PALM SUNDAY of the LORD’S PASSION

APRIL 1, 2007

(M - Memorial, A - Anniversary)

MONDAY, APRIL 2

6:45 SABINA CAIN--M

req. by Jeanne & Ed Van Valen

9:00 MARGARET MAGUIRE--M

req. by Ed & Rita Clarke

TUESDAY, APRIL 3

6:45 LUIGI and CHIARA BILOTTA and MARIETTA PRESTA--M

req. by Elvira Grande

9:00 JOSEPH ZAVAGLIA--A

req. by his wife, Olga

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 3

6:45 SPECIAL INTENTION for the LIVING: MICHAEL GARDE

req. by Sts. John & Paul Parish

9:00 MSGR. PHILLIP P. SHANNON--M

reg. by Carmie Mangieri

THURSDAY, APRIL 4

9:00 MORNING PRAYER

8:00 MASS of the LORD’S SUPPER

FRIDAY, APRIL 5

9:00 MORNING PRAYER

3:00 LITURGY of the PRESANCTIFIED

8:00 STATIONS of the CROSS

SATURDAY, APRIL 7

9:00 MORNING PRAYER

10:00 BLESSING of the FOOD

8:00 EASTER VIGIL

SUNDAY, APRIL 8

7:30 JAMES DENNIS GLEASON—M

Req. by the Yturraspe Family

9:00 FOR THE PEOPLE OF THE PARISH

10:30 SHARON and CHIP CAVANAGH--M

req. by Sergio Sensi

12:00 JOHNNY MC KEEVER--M

req. by Virginia L. Quinn

PRAYERFUL REMEMBRANCES

Your prayers are requested for the sick at home, and in the hospitals, especially: Rosemary Doherty, Pat O’Rourke, James Curtin, Carmella Musumeci, Msgr. Joseph J. Boyd, Ramona Murill, Debra Abrahamsen, Patricia Kuhr, Theresa Astorino, Joseph Mileti, Dotty Doherty, Caroline Weldon, Brenda McWeeney, Lenny Cavalieri, Jenna Mussolini, Teresa Civetta, Frank Maiola, Aileen O’Brien, Sister Margaret Coakley, Ed Lenard, Pam Hissey, Tricia Eigo, Alice Nasta, Mildred Traub, Catherine Ann Brennan, Mary & Tony Fraioli, Hank Lawlor, Sarah Butler, Mimi Cosgrove, Kristen Long, Patrick Lamont, Elizabeth Kim, Eloise Selby, Thomas M. Lamb, for our service men and women at home and abroad; for the faithful departed, REV. EDWIN J. CONLIN and ELLEN CREAN, and those who have no one to pray for them; and for the honored dead of the Armed Services.

SUNDAY COLLECTION

Last week’s collection (3—25—07) $10,310

Attendance: 923

The parish of Saints John and Paul thanks you for your support. We are grateful to our parishioners who use our envelope system. If you wish to receive Church support envelopes, please call the Rectory at 834-5458.

BANNS of MARRIAGE

II – Matthew Zeppieri – Lisa Rainone

I -- Carlos Torres – Kathryn Kirchoff

I – Frank Pacelli, III – Christine De George

BAPTISM PREPARATION for PARENTS of INFANTS

To arrange for a Baptism, please call the rectory and you will be given an appointment with one of the parish priests.

Water in the Word

Baptismal Preparation Session Schedule

All sessions are offered on the following Saturday mornings from 10 AM – 11:30 AM. Please call the rectory to attend. We will begin new sessions in 2007. The dates for the upcoming classes are as follows: April 14^th, FRIDAY, MAY 4^th at 7:00 pm, and June 2^nd.

FOOD BANK NEWS…

Please remember to bring a non-perishable food item with you each time you come to Mass. We could use cereal and macaroni and cheese.

Thank you.

WANT TO SEE PARISH PHOTOS on THE INTERNET?

Fr. Joe has been taking pictures of many events in and around the parish – SJP School Pep Rally, Christmas Show, The Living Rosary, Teen Ski Trip, etc. If you would like to view any or all of them, please go to http://community.webshots.com/user/joeeno.

EAGLE SCOUT PROJECT

A young man who is a parishioner is a candidate to be become an Eagle Scout. He is collecting supplies to benefit the children of the CAP Center in Mamaroneck. The following items would be greatly appreciated:

Tempera paint: All colors, gallon size only

Construction Paper: Only 9 x 12 and 12x18 sizes. Individual color packs only.

School Glue: Gallon size (Elmer’s or generic)

Finger-paints: All colors, pint size

Crayons: Thick style only

A collection box will be in the hall between the church and the school where you can place the items. Thank you for your help and generosity.

CALENDAR of EVENTS for WEEK OF APRIL 1^st:

SUNDAY, APRIL 1^st:

4:00 PM: Collection of Easter Food Baskets

MONDAY, APRIL 2^nd:

8:30 AM: Collection of Easter Food Baskets

9:30 AM CH: Confessions

3:00 PM RMR, GYM, & AUD: PSPA after school activities

7:30 PM RMR: Fr. Brian’s class

TUESDAY, APRIL 3^rd:

3:00 PM GYM & AUD: PSPA after school activities

3:30 PM CH: Confessions

7:30 PM RECTORY: RCIA

8:00 PM RMR: K of C Meeting

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 4^th:

10:00 AM CH: 8^th grade to present the Stations of the Cross

11:00 AM SARAH NEUMAN: Mass

11:30 AM: SJP School dismissed for Easter

7:00 PM CH: Confessions

THURSDAY, APRIL 5^th:

HOLY THURSDAY

FRIDAY, APRIL 6^th:

GOOD FRIDAY

SATURDAY, APRIL 7^th:

HOLY SATURDAY

DANCE for 5^th, 6^th, 7^th AND 8^th GRADERS

The Woman’s Guild will sponsor a Spring Dance for the Parish Students of the 5^th, 6^th, 7^th, and 8^th grades. It will be held on April 20^th at 7 pm until 10 pm in the Auditorium. We will have a DJ and pizza. If anyone would like to help chaperone the dance, please call Mary Haney at 833-2251.

FR. BRIAN’S BIBLE CLASS

Father Brian’s class on the new Catechism for Adults will be held on Monday evening, April 2^nd, at 7:30. This program takes place in the rectory meeting room.

RCIA

The RCIA class will be held on Tuesday, April 3rd, at 7:30 PM in the rectory.

KNIGHTS of COLUMBUS NEWS…

The Knights are holding an initiation Ceremony on Tuesday, April 3^rd. This is open to all men of the parish who are looking to join the K of C. The candidates are asked to meet in the rectory meeting room at 7:30 PM. The Council will have a reception following the ceremony.

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION NEWS…

NO CLASSES

There will be no class on Palm Sunday (April 1^st) and Easter Sunday (April 8^th). On Wednesday, April 4^th, there also be NO class.

REGULAR CLASSES WILL RESUME ON WEDNESDAY, APRIL 11^th.

25^th and 50^th WEDDING ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS

The parish will honor all couples celebrating their 25^th and 50^th wedding anniversaries during 2007 with a Mass at 10:30 AM and a reception following the Mass on Sunday, April 29^th. If you are celebrating either of these anniversaries and would like to participant in this special event, please call the Rectory and ask for Charlotte. Reservations must be in to the Rectory by Monday, April 24^th so that we can prepare for the luncheon. Thank you.

50^th WEDDING ANNIVERSARY CELERATION at the CATHEDRAL

Couples celebrating their 50^th Wedding Anniversary anytime during 2007 are invited to attend the annual Golden Wedding Jubilee Mass with Cardinal Egan at the Cathedral of St. Patrick on Sunday, May 20^th, at 2:00 pm. Pre-registration is required. Please call Charlotte at the Rectory (834-5458) to register for this celebration. The closing date to register is Friday, May 4^th.

WOMEN’S GUILD NEWS…

SAVE the DATE: THURSDAY, MAY 3^rd

The Women’s Guild will hold their annual Spring Luncheon that day at the Larchmont Shore Club beginning at 11:30 AM. They are honored to have the three authors of the new book “The Faith Club”. There will be more details in future bulletins.

SAVE THE DATE

The Pastor’s Dinner will be held this on THURSDAY, JUNE 7^th, at 7:00 PM at the Larchmont Shore Club. So mark your calendars and be part of a fun filled evening. All men of the parish will receive a letter in the mail with more details.

EASTER FLOWER MEMORIALS

Once again envelopes for the Easter Flower Memorials can be found in the rear of Church. We suggest a $15.00 donation for each memorial (In Memory Of) or dedication (In Honor Of). The list will be published in the bulletins throughout the Easter season.

ST. VINCENT’S WETCHESTER to HOST WORKSHOP on

“THE AGED BRIAN”

St. Vincent’s Hospital Westchester will host a workshop entitled “The Aging Brian, “on Thursday, April 19^th, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the hospital in Harrison. The presentation will offer an overview of the changes that take place in the brain as we age; the differences between aging and dementia; practical information about how to understand and live with a loved one suffering from Alzheimer’s disease; and community support resources. The workshop is free and open to all, but please pre-register by April 9^th by calling 925-5051 or by email to tezeliel@svemencny.org.

EASTER SUNDAY SERVICE

Next Sunday, April 8^th, there will be an Easter Sunrise Service at Manor Park at 6:30 AM. This is a yearly event coordinated by all the Christian churches in Larchmont to celebrate the Lord’s resurrection.

CIRCLE YOUR CALENDARS

SUNDAY, MAY 6^th

FOR OUR SPRING BLOOD DRIVE

On Sunday, May 6^th, we will have our annual Spring Blood Drive. Please consider giving the “gift of life.”

EASTER FLOWER MEMORIALS

IN MEMORY OF DONOR

Joseph Michael Annette Stabile

Bongiorno

Anne & John Gaffney Anne Bellesheim

Louise & Arthur Quinn & Virginia Quinn

Johnny McKeever

Angela & John Schevera & the Reilly Family

Ann & William Reilly

Teresa Colonna & Teresa Cristiano

Dorothy Behr

Rita McCloy & the Stephanz Family

W. J. McCloy &

Bill Staphanz &

Katherine Amanda

Stephanz

Elizabeth & Harold Kathleen Delaney

Delaney

Memb/ Ryan & Welch Mary L. Welch

Families

Memb/Mikus Family Barbara & Ed Mikus

Joan H. Lian Al Lian

Lawrence Flink & the Flink Family

Christopher O’Neil

Joseph Carpanzano Joyce Carpanzano

M/M C. Hansen & the Carpanzano Family

M/M P. Carpanzano

Elizabeth & Patrick Rosemary Roach

McCaffrey &

John P. McCaffrey

Charles & Gladys Corbett William Corbett

The Onoff Family the Trapanese Family

Joseph Trapanese Mary Anne Trapanese

Jerome Farrell & M/M Edward Walsh &

Richard Galletti & Family

Edward & Kathleen Walsh

Thomas J. Cannistraci, Sr. Thomas J. Cannistraci, Jr.

Mary Jane Infelice & M/M John A. Infelice, Jr.

John A. Infelice, Sr. &

Katherine Bockino

M/M Anthony Mazzari & Bruno & Louise Mazzari

M/M Joseph Spagna &

M/M Louis Russo

IN HONOR OF DONOR

Maria G. Cristiano Teresa Cristiano

Jacob Joseph Trapanese Mary Anne Trapanese

PASTOR’S COLUMN

This week we enter into the most solemn part of the liturgical calendar. Between the triumphant entry of Jesus into Jerusalem commemorated on Palm Sunday and the Church’s celebration of the empty tomb, we witness the suffering of the innocent which will result in the salvation of the guilty. The various rites assist us in deepening our appreciation for the gift of faith which nourishes our daily life and enlivens our relationship with the Christ and our neighbor.

As we receive palm, we recall the enthusiastic welcome the Son of David is extended by the crowds present in the Holy City for the upcoming Passover feast. Rumors had spread for days both of the impending arrival of Jesus and his disciples and the fury of the leaders of the Sanhedrin about his teachings. Though the day might have held promise in the eyes of the casual observer, the Nazarene had predicted that he would suffer and die at the hands of the very people he came to save. The wave of people contained elements which were not as enthusiastic as one might expect. The Romans had sent spies to see where this movement might be heading. They did not trust the uneasy peace which existed between them and the people who were native to this occupied land. Every once and awhile, some charismatic leader would rise, arm his followers, attack at some seemingly vulnerable points. In short order, they would be eradicated but at times, not without a cost in personnel and property. The advisors of the procurator though were confused somewhat by this itinerant preacher for no violence was present in his message or in his actions. In fact, his co-religionists were continuing to express their dissatisfaction with his concentration on personal conversion rather than political independence. There were others present who were worried that the uneasy relationship that existed between the Jewish community and the imperial forces was at risk as well as the temple’s leaders status among the believers in the Law and the Prophets. The success that would be theirs in a few days in turning the citizenry against the Savior would not be achieved as he entered the gates of the city.

One of the most profoundly morning celebrations of Holy Week will not occur in our parish or any other. It takes place only in the Cathedral. Formally taking place early on Holy Thursday morning, the Mass of Chrism is conducted by His Eminence Edward Michael Cardinal Egan on Tuesday evening. The archbishop invites all of the priests who minister to the Church of New York, religious and secular, to renew their sacred commitments. This liturgy displays in its various aspects the unity of the Church. In prayer, our shepherd blesses the oils utilized throughout the year in each parish. They serve in sacramental rites of Initiation, Holy Orders, and the Anointing of the Sick. It is most impressive to witness the presbyterate celebrating their promise to serve generously the needs of the people. (This action is repeated in many of the communities on Holy Thursday at the Mass of the Lord’s Supper.)

Unfortunately, I must absent myself from the above since it is our desire to make the Sacrament of Reconciliation as available as possible. The Code of Canon Law requires that a Catholic receive Holy Communion at least once a year. It additionally mandates that if one is aware of mortal sin in their life, they must confess it annually (if not sooner). For instance, to deliberately miss Mass on Sunday is such a serious matter. When we witness the depth of God’s love in the crucifixation, how can we fail to confess our part in causing Christ’s death. Our selfishness and sin which carried with it a deadly penalty is taken up by this sacrificial act. What an Easter would dawn if we had the humility to admit our faults, do penance, and hear words of absolution.

Here at Saints John and Paul, we gather to recall the Passover meal at which Christ instituted the Eucharist on Thursday evening after which we process to the repository in the gym. As we said above, the priests renew their promises after which I wash the feet of twelve parishioners in remembrance of the action of the Divine Master which he meant to serve as a challenge to each of the baptized. The food he gave us: His Body and Blood serves as the nourishment necessary to fulfill a life of Christian service. Our presence at the sacred meal must be followed by dedication to the evangelical mission. Eucharistic adoration will take place after Mass until midnight. What a wonderful opportunity for us to spend some time in silent thanksgiving for the sacramental presence of the Lord. It should be noted that there is no adoration allowed on Good Friday. The purpose for this mandate is to demonstrate what a void would exist in our spiritual lives and hopelessness in our eternal destiny if Christ did not become man.

The Solemn Liturgy which focus our attention on the events of Calvary stresses both the gratitude we must exhibit for the gift of relationship with Christ and our concomitant responsibility to pray for all humanity that it might come to appreciate God’s love. It is most moving to approach the altar and kiss the instrument of torture on which Jesus died. We cannot but be in awe in the definition of forgiveness in the words we hear from the cross. There is, however, a major difference for us in looking back to that dreadful mount: we know that Easter awaits us; the resurrection occurred; and Jesus lives. On that dark day, all went home thinking the worst: all hope is gone.

At the Vigil service, we acknowledge that the empty tomb is just that. It contains neither the spirit nor the body of the Christ. His light shines and leads. His light shows us the divine plan fulfilled as the prophets promised. His light invites us to renew our Baptismal promises. His light welcomes new members into the community of faith. His light gives us confidence that death is nor more.

As you read these words, may I suggest that you and your families make a resolution to confessions this week and be present at each of the services this week. May you experience a most gracefilled Holy Week. Let us all pray for one another, our brothers and sisters with whom we share God’s creation, and for peace everywhere.

Jesus vivat,

Fr. Brian