Church of St. Ephrem, Brooklyn, NY

Third Sunday in Ordinary Time

January 22, 2017

“Jesus went to Capernaum, so that what had been said through Isaiah

might be fulfilled.”

Today’s gospel passage tells of a turning point in Jesus’ life. “From that time on … the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” “From that time on” the fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy that “light has arisen” to dispel darkness is coming to completion. “From that time on” Jesus’ public ministry is set in motion. “From that time on” disciples are called. “From that time on” encounters with Jesus lead to changed lives. Then and now. From this time on …invitations to turning points that lead from darkness to light, from mundane tasks to announcing the Good News of salvation, from being dead to “the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”

As Jesus begins his public ministry, Jesus calls followers by issuing the command to “Come after me.” This reveals the kingdom of heaven at hand. The kingdom of heaven is neither earthly realm nor distant place. The kingdom of heaven is present in our response to Jesus. It is our willing obedience to hear him call us, to leave everything, to follow him without counting the cost. The “kingdom of heaven is at hand” when we turn from darkness and not only walk in the Light, but become that light ourselves. The ‘kingdom of heaven is at hand” when we are hearers of Jesus’ call, proclaimers of his Good News, healers of ills, guardians of God’s truth, builders of virtue, fishers of people, teachers of mercy and forgiveness, prophets of new life. In all these ways we are light that dispels the grayness and dreariness of lives dead to Jesus’ Presence, lives shadow by darkness of uncertainty, lives limited by the closed-ness of a world devoid of light.

We must be able to see the Light who is our Savior efore we can be light for others. To see and embrace the Light is already following Jesus. So, one consequence of hearing Jesus’ call to leave all and follow him is the requirement to turn from darkness so we can see the Light. By changing the behaviors that bring darkness, we are able to focus on the Light that then shines brightly enough for us to follow – becoming the light ourselves.

Next week is the celebration of Catholic Schools Week. St. Ephrem School community will gather at the 10:00 AM Mass, around the table of the Lord which nourishes us to be His disciples. Immediately following Mass there will be refreshments and open house. Please come and see the wonderful Catholic education our students are receiving.

In the Good Shepherd,

Fr. Robert

January 15, 2017 312 Envelopes $ 9,049.00 We Share (Online Giving) 8 Families $225.00

Mass Attendance 619

Thank you for your generosity to St. Ephrem Parish!

Parish Goal: $980,000.00 Amount Pledged: $1,104,629.00 Paid to Date: $568,936.40

Our Parish Goal: $104,459.00 Amount Pledged: $91,692.34 Paid to Date: $88,922.34

246 Donors

Amount of Goal Reached: 85.13%

All monies collected over goal is returned to St. Ephrem Parish

Contribution Statements

For your 2016 statement of contributions to St. Ephrem Parish,

Please call the rectory.

St. Ephrem’s 2nd Annual

Mardi Gras Celebration

Saturday, February 11th

For information

please call the Rectory

Third Sunday in Ordinary Time

Saturday, January 21st 8:45 AM Alvira Russo 5:00 PM Wilfredo Ramos Concetta Tramontano Winifred Fugowski Pehalawan Chanan Irene Prinzivalli

Sunday, January 22nd 8:00 AM For the Children lost by abortion 10:00 AM William Cullen 12 Noon Salvatore & Carmela Messina and Maria Emmanuele 5:00pm Mass For the People of St. Ephrem

Monday, January 23rd 7:00 AM Andrew Bartolotta 8:45 AM John Doolan

Tuesday, January 24th 7:00 AM For the People of St. Ephrem 8:45 AM Theresa Russo

Wednesday, January 25th 7:00 AM For the People of St. Ephrem 8:45 AM Michael Iannizzi

Thursday, January 26th 7:00 AM For the People of St. Ephrem 8:45 AM Pehalawan Chanan

Friday, January 27th 7:00 AM Dolph Mascari 8:45 AM Ann Arnao

Saturday, January 28th 8:45 AM Caibbi Caloggera

5:00 PM Kitty Fitzgerald Winifred Fugowski

Sunday, January 29th 8:00 AM Margaret DeFilippo 10:00 AM Joan Walker 12 Noon Susan Licoteta 5:00pm Mass For the People of St. Ephrem

For the recovery of: Christina Flood, Miriam Ligammari,

Julia Bruzzese

The Bread & Wine

In Thanksgiving

Children’s Faith Formation

All children of our parish who attend Public or Private Schools

should be registered in our Faith Formation Program.

For information please call (718) 745-7486

Baby Bottle Appeal

Representatives from the Life Center of New York will be here to distributing

Baby Bottles, to be filled with lose change or donations, on the weekend of

February 4th & 5th

All donations will help the Life Center assist women who have chosen life and are raising their child.

Baskets will be available in Church the weekend of

February 11th & 12th for your donation of the Baby Bottle.

Thank You in advance for all your help!

Prayer on the Occasion of the Inauguration of a Public Official

Almighty and eternal God, you have revealed your glory to all nations. God of

power and might, wisdom and justice, through you authority is rightly

administered, laws are enacted, and judgment is decreed.

Assist with your spirit of counsel and fortitude the President of these United States, that his administration may be

conducted in righteousness, and be eminently useful to your people over whom he presides. May he encourage due respect for virtue and religion. May he execute the laws with justice

and mercy. May he seek to restrain crime, vice, and immorality.

Let the light of your divine wisdom direct the deliberations of Congress, and shine forth in all the proceedings and laws

framed for our rule and government. May they seek to preserve peace, promote national happiness, and continue to

bring us the blessings of liberty and equality.

We likewise commend to your unbounded mercy all citizens of the United States, that we be blessed in the knowledge and

sanctified in the observance of your holy law. May we be preserved in union and that peace which the world cannot

give; and, after enjoying the blessings of this life, be admitted to those which are eternal. We pray to you, who are Lord and

God, for ever and ever. Amen.

January 22, 2017

Christian Awareness Program (CAP)

Our next meeting is on January 24 at 9:30 AM

in the Rectory Meeting Room

Sunday Evenings 5:00 PM Mass Followed by Youth Group at 6:00 PM

Food will be served Grades 7 to 12

What is youth ministry? Youth Ministry includes activities in the parish both formal and informal for the youth (grades 7-12). These activities

could be social, service/social justice or faith based. In training youth to be leaders in their faith community, we are also building the community

of St. Ephrem.

For more information please email: stephremyouthministry@gmail.com

We meet each Monday at 7:30 PM Faith Formation Office (Room 307)

New School

The topic for discussion is: The People of God

All those that are beginning their journey towards the Easter Sacraments will gather each week.

All are welcome to come and join in the discussion. Please contact us at: (718) 745—7486 or

Email us at: stephremreligioused@gmail.com

Feeling Ill?

Please be thoughtful of others and refrain from receiving

from the cup and physically exchanging the Sign of Peace.

St. Ephrem School Faith Knowledge Service

Technology Curriculum

Services

Extra Curriculum

Chromebook (Grades 6-8) Ipad (Grades 3-8) Ipad Cart (Grades K-5) Smart Boards Rosetta Stone (Grades 1-8) Online Link for Homework State of the Art Computer Lab SteamTrac

Spiritual Formation (Catholic Identity) Sacramental Program Music Program Concerts Math Bee Competition Aquinas Enrichment Program Oratorical Competition Pre K Program (3-4 Year Old)

Fall/Spring Art Show Band Program Theater On The Go Stages on the Sound Program Summer Program Parish Sports Program Parish Children’s Choir/Bell Choir Home School Association

Early Morning Drop Off After School Program Full Time Certified NYC Department of Health Nurse Free Yellow School Bus Service Title I: Reading, Math & Guidance

Open House & Registration Sunday, January 29, 2017

11:00 AM to 1:30 PM

Ongoing tours & registration Tuesday & Thursday

By appointment (718) 833—1440

Choir Schedule

January 29th 10:00 AM Children’s Choir

12:00 PM Adult Choir

New Members Welcome!