PARISH DRIVE BEGINS

More work to be done

Spring has arrived so it is time to plant the flowers and vegetables, clean up the yard, and make the repairs.  In order to make all the necessary repairs, at St. Benedicts we have the Parish Drive.  Letters and pledge cards will be in the mail next week.  Please read that information regarding this year’s Drive and be as generous as possible.  Let’s continue the work we have started.

_______________________________________________________________________________

 ORDINATION & FIRST MASS AT ST. BEN’S

Come Celebrate with the newest Fr. Jim

Rev. Mr. James Kirkpatrick will be ordained to the Priesthood on Saturday, May 17 at 10am in St Joseph’s Cathedral.  He has served our Parish since last summer.  He will be the main celebrant at our 10am Mass on Sunday, May 25^th.  A reception will follow the Mass in the School Cafeteria.  Everyone is welcome to attend the Ordination and First Mass.  We offer our heart-felt “CONGRATULATIONS” to Fr. Jim.

FR. JOHN CELEBRATES 40 YEARS AS A PRIEST

This will take place on the actual date of his Ordination, May 25.  He will celebrate the 11:30am Mass that morning.  We “CONGRATULATE HIM” and thank him for his 40 years of service in the Priesthood for the people of the Diocese of Buffalo.

_______________________________________________________________________________

SECOND COLLECTION

Church in Latin America

The second collection next weekend is for the Church in Latin America.  This collection provides an opportunity for us in the United States to participate in Building One Church in One America.

_________________________________________________________________________________

GARDEN SALE

             It’s that time of year again!  Time for sprucing up and planting that garden for the summer!  St. Benedict’s Pro-Life Committee will once again sponsor their Annual Garden Sale on the weekend of May 17 & 18 beginning at noon on Saturday and after all Masses on Saturday and Sunday.  A large variety of annuals, hanging baskets and perennials will be available.  Proceeds from this sale are used to sponsor parishioners for the March for Life in Washington and other pro-life work in our parish.  You can also purchase flowers and donate them for the parish gardens. (See the special page.)

                                               CATHOLIC CHARITIES UPDATE

St. Benedict families doing their part!

            The Catholic Charities Campaign for the Diocese continues to reach out to those families that have not yet made their contributions for 2008.  Here at St. Benedicts 714 families have donated $151,510.  This beats last years total of $149,423 at this time.  Thank you to all the families who have offered their support.  If you have not yet made your contribution, it is not too late.  Reaching out to others is part of our mission.

______________________________________________________________________________

PAPER RECYLING

We did it!!!!!

            The spring contest for paper recycling is over.  Once again we were successful.  Our goal was 38.21 tons and we recycled 48.23 tons of paper.  We received our $1000 bonus check in the mail this week.  Since September 1^st we have received over $2,000 for our efforts.  Abitibi is running another contest for the summer.  We entered again.  Our goal will increase, but I am sure we can do it again.  Thank you for all your support.  Please continue to invite people drop off their recyclable paper.  We expect the children of the school to make a big contribution as school comes to an end.

_______________________________________________________________________________

ARE YOU GOING TO BE GONE FOR THE SUMMER?

A simple way to make your donation

Summer is on the way, and we know families will be gone on vacation.  Electronic transfer is an easy way to continue your support even if you are gone.  Money will be automatically transferred from your checking account to the Parish on Monday each week or on the first Monday of the month.  No more worry about writing checks or dealing with envelopes.  The application is available on the website or by calling or emailing Dick Duquin in the Rectory. (RDuquin@saintbenedicts.com)

_____________________________________________________________________

GOLFERS

Save this date

Please mark Friday, August 1^st as the date for the annual St. Benedict Golf Tournament.  We are booked at Chestnut Hill again this year.  Please join us for a great day of golf, fellowship, food and prizes.  Now is time to organize your foursome.

_______________________________________________________________________________

RCIA

Mystagogia

            The neophytes and newly confirmed and eucharistized Catholics of St. Benedict’s, Sts. Peter and Paul, St. Gregory’s, St. Leo’s and Christ the King parishes, along with their sponsors and RCIA team members, are meeting as one community here at St. Benedict’s during the time of Mystagogia.  There was an intense spirit of joy and peace as they shared their experiences of the Easter Vigil. Continue to pray for them. We will meet on Wednesday, May 14, at 7 p.m. in the Faculty Lunch Room 

______________________________________________________________________________________     

BIBLE STUDY

Understanding God’s Word

          The next Bible Study will be on Thursday, May 15 at 7 p.m. in the faculty lunch room.  Everyone is welcome.   Please call Carol at 633-1693 for information.

______________________________________________________________________________

                                                         ST. JEROME BOOK CLUB

Sunday, May 11

         Come join us on the second Sunday of each month (today) as we discuss an interesting book with a Catholic topic or theme.  The St. Jerome Book Club meets (following the 11:30 mass) at St. Benedict’s Parish from 12:30 – 2:00 pm in the Msgr. Tobin room.  We will begin each gathering with a brief summary the book before we open it up to discussion.  This weeks’ discussion will be “Dark Night of the Soul” by St. John of the Cross. Join us once a year or every month!  Refreshments will be served.  All are welcome.  Bring a friend!

         St. Jerome dedicated much of his life to books of faith.  He is the patron saint of Librarians and is known for an early translation of the Bible.  Our Catholic book club is named after him, we too desire to grow in faith and love through books.  For more information about the St. Jerome Book Club call Matt Smith at 316-2670 or write to mattandag@mac.com

_______________________________________________________________________________

HOLY NAME MEETING

The next meeting of the Holy Name will be Tuesday May 13, 2008 in the faculty lunch room at 7:00 P.M.. At this meeting we will finalize plans for the Sport Breakfast and elect officers for next year. Also we will begin planning the Steak Roast. We hope that all men will join us .

ROSARY ALTAR SOCIETY

            Our next meeting will be Monday, May 12 at 7 p.m. in the cafeteria.  The topic will be “Mary’s trunk Show of Traditional Quilts” presented by Mary Carroll.  If any one thinks that they have been a member of Rosary Altar for 50 years, please contact Gloria Mulloy at 835-7456 or Mickey Delaney at 832-9230.  These members will be honored at our Installation Mass on Monday, June 9.

_______________________________________________________________________________

DISTRICT 10

HOLY NAME NEWS

The 15 Parishes of our District 10 will be meeting here at St Benedict’s on Thursday, May 22 in the Cafeteria starting at 7:30pm.  All Holy Name men of our Parish are welcome to attend and give support.  If we all work together, we can help to strengthen this Society in our Parish and the District. 

______________________________________________________________________________

ALTAR SERVERS CELEBRATION

New & Veteran Servers

We would like to invite to “new servers” (all children who have just made their First Communion) and all current altar servers to an end of the year celebration and meeting.  This is a wonderful opportunity for children and teenagers to serve the Church and learn more about the Mass. We are having a pizza party on Tuesday, June 3^rd in the cafeteria at 5:45. We are asking anyone interested in attending to RSVP to Agnes Smith (via home email: mattandag@mac.com or 832-2086) or speak to Deacon Bill after Mass.

_______________________________________________________________________________

EUCHARISTIC ADORATION

                           We will have a whole day of prayer in the Presence of our Lord on Friday, June 6, from 9 am until 5:30 pm. We will need at least 2 people for each “half-hour”.  A list will be available at the Church entrances so you can sign up for at least 30 minutes.  It is important that we not leave the Blessed Sacrament ALONE.  Come as a family, or a group, or neighbors, or friends.  Even if you are not sure of when you can come, come when you can.  There is no limit to the number of people present during any hour or half-hour.  Plan to spend some time with our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament.                            

______________________________________________________________________________

WEBSITE UPDATE

Have you been to the website lately?

             Have you visited the St. Benedict website lately?  All of the information that is in the bulletin is on the website plus additional information.  The latest addition is the minutes from the Parish Council meetings.  Do you have any ideas for improving the website?  Does your parish group have any information that needs to be posted? We are hoping the website helps everyone stay in touch with what is going on at the parish.  Have you considered making St. Benedicts your home page?

Check it out – SaintBenedicts.com

PRE-CANA INFORMATION

www.saintbenedicts.com

            The Pre-Cana Information is up and running on our website. The Pre-Cana links include -- Parish contact policy, Frequently Asked Questions, Marriage Reflections from the Catechism of the Catholic Church, and a short Prayer for married Couples.   Also, information on Pre-Cana sessions offered through the Diocese is included, along with costs, description and contact information. The Diocesan Pre-marital counseling information is also there.

_____________________________________________________________________________

SCHOOL NEWS

Wednesday, May 14, is the Strawberry Arts Festival.  All of the students will have art work on display in the cafeteria.  The primary and advanced chorus will present their spring concert as will the band in the gym.  The festivities begin at 6:00.

*    *    *    *   *

Thank you to Carol Boerema and her son, Paul, for their time, energy, and elbow grease invested in cleaning the graffiti from the playground.  They did an incredible job!

*     *     *    *   *

Congratulations to the following students from St. Benedict school who were named to the Honor and Merit Roll for the third quarter at Nardin Academy:

            Honor Roll:  Meghan Dougher, Sara Gianfagna,  Lauren Hojnacke, Marissa Lempko, and Kathleen Sellick.

            Merit Roll:  Amanda Brown, Erin Daetsch, and Katherine Russell.

*   *   *   * 

Fundraising for St. Benedict’s School

-Campbell’s Labels for Education:  we earn “points” redeemable for merchandise by submitting UPC codes and jar lids from participating products from Campbell’s, Prego, Swanson, Franco American,V8, and Pepperidge Farms.  A complete list of products can be found at www.labelsforeducation.com.

-Box Tops for Education:  we receive 10 cents for each Box Tops for Education coupon submitted from General Mills, Betty Crocker, Yoplait, Green Giant, Lloyd’s, Gold Medal, Old El Paso, Pillsbury, Totino’s, Progresso, and Ziploc products.  For a complete list of participating products visit www.boxtopsforeducation.com

-Tyson Project A+:  We receive 24 cents for every Tyson A+ label clipped from participating Tyson products.  For more information visit www.ProjectAPlus.tyson.com.

-Tops Gift Cards:  We receive 5% of the face value of every Tops Card purchased.  Use cards in place of cash when you shop for groceries or gas.  You have to shop, so please help support our school with the purchase of Tops Gift Cards.

-SCRIP (gift cards/certificates):  These are available for over 500 local and national retailers where many of us already shop for gas, clothes, dining out and more.  The retailers pay a percentage of the value of certificates/cards sold.  Our newest program, ShopWithScrip.com, allows individuals to place their orders online.  It’s couldn’t be easier – place your order, pay through the coordinator and your cards will arrive in 2-3 days.   Visit www.shopwithscrip.com for more information.

For more information or questions about any of these programs, please contact Maureen Matthew at 833-3472 or mamatthew94@yahoo.com.

Thank you for your support of St. Benedict School!

____________________________________________________________________

SENIOR CITIZENS

            Join us on a great 3 day, 2 night trip to Amish Country in Lancaster, PA from August 12 to 14.  See the spectacular new show on one of the largest performances stages in the world “In the Beginning” (Creation), sightseeing, Hershey Factory, 2 breakfast and 2 dinners, a second show “Classic Crooners”, prizes, games, movie and gratuities.  The cost is only $359.00 per person (double occupancy).   For more information call Val at 838-0291.

_____________________________________________________________________________

FOURTH ANNUAL BEST OF EGGERTSVILLE

5K RUN AND FAMILY FUN WALK

It’s hard to believe we are only a few short months away from the FOURTH ANNUAL BEST OF EGGERTSVILLE 5K RUN AND FAMILY FUN WALK! This year’s date is Tuesday, June 17^th. I f you have a friend or relative who would like to be a race sponsor (fridge magnets, coupons or other promotional material which can easily go in the race bags), please have them contact John Klute at 839-4746. Please also spread the word to potential entrants and plan on coming out for an evening of (mild) competition, food, drinks, music, kid’s games and fun!! It’s a great way to show your parish spirit and give a boost to our community.

____________________________________________________________________________

EGERTSVILLE COMMUNITY ORGAINZATION

Meeting

At the Eggertsville Community Organization, Inc. (ECO) next general membership meeting, the organization will take time to review various locations where potential “Welcome to Eggertsville” signage could be located.  In addition, the organization will entertain nominations for officers whose terms will run July 2008 – June 2009.  This meeting should be an interactive gathering that will help determine ECO’s mark on the community.  The meeting will take place on Tuesday, May 13, 2007 at 7pm located at the St. Paul’s Lutheran Church Parish Hall, 4007 Main Street, Amherst, NY 14226  For more information on ECO please visit www.eggertsvillecommunity.org.  

____________________________________________________________________________

NEED A RIDE?

            Sometimes a parishioner or family member is in need of a ride shopping, to run errands, to meet friends, to get to appointments with doctors or dentists.  A daily Mass participant, Bruce Gruber, provides such a service at a moderate rate of compensation.  If interested, please call Bruce at 839-0782.

____________________________________________________________________________

SPECIAL RESPECT LIFE PRAYERS

            The Third Saturday Mass and Rosary for Life will be held at St. Leo’s at 8 a.m.  After Mass we will travel to the abortion mill where YOUR presence makes a statement for LIFE.  It is sponsored by the Respect Life Committee at St. Leo’s in conjunction with the faith communities of Christ the King and St Benedict Parishes.

_____________________________________________________________________________

STEVEN’S DRIVING SCHOOL

                                        Looking for a gift for a teenager?

The five hour course for new drivers is available right here at St. Benedicts on Tuesday evenings.  For information call 674-2340.

_____________________________________________________________________________

REMEMBER IN YOUR PRAYERS

        Please pray for all the sick members of our parish, especially, Diane Pabilonia, David Casterline, Barbara & Donald Bayer, Linda Murphy, Vincent Ognibene, Carol Drzymala, Judith-Ann Besch, Leanne Brunson, Sally Fraas, Jackie Hirsh, Janet & Jeff Sundquist, Daniel Newhouse, Janice Clifford, Molly Fleischman, Kathleen Schneider, Stephanie Broad, Charlie Weiss, Richard Albano, Peg Calak, Bob DelMastro, Larry Edmonson, Vincent Ognibene, Leslie Coyle, Eric Estenoz, Brian Cleveland, Raymond Maddison, Suzanne Clark, Baby Armando Ramos, and all our parishioners who are homebound or in nursing homes, as well as our relatives, parishioners and friends who have died especially, Angelo Loffredo and Gail Ventresca..

__________________________________________________________________________

Masses and Scripture Readings for the Week:

If you have requested a weekend Masses and would like to bring up the Offertory Gifts, please inform the ushers before Mass.

Financial Facts

Amount Collected for the May 4 weekend

   Envelopes….............................................................. $11,602.00

   Loose…............................................................................ $490.00

   e-Basket........................................................................ $1,087.00

HOLY NAME SPORTS BREAKFAST

May 18, 2008

            Everyone is invited to attend the Holy Name Sports Breakfast on Sunday, May 18, after the 10:00 a.m. Mass.  The featured speaker will be Mark Kelso, the legendary Buffalo Bill.  This is a great way to applaud the achievements of our young people, to support our children and encourage them to participate in the St. Benedict’s School sports program. 

              Tickets can be purchased at the Principal’s office or by calling John Flynn at 834-5255 or Fran Scheda at 834-9149.  Tickets are $6.00 for adults and $4.00 for children under 12.  Seating is limited and tickets must be purchased by Wednesday, May 12.

_________________________________________________________________

FAMILY AT BISON GAME

26^th annual Holy Name Society outing will take place Sunday, August 3 at 1:05pm.  Tickets are only $6 per person.  Kids get to run the bases.  Prizes will be awarded.  Tickets are available from our Parish HNS or from Fr Paul.  If there are enough interested, we could get a bus.  Stay tuned.

_______________________________________________________________________________

MINISTERS OF THE EUCHARIST FOR THE HOMEBOUND

“I was sick and you visited me…”

             Communion is taken to the sick and homebound of our parish twice each month (on the first and third Fridays) by a team of parishioners. There are nearly 40 people receiving Communion and we need more volunteers to help us. Currently each person has 3-5 people to visit.  We are adding new homebound to our list each month.  We need your help.  It is a wonderful experience to know that you brighten a person’s life by bringing them JESUS in Holy Communion. We promise to train you. It is a wonderful experience to bring the Eucharist into a sick person’s home. .  If you have a family member or neighbor who would like Communion, please call the Rectory at 834-1041.  If you would like to volunteer, please call Sr. Virginia at 836-6444.  YOUR FELLOW PARISHIONER NEEDS YOUR HELP.  CALL TODAY.

ANNULMENT COMPANIONS

Do you need help?

Do you need help writing your annulment application?

Are you divorced or do you know someone who is divorced who is in need of an annulment? 

On the first Thursday of the month St. Benedicts hosts a program called Come & See.  At that program we have people who have been through the annulment process and who are willing to help those considering applying for an annulment.  If can not attend Come & See, you can call Barb at 633-7786 for information regarding the ministry.

_______________________________________________________________________________

  ANNULMENT COMPANIONS

Can you help?

Annulment Companions is a ministry to help people through the annulment process.  If you have received an annulment and would be interested in this ministry, please call Barb.  Training is available for all those who are interested in this ministry.

______________________________________________________________________________

SURVIVE

SURVIVE, a support group for those who have experienced the death of a spouse, serves those who have had a recent loss as well as those who may have lost a spouse a while ago. SURVIVE meetings offer information, understanding, friendship and reassurance in a place where you can talk about your loss with people who truly understand. For more information or a packet of information on bereavement, call your Office of Family Life Ministries at 847-2210.

_________________________________________________________________________

PRAYER FOR ALL MILITARY PERSONNEL

O God, kindly watch over those exposed to the dangers of military life.

Give them such strong faith that nothing may ever

Lead them to deny it or fear to practice it.

Fortify them by your grace against the contagion of bad example,

So that, preserved from vice and serving you faithfully,

They may be ready to meet death if it should come.

Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, inspire them with sorrow for sin

And grant them pardon.  Mary, our Mother, be with them in battle,

And should they be called upon to make the supreme sacrifice,

Obtain for them the grace to die in the love of your Divine Son.

St. Joseph, pray for them.

Amen

_________________________________________________________________________

INFORMATION ABOUT LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION

            We are happy to write letters of recommendation for parishioners who will be sponsors for the Sacraments of Baptism or Confirmation.  Parishioners who request a letter must be registered members of St. Benedict’s Parish who:

1.      Have received the Sacrament of Confirmation.

2.      Attend Mass regularly and use envelops so that we can verify attendance.

            Married parishioners must:

1.      Have their children enrolled in a Catholic School or a Religious Education program.

2.      Have been validly married in the Catholic Church. 

            Students who are out of town at school or those in Military Service should receive a letter from their Campus Priest or Chaplain.  Letters can be obtained by telephoning the parish office at 834-10421.