The Gospel Of Luke: Luke is probably the most reader-friendly of the four Gospels. The evangelist has been successful in writing an "orderly account of the events that have been fulfilled among us". Luke is referring here to the life, works and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth, culminating in his death and resurrection. One finds in the gospel of Luke some of the finest gospel stories including the parables of the Good Samaritan and the prodigal son. No one needs any background for this study. People say I don't know the Bible. This is your opportunity to become acquainted. In Luke, you will discover a God of tenderness, kindness and graciousness who wills salvation for all humankind.

Date: 5 Mondays of Lent; Feb. 22, March 1, 8, 15, and 22.  
Time: For your convenience each session will take place twice: 1:15—2:30 PM and 7:30—9:00 PM  
Place: The "Annex" on 244th St. & Northern Blvd.

A small book with text and commentary will be available for $5.00. Msgr. Ryan will lead all the sessions.

by FR. CHRIS PIASTA, OFM

Dear Brothers and Sisters, In June of 2005, when I was leaving Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, for a temporary assignment in San Antonio, Texas, I little knew about Little Neck and Douglaston. I was associating Queens with awful traffic conditions, lots of concrete, and almost no trees at all. When I finally pulled over into St. Anastasia parking lot in August of 2005, I was struck by the green surrounding, (the traffic was still a little hassle on that day—I have to admit), but I liked the new place right away. Who thought it would be so beautiful in Queens? Slowly but surely, I came to know the people of St. Anastasia: Msgr. Ryan, Msgr. Cantley, Fr. George Lutjen, Fr. Ed and Fr. Bill, the staff at the Rectory and school, and of course you, dear Friends, who all have created a new and great home for me. With some of you, it became quite personal through baptisms, confirmations, reconciliations, CCD/ LAB sessions, Knights of Columbus, Youth Group, Movie Club and so many usual encounters on the street, at Stop & Shop, at 711 and elsewhere. I loved to pray with you and meet you at the altar on weekdays and holy days. Some of you I was able to meet at your homes, hospitals and nursing homes. Some, I was blessed to bury from our church and say to them “see you in heaven” from the altar. You have all become especially close to me, when over a year ago I heard about the death of my own mother. Your outpouring compassion and prayers helped me tremendously as I was walking through these difficult days. I have had many great laughs with so many of you, and sometimes we grieved together as well. I will always remember that. It seems, however, that my time as one of your priests at St. Anastasia is coming to an end.

Recently, Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio has asked me to take two new assignments, and on Tuesday, January 26 he has officially entrusted to my pastoral care two Catholic Communities in our Diocese. As of Monday, February 1, I will be the administrator at St. Joseph’s Parish in South Jamaica; the other assignment will become known in the next few days and effective on February 15. It does not mean, however, you will completely stop seeing me at St. Anastasia; I will still be residing at our Rectory and fulfilling my new ministries from here, at least for a while.

At this time, I would like to thank the priests of St. Anastasia for their brotherly love and support and very fulfilling sense of working together; I would like to thank all of you, dear Brothers and Sisters for your help, love, understanding and enrichment that I have received from you throughout all these years. Forgive me, if I have ever offended, hurt or misunderstood you. I pray for you and the future of St. Anastasia’s Community, which truly deserves great priests keeping faith, hope and love alive in your hearts.

God bless,

Effective Saturday, January 23rd, 2010, the Immaculate Conception Center's Pool (our regular practice facility) will be out of commission for 6 weeks for emergency repairs.  Please take note of the following temporary practice schedule taking place at Flushing Meadows Corona Park Pool:

• Thursday, January 28th from 8:30pm to 10:00pm
• Thursday, February 4th from 8:30pm to 10:00pm
• Sunday, February 14th from 6:00pm to 8:00pm
• Sunday, February 21st from 6:00pm to 8:00pm
• Sunday, February 28th from 6:00pm to 8:00pm
• Sunday, March 7th from 6:00pm to 8:00pm

Directions to Flushing Meadows Corona Park Pool.

The Cub Scouts and the Boy Scouts have been busy meeting parish goals to perform significant community service in your name, over the holidays. The Scouting Program at St. Anastasia was proud to perform yet another food drive at the Stop and Shop, where we collected shopping basket after shopping basket, which benefitted the food pantry at St. Aloysius parish.

Bishop Ignatius Cantanello will confirm the 2010 candidates from Divine Wisdom Catholic Academy and St. Anastasia Religious Education program on Sunday, May 16 at 2 PM. Please keep the candidates for the sacrament in your prayers.

Our school, Divine Wisdom Catholic Academy is participating in the Stop & Shop A+ Bonus Bucks Program. This program will give us the opportunity to earn cash for our school. All you have to do is: Log on to www.stopandshop.com/aplus to register online or Dial (877) 275-2758 to register over the phone. Register your Stop & Shop card to benefit our school using ID#06886. Each shopping trip using your card earns cash for our school. A reminder that the program will be ending in March 2010 for this academic year so there is still time to register if you have not already done so. Thank you for your support! —Divine Wisdom Catholic Academy Marketing Committee

We have special communion hosts available for all Masses celebrated at St. Anastasia. These hosts are made out of potatoes and rice and are gluten-, wheat-, dairy-, corn-, and soy-free. If you want to receive such host, please ask any priest, Christ the sacristan, or any minister of hospitality a few minutes before the Mass begins. All such hosts are consecrated as needed; we do not store consecrated these hosts in the tabernacle.

On March 25 th Divine Wisdom Catholic Academy (formerly St. Anastasia School) will hold its annual Fashion Show and Dinner at Immaculate Conception Center. This is one of the school’s biggest fundraisers of the year and we need your support.

On the first Friday of each month, Divine Wisdom Catholic Academy celebrates First Friday Mass at 10:30 AM. The music for the mass is performed by the school's choir and band ensemble. We welcome all parishioners to attend.

Donate your empty printer and copier toner and ink cartridges, old cell phones and General Mills box tops to Divine Wisdom Catholic Academy.  Please send them to the school's office. All of these items can be used to generate funds for the school.  Thank you.

Trip to Atlantic City on Monday, January 18. The price is $30.00 pp. Cruise: May 27th thru June 5th. Leaving from New York in 9 days we will be visiting several ports.

The St. Anastasia Outreach Committee is in full force if you need a little help with getting to the supermarket, or the doctor’s office or just want to have a friendly visitor come by to spend a little time. Call us if we can help—(347) 481-5477.

The 2010 Mass book is now open and available for intentions.  Stop in or call the rectory for information.