Lent is a time for a 'tune-up' of the soul. This 40 day season is a period of formation with one goal: to help us to discover those parts of our spiritual life which need to be rebuilt in order to rise again at Easter. Lent offers many opportunities to walk with Jesus, including its emphasis on the three traditional practices of prayer, fasting and almsgiving.  Here is a summary of some of the events which are offered during this sacred and invigorating season here at Maria Regina. Please join us!
The Stations of the Cross- This year a different ministry of the parish will lead us in each of the Fridays of Lent for the traditional prayer of the Stations of the Cross.  Stations are celebrated in the Church on Fridays at 7:30 PM. Check here each week to see the schedule for the following Friday.                                                               March 6  "The Stations of the Cross for Our Times"  Presented by Lectors and Eucharistic Ministers
The Third Annual MR Soup Supper- This annual event has become very popular at MR.  We gather on Tuesday, March 3 at 6:30 PM for a meal of simple soup, bread and water.  We pray together and have the opporunity to support a charity in our Almsgiving for Lent.  Reservations are needed for this event.  Please call the Rectory at 798-2415 to reserve your place.
The Parish Fast- The week of March 2 - March 6 is set aside for our annual Fast.  This is a time when the parish joins in solidarity with one another to offer our fast for the needs of the Church, the World and our Personal Intentions.
No Greater Love- Join us on Sunday, March 15 at 7:00 PM in the Church for this very special presentation of the Lord's Passion told though Music, Drama and Dance.  This evening is presented by the Xavier Company, a group of professional artists from New York City.  A free will offering will be taken after the presentation to thank the Xavier Company for this gift.
The Maria Regina Chapel in Mexico/Stations of the Cross- The Maria Regina Chapel in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico will be dedicated on March 6. The renovation of this chapel was made possible by the donations of MR Parish during Lent of 2014.  We will enjoy a slide presentation of the new chapel and the Station of the Cross on Good Friday evening, April 3, 2015 at 8:00 PM in the Church.  The beautiful faces of the children tell the story: thank you, Maria Regina. 

You can also walk with Jesus this Lent by preparing to renew your baptismal promises, attending daily Mass (7:00 AM & 9:00 AM), celebrating the Sacrament of Reconciliation and personal reading of the Scriptures or a Spiritul book to lift up your soul.

A Prayer for Each Day of Lent
To you I sacrifice, O Lord,
that you may help me to see whatever keeps me from you.
Cleanse me, renew me.  Through Christ, our Lord.

Followers of Jesus walk in his footsteps.  This means they try to do and say the things Jesus taught them.  During Lent, we follow in the footsteps of Jesus by showing our love for God and each other as we prepare for the wonderful celebration of Easter. Here are some special events for our kids:
CLOWD- The Children's Liturgy of the Word is a special time when our children at the 10:30 AM Sunday Mass are brought to St. Michael's Room for the holy Word of God in their own language and with a special children's homily. Join us on March 1, 8 and 15 for this great opportunity! 
Family Life Breakfast- The entire family is invited to breakfast! We will come together on Sunday, March 22 in the Auditorium following the 10:30 AM Mass.  Come hungry- we have lots of food!
Good Friday Outdoor Stations- On Good Friday, April 3 at 12:00, we celebrate the Stations of the Cross for Children and Families. This popular event each year takes us on a walk around the Parish for the Stations.  We begin and end in the Church.
Easter Day Family Mass- When the celebration of Easter finally arrives on Sunday, April 5, and we say goodbye to Lent for another year, join us for the Family Mass at 10:30 AM in the Church.
Special Family Life Breakfast & Easter Egg Hunt- The week after Easter Sunday, keep the excitement of the Easter Season alive as we invite our children and families to our annual Family Life Breakfast and an Easter Egg Hunt.  Join us on April 12 for 10:30 Mass followed by all the fun in the School Auditorium. 

Maria Regina School has opened for our 53rd year of fine Catholic Education. Our school is overflowing with excited young children.  Because of high demand, we now offer 3 classes of Nursery and 4 of Pre-K with over 100 children in the Early Childhood Programs as well as classes from Kindergarten to the 8th Grade. We are proud to announce a new and energetic principal for Maria Regina: Mrs. Leona Arpino.  Mrs. Arpino comes to us after having completed 8 years as Principal of St. Joseph's Catholic School in Ronkonkoma. She brings a great love for our children and for Catholic Education on Long Island. We welcome 4 new teachers as well: Miss Stephanie LaTorre (Pre-K), Miss Elizabeth Tantillo (2nd Grade), Mrs. Stephanie Hahn (4th Grade), and Mrs. Margaret Rainone (Music). Our Music, Phys Ed and Support Programs have all been expanded and we continue to move forward as a S.T.E.A.M. School through a new program called 'Horizons', which will enable our children to choose to participate in hands-on learning, creating and exploring in the areas of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics.  New changes.... new beginnings....great future!  Maria Regina School!  Call today for a tour or for more information.

 

MARIA REGINA SCHOOL - THE ONLY L.I. ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
WITH A FULL-TIME, DEDICATED RELIGION TEACHER!  
When you think of Catholic Education, you think of discipline, outstanding academics, a family-centered atmosphere and, of course, the Catholic faith taught and lived.  Here at MR we want to send forth students who have been formed with deep consciences, morals and a working knowledge of their faith which will asssist them to move into the High School and College Years, ready to serve the world one day. This can only be accomplished through a consistent and challenging spiritual awareness that stems from a teacher who is not afraid to confront the issues of the world and place them in the context of the Gospel of Christ, our Lord. We now have such a person in Mrs. Barbara Haase.  Mrs. Haase will work with the mid and upper grades in their Religious Studies.  She will touch hearts, share faith, catechize and exemplify service.  Let us pray for Mrs. Haase and the young people she will work with each day- that the Holy Spirit may continue to breathe through the hallways of MR and each person therein!