Important letter from Fr. Tom – May 3, 2020

Dear Parishioners,

Patience and Perseverance seem like two virtues we could all use right now. Patience with one another, especially family members; and perseverance so that we don’t move too soon and risk a resurgence of the corona virus. It will be over soon – why not enjoy the down time that remains? Because when things start back up, it’s going to be especially busy once again!

Just thinking from the parish perspective, we will have 3 Confirmation ceremonies and 5 First Communion Masses to re-schedule; baptisms to perform, including our adult RCIA candidates; weddings to re-schedule and numerous Memorial Masses to hold. And of course that’s in addition to the usual events that would be happening. I can only imagine that your lives and your schedules will be equally hectic. But it will all get done, and God will lead us through—one event at a time!

Assistance Available
If you are a parishioner who is experiencing financial difficulty because of a loss of income during these months of pandemic, please contact me at the rectory (tfusco@olvfpny.org or 516-354-0482). Many parishioners have been generous in donating funds to assist you during this temporary shortfall. If paying some bills for you can get you through and give you some relief, we would be happy to do it. Please be assured I will maintain confidentiality.

Catholic Schools Collection
The second collection this weekend is for Catholic School Elementary Education at OLV and throughout the Diocese of Rockville Centre. As you have heard, the Diocese has begun a dynamic new initiative to bolster Catholic Elementary School Education on Long Island – it is called the Morning Star Initiative. Marianist Brothers, with whom many of us are familiar, are spearheading the Initiative.

This week’s second collection will be shared. Half will stay at OLV, and half will be sent to the Diocese for scholarships to students in Catholic elementary schools.

I thought this would be a good time to share with you an email that was written recently by one of our school parents regarding OLV School:

Since the day that the decision was made to close the school because of the pandemic, the school (OLV) has been instituting distance learning as though they invented it. They have been delivering their academic lessons, while at the same time also bringing home our faith to our children without missing a beat. Each faculty member (and their families) has been using YouTube to pray decades of the Rosary for our children to participate with. Additionally, my sons’ teachers have been in daily contact with them in one form or another. Even the gym teacher sends work home for them to keep in shape.

… The rapidity with which Mrs. Augello and her incredible team were able completely to change their educational model is just one of the many reasons why my wife and I choose to send our sons to Our Lady of Victory School. …our sons didn’t miss a moment with their teachers. All of our uncertainty was removed in short order. Our Lady of Victory School made the transition to distance/ technology-based learning seamless for us.

… And maybe most important, my
sons miss going to school. That is the best testament to how great Our Lady of Victory School is.”

Thank you all for continuing to support our Parish and School!

Praised be the name of Jesus Christ now and forever!

Fr. Tom