CONFIRMATION June at Annunciation started with one of the most joyous occasions imaginable for a parish...the CONFIRMATION of twelve young parishioners. Sadly, Bishop Baltakis had declined the parish's invitation to confirm these candidates, so ably prepared by Teacher Dana Raciunas Norvila, with the assistance of Class Coordinator Raimundas Slizys. Through the good offices of our Administrator, Msgr. Calise, Auxiliary Bishop Frank Caggiano was able to find time in his own busy schedule to come to Annunciation June 5 at 3 pm to confirm Gytis "Gabrielius" Kavalauskas, Auste "Sofija" Norvila, Raimonda "Kristina" Rusinas, Rugile "Sofija" Rusinas, Aras "Kazimiras" Sidlauskas, Dainius "Balthazar" Sidlauskas, Marius "Petras" Sidlauskas, Gintaute "Gabriele" Sipavicius, Matas "Jurgis" Slizys, Milda "Liucija" Stanislauskas, and Povilas "Juozas" Stanislauskas. They are now "adults" in the Faith, prepared to offer their lives for our beliefs.. Pray for them and their devoted and l loyal parents, and welcome them as new "parishioners"! Many, many thanks are due to Joe Rudis for getting the church "ready" on short notice, Raimundas and Tracey Slizys, for helping prepare everything from the programs to the flower arrangements, Dr. Algis and Jonukas Lukosevicius, who served at the altar, Paulius and Monika Sabalis, who not only served as English Language readers, but also donated paper goods, helped decorate the Hall, and helped make the sandwiches! ...Pat Sidas for organizing the decorating of the Hall and preparing the reception, and Choir members Romas Kezys, Aukse Edwards, Danute Norvila, Tracey Slizys, Vincent "Skip" Skripkus, Astra Butkus (who sang the AVE, MARIA with all her heart!), Antanas Bublis, and Pat Sidas, who made a joyous noise unto the Lord without rehearsal and with a guest organist, Pawel Raczkowski, at the Mighty Austin...as Annunciation's own organist , Asta Barkauskas, had a prior engagement. Judita Glinskis helped out with the bar, and Walter A. Sidas lent a hand wherever he was needed! Algis Norvila helped in the kitchen when he wasn't photographing the proceedings! Antanas Bublis and Rytas Sidabras, who took their Confirmation instruction with the class but were confirmed in Maspeth, came back to Annunciation with their families to join the joyful party. (Photo: courtesy of Algis Norvila) HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Vytautas Čereška, parish Eucharistic Minister, presents flowers to birthday girls Ona Barauskas and Sofia Butkus at Sunday Kavine. Preparing for Palm Sunday - 2010 Lithuanian Independence Day Celebration 2010 Participants in the Annunciation Parish (Brooklyn) commemoration of the Re Establishment of Lithuanian Independence Sunday, March 7 included Lithuanian Scout Matas Slizys, Parish Usher Kazys Butkus, Linas Chakar-Palubinskas, and Lithuanian Cub Scout Rimas Chakar-Palubinskas. (photo by Dr. Giedre Kumpikaite) Annunciation parishioners commemorated the 20th anniversary of the March 11, 1990 Restoration of Lithuania's Independence with a ceremony of celebration and commemoration after Sunday Mass on March 7. Yellow, green, and red candles were lit by parishioners Bill and Maryte Kumet, representing the pioneering Lithuanians who immigrated to the US in the 19th and early 20th century, Linas and Birute Sidlauskas, representing both the refugee generation (Linas' family) and modern Lithuanian and Lithuanian American families, and Lithuanian Scout Matas Slizys, accompanied by the small children present, representing the future. Mrs. Kumet and Mrs. Sidlauskas are both natives of Lithuania. After the candles were lit, all present arose for a moment of silence for all those who had suffered and died for Lithuanian Independence, and for the singing of the Lithuanian National Anthem. 400th Anniversary of Our Lady of Siluva Celebration, September 21, 2008 The Tablet Newspaper has a wonderful story about the Our Lady of Siluva celebration at Annunciation. Click here to view the article and additional photos. Day of Sorrow and Hope Sunday, June 8, Annunciation Parish and the New York Lithuanian American Community commemorated the anniversary of the Mass deportations from Lithuania during World War II. (Gerimantas Penikas Photos) Annunciation parishioners gather to lay a memorial wreath at the Lithuanian Waycross in front of the Church in honor of those who perished in Siberia for Lithuanian freedom. Annunciation Parishioners Greet Pope Benedict XVI The Lithuanian flag stands ready to greet Pope Benedict XVI at Kennedy Airport April 20. The flag is held by Annunciation parishioners Stasys and Gytis Kavalaiuskas, Astra Vilija Butkute, Angelica Menciunaite Juregliene and Parish Trustee Vida Jankauskiene. (Photo: courtesy of Stasys Kavaliauskas)	Today is