The Most Holy Trinity Sunday
June 16, 2019
From the Desk of Rev. Fr. Anthony C. Ekanem, MSP:
THE MOST HOLY TRINITY
Today we celebrate Father’s Day, a day we honor all of our fathers for their sacrificial love for us. There are different accounts of how this holiday came about. But the primary origin is attributed to Sonora Smart Dodd of Spokane, Washington. She had heard a sermon given on Mother’s Day in 1909 when that day was being established as a holiday. Sonora’s father raised her and her five siblings after their mother died in childbirth and she felt that fathers should have a special day just like mothers. Local authorities supported this idea, and Father’s Day was first celebrated on June 19, 1910, the month of the birth - day of Sonora’s father. It came to be observed nationally with President Calvin Coolidge’s support in 1924. But it was not until 1966 that President Lyndon Johnson issued the 1st presidential proclamation honoring fathers on the 3rd Sunday of June. President Richard Nixon decreed it a permanent holiday by law in 1972.
Also as the Church celebrates the three persons in one God today, the Catechism of the Catholic Church tells us the mystery of the Most Holy Trinity is the central mystery of Christian faith and life. It is the mystery of God in Himself. It is therefore the source of all the other mysteries of faith, the light enlightens them. It is the most fundamental and essential teaching in the “hierarchy of the truths of faith.” The whole history of salvation is identical with the history of the way and means by which the one true God, The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, reveals Himself to men “and reconciles and unites with Himself those who turn away from sin.” (#234).
One thing some of us will probably remember about the Holy Trinity is, when we were growing up, our parents were the first ones who taught us how to make the sign of the Cross. When we are called back by the Father from this world, the last thing a priest or a minister will do for us at our graveside will be to bless our remains and the grave with holy water by making this great sign of the cross. The descent of the Holy Spirit on the Apostles that we celebrated last Sunday brings out the work of the Trinity that Jesus promised His followers before He ascended to Heaven. He time mandated His Apostles to go “therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” (Matthew 28:19).
The three persons in one God in faith means, one nature, one God, equal, undivided, and no separation. The oneness in the Trinity is expressed in the first reading, “when the Lord established the Heavens I was there …. Then I was beside Him as craftsman, and I was His delight day by day. (Proverbs 8:22-31) …” The second reading brings out too, the idea about peace, “We have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith to His grace in which we stand, and we boast in hope of the glory of God … The love of God has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us.” (Romans 5:1-5) The Gospel in turn talks about “Everything that the Father has is mine; for this reason, I told you that He (the Holy Spirit) will take from what is mine and declare it to you.” (John 10:12 – 15). Our nation now with rampant senseless gun shooting is in urgent need of peace and harmony that only Trinity can offer. The crisis we have everywhere is because of the rejection of the way of the Trinity. Some walk in their own which leads to nowhere. Worse still, some walk in the way of Evil One; they not only go astray, they lead others astray as well.
What are the ways of the Trinity?
Unity, harmony, community, equality, love, holiness, one substance, no separation, undivided. Therefore, one thing we can take home this weekend is, a need to remain thankful, to live in harmony and in love as reflected in the community of the one Godhead; God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit.
Studies have demonstrated how significant a father is to his child development. Children with father have lower rates of delinquency, drug, alcohol use, and teen pregnancy. The father’s presence is also a significant positive factor in children getting a college education, finding a satisfying job, and making a lasting marriage. Psychotherapist today are saying that both parents are vitally important to the stable development of their children; the mother’s input is invaluable in the formative pre – adolescent years. Single mothers tell us that it is terribly difficult to teach their children about the meaning of God, the Father who seems so impersonal because their children have been abandoned by their natural father. Adolescent daughters long to hear their fathers tell them hey are beautiful and loved. In fact, a girl’s choice of partner and satisfaction in marriage is often directly related to the relationship she has had with her father. Fathers are a blessing in a family especially when they reflect in their lives, dedication, endurance and love.
There are fathers out there who have played a fantastic role in the life of their families; like St Thomas More and St Louise Martin who were role models and heroes of faith during their life time. Unfortunately, some fathers have abandoned their children to the mothers and the Society to raise. Some, beat them, ridicule them, some ignore them, abuse them and damage them psychologically for life. And so, for all our biological or spiritual fathers, step fathers and godfathers, we want to commend you all to Saint Joseph, our patron Saint to intercede for you all as we acknowledge, celebrate and honor you today. We also remember in a special way those great men whom God, the Father has called back to Himself and those who are still living with us. Last but not the least, we honor those great men in the military who are away from home and family defending the freedom of this great nation.
Happy Father’s Day!
Stewardship
Tithing - God’s Plan for Giving Sunday For 06/9/19 our Offering was $3,404.00.
2019 Cardinal’s Annual Stewardship Appeal Update
Goal: $39,500
Total Amount Paid: $26,492.00
Total Amount Pledged: $31,884.00
Number of Families: 104
If you haven’t had the chance to make your contribution, there is there still time. You can use the pledge letters that have already arrived at your home. And if you have not received one or have never made a pledge before, it is very easy to do so online. Just go to www.ardinalsappeal.org click on Donate, select an amount, and direct your gift to our Church:
Immaculate Conception, Yonkers
Sundays Readings:
First Reading: Proverbs 8:22-31 p. 46 Before God created the earth or made the waters and the skies, Wisdom was there. Wisdom stood with God before the world was made.
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 8:4-5, 6-7,8-9 p.47
“ O Lord our God, how wonderful your name in all the earth!
Second Reading: Romans: 5:1-5, p. 47 We have been justified by faith and have been given hope in trials and hardships. This hope will not leave us disappointed, for we have received God’s love through the Holy Spirit.
Gospel: John 16: 12-15 p. 48 Jesus told his disciples that he had much more to teach them. They would come to know all truth through the Holy Spirit. What belongs to Jesus in the Father is attested by the Spirit.
Registration 2019-2020
Starts on Saturday
June 15, 2019 - July 31, 2019
(Wednesday & Thursday 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 pm)
Classes will begin September 7, 2019
- Registration for Religious Education Program 2019 – 2020
- Renew + Rebuild Special Mass and thank you reception with our Cardinal Dolan, Thursday, June 20 at St Joseph’s Seminary at 5:00 pm. To RSVP come to the Parish Office.
- We will have an Altar Server fundraising activity on Sunday, June 23, 2019 at 10:30 am until 12:30 pm in the parish hall. As a plan for a trip to Philadelphia.
- Church Family Directory: As we are brainstorming on how to go about getting the exact count of how many people are registered with us, we are looking into having a Parish Family Directory. If you are not registered, this is the time to contact the parish office, or use our registration form at the back of our parish bulletin. Thanks!
Mass Schedule for the week of
June 15, to June 22, 2019
Special Intentions for this week
Saturday, June 15, 2019:
10:00 am – Joanne Kunny +
12:05pm—Ramon Navarro * Josefa Navarro
5:00pm - Father’s Day Novena
7:30pm - Father’s Day Novena
Sunday, June 16 2019:
7:30 am – Father’s Day Novenas
9:00 am – Father’s Day Novena
11:00 am - Father’s Day Novena
Monday, June 17, 2019:
8:15am - Father’s Day Novena
12:05pm Father’s Day Novena
Tuesday June 18, 2019:
8:15am - Father’s Day Novena
12:05pm – Father’s Day Novena
Wednesday, June 19, 2019:
8:15am - Available/Disponible
12:05 pm – Carl & Vee Motta + *Son George Motta
Thursday, June 20, 2019:
8:15am - Available/Disponible
12:05 pm— Bonny Mathew *Family Friends
7:00 pm - Gabriella Peralta + *St Denis Family
Friday, June 21, 2019:
8:15am - Available/Disponible
12:05 pm – Dennis M. McMahan * Bonanno Family
Saturday, June 22, 2019:
12:05pm— Available/Disponible
5:00pm - Roslynn Fajardo Birthday Blessings * Roselyn Fajardo
7:30pm - Anthony Cabrales *George Cabrales
+ Indicates deceased
¨Indicates the person (s) who requested the Mass.
FATHER’S DAY
A 9 DAY Novena of Masses for all our fathers, living and deceased.
The Novena of Masses will begin on Sunday, June 16 - Monday, June 24. This is a great opportunity to remember those great men who have that role in our life. We encourage you to use the envelope in your package or one from the pew. We will place all those envelopes on the Altar at every Novena Mass as we offer intentions for beloved fathers. Thanks!
~Request a Mass Intention~
Those wishing to honor a loved one during the celebration of Mass may pick up Mass cards in the parish office. Mass cards are available for the living and deceased and provided opportunities for prayerful remembrance of anniversaries, birthdays, and other special intentions. Masses are usually booked at least several months in advance so if you want the Mass, it is very important that you call the parish office well ahead of time.
Have you offered Mass for your Mother yet?