The Epiphany of the Lord 1/8/2023

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 7th Vigil 5:30pm Joseph O’Mara (Living)

Sunday, January 8th The Epiphany of the Lord 8:00am Bernice Blain 10:00am James Forrestal 12:00pm All Parishioners 5pm Victor Ambruoso

Monday, January 9th The Baptism of the Lord 12pm Walter Boyco

Tuesday, January 10th Weekday 12pm Denise May

Wednesday, January 11th Weekday 12pm Bridie Tobin

Thursday, Janaury 12th Weekday 12pm Nilson Family

Friday, January 13th Weekday 12pm John Mackessy

Saturday, January 14th weekday 12pm Walter & Mary Ferber

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, Msgr. Leslie Ivers, 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

Mike Ward, Sr. Suzanne LaChapelle, Maureen Crean, Wanda Denome & Patricia Roche

Today’s Readings

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 — All the nations will worship you, Lord (Psalm 72).

Second Reading — The Gentiles are coheirs, copartners in the promise in Christ Jesus (Ephesians 3:2-3a, 5-6).

Gospel — Magi from the east arrive looking for the newborn king of the Jews (Matthew 2:1-12)

Readings for the Week

Monday: Is 42:1-4, 6-7 or Acts 10:34-38; Ps 29:1-4, 3, 9-10; Mt 3:13-17 Tuesday: Heb 2:5-12; Ps 8:2ab, 5, 6-9; Mk 1:21-28 or Heb 1:1-6 and 2:5-12; Ps 8:2ab, 5, 6-9; Mk 1:14-20 and 1:21-28 Wednesday: Heb 2:14-18; Ps 105:1-4, 6-9; Mk 1:29-39 Thursday: Heb 3:7-14; Ps 95:6-11; Mk 1:40-45 Friday: Heb 4:1-5, 11; Ps 78:3, 4bc, 6c-8; Mk 2:1-12 Saturday: Heb 4:12-16; Ps 19:8-10, 15; Mk 2:13-17 Sunday: Is 49:3, 5-6; Ps 40:2, 4, 7-10; 1 Cor 1:1-3; Jn 1:29-34

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

The Epiphany of the Lord

The second Sunday after Christmas is the Solemnity of the Epiphany (manifestation) of the Lord Many cultures celebrate Three Kings Day, and sometimes gifts are exchanged on this day, rather than on Christmas. We hear the story in Matthew’s gospel account of the Magi (wise men or astrologers) from the East, following the star to find the newborn king, and presenting three symbolic gifts. Thus, Jesus is made known to all the nations. The challenge to us is twofold – are we seeking Christ in our life, and how do we make Christ known to others?

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 next Seasons of Hope support group series is January 11, 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.

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!

Solemnity

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.

• K-8 Religious Education meets at 11:10am in the Parish Center and resumes on January 8th. Don’t miss out on a visit from the Three Kings!

• Children’s Liturgy of the Word is on hold for the next month or so, due to renovation work in the sacristy. A children’s homily will be offered at the 10am Mass every Sunday until Children’s Liturgy of the Word can resume.

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, resuming on January 8.

Adult Faith Formation Opportunities

• Much like our neighborhood, our faith is always under construction! Join other Catholics as we seek to build on our childhood formation in the faith.

• 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 Food 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! We resume January 8th.

• 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.

of the Epiphany of the Lord

Five Minute Jesus

Using the Gospel for Prayer - Second Sunday in Ordinary Time

January 15, 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.

John 1:29-34

John the Baptist saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world. He is the one of whom I said, ‘A man is coming after me who ranks ahead of me because he existed before me.’ I did not know him, but the reason why I came baptizing with water was that he might be made known to Israel.” John testified further, saying, “I saw the Spirit come down like a dove from heaven and remain upon him. I did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water told me, ‘On whomever you see the Spirit come down and remain, he is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.’ Now I have seen and testified that he is the Son of God.”

Monday, January 9

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

Tuesday, January 10

John’s title for Jesus is “the Lamb of God.” At the time this gospel was written, Jews associated this title with three images: the price to be paid for sin; the Passover ceremony; and the Messiah who went silently to the slaughter. From my perspective, how is Jesus a lamb? How does he take away sin?

Wednesday, January 11

The phrase “Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world…” is special, so special that the Church repeats it every time the Mass is celebrated. At what point in the Mass do I hear the priest say these words? Why is the phrase uttered during the liturgy of the Eucharist?

Thursday, January 12

John’s mission has reached its completion. He has pointed me in the direction of Jesus who is revealed and takes center stage. As I move through each day, how does the Spirit of God pervade my life?

Friday, January 13

At the end of the gospel John remarks, “Now I have seen and testified that he is the Son of God.” What did John see and testify to? What are some ways that I witness and testify to God?

Saturday, January 14

Baptism frees me from original sin and welcomes me as a member of the Catholic Church. It asks me to serve God and neighbor and to be a witness for Jesus Christ and his Church. In what specific ways do I fulfill these responsibilities presently?

Just a Word

From the Pastor 01.08.23

Michael Ward

One of the most frustrating things I deal with as a pastor is communicating with all of you! Not everyone is at every mass, not everyone reads the bulletin, not everyone opens parish emails or follows us on social media. Thus, the following announcement, which we sent out on social media and our email list, did not get to all of you. That is clear to me given the surprise which some people expressed last weekend when they heard by word of mouth. The following was sent out just after Christmas.

Dear Members of our Parish and School Community

Now that the Holiday is past, I wanted you to know, if no one has told you, that our former Parish Manager, Mike Ward is dead. He died on Tuesday, December 20th. His funeral was Friday, December 23rd in Brooklyn.

To say that this was/is/always will be a shock is an understatement. None of us were prepared for the news.

This is a crushing loss for those of us who worked with Mike and loved him. But that is nothing compared to the loss his family, especially his wife and children, are suffering. Keep them in your prayers.

We are not giving out contact information for them of course, despite the desire of some to reach out. Best to let his wife grieve surrounded by her parents, in-laws’ family and friends.

I have been Mike’s friend for 15 years. He came with me to the parish in 2015, and together we designed a master plan of renovation, revitalization and renewal for the merged parish which continues to this day. Together with me he formed the pastoral team which serves us all. Mike was involved at every step of the process that makes us the parish and school we are today.

It is so sad. We began to let people know on the Thursday before Christmas, once it was clear that an obituary had been published by the family. Perhaps you heard it from someone over the holiday weekend and could not believe your ears. That is why the parish and school staff thought it best that we confirm the news, and that you should you hear it from me.

This news continues to be a source of grief for all of us who worked with him these past seven years. We will keep you informed as to a mass for him. Our current plan is to rename the room, currently called the “rear sacristy” and now under renovation, in his honor. We will have a mass at that time for him.

Father Baker

Thank y ou to all who contributed to the Flower donations this year. Donations were m ade in memoriam of the following:

Nancy Abate

Kesner Destin

Donna and David Nickelsen Scott Anderson Catherine Dillon Mary O'Connor Odette Assile Garrett Dillon Denise and Jack O'Donnell Peggy and Edward Beecher Micheal Egan

Dr. and Mrs. George W. Olah Anna and James Bellevue Leoncio Espe Stephen E. Olah Mr. and Mrs. Oge' Bellevue Walter and Ruth Farley Courtney Olden

The Biusos & Sherwoods Elizabeth and George Feiner George Paris Alber and Sylvia Blain Laura Ferran

Anthony Paskewicz

Berenice Blain John Flack Sr. Victoria Pedersen Lucy Blain Alice Gilligan Colette Quigley

Pauline Blain James and Rose Graham Mary Reginio Gliceria Bonifacio Deceased members and friends of Grasso Family Maria Soliven Reyes Agnes Bracdt Ernest Guglielmo

Antonio S. Reyes

Canning and McCrohan Families Eric Hemphill Arnulio S. Reyes

Norma & James Carney Jennie and Charles Hermen

Grace and Jim Carrera Alvino Karolczak

Rocco Russo

Judith Ryan

Patrick Ryan Sr. Bobby Castro Rosa Karolczak Amelia and John Salviani Mary Chamberlin Elizabeth Kim Fred C. Scheffold

Mary Castelli Ronaldo and Agilberto Karolczak

All Deceased Chavez and Toscano Family Members Mary Frances Lake Adolfo Schonedi Mum and Dad (Angelo Ciriacono)

All Deceased LaRosa Family Members

Rose and Bill Shinnick

Russ Citron Clarence, Juliette and Paul Lemke Kip Silverman Carmen Collazo Florence T. Little

Theodore Spiegel

Dolores St. Martin Joseph Condon Anthony Marciano

Mary and Stanley Commander David C. Loring

Edward Thibeault Michael Condon Grace Marciano

Theresa Vasquez Henry Crystal Michael Marciano

Vella and Portilli Families Higino Dacanay Sr. / Jr. Vicente Marlelo

Villacorta Family Margarita Florencia Dacanay Agnes and Timothy McCrohan

Remberto Dacanay Frank & Dorothy Merrell

Maria Rafaela Davalos Anastasia Michael

Mike Ward

Eleanor Warga

Donna Touscany Wilberding

Josephine and Carmel Xeureb Robert DeCola William and Mary Mitchell

Mada Gloria F. de Jesus Berta Miller

Emil DeSpirito Attila Nemeth

All deceased members of the Commander, Mendelsn, Rosa, Cobucci, Chamberlin and Reinhart Fa milies

All deceased memebers of the Johnson, Wallerstedt, Cohn, Krumholz, Roth and Cohen Families

Deceased members of the Farley, Benda and Hyeshella Families