THE NATIVITY OF THE LORD DECEMBER

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2 ...the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home. For it is through the holy Spirit that this child has been conceived in her... (Matthew 1:20). Dear Parishioners, Have you ever felt overwhelmed or even afraid of what God has called you to do? Maybe you were pursuing a dream or goal and things didn t turn out the way you planned. Joseph had planned to take Mary as his wife, but when he found out she was pregnant, he didn t know what to think. He was afraid that he might be making a mistake because things didn t turn out the way he planned, but God sent an angel in a dream to reassure Joseph that he was on the right path. Today let me reassure you that God knows right where you are, and He knows how to get you where you need to be. Even when things don t go the way you planned, His hand is on you. Do not be afraid, trust that God is working behind the scenes on your behalf and that He will lead you into the life of blessing that He has prepared for you. You and your family will share a special remembrance in one of my Christmas Masses. Please remember me in your prayers. THE NATIVITY OF THE LORD DECEMBER 25, 2017 Have Yourself a Merry Little Census (Luke 2:1-14) What is your favorite Christmas card scene? Is it jolly old Saint Nick in his red suit? Is it a Thomas Kincaid setting? Is it a picture of the Holy Family in the stable, with the angels singing overhead, the shepherds on their knees in reverence, and the Wise Men following a star? For those who visualize Bethlehem as our favorite Christmas card, we re indebted to The Gospel of Luke. We ve heard the beginning of the story so often: In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to their own town to register. Now, take away the star, the shepherds, the angels and the Wise Men. What do you have left? Bureaucracy. Luke s glorious telling of the Christmas story owes its setting to the fact that Caesar Augustus, the Emperor of Rome, had ordered a census to be taken. Bureaucracy. It s dull, annoying, and intrusive, but whether we like it or not and we do not it s an inevitable part of our lives, just as it was a part of their lives. Joseph and Mary didn t head to Bethlehem because they were on a tour to find which stable would make the best maternity ward. The Old Testament had predicted that the little town of Bethlehem would be important despite its insignificant size, because from this village would come the descendant of David who would save his people. It is unlikely that Mary and Joseph saw themselves as players in the pageantry of prophecy. Pregnancy is not a time for traveling. Joseph must have been concerned about Mary s discomfort; Mary, herself, must have been keenly aware of the fact that she was going to deliver her baby sooner rather than later. Think of the pair as they were before there were haloes around their heads. Can you imagine the stress of trying to find a place for Mary to deliver a child in a town that was crammed with other people registering for the census? Mary, perhaps already in the early throes of labor, must have yearned for privacy and peace. But their wishes were irrelevant. The Roman Emperor wanted a census. We complain about bureaucracy because it inconveniences us. But think of what Mary and Joseph endured on their journey to Bethlehem! Christmas cards show the birth of Jesus as we like to imagine it, but the real birth would not have been so tranquil. Giving birth in a rustic setting and not her own familiar home... visits from shepherds who wanted to worship the newborn baby... so much to think about... and an infant who needed to be fed and comforted. We love getting Christmas cards. But let s remember that the real story of Christmas isn t just the story that Luke tells us. The real story of Christmas is our story too. What will we do as we leave the stable and the baby? In the midst of our ordinary lives, Bethlehem gives us all new birth. We too, follow the star.

3 Fourth Sunday of Advent Dec :00 PM + Deceased Members of the CANTOR Naimoli and Kane Families requested by Jill and Mike Kane Daphne Halliwell (Living) for Healing requested by Pat and Tom Clark Sunday December 24 th 8:00 AM + Linda Cerino requested by Ed Cerino + Marjorie Socha requested by Brian & Glenda Socha & Family 9:00 AM + Lubiejewski Family POLISH requested by The Lubiejewski Family + Gerald Ruscingno requested by Connie Ruscingo Kaufman 10:30 AM +The DeSimone Family ADULT CHOIR requested by Millie Brooks 12:00 PM People of the Parish Christmas Eve December 24 th 4:00 PM + Tom and Anthony Terracino requested by Mary Ann Terracino 6:00 PM For Our Priests requested by OLQP Parishioners 10:00 PM People of the Parish 12:00 AM Intentions from Spiritual Christmas Cards requested by the Rosarians Christmas Day December 25 th 8:00 AM + Ray Kilgallen requested by Roberta Kilgallen 9:00 AM + The Nowak Family requested by The Nowak Family 10:30 AM A Special Intention 12:00 PM Forgiveness of Sins Tuesday December 26 th 9:00 AM +Charles and Lila Horvath requested by Jill and Mike Kane 7:00 PM 18 th Wedding Anniversary Anna and Andrzej requested by The Siek Family Wednesday December 27 th 9:00 AM People of the Parish Thursday December 28 th 9:00 AM + The Nowak Family requested by RR + Justin McCarthy requested by The Coar Family Friday December 29 th 9:00 AM + Jan and Stanislawa Saturday December 30 th 9:00 AM + Ryszard 5:00 PM + Thomas Baron ADULT CHOIR requested by Annette Novakowski Sunday December 31 st 8:00 AM + Barbara Escaravage requested by The Pskowski Family + Roger and Vera Normandeau requested by Dorothy 9:00 AM The Craftsmen Who Designed and Completed our Sanctuary POLISH 10:30 AM + Pat and Larry Golczewski CANTOR requested by Pat Golczewski 12:00 PM + John Flintrop CANTOR requested by Rose Flintrop ALTAR BREAD AND WINE For the week of December In loving Memory of Christa Felice Requested by Mom and Dad ALTAR CANDLES For the week of December Kevin, Sean and Larry Mayo Requested by Mary Ann Mayo PRAYERS REQUESTED FOR: Rose Armstrong, Marie Baczewski, Laurie Burton, MaryLou Canino, Peter Carrion, Bill Chapman, Doris Colborn, John DePietri, Joan Dundorf, Frank Floystad, Kathy Holley, Alan Litz, Alice Lyko, Ann Mahon, Masucci Family, Clare Mayer, Evelyn McCabe, David McClellan, Joseph Miller, Mike Mooradian, John Picioccio, Genevieve Puso, Nicholas Salleroli, Joann Somma, John Tenhula, Marlene Terhune, Eileen Trahan, Joe Verboys, Ruth Wiedemann, Ann Weinschenk, Barbara Zaccaro, Angela Zuccaro We remember and give God thanks for our beloved dead: Paul Vizzi THANK YOU! DZIĘKUJĘ! We give thanks for the dedicated crafts men: Marcin Pisarczyk(architect), Andrzej Siek, Andrzej Krempaski, Wojciech Nosal, Bartłomiej Rataj, Krzysztof Kaczyński intent on preparing our sanctuary for the glory of God, for Nick Salleroli and his crew who diligently completed the restrooms in time for Christmas, for the helpful hands cleaning all the dust following the work in time for the Consecration of the Altar, for the many volunteers, especially Dan and Joanne Butcher and the Boy Scouts with their parents, who helped decorate the church for Christmas, for Eden Farms for donating many feet of roping and a couple wreaths to complete church decorations, and for our bishop, Arthur J. Serratelli who consecrated our new permanent altar just in time so we could use it for our Christmas celebration. Thank you to all and God bless you for your participation in making this Christmas so sacred a time in a truly blessed place. CHRISTMAS SCHEDULE Christmas Eve 4:00 PM Children s Choir 6:00 PM 10:00 PM Midnight Mass in English 12:00 AM Midnight Mass in Polish Christmas Day 8:00 AM 9:00 AM in Polish 10:30 AM 12:00 PM ALTAR CLEANING Week of December 24, 2017 Team 6 Marie Bryan, Nona Runo, Carole Mazzucco and Chris Fullerton

4 THIS WEEK IN OUR PARISH Sunday, December 24 th Knights of Columbus Creche 10 AM 4 PM Town Hall Christmas Eve Mass 4:00 PM Church Christmas Eve Mass 6:00 PM Church Midnight Mass in English 10:00 PM Church Midnight Mass in Polish 12:00 AM Church Monday, December 25 th Christmas Day Christmas Mass 8:00 AM Church Christmas Mass in Polish 9:00 PM Church Christmas Mass 10:30 AM Church Christmas Mass 12:00 PM Church Tuesday, December 26 th Morning Mass 9:00 AM Church Feast Day Mass in Polish 7:00 PM Church Wednesday, December 27 th Thursday, December 28 th Friday, December 29 th Saturday, December 30 th Legion of Mary 9:30 AM - Library New Year s Eve Celebration Set up All Day - Gym AA 2:00 PM - Cafe Confessions 4:00 PM Church Sunday, December 31 st New Year s Eve Mass 5:00 PM Church Al-Teen 7:30 PM Gathering Space Al-Anon 7:30 PM Annex AA 7:30 PM Cafeteria New Year s Eve Celebration 8:00 PM- 2:00 AM Gym FINANCIAL UPDATE The Parish belongs to all of us, and only through the parish community can we achieve our goals. The Challenge is Ours!!! Parish debt as of December 3, 2017: $573, Sunday Donations Sunday, December 17, 2017 $9, Retirement Fund for Religious $2, Our weekly goal $13,500 SHOP-RITE GIFT CARDS Week Ending December 17, 2017 Sold $3, Profit $ Total Profit since July 1, 2017 $3, GREAT WAY TO BEGIN THE NEW YEAR Join us for an Afternoon of Reflection Menu Includes: Chicken Française, Roast Beef, Pork in Mushroom Gravy, Chicken Meatballs, Pork Loin with onions, Potato Dumplings, Penne Vodka, Salads Midnight Buffet: Pierogi, Kielbasa with cabbage, White Borscht, Polish Farmers Table bread and cold cuts, Dessert, Pastry and Beverages. LET US PRAY FOR OUR COUNTRY In a time when our country is so divided, the Tri-County Clergy Association come together to unite our voices and take a stand against racism and injustice, and recognize that we are all part of God s family. Join with us for a worship service on Sunday, January 14 th 7:00 PM at West Milford Presbyterian Church (1452 Union Valley Rd. West Milford). Join with churches of different denominations as we come together and celebrate that we are all God s beloved children. The service will be interactive and there will be opportunities to share our dreams for the future; as we gather to remember the life of Martin Luther King Jr. and the movement that he was an integral part of, as they fought for the civil rights of all people. Let us work together to build a better world.

5 POLISH MISSION: The Polish Mission at Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish was established in 2009 by the initiative of his Excellency Bishop Arthur Serratelli. The first Mass in Polish was celebrated in this parish September 6, FACEBOOK PAGE: Polska Misja Katolicka - Hewitt Masses in Polish: - Sunday 9:00 AM - First Fridays and Holy Days 7:30 PM PASTORAL STAFF Father Hubert Jurjewicz, Ph.D. Parish Administrator Father Kamil Stachowiak Parochial Vicar Deacon Charles Roche Deacon Deacon David Cedrone Deacon / Baptism Ministry Mary Beth Osiecki Ministries/Outreach/Evangelization Patricia Golczewski Business Administrator Janet Scheil Religious Education Kevin Flynn Youth Minister/Confirmation Alan Morales Music Director Marian Dul Organist for Polish Mass Joseph Osiecki Information Technology Pat Cedrone Baptism Ministry Patricia Callahan Trustee John Buechel Trustee WEEKEND MASS SCHEDULE Saturday Sunday DAILY MASSES Monday thru Saturday Rosary Recited First Friday Holy Day Vigil Mass Holy Day Masses 5:00 PM 8:00 AM 9:00 AM (Polish) 10:30 AM 12:00 Noon 9:00 AM 8:30 AM 7:30 PM (Polish) 7:00 PM 9:00 AM 6:30 PM 7:30 PM (Polish) EUCHARISTIC ADORATION First Friday from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM October - June, followed by Benediction PARISH OFFICE HOURS Monday Thursday 9:00 AM 4:00 PM, Office closed on Fridays. PARISH MEMBERSHIP We welcome all new parishioners! We ask that you register to ensure your full participation in the life of the parish. Registrations forms are available at church exits, in the parish office or call and a form can be mailed or ed to you. BULLETIN DEADLINE Please kindly submit all bulletin material to olqpnj@gmail.com. Please note that in order for articles to be published in next week s bulletin they need to be submitted no later than 10 AM of the prior Tuesday. CONTINUING CATHOLIC DEVELOPMENT Grades K-6 Grades 1-4 Grades 5-8 Grades 9-12 Sunday, 9:00-10:15 AM Tuesday, 4:30-5:45 PM Tuesday, 7:00-8:15 PM 2-Year Confirmation Preparation (2X month) Confirmation 1 Sunday, 5:00-6:00 PM Confirmation 2 Sunday, 6:30-7:45 PM POLSKA MISJA: Polska Misja przy parafii Najświętszej Maryi Panny Królowej Pokoju, powstała w 2009 roku z inicjatywy Jego Ekscelencji Ks. Biskupa Artura J. Serratelli, S.T.D., S.S.L., D.D. Pierwsza Msza Święta w języku Polskim została odprawiona w tej parafii szóstego września 2009 roku. FACEBOOK: Polska Misja Katolicka - Hewitt Msza Święta w Języku Polskim: - Niedziela godz 9:00AM - każdy pierwszy piątek o godz. 7:30 PM SACRAMENTS BAPTISMS We celebrate the sacrament of Baptism most Sundays. Parents are welcome to have the Baptism celebrated either at a week-end Mass or at the Liturgy of Baptism at 2:00 PM two Sundays a month. To make arrangements for Baptism please call the Parish Office or baptism@olqpnj.org Godparents must be confirmed, be active members of the church and attend Mass regularly. A sponsor certificate is required from each godparent. SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION Before Daily Mass 8:40-9:00 AM Saturday 4:00-4:45 PM (or by appointment with Fr. Hubert or Fr. Kamil) SACRAMENT OF MARRIAGE Please contact Parish Office and set up an appointment. Any Catholic couple needs approximately a year to prepare for the Sacrament of Marriage, which includes sessions with the Priest celebrating the marriage and attendance at Pre-Cana conferences. SACRAMENT OF THE SICK / HOSPITAL VISITS We are strongly committed to the spiritual care of the sick. Because of privacy laws, hospitals and nursing homes are not allowed to release the patient s religious affiliation. Therefore, we must depend on families of our sick parishioners to inform us of their whereabouts and condition. Please notify the parish office of any need for a home or hospital visit. RCIA - The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults is a program for people who seek full initiation in the Catholic Church through the reception of the Sacraments of Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation, which are received at the Easter Vigil. For information, please contact the parish office. Sacrament Preparation Available in Polish Sacramental Catechesis for First Communion and Confirmation is also available in Polish. EARLY CHILDHOOD ACADEMY (Pre-School Academy) Religious Based Formal Preschool, PreK and K Prep programs for ages 2 ½ - 6. Before and After School Program for Grades K-6 Contact Mercedes Debrecki at for more information. PRAYER CHAIN: Your sisters and brothers of the Parish will gladly pray for your needs. Please call Jenelle Hopkins at or her at prayer.chain@olqpnj.org.