thank You Ad”and Present It The Next Time YouPatronize One of Our Advertisers

✂