St. Joseph Roman Catholic Parish Over a Century of Catholic Presence Rev. James W. McGuffey, Pastor Rev. Lauro C. Sedlmayer, Parochial Vicar Rev. Sean G. Winters, In Residence Deacon Ramon Torres, Hispanic Ministry Deacon George Kimball, Permanent Deacon Mrs. Roseann Johnson, Principal Mrs. Marcelle Doherty, Coordinator of Religious Education/Pastoral Assistant Dr. Thomas Juneau, Director of Music MAILING ADDRESS: Parish School 55 High Street 865 Roosevelt Avenue Carteret, NJ 07008 Carteret, NJ 07008 TELEPHONE DIRECTORY: Parish Office 732-541-8946 Fax 732-541-0500 School 732-541-7111 Youth Ministry Office 732-969-8767 Religious Education /Pastoral Office 732-969-8767 St. Vincent de Paul Society 732-541-6003 WEBSITES: Parish: www.stjosephparishfamily.com PREP: www.stjosephprep.net School: www.sjps.net MASS SCHEDULE Sunday: 5:00 (Saturday evening), 8:00, 10:30, 12:00 and 1:30 PM (Spanish) Weekday: Monday to Friday: 8:00 AM Saturday: 8:30 AM First Friday: 8:00 AM St. Peregrine Mass for the Sick Second Thursday of the month at 7:00 PM Confessions Saturday: 11:00 AM SACRAMENTS Baptism: The Rite of Baptism is celebrated on the second weekend of the month: Saturday at 1:00 PM. Please arrange for the obligatory preparation session by calling the parish office. Pastoral Care of the Sick: The Holy Eucharist and the Anointing of the Sick are available to the sick and shut-ins upon request. First Penance, First Eucharist, Confirmation: Children are expected to receive a Catholic upbringing in their family life, to worship regularly at Sunday Mass, and to receive ongoing religious education in the years preceding the reception of these sacraments. Matrimony: Specific times are set for the celebration of marriage during the year. To allow ample time for preparation, please contact the parish office at least one year before the intended wedding date. Holy Orders or Religious Life: If you are considering serving God as a priest, deacon or religious, you may contact your parish priest, deacon or religious: or phone the Office of Vocations at 732-562-1990 Ext. 1700 for more information. PARISH SERVICES Parish Office Hours: Weekdays: 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM Parish Registration: New parishioners are welcome. Please call the parish office to register. Please inform us if you move. R.C.I.A. Adults inquiring about the Catholic Church with a desire to become Catholic are invited to call the parish office for information about the Rite of Christian Initation of Adults. Parish Organizations: Servants of Mary (Woman s Group), Adult Choir, Children s Choir, Ministry to the Poor, Ministry to the Sick & Elderly, RCIA Team, Food Pantry, Hispanic Ministry, St. Vincent de Paul Society, Home School Association, Athletic Association, Catechetical Instruction. Sponsorship: To act as a Godparent for Baptism or sponsor for Confirmation, the sponsor must be a baptized Catholic, confirmed, had communion, and live a morally good life; if married, done so within church law. Ordinarily the sponsor must be at least 14 years old. A Christian who is a non-catholic may be a witness for Baptism together with a Catholic sponsor.
TWENTY-THIRD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME SEPTEMBER 9, 2018 PARISH CALENDAR SUNDAY September 9 MONDAY September 10 6:00 PM Catechist Mtg., school TUESDAY September 11 WEDNESDAY September 12 6:00 PM PREP Opening Mass, gym THURSDAY September 13 FRIDAY September 14 8:00 PM A/A, Alanon, Alateen, church hall SATURDAY September 15 9:30 AM Food Pantry, church hall A PRAYER FOR OUR TROOPS Heavenly Father, hold our troops in Your loving hands. Protect them as they protect us. Bless them and their families for the selfless acts they perform for us in our time of need. We ask this in the name of Jesus, our Lord and Savior. Amen. Remember in your prayers the members of our Armed Services, especially: Josh Hayes, cousin of Kathy Perkins; JP Brown, godson of Elizabeth Melo; Justin Molarz, grandson of Susan Molarz; Jesus L. Santiago, cousin of Felix and Ana Morales; Christopher Czapik, grandson of Carol Knittel; Justin Lurker, grandson of Helen Lurker; Robert Michnowicz, nephew of Helen Lurker; Mario Roman, son of Janice Pastures; Marc Repace, grandson of Pat Consiglio; Taylor Setar, daughter of Greg and Terry Setar; Gabriella Gatto, daughter of Carmelo and Nicole Gatto; Laura Roe, daughter of Maria and Luis Pena; Elizabeth Brito and Lisa Marie Brito, daughters of Ivette Brito. You are invited to a HOLY HOUR FOR PRIESTS on Sunday, September 9, at 3:00 p.m., at the St. John Neumann Pastoral Center, Piscataway. PRAY AND FAST FOR VOCATIONS God has created me to do Him some definite service. He has committed some work to me which He has not committed to another. I have my mission. I never may know it in this life, but I shall be told it in the next. I have a part in a great work. I am a link in a chain, a bond of connection between persons. He has not created me for naught. I shall do good, I shall do His work; I shall be an angel of peace, a preacher of truth in my own place, while not intending it, if I do but keep His commandments and serve Him in my calling. Cardinal John Henry Newman For everything there is a season and a time for every purpose under heaven... a time to heal... for the sick of our Parish and especially for Mary Wagner, Fr. John Morley a time to die... Charleen Bufano, Nina Salvaggio All too often, as we know from experience, people do not choose life, they do not accept the Gospel of Life but let themselves be led by ideologies and ways of thinking that block life, that do not respect life, because they are dictated by selfishness, self-interest, profit, power and pleasure, and not by love, by concern for the good of others. As a result, the living God is replaced by fleeting human idols which offer the intoxication of a flash of freedom, but in the end bring new forms of slavery and death. -POPE FRANCIS from homily at Mass for Evangelium Vitae Day June 16, 2013 PRAYER FOR THE RIGHT TO LIFE O heavenly Father, strengthen us against the mounting forces of anti-life; enlighten those who walk in this deadly way that they may see the enormity of their sin and return to the generous observance of the Divine Law. We pray, too, for mothers, that they may prize the great privilege of motherhood; and that they may bring up their children in the holy love and fear of God, thus saving their own immortal souls and furthering the honor and glory of their Maker. Through Christ, our Lord. Amen. -Prayer of Cardinal Terence Cooke WALK FOR LIFE DJ, Refreshments, Games Family Fun Saturday, October 13, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m., at Merrill Park, Iselin (rain or shine). Benefitting the lifesaving work of Life Choices Resource Center. Every day Life Choices serves women and families, helping them choose life for their children. Your support is what makes it possible! Register or donate today at www.lifechoicesrc.com or download a pledge form. $200 raised provides 1 free ultrasound! Call 732-516-0811 or TEXT 848-229-7634 for additional information. Did not God choose those who are poor in the world to be rich in faith and heirs of the Kingdom that He promised to those who love Him? -James 2:5 What is more important - being rich in faith or rich in possessions? Society teaches us that possessions are most important. God teaches us a different lesson. When we are rich in faith, we keep God first in all things and realize that material things really don t matter and that it s more important to share with those who have less.
SUNDAY READINGS First Reading - Isaiah 35: 4-7a Second Reading - James 2: 1-5 Gospel - Mark 7: 31-37 See Beyond Outward Appearances The phrase Sunday best has lost much of its meaning in our society today. Some lament the loss of people dressing up for Church on Sunday; others think it s a healthy sign that we re as casual in attire gathered before the Lord as we are elsewhere. No matter which school of thought on this topic we belong to, James would probably chastise us. In either case, we are still focused on external appearance, mistaking it for some sort of favored position before God. True, James criticizes the community that favors the rich and well-dressed while ostracizing the poorly clothed, but even more he criticizes the making of distinctions, making choices based on criteria that having nothing to do with the reign of God. James might turn our attention to the reign of God described by Isaiah, in which people are healed and the earth becomes ripe to bear fruit. Jesus today is focused on this reign of God, healing a Gentile man in a region hostile to his Jewish faith, not mindful of the man s origins or clothing or status or ability to repay. Isaiah, James, and Jesus in Mark s Gospel all call us to look more deeply to find where the will of God needs to be done, and has been done, on earth as in Heaven. Copyright J. S. Paluch Co. SCRIPTURE READINGS FOR THE WEEK Monday: 1 Cor 5: 1-8; Lk 6: 6-11 Tuesday: 1 Cor 6: 1-11; Lk 6: 12-19 Wednesday: 1 Cor 7: 25-31; Lk 6: 20-26 Thursday: 1 Cor 8: 1b-7, 11-13; Lk 6: 27-38 Friday: Nm 21: 4b-9; Phil 2: 6-11; Jn 3: 13-17 Saturday: 1 Cor 10: 14-22; Jn 19: 25-27 or Lk 2: 33-35 Sunday: Is 50: 5-9a; Jas 2: 14-18; Mk 8: 27-35 OFFERTORY COLLECTION September 2, 2018 $4965 $5623 (2017) What will I give back to God in thanksgiving for the many blessings I have received? -Psalm 116:12 The ST. PEREGRINE HEALING MASS will be celebrated in our Church this Thursday, September 13, at 7:00 p.m. Following the Mass, there will be an opportunity for individuals to receive a blessing and healing prayers. We invite you, your family and friends, or anyone you know that is suffering from a serious illness, to join us for this special Mass. If you would like the name of a loved one placed before the Shrine of St. Peregrine prior to this Mass, you may obtain a Spiritual Bouquet Card in the Gift Shop or at the Parish Office. PREP BEGINS THIS WEEK! The 2018-2019 Religious Education year will begin with Mass at St. Joseph's school gym this Wednesday, September 12, at 6:00 p.m. We look forward to seeing you! If you have not yet registered your child, Registration Forms are available on the counter in the Narthex, at the Parish Office, and at the PREP Office. You can also download a Registration Form at www.stjosephprep.net YOUR HELP IS NEEDED When it's time for PREP, it's also time to recruit new volunteers. We ask you to prayerfully consider if God is calling you to assist us in passing on our faith to the next generation. If a weekly commitment does not suit your schedule, then consider becoming a substitute catechist. Please call the PREP office for additional information at 732-969-8767. WE REMEMBER... September 11, 2001 When the wicked advance against me to devour me, it is my enemies and my foes who will stumble and fall. Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then I will be confident. One thing I ask from the Lord, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the Lord and to seek Him in His temple. For in the day of trouble He will keep me safe in His dwelling; He will hide me in the shelter of His sacred tent and set me high upon a rock. -Psalm 27: 2-5 A PRAYER FOR WORLD PEACE Lord Jesus Christ, Who are called the Prince of Peace, Who are Yourself our peace and reconciliation, Who so often said, "Peace to you," - grant us peace. Make all men and women witnesses of truth, justice, and brotherly love. Banish from their hearts whatever might endanger peace. Enlighten our rulers that they may guarantee and defend the great gift of peace. May all peoples on the earth become as brothers and sisters. May longed-for peace blossom forth and reign always over us all. Amen. -St. John XXIII THANK YOU! The National Junior Honor Society of St. Joseph School would like to thank all the parishioners who contributed to their recent Shoe Drive. Your donations will benefit those in need around the world.
PERPETUAL MASS GUILD Enrolled in August: Fausto Caprari Carmelo Pericone Barbara Sewing Debra DeLuca Italia Minnuies THANK YOU A donation has been made to St. Joseph Church in memory of Edward Mihalko by Peter and Kathleen Shubiak. All are invited to attend the HISPANIC HERITAGE MASS on Friday, September 28, at 7:30 p.m., at the Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi, 548 Main Street, Metuchen. As we come together to celebrate Hispanic heritage in the Diocese of Metuchen, we continue to be inspired by the words of Pope Francis, which he wrote in a letter to the U.S. Bishops about V Encuentro: We need to become ever more fully a community of missionary disciples, filled with love of the Lord Jesus and enthusiasm for the spread of the Gospel. For more information, please contact the Diocese of Metuchen s Hispanic Ministry at 732-243-4573. SILVER & GOLD WEDDING ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION SUNDAY, OCTOBER 21 ~ 4:00 PM You are cordially invited to celebrate your 25th or 50th Wedding Anniversary with the Church of Metuchen. Renew your marriage vows with Bishop James F. Checchio at a special Evening Prayer Service in the Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi, Metuchen. Please register online by logging on to the diocesan website https://diometuchen.org/offices-and-ministries/family-andpastoral-life/family-life/silver-and-gold/. The system will automatically generate a confirmation message with some facts about the event. More specifics will be sent closer to the event. If you are unable to access the diocesan website, please contact the Family Life Office at 732-243-4582 or amatos@diometuchen.org. Even though no fee is required, in the past many Jubilarian couples have given a donation of gratitude to the Church in memory of this special occasion. Donations of Gratitude can be made online or calling 732-243-4582, Monday thru Friday, during business hours. Registration closes on Wednesday, October 3, 2018. There will be a discussion of Pope Francis' "REJOICE AND BE GLAD" on the call to holiness in the modern world, led by Rev. Gregory Uhrig of the Office of Adult Formation, Diocese of Metuchen. There will be 4 sessions: September 13, 20, 27, and October 4, 9:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m., St. Joseph's Church, 34 Yorktown Rd., Hillsborough. Cost: $5 (for the discussion booklet). No registration necessary. If you have any questions, call 908-874-8220. Corpus Christi Roman Catholic Church, 100 James St., South River, will offer a series entitled Catholics Returning Home on six consecutive Saturdays, at 7:00 p.m., in the Rectory Meeting Room, beginning September 15. These sessions are for non-practicing Catholics who are seeking answers to questions about returning to the Church. If you know someone who has left the Church, invite them to join us. There will be informal sharing and an update of the Catholic faith. For details, call Denise at 732-254-1800 ext. 10. Divorce Effects Everyone... It happens and it hurts! The Family Life Office, Diocese of Metuchen, is offering an exciting, NEW ministry to men and women who are suffering from the pain and loneliness of divorce. The Catholic s Divorce Survival Guide is a 12 week program featuring a thirty-minute DVD session each week that cover topics of shock, denial, anger, grief, guilt, forgiveness, money, children, the courts, the ex-spouse, annulment, dating, sexuality, spirituality, re-marriage or staying single and much more. This program, based on the teachings of the Catholic Church, is open to anyone who needs comfort, counsel, and clarity after a divorce. Pre-registration required. Wednesdays: October 3, 10, 17, 24; November 7, 14, 28; December 5, 12, 19; January 9, 16; 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. To register call 732-243-4573 during business hours. Deadline to register: September 25 or when 12 participants are registered. For information: Ro Bersch 908-313-5947 or 908-470-0678. A JOURNEY THROUGH GRIEF If you are suffering over the death of someone you loved, perhaps the 8-week Bereavement Support Group sessions may help you during this difficult time. The Group will be meeting Tuesday evenings at Mary Mother of God, Hillsborough, in the Parish Teen Center, for 8 weeks, from September 18 through November 6, at 7:00 p.m. For additional information contact Trudy Madden at 908-874-6288 or Philomena Cellilli at 908-285-6053. No fee required. Pre-registration is appreciated. Mother Seton Regional High School, One Valley Road, Clark, will host an OPEN HOUSE for girls in Grades 5 through 8, on Sunday, September 23, beginning at 1:00 p.m. For additional information, call 732-382-1952 or visit the School website at www.motherseton.org St. Cecelia Church, 45 Wilus Way, Iselin - Autumn Harvest Tricky Tray Gift Auction: Saturday, September 29, in Lourdes Hall. Doors open at 6:00 p.m.; prizes called at 7:30 p.m. General admission: $20 (includes 2 free sheets of yellow tickets, coffee/tea and dessert). Bundle Package: $80 (85value - save $5). Bring your own food and beverages. For tickets go to www.stcecelis.com - Upcoming Events. Must be 18 or older to participate. For information, contact Kathy at 732-283-2300 or kbeglan@stcecelia.com
SATURDAY September 8 5:00 PM Edward Sabol SUNDAY September 9 8:00 AM John and Anna Panko 10:30 AM Donna Montanez 12:00 PM Jayceryll de Chavez 1:30 PM Parishioners of St. Joseph Parish MONDAY September 10 8:00 AM Jayceryll de Chavez TUESDAY September 11 8:00 AM Jayceryll Malabuyoc de Chavez and all the victims of the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001 WEDNESDAY September 12 8:00 AM Mr. and Mrs. Victor Servello 6:00 PM PREP Students, Faculty, and Staff - School THURSDAY September 13 8:00 AM Patrick Romano 11:30 AM Eucharistic Adoration 7:00 PM Those whose names have been placed before the Shrine of St. Peregrine FRIDAY September 14 8:00 AM Ralph and Maryann Giachetti SATURDAY September 15 8:30 AM Joseph Pletterer 5:00 PM Helen Butler SUNDAY September 16 8:00 AM Adrianna and Raffaele Nigro 10:30 AM Chester and Clare Hojnacki 12:00 PM Lillian Csaki 1:30 PM Parishioners of St. Joseph Parish CANDLE INTENTIONS ~ SEPTEMBER 9-15 The St. Joseph Church Sanctuary Lamp burns for the sanctity of all human life. The Pieta Lamp burns in loving memory of Theresa Kolodzieski; requested by the Russo Family. The St. Joseph Lamp burns for the souls in purgatory. EUCHARISTIC ADORATION Thursdays - 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. - Church Chapel We can open our souls to Him, tell Him what we need, beg Him for powerful graces. We are perfectly free to approach the King of the universe with full confidence and without fear. It consoles a soul far beyond what the world can offer. St. Alphonsus Ligouri Catechetical Sunday is a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the role that each person plays, by virtue of Baptism, in handing on the faith and being a witness to the Gospel. Catechetical Sunday is an opportunity for all to rededicate themselves to this mission as a community of faith. PRAYER FOR CATECHISTS Jesus, You told us that laborers for the vineyard would be few and that we should pray to the Lord of the Harvest in the hope that many might respond. You have answered our prayers by sending us catechists for Your vineyard. Bless these men and women who have responded to Your call to the ministry of catechesis. May they be filled with zeal for Your Church, with care for those they catechize, and with love for Your Word of Life. Let Your Spirit come upon them so that Your Word may echo through their teaching and through the witness of their lives. Through our catechists, may the members of our Parish whom they teach be transformed into witnesses to Your Word. And may these catechists receive the blessing Your Son promised to all who labor in Your vineyard. We pray to You, gracious Father, in the name of Your Son, Jesus, the Word of Life, and in the unity of the Holy Spirit Who transforms us by that Word, one God, forever and ever. Amen. The Rite of Christian Initiation is a process for anyone interested in becoming a member of the Catholic Church, or who seeks to come into full communion with the faith community. It is especially tailored to those who: Have never been baptized; Have been baptized Catholic but have not received the Sacraments of Reconciliation, Eucharist, Confirmation; Are baptized Christians and would like to come into full communion with the Catholic Church; Have no Church to call their own. If you are interested in acquiring more information about the RCIA process or if you know adults in your family, neighborhood, or workplace who may be interested in this process, please call Marcelle Doherty in the RCIA Office, at 732-969-8767.