Saint Augustine of Canterbury Roman Catholic Church

Transcription

1 Saint Augustine of Canterbury Roman Catholic Church 45 Henderson Road, Kendall Park, New Jersey Churchweek March 11th, 2018 Reverend Canon Robert G. Lynam, KCHS, Pastor Deacon Denis F. Mayer Deacon James Rivera Sister Ruthann McGoldrick, SCC, Pastoral Associate Sister Barbara O Kane, MPF, Pastoral Associate Sister Mary Louise Shulas, MPF, LHS, Principal/Superior Mr. Edward Modzelewski, Vice Principal Sister Joanne Manns, MPF, Director of Religious Education THE SACRAMENT OF THE HOLY EUCHARIST THE HOLY SACRIFICE OF THE MASS Saturday: Vigil - 5:00 PM Sunday Schedule: 8:00AM 10:00AM 12 NOON 5:00 PM Weekdays: Monday through Saturday: 9:00 AM Holy Day: See Schedule in Bulletin COMMUNION TO THE SICK is taken by Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist on a regular basis to those confined to their homes. Please call the Parish Center. THE SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM is celebrated on most Sundays at 1:30 PM (not during Lent). A family must be registered in the parish, attend the baptismal preparation class, and cooperate with the regulations established by the parish. Our baptismal class is held on the 1st Monday of the month at 8:00 PM. Please call the Parish Center to register any time during your pregnancy. THE SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION is celebrated on Saturday between 11:30 AM and 12:30 PM in the Chapel or by appointment. THE SACRAMENT OF CONFIRMATION is celebrated once a year by the Bishop s delegate, here at St. Augustine. A candidate must successfully complete our Religious Education program. Adult Confirmation is held on Pentecost Sunday and any interested adults should contact the Parish Center. THE SACRAMENT OF THE SICK is administered at home to any Catholic who is seriously ill. Please call the Parish Center. Any parishioner admitted to a local hospital should contact the Catholic Hospital Chaplain through the hospital. A family member should contact the parish when someone is admitted to the hospital. We will gladly pray for any members who are sick, whether at home or in the hospital, at our Sunday Masses; however, it is necessary for the family to request it. THE SACRAMENTAL LIFE OF OUR CHURCH THE SACRAMENT OF MATRIMONY is celebrated by the Pastor or one of our deacons. Weddings may be scheduled on Friday evening, Saturday, or Sunday afternoon. Only a ceremony is permitted on Sunday. The pastor will confirm the date so couples should contact the Parish Center at least ONE YEAR in advance. All the necessary information will be sent to you. The attendance at Pre-Cana or an Engaged Encounter Weekend is required. One must be a registered member of the parish. Our parish upholds the Gospel values and the Church s teachings regarding the sacredness of marriage and those couples choosing to live together in contradiction of those values, will receive a simple ceremony and all Diocesan regulations followed. THE SACRAMENT OF HOLY ORDERS and RELIGIOUS LIFE: If you are considering serving God as a priest, deacon, or religious, you may contact your parish priest, deacon, or religious; or phone the Diocesan Office of Vocations at (732) THE DEVOTIONAL LIFE OF THE PARISH: The Liturgy of the Hours is prayed Monday through Saturday at 8:45 AM prior to Mass. Eucharistic Adoration/Devotion is held Monday at 7:00 PM (not on national holidays or during the summer) Novena in honor of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal is prayed on Saturday following the 9:00 AM Mass in the chapel. Devotion in honor of the Sacred Heart of Jesus is prayed on the First Friday of the month following the 9:00 AM Mass. St. Elizabeth s Guild Prays the Rosary after daily Mass. PARISH CENTER: Hours (732) Monday Friday 9 AM- 12 NOON & 1 PM- 4 PM 2nd & 4th Thursday daytime -hours Office Closes at Noon Evening Hours: Monday Thursday 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM CATHOLIC SCHOOL: RELIGIOUS EDUCATION OFFICE: OUTREACH MINISTRY: PARISH CENTER FAX: SCHOOL FAX: WEBSITE:

2 PARISH STAFF Elizabeth DeLuca, Administrative Assistant Kate O Donnell, School Assistant to Pastor Mary Ann Almestica, Secretary Roseanne DeBari, Religious Education Secretary William R. Berg, Director of Music Daria Dragan, Leader of Song Eileen Baylis, Evening Secretary/Receptionist Bobby Beaton, Facility Manager Anthony Beaton, Asst. Facility Manager Rick Parent (Assistant) Debbie Jarosz, School Maintenance PASTORAL BOARD John Golubieski, Kathleen Lakarosky, Trustees Jim Cooper, Barbara Corio, Elizabeth DeLuca, Peter Frein, Donald Joworisak, Sister Barbara O Kane, MPF, Sister Joanne Manns, MPF, Deacon Denis F. Mayer, Sister Ruthann McGoldrick, SCC, Edward Modzelewski, Jr., Leilani Okamura, Deacon James Rivera, Sister Mary Louise Shulas, MPF, LHS, Peter Varisco SOCIAL MINISTRIES(Under the patronage of St. Vincent de Paul) Adventures in Reading Joan Hoffmann Archivists/Historians Marc Kollar Bereavement Ministry Deacon Jim Rivera Elijah s Promise Soup Kitchen Barbara Corio Fix-It-Up Ministry John Burke Food Pantry Lorelei Berkery Pat Lombardi Helen Weachock Food Pantry/New Brunswick Marsha & Harold Byron Giving Tree/Giving Cross Janine Rosamilia Hands Across The Sea Rita Taylor Hospital Ministry Barbara A. Corio House of Hope Prison Ministry Paul Dwyer Manna Ministry Lisa Jackson Pat Lombardi Ministry to the Sick Dorothy Wiley Mother s Circle Helen Rivera Nursing Home/Hospital Ministry Sister Ruthann Outreach Ministry Sister Barbara O Kane, MPF Parish Breakfast Ministry Tom DeLuca/Jim Crowley Parish Family Ministry Denise Federico Parish Prayer Link Elizabeth DeLuca SOCIAL MINISTRIES-contd. Respect Life Ministry VITA Donna Canvin Len & Laura Riccardi Sanctuary Guild Janine Rosamilia Welcoming Ministry Rita Taylor SPIRITUAL ENRICHMENT MINISTRIES Family Life Ministry Donna DiPane Youth Ministry Colleen Paras parasministry@gmail.com LITURGICAL LIFE MINISTRIES Lectors Denise Avrutik Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist John Taikina Choir Director-(Adult/Young Adult/Youth/Children) William Berg Folk Group John Seber Ushers Joseph Buono Altar Servers Louis Biondolillo, Senior MC Scheduling Marcus James, Accountability Mary Burke Clarissa Ting Austin Forsythe, Junior MC Newly Mandated Future MC s Jason Cordova Alex Romano Bridget Lobo Caroline Pascasio Sacristans Lupe Limjuco, Barbara Corio, Liz DeLuca, Betty Lenart, Ed Johnson Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults Deacon Denis Mayer & the RCIA Team PARISH ORGANIZATIONS Athletic Association Edward Modzelewski, Director Columbiettes Council #6345 Kathleen Michalski, President Home School Association Leilani Okamura, President Knights of Columbus Jim Cooper, Grand Knight COMMUNITY GATHERINGS Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meetings on Monday Evenings at 8:00 PM in Fr. McGivney Hall MINISTRY TO OUR LITTLE ONES! CHILDREN S MASS is celebrated on the 3rd Sunday of the month at the 9 AM Mass (Oct. - May) RELIGIOUS EDUCATION All children in grades first through eighth must be registered in our Religious Education Program or be attending our School. Call:

3 March 11th, 2018 Fourth Sunday of Lent SATURDAY 5:00 PM Dolores R. Reyes: req. Liz & Frankie SUNDAY Fourth Sunday of Lent 8:00 AM Margaret & Julius Weber: req. Elsie Ragany 10:00 AM Joan P. Weachock: req. Maryann Weachock 12:00 Noon Nicholas Marcrie: req. The Witkowski Family 5:00 PM All Living & Deceased Parishioners of St. A s MONDAY 9:00 AM Domenic Anthony Codella: req. His Wife 7:00 PM Eucharistic Adoration TUESDAY 9:00 AM Dolores Scism: req. Anne Pearce WEDNESDAY 9:00 AM Anselm Werner: req. Bob & Pat Mate THURSDAY 9:00 AM Rose Loffredo; req. Barbara Corio FRIDAY 9:00 AM Birthday Intentions of Shane Quiterio: req. John & Frederica Quiterio 7:00 PM Stations of the Cross SATURDAY St. Patrick (Relic of St. Patrick may be venerated after Mass) 9:00 AM Paul Doscher: req. Mary Ann, Dutch & Renee 5:00 PM Robert Reiss III: req. The Golubieski Family SUNDAY Fifth Sunday of Lent 8:00 AM Pietro Cacciatore: req. The Federico Family 10:00 AM Albert Holl: req. The Bottega Family 12:00 Noon Jim Campbell: req. His Family 5:00 PM Salvatore Aucello: req. The Aucello Family READINGS FOR THE WEEK Monday: Is 65:17-21; Jn 4:43-54 Tuesday: Ez 47:1-9, 12; Jn 5:1-16 Wednesday: Is 49:8-15; Jn 5:17-30 Thursday: Ex 32:7-14; Jn 5:31-47 Friday: Wis 2:1a, 12-22; Jn 7:1-2, 10, Saturday: Jer 11:18-20; Jn 7:40-53 Sunday: Jer 31:31-34; Heb 5:7-9; Jn 12:20-33 Rest in Peace Rosaline Peter Mother of Xavier Peter 7-B Lincoln Lane Dayton, NJ EASTER FLOWER DONATIONS COLLECTION OF MARCH 25, 2018 In your offertory envelope packet there is a special envelope under March 25th, for you to make a donation towards the purchase of Easter Flowers for our Sanctuary and Church. Contrasting the darkness of Lent, on Easter Sunday you will walk into our Church and sense, feel, and smell the joy of the Resurrection of Our Lord! It is important that you use this special envelope and you are asked to place it in the regular collection. There will be only one collection taken. If you wish to make your donation in memory of loved ones, kindly write their names on the back of the envelope. For those who donate towards our Easter Flowers, your special intentions and your loved ones will be remembered in all the Easter Masses, as well as the Masses celebrated during the Octave of Easter. Only the names of those whose envelopes received will be acknowledged in our Church bulletin during the Easter Season. Special envelopes for Easter Flowers are also available in the Gathering Area of the Church. For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son John 3:16 Of all the wonderful gifts that God has given to us, the gift of His own Son is truly the greatest. How can we ever thank God for a gift like that? God does not ask us to sacrifice our own precious firstborn, but He does ask that we are grateful and generous with our God-given gifts. That we nurture and develop them and return with increase. March 4th $24, COUNTING TEAM #7 March 18, 2018 Knights of Columbus/Larry Skalko MEDITATION FOR MARCH 11th, 2018 God s mercy and love, made clear in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus, overcame our sins and transgressions. God does not love us conditionally, or despite our sins, but rather because He created us, and He is love. His mercy and compassion are that of a loving Father. In the first reading from Second Chronicles, we hear of the fall of Judah. In Paul s letter to the Ephesians, he reminds us that even when we were dead in our transgressions, God brought us to life through Christ. In the Gospel, John proclaims that God so loved the world that He sent His only Son. OUR LADY OF FATIMA STATUE This week the Fatima statue will be in the home of The Napolitano Family. Please remember to also take the black bag which holds the crown with the statue.

4 LENTEN SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION All services will begin at 7:00 P.M. LIKE THE DEER THAT YEARNS FOR RUNNING STREAMS, SO MY SOUL IS YEARNING FOR YOU, MY GOD. Lenten Eucharistic Adoration Mondays 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 13th Wednesday, March 14th Sunday, March 18th Queenship of Mary Plainsboro Nativity of the Lord Monroe Township Corpus Christi South River Thursday, March 22nd St. Augustine Kendall Park There will be NO Confessions here at St. Augustine on Saturday, March 24, March 31 or April 7. March 12 Father Thomas Serafin, KHS The Great Gift of the Eucharist 1 Corinthians 11:23 March 19 March 26 Father Jason Makarow The Overshadowing of the Holy Spirit Luke 1:26-38 Chrism Mass St. Francis Cathedral, Metuchen Since there is no theme proclaimed by the Pope this year, the homilies by each priest will be based on a general Lenten theme. CHRISM MASS On Monday, March 26, 2018, Bishop James F. Checchio will celebrate the Chrism Mass with the priests of the Diocese. At this Mass, the Bishop will bless the Holy Oils which each parish receives for the rites of anointing. Saint Ambrose ( ) began this custom which we now call the Chrism Mass in his Cathedral in Milan. These Holy Oils, which are used to sanctify the Faithful, have been channels of holiness for centuries! The Oil of Catechumens is used to anoint infants and adults before their Baptism; the Oil of the Sick is used on the forehead and hands of the infirm in the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick; and Sacred Chrism is used to anoint the head of the newly baptized, the foreheads of the confirmed, the hands of a priest at his ordination, a bishop at his ordination, and the altar and walls of new churches. At the Mass, all priests make a Renewal of Commitment to Priestly Service, recommitting themselves to their Bishop and to their ministry to God and His People; the Bishop and all Priests then ask the people for a pledge of their prayerful support. All are strongly encouraged to join in the ancient, grace-filled Chrism Mass at the Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi in Metuchen at 7:30 pm. STATIONS OF THE CROSS Stations of the Cross are held on Friday at 7:00 p.m. Below is the suggested schedule for children to attend: March 16 March 23 March 30 6th Grade 1 st & 2 nd Grade Special presentation of the Living Way of the Cross by the children of our parish. GOOD FRIDAY NO STATIONS OF THE CROSS - ONLY Liturgy of the Lord s Passion 3:00 PM As many as can are encouraged to attend on this very holy day! This is also a chance to visit the Shrine of the Tomb of Christ and venerate the Relic of the True Cross of Christ. If you have children in different grades you can choose one Friday in Lent and attend all together as a family. The children are to sit with their families. THE EASTER MYSTERY From His Wounded Side We Were Born All donations to the Giving Cross are due today, March 11. Anything received after that date will be given to our Food Pantry. As St. Theresa of Avila said: We should not attach much value to what we have given God, since we shall receive for the little we have bestowed upon Him much more in this life and in the next. We Adore You O Christ and We Praise You, Because By Your Holy Cross You Have Redeemed the World

5 The New Reliquary Containing the First Class Relic of the Blood of St. John Paul II Thank you to the following parishioners who have made a donation toward the cost of the New Reliquary Case. Additional names have been added. Final donations will be accepted until Monday, March 12. In Memory Of: Donated By: Daniel R. Chincarini Lucille Chincarini Carmela DeLuca Luke & Marta Hess Frank W. Wiley, Sr. Dorothy A. Wiley Mary Tkacsik Richard Grobelny Paul R. Doscher Edward P. Doscher The Erdos & Meszaros Families Anne Pearce Betty Sanchez Lawrence & Miriam Bruni Leonard & Theresa Ciszewski John & Patricia Boyle Thomas & Mary Moroney Robert & Elizabeth Lenart Elaine A. Meszaros Robert L. Meszaros John P. Nemergut Bridget Terry Nemergut Domenic A. Codella, Jr. Helen S. Codella Stephen Geydoshek, Jr. Mrs. Lorna Geydoshek Henry L. Eichler Mary Eichler Janet Holt Joan Harris Collins Carol Wells Joan Harris Collins Gail B. Povlick Mike Povlick Martin Nalepa Julie Ann & Enrique Riego The Bolchune & Vamadeva Families The Vamadeva Family Frances Macchione Rosemarie Maze Schmidt & Milotta Families Eileen & Gary Milotta Eliseo P. Aguinaldo, Jr. Corazon R. Aguinaldo & Family Our Loved Ones Who Passed Away Bassam Abouhayla & Family Danielle Belding Jacobs Ed & Florence Belding Joanne & Tony Galaro Anne Villanova Jane Cosenza Joseph & Charlotte Camarota Han Kun Lee Mark & Molly Lee Thaddeus & Marion Bara Sophie Benzinger Marie & Jeanine McGrady Robert McGrady Joseph J. Lesko Mary T. Lesko Frank E. Beslanovitz Roseanne & Nicolo De Bari Kimberly Marie De Bari Roseanne & Nicolo De Bari Peter A. Campisano The Campisano Family Robert L. Taylor Rita Taylor John Zahodnick Jean Zahodnick Lorraine Santos Linda (Santos) Andrejewski Dan & Jeanne Hurley Fran Hurley Rudolph Bettica Claire L. Bettica Deceased Parents & Family Members Ruth Anne Graulich A Gift of: Dr. & Mrs. Charles Avrutik Ron & Koke Portnoy Liz & Sal DeLuca The Golubieski Family Ma Ana Fe Abarca The Andrel Family Nelly & Alex Nerizon John & Sandra Reiser Anna Scimeca The Maloney Family Dr. Elias Kpodzo Mr. & Mrs. Ryan Cruz Ana, Catherine & Alex Woodrow A Gift of: The Covino Family JoAnn & Thomas DeGaglia P.J. & Nick Santos Irene Sidun Henry & Helen Weachock Albert, Ruby, Jorden & Jonathan Arulswamy Anonymous John & Frederica Quiterio & Family Shaun Machado The Taikina Family Ricardo & Teresita Reyes The Carneglia Family For Graces Received John & Cathy Seber

6 THIS WEEKS CALENDAR Monday March 12 Tuesday March 13 Wednesday March 14 Thursday March 15 Friday March 16 Saturday March 17 Sunday March 18 5:00 PM Living Way of the Cross Practice 7:00 PM Eucharistic Adoration 8:00 PM AA Meeting 8:00 PM Outreach Ministry Meeting 2:00 to 8:00 PM Parish Directory Photos 2:30 PM Seniors Club Meeting 4:00 PM Children s Choir 5:30 PM Youth Choir Rehearsal 6:00 PM Lego League-Robotics 7:30 PM K/C Meetings 2:00 to 8:00 PM Parish Directory Photos 4:00 PM Children s Mass Practice 4:15 & 7:15 PM Rel. Ed. Classes 6:30 PM Handbell Choir Rehearsal 7:15 PM BOTW 7:45 PM Parish Choir Rehearsal 2:00 to 8:00 PM Parish Directory Photos 7:00 PM Young Authors Night 7:30 PM Bereavement Support Group 2:00 to 8:00 PM Parish Directory Photos 7:00 PM Stations of the Cross 8:00 AM Diocesan League Basketball 9:00 AM AHA/CPR Classes 10:00 AM to 4:00PM Parish Directory Photos 11:30 AM Confessions 7:45 AM Lenten Giving Cross Sorting 8:00 AM Parish Breakfast (after 8 & 10 am Masses) 8:00 AM RCIA 9:00 AM Children s Choir Rehearsal 7:00 PM Cornerstone Team Meeting Breaking Open the Word Wednesday Evenings 7:15-8:15 P.M. School Cafeteria BOTW will be meeting this Wednesday, March 14th, 2018 If you can t make a particular Wednesday, you can still prepare for the coming Sunday by going to: Sunday-Readings March 18, th Sunday of Lent A NEW PARISH DIRECTORY IS COMING MAKE SURE YOU RE IN IT! As we approach the 60th Anniversary of St. Augustine Parish, the parish is planning a Parish Directory and hope all our parishioners will be a part of it. A Parish Directory consists of portraits of our parishioners and ministries. It s a great way to get to know the names of faces of this wonderful parish community. No addresses or phone numbers are included in the Directory. Each participating family receives a free 8 x 10 portrait and free Directory. Family Portraits will be taken Saturday and Sunday, March 10 and 11, Tuesday, March 13 through Saturday, March 17 and Tuesday April 10 through Saturday April 14; weekdays from 2:00 8:00 and Saturdays 10 am 4 pm. You can sign up for your family photo shoot on line to reserve your Family Photo session through the parish website: Portraits make a great gift too. Be part of the directory whether you re a family of 1 or a family of 10. Help celebrate our beautiful Parish Community! The finished Directory will be distributed in September 2018 as we celebrate 60 years of St. Augustine of Canterbury! THANKS A MILLION!!! You did it again! Our heartfelt gratitude goes to you for all the beautiful new and like-new books you donated to our Adventures in Reading Ministry collection. We supplied 1,098 books (20 boxes) and a world of information, dreaming and possibility to four New Brunswick schools and pre-schools and also to Saint Peter s Hospital and they are amazed by your generosity. THANK YOU to Joan Hoffmann who leads this effort, to all the volunteers who meticulously go through the books to make sure there are no pages missing, no writing on any pages, etc., and to those who helped deliver the books. Without you and the generous spirit of St. Augustine parishioners, this would not be possible. RELIGIOUS EDUCATION PROGRAM Re-registration forms were mailed on February 15th and are due back in the Religious Education Office no later than March 21st. If you did not receive your packet, please call the Religious Education Office at NEW REGISTRATIONS Please call the Religious Education Office to request a form for any new student. SPIRITUAL REMEMBRANCE TABERNACLE CANDLES In Memory of Robert Taylor Donated by His Wife Rita

7 RCIA 2018 CANDIDATES TO RECEIVE THE SACRAMENTS THIS EASTER SEASON RCIA 2018 ELECTS TO RECEIVE THE SACRAMENTS THIS EASTER SEASON Kelly Kroeper Baptized Hungarian Reformed seeking Reception into the Full Communion of the Catholic Church, Confirmation, and First Holy Eucharist Marta Hess Seeking Baptism Confirmation First Holy Eucharist Lucretia Campbell Baptized Methodist Seeking Reception into the Full Communion of the Catholic Church, Confirmation, and First Holy Eucharist Alyssa Ramroop Seeking Baptism Confirmation First Holy Eucharist Melissa Buchanan Baptized Catholic Seeking Confirmation & First Holy Eucharist Anthony Ramroop Seeking Baptism Confirmation First Holy Eucharist

8 HOLY WEEK SCHEDULE Monday March 26 Morning Mass 9:00 AM Chrism Mass, St. Francis Cathedral 7:30 PM Tuesday March 27 Morning Mass 9:00 AM Wednesday March 28 Morning Mass 9:00 AM Tenebrae Service 7:30 PM (The Service of Tenebrae follows a tradition of the Church dating back to the eighth century. From Latin, the Word Tenebrae means darkness and commemorates the final hours of our Lord s life on earth, as He suffered death upon the Cross. In the early Church, the service of Tenebrae was celebrated on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday of Holy Week. During the service, seven candles that have been placed in the sanctuary are gradually extinguished. This is done to symbolize the fading loyalty of the disciples and friends of Jesus. The Church lights are also gradually dimmed during the service portraying the diminishing light of the world as Christ was departing from it. At the conclusion of the service, the congregation departs in darkness and silence. Holy Thursday March 29 Mass of the Lord s Supper 7:30 PM - Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament until 10:00 PM Good Friday March 30 Solemn Liturgy of the Lord s Passion 3:00 PM - Visitation of the Tomb of the Lord and - Veneration of the Relic of the True Cross (All day, in the Church) - CHURCH CLOSES 6:00 PM - NO STATIONS OF THE CROSS Holy Saturday March 31 Blessing of Food 12:00 Noon Easter Vigil March 31 Fulfills Sunday Obligation 7:30 PM Easter Sunday April 01 8:00, 10:00 & 12 Noon NO Mass at 5 pm (Overflow for the 10:00 & 12 Noon Masses will be directed to the School Gymnasium) No one will be allowed in the Church after the seating capacity has been reached. The doors will be locked. No Confessions Will Be Heard at St. Augustine During The Triduum (Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday)

9 Msgr. Alfred Xuereb Former Personal Secretary to Pope Benedict XVI & Pope Francis General Secretary of the Secretariat for Economic Affairs, Vatican Msgr. Jose Bettencourt Vaticans Head of Protocol Secretary of State It is with great joy that the Holy Father Pope Francis has named Msgr. Alfred Xuereb, former personal secretary to Pope Benedict XVI and Pope Francis, along with Msgr. Jose Bettencourt, Head of Protocol for the Secretary of State of the Vatican, as Papal Nuncios They will be ordained Bishops of the Church on the Feast of St. Joseph, March 19 th (in Italy. Father s Day) by Pope Francis in Saint Peter s Basilica. With the appointment as Papal Nuncios, they will receive the title of Archbishop. Archbishop Elect Xuereb is appointed a Papal Nuncio to South Korea and Archbishop Elect Bettencourt as Papal Nuncio to the country of Georgia. I was invited to attend the ordinations and will be leaving March 14 and returning March 21. Thanks be to God, I will be staying at the Domus Sanctae Marthae in the Vatican. Msgr. Xuereb s cousins from our parish, Joseph and Florence Shwereb, will also be attending the Episcopal Ordinations along with their children. I have been waiting for this announcement for some time and in my heart knew it would happen one day! I am overjoyed for my brother priests who have served the Church so faithfully. Archbishop Elect Xuereb may come to Saint Augustine for a Mass of Thanksgiving to celebrate with his family here in the United States before leaving for South Korea and Archbishop Elect Bettencourt is celebrating his 25 th Anniversary of priesthood this year what a gift from Christ the High Priest to give him this grace to share in the fullness of the Priesthood!

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11 Father- Flanagan

12 The Sacrament of Forgiveness The Forgiveness of sins committed after Baptism is conferred by a particular sacrament called the sacrament of conversion, confession, penance, or reconciliation. St. Ambrose says of the two conversions that, in the Church, there are water and tears; the water of Baptism and the tears of repentance. Christ instituted the sacrament of Penance for all sinful members of His Church: above all for those who, since Baptism, have fallen into grave sin, and have thus lost their baptismal grace and wounded ecclesial communion. It is to them that the sacrament of penance offers a new possibility to convert and recover the grace of justification. The Fathers of the Church present this sacrament as the second plank (of salvation) after the shipwreck which is the loss of grace. Only God forgives sins. Since He is the Son of God, Jesus says of Himself, The Son of man has authority on earth to forgive sins and exercises this divine power: Your sins are forgiven. Further, by virtue of his divine authority He gives this power to men to exercise in His name. The Ministry of Forgiveness and Reconciliation During his public life Jesus not only forgave sins, but also made plain the effect of this forgiveness he reintegrated forgiven sinners into the community of the People of God from which sin had alienated or even excluded them. In imparting to his apostles his own power to forgive sins the Lord also gives them the authority to reconcile sinners with the Church. This ecclesial dimension of their task is expressed most notably in Christ s solemn words to Simon Peter: I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. The office of binding and loosing which was given to Peter was also assigned to the college of the apostles united to its head. Beneath the changes in discipline and celebration that this sacrament has undergone over the centuries,

13 the same fundamental structure is to be discerned. It comprises two equally essential elements: in the one hand, the acts of the man who undergoes conversion through the action of the Holy Spirit: namely, contrition, confession, and satisfaction; on the other, God s action through the intervention of the Church. The Church, who through the bishop and his priests forgives sins in the name of Jesus Christ and determines the manner of satisfaction, also prays for the sinners and does penance with him. Thus the sinner is healed and re-established in ecclesial communion. Confession to a priest is an essential part of the sacrament of Penance: All mortal sins of which penitents after a diligent self-examination are conscious must be recounted by them in confession, even if they are most secret and have been committed against the last two precepts of the Decalogue: for these sins sometimes wound the soul more grievously and are more dangerous than those which are committed openly. Individual and integral confession of grave sins followed by absolution remains the only ordinary means of reconciliation with God and with the Church. Contrition Among the penitent s acts contrition occupies first place. Contrition is sorrow of the soul and detestation for the sin committed, together with the resolution not to sin again. Satisfaction The confessor proposes the performance of certain acts of satisfaction or penance to be performed by the penitent in order to repair the harm caused by sin and to re-establish habits befitting a disciple of Christ. When it arises from a love by which God is loved above all else, contrition is called perfect (contrition of Charity). Such contrition remits venial sins; it also obtains forgiveness of mortal sins if it includes the firm resolution to have recourse to sacramental confession as soon as possible. The contrition called imperfect (or attrition ) is also a gift of God, a prompting of the Holy Spirit. It is born of the consideration of sin s ugliness or fear of eternal damnation and the other penalties threatening the sinner (contrition of fear). Such a stirring of conscience can initiate an interior process which, under the prompting of grace, will be brought to completion by sacramental absolution. By itself however, imperfect contrition cannot obtain the forgiveness of grave sins, but it disposes one to obtain forgiveness in the sacrament of Penance. The spiritual effects of the sacrament of Penance are: reconciliation with God by which the penitent recovers grace; reconciliation with the Church; remission of the eternal punishment incurred by mortal sins; remission, at least in part, of temporal punishments resulting from sin; peace and serenity of conscience, and spiritual consolation; an increase of spiritual strength for the Christian battle. Confession The confession (or disclosure) of sins, even from a simply human point of view, frees us and facilitates our reconciliation with others. Through such an admission man looks squarely at the sins he is guilty of, takes responsibility for them, and thereby opens himself again to God and to the communion of the Church in order to make a new future possible.

14 An Examination of Conscience to help you prepare to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation Why should we confess? Confession is a sacrament instituted by Jesus Christ in His love and mercy to offer sinners forgiveness for offenses committed against God. At the same time, sinners reconcile with the Church, because it is also wounded by our sins. The Sacrament of Reconciliation is a sacrament of healing and a sacrament of conversion, returning us to the Father after our sin. We use an examination of conscience to help call to mind our sins and failings during a period of quiet reflection before approaching the priest in Confession. It s important for an examination of conscience to be thorough. This will help you learn about things that you may not be aware of. It s also a chance to develop your conscience. To make an examination of conscience: set aside some quiet time for reflection start by praying to the Holy Spirit, asking for help in make a good examination to prepare for Confession read through the terms on this list and honestly reflect on your behavior for each item this examination of conscience is based on the Ten Commandments First Commandment I am the Lord your God. You shall worship the Lord your God and Him only shall you serve. Have I doubted in matters of faith? Murmured against God because of adversity? Despaired of His mercy? Have I believed in or consulted with fortune-tellers? Neglected my morning or evening prayers? Omitted my religious obligations because of human respect? Presumed upon God s mercy in committing sin? Loved someone or something more than God (money, power, sex, ambition, etc.)? Been involved in the occult? Formally left the Catholic Church? Hidden a serious sin or told a lie in confession? Second Commandment You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain. Have I used the name of God or the saints with irreverence? Have I sworn (which means calling upon God to witness the truth of what I say) without a good reason, or falsely? Have I cursed (the calling down of some evil on a person, place, or thing)? Blasphemed (using insulting language to express contempt for God), the saints, or holy things? Third Commandment Remember to keep holy the Lord s day. Did I miss Mass on Sunday or a Holy Day of Obligation? Have I done unnecessary servile work or been responsible for others doing it on these days? Set time aside each day for personal prayer to God? Habitually come late to and/or leave early from Mass without a good reason? Not attending to taking my children to Mass? Did I fast and abstain on the prescribed days? Fourth Commandment Honor your father and your mother. Have I been obedient to my parents and lawful superiors? Have I shown disrespect toward them? Have I deceived them? Have I been a good citizen by voting? Have I shown respect toward aged parents or in their time of need? Provided for the religious education and formation of my children for as long as they are under my care? Ensured that my children still under my care regularly frequent the sacraments of Penance and Holy Communion? Been to my children a good example of how to live the Catholic Faith? Fifth Commandment You shall not kill. Have I been the occasion of another s sin through my bad example in word or deed? Have I been guilty of fighting, anger, hatred, revenge, or drunkenness? Did I refuse to speak to others? To forgive them? Did I use provoking language? Been involved in an abortion, directly or indirectly (through advice, etc.)? Seriously considered or attempted suicide? Unjustly inflicted bodily harm on another person? Verbally or emotionally abused another person? Been prejudiced, or unjustly discriminated against others because of their race, color, nationality, sex, or religion? Did I take illicit drugs? Sixth and Ninth Commandments You shall not commit adultery. You shall not covet your neighbor s wife. Did I take pleasure in impure thoughts or desires? Say impure things? Listen to impure conversations? Did I touch others or let other touch me in an impure manner? Commit an impure act alone or with others? Purchased, viewed, or made use of pornography? Committed adultery? Committed incest? Committed fornication (sexual relations with someone of the opposite sex when neither of us is married) Engaged in homosexual activity? Made uninvited or unwelcome sexual advances toward another?

15 Seventh and Tenth Commandments You shall not steal. You shall not covet your neighbor s goods. Have I stolen anything? If so, of what value, and did I return the stolen goods? Have I been unjust in buying or selling? Have I damaged the property of others? Accepted or kept stolen goods? Paid my just debts as soon as possible? Has my daily work merited its paycheck? Have I desired to steal anything or to damage my neighbor s property? Practiced works of mercy? Squandered money in compulsive gambling? Make a false claim to an insurance company? Eighth Commandment You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor. Did I tell lies? Have I been guilty of rash judgment (believing something harmful to another s character without sufficient reason?) detraction (without a good reason, making known the hidden faults of another)? Betrayed another s confidence through speech? Slander or calumny (by lying, injuring the good name of another)? Perjured myself under oath? Gossiped? PRECEPTS OF THE CHURCH Have I followed them? You shall attend Mass on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation. You shall confess your sins at least once a year. You shall humbly receive Jesus in Holy Communion at least during the Easter Season. You shall observe the days of fasting and abstinence. You shall contribute to the support of the Church. You shall observe the laws of the Church concerning marriage. RITE OF CONFESSION INTRODUCTORY RITES Upon kneeling or taking your seat in the room with the priest, bless yourself with the sign of the cross (+) and say: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Bless me Father for I have sinned. At this point, the priest will encourage the penitent to have confidence in God with these or other words: May the Lord be in your heart and help you to confess your sins with true sorrow. If the penitent is unknown to the priest, it is proper to indicate to the priest your state of life, i.e. single, married, divorced, etc., the time of your last confession, difficulties in leading the Christian life, and anything else which may help the priest to exercise his ministry. The penitent will accuse him or herself of his or her sins and ask for forgiveness. After you completed your Confession, the priest will counsel or provide opportune advice, impart a Penance and may ask you to pray the Act of Contrition, either before him or privately afterwards in the Church. ACT OF CONTRITION O my God, I am heartily sorry for having offended You, and I detest all my sins because of Your just punishment, but most of all because they offend You, my God, Who art all good, and deserving of all my love. I firmly resolve, with the help of Your grace, to sin no more, and to avoid the near occasions of sin. Amen. The priest will then impart Absolution: God, the Father of mercies, through the death and resurrection of his Son has reconciled the world to himself and sent the Holy Spirit among us for the forgiveness of sins; through the ministry of the Church, may God give you pardon and peace, and I absolve you from your sins in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. The penitent answers: Amen. The priest dismisses the penitent with a final blessing. The penitent makes the sign of the cross and leaves the Confessional. He or she is expected to fulfill the penance imposed. (After your Confession, enjoy the peacefulness of the Church!) The Lord has freed you from sin. May He bring you safely to His kingdom in heaven. Glory to Him Forever!

16 FIRST HOLY COMMUNION OUTFITS If anyone has new or used (clean) First Holy Communion dresses, veils, dress socks, white gloves, white sweaters, boy s suits, and communion book sets to donate to those in need for the clients of the St. Vincent de Paul Society Food Pantry in Perth Amboy, as well as other needy children in the Catholic Community of Perth Amboy, please drop the items off at the Outreach Ministry office in the Parish Center before March 26th. As in the past, they particularly need dresses and boy s suits sizes 10 through 16. If you have any questions, please don t hesitate to call the Outreach Ministry at Thank you for our continuous support to these families. -Outreach Ministry Knights of Columbus Spring Work Project! Our St. Augustine Knights of Columbus help out at the Elijah s Promise Garden in New Brunswick. Our spring project will be to build garden benches from recycled materials. The Promise Garden provides fresh produce to Elijah s kitchen and they also have local residents with garden boxes. If interested in helping out, see a brother Knight or drop a note to kofc.6345@gmail.com Canned Fruit Canned Tomatoes Items needed for the Food Pantry in March Juice 64 oz. Tuna ENCOUNTER ANDRISE We encounter Andrise, a teacher in Haiti who knows the importance of forming young people who will give back to the community and their country. Reflect on the role teachers have played in bringing you closer to God and your community. How can you support those worldwide, who are forced to flee their homes to find safety or better opportunities? Visit crsricebowl.org for more information. SAVE THE DATE Bible Camp at St. Augustine of Canterbury has been scheduled for the week of July 9th through the 13th. Additional information of this event will appear in a later bulletin. THE STUDENT GOOD CITIZEN AWARD St. Augustine of Canterbury Columbiettes Auxiliary, Council 6345, will once again include in their State Youth Program, the Student Good Citizen Award. This award is limited to Catholic Females who are seniors in High School, who display evidence of leadership, dependability and patriotism at home, school and in the community. In addition to the State Award, our Auxiliary will also be offering an additional monetary award. Parishioners of Saint Augustine who are interested in applying for this Award should contact Dorothy Cuccinelli or mralcty@aol.com or , before April 15, March 13 March 27 St. Patrick s Day Sing-a-Long Holy Week No Meeting Music Ministry Mass Schedule The Music Ministry Schedule for 5th Sunday of Lent on March 17/18, 2018 is: Saturday 5:00 p.m. Folk Group Choir Sunday 10:00 a.m. Children s Choir 12:00 Noon Organist & Cantor 5:00 p.m. Organist ARE YOU INTERESTED IN BECOMING A CATHOLIC? Or perhaps you are a baptized Catholic who never completed the Sacraments of Initiation (Confirmation and Eucharist). The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is just for you! Gather with others who desire to know the Lord Jesus Christ in the truth of the Catholic Faith, as we undergo catechesis, reflect on the scriptures, and contemplate our call to faith in Christ in preparation for Baptism and/or reception and completion of the Sacraments of Initiation. Meetings are held on Sundays at 8:00 am in Father McGivney Hall (followed by 10:00 am Mass). If you are interested in getting connected, please call the Parish Center at Deacon Denis