Midnight Mass. Solemnity of Mary, The Holy Mother of God MASS SCHEDULE. Our Lady Star of the Sea 2651 Atlantic Avenue

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1 The Parish of Saint Monica serves all of Atlantic City. It is the union of the city s previously five Catholic parishes: St. Nicholas of Tolentine, Our Lady Star of the Sea, St. Michael, Holy Spirit, and St. Monica. January 1, 2017 Midnight Mass Solemnity of Mary, The Holy Mother of God MASS SCHEDULE Our Lady Star of the Sea 2651 Atlantic Avenue SUNDAY MASS SCHEDULE Saturday Sunday 4:15 PM 7 PM (Spanish) 7:30 AM, 9:00 AM 10:30 AM (Spanish) 12 Noon 2:30 PM (Spanish) 6:30 PM (Vietnamese) DAILY MASS SCHEDULE Mon-Fri 7 AM, 5:15 PM Saturday 8 AM Wednesday 7 PM (Spanish) Thursday 6:30 PM (Spanish) Friday 7 PM (Spanish) Saint Nicholas of Tolentine 1409 Pacific Avenue Top: Parishioners enjoy quite solitude in Our Lady Star of the Sea Church before Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve. Bottom: The Nativity scene with the infant Jesus in the manger. C O N T A C T I N F O R M A T I O N Parish of Saint Monica 2651 Atlantic Avenue Atlantic City, NJ Our Lady Star of the Sea School 15 North California Avenue Catholic Charities 9 North Georgia Avenue St. Nicholas Shoppe 1409 Pacific Avenue SUNDAY MASS SCHEDULE Saturday Sunday 4:00 PM 8:45 AM (Traditional Latin) 10:30 AM 12 Noon DAILY MASS SCHEDULE Mon-Fri 8 AM St. Michael s 10 North Mississippi Avenue January 31, 2017 at 6 PM Feast of St. John Bosco

2 SACRAMENT OF PENANCE Monday - Friday, 5 PM at Our Lady Star of the Sea. Saturday, 3:15-4 PM in both churches. Also available by appointment. MARRIAGE Couples planning marriage should set a date with a parish priest at least six months in advance. INFANT BAPTISM Preceded by a required baptismal preparation program. Speak to Fr. Pham. WANT TO BECOME CATHOLIC? Need to complete your initiation into the Church? Classes run September - June, Mondays at 6:30 PM. Speak to Fr. Pham. ANOINTING OF THE SICK Please call the office when a parishioner is seriously sick so one of the priests may visit. RELIGIOUS EDUCATION September-May. Sundays at 9:00 AM for one hour. MIRACULOUS MEDAL NOVENA Wednesday evenings after the 5:15 Mass. ROSARY Monday - Friday, after 7 AM Mass and before 5:15 PM Mass. Saturday after 8:00 AM Mass. PARISH CENSUS Recommendations cannot be issued to persons not registered with the Parish. You can register in person in the Rectory. HOLY DAY SCHEDULE Our Lady Star of the Sea Vigil Mass 5:15 PM English 7:00 PM Vietnamese HOLY DAY 7:00 AM English 5:15 PM English 7:00 PM Spanish St. Nicholas of Tolentine 8:00 AM English 10:00 AM Latin Mass 12 Noon English OUR LADY STAR OF THE SEA REGIONAL SCHOOL (OLSS) Mrs. Susan J. Tarrant School Principal School Staffed by Sisters of Mercy and Lay Faculty The mission of Our Lady Star of the Sea Regional School is to strengthen the integration of Catholic values through academic excellence and service and by instilling respect, encouraging justice, and demonstrating compassion to all in our multi-cultural community. Thank you to our first, second, and third graders and choir membeso prayerfully presented the Christmas Story in school and at the 5:30 Mass on Christmas Eve. Sister Debbie, Mrs. Grodziak, Ms. Worth, Sister Christine and Ms. Netherby prepared the children to retell the glorious story of Jesus birth. Classes resume on Tuesday, January 3rd. STEWARDSHIP Stewards Listen And Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart. LUKE 2:19 PARISH STAFF Rev. Jon Thomas Pastor Rev. Thanh Pham Parochial Vicar Rev. Fernando Carmona Parochial Vicar Rev. Robert Matysik Hospital Chaplain Maria Isabel Duran Religious Education Coordinator Erick Duran Facilities Manager SOLEMNITY OF MARY, THE HOLY MOTHER Mary is the perfect role model for living a Stewardship lifestyle. She listened to God and said yes to His invitation to be the Holy Mother of His son. She also trusted in the God s providence on a daily basis. As we start a new year, take time every day to listen to how God is calling you; trust that He has a better plan for you than you could ever imagine. Mary Ellen Maguire Pastoral Associate Sandy Parker Office Manager Joan Parker Bookkeeper Ruby Brooks Gift Shop Manager Laura Esparza Asst. for Hispanic Ministry Henry Porvaznik Asst. for Special Projects CONTACT RECTORY FAX RELIGIOUS ED x24 SCHOOL CONVENT WEB SITE accatholic.org

3 Grace, Gratitude, Generosity The Pastor s Page Some of you will remember these three words from the Generosity Guides placed in the pews in September. They were written without explanation at the time. As a new year begins, I offer this explanation as a guide for Christian living. Grace There but for the grace of God go I. Whenever I hear someone say this, I consider whether it fits the circumstances. Is it really true that only the grace of God has kept a successful professional off the soup line? What about his family upbringing, education, and work ethic? But I realize the circumstances of our birth are clearly outside of our control and therefore a kind of gift. St. Paul makes this point: What have you that you did not receive? If then you received it, why do you boast as if it were not a gift? (1 Corinthians 4:7). In fact, the popular expression may be inspired by St. Paul. Later in the same letter to the Corinthians, he writes, But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them, though it was not I, but the grace of God which is with me (15:10). The first word in our motto, which means favor or gift in a theological context, is perhaps best explained by a quote from St. Therese of Lisieux: Everything is grace. Family, friends, home and hometown, faith, language, culture, character, talent, education, career, travel, experiences, opportunities as well as challenges...all is grace. We build with a toolkit given by God. We overcome adversity with strength given by God. The Christian realizes that the world is rigged, that life is fixed...in our favor. It is not a cold and indifferent world. To the contrary, we are surrounded by the goodness of God. Gratitude Once we recognize that the world is a home made for us by God and furnished with every good thing, our hearts fill with gratitude and shout, Thanks be to God for his inexpressible gift! (2 Corinthians 9:15). Even when we face tragedy, we do so bravely and we remember the words of St. Paul: Give thanks in all circumstances (1 Thessalonians 5:18). How much of our prayer is thanksgiving? For many people, prayer is synonymous with petition. When I teach prayer at Our Lady Star of the Sea School, I use the acronym PAST for the four types of prayer. Perhaps you ve heard of it: Praise, Ask, Sorry, Thanks. Let s spend at least a quarter of our time in prayer thanking God for all the graces! Generosity Even as we are thanking God for his grace, we feel that we must express our gratitude with action. The Psalmist asked himself, What shall I render to the LORD for all his bounty to me? (Psalm 116:12). What can I do to show, not merely tell, God that I am grateful? What can we give Him who literally has everything? Fortunately, Jesus tells us in the Scriptures: Whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me (Matthew 25:40). When we are generous to others, especially to the needy, it counts as generosity to God. After we have acknowledged that everything is grace, that we are surrounded by God s goodness, we feel confident about sharing what we have with others. The purest generosity comes from this realization. The nonbeliever, always worried about scarcity, is scarce with others. For Christians, generosity to others expresses our gratitude for God s grace. This pattern of Christian living does not end with our generosity; it ends with God s. You could say that He has the last word, for Scripture promises: You will be enriched in every way for great generosity (2 Corinthians 9:11). May God be praised! Fr. Jon

4 FOOD PANTRY At St. Nicholas of Tolentine Church 1409 Pacific Avenue Your donation of food, money and/or time are always welcome! Come every third Monday of the month between 8:00 am & 11:00 am on Memorial Ave. (Rear of church property) Please come early. NEXT DISTRIBUTION IS JANUARY 16, 2017 At St. Monica s Church 108 N. Pennsylvania Avenue NEXT DISTRIBUTION IS SATURDAY JANUARY 21, 2017 How We Serve CATHOLIC CHARITIES At 9 N. Georgia Avenue Corner of Atlantic Avenue Fridays (except First Friday) Free clothing to Homeless who provide proof of their homeless situation Thrift Store Hours 9:30-11:30 Monday - Adult Clothing Wednesday - Children & Housewares Some bill pay services Other services for the most needy in Atlantic County Call to ask how you call help serve this Catholic Outreach Ministry Open Monday-Friday ST. NICHOLAS RELIGIOUS GIFT SHOPPE IS LOCATED IN THE RECTORY GROUND FLOOR. PLEASE RING THE BELL. STOP IN AND BROWSE! Proceeds from the gift shop go to support Our Lady Star of the Sea School and Church Restoration. Store Hours Monday and Friday 10:00 AM 3:00 PM Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday - Closed Saturday - 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Sunday 9:30 AM - 1:30 PM JOIN US Music At St. Nicholas Today, again at the 8:45 or 10:30 masses, we are able hear music from the Papal Chapel; the beautiful Missa Dies Sanctificatus ("Mass of a Day Made Holy") by Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina ( ). It is known as a 'parody mass' because it was written on the theme of a vocal piece by the same name which we will hear for a meditation at communion. It proclaims A day made holy dawns upon us; O come, all nations, and adore the Lord; for today a great light has descended upon earth on all the earth. Alleluia. This is the day the Lord has made; let us be glad and rejoice in it. Anyone who would like to make music at St. Nicholas Church either by singing or playing a musical instrument is encouraged to contact Steven Ball: info@stevenball. com (609) Stardust Tickets Memberships are now available for the next cycle of the Stardust 50/50 Raffle Club. The donation is $70 for a seven month membership. Applications & information regarding the club can be found in the racks at the church doors and online at accatholic.org. To date, 945 memberships have been sold, 55 memberships are still available for purchase. Altar Servers Still Needed Altar servers are not just a great help to the priest; they also enhance the beauty and solemnity of the Mass. We are in need of servers at St. Nicholas Church. Marvin Laws, pastoral council vice chair, graciously serves the 4 PM Mass every Saturday. A number of men serve the Latin Mass. But we are in need of servers for the 10:30 AM and 12 noon Masses. Children as well as adults are welcome. Servers can assist on a rotating basis. Inquire with Fr. Jon (jthomas@accatholic.org). 12 Days of Christmas Continue celebrating the true meaning of Christmas. The gifts in the song are hidden meanings to the teachings of the Catholic faith. The symbols mean: 1. Partridge in a Pear Tree = Jesus Christ, Son of God, 2. Turtle Doves = The Old and New Testaments, 3. French Hens = Faith, Hope and Charity, the Theological Virtues, 4. Calling Birds = the Four Gospels and/or the Four Evangelists, 5. Golden Rings = The first Five Books of the Old Testament, 6. Geese A-laying = the six days of creation, 7. Swans A-swimming = the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit, the seven sacraments, 8. Maids A-Milking = the eight beatitudes, 9. Ladies Dancing = the nine Fruits of the Holy Spirit, 10. Lords A-leaping = the ten commandments, 11. Pipers Piping = the eleven faithful apostles, 12. Drummers Drumming = the twelve points of doctrine in the Apostle's Creed.

5 PARISHIONER HIGHLIGHTS ST. PATRICK'S DAY PARADE Congratulations to parishioner and altar server Caitlin Mensah, who was accepted into American University in Washington, DC. Although she was accepted at other schools, American was her favorite. She is completing her senior year at Holy Spirit High School. If you're interested in leading the parish's participation in the St. Patrick's Day Parade on the Boardwalk, please talk to Fr. Jon or him at FIGHT HUMAN TRAFFICKING BY THE NUMBERS PARISH COLLECTION FOR DEC OFFERTORY $36, BUDGET $12, POOR BOX $79.00 MANY THANKS FOR YOUR GENEROSITY NUMBER OF REGISTERED HOUSEHOLDS DEAR VISITOR I always thank God for time away, whether on a European vacation or on a day trip. I know many people do not have these opportunities. Therefore, when I attend Mass, I show my gratitude with a particularly generous gift to the local church. I am grateful for your generosity to us. Also, please tip your housekeepers and other hospitality staff they are our parishioners! Catholic Business Network: The Millennial Question On January 13, please join the Catholic Business Network for breakfast and an engaging panel discussion focused on the importance of millennials in the Catholic Church, in business, and the community. Among those slated to appear are graphic designer and youth minister Kari Janisse, Romero Center Executive Director Patrick Cashio and architect Josh Eckert. The Catholic Business Network Breakfast will be held at Woodcrest Country Club, 300 East Evesham Road, Cherry Hill, from 7:30-9 a.m. To register, go to or contact Sheila.McGirl@camdendiocese.org or The Catholic Business Network of South Jersey members seek to be enriched in the faith, build community and by their generosity of time, talent and treasure strengthen parishes and Catholic schools. JOIN OUR US CATHOLIC SISTERS IN THEIR FIGHT AGAINST HUMAN TRAFFICKING Human Trafficking Awareness month. LEARN about human trafficking in this country and particularly in your state and area. US Catholic Sisters Against Human Trafficking (sistersagainsttrafficking.org)

6 2017 FREE ESL & CITIZENHIP CLASSES SPRING 2017 FREE ESL & CITIZENHIP CLASSES Provided by La Casa Dominicana New Jersey CLASES GRATIS DE INGLES Y CIUDADANIA DE JANUARY 2017 A APRIL 2017 LUGAR/ Place: Atlantic City Police Athletic League DIRECCION/Address: 250 N. New York Avenue, Atlantic City, NJ DIAS/Days: Lunes/Monday Viernes/Friday HORAS/Hours: 5:00pm a 7:00pm Enero/ January: 20, 23, 27 y 30. Febrero/ February: 3, 6, 10, 13, 17,24 y 27. Marzo/ March: 3, 6, 10, 13, 17, 20, 24,27 y 31. Abril/ April: 3 y 7. Nota: Las Clases de ciudadanía se imparten en el local de La Casa Dominicana NJ (Mates y Jueves) Para más información favor llamar a Luis Rodriguez :00am - 4:30pm Lunes/Monday Viernes/ Friday DIA DE REYES - THREE KINGS The Hispanic Alliance of Atlantic County presents una Celebracion del Dia De Reyes en Sabado 7, de Enero del 2017, 9:30-12:00 PM, St. Michael's Church. Los ninos tienen que venir acompanados de un adulto. Tendremos regalos para ninos(as) menores de 12 anos. Comunidad Hispana Horarios de Atención Oficina Hispana Martes, Miércoles y Jueves...10am - 2pm Viernes...11am - 2pm Secretaria Laura Esparza ext.19 CLASES DE BAUTISMO Las clases de bautismo en español se darán todos los primeros y terceros jueves de cada mes, empezando con la misa a las 6:30 pm y luego con la plática a las 7:30 pm. Por favor de traer el Acta de Nacimiento del su hijo (a). Spanish Baptismal classes are held the first and third Thursdays of each month at 7:30 pm in the sacristy. The classes will follow the 6:30 Mass. Please bring the child's Birth Certificate to the class. LITURGIA DEL DOMINGO SOLEMNIDAD DE MARÍA "Y María guardó todas estas cosas, reflexionando sobre ellas en su corazón." LUCAS 2;19 María es el modelo perfecto para vivir un estilo de vida de corresponsabilidad. Escuchó a Dios y dijo "sí" a su invitación a ser la Santa Madre de su Hijo. Ella también confiaba en la providencia de Dios a diario. Al comenzar un nuevo año, tómate un tiempo todos los días para escuchar cómo Dios te está llamando; confía en que Él tiene un mejor plan para ti de lo que jamás te podrías imaginar. SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION Considere la posibilidad de volver a leer Lucas 2:16-21 y luego reflexione sobre la pregunta apropiada a continuación. Reflexión para Adultos: Qué mensaje tiene acerca de Jesús? Cómo puede entregar ese mensaje a más personas esta semana? Reflexión para los niños: Cuál es el nombre del ángel que visitó a María? Cuáles son algunos otros nombres para Jesús que están en la Biblia? The Mary Help of Christians Sodality of The Parish of St. Monica, Atlantic City, will be awarding a $1, Scholarship to a female high school senior planning to further her education in the fall of She must meet all criteria, including a connection to Mary Help of Christians Sodality either from the former St. Michael's Parish or The Parish of St. Monica. Applications are now available through the local high schools' guidance department. For any additional information/clarification, please call Sally Krause at or at sk_614@yahoo.com. Do not contact the Parish office.

7 Mass Intentions for the Week - January 1, 2017 OLSS Church OLSS Church Day Date Time Intention Saturday Jan 7 8:00 Mass for the People Saturday Dec 31 4:15 Theresa Burke/Mary Ellen Maguire & Sandy Parker Steve Hicks/Dale Robinson Sunday Jan 1 7:30 Mass for the People 10:30 Tomasa Gines/ofrece su 9:00 Erick Ericksen/G.L. Warrington 10:30 Gabino Vasquez/ofrece su 12:00 Chris Simonetti (L)/Marcia Mancini 2:30 Iris Antonia Benavides/ofrece su hija 6:30 Tạ Ơn Chúa và Mẹ/ Chị Trần Phương xin Monday Jan 2 7:00 Anne Penny (L)/Clara & Tom Depko 5:15 Robert McDevitt/Tim & Nan Mooney Tuesday Jan 3 7:00 Bob McDevitt/Charlie Dillon 5:15 Professor Mickey Similey/ Vesper Family Wednesday Jan 4 7:00 Theresa (D) & Jason (L)/ Friend 5:15 Bill Downey/Family 7:00 Eugenia Martinez/ofrece su Thursday Jan 5 7:00 Nadja G. Cuaygong/Nina Shad 5:15 St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta/ Marcel Croteau 6:30 Aida Mercado/ofrece su Friday Jan 6 7:00 9:00 Dominic Paravati/Gina Dixon Sis & Joe Liddy/Liddy Family 5:15 St. Andre, Bessette/Marcel Croteau 7:00 Estela Vazquez/ofrece su 4:15 Marie Maguire/Ed & Kay Colanzi 7:00 Iris Antonia Bernavides/ofrece su Sunday Jan 8 7:30 Coach Kevin Capone/Ruffolo Boys 9:00 William Fritz/Katherine "Tiny"Wilson 10:30 Roxana Orellana Pena/ofrece su 12:00 Charlie Iannarello/Vikki Cirigliano 2:30 Samuel Hurtado/ofrece su 6:00 Giỗ 100 ngày LH Giuse Hoàng Văn Thi/ Gia Đình xin St. Nicholas Church Day Date Time Intention Saturday Dec 31 4:00 Pinchot Family (L&D) Sr. Mary Claude Damico Sunday Jan 1 8:45 Mr. Charles Poulson/Poulson Family Frank Petrocelli/Ray & Barbara Sands 10:30 12:00 Mario J. Formica (D) & Family (L) Office of the City Clerk Geleti Family (L & D) Wilfredo De Los Reyes/Roger & Aida Reyes Monday Jan 2 8:00 Richard Caserta/Frank Felice Tuesday Jan 3 8:00 James Patrick & Mary Teresa Burke Wednesday Jan 4 8:00 Dr. Joseph Michael Formica (L) Thursday Jan 5 8:00 Dr. James Patrick Burke (L) Friday Jan 6 8:00 Purgatorial Society Saturday Jan 7 4:00 Pinchot Family (L&D) Dr. Edwin Morhauser/Tom & Roseanne Consider rereading Luke 2:16-21 then reflect upon the appropriate question below. Reflection for Adults: What message do you have about Jesus? How can you deliver that message to more people this week? Reflection for Children: What is the name of the angel who visited Mary? What are some other names for Jesus that are in the bible?