Church of St. Theresa

Similar documents
Church of St. Theresa

Church of St. Theresa

Church of St. Theresa

Church of St. Theresa

Church of St. Theresa

Church of St. Theresa

Church of St. Theresa

Church of St. Theresa

Church of St. Theresa

Church of St. Theresa

Church of St. Theresa

Church of St. Theresa

Church of St. Theresa

Church of St. Theresa

Church of St. Theresa

Church of St. Theresa

Church of St. Theresa

Church of St. Theresa

Church of St. Theresa

Church of St. Theresa

CHURCH OF ST. THERESA, BRONX FROM THE DESK OF FATHER DERIVAN Last week in this bulletin and continuing today and next week, we are reflecting on our h

Church of St. Theresa

Church of St. Theresa

Church of St. Theresa

Church of St. Theresa

Church of St. Theresa

Church of St. Theresa

Church of St. Theresa

Church of St. Theresa

Church of St. Theresa

Church of St. Theresa

Church of St. Theresa

Church of St. Theresa

Church of St. Theresa

Church of St. Theresa

Church of St. Theresa

Church of St. Theresa

Church of St. Theresa A Caring Community Reaching Out To One Another in Christ SUNDAY MASSES Saturday at 5:00pm, Sunday at 7:30am, 9:00am (Italian), 1

Church of St. Theresa

Church of St. Theresa

Longest Night Service at St Mary with St Alban, Teddington

CHRISTMAS MIDNIGHT MASS HOMILY 2018

Church of St. Theresa

DECEMBER 17, 2017 Third Sunday of Advent

Church of St. Theresa

Church of St. Theresa

Christingle and Informal Communion Service

Tell Me The Story of Jesus

Christ, the real reason of Christmas. Dec 23rd, 2018 Fourth Sunday Of Advent. Weekend Mass Schedule

The hospitality team truly needs to know if you need a ride to the airport. Please sign up in the hospitality suite.

WELCOME PROGRAM. Angels we have heard on high. O Come All Ye Faithful. O Holy Night. Hark the Herald. Item: Amazing Grace. Item: Mary Did You Know

ORDER OF WORSHIP December 24, 2016 Christmas Eve Lessons & Carols Candlelight Service

Welcome to the Cathedral Church of All Saints DIOCESE OF NOVA SCOTIA AND PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND ANGLICAN CHURCH OF CANADA.

Christmas Mass During the Day

Christmas Mass during the Night

143 East 43 rd Street, New York, N.Y Rectory Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 10am-5:30pm

As a star its kind1 ed ray,.mary doth her Child display, Like in nature: Still undimmed the Star shines on, And the Virgin bears a Son, Pure as ever.

Church of St. Theresa

Book concept and design by Mark Claus. Illustrations and meditation prayers by the children of the Vienna English Speaking Catholic Community.

International Anglican Congregation Immanuel Church-on-the-Hill Episcopal/Anglican Alexandria, Virginia

HOLY EUCHARIST. Sunday, December 24, 2017

December 24, 2017 Fourth Sunday of Advent Epiphany Church is Handicapped Accessible

Call To Worship Luke 2

ZION UNITED CHURCH McKEE S MILLS PASTORAL CHARGE THE UNITED CHURCH OF CANADA

The Great LATCH Carol Sing

DECEMBER 24, 2018 CHRISTMAS FAMILY CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICE

Is born BETHEL LUTHERAN CHURCH. Christmas Eve Worship. 9:15 a.m.

Sign of the Cross. Hail Mary. Glory Be. Our Father. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

SAINT RICHARD PARISH-

2. Shepherds, in the field abiding, watching o er your flocks by night, God on earth is now residing, yonder shines the infant light.

THE WORSHIP OF GOD Build Your Own Christmas Nativity

S A I N T C H A R L E S B O R R O M E O P A R I S H C O M M U N I T Y

And there lying in a manger, Is your Saviour and Lord. 01 REJOICE AND SING 03 IN THE HIGHEST HEAVEN

St. Margaret Mary Church 80 Hayes Road Saturday Vigil: 5:00 pm Sunday: 10:30 am, 12:00 noon Confessions: Wednesday 6:00-7:00 pm.

The Baptism of the Lord 11 January 2015 Saint Luke Church, Whitestone, New York

June 17, th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Behold, the virgin shall

St. Peter, Prince of the Apostles Church

NOVENA TO THE SACRED HEART OF JESUS (Friday)

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 136 Capitol Avenue, Hartford, CT Co-pastors Rev. Jan Hawkins and Rev. Dr. Thomas Hawkins

CONTEMPORARY WORSHIP SERVICE SECOND SUNDAY IN ADVENT DECEMBER 10 10:30 A.M. THE MESSIAH IS COMING

LAS POSADAS CHRISTMAS SOCIAL LIFE NIGHT OUTLINE GATHER

this. We have come to hear those words tonight, those magnificent metaphors about peace about turning swords into plowshares spears into pruning

Church of St. Joseph. Welcome To Our Parish. Second Sunday of Advent December 10, 2017

Sundays during the 11:00am Mass. In the Parish Center. Registration is now open! Call the PSR Office at ext. 104

First Presbyterian Church Welcomes you to worship

Pre-Service Music. Steve Angrisano. Emmanuel. Midnight Mass Veni Emmanuel. READING Luke 1: PM Mary Did You Know. Mark Lowry and Buddy Greene

Church of St. Theresa

Bayshore Gardens Community Church. Believing, Again Gaining Hope Caring Relationships Christ Jesus

Stamp House Carol Service

ADULT CATECHUMENATE (RCIA) A faith formation program with various stages of adult Christian initiation. Call the parish office for information.

Rev. Austin Titus Pastor

CHRIST THE KING CATHOLIC PARISH

Love Came Down. O Little Town of Bethlehem

* B o l d t y p e d e n o t e s c o l l e c t i v e r e s p o n s e.

shepherd Saint Michael the Archangel Roman Catholic Church The Way of the Kingdom is the Way of the Cross. sheep they were like without a

In the spirit of reconciliation let us acknowledge our relationship with the Indigenous people of this land.

Church of St. Theresa

July SIXTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME. CHURCH NAME: Saint Joseph Parish, Kingston, NY 12401

In your prayers, please remember. those in need of healing, Especially:

Transcription:

Church of St. Theresa A Caring Community Reaching Out To One Another in Christ SUNDAY MASSES Saturday at 5:00pm, Sunday at 7:30am, 9:00am(Italian), 10:30am(Family Mass) 12:15pm, 1:30PM(Spanish) & 5:00pm WEEKDAY MASSES Monday thru Saturday 8:00am & 9:00am DEVOTIONS Miraculous Medal & St. Theresa Novenas after Monday morning Masses St. Anthony Novena after Tuesday morning Masses. Thursday 12 Noon Mass & Eucharistic Adoration Exposition & Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament First Friday 7:30pm to 8:30pm followed by silent adoration until 9:00pm. 2855 St. Theresa Avenue, Bronx, New York CONFESSION Saturdays from 4:00pm to 5:00pm and by appointment BAPTISMS Baptisms take place most Sundays after the 1:30pm Mass. We ask parents to attend the Baptism preparation meeting. Register at the Rectory for the meeting. The date of the Baptism will be discussed at the Baptism meeting. MARRIAGES Call the Rectory at least six months in advance of the wedding date to make an appointment with parish clergy. Rev. Msgr. Thomas Derivan, Pastor Rev. Joseph Ligory, Parochial Vicar Rev. Thomas D Angelo, In Residence Msgr. Neil Graham, Retired, Spanish Mass Rev. Robert Imbelli, Weekend Associate Rev. Charles Szivos, Parochial Vicar Deacon Anthony P. Cassaneto Mrs. Josephine Fanelli, Principal Mrs. Marie McCarrick, Dir. of Religious Education RECTORY: 7188921900/1901 WEBSITE: www.sttheresachurchbronx.org SCHOOL: 7187923688 FAX: 7188921146 EMAIL: rectorystc@aol.com RELIGIOUS EDUCATION: 7187928434

CHURCH OF ST. THERESA, BRONX A CHRISTMAS MESSAGE FROM YOUR PRIESTS: It was Christmas Eve long ago in the village of Oberndorf in Germany. The young priest in St. Nicholas Church, Father Joseph Mohr, had been planning all day for Christmas Mass. He wanted the Mass to be a special moment of grace for his parishioners. He wanted it to be a special Christmas. Little did Father Mohr know how special that Christmas would be. Just a few hours before the time for Christmas Mass, the young priest discovered something he never even imagined could happen: the church organ did not work. Not a sound came from it, not a note. What would St. Nicholas Church be without music for Christmas Mass? But instead of panicking, Father Mohr had an idea or was it an inspiration? He went to his room and picked up a Christmas poem he had written two years before. Then he went to a school teacher, who was also his organist and choirmaster, Franz Gruber, and presented the problem to him. The Church organ was not working and there was no hope of fixing it before Christmas Mass. And then Father Mohr suggested a solution. Could choirmaster Gruber compose the music for this hymn which Father Mohr had written? Could he do it quickly so that the choir could learn it in time for Christmas Mass? And so it happened. Franz Gruber composed the music to be played on guitar; the choir learned the hymn; and the most beloved of Christmas carols Silent Night was sung at that Christmas Mass in Oberndorf in 1818. It will be sung here today. It is sung in every church from the Pope s Christmas Mass in Rome to the humblest chapel in the missions. Father Mohr had prayed for a special Christmas. Indeed his prayer was answered, with his poem, with Franz Gruber s music and most of all with God s grace. It is good for us to reflect on that beautiful story of Silent Night. In a way, the society we live in tries to stop the music for Christmas. O yes, we have the very secular Christmas songs that we hear blaring on radio and in department stores. But that is not the music of Christmas. The society we live in tries to stop the real music of Christmas. It fills our ears with other things, with sounds that have nothing to do with the real meaning of Christmas. It does not welcome the song of the Newborn Christ. The world we live in is like that broken organ in Oberndorf almost two hundred years agobroken, not fixed, not making a real Christmas sound. And what are we to do? The answer is simple: we must be like that priest and choirmaster, Father Mohr and Franz Gruber. We must make Christmas filled with music and song in praise of the Infant Jesus. We must sing in praise of this Silent Night and Holy Night (where) all is calm and all is bright. We must not be satisfied with the broken organ of our modern world. We must provide the music and sing the hymn of Jesus birth. We must sing it not just with words and melody, but more importantly with faith and with love. It is not enough for us to simply be here for Christmas Mass. We must celebrate the joy of this silent and holy night and bring that joy to those who do not hear the music and do not know the meaning of Christmas. We must sing the music of Christmas not just with our voices, but with the lives we lead. And that is a song which we sing not just at Christmas Mass, but on every day of our lives. For so many people, Christmas is just a day, a holiday. For Christians, for us, Christmas is most of all and most importantly a holyday. It is a holyday meant for all the world. Our retired Pope Benedict XVI said this, Brothers and sisters, all of you who are listening to my wordsthe proclamation of hope is the heart of the Christmas message and it is meant for all men and women. Jesus was born for everyone and, just as Mary in Bethlehem offered Him to the shepherds, so on this day the Church presents Him to all humanity so that each person and every human situation may come to know the power of God s saving grace. That alone can transform evil into good. That alone can change human hearts, making them places of peace. Can you hear the music in the Pope s words? What he says is the true music of Christmas, not just the notes of a hymn, but the meaning of the coming among us of Godmademan, the meaning of Jesus born for us, born for you and me. Sadly the society we live in cannot hear that music. Only those who have faith can hear it, only those who know the true meaning of Christ born in the manger, born on that silent night and born on this Christmas day when all is calm and all is bright for those who believe that Jesus has come. Dear friends, take that music with you. Sing it loud and clear not simply with music and song, but with the way you live, the way you worship, the way you believe. We must never give up on Christmas. Father Mohr and Franz Gruber could have given up, resigned to the fact of a broken organ. But they did not. They proclaimed the glory of that silent and holy night. May we take Christmas from this Church and proclaim it. May we help others to share our Christmas faith. May we tell the world that there is a Silent Night, Holy night, (where) all is calm and all is bright, where we still stand round yon Virgin Mother and Child, Holy Infant so tender and mild, and where we can rejoice in those beautiful words of long ago, words that we still lovingly sing today to our world on this Christmas day, Sleep in heavenly peace, sleep in heavenly peace. May the Lord bless you and your families on this Christmas Day and always. You are in our prayers at all of our Masses. A blessed Christmas! Father Thomas B. Derivan Father Joseph Ligory Father Robert Imbelli Monsignor Neil Graham Father Charles Szivos Father Thomas D Angelo Salesian Fathers John Serio, Bill Ferruzzi, Abraham Feliciano S.D.B. Deacon Anthony Cassaneto CHRISTMAS PRAYER OF POPE ST. JOHN XXIII Child of Bethlehem, grant that we may share with all our hearts in this profound mystery of Christmas. Put into our hearts your peace for which we sometimes seek so desperately and which you alone can give us. Help us to know one another better and to live as brothers and sisters, children of the same Father. Reveal to us also your beauty, holiness and purity. Awaken in our hearts love and gratitude for your infinite goodness. Join us all together in your love and give us your heavenly peace. Amen Please continue to share the peace and joy of our faith with others. There are so many that are in the need of Jesus. Can you be for all of us a living sign to all our parishioners and neighbors, and tell them for us we need them and love them. Someone may hear and accept the invitation from you and return home to worship the Lord with us. So please invite a friend, relative, or neighbor to come with you to Church next Sunday. God will do the rest. Let us share our treasure of faith with others.

PRAYING AT THE CHRISTMAS CRIB We are familiar with Our Lord s call to be like little children. And we know what He means: to recapture that sense of wonder and trust, that confidence in being loved and the ability to love in return without question. The Christmas Crib at church gives us a chance to practice the Lord s command. The surge of little ones moving up to the parish Creche after late Advent and Christmas Masses is a familiar sight. Before Christmas, no one is home in the simple stable. The Crib is empty, a time of waiting. For children, it is a game of watch and wait. Finally, on Christmas Eve, figures appear: Mary and Joseph but an empty manger. Then, from Christmas Eve the Holy Infant joins the scene, along with angels. Shepherds begin to arrive. In the background, those Wise Men and their camels can be seen, approaching from the distance. Until, on Epiphany, they too arrive. Children take special joy of knowing the whole season is built around a Child, someone like them. And for us? Do you think that you can follow Christ s command to become a child of God again, as you stop and meditate at the Christmas Crib this year? Of course, will you take the time to stop and pray and wonder and soak in the Mystery, in this season of Holy Wonder? That is the real question. Very often, adults need a format. A plan of prayer. Otherwise, it will never happen given the schedules and calendars we face today. Keep in mind that image of the parish children at the Crib. Let them lead you to open up that Hope chest in your heart. Bring out your own Christmas Child of years ago. Dust him or her off, wipe em up, and set the scene in motion. Maybe, you may need a oneideapersunday plan. Try to imagine St. Francis, using some of the same skill he employed nearly a thousand years ago, in organizing the first Living Crib, on a cold night in the mountains of Italy. Or perhaps, as you stop at the Crib after Christmas Mass, recall the arrival of Mary and Joseph both exhausted, no doubt from longterm travel and no place to stay. And a baby to arrive at any minute. How would you see it and each further development in the Crib Scene? Even beyond that, what does it tell about the great miracle of Christ becoming human? Not just taking on flesh and blood but even coming into the world just as we did. Often facing stark social and political situations so like those millions of people today know so well, especially in mission areas. Glory to God in the highest! Let your natural affinity for prayer, for wonder, soar. Enjoy a childlike Christmas season. (From Franciscan Mission Associates) MANY THANKS We are most grateful to all our wonderful parishioners who have sacrificed so generously by increasing their weekly Sunday Contributions. Please know that your weekly increase is for the betterment of St. Theresa Parish, for the building up and improvement of our parish. We are most grateful to all of you who have helped to make a difference in our community. Please continue to help us in order to keep St. Theresa Parish the vital, growing parish that it is. THE NATIVITY OF THE LORD GOOD NEWS The night before Our Lord was born Saint Joseph went about forlorn, knocking at doors from left to right, knocking at every door in sight, asking if anybody would, oh please, would anyone be so good As to invite the Virgin Mary in somebody s house that night to tarry and had they a room to spare where she could wait for Our Lord Nativity? But poor Saint Joseph was quite unable to find a lodging, except a stable; and it was stuffy and cold and damp, it had no window, it had no lamp, it had no table, no bed, no chairs, it had no upstairs and no downstairs; A very unsuitable place it was, inhabited by an ox and an ass; but they were polite to Our Blessed Mother, they stood beside her and made no bother, and did not utter a bray or a moo until the time it was proper to, when the moon went down at the break of morn; and Christmas began, and Our Lord was born. And Our Lord was beautiful to behold the minute He was one minute old. And He smiled, but of course He did not speak, He was too little, He was too weak; but He did do all that He was required: He lay in the manger and was admired, and was most worthy to be adored, for really and truly He is Our Lord! OUR CHRISTMAS SCHEDULE: Saturday, December 24 the Christmas Vigil Mass at 5:00OM with the presentation by the children of the Living Nativity Midnight Mass, our main concelebrated Mass for the celebration of Our Lord s Birth Masses on Christmas Day follow regular Sunday Schedule: 7:30AM 9:00AM (Italian Mass) 10:30AM 12:15PM 1:30PM (Spanish Mass) 5:00PM SUPPORT OUR ADVERTISERS: Please support our advertisers; it is their support that makes this bulletin possible, and when you visit them, please let them know that you read their advertisement in St. Theresa s bulletin.

DECEMBER 29 ST. THOMAS BECKET (11181170 A strong man who wavered for a moment, but then learned one cannot come to terms with evil and so became a strong churchman, a martyr and a saintthat was Thomas Becket, archbishop of Canterbury, murdered in his cathedral on December 29, 1170. His career had been a stormy one. While archdeacon of Canterbury, he was made chancellor of England at the age of 36 by his friend King Henry II. When Henry felt it advantageous to make his chancellor the archbishop of Canterbury, Thomas gave him fair warning: he might not accept all of Henry s intrusions into Church affairs. Nevertheless, he was made archbishop (1162), resigned his chancellorship and reformed his whole way of life! Troubles began. Henry insisted upon usurping Church rights. At one time, supposing some conciliatory action possible, Thomas came close to compromise. He momentarily approved the Constitutions of Clarendon, which would have denied the clergy the right of trial by a Church court and prevented them from making direct appeal to Rome. But Thomas rejected the Constitutions, fled to France for safety and remained in exile for seven years. When he returned to England, he suspected it would mean certain death. Because Thomas refused to remit censures he had placed upon bishops favored by the king, Henry cried out in a rage, Will no one rid me of this troublesome priest! Four knights, taking his words as his wish, slew Thomas in the Canterbury cathedral. Thomas Becket remains a herosaint down to our own times. No one becomes a saint without struggle, especially with himself. Thomas knew he must stand firm in defense of truth and right, even at the cost of his life. We also must take a stand in the face of pressuresagainst dishonesty, deceit, destruction of lifeat the cost of popularity, convenience, promotion and even greater goods. In T.S. Eliot s drama, Murder in the Cathedral, Becket faces a final temptation to seek martyrdom for earthly glory and revenge. With real insight into his life situation, Thomas responds: The last temptation is the greatest treason: To do the right deed for the wrong reason. DECEMBER 25, 2016 SHEPHERD S SONG AT CHRISTMAS Look there at the star! I, among the least, Will arise and take A journey to the East. But what shall I bring As a present for the King? What shall I bring to the Manger? I will bring a song, A song that I will sing, In the Manger. Watch out for my flocks, Do not let them stray. I am going on a journey Far, far away. But what shall I bring As a present for the Child? What shall I bring to the Manger? I will bring a lamb, Gentle, meek, and mild, A lamb for the Child In the Manger. I m just a shepherd boy, Very poor I am But I know there is A King in Bethlehem. What shall I bring As a present just for Him? What shall I bring to the Manger? I will bring my heart And give my heart to Him. I will bring my Heart To the Manger. Langston Hughes HEAVENLY HUMOR As we were putting out cookies for Santa on Christmas Eve, I accidentally dropped one. "No problem," I said, picking it up and dusting it off before placing it back on the plate. "You can t do that," argued my fouryearold. "Don t worry. Santa will never know." He shot me a look. "So he knows if I ve been bad or good, but he doesn t know the cookie fell on the floor?" Sunday after church, a Mom asked her very young daughter what the lesson was about. The daughter answered, Don t be scared, you ll get your quilt. Needless to say, the Mom was perplexed. Later in the day, the pastor stopped by for tea and the Mom asked him what that morning s Sunday school lesson was about. He said Be not afraid, thy comforter is coming.

DECEMBER 27 ST. JOHN THE APOSTLE It is God who calls; human beings answer. The vocation of John and his brother James is stated very simply in the Gospels, along with that of Peter and his brother Andrew: Jesus called them; they followed. The absoluteness of their response is indicated by the account. James and John were in a boat, with their father Zebedee, mending their nets. He called them, and immediately they left their boat and their father and followed him (Matthew 4:21 b22). For the three former fishermenpeter, James and Johnthat faith was to be rewarded by a special friendship with Jesus. They alone were privileged to be present at the Transfiguration, the raising of the daughter of Jairus and the agony in Gethsemane. But John s friendship was even more special. Tradition assigns to him the Fourth Gospel, although most modern Scripture scholars think it unlikely that the apostle and the evangelist are the same person. John s own Gospel refers to him as the disciple whom Jesus loved (see John 13:23; 19:26; 20:2), the one who reclined next to Jesus at the Last Supper, and the one to whom he gave the exquisite honor, as he stood beneath the cross, of caring for his mother. Woman, behold you son.behold, you mother (John 19:26b, 27b). Because of the depth of his Gospel, John is usually thought of as the eagle of theology, soaring in high regions that other writers did not enter. But the ever frank Gospels reveal some very human traits. Jesus gave James and John the nickname, sons of thunder. While it is difficult to know exactly what this meant, a clue is given in two incidents. In the first, as Matthew tells it, their mother asked that they might sit in the places of honor in Jesus kingdomone on his right hand, one on his left. When Jesus asked them if they could drink the cup he would drink and be baptized with his baptism of pain, they blithely answered, We can! Jesus said that they would indeed share his cup, but that sitting at his right hand was not his to give. It was for those to whom it had been reserved by the Father. The other apostles were indignant at the mistaken ambition of the brothers, and Jesus took the occasion to teach them the true nature of authority: [W]hoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave. Just so, the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many (Matthew 20:2728). On another occasion the sons of thunder asked Jesus if they should not call down fire from heaven upon the inhospitable Samaritans, who would not welcome Jesus because he was on his way to Jerusalem. But Jesus turned and rebuked them (see Luke 9:5155). On the first Easter, Mary Magdalene ran and went to Simon Peter and to the other disciple whom Jesus loved, and told them, They have taken the Lord from the tomb, and we don t know where they put him (John 20:2). John recalls, perhaps with a smile, that he and Peter ran side by side, but then the other disciple ran faster than Peter and arrived at the tomb first (John 20:4b). He did not enter, but waited for Peter and let him go in first. Then the other disciple also went in, the one who had arrived at the tomb first, and he saw and believed (John 20:8). John was with Peter when the first great miracle after the Resurrection took placethe cure of the man crippled from birthwhich led to their spending the night in jail together. The mysterious experience of the Resurrection is perhaps best contained in the words of Acts: observing the boldness of Peter and John and perceiving them to be uneducated, ordinary men, they [the questioners] were amazed, and they recognized them as the companions of Jesus (Acts 4:13). The Apostle John is traditionally considered the author of the Fourth Gospel, three New Testament letters and the Book of Revelation. His Gospel is a very personal account. He sees the glorious and divine Jesus already in the incidents of his mortal life. At the Last Supper, John s Jesus speaks as if he were already in heaven. It is the Gospel of Jesus glory. A persistent story has it that John s parishioners grew tired of his one sermon, which relentlessly emphasized: Love one another. Whether the story is true or not, it has basis in John s writing. He wrote what may be called a summary of the Bible: We have come to know and to believe in the love God has for us. God is love, and whoever remains in love remains in God and God in him (1 John 4:16). BLESSING OF A CHRISTMAS TREE Lord our God, We praise you for the light of creation: the sun, the moon, and the stars of the night. We praise you for the light of Israel: the Law, the prophets, and the wisdom of the Scriptures. We praise you for Jesus Christ, your Son: he is Emmanuel, Godwithus, the Prince of Peace, who fills us with the wonder of your love. Lord God, let your blessing come upon us as we illumine this tree. May the light and cheer it gives be a sign of the joy that fills our hearts. May all who delight in this tree come to the knowledge and joy of salvation. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen

PLEASE PRAY FOR THE RECENTLY DECEASED MEMBERS OF OUR PARISH AND THEIR FAMILLIES MARY FINELLI, ANTOINETTE PANISSIDI & MARIA ROSA BORGIA THIS WEEK S ALTAR BREAD IS IN LOVING MEMORY OF ROSALIE MASTERS & DOMINIC SCARANO LOVE, ALBERTA & THE SCARANO FAMILY THE SANCTUARY LAMP BURNING NEAR THE TABERNACLE THIS WEEK IS IN LOVING MEMORY OF MAURO & ANTOINETTE VASTI & FR. MICHAEL VASTI LOVE, MARGIE PRIMIANI PETITION BOOK Have you noticed our Petition Book in the vestibule of the Church? Every Saturday before the 5:00PM Mass, the petitions entered into the book for that week are brought up to the altar of the Blessed Mother, where they remain for all the weekend Masses. Please pray for these intentions. ARE YOU A REGISTERED PARISHIONER All new or unregistered parishioners are asked to please register by phone or in person at the Rectory or fill out the information below. Many items of importance will be mailed home in the course of the year. NAME ADDRESS PHONE# CELL# EMAIL PLEASE RETURN TO THE RECTORY OFFICE. SATURDAY DECEMBER 24, 2016 5:00PM Luke Turrisi 12:00AM Midnight Mass SUNDAY DECEMBER 25, 2016 7:30AM Parishioners of St. Theresa Church 9:00AM Christmas Intention 10:30AM Christmas Intention 12:15PM Christmas Intention 1:30PM Christmas Intention 5:00PM Christmas Intention MONDAY DECEMBER 26, 2016 8:00AM Huldah Gordon 9:00AM Settimo Osso TUESDAY DECEMBER 27, 2016 8:00AM Pasqua Blitz 9:00AM Francesco Martire WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 28, 2016 8:00AM Father Herbert D Argenio 9:00AM Ottavio Osso THURSDAY DECEMBER 29, 2016 8:00AM Vincent Bottari 9:00AM Lucia Boselli 12:00PM Msgr. Joseph Devlin FRIDAY DECEMBER 30, 2016 8:00AM Msgr. Mario Ponsiglione 9:00AM Enrico Osso SATURDAY DECEMBER 31, 2016 8:00AM Manuel Alvarez 9:00AM Msgr. John Guido 5:00PM Giuseppe Giuliano SUNDAY JANUARY 1, 2017 7:30AM The Parishioners of St. Theresa Parish 9:00AM Maria Bruno 10:30AM Marro & Bockino Families 12:15PM Richard Lent 1:30PM New Year s Intention 5:00PM New Year s Intention PRAY FOR THE SICK OF OUR PARISH: Phyllis Amitrano, Maryann Cale Bannan, Nancy Cardone, Elaine Reiss Cina, Joseph Cina, Phyllis Caruso, Peter Corbo, Marie DiPolo, Daley Gribbon, Sean Howell, William Keenan, Sal Lanza, Frank Maiorana, Maryann Maiorana, Diane Martino, Joe Martino, Theresa Martino, Tina Maskara, Jeannete Montalbano, Isabelle O Brien, Joan Ricci, Marie Russillo, Mario Simeone, Toni Spahr, Bina Trerotola, Florence Valentine, Nicholas Vasti, Irene Vesely.

PHARMACY 2941 Westchester Avenue (cor. Buhre Ave.) 718-823-1085 OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK WE ACCEPT ALL MEDICARE PART D Rx PLANS Contact LPi for Advertising Information - 800-477-4574 Julius C. DiFiore Attorney at Law 3231 Ampere Avenue Bronx, NY 10465 718-828-6407 Member, St. Theresa Parish Appointments at your convenience Scovotti Insurance & Real Estate Serving the Community For over 60 Years Paying too much for insurance on your 3 or 4 family house? We make it easy to compare rates! 1717 Crosby Avenue (718) 824-1700 or E-Mail us at: quote@scovotti.com The real taste of Jamaica KINGSTON TROPICAL BAKERY INC. (718) 798-0076 4000 White Plains Rd. (at 226 St.) Bronx, NY Hot fresh tasty Jamaican Patties, Cocobread, Hardo Bread, Buns and other tropical delights.,. Patrick J. McNulty, Lic. Owner/Dir. Patrick J. McNulty Jr., Dir. Patrick T. McNulty, Lic Owner/Dir. Daniel J. McNulty, Dir. 3006 MIDDLETOWN ROAD, OFF CROSBY AVENUE 718-892-1299 www.mcnultyfuneralhome.com FORDHAM PREPARATORY SCHOOL Celebrating 175 years of Faith, Scholarship, and Service Scholarships and Financial Aid Available 718-367-7500 More information at www.fordhamprep.org/admissions SINCE 1943 David J. Stevens D.D.S. Practice Limited To Orthodontics 1228 Pelham Parkway South Bronx, New York 597-2722 THIS SPACE IS Best Catering in the Neighborhood All Occasions Including Baptism Party Confirmation Party Communion Party Weddings Baby Showers Cookie Platters Boars Head Platters 718-863-5650 www.pruzzos.com Family Practice Dentistry & Laser Dental Care 1725 EDISON AVE., LOBBY C, BRONX, NY 10461 Telephone (718) 892-7114 Celebrating Over 25 Years of Quality Dental Care For ad info. call 1-800-477-4574 www.4lpi.com St. Theresa, Bronx 04-0637

Pelham Bake Shop SPECIALIZING IN ITALIAN & GREEK COOKIES, PASTRIES & CAKES Call to order cakes for your special occasions Now Serving Breakfast & Lunch Fresh Soup Daily 1650 CROSBY AVENUE, BRONX, NY 718-792-9984 THE PERECMAN FIRM, P.L.L.C. Joseph J. Balsamo John R. Balsamo Ralph A. Balsamo Jonathan W. Garcia Treating Every Family As Our Own Pre Arrangements Cremation Full Service Newly Renovated Valet Parking 3188 Westchester Avenue Bronx, NY 10461 718-597-8380 WWW.BALSAMOFUNERALHOME.COM 24-Hour Customer Service Dolores Batista, Exclusive Agent Allstate Insurance Company 1892 Eastchester Road Bronx, NY 10461 Phone: 718-597-2345 Fax: 718-597-2516 DBatista@allstate.com Hablamos Español Auto, Home, Business, Life P: 718-823-9300 F: 718-823-9399 James M. Amato Supervising Pharmacist Tonnio J. Sementilli - Owner TOTAL CARE PHARMACY We accept Medicaid, Medicare & Most Insurance Plans Full Selection of Holiday and Seasonal Items 1721 Crosby Ave. Bronx, NY 10461 FREE DELIVERY Accidentes de Construcción Compensación al Trabajador Accidentes en Lugares Publicos o Privados Muerte por Negligencia Accidentes de Automóvil Negligencia Médica Derechos Civiles FREE CONSULTATION CONSULTA GRATIS Hablamos Español - (646) 798-1187 250 West 57th Street, Suite 401 New York, NY 10107 WWW.PERECMAN.COM INSURANCE 718-829-3200 WWW.CAPITALSHIELDAGENCY.COM 3707 East Tremont Ave., Bronx, NY 10465 Bronx Tax Man 718-TAX-1040 BronxTaxMan.com FOR ALL YOUR INSURANCE, ACCOUNTING AND TAX NEEDS Pastry Shop Contact Joe Angelicola to place an ad today! jangelicola@4lpi.com or (800) 888-4574 x3374 Providence Rest 718-931-3000 Adult Day Health Care with Transportation Out-Patient Rehab Center Short-term/Subacute Rehab Respite Care Skilled Nursing Child Day Care For more information call us or visit our website at: www.providencerest.org CARE COMPASSION COMMUNITY 24-Hour Customer Service Lawrence J Pistillo Exclusive Agent Allstate Insurance Company 1892 Eastchester Rd 2nd Floor Bronx, NY 10461 Office: 718-597-2345 ext 403 Cell: 914-329-5015 LPistillo@allstate.com Auto, Home, Life, Retirement Wedding Cakes Cookie Trays Cakes For All Occasions Pastries 1108 Allerton Ave. - (near Laconia Ave.) Bronx, New York 10469 (718) 515-3344 www.salanddoms.com Visit our two convenient locations: 3151 Westchester Ave. Mon-Sat 7am-10pm Sunday 7am-9pm 2722 E. Tremont Ave. Mon-Sat 7am-9pm Sunday 7am-8pm MEHTA GENERAL CONSTRUCTION CORP. COMMERCIAL / RESIDENTIAL HIC#1449691 HIS#1449687 ALL KINDS OF REPAIRS FREE ESTIMATES FULLY INSURED 1130 ADEE AVENUE BRONX NY 10469 ASK FOR 917-889-4510 718-414-5669 ANJUM RALPH GIORDANO Funeral Home Inc. FOUR GENERATIONS OF LICENSED FUNERAL SERVICE Established in 1925 Ralph Giordano Joseph Giordano Joseph Giordano, Jr. CASKETS DISPLAY ON PREMISES CHAPEL SERVICE ANYWHERE MEHTAGENERALCC@GMAIL.COM 1727 CROSBY AVE., BRONX, NY 10461 Phone Day or Night: (718) 829-5580 For ad info. call 1-800-477-4574 www.4lpi.com St. Theresa, Bronx 04-0637