Weekly Parish News & Updates to keep you Spiritually Connected in this Season of Social Distancing
The 3rd Sunday of Easter - On the Road to Emmaus
Greetings!

It has been a long journey these last few weeks with so much change and loss. There has been much to grieve, but perhaps there has also been some gifts hidden amidst all this uncertainty that God is urging us to find.

This weekend we will hear the well-known Gospel story from Luke about the two disciples who encountered the risen Christ on their road from Jerusalem to Emmaus, though they did not know it was Him. Perhaps that was God's will that "their eyes were prevented from recognizing him" (Lk 24:16) or perhaps their grief at having witnessed Jesus be crucified days earlier blinded them to the fact that He was in their midst.

Whatever the case, even though they did not realize with whom they walked, Jesus was still able to bestow His grace, peace, and wisdom to these crestfallen disciples. He was able to make "their hearts burn within [them]" (Lk 24:32), despite their deep sorrow and them being unaware of the true identity of their companion. Where might we be blind to God's presence amidst our current situation? Can we still be open to His consolations?

The resurrection narratives of our Gospels are something we treasure during the Easter season as we unpack the great mystery that is Christ's resurrection. We should especially lean into these stories now, gleaning insights from them and taking them to heart. If we are like the disciples on the road these stories become the equivalent of Jesus' companionship at a time when we need it the most.

After the Resurrection, the spiritual landscape of the world was forever altered, but it takes those with "eyes to see" and "ears to hear" (cf. Mt 13:9-16) to notice. God was up to something then, and He is certainly up to something now .

So, while Easter may feel more subdued this year, we encourage you to seek out the many blessings and opportunities that God is placing in our midst every day. Keep scrolling for some more opportunities to seek God and other updates from the parish.

In Christ,

The Clergy and Staff of Blessed Sacrament
Livestreamed Memorial Masses
Though we cannot have actual funeral masses or public gatherings in church, we can come together virtually, not just to pray, but now also to offer masses for the repose of the souls of those who have passed away.

If you would like to arrange such a mass, email us at blsrcc@bsvs.us
We can also do the following to assist in bidding farewell to loved ones:

  • With coordination from funeral directors, funeral processions en route to the cemetery can stop at the front of the the church, remaining in cars. The priest will pray a blessing over the deceased and perform a sprinkling rite over the casket.

  • Via Zoom, the priest can lead in the traditional wake service remotely. Family members at the funeral home can receive the feed from a laptop, tablet, or mobile device and even invite other relatives also not able to be physically present at the viewing.
Grieving a loss? The YES Community Counseling Center is available for you via their free, virtual bereavement group over Zoom. For more information contact info@yesccc.org or call (516) 799-3203 | (516) 719-0313 you can also visit www.yesccc.org .
Got some extra time? Here are some resources to explore:

Virtual Gatherings from Liturgy Training Publications (LTP)
  • At Home with the Word: A Weekly Easter Retreat
  • Thursdays at 8:00pm ET / 5:00pm PT 
  • Cost: Free
  • Register here: ltp.org/s/gatherings 

  • How Deep the Mystery: Adult Faith Formation on the Mass
  • Presented by Joyce Ann Zimmerman, CPPS
  • Thursdays at 4:00pm ET / 1:00pm PT beginning on May 7th, 2020
  • Cost: Free
  • Session Topics and Registration Link: ltp.org/s/gatherings

Like to read? HERE is an article that lists 10 fiction books recommended for Catholics. The article gives a synopsis and also a brief summary of how to read the book with a Christian lens.

Also, there will be a virtual May crowning provided by Mundelein Seminary is scheduled for May 3 . To sign up for the link, go HERE .
Additional Social Services during COVID-19
For previously mentioned outreach, see this email , this email , and this email .
The content below is also included in the 4/26 bulletin.
FIDELIS CARE HEALTH INSURANCE NY State of Health and the New York State Department of Financial Services recently announced that a Special Enrollment Period is available to New Yorkers, now through May 15, during which eligible individuals are able to enroll in insurance coverage through the Marketplace and directly through insurers. This step is being taken to further protect the health of New Yorkers during the COVID-19 public health emergency. Fidelis Care is focused on the health and safety of our employees and the community during the COVID-19 outbreak. Although our community offices are temporarily closed, the Fidelis Care team is ready to serve individuals by phone. We can answer individuals’ questions and help them enroll or renew their coverage by phone.

CALL: Rodolfo (Rudy) Cano Community Relations Specialist - 516-418-9319
Catholic Charities Outreach
through Catholic Health Services of L.I.
and Catholic Charities of L.I

The Diocese of Rockville Centre has responded to the COVID19 crisis in many ways:
  • Providing compassionate care to hundreds of COVID-19 patients at our six Catholic hospitals
  • Expanding our Meals-On-Wheels programs
  • Providing enhanced and expanded homecare services to those who were cared for in congregate day care programs which are now closed
  • Providing shopping services to those who are most vulnerable to the Pandemic
  • Assisting the underserved to get much needed internet service so that children can continue their education and parents can work from home.
  • If you or a family member is in need of assistance you can contact Catholic Charities helpline at (516) 733-7045.
  • If you are interested in supporting the work of Catholic Charities, information on how to donate is available here.

For more information, visit the LI Catholic Charities website at https://www.catholiccharities.cc/
Parish Social Ministry would like to thank all those who have continued to donate to our Food Pantry in these very difficult times. We would also like to thank all those who have reached out to offer any assistance to Social Ministry to continue our mission of outreach. We are truly grateful and blessed for your support and generosity . We continue to pray for your health and safety! 
Livestreamed masses at Blessed Sacrament
These streams can be viewed either live or afterwards on our parish webpage and Facebook page. The live-stream is also compatible with Roku devices (info HERE ).

or

NEW: We will also be streaming our Sunday 11am masses live to YouTube. Visit our channel HERE .
More on watching mass and making an Act of Spiritual Communion in previous emails and the bulletin .
Go HERE and HERE for additional tips and resources for participating in mass at home. HERE is an online database of livestreamed masses from all over. Ascension Press and Word on Fire also offer great mass livestreams.
Keep your parish strong with e-giving and other donation options, including our new Text-to-Give feature !
Take advantage of our Online Giving Platform .

Learn more about Text-to-Give HERE (pdf) or HERE (video).
To get started, text the "give" to the number 516-588-7800 .

Download the app for iOS or Android .


If you prefer to use your envelope or loose cash/check, you may drop the offering in the parish poor boxes in the church (or send by mail)
  • Email blsrcc@bsvs.us.
  • Text "@bsvs-up" to "81010" to text us and receive updates that way.
  • Find and message us via Social Media: Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook, or through our listing on Google.
  • Voicemails to the main office will be checked periodically, but calls may not be returned as swiftly.
  • Our emergency line for the priests is available via the main office phone prompts.