St. Athanasius Church St. Athanasius Church Page 1 PARISH STAFF December 21, 2014 Pastor Brooklyn, New York Rev. Msgr. David L. Cassato, B.A., M.Div., M.S. Ed. Parochial Vicars Rev. Ronald D’Antonio, B.A., M.Div. Rev. Gabriel Toro-Rivas, B.A., M.Div. Ministerio Hispano/Spanish Apostolate Deacon Dante Colandrea Deacon William Kelly Deacon Jaime Cobham The Sisters of St. Joseph Brentwood, New York Director of Music Ministries Mr. Steven Laplante, M. Mus. Lay Pastoral Leader Mr. Joseph Barbieri, B.A., KHS Mrs. Madelon Vitucci Mrs. Lucy Acosta-Pugliese, B.A., M.S. Ed. WHO IS WELCOME IN ST. ATHANASIUS CHURCH? Are you a sinner? Have you been away from the church for a long time? Are you divorced or separated? Are you physically or mentally challenged? Are you from a different culture? Are you not accepted because of your sexual orientation? Are you elderly, a teen or young adult? Are you discriminated against because of your color? Are you feeling broken? Are you poor or out of work? Have you been imprisoned? Have you a feeling that you are left out? You are welcome here! This is your home, and we are your family! Do you suffer from Celiac Sprue Disease? We are Celiac friendly and, after receiving permission from our Bishop, we can provide you with low gluten hosts and a pyx, in order to enable you to receive Holy Communion at daily Mass and Sunday Mass. To begin the process, please call Fr. Ron D’Antonio at our rectory, 718.236.0124 Ext. 13. RECTORY: SAINT ATHANASIUS SCHOOL: 2154 61st Street Brooklyn, NY 11204-2569 Tel. (718) 236-0124 Fax. (718) 236-4960 http://www.stathanasiusbrooklyn.org StAthanasiusNY@hotmail.com 6120 Bay Parkway Brooklyn, NY 11204-2569 Tel. (718) 236-4791 Fax. (718) 621-1423 Pastoral Administration: Mrs. Marie Skroly Mrs. AnnaMarie Scuteri Principal: Mrs. Diane Competello B.A., M.S. Ed. Administrative Assistant: Mrs. Theresa Simon The Rectory is also the home of our Parish Priests. We ask you to respect their home by observing Rectory Office Hours and by calling in advance for an appointment. SUNDAY MASSES: ENGLISH Saturday: 5:30 PM Sunday: 8:30,10:00,11:30 (Choir) & 6 PM SPANISH Saturday: 7:30 PM (Lower Church) Sunday: 10:00 AM (Lower Church) 1:00 PM (Upper Church) ITALIAN 11:30 AM (Lower Church) WEEKDAY MASSES: 7 and 9 AM MORNING PRAYER: Monday-Saturday 8:45 AM Cluster Director of Youth Ministry Mr. Kenny Wodzanowski, B.S. St. Frances Cabrini 1562 86th Street Brooklyn, NY 11228 Tel. 718.490.4469 Email: KenWodz@optonline.net Pastoral Associate for the Spanish Speaking Apostolate Mr. Alvaro Chavarriaga, B.A. Oficina de Ministerio Latino Rectory Basement To contact our Pastoral Planning Council Email: StAthanasiusPPC@aol.com Faith Formation Office: 6120 Bay Parkway Brooklyn, NY 11204-2569 Tel. (718) 331-8811 Fax. (718) 331-2582 Director of Faith Formation: Mrs. Nicoletta Milo Our Church is Handicap Accessible. ROSARY FOR LIFE: Saturday after the 9 AM Mass IMMACULATE CONCEPTION: Mondays after 9 AM Mass DIVINE MERCY PRAYERS: Every Wednesday after 9 AM Mass CONFESSION (Reconciliation): Saturdays 4-5 PM or anytime by appointment. HOLY DAY MASSES: Eve: 7:30 PM (English) Day: 7, 9 (English) Night: 7:30 PM (Italian) Upper Church 7:30 PM (Spanish) Lower Church BAPTISM: First & Third Sunday at 2:30 PM. Parents make arrangements with Deacon. Both parents & godparents must attend a Baptismal Instruction Class on last Tuesday of month in the evening. FIRST FRIDAY: Exposition of Blessed Sacrament after last morning Mass concluding with Benediction at 7:30 PM. Italian Mass at 8 PM (Oct.-June) MARRIAGE: Couples are to make arrangements six months in advance. ANOINTING & COMMUNION CALLS: Those who wish to be anointed or receive Communion at home, call one of the priests to make arrangements 718-236-0124 Page 2 St. Athanasius Church Sunday, December 21st: 8:30 Vincent Azzarelli 10:00 Rosary Society 10:00 Spanish Mass - Lower Church 11:30 PURG. SOCIETY –Anna & Santo Ammirable 11:30 ITAL. - Tommaso Gioeli 1:00 Spanish Mass - Upper Church 6:00 Salvatore Lentini Monday, December 22: 7:00 Ralph Liberti 9:00 Pietro Ferrantelli Tuesday, December 23: 7:00 Special Intention 9:00 Antoinetta Comes & Lasalandra Family Wednesday, December 24: 9:00 Joseph, Laura and Carolyn D’Antonio 4:00 Family Mass UC Andrew & Marie Harkness 7:30 Spanish Mass UC 12:00 Lorenzo Sorice (Eng/Ital) UC Thursday, December 25: Holy Day of Obligation 8:30 Raymond Aumente 10:00 Arthur Cappadona & Concetta Ferrante 11:30 Arthur Vignapiano and Garbato & Vignapiano Families Friday, December 26: 7:00 No Mass 9:00 Nunziato Davi Saturday, December 27: 9:00 Christmas Novena 9:45 Nicola D’Aniello - Memorial Mass 10:30 Betty DeMarco, Memorial Mass 5:30 John & Angelina Vonelli, Joseph & Isabella LaFortezza and Antoinetta Montanino 7:30 Spanish Mass - Lower Church Sunday, December 28: 8:30 Joseph, Laura & Carolyn D’Antonio 10:00 Lydia Feaster 10:00 Spanish Mass - Lower Church 11:30 PURG. SOCIETY - Philip Accarito Baby’s First Christmas 11:30 ITAL.– Giulia, Angelo and Giuliano Pesce 1:00 Spanish Mass - Upper Church 6:00 Isabella & Francesco Gaudioso December 21, 2014 PASTORAL CARE Please don’t forget to inform us if you are going to be hospitalized so one of our priests can visit. Provide us with your name, hospital, room number, phone number and, when possible, how long you will be hospitalized. If you are unable to attend Mass, due to poor health, illness or advanced age, please call so a Eucharistic Minister can bring Communion to you. Anointing of the Sick may be requested because of scheduled surgery or treatment for a life-threatening illness. Call us prior to your surgery or treatment. Anointing of the Sick at Mass may be celebrated before you go into the hospital. Directly inform one of our priests or call one of our Pastoral Administrators. WELCOME, we’re glad you’re here! If this is the first time you have been to St. A's, welcome! We promise that if you keep your heart and mind open to God, you’ll find what you’re looking for. Would you like to talk to someone? We’re here to listen and help if we can. Just call us at the Rectory when you’re ready. In the meantime, remember that you are always prayed for and that it is our hope to pray with you each week. MAKE A VISIT TO THE CHURCH AND PRAY IN THE PRESENCE OF JESUS IN THE BLESSED SACRAMENT Don't forget our Upper Church is open Monday-Friday from 6:30a.m. to 3p.m. Saturday 7a.m. to 7p.m. & Sundays 7a.m. to 7p.m. Feel welcome to kneel at the communion rail at the Altar of the Blessed Sacrament or sit on the benches in the Sanctuary. Memorials for the Week HOSTS: In Loving Memory of Michael Damiano requested by Eleanor Damiano & In Loving Memory of Centorrino Family requested by Ann Centorrino ALTAR WINE: In Loving Memory of Antonio & Concetta Sigona requested by Sigona Family CANDLES: In Loving Memory of Ralph Liberti requested by daughter, Marie SANCTUARY LAMP: In Loving Memory Joseph De Stefano requested by Your Loving Family SANCTUARY LAMP: In Loving Memory of John & Angelina Vonelli, Joseph & Isabella La Fortezza, Antoinette Montanino requested by Joan Vonelli and Grace & Frank Zaffiro KNIGHTS-OF-COLUMBUS ROSE: In Loving Memory of John, Carmella, Anthony, John Buoncore requested by Family Our Call to Christian Stewardship Dec 14, 2014 - Not available Dec 15, 2013 - $10,381.00 BAPTISMAL IN-TAKE: Baptismal arrangements are made every Wed. evening from 7-8:00 pm in the Rectory basement. Please bring a copy of the child’s birth certificate when you come in. Instruction Class is held the last Tuesday of the month in the evening. Page 3 St. Athanasius Church December 21, 2014 Blessing of Baby Jesus Statues The weekend of December 20-21, we invite you to bring to church the statues of Baby Jesus which will adorn your home Nativity Scenes. We will bless the statues at every Mass Each home should have a Nativity Scene - no matter how small - to remind everyone what we are really celebrating at Christmas. May all our indoor and outdoor decorations remind everyone that Christ is the light of the world and His birth brings new light to the lives of everyone. CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY SCHEDULE 2014 - 2015 CHRISTMAS EVE, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2014 Family Mass with Children’s Christmas Pageant at 4:00 p.m. in Upper Church Spanish Mass at 7:30 p.m. in Upper Church MIDNIGHT MASS 2014 Christmas Carols in English with the Choir at 11:30 p.m. in Upper Church Mass in English begins at 12:00 a.m. Midnight in Upper Church CHRISTMAS DAY, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2014 Masses 8:30 a.m., 10 a.m., 11:30 a.m. No 11:30 a.m. Italian Mass today The 11:30 a.m. Mass in the Upper Church is in English & Italian No 6 p.m. Mass today All Masses include Christmas Carols with Organ & Cantor SUNDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2014 Babies First Christmas at 11:30 a. m. Mass The Live Animals of the Nativity will be in the Parish Parking Lot from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. NEW YEAR’S DAY, THURSDAY, JANUARY 1, 2015 The Solemnity of Mary, Mother of Jesus Masses in the Upper Church at 10 a.m., and 11:30 a.m. The 11:30 a.m. Mass in the Upper Church is in English & Italian Mass in Spanish at 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. No 6 p.m. Mass today Page 4 St. Athanasius Church Advent Candle Memorials From the Principal’s Desk….. Once again St. Athanasius School would like to acknowledge Mr. Michael DeMola for his continued generosity. The DeMola Scholarship in memory of his wife, Mary Tuohy, provides financial assistance to four students so that they can continue to attend our school. Thank you, Mr. DeMola. Light Your House Use some kind of decoration to lighten the life of Christ in this world. December 21, 2014 In Loving Memory of Joseph & Theresa Romersa requested by Sons, Michael & Paul In Loving Memory of Vita Gallese requested by Michael & Paul Romersa In Thanksgiving requested by Anthony and Ann Conguista In Loving Memory of Ercolano & Gentile Families requested by Anthony & Margaret Ercolano In Loving Memory of Eugene Vecchio requested by His brother Richard ANNUAL CHRISTMAS PARTY SUNDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2014 sponsored by G.I.S.A. Gruppo Italiano Sant’Atanasio at 4:40 pm in Parish Hall. Join us for an afternoon of fun with music from DJ and singer Antonio Guarna. Coffee, panettone and champagne will be served. Special visit from Santa. Free admission. Freddy Felleti, President - 718- 614 – 9683. THE NATIVITY IN THE LOWER CHURCH IS OPEN...and the tradition goes on! Come to the Lower Church to see the “Presepe” that Tony Vigilate created and took care of for over forty years. This majestic art work has received major media attention including an article in the New York Times and it was nominated the best Presepe in our city. We are all proud of this treasure. The following Memorials for Jan./Mar. 2015 are available: Host Wine Candles Sanctuary Lamps Rose Feb. 1 Jan. Mar. 25, 1, 15, Feb 22,29 8 Mar. 1, 22 Jan. 4, 18, 25 Feb. 8, 15 Mar. 1, 15, 22, Jan. 4(2), 18 Feb. 1(2), 8, 15 Mar. 1, 15, 22, Jan. 18, 25 Feb. 1, 8, 15, 22 Mar. 1, 15, 22, 29 In Loving Memory of Angelina & John Vonelli requested by Joan Vonelli and Grace & Frank Zaffiro In Loving Memory of Joseph Di Mari requested by His Wife & Children In Loving Memory of Ermenegildo & Joseph Franco requested by Wife, Mother, Betty, daughter, sister, Lucille The following Masses for Jan. - Mar. 2015 are available: Time Date 7:00am Jan. 26 / Feb. 2, 3, 4, 6, 10, 11, 12, 13, 17, 18(Ash Wed.), 19, 27 / Mar. 4, 13, 16, 17, 20, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 30, 31 9:00am ——— 8:30am Jan. 25 / Feb. 1 / Mar. 1 6:00pm Feb. 1, 8 / Mar. 8 15, 29 2015 Mass Book Mass Intentions will be taken in the rectory. Monday-Friday after 4:30pm Page 5 St. Athanasius Church December 21, 2014 Saint Athanasius School - Honor Roll Grades 1-8 First Trimester - 2014-2015 School Year First Grade - Ms. Cioffi First Honors Nicholas Cabrera, Sydnee Fleurival, Marybelle Hatchity, Sehrish Kumandan, Delilah Lucarelli, Jezebel Minchala, Emily Oliva Second Honors Ashlee Hurtado, Joshua Racine, Marquis Toro Second Grade – Ms. Turzilli Principal’s List Joseph Bullara, Michael DeFronzo, Christopher Firingos, Antonella Garuccio, Alyssa Landano, Grace Lanier, Gianna Riggio First Honors Camryn Lastres, Nadira Lorenzo, Steven Luo, Marco Panariello Second Honors Jacqueline Atariguana, Jerry Chen, Julianna Colella, Lucero Corona, Thomas Giardina, Grace Joasil, Alessia Manfredi, Lizbeth Martinez, Andrew Mongelli, Antonio Nasso, Efren Perez, Adel Sultan, John Paul Verna, Agnieszka Wysocka Third Grade – Ms. Gisonda Second Honors Bonnie Chen, Jay-D Delvois, Chryssy Dossous, Sebastian Manfredonia-Pantaleo, Alessia Mollano, Victoria Perez, Kaleb Vasquez, Nicholas Viviani Fourth Grade – Ms. Mac Cormack Principal’s List Jessica Bullara Second Honors Victoria Bychkov, Annalisa Conte, Bryant Garcia-Martinez, Kayla Moreno, Ryan Oswald, Angelina Simonetti, Philip Zheng Fifth Grade – Mrs. Hayes Principal’s List Emma Arena, Andrew DeSanto First Honors Charlotte MacDougall, Brianna Mannino, Giancarlo Mollano, Juliana Oliva Second Honors Bryana Chery, Vivian D’Orazi, Marco Errico, Joseph Marchiano, Israel Minchala, Robert Simonetti, RosaMaria Spata Sixth Grade – Ms. Gugliara Principal’s List Gianna Taffa First Honors Claudia Cain, Nicholas DeMeo, Tianna Radomski, Kenrick Singh Second Honors Anthony DeStefano, Shanyna Joasil Seventh Grade – Mrs. McLaughlin Principal’s List Michael Krawiec, Matteo Mollano, Brittney Negron First Honors Larry Moreno, Joseph Garuccio, Cristina Scuteri Second Honors Sophia Chen, Tyler DeStefano, Rebecca Ochoa, Anthony Orlando, Karina Singh Eighth Grade – Mrs. Tribuzio First Honors Peter Fiordimondo, Nicolette Marchiano, Daniela Markovinovic, Vincent Orlando, Lucille Spata Second Honors Kevin Alleva, Jethro Casie, Margarita Foti-Aaron, Liani Kane, Phoebe LaLane, Melissa Monte, Michael Pelletiere, Daphne Yucel Page 6 St. Athanasius Church December 21, 2014 Page 7 St. Athanasius Church Rev. Msgr. David L. Cassato, Pastor Rev. Ron D’Antonio, Parochial Vicar Rev. Gabriel Toro, Parochial Vicar Deacon Dante Colandrea Deacon Bill Kelly Mrs. Marie Skroly, Pastoral Administration Mrs. AnnaMarie Scuteri, Pastoral Administration Mr. Steven LaPlante, Music Ministry Mr. Alvaro Chavarriaga, Pastoral Associate Mrs. Ann De Vito, Secretary Ext. 11 Ext. 13 Ext. 14 Ext. 23 Ext. 44 Ext. 10 Ext. 19 Ext. 25 Ext. 22 Ext. 12 December 21, 2014 MrAthanasius@aol.com DAntonioRonnie@aol.com PadreGabriel56@aol.com dcndantecol@aol.com bkelly@gmail.com MrsAthanasius@aol.com annamariesta@hotmail.com stevenlaplante@hotmail.com alvarostatanasiospanish@gmail.com stathanasiusny@hotmail.com Youth Ministry Christmas Fundraiser and Nice Gifts You looking to bring something to a family or friends house that you will visit around Christmas, or a thank you to that teacher, boss, employee. Or looking for something different with cookies and other goodies, then get ready to order through the Youth Ministry and help us fundraise for World Youth Day and also help you with your Christmas shopping. We will have flyers in church and be selling after all masses on Sunday, Dec 21st. You can preorder find out what we are selling at #BklynYM or contact Kenny now by calling or texting 7184904469,or email KenWodz@optonline. Professional Hockey Outing: All are welcome Friday, January 9th, we have group tickets to see the New Jersey Devils play the New York Islanders at the ROCK. Tickets are only $35 each and if you want take a school bus that will transport you to and from Brooklyn to the game. No tolls and no traffic! What a great Christmas gift or fun with family or friends. Tickets are limited so reserve now by calling or texting 7184904469,or email KenWodz@optonline. World Youth Day Are you at least 16 years old now and older??? Preferably in your 20’s, 30’s, 40’s and love your faith? Consider becoming a pilgrim now to journey to Poland in the summer of 2016 and join millions and maybe meet the Pope??? For more information, to register please go to http://events.signup4.com/ WYDBrooklyn . You can also call Kenny for more information, or questions. Now is the time to begin to plan and prepare for this once in a lifetime experience. In your kindness please pray for the sick AnnMarie Aspromonte,Fortunata & Michelangelo Attardo, Paul Bergstrom, Lucy Branccio, Christina Blumstein, Nancy Cristinis, Mary Lynn D’Angelis, Dolores DeRienzo, Joan DeMeyer Christine Diaz, Bruce Dalton, Frank & Lucy Foti, Paul R. Fortuna, Lena Gagliardi, Paul Kelleher, Maria Loffredo, Debra & Nancy Manno, Paul Marchese, Crystal Mulvey, Elisa Nanlecz, Victoria Napolitano, Ida Russo, Jose Rendon, Louise & Joseph Scavone, Rae Zito Page 8 St. Athanasius Church December 21, 2014 Bollettino Settimanale Messa in Italiano ogni Domenica alle 11:30am (Chiesa di giu’) Santo Natale Del Signore “Oggi è nato per voi il Salvatore.” Luca 2, 1-14 Dal nostro DIACONO DANTE COLANDREA Riflessione del mese di dicembre NATALE, SI ACCENDE UNA GRANDE LUCE "Ciascun credente è un Cristo iniziale e incompiuto." (Ermes Ronchi) "Io non sono / ancora e mai / il Cristo / ma io sono questa / infinita possibilità." (Davide M. Turoldo). La nascita di Dio fatto carne è una provocazione, è una sfida, è un invito, è un farsi vicino all'uomo, perché finalmente il sogno dell'uomo si possa realizzare: crescere smisuratamente, diventare come Dio! Prima l'uomo non conosceva la strada: nella sua illusione ne aveva tentate (e ancora tenta di percorrerne) tante, per realizzare finalmente la grande scalata al vertice supremo, alla felicità assicurata, alla pienezza della autorealizzazione. Con il Natale è Dio stesso a scendere sulla strada e a suggerire il percorso. E ha indicato proprio quel cammino che l'uomo aveva rifiutato e continua ad escludere. Perché l'uomo ha sempre pensato che la strada fosse dal basso verso l'alto, dalla piccolezza alla grandezza, dalla povertà alla ricchezza, dalla sottomissione alla potenza, dal dover subire alla prepotenza, dall'oscurità alla notorietà, dalla miseria al lusso, dal non contare alla riconoscibilità e al prestigio, dall'essere inerme alla violenza, dal dover subire all'oppressione, dalla dipendenza all'autonomia, dallo schiacciamento alla potenza, dal nascondimento forzato alla fama e all'esibizionismo... Ed ecco l'uomo proiettato verso le conquiste per evadere da quel le strettoie e da quei vicoletti in cui si è cacciato e dove è stato costretto a vivere. L'uomo si lancia nella ricerca spasmodica di conti in banca, record mondiali, oggetti che sono o si vogliono far diventare status symbol, premi Oscar, premi Nobel, recensioni, riconoscimenti negli articoli su riviste e giornali, citazioni nelle riviste scientifiche, entrare e raggiungere record mondiali, guinness dei primati,... Finito il tempo delle illusioni, è tempo di guardare una grotta, a Betlehem. Sognavamo di uscire dalla morsa della massa, di passare dalla insignificanza all'indispensabilità, dal tran tran alla grande festa, dalla periferia alla metropoli. La storia conosce una marea di illusioni e di delusioni. Appena si pensa di aver raggiunto il traguardo, si fa bruciante la consapevolezza di avere in mano un pugno di mosche. Ed ecco l'uomo costretto alla fatica di Sisifo. E si ricomincia individuando altre strade, costruendo altri progetti, imbarcandosi in altre avventure, afferrandosi ad altre illusioni. E l'umanità ha pagato gli enormi e ripetuti errori. A Natale sentiamo parlare di Gesù. A chi l'ha accettato ha dato la possibilità di diventare figlio di Dio.Figlio di Dio! Toh! Ma non volevamo la stessa cosa? Ora sì che si apre uno spiraglio di cielo, e viene illuminato un traguardo, e appare concretamente alla nostra portata il sogno irraggiungibile...L'Eterno si è immerso nel tempo, l'Infinito si è chiuso nello spazio, l'Onnisciente è diventato un bambino che apprende,il Signore un suddito,il Creatore dei mondi un bisognoso di cibo, di calore, di amore. Accènditi, accogli, incamminati. Sii tu dono, regalo, albero, luce, famiglia, festa, cibo. “L’angolo della Sapienza” MANCANZA DI APPRODI (Francis Bacon) Ci sono cattivi esploratori che pensano che non ci siano terre dove approdare solo perché non riescono a vedere altro che mare attorno a sé. OGGI, DOMENICA, 21 DICEMBRE 2014 - G.I.S.A. Gruppo Italiano Sant’Atanasio - FESTA BABBO NATALE – La riunione generale G.I.S.A. Gruppo Italiano Sant’Atanasio si terra’ domenica 21 dicembre alle 4:30 pomeridiane nell’auditorium della nostra scuola. A questa riunione avremo la visita di Babbo Natale. Come sempre la riunione si concludera’ con caffe’, dolci, panettone e champagne. La serata sara’ allietata dal DJ e cantante Antonio Guarna. Sara’ un piacevole pomeriggio. Entrata gratis. Freddy Felleti, Presidente - 718- 614 – 9683. AUGURI DI BUON NATALE - A tutti voi fedeli, possa Dio che nella nascita di Cristo suo figlio ha congiunto la terra al cielo, riempirvi della pace e nel suo amore. Che la benedizione di Dio Padre Onnipotente discenda su di voi e sulle vostre famiglie e rimanga con voi per sempre. Buon Natale. Diacono Dante. G.I.S.A. GRUPPO ITALIANO SANT’ATANSIO – desidera estendere i migliori auguri di un buon Natale a tutti della Parrocchia San Atanasio. Che il Bambino Gesu’ porti soltando pace, salute e serenita’ in tutte le noste case. NATALE, TEMPO DI REGALI – Natale e’ il periodo dell’anno piu’ bello per fare regali ai nostri cari. Vi ricordiamo di essere generosi con il vostro regalo di offerta alla parrocchia. Le vostre offerte sono molto apprezzate. Monsignore vi ringrazia in anticipo. Page 9 St. Athanasius Church December 21, 2014 4O DOMINGO DE ADVIENTO Hoy , San Lucas nos presenta aquella magnifica realidad creada por Dios cuyo punto culminante es : “ Vas a concebir y dar a luz a un hijo y le pondras por nombre Jesús” La navidad esta ya cerca , Maria nos abre la puerta colaborando con la obra de Dios. Cuando escucha sorprendida el anuncio del Angel, Maria vive momentos dificiles , Siendo virgen Dios le propone ser la madre de su hijo, como no lo entiende , el angel le aclara que la obra se realizara por la gracia del Espiritu Santo, por que para Dios no hay nada imposible , luego ella responde “Hagase en mi segun tu palabra” es decir que se cumpla lo que Dios habia dispuesto para ella y el mundo. En aquel momento la palabra se hizo hombre y habitó entre nosotros. Es el acontecimiento mas sencillo , mas humano y a la vez el mas grande en la historia del mundo entero. La forma sencilla como ocurrio todo y a la vez la gracia que poseia María , llena de gracia , humildad y disponible a la voluntad divina. Dios tenia planes para ella como los tiene ahora para ti y todo el que quiera seguirlo , El solo espera la cooperación libre de cada uno de nosotros para llevar a cabo estos planes. La respuesta de María no es tan solo un sí al mensaje del angel, es ponerse totalmente en las manos de Dios Padre, un abandonarse confiadamente a su providencia. Ahora que estamos cercanos al dia de Navidad , la mejor manera de prepararnos es permanecer junto a María para esperar el nacimiento del Salvador .Dispongamos esta semana nuestra alma a ese encuentro divino , que ese pesebre de Belen donde nacio nuestro Salvador sea la misma cuna que nuestro Corazón tiene preparada para vivir el momento mas maravilloso del mundo con la llegada de FELIZ NAVIDAD Y UN PROSPERO Y BENDECIDO AÑO 2015 LES DESEA EL PADRE GABRIEL J. TORO AVISOS PARROQUIALES AVISOS PARROQUIALES  REGISTRACIONES ABIERTAS PARA LA  MISA DE NAVIDAD DICIEMBRE 24 8PM CATEQUESIS DE NIÑOS , LA OFICINA TEMPLO DE ABAJO PARA REGISTRAR QUEDA LOCALIZADA  MISA DE AÑO NUEVO DICIEMBRE 31 EN EL SOTANO DE LA ESCUELA , 8PM TEMPLO DE ARRIBA . ATENCION AL PUBLICO DE LUNES A JUEVES DE 10 AM A 2PM , MAYORES  VIERNES 26 DE DICIEMBRE COMPARINFORMES CON LA SEÑORA NICKY AL TIR NAVIDEÑO EN EL TEMPLO DE 718-331-8811 ABAJO DE 7:30 A 10PM  PROXIMOS BAUTIZOS EN ESPAÑOL SABADO 31 DE ENERO Y 28 DE FEBRERO , REGISTRARSE CON TIEMPO EN LA RECTORIA.  MISA SOLEMNE EN HONOR A LA SAGRADA FAMILIA CON BENDICION ESPECIAL DOMINGO 20 DE DICIEMBRE A LA 1PM TEMPLO DE ARRIBA. Page 10 St. Athanasius Church December 21, 2014 Page 11 St. Athanasius Church Faith Sharing We encourage you to talk about the readings & reflection question in the car on the way home from Mass, at dinner on Sunday, or at parish meetings. Faith sharing opens the door for us to meet, know & walk with Christ in our everyday lives. The angel reassures Mary. What reassurance does Christmas bring to you? The Morning Scripture Reflection & Faith Sharing Group Meets every Thursday, after the 9a.m. Mass, in the Nazareth Institute to discuss the upcoming Sunday's Scriptures. Join the group for spirited discussions on next Sunday’s readings. Golden Age Club Meets every Wednesday at 12:45pm in the School Auditorium (During the school year) All Golden Agers are welcome to join us. Figlia Maria SS Addolorata Join them every First Friday to pray the Rosary in the Nazareth Institute at 8pm. During May the Rosary is prayed on Mon., Wed. & Fri. at 8pm December 21, 2014 Rosary Society The Rosarians welcome all women of the Parish. The Society is dedicated to the Blessed Mother, the growth of the love of God through Mary. We honor the Blessed Mother by the constant and reverent praying of the rosary in our daily life. We are involved in all Parish activities, liturgical and social – and keep informed about civic community activities. Spiritual activities include an Annual Retreat, Annual Communion Breakfast and Baby Shower for Unwed Mothers. The Society raises money to help our Church continue outreach efforts. The fundraisers include: Christmas Fair, Basket Night, Chinese Auction. We attend the 10:00am Mass on the Third Sunday of the month (except July & August) followed by a meeting & light breakfast in the School. If interested, please call Barbara @ 718-331-8544 or just come to the Mass & meeting. Holy Name Society New members are welcome to help with our community service work. The Society is a spiritual organization, a fraternity of the Catholic Church, spreading devotion to the Name of Jesus. Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow! The present Holy Name Society members dedicate themselves to corporal works in helping our Parish Organizations and School, with various fundraising. The Holy Name meets every second Sunday of each month (after the 10 a.m. Mass), except for July & August. Men of all ages are welcome, especially the fathers of children attending St. A’s School and Catholic War Veterans are cordially invited to attend. For more info., call Ed DiGiacomo at:718-836-7917 Charismatic Prayer Group Meets every Tuesday evening at 8:00 p.m. in the Lower Church. The St. Athanasius Respect Life Ministry Rosary and Prayers for an end to abortion. Every Saturday after the 9:00am Mass.. Please pray for the Souls of all aborted babies Community Outreach Program Where there is despair, let us bring hope. Volunteers are needed to serve food to the poor and the homeless on Saturday Mornings. For more information, please call Fred Rubino at (718) 236-0264 or Dawn Aiello at (718) 232-3113 Make a difference in your community. Join the Knights of Columbus The Knights of Columbus are looking for Catholic men, 18 years of age and older, who are committed to making their community a better place, while supporting their Church. Whether it’s doing charitable deeds, making new friends, or supporting your church, the Knights of Columbus may be right for you. Find out more by visiting www.cavallarocouncil.com or call 718-259-5080. CARMELITES THIRD ORDER OF ST. ATHANASIUS PARISH: Lay Carmelites meet on the second Saturday of the month. The meeting is held in the Rectory basement at 10:00 A.M. after 9:00 A.M. Mass. We are located at 2154 61st Street. Lay Carmelites are not in a religious community, but are men and women, married or single, who are people of faith in our parish and wish to live the charism of prayer and devotion to Our Lady in the Carmelite tradition. Are you interested in this vocation as a Lay Carmelite? Call Lydia, 718-761-2932 - Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Chapter of Lay Carmelites. Page 12 St. Athanasius Church BINGO Every Thursday in the Auditorium. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Admission $3. Info. call 917-285-1932 Game starts at 7:30 p.m. Kenneth P. Thompson Kings Count District Attorney Do you have a public safety or quality of life concern in your community? If so, please visit or call the Action Center 350 Jay Street, 16th floor Brooklyn, NY 11201 Hotline: (718) 250-2340 Hours: Monday - Friday 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. Walk-in welcome from 9 a.m. until 4:00p.m. Home health attendant available for elder care service. Will provide; light housekeeping, cooking, personal care, physical activities, and accompany to all appointments. Experienced and local. If interested call Nancy at: (347) 336-2716. Home Companion Services Call us for Companionship and Care. We have Italian and English speaking companions. We can provide low cost, hourly, or live in companions to assist with cooking, cleaning, shopping, laundry and accompanying to Doctors Appts. Call Joanne at Italian Board of Guardians Inc (718) 232-4242 December 21, 2014 Do you need a Minister of Caring? Is someone in your family ill, homebound, hospitalized or in a care facility (assisted living or nursing home) & wishes a visit or a phone call from a Minister of Caring, please call the Rectory and leave your name & number. Support Groups at St. A’s Bereavement Support meet on Monday, from 7:30 - 9:00 p.m. in the Nazareth Institute. On Tuesday afternoons at 1:00 pm. Gamblers Anonymous is a fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from a gambling problem. Meeting every Friday night at 7:30p.m. in the Nazareth Institute. Overeaters Anonymous members talk about their struggles with compulsive eating. Meeting every Wednesday night at 8:00p.m. in the Nazareth Institute. Is your life effected by someone who is drinking? To help them, you must first help yourself. Al-Anon helps families and friends of alcoholics recover from the effects of living with the problem drinking of a relative or friend. Our Al-Anon Group meets in the Nazareth Institute every Friday 8-9:30p.m. & Saturday 7:30-9:30p.m. Housekeeper $ 5.00 per hour If you need help cleaning call: Rose Garofolo at (718) 837-3635 Home Assistance We are happy to announce that a member of our Parish owns & operates the : Right-at-Home In Home Care and Assistance Agency 7102 20th Ave. 1-347-554-8400 - Asst. Ruby In order for designated Parish Ministries & Organizations to reserve one of our rooms at St. A’s, we require you to fill out our Parish Calendar & Room Request Form. The form is available in the rectory or can be downloaded from our website. We even have an E-form so you complete this form without writing. Just e-mail it back to us, or print it out and drop it off. All Requests must be made using our form. E-mail completed form to AnnaMarie Scuteri at annamariesta@hotmail.com. This is the ONLY way to reserve a room here at St. A's. The group listed on the parish calendar is the group that has the right to use that space. If you are not a designated ministry of our parish, permission must be granted from our Pastor, Msgr. Cassato, a rental fee is paid, and a lease agreement completed in order to use space. Sunday Bulletin Deadlines The Sunday Bulletin must be e-mailed to our printer by 10a.m. Monday. All announcements must be submitted in WRITTEN form only (handwritten, typed, computer, fax, e-mailed, etc) by 3p.m. Friday. Announcements received after the deadline will be published the following week. No one on the parish staff will assume the responsibility for your ministry’s articles. Include your bulletin articles in your advance planning for your event. All Flyers need to be approved by a staff member and submitted by Email only to MrsAthanasius@aol.com. Our Printer Requires all Black or Grayscale Print, Clip Art & Graphics. If you submit color graphics, the printer will NOT print your flyer. Please email announcements to MrsAthanasius@aol.com no other email addresses!