December 19, 2021

Parish life Fourth Sunday of Advent

12/19/2021

Parish Life (Page 5)

Five Minute Jesus (Page 8)

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.

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 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, December 18th Vigil 5:30pm Marisa Pagin Catalano (Living)

Sunday, December 19th Fourth Sunday of Advent ` 8:00am Rick & Laura Donovan (Living) 10am William & Mary Mitchell 12:00pm All Parishioners 5:00pm Fr. Thomas Flynn (Living)

Monday, December 20th

Late Advent Weekday 12pm Annette Williams Tuesday, December 21st

Late Advent Weekday 12pm Thanksgiving Wednesday, December 22nd

Late Advent Weekday 12pm Maria Mota Thursday, December 23rd

Late Advent Weekday 12pm Magdalena Raimund Perz & Family Mary, Matthew Tscherne & Family Friday, December 24th Late Advent Weekday 12:00pm Helen, John Flack & Family 5:30pm For All Parishioners 12mn For All Parishioners

Saturday, December 25th

Late Advent Weekday 12:00pm Jozsef Tomahatsch

10am Pauline Blain 12pm For All Parishioners

For Mass Intentions, please visit the Parish Center

Baptism Announcement

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 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

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

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

Today, Dec. 19th there will be a Baptism service at 1:30PM At this service we will be baptizing: Sofia Bermeo

Please join us in congratulating: Pedro J. Bermeo & Erin K. Jones on their child’s new life in Christ Baptism Services are open for members of the parish to join in the welcoming of our newest members

Today’s Readings First Reading — From Bethlehem-Ephrathah shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel (Micah 5:14a).

Psalm — Lord, make us turn to you; let us see your face and we shall be saved (Psalm 80).

Second Reading — We have been consecrated through the offering of the body of Christ once for all (Hebrews 10:510).

Gospel — Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken by the Lord would be fulfilled (Luke 1:39-45).

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: Tuesday:

Wednesday:

Thursday:

Friday:

Saturday:

Sunday:

Is 7:10-14; Ps 24:1-6; Lk 1:26-38 Sg 2:8-14 or Zep 3:14-18a; Ps 33:2- 3, 11-12,20-21; Lk 1:39-45 1 Sm 1:24-28; 1 Sm 2:1, 4-8abcd; Lk 1:46-56 Mal 3:1-4, 23-34; Ps 25:4-5ab, 8-10, 14;Lk 1:57-66 2 Sm 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16; Ps 89:2- 5, 27, 29;Lk 1:67-79 Vigil: Is 62:1-5; Ps 89:4-5, 16-17, 27, 29;Acts 13:16-17, 22-25; Mt 1:1-25 [18-25]Night: Is 9:1-6; Ps 96:1-3, 11- 13; Ti 2:11-14;Lk 2:1-14 Dawn: Is 62:11-12; Ps 97:1, 6, 11-12; Ti 3:4-7;Lk 2:15-20 Day: Is 52:7-10; Ps 98:1-6; Heb 1:1- 6;Jn 1:1-18 [1-5, 9-14] Sir 3:2-6, 12-14 or 1 Sm 1:20-22, 24- 28;Ps 128:1-5 or Ps 84:2-3, 5-6, 9-10;Col 3:12-21 [12-17] or 1 Jn 3:1- 2, 21-24;Lk 2:41-52

Par� � L�fe Many thanks to all those who generously donated to our Annual Toy drive! The Little Sisters of the Assumption collected the toys this past week and were delighted. Thank you for helping to make Christmas a little brighter for so many children in need.

2021 Christmas Mass Schedule Friday, December 24th at 5:30pm: Christmas Vigil (Music begins at 5pm) Friday, December 24th at 11:15pm: Lessons & Carols Saturday, December 25th at 12am: Midnight Mass Saturday, December 25th at 8am: Christmas Mass Saturday, December 25th at 10am: Christmas Mass Saturday, December 25th at 12pm: Christmas Mass Masses are not ticketed this year.

This year is coming to an end so quickly. We really hope that you are finding our brief updates useful.

Nothing will go away

Dear Parish Community,

magically, but we all need to be a little more aware of how Today, Sunday December 19th, is my last day as the

our world is changing. Everyone can do something, even

Pastoral Associate for Parish Life for this Parish. It has

simple things: turn off the lights, buy only what you really

been almost 3 years since I came here and the experience

cook, take public transportation, maybe a day without

has been so special. Thank you all for welcoming me here

plastic? ... Simple things. Because, if we don't start to

and for the honor of having served you these past 33

change our lifestyle, we won't save the planet. We are all

months. As I go off to new adventures, please know that I

called to care for our common home.

will keep you all in my thoughts and locked in my prayers.

BTW, we are planning a movie night , including wine and cheese of course, for the end of January! We will provide

Peace, Jas�� �

more details in the upcoming weeks. Stay tuned.

K-8 Religious Education and Sacramental Preparation: • • •

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!

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).

No sessions December 26 or January 2. We resume on January 9.

Adult Faith Formation: •

•

You are invited to make a New Year’s resolution to learn more about the Scriptures and the Catholic Faith!

Gather with other Catholics, and with those considering becoming Catholic, 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)

Holiday Liturgical Schedule (No tickets required – arrive early for the best seats!)

•

Friday, December 24:

•

Saturday, December 25:

•

Sunday, December 26:

• • •

December 26, 27, 28: December 30: December 31:

•

January 1:

•

January 2:

12noon Advent Mass, no Exposition or Benediction, no Evening Prayer 5:30pm Family Mass for Christmas (carols begin at 5pm) 11:00pm Lessons and Carols, 12:00am Midnight Mass Christmas Masses with music at 8am, 10am, and 12noon No evening Mass Feast of the Holy Family – blessing of families at the 10am Mass Regular Mass Schedule – 8am, 10am, 12noon, 5pm Daily Mass at 9am, Church and Offices Closed Daily Mass at 12noon, Church and Offices Open Daily Mass at 12noon, Exposition and Benediction Evening Prayer in the Chapel at 5:10pm - No Vigil Mass 12noon Mass for Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God (not a Holy Day of Obligation this year) 5:30pm Vigil Mass for Sunday (Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord) Epiphany - Regular Mass Schedule – 8am, 10am, 12noon, 5pm

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 – Feast of the Holy Family – December 26, 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 2:41-52

Each year Jesus’ parents went to Jerusalem for the feast of Passover, and when he was twelve years old, they went up according to festival custom. After they had completed its days, as they were returning, the boy Jesus remained behind in Jerusalem, but his parents did not know it. Thinking that he was in the caravan, they journeyed for a day and looked for him among their relatives and acquaintances, but not finding him, they returned to Jerusalem to look for him. After three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions, and all who heard him were astounded at his understanding and his answers. When his parents saw him, they were astonished, and his mother said to him, “Son, why have you done this to us? Your father and I have been looking for you with great anxiety.” And he said to them, “Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?” But they did not understand what he said to them. He went down with them and came to Nazareth and was obedient to them; and his mother kept all these things in her heart.

And Jesus advanced in wisdom and age and favor before God and man.

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 story begins with Mary, Jesus and Joseph traveling to Jerusalem for the Passover. In this they are portrayed as faithful members of the Jewish people. That they were Jewish was history, but for Luke it is also theology. He is proclaiming that Christianity has Jewish roots. What does it mean for me to know that my faith is at its roots, Jewish?

Does it affect how I understand the Jewish people? If so, how? If not, why not?

Wednesday Jesus slipped away on his parents. Jesus, Mary and Joseph were traveling with an entourage of family and friends. He could have been with one of them. Still, it is odd that Jesus would do this to his parents. Why do you think he did? What is Luke trying to emphasize about Jesus by including this detail?

Thursday Jesus is found back in Jerusalem, in the temple, debating with the religious leaders. I Luke sees in this a reflection of Jesus the man: debating with the religious authorities, offering new answers to old questions. In this as well we see a reflection of the relationship of Christianity to Judaism; we are a movement which began in Judaism, but which grew beyond it as we lived out Jesus’ new answers. The first Christians experienced Jesus’ answers to questions of the law as freeing: how free do I feel in my relationship with God? Do I experience my faith as liberating? Do I feel oppressed or trapped by it? How can I regain the experience of liberation those first Christians experienced?

Friday This reading is read on the Feast of the Holy Family, on which the Church holds up Jesus, Mary and Joseph as a model family. Yet even the Holy Family was not a perfect one. Mary and Joseph were not happy with Jesus’ disappearance.

Jesus adds salt to the wound by reminding them that Joseph is not really his father! On one level this sounds like a fight, but really Luke is reminding his readers that there is a bigger family at issue here, of which Mary and Joseph are a small part. The family of believers under one God. We are all part of that Holy Family, but am I aware of it? How do I feel about the people I worship with, pray alongside of and serve with? How much do I feel part of the Church?

Saturday “Mary kept all these things in her heart”. Some scholars have suggested that this is Luke’s way of indicating his source for the information about the young Jesus. Mary told it to him! Other scholars however, suggest that it says more about Mary than Jesus; that Mary was is what we would call a contemplative. She watches and ponders the mystery of her Son as a basic part of her relationship with him. In that Luke offers us a model. How often to I meditate and pray over Scripture? Do I make visits to pray in the church before the Blessed Sacrament? How contemplative is my faith?

From the Pastor 12.19.21

will return next week

The Future It can look like things are stable in the Church, and here in our parish, they are. Our school is growing, our numbers at Sunday mass are slowly returning to near pre pandemic levels, we pay our bills, say our masses, and despite the restrictions due to COVID 19, life is returning to some semblance of pre-pandemic normal.

However, the larger picture in the Archdiocese is different. I did not know how different until I went to a meeting of the newly formed South Manhattan Deanery, of which our parish is now a member. . . . That is right. Our parish, on E 79th St. is in SOUTH Manhattan. That is because earlier this fall, the diocese reorganized its administrative areas. Called deaneries, each area is coordinated by a dean, and consisted of ca.

20 parishes. This past fall the East Manhattan, West Manhattan and South Manhattan deaneries were combined to form a deanery with almost 45 parishes. Msgr. Kevin Nelan of Immaculate Conception Church is now the new dean.

You might wonder why they created such a big deanery. The logic behind this decision was revealed at the first meeting of the new deanery on Monday, December 6th. At that meeting we were presented with a great deal of data about the new deanery: population growth or decline in the parishes, birth rates, average age, ethnic make-up. However, the very first chart in the report was the most revealing: a projection of the average number of priests we will have over the next 15 years.

At current rates of ordination, we will decrease from the current number of 297 priests (aged 27-75), to 174 by 2035. By 2025 we will be at 265 active priests. Our diocese currently has approximately 270 parishes, meaning that we will have less than one priest per parish. Moreover, religious communities which have served many parishes in the Archdiocese, are experiencing the same decline. They are giving their parishes back to the Archdiocese, like the Franciscans did with St. Stephen of Hungary 7 years ago. These parishes become our responsibility to staff as well. The large deanery indicates that we can expect that the number of parishes in Manhattan, indeed all over the diocese, will decline as mergers and closures take place. We will not have the number of priests necessary to staff them all.

I share this information with you not to cause alarm. We are stable here, and while you only have one fulltime priest (me), Msgr. Ivers is generous with his time as a part-time associate, and we have two wonderful week-end associates in Fr. Ed Beck and Fr. Tony Ciorra. We have John and Maryann as Music Director and Pastoral Associate respectively, as well as many volunteers.

But I believe in transparency and honesty. We face a future which will be very different even from where we are now. many people would describe this time in the Church as a crisis. However, that word comes from the Greek word, to decide. So, we are in a time of decision. We must decide what kind of parish, archdiocese, and Church we want to be as we face an uncertain future.

It is why the Pope has called the Church into the synodal process. In the coming months we will be asked to respond to a series of questions, express our concerns, and offer our ideas for the future. I want to encourage everyone to take part in that opportunity when the time comes. For as I often say in homilies, we really don’t know what our future holds. But we do know who holds our future. This is God’s Church. We must be clear headed however, and prayerfully plan for the years ahead. I will speak more about this in columns soon, especially as we hear from the Archdiocese about the preparation for the Synod.

Fr. 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 19th, 2021 SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS: PLEASE PRINT 450 BULLETINS FOR THIS WEEK’S ISSUE