Thirty-First Sunday in Ordinary Time Nov. 4, 2018

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1 Thirty-First Sunday in Ordinary Time Nov. 4, 2018 MASS INTENTIONS FOR THE WEEK Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Nov. 5 Kondek & Valestro Families by Madelyn Valestro Nov. 6 Michael D Ambrosia by wife Frances Nov. 7 Nicola, Mauro, Angelo Allegretta by Mr. & Mrs. Allesandro Farinola Nov. 8 Bob Dowling by wife Theresa Dowling Nov. 9 The Dedication of the Lateran Basilica Eucharistic Service Saturday Nov. 10 St. Leo the Great, Pope and Doctor of the Church 4:00 p.m. Fr. Michael McNamara by Paul & Anna Burke and Family Sunday Nov. 11 Thirty-Second Sunday in Ordinary Time 7:30 a.m. Pedro Jose Vidal by parents 9:00 a.m. Louis Carzaies by his Mother 11:00 a.m. Stephen P. Caruso by Father Ed Candle & Flower Offerings The Sanctuary candle is offered in loving memory of Irene Finn by Ann Finn. The candle before the Blessed Virgin Mary is offered in loving memory of Mario Zavattoni by Rose and family. The candle before St. Joseph is offered in loving memory of Andrew & Gertrude Ellmer by daughter Karen Doren. The Sanctuary Flowers are offered for the People of the Parish. The flowers before the Blessed Virgin Mother are offered in loving memory of Bruce A. Huff by his wife Nancy A. Huff. The Knights of Columbus are selling, Keep Christ in Christmas Magnets. If you would like to purchase one please contact Francis Macchiaroli, Grand Knight fjm210@aol.com or cell # PARISH CALENDAR Nov. 5 Companions of Pauline 1-3 pm Nov. 7 Building & Grounds 9:00 am Woman s Faith Sharing - 9:00 am Pastoral Council 7:30 pm Choir Practice 7:30 pm Nov. 8 St. Vincent de Paul Meeting 9:00 am Nov. 10 Green Thumb 9:00 am FAS Church 10:00 am Nov. 11 Veterans Day Nov. 12 K of C Meeting 6:30 pm Nov. 13 Prayer Shawl 1:30 pm RE 2 nd Gr. Retreat 6:00 pm Hall Nov. 14 Woman s Faith Sharing - 9:00 am RE - Monthly Obligation 6:00-7:30 pm Grades 3-7 WoN Thanksgiving Luncheon Nov. 15 Choir Practice 7:30 pm Nov. 17 Giving Tree Tags FAS Church 10:00 am Pre-Cana 8:00 am 6:00 pm Nov. 18 Giving Tree Tags Men s Spirituality Group 7:00 pm Daily Readings Thirty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time Sunday Dt 6:2-6; Heb 7:23-28; Mk 12:28b-34 Monday Phil 2:1-4; Lk 14:12-14 Tuesday Phil 2:5-11; Lk 14:15-24 Wednesday Phil 2:12-18; Lk 14:25-33 Thursday Phil 3:3-8a; Lk 15:1-10 Friday Ez 47:1-2, 8-9, 12; 1 Cor 3:9c-11, 16-17; Jn 2:13-22 Saturday Phil 4:10-19; Lk 16:9-15 The Collection amount for the weekend of Oct. 28 st was $14,467 and the collection for All Souls was $1,859. Thank you for your continued support of our parish!

2 A MESSAGE FROM DEACON JOHN S. Dear Parish Family, To love the Lord our God with all our being and to love one another as we love ourselves. Two very simple commands yet two challenging commands for many of us to follow at times. With all the laws, rules and regulations we have facing us at every moment and every place in our lives, it would seem these two simple commands by Jesus would be much easier for us to follow than they often are. Each of us has the capacity to place God before all else in our lives and the understanding that we should. We know, and are often reminded, that all we are and all that we have comes from Him, yet we allow many other things to come ahead of Him. Every week we come together to praise God, to thank him for His many gifts to us and to acknowledge that he is first in our lives. How we respond to that constant call for renewal is a decision each of us makes. Let our prayer each day be Shepherd me, oh God, beyond my wants responding to His call and the needs of others. In peace, Deacon John SENIOR YOUTH GROUP All high schoolers of Nativity are invited to our monthly Sunday meeting on Nov 4 th at 10 am in the rear classroom in the church hall. Please RSVP to if you plan to attend. Thank You!! :-D POP TABS for the Ronald McDonald House! We are still collecting the pop tabs and donating them to RMH!! We have donated over 100 pounds with your amazing help!!! Keep the tabs coming and drop them in the box near the elevator and ministry mailboxes!! THANK YOU!! With Thanksgiving quickly approaching we are asking parishioners to donate food items that can be used for our Thanksgiving baskets which we give to families who are in need. Some items to consider would be: yams, corn, stuffing, cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, coffee, string beans, etc. All the trimmings! And yes, we will accept frozen turkeys the week of the 18 th. Thank you so much for your generosity. Deadline: Sunday, November 18 th. A MESSAGE FROM FATHER ED CHRISTMAS AROUND THE WORLD Traditionally, the main focus of Christmas decorations is the nativity scene. In Italy this is called a Presepe or Presepio. Every church has a Presepe, but they can also be found in town squares, shops and other public spaces. These special exhibitions of art representing the birth of Jesus draw us into mystery of God s incarnate love. With this in mind, I would like to invite you to display your creche or manger scene on Sunday, December 2 nd after the 11:00 am Mass in Fr. Congdon hall. Enjoy carols and share your favorite Christmas cookies as you stroll through the many different artistic scenes surrounding the birth of our savior. To participate in displaying your creche or manger scene, kindly fill out the form below and drop off at the parish office. Deadline: November 30 th. CHRISTMAS AROUND THE WORLD First & Last Name: Phone # RELIGIOUS EDUCATION REMINDERS FOR NOVEMBER November 13 th 2 nd Gr. Reconciliation Retreat 6:00 7:30pm in Father Congdon Hall. November 14 th Grades 3-7 Monthly Obligation 6-7:30pm in the Church. November 20 th - Grades 3-7 Monthly Obligation 6-7:30pm in the Church. November 28 th 8 th Gr. Town Hall Meeting 7:00-9:00 pm in Father Congdon Hall. November 30 th 8 th Gr. Retreat - 6:00 9:00pm in Father Congdon Hall Tis (Almost) the Season Advent is a time to prepare our hearts for Christmas, but we often get distracted and busy. Don t let this Advent pass you by. Slow down and focus on what matters most with BEST ADVENT EVER. Each day, you ll receive an with short inspirational videos, practical tips for your everyday life, and real-life stories to encourage you in your faith journey. Sign up at It s FREE from Dynamic Catholic.

3 Christmas Wreath Sale Orders and payment due no later than November 18 th. Orders can be picked up on December 1 st and 2 nd. It s time for our annual Christmas wreath sale designed this year by Pops Farm Market. The wreaths are 24 inch with a Christmas Red bow. Pick-up will be after Mass on December 1 st and 2 nd ONLY. Parishioners who cannot make the pick-up dates must call Linda Fernicola at to schedule special arrangements. Please clip out the form below and drop it in the JYG drop box labeled Wreaths located in the Narthex. Make checks out to Nativity of Our Lord. Thank you for your support! Questions call Linda CHRISTMAS WREATHS 2018 Qty Cost Total Classic Wreath x $30 Grave Blanket Sales Orders and payment due no later than November 11 th. Orders can be picked up on November 24 th and 25 th outside. It s time for our annual Grave Blanket Sale. This year our beautifully decorated grave blankets will be designed by Pops Farm Market. Proceeds from the sale will promote the work of their ministries. Please clip out the form below and drop it in the JYG shelf labeled Grave Blanket located in the Narthex. Make checks out to Nativity of Our Lord. Thank you for your support! Decorated Small $25 - includes 1 stake 3 feet long GRAVE BLANKETS 2018 Decorated Large $35 - includes 2 stakes 5 feet long Qty Cost Total Cash/Check# Small x $25 Large x $ National Vocations Awareness Week November 4-10, 2018 As Catholics, we firmly believe that God has a plan for our lives! He calls some to marriage, some to the priesthood, and others to religious life. Some remain as generous single people. Fully living our own vocations - and teaching young people how to discern God s call - is a serious duty, but also a joyful one. Today begins National Vocation Awareness Week. During this week, please pray about how God is calling you to live your vocation more deeply. Encourage the young people in your life-children, grandchildren, students, and friends to be open if God calls them to priesthood or consecrated life. The Main Catholic Vocations A vocation is a call from God to pursue holiness in a specific way, involving a public and permanent commitment. Marriage: Most people are called to marriage - a vowed union of a man and woman who promise to love their spouses and to joyfully welcome children. Priesthood: Priests bring Jesus to people and people to Jesus through preaching and the sacraments. They are ordained to devote their lives to serve the people of God. Consecrated Life: Both men and women make vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience when they join orders such as the Franciscans, Benedictines, Dominicans, etc. Generous Single Life in Christ: The Church recognizes that some people, for various reasons, are not called or cannot live in vocations such as marriage or consecrated life. Nonetheless, the Catechism says they can contribute greatly to the good of the human family (#2231). Some live their situation in the spirit of the Beatitudes, serving God and neighbor in exemplary fashion. (CCC1658). WOMAN S RETREAT: The Questions of Jesus Join other women of faith for prayer, reflection and friendship during the weekend of February 1 st -3 rd at Sacred Heart Center in Newton, NJ. This retreat center, conducted by the Salesian Sisters of St. John Bosco, features private rooms and baths, chapel, dining room, conference room and beautiful grounds. The facility is complete with an elevator and handicap rooms. Journey with us as we explore The questions of Jesus as preached by Fr. Ed. During this retreat come to know that Jesus is the answer to all life s questions. Cost of the retreat is $ To register, kindly contact Sr. Mary Leonard at admin@nativitymonroe.org or call the parish office at (609) ext. 10. Space is limited.

4 ADVENT CANDLES Orders are being accepted for Advent Candles and Advent Wreaths. Please complete the form below and leave it in the parish office or place it in an envelope for the collection basket at Mass. Please include your payment with your order. Orders may be picked up in the parish office. Candle Sets x $5 Total: $ Evergreen Wreath x $5 Total: $ Candles & Wreath x $10 Total: $ Women of Nativity Thanksgiving Luncheon Wednesday, November 14th 12-2PM Menu Turkey, gravy, cranberry sauce Ham, Sweet or Mashed Potatoes Green Beans Almondine; Butternut Squash Tossed Salad Pumpkin or Apple Pie Coffee, Tea, Water $12 per person Make checks for $12 payable to Nativity of Our Lord Church, and place along with form below in envelope marked WON - Atten. Marge Wilson. Place envelope in WON mailbox located next to the elevators in Narthex, no later than November 8th. Any questions, call Marge Wilson at Name: Phone: Check # Number of Persons: CHURCH ACTIVITIES Our Holiday trip is scheduled for Tuesday, Dec. 11 th. We will be going to the Tropicana Casino. Cost of $23pp includes a Magical Holiday show ticket JINGLE at 3:30pm; $15 Slot Play; bus transportation and driver s tip. Make checks payable to Church Activities. Please park in the rear of the Church parking lot and arrive by 9:15am. Bus leaves promptly at 9:30am. For reservations or questions, call Janet Mascio PARISH MINISTRIES St. Vincent De Paul Society: If you are experiencing financial hardship due to a temporary loss of employment, illness, or disability, the St. Vincent de Paul Society is available to provide assistance for your everyday needs such as food, utility assistance, or agency referrals. Please dial the parish number , then press 8, and leave a message with your name and phone number. Someone will return your call. All calls are handled in strict confidence. Giving Tree - Planning is underway for the Christmas Giving Tree! We will be providing gifts for many children and families both local and in New Brunswick and Jersey City. If you are interested in adopting a family, please Linda Schilling at LMS652@gmail.com or call for details and information. Prayer Shawl: Join us as we create shawls for the sick and homebound members of the parish (and beyond!) New members are always welcome. Our next get together is Tuesday November 13 th at 1:30pm in the church hall. This is the last meeting until the new year (Jan. 8, 2019). Questions? Call Dorothy Kopil at or Liz Coulston at Caring Meals: The Caring Meals group delivers soup year-round to our homebound parishioners and provides short-term help to parishioners who are recuperating from an illness or hospital stay with deliveries of homecooked meals. If you like to cook or know of someone who could benefit from either of these two services, please call Maryanne Sheerin at Elder Care: Do you need assistance with shopping periodically? Are you seeking a responsible person to sit with someone in need of supervision for a brief time? Do you require help with minor household chores? Please call Marge Nadolny for further information. Helping Hands: Do you need a helping hand with minor tasks around the house? There are parishioners who are willing to help in these situations. Please contact Esther Wolff by phone at Rosary Group: Please join us every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 7:50 a.m. to recite the Holy Rosary. We will be seated at the right side of the church near the statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

5 KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS Assembly #1848 NEW YEAR S EVE PARTY At NATIVITY OF OUR LORD $ pp Music: 10-piece band (3 Singers) Philly Heart and Soul Food by: Leon s Catering Cold Antipasto Platter on every table Mixed Field Salad-Ravioli with Pink Cream Sauce Baked Salmon - Eggplant Rollatini Chicken w/shitake Mushrooms & Sun-Dried Tomatoes in wine sauce Rice Pilaf -Vegetable Medley Italian Pastries/Cookies Wine, Beer, Soda, Water & BYOB Tables of up to 10 people Doors open 7:30pm Sharp Make check payable to: K of C #1848 Mail checks to: Robert Di Bella 30 Glastonbury Drive Monroe Township, NJ Any Question please call Robert at: or Robert at: bankonus@aol.com. Need one address: NO REFUNDS While I was home on break from college this week I went to mass. I noticed how the shrine garden had been spruced up and decorated for the fall with mums. I would like to take a moment to express my gratitude to Fr. Ed for allowing me to create the garden for my Eagle Project. Soon after it was completed schedules got busy and Fr. Ed was diagnosed with cancer so we postponed the blessing ceremony and I never properly thanked everyone as I had wanted to. Fr. Ed had always wanted to create something in that space, so when I approached him about allowing me to do a project for our parish, he had his idea ready and waiting. With funds donated by Mr. Dixon in memory of his wife Anne, to be used for a prayer garden, Fr. Ed and I brainstormed plans and settled on the design. We placed the order for the hand carved shrine from an artist in Indiana and I started organizing a working plan for getting supplies, clearing the area, setting the patio and structures and providing some landscaped spaces. This project would not have been completed as beautiful as it is without the enormous generosity of Lisa and Antonio Iadevaia, devoted parishioners who own A.N.T Nursery. They donated some of materials needed to build the patio as well the trees, shrubbery and plantings to make the space peaceful and beautiful!! I also have to thank GALS Landscaping for loaning us tools, the scouts of Troop 60, the Senior Youth Group and my family and friends who helped get this project done! I hope it remains a peaceful space for prayer and reflection for many years ahead. YIS, Hank Haligowski, Troop 60 Eagle Scout STEWARDSHIP BULLETIN REFLECTIONS 31st Sunday in Ordinary Time And to love him with all your heart, with all your understanding, with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself is worth more than all the burnt offerings and sacrifices. (MARK 12:33) Of all the gifts that God gives us the one He wants the most is our heart. He wants us to share out of love, not out of obligation. Using our talent in parish ministry and contributing money to support our parish mission is important, but it s more important to spend time in prayer with God daily and discern how He is calling us to be generous with all of our gifts. Not just the visible ones, but the invisible ones like love, mercy and forgiveness.