October 31, 2021

Parish life Thirty-First Sunday in Ordinary Time

10/31/2021

Faith Formation (Page 6)

Five Minute Jesus (Page 8)

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. Tony Ciorra Pastoral Associate: Ms. Maryann Tyrer ........ mtyrer@stelmo79.org Pastoral Associate: Ms. Jasmine Gomez ..... jgomez@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

Visit us at: www.STELMO79.org Follow us on social media by searching STELMO79

Saturday, October 30th Vigil 5:30pm Anna Marie Chen Sunday, October 31st Thirty-First Sunday in Ordinary Time 8:00am Foley P. Family 10:00am Vincent Masuchi 12:00pm All Parishioners 5:00pm Alejandrino Pizarro

Monday, November 1st All Saints 12:00pm Mary J. Reilly Tuesday, November 2nd All Souls 12:00pm Paul Dieppo

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

Mass Intentions

Wednesday, November 3rd Weekday 12:00pm John & Adele Ivers

Thursday, November 4th St. Charles Borromeo 12:00pm Souls in Purgatory

Friday, November 5th Weekday 12:00pm Lucie Blain

Saturday, November 6th Weekday 12:00pm Gladys Tejada & Family (Living)

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 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:

Today’s Readings First Reading — The LORD, the God of your fathers, will give you a land flowing with milk and honey (Deuteronomy 6:2-6).

Psalm — I love you, Lord, my strength (Psalm 18).

Second Reading — Jesus is always able to save those who approach God through him (Hebrews 7:23-28).

Gospel — To love God with all your heart and to love your neighbor as yourself is worth more than all burnt offerings and sacrifices (Mark 12:28b-34).

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:

Tuesday:

Wednesday:

Thursday:

Friday:

Rv 7:2-4, 9-14; Ps 24:1-6; 1 Jn 3:1-3;Mt 5:1-12a Wis 3:1-9; Ps 23:1-6; Rom 5:5-11 or 6:3-9; Jn 6:37-40, or any readings from no. 668 orfrom the Masses for the Dead, nos. 1011-1016 Rom 13:8-10; Ps 112:1b-2, 4-5, 9;Lk 14:25-33 Rom 14:7-12; Ps 27:1bcde, 4, 13-14;Lk 15:1-10 Rom 15:14-21; Ps 98:1-4; Lk 16:1-8

Saturday:

Sunday:

Rom 16:3-9, 16, 22-27; Ps 145:2-5, 10-11;Lk 16:9-15 1 Kgs 17:10-16; Ps 146:7-10; Heb 9:24-28;Mk 12:38-44 [41-44]

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. Anthony Pleho, Rev. Joseph Murray, Jody Zanarias, Hui Quan,Christine Flaherty, Claudia Pietro & all those ill with or recovering from the COVID-19 virus and all Victims of Military Activities PRAYERS FOR THE DECEASED Frank Simanca, Msgr. Patrick Barry & Lirika Buzhada

Sanctuary Lamp

This Week’s Sanctuary Lamp In Memory of Anna Marie Chen Offered by Deborah Chen

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

Earn Degrees and Certificates in Theology through Saint Joseph's Seminary!

-Take classes in person or 100% online -Expand your understanding of the Catholic faith -Affordable Tuition -Faithful to Church Teaching -Conveniently Scheduled Classes More information: www.dunwoodie.edu

Par � L�fe November 14th after the noon mass. Please RSVP by Our Young Adult Ministry (geared towards ages 18-39, but all are welcomed) will be hosting its first Wine & Cheese since pre-pandemic! Please join

emailing the Parish Council at: ParishCouncil@stelmo79.org _______________________________________

us on Sunday, October 31st, after the 5pm Mass for a glass of wine, some cheese and great conversation at the back of the church! It’s sure to be spook-tacular!

Our Ministry is centered on doing works and informing

______________________________________

ourselves (and others) on all things environmental. If you are interested in joining this vibrant ministry which

If you are new to our

has done things like prayer walks, selling reusable bags

Parish or if you are

and more, then please join us! Our next meeting will

interested in learning

be held virtually on Thursday, November 4th at

more about our Parish

7:30pm. Email GreenTeam@stelmo79.org for the link!

History, our ministries and about our team, then join us for our monthly Second Sunday Social! The Parish Council will provide you with a tour of the church and parish center while also telling you more about our Parish. It is an opportunity to ask questions and connect with other parish members. Join us at the back of the church on

pg. 5

K-8 Religious Education and Sacramental Preparation: •

• •

Sunday sessions run 11:11am to 11:55am on Zoom!. Zoom links are emailed to registered families each Friday. The timing of Religious Ed sessions allows your family to attend the Mass of your choice (in person or via Zoom). Participating 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!

We are accepting late registrations for the next few weeks. Please register online at stelmo79.org, or in person at the Parish Center (406 East 80th St.) You can now pay your fees online using a credit card.

First Penance is celebrated in December, so it is important to register your child now if they are eligible for First Communion this Spring. Our First Penance Family Retreat is coming up on November 6 at 10am! The Archdiocese of New York requires a minimum of two consecutive years of either Catholic School or Parish Religious Education prior to the reception of First Communion or Confirmation.

Adult faith formation also benefits children and youth. An adult community whose faith is wellformed and lively will more effectively pass that faith on to the next generation. Moreover, the witness of adults actively continuing their own formation shows children and youth that growth in faith is lifelong and does not end upon reaching adulthood. (from Our Hearts Were Burning Within Us, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, 1999)

Adult Faith Formation: •

•

Gather with other Catholics, and with those considering becoming Catholic, to learn more about the Scriptures and our Catholic Faith in a communal setting over a cup of coffee or tea. Bring your questions and musings! Expand your knowledge of the Bible and church teaching in a friendly, non-judgmental environment. No long-term commitment – join us when you are able.

Each Sunday, following the 12noon Mass and concluding at 3pm, in the Parish Center. All materials provided. All are welcome!

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.

Lots of Events Coming Up in November!

All of November • •

Offertory envelopes to list the names of your deceased loved ones are at the back of the church. Drop them in the collection to be placed on the altar all month.

Pictures of your deceased loved ones may be placed on the St. Joseph altar for the month of November.

All Saints Day – November 1 • •

A day to celebrate the Communion of Saints, especially those who do not have a special feast day.

Not a Holy Day of Obligation this year (since it falls on a Monday.) Just the regularly scheduled Mass at 12noon for those who wish to attend.

All Souls Day – November 2 • • •

A day to pray for the souls of all the dead.

Regularly scheduled Mass at 12noon for those who wish to attend.

Special Mass at 6:30pm – a Memorial Mass for all Covid-19 victims. Submit the names of your loved ones who have died of Covid-related illness – the names will be read at Mass. Either call the parish office, or submit names on our website stelmo79.org.

First Penance Family Retreat – November 6 • • • •

For all children in parish or school who will celebrate their First Penance this December (and First Communion in the Spring) 10am to 11:45am in St. Monica Church (you are welcome to stay for the 12noon Mass also) At least one parent must attend with the child, but the entire family is welcome and encouraged to attend This is an important part of preparation for First Penance!

Daylight Savings Ends and NYC Marathon closes 1st Avenue – November 7 • •

Clocks back one hour (fall back, spring forward!)

If you live West of 1st Avenue, plan ahead to allow extra time getting to church, as it is difficult to cross 1st Avenue during the race.

Veterans Day – November 11 • •

Parish offices are closed Only one Mass, at 9am, and the church is closed afterwards

• • •

9am to 11:45am (with the option of remaining for the 12 noon Mass) – in St. Monica Church “Facing the Holidays After the Loss of a Loved One” Prayer, reflection, discussion, ritual – all to assist in finding comfort and hope in our faith, even in the midst of the pain of loss Suggestions for navigating the holidays while mourning Please RSVP to the Parish Office, or at stelmo79.org, so we have enough materials for everyone

Bereavement Ministry Morning of Reflection – November 13

• •

Thanksgiving Food Drive – November 14-21 • •

This year has been particularly challenging for those living with food insecurity Please bring donations of non-perishable food (no glass containers, please!) to the St. Joseph altar steps in St. Monica Church

Liturgical Ministry Formation Night – November 18 • •

For all adults who signed up for any liturgical ministry (adult altar servers, lectors, Eucharistic ministers, adult choir members, digital media ministers, and ushers and hospitality ministers 7-8:30pm in the Parish Center

Five Minute Jesus

Using the Gospel for Prayer – The 32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time –November 7, 2021 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 Mark 12:38-44 During his teaching Jesus said to the crowds, "Beware of the scribes, who like to go around in long robes and accept greetings in the marketplaces, seats of honor in synagogues, and places of honor at banquets. They devour the houses of widows and, as a pretext recite lengthy prayers. They will receive a very severe condemnation." He sat down opposite the treasury and observed how the crowd put money into the treasury. Many rich people put in large sums.

A poor widow also came and put in two small coins worth a few cents. Calling his disciples to himself, he said to them, "Amen, I say to you, this poor widow put in more than all the other contributors to the treasury. For they have all contributed from their surplus wealth, but she, from her poverty, has contributed all she had, her whole livelihood."

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

Tuesday Why do you think Jesus noted that the scribes would receive severe condemnation? In what ways can we avoid being like the scribes?

Wednesday The poor widow put more in the treasury than the rich. In what ways can we be like her? What are the challenges that impede us from being like her?

Thursday What would you say is the overall message of this Gospel reading? In what ways can you reflect that in your life today?

Friday Would you say that our society encourages us to be like the scribes and the rich or like the widow? In what ways can you encourage another to be like the widow?

Saturday Is there someone in your life who emulates the spirit of the widow in this Gospel? Perhaps someone who encourages you to give God your all? Take a moment now to say a prayer of thanksgiving for them.

will return next week

From the Pastor’s Desk 10.31.2021

All Saints- All Souls-Hallowe’en Ask any kid what holiday this weekend is and they will scream with delight, “It’s Hallowe’en!” However, they would be hard pressed to identify the other two holidays which happen in rapid-fire succession on the two days following: All Saints Day (11/1) and All Souls Day (11/2). And yet the very name Hallowe’en reveals its dependence on the other two – for it is a corruption of All Hallows Eve – the night before All Hallows or All Saints Day. Most of us by now know the story: Hallowe’en has its roots in the pagan holiday of Samhain, celebrated on the 31st, which was the night that the door to the underworld opened, and the dead spirits would walk the earth. People would placate them with offerings, disguise themselves as one of them, or in some way honor them so they would do no harm. Over the centuries those ancient pagan rituals became childhood customs such as dressing in costumes, and “trick or treating”.

But Samhain was the reason the church established the other two festivals; All Saints, upon which the Church remembers all those who have died and who are in heaven – the Saints, and All Souls, where the Church prays for all those about whom we are not so sure but believe are on their way- the souls in purgatory. For even though we might be separated from one another by death, as members of the Body of Christ we are not divided. The saints pray for us, and we pray for the dead.

We honor our beloved deceased in St. Monica – St. Elizabeth – St. Stephen with an altar of remembrance at the St. Joseph Altar. Feel free to bring (framed)pictures of your deceased loved ones and place them on the table provided. This altar will remain for the entirety of the month of November, as a symbol of our connection with all the members of the Body of Christ, living and deceased.

New Weekend Associate Over the past couple of years, we have been blessed to have several weekend associates; priests who help Msgr. Ivers and me with the weekend masses. Fr. Tony Ciorra, IVD will continue to celebrate here with us. But as of next weekend we welcome a second weekend associate, Fr. Edward Beck, CP. Many will remember Fr. James O’Shea, CP who worked here briefly until he had to leave and more to Queens.

Fr. Jim is Fr. Ed’s religious superior in the Passionist order.

Fr. Beck is an author and offers commentary on religious themes for CNN and other media outlets. He is also the executive producer of The Sunday Mass which before livestreaming became a way of life, was one of the only ways a home-bound Catholic could attend Sunday Mass.

We welcome Fr. Ed to our parish! He will certainly use his gifts as preacher and celebrant to enrich our parish life.

Daylight Saving’s Time Ends – the NYC Marathon Happens And don’t forget, next Sunday Daylight Savings Time ends, and we gain that hour we lost in the spring.

Also, it is Marathon Sunday! As the marathon runs past our corner, make you plans to attend mass accordingly.

Father Baker

CHURCH NAME AND ADDRESS 511510: Church of St. Monica/ St Elizabeth of Hungary / St Stephen of Hungary 406 East 80th Street, NYC., NY 10075 PHONE: 212 288-6250 CONTACT PERSON: Gladys Tejada/Office

SUNDAY DATE OF PUBLICATION: October 31st, 2021 SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS: PLEASE PRINT 450 BULLETINS FOR THIS WEEK’S ISSUE