St. John the Baptist R. C. Church

Transcription

1 St. John the Baptist R. C. Church 895 Piermont Avenue, Piermont, New York Sept. 3rd, nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Rev. Tom Kunnel, C.O. Administrator Deacon John Cunningham Deacon Robert Pang Kathleen Dunn Religious Education Director May Pang Parish Admin: MASSES Saturday: 5:00 PM Sunday: 8:00 AM, 10:30 AM 1:00 PM (Spanish) Weekdays: 8:00 AM Saturday: 9:00 AM Holy Days: As Announced Rectory Mon Fri 10:15 AM 4:00 PM Sat 9 AM 11 AM (Spanish) In Memory of Deacon Gene Cummins DOWNLOAD OUR FREE APP ST JOHN PIERMONT

2 Dear Parish Family, Sat 9/2 5:00 PM Angelina Benecasa by Lucy Bosco Sun 9/3 8:00 AM Dermot & Rosemarie O'Brien by Catherine O'Brien 10:30:AM James & Anna Miele by Rosemarie & Pat Miele Mon 9/4 8:00 AM Clement Rozanski by Mildred Oslica Tue 9/5 8:00 AM Theresa Veen By Janet Zahn Wed 9/6 8:00 AM Joseph Iorio by Bill & Mary Loftus Thu 9/7 8:00 AM Catherine Downey by Helen, Anthony & Kathy Koza Fri 9/8 8:00 AM Ken Melia by Bill & Mary Loftus Sat 9/9 Sun 9/10 9:00 AM Angelo Mercurio by Peggy Finn 5:00 PM Angelina Benicasa by Joe & Flo D'Auria 8:00 AM James Murray by Eileen Murray 10:30 AM Diana G. Lapiano by Pat & Rosemarie Miele THE SANCTUARY LAMP Is Being Offered this week Madeline Ventriglia By Connie Lynch Please remember in your prayers the Sick and/ or Homebound of our Parish Family. Thomas Mooney, John Beckley, Ron Rebers, Ginny Terzer As a Parish Family, let us remember in our prayers all our beloved departed members of our Parish Community, Theresa Sforca, Madeline Ventriglia, Angelina Benicasa, Frank Walsh, Nelida Cortes, Joseph Iorio, father of Lee McGarvey, Ken Melia, Angelo Mercurio, Michael K. McGuiness, Jr., Michael K. McGuiiness, Theresa (Patti) Veen, John McCann, Charlie Card, Beverly Pane PLEASE ADVISE THE RECTORY ( ) WHENEVER A PARISHION- ER BECOMES HOMEBOUND, ILL, OR HOSPITALIZED SO ARRANGE- MENTS CAN BE MADE FOR A PRIEST, DEACON OR EUCHARISTIC MINISTER TO VISIT AND BRING COMMUNION TO THEM. How do you comfort someone who has reached the end of the rope because of the many problems and wants just to die? No, you don t! Prophet Jeremiah in the First Reading and the Psalmist answers this question in unexpected ways. Surrender to God! The desert, as we know, is the place where, stripped of all that normally nourishes and supports us, we are exposed to chaos, raw fear, and demons of every kind. In the desert we are exposed, body and soul, made vulnerable to be overwhelmed by chaos and temptations of every kind. But, precisely because we are so stripped of everything we normally rely on, this is also a privileged moment for grace. Why? Because all the defense mechanisms, support systems, and distractions that we normally surround ourselves with, keep chaos and fear at bay, at the same time, they keep much of God s grace at bay. What we use to buoy us up, wards off both chaos and grace, demons and the divine alike. Conversely, when we are helpless we are open. That is why the desert is both the place of chaos and the place of God s closeness. The people of Israel wandered in the desert for forty years and they were the most formative years of ancient Israel. In fact every festival of modern day Israel celebrates one of the events in the desert. In her biography, The Long Loneliness, Dorothy Day shares how, shortly after her conversion to Catholicism, she went through a painful, desert experience. She had just given birth to her daughter and her decision to have the child baptized, coupled with her profession of faith, meant the end of her relationship with a man she deeply loved. She suddenly found herself alone. All her old supports had been cut off and she was left with no money, no job, few friends, no practical dream, and no companionship from the person she loved most deeply in this world. For a while she just stumbled on, trusting that things would soon get better. They didn t. She remained in this desert. One day, not knowing what else to do, she took a train from New York to Washington to spend a day praying at the National Shrine of Our Lady. Her prayer there was wrenching, naked. She describes how she laid bare her helplessness, spilling out her confusion, her doubts, her fears, and her temptations to bitterness and despair. In essence, she said to God: I have given up everything that ever supported me, in trust, to you. I have nothing left to hold on to. You need to do something for me, soon. I can t keep this up much longer! She was, biblically speaking, in the desert, alone, without support, helpless before a chaos that threatened to overwhelm her. God steadied her in this time of chaos. She caught a train back to New York and, that very night, as she walked up to her apartment she saw a man sitting there. His name was Peter Maurin and the rest is history. Together they started the Catholic Worker. We should not be surprised that her prayer had such a tangible result. The desert, scripture assures us, is the place where God is especially near. If you are reading this and you feel helpless and hopeless, hold your head high for the Lord is gazing at you. Fr. Tom Kunnel C.O.

3 11:30AM Legion of Mary Sun 3-Sep 1PM Spanish Baptism 7PM AA Meeting Mon 4-Sep Labor Day 10AM Scripture Class 7PM CDA Meeting Tue 5-Sep 7PM Baptism Prep 7PM Spanish Scripture Class 7PM Rios de Agua Viva Group 7PM Altar Server Prep and Practice Wed 6-Sep 1PM CDA Knitting Thu 7-Sep 7PM Amigos de Jesus 7PM Rios de Agua Viva Group 10AM Fri Renew Group Fri 8-Sep 7PM Spainish Prayer Group 7:30PM Youth Group Sat 9-Sep Classes for begin NEXT Sunday and and Monday, September 10th and 11th. Sorry, but we cannot accept ANY registrations on our opening days. We wish to thank all the parents who have registered their youngsters at this point. If you have not yet registered, please do so by this Friday. Message to any and all parents who have an older son or daughter (from 4th grade up) who has not received the sacrament of First Communion, we have a class for him/her on Sunday mornings from 11:30-1. Note: Sunday, September 17th is Catechetical Sunday and our first FAMILY MASS for the year will begin at 10:30 am. May God bless you all abundantly. Day Time Lector Saturday 9/9 5:00 PM Liturgy Schedule Sept. 9/10 Mike Yannazzone 22nd Sunday in Ord. Time Readings No. 916 A Eucharistic Minister Altar Servers 8:00 AM Lisa McKenna DIana Gensel Shane Cawley Sunday 9/10 10:30 AM Mary Loftus Bill Loftus Freddie Steifel Maddie Steifel 1:00 PM Santiago Nova Nicole Mazariego Armando Guzman Ayleen Sicha Marvin Vivar Emma Aguilar Erasmo Maldonado

4 TODAY'S READINGS FOLLOWING CHRIST If you've ever had an unpleasant but somewhat amusing practical joke played on you, then you have some understanding of how Jeremiah feels today when he tells God "good one--you duped me." We can almost see him shaking his head with a bit of a rueful smile, but an angry undertone in his voice. In similar fashion, Peter thinks Jesus is "duping" him when Jesus starts to explain that being Messiah means suffering and dying, and being a follower of the Messiah means taking up a cross and doing the same. Jeremiah tries to deny God's will for him by trying to shut up; Peter--who has just been made the foundation of the church--out and out denies the teaching of Jesus, for which he is named "Satan" today. Fortunately for us, Jeremiah comes to realize that to have the word of God placed in your heart means that it will be futile to try and keep silent, even if it means scorn and derision from those around you. Luckily Peter ultimately returned to the faith he professed in last week's Gospel, and came to understand our need as baptized followers of Christ to follow in his way, even when it means following him to our very death. First Reading -- The name of the LORD has become like fire burning in Jeremiah's heart (Jeremiah 20:7-9). Psalm -- My soul is thirsting for you, O Lord my God (Psalm 63). Second Reading -- Be transformed; renew your mind; discern what is good (Romans 12:1-2). Gospel -- Those who lose their lives for Jesus' sake will find them (Matthew 16:21-27). The Beatitudes. The Golden Rule. The Lord s Prayer...These are just a few of the central teachings contained in the Sermon on the Mount. Undoubtedly, the Sermon is one of the most powerful parts of the New Testament. 12 DVD lectures video teacher is Father Dennis Hamm, Ph.D Professor of Theology and Endowed Faculty Chair in Catholic Theology at Creighton University. Classes Tues, 9/5 12/5 10AM - 12 noon St. John Connelly Hall, 895 Piermont Ave. Piermont, NY Fee: $20 for 12 weeks, includes study guide Contact Johanna Krumm for additional information /27 $3336 8/27/17 #120 Gerard & Kathleen Armstrong Religious Education for Adults - Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) ARE YOU SOMEONE OR DO YOU KNOW SOMEONE WHO Has not been baptized and would like to learn more about the Catholic faith, with the possibility of becoming a Catholic? Is a baptized Christian of another denomination and who would like to learn about and possibly join the Catholic tradition? Is a baptized Roman Catholic who has not received the sacraments of Holy Communion or Confirmation? Then our RCIA program might be the answer for you. The goal is to prepare adults who wish to join the Roman Catholic Church, or who wish to complete their sacraments of Christian initiation (Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Eucharist). You will attend weekly classes where you will learn about the faith, traditions, and practices of the Catholic Church. Classes are available in either English or in Spanish. They typically run from September until Easter. Please contact Deacon Rob Pang, Jose Bolanos, or the rectory to register for RCIA or if you have any questions or need more information.

5 Construction and Campaign in Progress! As you can see, we recently began construction on our parking lot, as part of our Renew + Rebuild Capital Campaign. We've already raised $276,000 in pledges, or 56% of our goal! We still need your support in order to fund our capital projects. For those of you who haven't been able to pledge, please stop by the rectory or pick up a pledge form in the back of the church. You generosity is greatly appreciated! Please note you can also give online at renewrebuild.org. Peter had a hard time accepting the cost of discipleship. Within moments of his confirmation as leader, he is protesting the struggle, the pain, the failure, and the rejection that Jesus foretells. May you be spared, Master. God forbid that any such thing ever happen to you. But Jesus rebukes Peter: Get out of my sight, you Satan! You are trying to make me trip and fall. You are not judging by God s standards, but by human ones. Following Christ costs the follower. What must be paid is a willingness to let go of our hunger for security, approval, and comfort; to take up our own cross of love and give ourselves away, to abandon our images of success and schemes of self-indulgence. The lure of holiness, as Jeremiah found out to his discomfort, provides no warm blanket. Love s love is no crutch, as some critics of religion have imagined. No, it is a harrowing experience, something like a death. Only radical insecurity remains when we entrust all to God, especially our disappointments and failure. We live in an age when, by all cultural accounts, our faith is foolish. Our ritual is weirdly transcendent. Our vows appear to be unkeepable promises, our sacraments quaint. The practices we aspire to are held in high suspicion. It is impossible, we are told, for people to be chaste. It is idiotic not to choose what pleases or fulfills us. This cultural skepticism is so deep in our own bones that we, like Peter, balk before the truth Christ proposes. How often do our church, our preaching, our practice, merely ape the culture s love of money, power, and privilege? The way of faith reaches too high; its paths are too arduous. Yet in daunting times, let us recall Peter, who himself endured the same. Peter does get behind Jesus but does not give up because of his failure. He follows to Jerusalem, even though he fears. He follows to Gethsemane, even though he sleeps there. He follows to the Passion, even though he hides. He waits for Christ in the upper room, even though he is shamed by his betrayals. May the church Peter once led, despite all its harrowing trials, have faith to do the same. John Kavanaugh, SJ

6 LECTURAS DE HOY Primera lectura -- Me sedujiste, Señor, y me dejé seducir por ti (Jeremías 20:7-9). Salmo -- Mi alma está sedienta de ti, Señor, mi Dios (Salmo 62). Segunda lectura -- No se dejan llevar por las cosas del mundo, más bien transfórmense por la renovación de su mente (Romanos 12:1-2). Evangelio -- Si quieres seguirme, renuncia a ti mismo, carga con tu cruz y sígueme (Mateo 16:21-27). LECTURAS DE LA SEMANA Lunes 1 Tes 4:13-18; Sal 95:1, 3-5, 11-13; Lc 4:16-30, o las lecturas de la Misa "Por la santificación del trabajo" Martes 1 Tes 5:1-6, 9-11; Sal 26:1, 4, 13-14; Lc 4:31-37 Miércoles Col 1:1-8; Sal 51:10-11; Lc 4:38-44 Jueves Col 1:9-14; Sal 97:2-6; Lc 5:1-11 Viernes Miq 5:1-4a o Rom 8:28-30; Sal 12:6 Mt 1:1-16, [18-23] Sábado Col 1:21-23; Sal 53:3-4, 6, 8; Lc 6:1-5 Domingo Ez 33:7-9; Sal 94:1-2, 6-9; Rom 13:8-10; Mt 18:15-20 Te invita a vivir un retiro de parejas. Para mas informacion Sábado 30 de Sept. 8:30AM a 4:00PM SIGUIENDO A CRISTO Si alguna vez te jugaron una broma desagradable y algo risible a la vez, entonces comprenderás cómo Jeremías se siente hoy cuando le dice a Dios "me sedujiste, Señor, y me dejé seducir". Ya lo imaginamos sacudiendo la cabeza con una sonrisa desconsolada, pero con el enojo latente en su voz. De igual manera, Pedro piensa que Jesús lo está "embaucando" cuando éste comienza a explicar que ser el Mesías significa sufrir y morir, y ser seguidor del Mesías significa cargar la cruz y hacer lo mismo. Jeremías trata de negar la voluntad de Dios para él al tratar de permanecer callado; Pedro -quien ha sido hecho cimiento de la Iglesiatotalmente niega la enseñanza de Jesús, por lo que hoy es llamado "Satanás". Por suerte para nosotros, Jeremías se llega a dar cuenta de que tener la Palabra de Dios en el corazón significa que será inútil tratar de permanecer en silencio, aunque ello signifique el desprecio y la burla de los que te rodean. Felizmente Pedro al final volvió a la fe que profesó en el Evangelio de la semana pasada, y llegó a comprender nuestra necesidad, como bautizados seguidores de Cristo, de seguir su camino, aunque signifique seguirlo hasta la muerte. TRADICIONES DE NUESTRA FE Muchos católicos afroamericanos son miembros de los Caballeros de san Pedro Claver, organización fundada para ellos en 1909, cuando el racismo no les permitía participar en organizaciones euroestadounidenses. Esta organización toma su nombre de un jesuita español del siglo XVII, Pedro, quien llegó a Cartagena (Colombia) en 1610 y se escandalizó ante la trata de esclavos en el continente americano. A pesar de censuras papales en contra de la esclavitud esta pecaminosa costumbre seguía robando humanidad a los africanos. Pedro se consagró al servicio de ellos, recibiéndolos con caridad, comida y alivio apenas llegaban en los barcos. Pedro no pudo liberar a los esclavos pero si se dedicó a servirlos y convertirlos. Él preparaba catequistas de entre los mismos africanos para que pudieran cristianizar a los recién llegados. Pedro Claver sufrió muchos insultos y calumnias por reunir a los africanos en iglesias y en especial, por darles los sacramentos cristianos. Sus propios superiores, dejándose llevar por las críticas de los criollos, lo castigaban por el trabajo que hacía con los esclavos. Por tal razón se autonombró como "Pedro Claver, de los negros, esclavo para siempre". Mi agradecimiento personal a aquellos de ustedes que se pusieron de pie para invertir en el futuro de San Juan.. Si aún no lo ha hecho, le pido con urgencia que envíe su "FORMULARIO DE PAGO" (PLEDGE FORM) antes del 20 de agosto. Se le enviará un recordatorio por correo. Por favor, sepa, estaría muy feliz de reunirme con usted personalmente para discutir con usted el compromiso de su campaña. Mis sinceros agradecimientos a todos ustedes que ya hicieron una promesa de sacrificio a nuestra parroquia. San Juan Bautista, ruega por nosotros. En Cristo, Fr. Tom Kunnel Sr. y Sra. Fernando Andrade Felicitaciones a usted y que se le bendiga con amor y felicidad por siempre. Para los cursos pre-bautismales llamar a:.alex Aguilar y Natalia Lemus Los cursos se dan previa cita los martes 7pm y domingo 11am.

7 P A R I S H M I N I S T R I E S & C H A I R Buildings & Grounds Pat Miele, Alex Aguilar, Buzz Johnson Deanery TBD Eucharistic Adoration Dcn Robert Pang Health Mary Loftus Hispanic Community Mario Zamora, Marili Mendoza Palma Hospitality Robin Miller Men s Club Bill Loftus. Ralph Olsen Ushers Jake Miraglia Music Elise Espinosa, Chris & Carolyn Yates, Spanish Choir Carlos Cerna, William Martinez Outreach Maria Nest Parish Council Scott Giblin Parish Worship Dcn John Cunningham Religious Education Kathleen Dunn RCIA Dcn Robert Pang, Jose Bolaños Right to Life Scott Giblin Social TBD Spiritual Life Johanna Krumm St. Vincent De Paul Fr. Tom Kunnel PARISH COUNCIL Kathleen Dunn, Scott Giblin. Paul Johnson, Andrew Lee, Martina Lynch, William Martinez, Maria Nest, Ralph Olsen, May Pang, Alex Flores, Carolyn Yates, Janet Zahn, Rafael Mazariego T R U S T E E S Phil McCartin James Pontone Our Sacramental Life Baptism: Please call the Rectory well in advance of the expected day of Baptism to arrange an appointment for an interview. Pre-baptismal meeting for parents is required. Godparents must be confirmed, practicing Catholics. Generally Baptisms are celebrated the third Sunday of each month at 12:00 pm. Reconciliation: Confessions are heard from 4:30-5:00 pm on Saturday. You may also make an appointment with Fr. Tom. Spanish confessions is available from 12:30 1:00 PM on Sundays. Marriage: Marriages should be arranged at least six months in advance. Participation in Pre-Cana is essential. Please call the Rectory to schedule an appointment with Fr. Tom. Anointing of the Sick: Before you enter the hospital for elective surgery or other serious treatment, and for those who have need of spiritual healing. In an emergency, please call Fr. Tom s mobile Holy Orders: Any gentleman interested in exploring the question of vocation to the priesthood or the permanent diaconate should contact Fr. Tom Kunnel. We would also be happy to direct anyone interested in living their lives as Religious Sisters or Brothers. Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults: For instruction for Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist for adults and to learn about Catholic Faith. If interested please contact Dcn Robert Pang. For more details and forms Parish Regis- tration: All adults (over age 21) should register in the parish themselves and should use envelopes or parishpay.com. Tithing is 5% of income. This regis-