St. Nicholas dinner pictures
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Christmas
A Christmas Carol at St. Francis
Presented by The Spotlight Players at St. Francis Parish Hall, 1752 Harton Ave., East Meadow, NY. Friday, December 11th at 8pm and Sunday, December 13th at 2:30pm. Tickets $15 for adults and $12 for Seniors and children 12 and under.
For reservations, directions, or for more information please call 631-225-9102 or 516-749-1744 or E-mail The Spotlight Players
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Christmas Dinner and visit from St. Nicholas, December 6th
Please join us on Sunday, December 6, 2009 at 3:00 p.m. for delicious traditional holiday dishes and tons of fun! There will be lots of raffle prizes, caroling… and St. Nicholas will be there for the kids!
Please R.S.V.P by December 1 to Carol Thomas at (516) 546-2535
Seating is limited to 80. So, when you call for reservations, please leave your name, phone number and the number of adults and/or children (children’s ages & gender so St. Nick can bring an appropriate gift) in your party.
$15 Adults • $6 Children
St. Francis Church Hall
1752 Harton Avenue (just off East Meadow Avenue near the Post Office)
East Meadow NY
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Solemnity of the Nativity of our Lord – Pasterka Holy Mass 2008
Merry Christmas everyone! May the joy and peace of the Lord Jesus always be in your hearts as it is today. Why? Because today, we have seen the glory of Jesus in the Church, in the world, in our families, everywhere we look. Everyone is joyfully celebrating the fulfillment of the promise of God the Father who sends a Redeemer into the world.
Before Jesus was born into the world, whenever God spoke to His people, He spoke through the prophets. But now that the Word of God has been given to us, the truth, the way, and the life has been revealed to us through Jesus Christ.
“The Word became flesh and lived among us,” says the Gospel of John.
In the birth of Jesus, God reveals Himself and His plan for salvation. God sends His Son, born as an infant who is dependent upon Mary and Joseph for his very survival. God sends His Son to be cared for, protected, and listened to — by us. Mary and Joseph are entrusted with this precious baby’s life, and through his laughs and cries, they begin a lifetime relationship with Jesus.
Through Jesus, we have come to know the love and goodness of God. We have come to know the forgiveness and mercy of a God who has never forgotten His people, a God who welcomes us all to be adopted as His children through the Sacrament of Baptism and our perseverance in living faith.
Today, we have gathered here to give thanks to Jesus for having come into the world. Through our praise and worship, we glorify the Lord Jesus. And by glorifying the Lord, we see His glory all around us.
The nativity of the Lord is a special time of the year. It is a time when our spirits, bursting with joy, are uplifted towards God. It is a time when the glory of God manifests itself very clearly in each and every one of us who are celebrating the coming of Jesus into the world.
As we continue with the celebration of the Holy Mass, let us pray that this glory of the Lord will be with us throughout the coming year so that we may always shine as bright stars in the love of Jesus. May the joy and peace of the Lord always be with you.
As the Christmas season is upon us once again I would like to wish you a blessed Christmas, full of joy and wonder that accompanies this time of year. May the newborn Jesus bring peace and love into our lives and may we enter the New Year with a renewed strength to build his Kingdom in our hearts, our community and on earth. May God our Father bless you and your families with the grace and peace offered by His Son Jesus Christ. Amen
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A Polish Crèche
“The Candle” welcomes you as the light of the world is born this day!
Centered is the typical Nativity scene surrounded by:
“St. Nicholas” the kindly old bearded Bishop who on December 6th, his feast day, is said to come down from heaven. This once a year to quiz children on their good deeds and Catechism and leave toys and treats for those who pass the test.
“The Peasants” represent common people offering their symbolic gifts. The man offers bread, the symbol of life. The woman offers braided flowers and straw, symbols of love and good wishes.
“The Carolers” in Poland go house to house singing carols. One man holds a long pole with an illuminated star on top. The star would spin and centered would be the nativity scene. Another carries a small Creche or puppets to explain the Christmas story.
“The Musicians” offered continued merriment and celebration of our Saviors birth.
“The Oplatek” (The Christmas Wafer) is shared with all on Christmas Eve in Catholic friendliness, a token of continued love, mended friendships and good will toward men.
“Hay” is placed on or beneath the tablecloth to symbolize Christ’s humble bed.
“The Empty Plate” or place set at the Christmas Eve table, is in honor of the God Child or in memory of a departed family member but is offered always to a stranger or lonely neighbor.
“The Wheat” in the comer symbolizes hope for good luck and prosperity for the New Year.
Legend tells that all animals speak and well water turns to wine at midnight on Christmas Eve, but only those who have never sinned can hear or taste these miracles.
It is believed that St. Francis of Assisi created the first crib scene in the year 1223 by gathering live animals and people in a stable. He hoped to help local towns people better understand the “Poverty” and “Love” of Jesus. Legend has it that the Christ Child himself appeared in the manger to complete the scene.
May the Christ Child bless you this Christmas!
Wishes for Christmas and New Year 2009
Dear Parishioners and friends of the St. Francis Parish,
I wish with all my heart that you find peace in your life, in your family, and in your work. I wish you the peace of Christ, so that you may experience the joy of being His disciples, His very own. May Jesus Christ fill you with endless hope and joy. I wish His peace to you, and also to your families who are near or far away, your children, parents, relatives, and friends, especially to those who are sick. I personally invite you to join us for the beautiful liturgy of Christmas.
The Peace of Christ be with you!!
Merry Christmas
Father Andrew Koterba
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The Christmas Season at St. Francis
Wednesday, December 24th, Christmas Eve – Vigil of the Nativity of our Lord -– Holy Mass at 9pm.
Thursday, December 25th, Christmas Day – Solemnity of the Nativity of our Lord -– Holy Mass at 9am.
Sunday, December 28th, Solemnity of Humble Shepherds – Holy Mass at 9am and the Blessing and Distribution of Wine in honor of the Feast of St. John, Apostle and Evangelist.
Sunday, January 4th, Solemnity of the Holy Family – Holy Mass at 9am.
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Fr. Andrew quoted in Newsday
From Newsday: ASKING THE CLERGY: What are your favorite religious reference books?
Father Andrzej Koterba, St. Francis Polish National Catholic Church, East Meadow:
“The Little Prince,” by Antoine de Saint Exupéry tells stories about a little stranger from a tiny planet. On this planet were three volcanoes, including an expired one, and there was a rose, an exceptionally beautiful and capricious rose. Her appearance totally fascinated the Little Prince. After some time, the hero of the book decided to go on a journey. He visited seven planets. The last one was Earth. On his journey and on Earth he met the mysteries of our existence while learning and teaching valuable lessons. This book allows us to be released from the stereotypical thinking that, for instance, a fox is sly, a child is unwise. We learn that children are the smartest, because they are able to love and see beauty. The fox, no, well, not everyone has to be leery. The Little Prince finds a friend in him – and learns the most valuable lesson from him. Saint Exupéry wrote this book during World War II. It helps us understand that, even in a world seized by violence, good exists. Even if we are adults, we can love, we can be free and think beyond ourselves, beyond money and possessions to real human wealth. I really recommend “The Little Prince,” because it is more than a story about the good and nice. You can find through it life’s meaning and guidance. I heartily suggest reading this book for children and adults, and especially during Christmastime.
The article was picked up by the Chicago Tribune as well.
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Christmas dinner and St. Nicholas visit — Sunday, December 7th
St. Francis Parish is sponsoring a Christmas dinner featuring a special visit from St. Nicholas on Sunday, December 7th at 3pm. All are welcome. Tickets are $15 for adults and $6 for children. St. Nicholas will be bringing gifts for your children. Please call Carol at 516-546-2535 by December 1st to make a reservation. A portion of the proceeds from this dinner will be used to assist a family that has been adopted by the parish. Please come and join us and thank you for your support and generosity.
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