Bulletin Cover Reflection

Road to Emmaus Ministry of Syracuse, Inc., a 501 (C) 3, not for profit organization, is a dynamic ministry that brings the presence of the Catholic Church to the poor, hungry, isolated, and homeless of th e south side and the city of Syracuse, New York. By providing food, drink, clothing, visiting the sick and burying the dead, Emmaus Ministry puts flesh to the Gospels, in a true “missionary evangelist” spirit –  “Taking the Gospel to the Streets.”   With our many ministries we are able to act as disciples bringing unconditional love and hope to those in need. And, through this love and hope… lives are being transformed!
It all began with a sandwich…
In February 2008, Father John Manno challenged St. James Church to reach beyond its walls and bring the presence of Christ to individuals and families impacted by poverty, drugs, crime and homelessness on the south side of Syracuse. As an answer to Father Manno’s challenge, the parishioners of St. James used bologna sandwiches as its stepping stone to be of service and bring the love of Christ and the Catholic Church to those in need. Since then, Emmaus Ministry has reached thousands on the “periphery” in Syracuse, by performing corporal and spiritual works of mercy.

On February 23, 2009, Emmaus Ministry brought their first hot meal to the Catholic Charities Men’s Shelter (The OX). That first trip outside the walls of St. James was pivotal.  A homeless gentleman’s simple question that evening brought clarity to the ministry…  “But will you come back?”   Inspired by the Gospel of Luke, Emmaus Ministry parallels the disciples on the Road to Emmaus, where upon recognizing the resurrected Christ in their midst the disciples asked Jesus to,  “Stay with us.”   Emmaus Ministry is continually being called to  “go and do likewise” , and by doing so, we too recognize Christ in the faces of those we serve. In 2013, newly elected Pope Francis said,  “We must get out of ourselves and go to the periphery.”   And today, in this “Year of Mercy”, Saint James Emmaus Ministry guided by Father Christopher Ballard, proudly meets both Pope Francis’s call and the challenge first put forth in 2008, by continuing with the resounding answer,  “ YES, we will be back!”  
Submitted by Dc. Dan Stevens, Blessed Sacrament
Reflection for the Third Sunday of Easter
First Reading: Acts 2: 14, 22-33; Responsorial Psalm: 16:1-2, 5,, 7-8, 9-10, 11;
Second Reading: 1 Peter 1:17-21; Gospel Reading: Lk:24:13-35

Reflection: As we navigate through Easter Season, the church invites us to nurture our faith in the Resurrection of our Lord Jesus. The scriptural readings in this season share the stories of the Risen Lord if glory as He encounters his own disciples and assures to them that He died on Good Friday and now He is alive. In today’s gospel reading, the Risen Christ joins two destructed disciples on their way to Emmaus. Jesus listens to theirs stories of fears and despair brought by Good Friday experiences. After listening to them, Jesus responds to them, “Oh, how foolish you are! How slow of heart to believe all the prophets spoke! Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer thee things and enter into his glory?” In this encounter, Jesus sheds the powerful light in their minds and transforms their ignorance, despairs and fears to knowledge of resurrection, strength, and fearlessness to witness to the ends of the earth. We are Easter people and our song is Alleluia!
Fr. Severine
Upcoming Live stream events with Bishop Lucia:
All will appear on the diocesan youtube channel:

Daily Mass at noon - weekdays (continues)
May 1- May Crowning 1pm
May 3 - Holy Hour for Vocations ( Good Shepherd Sunday) 2pm
Thursdays of May: 7, 14, 21, 28 - 7pm recitation and brief catechesis on the Rosary
Holy Spirit Novena - TBD
Pentecost - Time to be determined
We pray for Lynne Recore, John Fortino, Elizabeth Walrath, Jean Suits, Patrick Brewer, Yang Juan, Terri Close, Jill Danial, Mary Griffin, Cole Malone, Elizabeth Gilbert, John Laura, Susan Moro Campbell, Missy DiPaulo Angotti, George Taddeo, Carolyn Armstrong, Mary Linehan, Mary Extale, Mary Gersbacher, Mary Ingalls, Rita Bross, Marlene Brush, Roslyn Antonacci, Harold Thompson, John Gersbacher, and Grace McNamara. 
Intentions
All Mass intentions will be offered by the priest privately and are not open to the public.
Saturday, April 25
Irene and William Armstrong - Carolyn Armstrong
Sunday, April 26
Beth Gilchriest - Gilchriest Family
People of the Parish
Nicholas Morina - Wife and Family
Monday, April 27
Patrick Spadafora - Family
Tuesday, April 28
Anthony Maurillo - Family
Wednesday, April 29
Alyson Scro - Bob and Kathy Brown
Thursday, April 30
Tim Laun - Family
Friday, May 1
Kenneth Rogers - Dianna Evans
Saturday, May 2
Thomas McNamara - Sisters Johanna McNamara and Mary Griffin

Sanctuary Lamps in memory of
5th Anniversary Michael F. LaFex - Love, Mom
No Faith Formation, First Communion and Confirmation classes until further notice.

On behalf of the catechists in our programs, we keep you in our prayers and wish you health and safety. We miss you!
World Day of Prayer for Vocations will be observed on Sunday, May 3, 2020 , also known as "Good Shepherd Sunday." The purpose of this day is to publicly fulfill the Lord's instruction to, "Pray the Lord of the harvest to send laborers into his harvest" (Mt 9:38; Lk 10:2). Please pray that young men and women hear and respond generously to the Lord's call to the priesthood, diaconate, religious life, societies of apostolic life or secular institutes. You can find many resources to promote a culture of vocations in your parish on the USCCB vocations webpage ( www.usccb.org/vocations ), Vianney Vocations webpage ( www.worlddayofprayerforvocations.com ), and our own Vocations Syracuse webpage ( https://vocations-syracuse.org ).
A SEMINARIAN LED ZOOM HOLY HOUR  for an increase in vocations to the priesthood and religious life for the Diocese of Syracuse will take place on Friday, May 1st at 3pm on Facebook Live @VocationsSyracuse. Please join our diocesan seminarians as they lead us in prayer and reflection as we all humbly come before God on this year’s World Day of Prayer for Vocations asking God to send out more laborers into his harvest. Jeremy Bobak will be leading us in worship in between each reflection. This will truly be a dynamic Holy Hour that you don’t want to miss. Families are welcome! Please join the Office of Vocation Promotion for this unique event! Flyer is attached.    
Mass for the weekend of April 25/26 will be available for viewing beginning at 4PM on Saturday, April 25 through Sunday, April 26.

Mother’s Day, for many, is a day filled with warmth and love. For others it can be difficult, especially for those who have lost a child, those who have lost or are estranged from their own mothers, and those who are struggling or unable to have a child. We pray that they may be filled with the Lord’s peace and comforted by His love. If you would like resources for those who are struggling, feel free to go to our page on the Syr Dio website:  https://www.syracusediocese.org/offices/familyrespect-life/  or call us at 315-472-6754.  
For those who have died:

All our loved ones and in particular Janet Barry, Robert Knittel, Thomas Parzych, and Ronald Spadafora, may they rest peacefully in the arms of Jesus in heaven.
As you know, the bills for the maintenance and upkeep of the church continues while there are no services. Please continue to send your offerings either by mail, dropping them off at the rectory, or via online giving ( https://blessedsacramentsyracuse.com/give-online). Thank you for your support and generosity to the church in these trying times.
St. Vincent's News
WE ASK YOUR PRAYERS FOR THE SPIRITUAL COMFORT AND RESTORATION OF HEALTH FOR: Kim Harrington (granddaughter of John and Joanne Harrington), Sandra Betts, Desiree Landers, Nate Wagner, Madeline Duda, Marilynn Bause, sister of Lauren Brooks, John Ferguson, (brother of Linda James and Sue Overton) Judy D’Amore, Martin Griffin, Anne Marie Drury, Fred Sniper, Carm Fitzgerald, Tony Liparulo and Tony Caruso. Please pray for Virginia Aloi (mother of Peter Aloi), who passed away recently. Please pray for Raymond Frigon Jr. who passed away this past week. (These prayer requests will remain for one month on the list and for them to continue or to be removed, or to add a new name, please contact the rectory.) 

Daily Mass in the Chapel this week will be held on Monday through Wednesday:
Saturday - Edith & Austin Ferguson, req by their family
Sunday - Nicholas J Repasky, req. by Mr. & Mrs. Joseph E Doyle
Monday - Nicholas J Repasky, req. by Mr. & Mrs. Joseph E Doyle
Tuesday - Rosemary Purcell, req. by Tim & Sharon Perry
Wednesday - Living & Deceased Members of the Former Mother’s Club, req. by a former Club President
Saturday - People of St. Vincent’s
Sunday - Marie Snyder, req. by Pauline Russell

Envelopes will be counted every second or third week. Money counted for weeks 4/12, 4/19 (2 weeks):
Offertory: $2,755.00; Received from envelopes: $2,755.00; Loose: $0.00; Bldg. Fund: $55.00; Easter: $710.00

We would appreciate that you use the Fuel and Heating envelopes in the pews to assist the increased bills. ANY AMOUNT WOULD BE HELPFUL. Our NATIONAL GRID BILLS were: January, $1,696.16, February, $1,559.58, and March, $1,163.85 for the church buildings. Thank you!

The 50/50 tickets may be mailed to the Rectory. The next drawing will be the end of April. Thank you for your continued support. C ontact Bob James at 315-471-0818 with any questions. Thanks!
“Share the Wealth” is a raffle for Blessed Sacrament School and Church Capital Improvement Parish Operations. New Date: June 13, 2020. Tickets are $75.00 each and only 750 tickets will be sold! Tickets can be purchased online at https://blessedsacramentsyracuse.com or call the Blessed Sacrament rectory at 315-437-3394 .
Contact Us : 315.437.3394
Visit Us Online : BlessedSacramentSyracuse.com