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/Confirmation Coordinator 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 Monday-Saturday
“It would be easier for the world to survive without the sun than to do so without the Holy Mass.”
St. Padre Pio
January 28th and 29th The Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time Page Two
SUNDAY COLLECTION REPORT The weekend of January 21st and 22nd
Total amount in envelopes: $8,470
Loose: $2,210 Online Parish Pay $2, 217
Total Offered: $12,897
“It is not how much we give but how much love we put into giving.” St. Teresa of Calcutta
MASS INTENTIONS MONDAY January 30th 8:30AM Judy Muscietta Adele Cannizzaro Joseph, Ralph, Emil and David Maffucci
TUESDAY January 31st Saint John Bosco, Priest
8:30AM Joseph Schlegel (Living) Anastasia Jefferies Lena and Duke Dorsi
WEDNESDAY February 1st 8:30AM Carmela “Millie” Armenti Nico Angelos Juan Carlos Cruz
THURSDAY February 2nd Feast of the Presentation of the Lord
(Candles may be brought to be blessed at this Mass)
8:30AM John Calabro (Living) Elizabeth Nicastro Eileen Breen
FRIDAY February 3rd Saint Blaise, Bishop and Martyr
Saint Ansgar, Bishop 8:30AM Patricia Tangreti Irene Diane Gerdau Dorothy and Mary Byrne (Throats will be blessed after the 8:30 Mass)
SATURDAY February 4th 8:30AM Raymond Brandes Deacon Bill Wagner Juan Carlos Cruz
Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time
5:00PM (Vigil) Anthony LaRezza Andrew Burns Anne Stack
SUNDAY February 5th 8:30AM Michael Wenning John and Anne Stack Deceased members of the Buziak and McMonagle Families
10:30AM People of the Parish Eileen Quinn Arduino and Adelina Balestra
6:00PM Edward Turner Robert Catherwood Giuseppe Iellimo
FIRST FRIDAY Eucharistic Adoration will take place following the 8:30am Mass on Friday, February 3rd and continue until 8am on Saturday. Please plan to spend some valuable time before the Lord in prayer and mediation.
Daily Mass Readings
Monday Heb 11:32-40; Mk 5:1-20
Tuesday Heb 12:1-4; Mk 5:21-43
Wednesday Heb 12:4-7, 11-15; Mk 6:1-6
Thursday Mal 3:1-4; Heb 2:14-18; Lk 2:22-40 or 2:22-32
First Friday Heb 13:1-8; Mk 6:14-29
First Saturday Heb 13:15-17, 20-21; Mk 6:30-34
SUPPORT THE CHURCH IN CENTRAL AND EASTERN EUROPE
Next weekend we will take up the Collection for the Church in Central and Eastern Europe. This collection supports the Church in over 20 countries, many of which are still struggling to recover in the aftermath of Soviet rule. Funds from
this collection support pastoral care, catechesis, building renovations and seminary formation. Your support restores the Church and builds the future in this region. Please prayerfully consider how you can support this collection. More information can be found at www.usccb.orglccee.
TO BE A BLESSING FOR OTHERS
January 28th and 29th Page Three
This Sunday we hear the Beatitudes proclaimed in the Gospel at Mass. Greg Laurie of Harvest Ministries wrote that “the word blessed Jesus used in the Sermon on the Mount is from the Greek word makarios, which means to be happy or blissful, but it also means a self-contained happiness. The Greeks called the Island of Cyprus "the happy isle." They believed that because of its geographical location, perfect climate, and fertile soil that anyone who lived on Cyprus had it made in the shade. And the term they associated with the island was makarios. They believed everything you needed to be happy was right there on Cyprus. We can't all move to Cyprus, but the idea is that our happiness is independent of our circumstances. It is self-contained, meaning that regardless of what is happening to us externally, we can be truly happy internally. We can be genuinely blessed as followers of Jesus Christ.”
Indeed we are truly blessed to be followers of Jesus Christ. We are also challenged by Jesus to be faithful followers. To ensure that we are faithful, Jesus entrusts us to the promptings and movement of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit guides us in truth, convicts us, reproves us and calls us to speak as disciples of Jesus when we are asked to give witness to the truth. Recently, the Gospel at Sunday Mass revealed to us that John the Baptist witnessed to Jesus as the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. Perhaps the sin of the world that John speaks of is its indifference to the guidance of the Holy Spirit; the tendency to do nothing, which develops as we grow used to hurtful, uncharitable, careless ways for which we excuse ourselves on the grounds that “everybody’s doing it”. This hardening is a desensitizing of the human spirit leading to a rejection of the Spirit of God. The Beatitudes of Jesus teach us what it truly means to be blessed and challenges us to be a source of blessing for others. There are so many ways that we can be a source of blessing. It will be a call to action on our part. As disciples of Jesus we are called to act in the face of injustices especially when and where the dignity of human beings created in the image and likeness of God are violated and or demeaned.
Each and every person is created in the image of God, with dignity and beauty, and are deserving of the respect, honor, and appreciation afforded to every human person. The great injustices and indignities in places around the world, our own nation included, should be intolerable for Christians. We should be the first to call for just, honorable, and loving treatment for every human being, at every stage of life, from conception through natural death. Again, this is not something that we simply talk about but we are called to action by Christ. This action begins first in us. Each of us are in the process of continuous conversion as we seek to become the fully spiritually mature disciple which Jesus, by His grace, forms us to be. We live, we learn, we change and the hope is that we change for the better. We move beyond complacency, beyond mere words and ideals into concrete expressions of our Christian discipleship in Christ. Some fear this.
Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI wrote: “Are we not perhaps all afraid in some way? If we let Christ enter fully into our lives, if we open ourselves totally to him, are we not afraid that He might take something away from us? Are we not perhaps afraid to give up something significant, something unique, something that makes life so beautiful? Do we not then risk ending up diminished and deprived of our freedom? . . . No! If we let Christ into our lives, we lose nothing, nothing, absolutely nothing of what makes life free, beautiful and great. No! Only in this friendship are the doors of life opened wide. Only in this friendship is the great potential of human existence truly revealed. Only in this friendship do we experience beauty and liberation. And so, today, with great strength and great conviction, on the basis of long personal experience of life, I say to you, dear young people: Do not be afraid of Christ! He takes nothing away, and he gives you everything. When we give ourselves to him, we receive a hundredfold in return. Yes, open, open wide the doors to Christ – and you will find true life. Amen.”
In letting Christ in we realize the awesome way in which our life is enriched and how we can be a blessing in his name to others. Action must follow. (See the notice on the Bridge Act in this bulletin as an example). Being a disciple of Jesus means ensuring the God given dignity of all. Open to the movement of the Holy Spirit, may we always do something to assist the plight of others. The marginalized, the voiceless and the most vulnerable among us depend on our response. Let us not delay.
Peace,
Fr. Richard
January 28th and 29th Page Four
READINGS FOR NEXT SUNDAY
GETTING READY FOR SUNDAY
Join Fr. Richard for a deeper insight into the Scriptures for Sunday Mass. Let the texts come alive for you by gaining an understanding of their context and the culture within which they were written.
Discussions are on-going every Thursday at 2pm to 3:30 pm and repeated at 7:30pm to 9pm in the Pastoral Center Library.
First Reading: Isaiah 58:7-10 This reading is a vigorous exhortation from the prophet Isaiah to lead lives of active charity and generosity. He promises that the Lord will be our “dawn,” our “rear guard,” our “light” if we share our bread, shelter the homeless, and clothe the naked.
Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 2:1-5 Paul tells the Corinthians that he and they must not rely on the so-called “wisdom” of secular teaching and philosophy but on the power of the Spirit. Gospel: Matthew 5:13-16 Jesus reminds the disciples and all Christians that they carry special responsibilities to be “the salt of the earth.” They must not hide their light but show their goodness to all.
Parishes require certificates of sponsorship for Godparents and Confirmation Sponsors. Upon request, a Certificate of Eligibility will be issued only to those who are Confirmed Catholics, registered in our Parish, regular participants at Mass, and
validly married in the Church (if applicable). It is difficult to have to refuse anyone but it has had to be done at times. You should be registered with the Parish at least 6 months before we can issue you a certificate to become a Godparent or Sponsor. It is a privilege to be asked to take on this responsibility and to participate in the sacramental life of the Church.
PLEASE REMEMBER IN YOUR PRAYERS
Those who serve in the military: Nick Ragazzo, Stephen J. Campbell, Sean Milde, Frank Fasano, Marcia Fernandes, Richard Lister, Eric Leverone, Jay Donato, Frank Messina, Eileen Murphy, Peter Giovanni, John E. Siedler IV, and Alex Slevens.
Those who are ill: Cesare Passarelli, Sal Cerami, Martha Armenti, Caitlin Shea, Bill Wallisch, Helen Marie Kravitz, Linda Russell, Larry and Aileen Oster, Nanci Gamba, Elizabeth Early, Serenity Rose Apuzzo, George Thoms, Richard Sherer, Maple Young, Kevin Shea, Helen Munro, Larry Hebert, Lou Aroneo, Msgr. Patrick Brown, Jack and Maria Bickel, Mary Keller, Dorothy Paul, George Armenti III, MaryAnn Paster, Anne Galdieri, Terry McCloskey, Patricia Caruso-Minicozzi, Susan Holmes, Pat Moran and Eric Binner.
Those who have died to this world John DeLuca, Ruth Ann Rahe, David Maffucci,
Margaret Pascarella, Nicole Falt and Ellen Varetoni
Requiescat in Pace
May all the faithful who have departed this world rest in your eternal peace. Amen
HAVE YOU BEEN ASKED TO BE A GODPARENT?
VOTIVE CANDLE OFFERINGS
If you would like to have a candle lit in remembrance of a loved one before the
statue of the Blessed Mother and/or St. Joseph please call the parish office
to choose a date. Candles are lit for one week at a time. This is a beautiful
way to memorialize a loved one . The office number is 908-647-0118. FAITH FORMATION 1st-8th GRADES
It is time to sign up for the “Divine Mercy” Family Faith Session. There are two Sunday sessions to choose
from: Sunday, March 19th or March
26th at 10:20am-1:30pm (Mass and lunch included) Go to www.stvincentschurch.org, Faith Formation link, Family Faith RSVP link to sign up. Come gather as a family and with members of our faith community to learn about and discuss the main theme from the Diary of St. Faustina. This book brings to light the beautiful and urgent message Jesus wants to spread to the world; that of his unfathomable divine mercy. The time is now for powerful and amazing graces to be poured out to the world through the image, prayers and works of Divine Mercy.
January 28th and 29th Page Five
THE STORY OF DIVINE MERCY
A DVD series by Fr. Michael Gaitley is presented on Sundays in the Library following each Mass. Coffee, tea and pastries are served. Come and enjoy fellowship and then watch the amazing story of Divine Mercy unfold through the dramatic history of Poland, the messages of St. Faustina, the apparitions of Our Lady of Fatima and the powerful witness of St. Maximilian Kolbe. Also, join Sr. Krystyna as she leads the discussion on a “Quick Journey Through the Bible” on Wednesdays at 9:30am to 11am in the Library in the Pastoral Center.
BOOK CLUB SERIES WITH SR. ELSA
Mondays from 9:15am to 10:45am join Sr. Elsa’s Book Club series in the Pastoral Center Library. Come and participate with Sr. Elsa as she leads the discussion from Praying with Women of the Bible featuring women from the Old and New Testament. Every
Monday a different woman from the Bible is discussed utilizing scripture, prayer and addressing questions from our own lives.
ROSARY ALTAR SOCIETY
The next meeting of the Rosary Altar Society will take
place on Monday, February 6. The Rosary will be prayed in the Chapel at 7:00 pm followed by
our meeting and refreshments at 7:30pm. New members are
always welcome!
Our first Bridges Run to New York City will be Friday,
February 10th. Please consider donating needed supplies by
visiting www.perfectpotluck.com Coordinator: Garcia Password: 2323
For questions please call the Parish House.
MOMS GROUP MEETING
Our monthly meeting will be Tuesday, February 7th from 7:30pm to 9:00pm in the Library in the Pastoral Center. Please join us for
an inspiring presentation by Cindy Costello entitled “Parenting Through the Eyes of Faith.”
Cindy will offer ways to prioritize your activities so that faith in God leads to a happy family life.
Contact Danielle Grieco for further information [email protected].
TRIVIA NIGHT The Knights of Columbus are hosting a Trivia Night on Friday, February 3rd from 7pm to 9pm in the gym. It is guaranteed to be a fun night with family and friends. Food and drinks are included and it is all FREE! For more information contact Tim Wallisch at [email protected] or call 908-524-7311
PARISH PLAYGROUP
The next gathering of our Parish Playgroup will be Wednesday, February 8th in the Pre K room in the Pastoral Center. All new Moms and tots are welcome. We meet from 9:15am to 10:30am the second and fourth Wednesday of the month. If you are able, join us at 8:30 Mass beforehand. For more information contact Josephine Costanzo at [email protected] or Lindsay Schlegel at [email protected]
January 28th and 29th Page Six
The Journey After the Death of a Loved One is the theme of the support group offered by the Bereavement Ministry of the
Church of the Little Flower in Berkeley Heights. Sessions start on Tuesday, February 7th from 1pm to 2:30pm and run for eight Tuesdays through March 28th. Registration is necessary For more information contact Maria at [email protected] or by calling 908-464-1585. Whether your loss occurred a week ago or ten years ago, this is a valuable opportunity to those still in need of healing.
BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT GROUP
SUPPORT CATHOLIC CHARITIES
Please help support the Department for Persons with Disabilities, a Catholic Charities Agency, as they host their 47th Annual Murray House Dinner Dance at the Brownstone in Paterson. The DPD provides care for over 100 adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities throughout the Diocese of Paterson. The Gala will be held on Sunday, February 19th at 6PM. This year they will be honoring Joe Duffy, past Catholic Charities President, as their Person of the Year, as well as several service recipients, volunteers and employees. For more information contact the Development Office at 973-406-1104 or email www.dpd.org/Murray.
THE BRIDGE ACT The BRIDGE ACT was introduced in Congress as a bipartisan effort to sustain the temporary relief from deportation and employment eligibility offered to youth through the Dept. of Homeland Security’s Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program. The BRIDGE ACT allows young people who came to the United States as children to maintain their eligibility to work and live in the U.S. without fear of deportation and family separation so long as they meet certain requirements, such as showing a commitment to education or honorable service in our military and having no history of serious crime. As Catholics we believe in protecting the dignity of every human being, especially that of our children. Please act! Ask Senators Booker and Mendez and Representative Lance to support and co-sponsor the BRIDGE ACT by sending this message: Dear Senator/ Representative: As a Catholic, I write to express my support for the “Bar Removal of Individuals who Dream and Grow our Economy Act” S.128/H.R.496. The BRIDGE ACT protects the dignity of DACA eligible youth ensuring that they can continue to live their lives free of the anxiety that they can be deported at any time to a country they do not know and separated from their families. I urge you to support and co-sponsor the BRIDGE ACT(S.128/H.R.496) and continue to work towards larger legislative reform of our immigration laws. Then sign your name and be a blessing to another.
