On November 16, 1896, Fr. Regis Gerest, OP received a letter from
Archbishop M. A. Corrigan of New York that initiated our parish, the
Holy Name of Jesus; as such, November 16, 2021, will mark our
125th anniversary.  In order to rededicate our prayers and thoughts
for those who have gone before us, leaving us such a wonderful
faith-filled legacy, I would like to commemorate the anniversary with special liturgies and social events during the coming year.

In order to accomplish our goals for this celebration, an Anniversary Committee and a Journal Committee will be formed to help us properly celebrate the occasion.  The committees will need additional volunteers to be successful, so we welcome anyone who is willing to devote time and talents to this endeavor.  The Anniversary Committee will arrange special liturgies, speakers and social events during the year, and will produce media notifications, solicit journal ads from parishioners and local vendors, etc. Some of our parish family are presently engaged in these types
of activities, but we need further help – any time that you are able to contribute will be greatly appreciated.

The Journal Committee will produce a booklet capturing the history of our 125 years.  It currently has copies of previous anniversary booklets: The Golden Jubilee Book 1896-1946, the 75th Anniversary Journal 1896-1971 and the 100th Anniversary Journal 1896-1996; now we are looking for any additional information pertaining to the parish history that you can
provide, such as programs of prior events, pictures, memorabilia, memories and short stories of parish life, names of parishioners who had vocations to the priesthood or religious life, names of our former clergy, and any other items that will help tell our story.

One important item that was omitted in the prior anniversary journals is a detailed history of the construction of Holy Name of Jesus Auditorium, Parochial School and our churches.  We would appreciate information anyone has regarding the building and dedication of the auditorium, school and church (s), such as building photos, newspaper articles, teacher
names, short stories, event programs, class pictures, graduation photos, other memorabilia, etc.

Please send or drop off all material to the rectory office; all items submitted will be returned upon request.

If you would like to volunteer for this project, or for additional information or questions, please contact the rectory at 914-949-2323.

01.11.21
As we experience the ongoing effects of the pandemic, Cardinal Dolan has continued to suspend the obligation to attend Sunday Mass.  Please remember, the obligation to “keep holy the Lord’s Day” can never be suspended.  If you are uncomfortable attending Mass in person, or you have cold symptoms or need to quarantine, make sure to watch our Mass livestreamed on our website or on Facebook on Sundays at 10:00am.

If you do not have the internet, sit down with the Sunday readings, pray, and make a Spiritual Communion.  Take a walk and pray the rosary.  Read a good spiritual book, most especially the Bible.  If weekend Mass is too crowded, attend a daily Mass instead.  It has become easy to excuse ourselves from prayer and worship.

Begin this New Year with a firm resolve to keep your faith strong and make it even stronger.  Keep holy the Lord’s day!
 

My Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

What a blessing it is to celebrate my first Christmas season with this faith-filled community of Holy Name of Jesus.  My heart is filled with much joy as we prepare to celebrate once again, the birth of the Christ Child.

A favorite resource throughout Advent and Christmas is Howard Thurman’s “The Mood of Christmas.” In this book, the philosopher-theologian offers this poem:

I will light candles this Christmas
Candles of joy, despite all the sadness,
Candles of hope where despair keeps watch.
Candles of courage where fear is ever present,
Candles of peace for tempest-tossed days.
Candles of grace to ease heavy burdens.
Candles of love to inspire all my living.
Candles that will burn all the yearlong.

In the midst of all our current challenges and concerns, the love of God the Father is made manifest to us in the wonderful gift of His Son, Jesus.  As our faith moves us to sing along with the angels, “Glory to God in the highest and peace to His people on earth!”, we know that peace on earth flows from our recognition and praise of God in our lives.  I, also, treasure the gift of your time and the dedication, sacrifices, and hard work you have shown to make this parish a beacon of Christ’s love. In particular, I thank those who serve in the various ministries and organizations.

On behalf of the parish staff, we wish you all a blessed and joyful holiday season as we plan for our Christmas celebration.  Please be assured of my prayers for your intentions and a remembrance at Holy Mass.

May the peace and joy of this Christmas Season continue to be present in your lives every day.

Prayerfully yours,
Fr.  Abraham Berko