Pastor: Msgr. J. Christopher Maloney Parochial Vicars: Rev. Daniel Ulloa, O.P., Rev. Joseph Matthew

Associates: Deacon Martin J. Olivieri, Deacon Nicholas Ramoni Retired Priest: Rev. Kenneth Ross; Msgr. Walter A. Birkle

Pastoral Associate: Sr. Mary Beth Read, O.S.U.

670 Yonkers Ave. Yonkers, NY 10704 www.sjbyonkers.org

Fourth Sunday of Advent December 18, 2016

Tel: (914) 963-1486 Fax: (914) 375-1115

stjohnsp@optonline.net

School (914) 965-2356

Principal Sister Maryalice Reamer, R.D.C.

Religious Education

(914) 965-2338

Director Sr. Mary Beth Read, O.S.U.

Director of Music & Organist

John Stufano

Masses Saturday Vigil:

5:00 p.m.

Sunday: 8:00, 9:30,

11:00 a.m., 12:30 p.m.

Monday thru Friday: 8:00 a.m. & 12:00 noon

Saturday: 8:00 a.m.

Sacrament of Penance

Saturday: 4:00 - 4:45 p.m.

Sacrament of

Marriage Make arrangements six months

prior to wedding

Sacrament of Baptism

Every Sunday after the 12:30 Mass

Saturday, December 17, 2016 Vigil: Fourth Sunday of Advent 5:00 p.m. Frank Lagana Sunday, December 18, 2016 Fourth Sunday of Advent 8:00 a.m. Mass for the Parishioners of St. John the Baptist 9:30 a.m. For the deceased member of the Kozlowski and Naryniecki Families 11:00 a.m. Msgr. Maloney’s Anniversary Mass 12:30 p.m. Luise Lyddy Monday, December 19, 2016 8:00 a.m. Regina Capobianco 12:00 noon Rory O’Flaherty Tuesday, December 20, 2016 8:00 a.m. Michael Tamburello – 32nd Anniversary 12:00 noon Josephine and Joseph Guido Wednesday, December 21, 2016 Feast of St. Peter Canisius, Priest and Doctor of the Church 8:00 a.m. James Mullin 12:00 noon Elvira and Attilio Lonardo -- Anniversary Thursday, December 22, 2016 8:00 a.m. Rosaria Verbene 12:00 noon Michael Antonow and Anna Baumeister Friday, December 23, 2016 Feast of St. John of Kanty, Priest 8:00 a.m. Eileen O’Sullivan 12:00 noon Patrick Cunningham Saturday, December 24, 2016 8:00 a.m. Anthony Sbordone Saturday, December 24, 2016 Vigil: The Nativity of the Lord 5:00 p.m. For the Deceased Members of the Reamer, Lennon and Razza Families 12:00 Mid. James Hayes, Jr. Sunday, December 25, 2016 The Nativity of the Lord 9:00 a.m. George and Rose Milder and John DiNome 11:00 a.m. For the deceased member of the Vanadia and Ludlow Families 12:30 p.m. Anna and Mario Procaccino

Special Christmas Schedule

Saturday, December 24th – Christmas Eve Vigil Mass – 5:00 p.m.

Midnight Mass – 12:00 a.m. (Choral Prelude at 11:30 p.m.)

Sunday, December 25th –

Christmas Day 9:00; 11:00 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.

There is no evening Mass on Christmas Day

WEEKLY PARISH CALENDAR

Sunday, December 18th Msgr.’s 50th Anniversary Mass – 11:00 p.m. – Church

Refreshments – following Mass – lower Church

Monday, December 19th Cub Scouts – 2:30 p.m. – lower Church

Confessions – 4:00 to 5:00 p.m. – Church Confessions – 7:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Wednesday, December 21st

Senior Club – following 12:00 noon Mass – lower Church

No Religious Education

ALTAR SERVERS

Saturday, December 17th

5:00 p.m. – M. Bello and W. Ferguson

Sunday, December 18th 8:00 a.m. – M. Luby and J. Postighone 9:30 a.m. – G. Boynes and A. Kocovic

11:00 a.m. – D. Brown, T. Brown, C. Castaldi and R. Tuffy

12:30 p.m. – N. Conlon and R. Duffy

Advanced Notice: Please note that on Monday, December 26th, the rectory office will be closed! We will have only one Mass that day at 8:00 a.m. After that Mass, the church will be closed until Tuesday morning. There is no Noon Mass on Monday, December 26th.

S.J.B. ANNOUNCEMENTS

December 18, 2016 FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT: It rarely happens that a full week comes between the Fourth Sunday of Advent and Christmas, but it does this year. Perhaps that fact can help us make our preparations to celebrate the birth of Christ a little less hectic and a little more prayerful. Indeed, our liturgy today centers on the coming of Jesus in the flesh; today we meditate on the Savior’s entrance into our world as a child, within a family, as part of a people with a rich history. Today we begin a week of wonder at the circumstances through which the Word became flesh. Advent draws to a close with the Church’s remembrance of God’s dramatic intervention to become Emmanuel, God-with-us, in Jesus who is Son of God and Son of David. Advent is clearly a season that celebrates first and foremost God’s incredible love for us. The prophet Isaiah today recalls the promise of God’s intervention when King Ahaz is told that the sign of salvation will be a virgin who is with child. Mary’s love and trust made the fulfillment of that prophecy possible. In today’s gospel, Joseph demonstrates a similar love and trust as he embraces a mystery he cannot understand and waits patiently for God’s will to be done. Let the example of Mary and Joseph inspire us to mirror the tremendous love of this season of watchful waiting. Let our openness to the birth of God’s Son bring about what St. Paul promises in today’s second reading – the rebirth of creation. Let us prepare to celebrate the wonders of God’s love.

SPECIAL SAINTS’ DAYS - ADVENT WEEK FOUR

Wednesday, December 21st – St. Peter Canisius

Born in Holland in 1521, Peter studied in Germany and was ordained a priest of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) in 1546. He played a pivotal role in the Catholic Counter Reformation and wrote many books defending and explaining the faith. His

most well-known book was a popular catechism.

Friday, December 23rd – St. John of Kanty Born in a small town near Krakow (Poland) in 1390, John studied at the university where he was a brilliant student. He

was later ordained a priest and lived for a time a very simple life. He eventually returned to the university as a professor of theology and later dean of the Philosophy department.

He is a patron saint of Poland.

Christmas Traditions: Santa Claus – The origin of this popular Christmas tradition has little to do with the mythical “jolly old elf” of Clement Moore’s poem, “Twas the Night Before Christmas.” No, “Santa Claus” is rooted in a very real person who lived in Asia Minor in the 4th century; he was a bishop noted for his concern for the poor and his love for children. His name was St. Nicholas, and he became a model of generosity and charity; his feast day is December 6th and that day was often celebrated in parts of Europe by giving gifts to the poor. When some of these Europeans came to the new world they brought with them their devotion to “Santa Niklaus” which quickly became “Santa Claus”.

New Year’s Day: Following the ancient tradition of celebrating the octave (eighth day) of an event, we celebrate again the mystery of Jesus’ birth, but this time with our eyes on Mary. This is actually the oldest feast of Mary in our Calendar. When we celebrate her as the Mother of God we are, at the same time,

celebrating the divinity of Jesus, who was truly Man and truly God. In recent times January 1st has been designated as a day of prayer for peace. This recommendation calls us as the New Year begins, to pray and work for peace in our homes, in our nation and in our world. We will have one Vigil Mass on New Year’s Eve, Saturday, December 31st at 5:00 p.m.; we will have three Masses on Sunday, January 1st at 9:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. There will be no evening Mass at St. John’s on New Year’s Day. Calendars: The beautiful religious calendars for 2017 are made available to St. John’s parishioners’ thanks – once again – to the generosity of Tony and Mark Flower and all our friends at Flower Funeral Home who have served the needs of the St. John’s community with compassion and sensitivity for many years. We are very grateful for their thoughtfulness. These calendars may be found at the exits of the Church.

Celebration: This Sunday at the 11:00 a.m. Mass, Msgr. Maloney will offer a Mass of Thanksgiving on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of his ordination which took place in St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome on December 17, 1966. It will be an opportunity to pray

for vocations to the priesthood and religious life. A reception with light refreshments will follow in the lower Church – all are welcome!

Sunday Report: Last weekend 1,405 parishioners attended Mass; our collection totaled $8226.00; average contribution: $5.86. Thank you for your continued financial support of St. John’s and its many needs. Your generosity is essential and greatly appreciated.

Confessions in Advent: The last opportunity to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation before Christmas will be

this Monday, December 19th. There will be confessions from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m. in the afternoon and from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the evening. Please note: There will be no regular Saturday Confessions on Saturday, December 24th. This special “Reconciliation Monday in Advent” is being done in conjunction with most of the parishes in the Archdiocese. Christmas Envelopes: For anyone who did not receive a Christmas envelope in the mail, they are available at the exits of the Church and in the sacristy. Christmas is traditionally a time for giving – because we are especially aware at this holy season of everything that God has given us through His Son. Your special sacrifice at this time of year does so much to insure that St. John’s will be able to meet the many needs of our people and continue to be such a special church in which to pray, to hear God’s word, and to receive the sacraments. God bless you for your goodness.

Local “Coat Drive”: The Sts. Peter and Paul – St. Ursula Men’s Club is sponsoring a winter coat drive from now until to December 21st, to benefit those

in need in the local community. We are in need of new or gently used adult and children’s coats. Coats can be brought to the Rectory (129 Birch Street, Mt. Vernon) or you can call 914-668-9815 to schedule a pickup of your donation (five or more coats).

Latin Chant: During Advent at our sung Sunday Masses, we will use traditional Gregorian Chant whenever the Sanctus and Agnus Dei are sung. The chant melodies are very easy to sing and the words of these responses are so familiar in English that the Latin shouldn’t pose a problem, even for someone who has never studied Latin. Moreover, it gives us an opportunity (however small) to recapture the long tradition of singing Gregorian Chant. The text of and music for these acclamations can be found in the Music Issue: Sanctus (#841); Agnus Dei (#845).

Second Collection: This weekend we will take up our monthly special collection to support our school and

maintain our school facilities. The school is not only used for our grammar school children, our CCD classes and our RCIA program, but for a variety of community and parish activities. It is vital that we keep our school facilities in excellent condition. We ask for a contribution of $7.00 in this monthly collection and once again express our appreciation for your generosity. Support Group: The Cancer Support Group of St. John’s Hospital meets on Wednesday, December 21st at 7:00 p.m. (Room 111). The topic: “Looking back at 2016 and forward to 2017.” All are welcome.

New Parishioners: If you are new to our parish community here at St. John’s we welcome you and invite you to become an active member of our parish – participating in any of

the parish societies or organizations which may interest you. Please make sure to register with us. You can find new parishioner registration forms in the back of the church or in the rectory. Once completed, you can give them to one of the priests or ushers – or you may drop them off at the rectory during the week.

Jubilee Year of Mercy THE CHAPLET OF THE DIVINE MERCY

(For private recitation on ordinary rosary beads)

Our Father ..., Hail Mary ..., � e Apostles’ Creed.� en, on the OUR FATHER BEADS you will say the following words:Eternal Father, I o� er You the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Your dearly beloved Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, in atonement for our sins and those of the whole world.On the HAIL MARY BEADS you will say the following words:For the sake of His sorrowful Passion have mercy on us and on the whole world.In conclusion THREE TIMES you will recite these words:Holy God, Holy Mighty One, Holy Immortal One, have mercy on us and on the whole world.From the Diary of the Servant of God Sr. Faustina - Note Book I, p 197IMPRIMATUR: + Joseph F. MaguireNovember 17, 1979 Bishop of Springfi eld, Mass.

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