THE EUCHARISTIC COMMUNITY

THE EUCHARISTIC COMMUNIT Y
AT THE CHURCH OF ST. JEAN BAPTISTE
Bread Broken for a New World
THE BULLETIN FOR THE WEEKEND OF MARCH 14-15, 2015,
THE FOURTH SUNDAY OF LENT
2 CHRONICLES 36: 14-16 EPHESIANS 2: 4-10
GATHER HYMNAL 914
JOHN 3: 14-21
AT THE 11:00 AM MASS THE SECOND SCRUTINY WILL BE CELEBRATED
1 SAMUEL 16:1B, 6-7, 10-13A EPHESIANS 5: 8-14
GATHER HYMNAL 913
T
JOHN 9: 1-41
The Pastor’s Reflections
HIS WEEK I’m going to reflect on two Gospel
passages: John 3: 14-21, the ordinary
Lenten passage designated for the Fourth
Sunday of Lent, and John 9: 1-41, the
special passage read at Masses celebrating the
Second Scrutiny,
the Rite performed for those
who will be baptized at the
Easter Vigil. I’ll
begin with the
ordinary gospel
passage. It’s an
instruction Jesus shared with
Nicodemus.
First of all –
who was Nicodemus? He was a
Pharisee and a
member of the
Sanhedrin, the
religious body
that eventually
condemned Jesus to death. He was mentioned three times in
the Gospel of John: 1) in the passage that we
read today where he received a profound teaching from Jesus, 2) when he reminded his colleagues in the Sanhedrin that a man could not
be condemned without proof of culpability, and
3) after Jesus’ crucifixion when he accompanied
Joseph of Arimathea to the tomb where Jesus
would be buried. Nicodemus was a good and upright man who sought the truth. He’s venerated
in the Eastern Churches as Saint Nicodemus.
Now, let’s delve into today’s rich gospel passage. Nicodemus was a follower of Jesus, but a
secret one. The religious leaders harbored great
hostility against Jesus. They used their knowledge of the religious laws to
control the people. Jesus,
though very
popular with the
people, often
overlooked those
laws. He daringly
touched lepers
and ate with people who were
branded as sinners. He was
comfortable
speaking with
women in public,
and even allowed
them to sit at his
feet along with
his male disciples. He often didn’t follow the laws concerning
the Sabbath rest and the strict dietary restrictions. Being a Pharisee, Nicodemus was ultra orthodox and would have followed these religious
regulations scrupulously. But in spite of his religious commitment his heart wasn’t at peace. So
he visited Jesus secretly, under the cover of
darkness, to seek instruction and guidance. The
imagery that John uses in this account is so
evocative. Nicodemus ventured into the darkness
The Pastor’s Reflections, continued.
of the night in search of the Light. Indeed, in
Jesus he found the light – the Light of the
world.
The instruction Jesus gave began by shedding light on the meaning of his death. He referred to an incident from the Book of Numbers. The people “spoke against God and
Moses. They complained, ‘Why did you bring us
out of Egypt to die in this desert, where there is
no food or water? We can’t stand this miserable
food any longer (manna).’ Then the Lord sent
poisonous snakes among the people, and many
Israelites were bitten and died.” (Numbers 21: 56) When the people acknowledged their sin
against God and Moses “the Lord told Moses to
make a metal snake and put it on a pole, so that
anyone who was bitten could look at it and be
healed. (Numbers 21: 8) What a powerful image
– the people’s sin was mounted on a pole. Confronting their sin, face to face as it were,
brought them forgiveness and healing.
Many years before the composition of John’s
gospel St. Paul wrote, “We implore you on
Christ’s behalf: be reconciled to God. God made
him who had no sin, to be sin for us, so that in
him we might become the righteousness of
God.” (2 Corinthians 5:20a-21) Jesus, having
mounted the cross – the symbol of sin, became
the source of healing, reconciliation and redemption.
Jesus didn’t stop teaching at this point,
however. After he had shown him this image of
sin and redemption, he gave Nicodemus a vision of the very heart of God. “God so loved the
world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but
might have eternal life.” Jesus was teaching
Nicodemus that faith in him would open the
gates to Eternal life – the life of the Eternal
One. “Just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the
desert, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, so
that everyone who believes in him may have
eternal life.” The mystery of the cross is inseparable from the mystery of God’s love. On the
cross, love conquered the darkness.
The gospel passage chosen for the celebration of the Second Scrutiny is John’s story of
the man born blind. The central event is simple. Jesus and his disciples passed by a man
who was born blind. Jesus, stopped, spit on
the ground, made clay with his saliva, smeared
it on the man’s eyes and sent him to wash in
the Pool of Siloam. After washing, the man returned able to see. The incident may seem simple enough but this healing unleashed a torrent of misunderstanding, accusation and manipulation. It also initiated a progressively profound development of the man’s faith.
The religious authorities had been scrutinizing Jesus’ every movement. They were out to
get him, and had even threatened the populous
with excommunication from the synagogue if
they became his followers. Jesus had performed this cure on the Sabbath. This supplied
them with ammunition. They were ready to
confront him and anyone who supported him.
They interrogated the man’s parents about his
cure, but they abandoned their son. “Ask him,
he is of age; he can speak for himself.”
The man born blind, when questioned by
his neighbors as to who cured him, answered,
“ the man, Jesus.” When the authorities
pressed him as to what he had to say about the
man who cured him, he said, “He is a
prophet.” At the conclusion of the scene Jesus
asked him if he believed in the Son of Man. The
man asked: “Who is he, that I may believe in
him.” When Jesus revealed that he himself was
the Son of Man, the man responded: “‘I do believe Lord,’ and worshipped him.”
John is giving us an important spiritual
teaching in this event. Faith develops! The man
born blind saw Jesus as “the man,” then as
“a prophet,” and finally as “Lord.”
This passage, John 9:1-41, has been chosen
by the Church to guide those who are seeking
baptism. First of all, it’s warning them that belief in Jesus has its consequences. They may be
ridiculed by friends and judged harshly by religious people. They may even be abandoned by
their families because they chose to follow Jesus. Secondly, it’s reminding them to continue
to grow in their faith. The first burst of recognition is only the beginning of a lifetime process
of discovery. Day by day, and year by year, they
will “see” him more and more clearly. The path
of faith is a rough one with many trials along
the way, but each trial can be a moment of
enlightenment.
I suggest you read the passage on your own.
It’s so rich. Spend some time with it. Use it to
stoke up the fire of your own faith. (John 9: 1-41)
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Cover art: Christ Instructing Nicodemus, Crijn Hendricksz, 1604
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Our Parish is a Catholic faith community embracing people of all ages and
backgrounds.
We are an open community based firmly on the pastoral principle underlying
the Second Vatican Council: the Church is the People of God sharing in Christ’s
ministry of preaching, teaching and healing.
Therefore, our parish life, in all its dimensions is very important to us.
It is our hope that as many people as possible take part in the life of this parish in some way.
We want to minister to children, seniors, families and young adults. We want
to reach out to those searching for a spiritual home and a welcoming community.
This is not only the ministry of the religious men and women at St. Jean’s.
It is the ministry of the entire People of God.
SCHEDULE OF RELIGIOUS
SERVICES
EXPOSITION OF THE BLESSED
SACRAMENT DAILY
JOIN OUR FAITH COMMUNITY
Please register at the parish house, 184
East 76th Street any day during office hours
from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
DISCOVER THE FAITH
MASSES
WEEDAYS
7:30 – 12:15 – 5:30
SATURDAY
12:15 – 5:30 Vigil Mass
SUNDAY
9:00 – 11:00 – 5:30 – 7:30
We invite anyone interested in becoming a
Catholic Christian or to retool their Catholic
faith join our ongoing discussions about faith
and the bible. Contact Fr. Kamas to register.
LITURGY OF THE HOURS
RECITED ON WEEKDAYS
8:00 AM and 5:00 PM
SUNDAY
5:00 PM
To schedule a baptism or a marriage please
contact the parish office to speak with Fr.
Bernard Camire or Fr. John Kamas.
RECONCILIATION
WEEKDAYS
11:45 until 12:10
SATURDAY
11:45 until 12:15
4:30 until 5:25
ROSARY
WEEKDAYS AT 11:50
NOVENA PRAYERS
St. Anne – Tuesday after the 12:15
and 5:30 Masses
St. Peter Julian Eymard – Thursday after the
12:15 and 5:30 Masses
BAPTISM & MARRIAGES
COMMUNION TO THE SICK
AND HOMEBOUND
Please call the parish office to schedule a
home visit. with one of the priests.
212-288-5082 Ext. 10
ADULT FAITH DEVELOPMENT
Continuing on Tuesdays at 6:30 PM, we will
be offering sessions in Adult Faith Development.
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STEWARDSHIP REPORT
Last Sunday’s collection amounted to $9,893.50
Parish Pay Automatic Billing: $ 705.00
Total: $ 10,598.50
$545.00 was donated through the special
Winter Heating envelopes this week bringing
the total up to $1,075.00. Thanks. With the
frigid weather we’ve had any additional
support is deeply appreciated.
An additional $125.00 was donated for the
Peter’s Pence Collection.
$230.75 was donated for Easter flowers.
If you are wondering what might be an
appropriate weekly donation, we strongly
suggest at least one hour’s wage. Commit
yourself to this community by committing one
hour a week.
LOOKING FOR SOME GOOD
SPIRITUAL READING?
I’ve been reading a wonderfully uncomplicated and deeply spiritual reflection on the
Book of Revelation titled, THE LAMB’S SUPPER: The Mass as Heaven on Earth by Scott
Hahn. Mr. Hahn shares how he found his way
to the Catholic faith through his gradual realization that this highly symbolic, and generally
misunderstood, book of the New Testament
was a mystical commentary on the Church’s
celebration of the Eucharist, the Lamb’s Supper as it is called in the Book of Revelation.
His work is clear, easy to read and a beautiful meditation on the Mass we celebrate so
often but ponder so infrequently. It’s a good
book to pick up for some solid and informative spiritual reading during Lent. I recommend it highly.
—Fr. Kamas
The Cardinal’s Appeal is under way.
There are envelopes in all the pews again this
weekend. Please send you donation as soon
as you can. So far, 31 members of the community have pledged. It would be wonderful if
we could get 100% participation in the Appeal. We have approximately 600 registered
members. Even a $10 gift will advance the
cause.
Remember our assigned goal is $77,000.
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COMMUNITY CENTER SCHEDULE
MARCH 16—MARCH 22
MONDAY:
9:00-5:00
3:00-6:00
3:00-6:00
6:00-7:30
6:00-8:00
Dance Class (Dance Studio)
Broadway Babies (Great Hall)
Broadway Babies (Toddler Center)
S.R.A Meeting (Conference Rm 2)
L.A. Meeting (Toddler Center)
TUESDAY:
3:00-5:00
3:00-6:00
3:00-6:00
Dance Class (Dance Studio)
Broadway Babies (Great Hall)
Broadway Babies (Toddler Center)
WEDNESDAY:
9:00-5:00 Dance Class (Dance Studio)
1:00-2:30 Senior Luncheon (Great Hall)
3:00-5:00 Broadway Babies (Great Hall)
3:00-6:00 Broadway Babies (Toddler Center)
6:00-7:00 AA Meeting (Conference Rm 2)
THURSDAY:
3:00-5:00
3:00-6:00
3:00-6:00
6:00-11:00
Dance Class (Dance Studio)
Broadway Babies (Great Hall)
Broadway Babies (Toddler Center)
Elegant Dance (Great Hall)
FRIDAY:
9:30-8:30
12:00-3:00
3:00-5:00
3:00-5:00
5:45-7:00
6:00-11:00
Dance Class (Dance Studio)
Senior Bingo (Toddler Center)
Broadway Babies (Great Hall)
Broadway Babies (Toddler Center)
OA Meeting (Conference Rm 2)
Manhattan Dance (Great Hall)
SATURDAY:
10:00-3:00
3:00-6:00
11:00-12:30
4:00-12:00
Dance Class (Dance Studio)
Broadway Babies (Toddle Center)
Birthday Party (Great Hall)
Birthday Party (Great Hall)
SUNDAY:
10:00-6:00 Dance Classes (Dance Studio)
1:00-3:00
Elegant Dance (Toddler Center)
6:00-12:00 Swing Dance (Great Hall)
The Center is available for seasonal and special events,
parties, business meetings, wedding receptions, lectures and birthdays. For information as to availability
and rates, contact the Director: Mr. Antonio Boccia at
(212) 472-2853, ext. 1.
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A SUGGESTION FOR LENT
MASS INTENTIONS
SUNDAY, MARCH 15
Lent is here and the thought arises: What can I do
for Lent this year? There’s a long list of traditional
observances that you can choose from – from praying more to eating less. However, I’m hoping that you
could see your way to a different kind of Lenten observance. Maybe this Lent, as a parish community,
we can join in a communal activity. Would you be willing to do some evangelizing?
Don’t panic. It’s easy. Would you be willing to
reach out to a friend who’s not too involved with the
Church? You know who I mean, the one who only
comes to church for baptisms, first communions,
confirmations, weddings and funerals, and maybe
Christmas. Would you be willing to invite that friend
to Mass with you one Sunday during Lent? Treat your
friend for brunch afterwards. It’s OK to bribe them –
you’re doing this for God. During the brunch ask your
friend what he or she thought about the church service, the people, the priest, the music…whatever.
Just get a conversation going. Check out where the
Spirit takes the two of you – be kind and be loving.
My proposal has three purposes. The first is for
you to be the voice of welcome for this Church community. This might be the first time your friend has
ever heard a welcome from the Church – or a welcome from you. The second is, through your invitation, to light a spark of faith in your friend. By simply
joining you for one Sunday Mass, your friend has
heard, and accepted an invitation: “Come. Follow
me.” Your friend may not become a bible thumper as
a result of that one Eucharistic celebration – but a
spark has been lit. You’ve opened the door for the
Holy Spirit to work. The third is to fan the fire of faith
in you. You may not feel all that religious, but when
you share your faith it’s like stoking the wood in a
fireplace. Your faith will begin to ignite again.
Evangelization is easy. All you have to do is say,
“Come on! Check it out.” Then get out of the way and
let the Holy Spirit do the rest.
So, are you up for it? Lent 2015. Invite a friend to
the Eucharistic celebration. Introduce your friend to
the priest after Mass, and spring for a brunch. Someone passed on the gift of faith to you. Maybe this
Lent it’s time for you to give the gift away.
FOURTH SUNDAY OF LENT
9:00 Special Intentions
11:00 Patrick & Kate Killeen
& John Hynes
5:30 August Bossetti
7:30 The Zocche Family
MONDAY, MARCH 16
7:30 Catherine & Jerry Jordan
12:15 Special Intentions
5:30 Special Intentions
TUESDAY, MARCH 17
7:30 For the Parishioners
12:15 In Honor of St. Anne
5:30 Maureen Browne & Doris
Quigg
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18
7:30 Rita Sherman
12:15 Marion & Joseph McBride
5:30 Special Intentions
THURSDAY, MARCH 19
7:30 Francis Fahy
12:15 Francis Fahy
5:30 Karin Pizzitola
FRIDAY, MARCH 20
7:30 The Zocche Family
12:15 Russell Battaglia
5:30 Joseph Prisco
SATURDAY, MARCH 21
12:15 Deceased Costa & Pereira
Families
5:30 Helen Magrath
PRESIDERS FOR WEEKEND OF
MARCH 21-20
Saturday:
5:30 pm Fr. Bernard Camire, sss
Sunday:
9:00 am Fr. Bernard Camire, sss
11:00 pm Fr. John Kamas, sss
5:30 pm Fr. John Kamas, sss
7:30 pm Fr. John Kamas, sss
Have a wonderful Lent,
Father Kamas
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USHERS
THE NEW YORK COMMON PANTRY
Recently we paid tribute to Carlton Pierre
who was a devoted usher here at Saint
Jean’s for many years. The occasion of Carlton’s moving to Georgia lends itself to my inviting generous men and women of all ages
to consider taking on this very important
role.
We really need a minimum of four ushers
per Mass. Lent is coming up soon so think
about starting with a six week commitment
during the Lenten Season.
We also have a very great need for ushers
for Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday and Easter. Please consider taking on
this role. It’s not difficult to learn and it
would be an incredible help to the St. Jean’s
community.
Leave your name and number with the
church receptionist and I’ll get back to you
ASAP – (212) 288-5082 ext. 10.
We ask that you put any dried or canned
food donations in the basket found at the Altar
of Saint Joseph at the south side of the church.
Or, if you prefer, you may put a check in an
envelope marked NEW YORK COMMON PANTRY and place it in the Sunday collection basket or in any of the collection boxes in the
church.
Thank you so much for your consistent
support of the Pantry.
CATHOLIC RELIEF SERVICES COLLECTION
Catholic Relief provides assistance around the
world fighting hunger, improving education and
serving health needs. You will find envelopes at
the rear of the church for this collection. Please
place you donation in an envelope and drop it
into the collection basket during the regular collection time. You may also put your donation into
any of the collection boxes in the church.
THE SECOND SCRUNITY
This Sunday, at the 11:00 Mass we will
celebrate the Second Scrutiny, a short ceremony during which we pray for those who
will be baptized at our Easter Vigil Mass: TJ
Parker and Charles Wang.
The last scrutiny will take place during
the 11:00 o’clock Mass next Sunday.
EASTER FLOWERS
You will find envelopes at the rear of the church
and in your donation packets for Easter Flowers. Our
plants have been ordered at a cost of $2,500. Help to
make our church even more beautiful this Easter time.
The palms, lilies and pink azaleas add that wonderful
feeling of spring and hope, and resurrection. After this
grueling winter we need to celebrate with a good dose
of Spring. So please take part in this year’s flower collection by donating soon.
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PARISH STAFF
CONGREGATION OF NOTRE DAME
John A. Kamas, SSS Pastor
Bernard Camiré, SSS, Parochial Vicar
Ernest Falardeau, SSS, Senior Associate
P.A. Jude G. Fernando, SSS, Catholic Chaplain
at Lenox Hill Hospital
Austin Coleman, SSS, Sacristan
Richard Russo, Deacon Emeritus
Kyler Brown, Director of Music Ministries
Robin Drayer, Director of Religious Education
Angelica Contreras, Parish Secretary
Iris Peskin, Bookkeeper
Ellen Hagan, Shrine of St. Anne
Antonio Boccia, Director of the Community Center
Pauline Reenock, Director of the Toddler Program
Frank Cesario, Trustee
Jeanne Chenault Porter, Trustee
ST. JEAN BAPTISTE HIGH SCHOOL
Maria Cassano, CND, Principal
Alla Anne Boyle, CND
Simone Camiré, CND
Mary Caplice, CND
Rosemary Cianciolo, CND
Eileen Good, CND, Bursar
IN RESIDENCE
Anthony Marshall, SSS
Thomas Mella, SSS
Michael O’Leary, SSS
Michael Perez, SSS
William Young, SSS
St Jean Baptiste High School
173 EAST 75 STREET, NY, NY 10021
212-288-1645
www.stjean.org
Toddler Play Group 212-472-2853, ext. 2
Religious Education 212-288-5082, ext. 30
IN RESIDENCE
Anne Conlon, CND
Nancy Downing, CND
Margaret Doyle, CND
Helen Klimeck, CND
Ann Marie Levangie, CND
Catherine O’Shea, CND
SUPPORT STAFF
Robert Addison
Manuel Batista
Haydee De la Cruz
Francisco Francisco
María Martínez
Wilfredo Ortiz
Isaac Quansah
José Reyes
PARISH OFFICE
212-288-5082
184 East 76 Street, NY, NY 10021
sjbrcc@yahoo.com / www.stjeanbaptisteny.org