Reflection on Today's Gospel Reading: Luke 16: 19-31

Luke 16:19-31

The Rich Man and Lazarus

 

¹⁹ “There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and lived in luxury every day. ²⁰ At his gate was laid a beggar named Lazarus, covered with sores ²¹ and longing to eat what fell from the rich man’s table. Even the dogs came and licked his sores.

²² “The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried. ²³ In Hades, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side. ²⁴ So he called to him, ‘Father Abraham, have pity on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am in agony in this fire.’

²⁵ “But Abraham replied, ‘Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received bad things, but now he is comforted here and you are in agony. ²⁶ And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been set in place, so that those who want to go from here to you cannot, nor can anyone cross over from there to us.’

²⁷ “He answered, ‘Then I beg you, father, send Lazarus to my family, ²⁸ for I have five brothers. Let him warn them, so that they will not also come to this place of torment.’

²⁹ “Abraham replied, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets; let them listen to them.’

³⁰ “‘No, father Abraham,’ he said, ‘but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.’

³¹ “He said to him, ‘If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.’”

 

To Listen to the Reading "Here"

 

Something to think about (Reflection):

• God is very much a part of our lives and is aware of what's going on our lives. Remember  that what is going on in our lives is there to help us grow in some way. We lose sight of this and the understanding that God is with us, when we complain.
• Ask yourself, "What  is it that we ignore in our life everyday?"
• Do not overlook the obvious. For example:
• Giving someone a kind word.
• Giving someone a phone call.
• Giving someone a pat on the back.
• Lazarus is a symbol of a Christ-like opportunity.
• Don't put off for tomorrow what you can do today.
• On the contrary: If you need help, ask.
• Don't wait until it's too late.
• The rich man wanted someone from the dead to return to help his brothers as firsthand experience. Abraham reminds that not all may believe.
• Jesus came back from the dead and there are still those who do not believe.
• Thomas had to see Jesus, who had died to bring us salvation, for himself to believe.
• On the contrary: Those who believe without seeing are assured a place in heaven.

Take a moment today to take the opportunity rather than ignore it.

God Bless You!

These were some notes from a member of the church after hearing today's homily.

Father Rudy's Corner: Sept. 29, 2013

Dearest friends:

“Habemus Organisti!” After months of interviewing reviewing resumes and hearing auditions, I have decided (and via your comments as well) that the best person to accompany our congregation as
organist is: Mr. John Franco Schirripa. He is 24, a graduate of Regis High School, Holy Cross University; and an accomplished musician. He will be playing at the Sunday Masses. Please approach him and welcome him into the parish family. Please look at the current Catholic New York this week, you will see our own Deacon Joe on page 13.

He was recognized for his many years of service in the field of catechism. We are blessed to have him inspiring, leading and forming our young children in our own program here at OLG. This Friday October 4th is the Feast of Saint Francis of Assisi, after whom our Holy Father is named after. We will have the BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS at 6pm on the steps of the church. So, please bring your furry, winged, scaly PETS to be blessed in honor of St. Francis who was a lover of nature and animals.

Please BUY your anniversary luncheon ticket and your 50/50 raffles tickets; they are available through a volunteer in the lobby of the church and the rectory office. Our 89th celebration with Cardinal Egan is in 2 weeks!! Be a part of it all. Of course if you can’t make the luncheon you are still invited to attend the 11am Mass that Sunday. And have a blessed week!

Father Rudy

NEW PARISH COUNCIL!!

MEMBERS…….. If you have been invited to be a member of the parish counsel by Father Rudy, please attend the first meeting to be held on Tuesday, October 8^th, at 7pm in the rectory.

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Queridísimos amigos:

“Habemus Organisti!” Después de meses de entrevistas y revisando currículos y escuchando audiciones, he decido (y así como también por sus comentarios) que la major persona para acompañar a nuestra congregación como organista es Mr. John Franco Schirripa. Él tiene 24 anos, graduado de la escuela Regis High, la Universidad Holy Cross; y un músico dedicado. Él estará
tocando en las Misas del Domingo. Por favor acérquese y dele la bienvenida a nuestra familia parroquial.

Por favor miren en el Catholic New York esta semana, usted vera a nuestro Diacono Joe en la pagina 13. El fue reconocido por sus muchos anos de servicio en el área de la catequesis. Nosotros somos bendecidos de tener un inspirador líder en formando nuestros niños en nuestro programa aquí en Nuestra Señora de la Gracia. Este Viernes 4 de Octubre es la Fiesta de San Francisco de Asís, de quien nuestro Santo Padre ha tomado su nombre. Nosotros tendremos la BENDICION DE LOS ANIMALES, a las 6:00 pm en la escaleras de la entrada de la Iglesia, por lo tanto haga el favor de traer su peluche, alado, escamoso para ser bendecido en honor de San Francisco quien fue amante de la naturaleza y de los animales.

Por favor COMPRE su boleto para el almuerzo de aniversario y sus boletos de la rifa 50/50 ellos están disponibles a través de los voluntarios en la entrada de la iglesia y en la oficina de la rectoría. Nuestra celebración del 89 Aniversario con el Cardenal Egan es el PROXIMO fin de semana!! Participa de este. Y que tengan una semana bendecida.

 

El Padre Rudy

 

La celebración del 90 aniversario comienza al final del almuerzo del 89 aniversario. Esto será todo un ano de celebración. La próxima semana habrán listas para que se anoten en los diferentes comités, a la entrada de la iglesia. Si, alguno esta interesado por favor contactar a Julio Barreto, Yolanda Reyes, y Miladys Dupres.

Fr. Rudy's Corner: Sept. 22, 2013

Dearest friends:

 

 

It’s time to purchase your anniversary luncheon tickets. On Sunday October 13th at 11 am Cardinal Edward Egan, archbishop emeritus of the Archdiocese will come to celebrate out 89th anniversary Mass of the parish. This is an exciting event and I wish all to be a part of it. Please take a moment to stop by the entrance of the rectory and pick up your ticket. The donation is $25.00 ; please join us.

50/50 tickets will also be available; and this is an opportunity to win over $500.00; but

as they say: “you have to be in it to win it.” Please continue returning your special ‘air

conditioning’ donation envelopes; your donation will be a big help to us.

Finally: we are reminded this week by the Lord that we have been entrusted with so

much. We are His ambassadors and He asks us to be as creative with the gifts we

have been given for the good of the Kingdom and the good of all around us.

Remember: when something is good, everybody benefits. May you be blessed as you read this message.

Father Rudy

PS…...Many, many, THANKS again, for all of your well wishes, gifts, hugs, cards and comments on the occasion of my installation. Everyone of them is much appreciated. frR

 

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Queridísimos amigos:

 

Es tiempo para comprar sus boletos para el Almuerzo del aniversario. Octubre 13, a las 11:00 am el Cardenal Edward Egan, Arzobispo emérito de la Arquidiócesis vendrá a celebrar la Misa del 89 aniversario de la parroquia. Este es un emocionante evento y yo deseo que todos sean parte de el. Por favor tome un momento para pasar por la rectoría para comprar su boleto. La donación es de $ 25.00 por favor únase a nosotros.

 

También los boletos del 50/50 estarán disponibles; y esta es una oportunidad para ganarse $500.00,

pero como dicen “usted tiene que estar presente para ganarlo”.

 

Por favor continúe devolviendo los sobres de la donación especial para el aire acondicionado; su donación será una gran ayuda para nosotros.

 

Finamente: les recordamos lo mucho que el Señor nos ha confiado. Nosotros somos Sus embajadores y nos pide que seamos creativos con los dones que nos ha dado para el bien del Reino y de todos los que nos rodean.

 

Recuerde: cuando algo es bueno cada uno se beneficia. Que sea bendecido al leer este mensaje.

 

PS-

Muchas, muchas gracias de nuevo por todos sus buenos deseos, regalos, tarjetas y comentarios sobre la ocasión de mi instalación. Cada uno de ellos es muy apreciada.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fr. Rudy's Corner: Sept. 15, 2013

Dearest friends:

How can I begin to thank each and everyone of you for attending my installation Mass this past Friday. For all who worked so hard to make it so special,  you have my heartfelt appreciation. It is and honor to be pastor of such a warm community. Our Vicar, as always was very impressed with his visit to our community. On behalf of Deacon Michael, I thank you also for showing him such warmth at his first Mass as a deacon here at Our lady of Grace.

Our school has begun classes; I would like to welcome all of our children and teachers back. Hopefully everyone had a good summer and now the Holy Spirit will fill them with the grace to receive and impart knowledge.

Our own Family Faith Formation program begins their classes on September 14, 2013 at 10:00am. If you still have not registered your child for religious instruction, please do so as soon as possible. The Religious program, office has a NEW number and it is: 718-652-4898, this is where Deacon Joe can be reached from now on.

Father Rudy


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Queridisimos amigos:

Como puedo comenzar para darles las gracias a cada uno por atender a la Misa de mi toma de posesión este pasado Viernes. A todos los que trabajaron tanto para hacerlo tan especial, ustedes tiene mi gran apreciación. Este es un honor de ser pastor de una comunidad cariñosa. Nuestro Vicario como siempre fue muy impresionado con su visita a nuestra comunidad.

En nombre del Diacono Michael, les doy las gracias tambien por demostrarles gran cariño en su primer dia de diacono aquí en Nuestra Senora de la Gracia.

 

Nuestra escuela ha comenzado sus clases quiero darle la bienvenida atodos los niños y a los profesores por su regreso. Esperamos que cada uno halla tenido un buen verano y ahora el Espiritu Santo les llenara con la gracia para recibir y imparter el conociimiento.

Nuestra programa de formación familiar de la Fe comenzara sus clases el Sábado 14 de Septiembre a

las 10:00am. Si todavia no ha registrado su niño para la instrucción religiosa, por favor hágalo los mas pronto posible. Al Oficina del programa religioso tiene un NUEVA numero y este es: (718) 652-4898, este es el lugar donde el Diacono Joe puede ser contactado desde ahora en adelante.
El Padre Rudy

Father Rudy's Corner: Sept. 8, 2013

Dearest friends:

  Last Saturday, Michael Achanji was ordained a Deacon at St. Joseph’s Seminary by Bishop Walsh. Michael studied philosophy in his native  Cameroon and came to OLG in 2009 before entering the 

theologate in 2010 at Dunwoodie. We pray that the Holy Spirit will give him the grace to be a good, approachable and gentle deacon as he makes his way to priesthood. Because he considers this his home parish, we welcome him this Sunday and offer him our support and congratulations.

As you enter or leave church today you will be handed an envelope to use towards the cost of air

conditioning repairs here at Our lady of Grace. If you appreciate the comfort this brings, please donate what you can so that we can pay off the cost of repair. If we all do our part, we can cover the $23,000 remaining bill. Please feel free to return the envelope with your donation in any collection next week, or drop it off at the rectory, and many thanks in advance.  

Finally, I hope to see you at my installation Mass this Friday at 7pm. After completing a year with

you, I thank you for your love and support and hope we can all be together for this official function. Until then: have a blessed week.

Father Rudy

   

   

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Queridísimos amigos:

El pasado Sábado, Michael Achanji fue ordenado Diacono en el Seminario San José por el Obispo Walsh. Nosotros pedimos para que el Espíritu Santo le conceda a El la gracia de ser un buen, accesible y amable diacono así como el hace su camino al sacerdocio. Porque el considera esta su parroquia le damos la bienvenida este Domingo y le ofrecemos nuestro apoyo y felicitaciones.

Al entrar o salir de la iglesia hoy usted recibirá un sobre para se usado para ayudar a cubrir los gastos de la reparación del aire acondicionado  aquí en Nuestra Señora de la Gracia. Si usted aprecia la comodidad traiga esto, por favor done lo que usted pueda así que nosotros podremos pagar el costo de la reparación. Si todos nosotros hacemos nuestra parte, nosotros podremos cubrir los gastos de $23,000.00 de la deuda. Por favor siéntase libre de devolver el sobre con su donación y echarlo en la colecta el próximo Domingo, o entregarlo en la oficina de la rectoría, y muchas gracias por adelantado.  

Finalmente, yo espero de ver a ustedes en la Misa de mi toma de posición este Viernes, a las 7:00 pm. Después de cumplir un ano con usted, yo les agradezco su gran cariño y ayuda y esperanza que nosotros podemos estar juntos para esta función oficial.

Hasta entonces.

Que tengan una semana bendita!

El Padre Rudy

Installation Ceremony for Pastor Rudy Gonzalez

Father Rudy's Corner: Sept 1, 2013

Dearest friends:

As you may have seen, our sprucing up of the church hall continues. We have upgraded the lighting; and while doing so noticed that the wiring above the suspended ceiling was unsafe and not up to code so that had to be fixed. The ceiling fans were being held up by ropes and wires and ready to drop, so our electrician will try to make these repairs as well. 

Thanks for the many comments and messages you left me regarding the music last Sunday; it’s a pleasure to share with you my joy of music; and having Donna leading the singing made it even better. It’s great that you are a singing community; it inspires everyone and surely your praises make God happy.

There will be a special English choir rehearsal this Thursday, September 5th, at 7pm in the rectory choir

room. We will go over the music for my installation. All members are asked to attend. A Spanish choir

practice will take place on Saturday, September 7th, at 1pm also in the choir room. This Sunday we welcome John Franco as organist as we continue on our quest.

Have a blessed week!!

Father Rudy 

Queridísimos amigos:

Así como ustedes se han dado cuenta el arreglo del salón parroquial continua. Nosotros hemos arreglado las  luces; y mientras tanto nos dimos cuenta que los cables que sostienen el techo no son muy seguros y por lo tanto es necesario arreglarlos. Los ventiladores del techo han sido sostenidos con cuerdas y alambres y listos  para caerse, por lo tanto nuestros electricistas también trataran de repararlos.

Gracias por los varios comentarios y mensajes que me dejaron acerca de la música este Domingo pasado; es un placer compartir con ustedes mi alegría de la música; y teniendo a Donna dirigiendo el canto lo hace mucho mejor. Esto es grande ustedes son una comunidad que canta; lo que inspira a cada uno y ciertamente sus oraciones hacen a Dios feliz.

Habrá un ensayo especial para el coro en Ingles este Jueves, Septiembre 5, a las 7:00 pm en el salón del coro enla rectoría. Ensayaremos la música para mi toma de posición. Todos los miembros se les pide atender. La practica del coro hispano tendrá lugar el Sábado septiembre 7, a la 1:00 pm también en salón del coro. 

Que tengan una semana bendita!

El Padre Rudy