The People of God, called to form the Christian Community of . . .

THE CHURCH OF THE TRANSFIGURATION Tarrytown, New York 10591

PARISH OFFICE: 914-631-1672

268 South Broadway, Tarrytown N.Y. 10591 pastortransfig10591@gmail.com Website: www.transfiguration-tarrytown.org

Parish Office: transfigurationsec@gmail.com

Rev. Emiel Abalahin, O. Carm., Pastor Elite Accounting Services, LLC Rev. Stephen Huy Tran, O. Carm., Parochial Vicar Mrs. Rosemary Plunkett, Lay Trustee Mrs. Elizabeth Rooney, Administrative Asst. Ms. Eileen Wiseman, Lay Trustee Mrs. Mariana Dalsass, Coordinator of Religious Ed. Mr. Dan Lucia, Head Usher Ms. Ksenia Lowenfels, Director of Music Ministry PARISH OFFICE HOURS: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday: 9:00 am to 4:00 pm Wednesday: 9:00 am to 7:30 pm Friday : 9:00 am to 1:00 pm Sunday : 9:00 to 1:30 pm RELIGIOUS EDUCATION: 914-631-2380, transfigurationprep@gmail.com TRANSFIGURATION REGIONAL SCHOOL: 914-631-3737 40 Prospect Avenue, Tarrytown N.Y. 10591

THE SACRAMENT OF THE ANOINTING OF THE SICK AND MINISTRY TO THE SICK & ELDERLY The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick is a sacrament of healing., expressing love of God and our Church for the sick, our shut-ins and the elderly. Please call for more information. THE SACRAMENT OF THE EUCHARIST Saturday, Evening: 5:00 pm Sunday: 8:00 am, 10:00 am, 12:00 pm Weekdays: Monday through Friday: 7:15 am, 9:00 am THE SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION (Confession) Saturday: 3:30 - 4:00 pm Other times by appointment. THE SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM Please call for further information. THE SACRAMENT OF MATRIMONY The Sacrament of Matrimony is celebrated for parishioners. The couple are to contact the priest at least six (6) months prior to the ceremony. Please call for more information.

Page Two NOVEMBER 29, 2020

SATURDAY-November 28, 2020 5:00 Patricia & Joseph Lydon req. by Maureen & Tom Fleming SUNDAY– November 29, 2020 8:00 Hildegard Cofone req, by Frank Cofone 10:00 Audrey Prescott req. by Mark Prescott 12:00 Frank A. Celsi req. by Patrick McCoy MONDAY 7:15 A Special Intention 9:00 Ann Cherico req. by Carolyn Walters TUESDAY 7:15 The Parishioners of Transfiguration 9:00 Rose & Frank Kosilla req. by the Carlini family WEDNESDAY 7:15 A Special Intention 9:00 Robert Maitri, Sr. req. by Paul McNeil THURSDAY 7:15 A Special Intention 9:00 Michael Birratella intentions req. by Fr. Emiel FRIDAY 7:15 A Special Intention 9:00 Anna Mazzonetto req. by the family SATURDAY 9:00 (Video) The Doyle & McGuire families req. by Joan DeMeo 5:00 Judy Passariello req. by the O’Donnell family SUNDAY 8:00 Antonio, Catherine & Daniel Franciosa and Carmelo Alba req. by Pasquale & Tania Franciosa 10:00 Dave O’Shea req. by Rita & Lisa O’Shea 12:00 Thomas Lauro req. by Mr. & Mrs. Kasper

Readings for the Week

Sunday: First Sunday of Advent Is 63:16b-17, 19b; 64:2-7; Ps 80:2-3, 15-16, 18-19; 1 Cor 1:3-9; Mk 13:33-37 Monday: St. Andrew, Apostle Rom 10:9-18; Ps 19:8-11; Mt 4:18-22 Tuesday: World AIDS Awareness Day Is 11:1-10; Ps 72:1-2, 7-8, 12-13, 17; Lk 10:21-24 Wednesday: Is 25:6-10a; Ps 23:1-6; Mt 15:29-37 Thursday: St. Francis Xavier Is 26:1-6; Ps 118:1, 8-9, 19-21, 25-27a; Mt 7:21, 24-27 Friday: St. John Damascene First Friday Is 29:17-24; Ps 27:1, 4, 13-14; Mt 9:27-31 Saturday: First Saturday Is 30:19-21, 23-26; Ps 147:1-6; Mt 9:35 — 10:1, 5a, 6-8 Sunday: Second Sunday of Advent Is 40:1-5, 9-11; Ps 85:9-14; 2 Pt 3:8-14; Mk 1:1-8

The Sanctuary candle burning in the Church this week is for all the sick especially those dealing with covid-19. The Sanctuary candle burning in the Chapel this week is for all hospital staff and front line workers The Shrine candle is burning this week is for our ushers and their intentions.

First Sunday of Advent November 29, 2020

Be watchful! Be alert! You do not know when the time will come.

— Mark 13:33

Masses for the Week

SUNDAY MISSALS You can purchase a Sunday Missal for the 2020/2021 season from the Parish Office. The cost is $4:00.

MARK’S JESUS Mark’s Gospel is the shortest and tersest of all four. The discourses of Jesus tend to be terser as well. Mark’s portrayal of Jesus has none of the poet-ry of the Sermon on the Mount or the Sermon on the Plain as in Matthew or Luke, nor the extensive, re-flective “I Am” discourses as in John. Mark’s Jesus “cuts to the chase,” we would say today. This is re-flected quite well in today’s passage. It is no accident that the dialogue of Jesus at this point in the Gospel according to Mark—the con-cluding words about the end of the world—immediately before his passion, is riddled with ex-clamation points and an overall sense of urgency. We would do well to re-tool our own way of liv-ing this Advent, for we live in a world urgently in need of hearing the message of Jesus proclaimed. It’s time for us to “wake up!” and get out into the world to do it. Copyright © J. S. Paluch Co.

FIRST SUNDAY IN ADVENT

10 Meaningful Advent Traditions to Try This Year BY SARAH GARONE DECEMBER 2, 2019

If you’re like me, the beauty and deep meaning of Advent can get away from you awfully fast. One minute you’re lighting that first purple candle and singing “O Come, O Come Emmanuel,” and then whoosh! it’s January. The usual Advent wreaths and mini-chocolate calendars are tried and true practices (because hey, who doesn’t like chocolate?) and they can certainly help us focus our thoughts on the coming of the infant king. But perhaps going beyond the ex-pected traditions could make us pause for a bit more mindfulness this season.

Here are ten unique traditions to bring more mindfulness and joy to this time of year.

1. Find an unconventional Advent calendar

Want to break away from the usual cardboard-and-chocolate affair? With a little creativity, you can easily put your own spin on an Advent countdown. If your preteens love Legos, for exam-ple, you might indulge in Lego Advent calendar. (My kids have opted for the Star Wars ver-sion this year.) Or, for the truly patient, try an Advent jigsaw. Every day adds one new piece of the puzzle. (And don’t forget, Busted Halo has a great digital Advent calendar you can book-mark on your computer!) Whatever you choose, a personal touch will help keep your kids (and you!) engaged in the sense of anticipation Advent brings.

2. Try a reverse Advent “calendar” We just covered out-of-the-box Advent calendars, but for this one, you’ll need to think inside the box. In a so-called reverse Advent calendar, you’ll start with an empty box. Each day leading up to Christmas Eve, place an item inside for donation. This could include non-perishable food items, gently used clothing, or kids’ toys. On Christmas Eve, give the col-lection to a local charity or a family in need. You can even let friends and neighbors know about your project so they can get in on the giving. Not sure what items to pick? Call your local charity and ask what they need most.

3. Keep an Advent jar Here’s another giving-back tradition: the Advent jar. Keep a change jar somewhere in your house throughout the month. Any time you have some extra coins, drop them in. Then give the haul to a cause you care about. Even kids who aren’t old enough to have an allowance can pitch in by decorating the jar with festive stickers.

4. Make Sunday a true Sabbath There’s no better time than the hustle and bustle of Advent to make Sunday a real day of rest. Though it could seem like a tradition of doing nothing, creating a sanctuary of non-activity each Sunday can bring much-needed refreshment during the busiest time of year. Doing so is one of the greatest steps I’ve ever taken for my spiritual health. It sends me forward readier to take on the challenges each new week inevitably brings, plus helps me reflect on the week that has passed.

5. Learn something new about Advent each week Like anything we’ve done year after year, we can easily go through the motions of many Ad-vent traditions without really knowing much about them. Ever wonder what the “Gaudete” in Gaudete Sunday actually means? Or where the Advent wreath comes from? Identify some questions you have about the season and commit to discovering one answer each week. You’re guaranteed to enrich your understanding of this special time of year (and have some-thing interesting to share at Christmas parties).

6. Make an Advent playlist If you judged by the songs on the radio, you might think the Advent season is all about jingling bells, reindeer on the housetop, and being good for the man in the red suit. There’s nothing wrong with celebrating with these types of songs, but as Christians we know there’s much more to Christmas. To orient your thoughts toward the true meaning of Christmas, try putting together a list of songs that focuses on spiritual truths or the nativity story. Then, play it regu-larly! Personally, even hearing in passing about “glory to the newborn king” or “heavenly hosts sing alleluia” can make me pause and consider the real wonder and beauty of this season.

7. Craft a paper chain If you have young kids at home, a colorful paper chain can be a fun visual countdown to Christmas. Simply staple together paper loops of red, white, and green (or purple and pink, for Advent) and hang the chain somewhere accessible. Let everyone in the family take turns snip-ping off one link each day. Even for adults, this simple craft is a helpful illustration of the com-ing of Christmas. (Or a helpful reminder of just how many days you have left to finish shop-ping!)

8. Try “Advent Angels” instead of Secret Santa Instead of drawing names for gifts to give friends or family members, Advent Angels involves choosing a friend or family member you’ll commit to pray for or do acts of kindness for throughout the season. (Beats an ill-fitting sweater or that strongly scented body lotion any day.) This one works best with a large group of family or friends, or a church ministry.

9. Celebrate saints’ feast days throughout December Tons of inspiring saints have their feast days in December. Get to know their stories by having mini-celebrations for St. Nicolas on December 6, St. Juan Diego on December 9, or St. Lucia on December 13. Bringing to mind their righteous lives may encourage you to think about steps you can take toward more holiness in your own life.

10. Write out the Christmas story day by day

The story of Jesus’ birth in Luke 2 stretches from verse 1 to verse 20. To meditate on the nar-rative bit by bit, try writing down one verse each day of December until Christmas Eve (with a built-in four days “off” because, let’s be honest, Advent season can get chaotic with a capital C). You can do this in a special place, like a poster hung in your kitchen or in your journal. Each day, take a few moments to ponder the verse you’ve written. By Christmas Eve, you’ll have savored the whole story of Jesus’ birth.

Sarah Garone

Sarah Garone is a Catholic wife, mom, nutritionist, food blogger, and freelance writer in Mesa, Arizona. When she's not cooking up something healthy and delicious in the kitchen (or cooking up ideas for writing), you can find her sharing recipes and reflections at "A Love Letter to Food."

St. Vincent de Paul Giving Trees The St. Vincent de Paul Society will be putting up our Giving Trees for the needy children of Tarrytown and St. Simon Stock’s Parish in the Bronx. The trees and tags will be going up in the church on Saturday November 28th and the gifts will be due back to Transfiguration Church no later than Sunday December 13th after the 12:00 mass. The tags contain the child’s name, age and sizes. Some of the tags have gift suggestions but any age appropriate items are welcome. Please note that gifts do not have to be expensive or extravagant. The children are quite content to receive some warm clothing, a toy, craft, ball, book, gift card or any other item you feel comfortable purchasing. The gifts should be wrapped, and the tags should be affixed to the outside of the package. Wrapped gifts can be placed on the altar at mass on the weekend of December 12/13th or dropped off at the office. We are offering options to participate virtually by making a contribution via Venmo to @Linnae-Latessa (please indicate SVDP giving tree). Gifts will be purchased and wrapped on your behalf. You will also be able to call Liz Rooney at 914 631-1672 and she will provide you with the tag information over the phone. You can also sponsor a child by making a donation in one of the St. Vincent de Paul envelopes in the vestibule (under the bulletin board) and mark it “Giving Tree”. If you have any ques-tions or if you want to sponsor a child you can also contact Linnae Latessa at 914 584-9438 or llatessa@aol.com. Thank you so much for your generosity and participation.

Please Pray for: Our Military: Anthony Correia, Nick O’Kelly Our Essential Workers Especially healthcare workers working on the front line of the pandemic. Our newly wedded couples: Manuel & Maria Arce For all family caregivers Our Sick:

Justin Baker, Anne Duggan Baker, Vincent Bonsignore, Gary Cherico, Gerry Credendino, Evan Dalsass, Sabastian Dianora, David Disney Joao Domingues Coelho, Phil Engler, Jim Kane, James Keely, Eileen Kennedy, Michael Mahoney, Viktor & Valentine Podoprigorov, Joan Rand, Frances Rea, Najole Ryka Elsiealice Smith, Anna Zambeletti, all those who are suffering from serious Illnesses, especially the corona virus.

Our twinned parish: All members of our twinned parish in

Soyapango, especially for Sr. Gema Bello-so and those who are sick

Our Deceased:

Winnifred Anderson, Josie Drinane, Angel Torres For all of the beloved dead in this month commemorating all souls.

FEAST OF FAITH What Is the Mass?

What is the Mass? There is no simple an-swer to that question. The Church uses many different images and terms to describe our most important prayer. The Mass is the cele-bration of the Eucharist, a Greek word that means “thanksgiving.” It is the Lord’s Sup-per. It is the Breaking of the Bread. It is the memorial of the Lord’s passion, death, and resurrection. It is the Holy Sacrifice, in which the sacrifice of Christ on the cross is perpetuated. It is the holy and divine liturgy, the sacred mysteries. It is the source and summit of our Christian lives, the new cove-nant, the work of the Holy Spirit, the paschal mystery. The many different words and im-ages that we use when we speak of the Mass are not signs of confusion, but of wonder at what the Catechism of the Catholic Church (1328) calls the “inexhaustible richness” of the Eucharist. The Mass, our greatest prayer and our deepest mystery, is celebrated every day, many times a day, the world over. The Eucharist is both “bread from heaven” and “daily bread.” The Mass is our everyday mir-acle.—Corinna Laughlin, Copyright © J. S. Paluch Co.

St. Vincent de Paul Society THANK YOU! Thank you for your most generous support of buying a dinner on Sat-urday, November 14. Because of you, over $900 in cash and canned goods was collected for the St. Vincent de Paul Society. SVDP brings groceries to over 43 families in the parish. We also provide help with prescrip-tion medications and financial assistance in times of crisis. Without your generous sup-port that would not be possible. But more than the food and financial support, SVDP also brings your love and concern for those less fortunate than you. Jesus said, “Whatever you do for the least of my broth-ers, you do for me”. It is through you that we are able to make this happen. Thank you and please continue your support.