ST. ELIZABETH - ST. BRIGID PARISH August 14 - August 21, 2016 Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time

LITURGICAL SCHEDULE

(†) Deceased (L) Living

Monday, August 15 ~ The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary 8:30 AM (St. Elizabeth) Rosary for Vocations 9:00 AM (St. Elizabeth) Mass: Sara Henderson †

Tuesday, August 16 ~ St. Stephen of Hungary 8:45 AM (St. Brigid) Morning Prayer 9:00 AM (St. Brigid) Mass: Margaret & William

Beaver †

Wednesday, August 17 8:45 AM (St. Elizabeth) Novena 9:00 AM (St. Elizabeth) Mass: John C. Kurylo †

Thursday, August 18 8:45 AM (St. Brigid) Morning Prayer 9:00 AM (St. Brigid) Mass: William Terracino †

Friday, August 19 ~ St. John Eudes 8:45 AM (St. Brigid) Rosary for Vocations 9:00 AM (St. Brigid) Mass: Tom O’Callaghan †

Saturday, August 20 ~ St. Bernard

5:00 PM (St. Brigid) Mass: Giovanni Di Verdi † 6:30 PM (St. Elizabeth) Mass: Domenick Amato †

Sunday, August 21 Twenty-First Sunday in Ordinary Time

7:30 AM (St. Brigid) Mass: For the Parishioners 8:30 AM (St. Elizabeth) Mass: Nancy Lofrano † 9:30 AM (St. Brigid) Mass: Charles “Buzz” Moschetto † 10:30 AM (St. Elizabeth) Mass: Eileen Smith- Stanton † 11:30 AM (St. Brigid) Mass: Victoria Sibilia † ST. BRIGID CHURCH The Handicapped parking lot Project has begun. Please pardon our appearance.

FIND NEARBY CHURCHES For information on Catholic Churches while you are traveling. Visit www.masstimes.org Remember to bring home a bulletin or two to share what is happening in other churches.

LITURGICAL MINISTERS Saturday, August 20, 2016

St. Brigid --------------------------------------------- 5:00 PM (E) J. Zachman, V. Zachman (R) C. Ross

(A) Assistance Needed St. Elizabeth ----------------------------------------6:30 PM

(E) K. Blejwas (R) Assistance Needed (A) R. Sternick

Sunday, August 21, 2016 St. Brigid --------------------------------------------- 7:30 AM

(E) P. Riedel (R) S. Santucci (A) A. & M. Johnson

St. Elizabeth----------------------------------------- 8:30 AM (E) D. Karner (R) J. Howe

(A) Assistance Needed St. Brigid --------------------------------------------- 9:30 AM

(E) Assistance Needed (R) Assistance Needed (A) C. & M. Ruggia

St. Elizabeth--------------------------------------- 10:30 AM (E) F. Grigni (R) Assistance Needed

(A) Assistance Needed St. Brigid ------------------------------------------- 11:30 AM

(E) F. & G. Paez (R) J. Paez (A) W. & L. Mahala, P. LeDuc

“For everything there is a season and a time for every purpose under heaven…”

A time to heal… Please pray for the sick of our parishes including: Elizabeth Kurylo, Ruth Stahl, Maria Nucci, Dave Martin, Edmond Rochat, Jr., Ann Buttacavoli, Victoria Gass, Barbara Giarretta, Phyllis Munstis, and Mike Tocci. A time to die… Please pray for those who have recently passed away.

PRAY FOR POPE FRANCIS AND HIS INTENTIONS UNIVERSAL: Sports That sports may be an opportunity for friendly encounters between peoples and may contribute to peace in the world. EVANGELIZATION: Living the Gospel That Christians may live the Gospel, giving witness to faith, honesty, and love of neighbor.

Dear Fellow Parishioners, We are writing to as the members of the Parish Pastoral Council. St. Elizabeth-St. Brigid Parish Pastoral Council was formed in 2011 when Monsignor Puleo contacted several parishioners asking for their input regarding pastoral programs and services that are important to our unique parish community. Our first order of business was to craft our parish mission which you might recognize, as it is said at the beginning of each Mass: The Mission of St. Elizabeth-St. Brigid Parish is to become more faithful members of the body of Christ and to become a bridge to bring others into the loving embrace of Jesus. With the intention of helping this mission come alive in our parish, we focused on evangelization, service, and community. To support evangelization, we polled families, hosted small groups for coffee and conversation, and prayed for guidance from the Holy Spirit. We developed a welcome package for new parishioners and put a process in place to reach out individually to them and answer their questions. Our Council also worked with one of our talented parishioners to develop a new website with more information about our parish programs and activities. Please visit this site at www.SaintEB.org. Some parishioners have also participated in "Cornerstone," a parish-based retreat experience for men and women wishing to grow in greater love with their Catholic faith. Some have also participated in Saturday morning Lectio Divina (Sacred Reading) prayer groups. We hope to expand these opportunities to further promote the spiritual growth of our parish family. Currently, we are getting our parish involved in an Inter-faith Hospitality Network (IHN) to support the needs of the homeless in our area. Now that the foundation for our Parish Pastoral Council has been established, we are

seeking new and younger members of the parish to become part of the Council. New members must be committed to share their time and talent and be collaborative. Council meetings are typically held once a month from September through June. If you would like to consider becoming a member of the Council, please email us at PastoralCouncil@SaintEB.org. God Bless, Vera Riccardi Zachman, Chairwoman Michael Bielawa Ginny Brach Joseph Giunta Harold Jones William Mosca Debbie Terracino Kathy Yeomans Margaret Mulrooney Rev. Msgr. Edward C. Puleo

TWENTIETH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

First Reading: Jeremiah 38:4-6, 8-10 Jeremiah urged the people of Jerusalem to surrender to the enemy. This angered the princes, who then requested that Jeremiah be put to death. The king allowed the princes to leave him in a cistern without food or water. But after Ebed Melech pleaded for Jeremiah's life, the king decided to free him. Second Reading: Hebrews 12:1-4 This letter to the Hebrews inspires all Christians to persevere, in spite of the trials they may face. Jesus endured much suffering and was rewarded by God. Despite our struggles, we must remember Jesus' ability to endure and maintain strong faith in him. Gospel: Luke 12:49-53 Jesus tells his disciples that his message will not bring peace to the earth. Instead, even families will become sharply divided because some members will embrace him, while others condemn him.

"There is more hunger in the world for love and appreciation in this world than for bread." — Mother Teresa

Remember in your prayers the members of our Armed Services, especially Patrick Blankenship of the USMC & Ryan O’Connor of the US Army, close friends of Jean Fall; John F. Stahl of the US

Army, son, Joseph Stahl of the Navy, grandson, and Eric Hummel of the US Army nephew of Ruth Stahl; Brendan Patrick Duffy of the US Army, son of Deacon Larry & Denise Duffy; Jordan Weaver of the Air Force, husband of Christy (LaPointe) Weaver; Timothy Donovan of the US Navy, close friend of Tom Gioino; Charles Clough of the USMC, son of John & Jan Clough; PFC Sean McMahon of the US Army, friend of The LaPointe family; John Walker of the Air Force, grandson of Bernard & Joan O’Reilly; Christopher Jibilian, US Navy pilot and Matthew Jibilian US Navy Seal, grand-nephews of Charlie & Pina Jibilian.

SPREADING THE WORD “Do you think I have come to give you peace on

Earth? No, I tell you, but rather division.” Luke 12:51

Living a stewardship lifestyle means stepping out of our comfort zone when needed. Many of us like to play it safe, not cause waves, stay in the middle of the road. In today’s world we are called to be informed and take a stance for life, marriage and religious liberty.

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 initiates the weekend of September 16-18, 2016. All inquiries are confidential. For further information please call the Family Life Office 732-562-1990 x4573, Rich & Annette Colasuonno 732-236-0671 or Tom & Pat McTague 732-583-4468 (evenings).

St. Elizabeth - St Brigid Mass Guild

The following names have been enrolled in the Mass Guild of St. Elizabeth-St. Brigid Parish:

July 2016

PRAYER FOR OUR COUNTRY AT ELECTION TIME

Loving God and Father, watch over our country in these times of

confusion and apathy. Keep us caressed in your merciful care,

even though we have failed to remain vigilant, in respecting human life from the moment of conception to the moment of natural death;

in recognizing all people as equal; in recognizing the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

Remain with us, Lord, in the days ahead. Protect us in our greatest needs.

Protect our protectors in their military service. Protect our families; our neighborhoods;

our cities, towns, states and nation. May our flag fly high

and our prayers even higher, reaching the One who loves us the most -

to keep us safe and secure for the spiritual battles yet to be won.

Give us leaders in our country who, we pray, will respond generously

to your Divine Providence, for the greater good of all men and women who live in our land,

and for all generations to come. Through Christ Our Lord, Amen.

By Reverend John G. Hillier DIOCESAN PILGRIMAGE TO THE NATIONAL SHRINE

OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION On Saturday, November 19, 2016, Bishop Checchio will lead a pilgrimage to the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, DC, concluding the Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy and celebrating the Thirty-Fifth Anniversary of the creation of the Diocese by St. John Paul II. More details about the pilgrimage, including how to register, will appear in the bulletin in coming weeks.

Thomas J. Laird Carmela Sessa Chonchitta Laralde Michael L. Bolio Frances E McKeon Connie Henry Marguerite Corona Maureen Villa

MIDDLE SCHOOL AND HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS

PLEASE REGISTER FOR OUR 2016-2017 RELIGIOUS

EDUCATION PROGRAM FOR GRADES K-8 You can choose from two Sunday morning sessions, either 8:15 AM to 9:25 AM or from 10 AM to 11:10 AM. Registration forms were e-mailed

home and are also located at the back of both Churches. Feel free to email, mail or drop off your completed forms and payment to the Parish Center. If you need additional forms, please contact the office at (908) 234-1524. Returning students who do not register by June 30, 2016 may be required to pay a late fee of $50. For students transferring from another Parish’s Religious Education Program or from a Catholic school please include a letter of verification indicating grade levels completed, sacramental history, progress reports, and certificates of Baptism and First Holy Communion.

WE WELCOME YOUR PRAYER INTENTIONS The Diocesan Office for Persons with Disabilities has a dedicated phone line and an email address to receive prayer intentions from persons with disabilities, the homebound, their caregivers, relatives and friends. Call the prayer line at 732-765-6431 or send an email to catholicswithdisabilities@gmail.com and your intentions will be remembered in prayer at Holy Mass.

SILVER & GOLDEN WEDDING ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

You are cordially invited to celebrate your 25th or 50th Wedding Anniversary with the Church of Metuchen. Renew your

marriage vows with Bishop James F. Checchio at a special Evening Prayer Service in the Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi, Metuchen on Sunday, October 30, 2016 at 4 PM. Forms must be signed by your priest, pastoral minister or deacon and returned to the Family Life Office by the parish office. The deadline for registration is Monday, October 17th. A confirmation letter with further details will be sent once your application has been processed. For further information, please call the Family Life Office to 732-562-1990 x4573 or email, amatos@diometuchen.org. Application forms may be secured by contacting your parish office or by logging on to the diocesan website: www.diometuchen.org and click on EVENTS tab.

THE CRITICAL LIFE ISSUES CONFERENCE 2016

The Diocese of Metuchen in collaboration with the Archdiocese of Newark

Saturday, October 29, 2016 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM

St. John Neumann Conference Center 146 Metlars Lane, Piscataway, NJ

Speakers include: Fr. Tad Pacholczyk, Ph.D. Director of Education.

“Making Sense of Bioethics”

Renee Bondi, Singer. Speaker, Author “Disability: God’s Mercy in Disguise”

Theresa Flores, LSW, MS Human Trafficking Survivor, Author and Victim’s Advocate.

“The Hidden Epidemic: Human Trafficking”

David Hajduk Ph.D. Speaker, Teacher, Author “The Abortion-Contraception Connection”

The conference begins with Mass and there will be Eucharistic Adoration throughout the day. This event features a variety of exhibits. Lunch and handouts are included. Join us for the day filled with information, inspirational and spirituality! For more information visit www.diometuchen.org

SPIRITUAL ADOPTION End of Month One—“My heart is beating” Thank you for praying for me. I am one month old now. I have a heart

pumping my blood and a backbone. I am very, very tiny and I appreciate your prayers. Your spiritually adopted baby has been quite active over the past month. Already your baby is 10,000 times bigger than at conception. Your baby has developed the foundations of his brain, spinal cord, and nervous system by the 20th day. His heart began to beat on the 21st day, pumping blood through its own circulatory system and the blood type can be different from the mother’s. Your baby is most vulnerable during the next month of being aborted. Pray that the Lord of Life might move the heart of the mother to give him the most precious gift of all—the gift of life

SPIRITUALLY ADOPT-A-BABY I, ____________________________, will pray daily: Jesus, Mary and Joseph I love you very much. I beg you to spare the life of the unborn child that I have spiritually adopted who is in danger of abortion. -- Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen

Baby’s Name: ________________________________ (choose a name for your baby) The Office for Persons with Disabilities, Diocese of Metuchen, has a number of donated disability aids on hand which we would be happy to make available to anyone in the parish who might have need of them. They include wheelchairs, crutches, walkers, canes, and porta-potties, plus other items. A complete list of available items has been provided to your parish office. If you have any questions, or wish to contact our office directly, please feel free to contact us at 732-765-6432 or e-mail: catholicswithdisabilities@g mail.com. To request prayers for yourself or others, please call our 24 hour prayer line: 732-765-6431.

Have you suffered an abortion? Experience God’s love and mercy and begin the

journey of healing. Call the Sisters of Life: 866-575-0075 or email hopeandhealing@sistersoflife.org.

For men, call 877-586-4621.

FACT SHEET - A3452/S2026, THE NJ PAIN CAPABLE UNBORN CHILD PROTECTION ACT

It is undisputed that the risk to a mother’s health from abortion increases as gestation increases. The risk of death at 8 weeks gestation is 1 death per 1 million abortions; at 16 to

20 weeks, that risk rises to one death per 29,000 abortions; and at 21 weeks gestation or later, the risk of death is one per every 11,000 abortions. This means that a woman seeking an abortion at 20 weeks is 35 times more likely to die from abortion than she was in the first trimester. At 21 weeks or more, she is 91 times more likely to die from abortion than she was in the first trimester.

Late abortions are a factor in increased mental and physical health problems in women.

A3452/S2026 explicitly does not apply in instances where the mother’s life is at risk or she would suffer “substantial and irreversible impairment of a major bodily function,” exceptions that Congress has previously enacted to address concerns about protecting a woman’s life.

Please call the Respect for Life Office at 732-562-1990 ext. 1629 or 1543 if you would like additional information. Thank you for continued prayers and support for this effort.

SUMMER ENVELOPES

We sincerely thank our parishioners who mail or deliver your weekly envelopes to the parish office while

you are out-of-town on vacations this summer. As many of you understand, our parish expenses and obligations do not take a vacation when you do, so it is very helpful to be able to rely on your continued support even when you cannot personally attend Mass here.

CATHOLIC CHARITIES Please help support our local programs by donating Clothing, Shoes, and Household items in our donation bin located in the parking lot. Your continued generosity is appreciated. If you have any questions or have a larger pick up please call our toll free number 1-877-343-3651.