Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Roman Catholic Church 105 Summer Road + Three Bridges, NJ 08887 Phone: 908-782-1475 + Fax: 908-782-6230 Parish Website: www.easeton.net Diocese of Metuchen website: www.diometuchen.org Parish Office Hours Monday-Thursday: 9:00 am-4:00 pm Friday: Closed Parish email: [email protected]Religious Formation Office 908-284-2929 Monday-Thursday: 9:00 am-2:00 pm Friday: Closed Religious Formation email: [email protected]Rev. Thomas J. Serafin, Pastor Rev. Edward A. Kearns, Pastor Emeritus Paul J. Santella, Deacon Michael S. Tomcho, Deacon Kevin M. Kilcommons, Deacon Mariam Nawab, Parish Catechetical Leader Diane Luceri, Director of RCIA & AFF Brett Walzer, Director of Sacred Music Jackie Ferrari, Parish Administrative Assistant Ruth Pryor, Baptisms/Parish Office Judy Ashcraft, Confirmation Preparation Gina Perez, Religious Formation Administrative Assistant Suzanne Wooby, Teen Ministry James Letchford, Claire Long, Lay Trustees Regular Weekend Mass Schedule Saturday: 5:00 pm Sunday: 8:00 am - 9:30 am - 11:30 am Children’s Liturgy of the Word for Pre-K through Grade 4 at all Weekend Masses Daily Mass Monday-Friday: Mass - 9:00 am Reconciliation [Penance/Confession] Saturday: 4:00 pm or by appointment Parish Registration All adult members must be registered to obtain sacramental eligibility notes, letters of recommendation, etc. Contact the Parish Office or visit our website for registration materials. Marriage Preparation Common Policy for New Jersey Catholic churches requires couples to contact the parish one year before the potential wedding date or making any wedding plans. Infant Baptism Expectant parents should register for the required formation session before birth or adoption and to receive our parish policy, ritual explanation and sponsor [godparent] requirement booklet. Grade 1-7: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday: 4:45-6:00 pm Tuesday: 6:30-7:45 pm Confirmation Prep (Gr. 8): Monday: 7:00-8:30 pm Thank you to all who so generously gave to this year’s Giving Tree! Third Sunday of Advent December 17, 2017
Gina Perez, Religious Formation Administrative Assistant
Suzanne Wooby, Teen Ministry
James Letchford, Claire Long, Lay Trustees
Regular Weekend Mass Schedule
Saturday: 5:00 pm Sunday: 8:00 am - 9:30 am - 11:30 am
Children’s Liturgy of the Word for Pre-K through Grade 4 at all Weekend Masses
Daily Mass
Monday-Friday: Mass - 9:00 am
Reconciliation [Penance/Confession]
Saturday: 4:00 pm or by appointment
Parish Registration
All adult members must be registered to obtain sacramental eligibility notes, letters of recommendation, etc. Contact the Parish Office or visit our website for registration materials.
Marriage Preparation
Common Policy for New Jersey Catholic churches requires couples to contact the parish one year before the potential wedding date or making any wedding plans.
Infant Baptism
Expectant parents should register for the required formation session before birth or adoption and to receive our parish policy, ritual explanation and sponsor [godparent] requirement booklet.
By now we have had our fill of commercials showing idealistic and unrealistic images of
tensionless, joy-filled, ‘perfect’ Christmases:
late-night returning college students who make coffee; new luxury cars parked in snowy driveways; turkeys perfectly carved - at the table
no less; Santas who bring everything wanted, already assembled! While we should dream of, hope and pray for a ‘perfect’ Christmas, we must also accept the fact that in our imperfect world, human weakness mars our best efforts. Even
the Holy Family had its struggles: no room in the inn; a death-defying flight to Egypt to escape a madman; a child lost for three days …
Just as Jesus, Mary and Joseph endured every trial and challenge, so can we - IF we follow their example of total trust in God and His plan - and imitate their constant prayerfulness. Again,
while Votive Masses are not usually celebrated during ‘privileged times’ like Advent, it might be good to keep the following orations close at hand, so we can pray them before family gatherings. Who knows: maybe this will be a
more ‘perfect’ Christmas … if we ask for - and use - God’s help to make it so! Here are the Mass orations entitled ‘For the Family.’
Collect - For Promoting Harmony
O God, who are perfect unity and true charity, grant your faithful one heart and one mind,
that the body of your Church, which rests on the confession of the truth,
may flourish in harmony and be made strong in enduring unity.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ … and ever. Amen.
ONE HEART AND ONE MIND. Talk about a
dreamy ideal: make us ‘one heart and one mind!’ Some families, like my own, have ‘set rules’ for family gatherings: no discussions about politics, sports - or even religion. [That last one’s often tough for me to keep!] However, Jesus never ‘beat a dead horse;’
sometimes He disengaged with those whose hearts and minds were ‘dead set’ against His heart and mind. So when it’s a ‘no win’ situation - learn to let go and leave it in God’s hands!
Prayer over the Offerings - For Promoting Harmony
O God, who renew us in your image through your Sacraments and your commandments, mercifully guide our footsteps in your paths, that through these sacrificial offerings which we bring we may possess the gift of charity,
for which you have taught us to hope. Who lives and reigns for ever and ever. Amen.
DIVINE HELP WITH HUMAN STRUGGLES. So many try to ‘go it alone’ when they deal with stressful family situations … yet God is always
ready to help - but we must ask for and use His help! While it’s difficult to keep the Lord’s Commandments as others break them, God never said, “Thou shalt not … unless others do.” Dealing with belligerent, issue-laden, negative
family members does not give us the right to treat them as they treat us. And let’s admit it: sometimes we are the offenders. That’s where the Sacraments come in handy: the Eucharist gives us the grace to become another Christ; Penance, Confession or Reconciliation can heal
us when we’ve caused the fire, or added fuel to it. Do we use the divine help God offers through the Commandments and Sacraments?
Prayer after Communion - For Promoting Harmony
We have received, O Lord, the Sacrament of unity; grant us, we pray, that, living in your house in holy accord, we may possess the peace we hand on
and preserve the peace we have received. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
PASS ON WHAT YOU RECEIVE. As members
of God’s family, we are beneficiaries of so many gifts: pardon of sin; supernatural grace; community support; time-tested, divinely
inspired teachings. Do we invite others to enjoy - and benefit from - what we so freely receive through the Church? Do we take tranquility and peace for granted? For having a holy family does not happen by magic; it requires prayer,
sacrifice, patience, a positive attitude - and God’s grace. Are we doing our part to make this the most ‘perfect’ Christmas possible? Jesus, Mary and Joseph, pray for us!
In His holy Name,
Rev. Thomas J. Serafin, KHS
Mass Intentions
Saturday Vigil: Third Sunday of Advent 5:00 pm George & Edna Koch r/o: Ed Koch
Sunday Third Sunday of Advent 8:00 am Theresa Kachinsky r/o: Kathleen Genovese 9:30 am Ruth Bertrand r/o: Bill & Lisa Weber 11:30 am Margaret Schoener r/o: the Suarez’s, Sena’s, Thomason’s
Monday 9:00 am Anne Stone r/o: Lakatos family
Tuesday 9:00 am Stanley Franck r/o: Elizabeth Franck
Wednesday 9:00 am Myra Wisniewski r/o: Helen & Pete Thornton
Thursday 9:00 am Harry & Theresa Kinahan r/o: Irene & family Joseph & Hedwig Byorick r/o: Irene & family
Friday 9:00 am Patricia Schroer r/o: Kathleen Marino, James Squadrito, Robert Squadrito
Saturday Vigil: Fourth Sunday of Advent 5:00 pm George & Anne Jordan r/o: Kayli Marques
Sunday Fourth Sunday of Advent 8:00 am John Roland r/o: Elizabeth Franck 9:30 am Helen Hamilton r/o: Maureen & John Lybarger 11:30 am Luz Lantigua r/o: Artache family
Sunday Vigil: The Nativity of the Lord 4:00 pm James Melitski r/o: family 6:30 pm Marcial Garcia r/o: family 10:00 pm Jack Castellon r/o: his wife, Christine
Monday The Nativity of the Lord 9:30 am Rosemarie Tramontano r/o: Anita & Larry Wuest 11:30 am Alex Szur r/o: Joan Drake
Our Parish Prayers
“For everything there is a season and a time for every purpose under heaven …”
a time to be born …
a time to heal … We pray for all the sick of our parish and especially for:
Raylan Acker
Sharon Boehmer George Cavanaugh Thomas Concannon Annie Hillegas Josephine Knobloch Dave Kreutzer Taylor Martins
Bob Mykulak
Patricia New Vicki Radcliffe Kristen Renda Christine Rivera Nellie Sanfilippo Paul Urban George Walker
Names will remain on our list for three months, unless we are notified to keep them on the list.
a time to die …
Advent Evening Prayer - Tonight at 6:30 PM!
This is the last weekend for our Advent Evening Prayer. Take time from the busy final Christmas
preparations and join us tonight [12/17] for
Evening Prayer in the church at 6:30 PM.
Parish Penance Service THIS Wednesday at 7:30 PM
SEAS Advent Penance Service will be on Wednesday, December 20 at 7:30 PM. Several priests will be available to hear
confessions at this service.
Confirmation Candidate’s Advent Penance Service on the same day will begin at 6:30 PM.
Church Decorating - Today!
If your schedule has changed and you are now able to help this Sunday, December 17 with decorating the church for Christmas following
the 11:30 AM Mass, please feel free to join us!
The Bread and Wine will be offered this week
in memory of Elizabeth Chioffe as requested by the Chioffe family.
The Sanctuary Lamp will burn this week
in memory of Maria Misseri as requested by her daughter, Martha.
Bring Your Bells
Bring your bells - or borrow one of
ours - to ring during the Gloria this Christmastime.
Parish Ministry Contacts
To join a ministry, please contact the ministry head. A complete
list of ministries can be found on our website: www.easeton.net. Adult Choir/Cantors ............ Brett Walzer ~ 782-1475 x1120 Adult Faith Form. & RCIA ..Diane Luceri ~ 782-1475 x1114 Altar Servers ...................................... Sarah Wooby ~ 369-6390 Baptismal Prep ................... Anne & Brian Moore ~ 534-2136 Cancer Support Group .............. Andrew Casella ~ 782-1475 Children’s Liturgy (CLOW) ............ Kelly Robison ~ 284-2234
Pre-Employment Group ................. Deacon Mike ~ 400-3036 EM of Holy Communion/Homebound/Hospital ..................... Carol Altomare ~ 292-8085 Fatima Rosary ....................................... Shirley Frey ~ 806-4889 Knights of Columbus .............................. Joe Lang ~ 304-2096 Lazarus Ministry ................................... Parish Office - 782-1475 Linens Ministry ................................... Parish Office ~ 782-1475 Liturgical Environ. .... Steven & Stephany Heller ~ 217-8008 Men’s Club ............................. Deacon Paul ~ 782-1475 x1113 Military Outreach ...................... Chris McPherson ~ 246-5114 Prayer Shawls ................................. Judy Herdman ~ 782-7973 Pat Rivero ~ 806-7890 Readers ............................................. Ann McCrystal ~ 797-4070 Georgann Scibilia ~ 782-6625 Religious Formation Main Line ................................... 284-2929 P.C.L. ............................... Mariam Nawab ~ 284-2929 x1123 Confirmation Prep ........ Judy Ashcraft ~ 284-2929 x1124 RF Administrative Assistant ........... Gina Perez ~ 284-2929
Safe Environment Background Coordinator ........................ Helen Schuler ~ 369-6618 Summer RF .......................................... Gina Perez ~ 284-2929 Mary McLoughlin ~ 917-747-3270 Respect for Life ....................... Linda Williams ~ 609-955-0517 Sacristans ......................................Laurie Markowski ~328-2813 Pat Rivero ~ 806-7890 Teen Ministry ................. Suzanne Wooby ~ 284-2929 x1121 Usher/Minister of Hospitality ............ Bob Caron ~ 236-6492 Wedding Coordinator ................... Geri Kaczorek ~ 369-3712 Women’s Spirituality ............. Loraine Richmond ~ 725-2502
Last Weekend’s Collection Immaculate Conception $3,683.05 December 10 $15,051.90
Thank you!
SEAS Mortgage Information
Mortgage (5/1/2015) $ 1,865,560.60
As of November 1, 2017: Current Balance $ 1,342,572.71 Principal Paid $ 522,987.88 Total Interest Paid (est.) $ 257,541.67 Monthly Payment $ 12,406.89
Christmas Flowers/Decorations
Donations for Christmas
flowers and decorations has
begun. If you would like your remembrance to be included
in the special bulletin insert,
either of the envelopes must
be returned to the Parish Office by tomorrow Monday, December 18.
Ministers of the Liturgy
The following Liturgical Ministers will serve at next weekend’s Masses: December 23 & 24
5:00 PM Sacristan: Mary & Louis Cestra; EMs: Fran Randazzese, James McQuade, Liz Delasandro, Geri Kaczorek, Pat Ramachandran, Theresa Kelly, Julianne Mazur, Fran Riccardi; Readers: Tim Henry, Tracy Kirk; Altar Servers: Jacob Romano, Jack Crane, Meghan Pedrani, Sam Chavez; CLOW: Nettie Rivituso, Heather Scocco
8:00 AM Sacristan: Judy Ashcraft; EMs: Mike Wooby, Sarah Wooby, Bob Clarke, Lois Dornan, Brian Dornan, Carol Altomare, Judy Ashcraft, Larry Wuest; Readers: Sue Dowe, Bob Clarke; Altar Servers: Lucas Polkowski, Evan Wooby, Justin Cornetta, Maddie Dowe
9:30 AM Sacristan: Kathy & Walter Urban; EMs: Jack Gosdick, Kathy Gosdick, Robert Farrell, Alicia Esposito, Diane Luceri, Tom Luceri, Walter Urban, Kathleen Urban; Readers: Joe Kaecker, Helen Thornton; Altar Servers: Chris Vinella, Lucy Allorto, Connor Robison, Bodhi Pirog
11:30 AM Sacristan: Linda Schnupp; EMs: Bob Kloss, Cathy Kloss, Maureen Sammis, Jerry Cadwallader, Tracey Giannouris, Evelyn Balunis, Christine Walker, Terry Walten; Readers: Gladys Rodriguez, Georgann Scibilia; Altar Servers: Stephanie Kornspan, Daniel Kornspan, Matthew Matos, Bryan Kotlar
Guadete Sunday - Children’s Gift
Today is Gaudete Sunday, and on this Rejoicing Sunday we continue our Advent tradition of giving a small gift to our Parish children. This year’s gift is an statue of the Holy Family. As you look upon the baby Jesus in the manger, remember the humble beginnings of the one
who came to save.
Help Us Keep Accurate Records!
By now the Christmas mailing should have been
received by all. If you did not receive your letter, we may have incorrect information for you. Moved? We may not have your new address. Please help us keep our records up to date. If you are planning to move out of the Parish,
please let us know that as well. Occasionally, the parish sends out email “blasts” to all parishioners who have supplied an email address. If you have not been receiving them, please contact the Parish Office with your
Christmas Day, Monday, December 25 9:30 am & 11:30 am only
The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary & Joseph Sunday, December 31
regular weekend Mass schedule Come to holy Mass as a family for the special
Holy Family Day Family Blessing.
Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God New Year’s Day - January 1, 2018
9:30 am & 11:30 am only There is NO vigil Mass on New Year’s Eve.
SEAS Parking Lot / Summer Road Safety
With the more crowded Christmas Masses coming up, it is important to remember to park in a properly marked parking spaces only and not in the no-parking zones along the sidewalk or in the roadway next to the flowerbeds. It is especially
important NOT to park along the curb leading to the front of the church. This area must be kept clear in the event emergency vehicles need to access the property.
Traffic entering Summer Road MUST make a full stop at the end of our parking lot before entering
onto Summer Road. The traffic on Summer Road has the right of way. It is also important NOT to use the exit ramp to enter into the church parking lot. Traffic entering this way is unexpected and could cause an accident.
Bulletin Advertisers
As we near the end of another year, we send our thanks to all our sponsors for advertising in our bulletin. Many of those who advertise are parishioners themselves! Please patronize them
and thank them for advertising. It is because of them that our bulletin is possible.
Christmas Parish Offices Schedule
The Parish & RF Offices will be closed for regular business on Christmas Day.
December 26-28: The Parish & RF Offices will be open from
9:00 AM until 12 Noon.
December 29: The Parish Office will be open from 9:00 AM
until 12 Noon. The RF office will be closed. January 1: The Parish & RF Offices will be closed.
January 2: Regular Parish & RF Office hours resume.
The entire Parish Staff would like to take this opportunity to wish our Parish family a very Merry Christmas and a Happy and Blessed New Year, 2018!
Holy Water
Small containers are available near the Holy Water font in the narthex. Please take holy water to bless your crèche at home.
Religious Formation
Month of December Celebrate the season of
Hope, Love, Joy, and Peace!
The Third Week of Advent
Five Ways to celebrate the rights and responsibilities:
1. When you purchase a new item of clothing, donate an item from your closet.
2. Serve a meal at a local shelter or community meal program.
3. Look for someone who is new to your school. Who is sitting alone at the lunch table? Welcome the stranger.
4. Visit an elderly person in a local nursing home.
5. Help someone at your school who is having trouble with homework.
VIRTUS: Protecting God’s Children Read and respond to your monthly bulletins!
Adults actively working with or around children
at SEAS must continue reading and responding to the monthly Virtus training bulletins. If you receive an email notification of account suspension from the diocese, contact Helen Schuler 284-2929 x1125 to be reactivated.
Christmas Presentations - Grades K-7
December 18, 19, 20 During Each Class Session
Parents Encouraged to Attend
COMING NEXT MONTH: 9th ANNUAL VOCATION TALK
DURING RF CLASSES
January 8, 9, 10, 2018
Parents are encouraged to attend
Epiphany Pageant January 6, 2018
Sign Up Now! Forms can be found in the narthex after Mass.
Rehearsals: January 2 - 6:00-8:00 pm January 3 - 6:00-8:00 pm
Religious Formation Upcoming Events December 2017
Dec. 18,19,20 Grades K-7 - Class Christmas Presentations during RF Class. Parents encouraged to attend. Dec. 23, 24 FHC Prep - NO Sign In
Dec. 23, 24 NO CLOW Dec. 25-27 NO RF Classes Dec. 30, 31 FHC Prep - NO Sign In Dec. 30, 31 NO CLOW Jan. 1 NO RF Classes
Summer Religious Formation (SRF) Upcoming Events 2017-2018
Children who attended SRF 2017 must complete 6 event points as listed in your event calendar. At least 3 Mass events and at least 1 Reflection event must be completed. The
remaining 2 points will be taken from 2 events of your choice OR a special ministry.
****** Mass Events ****** Offered Sat., 4-6pm & Sun., 10:30am-12:30pm
Registration required for all Mass events!
Family Life January 20 & 21 Lent & Reconciliation February 24 & 25
****** Reflection Events ****** Reflection form serves as attendance
Epiphany Pageant Jan 6 - 6 pm (attendee)
Anointing of the Sick Feb. 10 - 2:00 pm (Gr. 6 & 7 ONLY)
For information about any of our Adult Faith Formation Programs, please contact:
Adult Faith Formation Director: Diane Luceri 908-782-1475 X 1114 or [email protected]
Wisdom, God’s Vision for Life Wednesdays, January 10 - March 7, 2018
9:30-11:15 am OR 7:30-9:15 pm
In everything from friendships to finances, making decisions to attaining peace of mind, Scripture offers a vision for happiness and well-being. Drawing on the wisdom literature of the Bible - Proverbs, Wisdom, Sirach, Ecclesiastes, Job and the Wisdom Psalms, this bible study provides practical insights into attaining wisdom.
Materials Required: study journal, New American Bible, Catechism of the Catholic Church
Sign up and order the study journal online at: www.evangelization.com. If you would like more information or for a direct link to our program, please contact Diane Luceri. You may register directly with Diane - the cost is $25 - please register by December 18 in order to receive your materials on time.
Echoes of Faith Plus Tuesdays, 7:00-9:00 pm
In these sessions the basic teachings of the Catholic
Faith are presented in a way that is easy to
understand. No home study or materials are
required, and each topic is independent of the
others. For catechists, these sessions count towards
diocesan certification. **Registration is required -
please contact Diane Luceri if you would like to
attend any of these sessions.
Echoes of Faith Topics to be covered in January:
The Creed Part 1 & 2: January 9 & 16
Prayer & Spirituality: January 23
Have you signed up yet for FORMED? This online format will allow you to access numerous Catholic talks, movies, books and programs including some of the programs we are running here at SEAS! To sign up, go to FORMED.org and enter our parish
code: GK2J6P. Check out the many resources for Advent on FORMED!
The Advent Penance Service is this Wednesday, Dec. 20, at 7:30 PM!
Please continue to pray for our RCIA candidates, Lauralee Pakozdi, Kim Parisi and Robert Robbins who are currently preparing to receive the Sacraments of Confirmation and First Eucharist at Easter. If you’d like more
information about becoming Catholic or completing your initiation in the Catholic Church, please contact Diane Luceri, at 782-1475 X 1114 or [email protected].
SEAS News
Seton Seniors Annual Christmas Celebration
The December meeting for the Seton Seniors
will be Thursday, December 21 at Al Fresco’s in Flemington for our annual Christmas celebration. Please join us! For info about lunch, the group or our schedule, please contact Jennie & John Giancola at 908-371-0606.
Adult Choir
Final Adult Christmas Choir Rehearsal
Thursday, December 21 7:30-9:00 pm
Evening of January 13, 2018
‘WinterFest’ at SEAS
Adult Post-Christmas Party
We need helpful hands for this parish event.
If interested, please contact Pauline Martino ([email protected]) or
The Knights of Columbus are collecting gently used men’s suits, sport coats, overcoats and raincoats to donate to Elijah’s Promise in New Brunswick. The business attire will be used by men of limited means who need proper clothes
for job interviews. We will collect these items in a marked bin outside the parish hall from December 16 through January 14. Please remember those in need of our help during this Christmas season.
Women’s Spirituality Group
The next meeting of the Women’s Spirituality Group will be on Thursday, January 4 at 7:30 PM in the Holy Family Room. Please join us!
Calling Cub Scout in First Holy Communion Prep
Now is a great time to earn your Roman Catholic Religious Medal - Light of Christ as the medal program is similar to our Gold Book. Purchase the book and work on your own.
When the book is complete, deliver it to the Parish Office for the
appropriate signature along with a check for $8.50 payable to ‘Diocese of Metuchen’ for the medal. All medals will be presented at our
Scout Sunday Mass some time in February. If you have any questions, please contact the Parish Office.
Knights Korner
Bishop Edward T. Hughes Council 15540
Knights of Columbus in Action
5th Annual Golf Outing at Beaver Brook Country Club
Fall Parish Pancake Breakfast
Parish Blood Drive - 46 pints collected!
Dispersed $8,000 to local charities
Breakfast with Santa
Upcoming Events
Annual Christmas Party Social Meeting 12/21
January Parish Pancake Breakfast January 28, 2018
Make a difference in our Parish; make a difference in your Life! Join the Knights of Columbus!
The next meeting of the Men’s Club will be Thursday, January 11 at 7:30 PM in the Holy Family Room. Please join us!
Prayer Shawl Ministry
Our next meeting will be Thursday, January 11 at 10 AM-12 Noon and 7:00-8:30 PM.
ALL are welcome! If you know someone who could use one of our shawls, or for more info, please call Judy Herdman at 908-782-7973.
Respect Life Ministry
March For Life in Washington, D.C. Friday, January 19, 2018
Bus registration will begin in January. Please email Linda Williams [email protected] if you are interested in going to Washington.
Rally For Life in Trenton, NJ Monday, January 22, 2018
A group from SEAS will be carpooling to the Rally for Life in Trenton on Monday, January 22. Please email Linda Williams if you would like to join us!
The tour is Sold Out!
Only Standby Registrations
will be accepted. To get on the waitlist, email Mary Frain at
[email protected] or contact EO Tours at 800-247-0017 or eocatholic.com
Tour = HL18 Date = 110618 Code = P ID = 58061 If you registered, but have not received a
confirmation email from Mary, or if you have any other questions, please contact Mary via email.
Lock Your Auto; Safeguard Your Valuables.
We ask God not to lead us into temptation, so we should not lead others into temptation by leaving our autos unlocked or valuables visible. Nor should we offer money or rides to panhandlers - even those who, without
permission, beg in our parking lot. The Church and State’s social service agencies assist those truly in need and weed out those who take advantage of others’ goodwill. If you see panhandlers or anyone suspicious on or near
Parish property, please inform a clergyman or staff member.
Current News from a Catholic Point of View
For current news from a Catholic point of view, always check out the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops ‘USCCB’ website [http://usccb.org] and the Vatican Website [http://w2.vatican.va/content/vatican/en.html].
Mark them both among your favorites and check often - if not daily!
The USCCB also has many opportunities to pray for various items daily. You can even get reminders sent to you by email! Stay informed
from a Catholic point of view - it is your duty.
This Week - Third Sunday of Advent
First Reading: Isaiah 61:1-2a, 10-11 Isaiah describes the joy and salvation which will accompany the coming of Christ. He compares the plants which spring from a garden to the justice that will spring from all nations.
Second Reading: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24 Paul reminds the Thessalonians to constantly ready themselves for Christ’s arrival. He tells them to “avoid any semblance of evil” so that they may be found irreproachable when Jesus does arrive.
Gospel: John 1:6-8, 19-28 John explains that he is only a messenger to the people for one more powerful than himself. John stresses to
them that they must make a path for the one so powerful that he is not fit to unfasten the strap of his sandal.
First Reading: 2 Samuel 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16 Second Reading: Romans 16:25-27 Gospel: Luke 1:26-38
Around the Diocese
Saint Peter’s Gianna Center
We are very pleased to introduce you to the Saint Peter’s Gianna Center located in New Brunswick, NJ. The Center is dedicated to offering truly prolife women’s health care, including infertility services, general
gynecologic care, and more. All services are provided in accordance with the US Catholic Bishops Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Care Services. Please visit http://www.saintpetershcs.com/GiannaCenter/
St. Ann School 29 Second Avenue, Raritan, NJ 08869
School Office: 908-725-7787
www.stannparish.com/schoolsite
“WELCOME WEDNESDAYS” Beginning Wednesday, December 13
9:15-11:15 AM and held all Wednesdays school is in session.
Guided Tours & Registration Info available Please call 908-725-7787 for appointment. St. Ann School ~ A seat is waiting for you!
St. Joseph Parish, Raritan
Homemade Piroghy on Sale All During Advent
Our delicious homemade Piroghy are on sale after all Masses all weekends until Christmas in St. Joseph’s Lower Church Hall. Seven
great varieties are available for purchase: Potato, Potato & Cheese, Potato & Onion, Sweet Potato, Sweetened Kraut, Lekvar and Mushroom! Still only $8 per dozen! You may
also purchase your Piroghy any weekday during office hours - 9:00 am-1:00 pm Monday through Friday - at the Parish Office 908-725-0163 x10.
Oplatek (Christmas Wafers) are also available at the
same times as Piroghy. Price is $3 per envelope of 4 large wafers.
College-Age* Retreat - January 5-7, 2018
Marianist Family Retreat Center Cape May Point, NJ 08212
This retreat is designed to bring young people together of college-age (17-22). So whether you are in college or working come join us to renew your spiritual life, deepen your relationship with
God and to meet new friends. Our time will be filled with prayer experiences, peer group discussions, Eucharist and lots of fun!
Cost: $130 per person, double occupancy. Register: www.capemaymarianists.org or call
609-884-3829. Some financial aid is available.
*Current High School Seniors are welcomed.
Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Metuchen is offering Counseling and Wellness Services.
If you or someone you know needs counseling or is impacted by addiction, we can help. Individual and family therapy for children and adults is available. For an appointment, call 800-655-9491.
You Can Save Your Marriage!
Retrouvaille - A lifeline for troubled
marriages
Has your marriage become unloving or uncaring - your relationship grown
cold, distant - thinking about a separation or divorce? Are you already separated/divorced but (both of you) wish to try again - then the Retrouvaille program may help you.
RETROUVAILLE (Rediscovery) sponsored by the Family Life Office/Diocese of Metuchen consists of a weekend experience for couples (no group discussions) with six follow-up sessions. The next program is scheduled for the weekend of February 9-11, 2018. All inquiries are confidential. For more details please call the Family Life Office 732-243-4573, Rich & Annette Colasuonno 732-236-0671 or Tom & Pat McTague 732-583-4468 (evenings).
Immaculate Conception School, Somerville, NJ 2018-2019 School Year Open Enrollment
Pre-K through Grade 5 enrollments are now
available with additional options for Half-day and full-day Pre-K and full-day Kindergarten programs. Rooted in Catholic values, ICS integrates academic excellence with the spiritual and moral formation of each student. Staffed by the Immaculate Heart of Mary Sisters and dedicated teachers, we at ICS welcome you and your children to learn more about our school. Please call with questions or to schedule a personal tour of our campus at 908-725-6516.
Please join us as we celebrate Catholic Schools
Week. All are welcome on Sunday, January 28 for Mass at 9 am at Immaculate Conception Church, followed by School Tours 10am-12pm.
ICS OPEN HOUSE Tuesday, January 30 - School Tours 9-11 am
Immaculate Conception School 41 Mountain Avenue, Somerville, NJ
Please visit our website at www.icsschool.org. We hope to see you soon! God’s blessings to you and your family.
RESPECT FOR LIFE Pregnancy Aid and Information Center 59 Thompson Street Raritan, NJ 08869
