December 12, 2021

Parish life Third Sunday of Advent

12/12/2021

Christmas Concert (Page 4)

Life Faith Formation (Page 6)

Just a word ( Page 9)

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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 Intentions

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 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: 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

Monday, December 13th St. Lucy 12pm Joan Hart

Wednesday, December 15th

Advent Weekday 12pm Priests of St. Monica’s Thursday, December 16th

Advent Weekday 12pm Kathleen M. Reddington

Friday, December 17th

Late Advent Weekday 12:00pm The Conzelmann Family

(Living & Dec.)

Saturday, December 18th

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

Sunday, December 12th Third Sunday of Advent 8:00am Emil Russo 10:00am Walter & Mary Ferber 12:00pm All Parishioners 5:00pm Adam Armetta

Tuesday, December 14th

St. John of the Cross

12pm Norma Ester Litrenta (Living)

Follow us on social media by searching STELMO79

Mass Schedule

Saturday, December 11th Vigil 5:30pm Werner Hertzel

Late Advent Weekday 12:00pm

Albany Valderrama

For Mass Intentions, please visit the Parish Center

Today’s Readings

Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament Every Friday after the Noon Mass until 3pm in the church and live on-line

First Reading — Shout for joy! Sing joyfully! Be glad and exult! The LORD, your God, is in your midst, a mighty savior (Zephaniah 3:14-18a).

Psalm — Cry out with joy and gladness: for among you is the great and Holy One of Israel (Isaiah 12).

Second Reading — Rejoice! The Lord is near. Make your requests known to God (Philippians 4:4-7).

Gospel — John tells his hearers to share their possessions with the needy; be honest; do not threaten or accuse others falsely (Luke 3:10-18).

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.

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

Readings for the Week

Vespers (Evening Prayer) Every Friday at 5:10pm in the Chapel and live on-line

Monday: Nm 24:2-7, 15-17a; Ps 25:4-5ab, 6, 7bc-9; Mt 21:23-27 Tuesday: Zep 3:1-2, 9-13; Ps 34:2-3, 6-7, 17-19, 23; Mt 21:28-32 Wednesday: Is 45:6b-8, 18, 21b-25; Ps 85:9-14; Lk 7:18b-23 Thursday: Is 54:1-10; Ps 30:2, 4-6, 11-12a, 13b; Lk 7:24-30 Friday: Gn 49:2, 8-10; Ps 72:1-4ab, 7-8, 17; Mt 1:1-17 Saturday: Jer 23:5-8; Ps 72:1-2, 12-13, 18-19; Mt 1:18-25 Sunday: Mi 5:1-4a; Ps 80:2-3, 15-16, 18-19;

Heb 10:5-10; Lk 1:39-45

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

Bread & Wine

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.

In Memory of Rita McGoff & Joseph Spina Offered by Florence Spina

Sanctuary Lamp

PRAYERS FOR THE SICK

Jody Zanarias, Myrna Moreno & all those ill with or recovering from the COVID-19 virus and all Victims of Military Activities

This Week’s Sanctuary Lamp

PRAYERS FOR THE DECEASED Mary Turny, Robert Oscar Castro, Lawrence Hart & Michael Egan

This Week’s Bread & Wine

In Memory of Rita McGoff & Joseph Spina Offered by Florence Spina

THE ST. MONICA CONCERT SERIES PRESENTS OUR

TRADITIONAL CHRISTMAS CONCERT Saturday December 18th at 8:00 pm This traditional Christmas Concert features the Adult and Children’s Choirs of St. Monica, St. Elizabeth of Hungary, St.

The Concert Series at St. Monica – St. Elizabeth of Hungary – St. Stephen of Hungary Roman Catholic Church Enjoy the beauty of our Gothic Revival Architecture FREE ADMISSION

Stephen of Hungary. Joining the choirs will be our small chamber ensemble.

Come hear traditional works from Bach, Handel, Victoria, as well as contemporary Christmas classics.

And if you are around on Sunday, December 19th, we will have Christmas Caroling on the steps of the church at 3:30pm. It will be followed by hot cocoa, hot cider, and Xmas cookies. Come join us!

CHURCH OF ST. MONICA 413 East 79th St. NY NY, 10075 212.288.6250 www.stelmo79.org

Par � L�fe Are you new to our Parish? Join us for our monthly Second Sunday Social on December 12th after the noon mass. This is an opportunity to learn more about the history of our parish, the ministries offered here, tour the space, meet members of the Pastoral Staff, and meet other members of the Parish. If you’re interested in joining us, please RSVP by emailing Fr. Baker FRDCAB@stelmo79.org by Sat, Dec 11th.

We are still collecting items for our annual Toy Drive which will benefit the families of Little Sisters of the Assumption. Please bring Lego sets, puzzles, art supplies, soccer games, outdoor games, action figures and educational games to the front of St. Joseph’s Altar by December 12th.

If you’re interested in learning more about what you can do to be environmentally friendly or want to learn more about what our Parish is doing to care for earth, join us! Email GreenTeam@stelmo79.org

K-8 Religious Education and Sacramental Preparation: •

Sunday sessions run 11:11am to 11:55am on Zoom!. Zoom links are emailed to registered families each Friday. The timing of Religious Ed sessions allows your family to attend the Mass of your choice (in person or via Zoom). Participating 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! (No sessions December 26 or January 2.)

Adult Faith Formation: •

•

Gather with other Catholics, and with those considering becoming Catholic, to learn more about the Scriptures and our Catholic Faith in a communal setting over a cup of coffee or tea. Bring your questions and musings! Expand your knowledge of the Bible and church teaching in a friendly, non-judgmental environment. No long-term commitment – join us when you are able.

Each Sunday, following the 12noon Mass and concluding at 3pm, in the Parish Center. All materials provided. All are welcome! (No sessions December 26 or January 2.)

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 December 26 or January 2)

Toy Drive •

Please bring unwrapped, new toys to the St. Joseph Altar steps by December 12. The Little Sisters of the Assumption will be distributing the toys to families in Harlem. Please help to make their Christmas bright!

Advent Retreat: The Joy of Living in a Time of Turmoil

Advent Reflections of Anthony DeMello, SJ, led by Desmond Towey of DeMello Spirituality

Join us in the St. Elizabeth of Hungary Chapel (406 East 80th Street) for the second of two evenings of meditation and sharing: Wednesday, December 15, 6:30-8pm All are welcome! Please RSVP on our website or at the Parish Center.

Bereavement Ministry

Have you lost a loved one?

Consider allowing your community to support you in your grief.

In January and February, a 6-week series, Seasons of Hope, will be offered for those who wish to process their grief in the context of their faith, and within a support group setting.

We will meet in the Parish Center on Wednesday evenings, 7-8:30pm. Please save the dates: January 12, 19, 26, and February 2, 9, 16, 2022 Register at the Parish Center, or with Maryann Tyrer at mtyrer@stelmo79.org.

Five Minute Jesus

Using the Gospel for Prayer – fourth Sunday of Advent – December 19, 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 Luke 1:39-45

Mary set out and traveled to the hill country in haste to a town of Judah, where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the infant leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, cried out in a loud voice and said, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. And how does this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For at the moment the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the infant in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled.”

Monday Is there something in this Gospel that spoke to me? Comforted me? Challenged me? If so, what is it? How does this Gospel speak to me?

Tuesday This Gospel takes place right after the angel tells Mary that she is going to be the mother of the Messiah. The first thing she does is head off to Elizabeth, her “kinswoman” who in her old age is also pregnant. What is Luke trying to say to us about Mary here? IS it that she is caring? Does she have some inkling that both children have important roles to play?

What do I think Mary’s motivation to go to help Elizabeth was? And what does it say to me?

Wednesday The reason Luke tells the story of the Visitation of Mary with Elizabeth becomes clear the moment the two women meet. Elizabeth hears Mary’s voice and John the Baptist leaps in her womb. The point of the meeting is to underscore the relationship of their children. But it also underscores the role of Mary in their mission. What is Mary’s role in my faith life? Does my heart “leap” when it comes to Mary? Do I have any devotion to the Mother of God? If so what is it.

And if noy, why not?

Thursday “Blessed are you among women and blessed is the fruit of your womb.” Where have we heard that before? It comes from the Hail Mary, one of the most basic of Catholic prayers. In that we praise Mary for her role in the birth of the Messiah, Jesus. What does the word “blessed” mean? In one way or the other it means that God is with me; though that does not always mean I will be happy because of it. What does it mean for me that Mary is blessed? And when do I feel blessed?

Friday For Mary, she is blessed because she believed that what God said to her would come to pass. She trusts. Knowing the story, that must have been hard for her. How hard is it for me to see my faith as one of trust. Do I trust God? Have I ever lost faith in God? What do I really trust in?

Saturday A medieval theologian once said, “Show me what you hang your heart on, and I will show you your God.” Mary’s and Elizabeth’s hearts hang on God’s promises. That seems to be the message Luke is trying to convey. Where do I hange my heart? What is truly most important in my life? Is it strong enough to be a God? IF not, then what would Luke’s message be to me?

From the Pastor 12.12.21

will return next week

What we lost. . . and gained As the world moves into its second COVID winter, the unease surrounding the omicron variant, its rapid spread worldwide, the uncertainty about the degree of protection current vaccines provide and the continuing high numbers of the unvaccinated, are all overwhelming. Most of us realize that there will be no going back to the world the way it was before COVID 19. The coronavirus will be a part of our lives, and immunization against it and its mutations will be a part of our health care, along with hand sanitizer and (sigh) masks.

However, most are also insistent that we will not spend another winter like 2020-21. We will not remain isolated in our homes, cut off from family, friends and community. We will celebrate the Holidays, eat with friends, even go to the theater. We will say yes to life again. Yes, masked. Yes, vaccinated. Yes, tested. But, yes to life. Because if we have learned one thing during the pandemic, it is that the intangible things: Contact, friendship, community - these things are priceless, and they are what we lost.

We here at St. Monica – St. Elizabeth – St. Stephen saw that in a powerful way this past fall, when following our feast day mass at the end of September we had an international food reception. Our Parish Council was overwhelmed at the response. Not only was there so much food (all of which was eaten) but there were so many people who stayed, and everyone said the same: How great it was to be together again.

Our Parish Council realized something: We might not be able to get people vaccinated or convince them to wear masks. But we can create the community that so many of us lost and yearn to find again. So next Sunday, December 19th, the Council in collaboration with our Music Ministry, is sponsoring a Christmas Carol Sing Along on the steps of our Church. Our Children’s Choir and Adult Choir will be there. There will be song sheets for all to participate. It will start at 3:30, and last about ½ an hour.

Afterwards, all are invited to come into the church and warm up with a Christmas Cookie social. There will be Hot Chocolate, Mulled Cider, and a selection of Christmas cookies. We are inviting those who come to bring a tray of their favorite cookies. There is more information about how you can contribute on the back tables in church. But even if Christmas cookies are not your thing, come and celebrate. We lost a lot during the last two years, but we have also gained an appreciation for things like friendship, faith, and community. Come celebrate that with us on the 19th.

Thank you, Jasmine Gomez Jasmine Gomez started working for us in 2019. As Pastoral Associate for Parish Life, she was tasked with building up parish community, expanding our online presence and developing social justice ministry. Shortly after she was hired, the world went into lockdown. Things like the website became lifelines for people seeking connection with the parish. For a time, we all worked closely with her shepherding the parish through the worst of the covid months.

I have known Jasmine since she was a young woman just returned from college. She was a parishioner in my former parish, Nativity in the East Village. I also knew she was completing a degree at Fordham, which would open new doors for her. Jasmine has informed us she is going to walk through one of those doors. She has resigned her position effective December 19th.

We wish Jasmine well as she embarks on this next chapter in her life!

Father Baker

CHURCH NAME AND ADDRESS 511510: Church of St. Monica/ St Elizabeth of Hungary / St Stephen of Hungary 406 East 80th Street, NYC., NY 10075 PHONE: 212 288-6250 CONTACT PERSON: Gladys Tejada/Office

SUNDAY DATE OF PUBLICATION: December 12th, 2021 SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS: PLEASE PRINT 450 BULLETINS FOR THIS WEEK’S ISSUE