The Roman Catholic Parish of St. Vincent de Paul 250 Bebout Avenue Stirling, New Jersey 07980 Phone: (908) 647-0118 Fax: (908) 647-5992 Parish Office—908-647-0118 In an emergency call 973-222-0720 Parish website: stvincentschurch.org Parish email: [email protected]PASTORAL STAFF Fr. A. Richard Carton, Pastor [email protected]Fr. William (Bill) Mooney Weekend Assistant Elena Bird Zolnick Director of Sacred Music 907-953-0128 [email protected]Vincent G. Clarke, Organist 908-647-4926 Sr. Krystyna Dziadkowiec Pastoral Associate [email protected]Sr. Elsa Jeronimo, C.S.JB. Director of Social Outreach [email protected]Deirdre Nemeth Director of Religious Formation 908-647-0421 [email protected]Amilee Beer Youth Minister 908-295-8104 [email protected]Peter O’Neill, Deacon 908-647-7258 [email protected]Parish Trustees Alan Tangreti and Timothy Wallisch PARISH OFFICE STAFF Vera Castagna Parish Secretary Maria DeLuca Religious Formation Secretary Teri Kesselmeyer Technology and Communications Mary Woods Parish Finance Coordinator We are a Catholic community rooted in the Eucharist and committed to the poor. Sunday Mass Schedule (Vigil Mass) Saturday —5:00PM Sunday 8:30AM, 10:30AM and 6:00PM Confession: Saturday at 4PM or other days by appointment. Weekday Mass Schedule 8:30AM and 7:00PM* Monday-Friday *weekdays in Lent 8:30AM-Saturday “It would be easier for the world to survive without the sun than to do so without the Holy Mass.” St. Padre Pio
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The Roman Catholic Parish of St. Vincent de Paul 250 Bebout Avenue
Stirling, New Jersey 07980 Phone: (908) 647-0118 Fax: (908) 647-5992
MONDAY March 19th Saint Joseph, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary 8:30AM Richard Sherman
Giuseppe Iellimo Richard and Maxwell Simon
7:00PM Aileen Oster Josef Derdzikowski
Joseph Schaeffer
TUESDAY March 20th 8:30AM Fr. Robert Connor (Living)
Patricia Tangreti
7:00PM Rosemarie Durante Paul Deltette
Kathleen Orlando Schaan
WEDNESDAY March 21st 8:30AM Larry Hebert
Matthew and Mary Sheridan William and Marian Hosford
7:00PM Patrick Hughes Mary Jo Dagostino
THURSDAY March 22nd 8:30AM Margarida Ho
James J. Tuma Salvatore Cerami
7:00PM Dr. Matthew Cuaycong (Living) Joseph Connolly Anna Muraca
FRIDAY March 23rd
Saint Turibius of Mogrovejo, Bishop 8:30AM Lawrence Ho (Living)
Lynn Ernst Miguel Anazagasty
7:00PM Helena Rohal Frank and Jessie Giacumbo
SATURDAY March 24th Blessed Oscar Romero, Bishop and Martyr
8:30AM Margo Bartolotta Nunzio Dagostino
Ida Blaschek
Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord
5:00PM (Vigil) Esther Harty John Renzel Patricia and Nicholas E. Tangreti
SUNDAY March 25th 8:30AM Nora Coletta
Therese McCloskey Sallye and Kieran O’Doherty
10:30AM Christopher Giraldo Lorraine Keister
Deceased members of the parish
6:00PM Mary Jo Dagostino Joan Ann Lynch
Anita and Corsino Mendes
The weekend of March 10th and 11th Total amount in envelopes: $7,212
Loose: $3,220
Online We Share: $3,100
Total Offered : $13,532
Diocesan Assessment: $2,504
HOLY WEEK AND EASTER SCHEDULE *Monday of Holy Week, March 26th:
Chrism Mass at the Cathedral, Paterson 7PM
*Tuesday of Holy Week, March 27th: Confessions 7PM—9PM *Wednesday of Holy Week, March 28th: Seder Supper 7:30PM Holy Thursday, March 29th:
Mass of the Lord’s Supper 7:30PM with Adoration until Midnight. (No other Masses are offered on this day).
Good Friday, March 30th:
Liturgy of the Lord’s Passion—3PM Stations of the Cross—7:30PM Holy Saturday, March 31st: Blessing of Easter Food—Noon (gym)
Holy Saturday, March 31st: The Great Vigil of Easter 8PM (there is no 5PM Mass on this day)
Easter Sunday, April 1st: 8:30 and 10:30AM Mass (there is no 6PM Mass on Easter Sunday)
*Mass will be offered at 8:30AM and 7PM Monday through Wednesday of Holy Week.
Sincere thanks to those who have contributed to the Lenten Appeal for our sister parish in Haiti. Our goal was to raise $30,000 to place a water filtration system there so that for the first time in their history they will have access to water that is fit for human consumption. To date $42,845 has been raised—$42,375 from 68 individuals/families and $470 in cash donations placed in the water containers in the vestibule of the church. As it is a Lenten Appeal, we will continue to receive donations as there are so many needs which we will be able to address with all monies raised. Please do not see the continuation of this appeal as anything except the opportunity for more parishioners to participate and the desire to do more for our sisters and brothers in Haiti. Thank you.
WE DID IT...PRAISE JESUS!
March 17th and 18th Page Three
Lent is intended to prepare us for Easter. Our prayer, fasting and almsgiving is to strip away the false and empty promises of this world and to sharpen our focus on Christ and the life of faith we have been given. Each Sunday we pray the words of the Creed in which we profess our faith. When there are baptisms at Mass we use the formula for the renewal of our Baptismal promises. At the Easter Vigil and on Easter Sunday this is the formula that is used throughout the Church as each Catholic is called to renew the promises of their Baptism. We are called not just to give our ascent with the words “I do” but to also understand what it is that we are saying. Our Baptism is a call to live out our life in Christ fully through the power of the Holy Spirit. Praying over and reflecting on the promises we make to God is most important. But what are these promises? At the Masses every Easter, we publicly renew our Baptismal promises by answering 'I do' to each of the following questions. The questions are in bold text with a brief reflection ,which is italicized, for us to ponder. Do you renounce sin so as to live in the freedom of the children of God? I do. Lord, teach me to live in the freedom you offer me, so that I can be truly free. Give me the grace to see that the unloving choices I have made, and the sinful failures to love of my past, should not hold me back from loving more freely as I move forward by your grace. I reject all injustice, all violence, all that disrespects the dignity of human life, mine and all others. Do you reject the lure of evil, so that sin my have no mastery over you? I do. Lord, I admit that some evil has a hold on me: it is attractive, even falsely comforting. It has become a habitual way for me to be myself. Lord, help me to turn from that evil and from letting any sin, habit, or improper behavior master me. By this promise, I commit myself to greater courage in acting justly and refusing to let unjust systems and structures numb my conscience or dull my heart.
Do you reject Satan, the author and prince of sin? I do. Lord, I know that an enemy tries to tempt me to sin and seeks to separate me from you. By your sacred word I have been called to stand up to that enemy strong in faith, but not by my own power, but rather by the grace and power of my Lord. I now renew my commitment to reject that enemy and all his ways so that I may never lose my place in your eternal kingdom.
Do you believe in God, the Father Almighty, creator of heaven and earth? I do. Lord, you made me and give me life every day. I believe in you, I turn to you, and I place my life, and the graces I need each day, in your loving hands. Help me to be grateful for the blessing you have placed in my life and of knowing that you have created me in your image and likeness.
Do you believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was born of the Virgin Mary, was crucified, died, and was buried, rose from the dead, and is now seated at the right hand of the Father? I do. Lord, I believe. Increase my faith. May Jesus who gave his life for me find that I freely give my life for him. May the discipleship of Mary, Mother of Jesus, and my mother, be for me an example of dying to self in order that her Son may live in me. The knowledge of Jesus’ love should be enough to keep me close to him.
Do you believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting? I do. Holy Spirit of Jesus, breath new life each day into my very being, so that on fire for Jesus I may, through the sacramental life of the Church, be like my sisters and brothers in the communion of Saints, living fully for Jesus, the Gospel and the life of Heaven. This I so desire with every fiber of my being. Amen.
It is important that as we prepare for Easter that we take some time to reflect on these questions, what they ask of us and the implication of our living out fully the life bestowed on us in Baptism. It is important for us to know how we reject Satan and all his works. Is there clear evidence in my life that I reject Satan? When we make promises it is understood that there is an intentional desire on our part to be faithful to those promises. Considering that these promises are made to God, they carry a mightier weight than simply promising a friend that you will have them over for dinner soon. Every time we renew our Baptism through the Eucharist, Confession, or the other sacraments, each of us becomes a "new creature", thanks to God's Grace. I pray that as we take time to reflect on these promises and the invitation to a deeper faith we will be better prepared for Easter. Let us continue to pray for one another. Peace, Fr. Richard
I DO…...
March 17th and 18th Page Four PLEASE REMEMBER IN YOUR PRAYERS
Those who serve in the military: James Minogue, Nick Ragazzo, Stephen J. Campbell, Sean Milde, Frank Fasano, Richard Lister, Eric Leverone, Jay Donato, Frank Messina, Eileen Murphy, Peter Giovanni, John E. Siedler IV
Those who are ill: Cathy Bognar, John Daglian, Parker Watson, Annette McGrory, Lou Aroneo, Patrick Bergin, Lynne Coombs, Lucy Bustillos, Paula Matchen, May Hill, Caitlin Shea, Bill Wallisch, Larry Oster, Nanci Gamba, Elizabeth Early, Serenity Rose Apuzzo, Helen Munro and Eric Binner
Those who have died to this world Audrey Dinger, Fr. Michael Burke,
Fr. Brian Tomlinson, OFM Cap. Requiescat in Pace
May all the faithful who have departed this world rest in your eternal peace. Amen
READINGS FOR NEXT SUNDAY First Reading: Isaiah 50:4-7 Isaiah describes the pain and insults of the Servant of God. Yet he sounds hopeful when describing God as his help, knowing he will not be disgraced.
Second Reading: Philippians 2:6-11 Paul exults Christ’s great sacrifice of humbling himself to become human and die on the cross. He explains that this is why we should now realize the importance of honoring both his name and memory.
Gospel: Mark 14:1—15:47 Mark describes the events leading up to Christ’s crucifixion. The Last Supper is described, explaining where the Eucharist began. Judas betrays Jesus and his suffering at the hands of the Sanhedrin (Council) is detailed.
The votive candle before the statue of the Blessed Mother is in memory
of William and Mary Murray. The votive candle before the statue
of Saint Joseph is in memory of Alex Richlan.
Daily Mass—Monday through Friday 8:30am and 7:00pm.
Confession—Every Monday during Lent after 7:00pm Mass until 8:30pm.
Mondays—Sr. Elsa has begun a second book for reading and discussion in the Library. The book is entitled From the Cross To The Empty Tomb written by Bishop Arthur Serratelli. New members are welcome to join.
Wednesdays—Saints Alive is a dramatic presentation on the life of St. Patrick, St. Francis and St. Cecilia. Listen to a dramatic and fascinating reading of the life of a saint by some amazing and known actors and actresses. Then join in a discussion about what you have heard. Sessions take place in the JPII Center from 7:30pm to 9:00pm.
Thursdays—Bible Study focusing on the readings for Mass each Sunday and takes place in two sessions: 1:00pm to 2:30pm and repeated from 7:30pm to 9:00pm in the Library. (No previous experience needed)
Fridays—Stations of the Cross after the 7:00pm Mass during Lent.
LENTEN OPPORTUNITIES
EASTER FLOWERS A beautiful way to remember your deceased family members and friends is by memorializing them with the Easter flowers placed at the altar throughout the Easter Season. An envelope for Easter Flower donations is included in your packet or call Vera at the Parish Office. Your request for
flowers is due no later than Friday, March 23rd.
The Rosary is prayed Monday through Friday and on First Saturdays immediately following the 8:30am Mass. The Rosary Altar Society prays the Rosary every Monday in Lent at 6:30pm. All are welcome to pray the Rosary together as a faith community.
Easter Sunday Dinner Food Donations for St. Agnes Parish will be collected by the Knights of Columbus on Palm Sunday. Donations of frozen turkeys or hams with items such as beans, rice, canned veggies and gravies should be placed in a cardboard box and delivered by 12 noon to the Pastoral Center clock tower.
Bricks are still available for purchase for the patio in the Our Lady of Fatima Garden. Please consider buying a brick that will be engraved with your name or the name of a friend, family member or loved one to ensure a remembrance of them. Bricks are placed in the patio. Each brick is $100. Checks should be made out to St. Vincent
de Paul Church. Details for engraving of the brick and order forms are available at the Parish Office.
MEMORIAL BRICKS
Technology Class takes place on Tuesdays from 9:30am to 10:30am in the Library. For questions contact Teri at the Parish House or email to [email protected].
LENTEN REGULATIONS Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are obligatory days of fasting and abstinence for Catholics. In addition, Fridays during Lent are obligatory days of abstinence. The norms on fasting are obligatory from age 18 until age 59. When fasting, a person is permitted to eat one full meal, as well as two smaller meals that together are not equal to a full meal. The norms concerning abstinence from meat are binding from age 14 onwards. Christian tradition can name at least seven reasons for fasting: 1. From the beginning, God commanded some
fasting, and sin entered into the world because Adam and Eve broke the fast.
2. For the Christian, fasting is ultimately about fasting from sin.
3. Fasting reveals our dependence on God and not the resources of this world.
4. Fasting is an ancient way of preparing for the Eucharist—the truest of foods.
5. Fasting is preparation for all the sacraments —for the reception of grace.
6. Fasting is a means of saving resources to give to the poor.
7. Fasting is a means of self-discipline, chastity, and the restraining of the appetites.
Easter Bake Sale The Knights of Columbus are sponsoring a bake sale that will include a large selection of pies, hot cross buns and other goodies. Order forms are available on our website and are available in the bulletin this weekend. Pre-paid orders only will be accepted through Sunday, March 25th and order pick ups will be Saturday, March 31st in the gym.
PARISH SEDER MEAL Our Seder Meal will take place on Wednesday, March 28th at 7:30pm in the gym. The Seder Meal was celebrated by Jesus at the Last Supper and helps us to reflect on the origin of the
Eucharist. If you plan to attend you must rsvp to Sr. Elsa no later than Friday, March 23rd. You can sign up at the parish office. The donation is $12 per person or $30 per family. Tickets will not be available at the door. Please note that this is a prayer and meal event. If children are in attendance they will have to be seated with you at all times.
ADORATION OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT IN OUR PARISH
Our church is open daily from 7:30am to 9:00pm, closing on Saturday and Sunday after the evening Mass. On the third Friday of each month we have Adoration and the praying of the Rosary particularly focused on families – come, bring your children and grandchildren and teach them to speak to Jesus present in the Blessed Sacrament. On First Fridays we have Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament after the 8:30am Mass through the night until 8:00am on Saturday. If you are awake because you have many concerns, come talk to Him. Jesus is absolutely and truly present in the Most Blessed Sacrament – many, many Saints became Saints because they knew and responded to this truth. “Do you realize that Jesus is there…especially for you- for you alone? He burns with the desire to come into your heart.” St. Therese of Lisieux
FISH AND CHIPS DINNER
Our annual Fish and Chips Dinner is Saturday, March 24th in the gym. Doors open at 5:30pm. Plan on a very enjoyable evening and bring your friends! The proceeds from the dinner will benefit our sister parish in Haiti. Volunteers
are needed to sell tickets after Masses. To purchase tickets please visit our website or call the parish office.
ENDOWMENT FUND FOR CATHOLIC EDUCATION
Applications for the Saint Vincent de Paul Endowment Fund for Catholic Education are no longer available. The deadline for the completed forms was Thursday, March 15th. Applications are no longer being accepted.
The Meals for Moms Ministry seeks to support families who have just welcomed a new baby. We are happy to provide several meals to the family during this special time. Please contact Dan iel le Grieco at [email protected] for more information. If you would like to help by cooking one meal please email Danielle.
“Give your hands to serve and your hearts to love.” St. Teresa of Calcutta
Calendar Raffle The winners of our third drawing were Bill and Christie Quense.
Congratulations! The next drawing takes place on Wednesday, March 21st with the winning prize amount of $2000.
Return your tickets as soon as possible to be eligible for all the drawings. We encourage you to get your family and friends in on the fun. Parishioners are needed to sell tickets after all Masses. Please visit the parish website to sign up.
Our Parish Food Pantry is in need of the following: canned corn, green beans, white rice, tuna, marinara sauce, tomato sauce, pancake mix, coffee, dry black beans and small red beans only, Honey Nut Cheerios and regular Cheerios only. Please bring all items to the basket in the church set aside for food pantry items.
Morris Catholic High School is hosting their Spring Auction on Saturday, March 24th at the Hanover Marriott. Doors open at 5:30pm. There will be live, silent and basket auctions. The cost of a ticket is $85 and includes a sheet of basket tickets and a sit down dinner. For tickets and information contact ftuite@morriiscatholic.
“SOCK DRIVE” TO SUPPORT GIRL SCOUT TROOP 4581 AND BRIDGES
Girl Scout Troop 4581 members Erin Aroneo and Dena Mistichelli are sponsoring a Sock Drive to help the homeless and earn their Silver Award. A basket is available in the vestibule of the church for donations of new packages of socks. All sizes are needed. The socks will be delivered to the homeless on the Bridges Run scheduled for April 13th. For questions contact Gloria Aroneo [email protected] or Nicole Mistichelli at [email protected]. The girls thank you in advance for your support!
SUPPORT GROUP AND RECOVERY MASS
Trinity House in Stirling hosts a support group for family and friends affected by Substance Abuse Disorder. The group meets the last Wednesday of every month at 7:30pm at 1292 Long Hill Road, Stirling. For more information contact Keaton Douglas at 973-370-3784 or by email to [email protected]. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ The Shrine of St. Joseph hosts a monthly Recovery Mass and Prayer Session the second Saturday of every month at 12 noon. Mass takes place in the Chapel. The Shrine invites all to pray in community for loved ones still enslaved by addictions and give thanks for those who have found recovery. For information call 973-370-3784 or the Shrine Office 908-647-0208.
Daily Mass Readings Monday 2 Sm 7:4-5a, 12-14a, 16; Rom 4:13, 16-18, 22; Mt 1:16, 18-21, 24a or Lk 2:41-51a Tuesday Nm 21:4-9; Jn 8:21-30 Wednesday Dn 3:14-20, 91-92, 95; Jn 8:31-42 Thursday Gn 17:3-9; Jn 8:51-59 Friday Jer 20:10-13; Jn 10:31-42 Saturday Ez 37:21-28; Jn 11:45-56
