church of st. ephrem
TRANSCRIPT
St. Ephrem Catholic Academy 924 74th Street, Brooklyn, New York 11228 ⧫ 718-833-1440 ⧫ www.stephremcatholicacademy.org
Rectory Office 929 Bay Ridge Parkway
718-833-1010
Fax 718-921-5232
Faith Formation Center Side Entrance of St. Ephrem Convent (off Bay Ridge Parkway)
718-745-7486 [email protected]
Parish Staff
Very Rev. Robert B. Adamo, V. F., KCHS, Pastor Rev. Msgr. Peter V. Kain, Pastor Emeritus Rev. Anthony S. Chanan, Parochial Vicar Mr. Robert Cote, Youth Minister Mrs. Michele James, Business Manager Rev. Msgr. Theophilus Joseph, Parochial Vicar Sr. Mary Ann Ambrose, C.S.J., Director of Faith Formation Mr. Thomas Marchesiello, Director of Music/Liturgy Deacon Kevin McLaughlin, Permanent Deacon Mr. Craig Mercado, Academy Principal Mrs. Lisa Pinsky, Parish Secretary Deacon Anthony Stucchio, Permanent Deacon
Church of St. Ephrem 929 Bay Ridge Parkway ⬧ Brooklyn, New York 11228
www.stephremparish-brooklyn.org stephrembklyn St. Ephrem Catholic Church Dyker Heights
Our Mission Statement
We, the parish family of St. Ephrem, baptized into the life of Jesus Christ and nourished by the Word and the Eucharist, strive to be a welcoming and responsive Roman Catholic faith community. Together we are committed to put our faith
into action by: Responding to the spiritual and physical needs of the community through service and charity. Reaching out to those who are searching for a faith community, including the young
and those seeking to re-kindle their relationship with God. Reaching out to all without distinction. Passing on our faith and traditions through teaching by word and example. Connecting to where people are on their faith journey.
Actively participating in the worship, sacrament and devotional life of the church.
Schedule of Masses Saturday Vigil 5:00 PM Sunday 8:00 AM, 10:00 AM, 12 Noon and 5:00 PM Weekdays Monday through Friday 7:00 AM & 8:45 AM Saturday 8:45 AM
Rectory Office Hours Monday—Thursday: 9:00 AM—12 Noon 1:00 PM—5:00 PM Friday: 9:00 AM— 12 Noon 1:00 PM—4:00 PM Saturday No Office Hours
Sunday No Office Hours
Parish Registration All are welcomed and invited to register at the Parish Office and participate in our parish.
Devotions Miraculous Medal Novena, Mondays following the 8:45 AM Mass Recitation of the Rosary at 8:15 AM before weekly morning Mass. Divine Mercy Chaplet every Friday following the 8:45 AM Mass First Friday Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament following the 8:45 AM Mass and Benediction at 12:30 PM.
Baptism Parents should call the rectory to make an appointment. Please note that there are no baptisms during the season of Lent.
Marriage The Sacrament of Marriage requires a time of serious spiritual preparation. Couples should make arrangements for their marriage at least six months before the date of the wedding by making an appointment with a priest or deacon. Please log on to www.pre-cana.org for complete information about marriage preparation in the Diocese.
Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession) Saturday 3:30 –4:30 PM. By appointment for all other times.
Anointing of the Sick/Communion To make arrangements for communion to be brought to any parishioner who is seriously ill or confined to the house, or if they wish to receive the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick. To see a particular Staff Member, please call for an appointment.
October 24, 2021
Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time
2
Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time October 24, 2021
“Master, I want to see.” Mark 10: 45-52
Dear Parishioners:
In today’s gospel we hear how Jesus, shortly before entering Jerusalem, passes through Jericho and heals a blind man, Bartimaeus, who is begging on the side of the road. At first when Bartimaeus calls out “Jesus, son of David, have pity on me,” he is rebuked by others in the crowd. Perhaps they think that Bartimaeus isn’t worthy of Jesus’ attention, or maybe they doubt Jesus can do anything for this man. But Bartimaeus is not discouraged. He continues to cry out to Jesus and is heard by the Lord. In the face of others’ doubt and derision, Bartimaeus believes that he is worthy of healing and that Jesus is capable of restoring his sight. And this is what Jesus does.
Jesus asks this beggar “outsider” the identical question that we heard him ask the two privileged “insider” disciples in last Sunday’s gospel: “What do you want me to do for you?” The contrast of Bartimaeus’ response with theirs is both poignant and prophetic. Blinded by self-aggrandizement to the demands of following a suffering and servant Messiah, the disciples had asked for the best places in the kingdom. Ambition and possessiveness will soon cause them to leave everything to run away from Jesus, but Bartimaeus, aware of his poverty and disability, asks for nothing but that he may see, addressing Jesus reverently as “Rabbouni,” “Master.” This address is only used one other time in the New Testament – when Mary Magdalene recognizes her risen Lord. Jesus knows that the blind man already has the seeing eyes of faith, and he tells Bartimaeus that it is this that now restores his physical sight. “Go on your way; your faith has saved you.” says Jesus. No longer confined by blindness and groping this man is to follow Jesus “on the way,” the way that leads to Jerusalem, the city of passion, death, and resurrection.
Are we aware of our own blindness, of our inability to recognize Jesus who is passing through our everyday lives? From the depths of our spiritual poverty and disabilities, do we urgently ask for insightful faith so that we recognize who Jesus really is? Or are we reluctant to leave even the small, secure territory of our reputation or material comfort that we have staked out for ourselves and push forward to Jesus, ready to enter with him into whatever “Jerusalem” he will lead us
into, with his promise of a share in his passion, death … and resurrection?
Today we welcome Bishop DiMarzio who will celebrate the 12 Noon Mass in which he will open our 100th Anniversary Jubilee Year and Bless our renovated Church. As we begin this special year let us be reminded that our Church has been built for us to give Glory and Honor to God. Each time we gather we encounter the Lord, Jesus Christ and welcome him into our hearts. May we continue to give Glory and Honor to God!
In the Good Shepherd,
COVID-19 Update September 2021
Just a Gentle Reminder: Bishop DiMarzio encourages all to wear a mask.
Those not vaccinated MUST wear a Mask!
Social Distancing is still required in the
Church. While there are no ropes, every
other pew is a good guide for seating.
Regarding Religious Exemption for the COVID-19 Vaccine:
There have been a few inquiries requesting a letter stating a ‘Religious Exemption’ for the COVID-19 Vaccine. On July 30th, all priests of the diocese were informed of the following:
“Please be aware that there is no basis
for a religious exemption for Catholics
as the Vatican has determined that the
COVID-19 vaccines are morally acceptable.”
6 Ft.
In 2020 we did not make our assigned Goal in the Annual Catholic Appeal. In 2020, Bishop DiMarzio
forgave the obligation to reach our assigned goal due to the Pandemic. Unfortunately, we find ourselves
again falling behind Goal. This year, the Parish is obligated to provide the monies from the Operating
Account to achieve the assigned Goal.
WE Are the CHURCH Together! Help us Meet Goal!
Special Second Collection October 30th & 31st!
Thank you for all you do for St. Ephrem!
3
4
5
6
A Year Dedicated to St. Joseph
December 8, 2020—December 8, 2021
March 19th the Inauguration of A Year of Reflection
Dedicated to the Family
Pope Francis Monthly Prayer Intention
Missionary Disciples
We pray that every baptized person may be engaged
in evangelization, available to the mission, by being
witnesses of a life that has the flavor of the Gospel.
To Join the Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network
go to: http://popesprayerusa.net/
A Prayer to St. Joseph, Defender of Life
Dearest Saint Joseph,
at the word of an angel,
you lovingly took Mary into your home.
As God’s humble servant, you guided
the Holy Family on the road to Bethlehem,
welcomed Jesus as your own son
in the shelter of a manger,
and fled far from your homeland
for the safety of both Mother and Child.
We praise God that as their faithful protector,
you never hesitated to sacrifice
for those entrusted to you.
May your example inspire us also
To welcome, cherish, and safeguard
God’s most precious gift of life.
Help us to faithfully commit ourselves
To the service and defense of human life
- especially where it is
Vulnerable or threatened.
Obtain for us the grace
to do the will of God in all things.
Amen.
Copyright 2021, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Washington, D.C. All rights reserved.
Lord, Father of our human family, you created all human beings equal in dignity: pour forth into our hearts a fraternal spirit and inspire in us a dream of renewed encounter, dialogue, justice and peace. Move us to create healthier societies and a more dignified world. May our hearts be open to all the peoples and nations of the earth. May we recognize the goodness and beauty that you have sown in each of us, and thus forge bonds of unity, common projects, and shared dreams. Amen.
—Prayer of Pope Francis
in his encyclical, "Fratelli Tutti"
7
Did You Know?
NOTICE
National Catholic Pledge to End the Death Penalty
In response to our Church's call, the Catholic
Mobilizing Network invites us to sign a pledge
to educate, advocate, and pray for an end to the
death penalty. (Note: you don’t have to be a
Catholic to sign.) https://catholicsmobilizing.org/action/pledge
To protect creation, to protect every man and every woman, to look upon
them with tenderness and love, is to open up a horizon of hope;
it is to let a shaft of light break through the heavy clouds; it is to bring the warmth of hope!
Pope Francis—Homily at His Inauguration
Everyday Stewardship
Recognize God in Your Ordinary Moments
Giving as God Does
Ask yourself this question — what would you pray for
if you really believed God could and would do
anything for you? In my experience, we all have
something. We all have that miracle we’re afraid to
request, afraid we will be disappointed.
Do we doubt God’s readiness to give because we
ourselves have such an imperfect understanding of
charity and love? Maybe if we had better faith in God
we would be more ready to give of ourselves — and
maybe if we were more ready to give of ourselves, we
would understand more clearly the ways of God.
Because we’re not really afraid that God can’t do
something. We know He can do anything. What we’re
afraid of is that He will do what He always does: give
us what we need, not what we want.
Have you ever had a friend in need and you just
wanted to give them something — a meal, a phone
call, a text? Not because you knew it would help, but
simply because you wanted to reach out. And have
they ever said to you: It wasn’t so much what you
gave, but the fact that you did. You gave them what
they needed even if it wasn’t what they specifically
asked for.
When we give in this manner, we are giving as God
does. Sometimes we are afraid to ask because we don’t
want to be disappointed. But remember, the blind man
on the road got what he asked for, but he would have
gotten what he needed even if his answer had been the
opposite. God’s generosity is always reckless, and it’s
always perfect.
— Tracy Earl Welliver, MTS
©LPi
October is Right to Life Month
Dignity and the Death Penalty:
A Conversation with Cardinal Wilton D.
Gregory and Sister Helen Prejean, CSJ
Below is the link to the recorded Webinar:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=IZxuvBTaFso
8
Celebrate
St. Ephrem Parish 100th Anniversary
This Sunday October 24th
with
Bishop DiMarzio
St. Ephrem Jubilee Year Trivia
On January 12, 1921 this priest received a letter from Bishop McDonnell announcing he would be the founding pastor of St. Ephrem Parish in Dyker Heights. Answer: ______________________
The pews of our first church building were purchased second hand. What parish did they come from?
Answer: ______________________
St. Ephrem Friendship Club
has Resumed Meeting
Wednesdays
10:00 am—2:00 pm
Gennaro’s Catering Hall
Please Note New Location!
We are very grateful for their generosity!
October Month of the Rosary Dedicated to the
Blessed Virgin Mary
The Rosary is prayed Monday—Saturday
8:15 AM & 7:00 PM in the Church.
Previously Recorded Rosary will be Live-Streamed through our parish website each evening
at 7:00 PM
Please share and join us!
Parish Happenings
Our Lady of Perpetual Help Food Pantry
We will be collecting non-perishable and
non-expired food items weekends of
October 30th & 31st
Thank you for your generosity!
St. Ephrem 2021 Autumn
October Calendar
Raffle Winners!
St. Vincent DePaul
Clothing Drive
Saturday, October 30th
9:00 am—11:45 am
on 74th Street Outside of School Yard
October 1st $100.00 MaryBeth Hyland
October 2nd $100.00
October 3rd $100.00
October 4th $50.00
October 5th $50.00
October 6th $50.00
October 7th $100.00
October 8th $75.00
October 9th $50.00
October 10th $100.00
October 11th $50.00
October 12th $50.00
October 13th $50.00
October 14th $50.00
October 15th $100.00
Susan Larsen
Marie Hickey
Joe Calabrese
Al Marciano
Nicoletta Florio
Sr. Margaret Kelly
Kathleen McManus
Alex Franki
Jim Richardson
Marie Duffy
Anna Pagano
Thomas Armento
The Wanielista Family
Joseph DiGiacomo
9
“All the faithful of Christ of
whatever rank or status are
called to the fullness of the
Christian life and to the
perfection of charity. . . .
In order that the faithful may
reach this perfection, they must use their
strength accordingly as they have received it,
as a gift from Christ. . . .
They must devote themselves
with all their being to the glory of God
and the service of their neighbor.
In this way, the holiness of the People of God
will grow into an abundant harvest of good. . . .”
—Saint John XXIII at the opening of the Second Vatican Council on Oct. 11, 1962
Parish Happenings
Monday, November 1, 2021
A Holy Day but NOT of Obligation Masses at 7:00 a.m. and 8:45 a.m. ONLY
Tuesday, November 2, 2021
Masses at 7:00 a.m. and 8:45 a.m. ONLY
Saturday, November 6, 2021 at 5:00 p.m.
We will remember all those of our parish family who have died in the past year.
Sunday,
November 7th
2:00 a.m.
Turn your Clocks
Back and Check
Smoke Detector
Batteries!
Altar Server Training Children, Teens, Adults Grade 4 and Older
Sundays November 14th & 21st 11:00 a.m. in Church
This training is for ALL who are already Altar Servers and those who are seeking to become an Server.
Training will include the new sanitizing protocols in place as we continue to deal with COVID-19.
Sunday, November 28, 2021 First Sunday of Advent
Installation of New Altar Servers and Recommitment of Current Altar Servers
Again, this ministry is open to both children and adults.
Please consult page 15 of this Bulletin regarding the Synod and our Parish Listening Session on November 16th.
10
Flag Football News
Saturdays 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
On Saturday, October 16, 2021 our Pastor, Father Adamo & I visited
the flag football field on Shore Road, it was enjoyable watching the games and meeting with the players, parents and dedicated coaches and administrators who organize and run a fantastic flag football program. I encourage all to visit the field on Saturdays.
Basketball Instructional Program (Outdoors)
School Yard (74th Street)
Kindergarten, 1st & 2nd Graders
Sundays 1:30 pm—3:30 pm
All Children of the Parish are Welcome to Attend! Come directly to School Yard (74th Street)
Weather Permitting! *Volunteers Needed (Adults and 7th & 8th grade).
Baseball Awards Ceremony Again, hoping to have an outdoor event
soon. Working on it! Watch for details in the Bulletin.
News From St. Ephrem Sports
Confirmation Retreat
Today the Confirmation
Candidates are completing
their Confirmation Retreat
experience with an in-person component of the retreat.
All year they have been participating in online
modules titled “Called to Mercy”. These videos and
activities have lead them through a variety of topics as
they prepare for Confirmation and life in the Church.
Please pray for these young people as they continue
their preparation today and in the coming weeks
before Confirmation on November 11th.
Calling All Grade 8 Students!
Planning to Attend Catholic H.S.?
TACHS Exam is Nov. 6th!
Deadline to Register for Exam is October 24th.
Go to www.tachsinfo.com or call 866.618.2247 for detailed info regarding registration & more.
“You too, dear young people, can be joyful witnesses of his love, courageous witnesses of his Gospel, carrying to this world a ray of light.”
Pope Francis—World Youth Day 2013
“The gatekeeper at the first
door asks,
“Is it true?”
The second gatekeeper asks,
“Is it helpful?”
The third gatekeeper asks,
“Is it kind?”
― James Martin
“We shall never know all the good that a simple smile can do.”
Dear St. Ephrem Community,
My name is Christine McCoy and I
am the new middle school math
teacher. My goals this year is to
encourage my students not to see
math as a scary thing but instead as
something they are excited to learn
more about. I am looking forward to
seeing my students gain confidence
in their math abilities.
11
Community Happenings The Season of Creation—We Continue to Care for Our Common Home
It has been six years since Pope Francis’ Encyclical, Ladauto Sí: On the Care for Our Common Home. This encyclical written to all people of the world implores all to care for the earth. Have you read it? Want to learn more?
Visit: https://www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/human-life-and-dignity/environment/index.cfm
Here you will find the document, study guide, webinar, and much more from the USCCB Justice Committee. Watch upcoming bulletins for more information and resources.
From Our Friends at St. Andrew the Apostle
Care of Creation Ministry
The United Nations is holding ongoing discussions
about biodiversity. How important is this? Pope
Francis reminds us that every creature has its own
intrinsic worth, regardless of its economic or aesthetic
use. But we also need to be aware that all creatures are
related in an immensely complex web and that our
own well-being and survival are threatened when
species are lost. "Caring for ecosystems requires far-
sightedness." (Laudato Si', 36)
Do You Know What the Sisters Are Doing for the Care of God’s Creation?
Learn about the Garden Ministry, Agriculture, Solar Energy,
Sustainable Landscape, Wastewater Management, Woodland Preservation and much more. In addition, you will find opportunities for reflection and prayer via the Cosmic Walk and the Season of Creation Reflections. All this and more can be found by visiting: https://brentwoodcsj.org/ecology/.
Caregivers' Support Group
Time: 3pm - 4pm
Place: OLA Cavanagh Room
When: Every Tuesday
(contact person: Arlene 718-238-
9089)
Why: Emotional support, social outlet,
information or resources
Do drop in any Tuesday or every Tuesday!
All Are Welcome!
This is the logic of the
Eucharist:
we receive Jesus who loves
us and heals our fragilities
in order to love others
and help them in their fragilities; and this
lasts our entire life.
Pope Francis
With Thanksgiving to Almighty God
It is with great joy you are
invited to share in the
Celebration of the Eucharist
on the occasion of the
25th Anniversary of
Episcopal Ordination
1996 - October 31 - 2021
and
18th Years of Ministry as Bishop of Brooklyn
October 3, 2003 - November 29, 2021
of His Excellency
Most Reverend Nicholas DiMarzio, Ph. d, D.D.
Saturday, October 30, 2021
11:00 a.m.
Via live-stream at https.//netny.tv/
Consult your Cable Network
12
Spiritual Communion Prayer
My Jesus, I believe that you are present
in the Most Holy Sacrament.
I love you above all things and I desire
to receive you in my soul.
Since I cannot at this moment
receive you sacramentally,
come at least spiritually into my heart.
I embrace you as if you were already
There and unite myself wholly to you.
Never permit me to be separated from you.
Amen.
Padre Pio
Mass Intentions for the week of October 24, 2021
While Churches now gather at 100% capacity, Bishop DiMarzio asks that we still Social Distance and all are encouraged to wear a mask. Those not vaccinated MUST wear a mask. For the purpose of Contact Tracing,
please continue to use the Reservation Form through our parish website or by calling the Rectory Office. 8:45 AM Mass, the Saturday 5:00 PM Mass and the Sunday, 10:00 AM Mass are being
live streamed through our parish website. Please share and join us!
“This is faith, letting ourselves be met by Him
and trusting in Him. This is the Christian life.
To love, to meet God, to seek God;
and He seeks us first, He meets us first."
Pope Francis’ Angelus Address
Saturday, October 23rd 8:45 AM Michelina Iannelli
5:00 PM Bruno Carchidi Mary Dolce Nancy Ryan Chris Rollo Joseph A. Graffagnino Immacolata Mazzone
Sunday, October 24th 8:00 AM In Thanksgiving for the birth & homecoming of Baby Desmond 10:00 AM Tommaso F. Cario 12 Noon For the People of St. Ephrem as we begin the 100th Anniversary Year 5:00 PM For the People of St. Ephrem
Monday, October 25th 7:00 AM Millicent Patterson 8:45 AM Joseph A. Graffagnino
Tuesday, October 26th
7:00 AM Valerie F. Patterson 8:45 AM Cosimo Corsaro
Wednesday, October 27th 7:00 AM Joesph & Mary Patterson 8:45 AM Tony Grbic, Danica & Mike Vucina
Thursday, October 28th 7:00 AM Millicent Patterson 8:45 AM For the Intentions of Sharon Perrone
Friday, October 29th
7:00 AM Valerie F. Patterson 8:45 AM Domenick Mazzone
Saturday, October 30th 8:45 AM Agatha M. Lombardo
5:00 PM Raffaela Losardo John Loddo Arthur & Susan Rammairone Adrienne & Frank Marciano Joseph A. Graffagnino
Sunday, October 31st 8:00 AM Patrick Walsh 10:00 AM The Mirabile Family 12 Noon Julie Collins 5:00 PM For the People of St. Ephrem
13
How will our Parish Benefit? St. Ephrem Parish Goal is:
$104,198.00
You may notice that our parish goal has been reduced. This is a result that our weekly collections have gone down due to less attendance at weekly Masses. Once we exceed
our goal, then we will receive 100% of all funds raised above goal. Last year we did not achieve our goal.
Thank You!
WE ARE THE CHURCH, TOGETHER!
You can honor or remember a loved one by
requesting a Mass intention, Bread & Wine,
Altar Candles, Sanctuary Lamp,
Flowers for The Tabernacle Altar,
Blessed Mother Altar and Holy Family Altar. Please contact the rectory if interested.
Memorials
Thank You for your Generosity!
Saint Ephrem, pray for us!
St. Ephrem Centennial Campaign Our Church, Our Prayers, Our Legacy
As of September 7, 2021
Parish Goal $1.25 Million
Number of Donors 242
Amount Pledged $1,367,287.64
Paid to Date $858,641.40
Percent of Goal 109%
October 17, 2021 156 Envelopes $4,740.00
Second Collection World Mission 78 Envelopes $1,556.00
We Share 62 donors $2,086.43
Attendance 464
835 Families Registered and Receive Envelopes
If you are able to send in your weekly donation or enroll in the secure online donation through our Parish website it would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you for those who mailed in your donation or signed up for online giving!
To learn more about ways to give, visit our parish website at: www.stephremparish-brooklyn.org
Thank you for your generosity
to St. Ephrem Parish!
St. Ephrem Parish Goal $104,198.00
Number of Donors 153
Amount Pledged $87,905.00
Paid to Date $80,450.00
Altar Flowers
In Loving Memory
Domenick Mazzone
Requested by his loving family
Bread and Wine
In Memory of:
The DiPretoro & Tuorto Families
Requested by Their Loving Families
The sick and the homebound of St. Ephrem Parish Family
and our faithful departed loved ones
“Tenderness is love that draws near and becomes real.
A movement that starts from our heart and reaches the
eyes, the ears and the hands. Tenderness is the path
of choice for the strongest, most courageous men and women.”
Pope Francis October 13, 2020
Mass Book Opened for July 1st to December 31st
Requests may be made by email or by dropping off your requests in the mail
slot of Rectory ONLY!
718.833.1010 or [email protected]
Thank You!
14
Justice Notes
Although they go forth weeping, carrying the seed to be sown. They shall come back
rejoicing, carrying their sheaves.
Psalm 126:6
The readings this week show life with God as a journey. Both Jewish Pharisees and early Christians refer to this journey as "the way." For the Jews, YHWH’s way was to return home from exile, carrying what they had reaped during their time away. For early Christians, they are sent to carry the seed of Jesus’ teachings to the world. On this World Mission Day 2021, what "way" are you traveling? In his message marking this Day, Pope Francis’ announces:
"The theme of this year’s World Mission Day – ‘We cannot but speak about what we have seen and heard’ (Acts 4:20), is a summons to each of us to ‘own’ and to bring to others what we bear in our hearts. . .Our life of faith grows weak, loses its prophetic power and its ability to awaken amazement and gratitude when we become isolated and withdraw into little groups. By its very nature, the life of faith calls for a growing openness to embracing everyone, everywhere. The first Christians, far from yielding to the temptation to become an elite group, were inspired by the Lord and his offer of new life to go out among the nations and to bear witness to what they had seen and heard: the good news that the Kingdom of God is at hand. They did so with the generosity, gratitude and nobility typical of those who sow seeds in the knowledge that others will enjoy the fruit of their efforts and sacrifice. I like to think that ‘even those who are most frail, limited and troubled can be missionaries in their own way, for goodness can always be shared, even if it exists alongside many limitations’" (Christus Vivit, 239).
The way of the Lord is not without its hardships and sorrows, but it is ultimately a way of deep joy that leads to our home with the Lord. What seeds of the Gospel teachings do you have to share? As the laity, we are called to go out into the world and make our wider community a more just and loving place for all; to speak and share of the goodness we have received. Ministries to the wider community can be found at: https://www.raleighcathedral.org/human-life-dignity-justice
And may your journey on the Lord’s way bring you blessedly home.
Barbara Molinari Quinby, MPS, Director,
Office of Human Life, Dignity, and Justice Ministries Holy Name of Jesus Cathedral, Raleigh, NC
FAITH BOOK
30th Sunday in Ordinary Time Sunday, October 24, 2021
Jeremiah 31: 7-9; Psalm 126; Hebrews 5: 1-6; Mark 10: 46-52
From today’s Gospel reading:
Jesus said to [Bartimaeus], "What do you want me to do for you?"
Reflection:
Jesus meets us where he found the blind Bartimaeus, by the roadside, also not seeing, or looking in the wrong direction for wisdom and insight. Today, for a moment, we have stopped to hear the Word of God and
Jesus asking us, "What do you want me to do for you?" We answer from our present place, or life situation, "Master I want to see."
So, we ask ourselves:
• How would we respond to Jesus’ question, "What do
you want me to do for you?"
• Have we ever shared what He has done for us
with another?
15
Address of His Holiness Pope Francis
for the Opening of the Synod New Synod Hall
Saturday, 9 October 2021
A snippet. . .
“Dear brothers and sisters, may this Synod be a true
season of the Spirit! For we need the Spirit, the ever
new breath of God, who sets us free from every form of
self-absorption, revives what is moribund, loosens
shackles and spreads joy. The Holy Spirit guides us
where God wants us to be, not to where our own ideas
and personal tastes would lead us. ”
And concluding with. . .
“Come, Holy Spirit! You inspire new tongues and
place words of life on our lips: keep us from becoming
a “museum Church”, beautiful but mute, with much
past and little future. Come among us, so that in this
synodal experience we will not lose our enthusiasm,
dilute the power of prophecy, or descend into useless
and unproductive discussions. Come, Spirit of love,
open our hearts to hear your voice! Come, Holy Spirit
of holiness, renew the holy and faithful People of
God! Come, Creator Spirit, renew the face of the
earth! Amen.”
To read the full address visit: https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/speeches/2021/october/documents/20211009-apertura-camminosinodale.html
“Whenever the question of "how" is raised in the early Christian writings, the answer comes back: by the Spirit.
The Spirit who brooded over the waters of chaos, the
Spirit who indwelt Jesus so richly that it became known as the Spirit of Jesus: this Spirit, already present within
Jesus’ followers as the first fruits, the down payment, the
guarantee of what is to come, is not only the beginning of
the future life, even in the present time, but also the energizing power through which the final transformation
will take place. The early creed spoke of "the Holy Spirit,
the Lord and giver of life." That is exactly true in the New Testament.”
—"Surprised by Hope: Rethinking Heaven, the
Resurrection, and the Mission of the Church," by N.T.
Wright (New York: Harper Collins, 2008. Page 163)
Food for Thought A Synodal Church
Communication, Participation, Mission
Pope Francis invites the entire Church to reflect on a
theme that is decisive for its life and mission and to
have the opportunity to express themselves and to be
heard in order to contribute to the improvement of the
People of God and their Church.
Join us for a Parish Listening Session
Our ideas and insights will be shared with the USCCB
(United States Conference of Catholic Bishops)
Tuesday, November 16th
7:00 p.m.
Msgr. Kain Hall
And so we pray. . .
We stand before You, Holy Spirit,
as we gather together in Your name.
With You alone to guide us,
make Yourself at home in our hearts;
Teach us the way we must go
and how we are to pursue it.
We are weak and sinful;
do not let us promote disorder.
Do not let ignorance lead us down the wrong path
nor partiality influence our actions.
Let us find in You our unity
so that we may journey together to eternal life
and not stray from the way of truth and what is right.
All this we ask of You,
who are at work in every place and time,
in the communion of the Father and the Son,
forever and ever. Amen.
Attributed to St. Isidore of Seville
16
Proximate Preparation
for Eucharist and Confirmation
Confirmation 2021 Candidate News
Confession for Candidates
Sunday, October 24 Confirmation Retreat
3:30 p.m. in the Church
Concludes after 5:00 p.m. Mass
Confirmation Practice
Candidates MUST attend
their assigned Group Time!
Group 1 Monday, November 8th
7:00 pm in the Church
Group 2 Tuesday, November 9th
7:00 pm in the Church
Please pray for the candidates, sponsors
and their families in the weeks ahead.
Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults
The R.C.I.A. is designed for adults who have
never been baptized, perhaps been baptized
in another faith, or baptized Catholic but
never received Eucharist and Confirmation. This is an opportunity to explore life in the
Catholic Community, have a companion on
your faith journey, prepare for the Sacraments of Initiation
(Baptism, and/or Eucharist, and Confirmation).
If you or someone you know is interested in learning
more about the RCIA call S. Mary Ann at
718-745-7486 or email:
St. Ephrem Parish Faith Formation News!
Children’s Faith Formation Classes
The Faith Formation Center hours
Tuesday through Thursday
9:30 a.m.—5:00 p.m.
At this moment, Bishop DiMarzio is asking all
Faith Formation Classes to meet in person.
Of course, this will depend on State, City and Diocesan
guidelines as we get closer to the date.
Class time will be 4:00 p.m.—5:30 p.m.
This is necessary to accommodate sanitizing
the classrooms between the Academy dismissal
and arrival of the Faith Formation Children.
Safety is of the most importance.
The October/November Calendar:
October 27th 4:00 p.m. School
November 3rd 4:00 p.m. School
November 10th 4:00 p.m. School
November 17th 4:00 p.m. School
November 24th NO CLASS (Thanksgiving)
“If we have no peace, it is because
we have forgotten that we
belong to each other.”
St. Teresa of Calcutta First Penance and First
Eucharist Proximate Preparation
Both the children preparing for First Holy Communion and First Penance in spring of
2022 and their parents will gather on
Sunday Mornings at 11:00 am in Msgr. Kain Hall.
November 21, 2021 February 6, 2022
December 12, 2021 March 6, 2022
January 23, 2022 April 3, 2022
Families of the parish whose children attend other Catholic
Schools or Faith Formation Programs but choose to receive
the Sacraments at St. Ephrem should call or email S. Mary
Ann to register for Proximate Preparation: 718.745.7486 or [email protected].
Important Information for ALL Candidates!
17
18
19