St. John the Baptist R. C. Church 895 Piermont Avenue Piermont, New York 10968

www.stjohnspiermont.org stjohnrectory2@optonline.net 845-359-0078

September 27, 2015

Dear Parishioners,

Hundreds of thousands had turned out to attend the open mass celebrated by Pope Francis in Holguín in Cuba on 21 Septem-

ber, including the current president, Raúl Castro, and the president of Argentina, Cristina Fernández de Kirchner. The Pope said that the faithful are called by virtue of our Christian vocation to that service which truly serves, and to help one another and not to be tempted by a 'service' which is really 'self-serving.' Speaking in his native Spanish, the Pope added: 'There is a way to go about serv-ing which is interested in only helping 'my people,' in the name of 'our people,' he said. 'This service always leaves 'your people' out-side, and gives rise to a dynamic of exclusion,' according to the National Catholic Reporter. The inner theme of the Liturgy of the Word today is 'Tolerance'. This theme is very close to the heart of our Holy Father. The com-passion of Christ of the Gospels, broke down most stringent barri-ers of the Palestine of His days. The story in the first reading from the Book of Numbers centers on two men Eldad and Medad who were inexplicably absent when the outpouring of the spirit took place at the tent of meeting. Since they had been designated to be a part of the group, the spirit of Moses comes to rest on them within the camp itself. The stand-off between Joshua, the trusted aide, and Moses is unusual. Moses' response is clear. Exception should not be taken to the two men's being gifted outside the ordinary proce-dure. We might ask: Why was the event, rather insignificant in itself, preserved in Israelite tradition? Exodus events became part of tradition because of either their importance or their relevance to some later set of circumstances. The disagreement between Joshua and Moses may be a reason for its preservation. It is quite likely, however, that the story took on particular signifi-cance at a later time when there were strong efforts to institutional-ize the charism of prophecy. There were recognized groups of prophets in Israel whose membership was clearly determined (1 Sam 10:10-13). Prophet Amos would declare that he did not belong to the band of prophets. The narrative in Numbers does not favor placing limits to the action of the spirit; Moses encourages an atti-tude of tolerance. In the Gospel of Mark, Jesus argues that anyone engaged in exor-cism, in his name, even through not part of his company, is in-volved in a good work. He should not be impeded. At the very least, it is unlikely that an authentic adversary of the evil one would at the same time be opposed to Jesus. In the clear "black and white" lines of Semitic thought, the one who is not my adversary is my ally. Tolerance is a more accepted virtue today than it was in years past. For example, to speak of religious tolerance at one time connoted a form of indifference. The word suffered from another ailment as well. Toleration often meant simply "to put up with, to endure." It was passive and lacked any positive thrust. The idea of tolerance is best understood as opposed to bigotry or racism. Its best synonym is inclusiveness, which connotes a breadth of vision.

As today's scripture tells us, no restriction can be placed on God's action. Tolerance also means inclusiveness for people of other races, faiths and traditions. The word means many things for many people. But basically it has to mean a broadening of vision and an opening of heart. The reason for this tolerance, compassion and openness is the love of Christ.

Fr. Tom Kunnel C.O.

THE SANCTUARY LAMP Is Being Offered Today

In Memory of

Diana Fumuso

By Janet Zahn

Please remember in your prayers the Sick and/or Homebound of our Parish Family. Theresa Veen, John Miraglia, Bill Stein, Francis and Mary Conka, Sr., Martin Casey, Ken Yelonek, (all Giblin’s rela-tives), John Set (Deacon Bob Pang’s uncle), Gerri Sherwood, Ginny Tercer, Marcelo Giuliante, Arys Ramos, Connie Lynch, Bo DiFrancesca, Mary Ner-ger (Helen Spagnolo’s niece) As a Parish Family, let us remember in our prayers all our beloved departed members of our Parish Community, Anthony Berardi, Vivian Kelly, Joan Wheeler, Vita DeRosa (Ann Ely’s Sister), James Boylan, Diana Fumuso, Gloria Ravo, Joan Glynn Murphy PLEASE ADVISE THE RECTORY (359-0078) WHEN-EVER A PARISHIONER BECOMES HOMEBOUND, ILL, OR HOSPITALIZED SO ARRANGEMENTS CAN BE MADE FOR A PRIEST, DEACON OR EUCHARISTIC MINISTER TO VISIT AND BRING COMMUNION TO THEM.

Sat. 09/26 5:00 PM Joan Kennedy By Donohue Family Sun 09/27 8:00 AM Magnolia Velez By Gensel Family 10:30 AM Michele Arroyo By Nancy & Sonny DiCasoli Mon 09/28 8:00 AM Margaret Adams & William Hanley B. Adams Hanley Tue 09/29 8:00 AM Vita De Rosa By Helen, Anthony & Kathy Koza Wed 09/30 8:00 AM Elizabeth Koza By Helen, Anthony & Kathy Koza Thu 10/01 8:00 AM the Giblins By Giblin Family Fri 10/02 8:00 AM Veronica Ely By Anna Ely Sat 10/03 9:00 AM James Doherty By Hugh & Bridget Boyle 5:00 PM Helen & Richard Laughlin By Mildred Oslica Sun 10/04 8:00 AM Magnolia Velez By Gensel Family 10:30 AM Regina Miraglia By Jake Miraglia & Family

W E E K I N F O C U S

LITURGICAL MINISTERS— October 3- 4, 2015

Classes began last week and we are off to another exciting year. Two new catechists have joined us. Christine Mooney, who is certified in Levels I and II by the Archdiocese, is teaching one of our sixth grades. R. Isabel Ramos is sharing her ex-pertise with our class of older children who are preparing for First Communion. In addition, sev-eral new assistants have come to join our minis-try. Edith Nova, Amy Ramundo and Cathy Palaia-Caltigirone are now part of the program. We may also be getting some help from young people who are earning Community Service hours for their schools. Our first Family Mass for the year was a welcome treat for young and old alike. Our next one is scheduled for Sunday, October 18th at 10:30 am. Special kudos to our singer/musician Rick Moson who provides lively kid-friendly music. REMINDER OF CLASS TIMES: Sunday mornings: Grades 1-5 (English) 9-10:30 am Pre-School/Kindergarten 10:30-11:15 am Grades 1, 2 and older (Spanish) 11:30 am-1 pm Monday evenings: Grades 6, 7, 8 meet from 6:30-8 pm

Time Lectors Eucharistic Ministers Altar Servers

5:00 PM Oscar Nordstrom Diana Gensel Lana Pontone Ryan Brady

8:00 AM Lucy Bosco Betsy Feeney Shane Cawley Paige Gillen

10:30 AM Jeanine Kennedy Janet Zahn Gerry Caltagirone Leah Dillon

1:00 PM Carlos Hernandez Marlene Lemus Mario Zmora Hilda Alarcon

Micaela Lucero Nelson Zamora Irma Vasquez

Michael Perez Kelly Perez Dayanna Garcia

Sun. 9/27

9:00AM English Relig Ed

9:30AM Spanish RCIA

11AM Baptism Prep Spanish

11:30AM Spanish Relig Ed

11:30AM Legion of Maria

7PM AA Meeting

Mon. 9/28

10AM Funeral

1PM CDA Knitting

6:30PM Relig Ed

Tues 9/29

10AM Scripture Class

7PM Baptism Prep Spanish

7PM Parish Council Mtg

7PM Bible Study Spanish

7PM Altar Server Prep and Practice

Wed. 9/30 1:30PM Piermont Senior Mtg

7PM Spanish Choir Practice

Thur 10/1

1PM CDA Knitting

7PM Spanish Choir Practice

7PM Rios de Agua Viva

Fri . 10/2

8:30AM Adoration

10AM Friday Renew Group

5PM Adoration

7PM Spanish Pray Group

7:PM Youth Group

7:30PM Benediction/Confessions

Sat. 10/3 4:15PM Music Rehearsal

Jesus

The Collection for 9/20 was $5254

300 Club Draw ing 9 /6 /2015

# 2 4 5 C h r i s C a p e z z u t o 9 / 1 3 / 2 0 1 5

# 1 4 6 M i k e R y a n 9 / 2 0 / 2 0 1 5

# 7 9 C a t h y B a z a l a

The Altar Flowers were

donated by Nancy Zoebelein

Thank you!

St. John the Baptist Church

First Friday,

October 2, 2015

Eucharistic Adoration

You are welcome to come spend time in

Adoration of the

Blessed Sacrament Morning 8:30am to 10:00 am

Evening 5:00 pm to 7:30pm

Followed by

Benediction from 7:30pm to 8:30pm (opportunity to receive the sacrament of

reconciliation during Benediction)

23rd Rockland County Life Chain ”All Life is Sacred”

Sunday, October 4th, 2015 2PM—3:30 PM

Routet 59, Nanuet

Stand & Be Counted Bring your entire family!

Bring a baby item to help moms in need.

For more info please call Ed Ilarra 914-469-8861

or Eileen Petersen 845-492-6709

Simple Ways to Pass

A Moral Code on to Your Children at

Home

St. Francis of Assisi Church, Radar Hall

128 Parrott Road, West Nyack,St.

Mon. Oct. 5th, 7-8:30 PM Presenter: Sue DiSisto

This program is for anyone who cares deeply about helping children develop morally. It teaches how to make the right choices and the effects of those choices in their lives for years to come. This presentation in-cludes prayer, discussion topics and simple exercises.

Harvest Book Brunch

Dennis P. McHugh Piermont Public Library

Sunday, October 18, 1-3 PM

Complimentary food and drink

Books in a variety of genres are presented by local authors.

One of the readers will feature our own Anna Hickey

As a character in an upcoming book.

Registration is required—845-359-4595

Don Bosco Prep Open House Tuesday, Oct 1

From 6:30 to 8:30 PM

Members of the School community will host formal and in-formal sessions throughout campus highlighting many school aspects including academic excellence, admissions, spiritual vitality, leadership training and athletic distinction.

Our Family Mass

Pope Francis

Pope Francis in the US

“ …When it comes to the care of our "common home", we

are living at a critical moment of history. We still have time to make the changes needed to bring about "a sustainable and integral development, for we know that things can change" (Laudato Si', 13). Such change demands on our part a serious and responsible recognition not only of the kind of world we may be leaving to our children, but also to the millions of people living under a system which has over-looked them. … We know by faith that "the Creator does not abandon us; he never forsakes his loving plan or repents of having created us. Humanity still has the ability to work to-gether in building our common home" (Laudato Si', 13). As Christians inspired by this certainty, we wish to commit our-selves to the conscious and responsible care of our common home. The efforts which were recently made to mend broken relationships and to open new doors to cooperation within our human family represent positive steps along the path of reconciliation, justice and freedom. I would like all men and women of good will in this great nation to support the efforts of the international community to protect the vulnerable in our world and to stimulate integral and inclusive models of development, so that our brothers and sisters everywhere may know the blessings of peace and prosperity which God wills for all his children…”

Una Tarde de Oración,

Intercesión y Sanación

Muchos de nosotros hemos sido tocados por el abor-to. Nuestra comunidad Hispana tendrá una tarde de oración, intercesión y sanación para sanar las heridas del aborto, el 17 de octubre en la Iglesia San José, 333 Sneden Place West en la ciudad de Spring Valley en el condado de Rockland. Habrá exposición del Santísimo, el Santo Rosario, el sacramento de la reconciliación, testi-monios de personas afectadas por el aborto que serán leídos por voluntarios, y celebraremos la Santa Misa. Para más información, favor de comunicarse con Sidia Cortés al 845-561-2199.

Para los cursos pre-bautismales llamar a: Alex Aguilar 845-480-1502 y Natalia Lemus 845-480-1682. Los cursos se dan previa cita los martes 7pm y domingos 11am.

Numeros 11:25-29, Salmo 181; Santiago 5:1-6; Marcos 9:38-43, 45, 47-48.

NUESTRO DIOS PRODIGO Nos toca volver a aprender una y otra vez cuán pródigo es nuestro Dios. Es como si Dios no pudiera decir “no”. Por supuesto, que estamos de acuerdo cuando Dios es pródigo conmigo —rico en misericordia y perdón, generoso con su gracia. Pero cuando se trata del otro—¿el enemigo, el peca-dor, el hereje, el excluído? Pues entonces queremos que Dios sea tan tacaño con esa persona como yo soy. Moisés y Josué también querían un mundo así de convenien-te. Se preguntaban cómo es que el espíritu de Dios se había posado sobre los dos que no se asparecieron a la reunión—la Iglesia de hoy. Y los apóstoles en el Evangelio se quejaron porque habían unos haciendo milagros que en definitiva no eran seguidores de Jesús. La extensa y libre generosidad de Dios los confundió a todos. Que así sea, dice Jesús. Por su parte, ustedes que guían a otros, continúen siendo dignos de su vocación.

Lunes: Zac 8:1-8; Sal 101:16-21, 29, 22-23; Lc 9:46-50 Martes: Dn 7:9-10, 13-14 o Ap 12:7-12a; Sal 137:1-5; Jn 1:47-51 Miércoles: Neh 2:1-8; Sal 136:1-6; Lc 9:57-62 Jueves: Neh 8:1-4a,5-6, 7b-12; Sal 18-8-11; Lc 10:1-12 Viernes: Bar 1:5-22;Sal 78:1b-5,, 8-9; Mt 18:1-6, 10 Sábado: Bar 4:5-12, 27-29; Sal 68:33-37; Lc 10:17-24

Welcome Steven Valdez Congratulations to the parents and godparents of Steven Valdez. Amados hijo de Dios, que el bau-tismo es el comienzo de una vida de fe y un cora-

zón lleno de bondad y de amor. Dios los bendiga a ustedes y siempre.

Canonization of

Junipero Serra

Francisco canonizado el primer hispano , Junípero Serra, en la Basílica del Santuario Nacional de la In-maculada Concep-

ción el Miércoles, 23 de septiembre 2015 , la primera canonización en suelo estadounidense. San Serra fue en gran parte responsable de la fundación y la propagación de la Iglesia en la Costa Oeste de los Estados Unidos cuando todavía era territorio de misión . Fundó veintiún misiones y miles de indios conver-tidos . Los conversos se les enseñó métodos de sonido de la agricultura , el cuidado del ga-nado , y las artes y la artesanía. La canon-ización de Serra es una oportunidad para re-cordar a los estadounidenses de su pasado his-pánico , sino también para proporcionar un contexto histórico a las cuestiones de inmi-gración. El Vaticano ve Serra casi un santo patrón de la inmigración .

“La familia que vive la alegría de la fe la co-

munica de manera natural. Esa familia es la

sal de la tierra y la luz del mundo; es la

levadura de la sociedad”. Papa Francisco

M I N I S T R I E S & C H A I R P E R S O N S O F O U R P A R I S H

Buildings & Grounds Pat Miele, Alex Aguilar, Paul Johnson Deanery Maureen O’Connell Eucharistic Adoration Deacon Robert Pang Finance Philip W. McCartin Health Ministry Mary Loftus Hispanic Community Micaelina Maldonado/& Geny Aguilar Hospitality Robin Miller Men’s Club Bill Loftus Ralph Olsen Ministers of Welcome Jake Miraglia Music Chris & Carolyn Yates Ted Simone & Marybeth Friel Spanish Choir Carlos Cerna Sound Engineer David Chilson Outreach Maria Nest Parish Council William Gorman Worship Ministry Dcn John Cunningham Religious Education Kathleen Dunn RCIA Dcn Robert Pang Right to Life Scott Giblin Social Kelli Chilson Spiritual Life Ministry Johanna Krumm St. Vincent De Paul Fr. Tom Kunnel

P A R I S H C O U N C I L

Kelli Chilson, Jean DeLongis, Kathleen Dunn , Bill Gorman Paul Johnson, Martina Lynch , Virginia McCauley-Cook, Maria Nest , Ralph Olsen, May Pang, Amy Ramundo, Carlos Vicente, Janet Zahn

T R U S T E E S Phil McCartin James Pontone

Our Sacramental Life

We celebrate Baptism: Please call the Rectory well in advance of the ex-pected day of Baptism to arrange an appointment for an interview. Pre-baptismal meeting for parents is required. We require all Baptismal families to be registered at St. John’s. Godparents must be confirmed, practicing Catholics. Generally Baptisms are celebrated the third Sunday of each month at 12:00 pm. We celebrate Reconciliation: Confessions are heard from 4:30-5:00 pm on Satur-day. You may also make an appointment with one of the priests. Spanish confessions is available 1st and 3rd Fridays of the month and from 12:30 –1:00 PM on Sundays. We celebrate Marriage: Marriages should be arranged at least six months in advance. Participation in Pre-Cana is essential. Please call the Rectory to schedule an appointment with one of the priests. We celebrate Anointing of the Sick: Planning to enter the hospital for elective surgery or other serious treatment, and for those who have need of spiritual healing. In an emergency, call the Rec-tory at any time. We celebrate Holy Orders: Any gentleman interested in exploring the question of vocation to the priesthood or the permanent diaconate should contact Fr. Tom Kunnel. We would also be happy to direct anyone interested in living their lives as Religious Sisters or Brothers. We celebrate the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults: We welcome you to full membership in the life of the Church. The instruction for Baptism, Confirma-tion and Eucharist for adults. If interested please contact Dcn Robert Pang.

Parish Registration: All adults (over age 21) should register in the parish themselves and should use envelopes or parishpay.com. Tithing is 5% of income. This registration is our only means of certifying anyone as a member of the parish, especially for Baptism and Confirmation sponsorship letters and for scheduling Baptisms and Weddings.

The original church had 3 altars, the main altar in the middle and 2 side altars. This is the left side altar, with the Blessed Mother statue on top and the Sacred Heart of Jesus statue on the right. The door on the left lead to the Sacristy. Under Mary is a small tabernacle, which is used after Holy Thursday Mass.