ST. JAMES THE APOSTLE AND OUR LADY OF THE LAKE/MOUNT CARMEL IS A ROMAN CATHOLIC PARISH WITH THE EUCHARIST AS THE CENTER OF ITS LIFE. OUR MISSION, AS DISCIPLES OF JESUS CHRIST, IS TO BUILD UP THE KINGDOM OF GOD BY LEADING, NOURISHING AND SERVING THE COMMUNITY IN WORD AND SACRAMENT. From the Desk of Msgr. Martin December 20, 2015

“Where’s the Line to See Jesus” (An Original Song)

Performed by father and daughter, Steve Haupt and Becky Kelley Inspired by grandson, Spencer Reijers

Written by Steve Haupt and Chris Loesch The story behind the song, as told by Steve Haupt:

While at the mall last year, my four year old grandson saw kids lined up excitedly to see Santa Claus. Having been taught as a toddler that Christmas is the holiday that Christians celebrate the birth of God’s son; with the innocence of a child, he asked his mom, “where’s the line to see Jesus? If Christmas is Jesus’ birthday, why don’t we see Him more”? As his grandpa, I was so happy that little Spencer understood the meaning of Christmas at such a tender age, and then the words for a song were jotted down in just a few minutes. The song was inspired by my grandson, and the message was inspired by my Savior. Out of the mouths of babes come profound truths that many adults cannot understand. Hopefully Spencer’s observation and our song will cause people to reflect on the love of Jesus, and the certainty that one day we will all stand in line to see Jesus.

Lyrics

Christmas time was approaching, Snow is starting to fall, Shoppers choosing their presents, People filling the mall.

Children waiting for Santa, With excitement and glee, A little boy tugged my sweater, Looked up and asked me.

Where’s the line to see Jesus? Is He here at the store? It’s Christmas time, it’s His birthday, Why don’t we see Him more?

Where’s the line to see Jesus? He was born for me, Santa Claus brought me presents, But Christ gave His life for me.

As I stood in amazement, At this message profound, I looked down to thank him, He was nowhere around.

Little boy at the mall, Might as well have had wings, As the tears filled my eyes, But I heard him sing.

Where’s the line to see Jesus? Is He here at the store? It’s Christmas time, it’s His birthday, Why don’t we see Him more?

Where’s the line to see Jesus? He was born for me, Santa Claus brought me presents, But Christ gave his life for me.

In the blink of an eye, At the sound of His trump, We’ll all stand in line at His throne.

Every knee shall bow down, Every tongue will confess, That Jesus Christ is Lord.

Where’s the line to see Jesus? He was born for me, Santa Claus brought me presents, But Christ gave His life for me.

Where’s the line to see Jesus? He was born for me, Santa Claus brought me presents, But Christ gave his life for me. Recorded at Shock City Studios, Saint Louis, MO Produced by Chris Loesch, Video by Robbie Haupt and Greg Haupt

MASS INTENTIONS ANNOUNCED MASSES – DECEMBER 20, 2015

ST. JAMES THE APOSTLE

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2015 8:00AM JAN AND LEOKADIA TROJNAR 5:00PM FRANK PISANI

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2015, FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT 8:00AM FRANK LAFRANCA 10:00AM FEDELA TRANZILLO 12:00PM GIOVANNI AND ANGELA DELLICARPINI 5:00PM PATRICIA ZASSO

MONDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2015 7:30AM JAMES W. MARTIN 9:00AM GLORIA BARBARO 7:30PM SANDY SCAGNELLI

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2015 7:30AM FLORENCE DAVERSA 9:00AM DOROTHY AND JOHN SERGOTT

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2015 7:30AM ANDREW KNOX 9:00AM DECEASED MEMBERS OF THE MORRIS AND HEBRANK FAMILIES THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24 (SEE CHRISTMAS MASS SCHEDULE) FRIDAY, DECEMBER 25 (SEE CHRISTMAS MASS SCHEDULE) SATURDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2015 8:00AM GERALD AND DOROTHY KELLEHER 5:00PM MR. MICHELE PALMIERO

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2015 8:00AM VINCENZO AND MARIA PALUMBO 10:00AM MARGARET AND JOHN POWER 12:00PM MICHAEL METLICKE 5:00PM CARMEL THERESA LUGO

OUR LADY OF THE LAKE / MOUNT CARMEL

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2015 4:00PM BRIAN AND PEGGY MCCOOEY

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2015 9:00AM MARY FAY AND WILLIAM STELZ 11:00AM GRACE AND AL LIETO

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2015 8:00AM GERALD AND DOROTHY KELLEHER 4:00PM MR. MICHELE PALMIERO

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2015 9:00AM LUCJA JACYSZYN 11:00AM PEOPLE OF ST. JAMES/OLL MT. CARMEL

CHRISTMAS MASS INTENTIONS

ST. JAMES THE APOSTLE

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2015, CHRISTMAS EVE 7:30AM CATHERINE AND JAMES LYNCH 9:00AM PALUMBO AND DELLI CARPINI FAMILIES 5:00 PM TERESA MO (CHILDREN’S MASS) 7:30 PM ANGEL BONDI MIDNIGHT VINKO SARAC

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2015, THE NATIVITY OF THE LORD 8:00AM THOMAS BIOLSI 10:00AM STOPS AND TALACKO FAMILY NOON ANNE FARREL CARMODY & MIKE FARREL

OUR LADY OF THE LAKE / MOUNT CARMEL

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2015, CHRISTMAS EVE 4:00 PM JOHN PISCINA MIDNIGHT CHARLES RODDA

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2015, THE NATIVITY OF THE LORD 9:00AM JAMES AND MARY BAISLEY 11:00 AM SEAMUS AND KEVIN CALLAGHAN 12:45 PM MASS IN POLISH

Please Note:

There will be a Mass at Midnight in St. James Church on New Year’s Eve

for the Solemnity of Mary.

TODAY’S READINGS: Fourth SUNDAY OF ADVENT First Reading: Micah 5:1-4a Micah speaks of the ruler who will come from Bethlehem. He discusses how the people of Israel will be saved from corruption and live in peace. Second Reading: Hebrews 10:5-10 Paul describes to the Hebrews how Jesus came into the world and offered to do God's will. We were saved through his sacrifice, the only offering sufficient for the sins of the world. Gospel: Luke: 1:39-45 Mary paid a visit to Elizabeth, whose baby stirred in her womb upon hearing Mary's greeting. Elizabeth filled with the Holy Spirit, cried out, "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb." Elizabeth was deeply overjoyed that the words God had spoken to Mary had now been fulfilled.

CELEBRANTS FOR CHRISTMAS MASSES

ST. JAMES THE APOSTLE

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2015, CHRISTMAS EVE 5:00 PM MSGR. MARCHITELLI (CHILDREN’S MASS) 7:30 PM FR. MACDONALD MIDNIGHT MSGR. MARCHITELLI

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2015, CHRISTMAS DAY 8:00AM FR. HOWLEY 10:00AM MSGR. MARTIN NOON MSGR. MARCHITELLI

OUR LADY OF THE LAKE / MOUNT CARMEL

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2015, CHRISTMAS EVE 4:00 PM MSGR. MARTIN MIDNIGHT FR. HOWLEY

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2015, CHRISTMAS DAY 9:00AM FR. BERG 11:00 AM FR. MACDONALD

CELEBRANTS FOR DECEMBER 26 & 27

ST. JAMES THE APOSTLE

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2015 5:00PM FR. HOWLEY

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2015 8:00AM MSGR. MARCITELLI 10:00AM FR. MACDONALD 12:00PM MSGR. MARCHITELLI 5:00PM MSGR. MARTIN

OUR LADY OF THE LAKE / MOUNT CARMEL

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2015 4:00PM FR. MACDONALD

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2015 9:00AM FR. BERG 11:00AM FR. HOWLEY

STEWARDSHIP IN OUR PARISH

DECEMBER 13TH COLLECTION SUNDAY COLLECTION $ 16,029.50

GOLD ENVELOPES $ 1,668.50 $-------------------- Total $ 17,698.00

RETIRED RELIGIOUS $ 3,000.00 PARISH PAY FOR NOVEMBER WILL BE REPORTED NEXT WEEK

TO EVERYTHING THERE IS A SEASON, AND A TIME TO EVERY PURPOSE UNDER HEAVEN

TIME TO BE BORN: BAPTISMS FOR THE WEEK:

A TIME TO HEAL: THOSE WHO ARE ILL: CHRIS GINESE, GLORIA ANTOCI, ROSE FERRANTE, MARY CRESR, CRIS CRESR, DENISE CORDOVANO KULA, BARBARA GUGLIERI, ANTHONY SCATOLA, THERESA SCATOLA, VITO DEBELLIS, AMELIA BRENNOCK, BILL CALDERONE, COREY MORREALE, CHRISTOPHER LANGE, SEAN HUGHES, CAROL ESPOSITO, ANN VOSS, TERRENCE KEENAN, MARY KEENAN, MARGARET SARTORIS, HILDY HALLISEY, MSGR. TIM RYAN, JERRY RYAN, KATHLEEN RYAN, JOHN CAMPBELL, NORA CAMPBELL, LEAH CECCHINI, SEAN CADDEN, JAMES MURRAY, HELEN COMO, PATRICIA MULLER, WILLIAM BIOLSI, GERARD BIOLSI, MARGARET CUNNINGHAM, PATRICIA UPTON, TOM MALONEY, ROBERT BURNS, KATHERINE STANTON, NATASHA MERCADO, BILL CASSIDY, THERESE GARDERE, GINA BRUNO, THOMAS GIRESI, JOANN LOFASO, LISA TIMINS, ABIGAIL GRIECO, JULIE GRIECO, KEN HURLEY, ANTHONY FERRO, JR., JOSEPHINE CAPUTO, JAMES KLEIN, SARAH FAIRBAIRN, KEVIN GALANTE, LISA CANDELARIA, ERNIE CARAPELLA, JOSEPH ESPOSITO, SR., JUSTIN LAROCCHIA, PALMA GRAVENESE, ROBERT JAMES TORZILLI, STEPHANIE MERENDA, MAUREEN CURRAN, THOMAS RUANE, ROSALIE STANCHI, BIANKA, WILLA YURICK, TERESA PANNY, NILDA FRIGERI, ROSE TOWNSEND, MARY BRADY, TOM GENGARO, STASIA SOKULSKA, KAREN BORELLO, DEBORAH TODD, TRISTAN DETTEFS, JOHN MARK, MADELINE HAUGHEY, STACY BRIGANTE, BRENDON MCCABE, HELEN RICCA, GEORGE N. BELL, JR., ROSEMARY E. ROSI, THOMAS SCALZO, BETTY RODDA, PAUL COAKLEY, ANN COAKLEY, JENNIFER RACIOPPO, JANET NICOLOSI, JAMES MURRAY, BARBARA LOUDERBACK, OLIVIA MARINELLI, AUDRA RIBISI, MATTHEW HEISE, RAGEN RYAN, ELIZABETH FLANAGAN, KEVIN REGAN, ADRIENNE SUSCO, MARIO SCAVELLI, LYDIA SFREDDO, MARY ELLEN GAVIN, MARILYN GALLIGAN, MARIE STINGONE, MARIE DIDONATO, BRITTANY GALANTE, JAMES CALLAGHAN, JOHN SOLTYSIK, GEORGE BIOLSI, CLAUDE BOER, JEANNE PORWITZKI, DOMINICK BARTOLINI, RON STERZEN, AMANDA BENEWAY, JOHN PAGNOLI, SANDY CARRARA, BILL METZGER, PATRICIA VERSEA, ROSE CAMPAGNA, ANN DOYLE, JENNIFER ALFARO MARTINEZ, JOSHUA AGNAS, KATE HIGGINS, KEVIN BLACKMAN, WILLIAM SOMMERS, ANGELA, IRENE LOUGHRAN, RAYMOND WILLOUGHBY, JOSEPH (RED) TOMASSI, ANTHONY MAFFIA CHARLES J. DIDONATO, DOROTHY HEBRANK, DAVID DETLES, , MICHAEL ULICH, ERNA & MICHAEL TADDINO, JANET WARREN, 5 YEAR OLD JOSHUA JOHN AND 2 YEAR OLD KEVIN BLACKMAN, STEVE STONE, BARBARA LINCOLN, ALEXANDRA ANN GRIMALDI, RITA ANCE, MARIE DUNN, TERRY SIEGEL, ELAIN ABRAHAM RIGO, LAILA LIGUROI

A TIME TO DIE: THOSE WHO HAVE DIED: PAUL J. SILVESTRO, VIRGINIA MARY LOUNSEBURY, ALFONS AMATO

A TIME TO LOVE: MARRIAGES FOR THE WEEK:

TIME FOR WAR: A TIME FOR PEACE: PLEASE PRAY FOR ALL THOSE IN THE ARMED FORCES AND THEIR FAMILIES

ADVENT – CHRISTMAS BOOK CLUB WITH FR. MACDONALD

Our Last discussion on Scott Hahn’s book will be from 7:30pm to 9:00pm on Wednesday December 23rd. Chapters 12-14, pages 135-168, will be discussed and we will reflect the central points of those chapters.

Msgr. Marchitelli, Fr. Howley,

Fr. MacDonald, Msgr. Martin, our deacons and staff wish all

parishioners and their families a blessed Christmas.

FOR THE WEEK OF DECEMBER DECEMBER 19 TO DECEMBER 26

THE SANCTUARY CANDLE BURNING IN ST. JAMES CHURCH

IS IN LOVING MEMORY OF JOSEPH MATUSKOVIC DONATED BY: MARGARET FENNESSEY

THE SANCTUARY CANDLE BURNING IN THE CHAPEL OF LIFE

IS IN LOVING MEMORY OF BRIGANTE AND FENNESSEY FAMILIES DONATED BY: MARGARET FENNESSEY

THE SANCTUARY CANDLE BURNING IN

OLL/ MT. CARMEL CHURCH IS IN LOVING MEMORY OF THOMAS MCKENNA “ON THIS YOUR 70TH

BIRTHDAY. WE MISS YOU MORE TODAY THAN YESTERDAY”. DONATED BY: JEANETTE, DEANA, TOM AND PAUL

THE BREAD AND WINE BEING USED IN ST. JAMES CHURCH IS IN LOVING MEMORY OF GRATES AND LAPOLLA FAMILIES

DONATED BY: GARY AND LAUREN GRATES

THE BREAD AND WINE BEING USED IN THE CHAPEL OF LIFE IS IN LOVING MEMORY OF MARTIN AND KUSH FAMILIES

DONATED BY: JOANNE MARTIN AND FAMILY

THE BREAD AND WINE BEING USED IN OLL/ MT. CARMEL CHURCH IS IN

LOVING MEMORY OF LOUIS OLIVIERI DONATED BY: HIS LOVING FAMILY

WELCOME TO ST. JAMES THE APOSTLE AND OUR LADY OF THE LAKE / MOUNT CARMEL

Thank you for joining in our Eucharistic celebration. We are glad that you are here with us today, especially if you are a visitor, and sincerely hope that you will find nourishment for your faith and life here. If you have recently moved into our Parish, please introduce yourself to one of the priests or deacons and the parish staff. You are cordially invited to register at our Parish Office at St. James. Currently our parish has 4,500 registered families.

MONDAY NIGHT NOVENA MASS

Each Monday evening a community gathers at 7:10 p.m. to pray the Rosary together and then celebrate the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. Following the Mass we pray the Novena to Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal which affords us an opportunity to pray for our particular intentions and intercessions. All are invited.

MEN OF ST. JAMES

The “Men of St. James” come together for prayer and discussion to make what the Pope is calling for a reality here at St. James Church. It is also a place to re-kindle the fire that may have grown dim or just to meet other men who are also trying to be faithful Catholic men. We meet on the 2nd and 4th Saturday’s at 7:00AM in the Carriage House. Come. “Open the door.” They called the church together and reported what God had done with them and how he had opened the door of faith..." (Acts 14:27)

SEPARATED AND DIVORCED MINISTRY

The Separated and Divorced Ministry of St. James and Our Lady of the Lake/Mount Carmel is a support group for those who have experienced loss or rejection through separation or divorce. Our meetings are open to all men and women of the community. We meet in the Carriage House on the 1ST and 3RD Fridays of each month from 7:30PM to 9:00PM. Please call Peter at 845-270-9996 for information.

ST. JAMES PRAYER GROUP

The St. James Prayer Group meets every Thursday at 7:30pm in the Chapel of Life. Come join us for an evening of praise and worship through song, a quiet time of scripture reading and sharing how God is working in our lives, followed by intercessory prayer, for the intentions of our Pope Francis and all our clergy, for our parish, our own intentions and for those who have asked us to pray. The Prayer Group is open to all parishioners, both young and old. Please join us for a peaceful evening away from the busyness of the day to be with Our Lord.

BONANZA 2016 By now you should have received a letter regarding Bonanza 2016. Starting January 11, 2016, drawings for cash prizes will be held each week through Thanksgiving. Two tickets will be drawn each week for $200 prizes. Additionally, there will be three drawings for $2,000 prizes. Winning tickets will be re-entered for subsequent drawings. Feel free to sell tickets, or partner with family and friends. Extra tickets will be available at the rectory and in the school office. Please fill out the bottom portion of the ticket(s), place it with your $50 per ticket into the envelope provided, and return it in the collection at Mass, by mail, or drop it off at the school or rectory office.

ST. JAMES THE APOSTLE CHILDREN/YOUTH CHOIR Schedule 2015-2016

Director: Mrs. Mary PetersMarypmusic@comcast.net

Thursday December 24th, 2015 (Christmas Eve) Practice at 3:00pm in Doherty Hall

4:00pm Sharing of some Holiday Treats before proceeding up to Church

4:30pm Christmas Carols before Mass 5:00pm Mass in St. James the Apostle Church

Sunday January 24th, 2016

(5th and 6th Grade Family Mass) St. James the Apostle Church

Practice at 9:00am in Doherty Hall Mass at 10:00am in St. James the Apostle Church Brunch in Doherty Hall Immediately Following

Sunday March 13th, 2016 (Scout Mass)

Practice at 9:00am in Doherty Hall Mass at 10:00am in St. James the Apostle Church

Coffee and Cake in Doherty Hall Immediately Following

Sunday March 27, 2016 (Easter Sunday) Practice at 9:00am in Doherty Hall

Mass at 10:00am in St. James the Apostle Church

Sunday May 8th, 2016 (Mother’s Day and May Crowing) Our Lady of the Lake/Mt. Carmel

Practice 10:15am in Church Mass at 11:00am in Our Lady of the Lake Church

Christmas Holiday Blood Drive

Please give a life sustaining gift. Donate a pint of blood so others might have a chance. Unfortunately, during the Christmas and New Year season the blood supply is very low and demand is high. Please join the members of the Knights of Columbus, Driscoll Lodge of the FOP, FDNY and the Putnam County Bureau of Emergency Service at the Daniel O’Brien VFW Hall in Carmel on Saturday, December 26th from 2:00 to 8:00 PM. There will be food and refreshments on hand for your replenishment.

In appreciation of your blood donation, you will receive a coupon for an appetizer at Applebee’s restaurant along with a much cherished NY Blood Center long sleeve t-shirt. Any questions, please call Denis Hanrahan 845 225-3048, Jim O’Neill 845-222-0916 or Jonathan Garcia 845-225-6318.

ST. SEBASTIAN’S TERRACE AND COLUMBARIUM

273 Niches still available – 179 purchased

Our Terrace and Columbarium are open. We have already celebrated Mass at the new Altar and have 86 niches engraved and interred. The price of a niche is $2,500, which gives you the right to inter the cremains of two people. If you have been thinking of purchasing a niche, please contact Mrs. Maureen Larkin at 845-225-2079 ext.105 Monday to Wednesday for information and an appointment. For those of you not familiar with a Columbarium, it is a Latin word that describes a collection of niches to house urns containing cremated human remains. Usually inscribed with the person’s name and dates of birth and death, columbaria are constructed to serve as permanent resting places for our loved ones in a ‘churchyard’ or landscaped terrace. May the Lord who has blessed this project now be a final resting place for many of our loved ones.

GOLDEN ANNIVERSARY OF THE DEDICATION OF

ST. JAMES THE APOSTLE CHURCH

Thank you to the many people who supported our Golden Anniversary Projects by your pledges and gifts. There are two projects which still need to be completed:

(1) the landscaping to the right of the Religious Education Building

(2) the blacktop and repair of the old parking lot at Our Lady of the Lake/Mt. Carmel. We will update the bulletin once each project is complete.

Please call Maureen Larkin in the Parish office 225-2079 x 105 for additional information.

ATTENTION EXTRAORDINARY

MINISTERS AND LECTORS - UPCOMING SCHEDULE REQUESTS

Note that there is a new email address for schedule requests

The next EM and Lector schedule will span from February 14th, First Sunday of Lent; through May 15th, Pentecost Sunday. This schedule also includes Palm Sunday of the Lord’s Passion, March 20th and Easter Sunday, March 27th. All schedule changes must be submitted to Teri Dumont in the Parish Office in writing or emailed to: teri.dumont@stjamesapostle.org by Tuesday, December 29th. If sending by email please place Schedule Request in the subject area. As always, we thank you for your service.

From the Parish Nurse

Estimate of Sleep Needed

Believe it or not, newborns need about 12-18 hours of sleep! It doesn’t seem like they sleep that much does it! Here’s a look the average sleep needs for the rest of us: Infants (3-11 months)-14-15 hours Toddlers 12-14 hours Preschoolers- 11-13 hours School age -10-11 hours Teens- 8.5-9.25 hours Adults-7-9 hours A few things to consider in terms of your individual needs are: Are you productive, healthy and happy with your current sleep patterns? Do you feel better (or worse) if you sleep longer or shorter? Do you have health issues such as being overweight? Do you depend on caffeine to get you through the day? Are you experiencing sleep problems? Do you feel sleepy when driving? If you have any questions or suggestions for topics that you would like to see covered, leave your name and number at the parish office for Susan to contact

you, or you may e-mail her at saa38@aol.com. Place” Parish Nurse” in subject area.

http://www.sleepfoundation.org/article/how-sleep-works/how-much-sleep-do-we-really-need

Information Compiled by: Susan Anello, MS BSN RN

Letter from St. James Confirmation Candidates Each Confirmation Candidate was asked to write a personal letter indicating their desire to be confirmed. Please pray for these young people as they prepare for the Sacrament of Confirmation.

My name is Jack Recher. I am 13 years old and I am in 8th grade at George Fischer Middle School. I have two sisters, names Kate and Claire, and my mom and dad, Ellen and Walter Recher. I play lacrosse, baseball and basketball competitively, but I like to play others for fun. I happen to be able to solve a Rubik’s cube in under 30 seconds, and I practice solving occasionally. I am in Earth Science and Algebra, two high school classes.

Christian Faith Being Catholic is important to me because it gives me something to believe in, and gives me a goal to work toward. I try to be nice to everybody I meet, no matter who they are, just like my father. My dad is always trying to get me out of bed to volunteer for different events, donate my clothes and toys that I don’t use anymore to those less fortunate, and has taught me to help anybody who might need it. He always had wanted me to be a good Catholic and tries to set examples for me all the time.

Knowledge of Faith I feel that I have been prepared and have a good understanding of my faith, but I still wonder about some things, especially the Bible. When was the first one written? How many variations are there? Who were they written by? I also would like to know why the Jews don’t believe that Jesus is the Messiah.

Sacramental Life My mass attendance has been very regular, with very few missed mass. I never miss if I’m not away, and I try to go to church even if I have plans on Saturday/Sunday. I will be able to maintain this leading up to my Confirmation easily.

Am I Ready??? I know that I am ready to receive Confirmation because I now know what I need to know, and I have matured over my years of learning. If I knew all that I know now about the Catholic Faith, I would have been Confirmed years ago. Anything that gets me closer to God, I’ll do it. I’ve been waiting to be confirmed for many years, and I am excited to finally be closing in on it. I sure hope the Holy Spirit accepts me!

IN OUR COMMUNITY

CATHOLIC WIDOWS & WIDOWERS

OF DUTCHESS & PUTNAM COUNTIES

The Catholic Widows and Widowers of Dutchess and Putman Counties will not meet in the month of December but will meet again in January 2016 on the third Tuesday of the month at 7:00pm in the Parish Meeting Room at Saint Kateri Church, 1925 Route 82, LaGrangeville, NY 12540. (845) 223-3097.

Save the Dates for Upcoming Healing Masses

February 16, 2016 St. Columbanus, Cortlandt March 10, 2016 St. Patrick’s, Yorktown April 26, 2016 St. Columbanus, Cortlandt May 19, 2016 St. Patrick’s, Yorktown June 21, 2016 St. Columbanus, Cortlandt

Drug Crisis Support Group

Drug Crisis in Our Backyard is pleased to offer the Spotlight on Recovery support group, an interactive forum for family support and education. We have guided recurring meetings where parents and families can get information and support in dealing with problems with drug abuse and addiction in their homes. We are pleased to offer programs for Putnam, Dutchess and Westchester Counties on a regular basis, to better serve these communities. To see our full schedule please visit our webpage: www.drugcrisisinourbackyard.com/spotlight-on-recovery.

Support Group

Encourage is a Catholic Support Community that supports families of those experiencing same-sex attractions. There are scheduled meetings in the Orange County area and we are looking to develop additional meeting areas throughout the Archdiocese. For further information, email encouragency@hotmail.com or call the Family Life/Respect Life Office at 646-794-3186. To learn more about Courage and Encourage visit www.courage.org .

Ask the Pastor

Question: Since Christmas falls on a Friday, does going to mass on Christmas also cover the Sunday obligation? The Answer is No. Christmas is a solemnity, a holy day of obligation, and is celebrated as “if it were a Sunday”, not in place of a Sunday. Therefore, even when Christmas falls on a Saturday, going to mass on Christmas Day does not satisfy the Sunday obligation. In order for a Catholic to fulfill the obligation, the mass celebrated must have the Sunday readings and proper prayers. Therefore, even a wedding mass celebrated on a Saturday does not technically satisfy the Sunday obligation to attend the Eucharist. Question: Is New Year’s Day a holy day of obligation? The Answer is Yes. In New York we celebrate the solemnity of Mary the Mother of God on January 1. The confusion I believe lies in the fact that, over the years, this day has changed its name. However, this year January 1 is indeed a holy day of obligation and Catholics are obligated to attend the Eucharist.

Rosary Hill Christmas Wish List

The Ladies Auxiliary of Our Lady of the Lakes are asking for our support to help fill Christmas Wishes for residents of Rosary Hill Home in Hawthorne, NY.

The following donations will be appreciated: Toothpaste, toothbrushes, tissues, soap, shampoo, body wash, after shave lotion, female nightgowns, men’s night shirts, men’s electric razors, towels, hard candy coffee. Donations can be dropped off on Friday, evenings to the K of C Hall, 10 Fair Street in Carmel.

For more information contact Gail Silke at the4silkes @aol.com.