Church of the Infant Saviour 22 Holland Avenue, Pine Bush, NY 12566

Tel: (845) 744-2391 Fax: (845) 744-5938

website: www.infantsaviour.org email: infsavpb@hvc.rr.com

December 13, 2015 Third Sunday of Advent

Infant Saviour, Pine Bush

CHURCH LEADERSHIP: Father S. Niranjan Rodrigo - Pastor Deacon Jack Carr Deacon Frank Rose Deacon Frank Rose - Trustee Dr. Richard Reich - Trustee Deacon Jack Carr – Parish Council President Mrs. Patricia Ditizio – Parish Secretary/Notary Public PARISH OFFICE HOURS: Monday, Wed– Friday

Mon, Wed-Fri 9:00 AM– 4:00 PM, & Tues. 9AM-6PM (744-2391)

MASS SCHEDULE: Saturday Evening: 5PM-Pine Bush Sunday: 8:00 AM – Walker Valley 9:30AM & 11:15AM – Pine Bush 1st & 3rd Sunday of each month 2PM: Spanish Mass-Pine Bush Daily Masses: 8:00AM Monday through Sat. – Pine Bush CONFESSIONS: Saturday 4:00-4:40 and by appointment.

INFANT BAPTISMS: Any 2nd or 4th Saturday of each month at 12 Noon. or by special appointment. Please call the Rectory at 744-2391 ext. 10 Baptism Catechesis is offered on the third Saturday of every month at 3PM in the church hall. Any parents who are getting their children baptized and have been directed to attend should plan on coming to one of the sessions before the baptism takes place. Godparents may also attend. Please direct any questions or concerns to Dn. Jack Carr.

ADULT BAPTISMS:

We use the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults.

KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS COUNCIL 5329: Meets the first Thursday of the month in the Church call Charlie Cino at 744-6174.

Our Lady of the Valley, Walker Valley

EDUCATION & YOUTH LEADERSHIP:

Religious Education Office – 744-9944 Mrs. Gail Baumann – Coordinator Mrs. Jeanette Coates – Secretary

ADULT FAITH FORMATION:

Gail Baumann, Coordinator 744-9944

CATHOLIC YOUTH ORGANIZATION:

Jeanette & Don Coates Lula & Michael Tartaglione

744-9944

THE HOMEBOUND are visited regularly. To arrange a visit, please call the Parish Office at 744-2391.

DEVOTIONS:

Rosary – 7:40 Rosary said before Daily Mass

Miraculous Medal Novena – after Saturday 8:00AM Mass

Holy Hour – Wednesday, 6:30 – 7:30PM Last Wednesday of Every month Holy Hour will be held at Our Lady of the Valley in Walker Valley 6:30-7:30.

Marian Prayer Group – 2nd & 4th Wednesdays, 10:30AM, Mother’s Chapel

Ultreya – 2nd Thursday of the month: 7:30PM, Church Hall

Eucharistic Adoration – First Friday of the Month: 9AM – 6PM

MARRIAGES: Please call the Rectory 744-2391 for an appointment

at least six months prior to the desired date. No date will be given until the couple has met with Fr. Niranjan, Deacon Jack or Deacon Frank.

December 13, 2015

Third Sunday Of Advent

Mass Intentions Sat: December 12, 2015 8:00AM: Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Fitzsimmons (Linda Westerfield) 5:00PM: Ermelina Cornella (Valerio & Maria) Week of December 13 2015 Sun: 8:00AM: Nora McLaughlin (Luis & Marie Aponte) 9:30AM: Madeline Rispoli (Coates Family) 11:15AM: Denim Mooney (Myszak Family) Mon: 8:00AM: Bruno Pallaver (Augusto Tenaglia) Tues: 8:00AM: Patricia Farrell (Denise Samuels) Wed: 8:00AM: Donald Moore, Sr. (Mazzella Family) Thur: 8:00AM: Vincent Verlezza (Mazzella Family) Fri: 8:00AM: Bruno Pallaver (Joseph Tenaglia & Family) Sat: 8:00AM: Deceased Members of the Marencik, Drabik & Arbour Families (Speier/Drabik Families) 5:00PM: Bruno Corti (His Daughter Vilma Coates & Family) Week of December 20, 2015 Sun: 8:00AM: Marion Grau (Pat & Jim Gluszak) 9:30AM: Eric Meier 11:15AM: Sam Marino (His Family) 2:00PM: Maria Guadalupe Hortado and Maximo Hortado (Their Daughter Maria Hortado) CONFESSIONS: Saturday 4:00-4:40 and by appointment. ON MONDAY DECEMBER 14TH - DAY OF RECONCILATION -- CONFESSIONS WILL BE HEARD FROM 4PM-8PM There will be Altar Server training on Saturday, December 19th at 2PM which will be followed by food and refreshments for the altar servers. The training for the Christmas Masses will take place during this training. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Fr. Rodrigo, Dn. Frank or Dn. Jack.

Thanks and God Bless You for your service at God's Altar.

Readings: December 20, 2015

First Reading: Zephaniah 3:14-18a (9C)

Psalm: Isaiah 12:2-3, 4, 5-6 Second Reading: Philippians 4:4-7 Gospel: Luke 3:10-18 Cenacle for Life: Please join the Healing Hands for Life Ministry 4:00PM every Friday in the Mother's Chapel to pray for the end of Abortion and the Sanctity of Life

Mass Intentions: If you wish to have a Mass said you can call or stop by the Parish Office to schedule Mass(es) needed – Phone # 744-2391. You may also reserve an unannounced Mass for $5.00 Prayers for the Sick and Deceased: Please contact the Parish Office with names of anyone who need prayers for healing or have recently died in which you would like to have included in In the Prayer of the Faithful at Mass and/or in the bulletin. The names of those who are sick are to be submitted only with he named person’s permission

Christmas 2015 Mass Schedule: December 24: 5PM: Infant Saviour Church 7PM Our Lady of the Valley, Walker Valley 10PM Infant Saviour Church December 25: 9:30AM: Infant Saviour Church 11:15AM: Infant Saviour Church

CONFESSIONS will be heard on Monday, Dec. 14 from 4-8PM.

Please pray for the sick: Michael Thompson, Michelle Condenzio, John Araneo, Roland Mora, Helen Dennedy, George Burrow, Pat Matteo, Jeffrey Selear , Bob Carlson, Colleen Minik, George Rescigno, Matthew Schaffner, William Meyers, Richard Tanagretta, Doris Bennett, Jeanie Kane, Bob Broughal, Ed Gatzen, Edward Staff, Rose Marie Wilkins, John Giuliano, Joseph Manfredi, Jill Westerfield Davis, Dorothy Klauss, Anthony Gordon, John Araneo, Eric Maurin, Roland Rossi, Baby Jimmy Dennedy, Kurt Schaffner, Frank Rispoli, Baby Giovanni Padilla and Natalie Saft.

PLEASE REMEMBER all our Men and Women who

defend and have defended our freedom in the armed

forces and their families in your prayers, especially: Henry Brylowski Jr. (Army); John Walton (Army) Ryan Gordon (Navy); (Navy); Ed Ryan (Iraq); Jamie Flodin (Marines); Lyndsey Flodin (Marines) Chris Corti (US Air Force); Sean Patrick Barry (Marines), Louis Springer (Commander, Navy); John Broughal (Air Force) Jon M. Donofrio (Marines); Michael Ditizio (Navy), Captain Caitlin Conley (Fort Bragg, NC) James Grabinski (US Air Force), Jeremy Reinhardt (Navy) Eddison Parris (Camp Lejeune, NC); Capt. Francis Pascucci (USMC), CPT Jennifer Pascucci, (Army); Michael Haffner (Airforce), Heather Owney (1st Lt. Army), John A. Burrow (Air Force), Breana Mangold (Navy), Christopher Mangold (Navy),Christopher Chase (Ensign, Navy), Nicholas G. Burrow (AirForce), Andrew Starke (Air Force), Daniel Vasseur (Navy) Philip Longden (Army), Alex Hyde Goudreau (MP Army), Matthew Wilkins (Air Force), Zachary Sawitsky (Marines), Jake Sawitsky (Marines), Aaron Nahs (Air National Guard), James A. Tremper, Jr. (Army), Sean Kane (Army), Arthur Jefferson III (Army), Timothy Fay (T/Sgt., Air Force), Casey Fay (1st. Lt., Army), Brian Daniel Gray (Marines), Devin Masiero (Marines), William LaCovara (Air Force), Gerardo Balsa (Airforce)

PLEASE PRAY: Almighty God, we stand before You asking for Your divine mercy and protection. Embrace with Your invicible armour our loved ones in all branches of the service. Give them courage and strength against all enemies both spiritual and physical and hasten their safe journey back to their homes and families. Amen

BAPTISMAL SPONSOR CERTIFICATES AND

REGISTRATION: Please note that you must be registered for at least three months in order to receive a sponsor certificate. Thank you.

A Year of Mercy

Last Tuesday, on the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary (December 8th), the Church opened the Year of Mercy. The words of Jesus, "Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful (Luke 6:36)” are the key to the Year of Mercy. As Pope Francis saw the great need for God’s mercy and healing in the world, he called this year as the Year of Mercy, which should be a special period for Catholics. In his The Joy of

the Gospel, Pope Francis noted,

The Church must be a place of mercy freely given, where everyone can feel welcomed, loved, forgiven and encouraged to live the good life of the Gospel. (Pope Francis, The Joy of the Gospel, 114)

Still, many may question, “What effect can we expect from this Year of Mercy to have on our lives?” When we briefly reflect on the importance of experiencing mercy, we need to know that mercy is not just a religious, theological or a spiritual term. The Merciful approach to anyone in both religious and secular ways can transform the lives of them spiritually and humanly. Some of the social sciences are increasingly backing up some of the religious teachings of any religion by showing that a sound moral and spiritual life is the key to a peaceful and a joyful living.

Therefore, the effects of the mercy of God on everyone can be seen not only on a spiritual or a supernatural level, but also on human and psychological level. Some mental professionals have perceived a connection between the mercy of God and psychological health. They saw that patients who received the mercy of God, especially in the Sacrament of Penance, were freed from guilt and better able to become fulfilled by growing into what God was calling them to be. When absolved from one’s sins through the mercy of God, the person is once again able to move forward. A number of professionals recognize that patients who were affected by anxiety disorders by not being forgiven became slaves to guilt. Once they began to acknowledge their sins and limitations and began to receive the mercy and forgiveness of God, they began to experience freedom in a very healthy and psychological way.

And so, it is a time for the universal Catholic Church to take a year to focus on forgiveness and healing in a special way. In order to draw us into the unfailing mercy of God, Pope Francis declared this year as the Year of Mercy. This year’s motto is “Merciful Like the Father.” The Year of Mercy will run from December 8, 2015 (Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception) through November 20, 2016 (Solemnity of Christ the King).

Also, this is another year that is designated as a Jubilee Year. A Jubilee Year is a period that helps people grow spiritually, strengthen their faith, encourage works of service, and promote unity within the Catholic Church and society in general. The last Jubilee Year was in 2000 and it was called by Pope Saint John Paul II. Also, the Feast of Divine

Mercy reminds us of God’s greatest attribute: His Mercy. The message of Jesus, His deeds, words, and actions all bring out the mercy of God. Although God is just, His mercy always goes beyond justice.

This Year of Mercy is meant to strengthen, heal, and equip us to fulfill His plan for our lives. It is an invitation to love, to be kind, and to be generous. In this Jubilee Year of Mercy, faithful Catholics are encouraged to join together in prayer, go to confession, and to spread the Mercy of God. This year should be experienced as a year that offers us the opportunity to encounter the incredible mercy of God.

Fr. Niranjan Rodrigo, PhD.

WE NEED YOU!WE NEED YOU!WE NEED YOU!WE NEED YOU! Many hands make light work . Parents please come with your children to help clean the Church on Dec. 17 at

6PM for the Christmas Season. It will be a great way to engage in fellowship with other members of our Church. It will also be a good way for the 7th and 8th grade level

children to obtain community hours needed. IF YOU HAVE OLD TOWELS/PLAIN TSHIRTS THAT YOU CAN

DONATE FOR CHURCH CLEANING PLEASE BRING THEM TO

PARISH OFFICE BY December 15.

KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS : The Knights of Columbus are again this year requesting donations toward Christmas meals and Coats 4 Kids for the local Pine Bush community. Checks can be sent to the Pine Bush Knights of Columbus PO Box 166, Thompson Ridge, NY 10985. You, our parishioners, have been generous in the past and you have helped us provide for many in need. God Bless You. The Knights of Columbus conducted the drawing for the raffle tickets for the Westchester Broadway Theater at our Dec. monthly meeting and the winning ticket was Ken and Nancy Finnegan. We thank Fr. Rodrigo for pulling the ticket for us and we thank all who supported this fundraising effort.

CYO : CYO will be holding a meeting on the first Wednesday of every month after school. Please join us. Grades 7-12. Upcoming events will be Christmas Caroling on December 17th.

CHRISTMAS FOOD DRIVE 2015: We want to thank everyone for their generous donations to help feed the needy families in our Pine Bush Community.

THE CHRISTMAS GIVING TREE: A special thank you to all who generously donated gifts for the children to help our families in need in our Pine Bush Community. God Bless you all!

"Tree Of Life" The Donor

Recognition Tree is one way of

recognizing, remembering and

honoring a living or deceased

member or friend, commemorate an

anniversary or other event or thank the

Lord for favors received. The tree is on the wall in the main

Church by Mother's Chapel. The forms that need to be filled out

with who you want to have dedicated, have been placed in both

Churches and in the Church Hall.

One Leaf: $400.00

One Acorn: $800.00

One Stone: $1,300.00

Mini Tree: $4,000.00

Please note that there will be an additional

fee of $200.00 to add a picture.

Payment Plans available. 744-2391 ext. 10

come with your children to help clean the Church on Dec. 17 at

6PM for the Christmas Season. It will be a great way to ers of our Church.

be a good way for the 7th and 8th grade level

HAVE OLD TOWELS/PLAIN TSHIRTS THAT YOU CAN

DONATE FOR CHURCH CLEANING PLEASE BRING THEM TO

The Knights of Columbus are again this year requesting donations toward Christmas meals and Coats 4 Kids for the local Pine Bush community. Checks can be sent to the Pine Bush Knights of Columbus PO Box 166, Thompson Ridge, NY 10985. You, our

have been generous in the past and you have helped

The Knights of Columbus conducted the drawing for the raffle tickets for the Westchester Broadway Theater at our Dec. monthly meeting

was Ken and Nancy Finnegan. We thank Fr. Rodrigo for pulling the ticket for us and we thank all who supported

Wednesday of every

Upcoming events will be Christmas Caroling on December 17th.

We want to thank everyone for their generous donations to help feed

Donor

Recognition Tree is one way of

recognizing, remembering and

honoring a living or deceased " family

member or friend, commemorate an

anniversary or other event or thank the

Lord for favors received. The tree is on the wall in the main

her's Chapel. The forms that need to be filled out

with who you want to have dedicated, have been placed in both

RELIGIOUS ED NEWS: PBE students will be performing a Christmas PlayDecember 15 and EJR will be performing a Christmas Play December 16 -- parents are asked to arrive at 3:45PM.

The Last day of classes for all grade levels will be the week of December 14th and classes will resume on the week of January 4th except for the first level which will begin on January 10th.

8th Level: Confirmation paper work MUST BE HANDED IN by December 14th including community service hours. 7th Level: All community service hours must be handed in December 15th.

Collections: 2015 Sunday Collection $5,587.68 (ParishPay Included) Thank you for your generosity. Collections for the Month of December Undated Christmas Flowers December 6: Weekly/Building Fund December 8: Immaculate Conception December 13: Weekly/Religious Retirement December 20: Weekly/ December 25: Christmas December 27: Weekly/Maintenance ParishPay is the best means available of supporting our parish.Currently, we have 70 families in our Parish participating and we would like to grow that number. Often times as we’re preparing to head out to Mass, we forget to put money or a check in our envelope and decide to postpone giving until the following week when we can give two envelopes. But any delay in tithing could potentially hinder the parish from paying its bills in a timely fashion.there is no delay. Even if you can’t make the Mass due to inclement weather, Parish Pay ensures that your giving to Infant Saviour will be available to the parish when it’s needed most. way of giving and it enables the parish to better calculate what amount will be coming in which makes things easier on the parish financially. With Parish Pay, tithing may be made through your checking account, savings account or even a credit card every week or month at NO cost to you. It’s a secure and confidential way to tithe. Once you’ve seen the Parish Pay website, you realize just how quick and easy it is to modify your giving or even stop it entirely should you run into some sort of financial difficulty and find yourself unable to give. The quickest way to enroll is by using the website www.parishpay.com , or calling the Parish Office 744There is also a link to Parish Pay through our own parish website, www.infantsaviour.org. For those of you who worry about what other people will think when you don’t put anything in the basket, you can simply deposit an empty envelope in the basket wParish Pay written on the amount. We encourage you to surf out to the Parish Pay website and see just what this way of giving has to offer. Thank you in advance for your continued generosity to Infant Saviour Parish, your spiritual home. May God Bless You All Abundant.

Christmas Play on Tuesday will be performing a Christmas Play on

parents are asked to arrive at 3:45PM.

for all grade levels will be the week of sume on the week of January 4th

except for the first level which will begin on January 10th.

MUST BE HANDED IN by December 14th including community service hours.

All community service hours must be handed in

2014 $6,241.68

is the best means available of supporting our parish. families in our Parish participating and we

Often times as we’re preparing to money or a check in our envelope

and decide to postpone giving until the following week when we can But any delay in tithing could potentially hinder

ish from paying its bills in a timely fashion. With Parish Pay, Even if you can’t make the Mass due to inclement

weather, Parish Pay ensures that your giving to Infant Saviour will be It’s a more consistent

way of giving and it enables the parish to better calculate what amount will be coming in which makes things easier on the parish

With Parish Pay, tithing may be made through your a credit card every week

It’s a secure and confidential way to Once you’ve seen the Parish Pay website, you realize just how

quick and easy it is to modify your giving or even stop it entirely ort of financial difficulty and find yourself

The quickest way to enroll is by using the website , or calling the Parish Office 744-2391 x10.

ugh our own parish website, For those of you who worry about what other

people will think when you don’t put anything in the basket, you can simply deposit an empty envelope in the basket with the words

We encourage you to surf out to the Parish Pay website and see just what this way of giving has to

Thank you in advance for your continued generosity to Infant ay God Bless You All

Appreciating Donations Given by Knights of Columbus

We as a parish are blessed with so many organizations that do tremendous contributions for our Church. The Knights of Columbus is one of the universal organizations that is established in most of the countries and that does tremendous service for the Catholic Church and for the needy. We as a parish of Infant Saviour are so grateful for our Pine Bush council's presence and commitment to our parish. We want to thank our Pine Bush Knights of Columbus Council in Infant Saviour for doing many good things to nurture the faith of the community. At this moment, on behalf of the whole parish and it clergy, I would like to thank the Knights for their generous contribution of $1500 for the Marble Flooring in the Sanctuary of the Church. Thank you so much for your presence and

commitment to the parish. Fr. Niranjan Rodrigo Appreciating Donations Given by Walker Valley Catholic Society As a community of faith, we value the presence and the Christian witness that the Walker Valley Catholic Society does for Our Lady of The Valley and Infant Saviour Parish. In the past and at present, they have been working and contributing to the upkeep of both churches in our parish. We love you for your dedication and hard work for continuing fund raising projects every year to nurture the faith of the community and to maintain the buildings of the churches. At this moment, on behalf of the whole parish and it clergy, I would like to thank Walker Valley Catholic Society for their generous contribution of $1000 for the Maintenance of the Infant Saviour Parish. Thank you so much for your presence

and commitment to Our Lady of Walker Valley and Infant Saviour. Fr. Niranjan Rodrigo

THE ORIGIN OF THE 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMASTHE ORIGIN OF THE 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMASTHE ORIGIN OF THE 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMASTHE ORIGIN OF THE 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS People often think of 'The Twelve Days of Christmas' as the days preceding the festival. Actually, Christmas is a season of the Christian Year that lasts for the twelve days beginning December 25 and lasting until January 6 - the Day of Epiphany, when the Church celebrates the revelation of Christ as the Light of the world and recalls the journey of the magi. From 1558 until 1829 Roman Catholics in England were not allowed to practice their faith openly During that era someone wrote 'The Twelve Days of Christmas' as a kind of secret catechism that could be sung in public without the risk of persecution. ' The 12 Days of Christmas' is, in essence, an allegory. The song has two levels of interpretation: the surface meaning plus a hidden meaning known only to members of the Church. Each element in the carol is a code word for a Religious reality. The 'true love" represents God and the "me" who receives these presents is the Christian (a Catholic in this case). The hidden meanings are:

v The partridge in a pear tree is Jesus Christ, the Son of God.

v The two turtledoves are the Old and new Testaments, another gift from God.

v Three French hens stand for faith, hope and love - the three gifts of the Spirit that abide (1 Corinthians 13).

v The four calling birds are the four Gospels, [Matthew, Mark, Luke & John] which sing the song of salvation through Jesus Christ.

v The five gold rings recall the Torah (Law) the first five books of the Old Testament, also called the "Books of Moses."

v The six geese a-laying stand for the six days of creation.

v Seven swans a-swimming represent the sevenfold gifts of the Spirit -- (1 Corinthians 12:8-11, Romans 12, Ephesians 4, 1

Peter 4:10-11)

v The eight maids a-milking are the eight beatitudes.

v Nine ladies dancing were the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit----- Charity, Joy, Peace, Patience, Goodness [Kindness], Mildness,

Fidelity, Modesty, Chastity.

v The ten lords a-leaping are the Ten Commandments.

v Eleven pipers piping stand for the eleven faithful disciples. (Excludes Judas.)

v Twelve drummers drumming symbolize the 12 points of belief in the Apostles' Creed.

So the next time you hear "The 12 Days of Christmas"," consider how this otherwise non-religious-sounding song had its origins in the Christian faith.