DECEMBER 18TH, 2016— 4TH SUNDAY OF ADVENT WEDDINGS/BODAS

OLMC MASS INTENTIONS SATURDAY, DECEMBER 17 (Late Advent Weekday) 5:00pm Mercedes Beck SUNDAY, DECEMBER 18 (Fourth Sunday of Advent) 8:00am Giuseppe Alaimo, Marianna Graci & Calogero Agro 9:00am Santa Lucia 10:00am William, Rose & George Hasselberg, Sr. & Gloria Radoslovich 11:15am Joseph, Marie, Ernest & Anna Bertolotti 12:30pm Eleazar Llanes 5:00pm Parish Family

MONDAY, DECEMBER 19 (Late Adcent Weekday) 8:00am Angela Perillo 12:00pm Arthur & Jaqueline Bertolotti TUESDAY, DECEMBER 20 (Late Advent Weekday) 8:00am Alejandro Valerio 12:00pm Aldo & Rose Bertolotti WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 21 (Saint Peter Canisius) 8:00am Leonardo Grippi 12:00pm Leno Bertolotti THURSDAY, DECEMBER 22 (Late Advent Weekday) 8:00am Salvatore Tagliaferro 12:00pm Delphine Bertolotti FRIDAY, DECEMBER 23 (Late Advent Weekday) 8:00am Sabbia & Raffaele Carullo 12:00pm Joseph & Irene Dura SATURDAY, DECEMBER 24 (Late Advent Weekday) 8:00am Ernesto & Louisa Bertolotti 5:00pm Rafael Rojas 8:00pm Teresa Peredo– Spanish Mass– Upper Church 11:00pm Almost Midnight Mass– English– Upper Church SUNDAY, DECEMBER 25 (The Nativity of the Lord/ Christmas) 8:00am Pete Baros 9:00am Privata 10:00am William & Theresa Smith 11:15am Gerlando Graci

Wedding arrangements should generally be made 6 months in advance. Arreglos para bodas generalmente deben hacerce 6 meses en avance.

PRAY FOR THE SICK If you have a family member you wish to be prayed for, please let us know immediately and we will be happy to pray for them. The names will remain on the sick list for three weeks and thereafter repeated as requested. Week 1: Anthony Velez Antonio Tenaglia

Juana Mitre Salome Garcia

James Leung Mary Devitt

Week 2: Bill Celio Rosa Maria Collado Joseph Roeder Ana Petrak Iris Ortiz Lydia Ayala Lynne Von Equidy Mary Frances Von Equidy Antonia Hoa Sister Richard CSJ Tracy O’Donnell Robert Dempsey Victor Mayo Pedro Acevedo Robert Lohman Deacon Manuel Barahona Thomas Naughton

Brianna Mezia Jean Latella Kevin Wooley Mario Valazquez Sharon Newman Margarita Dostall Mario Briones

Week 3: Juan Viña

Blanca Cisneros

Dylan Cresta

Myrna Donodeo

PLEASE PRAY FOR OUR DECEASED Carmela Argenzio Larry Koenigsberg

Amiel DiCicco

DEDICATED OFFERINGS The Sanctuary Lamp is burning for Autumn Rose Miller & Zachery Thomas Witkowski This was requested by Frank & Min Miller Altar Bread & Wine has been offered for Our Parish Family Altar Candles are Offered for William, Rose & George Hasselberg, Sr. & Gloria Radoslovich This was requested by the Hasselberg Family

Altar Flowers are Offered for Our Parish Family

4TH SUNDAY OF ADVENT First Reading: Isaiah 7:10-14 The young woman is with child and will bear son, who will be called God-withus. Second Reading: Romans 1:7-7 St. Paul proclaims Jesus as the son of David and the Son of God. Gospel: Matthew 1:18-24 Joseph trusts in the power of God’s spirit and overcomes his fear.

PARISH BULLETIN BOARD BAPTISMS IN 2016-2017 BAPTISM SCHEDULE—ENGLISH WEDNESDAY SUNDAY Conference 8:00pm- Institute Ceremony 2:00 pm NO ENGLISH BAPTISMS FOR THE MONTH OF DECEMBER January 18, 2017 January 22, 2017 February 22, 2017 February 26, 2017 March 22, 2017 March 26, 2017

HORARIO DE BAUTISMOS—ESPANOL MIERCOLES DOMINGO Charla 8:00pm— Instituto Ceremonia 2:00pm 7 de Diciembre 11 de Diciembre 4 de Enero 2017 8 de Enero 2017 8 de Febrero 2017 12 de Febrero 2017 8 de Marzo 2017 12 de Marzo 2017

SUNDAY 8AM MASS ANTIPHONS Entrance Antiphon Rorate, caeli, desuper, et nubes pluant iustum; aperiatur terra et germinet Salvatorem.

THIS WEEK AT OLMC PARISH INSTITUTE We try to keep our schedule that is printed in the bulletin as accurate as possible. For the most up-to-date calendar please visit our website at mountcarmelastoria.org. Thank you. Sunday December 18 10:00am– 5:30pm 10:30am– 12:30pm 11:30pm– 12:30pm 5:00pm– 9:00pm 6:00pm– 7:00pm

Entrega de Juguetes Cursillo Czech Community Children’s Concert Zumba

Monday December 19 7:00am– 5:00pm TYWLS 5:00pm-7:00pm Consolation Ministry 5:30pm– 9:00pm CYO 6:30pm– 8:00pm School of Mariachi

Gym Guadalupe A/B Lourdes A/B Guadalupe A/B Gym Gym Fatima Gym Lourdes A/B +Guadalupe B

Drop down dew from above, you heavens, and let the clouds rain down the Just One; let the earth be opened and bring forth a Savior.

Tuesday December 20 7:00am– 5:00pm TYWLS 5:00pm– 7:00pm Project Connect 1+2 5:30pm– 9:00pm CYO 6:30pm– 9:00pm Matt Talbot #20 7:00pm– 9:00pm Marriage Encounter

Gym Lourdes A+B Gym Lourdes B Guadalupe B+ Fatima

Offertory Antiphon Ave Maria, gratia plena, Dominus tecum: benedicta tu in mulieribus, et benedictus, et benedictus fructus ventris tui.

Wednesday December 21 7:00am– 4:00pm TYWLS 3:30pm– 7:30pm Religious Education 7:00pm– 9:00pm CYO

Gym All Rooms Gym

Thursday December 22 7:00am– 5:00pm TYWLS 7:00am– 10:00pm Mount Sinai Voting 3:00pm– 5:00pm Mount Sinai Voting 5:30pm– 9:00pm CYO 5:30pm– 7:30pm Religious Education

Gym Fatima Fatima Gym All Rooms

Friday December 23 7:00am– 4:30pm 4:30pm– 9:00pm 6:00pm– 9:00pm 6:00pm– 9:00pm 7:00pm– 10:00pm 7:00pm– 9:00pm

Gym Gym Nazareth Lourdes A/B Guadalupe A Guadalupe B

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women and blessed is the fruit of your womb. Communion Antiphon Ecce Virgo concipiet, et pariet filium; et vocabitur nomen eius Emmanuel. Behold, a Virgin shall conceive and bear a son; and his name will be called Emmanuel.

ADULT SEWING GROUP Interested in learning to sew? Already know how but need to brush up? Free lessons age 10+, alternate Saturdays at 3:30pm in the parish center. Email Louise for specific meeting dates at [email protected] or check the parish website calendar.

SOCIETY OF SAINT VINCENT DE PAUL GIVES BACK Our Lady of Mount Carmel should share in the profits. For every car, truck or van, running or not, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul will give back to our church $50/$100 per vehicle. Maybe you don’t have a vehicle, but a family member, friend or neighbor has an old or neglected vehicle that they would like to dispose of. Call the Society of St. Vincent de Paul at 718.491.2525. Thank you for your participation.

TYWLS CYO Spanish Choir Posadas Jornada Spanish Youth Grupo Azteca

Saturday December 24 9:00am– 9:00pm CYO Gym 9:00am– 12:00pm AA Meeting Guadalupe A/B+ Fatima 10:00am– 1:00pm Saturday Lessons in Faith Lourdes A/B 4:00pm– 5:30pm SIA Fatima 6:00pm– 11:00pm Posadas Gym

ST. MARGARET MARY MASS INTENTIONS THIS WEEK SUNDAY, DECEMBER 18TH (4th Sunday of Advent) 10:15 am Elizabeth Callas THIS WEEK AT ST. MARGARET MARY  

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 18TH 10:00 am– AA Meeting (English)- Rectory 11:30 a.m. Spanish Faith Sharing Group – (Hall)

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 21ST: 7:00 p.m. Spanish Prayer Group – (Hall + Chapel) - Santa Margarita Maria  7:30 pm– AA Meeting (English)- Rectory 

HORA SANTA, ADORACION Y BENEDICION DEL SANTISIMO SACRAMENTO Cada primer Sabado del mes en Santa Margarita María de 7:00pm a 9:00pm. Todos estan Invitados.

AA MEETING (ENGLISH) Sundays -10am -11am- Closed Discussion Meeting Wednesday– 7pm– 8pm- Step Meeting (Tradition Last Wednesday of the Month) in the Rectory Room

DEVOCION A LA DIVINA MISERICORDIA El grupo devocional a la Divina Misericordia se reune cada segundo Sabado del mez a las 3pm en la capilla de Santa Margarita Maria. “DREAM ACT” DEFERRED ACTION APPLICATIONS ARE AVAILABLE & CONSULTS RE. ADMINISTRATIVE RELIEF If you have any questions or would like to set up an appointment please call at 718-721-9020.

ACCION DIFERIDA - ASISTENCIA CON ALIVIO ADMINISTRATIVO Las aplicaciones para la acción diferida para los llegados en la infancia están disponibles. Si usted tiene alguna pregunta y/o quiere hacer una cita por favor llamar al 718-721-9020.

RUMMAGE SALE/ VENTA There will be a rummage sale on January 10, 11 & 12, 2017. Doors open at 9:00am. Habra una venta el 10, 11 y 12 de Enero del 2017. Las puertas se abren a las 9:00am.

ST. MARGARET MARY FOOD PANTRY NEWS In the month of October 2016 a total of 2,721 people were served. This included 1,285 children, 1,186 adults and 255 seniors. You may come in Tuesdays, Wednesdays or Fridays at 11:00am

INCOME TAX PREPARATION

IMPUESTOS (INCOME TAX) SE PREPARAN AQUÍ:

St. Margaret Mary 9-18 27 Ave. Astoria, NY 11102

Santa Margarita María 9-18 27 Ave. Astoria, NY 11102

Federal and NY State Forms You may be eligible for earned income tax credit OBTAIN TAXPAYER IDENTIFICATION NUMBERS Call Denise for more info: (718) 721-9020

Formulario Federal y Estatal de NY Usted hasta pueda calificar para el crédito de los impuestos de salario Obtenga su número de identificación de impuestos Llame a Denise para más información al: (718) 721-9020

SUPPORT OUR PARISH FOOD PANTRY WITH OUR ROSARY SOCIETY: In a cooperative venture between the parish Rosary Society and our Parish Food Pantry at St Margaret Mary, we have instituted a monthly food collection on the First Sunday of the month at all Masses. Please bring only dried or canned foods (non-perishables). Please no food beyond expirations dates. Thank you for your help in carrying out the Corporal Works of Mercy in this era of need. All women of the parish are welcome to join them in their prayer, good works, and conviviality. Next Pantry is Sunday, January 1, 2017.

APOYO DESPENSA DE COMIDAS Y NUESTRA SOCIEDAD DEL ROSARIO: En una iniciativa conjunta entre la Sociedad del Rosario y la Parroquia despensa de alimentos a Santa Margarita María, que se instituyo una colección mensual de alimentos en el primer domingo del mes en todas las misas. Favor de traer solamente los alimentos secos o enlatados (no perecederos). Por favor no comida expirada. Gracias por su ayuda en la realización de las Obras de Misericordia Corporales en esta época de necesidad. Todas las mujeres de la parroquia están invitados a unirse a ellos en sus oraciones, buenas obras, y la convivencia domingo projimo. Proxima vez: 1 de Enero del 2017.

FROM THE OGLE OFFICE Dear friends, The last week or so has seen an unusual outpouring of people here for some remarkable ecclesial events. Monday, December 12 marked the feast-day of Our Lady of Guadalupe, the patroness of the Americas and an event of enormous importance for Mexicans. You probably saw the magnificent floral display they created near Our Lady’s statues in both Mount Carmel and St Margaret Mary. The feast was preceded by a novena (nine evenings) of prayer at OLMC, culminating on the last night, Dec. 11, with the mañanitas, or songs at dawn, to the Blessed Mother, followed immediately by an all—night adoration vigil. At 6 AM on Monday, thousands of Mexican Catholics in Brooklyn and Queens, including more than 60 from our parish (and Father Brady), assembled with our Bishop in St Joseph Co-Cathedral for Mass and the sending of the Guadalupe Torch out to every parish. Each parish’s group then ran all day through the streets of our diocese with the torch and the image of Our Lady, arriving at their home parishes about 7 PM for Mass and a mariachi fiesta, in our case at St Margaret Mary. (Every year we alternate the novena and the Mass between our two churches.) More than 500 people attended the Mass this year. I am grateful to our parishioners who spend many hours throughout the year working on this outpouring of devotion to the Mother of God. In addition, last Sunday we sponsored a “Welcome Mass” and reception for English-speakers at the 11:15 Mass. Letters were sent to everyone on our mailing list welcoming especially those who may have been away for a while. The 11:15 Mass attendance last Sunday was over 400, whereas the average is about 180200. Many people from other Masses attended the 11:15 to show their welcome, but certainly there were many newer people to be welcomed. We hope this may become a more regular event for us. My thanks to the Italian Society (and honorary Italians) who prepared the coffee and cookies. In a different Hispanic event here, well over 100 people involved in the Spanish Scripture Study groups (Levantate) attended a two-hour adoration with an Advent reflection presented by Deacon Guillermo Gomez of Incarnation parish in Queens and coordinated by our CRE Nelly Gutierrez. These groups have become very fruitful in bringing back a number of inactive parishioners. It was a blessed evening. Let us pray that the good Lord will continue to multiply the fruits of our anniversary and Holy Year observances. God love you, Msgr. Sean G. Ogle

DE EL PASTOR Queridos amigos, La última semana o así ha visto un derramamiento inusual de la gente aquí para algunos acontecimientos eclesiales notables. El lunes 12 de diciembre se celebró la fiesta de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, patrona de las Américas y un evento de enorme importancia para los mexicanos. Usted probablemente vio la magnífica presentación floral que crearon cerca de las estatuas de la Virgen en el Monte Carmelo y Santa Margarita María. La fiesta fue precedida por una novena (nueve noches) de oración en la OLMC, culminando en la última noche del 11 de diciembre, con las mañanitas, o canciones al amanecer, a la Santísima Madre, seguida inmediatamente por una vigilia de adoración toda la noche. A las 6 AM del lunes, miles de católicos mexicanos en Brooklyn y Queens, incluyendo más de 60 de nuestra parroquia (y el padre Brady), se reunieron con nuestro obispo en la catedral de San José para la misa y el envío de la antorcha de Guadalupe a cada parroquia. Cada grupo de la parroquia pasó todo el día por las calles de nuestra diócesis con la antorcha y la imagen de Nuestra Señora, llegando a sus parroquias alrededor de las 7 PM para la Misa y una fiesta mariachi, en nuestro caso en Santa Margarita María. (Cada año alternamos la novena y la misa entre nuestras dos iglesias). Más de 500 personas asistieron a la misa este año. Estoy agradecido a nuestros feligreses que pasan muchas horas a lo largo del año trabajando en esta efusión de devoción a la Madre de Dios. Además, el domingo pasado patrocinamos una "Misa de bienvenida" y recepción para los angloparlantes en la Misa de 11:15. Se enviaron cartas a todos en nuestra lista de correo dando la bienvenida especialmente a aquellos que pudieron estar ausentes por un tiempo. La asistencia a la misa de 11:15 el domingo pasado fue de más de 400, mientras que la media es de 180-200. Muchas personas de otras Misas asistieron a las 11:15 para mostrar su bienvenida, pero ciertamente había muchas personas más nuevas que serían bienvenidas. Esperamos que esto se convierta en un evento más regular para nosotros. Mis gracias a la Sociedad Italiana (y italianos honorarios) que prepararon el café y las galletas. En un evento hispano diferente, más de 100 personas que participaron en los grupos de estudio de las Escrituras españolas (Levantate) asistieron a una adoración de dos horas con una reflexión de Adviento presentada por el Diácono Guillermo Gómez de la parroquia de Encarnación en Queens y coordinada por nuestra CRE Nelly Gutiérrez. Estos grupos se han vuelto muy fructíferos en traer de vuelta a un número de parroquianos inactivos. Fue una bendita noche. Oremos para que el buen Señor continúe multiplicando los frutos de nuestro aniversario y observancia del Año Santo. Dios te cuide, Mons. Sean G. Ogle

PARISH BULLETIN BOARD LAS POSADAS

SECOND COLLECTIONS/ SEGUNDA COLECTA

Las Posadas, a Hispanic Christmas custom: Our Spanish– speaking community is again preparing to celebrate an ancient tradition to prepare for Christmas call “Las Posadas”, which replicates the search of Mary and Joseph for a place to stay in Bethlehem during the nine nights before Christmas, from December 16 to December 24. A couple representing the Holy Family enact a ritual at the house door, and are eventually asked in, where many from the community are gathered for prayers together and fraternity custom also serves as a means of evangelizing our parish. Pray for the pastoral fruitfulness of this year’s “posadas”.

December 18, 2016– There will be a second collection

Las Posadas, nos acercamos a una de las fechas de mayor alegria, colorido y de union familiar. Es por ello que en nuestra parroquia, se esta organizando nuevamente con la ayuda de nuestro Pastor, Monseñor Ogle, las Posadas. Las Posadas son un medio para recorder y vivir los momentos que pasaron Jose y Maria antes del naciemiento de Nuestro Redentor. La finalidad es que cada uno de nosotros conozca el verdadero significado de la Navidad, ademas de compartir y convivir como una verdadera familia, ya que debemos vivir las tradiciones y costumbres navideñas con el significado interior y no solo el exterior y asi poddremos preparer nuestro Corazon para la commemoracion mas del Naciemiento de Jesus. La duracion de este Proyecto es de 9 dias desde el 16 hasta el 24 de Diciembre.

PRAYER OF THE WEEK Fourth Week in Advent Mary's Song… THE MAGNIFICAT My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, my spirit rejoices in God my Savior for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant. From this day forth all generations will call me blessed: the Almighty has done great things for me, and holy is his Name. He has mercy on those who fear him in every generation. He has shown the strength of his arm, he has scattered the proud in their conceit. He has cast down the mighty from their thrones, and has lifted up the lowly. He has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich has sent away empty. He had come to the help of his servant Israel for he has remembered his promise of mercy, the promise he made to our fathers to Abraham and his children for ever. Submitted by Elaine Rodriguez Share your favorite prayers: [email protected]

after communion for “Christmas Gift to My Church”. Your donations, as always, are very much appreciated.

18 de Diciembre, 2016– Habra una segunda colecta después de la comunión para “Mi relgalo a Mi Parroquia”. Sus donaciones, como siempre, son muy apreciadas.

December 25, 2016– There will be a second collection after communion for Christmas/ Catholic Charities. Bishop DiMarzio invites all to join him in this year’s Annual Catholic Charities Collection. The collection takes place at all Christmas Masses. Please return the special Catholic Charities envelope from your envelope packet with your gift. If you did not receive a printed envelope, we ask you to use a Catholic Charities envelope available in the church or your own blank envelope marked for “Catholic Charities”. Bishop DiMazio urges all to join in sharing God’s love with families and children in need by giving generously to this year’s Catholic Charities Christmas collection. Your donations, as always, are very much appreciated.

25 de Diciembre, 2016– Habra una segunda colecta después de la comunión para Navidad/ Caridades Catolicas. Obispo DiMarzio invita a todos a participar en la Colecta Anual de Caridades Catolicas. La colecta ocurrirá durante todas las misas de Navidad. Favor devolver el sobre especial de Caridades Catolicas con su regalo que se encuentra en su paquete regular de sobres. Si usted no recibió este sobre, le pedimos que use el sobre de Caridades Catolicas disponible en la Iglesia. Obispo DiMarzio le pide a todos que comparten el amor de Dios con los niños y las familias de nuestra diócesis que están en necesidad, y por favor sean generosos esta navidad a través de la Colecta de Navidad de Caridades Catolicas. Sus donaciones, como siempre, son muy apreciadas.

ANNUAL CATHOLIC APPEAL/ CAMPAÑA CATOLICA ANUAL We thank all those who have made a pledge to this year’s Annual Catholic Appeal. As of November 27th, 2016, we have 267 Donors who have pledged $57,341 towards our parish goal of $59,118. Over $52,000 has been collected thus far. Pledge envelopes are still available at the church doors and in the rectory. Please remember we need many new people to pledge this year if we are going to make our goal. No pledge is too small and everyone can help our campaign succeed. Agradecemos a todos que han hecho una promesa a la Campaña Católica Anual de este año. A partir del 27 de Noviembre del 2016, tenemos 267 donantes que han prometido $57,341 hacia nuestra meta de $59,118. Más de $52,000 se ha colectado hasta el momento. Los sobres todavía estan disponibles en las puertas de la iglesia y en la rectoría . Por favor recuerde que necesitamos mucha gente nueva a prometer este año si vamos a llegar a nuestra meta. Ninguna doncaion es demasiado pequeña y todos podemos ayudar a que nuestra campaña tenga éxito.

PARISH BULLETIN BOARD ADVENT & CHRISTMAS 2016/ NEW YEAR 2017 ADVENT CONFESSIONS-LOWER CHURCH Every Saturday, 3:30pm to 4:30 pm Saturday, December 24th, 2016 from 3:30pm-4:30pm

ADVENT RECONCILIATION DAY-LOWER CHURCH Monday, December 19th, 2016 from 3pm to 8pm OUR LADY OF MOUNT CARMEL MASSESUPPER CHURCH Saturday December 24 – Christmas Eve 5:00 pm – First Mass of Christmas 6:00pm—Posadas 6:30pm– Arullada del Niño Dios 8:00 pm – Misa En Español seguido por Convivencia 10:30 pm – Concert by our Choir 11:00 pm – Our “Almost Midnight” Mass LOWER CHURCH 9:00 pm Czech Mass 11:00pm Vietnamese Mass

*********************************** UPPER CHURCH

Sunday, December 25 – Christmas Day 8:00 am, 10:00 am, 11:15 am

NO 5:00 PM MASS ON CHRISTMAS DAY LOWER CHURCH

9:00 am (Italian) *************************************

Saturday, December 31st—New Year’s Eve 5:00pm—Mass Sunday, January 1st, 2017—New Year’s DayUpper Church English Masses: 8:00am, 10:00am, 11:15am, 5pm Spanish Masses: 12:30pm 2:30pm-In Honor of Our Lady of Nube (Ecuador) followed by a Procession and Reception in the gym Lower Church 9:00am (Italian), 10:30am (Czech) 3:00 pm (Vietnamese)

******************************************** ST. MARGARET MARY MASSES

Saturday, December 24 – Christmas Eve—9:00 pm (Spanish) Sunday, January 1st, 2017—New Year’s Day—10:15am (Spanish)

In this season of Advent, we are continuously preparing ourselves for the celebration of Christ's birth. Why not help our own parish prepare for the coming new year by signing up with Faith Direct? By supporting Our Lady of Mount Carmel through Faith Direct, both you and our parish can save some time and peace of mind this holiday season. Already using Faith Direct? Don't forget to add your Christmas or End-ofYear contributions to your account. Visit www.faithdirect.net and use our church code: NY370 Thank you for your continued support of our parish family! God Bless You, Msgr. Sean G. Ogle

THE MASS Do you hear Mass is boring? It’s the same old thing week after week, or do you find yourself saying something similar? If so, this DVD series is for you. Dr. Curran accompanies you from the time you pull into the parking lot for Mass, until you walk out the doors after the final blessing, using examples from everyday life that will move you deeply and at times make you laugh. By the end you will see with new eyes what is so familiar to you, and hear with new ears what you’ve heard over and over at Mass, and your response will never be the same. Presentations in this Series: January 7

Jesus Christ Present in the Eucharist Time: 10 a.m. – 12 noon Place: Parish Center (Lourdes Room) Presented by: Dr. Tom Curran Guest Moderator: Fr. Wlad Kubrak

“Sadly, so many Catholics sit back in their pews like uninterested spectators, unaware that Christ, the Living Lord, is present to them and wants them to make Himself known to them. This DVD series helps to shape the minds of Catholics everywhere, who are seeking to make sense of the Mass. It will draw hearts closer to Christ, and move them to become His faithful followers.” -Cardinal Sean P O’Malley O.F.M. Cap.— Archbishop of Boston, Massachusetts Dr. Tom Curran is a popular speaker, author, and radio host who is also Executive Director of My Catholic Faith Ministries, a Catholic Apostolate dedicated to bringing to life the hidden riches of the faith that have remained buried for many Catholics. Tom has a graduate degree from the Gregorian University in Rome, and a Ph.D. in Systematic Theology from the Catholic University in Washington, D.C. SATURDAY LESSONS IN FAITH

PARISH BULLETIN BOARD

The Jornadistas of Our Lady of Mount Carmel parish would like to invite all youth to the Annual Jornada Dance. Please speak to the delegates of the youth group at their Friday meetings at 7:00pm in the Parish Institute, Guadalupe A room (23-20 Newtown Avenue, Astoria, NY 11102), or call the rectory for more information. Our target is youth 12 years of age and older but parents are welcomed to attend as well.

VOCATION STATION RECTORY CLOSINGS The rectory offices of Our Lady of Mount Carmel and Saint Margaret Mary will be closed on Saturday December 24th through Monday December 26th for Christmas. The rectory offices will re-open on Tuesday, December 27, 2016.

The rectory offices of Our Lady of Mount Carmel and Saint Margaret Mary will be closed on Saturday, December 31, 2016 through Monday January 2, 2017 for New Year’s. The rectory will re-open on Tuesday January 3, 2017. We wish you, your family and loved ones a safe and blessed Christmas and New Year!

Diocese of Brooklyn Vocation Events December, 2016 Fraternitas – Saturday, Dec. 17th – 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM Monthly fraternal group for middle school students Cathedral Preparatory School and Seminary 56-25 92nd Street, Elmhurst, NY 11373 Evenings of Fraternity – Monday, Dec. 19th – 5:00 PM to 7:30 PM An evening for young Catholic men, consisting of a Holy Hour, conference and dinner. Saint John Paul II House of Discernment 341 Highland Blvd; Brooklyn, NY 11207

PARISH BULLETIN BOARD CONGRATULATIONS Our Lady of Mount Carmel & St. Francis Preparatory School would like to congratulate Christina Maria Barretta for her outstanding academic performance during the first quarter, receiving Honor Roll status.

CHRISTMAS CONCERT Our wonderful choir is preparing a concert of Christmas music that will be performed on Saturday, December 24th at 10:30pm. Come early to the 11:00pm Mass and listen to uplifting music that will put you in the true Christmas spirit. The concert will feature carols from the 15th century to contemporary times. Bring the family. Admission is free. All are welcome.

PASTORAL INSTITUTE: FOUNDATIONS FOR MINISTRY PROGRAM Foundations for Ministry Program Are you thinking about volunteering for a parish ministry? Are you already in ministry or part of the Parish Pastoral Council but need an update on the teachings of the Catholic Church? Perhaps the Pastoral Institute’s Foundations for Ministry Program is for you! This 10-week program, designed for adult learners, covers a different topic each week. For example, The Emerging Role of the Laity; Jesus: His Message, His Ministry; and One Church, Many Faces. Classes begin in January and are being offered in Brooklyn and in Queens in English and Spanish. If you are interested, please ask the pastor for a copy of the registration information form or go to http:// dioceseofbrooklyn.org/get-involved/pastoralinstitute/foundations-ministry/ for more information and to register. Registrations online only! For more information you may also contact the Pastoral Institute at 718/281-9556 or at [email protected].

El Programa Fundamentos Para los Ministerios ¿Está pensando dar de su tiempo en un ministerio parroquial? ¿Ya está colaborando en un ministerio o es miembro del Consejo Pastoral Parroquial pero quiere actualizar su conocimiento de las enseñanzas de la Iglesia Católica? ¡Tal vez el programa Fundamentos Para Los Ministerios ofrecido por el Instituto Pastoral, es para usted! Este programa de 10 semanas, especialmente diseñado para estudiantes adultos, trata a un tema diferente cada semana. Por ejemplo, El papel Emergente de los Laicos; Jesús: Su Mensaje, Su Ministerio; y Una Iglesia, Muchos Rostros. Las clases empiezan en enero y se ofrecerán en Brooklyn y en Queens. Además de español, el programa también se ofrecerá en inglés. Si usted está interesado, por favor pídale al párroco una copia del formulario de información o vaya al http:// dioceseofbrooklyn.org/get-involved/pastoralinstitute/foundations-ministry/ para más información. ¡Las inscripciones se tomarán solo en línea! Comuníquese con el Instituto Pastoral para más información al 718/281-9556 o en [email protected].

2016 GIVING TREE Our 8th annual Giving Tree to help those less fortunate than us has begun. From now through the weekend of January 8, there will be 4 trees decorated with tags that will benefit BRIDGE TO LIFE and some parish members from St. Margaret Mary who need our assistance. These trees will be located in the following areas: 1) in the narthex of the upper church, 2) in the West Vestibule near the elevator and 3) two in the lower church. We hope you are able to take a tag or more if possible and buy the items listed. Please do not wrap the gift. Just tape the tag to the bag or box so we can identify the item and where it is to go. Please bring the gift no later than the weekend of January 8 and give to an usher during Masses or bring to the Rectory for safe keeping. We all know times are tough but for those of us lucky enough, a donation will aid someone during this time of year where it is better to give than to receive. God bless you and your families for your generosity.

ARBOL DE REGALOS Nuestra octava edición de árbol de regalos para ayudar a aquellos menos afortunados que nosotros ha comenzado. A partir este fin de semana y hasta el fin de semana del 8 de enero, habrán 4 árboles decorados con etiquetas que beneficiarán al PUENTE A LA VIDA y algunos miembros de la parroquia de Santa Margarita María que necesitan nuestra ayuda. Estos árboles se encuentran en las siguientes áreas: 1) en el nártex de la iglesia arriba, 2) en el vestíbulo oeste cerca del ascensor y 3) dos en la iglesia de abajo. Esperamos que tomen una etiqueta o más si es posible y puedan comprar los artículos mencionados. Por favor, no envuelva los regalos. Simplemente pegue la etiqueta a la bolsa o caja para que podamos identificar el articulo y a donde va a ir. Vamos a colectar hasta el primer fin de semana de enero. Por favor, traiga el regalo y darlo a un ujier durante las misas o lleven a la Oficina durante las horas de trabajo. Todos sabemos que estamos en tiempos difíciles, aquellos de nosotros que podamos hacer una donación será bien recibida. Dios los bendiga a ustedes y a sus familias por su generosidad.