23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time - 9/10/23

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 familya family seeking 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, NYC 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

Mass Intentions

Saturday, September 9thVigil

5:30pm Alice & Samuel Lopez 5:30pm Alice & Samuel Lopez

Sunday, September 10th 10th

Twenty Third Sunday in Ordinar y Time Third Sunday in Ordinary Time

8:00am Johnny Garcia 8:00am Garcia

10:00am Dolores Kubera

12:00pm All Parishioners All Parishioners

5pm Gladys Ann Miles 5pm Ann Miles

Monday, September 11th Weekday 11th

12pm Maria S. Reyes 12pm Maria S. Reyes

Tuesday, September 12th Weekday September 12th Weekday 12pm Rober t DiCola 12pm Robert DiCola

Visit us at: www.STELMO79.org

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

Wednesday, September 13th

Wednesday, 13th

St. John Chr ysostom St. Chrysostom

12pm Patrick Walsh Patrick Walsh

Thur sday, September 14th Thursday, 14th The Exaltation of the Hol y Cross The Exaltation of the Holy Cross

12pm William Keating William

Friday, September 15th 15th

Our Lady of Sor rows Our of Sorrows

12pm T he Anderson Family 12pm The Anderson (Living & Dec.) &

Saturday, September 16th September 16th

St. Cor nilius & St. Ciprian St. Cornilius & St. 12pm Joanne Colito Colito

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

Drew Kindred, Celeste Consenza, Michelle Netus, Aicardo Vargas, Jerry Schwegman, Judith Farber, Camille Madonna, Caroline Yurkutat, Christopher Elliot Lewis, Danielle Boros, Linda Clarke, Bruno Franco Adame, Michael Reilly,Marcelle Ferrier, Joanna Jack, all those ill and Victims of Military activities

PRAYERS FOR THE DECEASED

Eugene Flynn, Maria de Lourdes Di Mello, Msgr. Kenneth Smith, Deacon John Kelleher, David Schaefer & Roger Rooney

Baptism Announcement

Today, September 10th there will be Baptism service at the 12pm mass. At this service we will be baptizing:

Griffin Suh

Please join us in congratulating: Raymond Suh & Christine Haddad on their child’s new life in Christ

Bap sm Services are open for members of the parish to join in the welcoming of our newest members

Weekly Readings & Observances

Readings for the week of September 10, 2023

Sunday: Ez 33:7-9/Ps 95:1-2, 6-7, 8-9 (8)/Rom 13:8-10/Mt 18:15-20

Monday: Col 1:24—2:3/Ps 62:6-7, 9/Lk 6:6-11

Tuesday: Col 2:6-15/Ps 145:1b-2, 8-9, 10-11/Lk 6:12-19

Wednesday: Col 3:1-11/Ps 145:2-3, 10-11, 12-13ab/Lk 6:20-26

Thursday: Nm 21:4b-9/Ps 78:1bc-2, 34-35, 36-37, 38/Phil 2:6-11/Jn 3:13-17

Friday: 1 Tm 1:1-2, 12-14/Ps 16:1b-2a and 5, 7-8, 11/Jn 19:25-27 or Lk 2:33-35

Saturday: 1 Tm 1:15-17/Ps 113:1b-2, 3-4, 5a and 6-7/Lk 6:43-49

Next Sunday: Sir 27:30—28:7/Ps 103:1-2, 3-4, 9-10, 11-12 (8)/Rom 14:7-9/Mt 18:21-35

Observances for the week of September 10, 2023

Sunday: 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time; Grandparents’ Day

Monday: Patriot Day

Tuesday: The Most Holy Name of Mary

Wednesday: St. John Chrysostom, Bishop and Doctor of the Church

Thursday: The Exaltation of the Holy Cross

Friday: Our Lady of Sorrows

Saturday: Sts. Cornelius, Pope, and Cyprian, Bishop, Martyrs

Next Sunday: 24th Sunday in Ordinary Time; Catechetical Sunday ©LPi

St. Stephen of Hungary School (SSHS) offers a life changing education through a supportive, nurturing and faith-filled environment. Educating the whole child through a growth mindset, students are challenged to think critically and creatively while solving complex, real world issues in our everchanging global community.

Consider this:

Overall proficiency in Math and ELA as per the New York State Exams and in MAP Growth Subject Assessments (Kindergarten – Grade 8) ranks SSHS in the top 5 percent of schools in the Archdiocese of New York and the top 15 percentile nationally.

The Class of 2023 has received close to $1 million in merit scholarships at highly-rated high schools in the metropolitan area, including Regis High School, Convent of the Sacred Heart and Marymount School. Our dedicated and highly committed faculty work collaboratively in preparing students to be passionate leaders and life-long learners. Our campus features unique learning spaces including outdoor classrooms in our rooftop garden & turfed play yard. With a dedicated Parents Association and active SSHS Foundation, our community is truly a gem on the Upper East Side.

Choosing the right school for your children is one of the most important gifts you can bestow on them. For more information about applying to SSHS, your parish school, please email jdickson@saintstephenschool.org

Be a part ofthe Season of Creation!

Green Team Meeting –join us on Tuesday, September 12 at 6:30pm in the Parish Center to help finalize fall plans.

NYC Climate March –Sunday, September 17 –meet on the Church steps at 12:15pm to join this event, which begins at 1pm at 5th Avenue and 59th Street.

Blessing of Animals –Sunday, October 1, 4pm, on the Church steps.

Laudato o Si Film Screening and Discussion –Saturday, October 7 at 7pm in the St. Stephen School Auditorium.

Laudato o Si Prayer Walk in Central Park –Sunday, October 14, after the noon Mass.

Theology Thursday –Care for God’s Creation –presented by Liz Philippe –Thursday, November 16, 6:30-8pm in the Parish Center.

Join us for any or allthese wonderful opportunities!

Wednesdays, September 13, 20, 27, October 4, 11, 18, 2023

6:30-8:00pmin the Parish Center (406 East 80th Street)

Each session includes prayer, reflection, discussion, and mutual support. Please attend all six sessions if possible.

All are welcome, even if you’ve attended past series. Please RSVP to Maryann at mtyrer@stelmo79.org, or call 212-288-6250 to register.Open to anyone who has lost a close friend or family member.

Save the date –Friday, September 15, following the 12noon Mass. Senior Ministry resumes with a special presentation:

10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer's

Alzheimer's and other dementias cause memory, thinking and behavior problems that interfere with daily living. Join us to learn how to recognize common signs of the disease; how to approach someone about memory concerns; the importance of early detection and benefits of a diagnosis; possible tests and assessments for the diagnostic process, and Alzheimer's Association resources. Presented by Joon Her, Community Education Program Manager of the New York City Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association. All are welcome to this session!

Parish Feast Day and International Food Festival

–Sunday, September 24, 12noon Mass to 3pm – One of our biggest parish events –you don’t want to miss out on this festive Mass, followed by a sharing of food from many different cultures! Plan to bring a tray to share of some finger food that represents your ethnic or cultural heritageand get to know your fellow parishioners as we celebrate the rich diversity of our wonderful parish.

Twenty-third d Sunday y in n Ordinary y Time

K-8 Religious Education and Sacramental Preparation:

Registration online NOWat https://www.stelmo79.org/reled-k8.

Welcome Back Picnic for K-8 Religious Education Families –Sunday, September 17, 1:30-3:30pm –Every year we kick off our religious education year with a family picnic, games, crafts, and an opportunity to get to know other religious education families, as well as a chance to pick upthe year’s books and supplies. This is for all families who have registered, or those planning to register that day. Bring your whole family, and lunch for them. We’ll provide lemonade and snacks, as well as fun and games for all ages. Held at the St. Stephen’s School play yard on 82nd Street.

Children’s Liturgy of the Word resumes during the 10am Mass on Sunday, October 1st. 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 broughtto the Ward’sRoom (off the sacristy) during the Liturgy of the Word andreturn to their families during the Preparation of the Gifts. This helps them to participate in the Mass at an age-appropriate level.

K-8 Religious Education sessions resume on Sunday, October 1st.

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 others.Please contact Maryann Tyrer at mtyrer@stelmo79.org to discuss our adult initiation process (commonly known as the RCIA).

Adult Faith Formation Opportunities

OPEN HOUSE for Adult Initiation and Adult Faith Formation–Sunday, September 10, 1-2:30pm –Come to the Parish Center (406 East 80th Street) after the noon Mass for coffee and donuts and find out about our Adult Initiation process (for those who wish to become Catholic, or to complete their Catholic Sacraments –also knownas The RCIA Process), and the many other opportunities for ALL adults to learn more about their faith and to share their faith with other adults.

Help Wanted! Our program is growing, so we still have a few slots to fill in our amazing team of volunteers! Come and see why so many volunteers return year after year!

Catechists, assistants, and other volunteers needed for Sunday morning

K-8 Religious Education, for Children’s Liturgy of the Word during the 10am Sunday Mass, for High School Youth Ministry (1st Saturdays after the Family Mass), and for Adult Faith Formation and Adult Initiation (Sunday afternoons). Email Maryann at mtyrer@stelmo79.org to inquire–no experience required.

The Great Amen

Can I get an amen?” my former pastor—then Monsignor David Talley—often asked during his homilies. Talley, who is now the bishop of the Diocese of Alexandria, Louisiana, was reared as a Southern Baptist, where such appeals are common.

The word amen is believed to have its roots in Hebrew and means “certainty” or “truth.” Found throughout the Old Testament, it was used to express agreement or affirmation.

A more unusual translation of amen is said to be found in the story of the Israelites who wandered in the desert for forty years on their way to the Promised Land. Desert conditions made travel tricky and unreliable. Travelers were vulnerable to heat, cold, and violent windstorms. Because they were on the move, they lived in tents and had to find solid ground in which to drive their tent pegs. When they found that solid place to anchor their tent, they could be assured of shelter and protection from the elements. For the Israelites, where they placed their tent pegs was a matter of life and death. The word amen came to mean, “Now that I can drive my tent peg into.” In other words, “That is the place where I can anchor my life,” or, “I believe it to be so.”

In the New Testament, Jesus often used the word amen to teach a lesson. “Amen, I say to you” could be translated as, “Truly, I say to you.” The word was adapted for use in the early Church and remains a regular part of the liturgy.

“Amen” is said many times during Mass, usually at the end of a greeting or a prayer. However, one amen in the liturgy is more prominent than the others. After the presider says or sings the doxology, “Through him, and with him, and in him, / O God, almighty Father, / in the unity of the Holy Spirit, / all glory and honor is yours, / for ever and ever,” the people respond with what is to be a rousing Amen. This is often called the “Great Amen,” perhaps because it follows the great prayer of thanksgiving.

Because Catholics say amen so often, the word might be taken for granted, and the way it is said can become lackluster. If the meaning as interpreted by the story of the Israelites is considered, several parallels can be noted. We too, like the Israelites, are on a journey to the Promised Land. We, too, encounter harsh conditions and challenges. We, too, need to be able to anchor our lives on solid ground.

The Eucharistic Prayer reminds the assembly that they do well to stake their lives on Jesus, who died and rose and remains with us until the end of time. Can I get an amen?

Connecting the Liturgy with Our Lives © 2019 Archdiocese of Chicago: Liturgy Training Publications. 800-933-1800; www.LTP.org. Text by Kathy Kuczka.

Photo © John Zich. Excerpt from the English translation of The Roman Missal © 2010, International Commission on English in the Liturgy Corporation. Used with permission. All rights reserved. Permission to publish granted by the Archdiocese of Chicago on October 25, 2018.

In the “Amen” at the end of the Eucharistic Prayer, the assembly assents to staking their lives on Christ, who died and rose and remains with us until the end of time.

CHOIR NEWS2023-24

This is an open call for any of our parishioners to join ourAdult Choir, Children’s Choir,or Contemporary Ensemble.

nsemble.

Have you ever thought about being more involved at Mass? Do you like to sing? Then why not think about joining the Adult or Children’s Choirs here at STELMO. By being involved in one of the choirs you get to experience Mass on a whole new level. You get to contribute more of yourself by offering your gift of song with others that love to sing. By being in the choir you learn about music. By being in the choir you help make the Mass more beautiful through song.

ADULT CHOIR

at

rehearses on Wednesday evenings in the church from 7 – 8:30PM. sings on Sundays for the 12 PM Mass each week. is open to high school students on up.

THE CHILDREN’S CHOIR

rehearses on Wednesday afternoons in the church from4-5 PM. sings at the Family Mass on the first Sunday (the 5:30 PM Vigil Mass)of each month. (October – June)

And sings at the 10 AM Family Friendly Mass on the 2nd & 4th Sundays of the month. (October – June)

The Children’s Choir is open to 2nd graders up to 8th graders in our parishand in our SSOH School.

Both our choirs will perform at our annual Christmas & and Spring Concerts.

CONTEMPORARY ENSEMBLE

rehearses on Sunday afternoons before the 5 PM Sunday Mass sings at the Sunday 5 PM ContemporaryMass open to instrumentalists as well

If you ever thought about singing(or playing)in the choir,now is the time to try!

o r

e

Five Minute Jesus Using the Gospel for Prayer – Twenty-fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time September 17, 2023

It is simple Read the Gospel for the following 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 in this moment of your life? Make a resolution about how your reflection on God’s Word might be lived out that day. Thank God for speaking to you throughyour reflection.

Matthew 18: 21-35

Peter approached Jesus and asked him, “Lord, if my brother sins against me, how often must I forgive? As many as seven times?” Jesus answered, “I say to you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times. That is why the kingdom of heaven may be likened to a king who decided to settle accounts with his servants. When he began the accounting, a debtor was brought before him who owed him a huge amount. Since he had no way of paying it back, his master ordered him to be sold, along with his wife and children, and all his property, in payment of the debt. At that, the servant fell down, did him homage, and said, ‘Be patient with me, and I will pay you back in full.’ Moved with compassion, the master of the servant let him go and forgave him the loan. When that servant had left, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a much smaller amount. He seized him and started to choke hi, demanding, ‘Pay back what you owe.’ Falling to his knees, his fellow servant begged him, ‘Be patient with me, and I will pay you back.’ But he refused. Instead, he had the fellow servant put in prison until he paid back the debt. Now when his fellow servants saw what had happened, they were deeply disturbed, and went to their master and reported the whole affair. His master summoned him and said to him, ‘You wicked servant! I forgave you your entire debt because you begged me to. Should you not have had pity on your fellow servant, as I had pity on you?’ Then in anger his master handed him over to the torturers until he should pay back the whole debt. So will my heavenly Father do to you, unless each of you forgives your brother from your heart.”

Monday, September 11

What word or words in this passage caught my attention? Comforted me or challenged me? Perhaps you might want to write them down and reflect on them during the week. What conversion of mind and heart might God be asking of you?

Tuesday, September 12

God always forgives but receiving that forgiveness requires that I also forgive. “Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.” Who do I need to forgive? From whom do I need to seek forgiveness?

Wednesday, September 13

Are there some faults and hurts that are easier to forgive than others? What are they? Are there any that I struggle to forgive fully?

Thursday, September 14

Sometimes forgiveness fully restores relationships and at other times moves them to new places with new boundaries. What do3s forgiveness look like in my life? What relationships still need the healing power of forgiveness?

Friday, September 15

The servant asks his master to be patient with him and give him time to pay back his debt. In what ways do I need to be more patient with those around me? In what ways do I need to be more patient with myself?

Saturday, September 16

Fellow servants report to their master the unjust behavior of the servant whose debt was forgiven. When have I spoken out about the injustices I see? When have I failed to speak out? Why?

Just a Word

From the Pastor 09.10.2023

WELCOME HOME!

-read summer page turner in our backpacks or briefcases. The kids are back in school, our suntans have already begun to fade, and despite the warm weather, the shorter days remind us that fall is at hand.

We in parish leadership have loved the chance to move at a slower pace – but that does not mean that we aware of some things that are happening in the coming weeks:

Sunday, 9/10 @ approximately 1:30pm (following the 12-noon mass) - Open House for RCIA and Adult Faith (Parish Center - 406 E 80th St.)

please come and meet the people who are involved in this ministry.

Sunday 9/10 @ 2:30pm - Memorial for David Schaefer (in the Church - 413 E 79th St)

Approximately one month ago, our former music director, David Schaefer, died. Today his wife Debbi, along composer will be featured.

Tuesday 9/12 and Thursday 9/14 @7:00pm - Back to School nights for St. Stephen School (408 E 82nd St.) their classrooms and learn about our plans for the coming year. (Tuesday is for K-3, Thursday is 4-8).

Sunday 9/17 @ approx. 1:30pm (following the 12-noon mass) Catechist picnic at the school (408 E 82nd St.) for commission, and bless all those involved with teaching and handing on the faith to the members of our parish community.

Things really kick into high gear on 9/24 with our annual Feast Day Mass at 12-noon, followed by our 3rd Parish Council at 7pm in the Parish Center. Then comes October, with Ministry Month, and all that we do to encourage people to consider serving as October begins our monthly 5:30pm family mass and the 10am mass really begins as our weekly family mass on Sundays,