Rectory: 732-363-4200 Rectory Fax: 732-370-3891 Convent: 732-364-2361 School: 732-364-4130 Religious Education: 732-364-4137 Rectory Office Hours, Monday-Friday: 9:00 AM-4:30 PM Second & Fourth Saturday: 9:00 AM-12:30 PM Christmas Carol Festival Pastor: Fr. Vincent T. Euk Parochial Vicar: Fr. John Chang Weekend Assistant: Fr. Bill O Brien Deacons: Tom Cechulski, Sr. Charles R. Daye, Jr. John Franey Gino (Louis) Esposito School Principal: Sr. Cherree Power, C.R. Religious Education: Sr. Ann Norton, D.R.E. Linda Clayton Business Manager: Deacon Gino Esposito Director of Music: Emer O Mahony Youth Ministry Coordinator: Sr. Ann Norton Weekend Masses Saturday: 4:00 PM Sunday: 7:30, 9:00, 10:30 AM, 12 Noon, 5:00 PM Daily, Monday-Friday: 7:20 AM & 12 Noon, Saturday: 8:00 AM Holy Days: As Announced in the bulletin Healing Mass: Every first Friday: 7:30 PM Sacrament of Reconciliation, Saturday: 3:00-3:45 PM & before each Sunday Mass Sacrament of Baptism: Every 2nd & 4th Sunday of each month Miraculous Medal Novena Monday 8:00 PM Parish Census: Every family in the parish should be properly registered. You may do so at the rectory office during regular rectory office hours. Envelopes: The use of parish envelopes enables us to maintain up-todate records of those who are actively attending & supporting our church. December 9, 2018 Second Sunday of Advent 4215 Route 9 North - Howell, New Jersey 07731
Mass Intentions for this Week December 9, 2018 7:20 Kathleen Nelson.Marianne & John Grady 12:00 Henry Flohr, Jr.Henry Flohr & Family TUESDAY 7:20 Int. of Deacon Gino and Rosaria Esposito.Bill & Cheryl Wegner 12:00 George Howlett... Joan Howlett & Family WEDNESDAY... Our Lady of Gradalupe 7:20 Lorraine T. Groh... Marianne Wittreich 12:00 Jena Sary... Barry Seigel THURSDAY... St. Lucy, v. & m. 7:20 Lorraine Groh... Clayton Family 12:00 Jean Graga... Family 8AM John Cirillo... Phyllis & Jim Stewart 4PM Bonnie Yuro (Fr. Euk)... Sheila & John McBride SUNDAY 7:30 Kristen Butterfield (visiting priest)... Mom & Dad 9:00 Kristen Butterfield (Fr. Chang)... Greg & Pat Bigg 10:30 Bonnie Yuro (Fr. Chang)... Deacon Gino & Roe Esposito 12:00 Protection of Babies in the Womb & their Families (visiting priest)....k of C 5:00 For the People of the Parish (Fr. Euk) Sanctuary Candle Week of December 9, 2018 In memory of Bonnie Yuro Patrick & Eileen McCarthy Chapel Candles- Week of December 9, 2018 In memory of Nieves Mirasol....Victoria Sacrificial Offering Update Events for this coming Week Readings for the Week of December 9, 2018 Sunday: Bar 5:1-9; Phil 1:4-6, 8-11; Lk 3:1-6 Monday: Is 35:1-10; Lk 5:17-26 Tuesday: Is 40:1-11; Mt 18:12-14 Wednesday: Zec 2:14-17; Lk 1:26-38 Thursday: Is 41:13-20; Mt 11:11-15 Friday: Is 48:17-19; Mt 11:16-19 Saturday: Sir 48:1-4, 9-11; Mt 17:9a, 10-13 Sunday: Zep 3:14-18a; Phil 4:4-7; Lk 3:10-18 See our website www.stveronica.com
Pastor s Notes Baruch is a deutero-canonical book written in Babylon after deportation and sent to the captured city of Jerusalem. It is a text not acknowledged by many protestant bibles because it was written in Greek. For this reason also, the Jews did not accept it as part of their canon. It acknowledges the guilt of the people, but expresses hope in the coming of the Messiah Who will bring peace through justice (integrity) and honor through devotedness proper to worship. It argues against idolatry and testifies to the enduring reputation of Jeremiah. The flattening of mountains symbolizes the proud being humbled while the valleys filled in represents the humiliated being restored. It is reflected in Mary s Magnificat, He has cast down the mighty and has lifted up the lowly. This is all the work of God s mercy and justice. The Gospel sets the stage for the beginning of Jesus' ministry which begins around 18-19 AD and the 782nd year after the founding of Rome. Rome is already a divided kingdom by the sharing of its territories. Like China today, Annas and Caiaphas were appointed as high priests by the Roman Empire. Jesus is about 30 to 36 years old when He begins His public ministry. Tiberius is a cruel and tyrannical leader. Pontius Pilate hands the innocent Jesus to Jews to be killed. Herod Antipas, son of Herod the Great, falls in love with his niece, Herodias who is also his brother s wife! John the Baptist condemns this incestuous and adulterous relationship resulting in his imprisonment and execution. Caiaphas plays a leading role in the plot to kill Jesus. This is the world of Jesus's ministry. Other Gospel passages call this the fullness of time! The letter to the Philippians is marked with joy and gratitude because this community has been supporting Paul with prayers and finances. He has only one concern because Judaizing missionaries are pressuring them to be circumcised. This letter of encouragement holds up Jesus as the model of humility and selfless love with patient endurance. At the ordination of a deacon, priest and bishop, after they make their solemn promises, the presiding Bishop says, May God who has begun the good work in you bring it to fulfillment. I often wonder if we should include this just after the exchange of vows at a marriage. Also just as notable is, This is my prayer: that your love may increase ever more and more in knowledge and every kind of perception to discern what is of value so that you may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ. These phrases are a directive to lead us away from our sinful inclinations and to promote virtue, but notice that it is calling upon God to do this and not ourselves. It is a prayer for God to infiltrate us so He can do this. It is an acceptance of God s benevolence found in His will for us. Fr. Euk Scripture Meditation The word of God came to John Do you recognize the voice of the Lord speaking to you when you listen to the word of God in Scripture? Luke the evangelist tells us that the "word of God came to John in the wilderness" (Luke 3:2). Who was John the Baptist and what is the significance of the word which he received and delivered to the people of his day? Luke tells us that John was the son of Zechariah, a priest who served in the temple at Jerusalem. John stood at a pivotal juncture in the history of God's dealing with his people. He bridged the Old and New Testaments, also known as the Old and New Covenants which God made with his people. John was filled and led by the Spirit John's prophetic calling and mission preceded his conception and birth. The angel had announced to Zechariah that his barren wife will conceive a son, and "you shall call his name John," and "he will be filled with the Holy Spirit even from his mother's womb" (Luke 1:13,15). When John received his name shortly after birth, his father prophesied that he would be "called the prophet of the Most High who will go before the Lord to prepare his ways" (Luke 1:76). John was called to be a prophet, a spokesman for God. In dramatic fashion Luke tells us when John appeared on the world scene. Luke lists a few of the key reigning rulers in John's era, including Tiberius Caesar of Rome (Luke 3:1). These rulers pale in reference to the man who now stood at the door of a new era of grace and salvation for the world. John's mission was to prepare the way for God's Anointed King who would come to establish God's rule above all other kings and authorities. Luke emphasizes the universal call of the Gospel to all peoples without distinction. He quotes from the prophet Isaiah that "all flesh shall see the salvation of God" (Isaiah 40:5; 52:10). Christian Prayer Guides The 2019 Christian Prayer guides are available at the rectory. Cost: $3.50
OUR SPIRITUAL LIFE Please Pray for Our Sick Presentation of the Gifts (Offertory) If you or your family would like to participate in bringing up the gifts (especially if the Mass is dedicated to a family member), please see the ushers 15 minutes before Mass or if you would like to schedule it in advance, please contact the rectory office at 732-363-4200. Sunday Brunch You are invited to join us for our monthly brunch, Sunday December 16, 2018 after the noon Mass. Join us in the cafeteria for food, friendship and fun for the kids. See you there!! New Year s Prayer Rally All are invited to our annual New Year s Prayer Rally December 31st starting at 9PM and ending at midnight in the church. This 3 hour prayer rally includes continuous Eucharist Adoration, Rosary, Chaplet of the Divine Mercy and Benediction. In these dark and difficult times, let us gather together and pray to bring about the light of Christ. Support the Retirement Fund for Religious Aging religious need your help. Senior Catholic sisters, brothers, and religious order priests ministered for years for little to no pay. Their sacrifices now leave their religious communities without adequate retirement savings. Your gift to today s second collection for the Retirement Fund for Religious helps to provide medications, nursing care, and more for tens of thousands of elderly religious. Please be generous. Baptism St. Veronica s Parish Family wishes to welcome those who have become members through the Sacrament of Baptism.. Giving Tree Gifts Due by 1:00PM on December 9th Saorsa Louise, daughter of Gary & Zoe Holding Thank you for the gift of life!
Coat Drive for Children The Knights of Columbus 6201 of Jackson/Howell are collecting winter coats for children, for distribution by Catholic Charities. All sizes are needed for boys and girls. Please help those in need be prepared for the upcoming winter. The coat bin is located in the narthex. NJ Right to Life Raffle Winners 1st Prize Volvo: Michelle DeRitis, Wes. Belmar, NJ 2nd Prise $1000 Shop Rite G.C: Nick Menchise, Annadale, NJ 3rd Prise- $750 Shop Rite G.C.: Suzanne Jaworski, Oceanport, NJ 4th Prize- $500 Shop Rite G.C.: Laraine George, Toms River, NJ Thank You For Your Support!! Gift Card Program Support St. Veronica School By Just Shopping. Our gift card program is fundraising at no additional cost to you. Just use these gift cards for your own purchases or for your gift giving, and St. Veronica School gets a percentage of the sales. Gift cards now available for purchase at the school office: Wawa, Dunkin Donuts, Shoprite, Kohls, Amazon, JC Penney, Stop n Shop, Walmart, etc Or use our convenient order forms and get exactly what cards you want. For more information, contact svsscrips@yahoo.com What Do You Think? Share your thoughts and tell us what you would like to see in our parish regarding Spirituality, Programs, Teachings, Evangelization, Community etc. We want to hear from you to help build our community. Please forward your comments via email to: Stveronicaparish@stveroinca.com or mail your suggestions to the rectory office. Air Conditioner Replacement Campaign Goal- 200,000.00 Donations (Current) 109,305.00 Balance: 90,695.00 As of May 5, 2018, there will be a second collection on each Sunday that there is no Diocesan collection. This special second collection will be earmarked for our needed air conditioning system in the Church. We will continue this campaign until we reach our goal and we will keep you advised of our project status. Meanwhile, we thank all those who have made donations and for your continued support of our parish. Adoration Chapel O come let us adore Him Let us, with Mary Immaculate, adore, thank, supplicate and console the most sacred and beloved Eucharistic Heart of Jesus. PERPETUAL ADORATION RENEWAL WEEKEND DEC 15-16. Sign ups available after all masses in the narthex. Perpetual Adoration since September 13, 1997. May our Adoration never cease!! All hours available. Sacrificial hours of overnight and weekends especially needed. Check adoration board in narthex for most needed hours. Sign up with a partner or ask to be placed with an adorer for a built in substitute. Contact Debbie drev514@aol.com or leave a message at 732-367-7750. Homeless Ministry Our Parish Rectory is once more opening its doors to shelter the homeless on Monday nights, starting December 3rd and will continue until March 25th. We will need volunteers for meal preparation, chaperones and drivers. We appreciate the generosity and continued support of our parishioners. Please see our Missionaries of the Poor Lay Associates to sign-up and if you have any questions, please call Vic Lagdameo at 732-239-2149. Oplatki Christmas Wafers Christmas Wafers are available in the rectory. Cost: $5.00 Keep Christ in Christmas Magnets Magnets are on sale in the narthex this weekend Dec. 8th and 9th. Donated Queen Bedroom Set, headboard, dresser, 2 nightstands, mattress & box spring. Please call Gabriel at 914-661-2614. Bulletin Advertising Part of being able to provide our bulletins, the printing company solicits area businesses for advertisements. If you own a company and would like to to support our parish and your business, please contact Tom Zukofski at John Patrick Publishing Company at 800-333-3166 ext 157 or tomzuke@gmail.com