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Dear Neighbor,
We invite you to join our church, located across the street from St. Joseph's Hospital and the Cacace Justice Center. We offer you a beautiful prayerful church to participate in the Eucharist and receive all the other sacraments. The doors to our church are open daily from
7 AM to 3 PM. Please come in & visit us.
Rev. Anthony Columba Ekanem, MSP - Pastor
Rev. George N. Okoro, MSP-Parochial Vicar of St. Mary's
Rev. Fares Hattar - Parochial Vicar of the Arabic Community of the Good Shepherd of St Mary's -
The Bells of St. Mary’s
The Church of the Immaculate Conception
Twenty – Fifth Sunday in Ordinary
Time September 22 2019
From the Desk of Rev. Fr. Anthony C. Ekanem, MSP:
LIVING GOD’S WAYS
Just like the summer season is changing, many of the Gospel selections from Saint Luke are changing too. For instance, we are invited to reflect on how trustworthy we are in handling our possessions here in this world.
After the Parables of the Lost in Chapter 15, last Sunday; Saint Luke defies a straightforward interpretation of any parable from now on. Today's readings invite us to reflect on our wealth. You can feel also the anger of the prophet Amos in the first reading as he condemns the merchants who cheat the poor and powerless. In the Gospel, Jesus praises the clever steward who manages his master's wealth to aid his debtors. One can put wealth to good use, but one "cannot serve both God and mammon." How does God want you to use your wealth? The Gospel reading describes an unworthy steward about to be fired (Luke 16:1-2) who then becomes an object of praise (Luke 16:8) and an illustration of right behavior (Luke 16:9).
Who is this prophet called Amos we read about in the first reading?
He was a grand champion of justice. Who savagely assailed the oppression of the poor, as well as the judicial system which denied them from obtaining justice. He was a prophet whose "day job" was as a herdsman and a dresser of sycamore trees. (Amos 7:14). Summoned by God, sent to the northern kingdom of Israel to prophesy against their social and religious abuses. God was about to "send fire" on Israel (Amos 2:4-6) and other nations in the form of the Assyrian assault because of Israel's crimes. In this first reading, Amos describes the disregard for God's people (the needy and deprived of the land) and God's laws (Amos 8:7). He condemned the separation of worship from the proper treatment of other people, especially the poor.
In St. Paul's letter to Timothy, Paul hopes the church in Ephesus may "lead a quiet and tranquil life in all devotion and dignity" (1Timothy 2:2). But one cannot be devoted to both heavenly and worldly wealth. One must be willing to place one's self in service of the other in "supplication, prayers, petitions, and thanksgiving ... to everyone; for kings and all in authority," (1Tim 2:1).
Again, how does my pursuit of higher income and enormous wealth prevent me from serving God?
Stewardship
Tithing - God’s Plan for Giving on Sunday For 09/15/19 our Offering was $3,225.00
Last week we collected $ 1,020.00 for the St. Joseph’s Seminary and Cathedral Prep.
Religious Education
September 2019:
28th Religious Education Classes
October 2019:
5th No Religious Education Classes
12th Religious Education Classes~
19th Religious Education Classes ~ Holy Communion 1 st meeting in the school cafeteria 11:30am
26th Religious Education 1 st Confirmation meeting in the school cafeteria 11:30am
November 2019:
2nd Religious Education Classes
9th Religious Education Classes~
16th Religious Education Family Catechesis Day Families and Children 9:30am to 1:00pm
23rd Religious Education Classes
30th No Religious Education Classes - Happy Thanksgiving
Sundays Readings:
First Reading : Amos 8: 4-7 p. 37
Amos the prophet of God warned that greedy people who cheat the poor or take advantage of others’ misfortune do not escape God’s justice.
Responsorial Psalm : Psalm 113: 1-2, 4-6, 7-8 p. 38 Praise the Lord who lifts up the poor.
Second Reading : 1 Timothy 2: 1-8 p. 38 Paul urged Timothy to preach truth and justice: leaders should respect the dignity of all, and everyone should pray to God with blameless hands.
Gospel : Luke 16: 1-32 p. 39 Jesus encouraged his disciples to have an enterprising spirit. He also warned them: “No servant can serve two masters… You cannot serve both God and mammon.”
~ Marriage Preparation ~
Step 1 : Meet with your priest
Beginning in October 2017, the Archdiocese of New York requires that your priest guides you to take one of the following online premarital inventories. Your priest is your leading source for information about the preparing for the Sacrament of Matrimony. **Prepare/Enrich (requires a facilitator) Catholic Couple Checkup
Step 2 : Register
After meeting with your priest, please register for the Archdiocesan marriage preparation program online at marriageprep.nyfamilylife.org. The cost is $150 per couple. Please note that class size is limited and fill up quickly.
Step 3: Complete your online Premarital Inventory.
It is ideal to complete your online premarital inventory before attending your Pre-Cana Day. Premarital inventories help couples discover their relationship strengths, which are what enables couples to enjoy and continue developing a healthy relationship. They will also help identify issues that are threatening the vitality of their relationship. Catholic Couple Checkup and Prepare/Enrich during this marriage preparation registration are selected.
Step 4: Complete the Online Components
and Attend the Pre-Can Day This marriage preparation is a set of integrated components including online learning modules and a one-day, in-person experience of faith, witness, and community.
Pre-Cana Day- The in-person Pre-Cana days are on Saturdays, and retreat centers throughout the Archdiocese of New York. You can participate in a Pre-Cana Day 3-12 months before your wedding date.
- Built around short, high -quality video modules and engaging facilitators, the Pre-Cana day provides practical advice and assistance or engaged couples on topics including self -awareness, communication, conflict resolution, commitment, and decision-making. The days designed to help couples understand and embrace a Catholic vision of married love by offering insights into the "whys" behind the "what’s" of Catholic teaching. It proclaims the beauty of God's plan for marriage and the joys of living it, and it meant to help couples grow in love and be open to God's grace so they can have happy and fulfilling marriages.
- Online Modules
Step 5: Fellow-up meeting (s) with the priest
Ask the priest during your initial meeting, how often and when these
follow up sessions will happen.
Step 6: Take a Natural Family Planning (NFP) class
strongly recommended) Visit Natural Family Planning information: https//nyfamilylife.org/natural-family-planning/ or contact (646)794-3188 Wedding liturgy readings information.
Our warmest to our visitors!
We are glad you came to celebrate the Eucharist with us today. We thank God for you! Do not hesitate to let us know how we may serve you.
Every family and single adult to be considered an active parishioner of Immaculate Conception, St. Mary’s must be properly registered in the Parish, receiving and regularly using the Parish Weekly Collection Envelopes. Only in this way can the Pastor issue documents attesting to Catholic practice of the faith and Parish membership, e.g. a letter to be a Godparent or Sponsor. For further information call the Parish Office at (914) 963-0156.
If you have not registered or need to correct some of the information in our file, please fill out this form and check [X] the appropriate box below, and drop the completed form into the collection basket or drop off in the rectory or mail it to the Parish Office. Thank you!
Name: ______________________________________
Address: ______________________________________
City/Zip: ______________________________________
Telephone: __________________________________
Email: ______________________________________- I am interested in parish membership. I am a visitor.
- I am moving out of the Parish .
- I am going to the hospital.
- I would like to be visited by a priest/minister.
- I would like to learn more about the Catholic Faith.
Mass Schedule for the week of
September 21, to September 29, 2019
Special Intentions for this week
Saturday, September 21, 2019:
12:00 pm - Frank Valentin + * Carlos & Lillian Salvador
5:00pm - Regina & Samuel David + *Mr. & Mrs. Anthony
7:30pm - Leonardo F. Beltran + * El Apostolado Del Sagrado Corazon
Sunday, September 22, 2019:
7:30 am – For the Parishioners
9:00 am – Oscar Flores Chavez * Rosa Flores
11:00 am - Vo Mathew Orathel + * Orathel Family
Monday, September 23, 2019 :
8:15am - Available/Disponible
12:05 pm - Linu Patteril George + * Tony Felicissimo
Tuesday September 24, 2019
8:15am - Available/Disponible
12:05pm - John Patteril + * George Patteril
Wednesday, September 25, 2019
8:15am - Available/Disponible
12:05 pm - Regina & Samuel David +* Mr. & Mrs. Anthony
Thursday, September 26, 2019:
8:15 am - Available/Disponible
12:05 pm—Dr. Fidelis Akagbosu + * Christine Macharry
7:00 pm - Jerry Valela (Health) * St Mary’s Church
Friday, September 27, 2019:
8:15 am - Available/Disponible
12:05 pm - Mr. & Mrs. Chacko & Mr. & Mrs. Joseph + * Bency Mathew
Saturday, September 28, 2019:
12:00 pm - Emilia Ribeiro + * Husband & Children
5:00pm - Joanne Kunny + * Kunny Family
7:30pm - Oscar Flores Chavez + *Rosa Flores
Sunday, September 29, 2019:
7:30 am For the Parishioners
9:00 am Guadalupe Reyes+ *Cesar & Guadalupe Cuadra
11:00 am Patrick J. Murphy + * Jennifer Murphy
+Indicates deceased * Indicates the person (s) who requested the Mass.
Changing Station
Check out our newest addition, a Baby changing station, located in the Bathroom.
Security Camera
The security cameras are now in place inside and outside our Church.
24 Hour Surveillance Both Video & Audio
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Mass Schedule
English: Saturday 5:00pm, Sunday 7:30am & 11:00am
Spanish: Saturday-7:00pm, & Sunday-9:00am
Arabic: Sunday-12:30pm
Weekdays:
English-8:15am & 12:05pm, Spanish– Thursday 7:00pm
Eve of Holy days: 5:00pm,
Holy Days: 8:15am, 12:05 pm 7:00pm
First Fridays: Exposition of Blessed Sacrament- 11:00am to 12 noon in English & 7pm in Spanish
Mass Intention: To request a Mass, you may go the rectory; send an email to icmary@gmail.com: or call the parish office at 914-963-0156. Please include your contact number. Thank you -
Sacraments
Confessions:
English-
Monday to Fridays: 11:45-12noon
Saturday 11:45-12noon & 4:30-5:00pm
Spanish-
Friday’s 11:30-12 noon and
In the Rectory-
Monday & Friday 3:00 - 5:00pm
Sick Calls– Any hour Day or Night
Baptism:
In English–
the last Sunday of the month at 3:00pm (please call ahead and make an appointment with Fr. Anthony)
In Spanish–
The 2nd Saturday of the month at 2:30pm (please call ahead and make an appointment with Fr. George)
Marriages-
In order to provide sufficiently time for the Marriage Preparation Course, please call the parish office and ask to speak with any of the priests at least six months in advance. -
Websites
The Cardinal’s Appeal http://cardinalsappeal.org/
Archdiocese of NYhttps://archny.org/
The Vatican: www.news.vatican
The Catholic Link: http://catholic-link.org/ -
Today's Readings
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Reading 1 1 Tm 6:2c-12Responsorial Psalm PS 49:6-7, 8-10, 17-18, 19-20Gospel Lk 8:1-3
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Catholic News Service
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