S. E H C. We Welcome new members to our parish. Registering helps us know you are one of us. Please contact the Rectory Office.

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1 Fourth Sunday of Advent December 31st E B S L Mission Statement We, the community of St. Elizabeth empowered by the S. E H C Holy Spirit, are the instrument that enables all, bound together in love and thanksgiving to realize that the Lord is our Savior. This is achieved through worship, the proclamation of the Word, mutual concern and service. Rectory 179 Hussa Street Phone Rectory Office Hours. Monday - Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 Emergency Fax Religious Education Parish ... SEHPLinden@gmail.com Parish Website... Pastor Rev. Edgardo P. Jocson Eucharist Parochial Vicar Rev. Alexander Cruz Saturday Evenings...4:00 pm Sundays 8:00, 10:00 am & 12:00 noon Permanent Deacon Deacon John Bejgrowicz (Retired) Music Director Raymond Bassford Executive Assistant Debbie Mastroeni CCD Coordinator Eva Tripodi Trustees Ann J. Ferguson Edward A. Esposito Reconcilia on Weekdays... 8:00 am & 12:05 pm Saturdays... 12:05 pm only First Friday...11:00 am Holy Hour Holidays... 9:00 am only Monday Saturday After the Noon Mass Saturday 3:00 3:45 pm or call for an appointment. Ministry to the Sick Homebound Please let us know of any parishioners, unable to attend church wishing to receive the Sacraments - Anointing of the Sick & Communion. Hospital Visitation Present privacy regulations require the family to notify the parish of hospitalized parishioners. Please call the Rectory Office to arrange a visit. Bap sm Contact the rectory Office for date and Preparation Class Parish Membership We Welcome new members to our parish. Registering helps us know you are one of us. Please contact the Rectory Office. Marriage Contact the Rectory Office at least one year in advance.

2 The Holy Family of Jesus Mary and Joseph December 3031, 2017 Saturday December 30th 4:00 pm Rosanna Pezzella ~ Mom & Dad Sunday December 31st 8:00 am Margaret & John Burke ~ Burke & Halecki Families 10:00 am Peter Young ~ wife & family 12:00 pm Jan Szczykutowicz 7:00 pm People of the Parish Monday January 1st Happy New Year, Rectory Closed 8:00 am People of the Parish 12: 05 pm Patricia Ann Prossick ~ Donna & Richard Borowicz Tuesday January 2nd Rectory Closed 8:00 am Joseph P. Coolian ~ daughter Mary 12:05 pm Frank Polacik ~ Michael Lordi Wednesday January 3rd 8:00 am Frank J. Polacik ~ Maryann Bardys 12:05 pm Christopher Nowicki ~ Lillian Kaszubowska Thursday January 4th 8:00 am Frank J. Polacik ~ Irene Bardys 12:05 pm Concetta Vicci ~ daughter Amelia Friday January 5th 8:00 am Frank J. Polacik ~ Julie Doklia 11:00 am Holy Hour 12:05 pm Irene Robb ~ Kiki & Dianna Micek Saturday January 6th 12:05 pm Paulo Jorge Esteves ~ Jacqueline & Christian The Epiphany of the Lord January 67, 2018 Saturday January 6th 4:00 pm Frank J. Polacik ~ Julie Doklia Sunday January 7th 8:00 am Frank J. Polacik ~ George & Marie Bardys 10:00 am William F. & Catherine Talbot ~ family 12:00 pm Olga Mercedez Tungpalan ~ Maria Alban Weekly Memorials Altar Candles Rev. Msgr. Joseph Petrillo Sanctuary Lamps Rev. Michael Patete Altar Bread Emanuele De Noia Jr. ~ daughter The donation for the Sanctuary Lamps and the Altar Candles are $10.00, the Altar Bread is $15.00, and the Altar Wine is $ The flowers for Blessed Virgin Mary & St. Joseph are $45.00 St Ann are $ The Tabernacle is $45.00 and the Cross is $ Please stop by the Rectory to reserve any of the above items. Readings for the Week of December 31, 2017 Sunday: Gn 15:16; 21:13 or Sir 3:26, 1214/Ps 105:12, 34, 5 6, 89, [7a, 8a] or Ps 128:12, 3, 45 [cf. 1]/Heb 11:8, 1112, 1719 or Col 3:1221 or 3:1217/Lk 2:2240 or 2:22, 3940 Monday Nm 6:2227/Ps 67:23, 5, 6, 8 [2a]/Gal 4:47/Lk 2:16 21 Tuesday 1 Jn 2:2228/Ps 98:1, 23ab, 3cd4 [3cd]/Jn 1:1928 Wednesday 1 Jn 2:293:6/Ps 98:1, 3cd4, 56 [3cd]/Jn 1:2934 Thursday 1 Jn 3:710/Ps 98:1, 78, 9 [3cd]/Jn 1:3542 Friday 1 Jn 3:1121/Ps 100:1b2, 3, 4, 5 [2a]/Jn 1:4351 Saturday 1 Jn 5:513/Ps 147:1213, 1415, 1920 [12a]/Mk 1:711 or Lk 3:2338 or 3:23, 3134, 36, 38 THE HOLY FAMILY OF JESUS,MARY & JOSEPH First Reading: The Lord took Abram outside and said, "Look up at the sky and count the stars, if you can. Just so," he added, "shall your descendants be." (Gn 15:5) Or: God sets a father in honor over his children; a mother's authority he confirms over her sons. (Sir 3:2) Or: Blessed are those who fear the Lord and walk in his ways. (Ps 128) Second Reading: By faith Abraham, when put to the test, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises was ready to offer his only son. (Heb 11:17) Or: And let the peace of Christ control your hearts, the peace into which you were also called in one body. And be thankful. (Col 3:15) Gospel: "For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you prepared in sight of all the peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and glory for your people Israel." (Lk 2:3032) For the Dearly Departed We offer our condolences to the families and friends that have lost a loved one. May the soul and the souls of the faithfully departed through the mercy of God, rest in Peace

3 December 31, 2017 The Holy Family Reflection "When they had fulfilled all the prescriptions of the law of the Lord, they returned... to their own town of Nazareth." Mary and Joseph were faithful Jews who followed the norms of their religion. Today's Gospel describes the event we call "The Presentation." Jesus' parents, like every Jewish family, presented their infant son to the Lord in a formal ceremony at the temple in Jerusalem. Having done what their religious rites required (and having heard the prophetic words of Simeon and Anna), Mary and Joseph returned home. It was back in their native region of Galilee, amidst the daily routine of domestic life, that Jesus "grew and became strong, filled with wisdom." As Christians, we too consecrate our children to the Lord when we have them baptized in the Church. Seeing our children receive this sacrament of initiation is always a moment of great joy and hope as we anticipate the life that lies ahead for them, both on earth and in eternity. But the baptism of a baby is only the beginning of this journey towards heaven. In truth, the little daily details, the simple living of family life in our own home paves the way for our children to reach their eternal home. And so it was with the Holy Family. Jesus' childhood, his formation and development took place not primarily amidst the public drama of the temple, but in the quiet privacy of his home. How important this home was, where his parents raised him in their faith and helped him live in such a way that "the favor of God was upon him." May we too, in our homes and our families, remember that although our mission may be lived out in very small moments, taken together they have an eternal significance. Stewardship of Treasure For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:21 Offertory Collecon 12/24/2017 Weekly Collecons $ 5, Assessment Collecon $ Fuel & Heat Collecon $ 1, Christmas to date $ 19, Weekly Envelope Users If you currently are not using envelopes please call the rectory and we can easily get you signed up. Please keep in mind that if you are moving make the Rectory aware. We need to keep are records current and to let the envelope company know of the change of address or to discontinue, thanks. This week 12/31/2017 Please use Weekly and Fuel & Heat In addion Solemnity of Mary Next week 1/07/2018 Please use Weekly and Assessment Thank you in advance for your generosity The Centennial Plaza In the vestibule please find forms, if you are interested in memorializing a loved one, remembering your family or just wishing St Elizabeth well. There are pavers, two lampposts and benches. The form will allow you to inscribe in the spaces for proper printing. The costs are as follows: Pavers are $ Lamppost are $2, Benches will be $3, Please call the rectory if you have any questions Up Coming Meengs CCD / RCIA January 79:009:50amThirteenth Class 149:009:50amFourteenth Class 21NO CLASSMARTIN LUTHER KING WEEKEND 289:009:50amFifteenth Class 9:009:50amFirst Communion Meeting Lower Church 10:00amCCD Community Mass Report Card Distribution Organizaons/Associaons Finance Council TBD 7 PM Rosary Altar Society Mar 6 7 PM Liturgy Commiee Jan 9th 7 PM Building and Facilies Mar 19th 7 PM Pastoral Commiee Jan 10th 7 PM (All meeng take place at Rectory, Rosary call Joanne Badalis ) We cannot see Christ and remain as we are. Pére Jacques Pastor Fr Edgardo Jocson, Pastoral Vicar Rev Alexander Cruz Rectory #

4 Prayer for the New Year Heavenly Father, we thank You for the year that has passed and the many blessings You have showered us in time. We beg your pardon in our many failings and trespasses and we pray that the coming year be a more fruitful one. We earnestly pray for the gift of the Holy Spirit, and we call upon our Lord Jesus Christ, for His intercessions, His guidance and His light to shine our path. Mary Mother of God Pray for Us. This weekend has many celebration, both Liturgically and in our everyday lives. Happy New Year as we begin the new year 2018, may it be filled with much Happiness, good health and peace. As for the Liturgically celebrations, the 31st is the celebration of the Holy Family, Jesus Mary and Joseph. The church reminds us the importance of family. The joys and the struggles that we all share together. Family should give us strength and comfort. On January 1st we celebrate the Solemnity of Mary. We must always remember that Mary said yes to her faith and for that reason we have all been saved. How can we go forward, without any hesitation, and say yes to our God, like Mary. Since 1967 the church has saved this day for world peace., this year it is not a Holy day of obligation. If you are new to the parish, welcome!!! If you would like to register Please feel free to call us or fill in the form below Name Address City Phone Address You can drop this off in the basket and we can follow up with you LIVE THE LITURGY INSPIRATION FOR THE WEEK Families face many challenges. All of the demands of work, school, and society can easily put a strain on even the best intentioned of families. Hurt, anger, and bitterness can grow in our families especially when conflicts are not properly resolved or relationships nurtured. Human beings require time, patience, love, and nurturing. We need to take time to celebrate the gift of family and not allow other demands to rob us of the time we need to spend together. Life is short. The Holy Family stands before us today showing us that love, commitment, and perseverance can see us through any difficulty or challenge life can bring. May we learn from their example! With your generous donations, our latest deposit in our WALS saving account is $37, During Lent we were able to replace the kneelers with new cushions and a durable fabric that will last for years to come. The first few pews were cut away to allow ease for our funerals. In addition we are able to have an open and welcome altar for our wedding couples. Over 200 parishes have completed their efforts toward the We Are Living Stones Campaign, and God has certainly blessed the work of His People. The Campaign continues to move strongly towards its goal of $90 million, with over $83 million in pledge commitments to date. Parishes throughout the Archdiocese have broken ground on various capital projects with over $19 million already distributed to qualifying parishes. The We Are Living Stones Capital Campaign continues to focus on strengthening our parishes while building a bright future for the entire Archdiocese we ask that you continue to pray for the success of this campaign both at your local parish, as well as at your neighboring parishes throughout the Archdiocese of Newark. Thank you for your consideration and your participation in this endeavor. Our goal is $450, to date we have $201, in pledges and $112, in collected donations. For those of you that are still thinking about your contribution you can call the office with any questions Sharing God Blessing Meeting Our Parish Goal Thank you for supporting the 2017 Annual Appeal. Our parish will receive a rebate if we exceed our goal by December 31 st. If you have an outstanding balance on your pledge, kindly make sure to send your donation before the deadline. If you have not yet made your gift, please complete your gift envelope as soon as possible and either send it directly to the Archdiocese of Newark or turn it in to the parish. We are able to achieve our goal when everyone does their part. In addition to the programs and ministries directly supported by the Annual Appeal, there are opportunities to benefit our own parish as well! Once a parish achieves their goal, 62% of all funding above that goal will be returned to the parish in the form of a rebate. If we were to reach our goal the parish receives a rebate. This is done every year. There are churches that use this as their fundraiser Currently, our parish has reached 68.88% of our goal in funds received for this year s Annual Appeal. Your gift truly makes a difference. For those who have supported this effort, THANK YOU for your generosity. For those who have considered making a gift, or are considering an end of year gift, we invite you to view this year s video to learn about the impact your gift will make. You can view it online at There is a saying you can t spend a dollar twice, this program allows you to help others and a reward comes back to the church.

5 EVERYDAY STEWARDSHIP RECOGNIZE GOD IN YOUR ORDINARY MOMENTS We have heard people say, "You don't get to choose your family!" We believe that to be only partially true. We did not choose our parents, but our family is greater than my family tree of ancestors. Our family includes those who have been there when both of our parents passed away. Our family includes those who came to see the newborn children in the hospital. Our family includes those who celebrated with us our greatest triumphs and consoled us in our greatest times of trial. Each and every one of them we have chosen to be a part of our family. Most of the time we talk about stewardship in terms of time, talent, and treasure. We quantify the size of our gifts, seeing them as things that have a finite value. However, true stewardship has no limits. What we are called to give is everything. When we fully empty ourselves into another and into the reality of God we find ourselves transformed. We truly grow into our own as the creations we became at baptism. It is in that transformation that we find ourselves connected to others in a profound way. Those who were not connected to us by blood are now connected to us by spirit. Our family, the body of Christ, grows and becomes stronger. In this family, a man can be father to a Son not of his flesh and a woman mother to a Son of a divine origin. In this family, we find our hope and our home. And we must never make the mistake of thinking that is not a choice. WHY DO WE DO THAT? CATHOLIC TRADITIONS EX- PLAINED Question: Why do the Gospels differ in their details? I was surprised to learn that not all of the Gospels tell the same stories, for example, the Nativity. Doesn't this take away from their credibility? Answer: Take any event that happens, from family trips to national politics and ask two or three different people to explain what happened. You will get a different version of the same story. People tend to tell the story from their perspective, and past experience shades what we recall and how we recall it. Our choice of words and what details we leave in or out is also influenced by the audience who is listening to our tales. The Gospel writers are no different. Each one tells the story of Jesus from their own perspective. Versions differ in some details, not because one is true and the other is not, but because each Gospel writer, or Evangelist, has a different theological point to communicate as well as a different audience for whom he is writing. He picks and chooses the details of his Gospel based on what message he is preaching, what his audience may already know, and what message they need to hear. The various details of the Gospels point more to their authenticity as a record of the church's experience and understanding of Jesus. In a good study Bible, the background notes for each Gospel contain a lot of information that helps us better understand each Evangelist and his message. Can a snowstorm be a blessing? If you can t go out due to a snowstorm, use the time to clean out the attic, basement, and closets. Catholic Charities needs used clothing, small appliances, shoes, linens, sheets, towels, stuffed animals, novels, and children s books. The donation bin is located on our property. Your efforts will be a blessing to all those whom Catholic Charities serves daily. Thank you. Any questions or comments, please contact Maria F. Biancheri at or mbiancheri@ccannj.org. WHY DO WE DO THAT? CATHOLIC TRADITIONS EXPLAINED Question: January 1 has a number of liturgical names celebrating a variety of events. Could you sort some of this out? Answer: January 1, New Year's Day, celebrates newness. Exactly eight days after Christmas, traditionally it celebrates Mary as the Mother of God. The Greek word for Mary's motherhood is "Theotokos," meaning "Godbearer." Becoming official church teaching at the Council of Ephesus in 381, this is one of the most ancient and important titles given to Mary. Eight days after the birth of a Jewish male, circumcision was demanded by Jewish law. So January 1 also commemorates the circumcision of Jesus. The Gospel reading for the day from Luke recounts the shepherds' visit, the completion of the eight days leading to circumcision, and naming the baby Jesus, according to the angel's direction previous to his conception. Beginning in 1967, Pope Paul VI requested that this day also be set aside as a day of prayer for world peace. Each year, the pope issues a message encouraging prayer and action toward the establishment of world peace. So on January 1, as we continue to celebrate the mystery of the Incarnation, let us also turn to the intercession of Mary, the Queen of Peace. Happy New Year!

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