February 5, 2022 5th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Parish life Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time

02/06/2022

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 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

Mass Intentions Saturday, February 5th Vigil 5:30pm Thanksgiving to St. Agata Sunday, February 6th Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time 8:00am Giselle Peña 10:00am Werner Hertzel 12:00pm All Parishioners 5pm Walter & Mary Ferber Monday, February 7th Weekday 12pm Dolores Kubera (Living) & Michael Kubera Tuesday, February 8th Weekday 12pm William Keating Wednesday, February 9th Weekday 12pm All Souls in Purgatory Thursday, February 10th St. Scholastica 12pm Orsny Kebreau Friday, February 11th Weekday 12:00pm Berenice Blain

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

Saturday, February 12th weekday 12pm Rosa Olga Teresa Litrenta 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

Baptism Announcement Today, Feb. 6th there will be a Baptism service at 1pm.

At this service we will be baptizing: Cristian James Lankard

Divine Mercy Prayed every Friday at 3pm in the church and live on-line

Please join us in congratulating: Robert W. Lankard & Judy E. Van Daley on their child’s new life in Christ

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

William Aguilar, Mario Gonzalez, & Patrick Rudden & all those ill with or recovering from the COVID-19 virus and all Victims of Military Activities

PRAYERS FOR THE DECEASED

Selina Garcia, Fernanda Leiming, Glen Allen, P.O. Wilbert Mora, P.O. Jason Rivera, Francis X. Maloney, Msgr. Thomas Modugno & Msgr. Ferdinando Berardi

Baptism Services are open for members of the parish to join in the welcoming of our newest members

Today’s Readings First Reading — In a vision Isaiah is called to be a messenger for the LORD of hosts. Isaiah responds, “Send me!”

(Isaiah 6:1-2a, 3-8) Psalm — In the sight of the angels I will sing your praises, Lord (Psalm 138).

Second Reading — Paul reminds us of the gospel he preached through which we are saved, if we believe it (1 Corinthians 15:1-11 [3-8, 11]).

Gospel — Jesus directs Simon to take his boat into deep water for a miraculous catch of fish. Simon and his partners leave all to follow Jesus (Luke 5:1-11).

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: 1 Kgs 8:1-7, 9-13; Ps 132:6-7, 8-10; Mk 6:53-56 Tuesday: 1 Kgs 8:22-23, 27-30; Ps 84:3-5, 10 11;Mk 7:1-13 Wednesday: 1 Kgs 10:1-10; Ps 37:5-6, 30-31, 39 40;Mk 7:14-23 Thursday: 1 Kgs 11:4-13; Ps 106:3-4, 35-37, 40; Mk 7:24-30 Friday: 1 Kgs 11:29-32, 12:19; Ps 81:10-15; Mk 7:31-37 Saturday: 1 Kgs 12:26-32; 13:33-34; Ps 106:6 7ab,19-22; Mk 8:1-10 Sunday: Jer 17:5-8; Ps 138: 1-5, 7-8;

1 Cor 15:12, 16-20; Lk 6:17, 20-26

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

February 11th, 2022

Upcoming Event Thursday, February 24 Visit the New Museum, Lower East Side, for

Faith Ringgold: American People

Ms. Ringgold, age 91, is an American painter, whose paintings reflect the civil rights movement intertwining the political and personal as well as “story quilts” depicting Michael Jackson, etc. and geometric abstractions inspired by Tibetan silks and embroideries. Faith Ringgold: American People is the most comprehensive exhibition to date of this groundbreaking artist’s vision.

Time to be announced. If you are interested in this event, please contact Gladys at 212-288-6250.

We have already had our second virtual meeting of 2022 and we are starting to think about some exciting new projects for this year! This would include 2 prayers walks, 2 movie nights at the parish center and 2 days of service at nearby parks . We would also love to include more education on the importance of composting and zero waste.

We hope that our green team can help to inspire you and others. We are our proud to be part of a community that follows Pope Francis’s call to care for our common home. Would you like to participate in any projects? We could really use your input and help!

It is Super Bowl Sunday next weekend! You might be getting together with a small group of friends.

How about skipping the plastic plates and utensils this year? It’s a small step, but every little step counts!

And as always, if you have any questions or suggestions please email us at greenteam@stelmo79.org.

Flocknote Sign Up Sunday Young Adult Social Sunday, February 27, following the 5pm Mass.

Wine, cheese, and non-alcoholic beverages will be served, and all are invited.

March 2 is Ash Wednesday, so let’s celebrate before Lent begins!

Flocknote is a digital platform used throughout the archdiocese by which our parish can communicate information to you in real time about activities in our parish, schedule changes, and other important information by way of a text message.

Next weekend, February 12-13, you will have an opportunity to sign up for Flocknote, using your cell phone. At announcement time you will be asked to send the message STMONICA to 84576. That is all you need to do to register.

For parishioners who do not have cell phones or who do not use text messages, you can also sign up online by going to stmonicanyc.flocknote.com.

We hope that many of you will take advantage of this new avenue of communication. Besides sending out a blanket text to the entire parish, we can also target specific groups such as liturgical ministers, Parish Council, Senior Citizens, Young Adults, Green Team, and other parish groups.

At a time when things can change rather quickly, Flocknote is a terrific way to stay on top of things. Don’t forget to bring your phone to Mass next weekend!

K-8 Religious Education and Sacramental Preparation: •

Participation 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! The timing of Religious Ed sessions allows your family to attend the Mass of your choice (in person or via Zoom).

Upcoming Sessions: February 6, 13 – no sessions for K-8 on February 20

• •

Adult Faith Formation: •

Each Sunday, following the 12noon Mass and concluding at 3pm, in the Parish Center. All materials provided. All are welcome! Covid safety protocols in place: masks required, social distancing, no food or drink offered for the next couple of weeks. 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. We will meet every Sunday between now and Palm Sunday.

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.

Winter Warmth Drive: Let’s warm some little hearts (and bodies) this winter!

Our Lifelong Faith Formation programs are collecting NEW child-sized hats, scarves, mittens, and gloves (for ages 0-12).

Only new items can be accepted.

Please bring your donations to the St. Joseph Altar by 6pm on February 6

The items will be distributed by Valentine’s Day to families in East Harlem who are served by the Little Sisters of the Assumption Family Health Service.

Thank you for your generosity!

Venerable Pierre Toussaint (1766-1853) was born a slave in Haiti and died a freeman in New York City. He is credited by many with being the father of Catholic Charities in New York. Pierre was instrumental in raising funds for the first Catholic orphanage and began the city’s first school for black children. He also helped to provide funds for the Oblate Sisters of Providence, a religious community of black nuns founded in Baltimore and played a vital role in providing resources to erect Old Saint Patrick’s Cathedral in Lower Manhattan. During a Yellow Fever epidemic when many of the city’s political leaders fled the city in search of healthier rural climates, Pierre Toussaint cared for the sick and the dying. He was a successful entrepreneur, who did not hesitate to share the fruits of his labor with others.

In recognition of Pierre Toussaint’s virtuous life, the late Cardinal Cooke introduced Pierre’s cause for canonization at the Vatican in 1968. In December 1989, the late Cardinal O’Connor had the remains of Pierre Toussaint transferred from Lower Manhattan to St. Patrick’s Cathedral in midtown Manhattan where he is buried as the only lay person, alongside the former Cardinal-Archbishops of New York City. On December 17, 1997, Pope John Paul II declared Pierre Toussaint, Venerable, thus placing him firmly on the road to becoming North America’s first black saint. Venerable Pierre Toussaint was a man who was proud of his faith, proud of his culture and committed to serving others.

Source: https://archny.org/ministries-and-offices/cultural-diversity-apostolate/black-ministry/venerable-pierre-toussaint/

Five Minute Jesus Using the Gospel for Prayer – 6th Sunday in Ordinary Time – February 13, 2022 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 6:17, 20-26 Jesus came down with the Twelve and stood on a stretch of level ground with a great crowd of his disciples and a large number of the people from all Judea and Jerusalem and the coastal region of Tyre and Sidon. And raising his eyes toward his disciples he said: “Blessed are you who are poor, for the kingdom of God is yours.

Blessed are you who are now hungry, for you will be satisfied. Blessed are you who are now weeping, for you will laugh. Blessed are you when people hate you, and when they exclude and insult you, and denounce your name as evil on account of the Son of Man. Rejoice and leap for joy on that day! Behold, your reward will be great in heaven. For their ancestors treated the prophets in the same way. But woe to you who are rich, for you have received your consolation. Woe to you who are filled now, for you will be hungry. Woe to you who laugh now, for you will grieve and weep. Woe to you when all speak well of you, for their ancestors treated the false prophets in this way.”

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

Tuesday For the next three Sundays, we will reflect on the Sermon on the Plain from Luke’s gospel account. This parallels Matthew’s Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus teaches from a high place above the crowd. But Luke’s gospel places Jesus on the same level place as the people to whom he speaks. Imagine yourself as a member of that crowd as you listen to or read the gospel. How do you think you would have responded when you heard Jesus? How will you respond today?

Wednesday Where Matthew lists eight Beatitudes, Luke has four Beatitudes and four “woes.” What comes to mind when you hear “blessed are you” or “woe to you.” Do you consider yourself to be blessed? Or do the “woes” make you uncomfortable? Why do you think you react this way?

Thursday Jesus teaches that those who currently experience poverty, hunger, sorrow, and persecution will have their situation reversed. What comfort this must have offered the crowds that day! How might this offer you encouragement when life seems difficult?

Friday Jesus also teaches that those who currently experience the good things in life will also have their situation reversed.

What is your reaction to this? Does it seem unfair?

Saturday Since blessings in this life were often seen as a sign of God’s favor (and to be honest, we still think that way today,) Jesus’ teachings are challenging and countercultural. The values of the Kingdom of God are different than those of society. God shows favor to the poor, the hungry, those who weep, and those who are persecuted. As followers of Jesus, how are we being called to do the same today?

From the Pastor 02.06.22 The Synod More and more parishioners are asking me about the Synod – what is it, when is it going to happen, and most importantly why are we doing?

The “what” question is the easiest to answer. The word synod is one of the oldest words in our Church.

It comes from the Greek, which was the language of the Church in the first centuries of its existence. It comes from two roots syn + hodos which means “to walk together”. It was the word the Church used to describe how its members lived its life. We “walk together” You might remember all the places in the Book of Acts where Christianity is called “the Way” – not to mention all the stories about Jesus spreading the Gospel by traveling around, and of course there is the Apostle Paul who traveled all over the Mediterranean preaching the Good News about Jesus. OR for that matter the very word Apostle; a word which means “one who is sent on a journey”. Clearly walking is part of our Church’s DNA. But simply to walk is not enough. The Church has always sought to “walk together”. To be in harmony as to whom we preach about, what we believe, and how we live that belief. Throughout the early centuries that meant that the Church would come together and share their understandings, raise questions, and discuss challenges to be remaining together as we walk “on the Way”.

Over the centuries, especially in the Catholic Church, Synodality took a back seat to other forms of Church governance. Our Catholic Church took on the aspects of an absolute monarchy. That had certain advantages for those in power, but as we have recently discovered, the original purpose of the Church, to spread the Good News of Jesus, has suffered. When the Church becomes more important to its leaders than the mission with which it is charged, then it cannot change. Any challenge is perceived, not as an opportunity to grow but as a threat to its existence.

The Second Vatican Council challenged this hierarchical model of the Church and after many fits and starts Pope Francis is responding to the Council’s call for greater Synodality by calling the catholic Church throughout the world to come together, discuss and walk together towards new solutions.

Needless to say, not every bishop or diocese is thrilled at all this work. Moreover, some do not believe we need a synod. After all, the bishops know best. Just pay pray and obey and things will be fine. That model has shown its flaws. Nevertheless, in some areas the Synod is not moving forward. The pandemic has also slowed its progress.

However, I am told that come Lent we will all be invited to attend “listening sessions” where people will be invited to speak, share insights, raise questions, and offer solutions to the problems which face us as Roman Catholics.

IF we do not hear anything or if the Synodality that the Pope is calling for is further delayed, no worries: we will begin the process here. Enough of you have asked that we can have listening sessions and prepare a response from our parish.

IT will be a great way for us to move through the season of lent, traditionally a time of purification and renewal – A season, which is less than a month away!

Father Baker

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