St. Joseph Roman Catholic Parish Over a Century of Catholic Presence Rev. James W. McGuffey, Pastor Rev. Msgr. Pafnouti Wassef, Parochial Vicar Rev. Sean G. Winters, In Residence Deacon Ramon Torres, Hispanic Ministry Deacon George Kimball, Permanent Deacon Mrs. Roseann Johnson, Principal Mrs. Marcelle Doherty, Coordinator of Religious Education/Pastoral Assistant Dr. Thomas Juneau, Director of Music MAILING ADDRESS: Parish School 55 High Street 865 Roosevelt Avenue Carteret, NJ 07008 Carteret, NJ 07008 TELEPHONE DIRECTORY: Parish Office 732-541-8946 Fax 732-541-0500 School 732-541-7111 Youth Ministry Office 732-969-8767 Religious Education /Pastoral Office 732-969-8767 St. Vincent de Paul Society 732-541-6003 WEBSITES: Parish: www.stjosephparishfamily.com PREP: www.stjosephprep.net School: www.sjps.net MASS SCHEDULE Sunday: 5:00 (Saturday evening), 8:00, 10:30, 12:00 and 1:30 PM (Spanish) Weekday: Monday to Friday: 8:00 AM Saturday: 8:30 AM First Friday: 8:00 AM St. Peregrine Mass for the Sick Second Thursday of the month at 7:00 PM Confessions Saturday: 11:00 AM SACRAMENTS Baptism: The Rite of Baptism is celebrated on the second weekend of the month: Saturday at 1:00 PM. Please arrange for the obligatory preparation session by calling the parish office. Pastoral Care of the Sick: The Holy Eucharist and the Anointing of the Sick are available to the sick and shut-ins upon request. First Penance, First Eucharist, Confirmation: Children are expected to receive a Catholic upbringing in their family life, to worship regularly at Sunday Mass, and to receive ongoing religious education in the years preceding the reception of these sacraments. Matrimony: Specific times are set for the celebration of marriage during the year. To allow ample time for preparation, please contact the parish office at least one year before the intended wedding date. Holy Orders or Religious Life: If you are considering serving God as a priest, deacon or religious, you may contact your parish priest, deacon or religious: or phone the Office of Vocations at 732-562-1990 Ext. 1700 for more information. PARISH SERVICES Parish Office Hours: Weekdays: 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM Parish Registration: New parishioners are welcome. Please call the parish office to register. Please inform us if you move. R.C.I.A. Adults inquiring about the Catholic Church with a desire to become Catholic are invited to call the parish office for information about the Rite of Christian Initation of Adults. Parish Organizations: Servants of Mary (Woman s Group), Adult Choir, Children s Choir, Ministry to the Poor, Ministry to the Sick & Elderly, RCIA Team, Food Pantry, Hispanic Ministry, St. Vincent de Paul Society, Home School Association, Athletic Association, Catechetical Instruction. Sponsorship: To act as a Godparent for Baptism or sponsor for Confirmation, the sponsor must be a baptized Catholic, confirmed, had communion, and live a morally good life; if married, done so within church law. Ordinarily the sponsor must be at least 14 years old. A Christian who is a non-catholic may be a witness for Baptism together with a Catholic sponsor.
THIRTY-FIRST SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME NOVEMBER 4, 2018 PARISH CALENDAR SUNDAY November 4 9:30 AM Choir, church MONDAY November 5 6:00 PM RCIA, parish center conference room TUESDAY November 6 No PREP 7:45 PM Athletic Association, gym WEDNESDAY November 7 6:00 PM PREP, school 7:45 PM Athletic Association, gym THURSDAY November 8 FRIDAY November 9 8:00 PM A/A, Alanon, Alateen, church hall SATURDAY November 10 A SOLDIER'S PRAYER (written by an anonymous confederate soldier, US civil war) I asked God for strength, that I might achieve, I was made weak, that I might learn humbly to obey... I asked for health, that I might do greater things, I was given infirmity, that I might do better things... I asked for riches, that I might be happy, I was given poverty, that I might be wise... I asked for power, that I might have the praise of men, I was given weakness, that I might feel the need of God... I asked for all things, that I might enjoy life, I was given life, that I might enjoy all things... I got nothing that I asked for - but everything that I had hoped for, Almost despite myself, my unspoken prayers were answered. I am among all men most richly blessed. Remember in your prayers the members of our Armed Services, especially: Josh Hayes, cousin of Kathy Perkins; JP Brown, godson of Elizabeth Melo; Justin Molarz, grandson of Susan Molarz; Jesus L. Santiago, cousin of Felix and Ana Morales; Christopher Czapik, grandson of Carol Knittel; Justin Lurker, grandson of Helen Lurker; Robert Michnowicz, nephew of Helen Lurker; Mario Roman, son of Janice Pastures; Marc Repace, grandson of Pat Consiglio; Taylor Setar, daughter of Greg and Terry Setar; Gabriella Gatto, daughter of Carmelo and Nicole Gatto; Laura Roe, daughter of Maria and Luis Pena; Elizabeth Brito and Lisa Marie Brito, daughters of Ivette Brito. For everything there is a season and a time for every purpose under heaven... a time to heal... for the sick of our Parish and especially for Mary Wagner, Fr. John Morley, Alyssa Alcudia, Alice Benson Pro-Life Prayer for our President and Public Officials Lord God, Author of Life and Source of Eternal Life, move the hearts of all our public officials and especially our President to fulfill their responsibilities worthily and well to all those entrusted to their care. Help them in their special leadership roles, to extend the mantle of protection to the most vulnerable, especially the defenseless unborn whose lives are threatened with extermination by an indifferent society. Guide all public officials by Your wisdom and grace to cease supporting any law that fails to protect the fundamental good that is human life itself, which is a gift from God. You are the Protector and Defender of the lives of the innocent unborn. Change the hearts of those who compromise the call to protect and defend life. Bring our Nation to the values that have made us a great Nation, a society that upholds the value of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness for all. Amen. VOTE THIS TUESDAY! We encourage all citizens, particularly Catholics, to embrace their citizenship not merely as a duty and privilege, but as an opportunity meaningfully to participate in building the culture of life. Every voice matters in the public forum. Every vote counts. Every act of responsible citizenship is an exercise of significant individual power. We must exercise that power in ways that defend human life, especially those of God's children who are unborn, disabled or otherwise vulnerable. We get the public officials we deserve. Their virtue or lack thereof is a judgment not only on them, but on us. Because of this, we urge our fellow citizens to see beyond party politics, to analyze campaign rhetoric critically, and to choose their political leaders according to principle, not party affiliation or mere self-interest. -U.S. Bishops, Living the Gospel of Life, n. 34 PRAY AND FAST FOR VOCATIONS VOCATION PRAYER Father, in the power of the Spirit, You send us forth to build up Your Kingdom. I pray especially for those whom You are calling to serve the Church as priests, deacons, sisters and brothers. Help them to hear and answer Your call to discipleship. The harvest is plenty, but laborers are few. Please provide for us men and women who will help to gather in a great harvest of souls. I make this prayer through Christ our Lord. Amen.
SUNDAY READINGS First Reading - Deuteronomy 6: 2-6 Second Reading - Hebrews 7: 23-28 Gospel - Mark 12: 28b-34 God s Laws God s laws are not intended to burden or torment us. Instead they are guideposts that point us in the direction of good living. Accordingly, good living requires loving God and loving one another. We should not follow God s laws out of fear of what might happen if we don t, but rather view them as a foundation for building relationships and trust with one another and with God. The Shema prayer of Orthodox Jews is based on the reading from Deuteronomy today, Hear, O Israel. Every morning people recite the prayer as a profession of their love for God and pledge their obedience to God throughout the day. They pass on their love of God to their children, from one generation to the next. Copyright J. S. Paluch Co. SCRIPTURE READINGS FOR THE WEEK Monday: Phil 2: 1-4; Lk 14: 12-14 Tuesday: Phil 2: 5-11; Lk 14: 15-24 Wednesday: Phil 2: 12-18; Lk 14: 25-33 Thursday: Phil 3: 3-8a; Lk 15: 1-10 Friday: Ez 47: 1-2, 8-9, 12; 1 Cor 3: 9c-11, 16-17; Jn 2: 13-22 Saturday: Phil 4: 10-19; Lk 16: 9-15 Sunday: 1 Kgs 17: 10-16; Heb 9: 24-28; Mk 12: 38-44 or Mk 12: 41-44 OFFERTORY COLLECTION October 21, 2018 $5971 $6210 (2017) October 28, 2018 $6525 $6751 (2017) Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it. -Hebrews 13:2 St. Joseph Food Pantry Thanksgiving Request Our Food Pantry distributes approximately 150 turkeys and all the trimmings to the Carteret community so that all can have a proper Thanksgiving meal. Stuffing mix, yams, and brownie mix are needed. Please place you donations in the Food Pantry Barrel in the narthex. If you wish to make a monetary donation, please put it in an envelope marked Food Pantry and place it in the collection basket. Thank you. Life Choices Resource Center s Baby Bottle Blessings Fundraiser is underway. Please continue to fill your baby bottles with your change, cash, or a check (made payable to Life Choices Resource Center) and return it to the Church by November 18. Your gift will make a big difference in the life of a family and their unborn child! And to love Him with all your heart, with all your understanding, with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself is worth more than all the burnt offerings and sacrifices. -Mark 12:33 Of all the gifts that God gives us the one He wants the most is our heart. He wants us to share out of love, not out of obligation. Using our talent in Parish ministry and contributing money to support our Parish mission is important, but it s more important to spend time in prayer with God daily and discern how He is calling us to be generous with all of our gifts. Not just the visible ones, but the invisible ones like love, mercy, and forgiveness. Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults The Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) is a process for anyone who is interested in becoming a member of the Catholic Church, or who seeks to come into full communion with the faith community. It is especially tailored to those who: Have never been baptized; Have been baptized Catholic but have not received the Sacraments of Reconciliation, Eucharist, Confirmation; Are baptized Christians and would like to come into full communion with the Catholic Church; Have no Church to call their own. If you are interested in acquiring more information about the RCIA process or if you know adults in your family, neighborhood, or workplace who may be interested in this process, please call Marcelle Doherty in the RCIA Office, at 732-969-8767. THANK YOU! St. Vincent De Paul Society Coat Drive Thanks to the generosity of St. Joseph Parish Family, 120 coats were distributed to the clients of our Food Pantry. The St. Vincent de Paul Society would like to thank all those who participated by donating or helping to distribute the coats. We are a truly blessed Parish whose generosity and caring continuously touch the lives of those less fortunate. Save Your Aluminum Can Tabs The students at St. Joseph School continue to collect the Aluminum Can Tabs found on soup, soda, pet food, etc. Help them reach their goal of 1,000,000 tabs by collecting your tabs and placing them in the container located on the counter in the narthex. Your efforts, along with the efforts of the students of St. Joseph School, help families who need assistance when a child is very ill. Thank you for your support!
EUCHARISTIC ADORATION is now being held in the Chapel at the St. John Neumann Pastoral Center, 146 Metlars Lane, Piscataway. Adorers and intercessors are needed Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. Daily Mass is held at 11:45 a.m. For information or to volunteer, call Laura Ferreras, 732-529-7932. To submit a prayer request, call 732-765-6445 or email Adoration@diometuchen.org Catholic Charities Connections Program is Seeking VOLUNTEER MENTORS Both male and female mentors are needed to participate in one-to-one activities and be a role model to young people. Do you have a minimum of three hours a week to offer to a child; like having fun; reside in or near Middlesex County or Franklin Township; want to make a difference in a child s life? Then contact Jeanette Cullen at 732-738-1323 or jcullen@ccdom.org for more information. INFORMATION SESSION ON ANNULMENTS An information session on Annulments will be held at St. James Church, 184 South Finley Ave., Basking Ridge, on Wednesday, November 7, and at St. Augustine of Canterbury Church, 45 Henderson Rd., Kendall Park, on Thursday, November 8. Both identical presentations will begin at 7:00 p.m. These presentations are intended for those who have experienced the pain and anguish of a divorce and who wish to learn more about the annulment process and have common myths dispelled. RSVP appreciated: 732-549- 7589 or Tribunal@diometuchen.org How to Report Sexual Abuse If you were sexually abused by a member of the clergy or anyone representing the Catholic Church, or you know of someone who was, you are encouraged to report that abuse to law enforcement and/or by contacting the Diocesan Response Officer at 908-930-4558 (24 hours/7 days a week). For more information on how to report abuse, visit our diocesan website: https://diometuchen.org/report-a-suspected-abuse Stay up-to date on all the latest from EWTN Sign up to receive Wings, EWTN s Electronic Newsletter that includes weekly programming features and highlights. Go to www.ewtn.com and enter your e-mail address. EWTN Global Catholic Network has an exciting Internet News Service at www.ewtnnews.com. Get the latest Catholic news from around the world and sign up to receive EWTN s E-mail News Alerts. Tune in to EWTN a Catholic media network with a vast array of television programming including LIVE Daily Mass, devotionals, global Catholic news, powerful documentaries, music specials. EWTN is on channel 33 on Comcast, 261 on Dish Network, and 370 on DIRECTV. Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Metuchen is offering Counseling and Wellness Services. Individual and family therapy for children and adults is available. For an appointment, call 800-655-9491. Father Carey Columbiettes are having a Veterans Appreciation this Sunday, November 4, from 9:00 a.m. until 12 noon, at the Knights of Columbus, 164 High Street, Carteret. Stop by after Mass. Coffee, orange juice, donuts, and rolls will be served. Thank You Cards, written to the veterans from the students of Saint Joseph School, will be on display. Any questions, call Linda at 732-541-7882. Union Catholic High School Information Night November 7, 7:00 p.m., at 1600 Martine Ave., Scotch Plains. If you missed their Open House or you want a closer look, visit and learn how UC s faith-based environment can support you on your journey to college and through out life! For additional information, contact Betsy Thornton at 908-889- 1600 ext. 302 or bthornton@unioncatholic.org Mother Seton Regional High School, One Valley Rd., Clark, (Exit 135 on the GSP) presents SISTER ACT. Friday, November 9 and Saturday, November 10, at 8:00 p.m. and Sunday, November 11, at 3:00 p.m. Tickets: adult/$10; student and senior citizen/$8. For tickets, visit their website at www.motherseton.org CHRISTMAS CONCERT The Orchestra of Saint Peter by the Sea Conducted by Rev. Alphonse Stephenson Sunday, November 25, at 3:00 p.m., at Church of the Sacred Heart, 149 South Plainfield Ave., South Plainfield. Advanced tickets only: Call MaryAnn Ronzo at 908-757- 7298 or Church of the Sacred Heart Parish Center at 908-756-0633 ext. 110. CHRISTMAS PIROHI SALE St. Elias Byzantine Catholic Church is holding a Pirohi Sale for the Christmas Season. Orders will be taken until November 14, for pickup on December 15 and 16. They are selling Potato/Cheese, Sauerkraut, and Prune. Cost: $7.00 per dozen. To order, contact Betty at 732-541-4825. Calling all Actors, Actresses, Stagehands, Dancers, Set and Costume Designers - The Diocese of Metuchen is seeking people ages 18 and older to participate in a 2019 production about Our Lady of Guadalupe. Join us on Wednesday, November 28, at 7:30 p.m., at the St. John Neumann Pastoral Center, 146 Metlars Lane, Piscataway, to see a sample play and to learn about the details of the 2019 production. English and Spanish speaking participants are needed. Email evangelization@diometuchen.org, to RSVP or for additional information.
SATURDAY November 3 5:00 PM Charles S. Panko SUNDAY November 4 8:00 AM Frank Bonner 10:30 AM Albert Rocky, Jr. 12:00 PM George Walsh 1:30 PM Parishioners of St. Joseph Parish MONDAY November 5 8:00 AM Msgr. Donald Endebrock TUESDAY November 6 8:00 AM Robert and Helen Petrie WEDNESDAY November 7 8:00 AM Deceased members of the Varga Family THURSDAY November 8 8:00 AM Deceased members of The Catholic Daughters 11:30 AM Eucharistic Adoration 7:00 PM Those whose names have been placed before the Shrine of St. Peregrine FRIDAY November 9 8:00 AM Rita Scudire SATURDAY November 10 8:30 AM Souls in purgatory 5:00 PM Agnes Burns SUNDAY November 11 8:00 AM Vincent J. Calabria 10:30 AM Charles Frank 12:00 PM Hedwig Moscaritolo 1:30 PM Parishioners of St. Joseph Parish INTENTIONS ~ NOVEMBER 4-10 The Altar Bread and Sacramental Wine have been donated in loving memory of Elizabeth and Julius Vasvary, by Karen and John. The St. Joseph Church Sanctuary Lamp burns in loving memory of Elizabeth and Julius Vasvary; requested by their granddaughter, Stacey, and Chris and Ava. The Pieta Lamp burns for the souls in purgatory. The St. Joseph Lamp burns for the innocent unborn. EUCHARISTIC ADORATION THURSDAYS, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Come join with us in prayer for ourselves, family and friends, our Parish, the needy, our Country, and the entire world. This is an opportunity for tremendous graces for ourselves, as well as for those for whom we pray. Pastor's Corner We are thankful for Fr. Lauro Sedlmayer's service here at our Parish these last number of years. We wish him well in his retirement. We are pleased to welcome Fr. Pafnouti Wassef, who will be serving as our new Parochial Vicar with his residence here at St. Joseph's rectory. We will be sharing him with St. Anthony's Parish, as well as his being a part time Chaplain at JFK Hospital. Please extend a warm welcome to him as he begins his ministry here among us. Peace in Christ, Fr. James McGuffey The St. Peregrine Healing Mass will be celebrated in our Church this Thursday, November 8, at 7:00 p.m. Following the Mass, there will be an opportunity to receive a blessing and healing prayers. We invite you and anyone you know that is suffering from a serious illness, to join us for this special Mass. During the month of NOVEMBER the Church remembers her loved ones who have been called back to the Lord. Prayer for the Souls in Purgatory Almighty and Merciful God, Your Son Jesus loved us so much that He died and rose again to bring us new life. We pray for our brothers and sisters who have died. Grant them Your forgiveness and bring them to eternal life in the company of all Your Saints. Amen. The annual BLUE MASS FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT will be held on Wednesday, November 7, 10:30 a.m., at the Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi, Metuchen. Come to support and pray for all our dedicated local, county, state, and federal law enforcement officials and to honor those officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice through their service to others. For more information, call 732-562-2435 or visit https://diometuchen.org/2018-blue-mass Pope Francis' Prayer Intentions for November Universal: In the Service of Peace That the language of love and dialogue may always prevail over the language of conflict. SPONSORSHIP LETTERS - Church law requires that a Godparent for Baptism and a Sponsor for Confirmation be an active Confirmed Catholic. An active Catholic is a parishioner who is registered, attends Mass weekly, helps to support the Church, is in a valid Catholic marriage, and publicly leads a life compatible with Church teaching. We can only write letters of eligibility for parishioners who meet these criteria.