33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time

THIRTY-THIRD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME 11/19/2023

Theology Thursdays

(Page 5)

JUST A WORD

from J. DeSpirito (Page 11)

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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, lifestyle, nationality, economic status, and age, we endeavor to live as a community of faith and invite you to join our family who seeks to love and know Jesus Christ!

Parish Staff Pastor: Rev. Donald C. Baker .................................. frdcab@stelmo79.org Weekend Associate: ............................................ Rev. Anthony Ciorra, IVD Weekend Associate:......................................................Rev. Edward Beck, CP Pastoral Associate: Maryann Tyrer ......................mtyrer@stelmo79.org Pastoral Associate: Taryn Tonelli..........................ttonelli@stelmo79.org Music Director: John Zupan ..................................jzupan@stelmo79.org Wedding Coordinator: Ms. Debbi Burdett......dbweddingsnyc@gmail.com Parish Manager: Jennifer DeSpirito..................................jdespirito@stelmo79.org Plant Manager: Guillermo Vanegas............. gvanegas@stelmo79.org Sacristan: Pedro Pizarro...........................................ppizarro@stelmo79.org Administrative Assistant: Gladys Tejada .........gtejada@stelmo79.org

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

Contact Church Address: 413 East 79th Street, New York, NY 10075 Parish Center: 406 East 80th Street, New York NY 10075 Tel: 212-288-6250 Fax: 212-570-1562 Email: info@stelmo79.org

stelmo79.org

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@STELMO79

Parish Office Hours Monday & Wednesday..............................9am - 4pm Tuesday - Thursday ................................. 9am - 7pm Friday ....................................................... Closed Saturday ............................................10am - 2pm Sunday ..................................................... Closed Closed for Lunch Weekdays................1pm - 2pm

Mass Intentions Saturday, November 18th Vigil 5:30pm Priests of St. Monica’s Sunday, November 19th

Thirty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time

8:00am Nine Souls of Lima 10:00am Thomas Ayastury Litrenta12:00pm All Parishioners 5pm Maria Feges

Monday, November 20th Weekday 12pm Michael Keating Tuesday, November 21st The Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary 12pm Kathleen M. Reddington Wednesday, November 22nd St. Cecilia 12pm Robert Oscar Castro Thursday, November 23rd Weekday 9am Joseph Tomahatsch Friday, November 24th St. Andrew Dung-Lac 9am John Lynch Saturday, November 25th Weekday 12pm Maria Cecilia & Hugo Alberto Litrenta (Living)

PRAYERS FOR THE SICK: Rosemary Keating, Christine Cullen, Jose Vasquez, Madeleine Tipton, Neil O’Carroll, Harry Rabonwitz, Marylin Atkinson, Michelle Netus, Jerry Schwegman, Judith Farber, Mary O’Connor Lynch, Danielle Boros, Michael Reilly, Marcelle Ferrier, all those ill and victims of military activities PRAYERS FOR THE DECEASED: Michael A. & Richard A. Gonzalez, Martha C. Hutton Gonzalez, Edwin Estevez, and the victims of the Middle East

Baptism Announcements

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

On November 19th, there will be a Baptism service at 1:30pm. At this service, we will be baptizing:

Devotions Miraculous Medal on Mondays after Mass in the church and live online

Violet Elizabeth Annunziata & Reina Lana Hall

Divine Mercy Prayed every Friday at 3pm in the church and live online Vespers (Evening Prayer) Every Friday at 5:10pm in the Chapel and live online 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/age and would like communion brought to them, please contact the parish office for arrangements.

Please join us in congratulating: Michael R. Annunziata and Samantha Lovering & Michael C. Hall and Jessica H. Kliwinski on their childrens’ new lives in Christ!

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

Weekly Readings & Observances

Readings for the week of November 19, 2023

Sunday: Prv 31:10-13, 19-20, 30-31/Ps

128:1-2, 3, 4-5 (see 1a)/1 Thes 5:1-6/

Mt 25:14-30 or 25:14-15, 19-21 Monday: 1 Mc 1:10-15, 41-43, 54-57,

62-63/Ps 119:53, 61, 134, 150,

155, 158/Lk 18:35-43 Tuesday: 2 Mc 6:18-31/Ps 3:2-3, 4-5, 6-7/Lk 19:1-10 Wednesday: 2 Mc 7:1, 20-31/Ps 17:1bcd, 5-6,

8b and 15/Lk 19:11-28 Thursday: 1 Mc 2:15-29/Ps 50:1b-2, 5-6, 14- 15/Lk 19:41-44 Friday: 1 Mc 4:36-37, 52-59/1 Chr

29:10bcd, 11abc, 11d-12a, 12bcd/Lk 19:45-48 Saturday: 1 Mc 6:1-13/Ps 9:2-3, 4 and 6, 16

and 19/Lk 20:27-40 Next Sunday: Ez 34:11-12, 15-17/Ps 23:1-2, 2-3,

5-6 (1)/1 Cor 15:20-26, 28/Mt 25:31-46 Observances for the week of November 19, 2023 Sunday: 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Monday: Tuesday: The Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Wednesday: St. Cecilia, Virgin and Martyr Thursday: St. Clement I, Pope, and Martyr; St. Columban, Abbot.

Bl. Miguel Agustin Pro, Priest, and Martyr; Thanksgiving Day Friday: St. Andrew Dũng-Lạc, Priest, and Companions, Martyrs Saturday: St. Catherine of Alexandria,

Virgin and Martyr Next Sunday: Our Lord Jesus Christ, King ©LPi

of the Universe

JZ

proudly presents...

Open to all parishioners grades 3 and up...

Stay tuned for details in the following weeks!

To sing is to pray twice...

The Music Ministry is currently looking for

new choir members!

The Adult Choir meets Wednesdays from 7:30-9 PM to rehearse for the 12PM Sunday Mass.

Contact Mr. John Zupan, Director of Music, with all questions:

jzupan@stelmo79.org

November 30, 6:30pm, Parish Center: Explanatory Mass Fr. Donald Baker will celebrate Mass in the St. Elizabeth of Hungary Chapel (in the Parish Center) with explanations throughout the Mass on the prayers, actions, and postures.

When we understand what we are doing, and why we are doing it during Mass, we can come to a deeper understanding and love of the Eucharist!

December 7 – 7:00pm, Parish Center: Update on the Synodal Process Maryann Tyrer will review what has already occurred in the synodal process that Pope Francis began in our Church in 2021 and let us know what’s next. While some are delighted with the process, others are disappointed with it or worried about it, but it’s a process that has had a profound impact on our Church. Pope Francis has called for us to continue “in the synodal way” in our parishes, so let’s look at how we can do that!

Christ the King – On Sunday, November 26, 2023, we celebrate the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe, or Christ the King Sunday. It is also the last weekend of the liturgical year. As the Church Year comes to a close, we ask ourselves: have we really put Christ first over all worldly power, over our own personal priorities? We begin the new Church Year with the First Sunday of Advent on December 3. Just as we are accustomed to making New Year’s resolutions on December 31, perhaps this year, we could make spiritual resolutions for the new Church Year: a resolution to put Christ first in our lives.

A New Year, with a new Gospel writer, begins December 3. The start of a new liturgical year, beginning with the first Sunday of Advent, also marks the transition from one lectionary cycle. These cycles are a result of the Second Vatican Council, which ordered a change in the Sunday readings at Mass so that Catholics can become more familiar with the text of the Bible. As a result, we now have a three year cycle (Year A, B, and C) built around readings from the three synoptic Gospels—Matthew, Mark, and Luke.

December 14 & 21, 7:00 pm, The Church: Advent Vespers – Justice in the Kingdom Join us in the church for sung Advent Vespers with guest preachers! Stay tuned for more details in upcoming bulletins and on our website!

On December 3, we begin again with Lectionary Cycle B – the Year of Mark’s Gospel. The shortest of the four Gospel accounts in the bible, Mark’s was likely written first. In an almost breathless narrative, Mark stresses Jesus’ message about the kingdom of God now breaking into human history as “Good News”. Jesus is the Son whom God has sent to rescue humanity by serving and by sacrificing his life.

Thirty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time K-8 Religious Education and Sacramental Preparation: •

Children’s Liturgy of the Word during the 10am Mass on Sundays - Young children begin Mass with their families and then are brought to the Ward Room to participate in the Mass at an age appropriate level. Volunteers are needed to train as leaders and assistants!

•

K-8 Religious Education sessions have resumed at 11:10am in the Parish Center. If you have not registered, bring your checkbook and arrive early to complete paperwork for your children!

Please note: there will be no sessions Thanksgiving weekend, November 26.

Adult Sacraments of Initiation (RCIA): • Have you ever thought about becoming Catholic? 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 a wonderful community — all are welcome to join the process at any time in the year!

Adult Faith Formation Opportunities: •

Adult Faith Formation meets every Sunday following the noon Mass. Come to the Parish Center (406 East 80th Street) for refreshments and a facilitated discussion of the Sunday Scriptures. We end at 3pm. All adults are welcome!

•

“Group of Guys,” our Men’s Faith Sharing group, meets every Tuesday at 12noon in the Parish Center. All men are welcome to join.

For all questions, comments, or to register for any of the above,

please contact Maryann Tyrer, Pastoral Associate for Religious Formation, at

mtyrer@stelmo79.org

Parishioners Association

We want YOU to get involved! Join the Parishioners Association to volunteer and help run events in our ever-growing, vibrant parish!

stelmo79.org/pa

Parish Council Minutes St. Monica, St. Elizabeth of Hungary, St. Stephen of Hungary

The Parish Council met on October 25, 2023, and discussed the following:

Parish Theme for 2023/2024 will be “Make Us a Channel of Your Peace.”

Parish Thanksgiving Dinner is scheduled for November 23, 2023, and will be held in St. Stephen of Hungary School auditorium. See church bulletin for details.

Social Justice Meeting: November 8, 2023 at 6:30 p.m. See church bulletin for details.

Green Team October film screening was well-received.

New Business: November 11, 2023 - Faith Formation Day at Fordham.

March 23, 2024 - Parish Retreat in the morning; speakers are being explored.

Pastor's Notes: November 4, 2023: Bereavement retreat in the church.

The church bulletin will have a new design.

Relocated refugee seekers program is seeking religious organizations to help refugees settle and address various issues such as housing, jobs, etc.

Sacristy space has been renovated.

Families hosting German students was a positive experience for both the students and the host families.

Second Sunday Social had 25 people and will return in the Spring.

Fr. Baker will do a German/Yorkville walking tour in the Spring.

Theology Thursday continues.

In Advent, evening prayer will resume.

Senior Ministry is seeking volunteers.

St. Stephen of Hungary School won the National Blue Ribbon School Award and will be honored in Washington, D.C. in November. The school is planning a Capital Campaign.

The children’s quiet space in the back of the church has opened and is much appreciated by families with children.

What Is the Rite of Acceptance into the Order of Catechumens?

Kristopher W. Seaman Greeting the small group standing at the threshold of the church, the priest is joyful in his welcome. He tells them of the Church’s happiness that they are taking the next step in the process to become Christians.

These men and women have met for several weeks, months, or even years with members of the parish’s Christian initiation team. At sessions during the first period of the Christian initiation process, their faith has been nurtured and they have come to know about Jesus Christ. During this stage they are considered inquirers.

Now, the inquirers are taking the next step as they proceed to what is called the Order of Catechumens. This step, the Rite of Acceptance into the Order of Catechumens, marks the transition from being outside of the Church to inside. It signals a decisive step along the journey of faith.

During this rite, the priest will ask each person a question such as “What do you ask of the Church of God?” or “For what reason have you come?” To an answer such as “faith,” may come the query, “What does faith offer you?” As the inquirers reply to these questions, they articulate their desire to cross the threshold of the church.

The priest explains that God has revealed himself to these individuals and that “the way of the Gospel” is before them. He encourages them “to walk in the light of Christ” and to commit their lives to his care. He also queries the catechumens’ sponsors on whether they will be supportive. Their answer is important since faith is nourished through other disciples.

Once these affirmations have been given, the priest traces the cross on the forehead of the individuals. Touching each forehead, the priest states that Christ will provide the person with strength. After the forehead is signed, there is an option for the sponsor to sign the senses. As the ears, eyes, lips, heart, shoulders, hands, and feet are signed, it becomes apparent that the person is being asked to take on another life. With the signing of each sense, the priest notes how followers of Christ use that sense. “Receive the sign of the cross on your ears, that you may hear the voice of the Lord,” he says with the first signing.

The signing of the cross expresses that these individuals’ entire bodies are being formed into Christian discipleship.

During the Rite of Acceptance into the Order of Catechumens, the priest traces the Sign of the Cross on those entering the next stage of the Christian initiation process.

The catechumens are invited into the assembly for the Liturgy of the Word. After the homily, the catechumens may be presented with a book containing the Gospel. At some parishes, the catechumens are provided with Bibles and at other parishes, the Book of the Gospels might be presented as a sign of the Gospel that they are receiving.

The whole assembly now prays over the catechumens during a series of petitions. The petitions ask that the catechumens be encouraged, supported, and strengthened for discipleship.

After the intercessions, the catechumens are dismissed from the assembly to reflect with a catechist on the liturgy and the Word of God that they have just heard. With the Rite of Acceptance into the Order of Catechumens, they have stepped over the threshold into the Church and are on the path to receiving the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist. With this rite, they are walking the way of faith.

Text by Kristopher W. Seaman, dmin. Photo © John Zich. © 2017 Archdiocese of Chicago: Liturgy Training Publications, 3949 South Racine Avenue, Chicago, IL 60609; 800-933-1800; www.LTP.org. Pastoral Liturgy® magazine, September/October 2017, www.PastoralLiturgy.org.

This page may be reproduced for personal or parish use. The copyright notice must appear with the text.

It also may be downloaded at www.pastoralliturgy.org/resources/WhatIstheRiteofAcceptanceintotheOrderofCatechumens.pdf.

SAINT STEPHEN OF HUNGARY SCHOOL

Your parish school is honored to be recognized as a

2023 National Blue Ribbon School

408 EAST 82ND STREET, NEW YORK, NY 10028

For more information about our Pre-K 2 through grade 8 programs, please email admissions@saintstephenschool.org

15TH ANNUAL

Thanksgiving Dinner A meal of gratitude with our beloved Yorkville community THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2023; 1:30 PM

Doors open at 1:00 PM

Tickets ($5 each) must be purchased in person at the Parish Center during office hours.

We are looking for volunteers! Please visit our website to donate your time!

Looking ahead to November 26th, 2023 the 34th Sunday in Ordinary Time: CHRIST THE KING It’s simple. Read the Gospel for next Sunday slowly, reflecting on the story it tells. Consider the questions asked each day. What conversion of heart, mind, and life might the Lord be asking of you at this moment? Reflect on how you might live out God’s Word each day.

MATTHEW 25:31-46

Jesus said to his disciples: “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit upon his glorious throne, and all the nations will be assembled before him. And he will separate them one from another, as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will place the sheep on the right and the goats on his left. Then the king will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father. Inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me, naked and you clothed me, ill and you cared for me, in prison and you visited me.’ Then the righteous will answer him and say, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink?

When did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? When did we see you ill or in prison, and visit you?’ And the king will say to them in reply, ‘Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of the least of mine, you did for me.’

Then he will say to those on his left,’Depart from me, you accursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. For I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me no drink, a stranger and you gave me no welcome, naked and you gave me no clothing, ill and in prison, and you did not care for me.’ Then they will answer and say, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or ill or in prison, and not minister to your needs?’ He will answer them, ‘Amen, I say to you, what you did not do for one of these least ones, you did not do for me.’ And these will go off to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life.”

Monday, November 20 What words or phrases caught your attention? Which comforted you or challenged you?

Tuesday, November 21 Matthew describes the characteristics of each animal. How would you describe the personalities of both the sheep and the goats?

Wednesday, November 22 Matthew suggests that the kingdom prepared for us from the foundation of the world is not an ordinary one. How would you describe this kingdom that Matthew is talking about?

Thursday, November 23 Do you think God will be surprised at how things turn out for you at the final judgment?

Why or why not?

Friday, November 24 We know that faith is an essential characteristic to entering the kingdom of God, however this parable emphasizes corporal works of mercy. What are they? How will I get into the kingdom of God? Saturday, November 25 A sobering principle in today’s Gospel is that whatever we do for our neighbor, we do also for God. How do I work towards eternal salvation as I live my life on earth?

Dear Parishioners, It’s that time of year again when I have the opportunity to provide you with a report on our financial standing for the year end. There are full reports that can be found at the back of the church, and here is a brief overview.

I am happy to report that we ended the year above the projected budget by almost $15,000.

Our projected year end budget was a surplus of $57,870 and our actual year end surplus was $72,631. This was due in large part to a conservative budget going into another post-COVID year, and generous giving by our greater parishioner community.

As you have likely noticed, we were able to complete some “wish list” projects around the properties over the course of the year. This included the upgrade of the Ward Room, Sacristy, Parish Center Living Room and of course, the Church Façade project. All of these projects allow us to continue to serve the St. Monica, St. Elizabeth of Hungary, St. Stephen of Hungary community by growing our ministries in the neighborhood and beyond. These newly refreshed spaces are already being used by many groups within the parish to build involvement and outreach, and we are excited to see how they grow over the next year.

The continued generous support of our parishioners allows us to keep working through our “wish list” projects like Monica’s Ark. We have received wonderful feedback about the new child/family-friendly space, and are excited to bring more projects to fruition that serve our congregation. As I reflect on all that has taken place over the past twelve months, I am reminded of how much we have accomplished in a short time. I am already excited to see where we are at this time next year!

We thank you for your continued support, both spiritually and financially. I feel very fortunate to work in a parish filled with wonderful parishioners, and such a great team at the Parish Center. Should you have any questions about the Year End Report, please feel free to contact me at jdespirito@stelmo79.org.

Warm Regards,

Jennifer DeSpirito, Parish Business Manager