Parish Community of Our Lady of Lourdes

Mission Statement:

The Catholic Community of OLL

celebrates the presence of

Christ, welcoming all with love

and compassion. We encourage

all to learn and live the Gospel

through worship, prayer and

service, with respect for human

dignity, as we continue on our

spiritual journey.

390 County Road 523,

P.O. Box 248,

Whitehouse Station, NJ 08889

Phone: 908.534.2319

Fax: 908.534.5670

Web: ollwhs.org

N OV EM BER

29 2015

PAGE 2 NOVEMBER 29, 2015 ~ FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT

READINGS: RITUALSONG # 972

Gathering Song ~ The King Shall Come RitualSong #497

Responsorial Psalm

Song at Preparation ~ The King Shall Come ~ RitualSong #497

Communion Song ~ Like a Shepherd

Closing Song ~ Come Now, Almighty King

PAGE 3 NOVEMBER 29, 2015 ~ FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT

OFFICE HOURS

MONDAY THROUGH THURSDAY - 9 am to 4:30 pm;

FRIDAY - 9 am to 1 pm

SACRAMENTS

PARISH MEMBERSHIP

FAITH FORMATION

YOUTH FAITH FORMATION

CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS

BAPTISM

MATRIMONY

SACRAMENT OF THE SICK

LITURGICAL CELEBRATIONS

WEEKEND LITURGIES Saturday 5:30 pm; Sunday 8:00, 9:30 & 11:00 am

WEEKDAY LITURGIES 8:30 am except Thursday at 12:00 pm

HOLY DAYS OF OBLIGATION Please refer to the Bulletin.

CLERGY

PASTOR Very Rev. Leonard F. A. Rusay x 11, pastor@ollwhs.org

PASTORAL SUPPORT Rev. Joseph Murphy and Rev. Greg Uhrig

DEACONS Mr. Charles Paolino and Mr. Al Adolfo

PRAYER OPPORTUNITIES

Spiritual Direction - Individual directed prayer life is offered by our Priests and Pastoral Associate.

Charismatic Prayer Group - This prayer community meets Tuesdays at 7 pm in the Sacred Heart Chapel.

CHURCH

Daily 9 am to 5 pm

SACRED HEART CHAPEL Monday to Thursday - 8 am to 4:30 pm; Friday 8 am to 1 pm

PENANCE Saturday 4:15 to 5 pm and by appointment

VISITATION HOURS

PARISH STAFF

PASTORAL ASSOCIATE Joline Frank x 12, pastoralassociate@ollwhs.org

PARISH CATECHETICAL LEADER Liz Systo x 17, faithformation@ollwhs.org

DIRECTOR OF SACRAMENTS & SPIRITUALITY (tots through teens) Nina Forestiere x 20, sacraments@ollwhs.org

LITURGICAL MUSIC DIRECTOR James Cole x 19, music@ollwhs.org

PASTORAL EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT Doreen Budris-Kovacs x 13, parishadmin@ollwhs.org

PASTORAL FINANCE ASSISTANT Christine DeLessio x 15, finance@ollwhs.org

PASTORAL ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT Bridget Hackman x 14, bulletin@ollwhs.org

PASTORAL SECRETARY Madeline Fisher x 21, receptionist@ollwhs.org

YOUTH CATECHESIS SECRETARY Margaret Sanguiliano x 18

MAINTENANCE Colman Connolly

PAGE 4 NOVEMBER 29, 2015 ~ FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT

A NOTE FROM FATHER LEN

SAINT ANDREW

8:30 am Mass:

Santo Verta

r/b

Verta Family

1:00 pm

Prayer Shawl,

Library

4:30 pm

Youth Faith

Formation,

Classrooms

6:30 pm

Youth Faith

Formation,

Classrooms

ADVENT

WEEKDAY

8:30 am Mass:

Anthony Kearns

r/b

Kearns Family

10:00 am

Adult Faith

Formation,

Community Hall

2:00 pm

Staff Meeting,

Parish Office

closed till 3:30.

4:30 pm

Youth Faith

Formation,

Classrooms

6:30 pm

Youth Faith

Formation,

Classrooms

7:00 pm

Prayer Group,

Chapel

Usher’s Meeting,

Church

ADVENT

WEEKDAY

8:30 am Mass:

KerryAnn Suaner

r/b

Ena Galligan

7:00 pm

Evening of

Welcome,

Community Hall

7:30 pm

Knights of

Columbus,

Old Church Hall

SAINT FRANCIS

12:00 pm Mass:

Thomas Deely

r/b

Adams Family

7:00 pm

Bereavement,

Library

ADVENT

WEEKDAY

8:30 am Mass:

Maria DiGirolamo

r/b

Helen & Patti

9:30 pm

Ruth’s Circle,

Community Hall

ADVENT

WEEKDAY

8:30 am Mass:

Markay Zluky

r/b

Steve

4:00 pm

Sts. Nickolas &

Lucy Party,

Old Church Hall

5:30 pm Mass:

People of the Parish

SECOND SUNDAY

OF ADVENT

8:00 am Mass:

Deceased

Members of the

Rosary Altar

Society

9:30 am Mass:

Deceased

Members of the

Knights of

Columbus

11:00 am Mass:

Gerhard Braeunig

r/b

Frank & Gail

DeCicco

Noah’s Ark

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday

30 1 2 3 4 5 6

Our Holy Father has proclaimed that the universal Church celebrate an extraordinary Year of Mercy beginning Tuesday,

December 8, 2015 concluding Sunday, November 20, 2016. Pope Francis is asking us to reflect upon the mercy,

compassion, love, and hope given to us each and every day by our God. For those that have come to recognize God's

mercy in their daily lives, this year will be one of confirmation and strength. However, there are many in our world who

need to experience God's mercy more fully. So many are unable to feel whole and in communion with our God and his

church because of past experiences that have blinded them to God's wonderful gift. Over this coming year, the theme of

mercy will be the focus for many of our celebrations. Our Lenten retreat will invite us to look at unconditional forgiveness

and hope. Our Adult education programs will challenge us to see God's mercy in our lives. And to conclude the year's

celebrations, Fr. Greg will lead a pilgrimage in early November to visit the areas of Assisi and Rome in Italy. I encourage

you to take advantage of the reading materials, services, and programs offered over the next twelve months. My prayer

echoes that of the Holy Father, that we will all come to a much better vision of our God and his glorious mercy.

December

CHRISTMAS SCHEDULE CHRISTMAS RECONCILIATION SCHEDULE

Tuesday, December 15 at 7:00 pm. ~ PENANCE SERVICE

Saturday, December 19 from 11:00 am to Noon and 4:00 to 5:00 pm

CHRISTMAS MASS SCHEDULE

CHRISTMAS EVE: 4:30, 7:00 & 10:30 pm AND CHRISTMAS DAY: 9:30 & 11:00 am

PAGE 5 NOVEMBER 29, 2015 ~ FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT

READINGS FOR THE WEEK: Monday: Daniel 1:1-6, 8-20/Luke 21:1-4; Tuesday: Daniel 2:31-45/Luke 21:5-11;

Wednesday: Daniel 5:1-6, 13-14, 16-17, 23-28/Luke 21:12-19;Thursday: Daniel 6:12-28/Luke 21:20-28;

Friday: Daniel 7:2-14/Luke 21:29-33; Saturday: Daniel 7:15-27/Luke 21:34-36

NEXT SUNDAY:

Jeremiah 33:14-16/1 Thessalonians 3:12--4:2/Luke 21:25-28, 34-36

COMMUNITY LIFE

LITURGY

WEEKLY TITHE 5% OF NEXT WEEK’S COLLECTION

WILL BE DONATED TO

RETIREMENT FUND FOR RELIGOUS.

MANY THANKS

TO THIS WEEK’S ADVERTISER: METROPOLITAN

SEAFOOD & GOURMET

TABERNACLE LAMPS

BURN IN HONOR OF: JUNE SPANNER

JULIUS SPANNER

GREG SPANNER

SACRED HEART LAMP BURNS IN HONOR OF:

FRANK MURPHY

COMPASSIONATE CARE AND SOCIAL JUSTICE

THE ROSARIAN GIFT SHOP The gift shop has many gift giving ideas for Christmas! Shop for children, stocking stuffers, Religious Ed classes,

colleagues, and more. Advent wreaths, candles, and calendars are available now. Don’t forget to use us for Baptism and

housewarming gifts. The gift shop offers a great selection of military medals & keychains and much more! All proceeds

fund our annual Scholarship to the youth of the parish. As always, special orders are available and generally arrive within 2

weeks. Call Ruth Stieh at 534-4039 or email rastieh@gmail.com with questions. To ensure delivery for Christmas, all

special orders will need to be placed no later than Dec. 13. The gift shop will NOT be open Dec. 27. Thank you for your support!

2015 BISHOP’S ANNUAL APPEAL ~ GRACE, MERCY & PEACE Ministering to those experiencing pain, confusion and fear, and those preparing for death is the role of the clergy assigned to

Hospital Ministry. They respond to calls at every hour of the day and night providing sacramental and pastoral presence in

hospitals and health care facilities throughout the diocese.

Your gift to the Bishop’s Annual Appeal helps to support this important pastoral ministry.

JESSE TREE

The Jesse Tree, Our Lady of Lourdes’ Christmas giving tree, will be in the Narthex this weekend, November 28 & 29, and

next weekend, December 5 & 6. Individuals and families are invited to select a tag from the tree and purchase the gift

indicated. The gift should be wrapped, unless the tag indicates otherwise. In either case, please securely attach the tag to

the box or bag containing the gift, and bring your gift to church by noon on Sunday, December 13, when the gifts will be

sorted and distributed. Any gifts brought after this deadline cannot be guaranteed delivery to their respective recipient.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR!

SHEPHERD’S MEAL, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18 AT 6:30 PM Prepare a salad, meal, or dessert. If you’d prefer, come and help out with setup, serving, or cleanup. We begin at 5:00 pm

and finish by 8:00 pm. You must contact Peggy DeRossett at maddog124@comcast.net or 806-4920 to inform her of the

specific dish you will be preparing or if you are intending to serve. Thank you for your continued support!

RETIREMENT FOR RELIGIOUS … NEXT WEEK’S SECOND COLLECTION Support elderly religious. A parishioner writes, “As a Catholic school student from grades K–12, I was formed to be the

person I am by many religious brothers and sisters, and I am forever grateful.” Show your appreciation for the senior

Catholic sisters, brothers, and religious order priests who made a positive difference in so many lives. Please give

generously to next week’s collection for the Retirement Fund for Religious.

PAGE 6 NOVEMBER 29, 2015 ~ FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT

FORMATION

OLL PRE-CANA MINISTRY The OLL Pre-Cana Ministry is currently looking for additional members to add to our team. Our Pre-Cana session takes

place annually typically on the first Saturday in March. Our program touches on subjects such as Communication, Finances,

Spirituality and Early Adjustments in marriage. We share our experiences as married couples with the engaged couples to

help them on their journey toward matrimony. If you are interested in learning more about this dynamic ministry, please

contact Barbara or Anthony Vergona at 534-8942.

VITAL AND UNIQUE ADULT FAITH FORMATION COURSE WITH JOLINE

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 1 AT 10:00 AM. THIS WEEK’S TOPIC: THE THREE WAYS.

FOR MORE DETAILS OR TO SIGN UP TO VOLUNTEER FOR ANY OF THE EVENTS BELOW,

VISIT OLLWHS.ORG AND CLICK ON YOUTH MINISTRY EVENTS LOCATED UNDER YOUTH ON THE MENU.

ST. LUCY & ST. NICHOLAS HOLIDAY EVENT

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 5 FROM 4:00 TO 5:30 PM

All Are Welcome! Come meet St. Lucy & St. Nicholas, Hear Stories, Make Crafts and Enjoy Christmas Treats.

Volunteers, youth and adult, are needed to help host the event and bake. For more information click the links on the parish

website under Youth Events.

ST. LUCY & ST. NICHOLAS AT THE MASSES

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 5 AT 5:30 MASS; SUNDAY DECEMBER 6 AT THE 8:00, 9:30 & 11:00 AM MASSES

Volunteers needed to dress as St. Nick & St. Lucy and hand out candy canes and calendars at the Masses. See parish

website under Youth Events for details and to volunteer.

CHRISTMAS CAROLING AT MIROTA SENIOR RESIDENCE WITH THE YOUTH GROUP

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 12 FROM 6:30 TO 8:00 PM Youth & Adult Carolers Welcome! Bring a baked good and joy to the seniors of our community. Can’t stay to sing but

want to donate baked goods, please drop your goodies off at the Mirota Senior Residence at 6:00 pm on December 12.

ECCLESIASTES 3:

To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:

“a time to be born:”

Elizabeth Grace Regan daughter of Ryan and Erin.

Declan Stephen Schwartz son of Stephen and Christina.

“a time to weep, mourn and die:”

Helen Omilian, Michael Remes, and Judy Caporelli

“a time of war and a time of peace:”

Please pray for our men and women who are serving our country all over the world.

“a time to heal:”

We pray for the sick of our parish.

ADVENT BOOKS “God is Near,” stories and reflections for Advent

by Fr. Thomas J. Connery

Catholics have always found strength in sharing stories of

how God acts in our lives. Fr. Thomas Connery enriches

our spiritual lives through the art of storytelling to help

with our search for the divine in daily life. His stories and

reflections bring laughter and tears to the Advent quest for

Jesus. Available in the narthex for $1 each.

Advent and Lent are the two penitential seasons of the church year.

However, Advent is a season in anticipation of the birth of Christ in

time. Now, what is meant by "the birth of Christ in time"? Our four

Sundays of Advent are not just Sundays in preparation for the birth of a

child destined to become the Savior of the nations, but the birth of a

child every day in the hearts of every Christian and the future return of

the second coming in time where everything will be taken back by our

God.

This first Sunday in the season of Advent is a time for us to joyfully

await the coming of Christ for the first time, at birth; for the second

time, into our everyday lives; and looking forward to the last time when

he will come to take all of creation back to his Father.

BLESSED FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT TO YOU!