The Roman Catholic Parish of
Saint Monica Saint Elizabeth of Hungary Saint Stephen of Hungary ————————————————————————————————————— Church : 413 East 79th St. New York, NY 10075 Parish Center: 406 East 80th St. New York, NY 10075 Tel.:(212) 288-6250 Fax: (212) 570 - 1562 www.STELMO79.org www.facebook.com/stelmo79
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Thirty Third Sunday in Ordinary Time –November 17th, 2019
Office Hours
Parish Staff
Our Offices are open: Mo. 9am – 5pm Tu.-Th. 9am – 7pm Fri. Closed Sat. 10am -2pm Sun. Closed Our offices close for lunch: 1pm – 2pm daily
Pastor:
Rev. Donald C. Baker
frdcab@stelmo79.org
Associate:
Rev. Msgr. Leslie J. Ivers
msgrlivers@stelmo79.org
Weekend Associates:
Parish Manager: Music Director:
Rev. Jim O’Shea Rev. Tony Ciorra Ms. Maryann Tyrer Ms. Jasmine Gomez Mr. Michael Ward Mr. John Zupan
mtyrer@stelmo79.org jgomez@stelmo79.org mward@stelmo79.org jzupan@stelmo79.org
Wedding Coordinator:
Ms. Debbi Burdett
DBweddingsnyc@gmail.com
Pastoral Associates:
Mass Schedule Saturday Vigil: 5:30pm Sunday: 8:00am,10:00am,12:00pm,5:00pm Monday – Saturday: 12:00pm Confessions: Saturday: 5:00 – 5:30pm and by appointment Our church is open: 7:15am – 3:30pm daily for private prayer Vespers (evening prayer): 5:10pm Fridays in Parish Center Chapel St.
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
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MISSION STATEMENT The Roman Catholic Parish of St. Monica, St. Elizabeth of Hungary and 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 and 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. TODAY’S READINGS First Reading -- For those who fear the name of the Lord, the sun of justice will arise (Malachi 3:1920a). Psalm -- The Lord comes to rule the earth with justice (Psalm 98). Second Reading -- Those who are living in idleness are urged to earn their own living (2 Thessalonians 3:7-12). Gospel -- Jesus foretells the destruction of Jerusalem, the persecution of his followers (Luke 21:5-19). The English translation of the Psalm Responses from Lectionary for Mass (c) 1969, 1981, 1997, International Commission on English in the Liturgy Corporation. All rights reserved.
READINGS FOR THE WEEK 1 Mc 1:10-15, 41-43, 54-57, 62-63;Ps 119:53, 61, 134, 150, 155, 158;Lk 18:35-43 or (for the memorial of the Dedication) Acts 28:11-16, 30-31;Ps 98:1-6; Mt 14:22-33 Tuesday: 2 Mc 6:18-31; Ps 3:2-7; Lk 19:1-10 Wednesday: 2 Mc 7:1, 20-31; Ps 17:1bcd, 5-6, 8b, 15;Lk 19:11-28 Thursday: 1 Mc 2:15-29; Ps 50:1b-2, 5-6, 14-15;Lk 19:41-44 Friday: 1 Mc 4:36-37, 52-59; 1 Chr 29:10bcd,11-12; Lk 19:45-48 Saturday: 1 Mc 6:1-13; Ps 9:2-4, 6, 16, 19; Lk 20:27-40 Sunday: 2 Sm 5:1-3; Ps 122:1-5; Col 1: 12-20;Lk 23:35-43
SATURDAY 5:30PM
November 16thVigil Agnes & Timothy J. McCrohan
SUNDAY
November 17th Thirty Third Sunday In Ordinary Time
8:00AM 10:00AM 12NOON 5PM
Ruth Farley Helen, John Flack & Family All Parishioners Sheila McCarthy
MONDAY 12NOON
November 18th Weekday Thanksgiving
TUESDAY 12NOON
November 19th Weekday Thomas Ayastury Litrenta
WEDNESDAY November 20th Weekday 12NOON Consuelo Alvarez (Living) THURSDAY 12NOON
November 21st The Presentation of the Blessed Virgen Mary Hugo Alberto Litrenta (Living)
FRIDAY 12NOON
November 22nd St. Cecilia Priest of St. Monica’s
SATURDAY 12NOON
November 23rd Weekday Souls in Purgatory
Monday:
SAINTS AND SPECIAL OBSERVANCES Sunday: Monday: Thursday: Friday: Saturday:
Thirty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time The Dedication of the Basilicas of Ss. Peter & Paul; St. Rose Philippine Duchesne The Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary St. Cecilia St. Clement I; St. Columban; Blessed Miguel Agustín Pro; Blessed Virgin Mary
If you wish to add the name of a loved one to the prayer list, please notify the parish center: (212) 288-6250
K-8 Religious Education th • We’re in session, and meet 10:15-11:45am in the Parish Center (406 East 80 Street). Registration is closed for this year. • Parents who were unable to join us for the parent meeting, please come in and pick up your Parent Folder with the calendar for the year and other important information. • No K-8 Religious Education or Adult Faith Formation on Sunday, December 1, due to the Thanksgiving weekend. Adult Faith Formation • Our Sunday Morning Scripture Discussion Group is in session, and runs 10:15-11:45am in the Parish Center each Sunday that Religious Education is in session. This group is open to any and all adults – you can become a “regular,” or just drop in occasionally as your schedule allows. Parents – this is an excellent way for your family to grow in faith together, and for you to set an excellent example for your children as to the value of formation in the faith at all ages. •
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Adult Sacraments Adults thinking about becoming Catholic, or Catholic adults who have missed First Communion or Confirmation – it’s never too late! Contact Maryann Tyrer, Pastoral Associate, to discuss our adult initiation process. You can begin the process any time throughout the year. Sessions are held on Sunday in the Parish Center following the noon Mass. All inquirers are welcome! Volunteers Subs and hall monitors on Sunday mornings, and special event assistants (various times) needed for our various Faith Formation programs. Contact Maryann for more information.
A reflection on today’s Gospel…. When some were speaking about the temple, how it was adorned with beautiful stones and gifts dedicated to God, he said, 'As for these things that you see, the days will come when not one stone will be left upon another; all will be thrown down.' They asked him, 'Teacher, when will this be, and what will be the sign that this is about to take place?' And he said, 'Beware that you are not led astray; for many will come in my name and say, "I am he!" and, "The time is near!" Do not go after them. 'When you hear of wars and insurrections, do not be terrified; for these things must take place first, but the end will not follow immediately.' Then he said to them, 'Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; there will be great earthquakes, and in various places famines and plagues; and there will be dreadful portents and great signs from heaven. 'But before all this occurs, they will arrest you and persecute you; they will hand you over to synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors because of my name. This will give you an opportunity to testify. So make up your minds not to prepare your defense in advance; for I will give you words and a wisdom that none of your opponents will be able to withstand or contradict. You will be betrayed even by parents and brothers, by relatives and friends; and they will put some of you to death. You will be hated by all because of my name. But not a hair of your head will perish. By your endurance you will gain your souls. Luke 21:5-19
Jesus’ words about the end of time can be disturbing. When he foretells the destruction of the physical Temple in Jerusalem, we need to recall what replaces that temple. As temples of the Spirit, we are ‘born anew to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and to an inheritance which is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading’ (2 Pet 1:4). • It is remarkable that Jesus’ prophecy is being fulfilled even in our own time. The amount of unrest among people, and even in nature itself is frightening. The Christian message of ‘love your neighbor as yourself’, stands out in complete contrast to this scene. The little we can do is not in vain. • Pope Francis has highlighted the need for compassion in our dealings with one another. This intervention by Pope Francis may be seen as coming from Jesus, when he said in the text above, ‘I will give you words and wisdom that none of your opponents can withstand or contradict’. • The temple was not just the center of the Jews’ civilization: it was the place where God lived among them. Jesus told them that it was all going to fall apart! Is there any way in which my "secure center" - either personal or national - threatens to collapse? The fall of the Twin Towers in New York is a powerful symbol for many of us. The key words from Jesus in all of this are; "Do not be terrified". Can I allow Jesus, the Consoler, to speak to me, wherever I am? •
SPECIAL DEVOTIONS After all weekday masses Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament Every Friday after the Noon Mass to 3 PM, with Benediction following the Divine Mercy Chaplet Devotions Miraculous Medal on Mondays after each Mass
CHRISTMAS CONCERT & COCKTAIL PARTY WITH SILENT AUCTION Please mark your calendars for our Christmas Concert, Saturday, December 14th at 8PM
Divine Mercy The Divine Mercy Chaplet is prayed each Friday afternoon at 3 PM Sacrament of Reconciliation: 5:00 PM on Saturdays Anytime by appointment BAPTISMS & MARRIAGES: Please call the rectory office for more information.
We will again host a cocktail party with a silent auction in conjunction with the concert. Tickets and more details will be available soon
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 Please remember in your prayers
Martha Gil, Maria Escobar, Murin, Isabella De Sola, Judith Baron, Emma Baruffi, Richard Baldwin, Stephen Groarke, Stephanie Smith, Mary Byrd, Glenn Allen & Albert Walsh
YOUNG ADULT MASS - CARDINAL DOLAN
You are invited to join the Office of Young Adult Outreach on Tuesday, December 3rd at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, 460 Madison Avenue, New York, NY for Mass with His Eminence, Timothy Cardinal Dolan.
ALL VICTIMS OF MILITARY ACTIVITY
PRAYERS FOR THE DECEASED Please pray for our deceased parishioners and family members
Adriana Marcella Vellucci, Nora Altamirano, Irene Bornheiner, David Johnson, Barbara Gordon, Esther Kaploun & George Thompson
Adoration and confessions will be available from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Mass begins at 7:30 p.m. Music by Sarah Kroger. There will a social after the Mass at a nearby establishment. For more information, visit www.catholicnyc.com
Dear Friends, Neighbors and Supporters: The 11th Annual Thanksgiving Dinner at St Monica, St. Elizabeth of Hungary, St. Stephen of Hungary Parish will be held on Thursday, November 28th, 2019. Yes, our 11th Community Thanksgiving Dinner. It seems only yesterday that we had begun with 50 diners and volunteers to have Thanksgiving together in the Francis Room at the Parish of St Stephen.
As each of you all know this event becomes more popular now serving 220 diners in the Auditorium of St. Stephen’s School and preparing another 60 dinners to go for our homebound neighbors and friends. Without your continuous help and donations this event would never have been this successful. This year, let's remember and celebrate our strong community. Our thanksgiving community dinner here in Yorkville is for our neighbors to enjoy and give thanks together as we share a meal. As always, volunteers, donations and diners are required. Donations should be dropped off at the Parish Center on 80th Street between 1st and York Avenue’s. When dropping off donations for Thanksgiving Dinner please mark THANKSGIVING DONATIONS. Tickets are available now at the Parish Center, for a small donation of $5. Any questions for the parish office can be directed to Mike Ward (mward@stelmo79.org). There is a limit of 220 diners in the hall and but tickets are available for takeout dinners. It is important to let us know ahead of time for take-out so we can prepare the meals. Volunteers please email Barbaramurphy8@aol.com for the preparation of the Thanksgiving Dinner. Click on or Copy link below to sign up to help. https://tinyurl.com/y2do9dv9 We are looking for potato peelers both days Monday, November 25th 6-8 pm Tuesday, November 26th 6-8pm Wednesday, November 27nd is set up and also our cooking day 10am to 4pm in the Auditorium and Kitchen of St Stephens Hungary School. Thursday, November 28th Thanksgiving Day is the Final setup, Dinner service and Clean up. Please share this message with friends as we need volunteers and we look forward to celebrating this amazing day with our neighbors and community of Yorkville. Looking forward to a wonderful Thanksgiving. Please reach out to us should you need help.
Barbara Murphy & Roz Panento Co-chairs of the St Monica, St Elizabeth of Hungary, St Stephen of Hungary Thanksgiving Dinner
From your Pastor November 17th, 2019 Ministry Month Results It is no secret that that there are fewer and fewer ordained people in the Church. But the work of ministering to the lay people who come to church continues! That work would be impossible, or at least greatly hindered, without the assistance of all of you. Last year we instituted something we call Ministry Month, a four-week push to get people involved in the various lay ministries in the parish. Our first year we had over 60 people express interest in reading, distributing communion, serving at the altar singing in the choir greeting people as they came to mass. Their ministry has in so many ways transformed the face of the parish to people who visit and has made my life as pastor so much easier, and happier. When we began Ministry Month this year, we all said we had to scale back our expectations; after all, we said, last year was a fluke – it was the first time, and this year would be much smaller. However: this year we had over 40 people express interest in serving. We are just beginning orientations and training for these new lectors, altar servers, eucharistic and hospitality ministers and will be installing them in the coming weeks. Thank you to everyone who has expressed an interest in serving. Update on Lighting As we slide into the darkest time of the year, it naturally can seem dim in the church; especially with the long shadows cast by buildings, and the lower position of the sun in the sky. But then there are the lights in the church. If you look up you will see that, even though we just replaced ALL of them, 4-5 lightbulbs have already burned out. This is due to the wiring. The only way we can fix that is by replacing the whole lighting system. As I have mentioned before we are in the process of doing that. However, in the Archdiocese of New York, a project which costs over a certain amount (30 thousand dollars) must be approved by the Archdiocese before it can be begun. We have to submit an RFA (request for Approval) which is reviewed by multiple offices. As you can imagine, this takes time. We are currently waiting on the RFA we submitted weeks ago. We had hoped to be replacing the lighting system so that by Christmas we are scaffold-free. (It will require scaffolding to properly replace all the lights) but I have said that if we cannot have the scaffolding down by Christmas then we will wait until after the new year to begin. One of the best kept secrets of our parish . . . is the work being done by our Pastoral Associate for Parish Life, Ms. Jasmine Gomez. She maintains our social media platforms, like Facebook, Instagram, snapchat, as well as outreach to young adults, social justice etc. It is not an easy job, getting people to collaborate – we are all so busy. But if you are at all interested in finding out what is going on here, or just in feeling more connected with your parish, its life and community, then friend us on Facebook, Instagram or snapchat. It takes a second, there is no commitment, and you will see a side of your parish you never knew existed. We are just at the beginning of the things we have planned for our social media; Jasmine and her crew are working up podcasts for Lent (I think I am even doing one), and eventually the 12noon mass will be live-streamed. Exciting things are happening here. Fr. Baker