CHURCH OF THE ASCENSIONELMHURST, NEW YORK 11373

Rev. Jovito B. Carongay, Jr. - PastorRev. Kyrian C. Echekwu - Parochial Vicar

RECTORY86-13 55th AvenueTelephone: 718-335-2626FAX#: 718-335-4181Website Address:Email Address: ascensionrcchurch@gmail.com

RECTORY OFFICE HOURSMonday - Friday: 9:30 AM - 12:00 Noon

2:00 PM - 4:00 PM6:00 PM - 8:00 PM on Mon. through Friday

Secretaria Bilingue disponible en Inglés y Español por el dia.MASS SCHEDULE• SUNDAYMASSES:• Saturday: 5:00 PM Vigil• Sunday: 8:30, 10:30 AM & 12 NoonLa misa en Español: 1:15 PM

• WEEKDAYMASSES:• Monday - Friday: 7:00, 9:00 AM• Saturday: 9:00 A.M.• HOLYDAY MASSES:• As announced in bulletinBAPTISMSEnglish Baptism: 2nd Saturday of the month at 11:00 AM.English Instruction: Wednesday prior to the Baptism at 7:30P.M. in the Rectory with pre-registration one month in advance ofclassLos Bautizos en Español: Por favor llame a La Rectoria.CONFESSIONSSaturday: 4:00 to 4:50 or by appointmentMARRIAGESPlease call the Rectory office for information and registration atleast 6 months prior to the date of marriage.DEVOTIONSMiraculous Medal Novena: Following the 9:00 AM Mass onMondayASCENSION PARISH CENTER86-37 53rd AvenueParish Center Tel: (718) 335-2626Fax Number: (718) 335-4181FAITH FORMATIONMaria Gallo, DREPlease contact Rectory (718) 335-2626

ext: 13Email ascensionfaithformation1@gmail.comMUSICPeter Roland, Director of Choir/Organist (718) 335-2626

December 31, 2017The Holy Family (B)

Sir 3:2–6, 12–14 or Gn 15:1–6; 21:1–3Col 3:12–21 or Col 3:12–17 or Heb 11:8, 11–12, 17–19

Lk 2:22–40 or Lk 2:22, 39–40

Federico Barocci captured the Holy Family escaping to Egypt.Although they are refugees in a dramatic, stressful situation, hechooses to show the delightful communion among them. Marysits comfortably in the center of the family, busily collectingwater. Perhaps she will wash the cherries or the toddler’s dirtyhands. Her face, full of serenity and joy, is lost in thoughts thatgo beyond the work of the present. She is the model of so manymothers who, in spite of challenging circumstances, focus theirenergy on loving their children and creating an oasis of peace.Saint Joseph stands behind the Madonna and reaches up intothe tree to pull off a branch for the child Jesus. His strong armand hand extend straight down toward the child as they bothgrasp the wood from opposite ends—one giving and the otherreceiving. This simple domestic gesture of providing for the sonis strongly symbolic of what so many husbands and fathers doon a daily basis. Alongside their wives, they care for their fam-ilies with hard work.Jesus is next to Mary, and reaches out to Joseph. He receiveslove from both parents while returning that love with joy andgratitude.The Holy Family reflects the divine family. One day the heav-enly Father will also extend a piece of fruit— this time the bit-ter passion and the wood of the cross.Although it costs his human nature, Jesus accepts it, thanks inpart to the strength he finds in Mary.

—Fr. Mark Haydu, LC

THE SOLEMNITY OF MARY, THE HOLY MOTHER OF GOD

(Holy Day of Obligation)

Sunday, December 31st 5:00 p.m. Vigil

6:00 p.m. Vigil (Spanish)

Monday, January 1st 9:00 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 12:00 Noon, 7:00 p.m.

Please pray for the sick of our parish:

Florence Madlambayan, James & Maryann League, Philomena O’Connor, Ann Pryor, James Leung, Mauro & Ernesto Tan, Gerry Salvador, Jose Panlilio Sr., George,

Sandra P. Carvajal, Julissa Martinez, Joenel Codotco, Consuelo, Gaspar Balsamo, Rosette Au-Yeung, Joel Rivera. Please call the rectory, 718-335-2626, (or e-mail ascensionrc@aol.com) to notify us of any names that should remain or be added. The name(s) will remain on the Sick List for (4) weeks unless otherwise informed.

COLLECTION(S) JANUARY January 1st -Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God January 7th -Diocesan Mission January 21st -Fuel Offering January 28th -Churches in Need

THE HOLY FAMILY OF JESUS, MARY AND JOSEPH DECEMBER 31, 2017

MASS INTENTIONS Saturday December 30th 5:00 pm Salome Farillas Sunday December 31st 8:30 am Christmas Mass Remembrance Zenny Tan 10:30 am Carlita R. Ocaya 12 Noon Antony George (L) 1:15 pm Flor Maria Toro Ronda San Judas Tadeo Jose Merchan y Belgica Robles 5:00 pm Mr. & Mrs. Dy Kim Pong & Elena Co Dy & Family (L) & (D) 6:00 pm Edward Carbonell Jose Silvestre Ordoñez Esther Valiente de Ordoñez Freddy Chavez Cabrera Monday January 1st - The Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God 9:00 am Christmas Mass Remembrance 10:30 am Virginia Ngo (L) 12 Noon Col. Manuel E. Galvez, Mrs. Rosita S. Galvez, Manuel Nonong, Renato, Venerando, Florante & Bienvenido Galvez Tuesday January 2th - Ss. Basil the Great & Gregory Nazianzen,Bishops & Doctors of the Church NO 7:00 am Mass 9:00 am Christmas Mass Remembrance Julius & Maria Gomez (L) Wednesday January 3rd– The Most Holy Name of Jesus 7:00 am Christmas Mass Remembrance 9:00 am Diane Mosco 7:00 pm William Boetel Thursday January 4th- St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, Religious 7:00 am Christmas Mass Remembrance 9:00 am Blessed Virgin Mary Friday January 5th– St. John Neumann, Bishop 7:00 am Christmas Mass Remembrance 9:00 am Luis Fernandez & Vittorio LaBruna 7:00 pm William Boetel Saturday January 6th– St. André Bessette, Religious 9:00 am Purgatorial Society Constancia Ameve Reggie Enoveso Kathleen Evans Amparo Cariaga Abigail De La Cruz Iris Tzartes Rodrigo Hernandez Ruben Tomeldan Conrada Tomeldan William Boetel Salome Farillas Pastor G. Barrameda Alma Nitti Edward Thelian Apolinario Moredo Adoracion Luna Teresa Chanan Loreta Bravo Cervantes Flora Malabanan Baticulon Teofista Leonardo Bernardino Wenceslao & Hilda Peña Elisa Klee Amado Uy Teresita Alcantara Fabio Olzina Winifred Paul Jesus Florentino Alba Jack Pryor Christopher Yerganinan Isabel Ultra Basilisa Lim Elmira Tanoy Rosemary Toriola Mary Wieczkowski - continued -

LAST WEEK’S CHURCH OFFERINGS December 24, 2017

Due to the early sending of the bulletin(s) for publication, the above information regarding the Collection(s) will be

printed at a later date. Thank you.

RECTORY OFFICE SCHEDULE The Rectory Office will be closed from:

Saturday, December 30th through Monday, January 1st.

It will reopen on Tuesday, January 2nd, 2018.

-continued- Liberty Bramlett Dominic Okoro Edwin Aranilla Theresa Martucci Estela Canizares Alfredo & Remedios Sagarbarria Marylin Vinuya Isabel Sitchon Bernardina Guintao Arnel Guintao Jonathan Guintao Quirino Alcober Sr. Carmen Novo America Piñeiro Sara Uzcategui Christopher DeCastro Amado Francisco Clara Wong Santos Borbe Lauren Torres Guillermo Pesantes Blum Dy Kim Pong & Elena Co Dy Arsenio Alcantara Jr. Henry Co Ting Diego Raymundo Sr. Jaime Kho Tieng Esteban Guintao Se. Francis Arthur Cancel Marcelina Ira Amereufina Sacdal Valerie Balsamo Joseph Tan Tiong Tick Mary Ong Hun George Tan Rosita Tan Theodora Tan Linda Tan Be Lien Tan Annie Tan Joseph McAndrew Margarita Chua Theodomira Cuyuca Michael Johnson Eugene B. Barrins

MEMORIALS December 31st– January 6th

Altar Bread and Wine will burn for: MOREDO FAMILY (L) & (D) Requested by: Carmen Moredo

Sanctuary Lamp will burn in Loving Memory for:

AGNES BAROZIE (D)

Altar Candles will burn for:

GLORIA TANOY (L)

Memorials are available,

kindly contact Rectory Office.

ACTIVITIES/MEETINGS in the Lower Church Hall

• Couples for Christ Sun. 12/31/17 2:00 p.m. L.C.

• Zumba Mon. 01/01/18 CANCELLED • Spanish Prayer GroupTues. 01/02/18 5:00 p.m. L.C. • Zumba Wed. 01/03/18 7:00 p.m. L.C. • Spanish Choir Practice Wed. 01/03/18 8:00 p.m. L.C. • Diocesan Choir PracticeThurs. 01/04/18 8:00 p.m. L.C. • Zumba Fri. 01/05/18 6:30 p.m. L.C. • Encountered Couples Fri. 01/05/18 7:30 p.m. L.C. • 2,000 Hail Mary’s Sat. 01/06/18 8:00 a.m. L.C. • Rosary Society Sun. 01/07/18 after 10:30 a.m. Mass • Couples for Christ Sun. 01/07/18 2:00 p.m. L.C.

OUR LADY OF PERPETUAL HELP

Every Wednesday there will be a Novena for Our Lady of Perpetual Help after the 9:00 a.m. Mass. Every First Wednesday of the month there will be a 7:00 p.m. Mass in honor of Our Lady of Perpetual Help.

FIRST FRIDAY JANUARY 5 Holy Hour For Priests and Priestly Vocations Exposition and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament after 9:00 a.m. Mass.

DEVOTIONS TO: OUR LADY OF FATIMA THE MOST SACRED HEART OF JESUS THE BLACK NAZARENE

First Friday, January 5, 2018, Recitation of the Holy Rosary at 6:30 p.m. Eucharistic Celebration at 7:00 p.m.

2000 HAIL MARY’S Lower Church Hall January 6, 2018. Every First Saturday of the Month at 8:00 a.m. followed by 9:00 a.m. Mass. Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament. 2000 Hail Mary’s will resume until 4:00 p.m.

OUR LADY MARY MEDIATRIX OF ALL GRACE

Second Saturday of the month, January 13, 2018. Recitation of the Holy Rosary immediately after the 9:00 a.m. Mass.

STO. NIÑO NOVENA AND MASS Please check the bulletin for the time of Novena and

Mass. On the Feast Day of Sunday, January 21st, 2018 there will be a Procession at 3:00 p.m.,

Mass at 4:00 p.m.

LITURGY OF THE HOURS Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m.

The group gathers in the front pews on the Tabernacle side.

ASCENSION PARISH ROSARY SOCIETY Next Meeting: January 7, 2018

The Rosary Society gathers at the 10:30 a.m. Mass on the First Sunday of the month. Meeting and fellowship in the lower Church immediately

following the Mass. All ladies and men are welcome.

SPANISH PRAYER GROUP Meet: Tuesdays at 7:00 p.m. in the Lower Church. All are invited.

GRUPO DE ORACIÓN EN ESPAÑOL Reunión: martes a las 7:00 p.m. en el sótano de la Iglesia. Todos estan invitados.

LECTIO DIVINA To enhance the knowledge, understanding, and practice of Lectio Divina. Praying of the day’s Gospel and Centering Prayer will be the structure of each session. Meeting Dates 2nd and 4th Mondays of each month in the Rectory Basement from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

January 8th and January 22nd

BLACK NAZARENE NOVENA Sunday, December 31, 2017

through Tuesday, January 9, 2018

Dec. 31st 4:00 p.m. Rosary, Sto. Niño & Jesus Nazarene Novena 5:00 p.m. Mass Jan. 1st 6:00 p.m. Rosary, Novena, 7:00 p.m. Mass Jan. 2nd 6:00 p.m. Rosary, Novena, 7:00 p.m. Mass Jan. 3rd 6:00 p.m. Rosary, Novena, 7:00 p.m. Mass Jan. 4th 6:00 p.m. Rosary, Novena, 7:00 p.m. Mass

Jan. 5th 6:00 p.m. Rosary, Fatima & Jesus Nazarene Novena 7:00 p.m. Mass & Procession inside the Church Jan. 6th 5:00 p.m. Mass, 6:00 p.m. Rosary, Novena

Jan. 7th 4:00 p.m. Rosary, Sto. Niño & Jesus Nazarene Novena 5:00 p.m. Mass

Jan. 8th 6:00 p.m. Rosary, Novena 7:00 p.m. Mass Celebration: Tuesday, January 9, 2018 - 7:00 p.m. Mass

followed by Procession Rev. Jovito B. Carongay Jr.

STO. NIÑO NOVENA AND MASS

Sunday, December 31st

Holy Rosary 4:00 p.m. Mass 5:00 p.m.

I have called you by name, you are mine” Isaiah 43:1

Is God calling you? Do you want to learn more about the Catholic Faith? Are you interested in becoming part of our Catholic family?

The RCIA Process (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) is a process by which those interested in becoming a Roman Catholic Christian learn about our faith. Through interviews, classes and discussions, adults are prepared to accept the challenge of our baptism and encouraged to live the message and teachings of Jesus Christ. The RCIA process is also for those Catholics who have not been educated in our faith and have not received the Sacraments of Confirmation and Communion.

If you, or some one you know is interested in determining if God is calling you to be part of our faith community, please contact the Rectory office at 718-335-2626 to set up an appointment with one of our Priests.

FAITH FORMATION Faith Formation Classes are held on Sundays from 8:30 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. at the Parish Center followed by the 10:30 Mass. The classes run from September through May.

A new registration form MUST be completed for all present students as well as new students to attend our program. Parents must bring the following documents when registering. • Baptism Certificate • Birth Certificate if Child not baptized • If child attended Religious Education classes at another

parish a transfer letter is required

For more information about registration and information on volunteering for faith formation, please contact Mrs. Maria Gallo, DRE at 718-335-2626 ext. 13 or email at ascensionfaithformation1@gmail.com

Financial assistance for Faith Formation is available. Kindly contact Mrs. Maria Gallo, DRE.

EDUCACIÓN RELIGIOSA Inscripciones para el Programa de Educación Religiosa para el año escolar 2017-2018 serán aceptadas en la Oficina Parroquial. La fe de bautizo se requiere como prueba de bautizo para los estudiantes de primera vez.

Para más información en Español llame a la Oficina Parroquial durante el horario de día 718-335-2626. Para ayuda financiera con las inscripciones, contacten a la Sra. María Gallo, Directora.

HORARIO DE ATENCIÓN EN ESPAÑOL Día: lunes a viernes 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Noche: lunes, martes y viernes

FAITH FORMATION CALENDAR Jan. 7 - Class 8:30 a.m. –10:15 a.m. followed by Mass 10:30a.m.-11:30 a.m. Jan. 14 - NO FAITH FORMATION Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., weekend Jan. 21 - Class 8:30 a.m. –10:15 a.m. followed by Mass 10:30a.m.-11:30 a.m

Our faith community of Ascension Parish welcomes you. If you are interested in knowing more about us, please complete the section below. Detach and place in collection basket or return to the Rectory by mail or in person. Thank you. PLEASE PRINT.

Name _______________________________________ Address_____________________________________ ________________________Zip ________________ Occupation___________________________________ Telephone (h)_______________(w) ________________ E-mail ________________ Fax __________________

______ I would like to register as a parishioner. Date: _____/_______/_______

I would like information on: Sacraments for Adults _____________________________ Sacraments for Children ___________________________ Parish Ministries _________________________________

To stay informed of Parish Activities, please consult the Sunday Bulletin.

Church of the Ascension 86-13 55th Avenue Elmhurst, NY 11373

718-335-2626 ascensionrcchurch@gmail.com

READINGS FOR The Epiphany of the Lord

January 7, 2018 Isaiah The glory of the Lord shines upon you. 60:1-6

Psalm “Lord, every nation on earth will adore 72 you.”

Ephesians The Gentiles are coheirs of the promise. 3:2-3a, 5-6

Matthew We saw his star at its rising and have come 2:1-12 to do him homage.

“CLEAN CHURCH” BEFORE entering the Church, kindly throw all tissues/papers, gum, candies and or garbage in the waste receptacle. BEFORE leaving the Church make sure that you are taking any personal belongings with you. (glasses, purse, wallet, scarves, baby toys, umbrellas, etc). Following these small steps will ensure everyone a clean and litter free worship space for all to enjoy.

2017 ANNUAL CATHOLIC APPEAL Donations are still being accepted for this year’s appeal. Pledge forms are available in the Church or at the Rectory, in both English and Spanish. Up-

dated information will be included in next year’s bulletin. Remember no gift is too small! Thank you.

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718-335-2626718-335-4181

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