Roman Catholic Church Saint Joseph

PASTOR: Msgr. David C. Hubba

PAROCHIAL VICARS:

Rev. Anthony Di Stefano Rev. John Z. Radwan

DEACON: George Montalvo

PASTOR EMERITUS:

Rev. George M. Reilly

MASS SCHEDULE

Saturday 5:00 pm Sunday 7:30am, 9 am,

10:30 am, 12 noon

DAILY Weekdays 7:00 am

& 8:30 am Saturday 8:30 am

HOLY DAYS as announced

Miraculous Medal Novena

Monday, 7:00 pm in Mary’s Chapel

Eucharistic Adoration First Wed. of Month 9 am—5 pm in MC

SACRAMENTS

Confession: Saturday, 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Baptism Contact the Parish Office

Marriage Arrangements should be made

with a priest at least one year in advance.

Homebound/Hospital Call Parish Office

Christian Initiation of Adults—RCIA Contact Parish Office

PARISH REGISTRATION Contact Parish Office

Office Location Phone Email/Fax Website

Parish Office 105 Harrison St., New Milford 201-261-0148 office@sjcnj.org Fax #: 201-261-0369

sjcnj.org

Religious Education 105 Harrison St., New Milford 201-261-1144 religioused@sjcnj.org sjcnjre.org

Saint Joseph School

the greenhouse PreK

305 Elm St., Oradell 201-261-2388 office@sjsusa.org sjsusa.org

Fourth Sunday of Advent ~ December 22, 2019

CHRISTMAS MASS SCHEDULE

—See p. 2

Saint Joseph School OPEN HOUSE

—JAN. 8 (See p. 2) Oradell/New Milford, NJ

Office Hours: (Parish) Mon-Fri.: 9 am - 5 pm, ~ (Rel. Ed.) Mon.-Thurs.: 10 am-4 pm (Also by appointment.)

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SAINT JOSEPH CHURCH ORADELL/NEW MILFORD, NJ

Save This Date

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FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT ~ DECEMBER 22, 2019

FROM THE PASTOR’S DESK CHRISTMAS 2019 MASS SCHEDULE

CHRISTMAS EVE MASSES Tuesday, December 24 at

5:00 pm* (*Three 5:00 pm Masses celebrated in Upper Church, Mary’s Chapel and Lower School Gym)

7:00 pm and 10:00 pm (UC)

CHRISTMAS DAY MASSES Wednesday, December 25

7:30 am, 9:00 am, 10:30 am and 12 noon** (**Two Masses celebrated at 12:00 pm

in Upper Church and Mary’s Chapel)

NEW YEAR’S DAY MASSES (Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God) Tuesday, December 31 at 5:00 pm

Wednesday, Jan. 1 at 10:30 am and 12 noon

Edward Digby, a member of England’s parliament in the mid-18th century, was best known for being something of a dandy who wore the latest fashions.

But at Christmas and Easter times he would put on a shabby blue coat and disappear into London. This greatly worried his uncle, a prominent Whig politician, who was afraid that his nephew might be up to something that might involve embarrassing possibilities. So the uncle arranged to have him followed to find out what he was up to. The chosen agents lost Digby in the city’s Southwark section near the Marshalsea prison for debtors. When they asked one of the prison guards if he’d seen a man in a blue coat, the guard replied, “Yes, masters … but he is not a man, he is an angel.” The guard then told them about the many prisoners Digby had set free by paying off their debts. When the agents finally caught up with Digby, he invited them to join him for dinner at the George Inn with the prisoners he’d just freed. He did this every Christmas and Easter. I suppose most of us look at Christmas as a time that brings out the best in us and offers us some of life’s finest blessings. We look forward to enjoying family gatherings with meals that are just right in every detail, to expressing our fondness of those closest to us by offering them presents that will delight them perfectly, to experiencing pleasurable entertainments, and, it is to be hoped, to sharing our good fortune with others who have to endure life’s unwelcome difficulties and burdens. As all of these things happen, I hope we will refer them to what is most important of all, and what should be the main focus of our Christmas: our closeness to Jesus Christ, who came to us to offer the most fulfilling gift of all, himself. Without him, we would be lost, and the Christmas season would be reduced to a mere partially fulfilling—and very likely exhausting—succession of events that can easily see us slide into self-indulgence. But drawing closer to Jesus Christ and putting him first, we can relish all the other aspects of Christmas even more. And please keep in mind, with prayers and deeds, those whose worries and sufferings prevent them much outward rejoicing. They, of course, need Our Lord too, and the strength and consolation only faith in him can give. May God bless all of you this Christmas!

Msgr. Hubba

DISCOVER THE SECRETS AND HIDDEN GEMS

OF SAINT JOSEPH CHURCH —JANUARY 22

Join Fr. Anthony Di Stefano on Wednesday, Januaary 22, 2020 at 7:30 pm for a very special tour of our beautiful church sponsored by the Ministry of Motherhood (M.O.M.). Refreshments will be served afterward in the Saint Joseph Retreat House. Explore areas you don’t typically see and learn the history of this building that we call our spiritual home. Did you know that there is a hidden stained glass window? Or that we had a small wooden church on this spot before the church we know and love was built? Don’t miss what promises to be a truly fascinating experience!

EUCHARISTIC ADORATION —JANUARY 8 (DATE MOVED)

Our monthly Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament will take place on Wednesday, January 8 from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. (PLEASE NOTE THE CHANGE IN DATE due to the first Wednesday of the month falling on New Year’s Day.) The Legion of Mary invites you to attend.

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SAINT JOSEPH CHURCH ORADELL/NEW MILFORD, NJ

Knights of Columbus

FREE THROW CHAMPIONSHIP

JOB OPENING SAINT JOSEPH SCHOOL

AFTER CARE SUPERVISOR

Perfect for Retired Person who loves to be with children!

Hours: 2:45-6:00 pm Monday thru Friday Candidate must receive Protecting God’s Children

training—we can assist you with that. Salary range: $15.00 to $17.50/hour

depending upon experience. Contact: Dr. Paula Valenti, Principal

NEXT TEEN MASS—JANUARY 12 Join us for our celebration of the Mass, presided over by Fr. Anthony and min-istered by the teens, at 6:00 pm on Sun-

day, January 12. ALL ARE WELCOME. Afterward our members will be joining Fr. Antho-ny and Youth Minister Ellen Solinas for dinner. Fa-therAnthony will be answering questions about the Mass.

VISIT US ON OUR WEBSITES!

Church: sjcnj.org School: sjsusa.org

Religious Education: sjcnjre.org

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Saturday 5:00 pm

Sunday 7:30 am 9:00 am 10:30 am UC 10:30 am MC 12:00 pm

Monday 7:00 am 8:30 am

Tuesday 8:30 am 5:00 pm UC 5:00 pm MC 5:00 pm Gym 7:00 pm UC 10:00 pm UC

Wednesday 7:30 am 9:00 am

10:30 UC

12:00 UC 12:00 MC

Thursday 7:00 am

8:30 am

Friday 7:00 am 8:30 am

Saturday 8:30 am 5:00 pm

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Sunday 7:30 am 9:00 am 10:30 am UC 10:30 am MC 12:00 pm

PRAYER REQUESTS

Let us remember all those who are ill: Ed Grube, Kathy Luppino,

John Geraghty, Rev. Roy Regaspi

Let us remember all those who have died: Lina Sajol, Sr. Clara Schroeder

Let us remember those serving in our military: 2nd LT Harry Aquino USAF, Lance Cpl. Alexander Banas, 1st LT Christopher Bascomb, 2nd LT Michael McPherson,

1st LT Michael Shuler, PFC David Solinas, Jr.

In

BREAD & WINE INTENTION

The bread and wine for the week of December 22, 2019

is donated in loving memory of the Deceased Members of the

Mezzina, Brizza & Standaert Families as requested by Fred Mezzina.

FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT ~ DECEMBER 22, 2019

SUNDAY COLLECTION CORRECTION: The collection amounts for December 8, 2019 are as follows: Dec. 8, 2019 Dec. 9, 2018 BASKET $8,241 $8,145 ELECTRONIC GIVING $3,824* $3,766* TOTAL Collections $12,065 $11,911 *Electronic contributions are received on a monthly basis. In our bulletin report, they are divided by the number of weeks in the month (five in December 2018 and 2019). Due to an early printer deadline, the collection for December 15 will appear in a future bulletin.

MEN’SCOATS NEEDED FOR ST. CHRISTOPHER’S

St. Christopher’s Inn at Graymoor, Garrison, NY, a ministry of the Franciscan Friars of the Atonement provding temporary shelter to men in crisi and offering physical, emotional and spiritual healing from addiction is in urgent need of COATS for its residents. If you have any gently-used men’s coats (all sizes), please drop them off at the Saint Joseph Parish Office/Rectory at 105 Harrison Street, New Milford, NJ 07646 between the hours of 9:00 am—5:00 pm Monday through Friday. Thank you!

HOLIDAY CLOSINGS

The Parish Office/Rectory will be CLOSED

on Dec. 23-24-25

December 21, 2019 Louise & Theodore Kachel

December 22, 2019 People of the Parish Mary Burns Thomas L. Barbagallo (7th Anniversary Remembrance) Mark Dance Felice Bartolomeo

December 23, 2019 Susan Thornton Mildred O’Leary (Birthday Remembrance)

December 24, 2019 Joseph Ciano Fred & Mary Burns Mary Ann Vincenti (5th Anniversary Remembrance)

Deceased Members of the Hoock Family Brian Patrick Coogan Elise & Frederick Mueller

December 25, 2019 Nativity of the Lord

People of the Parish Deceased Members of the Kennedy & Grimm Families Deceased Members of the Corso Bernardi Families Courtney Jensen John & Margaret Schatz

December 26, 2019 Daniel O’Grady (Birthday Remembrance) Margaret E. Flanagan

December 27, 2019 Susan & Terence McCormack Mary & William Codner

December 28, 2019 Michael & Kathleen Abatemarco Graham O’Brien

December 29, 2019 People of the Parish Rota & Joyce Families Anthony D. Errico Patricia Furletti Catherine Jacob

CHRISTMAS EVE MASSES PLEASE NOTE: There will be NO 7:00 am Mass on Tuesday, December 24 (Christmas Eve). (See full schedule of Christmas Masses on page 2.)

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FAITH-SHARING NO MEETINGS—DECEMBER 24 & 31

Fr. John’s Faith-Sharing Group which meets on Tuesdays from 7:00-8:30 pm in the Saint Joseph Retreat House (behind

the church—entrance off Grand St. parking lot) will NOT meet on Tuesday, December 24 or Tuesday, December 31. Meetings will resume on Tuesday, January 7. All are welcome. Come join us for a truly faith-enriching experience.

SAINT JOSEPH CHURCH ORADELL/NEW MILFORD, NJ

Please consider making your Sunday offering through our electronic giving program

WeShare. Donations made this way are withdrawn directly from the bank account or credit card of your choice and are received by Saint Joseph even when you are away on vacation or might be too ill to attend Mass. To sign up, simply go to our parish website sjcnj.org and click on “Make a Donation.” Then click on “Sign Up Today” and follow the instructions to set up your account. If you have any questions, call the parish office at 201-261-0148.

FOR THOSE WHO STRUGGLE THROUGH THE CHRISTMAS SEASON

St. Luke’s Church 340 Franklin Turnpike, Ho-Ho-Kus, NJ 07423

invites you to join in an interfaith

BLUE CHRISTMAS SERVICE of prayer, scripture and music

on Friday, December 20, 2019 at 7:00 pm This is prayer service for those who have lost family or friends or are experiencing hardship during what generally is to be a happy time. All are welcome.

Saint Joseph Parish Staff

Parish Trustees………..Mr. Brendan Walsh/Mrs. Carol Winkler Parish Pastoral Council…..Mr. Thomas Kohli & Dr. Michael Petrella Dir. of Religious Education ……….Deacon George Montalvo Sacraments Coordinator …………..Mrs. Arlene Kennedy Director of Music ……………………..Mr. Monroe Quinn Sacristan………………………………….Mr. Tom Moran Youth Minister…………………………Mrs. Ellen Solinas Facilities Director ………………….....Mr. Tom Meli Business Manager ……………….…. .Mrs. Phyllis Vrola Parish Secretary ……………………....Mrs. Geraldine Carolan

Principal of Saint Joseph School…Dr. Paula Valenti Dir. of Comm./ Bulletin Editor…...Mrs. Diane Hellriegel

GOSPEL REFLECTION “DO NOT BE AFRAID”

Each Advent season, we prepare to welcome Jesus into the inns and stables of our hearts. But Jesus’ coming wasn’t welcomed by everyone with choirs of angels. For St. Joseph, the first coming of Jesus was a bit more complicated. “When his mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found with child through the Holy Spirit.” For Joseph, opening his heart (and home) to Jesus meant, at best, appearing to all the world like a man who had impregnated his wife out of wedlock. At worst, he appeared a cuckold, raising the child of another man. God doesn’t always appear the way we expect. For some of us, the birth of Christ is a bit relationally complicated. Perhaps over the past few months, a loved one has died. This Christmas, you’re taking it upon yourself to keep up the traditions and hold the family together. Welcoming Jesus means welcoming grief. Perhaps it’s a difficult relative (or two or three) and it’s all you can do to bite your tongue and swallow your pride while they’re under your roof. Welcoming Jesus means welcoming strife, discord, and tension. Yet “do not be afraid,” the angel says. Do not be afraid. Why? Because we celebrate the birth of “Emmanuel, which means ‘God is with us.’” Before Jesus’ earthly ministry would begin, Jesus would lose his father, Joseph. God is with us in our grief. Wherever Jesus went, he stirred up controversy and faced down challenging personalities. God is with us in our stress. The trick is, like Joseph, to allow supernatural grace to prevail. Joseph was a good man, filled with natural virtue in that he didn’t want to “expose [Mary] to shame.” Yet he was prepared to “divorce her quietly” all the same. Our natural abilities only take us so far. Where is receiving Jesus complicated this Christmas season? Are you relying on your own strength to get you through, or are you truly ready to accept the grace of Emmanuel, God with us? © LPi

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