THE PARISH OF SAINT MATTHEW/ ST. STANISLAUS KOSTKA / OUR LADY OF PERPETUAL HELP December 6, 2015 Second Sunday of Advent SAINT MATTHEW SATURDAY, DECEMBER 5 5:00 pm Mabel Pollock (decd) req. by Daughter Claudia SUNDAY, DECEMBER 6 8:00 am Charles Murray (decd) req. by Murray Family 9:00 am Tony Grascia (decd) req. by Albert Tino & Family 12:00 pm Marie & August Arruda (decd) req. by Sister Mildred Hufnagel MONDAY, DECEMBER 7 6:45 am Keenan Family (Liv. & Decd) req. by Fr. Fernan 9:00 am Florence Jane Questo (decd) req. by Jacqueline & Tony Questo TUESDAY, DECEMBER 8 6:45 am Inez Picani (decd) req. by C. Aaron & A. M. Chinnery 9:00 am Helen & John Wargo (decd) req. by Daughter Mildred Hufnagel 7:00 pm Anthony Grascia (decd) req. by Loreta & Paul Capuano WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9 6:45 am Carlos Demler (decd) req. by Cajas Family 9:00 am William Di Rocco (decd) req. by His Mother Diane THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10 6:45 am James Maguire (decd) req. by Beverly Merrigan 9:00 am Marie Elizabeth Sellenthin (decd) req. by Grascia Family FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11 6:45 am Elvira Angelori (decd) req by Donald Wemer 9:00 am Dave Treacy (decd) req. by Treacy Family SATURDAY, DECEMBER 12 9:00 am Frank Campson-Tom Fogarty (decd) req. by The Campson Family 5:00 pm Edward Illmensee Sr. (decd) req by Walter & Joan Haubold SUNDAY, DECEMBER 13 8:00 am Tony Grascia (decd) req. by Bassmann Family 9:00 am Bess Sachar (decd) req. by St. Stanislaus Kostka Rosary Society 12:00 pm George Zahurak Sr.(decd) req. by His Family OUR LADY OF PERPETUAL HELP SATURDAY, DECEMBER 5 5:00 pm Rene Verna-Rita Pierre (decd) req. by Their Daughter SUNDAY, DECEMBER 6 8:30 am Florence Jane Questo (decd) req. by Jacqueline & Tony Questo 10:00 am Josie & Anthony Gagliano (decd) req by Camille Gutierrez & Family MONDAY, DECEMBER 7 8:00 am Easty Family (liv) req. by Lorraine Easty TUESDAY, DECEMBER 8 8:00 am Johnson Family (liv) req. by Lorraine Easty WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9 8:00 am Akhavan Family (liv) req. by Lorraine Easty THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10 8:00 am Special Intentions for Kay LaBella (liv) FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11 8:00 am Special Intentions for Bonnie Taylor (liv) SATURDAY, DECEMBER 12 8:00 am Romeo Costantino (decd) req. by The Family 5:00 pm Patrick Caporale (decd) SUNDAY, DECEMBER 13 8:30 am Michael Moran (decd) req. by Arceri Family 10:30 am Louise Ciancio (decd) req. by Frank Ciancio
First Reading: Baruch 5:1-9 DECEMBER 6, 2015 - SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT Baruch tells Jerusalem to rejoice because of God's plan to bring his exiled people back to Jerusalem. He emphasizes God's power and describes his plan to lower mountains and fill gorges to make their journey easier. Second Reading: Philippians 1:4-6, 8-11 Paul encourages the Philippians to love each other completely. He hopes that their love and understanding will continue to grow so that they are prepared for the return of Christ. Gospel: Luke 3:1-6 Luke describes the work John the Baptist carried out to help people prepare for the birth of Jesus. Luke also discusses who was in power at the time, which helped historians to figure out the exact dates of certain events, including Jesus' birth. WEEKLY COLLECTIONS - Thank You! SAINT MATTHEW 2015 2014 November 22 $4219 $5046 Adult Attendance.467 504 November 29..... $4141 $4441 Adult Attendance...433 458 OUR LADY OF PERPETUAL HELP 2015 2014 November 22..$3296 $4276 Adult Attendance...364 446 November 29......$3569 $3186 Adult Attendance..325 348 This Weekend s Second Collection is for Church Maintenance & Repairs. A FRESH PERSPECTIVE ON THE SUNDAY READINGS HIS WORD TODAY by Rev. William J. Reilly Second Sunday of Advent - December 6, 2015 In every prayer I utter, I rejoice as I plead on your behalf, at the way you have all continually helped promote the gospel from the very first day. I am sure of this much, that he who has begun the good work in you will carry it through to completion right up to the day of Christ Jesus It is my wish that you may be found rich in the harvest of justice which Jesus Christ has ripened in you, to the glory and praise of God. Greeting card writers cannot compare with such beautiful words offered today by Saint Paul. He reveals the content of his prayer, prayer for others, tracing the journey of members of this first Christian community. He made them feel good, reflecting on what he saw in them, and offered his thanks to God for what He had done for them. Today the message is no different as we direct our focus to the advent message of John, to prepare the way of the Lord. We do so by straightening our lives, ironing out the bumps in our road, and seriously accept God s challenge for us in Advent 2015. The good work He has begun must continue as we live the message Paul sent to the Philippians. When worrying about what to get others and do for others, take a hint at putting Paul s words into practice for yourself and those for whom you care. John went about proclaiming announcing a call for change, personally and collectively. The church echoes the same message for us today. Make this second week special.
Reconciliation Monday - December 14th St. Matthew Church (Hastings): 4:00pm - 6:00pm Cardinal Dolan designated Monday, December 14, 2015 as Reconciliation Monday for Lent. All parishes in the Archdiocese will have priests available to hear confessions from 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM. This includes all the parishes of the Archdiocese of New York, as well as the parishes of the Diocese of Brooklyn and the Diocese of Rockville Center. Confessions will be held at the following times: Our Lady of Perpetual Help (Ardsley): 6:00pm - 8:00pm (Please note the time change in Ardsley from the time printed in the Christmas Folder) Please keep in your prayers the ill of our parish especially: Peter Rasulo, Christopher Liva, Richard Dosin Sr., John Evans, Susan Sullivan Manuele, Julia Rae, Mary Michna, Richard Ryan Sr., Paula Piluso, John Trevor Dabenigno, Luisa Lopez, Rosemary Distelhurst, Kay LaBella, & Bonnie Taylor And for those who have died marked by the sign of faith, especially: If you know of any parishioners who are ill and would like to be visited by a priest, please contact the rectory at 914-478-2822. Names will be left on the sick list for 4 weeks. Please feel free to call the rectory to add names of immediate family members at any time. THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION of the BLESSED VIRGIN MARY A HOLY DAY OF OBLIGATION Mass Schedule: St. Matthew, Hastings On Hudson: 6:45am, 9:00am & 7:00pm Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Ardsley: 8:00am & 7:00pm This Week s Candle Memorials : St. Mathew Tabernacle Candle In Memory of Frank Capson req by Gina St. Matthew Blessed Mother Candle In Memory of Dave Treacy req. by The Usher Family St. Matthew Sacred Heart Candle In Memory of Joe Lemischak req. by Children & Grandchildren Our Lady of Perpetual Help Tabernacle Candle In Memory of Michael Potenza req. by Marie Potenza Lectors Workbooks for 2016 are available and can be picked up in the Sacristy. Like To Sing? Why not consider joining the St. Matthew Choir. Practices are held on Thursday nights in the Church. Contact Danny or Alice in the Choir Loft if interested.
CHRISTMAS FLOWER ENVELOPES & CHRISTMAS OFFERING ENVELOPES If you would like to make a donation towards the Christmas Flowers in memory of a loved one, please use the Christmas Flower Envelope that you can find in your monthly envelope packet. There are also extra Christmas Flower Envelopes on the ushers tables in the rear of the churches. The Christmas Flower Envelope and the Christmas Offering Envelope can be dropped into any collection on any weekend. Please note: We WILL NOT be using the solid green Christmas Mass Remembrance Envelopes. The St. Stanislaus Holy Rosary Society is holding their annual Christmas luncheon on Sunday, December 13 at 2:00pm at Sam s Restaurant, 126 Main Street, Dobbs Ferry. Cost is $35 per person. All parishioners are invited. For reservations please call Ann Quillen at 914-478-3264 by Wednesday, December 9th. A collection will be taken up in memory of our deceased members and donated to Rosary Hill Nursing Home. St. Matthew Altar Society had another successful fundraiser. A special THANK YOU to our generous parishioners, for all of the cakes, pies, bread and goodies they made. Thank you to all the Volunteers for their time and effort. Congratulations to the winner of the 50/50, Tim Sansverie. The 50/50 netted $446, Tim won $233. Tim Sansverie is a member of the St. Matthew Parish. The CHRISTMAS TOY BOX is once again in the back of St. Matthew s Church. We will be collecting toys for children of all ages as well as new winter clothing (sweat shirts, socks, hats, gloves, scarves, etc.). If you would like to help the less fortunate in our area, please purchase a new gift and return it to the box unwrapped. All toys/gifts must be returned to the box by Sunday, December 20th. There will also be a CHRISTMAS TOY BOX in the back of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church beginning this weekend. The Mass Book for 2016 is open through March 18th. If you would like to request a Mass for a loved one, please contact the rectory. There are still Masses available for 2015 at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church. If you would like to reserve a Mass in memory of a loved one, please contact the church office at 914-478-2822. ST. STANISLAUS KOSTKA COFFEE HOUR takes place every Sunday after the 9:00 AM Family Mass. The St. Stanislaus Kostka Society welcomes all parishioners to join them.
Angelica Women s Chamber Choir presents a concert, In the Moon of Wintertime at St. Matthew s Church Saturday, December 19th 7:30 pm. The program features medieval, renaissance and contemporary Yuletide selections, including O magnum mysterium by Cristóbal de Morales; the rarely performed Dime el Camino by Emilio Dublanc; Eleanor Daley s haunting setting of The Huron Carol; Jeff Enn s Da Pacem; and John Tavener s The Lamb. Joining Angelica is guest artist Rex Benincasa on percussion. Suggested donation : $20 adult $10 Seniors & Students. Visit www.angelicavoices.org for more information. ST. MATTHEW/OUR LADY OF PERPETUAL HELP CHRISTMAS PAGEANTS St. Matthew Christmas Pageant will be held on Sunday, December 20th at 12 noon. Two mandatory rehearsals: December 6th & 13th, 10am - 11:15am with the final rehearsal on December 20th at 10am. All rehearsals are in St. Matthew s Church. Our Lady of Perpetual Help Christmas Pageant will be held on Saturday, December 19th at 5:00pm. Two mandatory rehearsals: December 9th & 16th, 4:30pm - 6:30pm at OLPH School. The final rehearsal will be at 4:00pm at OLPH Church on Saturday, December 19th. ALTAR SERVERS & JUNIOR LECTORS Any child in 3rd grade or higher who wishes to become an Altar Server or Junior Lector is encouraged to contact Fr. Matthew Yeboah. The next practice will be held on Thursday, December 17th from 4:00pm - 5:00pm in St. Matthew Church. Children from both churches are encouraged to join this important ministry. Questions, contact Fr. Matthew Yeboah. CHRISTMAS BREAD/OPLATKI BREAD The breaking of the Christmas wafer is a custom that began in Poland in the 10th century and is practiced by people of Polish ancestry around the world. It is considered the most ancient and beloved of Polish traditions. The Christmas wafer symbolizes the unity of the family, which many consider to be the main pillar of society. According to beliefs, the bond of unity should exist between family members. The father is seen as the link in the unbroken chain of One Body, One Bread, One Christ, and One Church, while other family members join him in this eternal procession. The wafer also symbolizes forgiveness and reconciliation. Wafers can be found on the tables in the rear of the Church. A $2.00 offering is suggested per packet. Thursday, December 24: Christmas Eve Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Ardsley: 6:00 pm & 9:00 pm St. Matthew, Hastings-On-Hudson: 4:30 pm & 10:00 pm Friday, December 25: Christmas Day Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Ardsley: 8:30 am & 10:30 am St. Matthew, Hastings-On-Hudson: 10:00 am & 12:00 Noon Friday, January 1, 2016 : New Year s Day Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Ardsley: 8:30 am & 10:30 am St. Matthew, Hastings-On-Hudson: 10:00 am & 12:00 Noon