September 20, 2020

Twenty Fifth Sunday In Ordinary Time

Sept. 20, 2020

JUST A WORD From our Pastor (Page 9)

FIRST COMMUNION 2020

(Page 7)

FIVE MINUTES JESUS (Page 8)

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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 welcome and 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, life style, nationality, economic status & age, we endeavor to live as a community of faith and invite you to join our family - a family seeking to know and love Jesus Christ.

Mass Schedule

Daily Mass: Mon-Sat, 12 noon Saturday Vigil: 5:30pm Sunday: 8am, 10am, 12pm & 5pm Confessions: Saturdays at 5pm or by appointment

Mass Intentions

Saturday, September 19th, Vigil

5:30 pm

Parish Staff Pastor: Rev. Donald C. Baker .......................... frdcab@stelmo79.org Rev. Msgr. Leslie J. Ivers ........................... msgrlivers@stelmo79.org Weekend Associates: ...............................................Rev. Tony Ciorra Pastoral Associate: Ms. Maryann Tyrer ........ mtyrer@stelmo79.org Pastoral Associate: Ms. Jasmine Gomez ..... jgomez@stelmo79.org Parish Manager: Mr. Michael Ward ............. mward@stelmo79.org Music Director: Mr. John Zupan .................... jzupan@stelmo79.org Wedding Coordinator: Ms. Debbi Burdett . dbweddingsnyc@gmail.com Plant Manager: Guillermo Vanegas ......... gvanegas@stelmo79.org Sacristan: Pedro Pizarro ................................ ppizarro@stelmo79.org Administrative Assistant: Gladys Tejada ..... gtejada@stelmo79.org

Sunday, September 20th, Twenty Fifth Sunday In Ordinary Time

8:00 am

Helen, John Flack & Family

10:00 am

Walter & Mary Ferber

12:00 pm All Parishioners 5:00 pm

Catherine Dillon

Monday, September 21st St. Matthew

12:00 pm

The Anderson Family (Living & Dec.)

Church Address: 413 East 79th Street, NY, NY 10075 Parish Center Address: 406 East 80th Street, NY, NY 10075 Tel: 212-288-6250 Fax: 212- 570-1562 Email: info@stelmo79.org Our Offices are open:

Tuesday, September 22nd Weekday

12:00 pm

Wednesday, September 23rd

St. Pius of Pietrelcina

12:00 pm

Tuesday - Thursday ....................................... 9:00 am - 7:00 pm

Saturday ................................................. 10:00 am - 2:00 pm Sunday ..................................................... Closed Closed for Lunch Weekdays......................1:00 pm - 2:00 pm

Rughnath Sarda, Jr.

Monday ............................................................. 9:00 am - 5:00 pm Friday ....................................................... Closed

Cecilia Tyrer

Msgr. Anthony Frontiero

Thursday, September 24th Weekday

12:00 pm

Kathleen M. Reddington

Friday, September 25th Weekday

12:00 pm

Theresa Kelly

Saturday, September 26th Weekday Visit us at: www.stelmo79.org Follow us on social media by searching STELMO79

12:00 pm

Thanksgiving-Maria Litrenta (Living)

For Mass Intentions, please visit the Parish Center.

Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament Every Friday after the Noon Mass to 3:00 pm.

Devotions Miraculous Medal on Mondays after each Mass

Divine Mercy The Divine Mercy Chaplet is Prayed each Friday Afternoon at 3:00 pm.

Sacrament of Reconciliation: Saturdays at 5pm or by appointment

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 or age, and world like to have communion brought to them, please contact the Parish office, so that we can arrange for a Eucharistic Minister to bring communion to them.

PRAYERS FOR THE SICK John & Mona Gilsenaine, Joanne Jack, Sr. Margaret Mary, Jennifer Garcia, Lucille Clats, Desiree Parke, Sr. Margaret Mary, Edward Ackerly, & Maria Jose PRAYERS FOR THE DECEASED Frank Moloney, John Moran, Hernan Restrepo, Norka Chiang, Rev. Michael Cedro, Sr. Eileen Clifford, Sharon Lee Daly , Judy Baron & Robert Castro

Treasures of our Tradition SAINT PIUS OF PIETRELCINA (1887-1968) September 23 Did the World War II American flyer really see Padre Pio in midair, preventing the bombing of his village below?

Did Pio actually “bilocate” in Italy, the Holy Land, even America, as countless witnesses testified? Or “read hearts” before penitents spoke? What of the stigmata, Christ’s wounds imprinted on Padre Pio’s hands, feet, and side? John Paul II, who as a young man visited Pio, never mentioned these extraordinary elements at the canonization. Instead, the pope spoke of “trials accepted with love,” referring perhaps to sanctions restricting Pio’s faculties for hearing confessions and celebrating public Mass, imposed because of criticism, later discredited, sent to the Vatican; of Pio’s offering his sufferings in union with Jesus’ passion for a suffering world; of his continual availability to sinners seeking direction and absolution; of Padre Pio’s prayer that blossomed in charity, especially through his House for the Relief of Suffering, a healthcare facility that anticipated by decades today’s holistic partnering of medical science and spirituality. Finally, how comforting for us ordinary Christians, this extraordinary saint’s most frequent advice: “Pray, hope, and don’t worry!”

—Peter Scagnelli, Copyright © J. S. Paluch Co

Today’s Readings First Reading — Turn to the LORD who is generous in forgiving (Isaiah 55:6-9).

Psalm — The Lord is near to all who call upon him (Psalm 145).

Second Reading — Live your lives in a way worthy of the gospel of Christ (Philippians 1:20c-24, 27a).

Gospel — The last will be first, and the first will be last (Matthew 20:1-16a).

The English translation of the Psalm Responses from Lectionary for Mass © 1969, 1981, 1997, International Commission on English in the Liturgy Corporation. All rights reserved.

Readings for the week Monday: Eph 4:1-7, 11-13; Ps 19:2-5; Mt 9:9-13 Tuesday: Prv 21:1-6, 10-13;

Ps 119:1, 27, 30, 34, 35, 44; Lk 8:19-21 Wednesday: Prv 30:5-9;

Ps 119:29, 72, 89, 101, 104, 163; Lk 9:1-6 Thursday: Eccl 1:2-11; Ps 90:3-6, 12-14, 17bc; Lk 9:7-9 Friday: Eccl 3:1-11; Ps 144:1b, 2abc, 3-4; Lk 9:18-22 Saturday: Eccl 11:9 — 12:8; Ps 90:3-6, 12-14, 17; Lk 9:43b-45 Sunday: Ez 18:25-28; Ps 25:4-9; Phil 2:1-11 [1-5]; Mt 21:28-32

St. Stephen of Hungary School Pre-K through 8th Grade Catholic Parochial School 408 East 82nd St., New York, NY 10028 (212) 288-1989 • Fax: (212) 517-5788 Principal: Ms. Kelly Burke www.saintstephenschool.org Interested in admissions to our parish school? admissions@saintstephenschool.org

Parish Life Members of the Young Adult Ministry met with members of the Church of St. Ignatius Loyola last week to continue their discussion on the film, The Black Power Mixtape. The conversation was so enriching that there will be a part two! The next film discussion will be on the film, 13th which was directed by Ava Duvernay. Stay tuned for more details!

We are hosted a virtual Second Sunday Social on Sunday, September 2, 2020. IT an opportunity for new members of our parish to learn more about our community and hear about the opportunities to get involved. If you are interested in joining November’s Second Sunday Social, please email Pastoral Associate, Jasmine Gomez at Jgomez@stelmo79.org

This is a new and developing ministry at our parish. We seek to accompany those grieving the loss of a loved one. In November, on or around the Solemnity of All Souls, we will have a Memorial Mass for all parishioners, and close family of parishioners, who have died in the past year. Throughout the month of November, families may place photos of their recently departed loved ones on the St. Joseph altar at the right side of the sanctuary. St. Joseph is the traditional intercessor for the grace of a happy death. Prior to the winter holiday season, a presentation will be offered on Grief During the Holidays. In January and February, a 6-week series will be offered for those who wish to process their grief in the context of their faith, and within a support group setting. Volunteers who would like to be trained and serve in this ministry should contact the parish office.

A NOTE FROM OUR DIRECTOR OF MUSIC – JOHN ZUPAN ‘ALL ARE WELCOME.’ It is proclaimed by our pastor Fr. Baker each week. All are welcomed here at St. Monica – St. Elizabeth of Hungary – St. Stephen of Hungary to worship, pray and serve. Living out Jesus’ message of love to all people no matter what their background - “Love one another as I have loved you”.

(John 15:12)” Last fall that was the opening statement in my letter to you in our bulletin. That statement still resonates deep within me – ALL ARE WELCOME. However, neither you nor I foresaw a pandemic that would change our lives and affect the way in which we interact daily. A pandemic that has fundamentally changed the way we in which we pray. In such uncertain times we as Catholics crave and desire the fellowship and spiritual nourishment that our parish community offers. For the church has always been there to comfort and console. In dark times such as these, our diverse parish community hungers to come together as one. For we know that our church has always been and will always be a sign of refuge and strength.

“Christ our light. Thanks be to God!” We acclaim this acclamation every Easter Vigil. At that moment in the service we slowly witness the church literally transform from darkness into light. For it is our belief that Jesus Christ is the light of the world. Thankfully, we have reason for hope. For all this uncertainty we experience now, this dark time, light will emerge. We as a parish community need to focus on that light. A vaccine and/or therapies may come and slowly we will return to normal or maybe a new normal. But what are we to do now?

How do we pray together when we are social distancing? How do we pray to God with our faces covered?

At Mass, I have an unique vantage point from the choir loft. I get to experience the resounding sung and spoken responses of the assembly. But those resounding responses create more than just decibels of sound, they create a palpable energy that reverberates in our sacred space. Praying together in word and song as one. If I am successful as your pastoral musician I hopefully help you go forth from our sacred space with a deeper love for our Lord and a passion to spread that love throughout the week.

Sadly, due to the pandemic that experience has been altered for me. Due to reduced congregations at Mass for obvious safety reasons - and the use of masks, it is much more difficult to feel that resonant energy. Please do not misunderstand what I am saying. I am not asking you to sing louder. It is just an observation that I have made since we have returned to our worship space. I am thrilled that we are back in our church praying together and it is extremely important for us to follow the current guidelines from the archdiocese. However due to these guidelines two major problems occur. Social distancing makes us feel separated from the assembly.

So, when we respond in word and song we are more like scattered sheep. Hence our responses become more sheep-like, more reserved. And with fewer congregants we become even more reserved. Second, the masks which are necessary unfortunately hinder us from singing. So inevitably we sing less or not at all. Most of our responses become muted.

It is from that muted sound I believe the intensity of our prayer may have unconsciously been muted as well.

But that need not be the case! From working with singers all my life, I know that somehow, we associate softness with less intensity. But as a music director, I always tell my singers and choirs that soft singing needs to have greater intensity. This is not something we are accustomed to. It is something that we must consciously become aware of. So, in this dark time I ask you, how can you bring the light with a greater quiet intensity into your responses in word and song? How can you boldly proclaim the light of Christ when you whisper? How can we show others that ‘ALL ARE WELCOME’?

K-8 Parish Religious Education:

IT’S TIME TO REGISTER!! Our program will be online via Zoom this Fall, and begins on Sunday, October 4 at 10:15am. You can register via our website (www.stelmo79.org), or download the forms there and deliver them with payment at the Parish Center (406 East 80th Street.) Please register THIS WEEK so that we can order books and materials and set up classes. The Archdiocese of New York requires two years of either Catholic School or Parish Religious Education before the reception of First Communion or Confirmation.

Adult Faith Formation:

Our Sunday morning Scripture Discussions will resume on Sunday, October 18 at 10:15pm in our Parish Center. You are invited to join us any Sunday to learn more about your faith, and how the Sunday Mass Scripture readings can be a guide for living our faith in today’s world.

Adult Sacraments of Initiation:

If you have ever thought about becoming Catholic, or if you are a baptized Catholic who has not yet celebrated First Communion or Confirmation, please contact Maryann Tyrer at mtyrer@ stelmo79.org to discuss our adult initiation process (commonly known as the RCIA). You can begin this process at any time throughout the year, and no commitment is required during the initial phase of Inquiry.

PARISH OPPORTUNITIES TO CONNECT WITH OTHERS Virtually – via Zoom – Be a catechist or assistant for our K-8 religious education program, and help to pass on the faith to the next generation Offsite – Serve as a prayer partner for someone preparing for a Sacrament of Initiation this year Onsite – in person – Service as a discussion leader or sponsor for our RCIA program, serve as a hospitality assistant for our Lifelong Faith Formation events throughout the year, or serve as a member of our new Bereavement Ministry team.

Contact Maryann Tyrer at mtyrer@stelmo79.org or 212-288-6250 to discuss how your gifts and talents could meet our needs and opportunities here at the parish. No experience needed, as all training and materials will be provided.

PARISH PILGRIMAGE TO THE 2022 OBERAMMERGAU PASSION PLAY – get your deposit in to Maryann Tyrer for this once in a decade opportunity to see the famous Passion Play, and to tour Bavaria and Switzerland with Fr. Baker and Collette Tours. The trip isn’t until July 2022, and you can pay in installments over time before the trip. Early reservations are necessary to secure play tickets and area accommodations, as about 750,000 are expected to attend the Passion Play over its 5-month run in 2022. For more information, visit:

gateway.gocollette.com/link/938182

Congratulations to our children who received

First Holy Communion St. Stephen of Hungary School Maya Catherine Aggarwala Lillian Claire Bernhard Emilia Casalins Eloise Claire Cognetti Clelia Anya Finegan-Manzoni Sophia Danielle Garzon-Chabel Maxwell Ryder Giarraputo Adriana Faith Iacovone Ella Kathryn Jacob Taisho Anthony Kisaka Isabela Viana Bogado Leite Antonio Karim Maio Sarah River McGilly Britton Elizabeth Murgio Carolina Rose Quinn Thomas Irving Sigal Fiora Paloma Valdes-Fauli

Lucas Claudio Barry-Garcia John Luca Bosco Elisabeth Annie Christensen Zoe Olivia Dias Ava Grace Frydl Mason Gray Giarraputo Evann Elizabeth Gillian Charles John Jackson Eric Jonsson Guzman Maximilian Logan de Souza Laing Amelia Keenan Lipson Addison Jennifer Margolis Luca Aydin Friedrich Memmo Jack Maurice O’Herlihy Kayleigh Lora Quinn Charlie Williamson Utt Sebastian David Vazquez-Lombardo Serena Fitch Vivolo

Parish Religious Education Isabella Cajigas Grayson Blinn Heintz Evan Ronald Hofsdal Daniela Teresa Torres

Samuel Cajigas Harrison Pierce Heintz Katelyn Ann Phillips John Francis Tricarico

The Caedmon School Cody Morgan McComb Valentin Robb Schmidt

Nicholas Pereira-Ma

Five Minute Jesus Using the Gospel for Prayer – Twenty-Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time – September 20, 2020 It’s simple. 1. Read the Gospel for the following Sunday slowly, reflecting on the story it tells. 2. Reflect on the questions assigned for each day. 3. Make some resolution about how what you read can be lived that day. 4.

Then thank God for speaking to you through this reflection.

The Gospel according to Matthew 20:1-16a Jesus told his disciples this parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out at dawn to hire laborers for his vineyard. After agreeing with them for the usual daily wage, he sent them into his vineyard.

Going out about nine o’clock, the landowner saw others standing idle in the marketplace, and he said to them, ‘You too go into my vineyard, and I will give you what is just.’ So they went off. And he went out again around noon, and around three o’clock, and did likewise. Going out about five o’clock, the landowner found others standing around, and said to them, ‘Why do you stand here idle all day?’ They answered, ‘Because no one has hired us.’ He said to them, ‘You too go into my vineyard.’ When it was evening the owner of the vineyard said to his foreman, ‘Summon the laborers and give them their pay, beginning with the last and ending with the first.’

When those who had started about five o’clock came, each received the usual daily wage. So when the first came, they thought that they would receive more, but each of them also got the usual wage. And on receiving it they grumbled against the landowner, saying, ‘These last ones worked only one hour, and you have made them equal to us, who bore the day’s burden and the heat.’ He said to one of them in reply, ‘My friend, I am not cheating you. Did you not agree with me for the usual daily wage? Take what is yours and go.

What if I wish to give this last one the same as you? Or am I not free to do as I wish with my own money? Are you envious because I am generous?’ Thus, the last will be first, and the first will be last.”

Sunday Was there something in this reading that spoke to me? Comforted me? Challenged me? What was it? Why did it have this effect on me?

Monday The workers picked first were probably the strong and healthy ones who were looking for work. In what situations are you “picked first,” where you are among the best at something? How does that feel?

Tuesday The workers picked last were probably less able to do the field work. When have you been at a disadvantage when vying for a position, wanting to be chosen? How did that affect you?

Wednesday Those hired last got paid for a day’s work. They received what they needed to support their families, despite their inability to work all day. When have you received what you needed, despite your inability to earn it yourself?

Thursday Those hired first received the pay they had earned, and no more. They were jealous of those who worked less for the same outcome. When have you been jealous of those for whom it seems everything is easy, or those who get far more than they deserve?

Friday Like the vineyard owner, God gives us what we need, despite our inability to earn it. Everything we have is a gift from God. How can you respond in gratitude to our generous God? How might God’s generosity challenge you to live your life?

From your Pastor September 20th, 2020

Fall in the Parish We have gotten so used to CoVID-19, masks, and pandemic restrictions, that at times we can almost forget what the world WAS like last year at this time. However, as our parish and school come to life after months of lock-down and “sheltering-in-place” it is good to remember a few things and be reminded of others that are different.

On the last Sunday of September, we normally celebrate our three Patron Saints: St. Monica, St. Elizabeth of Hungary and St. Stephen of Hungary, with a festive mass and reception. Needless to say, that celebration will be different this year. Since we cannot have a choir, the music will be more restrained; and we cannot gather for a party. Nevertheless, our saints will be remembered on that day at the 12:00pm Sunday Mass.

Last spring all sacramental celebrations were suspended. That meant there were no confirmations, first communions and receptions of adults into the Church at the Easter Vigil. Over the summer we celebrated the baptisms of our two adult catechumens who would have been baptized at the vigil. This weekend we are celebrating the first communions of the children of our parish and school. The school celebration took place on Saturday at 10am, and the parish celebration will be part of this weekend’s 10am mass.

October 4th at 2pm Bishop Edmund Whelan will celebrate the confirmation of our school and parish students, and we will welcome the children of St. Jean Baptiste as well. Due to the space limitations imposed upon us by social distancing we ask that only family and friends of the young people being confirmed attend this mass. East student has a limited number of people that can be invited.

Over the past several years October has been Ministry Month – that time when we solicit for people to give of their time and talent and serve God as lectors, altar servers, Eucharistic minister, hospitality greeters and teachers in our religious ed program. This year we will not be doing this. Due to CoVID-19, the number of ministers active at liturgy is much reduced. The number of ministers who have agreed to be active is sufficient for our needs at our current level of functioning. But have no fear – next October Ministry Month will return.

Finally, one of the legacies of the merger is the St. Stephen tradition of a Thanksgiving Dinner offered at minimal cost to the members of community. Needless to say, this year the Thanksgiving dinner cannot be held.

However, we are exploring ways in which the problem of hunger can be addressed by our parish, especially as we approach what will be a VERY much transformed “holiday season”. More on that to follow.

Sigh. It can seem like so much is gone from our parish life. So many of the things that we took for granted are transformed, upended, gone. And yet: mass is still being offered. This weekend we welcomed well over 300 people to Sunday masses for the first time since the lockdown. Since we can welcome 150 people at every mass, social distancing has not proved a problem. The school is open for business 5 days a week, with a net loss of about 25 students. We are reeling financially (more on that when our parish Manager Mike Ward presents his annual parish financial report – coming soon) and yet we are able to pay our staff, and (some of) our bills.

We will survive. And whether you are reading this after mass or online, here in the city or in your second home, maybe you can take a moment today and give thanks to God for that survival. Many institutions and businesses, schools and churches will not be so fortunate. At very least, our parish and school are things we will not so easily take for granted again.

Father Baker

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