Church of Saint Ursula
214 E. Lincoln Avenue, Mount Vernon, NY 10552
Phone: 914-668-0085 Fax: 914-668-4228
Reverend Robert J. Verrigni, administrator
Reverend Valentine U. Ibeh, associate
Deacon Thomas J. Abbamont & Deacon Carl Degenhardt
Visit us on the web at: www.stursula.net
e-mail: [email protected]
SUNDAY MASSES:
Saturdays: 5:15 p.m. (Folk Music)
Sundays: 8:00 a.m., 10:00 a.m. (Folk Music) and
12 noon
DAILY MASSES:
7:30 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. (Monday – Friday)
9:00 a.m. only (July, August, September)
9:00 a.m. on Saturday
HOLY DAYS OF OBLIGATION: Consult the
bulletin of the Sunday before the Holy Day for the
specific times of Holy Day Masses.
SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM: Second Sunday
of the month at 1:15 p.m. Parents are to contact
the Parish House to make arrangements. Instructions for the parents prior to Baptism is obligatory.
SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION:
Saturdays from 4:30 to 5:00 p.m.; other times by
request.
SACRAMENT OF MARRIAGE: The couple
must meet with a priest or deacon, at least 6
months before the proposed wedding date, before
making specific plans. Pre-Cana instruction is
required.
HOME VISITS: We are always ready to
celebrate the Sacraments of Reconciliation and
Anointing of the Sick in the homes of sick
parishioners and bring them Holy Communion.
NEW PARISHIONERS: We welcome you to St.
Ursula’s and encourage you to participate in the
parish. Please register at the Parish House, through
the bulletin or on-line as soon as possible.
EUCHARISTIC ADORATION:
First Friday, 10:00 a.m. - 12 Noon (Oct.-June)
TRUSTEES OF THE PARISH:
Victoria Cavalluzzi and Alphonse Liquorie
PARISH OFFICE: Office hours are from 9:00
a.m. to 3:00 p.m., and 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.,
Monday through Friday, Saturday from 9 a.m. to
8:00 p.m. The Parish Office is closed on Sundays,
holidays and holy days.
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION (Grades K – 8):
Office: 183 Rich Ave., 699-7964 (Tues. – Fri.)
Mona Parkinson, C.R.E., Director
e-mail: [email protected]
RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION:
Mona Parkinson, C.R.E., Director
Phone: 699-7964
e-mail: [email protected]
ALTAR-ROSARY SOCIETY:
Luncheon Meetings - March and October
Lorraine Castagnoli, Chairperson
FOLK CHOIRS:
Rehearsals - Thursdays at 7:00 p.m.
Deacon Thomas J. Abbamont, Director
Rehearsals - Saturdays at 4:30 p.m.
Sr. Veronica Wood, O.S.F., Director
SEASONED SENIORS:
Third Friday at 1:00 p.m.
Deacon Thomas J. Abbamont
ITALIAN CLUB:
Second Friday at 7:30 p.m.
Emidio Licursi, President
SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT
DECEMBER 7, 2014
Welcome to St. Ursula’s: With Joyful Hearts We Welcome You Into Our House of Prayer.
MASS INTENTIONS
The Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin
Mary
MONDAY, DECEMBER 8th
7:30 - Antonio Coutinho (14th Ann,)
By: The Ribeiro Family
9:00 - Viola Ponti Lally
By: Frank and Camille Mondrone
St. Juan Diego Cuauhtlatoatzin
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 9th
7:30 - In Thanksgiving to St. Anthony
9:00 - Giovanni Gentile
By: The Gialanella Family
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 10th
7:30 - In Thanksgiving to St. Anthony
9:00 - Frank Moliterno
By: Enid Ward
St. Damasus I
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11th
7:30 - In Thanksgiving to the Blessed Virgin Mary
9:00 - Elisa De Albuquerque Tavares
By: Elizabeth Cornely
Our Lady of Guadalupe
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 12th
7:30 - In Thanksgiving to the Blessed Virgin Mary
9:00 - Michael & Fr. Vincent Caruso
By: Mr. & Mrs. Ralph Caruso
St. Lucy
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 13th
9:00 - In Thanksgiving to St. Lucy
By: Mr. & Mrs. Emidio Licursi
5:15 - People of the Parish
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 14th
8:00 - Jean Frisiello (4th Ann.)
By: Joanne Whitney and Chris Whitney
10:00 - In Thanksgiving to Our Lady of Guadalupe
By: Mr. & Mrs. Emidio Licursi
12:00 - Maria Maiorano (2nd Ann.)
By: Gaetano Maiorano and Family
THE SANCTUARY LAMPS
will be burning this week
in memory of:
I - Sam Schevera
II - The Pizzuti and Cerrone Families
III - Teresa Arpaia
THE BREAD AND WINE
offered for Eucharist this week
are in memory of:
Teresa Arpaia
EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS/LECTORS. We are in the
process of scheduling for the months of January and
February. Please contact the Parish House if you
have any preferences or non-available dates.
SUNDAY SCRIPTURES
THEME: SPEAKING OF FAITH
The scriptures are filled with role models for us, people
who boldly and willingly speak out about their faith in God.
Isaiah 40:1-5,9-11 In a time of desolation, God’s people
hear words of comfort and promise.
Psalm 85 Lord, let us see your kindness.
2 Peter 3:8-14 We must live as holy people as we await
the Lord’s final coming.
Mark 1:1-8 John the Baptist proclaims that the awaited
one will indeed come.
S
TEWARDSHIP
November 29/30, 2014
First Collection: $1788.00
Second Collection: $751.00
(Utilities Fund)
Attendance: Adults
323
Children
24
November 22/23, 2014
First Collection: $2855.00
Second Collection: $975.00
(Thanksgiving/Human Development)
Attendance: Adults
363
Children
67
In a parish as diverse as ours it is great to see us as one
in prayer, fellowship and service. Thank you for your care
and concern for our Church by your volunteer efforts and
your contributions in our weekly Sunday collection. Your
efforts are to be commended for the increase in our Sunday offerings. Thank you. Fr. Bob
Please bring a friend to Mass and encourage
neighbors to come back to Mass at St. Ursula’s.
ST. URSULA’S PRAYS FOR:
Margaret Dell’achio, Stephanie Merenda, Diana Horne,
Paul Cote, Jr., Robert Gregory, Betty D’Avi, Richard Stanzione, Joseph P. Abinanti, Sr., Donna Bau, Mary Fealey,
Danny and Marie Circello, Maria and Vivian Gregory,
Nancy and Joseph Sipala, Andrew De Curtis, John Arpaia, Fayezh Jereis, Karen Renna, Christine Johnson,
Juliette and Taylor Miranda, Paul Cote, our parish homebound, the residents of our local nursing homes, and the
prayer requests on Mary’s altar.
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UPCOMING PARISH EVENTS
Italian Club Christmas Party - Dec. 13th - 6:30 PM
“Meet and Greet” with Sts. Peter & Paul - Dec. 13/14
Reconciliation Monday - Dec. 15th - 4:00 - 5:30 PM
and 7:00 - 8:00 PM
Seasoned Seniors Christmas Luncheon - Dec. 19th 1:00 PM
PARISH ACTIVITIES CALENDAR
Mon. AA Mtg. - 8:00 PM - CA
Tues. Special Program - 7:00 - 9:00 PM - A
AA Mtg. - 8:00 PM - CA
Wed. Special Program - 7:00 - 9:00 PM - A
Cub Scouts - 7:00 - 8:00 PM - CA
Thurs. Troop 40 Committee Mtg. - 7:00 PM - CA
Fri.
Troop 40 - 6:30 - 8:30 PM - A
Italian Club Christmas Party - 7:30 PM - CA
Sat.
AA Mtg. - 2:00 PM - CA
Sun. Birthday Celebration - 10:00 AM
R.E. Gr. K-6 - 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM
R.E. Gr. 7 & 8 - 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Sacrament of Baptism - 1:15 PM
AA Mtg. - 2:00 PM - CA
AA Mtg. - 8:00 PM - CA
Connect with us on Flocknote. Receive important
updates from the Parish and the Archdiocese by visiting www.flocknote.com/stursula or texting CSU to
84576.
events but come from Somers to spend time with us and
offer us many opportunities to get together as a close knit
parish family. We thank them for the many memories we
will cherish in our hearts for many years to come.
SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION
SATURDAY, DEC. 13 - 4:30 - 5:00 PM
RECONCILIATION MONDAY, DEC. 15
4:00 - 5:30 PM & 7:00 - 8:00 PM
CHRISTMAS MASS SCHEDULE
CHRISTMAS EVE - 4:00 PM - CHILDREN’S MASS
9:30 PM - CAROLS
10:00 PM (NO MIDNIGHT MASS)
CHRISTMAS DAY - 8:00 AM, 10:00 AM, & 12:00 PM
NEW YEAR’S MASS SCHEDULE
NEW YEAR’S EVE - 5:15 PM
PARISH EVENTS
ADVENT/CHRISTMAS FOOD DRIVE
The Food Pantry is in need of donations toward a Christmas dinner. Items needed: hams, canned yams, stuffing,
elbow macaroni, soups, canned peaches, canned vegetables, stuffing, baby food, gravy, cake mixes and powdered
milk. Food items and hams can be brought next weekend
at each of the Masses and left in the baskets on the side
altars.
ITALIAN CLUB
The Italian Club is having its Annual Christmas Dinner
Dance on Friday, December 12th at 6:30 PM in the cafeteria. This year we will have a well-known singer, Fruzzetti
Moreno who will sing traditional Italian favorites. The
meal will consist of pasta, chicken, veal spezzatino, salad,
coffee and desert and beer, wine and soda. The cost is
$40.00 per person. Reservations: Emidio - 699-9333 or
Vito - 664-5214. All are invited and we hope to see you
there for an enjoyable evening.
RECONCILIATION MONDAY
Monday, December 15th is Reconciliation Monday. Confessions will be heard at All Parishes in the Archdiocese.
At St. Ursula’s confessions will be held from 4:00 - 5:30
PM and 7:00 - 8:00 PM.
MEET AND GREET WITH STS. PETER & PAUL
Sts. Peter and Paul-St. Ursula will joint together for a
“Meet and Greet” in the cafeteria after all of the Masses
on December 13th and 14th.
SEASONED SENIORS
Friday, December 19th will be the last function of the Seasoned Seniors. The afternoon will consist of a hot lunch,
dancing, 50/50 and raffles, and singing Christmas carols.
We cannot thank enough our Deacon Tom and Fran and
their Seasoned Senior crew for all the work they have
done for more than 20 years to make our group a success. Deacon Tom and Fran not only organized the
NEW YEAR’S DAY - 8:00 AM; 10:00 AM & 12:00 PM
EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS/LECTORS. We are in the
process of scheduling for the months of January and
February. Please contact the Parish House if you
have any preferences or non-available dates.
FOOD PANTRY
On behalf of the volunteers at our Food Pantry and all our
parishioners at Sacred Heart, I want to thank you for your
continued generosity to our neighborhood locals who
regularly come to Sacred Heart “shopping” for groceries.
Our Pantry volunteers demonstrate one way of serving
the poor, your donations of food and drink demonstrate
another. Together we practice the first of the corporal
works of mercy. I will remember you at St. Ursula’s in the
private Masses I offer for Sacred Heart’s benefactors.
Fr. Andrew Florez
PADRE PIO FOUNDATION
A concert will be held to benefit the work of the Padre Pio
Foundations: The “White Christmas” benefit concert will
take place on Thursday, December 18th at 7:00 PM at the
Pelham Picture House, 117 Wolfs Lane, Pelham, NY.
Guests of Honor: Hon. Robert Astorino, Westchester
County Executive and H.E. Reverend Dominick J.
Lagonegro, Auxiliary Bishop, Archdiocese of New York.
Concert featuring Italian Tenor Luciano Lamonarca, Italian Pop Singer Daniela Fiorentino, Stand-Up Comedian
Regina DeCicco, the Balint/Mikhailoff Duo (Joyce Balint,
violin; Oxana Mikhailoff, piano, with a special performing
guest, the international acclaimed singer, music producer,
musician and actor Lee Curreri. VIP tickets are $100
each (it includes VIP reception after the concert). General
admission is $30.00. To purchase tickets, please visit
www.thepicturehouse.org, contact 914-738-3161 or e-mail
to [email protected].
DAILY SCRIPTURE READING
DECEMBER 8 - 14, 2014
Mon.
The Immaculate Conception of the Blessed
Virgin Mary Genesis 3:9-15,20; Ephesians 1:36,11-12; Luke 1:26-38
Tues. St. Juan Diego Cuauhtlatoatzin Isaiah 40:111; Matthew 18:12-14
Wed. Isaiah 40:25-31; Matthew 11:28-30
Thurs. St. Damasus I Isaiah 41:13-20; Matthew 11:1115
Fri.
Our Lady of Guadalupe Zechariah 2:14-17 or
Revelation 11:19a;12:1-6a,10ab; Luke 1:26-38 or
Luke 1:39-47
Sat.
St. Lucy Sirach 48:1-4,9-11; Matthew 17:9a,1013
Sun. Isaiah 61:1-2a,10-11; 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24;
John 1:6-8,19-28
SAINTS OF THE WEEK
December 8th - The Immaculate Conception of the
Blessed Virgin Mary
Originating in the 7th c. feast of the “Conception of Mary
by St. Anne,” Pope Clement XI, in his Bull, Commissi Nobis, established this Solemnity for the entire Church in
1708; patroness of the United States of America, Spain,
Tanzania, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
December 9th - St. Juan Diego Cuauhtlatoatzin
In 1531 Our Lady appeared four times to a native convert,
Juan Diego Cuauhtlatoatzin (meaning “the talking eagle”),
at Tepeyac, near Mexico City. A member of the
Chichimeca people, he was perhaps a leader of his own
people and my have been involved in the area’s textile
industry. Known for his holiness, he devoted himself, tradition says, to the pilgrims who came to see the miraculous image of Mary imprinted on his cloak. Pope John
Paul II canonized him 31 July 2002. See also 12 December.
December 11th - St. Damasus I, pope
Damasus, died 384; preserved papal archives; devoted to
the relics and resting places of the martyrs; combated the
anti-pope Ursinus, as well as Arian and Donatist heresies;
first pope to speak of Rome as the “Apostolic See”; encouraged St. Jerome to produce a new translation of the
Latin Bible, later to form the main part of the Vulgate.
December 12th - Our Lady of Guadalupe
Today’s feast recalls the apparitions of Mary at the hill of
Tepeyac from 9-12 December 1531 to the native convert,
St. Juan Diego (9 Dec.); known to the Aztecs as Tecoatlaxope (or de Guadalupe in Spanish), meaning “she will
crush the serpent of stone”; declared Patroness of the
Americas by Pope Pius XII and raised to the rank of a
Feast for all the countries of the Americas by the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, 25 March 1999.
December 13th - St. Lucy virgin, martyr
Lucy, died probably in Sicily c. 304 under Diocletian; because of her name, she is the patroness of those afflicted
with diseases of the eye and associated with festivals of
light, especially in Scandinavia; mentioned in the Roman
Canon; patroness of Syracuse and all Sicily.
EXILE
Both Isaiah and Peter had the task of comforting and
encouraging their communities during times of exile. The
Israelites were in geographic exile from Israel; to them this
was, in effect, the same as being in exile from their God.
The early Christians, following the Resurrection, expected
an immediate return of Christ in glory; they, too, felt in
“exile” as the delay of the Second Coming grew longer and
longer. All four of scripture’s authors today—Isaiah, the
psalmist, Peter, and Mark—hasten to help us see things in
God’s terms, not ours. They want us to know that we can
never truly be exiled from God, or from God-among-us,
since we know that when the faithful are gathered, Christ
has come into their midst. Instead, we are encouraged today to do what we can from our end to shorten the time of
our exile: to repent of our sins, to return our lives to the
Lord, to live as people who seek the coming day of the
Lord, when “kindness and truth shall meet; justice and
peace shall kiss” (Psalm 85:10).
Copyright © J. S. Paluch Co.
TREASURES FROM OUR TRADITION
Have you seen Antiques Roadshow on television?
People bring attic treasures to experts for appraisal and
possible cash. Catholic attics, or maybe Grandma’s wall,
often hold a “sick call crucifix.” It is a curiously bulky crucifix hiding a sliding panel and a secret compartment. Two
tiny candles, a squeeze bottle of holy water, a stringy purple mini‑stole, a tube of prayers, and some cotton balls
are all hidden inside. The cross folds up to form a mini‑altar that can be propped up by a sick person’s bed. All
that is needed is a priest with the oil of the sick and Holy
Communion. Forty years ago, when these crosses enjoyed great popularity, the sacrament of the sick was often an encounter between priest and sick person alone,
and often only in a last crisis of illness.
Gradually, we are reclaiming the sacrament of anointing from this minimal, hidden expression. It is celebrated
more richly and more often, even in the Sunday assembly, at every stage of illness and across a wide range of
human suffering. The “sick call crucifix” is not a tradition, it
is a curiosity from another time, but it reminds us of true
tradition: we are a people who care for our sick, who accompany them in faith, and who sustain them with an experience of Christ’s presence.
—Rev. James Field, Copyright © J. S. Paluch Co.