18th

Parish life Third Sunday of Lent

Apr. 18, 2021

From the Pastor (Page 9)

From Our Music Director ( Page 4)

Parish Life ( Page 5)

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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

Mass Intentions Saturday, April 17th Vigil 5:30pm Mary J. Reilly Sunday, April 18th Third Sunday of Easter 8:00am Kathleen McDermont 10:00am Robert Dorraine 12:00pm All Parishioners 5:00pm Bernadette Fahey

Monday, April 19th Easter Weekday

12:00pm Annette Williams

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 Tuesday, April 20th Easter Weekday Parish Manager: Mr. Michael Ward ............. mward@stelmo79.org Music Director: Mr. John Zupan .................... jzupan@stelmo79.org

Wedding Coordinator: Ms. Debbi Burdett . dbweddingsnyc@gmail.com 12:00pm Kathleen M. Reddington Plant Manager: Guillermo Vanegas ......... gvanegas@stelmo79.org Sacristan: Pedro Pizarro ................................ ppizarro@stelmo79.org Wednesday, April 21st Easter Weekday 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

12:00pm

Fr. Peter Colapietro

Thursday, April 22nd Easter Weekday 12:00pm Helen, John Flack & Family

Friday, April 23rd Easter Weekday

12:00pm Thanksgiving

Saturday, April 24th Easter Weekday

12:00pm Robert Atkinson

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

Bread & Wine This Week’s Bread & Wine In Memory of Bernadette Fahey Offered by Bridgette Tomahatsch

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 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 Michael Berry, Roseanne Seacur, Maria Ionta, Donna Menegaz, Zita Zilverman, Eileen Ford, Nancy Dorsinville, Nancy Hermann,Joan McKeagney, George & Magie Samra, Andres Rodriguez, Jasmine Gomez, James Mooney, & all those ill with or recovering from the COVID-19 virus and all Victims of Military Activities PRAYERS FOR THE DECEASED Msgr. Richard Guastella, Rev. Joseph Henchey, Louis Rich, Irene Huszar, Louis Schmidt, Msgr. Francis Boyle, Rafael Romero, Edward J. Moreno, Emil De Spirito, Nora Hickey & Pasquale Ionta

Sanctuary Lamp This Week’s Sanctuary Lamp In Memory of Peter Colapietro Offered by Maria Litrenta

Today’s Readings First Reading — The author of life you put to death, but God raised him from the dead (Acts 3:13-15, 17-19).

Psalm — Lord, let your face shine on us (Psalm 4).

Second Reading — We have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous one (1 John 2:1-5a).

Gospel — Thus it is written that the Christ would suffer and rise from the dead on the third day (Luke 24:35-48).

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

Readings for the Week Monday: Acts 6:8-15; Ps 119:23-24, 26-27, 29-30; Jn 6:22-29 Tuesday: Acts 7:51 — 8:1a; Ps 31:3cd-4, 6, 7b,

8a,17, 21ab; Jn 6:30-35 Wednesday: Acts 8:1b-8; Ps 66:1-3a, 4-7a; Jn 6:35-40 Thursday: Acts 8:26-40; Ps 66:8-9, 16-17, 20; Jn 6:44-51 Friday: Acts 9:1-20; Ps 117:1bc, 2; Jn 6:52-59 Saturday: Acts 9:31-42; Ps 116:12-17; Jn 6:60-69 Sunday: Acts 4:8-12; Ps 118:1, 8-9, 21-23, 26, 28,

29;1 Jn 3:1-2; Jn 10:11-18

A NOTE FROM OUR DIRECTOR OF MUSIC What a difference a year makes! Last year the pastoral staff was recording daily and Sunday Masses for Lent. We video recorded our Triduum over 2 days. We set up and decorated for Holy Thursday in the morning and then setup and decorated for our Good Friday service that afternoon. Our next session we recorded Easter Sunday.

This Triduum, even with limited congregants we had congregants!

On Palm Sunday we began with our usual procession and blessing of palms. Since we could not have full worship aids, we proclaimed Mark’s Passion in a different way. We were able to sit and really listen to the Passion. We used the tune of Were You There as a response to go further into the Gospel Reading. From what I have heard from many parishioners, this seemed to be highly effective.

On Holy Thursday, we had our presentation of the Holy Oils. Unfortunately, we could not have the Foot Washing but that will return next year. And although the St. Elizabeth of Hungary Chapel was too small to accommodate our procession this year, we had a solemn procession of the Blessed Sacrament to our new shrine in the church.

It was a prayerful and profound moment.

We prayed Tenebrae – the service of morning prayer – on Holy Thursday, Good Friday & Holy Saturday at 9am.

We chanted psalms, heard ancient readings, and listened to the chanting of the Lamentations of Jeremiah the Prophet. The service took place by the baptismal font this year. It was quite intimate and moving. Perhaps next year, more of you could experience these Tenebrae with us.

Good Friday was heightened by the traditional 3-part chanting of the Passion of John which is always a moving moment on Good Friday. We were able to have the Veneration of the Cross. Although this year it was different – we could only genuflect or bow. Even with this change due to covid-19 restrictions, the veneration was still quite moving.

Easter Vigil we started outside with the lighting of the new fire and procession of the new Easter Candle into church. Although we had to wait outside this year due to the attendance policy, we all made do. I must tell you the view from upstairs as the candles were lit from the Paschal Candle was breathtaking. Then when the Paschal Candle was put into place by the sanctuary, its light radiated in the church. And in that darkness, we heard the Old Testament Readings, and we were reminded of our history. Then as the Gloria was sung for the first time since Lent began, the altar candles were lighted, the pew torches were lighted, and the church glowed. And those that were there heard the organ! Yes, it is not fully back, but what we had was wonderful. I cannot wait until it is at full strength. We were also fortunate to have a string quartet and percussion. And of course, our singers who made all our services beautiful and moving. But I must admit I look forward to having our Adult Choir back - and next year we shall. With the RCIA initiations our Easter Vigil was complete. Even with Covid-19 we as a parish were able to celebrate the climax of our liturgical year.

We are an Easter people and ALLLELUIA is our song!

Par � L�fe Thank you!

Dear Parish Family, Do you have ideas for Social Media Posts?

As you may know, I seriously injured

Would you like to take

my leg back in February and had to take leave from my

pictures to capture the

work because of it. After almost 2 months, I am finally

life of this vibrant

well enough to get back to work which makes me glad, even if remotely. I was completely overwhelmed with all the thoughtful messages I read when I logged into my work email account. So many messages of

Parish? Perhaps you are interested in helping us with the Livestream of Mass?

Join the Digital Media Ministry by contacting Jasmine jgomez@stelmo79.org! No experience necessary!

suggestions, prayer, encouragement- wow!

Jasmine will train you.

Thank you ♥ I have done my best to catch up on all the emails I received so if I possibly missed yours, please don’t hesitate to reach out again.

– Jas��

As you may have noticed, our Green team has been super busy this year! The team has been staying informed with many city projects and initiatives, working with our school and keeping us all informed on ways in which we can be more environmentally conscious. If you are interested in joining them at their next meeting: May 6th at 7:30pm, please email

You can go to ANY school building for FREE takeout meals!

On weekdays, between 9am – 12pm, families & students can pick up free grab-and-go meals On weekdays, between 3pm-5pm, multiple meals (breakfast & lunch) are available to the general public.

✔ NO identification or registration is necessary ✔ Vegetarian meals are available at all locations

greenteam@stelmo79.org so that you may be sent the Zoom link. pg. 5

K-8 Parish Religious Education:

Religious Education continues to meet online each Sunday morning at 10:15am. Zoom links are emailed each week to all registered families.

We pray for our children who will be celebrating their First Communion on April 24, and for our teens who will be celebrating their Confirmation on April 25. May God shower you with blessings!

Adult Faith Formation:

Our Sunday morning Adult Faith Formation, an informal discussion of the Sunday Scriptures, led by a facilitator, is open to all. We meet on Sundays 10:15 to 11:30am, in the Parish Center. Social distancing and face masks are required. Please join us! No registration is required – you can drop in any Sunday.

Adult Sacraments of Initiation (RCIA):

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 options are available for face-to-face or Zoom meetings.

Icon Painting Workshop

Reverend Peter Pearson, professional iconographer and teacher, returns May 3-7, 2021 to lead us in painting this icon of St. Joseph. We will gather in the Angelo Room (observing safe distancing and wearing masks) each evening of the week, 6:30-9pm. The $250 fee covers all the materials (board, brushes, paints, and tools) that you will need to paint your own icon, as well as the expert instruction of Reverend Peter Pearson.

No experience or artistic ability needed – you’ll be guided through each step. Don’t miss out on this annual opportunity! Contact Maryann at mtyrer@stelmo79.org to save your spot, or register on our website at www.stelmo79.org

Bereavement Support Group • • • • • • •

Wednesday Evenings, 7-8:30pm, April 21, 28, and May 5, 12, 19, 26 In the church, with masks and social distancing Open to men and women, but with separate discussion groups Led by trained facilitators Open to anyone who has experienced a significant loss Sessions include prayer, reflection, journaling, and discussion Register at stelmo79.org, or contact Maryann Tyrer at mtyrer@stelmo79.org

Congratulations to our Neophytes!!

Ron Barth, Alissa Cherry, and Bob McCaskey celebrated the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist at the Easter Vigil on April 3.

Congratulations and many blessings!

Five Minute Jesus

Using the Gospel for Prayer – Fourth Sunday of Easter April 25, 2021 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 10:11-18 Jesus said: “I am the good shepherd. A good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. A hired man, who is not a shepherd and whose sheep are not his own, sees a wolf coming and leaves the sheep and runs away, and the wolf catches and scatters them. This is because he works for pay and has no concern for the sheep. I am the good shepherd, and I know mine and mine know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I will lay down my life for the sheep. I have other sheep that do not belong to this fold. These also I must lead, and they will hear my voice, and there will be one flock, one shepherd. This is why the Father loves me, because I lay down my life in order to take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down on my own. I have power to lay it down, and power to take it up again. This command I have received from my Father.”

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

Tuesday Jesus speaks of himself as a shepherd. A shepherd is a person who tends to their sheep, at times alone, for months on end. Moreover, he says he is a good shepherd. The Church speaks of its leaders as shepherds, in imitation of the Good Shepherd, Jesus. Have I ever experienced a “good” shepherd in the Church? If so, who were they? And what made them good for me?

Wednesday To be a “good” shepherd, implies that there are bad ones. Jesus singles out a type of bad shepherd; the hired man who works for money, and not for the good of the sheep. If not for money, why then does a shepherd care for the sheep?

When I think of the shepherds in my life, both in the Church and outside of it, why did they do what they did? How does that affect me? Am I a shepherd like tem? If so, where?

Thursday The bad shepherd lets the wolves ravage the sheep; the good shepherd, however, lays down his life for the sheep. The implication is that the people who kill Jesus are the wolves, and Jesus lays down his life out of love. What does this say about Jesus and his love? How would I describe that kind of love? Have I ever experienced the love that Jesus shows for his sheep? Have I ever shown it? If so when? If not, why not?

Friday “I have other sheep that do not belong to this fold.” Jesus is implying that there are people who are not members of his people, who, nevertheless, will become such; so that one day “There will be one flock and one shepherd.” For Jesus then there is no “them” and “us”, only us. This is how Jesus views the human race. Is it how I view it? Or are there people who I exclude, judge, and discriminate against as one of “them”? Who are these people? And how can I live my life more completely in the “one flock” under “one shepherd”?

Saturday Jesus says something odd: He speaks of a command he received from his Father: he lays down his life and takes it up again. He says this is the reason his father knows him and loves him: his willingness to give everything – even his life in service of the Father. He sees this as an expression of love; and not just his, as it is a response to his Father’s love. Have I ever been willing to give everything, to love absolutely unconditionally? When was it? Such love is a tall order: what would it take for me to love this way? And what is holding me back?

Pastor’s Desk 04.18.21 First Communions and Confirmations Many older Catholics find it confusing; The way the season of Easter has sacramental celebration after celebration. Not just First Communions: they have been traditionally done in the spring, and while maybe not always in the season of Easter, at least thereabouts. Confirmations have been done whenever a bishop has been available, so they could have just as easily been scheduled for October as April. But all during these 8 weeks of the Easter season there will be adult Confirmations, receptions into the Full Communion of the Catholic Church, in addition to the regular round of 2nd grade First Communions and 8th Grade Confirmations.

The Easter Season has become in many parishes the season of sacraments. That is in part because of the RCIA; the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults was normally something most of us encountered only at the Easter Vigil, or if we attended a church where the candidates for baptism were dismissed in the middle of the mass.

However, all the adult sacraments were celebrated on the night before Easter.

Over the last several years however, that has changed. Increasingly our Church wants us to reserve the Easter Vigil for those who are being baptized. Those who are baptized, but who are completing their Sacraments of Communion and Confirmation or are being received into full communion do this now at other services in the Easter Season. That along with the sacramental celebrations for our young people make Easter, well, a season of Sacraments.

Out next sacramental celebrations will take place next weekend. On Saturday April 24th our 2nd graders in both Parish and school, as well as the children from Caedmon, will receive their First Communion at masses scheduled at 10am and 2pm. On Sunday, the 25th, our 8th graders, both parish and school, will receive the sacrament of Confirmation from Bishop Edmund Whalen at 2pm.

While you cannot attend these masses unless you are members of the family of the children receiving the sacraments, please remember them in your prayers during this exciting time! Also, in a few weeks we will be celebrating the confirmations, first communions and receptions into the Church of the rest of our RCIA candidates.

Easter, with its flowers and music is meant to be a joyful time in the Church’s year; celebrating this “season of Sacraments” in this way continues the joy for the 8 weeks of the Easter Season.

Thank You’s IT is a quirk of the way these columns get written that around easter a bunch of them get written early. I then went on retreat, and so now, on the 3rd Sunday of Easter you are finally reading my thank you, not just to all those who made our Holy Week wonderful in these trying times, but to all of you for your patience and understanding. These are difficult times. ON behalf of all the parish staff, thank you to everyone who worked with in making the celebration of Holy a safe one.

Father Baker

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