December 16, 2018
Third Sunday of Advent
Today, we celebrate the third Sunday of Advent, also called Gaudete Sunday. Gaudete is a Latin word that means “rejoice.” This name is taken from the entrance antiphon for this Sunday’s Mass which is also echoed in today’s second reading from Saint Paul’s letter to the Philippians although we can find in the Opening Prayer, in the readings, etc. It also is known as Rose Sunday because the Church encourages Rose colored vestments, as we do on the 4th Sunday of Lent (Laetare Sunday), reminding us that this season is a season of joy because the salvation is at hand. The basis for this rejoicing is the nearness of the Lord.
This theme of nearness of the Lord is also the heart of the Gospel. John the Baptist tells the people what they must do in order to prepare for the Lord’s coming and to escape his searching judgment. The challenge is to correct our vision and adjust our sensibility by sharing what we have with one another, by treating others fairly, and by being content with what we have. John the Baptist took time to respond to crowd, the Tax Collector and the soldier’s question about what they should do. In summary, he advised them to show forth a change of attitude in their dealing with one another because our Salvation is near.
Note too, Christmas is only 9 days away and because of that we have fixed Advent Penance on Monday, December 17, in our Chapel 11:30 am – 12:00 pm and in the Rectory, 2:00 pm – 8:00 pm. Three priests will be available for Confessions. As St John is challenging us to be eager to follow him with practical guidance by sharing with others, by acting honorably, by being honest, this is one way of doing that. This concern for justice is a hallmark of Luke’s Gospel. Saint Paul on the other hand, urges us to rejoice in the Lord, and to let go of our anxiety or fear by living in a spirit of prayer and thanksgiving.
On this note of joy and thanksgiving, I wish to say thank you again to everyone for coming together to celebrate the parish feast day and my installation as a pastor last Saturday, December 8, 2018. It was very memorable one and it shows our multi – cultural setting here that with God we can do everything. Let us keeping working together and praying for one another so that we can preserve what has been hand down to us in this part of Yonkers.
Marriages: In order to provide sufficient time for the Marriage Preparation Course, please call the parish office and ask to speak with the pastor at least six months in advance of the wedding.
Collection : Last Sunday, December 9, 2018 our weekly collection was $3,468.00. Last Saturday, December 8, 2018 collection for the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception was $852.00
2nd Collection: Last Sunday the 2nd collection is for the Retirement Fund for Religious was $ 1058.00
This Sunday the 2nd Collection will be our monthly Church Property Insurance collection.
Today’s Focus; Proclaim the Joyful Message! ~ Today is a joyful resting place on our Advent journey toward the coming of Christ. This season can sometimes be filled with busy-ness, so we need to stop, rest, and rejoice!
Living and Praying with the Word ; God of joy and peace, fell me with an awareness that you dwell deep within me. Remove any anxiety, bitterness, doubt, or resistance that keeps me from finding you there. Help me proclaim the presence of Jesus Christ through the ways in which I am willing to serve, and in that service, proclaim the joyful message that you have come to earth and are still with us.
Advent Reconciliation Monday: Confections will be held Monday, December 17th in the Chapel from 11:30 to 12:00 noon and in the Rectory from 2:00 pm to 8:00 pm.
Parish Membership: Every family or single adult to be considered active members of St. Mary’s must be properly registered in the parish, receiving and regularly using the weekly donation envelopes. Only in this way can the parish issue documents attesting to parish membership and Catholic practice, e.g. a letter to be a Godparent or Sponsor. Also if you have moved and still want to continue as a parishioner of St. Mary’s please stop by the office with your new address so that we may make the appropriate changes. Thank You
December 2018:
22nd: NO Religious Education Classes Christmas Recess
29th: NO Religious Education Classes Christmas Recess
January 2019:
4th all confirmation candidates are to report to Mrs. Rivera at the Parish Hall at 7:00 pm
5th Religious Education Classes ~Family Day 9:00 am to 12:00pm
12th Religious Education Classes
19th Religious Education Classes
21st Monday Confirmation Retreat 9:30am to 2:00pm Parish Hall
26th Religious Education Classes
Mass Schedule for the week of
December 16, 2018 to December 23, 2018
Mass are daily at 8:15 and 12:05 in English and in Spanish on Thursdays at 7:00pm
Below are the Special Intentions for this week
Sunday, December 16, 2018:
7:30 am– For the Parishioners
9:00am– Joaquim Neto
Rida Lopez
11:00 am– Margret Mary & Anthony Felicissino
Anthony Felicissino
Monday, December 17,2018:
8:15 am– Awwad & Therese Hattar
12:05 pm– Vicente L. Ciani
The Bonano Family
Tuesday, December 18, 2018:
8:15 Anthony Chettanil
George Vadakel & family
12:05 Ellen & Michael McNally
Carmel Mangan
Wednesday, December 19, 2018:
12:05 pm– Vincent Flores
Sue Barrett
Thursday, December 20, 2018:
12:05 pm– Devitt & Kenny Family (L)
Carmel Mangan
7:00 pm– Onesimo Tovar
Joaquina & Tovino Tovar
Saturday, December 22, 2018:
12:05 pm– Modania Garcia
Daughter Madalyn & Grandson
5:00 pm– Rose Kunny
Family
7:300 pm– Catalina Boutista Merino
Paul Boutista Merino
Sunday, December 23, 2018:
7:30 am– For the Parishioners
9:00am– Joaquim Neto
Rida Lopez
11:00 am– The Talty & Devitt Family
Mary Devitt