Knights of Columbus Membership Drive
Saturday & Sunday, February 18th & 19th
After All Masses

Holy Mother Mary Council #3958 is one of the most dynamic councils in the state. It is our goal to make a difference in the lives of our parishioners and the surrounding community by following the four principles of the Knights of Columbus: Charity, Unity, Fraternity, and Patriotism.  We undertake these acts of charity because we see those in need through the eyes of our faith.  Moreover, in the Knights of Columbus, we approach these acts of charity together.  Pope Benedict XVI calls this the “practice of love...as a community.”

Charity – Our Catholic faith teaches us to “Love thy neighbor as thyself”. Members of the Knights of Columbus show love for our neighbors by conducting food drives and donating food to local soup kitchens and food pantries, fundraising for the Special Olympics and the Sunshine Fund for the care of children with cancer.  We support mothers who choose life for their babies both spiritually and materially.  Knights recognize that our mission, and our faith in God, compels us to action.  Last year alone, in addition to raising and donating more than $151 million to charitable needs and projects, Knights volunteered more than 69 million hours of their time to charitable causes.

Unity – None of us is as good as all of us and as a team, we are a powerful force for good.  The Holy Mother Mary Council Knights of Columbus all know that together we can accomplish far more than any of us could individually. So we stick together, we support and care about one another.  As a Knight of Columbus, you can count on the support and encouragement of your brother Knights as you work to make life better in your parish and community.

Fraternity – The Venerable Michael J. McGivney founded the Knights of Columbus, in large part, to provide assistance to the widows and children left behind when the family breadwinner died, often prematurely. The Order’s top-rated insurance program continues to do this today, as do individual Knights, who last year gave more than 10 million hours of their time to assist sick and/or disabled members and their families.  In the Knights of Columbus, we watch out for and take care of one another.

Patriotism – Members of the Knights of Columbus and as patriotic Americans we are proud of our devotion to God and country, and believe in standing up for both.  Knights from Holy Mother Mary Council have volunteered countless hours at local veteran’s homes and hospitals in recognition of the sacrifices of those who have served our country. We organize and sponsor the annual Smithtown Memorial Day Parade.   The Knights through our actions remind the world that Catholics support their nation and are amongst the greatest citizens. These are the things we stand for, these are the reasons we are Knights.  The Knights of Holy Mother Mary Council invite any and all of the men of St. Patrick’s Parish to join us in an experience of a lifetime by joining the Knights of Columbus.

The Holy Mother Mary Council Knights of Columbus will be holding a membership drive on February 18th and 19th following every Mass.  Please stop by our table see what a difference you can make as a Knight of Columbus.

FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:
Dan Burns
Chancellor Holy Mother Mary Council
ddburns@optonline.net
(631) 979-9506

Can you spare one hour per month?
Consider joining the

Nocturnal Adoration Society

What is the Nocturnal Adoration Society?

The Nocturnal Adoration Society is an association of Catholics dedicated to prayer before the Eucharist for the praise of God and for the needs of the world. Membership requires one thing only; to spend one hour, once a month during the hours of the night, in prayer before the Blessed Sacrament exposed in church. Here at St. Patrick’s, we worship in one hour shifts from 9 PM to 7 AM throughout the night on the third Saturday of each month. It is also an opportunity for each of us to respond to the plea of Jesus, “Could you not spend one hour with me?”

Why do members pray at night?

For reasons of convenience. For many people living in a fast-paced world, a night hour is often more easily set aside for prayer than one during the day and lends itself to praying in quiet, calm, and recollection.

For reasons of symbolism. Keeping vigil during the hours of the night - an ancient tradition among Christians - draws attention to God as the source of light and goodness amid human weakness and sin, and also stimulates a sense of spiritual preparedness and expectation.

Why do we pray before the Blessed Sacrament?

When praying before the exposed Eucharist, the mind and heart more easily give themselves to communion with Christ. By focusing attention on the sacramental sign of the memorial of the Lord in a spirit of adoration, thanksgiving, atonement, and petition, members seek to internalize and give witness to the significance of the Eucharist for Christian life.

To Join Us or for Further Information Please Call Pat McDonnell
at 265-5352 or E-mail Pmac79@aol.com

In order to ensure an accurate record of your contributions to the parish, please place your donation in your church envelope and write the amount in the space provided.  If you lose or forget your envelope, please place your contribution in one of the temporary envelopes found in the pews (or in any envelope) and write your name, address, envelope number and the amount of your contribution on the outside.  If you do not receive envelopes on a monthly basis, call the rectory and we will be glad to order them for you. 

2011 Catholic Ministries Appeal

The Hands of Christ-supporting the Community Around Us

Did you know...Next to the Federal Government, the Catholic Church is the leader in providing educational, charitable and social services?  Help continue these much needed services on Long Island with a gift to the Catholic Ministries Appeal.  Thanks to the generosity of 346 of our parish families, $74,914.00 has been pledged to the appeal.  One hundred percent of the dollars raised through the Appeal go to the following ministries: Catholic Charities, Pastoral Outreach, Education, Parishes, and Formation.

Catholic Minististries supports many activities and programs in the church, the communitity and the world. These include Education in our various elementary and high schools; Formation for religious instruction and guidance for our children, adult parishioners, those newly entering our faith and our various Seminarians; our Parishes; Catholic Charities; and Pastoral Outreach.
Please consider making a gift to this program that supports our church, our faith, our community and our world.

From the Pastor’s Desk: