December 5, 2021

Parish life Second Sunday of Advent

12/05/2021

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.

Mass Intentions

Saturday, December 4th Vigil 5:30pm Peter Lobo

Sunday, December 5th Second Sunday of Advent 8:00am Mary Jane Russo 10:00am Marie Martin 12:00pm All Parishioners 5:00pm Theresa McNamara

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

Monday, December 6th Advent Weekday 12:00pm Angela & Anthony Deliso

Tuesday, December 7th St. Ambrose 12:00pm Joselito Sapinoso 5:30pm Led Alvarez

Wednesday, December 8th The Immaculate Conception of

the Blessed Virgin Mary

12:00pm Mary J. Reilly

Thursday, December 9th Advent Weekday

12pm Giselle Peña

Friday, December 10th Advent Weekday 12pm Brian Thompson Saturday, December 11th Advent Weekday 12pm Tony Torres 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 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

First Reading — Stand on the heights, Jerusalem; see your children rejoicing that they are remembered by God. A merciful and just God leads Israel in joy (Baruch 5:1-9).

Psalm — The Lord has done great things for us; we are filled with joy (Psalm 126).

Second Reading — May your love increase in knowledge to discern what is valuable that you may be blameless for the day of Christ (Philippians 1:4-6, 8-11).

Gospel — John proclaims a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. All flesh shall see the salvation of God (Luke 3:1-6).

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.

Sacrament of Reconciliation

Readings for the Week

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.

Monday: Is 35:1-10; Ps 85:9-14; Lk 5:17-26 Tuesday: Is 40:1-11; Ps 96:1-3, 10ac, 11-13;

Mt 18:12-14 Wednesday: Gn 3:9-15, 20; Ps 98:1-4; Eph 1:3-6,

11-12;Lk 1:26-38 Thursday: Is 41:13-20; Ps 145:1, 9-13ab; Mt 11:11-15 Friday: Is 48:17-19; Ps 1:1-4, 6;

Mt 11:16-19 Saturday: Sir 48:1-4, 9-11; Ps 80: 2ac, 3b, 15-

16,18-19; Mt 17:9a, 10-13 Sunday: Zep 3:14-18a; Is 12:2-3, 4, 5-6;

Phil 4:4-7; Lk 3:10-18

Bread & Wine

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

This Week’s Bread & Wine Intentions for The Walsh Family Offered by Kitty O’Donoghue

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

December 8th , 2021

Par � L�fe Are you new to our Parish? Or perhaps you have been here for a little while but want to learn more about our community? Well then we have got a gathering for you!

Our Parish Council will be hosting its 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, meet members of the Pastoral Staff, and meet other members of the Parish.

You will get to tour the Parish grounds and enjoy a cup of coffee at the end. If you’re interested in joining us, please RSVP by emailing Fr. Baker FRDCAB@stelmo79.org by Saturday, December 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.

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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 November 28)

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 two evenings of meditation and sharing:

Wednesday, December 8, 6:30-8pm Wednesday, December 15, 6:30-8pm All are welcome! Please RSVP at the Parish Center.

The Feast of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary – December 8

If you were given a saint’s name at Baptism, that saint is your patron saint. Countries also have patron saints. Who is the patron saint of the United States? If you answered, “Mary, the mother of Jesus,” you are correct. In 1846, the bishops of the United States asked Mary to watch over our country and its people in a special way.

They also chose one particular title and feast of Mary—her Immaculate Conception.

The title of the Immaculate Conception recognizes Mary’s privilege of coming into the world free from sin. Through the power of Jesus’ Death and Resurrection, every human being can be freed from sin at Baptism. Through that same power, Mary was always free from sin, even from that very first moment of life. On December 8, the Church celebrates this special privilege given to Mary. At the liturgy we thank God for all his blessings he has given to the people of our country. And we can thank Mary for watching over and protecting our people.

(source: https://www.loyolapress.com/catholic-resources/saints/saints-stories-for-all-ages/feast-ofthe-immaculate-conception/)

Five Minute Jesus

Using the Gospel for Prayer – Third Sunday of Advent – December 12, 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 3:8-10

The crowds asked John the Baptist, “What should we do?” He said to them in reply, “Whoever has two cloaks should share with the person who has none. And whoever has food should do likewise.” Even tax collectors came to be baptized and they said to him, “Teacher, what should we do?” He answered them, “Stop collecting more than what is prescribed.” Soldiers also asked him, “And what is it that we should do?” He told them, “Do not practice extortion, do not falsely accuse anyone, and be satisfied with your wages.” Now the people were filled with expectation, and all were asking in their hearts whether John might be the Christ. John answered them all, saying, “I am baptizing you with water, but one mightier than I is coming. I am not worthy to loosen the thongs of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fan is in his hand to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his barn, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.” Exhorting them in many other ways, he preached good news to the people.

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 In the modern world, individualism is treasured. We do not like to be told what to do, and one of the main criticisms of organized religion is that it tries to control our lives. But at the same time, there are times in our lives when we do not know what to do, when we are desperate for guidance. What we should do is the question we hear again and again in today’s Gospel. John’s answers point to how we should prepare for the coming of the Christ. And yet, his advice focuses on daily life and how we treat ourselves and others. If I were to ask this question of John the Baptist, what would he say to me? What should I do today?

Wednesday Baptism for us is a childhood ritual and a time of celebration for families. In John the Baptist’s day it was a declarion of revolution. For him to be baptized meant that we became one of those people waiting for the Messiah, who would usher in a kingdom of righteousness and peace. But make no mistake about it; those who were currently ruling would not welcome this revolution. Looking back on our baptisms, does it mean anything to us to be baptized? If so, what?

Thursday The people who came to speak to John the Baptist are important. Crowds. Tax Collectors. Soldiers. Soldiers worked either for the current king, Herod, or the emperor in Rome. Tax collectors did the same. And Crowds? They could be anyone. Luke message is clear: John’s message of preparation for the coming of the reign of God is for everyone. How comfortable am I with that? Do I really want to be in a group, a country, a church where all are welcome? IF so, why? If not, why not?

Friday Membership in John’s community of the baptized is not cheap. It challenges the way we have lived up until now. It requires generosity, honesty, and a sense of detachment from what we think we deserve. What does this challenge mean to me? How am I challenged to live as a member of the baptized?

Saturday Much is made in some parts of Christianity of baptism in the Holy Spirit. John refers to the coming of the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit and with fire. The image of fire is often associated with the Holy Spirit. At Pentecost tongues of flame appear over the disciples at the coming of the Spirit. When Jesus preaches people’s hearts are set aflame, and burn with in them. Whatever baptism with the Spirit and fire might mean, clearly we experience it as excitement, passion and a desire to go out and share what it means to be baptized; how it is good for us and would be good for others too. Have I ever experienced that excitement? That desire to share my faith with others? Has my heart ever burned with love for God? If so then when and why? If not, why not?

From the Pastor’s Desk 12.05.21

will return next week

But just who is he?!

When we call ourselves the “Catholic Church” it means many different things. It refers to an historical institution, which has grown and evolved over two thousand years. It refers to a body of scripture and tradition which has shaped and has been shaped by that institution. But at its deepest level, it is a vision, a promise if you will, embodied in the meaning of the word “catholic”, which is derived from the Greek words “kata” and “olikos” meaning “with the whole” i.e. universal.

Our Church’s tradition believes that everything that is True or Good or Beautiful has its origin in God. This has enabled the Church to go into cultures and learn from them, and adopt their art, customs and even their philosophies in service of preaching the Gospel. This practice is so ancient, that often we don’t even notice it.

But Catholic theology is rooted in the writings of philosophers like Plato and Aristotle, who were both pagan.

Catholic art expresses itself using the symbols of the cultures it evangelized. Crosses in Ireland with their swirling patterns are examples of druidic art. In Africa they dance at mass because dance is intrinsic to their culture. Chinese Catholics honor their ancestors in ways that once seemed to be idolatrous, but now are accepted. In all of this we see that vision of a Catholic Church expressed in the way the Church “tests everything and holds on to what is good.” (1 Thes. 5:21) The Catholic Church has a long history in India, with Christians there claiming the Church was brought to India by none other than Thomas the Apostle. Interaction with the Hindu and Buddhist religions has caused the churches there (there are Orthodox and Protestant Churches as well as Catholic) to develop rich theological and liturgical traditions. The Jesuits, whose history in India begins with St. Frances Xavier in the 16th Century, have been active participants in that development.

Fr. Anthony DeMello is a Jesuit priest who is a part of this development. Born in 1931 in Mumbai, India, he became world famous for his books, his retreats and talks in which he introduced western Catholics to Eastern forms of Catholic spirituality. He was known for his ability to use stories and humor to clarify often abstract spiritual concepts. He introduced countless Catholics to forms of prayer more often associated with the monastic tradition in the West, and with forms of Buddhism and Hinduism in the east.

Because he draws on traditions outside of western culture, the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith (CDF) claimed that certain positions of Father DeMello’s were inconsistent with the Catholic faith. Others (Fr. DeMello was unable to defend himself as the CDF only issued their notification after his death) maintain that the CDF misunderstood Fr. DeMello’s works and misrepresented his teachings.

Fr. DeMello died in 1987, but his fame in the ensuing decades has only grown. Secularized westerners hungering for a more experiential, contemplative spirituality have found in his writings and recorded talks much to benefit from. Myself included.

On December 8th and 15th Mr. Desmond Towey of the DeMello Spirituality Center here in New York will be offering two nights of Reflection entitled “The Joy of Living in a Time of Turmoil”. These evenings will begin at 6:30 and will take place in the parish center at 406 E 80th St. It will be an evening which will apply the insights of Fr. DeMello to our troubled times.

If you are interested in attending, just come. Perhaps the spiritual insights of this Indian Catholic priest will enrich your life as well.

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 5th, 2021 SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS: PLEASE PRINT 450 BULLETINS FOR THIS WEEK’S ISSUE