April 17, 2022 Easter Sunday

Parish life

4/17/2022

Faith Formation (Page 6)

Five Minute Jesus (Page 8)

Just a word ( Page 9)

Scan to eReader

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. Anthony Ciorra, IVD Weekend Associate:...............................................Rev. Edward Beck, CP Pastoral Associate: Ms. Maryann Tyrer ........ mtyrer@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: Monday ............................................................. 9am - 5pm Tuesday - Thursday ....................................... 9am - 7pm Friday .......................................................Closed Saturday ................................................. 10am - 2pm Sunday ..................................................... Closed Closed for Lunch Weekdays......................1pm - 2pm

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

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, April 16thVigil 7:30pm For All Parishioners Sunday, April 17th Easter Sunday of the Resurrection

of the Lord 8:00am Adam Armetta 10:00am Werner Hertzel 12:00pm All Parishioners Monday, April 18th Monday within the Octave of Easter 9am Kathleen M. Redington Tuesday, April 19th Tuesday within the Octave of Easter 12pm Jose H. Ileto Wednesday, April 20th Wednesday within the Octave of Easter 12pm Peg & Patrick Broady Thursday, April 21st Thursday within the Octave of Easter 12pm Fr. Peter Colaprieto Friday, April 22nd Friday within the Octave of Easter 12pm Helen, John Flack & Family Saturday, April 23rd Saturday within the Octave of Easter 12pm George Topping For Mass Intentions, please visit the Parish Center

Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament Every Friday after the Noon Mass until 3pm in the church and live on-line Devotions Miraculous Medal on Mondays after Mass in the church and live on-line Divine Mercy Prayed every Friday at 3pm in the church and live on-line Vespers (Evening Prayer) Every Friday at 5:10pm in the Chapel and live on-line Sacrament of Reconciliation Saturdays at 5pm or by appointment Anointing of the sick

Today’s Readings First Reading — Peter is an eyewitness: The Lord is risen (Acts 10:34a, 37-43).

Psalm — This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad (Psalm 118).

(1) Second Reading — All who are baptized, set your hearts in heaven (Colossians 3:1-4) or (2) Second Reading — Christ our Passover is sacrificed; therefore let us celebrate (1 Corinthians 5:6b8).

Gospel — Three witnesses, Mary, Peter, and John; each responds to the empty tomb (John 20:1-9) or Luke 24:1-12 (or, at an afternoon or evening Mass, Luke 24:13-35).

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

Every third Saturday of the Month after the noon 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 or age, and would 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 Carol Cassius, Marie Bacarra & Victoria Collazo and all those ill with or recovering from the COVID-19 virus and all Victims of Military Activities

PRAYERS FOR THE DECEASED Msgr. Peter Finn, Deacon John Maloney, Ismet Buzhala, Michael King, Shirley Dolan & Irene Huszar

Readings for the Week Monday: Acts 2:14, 22-33; Ps 16:1-2,

5, 7-11;Mt 28:8-15 Tuesday: Acts 2:36-41; Ps 33:4-5, 18-20, 22;Jn 20:11-18 Wednesday: Acts 3:1-10; Ps 105:1-4, 6-9; Lk 24:13-35 Thursday: Acts 3:11-26; Ps 8:2, 5-9; Lk 24:35-48 Friday: Acts 4:1-12; Ps 118:1-2, 4, 22-27; Jn 21:1-14 Saturday: Acts 4:13-21; Ps 118:1, 14-21; Mk 16:9-15 Sunday: Acts 5:12-16; Ps 118:2-4, 13-15, 22-24;Rv 1:9-11a, 12-13, 17-19; Jn 20:19-31

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

Join us on Earth Day, Friday, April 22, for a film screening and short presentation on how the Church is responding to the Climate Crisis and how we can take action in our parish!

We will screen the film “2040,” a documentary about how the world could be in a better place if we start adopting smart climate solutions today.

Doors will open in the Parish Center, located at 406 E. 80th Street, at 6:00pm. We will have pizza and an interactive discussion on Pope Francis' teaching on how we need to care for our common home, the Earth.

Celebrate Earth Day in a fun and engaging way. Please RSVP at greenteam@stelmo79.org so we know how much pizza to order!

We’ve only just begun!

How to Participate in the Synod •

•

Friday, April 22, following the noon Mass in the church, and our usual Pot-Luck Luncheon in the Parish Center, the Senior Ministry will sponsor the film The Jewish Cardinal.

This 1-hour, 40-minute, film is based on the incredible true story of Jean-Marie Lustiger, a Jewish man who, at a young age, converted to Catholicism, became a priest, and was appointed Archbishop of Paris by John Paul II. Celebrating his dual identity as a Catholic Jew, he earned friends and enemies from both faiths. After WWII, he served as mediator in a conflict with the Carmelite nuns who wanted a convent built within the walls of Auschwitz. Please join us! RSVP to Gladys at 212-288-6250 to attend.

•

Pray for the synod process. Pray that the entire Church may be open to the Holy Spirit.

Pray that we may rightly discern the movements of the Holy Spirit.

Reflect on your experience of Church – at the levels of parish, diocese, nation, and world. What fills your heart? What breaks your heart? Engage in conversation with your family, your fellow parishioners, with anyone who is interested in the topic. Reach out to friends and family who are no longer coming to church.

Submit your feedback as an individual on the Archdiocesan website. Find the discussion questions and form for submitting your responses at https://archny.org/synod/.

Let your voice be heard!

K-8 Religious Education and Sacramental Preparation: •

• • •

Upcoming Sessions: No sessions April 17. We resume on April 24. No sessions on May 1st (Sacraments Weekend!)

Participation in Sunday (or Saturday evening) Eucharist is an integral part of Religious Education in our parish. Our 10am Mass on Sunday is now a Family-Friendly Mass every Sunday.

Sunday sessions run 11:11am to 11:55am on Zoom. The timing of Religious Ed sessions allows your family to attend the Mass of your choice (in person or via Zoom).

Registration for Fall 2022 will open in May. We plan to return to in-person sessions in the Fall.

Sacramental Preparation: •

Please remember that the Archdiocese requires two years of Religious Education or Catholic School prior to the celebration of First Penance/First Communion (2nd grade or older), and prior to the celebration of Confirmation (8th grade or older). New enrollments this fall will be eligible to receive sacraments in 2024.

Adult Sacraments of Initiation (RCIA): • • • •

Have you ever thought about becoming Catholic? Do you have a lot of questions about Catholicism?

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). Or join us on Sundays in the Parish Center following the 12noon Mass. (No sessions April 17. We will resume on April 24).

Adult Faith Formation: •

•

Each Sunday, following the 12noon Mass and concluding at 3pm, in the Parish Center. All materials provided. All are welcome! Expand your knowledge of the Bible and church teaching in a friendly, nonjudgmental environment. No long-term commitment – join us when you are able.

No sessions April 17. We will resume on April 24.

Fr. Baker’s Book Discussion returns with The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver Thursdays, May 12, 19, & 26, beginning with a light supper at 6pm, in the parish center.

Start reading this engaging and thoughtprovoking book now.

CONGRATULATIONS! Marcus David Hyde and Carolyn Wray Koleszar - already one with us in Christian Baptism, made professions of faith, were received into the Catholic Church, were confirmed, and received Holy Communion for the first time at the Easter Vigil!

Alleluia! Christ is Risen! Celebrate 50 Days of Easter!

Easter Sunday – Masses at 8am (organ and cantor), 10am (organ and choir), and 12noon (organ and choir) - No 5pm Mass on Easter Sunday Easter Monday – Mass at 9am; church and offices closed for remainder of the day We prepared for Easter for 40 days. And now we celebrate Easter for 50 days! The Easter season begins with the Great Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday Evening, and it continues until the Feast of Pentecost (which falls on June 5 this year.) So long after the Easter baskets are put away, the candy and feasts have been consumed, and we hang up our Easter finery for another season, we are still celebrating the resurrection of Jesus! We will continue to sing Easter music. We will continue to decorate the church with Spring flowers. And we will continue to sing our Alleluia with Easter joy! Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia!

“What difference does Easter make in the life of the Christian? The message of Easter is, all at once, easy to understand, radical, subversive and life-changing. Easter means that nothing is impossible with God. Moreover, that life triumphs over death. Love triumphs over hatred. Hope triumphs over despair. And that suffering is not the last word.”

- Fr. James Martin, SJ

We extend a warm welcome to our guests and visitors who are with us this weekend. Thank you for celebrating Christ’s Resurrection with our parish family. Know that you are always

welcome to visit, and that you are also welcome to make this parish your parish home!

Wednesdays, April 27, May 4, 11, 18, 25, June 1 7-8:30pm in the Parish Center (406 East 80th Street) Open to anyone who has lost a close friend or family member.

Each session includes prayer, reflection, discussion, and mutual support. Please attend all six sessions if possible. All are welcome, even if you’ve attended past series.

Please RSVP to Maryann at mtyrer@stelmo79.org, or call 212-288-6250 to register.

Five Minute Jesus Using the Gospel for Prayer – Second Sunday of Easter April 24, 2022

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 Jn 20:19-31 On the evening of that first day of the week, when the doors were locked, where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in their midst and said to them, “Peace be with you.” When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. The disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the father has sent me, so I send you.” And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are retained.” Thomas, called Didymus, one of the Twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. So, the other disciples said to him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands and put my finger into the nail marks and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.”

Now a week later his disciples were again inside, and Thomas was with them. Jesus came, although the doors were locked, and stood in their midst and said, “Peace be with you.” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and see my hands, and bring your hand and put it into my side, and do not be unbelieving, but believe.” Thomas answered and said to him, “My Lord and my God!” Jesus said to him, “Have you come to believe because you have seen me? Blessed is those who have not seen and have believed.”

Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples that are not written in this book. But these are written that you may come to believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that through this belief you may have life in his name.

Monday 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?

Tuesday On the evening of the first day of the week – that is Sunday. The Bible often wants to emphasize that Easter was the start of a NEW week. It is symbolic of a new start the ‘8th Day’ of a new creation. It is the reason why baptismal fonts, for example, are often 8-sided; it is a visual expression of this symbol. This first 8th day however is one of fear. The doors are locked, for “fear of the Jews.” Why were the disciples afraid of their Jewish brothers and sisters? What did they do that would anger them so much? Was it worth it?

Wednesday Despite locked door, Jesus was able to come and stand in their presence. In this the Church has always seen a truth about Jesus and his resurrected body: it is not like his pre-resurrection body. In this story it brings, not judgment, but peace. Jesus’ presence fills them with forgiveness. Have I ever experienced Jesus’ presence in my life? Maybe after communion, or in a prayer group? Maybe it was while serving the poor or in my relationship with my spouse or family? What did Jesus say then to me?

Thursday Thomas is called “Didymus” – a Greek word meaning “twin.” We know him however as “doubting” Thomas. Whose twin, was he? Is he mine? Have I ever doubted? IF so, when? And why? Was I like Thomas?

Friday Jesus gives Thomas the opportunity to touch his risen flesh. IT is then that Thomas believes. We do not get to touch Jesus’ risen body. Or do we? Has there ever been a time when I felt “touched” by Jesus? When I felt his presence in me, beside me, with me? When was it? How did I respond? Did it strengthen my faith? How? Saturday “Blessed are those who have not seen yet believe”. This saying has been a great comfort for many who, unlike Thomas, were not able to see the risen Jesus. Does it comfort me? What does it mean for me to believe in something I did not see, or cannot see? What does Jesus’ resurrection mean to me? What difference does it make in my life?

From the Pastor 04.17.22 Every year around this time I run into people who are not, let us say, “regulars” at Sunday mass. Even more people stopped going during the pandemic, and while many have returned, many have not. So often when they meet me and find out what I do for a living, they will say that they could never return to church – “the roof would fall in!” they so often say.

I get that. So many have been raised in a Church where you had to fulfill all the requirements to be a member, that since they have not or cannot, they no longer try. Most have heard of the ways Pope Francis has sought to challenge this closed view of the Church. For some Catholics his words are a breath of fresh air and a promise something new. For others they are a threat and a harbinger of change.

Perhaps Pope Francis’ ideas do threaten change; perhaps they also promise fresh air – but one thing they are not is new. 1600 years ago, there were fewer bishops who were better known that St. John Chrysostom. His last name is more a nickname than a family name – It means “golden mouthed”. He was called that because he was a preacher.

Below is an Easter sermon he preached. It is so famous that in the churches of the Byzantine Catholic and Orthodox world, it is still THE sermon proclaimed at Easter. The wording is a little old-fashioned but stick with it till the end.

Let all pious men and all lovers of God rejoice in the splendor of this feast; let the wise servants blissfully enter into the joy of their Lord; let those who have borne the burden of Lent now receive their pay, and those who have toiled since the first hour, let them now receive their due reward; let any who came after the third hour be grateful to join in the feast, and those who may have come after the sixth, let them not be afraid of being too late; for the Lord is gracious and He receives the last even as the first. He gives rest to him who comes on the eleventh hour as well as to him who has toiled since the first: yes, He has pity on the last and He serves the first; He rewards the one and praises the effort.

Come you all: enter the joy of your Lord. You the first and you the last, receive alike your reward; you rich and you poor, dance together; you sober and you weaklings, celebrate the day; you who have kept the fast and you who have not, rejoice today. The table is richly loaded: enjoy its royal banquet. The calf is a fatted one: let no one go away hungry. All of you enjoy the banquet of faith; all of you receive the riches of his goodness. Let no one grieve over his poverty, for the universal kingdom has been revealed; let no one weep over his sins, for pardon has shone from the grave; let no one fear death, for the death of our Savior has set us free: He has destroyed it by enduring it, He has despoiled Hell by going down into its kingdom, He has angered it by allowing it to taste of his flesh.

When Isaias foresaw all this, he cried out: "O Hell, you have been angered by encountering Him in the nether world."

Hell is angered because it is frustrated, it is angered because it has been mocked, it is angered because it has been destroyed, it is angered because it has been reduced to naught, it is angered because it is now captive. It seized a body, and, lo! it encountered heaven; it seized the visible and was overcome by the invisible.

O death, where is your sting? O Hell, where is your victory? Christ is risen and you are abolished. Christ is risen and the demons are cast down. Christ is risen and the angels rejoice. Christ is risen and life is freed. Christ is risen and the tomb is emptied of the dead: for Christ, being risen from the dead, has become the Leader and Reviver of those who had fallen asleep. To Him be glory and power for ever and ever. Amen.

St. John preaches the Kingdom as a banquet and heaven as a place where are all invited. He preaches a God who is generous with the first and the last, with the striver as well as the loafer, with the teacher’s pet as well as the kid in the last row of class.

And he does this because that is what Jesus himself did. St. John’s words are based on Jesus’ words.

So recent developments in our Church find their root in the ancient Tradition and in the ministry of Jesus himself. Jesus did not come to find a club but to proclaim a feast – a feast where all are welcome.

And so, on this Day of Days, whether you have been faithful or unfaithful, diligent, or lax, asleep, or awake, doubting, or sure of your faith – welcome! Draw near this Easter! Share in the singing, ponder the ancient stories, celebrate with us to the greatest degree that you are able this feast of faith. For Christ is risen! And nothing not even death can stop him – or us who believe in him.

Father Baker PS – and if you are probably reading this in church, look up – the roof is still there!

UPPER EAST SIDE PSYCHOTHERAPY

Peter Demetri, LCSW

A REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT COMPANY

Anxiety, Depression, Relationship, Grief, Loss & More Mindfulness, Solution-Oriented, Emotion-Focused, Insight & More TeleVideo Therapy Available Accepting Medicare, Aetna, Cigna & More

www.UpperEastSidePsychotherapy.com

845.702.2162 YORK AVE - 78TH ST - NYC

pdemetri1701@gmail.com

FOR SALE BY OWNER MENDOZA’S ACRES HOMESITES and/or

NEW CONSTRUCTION HOUSE and

LOT PACKAGE @ Resort Lake Wallenpaupack, Hawley, Pennsylvania

Established Development 1+ ACRES to 3+ ACRES LOTS

Prices Start @ $39,900 Must see to make an offer:

Mobile: 917-400-2177 www.mendozaindustries.com

Eva’s Garden Florist

Your ad

Proudly Serving NYC Since 1978

212.744.8710

www.evasgarden.com

could be in this space!

email: evasgardenflowers@gmail.com

1506 1st Ave | New York, NY 10075 WEDDINGS | SYMPATHY AND FUNERALS CHRISTENINGS | SPECIAL EVENTS | SEASONAL ARRANGEMENTS

DO YOU HAVE SALES EXPERIENCE? ARE YOU WELL NETWORKED IN THE LOCAL COMMUNITY?

J.S. PALUCH COMPANY

NATIONAL PUBLISHER OF CHURCH BULLETINS • Full Time Positions Available with Excellent Earning Potential!

• Medical Benefits, 401K, Life & AD&D Insurance Available • Excellent Commission Compensation Program EARN

Interested? Call Kay Leane 1.800.621.5197 x2823 or Email Resume to RECRUITING@JSPALUCH.COM

DO

MONEY! GOOD! MAKE A

POSITIVE IMPACT!

www.jspaluch.com

Consider Remembering Your Parish in Your Will.

Grow Your Business, Advertise Here.

Support Your Church & Bulletin.

Free professional ad design & my help! email: sales@jspaluch.com

Get this weekly bulletin delivered by email - for FREE!

For further information, please call the Parish Office.

www.jspaluch.com

For Information ... Call 800.524.0263 ✂ Please Cut Out This “Thank You Ad” and Present It The Next Time You Patronize One of Our Advertisers

Sign up here: www.jspaluch.com/subscribe Medical Alert System

Courtesy of J.S. Paluch Company, Inc. $29.95/Mo.

212-535-4480

om Ro le rty ab s Pa vail w A son A Lo er As per P 0 $2

•

One Free Month

•

No Long-Term

1617 York Avenue (Corner 85th Street)

Contract

John S. Krtil, Owner/Manager “Dignified, Affordable and Independently Owned Since 1885”

1297 FIRST AVENUE

billed quarterly

•

Price Guarantee

•

Easy Self Installation

Take your FAITH ON A JOURNEY. Call us today at 860-399-1785 or email eileen@CatholicCruisesandTours.com

www.CatholicCruisesandTours.com

Call Today!

Toll Free 1.877.801.8608

(between 69th & 70th Streets) Download Our Free App or Visit

212.744.3084 ✦ www.KrtilFuneralHome.com 511510 St Monica Church

Catholic Cruises and Tours and The Apostleship of the Sea of the United States of America

(CST 2117990-70)

Serving Yorkville Since 1982 Se

Thank you for advertising in our church bulletin.

I am patronizing your business because of it!

www.MY.ONEPARISH.com www.jspaluch.com

Grow in your faith, find a Mass, and connect with your Catholic Community with OneParish!

For Ads: J.S. Paluch Co., Inc. 1-800-524-0263