January 11, 2021

Dear friends,

Just recently I received a request from a parishioner asking me to institute a segregated seating section in the Parish Church for non-masked congregants at Mass.

I would refer you to this parish website further down where you will find a letter from me with regard to the latest decree from NYS government on masking. It contains our official Diocesan policy in this regard.  It clearly indicates that it is not my or any other private citizen’s responsibility to enforce this regulation. I have instructed the Clergy and Extraordinary Ministers to sanitize their hands and wear masks for the distribution of Holy Communion for the time being, which is within my responsibility and authority as pastor.

For the rest, it is up to each of us to decide how we will live our lives in this extraordinary time. We might ask ourselves:

Am I especially vulnerable?

Even though I wear a mask, does the fact that someone at well more than six feet away is unmasked constitute a threat to my health?

Is my scratchy throat, runny nose, body aches, etc. my usual winter cold, or is it the latest variant of the Covid virus?

Shall I wear a mask indoors or not?

Should I do so just out of regard in charity for those whom we might regard as St. Paul termed our “weaker brethren”?

The questions can go on ad infinitum I suppose.

You can only answer them for yourself, and where applicable, your family.

I can tell you with charity and respect that if anyone feels that the current situation warrants one avoiding crowds in church, the Church’s law clearly holds one legitimately excused. This definitely also applies to those who are especially sick who can be said to have a duty to stay home for the duration of their illness.

There may even be the necessity if priests become sick to cancel or reschedule Masses and other normal pastoral or sacramental functions.

As always, let us pray for each other!
Father Hewes

December 20, 2021

Dear member of St. Matthew’s Parish, 

As we near Christmas we forward this recent communication from the Diocese regarding the latest Covid-related State mandates: 

“The New York State website FAQ’s that accompany the Governor’s directives regarding masks now includes “houses of worship”.    

Therefore, since Churches will not be requiring parishioners to present proof of vaccination, we ask that the following announcement be clearly communicated to parishioners through your normal means of communication:   

“The Governor of New York State has included houses of worship in her recent directives. Therefore, since the Church does not require parishioners to present proof of vaccination in order to worship God, we ask that all parishioners (two years of age and older) comply with the requirement to wear masks when participating in any activities on parish grounds. This State requirement is currently in effect through January 15, 2022. We will continue to adapt accordingly as new information becomes available. Your patience and Christian charity towards one another during this difficult time is appreciated.”    

For your information: Priests and any other clergy / assistants may wear masks while processing in / out and while distributing Holy Communion. Please encourage all parishioners, especially volunteers / ushers, to be patient and charitable towards all. It is not the responsibility of any individual to police / enforce State regulations.”

 Father Hewes

THE 2022 MASS BOOK is now open and available at the reception desk in the Parish Office Monday through Thursday 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM

Dear friends,

 Well worth reading, and a call for prayers for a soul.

https://www.crisismagazine.com/2021/to-what-shall-we-give-our-soul

 Fr. Hewes

February 25, 2021

The ‘Equality Act’ discriminates against people of faith
and threatens unborn life.
Tell Congress you oppose it!

Everyone deserves to be treated with respect and dignity. The so-called Equality Act, which is being voted on in the U.S. House of Representatives soon, in many ways does the opposite and needs to be opposed. Instead of respecting differences in beliefs about marriage and sexuality, the Equality Act would discriminate against people of faith.

The Equality Act would: punish faith-based organizations, such as charities and schools who serve everyone in their communities, simply because of their beliefs; force girls and women to compete against boys and men for limited opportunities in sports, and to share locker rooms and shower spaces with biological males who identify as women; risk mandating taxpayers to fund abortions; force people in everyday life, and especially health care workers, to support gender transition; and expand what the government considers a “public” place, forcing even some parish halls to host functions that conflict with Catholic beliefs.

The US Conference of Catholic Bishops have made it easy to let your members of Congress know that you oppose the so-called Equality Act.

Visit the USCCB Action Center, enter your information and an email will be sent on your behalf. To read more about the Equality Act visit https://www.usccb.org/equality-act

Dear Friends,

Eighty-five years ago a term entered the language that enjoyed a long vogue. In 1936, during the Spanish Civil War, a general laying siege to Madrid was asked how many columns (of troops) he had. He replied that he had four columns outside the city, but a “fifth column inside.”

He meant a secret force of sympathizers and guerillas who would aid him from within the besieged city. Continue reading “The “Fifth Columnist”” →

COMMENTARY: At no point in the recent history of the United States has our freedom of religious belief looked so fragile — and this despite the fact that the Trump administration has shown an unusually strong commitment to preserving that freedom.     https://www.ncregister.com/commentaries/religious-freedoms-tenuous-21st-century-foothold

Andrea Picciotti-Bayer  September 9, 2020

The receptionist desk will be “womanned” Monday through Thursday from 9 AM to 1 PM for routine Parish business and Mass Cards.  On Friday there will be more limited service.
Please call ahead when in doubt.  631-499-8520.

Important Telephone extensions for general non-emergency messages:

Parish Secretary: 126
Parish Business Manager: 113
Religious Education (CCD): 128
Pastor: 130

For urgent calls for Last Rites or a similar emergency:
631-912-5955

Contact information regarding Funerals is on the Parish Voice Mail phone greeting  631-499-8520.

As before, please enter the Parish Center through the Main Entrance only, not the Gym Entrance.

 The Main Entrance is between the shrines to Sts. Padre Pio and Mother Teresa of Calcutta.

The inner doors to the building are to the right. Please note the sign to ring the bell for admittance.

Mass Intentions and Mass Cards are available on a limited basis.

The Parish Office will be open for Mass Cards Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 9 AM to 12 Noon.