Page 2 January 8, 2017 Epiphany of the Lord MASSES for the WEEK It is a holy and wholesome thing to pray for the living and the dead. (II Mac. 12:46) Sunday, January 8, 2017 7:00 AM The Angelo Family Req. Carmella Albanese 8:30 AM Linda Leppard Starita Req. Dad 10:00 AM Rose Smyth Req. Margaret Looney 11:30 AM Ruth Mangano Req. Husband, John and Children 1:00 PM Gerri McAteer (1st Anniversary) Req. Father Monday, January 9, 2017 7:00 AM Fr. Ralph Torsiello Req. Roland, Pam & Chris Torsiello 8:30 AM Charles Roeder Req. Wife, Josephine 9:30 AM Multiple Intention Mass Tuesday, January 10, 2017 7:00 AM Thomas Basalari Req. Wife, Vivian 8:30 AM Elizabeth Mazzuto Req. Daughter, MaryAnn & Son, Peter and Family Wednesday, January 11, 2017 7:00 AM Joan Scardaville Req. Husband, Anthony 8:30 AM Dec d. Mbrs. Scollon Family Req. Marian & John Reddy Thursday, January 12, 2017 7:00 AM Joan & Joe Bihler (60th Wed. Anniv.) Req. Joan and Joe 8:30 AM William H. Barry Req. Wife, Jean and Family Friday, January 13, 2017 7:00 AM Teresa McAteer (8th Anniversary) Req. Husband, Mike 8:30 AM Joseph A. Pace & Family Req. Children & Grandchildren Saturday, January 14, 2017 7:00 AM Frank J. Tortorello, Sr. Req. Carol A. Matthews 8:30 AM Jimmy Smith Req. Estelle & Bob Russoniello 4:00 PM Richard Gulya Req. Wife, Helen 5:30 PM Joseph Cericola Req. Wife, Frances Sunday, January 15, 2017 7:00 AM Alfred Feliciano (14th Anniversary) Req. Wife, Josephine 8:30 AM Francesco & Angela DiPalma Req. Mr. & Mrs. Ralph DePalma 10:00 AM St. Maximilian Choir, Liv. & Dec. Req. St. Maximilian Choir 11:30 AM Lawrence Kearney Req. Maryanne Roussel 1:00 PM Clare Gentile Req. Husband, Joe
Page 3 Multiple Mass Intention Monday at 9:30 AM January 9, 2017 In Memory of: Rev. Francis E. Santitoro The Santitoro Family (Living & Deceased) Rev. Frank Porazzo, & Porazzo Family Kathleen & Anthony Jackomin Joseph P. Flaherty Steven Kilianski (Speedy Recovery), Req. Grandmother Robert Stefanic, Req. Lillian Stefanic Janet Wright, Req. Mom Barbara Kohaut, Req. Family James Burns, Req. Wife, Doris Richard & Kathryn Grello, Req. Ann Bederka Alex Pietraszka, Req. Daughter, Joan Peter Ferrara, Req. Ann Martino Carol Giesler, Req. Husband, Bernard Jean Kirkowski (4th Anniversary), Req. Daughter, Chris In Thanksgiving, Req. Jerry & Rose Del Gaudio Angelo Aiello, Req. Jerry & Rose Del Gaudio Concetta (Connie) Melluzzo, Req. Jerry & Rose Del Gaudio For the Holy Souls in Purgatory, Req. Richard Claudio George Dick, Req. Susan Andiola Antonietta Orlando, Req. Mrs. Passantino Chester Goczkowski, Req. Niece, Helen Kwiatkowski Joseph Chuck, Req. Niece, Helen Kwiatkowski Edward Stanislawczyk, Req. Mary Jasinska Concetta Connie Melluzzo, Req. Jerry & Rose Del Gaudio Martha Mae Venezia, Req. Josephine DeJesso Helen Rafalko, Req. Joan Ostrowski James Gannon, Req. Mom and Dad Tommy & Mary Beth Gannon, Req. Mom and Dad Andrew Seubert, Req. Elizabeth Kelly & Bertha Glatz Lucille Rohde (Living), Req. Daughters Anna Terranova, Req. Al & Barbara Giamarino John Connor, Req. Tom McCormack Mary McCorry (Healing), Req. Tom McCormack George and Barbara Muller, Req. Daughter, Katharina Thomas Dorrian, Req. Irene Pullen Adrienne Paull, Req. Anne, Sister Anna & Michael Colabelli, Req. Jerry & Gelsomina Cioffi Emily Kuzmak, Req. Jane Oberschmidt SPECIAL INTENTIONS WEEK of January 7, 2017 to January 13, 2017 Sanctuary Candle Church Rev. Francis E. Santitoro & Maria Santitoro, Sister Req. Andre & Ann Santitoro Vespetti Altar Candles Church Rosalie Gasquez, Req. Marie Alfano, Sister Altar Flowers Church Rosalie Gasquez, Req. Marie Alfano, Sister
PARISH NEWS Page 4 PARISH NEWS ALTAR ROSARY SOCIETY We invite women of the parish to join the Altar Rosary Society in promoting devotion to the Blessed Mother Mary. We meet on the third Wednesday of every month. Hope to see you there. Rosalie Fuentes (732) 505-4432 HOLY NAME SOCIETY Our first meeting will be on the first Wednesday in April 2017. Andy Turco (732) 286-6353 LEGION OF MARY Our meetings take place on Mondays from 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM. The Legion of Mary is pleased to offer a weekly visitation of the Blessed Mother s statue to homes within the Parish community. Have you a friend or a neighbor who is incapacitated or unable to go to Mass? Perhaps they would like a member from the Legion of Mary to sit with them for about an hour to visit and recite the Rosary. If so. please call: Jean Hanna (732) 473-9755 Words fly up, but thoughts remain below. Words without thoughts never to heaven go. (William Shakespeare) INDIVIDUAL MASS BOOK FOR 2018 The 2018 Individual Mass Book will open on January 27, 2017, between the hours of: 9:30 AM to 2:00 PM Only three individual Masses per family, for the year is allowed. This is due to the tremendous request for individual Masses during the year. Telephone calls will not be accepted on opening day for the 2018 Masses. Thank You! ATLANTIC CITY TRIP TO RESORTS Date: Monday, February 6, 2017 Cost: $23.00 Coins: $25.00 Tickets are sold by the Parish Auditorium on Tuesdays from 9:00 A.M. to 11:00 A.M. or call: Mr. Sandy Monda (732) 349-0143 The bus leaves for Atlantic City from St. Maximilian Kolbe Church promptly at 9:15 A.M. Note: All Cancellations are non-refundable. ADORATION The Adoration devotion is to join the Holy Father in praying for the unborn and for the special intentions of our families. The Adoration begins at 12:00 PM every Friday in the Chapel. MEDITERRANEAN CRUISE Royal Princess Cruise Ship May 27, 2017 to June 3, 2017 This cruise will be visiting: Spain: Barcelona & Cartagena Italy: Genoa, Florence/Pisa, Rome France: Marseille Bus to and from St. Maximilian Kolbe Church (Based on 25 passengers) Balcony: $1699.00 Per Person-includes tax and port charges Suites: $1939.00 Per Person includes tax and port fees (No ocean view cabins on this trip) Airfare is extra (Group rate based on 10 people) On Board credit is $70.00 per person Retired Military receive extra credit. Contact: Barbara Kwiatek CTC MCC (848) 227-3963 MEN S RETREAT A men s retreat, will be held at the Jesuit Loyola in Morristown, New Jersey on: January 27th to 29th (2017) Transportation will be available. Contact: Bill Teeling (732) 267 9119
Page 5 bingo.bingo. bingo Bingo is held on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons in the Parish Hall auditorium. Doors open at 10:00A.M. and the games begin at 12:00 Noon. Food is also available for purchase. WEEKLY DEVOTIONS The weekly devotions of Bread and Wine; Altar Candles, Sanctuary Candles and Flowers are available for 2016 for the Church and Chapel. Stop by the Parish Office during our business hours to request your special week. SECOND COLLECTION The second collection this weekend is for the Diocesan Cathedraticum. ARTS AND CRAFTS The group is taking a much needed rest and will be back on Monday, February 13, 2017. MAUSOLEUM Christ the King Mausoleum, at St. Maximilian Kolbe Church, has been opened since November 2013. If you are interested in a final resting place for a loved one or yourself, and would like to see the mausoleum kindly call our Parish Office for an appointment. (732) 914-0300 Mausoleum Open Hours Weekdays Monday to Friday 6:00 AM to 3: 35 PM Saturday: 6:00 AM to 5:45 PM Sunday: 8:30 AM to 1:00 PM 50/50 Monthly Raffle Drawing for December 1st Prize #000834 Amount: $525.00 2nd Prize #001217 Amount: $ 66.00 3rd Prize #003445 Amount: $ 66.00 Congratulations to all our 50/50 monthly raffle winners in 2016. THE KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS 20/20 Project The Knights of Columbus will participate in a Culture of Life Initiative by attending as an organization the 8:30 am Mass on the 20th day of each month, in support of the New Jersey State Knights of Columbus 20/20 Project. THANK You to all our Volunteers who recently delivered the 2017 envelopes and raffle tickets to homes in our parish community. As always, it was a big job. THANK YOU! If by now you have not received your 2017 envelopes and raffle tickets, kindly call the Parish Office. (732) 914-0300 THE SIGN OF PEACE During the cold and flu season, remembering it is not necessary to shake hands with your neighbor when offering the Sign of Peace at Mass. A wave of just a smile is perfectly fine. We want all our parishioners and friends to keep well this winter season. COMING SOON We are planning a St. Joseph and St. Patrick Dinner and Dance on: Sunday, March 19, 2017 Between the hours of 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM Details to follow in the upcoming bulletins. Don t forget to note the date on your calendars. Father Max s Smile Corner Dudley asked his wife: Dolly, Why do you weep and sniffle at a picture show over the imaginary woes of people you have never met? Dolly replied, The same way that you scream and yell when a man, that you don t know, slides into second base. + +
ON THE EPIPHANY Page 6 On the Epiphany, we celebrate the manifestation of God. In a wondrous act to humility, God shows himself to us as a vulnerable child. Being made in the Divine likeness, you and I are meant to imitate God. Should we then not reciprocate this epiphany? Let us reveal ourselves to God. Sin caused Adam and Eve to hide from God, but now we can stop hiding. How do we reveal ourselves to God? In prayer, We open ourselves. We tell God what is in our hearts, sharing our innermost secrets. We speak to God as our most beloved and intimate friend. God humbly revealed the Divine self to us. Today, could be our epiphany when we likewise and humbly open our hearts to God. On the first Epiphany the Magi brought gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. Today, we would imagine God would be most pleased to receive our heart. Msgr. Stephen J. Rossetti THANK YOU GOD! There will be times when we lose the luster in our lives and it is vital to know how to restore it. When silver or brass becomes tarnished we get out the tarnish remover and do some rubbing. What can we do when we need to bring back the shine in our own lives? We can pause early in the day to seek God s guidance. We can count our blessings and name them one by one. As attitude of gratitude rids our lives of the film of frustration, the rust of resentment and the varnish of vanity. However, when we count our blessings, we multiply harmony and good feelings, and the lamp s flame burns higher once again. Without God s touch in our lives, His work in us to will and to do His good pleasure we become sparkling jewels that beautify His kingdom. Thank you dear God, for all You have given to us.. Barbara Johnson I pray that the God who gives you hope will fill you with much joy and peace while you trust in Him. Your hope will overflow by the power of the Holy Spirit. (Romans 15:13) WHO IS JESUS? Jesus is the Bread of Life. Jesus is the Victim offered for our sins on the Cross. Jesus is the sacrifice offered at Holy Mass. Jesus is the Word to be spoken. Jesus is the Life to be lived. Jesus is the Joy to be shared. Jesus is the Peace to be given. Jesus is the Light to be lit. Jesus is the Way to be walked. Jesus is the Love to be loved. Jesus is the Truth to be told. Jesus is the Beggar to give Him a smile. St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta THE CRUCIFIX The Crucifix, is the chief symbol of Christianity and was seldom used by Christians before the time of the first Christian Roman Emperor Constantine, in the fourth century. Under his rule the crucifixion of criminals ceased and Jesus was set forward as the crucified and glorified savior. The symbol of the cross went wherever Christians did, albeit with great variety in its shape and detail. The cross in some form, is likely to be found in almost every church of whatever denomination. Many Christians today find it very moving to pray in front of a crucifix. Introducing Christianity Michael Keene
Page 7 The Life of Jesus Luke 2: 22-38 PRESENTATION OF CHRIST According to the Mosaic Law, a mother had to remain at home for forty days after the birth of a Son. When Mary s day of purification was over, Mary and Joseph took the Child to Jerusalem to fulfill two prescriptions of the Mosaic Law. The mother was to offer a sacrifice of two turtledoves, one as a purification offering and the other as a thanksgiving offering. The first born son had to be bought back from the Lord for five shekels. When the Holy Family had carried out these prescriptions of the Law, Simeon a just and God fearing man approached them. The Holy Spirit had promised him that he should not die before seeing the Messiah and drew him this day into the temple. Simeon took into his arms the Child he knew to be the Messiah and uttered a canticle of thanksgiving. He said: Now Thou dost dismiss Thy servant, O Lord, according to Thy word in peace. Because my eyes have seen Thy salvation which Thou has prepared before the face of all people. A light of revelation to the Gentiles and a glory for Thy people Israel. Mary and Joseph marveled at the old man s words and at the manifestations God joined to the mysteries of the Holy Infancy. Simeon called down the blessings of heaven on the pair, and knowing that men could not be neutral toward Christ, said to Mary: Behold, this Child is destined for the fall and for the rise of many in Israel, and for a sign that shall be contradicted. Thy own soul a sword shall pierce, that the thoughts of many benefits may be revealed. The age Simeon was followed by Anna, a prophetess. Her husband died seven years after their marriage and since that time passed her days in the service of the Lord in the temple. Meeting the Holy Family she began to praise the Lord and spoke of the Child to all who were waiting His coming. Having fulfilled the requirements of the Law of Purification, Mary and Joseph returned with the Child Jesus to Bethlehem, where the Holy Family had been living since the Nativity. Summary: Simeon and Anna were two simple, humble and unpretentious people. Rather than the high priest or the officials, they had the privilege of welcoming Christ. The Life of Christ Catholic Press THE DIVINE PRAISES Blessed be God Blessed be His Holy Name Blessed be Jesus Christ, True God Blessed be the Name of Jesus Blessed be Jesus by his Most Sacred Heart Blessed be the Holy Spirit. Blessed be the Mother of God, Mary Blessed be Saint Joseph her most chaste spouse Blessed be God in His angels and his Saints. May the heart of Jesus in the Most Blessed Sacrament, be praised, adored and loved with grateful affection at every moment, in all the tabernacles in the world to the end of time. Amen. Peace on earth, good will toward s men. God of our Fathers! Thou art blessed.
Page 8 LIVES OF THE SAINTS Occasionally in this space will appear a short article covering the lives of the saints, especially with reference to those saints whose likeness appear on the stained glass windows in the church and chapel, or whose statue is present in the chapel area or the candle room area. LIVES OF THE SAINTS May the wisdom of the Saints inspire us in our daily lives: January 8 St. Apollinaris, Bishop January 9 St. Adrian of Canterbury January 10 St. William, Bishop January 11 St. Paulinus January 12 St. Anthony Mary Pucci January 12 St. Benedict Biscop January 13 St. Hilary, Bishop January 14 St. Sava, Bishop SAINT HILARY Patron of Children with Learning Disabilities Hilary of Poitiers was born at a fateful time in the history of the Church. When he was still a child, Emperor Constantine legalized Christianity throughout the Roman Empire and new doors were opened for young Hilary. Although he had been born of rich pagan parents, Hilary was intrigued by the Scriptures and he decided to learn more about the Word of the Lord. Alter a long hard study that continued for many years, he became a believer in Jesus Christ. Hilary was married and had children, but the level of his faith was such that he was named Bishop of Poitiers. At first, he did not want the position. His humility and reluctance to accept the post, however only increased the admiration people had for him and he eventually accepted. During that time, the Arians believed that Christ was not God s son but rather a semidivine, semi-human creature. Those who did not believe in the heresy was banished including Hilary. After three years he returned to Poitiers and was received with great joy. When Constantine died the following year Saint Hilary was free to set the Church in order. ST. ANTHONY MARY PUCCI Anthony was born Eustachio to a pious peasant family, twenty miles west of Florence, Italy. When he was eighteen, he joined the Servite priory in Florence. He was ordained a priest in 1843. As he continued his theology studies, he was assigned to St. Andrew s parish in a coastal town in Italy and became pastor in 1847. Anthony was to spend his remaining fortyfive years at St. Andrew s fulfilling all his pastoral duties with deep love and humility. He was a reserved man, but made an effort to know each of his parishioners individually. He devoted himself to hearing confessions and instructing children. This kind man devoted himself to the work of St, Vincent de Paul Society and the Society of Propagation of the Faith. He worked tirelessly visiting the sick during two separate cholera epidemics. But Anthony s heart was especially attuned to the poor. They in turn, grew to have a deep love for the man they called the little parish priest. When Anthony served for a time as the prior provincial of the Tuscan province of Servites, he remained faithful to his work at the parish. At the age of seventy-three he contracted pneumonia having given his coat to a poor man on the street. Anthony died in 1892 and was canonized by Pope John XXIII during the first session of the Second Vatican Council. Prayer Father of Mercies, through the intercession of St. Anthony Mary Pucci, give us a passionate love for Your poor. May the Lord be kind and faithful to us all. Amen. PEACE
Page 9 Our Faith THE PROMISE OF SALVATION What does the word Messiah mean? Messiah means anointed one and recalls the Jewish custom of anointing a person selected to high office, such as a priest or king. The term also is associated with liberators or saviors. History and custom refined the word to stand for an anointed king of the dynasty of David who would establish the kingdom of God on earth. When did Israel begin to look for a Messiah? The Jewish people were prompted to cry out to God for help when they were oppressed by the Egyptians. They then begged to keep His promise to look after them. The Father heard their cry for a savior. I have noted the Egyptians are oppressing them. Therefore, I have come down to rescue them. (Ex 3:7,8,9) When did God choose a savior? God chose Moses to liberate his people from the slavery of Egypt. What was the Exodus? The Exodus is the name given to the first major salvation experience of the People of God. Their exodus or exit from Egypt into freedom was a major fulfillment of God s promise to Abraham to look after his people. What did this promise mean? The hope and destiny of Israel was part of the house and family of David. God s covenant with Abraham at Haran and with Israel at Sinai is now renewed with the royal house of David. In phase one of Israel s history, the patriarchs remembered and preached God s promise of loving care for his people. In phase two, the kings of David s dynasty have the responsibility of remembering and preaching God s promise. How did the Father react to the royal infidelity of David s home? God raised up prophets to help the people remember the promise and the covenant, and to give them hope for the future. Is it true that the prophets were traditionalists? Most of what the prophets preached was the message of the patriarchs and the terms of the Sinai Covenant. Their genius was to take traditional teaching and make it relevant for their own times. For example, teachings about social justice and love for the poor, as in the Code of the Covenant were used and updated. (Ex. 21-23) The prophets also dwelled on the tradional teaching in the covenant about God s fidelity to his promise and his inexhaustible capacity for forgiveness. This accounts for the inspiring optimism of Isaiah. How does the Suffering Servant theme connect with the Messiah? The poems about the holy martyrs or suffering servants whose ministry would bring about justice and salvation introduced the thought that the Messiah would suffer and die for the sake of the kingdom. These poems apply historically to individual martyrs and the national martyrdoms experienced in Egypt. The Christian application of this theme to Jesus became clear mainly after the Passion and Death of Jesus. How do these many events and experiences in sacred history converge upon the coming of the Messiah? The role of the Promise in salvation history creates a forward flow, an expectation of something and someone to come. At first the believers only sough a community, a land and a kingdom. With the fall of the House of David, they looked for a Messiah who would establish a kingdom of love, justice and mercy on earth. Catholic Guide for Adults Rev. Alfred McBride, O. Praem.