1. religion and spirituality
2. christianity
3. catholicism

THE HOLY FAMILY OF JESUS, MARY, AND JOSEPH – DECEMBER 28, 2014
Church of Our Lady Help of Christians
A Roman Catholic Faith Community in Tottenville Since 1898
We extend a WARM WELCOME to families and individuals who
are new to our Parish.
Please register at the Rectory so that we can be of service to you.
We encourage you to fully participate in our parish life.
PARISH
7396 Amboy Road, Staten Island, NY 10307
RECTORY OFFICE 718-317-9772
FAX NO. 718-317-0038
Pastor
Fr. D. Francis Dias
Parochial Vicar Fr. R. D. J. Sylvester Ranasinghe
Deacons
Deacon Richard Salhany
Deacon John Singler
Part-Time Employees
Parish Secretary Mrs. Ninfa Chiarello (M-T-F)
[email protected]
Parish Secretary Mrs. Mary C. Zammit (T-W-TH)
[email protected]
Parish Secretary Mrs. Maria B. Byrnes (W-TH-F)
[email protected]
MINISTRY TO THE
SICK AND HOMEBOUND
Anointing of the Sick
Call the Rectory at any time.
Communion to the Homebound
Please call the Rectory to make
arrangements for those homebound
or hospitalized.
Sick List
Please update us monthly.
SCHOOL
23 Summit Street, Staten Island, NY 10307
718-984-1360
FAX NO. 718-966-9356
Principal
Mr. Michael J. Saldarelli
Admin. Assistant
Mrs. Jamie L. McCue
School Secretary
Mrs. Maria Geloso
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION OFFICE
23 Summit Street, Staten Island, NY 10307
718-227-2441
FAX NO. 718-966-9356
CRE
Mrs. Marie T. Dunigan
Part-Time Administrative Support Staff
Mrs. Patricia M. Dresch
MASS SCHEDULE
SEPTEMBER-JUNE
SATURDAY EVENING VIGIL
4:30 PM Family Mass
SUNDAY
8:00 AM
9:30 AM Family Mass
11:00 AM
12:30 PM
4:00 PM Spanish Mass
6:30 PM
SPONSOR CERTIFICATES
Individuals must come in person to
see priest on duty.
JULY-AUGUST
SATURDAY EVENING VIGIL
4:30 PM
SUNDAY
8:00 AM
10:00 AM
12:00 PM
4:00 PM Spanish Mass
6:30 PM
Website:
www.olhcparish.org
WEEKDAYS (ALL YEAR)
9:00 AM
PRIVATE PRAYER
The Church is open weekdays until
7:00 PM in the evening, for personal
prayer and meditation.
SACRAMENTS
Reconciliation
Saturdays at 9:30 AM as well as twentyfive minutes before every weekday and
weekend Masses.
Baptisms
Every Sunday at 2:00 PM. Please call
the Rectory to make an appointment to
speak with a priest. Baptism instruction
classes for parents are held on the first
Saturday of the month, in the lower
church, at 11:00 AM.
Marriage
Couples should call the Rectory to
arrange a meeting with a priest or
deacon at least six months in advance of
their wedding.
RCIA
A series of classes presenting a deeper
exploration of Catholic faith for adults
which prepares them to make a conscious
choice to receive the sacraments of Baptism, First Holy Communion and
Confirmation. Please call the rectory.
THE HOLY FAMILY OF JESUS, MARY, AND JOSEPH – DECEMBER 28, 2014
Pg. 2
MONTH-AT-A-GLANCE
DAY DATE
TIME
INTENTION
REQUESTED BY
Sat
12/27
4:30 PM
Gina Cesiro
Mom & Dad
Sun
12/28
8:00 AM
Frank Fossella
Frank & Maryann Diglio
9:30 AM
Isabella Rose Kirsch
Rosemarie Cahill &
Family
11:00 AM
Maria Dattolo
Mr. & Mrs. D’Angelo
12:30 PM The People of Our Parish
Spanish Mass
6:30 PM
Ann Kovach
Jaclyn Lurker
Mon
12/29
9:00 AM
Dorothy Pagliuco
Pagliuco Family
Tue
12/30
9:00 AM
Carl Tursi
Chris & Rich Bessi
Wed
12/31
9:00 AM The People of Our Parish
7:30 PM
Vigil Mass
Thu
01/01 10:00 AM
12:00 PM
01/02
9:00 AM
Sat
01/03
9:00 AM The People of Our Parish
4:30 PM
Sun
01/04
Tommy Pagliuco
Russell Sienty
Pagliuco Family
Ann & Ralph Umana
8:00 AM The People of Our Parish
9:30 AM
Adelina Alberga
SCRIPTURE SHARING
Thursdays-7:30 PM-Rectory
ST. EDWARD FOOD PANTRY
COLLECTION
1st weekend after all Masses
Next collection: January 3/4
THIRD ORDER OF MARY
3rd Sun. after 12:30 PM Mass-Gym
Next Meeting: January 18
The People of Our Parish
The People of Our Parish
Fri
CROSS ROAD FOUNDATION
COLLECTION
4th weekend after all Masses
Next Collection: January 24/25
FIRST FRIDAY
Mass-9:00 AM
Adoration/Benediction-9:30 AM
4:00 PM
SOLEMNITY
OF MARY
FAMILY SUPPORT FOR LOVED
ONES ADDICTED TO DRUGS/
ALCOHOL
For more info, contact Gail Kross
@ 973-600-5301
YOUTH GROUP (GRADES 6-12)
2nd & 4th Sun. after 6:30 PM Mass
Gym
Next Meeting: December 28
ZUMBA
Gym
For scheduling info, contact
Cathy Cataletto @ 917-829-1402 or
e-mail: [email protected]
Angelo Alberga
THE SAINTS OF THE WEEK
11:00 AM
Rosemarie Ferro
12:30 PM
Aniello Scotto
4:00 PM
Spanish Mass
6:30 PM
Jerrold Jennings
Janice & Paul Johnson
Daughter
Diana Jennings
Sat
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Sun
12/27 St. John, Apostle & Evangelist
12/28 The Holy Family
12/29 St. Thomas Becket
12/30
12/31 St. Sylvester
01/01 Solemnity of Mary
01/02 St. Basil the Great
01/03 Most Holy Name of Jesus
01/04 Epiphany of the Lord
If a weekend Mass is being offered for a family member, please let a priest or usher know if you wish to bring up the gifts.
THE HOLY FAMILY OF JESUS, MARY, AND JOSEPH – DECEMBER 28, 2014
Pg. 3
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
Happy New Year to all! May Jesus, the Lord of Lords, bless you and your families with good health
peace, joy and happiness!
NEW SCHEDULING
The New Scheduling is to begin. The subject is so very important that I have to go back to it again.
I spoke about it in the previous bulletin as well. MS Pro wants us to come back and continue using them,
but I repeat that while it had its good points we could not go on with so many absences. Thanks to all
those who called to inform us about their inability to serve for the next three months or so. Please note
your name will appear in the schedule because of some technical problems and solutions but in reality
will be replaced by someone else. I will soon be contacting one or two from each group of ministers to
find out if they can act as leaders: we shall call them the Head of the Group (HG). Please keep in mind
the HG is not a substitute. He or she will be contacted in case of unavailability: when all efforts fail and
only in desperate situations. Of course we expect every assigned minister to take responsibility seriously:
he or she must try to find a SUBSTITUTE by himself/ herself before contacting HG. We will provide the
list of fellow ministers with their telephone numbers so that you can easily reach them. We shall assign
ministers on three months schedule. Fr. Sylvester is preparing a small booklet with names and numbers
which I trust will be very useful to all along with some guidelines to keep in mind when on duty. We
shall continue to use the sign-in system in the sacristy. We hope to start a reward system for those who
are committed and dedicated. Those who substitute last minute when no one shows up will be doubly rewarded. As a rule in keeping with the GIRM, we would like one minister to perform only one ministry at
a given celebration.
NEW YEAR, NEW BEGINNING, NEW LIFE
As I said in my previous letter, volunteering is a privilege which behooves responsibility. I wish
more and more volunteers to show up. New Year is a good opportunity to commit. The group of ladies
and gentlemen that counted the offerings on Monday morning and prepared the Bank Deposit are retiring
after so many years of devoted and faithful service. Due to various reasons of health and moving away,
some had to leave and the rest of them are saying good-bye at the end of December. I wish to thank them
for their faithful and loyal service. Potential counters must be retired and be willing to spend at least one
hour each week. They have to abide by the archdiocesan norms which shall be explained to them. Rule of
thumb: no husband and wife or just siblings alone. We need volunteer sacristans for each Mass whose
duty it will be to see the preparation for Mass, etc. Their duties include setting up for Mass, refilling candles with paraffin and general cleanliness and appearance of the church. We need experts in maintenance
of pews and kneelers and candle stands. The rectory basement is our storage for most of the Christmas
and Easter decorations. It needs to be put in order and cleaned up while decorations are on display. We
must get ready with labels, etc., for re-storing and re-stocking.
REMINDERS
Remember the Mass schedule for New Years Eve/Day. It is listed in the bulletin and also on the
website. The Solemnity of Mary is a holy day of obligation this year. It is the feast day of the Blessed
Virgin Mary under the aspect of her motherhood of Jesus Christ. In other words, it is a celebration of
Mary's motherhood of Jesus. We have more of those pamphlets we prepared for the Christmas Quiz. If
you want to read one, please feel free to pick one up from the lobbies. Soon we will let you know the
winner: who did well and how well.
Have a Happy and Safe New Year!
Fr. Frank
THE HOLY FAMILY OF JESUS, MARY, AND JOSEPH – DECEMBER 28, 2014
Pray for the deceased
Let us remember all the faithful departed.
MEMORIAL OFFERINGS
BREAD & WINE
Kyle Miller (2nd Birthday in Heaven)
Req. by Mom & Dad
SANCTUARY LAMP
Sarah Patricia Goode
Req. by Carmela & Matthew Ligotti
ALTAR CANDLE
The People of Our Parish
Pg. 4
WEEKLY SACRIFICIAL OFFERING
December 22, 2013
Not available due
December 21, 2014
to early printing
Number of Envelopes
of bulletin
RECTORY OFFICE CLOSED
THURSDAY, JANUARY 1st
The rectory staff wishes you a
happy and healthy New Year!
PRAYER LIST FOR OUR SERVICE
MEN & WOMAN
Andrew S. Aswad SC
Anthony Manetta Africa
David Baggs NY
Mark Philip Martino US Army
Thomas Brown LA
Mason Morgante NC
Raquel Caramanno CA
Ronald McNair Afghanistan
Raymond Conde Afghanistan
Cody Robinson CA
Cassandra Facciponti West Point Shawn Robinson WA
ALTAR FLOWERS
The People of Our Parish
PLEASE PRAY FOR THE SICK OF THE PARISH
Aubrey
George Kerber
Nilda Peterson
Joan Bartenhagen
Rafael Laskowski
John Placente
Ronnie Benitez
Maria LaSorsa
Anna Marie Reinthaler
Valerie Bertan
Mei Foo Liao
Robin Rodolfo
Chris Bessi
Joseph Liotine
Barbara Rotunno
Dennis Castelli
Anthony Lodareo
Frances Rotunno
Scott Conniff
Ralph Lucchese
Hayley Rusciano
Rita Cowan
Scuoto Maisco
Philip Russo
Joseph D’Angelo
Ed Malley
Patricia Savino
Ellen Derowski
Joseph Manfredi
Anna Socci
George Day
Joseph Mariconda
Shelia Sullivan
Josie Doty
Peter Marsh
Edward Svenningsen
Dennis Emperor
Ken McCall
Paul Taravella
Norene Emperor
Terence McGowan
Justin Too
Leopold Fleming
Laura Murillo
Aiden Truscelli
Nancy Flynn
Georgianna O’ Connor Josephine Winters
Ramona Fogelstrom Anne Troland Oghia
Dominick Yanchunas
Laura Grzeskowiak
Joan Orena
Gail Yanchunas
Larry Hartnett
Raymond Perry Jr.
Joseph Yasso
SPC Sean Pesce
Brian P. Fleming Germany
Nicholas Singler CA
Michael Ievolo Afghanistan
Greg Tegan IL
50/50 CLUB
The December 50/50 is now in progress.
Donation to enter: $5
REMEMBER….YOU HAVE TO BE IN IT TO WIN IT!
HOLY FAMILY OF JESUS, MARY AND JOSEPH
First Reading: Gn 15: 1-6, 21: 1-3
Abram shows us the Lord keeps His promises, for his offspring were indeed many, like the stars in heaven. We,
too, must trust in the Lord, so like Abram, our families
might prosper.
Second Reading: Hebrews 11: 8, 11-12, 17-19
By faith Abraham and Sarah were blessed with Isaac, and
through him, many descendants because they trusted in
God’s promise and believed in what they could not see.
We see that faith, trust and prayer bring forth God’s miracles in our lives.
Gospel: Luke 2: 22-40
Jesus was brought to Jerusalem to be consecrated according to the law of Moses. A man named Simeon had
learned he would not die until he had seen God’s anointed. Upon seeing Jesus, he immediately declared he had
witnessed “the glory of your people of Israel.” The prophetess Anna also gave thanks and spoke of Jesus to all
who would listen. Both recognized the power of Jesus,
although he was still an infant.
THE HOLY FAMILY OF JESUS, MARY, AND JOSEPH – DECEMBER 28, 2014
THE OCTAVE OF THE NATIVITY OF THE
LORD: MARY THE MOTHER OF GOD
January 1st is a holy day of obligation this year as it
falls on a Thursday.
Masses are as follows:
Wednesday, December 31st: Vigil Mass 7:30 PM
Thursday, January 1st: 10:00 AM & 12:00 PM
Pg. 5
SECOND COLLECTION
Next weekend there will be a second collection
for The Catholic University of America whose
motto is Reason, Faith and Service and Catholic
Communication which supports Catholic media
efforts. Please be as generous as your blessings
will allow.
A NEW YEAR’S PRAYER
God, thank you for a new year. May everyone in
our family be willing to begin anew with a clean slate.
We know that you are always ready to forgive us. Help
us to be willing to forgive ourselves and to forgive one
another.
As we begin a new year, remind us of our
truest values and our deepest desires. Help us to live in
the goodness that comes from doing what you want us to
do. Help us to put aside anxiety about the future and the
past, so that we might live in peace with you now, one
day at a time. Amen
NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION FOR CATHOLICS
2015 BOXED SETS OF ENVELOPES & CALENDARS
Archdiocese of New York
invites you to
SAVE THE DATE
for our
First Annual Men’s Conference
Saturday, March 21, 2015
Keynote speaker: Cardinal Timothy Dolan
Visit www.nyfamilylife.org for more information
are available in the Church lobbies.
Please be sure to write your envelope
number. If you do not know the number,
call the rectory and we will provide it to you.
Our Lady Help of Christians School
Invites You To Our Annual Fundraiser
WINTER WONDERLAND
Friday, January 16, 2015
7:30 PM-11:30 PM
Hilton Garden Inn (1100 South Avenue)
Invite your family & friends to join us for this after
holiday madness evening complete with dancing, raffle
baskets, 50/50 & mystery prizes. Tickets are $90.
RSVP to [email protected] or send
payment to the school office by January 6th.
ST. JOHN VILLA ACADEMY
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 90th ANNIVERSARY
Attention Alumni of St. John Villa Academy. This
year we are celebrating the 90th Anniversary of
the Elementary School and we want to make sure
you are a part of the celebrations we have planned,
in particular our Lights, Camera, Action Dinner Dance being held on April 17, 2015 at the Excelsior Grand. Please
contact the development and alumni relations office at
718-447- 4150 x130/171, to verify your contact information.
Add more prayer to your daily life.
Give more time to Jesus.
Do a good deed every day, no matter how small.
Find a charity to donate time or money.
Read the Bible.
Attend Mass weekly.
Listen to Catholic television and radio.
Read Catholic literature.
Go to confession.
Be active and get involved in church ministries.
NEW AT ST. PETER’S CEMETERY
St. Peter’s Cemetery now offers families the opportunity to purchase graves for future use. These
future use graves will be limited to the graves
available in Section R (at the intersection of Tyler
Avenue & Clove Road). Other sections of the cemetery will still be available for the purchase of immediate need of burial space. For individuals who prefer cremation, St. Peter’s also offers cremation niches that can hold 2 standard size urns. The niches are
available in St. Peter’s Columbaria Garden for preneed or immediate need. For more information,
please call the cemetery office at 718-442-2363,
Monday-Friday 8 AM-12 PM & 1 PM-3 PM.
OLHC HOLIDAY MODELL'S FUNDRAISER
from 11/28/14 to 12/31/14
Coupons good for 15% off a Modell's purchase
& 5% back to OLHC. Modell's coupons are available in the church vestibules or on OLHC website.
THE HOLY FAMILY OF JESUS, MARY, AND JOSEPH – DECEMBER 28, 2014
Pg. 6
R.C.I.A. CLASS FORMING: 18 YEARS AND OLDER
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults
(RCIA) is the process by which adults become
members of the Roman Catholic Faith. The formation process is directed at those adults who
have missed a Sacrament along the way or
those from other faiths that have a calling to the Roman
Catholic Faith. The culmination of the formation process
takes place at the Easter Vigil where the Rites of the
Sacraments (Baptism, Communion or Confirmation) are
administered. The Classes are offered weekly beginning
in December and continue through the Easter Season. If
you would like further information, please leave a message for Deacon Richard or Dr. Constance Salhany at the
Rectory (718) 317-9772.
CATHOLIC CRUISE TO ALASKA
7-night Catholic Alaska Cruise with
Fr. Leo Prengamaon
on Holland America Westerdam out of Seattle
May 2-May 9, 2015
Price begins at $2,004 for two passengers including all
port fees and taxes. Deposit of $350 per person. Daily
Mass is offered. For further information contact Doug
or Eileen at 860-399-1785.
READINGS FOR THE WEEK
Sunday Sir 3:2-6, 12-14 or Gn 15:1-6, 21:1-3;
Col 3:12-21 or 3:12-17 or Hb 11:8, 11-12, 17-19;
Lk 2:22-40 or 2:22, 39-40
Monday 1 Jn 2:3-11; Lk 2:22-35
Tuesday1 Jn 2:12-17; Lk 2:36-40
Wednesday 1 Jn 2:18-21; Jn 1:1-18
Thursday Nm 6:22-27; Gal 4:4-7; Lk 2:16-21
First Friday 1 Jn 2:22-28; Jn 1:19-28
First Saturday 1 Jn 2:29—3:6; Jn 1:29-34
PARISH PAY NEWS!! IT'S THE SEASON FOR GIVING!!
Visa and ParishPay are giving away 16GB
Tablets when Parishioners donate for Christmas. They will be entered into a raffle which
will give Parishioners an opportunity to win a Tablet.
Start donating today for a chance to win!! Winners will
be notified! Donations must be in by December 31, 2014.
LITURGY OF THE HOURS
Pray The Liturgy of the Hours www.divineoffice.org
or www.universalis.com