Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Parishlife FEBRUARY 11, 2024

The Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Lenten Guidelines (pg 4)

Celebrating Black History

(pg 5)

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 Weekend Associate: ...........................Rev. Anthony Ciorra, IVD Weekend Associate: ..................................Rev. Edward Beck, CP Wedding Coordinator: Debbi Burdett....dbweddingsnyc@gmail.com

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

Mass Intentions

Saturday, February 10, Vigil 5:30 PM - Theresa Vasquez Sunday, February 11 The Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time 8:00 AM - Aristide Vitolo 10:00 AM -Berenice -Berenice Blain 12:00 PM - All Parishioners 5:00 PM - John J. Downes (Living) Monday, February 12, Weekday 12:00 PM - Orsny Kebreaua Tuesday, February 13, Weekday 12:00 PM - Michelle Netus Wednesday, February 14, Ash Wednesday 7:30 AM - Maureen Kiernan 12:00 PM - Dolores & Michael Kubera 6:00 PM - Anna Bellevue Thursday, February 15, Thursday after Ash Wednesday 12:00 PM - Marjorie Baker Friday, February 16, Friday after Ash Wednesday 12:00 PM - Kevin Mallon Saturday, February 17, Saturday after Ash Wednesday 12:00 PM - Michael McCarthy

PLEASE NOTE: On Ash Wednesday, there are three masses: 7:30 AM, 12PM, and 6PM in the church.

There is also an ash service (non-mass) at 3PM in the church.

Prayers for the Sick: Marylin Atkinson Danielle Boros Judith Farber Marcelle Ferrier Rosemary Keating Anne Lesch Maureen Lynch Mary O’Connor Lynch Neil O’Carroll Besnik P. Desiree Amato Parks Harry Rabonwitz Michael Reilly Jerry Schwegman Jose Vasquez

all those ill and all victims of military activities

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 Deceased:

Concordia Bleza Oliver Dowling Frank Hardart Edward Warren Knowles II Robin Woisten and the victims of the Middle East

Weekly Readings & Observances Readings for the week of February 11, 2024

Sunday: Lv 13:1-2, 44-46/1 Cor 10:31—11:1/Mk 1:40-45 Monday: Jas 1:1-11/Mk 8:11-13 Tuesday: Jas 1:12-18/Mk 8:14-21 Wednesday: Jl 2:12-18/2 Cor 5:20—6:2/Mt 6:1-6, 16-18 Thursday: Dt 30:15-20/Lk 9:22-25 Friday: Is 58:1-9a/Mt 9:14-15 Saturday: Is 58:9b-14/Lk 5:27-32 Next Sunday: Gn 9:8-15/1 Pt 3:18-22/Mk 1:12-15 Observances for the week of February 11, 2024 Sunday: Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time Monday: Tuesday: Wednesday: Ash Wednesday Thursday: Thursday after Ash Wednesday Friday: Friday after Ash Wednesday Saturday: Saturday after Ash Wednesday, The Seven Holy Founders of the Servite Order Next Sunday: First Sunday of Lent

Baptism Announcement

On February 11th at the 12:00 PM mass, we will be baptizing

Ryan Alexander D’Ascoli Please join us in congratulating

Joseph R. D’Ascoli and Mary D. Dardarian on their child’s new life in Christ!

Bread and Wine This week’s bread and wine is in memory of:

Msgr. Ferdinando Berardi offered by Maria Litrenta

Sanctuary Lamp

This week’s sanctuary lamp is in memory of

Msgr. Thomas Modugno offered by Maria Litrenta

How To Meaningfully Observe Lent During the season of Lent, the Church urges the faithful to reflect a spirit of penance in their daily lives through performing acts of fast and abstinence.

Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, February 14 and ends on the evening of Holy Thursday, March 28.

Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are days of fasting and abstinence. This is a serious matter within Church law.

Fasting means only one full meal a day may be taken. Two smaller meals may be eaten to maintain physical strength but together they should not equal another full meal in quantity. Snacking between meals is not permitted. Catholics ages 18-59 are obligated to fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. Those who are not specifically obliged to fast are encouraged to join in the discipline of fasting to the extent that they are able.

Abstinence forbids the eating of meat or poultry. Those who have reached the age of 14 and older are obligated to abstain on Ash Wednesday and all Fridays of Lent. Those who are not specifically obliged to abstain from eating meat are urged to join in the discipline of abstaining to the extent that they are able.

All Fridays of the year are designated as days of penance during which we are encouraged to practice self-denial out of gratitude for the suffering and death Jesus accepted for us.

This year, Ash Wednesday is also the observance of St. Valentine’s Day. It is obvious that as Catholics we must observe most strictly the first day of Lent while perhaps accommodating the commendable Valentine tenderness. We encourage our parishioners to take unusual advantage of Mardi Gras and do the Valentine thing on “St. Valentine’s Eve” which, in any event, is a traditional party day.

Due to the placement of the Solemnity of St. Patrick, the patron of our cathedral and the archdiocese on the Fifth Sunday of Lent, the liturgical observance will be moved to Monday, March 18, even though the annual Fifth Avenue parade, which is not church sponsored, will be held on Saturday, March 16.

On March 25, the Church celebrates the Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord. Since it falls on Monday during Holy Week, its observance is transferred to April 8, Monday of the Second Week of Easter.

The time for fulfilling Easter Duty extends from the First Sunday of Lent [February 18] to Holy Trinity Sunday [May 26].

Please Note:

Each year before the season of Lent, a second collection called “Peter’s Pence” is gathered to help His Holiness reach the most marginalized in the world. Please be as generous as you can.

For more information, visit our website or scan the QR code:

The 2024 theme for Black History Month is

AFRICAN AMERICANS

IN THE ARTS

TONI MORRISON, born Chloe Ardelia Wofford on February 18, 1931, was an acclaimed American novelist, editor, and professor. She gained international recognition for her powerful works that explored the complexities of African American experiences. At the age of twelve, she become Catholic and took the name Anthony, leading to her nickname “Toni.”

Morrison's career took off with the publication of her first novel, "The Bluest Eye," in 1970, followed by other influential works such as "Sula," "Song of Solomon," and "Beloved," which won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1988. Her novels often delved into themes of race, identity, and the impact of history on individuals and communities.

In addition to her successful writing career, Morrison worked as an editor at Random House for many years. Her contributions to literature and the promotion of diverse voices earned her numerous awards and honors, including the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1993, making her the first African American woman to receive the accolade.

Toni Morrison's legacy extends beyond her literary achievements; she became a symbol of resilience, creativity, and a tireless advocate for social justice. Morrison passed away on August 5, 2019, leaving behind a rich body of work that continues to inspire and challenge readers around the world.

6th Sunday in Ordinary Time K-8 Religious Education and Preparation: • Children’s Liturgy of the Word during the 10:00 AM Mass on Sundays o Volunteers are needed — please see below!

• K-8 Religious Education sessions continue at 11:10 AM in the parish center.

• Save the date: If your child is preparing to celebrate First Holy Communion this Spring, the First Communion Family Retreat is on Saturday, March 2 from 2:00 5:00 PM in the church. This is for families in our parish religious education, St. Stephen of Hungary School, and The Caedmon School.

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 3:00 PM. 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.

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Theology Thursday resumes February 22 at 6:30 PM in the parish center with a five part Lenten series

by Fr. Baker – The Week Jesus Died, According to Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. (Please note, there is no Theology Thursday on 2/15.)

Volunteers needed!

Please consider helping with our Children’s Liturgy of the Word program during the 10 AM Mass on Sundays! Currently, we have two volunteers, but are looking for more to sustain this fantastic offering. After Archdiocesan Safe Environment Training, volunteers need only commit to serving once a month. All resources will be provided— just bring your desire to work with our pre-school aged children and willingness to complete to a background check!

Please contact Maryann at mtyrer@stelmo79.org to sign up.

We look forward to having you!

The Power of Lent

T

he day before Ash Wednesday, and in some locales several days prior, people don beads and masks to celebrate with parties, parades, and pageantry.

Called “Carnival” or “Mardi Gras” (French for “Fat Tuesday”), the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday is the climax of the merrymaking. The day has also been known as Shrove Tuesday. The word shrove comes from an old English word that means “to prescribe or impose”—namely a penance.

Shrove Tuesday was celebrated to anticipate the penance and fasting of Lent by emptying out refrigerators and pantries to make pancakes and other delights that would use up foods prior to Lent.

Anyone who has celebrated Carnival or Mardi Gras has likely donned a mask.

Whether it covers just the eyes or the whole face, a mask invites a sense of mystery that can add an extra dose of fun to the festivities.

At first, people who were on the margins wore masks to escape judgment. Masked, they felt free to be whoever they wanted to be. They could go where they wanted and mingle with whomever they wanted, including the upper class.

Carnival is not the only time masks are worn. People regularly wear invisible masks, Lent is a season that empowers Christians to remove their masks and often for the same reason as the early discover who they are. revelers—to avoid the judgment of others, to escape pain, to belong. Lent is a season that empowers Christians to remove their masks and discover who they are. Jesus showed how to do During Lent, we too are called to enter a desert this. During his forty-day sojourn in the desert, Jesus experience, to bare ourselves, and to remove the masks was tempted to put on the masks of superiority, power, that hide who we are. May we, like Jesus, choose instead and control. He chose instead to trust in God. to trust in God and discover in ourselves a reflection of the God who loves us just as we are.

Connecting the Liturgy with Our Lives © 2019 Archdiocese of Chicago: Liturgy Training Publications. 800-933-1800; www.LTP.org. Text by Kathy Kuczka.

Art by James B. Janknegt © LTP.

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Why Do We Use Ashes on Ash Wednesday?

Ashes are placed on our foreheads on Ash Wednesday, in one of the most counter-cultural acts of our faith. It is done for two reasons: a personal act of remembrance and as a sign or a witness for others.

No session on February 15.

February 22, 29, and March 7, 14, and 21

The Week Jesus Died, according to Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John:

During Lent, Fr. Donald Baker will lead an examination of the Passion Narratives in the four gospels. How is each gospel account different from the other three; what do they tell us about the suffering and death of Jesus; what does that mean for us today? Consider joining us for this excellent Lenten experience.

(Parish Center, 6:30 PM)

SAVE THE DATE: Our Annual Parish Retreat Day will be on the morning of Saturday, March 23. All adults are welcome to prepare for Holy Week with this morning of reflection.

The ashes come from the burnt Palms from last year's Passion Sunday celebration, which begins Holy Week. So, these ashes bring us back to our last celebration of the Passion, Death and Resurrection of Jesus for us. On this first day of Lent, we begin a journey of renewal - from death to life. This is a joyful season. We will make sacrifices, in order to try to let God reform our desiring, but this is a time for God to be generous to us.

When the ashes are placed on our foreheads, the minister says one of two formulas to help us remember who we are and the mission to which we are sent: "Remember, man/woman, you are dust and to dust you will return."

"Turn away from sin and be faithful to the Gospel."

We are reminded that we are creatures and that our lives were given to us. But, we are also reminded that our lasting home is in eternity, with God. This is not our lasting home.

We are reminded that our call is to turn away from sin and to believe the Good News of our salvation in Jesus. This is a joyful reminder. It challenges us, for sure, but reminds us of why we want to turn from sin.

Finally, we wear our ashes as a sign. It is not a boastful sign through which I say, "Look at me and see how holy I am." No, it is much more like, "I'm willing to wear this sign in the world and say that I've been reminded of where I come from and where I am going. And, I've heard the call to turn away from a life of sin and to give my life to living the Gospel of Jesus." And, occasionally, in this world which is too often caught up in the denial of death, I might be required to answer the question, "What's with the smudge on your forehead?"

Yet even now, says the LORD, return to me with your whole heart, with fasting, and weeping, and mourning; Rend your hearts, not your garments, and return to the LORD, your God. For gracious and merciful is he, slow to anger, rich in kindness, and relenting in punishment.

- Joel 2:12-13

Ash Wednesday is February 14!

Bereavement Ministry concludes its six week series on February 14, 7:00 PM -8:30 PM in the Parish Center. Anyone who is grieving the loss of a loved one is welcome, regardless of your faith.

The next 6-week series will begin after Easter, on April 10. Contact Maryann Tyrer at mtyrer@stelmo79.org for more information.

Ashes will be offered in the church during the following services that day: 7:30am Mass 12noon Mass 3pm Prayer Service 6pm Mass

Parish Council Minutes St. Monica, St. Elizabeth of Hungary, St. Stephen of Hungary

The Parish Council met on January 24, 2024, and discussed the following: • Christmas Caroling, Cookies, and Cocoa: The event was a success.

The Parish Council discussed potential changes for the 2024 event.

• Annual Parish Retreat: The retreat will be held on March 23, 2024.

The Parish Council is working on programming and plans for publicizing the retreat.

• Green Team/Social Justice: The Parish Council was updated on the committees’ plans and coordination with local parishes.

• By-Laws/Member Terms: The Parish Council discussed updates to Council by-laws and recruiting new members.

• First Aid Kits: The Parish Council is working to upgrade the first aid kit on-site at St. Monica Church.

• Father Baker updated the Parish Council on the new Parish Association, the new banner in front of the church, and local community outreach plans.

Looking ahead to February 18, 2024: the First Sunday of Lent 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.

MARK 1:12-15 The Spirit drove Jesus out into the desert, and he remained in the desert for forty days, tempted by Satan. He was among wild beasts, and the angels ministered to him. After John had been arrested, Jesus came to Galilee proclaiming the gospel of God: “This is the time of fulfillment. The kingdom of God is at hand. Repent and believe in the gospel.”

Monday, February 12 Which words or phrases caught your attention? Which comforted or challenged you?

Tuesday, February 13 When the comforts of the material world are stripped by the barrenness of a desert, what’s truly important is revealed. What is truly important to me? Am I able to express gratitude for all God has given me?

Wednesday, February 14 While in the desert, Jesus was tempted by Satan and had to deal with wild animals, but the angels looked after him. Who are the angels in your life who look after you?

Thursday, February 15 Mark’s Gospel does not focus on how Jesus was tempted, but was sure to mention that he was in the desert for forty days. In my forty day Lenten journey, what tools can I use to help me through this time and draw me closer to God? Friday, February 16 What is God calling me away from? How am I able to refocus my priorities to align with “the time of fulfillment”?

Saturday, February 17 Jesus calls us to believe in the Gospel. What actions do I take to demonstrate my belief in the Gospel? Are there any areas for growth?

FEBRUARY 11, 2024 On the little patio outside of my room there is a little Christmas tree. It is still in its stand; its needles kept moist by the rain and preserved by the winter’s chill. What is it doing there? The simple fact is that I have not had the time!

It seems like just yesterday it was Christmas. And suddenly, this Wednesday begins Lent. Lent has its roots in the very beginning of the Church’s history. The Book of Acts might style becoming a Christian as a simple affair – belief, baptism, and bingo! You’re in. In fact, that is true. However, the question is belief. Very early on, as the Church grew beyond being a Jewish sect with rather unique ideas about who the messiah is, we realized that a period of formation was needed before an adult could be baptized. That formation, which could take years, included a six-week period of intense spiritual preparation before baptism. Soon the whole community “walked with” those preparing for baptism during those six weeks, and the season of Lent was born.

However, Lent is for everyone. It is a time where we refocus our lives on those spiritual disciplines that we let slide at other times of the year, and work to make them permanent.

Regular prayer is a part of Lent. For many that takes the form of reflection on the Sunday readings. Each week we publish in our bulletin a week of reflection questions on the upcoming Sunday Gospel called 5 Minute Jesus. We also publish it to Instagram and Facebook. Perhaps that can be a way this year to enter into the season.

Fasting and Abstinence are also one of our Lenten duties. The Church stipulates that Catholics between the ages of 18 and 59 are required to fast on Ash Wednesday and on Good Friday. Fasting means eating one meal’s worth of food that day, though it can be divided up into two smaller meals if need be. Abstinence is refraining from something during Lent. All Catholics are encouraged to do that. Abstinence gets reduced to “giving something up.” But perhaps abstinence can be understood more broadly to dedicate ourselves to something meaningful, and thus give up some time in our day or week. Maybe it is Bible reading or working in some way to help others in the parish or community.

Almsgiving means charitable giving. In the Church we speak of “Time, Talent and Treasure” as the three pillars of stewardship. Almsgiving emphasizes the “treasure” part. Giving to the Cardinal’s Appeal or other charitable organizations covers that. But almsgiving could also involve time or sharing a talent we have in service of others. Ever thought about trying out for choir? Or volunteering in our religious education program?

These are ways to give alms as well.

May this Lent be a time when we truly “come home” to faith and to Church through prayer, worship, and service. In that way Easter will be a celebration, not only of Jesus’ resurrection, but ours as well.

—Father Baker