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 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
April 28th and 29th Fifth Sunday of Easter Page Two
SUNDAY COLLECTION REPORT MASS INTENTIONS MONDAY April 30th
Saint Pius V, Pope 8:30AM Al and Delia Clemente (Living) Michael Mandato Deceased members of the Senyk Family
TUESDAY May 1st Saint Joseph the Worker
8:30AM Izydor Kedziora Susie Matinho Christine Dos Santos
WEDNESDAY May 2nd Saint Athanasius, Bishop and Doctor of the Church
8:30AM Frank L. Bigelis Ted Hoag Paul and Angela Rota
THURSDAY May 3rd Saint Philip and Saint James, Apostles
8:30AM Josephine Forte Beverly Guldner Andrew Chmielewski
FRIDAY May 4th 8:30AM Helena Rohal Mary Ischia Simonelli Kathryn Yachimovicz
SATURDAY May 5th 8:30AM Henry Schlegel (Living) Marilyn Vecchiotti George F. Hundt, Sr.
The Sixth Sunday of Easter
5:00PM (Vigil) Anne King Frances Brooks Gregory and Reggie Pigna
SUNDAY May 6th 8:30AM Thomas Chesney Willard and Gretchen Dolman Michelina and Biagio Bernardo Deceased members of the Buziak & McMonagle families 10:30AM Michael John Elia Anthony LaRezza Giuseppe and Anna Dimichele
6:00PM Christine Dos Santos Susie Matinho Deceased members of the parish
The weekend of April 21st and 22nd
Total amount in envelopes: $7,588
Loose: $1,740
Online We Share: $3,600
Total Offered: $12,928 Diocesan Assessment: $2,464
FIRST HOLY COMMUNION MASSES With great joy the children of our parish who have been prepared to receive Jesus, Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity in Holy Communion for the first time will do so at the following Masses in May: Saturday, May 5th 5:00PM Mass
Sunday, May 6th 10:30AM Mass Sunday, May 13th 10:30AM Mass Sunday May 20th 10:30AM Mass
Please keep the children in your prayers at such a special moment in their faith journey. May St. Tarcisius, St. Gemma Galgani, Blessed Imelda Lambertini and St. Therese of Lisieux, patrons of First Communicants, pray for them.
Daily Mass Readings Monday Acts 14:5-18; Jn 14:21-26
Tuesday Gn 1:26—2:3; Mt 13:54-58
Wednesday Acts 15:1-6; Jn 15:1-8
Thursday 1 Cor 15:1-8; Jn 14:6-14
First Friday Acts 15:22-31; Jn 15:12-17
First Saturday Acts 16:1-10; Jn 15:18-21
Thank you for welcoming Chris Bell, co-founder and President of Good Counsel Homes for homeless pregnant women and their babies. If you kindly took a Baby Bottle please remember to return it next weekend with your offering for their lifesaving work. You may also find out more and donate online at www.GoodCounselHomes.org. You will be helping women through a crisis to find careers.
CHRIS BELL-GOOD COUNSEL HOMES
Please keep the 58 children of our parish in your prayers who will be
receiving their First Holy Communion. We pray they will
continue to be nourished by Jesus Christ every Sunday and that they will
continue to grow in His grace and love throughout their lives.
April 28th and 29th Page Three
CHAPTER 4: SIGNS OF HOLINESS IN TODAY’S WORLD The Pope speaks next about “certain aspects of the call to holiness that I hope will prove especially meaningful” in the form of “five great expressions of love for God and neighbor that I consider of particular importance in the light of certain dangers and limitations present in today’s culture.” 1) Perseverance, patience and meekness. This describes the inner strength, grounded in God, that makes it possible to give a witness of constancy in doing good. We need to recognize and combat our aggressive and selfish inclinations. Christians “can be caught up in networks of verbal violence through the internet and the various forums of digital communication.” Even in Catholic media, limits can be overstepped, defamation and slander can become commonplace. “It is striking that at times, in claiming to uphold the other commandments, they completely ignore the eighth, which forbids bearing false witness or lying, and ruthlessly vilify others.” It is not good when we look down on others like heartless judges, lording it over them and always trying to teach them lessons. That is itself a subtle form of violence. Being on the path to holiness means enduring “daily humiliations”, e.g. “those who keep silent to save their families, who prefer to praise others rather than boast about themselves, or who choose the less welcome tasks, at times even choosing to bear an injustice so as to offer it to the Lord.” To act in this way “presumes a heart set at peace by Christ, freed from the aggressiveness born of overweening egotism.” 2) Joy and a sense of humor. The saints are joyful and full of good humor. They radiate a positive and hopeful spirit, even in hard times. Ill humor is no sign of holiness. Sadness can be a sign of ingratitude for God’s gifts. Today’s individualistic and consumerist culture does not dispense real joy; consumerism only bloats the heart. 3) Boldness and passion: Holiness is also parrhesía: boldness, an impulse to evangelize and to leave a mark in this world. “Boldness and apostolic courage are an essential part of mission.” If we dare to go to the fringes, we will find Jesus already there, in the hearts of our brothers and sisters, in their wounded flesh, their troubles and their profound desolation. More than bureaucrats and functionaries, the Church needs passionate missionaries, enthusiastic about sharing true life. The saints surprise us, they confound us, because by their lives they urge us to abandon a dull and dreary mediocrity. The Holy Spirit allows us to contemplate history in the light of the risen Jesus. In this way, the Church will not stand still, but constantly welcome the Lord’s surprises. 4) In community: Growth in holiness is a journey of living and working in community with others. Sharing the word and celebrating the Eucharist together fosters fraternity and makes us a holy and missionary community. It also gives rise to authentic and shared mystical experiences. Such experiences, however, are less frequent and important than small everyday things. Jesus asked his disciples to pay attention to small details: wine running out at a party, a missing sheep, a widow’s two small coins. Sometimes we are granted, amid these little details, consoling experiences of God. 5) In constant prayer: Trust-filled prayer of any length is a response of a heart open to encountering God face to face, where the quiet voice of the Lord can be heard. In that silence, we can discern the paths of holiness to which the Lord is calling us. For each disciple, it is essential to spend time with the Master, to listen to his words, and to learn from him always. God enters our history, and so our prayer is interwoven with memories. Think of your own history when you pray, and there you will find much mercy. Prayer of supplication is an expression of a heart that trusts in God and realizes that it can do nothing of itself. Prayer of petition often calms our hearts and helps us persevere in hope. Prayer of intercession is an act of trust in God and, at the same time, an expression of love for our neighbor. In the Eucharist, the written word attains its greatest efficacy, for there the living Word is truly present.
CHAPTER 5: SPIRITUAL COMBAT, VIGILANCE AND DISCERNMENT Evil is present from the very first pages of the Scriptures. We should not dismiss the devil as a myth, a figure of speech or an idea, lest we let down our guard and end up more vulnerable. Our path towards holiness is a constant battle for which the Lord equips us with prayer, the word of God, the celebration of Mass, Eucharistic adoration, sacramental Reconciliation, works of charity, etc. The path of holiness is a source of peace and joy, given to us by the Spirit. How can we know if something comes from the Holy Spirit, not from the spirit of the world or the devil? By discernment, which differs from intelligence and common sense. The gift of discernment is all the more necessary today because contemporary life proclaims so many distractions as equally valid and good. Discernment is a grace. It is not only for the more intelligent or better educated. It requires no special abilities, but it does require listening: to the Lord and to others, and to reality itself, which always challenges us in new ways. Listening frees us to set aside our own partial or insufficient ideas, our usual ways of seeing things. We need to discern God’s timetable, lest we disregard his invitation to grow. For this reason, I ask all Christians to examine their conscience daily in sincere dialogue with the Lord. We need the silence of prolonged prayer to better perceive God’s language, interpret the real meaning of the inspirations we believe we have received, calm our anxieties and see the whole of our existence afresh in God’s own light. Our attentive discernment entails obedience to the Gospel as the ultimate standard, but also to the Magisterium that guards it, as we seek in the treasury of the Church for whatever is most fruitful for the “today” of salvation; for rigidity has no place before the perennial “today” of the risen Lord. God asks everything of us, yet he also gives everything to us. He does not want to enter our lives to diminish them but to bring them to fulfilment. Let us ask the Holy Spirit to pour out upon us a fervent longing to be saints for God’s greater glory, and let us encourage one another in this effort. In this way, we will share a happiness that the world will not be able to take from us.
SUMMARY OF GAUDETE ET EXSULTATE—Apostolic Exhortation of Pope Francis (Part 2 of 2)
April 28th and 29th 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: Jane Moran, Frank Critelli, 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, Helen Munro and Rick Binner.
Those who have died to this world Anthony Bello and Joyce Conciatori
Victims of violence and terrorism Requiescat in Pace
May all the faithful who have departed this world
rest in your eternal peace. Amen
Getting Ready For Sunday with Fr. Richard Gain a deeper insight into the Scriptures for Sunday Mass and a deeper understanding of the readings and of the culture and context within which they were written. Discussions are held on Thursday afternoons in the Library at 1pm to 2:30pm and repeated in the evening at 7:30pm to 9:00pm.
ADULT FAITH FORMATION
READINGS FOR NEXT SUNDAY
First Reading: Acts 10:25-26, 34-35, 44-48 Peter preaches to the Gentiles for the first time in the house of Cornelius. Peter realized that God would accept any person who acted uprightly, regardless of his or her heritage. Then the Holy Spirit descended on the Gentiles and Peter allowed them to be baptized in the name of Jesus.
Second Reading: I John 4:7-10
John advises all believers to love one another, for love is a gift from God. The person without love does not know God, whose love for us is so great he sent his only son so that we might have life through him.
Gospel: John 15:9-17 Jesus asks his disciples to live on in his love and to “Love one another as I have loved you.” He explains that he chose them to follow him, and promises if they keep his commandments they will have anything that they ask for in his name.
Oremus: A Guide to Catholic Prayer
Join Fr. Richard for an inspiring study on the essentials for an effective and fruitful prayer life. Over the course of eight weeks discover how to place yourself in God’s presence. Oremus includes video presentations, small group discussions and inspiring readings
and reflections. The sessions take place on Wednesdays at 7:30pm in the JPII Center. Participants must register. Visit our website or call the office to register.
The Knights of Columbus are sponsoring their Blood Drive on
Monday, April 30th from 3:30pm to 8:30pm in the gym. Donor registration will take place in the
vestibule of the church after Masses this weekend. Please consider being a
blood donor. For further information please contact Ken Schaefer at 732-356-6148.
Our next Family Rosary and Adoration will take place on Friday, May 18th. Come join us with your whole family to pray the Rosary before the Blessed Sacrament beginning at 7pm. Potluck dessert and fun activities for families will take place after prayer, Adoration and Benediction. RSVP to
Amy Pejman at [email protected].
Reborn through the waters of Baptism and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, we embrace:
Hugh Joseph Horton son of Brian and Faith
Alessio Cristian Eng son of Stephen and Jessica
claimed now for the fullness of eternal life.
Eucharistic Adoration takes place this First Friday, May 4th immediately following the 8:30am Mass until Saturday 8:00am. Prayerfully consider sharing your time with the Lord over these 24 hours.
April 28th and 29th Page Five
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
Where is the Spirit acting in your life? Where is the Lord encouraging you to go? Young men ages 15 to 25 are invited to participate in a time of recreation, fellowship, prayer and discussion to help them explore the Lord’s call in their life with priests and seminarians of the Paterson Diocese. “Quo Vadis—Where are you going?” is a time for vocations discernment. It is a time to share your faith and meet other young men seeking God’s will. Quo Vadis Days will be held June 27th thru 29th at the Saint Mary’s Abbey Retreat Center, Morristown. There is no cost. For more information and/or registration contact the coordinators, Fr. Edgar Rivera and David Monteleone in the Vocations Office at 973-777-8 8 1 8 e x t . 7 1 1 o r b y e m a i l t o [email protected].
VOCATION DISCERNMENT QUO VADIS DAYS
2018 CALENDAR RAFFLE
THANK YOU FROM GIRL SCOUT TROOP 4581
Thank you to everyone who contributed to the Bridges Run and
to our sock drive. We made over 200 sandwiches to feed the homeless on Friday, April 13th. It would not have
been possible without your contribution! We also collected over 300 new
pairs of socks! We are extremely grateful to you for helping us achieve our Silver Award and for helping the Bridges Social Ministry group at our
parish. Erin Aroneo, Dena Mistichelli and Troop 4581
Calendar Raffle
The winner of our ninth and final drawing was Robert Walto.
Congratulations to all the winners. Thank you especially to all those who purchased raffle tickets to support our parish. May you be blessed for your generosity and dedication to our parish.
Our final Bridges Run before Summer is on Saturday, May 12th. Please consider donating
the needed supplies by visiting www.perfectpotluck.com
Coordinator: Bridges Password: 2323
Monetary donations are also accepted.
Thank you to all who have supported the Bridges Outreach Ministry over the years. Many hungry people have had a nutritious meal because of your service and love for Christ. Let us continue to share resources with those most in need.
The Knights of Columbus are hosting a Trivia Night on Friday, May 11th from 7:00pm 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 908-525-7311.
TRIVIA NIGHT
April 28th and 29th Page Six
Memorial 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. Please call the office to purchase a brick.
Morris Catholic High School invites you to its Spring Open House on Sunday, May 6th from 2pm to 4pm. Visit the campus,
meet the faculty and learn about student life directly from Student Ambassadors. Register to attend at www.morriscatholic.org/OpenHouse/
St. Patrick School, Chatham invites families with children currently enrolled in non-Catholic schools to consider the benefits of a parish school environment where Gospel values are combined with Blue Ribbon academics each
day. Learn more on Walk-in Wednesdays. Stop in any Wednesday between 9:00am and
11:00am for a guided tour or call 973-635-2311 to schedule a more convenient time.
Mother and (Adult) Daughter Retreat May 11th—13th
Marianist Family Retreat Center Cape May Point, NJ 08212
Knowing that your relationship is special and the need to nurture it throughout the years, this is a
wonderful opportunity to walk upon common ground while celebrating your differences.
Celebration of the Eucharist will take place. There will also be small group sharing, prayer
experiences, and socials. The cost is $135 per person. Visit www.capemaymarianists.org.
You can register online or call 609-884-3829 for more information.
The World Apostolate of Fatima, Blue Army Shrine in Asbury, NJ invites you to experience the 150 acre scenic beauty and serenity of their outdoor Shrine. On First Saturday, May 5th join them to honor Our Lady’s plea of December 10, 1925
requesting Five Consecutive First Saturdays of Reparation with Confession at 11:30am and 2:00pm, Rosary, meditation and Mass at 12 noon. The celebrant and speaker will be Fr. James Walling. The Divine Mercy Chaplet will be prayed at 3:00pm. Bring your family and friends to answer the call of the Child Jesus. For more information call 908-689-1700 ext. 210 or visit www.bluearmy.com.
The Parish Play Group will meet on Wednesday, May 9th from 9:15am to 10:30am and the following 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month. We will meet in Room 5 in the Faith Formation Center. All Moms and young children are welcome! Email Josephine Costanzo for questions at [email protected].
LEGATUS
Legatus of Northern New Jersey’s monthly meeting will be Wednesday, May 9th beginning with Mass at the Olde Mill Inn, Basking Ridge at 6:30pm preceded by Confession and the Rosary at 6:00pm. Dinner will follow at 7:15pm. The evening’s speaker will be Fr. Jack Wall,
President of the Catholic Extension. Fr. Wall’s topic will be “Awakening the Mission Spirit in America.” For membership information and reservations please call Allison Provinsal, Chapter Administrator at 908-458-2633 or visit legatus.org/chapter/northern-new-jersey/
