August 9, 2020

Nineteenth Sunday In Ordinary Time

August 9, 2020

JUST A WORD From our Pastor (Page 9)

SCHOOL INFORMATION (Page 4)

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. Jim O’Shea and 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

Mass Intentions

Saturday, August 8th, Vigil

5:30 pm

Sunday, August 9th, Nineteenth

Sunday In Ordinary Time

8:00 am

Megan, Matthew, Sarah & Ryan (Living)

10:00 am

Giselle PeĂąa

Tuesday - Thursday ....................................... 9:00 am - 7:00 pm Friday ....................................................... Closed Saturday ................................................. 10:00 am - 2:00 pm Sunday ..................................................... Closed Closed for Lunch Weekdays......................1:00 pm - 2:00 pm 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

12:00 pm All Parishioners 5:00 pm

Lucia Roman

Monday, August 10th St. Lawrence

12:00 pm

Werner Hertzel

Tuesday, August 11th St. Claire

12:00 pm

John J. Moritz & Lars Matton

Wednesday, August 12th Weekday

12:00 pm

Jennie Herman

Our Offices are open: Monday ............................................................. 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Engracia Baez

Thursday, August 13th Weekday

12:00 pm

Victor Vensas

Friday, August 14th

St. Maximilian Kolbe

12:00 pm

Megan Gonzalez

5:30 pm

John R. Flack

Saturday, August 15th The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

12:00 pm

Brian Thompson

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.

Please remember in your prayers PRAYERS FOR THE SICK Dough Knox, Billy Banks, Jennifer Sayte, & Dennis Cronin All victims of military activity

PRAYERS FOR THE DECEASED Theresa McNamara, Josefa Castellanos, Alice Freehill, Osvaldo Carrasquillo, Theresa McNamara,Theresa Muldey, Robert Castro & Judith Baron

Treasures of our Tradition SAINT TERESA BENEDICTA OF THE CROSS (EDITH STEIN) (1891-1942) August 9 “Come,” Edith gently whispered, taking her sister Rosa’s hand, “let us go for our people!” These were Edith Stein’s last words as the Nazis, enraged at the Dutch bishops’ condemnation of their genocide, took into custody all Catholic converts from Judaism. Born Jewish, but non-practicing from her teens, Edith’s search for truth led to a doctorate in philosophy, a brilliant career as professor and author and, finally, to the Autobiography of Saint Teresa of Ávila, which she read in one sitting, then declared, “That is the Truth!”

Baptized on January 1, 1922, observed then as the feast of Jesus’ initiation into the covenant of Abraham, confirmed on February 2, the feast of Jesus’ Presentation in the Temple, Edith entered the cloistered Carmelites in Cologne, transferring to a convent in Holland when she realized that, because of the Nazi persecution of the Jews, her presence could imperil the safety of the other nuns. She died in the gas chambers of Auschwitz as a daughter of Israel and of the Church.

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

Today’s Readings First Reading — The LORD said to Elijah: “Stand on the mountain; the LORD will be passing by” (1 Kings 19:9a, 11-13a).

Psalm — Lord, let us see your kindness, and grant us your salvation (Psalm 85).

Second Reading — To the Israelites belong the covenants, the law, and the patriarchs; and from them comes the Christ (Romans 9:1-5).

Gospel — As Jesus walked on the sea, the disciples were terrified (Matthew 14:22-33).

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: 2 Cor 9:6-10; Ps 112:1-2, 5-9; Jn 12:24-26 Tuesday: Ez 2:8 — 3:4; Ps 119:14, 24, 72, 103, 111,

131; Mt 18:1-5, 10, 12-14 Wednesday: Ez 9:1-7; 10:18-22; Ps 113:1-6; Mt 18:15-20 Thursday: Ez 12:1-12; Ps 78:56-59, 61-62:

Mt 18:21 — 19:1 Friday: Ez 16:1-15, 60, 63 [59-63];

Is 12:2-3, 4bcd-6; Mt 19:3-12 Saturday: Vigil: 1 Chr 15:3-4, 15-16; 16:1-2;

Ps 132:6-7, 9-10, 13-14; 1 Cor 15:54b-57;

Lk 11:27-28Day: Rv 11:19a; 12:1-6a, 10ab;

Ps 45:10-12, 16; 1 Cor 15:20-27; Lk 1:39-56 Sunday: Is 56:1, 6-7; Ps 67:2-3, 5, 6, 8;

Rom 11:13-15, 29-32; Mt 15:21-28

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

Construction Update

What’s going on over at St. Stephen of Hungary School?

You may have seen a lot of activity over at the school - which in these days of COVID-19, seems out of the ordinary, but the school is doing much needed renovation and expansion.

Under the parking lot, an additional classroom and flexible space for multi-purpose use for all of our students is being added. The refurbished space will become three classrooms and provide space needed to expand indoor recreation and physical education space, including dance instruction.

A partial roof has been constructed over our current playground to allow for outside play during inclement weather.

The restoration of the ground floor of the Francis Building, as well as the Choir Loft, will address the need for additional classrooms and flexible space for social distancing.

The front door of the Church will be established as the new main entrance to the school creating an added layer of security for students.

It’s an exciting time at St. Stephen of Hungary School!

Parish Life

The Young Adult Ministry is a curated space for those ages 18 to 39. With

events like our Wine & Cheese, Theology Talks, and more, we gather for

fellowship and to deepen our faith. We open our doors to all young adults; It

does not matter where you come from, whether you are Catholic or not,

ALWAYS welcomed in this place! If you are interested

what lifestyle you lead, how much money you make or how little- you are

in connecting with this group or attending our events, please visit https://www.stelmo79.org/ya-ministry

You can contribute to our presence on social media!

If you have an idea (for a campaign or posts), are interested or curious contact Pastoral Associate Jasmine Gomez jgomez@stelmo79.org

Generally, our seniors are retired members of our community who have time during the day to worship, to meet and discuss God’s Word, to share stories of God’s faithfulness in their lives and to articulate their needs and aspirations presently. If lively conversation, film viewings and community are what you are looking for, this is a sure fit!

Contact the group at Seniorministry@stelmo79.org

This ministry is new to our parish. The team is dedicated to education, service, and advocacy on behalf of the natural world, following the teachings of Pope Francis. If you are interested in joining, please email GreenTeam@stelmo79.org

Sacramental Celebrations that were postponed in the Spring have been rescheduled as follows: • St. Stephen of Hungary 1st Communion – Saturday, September 19, 10am o Rehearsals will be during school days • Parish Religious Ed and Caedmon 1st Communion – Sunday, September 20, at the 10am Mass o Rehearsal for candidates and a parent– Thursday, September 17, 4pm • Confirmation for SSH group and parish group – Sunday, October 4, 2pm o Rehearsal for candidates and sponsors – Saturday, Oct. 3 at 10am

K-8 Religious Education • K-8 Religious Education will be online (via ZOOM) this Fall! We hope this will make it easier for your children to participate regularly, and allay your fears about the COVID-19 pandemic. We simply do not have the space to allow for necessary social distancing. No ZOOM account is necessary - you will be sent a link to connect each Sunday morning. All you need is internet access and a tablet or computer. This method of delivery has been approved by the Archdiocese of New York and by our pastor, and it will fulfill all Archdiocesan and parish requirements.

• Registration is now open. You may download the form on our website, complete it, attach a check, and mail it in, OR, you may register in person and pay fees at the parish center. New registrations must include a copy of the child’s baptismal certificate.

• Once you have completed registration, you will be notified of the dates when you can pick up your child’s textbook and support materials. Parent meetings will be offered in September via ZOOM. • The first K-8 Religious Education session is Sunday, October 4, 2020, at 10:15am. Registration must be completed by October 1. We hope the delayed start will allow everyone to settle in at school and prepare for the new religious education format.

Sacramental Preparation for Children and Teens • First Penance, First Communion, Confirmation o The Archdiocese of New York requires two years of either Catholic School or Parish Religious Education immediately before the reception of First Communion (2nd grade or up) or Confirmation (8th grade or up). o First Penance and First Communion have an at-home component that is to be completed in addition to regular attendance in Religious Education.

Adult Faith Formation – open to all adults!

• Sunday Morning Scripture Discussions resume on October 18, 10:15-11:45am at the Parish Center • Friday Evening Prayer year round in the chapel at 5:10pm each week – all are welcome Adults who are thinking about becoming Catholic, or Catholic adults who are missing First Communion and/or Confirmation - contact Maryann Tyrer, Pastoral Associate, to discuss our adult initiation process. You can begin the process any time throughout the year.

Want to volunteer? Many different opportunities are available, with various time commitments – Contact Maryann to discuss how your gifts might meet our needs.

BEREAVEMENT MINISTRY

We are launching a new ministry here at the parish this fall for anyone who has lost a loved one over the past couple of years. Programming will begin in November, but we need to begin now to recruit and form a team for this ministry. If you feel God calling you to assist those who are grieving, to listen to their stories with compassion and affirmation, please contact Maryann Tyrer for further discussion. No prior experience is needed, although it would be welcomed. The Archdiocese will provide training once we have formed a team.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES Contact Maryann Tyrer at mtyrer@stelmo79.org if you are interested in learning more about any of the following opportunities to get involved in our Lifelong Faith Formation programs. Training and resources provided – no experience needed. Screening and background check required.

• Catechists and assistants for elementary and junior high aged students and families– teach our faith online (for now) and in person (once it’s safe to gather in groups.)

Usually Sunday mornings.

• Assistants and discussion group leaders for adult faith formation and adult sacramental formation (RCIA) – assist lead catechists and facilitate small group discussions. These groups meet in person, practicing social distancing. Sunday mornings, Saturdays, or weeknight evenings.

• Hospitality assistants (will begin once social distancing rules have loosened) – assist with set up, refreshments, and clean up for Lifelong Faith Formation events (both adult and family.) Sunday mornings, Saturdays, or weeknight evenings.

Five Minute Jesus Using the Gospel for Prayer – 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time – August 15, 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 15:21-28 At that time, Jesus withdrew to the region of Tyre and Sidon. And behold, a Canaanite woman of that district came and called out, “Have pity on me, Lord, Son of David! My daughter is tormented by a demon.”

But Jesus did not say a word in answer to her. Jesus’ disciples came and asked him, “Send her away, for she keeps calling out after us.” He said in reply, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” But the woman came and did Jesus homage, saying, “Lord, help me.” He said in reply, “It is not right to take the food of the children and throw it to the dogs.” She said, “Please, Lord, for even the dogs eat the scraps that fall from the table of their masters.” Then Jesus said to her in reply, “O woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you wish.” And the woman’s daughter was healed from that hour.

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 Tyre and Sidon would be difficult to find on a map today. However, people in Jesus’ day would have known exactly where they were; they were over the border, in a foreign land out amongst “them”. Jesus was with people who did not share his respect for God’s law. In fact, they were “lawless” in the truest sense of the word. Have I ever been in a place where I felt alone and cut off from “my” people? What was my reaction to that feeling?

Why did I react that way? What is Jesus’ reaction? Why did he react that way?

Tuesday A woman pleads to Jesus to help her daughter. The passage couldn’t be clearer. She was a “Canaanite” – a member of that people who lived in Israel before Moses and the Israelites arrived. Her people were the traditional enemies of Jesus’ people. And yet, she calls Jesus, “Lord” She recognizes him as “Son of David” in short, the true successor of David who will bring about the kingdom. Clearly this Canaanite woman does not fit the stereotype of the enemy. Has there ever been a time when I realized my judgement was flawed and I could not see the person for the stereotype? What happened? How did it turn out?

Wednesday Jesus drives the point still further by saying the very prejudicial things his people would have said about the Canaanites: That they were dogs. What is my reaction when I hear people say similar hateful things? What is my reaction when I hear Jesus speak this way? Why does he do it?

Thursday Each time Jesus rejects her, she comes back with a response. What is my reaction to her response to Jesus’ prejudicial words? IS she being smart? Or being an “Uncle Tom” to get what she wants? OR is she just being determined and persistent because she is desperate to save her daughter? Have I ever been that desperate with God? When? What happened, and what was the answer I got?

Friday In the end, Jesus praises the woman’s faith and heals her daughter. Clearly faith is important. So important that it bridged the gaps between ancient enemies between Jews and Gentiles, between Jesus and this faithful – but Canaanite woman. IS that how I see faith? How was I raised to see people who practiced other faiths? Was I raised to see them as sisters and brothers, or as enemies? Has there ever been a time when I realized that I shared something with a person who was not a member of my faith? Who were they and what happemned?

From your Pastor August 9th, 2020

Holy Days of Obligation in the Time of Corona In the lazy hazy days of August, if you squint kind of funny and don’t turn on the TV, the summer can seem . . . almost . . . normal. Church is open, people are coming to mass, the offices are open, we are actually having live appointments again. There are not many people around, but then that is normal as well for this time of year, and things are slower; again typical.

However, things do come up which remind us that we are still living in a time of pandemic and thus of great change. For even though church is open, and masses are being said, the obligation to attend Sunday mass is lifted. That extends also to holy days of obligation. This year, the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary falls on a Saturday. The way the rules work, if a Holy Day of Obligation falls on a Saturday or a Monday, the obligation is lifted anyway. But this year even more so.

Thus Saturday, August 15th there will the one daily mass on the feast of the Assumption at 12 noon. There will be no vigil on Friday, August 14th. The mass at 5:30pm will be the normal Saturday vigil mass for Sunday.

It will not be a mass for the feast of the Assumption.

Wait, what is missing . . .?

IF look over to the left in the church as you sit and face the altar, you will notice that something is missing: The old confessionals! WE are currently rebuilding that area and part of that area will have a new clean, properly lit and ventilated reconciliation room. The church renovation company that is doing the work will use pieces of the old confessionals to build the new one. Three will also be a storage closet and a chapel which honors the three patron saints of the parish.

Thus, as a reminder, confessions will continue to be heard in the St. Elizabeth of Hungary Chapel in the parish center on 80th St. (Note: not St. Elizabeth of Hungary Church!) from 5:00 – 5:30pm on Saturdays until further notice.

What’s that crane doing here?

People walking past the church over the past week have seen a large crane lurking about. There is no problem or damage to the church that is being prepared. Rather, the lighting which once bathed the church in the evenings is being replaced. The new lights are energy efficient LEDs and yes, they are able to be colored.

Don’t expect the Empire State Building on the New Year’s Eve! But the front of our already beautiful church we be illumined in the evenings come fall. IT is part of the renovation of the lighting system that we have been waiting on for SO LONG. Father Baker

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