Being completely cherished—unconditionally loved—is more than we can fully comprehend. Yet, we are! No matter what difficulties or sufferings unfold in our lives, God does not separate us from His love. Being so loved by God, we respond by living with gratitude and humility as we mirror this love to those we encounter.

In Acts, Paul and Barnabas tell jealous Jews they are to be a light to the Gentiles. In Revelation, John tells of a vision where a crowd from every nation, race, people, and tongue gathers before the throne of God and is shepherded by the lamb never to hunger or thirst again. In the Gospel, Jesus gives His sheep eternal life and they will never perish.

Paul and Barnabas encountered both violent rejection and joyful acceptance of the message that they preached. We, too, may meet with mixed reactions when we use our gifts in the service of God. But, the Gospel assures us, the reward for those who follow faithfully is eternal life.

Last Sunday's collection 4/14/13 $7,958.50

Same Last Year $7,915.85

Attendance 4/14/13 858

Same Last Year 776

Envelopes 4/14/13 209

Same Last Year 205

Thank you for your generosity in returning to God some of what He has given you.

On Sunday, April 14 the Rosary Altar Society of Our Lady of Hope Parish hosted a very successful Chinese Auction and Afternoon Tea. I would like to thank all those who worked so hard in preparing for the function as well as thank all those who came to support this wonderful gathering. We were fortunate to also have, as guests, some members of the Rosary Altar Society from St. Brigid's Parish. All women from Our Lady of Hope parish who are not already members of the Rosary Altar Society are invited to join this wonderful group-Our Lady of Hope Rosary Altar Society!

Level 2 Children's Communion Rehearsal is Monday April 22 at 4pm for 10:45 am Ceremony or Monday April 22 at 5:15pm for 1pm Ceremony. You must attend the rehearsal for your ceremony.

Level 6 Rainbow Quiz is Wednesday April 24 at 4pm in Msgr. Midura Hall.

Religious Education classes end for the 2012/2013 year on

Thursday, April 25.

Baptism classes will be held every other month during the Spring/Summer. They will be held April 28, June 30 and August 25 at 11am in the lower church.

Goal $55,900.00

Pledged $46,343.50

Paid $33,698.50

% of Goal pledged 83%

% of Goal paid 60%

Donors 167

The St. Vincent de Paul Society of Our Lady of Hope is looking for several new members. Are you grateful for the blessings in your life? "Pay it forward" by helping fellow parishioners in need. Please call the church office, 334-6288 ext. 18 if you can volunteer some time. Volunteers would need to complete a background check and attend Virtus training.

Virtus is a program that gives us a specific plan in identifying and preventing child sexual abuse. The training is required of all diocesan personnel and volunteers in all parishes.

If you are a volunteer and still need to fulfill this obligation check the Long Island Catholic or the Diocesan website, www.drvc.org for training sessions available in the area. Please register for the class online or stop in the Church office.

The exciting Mad Hatter idea of a year ago became a reality this past weekend. Envision beautiful ladies, all parading their hats adorned with US currency, bright/bold flowers, styles of years gone by, assorted cultures, or their finest Easter bonnets. Imagine the pride they displayed with their choice of head decorations. Picture the lively decorated hall and distribution of the prizes gracefully performed by 3 elementary students, Julia Fokas, Caroline Lopez and Annamaria Vargas. How do we express our gratitude to all that offered their support and talents, allowing this event to be such a huge success. As members of the Rosary Society, we hold you all in our prayers.

Now that the Long Island Catholic Magazine is underway, we are happy to announce the development of the Long Island Catholic website: www.licatholic.org.

We encourage you to go to this vibrant and current source of information concerning ideas and events in the Diocese of Rockville Centre. Bishop Murphy has a blog on this website and he welcomes interaction with you. Rick Hinshaw, George Weigel, Father Bob Lauder, and Msgr. Jim McNamara are regular columnists. There is news not only about current events in our Diocese but also news about our Holy Father and the Vatican. All it takes is a click of a button at www.licatholic.org. Why not add it to your favorites?

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul will . be holding a Spring clothing drive on Saturday, May 18 from 10am to 1pm. The truck will be in the church parking lot. Please bring clothes in black bags or on hangers.

Dear Parishioners,

Thank you for your continued generous support. The Food Pantry serves senior citizens, large families with many children, singles and people with health issues. As we try to honor our 24 families specific requests, we need a variety of sizes and types of products. Hopefully, this will explain any existing questions and will assist you in your future donations.

Thank you to our neighbor, St. Mary's for their constant attention to our Panty.

The Pantry is in need of : cookies (oreos & chocolate chip), peanut butter, rice (instant, white & brown), fruit (peaches, pears, mixed) soap, juice (apple, grape and V8), coffee (instant regular and decaf), baked beans, all varieties of beans, all flavors of jello, grape and strawberry jelly.

Thank you!

The Food Pantry Staff

Week of April 28,2013

We are to be reflectors of Christ's Light to this dark world. We are to radiate Christ's compassion to all we meet in the marketplace, job site, and in church. This is not a mere invitation. This is the command of Jesus that we demonstrate compassionate love to the very end of our lives.

Peril and grace lined the mission path of Paul and Barnabas. Their zeal to preach the Good News stood strong in the face of Christ when all things will be new. Jesus, at the Last Supper, proclaimed that the core of discipleship is charitable love. He gave the new commandment to love one another.

STEWARDSHIP THOUGHT FOR THE FIFTH SUNDAY OF EASTER

"Love one another as In today's Gospel, Jesus gives His disciples—and us—a new commandment: "Love one another." Good

stewards who spend their time and talents in service

to others are well on their way to fulfilling this commandment.

Last Sunday's collection 4/21/13 $9,030.18

Same Last Year $8,240.59

Attendance 4/21/13 789

Same Last Year 716

Envelopes 4/21/13 240

Same Last Year 226

Thank you for your generosity in returning to God some of what He has given you.

Level 2 Mandatory Parent/Child Communion Rehearsals are Monday April 29 at 5:30pm for 10:45am Ceremony or Monday April 29 at 7pm for the pm Ceremony. You must attend the rehearsal for your ceremony.

In addition, all communicants are invited to dress in their Communion attire and attend 11:30am Mass on Sunday, May 12 as we honor our Blessed Mother, Mary in the May Crowning. Additional details will be provided at the communion rehearsals.

Level 8 Confirmation Retreat is Thursday, May 2 at the Emmanuel Retreat House at Kellenberg High School. All details have been mailed home to all candidates and their families.

Religious Education Registration for Fall 2013

For incoming First graders and new Students to the program

**all current students are automatically moved up to next

level if course requirements have been completed.**

Monday, May 20 10am to 6pm

Tuesday, May 21 10am to 6pm Wednesday, May 22 10am to 2pm Thursday, May 23 10am to 6pm

The Religious Ed Office is located downstairs in Msgr. Midura Hall.

**Please bring Baptismal Certificate if child was not baptized at Our Lady of Hope**

Goal $55,900.00

Pledged $46,708.50

Paid $34,398.50

% of Goal pledged 84%

% of Goal paid 62%

Donors 171

There will be three BAPTISM meetings during the Spring/ Summer. They will be held April 28, June 30 and August 25 at 11am in the lower church.

The St. Vincent de Paul Society of Our Lady of Hope is looking for several new members. Are you grateful for the blessings in your life? "Pay it forward" by helping fellow parishioners in need. Please call the church office, 334-6288 ext. 18 if you can volunteer some time. Volunteers would need to complete a background check and attend Virtus training.

Virtus is a program that gives us a specific plan in identifying and preventing child sexual abuse. The training is required of all diocesan personnel and volunteers in all parishes.

If you are a volunteer and still need to fulfill this obligation check the Long Island Catholic or the Diocesan website, www.drvc.org for training sessions available in the area. Please register for the class online or stop in the Church office.

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul will be holding a Spring clothing drive on Saturday, May 18 from 10am to 1pm. The truck will be in the church parking lot. Please bring clothes in black bags or on hangers.

On May 6 at 6pm, we will be celebrating our Installation Mass, with dinner to follow at the Harvest Diner at 7pm. Our May Crowning will be after the 11:30am Mass on May 12. Please try to participate in these beautiful events.

Now that the Long Island Catholic Magazine is underway, we are happy to announce the development of the Long Island Catholic website: www.licatholic.org.

We encourage you to go to this vibrant and current source of information concerning ideas and events in the Diocese of Rockville Centre. Bishop Murphy has a blog on this website and he welcomes interaction with you. Rick Hinshaw, George Weigel, . Father Bob Lauder, and Msgr. Jim McNamara are regular columnists. There is news not only about current events in our Diocese but also news about our Holy Father and the Vatican. All it takes is a click of a button at www.licatholic.org. Why not add it to your favorites?

Thank you for your continued generous support. The Food Pantry serves senior citizens, large families with many children, singles and people with health issues. As we try to honor our 24 families specific requests, we need a variety of sizes and types of products. Hopefully, this will explain any existing questions and will assist you in your future donations.

The Pantry is in need of: peanut butter, beans (all varieties-chick peas, cannellini), crackers (ritz, saltines, triscuit, wheat thins), cookies (oreos, chocolate chip), paper goods (towels, toilet paper, napkins),and pudding.

The Food Pantry was assisted last week by several delightful students from Holy Child School. Thank you!

Thank you to Cub Scout Pack 305 and their "Scouting for Food" effort for our Pantry.

Thank you!

The Food Pantry Staff

ALTAR SERVERS

KING KULLEN RECEIPTS