Our Lady of Mt. Virgin Church

Transcription

1 Our Lady of Mt. Virgin Church 600 Harris Avenue, Middlesex, New Jersey Parish Office: Rectory Emergency: Parish Office Fax: SERVED BY Very Rev. Patrick J. Kuffner, Pastor x 1006 pkuffner@olmv.net Rev. Mark Kehoe, Associate Pastor x 1011 mkehoe@olmv.net Rev. Peter G. Suhaka, Weekend Associate Deacon John R. Tietjen jtietjen@olmv.net Deacon John Czekaj jczekaj@olmv.net Deacon Tom Sommero tsommero@olmv.net Sr. James Xavier Landi S.S.J., Pastoral Minister sjxavier@olmv.net Dorothy Zmigrodski, Parish Catechetical Leader x 2010 dzmigrodski@olmv.net Anita McGinley, Catechetical Assistant x 2010 amcginley@olmv.net Rives Cassel, Director of Sacred Music x 1105 rcassel@olmv.net Antonio Troia, Coordinator of Youth & Young Adult Ministry x 1108 atroia@olmv.net Elizabeth Graebener, Ministry to Veterans Military x 1109 Ellen Fleming, Parish Office Manager x 1002 efleming@olmv.net Carol Valente, Pastor s Assistant, Financial Manager x 1003 cvalente@olmv.net Gabriella Rosales, Parish Secretary / Hispanic Ministry x 1001 grosales@olmv.net Ed Kura, Facilities Manager x 2009 ekura@olmv.net Donald Kornmeyer, Custodian x 2009 MARRIAGES: Couples are encouraged to contact the parish office to begin the Marriage Preparation Program. It is recommended that engaged couples begin this process a year in advance of the wedding. Please contact the parish office for additional information. INFANT BAPTISMS: The Sacrament of Baptism is celebrated on the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Sunday of each month after the 11:30 am Mass (except during Lent). Families must be registered in the Parish and attend a Baptism Preparation Class. Please contact the parish office for additional information. VISITS TO THE SICK & HOMEBOUND: Eucharistic Ministers are pleased to bring Holy Communion to the members of the parish who are homebound. Please contact the Parish Office to arrange for a visit by a Eucharistic Minister or to arrange for the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick. Our Lady of Mount Virgin is a vibrant and welcoming Roman Catholic Parish that, guided by the Holy Spirit, offers opportunities for all to experience God. Parish Office hours: Monday-Friday (8:30 am-4:00 pm) All are encouraged to visit and spend time in prayer and meditation in the church and in our Meditation Garden. MASS SCHEDULE: Saturdays: 8:00 a.m. & 5:00 p.m. (Sunday Vigil Mass) Sundays: 8:00, 10:00 & 11:30 a.m. 1:30 p.m. (Misa en Español) Weekdays: 7:00 a.m. (M, W, F); 12:00 Noon (Tu, Th) Holy Days: 7:00 p.m. Vigil Mass, 7:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon ADORATION: 1st and 3rd Friday after the Morning Mass until 12:00noon SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION: Saturday from 3:30 to 4:15 p.m. First Sunday of Advent November 27, 2016

2 MASS INTENTIONS MON., Nov.,28 th Advent Weekday 7:00 A.M. Raymond D. O Connor r/o The Romancheck Family TUES., Nov., 29 th Advent Weekday 12:00 P.M. Catherine & Joseph Maco r/o The Maco Family WED., Nov., 30 th St. Andrew, Apostle 7:00 A.M. Robert H. Bregler r/o Mr. & Mrs. Robert Vignoli THURS., Dec., 1 st Advent Weekday 12:00 P.M. Robert F. Johnson r/o Mary FRI., Dec., 2 nd Advent Weekday 7:00 A.M. Carlton R. Lorah r/o Marcella Family SAT., Dec., 3 rd St. Francis Xavier, Priest 8:00 A.M. Purgatorial Mass 5:00 P.M. Jose & Lourdes DelPrado r/o Joe & Daphne DelPrado SUN., Dec., 4 th Second Sunday of Advent 8:00 A.M. Marie Graf r/o Graf & Jacobs Families 10:00 A.M. John Flesher r/o Wife, Ceil & Family 11:30 A.M. Josephine Colaluca r/o Daughter in Law, Sheila 1:30 P.M. Aniversario de Bodas de Sr. Juan & Sra. Ana Jimenez ADVENT Advent has a twofold character: as a season to prepare for Christmas when Christ s first coming to us is remembered; as a season when that remembrance directs the mind and heart to await Christ s Second Coming at the end of time. Advent is thus a period for devout and joyful exception. Ask and you will receive; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. Luke 11:9 Jesus assures us that if we ask Him, God will take care of what we need. The problem is that in our culture we often confuse what we really need with what we simply want. Many people need very little. However, we usually want so much more. A good steward only asks God for what he needs. GOD S PLAN FOR GIVING November $9, Major Renovations......$ Debt Reduction.. $2, Weekly Expenses $19, Opportunities to support your Parish Did you know that in addition to Mass intentions for your loved ones you may remember them through the following memorial opportunities? Floral Memorial at the Altar Altar, Sanctuary or Tabernacle Candles Meditation Garden Remembrance Bricks A gift of cash, securities, or other assets to OLMV FOR THE WEEK OF NOVEMBER 27 DECEMBER 3 Altar Candles Carlton R. Lorah r/o Marcella & Family Tabernacle Candles Debbie Eichert r/o Sister, Sheila Sanctuary Candles Maria Fattorusso r/o The Butera Family MEDITATION GARDEN AND REMEMBRANCE WALKWAY A "Remembrance Walkway" brick is a wonderful way to remember a loved one or to remember a special moment in your life. Your purchase of a "Remembrance Walkway" brick also provides the means for your parish to continue to make improvements to our aging structure. See Fr. Pat for information about bricks. ACH Banking Forms are available around the Parish. PRAY FOR THE SICK In your charity please pray for the sick of our parish, the sick who remain in our intentions and those whose names are kept on our prayer list. Our Advent Novena continues this Monday, November 28, at 7:00 P.M. Join our Altar Rosary Society and other members of our parish Family for this preparation leading into the beginning of our new Church year and the birth of our Lord.

3 A letter from our Pastor My Brothers and Sisters in Christ, So, too, you must be prepared. In today s Gospel Jesus reminds his followers and us that we must, indeed, be prepared--- because it is certain that one day we must meet the Lord. This message for his disciples two thousand years ago, and for us today, is a powerful reminder that now, as we enter into the holy season of Advent, we need to prepare ourselves as we anticipate the coming of the Lord. Jesus reminds his followers that they need to stay awake because they do not know when the Lord will come. He reminds them of the suffering of the people during the time of the Flood because they did not follow the lead of Noah. Jesus suggests that the fate of the people of Israel will be the same if they are not vigilant in their preparations. Two thousand years later, Jesus shares a similar message with us. He reminds us that we must also be vigilant in our own preparations because, if we remain faithful, we are promised a bright future with the Lord, our God. Do you ever notice the wonderful stained glass windows that surround our beautiful church? As I celebrate holy Mass here at OLMV, I often look out to these stained glass windows and consider the powerful Catholic messages that they portray. In the center window we are invited to meditate upon on the lamb which represents of the Son, the trident which represents the Father and the seven wisps of fire which represent the Holy Spirit. To my left there is the image of the two stones on which God wrote the Ten Commandments (representing what was!) and to my right, the three crosses which represent the Crucifixion, and also the face of the risen Christ which represents our salvation. Taken together, these three stained glass representations remind us to center our lives on the Trinity as we reflect on our past while we embrace our future. When we think about it, isn t this what Advent is all about? Today s Gospel message is a reminder of what Advent is all about. Advent is a time of preparation. It is also a time of anticipation---joyful anticipation! We prepare for the coming of Jesus as the baby in Bethlehem; Jesus who as an adult will reveal the Good News to the people; Jesus who will give himself up to death on the cross; Jesus who will return to us in Resurrection; Jesus who will be with us always, until the end of time. Jesus comes to us and remains with us always! What an incredibly comforting concept. This truth of Jesus prompts us to embrace our future even while we honor our past! During these weeks of Advent we are invited individually and as a parish community to renew ourselves in the Lord and to re-commit to the lived reality of our faith in Jesus Christ. Let us begin our Advent preparation for the coming of the Lord into our lives: let us begin this preparation today---right now. The new-born Savior of Christmas, the Messiah, Emmanuel, God-With us, is on the way. Let us rejoice, let us be glad. Let us be vigilant and let us prepare with joyful anticipation! In peace and prayer, Fr. Pat ADVENT HAPPENINGS HERE AT OLMV Please plan to attend: Our Monday night Advent Novena at 7:00 P.M. Parish Advent Penance Service on Thursday, December 6 th at 7:00 P.M. A good time to experience God s healing love and forgiveness of our sins. Guest priests will be available for confession. Mass of Anointing: Saturday, December 10 th, at 11:00 am. Deer Ridge Singers Christmas Concert: Sunday, December 11 th, 7:30 pm. Opportunities to support OLMV: Our Mass book for 2017 is now open. Please stop by the parish office to make arrangements to remember a loved one at Mass. In addition to Mass intentions for your loved ones, other memorial opportunities are also available. CHRISTMAS JESSIE TREE SAVE THE DATE! Parishioners are asked to take a tag from the Christmas tree, purchase the gift and return both gift and tag - unwrapped to the church by December 3-4. Please leave the gifts in the Blessed Mother Chapel. Delivery will be made on December 5th. You may want to include a gift receipt with gifts of clothing. We look forward to your continued support. We provide gifts to 10 organizations including Catholic Charities, Roosevelt Care Center, Great Expectations and a number of other organizations. Volunteers are needed to sort, bag and deliver the gifts on Monday morning December 5 after the 7:00 am Mass.

4 Notes from our Pastor... Baby Bottle Campaign: Thank you to everyone who took a Baby Bottle last weekend. Mrs. Fasanello and the staff at Life Choices count on the support of the parishioners of our parish and many other parishes in our diocese as they endeavor to assist women who choose life. Your support assists this wonderful program in its mission to encourage mothers to choose life for their unborn children. Baby Bottles can be dropped off at the church ---receptacles can be found in the vestibule and in the Blessed Mother Chapel. Thank you for your support! Jubilee of Mercy Comes to a Close: What a grace to be part of our diocesan celebration of the Jubilee of Mercy on Saturday, November 19 at the Basilica of the Immaculate Virgin in Washington, D C. As we come to the end of the Jubilee of Mercy here in our parish, let us remember to continue trying to live at least one Corporal and one Spiritual Work of Mercy each week. Healthy Aging: Over the past decades, researchers have explored how lifestyle factors may affect our physical and cognitive health. Diet, exercise, stress, sleep problems, and other factors may influence age-related physical and cognitive decline. Learn about the latest research on lifestyle changes and how to incorporate healthy habits into your daily routine: Tuesday, December 6, 2016: 7:00 8:00pm --- sponsored by Alzheimer s New Jersey. Presentation will take place at Highland Park Public Library, 31 North 5 th Avenue, Highland Park. Presentation is free but preregistration is required: please call Alzheimer s New Jersey at to register. Meditation Garden: During this special time of Advent, it is worth making the effort to visit our beautiful Meditation Garden and Remembrance Walkway. What a special place to spend a few minutes meditation on our relationship with God or remembering a loved one!!! Remembrance bricks are always available and forms can be found around the church. Feast of the Immaculate Conception: Don t forget the Feast of the Immaculate Conception is a Holy Day of Obligation. Why not place this date on your calendar and remind yourself to attend Mass? Vigil Mass: December 7 at 7:00pm; Masses on December 8: 7:00am and 12:00noon. New and Gently used winter coats as well as accessories will be collected by the Altar Rosary Society the weekend of November Local shelters are in most need of young children and infant winter coats. Anything you can provide will be appreciated. Together we can spread the warmth of God's love this Advent Season! Contact adriennesvid@gmail.com with questions. A Reminder: EUCHARISTIC ADORATION begins after the 7:00 A.M. Mass on Friday, December 2. Adoration ends at 12:00 noon. Our Lady of Mount Virgin Altar Rosary Society will hold its Annual Christmas Party, Thursday, December 1st at 6:00 pm at Carpaccio Ristorante, Bound Brook Rd, Middlesex. Tickets are $28.00 per person. For reservations and more information, contact Dianne at Sunday, December 4th, 8:00 A.M. Altar Rosary Society Mass & Communion NO Meetings for the Month of December and January. IMPORTANT DATES---MARK YOUR CALENDARS! Altar Rosary Society Winter Used Coat Drive November Jessie Tree December 3 4 Penance Service December 6 Mass of Anointing December 10 Children s Liturgy December 18 THE DEANERY SCHOOL- HOLY SAVIOR ACADEMY Holy Savior Academy, 149 South Plainfield Ave., South Plainfield ( Holy Savior Academy accepts students coming into prekindergarten through grade 8. Please contact the school at to arrange an interview or to have a tour of the facility.

5 BEREAVEMENT MINISTRY ~~ The fall session of Journey Through Grief just ended. It will resume in the Spring from April 20th through June 8th, We wish to thank Fr. Pat, Sr. James for their con nued support and Fr. Mark for his comfor ng presence and advice. We would be remiss if we did not pay special tribute to Pa y Reents and the Prayer Shawl Ministry who, year a er year, provide shawls for our bereaved. Knowing that these shawls were handmade and blessed could not be more appreciated. Our mission is to bring hope, comfort and healing to those who have experienced the loss of loved ones. Un l we meet again, may you find consola on in God's strength and understanding, and comfort in His love. Sacrament of Baptism: The Sacrament of Baptism is celebrated in English immediately after the 11:30am Mass on the 1 st, 2 nd and 3 rd Sunday of each month (except during Lent). Baptisms are celebrated in Spanish on the 4 th Sunday of each month during the 1:30pm Mass. Before arranging a baptism, parents must attend a Baptism Preparation Class which is held on the 1 st Thursday of each month at 7:30pm in the meeting room at Petra House. Parents who are not fluent in English are invited to bring a family member or friend who can serve as an interpreter. To register, please call the parish office at The next Baptism Preparation Class will take place on Thursday, December 8, A "Deer Ridge Singers" Christmas The Deer Ridge Singers, directed by Daren L. McCann, will present a Christmas concert here at Our Lady of Mount Virgin Church on Sunday, December 11 at 7:30pm. The program, containing something for everyone, will feature a variety of holiday works for choir, strings and percussion. Tickets are available in advance for $22 or at the door for $25. Student and senior tickets are $22. Contact Daren L. McCann at for more information or advance tickets. LAZARUS MINISTRY UPDATE Our Parish Lazurus Ministry Team provides immediate support to families following the death of a loved one. Team members offer a loving response on behalf of our whole parish to the bereaved, and offer guidance in how the family may participate in the funeral liturgy. Follow up concern is also offered as part of this ministry. We need more members to meet all these needs; please contact Sister James at or sjxavier@olmv.net, if you would like to be part of this important and healing ministry of our church. RELIGIOUS EDUCATION CALENDAR: December 5: Sacramental Meeting for Parents of children eligible to receive First Penance and First Communion at 7:00 pm PARISH REGISTRATION: In order to be considered a parishioner, all adults (persons 21 years of age or older) must complete a registration form which can be picked up at the parish office. Often, young adults who grew up in the parish don't realize that they must be registered on their own. Please remind young adults (family and friends) that they must register with the parish. Many young adults presume that they are registered because their parents are members of the parish. Once a person has reached adulthood, he or she must register in person to be considered a member of the parish. To be eligible to receive sacraments or to receive sponsor letters, persons must be registered and active members of OLMV. ELIGIBILITY LETTERS FOR GODPARENTS AND SPONSORS: Canon Law requires that a person seeking a sponsor letter to serve as a Godparent for the Sacrament of Baptism or a Sponsor for the Sacrament of Confirmation be a Confirmed Catholic who is active in his or her church and, if married, be in a valid, Catholic marriage. An active Catholic is understood to be a person who is registered, attends Mass regularly, contributes to the support of the Church and whose lifestyle in keeping with the Catholic faith. Parish Mission St. Joseph Parish in Bound Brook will be hosting an Advent Parish Mission. Catholic Lay Evangelist, Bill Wegner of Good News International will be conducting the mission. The theme is Our Journey with Jesus! It will be a special time of renewal for our entire community. All are welcome, and bring a friend! Location: St. Joseph Catholic Church, 111 East High Street (corner of Mountain Avenue and East High Street), Bound Brook, NJ Evening Schedule: Dec. 4, 5 and 6, PM Conference Dec. 7, PM Confessions, 7 PM Mass, 7:30 PM Conference followed by refreshments Morning Schedule: Dec. 5, 6 and 7, :30 AM Mass followed by Conference More Information: Call Mary Ellen at (732)

6 Boletin en Español Domingo 27 de Noviembre del 2016 I Domingo de Adviento Actividades y Anuncios de la Parroquia Nuestra Señora del Monte Virgen Adoración al Santísimo: Primer y tercer Viernes de cada mes, de 7:30 am 12:00 medio día, son todos invitados a pasar un tiempo en devoción y en oración con el Santísimo. Collecta de alimentos para los mas necesitados FISH: Tercer Domingo de cada mes. Las bolsas de comida las pueden dejar en la capilla donde se encuentra la estatua de la Virgen Maria. Próxima Clase Bautismal: Jueves 8 de Diciembre a las 7:30 pm. Familias que deseen participar deben llamar a la oficina parroquial. Grupo de Oración todos los Jueves de 7:00 9:00 pm en la Iglesia. Café o Compartir: Para el mes de Noviembre no habra Café Social!! Gracias a todos feligreses que de una u otra ayudan cada semana en el crecimeinto de la Comunidad y por escojer a Nuestra Señora del Monte Virgen ser su lugar donde puedan servirle a Dios. Que Dios los bendiga... Caridades Católicas Programa de Servicios de Inmigración Este programa de la Diócesis de Metuchen busca ofrecer servicios legales de Inmigración a bajo costo a las comunidades de Nueva Jersey. Las oficinas están localizadas en: Perth Amboy: 271 Smith St (Lunes a Viernes de 9am a 5pm) New Brunswick: 56 Throop Ave (Lunes a Jueves de 2pm a 8pm) Phillipsburg: 430 South Main St (Lunes de 3pm a 8pm) Grupo de Oración: Todos los Jueves de 7:00 9:00 pm. Todos son bienvenidos. Clases de Inglés como segunda lengua: Todos los Miércoles de 6:00 8:00 pm, en el Centro Parroquiano. Compartir de Navidad: Domingo 11 de Diciembre despues de Misa. Les pedimos su colaboracion para dicha actividad de un plato de comida. Para mas informacion pueden llamar a la Oficina Parroquial. ANUNCIO IMPORTANTE: La Oficina del Ministerio Hispano en colaboración con el Tribunal Diocesano está planeando una presentación sobre las Anulaciones para aquellos que están divorciados y ven la posibilidad de iniciar el proceso de una declaración eclesial de invalidez sobre su matrimonio previo. La presentación será en español o bilingüe de acuerdo a la necesidad. Apreciaremos nos indique si hay suficientes interesados entre los feligreses para poder dar una sesión en esta Parroquia para alguna de estas presentaciones. De ser así, por favor, hablar con Gabriella llamando a la Oficina Parroquial ( ext. 1001) Gracias por su constante apoyo a nuestra comunidad hispana!!! Invitamos a todos los hombres entre las edades de años de edad, que sientan el llamado de ser Diacono o le gustaría hablar con un Padre referente a el Diaconado, por favor llamar a la Oficina Parroquial para mas información. En el periódico El Manantial de este mes hay un articulo acerca dicho tema, les invitamos a llevar el periódico y leerlo. Como sabemos nuestra Comunidad Hispana aquí en la Diocesis esta creciendo y muchos Padres al no poder hablar Español, no cuentan con la capacidad de poder dar la Misa en Español. Si usted siente este llamado le invitamos a hablar con el Padre Pat después de Misa o comunicarse con la Oficina Parroquial.