31st Sunday in Ordinary Time

Parish life THIRTY-FIRST SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME 11/05/2023

Our School Open House ( Page 4)

Theology Thursday ( Page 5)

Just a word ( Page 11)

The Roman Catholic Parish of

St. Monica St. Elizabeth of Hungary St. Stephen of Hungary

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, lifestyle, nationality, economic status and age, we endeavor to live as a community of faith and invite you to join our family a family seeking and to know and love Jesus Christ.

Parish Staff Pastor: Rev. Donald C. Baker ............................ frdcab@stelmo79.org Weekend Associate: .................................... Rev. Anthony Ciorra, IVD Weekend Associate:...............................................Rev. Edward Beck, CP Pastoral Associate: Maryann Tyrer ...................mtyrer@stelmo79.org Pastoral Associate: Taryn Tonelli......................ttonelli@stelmo79.org Music Director: 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, N.Y, NY 10075 Parish Center: 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

Mass Intentions Saturday, November 4th Vigil 5:30pm Margaret & Bridget Downes Sunday, November 5th Thirty-First Sunday in Ordinary Time 8:00am Nine Souls of Lima 10:00am Mila, Juris, Marcelo & Maureen Reyes (Living) 12:00pm All Parishioners 5pm John Lynch Monday, November 6th Weekday 12pm Msgr. Thomas A. Mogduno Tuesday, November 7th Weekday 12pm Dallas & Marjory Baker (Wedding Anniversary) Wednesday, November 8th Weekday 12pm Pedro Ant. Litrenta, Sr. Thursday, November 9th The Dedication of the Lateran Basilica 12pm Anna Bellevue Friday, November 10th St. Leo the Great 12pm The Anderson Family (Living & Dec.) Saturday, November 11th St. Martin de Porres 12pm Judit Csiki

Bread & Wine This Week’s Bread & Wine

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

In Memory of Michael Egan Offered by Noreen Egan

Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament Every Friday after the Noon Mass until 3pm in the church and live online 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 for arrangements

Sanctuary Lamp This Weeks’ Sanctuary Lamp

In Memory of Pedro Ant. Litrenta, Sr.

Offered by Maria Litrenta

Weekly Readings & Observances Readings for the week of November 5, 2023 Sunday: Mal 1:14b—2:2b, 8-10/Ps 131:1, 2, 3/1 Thes 2:7b-9, 13/Mt 23:1-12 Monday: Rom 11:29-36/Ps 69:30-31, 33-34, 36/Lk 14:12-14 Tuesday: Rom 12:5-16b/Ps 131:1bcde, 2, 3/ Lk 14:15-24 Wednesday: Rom 13:8-10/Ps 112:1b-2, 4-5, 9/ Lk 14:25-33 Thursday: Ez 47:1-2, 8-9, 12/Ps 46:2-3, 5-6, 8-9/1 Cor 3:9c-11, 16-17/Jn 2:13-22 Friday: Rom 15:14-21/Ps 98:1, 2-3ab, 3cd4/Lk 16:1-8 Saturday: Rom 16:3-9, 16, 22-27/Ps 145:2-3, 4-5, 10-11/Lk 16:9-15 Next Sunday: Wis 6:12-16/Ps 63:2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8 (2b)/1 Thes 4:13-18 or 4:13-14/ Mt 25:1-13 Observances for the week of November 5, 2023 Sunday: 31st Sunday in Ordinary Time; Daylight Saving Time Ends.

National Vocation Awareness Week Monday: Tuesday: Election Day Wednesday: Thursday: The Dedication of the Lateran Basilica Friday: St. Leo the Great, Pope and Doctor of the Church Saturday: St. Martin of Tours, Bishop; Veterans Day Next Sunday: 32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time ©LPi

PRAYERS FOR THE SICK Rosemary Keating, Christin Cullen, Jose Vasquez, Madeleine Tipton, Neil O’Carroll, Harry Rabonwitz, Marylin Atkinson, Michelle Netus, Jerry Schwegman, Judith Farber, Mary O’Connor Lynch, Caroline Yurkutat, Christopher Elliot Lewis, Danielle Boros, Linda Clarke, Bruno Franco Adame, Michael Reilly, Marcelle Ferrier, all those ill and victims of military activities PRAYERS FOR THE DECEASED Eugene Flynn,Patricia Leonard, Elizabeth & Patrick McCormack, James Lombard, Una Sheahan, Lidia E. Rodriguez, Eddie Wagner, Phillip Gauran, Elizabeth Hownen, Jennie Wachowicz and the victims of the Middle East.

' #

! "#

' #

# $ % &

. - /

+ + '

'

0

# 1

( # )

* + , -

+ '

+

, ,

+

) 2

!"# $ % $ &

,17(5(67(' ,1

:('1(6'$< $7 30 3$5,6+ &(17(5

Thirty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time K-8 Religious Education and Sacramental Preparation: •

Children’s Liturgy of the Word during the 10am Mass on Sundays - Young children (the content is geared to ages 3 or 4 up until 1st or 2nd grade) begin Mass with their families, and then are brought to the Ward Room (off the sacristy) during the Liturgy of the Word, and return to their families during the Preparation of the Gifts. This helps them to participate in the Mass at an age appropriate level. Volunteers are needed to train as leaders and assistants.

•

K-8 Religious Education sessions have resumed at 11:10am in the Parish Center. If you have not registered, bring your checkbook and arrive early to complete paperwork for your children!

•

K-8 Religious Education will not meet on Sunday, November 5, due to the NYC Marathon.

•

Coming up: Saturday, November 18, 2-5pm in the Church, Family Faith Formation: Forgiveness and Reconciliation. This family retreat is for all K-8 families (the whole family – at least one adult must attend with the child!) and is also an important part of preparation for First Penance. If your child is celebrating First Communion this year, this retreat is essential.

Families will explore themes of reconciliation and forgiveness through hands-on activities and discussions. Don’t miss this unique experience!

Adult Sacraments of Initiation (RCIA) • Have you ever thought about becoming Catholic? 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 a wonderful community.

Adult Faith Formation Opportunities •

•

Adult Faith Formation, every Sunday following the noon Mass. Come to the Parish Center (406 East 80th Street) for refreshments and a facilitated discussion of the Sunday Scriptures. We end at 3pm. All adults are welcome! There will also be no session on Sunday, November 5, due to the running of the NYC Marathon on 1st Avenue.

Group of Guys Men’s Faith Sharing group meets every Tuesday at 12noon in the Parish Center, and all men are welcome to join.

For all questions, comments, or to register for any of the above, please contact Maryann Tyrer, Pastoral Associate for Religious Formation, at

mtyrer@stelmo79.org

# &

'

!

" #

! "

#

%

!

! $

*+!

0

$

,

0 12+3 - 4+ '

& 0

5

' - . /

( )

!

! #)7/ !$ ,717c 7SRKW JVSQ 1I\MGS

! " # $

(72!) !/ OId NFNM M0)

%

7KH $GXOW &KRLU PHHWV :HGQHVGD\V IURP 30 WR UHKHDUVH IRU WKH 30 6XQGD\ 0DVV

! " #$ % $ % &$ M]XSDQ#VWHOPR RUJ

5) "//6"-

8LEROWKMZMRK (MRRIV

5)634%": /07&.#&3 1.

Looking ahead to November 12th, 2023 the 32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time It’s simple. Read the Gospel for next Sunday slowly, reflecting on the story it tells. Consider the questions asked each day. What conversion of heart, mind, and life might the Lord be asking of you at this moment? Reflect on how you might live out God’s Word each day.

MATTHEW 25:1-12 Jesus told his disciples this parable: "The kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish and five were wise. The foolish ones, when taking their lamps, brought no oil with them, but the wise brought flasks of oil with their lamps.

Since the bridegroom was long delayed, they all became drowsy and fell asleep.

At midnight, there was a cry, 'Behold, the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!’

Then all those virgins got up and trimmed their lamps. The foolish ones said to the wise, 'Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ But the wise ones replied, 'No, for there may not be enough for us and you. Go instead to the merchants and buy some for yourselves.’ While they went off to buy it, the bridegroom came and those who were ready went into the wedding feast with him. Then the door was locked. Afterwards the other virgins came and said, 'Lord, Lord, open the door for us!’ But he said in reply, 'Amen, I say to you, I do not know you.’ Therefore, stay awake, for you know neither the day nor the hour.”

Monday, November 6 What words or phrases caught your attention? Which comforted me, or challenged me?

Tuesday, November 7 The wise virgins or bridesmaids have oil in their lamps; the foolish virgins brought no oil with them. After reading the entire Gospel, what do you think the “oil” is symbolic of?

Wednesday, November 8 In this Gospel, the bridegroom’s delay or Second Coming is a key point in the story. What does Matthew imply we as Christians should be doing as we wait for the end time? How should we be living? What phrase in the Gospel answers this question indirectly?

Thursday, November 9 Matthew highlights the loss suffered by five of the ten virgins who are shut out — the door is “locked.” They, along with the wise virgins, have been distracted by unimportant things. From your perspective, what is the one thing we should keep our minds on to be saved and ushered into eternal life?

Friday, November 10 What are specific ways that we can be ready for the wedding feast: either the supper at the end of week-long celebrations or the real day-to-day living?

Saturday, November 11 Matthew ends his Gospel with these words, “ …stay awake, for you know neither the day nor the hour.” This is a summary statement. What point is Matthew making?

Talking about Talking When I was a newly ordained priest, a childhood friend came to me with a problem: her mother. Their relationship was reaching a breaking point. Her mother could not accept her and the decisions she had made. She was critical and demanding. I knew her mother for years. I knew her to be hard, but fair. And so, I suggested, she should talk to her. I was sure that talking would be good for them both. Famous last words. Her mom exploded, and out poured decades of anger – not necessarily directed at my friend, but at her own life, of which her daughter was a fundamental part. It produced a rupture in their relationship.

They did not speak for a long time.

I might as well have advised not saying anything; especially given the reaction. I might have counseled denial, avoidance – anything to keep the peace. But of course, the whole point was there was no peace.

Even though the cold war between them hadn’t yet gotten hot, it was only a matter of time before it did.

Moreover, my friend came to me at her wits’ end. The relationship was already at a breaking point. If not talk to her mother, then what else could she do?

We might ask the same question of our Church as well. For decades, problems have been growing. There was a time when the hierarchy was able to pretend that there were no problems, and any difficulties were caused by a few malcontents. But then came the changes in the 1960s. There was growing disconnect between the bishops and the Catholic faithful on contraception, abortion, AIDS, women in ministry, divorce and remarriage, and the LGBTQ community. Then came the sexual abuse crisis. Many have pulled back from practicing the Catholic faith, if not left the Church entirely. And those of us who remain are increasingly polarized, convinced of the rightness of our positions and dismissive of others; afraid that if we really TALKED about our differences, the same thing would happen as what had happened between my friend and her mom.

Amid this division, what does Pope Francis suggest? Let’s talk! Pope Francis called for a synod (pronounced “Sinn-ud”), one of the most ancient ways the Church has gathered to discuss its differences and find a way forward. There have been many synods over the last fifty years. This one however, was different: lay people – women even! – were invited as voting members. This time, they sat not ranked in rows nor facing a podium, but at round tables in mixed groups facing each other.

Right away, people were dismissive: “talking about talking,” one well-known cardinal has opined. Many expected failure. Many more were disappointed when the synod’s statement was released last week, and there were no explosive revelations; no strident demands in support of any of the main factions in our fractured Church. In fact, there was nothing, save a recognition that they all had listened to each other.

We should not have expected much from this synod gathering – it was only the first of two. The second one takes place next year, after which the deliberations will result in a statement. One which will disappoint some and embolden others. There will be arguments and accusations. And yet, we will be talking. I can say: my friend and her mother? Eventually they started talking again. And when they did, it was better. More honest. Their talking changed them both.

May it also be so in the Church, after this grand experiment Pope Frances has initiated has run its course.

Because even if it causes rancor and division, that does not mean that it is the end. Or at least it doesn’t have to be, as long as we keep talking and listening.

- Father Baker