SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2015

The Parish of Resurrection-Ascension Stewardship

Our Way of Life

PARISH MISSION STATEMENT Resurrection-Ascension Church is a diverse community that gathers together to celebrate the Eucharist. We recognize that the Lord is the source of all that we have and all that we do. We hope that through our sharing of the Eucharist, the Sacraments, and our belonging to the parish – we may obtain a deeper relationship with the Lord. As a people of faith, we are striving to grow in our ability to live out our understanding of “Stewardship” through the sharing of our Time, Talent and Treasure. We trust that, through God’s grace we may reach out to others, welcoming them, while respecting and supporting one another.

Pastoral Staff

Weekend Mass Schedule

Rev. Salvatore J. Amato, Pastor Mr. Emanuel Bologna, Director of Music Mrs. Joann Heppt, School Principal Ms. Joyce Mennona, Dir. of Religious Education Rev. Basilio Monteiro, Weekend Presider Deacon Julio Murillo, Permanent Deacon

Saturday Sunday

Church 85-25 61st Road, Rego Park, New York 11374 Rectory 61-11 85 Street, Rego Park, N.Y. 11374 Phone: (718) 424-5212 FAX: (718) 639-8679 General E-Mail: [email protected] Sacramental Certificate Requests: [email protected]

Website: www.rachurch.net Rectory Staff Debbie Gross (Receptionist)- [email protected] Carmen Chang [email protected] (Receptionist en Español- Saturdays 9am -1pm) Heather Belon (Bookkeeper)- [email protected] Cathy Mesa- [email protected] (Tuition Officer/Rectory Receptionist)

Rectory Hours Monday through Friday:

9:00 AM to 12 NOON 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM (closed for lunch 12 NOON-1:00 PM) Saturday: 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM, CLOSED SUNDAY

5:00 PM 8:00AM, 9:30 AM, 11:00 AM 12:30 PM (Spanish)

Weekday Mass Schedule Monday – Friday Saturday

9:00AM 9:00 AM

Rite of Reconciliation (Confession) Saturday

11:00 AM to 11:30 AM st

School: 85-25 61 Road Phone: (718) 426-4963 FAX: (718) 426-0940 E-Mail: [email protected] Website: www.raschool.org

Faith Formation Office & Pastoral Care Center: 85-18 61st Road Phone: E-Mail:

(718) 533-7898 [email protected]

Music Office: Phone: E-Mail:

(718) 651-6359 [email protected]

Youth Ministry Jim and Torey Shearer Phone (917) 597-8807 E-Mail: [email protected]

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____________________RESURRECTION-ASCENSION CHURCH, REGO PARK Today is the First Sunday of Advent. The Readings are found at #1002 in the Parish Hymnal.

Monday, November 30th 9:00am Arturo Salazer (bday), req by his wife, Gemma and family Tuesday, December 1st 9:00am Jialing Chen, req by their mother Jinzhu Lin Wednesday, December 2nd 9:00am Kathleen Dolan, req by the Lavin family Thursday, December 3rd 9:00am Arcangelo and Carmela Barone, req by the Barone family Friday, December 4th 9:00am First Friday Perpetual Mass Society Saturday, December 5th 9:00am For the People of the Parish -Krystyna Oskwarek-Wyszotrawka, req by her daughter Malgorzata and family -Arcangelo Barone, req by his children -Evelyn Liander, req by James, Michael and Christopher -special intentions, req by the Chang family -Jimmy Conlon (35th ann), req by Donald and Maureen Kelly -Joe, Kathleen, Brendan McNulty, req by her sister Angie McCarthy 5:00pm Patrick Pryce, Patrick Lydon and Patrick Finegan, req by Pauline and Anthony Ruggiero Sunday, December 6th- Second Sunday of Advent (6: Bar 5:1-9 Ps 126:1-6 Phil 1:4-6, 8-11 Lk 3:1-6) 8:00am Joseph Szewczyk, req by Diane Kerrigan 9:30am Mary Kate and John Patrick McGowan, req by the Ozbay family 11:00am Carmen Cordani, req by the Pappalardo family 12:30pm Julio Rodriguez, req by the Lopez family

EXTRAORDINARY MINISTERS OF HOLY COMMUNION We have a limited supply of AT HOME WITH THE WORD books for EMHC who have made use of them in the past. These books are available and may be picked up at the Rectory on a “first come, first served” basis. BAPTISMS The following children were welcomed into the church through the Sacrament of Baptism on Sunday, November 15th: Madeline Zara Casines Mason Emil Casines Mila Bella Casines Grayson Noah Lebron Grace Claire Kabinoff Braeden Charles Schmidt Amanda Zoey Arce Hernandez

REMEMBER IN YOUR PRAYERS The Sick and/or Hospitalized: Joseph Arigo, Arline Blanke, Stephanie Bojarski,Maureen Borzell, Paul Borzell, Eileen Boyle, Rosaria Cali, Richard DeNardo, Louis F., Agnes Finegan, Msgr. Vincent Fullam, Gerardo Giraldo, George Harms, Rita Mascarenhas , Antonia Muronta, Milagros Pizarro, Jovina Rios, Julio Rosado, Frank Russo, Vincent Russo, Madeline Silecchia, Rose Tantillo, Aleksa Santos Yaiciunas, Alicia Witherby, Roy Witherby

WINE & HOSTS AND MEMORIAL CANDLES The Wine and Hosts will be used at all the Masses this week in loving memory of Vito Silecchia, as requested by Madeline Silecchia. The Altar Candles will be lit this week in loving memory of Charles Fitz, as requested by his daughter, Colleen. The Candle at the Statue of the Blessed Mother will be lit this week in loving memory of Charlie Fitz, as requested by Judy, Bob, Heather, and Sean Belon. The Flowers at the Statue of the Blessed Mother will be placed this week for the intentions of the Dreyer family.

SUNDAY SCHOOL & CHILDREN’S LITURGY Sunday School will meet next Sunday, Dec. 6th. There will also be CLW next weekend.

SAVE THE DATE! RA Golden Age Christmas Party The Golden Age Group will be celebrating their Christmas Party on Tuesday, December 8th at 12noon at Barosa Restaurant. The cost is $45. For tickets or more information, please call Maureen Rahill at (718) 651-4544 (let phone ring 6 times and leave a message please). We hope to see you there! FIRST FRIDAY

This Friday, Dec. 4th is the First Friday of the month. The following have been enrolled in the Perpetual Mass Society: Lauren Ryan David Van Pelt Catalina Seda Patty Pietrocarlo Elizabeth Genussa Thomas Cannisi John Kennedy Joan F. Gick Pedro Giraldo Maria Giraldo Maryann Klimas Theresa D’Amico Mary F. Murphy 2016 MEMORIALS We will begin taking requests for the 2016 Memorials Tuesday, December 1st. You may stop in the Rectory during regular business hours to reserve the Memorials for Wine & Hosts, Sanctuary Lamp, Altar Candles, etc. Please note that No phone requests will be taken. est. The donation remains $25.

Bereavement Group, meeting once a week for 8 weeks. For more info, please contact Joyce at (718) 533-7898 or [email protected].

NOVEMBER 29, 2015

“WATCH THE ROAD” Whether we are a pedestrian, cyclist, or driving a car, the above words should always be uppermost in our minds. Today’s Gospel gives us similar advice with the words “Watch at all times.” Jesus also expresses it in several ways such as: “Look up”; “Take heed”; “Raise your heads”. While considered to be beneficial as “spiritual advice”, one can attest that they also have merit and practical use for our everyday life. For example, think about how often we use the expressions: “Stay Awake”; “Be on your guard”: “Heads up”; and “Keep your eyes open”. The expression “Heads up” also applies to the public worship of the family of God—and most especially in this Advent season. We are expected to stay awake during Mass—not merely physically awake, but mentally and spiritually alert. “Watch the road” can also be translated [in this context] with the words: “Watch the altar.” Join in the prayers and responses. Lend your voices to the singing. Try to get the meaning of what you say, and what you sing. Mean every word of it. “Lift up your heads” means look at the Sacred Host. Look at the chalice in which wine becomes the Precious Blood after the words of consecration. Right now we are traveling toward Christ. We meet Him in the “Christmas of the Mass” we attend. In a few weeks, we will greet Him in the never-ending Christmas of heaven. The Advent Season reminds us that Christ comes to us in: History, Mystery, and in Majesty. Our encounter truly gives meaning to the words “watch the altar” just as the words “watch the road” have special meaning in another context. Such thoughts occur again and again in today’s psalm response: “Your ways, O Lord, make known to me….teach me your paths….guide me in your truth….the Lord shows sinners the way…He guides the humble….all the paths of the Lord are kindness and constancy.” Therefore, daily life can be a lot like driving—especially since we are responsible also for the spiritual safety of others. At the same time, we also need someone to show us the way to guide us. Through the prayers and actions of this Mass, let us pray that the Lord may help us to “stay awake”. May He help us to steer away from what could hurt us spiritually, and what may hurt those for whom we are responsible. Finally, let us ask the Lord to guide us: as He comes to us in the Mass that we attend (mystery), with His coming at Christmas (history) and, finally, with His coming in power and glory (majesty) at the end of our life’s journey.

A BLESSING FOR YOUR ADVENT WREATH The use of the Advent Wreath is a traditional practice which has found its place in the Church as well as in the home. The blessing of an Advent Wreath takes place on the First Sunday of Advent or on the evening before the First Sunday of Advent. When the blessing of the Advent Wreath is celebrated in the home, it is appropriate that it be blessed by a parent or another member of the family. Lord our God, we praise you for your Son, Jesus Christ: He is Emmanuel, the hope of the peoples, He is the wisdom that teaches and guides us, He is the Savior of every nation. Lord God, let your blessing come upon us as we light the candles of this wreath. May the wreath and its light be a sign of Christ’s promise to bring us salvation. May he come quickly and not delay. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. The blessing may conclude with a verse from “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel”: O come, desire of nations, bind in one the hearts of humankind; bid ev’ry sad division cease and be thyself our Prince of peace. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel. —From "Catholic Household Blessings & Prayers"

FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT

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Congratulations to the following students of the month who demonstrated the virtue of patience, based on the life of St. Rose Philippine Duchesne: Kindergarten A Isabella Carrera Kindergarten B Kayla Asturizaga Grade 1 Octavius Marte Grade 2A Nella Lyko Grade 2B Sophie Malone Grade 3 Emily Avaricio Grade 4 Sydney Ewald Grade 5 Natalie Kizior Grade 6 Brianna Rivera Grade 7 Tsiry Ramisaharidafy Grade 8 David Rivera

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“Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied.” Matthew 5:6 The virtue for this week is justice, respecting the rights of others and giving them what is rightfully theirs. The students learned about St. Louise de Marillac, a French saint who attended Catholic school where she learned to love and respect others. A faithful wife and mother, she cared for the poor, the sick and those in need.

2015 Sunday Collection for November 21/22 and 2015 Annual Catholic Appeal Update: Figures not available at time of press due to early publishing deadlines. SAVE THE DATES Begin the Year of Mercy with Scripture. Tues: Dec 1, 8, 15, 22. Either 10:00-11:00am or 7:30-8:30pm in FFH, with a prayerful review and discussion of the Scriptures for the following Sunday, with special focus on Mercy for the last Sunday of the Liturgical Year, and the four Sundays of Advent. All are welcome. Participate in either session (morning or evening). It is not necessary to attend every meeting- whenever you can attend is fine. Facilitator: John Cleary.

FALL 50/50 UPDATE

The Fall 50/50 is on sale now. The drawing will take place on Monday, December 21st. Just in time for Christmas! We’re just getting started….tickets will be sold until Sunday, December 20th . Don’t miss out on your chance to win!!! The more chances taken, the higher the prize! Stop by the rectory to purchase tickets!

1st Prize $100 2nd Prize $50 3rd Prize $25

BOOSTER WINNERS Maura T. Kelly, RP James Kozlik, RP Pat McGoldrick, MV

Congratulations to all our winners!

New subscribers are always welcome and, “YOU NEED TO BE IN IT – TO WIN IT”! For further info, kindly call the rectory 718-424-5212, ext. 16.

THE WEEK AHEAD Monday, November 30th – St. Andrew, Apostle -Food Pantry 10-12noon PCC -Chair Exercise 11:30am FFH; Golden Age 12:30pm FFH -School Advent Tree Lighting 7pm -No Basketball Practice -NA 7:30pm PCC Tuesday, December 1st -Advent Study 10-11am or 7:30-8:30pm FFH Main -Children’s Choir 3-4pm Church -Track 4-5pm , Basketball Practice 5-9:30pm Gym -Spanish Classes 10am-12noon FFH Garden -Spanish Prayer Group 7-9:30pm FFH Chapel -English Classes 6:30-8:30pm PCC Wednesday, December 2nd -Food Pantry 10-12noon PCC -Spanish Choir 6pm Church -English Choir 7:30pm Church -Campaign Executive Committee Meeting 7pm FFH Garden -Basketball Practice 5-9:30pm Gym -NA 7:30pm PCC Thursday, December 3rd – St. Francis Xavier, Priest -Mommy & Me 10-11:30am CMR -School Advisory Board Meeting 6pm CMR -Vicariate Choir Practice 7:30pm Church -Basketball Practice 5-9:30pm Gym -English Classes 6:30-8:30pm PCC Friday, December 4th – St. John Damascene, Priest and Doctor of the Church -First Friday Perpetual Mass society 9:30am CMR -CODA 10am PCC -Twirling 4-6:45pm FFH Main -No Basketball -Spanish Bible Study 7-9:30pm FFH Garden Saturday, December 5th -OCA 10am PCC -No CYO Basketball -Spanish Retreat 10-5pm (Adoration 11am Church and Rosary 12noon FFH Chapel) -Spanish Service 3-5pm FFH -Spanish Classes 5-6:30pm PCC -Divine Mercy 4:15pm Blessed Sacrament Chapel Sunday, December 6th – Second Sunday of Advent -Children’s Liturgy at the 9:30am Mass -Sunday School 10:45-12noon School -Divino Nino 1:30pm Church & Reception in FFH -No CYO Basketball -Alanon 12noon PCC

RA CHRISTMAS CARDS ARE BACK! This year we are again offering Christmas cards (sample above, actual card is color) Featuring Resurrection Ascension Church decorated for Christmas, with the crèche, on the cover. These cards are being sold at the rectory, 12 cards for $10. Share the beauty of our parish with your loved ones this Christmas season! Resurrection Ascension Church St. Vincent de Paul Society

CHRISTMAS GIFT TO THE PARISH Next weekend, Dec. 6th you will have the opportunity to contribute your “Christmas Gift to the Parish.” Your donation will help considerably to meet the ongoing costs and payments that have been incurred during the past year and, undoubtedly, will encounter in the New Year. We, along with many other parishes, have experienced deterioration in existing buildings that call for repairs at significant costs. However, it is through your generosity that we are able to meet these expenses and maintain the upkeep of our buildings and property. Thank you in advance for your generosity.

Thank you to all who have decided to participate this year! Please remember to deliver gifts to

FFH or the Rectory before Monday, December 7th. For more information, call (718) 533-7898. HELP WANTED We will be decorating the Church for Christmas on Wednesday, December 23rd after the 9am Mass. All are welcome to help. CHRISTMAS WREATH SALE Boy Scout Troop 106 will be selling Christmas wreaths after all the Masses next weekend, December 5/6. Stop by and purchase a wreath to “spruce” up your home for the holidays and support the Boy Scouts.

ADVENT INDIVIDUAL CONFESSIONS In addition to the opportunity for reception of the Sacrament of Penance each Saturday morning at 11am, we have scheduled an additional date for private confessions prior to Christmas on Monday evening, December 21st at 7pm in the Church.

THE STARS ARE COMING OUT! On the weekend of December 5/6 our Christmas Giving Tree will be in the Narthex of the church. You may pick a star(s) and make a bright Christmas for some little children and young people. The recipients, again this year, will be “Hour Children” which is a program committed to the compassionate and loving care of the children of incarcerated women. The unwrapped gifts should be returned on the weekend of December 12/13. God bless you for your kindness and generosity during this Advent Season! ADVENT MORNING PRAYER Beginning Monday, December 14th through Wednesday, December 23rd, we will have Morning Prayer each day in the Church at 8:30am. All are welcome 

CHRISTMAS SPIRITUAL BOUQUET CARDS and FLOWER ENVELOPES These items are available at the entrances to the church for your use. The Christmas Spiritual Bouquet intentions will be remembered at all the Christmas Masses. DIOCESAN VICARIATE CHOIR CHRISTMAS CONCERT Friday, December 18th at 7:30pm here at RA. Come hear advent music and seasonal favorites. Cost is $15. If you would like to attend, Please see Patricia Kistner (our leader of song) for tickets.

REFLECTION ON A CHRISTMAS CRÈCHE As we approach the Feast of Christmas (and throughout this season,) we will look on our images of sheep and cattle, shepherds, Mary, Joseph and Jesus so that whenever we gaze on our manger scene, such figures may tell the story of how humans, angels and animals found the Christ in this poor place. Let us pray that our house may be filled with hospitality, joy, gentleness and thanksgiving & our steps may always be guided in the way of peace. Grant this through Christ, our Lord. Amen.

A CHRISTMAS TREE BLESSING In the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Holy Lord, we come with joy to celebrate the birth of your Son, who rescued us from the darkness of sin by making the cross a tree of life and light. Lord God, let your blessing come upon us as we illuminate this tree. May its light & cheer be a sign of the joy that fills our hearts. May all who delight in this tree come to the knowledge and joy of salvation. We ask this through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

2015 CHRISTMAS MASS SCHEDULE Thursday, December 24th Regular Mass of the day: 9am CHRISTMAS SCHEDULE Christmas Eve- Thursday, December 24th (Rectory open from 9am-noon and 1-3pm) 5:00pm- SPECIAL LITURGY 11:30pm- Christmas Carols followed by MIDNIGHT MASS Christmas Day- Friday, December 25th HOLY DAY OF OBLIGATION (Rectory will be CLOSED) Masses: 9:30am, 11:00am in English (no 12:30pm Spanish Mass today) The Rectory will be CLOSED on Friday, December 25th and Saturday, December 26th. It will re-open on Monday, December 28th at 9:00am.

HARK TO THE GLAD SOUND!

You are invited to a Service of LESSONS & CAROLS Featuring the Adult, Children, Spanish Choirs and Indonesian Choirs of Resurrection-Ascension Church on Sunday, December 13, 2015 at 2:30pm Join us in preparing for the coming of our Lord through Scripture and Song (and show our choirs our appreciation for their time and talents as well!)