The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph

Parishlife

THE HOLY FAMILY OF JESUS, MARY, AND JOSEPH

12/31/2023

Parish News (pg 9) 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, December 30, Vigil 5:30 PM - Christian and Helen Van Leuwen Sunday, December 31, The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph 8:00 AM - William and Mary Mitchell 10:00 AM - Gisele Barreau DePerry 12:00 PM - All Parishioners 5:00 PM - Vigil for the Feast Day Monday, January 1, The Octave Day within the Nativity of the Lord Solenmnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God 12:00 PM - Special Intentions and Thanksgiving Tuesday, January 2, St. Basil the Great and Gregory Nazianzen 12:00 PM - Mark Rindler (Living) Wednesday, January 3, Weekday 12:00 PM - Thanksgiving

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

Thursday, January 4, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton 12:00 PM - Martha O’Mara

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

Friday, January 5, St. John Neumann 12:00 PM - Claudia DeMartino

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

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Saturday, January 6, Vigil 12:00 PM - Purgatorial Society

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.

Prayers for the Sick:

Marylin Atkinson Danielle Boros Judith Farber Marcelle Ferrier Rosemary Keating Maureen Lynch Michelle Netus Mary O’Connor Lynch Neil O’Carroll Harry Rabonwitz Jerry Schwegman Jose Vasquez and all victims of military activities

Weekly Readings & Observances Readings for the week of December 31, 2023 Sunday:

Sir 3:2-6, 12-14 or Gn 15:1-6; 21:1-3/Ps 128:1-2, 3, 4-5 or Ps 105:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 8-9/Col 3:12-21 or 3:12-17 or Heb 11:8, 11-12, 17-19/ Lk 2:22-40 or 2:22, 39-40 Monday: Nm 6:22-27/Ps 67:2-3, 5, 6, 8 (2a)/Gal 4:4-7/Lk 2:16-21 Tuesday: 1 Jn 2:22-28/Ps 98:1, 2-3ab, 3cd-4/Jn 1:19-28 Wednesday: 1 Jn 2:29—3:6/Ps 98:1, 3cd-4, 5-6/Jn 1:29-34 Thursday: 1 Jn 3:7-10/Ps 98:1, 7-8, 9/Jn 1:35-42 Friday: 1 Jn 3:11-21/Ps 100:1b-2, 3, 4, 5/Jn 1:4351 Saturday: 1 Jn 5:5-13/Ps 147:12-13, 14-15, 19-20/ Mk 1:7-11 or Lk 3:23-38 or 3:23, 31-34, 36, 38 Next 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 Observances for the week of December 31, 2023 Sunday: Monday:

The Holy Family; New Year’s Eve Mary, The Holy Mother of God, New Year’s Day, World Day of Peace Tuesday: Sts. Basil the Great and Gregory Nazianzen, Bishops and Doctors of the Church Wednesday: The Most Holy Name of Jesus Thursday: St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, Religious Friday: St. John Neumann, Bishop Saturday: St. André Bessette, Religious Next Sunday: The Epiphany of the Lord ©LPi

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

408 EAST 82ND STREET, NEW YORK, NY 10028 |

January 1st is World Day of Peace We pray with Pope Francis: Lord God of peace, hear our prayer!

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.

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:

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

We have tried so many times and over so many years to resolve our conflicts by our own powers and by the force of our arms. How many moments of hostility and darkness have we experienced; how much blood has been shed; how many lives have been shattered; how many hopes have been buried… But our efforts have been in vain.

Now, Lord, come to our aid! Grant us peace, teach us peace; guide our steps in the way of peace. Open our eyes and our hearts, and give us the courage to say: "Never again war!"; "With war everything is lost". Instill in our hearts the courage to take concrete steps to achieve peace.

Lord, God of Abraham, God of the Prophets, God of Love, you created us and you call us to live as brothers and sisters. Give us the strength daily to be instruments of peace; enable us to see everyone who crosses our path as our brother or sister. Make us sensitive to the plea of our citizens who entreat us to turn our weapons of war into implements of peace, our trepidation into confident trust, and our quarreling into forgiveness.

Keep alive within us the flame of hope, so that with patience and perseverance we may opt for dialogue and reconciliation. In this way may peace triumph at last, and may the words "division", "hatred" and "war" be banished from the heart of every man and woman. Lord, defuse the violence of our tongues and our hands. Renew our hearts and minds, so that the word which always brings us together will be "brother", and our way of life will always be that of: Shalom, Peace, Salaam! Amen.

Bereavement Ministry will resume on January 10, 2024!

WHEN: Wednesdays from 6:30 - 8:00 PM WHERE: The Parish Center (406 E. 80th St.) WHO: All those grieving the loss of a loved one: both new and returning participants are welcome, regardless of faith!

WHAT: Sessions include prayer and reflection, as well as discussion and sharing

Questions? Contact mtyrer@stelmo79.org for more information.

Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph K-8 Religious Education and Sacramental Preparation: • Children’s Liturgy of the Word during the 10am Mass on Sundays

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o There is no session on December 31, but 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 December 31 or 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!

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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.

The Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God Throughout history, there have been many movements to establish a feast honoring Mary as the Mother of God and Mother of the Church. However, this solemnity only became an official one in the 20th century.

On February 2, 1974, Pope Paul VI encouraged the restoration of the Solemnity of Mary, the holy Mother of God, in his apostolic exhortation Marialis Cultus: “In the revised ordering of the Christmas period it seems to us that the attention of all should be directed towards the restored Solemnity of Mary the holy Mother of God. This celebration, placed on January 1 in conformity with the ancient indication of the liturgy of the City of Rome, is meant to commemorate the part played by Mary in this mystery of salvation.”

Normally this solemnity is a Holy Day of Obligation. However, when it falls on a Monday, the obligation is waived. All of the Masses on Sunday, December 31, will celebrate the Feast of the Holy Family. The 12noon Mass on January 1 will celebrate the Solemnity of Mary, the Mother of God.

The Church and Other Faiths Kristopher W. Seaman “Humanity forms but one community” (Nostra Aetate, 1) That sentence indicates the respectful attitude the bishops of the Second Vatican Council advocate toward people of other faiths.

In Nostra Aetate (Declaration on the Relation of the Church to Non-Christian Religions), the Council noted the unity of all persons. “All stem from the one stock which God created . . . and . . . all share a common destiny, namely God” (1).

The document, promulgated on October 28, 1965, states that members of non-Christian religions have an awareness of a hidden power that results in a way of life “imbued with a deep religious sense.” Continuing, the bishops teaching is powerful: “The Catholic Church rejects nothing of what is true and holy in these religions. It has a high regard for the manner of life and conduct, the precepts and doctrines, which . . . reflect a ray of truth which enlightens all men and women” (2).

The Church sees the value and virtue of the truth in other religions, and the Church does not gloss over differences. Nostra Aetate states that the Church “is duty bound to proclaim without fail, Christ” (2).

Nostra Aetate mentions Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, and Judaism, but it concentrates on the latter two faiths. It is careful to show the connection of Christianity to Judaism: “Nor can it [the Church] forget that it draws nourishment from the good olive onto which the wild olive branches of the Gentiles have been grafted” (4). In some respects, God nourishes both Jews and Gentiles who grow and bear fruit as they live according to God’s plan for each religion. Nostra Aetate then states that even though Jews did not accept the Gospel, they “remain very dear to God” and God still keeps the covenant with Jewish people, “because God does not take back the gifts he bestowed” to them (4).

Holding up the dignity of people of other faiths, the Church delcares that it “deplores all hatreds, persecutions, displays of anti-semitisim levelled at any time or from any source against the Jews” (4).

The document encourages dialogue. This can be through faith formation, conversations, perhaps even col laborat ion between a parish and a synagogue in understanding one another’s faith and practices.

This same mutual understanding is encouraged in the relationship between the Catholic Church and Islam. Today, especially, this seems like a prophetic document. The document mentions twice the “high esteem” the Church has for Islam. Despite differences of theology, the Council urges that together, Muslims and Catholics “promote peace, liberty, social justice and moral values” (3).

Other religions also promote peace, a life lived before a supreme presence, and a way to live ethically in a world of suffering. The final words of Nostra Aetate speak beautifully of true Christian discipleship and the need for better understanding of other world religions, especially during our time: “We cannot truly pray to the Father of all if we treat any people as other than sisters and brothers, for all are created in God’s image. People’s relation to God the Father and their relation to other women and men are so dependent on each other that the Scripture says ‘they who do not love, do not know God’ (1 Jn 4:8). . . .

“Therefore, the church reproves, as foreign to the mind of Christ, any discrimination against people or any harassment of them on the basis of their race, color, condition in life or religion” (5).

Kristopher W. Seaman, DMIN, is a PHD student at King’s College, University of London. He is the former director of the Office of Worship for the Diocese of Gary. He earned an MA in liturgical studies from Saint John’s University (Collegeville), an MA in systematic theology from Catholic Theological Union (CTU), Chicago, and a DMIN from CTU.

© 2013 Archdiocese of Chicago: Liturgy Training Publications, 3949 South Racine Avenue, Chicago, IL 60609; 1-800-933-1800; www.LTP.org. Pastoral Liturgy® magazine, September/October 2013, www.PastoralLiturgy.org. Photo by Karen Callaway.

This page may be reproduced for personal or parish use. The copyright notice must appear with the text. It also may be downloaded at www.PastoralLiturgy.org.

DEC

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New Year’s Eve:

JAN

Solemnity of Mary, the Mother of God:

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To sing is to pray twice... jzupan@stelmo79.org

Thank you to our 2023 flower donors.

These donations were made in honor of: 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 Michael Walsh and Family

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 Joesef Tomhatsch

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 Tom Stancito

Looking ahead to January 7, 2024: The Epiphany of the Lord 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.

MATTHEW 2:1-12

When Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, in the days of King Herod, behold, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star at its rising and have come to do him homage.” When King Herod heard this, he was greatly troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. Assembling all the chief priests and the scribes of the people, He inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. They said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it has been written through the prophet: And you, Bethlehem, land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; since from you shall come a ruler, who is to shepherd my people Israel.” Then Herod called the magi secretly and ascertained from them the time of the star’s appearance. He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search diligently for the child. When you have found him, bring me word, that I too may go and do him homage.” After their audience with the king they set out. And behold, the star that they had seen at its rising preceded them, until it came and stopped over the place where the child was. They were overjoyed at seeing the star, and on entering the house they saw the child with Mary his mother. They prostrated themselves and did him homage. Then they opened their treasures and offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed for their country by another way.

Monday, January 1 Which words or phrases caught your attention? Which comforted or challenged you?

Tuesday, January 2 The magi (wise persons) came from afar to pay homage to Jesus. Take some time this week to simply wonder at the miracle of Christmas, and to pay homage to Jesus.

Wednesday, January 3 The star and the prophecies led the magi to Jesus. Have you ever led someone to Jesus? What opportunities might present themselves to you to share this gift with others?

Thursday, January 4 This story tells of the “epiphany” or “manifestation” of Jesus to all the world. How has Jesus been made manifest to you? How have you discovered Jesus in your life?

Friday, January 5 The magi presented gifts to Jesus that symbolized his majesty, his divinity, and his humanity.

What meaning have you found in your own gift giving this year, or in the gifts you have received?

Saturday, January 6 The magi were warned in a dream to change their plans, not to return to Herod, but to go home by another way. How might you discern God’s will for you in this new year?

DECEMBER 31, 2023 Christmas Thanks Christmas has come and gone. What a whirlwind. I do not know about you, but somehow for me everything since - it seems August! - has raced by. Many people have expressed similar feelings about their own lives, so I know we are not alone here. Nevertheless, this year has been unique. The first real COVID free year since 2020, we had so much going on, and especially this fall, with all the activity on the parish side: visitors from Germany, our parish feast day and international food festival, ministry month, Theology Thursdays, the Thanksgiving Dinner over at St. Stephens, Carols Cookies and Cocoa – and on the school side with its full schedule of events PLUS the Presidential Blue Ribbon Award, it has been a very packed year.

We now stand on the threshold of a new year. Sunday evening following the mass, we will have our annual champagne and cheese social, where we’ll raise a glass to an outgoing year, filled with war and terrorism abroad and political unrest and dysfunction at home. But we will also raise a glass to the incoming new year, and with it the hope that the darkness will lessen, peace will take the place of war and somehow, our nation will begin to mend its divisions and heal. A new year always presents the possibility of growth, hope, and renewal. On behalf of everyone who works and serves here in the parish and school of St. Monica, St. Elizabeth of Hungary, St. Stephen of Hungary, I wish you all the happiest of New Years. In a world and a church which seems to be changing all around us, our parish survives and our school is strong and growing. That is due to God, of course, but also due to you. Or perhaps better put: God working through us all. Thank you.

Every year I get questions from people about the feast we are celebrating this weekend: the Feast of the Epiphany. Epiphany is celebrated in most of the world on January 6th, twelve days after Christmas. In fact, this is the origin of the song, “The 12 Days of Christmas” (“on the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me…”). In the old Church calendar, these twelve days constituted the season of Christmas.

However, when the Church revised its calendar in the 1960s, it made allowance for certain feasts to be permanently transferred from their actual days to the nearest Sunday. This is what we do with Epiphany in America. The problem is that now the date of the feast moves. It can be as early as January 2nd, and as late as January 11th! For those who are traditionally minded, this is confusing. What happened to the twelve days of Christmas?

Most cultures for which the Epiphany is important will continue to celebrate it on the 6th. Even here in the US, Latinos might celebrate the Epiphany in church on a Sunday, but all the other celebrations—the processions, the gift giving and the stories surrounding the Three Kings—will continue to take place on the traditional date.

Next week will be the Feast of the Epiphany for US Catholics. We do not consider the season of Christmas to be over until the following weekend, the feast of the Baptism of the Lord. That is why the Christmas decorations stay up and Christmas Carols continue to be sung, long after the world has moved on!

Happy New Year!