September 27, 2020

Twenty Sixth Sunday In Ordinary Time

Sept. 27, 2020

JUST A WORD From our Pastor (Page 9)

PARISH LIFE

(Page 5)

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.

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 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:

Mass Intentions

Saturday, September 26th, Vigil

5:30 pm

Jeremiath O’Donoghue

Sunday, September 27th, Twenty Sixth Sunday In Ordinary Time

8:00 am Megan, Matthew, Sarah & Ryan

(Living) 10:00 am

Anna Corra

12:00 pm All Parishioners 5:00 pm

Chris Warner

Monday, September 28th Weekday

12:00 pm

Jennice Herman

Tuesday, September 29th

Ss. Michael, Gabriel & Raphael

12:00 pm

Thanksgiving

Wednesday, September 30th

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

St. Jerome

12:00 pm

Friday ....................................................... Closed

Thursday, October 1st

Saturday ................................................. 10:00 am - 2:00 pm

St. Therese of Child Jesus

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

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

12:00 pm

Visit us at: www.stelmo79.org Follow us on social media by searching STELMO79

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

Adele Ivers

Sharon Kavanaugh

Friday, October 2nd

The Holy Guardian Angels

12:00 pm

Mass Schedule

Barbara Longa

Saturday, October 3rd Weekday

12:00 pm

Walter & Mary Ferber

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 Lirika Buzhala, Kip Silverman, Mona Gilsenaine, Joanne Jack, Jennifer Garcia, Lucille Clats & Desiree Parke

Treasures of our Tradition SAINT THÉRÈSE OF THE CHILD JESUS (1873-1897) October 1 “The cornerstone’s dated 1872, but the stained glass is much later,” explained the pastor, astonished when his visitor accurately dated it to just before the Great Depression, explaining, “The window for the Little Flower”—Thérèse’s nickname—“gives it away.” From her canonization in 1925, her statues and windows adorn most churches where European immigrants worshiped. Entering Carmel at fifteen, victim of tuberculosis at twenty-four, Thérèse proposed her “Little Way” to sanctity: doing ordinary tasks with extraordinary love. Thus ordinary Catholics, many of whom had lost loved ones to tuberculosis, embraced her. Though she never left her cloister, this Carmelite’s spiritual communion and devoted correspondence with missionaries earned her the title Patroness of Missions. Her autobiography, Story of a Soul, continuously in print since her death, chronicles her prayerful perseverance through doubt and caused her to be the youngest person ever named a Doctor of the Church.

Countless physical healings and spiritual conversions testify to her fulfillment of her deathbed promise: “After my death, I will let fall a shower of roses. I will spend my heaven doing good upon earth!”

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

Today’s Readings

First Reading — When the wicked turn away from their wickedness they have committed and do what is right, they shall surely live (Ezekiel 18:25-28).

Psalm — Remember your mercies, O Lord (Psalm 25).

Second Reading — Consider others as better than yourselves; look not to your own interests, but to the interests of others (Philippians 2:1-11 [1-5]).

Gospel — Tax collectors and prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God ahead of you (Matthew 21:28-32).

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.

PRAYERS FOR THE DECEASED Rocio Garcia, John Gilsenaine, Frank Moloney, John Moran, Hernan Restrepo Judy Baron & Robert Castro

Readings for the week

Monday: Jb 1:6-22; Ps 17:1bcd-3, 6-7; Lk 9:46-50 Tuesday: Dn 7:9-10, 13-14 or Rv 12:7-12a;

Ps 138:1-5; Jn 1:47-51 Wednesday: Jb 9:1-12, 14-16; Ps 88:10bc-15; Lk 9:57-62 Thursday: Jb 19:21-27; Ps 27:7-9abc, 13-14; Lk 10:1-12 Friday: Jb 38:1, 12-21; 40:3-5; Ps 139:1-3, 7-10,

13-14ab; Mt 18:1-5 Saturday: Jb 42:1-3, 5-6, 12-17; Ps 119:66, 71, 75,

91, 125, 130; Lk 10:17-24 Sunday: Is 5:1-7; Ps 80:9, 12-16, 19-20; Phil 4:6-9; Mt 21:33-43

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

Bread & Wine

Lives of the Saints Senior Ministry Dear parishioners, Summer days are waning. Covid cases are diminishing in New York City and, most importantly, the church of St. Monica, St. Stephen of Hungary and St. Elizabeth of Hungary is open to ALL. Virtually, regular activities, such as, Parish Council meetings are resuming. Masses are already being celebrated on-site! So, it is with excitement and anticipation that the senior ministry will sponsor virtual online learning. We will offer ALL parishioners the opportunity to explore, in detail, the wonderful works of art, sculpture and architecture.

In October, we will begin by examining the lives of the saints so prominently displayed in our church. Each saint will be discussed within the context of the time in which he or she lived. The presentation will be videotaped and recorded on the parish website. Specific data on how the presentations will be organized and when they will take place will follow shortly.

This Week’s Bread & Wine In Memory of Tony Sirotka

Offered by Kathryn & Hugh Lynch

Sanctuary Lamp

This Weeks’ Sanctuary Lamp

In Memory of Tony Sirotka

Thank you. I look forward to visiting with all of you soon.

Greetings and peace, Anne Sabatini, Chairperson of the Senior Ministry

Offered by Kathryn & Hugh Lynch

Parish Life Join us online for a live virtual celebration of our Parish Feast Day! The celebration will take place on Sunday, September 27th at 1:30pm on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.

It will be an opportunity to hear a little parish history, hear what you can expect in the coming months and more! You Join us by searching for STELMO79 on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube!

BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND!

The Green Team will be selling its reusable bags at all Masses the weekend of October 3-4th (Sat. 5:30pm, Sun. 8am, 10am, 12pm and 5pm) for just $5!! You may remember how quickly these bags sold out when they were sold earlier this year so be sure to bring cash (or your checkbook) and grab yours that weekend.

On May 24, 2020 The Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development began promoting the Special Laudato Si’ Anniversary Year, or the Anniversary year of Laudato Si. If you are anything like me, this celebration came and went without notice, as I was trying to wrap my head around my new reality of homeschooling, virtual work, and quarantine. But missing that deadline was a mistake, because Laudato Si speaks deeply and clearly into our current reality in a myriad of ways. Today I would like to focus on the second goal outlined in the work; Response to the Cry of the Poor | Defense of human life from conception to death and all forms of life on Earth, with special attention to vulnerable groups such as indigenous communities, migrants, children at risk through slavery, etc. According to the United Nations, 4 billion people live outside the protection of the law. That means that their public justice systems—their police, courts, and laws—are so broken, corrupt and dysfunctional, that there is nothing to shield them from violence. And within those 4 billion human souls, there are an estimated 40 million men, women, and children who are enslaved. Modern day slavery is a horrific evil, affecting every continent in the world. It is a multi-billion-dollar industry that thrives because oppressors can freely abuse vulnerable people, without fear of reprisals. Vulnerable people, like Kofi. Kofi remembers the day he left his home. He was 8 years old. You can read more about Kofi here: https://www.ijm.org/stories/kofi and finish reading this essay by visiting stelmo79.org

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.

Bereavement Ministry – Save the dates:

• •

Memorial Mass for Covid-19 victims – Monday, November 2 at 6:30pm in the church.

Morning of Reflection – “Facing the Holidays After the Loss of a Loved One” – Saturday, November 14, 10am – concluding with the 12noon Mass – in the church.

Once in a decade opportunity: July 8-16, 2022

In 1633, the people of the German village of Oberammergau made a promise: if their community was spared from the plague, they would perform a Passion Play every ten years in thanksgiving. The village was spared, and the first play was staged the following year. Over 2000 citizens make up the cast, chorus, orchestra, and technicians that produce the play, and hundreds of thousands of people now make the pilgrimage from all over the world to see this spectacular event.

Travel to Germany and Switzerland with Fr. Donald C. Baker, pastor of the Church of St. Monica – St. Elizabeth of Hungary – St. Stephen of Hungary, and one of Collette Tour’s wonderful guides.

Explore the Bavarian region around Oberammergau, Germany; see the 42nd installation of the famous Passion Play; visit beautiful Zermatt and Lucerne in the Swiss Alps.

Tour package includes flight to/from JFK, all airport and hotel transfers, tour bus, full-time tour guide, local tour guides, all hotel accommodations, 13 meals, taxes and fees. $200 discount for bookings ($800 deposit) by November 23, 2020. Because it is estimated that 750,000 people will attend the Passion Play over its 5-month run in 2022, we must book this far in advance in order to secure play tickets and area accommodations.

For more information, visit

gateway.gocollette.com/link/938182 or contact Maryann Tyrer at mtyrer@stelmo79.org

Five Minute Jesus Using the Gospel for Prayer – Twenty-Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time – September 27, 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 21:28-32 Jesus said to the chief priests and elders of the people: "What is your opinion? A man had two sons.

He came to the first and said, 'Son, go out and work in the vineyard today.' He said in reply, 'I will not, ' but afterwards changed his mind and went. The man came to the other son and gave the same order.

He said in reply, 'Yes, sir, ‘but did not go. Which of the two did his father's will?" They answered, "The first."

Jesus said to them, "Amen, I say to you, tax collectors and prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God before you. When John came to you in the way of righteousness, you did not believe him; but tax collectors and prostitutes did. Yet even when you saw that, you did not later change your minds and believe him."

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 Neither of the sons were completely obedient to the father. One said “no” to his father when asked to work in the vineyard, even though he eventually did go. The other said “yes,” but didn’t actually go. And yet, both are called “sons.” The father doesn’t cut them off for their less-than-perfect responses. How do you think God responds to our less-than-perfect responses?

Tuesday When have you refused to do what you were asked to do, but then had a change of heart and did it after all?

What was the result?

Wednesday When have you agreed to do what you were asked, but then failed to follow through and do it? What was the result?

Thursday The chief priests and elders thought themselves to be favored “sons” who did what God asked of them. Have you ever been mistakenly assured of our own righteousness? What made you realize the truth?

Friday Throughout the Gospels, it is the poor, the sinners, the less-than-desirable ones, who are welcomed into the Kingdom of God. What is your reaction to this? Does it comfort you? Does it challenge you? Why?

From your Pastor September 27th, 2020

St. Francis of Assisi Every year since I have been here I have gathered with parishioners and members of the larger Yorkville community on the steps of our church sometime during the first week of October, to celebrate the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi by blessing their pets. The blessing of Animals on the fest of St. Francis has deep roots in the Catholic tradition and, while our blessing might not be a spectacular as some, it is a moment for us to come together and celebrate our faith which embraces not only people but all of creation.

Sadly, this year, thanks to the pandemic, the GATHERING together will not be possible. So, we are placing online a prayer of blessing for use in your own home. It is one of the secrets of the Catholic tradition that ALL baptized people can bless. Priests deacons and bishops are empowered by their ordination to impart blessings at liturgical services. But we can all bless one another. If not, how would it be possible to say, “God bless you!” after a sneeze? . . . and, while we are on it, that is because of the very nature of a blessing. Have you ever asked yourself what it means to “bless” someone or something? Whenever I ask people preparing their children for baptism or preparing for marriage what a blessing is, the answers I get usually are “wishing someone good” or “asking for God’s protection”. Good answers but they are not really what a blessing is.

To bless in English comes from the French word Blesser in Modern French that means to wound but its deeper root comes from the idea of marking (and thereby consecrating) something with blood.

Thus, it comes from the old idea of sacrifice. In order to give something to God it had to be rendered unusable in this world. Things must be burnt or broken so that they might belong to God. Interesting, right? Now while we might not be burning or breaking anything (Let alone sacrificing!) what we ARE doing when we bless something, or someone, is giving them to God. We are asking that they belong to God and thus not to the evil forces of this world. Thus, we make the sign of the cross and bless ourselves with water when we enter a church to remind ourselves that we are baptized – we belong to God – we are blessed.

We make the sign of the cross over ourselves and “say grace” at the start of a meal giving thanks for the food given to us by God. And on the Feast of St. Francis, we bless our animals, giving thanks to God for the gift of their companionship and asking God to care for them.

Next year we will gather again on the steps of the church. But I hope you will go online and use the prayer for the blessing of animals on October 4th this year.

Father Baker

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