THIRD SUNDAY of ADVENT
DECEMBER 17, 2006
(M -
Memorial, A - Anniversary)
9:00 HELEN MARA NUGENT and JOSEPH NUGENT--M
req. by Maura & Richard
Concannon
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 19
6:45 DOROTHY E. PECORARO--M
req. by THE Clergy &
the People of Sts. John & Paul Parish
9:00 MARTIN E. KING--A
req. by the Family
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 20
6:45 ROBERT POWER
REIMERS--M
req. by all the Juergens
9:00 JOHN
BARBERIO--M
reg. by Patricia Barberio
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21
PETER
CANISUS, priest
6:45 WILLIAM WINNIS.
SR.--M
req.
by Bill & Nancy Winnis
9:00 DECEASED
MEMBERS of the MULDERRIG FAMILY
req. by Alice Mulderrig
6:45 ANN WASSELL—M
req.
by Mr. & Mrs. Albert Wassell
9:00 PATRICIA D’ANDREA--A
req.
by Anthony D’Andrea
JOHN of
KANTY, priest
9:00 JOSEPH TRAPANESE--M
req. by Mary Ann Trapanese
5:30 THOMAS WEISS--M
req. by Jean Haley
SUNDAY,
DECEMBER 24
7:30 FOR
THE PEOPLE OF THE PARISH
9:00 CHARLOTTE
and MALACHY CONCANNON--M
req. by Maura & Richard Concannon
10:30 HOWARD
FITZ GERALD--M
req. by the Family
12:00 MARIA
ENES--M
req. by Dolores Enes &
Family
PRAYERFUL
REMEMBRANCES
Your prayers are requested for
the sick at home, and in the hospitals, especially: Caroline Weldon, Samuel
Etre, Brenda McWeeney, Lenny Cavalieri,
Jenna Mussolini, Teresa Cervera, Frank Maiola, Aileen O’Brien, Sister Margaret Coakley, Pat Bonner, Ed
Lenard, Pam Hissey, Tricia Eigo, Frank
Diaz-Balart, Alice Nasta, Mildred Traub, Catherine Ann Brennan, Mary & Tony
Fraioli, Hank Lawlor, Sarah Butler, Mimi Cosgrove, Kristen Long, Patrick
Lamont, Elizabeth Kim, Eloise Selby, Thomas M. Lamb, for our service men and
women at home and abroad; for the faithful departed, NICHOLAS DANIELLO and JAMES BRADLEY, and those who have no one to
pray for them; and for the honored dead of the Armed Services.
SUNDAY
COLLECTION
Last week’s collection (12—10—06) $16,231
Immaculate Conception: $ 2,067
Retired Religious Fund: $ 3,418
Attendance: 1,018
The parish of Saints John and Paul thanks you for your support. We are
grateful to our parishioners who use our envelope system. If you wish to
receive Church support envelopes, please call the Rectory at 834-5458.
CHRISTMAS FLOWER MEMORIALS
Once again, in
response to people’s requests for Christmas Flower Memorials, we are making
them available. Envelopes for this can be found in the rear of the Church. We
suggest a $15.00 donation for each memorial (In Memory Of) or dedication (In
Honor Of). This list will be published in the bulletins throughout the
Christmas season.
10:30 AM MASS MUSIC NOTES
For the Third Sunday
of Advent, the Anthem “Rejoice, O Jerusalem” by Healy Willan refers to today’s
First Reading from Zephaniah which says “Be glad and exult with all your heart,
O daughters, Jerusalem!”
BAPTISM PREPARATION for PARENTS of
INFANTS
To arrange for a Baptism, please call the rectory
and you will be given an appointment with one of the parish priests.
Water in the Word
Baptismal Preparation Session Schedule
All sessions are offered on the following Saturday
mornings from 10 AM – 11:30 AM. Please call the rectory to attend. We will
begin new sessions in 2007. The dates for the upcoming classes are as follows: January 6th and February 3rd,
2007
HANDICAPPED PARKING
Please
do not park in the blue-striped space between the handicapped spots in the
church parking lot. It is NOT a
parking space; a handicapped parishioner has been unable to get out of his
vehicle or into his vehicle because of the car which consistently parks in the
blue space.
CALENDAR of EVENTS for WEEK OF DECEMBER 17th:
SUNDAY, DECEMBER
17th:
9:00 AM AUD: Breakfast with Santa
10:10 AM SCH: Religious Education classes
11:15 AM RMR: Community Service Project: Gingerbread Houses
12:00 GYM: Basketball
6:00 PM RMR: Youth Group Christmas Party
MONDAY, DECEMBER
18th:
3:00 PM GYM & AUD: PSPA After school activities
4:00 PM GYM:
Basketball
7:00 PM AUD: Teen
play rehearsal
7:30 PM RMR: Fr.
Brian’s Bible class
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 19th:
3:00 PM GYM &
AUD: PSPA After school activities
4:00 PM GYM:
Basketball
6:00 PM RMR: Cub
Scouts
7:00 PM AUD: Teen
play rehearsal
8:00 PM RMR: K of C
Christmas Party
WEDNESDAY,
DECEMBER 20th:
11:00 AM SARAH
NEUMAN: Mass
12:45 PM RMR: 2nd
grade Brownies
12:45 PM GYM &
AUD: PSPA After school activities
2:50 & 7:30 PM
SCH: Religious Education classes
7:00 PM AUD: Teen
play rehearsal
7:30 PM CHURCH:
Parish Penance Service
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21st:
3:30 PM CHURCH: Altar
Servers
6:30 PM RMR: Youth
Lectors
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 22nd:
4:00 PM GYM:
Basketball
7:30 PM CH: Most
Precious Blood Holy Hour
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 23rd:
9:00 AM GYM:
Basketball
YOUTH GROUP NEWS
All Youth Group members who wish to attend the Ski
Trip at Shawnee Mountain, January 26-28, 2007, should have their deposits and
permission slips handed in/mailed to the rectory. Parents who want to help as
chaperones are asked to contact Fr. Joseph A. Nahas at their earliest
convenience.
All youth group members who wish to sign up for the
Youth Group Day in NYC should contact the rectory ASAP.
ALTAR SERVER INFORMATION
Anyone beyond the 5th grade interested in
becoming an Altar Server should contact Fr. Joseph A. Nahas as soon as possible
at 834-5458. New Altar Servers can also join by coming to Altar Server
practices, which take place every Thursday at 3:30 PM in the Church.
SPIRITUAL NEWS…
The Most Precious Blood of Our Lord Jesus Christ
Novena will return to its regular time of 7:30 PM on Friday and all consecutive
Fridays.
The weekly recitation of the Holy Rosary takes place
in the Church each Thursday at 5:15 PM. The church community continues to pray
the Rosary every Wednesday following the 9:00 AM Mass. Every one is encouraged
to pray the Rosary.
LECTORS’ PRACTICE
Lectors’ and Youth Ministry Lectors’ practice will
simultaneously continue to take place in the Church on Thursdays at 7:30 PM,
unless otherwise notified. New members are still welcome!
FR. BRIAN’S BIBLE CLASS
Father Brian’s Bible Class will be held on Monday
evening, December 18th, at 7:30.
The topic will be the Gospel of Matthew. Come one and all even if you
have not been previously attending. This program takes place in the rectory
meeting room.
A LETTER from FATHER BENEDICT GROESCHEL
Dear Fr. Brian,
Every
holiday I consider the amount of food that I receive from the people of your
parish and I am astounded! I am particularly grateful to the students in your
school and religious education program and their parents and teachers for their
significant contribution. I know it is a nuisance to try and remember to bring
a food item each week but I also know the impact that single item has on people
who literally have nothing. May God continue to bless the good and generous
people of Sts. John and Paul.
Fr. Benedict
RCIA
Please note: Anyone interested in attend the RCIA,
the next session will be on Tuesday,
January 2, 2007 at 7:30 PM in the rectory.
CHRISTMAS SCHEDULE
SACRAMENT of RECONCILIATION
Tuesday, December 19th, 9:30 AM
Wednesday, December 20th
Parish Penance Service, 7:30 PM
Thursday, December 21st, 7:30 PM
Friday, December 22nd, 4:30 PM
CHRISTMAS MASS SCHEDULE
Sunday, December 24th
4:00 PM and 5:30 PM
11:30 PM Carol Service
12:00 Midnight
Monday, December 25th
7:30, 9:00 and 10:30 AM
12 Noon
(Please note: There is no 5:00 PM Mass)
New Year’s Mass Schedule
Sunday, December 31st
5:00 PM
Monday, January 1, 2007
7:30 and 9:00 AM
12 Noon and 5:00 PM
(Please note: This not a holy day of obligation this year.)
A NOTE from ABRAHAM HOUSE
To the Parishioners of Sts. John & Paul,
I wanted to take this opportunity to thank all of
you for all of the chickens you gave Abraham House for Thanksgiving. It was
such a wonderful donation. It started our holiday season off in the spirit of
giving.
Your gift to us humbles us with your thoughtfulness.
It means a great deal to all of us that you have chosen to walk the path of
Abraham House. You have become a special part of our community. Wishing you
many holiday blessings.
Sincerely,
Sr. Simone Ponnet, LSG, Executive Director
THE PASTOR’S COLUMN
From time
immemorial this Sunday in the liturgical calendar has been known as “Gaudete”.
Its mandate to “rejoice” comes from the Pauline letter of the day, He wants the
believer to recognize that salvation has been won by the Incarnate One who took
upon Himself the punishment due to humankind and He is coming again in glory.
It is unfortunate that our perspective is often skewed by not inculcating that
reality into our everyday existence.
Frequently
overtaken by daily concerns, depression and general anxiety prevent us from
identifying the blessings that we have received. Instead of celebrating our
marriage, we focus on the misunderstandings that arise in any relationship of
depth. We recall easier the minor slights committed rather than realize how our
life has been blessed by the presence of one who vowed to be the point of love
and stability as we struggle to be true to God’s call. Can we imagine our world
without our spouse? Because of the requirements of seasonal hospitality and
giving, we are perhaps at our wits end. We become short tempered with our
children. Memories of how grateful we were when we found out we were pregnant
seem distant. The joy of seeing their many accomplishments is dissipated by our
annoyance at their failure to respond in ways we desire. Rejoicing must be more
a part of our perspective in life.
For my
part, this week I take this theme to heart as I commemorate my second
anniversary among you. When I was asked by His Eminence to assume the pastorate
of Saints John and Paul, I did so with fear and trepidation. As we get older,
it is harder to make adjustments and be open to change. As priests, at no
matter what age, we must accept whatever challenge that is presented to us by
our superiors. I must confess it was hard to contemplate leaving what had been
my home for over ten years and the people with whom we built a beautiful church
and expanded the school facilities. But I rejoice that Cardinal Egan thought
that our relationship would be just as fruitful for all of us. This is truly a
wonderful faith community with assets that are innumerable. But I will try to
acknowledge at least some of them.
Wherever I
have been assigned, it has been my principle goal to establish in theory and
reality that we belong to one family concerned about each other. This is
especially important when it comes to the Rectory. If the people who minister
to the spiritual and material need of all are not at one, then the great
endeavor which we must be about is doomed to failure. I truly rejoice in the
priests and laity with whom I serve you. Msgr. Joe Boyd is truly an
inspiration. His quick smile and wonderful stories of pastoral experiences
comfort, encourage, and provide a true joy. It is very humbling to follow in
such footsteps. I have great hope not only for the Church here in our parish
but in our Archdiocese when I reflect on the efforts of Fr. Pomposello who has
left us for the city; his replacement Fr. Nahas, as well Fr. Tran, our Sunday
associate. They are the “spes ecclesiae”. Their warmth has encouraged many to
return to the Church. Patiently, they invite those who come for their counsel
to understand the Church’s teachings and non-judgmental bestow God’s
forgiveness. We are most fortunate to have received the gifts of their calling.
They recognize the totality of the commitment they have undertaken. Let us pray
for them that their lives will continue to be beacons of God’s love.
One of the
ways in which I have been asked to share God’s word and sacrament is as a
speaker at various convocations and days of recollection. Recently, I have
conducted the latter for the secretaries and administrative assistants of
archdiocesan parishes. As I told them they are of greatest importance for the
fulfillment of the mission of the Church. A person’s first contact sets the
tone for future interactions. They must handle calls from persons maybe needing
a certificate of sponsorship or proof of receiving a sacrament, or from couples
contemplating marriage or end of their martial relationship, or from
individuals suffering from acute depression and contemplating suicide. Their
place in the evangelization of the world cannot be overestimated. How wonderful
it is to be able to laud the staff that further the cause of Christ here at
Saints John and Paul. Confidently they welcome everyone who comes to us for
advice and assistance.
Additionally, we can rejoice in both our parochial school and religious
education program. In today’s society, materialism and secularity often seek to
seduce the human spirit. Our teachers and catechists represent to our young
people by their words and examples the power of truth and the strength of
character. We rejoice that they witness to the centrality of religious fervor
amidst modernity which often wants to recognize only wealth and position. What
a wonderful group of collaborators.
Of course,
the strength of any parish evolves about the people who work and pray within
its environs. There are so many reasons for a pastor to rejoice when contemplating
the men and women of this faith community and their faithfulness to their
Baptismal promises. The poor are a central concern as many support Father
Groeschel’s Padre Pio Shelter, Habitat for Humanity, and many Food Pantries.
Young mothers and their children look for and receive support through
Birthright and Daystar. So many missionaries have come to seek assistance to
establish schools, build hospitals, and stand with the hungry and homeless.
They were and are never disappointed. The Annual Cardinal’s Appeal and the most
recent Bi-Centennial Campaign reveal to all that there is so much to rejoice
about here at Saints John and Paul. Many challenges yet remain as we await the
coming of the Lord in glory. But it is wonderful to realize that when He does
return He will be welcomed by a people who are prepared. We rejoice in God’s
graces bestowed on each of us. May we always utilize them for His glory and the
service of His people.
May we
enjoy this week of preparation for Christmas.
Jesu vivat,
Fr. Brian
CHRISTMAS FLOWER MEMORIALS
IN MEMORY
OF DONOR
John A. Infelice, Sr. & M/M John A. Infelice, Jr.
Mary Jane Infelice &
Catherine Bockino
Timothy J. Regan & Ro & Jack Regan
James Nealon &
Mary Nealon &
William Nealon
Edward & Kathleen M/M Edward Walsh &
Walsh & Family
Jerome Farrell &
Richard Galletti
Elizabeth & Patrick Mrs. Rosemary Roach
McCaffrey &
John P. McCaffrey, Sr.
Julia & Frank Santoliquido Anthony & Ralph Santoliquido
Mary & Julius Anger & Liz & William Zand
William & Albert Zand
Angela & John Schevera & The Reilly Family
Ann & William Reilly
Members / Mikus Family Edward & Barbara Mikus
James & Gina Moore & The Moore Family
Elena & Joseph Benevenga
Lawrence A. Rigano, Sr. Jane Rigano & Family
Joseph & Carmela Rigano &
Lawrence & Mina Nagel &
Michael (Butch) Rainaldi
Lawrence Flink & The
Flink Family
Christopher O’Neill
Joan H. Lian Al
Lian
M/M Anthony Mazzari & Bruno & Louise Mazzari
M/M Joseph Spagna &
M/M Louis Russo
Ruth & Bill Haber & Gail & Michael Harrington
Michael, Tommy & Donny
Harrington
Josephine & Frances The McIntee Family
McIntee
Enrico Corrado Marie
Corrado
Johnny McKeever & Virginia Quinn
Louise & Arthur Quinn
Saiya & Cosgrove Families Grace Cosgrove
Megroz & Magnuson Mary Jane Megroz
Families
Lambiasi & Guglielmo M/M Carl Lambiasi
Families
Frank Budetti Evelyn
Budetti
Nayib Salcedo Glory
Ann Borrero
Patricia & Francis & The Knowles Family
Knowles &
Paul Victory
Family & Friends Mary
Agnes Pike
Rose & Joseph Fusco & Roseanne & Peter
Vivian & Joseph Langelotti
Langelotti
Guido Gulla Marianna
Gulla
Ryan Joseph & Kendra
& Rob Weeks
Luke David Mohan
Michael Patrick Joyce Alby Wassell
Joseph P. Carpanzano Joyce
Carpanzano
Chuck Wielgus Irene
Wielgus
Al Luther & Norma
Luther
Ted Manno
Members/ Welch & Ryan Mary L. Welch
Families
Antonio & Carmela The Paul Family
Cardone &
Henry J. Paul
Rita McCloy & The
Stephanz Family
W. J. McCloy &
Bill Stephanz &
Katherine Amanda Stephanz
The Pagano Family & The Ward Family
The Aprea Family
IN HOOR OF DONOR
Helen P. Regan & Ro
& Jack Regan
James R. Nealon
Jake Peter Mohan Roseanne
& Peter
Langelotti