RECTORY OFFICE HOURS

Monday through Friday 9:00 AM - Noon 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM

5:00 PM to 8:00 PM

Saturday 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Sunday 10:00 AM to 1:30 PM

MASS SCHEDULE

Monday through Thursday - 8:30 AM Friday - 8:30 Mass celebrated in Saint Joachim's

Saturday 8:30AM - 5:00 PM (Vigil for Sunday)

Sunday - 8:30 AM, 10:30 AM, 12:00 Noon

CONFESSIONS Saturday 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM

HOLY DAYS OF OBLIGATION Announced in Bulletin or Call 516-374-0290 ex 115

MIRACULOUS MEDAL NOVENA Saturday following 8:30 AM Mass

EUCHARISTIC ADORATION Wednesday 9:00 AM through

Thursday 9:00 AM

RECTORY OFFICE HOURS

Monday through Friday 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM

Monday through Thursday 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM

Saturday - 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Sunday - 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM

MASS SCHEDULE

Monday through Thursday - 8:00 AM Friday - 8:30 AM Mass celebrated in Saint Joachim's

Segundo Miércoles de cada mes, a las 7:45 PM

Saturday Evening - 5:00 PM (Vigil for Sunday)

Sunday - 8:00 AM, 9:30 AM Spanish, 11:00 AM

CONFESSIONS Saturday 4:00 PM

HOLY DAYS OF OBLIGATION Announced in Bulletin or Call 516-239-0953

WEDNESDAY PRAYER SERVICE Wednesday - 6:15 PM

Miraculous Medal Novena Immediately Following

FATIMA DEVOTIONS First Saturday 8:30 AM

Parish of Our Lady of Good Counsel 68 Wanser Avenue

Inwood, New York 11096 Phone: 516-239-0953 Fax: 516-239-0386

Web Site: www.ourladygc.wordpress.com

Parish of Saint Joseph 1346 Broadway

Hewlett, New York 11557 Phone: 516-374-0290 Fax: 516-374-2598

Web Site: www.saintjoseph-hewlett.com

P A S T O R A L S T A F F

Rev. Thomas M. Moriarty, Jr. Pastor - Parish of Saint Joseph - Hewlett

Pastor - Parish of Our Lady of Good Counsel - Inwood Office Phone: 516-374-0290 Ext. 111

Rev. Eric R. Fasano Resident Associate - Parish of Our Lady of Good Counsel - Inwood

Office Phone: 516-239-0953 Ext. 120

Rev. Fernando Echeverri Associate for Spanish - Parish of Our Lady of Good Counsel - Inwood

Office Phone: 516-239-0953

Rev. Michael A. Carroll Weekend Assistant

Rev. Mr. Thomas Costello

Deacon - Parish of Saint Joseph - Hewlett Office Phone: 516-374-0290 Ext. 119

Rev. Mr. Daniel Otton Deacon - Parish of Saint Joseph - Hewlett

Office Phone: 516-374-0290 Ext. 120

Rev. Mr. Charles Goldburg Deacon - Parish of Saint Joachim

Parish Office Phone: 516-569-1845

Saint Joseph Parish Staff Phone: 516-374-0290

Grace Coyne - Parish Secretary - Ex. 110

Jean Brophy - Director of Music - Ex. 112

Bob Ryan - Plant Manager

Elizabeth McCaffrey - Director of Rel. Ed. Phone: 569-6080 Fax: 374-3664

Rae DeMarsico - Assistant to Religious Ed. Programs Saint Joseph's and OLGC

Ryan Murphy Bookkeeper - St. Joseph and OLGC - Ex. 113

Ann Taranto - St. Vincent DePaul Society - 516-569-0834

OLGC Parish Staff Phone: 516-239-0953

Eleanor Levy - Parish Secretary - Ex. 110

Jake Cassidy - Plant Manager

Mr. Timothy Remsen - Director of Music

Maureen O’Loughlin Director of Rel. Ed. 516-239-0662

Lena Artusa - Pastoral Assistant / Outreach - 516-239-7025

NEW PARISHIONERS Please register at the appropriate Rectory.

If you are moving within or outside the Parish Please inform the appropriate Parish office.

NUEVOS PARROQUIANOS Los parroquianos, registran por favor

en la parroquia que asiste. Si mueve a o lejos de su parroquia, llama por favor la

oficina de su parroquia a decirlos. Muchas Gracias.

BAPTISMS - BAUTISMO Parents are advised to call the

appropriate Rectory for a preliminary interview. Saint Joseph Parishioners must attend a preparation class on the 1st Wednesday of the month at 7:45 PM

prior to the Baptism. Baptisms are held on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of the month at 1:30 PM.

Our Lady of Good Counsel Parishioners are required to attend a preparation class. To arrange a date call Lena

Artusa. Baptisms are celebrated on the 3rd Sunday of the month at 12:30 PM.

Los padres necesitan llamar Padre Fernando por una fecha y por una clase.

WEDDINGS - MATRIMONIO The Sacrament of Marriage celebrates the

union of a man and a woman within the Church Community. We encourage those planning a marriage

to contact the appropriate Parish before booking the Reception Hall. All plans with the Parish should be made

at least 6 months prior to anticipated date so proper preparations, including Pre-Cana

and FOCCUS can be made. The bride or groom must be members of Our Lady of

Good Counsel Parish or St. Joseph’s Parish.

Por favor, llama la oficina siete meses antes de hacer una fecha. Necesita tomar clases de

“Pre-Cana.” y “FOCCUS”.

May the Peace of Christ reign in your hearts and homes

throughout the New Year. The Staff of

The Parishes of Saint Joseph and Our Lady of Good Counsel.

+ + + + + + + + Pueda la Paz de Cristo

está en los corazones y los hogares

a través del Año Nuevo. El Personal de

Las Parroquias de Santo Joseph y Nuestra Señora del Buen Consejo.

Rev. Thomas M. Moriarty, Jr. Pastor

Rev. Eric R. Fasano Rev. Fernando Echeverri

Resident Associate Associate for Hispanic Affairs

Rev. Michael Carroll Weekend Assistant

Rev. Mr. Thomas Costello Rev. Mr. Daniel Otton Deacon Deacon

and the

Parish Staffs of Saint Joseph's and Our Lady of Good Counsel

“Have we used the past year mostly for ourselves, for our own interests or did we know to spend it for

others, too? How much time did we set aside for being with God, in prayer, in silence, in adoration?”

Pope Francis -New Year Message

Feast of Mary, The Mother of God

Thursday, January 1, 2015 is the Feast of Mary, The Mother of God

a Holy Day of Obligation.

Masses will be celebrated

Wednesday, December 31, 2014 4:30 PM - Saint Joachim, Cedarhurst

5:00 PM - Saint Joseph Church, Hewlett 7:00 PM - Our Lady of Good Counsel, Inwood, en Espanol

Thursday, January 1, 2015 8:30 AM - Saint Joachim, Cedarhurst

9:30 AM - Our Lady of Good Counsel, Inwood, en Espanol 10:30 AM - Saint Joseph Church, Hewlett

11:00 AM Our Lady of Good Counsel, Inwood 11:00 AM - Saint Joachim, Cedarhurst

Holy Mary, Mother of God, Pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death.

Altar Bread and Wine In memory of: Loretta Walsh Requested by:

Bernadette Kaufmann

Sanctuary Candles In memory of: Marlene Lucas Requested by:

The Preziosi Family

SUNDAY - December 28th 8:00 AM - Christmas Novena 9:30 AM - Maria Figueroa 11:00 AM - Marie Panariello (birthday) / Raffaele Castaldo MONDAY - December 29th 8:00 AM - Christmas Novena TUESDAY - December 30th 8:00 AM - John Reilly WEDNESDAY - December 31st New Years Eve 8:00 AM - Christmas Novena THURSDAY - January 1st New Years Day 8:00 AM - Christmas Novena FRIDAY - January 2nd No Intentions SATURDAY - January 3rd 5:00 PM - Christmas Novena SUNDAY - January 4th 8:00 AM - Christmas Novena 9:30 AM - Ana Benitez 11:00 AM - Frank Artusa / Angelina Scotto

Sunday—December 28 8:30-Frances & Joseph Panarelli 10:30-Sweet Baby Rita DeMarsico, Irene Butler, Mary Lou Kavanagh, Karen Batta, Pat Pagano-Senior. 12:00-Patrick S. Leblanc Monday-December 29 8:30-Adam Kradyna Tuesday– December 30 8:30-Loretta Walsh Wednesday– December 31 New Year’s Eve 8:30-George Faust 5:00PM-Parishioners of Saint Joseph’s Thursday-January 1 New Year’s Day 2015 10:30AM-Parishioners of Saint Joseph’s Friday-January 2, 2015 8:30-Mass celebrated at St. Joachim’s Saturday—January 3 8:30-Guttridge, Keller & Hjerpe Families 5:00-Dominick Scavuzzo (10th Anniversary) Sunday –January 4 8:30-Bart McMahon 10:30-John Cavanagh, Nazarena Trestia, Raymond Pastorino, Antonio Roman, Deceased members Gallo & Negrino Fmly. 12:00-Parishioners of St. Joseph & Our Lady of Good Counsel

PRAY FOR THE SICK

Donna Marrow Anthony Sourras

Theresa Cunningham James Giordano Elena Alvarado

Bunni Davi Warren Coburn-Sr. William Quigley

Edward Rizzo Kevin Ledwith

Ray Enright Frank Zydor Sheila Carlo

Nick Calandrella Geraldine Connolly Rosemarie Papini

Anna Irace Rosemary Garry

Janet O'Mara Christina Bailey

ST JOSEPH’S Loretta Stanisz

James A Schmidt Josephine Conte Rowena Acquino Vincent Moraglia Maryann Giuliano Martin Stamile-Sr

Nancy Smith Johnny Jackson

Emily Singh Loretta Semmler

Lenore Jack Dolores Wescott Erika Steinberg

Michael Esposito Debra Harris

Anna Matthews Matthew Wargas

Judy Georgia

My eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared

in the sight of all the peoples. — Luke 2:30-31

There are no memorials offered this week for

Altar Bread and Wine, Sanctuary candles,

candles for the Blessed Mother’s Altar or Main Altar Candles. If you

would like to memorialize any of these weekly items please call OLGC

during office hours.

Mis ojos han visto a tu Salvador, al que has preparado para bien

de todos los pueblos. — Lucas 2:30-31

Donald Willix Cassie Morrissey

+ +OLGC + + Marie Super Marie Artusa Dina Pugliese Alice DeLuca Mattie Morra

Rosemarie Gluck Jeffrey Contreras

Helen Torres Jessica Cruz

Tom Leonetti Theresa Olivieri Nunzio Olivieri Elanore Levy Doris Boland

Sunday-December 28 Monday-December 29 Tuesday-December 30

AA 12-1PM-CB K of C Prayer Group 7-10PM-YC

Wednesday-December 31 AA 7:30PM-CAFÉ

Thursday-January 1 HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

Friday-January 2 AA 7:30PM-CAFÉ Yoga 9-11AM-CB

CYO-GYM Saturday-January 3

New Altar Server final practice 11:30AM CYO-GYM

Sunday-January 4 Install New Altar Servers @10:30 Mass

CYO-GYM

Monday December 29th Legion of Mary 7:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

NO RELIGION, CLASSES RESUME JAN. 5TH

Tuesday December 30th NO RELIGION

NO ESL

Wednesday December 31st New Years Eve

No Meetings

Thursday January 1st New Years Day

No Events January 2nd or 3rd

Sunday January 4th

Rosary Society meeting Charismatic Meeting 1:00 p.m.—7:00 p.m.

in the Church hall

2015 DAILY MASS BOOK FOR OUR LADY OF

GOOD COUNSEL Masses for 2015 will be

available for anyone wishing to make Mass arrangements for their loved ones beginning

Wednesday, December 3rd. Please come to the Rectory

DURING OFFICE HOURS ONLY. Please remember

there are NO MASSES ON FRIDAYS. The offering for announced masses remain at $20 and

unannounced masses are still $10.

Adoration Notice

Please note that there will be No Adoration during the Christmas & New Year Weeks

(Dec. 24-25 & Dec. 31-Jan. 1) Adoration will resume on

Wednesday January 7 - Please pass along the word!

MILITARY PRAYER LIST

Please pray for the following members of the

United States Military serving throughout the world.

Ch. Col. Mark P. Rowan, Chaplain USAF, Ellen Gorman Porter, Air Nat’l Guard; PFC Peter Jon Sormilic

Jennifer Gorman, USAF; Jeremy Cohen, US Army, Major Susan A. Romano, USAF, Airnan Brian N. Legrow USAF

Lt. Christopher Healy,USMC; Frank Sabella, Jr. USAF; Sgt. Joseph Meyer, US Army; Alex Park, USMC

Sgt 1st Class Jean E. Michaud, US Army; Trevor Nordin, USAF; Kevin Sanchez, USAF;

Lcpl. Ryan Carriddi USMC, Cpl. William Andrejack, USMC; Michael Lembo; Cpl. Keith M Flick, USMC;

Lcpl. Edward J. Vinogroski, USMC; John Burns: Christopher Vardaro, US Army; PFC Joshua Hernandez;

Thomas Curran USMC; Adam J. Moreau, US Army SPL Ernie Mari, US Army; PO Robert McNeill, USN;

Sgt. Jennifer Riddle, US Army; Bryan A. DiPrima USN; Gerald Acosto, US Army; Matthew Redden;

William Kearney, USMC; PO Andrew L. DeMarsico, USN 2Lt. Paul S. Conrad, US Army; Lt. Matthew Lipsky, USN

James Yeager, USMC Rct. ; Lcpl Anthony J. Martin, USMC; Sgt. Gerard Sweet, US Army; Lcpl Andrew Michels, USMC,

Cpl. Francis J. LaBarbera US Army, Patrick Kelly, USMC PVT Richard Andersen US ARMY; 1st Lt. Daniel Vacchio USMC,

1st Lt. Josef Kaplan US Army,Anthony D. Boe, USAF Pvt, Michael J. Agunzo, US Army; PFC Ryan Burkett, USMC Shaun Cullen, USAF, SFC Frederick M. Haslett, US Army,

Mark A. Geraldi LTC.-US Army; Airman John Daniel US Navy 1st Lt. Anthony Runco, Jr., USAF; 2nd Lt. John Runco, USAF

If you, or a loved one, would like to be included on this list, please E-mail Father Tom Moriarty at frtom247@aol.com.

REST IN PEACE: Saint Joseph’s

Mary Siesfeld - Peter Bonavita OLGC

Anna Sellino

2015 DAILY MASS BOOK FOR ST. JOSEPH

Masses are available for anyone wishing to make

arrangements for their loved ones. Please come to the Rectory DURING

OFFICE HOURS ONLY. Please note the offering for any announced mass is now $20 and

unannounced masses remain at $10.

KNIGHTSOFCOLUMBUS

MakeADifference

Dear Fellow Parishioners,

We would like to take a moment to wish you and your family a Merry and Blessed Christmas and a Happy and Healthy New Year. As we look forward to the New Year, we would like to take a minute to reflect on all we have accomplished this year.

We are happy to have been able to donate a per-manent Christmas tree that will stand in the Plaza on Broadway and West Broadway all year long. The hard work of our Past Grand Knights, Robert Williams, Oli-ver Giannotti and Joseph Lentini helped to make this a proud moment for our council and our parish. We were all proud as we watched it being its lighting earlier this month.

We held community events like the Basketball Shootout, Easter Egg Roll, bread for the Feast of St. Joseph, Halloween Gift Bag, Blood Drives, Mother’s Day Roses and a Communion Breakfast. Our Youth Council hosted dances for the youth of our community. This month we set up the Nativity and provided lights for the Christmas tree and bushes outside of St. Joseph’s and of course we continue to host the Christmas party following the pageant. We were able to donate 6 cases of coats for children in our community.

In May we held our sixth annual golf outing which raised over $15,000 for various charities includ-ing Camp Anchor, South Nassau Hospital Cancer Re-search and Long Island Council for the Blind. In Octo-ber we held our Annual Dinner and Dance which hon-ored Mr. James Giordano for his many years work and dedication to St. Joseph’s Parish and the community and our Past Grand Knight Robert Williams.

As you can see we do many great things for our parish and community and we could not do it without your continued support, both physically and financially. We hope that you will continue to support our efforts to help us build a better Catholic community here in the Five Towns.

May God continue to bless you and your family and all those you love.

Knights of Columbus Father John Farrell Council # 5962

If any Catholic men are interested in joining the Knights of Columbus please contact our office at 516-252-4783

or email us at kofc5962@gmail.com

St. Joseph Church Conference

Angela’s House 569-0834

Hours: Wed 9:15-11:00 a.m. Wed 7:00-8:30 p.m. svdphewlett@gmail.com

Our Lady of Good Counsel Church Parish Outreach 516-239-0953

Hours Monday - Thursday

9:30 -11:30

LECTURAS DE LA SEMANA

Holy Family Today is the feast of the Holy Family of

Jesus, Mary and Joseph. We hear the words: The child grew and became strong, filled with wis-dom; and the favor of God was upon him.” As

we remember the poor during this New Year may we also grow in wisdom and have the favor of God

upon us. Please remember to support the

Society of St. Vincent de Paul in the coming year so that

together we can continue to bring comfort and peace to

our brothers and sisters who are suffer-ing.

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you… To all the parishioners who donated a

Christmas Angel to our neighbors in need. Once again the Vincentian volunteers were

overwhelmed by the response.

We wish you a very Merry Christmas season and Happy and Healthy New Year.

Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish St. Vincent - DePaul Society

We would like to give a big Thank You to the Peninsula Kiwanis for sponsoring the Breakfast with Santa for the children of our parish.

The children had a fun filled morning with Santa; photos were taken with him as well as a distribution of gifts. Thank you.

The support of our parishioners throughout 2014 was truly hum-bling. The Society of St. Vincent De Paul’s vision and mission to serve those less fortunate was communal. Through the support of monetary and food donations received from everyone we were able

to sustain our food pantry successfully this past year. We are extremely thankful.

With hopeful hearts we pray:

May our own “holy families” gather at the table of peace, to celebrate God’s

creative love in the human family. May the family of the Church gather at the table of the

Eucharist, to celebrate our unity In the body and blood of Jesus.

May the Vincentian Family gather at the table of the poor, to celebrate the presence

of Christ among the lost and broken. Amen

Wishing everyone a very Healthy and Happy New Year!

God Bless Everyone

Our Lady of Good Counsel’s Society of St. Vincent de Paul & Outreach

READINGS FOR THE WEEK Monday: 1 Jn 2:3-11; Ps 96:1-3, 5b-6; Lk 2:22-35 Tuesday: 1 Jn 2:12-17; Ps 96:7-10; Lk 2:36-40 Wednesday: 1 Jn 2:18-21; Ps 96:1-2, 11-13; Jn 1:1-18 Thursday: Nm 6:22-27; Ps 67:2-3, 5, 6, 8; Gal 4:4-7; Lk 2:16-21 Friday: 1 Jn 2:22-28; Ps 98:1-4; Jn 1:19-28 Saturday: 1 Jn 2:29 — 3:6; Ps 98:1, 3cd-6; Jn 1:29-34 Sunday: Is 60:1-6; Ps 72:1-2, 7-8, 10-13; Eph 3:2-3a, 5-6; Mt 2:1-12

Lunes: 1 Jn 2:3-11; Sal 96 (95):1-3, 5b-6; Lc 2:22-35 Martes: 1 Jn 2:12-17; Sal 96 (95):7-10; Lc 2:36-40 Miércoles: 1 Jn 2:18-21; Sal 96 (95):1-2, 11-13; Jn 1:1-18 Jueves: Nm 6:22-27; Sal 67 (66):2-3, 5, 6, 8; Gal 4:4-7; Lc 2:16-21 Viernes: 1 Jn 2:22-28; Sal 98 (97):1-4; Jn 1:19-28 Sábado: 1 Jn 2:29 — 3:6; Sal 98 (97):1, 3cd-6; Jn 1:29-34 Domingo: Is 60:1-6; Sal 72 (71):1-2, 7-8, 10-13; Ef 3:2-3a, 5-6; Mt 2:1-12

OLGC 300 Club Winners

DECEMBER 2014

#246 MARIE ZIDZOK $300 #82 MARGE ARCHABALD $200 #17 PAT DRIVER $150 #66 MARGE ARCHABALD $100 #162 ANDREW REILY $75

Saint Andrew Christmas Novena

Hail and blessed be the hour and

moment in which the Son of God was

born of the most pure Virgin Mary, at midnight, in Bethlehem, in piercing cold. In that hour, vouchsafe, O my God! to hear my

prayer and grant my desires, through the merits of Our Saviour Jesus Christ, and of His Blessed Mother.

Amen.

Letting Mercy Himself flow through and heal our hurt-ing souls. Days of Prayer and Healing for those

suffering from abortion. ++++++++++++++++++

Novenas de Navidad de Saint Andrew

Granizo y bendita sea la hora y el momento en que el hijo de Dios nació de la Purísima Virgen María, a la

medianoche, en Belén, en la perforación frío. En aquella hora, Logia invoca, Oh Dios mío! Escucha mi oración y otorgar mis deseos, por los méritos de nues-

tro Salvador Jesucristo y de su Santísima madre. Amén.

Dejarse misericordia fluya y sanar nuestras almas sufriendo.

Días de oración y sanación para quienes sufren aborto.

Las hermanas de la vida en un correo eletronco: hopeandhealing@sistersoflife.org o llame

gratis al 866-575-0075 para más informationtion. Fechas de oración y sanación:

17 de enero de 2015, 14 de febrero de 2015, 21 de mar-zo de 2015, 02 de mayo de 2015, 06 de junio de 2015

Fill out form below and mail to rectory, or drop in collection basket on Sunday,

with your check ($100 per ticket). You will receive your ticket in the mail.

Name ________________________________________

Address_______________________________________

City ___________________________________________

State _______________ Zip _______________________

Phone Number _________________________________

Number of tickets: __________________________

Please make checks payable to Saint Joseph’s Church

Time And Celebrant

SAT

5:00 PM

SUN

8:30 AM

SUN 10:30 AM

SUN

12:00NOON

SERVERS

J. Cilento

D. Smith

R. Tucay

K. Collado

K. Artuso

M. Artuso

S. Pesantez

J. DeMarsico

A. Tullao

L. Loria

V. Scherzinger

N. Gaona

Saint Joseph - January 3 - 4

Lector L.S.

EM Cup Cup Cup Cup Deacon

Lector L.S. EM Cup Cup Cup Cup Deacon

EM’s / LECTORS

Lector L.S. EM Cup Cup Cup Cup Deacon

H.R./N.H.

Lector L.S. EM Cup Cup Cup Cup

Deacon

SAT 5:00 PM SUN 8:00 AM

SUN 9:30 AM SUN 11:00 AM

SERVERS   

Good Counsel - January 3 - 4

EM’s / LECTORS

LECTOR 

MINISTER 

LECTOR 

MINISTER 

LECTOR 

MINISTER 

Celebrant INFO NOT

AVAILABLE AT TIME OF

PRINTING

Celebrant INFO NOT

AVAILABLE AT TIME OF

PRINTING

Celebrant INFO NOT

AVAILABLE AT TIME OF

PRINTING

Celebrant INFO NOT

AVAILABLE AT TIME OF

PRINTING

Celebrant - INFO NOT AVAILABLE AT TIME OF PRINTING

Celebrant - INFO NOT AVAILABLE AT TIME OF PRINTING

Celebrant - INFO NOT AVAILABLE AT TIME OF PRINTING

Celebrant - Father Fernando Echeverri

Sunday, December 14, 2014

Saint Joseph + + +

5:00 PM 324 8:30 AM 172 10:30 AM 348 12:00 PM 226 Total 1,070

OLGC + + +

5:00 PM 83 8:00 AM 60 9:30 AM 352 11:00 AM 182 Total 677

K. Amato R. Bowker J. Gutierrez C. Gutierrez B. Kaufmann R. Brunoni

J.Zaptin T. Costello T. Costello K. Merritt A. Yenna R. Breen T. Costello Team 1

T.Anthony M. Casavecchia D. Otton M. Otton A.Giannotti O. Giannotti

D. Otton

J. Brocavich J. Mastanduono J. Mastanduono E. McCaffrey M. McGroary E. Metz

In the last century, a few new feasts were blended into the Church year, including today’s. After World War I, the chaos of daily life in Europe made its im-pact felt on the family structure. Partly to offer Christians an image of hope and holiness in married family life, and also to pro-mote the welfare of children, today’s feast was “invented” in 1921. In 1969, it be-came a feast of Christmas. The prayers today remind us not only of family life, but of life in the communi-ty of faith. We ponder the mystery of a God who loves us dearly enough to em-brace the struggles, joys, and daily sorrows of family life. The message of Christmas shines through: God-with-us is available to us in the ordinary patterns of our lives and commitments. The lives of people who raise their children in difficult circumstances, and of people who remain faithful to life in the Church in spite of some of their own family struggles, occupy a special place in our hearts today in prayer. —Rev. James Field, Copyright © J. S. Paluch Co.

Durante siglos, en el continente latinoamericano, el res-peto a los ancianos ha sido la base social que nutre nuestras culturas. Lamentablemente este respeto empie-za a desvanecerse por la invasión de una mentalidad occidental que valora sólo la juventud. A nuestro alre-

dedor hay muchos de nuestros mayores me-nospreciados y olvidados por su avanzada edad y fragilidad. A su vez, vemos muchos niños vagabundeando y mal formándose por la falta de supervisión adulta. Es necesario que estos ancianos y niños se encuentren y se bendigan mutuamente. San Lucas (2:22-40) recuerda dos bellos momentos en la infancia de Jesucris-

to: la bendición del anciano Simeón y el encuentro con Ana, la profetisa. Estos dos ancianos piadosos frecuen-taban al templo de Jerusalén con la esperanza de ver al Mesías. Me imagino que José y María se sorprendieron mucho cuando se les acercaron estos dos viejitos. Pero la santa pareja no les negó su niñito a los brazos de es-tos dos ancianos. El niño les alegró la vida y ellos glori-ficaron a Dios. La bendición que le dieron a Jesús lo acompañó toda su vida. —Fray Gilberto Cavazos-Glz, OFM, Copyright © J. S. Paluch Co.

The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph

La Sagrada Familia de Jesús, María y José

The scriptures of Israel are filled with many stories of barren couples who were miraculously granted the gift of children by God. Surely the best known among these is the first read-ing from today, from which Luke took inspiration when he recounted the miraculous birth of John the Baptist to Zechari-ah and Elizabeth, and the more miraculous birth of Jesus to Mary and Joseph. In each instance, we are given examples or role models of those who trusted in God. More than examples of those who trust, they are models of self-surrender. They abandoned their own presuppositions and preju-dices about the workings of the world and turned their lives over to belief in a God who can make life grow where none ought to; a God who can turn death around into a new and unimagined life; a God who can, today, take a tiny child of humble parents in an insignificant town and make him into a light for all the world. This is what we, as God’s holy family, are called to do each day: to trust not in ourselves and the way we think things should be, but to open ourselves and surren-der ourselves in faith to a God of endless promise. Copyright © J. S. Paluch Co.

SOMOS LA SAGRADA FAMILIA DE DIOS Las lecturas de Israel están repletas de relatos de parejas esté-riles a quienes Dios les concedió el milagro de tener hijos. Sin duda el relato más conocido es el de la primera lectura de hoy: Lucas se inspiró en este relato para contar el milagroso nacimiento

de Juan Bautista, hijo de Zacarías e Isabel, y el naci-miento aun más milagroso de Jesús, hijo de María y José. En ambos casos, vemos ejemplos o modelos a seguir de personas que confiaron en Dios. Más que ser ejemplos de personas que confiaron, son modelos de entrega incondicional de sí. Abandonaron sus propios preconceptos y prejuicios sobre el funciona-miento del mundo y entregaron sus vidas a creer en un Dios que puede hacer que haya vida en lugares en donde era inconcebible que la hubiera; un Dios que puede convertir la muerte en una vida nueva e inima-ginable; un Dios que puede, hoy, tomar a un niñito

de padres humildes en un pueblo insignificante y convertirlo en una luz para el mundo entero. Esto es a lo que se nos llama a hacer cada día como Sagrada Familia de Dios: confiar no sólo en noso-tros mismos y en la manera en que pensamos que deberían ser las cosas, sino a abrirnos y entregarnos en fe a un Dios de promesa infinita. Copyright © J. S. Paluch Co.

TODAY’S READINGS - LECTURAS DE HOY