Dear Parishioners, Picture a lush meadow with a large flock of sheep enjoying the fresh air and sunshine. The first Sunday in May, situated right in the middle of spring, may lend itself to such daydreams. But this is no daydream, for we indeed are part of the flock with a devoted shepherd, one who calls us each by name and invites us to have life and have it more abundantly. Let us join together today in joy and gratude. QUESTION OF THE WEEK : How is the Good Shepherd calling me? For what do I need to seek forgiveness so I can be reunited with the flock? GOOD SHEPHERD SUNDAY—MAY 3, 2020 World Day of Prayer for Vocation BANNS OF ORDINATION The seminarian, Joseph Anthony Aguila Mactal (Joey), is to be ordained to the Sacred Order of Deacon on Friday, June 2020 at Saint John Cathedral, Paterson, NJ Christ’s faithful are obliged to reveal impediments to sacred orders, if they know of any, to the Ordinary or to the pastor before ordination according to the norms of cc.1043 and 1051, 2 of the Code of Canon Law. If you know of any reason why this man should not be ordained a Deacon in the Catholic Church, please contact: Reverend Matthew J. Twiggs: [email protected], World Day of Prayer for Vocation The Catholic Church celebrates the 57th annual World Day of Prayer for Vocaons on Good Shepherd Sunday, the Fourth Sunday of Easter. It is a special invitaon to the faithful to ask our Good Shepherd to send us more priests, sisters, brothers and missionaries who will offer their lives for His service. In our Holy Father Pope Francis’ World Day of Prayer for Vocaons message, he speaks of the risks involved in every vocaon, the gratude we owe to the Lord for His call, and the courage and praise with which we are called to live it. Pope Francis says: “Whenever fague or fear make us start to sink, Jesus holds out His hand to us. He gives us the enthusiasm we need to live our vocaon with joy and fervor.” The Pope concludes by calling on our Church to connue to promote vocaons, to “touch the hearts of the faithful and enable each of them to discover with gratude God’s call in their lives, to find courage to say ‘yes’ to God, to overcome all weariness through faith in Christ, and to make of their lives a song of praise for God, for their brothers and sisters, and for the whole world.” The challenging mes in which we are living certainly make us more grateful for those dedicated servants among us who pray for us and help us to stay spiritually connected to the Lord, while we cannot gather as a community. May all in the Diocese of Paterson and around the world be united in our prayer for more priests, missionaries, and consecrated men and women. IMPORTANT News from Councilman Jay Dunham, a parishioner of STA: The garbage/recycling contract for the Township of Jefferson is due to expire at the end of this year. The current contract was for 5 years. The Township is in the process of preparing bids for a new contract. The cost of recycling has skyrocketed over the past few years and we anticipate a cost increase going forward. We will be looking at all options to save costs to our residents. We are asking our residents to complete the informal survey on the township website https://www.jeffersontownship.net ( you can find the survey link on the Jefferson Township homepage or the Recycling and Garbage Collection Department) help us best serve our community. Please spread the word to your friends and neighbors about this. The more people that fill out the survey the Township will make a more informed / accurate decision.
Transcript
Dear Parishioners,
Picture a lush meadow with a large flock of sheep enjoying the fresh air and sunshine. The first Sunday in May, situated right in the middle of spring, may lend itself to such daydreams. But this is no daydream, for we indeed are part of the flock with a devoted shepherd, one who calls us each by name and invites us to have life and have it more abundantly. Let us join together today in joy and gratitude.
QUESTION OF THE WEEK : How is the Good Shepherd calling me?
For what do I need to seek forgiveness so I can be reunited with the flock?
GOOD SHEPHERD SUNDAY—MAY 3, 2020 World Day of Prayer for Vocation
BANNS OF ORDINATION
The seminarian, Joseph Anthony Aguila Mactal (Joey), is to be ordained to the Sacred Order of Deacon on Friday, June 2020 at Saint John Cathedral, Paterson, NJ
Christ’s faithful are obliged to reveal impediments to sacred orders, if they know of any, to the Ordinary or to the pastor before ordination according to the norms of cc.1043 and 1051, 2 of the Code of Canon Law. If you know of any reason why this man should not be ordained a Deacon in the Catholic Church, please contact: Reverend Matthew J. Twiggs: [email protected],
World Day of Prayer for Vocation The Catholic Church celebrates the 57th annual World Day of Prayer for Vocations on Good Shepherd Sunday, the Fourth Sunday of Easter. It is a special invitation to the faithful to ask our Good Shepherd to send us more priests, sisters, brothers and missionaries who will offer their lives for His service.
In our Holy Father Pope Francis’ World Day of Prayer for Vocations message, he speaks of the risks involved in every vocation, the gratitude we owe to the Lord for His call, and the courage and praise with which we are called to live it. Pope Francis says: “Whenever fatigue or fear make us start to sink, Jesus holds out His hand to us. He gives us the enthusiasm we need to live our vocation with joy and fervor.” The Pope concludes by calling on our Church to continue to promote vocations, to “touch the hearts of the faithful and enable each of them to discover with gratitude God’s call in their lives, to find courage to say ‘yes’ to God, to overcome all weariness through faith in Christ, and to make of their lives a song of praise for God, for their brothers and sisters, and for the whole world.”
The challenging times in which we are living certainly make us more grateful for those dedicated servants among us
who pray for us and help us to stay spiritually connected to the Lord, while we cannot gather as a community. May all in
the Diocese of Paterson and around the world be united in our prayer for more priests, missionaries, and consecrated
men and women.
IMPORTANT News from Councilman Jay Dunham, a parishioner of STA:
The garbage/recycling contract for the Township of Jefferson is due to expire at the end of this year. The current contract was for 5 years. The Township is in the process of preparing bids for a new contract. The cost of recycling has skyrocketed over the past few years and we anticipate a cost increase going forward. We will be looking at all options to save costs to our residents. We are asking our residents to complete the informal survey on the township website https://www.jeffersontownship.net ( you can find the survey link on the Jefferson Township homepage or the Recycling and Garbage Collection Department) help us best serve our community.
Please spread the word to your friends and neighbors about this. The more people that fill out the survey the Township will make a more informed / accurate decision.
The Parish Community of St. john Vianney & St. Thomas the Apostle
FOOD PANTRY DONATIONS UPDATE AND REQUEST
THE CALL TO HELP WAS MADE AND IMMEDIATLY YOU ARE ANSWERING THE CALL:
The response for food donations has come fast and furious! The request for help last Sunday at Mass was made and every hour Father looks out his door and there are donations. THANK YOU.
When the Flocknote went out about filling the shelves at Catholic Charities Hope House Tuesday afternoon, Wednesday morning the requested items were being dropped off and continue to do so. THANK YOU.
You know as the lockdown continues the need is even greater every day so we are asking you all if you are able to please help:
There is a tremendous need to fill the shelves at the HOPE HOUSE FOOD PANTRY. They are in need of donations of
the following items:
• Peanut butter (regular size)
• Jelly (regular size)
• Coffee (regular size)
• Tuna fish
IMPORTANT NOTE: In order to help the most families it is best you purchase regular size cans and / or jars ra-ther than the extra large sizes.
These items can be dropped off at STA Rectory entrance anytime from now until Tuesday morning 5/5 (Cinco de Mayo).
If you are unable to get to the store and would like to make a monetary donation to a food pantry, please see below:
NEW HOPE, OAK RIDGE - Checks or supermarket gift cards can be sent to: New Hope Food Pantry, c/o Milton Unit-ed Methodist Church, 316 Dover-Milton Road, Oak Ridge, NJ 07438.
HOPE HOUSE, DOVER – SUPERMARKET GIFT CARDS can be sent to: Hope House Food Pantry, 101 Bassett High-way, Dover, NJ 07801.
FAMILY SERVICES / DYFS FOOD PANTRIES
A large donation has been made to the Sussex County Family Services Food Pantry which is very low.
We are reaching out to Morris County Family Services as well and the next collection will be donated to their Food Pantry.
WHERE DO YOU DROP OFF YOUR DONATIONS?
Just drop off them off at the STA Rectory Door under the over-hang. In order to ensure that social distancing is observed you do not have to ring the door bell as the front door is checked throughout the day. The food doesn't stay there for long.
THIS CANNOT BE SAID ENOUGH YOUR GENEROSITY IS MAKING AN IMMEDIATE AND GREAT DIFFERENCE IN LIVES OF HUNDREDS OF FAMILIES. GOD BLESS YOU.
SATURDAY, MAY 2 + Charles & Elizabeth Mylod / Vito Addotta & Terry Guarino + John & Mary Zboraj / Zboraj family SUNDAY, MAY 3 - GOOD SHEPHERD SUNDAY WORLD DAY OF PRAYER FOR VOCATIONS + Jane Moran / Sandy & Tim Friedhoff + Elizabeth Kramer / Walter Endlicher & Bowers Family + Nereida Addotta / her husband MONDAY, MAY 4 + Francis Marinello / Mary Bacchetta TUESDAY, MAY 5 + Eugene Ciarkowski / Jean & Eric Stroud WEDNESDAY, MAY 6 + Mary Dick / Teresa & Richard Martin THURSDAY, MAY 7 + Joe Cherchiaro / The Martin Bible Study Group FRIDAY, MAY 8 + Nereida Addotta - 1 year Anniversary / her family SATURDAY, MAY 9 + Linda Saso / her family SUNDAY, MAY 10 + Adda Burrows / Cannorazzi Family + May Gilroy & Evelyn Duffy / Judy & Skip Diller The Mothers of Saint Thomas the Apostle Living and Deceased
MAKE MEMORIES FOR FATHER MATT
1. We are asking all parishioners to write a note to Father Matt so that we may put together a Book of Memories for him to have as a remembrance of his
years as our pastor and friend. Any sweet memory, funny memory, serious memory, or anecdote will
do. Perhaps you would like to add a photograph of your family, so when he looks back he will remem-ber your smiling face. Whatever thoughts you would
like to put together would be appreciated. So please send us your notes, even if it’s only a “thank you”
for his many years of service and guidance.
We would like to have everyone’s memory by June
1st so that we can put it together in time for his par-
ty.
Please send your memory in an email to
[email protected] or put it in an envelope to addressed to Lynn McCartney or Mary Buda,
and drop off in the rectory mailbox.
2. We are also looking for pictures of Fr. Matt
(especially his early years) which will be used in a slide show. We will scan the pictures and return
them to you so please be sure to put your name on the back of each picture. These can also be ad-dressed to Lynn or Mary and left in the rectory mail-
box.
Thanks so much for your cooperation.
GOOD SHEPHERD SUNDAY— MAY 3, 2020 World Day of Prayer for Vocation
HELPING HANDS MINISTRY: If you need someone to do
your grocery shopping or other essentials , we are willing
to go for you and leave shopping items at your door-
step! Social distancing practices will be observed!
Please contact Gabby Dyl at 973-713-0280.
For more information, or to ask a volun-
teer for help with shopping for your es-
sentials, please contact Gabby Dyl at
(973) 713-0280.
If you are interested in volunteering in anyway , please con-
THIRD SUNDAY OF EASTER 04/26/2020 21 Envelopes: $1,705.00 8 Loose Checks: $ 647.00 52 Online Giving: $2,275.00 Easter $1,415.00 Total $6,042.00
Last Year: $6,300.00 Third Sunday of Easter
Monday: Acts 11:1-18; Jn 10:11-18
Tuesday: Acts 11:19-26; Jn 10:22-30
Wednesday: Acts 12:24—13:5a; Jn 12:44-50
Thursday: Acts 13:13-25; Jn 13:16-20
Friday: Acts 13:26-33; Jn 14:1-6
Saturday: Acts 13:44-52; Jn 14:7-14
PRAYER FOR VOCATIONS
O God, Father of all Mercies,
Provider of a bountiful Harvest,
send Your Graces upon those You have called to gather the fruits of Your labor;
preserve and strengthen them in their lifelong service of you.
Open the hearts of Your children that they may discern Your Holy Will;
inspire in them a love and desire to surrender themselves
to serving others in the name of Your son, Jesus Christ.
Teach all Your faithful to follow their respective paths in life
guided by Your Divine Word and Truth.
Through the intercession of the Most Blessed Virgin Mary,
all the Angels, and Saints, humbly hear our prayers
and grant Your Church's needs, through Christ, our Lord. Amen.
The Parish Community of St. john Vianney & St. Thomas the Apostle
“TO EVERYTHING THERE IS A SEASON”
A TIME FOR PEACE For national and world leaders and those currently serving in the armed forces especially: PFC Jonathan Cuervo, USMC, PFC Anthony Imperato, USMC, Michael Guarino, US Army, Cpl Sebastian Geary, USMC, USAF, Airman James Perez, Sgt. Antoino Lettizia, USMC, OSSN(SW) Anthony S. Gambuti, US Navy, PFC Ryan Leyden, USMC, USAF Airman Matthew Cannarozzi, 2nd Lt. Andrew Verdes, Haley Kerrison Lt1, Army, Clara Shurtless, USMC. In honor of the Military serving our country at home and abroad, we invite you to remain after the Recessional Song at all weekend Masses to recite three (3) Hail Mary's for their safety.
A TIME TO BE HEALED Prayers for the sick: Brennan McCoy, Kathy Brennen, Aaron Alonzo, Sal D ’Arco, Kevin Wickert, Fumiko Lutz, Patricia Carapola, Courtney Sanchelli, Danny Scillieri, Gail Brennan, Rich Day, Richard Lavelle, Marion Coleson, Chris Osborne, Rose Kelly, Stephen Vecchiotti, Vincent Ottani, Ernie Sudo, Penny Sorokach (nursing home), Brandon Wozniak, Darlene Kolakovic, Fr. Dan Kelly, Fr. Joseph Farias, Helen Turosky, Joey Dyl, Don King, Kenny Miscisak, Emily Fleming, Emily Schmidt, Ethan Rodriguez, Carol, Mary Swerzenski, our friends H and Ch, Deacon Milt, Jessica Taylor, Tim Lambert, Daniel Ingram, Nancy, Hazel Voiner, Tony Bonfiglio, Lynn Snouffer, Matthew Cusa and Sebastian Drelick.
A TIME TO MOURN Prayers for the deceased: Thomas Ingram, Jerry Busko, Angelina DeLucia, Joan Juengling, Bishop Frank J. Rodimer, Karen A. Tofilski, Angela Sperber, Bryan Carolan, Ante Culic, Jean Doherty, Sophia Wolters, Pat Esposito, Józef Zajecki, Janice Barry, Karen Newton, Catherine Feuss, Jan Jakacki, E. James Shaffer, Louise M. Addotta, William E. Williams, Charles Stoveken, Jesse Bisbal, Victor Coleson, Jr., Luigi Russo, Ernest A. Zappile, Nereida Addotta, Andrew Dolinich, Betty Klein, Joe Endlicher, George Christ, Mildred Einreinhofer, Devon Carbery, Joseph Florio, Fr. Thomas Rainforth, Ralph Albano, Sr., Cveta Szugzdo, James Ford, Carol Perrucci, Jean Farrell, Donald Smitherman, Mary Anne Allender, Jason Free, Joyce Kerr, Mary Strangia, Jean Farrell, Don Ciuppa, Msgr. Brendan Madden, Raymond Angelucci, Stephanie Perrotta, James France III, Louise Anne Sincaglia and Rose Schilacci, Dolores Daly, Nancy Barbieri, Rich McLeod, Marlene Blahut, Rev. Stanley Kostrzomb and Phyllis Bonfiglio, Beverly Bierbaum, Louis “Louie” Panetta, Jack Van Antwerp Raymond Hirsch, Francis Marinello, Bill Barrett, Lawrence (Lorenzo) Guarino, Lester King , Mary Dick, Rick Baxter, Charles & Elizabeth Mylod, Richard Bay, Msgr. Charles Cassidy, former pastor of Our Lady of the Lake, Sparta, Magdealena Szieber, Eileen & William Carbery, Martin Addison, Carmela Mediterro and Theresa Marie Wickham.
BAPTISM
Until further notice all baptisms administered by the ordinary minister of the sacrament within parish settings are deferred except in case of urgent necessity. Should an urgent necessity arise, the faithful should contact a priest immediately. Couples desiring to have their child baptized should be active parishioners, attending Mass regularly. Parents must attend a Baptism Preparation Meeting. The next meeting will take place at Saint Thomas the Apostle on Monday evening the next meeting will be announced. To make baptismal arrangements contact the parish office by email: [email protected] or call Saint John Vianney at 973-697-6550 / Saint Thomas the Apostle at 973-208-0090.
CONFESSIONS By request: contact the parish office.
MARRIAGES Prior to your booking of the reception, please call the Parish Office 1 year in advance of the wedding date to allow for proper pre-marital preparation.
Knights of Columbus ~ Council Meetings St. John Vianney Council #12649 meets at Saint John Vianney Church Hall the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month. Joseph Lamb Council #5510 meets on the 1st & 3rd Thursday of each month at Wiegand Farm – Department for Persons with Disabilities’ meeting room. Both meetings start at 7:30 p.m.
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION PROGRAM
Saint John Vianney/Saint Thomas the Apostle [email protected] ALL CLASSES HAVE BEEN CANCELLED FOR THE REMAINDER OF THIS ACADEMIC YEAR. PARISH MEMBERSHIP: A parishioner is one who belongs to the parish family. As such, he/she is registered and is committed through participation in the life of the parish. Marriages to be administered and Sponsor Certificates, recommendations, etc. to be issued by the office, the person requesting such must be registered and an active member of Saint John Vianney Parish or Saint Thomas the Apostle Parish community. We request that you register at the rectory when you move into our community so that we may be of service to you.
GOOD SHEPHERD SUNDAY—MAY 3, 2020 World Day of Prayer for Vocation
