226 Hurffville Road ● Sewell, New Jersey 08080 Phone: (856) 228-1616 Fax: (856) 228-6332
www.churchoftheholyfamily.org
Church of the Holy Family
March 6, 2016
.
Almsgiving Fourth Sunday of Lent
We are happy to welcome the following into the Christian Community,
BROOKLYN FRANCIS DOWNEY BRAYDEN DANIEL LOHAN MASON JAMES MELROY
We ask the Lord to grant eternal rest
unto all the faithful departed, especially PHILIP FRANCHI, SR.
PARISH INFORMATION Reverend John Picinic, Pastor Reverend Alfred Onyutha, Parochial Vicar Deacon Jerry Jablonowski Deacon Joseph Kain Mrs. Julie LaRosa, Youth Ministry Mrs. Judi DiBabbo, Director, Faith Formation Sr. Paula Randow, OSF, Principal Mrs. Joanne Raggio, Administrative Assistant Mrs. Linda Johansson, Business Manager Mrs. Charlene Campbell, Religious Ed Office Mrs. Candice Kelly-Devine, Religious Ed Office Mrs. Jeanne Passanante, Choir Director Mrs. Elayne Cipolla, Office Assistant
Parish Office Open weekdays from 9 AM-12 PM & 1-4 PM and Monday through Thursday from 6-8 PM 228 Hurffville Road Sewell, New Jersey 08080 856-228-1616 fax—856-228-6332 www.churchoftheholyfamily.org
Christian Formation Office Open weekdays Monday—Thursday from 10 AM—12 & 1—4 PM 856-228-2215 Our Lady of Hope Regional School 420 South Blackhorse Pike Blackwood, New Jersey 08012 (856) 227-4442
Liturgical Schedule Saturday Evening Mass 4:30 PM Sunday Mass 8:00 AM, 10:00 AM, 11:30 AM & 6:00 PM Daily Mass 9:00 AM (and 7:00 PM on First Fridays) Holy Day Schedule (please check the bulletin) 7:00 PM (Vigil), 6:30 AM, 9:00 AM & 7:00 PM Confessions Saturday Morning at 9:30 AM Saturday Afternoon from 3:45 to 4:25 PM First Fridays at 6:30 PM or by appointment Adoration of the Most Blessed Sacrament Tuesday from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM First Friday from 7:30 PM to 9:00 AM Saturday Rosary Monday through Saturday at 8:30 a.m. Miraculous Medal Novena Wednesdays after the 9:00 AM Mass
Please call the parish office if you or a family member is in the hospital,
needs the Sacrament of Anointing, or needs the Eucharist brought to them.
Information about Preparing for Baptism or Marriage may be found on our parish website.
MASS INTENTIONS
SATURDAY, MARCH 5 4:30 p.m.—Irene Stewart req. by Ann Ursino SUNDAY, MARCH 6 8:00 a.m.—John Dempf req. by the Keefer Family 10:00 a.m.—Multiple Intentions Natalie & Eugene Boini req. by Mattie & Jim Murphy & Family Charles Godin req. by Sylvester Family David H. Rambo req. by the O’Brien Family Claudio Miller req. by Joann & Lou Barnes Anne Marie Tiedeken req. by Lillian Crawford Dr. Marvin E. Lakebrink req. by the Norman Family James Mazza req. by the Flaherty Family Jennie Gondolf req. by the Faichtyger Family 11:30 a.m.—Lucy DiGennaro req. by Mike & Jean DiGennaro 6:00 p.m.—People of the Parish MONDAY, MARCH 7 9:00 a.m.—Diego Ferraro req. by Jim & Fran McAdams TUESDAY, MARCH 8 9:00 a.m.—Charles & Marguerite Dick req. by Nancy Dick WEDNESDAY, MARCH 9 9:00 a.m.—Charles Patrick Dick req. By Nancy Dick THURSDAY, MARCH 10 9:00 a.m.—John Lepo req. by Mr. & Mrs. Al Boye FRIDAY, MARCH 11 9:00 a.m.—Joseph Spyter req. by Rose & Steve Kaplan SATURDAY, MARCH 12 9:00 a.m.—Anthony & Grace Luongo req. by Marguerite Luongo 4:30 p.m.—People of the Parish SUNDAY, MARCH 13 8:00 a.m.—Mary Dolores & Robert McElroy req. by the Burns Family 10:00 a.m.—John Lepo req. by K of C Sancta Familia Council 11:30 a.m.—Multiple Intentions Sheila McGee req. by the Holmes Family Aurora Cheillada req. by the Shumski Family Robin Spadaro req. by Mr. & Mrs. Michael Carmolingo Kathleen Haughey req. by the Tracy Family James A. Diana, Sr. (7th Anniv.) req. by the Aruffo Family Louise Ostrow req. by the Ostrow Family Joseph Rossi req. by Bridget Rossi Nada B. Barolin req. by Leon & Anne Pirillo 6:00 p.m.—Austin Muckenfuss req. by Edward Crabtree
Reflections from Father John God’s Ways and Judgments
I wonder how many times we have read, heard, and listened to homilies on the story of the Prodigal Son. I would imagine that the number would be quite high indeed. For us priests and deacons who preach sometimes these well known stories are actually tougher to preach than those Gospel readings that are more theological, obscure, or difficult to understand. Anyway, I wanted to do something a little different today in regards to the Prodigal Son story. I want to reflect on, “we may be in for a surprise in the next life.” What do I mean by that? When I was a seminarian our vice-Rector Brother Bill, actually a deacon, would often say, “We are going to be surprised by who we realize made it to heaven and who did not.” That is exactly the message Jesus is trying to get across to the Pharisees and Scribes. In the story, the Prodigal Son is the one who squanders his inheritance, the one who turns his back on God and the Law of Moses, he represents all the little folk, the sinner. The Father represents God, and the other son – the older one represents the Pharisees and Scribes, the ones who are self-righteous.. If you notice when the Prodigal Son returns the older brother demands to know the reasoning and the justice behind the excellent treatment of a sinner compared to him who has always followed the law and been an obedient son. Jesus was a radical at times, and it is clear that he is being such here. There are two things that point to this, one) all that matters is love and forgiveness and two) God’s ways are not our ways. The Prodigal Son returns to his father because he loves him, he realizes the errors \ sins he has committed and is truly sorry. But the older brother doesn’t like this because he has followed the law meticulously and it’s just not fair. How he is surprised! He can’t believe it, he’s in shock really.
Jesus uses this story to “shock” the Pharisees into realizing that God judges differently than they do. God sees the human heart, He alone can judge it. We see the human heart only partially and our judgments are not perfect. As Catholics and especially us priests we need to be careful in regards to how we judge. I will often times hear or read, that a person has to do such and such or this and that before they can enter the kingdom of God and some hold to this is in a very strict and
black and white sense. Please do not misunderstand me as Catholics we have obligations but those obligations must spring from a desire of love and not just from duty, otherwise like the Pharisees and Scribes we will become the judge of our brothers and sisters or like the older son who believes he is entitled. We are entitled to nothing. I will leave you with two things, the words of my former Vice-rector Brother Bill, God rest his soul, “We are gonna be surprised to see who made it and who didn’t,” and finally the words of Christ which teach us humility, “So should it be with you. When you have done all you have been commanded, say, ‘We are unprofitable servants; we have done what we were obliged to do.’” (Lk 17:10) If we are ever feeling like the older brother remember Jesus’ call to humility. We are owed nothing by God. If we do not humble ourselves then we will stand before Him with prideful hearts and it is so much better to stand before Jesus with a contrite and humbled heart. Amen. God bless you,
Father John
The 2016 House of Charity has commenced and we need your help to reach this year’s parish goal of $196,554. We know that contributing to the House of Charity requires a sacrifice on your part and we ask that you prayerfully consider contributing to this worthwhile campaign if you have not yet done so.
To date we have received over $102,160 in pledges and outright donations. We thank those who have already contributed. Know that your gift is appreciated here at Holy Family and by the many who will benefit from your generosity.
If you have a friend or loved one serving in the military – please call the parish office, 228-1616, or send his/her name to [email protected] so that we may include them in our prayers throughout the year.
Please pray for: John Ardecki, Ryan Bandy, Marc-Anthony Bartolomeo, Nicholas Bedingfield, Adam Beitz, Patrick Billmann, Lucas Blasko, Michael Blaszczyk, Antonio Brino, Kevin Britt, Mark Burns, Tim Campbell, Drakkar Carter, Christopher Cassidy, Calvin Colclough, Dylan Colclough, Tom Cunningham, Daniel DiGiuseppe, Mark Dillon, Nicole Domingo, Alex Driscoll, Lee Elsas, Geraldo Pabon Giglio, Giana Pabon Giglio, John Glass, Sean Grunwell, Gianna Hartley, Tim Johnson, Thomas Keefer, Brendan Kreckel, Matthew Lopane, Salvatore Lopresti Jr., Ryan Maiden, John Mangino, John Matthews, Michael McCall, Lisa Taylor-McGuire, Casey Monaghan, Sean Monaghan, Daniel J. Nardiello, Chris O'Brien, Melissa Owens, Nadia Pascetta, Joseph Penn, Gregory Poeppel, Samantha Preis, Geno Rapone, Jake Ridgway, Jesse Ridgway, Eric Ruiz, Peter Saragnese, Aaron Schmidt, Greg Smith, Nicholas Smith, Brett Staffieri, Sean Patrick Stailey, Kevin Sutcliffe, Leo Troy IV, Jeff Weitzman, Tyler Willette, Leo Wyzsynski
Pray for the Sick This Week at Holy Family
Sunday, March 6—faithFull Food Drive Weekend Red Cross Blood Drive—9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m., Aquin Parish Hall
AA Men’s Meeting—7:30 p.m., Basement Meeting Room Youth Night—7:00 p.m., Aquin
Monday, March 7 MOMs—10:00 a.m., Aquin Room 101
Boy Scouts—7:30 p.m., Aquin Tuesday, March 8
Adoration—11:00 a.m.—4:00 p.m., Church Youth Choir—6:00 p.m., Aquin
Afternoon Bible Study—1:30 p.m., Fausto Adult Bible Study—7:00 p.m., Aquin Parish Hall
Baptism Prep—7:00 p.m., Aquin Two Hearts Prayer Group—7:30 p.m., Aquin Room 108
RCIA—7:30 p.m., Aquin Al Anon—7:30 p.m., Basement Meeting Room
Wednesday, March 9 Prayer Shawl Ministry—1:15 p.m., Fausto
Ablaze Bible Study—7:00 p.m., Aquin GA Meeting—7:30 p.m., Basement Meeting Room
Thursday, March 10 Adult Choir—7:00 p.m., Church
Grief Support—7:00 p.m., Fausto AA Meeting—8:30 p.m., Basement Meeting Room
Friday, March 11 Stations of the Cross—12:00 & 7:00 p.m., Church
Saturday, March 12
AA Meeting—9:00 a.m., Basement Meeting Room PB & J Club—10:00 a.m., Aquin Parish Hall
Pray for those Serving in the Military
Compassionate Outreach
If you have a prayer request for the Prayer Line, please call Joan at (856) 589-3964 or Louie at (856) 582-3559 with your intention.
All requests are held in confidence.
Parish Prayer Line
Stephen Ministry—Do you have a friend, neighbor, co-worker,
or relative who has been struggling with the loss of a loved one, loneliness, cancer, a layoff, relocation, divorce, a spiritual crisis, recuperation, single parenthood, or any of countless other life challenges? Our Stephen Ministers can provide them with the focused care, encouragement, and support they need to make it through the crisis.
If you, or someone you know, could benefit from this confidential, one-to-one care of a Stephen Minister, please contact the Stephen Ministry Leadership through the Parish Office (856-228-1616) or by email:
If you wish to have a name included in the sick list please contact the parish office. Denise Allen, Dorothy Blaszczyk, James Boylan, Jeanne Brown, Patricia Brown, Nicholas Carducci, Rose Carrasquillo, Denise Carson, Irene Cramer, Diane Damm, Ernest Dellapia, Ian Diaz, Noah DiGennaro, Jim Donato, Joseph Egan, Nancy Ellis, Dee Galloway, Joseph Gazzara, Claire Grzechowiak, Jimmy Hanna, Jody Harvey, J. T. Hayes, Paul Heitman, Lourdes Carrasquillo-Hicks, William Hines, Caitlyn Janowski, Bill LaPorta, Marie Letts, Michele Lewandowski, Jillian Loeb, Angelica Luague, Joyce Macitti, Mary and Al Maloney, Edward Manzo III, Ruth Maiese, Ryan Miscavage, Laynee Nelson, Erin O’Keefe, Dan Paolucci, Harry Reeves, Barbara Rodier, Michael Root, Drew Ross, Joyce R.,
Kate Sammon, Alice Schwartz, John Taylor, Joseph Teti, Susan Tribby Castrataro Amy Wassmuthm, Felicia Whipkey
Please call the parish office if a loved one needs a priest.
PRAYER SHAWLS are available for those who are sick and in need of prayerful comfort. Each shawl is handmade with prayers knitted or crocheted right in. If you would like a prayer shawl for a loved one, please contact Donna at 582-7578.
COURAGE is a support group sponsored by the Diocese of
Camden helping Catholic men and women with same-sex at-traction to live chastely and to deepen and broaden their Catholic faith. For more information call the confidential hot-line at 856-365-1570 or visit website at www.couragerc.net
Rachel’s Vineyard Hurting from Abortion? The Camden Diocese is offering a confidential retreat weekend for men & women suffering from the emotional and spiritual pain of abortion.
For information contact Margarita: 856-691-2299 or e-mail to [email protected] All information is kept strictly CONFIDENTIAL!
Our Lady of Hope Regional School has limited space remaining in Kindergarten for the 2016-2017 school year. We will be having tours of the school on Tuesday, March 15th, and 22nd from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. given by our Student Ambassadors. Call our Advancement Director, Jennifer Van Es, at 227-4442 Ext. 107 to reserve a time slot for one of our tours or to obtain additional information about our school. Additional news and information regarding Our Lady of Hope Regional School can be found on our website:
www.ourladyofhopecatholicschool.org
MORNING of PRAYER—March 15
Kindergarten Registration
As part of the Jubilee of Mercy, Pope Francis has called upon all of us to practice the corporal and spiritual works of mercy. The first corporal work of mercy is to Feed the Hungry. At this time of the year, many food pantries find themselves with empty shelves while the requests for food are still great.
In response, the Diocese of Camden is organizing its third annual faithFULL Food Drive this weekend. Please remember to bring items from the list below to Holy Family this weekend! All items must be CANS or plastic, please no glass.
Canned Vegetables, Canned Vegetable Juice, Canned Tomato Products, Canned Spaghetti Sauce, Canned Fruit, Applesauce, Canned Fruit Juice Canned Tuna Fish Canned Chicken, Canned Soup, Canned Beans. Canned Chili, Canned Beef Stew, Peanut Butter
. Visit the diocesan website:
www.camdendiocese.org/faithfull
Holy Family Youth Ministry presents its
Annual Soup Cook Off
March 19, 5:30.-7:00 p.m. $5 (suggested donation per person)
Stop by the Aquin Center on the 19th after 4:30 mass for our annual Youth Ministry Soup Cook Off. Group members will team up to prepare tasty soups for your taste buds! A $5.00 donation per person will allow you to taste many different soups along with fresh baked breads and drinks! Help us to select the winner of the Soup Cook Off Challenge by voting for your favorite soup and to make a difference in the lives of those who
face hunger on a daily basis!
All proceeds from this event will be donated to the Cathedral Soup Kitchen in Camden.
For more information please contact Julie at the Youth Ministry Office—856-228-2215.
Comedy Night - Saturday March 12 - 6:00 p.m. to benefit
Family Promise of Gloucester County (IHN) Come on out for this hilarious night of comedy and help raise money for Family Promise. This year's events will help us purchase a new 14 passenger van and air mattresses. Tickets are one for $40 or two for $70 and can be purchased online at www.familypromisegc.org/events/ or email [email protected]. Tables can be reserved with the purchase of 8 tickets. We will have food, Chinese Auction, 50/50 and cash bar. The venue is St. Michael's Mutual Club 406 Memorial Ave Gibbstown. Our line-up includes Tony Parlente, Al Smith, Tim Grill, Greg Rapport and our headliner Jimmy Graham. Hope to see you there!
You are all invited to attend a Lenten Morning of Prayer offered by Ginny Licata on Tuesday, March 15. The morning will begin with Mass at 9:00 a.m. followed by a presentation on "The Year of Mercy" in the Aquin Center and the concluding prayer will be completed by noon.
Interested in Serving Your Parish? Dates for Diocesan Training Sessions to become an Extraordinary Minister, Lector or Cantor have been received.
If you are interested in serving your parish in one of these capacities please contact Joanne at the parish office—856-228-1616—to learn of the upcoming dates and locations.
Announced Mass Intentions On Wednesday, March 16 at 9:30 a.m. we will begin to accept Mass intention requests for July through December 2016. Intentions will be accepted on a first-come basis. Announced Mass intentions are $15.
"You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown" on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, March 17, 18 and 19 at 7:00 p.m. and March 19 at 2:00 p.m. at the Rowan College of Gloucester County Fine Arts Center. Tickets are $12. For tickets and additional info, call GCHS at (856) 456-4400 or email, [email protected].
Gloucester Catholic High School presents...
Food Drive this weekend!
If we could read the secret history of our enemies, we should find in each person's life sorrow and suffering
enough to disarm all hostility.
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
JDR
Life-Long Faith Formation & Evangelization Stewardship
READINGS FOR THE WEEK Monday: Is 65:17-21; Ps 30:2, 4-6, 11-13b; Jn 4:43-54 Tuesday: Ez 47:1-9, 12; Ps 46:2-3, 5-6, 8-9; Jn 5:1-16 Wednesday: Is 49:8-15; Ps 145:8-9, 13cd-14, 17-18; Jn 5:17-30 Thursday: Ex 32:7-14; Ps 106:19-23; Jn 5:31-47 Friday: Wis 2:1a, 12-22; Ps 34:17-21, 23; Jn 7:1-2, 10, 25-30 Saturday: Jer 11:18-20; Ps 7:2-3, 9bc-12; Jn 7:40-53 Sunday: Is 43:16-21; Ps 126:1-6; Phil 3:8-14; Jn 8:1-11; Alternate readings (Year A): Ez 37:12-14; Ps 130:1-8; Rom 8:8-11; Jn 11:1-45 [3-7, 17, 20-27, 33b-45]
Baptism Prep—Parents must attend a prep class before
Baptism is conferred. Expectant parents as well as Godparents are encouraged to attend. It is imperative that you register in advance for a class.
Tuesday, March 8 Tuesday, April 12
Classes begin at 7:30 p.m. in the Aquin Center. Plan ahead by calling Linda at 228-1616 to schedule.
The Office of Christian Formation will be open Monday through Thursday 10:00 a.m. through 4:00 p.m.
Please call 228-2215 to speak to a staff member during office hours or to leave a voice message.
Youth Ministry News
“No longer was there manna for the Israelites, who that year ate of the yield of the land of Canaan.” (Joshua 5:12b) Over the forty years that the Israelites journeyed through the desert, God provided them with manna to eat. As soon as they were able to enjoy the fruits of the Promised Land the manna ceased. Likewise, God’s blessings to us may change over the years but it is important to trust that God will always provide His Stewards with all that we need. Received Budgeted Difference February 14, 2016 $14,670 $16,250 -$1,580 FY 2016 to date $466,689 $536,250 -$69,561
Your generosity to your parish is appreciated!
Stewardship Discipline
Would you like to make sandwiches to feed the poor?
Each week Ginny Licata delivers sandwiches to the Cathedral (not the Soup Kitchen) in Camden. If you would like to help feed Camden’s poor , please bring sandwiches of any kind to Mass on Wednesday mornings. You may contact Ginny at 856-227-3488 for specifics.
Lent is a time of discipline. And the discipline of stewardship—of
planned and consistent giving—is appropriate for this time. As
you spend time in contemplation this season, consider planning
your giving for this season as well as seasons to come. You can
use Online Giving—our secure giving option accessible through
our church website—to plan and give this season. You can use
Online Giving for your regular tithes or to contribute to special
funds. You can find the Online Giving link at
www.churchoftheholyfamily.org.
Diocesan Wedding Anniversary Mass If you are celebrating your 25th,50th, 60th, 70th or more wedding anniversary between Jan. 1 – Dec. 31, 2016, please join in celebrating at Saint Gianna Beretta Molla Parish, 1421 New Road, Northfield on Sunday afternoon, June 19 at 3:00. All couples wishing to attend the Mass can complete and have Father John sign a form and then return the form to the Office of Family Life no later than May 27. Forms may be found in the gathering space of the church or at the parish office.
High School Bible Study meets on Wednesdays from 7:00-8:30pm in the Youth Lounge through the end of March! All 8th-12th graders are welcome! Bring your Catholic Bible. Youth Ministry Coffee House—March 6, 7:00-8:30 p.m. in Aquin All 5th-8th graders are invited to come and make Irish Potatoes and learn about St. Patrick! We’ll have coffee house style drinks and St. Patty’s Treats! Please bring a container to bring your Irish Potatoes home in! Friends welcome! RSVP not needed, but helpful in planning!
9th-12th Graders are invited to the Youth Lounge for a St. Patrick’s Day Party! Wear Green as we learn about St. Patrick, hang out and have fun with friends! Annual High School Weekend Retreat In Ocean City March 11-13, all 9th-12th graders are invited for a weekend of prayer, activity, community building and Mass with Bishop Sullivan. There are 12 spaces available. Youth stay at a beach rental home on 1st street in OC! More information is available. Contact Julie. Youth Ministry Soup Cook Off March 19, 5:30-7:00pm in Aquin all 5th-12th graders and families are invited to prepare a soup for tasting! Guests will vote and the top three soups will receive prizes! Tickets to the Soup Cook off are $5 each. To sign up to prepare a soup, please contact Julie in the Youth Ministry Office. All proceeds will go to the Cathedral Soup Kitchen in Camden.
When in need of goods or services please consider patronizing those businesses who advertise with our church
bulletin. And thank them for making it possible for our parish to receive bulletins!
