January 20, 2019
Second Sunday in Ordinary Time
From the Desk of Rev. Fr. Anthony C. Ekanem, MSP:
Each of us has different gift, given by the same Spirit. What are your gifts? I have gifts for preaching, teaching, leading worship, and making music. I lived with a brother who had gifts for cooking, and making our community a home. I ministered to a woman who could no longer work and felt useless. I invited her to see her gift as calling us to pay attention to her need for companionship and prayer. She helped us value being as much as doing. A friend recovering from serious surgery discovered the gift of patience, a gift she would rather not have needed to find that way.
What are your gifts? Some gifts bring us great joy. Others are a challenge to accept. Today’s Gospel reveals Jesus’ gift for miraculous deeds, like changing water into wine. He shares this gift quietly, in response to a need, although he wondered if it was time to share it. Mary was confident he would respond. That is also an important gift to name.
Jerusalem offers the gift of being home to the Israelites after a time of exile. God’s delight is witnessed in the gift of the name, Espoused. Do we miss our gifts because we are too focused on those of others? A student in our campus ministry program once said that “Comparison is a thief of joy.” Jealousy often robs us of delighting in the gifts God gave each of us. Name the gifts god has given you. Unsure what they are? Ask people you trust. Create a litany of thanksgiving to God for these gifts. If tempted to jealousy, add those people and their gifts to your litany. Thank God by sharing your gifts, because “the manifestation of the Spirit is given for some benefit” (1 Corinthians 12:7).
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, January 13, 2019 our weekly collection was $3,453.00
2nd Collection: The 2nd collection last Sunday January 13th will be for the Catholic Communications & the Catholic University was $1,009.00 The 2nd Collection this Sunday is our Organ Renovation collection.
We would like to thank the Spanish Community for their New Years Eve Party with their fundraising contribution of $2,125.00.
Pope Francis: “Jesus is the gift of God for us. If we welcome Him, we too can be a gift of God to others.”
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
***Parents if you still owe money for Registration or the Communion Fee or Confirmation Fee please stop by the office to settle you bill this month or your child will not be able to receive their sacraments.
January 2019:
21st Monday Confirmation Retreat 9:30am to 2:00pm Parish Hall
26th Religious Education Classes
February 2019:
2nd Religious Education Classes 2nd Meeting of Confirmation Parents 11:30 am in the School Cafeteria ~ all parents must ATTEND!
9th Religious Education Classes
16th No Religious Education Classes
23rd Religious Education Classes
Mass Schedule for the week of
January 20, 2019 to January 27, 2019
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, January 20, 2019:
7:30 am– For the Parishioners
9:00 am– Virgin of Altagracia
Dominican Community
11:00 am– Thomas Natiello
Julia Egan
Monday, January 21, 2019:
12:05 pm– Agnes G, Serpa
The Bannano Family
Tuesday, January 22, 2019:
12:05 pm– Aida Aviles
Julia Diaz
Wednesday, January 23, 2019:
12:05 pm– Saturino Rodriguez
Julia Diaz
Thursday, January 24, 2019:
12:05 pm-Cecelia A. Favareau
John & Maryellen Favareau
Friday, January 25, 2019:
8:15 am– the Deceased Members of the Gabriel Family
Jose Gabriel
12:05 pm– The Deceased Members of the
Rodriguez & Morales Families
Julia Diaz
Saturday, January 26, 2019:
12:05– Ruth O’Brennan
John & Kathy Liszewski
7:30 pm– Brain Steven Lawrence
Yesenia Antepara
Sunday, January 27, 2019:
7:30 am– For the Parishioners
9:00 am– Joaquim Neto
Rita Lopez
11:00 am– Elizabeth Del Bene
Mary Ann Del Bene