OUR LADY OF MERCY OUR LADY OF SORROWSBULLETIN Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God

From the Desk of The PastorDear Parishioners of Our Lady of Mercy and Our Lady of Sorrows:

Kyle David Stadford welcome to the Christian world! Kyle David was baptized at OLS and I congratulate also his parents Kyle and Clarissa and the godparents. Let us keep them in our prayers. Well, well, well it is 2017! I wish all of you a New Year full of blessings and love and happiness! May there be peace among us, in our country and in our world.

I want to take this opportunity to thank all of you for your kind Christmas greetings full of love, understanding and generosity. I really cannot thank you enough. Your love and support to me and to our communities in general are overwhelming. Rest assured that you are remembered in my prayers all the time. Also, I want to acknowledge and thank the priests who are helping the Spanish mass at OLS. Now, I have Father Mino Chica who is willing to help so long as his schedule allows him. Please help me pray that the Spanish mass will continue so that the Spanish community in the area is ministered to. To my brother priests, Father Tom and Father Nol, the whole staff of OLM and OLS thank you for your love, kindness, understanding, sup-port, guidance and help to me. Know that I always need you.

Our Lady of Mercy Mission Statement“We, the faith community of Our Lady of Mercy Parish, joyfully and hum-bly seek to make our Lord Jesus Christ ever more real in all our lives. We enliven our Mission by a commitment to Stewardship as a Way of Life. We strive to pursue our mission by being a welcoming community that provides a home for all and celebrates life, hope and reconciliation through Word, Worship and Service.”

Intentions of Pope Francis for January 2017

Evangelization: Christian Unity. That all Christians may be faithful to the Lord’s teaching by striving with prayer and fraternal charity to restore ecclesial com-munion and by collaborating to meet the challenges facing humanity.

Our Lady of Sorrows Mission Statement“We the family of Our Lady of Sorrows Parish, accept as our special call the words of Psalm 89: “The Lord loves His City” – and so do we. We have been planted in the midst of the city to grow and bear the fruit of the gospel. We offer to God our gifts of time, talent and treasure that our city may be transformed by the power of God’s love.”

Scripture Passages The Nativity of the Lord: Numbers 6:22-27; Psalm 67:2-3,5-6,8; Galatians 4:4-7; Luke 2:16-21See page 2

Welcome to the Christian world Kyle David Stadford. Kyle was baptized at Our Lady of Sorrows. Congratulations to his parents Kyle and Clarissa.

Stewardship of Treasure for December 25, 2016 Regular Collection $14,344.00

Update on Capital Campaign: “We Are Living Stones” We did the boiler repair at the school building that cost us $10,075.00. Besides this, we are replacing the boiler (of 1959) for the church and Maria Room. It will cost us another $30,000 or so. Thank you for your generosity!

Sharing God’s Blessings Annual Appeal 2016 OLM Goal: $38,356.00 OLS Goal: $3,896 As of December 26, 2016 there are 163families who have generously shared their blessings to the annual appeal. We have achieved 93.88% of our goal ($35,010.00) so far. I know and trust that we can do better than that with your generosity. We need $3,346.00 more. Please try your best to support the Annual Appeal with what you are blessed with. Thanks and God bless you!

Answers from Father Marty As I have been doing in each bulletin, I try to answer a question dealing with parish finances or with our 2015-2016 Financial Report. Here is a perfect question for this Christmas Season. QUESTION: Dear Father Marty, I notice that pastors emphasize the importance of the collection at Christmas time. Can you tell me what that is the case, isn’t every Sunday collection important? ANSWER: You are correct. Every Sunday collection is important since that is the main source of the income necessary to cover parish operating expenses and to pay the salaries and benefits of our employ-ees. But the collection during the Christmas season is important since every parish budget, including ours, counts on a significant and generous collection at Christmas to balance parish expenses and income. Every pastor hopes that his parishioners will realize that their Christmas contribution to the parish is very important. I should add that Christmas contributions can be made any time during the Christmas Season that ends January 9. Of course, you can always make an additional Christmas contribution and that would be deeply appreciated. Thanks for the ques-tion and Best Wishes for a wonderful Christmas Season. More questions are welcome. Just drop off your questions at the parish office or put them in the collection basket.

Catholic Bible Study 2017

The Great Adventure Catholic Bible Study studies provide the easiest way to understand the Bible and experience the life-changing power of God’s Word Hundreds of thousands of people have found new meaning in their lives through this program. This Bible Study will take place in 14 sessions that will be spread over a 10 month period. During these 14 sessions, we will watch some parts of the video presentations by Jeff Cavins, a famous Catholic evangelist, author, and biblical scholar. He created the Great Adventure Catholic Bible Study that is used throughout the United States. This Bible Study will focus books of the Sacred Scriptures that tell the wonderful and exciting story of God’s relationship with His people from the time of Adam to Christ and the Church. Those taking part in this exciting and enjoyable “great adventure” will also complete a per-sonal workbook and share their insights with their fellow participants.

First Session January 16, 2017 (Monday)

7:30 - 9:30PM Maria Room

COME JOIN US! ENJOY THE ADVENTURE!

Registration starts on December 18, 2016 and ends on January 3, 2017. Forms are available at the parish office. A donation of $37 (cash or check made out to Our Lady of Mercy Church) to cover the cost of the course materials. An optional order of the RSV Catholic Edition Bible, which will be used in the study. It costs $13. Or order it at Amazon.com.

To both parishes’ Trustees, Parish Pastoral Councils, Finance Councils, all ministers of different ministries, volunteers and all parishioners, Thank you! May we all have many blessings in this new year and the years to come. As they say it in latin: “Ad Multos Annos!” Feliz Ano Nuevo! Buon Anno! Bonne Annee! Maligayang Bagong Taon! Happy New Year! My best regards!Love,+Father Marty

Feast of Sto. Nino, January 15, 2017 Our Lady of Mercy Parish invites you to a celebration of the Feast of Sto. Nino (Holy Infant Jesus) on Sunday, January 15, 2017 at the 1:15 p.m. mass. Come in festive attire! Bring your statue of Sto. Nino for blessing! Watch Sinulog Dance by OLM School of Religion students! Join GOZOS (Batubalani sa Gug-ma)! Enjoy pot luck lunch in the Maria Room! Calling all Cebuanos - We need you to lead in praising the Holy Infant Jesus through GOZOS. Please contact Presy @ 201-332-2237 or preslorenzo@aol.com if you could help us out.

Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Newark Have you lived, worked, or attended schools in Hudson, Essex, or Union Counties for the past 4 years? You may be eligible for FREE Hous-ing Counseling Services! Services include Foreclosure/ Homelessness Prevention, Fair Housing Education, Pre and Post Purchase Counseling and more! Services are immediately available in English and Spanish, and translation services for other languages are available as well. Contact us for more information: Hudson 973-424-7616 / Essex 862-229-4464 / Union 862-229-4468

Young Adult RetreatFebruary 10-12, 2017 Marianist Family Retreat Center Cape May Point, NJCome join other young adults (ages 22-35) married or single, to take a step back from your busy lives. This will be a time to examine your personal faith and your relationship with God, your family members and yourself. Our time will be filled with prayer experiences, peer group discussions. Eucharist and lots of fun.Cost: $130.00 per person, double occupancy. Register at: www.capemaymarianists.org. Some financial aid is available.

OLM Parish Rosary Crusade 2017 You can still sign up as a host family for the statues of Our Lady of Mercy and Our Lady of Fatima during 2017. Available dates for Our Lady of Fatima are: Sept. 24, October 22, Nov. 26, and Dec. 10. Available dates for Our Lady of Mercy are: Apr. 30, Jun 4, July 2, 9, and 30, Aug 6 and 27, Nov 26, Dec 10 and 31. Please call 201-332-2237 and ask for Presy if you would like to sign up for either statue. You may also e-mail preslorenzo@aol.com.

AdoptionChildren in China need homes. There are more boys available than girls. Older parents and single women are welcome. For more information please call Barbara Salvesen at 845-623-5277.

Mark Your Calendar Jersey City Together

Meets Here Thursday, Jan. 12 at 7:30pm

We are excited to announce that Jersey City Together has chosen to have its First Annual Meeting here at our parish on Thursday, January 12, from 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm. We are certainly honored to host this meeting. Jersey City Together is an organization made up of more than 30 religious and com-munity groups. Our Lady of Mercy Parish and Our Lady of Sorrows are important

members of this organization. In fact, there is a local chapter of Jersey City Together here at Our Lady of Mercy. Jersey City Together has made a positive difference during the past year. It has urged Jersey City to upgrade it security cameras, pushed for a revaluation of city properties, worked to improve after school programs, urged city and county officials to put more funds into affordable housing, worked with the Police Department and the Department of Public Works to address traffic issues particularly in Country Village and Society Hill, and it continues to work to improve public safety. We encourage all members of OLM to join us Thursday, January 12, at 7:30 pm. Come support the work of Jersey City Together.

Take Care In Jimmy Fallon’s first monologue as host of NBC’s The Tonight Show, he expressed thanks to all past hosts. On an occasion when he might have said, “And now this stage is mine!” or “I’m delighted to be counted among such greats,” instead he stated with deep humility, “I just want to do the best I can and take care of this

show for a while.” Take care of. That’s language not of ownership but of stewardship. That’s the language of Genesis 2:15 (NIV) — “The LORD God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.” What have we been called to “take care of for a little while”? The earth, surely. Perhaps a congregation, a business, a neighbor in need, a volunteer or an employee. A child, who may need less care — or different forms of it — as time goes on. We don’t own these people and things. God invites us to be stewards of them, to care for them, to use wisely and value these precious gifts … and someday, to pass them on to others.

Dear Brothers and Sisters, Happy Christmas! Today the Church once again experiences the wonder of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Saint Joseph and the shepherds of Bethlehem, as they con-template the newborn Child laid in a manger: Jesus, the Saviour. On this day full of light, the prophetic proclamation resounds: “For to us a child is born, To us a son is given. And the government will be upon his shoulder; and his name will be called “Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (Is 9:6) The power of this Child, Son of God and Son of Mary, is not the power of this world, based on might and wealth; it is the power of love. It is the power which created the heavens and the earth, which gives life to all creation: to minerals, plants and animals; it is the force which attracts man and woman, and makes them one flesh, one single existence; it is the power which gives new birth, pardons faults, reconciles enemies, and transforms evil into good. It is the power of God. This power of love led Jesus Christ to strip himself of his glory and become man; it led him to give his life on the cross and to rise from the dead. It is the power of service, which inaugurates in our world the Kingdom of God, a kingdom of justice and peace. For this reason, the birth of Jesus was accompanied by the angels’ song as they proclaimed: “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace among men with whom he is pleased!” (Lk 2:14). Today this message goes out to the ends of the earth to reach all peoples, especially those scarred by war and harsh conflicts that seem stronger than the yearning for peace. Peace to men and women in the war-torn land of Syria, where far too much blood has been spilled. Above all in the city of Aleppo, site of the most awful battles in recent weeks, it is most urgent that assistance and support be guaranteed to the exhausted civil populace, with respect for humanitarian law. It is time for weapons to be still forever, and the in-ternational community to actively seek a negotiated solution, so that civil coexistence can be restored in the country. Peace to women and men of the beloved Holy Land, the land chosen and favoured by God. May Israelis and Palestinians have the courage and the determination to write a new page of history, where hate and revenge give way to the will to build together a future of mutual understanding and harmony. May Iraq, Libya and Yemen – where their peoples suffer war and the brutality of terrorism – be able once again to find unity and

concord. Peace to the men and women in various parts of Africa, especially in Nigeria, where fundamentalist terrorism exploits even children in order to perpetrate horror and death. Peace in South Sudan and the Dem-ocratic Republic of the Congo, so that divisions may be healed and all people of good will may strive to undertake the path of development and sharing, preferring the culture of dialogue to the mindset of conflict. Peace to women and men who to this day suffer the consequences of the conflict in Eastern Ukraine, where there is urgent need for a common desire to bring relief to the civil population and to put into practice the commitments which have been assumed. We implore harmony for the dear people of Colombia, which seeks to embark on a new and courageous path of dialogue and reconciliation. May such courage also motivate the beloved country of Venezuela to un-dertake the necessary steps to put an end to current tensions, and build together a future of hope for the whole population. Peace to all who, in different areas, are enduring sufferings due to constant dangers and persistent injustice. May Myanmar consolidate its efforts to promote peaceful coexistence and, with the assistance of the international community, provide necessary protection and humanitarian assistance to all those who gravely and urgently need it. May the Korean peninsula see the tensions it is experiencing overcome in a renewed spirit of cooperation. Peace to those who have lost a person dear to them as a result of brutal acts of terrorism, and to those who have sown fear and death into the hearts of so many countries and cities. Peace – not merely the word, but a real and concrete peace – to our abandoned and excluded brothers and sisters, to those who suffer hunger and to all the victims of violence. Peace to exiles, migrants and refugees, to all those who in our day are subject to human trafficking. Peace to the peoples who suffer because of the economic ambitions of the few, because of the sheer greed and the idolatry of money, which leads to slavery. Peace to those affected by social and economic unrest, and to those who endure the consequences of earthquakes or other natural catastrophes. Peace to the children, on this special day on which God became a child, above all those deprived of the joys of childhood because of hunger, wars or the selfishness of adults. Peace on earth to men and women of goodwill, who work quietly and patiently each day, in their families and in society, to build a more humane and just world, sustained by the conviction that only with peace is there the possibility of a more prosperous future for all. Dear brothers and sisters, “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given”: he is the “Prince of peace”. Let us welcome him!

Pope Francis delivered his traditional “Urbi et Orbi” Christmas day message from the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican last December 25, 2016. Here is the full text of his message to the City of Rome, and to the whole World.

Christmas 2016Urbi Et Orbi

SATURDAY, December 315:00pm Noel Vivas r/b Lorna MercadoSOLEMNITY OF MARY, Octave Day of the Nativity of the Lord – January 17:30am Macario Balcos, Sr. r/b Wilma Gonzales11:15am For the People1:15pm Ernesto Balingit (L) (Birthday) r/b John BalingitMONDAY, January 27:00am Aniceta Bautista r/b Yap Family8:45am Kathleen Hudak r/b Patricia NoonanTUESDAY, January 37:00am Gregorio Torres r/b Vickie Figueras8:45am Edgardo Balatbat (Death Anniv.) r/b Betty BalatbatWEDNESDAY, January 47:00am Open Intention8:45am Orlando Purificacion r/b Benny & Nenita PurificacionTHURSDAY, January 57:00am Magdalena Torres r/b Vickie Figueras8:45am Dionisio, Sr. & Cirila Gagarin r/b Gagarin FamilyFRIDAY, January 67:00am Open Intention8:45am George Lim (L) (Birthday) r/b Gelayne & Lainnie LimSATURDAY, January 78:45am Purgatorial Society5:00pm George L. Medina r/b Carmen & Renato TuazonThe Epiphany of the Lord – January 87:30am Open Intention11:15am Eduardo Ongpin r/b Rene & Olive Bacaray1:15pm Manuel Dionela r/b Rene & Olive Bacaray7:00pm For the People

Mass Intentions

BREAD & WINE: The offering for the bread to be used this week at our Eucharistic Wor-ship was in memory of Guiz & Gigi Macalintal (L). The offering for the wine to be used this week at our Eucharistic Worship was given in memory of The People.SANCTUARY LAMPS: The lamp burning over our tabernacle in the Church this week is offered In Thanksgiving for All the Blessings Received by Trinidad Reyes. The lamp burning over our tabernacle in the Chapel this week is offered for The People.

PLEASE PRAY FOR THE SICK: Paul Calefati, Bernadette Vibar, Elaine Staltari, Othelia G. Laurena, John Ale-shunas, Jean Karycinski, Dorothy Darcy, Erlinda Jacinto, Presentacion Sorio, Leonora Loyola, Eric Bautista, Lilian Kryczkowski, Ellen Iorio, Jessica Pavone, Ian Malesiewski, Francisca Estallo, Ruben Catipon, Angela Salvador, Mary A. Mullins, Henry N. Bolante, Sr., Clarita Salvador, Teresita Cordon , Vincent Mastria, Maria Svaligmac, Bill Macchi, Craig Rutkowski, James Seaman, Makenzie Cadmus, Manuel J.Juson, MD

Parish Offices

Our Lady of Mercy Parish40 Sullivan Drive, Jersey City, NJ 07305Phone: 201-434-7500Web: olmnj.org | Email: olmjcnj@aol.comOffice Hours: Monday to Friday 8:00am – 3:00pm Saturday 9:00am – 1:00pm

Our Lady of Sorrows Parish93 Clerk Street, Jersey City, NJ 07305Phone: 201-433-0626Email: ols9395@comcast.net

Pastor for OLM and Administrator for OLS:Reverend Father Marty B. Jacinto

Parochial Vicars:Father Thomas Iwanowski Father Ranulfo D. Docabo

Sunday Associate:Father Renato J. Bautista

Permanent Deacon:Deacon Nick Fargo (Emeritus)Deacon Meynardo Espeleta

Pastoral Associates:For Faith Formation (OLM)Regina ‘Jeng’ Matias-Villa

For Pastoral Life (OLS)Sister Alice McCoy, OPSister Elise Redmerski, OP

Director of Music Ministries:Doris Ellen L. Estallo (OLM)Michael Rivera (OLS)

Youth/Young Adult MinistriesDirector of Youth/Young Adult Ministries:Regina ‘Jeng’ Matias-Villa

Parish Trustees:Presy Lorenzo (OLM) Renato Tuazon (OLM)Michelle Bodden (OLS) John Taylor (OLS)

Mass ScheduleSaturday Vigil : 5:00pmSunday : 7:30am, 11:15am, 1:15pm and 7:00pmMonday - Friday : 7:00am and 8:45amSaturday : 8:45am

ReconciliationOLM ~ Saturday 3:30pm - 4:30pm Any time by appointmentOLS ~ Any time by appointment

Advent Penance ServiceThere will a communal penance service at Our Lady of Mercy Church on December 5th at 7:30pm. Please make extra effort to avail this in order to celebrate the birth of Our Lord Jesus Christ with a right heart.

Ministry to the Sick and Homebound If you, a family member or neighbor is hospitalized and wish a visit from a Parish priest, call the Parish Office or email us at olmjcnj@aol.com. The Sacrament of the Sick: Any homebound or hospitalized parishioner may request this Sacrament by calling 201-434-7500.