Rev. John J. Werner, Parochial Vicar Rev. Msgr. Michael J. Corona, PA, KCHS, Pastor

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1 The Catholic Church of St. Ann 45 Anderson St., Raritan, NJ Tel. (908) Fax (908) St. Ann School: 29 Second Ave., Raritan, NJ Tel. (908) Fax (908) St. Ann Convent: 29 Second Ave., Raritan, NJ (908) Rev. Msgr. Michael J. Corona, PA, KCHS, Pastor Rev. John J. Werner, Parochial Vicar Rev. Msgr. James Cafone, S.T.D., Weekend Clergy Deacon John R. Pacifico, Permanent Deacon Deacon Conrad Paulus, Permanent Deacon Sr. Dolores Toscano, M.P.F., Superior / Pastoral Associate Sr. Mary Klersey, M.P.F., Principal Sr. Phyllis Vella, M.P.F., Director of Religious Education info@stannparish.com Parish Mission Statement Inspired by the Holy Spirit, we the Catholic Parish of St. Ann embrace all as family and continue Christ's mission by exemplifying the love of God and neighbor as stewards of God's gifts to us. Mass Schedule: Daily: Monday-Friday at 7:00am & 7:00pm; Saturday: 9:00am Weekend Mass: Saturday Vigil: 4:00pm Sunday: 7:30am, 9:00am, 10:30am, and 12 Noon Confession: Saturday: 9:30am - 10:00am & 3:00pm - 3:45pm Baptism: First Sunday of the month at the Noon Mass, as well as the second, third and fourth Sunday at 1:30pm. Instruction for new parents takes place on the second Saturday of the month at 10am. Arrangements are made with the rectory, Marriages: The common policy of marriage requires that arrangements be made at least One Year before the date of marriage and before any social plans are made. Bride or Groom must be a parishioner. Please do not make any arrangements until you have met with the pastor, Msgr. Corona, and the wedding date has been approved. Anointing of the Sick: Please call the rectory to arrange a home visit. Ministry to the Sick: Parishioners who are homebound are visited on the first Friday of each month by our Deacons & Religious. If you know of a parishioner that is seriously ill or hospitalized, please call the parish office. Sponsors & Godparents: Must be 18 years old, registered as an adult and be confirmed in the Catholic Church. If you are married, your marriage must be recognized by the church. This is especially important if you wish to be a sponsor for Confirmation or a Godparent for Baptism. It takes 6 months of attending Mass to be eligible for both of these privileges. Parish Religious Education Program (PREP): Grades 1-8 Monday 6:15pm to 7:30pm Grades 1-7 Thursday 6:15pm to 7:30pm For more information and Registration packet, please call Sr. Phyllis in the Parish Office at Parish Registration: Any new family who has moved into the parish, or adult children 18 and over, are invited to register at our parish after any Sunday Mass or visit the rectory 8 am to 4 pm Monday through Friday. Also, please notify us if you move. St. Ann School Registration - Pre-K to 8th grade Our dedicated and experienced faculty are committed to providing a quality education focused on Faith, Family and Community. Call us at for more information, to visit our school or to register your child(ren). THE EXALTATION OF THE HOLY CROSS SEPTEMBER 14, 2014

2 THE CATHOLIC CHURCH OF ST. ANN, RARITAN Daily Mass Mon. to Fri. 7am & 7pm First Fri. 9am (Sept.-Jun) Sat. 9am Sat. Reconciliation: 9:30-10am and 3:00-3:45pm HOLY MASS SCHEDULE Weekend Mass Sat. 4pm, Vigil Mass Sun. 7:30am, 9am,10:30am, 12noon MINISTRY SCHEDULE SATURDAY, September 13, :00 pm Eucharistic Ministers - John Lamaestra & Cathy Stevens Reader - Rick Stevens Altar Servers - Kailey Paieda, James Toolan, John Toolan SUNDAY, September 14, :30 AM Eucharistic Ministers - Tom DeSantis, Christine Esposito Reader - Thomas Brown Altar Server - Peter DeSantis, Alexa Marsh 9:00 am Eucharistic Ministers - MaryLou Cirianni & Sr. Dolores Toscano Reader - Dianne Bautista Altar Servers - Joseph Gorky, Tanner Gorky, Maxine Opida 10:30 am Eucharistic Ministers - Harold D Alessio, and Jackie D Alessio Reader - Ness Tirol Altar Servers - Brendan McNulty, Daniel McNulty, Dominic Stangota 12:00 Noon Eucharistic Ministers - Maria DeLucia, and Dr. Joseph Mele Reader -Jim Wilson Altar Servers - Logan Christ, Danielle Licht, Damian Searchwell Mass Intentions this week Monday, September 15, 2014-Our Lady of Sorrows 7am Frances Flavell by Sause Family 7pm Shirley & John Gambino by Gerry & Nick Cicero Tuesday, September 16, am Fortunato Figliano by Jennie Cugliari 7pm Natale & Giuseppina Poccia by Civita & Pasquale Truppi Wednesday, September 17, am Sr. Ann Gereghty by Claire Cicalese 7pm Helen & George Mayewski by daughter-in-law Terry Mayewski Thursday, September 18, am Fortunato Figliano by Maria & Paul 7pm Catherine & John Doyle by Margaret Callaghan Friday, September 19, am Pasqualino DeLuca by daughter & son-in-law Liliana & Robert Parico 7pm Faith & Peter Christiano by Margaret O Donnell Saturday, September 20, th Annual John Basilone Concert 9am Norma Ferguson by daughter Pat 4pm Maria Rose Lacquinti by Domenica Natale Sunday, September 21, Basilone Day Parade 7:30am People of the Parish 9:00am Holy Name Society 10:30am Sgt. John Basilone by Parade Committee 12 Noon Angelo Bavaro by Lia Ruffa & family Luzmanda Anthony Michael Brennan Chester Butkiewicz Joanmarie Carlone Frances D Angelo Michele D Angelo Angela DeFina Mary Ann De Maio Ann Descoteau Raymond Descoteau Theresa DiBetta Lydia Digiuseppantonio Mike Faccone Carmela Fasano Mary & Richard Felice Maria Fusca Teresa Galaini Anthony Gambino Elizabeth Gecik Eleanor Giraldi Roberta Grillo Ruth Gulick James Holmes Doris Kelco Andrezej Knopka Bernadette Laggini Barbara Langon Marie Locasio Rosalie Marrone Giovanna Martini Victoria Melitsky Anna Moretti Nancy Natale Margaret O Donnell Olga Orlando OUR MILITARY John Petsko Yolanda Polidoro Fortunato Riga Teresa Riga Frank Ratkowski Cosette Ruh Anthony Sacino Marianne San Filippo Nancy Schiavi Mary Shallanberger Phyllis Serafin Frank & Lucille Sudano Dolores Talamini Anthony Tomaro Tommarie Tibaldi Carolyn Trepiccio Marie Vale Allison Valverde Richard Vetack Vincent Viscariello Let Us Remember..In our prayers, the men and women serving in our Nation s Armed Forces. Major Michael A. De Cicco, U.S. Army LCpl William A. De Santis, U.S. Marine Corps. Victor Dulay, Jr. U.S. Marine Corps LCpl. Matthew John U.S. Marine Corps PFC Gavin John, U.S. Marine Corps CW4 Michael Lopez, Jr. Major Michael Morella, U.S. Army Sgt. Dan Neville, U.S. Marine Corps SPC Keith Ressa, U.S. Army PFC Daniel J. Salvo, U.S. Marine Corps Corporal Jonathan Schultes, US Marine Corps Major Louis P. Simon, U.S. Marine Corps PFC Jerome C. Sunga, US Army Jack Vara, U.S. Marine Corps This week of September 14 to 20, we remember and honor: Sanctuary Lamps Blessed Mother Special Intention for 50th Wedding Anniversary of Alphonso & Frances Capetta Fancy Basket Tricky Tray Friday, September 19, 2014 Church of St. Joseph, Raritan Doors open at 5:30 pm /Continuous Raffles beginning at 7:00 pm $20.00 admission includes a light supper and 1 sheet of 20 green tickets (each green ticket prize valued from $20 to $49.99) Beverages available for purchase. (No outside food or drink allowed into event) Proceeds benefit St. Joseph Church Improvement Programs No substitution of the offered prize may be made and no cash will be given in lieu of the prize. Not valid unless holder is present. No one under 18 years of age will be admitted.

3 14 SEPTEMBER, THE EXALTATION OF THE HOLY CROSS READINGS FOR WEEK OF September 14, 2014 Readings for the Week of September 14, 2014 Sunday: Nm 21:4b-9/Phil 2:6-11/Jn 3:13-17 Monday: 1 Cor 11:17-26, 33/Jn 19:25-27 or Lk 2:33-35 Tuesday: 1 Cor 12:12-14, 27-31a/Lk 7:11-17 Wednesday: 1 Cor 12:31--13:13/Lk 7:31-35 Thursday: 1 Cor 15:1-11/Lk 7:36-50 Friday: 1 Cor 15:12-20/Lk 8:1-3 Saturday: 1 Cor 15:35-37, 42-49/Lk 8:4-15 Next Sunday: Is 55:6-9/Phil 1:20c-24, 27a/Mt 20:1-16a Devotions: Rosary - Prayed after daily morning Mass Scripture Study - Offered periodically Santo Nino Novena - First Friday at 8:00 pm St. Joseph Novena - March St. Rita Novena - May St. Rocco Novena - June St. Maria Goretti Novena - June/July St. Ann Novena - July ARE YOU A REGISTERED PARISHIONER OF ST. ANN CHURCH? You may not be!!! No matter how old you are or how long you have attended Mass here, you may show up as a child on your parent s registration or not show up at all!!! We would like very much for you to register as an individual so you can receive mailings from us. Please stop by the Parish Office to fill out a Registration Form; this is especially important if you wish to be a Sponsor for Confirmation or Godparent, are getting married, or wish to Baptize your baby. Beatriz Acevedo Diana Cirianni Kathy Faccone Gloria Friedgen Michele Galvin Nancy Giordano Sr. Mary Klersey Rose Harvis Jim Janci Renee Kinney IN APPRECIATION Thank you to the following people who have graciously offered their time and talent to the young people of the Parish in our PREP program. May God continue to bless them for their witness of stewardship. Jamille Krupa Tara Lewandowski Megan Maltese Liz Perez Carol Rittman Rachel Ruh Ruth Ricciardi Rosalinda Piccolo Daniela Taylor Joann Wood NEW FISCAL YEAR WEEKLY OFFERING Week #10 $ 12, Budget need per Week $ 16, Weekly Deficit..($3,594.39) Poor Box - $ Thank you for your generosity to our parish....where your treasure is, there will your heart be also ELECTRONIC GIVING St. Ann s offers parishioners the opportunity to make Online Church contributions! Log onto then scroll down and click on St. Ann Parish Online Donation System. You will be connected to a secure site where you may enter your information. Thank you for your continued support! Peters Pence Collection in our parish this weekend... This weekend, our diocese will take up the Peter s Pence Collection which provides the Holy Father with the funds he needs to carry out his charitable works around the world. The proceeds benefit the most disadvantaged victims of war, oppression, and disasters. Join our Holy Father, Pope Francis, and be a witness of charity to our suffering brother s and sisters by giving generously. To learn more, visit and search Peter s Pence. PREP: Parish Religious Education Program PREP classes begin on Monday, September 15, 2014 and Thursday, September 18. Please check the Parish website for calendars, handbook, sacrament information, etc. Celebrate!!! 33rd Annual John Basilone Memorial Day Parade Celebration - Sun, Sept :30 am Memorial Mass at St. Ann Church 1:00 pm Parade starting at Raritan Railroad Station Saturday, Sept the 25th Commemorative Concert at 7pm Raritan Valley Community College Visit for a full schedule of events

4 14 SEPTEMBER, 2014 THOUGHTS FOR THE WEEK Dear Sisters and Brothers, One hundred years ago today, the First Battle of the Aisne marked the beginning of the trench warfare that characterized the First World War. The surrounding landscape offered no protection to either side in the battle. Unequipped to dig tranches, both the Allied forces and the Germans sent soldiers to neighboring farms to requisition spades, shovels, pickaxes and any other implements that might help construct what became a four-year nightmare for hundreds of thousands of soldiers. Neither side would give way to the other. The conflict seemed to increase in violence and bloodshed with each passing day. Two years later, almost to the very day, the first tanks supplemented the weapons - and so the death toll rose, so that, by the end of the war, there were more than thirty-seven million military and civilian casualties. Yet others in the field of battle, non-combatants, daily risked their lives, serving as nurses and ambulances drivers. Many of these were women. Were they afraid? Of course they were! Courage does not mean that someone feels no fear. Rather, the brave person is one who does what is right in spite of personal fear, perhaps in spite of sheer terror, to help others. I ve read of those who crawled beyond the tranches into no-man s-land to retrieve the wounded, bringing them to safety in the height of battle. In makeshift field hospitals, medical staff faced previously unimagined injuries and did their best to repair broken bodies and to comfort their deeply traumatized patients. To an extent, they followed orders, but their goodness went above and beyond the call of duty. Was Jesus afraid? Of course he was. Had he not dreaded the torture and death that he knew awaited him, he would not have been human. Facing increasing opposition from the Jewish authorities, Jesus had a choice: either he could abandon his efforts to tell people of his Father and of the kingdom of God, or he could fulfill his mission even though it would cost him his life. St. Luke s Gospel tells us that, in Gethsemane, Jesus sweated blood, a phenomenon that scientists say only happens under conditions of extreme stress. Yes, Jesus was terrified, but in a real sense, he had no choice: in his battle against evil, there was no surrender. Humanly speaking, Jesus was weak and undefended, surrounded by friends and supporters who fled when the Going became tough. In the eyes of those who captured him, Our Scripture Lessons remind us:...that the brave person is one who does what is right in spite of personal fear;...that Jesus was terrified, but in his battle against evil, there was no surrender....that looking towards the crucified Jesus, we see someone who knew suffering from personal experience;...and that for us, the cross is the symbol of the resurrection. May God always be pleased with us. Amen! Jesus was the inevitable loser and a dangerously outspoken fool who deserved to face the bloody consequences of his words and actions. Yet the full story went beyond the physical aspects of Calvary. In our Old Testament Lesson, those who rebelled against God and against Moses leadership needed a bronze serpent to save them from the bite of the poisonous snakes in their midst. Broken humanity needed Jesus to save it from the evil that threatened to engulf the world. Moses raised his fiery serpent on a staff for all to see, Jesus, on the cross, would be, for all time, a sign of the resurrection to come. The feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross recalls the day when in AD326, according to tradition, St. Helena, mother of the Roman emperor Constantine, discovered the True Cross and subsequently built the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem. The cross, however, is more than a holy relic; it has a meaning that underpins the whole of Christianity. It proclaims that Jesus, as human as we are, overcame his fears and faced suffering and death in a supreme act of self-sacrifice. It declares that there is no Easter Sunday unless it is preceded by Good Friday. The unsung heroes and heroines of the First World War gave themselves unstintingly as they tried to protect and defend those around them. That is why, in spite of the horrors of war, we remember them with honor and pride. None of us can escape the experience of suffering. It is part and parcel of our human lives. We do not need to be overwhelmed by our circumstances. Looking towards the crucified Jesus, we can see for ourselves someone who knew rejection and pain from personal experience. The cross is the symbol of the resurrection. Death prepares for eternal life. With Jesus in our sights, we can face anything. In your charity, pray for the sick and the lonely visit them if you can. Please remember to pray for all who have wandered from the Faith and all who have died. Also, pray for the souls of all the faithful departed of our Parish Family. May God always be pleased with us! Monsignor Michael

5 14 SEPTEMBER THE EXALTATION OF THE HOLY CROSS SOCIAL MINISTRY IHN is Interfaith Hospitality Networkhelping families get back on their feet. IHN works with families who are the diverse homeless. Today s homeless condition goes beyond the stereotypes of bag ladies and skid row derelicts. The fastest growing segment of the homeless population is families with children, including the working poor. These are parents who are working but cannot afford shelter and basic needs. The majority of IHN parents are single women but single men with children and couples are served too. Lack of a living wage, no access to affordable housing, unemployment and the effects of abuse and illness are some of the causes that have forced IHN clients from their homes. The families are hosted by local churches to receive evening meals, fellowship and a warm place to sleep. During the day, IHN helps them with daily living. St. Ann s supports IHN through preparing meals, fellowship, and companionship. We partner with a local church where we prepare evening meals and stay until the night shift arrives to take over. This is only a few nights per year and we are in need of more volunteers and a new Ministry Head for IHN to represent St. Ann church. For information about IHN and ways to help, please contact Christine at the rectory office at , ext. 119 JOURNEY THROUGH GRIEF A support group is being formed at Immaculate Conception Church, Somerville, for those who have recently experienced the death of a parent, spouse, child, friend or any loved one. The group will be meeting on Monday evening for six (6) weeks : PLACE: Immaculate Conception, Nazarus House DATE: Mondays, Starting September 22, 2014 TIME: 4:00 PM CONTACT PERSON: Joan Kopil There is no fee. Pre registration is required. MEATBALL MADNESS SPAGHETTI DINNER SEPTEMBER 26-5 PM to 8 PM IN THE SCHOOL CAFÉ. Please join us for a delicious Spaghetti & Meatball Dinner. This fundraiser will help support the programs and activities for our Parish s Youth Group and Jr. Youth Group. WE NEED VOLUNTEERS TO MAKE MEATBALLS AND SAUCE AS WELL AS TO HELP SET UP, SERVE AND CLEAN UP. Please either Lucas Pick at lapick17@att.net or Fr. John at jwerner@stannparish.com (or call ) to tell us how you can help. Lazarus Ministry Begins at St. Ann s We are pleased to announce that our Lazarus Ministry here at St. Ann, began on Sept. 5! Named after the friend of Jesus whom the Lord raised from the dead, Lazarus Ministry assists those experiencing a loved one s death. Our primary exclusive focus will be guiding grieving parishioners through the planning of the Funeral Mass, but we will also be providing food dishes for the grieving family in the days immediately prior to, and following, the funeral. Responding to a request from Monsignor Corona for a Lazarus Ministry and under the guidance of Dottie Pacifico & Fr. John, an appeal was made for Lazarus Ministers at the Sunday Masses six weeks ago. The following parishioners came forward and said yes : Elizabeth Barbieri, Mark Cusati, Adele DePrimo, Rich DePrimo, Maria Incontrera, Diane Johnson, JoAnn Liptak, Joseph Mele, Chris Miller, Toni Randazzo, Laurie Reynolds, Barbara Ronca, Rob Sause, Theresa Walakonis, Karen White & Susan Wilshaw. These parishioners will be the Lazarus Ministers who will meet with the grieving families to help them prepare for the Funeral Mass. We thank them for their goodness and self-giving in volunteering for this important ministry. They will be commissioned officially as Lazarus Ministers on September 21 at the 10:30 AM Mass. We gratefully acknowledge the parishioners who have provided meals for the grieving in the past through our parish s Social Ministry, and who will continue to do so under the Lazarus Ministry umbrella Our thanks to them as well for their generosity and compassion in providing food for the grieving. Please pray that the Lord may bless our new Lazarus Ministry here at St. Ann s, that we may comfort the sorrowful, building his Kingdom, pleasing him and growing closer to Him and to one another. INVITATION TO JOIN ST. ANN YOUTH GROUP / JUNIOR YOUTH GROUP!!!! All of our parish s young people, grades 6-12, are invited to be a part of our Youth Group! There will be varied events: open-gym nights, field trips, spiritual events and one service-oriented endeavor. Joining Youth Group does not mean you have to attend each & every event; you may attend just the ones that interest you. However, we could use everyone s help with our first Youth Group event: The Meatball Madness fundraising dinner on Friday, Sept. 26. We look forward to as much participation from as many children & parents as possible. Those who wish to join and help may contact Fr. John for the details at jwerner@stannparish.com or leave a message for him at by Sept. 16 We are also starting a Jr. Youth Group for those in Pre- K thru 5th grade. There will be bi-monthly events for the children, similar to Youth Group. Some events will be geared towards grades 3,4,5 while others will be designed for Pre-K through grade 2. We could also use the help of the Jr. Youth group members and their parents at Meatball Madness. All future Youth Group & Jr. Youth Group events will be advertised in the parish bulletin and website and through flyers to be distributed in our Parish School and the PREP Program.

6 14 SEPTEMBER, 2014 THE EXALTATION OF THE HOLY CROSS Dear Friends of St. Ann School, This second week of school reinforces out belief in educating the whole child. We give our students varied opportunities to recognize and foster their talents. Our children are educated to one day stand before the Lord and answer, yes, send me with full confidence in their skills and abilities to do their unique part in bringing about the Kingdom of God. We want children to thus be productive, happy, successful adults in this world, and to be happy with God in the next. Music is the voice of the soul. St. Ann begins introducing musical instruments in the third grade. From fourth grade on, children have the option of learning a band instrument and playing in the school band through a wonderful program provided by Mr. and Mrs. Mallinson, strong supportive parishioners of St. Ann Parish. Students learn more than scales and the ins and outs of an instrument. They learn perseverance, the important of one small part to a whole, and the recognition of individual contributions to the success of the group. They learn team work from a perspective other than sports. Students were challenged to become leaders within the school. Student Council offers the opportunity to be more than passive recipients of an education, but to take active ownership of the school, its activities, and its environment. Students learn to think and learn about candidates, and to use reason in selecting their representatives. After elections, students are guided to handle the adult sense of victory or defeat, They are taught to live in the spirit of service. Without the appointed title, each is mentored in knowing themselves as loved and valued. Each is personally encouraged to share gifts and talents with the school for its betterment. Each year, I witness students not upset but rejoicing that they indeed have a very special place and job to do in and for their school. Back to School Night let our children know that they are not alone in their lives at St. Ann School. There is a strong bond between students, family and school. It resembles the bond of the Trinity. We are one in our purpose. We are one in our identity as St. Ann School. How beautiful for a child to walk through any day with one hand held by a family while the other is held by a school. The two are not in conflict. Both love, strengthen, and support the child into adulthood. Such a school does not happen without people like each of you. Thank you for your continued belief in us and for your support. You are extended family. God bless you, Sr. Mary Klersey, MPF Principal SCHOOL NEWS CHURCH CHOIRS MEMBERS NEEDED The Church Choirs are looking for new members of all ages! First Rehearsal: Wednesday, September 17 Rehearsals are every Wednesday, starting September 17th. Bell Choir (3rd-12th grade) is at 5pm, Children s Choir (2nd-8th grade) is at 6pm, and Church Choir (7th grade to adult) is at 7:30. Please visit or Director of Music, Carolyn Thomas, after mass for more information. OUR PARISH WEEK AHEAD Sunday, September 14, 2014 Mass at 7:30am / 9am / 10:30am / 12N K of C Parish / School Breakfast & Mum Sale 9am - Catechetical Sunday Commissioning Mass 10:30 Mass - 50th Anniversary Blessing for Al & Fran Capetta Bingo - 7:00pm (SC) Monday, September 15, :15-7:30 - PREP & Mass (School & Church) Tuesday, September 16, :30 - Parish Nurses Meeting - (RCR) BINGO 7:30 pm (SC) 7:45 - Pastoral Council (CMR) Wednesday, September 17, :30 - Confirmation Parent Meeting (SC) Thursday, September 18, :15-7:30 - PREP (School) Friday, September 19, 2014 Saturday, September 20, Daily Mass 9am / Vigil Mass: 4pm Confessions: 9:30am to 10am and 3pm to 3:45pm Kick off for 2014 Bishop s Annual Appeal Baby Gift Collection- all Masses K of C Mum Sale Sunday, September, 2014 (Basilone Parade) Mass at 7:30am / 9am / 10:30am / 12N Baby Gift Collection - all Masses BINGO - 7:00pm (SC) St. Ann School is hosting a Book Club for parents! We will discuss Raising A Moral Child How Faith Shapes Behavior by Jeanne Hunt. The book can be purchased on-line through Amazon.com or Paulist Press.com. It is also available at Barnes & Noble All are invited. Membership is free. We will meet Thursday September 25, October 2, 9, and 16 in the St. Ann School Cafeteria from 1:30 to 2:30 PM RSVP to Sr. Mary Klersey, MPF at mklersey@stannparish.com if you plan to join us.