Our Lady of Lourdes. to the Passion. Pilgrimage

Transcription

1 Pilgrimage to the Passion Our Lady of Lourdes Our Lady of Lourdes, 390 County Road 523, P. O. Box 248, Whitehouse Station, NJ P: F: W: ollwhs.org

2 Page 2 April 9, 2017 ~ Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord

3 Clergy Parish Staff PASTOR Very Rev. Leonard F. A. Rusay x 11, pastor@ollwhs.org PASTORAL SUPPORT Rev. Greg Uhrig DEACONS Mr. Charles Paolino and Mr. Al Adolfo Liturgical Celebrations WEEKEND LITURGIES Saturday 5:30 pm; Sunday 8:00, 9:30 & 11:00 am WEEKDAY LITURGIES 8:30 am except Thursday at 12:00 pm HOLY DAYS OF OBLIGATION Please refer to the Bulletin. Office Hours MONDAY THROUGH THURSDAY 9:00 am to 4:00 pm; FRIDAY - 9:00 am to 1:00 pm Visitation Hours CHURCH Daily 9:00 am to 5:00 pm SACRED HEART CHAPEL Monday to Thursday - 8:00 am to 4:00 pm; Friday 8:00 am to 1:00 pm PENANCE Saturday 4:30 to 5:00 pm and by appointment Faith Formation PASTORAL ASSOCIATE Joline Frank x 12, pastoralassociate@ollwhs.org PARISH CATECHETICAL LEADER Nina Forestiere x 17, faithformation@ollwhs.org LITURGICAL MUSIC DIRECTOR James Cole x 19, music@ollwhs.org PASTORAL EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT Doreen Budris-Kovacs x 13, parishadmin@ollwhs.org PASTORAL FINANCE ASSISTANT Christine DeLessio x 15, finance@ollwhs.org COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR & PCL ASSOCIATE Bridget Hackman x 14, bulletin@ollwhs.org PASTORAL SECRETARY Madeline Fisher x 21, receptionist@ollwhs.org PCL ASSISTANT Janice Tressito, ffassist@ollwhs.org MAINTENANCE Colman Connolly Spiritual Direction - Individual directed prayer life is offered by our Priests and Pastoral Associate. Charismatic Prayer Group - This prayer community meets Tuesdays at 7:00 pm in the Sacred Heart Chapel. YOUTH FAITH FORMATION Religious education classes are held from September through May, for students in the First through Fourth grades on Monday and Tuesday from 4:30 to 5:45 pm and for students in the Fifth through Seventh grades on Monday and Tuesday from 6:30 to 7:45 pm. Twelve Confirmation Prep sessions are required for Eighth graders who wish to receive the Sacrament. CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS The process where those inquiring about becoming a Roman Catholic are invited to journey with Church members in sharing their faith, while discerning God s call to conversion. Please contact the Parish Office for further information. Parish Membership New members need to contact the Parish Office to register for an Evening of Welcome at which time the process of formally becoming a parishioner will be initiated. We receive many requests for certificates of sponsorship for Baptism and Confirmation. Certificates can only be given to registered members of the parish who actively practice their faith. Members are those who regularly attend Mass and participate in and support the life of the Church. Sacraments Prayer Opportunities BAPTISM The Rite of Baptism is celebrated on the first Sunday of the month following the 11:00 am Mass and the third Sunday of the month at the 11:00 am liturgy, except during Lent. Parents must attend an obligatory preparation session prior to the child s birth. Arrangements for a Baptismal date are made at that session. MATRIMONY In accordance with Diocesan policy, couples wishing to be married at OLL must participate in a one-year preparation program, which includes FOCCUS, Pre-Cana, God s Plan for a Faith-Filled Marriage, and required paperwork. Please confirm the date with the Church prior to making other plans. Marriages take place on Fridays and Saturdays no Sunday weddings. Page 3 April 9, 2017 ~ Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord

4 ~ Final Days of Lent ~ Monday, April 10 ~ Monday of Holy Week Is 42:1-7/Ps 27:1-3, 13-14/Jn 12:1-11 8:30 am Mass: Joshua Neu r/b The Neu Family 7:30 pm Chrism Mass at the Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi Tuesday, April 11 ~ Tuesday of Holy Week Is 49:1-6/Ps 71:1-4a, 5ab-6ab, 15, 17/Jn 13:21-33, :30 am Mass: Sylvia Salhani & Ava Cristo r/b Lenore Coccio 6:00 to 7:00 pm Penance (Final Opportunity) Wednesday, April 12 ~ Wednesday of Holy Week Is 50:4-9a/Ps 69:8-10, 21-22, 31, 33-34/Mt 26: :30 am Mass: Joshua Neu r/b The Neu Family ~ Triduum ~ Thursday, April 13 ~ Holy Thursday 9:00 am Morning Prayer 7:00 pm Mass of the Lord s Supper Ex 12:1-8, 11-14/Ps 116:12-13, 15-16bc, 17-18/1 Cor 11:23-26/Jn 13:1-15 Adoration of the Eucharist until 10:00 pm. The Church will remain open throughout the night in the spirit of Gethsemane as we continue to keep watch in prayer and fasting. Friday, April 14 ~ Friday of the Passion of the Lord 9:00 am Morning Prayer 3:00 pm The Passion of the Lord Is 52:13--53:12/Ps 31:2, 6, 12-13, 15-17, 25/Heb 4:14-16; 5:7-9/Jn 18:1--19:42 7:00 pm Living Way of the Cross The church will remain open throughout the night as we continue to keep watch. Saturday, April 15 ~ Holy Saturday 9:00 am Morning Prayer 8:00 pm The Easter Vigil Gn 1:1--2:2 /Ps 104:1-2, 5-6, 10, 12-14, 24, 35/Gn 22:1-18 /Ps 16:5, 8-11/Ex 14:1515:1/Ex 15:1-6, 17-18/Is 54:5-14/Ps 30:2, 4-6, 11-13/Is 55:1-11/Is 12:2-6/ Bar 3:9-15, 32--4:4/Ps 19:8-11/Ez 36:16-17a, 18-28/Ps 42:3, 5; 43:3-4 /Rom 6:3-11/ Ps 118:1-2, 16-17, 22-23/Mt 28:1-10 The Easter Vigil Eucharist breaks our fast. All are invited to join us in the Narthex after Mass for Easter breakfast. Sunday, April 16 ~ Easter Sunday of the Resurrection of the Lord Acts 10:34a, 37-43/Ps 118:1-2, 16-17, 22-23/Col 3:1-4 or 1 Cor 5:6b-8/ Jn 20:1-9 or Mt 28:1-10 or Lk 24: :45 am Mass 9:30 am Mass 11:15 am Mass Page 4 People of the Parish People of the Parish People of the Parish The blessing of the Easter foods and baskets will take place at the conclusion of every Easter Mass. April 2017 Palm of the Passion of the Lord Please bring your9, items to ~the front Sunday of the Church before Mass begins.

5 Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday Monday of Holy Week 9:00 am Starfish, Community Hall 1:00 pm Prayer Shawl, Library 4:30 pm 6:30 pm 7:00 pm Prayer Shawl Tuesday of Holy Week 9:00 am Starfish, Community Hall 10:00 am Adult Faith Formation with Joline, Old Church Hall 4:30 pm 6:30 pm 7:00 pm Prayer Group Easter Egg Hunt Wednesday of Holy Week 7:00 pm Adult Faith Formation with Fr. Greg, Old Church Hall Holy Thursday The Parish Office is open till 12:00 Noon. Goodies to Share, Egg Hunt, Craft & a Surprise Visitor! Saturday, April 15, from 10:00 to 11:30 am. Join us for an Egg Hunt hosted by the Knights of Columbus and the Faith Formation Youth. The event is open to grades 5 and under. Registration is required and can be accessed on the Parish website, A Note From Fr. Len Friday of the Passion of the Lord Office Closed Please See The Final Days of Lent Schedule on the Previous Page for Confession, Mass, and Prayer Opportunities. Holy Saturday 9:30 am Church Decorating 10:00 am Easter Egg Hunt, Community Hall Easter Sunday of the Resurrection of the Lord 7:45 am Mass: People of the Parish 9:30 am Mass: People of the Parish 11:15 am Mass: People of the Parish Easter Vigil Breakfast, Saturday, April 15 We are in need of volunteers to supply the following: cheese, fruit or veggie platters, and finger desserts. Questions? Please contact Christine at finance@ollwhs.org or x 15. Drop off food in the Narthex any time between 9:30 am and 6:00 pm. As we prepare for the Triduum this week, I invite you to take time for quiet reflection. In our hectic lives, it is important for us to find that out of the way place and pray upon the events which we are invited to think about. Why did Jesus say yes to such suffering? Why did he agree to experience such humiliation? Why did he not speak out and save himself? These and other questions can be the beginning of our prayer and invite us to think about how we respond to our call to discipleship. On the topic of reflection, while checking my while on retreat two weeks ago, I received a letter about the Marian shrine that is to be created this spring. The individual s concern was that this shrine might be redundant with the beautiful Grotto that faces Route 523. After reflecting on this topic, I came to the realization that every generation desires to "leave their mark " so that future generations will know the depth of their faith and connectedness to their parish. The untimely passing of our almost deacon Mike Lavallato (who was to be ordained in May) affected the gentlemen who came together with him on Saturday mornings for prayer. They wanted to remember him in a special way. After discussion it was decided that a "shrine" like those found in Eastern Europe would be a fitting tribute. No matter where you go in Poland, there are simple wooden structures built by the locals so that individuals can stop, say a prayer, and move on. Our shrine, which will be located on the circle in front of the Church, will honor Mike s Marian devotion as well as recognize our parish s ethnic background. Our Blessed Mother calls us to be a family in prayer and hospitality which is a major reason for the shrine. As we celebrate our yearly May crowning, we can now all convene outside (instead of the crowded narthex), crown the statue, and then rejoice with refreshments. Finally, a drawback to our generation is a lack of respect for places of worship, so when the Church building is closed for security sake, this shrine will continue to be a place of prayer and reflection. As for the Grotto, it is what identifies us as the parish of OLL; however, it is not accessible to those attending Mass. One needs to make a concerted effort to visit. The Eagle Scouts constructed a pathway to the shrine, placed the stations of the cross on the walkway and landscaped it. The Faith Formation classes go to the grotto in the fall and/or spring each year and are informed of its history. And yet, few visit. I am certain that the generation that constructed the Grotto never thought that the entranceway to the Church would be in the opposite direction. Whenever I tell individuals that I am the pastor of OLL, they mention the Grotto. It is our landmark; however, we as the parish, worship in a different location on our 13 acres of property. The new shrine will not replace the Grotto but instead offer the parishioners an alternative location, especially for those unable to go to the Grotto. I hope this addresses any concerns others may have had. I encourage you to visit the Grotto, pray for the soul of Mike Lavallato, and to remember Page 5 what we celebrate this week. Remember, reflect April and pray. 9, 2017 ~ Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord

6 Starfish Easter Food Baskets - Volunteers Needed to... Sunday, April 9 6:00pm Set up Community Hall and move food from pantry. Monday, April 10 9:00am Sort food. Tuesday, April 11 9:00am Pack non-perishable food. 5:00pm Sort and pack fresh food. 5:30pm Deliver food to those unable to pick up. Assist those picking up food. Faith Formation RCIA This Palm Sunday, we journey together with our Lord as we enter Holy Week to celebrate the life-giving mysteries of his suffering, death, and resurrection. Please continue to pray for our RCIA candidate, Olivia Lorenzo and elect Al Stankevich during their final days of preparation for full communion of the Catholic Church culminating with the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist at the Easter Vigil Mass. Catholicism...the Pivotal Players This week we conclude this very successful series! Join Joline on Tuesday, April 11 at 10:00 or Father Greg on Wednesday, April 12 at 7:00 pm as they wrap up the series, Catholicism...the Pivotal Players. Both Fr. Greg and Joline will hold their classes in Old Church Hall. Faith Formation Registration 2017/18 Online registration for the 2017/18 Faith Formation year will open on May 1. Information letters will go out next week to all families with children entering grades 1 through 8 in the fall. If you have any questions, contact Nina Forestiere at faithformation@ollwhs.org Catechists Wanted for Fall Spring 2018 We are looking for parishioners who would enjoy sharing their love of the Catholic faith with our parish youth. No experience is necessary, only the desire to work with children, and an open mind and heart. We will train you. Catechists are wanted for all grades. Classes are held on Mondays or Tuesdays in the afternoons for the younger children and in the evenings for the older children. Please consider volunteering. There is no more noble calling then to pass on our knowledge and traditions to our children. If you have any questions or would like to volunteer, contact Nina Forestiere at faithformation@ollwhs.org Community Life Rosarian Gift Shop The Gift Shop is open today, resuming usual Sunday opening from 8:30 am - 12:15 pm. Please stop by to browse our beautiful collection of gifts and sacramental items. Special order items are available with a two-week window for delivery. Contact Ruth Stieh at rastieh@gmail.com or with questions or to schedule an appointment. Thank you for your support! Chrism Mass On Monday, April 10, Bishop James Checchio will celebrate the Chrism Mass with the priests of the Diocese. At this Mass, the Bishop will bless the Holy Oils which each parish receives for the Rites of Anointing. All are strongly encouraged to join in the ancient, grace-filled Chrism Mass at the Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi in Metuchen at 7:30 pm. The Pontifical Good Friday Collection Pope Francis has asked our parish to support the Pontifical Good Friday Collection, which helps Christians in the Holy Land. Your support helps the church minister in parishes, provide Catholic schools and offer religious education. The Pontifical Good Friday Collection also helps to preserve the sacred shrines. The wars, unrest, and instability have been especially hard on Christians. In these times of crisis, the Pontifical Good Friday Collection provides humanitarian aid to refugees. When you contribute to the Pontifical Good Friday Collection, you become an instrument of peace and join with Catholics around the world in solidarity with the Church in the Holy Land. Please be Generous! For more information about Christians in the Holy Land, visit Weekly Tithe 5% of next week s Easter collection will be donated to The Paulist Fathers & Shepherd s Meal. Tabernacle Lamps Burn in Honor of: Joshua Neu Many Thanks to This Week s Advertiser ~ Fimbel A. D. S. Architectural Door Specialist Page 6 Summer Mass Schedule: April Starting 9, 2017 the Weekend ~ Palm Sunday of June 24 of & the 25 Passion of the Lord Saturday Evening: 5:30 pm & Sunday: 8:30 & 10:30 am