Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Transcription

1 July 16, 2017 Page 1 Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time T h i s We e k ' s Mass Intentions 8:00AM 9:30AM 11:00AM 12:30PM 5:00PM Sunday, July 16, 2017 George & Ann Papandrea Genowefa Stelmach (Loving Family) Francesco Tullo (Vito & Angela Tullo) Victor D Agostino (Loving Family) For The Parishioners Monday, July 17, 2017 Emilia Cuttrone (Digristina Family) Tuesday, July 18, 2017 St. Camillus de Lellis Rocco Morro (Miriam Castagna) Wednesday, July 19, 2017 Lisa B., Baby Alexandra Bachert, Caroline Bachert, Frances Baio, Al Barton, Catherine Capato, Sally Capoziello, Shang Cheng, Catherine Chiarelli, Marge D Auria, Mary Ann D Angelo, Baby Christopher Brian Demmerle, Domenica DeVito, Virginia DiGangi, Mary Divers, Jean Fochetta, Francesca Gaudino, Ian Genovese-Williams, John Joseph Gleeson, John Pierce Gleeson, Christine Healy, Thomas Healy, Aurea Hernandez, Maria Hernandez, Rosemary Hogan, Elizabeth Isolano, Jennie Iuggiano, Keri & Baby Tristan, Amelia Kalb, Pam Karwan, Baby T.J. Krieg, Kathleen Krieg, Klavdia Krieg, Anthony Lamantia, James Leung, Valerie Librizzo, Thomas & Patricia Lipari, William J. Litt, Cindy Maione, Maryann Maione, Ralph Maresco, Camillo Mazella, Rosemary Menechella, Jordan Miller, John Myers, Salvatore Noto, Angela OttomanelliHubbs, Michael Palermo, Gina Palya, Santo Pantina, Ann Parsell, Anna Petito, Doris, Carlo, Philip & Frank Pecchillo, Vivian Puglissi, Joseph Questore, Mary Romano, Jake Rothman, Bill Sangirardi, Felice Scimeca, Fred Sepulveda, Rosalia Sindone, Patrick Smith, Michael Tamburo, Chrissie Tremblay, Paul Tremblay, Paul John Tremblay, Ann Marie Vayda, Sr. Joanne Walters, Elizabeth Weimer. Deceased: Evelyn Scudiere (Mary Clare Serrano) Thursday, July 20, 2017 St. Apollinaris Vincent D Amato (Catherine) Friday, July 21, 2017 St. Lawrence of Brindisi The Altar Bread for this week is Rocco Morro (Alex & Marie Miraglia) donated Robert Grzelaczyk, requested by JoAnne Doody. Saturday, July 22, 2017 St. Mary Magdalene The Altar Wine for this week is Miriam Americo (Vincenza & Pat Novara) Anthony & Clara DeVitto (Linda) Vito Mitacchione (Loving Wife & Children) 5:00PM Miriam Americo, Jean Bacotti, Mary Corrigan, Marina Collado Sunday, July 23, :00AM 9:30AM 11:00AM 12:30PM 5:00PM Gatti Family (Blaise Corozzo) Joseph Bosco (Vastano Family) Frank Saverio Tullo (Vito & Angela Tullo) Mary Camelo & Joshua Basin (Zena Basin) For The Parishioners SUMMER OFFICE HOURS July 3 September 3, 2017 Monday-Friday: -12:00PM & 1:00-4:00PM Saturday & Sunday: -12:00PM No Evening Hours During the Summer! GOOD SHEPHERD STATUE We would like to thank Jeri Formanek, who kept the statue this past week. Anyone interested in keeping the statue in their home and praying for vocations for one week should contact the Rectory. donated Robert Grzelaczyk, requested by the M. Esposito and E. Dowd Families. St. Helen s Purgatorial Society Mass All parishioners have the opportunity to enroll the names of loved ones in the Purgatorial Society. The Purgatorial Society Mass will be held on the last Friday of each month. The offering to be enrolled in the Purgatorial Society is $120 per name (a total of 12 Masses for one year will be said for your loved one). Aside from listing one name, a husband and wife together, or a family name is also acceptable. Having a Purgatorial Society is wonderful way of living out the Scriptures and will be a relief for those who desire to have their loved ones remembered with prayers all year long at God s Altar. Please stop in at the Rectory if you are interested in having a loved one enrolled in the Purgatorial Society. The next Purgatorial Society Mass will be held Friday, July 28, The Order of Franciscans Secular meet on the 3rd Saturday of every month in St. Helen s Rectory after the 9AM Mass. Come and learn more about the Franciscan way of life.

2 July 16, 2017 Page 2 Renovation on Update No. 21 "Are we there yet?" At this time of year, many people are traveling on vacation with their families and the perennial question asked by the little ones in the back seat: "Are we there yet?" will be asked a million times. I now know what it feels like! I can't get a bagel, or put gas in my car, or sit down to a meal, without someone asking me: "Are we in the Church yet?" To be honest, the last place I want to be celebrating Mass in the summer months is in a non air-conditioned gymnasium, especially when there is a perfectly functioning Church across the street! Besides some cosmetic issues... such as the confessionals and votive/shrine areas... the Church is ready, but still requires NYC Department of Buildings signoffs. So, here is a synopsis of where we stand (skip the next paragraph if you don't want to be bored silly): As of Monday July 10th: The NYCDOB issued the long-awaited approval on the plan examination of the Public Assembly Filing. (This is huge.) The NYCDOB has also ed me that Final inspections for Alt1/Certificate of Occupancy and Public Assembly are now scheduled!!!! After the two inspections (and approval) with the DOB, then the FDNY will inspect. Upon the inspection (and approval) of the FDNY, submission of the Public Assembly permit will take place. So, to answer the question: "Are we there yet?" the answer is "NO", but we just passed the sign for our exit... the problem is the sign didn't say how many miles. I'm as anxious as you are! As for this slight delay, the NYC DOB did throw a curve ball in the last moments of the renovation and we were unable to comply with the request at the time. The NYC DOB required 2 additional points of egress in the Church. This was issued only days before the Consecration of the Altar on June 27th with Bishop DiMarzio. I could not begin construction on the doors only days before Bishop DiMarzio's arrival. The July 4th holiday also caused a small delay. The doors were delivered on Wednesday, June 28th (the day after the consecration); then the July 4th weekend was upon us. Construction on the two doors began Wednesday, July 5th, and was completed on Saturday, July 8th. The NYCDOB issued its approval on Monday morning, July 10th. Folks, we are driving well over the speed limit and no one is dragging their heels in completing this project. We are moving as fast as humanly possible to finish this! What has transpired in the last 3 weeks would normally take months! Again, I have to thank Deputy Commissioner Ho of the NYCDOB, and Eric Ulrich for their assistance in this matter. I also appreciate the fact that TONAR construction (a local business), who delayed a current project to expedite our matter, and finally, the person who wishes to remain anonymous who paid for the installation of both doors! As for me, I will not go away on vacation until the project is complete. So, if you don't see me, it s because I'm just spending a few moments "outside the car" trying to relax, stretching my legs after a long journey, and attempting to keep my sanity! Father Colamaria

3 July 16, 2017 Page 3 CATHOLIC CHARITIES NEIGHBORHOOD SERVICES HOWARD BEACH SENIOR CENTER The Center is located at Cross Bay Blvd., across from Stop N Shop on Cross Bay Blvd. Seniors aged 60 and older are invited to become members. Activities and services are offered Monday-Friday from to 4:00PM. Every day delicious and nutritious full, hot lunches are catered by Russo s on the Bay ($2 donation requested). FINANCIAL SCAMS: On Tuesday, July 18 th, at 10:30AM, the Center will be having a presentation on Financial Scams given by Ridgewood Savings Bank. All seniors are invited for this very informative session. DEFENSIVE DRIVING CLASS: On Saturday, July 29 th, from 9AM-4PM, the Center will be having a Defensive Driving Class. Pre-registration in person is required. Cost is $20 for AARP members, and $25 for non-members. Please call Rosalie at for further information. EXERCISE CLASSES: (Please note time changes for Wednesday & Thursday classes) Mondays 9:30-10:30AM: Mondays 10:45-11:45AM: Tuesdays 9:30-10:30AM: Wednesdays 10:00-11:00AM: Thursdays 9:30-10:30AM: Fridays 9:30-10:30AM: Fridays 10:30-11:30AM: Tai Chi with Elaine Fleischman Chair Aerobics with Charlie Roemer Movement Exercise with Millie Zumba with Elaine Movement Exercise with Millie Cardio Exercise with Dwayne Yoga with Charlie Roemer DANCE PARTY: The Center will be having a dance party every Tuesday. Dancing to a DJ will start at 1:00PM. Refreshments will be served. ADULT COLORING: The Center introduces the latest craze, Adult Coloring Classes! We meet every Wednesday, 10:30 to 11:30AM. Adult coloring has been proven to lower blood pressure, reduce stress and is a great alternative to meditation. All materials are provided. KARAOKE: The Center introduces Karaoke by Fernando. Every Wednesday, from 1:00 to 3:00PM, we will be singing all popular songs selected by the seniors. Come and enjoy the fun! ART CLASS: On Thursdays, from 9:30 to 11:30AM, and from 12:30 to 2:30PM, the Center will be conducting art classes with a certified teacher. All seniors are invited. INTRODUCTION TO SIGN LANGUAGE: Every Friday, from 10:00 to 11:30AM, the Center will be conducting Introduction To Sign Language classes. This is a very educational and fun class which is open to all seniors. For further information, contact Rosalie at

4 July 16, 2017 Page 4 Reverence and Respect: Summer Dress in Church Even with the warm weather of summer here, one should still dress appropriately for Mass. Short shorts, tank tops, tube tops, belly blouses, beach shorts, flip-flops, etc. are considered beach wear and should not be worn in Church. Please show respect and dignity when you enter the House of the Lord. Our general appearance should reflect our inner attitude of deep reverence for the presence of our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament as we enter into sacred space. Howard Beach Community Blood Drive Wednesday, August 2, :00-7:30PM At St. Helen Catholic Academy Eligibility Criteria: Bring your NY Blood Center or alternate signature or photo ID Minimum weight: 110 lbs. Ages (16 yr. olds must have parent s permission aged 76 & older must have doctor s note) Eat well (low fat) and drink fluids No tattoos for the past 12 months All Donors Will Receive A Pair of Mets Tickets!! (Tickets will be redeemed on line). For more information please call New Family Religious Education Registration for Our program consists of Eight Religious Education grades: Kindergarten through 7 th Grade We are now registering children for the school year. You may pick up a registration form at the Religious Education Office located in the school building. The registration fee is $75 for one child, and $100 for two or more children in the same family for registrations received up to and including 7/13/17. The registration fee for forms received after 7/13/17 is $100 for one child, and $125 for two or more children in the same family. If the child was baptized at a Church other than St. Helen, you will need a copy of your child's Baptismal Certificate. If you do not have one available, you should contact the rectory of the Church where your child was baptized. It takes a couple of weeks to process a Baptismal Certificate at most parishes. Place your request now so your registration for our program will not be delayed. If you have any concerns or questions please contact us at Reregistration for those enrolled in the current year was sent home. Policies Regarding Infant Baptism at St. Helen Parish Parents seeking Baptism for their children who live within the territory of St. Helen Parish are asked to register as members of the parish before requesting an initial interview for Baptism. Registration is easily done at the parish office anytime during business hours. Parents seeking Baptism for their children who live outside the territory of St. Helen Parish are asked to obtain a letter from the parish in which they live authorizing the Baptism to take place at St. Helen. Initial meetings with parents seeking Baptism for their children will normally take place on the second Wednesday of each month from 7:00 9:00PM and on the fourth Saturday of each month from 10:30AM 12:30PM. JULY & AUGUST, 2017 Mornings of Preparation Required Before a Baptism: (All begin at the 11:00AM Mass and continue in the Msgr. McGinness Room) July 23 August 13 & 27 Schedule for Baptisms: (All begin at 2:00PM) July 23 August 13 & 27 Please call for more information and/or to schedule an appointment.

5 July 16, 2017 Page 5 Homiletic starters and scriptural reflection points for each day of the month Mon., Jul. 17 Ex 1:8-14, 22; Mt 10:34--11:1 Whoever loves father or mother more than me, is not worthy of me. These words from Scripture are the ones that cut off outspoken atheist Penn Jillette (of magician duo Penn and Teller) from any faith at all. How dare Jesus tell us to love him more than my family! That s monstrous! Now, you d think a magician would get a metaphor, but on the other hand, Jesus would probably agree. It is monstrous unless the love I have for Jesus, the intimacy shared, how deeply I know him, means that he becomes not only like family, but my very brother, sister, mother, father, son, daughter, not to mention mother-inlaw! No plastic Jesus here! Jesus left his family to love us that much more. Blessed be the Lord, who rescued us like a bird from the fowlers snare. Tue., Jul. 18 Ex 2-15a; Mt 11:20-24 Woe to you Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! Jesus blames these cities for ignoring the mighty deeds done in your midst. Bethsaida, sure. But this is the only mention of Chorizin in the whole Christian Scripture! It s a blank, no additional information. Maybe it s like my own life only I know what God has done for me. When I accompanied my friends Fermin and Maria to San Pedro Sula, Honduras, for some work on their car, we dropped their 23-year-old son Eduard at the Registro to arrange some documents. He didn t return at the agreed upon time. By late afternoon, I was getting both scared and mad. Finally, he called. All Maria said was, Venite tranquilo ( Be at peace. ) That s the lesson Chorazin was supposed to learn! I am afflicted and in pain, dear Lord; let your saving help protect me! Wed., Jul 19 Ex 3:1-6, 9-12; Mt 11:25-27 I give praise to you, Father,... for although you have hidden these things from the wise and the learned, you have revealed them to the childlike. After a couple thousand years of biblical commentary, it s still best to follow Jesus own criteria for understanding. The wise and the learned do not fare well in the Gospel. Matthew knows this from his own experience. He thought he had the world by the tail, until Jesus lifted him from the tax station to the wedding banquet. Then Matthew delighted in his Master s every word. The bottom line: mercy. How far am I from the childlike listener? What revelation have I missed out on because I filtered it first through some clever construct? Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all my being bless God s holy name! will give you rest. This is the consolation of Jesus. For everyone. After all, who does not labor? Who is not burdened? Jesus is meek and humble of heart, so he invites us to take my yoke. And whom might I be yoked with? My co-worker who never makes the coffee? Friends on Facebook whose whining I feel obliged to like? My own children, so slow to appreciate all I have done for them? Whoever they are, they are Jesus! Do I ever offer rest to others? Can anyone lay their burden on my heart? Would I find the yoke easy if I just accepted Jesus offer? I give you thanks, O Lord, and I will make your deeds known among the nations. FIFTEENTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME Fri., Jul. 21 Ex 11:10--12:14; Mt 12:1-8 If you knew what this meant, I desire mercy, not sacrifice, you would not have condemned these innocent men. When Jesus apostles enjoy some fresh grain straight from the stalk, the Pharisees say it s unlawful on the Sabbath. Jesus cites the precedent of David s men unlawfully eating the bread of the sacrifice, just because they were hungry. Thus, Jesus sets a new standard for pastoral care. Pope Francis is leading the effort to care for the divorced and remarried and the LGBT community who are hungry for the bread of the altar. How do we say no? What does my Sabbath look like? Is it locked up like a vault, or do I open it up like a picnic? How shall I make a return to you, O Lord, for all the good you have done to me? Sat., Jul. 22 Sgs 3:1-4b; Jn 20:1-2, Go to my brothers and tell them, I am going to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God. When did this become the feast of St. Mary Magdalene? I grew up in the parish of St. Mary Magdalen, no fancy e. Mary was neither Luke s woman of ill repute nor John s adulteress, but neither was she some Kardashian! She dedicated her life and her resources to Jesus mission. In return, Jesus entrusted her with the most important news since Creation, the announcement of his resurrection. Maybe Pope Francis also hears Mary s voice as he opens for consideration the question of the diaconate for women. Let s listen in prayer, like any good Christiane. O Lord, you are my Lord whom I seek; for you my flesh pines and my soul thirsts. Thu., Jul. 20 Ex 3:13-20; Mt 11:28-30 Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I