The Epiphany of the Lord

Parishlife THE EPIPHANY OF THE LORD

1/07/2024

Five Minute Jesus (pg 10) Just a Word (pg 11)

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Mission Statement

The Roman Catholic Parish of St. Monica, St. Elizabeth of Hungary, St. Stephen of Hungary opens its doors to embrace all in our community.

We strive through worship, hospitality, and service to receive those seeking a spiritual home.

In the midst of diversity of thought, lifestyle, nationality, economic status, and age, we endeavor to live as a community of faith. We invite you to join our family: a family seeking to know and love Jesus Christ!

Parish Staff

Pastor: Rev. Donald C. Baker .................... frdcab@stelmo79.org Parish Manager: Jennifer DeSpirito................jdespirito@stelmo79.org Sacristan: Pedro Pizarro..........................ppizarro@stelmo79.org Administrative Assistant: Gladys Tejada........gtejada@stelmo79.org Pastoral Associate: Taryn Tonelli.............ttonelli@stelmo79.org Pastoral Associate: Maryann Tyrer..........mtyrer@stelmo79.org Plant Manager: Guillermo Vanegas...gvanegas@stelmo79.org Music Director: John Zupan.....................jzupan@stelmo79.org

Mass Intentions

Saturday, January 6, Vigil 5:30 PM - Emil DeSpirito Sunday, January 7, The Epiphany of the Lord 8:00 AM - Peter Paul Sammut 10:00 AM - Frank Ryga 12:00 PM - All Parishioners 5:00 PM - Patrick Fazio Monday, January 8, Weekday The Baptism of the Lord 12:00 PM - Bernice Blain Tuesday, January 9, Weekday 12:00 PM - Walter and Mary Ferber Wednesday, January 10, Weekday 12:00 PM - Thanksgiving Thursday, January 11, Weekday 12:00 PM - Francisco Enaguas and JP Cassis

Weekend Associate: ...........................Rev. Anthony Ciorra, IVD Weekend Associate: ..................................Rev. Edward Beck, CP

Friday, January 12, Weekday 12:00 PM - Peter Serrada

Wedding Coordinator: Debbi Burdett....dbweddingsnyc@gmail.com

Saturday, January 13, Vigil 12:00 PM - Eithne and Vyonne, Griffin and Hogan Families (Living and Deceased)

Mass Schedule

Daily Mass: Mon - Sat, 12:00 PM Saturday Vigil: 5:30 PM Sunday: 8 AM, 10 AM, 12 PM, 5:00 PM Confessions: Saturdays at 5:00 PM* (*or by appointment)

Contact

Church Address: 413 East 79th Street, New York, NY 10075 Parish Center: 406 East 80th Street, New York NY 10075 Tel: 212-288-6250 Fax: 212-570-1562 Email: info@stelmo79.org Parish Office Hours Monday & Wednesday..............................9 AM - 4 PM Tuesday & Thursday ................................. 9 AM - 7 PM Friday ......................................................... Closed Saturday ................................................10 AM - 2 PM Sunday ....................................................... Closed Closed for Lunch Weekdays from 1 - 2 PM

stelmo79.org

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@STELMO79

Prayers for the Sick: Marylin Atkinson Danielle Boros Judith Farber Marcelle Ferrier Rosemary Keating Anne Lesch Maureen Lynch

Michelle Netus Mary O’Connor Lynch Neil O’Carroll Harry Rabonwitz Michael Reilly Jerry Schwegman Jose Vasquez

and all victims of military activities

Prayers for the Deceased: Edith Costello Hildelberto Sanchez Jurarez Rev. Frederick J. Kempfirl George (Mike) Roberts and all victims of the Middle East

Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament Every Friday after the 12:00 PM Mass until 3:00 PM in the church and live online Devotions Miraculous Medal on Mondays after Mass in the church and live online Divine Mercy Every Friday at 3:00 PM in the church and live online Vespers (Evening Prayer) Every Friday at 5:10 PM in the chapel and live online Sacrament of Reconciliation Saturdays at 5:00 PM or by appointment Anointing of the Sick Every third Saturday of the month after the 12:00 PM Mass Baptisms & Marriages Please call the rectory office for more information.

Communion for the Homebound: If you know of anyone who cannot attend church because of illness/age and would like to have communion brought to them, please contact the parish office for arrangements.

Baptism Announcement On January 7th at 1:30 PM, we will be baptizing:

Mila Janina Marchio Please join us in congratulating

Alan Marchio & Michelle T. Makowski on their child’s new life in Christ

Baptism Services are open to all members of the parish to welcome our newest members!

Weekly Readings & Observances Readings for the week of January 7, 2024

Sunday:

Is 60:1-6/Ps 72:1-2, 7-8, 10-11, 12-13 (see 11)/Eph 3:2-3a, 5-6/Mt 2:1-12 Monday: Is 55:1-11/Is 12:2-3, 4bcd, 5-6 (3)/1 Jn 5:1-9/Mk 1:7-11 Tuesday: 1 Sm 1:9-20/1 Sm 2:1, 4-5, 6-7, 8abcd/Mk 1:21-28 Wednesday: 1 Sm 3:1-10, 19-20/Ps 40:2 and 5, 7-8a, 8b-9, 10/Mk 1:29-39 Thursday: 1 Sm 4:1-11/Ps 44:10-11, 14-15, 24-25/Mk 1:40-45 Friday: 1 Sm 8:4-7, 10-22a/Ps 89:16-17, 18-19/Mk 2:1-12 Saturday: 1 Sm 9:1-4, 17-19; 10:1a/Ps 21:2-3, 4-5, 6-7/Mk 2:13-17 Next Sunday: 1 Sm 3:3b-10, 19/Ps 40:2, 4 7-8, 8-9, 10 (8a, 9a)/1 Cor 6:13c-15a, 17-20/ Jn 1:35-42 Observances for the week of January 7, 2024 Sunday:

The Epiphany of the Lord

Monday: Tuesday: Wednesday: Thursday: Friday: Saturday:

The Baptism of the Lord

St. Hilary, Bishop and Doctor of the Church; BVM Next Sunday: 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time ©LPi

Est. 1928

JOIN US OPEN HOUSE FRIDAY, JANUARY 19 AT 8:30 AM email Judy Dickson, Director of Admissions,

at jdickson@saintstephenschool.org 408 EAST 82ND STREET, NEW YORK, NY 10028

(212) 288 - 1989 | www.saintstephenschool.org

CHALK AND BLESS YOUR HOME FOR EPIPHANY

January 11, 18, 25, and February 1, 2024 6:30 - 8:30 PM, Parish Center: Life in Christ: Foundations of Catholic Morality Join us for this four-part course, taught by Maryann Tyrer. Learn how the Church’s moral teaching developed out of the ten commandments and beatitudes and how it guides us in both responsible decision making and the development of our consciences.

This Epiphany tradition is a way of blessing all who enter, exit, and dwell in your home or church. You simply write the number of the new year and the letters C, M, and B in chalk on the door or doorframe. The letters stand for the three traditional names of the Magi in Matthew 2: Caspar, Melchior, and Balthasar. The letters can also be a Latin acronym for “May Christ bless this dwelling.”

CHALKING THE DOORS LITURGY FOR HOMES (2024)

Catechist Formation courses for the Archdiocese of New York are open to all as part of the Theology Thursday lineup. Please register with the Archdiocese by scanning the QR code below:

Leader: Peace be to this home, and to all who enter here.

Amen.

(Please note, you’ll need to create an account with a valid email address to register!)

May all who come to our home this year rejoice to find Christ living among us; and may we seek and serve, in everyone we meet, that same Jesus who is your incarnate Word, now and forever. Amen.

One or more of the following prayers may be said:

God of heaven and earth, you revealed your only-begotten One to every nation by the guidance of a star. Bless this home and all who inhabit it. Fill us with the light of Christ, that our concern for others may reflect your love. We ask this through Christ our Savior. Amen.

Loving God, bless this household. May we be blessed with health, goodness of heart, gentleness, and abiding in your will. We ask this through Christ our Savior. Amen.

Finding Comfort in Your Grief Bereavement Ministry will resume meeting on January 10 from 6:30 - 8 PM in the parish center for six consecutive weeks. All grieving the loss of a loved one are welcome regardless of faith. Those who have participated in this program in the past are welcome, as well as those joining us for the first time. Sessions include prayer and reflection, as well as discussion and sharing. Contact Maryann Tyrer at mtyrer@stelmo79.org for more information.

All may take turns chalking the door:

20 + C + M + B + 24 The three Wise Men, Caspar [C], Melchior [M], and Balthasar [B], followed the star to Bethlehem and the child Jesus 2000 [20] and 24 [24] years ago. [+ +] May Christ bless our home [+ +], and remain with us throughout the new year. Amen.

All say the Lord’s Prayer From buildfaith.org/chalking-the-door/; prayers by Bosco Peters

Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord K-8 Religious Education and Sacramental Preparation: • Children’s Liturgy of the Word during the 10am Mass on Sundays

• •

o We resume on January 7. o Volunteers are needed to train as leaders and assistants. Contact Maryann at mtyrer@stelmo79.org if you are interested.

No K-8 Religious Education sessions on January 7, but we resume on January 14.

FAMILY FAITH FORMATION – Saturday, January 6, 3 - 5 PM in the Parish Center. Families of K-8th graders are invited to celebrate Epiphany! We’ll have stories and discussions, crafts and activities, and of course, snacks. At least one parent/guardian must attend with each child, but the whole family is invited to participate and learn more about your faith at this fun afternoon. No Religious Education sessions on Sunday, January 7.

Adult Sacraments of Initiation (RCIA): •

Have you ever thought about becoming Catholic? Or are you a baptized Catholic who has not yet celebrated First Communion or Confirmation? You, and your questions, are warmly welcomed!

Come and share the journey with others. Please contact Maryann Tyrer at mtyrer@stelmo79.org to discuss our adult initiation process (commonly known as the RCIA). Join the process at any time in the year.

Adult Faith Formation Opportunities: •

Join us for Adult Faith Formation every Sunday following the noon Mass. Come to the Parish Center (406 East 80th Street) for refreshments and a facilitated discussion of the Sunday Scriptures.

We end at 3pm. All adults are welcome!

•

Our “Group of Guys” Men’s Faith Sharing Group meets every Tuesday at 12:00 PM in the Parish Center, and all men are welcome to join.

Theology Thursday resumes on Thursday, January 11 at 6:30 PM with the first of a four week series on Catholic Morality.

•

Feast of the Baptism of the Lord "The origin and foundation of Christian Baptism is Jesus. Before starting his public ministry, Jesus submitted himself to the baptism given by John the Baptist. The waters did not purify him; he cleansed the waters. . . Jesus did not need to be baptized because he was totally faithful to the will of his Father and free from sin. However, he wanted to show his solidarity with human beings in order to reconcile them to the Father. By commanding his disciples to baptize all nations, he established the means by which people would die to sin. In Baptism, the Holy Spirit moves us to answer Christ's call to holiness. In Baptism, we are asked to walk by the light of Christ and to trust in his wisdom. We are invited to submit our hearts to Christ with ever deeper love." —United States Catholic Catechism for Adults, pp. 184-185 Ask anyone, and they can tell you their birthday. Ask someone their baptism day, and few will be able to tell you the date. Look up your baptism day. Ask your parents to tell you about that day, or see if you can find a photo or memento of that occasion. Ask yourself what difference your baptism makes in your life, and how you live your life differently as a member of the Body of Christ.

How Does Baptism Change Us? Kristopher W. Seaman During the Litany of the Saints at the Easter Vigil, the bishop invited Jenifer and her family to come to the font. This mother and her children had been awaiting Baptism for nearly two years. Jennifer decided she would go first, to show the children (ages eight to fifteen) how she would enter the waters into which they would follow. After the Blessing of the Water, the bishop helped her into the large, deep baptismal font. He then stepped in himself. All of a sudden, the smallest child ran to the bishop, waving his finger and exclaiming, “Do not drown my mom!”

The bishop was quite surprised. He reassured this child that he would not drown the mother. Then, turning to the assembly, the bishop said, “Did everyone hear that? He gets what Baptism is about—death, but also, we need to add, new life.” Then, the mother was baptized, followed by her children, and, of course, the most eager to be baptized, the young boy.

This story illustrates the power of sacramental symbols to evoke meaning at a deeply human or cosmic level. The child’s experience of water meant that he knew the destructive quality of water—it can unleash floods or quench one’s breath in drowning. But there is another side to water—it sustains life. The human body needs water to stay alive, specifically for the continual activity of the cells within the human body. The production of food requires water. Life at its fundamental is dependent on water. Baptism changes us to see the human and the cosmic as imbued with life-giving and death-wielding power.

DYING AND RISING

But there is also a theological significance to water. The theological meaning is tied to death and life, but particularly to the life, Death, and Resurrection of Christ Jesus. His life, Death, and Resurrection give meaning to Baptism. The baptized enter cosmically and bodily into the very life, Death, and Resurrection of Christ. The blessed water ritually cleanses the person, provides access to Christ’s renewed life, and gives entrance into the Body of Christ, the Church. From the waters of Baptism, one receives the Holy Spirit, is washed clean from sin, and is renewed in the life and mission of Christ, a life and mission the Church promises to serve. Baptism changes us in such a way we are given a new mission, a new calling, and a new body because of the work of Christ’s Spirit in the font.

The anointing that may go along with the Baptism is also tied to Christ’s life, which is given in Baptism.

Baptism immerses us in Christ’s person and mission.

St. Augustine remarked that the anointing with the Cross, a symbol of Christ’s Death and life, is tied to the person and mission of Christ. (The word Christ is Greek for anointed one.)

To be anointed, therefore, is to be marked a Christian, a person dedicated and joined to the person and mission of Christ.

These baptismal waters are sometimes referred to as waters of regeneration. The waters not only drown our old selves but regenerate, or recreate, us into disciples of Christ. If Baptism immerses us into Christ’s person and mission, the rest of life is potentially a response to that baptismal call. Each day we are to discern how we might live as Christ. Baptism changes not only how we see the world but how we live according to Christ’s mission.

Text by Kristopher W. Seaman, dmin. Art by Steve Erspamer. © 2017 Archdiocese of Chicago: Liturgy Training Publications, 3949 South Racine Avenue, Chicago, IL 60609; 800-933-1800; www.LTP.org. Pastoral Liturgy® magazine, May/June 2017, www.PastoralLiturgy.org.

This page may be reproduced for personal or parish use. The copyright notice must appear with the text.

It also may be downloaded at http://www.pastoralliturgy.org/resources/HowDoesBaptismChangeUs.pdf.

n ou to ou e e don tion e e Lynn Lemay Laura Ferran Mr. & Mrs. Albert Blain Mr. & Mrs. Vanes Bellevue Mr. & Mrs. Oge Blain and Family Berenice Blain Lucie Blain Pauline Blaine John Flack Sr. John R. Flack Thomas P. Clarke Philip J. Curtin Michael Marciano Grace Marcianio Anthony Marciano Judy Ryan Patrick Ryan Fred C. Scheffold Claude & Dorothy Scheffold Joe & Liz DeMama The Keating Family The Minihan Family The McAuvic Family Luciana Silvani Jean & Michael DelVecchio Michael John DelVecchio The O’Connell Family The Egan Family Leilani Molina Healing Annulfo, Maria & Antonio Reyes Caridad, Jose Ramon, Amelia Roque & families Andrew Joseph Elizabeth Kim James and Rose Graham Bumminido Sison

o e dono de in ono o

Marian C. Siesta Agnes & Timothy J. McCrohan The Canning Family The McCrohan Family Rose & William Shinnick Vinny & Jimmy Migliore Ruth Farley Walter Farley Reg Leo Farley Carmin Delia Collazo Diane Lomonaco Alvino, Rosa, Agilbato, Ronaldo Karolczak Omar and Helena Gloria F Jesus Aschoredr Nicholas Cavalconti Frank and Dorothy Merrell Laura Ferran Theresa Vasquez Eric Hemphill Robert Anello Giancinto Sisto Frances Sisto Antionette Felazo Peter Grillo Catherine Grillo James Grillo Nancy Baldaya C & G & M Oloen K & I Macbeth M. Saunders C. Orgilly C. Quigley Most forgotten souls Clilia Sison Menchu Sison Greg Alverez

Denise Ann Sherwood Louis D’Antuono Carolina HuttonGonzalez Vincent Walsh Bridget Walsh All living Walsh Members All deceased McDermott and Walsh members Alonzo Youngbeck Marie Grasso Charles, Salvator, John T. Phil Grasso Domenica and Venerendo Grasso Deceased members of the Grasso family Ed & Eileen Hendrickson Espe Dalcanay Molina Family Mike Ward Clarence and Juliette Lemke Paul Lemke Dolores St. Martin Emil DeSpirito Mary Castelli Bob DeSpirito Pete Plate George and Virginia Emery Kind and caring souls Ted Alverez Reuel Alverez Margaret Guglielmo Ernest Guglielmo

(continued) Joesef Tomhatsch Michael Walsh and Family Tom Stancito William and Mary Mitchell Mary Chamberlin Mary and Stanley Commander Donna and David Nickelson Deceased of the Commander, Commander, Mendelson, Rosa, Cobucci, Chamberlin, Reinhart, Johnson, Wallerstedt, Cohn, Krumholz, Roth and Cohen families Yvette Coehlo-Adam Villaenta Family Mary Reginio Mom, Papa, Sarina, George, Salvatrice, Pietro, Ralph LaRosa and Family

INTERESTED IN

JOIN US FOR A MEETING ON WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 10

ALL ARE WELCOME!

Looking ahead to January 14, 2024: the Second Sunday in Ordinary Time It’s simple. Read the Gospel for next Sunday slowly, reflecting on the story it tells. Consider the questions asked each day. What conversion of heart, mind, and life might the Lord be asking of you at this moment? Reflect on how you might live out God’s Word each day.

JOHN 1: 35-42

The next day John again was standing with two of his disciples, and as he watched Jesus walk by, he exclaimed, "Look, here is the Lamb of God!" The two disciples heard him say this, and they followed Jesus. When Jesus turned and saw them following, he said to them, "What are you looking for?" They said to him, "Rabbi" (which translated means Teacher), "where are you staying?" He said to them, "Come and see." They came and saw where he was staying, and they remained with him that day. It was about four o'clock in the afternoon. One of the two who heard John speak and followed him was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother. He first found his brother Simon and said to him, "We have found the Messiah" (which is translated Anointed). He brought Simon to Jesus, who looked at him and said, "You are Simon son of John. You are to be called Cephas" (which is translated Peter).

Monday, January 8 Which words or phrases caught your attention? Which comforted or challenged you?

Tuesday, January 9 Today’s reading gives a specific time when the two disciples encountered Jesus. It was a moment that changed their lives forever. Can I recall my first encounter with Jesus? When was that?

What effect did it have on my life?

Wednesday, January 10 When Jesus turned around and saw the two disciples, he asked them a very important question.

“What are you looking for?” So many times, we pray to ask God what he wants of us, but here Jesus asks, “What are you looking for?” What am I looking for in my life? What am I looking for from God? Thursday, January 11 What can I learn from the disciples’ quick decision to follow Jesus, and how might it inspire my own commitment to Christ?

Friday, January 12 Reflect on the concept of “Come and see” in Jesus’ invitation. How does it relate to the disciples’ journey of faith? How does it relate to my journey of faith?

Saturday, January 13 How does the concept of “staying with Jesus” shape my understanding of discipleship?

JANUARY 7, 2024 Why are the Trees Sti! up?!?!

Every year someone asks me this question. It is logical, especially in our increasingly secular society. After all, for most people Christmas begins around Thanksgiving; by the time the 25th rolls around, many of us have had enough! Sure, the tree might stay up a few days after Christmas, but on into the new year? It makes no sense.

But actually, it does. In the Church, the Season of Christmas doesn’t end with the celebration on 12/25, but begins there. We all know the song of the “12 Days of Christmas.” Those 12 days were the original length of the season of Christmas, stretching from the 25th of December until January 6th, or the Feast of the Epiphany. Because in most of the world the Feast of the Epiphany is not celebrated on the 6th of January (which might fall on any day of the week) but on the Sunday closest to that date, the Church has chosen to extend the Christmas Season until the following Sunday, upon which we celebrate the related feast: the Baptism of the Lord. That is officially the first day of Ordinary Time, which will stretch until Ash Wednesday and the beginning of Lent and begin again after Pentecost.

So, expect carols, poinsettias, evergreens on the altar, and white vestments on the priests until January 14th . When you think about it, it is actually kind of nice: after the hectic rush of the holiday season, we can breathe, enter into this Holy Season, and reflect on all the different ways the Good News is proclaimed at Christmas: “Christ is Born!”

The crazy thing is that exactly one month after the feast of the Baptism of the Lord, we will celebrate Ash Wednesday! Lent will be upon us with Easter about as early as it possibly can be.

—Father Baker