Our Lady of Czestochowa Catholic Church

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1 Our Lady of Czestochowa Catholic Church 120 Sussex Street, Jersey City, NJ Our Mission The mission of our Parish is to reach out to all people and encourage them to join us in joyfully giving praise and glory to God; to build a Christian community that, with trust in God, embraces the future, and in doing so, is a beacon of faith, hope and love on the Jersey City waterfront. Our History Our Lady of Czestochowa Church, or OLC, was founded in 1911 to serve Polish immigrants to Jersey City. Today, OLC is growing and changing as it seeks to serve all those who now live in our neighborhood. The Church takes its name from a city in Poland that houses a cherished icon of the Blessed Virgin Mary. A copy of that icon is centrally located in our historic Church Rev. Thomas J. Ciba Pastor Rev. Michael Braden Rev. Anthony Azzarto Rev. Robert Reiser Mrs. Anna Mae Stefanelli Principal Mr. Ben Rauch Director of Music Ms. Kathleen Church, Licensed Clinical Social Worker Parish Office Fax pastor@olcjc.org bulletin@olcjc.org Websites Counseling The OLC School Little Harbor Academy Mass Schedule Monday - Friday: Saturday: Sunday: Note: 12:30 pm (Church open from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm) 5:00 pm, Sunday Vigil Mass 10:00 am, 12:30 pm and 7:00 pm St. Anthony of Padua, 330 Sixth Street, Jersey City, the Center for Polish Ministry in Jersey City, offers a Polish Language Mass at OLC, Sundays at 8 am. Faith Formation during 10 am Mass We provide a Faith Formation program called Children s Liturgy of the Word for children 2 years of age on up during the Sunday Mass. We dismiss the children from Mass after the Opening Prayer to the church hall, returning before the Offertory. Parents are welcome to accompany their child if they wish. Confessions/Sacrament of Reconciliation Saturday 4:00 pm to 4:30 pm in the church & at other times by appointment with the pastor. Weddings Those interested in celebrating the Sacrament of Marriage should contact the parish office one year in advance of their proposed date of marriage. Infant Baptisms Preparation for Baptism should ideally begin before the birth of the child. Expectant parents should visit the parish website for more information. The OLC School Quality Education on the Waterfront 248 Luis Marin Blvd., Jersey City, NJ Grades 1-8 Accredited by The Middle States Commission on Elementary and Secondary Schools The Little Harbor Academy The Early Childhood Division of The OLC School 186 Grand Street, Jersey City, NJ Programs: Kindergarten; Pre-Kindergarten Program for 3 & 4 year olds; Montessori Toddler Program for 2 year olds The OLC Counseling Center Well Being on the Waterfront 120 Sussex Street, Jersey City, NJ Individual, Marriage, and Family Counseling To Register and Be Part of OLC We welcome you to register and to be part of our parish family. Please contact the parish office to arrange an informal appointment with the pastor. Saints Peter and Paul Church, Hoboken and OLC Church, Jersey City We work together to proclaim and live the Gospel on the Hudson River Waterfront by sharing our time, energy, and resources and in doing so, we more powerfully witness the presence of Christ. Twenty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time September 9, 2012

2 A WORD FROM OUR PASTOR Dear Parishioners, This week our community and nation marks another year following the loss of so many lives caused by an act of hatred eleven years ago. Whether you were in the area when it happened, or joined our parish family afterwards, we ve all felt its impact in our lives. We ask for meaning in a time of confusion. We seek solace in a time of deep sadness. We desire peace in a world of discord. Just as we witnessed those attacks in 2001, the summer of 2012 has seen a continuance of anger, hatred and pain in our country and in the world. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the victims and families in Aurora, Colorado, and likewise, the victims and families of Oak Creek, Wisconsin. As a nation we have seen too many stories flash through the news of violence and hatred. These circumstances may feel beyond our control, and shake our sense of stability, but the Lord will not leave us alone in the darkness. Through the darkest times, the Lord offers us his love and light. Though evil deeds would try to silence the voice of love, and extinguish the light, the Lord will never let that come to pass; and, as long as we embrace His love, the powers of hatred and evil will not triumph. We know that by living the love of God, and teaching others His way by sharing that love, we can overcome any force that wishes us ill. Understanding spreads peace, peace nurtures hope, and hope leads to the joyful fulfillment of God s covenant made possible through the sacrifice of Christ. The wounds of these tragedies will heal in time. Looking toward the Hudson River down Sussex Street, we can see 1 World Trade Center taking form; it is growing like our resolve for peace. The Sikh community of Oak Creek may take comfort in the outpouring of support from many people who shun acts of hate. Aurora will see a new dawn and we pray that the families of the victims will know the peace that God brings to the grieving. In the struggle against hatred and evil, love will prove victorious. Let us remember and honor the victims of violence, and know that God s boundless and constant love, will bring the peace and understanding we seek and be our source of hope and joy. BAPTISM PROGRAM AND SCHEDULE AT OLC The first part of our Baptism program, Gathering to Rejoice, is this Sunday, September 9, at 11:15 am, in the Rectory. If you are preparing for the birth of your child, or if your child was born, this program is intended for you. It addresses theology, the responsibilities and requirements of parents and godparents, etc. You can register for this session by going to the parish website or calling the rectory, or you can just walk in. Please refer below for a complete list of upcoming dates and plan to attend accordingly: September 9, 2012, November 4, 2012, January 6, 2013 Gathering to Understand is the second part of our Baptism program. This component is intended for families following the birth of their child. Up-coming dates are listed below: October 7, 2012, December 2, 2012, February 3, 2013 You can pre-register for either program by visiting our website (which is preferred), by calling the rectory, or you can just walk in. Refer to our website for complete information. If you have attended Gathering to Understand, you must contact Fr. Tom directly to schedule your child s baptism. him at pastor@olcjc.org, or call the rectory. Baptisms must be confirmed through him by . The parish secretaries cannot schedule your child s baptism date MEMORIAL MASS The 9-11 Memorial Committee of Jersey City invites you to attend a Mass in memory of those who died on 9-11 and for their families. The mass will be held on Tuesday, September 11, 2012, at 7:00pm. The Mass will be at Saint Anthony of Padua Church between Monmouth and Sixth Street in Jersey City. Parking for the Mass is also available in the Saint Anthony parking lot on Sixth Street, between Erie Street and Monmouth Street. CHILDREN S LITURGY SEEKS PARENTS Our children s liturgy needs parents during the 10 am Sunday Mass. We are looking for volunteer parents who have been part of the children s liturgy in the past to sign up to assist in the new program. Please contact the rectory to get involved. ARCHBISHOP MYERS CELEBRATION MASS The Archdiocese of Newark will be celebrating the 25 th anniversary of the Episcopal Ordination of Archbishop John J. Myers. The celebration will be 10 AM, Saturday, September 22. Join Catholics from across the Archdiocese as they gather at the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Newark. This should prove to be a wonderful experience. Set the date aside so we can organize a group from the parish to attend.

3 MASS INTENTIONS Mass intentions for 2013 are now available, but there are still Masses available for this year. It is possible to have a Mass offered for your intention in the near future. The celebration of the Eucharist is the supreme act of worship of the Church. Therefore, it is only fitting that we bring our intentions to the Eucharist and remember loved-ones, living and deceased relative or friend in this very special way by having a Mass offered for them. This is traditionally done on the anniversary of death or on a person s birthday, but may be celebrated at any time. You may also have a Mass celebrated for someone who is ill, in thanksgiving and for special intentions for family and/or friends. If you wish to have a Mass celebrated, simply stop by the rectory, call us at or send an to: secretary@olcjc.org. We maintain a living bond with our loved ones as we remember them in prayer EVENTS AT OLC Coffee & Rolls, Each Sunday, after the 10 am Mass. Senior End of the Summer Meeting Wednesday, September 12, after the 12:30 PM mass. Refreshments will be served. Dues of $5 will be collected. Senior Trip Atlantic City, Taj Mahal Tuesday September 18, bus leaves at 9:00AM from Warren and Sussex, then to 100 Montgomery St. Cost is $35.00 The 25 th Anniversary Celebration of the Episcopal Ordination of Archbishop John J. Myers, 10 AM, Saturday, September 22, at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart, Newark, NJ. SUNDAY SCRIPTURE READINGS Reflect on today s readings. Prepare for next Sunday Sunday September 9, 2012 Is 35:4-7a; Jas 2:1-5; Mk 7:31-37 Sunday September 16, 2012 Is 50:5-9a; Jas 2:14-18; Mk 8:27-35 RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION FOR ADULTS RCIA is a program sponsored by the Church for adults. It has several purposes. It is designed for those who wish to become a Catholic. It is also designed for Catholics who have not received Holy Communion and/or Confirmation. It is also open to those Catholics who wish to learn more about their faith. If you wish to learn more about this program or if you (or someone you know) wishes to join, please call the rectory. WEEKLY OFFERING Thank you so very much for your financial support and for living your financial commitment to your parish. We are grateful for those who are especially generous and who wish to remain anonymous. Your support helps us to achieve our weekly collection goal of $6,000 per Sunday. Reaching this goal, and exceeding it, is essential to the financial health of your parish. Last weekend Mass attendance was 334; and the collection was $6,717 (of that amount, $2,420 came from parishioners making their contributions electronically through Parish Pay). PARISH PAY PROGRAM A recent ad campaign by a television service provider has a comical cause and effect reasoning for choosing their service over a competitor. If we think about our weekly giving as having a positive cause and effect relationship, we can see how Parish Pay can become an integral tool: When you use Parish Pay, you support your parish family easily and securely. When you support your parish family, you feel inspired to help others. When you help others, you are living God s Word to be a steward of your time, talent, and treasure. And when you are a steward of God s blessings, you keep God in your heart. Keep God in your heart each day and help support OLC by signing up with Parish Pay. We have literature illustrating easy step-by-step instructions. Take this literature as you leave Mass, review it and see how easy it can be to sign up. MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER Do You have a good marriage? Why not make it Great! WWME is for any married couple who desires a richer, fuller life together. A marriage can never be too good. Worldwide Marriage Encounter is designed to deepen and enrich the joys a couple share together, whether they have been married for only a short time, or for many years. WWME is held in many locations in the US, and you are welcome to register for any of them, but if you want to remain close to home there are a number of locations located in New Jersey and the surrounding states. Our closest location is Somerset, NJ. The next encounter date at that site is October For more information, go to the website aweekendforyourmarriage.org or call

4 MASS INTENTIONS FOR THE WEEK Saturday September 8, :00 pm Aurora Sorrentino From Mr. & Mrs. Nicholas Sorrentino Sunday September 9, :00 am Edward, Wanda, & Edward John Bromirski From Melanie and Bill 12:30 pm Esmond Daniels From Daniel Smith 7:00 pm People of the Parish Monday September 10, :30 pm Frank and Loretta Brajczewski From sister Rose Tuesday September 11, :30 pm For Peace in the World Wednesday September 12, :30 pm Richard Reinemann Sr. From Richard Reinemann Jr. Thursday September 13, :30 pm Henry and Chester Ciezkowski From sister Rose Friday September 14, :30 pm Henry Borowski From Barbara Bromirski Saturday September 15, :00 pm Stanley & Mary Plewan From Bruno Ruskowski Sunday September 16, :00 am Helen Stodolski From Joanne and Francis Gonsewski 12:30 pm Helena Dzilenski Oertel From Jeanne Bohlen Oppel 7:00 pm People of the Parish The tabernacle candle will burn this week for Edward, Wanda, and Edward John Bromirski Offered by Melanie and Bill Attend daily Mass. It will make a difference in your life! STEWARDSHIP The good steward must not show favoritism. The rich may have material gifts to share, but St. James reminds us in the second reading that God has chosen the world s poor to be rich in faith and inheritors of God s Kingdom. ANNULMENT INFORMATION EVENING An Annulment Information Evening is scheduled for Wednesday, September 12, 2012 at St. Anthony of Padua Chruch, 63 Franklin Street, Bellville, NJ, 7:30 P.M. A member of the staff of the Tribunal of the Archdiocese of Newark will provide basic information about annulments; the requirements for annulments, and how to begin the process of petitioning for an annulment. There will be an opportunity for questions at the session. Pre-registration is not necessary; for directions, call the parish at (973)

5 SPECIAL COLLECTION FOR THE CHURCH IN CENTRAL & EASTERN EUROPE In the winter we have very cold in our convent and in our church. We need to do a new central heating, because the sisters become very often sick. Sr. Teresa Bandurska, Order of St. Clare, Przanysz, Poland. This weekend, September 8/9, the Archdiocese conducts its annual collection for the Church in Central & Eastern Europe. While no longer under Communism, the Church still struggles. This collection helps with the material needs of the Church and also the spiritual and educational needs of the people. Please, be generous. Special envelops for this collection are found in the church. THE OLC SCHOOL AND LITTLE HARBOR ACADEMY Last week we welcomed back to school our children! Little Harbor Academy welcomed all of their preschool children on Thursday, September 6 and Friday, September 7 for their first days of school. The Toddler Two Class, Transitional Three Class, Pre-K 3 and Pre-K 4 were introduced to their teachers, classrooms and friends for a shortened day to acclimate to their new environments. This week, all of the children will begin their regular full day schedules. We are happily looking forward to one of the best school years ever! At OLC, we have been eagerly anticipating the start of the new school year. We welcomed many new students, as well as faculty members. There are many changes that have taken place and are continuing both inside as well as outside of our school building. We are excited and know that this school year will be filled with many fun-filled learning experiences. Please take note that there is a raffle drawing for a Mac Book Air. The drawing will take place at our Back to School Night on Thursday, September 27. The winner does not need to be present. Please stop by the school to buy your tickets! SAINT DOMINIC ACADEMY OPEN HOUSES Saint Dominic Academy is hosting open houses on Sunday, September 30, 1:00-3:00 p.m. and Thursday, October 11, 6:00-8:00 p.m. The events will feature club and athletic demonstrations, presentations by academic departments and the administration, tours of the school and complete details about the application process. Information about the COOP High School Entrance Exam and about the Academy's Freshman for a Day program will be available at each Open House but can also be found on the website: Questions can be directed at any time to Andrea Apruzzese, Director of Saint Dominic Academy Admissions, , ext. 14 or to aapruzzese@stdominicacad.com. The address for Saint Dominic Academy is 2572 Kennedy Blvd., Jersey City.