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Read our Parish Bulletin online by following the links on this post!

• May 20, 2012 Bulletin
• Current Bulletin (b/w print version, available Friday of each week)

•  May 13, 2012 Bulletin
• April 29, 2012 Bulletin
• April 22, 2012 Bulletin
• April 15, 2012 Bulletin
• April 8, 2012 Bulletin
• April 1, 2012 Bulletin
• March 25, 2012 Bulletin
• March 18, 2012 Bulletin
• March 11, 2012 Bulletin
• March 4, 2012 Bulletin
• February 19, 2012 Bulletin
• February 12, 2012 Bulletin
• February 5, 2012 Bulletin
• January 29, 2012 (.pdf version)
• January 15, 2012 Bulletin (.pdf version)
• December 25, 2011 Bulletin (.pdf version)
• November 6, 2011 (.pdf version)
• November 6, 2011 (“page-flip” version)
• October 30, 2011 (.pdf version)
• October 30, 2011 (“page-flip” version)
• October 23, 2011 (.pdf format)
• October 23, 2011 (page-flip format)
• October 16, 2011 (.pdf format)
• October 16, 2011 (page-flip format)
• October 9, 2011 (.pfd format)
• October 9, 2011 (page-flip format)
• October 2, 2011 Bulletin (.pdf version)
• October 2, 2011 Bulletin (page-flip version)
• September 25, 2011 Bulletin (.pdf version)
• September 25, 2011 Bulletin (page-flip version)
• September 18, 2011 Bulletin(.pdf version)
•  September18, 2011 Bulletin (page-flip version)
• September 11, 2011 (page-flip format)
• September 11, 2011 Bulletin (.pdf format)
• September 4, 2011 Bulletin (.pdf format)
• September 4, 2011 (page-flip format)
• August 28, 2011 Bulletin (.pdf format)
• August 28, 2011 Bulletin (page-flip format)
•  August 21, 2011 Bulletin (.pdf format)
• August 21, 2011 Bulletin (page-flip format)
• August 14, 2011 Bulletin (.pdf format)
• August 14, 2001 Bulletin (page-flip format)
• August 7, 2011 Bulletin (.pdf format)
• August 7, 2011 Bulletin (page-flip format)
• July 31, 2011 Bulletin (.pdf format)
• July 31, 2011 Bulletin (page-flip format)
•  July 24, 2011 Bulletin (.pdf format)
• July 24, 2011 Bulletin (page-flip format)
• July 17, 2011 Bulletin (.pdf format)
• July 17, 2011 Bulletin (page-flip format)
• July 10, 2011 Bulletin (.pdf format)
• July 10, 2011 Bulletin (page-flip format)
• July 3, 2011 Bulletin (.pdf format)
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• June 26, 2011 Bulletin (.pdf format)
• June 26, 2011 Bulletin (page-flip format)
• June 19, 2011 Bulletin (.pdf format)
• June 19, 2011 Bulletin (page-flip format)
• June 12, 2011 Bulletin (.pdf format)
• June 12, 2011 Bulletin (page-flip format)
• Click here for a list of archived bulletins in page-flip format.

His successor, Father Patrick Ford, went a step further by organizing a fund drive to raise $50,000 of the $250,000 needed for the schools’ construction. The support given by the parishioners was such that the money was donated or pledged within only a few weeks. Combined with the funds set aside by Father Sloane, that money was sufficient to buy the Amrhein Farm on which the school was to be built, and to hire Architect James O’Connor  to design the structure.

In November, 1927, ground was broken and Frank A. Droesch, Inc., a construction firm from Queens, began working on the building. The work was completed in time for the school to open its doors in September, 1928. On June 23, 1928, the Sisters of Mercy from Dallas, Pennsylvania arrived and began registering children for entry into grades 1 through 6. Another grade was to be added each year until all 8 grades were included.

The new school opened on September 10, 1928, with an initial registration of 150 students. The building contained 10 classrooms, 2 indoor playgrounds, lunchrooms, a kitchen, restrooms, offices, a clinic, storerooms, and a large auditorium. Bishop Thomas F. Malloy of the Diocese of Brooklyn formally dedicated the school on September 16, 1928, at a ceremony attended by more than 1000 people.

In June 1931, the first 8th grade class (14 students) graduated, leading the way for the 59 graduating classes that followed it into the world.

For 36 years, St. Boniface provided its students with a free education but, in 1964, economic factors forced the introduction of a modest family tuition schedule. The school continued to change. In 1969, a playground was built on school property with the help of many community volunteers. In 1976, nursery and Pre-K programs were begun, and, in 1977, the first kindergarten class started. By that time, lay teachers had replaced most of the Sisters of Mercy.  In the Autumn of 1989 enrollment was approximately 220 students.  In its 62 years of existence, St. Boniface Martyr School graduated over 2,000 pupils.

Throughout its existence, St. Boniface Martyr School served as a superb example of academic excellence in Catholic education.

All Saints Regional Catholic School

Under diocesan direction and the leadership of principal Sister Helen Dolan, S.S.N.D., the school began on two campuses with a nursery through third grade at the Lower Campus (St. Hyacinth’s) and grades four through eight on the Upper Campus (St. Patrick’s).  All grades are now consolidated in the school building on the St. Patrick’s parish campus, allowing for total technological integration of all classrooms, leading the school into the 21st Century.

In 1995, Sister Maureen Vellon, R.S.H.M. was appointed as principal of ASR. She was succeeded by James Thompson, who retired at the end of the school year 2011-12.

In April, 2012 it was announced that ASR would follow a new, innovative, adademic vision.  Fr. Elias Carr, Pastor of St. Rocco’s and one of the Canons Regular of the Canonry of Saint Leopold who serve at St. Patrick’s and St. Rocco’s parishes was appointed as ASR’s first Headmaster, to be assisted by an Academic Dean.

The school is supported by each of the five parishes and the school board is comprised of each parish’s pastor and two representatives appointed by that pastor. St. Boniface is represented by parishioners Sighle Lynch and Kevin Horton.

St. Boniface School Principals

An opportunity for a fun and meaningful experience where teens can come to meet one another and foster lasting friendships as well as the chance to explore our faith and belief with the hope of discovering Christ’s spirit as it dwells within each one of us. We meet on Sunday evenings at 6:00pm-8:00pm, have teen masses once a month, service trips, fun trips, retreats, and any other ideas that anyone may have.

So, come, check us out, bring some friends, make some new ones!  Join our Facebook page “St. Boniface Youth Group“.

Chris Mandato:  516-676-0676;  email:  stbonym@gmail.com

Our capital campaign, “Restoring and Renewing the House of God” is still underway, and we are excited about the opportunity for everyone in our parish family to participate in this very important event.  For information, call the Parish Office at (516) 676-0676.

April 22, 2012:  Capital Campaign Update

Thank you for your generous pledge. Just as a reminder, all payments can be mailed to the parish office or dropped in the collection basket on Sundays.

• Monthly payments are due on or before the last day of the month.
• Credit Card payments are processed the last day of each month.
•  Second quarterly payments are due on/before June 30, 2012.
• Total Pledges to date: $1,093,283.00 (payable over 36 months).
•  Total Amount paid to date: $416,295.00.

If you would like to participate in the Campaign there is still time to enroll!! If you have any questions, please leave your name and contact information at the Parish Office or email stbonifacefinance@gmail.

Thank you,  The Campaign Committee

Renewing and Restoring the House of God by Carol Griffin

Gold Coast Gazette January 12, 2012

St. Boniface Martyr Parish in Sea Cliff just completed the first phase of ”Renewing and Restoring the House of God” Campaign successfully raising more than $1,000,000 dollars in pledges to begin renovation of the interior of the church.  The project that began in September and over time it has created increased enthusiasm and support.  Members of the community may have noticed the barometer in front of the church noting the success of the campaign moving up from week to week until Christmas, when the success of the campaign was announced to the parish.

Parish pastor, Fr. Bob Romeo began the campaign in September with the assistance of a steering committee of parishioners, a liturgical architect, and Lynch Development secured to do a feasibility study and to manage the campaign.  The goal at that point was to get the feel of how the parish community felt about supporting the plan.  All of the parishioners were invited through letters and bulletin announcements to be interviewed, or fill out questionnaires.  A series of parish meetings followed w here several possible design options were presented.  At the meetings, parishioners were given the opportunity to ask questions on all aspects of the plan.  From day one Fr. Romeo promised that if the parish on a whole was against the project he would not go forward with it but only make repairs as necessary.

In a letter to the parish community, the pastor noted that the parish is not only the House of God but it is also the House of the people of God.  It is sacred space in which we encounter and worship the Living God; where God’s people celebrate their life together, through liturgy, and the sacraments.  He emphasized that “in our role as stewards for future generations, we have an obligation to Renew and Restore the House of God”.

Fr. Romeo asked for everyone’s prayer support as the parish family come together in this effort.  He emphasized that the joy that has been so evident in the parish’s life will be enhanced as the excitement of a “Renewed and Restored” church building draws everyone even closer.

At each meeting Fr. Romeo thoroughly explained why he wanted to do the renovations and how they would benefit the parish especially noting how the design would draw the congregation together at liturgy, provide better auxiliary space and save considerable expenses on utilities in the future by the improved heating, air conditioning and lighting.

After the introductory meetings to explain the project were held in the church, additional meetings were held in parishioner’s homes and at the church to further explain the project and to begin the pledging.  This phase drew considerable support with half of the money pledged by Thanksgiving, which included several large memorial donations.  At this point, the parishioners at large were asked to help by meeting each week and contacting other parishioners in their homes.  It was exciting as each week the support of the project grew and grew with additional parishioners pledging to the memorials and the campaign in general.  By Christmas, the parish had not only reached it goal, but went beyond it.

Although complete details of the design has not been finalized, the overall plan intends to honor the past and provide for the future by repositioning the Tabernacle from the side to the back of the main altar, using the original mosaic and mother of pearl door from the original St. Boniface Church, to enhance the worship environment by bringing the congregation closer to the altar by reducing the size of the sanctuary and reconfiguring the pews for easier access.  The installation of a high efficient burner and conversion to gas heat has already been completed.  The plans also call for energy efficient lighting, modifications to the HVAC system and installation of new restrooms including one that is handicap assessable, and repair and renovation of the existing roof, doors and windows.  When the design committee formalizes the plans, the final design will be presented to the entire parish for their input.

To increase veneration and devotion to the Blessed Virgin and St. Joseph, a shrine area will be created on each side of the sanctuary using statues from the original church and move the statue of St. Boniface outside the school building to a place of honor in the new vestibule that will be increased in size to host a larger number of parishioners and guests for after Mass refreshments, meetings and other socializing.

Fr. Romeo said he is excited about the vision and the campaign.  “It has already brought many blessings to the parish,” he said.  “It has brought a number of the old parishioners back to the parish.”

One of the members of the steering committee said, “It was gratifying to see how the parishioners came together in support of Father Bob’s vision.  Another parishioner noted, “Being involved in the campaign was very exciting by simply watching parish support grow from week to week.”  Another steering committee member with a very practical mind said, “Now that we have succeeded in raising the needed funds, we must complete construction/changes on time within budget and with as little disrupt ion as possible to our parish Mass schedule and other activities.  Fr. Bob has been an inspiration in leading our financial campaign effort and I am sure he will continue his fi ne leadership as we enter the next phase of the program.” Finally, another core member said she was “excited about the vision that Fr. Bob shared with the core committee early on.  I believe that the restoration and changes in the church will enhance the liturgy and create curiosity for new members to join our parish.  We were fairly aggressive implementing the vision which triggered the campaign but the time seemed right, the parish is alive with enthusiasm and growing.  As a result of the campaign the true success is not only in reaching the goal but it was a reason to bring parishioners of all generations together to share in the vision and take ownership together.  As a result many new relation­ ships developed among parishioners and new members feel welcome to participate in many ministries in the parish.”

Members of the steering committee include:  Kevin and Maureen Angliss, Neil and Camille Miritello, Elena Villafane and Dan Kelly, Eileen and Larry Krieb and Frank Sujecki.  Several dozen other parishioners have supported the campaign in various ways to help to make the project a huge success and bringing the parish closer together.

 Lord, I Love the House in which you dwell. (Psalm 26:8)

Photo credit: Newsday/Jessica Rotkiewicz | Rabbi Irwin Huberman, from Congregation Tifereth Israel in Sea Cliff, addresses the community and clergy about the anti-Semitic/racist vandalism that has swept through Queens and parts of Long Island during a meeting at St. Boniface Chuch in Sea Cliff. (Jan. 16, 2012)

Newsday

Originally published: January 16, 2012 8:41 PM
Updated: January 16, 2012 9:31 PM
By EMILY NGO         emily.ngo@newsday.com

Gathering for a mass denouncement of recent racist graffiti, more than 100 Sea Cliff community members met Monday at a church that had been the target of what Mayor Bruce Kennedy called “anti-social behavior.”

Rabbi Irwin Huberman of Congregation Tifereth Israel in Glen Cove emphasized commonalities among audience members, whatever their faiths, and said that hateful symbols cannot be taken lightly.

“The swastika can never, never be used — even in jest,” he said.

In recent weeks, swastikas have been found drawn on homes, mailboxes, a boat and playground equipment in Sea Cliff. Similar graffiti has been reported in Brooklyn, Queens and New Jersey.

Nassau police said Monday that no arrests have been made over the graffiti in Sea Cliff.

The village has increased patrols of the area, Nassau Legis. Delia DeRiggi-Whitton (D-Glen Cove) said.

Area leaders want to ensure that “no one in our community lives in any type of fear or hatred,” she said.

Sea Cliff resident Larry Weinberger, 59, said the incidents should serve as teachable moments.

“Education is the most important thing for our children and our children’s children,” Weinberger said. “Hopefully, in future generations, there will be no hatred and animosity toward others. . . . God willing, the world will be a better place.”

Felicia Lebou, 42, of Sea Cliff, who has a 3-year-old son, suggested parents teach their children about other cultures and religions from an early age to celebrate diversity. Many who attended the forum brought their children.

Assemb. Charles Lavine (D-Glen Cove) called the vandalism “simply un-American.”

“We will not tolerate it, if we stand together as one community,” he said.

Swastikas, the words “white knights” and “anything and everything that could possibly outrage a community” were scrawled on St. Boniface Martyr Church late last month, Kennedy said. The site Monday hosted a forum where residents shared suggestions about ways to curb hate.

“Prejudice is not a prank and we will not tolerate this behavior in our village,” Kennedy said, adding that he believed the vandals to be mischievous, ignorant teenagers rather than “neo-Nazis.”