MASS SCHEDULE Saturday: 7:00 & 8:00 AM 6:00 PM (Vigil Mass) Sunday: 7:30 & 9:30 AM English 11:00 AM Italian 12:30 PM English (Family Mass) 7:00 PM Portuguese Holy Days: 6:30, 8:00, 10:00 AM & 7:30 PM Weekdays: 7:00 & 8:00 AM Other Services & Activities: Monday to Saturday: 7:40 AM Morning Prayer Mondays: 7:30 PM Friends of Fr. Justin Tuesdays: 9:00 AM Legion of Mary 7:30 PM Holy Rosary Society (Feb 24) 8:00 PM Holy Rosary in Portuguese Wednesdays: 7:30 PM Holy Rosary in Italian Thursdays: 2:00 PM Bible Study in Italian 6:15 to 7:15 PM Holy Hour for Vocations (Dec 19) 8:30 PM Rosary by Brazilian Men (Dec 12) 7:30 PM V.A.U.S. (Jan23) Fridays: 8:30 PM Brazilian Prayer Group 1st Fridays: 5:30 to 8:30 PM Bl. Sacrament Adoration (Dec 13)

Served by the Vocationist Fathers Fr. Stephen Ehiahuruike, S.D.V., Administrator Fr. Louis Caputo, S.D.V., Parochial Vicar

Church & Rectory 442 E Brinkerhoff Ave Palisades Park, NJ 07650 Tel. 201-944-1154 Fax. 201-944-9510 Email. stnicholas07650@live.com Website. www.stnicholasrcchurch.org

Office Hours Mon, Wed, Thu & Fri 11:30 AM - 6:00 PM Tuesdays 4:00 PM - 9:00 PM (Mornings by appointment only)

ADMINISTRATION OF THE SACRAMENTS Baptisms: On any available Sunday during the 11:00 AM (Italian), 12:30 PM (English) & 7:00 PM (Portuguese) Masses. Please contact the rectory at least one month prior to desired date. Confessions: Saturdays 5:00 to 5:45 PM, or during the week by appointment. Marriages: Please contact the rectory at least six months prior to desired wedding date. Sacrament of the Sick: If you are hospitalized or un-able to come to Church for health reasons and would like to be visited by a priest for Confession, Commun-ion, or Anointing of the Sick, please call the rectory. Religious Education Program (CCD): For children 1st to 8th grades who are not attending Catholic School. Classes are held on Sundays from September to May at 11:30 AM, with attendance to the 12:30 PM Family Mass. Confirmation: Classes are held on Sundays, from Janu-ary to April at 11:00 AM in the church hall, with attendance to the 12:30 PM Family Mass.

ST. NICHOLAS RC CHURCH ST. NICHOLAS RC CHURCH

222ndndnd Sunday of Advent Sunday of Advent Sunday of Advent December 8, 2013 December 8, 2013 December 8, 2013

Produce good fruit worthy of your baptism; repent, for the reign of God is near (Matthew 3:1-12).

ST NICHOLAS RC CHURCH Parish Trustees: Walter Luers & Giovanni Simone Parish Secretary: Débora Moreira Music Ministry: Addie Luers, Giovanni & Karen Simone, Kelly Oliveira

Vocationist Sisters Community Sr. Benedita Carvalho, S.D.V., Superior & Pre-K Director Sr. Antonietta Cioce, S.D.V., Sr. Ermelita (Amy) Gella, S.D.V. and Sr. Meltiana Ding, S.D.V. 223 14th Street - Palisades Park, NJ Tel. 201-947-2413 Parish Pre-K “Fr. Justin Learning Center” Tel. 201-944-1376

Notre Dame Interparochial Academy Sponsored by St. Nicholas, St. Michael and St. Matthew Pre-K to Grade 8: 312 First Street, Palisades Park, NJ Principal: Ms. Rita Miragliotta Tel. 201-947-5262

MASS INTENTIONS MASS INTENTIONS MASS INTENTIONS SATURDAY, December 7 7:00AM Maria Matesic by M/M Martino Matesic 8:00AM Andrea Mirkovich by daughter Gaudenzia 6:00PM(Vigil) Maryrose & Phillip Luciano by grandchildren SUNDAY, December 8 7:30AM Nicola & Lucca Picinic by Antonia Picinic 9:30AM Immacolata Simone by Simone family 11:00AM Maria Mattessich by daughter-in-law Maria 12:30PM Dominic Gallo by Angela Nigrone 7:00PM People of the Parish MONDAY, December 9 7:00AM Mary Bussanich by Matthew Piccini 8:00AM John & Alvina Abruzzo by Maryann & Stanley 7:30PM Deceased members of our parish TUESDAY, December 10 7:00AM Ivan Lisica by wife Regina 8:00AM Antonio Mircovich by James & Angela Tarabocchia WEDNESDAY, December 11 7:00AM Maria Bussanich by Glavan family 8:00AM Antonio Mircovich by M/M Tom Morin 7:30PM Deceased members of our parish THURSDAY, December 12 7:00AM Mary Bussanich by Maria Morin 8:00AM Maria Pulice by Maria & Roberto Suriano FRIDAY, December 13 7:00AM In honor of St. Lazarus by Eduardo Lorenzo 8:00AM Giovanni Mattessich by daughter-in-law Gaudenzia SATURDAY, December 14 7:00AM Gregory Mattessich by Dominic & Margaret Piccinich 8:00AM Antonio Mircovich by John & Dina Mircovich 6:00PM(Vigil) Agrippina Ochoa by daughters SUNDAY, December 15 7:30AM Anthony Marino by Frank & Anita Lettera 9:30AM Luka Marelic by wife & family 11:00AM Frank Mongelli by Domenica Belvedere & family 12:30PM Italia DeMaio by Eleonora Hroncich 7:00PM People of the Parish

BEREAVEMENT MASSES IN PREPARATION FOR CHRISTMAS—These masses will be celebrated in memory of all those who have departed and are greatly missed. The masses will be on Monday, December 9 at 7:30 PM in Italian and on Wednesday, December 11 at 7:30 PM in English.

CONFESSIONS FOR CHRISTMAS will be on Wednesday, December 11 at 10:00 AM; on Thursday, December 12 at 6:30 PM; or by appointment by calling the rectory office.

BLESSED SACRAMENT ADORATION will be this Friday, December 13 from 5:30 to 8:30 PM.

E.M., LECTORS AND USHERS will meet this Friday, December 13 at 7:30 PM in the rectory, in preparation for the Christmas celebrations.

ST. NICHOLAS CHRISTMAS PARTY & POTLUCK DINNER - Saturday, December 14 at 7:30 PM. It will be a Potluck Dinner (bring your favorite dish and share will others!) - All parishioners are invited to come and celebrate Christmas together!! For more information see page 4.

CHRISTMAS GIFT TREE - Please return your gifts by next Sunday, December 15.

CONFIRMATION 2013-2014—Our 8th grade CCD class will start the Confirmation Program on Sunday, January 5 of 2014 at 11:00 AM, with attendance to the 12:30 PM Mass.

News of the Parish

Holy Hour for Vocations Every Thursday from 6:15 to 7:15 PM in church

~ Except on eve of first Fridays ~

Shoprite Cards are available after each Sunday Mass or during the week at the office. Our church will get 5% of what you spend.

In Memoriam

ALTAR CANDLES donated this week in loving memory of

Edward (Eddie) Duff by Tony & Blanche DiBona

BREAD & WINE donated this week in loving memory of

Antonio Tarabocchia by Mario & MaryAnn Hroncich

SANCTUARY LAMP donated this week in loving memory of

Anthony Marino by his friends at St. Nicholas Parish

Monday, December 9 7:30 PM - Bereavement mass in Italian Tuesday, December 10 9:00 AM - Legion of Mary meeting in Bl. Mother’s room 8:00 PM - Holy Rosary in the Brazilian families Wednesday, December 11 10:00 AM - Confession in preparation for Christmas 7:30 PM - Bereavement mass in English Thursday, December 12 2:00 PM - Bible study in Italian in the church hall 6:30 PM - Confession in preparation for Christmas 8:30 PM - Holy Rosary by Brazilian men in church Friday, December 13 5:30 to 8:30PM - BLESSED SACRAMENT ADORATION 8:40 PM - Brazilian Prayer Group in church hall Saturday, December 14 7:30 PM - Christmas Party—Potluck Dinner & Bingo

Ministers’ Schedule for December 15

6:00 PM: Lectors - Frances and Carmela B. E.M. - Claudia 7:30 AM: Lectors - Michael and Linda 9:30 AM: Lectors - Gina E.M. - Suzanne, Carol and Sr. Bene 11:00 AM: Lectors - Vincent and Lucia E.M. - Antonia, Francesca and Carmela A. 12:30 PM : Lector - Youth E.M. - Rita, Wendy and Roberto 7:00 PM Lectors - Viviane, Leny and Laine E.M. - Cida, Leo and Ieda

Page 3 December 8, 2013

2nd SUNDAY OF ADVENT

WONDERS

The normal response to a surprise is a m a z e m e n t , g r a t i t u d e , a n d delight. By definition, we don't anticipate surpr ises. The i r occurrence reminds us that we cannot always guess or shape the future. Granted, we do what we can do; we attend to the daily tasks, as we must. For grace is surely here in the mundane, and God is in the details. But God is in the happy surprises, too.

Today's readings are filled with startling developments. We hear the clarion cry of one of those rare prophets announcing the coming of the Lord. Isaiah proclaims startling, surprising images of the nearly impossible reconciliation of opposites: calf and lion, leopard and young goat, child and serpent. Isaiah's vision sees all of these creatures living in harmony. This is Eden again; this is paradise. It is God's surprise and promise. Copyright (c) J. S. Paluch Co.

TODAY'S READINGS First Reading -- He shall bring justice for the afflicted; the earth shall overflow with the knowledge of the LORD (Isaiah 11:1-10). Psalm -- Justice shall flourish in his time, and fullness of peace for ever (Psalm 72). Second Reading -- Glorify God by living in harmony with one another, welcoming each other as Christ welcomed you (Romans 15:4-9). Gospel -- Produce good fruit worthy of your baptism; repent, for the reign of God is near (Matthew 3:1-12).

Pastoral CarePastoral Care

Events of the WeekEvents of the Week

Matrimony: Raquel Pierro & Turgut Guersel (12/6)

Pray for our deceased: Renee-Ann Foca (12/1) and Anthony Marino (12/4)

Holy Communion was brought last week to: Val-entine Miele, Alexander Mauro, Augustine Morin, Mary Ostuni, and Sheila Hutchinson.

Pray for our sick: Mateus Ribeiro, Domenica Di-naro, Maria Hughes, Pete Giannantonio, Car-men Vernillo, Carmela Cundari and Anne Ring.

STEWARDSHIP OF TIME & TALENT

Today we honor the memory of our dear parishioner, Anthony Marino

who passed away this week.

Anthony was a kind man and devoted parishioner who served our church

as usher at our 7:30 AM Sunday masses.

Our thoughts and prayers go to his family.

Next week 2nd collection will be for the RETIREMENT FUND FOR RELIGIOUS

STEWARDSHIP OF TREASURE For collection amount please check

bulletin paper edition

Our PARISH REGISTRY helps us maintain contact with our parishioner families. It’s very important that our data information is current. If you moved, got married or ac-quired new members to your family (congratulations!), or are not yet registered — please let us know.

Vocationist Corner

“JUSTINIAN YEAR” September 20, 2013

to September 20, 2014 Come, O Virgin Mary,

to my soul, to my house, to my work, as you went to

Bethlehem; my soul is a poor stable, an ignoble manger.

That notwithstanding, the Lord will want to have his advent

and his birth in my soul! Come, O blessed Virgin Mary!

Blessed Fr. Justin Russolillo, SDV, Devotional, page 185 Learn more about Blessed Fr. Justin visiting the Vocationist Fathers website at www.vocationistfathers.org

PILGRIMAGE TO ROME / ASSISIPILGRIMAGE TO ROME / ASSISIPILGRIMAGE TO ROME / ASSISI AND THE HOLY LANDAND THE HOLY LANDAND THE HOLY LAND

Fr. Stephen is gathering a group of parishioners, family and friends to travel in pil-grimage to Rome - Italy, to attend the canonization of Blessed Pope John Paul II and Pope John XXIII, leaving on April 24,

2014. The trip will extend to the city of Assisi and the Holy Land. If you would like to be part of this group in this incredible journey, please talk to Fr. Stephen after

mass, come to the office or call us at 201-944-1154 or send us an email to stnicholas07650@live.com.

BIBLE STUDY IN ENGLISH — We have plans of starting a group of BIBLE STUDIES IN ENGLISH in January, 2014. The groups will meet on Friday evenings at 7:30 PM. If you are interested in at-tending this group, please fill out the form bellow and mail it the rectory office. You can also drop this form in the collection baskets or email us at

stnicholas07650@live.com

NAME: _________________________________

ADDRESS: _____________________________

_______________________________________

TEL: ____________EMAIL: ________________ For more information please call the rectory office at 201-944-1154

NEW WEBSITE Our parish has a new website! Now it is easier for you to check our mass schedule, weekly bulletins, calendar of meetings and parish groups activities. You can also see pictures of our many events, send your comments and suggestions, request a prayer or ask questions about

religion or personal matters. Visit us at

ST NICHOLAS R C CHURCH.ORG

ST. NICHOLAS ST. NICHOLAS ST. NICHOLAS CHRISTMAS CHRISTMAS CHRISTMAS

PARTYPARTYPARTY POTLUCK DINNER &

BINGO! Saturday, December 14 at 7:30 PM

in the Church Hall It will be a Potluck Dinner (bring your fa-vorite dish and share will others!) and an exciting BINGO! Kids love our family-friendly Bingo with exciting prizes, toys and great baskets!! All parishioners are invited to come and celebrate Christmas together!! We will have a surprise visit of the Holy Family and Santa Claus! Free admission!

OUR LADY OF GRACE church choir will present their annual Christmas concert on Sunday, December 15th at 3:00 PM in church at 395 Delano Place, Fairview, NJ. The students of the school will also take part in the program by depicting the “Nativity”. Admission is free—refreshments will follow.

CHRISTMAS SEASON Poinsettias for the Altar

Donated by:

______________________________

In memory of: _____________________________ __________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Please return this slip with your donation to our Church

~ ~ ~ Our Lady of Guadalupe ~ Our Lady of Guadalupe ~ Our Lady of Guadalupe ~ Patroness of the Americas

Feast day: December 12

December 9th, 1531, Juan Diego, a recent convert to the Catholic faith, was walking to attend the early morning Mass in Mexico City. Passing by Tepeyac Hill he heard the beautiful singing of birds, seemingly from heaven. Looking to see where the ce-lestial music was coming from, he suddenly heard a young woman's voice affectionately calling his name, "Juanito." Reach-ing the top of the hill, he saw a radiant woman clothed in splendid light - the Ever Virgin Holy Mary, Mother of God. She told Juan that she desired him to be her special messenger to the Bishop of Mexico City. Juan was to tell the bishop that Our Lady wanted a church to be built where she could manifest her Son and hear the petitions of her spiritual children. After being put off by the bishop's servants, Juan was finally granted an audience with Francis-can Bishop Fray Juan Zumarraga. The bishop didn't initially believe Juan Diego and asked him to return another day. Secretly, the bishop had been invoking the intercession of the Mother of God for help. The Spaniards had recently conquered the native Aztec people and were treating them harshly. Very few were willing to abandon their pagan gods and embrace the religion of their new dictators. He wondered if Juan Diego's story was the answer to his prayers. Dejected, Juan returned to Tepeyac and asked Our Lady to use someone else more worthy than him-self. She assured him that he was personally chosen to be her ambassador. The next day he returned to plead with the bishop. Though impressed by Juan's persistence, he was still unsure. He sent Juan to tell the Lady he needed a sign in order to know if it was truly her. Upon hearing the bishop's request, Our Lady told Juan to return the next day and she would give him the sign he needed. Returning home, Juan found

his uncle ill and close to death. Instead of returning the next day, Juan stayed home and took care of his ailing uncle. Early on December 12th, Juan rushed to Mexico City in order to get a priest to administer the last rites to his dying uncle. On his way he went around the back of Tepeyac Hill in order to avoid

Our Lady whom he knew would surely understand. But Our Lady meet him any-way telling him not to worry, his uncle was already healed. He was to learn later that at that moment Our Lady had appeared to his uncle, who was restored to health. She urged Juan to go to the top of the hill were he would find flowers miraculously growing. Juan was astonished to see so many vibrant flowers

during the frosty time of the year. He cut them and gathered them in his tilma (cloak). Our Lady ar-ranged the flowers with her own hands, rolled up the tilma and ordered Juan not to unfurl his tilma until he was in the presence of the bishop. After being harassed by the bishop's servants, Juan was finally brought in to see him. After recount-ing every detail of his conversation with Our Lady, he let down his tilma and the flowers fell to the floor. Juan was surprised when everyone in the room also fell to the floor on their knees. The image of Our Lady had miraculously appeared on Juan's tilma! Repent-ing for his unbelief with abundant tears, Bishop Juan Zumarraga promised to build the shrine that Our Lady had requested. Soon the church was built and the holy image transferred. The story spread like wildfire and people began to stream in to see the heavenly image and hear the story from Juan Diego. Many miracles start-ing happening and in the following years some 10 million were baptized and converted to the Jesus Christ!