SUNDAY MASS
Saturday 5:00pm
Sunday 9:00am & 11:30am

WEEKDAY MASS
9:00am

HOLYDAY MASS
vigil 5:00pm prior evening
Holyday 9:00am & 11:30am

Everyone visiting Christ the King Church
must follow the current Pandemic Protocols
Current Protocols

Cardinal Dolan's dispensation for the
Sunday obligation is still in effect
for those who are high-risk or uncomfortable coming to Church because of the pandemic.
You can instead watch Mass online or on TV:
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Our parish relies upon your support to survive
and it is urgently needed during this pandemic.

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As you (hopefully) have noticed, Bartlett Tree Experts was here on Wednesday/Thursday and accomplished a great deal of the work that we had contracted.  Most noticeable is the absence of the three pine trees that were endangering the physical integrity of the rectory.  Later on in the Fall, the other trees on our property will be “gussied up” for life in the Spring.  Through the ingenious suggestion of Scott Fenton, our custodian/plant manager, we were able to avoid a wood hauling charge by, instead, having the pine trees chipped up into mulch which will be used around the property as an added bonus.  Thanks, Scott.  (BTW,  Scott continues to recuperate from his knee replacement surgery at home in CT.  If any of you have had the procedure, you know that the physical therapy requires the fortitude of an Olympian.  Scott is hanging in there and our prayers are with him.)

With the new focus that has been established for our projects by the Parish Finance Office of the Archdiocese of NY, we are no longer contemplating a roof replacement for the church or the repair and painting of the side shingles.  Let’s see what the Fall holds in this regard.  Maybe we can breathe some new life into the Renew + Rebuild Campaign?  In the meantime, let’s also enjoy some “down” time in the summer months that are ahead of us.  The top priorities for the R+R funds are the church’s wheelchair access ramp and the ADA rest room in the church lobby.  Both require a good deal of study and planning to be done correctly.  We may not see something happening within the next few weeks but once the planning has been completed, the contractor identified and the permits secured, we will move ahead as prudently as possible.

On another matter, may I recommend to your charity the fate of our brothers and sisters in India who are suffering terribly from the covid virus.  Our own wonderful, Fr. Sebastian, is a native of Kerala State where the early Christian community was founded by St. Thomas the Apostle.  It is an opportunity for us to acknowledge his work here at Christ the King during our own covid plague when he single handedly managed the pastoral outreach of our parish during the extended illness of our Pastor Emeritus.  Profound thanks to him can be translated into care for the people of his homeland as we come to their aid with our financial offerings.  You can place your offering in the Sunday collection, send it by USPS or drop it off at the rectory.  You can also contribute online through WeShare. Our gifts are not handled by any government agency either here or in India.  Our sole intermediary is Catholic Relief Services--an agency of the US bishops.
 

June 6

Dear Friends in Christ,
 

I know that many of you are as enthusiastic as I am as our various “projects” begin to move toward fruition. It is an exciting time, and we will soon be able to SEE results.

I must, however, share with you a meeting that was held on Friday, May 28, with our parish team and a representative from the Parish Finance Office of the Archdiocese. To say that it was like the “ALS Ice Bucket Challenge” is only to begin to tell the story. We were informed that the only projects we are allowed to contemplate are the special needs ramp and the rest room in the lobby of the church. The reason? Our Renew+Rebuild campaign only brought in $148,000 after the needs of the archdiocese were satisfied first. I was told that we should not consider putting a new roof on the church or make repairs to the shingles on the exterior walls or tackle some long-neglected needs of the rectory building until I/we have raised more money. When I made known the fact that we had savings on hand which we had planned to use, the answer was that the archdiocese’s finance people will not give permission to spend down our savings. I am as dumbfounded as you must be because in my experience the reason for putting aside savings is to face moments like this when the needs are so large and unexpected.

Of course, we will continue to move forward with the two projects approved and we are allowed to generate architectural drawings and surveys that will be necessary to address the ultimate physical needs of the church building. As to when and how I/we are going to raise more money, I haven’t had time to make plans in that direction. Quite selfishly, one of the last things that I want to do as a very new pastor is to start asking for money. In fact, when I was assigned here, I was told that there were no such expectations on me and that our finances are stable.

As with all unexpected challenges, it is good to step back, be calm and assess the situation with some amount of serenity. Our patron, Christ the King, faced an enormous challenge in his ministry when he was asked by His Father to give totally of himself for our sake—not his own. As we hear so often in self-help programs, “one step at a time, one day at a time.” We have an added advantage in knowing that the Lord who has saved us is also the Lord who walks with us day by day, arm in arm. The challenges, however, become no less real because of that.

May 30

May 23rd

Dear Friends in Christ,

Today, Pentecost, is known as the “birthday of the Church”—not a building of brick and mortar throughout the world but made up of “living stones” (as St. Paul reminds us) and we are those living stones!  Enjoy your personal birthday in the faith and remember the promises made for you in Baptism.  We are the Lord’s, and we will never be alone no matter what life might throw our way.

As for those “buildings of brick and mortar” which have been given to us as our patrimony in the faith, please be aware of the following.

1. The new sound system has already been installed and the initial reviews are in the “rave” category.  Sound is far crisper and more intelligible which raises the bar for our priests to have something worthwhile to say.  (That was meant as humorous.)  The firm that accomplished this, Monte Bros., is nationally renowned and located in Dobbs Ferry.
2. I was able to sign a contract with Bartlett Tree Experts in Elmsford for the removal of three trees that are threatening the rectory building and the initial maintenance of all of our trees.  Our grounds are so beautiful—let’s make them even better!
3. In that same vein, I am awaiting a final proposal for an irrigation system for our property with another company in Elmsford.     As you know from your own homes, there is little sense in spring plantings unless there is water to ensure growth and health during the summer months.  This includes as well partial fencing in front of the rectory to give added security for when we can begin to once again use the front door which has been closed off due to an unstable concrete “porch” in need of permanent shoring up and repair.  In this regard, the structural engineer has submitted his report and recommendations.
4. As I write this for the bulletin deadline (Tuesday) we are still waiting for the arrival of the new steel staircase off of the sacristy entrance to the church.  It is being fashioned for us—not just something “off the shelf”--and should be well worth the wait.
5. In conjunction with ConEd and the Energy Management Office of the Archdiocese of New York, we are in the midst of an evaluation of all of our electrical fixtures down to the tiniest of light bulbs.  Along with ConEd, we hope to be able to reap a 50% reduction in cost and installation to upgrade us to the most efficient fixtures and bulbs available and the least costly utility bills possible.
6. Again, because this is Tuesday, I have no answer for you about the church roof, shingle siding and wheelchair access.  The three architectural firms involved are due to submit their proposals by tomorrow, Wednesday the 19^th, so we will have an indication of what the project involves as you are reading this.  This also includes the construction of an accessible rest room in the lobby of the church.
7. I have an appointment on Friday with a sign company from Yonkers (you have seen their tasteful signs all over) to replace the sign that formerly stood on the church lawn to announce who we are and the times of our Mass schedule.  What’s that old saying about advertising?

And a final request … our custodian/plant manager, Scott Fenton, underwent surgery this past Monday to replace a troublesome right knee.  Please keep him, his recovery and his therapists in your good prayers!

May 9th

Dear Friends in the Risen Christ,
 
To report on some progress …
 
The upgrade to the sound system in the church is being scheduled.  Part of the needed upgrade is due to the fact that the US government has taken over our current bandwidth and we need to destroy some of our present components and comply by replacing the parts.  The rest accounts for moving to digital from analog as well as the implementation of “Critical Zone Digital Delay Technology” and “Dynamic Low Frequency SPL Management” to the existing speakers for optimal intelligibility and directional realism.  The new system will also allow for offsite reporting and repair on problems that may arise. The price tag is $25K
 
The trees that are in need of removal because they are a danger to the integrity of the rectory building as well as those that are in need of maintenance are being scheduled at a time after the present school year ends.  Estimated cost is $8,619.
 
The foundation of the rectory (and 1935 addition) is to be examined by a structural engineer who will provide suggestions as to how we can stop the present deterioration and regain use of the front entrance to the rectory. 
(Did you know that the son of Oscar Hammerstein was one of the former owners of that building?  Thanks to the Historic Yonkers, NY Early Photos and Stories FB group for confirming that!)  The survey fee is $1,500/hour.
 
The present steel staircase off of the sacristy area entrance to the church has been deemed an “emergency repair.” Not only is it at an advanced state of decay but there are also large and small holes in the individual treads and landing.  Contracts have been signed and insurance certifications have been shared to accomplish this within the new two weeks.  The price tag is $12,650.
 
This past Friday was the deadline for proposals on the roof and side shingles of the church as well as the wooden staircase and deck on the back of the rectory.  I should have more news next weekend.
 
These expenses will be funded through your generous gifts to the Renew + Rebuild Capital Campaign. 
Thank you!
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May 2nd

Dear Friends in the Risen Christ,
 
Whenever any of us “goes to church,” there are certain things that we should be able to expect.
 
First, we should expect to be able to enter the building without difficulty or encumbrance.  The Americans with Disabilities Act has enshrined this in the legislation of our land for public buildings.  Those who have mobility concerns should feel welcome by their ease of  access. 
 
Second, we should expect to be able to see what is happening both in the sanctuary and in other liturgical areas of the church.  Lighting plays a very important part here.  With the great strides that have taken place with regard to lighting (LED vs. incandescent, “warm” colors versus “cold” colors) the liturgical action is enhanced by our ability to see it. 
 
Third, we should expect to be able to hear both spoken word and sung word.  Sometimes, we think that “it is just me” when we experience difficulty in hearing.  More often than not, that doesn’t have to be the case.  The almost universal changeover from analog to digital sound reproduction with its accompanying acoustical sciences are the responsibility of those who provide our gathering space and our reasons for gathering.
 
With this in mind, a number of architects will soon visit Christ the King church building to assess the most appropriate manner of responding to our parishioners’ needs and concerns with regard to physical accessibility. The ramp that presently exists does not reflect the best or current thinking in this regard.  Over the coming weeks, proposals will be submitted to address our present situation. 
 
Lighting experts have already visited and are in the process of drawing up a plan that is based on our present lighting system.  The purpose isn’t to start again at the drawing board as if we didn’t already have a parish church which has been loved by generations of Yonkers Catholics.  In some ways, this is an “easy fix” which might require only a couple of days of work tweaking what we have to make it better. 
 
Hearing is a bit more complex situation.  Our present public address system has analog “guts”, but the wiring and the speakers are already able to enter into an upgrade with ease.  The overall acoustical sound can be easily brought into the 21st century with all of the wonders of modern practices.
 
When will this happen?  Gradually.  The accessibility issue requires a good deal of planning and thought and will take a couple of months; the lighting “tinkering” will start as soon as our contractors are able to schedule the work; the sound upgrade will happen in the course of late spring and early summer.  Will there be disruption to our usual schedule of Masses?  For the three projects mentioned, not at all.  How will we afford this?  Through your generosity to the recent Renew + Rebuild capital campaign we have funds in hand.
 
The even larger concerns of the church roof and side shingles are also being studied at this time.  Initial observations have indicated that the situation may not be as dire as had been expected.  Let’s hope that turns out to be the reality.  The guiding principle is that we will move programmatically, prudently and with an eye on our financial health - the same method that you would use in caring for your own family homes. 
 
Thank you for making this all possible!

April 18th

Dear Friends in Christ,
 
I would like to say “thank you” to one and all for the very warm welcome that you have given me!
So many of you have said, “thanks for coming to us.”  Let me, then, extend to you the same greeting:
“thanks for letting me come to you.”  This is, definitely, a match made in heaven.
 
Quite a few have inquired about Fr. Staar, our pastor emeritus.  He is doing well under the circumstances. 
I know that he is grateful for your continuing love and prayers.
 
I have come to realize that there are a number of “projects” that need to be tackled in order of priority. 
I have had some meetings and can assure you that you should be able to see some progress in the coming weeks. 
 
1. There are three trees which are a present danger to the stability of the rectory.  We are getting bids on their removal and it should happen sooner rather than later.  (If there is anyone who has old photos of the rectory,
I would be grateful to see them or to have copies made.  I am told that the rectory could be as old as the late 1800’s and was probably of a “salt box” design.)
 
2. The church building, itself, is in need of a new roof and attention must be paid to the wood shingling on the sides.  While it is always treacherous to promise too much, too soon, I have hope that both projects will be tackled this summer. 
 
3. The wheelchair access ramp to the church is a complicated situation.  For every inch of elevation needed for the ramp, we need a foot in length.  This will require some serious planning since we will need to redirect the direction of the incline.  I understand how this is a priority and we will move prudently and in complete observance of the ADA requirements.
 
Enough for now.  Fr. Staar’s long illness may have slowed down some of the momentum but with the good weather months ahead of us, we will begin to move.  Of course, thanks for your generosity which will make
this all possible!

Audio Message

Christmas 2020

Dear Parishioners,
 

During this most wonderful time of the year, we are reminded of just how blessed we are.  First and foremost, we are loved by our good and gracious God who made us for Himself.  We are His beloved children with whom He shares His very life and love.  He gave us his own Beloved Son as Savior and brother, who redeemed us by the mystery of his birth, life, and death, and won for us the gift of life eternal, and gave us the great gift of His Body and Blood in the Eucharist.  And they sent us the Holy Spirit, who sanctifies, guides, teaches and protects us.  This gracious God gave us our parents, families, and friends, as gifts to one another, to love, help, and cherish, through our pilgrimage of life.  And He gives us, as fellow parishioners of our beloved Christ the King faith community, the opportunity to know and love and serve each other as we travel on our individual journeys to our eternal home with Him in heaven.

During this exceedingly difficult time of pandemic, isolation, illness and death of dear ones, we must hold fast and not lose hope.  I urge you to please make every effort to cling to your faith, better days are around the corner.  Yes, all of us are hurting this Christmas as never before, while we avoid gathering with our families and loved ones for the sake of a greater good.  Some among us will be left all alone on Christmas, perhaps for the first time.  So, may I recommend something quite simple this year?  Pick up the phone on Christmas Day and reach out to a lonely family member, neighbor, fellow parishioner.  That just might be the best Christmas gift that they receive and perhaps the best gift that you give this year!

I regret that I do not have the stamina to celebrate Christmas Mass with you.  Please know how much I miss and love you and that you will have a special remembrance in my Christmas Mass.  I pray that you and your families stay well and that the New Year will bring you peace, health, and happiness.

                                                                                                            Sincerely in Christ,

                                                                                                               Father Staar