COVER SHEET Church name: St. Stephen the First Martyr Bulletin number: 511526 Date of publication: July12, 2020 Number of pages transmitted: 8 lnstructions: Please contact Ruthann @ cell 845-986-4028.
***50 Bulletins Please***
St. Stephen, the First Martyr Parish
To everything there is a season and a time for every purpose under Heaven…
...a time to love… Please pray for all couples
who are preparing for marriage.
...a time to be born… Please pray for all children born and unborn.
...a time to heal... Please pray for all who are ill, especially: Aurelia Albert, Camille Balsamello, Ann Briscese, Mary Lou Carbone, Paula Cornine, Tom Coughlin, Charlie Degnan, Jerry & Antonina DeMarmels, Sr., Mary Ellen Downes, Nellie Fahy, Gemma Felice-Podwol, Maria Gabor, Robert Hogan, Jean Johnson, Ted Jolivet, John Kazmarzyk, Claire Kempinger, Jack & Lynne Koval, Jennifer Lava, Ian Laroe, Rev. Peter Madori, Annmarie Malcomson, Joanne Marinello, Fr. Flor McCarthy, Brennon Michael, Baby Charlee, Glenn Muse, Mary Nelligan, Maddie Niebanck, Kathleen O’Brien, Msgr. Joaquin Olendzki, Ryan Ostrowski, Anne Pawelek, Kaelyn Pennings, Cathy Priest, John Quinn, Todd Robbins, Bucky Ross, Sharon Scannello, Mary Schlagel, Dawn Sierra, Jean Sgrizzi, Patricia Smith, Josh & Teresa Wise, and Eric Wortman and all those suffering from the Corona Virus.
...a time for war; a time for peace... Capt. Edward Dauphin, Rev. Major Paul Anthony Halladay, Collin Layng USMC, Stephen McCall, Lt. Julian Stuart, Spc. Devin Wood.
...a time to die… May the souls of all the faithful departed, through the
mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
Mass Intentions Only 9a.m. Masses will be Live Streamed
Saturday Vigil, July 11 5:00pm Sam & Ann Scarpulla
Sunday, July 12, 15th Sunday in Ordinary Time 9:00am Edward Joyce & The Downes & Finnigan Families Marian Chrzanowski
11:30am The Brodhead Family Al & Elizabeth Sanza
For the Week of July 12 Sanctuary Lamp: Helen Donnelly
Monday, July 13, St. Henry 9:00am For Our Parishioners Matthew & Emily Juliano (1st Wedding Anniversary)
Tuesday, July 14, St. Kateri Tekakwitha, Virgin 9:00am Elaine Scharfenberger Charlie Gargiulo
Wednesday, July 15, St. Bonaventure, Bishop and Doctor of the Church 9:00am Manus Owen Byrne
Thursday, July 16, Our Lady of Mount Carmel 9:00am Kathleen Bellantone Elaine Scharfenberger
Friday, July 17 9:00am James P. Joyce
Saturday, July 18, St. Camillus de Lellis, Priest 9:00am Ellen Mooney
Saturday Vigil 5:00pm The Hanley & Bredberg Families
Sunday, July 19, 16th Sunday in Ordinary Time 9:00am Arthur Grimes Deceased members of the Martin & Reilly Families
11:30am Guerra Family James Anthony Umhey, Jr.
For the Week of July 19 Sanctuary Lamp: Marjorie Ahrenholz
Town of Warwick Friendly Visitor Program
Volunteers provide transportation and escort to local ap-pointments, grocery shopping, home visits, clerical assis-tance, as well as other services. Volunteers are trained, insured while they are volunteering, asked to donate two hours per week at a convenient time, and go through a background check at no charge. For more information, please call 845-986-1124, ext. 400.
St. Stephen, the First Martyr Parish
Fr. Jack Arlotta...……………………………………..Pastor Fr. Reynor Santiago…………………….....Parochial Vicar
Deacon Daniel Byrne Deacon Thomas MacDougall
Mr.Anthony Marcella………….….………....Music Director Mrs. Mary Juliano…………...………….Business Manager Mrs. Maxine Martin………………………...…..Bookkeeper Mrs. Ruthann DiMauro, Mrs. Donna Washio...Secretaries Mr. Stephen Mandracchia, Mrs. Katie Bisaro…...Trustees
St. Stephen Religious Education Program
Mrs. Lydia vanDuynhoven…………..………..……Director Mrs. Joanie Rotar………...………….…….Office Manager
St. Stephen - St. Edward School
Mrs. Bethany Negersmith…………………….……….Principal
“Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer
and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses
all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
~Philippians 4:6
“Our faith is meant to be strong enough to understand everything: even hatred and unbelief. Then we will love the haters and the unbelievers
and ask God to do His work.”
- Adrienne von Speyr
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THIS AND THAT
While we are slowly reopening on the parish level, the big question mark still is: How are schools go-ing to reopen come September? St. Stephen's Reli-gious Education Department has planned an innova-tive and family oriented program for the upcoming year. As registration opened this past week, families are able to sign up for an on-line program that chil-dren can utilize at their own pace. A child's progress can be monitored by Mrs. Van Duynhoven. Along with several planned family events, the program would not have children attend classroom instruc-tion. As we all deal with these uncertain times, I commend Mrs.Van Duynhoven and Mrs. Rotar to offer a program that maintains our commitment to ongoing religious education, family-involved in-struction and awareness of the need for safety. I, myself, have viewed the program and highly en-courage its use.
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This weekend is the third weekend we are celebrat-ing public Mass. Last weekend was a holiday week-end so people may have been away and attendance was somewhat low. This weekend may have more people "registering." While the Hudson Valley has now entered Phase 4, allowing for 50% attendance, the configuration of this church would not allow for 300 people to be seated with safe-distancing re-quirements. So, please be patient while we continue to adjust and adapt.
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The question has come up as to why the priest and deacon are not wearing masks when Mass is cele-brated. The simple answer is: The directives clearly state that when Mass is celebrated NO mask is to be worn. A mask should be worn when distributing Communion, though!
To our St. Stephen’s Family: We sincerely appreciate your continued patience, prayers and kind encouragement during this gradual time of reopening.
Only days and times are listed below for the respec-tive liturgies. All other important information is listed on the website and should be read carefully so that you will be prepared before your visit.
Reservations will be required for Mass attendance! Daily Morning Mass: Monday thru Friday at 9 a.m.
Prayer Time: Monday thru Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Confessions: Saturdays from 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Sunday Mass Beginning June 27th: Saturdays at 5 p.m. Sundays at 9 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. Our parish clergy and staff continue to work to ensure that St. Stephen’s parishioners are ‘fed’ spiritually and kept safe throughout this difficult time. STAYING CONNECTED: Parish Website: www.ststephenchurchwarwick.org This is your best source of up-to-date information at St. Stephen’s
Phone: 845-986-4028 Phone calls to the office will be answered 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Please check the website first for routine questions
Email: For general email inquiries: [email protected]
Prayer Requests: for the Book of Intentions, [email protected] Intentions will be forwarded to clergy
Candle Intentions for Sunday Mass: Go to the “Light A Prayer Candle” button on the website.
If you are on social media, please "Like" us on Face-book: St. Stephen the First Martyr Parish Warwick OFFERTORY: We are so grateful to those of you who have made the effort to continue your offertory giving during this time that the church is closed and no public masses are being held. The business of the church con-tinues, and we appreciate any and all efforts parishioners make to ensure that we can meet our expenses. Please see page six for information regarding mailing donations and We Share!
Thank you to all who have reached out to us with your comments, suggestions, prayers and offers to help. God Bless You,
Fr. Jack, Fr. Reynor, & Deacons Parish Staff, Religious Education Dept., Parish Trustees
The Pastor’s Desk
Religious Education Registration
To Register go to: https://saintstephenreled.org/. Families who are returning to the program received the link through Flocknotes. Families of first graders can register through the website but must submit your child's baptis-mal certificate prior to beginning the program. This can be scanned and emailed to [email protected].
Upon successful registration (paid in full) you will be sent the link to the program and can begin your studies THIS SUMMER as families can use the program at their own pace!
Mary’s Meals
$21 feeds a child for the school year! In these uncertain times your generosity is needed now, more than ever so that the world’s poorest children are not forgotten. Please continue to care for these children through Mary’s Meals. You may send your donations to St. Stephen’s Religious Ed, 75 Sanfordville Rd, Warwick, NY 10990 with checks made out to Mary’s Meals.
Mary’s Meals Recycling Please continue to Drop off bottles and cans behind the school in the Mary’s Meal Shed! Every penny counts!
Bottles & Cans with NY deposit only! No Gatorade, iced tea, or Tropicana! No food cans or jars!
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A Prayer For Life
Father and maker of all, you adorn all creation
with splendor and beauty, and fashion human lives
in your image and likeness.
Awaken in every heart reverence for the work of your hands,
and renew among your people a readiness to nurture and sustain
your precious gift of life. Grant this through our Lord
Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in
the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever.
Amen
Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Here in the middle of summer, many people grow vege-table and flower gardens, or appreciate the work of oth-ers by buying produce from roadside stands and farmer’s markets. All our readings today embrace one of God’s smallest but most common miracles as a metaphor: the seed and its cycle, and all that it stands for. Isaiah re-minds us that just as God waters the earth and cares for it so that seeds may grow, so the Word of God will come and not return to God until it has borne fruit. Psalm 65 describes the cycle of growth and personifies fields that “shout for joy.” Romans has “creation groaning in labor pains” as it waits for its seed to come to fruition, redemp-tion of the body. Similarly, Jesus teaches the crowds by using the parable of the sower and the seed. GROWTH REQUIRES PATIENCE
Every child in school has experienced the excitement of growing a simple bean seed planted in a paper cup or watched a time lapse video of the growth process. We watch this miracle sprout in a matter of days, and marvel at the whole process. A seed must be planted and die to itself in order to create a new life. Then it must be ferti-lized and watered and cared for. But most importantly, one must be patient and wait. Seeds take a certain amount of time to develop and may require being dormant for a while. Similarly, a human baby takes nine months to grow from the time the seed is fertilized. But no matter what we do, and how well we do it, not all seeds will yield fruit. Sometimes the conditions are just not right to allow it. Not all pregnancies go full term. Farmers know the pain of a drought year, or storms that ruin a crop before it can be harvested. Diseases and blight and other things can take hold. SOME WILL BE LOST
Growing up in the Western states, beautiful fields of wheat and beans were a common sight for me, but I did not fully understand this parable until going to the Holy Land and seeing the rocky ground that Jesus spoke of. This was an “aha” moment, as I witnessed what a mira-cle it was when something had the strength and tenacity to grow among the crags despite the arid conditions. What a sign of faith and trust and hope even to plant crops there, knowing that some would be lost! It would seem easier to write them all off, or even less work not to plant them at all. Jesus could do that to us, but he has not. He has faith and trust that a number of the seeds planted in us will bear great fruit. They will not wither and fade away, but will produce fruit, a hundred-, or sixty- or thirty-fold. And his faith in us gives us hope. Today’s Readings:
Is 55:10–11; Ps 65:10, 11, 12–13, 14; Rom 8:18–23; Mt 13:1–23 [1–9] Copyright © J. S. Paluch Co., Inc.
The National Shrine of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel in Middletown
Solemn Evening Vespers
Solemnity of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Wednesday, July 15th - 6:30pm, outdoor Mt. Carmel Shrine (weather permitting) Procession, prayers, reflection talk by Bro. Von Erick Sando-val. RSVP to 845-343-1879.
Solemnity of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Thursday, July 16th - 11:30am with Bishop Gerardo Colacicco Outdoor picnic grove available - bring your own lunch 1:00 - 2:00pm. 2:00 - 3:00pm Scriptural Rosary & Holy Hour. RSVP to 845-343-1879.
Solemn High Mass in Ancient Rite of Holy Sepulchre Latin Mass Feast of St. Elijah, Sunday July 19th - 11:00am Procession with relics of Carmelite Saints - begins 10:30am. Celebrant: Fr. Lucian Beltzner, O.Carm; RSVP to [email protected]
For further information on any of the programs, please contact: Carol Bezak, Shrine Director 70 Carmelite Drive, Middletown, NY 10940 845-343-1879 www.ourladyofmtcarmelshrine.com
Mass Intentions for 2021 Saint Stephen’s Church
75 Sanfordville Road, Warwick, New York 10990 Since we do not know when the office will be open, we are going to take Mass intentions for 2021 by mail. We will limit requested Mass intentions for 2021 to 10 intentions. There are some dates that are closed for your requests. They are: Holy Thursday, April 1: Good Friday, April 2; Holy Saturday, April 3 and Easter, April 4 Mother’s Day, May 9; Father’s Day, June 20; All Souls, November 2 until November 9
Christmas Evening of December 24 and December 25 We will also take intentions for the Sanctuary Lamp in a given week. If you request flowers to be placed at the altar in memory of a loved one, we will also do that at this time. The requested offering for an announced Mass is $15. The offering for the Sanctuary Candle is $10 and the offering for flowers is $100. Mailed in requests will be honored as received – first come first served. Kindly make checks out to St. Stephen’s Church. If we cannot honor your first request, we will arrange for a Mass closest to that date. ============================================================================================= 1. _________________________________________________________________________________ 2. _________________________________________________________________________________ 3. _________________________________________________________________________________ 4. _________________________________________________________________________________ 5. _________________________________________________________________________________ 6. _________________________________________________________________________________ 7. _________________________________________________________________________________ 8. _________________________________________________________________________________ 9. _________________________________________________________________________________ 10.__________________________________________________________________________________ Please note below requests for Sanctuary Candles or Flowers: ___________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________ Name: __________________________________________ Email____________________________________
Address: _____________________________________________________ Phone: _______________________
Amount enclosed for Masses, Flowers, and Sanctuary Candles: _________________ Check #_______________
Thank you for your generous gifts!
During this difficult time we are so grateful for your continued support!
We Share: To make a one time or recurring donation to St. Stephens:
If you have an Apple product - iPhone or Mac computer, WeShare is not compatible with the search engine, Safa-ri. Instead, please use Chrome. Any search engine is compatible with a PC computer.
To sign up for online giving to our parish, visit our web-site, www.ststephenchurchwarwick.org and click the "Donate here" button in the top left corner of the homep-age. From there, you are able to set up an account and choose regular donations, special donations, i.e. Easter and second collections. Donations may be made through electronic transfer through a checking or savings ac-count, or by using a credit card. Your information is stored in WeShare and a donation receipt at the end of the calendar year will be available for tax purposes.
If you have questions, email the parish office at [email protected]. Mail in Offertory Envelopes: If you prefer to continue to use your envelopes, please mail your contributions to:
St. Stephen’s Church 75 Sanfordville Rd., Warwick, NY 10990
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St. Stephens Parish and School participates in Great Lakes Scrips Shop With Scrip
Fundraising Program
Gift Cards are now being sold on Mondays and Fridays from 9:30 to 11:30 in the church atrium.
Please see the website for more information!
Or you can enroll and purchase online: Visit www.shopwithscrip.com. If you have not previously signed up to support St. Stephens, click the blue button, top right "Join a Program". Enter the enrollment code for St. Ste-phens FD1AC86A16447. Begin Shopping: E-certificates that are able to be purchased and delivered online are designed as a ScripNow eCard. Make your purchase using a debit, credit card or electronic transfer from a checking or savings account. Please note: checks are not accepted when purchasing e-certificates and we cannot accept checks at the church, or order physical cards at this time. St. Stephens is automatically credited with your purchase based on the discount percentage of the cards you purchased.
*The funds you raise for St. Stephens, based on your purchases and the percentage/card, are tax deductible as al-lowed by law. We are here to help and assist in any way. If you have ques-tions about the Gift Card Fundraiser, please ask! Be well and stay safe, Mary Juliano [email protected] Kendra Percarpio [email protected]
GOD’S WORDS
Each day we are bombarded with thousands of words. From the moment our clock radios click on in the morn-ing, until the last moment of the day when the television is turned off or someone bids us “good-night,” our life is filled with words. Some words that we hear bring news that leaves us feeling low. Some words lift our spirits. Many of the words we hear are trying to get us to buy something. Some words are hurtful. Today the Church focuses our attention on hearing the word of God. Are God’s words just more of the same—part of the endless stream of words that flow into our ears each day? The challenge today is to allow God’s word to inspire us in new ways so that our outlook and attitudes align them-selves more closely with the heart and mind of Christ Jesus. Copyright © J. S. Paluch Co.
SAINT KATERI TEKAKWITHA (1656-1680) July 14
Though the New York State Thruway runs close by the North American Martyrs’ Shrine, traffic’s roar never pierc-es the peace enveloping Auriesville—Ossernon to Native Americans—in the lovely Mohawk Valley, where Kateri Tekakwitha was born barely ten years after the martyr-dom of Isaac Jogues and his Jesuit and lay companions. Daughter of a Christian Algonquin mother and non-Christian Mohawk chief, Kateri’s parents died in a small-pox epidemic widely blamed on the missionaries. Moreo-ver, many Native Americans had experienced exploitation at the hands of “Christian” traders and trappers, further discrediting the faith Kateri embraced in baptism, then pledged to live even more intensely in vowed virginity. Misunderstanding led to harassment, prompting her move to a Christian village farther north along the Saint Law-rence River. Despite this, Kateri’s faith remained un-daunted, her selfless charity undiminished. Both before and after her death at twenty-four, this young “Lily of the Mohawks” drew countless converts to Christ by the fra-grance of her goodness. Through us, does “the aroma of Christ” (2 Corinthians 2:15), attract others to the beauty of his gospel? —Peter Scagnelli, Copyright © J. S. Paluch Co.
LIVE TODAY Live today the way you will wish you had lived when you stand in judgment before God. —Anonymous
GOD WITHIN In everything, be it a thing sensed or a thing known,
God is hidden within. —St. Bonaventure
Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time July 12, 2020
You have crowned the year with your bounty, and your paths overflow with a rich harvest.
— Psalm 65:12
Our remaining summer festival dates have been cancelled due to the COVID pandemic. Following guidance to re-duce events with crowds, we believe this to be the best choice to protect the health of our parish and greater community.
This is truly a time when we're better safe than sorry.
Many of our local food truck partners are operating local-ly. These are small family-owned businesses and this is usually their busy season. With their partnership, we've raised significant funds over the last three years for SSSE School and organizations close to our parish communi-ty. Let's share kindness in return. Please support them as you can!
Next summer will be here before we know it, and, God willing, our 5th year will be better than ever! We’re looking forward to it already! Be well, everyone!
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Warwick Area Migrant Committee Summer Program for Children
After consulting with our public health officials, we have de-cided to bring the Dulce Esperanza program to the camps where the families live. With the united efforts of our volun-teers and staff, we provide food, enrichment activities, reading sessions and writer’s club, and even the birthday celebration for the children in their own homes.
Teachers will bring books and materials/supplies (including arts & crafts) on twice-a-week home visits. Field trips will be held for small groups of under 10 children. Small groups of children will be brought to the school to participate in special projects. There will be a writer’s club and other academic en-richments activities. Food will be sent home each week to provide breakfast, lunch and an afternoon snack.
In order to do this we need your support. Donations can be made by check, made out to Warwick Area Migrant Commit-tee and sent to PO Box 607, Goshen, NY 10924 or online at https://wafarmworkers.org/wamc-summer-enrichment-program/
Thank you for your support. Kathy Brieger, Executive Director, WAMC
