Rev. Nicholas Bozza, Pastor 375 Main Street, P.O. Box 730, Chester, New Jersey 07930

Coordinators of Religious Education:

Carla Fuscaldo, Dorothy Kudron, Terry Leing

Cynthia Vittitow— Catechesis of the Good Shepherd

Brian Flanagan — Confirmation

Kathleen Galdi — DRE

Music Minister: Joseph P. Tamburro

Youth Minister: Brian Flanagan

Mercy Minister: Cindy Zeis

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION FOR CHILDREN: Gr. 1-8: Sun. 9:00-10:45 am (includes Mass)

Gr. 5-8: Sun. 5:00-7:00 pm (includes Mass)

Gr. 9-10: Sun. 5:50-8:15 pm (includes Mass)

CGS: Sun. 9:00-11:00 am OR Tues. 4:30-5:45 pm

Gr. K-8: Thurs. 4:45-6:00 pm

ADULT RELIGIOUS EDUCATION: RCIA: Sundays (September-Easter)

SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION: Saturday: 4:00-4:45 pm, Monday: 6:30-7:00 pm & on request.

SACRAMENT OF THE SICK: Please call the Parish Office anytime for communion calls or visitation

of the sick and elderly. Keep us informed so that we can be attentive to

those who are ill at home or in the hospital.

Parish Email: parish@stlchester.org

Parish Web Site: www.stlchester.org

Web Master: Joanne Franklin (908-879-6222)

Welcome Rosemary Lohrmann (973) 214-4806 Haiti Twinning Program Christine Colannino (201) 314-9824

Bereavement Don Martone (908) 879-7957 Lectors John Kennington (908) 872-0575

Good Samaritans Patsy Soden (908) 879-3374 Eucharistic Ministers Loretta Stewart (973) 222-7492

Grocery Cards Jean Ward (908) 334-3442 Ushers Bob Holl (908) 876-3488

Moms & Tots Melissa Altieri (908) 797-0676 Music Minister Joe Tamburro (347) 213-0621

Arimathaea Arlene McDonald (973) 229-9697 Spanish Ministry Louis Villafane (908) 879-3032

Liturgical Environment Joanne Carr (908) 879-5543 Youth Minister Brian Flanagan (973) 946-8770

Women’s Cornerstone Lissette Howell (973) 975-7343 Altar Servers Chuck Feller (908) 768-2838

Men’s Cornerstone Don Scobell (908) 507-3145 Evangelization Bob Holl (908) 876-3488

Pastoral Adv. Board Jerry Frech (908) 377-2900 RCIA Jan Richards (908) 975-3555

Rosary Society Marie Holl (908) 876-3488 Respect Life Connie Wieczorek (908) 879-6453

Media Ministry Carla Fuscaldo (908) 879-7647 Barn Ministry Ed Wieczorek (908) 300-0098

Mary’s Moonflowers Karen Jones (973) 479-5271 Family Mass Social Marc McFeely (973) 222-9739

Parochial Vicar: Rev. Yohan Serrano

Permanent Deacon: William DeVizio

Trustee: Phil Guidone

Parish Secretary: Karen Jaworski

Accountant: Sharon McCann Business Manager: Bill McCormick

MASSES: Saturday: 5:00 pm Sunday: 7:30 am, 9:00 am, 11:00 am, 12:30 pm (Spanish), 6:00 pm

Daily Mass: Mon.-Fri. 8:00 am & 9:00 am, Sat. 9:00 am

Holy Day Vigil: 7:00 pm

Holy Day: 8:00 am, 4:30 pm, 7:00 pm (bi-lingual)

Healing Mass: 7:00 pm every 3rd Tuesday of month. Rosary at 6:30 pm

BAPTISMS: Baptism Preparation Class: Please call the Parish Office to schedule.

Baptisms: Please call the Parish Office to schedule.

SPANISH BAPTISMS: Baptism Preparation Class: Please call the Parish Office to schedule. Baptisms: Please call the Parish Office to schedule.

MARRIAGES: Please contact the Priest/Deacon whom you wish to officiate at your

wedding one year in advance to arrange for Marriage Preparation

Sessions.

PARISH MEMBERSHIP: Every family moving into the parish is requested to register. If you move

to another parish or change your address, please notify the Parish Office.

St. Lawrence the Martyr Church SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2018

MISSION STATEMENT

St. Lawrence the Martyr Roman Catholic Church is a loving and welcoming

community of disciples of Jesus who invite you to join us in becoming

disciples of Jesus. As disciples, we are faithful to prayer, to listening to

God’s Word, to meeting with Jesus in the sacraments, to building community,

and to serving others.

Parish Office: 908-879-5371 Priests’ Home: 908-879-1901 Religious Ed.: 908-879-6714 Youth Minister: 973-946-8770 Fax: 908-879-7701

Parish Ministries and Ministry Facilitators

Page Two SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2018 - TWENTY-THIRD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

LIBERTY AND AMERICA

Our nation was founded by people who were seeking freedom. Because of the intolerance

shown to non-Anglicans in seventeenth century England, the pilgrims and others came to

the shores of America seeking a better life, which would include the right to worship God

as they chose. There are a number of freedoms enshrined in our Constitution and other

government documents, including freedom of speech, freedom of religion, freedom to

congregate, freedom to bear arms, etc. The desire to have freedom is very much a part of

the ethos and spirit of our country. During the political seasons, these freedoms and oth-

ers are very much a part of the discussions in our land.

The Word of God can very much contribute to discussions about true freedom. From our point of view as believers, we

hold that Jesus came to us to set us free. God’s perspective on freedom holds that some beliefs and behaviors are op-

pressive, some liberating. Jesus and His teaching shows a way of life that allows us to reach our potential. God has

great dreams for us. He wants us to dream great dreams for ourselves, too. God’s Word shows us and equips us with

ways to achieve true greatness. Some beliefs and behaviors violate and diminish the true dignity of the children of God.

The grace of God sets us free from oppressive beliefs and behaviors.

As we seek to bring the Good News of God’s Love to the world, in America, the Quest for True Freedom can be quite

appealing to the American mind, just as wisdom was for the Greeks and signs were to the Jews in apostolic times.

PRAYER IS POWERFUL AND CAN CHANGE THINGS

As we continue to address the Scandal in the Catholic Church, I encourage to pray more. We are currently engaged in a

great battle with the powers of darkness. Yes, it is important to talk and express ourselves, but more can be accom-

plished by prayer than we as humans can ever fully understand! Please pray more for the victims, the bishops and entire

Church!

A SPRING PARISH PILGRIMAGE TO POLAND

The parish and I are planning to visit Poland on a pilgrimage in the later part of May, 2019. We hope to visit the sites

related to the Divine Mercy, Pope John Paul II, St. Faustina, the Shrine of Our Lady of Czestochowa, and Auschwitz.

Please mark your calendars if you would like to join us. We will make you aware of more details as they become avail-

able.

JOANNE CARR AND THE VIVERE CHRISTUS AWARD TODAY

Today, Sunday, September 9, Joanne Carr will receive the Vivere Christus Award from Bishop Serratelli. This will take

place at St. John Cathedral in Paterson at 3:30 pm. There will be no Mass as part of the award ceremony so please

make other plans for Mass. All are welcome to the Cathedral!

OUR PARISH FAMILY PICNIC

Our annual parish picnic is scheduled for Sunday, September 16. The picnic will follow the 11 am Mass. This Mass

will be bilingual. The cost for the picnic is $5 per family and each family is asked to bring either a dessert or a salad.

Hope to see you there!

God bless.

Father Nick

FROM THE PASTOR’S DESK

Page Three SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2018 - TWENTY-THIRD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

MEETINGS / EVENTS THIS WEEK

Sunday

• Teacher Meetings - 10:15 am, 4:30 pm

• PST Retreat (St. Joseph’s Shrine, Stirling)

Monday

• Good Samaritans - 7:00 pm

Tuesday

• Confirmation Teacher Meeting - 7:00 pm

• Rosary Society - 7:00 pm

Wednesday

• PST - 7:30 pm

• ESL - 7:30 pm

Thursday

• Adult Choir - 7:00 pm

Friday

• Divine Mercy Chaplet - 3:00 pm

• Bold Middle - 7:00 pm

Saturday

• Pilgrimage to Doylestown, PA

Sunday

• Parish Picnic - 12 noon

• Gr. 1-4 Orientation - 9:00 am

• Gr. 9 Orientation - 5:50 pm

WE CONTINUE TO PRAY FOR THE SICK . . .

Kirsten Mumma, William Ware, Julio Carrera, Sebastian Quinn,

Ralph Bozza, Sister Eucharia, Bishop Frank Rodimer, Father Eu-

gene Romano, Father Paul Knauer, Father Rafael Perez, Father

Daniel Kelly, Father Joseph Farias, Msgr. Richard Rusconi, Msgr.

Peter McBride, Deacon Hector Cassillas, Patrick John Moran, Ann

Kelly, Lloyd Matsamoto, Helen Crowe, Jane Alt, Patrick Pronio,

Allison Spina, Lesley Pawar, Tom Walsh, Steve Briggs, Brian

Graham, Colleen Saito, William Kelly, Mary Norwood, Mary

Lanzara, Rocco Colantuono, Cade Feitel, Christine Ambrosino,

Carole Stessl, Kathy Bollwark, Dick Goodwin, Nicholas Brown,

Jane Rufino, Kevin Callahan, Judith Stampone, Paul Fitzgerald,

Charlotte Poth, Colleen Looby, George Serafin, Charlie Romano,

Salman Javed, Joe Cillo, Jerry Green, Mary Constantinople, Dan

McGuigan, Patricia Gilvey, Daisy Hallock, Ryan Menzel, Vincent

& Giuliana Petane, Betty Macaluso, Dorothy Powers, Wesley

Snawder, Tom Murray, Eidelia Jimenez Martinez, Mila Balicki,

Consiglia Erdenberger, Arnold Family, Bonnie Lieberworth, Bar-

bara Drive, Jack Ratti, Finn Michael, Olivia Gill, Teresa Smith,

Frances Ferreri, Teresa Colamonaco, Baby Gianni Mazza, Carol

Mattone, Anna Birsilli Garich, Greg Villafane, Anne Owens

McGrath, Janet Courtland, Jack Arnold, Lily Barbero, Hunter Bar-

bero, Robert LeFrancis, Moire Riley, Brian Spring, Jim Rob-

ertiello, Doug Blessen, Barbara Davis, Jim Kielley, Jimena Garcia,

Jorge Lombardo, Janice Thurston, Matt Adonis, Jim Balicki, Bill

Renzetti, Bill Pigot, Rosa Salgado, Vera Sax, David Goulart, Chris-

tine Clark, Winnie Knapik, Kolbe, Paul Maurer, Joanne Seiller,

Gail Anderson, Phillip Heery, Frank Loprest, John Memora, Kathy

Hannan, Joanne Strutt, Buddy Black, Eileen Schiano, Annerys

Castillo, Jesus Serrano, Teresa Toro Penagos, Kitty, Susan Novick,

Stephanie Gonda, Bob Sircovich

Please help us keep this list up to date! Call 908-879-5371

and let us know if a name should be added or deleted.

GOD IS GOOD. ALWAYS.

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION TEACHERS NEEDED

We are in need of several Religious Education teachers

and co-teachers for our Faith Formation program. If you

are a practicing Catholic and interested in bringing our

faith to the children of our parish, please contact the

Faith Formation Office at 908-879-6714 for more de-

tails.

ST. LAWRENCE CHURCH

CYO BASKETBALL

Basketball sign-ups for the 2017-2018

season are underway. Registrations ac-

cepted from Monday, September 3 -

Friday, September 21. The program is

available to St. Lawrence parishioners

(boys and girls) between grades 4-8.

The season starts mid-November and runs through late

January/early February with practices on Friday and

games on Sunday. If you have any questions regarding

the program, please contact Patrice Laudano, Athletic

Director, at plaudano519@yahoo.com. If you have ques-

tions regarding registration, please contact Liz Holtz at

lizholtz02@gmail.com. Please look for more information

on the parish website.

ALTAR SERVER SCHEDULE

September 15-16

5:00 pm

CB – Katie

Vaillancourt

S1 – Evan

Tusa

S2 – Kath-

leen Tusa

7:30 am

CB Sinclair

Stevens

S1 – Blake

Stevens

S2 –

9:00 am

CB – Cole

Capuzzi

S1 – Curran

Capuzzi

S2 Maken-

na Spence

11:00 am

CB – Ann

Hoye

S1 – Beth

Hoye

S2 - Mere-

dith Hoye

6:00 pm

CB – Ali

Wallace

S1 – Seth

Vittitow

S2 –

PARISH PICNIC

Sunday, September 16

After the 11:00 am Mass (bilingual)

NO 12:30 PM MASS THAT DAY

Come for an afternoon of fun, fellowship and good food!

Volunteers are needed for set-up, clean-up and cooking.

Please contact Frank Carfaro at 908-334-6801 if you can

help. Many hands make light work!

NOW IS THE TIME

To love You here on earth, Jesus, I only have today.

~St. Therese DeLisieux

Page Four SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2018 - TWENTY-THIRD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

SECOND BANNS

Joanna Alexa Sabena DeCastro of

Far Hills, New Jersey

Entering marriage with

Patrick Bernard Silverio Dee of

Makati City, Philippines

On Saturday, September 22, 2018

At Our Lady of Lourdes Church

Tagaytay City, Philippines

SILVER AND GOLD

WEDDING ANNIVERSARY MASS Couples, were you married in 1968 or

1993? The Diocese of Paterson invites you

to celebrate your 25th or 50th wedding anni-

versary during a special Mass to be offered at the Cathe-

dral of St. John the Baptist in Paterson. Bishop Serratelli

will serve as main celebrant on this joyful occasion to be

held on Sunday, November 4, at 3:30pm.

Arrangements can be made by contacting the St. Law-

rence Parish Office at 908-879-5371. The deadline to

register is Monday, October 15. You will receive addi-

tional information from the Office of Family Life once

your registration has been processed. Congratulations on

this joyous occasion!

MUSIC MINISTRY

Consider joining one of our music minis-

tries — adult choir, hand bell choir, chil-

dren’s choir, or as an instrumentalist! You

will help to provide joy, comfort, inspira-

tion, beauty, and musical prayer to our parish liturgies.

Our adult choir practices on Thursday at 7:00 pm in the

church. The practice times for our children’s choirs and

hand bell choirs will be announced soon.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Joe

Tamburro at 347-213-0621 or email at mus-

min58@yahoo.com.

LAST BARN SALES OF SEASON

• Friday, September 21 (“Half Price Day Sale”)

• Saturday, September 22 (“Bag Day Sale”)

9:00 am – 2:00 pm

DONATIONS ARE NO LONGER

BEING ACCEPTED.

THOUGHTS The happiness of your life depends upon the

quality of your thoughts. ~Marcus Aurelius

BISHOP’S ANNUAL APPEAL

Here I Am, Lord!

The 2018 Bishop’s Annual Appeal is officially kicking-

off this weekend with the theme Here I Am, Lord! Please

support this important annual cause that helps so many

people throughout our Diocese.

The Bishop’s Annual Appeal supports the work of Cath-

olic Charities, Nazareth Village (our diocesan priests’

retirement residence), seminarian education, priests’

healthcare needs, and our urban elementary schools.

These are all critically important ministries that touch

many lives and so you are invited to make a pledge to-

day. Thank you in advance for your generous support!

WELCOME TO THE PARISH

Antonio Amaral and his children Jake and Chase of

Twinbrooks Trail, Chester.

Peter & Barbara Valles and their son Peter of

Brookfield Way, Mendham.

Jarrod & Stephanie Poggi and their son Dillon of Cold

Hill Road, Mendham.

Frank & Marcella Criscola and their children Sofia,

Cecilia and Emilia of Black River Road, Far Hills.

RECENTLY BAPTIZED

Elise Catherine Kowal, daughter of John & Michelle

Kowal of Ryan Court, Chester.

WE WERE ASKED TO ANNOUNCE

Humanae Vitae: Its Prophetic Challenge for Today

Presented by Rev. Anthony Mastroeni

Wednesday , September 26, 7 pm

St. Patrick Hall, St. Brigid Church

129 Main Street, Peapack, NJ

For more info.: 908-234-1265

Relics of Padre Pio

St. Peter the Apostle Church

179 Baldwin Road Parsippany, NJ

Thursday, September 20

8:30 am-6:30 pm (Mass at 7:00 pm)

Come and venerate the official relics of Saint Pio on the

50th commemoration anniversary of his passing.

For info.: 973-334-2090 OR stpeterpar@optonline.net

Page Five SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2018 - TWENTY-THIRD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

MASS INTENTIONS FOR THE WEEK

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2018 8:00 am - Virginia Murphy

9:00 am - Thomas G. Fuscaldo

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2018

8:00 am - Spec. Int. of Brian Spring

9:00 am - Dr. Anthony Borrelli

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2018 8:00 am - James Tully, Jr.

9:00 am - Spec. Int. of Cindy Sommer

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2018 8:00 am - Spec. Int. of Heidi Wenz

9:00 am - Theresa Mazzeo

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2018 8:00 am - John Marzano

9:00 am - Lawrence Benoit, Sr.

- Dr. Anthony Borrelli

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2018

9:00 am - Ella Bolio

5:00 pm - Ruth Colantuono

- Ronald Werner

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2018 7:30 am - For the People of the Parish

9:00 am - Judy DiCarlo

- Anthony Impellizeri

11:00 am - Jeanne McCormick

- Brian Bartal

- Dr. Anthony Borrelli

12:30 pm - NO MASS

6:00 pm - Thomas G. Fuscaldo

TITHING IS GOD’S PLAN FOR GIVING.

Biblically a tithe means 10%. All are asked to consider

tithing and return 10% of our income to the Lord (5% to

the parish, 5% to God’s other charities) in gratitude. The

spiritual practice of tithing disposes us to make God first

in every area of our lives!

Tithing Income September 2, 2018 $ 9,329.00

Tithing Income September 3, 2017 $10,252.00

REFLECTION: JAMES 2:5

“Did not God choose those who are poor in the world to

be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom that He prom-

ised to those who love Him?”

What is more important -– being rich in faith or rich in

possessions? Society teaches us that possessions are most

important. God teaches a different lesson. When we are

rich in faith, we keep God first in all things and realize

that material things really don’t matter and that it’s more

important to share with those who have less.

Thank You from Father Nick: “I want to thank you for

your generous offerings to God. I am pleased to remem-

ber that your faith is growing as you offer a sacrifice to

the Lord.”

A Testimony from a Parishioner of St. Theresa

Church in New Cumberland, PA: “After tithing for a

number of years, it began to lose its spiritual impact. It

was suggested that I say a prayer when I prepare my of-

fering each month, making a conscious effort to give it to

God as a sign of my thankfulness. This little act has cer-

tainly made all the difference in the world.”

MASS READINGS FOR THE WEEK Monday: 1 Cor 5:1-8; Ps 5:5-7, 12; Lk 6:6-11 Tuesday: 1 Cor 6:1-11; Ps 149:1b-6a, 9b; Lk 6:12-19 Wednesday: 1 Cor 7:25-31; Ps 45:11-12, 14-17; Lk 6:20-26 Thursday: 1 Cor 8:1b-7, 11-13; Ps 139:1b-3, 13-14ab, 23-24; Lk 6:27-38 Friday: Nm 21:4b-9; Ps 78:1bc-2, 34-38; Phil 2:6-11; Jn 3:13-17 Saturday: 1 Cor 10:14-22; Ps 116:12-13, 17-18; Jn 19:25-27 or Lk 2:33-35 Sunday: Is 50:5-9a; Ps 116:1-6, 8-9; Jas 2:14-18; Mk 8:27-35

SEE BEYOND OUTWARD APPEARANCES

The phrase “Sunday best” has lost much of its meaning in

our society today. Some lament the loss of people dressing

up for church on Sunday; others think it’s a healthy sign

that we’re as casual in attire gathered before the Lord as

we are elsewhere. No matter which school of thought on

this topic we belong to, James would probably chastise us.

In either case, we are still focused on external appearance,

mistaking it for some sort of favored position before God.

True, James criticizes the community that favors the rich

and well-dressed while ostracizing the poorly clothed, but

even more he criticizes the making of distinctions, making

choices based on criteria that having nothing to do with the

reign of God. James might turn our attention to the reign

of God described by Isaiah, in which people are healed

and the earth becomes ripe to bear fruit. Jesus today is fo-

cused on this reign of God, healing a Gentile man in a re-

gion hostile to His Jewish faith, not mindful of the man’s

origins or clothing or status or ability to repay. Isaiah,

James, and Jesus in Mark’s Gospel all call us to look more

deeply to find where the will of God needs to be done, and

has been done, on earth as in heaven.

TODAY’S READINGS First Reading — Be strong, fear not! Here is your God

(Isaiah 35:4-7a).

Psalm — Praise the Lord, my soul! (Psalm 146).

Second Reading — Show no partiality as you adhere to

the faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ (James 2:1-5).

Gospel — Jesus makes the deaf hear and the mute speak

(Mark 7:31-37).

NEXT HEALING MASS

Tuesday, September 18 7:00 pm (Rosary at 6:30 pm)