Reflection for Sixth Sunday of Easter
(Year C) Acts 15:1-2, 22-29 / Rv 21:10-14, 22-23 / Jn 14:23-29 (57)
“Loneliness is a disease – Alone-ness (Solitude)
is a choice”.
Our world is a very busy place these days. There is hustle and bustle everywhere you turn, and it may only get busier now that we are in vacation season. There are parties, family get-togethers, concerts, parades, cookie exchanges, BBQs and the like to go to. Even if you are with people, it can be difficult to find solitude and quiet. There are many lonely people in the world today. Today, approximately 25% of adults live lonely lives. Spouses, parents and children often live as virtual strangers to one another. This is unfortunate because we never need to be lonely.Loneliness is often associated with a lack of connection and intimacy. Solitude is simply the state of being apart from others; not everyone who seeks solitude is lonely. Loneliness is now becoming an important public health concern. It leads to pain, injury, loss, grief, fear, fatigue and exhaustion. It also makes a person sick and interferes in day-to-day functioning, and hampers recovery. Solitude has many benefits- increased creativity, you learn more about yourself, your mind has a chance to rest, you appreciate your relationships more. Solitude helps you to accept the reality that possession of things, wealth and power may make life somewhat easier in some instance, but does not equate to human wellbeing and happiness. People can still be lonely even when they are surrounded by people. Of course, this would be an interior loneliness, perhaps of not being at peace with God. In which case, the loneliness could not be solved by busying oneself, and surrounding oneself with people, if the person is not reconciling with God. Also, in a case like this, the loneliness is not only ‘perceived’, but actual. Jesus can always be present to us. He shares His joy with us and replaces the burden of our guilt with the freedom of forgiveness. He takes our grief and turns it into joy. We need only allow Jesus into our lives to be rid of this loneliness. Oneness with Jesus is the greatest gift we can give our children, our friends, or those who see no purpose in life. We can help to bring people into unity with Jesus, a unity that will change their lives. May this Eucharistic celebration empower us to lead a true Life of the Spirit! Remember the beautiful hymn “What a Friend we have in Jesus” and set aside some time daily to enjoy His presence in your life. God bless you. Fr. Dawson |
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FATHER'S DAY NOVENA A spiritual Gift for living and deceased Fathers, Grandfathers, and all those who we celebrate and remember on Father's Day A Novena of Masses will be offered at Saint Joseph's Church To remember your loved ones during the novena please come to the rectory office to purchase a Father's Day Remembrance Mass Card |
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WELCOME TO OUR NEW PRIEST Father Tony Kyere Mensah was ordained on July 10, 1983 by Archbishop Emeritus Peter K Sarpong of Kumasi, Ghana, for whom he was once appointed as his personal secretary. He comes to St. Joseph’s with many years of pastoral experience from his native country of Ghana and here in the US; having previously served in the church of St Mel’s in Brooklyn-Queens diocese and Sts. Philips & James parish in Rockville Center diocese. Father Tony (affectionately so-called), just completed a tour of duty as Chief of Chaplain service in the Department of Veteran Affairs Medical Center in the Bronx. Sir Knight (Fr.) Tony Mensah is also enrolled in K of C Council Rev. Dennis O’Donovan Post #222, Bronx and appointed Chaplain in 2015. While serving as Chief Chaplain in the Bronx VA, he was once detailed by the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA, to serve as its liaison and the Catholic Subject Matter Contact to the National Chaplain Service. Father Tony is a graduate of Fordham University, Bronx, where he earned a graduate degree in Religion and Religious Studies with a major in Pastoral Care and Counseling. This is additional to his Master of Divinity degree awarded by the World Education Service, NY, from his Philosophy and Theology studies in Ghana. He has also received the Credential of Academic Associate in Logotherapy from Viktor Frankl’s Institute of Logotherapy, Abilene, TX. With his focus on holistic pastoral healthcare and a goal of helping people find meaning in their lives even when confronted with a hopeless situation and when facing a fate that cannot be changed, Father Tony has a lot to offer to the People of God in this parish. Join me in warmly welcoming Fr. Tony to St Joseph's. |
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CARDINAL’S APPEAL 2022
It is hard to believe that this week, we are kicking off the Cardinal’s 2022 Annual Stewardship Appeal. It seems we just put the finishing touches on the 2021 Appeal. What a remarkable---but not surprising—response from 418 of our incredible parishioners here at St Joseph’s. Our goal for 2021 was $336K. We came in at $393K. 98% of that amount has already been paid. This is just AMAZING! The added good news is that the parish ‘gets back’ 50% of all money over the goal. What an extraordinary story given the fact that COVID 2021 was a difficult year for so many. I am convinced that people give knowing just how much God has blessed them in their lives and they want to give back.
Well, the 2022 Appeal has just begun. You should be receiving letters and information from both the Cardinal and myself in the mail. COVID hasn’t gone away. The needs of so many, right here in our Archdiocese continues to mount. Even if you have never made a pledge, please consider doing so this year. If you need more information or want to view the Cardinal’s brief video, please see the links below. You can make your gift online at ‘cardinalsappeal.org’ You can return your pledge card you received either by mail or at church. Any questions—call 646 794-3300. One thing you should know is that the need is great. The $23M the Appeal hopes to raise will go to parishes and schools in financial crisis; to charitable outreach; to pastoral programs; to our seminarians---our future priests—and to our retired priests. Through your prayers and financial generosity, the Archdiocese is able to welcome those who turn to Jesus and His Church in search of spiritual and practical support! God bless you! Fr Peter |
Sixth Sunday of Easter –
May 22, 2022
Choir notes:
We sincerely thank our choir members who serve at the 10:45 Choral Eucharist at the Church of St Joseph. We send you gratitude and affection for sharing your voices, time and talent every week from September through May. We wish you a well-deserved summer vacation and look forward to your return in September!
Auditions for new choir members are ongoing please contact Mr. David Tisbert in the Music office.
stjosephmusicoffice@gmail.com
Readings for Sixth Sunday of the Easter p. 537 |
B866 On This Day the First of Days Psalm 67: #1179 O God let all the nations… B1042 Jerusalem My Happy Home Cantors, W4#763 We Have Been Told B876 Rejoice the Lord Is King |
Mr. David Tisbert, Director of Music and Organist ❖ stjosephmusicoffice@gmail.com
The Church of Saint Joseph
The St. Joseph School
The Best-In-Class - Fundraising Committee Donor Page
Click Here to Give to Best-in-Class
Thank you for your support!!
St Joseph’s is a beautiful church. At the tender age of 92, she is getting even more beautiful.
For 7 years now, I have always wanted to have a mosaic of The Divine Mercy to replace the simple print we had. However, we have had lots more pressing, practical, and very expensive projects to do first. Now, thanks to the extraordinary generosity of Ms Sarajane Brittis, we have the mosaic, given in honor of her parents, Dr Anthony & Marianna Brittis. The mosaic was lovingly handcrafted in Italy—just outside Venice-- over the last 6 months and was just installed last Friday. How blessed we are! Generations to come will be able to pray before this sacred reminder of God’s infinite mercy. From all of us at St Joseph’s, “THANK YOU”, Ms Brittis!
5:00pm Saturday Msgr. Seth
Sunday
8:00am Fr. David Monaco
9:30pm Fr. Peter
10:45am Fr. Romesh
12:00pm Fr. Dawson
5:00pm Fr. Romesh
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Religious Education Program for 2022 |
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ADDRESS: 15 Cedar Street Bronxville, New York 10708
PHONE: 914-337-1660
FAX: 914-337-1342
MON - FRI: 9 AM - 4:30 PM
SAT - SUN: 9 AM - 3:00 PM
Mon - Sat: 6:45 - 8:30 - 12 Noon
Sunday - 8:00am - 9:30 - 10:45 - 12 Noon - 5:00pm
Vigil Mass: Sat 5:00pm
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Reconciliation -(Confession)
Thursday & Saturday - 11:00 - 11:30
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The Mon - Sat 6:45 Mass is livestreamed and available to view on Facebook - click on the “ f“ next to the search box at the top of this page
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---Please remember:
---PRAY for our veterans. Their selfless sacrifices have ensured our many freedoms.
---SUPPORT your parish. St Joseph’s needs your financial help now more than ever. Go to our website and join WE SHARE. It is very simple and the best way to support your parish.
---STAY SAFE and never forget to pray for our caregivers.
--ONE ANOTHER. Continue to be careful, be cautious, be considerate, and be charitable.
God bless, Fr Peter ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
WeShare is an easy to use online giving tool.
QUESTIONS: Contact WeShare support at 1(800) 950-9952
If you are already registered and wish to tithe: https://saintjosephsbronxville.churchgiving.com/
I want to THANK again those of you who have continued to support St Joseph’s by mailing in your contributions or by joining WE SHARE---electronic giving.
We hope many more parishioners will join We Share. It is quick and easy to sign up. Just go to our website for details. You can make changes at any time. ‘THANK YOU’ for your love and support of St Joseph’s.
God bless you,
Fr Peter
Walking With Purpose transforms the hearts and lives of women by providing Bible studies that enable women to know Christ through Scripture and the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church
Come back to Community in 2022!
Are you looking for a way to refuel, reconnect and learn more about God?
Walking with Purpose, a women’s Catholic Bible study community is the answer!
St. Joseph’s Parish offers two WWP studies.
“Touching the Divine” on Mondays at 7:30-9:00 pm on Zoom.
“Touching the Divine” on Tuesdays at 9:30-11:00 am in the Msgr. Scott Room.
The “Touching the Divine” Bible study focuses on the many qualities of Jesus revealed through the Gospel of John. This study draws us into a deeper, loving relationship with Jesus as we reflect on His life and personality. St. John referred to himself as “the disciple whom Jesus loved,” and as we study, John will teach us how much Jesus loves us and how His love is the true satisfaction of our souls. Knowing Christ more intimately, as John did, will touch your heart and fill you with hope.
“Opening Your Heart” on Tuesdays from 7:30-9:00 pm on Zoom.
The “Opening Your Heart” Bible study is a foundational course that will allow us to examine the core questions we need to wrestle with if we want to experience all that God has for us.
● How can I conquer my fears?
● What is the role of the Holy Spirit in my life?
● What does the Eucharist have to do with my friendship with Christ?
● What challenges will I face in my efforts to follow Jesus more closely?
Class space is limited to 25 women.
For more information about the book required, scheduling, and fees, please contact:
Áine Schenk or Kerri Mulligan at register4wwp@gmail.com
http://walkingwithpurpose.com
Golden Wedding Jubilee Mass
Couples celebrating their Fiftieth Wedding Anniversary anytime during 2022 are invited to attend the Golden Wedding Jubilee Mass with Cardinal Dolan at St. Patrick’s Cathedral on Sunday, June 5 at 2:30 PM. Each couple may bring up to four (4) additional guests. Couples will be notified if the seating capacity changes and more tickets become available.
Pre-registration is required. Please contact your parish to register
The closing date to register for the Mass is
Monday, May 16, 2022 at 5:00PM
Today was a tough day for us here at St Joseph’s. We had to say goodbye to our dear Fr Paul. What an impact he made on our parish in less than 18 months! We were uplifted, however, by the prayers of over 50 priests who joined us at Mass and over 2000 who prayed with us virtually.
I shared this story at today’s funeral. Last Sunday after the 10:45 Mass, a young family with 4 children asked if I could chat with them about the death of Fr Paul. Some of the young ones were really feeling his loss. As we sat together, I asked them what they loved about Fr Paul. One of them said, “he was kind.” Another said, “he was smart.” Yet another commented, “he was holy.” The fourth youngster said, “he was happy.” We talked a little more and together we offered a prayer for Fr Paul. As they were leaving, I gave them a picture of Fr Paul to take with them to remember him.
Without knowing it, these 4 youngsters gave the perfect tribute to Fr Paul. A priest of God who selflessly served people for over 40 years in both India and the United States. Yes, he was kind, smart, holy, and happy. This is how we will remember him. May Fr Paul rest in peace and continue to watch over us from his new heavenly home.
Fr Peter