St. Elizabeth Seton Parish 520 Ridgebury Road, Ridgefield, Connecticut 06877

The Fourth Sunday of Advent December 24, 2017

Parish Office Religious Education Phone: 203-438-7292 Fax 203-438-0600 Phone: 203-438-9707 Fax:203-438-6351 Email: stsetonparish@comcast.net Email: stsetoneducation@comcast.net Hours: Mon.—Fri. 9:00 AM—1:00 PM Hours: Mon.—Wed. 9:30 AM—1:00 PM

Pastoral Team Fr. Joseph A. Prince, Pastor Fr. Justin Raj, Parochial Vicar Deacon Francis J. Foyt - 203-616-5003

Coordinators of Religious Education Mrs. Marie Trebing (Catechetical) Mrs. Gigi Pekala (Administrative)

Parish Office Secretary Mrs. Sarah Sorgie

Youth Ministry Middle School: Mrs. Cindy Bruno - 203-431-9548 High School: Ms. Gina Donnarummo - 203-209-6074

Music Director/Organist Michelle Fraser—703-919-5097

Guitar Accompanist Mr. Michael Canavan - 203-885-6284

Finance Committee Chair Mr. Steve O’Hara - 203-743-1327

MASS SCHEDULE Daily Mass: Monday - Friday - 8:30 a.m.  (Morning Prayer before Mass at 8:20 a.m.) Saturday: Confessions - 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Vigil Mass - 5:00 p.m. Sunday: 8:00, 9:30, 11:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

(No 5:00 p.m. Mass: Christmas Day, New Year’s Day, Easter Sunday and Thanksgiv-ing Day.)

Easter Mass Schedule: Saturday 7:30 pm Vigil, no 3:30 p.m. Confession, no 5:00 p.m. mass Sunday 7:00, 8:00, 9:15, 11:00 and 12:30

Christmas Mass Schedule: Christmas Eve: 3:00, 5:00, 7:00, 8:30, 11:00 p.m. Christmas Day: 8:00, 9:30, 11:30 a.m.

Parish Coffee Hour: following the 9:30am Mass on Sundays September through June. Baked goods are always welcome.

Mission Statement We are a spirit-filled Catholic Community of faith-centered people dedicated to the growth of God’s Kingdom, and the

living of the Gospel. We proclaim the Good News of Salvation to all by living a life of faith and loving concern for all our sisters and brothers.

www.sesparish.org

www.facebook.com/St.Elizabeth.Seton.Parish.Ridgefield

MASS INTENTIONS

Saturday—December 23 3:30 P.M. Confessions 5:00 P.M. +Rudolph DeDivitis Req. by Victor & Jody Lampasso

Sunday—December 24 8:00 A.M. +Frank Ruccia Req. by Christos Metrakas 9:30 A.M. Jim and Dorothy Callahan—Sp. Int Req. by Jim and Cindy Bruno 11:30 A.M. +Ken Suzuki Req. by Anita and Bob Quasha

Sunday—December 24—Christmas Eve 3:00 P.M. For Our Parishioners 5:00 P.M. For Our Parishioners 7:00 P.M. For Our Parishioners 8:30 P.M. For Our Parishioners 11:00 P.M. For Our Parishioners

Monday—December 25 Christmas Day 8:00 A.M. For Our Parishioners 9:30 A.M. For Our Parishioners 11:30 A.M. For Our Parishioners

Tuesday—December 26 8:30 A.M. +Anita Barron Req. by Bruce & Debbie Varnerin

Wednesday—December 27 8:30 A.M. +Anne and Bob Freed Req. by Al and Kathryn Guido

Thursday—December 28 8:30 A.M. Anna Sorgie—Healing Req. by The Sorgie Family

Friday—December 29 8:30 A.M. +Connor Patrick Devlin Req. by Marc & Ellen Baker

Saturday—December 30 3:30 P.M. Confessions 5:00 P.M. +Anthony O’Brien Req. by The Adamski Family

Sunday—December 31 8:00 A.M. +Carlos E. Sanchez Req. by Maria, Ligia, Sandra & Adriana 9:30 A.M. +Joao Pinto Req. by The Pavain Family 11:30 A.M. +Dr. Gerard Werner Req. by Louis and Alberta Alosco 5:00 P.M. +Nancy McGovern Req. by The McGovern Family

BUILDING HOUSES Though David wanted to build a dwelling place for God to reside in, God promised David something greater: a “house” that would last forever. In Christ, we find that promise fulfilled.

INSIDE THE READINGS In the lull of peacetime, King David ponders the trap-pings of his success (a house of costly cedar) while the ark of God rests in a tent. The ark of God, which held the stone tablets of the Ten Commandments, essentially signaled the presence of God among the people. David considers building a proper temple for the ark, but through the prophet Nathan, God an-nounces, “I have never dwelt in a house from the day I brought Israel up from Egypt to this day, but I have been going about in a tent or a tabernacle.” Rather than David building a house suitable for the presence of God, God will build a house for David. The Hebrew word for house is bayit and means both a dwelling and a dynasty. God makes an everlasting promise to David that “I will establish [your] kingdom forever.”

The second reading seems to bridge the promise of eternal covenant and its realization in Jesus Christ. Though Romans 16:25–27 is part of the closing sec-tion of the canonical Letter to the Romans, this dox-ology has appeared at the end of chapters 14, 15, or 16 in various manuscripts. Whether written by Paul or added by a later editor, these verses form a fitting conclusion to a letter that strove to explain how the “revelation of the mystery” had come to be shared with all the nations (Gentiles).

The Davidic promise announced by Nathan is ful-filled by Gabriel when the angel declares to Mary that she will bear a son, and “the Lord God will give him the throne of David his father.” He will be called “the Son of the Most High” and “of his kingdom there will be no end.” Thus Mary’s child will be the culmi-nation of the promise, testimony to God’s faithful-ness. When Zechariah asks for confirmation after receiving a similar birth announcement from Gabriel, he is struck dumb. However, Mary’s question— how?—doesn’t doubt the angel, only the mechanics of such a birth. And for Mary there is confirmation, “Behold, Elizabeth . . . has conceived . . . for nothing will be impossible for God.”  

RESPONDING IN PRAYER Faithful God, may our lives make true the words of our psalm today: “The promises of the Lord I will sing forever.” May the light of your Son, whose com-ing is nearer than when we first began to believe, shine ever more strongly in us each today, on Christ-mas and beyond

VOLUNTEERS

The Worship committee gratefully recognizes the weekly liturgy minis-ters who serve in our Masses next weekend December 30th and 31st.

Saturday Vigil: David Ryan (ASE)

Clodagh Ryan (ASE) Kristin Goff (ASE)

Barbara Dineen (EUC) Jerry Dineen (EUC)

Volunteer Needed (EUC) John Goff (LEC)

Sunday, 8:00 AM

Megan Klosowski (ASE) Brian Klosowski (ASE) Volunteer Needed (ASE) Donna Keough (EUC)

Matthew Keough (EUC) Patricia Keough (EUC)

Volunteer Needed (EUC) Jeff Prendergast (LEC)

Sunday, 9:30 AM David Posa (ASE)

Gabriella Posa (ASE) Analisa Posa (ASE)

Mary Laura Prtichard (EUC) Marcia Nelson (EUC)

Kendall Palladino (EUC) Mary McCormick (EUC)

Laura Monaco (EUC) Volunteer Needed (EUC)

Russ Porter (LEC)

Sunday, 11:30 AM Joseph LeFebvre (ASE) Kristen LeFebvre (ASE) Thomas LeFebvre (ASE) Wendy Lionetti (EUC) Marie Trebing (EUC)

Volunteer Needed (EUC) Volunteer Needed (EUC)

Ray Kurkjy (LEC)

Sunday, 5:00 PM Monday, 9:30 and 11:30 AM

The Worship committee greatly appreciates the liturgy ministers who will be serving in our New Year Masses for the Solemnity of Mary. Please contact your ministry leader to sign up for your preferred Mass time.

MINISTRIES EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS OF MERCY: If you would like someone to bring the Eucharist to you, please call Deacon Frank Foyt, 203-616-5003. We visit the ill, homebound, the hospital and nursing homes. MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOL YOUTH GROUPS: All MS and HS students are welcome to attend our meetings and youth mass the 4th Sunday of each month. We also plan service projects and fun activities. Questions? Please contact Cindy Bruno (203)431-9548 (MS) or Gina Donnarummo 203-209-6074 (HS). PRIME TIMERS: A fellowship group of men and women who have the time and desire to come together on weekdays for social and service events. Monthly meetings are held on the first Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. in McKeon Hall. For information call Kathryn Guido at 438-4138 SES MEN”S GROUP: Meets the first Wednesday of the month at 7:30 in the Parish Center. Contact: Rich Adamski 203-791-1851 rejcadamski@att.net OUTREACH: is a group of parish volunteers who work with local charities to help those who are less fortunate. Coordinators: Connie Tomasetti, 203-798-9766 & Mia Belanger 203-730-6660 PARISH NURSES: Meet periodically throughout the year. Offer blood pressure screenings and an annual flu clinic. Contact: Carol Tyrrell (203)438-4049. DOROTHY DAY HOSPITALITY HOUSE: The second Sunday of each month is our day of service. Call Gladys Gannon at 203-438-2521. PRAYER TREE: In times of crisis it is helpful to know that we are not alone. If you need prayers for you or a loved one, please send your prayer request to SESPrayertree@gmail.com. If you do not have email or access to the internet you may contact Cyndi Smalley-Markovitz at 203-605-8223. FAMILY ASSISTANCE: Want to help? Need help? Call Fr. Prince 438-7292 RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS (RCIA) is a program offered to non‑baptized and Christians of other traditions to learn more about the Catholic faith and to be welcomed into our Catholic Community. Please call the Parish Office. SUNSHINE COMMITTEE: This ministry welcomes new parishioners, provides rides to doctor appointments., SES functions, and prepares meals as needed during illness or for families with new babies. If you or someone you know in the parish needs assistance please call Jennifer Cade 914-707-1674. WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDY: Join us as we deepen our faith studying the Word of God. Contacts: Anita Morris 203-744-0103 and Deb Varnerin 203-209-2689 PARISH ADVISORY COUNCIL Meets the second Tuesday of the month, September through June. Parishioners with questions or suggestions should contact any PAC member listed. Vince Daly 203-894-8635 Richard Tomasetti 203- 798-9766 Sonia Girolamo 203-743-3811 Michele Goodman 203-894-8999 Kelly Molloy 203-403-3566 Donna Keough 203-438-4885 Cyndi Markovitz 203-790-8803 Russell Porter 203-431-5757 David Shofi 203-438-9173 TRUSTEES Ernie Conti 203-438-3111 Victor Lampasso 203-438-5917

PARISH MEMBERSHIP

If you are not already a parishioner here at St. Elizabeth Seton, we invite you to join our parish fami-ly. Anyone wishing to join the parish should complete a Parish census form in the back of the church and call the office to make an appointment to be personally welcomed by our Pastor, Father Joseph A. Prince. One must be an active, registered parishioner to receive an eligibility certificate to act as a sponsor for Baptism or Confirmation. Please notify the office if you move and/or change your telephone number.

NURSES CORNER

December 2017

“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” Matthew 5:4.

The Christmas season can be a mixture of feelings, especially if you are grieving the loss of a loved one. Cele-brations take on different meanings as you work through the emotions of grief. Do you attend every party you are invited to? Do you decorate your home the same as before the death of a loved one? Do you maintain family traditions, or create new ones? Whether the loss is recent or old, you have to determine what kind of celebration or remembrance is right for you.

ALTAR SERVER MINISTRY

Altar serving during the mass is a very important ministry. We are looking for girls and boys from grades 4-12. The altar server assists the priest and deacon during mass. There are also opportunities to help during Advent, Lent, and First Com-munion and Confirmation celebra-tions. Altar serving training will take place on January 21 & 28, or Febru-ary 4 & 11, 2018. If you have any questions please contact Angela Skrobar at asbooks5@gmail.com or 203-894-5460.

And the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us, and we saw his glory, the glory as of the Father’s only Son, full of grace and truth.

-John 1:14

PARISH ACTIVITIES

THIS WEEK

Monday, December 25 Merry Christmas!

The Parish Office will reopen January 2nd.

THANK YOU We wish to thank Gene and Jo Healy for their generous donation of Little Blue Prayer Books this Advent season.

SAVE THE DATE The Saint Elizabeth Seton Family Din-ner will be held Saturday January 13, 2018 after the 5:00 P.M. mass. All are welcome and we hope you can join us.

Readings for the Week

Fourth Sunday of Advent December 24, 2017

The child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God.

—Luke 1:35

Monday: Vigil: Is 62:1-5; Ps 89:4-5, 16-17, 27-29; Acts 13:16-17, 22-25; Mt 1:1-25 [18-25] During the Night: Is 9:1-6; Ps 96:1-3, 11-13; Ti 2:11-14; Lk 2:1-14 Dawn: Is 62:11-12; Ps 97:1, 6, 11-12; Ti 3:4-7; Lk 2:15-20 Day: Is 52:7-10; Ps 98:1-6; Heb 1:1-6; Jn 1:1-18 [1-5, 9-14]

Tuesday: Acts 6:8-10; 7:54-59; Ps 31:3cd-4, 6, 8ab, 16bc, 17; Mt 10:17-22

Wednesday: 1 Jn 1:1-4; Ps 97:1-2, 5-6, 11-12; Jn 20:1a, 2-8

Thursday: 1 Jn 1:5 — 2:2; Ps 124:2-5, 7cd-8; Mt 2:13-18

Friday: 1 Jn 2:3-11; Ps 96:1-3, 5b-6; Lk 2:22-35

Saturday: 1 Jn 2:12-17; Ps 96:7-10; Lk 2:36-40

Sunday: Sir 3:2-6, 12-14 or Gn 15:1-6; 21:1-3; Ps 128: 1-5 or Ps 105:1-6, 8-9; Col 3:12-21 [12-17] or Hb 11:8, 11-12, 17-19; Lk 2:22-40 [22, 39-40]

St. Elizabeth Seton Parish Christmas and New Year Mass Schedule

Confessions: Saturday, December 23rd from 3:30-4:30pm

Christmas Eve, Sunday, December 24th 3:00pm Holy Mass 5:00pm Holy Mass 7:00pm Holy Mass 8:30pm Holy Mass 10:30pm Christmas Concert 11:00pm Holy Mass

Christmas Day, Monday, December 25th

8:00am Holy Mass 9:30am Holy Mass 11:30am Holy Mass No 5pm Mass

Confessions:

Saturday, December 30st from 3:30-4:30pm

New Year’s Eve Solemnity of Mary - Vigil, Sunday, December 31st

5:00pm Holy Mass in the Church

New Year’s Day, Solemnity of Mary, Monday, January 1st

9:30am Holy Mass 11:30am Holy Mass No 5pm Mass

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR

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Online Giving app and set up your account today—it’s quick and easy! Our Church ID# is 99.

YOUR WEEKLY GIVING

OFFERTORY COLLECTION STATS  

PRIOR WEEK                       12‐03‐2017      12‐04‐2016 Gross Offertory Collec on    $       9,325           $10,862 Diocesan Assessments    $       1,399           $  1,629 Net Offertory to Parish    $       7,926           $  9,233       

Fiscal Year (FY) Results Starting July 1  

        FY‐2018           FY 2017         Jul to Sep 30     Jul to Sep 30  

Reg Receipts, Religious Ed., Other       $ 136,966         $ 159,801 

Fund Raising Receipts     $     8,950         $      9,795 

Total Regular Receipts    $ 145,916         $  169,596  

Parish Opera ng Expenses    $ 159,520         $  164,877 

Surplus/(Deficit) Before Emergency Fund  $  (13,604)        $     4,719    

Emergency Fund Receipts    $   11,816         $    12,671 

SACRAMENTS The seven sacraments; Baptism, Eucharist, Confirmation, Penance, Anointing of the Sick, Holy Matrimony, and Holy Orders, are efficacious signs of grace, instituted by Christ and entrusted to the Church, by which divine life is dispensed to us. The visible rites by which the sacraments are celebrated signify and make present the graces proper to each sacra-ment. They bear fruit in those who receive them with the required dispositions. Any adult wishing to learn more about the Sacraments and be in communion with our Catholic Church is invited to call our office, learn more about, and partic-ipate in our RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults) program.

Baptism This Sacrament of initiation and welcome into our faith-community may be celebrated during a weekend mass or at 1:00 P.M. on the second and fourth Sunday of the month. A Baptism class is held on the 3rd Sunday of every other month at 1:00 P.M. in the Parish Center and is attended prior to the baptism of your first child. You may attend before your child is born, and call the office to register.

Eucharist “Jesus said to them, ‘I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me will never hunger, and whoev-er believes in me will never thirst.’” John 6:35 Thus in the Eucharistic Liturgy we are joined with Christ on the altar of the cross and at the table of the upper room. The Sacrament can be re-ceived daily at Mass or delivered to the homebound upon request.

Confirmation In the Sacrament of Confirma-tion, the baptized person is “sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit” and is strengthened for service to the Body of Christ.

Penance The Sacrament of Penance is an experience of the gift of God’s boundless mercy. Time for con-fession is offered every Saturday afternoon from 3:30-4:30 P.M. in our Church, Tuesday evenings from 7:00-8:30 P.M. at St. Jo-seph’s in Brookfield, and on Thursday evenings from 7:00-8:30 P.M. at Sacred Heart in Danbury.

Anointing of the Sick Jesus came to heal the whole per-son, body and soul. If you would like to have one of our priests or deacons visit you, a relative, or a friend in the hospital, rehabilita-tion facility, or at home, please call the parish office.

Holy Matrimony The Marriage covenant refers to the relationship between the hus-band and wife, a permanent union of persons capable of knowing and loving each other and God. It is also a liturgical act and Catho-lics are urged to celebrate their marriage within the Eucharistic Liturgy. Couples are encouraged to make arrangements at least 6 months prior to the wedding. At-tendance at the Diocesan Mar-riage Preparation Program or Engaged Encounter is mandato-ry. Please call the office for an appointment to begin planning.

Holy Orders Ordination to the priesthood is always a call and a gift from God. Those who seek priesthood re-spond generously to God’s call using the words of the prophet, “here I am, send me” (Is 6:8). For more information about voca-tions to the priesthood and diaco-nate, please visit www.usccb.org.

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION NEWS OFFICE TELEPHONE: 203-438-9707 OFFICE FAX: 203-438-6351

WEB PAGE: www.sesparish.org

DECEMBER 2017/JANUARY 2018 RELIGIOUS EDUCATION CALENDAR

♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥ REMINDER: Any child, who has missed a substantial number of religious education classes, will not advance to the next grade level. OFFICE HOURS: Mon., Tues., Wed., Thurs. 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and afternoon hours vary according to class schedules and other Religious Education events.

December 18, 2017 through January 3, 2018– NO Religious Education Classes Sun. 1/7/18—9:30 a.m.—PreK-K in McKeon Hall and Liturgy of the Word in the Chapel Mon. 1/8/18—4:30-5:45 p.m.—Religious Education Classes in Jubilee Memorial and McKeon Hall Tues. 1/9/18—4:30-5:45 p.m.—Religious Education Classes in Jubilee Memorial and McKeon Hall Wed. 1/10/18—4:30-5:45 p.m.—Religious Education Classes in Jubilee Memorial and McKeon Hall Mon. 1/15/18—4:30-5:45 p.m.—Religious Education Classes in Jubilee Memorial and McKeon Hall Tues. 1/16/18—4:30-5:45 p.m.—Religious Education Classes in Jubilee Memorial and McKeon Hall Wed. 1/17/18—3:30-5:45 p.m.—Confirmation Session #5 in McKeon Hall and the Jubilee Memorial Thurs. 1/18/18—4:30-5:45 p.m.—First Reconciliation Retreat in McKeon Hall and the Chapel

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