OUR LADY OF SORROWS ST. ANTHONY

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1 The Parish Family of OUR LADY OF SORROWS ST. ANTHONY Two Churches One Family Our Lady of Sorrows Church 3816 East State Street Ext. St. Anthony Church 626 South Olden Avenue Parish Office & Mailing Address (Located in the Hall at Our Lady of Sorrows Church) 3816 East State St. Ext., Hamilton, NJ Parish Office Hours (Closed Sundays and holidays as announced in the bulletin) Mon. - Thu., 9:00 am - 12:30 pm; 1:45-8:00 pm Fri., 9:00 am - 12:30 pm; 1:45-4:30 pm; Sat., 8:30 am - 12:30 pm Phone: Fax: Website: info@ols-sa.org SUNDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2015 Rev. Msgr. Thomas N. Gervasio... Pastor Rev. H. Todd Carter... Parochial Vicar Rev. Jean R. Felicién... Parochial Vicar James Challender, Deacon Luders Desiré, Deacon Kevin O Boyle, Deacon Joseph Jaruszewski, Deacon Jeffery Pierfy, Deacon Joseph Novak and Michael Stewart... Trustees Donald E. Costantino... School Principal Mariyam Francis... Religious Education Director Mary O Boyle... Pre-School Director Susan Commini... Pastoral Outreach Michael Amantia... Music Ministry Doris Cordero... Parish Secretary Clara Gioe...Financial Secretary Denise Mikics...Bulletin & Calendar Gérald Charmant... Haitian Ministry RELIGIOUS EDUCATION OFFICE 3816 East State St. Ext. Phone: Fax: Report student absences by calling , ext. 2 OUR LADY OF SORROWS SCHOOL 3800 East State St. Ext. Phone: , ext. 1 Fax: OUR LADY OF SORROWS PRE-SCHOOL 3710 East State St. Ext. Phone: Fax: WORSHIP & SACRAMENTAL LIFE (OLS) Our Lady of Sorrows Church (SA) St. Anthony Church WEEKEND MASSES Saturday... 4:00 pm (SA), 5:00 pm (OLS) Sunday...8:00 & 10:00 am (SA), 7:30, 9:00, & 11:00 am (OLS) Creole Mass: 6:30 pm (SA) HOLY DAYS OF OBLIGATION Vigil of Holy Day...7:00 pm (SA) Holy Day12:15 pm (SA), 6:30 pm (Creole) (SA), 7:00 am & 7:00 pm (OLS) WEEKDAY MASSES Monday - Friday...7:00 am (OLS), 8:00 am (SA) Wednesday... 6:30 pm (Creole) (SA) Saturday... 9:00 am (OLS) Civil Holiday Masses as Announced ROSARY Monday - Friday... 7:30 am (SA) 1st Sunday of Month, January - June... 9:30 am (SA) 1st Sunday of Month, July - December... 8:30 am (OLS) WEEKLY NOVENAE Miraculous Medal... Mondays, after 8:00 am Mass (SA) St. Anthony... Tuesdays, after 8:00 am Mass (SA) BAPTISMS 1st Sunday... 11:00 am (SA) 3rd Saturday...10:00 am (Creole) (SA) 2nd & 3rd Sundays... 12:15 pm (OLS) RECONCILIATION Saturday... 3:00-3:45 pm (SA), 3:45-4:30 pm (OLS) Also by appointment

2 MASS INTENTIONS FOR THE WEEK MONDAY, DECEMBER 14 OLS 7 AM Theresa DiColo ~ Madeline & John Mary K. Leahey ~ C M Hawkes SA 8 AM Rose Ferlise ~ Rosary Altar Society Angelina Falchi ~ G & D Bell TUESDAY, DECEMBER 15 OLS 7 AM Raymond A Costello ~ M/M D Pierfy Felicia DeJoie ~ Daughter SA 8 AM Joseph Favata ~ Wife Jean Francis J Lehman ~ Wife & family WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16 OLS 7 AM John Rotondi ~ T DiSalvo James P Felletter ~ A Brennan & Dr J Brennan SA 8 AM Gino Agabiti ~ Knowels Family William T Kenney ~ Family THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17 OLS 7 AM Deacon James Buchanan ~ Family Walt Whalen ~ P & G Burton SA 8 AM Emil Petrecca ~ Family FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18 OLS 7 AM Howard Faulkner ~ W Faulkner Jr Virginia B Liwacz ~ D & R Chmiel SA 8 AM Sherman Britton ~ D Mikics Claudio Mastrocinque ~ Capuano & Carnicelli Family SATURDAY, DECEMBER 19 OLS 9 AM Frank Pellitteri ~ G & J Beres Rosina Babbitt ~ E Babbitt Sr SA 4 PM Louis DiMattia ~ F Wrobel William "Bill" Keene ~ M Ouskin OLS 5 PM Mary Muka ~ Daughter Jean John Mack ~ P Mack Dominic Palumbo ~ Wife Toni & niece Nancy Elizabeth N Smith ~ M/M Smith SUNDAY, DECEMBER 20 OLS 7:30 AM For the People of the Parish SA 8 AM Fortunato J & Josephine L Battisti ~ Family Louis & Mary Sesini ~ Loving daughters Sharon Pihokken ~ M/M P Garton OLS 9 AM Alice Michal ~ Family Deceased Members of the Sargiotto Family ~ Carmela Avery Rauch ~ Parents & Grandparents SA 10 AM Mary & Thomas Carroll ~ M Carroll Dorothy Frascella ~ Family James Muscato ~ Wife & children OLS 11 AM Anthony Rizzieri Jr ~ Mom & Dad Natalina Campana ~ Granddaughter Joanne Joseph Ragazzo ~ Daughter Joanne AT YOUR SERVICE NEW? If you'd like to join the parish, please visit the parish office and complete a registration form. We'll give you a supply of numbered envelopes. Their use will ensure that we can provide you with contribution information for income tax purposes and help document your participation in the liturgical life of your parish. PLEASE CALL THE PARISH OFFICE TO ARRANGE FOR: Baptism - Call well in advance to schedule. Matrimony - Call at least a year prior to your planned date. Anointing of the Sick - This is not a sacrament for only those who are at the point of death, but also those facing a serious illness. Holy Eucharist for the Homebound Bereavement Counseling Annulment Process Information RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION FOR ADULTS - If you want to join the Catholic Church or complete your sacraments of initiation (First Eucharist and/or Confirmation), join us for the RCIA. Weekly classes begin each September. LOW-GLUTEN (0.01%) HOSTS - We provide lowgluten hosts for those with Celiac Disease. Please inform the priest or deacon prior to the celebration of Mass; at communion time, approach the priest celebrant who will have this sacred host. SANCTUARY MEMORIALS - Weekly sanctuary lamps or flowers for Masses may be requested in memory of a loved one or to mark a special occasion. The cost of a lamp is $15; floral arrangements are $75. Please visit the parish office at least a week in advance, so that the dedication may be included in the bulletin. MASS INTENTIONS - Masses should be requested at the parish office; the stipend is $10. Our Mission Statement We are the Parish of Our Lady of Sorrows - Saint Anthony, a Roman Catholic Community; as one Eucharistic Family, we are Christ-centered and Spirit-led. Children of God our Father, we are united by His Love and sustained by the intercession of Our Lady and Saint Anthony. We give witness to our faith in action. 2

3 From the Pastor s Desk Dear Parishioners, The Extraordinary Holy Year of Mercy proclaimed by Pope Francis has begun. Within both our churches we have displayed the official emblem of the Holy Year. At Our Lady of Sorrows, it takes a prominent place in the large window above the doors leading to our elevator, parish office, and church. At Saint Anthony it hangs from our choir loft. The Holy Father has challenged the Church to be a channel of mercy especially to those who have distanced themselves from the practice of the faith. He has invited all Catholics to experience personally the consoling mercy of the Lord in the Sacrament of Penance. May one of the fruits of this Holy Year be a rediscovery or renewed appreciation of the gift we possess in the Sacrament of Penance. To this end, our parish has extended the time for sacramental confession. In addition to the usual Saturday afternoon periods, confessions will be heard following our 9:00 a.m. Saturday morning mass throughout the Holy Year. Special events will be announced as we journey through the year. The aims of the Year of Mercy must take root not only within the institution of the Church but should also be felt in the heart and soul of every Catholic. If we desire the mercy of God, we must ourselves be merciful. Consider the practice of the spiritual and corporal works of mercy. (I ve listed them in today s bulletin.) Let us continue and re-double our efforts to aid the poor and disenfranchised. How grateful and proud I am of our parish s generosity to the poor through Adopt-a-Family, the St. Vincent DePaul Society, Loaves and Fishes, our Lenten Work of Charity, and other collections and projects. Pope Francis urges us as we set out on the journey of this Year of Mercy: Let s think of Jesus, who always wants everyone to approach him. Let s think about the Holy People of God, simple people who want to approach Jesus, and let s think about the many Christians of goodwill who make mistakes, and instead of opening a door they close it. Let s ask the Lord that all who approach the Church may find the doors open to encounter this love of Jesus. Let s all ask for this grace. The doors of the Church are not only on E. State St. Ext. or on S. Olden Ave., but at the home of every parishioner. Every family home is a domestic church a church of Mercy. With affection, Msgr. Gervasio Mesaj ki soti nan biro Kiré-a Frè-m ak Sè-m yo, Lane Ekstraòdinè Mizèrikòd la proklame pa Pap Francois kòmanse. Nan tou 2 legliz nou yo, nou te afiche anblèm ofisyèl la pou Ane a tou. Nan Our Lady of Sorrows li nan yon plas ki enpòtan anwo fennèt gwo pòt yo ki mennen ale nan asansè nou an, biwo pawas, ak legliz la. Nan Saint Anthony li pandye sòti nan balkon kote koral nou an plase a. Le Pap defye Legliz la ki dwe yon kanal pou mizèrikòd espesyalman pou moun ki te mete tèt yo lwen nan pratike lafwa yo nan Bondye a. Li envite tout katolik fè eksperyans pèsonèlman nan pitye ak konsole nan sakreman Penitans lan. Se pou youn nan fwi yo pou Ane Sentespri sa a gen yon redekouvèt oswa renouvle apresyasyon nan kado ke nou posede nan sakreman penitans lan. Pou sa ka fèt, pawas nou an pwolonje tan pou sakreman konfesyon an. Anplis peryòd nòmal yo nan Samdi aprèmidi, Konfesyon yo pral kontinye tout swit aprè lanmès 9:00 nan maten jou Samdi yo pandan lane sa-a. Nou pral anonse kèk aktivite espesyal tou pandan nap avanse nan lane sa-a. Objektif yo nan ane Mizèrikòd sa a dwe pran rasin pa sèlman nan "enstitisyon an" nan Legliz la, men ta dwe tou fè santi nan kè ak nanm chak Katolik. Si nou vle Bondye gen pitye pou nou nou dwe konn gen pitye tou. Pratike zèv espirityèl ak kòporèl nan pitye. (Mwen ekri yon lis yo nan bilten Jodi-a.) Se pou nou kontinye e redouble efò nou yo pou ede pòv yo ak sa ki pa gen anyen yo. Kouman nou rekonesan E mwen fyè pou generozite pawas nou an nan bay pòv yo pa moyen: "Adopt-a-Family, Saint Vincent de Paul, Loaves and Fishes, Lenten Work of Charity ansanm ak lòt Koleksyon ak pwojè yo. Pap Francois ankouraje nou jan pou nou fikse sou Lane sa a nan Mizèrikòd: "Se pou nou panse nan Jezi, ki toujou vle tout moun apwòch l '. Se pou nou panse ak Pèp Bondye a, moun ki senp ki vle apwoche Jezi, e se pou nou panse ak ampil kretyen yo ki gen bòn volonte men ki fè erè, E olye pou yo louvri yon pòt yo fèmen li. Se pou nou mande Senyè a Tout moun ki apwoche Legliz la ka jwenn pòt yo louvri pou rankontre renmen sa a nan Jezi. Se pou yo tout mande pou favè sa a." Pòt Legliz yo pa sèlman sou E. State St Ext. oswa sou S. Olden Ave., men nan lakay chak parwasyen. Chak kay fanmi se yon "domestik legliz"... yon legliz nan Mizèrikòd. Avèk afeksyon, Msgr. Gervasio 3

4 The Works of Mercy Corporal To feed the hungry; To give drink to the thirsty; To clothe the naked; To harbor the harborless; To visit the sick; To ransom the captive; To bury the dead. Spiritual To instruct the ignorant To counsel the doubtful To admonish sinners To bear wrongs patiently To forgive offenses willingly To comfort the afflicted To pray for the living and the dead Zèv Mizèrikòd yo Kòporèl Pou bay moun ki grangou yo manje Pou bay moun ki swaf yo bwè Pou abiye moun ki toutouni yo Pou abrite moun ki pa gen kote pou yo rete Pou vizite moun ki malad yo Pou bay prizonye yo Pou antere moun ki mouri yo Espirityèl Pou chanje moun ki pa konnen Pou bay konsèy Pou avèti moun k'ap fè peche yo Pou sipòte mal yo avèk pasyans Pou padonnen moun ki ofanse pa ekxprè Pou konsole aflije yo Pou lapriyè pou vivan yo ak mò a Gaudete Sunday..Violet gives way to Rose Today, the third Sunday of Advent is often referred to as Gaudete Sunday. It is so called from the first word of the Entrance Antiphon of the Mass (Gaudete, i.e. Rejoice). The season of Advent originated as a fast of forty days in preparation for Christmas, commencing on the day after the feast of St. Martin (12 November), whence it was often called "St. Martin's Lent" a name by which it was known as early as the fifth century. Notwithstanding all the passage of time, Advent still retains many characteristics of a penitential season, which made it a kind of counterpart to Lent, the middle (or third) Sunday corresponding with Laetare or Mid-Lent Sunday. On it, as on Laetare Sunday, the organ and flowers, forbidden during the rest of the season, are permitted to be used; rose-colored vestments are allowed instead of violet. Gaudete Sunday, might be considered a break about midway through a season and signifies the nearness of the Lord's coming. The joy of expectation is emphasized by the constant Alleluias, which occur in both Office and Mass throughout the entire season. In the Mass, the Entrance Antiphon, Gaudete in Domino Semper, strikes the same note, and gives its name to the day. The Epistle incites us to rejoicing, and bids us prepare to meet the coming Savior with prayers and supplication and thanksgiving, while the Gospel, the words of St. John Baptist, warns us that the Lamb of God is even now in our midst, though we appear to know Him not. The spirit of the Office and Liturgy all through Advent is one of expectation and preparation for the Christmas feast as well as for the second coming of Christ, and the penitential exercises suitable to that spirit are thus on Gaudete Sunday suspended for a while in order to symbolize that joy and gladness in the Promised Redemption which should never be absent from the heart of the faithful. Stewardship Report Weekly Collection: Dec. 7 $22,694 Immaculate Conception (Holy Day) $2,041 Opportunity for Confession Wednesday, December 16 7:00 p.m. Our Lady of Sorrows Church Our parish priests and visiting priests will be available for reconciliation. Your Christmas Gift Our parish relies very much on the annual Christmas Collection to meet its financial obligations. Your generosity in this annual appeal is very much appreciated. Sanctuary Lamps at St. Anthony Both lamps burn in loving memory of Angelina White at the request of her family. 4

5 God Bless Our Newly Baptized Anthony Marcello Andrese Cameron Michael Calisti Nicolai James Gnatt Sadie Ann Marx Colton Robert Midura Pope Francis's Prayer for the Jubilee of Mercy Lord Jesus Christ, you have taught us to be merciful like the heavenly Father, and have told us that whoever sees you sees Him. Show us your face and we will be saved. Your loving gaze freed Zacchaeus and Matthew from being enslaved by money; the adulteress and Magdalene from seeking happiness only in created things; made Peter weep after his betrayal, and assured Paradise to the repentant thief. Let us hear, as if addressed to each one of us, the words that you spoke to the Samaritan woman: "If you knew the gift of God!" You are the visible face of the invisible Father, of the God who manifests his power above all by forgiveness and mercy: let the Church be your visible face in the world, its Lord risen and glorified. You willed that your ministers would also be clothed in weakness in order that they may feel compassion for those in ignorance and error: let everyone who approaches them feel sought after, loved, and forgiven by God. Send your Spirit and consecrate every one of us with its anointing, so that the Jubilee of Mercy may be a year of grace from the Lord, and your Church, with renewed enthusiasm, may bring good news to the poor, proclaim liberty to captives and the oppressed, and restore sight to the blind. We ask this through the intercession of Mary, Mother of Mercy, you who live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit for ever and ever. Amen. Important Reminder Because of the shortened work weeks that allow employees of the company that prints our bulletins to celebrate Christmas and New Year s, the deadlines for the December 27 and January 3 issues have been moved up. In order for us to submit these bulletins on time, articles and information are requested by December 14 and 17, respectively. Thank you for your cooperation. 5 Living Faith News For Advent, the Living Faith group will be reading and discussing The Holy Year of Mercy, a reflection guide written by Pope Francis. If you could not join us earlier this fall, please try to come during Advent. Meeting Day: Tuesdays Time: 7:00 p.m. Location: Church Library (Please check with the parish secretary to be sure.) Please phone ahead for more details: Betty Angelucci ( ) or Toni Levandowski ( ). Help Wanted Jesus is coming! Gather with your fellow parishioners at 7 p.m. on Sunday, December 20, to help decorate Our Lady of Sorrows Church for his arrival. Many hands will make light work, so bring your family and friends! Rosary Altar Society News Special Notice of Meeting Date Change Monthly Meeting - Monday, December 14 Our general meeting and Christmas Social will be held in the Church Meeting Room. Joyce Farina and her hospitality committee will provide us with refreshments. Shop with Scrip Haven t been able to find the perfect gift for someone on your list? Everybody loves gift cards! Gift cards let them visit their favorite store (or shop online) and pick out exactly what they want. And now you don t have to run from store to store to buy a gift card for toys, books, clothing, electronics, and more. You can order Scrip (gift cards) for hundreds of stores even local supermarkets online and help raise funds for Our Lady of Sorrows School. It s easy and can save you hours of shopping. Visit and click on Scrip Program to learn just how easy it is. Please note that the last day to place orders in time for Christmas is this coming Friday, December 18. Welcome! A warm welcome is extended to the following new parishioners: Chelsea & Kevin Daly Katie Giraldi Carl Mottola Justin Schumacher

6 News From the Parish School Another Opening, Another Show The lights were bright, the songs were robust but best of all the message was clear! The talented team of Our Lady of Sorrows School teachers brought the miracle of Christmas to life on the school stage. Mr. Kemmey, our very talented music teacher, showcased the wonderful children from our Lower School. They displayed their talents using their vocal and instrumental skills. Yes, your parish school has quite an outstanding orchestra program! Our orchestra was supplemented this year with the guest appearances of a number of our alumni! (Why not, after all, it's our 60th Anniversary year!) Classes from Kindergarten to Grade 4 shared their talents with recorders, guitars, and bell chimes! Yes, each and every class was part of the message of Christmas. The Miracle at Midnight said, "Good Morning, Bethlehem!" Another day has dawned in this little town and its citizens were bustling with activities. Bethlehem's mayor and his staff of one were hard at work announcing the new decree from Caesar Augustus. Meanwhile, angels were polishing their halos in Heaven for a big announcement and a young couple from Nazareth were preparing for their first child. By midnight, a miracle had occurred that would change the world forever! Yes, such a big miracle in such a little child! Our students celebrated the wonder of God's love with the Miracle at Midnight! Many thanks to our dedicated teachers and parents who allowed the performance to blossom with piano, lavish costumes, and lively set designs. Mrs. Bowers, our talented art teacher, coordinated our parent volunteers to enhance the beauty of the message. It's not too late, stop by to feel the excitement among the children! The activities that lead to the celebration of Christmas will continue. You haven't even learned about the flurry of excitement that accompanies Reindeer Games! They are scheduled to take off during our last week in school before Christmas. Come to visit, you'll want to be part of the Reindeer Games. Find out more about how your family can be part of the magic of Our Lady of Sorrows School. Just a phone call away! 6 Our faith teaches us that Jesus remains present in his Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity, in the Sacrament that is reserved in the tabernacle. Thursdays Are Days Of Solemn Adoration The Blessed Sacrament will be placed upon the altar following the 7 a.m. Mass until Reposition at 6 p.m. All are invited to answer the Lord s call He wants us give Him the gift of our time. He wants us to come to Him bringing our needs, anxieties, joys, and thanks. Our Lady of Sorrows Church also is open during our office hours. Why not stop for even a brief moment to rejoice in the Lord s Presence? Gentle Reminder If you brought or sent in a picture of a loved one to be placed by Our Lady at either Our Lady of Sorrows or St. Anthony during November, please pick it up at the Parish Office during regular business hours (see front cover of bulletin). The Parish Office is located beneath Our Lady of Sorrows Church. God Bless Our Newly Baptized Anthony Marcello Andrese Cameron Michael Calisti Nicolai James Gnatt Sadie Ann Marx Colton Robert Midura The Tradition of the Advent Wreath The Church is celebrating the season of Advent, a time to anticipate the birth of Christ, the Light of the World. Our parish continues its tradition of inviting families to carry the lighted Advent candle in procession at the beginning of each weekend Mass. If your family is interested in participating in this special tradition, please arrive at church 20 minutes before Mass starts and let the deacon know that you are interested in carrying in the Advent candle. Liturgical Celebrations This Week Mon, Dec 14 St. John of the Cross

7 Please Pray for the Sick Joseph Acerra, Bernice Bates, Victoria Bilardo, John Carbonara, Maria Corbett, Ryan Cromwell, Carmella Cronce, Ted Dolci, Bill Doran, Rosalie Duvin, Eileen Evans, Suzanne Figueroa, Bud Foley, Keith Gerner, Lewis Gryziewicz, George Gushue, Eileen & John Haller, Jeff Hoefler, Joan Holman, JoAnn Jasinski, Stephen Komlosi, Terry Kubinski, Bernadette Lecato, Michael T Masick, Mark McGrath, Larry Monte, Angela Moscarello, Barbara Nolan, Cheryl & Tom Noon, Charlotte Nurko, Joseph O'Hara, Jennifer Panicaro, Frank Petrino Jr, Isabella Petrino, Tom Plantier, Catherine Rodenbaugh, Michael Rogers, Rose Salvatore, Baby Michael Schaefer, David Smith, May Spett, Janice Sprink, Joan Staszenski, Brenda Staub-Lust, Tom Valatka, Mary Ann Warner If you would like to be placed on the sick list, please call the rectory office. (If you're calling for someone else, kindly make sure you have their permission.) Please note that names will be removed from the published prayer list after 12 weeks unless other arrangements have been made. Please Pray for Our Beloved Deceased JoAnn Halsey Eleanor Kazior 'Tis More Blessed to Give... As you are planning your Christmas giving, please consider being a Tuition Angel. Your gift of support of a Catholic education is one that will be alive for generations. Many families are challenged to meet the tuition needs that accompany their commitment to a Catholic education for their children. Your tax-deductible donation supports students in their daily walk in faith. I personally thank you for your consideration and support of this spiritually rewarding gift of love and faith. On behalf of the OLS school family, I extend our best wishes for a happy and holy Christmas. Seniors Activities Senior Club #1 Next meeting: Wednesday, January 13, at 1 p.m. in the Church Hall at St. Anthony. Senior Club #2 Next meeting: Tuesday, December 15, at 1 p.m. in the Church Meeting Room. New members are welcome to join our clubs. Many Hands Make Light Work Are you able to give 1-2 hours approximately 7 times a year caring for our parish altar linens? Members of the Altar Linen Ministry launder and press the purificators used for our Sunday and daily masses. Greatly appreciated by the priests, deacons, and parish staff, this important ministry works behind the scenes to help keep our parish running smoothly. If you are interested, please call Susan at the parish office ( ). AROUND THE DIOCESE World Marriage Day Dinner Dance Saturday, February 13, 2016 St. Pius X Parish (300 Lacey Rd, Forked River) 4 PM Mass 5 PM appetizers, buffet dinner, and dancing $75/couple Complementary wine and champagne (BYO as well) Special guest speaker: Rev. Jim Grogan Visit to register online, or complete the form below and mail with your check for $75 (payable to Diocese of Trenton, with "World Marriage Day" on the notation line) to: Department of Youth, Marriage, and Family Life 701 Lawrenceville Road PO Box 5147 Trenton NJ Names: Address: City/State/ZIP: Phone: I would like to sit with (tables seat 8): Deadline for Registration: February 8, For more information, call Jossie Ruiz ( ) 7

8 Trenton Diocesan Spiritual Center Box 392 Rancocas NJ verizon.net Silent Directed Retreat Weekend 7 PM Fri, Dec 18 1 PM Sun, Dec 20; $130 ($50 nonrefundable deposit with registration) Due to the frantic pace of contemporary life, it is essential for our spiritual and physical health to take time to pray. This retreat offers you the opportunity to experience the graced rhythm of life in which silence and rest restore your body and God revives your soul. Liturgy, spiritual direction and optional contemplative prayer periods are included. Please register early. These fill quickly. Contemplate the Mystery of Christmas Mon, Dec 21; 9:30 AM 1:00 PM; $20 (lunch included) This retreat morning will allow you the time and space to celebrate Christmas spiritually, as most of us do not have that opportunity on the day itself. Spending this time with God makes a huge difference in the final days before Christmas, as you continue your preparation for the feast. End of the Year Retreat Thu, Dec 31, 9:30 AM - 2:30 PM; love offering; please bring a bag lunch Since God gives us life and time and is Lord over all, it seems appropriate to end the year in prayer. Francis House offers time, space and quiet for naming the graces of 2015 and expressing gratitude to God. The afternoon will focus on our goals, hopes and desires for Pilgrimage to Holy Doors The Jubilee Year of Mercy began on December 8, and the faithful are being encouraged to pilgrimage to Holy Doors of churches throughout the world. St. Anthony Parish (in Ambler, PA) will be traveling to the Holy Land in April 2016 and will visit 2 of the designated basilicas: Basilica of Gethsemane in Jerusalem and the Basilica of the Annunciation in Nazareth. The pilgrimage will also include all of the major sites of Jesus's life and ministry from the Galilee to Jerusalem. St. Anthony parish has been traveling successfully to the Holy Land since 2009 and has shepherded pilgrims with the utmost care and safety. No one returns from the land where Jesus walked unchanged by this once-in-a-lifetime spiritual experience. Please call St. Anthony Parish ( ) for more information. Deposits should be received by January 3, Vocation Discernment Christmas Open House Once again our Vocational Discernment group will meet on the last Sunday of December. The format of this month s gathering will be a visit to the Diocesan House of Discernment where you will have the opportunity to meet and chat with some of the priests and some of our seminarians from the Diocese of Trenton. If you are a faithful, single, Roman Catholic man, between the ages of 18 and 40, and are asking yourself whether God is calling you to be a priest, you are cordially invited to attend this month s Vocation Open House Discernment meeting on Sunday, December 27, from 3 to 6 p.m. at The Church of the Sacred Heart rectory, 343 S Broad St, Trenton. Join Very Rev. Dennis Apoldite and the men of the House of Discernment, as they share their experiences of the priesthood. Please register with Diocese of Trenton Office of Vocations at vocations@dioceseoftrenton.org or by calling Year Of Mercy Pilgrimage April 4-14, 2016 This pilgrimage has been designed for those who are seeking a greater understanding of our Catholic Faith during the Jubilee Year of Mercy. Bishop David M. O Connell will lead pilgrims via roundtrip direct flights from Newark to Rome. Enjoy the spiritual, liturgical, and cultural places that have shaped our Catholic Identity throughout the centuries. Respond to the call of Our Holy Father, Pope Francis, to reflect more deeply on the meaning of God s mercy in our lives and the life of the Church. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity. Visit for a look at the itinerary. Have questions? Go to For additional information and reservations, contact Marianna Pisano (mpisano@unitours.com). Freelancers Wanted The Monitor, newspaper of the Diocese of Trenton, is seeking freelance reporters and photographers to cover diocesan, parish, and Catholic school events in Burlington, Mercer, Monmouth, and Ocean counties. Professional experience is required. Must have own transportation and the ability to submit articles/photos digitally. Evening and weekend availability a must. Competitive rates paid. Please send letter of interest and resume, along with clips, or links to published works, to: Rayanne Bennett, Associate Publisher, The Monitor, Diocese of Trenton, rbenne@dioceseoftrenton.org. 8

9 2015 CHRISTMASTIDE 2016 SACRAMENT OF PENANCE Parish Penance Service Wednesday, December 16 7:00 p.m.: Our Lady of Sorrows Saturday, December 19 10:30 11:30 a.m.: Our Lady of Sorrows 3:00 3:45 p.m.: St. Anthony 3:45 4:30 p.m.: Our Lady of Sorrows SOLEMNITY OF CHRISTMAS Vigil: Thursday, December 24 Our Lady of Sorrows 4:00 p.m. (Church & Gym) & 6:00 p.m. (Church) Solemn Mass at 10:00 p.m. (Church) St. Anthony 4:00 & 6:00 p.m. (English) Solemn Mass at 10:00 p.m. (Creole) Friday, December 25 Our Lady of Sorrows 9:00 & 11:00 a.m. St. Anthony 10:00 a.m. (English & Creole) SOLEMNITY OF MARY, MOTHER OF GOD Vigil: Thursday, December 31 Our Lady of Sorrows 4:00 p.m. St. Anthony 4:00 p.m. Friday, January 1 Our Lady of Sorrows 9:00 and 11:00 a.m. St. Anthony 10:00 a.m. (English) 5:00 p.m. (Creole) 9

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