ST. GREGORY THE GREAT 215 Halstead Avenue, Harrison, NY 10528

(914) 835-0677 - Fax (914) 835-5152

Web Site: www.stgregorythegreatharrison.com E-Mail: stgreggreat@aol.com

December 6, 2015

Rev. Richard M. Guarnieri Pastor

Rev. James Teague

Rev. Soosairaj Michael Rev. John Edison Parochial Vicars

Mrs. Lucille Broderick Parish Secretary

Dr. Stephen Black Organist

Professor Pierluigi Sampietro Organist Emeritus

Ms. Maria Gaudelli

Director of Early Childhood Program Early Childhood Enrichment Program

94 Broadway 835-1278 - Fax 835-2070

Mrs. Kara Alcoba

Mrs. Catherine Tammaro Coordinators of Religious Education

Religious Education Office 94 Broadway

835-1278 - Fax 835-2070

Mass Schedule Masses for Sunday Saturday: 5:00 p.m. Sunday: 7:00 a.m., 8:30 a.m., 10:00 a.m., 11:30 a.m., & 5:00 p.m. Weekdays Monday to Friday: 6:45 a.m., 9:00 a.m. Saturday: 9:00 a.m. Holy Days 7:30 p.m. (eve), 6:45 a.m., 9:00 a.m., 12:00 noon, 7:30 p.m.

Devotions to Our Lady Novena Monday at 9:30 a.m.

Baptism Celebrated every Sunday at 1:00 p.m. Please call the Rectory to make an appointment for Pre-Baptismal infor-mation Penance Saturday: 4:00 - 4:55 p.m. Day Before a Holy Day: 7:00 - 7:30 p.m. All Other Times: On Request

Matrimony

The engaged couple is to inform the Parish priest usually

one year prior to the celebration. A marriage preparation

program is required.

Religious Education Program

Grades 5 & 6 Tuesday 3:30 - 4:45 p.m.

Grades 3 & 4 Wednesday 3:30 - 4:45 p.m.

Grades 7 &8 Wednesday 7:00 - 8:15 p.m.

Grades 1 & 2 Thursday 2:15 - 3:30 p.m.

Meetings

Parish Council: Third Thursday of the month at 7:30

p.m. in the Lower Church Hall.

Finance Committee: Meets periodically.

Rosary Altar Society: First Thursday of the month at

7:00 p.m. for the Rosary, and 7:30 p.m. meeting.

Legion of Mary: Meets every Wednesday at 6:00 p.m.

Folk Group: 1st & 3rd Tuesdays - 8:00 - 9:30 p.m.

St. Gregory’s Choir: Thursdays - 7:30 - 9:00 p.m.

RCIA: Tuesday evenings at 7:00 p.m.

Bible Study: Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m.

Respect Life: Second Monday of the month at 7:00 p.m.

VESPERS Starting Saturday, November 28th and for all the Saturdays of Advent, we will have Vespers sung before the 5:00 p.m. Mass beginning at 4:30 p.m. Vespers are the evening prayer of the church and consist of hymns, prayers and the blessing of the Advent Wreath. All are invited to attend. Vespers would be a good way to prepare for Christmas. The Vesper ceremony lasts about 20 minutes. IMMACULATE CONCEPTION Tuesday, December 8th, is a Holy Day of Obligation. Masses on Tuesday are: 6:45 a.m., 9:00 a.m., 12:00 Noon and 7:30 p.m. There will be a Vigil Mass on Monday, December 7th, at 7:30 p.m. CHRISTMAS GIVING TREE The Christmas Giving Tree will benefit the following charities: Cardinal McCloskey Home, Sisters of Life, Hour Children’s Center, Elinor Martin Home for Unwed Mothers and the Franciscans. The name of an item is written on each tag on the tree that would benefit someone in need. Simply select a tag from the Christmas trees in church on the weekend of December 5th and 6th. On the following weekend, December 12th and 13th, place your gift under the tree. The gifts collected will be donated to the needy in the name of the parishioners of St. Gregory the Great. THANK YOU The Harrison Columbiettes would like to thank all the parishioners of St. Gregory’s and friends who purchased goodies at our Bake Sale and also to thank those who baked, donated and helped make it such a Hugh Success.

December 6, 2015 Second Sunday of Advent

Mass Intentions

SAT. 12/5

5:00

p.m.

CICCARELLI & SORICELLI FAMILIES

SUN. 12/6

7:00 8:30 10:00 11:30 5:00

a.m. a.m. a.m. a.m. p.m.

PEOPLE OF ST. GREGORY TULLIO SCOCCHERA FRANCESCO & CAMILLA DE GREGORIO JOAN FUGAZY JOSEPHINE & CHARLES CAMPO

MON. 12/7

6:45 9:00

a.m. a.m.

VIRGINIA MASCIOLA GIACONDA & CHARLES SLOAT

TUES. 12/8

7:30

6:45 9:00

p.m. a.m. a.m.

PAUL TAYLOR MARY ANN SPOSATO GIUSEPPE & CARMELA

12:00

p.m.

LAGANO FR. JAMES FLYNN

7:30

p.m.

RALPH SIRANI, SR.

WED. 12/9

6:45 9:00

a.m. a.m.

GIUSEPPINA & ANTONIO LAGANA CARMELA LONGO & NICOLA NOCITO & FAMILY

THU. 12/10

6:45 9:00

a.m. a.m.

SALVATORE & FELICIA SORGE ANN DONIGER

FRI. 12/11

6:45 9:00

a.m. a.m.

MINISHI & FORSTER FAMILIES PAOLO MARELLA

SAT. 12/12

9:00

5:00

a.m. p.m.

ANNA & JOSEPH DI SILVESTRO ADOLPH “BILL” GRABLEY

SUN. 12/13

7:00 8:30

10:00

11:30

5:00

a.m. a.m. a.m. a.m. p.m.

PEOPLE OF ST. GREGORY MARIO TARANTINO ANTONIO ANTOLINO & ANGELO & JOSEPHINE MASTROGIACOMO PAUL VALLARELLI PAUL SICONOLFI & ROSA & DOMINICK D’AMIANO

Wine & Hosts, Candles & Flowers

The Wine and Hosts this week have been donated in memory of Vincenzo Pagnotta and have been requested by Rita Verrino. The Altar Candles this week have been donated in memory of the Santucci and Stout Families and have been requested by Jean Stout. The Flowers at the Shrine of Saint Anthony this week have been donated in memory of the Santucci and Stout Families and have been requested by Jean Stout.

In Memory

The parish community of St. Gregory the Great extends its deepest sympathy to the loved ones on their loss

Mauro Gisondi

Rosina Cofone Luzzi Peter Valeri

PRAYERS FOR THE SICK

Joan Anixt, Marianne Yusi Barber, Mary Ellen Beyer, Frances Bodycott, Carmelita Briotte, Sue Burger, Silvio Catalano, Adrian and Marisa Colon, Matthew Coulter, Mark Davis, Gabrielle Di Carlo, Susan Di Silvestro, Barrett Dorn, Brendan Dowd, Camdon Joseph, Mary Gill, Martha Hamilton, Caterina Labrosciano, William Lawrence, Sabrina Marciante, Angela Margiotti, Stephanie Merenda, Regina Riberio Minck, Joanne Opava, Mary O’Sullivan, Carol Sheridan, Lee Ann Thomas, Marie Thomson, Monica Toro, Robert Travers, Concetta Vasile, Elizabeth West, Gregory Westfall, Donna Williams, Maggie Wunderlick—and for all who have requested a remembrance in our prayers.

FINANCIAL CORNER: Our Sunday collection for Sunday, November 22, 2015 was $8,245.00 and Sunday, November 29, 2015 was $8,478.00, Thank you and may God bless you for your generosity. COAT DRIVE The Sts. Peter and Paul - St. Ursula Men’s Club is currently sponsoring a winter coat drive until December 21st to benefit those in need in the local community. We are in need of new or gently used adult and children’s coats. Coats can be brought to the Sts. Peter and Paul - St. Ursula Rectory, 129 Birch St., Mt. Vernon, or you can call 914-668-9815 to schedule a pick-up of your donation. CHRISTMAS PERFORMANCE Please join the parish of St. Augustine Church, 381. N. Highland Avenue, Route 9, Ossining, NY 10562 for “Lessons and Carols with Pageant” on Sunday, December 6th at 3:30 p.m. in the Church (Snow date - December 13th). PART-TIME COOK The Capuchin Franciscan Friars at St. Conrad Friary in White Plains are looking for a part-time cook to prepare dinner 4-5 days a week for 5-6 friars. The cook will be required to work with friars to plan weekly menu, cook meal, set table and clean up kitchen. Hours: 3:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Monday - Friday. Chef experience not required, home cooks are welcomed to apply. All interested candidates should send email/resume to Capuchinjobs.nyne@gmail.com. NATIONAL NIGHT OF PRAYER FOR LIFE St. Gregory’s Church will be participating in a National Night of Prayer for Life on December 8, from 9 p.m. To 12 a.m. This is a pro-life prayer service consisting of exposition and adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, recitation of the Rosary, silent meditation, and benediction to end the evening. We will be united with churches across the country in prayer to end abortion and all offenses against the Culture of Life, to make reparation for these sins and pray for the healing of those who are suffering as a result of them.

TODAY’S READINGS

First Reading — Stand on the heights, Jerusalem; see your children rejoicing that they are remembered by God. A merciful and just God leads Israel in joy (Baruch 5:1-9). Psalm — The Lord has done great things for us; we are filled with joy (Psalm 126). Second Reading — May your love increase in knowledge to discern what is valuable that you may be blameless for the day of Christ (Philippians 1:4-6, 8-11). Gospel — John proclaims a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. All flesh shall see the salvation of God (Luke 3:1-6).

READINGS FOR THE WEEK Monday: Is 35:1-10; Ps 85:9-14; Lk 5:17-26 Tuesday: Gn 3:9-15, 20; Ps 98:1-4; Eph 1:3-6, 11-12; Lk 1:26-38 Wednesday: Is 40:25-31; Ps 103:1-4, 8, 10; Mt 11:28-30 Thursday: Is 41:13-20; Ps 145:1, 9-13ab; Mt 11:11-15 Friday: Is 48:17-19; Ps 1:1-4, 6; Mt 11:16-19 Saturday: Zec 2:14-17 or Rv 11:19a; 12:1-6a, 10ab; Jdt 13:18bcde, 19; Lk 1:26-38 or Lk 1:39-47, or any readings from the Common of the Blessed Virgin Mary, nos. 707-712 Sunday: Zep 3:14-18a; Is 12:2-3, 4, 5-6; Phil 4:4-7; Lk 3:10-18

SAINTS AND SPECIAL OBSERVANCE Sunday: Second Sunday of Advent; Hanukkah begins Monday: St. Ambrose; Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day Tuesday: The Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary Wednesday: St. Juan Diego Friday: St. Damasus I Saturday: Our Lady of Guadalupe

Santa Claus: Christian or secular?

I have two friends - one is an atheist, the other is a Christian fundamentalist. Neither is carrying on the tradition of Santa with their children. The atheist claims he is a Christian symbol; the Christian thinks he’s a secular figure. Who’s right? As strange as it may sound, both are correct. The myth of Santa Claus is based on the real life of St. Nicholas, a Catholic bishop. Born in the third century, his parents were wealthy but died when Nicholas was very young. His faith led him to dedicate his life to the service of God and others. He gave away his entire inheritance to help the poor and suffering. Like Christ himself, Nicholas is known as a giver of gifts. Stories of St. Nick’s generosity form the basis for some of our current Christmas traditions. According to one story, the bags of gold he tossed through an open window landed in stockings hanging above the fire to dry. Some put food for Nicholas and straw for his donkey outside their homes, hoping he will replace their gifts with his. December 6 is now an annual feast commemorating this saint. Most today know Santa as coming from the North Pole with his red-nosed reindeer Rudolph and bringing toys and treats made by elves. This is certainly a secular image, but however we celebrate Advent and Christmas, we must remember and lead others to their true purpose and meaning. Fr. Paul Borowski, CSsR Sundaybulletins@liguori.org