OUR LADY OF GRACE ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH 100-05 159th AVENUE, HOWARD BEACH, NY 11414

Rev. Marc Swartvagher, Pastor Rev. Mr. Alexander Breviario, Parish Deacon

PARISH OFFICE 100-05 159th Avenue

Howard Beach, NY 11414 (718)– 843-6218

fax (718) 738-8208 Monday to Friday 9:30 a.m.- 5:00 p.m.

www.olghb.org olghowardbeach@nyc.rr.com

AVE MARIA CATHOLIC ACADEMY Ms. Marybeth McManus, Principal

158-20 101st Street Howard Beach, NY 11414

(718) 848-7440 www.AMCAhb.org info@AMCAhb.org

OFFICE OF RELIGIOUS EDUCATION Mrs. Jeanne Antonino, Director

158-20 101st Street Howard Beach, NY 11414

(718) 835-2165 www.olghb.org / education

jmaolgdre@gmail.com

MASS SCHEDULE—Monday to Saturday at 8:30 a.m.

Saturday Vigil at 5:00 pm., Sunday at 8:00 a.m., 10:00 a.m., 12 Noon & 7:00 p.m.

MASS INTENTIONS

Sunday, January 1, 2017-Solemnity of Mary, The Holy Mother of God

Nm 6:22-27/Ps 67/Gal 4:4-7/Lk 2:16-21 5:00 pm Mr.and Mrs. Dalton and Family Saturday By Daughter Vigil Anthony and Filomena Iazzo By Steve and Sue LeMoine Delia Acosta Rodriguez By Joanne Vargas

8:00 am People of Parish 10:00 am Carmen A. Campisi By Nella and George Guarrella 12:00 Noon Patrick Dalton By Wife and Family 7:00 pm Thomas Mackey By The Michel Family Monday, January 2, 2017-St. Basil the Great & Gregory Nazianzen, Bishops

1 Jn 2:22-28/Ps 98/Jn 1:19-28 8:30 am Anna Gioia By Vita Valenti

Tuesday, January 3, 2017

1 Jn 2:29--3:6/Ps 98/Jn 1:29-34 8:30 am Paul and Luigi Trinchese By Family Wednesday, January 4, 2017 1 Jn 3:7-10/Ps 98/Jn 1:35-42 8:30 am Mr. Guglielmo By Corozzo Family Thursday, January 5, 2017 1 Jn 3:11-21/Ps 100/Jn 1:43-51 8:30 am Dick Gutzman By Arthur and Bernadette Tracy Friday, January 6, 2016

1 Jn 5:5-13/Ps 147/Mk 1:7-11 or Lk 3:23-28 8:30 am Purgatorial Society

Saturday, January 7, 2017

1 Jn 5:14-21/Ps 149/Jn 2:1-11 8:30 am In Honor of Padre Pio By Martina Frandina

MASS INTENTIONS (cont’d)

Sunday, January 8, 2017-The Epiphany of Our Lord

Is 60:1-6/Ps 72/Eph 3:2-3a, 5-6/Mt 2:1-12 5:00 pm St. Anthony and St. Padre Pio Saturday (for health) Vigil Frank Fiore By Fiore Family Dorothee Misuraca By Tom and Alice Healy Michele, Filomena and Benedetto By Vita Valenti and Family Robert O’Boyle By John and Adele Daab 8:00 am Vincent Luisi By Family 10:00 am William Sexton By Family 12:00 Noon 50th Wedding Anniversary Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Miele (Vow Renewal) 7:00 pm People of Parish

January 1, 2017

Solemnity of Mary, The Holy Mother of God

The Sanctuary Lamp this week is in memory

of

EDWARD SAVINO

Requested by Peggy and Ray Flynn

ANTHONY STABILE Please pray for him and the consolation of faith for him and his family.

This week, the Bread and Wine, is in memory of

THOMAS MACKEY

Requested by Eriquez Family

WE CELEBRATE THE SACRAMENTS

EUCHARIST: Sunday: 5:00 pm (Saturday), 8:00 am, 10:00 am, 12 noon and 7:00 pm Monday to Saturday: 8:30 am RECONCILIATION: Saturdays: 4:00 pm to 4:30 pm and by appointment BAPTISMS: Baptisms are held the second Sunday of the month at 2:00 pm. Please call the Rectory to schedule an appointment with Fr. Marc Swartvagher to arrange the Baptism. MARRIAGE: Engaged couples must call the Rectory for an appointment at least SIX months prior to scheduling a wedding date. ANOINTING Anyone who expects to be hospitalized may come for an Anointing of the Sick after the 8:30 am Mass OF THE SICK on Saturdays. If it is an emergency, please call the Rectory.

MISSION STATEMENT

Our Lady of Grace is a faith-filled community, spanning many generations. Nourished by the

Body and Blood of Christ, we accept Jesus’ invitation to “Come, follow Me.” As Christ’s

presence in the world, we continue to build our relationship with God through loving service to others. We strive to bring forth the unique gifts of our parish family and to spread the Gospel for

the greater glory of God.

PRAYERS AND INTENTIONS Please pray for the sick members of our parish:

Louis Barillaro, Patrick Connolly, Joseph Criscuola Jr., Bill Esposito, Msgr. William Flood, Matthew Gendron, James Hantzepetros, Marie Hoffman, Kathleen Krieg,

Kaudia Krieg, Baby Joseph Love, Anna Maffettone, Barbara Marcone, William Masino, Eileen Monteleone,

Angela Parrino, Anthony Patti, Dolores Pullara, David Salerno, Roseann Salerno, Antonina Tambene, Debbie Tufano,

Denise Tully

Parishioners will be listed on the “Prayers and Intentions” list for one month, unless the Rectory is notified by a family member to keep the

name listed for a longer period of time.

Dear Parishioners, January 1st, the celebration of New Year, offers us the possibility to evaluate our lives and reform ourselves upon the things that are important. Very often we come to this day and make resolutions that are intended to help us grow and become a better version of who we are. During our discernment, many of us make promises concerning diet and exercise, while others commit to working on relationships and other areas of our lives. When we make these New Year’s resolutions from the context of Faith, we are invited to consider the invitation of the Lord to personal holiness. The Good Jesus preached and modeled the life of this goodness and encourages each of us to a holiness of life:

“Be you therefore perfect, even as your heavenly Father is perfect.” (Gal.5:12)

As we make our New Year resolutions for the coming year, I encourage a renewed commitment to prayer and witnessing to the values and traditions that define each of us as a Disciple of the Lord. This year, you might consider starting a new personal devotion, like the family rosary or pray the Novena to the Miraculous Medal each week. (A copy of this novena is included in this bulletin.) Whatever it is that you decide, remember, God blesses our efforts and is kind and merciful to those who live the virtues of faith, hope and love. A happy, healthy and blessed New Year to all!

Yours in Christ and Through Our Lady,

Fr. Marc Swartvagher

A MESSAGE FROM OUR PASTOR….

Bulletin Ads If you would like to advertise in our bulletin, please call

Paul Kerwick (LPI) at 516-673-6301

Ministry/Group Contact Information

Altar Linens Society Deacon Alex 917-214-0760 AlexBnyc@aol.com

Altar Servers Deacon Alex 917-214-0760 AlexBnyc@aol.com

Bereavement Dorothy Leocadi Please contact Rectory

CYO Basketball Sean Roberts Please contact Rectory

CYO Soccer Dr. Jerry Antonino Please contact Rectory

Early Childhood Edu Susan Murray 718-848-0157

Festival Choir and Adult Choir

Joan Delahunt Please contact Rectory

Folk Music Group Rich D’Auria 917-603-1903

almosthomemusic@hotmail.com

Girl Scouts Ann Antignani 718-835-1081

Lectors Jennifer Lynch Please contact Rectory

Men’s Group Deacon Alex 917-214-0760 AlexBnyc@aol.com

Ministers of Holy Communion

Deacon Alex 917-214-0760 AlexBnyc@aol.com

Ministry of Care & Service

Jeannie Ruvolo 718-845-6635

Rosary Society Millie Muller Please contact Rectory

Scripture Sharing Sue Finnegan luz8100duff@gmail.com

Youth Choir Steven Eriquez 917-836-4985

Youth Ministry Steven Eriquez 917-836-4985

PARISH STAFF & DIRECTORY

Parish Staff

Pastor: Rev. Marc Swartvagher

Pastor Emeritus: Rev. Anthony M. Rucando

Parish Deacon: Rev. Mr. Alexander Breviario

Director of Religious Education: Mrs. Jeanne Antonino

Director of Music Ministries: Ms. Joan Delahunt

Coordinators of the Ministry of Care & Service

Southwest Queens Friendly Visiting Program is looking for volunteers for weekly visits with home-

bound older adults. If you are would like to volunteer at least one hour once a week, please call

Mary Browne at 917-306-2546.

Foundations for Ministry Program

Are you thinking about volunteering for a parish ministry? Are you already in ministry or part of the Parish Pastoral Council but need an update on the teachings of the Catholic Church? Perhaps the Pastoral Institute’s Foundations for Ministry Program is for you! This 10-week program, designed for adults, covers a different topic each week. For example, The Emerging Role of the Laity; Jesus: His Message, His Ministry; and One Church, Many Faces. Classes begin in January and are offered in Brooklyn and Queens.

If you are interested, please ask Fr. Marc for a copy of the registration form or go to:http://diocese ofbrook-lyn.org/get-involved/pastoral-institute/foundations-ministry/ for more info and to register. Registrations on-line only! For more information, please contact the Pastoral Institute at 718-281-9556 or at pastoralinstiute@diobrook.org.

Lay Ministry Conference

As part of the diocesan recognition of Lay Ministry Sunday, the Pastoral Institute is offering a special opportunity to gather on Saturday, February 25th at Andrew Avellino Parish, 35-60 158th St, Flushing (Northern Boulevard between 157 and 158 Streets) from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. Valerie Torres, PhD, Adjunct Professor at Fordham University, will speak on ministering to the family in light of Amoris Laetitia, Pope Francis’ Apostolic Letter. Lunch will be provided. Prior registration is required. If you plan to attend, please contact Fr. Marc prior to February 18th.

The New Year’s Day Mass Schedule (The Solemnity of Mary)

is the same as our usual Sunday Mass Schedule - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

The rectory office will be closed on Monday, January 2nd

“Peter’s ‘Postles” Men’s Ministry

Tuesdays 7:30 pm

Come and join the men of Our Lady of Grace and St. Helen parishes as we read and discuss the upcoming weekend’s Scripture readings. We meet every Tuesday at 7:30 pm for two hours of Christian fellowship with a desire to deepen our understanding of faith and our belief in Jesus Christ. Young or old are welcome to join us! Coffee, water, cookies or donuts are usually available. Our Meetings alternate between both parishes on a weekly basis. Please call Deacon Alex Breviario at 917-214-0760 for additional information or the on-going meeting schedule.

Advocate for the Disabled Are you in need of assistance for someone with

disabilities or special accommodations? If so, please contact Mary Jo Hennessy at 646-348-0698.

You are invited to a Holy Hour with Benediction

in our church every Wednesday evening from 7:30 pm—8:30 pm.

Please note the OLG Youth Group will resume their meetings on Fridays in the community room from 7:30 pm-9:30 pm

beginning on January 6th. For information about our Youth Group, please text or call: Steven Eriquez at 917-836-4985.

The OLG Ministry of Care and Service will reopen on Tuesday, January 3, 2017. The pantry is located at

158-08 101 Street and is open on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10:30 am— 1:00 pm.

718-845-6635

Missionary Discipleship: Encounter Jesus and Spread the Good News

Join Catholic Distance University’s Allan F. Wright for this 3-week seminar offered January 23 to February 13, 2017. Explore the Holy Father’s call and challenge to Catholics to live out our relation-ship with Jesus through the lens of a missionary in our everyday lives. Learn how every baptized Catholic can answer his call in their homes, families, church and ministries to better know Christ and make him known to others.

Enroll today for just $30! Use the promo code CDU15BROOKLYN when prompted to qualify for the $30 rate. To register, please go to: https://cdu.catalog.instructure.com/ This course is offered for 1 CEU (10 Living and Lead-ing by Faith credit hours.)

Charis Seekers’ Retreat for Young Adults Saturday, January 7th

Come, celebrate the New Year with a “New You” on Epiphany Weekend, Saturday, January 7th from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm. Join with other young adults (ages 20-39) for a day of conferences, prayer, fellowship and Mass, sponsored by the Sisters of St. Joseph Office of Young Adult Ministry. The retreat will be held at the St. Joseph Worker House in Jamaica Estates. Cost is $45 ($20 for college students.) Financial assistance is available. Please contact Sr. Marie Mackey, CSJ at csjmack@gmail,com or call 718-791-7911.

Mommy & Me 12 Months—2

Years

Pre-Nursery 2-3 Years

Please call Susan Murray at 718-848-0157 or 718-570-6483

Howard Beach Senior Center 718-738-8100

The Center will hold a Dance Party every Tuesday. A hot lunch from Russo’s on the Bay will be served at noon. Dancing to a DJ will start at 1:00 pm. Refreshments served.

Every Friday from 1:00—3:00 pm the Center will have Karaoke by Fernando. Come join the fun!

The Rosary Society will celebrate Mass together on Sunday, January 8 at 10:00 am. Their meeting will follow in the school auditorium. New members welcome!

Thank you to everyone who contributed to the beauty of our church this Christmas season! Below is a partial list of those parishioners who made flower donations. The list is continued from last week and will continue in next week’s bulletin:

In Memory of:

Deceased Members of Our Family by Mr. and Mrs. Peter Butler Eugene Corcoran, Sr., Mary and John Keller by Eleanor Corcoran The Curiale and Bertolo Families by Mr. and Mrs. Carlo Curiale Deceased Members of the Dearing and Panzarella Families by Mr. And Mrs. Mark Dearing The Molini, Marchesano and Monteleone Families by Eileen Monteleone Edward Sinisgalli, Sr., Frank Barretta, Mr. and Mrs. Victor Sinisgalli, Sr., Mr. and Mrs. Leonard Varvano by Mr. and Mrs. Edward Sinisgalli Deceased Members of the Hayes and Mangialardi Families by Mr. and Mrs. Nick Mangialardi George Iannone, Sr., and the Beltrani, Iannone and Nemeth Families by Mrs. George Iannone, Sr. Deceased Members of the Petrzelka Family, Vincent and Jimmy Luisi by Mr. and Mrs. George Petrzelka Jimmy and Vincent Luisi, George and Jules Adams by Mrs. Vincent Luisi Ernest Esposito and the Emmett Famiy by Eileen Esposito Michael Leone, Edith, Michael and Madeline Scavetti, Robert Egidi, Fay and Angelo Leone by Joann Leone Alessandro Valenti, Padre Caetano Savoca, Tommaso and Carmela Savoca and Leonardo and Carmela Valenti by Vita Valenti Frank Ambrosino, Andrew and Mildred Fall, Stephen Ambrosino, Evelyn Rios and Mamie Yeres by Rosalie Ambrosino Deceased Members of the Mestrandrea and Guzzo Families by Mr. and Mrs. Robert Mestrandrea Francesca Falzarano by Mr. and Mrs. Lorenzo Esposito Marion Cox, Lorraine Lynch, Deceased Members of the Mergler Family, Benjamin and Mary Davis by Barbara Mergler Theresa Sgrizzi, Carlo Sgrizzi, Marie Brindisi and Anthony DeRosa by Susan Sgrizzi Mr. and Mrs. John DiLeo by Anna Nastasio Vincent Nastasio by Anna Nastasio Members of the Notaro and Ilarda Families and Giuseppe Ilarda by Mr. and Mrs. Giuseppe Ilarda Mr. and Mrs. Ariston de Los Reyes and Mrs. and Mrs. Pacincia Aquino by Mr. and Mrs. Rudolfo Aquino Michael McCauley by Maryann McCauley Connie Vignola and Emilia Lopez by Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Vignola Angela and Anthony Castellano, Carolina Fusco, Silvestro Fusco by Mr. and Mrs. Luigi DeFalco Louis D’Angelo and Carmine D’Angelo by Mr. and Mrs. Philip Dire James Newman, Amanda Newman and Fay and Ben Dondiego by Mrs. James Newman Carmine Mendolia by Suzanne Mendolia The Lemonis (Grandma), Palazzo , Listorti and Pecoraro Families by Mr. and Mrs. Alex Monioudis Philip Moschella and Elwood Louer by Mr. and Mrs. Robert Andresen Mary Arrigali and Antonio Scibilia by Mr. and Mrs. Bart Scibilia Bea and Joe SanPhillipo by Mr. and Mrs. James SanPhillipo Lucy Buonin Contri, Ida Conti, Madeline Conti and Vincent Conti, Sr. by Vincent J. Conti Jovita and Heriberto Figueroa by Mr. and Mrs. Robert Marte Gerard Kerins, Vito Rubino, Richard Smith and Carolyn Jacobs by Lois Kerins Rose and Peter Della Iacono, Angelina and Raffaele Carlo, Della Iacono and Inzetta Families and Carlo and DeLuca Families by Mr. and Mrs. Michael Carlo Mr. and Mrs. Frank Patruno, Mr. and Mrs. Carlo Gulino, Mr. and Mrs. Michael Perna and Mr. and Mrs. Michael Pitoscia by Mr. and Mrs. Carl Patruno

In Memory of:

Christine Marino by the Sambriski Family Patricia and William Beaumont and Frank Calise by Mr. and Mrs. Robert Calise Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Myers and Mr. and Mrs Thomas Crawford by Mr. and Mrs. Edward Myers Frank Boccio Jr, Marie and Joseph Cordo, Richard Cordo, Joseph and Dorothy Cordo by Elayne Boccio Anthony Pedone, Joseph D’Alleva, Gaspere D’Amico, Josephine D’Amico and Sons by Jean Pedone Jack and Helen Iannazzo, Raffael and Anna Zuccaro by Mr. and Mrs. Michael Iannazzo The Healy and Zambiasi Families by Mr. and Mrs. Tom Healy Beni Tambene and Angelo Villello by Antonina Tambene Girolamo, Ronaldo and Juo Teri and Angela Villello by James Teri Concetta and Salvatore, Egidio and Egidia, Maria and Alfio, Francesco and Maria by Mr. and Mrs. Franco Emanuele Vincenzo Proce, Regina and Joe Proce, Angela and John Masiello, Maria Amendolara by Maria Proce Celeste Palladino, Felice Palladino and John Mullaly by Mr. and Mrs. John Mullaly The Brosokas and Daab Families by Mr. and Mrs. John Daab Bill Azzoli, Anthony and Ann Grassi, Henrietta Salpietro and John Grassi by Mr and Mrs. William Azzoli Lawrence Scafo by Valerie Gunther Sarah and Joseph Calderaro by Mr. and Mrs. Philip Ruffino The Cassi and Marcinkiewicz Familes by Mr. and Mrs. Robert Marcinkiewicz Stella Vincenzo G.S.F and Family and Santa Rosa Cigino and Family by Mr and Mrs. Giuseppe Sorbara The Misuraca and Iazzo Families by Mr and Mrs. Stephen Misuraca Rafaele Lacotta and Carlo Corso and Famly by V Castaldo The Lorenzo, Baldasare and Castaldo Families by V. Castaldo The Ventre and Favilla Families by Celeste Ventre William Sexton and Lisa Richter by Gloria Sexton Stacia Murphy, Dorothy Murphy, Frances Edmonds and Mary Klepacki by Barbara Edmonds Luigi Boccia by Maria Boccia Richard and Helen Lanigan by daughter, Carolyn Hofmann Gene B. Lawless, and the Lukosevicius, Empakeris and Arlauskas Families by Audre Lukosevicius The Fusco and Del Genio Families by Pina Del Genio

In Honor of:

Onore della Madonna Immacolata e la Sacra Famiglia di Nazaret by Lucrezia Benincasa

In Thanksgiving:

Mr. and Mrs. Antonio Freitas Mr. and Mrs. Howard T. Gould Mr. and Mrs. Luis Amorim Mr. and Mrs. Angelo Romanelli Mr. and Mrs. Giuseppe Schimmenti Mr. and Mrs. Francis Lombardi Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Romero Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Rapisardi Mr. and Mrs. Philip Limitone Mr. and Mrs. Angelo Schiano Mrs. Maria Mascetti Mr. Steven Eriquez Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Iannone Mr. and Mrs. Leo Marinconz Mr. and Mrs. Steven Amalfitano Mr. and Mrs. Antonio Firmino Mary Kerins Mr. and Mrs. Stephano DiMaiolo Joseph Donofrio Mr. and Mrs. Steven Iannuzzi Victor Aguece Mr. and Mrs. Edward Kampermann Mr. and Mrs. John Onolfi Mr. and Mrs. Alban Sardzinski