Page 2 December 11, 2016 Third Sunday of Advent MASSES for the WEEK It is a holy and wholesome thing to pray for the living and the dead. (II Mac. 12:46) Sunday, December 11, 2016 7:00 AM Louis Giusto Req. Marie Block 8:30 AM Basil Trimboli Req. Wife, Connie 10:00 AM Ruth Goodheart Req. Husband, Thomas & Son, Wayne 11:30 AM Vincent & Sadie Obiso Req. Family 1:00 PM Minnie Wilke Req. Niece, Donna Pope Monday, December 12, 2016 7:00 AM James Cucco Req. Wife, Ada 8:30 AM Rocco Damato Req. Judi Pakay 9:30 AM Multiple Intention Mass Tuesday, December 13, 2016 7:00 AM Larry Sivilli Req. Maureen & Mike Reilly 8:30 AM Joseph Reagan Req. Patricia Guerin Wednesday, December 14, 2016 7:00 AM Chapel Association Req. Same 8:30 AM John Yamelski Req. Helen Gulya Thursday, December 15, 2016 7:00 AM Josephine Brenner Req. Maureen & Mike Reilly 8:30 AM Steven Beckley (2nd Anniversary) Req. Wife, Judy Friday, December 16, 2016 7:00 AM Dorothy Comella Req. The Gulla & Martinez Families 8:30 AM Josephine Testa Req. Father John Testa Saturday, December 17, 2016 7:00 AM Richard Heagen Req. Wife, Angela & Family 8:30 AM Elizabeth Carolan Req. Husband,, Bob 4:00 PM Edward James & Tess Wadiak Req. Mom and Dad 5:30 PM Frank Corsi Req. Gloria & Debra Corsi Sunday, December 18, 2016 7:00 AM John Yamelski Req. Raymond Nitko 8:30 AM Nicholas & Maria Iannelli Req. Rocco Iannelli 10:00 AM Walter J. Kozak Req. Wife, Helen; Son and Family 11:30 AM Merritt Crayton Req. Wife, Gloria 1:00 PM The Dyer and Walsh Families Req. Teresa Dyer and Family
Page 3 Multiple Mass Intention Monday at 9:30 AM December 12, 2016 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 Felicia Grace Chiodi, Req. The Chiodi Family Robert Stefanic, Req. Lillian Stefanic Betty Varsalone, Req. Husband, Tony Kathleen & Tony McKenna, Req. Vera, Sister & Daughter, Marie Eugene Wefer, Req. Wife, Lucille Fred Kustowski, Req. Wife, Mary Nicholas & Rose Capobianco, Req. Anita & John Lynch Lucille Rohde (Living), Req. Daughters John Bland (2nd Anniversary), Req. Wife, Lorraine Ralph Serio, Req. Wife, Virginia Anthony, Mary & Isabel Triano, Req. Ann Bederka Mattea & Giusepe Nikolich, Req. Daughter, Lucila and Family Dec d. Mbrs. Iacullo & Salvatoriello Fams., Req. Anne Iacullo The Holy Souls in Purgatory, Req. Richard Claudio Betty Varsalone, Req. Husband, Tony James Gannon, Req. Mom and Dad MaryEllen O Connor, Req. Barbara and Stan Kwiatek Tony Bellino, Req. Silver Ridge Park First Aid Squad Ann Brennan, Req. Friends Chester Sobieski, Req. Prudence & James Basciano William Lawson, Req. Jack Hester Theresa Cicenia, Req. Robert Wilson & Barbara Cassidy Rick Wyzykenski, Req. Regina Werner The Delaney Family, Req. Monica Delaney The McKenna Family, Req. Monica Delaney The McCarney Family, Req. Monica Delaney Mary Pecklers, Req. Betty Kleinfeld John Trabona, Req. The Spinella Family Lillian Donatiello, Req. Jean Reilly MaryLou Cincinelli (Healing), Req. Christine Riola Kathy Zimmerman (Healing), Req. Christine Riola SPECIAL INTENTIONS WEEK of December 10th to December 16 2016 Bread & Wine Church Robert Berg, Req. Wife, Pat Altar Candles Church Robert Berg, Req. Wife, Pat Altar Flowers Church Robert Berg, Req. Wife, Pat Sanctuary Candle Church Robert Berg, Req. Wife, Pat Sanctuary Candle Chapel Rev. Francis E. Santitoro & Mary Santitoro, Sister, Req. Andre & Ann Santitoro-Vispetti
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. Rosalie Fuentes (732) 505-4432 On Wednesday, December 14, 2016 at 12:30 PM the Altar Rosary Society will have a Christmas luncheon at The Grove in Toms River, The cost is $25.00 per person. Jean Hanna (732) 473-9755 Merry Christmas and Happy New Yerar. HOLY NAME SOCIETY The Holy Name Society will not meet until January We want to wish you all a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. 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 BAKE SALE Just in time for the holidays a Bake Sale will be held on the weekend of: DECEMBER 17th & 18th We thank in advance all our Bakers, Volunteers and Customers who make this event most successful. Merry Christmas Pat Berg (732) 350-2782 ATLANTIC CITY TRIP TO RESORTS Date: Monday, January 2, 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. THE GIVING TREE Sponsored by: Altar Rosary Society This week a tree will be in the vestibule of the church to help a non-profit organization called The Hope Center. The Center helps individuals and their families in need, especially this Christmas season. Their capable staff provide counseling, food, emergency shelter, to those dealing with a current life crisis. The Hope Center wish list contain: Sweat shirts, Gloves, Sweaters, Socks, Hats, Gift Cards, Pajamas, etc. Place the item in a Christmas shopping bag, but do not wrap the gift. Bring it to the parish where a box will be placed near the tree. The deadline for the offering of gifts is no later than December 15th. The Altar Rosary Society and The Hope Center wishes you all a very Merry Christmas. _ ANCIENT ORDER OF HIBERNIANS The Ancient Order of Hibernians will have their Communion Breakfast for members and guests at the Clarion Hotel after the 8:30 AM Mass on Saturday, December 17th. The cost is $15.00 per person. Jack O Shea (732) 341-9084
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 Non-Diocesan of Retired Religious _ ARTS AND CRAFTS The group is taking a much needed rest. They will return February 13, 2017. Merry Christmas & Happy New Year. 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 During this holiday season: A smile is a wrinkle that should not be removed. It is the lighting system of the face and the heating system of the heart. 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. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED The 2017 parishioner envelopes are almost ready to be delivered to homes within our parish community. If you can help deliver the envelopes and the new raffle tickets, please call the Parish Office and leave your name, phone number and the area you would like to deliver to. (732) 914-0300 Envelopes for 2017 are ready for delivery. When you receive your new envelopes and raffle tickets, please do not use them until January 2017. People don t care how much you know, they just need to know how much you care. BINGO SCHEDULE Bingo will not be held on the following dates:: Tuesday, December 20th Thursday, December 22nd Tuesday, December 27th Thursday, December 29th. Bingo will begin again on: Tuesday, January 3, 2017. Thank you all for attending our weekly Bingo games throughout the year. NOVEMBER 50/50 MONTHLY RAFFLE 1st Prize #003001 Amount: $ 560.00 2nd Prize #002306 Amount: $ 70.00 3rd Prize #003083 Amount: $ 70.00 Congratulations to all our November winners.
Page 6 ADVENT CHRISTMAS PENANCE SERVICE Mark your calendars. Our Penance Service will be held on Wednesday, December 14, 2016-12:00 Noon 1:30 PM AREA CHURCHES PENANCE SERVICES TUESDAY December 13, 2016 St. Joseph Church 7:00 PM FRIDAY December 16, 2016 St. Justin Church- 7:00 PM MONDAY December 19, 2016 St. Barnabas Church 7:00 PM TUESDAY December 20, 2016 St. Luke s Church 7:00 PM MEDITERRANEAN CRUISE Royal Princess May 27 to June 5, 2017 Spain Barcelona & Cartagena France Marseille Italy Genoa, Florence/Pisa, Rome Includes Bus Trip to/from airport. (Based on 25 passengers) Fares from $1199.00 plus tax (Per person) Port and Fees $105.00 Suites $1899.00 Per Person plus taxes. Balcony $1499.00 Per Person plus taxes (no ocean view cabins on this ship) Transfers $93.00 Airport to ship Air Fare is extra On Board Credit based on category chosen. Retired Military extra credit Contact: Barbara Kwiatek, CTC MCC (848) 227-3963 _ OPLATEK WAFERS Practice the ancient custom of sharing the Christmas wafer with family and friends. The Oplatek Wafers are available in the Parish Office Monday through Friday. 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM BLOOD DRIVE During the season of Advent, few people give blood because they are too busy, and so we will have a Blood Drive here on: Sunday, December 18th 8:00 am to 1:00 PM The Blood Drive will take place in front of the Bingo Hall. To give blood, one must be feeling well and not be on any heart medications or blood thinners. Eat a good breakfast that day and stay well hydrated. For more information, call Karen Moore of the Central Jersey Blood Center at: (732) 842 5750 ext. 243 0r (201) 463 1973 TOYS FOR TOTS During this beautiful holiday season the Berkeley Township Police Department will have a box for Toys for Tots for the unfortunate children at this time of Joy. The box will be place in the vestibule of the Church to welcome new and unwrap gifts of toys. The toys will be collected until Sunday, December 18th. Thanking you in advance. THIRD WEEK OF ADVENT Good Father, We rejoice and give thanks for blessing us with the greatest Gift, Your Son, our Lord and Savior! Thank You, too, for all the friends You bring into our lives. Amen Christmas is one week closer and we can t contain our joy. Waste no time telling others of the Son born to bring hope and joy for all people. Advent celebrates the Christ who came, the Christ who is with us now, and the Christ who will come again. The Season of Advent _
Page 7 The Life of Jesus Luke 1: 39-56; Matthew 1: 18-25 THE VISIT OF MARY TO ELIZABETH After learning from the angel Gabriel that her cousin Elizabeth was with child, Mary hastened to visit her that she might be of service to her during this time. Arriving at Zachary s village home in the hills of Judea, Our Lady saluted Elizabeth who upon hearing the greeting, felt the infant in her womb leaped for joy. She herself was immediately filled with the Holy Spirit, and in a burst of enthusiasm, cried out: Blessed art thou among women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb. How have I deserved that the mother of my Lord should come to me? Behold, the moment that the sound of thy greeting came to my ears, the babe in my womb leapt for joy. Blessed is she who has believed because the things promised her by the Lord shall be accomplished. At these inspired words of Elizabeth, Mary s spirit was lifted into ecstasy and she too sang a song of praise. My soul magnifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior; because He has regarded the lowliness of His handmaid. Behold, all generations shall call me blessed, because He who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is His Name. For generation upon generation His mercy is to those who fear Him. He has shown might with His arm. He has scattered the proud in the conceit of their heart. He has put down the mighty from their thrones, and has exalted for the lowly. He has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich He has sent away empty. He has given help to Israel, His servant, mindful of His mercy even as He spoke to our fathers. Mary remained about three months, until the birth of John. Joseph, when he learned Mary was with child, planned to break off their engagement quietly. But an angel came to him in a dream and told him to take Mary as his wife, for the child she was to bear was from the Holy Spirit. Obeying this inspiration, Joseph at once completed the marriage arrangements and took her into his home. Summary In the life of Mary her love for God overflowed into a love for God. It also included God s creatures. Service to her cousin Elizabeth was a manifestation of Mary s love for God. We cannot claim to love God unless that love extends also to God s creatures, our fellow men. The Life of Christ Catholic Press THE LORD IS NEAR + You came to make visible God s creative love for all people. Kindle in your people the fire of your love amid the dulling cold of winter. + You came to make viible God s fidelity to His promise of salvation. Make vibrant your people s fidelity in a time of broken promises and hollow words. + You came to make visible God s presence in every time and place. Renew our faith in Your abiding presence in Your Church. + We stand to pray in hope to the One who comes among us as the Presence of God s life-giving love. + Behold God s dwelling is with the human race. He will dwell with them and they will be His people. The Magnificat
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:. December 11 St. Damasus I, Pope December 12 Our Lady of Guadalupe December 13 St. Jane Frances DeChantal December 13 St. Lucy December 14 St. John of the Cross, Priest December 15 St. Nino December 16 St. Adelaide, Queen December 17 St. Olympias SAINT LUCY Patroness of the Blind; Authors and Sicily Throughout the ages, Lucy has been one of the most venerated of all the martyrs in the Catholic Church. She is included in a list of saints evoked during the offertory in the Liturgy of the Mass. It is said that Lucy was born to wealthy parents and that her father died when she was a baby. Lucy secretly took a vow of virginity at a young age. She was unaware that her Mother arranged for her to be engaged to a pagan nobleman. Lucy did everything she could to prevent the marriage. Lucy s fiance was so enraged that he announced that Lucy was a Christian. She was condemned to work as a prostitute but when the soldiers tried to take her to the brothel, they could not move her. So instead she was arrested, burnt and had her eyes gouged out. Prayer: Dear Lord, May the glorious intercession of the martyr Saint Lucy give us perfect vision to our eyes. We pray for the salvation of our souls in this world, that we may come to the enjoyment of the unfailing light in heaven. Amen OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE Our Lady, the Blessed Mother, appeared to St. Juan Diego who was recently converted Catholic. She asked him to go to the Bishop and request him to build a church for her on the barren hill of Tepeyac that is now part of Mexico City. Our Lady wanted to show him merciful love to all of her children. The prudent Bishop asked Juan to ask the Lady for a sign. Juan did so and Our Lady promised to give him the sign. Complying to the Bishop s request, she left the image of roses imprinted miraculously on his poor quality cactus cloth. It was in December. Yearly, an estimated ten million visit the Our Lady of Guadalupe Basilica making her Mexico City s the most popular Marian shrine in the world. SAINT JANE FRANCES DE CHANTAL Foundress of the Visitation Order Jane married the Baron dechantal and her marriage was a happy one except for the tragic loss of three of her children shortly after their birth. Shortly thereafter, her husband was killed in a hunting accident. Three years later, Jane heard St. Francis de- Sales preach and sought his spiritual guidance. With his encouragement Jane created an Order for women who were unable to live an austere and cloistered life. After her children was provided for, she founded the Order of the Visitation. When plague ravaged France her nuns and she cared for the sick. At her death, she was responsible for creating 86 convents of the Visitation. God never changes His mind about the people He calls and the things He gives them. (Romans 11: 29)
Page 9 Our Faith AROUND CHRISTMAS There is a town named Santa Claus in Arizona, Georgia and Indiana. There is a Santa, Idaho and a North Pole, Alaska. Twenty-one states have a city or town named Bethlehem. THE CHRISTMAS SEASON The Christmas season is not a time of unmixed joy. There is also sadness and pain. It will be lonely for those who have just lost someone they loved. For some of the others, it is always lonely. This season sends us deep with our soul a mixture of happy and sad thoughts. We are celebrating the Birth of the One who suffered, died and rose from the dead to open the door of life for us. We are celebrating the Birth of the One who came to reach out to those who need Him. That is what He came to do That is what He still does Liturgical Publications LEGEND THE STORY OF THE POINSETTIA It once was the custom in Mexico for the villagers to leave a gift for the Baby Jesus on Christmas Eve. In one small village, a little boy who had no gift to bring, prayed to God for a way to show his love for the Baby Jesus. God looked down on the boy and answered his earnest prayer. God caused a flower to bloom where the young boy had knelt. A flower brilliant and fair like a morning star with leaves that were red and bright. The boy s precious gift came to be known as the Flower of the Holy Night. Christmas Blessings St. Jude Shrine President Franklin Pierce was the first president to have a Christmas tree placed in the White House. HOMES AT CHRISTMAS There is no other time of the year when it is so natural to have a religious presence in our homes. The Christmas tree itself is a religious symbol. Its origins are rooted in the tree of life in the Garden of Eden. Often we place the star of the Magi or an angel at the top of the tree. At Christmas time we have a manger scene with the child Jesus, Mary and Joseph, the shepherds, the Magi and the angels. We listen to religious music in our homes, Christmas carols with religious themes. A prayer is usually said before the Christmas meal, even in homes where this is seldom done during the year. The Christmas season is a good time to take a second look at having year round religious symbols in our home. A POPULAR CHRISTMAS DRINK Eggnog The popular Christmas drink of eggnog is thought to have started in England in the 17th century. Also known as egg flip and often served with a dollop of wine, eggnog was also popular because it did not require refrigeration. In America, rum was substituted for wine and the drink was called grog. George Washington often added whiskey and sherry to the rum mixture. _ CHRISTMAS TREES A Christmas tree shape points to God. The candles represent Christ as the Light of the World. In the 16th century, Queen Victoria s husband Albert introduced the trees into Windsor Castle. In 1880 F.W. Woolworth purchased 200,000 ornaments for Christmas trees and all sold out within a few weeks.