Saint Mary Parish website: www.stmaryscoltsneck.org 732-780-2666
One Phalanx Road, Colts Neck, NJ 07722
Fifth Sunday of Easter– May 18th
No one comes to the Father except through me. ( John 14:6)
This Week at St. Mary’s
Please note: The Parish Office is open from 8:00AM to 4:00PM Monday through Friday. 732-780-2666
Volunteers Welcome. Please call the parish office for more information 732-780-2666.
Sunday, 18 May: Singles Journey at 11:45AM; GA at 6:30PM; Gam-anon at 6:30PM
Monday, 19 May: AA at 9:30AM; Christian Yoga at 10:00AM; Al-anon at 12:00PM; 6:30PM Carmelites; Teen Talk at 7:00PM
Tuesday, 20 May: Koinonia at 10am; Bereavement Group at 7:30pm; Adult Choir at 7:30PM; GA at 8:00PM
Wednesday, 21 May: Liturgy of the Hours at 8:30AM; Yoga at 9:00AM; Eucharistic Adoration at 10:00AM; Prayer Shawl at 10am; Italian Classes at 10:00AM; AA at 11:30PM; New Horizons Bridge at 1:00PM; AA at 7:30PM; Families Anonymous at 7:30PM
Thursday, 22 May: Men’s Morning Office at 6:30AM; Tai Chi at 10:00AM & 7:00PM; Colts Neck Support at 7:30PM
Friday, 23 May: Women’s Morning Office at 6:30AM; Wedding Rehearsal at 3PM; AA at 7:30PM
Saturday, 24 May: Wedding at 2:30PM
Sunday, 25 May: Little Church at 10:00AM; St. Joseph the Apostle Retreat at 10AM; Singles Journey at 11:45AM; GA at 6:30PM; Gam-anon at 6:30PM
Page Two 18 May 2014
Eucharist Saturday Vigil 5:00 PM Sunday 8:00AM, 10:00AM and 12:00Noon Monday through Friday 9:00AM Holy Days as Announced in Bulletin
Penance & Reconciliation Saturday 4:00PM or by appointment
Marriage Contact the Parish Office one year in advance
Infant Baptism Second Sunday at 12:00Noon Mass All Other Sundays immediately following 12:00Noon Mass. There are no Baptisms during the Lenten Sea-son. Registered Parishioners contact Parish Office in advance
Parish Membership New Parishioners are always welcome! Pre-registration is required. Contact the Parish Office regarding the Orientation Program
Bishop of the Diocese of Trenton Most Reverend David M. O’Connell, C. M.
Pastor Reverend Fr. Jeffrey E. Lee
Pastor Emeritus Reverend Fr. William J. Bausch
Deacons Fred Sorrentino & James V. Gallagher
Trustees Helen DeCerce & John Carlucci
Pastoral Associate for Worship & Evangelization Deacon Vincent Rinaldi Music Ministry - Lauren Walters Social Concerns - Roger Zurro, Chairperson
Pastoral Associate for Faith Formation Michele McCue
Coordinator of Adolescent Catechesis and High School Youth Ministry - Cristie Ritz-King
Coordinator of Children’s Catechesis and Ministry - Jan Santanello
Spiritual Ministry - Sister Helen Clifton, SSJ
Pastoral Coordinator for Community Building and Communications - Linda Dickinson-Pancila
Coordinator of Parish Facilities- Joseph Noble
Secretary - Ellen Fink
Communications & Calendar Coordinator Catherine Love
If you would like a family member who is not a parishion-er to be placed on the sick list, please call the Parish Office. A person will be put on the list for eight weeks and then removed unless a renewal call is received. Kindly call 732-780-2666 X314 to renew. Thank you.
Cara Apgar Estelle Appel Sam Barbara Elena Caldera Natalie Chiaino Jim Cirronella Jo Clement Eleanor Corley Eleanor Crawford Logan Dayton John DeStefano Thomas Dwyer Jean Evans
Raymond Evans Margaret Gesner Leanne Green Shawn Hamlin Lori Lettieri Marge Messler Joseph John Merante Irene Moskal Richard Muir Tere Nolan Tom Nolan Glenn Posner
John Sheehan Linda Sobel Robert Stalzer Jennifer Sterner Jerry Stoia Kathleen Walsh
Sick List: Please pray for the following members of our parish family who are ill:
Page Three 18 May 2014
Announced Masses for the Week
Mass Intentions for May 19 – May 24, 2014
Monday, 19 May at 9:00AM in the Chapel
Mary Ruck by Marilyn and Carl Simone
Margaret Ciccone by Maureen McBurnie
Robert Rose By Monica and John Ryan
Tuesday, 20 May at 9:00AM in the Chapel
Edward Donovan by Marilyn and Carl Simone
Mary Christine Spinella by the Gobat Family
Rita Poppe by the McGarry Family
Wednesday, 21 May at 9:00AM in the Chapel
Genevieve Sobieski by the Ministry of Care
Mary Ruck by the Martha Mary Guild
Beatrice Fieramosca by Barbara and Ernest Schaflin
Thursday, 22 May at 9:00AM in the Chapel
George Sturchio by his Family
Mary Ruck by Lori Lettieri
Bea Fieramosca by the Farrow Family
Friday, 23 May at 9:00AM in the Chapel
Helen and William Kozabo by Gail and Bill Cargiulo
Lola Gauthier by her Family
Sarah Spinella by her Children
Saturday, 24 May at 5:00PM
John Amirante by Emily Santangelo
Charles Bradley by his Wife and Family
Julia Camarata by Margaret Bradley
Sunday, 25 May
8:00AM Remo and Marie Blafford by Catherine and Tom Rennhack
Harold Fielder by the Gobat Family
Frank Valenziano by Fred, Ottilie, and Lisa Sorrentino
10:00AM
Alice and Stanley Salter by Janet Anne Jurgielewicz
Concetta and Mario D’Amato by their Family
Robert Handy by Deacon Vincent Rinaldi and Family
12:00 NOON
Pro Populo
Al Spino by Ann Marie and Logan Dayton
Rudolph Schellenberger by Deacon Jim and Camille
Gallagher
WORSHIP, OUTREACH & EVANGELIZATION
Pastoral Associate for Worship, Outreach & Evangelization
Deacon Vincent Rinaldi 732-780-2666 x 309 [email protected]
The following Music Ministry Workshops are being presented
as part of the Project CARE Program in May & June. Contact
Lauren Walters for more information
Cantor Training Mondays May 19 and June 2, 16 — 4pm or 7:15pm individu-
al appointments available. Ever thought about leading the as-
sembly with the gifts God gave you? You will be encouraged
to use your voice effectively and efficiently through sound
pedagogy, learn the importance of music during the Mass,
grow in musicianship & faith, and so much more! “Cantors in
Training” will be rotated within a respective group to sing
monthly/bi-monthly at Mass to bolster confidence before can-
toring solo. Ages 13 to adults.
Music Ministry Workshop and Information Session Sundays May 18 and June 1 after 10am Mass. Discussion of various musical roles in our parish and how you may best ren-
der your gifts to the Lord. Topics include Handbell Choirs,
New choir formations for youth, Magnificat Choir, Cantor
Program and Music Education & Theory. Open to all ages.
Comtemporary Recitation of the Divine Mercy
Chaplet Tues. June 10, 17, & 24. What a beautiful way to
get musically involved and share a devotion. Ages 5 - Adult.
Coordinator of Liturgical Music & Music Ministry Lauren Walters 732-780-2666 x 327,
[email protected] Organist: Andrew Macirowsk
———–——————————- Magnificat Choir, Schola, Youth Chorale,
Marian Hand Bells
Music Ministries
Annual Dinner June 6th
Contact Joe Merante 732-292-0251 or visit www.stmaryscoltsneck.org
Cost for evening is $45
includes drinks, salad, des-sert, coffee & your choice of entrée: Chicken Cordon Blue, Stuffed Grouper and NY Strip steak.
Open to all men of the Parish.
Drop off or mail check & registration form to parish office.
IN LOVING MEMORY
Raymond Reddington brother Susan Davis
Page Four 18 May 2014
WORSHIP, OUTREACH & EVANGELIZATION
The Amazing Truth of Our Lady of Guadalupe, excerpts from DAN LYNCH
Our Lady of Guadalupe appeared in Mexico as the pregnant Mother of God to Blessed Juan Diego, an
Aztec Indian, on December 9, 10, and 12, 1531. She left a Miraculous Image of her appearance on his
cactus fiber cloak, or "tilma", which still exists today for all to see in the Basilica of Our Lady of
Guadalupe in Mexico City.
Our Lady came to offer faith, hope and consolation to the oppressed natives
of Mexico and to reconcile them with their Spanish rulers. She put an end to
the bloody human sacrifice of the Aztecs and converted ten million natives
in the next 10 years!
After the conquest, the Spanish rule of the natives was so severe that a
bloody revolt was imminent. Bishop Zummaraga prayed for Our Lady to
intervene to prevent an uprising, to reconcile the Spanish and the natives and
to bring peace. He asked that he would receive roses native to his homeland
of Castile Spain as a sign that his prayer would be answered.
On December 9, 1531, Our Lady appeared to Blessed Juan Diego who was a
recently converted Aztec. She asked him to go to the Bishop and request a
church be built for her on the barren hill of Tepeyac which is now part of
Mexico City. Our Lady wanted to show her merciful love to all of her chil-
dren. The prudent Bishop asked Juan to ask the Lady for a sign. Juan did so
and Our Lady promised to give him the sign.
On December 12, Our Lady again appeared to Juan on Tepeyac Hill and told
him to pick the Castilian roses which miraculously appeared there and bring
them to the Bishop as a sign for him to believe her request. Juan gathered the roses into his tilma and brought
them to the Bishop.
He opened the tilma to show them and, to everyone's astonishment, the Image of Our Lady appeared on it.
The Bishop then built the church as Our Lady had requested and ten million natives were converted and
baptized to the one, true faith within the next 10 years. Human sacrifice ended in Mexico forever. Our Lady
of Guadalupe, which means Crusher of the serpent's head, brought the light of the true faith, crushed the
false gods of Mexico, and established an era of peace.
Our Lady of Guadalupe is the Patron Saint of Mexico, Patron Saint of the Americas, and Patron Saint of
the Unborn. Her Feast Day is celebrated on December 12.
The life size laser image is on loan to St Mary’s from the Knights of Columbus, St Gabriel’s Chapter, until the end of May.
New Parishioner Orientation
June 1, 11am Madonna Hall
Please Contact the Parish Office
to attend 732-780-2666
Banns of Marriage David Broslaw and Orla Fagan (III)
Connor Moaghan and Kate Carnesale (II)
Page Five 18 May 2014
EMs of Holy Communion Reader 1 Reader 2
Wednesday,
7:30PM
Patricia Gesner - Center Cup LeRoy Gesner - Organ Host Nancy Mendoza - Center Host Susan Murphy - Tabernacle Host Eileen Beckley - Organ Cup Rosemarie Estephan - Tabernacle Cup
NOT
FILLED NOT
FILLED
Thursday 9AM
NOT FILLED NOT
FILLED
NOT
FILLED
May 28 & 29: Ascension of our Lord
EMs of Holy Communion Reader 1 Reader 2
Saturday,
5:00 PM (Church)
Sixth Sunday
of Easter
Bill Cargiulo - Center Cup
Carl Riley - Organ Host
Gail Cargiulo - Center Host
John Drudy - Tabernacle Host
David Kostka - Organ Cup
Heather Kostka - Tabernacle Cup
Bruno
Savo
Dering
Sprague
Sunday,
8:00 AM (Church)
Sixth Sunday
of Easter
Marsha Grigoli - Center Cup
Maureen Staub - Organ Host
Jane Slattery - Center Host
Michael Staub - Tabernacle Host
Gina Shute - Organ Cup
Nancy Mendoza - Tabernacle Cup
John
McCrae
(sub
req.)
Annette
Raynor
Sunday,
10:00 AM
(Church)
Sixth Sunday
of Easter
Sue Fitzpatrick - Center Cup
Maureen Geiger - Organ Host
Carol Donahue - Center Host
Richard Yaeger - Tabernacle Host
Mathilda Said - Organ Cup
Winifred O'Doherty - Tabernacle Cup
Rita Du-
enas
Julia
Cullen
Sunday,
12:00 PM (Church)
Sixth Sunday
of Easter
Marycatherine Noble - Center Cup
MaryJoan McNamara - Organ Host
Emily Santangelo - Center Host
Mafalda Coseglia - Tabernacle Host
Anna May Schellenberger - Organ Cup
Patricia Balbo - Tabernacle Cup
Carl
Simone
Steven
Jacob-
son
(sub
req.)
Worship Ministry Schedule: May 24 - 28: Sixth Sunday of Easter Memorial Day - Monday,
May 26 9:00AM Mass will be
celebrated in
the Church.
All are invited
and encour-
aged to attend.
Veterans and
spouses are
warmly invited
to not only attend, but to partici-
pate in a special way.
For more information and to
participate, please
contact coordinator
Richard Schwartz,
732.933-1377 or
Join us at the
Pentecost Rally
Saturday June 7, 2014
Cost
Adults (13 and up) $10
Children (3-12) $5
609-403-7189
Online Registration I
nformation at
www.dotccr.org
Spring Has Sprung!
Annual Clothing/Linen SALE
Sponsored by the Martha Mary Guild
Sale dates Sept.4-6.
Now we can clean out closets and set aside
gently used, clean clothing, shoes, jewelry,
accessories (hats, scarves, gloves etc.) and
linens for the annual Clothing/Linen Sale.
Kindly save your items and bring them to
Madonna Hall, starting Aug. 23, 1pm.
No drop off or collections any earlier.
More information to follow.
Page Six 18 May 2014
FAITH FORMATION / LIFE LONG LEARNING NEWS
May 17th 5PM
Vincent Barba
Lauren Bradbury
Marc Bradbury
Shannon Cody
Jack Lefkowitz
Willow Link-McGovern
Daniel Menake
Eric Loureiro
Sean Muller
Brady O'Connor
Gianna Savino
Mateo Savo
Dominique Vassallo
Carolynn Wildrick
May 18th 10am
Jerry Barca
Nash Burgermeister
Ryder Burgermeister
Dan Collins
Kaitlyn Doherty
Megan Doherty
Sean Doherty
Gianna Favilla
Michael Fetter
Derek Grant
Christopher Jordan
Grace Jordan
Madeline Krupa
Ava Taeschler
Matthew Wrate
May 18th 12noon
Dominic Beninato
Isabella Cantalupo
Ryan Catalano
Chiara Chiricolo
Carolyn Ecklord
Antonio Izzo
Brooke Kazymirczuk
Zoe Kraszewski
Sophie Mager
Ava Pennachio
Luke Petino
Caroleena Piperno
Sophia Ronca
Madeline Rumsby
Megan Rumsby
Sophia Sudano
Morgan Tilker
Kimberly Vasta
Grace Widmeier
Congratulations, To those who have received their First Communion this weekend!
History of the Mass Presented by Michele McCue, PA for Faith Formation
Wednesday, June 4 and 11 7:30-9pm in Parish Hall
Come learn about the origins and liturgical developments of our most holy prayer, the Eucharist.
The “Source and Summit of our Faith” has a fascinating history as
the Church continually met the challenge of maintaining the sancti-
ty of the Mass in the midst of popular culture and a variety of theol-
ogies. Yet, the Eucharist has always opened the doors of Divine
Presence for all of us; just how this was accomplished throughout
time demonstrates the power of the Holy Spirit working through a
human institution.
Did you know that there was a fellowship meal before the Mass in
the early Church? And, that the Mass was first called “The Lord’s
Supper?” Please come with your questions about how the liturgy of
the Mass has developed while the essence has always remained the
same.
Join us to learn more about the history of the Mass.
Gifts of Compassion
Mondays May 19 and June 2 4:30 to 5:30 in Paul’s Place
Do you know how many parish minis-tries give service to others?
Discover more information about par-ish outreach programs and help given
to the community by parishioners through the Social Concerns Ministry.
Apply the Corporal Works of Mercy to your life and gain a respect for others in need. Make crafts of compassion
such as rosary beads & bracelets that will be donated to area organization.
Session open to all ages to adult. Adult supervision required for ages 5 & under.
Contact Rose [email protected] Register on parish website www.stmaryscoltsneck.org Click on Project CARE link
Page Seven 18 May 2014
FAITH FORMATION / LIFE LONG LEARNING NEWS
24 May 2014 — Sixth Sunday of Easter
Scripture Readings Gospel: John 14:15-21
Reflection Questions Adults: What difficulties have you overcome because of your belief in the power of the Holy Spirit?
Children: When are some times you need the help of the Holy Spirit?
Lifelong Catechesis
Pastoral Associate for Faith Formation Michele McCue
Office hours vary. Call 732-780-2666 x 312 or email [email protected]
Teen Talk: Monday Nights, 7-9pm Youth Lounge
All high school students Grades 9-12 are invited to attend!!
Youth Ministry Tryout Meeting: Learn about St Mary’s Junior High Youth Ministry. All youth in grades 6 to 8 are invited to attend this meeting to get a taste of our dynamic program. Much fun awaits you! Join us and actively participate in skits, ice breakers, and small group activities in pursuit of our faith. May 28 4:30 - 5:30pm
Coordinator of Children’s Catechesis and Ministry
Janice Santanello The Religious Education office is located in Room
11 in the Family Life Center.
Please call (732) 294-8841, email [email protected] or [email protected]
Liturgy of the Word Dismissal:
All children ages 4 - 12 are invited to attend
weekly and throughout the year during Sat.
5PM Mass & Sun. 10AM &
12Noon Masses. Children are
dismissed from Mass to hear
the Gospel proclaimed/
explained on their level. Volun-
teers needed. Community
Service opportunity. Contact Jan Santanellofor
more information and for training opportunities.
Religious Education Classes Fall 2014-2015 Registration now open for all RE programs.
Visit the parish website www.stmaryscoltsneck.org (click on Religious
Education then “Registration 2014”) for info and options for RE fall 2014-2015:
Summer Intensive, Faith & Life Online, grades 3-6,
1st Eucharist Prep grades 1-2 and Confirmation Prep grades 7- 8
In the Community:
Catholic Women of Zion, CWOZ I—Outreach June 14, July 12, Aug 2, Aug 16, Oct 11, Nov 15
8:00 - 12:00pm Locations vary check website below. Mass, prayer, healing, music & guest speaker
Questions: Mary Ann Collett, MSW, MA, CLEM Director of Catholic Women of Zion at www.cwoz.org
_________________________________________________
Charismatic Healing Mass May 27, 8:00pm Holy Cross Gymnatorium in Rumson
Celebrant: Fr. Bill Halbing —————————————————————————
2014 Summer Retreats www.marisstella.org Maris Stella Retreat Center—Harvey Cedars NJ
June 15-21 Mothers, Sisters, Daughters: Standing on their Shoul-
ders: Women Who have made a Difference in Our World. Presenter Edwina Gateley
June 22-28 Beauty: A Path to God, Presenter Fr. Anthony Ciorra
Sr. Pat 609-494-2917 [email protected]
Adolescent Catechesis and Youth Ministry Cristie Ritz-King
Call 732-780-7343 x328 or email [email protected].
Community service opportunities are available
AGAPE
Join us for fellowship and hospitality
Sunday June 1st , July 13th & August 10th after all Masses.
Average Contribution per Household this week $ 29.23
# of Contributing Households (# envelopes & # online) 384
# of Registered Parishioner Households 1,888 ————————————————————————————
EASTER Collection will be announced shortly.
If you have not made your gift, please do so this week. Thank you and God Bless.
Sharing Our Treasure 10/11 May
Weekly Sacrificial Stewardship Offering $12,380
Envelope Contributions $ 9,905 Electronic/Online Contributions $ 1,318 Loose Contributions $ 1,157
Page Eight 18 May 2014
STEWARDSHIP & OUTREACH
St. Mary Photo Directory
LIFETOUCH connecting
our parish through Family Photography
The tradition of creating a parish photo directory is
strong for a very simple reason… It helps people get to know each other and connect!
All families are encouraged to participate in our new directory which is similar to an address book with pictures. Each parish family will be listed in the directory but can opt out of including a family photo. Please reserve your desired month & day of the week for taking your family photo. The following dates are
available to book your family portrait appointment:
August 5-9 September 16-20
October 14-18 November 20-21
Friday and Saturday after Thanksgiving Nov. 24-25
Please call the parish office 732-780-2666 [email protected]
WE HAVE COME A LONG WAY …
JUST A LITTLE MORE TO GO !!
Right now, with sincerest thanks to
221 donors, we are at 67% of our fair-share
“ACA” goal of $76, 276. Every penny is
going to help seminarians, the poor, financially
stressed parishes, Catholic high schools,
and other worthy diocesan charity needs.
But 221 families of 1,882 St. Mary registered families means only 1.2 families per 10
have donated to the Annual Catholic Appeal.
Won’t you consider joining the 221?
Remember, your donation, large or small,
will help many. They need you.
_____________________________________________
Donation cards are next to the large
Annual Catholic Appeal poster in the Gathering Space.
Quilting and Sewing Ministry offering two Parish Wide Workshops Tuesdays, May 20 and 27
May 20: Make your own tote bag May 27: Create a block pattern quilt top
Items will be donated to area organizations
Join us 4:30-5:30PM in Paul’s Place All supplies provided. Open to all ages 7 & up.
Register online using Project CARE Form [email protected]
Project CARE Community Always, Reaching Everyone
Online Registration now open.
The following programs are still open for online reg-istration:
Music Ministry Workshop June 1
Cantor Training June 2 and 16
Contemporary Recitation of “Divine Mercy Chaplet “ June 10, 17, 24
Youth Ministry Session May 28
Gifts of Compassion May 19 and June 2
Planting and Cleanup May 22 and June 5
Fiber Fun Quilting and Sewing Workshop May 20 and 27
Community Building May 29 and June 12 Please join us for these exciting opportunities to learn more about parish life, ministry involvement and service opportunities .
Program offerings are for all ages. Complete pro-gram listing and descriptions can be found on par-ish website and in the parish office.
Linda [email protected] Rose [email protected]
Carrie [email protected]
COMMUNITY BUILDING & COMMUNICATIONS
Page Nine 18 May 2014
Pastoral Coordinator for Community Building & Communications
Linda Dickinson-Pancila 732-780-2666 x 305 [email protected]
Communications, Calendar Coordinator, Bulletin Publication
Catherine Love 732-780-2666 x 311 [email protected] [email protected]
Please visit the Parish Communications Bulletin Board in the Parish Hall for more information on “In Parish” and “In the Community” events and postings.
Parish Planting & Clean up Days
Thursdays, May 22 and June 5
Join us to clean up and beautify the parish grounds. This program is open to all ages.
Parent supervision required for ages 7 & under. Earn community service hours. Sign up using Project CARE registration form.
Linda 732-780-2666 x 305 [email protected]
5:30pm Cocktails and Hors d’oeuvres and Silent Auction
6:30pm Dinner with wine and stations of Carved Filet Mignon, Chicken Marsala, Miso Glazed Salmon,
Caesar and Tossed Salad, Roasted Potatoes,
Vegetable Medley, Orrechiette Pomodoro
Apres Dinner- Gourmet Coffee, Desserts on the garden patio
$60 per person, Tables of 8 or 10 also available
For tickets, call Cathy Weber 732-946-7771 or
mail check to St. Mary’s marked Summer Social
Page Ten 18 May 2014
Quo vadis...
Throughout this month of May we celebrate the Memorial of Saint Rita of Cascia, known as the “Pearl of Umbria” and patron saint of “the im-possible”. I have prayed at the reliquary con-taining her remains and once was taken by the Mother Prioress to the area where the glass case was opened. My devotion has evolved through the years, especially in light of some of my jour-ney as a priest. Later in the month is the Solem-nity of the Ascension, the Fortieth Day of East-er. It is a Holy Day of Obligation. We have added a Mass in the evening on the eve as well as the Mass on the day. Monday, 26 May 2014 is Memorial Day. We will celebrate Mass at 9am and invite all to come and pray for all those who sacrificed their lives, those who are making the sacrifice and those who will sacrifice their lives for the freedom that we enjoy. There is al-so a parade and ceremony that is organized by our civic leaders in 07722. Why not come to mass and make your way to the township cam-pus and participate in these activities? Re-registration or Registration for our Parish Reli-gious Education Program is underway. Please complete the necessary forms so that we can provide for the needs of our parishioner families and their children. Thank you for your coopera-tion. An accounting of this year’s Easter Collection will soon be offered for your review. Many thanks to all those who have participated this year. If you have not made your Easter Gift this year, please do so as soon as possible. Thanks for all your generous and faithful stewardship to our parish community. Have a great week. Let us remember one another in prayer.
Happy Sunday
Peace.
Father Jeff
My Dear Parishioners: Today we celebrate the Fifth Sunday of Easter. Jesus’ claim that he is the “way and the truth and the life” is a sweeping one that dares us to see Jesus as everything we need to come to the fullness of resurrection life ourselves. The “way” is not very appealing—dying to our-selves, self-emptying for the sake of others. The good news and truth is that we follow Je-sus’ way in less dramatic, everyday ways. Our simple acts of reaching out to others, alleviat-ing their own suffering or eliminating their need (whatever it might be) is how we follow Jesus’ way. How sensitive the early Christian community was—to appoint more members to take care of the needy so that the ministry of the word would not suffer. This balance—paying attention to both worship and service—is Jesus’ way to eternal life. This weekend we welcome parishioners as they present their children to our community as they receive their First Holy Communion. Let us extend our hospitality to their family members and friends as they too join with us in prayer. This weekend His Excellency, The Most Rev-erend Bishop of Trenton, ordained several new “transitional” deacons as they continue their journey toward the priesthood. Let us continue to pray for all those discerning a vocation to the priesthood. Last weekend I had the honor of representing our parish by concelebrating the Mass with His Eminence, Chibly Cardinal Langlois, Bishop of Les Cayes, Haiti. Cardinal Langlois is a recently appointed member of the College of Cardinals. He was appointed by the Holy Father who made a point that Cardinal Langlois is bishop of the poorest diocese in our hemisphere. He is travelling through our re-gion of the USA to visit expatriates living here and to gain some support for his pastoral work. In the name of our parish I presented him with a donation for charitable causes in his diocese. He was very grateful.
