December 8, 2013
Second Sunday of Advent
Is 11:1-10 Rom 15:4-9 Mt 3:1-12 (4)
“Everything written before our time was written for our instruction, so that we might derive hope from the lessons of patience and the words of encouragement in the Scriptures…”
“The spirit of the Lord will rest upon him: a spirit of wisdom and understanding, a spirit of counsel and of strength, a spirit of knowledge and of fear of the Lord, and his delight shall be the fear of the Lord…Justice shall be the band around his waist, and faithfulness a belt upon his hips.”
Isaiah and Paul set a tone for us as we move to the second week of advent. The promises of the old testament provide the image of a messiah, we often cite as the gifts of the Holy Spirit. They are truly the gift of presence for us all. The messianic presence will produce radical change, opposites will be reconciled and a new era of oneness will result.
Yes, what has been written is for our instruction, making this truly a season of hope. A great advent gift is found in pausing to reflect upon God’s Word, His promise, our need and the fulfillment which will be ours if we ask for it. It does not just happen, but is to be sought after, claimed and held fast in our hearts. May we truly prepare the way of the Lord.
Our mantra: Come Lord Jesus.
His Word Today by William J. Reilly
ST JOSEPH’S CHRISTMSAS CARDS
We have available boxes of Christmas cards in the Narthex which carry a watercolor picture of our Church of St. Joseph. The original was painted for us by the Japanese artist Kazuma Morimoto. The cards are $10 for a box of 12 and $1 for single cards. Please buy promptly because we only have a limited number of cards.
Open Pastoral Council Meeting on Tuesday, December 10th, 2013
On Tuesday, December 10th, the Pastoral Council will be holding an “open” meeting with Fr. McGuire and any parishioners who wish to attend. The meeting will be held in the Parish House beginning at 7:00 pm. This is an opportunity to hear about recent developments in the parish and to bring any ideas or concerns you may have to the attention of the Council. If you would like to attend, please call the parish office at 212-741-1274 by Tuesday morning, December 10th, so that we know how many to expect. We hope you can join us!
Academy of St. Joseph
The Academy of St. Joseph is looking to expand the security at the front door. We currently have a person at the door from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm. We are looking for someone to cover the front door from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm. If interested please call the school office at 212-243-5420. Thank you.
The Academy of St. Joseph School community extends a warm welcome to all parishioners to join us for our Christmas program on Thursday, December 12, 2013 at 5:30 pm in the church.
GIVING TREE
Dear Parishioners – Each year a simple version of the Jesse Tree, a symbol of the expectation of new birth and life during Advent, is placed in the Narthex, (rear of the church). Please take one of the tree ornaments, many created by the children of our parish, which have a gift suggestion for a woman or man in need. The gifts are delivered on Christmas to The Gift of Love Residence, located on Washington Street, where residents are cared for by the Missionary Sisters of Charity, founded by Mother Theresa. On Christmas Day, the gifts from the Giving Tree will be delivered by volunteers.
Please return your brightly wrapped gift, with the ornament attached, for a woman or man no later than Sunday, Dec. 22nd, and place it in the designated baskets on each side of the Giving Tree. This will ensure the gifts arrive on Christmas Day.
God loves all of Creation and so there will also be a List of Needed Items for Sheltered Animals at the Bide-A-Wee Shelter located at East 38th Street. Thank you.
Judy Kelly Magida
REMINDER
Please be generous in this weekend’s second collection for our Retired Religious. This special collection affords us an opportunity to offer them, in return for all they have done for us, our love and support by helping to provide for their needs.
Please send your announcements and events to be included in the bulletin to:
Season for Giving
Tips for Effective Philanthropy
By Bruce DeBoskey
Over the Winter holiday, people are in a giving mood. We give to family. We give to friends. And many of us choose this generous time of year to give to charity.
Most of the nation’s 1.6 million nonprofit organizations ramp up their efforts to attract donors over the holiday season. No matter where you go, it seems as if someone doing important work somewhere is asking for a contribution of your time, talent or treasure.
No person or business can give to everyone who asks. You want your donations to make a difference. How do you make the right, most impactful decisions—not only during the traditional giving season, but also throughout the entire year?
VOLUNTEER YOUR TIME. Cash is not the only way to contribute to the community. Everyone can help in some way, regardless of assets. Volunteer activities are a great way for families or co-workers to spend time together, share values, learn about the work of nonprofits and make a difference.
GIVE BOLDLY. People rarely donate so much money or time to charities that they can no longer take care of themselves or their family. Many of us can give far more than we currently do without sacrificing our quality of life or that of our loved ones. Responding to matching gift challenges can help your bold gift achieve even greater reach and impact.
START TODAY. Your community, country and world need your help right now. The sooner you begin to give more boldly and purposefully, the sooner you will see positive results in your life, your business and the lives of others. Be thoughtful, strategic and effective with your giving—now and all year. Everyone will reap the benefits.
CHRISTMAS CONCERT
Our St. Joseph’s Contemporary Choir (which leads our 9 AM and 6 PM Masses) will present a Christmas Concert at 7 PM on December 10th. All profits will go to our Church’s ministry. The tickets are $15 pre-purchased or $20 at the door. Tickets for seniors and students are $10. All under the age of 15 enter for free.
SOLEMNITY OF THE IMMAACULATE CONCEPTION
Since December 8th falls on a Sunday, this feast will be celebrated on Monday, December 9th and is not, this year a Day of Obligation.
We are now in the midst of Christmas preparation, hopefully taking time to reflect on the meaning of the season while still accomplishing the tasks, like gift shopping, that can distract and consume us. Here’s a way to do a little of both simultaneously: When you’re deciding what to buy the children in your life, remember the Child Jesus, the Prince of Peace, whose birthday we celebrate. Choose gifts that promote the Peace of Christ, toys and games that are fun and that nurture creativity and cooperation. Contact Pax Christi Metro New York at for our latest flier with specific suggestions and great wisdom from some of the children who just might be on your Christmas list. ~~Pax Christi Metro New York
FEAST DAYS, SCRIPTURES, CITATIONS & SPECIAL INTENTIONS
Saturday, December 7 Saint Ambrose
Is 30:19-21, 23-26 Mt 9:35---10:1,5a, 6-8 (180)
12:10 PM Robert Spiracio
5:30 PM Fabiana Patag
Sunday, December 8
Is 11:1-10 Rom 15:4-9 Mt 3:1-12 (4)
9:00 AM Rose Rimi
11:30 AM Mary Newman--living
6:00 PM Gerard F. Johnson
Monday, December 9 The Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Gn 3:9-15, 20 Eph 1:3-6, 11-12/Lk 1:26-38 (689)
12:10 PM Peter Johnson, Sr.
Tuesday, December 10
Is 40:1-11 Mt 18:12-14 (182)
12:10 PM Thomas C. Kent
Wednesday, December 11 Saint Damasus l
Is 40:25-31 Mt 11:28-30 (183)
12:10 PM Vito, Frances & John Rota
5:15 PM Raymond DeFilippo (Mass at Catholic Ctr. at NYU)
Thursday, December 12 Our Lady of Guadalupe
Zec 2:14-17 or Rv 11:19a; 12:1-6a, 10ab Lk 1:26-38 or Lk 1:39-47
12:10 PM Antonette Zadrozny
Friday, December 13 Saint Lucy
Is 48:17-19 Mt 11:16-19 (185)
12:10 PM Rita Cea
Saturday, December 14 Saint John of the Cross
Sir 48:1-4, 9-11 Mt 17:9a, 10-13 (186)
12:10 PM Frances M. Guarini
5:30 PM Blanca Rodriguz & Joel Berkowitz
MONTHLY PARISH ACTIVITIES
Sunday10:00 AM / Children’s Religious Studies / Casserly
10:00 AM / Scripture Discussion / Library
2:30 PM / Roman Forum Lectures / Casserly
7:00 PM / Grad Law / Casserly-Rectory
Monday
6:30 PM / Centering Prayer / Church
Tuesday
Thursday
6:30 PM 1st /mo / Pax Christi Bd Mt / PCMNY
6:50 PM / Bible Study / Library
7:00 PM / Newman Club / Catholic Center at NYU
Friday
6:00 PM 1st/mo / Novena/ Sacred
Heart / Church
Saturday
10:00-3:00 PM / Soup Kitchen / Casserly
12:30 PM 1st/mo / Blessing of the
Sick / Church
6:00 PM / Alcoholics Anonymous / Casserly