St. John the Baptist R. C. Church 895 Piermont Avenue, Piermont, New York 10968

www.stjohnspiermont.org stjohnspiermont@optonline.net 845-359-0078

February 28, 2016

Rev. Tom Kunnel, C.O.

Administrator

frtomkunnel@gmail.com

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 (Spanish)

Dear Parish Family, In the Gospel reading of today, we hear Jesus draw on an image for the divine/human interaction: a fruitless fig tree.

Luke narrates it as a parable. Here we cannot doubt that the tree is symbolic. It stands for everyone who hears Jesus' call for re-pentance. The fruitlessness signifies the life lived out of touch with God. The way to fruitfulness is turning the heart to its source, the One who is.

Fig trees are supposed to provide figs, to produce the fruit that God made them to produce in the first place. Fig trees over in Palestine produce crops of figs three times each year. These trees are given every chance to produce; they receive a gar-dener’s care. Their owners have a right to expect them to pro-duce, not to simply wave their pretty leaves in the air. When the master found this fig tree to be yielding nothing, he had every right, if not the duty, to eliminate that fig tree. All it was doing was soaking up water, minerals and other precious resources needed by the other trees to produce their fruit. The response of the gardener here in this parable was extra tenderness, extra-ordinary care, and a range of “second chances.” Here you meet a God of second chances, delayed justice and prodigal father.

What, then, about us? God has planted us in the midst of His love and grace. Our families and our friends have given us love, our schools have given us education, and our Church has given us God’s holy presence, love, and graces. God has offered us His tender, loving care in abundance. At every stage of our life He gives us the Sacraments, the special intervention of His grace. And as for getting forgiveness for our sins! we don’t have to travel abroad or go on a pilgrimage. How have we respond-ed? How will we respond? Will we just wave our pretty leaves in the air or will we feed the world’s hungry, care for the out-cast, and be about the tasks of bringing order out of the injustic-es and chaos in the world around us? God wants us to finish the story for ourselves. You have perhaps noticed that the parable of the fig tree had no real ending. It just sort of stopped and we don’t know what eventually happened to that fig tree. The same is true for you and me. God has given us life and launched us out into our world with a script to follow along with a director, Jesus, to guide us. Our final production will entirely depend on us, our listening to his cues. This is not theatrical scene or feature movie, but real LIFE. A merciful God has spared us all, many times over, up to this present moment. Of what use and just how fruitful/colorful will be the rest of your life... and mine? We have no idea what happened to the fig tree. We can have a pretty good idea about what will happen to us. Although we never know when our last chance will come, we know that this Lent, if we use it correctly, is a time of special grace. Am I continuing to respond to God’s love this Lent? Fr. Tom Kunnel C.O.

THE SANCTUARY LAMP Is Being Offered this week

In Memory of

Msgr Robert Ford

Please remember in your prayers the Sick and/or Homebound of our Parish Family. Theresa Veen, John Miraglia, Bill Stein, Ginny Tercer, Marcelo Giuliante, Elizabeth Flynn (Msgr Mulligan’s cousin), Caroline Kelly (M.Oslica’s niece), Nick Bruni, Willy Loniewski, Mary & Joseph Iorio (Lee Garvey’s Parents).

As a Parish Family, let us remember in our prayers all our beloved departed members of our Parish Community, Fortuna Maney (sister of Lucy Bosco), George Scofield (father of Amy Ramundo), Anne Di Francesca, Bo Di Frances-ca, Catherine Lesica, (mother of Carol Conklin-Spillane). Eileen Keane, Msgr Robert Ford, Lois Holmes

PLEASE ADVISE THE RECTORY (359-0078) WHENEV-ER A PARISHIONER BECOMES HOMEBOUND, ILL, OR HOSPI-TALIZED SO ARRANGEMENTS CAN BE MADE FOR A PRIEST, DEACON OR EUCHARISTIC MINISTER TO VISIT AND BRING

Sat 2/27 5:00 PM Catherine Lesica by Steve & Tina Leonardo

Sun 2/28

8:00 AM George Scoffield by CDA

10:30 AM Tom Durkin by Lilly Maher

Mon 2/29 8:00 AM Eileen Keane by Helen, Anthony, Kathy Koza

Tue 3/1 8:00 AM Ellen Cherewich By Mildred Oslica & Helen Koza

Wed 3/2 8:00 AM Irene Ladik by Helen, Anthony, Kathy Koza

Thu 3/3 8:00 AM Gregory Conace byHelen, Anthony, Kathy Koza

Fri 3/4 8:00 AM Eileen Keane By CDA

Sat 3/5

9:00 AM Miguel Caro by Eileen Murray

5:00 PM Miguel Caro by Eileen Murray

Sun 3/6

8:00 AM Rose Bosco by Lucy Bosco

10:30 AM Marie Meyer by CDA

THE GOOD NEWS FROM OUR SCHOOL OF RELIGION We had a total of 208 at our last Family Mass. That is a good number, but we hope to see a great number at our FAMILY MASS NEXT SUNDAY, March 6th at 10:30 am. Come on Moms and Dads, let's get the whole family here - Grannies and Aunties, too! Today we will be practicing for FIRST RECON-CILIATION which takes place on Saturday, March 5th at 11:00 am. We have three classes receiving for a total of 40 youngsters.

Prayer, Fasting & Almsgiving are the way to go!

LITURGICAL MINISTERS - March 5-6

Day Time Lectors Eucharistic Ministers Altar Servers

3/5 5:00 PM Mike Yannazzone Jackie Schaefer Maggie Colqui Brooke & Hailey Comito

3/6

8:00 AM Jean DeLongis May Pang Shane Cawley Reilly Steifel, Oliver Young 10:30 AM CCD Student Louis Giampiccolo

1:00 PM San ago Nova Carlos Hernandez Dayana Nicole Armando Guzman Marleni Lemus Ayleen Sicha Marvin Vivar Yolanda Zamora Evelyn Palma Erasmo Maldonado

Family Mass William Giampiccolo

Sun 2/28

9:00AM Religious Ed - English

9:30AM Spanish RCIA

11AM Baptism Prep Spanish

11:30AM Legion of Maria

11:30AM Religious Ed - Spanish

7PM AA Meeting

Mon 2/29 1PM CDA Knitting

6:30PM Relig Ed

Tue 3/1

1PM CDA Meeting

7PM Altar Server Prep and Practice

7PM Baptism Prep

7PM Spanish Committee Leaders Mtg

7PM Bible Study Spanish

Wed 3/2 7PM Spanish Choir Practice

Thu 3/3

1PM CDA Knitting

7PM Rios de Agua Viva Group

7PM Spanish Choir Practice

Fri 3/4

8:30AM Stations of the Cross

10AM Fri Renew Group

7PM Penitential Service

7:30 Bi-lingual Healing Mass

Sat 3/5 11AM First Reconciliation

Collection for 2/21 $4175 Peter’s Pence Collection $1,190

2/7 #29 Eileen Lawler 2/14 #299 Dympna Lennon

2/21 #132 Anna Palaia

300 Club

Fridays, 8AM —English. 7PM—Spanish

Welcome to

Alexis Tait Juliette Tait

Congratulations to the parents and god-parents of Alexis and

Juliette. Beloved children of God, may

baptism be the be-ginning of a life of

faith and a heart full of goodness and love.

God bless you always.

The Dominican Sisters of Sparkill invite you to join us in volunteering

for the

Days for Girls Project

This important project engages volunteers to create and distribute quality, sustainable

feminine hygiene kits and health education to women and girls around the globe in need.

Dominican Convent in Sparkill

Tuesday, March 8, 2016 from 5:45-8 PM

Please RSVP to Sr. Bridget Kiniry at 240-446-

7571 or sbkiniry@yahoo.com by 1 week prior to meeting

Things to bring: fabric, scissors &

sharpie markers (if possible)

Friday, March 4,

Penitential Service 7:00 PM

Bilingual Healing Mass 7:30 PM

Do you want a used Upright Piano in good condition?

Please call Rectory—845 359 0078

Free Gift for you

For the past few weeks, our parish has actively been conducting the Cardinal’s Annual Stewardship Appeal. Cardinal Dolan mentioned in his letter that the Appeal is the lifeblood of our archdiocese and critical to the work and life of each of its parishes, including ours.

Last year, because of your generosity, we met our goal, and we hope we will be able to do the same again this year. In fact, our goal this year is less than last year! Our Parish have much to be thankful for.

Next week we will be doing the in-pew solicitation pledges at all the Masses. As we consider our pledges to the 2016 Cardinal’s Appeal, we recognize that all we have is our gift from God. As a sign of our gratitude, we can respond with a gift to the Appeal which helps all Catholics do their work of ministering the needs of God’s people. As you consider your gift of thanksgiv-ing, please realize that you are not alone in this effort. Thank you for your pledge and donation!

Cooking Guide for LENT

Portabello Mushroom Stroganoff

Ingredients 3 tablespoons butter 1 large onion, chopped 3/4 pound portobello mush-

rooms, sliced 1 1/2 cups vegetable broth 1 1/2 cups sour cream

3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley 8 ounces dried egg noodles

Directions 1. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add egg

noodles, and cook until al dente, about 7 minutes. Remove from heat, drain, and set aside.

2. At the same time, melt butter in a large heavy skillet over me-dium heat. Add onion, and cook, stirring until softened. Turn the heat up to medium-high, and add sliced mushrooms. Cook until the mushrooms are limp and browned. Remove to a bowl, and set aside.

3. In the same skillet, stir in vegetable broth, being sure to stir in any browned bits off the bottom of the pan. Bring to a boil, and cook until the mixture has reduced by 1/3. Reduce heat to low, and return the mushrooms and onion to the skillet.

4. Remove the pan from the heat, stir together the sour cream and flour; then blend into the mushrooms. Return the skillet to the burner, and continue cooking over low heat, just until the sauce thickens. Stir in the parsley, and season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve over cooked egg noodles.

When we pray our grace before meals, we can give thanks and

praise to God for the blessings of this food that truly makes us

think of God’s providence, as mushrooms remind us of how God’s

creation brings us quick surprises!

PRAYER BEFORE MEALS

Bless us O Lord, and these your gifts, which we are about to receive, from your bounty, through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Our Goal $41,000 Current Pledge: $600.

Finding a good biography is like a mushroom hunt: on the sur-face, one mushroom looks pretty much like any other one. But beneath the surface, some are delicious and healthy, and some are inedible and even poisonous. Hunt for a real good book on Saints this Lent

Contributed by Jill Ammerman

UNSCRAMBLE THE WORDS FIND A MESSAGE using the ‘letter’ in the “( )”. Clue: THE MESSAGE OF STEADFAST FAITH

TO TROUBLED HEARTS Answers are words from this week’s readings. D R L O ( __ ) __ __ __

Y N H E O ( __ ) __ __ __ __

C R O R A H D __ __ __ __ ( __ ) __ __

T I L E A P __ __ __ __ __ ( __ )

( __ ) ( __ ) ( __ ) ( __ ) = __ __ __ __

The message is : HEAL LORD, HONEY, ORCHARD, PILATE

LECTURAS DE HOY: Éxodo 3:1-8a, 13-15 o Exo-do 17:3-7 ; Salmo 102 o 94; 1 Corintios 10:1-6 o Ro-manos 5:1-2, 5-8 ; Lucas 13:1-9 o Juan 4:5-42 [5-15, 19b-26, 39a, 40-42

LECTURAS DE LA SEMANA Lunes: 2 Re 5:1-15ab; Sal 42 (41):2, 3; 43:3, 4;

Lc 4:24-30

Martes: Dn 3:25, 34-43; Sal 25 (24):4-5ab, 6, 7bc, 8- 9;

Mt 18:21-35

Miércoles:Dt 4:1, 5-9; Sal 147:12-13, 15-16, 19-20; Mt 5:17-19

Jueves: Jer 7:23-28; Sal 95 (94):1-2, 6-9; Lc 11:14- 23

Viernes: Hos 14:2-10; Sal 81 (80):6c-11ab, 14, 17; Mc 12:28- 34

Sábado: Hos 6:1-6; Sal 51 (50):3-4, 18-21ab; Lc 18:9-14

Domingo: Jos 5:9a, 10-12; Sal 34 (33):2-7; 2 Cor 5:17-21; Lc 15:1-3, 11-32

Lecturas alternativas (Año A): 1 Sm 16:1b, 6-7, 10- 13a; Sal 23 (22):1-6; Ef 5:8-14; Jn 9:1-41 [1, 6-9, 13- 17, 34-38]

“YO SOY”

Lo que el pueblo esclavizado de Israel necesitaba era la bondad y misericordia de Dios, y esas dos co-sas llegaron bajo la forma de una liberación. Llegaron por medio de un caudillo, Moisés, que cu-ando niño fue salvado de las aguas del Nilo, y ahora estaba pastoreando las ovejas de su suegro en el desierto. La zarza que ardía sin consumirse nos muestra que Dios es un misterio inagotable.

El temor y respeto de Moisés están mezclados con una confianza conmovedora, cuando trata de averi-guar el Nombre del Señor. Y Dios le responde dul-cemente con un Nombre –YO SOY– que distingue al Dios de Abraham, Isaac y Jacob de los diosecitos de las naciones, que “no-son”. Esos diosecitos de nada son impotentes e inútiles. Moisés tiene que avanzar hacia un futuro increíble, y Dios lo espera allí con mano poderosa y brazo extendido. Es como si el Señor le dijera, “Ve, y verás”.

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.

Para las últimas semanas , nuestra parroquia activa ha

estado llevando a cabo la Campaña Anual de Manejo del cardenal. El cardenal Dolan mencionó en su carta que la

apelación es el elemento vital de nuestra Arquidiócesis y

crítica a la obra y la vida de cada una de sus parroquias , incluyendo la nuestra .

El año pasado , a causa de su generosidad , nos encontra-mos con nuestro objetivo, y esperamos que vamos a ser

capaces de hacer lo mismo este año. De hecho , nuestro

objetivo este año es menor que el año pasado! Nuestra

parroquia tienen mucho que agradecer .

La próxima semana estaremos haciendo las promesas de

condiciones en las bancas en todas las misas . A medida que consideramos nuestras promesas a la Campaña 2016

del cardenal , reconocemos que todo lo que tenemos es

nuestro regalo de Dios . Como muestra de nuestro

agradecimiento , podemos responder con un donativo a la Campaña que ayuda a todos los católicos a realizar sus

funciones de ministrar las necesidades del pueblo de Di-

os . Al considerar su regalo de agradecimiento , por favor darse cuenta de que usted no está solo en este esfuerzo . Gracias por su compromiso y donación !

Viernes, 5 de marzo

Servicio Penitencial 7:00 PM

Misa de Sanacion 7:30 PM

March 2016:

3/4 Misa de sanacion bilingue 7pm 3/13 Venta de comida 2pm 3/18 Cantos de inspiracion 6:30 pm 3/19 Taller para servidores 9am - 4pm 3/22 Cena pascual 6:30pm 3/24 Jueves santo misa 7:30pm 3/25 Viernes santo dia crusis dramatizado 6:30pm 3/26 Vijilia Pascual 8pm

P A R I S H M I N I S T R I E S & C H A I R Buildings & Grounds Pat Miele, Alex Aguilar, Paul Johnson Deanery Maureen O’Connell Eucharistic Adoration Dcn Robert Pang Health Mary Loftus Hispanic Community Micaelina Maldonado/ Geny Aguilar Hospitality Robin Miller Men’s Club Bill Loftus. Ralph Olsen Ushers Jake Miraglia Music Chris & Carolyn Yates Spanish Choir Carlos Cerna Outreach Maria Nest Parish Council William Gorman Parish Worship Dcn John Cunningham Religious Education Kathleen Dunn RCIA Dcn Robert Pang, Jose Bolaños Right to Life Scott Giblin Social Kelli Chilson Spiritual Life Johanna Krumm St. Vincent De Paul Fr. Tom Kunnel

P A R I S H C O U N C I L Kelli Chilson, Kathleen Dunn, Bill Gorman. Paul Johnson, Andrew Lee,

Martina Lynch, Cruz Molina, Maria Nest , Ralph Olsen, May Pang,

Amy Ramundo, Carolyn Yates, Janet Zahn

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

Our Sacramental Life

Baptism: Please call the Rectory well in advance of the expected day of

Baptism to arrange an appointment for an interview. Pre-baptismal meeting for parents is required. Godparents must be confirmed, practicing Catholics.

Generally Baptisms are celebrated the third Sunday of each month at 12:00 pm.

Reconciliation: Confessions are heard from 4:30-5:00 pm on Saturday.

You may also make an appointment with Fr. Tom. Spanish confessions is

available on 1st Fridays of the month at 7 PM and from 12:30–1:00 PM on Sundays.

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 Fr. Tom.

Anointing of the Sick: Before you enter the hospital for elective surgery

or other serious treatment, and for those who have need of spiritual healing. In an emergency, call Fr. Tom’s mobile 845 608 9358.

Holy Orders: Any gentleman interested in exploring the question of voca-

tion 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.

Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults: For instruction for Baptism,

Confirmation and Eucharist for adults and to learn about Catholic Faith. If interested please contact Dcn Robert Pang.

For more details and forms—www.stjohnspiermont.org

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

Rite of Calling to Continuing

Conversion (RCIA)

Congratulations to our RCIA candidates who attended the ‘Rite of Calling to Con-tinuing Conversion’ last Sunday at Trans-figuration Church celebrated by Bishop Gerald T. Walsh. Attending this ritual were: Sandra Marbelis Gamez Guardado, Juan Manuel Cabrera, Alva Roxana Cabrera, Nilson Eliu Umana, Jose Reyn-aldo Garcia, Edith Mazariego, Tatiana Martinez. Gloria Martinez was not able to attend. Pray for them as they continue their faith journey. They will receive the Sacraments of Confirmation and the Eu-charist at the Easter Vigil.