March 20, 2022 Third Sunday of Lent

Parish life Third Sunday of Lent

03/20/2022

Parish Life (Page 5)

Lent 2022 (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.

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

Visit us at: www.STELMO79.org

Mass Intentions Saturday, March 19th Vigil 5:30pm Rita Luning Sunday, March 20th Third Sunday of Lent 8:00am James Trupp 10:00am Michael Egan 12:00pm All Parishioners 5pm Julio & Adelina Mosquera Monday, March 21st Lenten Weekday 12pm Thanksgiving Tuesday, March 22nd Lenten Weekday 12pm Bessie & Patrick McCormack & Family Wednesday, March 23rd Lenten Weekday 12pm Jose Luis Litrenta (Living) & Dr. Lita Alonzo (Living) Thursday, March 24th Weekday 12pm Helen & Richard Kirwan Friday, March 25th The Annunciation of the Lord 12:00pm Helen , John Flack & Family

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, 26th Lenten Weekday 12pm Msgr. Richard Albert 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

Marie Bacarra, Eillen Ford, Kiana O’Brien, William Aguilar, Brian O’Connell & all those ill with or recovering from the COVID-19 virus and all Victims of Military Activities

PRAYERS FOR THE DECEASED Sean Breen, Jose Gutierrez, Jolanta Raffert, Jose & Gloria Zanarias

Today’s Readings First Reading — The LORD God appears to Moses and directs him to go and deliver the Israelites from Egypt (Exodus 3:1-8a, 13-15) or Exodus 17:3-7.

Psalm — The Lord is kind and merciful (Psalm 103) or Psalm 95.

Second Reading — We are not to grumble like the people with Moses in the desert (1 Corinthians 10:1-6, 10-12) or Romans 5:1-2, 5-8.

Gospel — If you do not repent, you will all perish (Luke 13:1-9) or John 4:5-42 [5-15, 19b-26, 39a, 40-42].

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: 2 Kgs 5:1-15ab; Ps 42:2, 3; 43:3, 4; Lk 4:24-30 Tuesday: Dn 3:25, 34-43; Ps 25:4-5ab, 6,

7bc, 8-9;Mt 18:21-35 Wednesday: Dt 4:1, 5-9; Ps 147:12-13, 15-16, 19-20;Mt 5:17-19 Thursday: Jer 7:23-28; Ps 95:1-2, 6-9; Lk 11:14-23 Friday: Is 7:10-14, 8:10; Ps 40:7-11; Heb 10:4-10;Lk 1:26-38 Saturday: Hos 6:1-6; Ps 51:3-4, 18-21ab; Lk 18:9-14 Sunday: Jos 5:9a, 10-12; Ps 34:2-7; 2 Cor

5:17-21;Lk 15:1-3, 11-32

Alternate readings (Year A):

1 Sm 16:1b, 6-7, 10-13a; Ps 23:

1-6;Eph 5:8-14; Jn 9:1-41 [1, 6-9, 13-17, 34-38]

The Annunciation of the Lord March 25th, 2022

INTERESTED IN BECOMING A MEMBER OF THE PARISH COUNCIL? Join us on Wednesday, March 23rd at the Parish Center Refreshments 6:30pm-7:00 pm, Meeting 7:00pm-8:30 pm The Parish Council of St. Monica, St. Elizabeth of Hungary and St. Stephen of Hungary is an advisory group, pastoral in nature, organized to support our pastor, Fr. Donald Baker in the apostolic work of the parish. We strive for unity while recognizing diversity. We are grounded in prayer, discernment, parish and community needs and wants, and take seriously the viewpoints of others. We engage in lively discussion, encourage thinking out-of-the box, and strive to provide inclusive community events, such as, the community Christmas Caroling and Cookie feast.

The Parish Council is comprised of 13 men and women each serving a two-year term. We are looking for new parish council members who will commit their time, talent, and wisdom in a consultative and collaborative fashion. Typically, we meet in the parish center on the third Wednesday evening of each month from 7 pm to 8:30 pm.

If you are interested in joining our vibrant group of parishioners, we invite you to attend our open parish council meeting on Wednesday March 23rd at 7pm in the parish center to learn more. Please email the parish council at parishcouncil@stelmo79.org and let us know you will be attending and why you are interested in the parish council.

We look forward to meeting you on March 23rd!

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Upcoming Green Team Events

Next meeting: Thursday, April 7, 7:30pm in the Parish Center Earth Day is April 22! How are you marking or celebrating this year? Join our Green Team at the Parish Center for a special movie screening and discussion, information on Pope Francis’ Care for Our Common Home movement to which our parish is aligned, and refreshments and networking with fellow stewards of creation. Save the date – more information is coming soon.

How to Participate in the Synod •

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•

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Get involved!

Be a part of our efforts to learn and act to care for our common home. Email us to get involved: greenteam@stelmo79.org.

Pray for the synod process. Pray that the entire Church may be open to the Holy Spirit.

Pray that we may rightly discern the movements of the Holy Spirit.

Reflect on your experience of Church – at the levels of parish, diocese, nation, and world. What fills your heart? What breaks your heart? Engage in conversation with your family, your fellow parishioners, with anyone who is interested in the topic. Reach out to friends and family who are no longer coming to church.

Let your voice be heard! While our parishlevel listening sessions have concluded, we still have a couple of slots open in our parish delegation to the Deanery Listening Session on Saturday, April 2, 10am to 1pm, at Our Savior Church in Manhattan. You must preregister with Maryann at mtyrer@stelmo79.org to participate.

Submit your feedback as an individual on the Archdiocesan website. Find the discussion questions and form for submitting your responses at https://archny.org/synod/contact-us/

K-8 Religious Education and Sacramental Preparation: • •

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Upcoming Sessions: March 20, 27, April 3. (No sessions April 10 and 17) 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).

Sacramental Preparation: •

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

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.

Adult Faith Formation: • •

We will meet every Sunday between March 6 and Palm Sunday.

Each Sunday, following the 12noon Mass and concluding at 3pm, in the Parish Center. All materials provided. All are welcome! Expand your knowledge of the Bible and church teaching in a friendly, nonjudgmental environment. No long-term commitment – join us when you are able.

Adult Faith Formation: • •

We will meet every Sunday between March 6 and Palm Sunday.

Each Sunday, following the 12noon Mass and concluding at 3pm, in the Parish Center. All materials provided. All are welcome! Expand your knowledge of the Bible and church teaching in a friendly, nonjudgmental environment. No long-term commitment – join us when you are able.

Join us for Lenten Guided Meditations • • •

Scripture, silence, guided meditation, and brief passages from the writings of Anthony de Mello Led by Desmond Towey, director of the De Mello Stroud Spirituality Center Thursdays, March 24, 31, April 7 at 7pm in the Parish Center Chapel

LENT 2022 Fasting - Every person between the age of 18 and 59 must fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. Fasting

consists of one full meal per day, with two smaller meals that do not add up to a full meal, and no snacks.

Abstinence – Every person 14 years of age or older must abstain from meat and items made with meat on Ash Wednesday, Good Friday, and every Friday of Lent.

Stations of the Cross • •

Every Friday in Lent following the 12noon Mass Living Stations presented by our Teen Confirmation Candidates o Friday, April 8, 7pm

Eucharistic Exposition and Adoration • •

Every Friday after the 12noon Mass Concludes with the Divine Mercy Chaplet at 3pm, followed by Solemn Benediction

Vespers (Evening Prayer) • •

Spoken Vespers every Friday at 5:10pm in the St. Elizabeth of Hungary Chapel (406 East 80th Street) Sung Vespers every Saturday in Lent at 5pm in the church

Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession) • •

Every Saturday at 5pm in the church Reconciliation Monday, April 11, 11am to 1pm and 6-8pm in the church

Adult Faith Formation (open to all who wish to deepen their faith) • • •

Sundays, 1:30-3pm in the Parish Center Thursdays in Lent, 7pm in the Parish Center o March 24, 31, April 7 – Reflections on the writings of Anthony DeMello, led by Des Towey of the DeMello Institute Deanery Synod Discussion and Listening Session, Saturday, April 2, 10-1pm at Our Savior Church, Manhattan. Limited slots, and registration required – contact mtyrer@stelmo79.org to sign up.

Five Minute Jesus Using the Gospel for Prayer – Fourth Sunday of Lent – March 27, 2022 It’s simple. 1. Read the Gospel for the following Sunday slowly, reflecting on the story it tells.

2. Reflect on the questions suggested for each day. 3. Make some resolution about how what you read can be lived that day. 4. Thank God for speaking to you through this reflection.

Gospel – Luke 15: 1-3, 11-32 This week’s Gospel is the Parable of the Prodigal Son which is too lengthy to print here. Please read this Gospel from your own bible.

Monday, March 21 This parable, found only in Luke’s gospel, is a moving account of the healing power of reconciliation that takes place in a family. Have you ever had a powerful experience of forgiveness and reconciliation in your own family? How did it make you feel? How did it change you? What did it teach you about your faith?

Tuesday, March 22 The younger son squanders his inheritance. Have you ever not made good use of your faith? What might you need to do to grow in faith?

Wednesday, March 23 The father rejoices that “this son of mine was dead and has come back to life again.” Have you ever felt lost or dead in your spiritual life? What has been life-giving for you?

Who have been some of the spiritual guides in your life? Offer a prayer of thanksgiving for them.

Thursday, March 24 The older son could not accept that his father would forgive his younger brother. Have you ever hardened your heart toward someone who sought your forgiveness? Has someone ever refused to forgive you when you said you were sorry for what you might have done to hurt them? How did it make you feel?

Friday, March 25 There are three characters in this parable. When was there a time that you were the prodigal son? Or the father? Or the other brother? What did you learn about yourself when you acted as they did? If this were a play, which character would you portray best?

Saturday, March 26 This parable is left open ended: we do not know what the elder son decided to do. What do you hope he did? If you were in the elder son’s position, what would you do?

From the Pastor 03.20.22 The Parish Council One of the things that people comment upon when they tell me that they have decided to start attending our parish is that the parish is so active. They cite the music program, the children’s and the adult choirs, the religious education program and the various events we offer to support the spiritual and intellectual growth of our parishioners. I am glad people notice these things. We have striven, even during the last two years of the pandemic to keep these things alive, and when we could not, to reinstate them as soon things began to open up again. One of the groups of people that has been essential in “keeping the fires burning” during the long months of Covid lockdowns and restrictions has been our parish council.

A parish council in the Roman Catholic Church is not like church councils or vestries in Protestant Churches. Those groups administer their parishes, have elected members even oversee the finances.

In some churches the pastor can’t even sign checks! In the Roman Catholic Church, a parish council is to be made up of parishioners who share their insights and their expertise with the pastor in the administration of the local church. Moreover, while every parish MUST, according to Canon Law, have a finance committee, which advises the pastor on the financial administration of the parish, parish councils are only recommended. A pastor can choose NOT to have one. And many choose not to – simply because they do not see the point.

Because of my background I have always seen the point. A pastor who thinks he can “do it all” and does not see the need to share responsibility and consult, becomes a bottle neck in the parish’s ministry. If everything has to run through him, not much can get done. But with a council of people dedicated to parish planning and coordination, a pastor can begin to implement things he would never have the energy to do himself.

During the pandemic the council continued to offer things to prepare for the days when the restrictions would end. Parish days of reflection? The parish council offered those. IN fact, the next one is planned for April 9th. Christmas Caroling and cookies and cocoa? The parish council, in coordination with the parish music ministry put that together and it is becoming an annual tradition.

The international food day following the patronal feast day in September. Again, the parish council.

Young adult events following the 5pm Contemporary Mass? Second Sunday Social? These are also things that the council oversees.

Due to the pandemic, our council members, who normally serve for only a few years have stayed on.

However, we are now beginning to solicit new members, as the members who have stayed on past the end of their terms are rotating off. If you would be interested in finding out more about the council, how it works, what it does and how YOUR gifts can make a difference, there is an open meeting this Wednesday, March 23rd in the parish center. There are refreshments starting at 6:30pm, where you can meet members informally, and then you are invited to attend the meeting, see what we are doing and how you can be a part.

Father Baker

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