St. Joseph Roman Catholic Parish OVER A CENTURY OF CATHOLIC PRESENCE FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT 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 Initiation 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. 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 CONFESSIONS Saturday: 11:00 AM 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 St. Peregrine Mass for the Sick Second Thursday of the month - 7:00 PM 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 additional information. Mailing Address: Parish School 55 High Street, Carteret, NJ 07008 865 Roosevelt Avenue, Carteret, NJ 07008 Parish Office... 732-541-8946 Parish Office Fax... 732-541-0500 Parish Website...www.stjosephparishfamily.com Religious Education/Pastoral Office... 732-969-8767 PREP Website... www.stjosephprep.net School... 732-541-7111 School Website... www.sjps.net St. Vincent de Paul Society... 732-541-6003
FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT DECEMBER 23, 2018 PARISH CALENDAR SUNDAY December 23 9:30 AM Choir, church hall MONDAY December 24 ~ Christmas Eve TUESDAY December 25 ~ Christmas WEDNESDAY December 26 THURSDAY December 27 FRIDAY December 28 8:00 PM A/A, Alanon, Alateen, church hall SATURDAY December 29 PLEASE NOTE: The Parish Office will be closed on December 24, 25, and 26. 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 FOR THE SAFETY OF OUR TROOPS Lord God, Almighty Father, Creator of Mankind and Author of Peace, as we are ever mindful of the cost paid for the liberty we possess, we ask You to bless the members of our Armed Forces. Give them courage, hope, and strength. May they ever experience Your firm support, gentle love, and compassionate healing. Be their power and protector, leading them from darkness to light. To you be all glory, honor and praise, now and forever. Amen. 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; Jim Molnar, grandson of Alice Benson. PRAY AND FAST FOR VOCATIONS VOCATION PRAYER Generous God, You show us the way that leads to everlasting life. Through Baptism You have called us to proclaim the Good News. Bless and strengthen those who have made a commitment of service in the Church. Guide and give wisdom to those discerning their vocation. Enrich our Church with dedicated married and single people, with deacons, priests, and with people in consecrated life. Filled with Your Holy Spirit we ask this blessing that we, Your people, may follow Jesus, our Good Shepherd, now and always. Amen. By His incarnation the Son of God has united Himself in some fashion with every human being (Vatican II, GS 22). This saving event reveals to humanity not only the boundless love of God Who so loved the world that He gave His only Son (Jn 3:16), but also the incomparable value of every human person. The Church, faithfully contemplating the mystery of the Redemption, acknowledges this value with ever new wonder. She feels called to proclaim to the people of all times this Gospel, the source of invincible hope and true joy for every period of history. The Gospel of God's love for man, the Gospel of the dignity of the person, and the Gospel of life are a single and indivisible Gospel. -Saint John Paul II, The Gospel of Life, n.2 CHOOSE LIFE We believe in You, Holy Spirit, Giver of Life. We lay before You the prayers of those who are deprived of life: the unborn, who never saw the love in a mother s eyes; the aged and infirmed, who became another s burden ; the suicides, who lost all hope; the criminals, who invited scorn and revenge; the victims of war, poverty, and other crimes of violence, who were unprepared for death. We worship and glorify You, Holy Spirit, Divine Wisdom. We lay before You the prayers of those who struggle with questions of life and death: women unprepared for motherhood; healthcare professionals; child and adult caregivers; the chemically and emotionally dependent; justice, legal, and military personnel; all abused or underprivileged seekers of acceptance. Holy Spirit, Speaker of Truth, we lay before You our hearts of flesh that we may both heed and be Your prophets of holy and revered life: to defend with Your passion and zeal those who have never tasted life and those whose lives seem to drag on interminably; to uplift the lives of the hopeless and of the despised with Your compassion and love; to bless the good in every person and curse the bad in every evil. Living Spirit of God, all of life comes from You and has meaning and purpose. May all the peoples of the world unite in solidarity and unconditionally choose life. Amen.
SUNDAY READINGS First Reading - Micah 5:1-4a Second Reading - Hebrews 10:5-10 Gospel - Luke 1:39-45 Memories and Dreams Throughout our lives, we retain the language and habits of our native region and family of origin. Should we return to our home after a long absence, we quickly revert to its familiar speech and practices. Our deep memory is reflected in old stories and words and speech patterns. This familiarity runs like an underground river and accompanies us wherever we go. Not only do we remember, we are incorporated into and made part of a greater memory. In remembering and recollecting, we are in turn gathered up and re-collected. Today we remember Mary, a small figure traveling the country roads to visit Elizabeth. All the great pronouncements and dreams of the prophets point to this time when the Lord s words to Mary would be gathered and fulfilled. The memories of her people are alive in her, and memories of her nourish our own living faith. Copyright J. S. Paluch Co. SCRIPTURE READINGS FOR THE WEEK Monday: 2 Sm 7: 1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16; Lk 1: 67-69 Vigil of Christmas: Is 62: 1-5; Acts 13: 16-17, 22-25; Mt 1: 1-25 or 1: 18-25 Tuesday: The Nativity of the Lord Midnight: Is 9: 1-6; Ti 2: 11-14; Lk 2: 1-14 Day: Is 52: 7-10; Heb 1: 1-6; Jn 1: 1-18 or 1: 1-5, 9-14 Wednesday: Acts 6: 8-10, 7: 54-59; Mt 10: 17-22 Thursday: 1 Jn 1: 1-4; Jn 20: 1a, 2-8 Friday: 1 Jn 1: 5 2: 2; Mt 2: 13-18 Saturday: 1 Jn 2: 3-11; Lk 2: 22-35 Sunday: Sir 3: 2-6, 12-14 or 1 Sm 1: 20-22, 24-28; Col 3: 12-21 or 3: 12-17 or 1 Jn 3: 1-2, 21-24; Lk 2: 41-52 THANK YOU! Bishop James Checchio wishes to extend his sincere thanks to Fr. McGuffey and the parishioners of St. Joseph Parish for our generous response to the 2018 Bishop s Annual Appeal. Our final gifts totaled $26,838.00 (83.87% of our Parish goal of $32,000.00). CHRISTMAS FLOWERS A special THANK YOU to everyone who donated to our Christmas Flower Offering this year. The beautiful poinsettias throughout our Church add a special touch to our celebration of Christ s birth. THE FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT Father in Heaven, our hearts desire the warmth of Your love and our minds are searching for the light of Your Word. Increase our longing for Christ our Savior and give us the strength to grow in love, that the dawn of His coming may find us rejoicing in His presence and welcoming the light of His truth. We ask this in the name of Jesus the Lord. Amen. EUCHARISTIC ADORATION Thursdays - 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. - Church Chapel In a world where there is so much noise, so much bewilderment, there is a need for silent adoration of Jesus concealed in the Host. Be assiduous in the prayer of adoration and teach it to the faithful. It is a source of comfort and light, particularly to those who are suffering. -Pope Benedict XVI CHRISTMAS MASS SCHEDULE Christmas Eve ~ December 24 5:00 PM - Children s Mass 9:30 PM - Christmas Carols 10:00 PM - Midnight Mass Readings Christmas Day ~ December 25 8:00 AM and 10:30 AM 12:30 PM - Spanish Mass NEW YEAR S DAY MASS SCHEDULE SOLEMNITY OF MARY, MOTHER OF GOD December 31, 2018 Vigil - 7:00 PM January 1, 2019 8:00 AM and 9:30 AM EWTN CHRISTMAS PROGRAMING! Join EWTN Global Catholic Network in celebrating the birth of Jesus. EWTN is proud to bring you LIVE Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Masses from Rome and the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C., as well as musical performances, animated features, specials for children and teens, and new holiday presentations the whole family will enjoy. For more information or to find the EWTN channel in your area, visit www.ewtn.com
BUS TRIPS: MARCH FOR LIFE WASHINGTON, DC FRIDAY, JANUARY 18 Pro-Life advocates from around the country will gather in Washington, DC, to seek change for the right to human life on the 46th anniversary of the Supreme Court's decision on Roe v. Wade. Registration: Annandale: 908-797-7359; Blairstown: 908-382-1525; Flemington: 908-782-2922; Fords: 732-261-8280; Metuchen: 732-754-3692; Old Bridge: 423-595-8211; Phillipsburg: 908-454-9880; and Somerville: 908-788-7736. Visit www.diometuchen.org or call 732-562-1990 ext. 1543 or 1629, for information. ANNUAL DIOCESAN RESPECT LIFE MASS & PRO-VITA AWARDS Bishop James F. Checchio will celebrate the Annual Diocesan Respect for Life Mass at noon on Sunday, January 20, at the Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi, 548 Main Street, Metuchen. At this time, the Bishop will present the 2019 Pro-Vita Awards. This year s recipients: Patricia Daly, a parishioner at Immaculate Conception Church, Annandale, who is being recognized for her service in promoting the sanctity of human life in the Parish and the local community; Carolyn Glodek, a parishioner at St. John Vianney Parish, Colonia, who is very involved with Life Choices Resource Center in Metuchen; and William Tevald, a parishioner at Immaculate Conception Church, Annandale, who is heavily involved with setting up the St. Anne s Center in Phillipsburg, a home for women who are pregnant and homeless. Following Mass, there will be a small reception in the Community Room downstairs. All are welcome to attend. Call 732-562-1990 ext. 1629 or 1543 or email amarshall@diometuchen.org, for more information. Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Metuchen is offering Counseling and Wellness Services. If you or someone you know needs counseling or is impacted by addiction, they can help. Individual and family therapy for children and adults is available. For an appointment, call 800-655-9491. Vatican II and the Church of the Third Millennium Join Fr. Gregory Uhrig on three consecutive Wednesdays (January 23 & 30 and February 6), from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., at St. John Neumann Pastoral Center, 146 Metlars Lane, Piscataway, for an exploration of the enduring power of Vatican II s teachings in our day. The course is based on a video series entitled Vatican II and the Church of the Third Millennium with Dr. Richard R. Gaillardetz, Ph.D., this course will offer an opportunity to reflect on and discuss the challenges facing the Catholic Church today. There is no charge to attend and no registration is required. For more information, please contact Fr. Gregory Uhrig at 732-529- 7933 or email guhrig@diometuchen.org WORLD YOUTH DAY IN METUCHEN SATURDAY JANUARY 26, 2019 The Diocese of Metuchen s Office of Youth Ministry will be hosting a Youth Day at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, 105 Summer Road, Three Bridges, from 3:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. This will be an evening filled with fun, food, music, prayer, and reflection as our local Church celebrates our youth in union the Universal Church. All 8th - 12th graders are invited to come with their parish! For information, email John Glynn, jglynn@diometuchen.org STRESS IN YOUR MARRIAGE! Do you feel lost, alone or bored in your marriage? Are you frustrated, hurt or angry with your spouse? Have you thought about separation or divorce? RETROUVAILLE is a lifeline to help couples heal and renew their marriages. The program consists of a weekend experience for married couples (no group discussions) with six follow-up sessions. Upcoming Weekend: February 8-10, 2019. For more information, call the Family Life Office at 732-243-4573. To register, call Rich & Annette Colasuonno 732-236-0671or email 3024@retrouvaille.org Open Your Heart and Home to a Foster Child Catholic Charities, Diocese of Metuchen, is seeking loving families to foster children of all ages, who have been abused, neglected or have had multiple out of home placements, through its Treatment Family Homes Program, contracted by New Jersey s Department of Children and Families. The goal for the children in this program is to leave foster care and achieve permanency through reunification with their families, adoption, or independent living. Catholic Charities provides these resilient children with individual and family therapy, assistance with educational and medical needs, and independent living skills to help them reach their full potential. Applicants must have adequate space for a child and complete a home study which includes background checks, references, interviews, and a home inspection. All Catholic Charities licensed families receive initial and ongoing specialized training, 24 hour emergency access to staff, respite services, monthly reimbursement for the child s expenses and support from experienced families. For more information about the program, please visit www.ccdom.org or contact Miguelina Nunez at 866-247-HOME (4663) or at mnunez@ccdom.org EASTERN EUROPE PILGRIMAGE Including the Passion Play of Oberammergau May 18-28, 2020 Prague* Budapest* Vienna* Munich* $3949: includes, airfare (Newark), First class/select hotels, First class admission ticket to the Passion Play, most meals, excursions and tour escort, entrance fees, and daily Mass. Hosted by Fr. David Kosmoski, St. Andrew Church, Avenel. For a brochure, call 732-634-4355.
SATURDAY December 22 5:00 PM Anthony and Steffie Ostrowski SUNDAY December 23 8:00 AM Madeline Russo 10:30 AM Joseph and Evelyn Sandor 12:00 PM Fred Grigni, Sr. 1:30 PM Parishioners MONDAY December 24 8:00 AM Robert and Nan Balewicz Christmas Eve 5:00 PM Parishioners - Children s Mass 10:00 PM Parishioners - Midnight Mass Readings TUESDAY December 25 Christmas Day 8:00 AM Parishioners 10:30 AM Parishioners 12:30 PM Parishioners - Spanish Mass WEDNESDAY December 26 8:00 AM Deceased members of the Romano Family THURSDAY December 27 8:00 AM Dr. Jaime V. Bernabe, Sr. 11:30 AM Eucharistic Adoration FRIDAY December 28 8:00 AM Mary and Fred Lakatos SATURDAY December 29 8:30 AM Deceased members of the Hanley and Barney Families 5:00 PM Henry and Marie Ostrowski SUNDAY December 30 8:00 AM Adrienne Kimball 10:30 AM Theresa Torre 12:00 PM Susan Nelen 1:30 PM Parishioners CANDLE INTENTIONS FOR THE WEEK OF DECEMBER 23-29 The St. Joseph Church Sanctuary Lamp burns in loving memory of Stanley Gilbert; requested by his Family. The Pieta Lamp burns in loving memory of Madeline Russo; requested by her son, Anthony. The Saint Joseph Lamp burns in loving memory of Virginia and Richard Taglieri; requested by their Family. Inspirational Spot Lord, make me Your messenger, for the Holy Spirit to touch everyone I touch, whether by the word I say, the prayer I pray, or the life I live. A CHRISTMAS PRAYER Loving Father, help us remember the birth of Jesus that we may share in the song of the angels, the gladness of the shepherds, and worship of the wise men. Close the door of hate and open the door of love all over the world. Let kindness come with every gift and good desires with every greeting. Deliver us from evil by the blessing which Christ brings, and teach us to be merry with clear hearts. May Christmas morning make us happy to be thy children, and Christmas evening bring us to our beds with grateful thoughts, forgiving and forgiven, for Jesus' sake. Amen. THE REASON FOR THE SEASON Christmas lights that twinkle in the cold December night. Trees dressed up with tinsel Are such a pretty sight. Presents wrapped and labeled and placed beneath the tree. Children watch and wonder just what their gifts might be. People running here and there with little time to spare. Many have forgotten why Christmastime is here! So many things to purchase, so many things to do... Have you stopped to think what Christmas means to you? For some it just means money and how much they can make. To others, just a ritual, a game of give and take. Christmas is so much more than this, a time for us all to share. When God's Son was sent down to us, our sins for Him to bear. The love that He has shown to all, the gift that He has given, should shine each year above all else, at every Christmas season!