CLERGY Rev. William J. Rueger, Administrator Deacon Dean Dobbins, Director of Parish Affairs Rev. Thomas Brosnan, Parish Priest Rev. Agnelo Pinto, In Residence Msgr. Robert Harris, In Residence Deacon Joseph Bichotte, Parish Deacon STAFF Ms. Vanessa Peña, Parish Secretary Mrs. Laura Ramirez-Galeas, Religious Education Coordinator Mr. Andrew Violette, Director of Music Mr. Brendan Moloney, Coordinator of Youth Ministry OFFICE HOURS Monday to Friday: 9:30 AM to 12:00 PM

1:00 PM to 4:30 PM Saturday: 9:30 AM to 3:00 PM Sunday: Closed

Rectory Office St. Monica Hall E-mail Fax Visit our Website 718-783-3132 Sterling Place staugustinerc@verizon.net 718-638-4669 www.staugustineparkslope.org

MASSES: Saturday: 5:00 PM (English) Sunday: 9:00 AM (English)

10:30 AM (Spanish) 12:00 NOON (English) 1:30 PM (Haitian)

WEEKDAYS: 9:00 AM (English) Wednesday 7:30 PM (Spanish)

HOLY DAYS: To Be Announced… HOLY HOUR OF EUCHARISTIC ADORATION: First Friday of each month, December 7th 9:30—10:30 a.m.. RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS: Please call Parish Secretary about the process of becoming a Catholic and/or receiving Eucharist and Confirmation.

RECONCILIATION: Confessions heard Saturdays 4:00 - 4:45 PM or by appointment.

SACRAMENTS FOR ADULTS OVER 18: Baptism, Holy Communion, Confirmation, Marriage, Anointing of the sick. Please call the Parish secretary as early as possible.

SACRAMENTS FOR CHILDREN UP TO 18: Baptism, Holy Communion, Confirmation, Anointing of the Sick. Please call Parish Secretary as early as possible. RELIGIOUS EDUCATION FOR CHILDREN AND TEENS: After the 9:00 a.m. Sunday Mass in preparation for First Holy Communion/Confirmation, English and Spanish. Please call Parish Secretary to register.

ST FRANCIS XAVIER CATHOLIC ACADEMY: Phone number: 718-857-2559; www.sfxsparkslope.org/

St. Augustine Roman Catholic Church 116 Sixth Avenue, Brooklyn, New York 11217-3596

Page 2 St. Augustine R.C. Church

Mass Intentions for the Week Sunday, December 23 5:00 (Sat.) Mary & Dick Treacy ‘Wedding Anniversary’ 9:00 +Carmen Rodriguez (Family)

10:30 +Petra Figueroa (Idaly Cordero) 10:30 Pascuala Cruz (Eva Acosta) 12:00 +Charlene Jean Mallory (Ronald Pogue)

1:30 Margaret Sinsaintfort (Belize Jean) Monday, December 24 9:00 Christmas Eve Tuesday, December 25 9:00 Christmas Day Wednesday, December 26

9:00 Joan Mullaney Shapiro ‘Gift of Life’ 7:30 +Carmen Rodriguez (Family) Thursday, December 27 9:00 +Carmen Rodriguez (Family)

Friday, December 28 9:00 +Carmen Rodriguez (Family)

Saturday, December 29 9:00 +Carmen Rodriguez (Family) 5:00 +Thomas M. Ahern

Sunday, December 30 9:00 +Carmen Rodriguez (Family)

10:30 +Jose Medina (Bertha Medina) 10:30 Luz Saldana (Luz Lopez) 12:00 Cecelia Petersen (Bill Schroeder)

1:30 For the People of the Parish

The special collection this week will be for Cath- olic Charities. Please be generous.

Reconciliation Monday

We will be offering confessions on Monday, December 17th from 3:00 - 7:00 p.m.

4th Sunday of Advent Reflection

On this the last Sunday before Christmas, our Gospel reading pre- pares us to witness Christ's birth by showing us how Jesus was recog- nized as Israel's long-awaited Messiah even before his birth. The Gospel turns our attention from the ministry of John the Baptist to the events that preceded John the Baptist's birth. The story of John the Baptist and his parents, Elizabeth and Zechariah, are reported only in Luke's Gospel. Luke pairs the birth of John the Baptist and Jesus, establishing John's early connection to the Messiah. Our Gospel reading recalls Mary's actions after the announcement of Jesus' birth by the angel Gabriel. Mary goes to visit Elizabeth, her cousin, who is also with child. Elizabeth greets Mary with full recog- nition of the roles that they and their unborn children will play in God's plan for salvation. If we were to continue to read the verses that follow in Luke's Gospel, we would hear Mary respond to Eliza- beth's greeting with her song of praise, the Magnificat. Both women recall and echo God's history of showing favor upon the people of Israel. It is appropriate in this season of Advent that we consider the role of Mary in God's plan of salvation. Elizabeth describes Mary as the first disciple, as the one who believed that God's word to her would be fulfilled. Mary's faith enabled her to recognize the work of God in her people's history and in her own life. Her openness to God allowed God to work through her so that salvation might come to everyone. Because of this, Mary is a model and symbol of the Church. May we be like Mary, open and cooperative in God's plan for salvation.

In Christ Deacon Dean

Dear Parishioners & Friends of St. Augustine Parish: Christmas Blessings to all, Christmas is a day for us to remember God’s merciful love. Through Jesus, we come to know who God really is, He is Love. God’s love is extended to everyone, including the marginalized and especially the poor and the homeless. In Jesus, we are given a home – a place where we experience forgiveness, mercy, and love. This is what we celebrate on Christmas: God, our welcoming Father, giving us a place in His heart. As we celebrate the Feast of the Nativity of our Lord, we remember how God first gave a home to the marginalized by being born in a stable This Christmas let us be mindful of those who need our wel- come a family member, a friend, a co-worker, a fellow parishioner. Let us make room in our hearts for forgiveness and love and reach out to those who are asking for them. In addition, Pope Francis keeps reminding us not to forget the poor. During this season of giving, let us also find time to help the needy. Let us extend God’s gift generosity by helping in one of the soup kitchens, preparing a meal or a food basket for a family in need, visit- ing the sick. Through these simple actions we can bring Christ to others this Christmas. On behalf of the Clergy, the parish staff and I, promise you our pray- ers in a very special way during this great season of giving. May God, who has gifted us with His Son, bless you and your family now and always.

Merry Christmas In Christ

Deacon Dean Dobbins

Christmas Schedule Christmas Eve

Monday, December 24 9:00 a.m. - English

5:00 p.m. - English Mass 8:00 p.m. English 10:00 p.m. – Haitian

Christmas Day Masses Tuesday, December 25

9:00 a.m. - English; 10:30 a.m.– Spanish 12:00 Noon – English

New Year’s Eve Monday, December 31

9:00 a.m. English 5:00 p.m. English

New Year’s Day

Tuesday, January 1 9:00 a.m. - English

Haitian Independence Day, to be announced...

St. Augustine R.C. Church Page 3 Las colecciones especiales para Catholic Charti- ties. Por favor sea generoso.

Lunes de reconciliación

Ofreceremos confesiones el lunes 17 de diciembre de 3:00 a 7:00 p.m.

Reflexión del 4to domingo de Adviento

En este último domingo antes de Navidad, nuestra lectura del Evan- gelio nos prepara para presenciar el nacimiento de Cristo al mostrar- nos cómo Jesús fue reconocido como el Mesías tan esperado de Israel incluso antes de su nacimiento. El Evangelio dirige nuestra atención del ministerio de Juan el Bautista a los eventos que preced- ieron el nacimiento de Juan el Bautista. La historia de Juan el Bau- tista y sus padres, Isabel y Zacarías, se reportan solo en el Evangelio de Lucas. Lucas empareja el nacimiento de Juan el Bautista y Jesús, estableciendo la conexión temprana de Juan con el Mesías. Nuestra lectura del Evangelio recuerda las acciones de María después del anuncio del nacimiento de Jesús por parte del ángel Gabriel. María va a visitar a Elizabeth, su prima, que también está embarazada. Elizabeth saluda a María con pleno reconocimiento de los roles que ellos y sus hijos nonatos desempeñarán en el plan de salvación de Dios. Si continuáramos leyendo los versos que siguen en el Evangelio de Lucas, escucharíamos a María responder al salu- do de Elizabeth con su canción de alabanza, el Magnificat. Ambas mujeres recuerdan y se hacen eco de la historia de Dios de mostrar favor sobre el pueblo de Israel. Es apropiado en esta temporada de Adviento que consideremos el papel de María en el plan de salvación de Dios. Elizabeth describe a María como la primera discípula, como la que creyó que la palabra de Dios para ella se cumpliría. La fe de María le permitió reconocer la obra de Dios en la historia de su pueblo y en su propia vida. Su apertura a Dios le permitió a Dios trabajar a través de ella para que la salvación pudiera llegar a todos. Por eso, María es modelo y sím- bolo de la Iglesia. Que seamos como María, abiertos y cooperativos en el plan de salvación de Dios.

En Cristo Diácono decano

Estimados feligreses y amigos de la parroquia de San Agustín: Bendiciones navideñas para todos, La Navidad es un día para que recordemos el amor misericordioso de Dios. A través de Jesús, llegamos a saber quién es realmente Dios, Él es Amor. El amor de Dios se extiende a todos, incluyendo a los marginados y especialmente a los pobres y las personas sin hogar. En Jesús, nos dan un hogar, un lugar donde experimentamos el perdón, la misericordia y el amor. Esto es lo que celebramos en Navidad: Dios, nuestro Padre acogedor, dándonos un lugar en Su corazón. Al celebrar la Fiesta de la Natividad de nuestro Señor, recordamos cómo Dios primero dio un hogar a los marginados al nacer en un establo. Esta Navidad tengamos en cuenta a aquellos que necesitan nuestra bienvenida: un miembro de la familia, un amigo, un com- pañero. -trabajador, un feligrés compañero. Hagamos espacio en nuestros corazones para el perdón y el amor y alcancemos a aquellos que los están pidiendo. Además, el Papa Francisco sigue recordándonos que no olvidemos a los pobres. Durante esta temporada de donaciones, también encon- tremos tiempo para ayudar a los necesitados. Extendamos la gener- osidad del regalo de Dios ayudando en uno de los comedores popu- lares, preparando una comida o una canasta de alimentos para una familia necesitada, visitando a los enfermos. A través de estas sim- ples acciones podemos llevar a Cristo a otros esta Navidad. En nombre del clero, el personal de la parroquia y yo, les prome- temos nuestras oraciones de una manera muy especial durante esta gran temporada de donaciones. Que Dios, que nos ha regalado a su Hijo, te bendiga a ti ya tu familia ahora y siempre.

Feliz Navidad En Cristo

Diácono Decano Dobbins

We pray for the sick… Recemos Por los enfermos. . .

Requests for public prayers for the sick should be made by the sick person her/himself or a family member, since at times the person does not wish the illness to be made public. Please call the parish secretary. The names will remain on the sick list for three weeks and thereafter repeated as requested by a family.

WEEK 1 WEEK 2 WEEK 3

Helena Severin Carmen Rodriguez Mike Meehan Daisy Rijo Jane Erickson Dorinda Baéz Jose Colon Jerome Knittle Alex Ramos Janie Gamble Myrna Valle Julie Elle Brittner Carmen M Mercado Carmen Torres Maritza Arroyo Nancy Cimino Angelo M. Ramos Hector Davila Jackie Strachen Barbara Merrill Kitty Denega Robert Katan Col. Ret. Will Merrill Pascuala Vidal Angela Ramos Pedro R. Garsed Paul Callahan Barbara Mangilardi Severina Caban Christopher Neves James Leune Sonia Bonilla Monique Maumec Olive Bouaz Anthony Tuitt Yvette Reyes Tiffany Rios Nilda M. Morales Kathy Cruz Mr. John Demby Anthony Vega Kip Jones Rosario Ortiz Andrew P Mary Treacy Ines Robles Sonia Garcia Candida Alacan

We pray for members and friends serving in the military: Rezamos por miembros y amigos que estan sirviendo en el Servicio Militar: Sgt. Estephen Shirverts, Col. Will Merrill, Lt. Jeanell Merrill, Capt. Peyton Hurley, Manny Otero, PFC An- thony J. Jolimeau, Paul Valdez, Jorge E. Moreira, Jerry Moreira, David Garcia, Samantha Vega, L.C. US Marine Corps, Capt. Richard Martinez, US Marines, Air- man Clara Lyde, 1 Lt. Ignacio Naudon, LCPI Max Andrew Polster.

Horario de Navidad Misa de Navidad

Lunes 24 de diciembre 9:00 a.m. - Inglés

5:00 pm. - misa en inglés 8:00 pm. Inglés

10:00 pm. - haitiano Misas el Día de Navidad Martes, 25 de Diciembre

9:00 a.m. - Ingles 10:30 a.m.– Español

12:00 Medio Día – Ingles Vispera de Año Nuevo Lunes 31 de diciembre

9:00 a.m. Inglés 5:00 pm. Inglés

Día de Año Nuevo Martes 1 de enero 9:00 a.m. - Inglés

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Page 4

Koleksyon yo espesyal semèn sa a pral pou Catholic Charti- ties. Tanpri, dwe jenere.

4yèm Dimanch nan refleksyon Lavan Sou sa dènye Dimanch anvan Nwèl la, lekti Levanjil nou an prepare nou pou nou temwen Kris la lè nou montre nou ki jan Jezi te rekonèt kòm Mesi long direksyon Izrayèl la menm anvan li te fèt. Levanjil la vire atansyon nou nan ministè a nan Jan Batis nan evènman yo ki te anvan nesans Jan Batis la. Istwa a nan Jan Batis la ak paran li, Eliza- bèt ak Zakari, yo rapòte sèlman nan Levanjil Lik la. Lik parapò ak nesans Jan Batis la ak Jezi, etabli koneksyon bonè Jan an Mesi a. Lekti Levanjil nou an raple aksyon Mari yo apre anons la nan nesans Jezi pa Gabriel Gabriel. Mari ale nan vizit Elizabeth, kouzen li, ki moun ki se tou ak timoun. Elizabèt voye bonjou pou Mari ak tout rekonesans wòl yo ke yo ak timoun ki poko fèt yo ap jwe nan plan Bondye a pou sali. Si nou te kontinye li vèsè yo ki swiv nan Levanjil Lik la, nou ta tande Mari reponn bonjou Elizabèt la ak chante lwanj li, Magnificat la. Tou de fanm yo sonje e repete istwa Bondye a pou yo montre favè sou pèp Izrayèl la. Li apwopriye nan sezon sa a nan Lavan ke nou konsidere wòl nan Mari nan plan Bondye a delivre yo. Elizabeth dekri Mari kòm premye disip la, tankou yon moun ki kwè ke pawòl Bondye a nan li ta dwe rive vre. Lafwa Mari a te pèmèt li rekonèt travay Bondye nan istwa pèp li a ak nan pwòp lavi li. Ouvèti li bay Bondye pèmèt Bondye travay nan li pou ke delivre ka vini nan tout moun. Se poutèt sa, Mari se yon modèl ak senbòl Legliz la. Se pou nou fè tankou Mari, louvri ak koperativ nan plan Bondye a pou delivre.

Nan Kris la Deacon Dean

Evènman à / reyinyon • Terce ... se chak dimanch apre 9:00 a.m. Vèsè yo chak

samdi anvan 5:00 p.m. Mass. • Gwoup sipò Ayiti ... ap premye Lendi nan mwa a nan 7:15

pm nan St Monica Hall. Tout yo akeyi. • Sentespri èdtan ... yo pral 4 janvye nan 9:30 a.m.

Nwèl Orè Nwèl Èv

Lendi, Desanm 24 9:00 a.m. - angle

5:00 p.m. - Angle Mass 8:00 p.m. Angle

10:00 p.m. - Ayisyen Nwèl Jou Masses Madi, Desanm 25

9:00 a.m. - Angle; 10:30 a.m.- Panyòl 12:00 midi - angle

Lavèy nouvèl ane a Lendi 31 Desanm 9:00 a.m. Angle 5:00 p.m. Angle Jou nouvo ane a Madi, 1 janvye

9:00 a.m. - angle Jou Endepandans ayisyen, pou yo anonse ...

Don’t forget to visit our website for more announcements @ www.staugustineparkslope.org