Rev. Tom Kunnel, C.O.

Administrator

Deacon John Cunningham

Deacon Robert Pang

Kathleen Dunn

Religious Education Director

May Pang

Parish Admin: maysoohoo@optonline.net

MASSES

Saturday: 5:00 PM

Sunday: 8:00 AM, 10:30 AM

1:00 PM (Spanish)

Weekdays: 8:00 AM

Saturday: 9:00 AM

Holy Days: As Announced

Rectory

Mon – Fri 10:15 AM – 4:00 PM

Sat 10 AM – 12 Noon

St. John the Baptist R. C. Church 895 Piermont Avenue

Piermont, New York 10968

www.stjohnspiermont.org

stjohnrectory2@optonline.net 845-359-0078

1852-2015

August 23, 2015

Dear Parishioners,

At every Eucharistic celebration, after the consecration the priest says or sings, “Mystery of Faith.” Pope Benedict comments on these words

saying: with these words he "proclaims the mystery being cele-brated and expresses his wonder before the substantial change of bread and wine into the body and blood of the Lord Jesus, a reality which surpasses all human understanding" (Post-Synodal Exhortation no. 6). Precisely because this is a mysteri-ous reality that surpasses our understanding, we must not be surprised if today too many find it hard to accept the Real Pres-ence of Christ in the Eucharist. It cannot be otherwise. This is how it has been since the day when, in the synagogue at Caper-naum, Jesus openly declared that he had come to give us his flesh and his blood as food (cf. Jn 6: 26-58).

We can understand the great mystery of faith only by means of a great faith! A Faith that requires us to keep our ears and hearts open, but also a profound humility because it is God Himself who speaks to us. We should be like Moses on Mount Horeb in front of the burning bush. We should take off our sandals, shut our eyes and listen to Him who invented the Eucharist. These are words that can seem "hard", difficult, and provoke the desertion of some, but we want to face these words with the faith of Peter and the twelve Apostles: "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life" (Jn 6:68). It is the faith of the early Church that remains the same even today because of the jealous and faithful transmission, of which St. Paul is the wit-ness when he presents to the Corinthians the institution of the Eucharist: " For I received from the Lord that which I also de-livered to you" (1 Co 11:23).This seemed "a hard saying" and many of his disciples withdrew when they heard it. Then, as now, the Eucharist remains a "sign of contradiction" and can only be so because a God who makes himself flesh and sacrific-es himself for the life of the world throws human wisdom into crisis. Pope Benedict XVI said, “Being Christian is not the re-sult of an ethical choice or a lofty idea, but the encounter with an event, a person, which gives life a new horizon and a deci-sive direction” (Deus Caritas Est, 1).

One good practice that increases our appreciation for the Eu-charist is the practice of arriving at church early enough to pre-pare ourselves quietly for the spiritual experience of the liturgy. In prayer, we can ask the Lord to strengthen our own faith and help us to appreciate more deeply the mystery we are invited to enter as we approach the presence of God with us in the Eucha-rist. These few minutes of quiet preparation have the spiritual effect of helping us make our heart “an avenue for the Lord.” Jesus is the true bread from heaven who gives life to the world. As we reflect on the extraordinary gift of the Eucharist, both as the re-presentation of Christ’s death and resurrection and also as our spiritual food, we thank God that such an overwhelming-ly generous gift is given to us.

Fr. Tom Kunnel C.O.

THE SANCTUARY LAMP Is Being Offered Today

In Memory of

Joan Wheeler

By Janet Zahn

Please remember in your prayers the Sick and/or Homebound of our Parish Family. Theresa Veen, John Miraglia, Bill Stein, Francis and Mary Conka, Sr., Martin Casey, Ken Yelonek, (all Giblin’s rela-tives), John Set (Deacon Bob Pang’s uncle), Gerri Sherwood, Nijole Paronetto, Ginny Tercer, Casey Smith, Ray Sheehan, Anna Ely, Marcelo Giuliante, Arys Ramos, Connie Lynch, Bo DiFrancesca, Mary Nerger (Helen Spagnolo’s niece). As a Parish Family, let us remember in our prayers all our beloved departed members of our Parish Community, Anthony Berardi, Vivian Kelly, Joan Wheeler, Vita DeRosa (Ann Ely’s Sister). . PLEASE ADVISE THE RECTORY (359-0078) WHEN-EVER A PARISHIONER BECOMES HOMEBOUND, ILL, OR HOSPITALIZED SO ARRANGEMENTS CAN BE MADE FOR A PRIEST, DEACON OR EUCHARISTIC MINISTER TO VISIT AND BRING COMMUNION TO THEM.

Sat. 08/22 5:00 PM Jean Luckie By The Family Sun 08/23 8:00 AM 8:00 AM Magnolia Velez By Gensel Family 10:30 AM Regina Miraglia By Elaine Rand Fromkin Mon 08/24 8:00 AM Natale Simone By Ted Simone Tue 08/25 8:00 AM Barbara Kriete By Al & Diane Bartley Wed 08/26 8:00 AM Vita De Rosa By Lucy Bosco Thu 08/27 8:00 AM Betty Sedlack By The Family Fri 08/28 8:00 AM Paula San Diego By Felina Bacungan Sat 08/29 9:00 AM Joan Wheeler By Dcn Rob & May Pang 5:00 PM Francis Taulman By Mildred Halsch Sun 08/30 8:00 AM Ginny Tercer (healing) By Friday Renew Group 10:30 AM Francis Taulman By Outreach Ministry

W E E K I N F O C U S

LITURGICAL MINISTERS— AUGUST 29-30, 2015

THE GOOD NEWS FROM

OUR SCHOOL OF RELIGION

IMPORTANT REMINDERS

CLASSES BEGIN on September 20th for: Grades 1-5 (English) 9-10:30am Pre-sch-Ktgn 10:30 - 11:15am Grades 1 - 2 (Spanish) 11:30am—1:00pm

FAMILY MASS: Our first one for the new year will be on Sunday, September 29th at 10:30 am. This is also CATECHETICAL SUNDAY which is the day Catechists across the country are blessed and mandated to teach the Catholic faith to the youngsters of their parishes.

CLASSES BEGIN on Monday, September 21st for Grades 6-8 (6:30-8:00 pm)

We are still in need of a SIXTH GRADE CATE-CHIST. If we do not find someone, we will not be able to accommodate additional students. Please call Ms. Dunn at 845-942-2908 to volunteer as soon

as possible

The Altar Flowers were

donated by Pat Haugh

In loving Memory of

John and James Haugh

Time Lectors Eucharistic Ministers Altar Servers 5:00 PM Mike Yannazzone Jackie Schaefer Catherine Callan, Alex Gottlieb

8:00 AM Jean Delongis Lynne Dennerlein Gianluca Gonzalez, Nico Gonzalez

10:30 AM Scott Giblin Diana Gensel Peter Shine

1:00 PM Mariela Ramirez, Emmanuel Nova, Jackeline Mazariego

Elvia Mazariego Michael Perez Kelly Perez Dayana Garcia

Sun . 8/23

11AM Baptism Prep Span.

11:30 AM Legion of Maria

7PM AA Meeting

Mon. 8/24 1PM CDA Knitting

Tues 8/25

7PM Baptism Prep Span.

7PM Bible Study Span.

7Pm Span. Leaders Mtg

8PM Litur. Study Span

Wed. 9/26 1:03PM Piermont Senior Meeting

7PM Spanish Choir Practice

Thur 8/27

1PM CDA Knitting

6:30PM Span Choir Practice

7PM Span. Council Mtg

7PM Span. Prayer Course

Fri . 8/28 10AM Friday Renew Group

7PM Span Prayer Group

Sat. 8/29 4:15PM Music Rehearsal

The Collection for 8/16 was $4360 The Assumption Collection was $813

THE WINNER OF THE 300 CLUB DRAWING

ON 8 / 1 6 W A S # 2 6 0 J o a n S c h e f f o l d

Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) ARE YOU SOMEONE OR DO YOU KNOW SOMEONE WHO…

Has not been baptized and would like to learn more about the Catholic faith, with the possibility of becoming a

Catholic?

Is a baptized Christian of another denomination and who would like to learn about and possibly join the Catholic tradition? Is a baptized Roman Catholic who has not received the sacraments of Holy Eucharist or Confirmation? Then RCIA might be the answer for you. The goal of RCIA is to prepare adults who wish to enter the Roman Catholic Church or who wish to complete their sacra-ments of Christian initiation (Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Eucharist).

The program is a series of weekly classes where you will learn about the liturgy of the Catholic Church, the beliefs, and practices of our Catholic faith. Classes are available in English and in Spanish and they run from September until Easter.

Please contact Deacon Rob Pang or the rectory to sign-up for this year’s RCIA program or if you have any questions or need more information about the RCIA program.

THANK YOU LORD!

Lord, we thank You for all Your gifts, and we praise You for all Your glory. Thank You for hearing us when we call to You. Help us to give You glory in everything we do. Amen.

Welcome Maceo Silas Littee

Maceo was baptized last week. May Jesus, who loves all children,

bless Maceo with His love and grace on his spe-cial day and always.

Save the Date!!!

Farewell /Welcome Party

Fr. George. Fr. Roman and Fr. Tom

Saturday, September 26.

Mass together at 5PM

Dinner to follow at Connelly Hall

$25 for Adults and $10 for children (age 10-6)

(Includes gift for Fr. George and Fr. Roman)

PRO-LIFE NEWS

Jen’s baby girl is just one of the babies whom Online for Life has been able to rescue from abortion in the past three years. Through the power of advanced tech-nology, coupled with compassion, Online for Life is on a mission to give even more children like Jen’s daughter the chance to make their mark in the world. And we invite you to join us! When you support Online for Life, you help us use the Internet to reach abortion-determined women and men in their time of deepest need and to direct them to life-affirming resource centers where they receive compas-sion, answers, and most importantly, hope. Operating nationwide, Online for Life aligns with some of the most respected life-affirming pregnan-cy centers in the country, ensuring that the women and men we reach will receive the most accurate infor-mation and compassionate support. From the time a woman searches on the Internet for answers to her unplanned pregnancy to the moment she chooses life for her child, Online for Life is there, walking with her every step of the way. That’s why we can verify every unborn child who’s been rescued and every life that’s been saved. It still amazes us that the Internet could be used to res-cue babies and their parents from the ravages of abor-tion. And it’s an even more amazing feeling each time we hear the words, “A baby has just been rescued” Now is your opportunity to be a part of this movement! Please don’t wait. Take a moment right now and become a supporter of Online for Life in our mis-sion to rescue babies and families from abortion. With your help, more children like Jen’s baby will be saved!

A meaningful way to honor your dear ones, deceased or alive, is by contributing to-wards the purchase of weekly flowers for the Al-tar. The house of the Lord should always be beau-tiful. Of course, another way is by buying bricks in their name for the walkway leading up to Our Lady’s outdoor shrine. This is a permanent memorial that is also very meaningful and only costs $125 per brick. If interested, please contact the Rectory at 359-0078. We thank those parishioners who have con-tributed to this beautiful cause.

Volunteers Needed

Sunday Supper

Volunteers are needed for Sunday Supper in Nyack six Sundays during the year to cook and serve meals to the needy from 3:00 - 6:30 or any time you can give during

those hours. It is not necessary to attend all 6.

For more information please contact Lee McGarvey leemcgarvey@optonline.net, 845-365-3950. Thank you

Lisa Ryan Art Exhibit

Congratulations to our very own talented Lisa Ryan, who has her paintings exhibited at the Valley Cottage Library . Be sure to stop in and see her beautiful work. Her paintings will be there till Aug 29.

Knights of Columbus sponsoring

“Murder at Mid-Knight”

Saturday, October 3rd @ 7PM

Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Gym

All you can eat buffet dinner, beer wine and soft drink

$45 / Person Music, Drama, Laughs

All are welcome, prizes as well!

Contact John McNiff at 973-229-6443

6th Annual

STARFEST CONCERT

A Concert to benefit ONE TO ONE LEARNING

Sunday, September 20, 2015, 4PM

$30 in Advance $35 at the Door

Call 845 512-8176 email clpangel59@gmail.com

Come for the music and a mini-taste of

Rockland Restaurants

Rito de Iniciación Christiana Para Adultos (RCIA-por sus siglas en íngles)

RCIA es para: Los no bautizados o no católicos que desean prepararse

para convertirse en católico a traves de la recepción de los sacramentos de iniciación: Bautismo, Confirmación y Eucharistía.

Los Christianos bautizados de otra denominación que desean aprender de la fe católica con la posibilidad de convertirse en católico.

Los católicos bautizados que no han recibido los sacramen-tos de Eucharistía o Confirmación.

El objetivo de RCIA es preparer los adultos que desean pertenecer en la comunidad católica o para aquellos que desean completar los sacramentos de iniciación. El programa es una serie de clases semanales donde se aprende sobre la liturgía católica, y también sus creencias y tradiciones. Las clases estarán disponibles en íngles y en espa-ñol y comienzan en septiembre hasta la Semana Santa.

El grupo de RCIA en español se van a reunir todos los miercoles a las 7 p.m. Los interesados pueden contactar al Deacon Rob Pang o llamar la rectoría información.

Para los cursos pre-bautismales llamar a: Alex Aguilar 845-480-1502 y Natalia Lemus 845-480-1682. Los cursos se dan previa cita los martes 7pm y domingos 11am.

Josue 24:1-2a,15-17,18b), Salmo 33, Efesios 5:21-32[2a,25-32], Juan 6:60-69

GUARDANDO NUESTROS COMPROMISOS En la obra musical El violinist en le tejado, el esposo, Tevye, cuyo matrimonio había sido sido planificado por otros muchos aῆos atrás, quiere saber si su espos de versa lo ama. ¿Fue su matrimonio sola-mente un arreglo, un contrato? Después de tantos años, ¿llegó su mujer a quererlo? ¿Lo quiere todavía?

Necesitamos saber si nuestros compromisos son duraderos. Nece-sitamos que nos lo recuerden y reafirmen. En la primera lectura, Josué, el successor de Moisés, necesitaba saber si el pueblo iba a mantenerse fiel a su alianza con el Señor. Josué iba a llevarlos a una nueva vida—una vida estable. ¿Serían fieles?

Jesús, haviéndose identificado como la Fuente de vida de sus discipu-los, necesitaba saber. ¿Ustedes van a irse también o van a quedarse? Pocas veces vemos a Jesús tan vulnerable. Pedro y los apóstoles escogieron quedarse. ¿Que vamos a hacer nosotros?

Lunes: Ap 21:9b-14; Sal 144:10-13,17-18;Jn 1:45-51 Martes: 1 Tes 2:1-8; Sal 138:1-6; Mt 23:23-26 Miércoles: 1 Tes: 2:9-13; Sal 138:7-12ab; Mt 23:27-32 Jueves: 1 Tes 3:7-13; Sal 89:3-5a, 12-14,17; Mt 24:42-51 Viernes: 1 Tes 4:1-8; Sal 96:1, 2b, 5-6, 10-12; Mt 25:1-13 Sábado: 1 Tes 4:9-11; Sal 97:1, 7-9; Mc 6:17-29

Estoy muy contento de introducir un pequeño ministerioministerio telefónico telefónico para la comunidad hispana. Para todos que desean hablar con alguien sobre cualquier tema pueden llamar a la Señora Lisa Meyer. Lisa

ésta casada 29 años y tiene un hijo de 23 años y otro de 18. Ella tiene un bachillerato en enfermeria de Columbia University y también tiene un Grado de Maestría en Administración Pública. Ella es trilingüe (íngles, español,y francés). Lo más importante es que Lisa es Católica toda su vida y su gran deseo es ayudar a sus hermanos en la fe. Ella puede ser contactada por teléfono: 845-548-2374. Agradezco a Lisa por aceptar este ministerio para nuestra comunidad parroquial.— Padre Tom

12 aniversario del Grupo de oration “Rios De Aq-ua Viva” Carismático Católico Piermont de Sn. Juan Baptista en dia 14.08.2015

12th Anniversary celebration of Catholic Charismatic Group at St. John’s Piermont.

M I N I S T R I E S & C H A I R P E R S O N S O F O U R P A R I S H

Buildings & Grounds Pat Miele, Alex Aguilar, Paul Johnson Deanery Maureen O’Connell Eucharistic Adoration Deacon Robert Pang Finance Philip W. McCartin Health Ministry Mary Loftus Hispanic Community Micaelina Maldonado/& Geny Aguilar Hospitality Robin Miller Men’s Club Bill Loftus Ralph Olsen Ministers of Welcome Jake Miraglia Music Chris & Carolyn Yates Ted Simone & Marybeth Friel Spanish Choir Carlos Cerna Sound Engineer David Chilson Outreach Maria Nest Parish Council William Gorman Worship Ministry Dcn John Cunningham Religious Education Kathleen Dunn RCIA Dcn Robert Pang Right to Life Scott Giblin Social Kelli Chilson Spiritual Life Ministry Johanna Krumm St. Vincent De Paul Fr. Tom Kunnel

P A R I S H C O U N C I L

Kelli Chilson, Jean DeLongis, Kathleen Dunn , Bill Gorman Paul Johnson, Martina Lynch , Virginia McCauley-Cook, Maria Nest , Ralph Olsen, May Pang, Amy Ramundo, Carlos Vicente, Janet Zahn

T R U S T E E S Phil McCartin James Pontone

Our Sacramental Life

We celebrate Baptism: Please call the Rectory well in advance of the ex-pected day of Baptism to arrange an appointment for an interview. Pre-baptismal meeting for parents is required. We require all Baptismal families to be registered at St. John’s. Godparents must be confirmed, practicing Catholics. Generally Baptisms are celebrated the third Sunday of each month at 12:00 pm. We celebrate Reconciliation: Confessions are heard from 4:30-5:00 pm on Satur-day. You may also make an appointment with one of the priests. Spanish confessions is available 1st and 3rd Fridays of the month and from 12:30 –1:00 PM on Sundays. We celebrate Marriage: Marriages should be arranged at least six months in advance. Participation in Pre-Cana is essential. Please call the Rectory to schedule an appointment with one of the priests. We celebrate Anointing of the Sick: Planning to enter the hospital for elective surgery or other serious treatment, and for those who have need of spiritual healing. In an emergency, call the Rec-tory at any time. We celebrate Holy Orders: Any gentleman interested in exploring the question of vocation to the priesthood or the permanent diaconate should contact Fr. Tom Kunnel. We would also be happy to direct anyone interested in living their lives as Religious Sisters or Brothers. We celebrate the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults: We welcome you to full membership in the life of the Church. The instruction for Baptism, Confirma-tion and Eucharist for adults. If interested please contact Dcn Robert Pang.

Parish Registration: All adults (over age 21) should register in the parish themselves and should use envelopes or parishpay.com. Tithing is 5% of income. This registration is our only means of certifying anyone as a member of the parish, especially for Baptism and Confirmation sponsorship letters and for scheduling Baptisms and Weddings.

The Piermont Parish of St. John’s had its beginnings in Haverstraw,

when in 1848 Father Francis McKeon became the resident Catholic

pastor in Haverstraw. At that time, his church served all of Rockland

County’s Catholics. Through Father McKeon’s efforts, the Piermont

Congregation was formed. First Mass was celebrated here at St. John’s

first church on August 13, 1861. On May 28, 1962, a fire destroyed

this church.

CONTACT INFORMATION

CHURCH NAME: ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST

BULLETIN #: 511587

DATE: 08/22-23/2015

# OF PAGES: 8

CONTACT INFORMATION: May Soohoo

(845) 359-0078

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS: