Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time January 29th, 2017

Church

of the

Blessed Sacrament

Manhattan

Rev. John P. Duffell, Pastor Rev. D’Angelo Jimenez, Parochial Vicar Rev. Ernest Izummuo, Sunday Associate

Rev. James O’Shea, CP, Sunday Associate Tina Silvestro, Director of Religious Education

Caroline Sliney, School Principal

CHURCH: 152 West 71st Street, N.Y., N.Y. 10023 Ph: 212-877-3111 SCHOOL: 147 West 70th Street, N.Y., N.Y. 10023 .Ph: 212-724-7561 MASSES:

Fax: 212-799-6233 Fax: 212-724-0735

NEW PARISHIONERS:

www.blessedsacramentnyc.org www.sblsnyc.org

SUNDAY MASSES: Sat. evening at 5:30 PM Sunday: 8:30, 10:00 (Family Mass) 11:15 (Spanish), 12:30 (choir) & 5:30PM WEEKDAYS: 7:30 AM; 12:10 PM; 5:30 PM SATURDAYS: 7:30 AM, 12:10 PM SPANISH WEEKDAY MASS: Second Wednesday of the month HOLY DAYS & EVES. OF HOLY DAYS: As Announced.

BAPTISM:

Arrangements must be made at the Rectory. Sponsors must be practicing Catholics. Parents, and also godparents when possible, must attend the Pre-Baptismal conference which is held on the 1st Tuesday of every month at 7:30pm in the rectory.

CONFESSIONS: Saturday afternoons 4:30 to 5:15 pm, and anytime at the Rectory.

MARRIAGES: Arrangements should be made at least six months in advance at the rectory to ensure the date and the hour desired. The Nuptial Mass is the ordinary form of celebrating Christian marriage, and should be strongly considered when making Wedding plans. Attendance at the Pre-Cana Conferences, or the equivalent, is required by the Archbishop.

PARISH BOUNDARIES: Central Park West to the Hudson River, from the South side of 77th Street down to the North side of 65th Street.

We welcome new parishioners, and invite them to register at the Rectory. The registration is our only means of certifying anyone as a member of our parish. If you move to another Parish, or change your address within the Parish, please notify us.

FATIMA DEVOTIONS: The Rosary is said daily after the 12:10 pm Mass. Friday from 6-7 pm there is a holy hour.

BENEDICTION OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT: First Friday - Exposition: 12:35 pm. Adoration: All day; Benediction: 5:15 PM.

MIRACULOUS MEDAL NOVENA: Mondays, before the 12:10 Mass and before the 5:30 pm Mass.

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION FOR CHILDREN AND TEENAGERS:

Classes in Religion for Catholic children/teenagers, Pre- kindergarten - High School take place on Sundays. The Family Mass begins at 10:00 a.m. in the Church followed by class instruction in the school. Ongoing religious education is important for the religious development of your children. A child must have at least one year of religious instruction before enrolling in the First Communion or Confirmation class. Sunday School Website: www.blessedsacramentsundayschool.org

Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time January 29th, 2017

PARISH NEWS My dear parishioners and friends, The noted Jesuit author Father James Martin, S.J., wrote this and while his words might make us uncomfortable, the question raised challenges each of us. “I was a stranger and you did not welcome me.” President Trump has announced that he will order the construction of a Mexican border wall, the first in a series of actions to crack down on immigrants, which will include slashing the number of refugees who can resettle in the United States, and blocking Syrians and others from what are called “terror-prone nations” from entering, at least temporarily. These measures, which mean the rejection of the stranger, the rejection of the person in need, the rejection of those who suffer, are manifestly unchristian and utterly contrary to the Gospel. Indeed, last year, Pope Francis said, "A person who thinks only about building walls, wherever they may be, and not building bridges, is not Christian. This is not the Gospel." But maybe you don’t want to listen to Pope Francis. Maybe you think that he was being too political. Or maybe you think Pope Francis is too progressive for you. Maybe you think that you have a right to refuse a person in need. And that you have the right to protect yourself. Well, we do have the right of self-protection. But refusing the one in need because you want to protect yourself, especially when the other is in desperate need and obvious danger, is not what Christianity is about. It’s about the opposite. It’s about helping the stranger, even if it carries some risk. That’s the Parable of the Good Samaritan in a nutshell. But if you still don’t want to listen to Pope Francis, then listen to Pope John Paul II, St. John Paul II, who wrote dozens of times about refugees and migrants. “Seek to help our brother and sister refugees in every possible way by providing a welcome…Show them an open mind and a warm heart,” he said. And as if predicting our current situation, he said, "It is necessary to guard against the rise of new forms of racism or xenophobic behavior, which attempt to make these brothers and sisters of ours scapegoats for what may be difficult local situations." For this is an issue of life or death. Migrants flee from profound poverty, which causes suffering and can lead to death. Refugees flee from persecution, terror and war, out of fear for their lives. This is, then, one of the church’s life issues, so dear to St. John Paul II. But maybe you don’t want to listen to St. John Paul. Maybe you’re not Catholic. Then listen to the voice of God in the Book of Exodus, speaking to the people of Israel: “You shall not oppress the resident alien [i.e, the refugee] for you aliens yourselves once, in the land of Egypt.” Every American heart should be stirred by that. Other than the Native Americans, all of us are descendants of immigrants. We were aliens ourselves once. But maybe you don’t want to listen to the Old Testament. Then, in the end, listen to Jesus. In the Gospel of Matthew, he provides a litmus test for entrance into heaven. At the Last Judgment, he will say to people, “I was a stranger and you did not welcome me.” And people will say, “When were you a stranger and we did not take care of you?’ And he will say, “Truly I tell you, just as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me.”

Jesus himself is speaking to you from the Gospels. It is Christ whom we turn away when we build walls. It is Christ whom we reject when we slash quotas for refugees. It is Christ whom we are killing, by letting them die in poverty and war rather than opening our doors. “Today,” St. John Paul II said, “the illegal migrant comes before us like that ‘stranger’ in whom Jesus asks to be recognized. To welcome him and to show him solidarity is a duty of hospitality and fidelity to Christian identity itself.” So, reject these measures and welcome Christ. Call your local legislators and tell them to care for Christ. Write to the White House and ask them to protect Christ. Show up at town hall meetings and advocate for Christ. And pray for our brothers and sisters who are refugees and migrants. Because if you do not, and you reject Christ, then it is their prayers that you will need. Please pray for peace. Father Duffell ARCHDIOCESAN - WIDE FOOD CAMPAIGN Once again, Blessed Sacrament Parish is participating in Feeding Our Neighbors, an Archdiocesan - Wide Drive to replenish dwindling Food Pantries in our community. From January 28 through February 5, you can Feed Our Neighbors by replenishing the Blessed Sacrament Food Pantry, our sister pantry at the Kennedy Center on West 134 Street and pantries across the Archdiocese. It only takes one small action to feed the hungry. Together we can change lives.

Four simple ways to participate are: (1) Bring non-perishable foods to Saturday and Sunday Masses between January 28th and February 5th (2) Support by donating money during a Mass collection or make an on-line donation at www.catholiccharitiesny.org/feedingourneighbors (3) Volunteer at a Food Pantry near you and 4) Tell your legislators we must feed children at risk of hunger by using Bread for the World at bread.org/write-congress.

Members of the Social Action Committee and others will be collecting your donated food in the BIG WHITE BOXES at the Church entrance. Pick up a flyer for a food list and more information.

BLESSED SACRAMENT SCHOOL CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK EVENTS

• Sunday, January 29th: SBS Parish Open House 11:00-12:00

• Tuesday, January 31st: SBS 7th Grade Production of Haunting

Romeo @ 6:30 in Blessed Sacrament Theater

• Wednesday, February 1st: SBS 7th Grade Production of Haunting Romeo @ 6:30 in Blessed Sacrament Theater

• Thursday, February 2nd: SBS Art Show @ 6:00 in Church Hall

• Friday, February 3rd: Mass/8th Grade Ring Ceremony @ 10:45

Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time January 29th, 2017

NOTICIAS PARROQUIALES Queridos Feligreses y Amigos; El Sacerdote James Martin, S.J. escribió lo siguiente y aunque sus palabras nos hagan sentir incomodos, las mismas son un desafío para todos nosotros. “Era un extraño y no me acogiste” El Presidente Trump anunció la orden de construcción de un muro en la frontera con Mexico, el primer acto en una serie de acciones para combatir a los emigrantes, cortar el numero de refugiados que quieran venir a Estados Unidos, y bloquear la entrada, al menos temporalmente, a los sirios y a otras personas de los llamados “países de terrorismo.” Estas medidas las cuales significan el rechazo al extranjero, a los necesitados, a la persona que sufre, no son cristianas y contrarias al Evangelio. El año pasado el Papa Francisco expresó que “Una persona que solo piensa en levantar muros y no en construir puentes, no es Cristiana. Esto no es el Evangelio.” Pero quizás usted no quiere escuchar al Papa Francisco. Quizás piense que es demasiado politico. O quizás piense que es muy progresista. Quizás piense que usted tiene el derecho a rechazar a una persona necesitada. Y que usted tiene el derecho de protección a si mismo. Si, tenemos el derecho de protegernos. Pero rehusar al necesitado por querer protegerse, especialmente cuando esa persona esta desesperada y corriendo peligro, no es ser Cristiano. Debería ser lo opuesto. Ayudar al extraño aunque hayan riesgos. Esa es la Parábola del Buen Samaritano. Pero si no quiere escuchar al Papa Francisco, entonces escuche al Papa Juan Pablo II, San Juan Pablo II, quien escribió muchas veces acerca de los emigrantes y los refugiados. Escribió: “Busquemos ayudar a nuestros hermanos y hermanas de cualquier manera posible dándoles la bienvenida…Mostrándoles una mente abierta y un corazón cálido. Y dijo, como si predijera la situación actual: “Es necesaria la vigilancia para combatir nuevas formas de racismo o conducta xenófoba, convirtiendo a estos seres en chivos expiatorios por situaciones difíciles en nuestra localidades.” Este es una situación de vida o muerte. Emigrantes huyen de la pobreza lo cual causa sufrimiento y los lleva a la muerte. Los refugiados huyen de la persecución, el terror, las guerras y temen por sus vidas. Este es uno de los temas de la Iglesia, y muy cercano a San Juan Pablo II. Pero quizás no quiera escuchar a San Juan Pablo II. Quizás no sea usted Catolico. Entonces escuche a la voz del Señor en el libro de Exodus hablando al pueblo de Israel: “No agobien al residente extranjero (el refugiado) pues fueron también ustedes refugiados en Egipto.” Todo americano debería comprender esto. Aparte de los Pueblos Indigenas, todos somos descendientes de emigrantes. En algún momento fuimos también extranjeros. Pero quizás no quieran escuchar al Viejo Testamento. Pues escuchen a Jesus. En el Evangelio de Mateo indica una prueba definitiva para entrar en los cielos. En el Ultimo Juicio dirá al pueblo: “Era un extraño y no me acogiste.” Y el pueblo dirá: “No le acogimos cuando fue un extraño?” Y El contestara: “Al no acoger a uno de ellos, así no me ayudaste a mi.”

El mismo Jesus habla desde los Evangelios. Es a Cristo a quien rechazamos cuando levantamos muros. Es a Cristo a quien rechazamos cuando cortamos quotas de refugiados. Y es a Cristo a quien matamos al dejarlos morir en la pobreza y en las guerras por no abrirles nuestras puertas. San Juan Pablo II dijo: “Hoy el emigrante ilegal se presenta ante nosotros como el extranjero en el cual Jesus pide ser reconocido. Darle la bienvenida y mostrar nuestra solidaridad es un deber de hospitalidad y fidelidad a la misma identidad Cristiana.” Así que rechacemos estas medidas y démosles la bienvenida. Llamen a sus legisladores y pidan que sean atendidos. Escriban a la Casa Blanca y pidan su protección. Vayamos a las reuniones (“Town Hall”) y aboguemos por ellos. Y recemos por nuestros/as hermanos y hermanas emigrantes y refugiados. Por que de no ser así y rechazar a Cristo, entonces van a ser sus plegarias la que necesitaremos. Recemos por la paz. Padre Duffell SUNDAY SCHOOL UPDATE A reminder to parents and students:

*Also, we will not have class on January 29. The Blessed Sacrament School open house will take place in the school.

*Sunday School Progress Reports for the 1st semester will be given out on February 5.

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION MINISTRY Interested in being part of Church Ministry? We are looking for potential volunteer Catechists, Assistants, and Substitute Catechists for our Sunday School Program. We have a program of 12 classes with 245 students enrolled. Curriculum and guidance is provided. All adults who work with children must follow a simple screening process as provided by the Archdiocese.

If you are interested, please call Tina Silvestro at 212-877-3111.

REGISTER FOR ADULT FAITH FORMATION / LAY LEADERSHIP COURSES The Archdiocese of New York and Fordham University are partnering to bring you new online courses that will help you understand and live your Catholic Faith. These courses are mainly intended for those involved in parish leadership or ministry. However, they are open to all who are interested in learning more about their faith. For a limited time, the courses are being offered for free. Visit www.nycatholicfaith.org/learn

SAINT BLAISE Friday of this week is the feast of Saint Blaise. Blaise, a martyr of the church, is associated with the healing of throats and so on this feast day a special blessing of throats is offered. Here in the parish, throats will be blessed at the conclusion of each of the masses: 7:30 AM, 10:45 AM (with the students at the school), 12:10 PM, 5:30 PM and 7:00 PM in Spanish.

Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time January 29th, 2017

Finance Committee Corner Last Sunday $7,986 was received in the offertory

baskets at Mass and $4,687.4 was received through Parish Pay, for a total of $12,673.4. Our average weekly

operating budget is $15,000. Thank you for so generously giving to our regular collection.

Esquina Financiera

La suma de la colecta durante las Misas del domingo pasado fue $7,986. Recibimos $4,687.4 a través de Parish Pay para un total de $12,673.4. Nuestro presupuesto de

operación semanal promedio es $15,000. Gracias por dar tan generosamente a nuestra colección regular.

BLACK HISTORY MONTH MASS Annual Archdiocesan Black History Month Mass & The National Day of Prayer for the African America & African Family Sunday, February 5th, 2017 at 2:00pm St. Patrick’s Cathedral 5th Ave and 51st St. For more information contact The Office of Black Ministry at 646-794-2681; obm@archny.org

All are welcome! NEXT SPIRIT SUNDAY JANUARY 29th Please join us 1/29 following the 5:30PM Mass (in the parish hall below the church) for the first Fall Spirit Sunday. Appetizers, drinks, and a whole lot of Spirit will be served! Join us for a drink, a bite, and some friendly fellowship. If you have any questions or would like to be part of the planning for Spirit Sunday, please contact John Gasdaska at 646-345-7350. FLOCKNOTE Get important updates from the parish (and Archdiocese) in a timely and convenient way. This new tool we're using lets you choose what info you'd like to receive - via email or text message - from the various ministries and groups in the parish. Simply text BSC to 84576 or visit flocknote.com/BSC

FORMED.org is a website that you log into with a parish access code that allows you to view this great Catholic material, such as movies, E-books, audio talks, Bible studies, and more. All you need to do is enter code 7W62F7 upon registering.

Saturday Evening, January 28th

5:30 Frank Bruder +

Sunday, January 29th 8:30 Terrence & Catherine Errity + 10:00 Yvette Arce +, For Peace – Tom Family

11:15 Joseph E. Caceres, III + 12:30

4:00

Gloria Arias +

People of the Parish 5:30 Angela Arlia +

Monday, January 30th 7:30

12:10 Richard Sarel Harwood + 5:30 John P. Duffell, Jr. – 20th Anniversary +

Tuesday, January 31st 7:30 Ira A. Hughey + 12:10 Emily & Ralph Rodriguez +, Maria & Gladys Pagan + 5:30

Wednesday, February 1st 7:30 Intentions of James Palazza 12:10 Lee Clark + 5:30 Intentions of Thomas Middelhoff

Thursday, February 2nd 7:30

12:10 5:30

Loretta Fox +

Clarice de Santanna +

Friday, February 3rd

7:30

12:10

5:30

Jim & Kitty Kelly, Ferguson + Rosalie Stahler +

All the Souls in Purgatory

Saturday, February 4th

7:30

12:10

People of the Parish

Gregory Sheehan +

Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time January 29th, 2017

If you have not registered in the parish and attend our mass regularly, please fill the following form out and return it to the Rectory office. All information will be kept confidential

What is Parish Pay? With ParishPay, it’s simple to make online donations to Blessed Sacrament using a credit or debit card. Simply go online at www.parishpay.com or call 1866-727-4741 ext.1 and--just like your monthly mortgage or other bills--the money will simply be debited from your account and go directly to Blessed Sacrament.

Weekly EM and Lector Schedule Saturday, Jan. 28 5:30 pm 1st Mia Wiese 2nd Anita Pearl POF Mia Wiese

EM

Edward Wiese, Joe Tessitore, Steve Whelan, Mia Wiese, Ginetta LaBlanca

Sunday, Jan. 29 8:30 am 1st John Hunt 2nd Brendan Contant POF Thomas Caffrey

EM

Hugh Regan, JoDell Sheilds, John Hunt, Brendan Contant, Thomas Caffrey

10:00 am 1st Eddie Litton 2nd Andrew Fitzsimmons POF CJ Groeschke

EM

Andrew Jenkins, Julie Tom, CJ Groeschke, Eddie Litton, Andrew Fitzsimmons, Mary Bradley, Nellie Gonzalez-Arce

11:15 am 1st Herminio Vargas 2nd Keepler Viana POF Marina Che

EM

Junior Santiago, Keepler Viana, Marina Che

12:30 pm 1st Loretta Edmonds 2nd Loretta Edmonds POF Anita Pearl EM Mark Murphy, Ed Casey, Lidia

Stemppien, Thomas Alexander, Elsa Alvarez, Carlos Sosa, Christina Elefante

5:30 pm 1st Anita Faherty 2nd Matt Sitman POF Suzy Xiong EM John Gasdaska, Joyce Polistena, Rob

Porell, Matt Sitman, Suzy Xiong, Elizabeth Hutton, Adrian Gonzalez

PARISH MISSION This fall, the Archdiocese of New York launched an exciting mission and evangelization program called Revive: Faith Every Day. The three-day program will be led by Fr. Innocent Smith, OP, a Dominican priest and mission preacher. It will be held on Monday – Wednesday from 7 – 8pm, February 6th, 7th, and 8th. You don’t want to miss it!

NEW PARISHIONER REGISTRATION FORM

Date Your Name Your Spouses Name (Only if BOTH are Registering) Children Address Apt. # City State Zip Telephone Email Your Occupation Your Spouses Occupation How should we address you? (Check One) Mr. & Mrs. Mr. Mrs. Ms. Would you like to receive weekly offering envelopes? Yes No

If not, would you like us to sign you up for ParishPay?

Yes No