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 Diocesan Youth Conference February 9, 2019 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. Tuesday Overton Kate Walling 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. March 03, 2019 Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time 4215 Route 9 North - Howell, New Jersey 07731
Mass Intentions for this Week March 3, 2019 7:20 Clara Serrano......Denise & Brian Curran 12:00 Terry Weg....Weg Family ASH WEDNESDAY 7:20 Loretta Hopf... Horvath Family 12:00 Suzanne Marie Moore... Moore Family 8:00PM Int. of Bo Rieker & Family.Vic & Priscilla Lagdameo THURSDAY 7:20 Bonnie Yuro... Terry Rizzo Cascio 12:00 Virginia Soto... Morris Family Sacrificial Offering Update Events for this coming Week SATURDAY 8AM Anthony Crivelli... Joseph & Carlene Bonica 4PM Mary Mantone... Lisa Guenther & Dan Valentine SUNDAY... First Sunday of Lent 7:30 Int. of Olga Hubble... Bob & Diana Morris 9:00 John Cirillo... Greg & Pat Bigg 10:30 Joseph Ian Sullivan... Gauer Family 12:00 Eleanor Ingenito... Anne Barber 5:00 For the People of the Parish Sanctuary Candle Week of March 3, 2019 In memory of Angelina Cirillo..Franey Family Chapel Candles- Week of March 3, 2019 Lenten Mission Readings for the Week of March 3, 2019 Sunday: Sir 27:4-7; 1 Cor 15:54-58; Lk 6:39-45 Monday: Sir 17:20-24; Mk 10:17-27 Tuesday: Sir 35:1-12; Mk 10:28-31 Wednesday: Jl 2:12-18; 2 Cor 5:20-6:2; Mt 6:1-6, 16-18 Thursday: Dt 30:15-20; Lk 9:22-25 Friday: Is 58:1-9a; Mt 9:14-15 Saturday: Is 58:9b-14; Lk 5:27-32 Sunday: Dt 26:4-10; Rom 10:8-13; Lk 4:1-13 See our website www.stveronica.com
Pastor s Notes It is too bad that many Protestants have rejected the book of Sirach. They certainly are deprived of its Wisdom. If you have ever been at a Town Meeting, look carefully around and start to notice that there are people strategically located to manipulate the audience by clapping loudly. For reasons unknown, everybody then starts to clap. It is a good way for a dishonest speaker to get out of a sticky situation. Usually the speaker then points to a staff member to ask a question that stealthily changes the topic. Why should we be clapping before someone speaks? Sirach got it right! Today, thanks to the C- Span channels, you can see important people say their own piece so they can be evaluated by us. Yes, there may be a biased questioner, but as Sirach points out, listen and do not be fooled! Jesus tells us to watch the actions of people because what we do and how we say it reveals what is in our heart. Do we curse at people when we are on the road? Is our example teaching our children to do the same? Does our criticism really reflect our own lack of integrity? Is it making the world better? Our mouth reveals so much about ourselves. Only good people produce good things. How do we handle the emotions of anger? Do we yell at the TV or do we sit down and write a good letter? Does our use of our voice praise God or curse His image and likeness? Do our words correct respectfully or terrorize our children and our spouses? The God of the Old Testament tells us, Don't take the name of the Lord in vain and Don't bear false witness against our neighbor, but Jesus goes much deeper. What exactly is in our heart? Deliberately dishonoring God Himself (blasphemy) by actively thinking or speaking in ways which involve contempt, scorn, disparagement or abuse of God is a serious (mortal) sin. e.g., the Pharisees accuse Jesus of doing His cures by the power of Beelzebub, the devil. We indirectly dishonor God Himself by entertaining thoughts and speaking ill of sacred persons and things. However, we are required to report to the proper authorities the abuse of minors and adults when we see it. Profanity is a less serious (venial) sin. This is the casual use of divine names, saints, or holy things to express negative feelings without hostility toward God. It is more serious than just thoughtless cursing because it is not irreverent to God, but to persons. Least sinful is vulgar language. It is sinful simply because it is annoying or causes distress. Use of profanity is reflection of how one thinks of oneself. It is a lack of reflection of one s true dignity, being an image of God. Progressive growth of profanity starts with children. Why does a child curse? Perhaps it is an imitation of an adult or to draw attention. Why does an adolescent curse? Perhaps to feel big or to draw attention. Maybe more often an adolescent tries to override bad feelings or experiences instead of facing them. This has the potential of becoming a serious developmental issue like lying or even a lead into substance abuse. Why does an adult curse? It really is a false expression of power when feeling helpless. It may give a temporary relief reflecting an emotional instability. No matter what the age level, profanity and cursing achieve nothing but a portrayal of low selfesteem. From a theological standpoint reflection is needed on the quiet life of the Holy Family of Nazareth. Let us ask God to give graces to parents that will help them guide their children in a balanced way so that we can rid our world of blasphemy, profanity, casual cursing and even vulgar language. Fr. Euk Scripture Meditation 1 Thessalonians 5:11 - Therefore, encourage one another and build one another up, as indeed you do. Many people around us are struggling with so many different things, even with their faith. We even have moments of uncertainly when we face challenges and struggling news. But each day offers opportunities to encourage others, share a little kindness and thank them for who they are and what they do. This allows us to spread the contagious seed of joy and happiness while obeying God s commandments and His word. We are all called to spread the Good News of Christ, encouraging hope, being compassionate and merciful, another words being a reflection of Him. We have much to be joyful about. Let s not be those gloomy Christians walking around with the weight of the world on their shoulders, but rather those with smiles and joy, with encouraging words, holding our heads up high knowing that Christ walks with us. When we bless others with this gift we also bless ourselves and at the same time we honor Christ, who did a lot more by giving His life for us. Deacon Gino
OUR SPIRITUAL LIFE Please Pray for Our Sick Lenten Mission Staring March 10, 2019, for five consecutive Sundays at 6 PM in the Gym. "The Splendor of the Universe" - A Synthesis of Science and Belief. Food and refreshments provided. Registration required. Please call the rectory office. SING FOR EASTER! Dear members of St. Veronica Parish, I would like to invite those of you who love to sing to come join us in Music Ministry for Palm Sunday, Holy Week and Easte. We are starting our music program rehearsals for these Special Church Feasts, and would welcome anyone to join our Senior Choir family. We practice on Wednesdays from 7:30-8:45PM in the Church. If this does not work for you, I will be adding extra practices on the Sundays during Lent, starting on Sunday March 10th, from 11:30AM - 12:15PM in the school music room. I am especially reaching out to you gentlemen as we are in great need of male voices. Please Contact me (Emer O'Mahony by email at emer.omahony@stveronica.com), or see me at the organ in Church, between Masses. Please consider this 6-week commitment... perhaps it could be part of your Lenten Journey? Baptism St. Veronica s Parish Family wishes to welcome those who have become members through the Sacrament of Baptism. Ava Rose, daughter of Joseph & Deidre Carello Thank you for the gift of life! Vocation Retreat Weekend (Sisters of the Resurrection of Our Lord Jesus Christ) March 22-24 and May 17-19. `With Christ as the center of your life, you will never be disappointed. (Pope Francis) If you are a single, Catholic woman, 18 or older, who is considering a religious vocation, we invite you to come and see a glimpse of our life. To register or for further information, contact Sister Teresa Grace, C.R. at 812-618-8253. Visit resurrectionsisters.org Seder Meal We Need Help! Plans are underway for our annual Passover Supper to be held on Wednesday, April 10, 2018 at 7PM in the school cafeteria. This special celebration is the kick-off, preparing us for our solemn Holy Week liturgies the following week. As in the past years, we are in need of many hands. Please consider becoming part of this beautiful celebration of remembering God s saving power. Join us as we prepare for the holiest of weeks in St. Veronica Church. Please contact Maria Dublon at 848-221-5980 or email at mfdub-
Divine Mercy Prayers Today Please come and join our parish family on Sunday, March 3rd at 1:30 to pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet. NET Retreat at St. Veronica Parish What: A retreat day just for teens! When: Sunday, March 24, 9:30AM-7PM Where: St. Veronica School and Church Cost: $15.00 (includes 3 meals) Presenters: NET ministries NET ministries is an international Catholic youth ministry that is committed to challenging young Catholics to love Christ and embrace the life of the Church. The team members are young adults between the ages of 18 And 26 who engage teens in their faith through music, skits, games, small group discussions and large group presentations. Theme: One Church (The Catholic Church)--One Universal Home Guaranteed by God. What if there was an institution we could trust when our reasoning fails us? What if there was an institution guaranteed by God himself to withstand every difficulty the world offers? There is. This theme explores the Catholic Church as the universal home for all people. For further information or a registration form, please call Sr. Ann Elizabeth, CR, at 732-364-4137 or email sr.ann@stveronica.com Youth Group Catholic Jewelry & Rosary Fundraiser Sale Save the Dates! 3/30 & 31; 4/6 & 7; 4/13 & 14 A wonderful variety of quality jewelry including Catholic medals, crucifix, bracelets, rings, rosary bracelets, rosaries and much more for you to choose from. Everything is priced reasonably for you and you will be supporting your Youth Group which will receive 50% of proceeds. Air Conditioner Replacement Campaign Goal- 200,000.00 Donations (Current) 126,211.00 Balance: 73,789.00 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 " In order to reach Christ, it is not necessary to reach back in time to the days of His earthly life. It is enough to enter a church and to draw near to the tabernacle. We find Him there. We can speak to Him. We can listen to Him. We can adore Him. Let all of us who are faithful Catholics, kneel before the Eucharist and worship. " St John Paul II. Hours most needed: Sunday: 11AM; Wednesday: 3AM Thursday: 7AM Saturday: 3AM, 5AM Ask to be placed with a partner or sign up with family or as a rotating member of your group or ministry with one person as a contact. Contact Debbie at drev514@aol.com or leave message at 732 367 7750. Our Promise to Protect The Diocese of Trenton is committed to the initiatives outlined in the U.S. Bishop's Charter for the Protection of Young People in regard to the reporting and investigation of sexual abuse allegations involving minors. If you have been sexually abused as a minor by a member of the clergy or anyone representing the Catholic Church, or if you know of someone who was, you can report that abuse through the Diocesan Abuse Hotline: 1-888-296-2965 or via email at abuseline@dioceseoftrenton.org. The Diocese of Trenton reports any allegations of sexual abuse to the appropriate law enforcement agencies. Anyone with an allegation is also encouraged to provide that information to local law enforcement authorities. OUR NEEDS Parking Regulations Recently we have had numerous vehicles blocking the church driveway, fire hydrant and parking in handicap spots, which are all safety violations. Please respect parking rules. Violators will be ticketed. St. Monica Annual Community Yard Sale APRIL 27 from 8 to 2PM at Switlik School, 75 W. Veterans Hwy, Jackson. Vendor prices are $15.00 for one parking space and $25.00 for two spaces. Call Alice at 732-833- 0542 to reserve your space early. Donation items also accepted. Pantry Needs Peanut Butter, Jelly (please do not donate expired food. Thank you.)