MASS OF THE ANOINTING OF THE SICK

PRAYER, PRAISE AND HEALING

THE CELEBRATION OF THE SACRAMENT OF THE
ANOINTING OF THE SICK
Saturday, 23 October 2010, 10:00 a.m.

PARISH OF ST. JOSEPH
767 Prospect Street
Maplewood, NJ 07040

"Is anyone among you suffering? He should pray.
Is anyone in good spirits? He should sing praise.
Is anyone among you sick? Let him call or the presbyters of the Church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil
in the name of the Lord; and the prayer of faith will save the sick man, and the Lord will raise him up;
and if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven"
(James 5:14-15).

The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick is for:


• Those of the faithful whose health is seriously impaired by sickness or old age
• A person facing surgery
• Elderly people who have become notably weakened even though
no serious illness is present
• Sick children or people of any age in need of healing
• Those suffering mental or spiritual illness in search of healing
in a time of crisis or pain.


A light luncheon will be served for participants after Mass.
If transportation assistance is needed,
please call Liz at the Parish Office, 973-761-5933 ext 17,
on or before Monday, October 18.



Anointing of the Sick

The anointing of the sick is administered to bring spiritual and even physical strength during an illness. It is most likely one of the last sacraments one will receive. A sacrament is an outward sign established by Jesus Christ to confer inward grace. In more basic terms, it is a rite that is performed to convey God’s grace to the recipient, through the power of the Holy Spirit.


The Sacrament’s Institution
Like all the sacraments, holy anointing was instituted by Jesus Christ during his earthly ministry. The Catechism explains, "This sacred anointing of the sick was instituted by Christ our Lord as a true and proper sacrament of the New Testament. It is alluded to indeed by Mark, but is recommended to the faithful and promulgated by James the apostle and brother of the Lord" (CCC 1511; Mark 6:13; Jas. 5:14-15).

The anointing of the sick conveys several graces and imparts gifts of strengthening in the Holy Spirit against anxiety, discouragement, and temptation, and conveys peace and fortitude (CCC 1520). These graces flow from the atoning death of Jesus Christ, for "this was to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah, ‘He took our infirmities and bore our diseases’" (Matt. 8:17).

Mark refers to the sacrament when he recounts how Jesus sent out the twelve disciples to preach, and "they cast out many demons, and anointed with oil many that were sick and healed them" (Mark 6:13). In his epistle, James says, "Is any among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord; and the prayer of faith will save the sick man, and the Lord will raise him up; and if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven" (Jas. 5:14–15).

The early Church Fathers recognized this sacrament’s role in the life of the Church. Around A.D. 250, Origen wrote that the penitent Christian "does not shrink from declaring his sin to a priest of the Lord and from seeking medicine . . . [of] which the apostle James says: ‘If then there is anyone sick, let him call the presbyters of the Church, and let them impose hands upon him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord; and the prayer of faith will save the sick man, and if he be in sins, they shall be forgiven him’" (Homilies on Leviticus 2:4).

In the year 350, Bishop Serapion wrote, "We beseech you, Savior of all men, you that have all virtue and power, Father of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and we pray that you send down from heaven the healing power of the only-begotten [Son] upon this oil, so that for those who are anointed . . . it may be effected for the casting out of every disease and every bodily infirmity . . for good grace and remission of sins . . " (The Sacramentary of Serapion 29:1).


The Sacrament’s Effects
"The special grace of the sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick has as its effects: the uniting of the sick person to the passion of Christ, for his own good and that of the whole Church; the strengthening, peace, and courage to endure in a Christian manner the sufferings of illness or old age; the forgiveness of sins, if the sick person was not able to obtain it through the sacrament of penance; the restoration of health, if it is conducive to the salvation of his soul; the preparation for passing over to eternal life" (CCC 1532).

PICNIC THANKS....

Picnic Thanks

Photos of the ST. JOSEPH PARISH FAMILY PICNIC 2010 (2 Albums)
Families who brought their cameras and captured the wonderful event are welcome to share their photos with us. Please send Photos in CD’s and drop it at the Parish Office.

http://picasaweb.google.com/106264372990659767789

Last Sunday’s parish picnic was a wonderful event. Having a great weather day helped too! It was just beautiful. I want to thank all those who made it all possible. Many thanks to those who did the heavy lifting as the set – up and clean up crews. I want to acknowledge the presence of the Boy Scouts from Troop 21 and all our confirmation candidates who served throughout the day in many different areas. Thank you to all who welcomed everyone in our hospitality tent; the food committee which ordered shopped and cooked at the grill, to the Knights of Columbus Regina Pacis Council for their donation of all the soda and water; to all those who organized the face painting and games for the children to those who assisted with the 50/50 and our Carpenters’’ Band for sharing their talents with us and of course to Fr. Manolo our chief party organizer! Most of all, I’m glad so many of you could come and enjoy and were willing to share with others what you brought from home. This is quite a special community! Thanks for all who have done so much to make it that way!

In God’s Peace and Love,
Fr. Michael

OUR PARISH FAMILY PICNIC 2010

We have been running about as hard as we can for some time now. This picnic is our way to thank you for all that you do for St. Joseph Church. You deserve the best.

Our Parish Family Picnic is not just an ordinary picnic because it celebrates, blesses and highlights the community life and ministry shared in our parish. This picnic brings all of us together. It shows just how vital our beloved St. Joseph Parish Community is – how it is truly a dwelling place of the Holy Spirit and the Body of Christ alive and well in the wider community. This picnic also encourages more members to get involved in this parishwide experience of the wonders of our faith. Let this event be a source of affirmation, rededication, hope and promise.

SIGN-UP NOW FOR FREE EXCLUSIVE BENEFITS

SIGN-UP NOW FOR FREE
EXCLUSIVE BENEFITS

Spend fun-filled quality time with our parish family and friends, and enjoy this life with which God has so graciously blessed us. This is what our Parish Family Picnic is all about. Teens will be on hand to help families with small kids. Tables and chairs will be provided for those who need them, but in order to have an authentic feel of a picnic, we encourage families to bring lawn chairs and picnic mats. There will be plenty of food to share. We provide free, freshly grilled burgers, hot dogs, soda and water and a lot of surprises.

Please bring a dish to share for 6-8 people. If your last name begins with letters A to I, please bring a SIDE DISH. If your last name begins with letters J to R, please bring a DESSERT. If your last name begins with letters S to Z, please bring an ENTREE.

Visit our interactive blog for more information and photos of previous PARISH FAMILY PICNICS - http://open-doors-at-st-joseph-maplewood.blogspot.com

THE 2010 COLLECTOR’S ITEM

THE 2010 COLLECTOR’S ITEM

Add to your collection and proudly wear our BLACK Picnic T-Shirts which you can order for $12. Deadline for orders will be Monday, September 13. To order, please use a separate envelope provided for that purpose.

...fun, fun, fun and more fun!

FUN FOR EVERYONE

We have lined up various fun events during the picnic. More colors for the FACE PAINTING; more exciting games for the KIDS’ PLAY; music for PRE SCHOOLERS in the POLO area; Children’s playground is open for the kids to hop and jump around; bats, balls and gloves are ready for the SOFTBALL GAME. TABLE GAMES and BUNCO will be provided for the seniors. We welcome more suggestions.

THE CARPENTER’S BAND TO SERENADE AT THE PICNIC

THE CARPENTER’S BAND
TO SERENADE AT THE PICNIC

A group of talented parishioners have banded together to form “The Carpenter’s Band”, nicknamed after our patron saint’s trade. Musically inclined parishioners are welcome to join. Whether you are a guitarist, bassist, drummer, singer, harp player, sax player and so on, you can find a place to play with us. The more, the merrier. Please call Fr. Manolo at 973-761-5933 ext. 13.

iPerform: AN “OPEN MIC” BRAND OF ENTERTAINMENT

iPerform: AN “OPEN MIC” BRAND OF ENTERTAINMENT

iPerform is our brand of Open Mic entertainment. It is a live show where the audience may perform at the microphone. This is a great way to share your singing, songwriting, any musical talent, dancing, poetry and other sorts of talents and give you real world performing experience in front of a live audience. Please call before you haul! Please contact Liz Petroccia at 973-761-5933 ext. 17.

SERVICES OFFERED
There will be a POLO tent and gathering area for families with small children. Confirmation candidates will be on hand should you need assistance at the picnic.


VOLUNTEERS WANTED
Since this is our Parish Family event, we encourage you to sign-up to help run this fun day.

It’s fun, right?
…but wait, have you signed up yet?

No Ordinary Picnic: A Celebration during Ordinary Time

No Ordinary Picnic
A Celebration during Ordinary Time

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2010, 1-5pm
Maplecrest Park, Maplewood

In the good old summertime, we mark each Sunday with a simple ordinal number unattached to a feast or a season. In fact, the term Ordinary Time refers to that “ordering of Sundays,” and it does not mean that there is nothing at all special about the celebrations during the long period between Trinity Sunday and the First Sunday of Advent. However, in our parish, we have this great tradition of the
Parish Family Picnic during this ordinary time.

Our parish Family Picnic is not just an ordinary picnic because it celebrates, blesses and highlights the community life and ministry shared in our parish. This picnic brings all of us together. It shows just how vital our beloved
St. Joseph Parish Community is – how it is truly a dwelling place of the Holy Spirit and the Body of Christ alive and well in the wider community.

This picnic also encourages more members to get involved in this parishwide experience of the wonders of our faith.

Let this event be a source of affirmation, rededication, hope
and promise.

9/11 National Day of Service and Remembrance

9/11/10 & 9/12/10
St. Joseph Parishioners will donate baked goods. Confirmation Candidates and families will assemble assorted trays of goodies. Trays will be delivered to Fire, Police, EMT, Health Depts. and Crossing Guards. We will serve those who serve us daily providing safety and security to our communities.

FROM ST. JOSEPH IHN COORDINATOR

Thank you so much for giving up your time to help give shelter, meals, companionship, laundry services, children's entertainment and kindness to our IHN families these past two weeks. On behalf of the four families and their children: Montero/Sardinas (children Hailey and Yennier); Paden/Scott (children Jahmerah and Naomi); Knuckles (son, Al); and Short/Mackey (children Tavia and Destiny) THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart.

There are people who don't have email who deserve mention -- Angela Bukwich, Dot Huber, Barbara Sanok, Roseann Sharo, Margaret Coughlin and the custodial staff of St. Joe's.

A special thanks to the volunteers from Our Lady of Sorrows; the many confirmation candidates who came to entertain the kids almost every night....to the committee members who were my right hand(s): Vince, Liz and Grace Petroccia (setup and breakdown); Chicky and John Visicaro (food shopping); Fran Stanzione (meals); Scott Bertha (overnight hosting); Carmen Acevedo and Mary Boehner (children's activities); Mary Chris Brauchli (OLS liaison); Lynne and Don Blaesser.....to the parish staff for their support, especially Liz Petroccia -- I can't thank you enough for all that you've done; and of course to Fr. Michael.

I want to make mention that if you have any luggage with wheels that you no longer use or know of anyone who might be able to donate luggage, the families don't have any. They carry their belongings in garbage bags. Please let me know if you have any to donate. Will coordinate where to drop off and by when.

Again many thanks for putting your faith into action. I will leave you with a link below of a you tube video of the Servant Song (Brother, let me be your servant, Let me be as Christ to you, Pray that I may have the grace, To let you be my servant, too)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=36RvCfIZeak&feature=related

Love,
Carmen

CONGRATULATIONS NICK

PARISH FAMILY PICNIC 2010 T-SHIRT

PARISH FAMILY PICNIC 2010

PARISH FAMILY PICNIC 2010

We have been running about as hard as we can for some time now. This is because we want to thank you for all that you do for St. Joseph Church. You deserve the best.

It is time to enjoy this life with which God has so graciously blest us and not allow it to all be work. It is time to step back from our busyness and to spend quality time with our parish family and friends. This is what our parish picnic is all about.

We will have a Sunday afternoon in which we can all come together, the kids can jump and play. Adults can visit, eat and exchange pleasantries. Hangout and chat with old pals and meet new friends! We have a treat for everyone; the young and the mature, the young families and the “goldenage” couples.

There will be plenty of food to share. Get a freshly grilled hamburger or a hot dog, other favorite dishes and desserts; and something cool to drink. Tables and chairs will be provided for seniors and the infirmed. For those who are able, bring lawn chairs or picnic mats.

SAVE THE DATE:
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2010; 1-5 PM

MAKING MUSIC, PRAYING TWICE

MAKING MUSIC, PRAYING TWICE
Coming soon to our parish!
This childhood program offers classes which include spoken rhymes, traditional children’s music, world folk music, chant, hymns and spirituals. Children from birth to age five, with their parent or caregiver, make music and move to music using percussion instruments and shaky eggs, scarves and religious imagery. Each family receives a songbook and CDs to take home. Does this sound like a wonderful way for your family to engage in parish life and meet new friends? If you might be interested in more information, please email faith@stjosephmaplewood.org and someone will be in touch.

St. Joseph Parish Prayer Shawl Ministry

The St. Joseph Parish Prayer Shawl Ministry donated dozens of knit/crocheted “Caps of Comfort” this past week to The Valerie Fund. The Caps, knit with compassion, prayer & care, will be distributed to children with cancer & blood disorders who may be experiencing hair loss due to medical treatments.

Food Pantry Shopping next weekend

Pick up a St. Joseph Church
canvas bag for your
Food Pantry Shopping next weekend
August 7 & 8 after Masses.



Return bag and donated items before Mass on
August 14 & 15.

If your summer vacation plans are scheduled for these dates please feel free to leave your donations in the church vestibule before you leave or after your return.

WARNING:
Knowing you contributed to keeping the Food Pantry shelves stocked this summer could possibly make your nap on the beach, paddling a canoe, trip down the water slide, dip in the pool, BBQ or hike even more enjoyable!!!

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY

Saturday, August 14th , the next volunteer build day in Newark for Habitat for Humanity. A sign-up sheet is in back of church on the bulletin board next to the Children’s Chapel. If you have any questions regarding volunteering, contact Gail Laughlin during regular business hours at the rectory, 973-761-5933, ext. 14.

BRIDGES OUTREACH, INC.

BRIDGES OUTREACH, INC.

School Supplies for children in need.

Please help by donating NEW school supplies.
Colored Pencils, Pencils, Erasers, Crayons, Markers, Highlighters, Loose Leaf Paper
Rulers, 2 Pocket Folders, Spiral Subject Notebooks, Marble Notebooks, Pencil Cases, Scissors, Glue Sticks.
Or a $5.00 Donation purchases one NEW backpack.

Bring donations through 8/24/10 to: Bridges 120 Morris Avenue (Oakes Center) Summit 908-273-0176
Tuesdays: 8:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.; Fridays 8:30 a.m. and 6 p.m.

COOPERATIVE ADMISSIONS EXAM

COOPERATIVE ADMISSIONS EXAM

Eighth Graders and their families
interested in attending
a Catholic High School in September 2011

The Cooperative Admissions Exam for participating Catholic High Schools in the Archdiocese of Newark will be administered on Friday, November 5, 2010.

Application forms and handbooks for this test and a listing of all Catholic High Schools and their admission requirements are available from:

MCS/CTB at their Web site, www.coopexam.org
or e-mail support@coopexam.org;
Catholic Elementary Schools of the
Archdiocese of Newark;
Catholic High Schools of the Archdiocese of Newark

Questions or to obtain registration form,
please call 1-888-921-2667 or visit www.coopexam.org

St. Joseph CYO Celtics Basketball

St. Joseph CYO Celtics Basketball

Registration will begin in September and we are looking for boys and girls entering 3rd to 8th grades. We are in need of adult volunteers to help with the coaching staff. Any questions contact Gerry O'Connor at stjospehscyobb@aol.com or 201-341-4289

DON’T FORGET TO PACK A SUPERMARKET GROCERY CARD!

DON’T FORGET TO PACK A SUPERMARKET GROCERY CARD!

Don’t forget to stock up on sunscreen and an exciting book to read while relaxing at the beach. Your local supermarket has everything you need for your vacation; and why not make all your purchases with a Supermarket Grocery Card?! Help St. Joseph Parish by making your next purchase with a Supermarket Grocery Card. $25, $50, and $100 cards are available for Kings, ShopRite, Stop&Shop and Pathmark. Cards are available every weekend after all the Masses from one of our volunteers or during the week by calling Jeanne Duffy at 973-763-4877.

ST. JOSEPH PARISH PRIESTS HOMILIES ON iTunes

http://stjosephpodcast.blogspot.com

IHN VOLUNTEERS, THANK YOU

The key to our success rests in people like you,who embody the spirit of greatness.
Thanks for your inspiring dedication and tremendous example to the world.

To the organizers through the leadership of Carmen Meades, IHN Parish Coordinator
and Liz Petroccia, Coordinator for Parish Ministries. We want to thank you for your dedication,and being there from the very start.Words cannot convey our gratitude
for your tremendous contribution.

The credit for our good deeds firmly rests with our dedicated volunteers and those who donated time, talent and treasure, for your contributions to our cause,Thank you!

Thank you so much for all of your hard work and to bear witness to love of Christ
was an unexpected perk. We never could have asked for a more dedicated volunteer
and words cannot express how grateful we are to have you here. It is a pleasure and a privilege to work with you. Thank you.

ST. JOSEPH PARISH ONLINE GIVING

L WHAT IS ELECTRONIC GIVING? It is an Electronic Funds Transfer which enables you to have your weekly offering automatically debited from your checking account or credit card through secure transactions over the Internet. You choose how much to give, how often to give, and what method is to be used. You can also make special offertory donations for second collections and special events.

L IS THERE A FEE INVOLVED FOR USING THE PROGRAM? It’s free, convenient and gives you peace of mind knowing that St. Joseph Church will receive your stewardship even if you’re away for the weekend or on vacation.

L IS ELECTRONIC FUND TRANSFER SAFE? Absolutely. Sensitive account information is rendered unreadable anywhere it is stored, and encrypted anytime it is transmitted via SSL technology. We adhere to the strictest guidelines regarding security of the financial information you provide. Sensitive information is never shared with a third party. We safeguard your system with advanced firewall, thorough anti-virus and aggressive anti-hacking technologies.

L HOW SHOULD I REGISTER? To learn more and to sign up, check out the “Electronic Giving” link on the parish website, www.stjosephmaplewood.org or pick up a leaflet at the doors of the church.

L When you have signed up for the program, you can use the “Electronic Giving Cards” available in the racks at the entrances of the church to drop in the collection basket during Mass instead of Parish Tithing envelope or cash.

L You can access your account at www.parishgiving.org at anytime with the user name and password you created at registration. You can view your contribution history, edit upcoming contributions and change your billing date and/or billing method if necessary.

PREVIEW THE STUFF YOU WANT TO TAKE HOME AT ST. JOSEPH PARISH RUMMAGE SALE 2010

http://picasaweb.google.com/sjpmcommunity/STJOSEPHPARISHRUMMAGESALEPREVIEWOFTHESTUFFONSALEATTHERUMMAGESALE2010#

Want to see the stuff on sale? Open this link to preview the items at on sale at the ST. JOSEPH RUMMAGE SALE 2010. These photos were taken today, June 25, 2010 at 10AM. More stuff are coming today....

http://picasaweb.google.com/sjpmcommunity

Fund Raisers

As the hearts of summer draw near we have our last two major fundraisers going on. Next week after the 11:30 mass our Cash raffle drawing will take place. The winner’s share from the fall raffle was over $6000! Make sure you have a chance to win! Please return your sold tickets to the rectory this week or purchase them at the doors of Church this weekend.

The rummage sale will be held the last weekend in June. Donation will be accepted beginning June 17^th at the school gym. See the other information about the sale on the announcement page of the bulletin.

Finally, an explanation of our on-going grocery card program is available at the doors of the Church. This is an easy way for you to contribute tot eh parish while doing your food shopping. I invite you to pick up one of these flyers if you are unaware or have questions about how the program works.

During these tough times I want to say thank you for all the efforts that are being made to support our Church financially. Thank you for making the effort to do all you can. It goes without saying how important your support is to the on-going mission of our parish!

In God’s Peace and Love,

Fr. Michael

PENTECOST NEXT WEEKEND, MAY 22-23

The PENTECOST SPIRIT BLOWS AFRESH

Be Lit! Pentecost Sunday and every day!

PENTECOST NEXT WEEKEND, MAY 22-23

AT ST. JOSEPH PARISH CHURCH

767 Prospect St., Maplewood, NJ 07040

973-761-5933

Pentecost is the great feast when we celebrate the “birthday of the Church” through the empowerment of the Holy Spirit. It is not just a solemn celebration. It is a time for vigor, excitement, energy, movement, birth, fresh air and fresh commitment. If Pentecost has a sleepy feel to it in your life, wake up! Indeed, one of the best ways to celebrate it is to do just that: wake up! It’s a time to celebrate and worship. If you regularly go to church, invite someone to go with you for Pentecost Sunday because the Spirit birthed the fellowship of Jesus' disciples on that first Pentecost.

Take some time to think about the gifts the Spirit has given you: 'Is there a way I can use these to build up the community of disciples or help bring healing to others, to the credit of God alone?' The thanks that the Spirit wants for giving gifts is in your using them instead of sitting back and frittering away the opportunities.

We invite your special participation next weekend in two ways:

BRING A SMALL BELL to ring during the Gloria, just as we did during the Holy Triduum, but this time to signal the completion of the Easter Season.

WEAR RED, especially if it is part of clothing that represents your unique ethnic or cultural heritage. Red recalls the tongues of flame in which the Holy Spirit descended on the first Pentecost.

EASTER CELEBRATIONS

EASTER VIGIL

GOOD FRIDAY

HOLY THURSDAY

PALM SUNDAY

MEN'S CORNERSTONE REUNION

HAPPY FEAST DAY TO ALL OF YOU

TODAY IS MARCH 19,
SOLEMNITY OF ST. JOSEPH
HAPPY FEAST DAY
TO ALL THE PARISHIONERS OF
ST. JOSEPH PARISH
Please join us in our Parish Celebration
on Sunday, March 21, 2010; 4-7 PM in Bernard Hall.
Join the Fun with Food, Music, Dance and laughter.

Admission is FREE.
Please bring a dish to share that reflects your family heritage.
(main course or casserole to serve 5 or a vegetable dish to serve 10 - large families, bring more).
Please bring food in a disposable aluminum serving pan
to be placed on warmers.
You can also bring your own wine or beer if you wish.
We will provide soda, juice, water, coffee and tea.

ST. JOSEPH PARISH FEAST DAY CELEBRATION

http://picasaweb.google.com/stjosephinformationservice

click the link to view photos of past FAITH COMMUNITY DAYS

If there is just one self-evident fact that presents itself to us time and time gain, it is this – that we belong to this beautiful faith community of St. Joseph Parish- which is filled with diversity!

We are Living Stones; We are an outward looking people of faith who reach out into the community; We are a community which puts a high value on our Catholic Faith expressed in many different traditions and practices - such as we looked at from the Letter to the Hebrews. “Let us come near to God; Let us persevere; Let us be concerned for one another to show love and to do good; and Let us not give up the habit of meeting together for worship. All of these things emphasize the importance of our working together. We are a community of believers, who desire to Know Christ personally, and also in our commitment to Make Christ known to others. We are a family, in Christ – not a bunch of solo individualists each doing their own thing, concerned only for one’s self.

But an extremely important principle of being a family in Christ, being a community of faith – is that there is, and will always be many languages, many faces, various cultures, different traditions, CELEBRATING ONE FAITH!

COME TO OUR

FAITHCOMMUNITY DAY

A celebration of the cultural heritage and diversity OF OUR PARISH FAMILY
IN HONOR OUR PARISH PATRON SAINT
ST. JOSEPH
Sunday, March 21, 2010

4 - 7 pm in Bernard Hall.

This is the occasion that no one should miss.

Beginning with a brief prayer service in honor of St. Joseph, our patron saint,
followed by
POT-LUCK DINNER
featuring
INTERNATIONAL CUISINE
from our parish family.
Admission is a dish to share that reflects your family heritage
(main course or casserole to serve 5 or a vegetable dish to serve 10 - large families, bring more).
Please bring food in a disposable aluminum serving pan to be placed on warmers. You can also bring your own wine or beer if you wish. We will provide soda, juice, water, coffee and tea.

KIDS' PLAY DATE PARTY at the FAITH COMMUNITY DAY

FILIPINO MASS

THE BIBLICAL STATIONS OF THE CROSS

Evening of Prayer, Devotion and Reflection on

THE BIBLICAL STATIONS OF THE CROSS

First Friday
MARCH 5 at 7:30 PM

The great Pope John Paul II
developed a set of Stations of the Cross
based on events in the final days of Jesus’ life
as recounted in the Bible.
Join us for this special evening
of prayer and reflection on the Stations.
We will have a prayer service
featuring scripture reflections, music, movement and visual art.

When we come together to meditate on the Stations of the Cross, we want to tell ourselves that all is not lost in hard times. When bad news comes, one bit after another, we grow anxious. When misfortune hits us close to home, we grow disheartened. When we fall direct victims of a disaster, our self-confidence is totally shaken and our faith is put to the test. In testing times we see no reason for believing and hoping. And yet we believe. And yet we hope. This can happen in our personal lives. It happens in the wider society.

We renew and strengthen our faith, and continue to trust in the Lord. For he saves those who have lost all hope. And this hope does not ultimately disappoint us. It is truly in Christ that we understand the full meaning of suffering. During this meditation on the Stations of the Cross, while we hear with anguish the painful side of Jesus' suffering, we will also give attention to its redemptive value. It was God's plan that the "Messiah had to suffer", and that these sufferings should be for us. An awareness of this fills us with living hope. It is this hope that keeps us joyful and patient in our troubles.

A journey of faith and hope is a long spiritual journey, as we ponder the deeper design of God in the cosmic processes and events of human history. Below the surface of calamities, wars, revolutions and conflicts of every kind, there is a quiet presence, there is purposeful divine action. God remains in the world, in society, in the universe. "Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all you who hope in the Lord."

POLO VALENTINES EVENTS IN PICTURES

Hello All - I wanted to share some photos from our POLO Valentine's event last weekend at Winchester Gardens. Following is a thank you from Pat Rush, fellow parishioner and Winchester Gardens resident:"On behalf of everyone at Winchester Gardens who participated, thank you and POLO for your most generous contribution to our Valentine's day. You parents came awesomely prepared and your kids mixed most comfortably with the residents. I heard remarks like, how cute they are, how sweet, how poised, etc. referring to the children. And I know the cupcakes, brownies and other favors were so appreciated." We hope to see you at the next POLO event!
POLO

http://www.kodakgallery.com/gallery/creativeapps/slideShow/Main.jsp?token=285244472407%3A1919090034

SOUPER BOWL OF CARING 2010

Super-sized offense hits South Florida as Drew Brees and the Saints will square off with Peyton Manning and the Colts in what has all the makings of a high-scoring Super Bowl XLIV. Indy's second-ranked passing offense will be pitted against the Saints' 26th-ranked pass defense, while the Saints' fourth-ranked aerial attack will contend with the 14th-ranked pass defense of the Colts. There should be no shortage of touchdowns through the air in this one.

As these football teams play each other in South Florida, our candidates for Confirmation will try to score a touchdown for the poor and needy on our annual Souper Bowl of Caring, February 6 & 7, 2010.

"The Souper Bowl of Caring" is an annual parish event and is a great opportunity to help the needy. Our young parishioners will use that weekend, transforming the days of parties and celebrations into a day of caring for the hungry, the poor and hurting. Armed with soup pots, they will be at the doors of the church, collecting donations from each person walking by in all Masses next weekend.

ST.JOSEPH PARISH NOW ACCEPTS DONATIONS FOR HAITI RELIEF

I’m writing you all this week while taking a post-Christmas vacation. When I turned on the news on television my heart sank at the terrible news breaking forth. On Tuesday January 12, 2010 a catastrophic earthquake hit the capital city of Port- au- Prince in Haiti. The devastation has been unprecedented. The poorest nation in the Western hemisphere now faces a long and painful recovery. Our hearts and prayers go out to the many victims and the entire nation as they asses the awful damage, assist the injured, and recover those who have perished. Haiti is a deeply Catholic country with almost 80% of the population being Catholic. The Archbishop of Port-au-Prince is already been identified as having died during the earthquake. There is great fear and panic as many try to make contact with loved ones.

I know many of our own parish family have been affected as many of you have family members in Haiti. Information is still coming in as I write this column but there is no question that much of the news that will surface in the days to come will not be encouraging. In solidarity and support of all, our parish community will open a voluntary collection of funds to be sent to Catholic Charities for earthquake relief. A special second collection will be taken up at all Masses this weekend. Checks should be made out to St. Joseph Church and clearly marked Haiti earthquake relief. If you are unprepared this weekend you may send your donation directly to the parish office during the week. In the meantime our faith community will continue to pray and offer our support as this horrific event unfolds.

In God’s Peace and Love
Fr. Michael

IN SOLIDARITY WITH THE HAITIAN COMMUNITY

Our heartfelt prayers go out to the victims, their families and the entire Haitian Community in the aftermath of the devastating earthquake, which resulted in serious loss of human life, a great number of homeless and missing, and enormous material damage.

We will immediately move into action and appeal to the generosity of everyone, so that our brothers and sisters receive our concrete solidarity and the effective support in this moment of need and suffering in coordination with the Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Newark.

We, the St. Joseph Parish Faith Community, invite everyone to join in our prayer to the Lord for the victims of this catastrophe and for those who are mourning their loss. We assure our community’s spiritual closeness to people who have lost their homes and to all those affected in various ways by this calamity, imploring from God consolation and relief of their suffering.