May 22, 2022 - 6th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Parish life

Sixth Sunday of Easter

05/22/2022

Parish Life (Page 5)

Faith Formation (Page 6)

Just a word ( Page 9)

Scan to eReader

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 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 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 & 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 Intentions Saturday, May 21st Vigil 5:30pm Michael Egan Sunday, May 22nd Sixth Sunday of Easter 8:00am Dorothy Lonergan 10:00am Emily & Joseph Coleman 12:00pm All Parishioners 5pm Rosita Arivalo Monday, May 23rd Easter Weekday 12pm Thanksgiving to St. Agata Tuesday, May 24th Easter Weekday 12pm Caridad Bonifacio (Bday-Living) Wednesday, May 25th Easter Weekday 12pm Nicolai Sohreiber (Living) 5:30pm Ashley August Beggins Thursday, May 26th The Ascension of the Lord 12pm Anna Corra Friday, May 27th Easter Weekday 12pm Souls in Purgatory Saturday, May 28th Easter Weekday 12pm Maria Encarnacion Litrenta

Mass Schedule

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

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

Today’s Readings First Reading — The question of whether circumcision is necessary for salvation (Acts 15:12, 22-29).

Psalm — O God, let all the nations praise you!

(Psalm 67).

Second Reading — John envisions the holy city, the new Jerusalem (Revelation 21:10-14, 22-23) or Revelation 22:12-14, 16-17, 20.

Gospel — The Holy Spirit, sent by the Father in Jesus’ name, will teach us everything (John 14:23-29) or John 17:20-26.

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.

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

Anne Reilly, Martin Barbieri, Susan Baldwin, James Mooney, Helen Stafford, Cindy Garnica Castro and all those ill with or recovering from the COVID-19 virus and all Victims of Military Activities

PRAYERS FOR THE DECEASED Catherine Lynch, Vernon Lewis, Fr. Thomas Lynch & Peggy Lynch

Readings for the Week Monday: Acts 16:11-15; Ps 149:1b-6a, 9b;

Jn 15:26 — 16:4a Tuesday: Acts 16:22-34; Ps 138:1-3, 7c-8; Jn 16:5-11 Wednesday: Acts 17:15, 22 — 18:1; Ps 148:1-2, 11-14;Jn 16:12-15 Thursday: Acts 1:1-11; Ps 47:2-3, 6-9;

Eph 1:17-23 or Heb 9:24-28;

10:19-23; Lk 24:46-53 (for Ascension); otherwise

Acts 18:1-8; Ps 98:1-4; Jn 16:16-20 Friday: Acts 18:9-18; Ps 47:2-7; Jn 16:20-23 Saturday: Acts 18:23-28; Ps 47:2-3, 8-10; Jn 16:23b-28 Sunday: Acts 7:55-60; Ps 97:1-2, 6-7, 9;

Rv 22:12-14, 16-17, 20; Jn 17:20 26 or (for Ascension) Acts 1:1-11;

Ps 47:2-3, 6-9; Eph 1:17- 23 or

Heb 9:24-28; 10:19-23; Lk 24:46-53

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

Young Adult Mass with Cardinal Dolan You are invited to join the Office of Young Adult Outreach on Wednesday, June 1st at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, 460 Madison Avenue, New York, NY for Mass with His Eminence, Timothy Dolan, Adoration and Confessions will be available from 7-7:30p.m. Music by Mary Miller. There will be a social after the Mass.

For more information, visit Facebook.com/catholicnyc, follow us on Instagram @CatholicNYCor our website, CatholicNYC.com

On Friday, May 29, after the noon Mass, the senior ministry invites you to attend the showing of the movie, Lilies of the Field . Sidney Poitier won an Oscar for his role as Homer Smith in this Poignant classic. Even if you have seen the film before, enjoy it again. It is an extraordinary story of courage, conflict, & devotion! As usual, after Mass, we will enjoy a Potluck lunch in the Angelo Room of the Parish Center. The film is 95 minutes long & will begin at 1:30 pm. Please telephone Gladys if you plan to attend (212- 2886250).

May 26 is Ascension Thursday, a holy day of obligation. We celebrate the Ascension of the Lord 40 days after his Resurrection.

Masses at our parish are: 5:30pm Vigil, Wednesday, May 25, and 12noon, Thursday, May 26.

Interested in volunteering at parish events?

The parish council will let you know of opportunities to volunteer if you fill out the form below, tear it out, and put it in the collection basket.

OR Email your information to the parish council at parishcouncil@stelmo79.org. ____________________________________________________________________________________ _ NAME EMAIL PHONE

K-8 Religious Education and Sacramental Preparation: •

• • •

Upcoming Sessions: We meet May 22, and June 5, via Zoom. Our final event of the catechetical year will be a PICNIC for all Religious Education families, June 12, 1-3pm, at the St. Stephen of Hungary School play yard on 82nd Street.

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).

Registration for Fall 2022 will open later in May. We plan to return to in-person sessions in the Fall.

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 (2nd grade or older), and prior to the celebration of Confirmation (8th grade or older). New enrollments this fall will be eligible to receive sacraments in 2024.

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). While we will not have formal sessions on Sunday afternoons after May 22, until we resume in September, we will stay connected over the summer!

Adult Faith Formation: •

•

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. Our last session until the Fall will be on May 22, but make plans now to join us in September!

Fr. Baker’s Book Discussion on The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver concludes on Thursday, May 26, beginning with a light supper at 6pm, in the parish center. Please RSVP to mtyrer@stelmo79.org so we can prepare enough food and supplies! Please be sure to read the book before joining us!

Bereavement Ministry: • •

Wednesdays, May 25, June 1, 7-8:30pm in the Parish Center (406 East 80th Street). (Session #1 was on April 27, but it’s not too late to join us for the remaining sessions!) A new series will begin in September.

Open to anyone who has lost a close friend or family member. Each session includes prayer, reflection, discussion, and mutual support. All are welcome, even if you’ve attended past series.

Two Things to Know About Christ’s Ascension Into Heaven Sister Anna Marie McGuan

The Ascension is the completion of the Easter mysteries of Jesus’ life, passion, death and resurrection, and it is the final step before the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. As the Catechism of the Catholic Church states: “Jesus’ final apparition ends with the irreversible entry of his humanity into divine glory, symbolized by the cloud and by heaven, where he is seated from that time forward at God’s right hand” (No. 659).

Yet perhaps we feel somewhat like the Apostles who witnessed the Ascension, standing there, looking up, wondering what just happened. Why did Jesus go? Where did he go? The angels’ response to them is apropos for us, too: “Men of Galilee, why are you standing there looking at the sky? This Jesus who has been taken up from you into heaven will return in the same way as you have seen him going into heaven” (Acts 1:11).

There are two things to remember about this mystery. First, in a very real way, Jesus’ ascension into heaven is the goal for each one of us. He goes before us, and we are to follow Him there. In the Ascension, the domain of God’s glory is opened to us, and Jesus, in His glorified humanity, takes His rightful place at God’s right hand. It is a privilege for all of us that one of our own, a man like us in all things but sin, has been so glorified. Not only that, he is calling us and interceding for us always so that we will one day join him. As the Catechism states: “Left to its own natural powers humanity does not have access to the ‘Father’s house,’ to God’s life and happiness. Only Christ can open to man such access that we, his members, might have confidence that we too shall go where he, our Head and our Source, has preceded us” (No. 661).

The second thing to remember about this mystery is that Jesus will come back. When that day comes, we should be ready. He has asked us to be his faithful disciples, living in a vital friendship with him. This is not magic, however. It takes the power of the Holy Spirit, whom each of us receives in baptism and confirmation. It also takes a lived relationship with God in prayer. Finally, Jesus expects us to be open, available and ready to cooperate with him in the mission he calls us to.

The last thing Jesus said to the Apostles was, “But you will receive power when the holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, throughout Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8). In Matthew’s Gospel, the last injunction is similar: “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age” (28:19-20). If we live out that mission from Christ, and truly make disciples of all nations, then his presence is with us despite his bodily absence. First and foremost, Jesus is with us in the Eucharist and in the liturgy of the Church. Jesus also is present spiritually when we pray in his name, as he said: “For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them” (Mt 18:20).

Jesus’ work on earth is now complete, but the task of bearing witness to Him and making disciples is never done, not until he returns at the end of time. That is the task the Apostles began to do, starting with prayer in the upper room as they awaited the promised Holy Spirit. Mary, the Mother of Jesus, was there with them. Clothed with the power of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, the Apostles and disciples of Jesus began to preach and teach about him to Jews and to Gentiles. They began to do what the Lord Jesus asked them to do: bear witness and make disciples.

That task is not just theirs; it belongs to all of us.

Sr Anna Marie McGuan, R.S.M., is Director of Christian Formation in the Diocese of Knoxville Source: https://www.simplycatholic.com

Young Adult Wine & Cheese

Sunday, June 5, following the 5pm Mass, in the back of the church Open to all folks of all ages.

Non-alcoholic beverages will also be offered.

Come and congratulate our newly confirmed young adults and get to know some fellow parishioners.

Wear red on Pentecost!

We celebrate the outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles 50 days after the Resurrection of Jesus. Red is the traditional color for feasts of the Holy Spirit. We will confirm two young adults at the 5pm Mass on June 5.

Five Minute Jesus Using the Gospel for Prayer – 7th Sunday of Easter - May 29, 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 Jn 17:20-26 Lifting his eyes to heaven, Jesus prayed saying: “Holy Father, I pray not only for them, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, so that they may all be one, as you, Father, are in me and I in you, that they also may be in us, that the world may believe that you sent me. And I have given them the glory you gave me, so that they may be one, as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may be brought to perfection as one, that the world may know that you sent me, and that you loved them even as you loved me.

Father, they are your gift to me. I wish that where I am they also may be with me, that they may see my glory that you gave me, because you loved me before the foundation of the world. Righteous Father, the world also does not know you, but I know you, and they know that you sent me. I made known to them your name and I will make it known that the love with which you loved me may be in them and I in them.”

Monday Was there something in this reading that spoke to you? Comforted you? Challenged you? What was it? Why did it have this effect on you?

Tuesday Jesus prays that his followers might all be one. It is the night before Jesus dies and already Jesus is aware of disunity among them. This story is clearly written for ALL Jesus’ disciples, both in the 1st century as well as the 21st. What does that word “one” mean? How am I “one” with the members of my family? My parish? My workplace? Is it the same? How do I feel when Jesus prays that I might be one with people whom I do not even know?

Wednesday Jesus says that unity that we should have with each other is like the Father’s unity with Jesus. Right away we see something: that unity is NOT uniformity. Jesus is not the Father. The Father is not Jesus, yet both are one. How comfortable are we with diversity? Am I alright with being “one” with people who think differently than I do, dress differently than I do, live differently than I do? How might I be “one” with them?

Thursday Jesus returns to the word “Glory” in this reading. He says that their unity is a reflection of the Glory of God. Unity is glorious and sadly in our world, it is about as visible as God’s glory! But only because we do not know where to look for it. How can I be an instrument of this unity in my workplace, my family, my friendships? How can I do this healthily, honestly, and faithfully?

Friday Jesus calls us God’s gift to him. How do I feel when I hear that I am a gift? Do I feel valued or manipulated? Does God giving us to Jesus take away my freedom? Or does it give me a place to stand so that I can exercise it, knowing that I am valued and loved? How does knowing I am God’s gift change the way I see myself? How does it change the way I see others?

Saturday Jesus reveals his mission is to make known the Father’s name so that the Father’s love might be in us and he in us.

What does it mean for me to have God’s love “in us”? Do I know God well enough to say that I experience his love in me? IF not, then why? And if so, how do I live that love so that others might know it?

From the Pastor 05.22.22 Michael Ward It is hard to believe, but on August 1st I will begin my 8th year here. When I came here over seven years ago, I was accompanied by Michael Ward, whom I came to know during my years as pastor of St. Teresa – Nativity on the Lower East Side. He served as the Archdiocesan Associate Director of Finance for Manhattan. He had been looking for a change, I knew that I would need help in any parish that I would be sent to, and so we agreed to come here together, with me as pastor and him as the parish manager.

The position of parish manager is new for many Catholics. When parishioners met Mike and were informed that he was the “parish manager” they often asked, “what is that?” In the old days everything in the parish was run by Father or Sister. However, as the number of priests and religious has dwindled and the administrative burden has grown, parishes have begun hiring someone to take care of the business/HR end of the parish, thus freeing priest to focus on pastoral ministry.

Mike has been our parish manager but also much more. He shared my vision for a revitalized, merged parish, and for the last 7 plus years we have worked together to achieve this goal. We have renovated church and school, created a new parish center for the merged parish and seen to it that the parish, even during Covid, remained on sure financial footing. His contribution to all of this, while also shepherding staff and volunteers, was enormous, and enabled me to focus on all of you and on building a parish that was welcoming, inclusive, and Catholic.

That work is by no means complete, but Mike Ward has decided that it is time for him to leave it. A few weeks ago, he resigned, effective Tuesday, May 17.

While his leaving is hard for those of us who worked with him, and of course for me who have known him first as a friend and then as a coworker in the project of building our parish for so many years, we all respect Mike’s decision and wish him well.

We are currently in the process of searching for a new parish manager. I will keep you informed of the progress. In the meantime, we have a wonderful parish staff which is already pulling together to cover some of Mike’s responsibilities as we transition.

If anyone is interested in hearing more about this position just reach out to me by email. The job description is available upon request.

Finally, I would ask a little understanding and patience in this process. Mike was involved in so many aspects of this place, that it will take a little time to untangle all he did! So, if a phone call does not get returned immediately, a question is not speedily answered, or some other aspect of parish life leaves you a little frustrated, bear with us. A new parish manager will be hired, but Mike will never be replaced.

Father Baker

UPPER EAST SIDE PSYCHOTHERAPY

Peter Demetri, LCSW

A REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT COMPANY

Anxiety, Depression, Relationship, Grief, Loss & More Mindfulness, Solution-Oriented, Emotion-Focused, Insight & More TeleVideo Therapy Available Accepting Medicare, Aetna, Cigna & More

www.UpperEastSidePsychotherapy.com

845.702.2162 YORK AVE - 78TH ST - NYC

pdemetri1701@gmail.com

FOR SALE BY OWNER MENDOZA’S ACRES HOMESITES and/or

NEW CONSTRUCTION HOUSE and

LOT PACKAGE @ Resort Lake Wallenpaupack, Hawley, Pennsylvania

Established Development 1+ ACRES to 3+ ACRES LOTS

Prices Start @ $39,900 Must see to make an offer:

Mobile: 917-400-2177 www.mendozaindustries.com

Eva’s Garden Florist

Your ad

Proudly Serving NYC Since 1978

212.744.8710

www.evasgarden.com

could be in this space!

email: evasgardenflowers@gmail.com

1506 1st Ave | New York, NY 10075 WEDDINGS | SYMPATHY AND FUNERALS CHRISTENINGS | SPECIAL EVENTS | SEASONAL ARRANGEMENTS

DO YOU HAVE SALES EXPERIENCE? ARE YOU WELL NETWORKED IN THE LOCAL COMMUNITY?

J.S. PALUCH COMPANY

NATIONAL PUBLISHER OF CHURCH BULLETINS • Full Time Positions Available with Excellent Earning Potential!

• Medical Benefits, 401K, Life & AD&D Insurance Available • Excellent Commission Compensation Program EARN

Interested? Call Kay Leane 1.800.621.5197 x2823 or Email Resume to RECRUITING@JSPALUCH.COM

DO

MONEY! GOOD! MAKE A

POSITIVE IMPACT!

www.jspaluch.com

Consider Remembering Your Parish in Your Will.

Grow Your Business, Advertise Here.

Support Your Church & Bulletin.

Free professional ad design & my help! email: sales@jspaluch.com

Get this weekly bulletin delivered by email - for FREE!

For further information, please call the Parish Office.

www.jspaluch.com

For Information ... Call 800.524.0263 ✂ Please Cut Out This “Thank You Ad” and Present It The Next Time You Patronize One of Our Advertisers

Sign up here: www.jspaluch.com/subscribe Medical Alert System

Courtesy of J.S. Paluch Company, Inc. $29.95/Mo.

212-535-4480

om Ro le rty ab s Pa vail w A son A Lo er As per P 0 $2

•

One Free Month

•

No Long-Term

1617 York Avenue (Corner 85th Street)

Contract

John S. Krtil, Owner/Manager “Dignified, Affordable and Independently Owned Since 1885”

1297 FIRST AVENUE

billed quarterly

•

Price Guarantee

•

Easy Self Installation

Take your FAITH ON A JOURNEY. Call us today at 860-399-1785 or email eileen@CatholicCruisesandTours.com

www.CatholicCruisesandTours.com

Call Today!

Toll Free 1.877.801.8608

(between 69th & 70th Streets) Download Our Free App or Visit

212.744.3084 ✦ www.KrtilFuneralHome.com 511510 St Monica Church

Catholic Cruises and Tours and The Apostleship of the Sea of the United States of America

(CST 2117990-70)

Serving Yorkville Since 1982 Se

Thank you for advertising in our church bulletin.

I am patronizing your business because of it!

www.MY.ONEPARISH.com www.jspaluch.com

Grow in your faith, find a Mass, and connect with your Catholic Community with OneParish!

For Ads: J.S. Paluch Co., Inc. 1-800-524-0263