Epiphany of the Lord January 2, 2022

Parish life

Epiphany of the Lord

01/02/2022

Parish life (Page 5)

Icon Painting Workshop (Page 7)

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, January 1st The Octave Day of the Nativity of the Lord, Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God 5:30pm All Parishioners

Sunday, January 2nd Epiphany of the Lord 8:00am Pedro Ant. Litrenta 10:00am Miklos Foldi 12:00pm All Parishioners 5pm All Souls in Purgatory

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, January 3rd Christmas Weekday

12pm All Souls in Purgatory

Tuesday, January 4th

St. Elizabeth Ann Seton 12pm Glen Anderson Wednesday, January 5th

St. John Neumann

12pm Barbara Blewitt

Thursday, January 6th Christmas Weekday 12pm Emil J. De Spirito Friday, January 7th Christmas Weekday 12:00pm Glen Anderson

Saturday, January 8th Christmas Weekday 12:00pm Bernice Blain

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

First Reading — Rise up in splendor, Jerusalem! The LORD shines upon you and the glory of the Lord appears over you (Isaiah 60:1-6).

Psalm — Lord, every nation on earth will adore you (Psalm 72).

Second Reading — The mystery has been made known that the Gentiles are coheirs, copartners in the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel (Ephesians 3:2-3a, 5-6).

Gospel — Magi from the east arrived, saying, “Where is the newborn king of the Jews?” (Matthew 2:1-12).

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

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.

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.

Readings for the Week

Monday: 1 Jn 3:22 — 4:6; Ps 2:7bc-8, 10-12a;

Mt 4:12-17, 23-25 Tuesday: 1 Jn 4:7-10; Ps 72:1-4, 7-8; Mk 6:34-44 Wednesday: 1 Jn 4:11-18; Ps 72:1-2, 10, 12-13; Mk 6:45-52 Thursday: 1 Jn 4:19 — 5:4; Ps 72:1-2, 14, 15bc, 17;Lk 4:14-22a Friday: 1 Jn 5:5-13; Ps 147:12-15, 19-20; Lk 5:12-16 Saturday: 1 Jn 5:14-21; Ps 149:1-6a, 9b; Jn 3:22-30 Sunday: Is 42:1-4, 6-7 or Is 40:1-5, 9-11; Ps

29:1-4,3, 9-10 or Ps 104:1b-4, 24-25,

27-30;Acts 10:34-38 or Ti 2:11-14;

3:4-7;Lk 3:15-16, 21-22

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.

Bread & Wine

This Week’s Bread & Wine In Memory of Laszlo Huslar Offered by Atilio Leonardi

PRAYERS FOR THE SICK

Elizabeth King, Cris Galliher & all those ill with or recovering from the COVID-19 virus and all Victims of Military Activities

Sanctuary Lamp

PRAYERS FOR THE DECEASED

This Week’s Sanctuary Lamp

George Graham, TJ Dermont Dunphy & Pedro Ruiz

In Memory of Laszlo Huslar Offered by Atilio Leonardi

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

BANS OF MARRIAGE I– Matthew C. Killen & Lauren Marie Basit

Par � L�fe Please mark your calendars for Friday January 28 at 6:30, when we will be hosting a movie night in the parish center! More details like the film title will be announced in the coming weeks. Please keep an eye and ear open for bulletin and announcements in church. If you have any questions, please email greenteam@stelmo9.org

If you are interested in joining our Digital Media Ministry team, please contact Fr. Baker!

Our team helps with livestream, taking pictures of gatherings for social media and helps with other digital content. Contact Fr. Baker at frdcab@stelmo79.org if you're interested!

Our Senior Ministry meets every 3rd Friday of the Month for worship at the noon mass and then lunch.

If you’re interested in connecting with this ministry, please contact the parish center at 212-288-6250.

Would you like to learn more about our vibrant Parish?

Consider joining us for our first Second Sunday Social of the year!

Date: Sunday, January 9th Time: 1pm (following the noon mass) Where: we will meet at the back of the church This is a great opportunity to meet Parish staff, fellow parish members and learn more about our Parish history and all that this buzzing community has to offer!

We even tour the Parish grounds and offer you a tasty cup of coffee. Please RSVP by emailing our Pastor, Fr, Baker at frdcab@stelmo79.org by Saturday, January 8th.

There is an opportunity for members of our Parish to join others from the Diocese for a day trip to DC for the March for Life on January 21, 2022.

The cost of the trip would be $55 and includes a bus ride to and from Washington, D.C., Mass with the Cardinal and a meal!

If you are interested in joining, please contact Fr. Baker by emailing him at frdcab@stelmo79.org

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).

No sessions 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 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 January 2)

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.

Icon Painting Workshop January 10-14, 2022 • Rev. Peter Pearson returns to lead us in another wonderful week of prayerful painting.

• No experience or artistic skill required – our excellent teacher will guide us through each step as we each create our own copy of this Good Shepherd icon.

• 6:30-9pm, January 10-14, 2022, in the Angelo Room of the Parish Center. Please commit to all five evenings so you will be able to complete your icon.

• $250 fee includes all materials and expert instruction. Payment due before the first session.

• Pre-registration required, and spaces are limited.

Contact Maryann at mtyrer@stelmo79.org to reserve a spot.

Five Minute Jesus

Using the Gospel for Prayer – Feast of the Baptism of the Lord – January 9, 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 3:15-16, 21-22 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.”

After all the people had been baptized and Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, heaven was opened, and the Holy Spirit descended upon him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.”

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 Most people treat the title Christ as if it were Jesus’ last name. It means God’s chosen one. For the people back then it meant that Jesus was the one chosen by God to defeat Israel’s enemies and bring about God’s rule or reign in the world.

It meant justice. It meant healing. It meant peace. Given that, we can see why the people were excited, hoping John was finally God’s chosen one. What does Jesus CHRIST mean for me? Where do I find God’s reign or rule in my life? If I can’t find it, why not?

Wednesday John responds to their expectations saying that he the one who baptizes. With water. To wash with water continues to be an important ritual in Judaism. John, however, uses that ritual as a preparation for one who would come to bring something new. How often do I think about my baptism? Do I ever think of it as something which changed me? If so then how am I changed by my baptism? If not, why not?

Thursday Fire is an important symbol, especially when applied to the Holy Spirit. When we hear the word “fire” we think of destruction. Maybe they did too, but there was another meaning they associated with the symbol of fire: cleansing. In fact, the word “purification” comes from the Greek word Pur which means fire. God’s spirt of holiness would one day make them pure. That is what John was promising. Do I experience God as purifying, shaping, and molding me to become who God wants me to be? Am I even aware of God’s spirit in my life? If so, where?

Friday Jesus was baptized. Luke just mentions it, without connecting what happens next to the baptism. That is not the case in the other Gospels. Here the revelation of Jesus is private not public. It happens in prayer, not in the river. Whatever it means, clearly Luke is implying that Jesus hears who he is in prayer, i.e., in his personal communication with God. Where do I discover who I am? Does it have to do with my relationship with God? Do I bring God into my life through prayer?

Saturday God does not just say that Jesus is God’s son, but that God is well pleased with him. This line comes from the Psalms and was part of the coronation liturgy for the kings of Israel. Luke is laying it on pretty think here that Jesus is the fulfilment of prophecy. But he is also saying something else. God is a Father who loves his children. Do I believe that God loves me?

Am I his beloved child? If not, why not?

From the Pastor 01.02.2022 The 12 Days of Christmas . . . no, wait. What?

Every year I get questions from people about the feast we are celebrating this weekend, the Feast of the Epiphany. This feast is an important part of many cultures. In the Spanish-speaking world it often takes precedence over Christmas, with the honoring of los Tres Reyes (The three Kings) and the giving of gifts that in other countries might be given on Christmas, or even on December 5th, St. Nicholas Day! The feast of the Epiphany is celebrated in most of the world on January 6th, twelve days after Christmas. In fact, this is the origin of the song, The 12 Days of Christmas (“on the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me . . .) in the old Church Calendar, these 12 days constituted the Season of Christmas.

However, when the Church revised its calendar in the 1960s, it made allowance for certain feasts to be permanently transferred from their actual days to the nearest Sunday. This was helpful in countries where a feast day like Epiphany was not a national holiday. The Church requires people to go to mass on the feast of the Epiphany (it is a universal Holy Day of Obligation) as so putting it on a Sunday helps people to keep the feast day. Moreover, it gives more people the opportunity to hear the stories surrounding the Epiphany and to celebrate it properly.

This is what we do in America. The problem is that now the date of the feast moves. This year it is as early as possible, on January 2nd. It can be as late as January 11th! For those who are traditionally minded this is confusing. What happened to the 12 days of Christmas? Most cultures for which the Epiphany is important will continue to celebrate it on the 6th. Even here in the US Latinos might celebrate the Epiphany in church on a Sunday, but all the other celebrations: the processions, the gift giving and the stories surrounding the Three Kings, will continue to take place on the traditional date.

(FYI: Nowadays we do not consider the season of Christmas to be over until NEXT weekend, the feast of the Baptism of the Lord. That is why the Christmas decorations stay up and Christmas Carols continue to be sung, long after the world has moved on.)

Pew Renovation Stage Two Just a reminder: The pews you see on the sides of the church, which were returned a few weeks ago are just stage one of a complete renovation of all our pews. The next group in just over a week (i.e. week of January 10th) for restoration. That will mean that there will be NO pews in the back of the church for several weeks. When they return then immediately the pews in the FRONT of the church will be gone. We hope to have everything done by Ash Wednesday, which is March 2, 2022. Keep your fingers crossed that by Lent we will have completely renovated pews with new comfortable fixed kneelers (no more raising and lowering them – they will be in the fixed down position).

Father Baker

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