OFFICE of RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

28-47 43 Street, Astoria, NY 11103 Phone: (718) 278-1611

E-mail: religious.ed@stjosephastoria.org

SCHEDULE OF MASSES

Parish STAFF

SACRAMENTS

5:00 p.m. (English) 7:45am, 9:00am, 10:30am (Spanish), 12:00 Noon

EUCHARISTIC ADORATION After 12:00 Mass until 4:00pm.

Third Sunday of Advent

December 17, 2017 Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing. — 1 Thessalonians 5:16-17 ************************************************************************ REJOICE Isaiah proclaims truly good news to us! God’s coming brings not sadness, guilt, fear, wrath, or condemnation. No, God’s coming is a source of comfort and joy. Saying it once is not enough, for today’s readings are full of joy. Mary’s Magnificat substitutes for our psalm today, and our second reading encourages us to rejoice, to give thanks and praise. This is the root meaning of the Greek word for eucharist. We are urged to rejoice and give thanks, because the coming of the Lord brings joy, healing, liberty, release, vindication. It makes the very earth spring up with new life! Good tidings! ************************************************************************ READINGS FOR THE WEEK Monday: Jer 23:5-8; Ps 72:1-2, 12-13, 18-19; Mt 1:18-25 Tuesday: Jgs 13:2-7, 24-25a; Ps 71:3-4a, 5-6ab, 16-17; Lk 1:5-25 Wednesday: Is 7:10-14; Ps 24:1-4ab, 5-6; Lk 1:26-38 Thursday: Sg 2:8-14 or Zep 3:14-18a; Ps 33:2-3, 11-12, 20-21; Lk 1:39-45 Friday: 1 Sm 1:24-28; 1 Sm 2:1, 4-8abcd; Lk 1:46-56 Saturday: Mal 3:1-4, 23-24; Ps 25:4-5ab, 8-10, 14; Lk 1:57-66 Sunday: 2 Sm 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16; Ps 89:2-5, 27, 29;

Rom 16:25-27; Lk 1:26-38 ************************************************************************

Bread to be consecrated at Masses during this weekend (December 16 & 17 ) in loving memory of: Elisio and Angelo Amato as requested by: Antonietta Amato. BREAD AND WINE to be consecrated at Masses during the weekend (December 23 - 24 ) in loving memory of: Hazel Louise Incantalupo as requested by: Incantalupo Family

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Sanctuary Lamp for the weekend of (Dec. 23– 24 ) will burn in loving memory of: Hazel Louise Incantalupo as requested by: Incantalupo Family ************************************************************************

Christmas Gift to My Church A sincere word of gratitude goes to the parishioners who so generously contributed to the My Christmas Gift to the Parish collection last weekend. As in past years, your generosity and awareness of the needs of our large parish family and physical plant are most appreciated as the help of each one assists us to pay bills that have increased for everyone. We thank you as always for your sincere generosity and dedication to our parish.

PRAYER INTENTIONS

F T S H James Leung, Aidan Hale, Lucia Perez, Pedro

Rodriguez, Angelina Spensieri, Remington Stufford & George Glus

***********************************************************************Those Who Have Entered into Eternal Life

Carlo Correto, Rose DeLuca, Thomas Connors, & Martha Berry

Saturday, December 16: Vigual Mass, Las Posadas begins

5:00 Giuseppe Vitale & Gavin Daly Sunday, December 17: Third Sunday of Advent Masses of the Day:

7:45 Lina Anelich 9:00 Frank DiRico, Kevin Clarke, Graciela Castro 10:30 Rolando Mendez, (Accion de Gracias) Enrique Cabanilla Pareja 12:00 Rosario Giacone 7:00pm Giuseppe Gimigliano

Monday, December 18: 8:00 Assunta & Raffael Mastrogiacomo 12:00 Antonio & Lina Capaldi

Tuesday, December 19:

8:00 Maria Popovic 12:00 Jose Torres Wednesday, December 20: 8:00 Anthony Zorovich 12:00 Sime Budesa 7:30pm Eduardo Lobo Thursday, December 21: St. Peter Canisius; Winter begins

8:00 Rosa, Salvatore & Joseph Dilluvio 12:00 Anna May Hauser Friday, December 22:

8:00 Frank Gerbasi 12:00 Xuereb Family Saturday, December 23: St. John of Kanty

8:00 Barrus Gutierrez Family (Special Intentions) 5:00 Anton Frankovic, Lucijan Veselica & Arcangelina D’Ella Sunday, December 24: Fourth Sunday of Advent Masses of the Day:

7:45 Parishioners of St. Joseph Parish 9:00 Parishioners of St. Joseph Parish 10:30 Parishioners of St. Joseph Parish 12:00 Parishioners of St. Joseph Parish 6:00 Christmas Vigil Mass with children’s Pageant 11:00 Christmas Hymns & Carols 12:00 Midnight ~ Solemn Mass

MASS SCHEDULE

Christmas Season

Liturgical Celebrations

Advent Penance Service Thursday, December 21st

7:00 p.m.

Christmas Eve Sunday, December 24 Mass Schedule

7:45 am., 9:00a.m. ,

10:30 am (Spanish), 12:00 Noon

6:00 p.m. Children’s Pageant Mass

Mass at Midnight

11:00 pm ~ Christmas Hymns & Carols 12:00 Midnight ~ Solemn Mass

(Please note there will be no 7:00 p.m. Mass on Christmas Eve)

Christmas Day ~ Monday , December 25 7:45 am.,

9:00a.m. (English/Italian), 10:30 am (Spanish),

12:00 Noon (Please note that there will be no evening Mass on Christmas Day)

Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God

Mass Schedule, Sunday, December 31 7:45 am., 9:00a.m.,

10:30 am (Spanish), 12:00 Noon

Vigil Mass ~ 6:00 pm. (Please note there will be no 7:00 p.m. Mass on New Year’s Eve)

Monday January 1 (New Year’s Day)

10:00 a.m. and 12:00 Noon.

NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY

Sunday, December 31, 2017 7:30pm to 1:00am

St. Joseph’s Academy Auditorium

Cocktails ~ 7:30pm Dinner ~ 8:30pm

Complete Buffet Dinner, Cash Bar, Music and Dancing

Complimentary Champagne at Midnight, Party Favors,

Noisemakers, and More!! Watch the Ball Come Down at

Midnight!! Reserve your tickets before Thursday, Dec. 28th!! Individual Tickets ~ $50 per adult, $15 per child. Special Table Package for 8 Adults ~ $350 ($43.75 each)

NO TICKETS WILL BE SOLD AT THE DOOR!!

TREASURES FROM OUR TRADITION Last week, we looked at a form of nativity scene called a presipio, characterized by framing the crèche of Jesus with a vast array of personalities and a rich geographical context. The tradition was carried to the New World, and finds very rich expression in Latin America today. While in Europe the presepio was reserved mostly to the homes of wealthy nobles and great churches, in Latin America it was claimed by the poor and expressed the skills of native artisans. In Mexico, you can still find clay figures in every village market. In a way, the native people took the religion of Spanish rule and baptized it with their Indian culture by surrounding the crib of Jesus with local geography and people. In Brazil, where Christmas falls in summer, the figure of the baby Jesus is wrapped in gold and gems, and set on a hillside surrounded by flowers and animals of all kinds. Sometimes there is a double presepio, presenting both Nativity and Crucifixion. In some places in Latin America, even non-religious people take care to have a presepio in the home, sometimes dedicating one whole room in the house or apartment to the scene. Some cities have markets where people from the countryside sell plants and figurines. In Cuzco, churches and families provide hot chocolate for the children of the poor who come down to help create the nativity scenes. In Paraguay, the baby Jesus grows—the small infant who arrives on Christmas Eve is replaced at New Year with a toddler Jesus who holds in one hand the globe and in the other a cross. Few Christmas traditions have the vitality and variety of presepios and crèches honoring the Nativity. *********************************************************************** TRADICIONES DE NUESTRA FE El día 16 de diciembre comienza la Novena de Aguinaldos en Colombia y otras partes de Latinoamérica. La novena consiste en 9 partes que se repiten por 9 noches: 1‑ Oración inicial 4‑ Reflexión del día 2‑ Oración Mariana 5‑ Gozos 3‑ Oración de José 6‑ Oración al Niño Jesús 7‑ Un Salmo 8‑ Invocación final 9‑ Villancicos (cantos navideños) Los participantes buscan aguinaldo (regalo). Para esto los colombianos tienen la costumbre de jugar “pajita en boca” buscando quien no trae una pajita en boca. La persona que no pueda mostrar que trae pajita en boca tiene que dar un regalo a quien lo descubrió. Los aguinaldos son recuerdo del regalo que nos dio Dios en su Hijo Jesús, prenda de su amor. Y si Dios nos da un aguinaldo tan grande es porque Dios no tiene pajita en boca cuando nos dice que nos ama. En el corazón de la Novena está el refrán de Gozos: Dulce Jesús mío / mi niño adorado ven a nuestras almas / ven no tardes tanto. Muy buen mensaje para el Adviento. ***********************************************************************

Office closed .- Please note that our Parish office will be closed on Monday afternoon (December 18) for a staff Christmas celebration.

Tercer Domingo de Adviento 17 de diciembre de 2017

Vivan siempre alegres, oren sin cesar. — 1 Tesalonicenses 5:16

************************************************************************ ¡ALÉGRATE! ¡Isaías realmente nos proclama una buena nueva! La venida del Señor no trae tristeza, culpa, miedo, ira ni condena. No, la venida del Señor es fuente de júbilo y consuelo. No basta con decirlo una vez, las lecturas de hoy están llenas de júbilo. El Magníficat de María reemplaza a nuestro salmo hoy y nuestra segunda lectura nos anima a alegrarnos, dar gracia y rendir alabanza. Éste es el significado principal de la palabra griega para eucaristía. Se nos insta a alegrarnos y dar gracias, porque la venida del Señor trae júbilo, curación, libertad, perdón y vindicación. ¡Hace que la tierra eche brotes de vida nueva! ¡Buenas noticias! ************************************************************************

Posadas Navideñas La parroquia San José hace una cordial invitación a toda la comunidad a participar de la Novena de las posadas navidenas, que tuvo su comienzo el viernes 15 de Diciembre a partir de las 7:30 pm, concluirá el Sabado 23 de Diciembre; lugar de oración Capilla parroquial.

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Cena Y Baile Para Recibir El Año Nuevo

La Parroquia de San José le invita a recibir el Año Nuevo con una Cena Bailable el día Domingo 31 de diciembre de 7:30pm a 1:00am. Cena completa, música, baile, rifas de premios de dinero, y mirar caer la bola a la media noche. Los boletos son únicamente a $50 por persona y $15 por niños. Puede comprarlos en la oficina. Obtenga su boleto antes de que se terminen. Esta oferta es únicamente hasta el 28 de diciembre. Todos son bienvenidos. Aproveche de nuestra oferta especial. Por una mesa de 8 personas adultas usted paga $350. Nota: No se Venderán boletos en la puerta. *************************************************************** Confesiones Jueves, 21 de diciembre, les invitamos a la Celebración comunitaria del Perdón en Adviento. A las 7:00 p.m. *************************************************************** Apertura del Libro de Misas Del 2018 El libro de Misas del 2018 esta abierto para quien quiera reservar una misa para un ser querido o una intencion especial La donación de las misas es de $15 para las misas de la semana y $25 para la las misas de los sábados en la noche y los domingos.

Music Ministry News

Join us on Friday, December 22nd at 8:00 p.m. in the church for a fascinating concert featuring J.S. Bach, Tradicional Balkan Folk Music and Music of Christmas. Performers include Gabriela Gjorgeva, soprano; Ana Tanasijevic, flute; and Joseph Bartolozzi, piano. Take some time off from your busy holiday schedule and let music feed your soul! ************************************************************************

Parish Christmas Giving Tree

Every year, St. Joseph's parishioners help to make Christmas a little brighter for local families, as well as men, women, and children throughout the city. A Giving Tree will be

placed in the Msgr. Ryan Hall (Gathering space), and trimmed with ornaments representing the needs of these charities. This year your gift donations will be sent to the missionaries of charities (Sisters of Mother Theresa) to be distributed throughout the Diocese of Brooklyn, and also all the toys will go to Catholic Charities’ Santa’s Toy Shop. We ask that you return your Gift (s) to the Giving Tree no later than Sunday, December 17. If you know of a parish family in need, please leave the family's name, phone number, and children's ages in the Rectory. Please note that these gifts should not be wrapped.

****** árbol navideño de regalos de la parroquia. Todos los años, feligreses de San José ayudan a hacer un poco más alegre la Navidad para las familias locales, así como los hombres, mujeres y niños en toda la ciudad. Un árbol se coloca en el Hall Monseñor Ryan (Gathering Space) y adornado con ornamentos que representan las necesidades de estas organizaciones benéficas. Este año las donaciones de regalo se enviarán a los misioneros de la caridad (Hermanas de la madre Theresa) para ser distribuidos a lo largo de la diócesis de Brooklyn. Pedimos que regrese su regalo (s) al árbol no más tarde del domingo, 17 de diciembre. Si sabes de una familia de la parroquia en necesidad, por favor dejar nombre de la familia, número de teléfono y las edades de los niños en la rectoría. Por favor no envolver los regalos.

Update on Parish Weekly Collection, December 10, 2017

My Christmas Gift to my Church...................$7,208 Immaculate Conception..................................$1,047 Religious Retirement.........................................$912 Total Collection..............................................$9,167 ***********************************************************************

The Divine Mercy Prayer Group Please join us for our weekly meeting every Wednesday at 12:30 p.m, at Holy Family Room; Length of meeting is approximately one hour.

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Food Pantry Our Food Pantry is open every Thursday from 8:00 —9:30am, to assist any parishioner that is need of food. To register please bring a NYC Benefit card. Please Note: The Secure Food deposit Box… Located in the front lobby of our church on Rectory side. Please deposit all dry food (pasta, rice, beans, cans and bottles) there. This will assist us in securing that your food donations go directly to the needy. ***********************************************************************

Welcome to Our Parish Please mark one:

Please register me and, yes, send me envelopes. Please contact me about becoming a Catholic or

completing my initiation as a Catholic through the Sacraments of Holy Communion and Confir-mation.

Please contact me about Religion Education for my child.

Please contact me about how I can volunteer.

Name:______________________________ Last Name___________________________

Date of Birth : ________________________ Address:_____________________________ Apt. #________ City:__________________ State:__________ Zip code______________ Phone:______________________________ E-mail:_____________________________

Please fill out this form, and deposit in the basket collection or in the Parish office, or e-mail rectory@stjosephastoria.org

INFORMATION SHEET CHURCH NAME & ADDRESS: St. Joseph #453100

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