PASTORAL STAFFRev. Joseph G. Fonti, S.T.L., Pastor

Rev. JunHee Lee, S.T.L., Weekend AssistantRev. Al Barozzi, In ResidenceDeacon Joseph A. Freda

SCHEDULE OF MASSESSaturday - 9:00 A.M., 5:00 P.M. (Vigil)Sunday - 7:30 A.M., 9:00 A.M. (Italian),

10:30 A.M., 12:00 P.M.

WEEKDAY MASSESSeptember - June

Monday - Friday: 7:00 A.M., 9:00 A.M.July - Labor Day

Monday - Friday: 8:00 A.M.

CONFESSIONSaturday 11:00 - 12:00 P.M.

and by appointment at the Rectory.

ST. MEL’S CATHOLIC ACADEMY154-24 26th Ave., Flushing, NY 11354

(718) 539-8211 Fax (718) 539-6563www.stmelsacademy.org

Interim Board Chair: Mr. Richie Diaz, M.A., M.S.Ed.Principal: Mrs. Amy Barron, M.A., M.S.Ed.

Assistant Principal: Daniela Volpe

DIRECTOR OF MUSICRudolph Albert

FAITH FORMATIONCO-DIRECTORS

Paula Migliore - Denise DeRosaFaith Formation Office - (718) 461-9840

CChhuurrcchh ooff SSaaiinntt MMeell22661155 115544tthh SStt..,, FFlluusshhiinngg,, NNYY 1111335544

((771188)) 888866--00220011 -- FFaaxx:: ((771188)) 888866--00888822wwwwww..ssttmmeellss--qquueeeennss..oorrgg

BAPTISMSCall the Rectory Office for information at least one monthin advance.

MARRIAGESCall the Rectory Office for information and appointmentwith a priest at least six months prior to the date you wish.

NEW PARISHIONERSWe are always happy to welcome new parishioners intothe family of St. Mel. Stop in at the Rectory to register, askquestions and meet the priests who gladly serve you.

PASTORAL CARE TO THE HOMEBOUNDWe are concerned about parishioners who arehomebound and would like to receive the Eucharist, theSacrament of Reconciliation or the Anointing of the Sick.If you are homebound, or if you know someone who isunable to come to Mass - please do not hesitate to contactthe Rectory -718-886-0201. Visits will be happilyarranged for you.

MIRACULOUS MEDAL NOVENAEach Monday after the 9:00 A.M. Mass.Blessed Sacrament Devotions:First Friday Adoration 9:30 A.M. to 3:30 P.M.Daily Recitation of the Rosary: 8:30 A.M.

EVANGELIZATIONIf you know of any Catholic, who is not attending Churchor receiving the Sacraments and desires help in returning,please call or refer them to one of the priests at 718-886-0201. All information is confidential.

RECTORY OFFICE HOURSMonday - Thursday 9:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M.

Friday 9:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M.Emergencies any time.

Sunday, January 19, 2020

“God’s flock is in your midst; give it a shepherd’s care” ( 1 Peter 5:2)

“For Whom the Bell Tolls”...this time it tolls for me and my family. On Thursday, January 9th, my mother, Raffaela (Fanny), passed from this life to the next. A victim of dementia the past few years, mom surrendered her spirit to the Author of All Life, God, Our Almighty and Loving Father, in the comfort of her own bed surrounded by my three sisters, one of my four brothers, and several of her grandchildren. We count our blessings as we grieve our great loss. Never having an opportunity to introduce her to our parish family, I share the

obituary my sister, Diana, wrote at the time of her passing. Deeply touched by the outpouring of spiritual support and loving care from our Saint Mel ’s community, I thank, on behalf of my siblings, their families, and myself, all who visited her wake, attended her Funeral Mass, offered condolences or gave the gift of promised Masses and prayers. Again, we count our many blessings especially our great fortune of having a mother/grandmother who loved us and taught us by her joy to know, love, and serve the Lord. Aware that I am not alone in our community in knowing the pain of saying goodbye to someone greatly loved and now greatly missed, I promise to continue to minister to you and yours as we encourage one another to “walk by faith, not by sight.” Convinced that “life changes in death, it does not end”, we pray that healing and peace will mend broken hearts and dry all tears.

May my mother who never doubted Jesus to be her loving Savior, find in Him a merciful judge. Mary, Mother of Consolation and Lady of Hope, pray for us! - Father Fonti

A cherished daughter, Raffaela Fonti was the sixth child born to James (Vincenzo) and Maria Rosaria Vacca on January 13, 1932 and soon became affectionately known as Fanny. A beloved sister, her fondest memories always included life in the Bronx (Parkchester) where she lived with her brothers Frank, Nick and Joe and her sisters Mary and Rose. A devoted wife, Fanny married Louis Fonti Jr. in April of 1958 and soon became a lifelong resident of Brooklyn. Together, they embraced their Catholic faith and gave birth to nine children including Louis, Mario (who died shortly after his birth), James (Maryellen), Mary Scarola (Michael), Lucy Zuco (Matty), Diana Hannan (Bill), Rev. Joseph, Paul (Tania) and Peter (Lorraine). The kindest, most loving and caring mom, she shared her deep faith and love of Jesus Christ with each of her children. An amazing grandmother to eleven, she deeply loved Maria, Matthew, William, Louis, Brianna, Andrew, Andrea, Thomas, Justin, Julia, Jason and her most recent joy, great - grandson, William. A favorite Aunt and Great Aunt, “Aunt Fanny” always loved to laugh, sing and celebrate life with her big Italian family. A devout Catholic, Fanny lived as a passionate member of Immaculate Heart of Mary parish (Windsor Terrace) where she served in various ministries for over half a century including as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion, a Lector, Choir member and Parish Council, and CCD teacher. She was also an Associate of the Sisters of Charity of New York.

A cherished friend, Fanny was deeply loved and always counseled others in embracing the love of Jesus and living joyously and with faith. Not one for formality, fancy cooking or fuss, though she was known for her lasagna, Fanny wished nothing more than to engage in great conversation, enjoy a simple ham and cheese sandwich on rye, and to pursue her never ending quest for the perfect tasting apple pie. She will be forever loved and deeply missed.

Mass Intention January 19, 2020

SAT. 1/18

5:00 Domenico Pietropinto

SUN. 1/19

7:30 Baby Liam Perez

9:00 Girolamo Carna

Martina Bacarella

Domenico Canale

People of The Parish

10:30 Donald Halmy

12:00 Joseph Tortorella

MON 1/20

9:00 John F. Andrew & John Jordan

TUES 1/21

7:00 Domenico Fazzi

9:00 Romano Flaim

WED. 1/22

7:00 Helen M. Jacobs

9:00 Pietro & Giovanna Barretta & Frank Rappa

THURS. 1/23

7:00 Milica Milankovic

9:00 Giuseppe & Antonietta Anteri

FRI. 1/24

7:00 Agustino Caruso

9:00 Chris Pawlitschek

SAT. 1/25

9:00 Kay Drew

5:00 The Living & Deceased Members of The Mooney &

Mordhorst Families

SUN. 1/26

7:30 Antoinette Nici

9:00 Lino DiCamillo

Anna & Angelo Graci & Carmelo Giordina

Salvatore, Angela, Michele Vitale & Giuseppe & Maria

Viviano

Raffaela Fonti

The People of The Parish

10:30 Maryan Simicic

12:00 Sabatino Pagnazzi

Altar Candles

This week the Altar Candles are donated in Loving

Memory of:

Raffaela Fonti

Newly Enrolled in the Purgatorial Society

December, 2019

Victoria Giamo David Gregory

The Purgatorial Mass is offered on the First Friday of each month at 7:00am. Enrollment in the Purgatorial Society is for the period of one year.

Sanctuary Candle

This week the Sanctuary Candle is donated in Loving

Memory of :

Raffaela Fonti

Bread & Wine

This week the Bread and Wine are donated in Loving

Memory of:

Bobby Sitler

Given by: With Love,

Mom & Dad

One Mass only Monday, January 20th

9:00AM

In your prayers…

Father of goodness and love, hear our prayers for the sick members of our community and for all who are in need. Amen.

We pray for all those who are sick, especially:

We pray for the deceased members of our parish family who recently died especially:

Domingo Diaz, Katherine Loratro, Helen Pastoressa, & Raffaela Fonti Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

St. Mel’s Memorial Candles Remember Your Loved Ones

An Annual Memorial Candle can brighten your intentions all year long.

Purchasing an Annual Memorial Candle to Honor a loved one or a special

intention is a wonderful way to express our sentiments. When we go,

leaving the burning candle behind, we are reminded that our prayers and

intentions burn before the Lord unceasingly.

You can have a perpetual memorial for about .50 cents per day. The

annual offering for each candle is $200, which supports our parish.

If you would like to reserve a memorial candle, please fill out the form

below and return it along with payment to the Rectory. For more

questions, please contact the office at (718) 886-0201.

……………………………………………………

ORDER FORM PLEASE PRINT CLEARLY

Name________________________________

Address_______________________________

Phone________________________________

Please print your intention (example-In Memory of, Devoted Husband and Father, Always in our prayers,

In Thanksgiving, In Memory of, For the living and deceased members of, etc.

___________________________________

___________________________________

___________________________________

Please place my memorial in front of

(Please Circle)

St. Ann

Our Lady of Fatima

St. Jude

Infant of Prague

Our Lady of Lourdes

St. Francis of Assisi

Padre Pio

St. Rita

Our Lady of Romitello

St. Theresa Little Flower

St. Elizabeth Seton

St. Mel

St. John Neumann

St. Patrick

St. Joseph

St. Anthony

Blessed Mother-Limited Space

• Matt Z. • Lisa Sperazza • Louise Maddalena • Anne Gorga • Baby Aliyah Rose • Esme Mooney

Kavanagh • Robert Tedesco • Susan Trezioso

• Maria Scopa • Mike Scopa • Kathy Allen • Joan Buzzi • Pasquale Cama • Bob Doucet • Kathleen Tansey • Angela Isernia • Nick Roberto

COME IN AND PRAY

Our church is open each day for private prayer until 3:00pm . We encourage you to stop by for a quiet prayer, light a candle, or just spend time with our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament.

FIRST FRIDAY DEVOTIONS

Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament following the 9:00AM Mass. Visits to the Blessed Sacrament all day on First Friday

Prayers at 2:30PM and Benediction at 3:30PM

St. Mel’s Choir

Please see Rudy our Music Minister if you are interested. Rehearsals are every Thursday at 7:30pm in the Chapel and the choir sings at 10:30am every Sunday.

COLDS AND COMMON SENSE.

As we begin to pass through the

winter months and flu season,

please remember to refrain from

receiving the Precious Blood from

the chalice, and even exchanging

the sign of peace if not feeling well.

Your neighbor will understand.

Thank you.

Collections January 12, 2020

Weekly Collection $6,799.00

School Assessment $ 978.00

Total Collection $ 7,777.00 Total Mass Attendance 942

The Rectory will be closed on Monday, January 20th in observance of

Martin Luther King Jr. Day

LORD, HEAR OUR PRAYER!

May the healing presence of the Good Shepherd comfort and heal those who have suffered abuse by those entrusted with their care. Lord, strengthen and encourage those who faithfully service your flock.

Bereavement Support Groups

The stages of grief; bereavement after the loss of a loved one

Sacred Heart Church, Bayside, first Tuesday of every month from 7:30-9:30pm. Call Sr. Kathleen Masterson at (718) 224-5695.

And

St. Luke Bereavement Support Group at St. Luke’s Pastoral Center

16-34 Clintonville St., Whitestone, NY 11357 Meets on the 1st Tuesday of each month at 7:00 PM.

Please contact Sister Theresa Agliardi, RSM, (718) 746-8531 for additional information or if you are

interested in participating.

Please remember to pray for all who are grieving the loss of loved ones.

RACHEL’S HELPERS

A Post-Abortion Ministry for Women

Forgiven and Set Free is a program for

women who had an abortion and are

seeking spiritual healing. Sponsored by the

Diocese of Brooklyn, participants meet in

small group settings.

For more information: 347-702-2352

No Fee & All Calls are Confidential.

St. Mel’s Leisure Club St. Mel’s Leisure Club welcomes one and

all to join us for conversation and refreshments on Mondays at 1:00 pm in

Father O’Malley Hall. No Meeting: January 20 and 27

Monthly Trips to

Empire City Casino

$25 per person February 19, 2020

Call Edda at: 718-747-5379 or

Cenacles of Life

Pray with us

on Wednesdays at 11:00 am,

in St. Mel’s Church, Julia Chitos, Respect Life

Joint Parish Committee 718-961-1102

The Bridge to Life is a crisis pregnancy center in Queens that supplies thousands of families in the NYC area with their necessary supplies. Bridge is in need of the following items: cribs (no drop-down), pack and plays, strollers, car seats, and clothing sizes 2t-8. We accept gently used and new. Thank you and God Bless.

Tuesday and/or Thursday Morning

10:00– 11:30AM

$5:00 a class—”Pay as you go” (Located adjacent to Fr. O’Malley

Hall)

Please use 27th Avenue entrance of the Church

Please call Miss Lisa and Miss Pat for

more information about Mommy & Me

(718) 886-0201 ext. 218

Kidney Donor Needed

For a St. Mel’s Parishioner

Type O or A Blood

To be considered Please call Danielle at Northwell Kidney

Transplant Center 516-562-0550

Bus Tours February 29 - Very Early Spring Philadelphia Cruise, Luncheon Buffet and Beautiful Riviera Flower Show

Early RSVP a Must!

Call Barbara— 718-747-0941

St. Vincent DePaul

Our next Bundle Saturday will take place on January 25, 2020 from 9am to 12 noon in the St. Mel’s Parking Lot. Clothing in good condition is needed. If you are considering selling your truck , car, or van the Society of St. Vincent de Paul will give back to our church whether it is running or not— $50/$100 per vehicle.

Are you interested in the Catholic faith? Have you been coming to church for a while but are not Catholic? Have you been baptized Catholic or validly baptized in another Christian denomination and wish

to be fully initiated into the Catholic faith through the Sacraments of Confirmation and Communion?

If you answered yes, to any of these questions, we invite you to look deeper into the Catholic faith through a process called the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults or RCIA. It is also adapted for older children. Our parish offers a set of RCIA and RCIC sessions to share with others the truths of the Catholic faith and the fellowship of our church family.

If you are interested in joining this special journey of faith, contact the Office of Faith Formation at stmelsdderosa@gmail.com or at 718-461-9840.

SCHOOL OF RELIGION Religious instruction for children attending public schools is held on Wednesdays from September through May from 3:30 pm to 5:00 pm for grades 1 to 5; and from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm for grades 6 to 8. Class resume after the Christmas reses on January 8th. If you wish to inquire about Religious Education program, please contact us at stmelfaithformation@gmail.com or at 718-461-9840.

Family Mass: Join us on Sundays at the 10:30 am Mass as we welcome the children of our parish and their families. 5th grade family Mass - January 26th, at 10:30am Mass. All are invited to join us for refreshments following Mass in Fr. O’Malley Hall.

OFFICE OF FAITH FORMATION

We invite you to learn about the Catholic faith in an open

welcoming environment

The parish family of St. Mel’s welcomes by name our brothers and sisters who are preparing to receive their Sacraments of Initiation this coming Spring: Sabrina Colosi and Alexander Savicevic (Baptism, Communion and Confirmation), Thalia Gonzalez (Communion and

Confirmation) and Stephen Barongi (Confirmation).

Please keep each of them in your daily prayers.

Inspire them through prayer

to live each day the mystery of

Your dying and rising.

In time of weakness send them

Your Spirit,

and help them to praise Your heavenly Father

and pray for poor sinners.

By the same Holy Spirit,

put Your word on their lips

and Your love in their hearts,

to bring good news to the poor

and healing to the brokenhearted.

And may the gift of Mary,

Your mother,

to the disciple whom You loved,

be Your gift to every priest.

Grant that she who formed You in her human

image,

may form them in Your Divine image,

by the power of Your Spirit,

to the glory of God the Father.

Amen.

Lord Jesus, You have chosen Your priests

from among us

and sent them out to proclaim

Your word

and to act in Your name.

For so great a gift to Your Church,

we give You praise and thanksgiving.

We ask You to fill them with the fire of Your

love,

that their ministry may reveal Your presence

in the Church.

Since they are earthen vessels,

we pray that Your power shine out through

their weakness.

In their afflictions let them never be crushed;

in their doubts never despair;

in temptation never be destroyed;

in persecution never abandoned.

PRAYER FOR OUR PRIESTS

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

Pope Francis’ Prayer Intention For January

We pray that Christians, followers of other religions, and all people of goodwill may promote peace and justice in the world.

Join the faithful from across the Diocese of Brooklyn Friday, January 24, 2020, in

Washington DC for the March for Life. The Secretariat for Evangelization and

Catechesis is sponsoring one bus leaving from Brooklyn (Diocesan Offices; 310

Prospect Park West). Parking will be limited. The bus leaves promptly at 6:30 am.

The bus will leave Washington, DC after the March in the afternoon and return to

Brooklyn in the evening. The cost for roundtrip bus transportation to Washington,

DC is $25. To reserve your seat, please contact Martha Hernandez at

(718) 281-9540 or email her at mhernandez@diobrook.org by January 17, 2020.

Please make checks payable to Diocese of Brooklyn. Please mail payment to:

Secretariat for Evangelization and Catechesis. Attn: March for Life 310 Prospect

Park West, Brooklyn, NY 11215.

Watch online Mass Live. Most Masses can be seen on demand after they air.

www.stmels-queens.org Go to GET INVLOVED IN YOUR FAITH

Click Live Masses

Follow us on Facebook

St. Mel’s R C Church

Friends of Bill Meet Weekly at St. Mel’s

Alcoholics Anonymous Meetings

Lower Hall Meeting Room 26th Avenue entrance to the church

MONDAYS

6:00 PM – Readings 7:30 PM – Beginner’s Meeting

THURSDAYS

8:00 PM – Open Meeting

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