Dear Neighbor,

Sixteenth Sunday in
Ordinary Time
July 21, 2019
 

From the Desk of Rev. Fr. Anthony C. Ekanem, MSP:
 
Today’s theme on hospitality is identifiable in the First Reading from the Book of Genesis 18:1-10 and in the Gospel from St Luke 10:38-42. The story of Jesus in the home of Martha and Mary compliments the story of the Good Samaritan we read last Sunday from St Luke 10:25 – 37. Both stories are very unique to Saint Luke. The Parable of the Good Samaritan opens with the words “a certain man,” while in today’s Gospel reading, opens with the words “a certain woman.” Samaritan is an example of how a disciple should see and act, while that of Mary is an example of how disciple should listen. Both did what was expected of them.
 
In Genesis, we hear how the Lord appeared to Abraham, although Abraham himself did not know who these three visitors were. But he welcomed them. See how Abraham provided traditional hospitability of his culture with delight to three mysterious strangers even though the chief burden will fell on Sarah, his wife who prepared the meal. The point to note here is that the Guest(s) came not simply to receive but also to give. They gave divine promise, ‘One of them said, “I will surely return to you about this time next year, and Sarah will then have a son.” (Gen 18:10). So, the hospitality Abraham and Sarah offered has come back as marvelous gift in return. His family will become a great people (Israel) and a blessing for all the nation of the earth (Genesis 18:18)
 
In the Gospel, we see Martha and Mary, two sisters who gave hospitality to Jesus. Martha appeared to be the dominant personality or character here because of her worry and her concern while preparing meal to entertain Jesus in their home. Her sister ‘Mary sits at Jesus’ feet and listen Him.’ Jesus’ response to Martha’s complaint and being overwhelmed with domestic work while preparing food for the guest (while her sister has left her to do all the work by herself) seems at one level very justified. But St Luke is also drawing our attention to one particular aspect of service to the Lord, that it can be a deceptive distraction from what the Lord really wants from us. Good people are always prone to measure their goodness by all they do for the Lord. They forget that nothing that they can ever do could match our Lord’s primary intent towards us which is to bestow upon us life, love and salvation.
 
Other commentators have shared that Jesus may have wanted in a liberating way, to teach Martha about the problem of feministic temptation or dominating attitude in the service of the Lord. All the distractions, being over concerned about material stuff should be checked. Yes, Martha’s request may have evoked and gained sympathy, we may at the same time lose sight of the contemplative aspect in our busy world today.
 
That is why the Psalmist says to us, ‘Be still and know that I am God,’ Psalm 46:10. Being still and attentive to Lord Jesus in His presence is that which gives life to our soul. Maybe one aspect we should reconsider is spending some moment in silent prayer after our reception of the Holy Communion at our Eucharistic celebration.
 
The main point of today’s liturgy is that we can be both Martha and Mary by our hard work as Martha was also and spend some time at the feet of Jesus like Mary did. Such a balance is what is required of a Christian especially in our busy world today.
 

~ THANK YOU ~

I wish to sincerely THANK every parishioner for a beautiful Priestly Ordination Anniversary celebration for Fr George and I last Sunday. We did not expect such a celebration especially during this busy summertime. The turnout, the gifts, the food, congratulatory messages and appreciation were truly very humbling and overwhelming to us. We continue to thank God for the number of years of service granted us in His Vineyard. We also thank God for sending us to this wonderful parish family. Please continue to pray for us as we work in our parish community. God bless!
 
Stewardship
Tithing - God’s Plan for Giving on Sunday For 07/14/19 our Offering was $3,203.00
Last Sunday second collection is for the Black and Indian Missions was $672.00
This Sunday our second collection is our monthly Church Property Collection.
  
2019 Cardinal’s Annual Stewardship Appeal Update
Goal: $39,500
Total Amount Paid: $33,471.00
Total Amount Pledged: $38,003.00
Number of Families: 116
Percent of goal: 96%
If you haven’t had the chance to make your contribution, there is there still time. You can use the pledge letters that have already arrived at your home. And if you have not received one or have never made a pledge before, it is very easy to do so online.
 
Just go to cardinalsappeal.org, click on Donate, select an amount, and direct your gift to our Church:
Immaculate Conception, Yonkers
 
FOR CATHOLICS
As Catholics, we fully participate in the celebration of the Eucharist when we receive Holy Communion. We are encouraged to receive Communion devoutly and frequently. In order to be properly disposed to receive Communion, participants should not be conscious of grave sin and normally should have fasted for one hour. A person who is conscious of grave sin is not to receive the Body and Blood of the Lord without prior sacramental confession except for a grave reason where there is no opportunity for confession. In this case, the person is to be mindful of the obligation to make an act of perfect contrition, including the intention of confessing as soon as possible (canon 916). A frequent reception of the Sacrament of Penance is encouraged for all.
 
FOR OUR FELLOW CHRISTIANS
We welcome our fellow Christians to this celebration of the Eucharist as our brothers and sisters. We pray that our common baptism and the action of the Holy Spirit in this Eucharist will draw us closer to one another and begin to dispel the sad divisions which separate us. We pray that these will lessen and finally disappear, in keeping with Christ's prayer for us "that they may all be one" (John 17:21).
Because Catholics believe that the celebration of the Eucharist is a sign of the reality of the oneness of faith, life, and worship, members of those churches with whom we are not yet fully united are ordinarily not admitted to Holy Communion. Eucharistic sharing in exceptional circumstances by other Christians requires permission according to the directives of the diocesan bishop and the provisions of canon law (canon 844 §4). Members of the Orthodox Churches, the Assyrian Church of the East, and the Polish National Catholic Church are urged to respect the discipline of their own Churches. According to Roman Catholic discipline, the Code of Canon Law does not object to the reception of Communion by Christians of these Churches (canon 844 §3).
FOR THOSE NOT RECEIVING HOLY COMMUNION
All who are not receiving Holy Communion are encouraged to express in their hearts a prayerful desire for unity with the Lord Jesus and with one another.
 
FOR NON-CHRISTIANS
We also welcome to this celebration those who do not share our faith in Jesus Christ. While we cannot admit them to Holy Communion, we ask them to offer their prayers for the peace and the unity of the human family.
© 1996, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops
 
Sundays Readings:
First Reading : Genesis 18:1-10a p. 60
The Lord appeared to Abraham in the form of three visitors. Abraham invited them to his home, and he and Sarah prepare them a generous meal.
Responsorial Psalm : Psalm 15:2-3 p 61
“He who does justice will live in the presence of the Lord!”
Second Reading : Colossians 1:24-28 p.61 The apostle Paul found suffering in joy, in order to build up the body of Christ, the church. By preaching the fullness of God’s revelation, Paul hoped every person might become complete in Christ.
Gospel: Luke10:38-42 p. 62
Martha became angry with her sister Mary who sat down and listened to Jesus rather than help with housework. Jesus told Martha, however, that Mary had made the better choice: “There is need of only one thing.”
 
Registration 2019-2020
Started on Saturday June 15, 2019 - July 31, 2019 (Wednesday & Thursday 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 pm)  
Classes will begin September 7, 2019
 
¨  Bible Sharing:
Do you want to learn more about the Word of God during the week, in English. Call and let us know whether Wednesday beginning in the month of September is convenient for you.
¨ Yonkers Office for the Aging will be distributing farmer’s market coupons to qualified Yonkers seniors. The coupons will be available at the Office for the Aging Monday, July 22 and Tuesday, July 23 from 10AM to 12PM and from 1PM to 3PM at the Chema Community Center, 435 Riverdale Ave. The coupons are available to qualified applicants 60 years or older and who are currently receiving or eligible to receive SSI, public assistance, food stamps, Section 8 housing subsidy or have a monthly income of $1,926 per month or less for a one person household; $2,607 per month or less for a two person household and $3,289 per month or less for a three person household. Yonkers seniors must bring photo ID and proof of age. There is a limited supply, allowing for only one booklet per household. Yonkers seniors are able to use the coupons at the farmers markets located throughout the area, including at St. John’s Farmers Market in downtown Yonkers.
 

Mass Schedule for the week of
July 20, 2019 to July 27, 2019
Special Intentions for this week

Saturday, July 27, 2019:
12:05pm— Available/Disponible
5:00pm - Rose DiGiacomo + *Cristina Monteiro
7:30pm - Mercedes Boada + *Ana Medina
+ Indicates deceased Sunday, July 21, 2019:
7:30 am – For the Parishioners
9:00 am – Gonzalo & Mercedes Vidal
11:00 am - Augusto Mario Melendez + * Jenny Brown  &Family
Monday, July 22, 2019 :                                            
8:15am - Available/Disponible
12:05pm In Thanksgiving * Francisco & Claudia Dougan
Tuesday July 23, 2019:
8:15am - Available/Disponible
12:05pm – Rafael Barragan + *Peter, Maritza &         Mallori Fitzgerald
Wednesday, July 24, 2019:
8:15am - Available/Disponible
12:05 pm – Available/Disponible
Thursday, July 25, 2019:
8:15am - Available/Disponible
12:05 pm— Available/Disponible
7:00 pm - Sophia Gardenia Vasquez + *Maria Rubio
Friday, July 26, 2019:
8:15am - Joaquim Neto + *Josefa Navarro
12:05 pm – Thomas Patteril + *George Patteril
Saturday, July 27, 2019:
12:05pm— Available/Disponible
5:00pm - Rose DiGiacomo + *Cristina Monteiro
7:30pm - Mercedes Boada + *Ana Medina
+ Indicates deceased * Indicates the person (s) who requested the Mass.
 
Security Cameras :
The security cameras are now in place inside and outside of the Church
24 Hour Surveillance Both Video & Audio
We have installed a changing station to facilitate parents for their children needs.