St C

atherine Laboure Church: M

iddletown, N

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For those not receiving Holy Communion we offer the following prayer.

My Jesus, I believe that You are present in the Most Holy Sacrament. I love You above all things, and I desire to receive You into my soul. Since I cannot at this moment receive You sacramentally, come spiritually into my heart. I embrace You as already there and unite myself wholly to You. Never permit me to be separated from You. Amen (St. Alphonsus Ligouri)

PARISH OFFICE HOURS: Monday-Friday 8:30am- 4:00pm OFFICE ADDRESS: 130 Bray Avenue, Middletown N.J. CONTACT: Parish Office: 732-787-1318 Fax: 732-787-2851; Rel. Ed/Ministry: 732-495-7779; Parish Hall: 732-787-2869; Thrift Shop: 732-787-2836; Web Site: www.stcathek.org; Email: stcathek1@aol.com

Ministry to the Sick and Homebound: To arrange Communion for the homebound, or for the Sacrament of the Sick, call the parish office.

Sacrament of Baptism: Arrangements must be made through the parish office. Infants should be baptized as soon as possible.

Sacrament of Matrimony: According to Diocesan policy, marriage arrangements must be made at least nine months prior to the wedding date through the parish office. Either the man or woman must be registered in our parish.

Annulment Advocacy : To discuss Church Annulment procedure, or for information concerning Church Validation of a civil marriage, call the parish office to arrange a meeting with Fr. Dan.

FORMED: A Catholic Media Program you can access 24/7 from your computer, I-phone etc. Go to www.stcathek.formed.org click ’register’ follow prompts and enjoy.

The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass Sat. 5:00pm & 6:30pm

Sun: 7:30am; 9:00am (Latin) 10:30am & 12:00noon

Daily: Mon.– Sat. 8:00am Monday & Friday 12:00 (Latin)

Eucharistic Adoration: Monday 8:30am-7:00pm

Novena Mass; Mon., Wed. 7:00 pm; Sat. 8:00 am

Confessions: Sat. 3:00—4:00 In Advent: Monday 6:00—6:50 pm

Parish Staff Pastor: Very Rev. Daniel C. Hesko, VF Deacons Rev. Mr. John Orlando Rev. Mr. John McGrath (retired) Religious Education: Mrs. Jackie Callahan, M.A. Mrs. Kathleen McGuire Parish Office: Mrs. Julie Fehlhaber Mrs. Kathleen Toomey Music Director: Mrs. Karen Ohrn

Christmas at St. Catherine’s

Christmas Eve, December 24 Children’s Mass 4:00 pm Mass with Carols 7:00 pm Solemn Mass of the Shepherds 10:00 pm Christmas Day, December 25 Mass with Carols 7:30 am Sung High Mass (Traditional Latin) 8:45 am Sung Mass with Carols 10:30 am Sung Mass with Carols 12:00 noon

Please Reach out to visitors and strangers as they come on Christmas A warm welcome goes a long way

FLOWER MEMORIAL BULLETIN WILL BE NEXT SUNDAY

TODAY’S LITURGY: Fourth Sunday of Advent READINGS: RED HYMNAL # 775 Processional Hymn: CREDO # 84 O Come O Come Penitential Rite Drop down dew, you heavens, from above, and let the clouds rain down the Just One. R. Let the earth be opened, and bud forth the Savior.

O King of the Gentiles, come to save man, whom You have made from the dust of the earth!

R. Let the earth be opened, and bud forth the Savior.

From heaven, you shall see the King of kings proceeding from the Father, as a bridegroom from his chamber. R. Let the earth be opened, and bud forth the Savior. Gradual (Psalm 24) Let the Lord enter; he is king of glory. Offertory Hymn: CREDO # 97 Come O Come, O Love Divine

Communion Hymn: Refrain For You O Lord my Soul in Stillness waits Truly my trust is in You Recessional Hymn: CREDO # 87 The King shall come

THE INTERCESSIONS:

In faithful obedience to the Word of God, the Blessed Virgin Mary proclaims the greatness of the Lord. Let us pray that with her we may seek to do his will as we await the day of the Lord saying; ‘Come O Christ the Lord’

Give to your church Lord the Grace and strength to magnify your name, as we wait for the day of your return. Maranatha, R: COME O CHRIST THE LORD

You who cast down the mighty from their seat and lift up the lowly, guide our nation and lead us into the way of righteousness. Maranatha, R: COME O CHRIST THE LORD You have fill the hungry with good things, and send the rich empty away. Help us to care for all in need, as we await the day of your return. Maranatha, R: COME O CHRIST THE LORD

The Virgin Mary, will be called blessed throughout all generations. Help us by her prayers to be your

WEEKLY MASS INTENTIONS

Monday, December 23rd 8:00 am John Jurusin by Michael & Roger Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament all day. 12:00 Noon Diane Deignan by Barbara 7:00 pm Deceased Cerrato Family Members by Cerrato Family Tuesday, December 24th, Christmas Eve 8:00 am Nancy A. Rahill (anniv.) by Rahill & Burkhard Family 4:00 pm Joseph & Ruth Toomey by Family 7:00 pm Cucciniello Family by Family 10:00 pm All those mentioned in our Memorial Booklet Wednesday, December 25th, Christmas Day 7:30 am Andrew J. Hulak, Jr., Andrew J. Hulak, Jr. By Anna and Maria Hulak 8:45 am Living and Deceased Members of Lowder & Cullinen Families By Lowder Family 10:30 am Maurice & Mary Simon (Liv Int) by sister, Pat 12 Noon John Treola by Catherine Thursday, December 26th 8:00 am Nicholas & Mary Haddad by JoAnne Haddad Friday, December 27th 8:00 am Maureen O’Donnell by Son and Family 12:00 Noon Rev. Bernard Schinp (Liv Int) by Padre Pio Prayer Group Saturday, December 28th 8:00 am Brandon Higgins (Liv Int) by Padre Pio Prayer Group

CHRISTMAS OCTAVE DAY 5: THE HOLY FAMILY

5:00 pm Harold Oches (Bthdy) by Family 6:30 pm James Mazza by Frank & Amy Lotorto, Constantino Pousada by Wife & Daughter, Eileen Neuwirth, by Frohnhoefer Family, John Gilligan by Mike, Sara, Jane Mauer Sunday, December 29th 7:30 am Pro Populo 9:00 am Elizabeth Ganning by Friends @ Wells Fargo 10:30 am Peter & Charlie Comey by Comey Family 12:00 Noon John Treola by Catherine

handmaids and servants, that when you come again, we may reap the reward of our labor. Maranatha, R: COME O CHRIST THE LORD

In every age you have shown mercy to those who fear you. Grant through the prayers of the Blessed Virgin Mary that those who know pain and sickness may wait in hope for the day of your return. Maranatha, R: COME O CHRIST THE LORD You remember your promise of mercy, made to Abraham and his descendants forever. Grant that all the faithful departed, may, with the Blessed Virgin Mary and all the saints, rejoice in God their Savior. Maranatha, R: COME O CHRIST THE LORD

Almighty God, you chose the Blessed Virgin Mary as the Immaculate ark of your dwelling. Grant that with her, we may one day sing your praise; for you who are mighty have done great things, and holy is your name. Through Christ our Lord. R: AMEN

AFTER

MASSES TODAY

Please give a Donation for them.

THEY COST

US $ 2.00

In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that

a census should be taken of the entire Roman world.

(This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was

governor of Syria.) And everyone went to his own

town to register. So Joseph also went up

from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem

the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David.

He went there to register with Mary,

who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a

child. While they were there, the time came

for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her

firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths

and placed him in a manger, because there was

no room for them in the inn. Luke 2:1-7

WEEKLY OFFERING Collection amounts will be published next week as the Bulletin went to print before the previous Sunday. The second Collection today: Utilities Thank you for your support of your parish. Fr. Dan Hesko

‘God is generous to the generous of heart.’ Let us be generous in what we are and what we have, our time, talents and treasure.

SAVE THE DATE IN THE NEW YEAR Holy Name Society Bus trip to the Exciting Casinos

of Atlantic City January 26, 2020

We Need Altar Servers. See Fr. Dan for more information. If you are unable to serve your assigned Mass try to get a re-placement and notify the parish office of your replacement.

ALTAR SERVERS SEE FATHER DAN ABOUT YOUR AVAILABITY FOR CHRISTMAS

O Worship the Lord in the Beauty of Holiness

The Sanctuary Lamp will burn this week in Honor of Travers Family gift of Family

The Blessed Mother Votive Light will burn this week for Special Intention by Ann Bolger

The Sacred Heart Votive Light will burn this week for Special Intention by Ann Bolger

WINTER WEATHER AND CHURCH CLOSINGS

It would be an extraordinary weather event that would cancel Sunday Masses. Daily Masses Mon.-Fri. IF there is heavy snow, or icy conditions that make driving dangerous, we will often make the call to cancel morning or evening Mass, because it is often difficult to properly keep the parking lots and walks safe.

December 21st/22nd 5:00pm Fr. Dan 6:30pm Fr. Michael 7:30am Fr. Dan 10:30am Fr. Dan 12:00 Fr. Dan Altar Servers: 5:00pm R. Hussey A. D’Aunnunzio A. Gibilisco 10:30 am A. Gibilisco A. Gibilisco S. Wickham

December 14th/15th 5:00pm Fr. Dan 6:30pm Fr. Dan 7:30am Fr. Michael 10:30am Fr. Dan 12:00 Fr. Dan Altar Servers: 5:00pm Ryan Hussey A. Gibilisco A. Gibilisco 10:30 am A. Gibilisco P. Edinger S. Wickham

All is Calm, All is Bright

Drop down dew, you heavens, from above, and let the clouds rain down the Just One.

Jesu

s, S

on o

f God

Prayer for those serving in our Military

Please remember to pray for our parishioners and friends serving this nation at home and abroad. CDR Michael Dwan; USN Major Mark Paige; USMC Patrick Gallagher; Staff Sgt. Matthew Santilli; Master Sgt. Albert DiMaggio; Lieutenant Colonel Bayard Smith; Dallas Jamison; Sgt. Timothy Hayes; Major Carlo Brancato; USMC Sgt. Brian Ruane. Prayer: O God who art the lover of peace and concord. Grant to these thy servants who serve this nation, grace and strength. Preserve them we pray and shield them from all danger of body and soul; and hasten the day when they shall return to their homes and loved ones, through Christ our Lord. Amen

PRAYER FOR OUR OFFICERS O Almighty God, Whose great power and eternal wisdom em-braces the universe, Watch over all policemen and law enforce-ment officers everywhere. Protect them from harm. In the per-

formance of their duty to stop crime, rob-bery, riots and violence. We pray, help them keep our streets and homes safe, day and night. We commend them to your lov-ing care because their duty is dangerous. Grant them strength and courage in their daily assignments. Dear God, protect these brave men and women. Grant them your almighty protection. Unite them safely with their families after duty has ended. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

In your charity please remember to pray for: Connie Ken-worthy; Cathy Trivett, Ryan Hanson, Eddie Zaborney, Amelia Tobia, Tony Cinquegrana, Margaret Alfano, Tom Latin, Danny Sullivan, Catherine Olski, Pat Brokken, Corrine Hoffman, Debbie Miotta, Kevin Moran, Rachel O’Brien, Gina Tobia, Karen Conte, Baby Victoria Powers, Ann Bolger, Jim Murphy, Marge Brand, Ruth Alaia, Kathleen Toomey, Julia Fehlhaber, Michael Brothers, Theresa Marks, Sheila Buxton, Taryn Hussey, Maureen Farrell, Rich Callahan, and for the faithful departed:

God, our loving Father, look with kindness on our broth-ers and sisters who seek Your care. In Your mercy grant health to the sick; comfort to the sorrowful, peace to the troubled, joy to the weary and eternal rest to those whose work on earth is done, and all for Jesus’ Amen

While many of us both give and receive gifts during the Christ-mas season, God gave us a gift we will never be able to repay. In exchange for our sins and shame, God offered us eternal salvation by sending His son, Jesus Christ, to earth as our Savior. All we can do in return is accept this remarkable gift and pursue a rela-tionship of living Faith and active Charity with the greatest gift-giver of all. As you prepare to spend Christmas with your friends and family, we encourage you to share not only gifts, but also this Good News of undeserved salvation. You can use this archived answer from Billy Graham as a tool for explaining the simple Gospel message this Christmas season. Q: Yesterday, my 9-year-old son asked me why we celebrate Christmas, and I didn’t know what to tell him, except that it marked Jesus’ birthday. What more could I have said? A: I’m thankful your son is curious about Christmas, and I hope you’ll do all you can to keep his curiosity alive. One way you can do this is by praying for him, asking God to give him a desire to know Jesus and give his life to Him. Yes, at Christmas we celebrate the birthday of Jesus more than 2,000 years ago. But who was Jesus? The Bible tells us Jesus was the Son of God, who came down from heaven to give us the greatest gift any person can ever receive—the gift of eternal life. By nature we are separated from God because of our sins, but Jesus came to take away our sins and make us part of God’s fami-ly forever. The Bible says, “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23). This Christmas, your son will probably receive many gifts from you. You will have done everything possible to give them to him—choosing them, paying for them, wrapping them and offer-ing them to him. But they won’t really be his until he actually takes them and makes them his own. The same is true with Jesus Christ. God has done everything pos-sible to give us the gift of salvation, but we must accept it by reaching out and inviting Him to come into our lives and then living faithful to Him. accept God’s Christmas gift to you by turning to Jesus..

What will YOU give Jesus this Christmas? What He truly desires is that we Love Him with all our Heart and all our strength and with all our mind.