Church of St. Ephrem Parish Staff 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, In Residence Rev. James Krische, Parochial Vicar Ms. Eileen Maguire, Director of Faith Formation Mr. Thomas Marchesiello, Director of Music/Liturgy 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 Sunday, March 12, 2017 Second Sunday of Lent Rectory Office Faith Formation Office Spirituality Center Christian Awareness Program 929 Bay Ridge Parkway Office in School Room 307 935 Bay Ridge Parkway 929 Bay Ridge Parkway 718-833-1010 718-745-7486 718-921-9518 718-833-1143 Fax 718-921-5232 stephremreligioused@gmail.com St. Ephrem School 924 74th Street, Brooklyn, New York 11228 718-833-1440 Fax 718-745-5301 ww.stephremschool.org 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 Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession) Saturday 3:30 4:30 PM. By appointment for all other times. 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. Parish Registration All are welcomed and invited to register at the Parish Office and participate in our parish. 929 Bay Ridge Parkway Brooklyn, New York 11228 www.stephremparish-brooklyn.org 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 www.pre-cana.org for complete information about marriage preparation in the Diocese. 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. 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 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.
Second Sunday of Lent March 12, 2017 Jesus face shone like the sun. Last week, we heard about Jesus temptation in the desert. Today s gospel presents the transfiguration. Such contrasts these first two Sundays of Lent offer us! Lord, it is good that we are here. In both temptation and transfiguration we are with Jesus. The promise of the gospel and of Jesus life is that resisting temptation leads us to a glory that is far greater than the false promise temptation sets before us. Resisting temptation is our journey to transfiguration, our participation in Jesus own glory. And, Lord, how good it is that we are here! Jesus commands the disciples to Rise, and do not be afraid. The journey of discipleship has its dangers (temptations), but we still venture forth on the journey to eternal glory. We trust in God s guidance (given through law, prophets, teachings of Jesus, Gospel living modeled by others) and surrender ourselves into God s hands. All we need to do is call out with Peter, Lord, it is good that we are here. We are with Jesus through our own practice of taking some time every day to read God s word in Scripture, through the good modeling of discipleship by another, through the guidance we seek in spiritual direction, through the disciplines we choose for Lent. There are many ways we share in Jesus glorified Presence. Being here with Jesus means that we keep our eyes focused on the vision of Jesus transfigured and know that God, in great love and divine mercy, intends that we share in the same glory. We cannot lose sight of Jesus himself. Lord, it is good that we are her. This weekend I will be speaking about the 2017 Annual Catholic Appeal, in which Bishop DiMarzio is asking us to consider making a pledge or onetime donation. This is a way in which we can help our brothers and sisters throughout our Diocese. Our parish goal remains the same, $104,459.00, and any monies collected over goal are returned to St. Ephrems parish. I am grateful for all your support and continued generosity. Please be assured of my prayers in return. In the Good Shepherd, Fr. Robert March 5, 2017 333 Envelopes $10,070.50 Black & Indian Missions 157 Envelopes $ 2,567.00 We Share (Online Giving) 8 Families $220.00 Mass Attendance 861 Thank you for your generosity to St. Ephrem Parish! Parish Goal: $980,000.00 Amount Pledged: $1,104,629.00 Paid to Date: $598,216.07 Diocese of Brooklyn Annual Catholic Appeal 2017 Live in Faith Give in Love We are encouraged in a special way in this 2017 Annual Catholic Appeal to help our brothers and sisters in our Diocese who directly benefit from our generosity, as we live in Faith and Give in Love. Our Parish Goal: $104,459.00 All monies collected over goal is returned to St. Ephrem Parish Since we are still in the redemption phase of Generations of Faith Capital Campaign. As we begin the Season of Lent we are being asked to consider the needs of our brothers and sisters in the Diocese of Brooklyn and Queens. Christian Awareness Program (CAP) Our next meeting is on March 28th at 9:30 AM in the Rectory Meeting Room 2
For the recovery of: Christina Flood, Miriam Ligammari, Julia Bruzzese Saturday, March 11th 8:45 AM Richard Krische 5:00 PM William Stamatis Bagnato Family Duffy Family Rosa & Vincent Comparato & Dominick Biondolillo Rita Lento Sunday, March 12th 8:00 AM Joseph Portelli 10:00 AM Frank Valenza 12 Noon Gloria Mack & Lynda Yarrish (Living) 5:00PM For the People of St. Ephrem Monday, March 13th 7:00 AM Harry Pritting 8:45 AM Winifred Fugowski Tuesday, March 14th 7:00 AM Ann Cummings 8:45 AM The Deceased Member of the Pologruto Family Wednesday, March 15th 7:00 AM Carmela Gramano 8:45 AM Giulio Fragomenl Thursday, March16th 7:00 AM For the People of St. Ephrem 8:45 AM Jessie Doolan Friday, March 17th 7:00 AM Peter Murray 8:45 AM Margaret DeFilippo Saturday, March 18th 8:45 AM Kevin O Connor 5:00 PM Kathleen O Connor AnnaMarie McMahon Alva Wolland Winifred Fugowski John Carr Sunday, March 19th 8:00 AM Jozef Cupela 10:00 AM Janet Maffia 12 Noon Francesca Carioti 5:00PM For the People of St. Ephrem The Bread & Wine In Loving Memory of: Maria Gheller Requested by JoAnn & Frank Spadaro Altar Candles & Sanctuary Lamp In Loving Memory of: Rita Lento Requested by JoAnn & Frank Spadaro Bishop DiMarzio has given to all Catholics of the Diocese of Brooklyn, dispensation from abstinence from meat, Friday, March 17th. All who make use of this dispensation are to engage in another sacrifice or charitable act that day. Feast of St. Patrick Friday, March 17th Following the 8:45 AM Mass and Stations of the Cross all are invited to join us in the Rectory Dinning Room for light refreshments. Solemnity of St. Joseph Monday, March 20th Following the 8:45 AM Mass all are invited to join us in the Rectory Dinning Room for light refreshments. April 5th at St. Ephrem School at 6:00 P.M. Please R.S.V.P. By March 31st to Judy Chiarchiaro (718) 748-1164 3
FAITH FORMATION & YOUTH MINISTRY Adult Confirmation Classes The Sacrament of Confirmation for Adults is celebrated on the Feast of Pentecost on Sunday, June 4, 2017. If you have been Baptized and received First Holy Communion, and would like to be Confirmed please call Eileen Maguire, at the Office of Faith Formation (718) 745-7486 or email her at: stephremreligioused@gmail.com SPIRITUALITY & DEVOTIONS Center Events. Spiritual Direction Sister Ann Martha (718) 921-9518 Lenten Retreat THE JOURNEY/ MY ENCOUNTER WITH JESUS Tuesday, March 14th at 1:00 PM Bereavement Support Group Monday, March 13th at 7:00 PM Exploring the Sunday Readings Thursday, March 16th at 10 :00 AM All are welcome! We meet each Monday at 7:30 PM Faith Formation Office (Room 307) New School The topic for discussion is: Scrutinies: Looking Within All those that are beginning their journey towards the Easter Sacraments will gather each week. All are welcome to come and join in the discussion. Please contact us at: (718) 745-7486 or Email us at: stephremreligioused@gmail.com Choir Schedule March 19th 10:00 Children Choir 12 Noon Adult Choir Sunday Evenings 5:00 PM Mass Followed by Youth Group at 6:00 PM Food will be served Grades 7 to 12 For more information please email: stephremyouthministry@gmail.com @stephremyouth 4 Friday s During Lent Following the 8:45 A.M. Mass and 7:30 P.M. With the children of our parish Thursday, March 16th 1:30 P.M. All Are Welcome!
ST. EPHREM SCHOOL NEWS Registration for 2017-18 Is now open at St. Ephrem School Respecting the Faith, Embracing the Future AFFORDABLE EXCELLENCE! To learn about the benefits of a Catholic education, please contact Mr. Craig Mercado, Principal 718.833.1440 Scholarship information is available at: www.futuresineducation.org 924 74th Street Brooklyn, NY 11228 www.stephremschool.org St. Ephrem School Ladies Night Out Thursday, March 30th 6:30 PM to 11:00 PM Gargiulo s Restaurant The evening includes: Cocktail Hour Three Course Dinner Wine, Beer, Soda, Coffee & Dessert $80.00 Per Person For information please call (718) 748-6610 We're saving a seat for you! RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS The Scrutinies These Rituals are celebrated on the third, fourth and fifth Sundays of Lent. As Easter draws near our elect and candidates of our parish, are asked to scrutinize or examine their lives so that they may successfully complete their preparation and find Christ through the Sacraments. Next weekend at the Saturday, 5:00 PM Mass we will pray that God gives our elect and candidates a true spirit of repentance, a fuller sense of sin and the true freedom that comes with being a child of God. Please keep in your prayers our elect and candidates: Amanda Basile, Angela Chan, Michael Lamanna, Emira Marra, Elizabeth Mebus, Celia Monteiro Lauren Palumbo Henry Wynn For these young adults who have been preparing for the past two years. Dominik Balon Natasha Serrano Ashley Sosa Juan Sosa Congratulations Allie Giordano our 7th grade student for winning 2nd place in the Diocese of Brooklyn Junior High Math Bee 5
PARISH & COMMUNITY EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES Friendship Club All Seniors 55 years and older are invited to join us on Wednesday s in the Msgr. Peter V. Kain Hall 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM (Doors open at 10:30) All are welcome and bring a friend! St. Ephrem Youth Program will be hosting our Annual Hoop-It-Up basketball tournament on Friday, March 31st & Saturday, April 1st. Hoop-It-Up is 3 on 3, co-ed, half court basketball. Registration fee is $30.00 per player Online registration only https://sites.google.com/site/stephremyouth/. There are a limited number of slots available and only the first 12 full teams in each division will be guaranteed a spot. If you have any questions please contact Joe Guarino by email joeguarin@aol.com. Sunday, March 26th 1:00 PM Kick Off! Congratulations to our Parishioners Deputy Marshals: Kelly MacLellan Byrnes Mary Molloy Donnelly Kristen Hayes 4th Annual Blood Drive In Memory of Mathiew Johnson Thursday, March 16th 3:00 PM 7:30 PM April 17th 21st St. Ephrem Msgr. Peter V. Kain Hall 9:00 AM 3:00 PM Boys & Girls Ages 7-14 $225.00 for the week or $50.00 per day. Sibling Discount $200.00 per child. Early Drop-Off 8:00 AM $70.00 for the week or $20.00 per day. For Information please contact: Brian Nigro: canigro13@gmail.com (347) 404-3657 Limited Availability: 50 Kids Max 6 P.S. 102 The Bay View School 211 72nd Street, Brooklyn, N.Y. Enter on 71st Street & Ridge Blvd. Inspire Holy Hour Dedicated to Vocations Friday, March 17th 7 PM-10 PM Most Precious Blood Church 70 Bay 47th St. Brooklyn, NY 11214 #INSPIRAHOLYHOUR