The Baptism of the Lord January 10th, 2016

Church

of the

Blessed Sacrament

Manhattan Rev. John P. Duffell, Pastor

Rev. Alexis Bastidas, Associate Rev. Dennis Baker, S.J., Sunday Associate

Rev. Msgr. Robert B. O’Connor, Pastor Emeritus

Tina Silvestro, Dr. Gregory D'Agostino, Director Religious Education Organist & Director of Music Caroline Sliney, School Principal Theo Corbin, Pastoral Assistant

CHURCH: 152 West 71st Street, New York, N.Y. 10023 SCHOOL: 147 West 70th Street, New York, N.Y. 10023 MASSES:

Ph: 212-877-3111 Ph: 212-724-7561

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 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. During Lent the sacrament of Baptism will be celebrated only in an emergency situation.

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. Spanish Programs Website: www.nygente.com Sunday School Website: www.blessedsacramentsundayschool.org

The Baptism of the Lord January 10th, 2016

PARISH NEWS My Dear Parishioners: Today we celebrate the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord. Scripture scholars remind us that the words spoken at Jesus’ baptism come from an ancient coronation text. “You are my beloved son” is first heard in Psalm 2:7 when the king is enthroned as God’s son. But Jesus’ baptism is not a coronation that sets him above us and beyond the rest of the people who receive him. After we hear the words of his coronation, we hear, “With you I am well pleased.” These words, the scholars remind us, are from one of Isaiah’s servant songs. In His baptism, Jesus is revealed as God’s servant. Christ is no member of a royal court expecting deference and honor. Isaiah offers a picture of the Lord who stands, not over us, but alongside us. “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you.’ He is a luminary who lights up our way. When we pass through the waters of baptism we are enlightened by Christ’s light. When we pass through the torrents of life, Christ stands alongside us with his light leading us through the darkness. When we pass through the waters of death, Christ is still alongside us shining on us the light of eternal life. This son who receives his coronation in the waters of baptism is the servant king who does not place himself over us but places himself alongside us. The one who stands beside us is God’s beloved son. Enjoy this feast of the Baptism of the Lord. On Monday we begin the Ordinary Time of the Church’s year, but it is not very ordinary at all. The every seven day celebration of the Lord’s day is the basic structure upon which the Church year is built. (Advent-Christmas, Lent-Easter are more expansive celebrations of particular aspects of the one pascal mystery which we celebrate every Sunday.) Ordinary time, the celebration of Sunday is the identifying mark of the Christian community which comes together remembering that on the first day of the week the Lord of life was raised up. What happens in our Church every Sunday is the fruit of our week. What happens as the fruit of the week past is the beginning of the week to come. This is not ordinary at all. This is the fabric of living. Besides the times of year that have their own distinctive character, there remains in the yearly cycle 33/34 weeks in which no particular aspect of the mystery of Christ is celebrated, but rather the mystery of Christ itself is honored in its fullness, especially Sundays in Ordinary Time. And finally, I’d like to offer a word of thanks to all who made the celebration of Christmas and the Christmastide so special here at Blessed Sacrament. A special thank you to you the people of Blessed Sacrament, for your generosity to the work of the Church. To date, $125,000 has been received in the Christmas collection, and contributions totaling $38,000 have been offered in response to the $50,000 goal of the building fund matching grant. Were waiting for two more $5000 gifts, maybe that’s you. May God richly reward your goodness. In this Year of Mercy, let’s keep alive our prayer for peace. Fr. Duffell

14TH ANNUAL MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR DAY INTERFAITH PEACE WALK

When: Monday, January 18, 2016

Theme: Here the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor!

Time: Walk begins at 2:00PM

Where: Gather at Holy Name of Jesus Church (W 96th Street / Amsterdam Ave) for an introduction and short prayer; proceed to several Upper West Side faith communities (including St Gregory the Great and West Park Presbyterian) for reflection, readings and song; end at Church of the Blessed Sacrament (W 71st St / Broadway) for reflection, refreshments and fellowship.

Participants and host congregations are encouraged to bring/collect letters addressed to congressional leaders urging support of initiatives to protect the planet and the poor who are so devastatingly affected by climate change and income inequality. Letters will be carried from congregation to congregation and then delivered in bulk.

COLLECTION Thank you so very much for your generous response to the needs of the parish. Our collection last Sunday was $14,667.00. $3,353 was received in ParishPay for a total of $18,020.00 The collection for 12/27/2015 was $11,595.00. $3,353 was received in ParishPay for a total of $14,948.00 Reminder: This weekend we have a second collection for our Soup Kitchen. Forum on Human Trafficking: Analysis and Action Plan “Human Trafficking is a scourge upon the body of Christ.” – Pope Francis Speakers: Carol Smolenski: Executive Director of ECPATUSA, leader in the fight against child trafficking. Gonzalo Martinez de Vedia: Worker Justice Center of NY, expert on debt bondage in agriculture. Patricia Latona: UN representative for ZONTA International, advocate for international women’s rights. Followed by a short workshop for interested audience participants. Where: Holy Trinity Catholic Church Murphy Canter 213 West 82nd Street 10024 Time: 7pm – 9pm - Date: Tuesday, February 2nd, 2016 RSVP: Friday, January 29, holytrinityreled@earthlink.net Cost: free/ good will offering

The Baptism of the Lord January 10th, 2016

NOTICIAS PARROQUIALES Queridos Feligreses y Amigos;

Hoy celebramos la Fiesta del Bautismo del Senor. Eruditos de las Escrituras nos recuerdan que las palabras usadas en el Bautismo de Jesus proceden de un texto antiguo: La frase “Eres mi hijo querido” se oye por primera vez en el Salmo 2:7 cuando el rey es coronado como Hijo de Dios. Pero el Bautismo de Jesus no es una coronación que lo eleva sobre nosotros y el resto de la humanidad que lo recibe. Después de escuchar las palabras de su coronación, oímos “Estoy realmente satisfecho on ustedes”. Estas palabras, nos recuerda un experto, vienen de una de las canciones de un sirviente de Isaiah. En su Bautismo Jesus se revela con un sirviente de Dios.

Cristo no es un miembro de una corte real esperando deferencia y honores. Isaiah ofrece un Señor quien esta no mas alto que nosotros pero a nuestro lado. “Cuando reciban las aguas, estaré con ustedes.” El es quien alumbra nuestro camino.

Cuando recibimos el agua del Bautismo nos alumbra la luz de Cristo. Cuando pasamos los torrentes de la vida, Cristo esta a nuestro lado guiándonos a través de la oscuridad. Cuando cruzamos las aguas de la muerte, Cristo aun sigue a nuestro lado y nos ofrece su luz a la vida eterna.

Este hijo que es coronado en las agua del Bautismo es el rey sirviente que no se coloca sobre nosotros sino que esta a nuestro lado. El que esta junto a nosotros es el hijo amado del Señor.

Este lunes comenzamos el Tiempo Ordinario de la Iglesia el cual no es en realidad ordinario. Cada celebración de siete días es la estructura básica sobre la cual se basa la Iglesia. (Adviento-Navidad, Cuaresma-Pascua son celebraciones mas extensas del aspecto particular del misterio pascal que celebramos cada domingo.) Tiempo ordinario, la celebración del domingo, es lo que identifica a la Comunidad Cristiana reunida y recordando que en el primer día de la semana se levanto a la vida el Señor.

Lo que pasa en nuestra Iglesia cada domingo es el fruto de nuestra semana. El fruto de la semana pasada es el principio de la semana próxima. Nada ordinario, nada mas que la fabrica de la vida.

Ademas de las épocas diferentes que tienen su propio carácter, quedan en el ciclo anual 33/34 semanas en las cuales ningún aspecto en particular del misterio de Cristo es celebrado, pero este se honra especialmente cada Domingo del Tiempo Ordinario.

Finalmente, quiero expresar nuestro agradecimiento a todos aquellos que contribuyeron a hacer esta Navidad tan especial. Y gracias a ustedes, los feligreses de Blessed Sacrament por su generosidad a nuestra parroquia. Hasta la fecha, hemos recibido $125,000 en la colecta de la Navidad, y contribuciones por un total de $38,000 han sido recibidas hacia nuestra meta para igualar la subvención de $50,000 para el fondo de restauración de nuestra iglesia. Que Dios les recompense por su bondad. En éste Ano de la Misericordia, continuemos rezando por la paz. Padre Duffell.

CONVERSATIONS WITH “RECYCLED” CATHOLICS Many people--Catholics, those of other religions and of no religion-- have been struck by the words and actions of Pope Francis. Included among them are former Catholics who have long felt alienated from many of the church’s positions and practices, but now may be considering giving Catholicism a second look. This series is designed for such people—not for people who are comfortable in their faith and looking for spiritual enrichment. It is for people in transition, hence the term “recycled,” moving from a style of religion that was found to be unsatisfying to one that is both personally fulfilling and authentically Catholic. In a series of six non-judgmental, open yet focused discussions, Fr. Kevin Madigan will help participants reflect on their lived experience of Catholicism, its positive and negative aspects, in the hope of discovering possible directions for the future. The general approach could be described as a “therapy of the imagination,” an attempt to discover how familiar doctrines, metaphors, and images might be mined for new insights and meaning.

The series will take place in two locations: St. Thomas More Rectory, 65 East 89th St., on Wednesday evenings, beginning January 6th, at 7:00 p.m., and Blessed Sacrament Rectory, 152 West 71st St., on Thursday evenings, beginning January 7th, at 7:00 p.m. To register, please call 212-876-7718. There is no charge and refreshments will be served. The topics for discussion: 1/13, 1/14 Catholicism is not a religion for over-achievers. 1/20, 1/21 Will the real Jesus please stand up. 1/27, 1/28 The Church, who needs it anyway? 2/3, 2/4 I would describe myself as “spiritual, but not religious.” 2/10, 2/11 Fast-food Catholicism may be dangerous to your health. REQUEST FOR VOLUNTEERS Blessed Sacrament Church is organizing a new program and we’re recruiting volunteers. The program is called SMALL ACTS OF KINDNESS (SMACK). A few times a week the Rectory gets calls from elderly/sick/disabled people asking for assistance with some small task (escorting them to a doctor’s appointment, picking up a prescription, delivering food from our food pantry, etc.) We’re seeking volunteers who would be willing to pitch in and help with such requested tasks. Most would be a one-time event, requiring only a small amount of time and commitment. People with flexible schedules would be very welcome, though those who have busier schedules (jobs, for example) could be very helpful as well. The coordinator would make calls to volunteers to see who might be available for any given task, giving time commitment and details. Karen Gargamelli has offered to serve as coordinator. If you might be interested in participating in this very worthy program, or needing more information, please contact her at Karen@benincasanyc.org

The Baptism of the Lord January 10th, 2016

LECTORS AND EUCHARISTS MINISTERS Saturday, January 9

5:30 1st Todd Reppert 2nd Anita Pearl POF Todd Reppert EM Steve Whelan, Manuela Marino,

Ginetta LaBianca, Diana O'Toole Sunday, January 10

8:30 1st Tom Caffrey 2nd Tom Caffrey POF Mike Addis

EM John Simpson, Eileen Simpson, Vivian Vellaluz, Tom Caffrey, Mike Addis

10:00 1st Anna Piazza

2nd Shirley Rodriguez POF Gabriel Keane EM Joan Tedeschi, Mary Bradley,

Belinda Dela Cruz, Elisse LoPresti, Judy Braun, Anna-Sophia Leone

12:30 1st Jack Going

2nd Jack Going POF Megan Mitchell EM Thomas Alexander, Theo Corbin,

Christina Elefante, Megan Mitchell, Lidia Stempien

5:30 1st Elizabeth Heilman Brooke Murray

2nd Mark Murphy POF Richelle Keira Go EM Allison Miller, Tiffany Riady,

Rob Porell, Kevin Meskell, Kate Furlong, Patricia Alvarez de Fallon, John Miller

Saturday Evening, January 9th 5:30 Lina Yanni +

Sunday, January 10th 8:30 Parigina Simone +

10:00 Arthur Theodore Bussiere 11:15 Rosalba Arguelles 12:30 Hans Pennings 5:30 Intentions of Thomas Middelhoff

Monday, January 11th 7:30 Olga Peters + 12:10 Olga Peters + 5:30 Olga Peters +

Tuesday, January 12th 7:30 Billy Speiran + 12:10 Arturo Yanni + 5:30 Intentions of Thomas Middelhoff

Wednesday, January 13th 7:30 Billy Speiran + 12:10 Regis Briand + 5:30 Arturo Yanni +

Thursday, January 14th 7:30 Anne M. Duffell + 12:10 Cristina and Bruno Ramos + 5:30 Eugenio Castillo +

Friday, January 15th 7:30 Fernando Pando + 12:10

5:30 Maria Barladeanu +

Intentions of Thomas Middelhoff Saturday, January 16th

7:30 Terry Carey + 12:10 Doreen Delaney + and Michele Rozzo +

POINSETTIAS Now that the Christmas season is behind us, the poinsettias that beautifully decorated our Church are available. If you or a friend are interested, please come to the Church this Monday, January 11th, 2016 after 9:30am and speak to our maintenance worker. SUNDAY SCHOOL REMINDER Due to the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday weekend there will be no class on January 17th, 2016.

The Baptism of the Lord January 10th, 2016

CHRISTMAS FLOWERS

The flowers that decorate the sanctuary for Christmas have been offered in memory of and the intentions of the following:

Please keep them in your prayers.