Saint Joseph Roman Catholic Church Oradell - New Milford, NJ December 11, 2011 The Third Sunday of Advent Our Parish Mission Statement As a family of faith, Saint Joseph Parish welcomes everyone to encounter Jesus Christ through Word, Worship, Community, and Service. Guided by the Holy Spirit, we are changed for the better and sent forth as disciples of Christ to continue his work in the world. Mass Schedule Saturday 5pm, Sunday 7:30am, 9am, 10:30am, 12 Noon Weekdays: 7am, 8:30am Saturday 8:30am Holy Days: As announced in the bulletin Baptism Contact the Parish Office before the fifth month of pregnancy Sick / Homebound / Hospital Ministry Call the Parish Office Marriage Call the Parish Office at least one year in advance Schedule Reconciliation / Confessions Saturday, 4 pm - 5 pm Christian Initiation of Adults Contact the Parish Office Miraculous Medal Novena: Monday, 7 pm Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament First Wednesday of the Month, 9am to 5:30 pm Parish Registration: Contact the Parish Office Pastoral Staff Rev. Thomas B. Iwanowski, Pastor Rev. Raul Ivan Silva, Parochial Vicar Rev. Roy Regaspi, Parochial Vicar Rev. George M. Reilly, Pastor Emeritus Mr. Heath Winborn, Director of Operations Mrs. Colette Vail, Principal Mrs. Angela Gussoni, Vice Principal Mr. Anthony Armando, Coordinator of Religious Education and Youth Minister Mrs. Arlene Kennedy, Sacramental Coordinator Mr. Monroe Quinn, Director of Music Phone Fax Email Website Parish Office 105 Harrison St., New Milford 201-261-0148 201-261-0369 office@sjcnj.org sjcnj.org St. Joseph School 305 Elm St., Oradell 201-261-2388 201-261-0830 office@sjsusa.org sjsusa.org Religious Education 300 Elm St., Oradell 201-261-1144 201-261-1163 religioused@sjcnj.org sjcnj.org Parish Office Hours: Weekdays 9 am - 4 pm or by appointment Religious Education Office Hours: Mon., Tues., Wed., & Thurs. 9 am - 5pm
SAINT JOSEPH CHURCH ORADELL/NEW MILFORD, NJ Sunday 7:30 am 9:00 am 10.30 am 10:30 am MC 12 noon Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 5:00 pm Sunday 7:30 am 9:00 am 10.30 am 10:30 am MC 12 noon December 11, 2011 Third Sunday in Advent Thomas G. Kelliher Sonja Hanlon John M. Serocke Birthday Remembrance John Loschiavo Emily Elizabeth Martin December 12, 2011 Libia Recuppio Ruth Mroz December 13 2011 John Serocke John Mulvaney Birthday Rememberance December 14, 2011 Nancy Degand Anna Murray December 15, 2011 Nora McCormack Nancy Petrenko December 16, 2011 Raymond Sadowski Arsenia Villena and Bernadette Ancheta December 17, 2011 Teresita C. Lagdameo 25th Anniversary Remembrance People of the Parish December 18, 2011 Fourth Sunday in Advent Jennie M. Perrone Deceased Members of The Prior and Plinio Family John and Margaret Schatz Deceased Members of The Piazza Family Ralph and Phyllis Palumbo BREAD AND WINE INTENTIONS The Bread for the week of December 11, 2011 is given In Loving Memory of Charles Bolleia, on the remembrance of his birthday, donated and requested by his loving family. sjcnj.org Parish Website sjsusa.org School Website CHRISTMAS TREE & WREATH SALE THIS WEEKEND SUPPORT OUR TARGET YOUTH GROUP The TARGET Christmas Tree and Wreath Sale is this weekend in the rectory parking lot. Saturday, December 10, from 9 am to 6 pm Sunday, December, 11, from 9 am to 1 pm. Please come support our youth ministry program and get a beautiful tree or wreath to help make your Christmas season bright. OUR PARISH GIVING TREE GIFTS ARE DUE TODAY All Giving Tree Gifts need to be returned today, Sunday, December 11. For your convenience, the Religious Education Office (Curry House by the church) will be open from 9 am to 2 pm to receive your gifts. The gifts will be picked up by the various organizations this week. Once the organization picks up the gifts, there is no way to get late gifts to the families. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated. GIVING THOUGHT, GIVING WITNESS John the Baptist testified to Christ, the Light of the World, by his preaching and the witness of his life. We testify to that Light by overcoming the darkness of selfishness and self concern, and by shining forth with generosity and concern for others. Our level of generosity to God's Church and to the poor gives witness to our faith in Christ, the Light! The more sacrificial our giving, the greater our witness. PREPARE FOR CHRISTMAS Advent Communal Penance Service, Monday, December 19 The Church designates the Season of Advent as an important time to receive the Sacrament of Penance also known as the Sacrament of Reconciliation. In this sacrament, we examine our life and we seek forgiveness for those things, those actions that keep us from letting the Lord more deeply in our heart. We will have a special Communal Celebration of the Sacrament of Penance, Monday, December 19, at 7:30 pm in the upper church. Several priests will be available for confession. If you have been away from the sacrament of penance, this is a fine way to celebrate God s mercy. 2
GUEST COLUMN The following talk was given last weekend by members of our Parish Finance Council. It is appears below for the benefit of those who were not able to be with us and for those who might like to review what was said. We encourage you to read and reflect on this message from our Finance Council. CONGRATULATIONS, THANK YOU, AND PLEASE First, Congratulations to everyone. Shortly we will be distributing our Parish Annual Report. Obviously, we are not a company that produces a material product or makes a profit, but as you will see from the report, Saint Joseph Parish that means all of us accomplished quite a lot and have much to be proud of. As you read about the many programs, ministries and celebrations of the Sacraments, it is really quite impressive how our Parish touches the lives of so many in such positive ways. These are our accomplishments, your accomplishments, so we encourage you to take a few minutes to read the report when you receive it and take pride and satisfaction in all that you do. That leads to the second message, which is Thank You. None of this can happen without the time, effort, energy, and gifts that you provide. It is really quite astounding to realize that so many things are accomplished through goodwill and generosity all from people who do these things, not because they have to, but because they want to, and their faith in Christ inspires them. And so, we have much to be thankful for. Thank you! Lastly, we say Please. Please keep it up. As we all know, these are challenging times and we have not been immune to those challenges. However, our main source of revenue, parish giving, is running behind last year, while our expenses continue to increase, despite our thrift and efforts at cost management. THIRD SUNDAY IN ADVENT DECEMBER 11, 2011 Summary of Annual Giving 2011 represents YTD Oct 11 annualized We are distributing a letter that will give you some information about Parish giving levels. (See below) We want to share this information so you can see where our support comes from. We also realize it is important to provide guidance on giving. As we studied the topic, we learned that Catholics in general tend to give around 1 to 2% of their income to their parish. So we set 2% as a guide, as a goal. Of course for those already beyond 2%, please keep it up! If we can achieve 2% we will be on solid financial footing and we will be able to keep up the good works that enrich the lives of so many and maintain the vibrancy of our parish. We ask that you reflect on the giving guidelines that we have proposed, and consider how you might be able to help your parish. For example, someone giving $25 per week, might consider giving $30. If each of us gives a little more, if each of us moves a little closer that 2% goal, if each of us lets our faith inspire our giving, our parish would be in a better position. So why am I going to give my 2%, because it's my parish and I am grateful! May God bless you for your generosity. May our parish shine ever more brightly with God's love! 3
SAINT JOSEPH CHURCH ORADELL/NEW MILFORD, NJ RELIGIOUS EDUCATION NEWS PARISH CHRISTMAS FLOWERS/DECORATIONS Confirmation Program This Sunday afternoon, December 11, at 2 pm, in the Upper Church, the Confirmation Candidates and their families will celebrate the Mass of Blessing. You are invited to make a donation toward the cost of the flowers and other decorations that will adorn our church this Christmas Season. Donations may be made in memory of a loved one or for a special intention. Please use the Flower Envelope that you received in the mail. Extra envelopes are in the church or rectory. Please print clearly on the envelope your intention/your name/phone number. Requested donation is $10 per name/family, payable to St. Joseph Church. Your envelope may be returned in the collection basket or to the rectory office. Advent Reconciliation Service for Grade 8 Advent Reconciliation Service for Students in Grade 8 will take place this Wednesday, December 14, in the Upper Church, at 4:40 pm. Please make every effort to attend. TARGET NEWS Next Sunday, December 18, is TARGET s annual trip into New York City to enjoy the sights, sounds, and smells of the Christmas season. We will begin with Mass at St. Patrick s Cathedral and then go to see the tree at Rockefeller Center. We will also stop at FAO Schwartz and the Toys R Us in Times Square. Permission Slips are available at all TARGET events. DOES ANY OF THIS DESCRIBE YOU? Are you a baptized Protestant, who is interested in learning a little more about the Catholic Faith? Are you someone who was never baptized, who thinks that God may be calling you to faith and to the Church? Are you someone who attends Mass with a Catholic spouse and are curious about how you could become a Catholic yourself. Are you a Catholic who never received your First Communion, or First Penance or Confirmation? If any of the above describes you, we warmly invite you to discover how you can take a step forward in faith and in your relationship with the Church. Please join us for an informal, no commitment meeting, today, Sunday, December 11, at 11:45 am in the rectory/ parish office at 105 Harrison Street. Feel free to bring along a family member or friend. If you have a question or concern, please contact Father Roy Regaspi at (201-261-0148) or (FatherRoy@sjcnj.org) Every Thursday night from 7-9pm in the TARGET Room, we have our Hangout Night with pool, ping pong, and prayer time. GOOD NEWS FOR LITTLE ONES The Good News for Little Ones program, for children 6 months through 4 years of age, provides a safe and comfortable environment for children while their parents attend our 9 am or 10:30 am Sunday Mass. Good News for Little Ones is located in the greenhouse classroom located in the Saint Joseph Lower School on Elm Street. MEN S CORNERSTONE MEETING DEC. 14 MOMS, POPS & TOTS MEETS THURSDAYS AT 9:30 AM All men who have made Cornerstone Retreat are invited to attend our next monthly meeting on Wednesday, December 14, at 8 pm in the basement of the Brothers Residence located on Grand Street. Join us as we share friendship, spiritual renewal, refreshments, and some early Christmas cheer. As the preparation for our journey toward Men s Cornerstone XX increases, please pray for the Lord s blessings on our efforts. Moms, Pops and Tots is back and looking for new members! Moms, Pops and Tots is a support and play group for parents and caregivers of preschool-age children. All are welcome and admission is free. Join us every Thursday at 9:30 am in the rectory basement. Use the rear entrance located behind the garage, on Harrison Street. For further information contact Pat MacRae (201-602-2833). CANDLELIGHT CAROL SING 41st The Annual Candlelight Carol Sing will be held at the Cathedral Basilica, in Newark, this Wednesday, December 14 & Thursday, December 15, at 8 pm. Doors open at 7 pm. Christmas music will be sung by the Cathedral Choir with the assembly and will be accompanied by the great Cathedral organs and brass ensemble. A free-will offering will be taken. For information (973-484-2400) (cathedralbasilica.org) THIRD SATURDAY PRAYER, DECEMBER 17 All parishioners are invited to join the Legion of Mary for their monthly Third Saturday Prayer which will be held on Saturday, December 17, after the Mass in Mary's Chapel. After the rosary, we will continue our series on the virtues of the Blessed Mother. 4
THIRD SUNDAY IN ADVENT DECEMBER 11, 2011 CHRISTMAS MASS SCHEDULE Christmas Eve, Saturday, December 24 5 pm (Upper & Lower Church & School Gym) 7 pm (Upper Church) 10 pm (Upper Church) Masses for Christmas Day, Sunday, December 25 7:30 am (Upper Church) 9 am (Upper Church) 10:30 am (Upper Church) 12 Noon (Upper & Lower Church) CHRISTMAS CONCERT An Afternoon of Christmas Joy Sunday, January 8, at 3 pm, those involved in the music ministry of our parish will present a musical program featuring a variety of styles of Christmas music traditional, contemporary, religious, popular. Plan to join us for some Christmas joy Sunday afternoon, January 8, the Feast of the Epiphany, at 3 pm in church. THANKSGIVING FOOD DRIVE ~ THANK YOU! As always, we are so grateful for the generosity and compassion of the parishioners of St. Joseph Parish. Psalm 107: 8, 9 says Let us give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for men, for he satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things. Thank you for letting God accomplish His Will through you. At this special time of the year, your generosity was truly a blessing! YOU SPOKE, WE LISTENED, WE RE MOVING FORWARD IN FAITH! After more than nine months of work, Forward in Faith 2016, the strategic plan for our parish, including our school, is now complete. The plan will be formally presented to the entire parish at a meeting Monday, January 9, at 7:30 pm in our lower school gym. Please mark the date on your calendar. Everyone is invited and encouraged to attend to learn the direction that we have set for ourselves for the next five years. You donated hundreds of bags of groceries, 33 turkeys, $120 dollars in Food Certificates & $1,000 in monetary donations. Thank you for putting food on the table and hope into the lives of people in need of the food pantry at Ascension Church in New Milford & those in need in our Sister Parish, The Church of the Resurrection in Jersey City. As always, we give a sincere thank you to the Shop Rite of New Milford for donating the bags we distribute at all of our food drives. Thank you and God bless you all! The Social Concerns Committee ARE YOU EXPECTING A BABY? IF SO, BE SURE TO READ THIS! If you are expecting a child, and you are in the third to ninth month of pregnancy, then you are invited to a special event just for mothers and fathers to be. It will take place Sunday, January 8, at 9 am in the rectory/ parish office. Come One, Come All! KIDS CHRISTMAS NJ This event, a new addition to our baptism program at Saint Joseph Church, will give the parish community an opportunity to rejoice with you as you await the birth of your baby. This Gathering to Rejoice, as we are calling it, will bring together parents of our parish who are expecting the birth of a child. It is a time for parents to meet others who are expecting an addition to their family. A time for rejoicing, a time for parents to celebrate the new life they are carrying, and the new life whose birth they are awaiting. This gathering also includes some practical information, a special blessing for expectant parents, and light refreshments. For more information contact Anne Annunziato at the parish office (201-261-0148). Saturday December 17, 2011, from 8pm to Midnight at the Blauvelt Mansion, Oradell. Silent Auction, 50/50, open bar, dancing and fun! Proceeds benefit, Resurrection School, Jersey City and the Center for food Action. Checks should be payable to KIDS CHRISTMAS NJ. Tickets $65 each, can be mailed to: 434 Prospect Avenue, Oradell NJ 07649 Questions: Kelly Catania (917-699-8166) MEETINGS THIS WEEK Forward in Faith 2016 Implementation Committee, Monday, Dec. 12, 7:30 pm at the rectory/parish office Baptism Preparation Team, Tuesday, Dec. 13, 7:30 pm at the rectory/parish office. 5
SAINT JOSEPH CHURCH ORADELL/NEW MILFORD, NJ The Gospel is the Good News about Jesus. The Gospel Reading for today is from St. John Chapter 1, verses 6 to 8. In this time of Advent, we hear how God sent John the Baptist to help his people prepare their hearts and minds for the coming of the Messiah who is also known as the Light. John the Baptist stood out as someone different and special. He would shout from the desert Get ready. The Lord is coming. People came from all over to hear him and learn about the coming of the Lord Jesus. Jesus, the Light would change the darkness of the world into light and peace! NOTE TO PARENTS The Liturgy of the Word with Children takes place at our 9am Sunday Mass. During that Mass the younger children are sent forth just before the First Reading and go to the lower church for their own celebration of God's Word. The readings, homily, songs and prayers are geared to their understanding. The children return before the presentation of the gifts to continue the celebration of the Liturgy with their families. We want God's Good News to be exciting for the younger members of our parish family. If you are interested in volunteering to help with this ministry, you can contact us at (kids@sjcnj.org) NOTE TO KIDS Be sure to use your special envelopes in the Sunday collection. You can get extra envelopes during the Liturgy of the Word With Children. Just ask Father Tom. COMING NEXT WEEK We learn of an amazing event. Compiled by the Liturgy of the Word With Children Committee MISSION OF THE WEEK In preparation for Christmas, I will forgive others and ask them to forgive me when I hurt their feelings. By forgiving and seeking forgiveness I will help to bring the light of Jesus into the world. 6