My dear parish family of Annunciation, On this feast of Saint Joseph Calasanz, the holy founder of our Piarist Fathers, my heart overflows with joy. For us Piarist Fathers, this is the most important day of the year—but what makes it even more special is that we do not celebrate it alone. We celebrate it with you, our beloved parish family here in New York. Today, I want to stop for a moment and simply say thank you. Being here among you as your pastor, together with my brother priests—Fr. Clavero, Fr. Victor, Fr. Mario, and Fr. Marek—is one of the greatest blessings of my life. Walking with you, sharing your joys and struggles, praying with you, and celebrating the sacraments with you is what gives meaning to our vocation. To organize a celebration like our Calasanz Family Day is not easy. It requires planning, sacrifice, and countless acts of love. And once again, you, my dear parishioners, have shown what it means to be one family in Christ. You came together, you supported one another, and you gave from your hearts. Some donated, some volunteered, some worked quietly in the background without being seen—but all of you built this day together, brick by brick, with love. I am especially grateful to our Hospitality Group, who guided this event with such dedication, and to our Parish Council, who carry so much responsibility with faith and joy. To every parish group, to every volunteer, to every generous donor—you have been the hands and heart of Christ in making this feast possible. I would also like to pause and give a special word of thanks to my secretary, whose tireless work—coordinating, organizing, calling, scheduling—has been a true blessing. And behind him stand so many of you, with hearts full of love and hands ready to serve. Please know that nothing you do goes unnoticed in the eyes of God. This is exactly what Saint Joseph Calasanz dreamed of: a community where children, families, and all generations walk together in faith, where no one feels judged or left out, and where every person is welcomed with open arms. That dream is alive here at Annunciation, and you are the living proof of it. So today, as we enjoy the music, the food, the laughter, and the joy of our Family Day, let us celebrate even more the gift we have in each other. You are not just parishioners—you are my family. And I am humbled, proud, and deeply grateful to be your pastor. May Saint Joseph Calasanz intercede for us, may the Lord bless our families, and may our parish always remain a true home of welcome, love, and unity. With all my love and prayers, Fr. Jomon Joy, Sch.P. Pastor
Pastor's Word - August 17, 2025
A Call to Welcome Without Judgement
My dear beloved parish family,
I greet you with peace, blessings, and the love of Christ. I hope you and your families are doing well.
Today, I feel the need to share something that has been on my heart since my return. It is something that has saddened me deeply, and I believe we, as one family in faith, must reflect on it together.
In recent days, I have heard of situations where some of our brothers and sisters who come to church — sometimes for the first time in many years — have felt judged or unwelcome. It may have been because of their clothing, hairstyle, tattoos, or simply because they looked different from what we expect.
As a priest who has served in many countries, I have learned that for some people, stepping into a church after a long absence takes immense courage, prayer, and grace. I have met people returning after 10, 15, even 20 years away — and each one’s return is a miracle of God’s love.
Recently, one person told me who came back to church after 10 years, going through a very difficult time in life. Sadly, that person felt judged — for his/her tattoos, for his/her appearance, and even noticed that people hesitated to exchange the sign of peace with him/her. This wounded her/him so much that that person told me he/she no longer felt like returning. My heart ached hearing this. That night, I could not sleep.
My dear friends, I believe with all my heart that our parish should always be a place of welcome and compassion. We are all on a journey, and none of us fully knows the struggles others carry. As Jesus reminded us, He came to seek the lost, to embrace those in need of mercy, and to bring hope to those on the margins. If Christ Himself would receive someone with open arms, how much more are we called to do the same?
Let us remember: every person who enters this church is a child of God. We do not know the journey they have walked, the battles they have fought, or the courage it took to step through our doors. Let us welcome them with a smile, a warm greeting, and an open heart — without conditions, without suspicion, and without judgement.
In the name of our parish, I offer my sincere apologies to anyone who has ever felt unwelcome here. This is your home. We want you here.
Please, I ask each of you to share this message with your family and friends. Let Annunciation Parish be known as a place where ALL feel the embrace of Christ — where the lost are found, the wounds are healed, and every person is loved.
May the Lord bless you and guide us all to be instruments of His mercy.
With my prayers and love,
Fr. Jomon Joy, Sch.P. Pastor – Annunciation Church
Pastor's Word - August 10, 2025
An Important Change to Our Evening Mass Schedule My dear and beloved parish family,
Greetings from the parish of Annunciation. I wish to share with you an important change that will take effect from Monday, September 1, 2025, regarding our evening Mass schedule. After much prayer and careful reflection, and sincere listening to your feedback, I brought this matter to our Parish Council. Together, we discussed it thoroughly, weighing all the blessings and challenges. In the end, there was an unanimous agreement among all members present: From September 1, the evening Mass on weekdays and Saturdays will begin at 7:00 p.m. instead of 7:30 p.m.
This decision has not been made lightly. I understand very well that changes in our parish life affect all of us, and my greatest desire is always to serve you in the best possible way. I would like to share with you the reasons behind this adjustment:
Many parishioners, especially families with children and students who must rise early for school and those who begin work early in the morning, have shared that 7:30 p.m. feels a bit too late.
On many special occasions this year when we began the Holy Mass at 7:00 p.m., more people were able to attend, and we enjoyed extra time afterward for fellowship, community meals, and the joy of being together.
In the winter months, starting earlier will make it easier and safer for everyone to travel, especially for those who walk or depend on public transport.
Our hope is that this new time will allow more families, working people, and young parishioners to join us regularly at the evening Mass, making our worship together even more vibrant.
I know that for some of you, 7:30 p.m. has been a familiar and comfortable time, and I truly appreciate your faithfulness in attending. I also understand that this change may not be easy for everyone. Please believe me when I say that I make this change with deep respect for each of you, and only after much thought, prayer, and consultation.
This was not my decision alone—it was the fruit of open discussion, shared wisdom, and discernment with the parish council. All members of the Parish Council gave their full support, recognizing the pastoral benefit this change could bring.
From Monday, September 1, 2025, all evening Masses, including those on Saturdays, will begin at 7:00 p.m.
I kindly and humbly ask for your understanding, your patience, and your continued support, just as you have always so generously given. Our parish family is strong because we walk together in unity, and I am confident that this small change will help more of us gather before the Lord’s table, deepening our communion as one family in Christ. Let us move forward together in this spirit of openness and love, always seeking what will bring us closer to God and to one another.
With my prayers for each of you, and with heartfelt gratitude for your trust, your generosity, and your friendship,
Fr. Jomon Joy, Sch.P.
Pastor – Annunciation Church
Pastor's Word - June 29, 2025
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, Warm greetings to all of you from the Church of the Annunciation! As we step into the heart of summer , July and August; I know many of you are already looking forward to vacation days, travel, rest, and time with your families. For some, this brings joy and excitement; for others (especially parents!), it might come with a little anxiety: “The kids will be home all the time... what will we do?” But allow me to propose something deeper. Vacation is not just a pause in work or school ; it’s an opportunity. A gift. A holy invitation from God to rebuild what matters most. In the Scriptures, we see that even God Himself rested. After the work of creation, He “rested on the seventh day” (Genesis 2:2–3). This wasn’t because He was tired; but to show us that rest is sacred. It is a time to step back, to reflect, and to rejoice in what has been given. Jesus, too, in the Gospels, would often say to His disciples, “Come away by yourselves to a quiet place and rest a while” (Mark 6:31). Rest, in the Christian life, is not laziness; it is part of our vocation. Let us reclaim this summer as a season of grace; not just “vacation,” but a vocation to love more deeply. Let’s make this summer a time to:
Reconnect with our families through simple joys: walks, meals, stories, shared prayers.
Rekindle our prayer life: with a Psalm, the Rosary, or quiet reflection under the evening sky.
Restore relationships: through a call, a visit, or a gesture of forgiveness.
Rediscover joy: in the breeze, laughter, stillness, and beauty around us. Sometimes we get caught up in a rhythm of endless activity; work, bills, school, phones, chores. But the soul needs stillness. The family needs time. And God needs space to speak to us.
As your pastor, I gently encourage each of you: don’t let this summer slip away in distractions. Don’t fill every day with only noise. Take moments to breathe, to be present, to be grateful. Your children won’t remember every toy; but they will remember the moments when they had all of you. Let this summer be a sacred pilgrimage; not to faraway destinations, but into your own heart, your own home. May the Lord bless your vacations, your rest, your laughter, your healing, and your reconnections. May this season renew your joy and deepen your faith.
And remember: even in rest, we remain His faithful people. With heartfelt prayers and gratitude, Fr. Jomon Joy, Sch.P.
Pastor's Word - June 15, 2025
Dear beloved parishioners of Annunciation, Warm greetings to each and every one of you! I hope this message finds you well and in the peace of Christ. I’m writing to inform you that from June 15th to June 20th, all the priests of our parish will be away in Pennsylvania for our annual spiritual retreat. This is a sacred time for us — a moment to pause, reflect, and renew our hearts and spirits in the presence of the Lord. During our absence, the fathers (Fr Joseph and Fr Livinus) from Saint Joseph Parish have graciously offered to celebrate the daily Holy Masses here at Annunciation. I kindly ask you to welcome them warmly and make them feel at home in our parish community. Your hospitality will mean a lot to them — and to us. You may wonder: Why do priests need to go on retreat? Just like Jesus often withdrew to a quiet place to pray and be alone with His Father, we too need time away from our daily responsibilities to listen deeply to God's voice, to reflect on our mission, and to be spiritually renewed. This retreat allows us to recharge not only for our personal spiritual life, but also to return with fresh strength and a deeper love for our ministry — for you, our dear parish family. When priests grow closer to God, their preaching, presence, and pastoral care become more life-giving. A fruitful retreat helps us to serve you with more joy, compassion, patience, and wisdom. In a way, your own spiritual nourishment is intimately connected to the spiritual well-being of your priests. While we are away, if you need any assistance, please contact our parish office. Kevin and Lupe be happy to help you in any way they can. For urgent sacramental needs, please feel free to reach out to our neighboring parishes who will kindly support us during this time. Above all, I humbly ask you: please keep us in your prayers. May this time apart be a holy one — where we, your priests, are touched by God’s grace, and return renewed in body, mind, and spirit — to love and serve you even more deeply. With all my love, prayers, and gratitude, Fr. Jomon Joy, Sch.P. Pastor, Annunciation Church Amen.
Pastor's Word - June 8, 2025
A Heartfelt Message from the Pastor — Church of the Annunciation Dear beloved parishioners and friends, Warm greetings to you all from the Church of the Annunciation. After serving here for the past 10 months, I feel truly blessed to walk this journey of faith with you. I am grateful for your presence, your dedication, and the way many of you come early to church; both on weekdays and Sundays; to prepare your hearts for the Holy Mass. I especially appreciate your patience and understanding when asked to wait until an ongoing Mass concludes before entering the church. Your respect for the sacred liturgy has not gone unnoticed and thank you so much from the bottom of my heart. However, I now write to you with a sincere and humble request. It pains me as a pastor to observe that sometimes, while others are quietly praying or preparing for Mass, distractions arise within the sacred space of our church. Some may be using their phones to send messages or scroll through content. Others walk around, talking loudly, or greeting friends as if we were in any ordinary place; not in the presence of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. Let us remember, dear friends: the church is not just a building; it is the dwelling place of the living God. The tabernacle is not just a symbol; it holds Christ Himself. When we enter the church, we are entering holy ground. Let us cherish that moment of grace by remaining silent, reflecting on our lives, praying for one another, and preparing our hearts for the sacred mysteries we are about to celebrate. I am not against offering greetings or checking in on one another; that is part of our Christian love. But I kindly ask that we save those conversations for after Mass, outside the sacred space, so as not to disturb others who are praying. If this message causes any discomfort, I ask for your understanding and forgiveness. I speak only out of love for you and for the Lord. I know you will receive this message in the spirit of reverence and unity that has always marked our parish. Please, I kindly ask you to help spread this message. Whether by sharing it directly, sending a photo of it, or simply speaking about it with others, let’s work together to make our parish a true house of prayer for all. With gratitude and blessings, Fr. Jomon Joy, Sch.P. Pastor – Church of the Annunciation New York
Pastor's Word - June 1, 2025
Let us celebrate together the richness of our cultures! Dear Parish Family of Annunciation, Warm and heartfelt greetings as we begin this new month of June. For many, this is the time when we start thinking about summer vacations; days of rest, travel, and yes, perhaps a few challenges, like having the kids and grand kids home during July and August! But above all, it is a time of grace; a moment to reconnect as a family and to enjoy the beauty of being together. Before everyone begins to scatter with summer plans, I would like to joyfully invite you to a special event we agreed to organize during our last Parish Council meeting: a Multicultural Evening on Sunday, June 29 at 5:00 p.m. here at the parish (School Gym). It will be a celebration filled with flavor, music, color, and community—and it would be an honor to have you and your family be part of it. As you know, our parish is made up of faithful people from more than 15 different countries. What a great blessing! We want to highlight and celebrate this cultural richness together. What will we do that day?
We will share typical food from each country. If possible, we kindly ask you to bring a traditional dish from your country to share with others. To coordinate better and avoid repeats, please contact the hospitality group.
Everyone—children, youth, and adults—is encouraged to wear traditional dress from their country if they can.
There will be a cultural program, and each group or country is invited to offer up to two or maximum of three presentations (group dance, group songs, poetry, etc.). If you would like to participate, please also contact the hospitality team.
This will be a celebration of faith, culture, and unity—a moment to say loud and clear: this is our home, and all are welcome here. Please mark the date in your calendars, and invite your family, friends, neighbors, and loved ones. Let’s come together as one community, celebrating our beautiful differences and what unites us in Christ. We are counting on your enthusiasm, participation, and generosity to make this evening a joyful memory for our whole parish. With deep gratitude and joyful hope, Fr. Jomon Joy, Sch.P.
Pastor's Special Message Calasanz Camp 2025
Hello, my dear faithful!
Greetings from the Parish of Annunciation.
I hope you and your families are doing well and feeling blessed.
Today, I am reaching out to share something truly special and very close to heart of the parish of Annunciation—the upcoming Calasanz Camp 2025! From July 7th to 18th, our children and youth will come together for an unforgettable experience filled with faith, joy, and learning. I am genuinely moved by the growth of the Calasanz Movement. Every Thursday, we have around 40 enthusiastic children gathering with so much energy and passion. This year, we are expecting around 70 to 80 young hearts to join the Calasanz camp. It’s a beautiful blessing to see how our community continues to flourish! But, as you can imagine, organizing a camp of this size is no small task. The truth is, without your help, it would be impossible to make it happen. Your support has always been a shining light in our community, and I truly believe that, together, we can give our children a summer to remember.
The camp is more than just an event—it’s an opportunity for our young ones to grow in their faith, make new friends, and experience the joy of community. The Calasanz Camp will include prayer moments, creative workshops, sports, group activities, and much more. It’s a time for them to grow spiritually while also having fun and forming lasting bonds with their peers.
However, putting together a camp of this magnitude requires significant resources. We need to provide meals, snacks, sports equipment, art supplies, and other materials for various activities. In addition, we will need to cover transportation costs for any field trips or excursions planned during the camp. Your support will directly help in providing a safe and joyful environment where the children can feel loved, valued, and inspired. Here’s how you can help:
Donations: The Parish will be so grateful, if a monetary contribution can be made at the parish office or during the offertory. Please label it "Calasanz Camp 2025" on the check or envelope. Every donation, no matter the size, will directly support our children's camp experience.
Supplies: If you prefer to contribute items, we are looking for non-perishable food items, sports equipment, art supplies, and materials for activities. Please speak with Fr. Victor or me to know more about what’s needed.
Volunteering: Your time and energy are equally valuable! We are looking for volunteers to help with setting up, supervising activities, preparing meals, and ensuring the safety and well-being of the children. If you can help, please speak with Fr. Victor or me for organizing better
I cannot emphasize enough how much your support means to us. By helping with this camp, you are not only making a difference in the lives of these young people but also nurturing the future of our parish. Your contribution—whether through donations, supplies, or volunteering—will make it possible for us to give these children an experience they will cherish for years to come.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for being such a caring and supportive community. Your love and generosity make all the difference. Please continue to pray for me, and know that I am always praying for you.