The Catholic Community of St. Cecilia 10 Kingston Lane Monmouth Junction, NJ 08852 http://www.stceciliaparish.net/ tel: 732-329-2893 fax: 732-329-4693 Pastor Rev. Charles T. O’Connor [email protected]Deacons Michael P. Murtha Luis Moral [email protected](retired) Rel Ed Bill Cherepon [email protected]Lori Donlin [email protected]732-329-1141 Music Min Valeria Mastrorosa [email protected]Youth Min Maryalice Goldsmith [email protected]Admin BKPR Joanne Marciniak [email protected]Diane Peterson [email protected]MASS SCHEDULE: Saturday: 5:00 P.M. Sunday: 8:30, 11:00 A.M. Weekdays: Mon, Wed, Thurs & Friday: 8:00 A.M. Tuesday: 7:00 P.M. Holy Days: 8:00 A.M., 12:15 P.M. & 7:00 P.M. CONFESSIONS: Sacrament of Reconciliation Saturdays: 3:45 PM - 4:30 P.M. PARISH OFFICE HOURS: Monday: 10:30 A.M. - 4:00 P.M. Tues – Thurs: 9:00 A.M. - 4:00 P.M. Friday: 9:00A.M. - NOON. Parish Office is closed on Fridays during July and August Closed Sat./Sun./Holidays/Holy Days SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM: Baptisms are held on the Fourth Sunday of each month at 12:30 P.M. or during a Sunday Mass. Attendance at a pre-baptismal class is required. Arrangements may be made by contacting the parish office. EUCHARISTIC ADORATION: Eucharistic Adoration is held every Tuesday evening after the 7:00 P.M. Mass until 9:00 P.M. in the chapel. Eucharistic Adoration for Respect Life Intentions is held every Fridays from 8:30 A.M. - 9:30 A.M. in the Church. SACRAMENT OF THE SICK: Arrangements can be made anytime for the administration of the Sacrament of the Sick. Please call the parish office when someone is looking to receive the Sacrament of the Sick. MARRIAGE ARRANGEMENTS: Arrangements for marriage must be made at least one year in advance of the wedding. Engaged couples must comply with all marriage preparation programs that are required by NJ Bishops. Please call to make an appointment with the parish priest to begin marriage preparation. RELIGIOUS EDUCATION CLASSES: The Religious Education program at St. Cecilia parish is committed to faith formation and formal training of children. The goal is to inspire and motivate children to develop love of the Father, have a personal encounter with Jesus Christ with guidance and knowledge of the Holy Spirit. We will build an understanding of the basic beliefs in the Roman Catholic faith and lay the foundation and encouragement to carry those beliefs to the community. The preparation for the sacrament of Confirmation is incorporated over a period of three years for grades 6-7-8. Parish service hours are a sacramental requirement. Please visit the parish web pages for information regarding the specific times and locations, or email [email protected]SPONSORS & GODPARENTS If you are 18 years of age or older, you must register as an adult and be confirmed in the Catholic Church. If you wish to be a Sponsor for Confirmation or a Godparent, you must be an active parishioner and attending Mass for at least 3 months to be eligible for both of these privileges. PARISH MEMBERSHIP Any new family who has moved into the parish area and adult children 18 years of age and older, are invited to register as a parishioner. The definition of an active parishioner is: One registered, attending Mass weekly and contributing to the support of the church.
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The Catholic Community of St. Cecilia 10 Kingston Lane Monmouth Junction, NJ 08852 http://www.stceciliaparish.net/
MASS SCHEDULE: Saturday: 5:00 P.M. Sunday: 8:30, 11:00 A.M. Weekdays: Mon, Wed, Thurs & Friday: 8:00 A.M. Tuesday: 7:00 P.M. Holy Days: 8:00 A.M., 12:15 P.M. & 7:00 P.M. CONFESSIONS: Sacrament of Reconciliation Saturdays: 3:45 PM - 4:30 P.M. PARISH OFFICE HOURS: Monday: 10:30 A.M. - 4:00 P.M. Tues – Thurs: 9:00 A.M. - 4:00 P.M. Friday: 9:00A.M. - NOON. Parish Office is closed on Fridays during July and August Closed Sat./Sun./Holidays/Holy Days SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM: Baptisms are held on the Fourth Sunday of each month at 12:30 P.M. or during a Sunday Mass. Attendance at a pre-baptismal class is required. Arrangements may be made by contacting the parish office. EUCHARISTIC ADORATION: Eucharistic Adoration is held every Tuesday evening after the 7:00 P.M. Mass until 9:00 P.M. in the chapel. Eucharistic Adoration for Respect Life Intentions is held every Fridays from 8:30 A.M. - 9:30 A.M. in the Church.
SACRAMENT OF THE SICK: Arrangements can be made anytime for the administration of the Sacrament of the Sick. Please call the parish office when someone is looking to receive the Sacrament of the Sick. MARRIAGE ARRANGEMENTS: Arrangements for marriage must be made at least one year in advance of the wedding. Engaged couples must comply with all marriage preparation programs that are required by NJ Bishops. Please call to make an appointment with the parish priest to begin marriage preparation. RELIGIOUS EDUCATION CLASSES: The Religious Education program at St. Cecilia parish is committed to faith formation and formal training of children. The goal is to inspire and motivate children to develop love of the Father, have a personal encounter with Jesus Christ with guidance and knowledge of the Holy Spirit. We will build an understanding of the basic beliefs in the Roman Catholic faith and lay the foundation and encouragement to carry those beliefs to the community.
The preparation for the sacrament of Confirmation is incorporated over a period of three years for grades 6-7-8. Parish service hours are a sacramental requirement. Please visit the parish web pages for information regarding the specific times and locations, or email [email protected] SPONSORS & GODPARENTS If you are 18 years of age or older, you must register as an adult and be confirmed in the Catholic Church. If you wish to be a Sponsor for Confirmation or a Godparent, you must be an active parishioner and attending Mass for at least 3 months to be eligible for both of these privileges.
PARISH MEMBERSHIP Any new family who has moved into the parish area and adult children 18 years of age and older, are invited to register as a parishioner. The definition of an active parishioner is: One registered, attending Mass weekly and contributing to the support of the church.
December 18, 2016 Fourth Sunday of Advent
Intentions - week of December 19, 2016 MONDAY Weekday – Consolata Fathers 8:00 A.M. Santo Vaccaro r/o Dan & Ellen D’Ambly TUESDAY Weekday /Simbang Gabi Mass– Fr. Charlie 7:30 P.M. Joyce Taylor r/o Gary & Jamie WEDNESDAY Weekday – Fr. Charlie 7:30 P.M. James Ty r/o Helen Qua THURSDAY Weekday – Fr. Charlie 8:00 A.M. Susie Jordan r/o Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Slovensky FRIDAY Weekday – Fr. Charlie 8:00 A.M. Elias & Nieves Roa r/o Mr. & Mrs. Romulo Roa SATURDAY Vigil Mass – Fr. Charlie 4:00 P.M. All the Children of St. Cecilia Parish 7:00 P.M. St. Cecilia Parish Family Midnight St. Cecilia Parish Family SUNDAY The Nativity of the Lord – Fr. Charlie 8:30 A.M. Mass for the People 11:00 A.M. St. Cecilia Parish Family
Prayer Requests Please Remember the Sick in Your Prayers: Louis Higley, Grace Lanza, Robert Cleary, Albert Lusch Jr., Roxanne Guzman, Denise Pedersen, Joseph Thomas, John Anthony Criscuola, Barbara McLaughlin, Edward Jurewicz, Molly Barry, Valerie Dietrich, Jim Waltzak, Jack Ruggiero, Monica Spengler, John Troendle, Brother Carmen Ciardullo, Rafael Bautista, Stephen Soehngen, Ron Lewis, Helen Morris, John Milano, Samantha Blodgett, Anne Cacavio, Helen Kelleher, Grace Smink, Paul Seidel, Susan Capellupo, Margaret Fimbel, Kenny O’Connor, Augustine Nieves, Gladys Milazzo, Arlene Bellinger, Joyce Valenti, John Smyth, Dan Farago, Bill Sharp, Susan Marantz, Maryann Hughes, Michael Banko, Mary Elizabeth Clark, Jake Holmes, Marie Valenti, Diane Brennan, Lil White, Liam Robilotto, John Clute, Tom Guyader, Cheryl Salus, Joseph Longo, Fe Abila, Colleen Lettieri, Evan Wadyka, Alyssa Salemi, Cody Salus, Rosalind Henry, Joey Schilling, Michelle Leblanc, Emma Fernendez, Thomas Farrell, Noel Galang, Brian Fisher, Bradley Opdyke, Lynn Killmurray, Kristen Herman, Betsy Pusz, Vanina Jean-Claude, Marie Thomas, Peg Gray, Mark Donaldson, Marie Valenti, Gloria Franklin, Christine Thomas, Debbie Pernal, Aida Gonzalez Mestre, Freddy Oliveria, Mike Duca, Jay LaRusso, Gabriel Forbes, Chris Killmurray, Gary Johnson, Keith Nelson, Paul Bernardo, Carlos Maldonado, Sam Liss & Bob Bauman. Please Pray for Those in the Seminary: Zachary DeVoe, Michael Tabernero, Victor Julio Baron Carreño, Julio Cesar Madrid Agudelo, Joseph Illes, & Harlyn Acosta. Please Pray for Those in the Military: James Krimin, Richard Melendez, Derek Angeles, Brian Hopkins, Eddie LeBlanc, Bryan Kelly, Thomas Matsay, Evan Ruffini, David Novak, Matthew Frank & Philip Mynarski.
Please note that there was a typo in last week’s bulletin for Wednesday thru Sunday mass intentions. Note that the masses were actually offered for the correct intentions, only the bulletin reflected the incorrect information - our apologies. TheparishofficewillbeclosedonFriday,December23rd.
Developing an Advent frame of mind
The holiday season can seem more like a test of character than a preparation for celebration. In the midst of the seasonal stress, we are asked to reach into ourselves and bring out only what is kind, generous, and loving. It may help to remember that the real reason for the season is the celebration of unimaginable love. Try to see with a Father’s eye. Our Heavenly Father delights in our creation and loves us for exactly who we are. During Advent, try to see yourself through his eyes. Not the flawed human visible to the rest of us, but the spectacular product of God’s divine love and the reflection of his glory. Tune in to a remarkable moment. “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us” (John 1:14). It really happened. God really came and shared our experience in the world. In response, we can reach out beyond our friends and family and share our experience of God with the rest of the world. Prepare your gift. The real gift of the Magi was to receive Jesus as the savior of all people. Your gift to Jesus can be an open heart, ready to receive the love he has for you. “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16). Anticipating an eternity of unimaginable love is absolutely the right Advent frame of mind.
Christmas Mass Schedule 2016 Christmas Eve Vigil - Saturday
3:45 PM – Children’s Christmas Pageant 4:00 PM – Children’s Mass 7:00 PM – Christmas Eve Mass 11:30 PM – Lessons & Carols 12:00 AM – Midnight Mass
We have truly had some unique blessings in these past weeks. At our diocese’s 35th anniversary celebration and pilgrimage on Nov. 20, we filled the 3500 seat Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington DC to standing room only. It was an inspiring and uplifting day. Those of us who were able to make the pilgrimage carried with us many petitions from the faithful all across our diocese. I have no doubt, that as we honored Mary, our patroness, and gave praise to our loving Father for the blessings of these years, we in turn received abundant graces.
At our Mass, we were fortunate to be led in prayer by the Holy Father’s personal representative to our country, Archbishop Christophe Pierre, and he was likewise delighted to have had the opportunity to spend some time with many of our diocese’s clergy, religious and faithful. The Archbishop’s words were thoughtful and challenging as he recalled then-Bishop McCarrick’s words on the occasion of his installation as the founding bishop of Metuchen. The Archbishop challenged us anew to not “stand still” as we were renewed by our pilgrimage to Washington DC, but to continue resolutely on our pilgrim way to heaven. Indeed, the Diocese of Metuchen has much to be proud of, and we look forward to the future with hope as we continue to build this portion of God’s Kingdom into an enduring and convincing sign of God’s love for our world.
The day after the pilgrimage, our diocesan Disciples of Mercy filled the Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi as we closed the Year of Mercy yet recommitted ourselves to continuing to be the face of Jesus to those in need, having been inspired by the example of those we recognized as Disciples of Mercy. How grateful we are to have such good examples of mercy, and we know there are many, many more such disciples throughout our diocese who day in and day out attend to those in need of Christ’s love and mercy. The Year of Mercy might have officially ended, but we must continue to do the corporal and spiritual works of Mercy. How right Pope Francis was to call this Jubilee Year to renew our commitment of extending the Father’s mercy to all we encounter.
Now, as we begin another Advent season, a time when we beckon the Lord into our lives more fully, I was thinking of our recent new saint’s advice to her sisters in the Missionaries of Charity. Our Mother, now St Teresa of Calcutta once wrote to the sisters of her community reminding them not to forget that “God knows us better than we know ourselves, and that all He really wants is to tell you that He loves you, even when you don’t feel worthy. Not only does He love you, but He longs for you!” Those words kind of reverse what we can be tempted to think Advent is about, making ourselves ready, or perhaps somehow even worthy, to receive the Lord into our lives more fully. Mother reminded her sisters, and hence all of us too, that God not only desires us, but longs for us. Ultimately, in the fullness of time, God sends His only Son to take on our flesh and dwell with us, and to ultimately redeem us.
Yes, all we have to do this Advent is open our hearts more fully to Him who is already standing at the door, knocking. Finding time to spend with Him, in quiet prayer and through the reception of the sacraments, as well as by serving our brothers and sisters in need, are ways to open our hearts more fully to Jesus so He can share His love with us. Yes, He loves us and longs for us, and He did something about it! Saint Teresa of Calcutta gives us a good reminder that as Christmas gets closer and things get busier and busier with the many preparations for the celebration of Christmas, we cannot forget the most important aspect of preparing for Christmas, opening our hearts more fully to be loved by Him who has come, is coming and will come again, making His home within us and amongst us.
Be assured of my prayers of gratitude and for a blessed Advent, and please keep me in your prayers too.
The Most Reverend James F. Checchio, JCD, MBA Bishop of Metuchen
Fourth Sunday of Advent Reading 1 IS 7:10-14
The LORD spoke to Ahaz, saying: Ask for a sign from the LORD, your God; let it be deep as the netherworld, or high as the sky! But Ahaz answered, “I will not ask! I will not tempt the LORD!” Then Isaiah said: Listen, O house of David! Is it not enough for you to weary people, must you also weary my God? Therefore the Lord himself will give you this sign: the virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall name him Emmanuel.
Responsorial Psalm R. Open wide your gates; let the King of Glory in!
Reading 2 ROM 1:1-7 Paul, a slave of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God, which he promised previously through his prophets in the holy Scriptures, the gospel about his Son, descended from David according to the flesh, but established as Son of God in power according to the Spirit of holiness through resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord. Through him we have received the grace of apostleship, to bring about the obedience of faith, for the sake of his name, among all the Gentiles, among whom are you also, who are called to belong to Jesus Christ; to all the beloved of God in Rome, called to be holy. Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Gospel MT 1:18-24 This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about. When his mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found with child through the Holy Spirit. Joseph her husband, since he was a righteous man, yet unwilling to expose her to shame, decided to divorce her quietly. Such was his intention when, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home. For it is through the Holy Spirit that this child has been conceived in her. She will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel, which means “God is with us.” When Joseph awoke, he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took his wife into his home.
Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States
SIMBANG GABI is a typical Filipino way of preparing for the great feast of Christmas. It is a series of Masses for nine consecutive days honoring the Blessed Virgin Mary in preparation for the coming of our Lord Jesus.
THE FILIPINO-AMERICAN COMMUNITY OF ST. CECILIA
invites you to celebrate the 6th night of SIMBANG GABI ON:
THIS TUESDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2016 @ 7:30 PM ST. CECILIA CHURCH 10 KINGSTON LANE, MONMOUTH JCT, NJ 08852 For additional information, please contact: Romeo & Emma@ 908-812-0124
ALL ARE WELCOME!!!!
COORDINATED BY THE FILIPINO APOSTOLATE- DIOCESE OF METUCHEN
St. Cecilia’s Columbiettes St. Cecilia’s Columbiettes areare hosting a fund raiser through the Christmas hosting a fund raiser through the Christmas season season here at St. Cecilia’s and here at St. Cecilia’s and at Amato’s Nursery.at Amato’s Nursery.
Amato’sAmato’s is is located at the corner of Route 130 & Deans Rhode Hall Roadlocated at the corner of Route 130 & Deans Rhode Hall Road . . On December 18On December 18thth, please visit the indoor Christmas shop set up during , please visit the indoor Christmas shop set up during the the Cookie WalkCookie Walk –– where you can purchase decorations as well as poinsettias.where you can purchase decorations as well as poinsettias.
Are you ready to deepen your relationship with the Lord, experience fellowship with fellow parishioners, or learn more about our incredible church history? Have you considered joining a bible study? This winter/spring we are offering a brand new class: Ephesians—Discover Your Inheritance. Paul’s letter to the Ephesians reveals many remarkable gifts that we as Christians are given in the Church. This letter tells us about the nature of the Church – as a body, as a household, as a mystery, as a communion, as a bride, and as an army. It shows us the great inheritance that awaits us as sons and daughters, adopted fully into the family of God. It reveals how God’s great love for us can transform our daily lives if we allow it. Ephesians: Discover Your Inheritance is an 8-part Bible study that will enrich your faith, and show you how to live it out.
In this study, you will:
• Discover what it means to be not just a son or daughter of God, but an heir to all he has to give.
• Learn about the great mystery of how we can love one another as Christ loves the Church.
• Find out that you have a place in God’s “plan of sheer goodness".
“When Joseph awoke, he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took his wife into his home.”
MATTHEW 1:24 Putting our complete trust in the Lord without expecting anything in return. Striving to put God first in all things and follow Him wherever He may led us. As we prepare for the birth of our Lord, pray for the strength and courage to be a model of discipleship, just as Joseph was.
Your Stewardship of Treasure Offertory 12/4/16 $10,662.00
12/11/16 Offertory $9,311.00
St. Cecilia’s Youth Ministry Open to all 9th-12th grade high school students. Newcomers are always welcome. We meet the 2nd and 4th Sunday of the month from 7-9pm in the church basement. 12/18/16 5-7pm Youth Group 7-9pm CHRISTMAS PARTY – please bring a $5-$10 gift for our annual Secret Santa exchange
Next Sunday’s 2nd Collection – Pink Envelope Next weekend, our second collection is the Campaign for Retired Religious. The proceeds from this collection will be designated exclusively to support retired religious sisters and brothers of the United States.
Respect Life The Diocese of Metuchen’s Respect for Life Office will be running a bus trip to the Rally for Life in Trenton, NJ on Monday, January 23, 2017. The bus ride is free of charge, but since space is limited all passengers must reserve their seats. Passengers will board the bus at the Diocesan Center in Piscataway at 9:30 AM. The Rally at the State House begins at 11:00 AM and ends at 1:00 PM.
Prayer Requests Throughout our lives we often find ourselves, loved ones, or friends in need of prayers. The St. Cecilia Prayer Group is committed to praying for all your special intentions. You can request prayers through the prayer box at the back of the church. The Prayer group will pray for your intentions as requested. The wooden prayer box will be brought up weekly with the Offertory Gifts during the weekend masses. Please know that your prayer requests will be kept confidential and that you will be prayed for.
Scripture Corner
Scripture: Matthew 1:18-21 18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child of the Holy Spirit; 19 and her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. 20 But as he considered this, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, "Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit; 21 she will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins." Reflection: Like Mary, Joseph is a model of faith for us. He is a faithful witness and servant of God's unfolding plan of redemption. Are you ready to believe in the promises of God, even when faced with perplexing circumstances and what seems like insurmountable problems? God has not left us alone, but has brought us his only begotten Son, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Let us celebrate Christmas, the feast of the Incarnation, with joyful hearts and let us renew our faith and hope in God and in his redeeming work. Please consider joining the Evangelization Team as we help ourselves and others know the Faith, live the Faith and share the Faith. If interested, please contact Patty Klag at [email protected]
Stocking the Shelves in South Brunswick for Christmas
In an effort to help feed those in need in our community, we are collecting for the South Brunswick Food Pantry the remainder of the month of December, leading up to Christmas (until 12/20). The requested Christmas dinner items are: stuffing, canned turkey gravy/cranberry sauce/ sweet potatoes/yams, boxed or canned potatoes, cake and brownie mixes, icing, pie crust, pie fillings, pancake mix &syrup, chicken broth, Jell-O/Puddings, coffee, canned tomatoes, canned fruit, Parmalot/Borden Milk boxes, juice boxes, brown rice & quinoa, pasta (whole wheat) & pasta sauce, canned raviolis, beans, oatmeal & dried cereal, diapers (size 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6) and pull ups, gluten-free and/or sugar free items, canned vegetables (corn, green beans, etc.), personal products (shampoo, soap, conditioner, toothpaste, deodorant, etc.), gluten/sugar free products and low fat, low sugar snacks. The Food Pantry is also collecting frozen turkeys and fresh or canned hams – however, those items will need to be dropped off directly to South Brunswick Social Services. Unfortunately we do not have the capability to store perishable foods here onsite.
