St Teresa of Avila 306 Morris Avenue, Summit NJ 07901 December 9, 2018 e s t. 8 63 1 Mass Schedule SATURDAY 8:30 AM 4:00 PM 5:30 PM SUNDAY 7:30 AM 9:00 AM 9:30 AM 10:30 AM 11:00 AM 12:00 PM (Spanish) 1:30 PM 5:00 PM In Memorial Hall DAILY LITURGIES Monday Friday 7:00 AM g 8:30 AM PARISH OFFICE HOURS & CHURCH HOURS MON WED THURS FRI 8:30 am - 4:30 pm TUES 8:30 am - 7:00 pm SAT & SUN closed Staff is available at the Parish Information Center in the Church Parish Cemetery and Mausoleum For information and arrangements please call: CEMETERY: 908-598-9426 MAUSOLEUM: 908-277-3741 PARISH OFFICE: 908-277-3700 Advent Mission Info Inside Second Sunday of Advent
Parish info Pastoral Team PASTOR Monsignor Robert Sterling Meyer PAROCHIAL VICAR Fr Kevin Valle Diaz PRIEST WEEKEND ASSISTANTS Fr Christopher Ciccarino Fr Linh Hoang, OFM Fr Jason J Makarow Fr Scott Pontes Fr Gregory Salomone, OP DEACON Kevin R Reina deaconkevin@stteresachurch.org ASSOCIATE TO THE PASTOR Nick Leeper nickl@stteresaavila.org PASTORAL ASSOCIATE Angela Intili angelai@stteresaavila.org DIRECTOR OF LITURGY AND MUSIC Matthew Still matthews@stteresaavila.org ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF MUSIC Kristen Hoyt kristenh@stteresaavila.org FAITH FORMATION CONTENT COORDINATOR Karen Cocco karenc@stteresaavila.org PRE-SCHOOL DIRECTOR Christine Monaco christinem@stteresaavila.org CHILDREN'S MINISTRY DIRECTOR Cassandra Bosquet cassandrab@stteresaavila.org YOUTH MINISTRY DIRECTOR David Carvalho davidc@stteresaavila.org Preparing and Receiving the Sacraments RECONCILIATION Saturdays 4:00pm sharp, Saturdays immediately after the 8:30 am mass. BAPTISMS Please see the website for details and then contact Angela at angelai@stteresaavila.org ADULT INITIATION The RCIA is a process for Catholics who haven't received all their sacraments and wish to do so, or for non-catholics who wish to become Catholic. Contact Nick Leeper nickl@stteresaavila.org for more information. MINISTRY FOR and SACRAMENT OF THE SICK Please notify the Parish Office when a member of the parish is in the hospital or is unable to attend Church and wishes to receive Holy Communion or should be anointed. MARRIAGE Please see the website for details and then contact Angela at the parish office. Arrangements must be made at least six months in advance of the marriage date. RELIGIOUS VOCATIONS Women and men who feel called to Religious Life, and men who feel called to Holy Orders, should contact the Immaculate Conception Seminary at Seton Hall. Matthew Higgins at matthew.higgins1@shu.edu or at 973-313-6190. DEVOTIONS crosary is recited after 8:30 am Weekday Mass cnovena to the Miraculous Medal of our Blessed Mother Mary every Monday following the 8:30 am mass. Administrative Team DIRECTOR OF STEWARDSHIP/ CHIEF OF STAFF Karen Imbach kareni@stteresaavila.org EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT Betty Bruno bettyb@stteresaavila.org PARISH SECRETARY/OFFICE MANAGER Lucy Diaz lucyd@stteresaavila.org DIRECTOR OF FINANCE Karen Barisonek karenb@stteresaavila.org ASSISTANT TO THE DIRECTOR OF FINANCE Ryan Plate ryanp@stteresaavila.org DIRECTOR OF PARISH PLANT/ MAINTENANCE Michael Tenten michaelt@stteresaavila.org TRUSTEES Joseph Oakes g Dolly Donahue FINANCE COUNCIL Thomas Connif f g Robert McKeon Peter Pardo g Nancy Piraneo Jef f Schroeder g Claire Toth Erik van Nispen PARISH INTERN Gabriel Martinez intern3@stteresaavila.org Contact Details 306 Morris Avenue, Summit, NJ 07901 908.277.3700 st-teresa.org St Teresa of Avila Summit EUCARISTÍA Cada domingo a la una y media de la tarde. BAUTISMO Padres quienes quisieran bautizar a sus hijos tienen que llamar a Lucy Diaz (908-277-3700) para más información y para inscribirse. PRIMERA COMUNIÓN/ CONFIRMACIÓN Para los niños tienen que in- scribirse en el programa de educación religiosa. Llame a Karen Cocco a la oficina de educación religiosa, Lunes a Miercoles entre las horas 9 en la mañana a 1 de la tarde, para más información (908-273-6975 x 204). EL MATRIMONIO Para más información por favor de contactar a Angela Intili a (908) 273-6975 x 216 SACRAMENTO DE LA UNCIÓN DE LOS ENFERMOS: Si udsted o un miembro de su familia está en el hospital, o en casa, enfermo o incapacitado, y quiere recibir el Sacramento de Sanación favor de llamar la rectoría (908-277-3700) para el sacerdote. EL RITO INICIAL CRISTIANO PARA ADULTOS: Si tienes más de 18 años de edad y quisieras recibir uno de los Sacramen- tos Iniciales; el Bautismo, la Confirmación, o la Primera Co- munión; o si deseas convertirte a la fe católica, por favor lla- mar a la rectoria para más información del programa de RICA. Ritos Iniciales Cristianos para Adultos. Mass Intentions Saturday, December 8 IMMACULATE CONCEPTION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY 8:30 am Memorial Mass 12:10 pm Tiffany Uribe 5:30 pm Stanley S Lemond Sr Sunday, December 9 7:30 am Andrew Soccodato 9:00 am Barb Wilson 9:30 am People of the Parish 10:30 am Ann Reagan 11:00 am Evelyn Thelen 12:00 pm Protection of Babies in the womb 1:30 pm Sabrina Obregon 5:00 pm Maria Mezzacappa Monday, December 10 7:00 am Jane Sauchelli 8:30 am Geremia & Panzera Families Tuesday, December 11 7:00 am Lope & Modesta Garde 8:30 am For the living and deceased religious sisters who taught & nourished our faith Wednesday, December 12 OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE 7:00 am Ponzi & Earl Ciampa 8:30 am Lucy Yobbi Thursday, December 13 ST LUCY 7:00 am Nicholas Grasso 8:30 am Kathleen V Hauck Friday, December 14 ST JOHN OF THE CROSS 7:00 am Robert M Leonard 8:30 am Phillip DeCicco (15th Anniversary) Saturday, December 15 8:30 am Memorial Mass 4:00 pm Mary Camp 5:30 pm Eugene J Lenlon Sunday, December 16 7:30 am Nicolina & Fortunato Ferraro 9:00 am Eileen Flarity Loftus 9:30 am Kathy McCabe 10:30 am Antoinette Russo 11:00 am Carol Gaynor 12:00 pm Sam Failla 1:30 pm People of the Parish 5:00 pm Robert MacDonald "To Everything there is a Season, and a Time for Every Purpose Under Heaven. Ecclesiastes 3:11 A Time to be Healed Parish sick: Ann Alexander, Lucy Bustillos Joe Deluca, Brendan Duane, Maureen Gillen, Judy Koziatek, Maureen Robinson A Time to Mourn Recently deceased: May all the faithful departed rest in peace
Celebrating 30 Years OF PRIESTHOOD On Monday, December 10, I will celebrate my 30th anniversary of priesthood. I have spent the last few days off-site to do a bit of reminiscing with some friends about what this journey has meant for me and now I share some thoughts with you, my parish family. Being ordained in 1988, on Gaudete Sunday, after living and studying for four years in Rome, reminded me that the words of our class motto should guide all my days - Serve the Lord with Gladness. And while not always easy or possible, I have tried to live up to those words in every assignment I have been given. Still claiming St Paul of the Cross in Jersey City as my home parish, and they just celebrated 150 years of service to God's people, I have been blessed to also serve at: St Genevieve's, Elizabeth as a deacon Immaculate Conception, Secaucus Seton Hall University, in campus ministry and student affairs The Holy See Mission to the United Nations as legal attache St Vincent's Medical Center, NYC as the president's chief of staff Ss Peter and Paul, Hoboken as pastor St Lawrence in Weehawken as administrator and now here with you in Summit Over the years I have also served as a weekend assistant at: St Anthony's in Port Reading St Augustine of Canterbury in Kendall Park Assumption in Roselle Park St Elizabeth's in Wyckoff St John Baptiste in New York City St Peter's in New York City St Joseph's in New York City Each of these experiences has helped me to grow not only as a person but in my vocation. I have joked frequently with friends, saying that if I get hit by a bus today, and my funeral suddenly occurs this week, please tell the preacher to say only two words: He lived. Those who attend can fill in the blanks with the laughs, tears, smiles, and joys we experienced in each of those places and so many more! As I reflect on my time as to whether I have done a good job or not (God will ultimately judge), Serve the Lord with Gladness sums up everything I tried to do over the past 30 years. The Church is surely a different place than when I was a teenager growing up in Jersey City, where the parish was the center of my (and many others') life. From those early days, I have learned much, not only in classrooms, and by reading books and attending lectures, but by walking with and witnessing the lives of you, God's faithful who have been generous in inviting me on your journey. Many years ago, now deceased, Archbishop Peter Gerety said to my class, "If you are afraid, you cannot lead." Truer words have not stuck with me over these years, perhaps especially today. Well beyond my own capacity, each day I call on the help of the Holy Spirit. The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. The Scriptures tell us that "since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other. (Galatians 5:22-26) First and foremost, I know that my responsibility, wisely articulated by a parishioner here in Summit at one of our initial listening sessions was, "Father Bob, your primary job is to work to get your parish family to heaven." Despite not obvious to everyone always, I have taken those words to heart. Please pray for me in these challenging days, and know of my prayer for you. Being mindful that you are a large and very diverse congregation, please know that I continue to be at your service. I pray each day that our journeying together is getting us closer to heaven, one step at a time and I ask the generous intercession of our Blessed Mother and our patroness St Teresa of Avila. Blessings! -Fr Bob
Advent: A time to open our hearts to repent to configure ourselves with the face of God. est. 1863 MESSAGE FROM THE PASTOR Advent lasts four weeks to prepare all Catholics for Christmas. The Latin word "Adventus" means "coming." In the Christian language, the word refers to the coming of Jesus Christ. The liturgy gives the name of Advent to the four weeks that precede Christmas as an opportunity to prepare ourselves in hope and repentance for the Lord's coming. Advent makes us grateful to be Catholic. This liturgical season is full of beautiful and ancient traditions unique to our faith, such as the advent wreath, the manger scene, and the Advent calendar. This time is ideal to live an immense longing to receive Jesus in our hearts. Hence, we notice how with the first Sunday of Advent we have begun to walk the path of preparation towards the birth of the Savior. This second Sunday of Advent is a good reminder for us that Jesus Christ was announced by the prophets and becomes a reality by being born of a woman. He becomes human and frees us from all bondage of sin. We should take a close look at our lives to better animate this time that the Church offers us as a propitious time to open the heart to renewal, conversion, and repentance. During Advent, we have to dedicate a space in our lives for the preparation of Christmas. Beyond the anticipation of the encounter with some family members, as a Church and Catholics first, we have to prepare our hearts. With Advent, the Church asks us to be attentive, be prepared, be constantly vigilant, to prepare our hearts, to free ourselves from everything that binds us inside, such as, our negative attitudes, the sin that sometimes wants to overcome the Grace of God. There are many things that we have to draw from within us. Sometimes our humanity makes us feel very limited and with a short sight towards God. We should let this time of Advent to open our hearts to repentance, to conversion, and to be configured with the face of God. Advent invites us to spiritual renewal as the Gospel compels us to do so. John the Baptist preached a baptism of repentance in the whole region of Judea basing that repentance in the words of the prophet Isaiah: Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths. Every valley shall be filled and every mountain and hill shall be made low. The winding roads shall be made straight, and the rough ways made smooth, and all flesh shall see the salvation of God. The purpose of the liturgical celebration of Advent within its core is preparation for Christmas. Then, we can be ready for that coming of our Savior by going to the Sacrament of Reconciliation. It is worth waiting for the Lord clean of any sin. One of the essential aspects of our life of a Christian renewal is precisely the confession of our sins in order to get to Christmas where the Lord finds us clean of sin. Confession is not only to relieve us of our human negativity. It also helps us to recognize how much God loves us. Christ freed us from the bondage of sin, and that is why we have come to the sacrament of reconciliation so we can truly live that freedom of God and make ourselves ready for the coming of our Lord. We say yes to the Lord every time we go to confession. We say yes to his salvation and glory by preparing ourselves this time of Advent and enjoy Christmas more authentically. -Fr Kevin Chanukah, the Jewish eight-day, wintertime festival of lights, began on December 2. The Hebrew word Chanukah means dedication, and is thus named because it celebrates the rededication of the Holy Temple. Historically, we know that in the second century BCE, the Seleucids tried to force the people of Israel to accept Greek culture and beliefs instead of mitzvah observance and belief in God. Against all odds, a small band of faithful Jews, led by Judah the Maccabee, defeated one of the mightiest armies on earth, drove the Greeks from the land, reclaimed the Holy Temple in Jerusalem and rededicated it to the service of God. When they sought to light the Temple's Menorah, they found only a single cruse of olive oil that had escaped contamination by the Greeks. Miraculously, they lit the menorah and the one-day supply of oil lasted for eight days, until new oil could be prepared under conditions of ritual purity. To commemorate and publicize these miracles, the sages instituted the festival of Chanukah. Thus, these days, should be days of remembrance and celebration! Unfortunately, recently here in Summit, we have read and heard about the incidents of those who refuse see the light and continue to mark our community with signs of hate, signs that do not celebrate life, but rather cause hurt, pain and division. After the recent attack on the synagogue in Pittsburgh, Pope Francis, after condemning the attack, called for the stamping out of hotbeds of hate and for stronger moral and civil values because, he said, that we are all wounded by these acts. In Chanukah and all days, we express our closeness to our Jewish brothers and sisters, especially those students most affected, and to all people of the light, and we pray to our God that hate, which causes pain and division will find no home here in Summit. -Fr Bob
St Teresa of Avila CHRISTMAS pageant DECEMBER 14, 2018 We would like to invite the children to take part in this wonderful celebration! Please contact the Faith Formation office to sign up your children if they are interested in participating in the pageant. THIS WEEK'S Second Collection CHRISTMAS FLOWERS We thank you for your generosity! If you're pregnant and don't feel like you have much of a choice, call these people. They don't want your money, they just want to help. Birthright: 800-550-4900 Care Net: 800-395-HELP care-net.org Catholic Charities: 800-CARE-002 catholiccharitiesusa.org SECOND COLLECTIONS are another way to give back to the parish, local community and the church. Here are helpful explanations for collections. Sunday and holyday collections are self-explanatory. From each of these Sunday and holy day collections the archdiocese takes an 18% assessment for its purposes. Parish Ministries ministry of the week: Christ Child Society Summit The First Christ Child Christmas Card Sale on December 2nd was a great success! Thank you to all parishioners who were so generous on this very rainy day and stopped by our tent to help a baby in need in our community. Each monetary donation made supports the Christ Child of Summit Layette program which provides over 375 families with brand new baby clothes and some beautiful handmade items. Cards, which can be given as a gift or tribute, are still available. Please go to our website www.ccssummit.org to order now. Advent Giving Tree Christmas in a Box Family gifts are due on December 2nd. Individual ornaments can be found in the Church in the Information Center. On December 2nd, individual tags will be on the trees in the Church and Memorial Hall. Individual gifts are due on December 9th. If you are interested in helping with this very rewarding project or have any questions please contact Margaret Strong (whelanmarg@gmail.com) or Theresa Sweeney (sweeneyct@comcast.net) Loaves And Fishes This year, our goal is 430 complete Christmas dinner baskets and supplemental monetary support for local families in need. Turkey donations can be dropped off in front of the Avila Room on Saturday, December 15 from 9 am to 12 pm, Thursday, December 20 from 5 pm to 7 pm and Saturday, December 22 from 8:30 am to 9:30 am. Non-perishables can be dropped off in the Loaves and Fishes bins at the door of the Church or at the parish office. Items include 48 ounce bottled juice, 13 ounce box of instant mashed potatoes, 40 ounce can of yams, 6 ounce box of stuffing mix, 15 ounce canned fruit, 13 ounce can or jar of turkey gravy, 15 ounce can of cranberry sauce, 15 ounce can of corn, 15 ounce can of green bean, package of cookies. VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED to pack baskets and assist with distribution at the Avila Room on Thursday, December 20 from 5 pm to 7 pm to sort food and prepare bags and Saturday, December 22 from 8:30 am to 10 am for distribution. Monetary donations can be dropped in the Sunday collection basket or at the parish office. Checks can be made payable to St Teresa Loaves and Fishes. If you are interested in volunteering or have questions, please call the parish office at 908-277-3700 or Vinny Candela at 908-277-3580. We thank you for your generosity! Faith and Life Society An Advent Tea with recitation of the Rosary in Honor of Our Lady of Guadalupe will be held on December 12 at 4 pm at 98 Larned Road in Summit. Please RSVP to lgbiunno@verizon.net. Assessment Collection: The Second Collection on the first Sunday of every month in order to offset our 18% Assessment. This entire amount is budgeted to reduce our monthly assessment. Legacy Collection: This is a special fund that we encourage contributions to in memory of loved ones or for an especially generous gifts. At the end of the fiscal year the finance council, in collaboration with the pastor decides where to allocate these monies. They too are not subject to the assessment by the Archdiocese. Special Second Collections: The Bishops Conference too requires many weekends some special second collections, for religious orders, the military, Catholic institutions and assistance around the world. These are not optional for us and we send every dollar that we receive to the designated recipient. Finally, there are those one time collections authorized by the Cardinal. Only he can mandate that we take these, for national and local issues such as hurricanes, fires, etc.
ANNOUNCEMENTS HOLIDAY WORSHIP SERVICE FOR THOSE WHO ARE STRESSED, LONELY OR HURTING Often, the holidays are difficult. You are invited to a special time of music and worship as we come together to pray for renewed strength and experience the presence of the Lord. Free of charge, light refreshments will be served. Saturday, December 15 at 11:30 am at the Little Flower Little Church, 310 Plainfield Avenue, Berkley Heights. CANDLELIGHT CAROL SING Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart, Office for Music Ministry: Candlelight Carol Sing- The 48th annual Candlelight Carol Sing will be held at the Cathedral Basilica on Wednesday, December 12 and Thursday, December 13, at 8:00pm (two performances). Doors open at 7 pm both nights. Christmas music in nine languages will be sung by the Cathedral Choir with the assembly and will be accompanied by the great Cathedral organs and brass ensemble. Free-will donation. For more info call 973-484-2400, or visit: www.cathedralbasilica.org BLESSED IS SHE MINISTRY Blessed Is She is a ministry reaching women in every walk of life. Meetings are Thursday, 11/29, 12/6, 12/13 & 12/20 from 7:30-8:30 in our new location 290 Plainfield Avenue, Berkeley Heights. Room to be determined. Register through Community Pass via our website, lfbhnj.org. Space is limited! Cost is $25 to cover the journals. Blessedisshe.net. Questions? Contact the parish office: 908-464-1585 or email lanocemichele@gmail.com. OAK KNOLL CHRISTMAS CONCERT: "ENSEMBLE" - a select female vocal performance group from Oak Knoll School of the Holy Child will perform a Christmas Concert of sacred and secular favorites at St Teresa of Avila Church, under the direction of Ruby Robertson-Knox. This group is comprised of 36 Upper School students in grades 9-12 who perform extensively here at home and abroad, including a tour of Leipzig and Prague in March 2019. All are welcome to join us on Thursday evening, December 13th at 6PM in the church. Admission is free and open to the public. COOKBOOKS FOR SALE In honor of their 100th anniversary of offering prayer and praise in Summit, the Dominican Nuns have come out with a cookbook entitled GOOD THINGS. Recipes are from the nuns themselves, and from many of their friends and family. The books are available at the Monastery Gift Shop at the Shrine, or at Paperfolio, 4 Beechwood Road in Summit. Price is $20.00, which includes tax. A nice Christmas gift! They are also available online at www.cloistershoppe.com until December 17. A SYMPOSIUM ON CARDINAL BERNARDIN'S "SEAMLESS GARMENT" AT 35 December 11, 2018 at 6 pm at the McNally Amphitheater Fordham University, 140 W 62nd St, NYC. In December 1983, at Fordham University, Cardinal Joseph Bernardin of Chicago delivered a landmark lecture outlining what he called a "consistent ethic of life" -- using the Catholic tradition to articulate a defense of life at every stage, and in a way that could cross religious and political boundaries. Pope Francis has given new life to the consistent ethic, and this symposium will examine how the "seamless garment" looks in 2018, and how it resonates with other faith traditions and in our society. Bishop Emeritus Gerald Kicanas of Tucson, onetime colleague of Cardinal Bernardin, will deliver the keynote address. For more info visit More info: fordham.edu/crc. FREE ADMISSION. RSVP to crcevent@fordham.edu. Remember your deceased loved ones this Christmas season and join us at December s Mass of Remembrance at one of our Catholic Cemeteries (Mass schedule at www.rcancem.org). Bring a personal, non-fragile tree ornament in memory of your loved one to help decorate the Christmas Tree of Remembrance following monthly Mass. In addition, the Catholic Cemeteries Annual Christmas Food Drive is underway. Please bring non-perishable food items such as cereal or canned foods to any mausoleum office during business hours now through January 6th. Or consider donating online at www.rcancem.org/donate. Feeding the hungry is one of the seven Corporal Works of Mercy and performing this charitable act of loving kindness on behalf of a deceased loved one is a caring gift that truly honors the memory of the faithful departed in a tangible way. Let s keep Christ in Christmas and help feed the hungry this season. Thank you. FR KURT KLISMET SPECIAL MESSAGE TO FAMILIES ADVENT MISSION: PREPARING FOR JESUS Saturday, December 15 Preach at the 5:30 pm Mass Sunday, December 16 Preach at the 7:30 am and 5 pm Masses Celebrate and Preach at the 9 am & 10:30 am Masses Monday, December 17 Celebrate and Preach at the 7 am & 8:30 am Masses Preside and Preach at the 7 pm Holy Hour Tuesday, December 18 Preach at the 7 am and 8:30 am Masses Preside and Preach at the 7 pm Parish Advent Penance Service PARISH Events st-teresa.org/events stewardship of treasury All figures through 11/30/18 Weekly Collection Weekly Sunday Average 19,613 Weekly Budgeted Amount 26,415 Legacy Fund total 44,267 Assessment Collection total 22,834 SCHOOL News We started our week off with an Advent prayer service, explained what an Advent wreath is, and asked the children how they can prepare for the birth of Jesus. The children agreed that it is important to be kind and helpful, and to be more like Jesus. Our Christmas Sing-along was so much fun in Memorial Hall. The children did a great job singing Christmas carols and we hope parents and grandparents enjoyed the show, and got into the Christmas spirit. Thank you to our PTO for helping out with our bake sale. Breakfast with Santa was a hit. The children had so much fun sitting with Santa and telling them their secret wish for Christmas. We also celebrated St Nicholas Day. The teachers explained who St Nicholas was and how in Germany and Switzerland children put out their empty shoes, hoping they will receive a little treat. At St Teresa's, our children received candy canes in their shoes! As you can see, the anticipation and excitement of Christmas is evident in our school with the special activities we are doing! If you are interested in our school, please call 908-277-6043 to set up a tour and hear about our programs.