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
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((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 [email protected] 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 [email protected] 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 [email protected] 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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St Mel’s R C Church
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