CHURCH OF ST. AUGUSTINE, Larchmont, New York AUGUST 26, 2018

TWENTY FIRST SUNDAY OF ORDINARY TIME

Pastor’s Corner

COMING TO COMMITMENT When Jesus finished explaining that he was the bread given for the life of the world, the majority of his disciples came to the con-clusion that it was too much for them to accept. Some of them apparently cherished the concept of a more mysterious God who stayed on the heavenly side of creation, a God they could wor-ship from a safe, cultic distance. Others realized that the God Jesus re-presented in his own total self-giving could only be served in imitation of that same love. They found that too costly. John explained their reactions by saying simply, “As a result of this, many of his disciples returned to their former way of life.” John doesn’t explain how that made Jesus feel. He tells us only that Jesus knew that some disciples lacked faith and that one would betray him. Of course, Jesus told his disciples that they couldn’t come to him without the help of God’s grace, but even with that, did he expect so many to walk off? John implies that when Jesus looked to see who remained, the crowd had shrunk to a mere twelve. One can only imagine the look on his face and his tone of voice when he asked, “Do you also want to leave?” In all of John’s Gospel, this is probably Jesus’ most vulnerable moment. It was also the natural result of offer-ing himself for others: all he could do was offer; the results de-pended on their openness to the Father’s gifts. Peter spoke for his companions and, having learned from the Master; he responded to Jesus' question with a question of his own: “To whom shall we go?” Picking up on one of the most promising phrases from Jesus’ discourse, he added, “You have the words of eternal life.” Then, giving words to the process the disciples had been going through, Peter said, “We have come to believe and are convinced that you are the Holy One of God.” We have been contemplating Jesus as the bread of life for five weeks. That’s almost as long as Lent. We have had time to pon-der how God has shown us love and care from the time of the first Passover until today. As we reach the end of this immersion into the Gospel of John, the Scriptures invite us to stand with Joshua’s Israelites and Jesus’ disciples as they are asked about their commitment. After remembering so much about God’s goodness, after hearing the promise of life-giving bread and be-ing reminded that the Father draws us to Christ through our deepest human longings, it is time to review our own fundamen-tal allegiance. Sister Mary McGlone. Celebration Publications. August 26, 2018.

MASS INTENTIONS

Week of August 27th—September 2nd

Monday, August 27th 7:45 am 9:00 am Nadide Durmus Tuesday, August 28th 7:45 am Lucy Arcila 9:00 am Robert Coyne Wednesday, August 29th 7:45 am Rosemarie Magazino 9:00 am Elizabeth Bole Walsh Thursday, August 30th 7:45 am 9:00 am Roger Dufort Friday, August 31st 7:45 am Rosemarie Magazino 9:00 am Donald O’Connor Saturday, September 1st 9:00 am Catherine Gardiner 5:00 pm Tom Gallin

Sunday, September 2nd 9:00 am Maria Graciela Lopez 10:30 am Emma Ferraro 12:00 pm Joan Egan Mendelson 5:00 pm James Mario Tucciarone

NOTE FROM THE PASTOR:

“To whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.” John 6: 68

WE PRAY

For those who are ill, including: Sandy Albert, Marcos Aleixo, Cindy Augustine, Ellen R. Barbieri, Peter Benja-min, Frank Booth, Nelly Carillon, Debbie Coangelo, Tere-sa Cogan, Caryn Colombo, Conall Crean, Bernier De Comes, Melania DiDomizio, David DiPietro, Mary Ann Dolan, Marlene Dufort, Mark Elliott, Loren Finnell, Mary Elizabeth Fraioli, Marty Gary, Robert Glickman, Alessan-dria Glickman, Eleanor Gordon, Patricia Haworth, Kerry Hegarty, Robert Heyde, Harvey and Mary Humphrey, Carol Hrabsky, Fred Kriegel, Dorothy & Dave Lakso, Zach-ary Lawrence, Rose Leghorn, Lori Lamberti, Mary Lou Mannix, Martin Martinez, Bob Morris, Calum Murray, Elizabeth Murray, Patricia Clifford Newman, Doris Nogueira, Scotty Norton, Doris O’Toole, Jack Pastor, Annmarie Shower, Susan Testa, Annette Treacy, Joan Troccoli, Rosemary Walsh, Nicholas James Walsh, Martin Waters, Missy Wey, Mary Williams, and Billy Zarcone. We also pray for all those intentions in our Book of Prayer in the vestibule of the church.

May all find healing and comfort in Jesus Christ.

BANNS OF MARRIAGE

3rd Time—Olivia Powers & Dan Zacchei

PARISH STEWARDSHIP We are grateful to all who contribute so generously each week. We do recommend that you use parish en-velopes or WeShare. Please call the rectory for details or to register.

Total Collection this week—$4,245.50 Total ParishPay was $4,500.00 Total Collection — $8,745.50

Feast of the Assumption—$1,250.00 Attendance Last weekend was 599

Thank you for your support and generosity.

DIVORCE HEALING PROGRAM

The next session of The Catholic’s Divorce Sur-vival Group will begin the last week of September. The program continues for eight weeks and includes 30 minute DVDs that cover topics of shock, denial, anger, grief, guilt, forgiveness, dating, remarriage and much more for all those separated or divorced. Whether you got divorced ten days ago or ten years ago, the program offers valuable insight for everyone. Call the rectory, 914-834-1220, or email abetkow-ski@staugustineny.org for more information or to regis-ter. The cost is $15.00 for materials. The sessions take place In the back stage room of Kenny Hall in the school.

LITURGY OF THE WORD FOR CHILDREN

Liturgy of the Word for Children at the 10:30 am Sun-day Mass with Sister Suzanne will not be available over the summer months. Sister will resume on Sept. 16.

CYO BASKETBALL 2018-19 REGISTRATION

Registration for the 2018-19 basketball season will be completed electronically this year. Please

look for the CYO link on the staugustineny.org home page beginning August 25, 2018. Or visit the registration web-site directly at https://staugustinecyo.leagueapps.com/ after August 25th. For questions regarding our CYO pro-gram or any other questions, please contact Mark McNally at staugustinelarchmontcyo@gmail.com.

RENEW REBUILD IMPACT REPORT Construction is underway to add a handicap accessible bathroom to the vestibule of the church. Construction is expected to be completed Welcome Sunday, September 16th. Please pardon our appearance as the project is un-der way. The Crucifix behind the altar as well as the six large candlesticks are being refinished. They are expected to be returned next week. We thank you for your generosity and support in mak-ing this addition to our church possible through your do-nations to the 125th Anniversary Campaign.

GROWING CLOSER TO GOD Starting today; make a commitment to spend 10 minutes reading scripture and 10 minutes praying

everyday. Start with any book of the bible, Psalms, Wis-dom, Gospels, and read a section for 10 minutes each day. Also find 10 minutes each day for a simple prayer, the Our Father, Hail Mary, the rosary or just a simple conversation with God and or a prayer of thanks. This is a simple way of growing closer to God and letting Him grow closer to you.

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION NEWS

Religious Education Classes begin: Sunday, September 23 at 9:00 am for Grades 1—8

Wednesday, September 26 for Grades 2 to 4 from 3:30 to 4:45 pm and Grade 5 to 8 from 7:00—8:15 pm

Wednesday, October 3 for Grade 1

Sunday, October 14 for Confirmation candidates from 3:00—5:00 pm

Those families registering in August and September will be put on a waiting list with parents expected to be catechists for possible entrance to the program.

OUR DAILY BREAD We invite you to pick up a complimentary

copy of a wonderful monthly devotional booklet, Give Us This Day. Copies will be available on Welcome Sunday, September 16, in the back of the church. We love this publication; St. Augustine’s group subscription ($25/year instead of $45/yr.) is already at 25 parishioners. Join us! We can tell you from personal experience that whether you have only a few minutes or a half hour, Give Us This Day will intensify your desire to pray. Please email LDoyle@staugustineny.org or call the rectory to sign up.

LARCHMONT-MAMARONECK INTERFAITH COUNCIL

The Interfaith Council will meet Thursday, Sep-tember 6th at 9:30 am at Larchmont Avenue Church, 60 Forest Park Avenue, Larchmont, NY in the Russell Room. Jmel Wilson, President and one of the founding members of Neighbors for refugees will speak about “Neighbors for Refugees—Efforts to Support Refugees in Westchester County.” All are welcome to this free event. Bring a friend. Re-freshments will be served. For further information call Jan Rising—914-632-7735.

MOVING? NEW TO THE PARISH? Our warmest welcome to all who worship with our parish family, whether long-time residents or newly ar-rived in the parish. If you are not registered, or need to update our records, please complete this form and place it in the collection basket or mail it to the rectory or regis-ter by visiting the Parish website at www.staugustineny.org/register.

NAME________________________________________

ADDRESS_____________________________________

CITY/STATE__________________TEL______________

EMAIL _______________________________________

LECTIO DIVINA The Lectio Divina prayer group meets every Tuesday following the 9:00 am Mass beginning September 11th. Lectio combines the reading of Sacred Scripture from the Sunday Lectionary with prayerful contemplation. The meetings take place in the rectory. All are welcome!

The items requested for August SOUP, PASTA & CEREAL

Donations of food can be left in the bas-kets at the front & side entrances to the

church during the day and especially from the children during

the 10:30 am Sunday Mass.

VISITS TO THE SICK AND HOMEBOUND

Please contact the rectory if you know of anyone who is sick at home or in the hospital and or homebound who would like a visit from one of the priests or deacon at St. Augustine Church. Please call 914-834-1220 or email abetkowski@staugusitneny.org.

BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT GROUP Loss forever changes the world that we have known, but every ending demands a new beginning. For many of us experiencing bereavement, that journey seems daunting: How do we get to that place? The healing process of mourning takes time, energy and patience. The Bereave-ment Support Group can help through this difficult process. If you would like to learn more about our Bereavement Group, call Sister Muriel at 914-834-1220 or email srmuri-el@staugustineny.org and or google Rosemary Parandelis Bereavement for a four minute video.

The next 8 sessions of the Bereavement Group will begin Monday, September 10th at 1:00 pm In the rectory. Please call or email Sister Muriel for details.

MASS FOR HEALING A Mass for Healing will be celebrated at Holy Rosary Church, Hawthorne, NY on Monday, Sep-

tember 10, 2018 at 7:30 pm. Father Justin Cinnante will be celebrant. This is an opportunity to bring your spiritu-al and physical needs to the Lord. Holy Rosary Church, 170 Bradhurst Avenue, (Route 100), Hawthorne, NY 10532. 914-769-0030.

MEMORIAL MASS FATHER JOSEPH IRWIN Tuesday, August 28th, 7:00 pm

Saint Vito—Most Holy Trinity Church 826 Underhill Avenue, Mamaroneck, NY

Come and give glory to God for our beloved Pastor, Father Irwin, for his many years of service to the

people of Most Holy Trinity Parish.

URGENT REQUEST The Little Sisters of the Assumption has sent an urgent request for Spring, Summer and Winter clothes. The need is for children and adults. If you have any clothes to do-nate, please bring them to the rectory and they will be de-livered to the Little Sisters. Donations can be left at any time in the porch in front of the rectory at 18 Cherry Ave-nue. Tax Donation Receipts will also be available. Thank you for your generosity and support.

RCIA MINISTRY The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults

(RCIA) is the official ritual of the Church which directs, supports and sustains the way of faith and conversion by which adults are initiated into the Catholic Church. It is a process that welcomes those who are interested in becoming Catholics, those who simply want to inquire about the Catholic Church as well as baptized Catholics seeking to receive the sacraments of Eucharist and Con-firmation. Becoming a part of this important ministry is not only rewarding but also includes a very easy to use instruc-tional guide to assist through the process. If you are a person of faith who is aware of the many ways that God works in and through each person and if you are willing to grow in your own knowledge and un-derstanding of Catholic teaching, please consider serving as a member of the RCIA Team as a catechist or spon-sor. Please contact srmuriel@staugustineny.org, 834-1220.