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Some Things to Know

SALUS INFIRMORUM Father Richard Adams, Father Harry Burke, Father Patrick Carney, Father Patrick Curley, Father John Fanning, Monsignor John Farley, Monsignor John Ferry, Monsignor William Foley, Monsignor Walter Kenny, Monsignor Joseph Martin, Monsignor Robert McCabe, Father Joachim Olendzki, Father Philip Quealy, Monsignor William Reynolds, Monsignor Edward Weber

REQUIESCANT IN PACE Father John Kostek, Father Peter Scaramuzzo, Monsignor Jeffrey Conway

REQUIRED ANNOUNCEMENT ON THE PROTECTION OF CHILDREN  The Archdiocese of New York is committed to doing all that it can to protect children and young people from sexual abuse. As part of that effort, we periodically write to the Catholic community to advise them whom they may contact and what steps they can take if they have suffered abuse by someone representing the Catholic church.

Please include this announcement in both English and Spanish in your Sunday bulletin. Its wording was approved by the presbyteral council. If your parish uses another language, i.e., Chinese, French, German, Italian or others, I am asking that you have it correctly translated and send a copy of your bulletin with these translations to my office. Additionally, publish this announcement every May, September, and January.

“To report an alleged incident of sexual abuse of a minor by a priest, deacon, religious or lay person serving in the Archdiocese of New York may contact the victims assistance coordinator, Mrs. Eileen Mulcahy at 646-794-2949 or [email protected]. Information can also be found on the archdiocesan website www.archny.org. In keeping with archdiocesan policy regarding sexual abuse of minors, this is provided to ensure that our children remain safe and secure.”

“Cualquier persona que necesite reportar algún incidente de abuso sexual de un menor por un sacerdote, diacono, religioso/a, o laico sirviendo en la Arquidiócesis de Nueva York, se le pide que por favor contacte al coordinador de asistencia a las víctimas, Seňora Eileen Mulcahy al 646-794-2949. Ella también pueden ser contactada vía correo electrónica: [email protected]. Para más información pueden visitar la página en la red de la arquidiócesis: www.archny.org. De acuerdo con las normas de la arquidiócesis sobre el respeto al abuso sexual de menores, esta información se provee para asegurar que nuestros niños permanezcan seguros.”

PRIESTHOOD SUNDAY USA September 25 is the national observance of Priesthood Sunday USA which was inaugurated in 2002. This is the time each year to express appreciation and gratitude to all the priests who have served God’s people. It is a way to allow Catholics to recognize good priests who, day in and day out, do an outstanding job in serving them in parishes across America. The focus is on the place of the priesthood as a central reality in the life of the Church. The shortage of vocations makes priests less visible and, consequently, less prominent. Ask your people to remember their priests and to thank them for what they do to bring the Lord to the faithful through the sacraments. Visit the Serra International web site at https://serraus.org/priesthood-sunday/. Also, visit the archdiocesan web site, www.nypriest.com.

CATECHETICAL SUNDAY ON SEPTEMBER 18 On this day, parishes recognize and honor those called by God to serve as catechists. This year’s theme is: “This Is My Body Given for You.” Whether in religious education, youth ministry, or adult faith formation, catechists accompany members of our parish community as they encounter Christ and grow in their Catholic faith. Arrange a special liturgy and invite your catechists and staff to join prayer as we honor these generous women and men, who give so much of their time and talent to hand on to others the treasure which they, and we, have received from the Lord. A commissioning of catechists may be found here on the USCCB’s website.

ANNUAL COLLECTION FOR ST. JOSEPH’S SEMINARY Continue, through your prayers and generosity, to support the important work of priestly formation. This year, the annual collection for Saint Joseph’s Seminary will be received on September 25. This collection provides critical funding to support the formation of future priests for the archdiocese. The cost of housing and educating seminarians is an investment for tomorrow, and the participation of the parishes is an invaluable aspect of this endeavor. To give a face to this annual collection, the rector is happy to send seminarians to visit parishes to make a personal appeal to the generosity of the parishioners in advance of the collection. Your welcome of a seminarian whom you have permitted to speak at the Masses on behalf of this appeal has always been appreciated. It is also good pastoral formation for them. If you would be willing to host a seminarian on the weekend September 25, email Father Rich Veras at [email protected] or call him at 914-367-8200.

FORTY DAYS FOR LIFE This life-saving prayer campaign will take place again throughout  the archdiocese from September 28 through November 6. It consists of forty days of prayer, fasting and peaceful vigil at abortion facilities. It is proven to work. When prolife people show up outside clinics, the ‘no-show’ rate goes up to almost 75%. Many abortion-minded women have left facilities and chosen life during Forty Days for Life thanks to parishioners witnessing outside the clinics and services provided by the Sisters of Life and our pregnancy centers. Since 2007, at least 21,989 unborn children have been saved from abortion during these campaigns and 117 facilities have closed. For more information, visit https://www.40daysforlife.com/en/.

PLEASE BE ADVISED Father Michel Pierre of the Society of St. James in Port au Prince, Haiti does not have faculties and is prohibited from exercising any form of priestly ministry in the Archdiocese of New York (without prejudice to the provisions of c. 976). Should he contact you or attempt ministry of any kind in your parish, notify the office of the vicar for clergy immediately. Always check with us before engaging any priest for Sunday or weekday help, leading a parish retreat, or speaking engagement. We cannot assume that a priest has faculties for the celebration of the sacraments. A letter of good standing from the proper ordinary or provincial is required for any activity associated with the parish. [Bishop Edmund Whalen | 646-794-3360 |  [email protected].]

RINGING OF THE CHURCH BELLS FOR SEPTEMBER ELEVENTH Each year since the  historic attack upon our country on September 11, 2001, religious leaders have been asked to toll their church bells for approximately 30 seconds to commemorate the time the north tower of the World Trade Center was struck. On Sunday, September Eleventh, at 8:46 AM, ring your church bells for 30 seconds to remember the 21st anniversary of this national tragedy.

PRESBYTERAL COUNCIL SELECTIONS It is time again to think about choosing priests to fill vacancies on the presbyteral council. Terms are for three years. His Eminence has underscored the importance of this council in his administration. He expressed his hope that priests would make themselves available to serve on the senate and urges the widest possible engagement in the selection process. Your active participation is clearly desired so that the makeup of the council is truly representative. Deans are encouraged to discuss these vacancies with their constituencies. Areas open for election or reelection are Manhattan North, Retired Priests, and Westchester North.

BISHOPS AND CONFIRMATION The ordinary minister of confirmation is the bishop. Be sure to contact one of the auxiliaries now to reserve a date for 2023. There are more than 200 confirmations scheduled in the archdiocese between Easter and late June. Pastors might consider several approaches for scheduling confirmation next year: move the date outside this season; combine with another parish, especially if you have fewer than ten in your class; schedule every other year for a joint class. When scheduling more than one ceremony on a given day, note that the bishop has the option of a ceremony instead of a Mass. If you are intending to invite a bishop from outside the archdiocese to preside at the sacrament of confirmation in your parish, please note that you need to request permission from the vicar general. When listing this confirmation in your parish registry, kindly include the words “cum licentia Ordinarii” together with the date of the letter of consent.

CURIA REPORT The revised, streamlined and renamed curia report, with information about the activities of the archdiocesan curia and the pastoral and administrative offices that serve you.  Refer any questions to the office of the vicar general. [Updates: Curia Report].

WHO BELONGS IN THE CATECHUMENATE (RCIA)? UNBAPTIZED CHILDREN AGES SEVEN THROUGH 12 AND UNBAPTIZED TEENAGERS AGES 13 THROUGH 17. These children are to be enrolled in the catechumenate process and are to be fully initiated at the Easter Vigil receiving all three sacraments of Christian initiation from a priest. UNBAPTIZED ADULTS AGES 18+. These adults are to be enrolled in the catechumenate process and are to be fully initiated at the Easter Vigil receiving all three sacraments of Christian initiation from a priest. BAPTIZED CATHOLIC TEENAGERS   AND ADULTS WHO   SEEK   PREPARATION   FOR   THEIR   FIRST   HOLY   COMMUNION    AND CONFIRMATION. These Catholic teenagers and adults may participate in the catechumenate process and may receive their confirmation and first holy communion during the Easter season from a priest.   BAPTIZED PROTESTANT  TEENAGERS  AND  ADULTS WHO  SEEK  TO    BECOME CATHOLIC. These Protestant teenagers and adults may participate in the catechumenate process and are to make their profession of faith and receive their confirmation and first holy communion anytime of the year from a priest.

WHO DOES NOT BELONG IN THE CATECHUMENATE (RCIA)? BAPTIZED CATHOLIC  CHILDREN AGES  SEVEN  THROUGH  12 WHO  SEEK  PREPARATION  FOR  FIRST  HOLY  COMMUNION.  They  are to prepare through a sacramental program offered by a Catholic school or parish religious education program. BAPTIZED CATHOLIC TEENAGERS AND ADULTS WHO ALREADY RECEIVED THEIR FIRST HOLY COMMUNION AND ARE NOW SEEKING THE SACRAMENT OF CONFIRMATION. They are   to prepare through a sacramental program offered by a parish or the archdiocese. They are to be confirmed by a bishop.

HALF DAY FRIDAYS AT THE CATHOLIC CENTER When contacting one of the departments for someone to help you with an important matter, we want you to be aware of the custom of closing early at 1:00 pm on the ten Fridays of the summer, from July 1 through September. If you call an office and receive a voicemail greeting, leave a message and it will be returned on the next business day; or send an email using the address format [email protected].

FAMILY DAY: MAKING EVERYDAY SPECIAL® is a National Center on Addiction Substance Abuses initiative to promote simple, everyday things parents can do to build a strong, healthy relationship with their kids that prevents future drug use. Family day will be celebrated nationwide on Monday, September 26, 2022. To learn more or to join parents across America in taking the Family Day STAR pledge, visit www.casafamilyday.org. You may also find family day on Facebook and Twitter.  [Initiatives: Parent Toolkit].

LAY TRUSTEE NOMINATION FORM We were hoping to receive the names two lay trustees  for your parish by Friday, July 29. Help us as we comply with the New York State Religious Corporation Law by completing this today. Since all parishes are required to hold an annual meeting of the trustees by the second Wednesday of November (this year, it is November 9).  [Updates: Lay Trustee Form and Minutes].

DESFILE MARIANO DE NEW YORK | MARIAN PARADE and affiliated associations are once again distributing information inaccurately suggesting that they are affiliated with the archdiocese. Since they are not connected with us, they are not permitted to use our name or trademark or symbols to advertise or announce any activity or ministry. Effective immediately, any parish happenings purportedly associated with these organizations are suspended. We can no longer allow their activities to be held at any parish, school, or institution.  [Updates: Desfile Mariano].

PARISH RESTRICTED SCHOOL RENOVATION ACCOUNT PROGRAM (PRSRAP)  This  program was established in 2017 and created a parish assistance corporation (PAC) account in the name of the parish that is recorded on its financials. It provides for the deposit of a minimum of $40,000 per year into a 4% interest bearing PAC account which is restricted for school capital repairs. Over time, these deposits and interest will provide a reserve fund that will significantly help maintain school buildings. Be aware that these deposits are made near the end of the fiscal year (August 31). Look for it on your next PAC statement. To date, your parish should have received at least $240,000 plus accumulated interest.

OFFICE HOLIDAYS On Monday, September 5, the Catholic Center will be closed in observance of Labor Day. To reach the chancery after hours and on weekends, call Community Answering Service at 877-582-2996. Add this number as “Chancery Emergency” to the list of contacts in your mobile telephone.

RECOVERY SUNDAY As you know, Recovery Sunday is a national day of prayer during the month of September for those troubled with and in recovery from addictive illnesses. It was inaugurated in 1999 by Cardinal O’Connor, continued by Cardinal Egan and reintroduced in 2016 by Cardinal Dolan. Statistics tell us that more than 20 million Americans are struggling; nine million children live in homes with one parent who has an addiction commonly associated with alcohol and illicit drug use, and increasingly with gambling, sex, social media, food, shopping, and pornography. It is a reminder of the plight of those dealing daily with addiction and recovery issues, and those who love and support them on the difficult journey to healing. It is an opportunity to recall the true meaning of freedom, as material abundance and spiritual emptiness too often lead to addictive behaviors. Most importantly, the observance is a powerful vehicle for prayer for families and communities in need. Consider designating a weekend in September as Recovery Sunday in your parish, perhaps on September 25.  [Initiatives: Recovery Sunday].

PRIEST RETREAT/PILGRIMAGE TO THE HOLY LAND Archdiocesan, religious and international priests (who are permitted to travel) are all welcome to participate on February 2-11, 2023. See the promotional flier in this mailing. With questions, call Father Anthony Sorgie at 914-961-3643 or email [email protected] or contact [email protected] who will be our travel agent at Peter’s Way International.  [Events: Priest Holy Land Retreat].

NATIONAL EUCHARISTIC REVIVAL The Archdiocese of New York, along with the various dioceses in the United States, is cooperating with the Holy Spirit in His work to bring people to greater awareness and intimacy with the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist. You will find information about events on our Eucharistic Revival website. If you have any events happening at your parish you would like to share, including your weekly or monthly holy hours, you may send the information to [email protected]. Also, visit the website at http://archny.org/eucharisticrevival/adny/.

A LOOK AT THE PERMANENT DIACONATE Every now and again, as with all things, we like to evaluate the permanent deacon program to keep it strong. A survey went out to all priests and deacons last month. The thoughts and suggestions of our priests are an essential element of this appraisal and would include the selection, formation, and ministry of the deacon.  The more input and ideas, the better the result.  Responses are due by September 15.  [Updates: Permanent Deacon Survey].

DIACONATE DAY OF CONTINUING FORMATION Registration material for the October 22 session at Dunwoodie is included in this mailing. [Events: Diaconate Continuing Formation].

FINANCIAL  SERVICES  REPORT Each July, this comprehensive analysis is published in Catholic New York.  [Updates: Financial Services Report].

LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT Each time we call attention to the need for a Last Will and Testament, priests do have one drawn and a copy deposited on file with the office of the vicar for clergy. When doing so, you might consider naming a brother priest as executor. One can only imagine the pain that survivors endure when one of us dies without a Will. A Last Will and Testament is required of all pastors.  But it is desirable for all priests.

PARISH SAFETY AND SECURITY PLAN ASSESSMENT The Office of Risk Management was hoping to receive this survey by the end of July. There is still time to participate. [Updates: Parish Safety Planning].

JUST ONE MORE THING While on vacation, a woman calls home. She asks her husband, “How is my cat doing?” The husband says, “The cat is dead.” Naturally, the woman is upset and says, “Well, you could have broken the news to me when I got home. I can’t enjoy my vacation now. You could have just told me a little white lie, like the cat is on the roof and you can’t get her down.” “Okay, I’m sorry,” says the husband, “I’ll remember that.” The woman then asks, “Anyway, how is my mother doing?” The husband says, “Your mother is on the roof, and we can’t get her down.”

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