1. religion and spirituality
2. christianity
3. catholicism

CHURCH OF SAINT GREGORY THE GREAT
242-20 88TH AVENUE, BELLEROSE, NY 11426
Week of December 21, 2014
FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT
LESSONS & CAROLS
A Concert to celebrate the season
TODAY
3:00PM
At
St. Gregory’s Church
Parish Mission Statement:
St. Gregory the Great Parish, established in 1936, is a welcoming
Catholic community serving the people of Bellerose, Floral Park,
and environs. Pursuing holiness through the Eucharist, we strive
to live out Jesus Christ's mandate of service, evangelization, and
establishment of justice for all. Embracing the diversity and talents
of our members, we seek the participation of everyone on the
journey.
Parish Staff:
Contact Information:
Msgr. Edward A. Ryan, Pastor
Rev. William Dulaney, Parochial Vicar
Rev. Johnson Nedungadan C. M., Parochial Vicar
Deacon Arthur Cutter
Deacon Robert Zeuner
Sr. Patricia Anglin, O.P., Pastoral Associate for
Faith Formation
Ms. Lynn Alaimo, School Principal
Mr. Bart Haggerty, Director of Music Ministry
Msgr. Eugene A. Feldhaus, Pastor Emeritus
Rev. Joseph Cunningham, Pastor Emeritus
Mr. John Reh, Civil Trustee
Mrs. Patricia Brandt, Civil Trustee
Parish Office:
Mass Schedule:
Office of Faith Formation
Saturday Vigil Mass: 5:00PM
Sunday: 8:00AM; 9:15AM; 11:00AM; 12:30PM;
5:15PM
Sunday in Gregorian Hall: 9:15AM (when Religious
Ed Classes are in session)
Weekdays Monday - Friday: 7:00AM; 9:00AM,
Saturday Morning: 9:00AM
Holydays: Vigil Mass: 7:30PM
7:00AM; 9:00AM; 12:00Noon
242-20 88th Ave.
Phone 718-347-3707
Fax 718-347-0583
Parish Website: saintgregorythegreat.com
Parish Email: [email protected]
Mrs. Lois Brady, Parish Receptionist
Miss Jennifer Kalin, Parish Receptionist
Mrs. Patricia McMenamin, Parish Secretary
Mr. Peter Varol, Parish Bookkeeper
Office Hours:
Weekdays 9:00AM - 8:00PM
Saturdays 9:00AM - 3:00PM
Sundays 9:00AM - 12:30PM
Gregorian Hall
Phone 718-347-0525
Sr. Patricia Anglin, O.P., Pastoral Associate
for Faith Formation
Ms. Kathy LaVache, Secretary
Office Hours:
Tuesday 10:30AM - 3:30PM
Wednesday 10:30AM - 3:30PM
Thursday 10:30AM - 3:30PM
Sunday
10:15AM - 11:30AM
St. Gregory the Great School
Eucharistic Devotion: Exposition of the Blessed
Sacrament takes place every Tuesday from the
conclusion of the 9:00AM Mass until 10:30AM.
Address 244-44 87th Ave.
Phone 718-343-5053
School Website: sgtgschool.org
Ms. Lynn Alaimo, Principal
Mrs. Camille Gunning, Secretary
Baptism: Baptism is celebrated on the Second Sunday of each month at 2:00PM and on the Fourth Saturday of
each month at 12:00Noon. Please call the Parish Office to make an appointment to meet with Deacon Zeuner.
Sacrament of Penance: The Sacrament of Penance is offered each Saturday at 1:00PM. and at other times by
appointment with one of our priests.
Marriage: A couple planning marriage must make an appointment with one of our priests or deacons at least 6
months in advance of the marriage.
FAITH FORMATION
Fourth Sunday of Advent
"Hail, full of grace! The Lord is with you."
As Advent moves toward its climax we hear a preview
of the Glad Tidings that the angelic choir will proclaim
over the shepherds' field near Bethlehem.
Religion classes for children in Grades 1 through 8 attending public school are held on Sunday mornings following the 9:15AM Family Mass in Gregorian Hall.
Diocesan Guidelines require two years of preparation
for First Holy Communion. Children 6 years of age or
older who have not been baptized must receive two years
of instruction before receiving the sacrament of Baptism.
In all cases parents/guardians must make an appointment to speak with Sr. Patricia Anglin at the Office of
Faith Formation 718-347-0525.
For adult reflection: How does the reality of Christmas draw me into a deeper conversion as I strive to
live the Gospel?
For children: What gift can I prepare to welcome the
baby Jesus ?
Looking Ahead
Feast of the Holy Family
Genesis 15:1-6;21:1-3
Hebrews 11:8,11-12,17-19
Luke 2:22 - 40
The infant Jesus transforms the lives of those among
whom he is nurtured. He can also transform our lives.
For adult reflection: How can I dwell more constantly
with Jesus Christ?
LESSONS & CAROLS
Sunday, December 21st
3:00PM - Church
Please join today, Sunday, at 3:00PM in the Church,
as the combined choirs of St. Gregory the Great and
our guest choir from Our Lady of Mercy Church, Forest Hills, present the story of Christmas in word and
song. The program includes works by Faure, Handel,
Mendelssohn, Praetorius, Yon and others, as well as
the opportunity to sing along with some of your favorite carols of the season. Admission is free and the program is suitable for all ages. Doors open at 2:30PM.
For children: How are the saints or genuinely Christcentered old people part of my life?
REMEMBER IN YOUR PRAYERS:
Hail, Mary full of grace
the Lord is with thee
FOR ALL THE SICK: Grace Leuze,
Elizabeth Williams, Joseph Konefal,
Maureen Coyle, Gabriela Dulfo, Jesse
Wagner, Daniel McCarthy, Natalie Moody,
Michael Zummo
FOR ALL THE DECEASED
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Week of December 21, 2014
SUNDAY
RCIA 11:00AM Office Basement
FAITH FORMATION CHRISTMAS PAGEANT
PRACTICE 11:30AM-1:00PM Gregorian Hall
LESSONS & CAROLS 3:00PM Church
ATHLETIC ASSOC. 1:00-9:00PM Gregorian Hall
ALCOHOLICS ANON. OPEN 8:00PM Convent
Basement
MONDAY
ATHLETIC ASSOC. 4:00-9:00PM Gregorian Hall
EMOTIONS ANON. 7:30PM Convent Basement
LIVING THE EUCHARIST 7:30PM Office Basement
TUESDAY
EUCHARISTIC ADORATION 9:30AM-10:30AM
Church
ADULT CHOIR 7:00PM Church
CHAMBER SINGERS 9:30PM Church
WEDNESDAY
DIVINE MERCY 3:00PM Church
THURSDAY
MASSES FOR THE WEEK
December 21, 2014
SUN. DEC. 21ST
8:00AM
Mary & Peter Connolly
9:15
Members of the Purgatorial Society
11:00
Rosemarie Waibel, Martin Lydon,
Richard Sullivan, Helene Crowley
12:30PM
Anne & Philip Soriano
5:15
All People of the Parish
MON. DEC. 22ND
7AM
Robert Davis
9AM
TUES. DEC. 23RD
7AM
Katie Connolly
9AM
George DeHaven
WED. DEC. 24TH
9AM
Rosemarie Waibel
THURS. DEC. 25TH – Nativity of the Lord
FRI. DEC. 26TH
9AM
Charles Meincke
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
FRIDAY
ATHLETIC ASSOC. Christmas Tournament
9:00AM-9:00PM Gregorian Hall
ALCOHOLICS ANON. STEP 7:00PM Convent
Basement
ALCOHOLICS ANON. CLOSED 8:30PM Convent
Basement
SAT. DEC. 27TH
9AM
Jane Abbatiello (21st Anniv. Rem.),
Stephanie Pontosky
5PM
Boyle & Cullen Family
SATURDAY
ATHLETIC ASSOC. 8:00AM-800PM Gregorian Hall
BAPTISM 12:00PM Church
PENANCE 1:00PM Church
THE FLOWERS THAT ADORN OUR
ALTAR throughout the week of December
21, 2014, have been donated in loving
memory of Jane Abbatiello, requested by
Barbara Ann Cosentino.
THE ALTAR BREADS AND WINE which will be
used at the celebrations of the Eucharist throughout the
week of December 21, 2014, have been donated in loving
memory of the Frank Gallagher, requested by Mae Gallagher.
THE SANCTUARY LAMP AND ALTAR CANDLES
burning throughout the week of December 21, 2014,
have been donated in loving memory of Carl Mango,
requested by Palma Giovanniello.
FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT
Cont.
FROM THE PASTOR’S DESK
12/21/14
“After all that has happened, on balance it has been
positive.”
- Mayor Francisco Arilla
All that has happened has happened in the once-sleepy
town of Borja, northeast of Madrid, Spain. There, in the
16th-century church known as the Misericordia, a 81-yearold widow by the name of Cecilia Gimenez has created a
sensation that has changed the town's fortunes - literally.
Cecilia was saddened to see a 19th century fresco, depicting Jesus in his passion, deteriorating and peeling from the
wall because of dampness. So, amateur artist that she is,
Cecilia took brush in hand and set to work restoring the
damaged image. Unfortunately the results were a far cry
from what her fellow parishioners were expecting. The
image of Jesus that now looks out at them became an object of ridicule. It quickly went viral on the internet and
drew reactions ranging from outrage to blasphemy. The
local authorities were even contemplating legal action
against Cecilia.
But then the unexpected happened. People began flocking
to Borja to see the fresco with their own eyes. More than
57,000 visitors from around the world showed up in
church as compared with an average of 6,000 annual visitors to the local art museum. They dropped 50,000 euros in
the church collection box. They spent money in cafes and
restaurants and gift shops. The town began to prosper as
never before. Even Mayor Arilla had to admit that he is
impressed.
Now art critics are taking a fresh look at
Cecilia's artistry, wondering if she is not
pioneering a new style along the lines of
Picasso or Salvatore Dali. A local vineyard is hosting an exhibition of her other
works, and a neighborhood association
has established an art competition that
bears her name.
Through all of this Cecilia, herself, has not received a
penny. The contributions made to the Misericordia are
used to employ townspeople as attendants at the church
and to fund the Sancti Spiritus Foundation that runs a
home for the aged.
All of this is a sort of Christmas parable.
The image of himself that our creator impressed upon
us at the creation was originally as bright and sparkling as
the finest fresco of Jesus we can imagine. Human malice,
indifference, the whole gamut of the seven deadly sins had
caused that divine image to become marred, damaged, in
danger of being completely obscured. But then the divine
artist came into the sanctuary of human history proclaiming, "Misericordia - Mercy." He did not come in splendor,
but in humility. As the prophet Isaiah predicted, "Many
were amazed at him - so marred was his look beyond human semblance and his appearance beyond that of the sons
of men."
The agonized man crowned with thorns, whose birth we
are about to celebrate, has created a new humanity in his
Resurrection. While making himself poor - as poor as an
elderly Spanish widow - he has enriched us. And that enrichment we celebrate by sharing gifts among ourselves
and showing misericordia to people who otherwise would
feel forgotten and neglected at the most joyous season of
the year.
A Blessed Christmas to all of you and to your loved
ones.
ANNUAL CATHOLIC APPEAL has reached $75,250
toward our goal of $80,000. We thank all our parishioners
who have contributed so generously.
COLLECTIONS last week amounted to $9,712 and
$2,625 for the Feast of the Immaculate Conception.
Thank you very much for your generosity.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2014
GIVING TREE - Thank you to all our parishioners for the generous donations to our
Giving Tree. This year the gifts will be going to Providence House, Ryan Outreach,
Bridge to Life and to the homebound of our
parish.
GROUP DEFENSIVE DRIVING COURSE will take
place at St. Gregory’s, in the Office Basement. Classes available are: Split Class on
Tuesday & Thursday, January 13th & 15th,
7:00-10:00PM and a Full-Day Class on Saturday, January 17th, 9:00AM-3:00PM. Cost of the class is
$45 per applicant. A registration form can be found in the
November and December Gregorian or at the Parish Office. This course is hosted by St. Gregory’s Holy Name
Society.
RENAISSANCE ANNUAL LUNCHEON - It’s almost
that time of year again! The annual luncheon will be held
at Nancy’s Restaurant in Floral Park on Sunday, January
25th, following the 12:30PM Mass. We will have soup,
salad, a choice of entrees, dessert and soda, coffee or tea
for $30 per person. A cash bar will be available. All
adults are invited to join us. Call Pat Tweedy at 516-3544736 or Marion Tannuzzo, after 7:30PM, at 516-358-4102
to make a reservation or for more information.
WHY YOU SHOULD BECOME A KNIGHT - If you are
interested in helping those in need, serving your parish,
growing in your faith or having exclusive access to top-rated
insurance protection for your family, then the Knights of
Columbus is the organization for you. For more information or to join, please contact the St. Anne’s Council located
on Union Turnpike, Glen Oaks, at 516-286-9504. The
Council proudly supports St. Gregory the Great Parish.
S.G.A.A.
stgregorythegreatsports.com
Service help is needed during the
next few weeks during the Basketball and Volleyball Tournaments. Help is needed at the gym with the door, the
snack counter, game clock and setup/clean up. If you are
able to do some of your service hours, please contact MaryAlice at 917-482-0213, Danny at 917-755-1698 or Denise at
646-594-8561.
Please keep in mind that the sports year is almost half way
over and all are required to perform 20 hours of service for
the athletic program.
CHRISTMAS SCHEDULE 2014
INDIVIDUAL PENANCE
Saturday, December 20th
1:00-2:00PM
MASSES
Wednesday - Christmas Eve - December 24th
4:30PM - Church
4:30PM - Gregorian Hall
6:00PM - Church
9:30PM (Carols) - 10:00PM Mass - Church
Thursday - Christmas Day - December 25th
8:30AM, 11:00AM and 12:30PM - Church
Wednesday, New Year’s Eve – December 31st
5:00PM - Church
Thursday - New Year’s Day - January 1st
9:00AM & 12:00PM
ST. GREGORY THE GREAT SCHOOL
www.sgtgschool.org
To All - A very Merry Christmas and wishes for a
Happy & Healthy New Year from the Principal Ms.
Alaimo, Faculty & Staff of St. Gregory the Great
School.
Thank you to our Walk-a-Thon Corporate Sponsors:
Bellerose Beverage - 20 cases of Dansani water
$50 Donations:
Bright Beginnings DayCare Inc.
Calisto Family
Malhoun Family
Michael A. Rich, Esq.
Taniloco Family
$150 Donations:
Kong USA, Inc.
Poppy’s Place Restaurant
Marie O’Connor-Grant, Lic. Real Estate Salesperson
with The Donnelly Group
$250 Donations:
Hi-Class Pizza
Large Industries Corp.
ARTIST OF THE WEEK: Deenah Voigt - 8th Grade
Untitled
FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT
VOCATIONS
BOOK CLUB FOR YOUNG ADULTS - ST. MICHAEL’S GUILD will take place on Wednesday, January 7th, at 7:30PM at the Cathedral Seminary House of
Formation. For more information visit the website
www.cathedraiseminary.com/st-michaels-guild.
MONTHLY HOLY HOUR AND FELLOWSHIP Friday, January 23rd at 7:30PM at Most Precious Blood
Parish, Long Island City. For more information, check
the website www.dioceseofbrooklyn.org/hhf.
+++++++++
FAMILY, MARRIAGE & INDIVDUAL THERAPY Services are provided by the Catholic Counseling Center,
under the direction of Dr. George Giuliani. Confidential
information and appointments are available by visiting
www.thecatholiccounselingcenter.com or by calling
631-243-2503.
TRIPS
Resorts Casino in Atlantic City - Wednesday, January
28th - roundtrip bus transportation. Movies and light refreshments on bus. $25 free slot play. Cost is $27 per person. If interested, contact Finbar at 718-343-0676.
Virginia Beach - Colonial Williamsburg, Historic
Jamestown & Yorktown - May 17-21, 2015 - Trip includes four night stay at Sandcastle Ocean Front Hotel,
four breakfasts and three dinners, a visit to Douglas MacArthur Memorial, guided tours of Norfolk Naval Base,
Historic Williamsburg, Yorktown Victory Center/
Jamestown Settlement, $499 pp/dbl or $453 pp/triple.
A deposit of $50 is due now. Make check payable to
Golden Age Leisure Club. For additional information, call
Finbar at 718-343-0676.
Diocesan Lenten Pilgrimage - 500th Anniversary St.
Teresa of Avila - March 12-20, 2015. Visiting Fatima,
Lisbon, Avila, Madrid and more. Spiritual Director is
Bishop Octavio Cisneros. For information, please call
1-800-Catholic, ext. 208.
ALTAR SERVERS SCHEDULE
SAT. DEC. 20TH
5PM
Robert Lewis, Daniel Lewis
SUN. DEC. 21ST
8:00AM
Jasmin Pagba, Francisque Jean,
Frances Pedersen
9:15AM
Jonathan Mulligan, Christopher Tuffy,
Michael Smith
11:00AM
Grace O’Connor, Allyson Quintillan,
Fiona Clabby
12:30PM
Ryan Bowe, Thomas Nugent
5:15PM
Timothy Perez, Rodger Recker
SAT. DEC. 27TH
5PM
Brian Machado, Roniel Urmasa
SUN. DEC. 28TH
8:00AM
John Hughes, Thomas Wirta
9:15AM
Nicholas Bustamante, Kaycee Dominguez,
Ashley Pichardo
11:00AM
Justin Brown, Robert Brandt
12:30PM
Joseph Gousse, Caitlyn Gousse
5:15PM
Joseph Aguas, Destiny Krause
DOMINICAN VILLAGE is a not-for-profit retirement
community in Amityville. It provides both independent
living and assisted living apartments for senior citizens.
Residents live in a supportive environment in which the
sacredness of life and the dignity of each person are held
in the highest regard. For more information and/or to
arrange a visit and tour, please call 631-842-6091.
TD BANK “AFFINITY MEMBERSHIP PROGRAM” If you are currently banking with TD or will be
opening an account, mention to a representative that you
are a parishioner of St. Gregory. St. Gregory’s will earn
credit and receive an annual contribution from TD.
There are no costs involved and your privacy is
guaranteed.
SISTERS OF THE HANDMAIDS OF THE HOLY
CHILD JESUS will minister and care for the elderly in
their own home. For information, please call 718-8887708 or 646-434-9325.