CHURCH OF ST. William the abbot Fifth Sunday in ordinary time February 10, 2019

Transcription

1 CHURCH OF ST. William the abbot Fifth Sunday in ordinary time February 10, 2019 Fr. Thomas Maher, Pastor Fr. James Redstone, Weekend Assistant Deacon Michael Abatemarco Deacon George A. Prevosti Deacon Kevin Smith Mass Times Sunday: 8:00, 10:15, 11:45 Monday, Tuesday: 9:00AM Wednesday: 9:00AM, 7:00PM Thursday, Friday: 9:00AM Saturday: 9:00AM, 5:00PM

2 February 10, 2019 Page 1 Parish Office 2740 Lakewood Allenwood Road, Howell, NJ Fax Hours: Monday thru Friday 9:00AM to 3:00PM Website: stwilliam@optonline.net Welcome We, the parish family of St. William the Abbot, a welcoming Catholic community, led by the Holy Spirit, are called to proclaim, and to witness to, the Good News of Salvation, so that we may grow together, among all generations, and advance the Kingdom of God, in our love and service of God and neighbor. Novena Novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Help, after the 7PM Mass on Wednesday. Novena to the Blessed Mother after the 9:00AM Mass on Saturday. Sacrament of Reconciliation Confessions are heard on Saturday after the 9:00AM Mass and 4:00PM, Wednesday 6:00PM, and 1/2 hour before each Mass. Baptism Baptisms may be arranged for any Sunday of the year at 1:00PM. First time parents must attend a Baptism Preparation Class, which is offered on the third Monday of the month at 7PM. Please call the parish office to schedule a baptism and/or the class. Weddings Engaged couples should call the parish office for an interview appointment one year before the wedding date. Anointing of the Sick Call the parish office anytime for urgent visits. RCIA Any adult who is interested in learning about our Catholic Faith should call the parish office. We also have classes for children and teens who are missing a sacrament. New Parishioners Welcome to St. William! Please call or visit the parish office to get a registration form. Memorial Bricks Please come to the parish office to purchase a memorial brick. They are placed in the Prayer Garden by the statue of Mary. Office Staff Maureen Cisek, Secretary Elaine Ferraro, Accountant School of Religion Dawn Cappetto, Administrator, ext. 202 Director of Music Billy Lawlor Number of registered families: 1,453 Number of families that received envelopes: 410 Number of envelopes used: 238 February 3: $6, Votive Candles: Children s Envelopes: Total: $6, Thank you for your generosity! 2019 Weekly Collection Envelopes The envelope box sets are here and in the parish hall. If you haven t picked yours up, please do so today. Also, if your box isn t there and you would like envelopes, please call the parish office. Fear can keep us up all night long, but faith makes one fine pillow

3 February 10, 2019 Page 2 #566 Please bring health, healing and hope to those in our community who are sick especially Francesca Tortora, Jonathon Capriotti, Emily Capriotti, Dakota Schick, Marianne McVeigh, Don Goletz, Mary Disimone, Ann Nucciarone, we also ask you Lord, to watch over all those with incurable autoimmune diseases and for all those who are afflicted with MS, CF, Lou Gehrig s disease, for those who suffer from Alzheimer disease, dementia, addictions, and their families. God of all consolation, give life and health to our sisters and brothers for whom we pray in your Holy Name. Amen. Valentine s Day Many curious customs are associated with St. Valentine s Day. In early England it was a tradition for a young girl to pin fresh bay leaves on her pillow before retiring on the eve of St. Valentine s Day. She would dream of her sweetheart and perhaps that they would someday marry. Another old English tradition of this special day was, on the morning of St. Valentine s Day, groups of children would go from home to home serenading the residents. In turn they would receive gifts of coins and candies. Early valentines in England were written by hand and personally decorated by the sender. Each year a collection of sentimental verses on topics ranging from friendship to love was published. From this Valentine Writers Handbook, a person selected an appropriate verse, copied it by hand onto a piece of stationery, and embellished it with hand drawn designs or cutout pictures. Around 1853, embossed papers and fancy valentines were being manufactured in England. A woman from the town of Worcester, Massachusetts named Esther Howland was the first person to manufacture valentines in America. Miss Howland controlled the entire valentine industry in America for well over fifty years. Reflections First Reading: Isaiah 6:1-2a,3-8 Following last weekend s story of the call of Jeremiah, here we read of the call of Isaiah. Such call stories justify to contemporaries the prophet s teaching, which was often unpopular. Lips touched means the whole person is. Second Reading: I Corinthians 15:1-11 or 15:308,11 Here is the Church s creed at its heart, with her belief in the resurrection of Jesus as primary. Paul mentions that eyewitnesses to the post-resurrection appearances were still living and available for questioning. Gospel: Luke 5:1-11 Jesus receives the first positive response to His kingdom message. Recall the very negative one offered by His hometown crowd. Peter, whose boat Jesus significantly uses, is awed by the miraculous catch of fish, and is told of his future, in which he will catch men. Customs In early times, betrothal rings of wood and leather were popular, and in ancient Ireland, it was customary for a man to resent a ring or bracelet woven of human hair to the woman he wished to marry. In A.D. 869, Pope Nicholas decreed that a ring made of precious metal would become the official statement of nuptial intent. Both the bracelet and the ring are circles, symbolizing a never ending union. In the fifteenth century, diamonds became a part of the ring s setting and within a hundred years, a diamond ring became the most accepted and sought after statement of betrothal. Traditionally, rings worn on the fourth digit on the left hand was thought that a particular blood vessel and nerve ran directly from the finger to the heart. Gifts of Love Love is a gift to treasure forever, Given by God without pride tag or measure Love is a gift we can all possess Love is a key to the soul s happiness. Anonymous

4 February 10, 2019 Page 3 #566 It is a holy and wholesome thing to pray for the living and the dead. II Mac. 12:46 Saturday, February 9 5:00 Linda Vella r/o Karen Foran Sunday, February 10 8:00 Ron Ridings r/o Lenny Munyer 10:15 Sr. Valerie Pacone CR r/o M/M Dennis Heffernan 11:45 Thomas Broglia r/o M/M Neil Bryant Monday, February 11 9:00 Lawrence Chiaravallo r/o The Beyer Family Tuesday, February 12 9:00 Josephine Rizzo r/o The Beyer Family Wednesday, February 13 9:00 Marlene Fowler r/o M/M Mike Callahan 7:00 Multiple Intention Mass Special Intentions: Hailey Eileen Raiser r/o Bill Raiser Fr. Jim, Deacon Kevin & Family, Deacon Mike & Family, Deacon George & Family, Bob Benigno & Family, Elaine Ferraro & Family, Maureen Cisek & Family, Grace Woetko & Family, Dawn Cappetto & Family, Jenn Dimino & Family, Helen Corr & Family, Cindy Callano & Family, Frankie Francese & Family, Billy Lawlor & Family, r/o St. William the Abbot Parish Sandy Hobson r/o The Leary Family Deceased: Ronald Schron r/o The Beyer Family Joseph Egan r/o The Beyer Family Fr. Lee Inverso, Fr. Leon Buni, Donato Magdaraog r/o St. William the Abbot Parish Family Benjamin Volpe r/o The Matrale Family Diana Schmelzer r/o The Callahan Family Thursday, February 14 9:00 Lawrence Chiaravallo r/o The Beyer Family Friday, February 15 9:00 Alice Cashen r/o Fr. Jim Saturday, February 16 9:00 Raymond Downey r/o The Beyer Family 5:00 Lorraine Trenery r/o M/M Stephen Raab Sunday, February 17 8:00 Maureen Kiernan r/o The Walsh Family 10:15 Lorraine Baunach r/o M/M Ron Neal 11:45 Elaine Nilsen r/o Joann Selvaggi That Man is You We are excited for the continuation of this ground breaking program for the Spring semester. It started last week, but it is not too late to join. It is held every Saturday morning in the parish hall at 6:30AM and ends at 8:00AM. The program is focused on defining genuine male Catholic leadership in the 21st century and addresses the pressures and temptations men face in our roles as husbands, fathers and in our community. Please join us for reflection and fellowship based on sacred scripture, the lives of the saints, science and current events and trends. Even if you didn t attend the fall semester, you are welcome to attend now. Faith and Love Hope for a world grown cynically cold, Hungry for power and greedy for gold. Faith to believe when, within and without, There is a nameless fear in a world of doubt. Love that is bigger than race or creed To cover the world and fulfill each need. God grant these gifts of faith and love For three things this world has so little of, For only these gifts from our father above, Can turn our sins from hatred to love. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, and present your requests to God. The peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. -Philippians 4:6-7 The Faithful Departed As a faith community, let us remember those who have recently died, may they enjoy eternal peace in the company of God. We are going to be following the Howell Public Schools when we decide to close to due weather. If the schools are closed, then the Church will be closed too, and School of Religion will be cancelled.

5 February 10, 2019 Page 4#566 Cursillo Corner Want to grow deeper in your relationship with God? Want to rediscover the sense of Christian community? Participate in the joyful experience of Cursillo. Cursillo is Spanish for short course. A Cursillo is an encounter with self, Christ and others that enhances the rest of your spiritual life. Visit our website at Everyone is invited to join us in fellowship at Leaders School (we are all leaders in Christianity) Saturday, February 16th, in the All Purpose Room at Epiphany Church at 10AM, and learn more about the beautiful Cursillo Movement. SBP Shrinking time between disaster and recovery. SBP is a non-profit organization rebuilding homes damaged by Sandy in Monmouth, Ocean and Atlantic Counties. They are in need of volunteers. Please go to volunteernj@abpusa.org or call Attention Men! Join other Catholic men from across the Diocese of Trenton at the 22nd Annual Men s Conference on Saturday, February 23rd, at St. Mary, Mother of God Parish in Middletown. The theme of this year s conference is Rebuild My Church. The day runs from 8:00AM to 3:00PM and will feature Holy Mass celebrated by Bishop David O Connell, as well as inspiring talks by Curtis Martin who, in addition to being the founder and CEO of Fellowship of Catholic University Students, is an internationally renowned author, Catholic radio & TV Host, and Max Ford, an evangelist, singer and songwriter who co-founded Holy Spirit House in the south of France. There will also be music, Catholic vendors, and the opportunity to fellowship with other men who are looking to grow in their walk with Jesus and dynamically live out their Catholic faith. A youth breakout session will also be offered for young men from 8th grade to college age. The Cost is $25 per person in advance ($30 at the door); and $10 for students. Breakfast and lunch will be provided. For more information or to register online go to To register by mail, send the name(s) of each person registering, your check, and a self-addressed stamped envelope to: Catholic Men for Jesus Christ, PO Box 816, Morrisville, PA Our Promise to Protect The Diocese of Trenton is committed to the initiatives outlined in the U.S. Bishop s Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People in regard to the reporting and investigation of sexual abuse allegations involving minors. If you have been sexually abused as a minor by a member of the clergy or anyone representing the Catholic Church, or if you know of someone who was, you can report that abuse through the Diocesan Abuse Hotline at or abuseline@dioceseoftrenton.org. Why should I use weekly envelopes? The use of envelopes is important. They document your active participation in the faith life of our parish. This information is needed in order to obtain a Letter of Eligibility to be issued when you are asked to be a baptism or confirmation sponsor. This also facilitates the preparation of a statement of contributions for income tax purpose. If you do not currently participate in our envelope system and would like to start using them, please contact the parish office.

6 February 10, 2019 Page 5 #566 Saints of the Week Our Lady of Lourdes, Feast day February 11 On December 8, 1854, Pope Pius IX proclaimed the dogma of the Immaculate Conception in the apostolic constitution Ineffabilis Deus. A little more than three years later, on February 11, 1858, a young lady appeared to St. Bernadette Soubirous. This began a series of visions. During the apparition on March 25, the lady identified herself with the words: I am the Immaculate Conception. St. Bernadette was a sickly child of poor parents. Their practice of the Catholic faith was scarcely more than lukewarm. St. Bernadette could pray the Our Father, the Hail Mary and the Creed. She also knew the prayer of the Miraculous Medal: O Mary conceived without sin. During interrogations St. Bernadette gave an account of what she saw. It was something white in the shape of a girl. She used the word aquero, a dialect term meaning this thing. It was a pretty young girl with a rosary over her arm. Her white robe was encircled by a blue girdle. She wore a white veil. There was a yellow rose on each foot. A rosary was in her hand. St. Bernadette was also impressed by the fact that the lady did not use the informal form of address (tu), but the polite form (vous). The humble virgin appeared to a humble girl and treated her with dignity. Through that humble girl the Virgin Mary revitalized and continues to revitalize the faith of millions of people. People began to flock to Lourdes from other parts of France and from all over the world. In 1862, Church authorities confirmed the authenticity of the apparitions and authorized the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes for the diocese. The Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes has become a place of pilgrimage and healing, but even more of faith. Church authorities have recognized over 60 miraculous cures, although there have probable been many more. To people of faith this is not surprising. It is a continuation of Jesus healing miracles now performed at the intercession of his mother. Some would say that the greater miracles are hidden. Many who visit Lourdes return home with renewed faith and a readiness to serve God in their needy brothers and sisters. There still may be people who doubt the apparitions of Lourdes. Perhaps the best that can be said to them are the words that introduce the film The Song of Bernadette: For those who believe in God, no explanation is necessary. For those who do not believe, no explanation is possible. Saint Valentine, Feast day February 14 Paton of Love Valentine was a priest in Rome during a time when the Emperor forbade the practice of Christianity and executed any who disobeyed him. Valentine ignored the law and he comforted persecuted martyrs and may even had married Christian couples. Valentine was arrested and brought before Cladius who demanded that Valentine renounce his Christian faith and accept the pagan gods of Rome. He refused to comply. Legend tells us that Valentine sent a girl a farewell note signing it from your Valentine. Yet another story evolved from the medieval belief that birds begin to mate on February 14th making it an ideal day for lovers. Today, St. Valentine is honored as a true patron of love, not because of an ancient belief or festival, but because he made the ultimate sacrifice. He gave his life for the love of God and his people. St. Methodius & St. Cyril, Feast day February 14 Patron of Europe Methodius and Cyril were brothers who grew up among the Slavid people and spoke their language. Methodius served as a governor in Greece before joining a monastery and Cyril became a priest and scholar. Although the brothers spoke Slovonic, they were confronted with a language with a written alphabet. However, local German missionaries resented the brothers influence. The Church also criticized them for using the common language of the people. When Cyril died, the next year Methodius was made Bishop of Serbia. But, he soon came into conflict with the German bishops who arranged for his arrest. Upon Methodius release he was again faced with papal restrictions on using Slovonic in Church. He soon returned to Rome and convinced the Pope to allow him to resume use of the vernacular. Methodius and Cyril are fondly remembered today as the Apostles of the Slavs.