Each year on October 3, Franciscans all over the world join together to ritually remember the passing of Francis of Assisi from this life into God. For Franciscans, this is a reminder of their own commitment to follow Christ in the way of the poor man of Assisi. The Little Portion Secular Franciscan Fraternity would like to invite you to join them on Tuesday, October 3, at 7:30 PM at Assumption Church to share in this ritual.
Wednesday, October 4
3:30 PM
Garden of St. Francis
Immaculate Conception
You and your pet are invited to our Blessing of the Animals in honor of the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi on Wednesday, October 4, at 3:30 PM. The blessing will take place at the Garden of St. Francis (pictured below) between Immaculate Conception Church and School. Bring your cat, dog, goldfish, hamster, iguana, or other animal, but please, all animals must be leashed or caged.
Everyone is invited even if you don't have a pet and are just an animal-lover.
Please join us for Hospitality Sunday in Fr. Fata Hall on Sunday, October 1 after the 9 AM Italian Mass at Assumption Church.
Enjoy some light refreshments and the company of your fellow parishioners.
Ways for NY Catholics to Assist the Recovery fom the Wildfires in Hawaii
Below is an excerpt of the letter from the Most Reverend Larry Silva, Bishop of Honolulu, requesting prayers and support. The full letter can be read below.
“To our Catholic Faithful in Hawaii and Beyond:
Peace be with you! Today, our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by the devastating wildfires that have ravaged the island of Maui. As a community of faith, we are called to come together and provide unwavering support to those who are suffering. […] You can make a tax-deductible contribution [to the Hawaii Catholic Community Foundation] by visiting the following link: https://tinyurl.com/MauiCatholic. […] Let us also remember the power of prayer. In our collective prayers, we ask for strength, resilience, and healing for the fire victims and their families. […] May God bless you all abundantly, and may our efforts bring comfort and hope to those in need.”
Italian classes for returning students at the intermediate level will begin again on Saturday, September 23, at 10:30 AM in Fr. Fata Hall.
Beginner level classes will be on the same day, September 23, at 9:30 AM.
Both sessions will meet for 10 weeks with a fee of $250 per person.
Registration is now open and space is limited. To register, contact Ms. Persampieri directly at:
(914) 645-0784
or
[email protected].
In Fr. André's homily on the weekend of August 27, he challenged us to consider and answer the question that Jesus asked Peter in the Gospel: "Who do you say that I am?"
Below is a brief introduction, in both English and Italian, from Fr. Antoine Guerini, who is staying in the rectory through October 6 as he continues his studies. Please give him a warm welcome if you see him.
About Fr. Antoine
Feast of the Transfiguration
Sunday August 6, 2023
Several of you, after the 12 Noon Mass, asked for a copy of the poem I read at the beginning of my homily. My good friend Peter Ricca, a Green Beret Veteran of the Vietnam War, graciously allowed me to make it available to you.
Fr. André, OFM
The Difference
by Peter Ricca
Do you think there’s a difference
between listen and hear?
I sure do and the difference
is quite clear!
Hear is strictly automatic.
Sound, Ear drum. Reply.
Listen is all heart.
I’m here if you want to cry.
Hear is “hurry up”;
I’ve got something to say.
Listen is take your time,
I’ve got all day.
So keep that in mind when
a friend comes to your door.
You may need to listen as
you’ve never “listened” before!
Pre‐Baptism Class: Baptismal Catechesis
Parents who are planning for their child’s Baptism are required to attend a Pre‐Baptism Class to prepare themselves for their child’s reception of the Sacrament and to understand the importance of their role in developing their child’s relationship with God. Our Parish offers a class on one Thursday a month at 7:00 PM in the Parish Center at Immaculate Conception.
Please call the Parish Office to register for the class in advance so the instructor may have the appropriate materials ready. The upcoming Pre‐Baptism Classes are Thursdays:
October 19
November 16
December 14
As construction continues on the St. Frances Cabrini Apartments for Adults with Autism, the local news published the following article:
“In a former convent in Eastchester where Franciscan sisters lived for decades, workers are building apartments for adults on the autism spectrum.
Donna Maxon said the building’s new purpose will provide what she and other parents, as they age, want: A place where their adult sons and daughters lead lives of independence.
'To see that our children are OK, that they have a happy life, that they are safe, that they’re accepted, that they’re welcomed,' said Maxon, independent housing managing agent with ArchCare, the continuing care community of the Archdiocese of New York.
The St. Frances Cabrini Apartments at Immaculate Conception Church – eight units each with their own kitchenettes as well as first-floor community/activity and dining spaces – are slated to open in 2024’s first quarter. [...]"
Rev. Fr. Theophilus Akyeampong Pepra (Fr. Theo) has been invited to spend his two and a half month holiday with us in the Parish of the Immaculate Conception and Assumption of Our Lady. Fr. Theo was with us for one summer before the pandemic.
Fr. Theo is a priest in good standing in the Catholic Diocese of Goaso in Ghana, West Africa. He is the Chancellor of the Catholic Diocese of Goaso and the pastor of St. Mary, Queen of Peace Parish in Tepa, Ghana. He has the permission of his bishop to spend his vacation with us. Besides his seminary training, Fr. Theo studied Canon Law at the Pontifical Urban University in Rome, Italy.
He will reside in the parish rectory and work for the time he is with us. He will leave us for his home country of Ghana on September 20, 2023.
We hope that Fr. Theophilus will have a wonderful and fulfilling summer with us.
After thoughtful consideration and with the blessing of Cardinal Dolan, our Parish has returned to the two options for receiving Holy Communion: in the hand and on the tongue.
As a reminder, when you receive Holy Communion:
You should be in a state of grace, with no mortal sin on your conscience.
You should make a reverent bow to the Body of Christ before stepping up to the minister of Holy Communion.
Before receiving, respond “Amen” when the minister says, “The Body of Christ.”
If receiving in the hand, you should make a throne, placing your left hand over your right hand, with your hands at chin level and parallel to the ground. You should never take the host from the minister; the Body of Christ should be received in the palm of your hand.
If receiving on the tongue, please stick your tongue out of your mouth so that the minister has the proper area to place the Body of Christ.
It has come to our attention that there are a number of individuals arriving for Mass late and leaving Mass early. We appreciate that you lead busy lives, but, out of respect for the Third Commandment and the holy sacrifice of the Mass, you should be arriving at least 5 minutes before the start of Mass so that you can prepare yourself to experience the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist. Just as you would never leave a friend’s house after putting the last bite of dinner into your mouth, you should never leave church with the Body of Christ still in your mouth and should remain to receive the final Blessing from the priest as he sends you forth into your lives in Jesus’ name, which is a beautiful way to begin your week.
We thank Salvatore Somma, who will begin his senior year of college in the fall, for his two months of service to our Parish.
We pray for him as he continues in his vocation.
A Prayer of Pope Francis to
Mary, Undoer of Knots
Holy Mary, full of God’s presence
during the day of your life,
you accepted with full humility the Father’s will,
and the devil was never capable
of tying you up with confusion.
Once with your Son,
you interceded for our difficulties,
and full of kindness and patience,
you gave us example
of how to untie the knots in our life.
By remaining forever Our Mother,
you put in order and make more clear
the ties that link us to the Lord.
Holy Mother, Mother of God and our Mother,
to you who untie with a motherly heart
the knots of our life,
we pray to you to receive us in your hands,
and to free us of the knots and confusion
with which our enemy attacks.
Through your grace, your intercession,
and your example deliver us from all evil,
Our Lady,
and untie the knots
that prevent us from being united with God,
so that we, free from sin and error,
may find God in all things,
may have our hearts placed in God,
and may serve God always
in our brothers and sisters.
Amen.
On Saturday, March 18, Fr. Joseph Kelly concelebrated the 5 PM Mass at Immaculate Conception. He spoke of his book On Second Thoughts: A Book of Stories. Below is the synopsis (courtesy of Amazon) and a link to the Amazon page.
In his book On Second Thoughts: A Book of Stories, Father Joseph Kelly recalls experiences from his eventful life (e.g., his childhood in New York City, his time in the U.S. Navy, his life of priestly service) and reflects on those experiences and how they illustrate faith and the presence of God in all things. His engaging stories are an aid to the reader’s own faith in God inviting meditation and prayer.
Remember a Loved One
Reserve a Mass or Donate Flowers
2024 Mass Book is Open
The 2024 Mass Book is now open and will take Mass Intentions for the living and deceased during the year 2024.
The cost for Announced Masses is $20. No more than five Mass Intentions can be taken at any given time. To arrange for and donate flowers for either church in honor of a loved one, call the Parish Secretary at the number below for details.
Information for all memorials can be obtained by calling the Parish Office:
(914) 961‐3643
Going forward:
The Divine Mercy Chapel was built within the Father Anthony Domenic Sorgie Parish Center in 2020. You can enter the Chapel by going to the Parish Center front door, which is located behind the School, and, after being let in, walking to the Chapel.
It has come to our attention that the names of the pastors of our three local parishes (IHM, St. Joseph's, and ICA) are being used in an email scam. We would like to officially state that Fr. Sorgie would NEVER ask for gift cards or anything of the sort through email. If you have any doubts about the veracity of an email, please call the parish office - (914) 961-3643 - and speak to a staff member before responding.
If Fr. Sorgie were to ask for assistance, he would reach out through more personal means, such as a phone call or speaking in person. Thank you for your assistance in stopping this cyber-crime.
The image below provides an example of where to find the information detailed underneath. It is not an actual Scam email.
The opening of our long-awaited, new Parish Center began with the move of all Parish Offices out of the Rectory. The Parish Center can be entered from the original entrance to the school building. There is a handicap ramp between the Church and School and a new sign to lead you directly to the new center.
For all Parish business, please visit our new offices and see the center as we prepare for its complete opening.
From March 16-18, our Parish hosted 40 hours of continuous Adoration in Immaculate Conception Church. If you missed any of the livestreams, you can view them using the connected video module. It contains a playlist of the 40 Hours. Simply click the icon in the top right (three lines; directly above "1/7") to select a specific event.
We are all together in this crisis, and our family of faith that we call the Parish of Immaculate Conception & Assumption of Our Lady has always been and will continue to be with you through this. We have parishioners on standby to assist anyone who might become quarantined and in need of food, medicine, or other support.
If you have prayer requests or questions, please message Fr. Sorgie HERE.
Monday - Friday
8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Daily Visitation
8 AM - 4 PM
In Immaculate Conception Church, Confessions will be heard in the Confessional near the handicapped-accessible entrance on Saturdays from 4:00-5:00 PM.
In Assumption Church, Confessions will be heard in the Confessional on Saturdays from 3:30-3:55 PM.
On every Thursday and the First Friday of every Month, the Blessed Sacrament will be exposed at 9:00 AM in the Divine Mercy Chapel of the Parish Center with Adoration continuing until Benediction at 3:00 PM.
On Mondays, after the Noon Mass, the Miraculous Medal Novena will be prayed.
If you wish to have a Mass said or a Mass card prepared during this COVID-19 crisis, send a note with $20 to Maria either by mail or email [email protected] with all the information including to whom you want the card sent.
The construction of the new Columbarium and Terrace Gardens at Holy Mount Cemetery is complete. This project gives our Parishioners – and anyone else – an opportunity to spiritually and respectfully have their loved one’s ashes rest intact on the Sacred Grounds of Holy Mount Cemetery. There are 1,642 niches; some are already sold.
Please call Maria, Administrative Assistant of Holy Mount Cemetery, to schedule an appointment to view the 3-D Model of the Columbarium or to reserve a niche(s) for you or your loved ones at (914) 961-3643 on Monday - Friday from 8:30 AM-4:30 PM. You may also email her HERE. A 50% deposit is required for reservation. More detailed information and additional images of the model can be found HERE.
While we have resumed public Masses, we urge all who can to please consider joining the convenient online WeShare automated giving program. Click on this link to set up automatic giving to keep our Parish ready and solvent to reopen with strength and speed when we can. After the page opens, look around WeShare at the collection opportunities and click on the yellow button, "Make a Donation", and follow the directions. God bless you for your continuing sacrifices.
For those of you who have returned to Mass, you will have the opportunity to give your envelopes and contributions at the offertory.
You can also place them in the donation boxes located in both our churches when they are open.* These Masses will be livestreamed.
Pandemic Protocols
The Precious Blood will not be offered to the faithful.
Communicants are encouraged to receive Communion in the open hand rather than on the tongue.
The use of hand sanitizer before and after the distribution of Holy Communion is a prudent practice.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
O Mary, you shine continuously on our journey
as a sign of salvation and hope.
We entrust ourselves to you, Health of the Sick.
At the foot of the Cross, you participated
in Jesus’ pain, with steadfast faith.
You, Our Lady of New York, know what we need.
We are certain that you will provide,
so that, as you did at Cana of Galilee,
joy and feasting might return after this moment of trial.
Help us, Mother of Divine Love, to conform ourselves
to the Father’s will and to do what Jesus tells us:
He who took our sufferings upon Himself,
and bore our sorrows to bring us,
through the Cross, to the joy of the Resurrection.
We seek refuge under your protection, O Holy Mother of God.
Do not despise our pleas – we who are put to the test –
and deliver us from every danger,
O glorious and blessed Virgin. Amen.
1. On your computer, visit formed.org/signup, type "Immaculate Tuckahoe" in the search bar, click our Parish Name, click "Next," create your own free account, and enjoy!
2. On your mobile device, download the FREE FORMED app and start enjoying great video and audio wherever you go. Share the FORMED app with your friends and family.
Learn more at app.formed.org.
You can download the iOS app here.
You can download the Android app here.
Listen to "Could God Ever Love Someone Like Me?"
with Fr. Mike Schmitz
Don't miss "Forgiven!"
"Tom Hanks narrates the epic story of the 9/11 boatlift that evacuated half a million people from the stricken piers and seawalls of Lower Manhattan. Produced and directed by Eddie Rosenstein. Eyepop Productions, Inc.
"Boatlift" was executive produced by Stephen Flynn and Sean Burke and premiered on September 8, 2011, at the 9/11 Tenth Anniversary Summit: Remembrance/Renewal/Resilience in Washington, D.C."
Courtesy of YouTube Channel "RoadtoResilience"
Note: Contains video and images from 9/11/01