Office in School Room Fax St. Ephrem School. Baptism.

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1 Parish Staff Church of St. Ephrem 929 Bay Ridge Parkway Brooklyn, New York Sunday, December 3, 2017 First Sunday of Advent Rev. Robert B. Adamo, KHS, Pastor Rev. Msgr. Peter V. Kain, Pastor Emeritus Rev. Anthony S. Chanan, Parochial Vicar Mr. Robert Cote, Youth Minister Mrs. Michele James, Business Manager Rev. Msgr. Theophilus Joseph, Parochial Vicar Ms. Eileen Maguire, Director of Faith Formation Mr. Thomas Marchesiello, Director of Music/Liturgy Deacon Kevin McLaughlin, Permanent Deacon Mr. Craig Mercado, School Principal Sr. Ann Martha Ondreicka, O.P., Director of the Spirituality Center Mrs. Lisa Pinsky, Parish Secretary Mr. Thomas J. Sbordone, Christian Awareness Program/Pastoral Care Deacon Anthony Stucchio, Permanent Deacon Rectory Office Spirituality Center Christian Awareness Program Faith Formation Office 929 Bay Ridge Parkway 935 Bay Ridge Parkway 929 Bay Ridge Parkway Office in School Room Fax St. Ephrem School th Street, Brooklyn, New York Fax Schedule of Masses Saturday Vigil 5:00 PM Sunday 8:00 AM, 10:00 AM, 12 Noon, & 5:00 PM Weekdays 7:00 AM & 8:45 AM Rectory Office Hours Monday Friday: 9:00 AM 12 Noon 1:00 PM 8:00 PM Saturday 9:00 AM 5:00 PM Sunday No Office Hours Parish Registration All are welcomed and invited to register at the Parish Office and participate in our parish. Devotions Miraculous Medal Novena, Mondays following the 8:45 AM Mass Recitation of the Rosary at 8:15 AM before weekly morning Mass. Divine Mercy Chaplet every Friday at 3:00 PM First Friday Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament following the 8:45 AM Mass and Benediction at 12:30 PM. Our Mission Statement Baptism Parents should call the rectory to make an appointment. Please note that there are no baptisms during the season of Lent. Marriage The Sacrament of Marriage requires a time of serious spiritual preparation. Couples should make arrangements for their marriage at least six months before the date of the wedding by making an appointment with a priest or deacon. Please log on to for complete information about marriage preparation in the Diocese. Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession) Saturday 3:30 4:30 PM. By appointment for all other times. Anointing of the Sick/Communion To make arrangements for communion to be brought to any parishioner who is seriously ill or confined to the house, or if they wish to receive the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick. To see a particular Staff Member, please call for an appointment. We, the parish family of St. Ephrem, baptized into the life of Jesus Christ and nourished by the Word and the Eucharist, strive to be a welcoming and responsive Roman Catholic faith community. Together we are committed to put our faith into action by: Responding to the spiritual and physical needs of the community through service and charity. Reaching out to those who are searching for a faith community, including the young and those seeking to re-kindle their relationship with God. Reaching out to all without distinction. Passing on our faith and traditions through teaching by word and example. Connecting to where people are on their faith journey. Actively participating in the worship, sacrament and devotional life of the church.

2 First Sunday of Advent December 3, 2017 Make straight the paths of the Lord. As we begin this new liturgical year with the First Sunday of Advent, we are presented with a reading from Mark s gospel. Jesus speaks about the coming end time, encouraging Peter, James, John and Andrew (and us) to be watchful, to be prepared, and to recognize the signs of the times. The passage concludes this ominous chapter with the key word watch that occurs in each but one verse. Watch is an appropriate word with which to begin our Advent season. WE are to be prepared for the Lord s coming, not knowing precisely when that, will be. We, like the gatekeeper, keep watch in the evening, at midnight, at dawn and in the morning. Like the early disciples, we know not when he comes, but that he is coming. Mark was written at a time when the early Christians expected Jesus imminent return. Today, we can discern the signs of our own times and recognize the Lord s coming, perhaps not in an apocalyptic sense, but in the Christmas incarnation. That is, Jesus, the Word of God, comes to us in flesh and blood. Jesus is the incarnation of God, and he comes to us sacramentally in the Eucharist. Each generation seems to say the end is near. While we are looking to the sky for signs of the end time, the Lord is in our midst in weakness and vulnerability. Do we see Jesus present in that disguise? We should see that God is in our midst. The key word for this Sunday is watch. But we may also say, recognize. I am happy to share with you that eleven Sisters of St. Joseph, Brentwood, N.Y. will be moving into our convent this month and joining the three Immaculate Heart of Mary Sisters. I am sure that you join me in welcoming the sisters to our parish family. Next Saturday evening immediately following the 5:00 PM Vigil Mass, we will have our 3 rd Annual Christmas Tree Lighting. I hope you can join us, as our Adult and Children s Choirs lead us in song so that the Light of Christ will shine in Dyker Heights from St. Ephrem for all to see. In today s bulletin you can also find our Financial Report for the fiscal year ending on August 31, 2017, prepared by an independent auditing firm, Baglivi and Cook, Certified Public Accountants. Once again I am overwhelmed by your generosity. Thank you! If you have any questions feel free to speak with me. In the Good Shepherd, Fr. Robert November 26, Envelopes $9, Landscaping 141 Envelopes $2, We Share (Online Giving) 40 Families $ Mass Attendance 735 Thank you for your generosity to St. Ephrem Parish! Generations of Faith continues across the Diocese! Generations of Faith Campaign Update as of November 16th at St. Ephrem R.C. Church Campaign Goal $980,000 Total Pledged $1,068, Total Payments to Date by $727, Parishioners Total # Donors 195 Total Funds To Be Returned to Parish to Date $336, On behalf of the parish, and all of the volunteers who helped with Generations of Faith thank you for your prayers and support of this historic effort! While we have completed our campaign, many parishioners are choosing to make their pledge payments to Generations of Faith automatically through online giving! Enroll in online giving today! Follow These Easy Steps: 1. Visit: 2. Enter banking or credit card information 3. Confirm your payment method, reference and contact information 4. Welcome! You are now enrolled for easy, convenient and free online payments! What if I need help setting up an online account so that I can pay my pledge? To provide this service, we have partnered with Faith Direct, a leading online provider for the Church. Should you need help enrolling or if you do not have an address, please contact them at (866) If you have further questions, call Catholic Foundation at (718) , ext and they will assist you further. 2

3 Mass Intentions for the week Saturday, December 2nd 8:45 AM Purgatorial Society Mass 5:00 PM Dominick Bergamini The Tozzi & Bergamini Family Antonia Vaccaro & Lucrezia Cicco Peter Tji Theresa Desposito Sunday, December 3rd 8:00 AM Frank Calabrese 10:00 AM Sal Bonfiglio 12 Noon Josephine & Frank Saccente 5:00 PM For the People of St. Ephrem Monday, December 4th 7:00 AM John Carr 8:45 AM Michael A. Iannizzi (1st Anniversary) Tuesday, December 5th 7:00 AM B. Celestino 8:45 AM Carmine & Mary Calderone Wednesday, December 6th 7:00 AM For the People of St. Ephrem 8:45 AM All Souls in Purgatory Thursday, December 7th 7:00 AM For the People of St. Ephrem 8:45 PM Mary & Joseph Saba 7:00 PM Vigil Peter Tji Friday, December 8th 7:00 AM Victoria Balsamo 8:45 AM Marta & Pasquale Florio 11:00 AM Joseph Mondiello Saturday, December 9th 8:45 AM For the Intentions of Jane May 5:00 PM Joseph, Pauline & Alexander Mottola Donato Serini Frank Losauro John Summa Peter Tji Sunday, December 10th 8:00 AM Msgr. Douglas L. Brown (1996) 10:00 AM Costanza & Guariglia Family 12 Noon Aida Offitto 5:00 PM For the People of St. Ephrem Solemnity of Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary A Holy Day of Obligation Thursday, December 7th Vigil Mass 7:00 PM Friday, December 8th 7:00 AM, 8:45 AM & 11:00 AM Altar Candles & Sanctuary Lamp In Loving Memory of Angela Albanese Requested by Donald & Janet Cassamassino The Bread & Wine In Loving Memory of Laura Poggioli Requested by: Anthony Maguire Our Parish Goal: $104, All monies collected over goal is returned to St. Ephrem Parish 254 Donors Amount Pledged: $103, Paid to Date: $101, Reached 99.06% of Goal Thank you for your continued generosity we are now over 99% of goal!!!! Just a few more and we will achieve our goal!!!!! Our Advent Giving Trees will be available for the first weekend of Advent, December 2nd and December 3rd. Please take one of the gift giving tags. These gifts will go to children ranging in age from infants to teenagers. Heartshare and Hour Children are the agencies servicing these children. Please return all gifts No Later than the 5:00 pm Mass on Sunday, December 17th. ADVENT JESSE TREE CELEBRATION Our Faith Formation is having an Advent celebration on Monday, December 11th in the Msgr. Peter V. Kain Hall at 6 PM. At this gathering we will share faith, food and friendship as we decorate our Jesse Tree and pray together. There will be crafts for the children to do. Each family is asked to bring a potluck dish of pasta or pizza; we'll provide salad, drinks and dessert. Please respond to the Faith Formation Office at or stephremreligioused@gmail.com by Thursday, December 7th so we can set up and prepare in advance. Let us know your family name and number of guests. All are Welcome!!! 3

4 YOUTH MINISTRY PARISH NEWS Spirituality Center Bereavement Support Group Monday, December 4 at 7:00 PM An Advent Retreat An Amazing Journey Tuesdays, December 5th at 1:00 PM Youth Group (Grades 6-9) Sunday, December 3rd at 6:00 PM in the Rectory Meeting Room Session 1 Homecoming Exploring the Sunday Readings Thursday, December 7th at 10: 00 AM Spiritual Direction St. Ephrem High School Night (Grades 9-12) Friday, December 15th at 7:00 PM in the Rectory Meeting Room Sister Ann Martha, (718) All are welcome! SAVE THE DATE World Youth Day Information Session Sunday, December 17th 1 PM in the Rectory Meeting Room DEANERY ADVENT EUCHARISTIC Adoration With evening prayer Thursday, December 14, :30 PM Join us for one night or for every event. For more information please stephremyouthministry@gmail.com Shrine Church of St. Bernadette th Avenue Brooklyn, NY Please see brochure in the church for the full schedule of events! Fr. Justin Cinnanti, O Carm. Guest Preacher All are invited to take a few quiet moments to prepare spiritually for Christmas! SCHOOL NEWS Christian Awareness Program (CAP) Our next meeting is on December 12 th at 9:30 AM in the Rectory Meeting Room 3rd Annual Christmas Tree Lighting St. Ephrem School Presents A Christmas Show for the whole family! Friday, December 8th at 7:00 PM Saturday, December 9th at 2:00 PM & 7:00 PM Sunday, December 10th at 2:00 PM Msgr. Kain Hall Tickets $10.00 For information and to purchase tickets please visit the School Office. Tickets will be available at the door. (718) Please join us for our Christmas Tree Lighting Saturday, December 9th, :00 PM Mass with both our Adult & Children s Choirs Followed by the Lighting of Christmas Trees & Light Refreshments 4

5 PARISH FINANCIAL REPORT St. Ephrem RC Church Statement of Income and Expenses For the Fiscal Year Ending August 31, 2017 Ordinary Income Sunday/Holy Day Collections $ 509,345 Christmas and Easter Gifts 62,180 $ 571,525 (Total Collections) Votive Shrines 17,480 Rental Income Convent/Senior Priest 20,901 Rental Income Other 15,401 Religious Education 42,714 Parish Programs/Events 4,990 Clergy Fund (Weddings, Funerals, Baptisms, Etc.) 54,427 Other Auxiliary Receipts 800 Poor Boxes 2,374 Fundraising (net expenses) 40, ,908 (Total Other Ordinary Income) Total Ordinary Income 771,433 Ordinary Expenses Salary & Expense Clergy (Medical, Pension Fund, Etc.) 207,250 Religious Stipends 34,740 Salaries (Organists, Singers, Choir, Etc.) 84,200 Employee Benefits & Taxes 73,530 Rectory Household Salary & Expenses 91,353 Fuel & Electricity 43,521 Insurance Parish Buildings 58,246 Diocesan Assessments 191,592 Ordinary Maintenance & Repairs Salary & Expense 88,975 Convent Expenses 35,711 Office Salary & Expenses Altar Supplies (Includes The Tablet) 40,116 Religious Education Program Salary & Expense 81,584 Parish Programs Events 45,126 Donations to other Parishes/Org. Charities 1,909 Miscellaneous Expenses 3,071 1,244,254 (Total Ordinary Expenses) Income (Loss) From Ordinary Operation (472,821)* *Please note that our Ordinary Income does not cover our Ordinary Expenses Extraordinary Income Annual Catholic Appeal Donations/Grants 57,689 Bequests 1,302 Generations of Faith Campaign 84,683 Interest & Realized Gains (Losses), Net Expenses 5,655 Unrealized Gains (Losses) 107,809 School Rental (Net Leasing Fees) 731,149 * 988,285 (Total Extraordinary Income) *Diocesan Policy: Any school building rental income a percentage goes back to the St. Elizabeth Ann Senton Fund to support Catholic Education. Subtotal Loss from Ordinary Operation + Extraordinary Income 515,464 Extraordinary Expense Major Repairs & Renovations 915,715 Church Doors & Hardware Rectory electrical, office furniture, painting, landscaping, & update of security surveillance system School: handicap bathrooms, handicap ramp, balance of new windows, & new fire alarm system Old School Building: Replacement of entire roof. Interest on Loans 36, ,799 (Total Extraordinary Expenses) Net Income (Loss) $(436,335) Diocesan Second & Special Collections & Payments $27,510 St. Ephrem School Statement of Finances For the Fiscal Year Ended August 31, 2017 Expenses Salaries, Pension, Taxes $1,034,290 Staff Medical Insurance 211,493 Instructional Expenses 83,152 Security Guards 27,105 Maintenance & Repairs/Buildings Improvements 134,882 Building & Student Insurance 37,593 Utilities 45,574 All Other Expenses 46,591 Total Expenses 1,620,678 # of Students Enrolled for School (9/1/16-8/31/17) 242 Cost Per Pupil $6,697 Tuition for the year of (1 child Catholic) $4,675 Shortfall Per Student* $2,022 5 *Each student receives a subsidy. This amount is even greater when you figure in the discount for families with more then one child in our school.

6 YEAR OF VOCATIONS YEAR OF VOCATIONS DIOCESE OF BROOKLYN It was not you who chose me, but I who chose you and appointed you to go an bear fruit that will remain, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name he may give you. John 15:16 Special Collection will take place on the weekend of December 10th. The revenue from this collection provides funding to any religious institute in the U.S.A. Prayer for our Seminarians These men have answered Jesus invitation to Come Follow Me. Please take a Seminarian s prayer card (located in our church by the Vocation Banner) and pray for him so that he may continue in his journey toward priesthood. They abounded their nets and followed him. Mark 1:18 Congratulations to our parishioner & alumni Anthony Mastroianni First Honors Ninth Grade CATHEDRAL PREP MEN FOR GREATNESS 6 PRAYER FOR VOCATIONS ] Lord of the Harvest, we petition you as you have instructed us to ask for more laborers to serve in the vineyard of your Church. You have told us that the harvest is rich and laborers are few and we experience this great need in the face of the challenge of the New Evangelization. We ask the Holy Spirit to inspire young men and women to seriously consider vocations to the priesthood and religious life. Help all of us to be effective instruments to encourage and support those whom you are calling to serve and lead the Church of Brooklyn and Queens in the future. Lord, you told the Apostles to put out into the deep. We ask for the grace and courage to respond to your call as we pray and work for an increase in vocations to the priesthood, diaconate and religious life. We ask this in the Name of Jesus Christ, the Great High Priest, Amen.