THE HOLY FAMILY OF JESUS, MARY AND JOSEPH

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1 The Holy Family "When they had fulfilled all the prescriptions of the law of the Lord, they returned... to their own town of Nazareth." Mary and Joseph were faithful Jews who followed the norms of their religion. Today's Gospel describes the event we call "The Presentation." Jesus' parents, like every Jewish family, presented their infant son to the Lord in a formal ceremony at the temple in Jerusalem. Having done what their religious rites required (and having heard the prophetic words of Simeon and Anna), Mary and Joseph returned home. It was back in their native region of Galilee, amidst the daily routine of domestic life, that Jesus "grew and became strong, filled with wisdom." As Christians, we too consecrate our children to the Lord when we have them baptized in the Church. Seeing our children receive this sacrament of initiation is always a moment of great joy and hope as we anticipate the life that lies ahead for them, both on earth and in eternity. But the baptism of a baby is only the beginning of this journey towards heaven. In truth, the little daily details, the simple living of family life in our own home paves the way for our children to reach their eternal home. And so it was with the Holy Family. Jesus' childhood, his formation and development took place not primarily amidst the public drama of the temple, but in the quiet privacy of his home. How important this home was, where his parents raised him in their faith and helped him live in such a way that "the favor of God was upon him." May we too, in our homes and our families, remember that although our mission may be lived out in very small moments, taken together they have an eternal significance. Sunday Collection: Collection for Dec. 16/ was $3, The Collection for Dec. 23/24 will appear in next week s bulletin as this bulletin is being typed in advance due to the Holiday s. You are Welcome If you are a first time visitor, a longtime parishioner or coming back for the holidays, please know that the community of Divine Mercy Parish is very happy you are here. May His Light and Love Surround you during this sacred time. La Sagrada Familia Si preguntáramos a la gente en que se distingue la Navidad de otros días de fiesta de seguro su respuesta es que es día para la familia. Y es verdad, son días para ser vividos y disfrutar del calor familiar. Estas fechas son muy tradicionales a pesar del bombardeo de la publicidad que aprovecha estos elementos familiares para vender objetos que no se necesitan. Hoy la liturgia nos dirige la mirada hacia la familia de Jesús, a María y a José. Ellos vivieron durante treinta años en Nazaret, desde ahí es nuestra alianza a la fidelidad a la familia y a la humanidad entera. Si atendemos a las lecturas veremos que Jesucristo vivió 30 años en familia y 3 predicando el Reino de Dios para salvarnos. Cómo santificas tú familia? Cuánto tiempo dedicas al servicio del Reino de Dios? Cualquiera que sea la repuesta, se llegará a la conclusión que la familia nace de la Encarnación y que Dios es nuestro Padre, y Cristo es el hermano que nos lleva a todos los demás. El Papa Francisco tiene mucha esperanza en la familia, él cree firmemente que la familia unida puede llegar a ser el motor de amor que mueva al mundo a la justicia y al amor. Él dice: "Cuando nos mostramos atentos a nuestras familias y a sus necesidades, cuando comprendemos sus dificultades y sus esperanzas... Vuestro compromiso en apoyo de las familias no ayuda sólo a la Iglesia, sino también a la sociedad" (Discurso dirigido a los obispos de Sri Lanka, el 5 de mayo del 2014). Cuál es tu opinión al respecto? Qué piensas de lo que el Papa Francisco dice? Readings for the Week of December 31, 2017 Sunday: Gn 15:1-6; 21:1-3 or Sir 3:2-6, 12-14/Ps 105:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 8-9, [7a, 8a] or Ps 128:1-2, 3, 4-5 [cf. 1]/Heb 11:8, 11-12, or Col 3:12-21 or 3:12-17/Lk 2:22-40 or 2:22, Monday: Nm 6:22-27/Ps 67:2-3, 5, 6, 8 [2a]/Gal 4:4-7/Lk 2:16-21 Tuesday: 1 Jn 2:22-28/Ps 98:1, 2-3ab, 3cd-4 [3cd]/Jn 1:19-28 Wednesday: 1 Jn 2:29--3:6/Ps 98:1, 3cd-4, 5-6 [3cd]/Jn 1:29-34 Thursday: 1 Jn 3:7-10/Ps 98:1, 7-8, 9 [3cd]/Jn 1:35-42 Friday: 1 Jn 3:11-21/Ps 100:1b-2, 3, 4, 5 [2a]/Jn 1:43-51 Saturday: 1 Jn 5:5-13/Ps 147:12-13, 14-15, [12a]/Mk 1:7-11 or Lk 3:23-38 or 3:23, 31-34, 36, 38 Next Sunday: Is 60:1-6/Ps 72:1-2, 7-8, 10-11, [cf. 11]/Eph 3:2-3a, 5-6/Mt 2:1-12

2 A Message from Fr. Tom Throughout the world most cultures celebrate New Year s Day. However the Catholic Church organizes its own calendar differently (like the Jewish and Chinese peoples). Last week we celebrated the birth of Jesus. Today as we take our first steps into the New Year the church asks us to recall the maternal vocation of Mary as the mother of Jesus and the Mother of God. Millions of Protestant or Evangelical Christians do not join in our celebration of Mary today. This is not because these Christians do not acknowledge Mary as physically giving birth to Jesus in the flesh on Christmas Day. But rather, they believe the divinity of Jesus can come into the world only through the agency of God and not any normal person even when that person is recognized for their exemplary obedience to God s will. This was a point of controversy going back to the earliest days of the church and was settled at the council of Ephesus (A.D. 431). A prominent bishop acknowledged Mary as the Christotokos (Birth Giver of Christ), but not the Theotokos (Birth Giver of God). The affirmation of Mary as Theotokos, meant that Jesus divine nature came into the world through Mary. Admittedly, the finer points of this theological and philosophical debate may not be our cup of tea, but the consequences of this declaration are of enormous importance that I believe help us to agree with its conclusion. What does this declaration and celebration mean for us?? Simply put Jesus cannot be divided. And therefore all of us who are made in the image and likeness of God cannot be divided either. Our human and religious/spiritual natures go together. We need the flesh and bone of a community to form us, to help us when we are in trouble and to call us into accountability as members of that community. Yet we also need to be reminded that all of us as individuals are unrepeatable moments each person is a unique thought of God we are loved into being, we are necessary and chosen by God. If any one of us is missing from the heavenly celebration the joy of heaven would be less complete because God wills us and wants us to be there with Him. Lord help us to take these first steps of the New Year mindful of the greatness to which we are called. Fr. Tom Solemnity of Mary at Divine Mercy Parish Mass Schedule Sunday, December 31 st 7pm Vigil St. Nicholas Monday, January 1 st Solemnity of Mary 8:30am St. Cecilia The Octave Day of the Nativity of the Lord, Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God, is not a Holyday of obligation in the USA this year. Fiscal Management Misconduct Reporting To report financial, auditing, accounting misconduct in Divine Mercy Parish or in the Diocese of Brooklyn, you should report to the following independent entity: 1 (888) Divine Mercy Parish Church Restoration Memorials 2018 If you would like to let someone (a family member, friend etc.) know how special they are to you, or to honor the memory of a deceased loved one or in the name of your family please consider one of the following Church Restoration Memorial s. An engraved brass plaque or a material tag will be affixed on or near the fixture noting your dedication. Any questions feel free to contact Fr. Tom. Restoration of O. L. Mt. Carmel Statue $ New Vestment $ Window Restoration $ 2, Garden Trellis for St. Francis $ 3, St. Cecilia Church Tabernacle Pedestal $ Chapel Restored Pews $ 1, Handicapped Banisters $ 1, Remounting St. Cecilia Mural $ 2, Chapel Sanctuary Mosaic $ 2, Organ Restoration $ 5, Restored Pulpit $10, St. Nicholas Church New Vestment $ Organ Restoration $ 2, Baptismal Font $ 3,000.00

3 GIFTS OF LOVE EMERGENCY FOOD PANTRY AT DIVINE MERCY PARISH ALL ARE WELCOME For I was hungry and you gave me food; I was thirsty and you gave me drink; I was a stranger and you made me welcome (Matt. 25:35-36) When the song of the angels is stilled; when the star in the sky is gone, when the kings and princes are home, when the shepherds are back with their flocks, the work of Christmas begins: to find the lost, to heal the broken, to feed the hungry, to release the prisoner, to rebuild the nations, to bring peace among people, to make music in the Heart. (Howard Thurman) With the start of a new year, our work at Divine Mercy parish begins again. It is your support of our food pantry that brings peace and sweet music to the hearts of our neighbors. Thank you! In the Holy Family s presence may you find joy, hope and abiding peace throughout the New Year. Food Pantry Volunteers Memorial Gifts December 31, 2017 BREAD & WINE Guiseppina Arlistico by Family St. Theresa Guild The next meeting of the St. Theresa Guild will take place on Thursday, January 11, 2018 at 7:30pm in the St. Francis of Paola rectory basement. Please bring a wrapped, Christmas gift you are willing to part with for our fun January Re-Gifting. New members are always welcome. Members: please join in prayer following the 5pm mass on Saturday January 6, 2018, at St. Francis of Paola Church. We will assemble in the front left pews. Reminder All are invited to attend the monthly Nocturnal Adoration on Saturday, January 6, in the Chapel of St. Cecilia at 8pm. The Chapel is located at 84 Herbert Street. All are welcome. Pray for Vocations Mass Intentions for the Week Saturday, December 30, :00pm For the People of Divine Mercy Parish 8:00am 11:30am Ann Purcell Guiseppina Arlistico by Arlistico Family Monday, January 1, 2018 Mary Mother of God Stefania Pakos by Daughter Tuesday, January 2, 2018 Gerry Laduto by Jeanne Naccari Wednesday, January 3, 2018 Joseph He Reg by sister Agnes & Joseph Sun Thursday, January 4, 2018 Sophia Friscioni by Daughter Friday, January 5, 2018 Linda Anacrelico by Santaromita Saturday, January 6, :00pm Michael Loguercio For the People of Divine Mercy Sunday, January 7, :00am 11:30am Mary Walsh by Theresa & Eddie Scala Jerry Livornese by Maria Sciotti Memorial Gifts Memorial Gifts are a wonderful way to honor and remember your loved ones. Please come to the Rectory (or call) for information and available dates. The following Memorial Gifts are available for the week: Bread & Wine Sanctuary Lamp Tabernacle Candles Altar Candles Blessed Mother Candles St. Joseph Candles Also available are Tree of Life Memorial Leaf and Blessed Mother Yearly Candle (this candle is lit for a year). All Memorials can be In Honor Of or Remembrance Of a family member or friend.

4 Mass Intentions for the Week St. Nicholas Church 10:30am 12:45pm Sofia Ramirez by Family Open Intention Sunday, January 7, :30am Paulette Menard s Family by Paulette Pray For the Sick To remove or add a name, please call the Parish Office. Dora LoGosso, Nancy Gonzalez, Vincent Gonzalez, John Porcelli, Theresa Lizzol, Maria Damato, Joe & Marie Bavuso, Wanda Zadwarny, Maria Damato, Sister Paul Maria Filippelli, CSJ, John Gonzales, Pat Baumbach, Maddox Moises, Carmella Ciafia, Ralph Varano, Louis Garcia, Rae Pacifico, Andy Washack, Michael Baglivo, Carol Reilly, Anthony Forlenza, Cathy Lenick, Linda Plaza, Dolores Mulcahey, Richard Schloop, Angela Mauceri, Rose Pettenato, Carlos Linnares Pray for the Recently Deceased Michael Tizzio, Patrick Del Vicario, Parish Office closed Monday, January 1 st, 2018 due to New Year s Day. Praying the Rosary On, Sunday, January 7, 2018 the Rosary will be prayed 20 mins before the 9:30am Mass at our Parish Church of St. Cecilia. Piano and Voice Lessons Justin Fields, our Director of Music, is excited to offer piano, voice, and music theory lessons to the parishioners of Divine Mercy. Justin can teach a variety of styles on the piano, ranging from classical to pop to jazz. Justin also specializes in beginner vocal training. Lessons are open to people of all ages. Please contact Justin through his at justintfields@gmail.com (don't forget the "t" in the address), or call the rectory to discuss rates and scheduling. All lessons will take place on the premises of Divine Mercy. DECEMBER 31, 2017 Mass Intentions for the Week St. Cecilia Church 9:30am Bernard F. Sweeney No 7:00PM Mass this Day Monday, January 1, :30am Mary Mother of God Ben Brancato Tuesday, January 2, :30am Joseph Hawkins Wednesday, January 3, :30am Arcadia Garcia Thursday, January 4, :30am Jerry De Florio Friday, January 5, :30am Margaret Cosention Saturday, January 6, :30am Vincent Staub Sunday, January :30am 7:00pm Rose Del Vicario (Anniv.) Rosary Society Michael Tizzio Jo & Ed Collins Eamon & Ray McGinn Rev. James Krische: Living Intention Patrick Del Vicario Friday After School Program January 12, 2018 Beginning Friday, January 12 th, 2018 Divine Mercy will be resuming its Friday after-school program in the basement of St. Francis of Paola Rectory for the young people in our parish who are in the 4 th grade and up. The program is free of charge and will feature arts and crafts, games, movies, homework help as well as volunteer opportunities and outings. Please spread the word among those in your family or on your block who might be interested. Rosary Society: The next meeting of the Rosary Society will take place on Wednesday, January 10, 2018 in the auditorium of St. Cecilia s, at 7pm.

5 END OF BULLETIN ANY TEXT OR GRAPHICS ENTERED ON THIS PAGE WILL NOT APPEAR IN THE PRINTED BULLETIN CHURCH NAME: CHURCH CITY: ROUTING CODE: Divine Mercy Parish Brooklyn, NY Y RUN NUMBER: 13 FILENAME: b PHONE NUMBER: FAX NUMBER: EDITOR/ CONTACT: Maryann CURRENT FORMAT: EBSWUE Comments: Memorial Gifts- At Divine Mercy Parish Memorial Gifts are a wonderful way to honor and remember your loved ones. Please come to the Rectory (or call) for information and available dates. The following Memorial Gifts are available for the week: Bread & Wine Sanctuary Lamp Tabernacle Candles Altar Candles Blessed Mother Candles St. Joseph Candles year). Also available are Tree of Life Memorial Leaf and Blessed Mother Yearly Candle (this candle is lit for a All Memorials can be In Honor Of or Remembrance Of a family member or friend. The Weekly Bulletin Any parish society / organization who would like to put an announcement in the bulletin, regarding their meetings, activities, etc. are welcomed to do so. Noon on Monday is the latest that an announcement can be accepted for the following Sunday s bulletin. Note to Press: This document printed at: 12/28/17 11:41 AM