CHURCH OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER
A JESUIT APOSTOLATE
West 16 Street, NYC • Phone: 212-627-2100 • Fax: 212-675-6997
th
Mailing Address: 55 West 15th Street, New York, NY 10011-6801
(Wheelchair Accessible 55 West 15th Street - All Masses are Handicapped Accessible)
E-Mail Address: [email protected] • Website: www.sfxavier.org
SEE THE INSIDE OF THE BULLETIN FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE THANKSGIVING DRIVE
“We are confident of you in the Lord that what we instruct you, you are doing and will
continue to do. May the Lord direct your hearts to the love of God and to the endurance of
Christ.” (2 Thes 3:3-5)
Don’t forget to set your
clocks back an hour on
Sunday, November 6th.
OFFICE CLOSED
Veterans Day
Friday, November 11th
One Mass will be celebrated at 9:00am.
Please use 15th Street entrance.
Thirty-Second Sunday in Ordinary Time
Second Collection
to benefit the Xavier Mission
November 6, 2016
Eucharist
Main Church
Saturday: 12:05 pm, 5:00 pm (Vigil)
Sunday Masses: 9:00 am (Family Mass), 11:30 am, 5:00 pm
Weekday Masses: 7:45 am, 12:05 pm
(All Masses are Handicapped Accessible)
Sacraments
Please call the office for information about
Baptism, Marriages & other needs.
Sick or Hospitalized
Please notify the office of parishioners who are
ill or in the hospital so that they can be included
in our prayers or be visited.
New Parishioners
Welcome! To register, please stop by the office
and fill out a registration form or register online at
www.sfxavier.org
Staff
Rev. Robert VerEecke, S.J. (Pastor) — 204
Email: [email protected]
Cassandra Agredo
(Executive Dir. Xavier Mission) — 208
Luz Marina Díaz (Dir. of Religious Education) —207
Stephanie Fuentes (Assistant to the Pastor) — 222
Moraima Hernandez (Plant Manager) - 201
James Martinez (Dir. of Stewardship and
Assistant for Financial Planning) - 205
Gregory Timmes (Assistant Dir. of Business) - 201
Damely Tineo (Dir. of Business) - 221
Rev. Sean Toole, S.J. (Associate Pastor) - 206
Receptionist — 201
John Uehlein (Dir. of Music Ministries) — 202
Pastoral Council
Jack Schmitt (Chair); Adel O’Regan (Vice-Chair);
Deborah Olley Murphy (Secretary); Stephen Alfieri;
Kathleen Cagnina; John Karle;
Bob Lepisko; Charles Mileski;
Catherine O’Hagan Wolfe; David Pais
[email protected]
Mission Statement
The Church of St. Francis Xavier, a
Roman Catholic parish in the Jesuit
tradition, strives to be a prophetic,
welcoming community, and an
inclusive witness to the presence of
Christ Jesus in our midst. Mindful of
our utter reliance on God, and need
for God’s grace, we rejoice together
in our celebration of the sacraments
and proclamation of the Gospel.
As a people of hope, we commit ourselves through
prayerful and creative discernment to respond to
God in our time by: Being a respectful community
Where seekers and their questions are welcomed,
Where injustice is challenged, Where the poor, the
alienated and the marginalized find a home,
And where people are refreshed,
reconciled and renewed.
OFFICE HOURS
Weekdays: 10:00 am to 7:30 pm
Saturday: 11:30 am to 6:00 pm
Sunday: 8:30 am to 6:00 pm
NOTE: for Bulletin Notices and Space Requests send
e-mails to [email protected]
Deadline for bulletin copy—all copy should be in the office
by 4:00 pm on Monday afternoon.
Confessions are offered
Saturdays from 1:00pm-2:00pm
To make an appointment for
confession please call Parish Office.
Note: You must be a registered parishioner for a minimum of six months before qualifying for a
sponsor letter
to be verified as a parishioner.
Next Weekend Presider Schedule
Saturday, November 12th
5:00pm Mass (Vigil): Rev. Robert VerEecke, SJ
Sunday, November 13th
9:00am Mass: Rev. Sean Toole, SJ
11:30am Mass: Rev. Sean Toole, SJ
5:00pm Mass: Rev. Robert VerEecke, SJ
PRAYER REQUESTS
Let us especially, remember those
who have asked for our prayers
Patricia Ahearn, Jesus Andaluz, John Bucki SJ,
James Brassel, Pia Brown, Alex Campbell, Caitlin Campbell,
Kyle Chepic, Thomas DeFranco, Margaret English,
Susan Forbes, Francisco Fuentes, Joaquin Gager,
Juan Garcia, Harriett Gordon, Monsignor Neil Graham,
Tom Hannan, Richard Hogan, Phil Ingrassciotta, Loraine
Pavich, James Leung, Marian Lizzio, Manuel Lopez,
Greg Lugliani, John Marshall, Lou Mauro SJ, Steven Mays,
Kay Mazzo, Betty & Ron Miller, Marisol Miro,
Lorraine B. Nelson, Campbell Phillips, Jim Reidy,
Riederman Family, Joshua Rota-Tebb, Valerie Sanchez,
Lorraine Szul,Rocco Scura, Alice Sharkey,
Ray and Terri Sharpe, Amando Solero, Vincent Sullivan,
Loretta Tommasulo, Gabino Torres, Janet Townsend,
Gregory Turner, Carl Wassmann
Pray for the peaceful rest of all our beloved departed
parishoners and friends, especially:
Matthew Clarke, Sr., Matilde and Jose Dado,
Rev. Robert Fruch, Jason N. Gallero, Linda Martinez,
Laura Samoy, Larry Schwindt,Rita Williamson
We also remember all those who have been killed or
wounded through the violence of war. May all those who
have gone before us share the joys of eternal life.
All prayer requests are listed for at least three consecutive
weeks. Please contact the parish office for an extension.
From the Pastor’s Desk
Dear Parishioners,
“Oh it’s a long, long way from May to December, but the
days grow “really short” when you reach November”.
Please pardon my adaptation of “September Song”. I
was thinking of the original lyrics because they will be
sung in this weekend’s Cabaret which I’m very much
looking forward to. There’s such remarkable talent in
the community at Xavier and I understand this is a
great opportunity to feature many of our gifted singers.
An Advent Retreat
Walking with Mary
Accompany Mary with the Advent scriptures of her
journey: Annunciation, Visitation, Canticle of Mary,
on an Ignatian Prayer retreat.
Pray with Lectio Divina, Ignatian contemplation
and reflective prayer with journaling. Share your
thoughts and prayers in small groups
Tuesdays, Nov. 29, Dec. 6 and Dec. 13
from 6:30 to 8:00pm
I am thinking of “November Song” not only because the
days are getting shorter but also knowing that the end
of Daylight Savings Time brings darkness much earlier.
November is a month that reflects “change”. There is
the obvious change of light and chillier temperatures.
There is also the “change” for our loved ones who have
died and now share in the Resurrected Life of Jesus.
November with all its changes invites us to reflect on
how we have been changed by the love that our families
and friends, the faithful departed have shared with us.
Please register by sending your name and contact info
to Gerry Moss at [email protected].
Or, leave a message at 718-871-9677
And of course, November is the time of year when we
do “Thanksgiving” in a special way. We give thanks for
God’s blessings with friends and family, when we gather
for a special Thanksgiving meal. Speaking of “giving
thanks”, please let me extend my gratitude for the ways
in which you support the life of this very vibrant parish
community. I began my referring to the many talented
parishioners who are part of this community. Talent
and generosity seem to be at the heart of our parish.
Please contact [email protected] or (917) 297-6804
for one (or two or three) of the 183 kids’ names from
Picture the Homeless, Community Voices Heard, Life
Experience & Faith Sharing, and STEPS to End Family
Violence, and bring your unwrapped present to the
wrapping party. Pizza and beverages will be served.
And speaking of generosity, over the next two
weekends, you’ll hear a reflection from me and Mike
Shannabrook, the head of the Finance Council asking
you to be as generous as you can in your support for
this wonderful parish and its ministries. I’m sure I don’t
have to tell you that without your financial support we
would not be able to accomplish all that this parish does
and has done for the Greater Glory of God.
Sincerely,
Fr. Bob
Deadline:Wed. Nov. 22. Suggested Donation: $10
ISEL (Ignatian Spirituality in Everyday Life)
Catholic Lesbians & Friends—All Are Welcome!
14th Annual Christmas Wrapping Party
Friday, December 9th, 6:00 pm—9:00 pm
Anne Patterson, the director of STEPS to End Family
Violence, wrote about last year’s gifts: “The impact of
these presents was truly beautiful, and I wish you all
could have shared these moments with us... At STEPS we
have many clients who would not have been able to afford
presents on their own, so I wanted you to know that your
generosity helped give these families the Christmas they
deserved.”
Do you feel called to support others in their
spiritual journey or know someone who
shares such a gift? Applications are now being
accepted for the Spiritual Director Formation
Program, an18-month parish process to
train and support new spiritual directors
beginning in January 2017. For more info
visit our website at www.sfxavier.org or email
Bob Choiniere at [email protected].
Deadline for submission is November 15.
We’re setting the table for 4000!
Donate to the Thanksgiving Meal Fund and be part of providing:
• 250 sit-down meals for seniors and disabled individuals on
Thanksgiving Day!
• 200 meals delivered to homebound individuals on Thanksgiving Day!
• 250 full Thanksgiving baskets (including turkeys!), totaling 2250 meals, to guests of our food
pantry!
• 1500+ meals at our special Holiday Welcome Table the Sunday after Thanksgiving!
• Ongoing support of the Welcome Table and Food Pantry!
We are hoping to repeat last year’s goal of $25,000.
PLUS our new Board of Directors has pledged to MATCH that amount for a total of $50,000!!
AND we have a NEW online giving system with real time progress updates!
So join the Xavier Mission Board of Directors, our staff, volunteers, and—of course—Tom the Turkey Baster as we
kick off the biggest Thanksgiving Meal Fund ever!
Visit www.xaviermission.org/Thanksgiving to donate!
TURKEY UP!!
The Platform Group Presents
ROUGHLY SPEAKING
A new play with rap based on over 200 interviews with the guests of
the Xavier Mission Welcome Table Soup Kitchen
Shara Ashley Zeiger’s Roughly Speaking, was conceived and produced by The
Platform Group, in cooperation with Xavier Mission’s Welcome Table Soup
Kitchen. Roughly Speaking will be presented at Tada, located at 15 West 28th
Street from October 29 through November 20.
Roughly Speaking presents a look into the world we walk by through the eyes of Lightning Bolt, a rapper bound
only by his wheelchair and a cast of diverse characters on a not so typical day at the soup kitchen. An existential
struggle of survival begs questions of love, loss, and what’s next. Roughly Speaking is a drama with rap about those
who are caught in a system that exists more to maintain the status quo, rather than offer a way out. It’s funny. It’s
sad. It’s not a docudrama monologue play.
A talk back series line-up includes experts on the homeless, a member of the New York State Assembly, TED Talk
Presenters, artists, and members of the Roughly Speaking cast and creative team, and are scheduled to take place
after every Wednesday and Sunday performance.
Show times for Roughly Speaking are Wednesday-Saturday at 8pm, Sunday at 2pm. There will be an additional
performance on Monday, November 14 at 8pm and no performance on Sunday October 30, or Wednesday,
November 16. All tickets are $25.00, with $3.00 from each ticket sold going towards purchasing backpacks for the
homeless. Reservations: 212-868-4444 or www.theplatformgroup.org. The approximate running time of the show
is 90 minutes.
As we have realized over the last
months, Venezuela is currently facing
a severe national crisis which has
dramatically affected the ability of its
citizens to access food and medicine,
thereby increasing poverty, especially in
rural and marginalized areas. Currently,
only 31% of the poorest people in
Venezuela have completed high school, compared
with 80% of individuals belonging to the highest social
stratum. 86% of children surveyed admitted fear or
concern regarding the lack of food in their homes.
IMAGINE VOCATION
As a body is one though it has many parts, and all the
parts of the body, though many, are one body, so also
Christ. ~1 Cor 12:12
May the Heart of Jesus
enable our parish community to recall the
wonders of God’s love,
empower us to overcome difference in the world,
enliven our gifts for the service of Christ, and
encourage us to create a unity of hearts and minds
focused on the Church’s mission.
Amen.
www.Jesuits.org
www.BeAJesuit.org
Adult Activities
Gracie Mansion Tour
Tuesday, November 15th
Join us for a tour of this beautiful historic house built
in 1799 and located in a park on the banks of the
East River. On this tour we will learn the history of
the house, view many of the rooms, and see the art
installation titled “Windows on the City: Looking Out
at Gracie’s New York.” We will meet at the 15th street
entrance to Xavier at 12:30. Government issued Photo
ID is required and space is limited. If you wish to take
this free tour please RSVP at [email protected] or
call Nancy and Tom at 212-929-3157 no later than
Nov. 9th.
Fe y Alegría, founded in Caracas,
Venezuela, in 1955, advances the
tradition of Jesuit education to the
poorest sectors of society. Sadly, Fe y
Alegría has itself suffered several direct
effects of the Venezuelan situation,
including an increase in school dropout rates and
negative health effects among its students (children
fainting, etc.). The situation is such that students,
regardless of socioeconomic status, lack the food and
nutrition necessary to access educational opportunities.
Fe y Alegria has developed a nutrition project to ensure
that 1,000 students in two schools in the eastern portion
of the country have two meals a day. Over the course
of the year, Fe y Alegria will track the impact of this
program, documenting students’ height and weight
over the course of the year and analyzing attendance
and academic performance.
Friends of Fe y Alegría in the United States seeks to
contribute to social transformation through education,
promoting the mission of Fe y Alegría in Latin America
and Africa, as well as institutional relationships and
solidarity with the international movement from the
United States. Please join Nate Radomski, MSW, the
Federation Liaison at Friends of Fe y Alegría in the
United States and Father Txuo Rodriguez SJ for an
informational event. We will show a video and have
a short presentation on the current reality facing
Venezuela and Fe y Alegría in Venezuela while learning
how Xavier Parish can support this most worthwhile
Jesuit endeavor.
WHAT: Presentation on Fe Y Alegria Efforts in
Venezuala
WHEN: Monday, November 7th 7:00-9:00 pm
WHERE: Xavier High School/FernandezDuminuco Hall 31 West 15th Street, 3rd Floor
From the Desks of Fr. Bob and Jim Martinez
Support for Xavier is crucial. As a welcoming community in the Jesuit tradition, our day to day activities, pointing
to the inclusive witness of the presence of Christ Jesus in our midst, require that we as a community do what we can
to support the costs associated with these efforts. We are writing to you and prayerfully requesting that you join the
other 296 parishioners who use Faith Direct to fulfill their generous stewardship commitments to Xavier and the
wider church. To those of you who are already using Faith Direct to make your donations to our parish, Thank you!
Your support has made this program a cost-effective and efficient way for our parish to receive your gifts.
Our Faith Direct eGiving option provides a convenient and secure way for you to support the parish via automatic
payment from your checking account or credit card. There is no cost to you for using Faith Direct. Faith Direct
enables this in a consistent and easy way:
• Simplicity: Imagine not having to write a check each Sunday morning – and no more searching around for
your offertory envelopes. People are finding that Sundays are simpler with Faith Direct – so there’s more time
to focus on Mass, prayers, and God’s message that day.
• Consistency: Did you know that our September collections were 25% higher than in August due to the
lower attendance during the summer and our Labor Day weekend Sunday collection was $6,000 compared to
the average collection of $9,900 the following three weeks.Many who have switched to Faith Direct appreciate
the fact that they can support our ministries year-round even when they are out of town or unable to attend
Mass – and they’re happy that this consistency helps Xavier more effectively plan our programs and services.
• Savings: People are telling us that they like eGiving because it helps Xavier conserve resources. Faith Direct
is more cost-effective than printing and mailing envelopes, and the money we save can help us further
expand our ministries. Plus, eGiving uses less paper... so it’s a great way for us to ease our impact on the
environment!
What will you like most about Faith Direct? Whether it’s the simplicity, points on your credit card, or your offerings
making a greater impact, you can enjoy the benefits that matter most to you by signing up now.
We hope you will set aside a few minutes today to enroll in Faith Direct. You can enroll online by clicking the
Donate Now button on the upper-right hand corner of our parish homepage or scanning the QR code below or mail
in an enrollment form available in the back of the church or from the parish office. With online enrollment, you will
be able to access your account any time to view and make changes to your account information and gifts.
Thank you for giving Faith Direct your prayerful consideration – and thank you especially for being part of Xavier
and our ministries. Prayers and best wishes for a joyful Advent season.
Sincerely,
Fr. BobJim Martinez
PastorDirector of Stewardship
Scriptures & Announced Masses
Thirty-Second Sunday in Ordinary
Time: 2 Macc 7:1-2, 9-14; 2 Thess 2:16-3:5;
Luke 20:27-38.
Thirty-Second Monday in
Ordinary Time: Tit 1:1-9; Luke 17:1-6.
7:45am Those Struggling with Addiction
12:05pm John Sullivan (D)
Thirty-Second Tuesday in
Ordinary Time: Tit 2:1-8, 11-14; Luke 17:1-6.
7:45am Leo & Antoinette Buongiorno (D)
12:05pm Dr. Edward Dunham (D)
Wednesday~ Feast of the
Dedication of the Latern
Basilica: Ezek 47:1-2, 8-9, 12;
1 Cor 3:9c-11, 16-17; John 2:13-22.
Ongoing Parish Happenings
ABILITY XAVIER: Celebrating persons with
disabilities. Contact [email protected]
ADULT ACTIVITIES: Once a month we have informative
meetings or attend interesting events around the city. Contact
[email protected]
BAGA: A parish youth group (for teens) that meets monthly
to promote peace and justice by performing corporal works
of mercy. Contact [email protected]
CATHOLIC LESBIANS: Ministry since 1993, meets 2nd
Friday, 6 p.m., West Room, [email protected],
(917) 297-6804.
EMPLOYMENT SUPPORT GROUP:
Contact Katherine Cleary, [email protected]
FAMILY FAITH: Catechetical ministry for parents/guardians
and children pre-K through 12th grade. Meets Sundays 10:00am,
Mary Chapel. Contact Luz, [email protected]
GAY CATHOLICS: Men meet in a caring and affirming
environment on the first and third Fridays, 7pm Mary Chapel.
Contact [email protected]
7:45am Nelly Castillo (D)
12:05pm Anthony & Wanda Ivancich (L)
INTERFAITH COMMITTEE: works toward ending
Thursday~Feast of St. Leo the
Great: Philem 7-20; Luke 17:20-25.
SFX WOMEN: We continue to stay to address the specific
7:45am Mary & George Dean (D)
12:05pm Robert Dunn (D)
religious discrimination and persecution, through prayer,
education and other activities. Contact Jose Ramon,
[email protected]
concerns of women in the church. Xavier women are invited to
join our ministry. Contact [email protected] .
LITURGICAL COMMITTEES: See website or
Contact Luz, [email protected]
Friday~Feast of St. Martin of
Tours: 2 John 4-9; Luke 17:26-37.
MINISTRY TO THE SICK AND HOMEBOUND: To
Saturday~Feast of St. Josaphat:
PEACE AND JUSTICE COMMITTEE:
3 John 5-8; Luke 18:1-8.
12:05pm Margaret Mary McGuire (D)
Thirty-Third Sunday in Ordinary
Time: Mal 3:1-20a; 2 Thess 3:7-12; Luke 2:1:5-19.
You may reserve an available Mass for
your intentions by contacting the
parish office at 212-627-2100.
become a volunteer or arrange visits, Contact James Fox,
[email protected], (212) 427-5070
Examines root causes of injustice and works towards a more just
and sustainable world. Contact Tracey Tynan or Larry Ruthv at
[email protected].
SPIRITUAL MINISTRIES: Offers spiritual programs,
including spiritual direction. Contact Rose Alloca,
[email protected] or Marie Bannister,
[email protected].
YOUNG ADULTS GROUP: Spiritual, Service, and Social
Activities for Xavier’s 20’s-30’s. Meets every 2nd Sunday of the
month after the 5pm Young Adult’s Mass, in the West Room.
Contact [email protected]
ZEN MEDITATION GROUP: Mondays at 7pm.
Newcomers welcome. Contact Peggy & Paul
212-260-2486, [email protected]
XAVIER MISSION VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
CLOTHING ROOM: 2nd & 4th Sundays, contact
Ann Mary: [email protected]
FOOD PROGRAMS: Every Sunday soup kitchen and
2nd Saturday food pantry, contact
Christine: [email protected]
L-STEP: Spring and Fall semesters,
contact J: [email protected]
SHELTER: Every night, contact Jim:
[email protected]