Second Sunday in Ordinary Time 1/15/2023

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 familya 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 Associate: .................................... Rev. Anthony Ciorra, IVD

Weekend Associate:...............................................Rev. Edward Beck, CP

Pastoral Associate: Ms. Maryann Tyrer ........ mtyrer@stelmo79.org

Music Director: Mr. 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

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:

Note: Please go to page 10 for our Holiday Schedule

Monday & Wednesday................................. . 9am - 4pm 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, January 14th Vigil 5:30pm Nine Souls of Lima

Sunday, January 15th Second Sunday in Ordinary Time

8:00am Donna Marie Mingoia 10:00am Travis Havel 12:00pm All Parishioners 5pm Rosita Arevalo

Monday, January 16th Weekday 9am Peter Sammut

Tuesday, January 17th St. Anthony, Abbot 12pm Theodore Spiegel

Wednesday, January 18th Weekday 12pm Roberta Chapey (Living)

Thursday, January 19th Weekday 12pm Thanksgiving to St. Agata

Friday, January 20th Weekday 12pm The Anderson Family (Living & Dec.)

Saturday, January 21st St. Agnes 12pm Edith Costello

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

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

Rev. Thomas Fenlon, Rev. Peter Bonventre, Cindy Garnica Castro, Madeline Tipton, Jennie Marmo and all those ill with or recovering from the COVID-19 virus and all Victims of Military Activities

PRAYERS FOR THE DECEASED

Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, Rev. Karl Bauer, Rev. Salvatore Ricardi, Deacon Arthur Cuccia, Mike Ward, Sr. Suzanne LaChapelle, Maureen Crean, Wanda Denome & Patricia Roche

Baptism Announcement

Today, January 15th there will be a Baptism service at 1:30pm

At this service we will be baptizing: Cesar Ramon Morales

Please join us in congratulating: Annais Morales

on her child’s new life in Christ

Today’s Readings

First Reading — The glory of the Lord shows through Israel, a light to all nations, that salvation may reach to the ends of the earth (Isaiah 49:3, 5-6).

Psalm — I am here to do as you ask, O Lord (Psalm 40).

Second Reading — All those who call upon the name of the Lord are called to be holy (1 Corinthians 1:1-3).

Gospel — John the Baptist testifies: The one who comes after me, on whom the Spirit comes down and remains, is the Son of God (John 1:29-34).

Readings for the Week

Monday: Heb 5:1-10; Ps 110:1-4; Mk 2:18-22

Tuesday: Heb 6:10-20; Ps 111:1-2, 4-5, 9, 10c; Mk 2:23-28

Wednesday: Heb 7:1-3, 15-17; Ps 110:1-4; Mk 3:1-6

Thursday: Heb 7:25 — 8:6; Ps 40:7-10, 17; Mk 3:7-12

Friday: Heb 8:6-13; Ps 85:8, 10-14; Mk 3:13-19

Saturday: Heb 9:2-3, 11-14; Ps 47:2-3, 6-9; Mk 3:20-21

Sunday: Is 8:23 — 9:3; Ps 27:1, 4, 13-14; 1 Cor 1:10-13, 17; Mt 4:12-23 [12-17]

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

Did You Know?

St. Stephen of Hungary School, the parish school of St. Monica, St. Elizabeth of Hungary and St. Stephen of Hungary Church, is a warm, welcoming community on East 82nd Street between First & York Avenues. Our campus features unique learning spaces. Our dedicated, experienced faculty work collaboratively to offer our students top-notch educational opportunities. We are now accepting applications for PreK 3 – Gr. 8. Consider

Parish Pilgrimage to Greece with Fr. Anthony Ciorra, IVD

In the Footsteps of Paul the Apostle October 3-13, 2023 (Oct. 3-16 with optional Rome extension)

Bereavement Ministry

Our Seasons of Hope support group series continues on January 18, and 25, and February 1, 8, and 15. We meet in the Parish Center, 7-8:30pm. Anyone who has suffered the loss of a loved one is welcome to join us for prayer, discussion, and group support. Contact Maryann at mtyrer@stelmo79.org for info.

Movie – January 20 Parish Center, following the noon Mass Pot luck lunch, then movie

Senior

“Good storytelling in film is not uncommon. What is more unusual are the filmmakers’ interest in the spiritual issues raised by the story they tell. It’s a rare movie that examines what it means to be a Christian and how that alters a person. Philomena does. Although critical of the harsh treatment accorded unwed mothers by Catholic nuns in Ireland, the movie is not anti-religious. The ongoing discussions about religion that take place between the mother, Philomena, in search of her son, and her witty Oxford-bred male traveling companion reveal how faith, willingness to forgive, and kindness can move an audience Philomena treats faith honestly and respectfully. You will not be bored! In addition, the mother is played by the fabulous actress Judi Dench.

Join us for an unforgettable tour via air, sea, and land to many of the places where St. Paul preached and established Christian communities in the first century. Enjoy Mediterranean scenery and cuisine. Visit the Acropolis, Mykanos, the House of Mary in Ephesus, the cave in Patmos where John wrote the Book of Revelation, Santorini, and the monasteries of Meteora. The optional Rome Excursion will allow you to pray at the tomb of St. Paul, tour the Vatican museums, and explore the catacombs.

You can access the tour brochure at https://gateway.gocollette.com/link/1127331

Contact Maryann Tyrer for more info at mtyrer@stelmo79.org Register with a refundable deposit in January and save $100!

2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time

K-8 Religious Education and Sacramental Preparation:

• Participation in Sunday (or Saturday evening) Eucharist is an integral part of Religious Education for all ages in our parish Children’s Liturgy of the Word is on hold for the next month or so, due to renovation work in the sacristy.

• K-8 Religious Education meets at 11:10am in the Parish Center.

Sacramental Preparation for Children & Teens

• Please remember that the Archdiocese requires two years of Religious Education or Catholic School prior to the celebration of First Penance/First Communion (2nd grade or older), and prior to the celebration of Confirmation (8th grade or older).

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). Join us on Sundays at 1:15pm in the Parish Center.

Adult Faith Formation Opportunities

• On Sundays, open and ongoing Adult Faith Formation takes place in the Parish Center after the noon Mass. We gather between 1:00 and 1:30pm for coffee, tea, and fellowship, then 1:30-3pm for a facilitated discussion of the Sunday Scriptures and the themes of Catholic Teaching that flow from those Scriptures. Drop in any time or participate regularly!

• On Thursdays, we gather 7-8:30pm for Theology Thursdays. We will resume January 19 with a 4-week study of Paul’s First Letter to the Corinthians, led by Fr. Baker. Register online or email mtyrer@stelmo79.org to RSVP so we have enough materials! Watch the bulletin and website for upcoming topics and series!

• Men’s Bible Study – our Group of Guys meet on Tuesdays at 12noon in the Parish Center – Please register online at stelmo79.org, or call 212-288-6250 so we have a head count to prepare materials.

PRAYER

BY DR. MARTIN

LUTHER KING

God grant that right here in America and all over this world, we will choose the high way; a way in which men will live together as brothers. A way in which the nations of the world will beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks. A way in which every man will respect the dignity and worth of all human persons. A way in which every nation will allow justice to run down like waters, and righteousness like a mighty stream. A way in which men will do justly, love mercy and walk humbly with God. A way in which men will be able to stand up, and in the midst of oppression, in the midst of darkness and agony, they will be able to stand there and love their enemies, bless those persons who curse them, pray for those individuals that spitefully use then. And this is the way they will bring us once more into that society which we think of as the brotherhood of man. This will be the day when white people, colored people, whether they are brown or whether they are yellow or whether they are black, will join together and stretch out their arms and be able to cry out: “Free at last. Free at last. Great God almighty, we are free at last.”

(From

5, 1957)

WEEK OF PRAYER FOR CHRISTIAN UNITY

O God of justice, God of peace, One in the unity of Father, Son and Holy Spirit, enliven the unity of your Church on earth. Help us to see that our unity goes beyond unity in doctrinal essentials to an active unity of humanity with you and with one another.

Forgive us for not remembering we are brothers and sisters in equity and justice under your law of love. Help us remember that each of us is created in your Divine image and that we share the dignity of being your children. Temper your justice, O Lord, with mercy to forgive and heal our broken relationships.

Unite us in a fellowship that recalls our baptism, which has conquered sin and death, hate and division in the power of the Paschal mystery of Jesus Christ. Grant all this, O Lord, in his name and by the power of your Holy Spirit, now and forever, Amen.

https://geii.org/week_of_prayer_for_christian_unity/prayer_worship/prayer_cards.html

Martin Luther King’s speech, “Some things we must do” delivered at the Second Annual Nonviolence and Social Change Conference at Holt Street Baptist Church in Montgomery, Alabama December

Five Minute Jesus

Using the Gospel for Prayer – Third Sunday in Ordinary Time

January 22, 2023

It is simple. Read the Gospel for the following Sunday slowly, reflecting on the story it tells. Consider the questions suggested for each day What conversion of mind, heart, and life might the Lord be asking of you? Make a resolution about how what you read and reflect upon can be lived that day. Thank God for speaking to you through this reflection.

Mt 4: 12-23

When Jesus heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew to Galilee. He left Nazareth and went to live in Capernaum by the sea, in the region of Zebulun and Naphtali, that what had been said through Isaiah the prophet might be fulfilled: Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali, the way to the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles, the people who sit in darkness have seen a great light, on those dwelling in a land overshadowed by death light has arisen. From that time on, Jesus began to preach and say, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” As he was walking by the sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon who is called Peter, and his brother Andrew casting a net into the sea, they were fishermen. He said to them, “Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men.” At once they left their nets and followed him. He walked along from there and saw two other brothers, James, the son of Zebedee, and his brother John. They were in a boat, with their father Zebedee, mending their nets.

Monday, January 16

What word or words in this passage caught my attention? Comforted me? Challenged me? What conversion of heart, mind, and life is the Lord asking of me?

Tuesday,

January 17

John has been arrested. Jesus arrives in Capernaum and now the people living in darkness will see the light. Within the context of this Gospel, what “light has arisen” for the people of this region? Within the context of your life, how do you move from darkness into light?

Wednesday, January 18

So often we hear the term “repent” and think, someone’s been bad or has done something wrong. While this may be true, repentance is more than just a moral change. It means traveling a new life-path. Think of ways that you can and/or have traveled a new road of repentance. Make a list of new goals you might like to strive for.

Thursday, January 19

The phrase “kingdom of heaven” appears over 100 times in the New Testament. We know that it represents “spiritual rebirth.” However, from your perspective, what does that mean? Where does the kingdom reside and within whom? What does this say about how we should live our lives?

Friday, January 20

In this Gospel, Jesus meets the fisherman where they are and speaks to them in a way they understand. He remarks, “Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men.” How do you suppose Peter, Andrew, James, and John responded to Jesus’ statement? If Jesus were to speak to us directly, how might we respond?

Saturday, January 21

Grasping the command to become “fishers of men” is our model for evangelism. It’s risky. There’s no guarantee of reward. It requires patience and perseverance. Think of one or two concrete actions you might take to evangelize locally. Act and then evaluate! Most of all, do not give up!

Just a Word

From the Pastor 01.15.23

Eucharistic Revival – learning to speak Catholic

Back when I was in my 20s, I had the opportunity to study in Munich, Germany. I had majored in German in college, and I had the basics of the grammar down. Moreover, I spent two months at a German language school before the start of university. When I got off the train in Munich at the end of September in 1986, I was ready! . . except that I could not understand a word people were saying! The German have an expression for that experience of being surrounded by people speaking a language we don’t understand.: “Ich verstehe nur Bahnhof” – “I only understand ‘train station’”.

I soon realized that language was about more than knowing grammar. Fluency requires immersion in the world of the language, which is not just words, but a culture expressed in those words. That means time, and patience and practice. Without practice, we might well learn something about a language, even appreciate its sound (So many people, for example, find Italian beautiful, and Latin holy, but don’t have a clue about what is being said in either), but we will never be comfortable We will never be fluent.

In my years as a priest, I have been reminded of that “Bahnhof” experience again and again, speaking to immigrants about their children. Many of my parishioners have been from Asia, the Caribbean and South America. They came to the US not speaking our language. That was not their frustration, however – that was with their children. Their children grew speaking both their parents’ languages as well as English, but their grandchildren spoke only English. They could not speak to their grandparents. The grandparents could not understand why.

But it is easy to understand why. The children grew up in an English-speaking culture. Their parents, although bilingual, spoke to them only in English. It was easier. They watched English TV, went to English movies had English speaking friends. They had only the most basic experience of the language and the culture of their grandparents. It was American culture and the American language then that they were fluent in. Given what their parents did, how could the grandparents have expected otherwise?

English is so prevalent that many of us have never had the “Bahnhof” experience in our travels. Everyone speaks our language. But there is one other place where this experience is all too common: Church.

The Catholic faith is a language, filled with signs and symbols, words and stories. It is a culture, made up of a quilt of cultures, each one adapted to and expressive of that faith. That is nowhere more visible that at mass. Mass is ritual conversation, not only between the priest and the congregation, but between everyone and God, where through word and gesture we give expression to our hopes and our complaints, our longings, and our thanks.

If that is not the way it is for us, that might be because when it comes to the mass, all we really understand is “train station”. And if we are frustrated that our children no longer want to go to mass, our grandchildren no longer practice their faith, then it might be because they never learned to speak its rich, symbolic language.

This analogy of liturgy as a language is helpful for understanding why our children have drifted away. Ever try to learn a language? It is HARD. Even harder when everyone else around you speak another one. Our Church is calling for a renewed emphasis on the Eucharist – a “Eucharistic Revival”. And yet if our Church wants to revive the importance and the centrality of the Eucharist – the Mass – in the lives of Catholics, we must begin to take this analogy seriously, begin to practice the language of Catholicism, and teach it to our children.

. . . which of course means, learning it ourselves. Maybe THAT is the reason for another expression, an English one this time. When we see active, engaged Catholics, we call them “practicing Catholics”. To practice does not mean we always get it right, but we are learning, growing in our ability . . . to speak Catholic. And when we do this consistently around our children, that is when they begin to speak it too.

Father Baker

TREASURES FROM OUR TRADITION

Second Sunday in Ordinary Time

The symbols and actions of baptism evolved around the experience of adults dying to old patterns of life and rising from the waters of baptism as new creations. As for newborn babies, at first it was desired to wait until the following Easter, when they could be baptized, anointed with chrism, and given a taste of the Eucharist in association with adults. The Church was always willing to baptize adults in emergency situations outside the Easter timetable, and in time, since infancy itself was a lifethreatening situation, the baptism of babies became commonplace. As with the “emergency” adult baptisms, it was required that parents bring the child, as soon as health was recovered, to the bishop for the full menu of sacraments. The very real fear of death for infants thus created a situation in which the three sacraments drifted apart from each other, and away from their original, adult celebration at Easter. Today, at last, we know a great deal about how our practices evolved. This knowledge is reshaping how we celebrate Easter, how we receive adult faith, and how we structure the faith journey of children.

—Rev.

Field, Copyright © J. S. Paluch Co.

James

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: January 15th, 2023

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS: PLEASE PRINT 450 BULLETINS FOR THIS WEEK’S ISSUE