St. Joseph Roman Catholic Parish

Transcription

1 St. Joseph Roman Catholic Parish OVER A CENTURY OF CATHOLIC PRESENCE SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT PARISH SERVICES Parish Office Hours: Weekdays: 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM Parish Registration: New parishioners are welcome. Please call the parish office to register. Please inform us if you move. R.C.I.A. Adults inquiring about the Catholic Church with a desire to become Catholic are invited to call the parish office for information about the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults. Parish Organizations: Servants of Mary (Woman s Group), Adult Choir, Children s Choir, Ministry to the Poor, Ministry to the Sick & Elderly, RCIA Team, Food Pantry, Hispanic Ministry, St. Vincent de Paul Society, Home School Association, Athletic Association, Catechetical Instruction. Sponsorship: To act as a Godparent for Baptism or sponsor for Confirmation, the sponsor must be a baptized Catholic, confirmed, had communion, and live a morally good life; if married, done so within church law. Ordinarily the sponsor must be at least 14 years old. A Christian who is a non- Catholic may be a witness for Baptism together with a Catholic sponsor. Rev. James W. McGuffey, Pastor Rev. Msgr. Pafnouti Wassef Parochial Vicar Rev. Sean G. Winters In Residence Deacon Ramon Torres Hispanic Ministry Deacon George Kimball Permanent Deacon Mrs. Roseann Johnson, Principal Mrs. Marcelle Doherty Coordinator of Religious Education Pastoral Assistant Dr. Thomas Juneau, Director of Music CONFESSIONS Saturday: 11:00 AM MASS SCHEDULE Sunday: 5:00 (Saturday evening), 8:00, 10:30, 12:00 and 1:30 PM (Spanish) Weekday: Monday to Friday: 8:00 AM Saturday: 8:30 AM St. Peregrine Mass for the Sick Second Thursday of the month - 7:00 PM SACRAMENTS Baptism: The Rite of Baptism is celebrated on the second weekend of the month: Saturday at 1:00 PM. Please arrange for the obligatory preparation session by calling the parish office. Pastoral Care of the Sick: The Holy Eucharist and the Anointing of the Sick are available to the sick and shut-ins upon request. First Penance, First Eucharist, Confirmation: Children are expected to receive a Catholic upbringing in their family life, to worship regularly at Sunday Mass, and to receive ongoing religious education in the years preceding the reception of these sacraments. Matrimony: Specific times are set for the celebration of marriage during the year. To allow ample time for preparation, please contact the parish office at least one year before the intended wedding date. Holy Orders or 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 Office of Vocations at Ext for additional information. Mailing Address: Parish School 55 High Street, Carteret, NJ Roosevelt Avenue, Carteret, NJ Parish Office Parish Office Fax Parish Website... Religious Education/Pastoral Office PREP Website... School School Website... St. Vincent de Paul Society

2 SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT DECEMBER 9, 2018 PARISH CALENDAR SUNDAY December 9 9:30 AM Choir, church hall MONDAY December 10 6:00 PM RCIA, parish center conference room 6:30 PM Athletic Association, gym TUESDAY December 11 6:00 PM PREP, school 7:45 PM Athletic Association, gym WEDNESDAY December 12 6:00 PM PREP, school 7:45 PM Athletic Association, gym THURSDAY December 13 6:00 PM First Communion Retreat, gym FRIDAY December 14 7:00 PM Christmas Show, gym 8:00 PM A/A, Alanon, Alateen, church hall SATURDAY December 15 7:00 AM Athletic Association, gym 9:30 AM Food Pantry, church hall 2019 PARISH CALENDARS are available at the exits. Be sure to take one home. FOR THE SAFETY OF OUR TROOPS All-powerful and ever-living God, when Abraham left his native land and departed from his people You kept him safe through all his journeys. Protect our soldiers. Be their constant companion and their strength in battle, their refuge in every adversity. Guide them, O Lord, that they may return home in safety. We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Remember in your prayers the members of our Armed Services, especially: Josh Hayes, cousin of Kathy Perkins; JP Brown, godson of Elizabeth Melo; Justin Molarz, grandson of Susan Molarz; Jesus L. Santiago, cousin of Felix and Ana Morales; Christopher Czapik, grandson of Carol Knittel; Justin Lurker, grandson of Helen Lurker; Robert Michnowicz, nephew of Helen Lurker; Mario Roman, son of Janice Pastures; Marc Repace, grandson of Pat Consiglio; Taylor Setar, daughter of Greg and Terry Setar; Gabriella Gatto, daughter of Carmelo and Nicole Gatto; Laura Roe, daughter of Maria and Luis Pena; Elizabeth Brito and Lisa Marie Brito, daughters of Ivette Brito; Jim Molnar, grandson of Alice Benson. PRAY AND FAST FOR VOCATIONS VOCATIONS PRAYER God of my life, I give You thanks and praise that I have life, and that my life is filled with touches of Your love. You have given me a heart that wants to be happy, and You have placed in me a desire to make a difference. Quiet the fears and distractions of my heart long enough for me to listen to the movement of Your Spirit, to hear Your gentle invitation. Reveal to me the choices that will make me happy. Help me to discover my identity. Let me understand how best to use the gifts You have so lovingly lavished upon me in preparation for our journey together. And give me the courage to choose You as You have chosen me. Lord, let me know myself and let me know You. In this is my happiness. -An Augustinian Prayer for Vocational Discernment For everything there is a season and a time for every purpose under heaven... a time to heal... for the sick of our Parish and especially for Mary Wagner, Fr. John Morley, Alyssa Alcudia All too often, as we know from experience, people do not choose life, they do not accept the Gospel of Life but let themselves be led by ideologies and ways of thinking that block life, that do not respect life, because they are dictated by selfishness, self-interest, profit, power and pleasure, and not by love, by concern for the good of others. As a result, the living God is replaced by fleeting human idols which offer the intoxication of a flash of freedom, but in the end bring new forms of slavery and death. -Pope Francis from homily at Mass for Evangelium Vitae Day June 16, 2013 DAILY PRAYER FOR THE UNBORN Heavenly Father, as the Author of Life, touch with compassion the hearts of those women and men who, with Your help, have conceived human life and now think of abortion not parenthood. Help them to understand that their newly created child and all children are made in Your image and likeness and made for eternal life with You. Dispel their fears and helplessness and give them true and generous hearts to love their babies and give them birth and all the needed care that a parent alone can give. And when Your children turn away from You through abortion, penetrate their hearts to seek Your loving forgiveness and healing power. Finally Lord, soften the hearts of the abortionists and enlighten all elected officials to protect the unborn, to accept Your loving grace, and to recognize the sanctity of all human life from conception to natural death. Amen.

3 SUNDAY READINGS First Reading - Baruch 5: 1-9 Second Reading - Philippians 1: 4-6, 8-11 Gospel - Luke 3: 1-6 Awaiting the Salvation of God The world does not seem big enough to contain the jubilation of the first reading. In the Gospel reading, the Roman empire isn t big enough, either. The great powers of Rome are named and made to stand waiting for the arrival of God s salvation. And we find Paul meditating joyfully on what really matters. According to Baruch, the city of Jerusalem is like a person standing on tiptoe looking for God s salvation, which is coming from the east. Those who were led away on foot, heads down, now come back, a proud people. Why? The very way is smoothed out. The path is lined with fragrant, lush trees. It can t get any better than this, can it? Well, yes, it can. For a voice calls out in the desert. Here is the beginning of the salvation of God. Copyright J. S. Paluch Co. SCRIPTURE READINGS FOR THE WEEK Monday: Is 35: 1-10; Lk 5: Tuesday: Is 40: 1-11; Mt 18: Wednesday: Zec 2: or Rv 11-19a, 12: 1-6a, 10ab; Lk 1: or Lk 1: Thursday: Is 41: 13-20; Mt 11: Friday: Is 48: 17-19; Mt 11: Saturday: Sir 48: 1-4, 9-11; Mt 17: 9a, Sunday: Zep 3: 14-18a, Phil 4: 4-7; Lk 3: SACRIFICIAL GIVING OFFERTORY COLLECTION December 2, 2018 $6363 $6874 (2017) If a brother or sister has nothing to wear and no food for the day and you do not meet their bodily needs, what good is that? -James 2:14-17 VISIT OUR GIFT SHOP!! There is a wonderful selection of religious articles in the Gift Shop. Come in and browse. You are sure to find that perfect Christmas gift. The Gift Shop is open before and after the weekend Masses. THANK YOU FOR YOUR GENEROSITY! Our St. Vincent de Paul Society extends sincere thanks to all who contribute to our Hope Chest, placed in the narthex each weekend, next to the Baptismal Font. Your generous donations allow us to help many families in Carteret. God bless all of you for your generosity. PERPETUAL MASS GUILD Enrolled in November: Ludivina Julian Medina Elizabeth McMenamin John Gall Veronica McGreevey Maria Welita Rivera Lucy Almodovar Joseph Andrade ST. PEREGRINE HEALING MASS The St. Peregrine Healing Mass will be celebrated in our Church on Thursday, December 13, at 7:00 p.m. Following the Mass, there will be an opportunity to receive a blessing and healing prayers. We invite you, your family, friends, or anyone you know that is suffering from a serious illness, to join us for this special Mass. If you would like the name of a loved one placed before the Shrine of St. Peregrine prior to this Mass, you may obtain a Spiritual Bouquet Card in the Gift Shop or at the Parish Office. CHRISTMAS SCHEDULE CONFESSIONS All Saturdays in December ~ 11:00 AM - 12:00 Noon ADVENT PENANCE SERVICE Thursday, December 20, 7:00 p.m. at Divine Mercy Parish - Holy Family Church (with several Priests available for individual Confessions) CHRISTMAS MASSES Christmas Eve ~ December 24 5:00 PM - Children s Mass 9:30 PM - Christmas Carols 10:00 PM - Midnight Mass Readings Christmas Day ~ December 25 8:00 AM and 10:30 AM 12:30 PM - Spanish Mass NEW YEAR S DAY MASS SCHEDULE SOLEMNITY OF MARY, MOTHER OF GOD December 31, 2018 Vigil - 7:00 PM January 1, :00 AM and 9:30 AM A REMINDER... For many people who have recently suffered the loss of a loved one, the holidays can pose a real challenge. Take the extra time to give a call, drop a note, or have a cup of coffee together. It will be a gift well received!

4 And this is my prayer: that your love may increase ever more and more in knowledge and every kind of perception, to discern what is of value... -Philippians 1:9-10 Glittery holiday ads can blind us to our stewardship values and distort our needs and wants. It is important that during this season of endless buying we remember that each or us also has the need to give back to God and to those that are in need. LIGHTING HEARTS ON FIRE Diocesan Marian Consecration Preparation Year Bishop Checchio has announced his plan to consecrate the Diocese of Metuchen to Our Lady of Guadalupe in There will be a year-long preparation process launching December 12, the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, with Evening Prayer, at the Cathedral of St. Francis in Metuchen, at 7:30 p.m. All of the faithful are invited to attend. Our Lady of Guadalupe is the Patroness of the Americas and was also given the title, The Star of the New Evangelization, by St. John Paul II. The purpose of this consecration is to invoke her aid for our Diocese so that we can be spiritually renewed and equipped to live out our call to evangelize more faithfully. For additional information, visit the website: MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER WEEKEND Why not celebrate your marriage and its many blessings by attending a Marriage Encounter Weekend? A Worldwide Marriage Encounter Weekend gives you the time and tools to revitalize romance, deepen communication, and nourish the spirituality in your marriage. The next Weekend will be held January Early registration advisable; space is limited. For registration or information, visit or call STRESS IN YOUR MARRIAGE! Do you feel lost, alone, or bored in your marriage? Are you frustrated, hurt, or angry with your spouse? Are you constantly fighting, or do you simply shut down? Have you thought about separation or divorce? Does talking about it only make it worse? RETROUVAILLE is a lifeline to help couples heal and renew their marriages. The program consists of a weekend experience for married couples (no group discussions) with six follow-up sessions. Upcoming Weekend: February 8-10, For more information, call the Family Life Office at To register, call Rich & Annette Colasuonno or send an to 3024@retrouvaille.org CHRISTMAS FRIENDSHIP DINNER St. Anthony of Padua Church, Port Reading All are welcome (families, couples, singles) to share dinner with all the trimmings and a large portion of friendship at St. Anthony of Padua Church, Father Milos Parish Hall, 436 Port Reading Ave., on Tuesday, December 25, from 1:30-3:30 p.m. There is NO CHARGE. All are most welcome; however, a call by Tuesday, December 18, would be appreciated to properly plan the meals. Please call St. Anthony s Church at Leave a message and someone will get back you. Local transportation may be available. (If transportation is needed, please call by Tuesday, December 18.) CATHOLIC CHARITIES, Diocese of Metuchen Catholic Charities Connections Program Both male and female mentors are needed to participate in one-to-one activities and be a role model to young people. Do you have a minimum of three hours a week to offer to a child; like having fun; reside in or near Middlesex County or Franklin Township; want to make a difference in a child s life? Then contact Jeanette Cullen at or jcullen@ccdom.org for more information. Donate Your Vehicle to Catholic Charities Funds from the sale of donated vehicles support their programs for the poor in need across Middlesex, Somerset, Hunterdon, and Warren counties. Donated vehicles are tax deductible. Free pick-up is available. Vehicles do not need to be running. Visit or call to get started. Donation Drop-off Boxes Please consider supporting our local poverty relief services by donating gently used clothing, shoes, household items and small appliances to Catholic Charities, Diocese of Metuchen. Clearly marked donation boxes are available in more than 30 locations throughout our four-county Diocese. For a complete list of drop-off locations, visit If you have an item that is too big to fit in a donation box, call to arrange for a free pick up at your home. THANK YOU! New Jersey Right to Life wishes to express to the parishioners at St Joseph Parish their sincere appreciation for our support of their annual Car Raffle fundraiser. We are deeply thankful for your generosity which makes possible truly life saving work Winners 1st Prize: Volvo - Michelle DeRitis, West Belmar 2nd Prize: $1,000 ShopRite GC - Nick Menchise, Annandale 3rd Prize: $750 ShopRite GC - Suzanne Jaworski, Oceanport 4th Prize: $500 ShopRite GC - Laraine George, Toms River

5 THE SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT SATURDAY December 8 5:00 PM Jose Manuel Romero SUNDAY December 9 8:00 AM Madeline Russo 10:30 AM Frank Medvetz 12:00 PM Patty Ann Mastromonico 1:30 PM Parishioners of St. Joseph Parish MONDAY December 10 8:00 AM Theresa Kolodzieski TUESDAY December 11 8:00 AM In thanksgiving WEDNESDAY December 12 8:00 AM Mr. and Mrs. Onofrio Alongi THURSDAY December 13 8:00 AM Deceased members of the Foxe Family 11:30 AM Eucharistic Adoration 7:00 PM Those whose names have been placed before the Shrine of St. Peregrine FRIDAY December 14 8:00 AM Al Casciola SATURDAY December 15 8:30 AM Patricia O Donnell 5:00 PM John R. Sabol SUNDAY December 16 8:00 AM Patricia O Donnell 10:30 AM Special Intention 12:00 PM John and Lillian Csaki 1:30 PM Parishioners of St. Joseph Parish CANDLE INTENTIONS ~ DECEMBER 9-15 The St. Joseph Church Sanctuary Lamp burns in loving memory of Madeline Russo; requested by her Family. The Pieta Lamp burns in loving memory of Madeline Russo; requested by her brother, Jack Shalaida and Family The St. Joseph Lamp burns for the sanctity of all human life from conception until natural death. EUCHARISTIC ADORATION Thursdays - 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. - Church Chapel It s amazing how a simple act of committing to even a short time of regular Adoration makes such a huge difference to the rest of your life. You can carry that moment of being in His presence with you long after you ve left the Church Chapel. His grace sustains you in every moment, especially in moments of temptation. Temptation becomes easier to resist when you re spending more time in Adoration. As we continue on our Advent journey, guide us, dear God of Love. Help us to recognize the great gift You have given us in Jesus, and may we prepare well for His rebirth in our hearts. On each day of this journey, may we move closer to Jesus, the Prince of Peace, the Light of the World. Shine the light of Your grace upon us that we may follow Him faithfully. In all our preparations for Christmas, may we always remember that Jesus is the reason for this blessed season. Thank You, loving God, for this time of joy and expectation. Walk with us and show us the way today and every day of Advent. Amen. ADVENT PENANCE SERVICE Confession is an act of honesty and courage an act of entrusting ourselves, beyond sin, to the mercy of a loving and forgiving God. -Saint John Paul II, September 14, 1987 Homily There will be an Advent Penance Service with several Priests available for individual Confession on December 20, 7:00 p.m., at Divine Mercy Parish - Holy Family Church. All are encouraged to attend. Prayer to St. Joseph - over 1900 years old O St. Joseph, whose protection is so great, so strong, so prompt before the Throne of God, I place in you all my interests and desires. O St. Joseph, do assist me by your powerful intercession and obtain for me from your Divine Son all spiritual blessings through Jesus Christ, Our Lord; so that, having engaged here below your Heavenly power, I may offer my thanksgiving and homage to the most Loving of Fathers. O St. Joseph, I never weary contemplating you and Jesus asleep in your arms. I dare not approach while He reposes near your heart. Press Him in my name and kiss His fine Head for me, and ask Him to return the kiss when I draw my dying breath. St. Joseph, patron of departing souls, pray for us. Amen. Say for nine consecutive mornings for anything you may desire. It has seldom been known to fail.