Holiday Schedule update

The parish office will be closed beginning Monday, Dec 26th through Friday, Dec 30th.

Also there will be only one weekday mass at 8:00 AM during this time. The 12 noon mass will resume on Tuesday, January 3rd.

St. Joseph Third Annual Re-Gifting Tree

St. Joseph Church Third Annual Re-Gifting Tree

Borrowing the phrase from the popular tv show "Seinfeld", St. Joseph
Church is encouraging all to become "re-gfters" again this year. The day
after Christmas is usually a big shopping day in the United States as many
seek out bargains and look to return or exchange items that did not fit,
were not the right color, or were just not in line with personal tastes.
Few of us “need” all of the gifts we will receive at Christmas. And so,
for those items we plan to return, St. Joseph parish is asking you to
donate them to be given to someone who really needs that gift. Rather
than rushing back to the store or mall, or opening a gift and then letting
it gather dust on a shelf, we invite the community to re-gift our
underappreciated gifts to our less fortunate brothers and sisters. Gifts
may be left under the re-gifting tree from Dec 25 to January 9th. Any
questions please call the office at 973-761-5933. St. Joseph Church is
located at 767 Prospect St. Maplewood, NJ 07040.

Youth Group News 12/23/2011

Please note that St. Joseph's youth group will not meet Dec 25th or Jan 1st. The next meeting will be on January 8th at 7:30 PM in the youth room located in Bernard Hall.

St Joseph Christmas Masses

Make a Gift to St. Joseph Parish through an IRA Charitable Rollover

The IRA Charitable Rollover has been extended through 2012. This extension allows individuals age 70 1/2 or older to make a direct distribution from their IRA to a qualified charity such as ST. JOSEPH PARISH. This will not increase your gross income and no charitable deduction is needed to obtain tax benefit. By using a standard deduction, you will receive a tax break from making a charitable deduction. Please contact Theresa Lynch at the Planned Giving Office of the Archdiocese of Newark. She can be reached at 973-497-4042. or at lynchth@rcan.org.

From the Parish Office

As Christmas, December 25th, falls on a Sunday this year, a serious problem arised for our parish and for that matter, every parish. The offerings from Christmas Day usually amount to more than the offerings received on a regular Sunday. The same thing happens the following week with the Holy Day, January 1st falling on a Sunday.



The impact upon the parish budget will be nearly $30,000.00. While this year's date was considered when estimating the parish income for 2011. it will cause a problem if everyone ignores the opportunity of making a special Christmas and New Year donation/gift to our beloved parish.



Please keep this in mind when you prepare your offerings for Sunday, Dec. 25th and Sunday, Jan. 1st. As stewards of the gifts God has entrusted to you, be mindful of this reality for the next two Sundays. Thank you!

SFIC 9th Annual High School Basketball Festival

The Scholarship Fund for Inner City Children will hold its 9th annual High School Basketball Festival on Saturday, January 7th, 2012 and Sunday, January 8th, 2012 at Kean University in Union. For full game schedule, times and ticket information, please visit www.sfichoops.com or call 973-497-4279.

The Scholarship Fund for Inner City Children provides economically challenged students in grades K-12 with partial tuition scholarships to attend Catholic School in the Archdiocese of Newark.

Youth Group News 12/15/2011

St. Joseph's Youth Group will gather this Sunday, December 18th at 7:30 PM in the youth room located in Bernard Hall for our annual Christmas Party.

All high school students are invited to attend this fun night to gather and celebrate the end of Advent and beginning of Christmas!

ReGifting Tree

Sunday December 25th-January 8th

Donate your underappreciated gifts and the gifts you will never exchange. St. Joseph Parish will Re-Gift all items to our sisters and brothers in need.

Christmas Holiday Schedule

The parish office will be closed beginning Monday, December 26th through Friday, December 30th. Also there will be only one weekday mass at 8:00 AM during this time.

The 12:00 noon mass will resume on Monday, January 2nd.

Youth Group News 12/9/2011

St. Joseph Youth Group will meet this Sunday, December 11th from 10:15 to 11:15 am in the youth room in Bernard Hall. We encourage our members to gather together at the 9:00 am Mass with youth group to follow.

If you have any questions, please email our youth minister, Tom Berrios at tomberrios@hotmail.com.

Knights of Columbus to meet

The NEXT meeting of the Regina Pacis Council #4066 of the Knights of Columbus will be on Monday, December 12, 2011 at 8:00pm in the Council Home.

All men of the parish are invited and welcome!

Rosary Cookie Sale

The Rosary Society will be holding their annual cookie sale at all the Masses the weekend of December 17th and 18th. If any parishioners would like to help the Rosarians in the effort to bake cookies or breads to sell, please call Angela Bukwich at 973-761-6746.

Looking for Artificial Christmas Trees

If any parishioniers have green artificial Christmas trees that are in good shape and that you do not need, would you please donate them to St. Joseph Church so that it can be used for our manger display.

The decorating of the manger will take place on Sunday, December 18.

Please call our parish office (973-761-5933) to arrange for the drop off of the tree. Thank you!

Thanks to CYO Celtics team members!

for collecting food and monetary donations for out St. Joseph's and OLS Food Pantries! Our CYO program participates in a service project each year. This past weekend, team members stood at the doors of Eden's Gourmet asking for donations to help feed the hungry. The response was overwhelming and we thank the teams for their hard work.

Please visit the Celtics website http://www.eteamz.com/stjosephcelticscyobasketball to learn more about our CYO basketball program and to view the schedule of games. Come out and support our team.

GO CELTICS!!!

St. Joseph Confirmation Candidates Collect Food

One of the laudable projects of the Confirmation Preparation program is the "Neighborhood Food Collection" where the candidates visit their neighborhood and distribute shopping bags for donations to needy families. A total of 4 big boxes were shipped to 4 needy families. 2 families in Luzon and 2 families in the Visayas both in the Philippines. Special thanks to those who helped the Confirmation candidates exercise their Christian Charity to those in need.

St. Joseph Parish outreach

St. Joseph Parish Christian Outreach to the Philippines!

Thank You!

Through the generosity of the parishioners of St. Joseph, we were able to help the Diocese of Romblon's various charitable, social, educational and formational ministries. Last June, Fr. Manolo gave $1,000.00 from our parish's "Tithing our Tithes" program.

We also helped the Social Action Center of the Diocese of Malolos in the Philippines to help the victims of the recent flooding in Northern Luzon which sent hundreds of thousands fleeing their homes. Almost 90% of the town was hit by floods which reached up to the second floors of the houses. Even now, thousands are still in temporary shelters. The 35,000.00 Philippine Peso ($833.00) was turned over to Msgr. Andy Valera, Vicar General of the Diocese of Malolos. The donation was collected during the Installation and blessing of the San Lorenzo Ruis Icon last September.

Through the second collection during Filipino Masses, we were able to send financial aid to the San Lorenzo Ruis Seminary for the formation of priests in Fr. Manolo's Diocese in the Philippines.

POLO (Parents of Little Ones) News Dec. 2011

POLO Families,
Please join the children of our Parish Religious Education Program for a
CHRIST-CENTERED HOLIDAY CELEBRATION
Sunday, December 18th
Let’s go to Mass together at 9:00 a.m.
Stay in church immediately after Mass for
CAROLS and LIVE ACTION NATIVITY
Coffee and Christmas cheer follow in the preschool area of Bernard Hall.
We will be collecting store bought boxed/bagged cookies to donate to our Food Pantry for the January distribution.
(no peanuts or peanut butter, please)

FYI:
Christmas Masses:
Christmas Eve Saturday, December 24
4 pm with Children’s Choir
6:30 pm with Contemporary Carols beginning at 6 pm
12 am Midnight Mass Carols w/choir & trumpet begin at 11:30
Christmas Day Sunday, December 25
9 am Mass with Carols old and new
11:30 am Mass with Choir and Trumpet

New Year’s Eve Saturday, Dec. 31st~ 5:30 pm
New Year’s Day Sunday, January 1st~ 9 am and 11:30 am

Feast of the Immaculate Conception

This Thursday, December 8th, is the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, a Holy Day of Obligation. Masses will be at 8:00 AM, 12:00 noon, and 7:30 PM.

The evening mass will be extended with special music and reflective prayers in honor of Mary and in observance of the season of Advent.

Blood Pressure Sunday

Next Sunday, December 11th, our parish nurse volunteers will be available to take and record your blood pressure at tables in the back of church.

Youth Group News 12/1/2011

St. Joseph Youth Group will have an Advent breakfast meeting this Sunday, December 4th after the 9:00 AM mass in the youth room.

Members of the Youth Group will gather together for Mass at 9:00 AM then have our weekly meeting from 10:15-11:15 AM in the youth room.

So if you usually go to the 11:30 AM Mass, please come by the youth room a little earlier and see what is going on. We will be discussing Advent, the new changes in the Mass, and plans for joining a retreat in February.

For more information, please email our youth minister, Tom Berrios at tomberrios@hotmail.com.

OPEN ARMS MINISTRY TO MEET

Open Arms is a welcoming spirituality group for gay and lesbian Catholics and their families and friends. Join us for our next gathering on Sunday, December 4, 6:30 to 8:00 p.m., in the rectory. We will discuss Advent scripture readings and share some seasonal desserts!

If you would like more information, please contact Dugan McGinley at dmcginley@stjosephmaplewood.org

Rosary Society to Meet

The Rosary Society will meet at the rectory this Monday, Decenber 5th at 7:30 pm for their Christmas party.

They will also be holding their annual cookie sale at all masses the weekend of December 17-18. If any parishioner would like to help bake cookies or breads, please call Angela Bukwich at 973-761-6746.

WOMEN'S CORNERSTONE REUNION

The Women's Cornerstone I & II Reunion last month was a HUGE success! Over 40 women gathered to share food, conversation, prayer and listen to the inspirational words of Sr. Linda Klaiss. Participants of Cornerstone I & II are welcome and encouraged to attend a second reunion on Wednesday, February 15, 2012. If you are interested in helping to coordinate that evening please contact Beverly Mozone (mozonebee@yahoo.com), Mary Ann Zagar (maryzagar@comcast.net), or Gail Laughlin (glaughlin1@gmail.com). Many hands make for little work! More details about the reunion will be in the new year bulletins.

Also: information about Cornerstone III will be published in the 2012 bulletins...

Let's keep this annual tradition st St. Joseph Parish ALIVE

Men's Cornerstone Reunion

Calling all Cornerstone men of St. Joseph and Our Lady of Sorrows Parishes. There will be a reunion of all alumni!

Date: Thursday, December 8th in the OLS South Orange, parish meeting room (St. Joseph Hall, church basement)

Time: We will meet to attend the 7:00 pm Mass of the Immaculate Conception at OLS. The reunion will follow after the Mass.

NOTE: This is a social gathering. We will gather for fellowship and holiday greetings. Please RSVP by Monday, December 5th for an accurate count. Contact John Otchy @ 973-762-4185 or Don Blaesser @ 973-986-3521.

Concert with David Haas

CONCERT: DECEMBER 9, 7:30 PM 
A CONCERT OF UPLIFTING SPIRITUAL MUSIC
Grammy nominated composer and musician
DAVID HAAS
and recording artist
LORI TRUE
  Workshop: December 10, 8:30 am - 2:30 pm* 
The Ministry and Vocation of Liturgical Music:
A Call to Prayer Leadership and Gospel Living!

Concert ticket: $15
Workshop ticket: $30
Attend both events for only $40
 Sts. Peter and Paul Church
404 Hudson Street
Hoboken, NJ 07030
www.spphoboken.com
201-659-2276.

Youth Group News 11/22/2011

YOUTH GROUP NEWS

St. Joseph Youth Group will have will not meet this Sunday, November 27th. Our next meeting will take place on Sunday, December 4th from 7:30 to 9:00 p.m. in the youth room located in Bernard Hall.

ANNULMENT INFORMATION SESSION

ANNULMENT INFORMATION EVENING
An Annulment Information Evening is scheduled for Wednesday, December 14, 2011, Saint John the Apostle Church, 1805 Penbrook Terrace, Linden, NJ, at 7:30 p.m. A staff member of the Tribunal of the Archdiocese of Newark will provide basic information about annulments, the requirements for annulments, and how to begin the process of petitioning for an annulment. There will be an opportunity for questions at the end of the session. Pre-registration is not necessary, but for directions, please call the parish at 908-486-6363.

COMPASSIONATE SHARING GROUP

COMPASSIONATE SHARING
Coffee, Conversation and Support
for those who have lost a loved one

The ransomed of the Lord shall return,
and come to Zion with singing;
everlasting joy shall be upon their heads;
they shall obtain joy and gladness,
and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.
Isaiah 35:10

Gather with us and share an hour with others
who are reflecting on the mystery of Advent
and the ambiguity of sadness and joy
in this season of darkness and light

Sunday, December 4th at 10:00 am
in the St. Joseph Parish Rectory Meeting

Support Group for Fathers

The needs of fathers who have suffered the loss of a son or daughter are unique. The Office of Family Life Ministries of the Archdiocese of Newark invites all grieving fathers to a special place of understanding and healing.
The Support Group for Fathers Whose Children Have Died will meet on Saturday, December 10, 2011 at Notre Dame RC Church (Parish Center), 359 Central Avenue, North Caldwell, at 10:00 a.m. Pre-registration is requested. Please call the Office of Family Life Ministries at 973-497-4327, or email mccormja@rcan.org for information, directions and registration

Children Prepare for First Reconciliation

THE JOURNEY TOWARDS
FIRST RECONCILIATION

Please keep in your prayers the families who are preparing their children to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation for the first time. We look forward to welcoming these candidates at our Family Reconciliation Service next Saturday, December 3rd. The children will then continue on their faith journey and begin their preparation for First Communion next April.

Parents with elementary age children who have previously celebrated the Sacrament of Reconciliation are welcome to join us for next Saturday’s prayer service during which there will be an opportunity for them to see a priest for individual confession

Advent Reconciliation Service

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 14TH
7:30 PM

John the Baptist described as “a voice in the wilderness crying out, ‘Prepare the way of the Lord.  Make straight his paths.’”  Preparing ourselves to welcome Christ is the central purpose of the Advent Season, and one of the most important ways in which we do this is through the Sacrament of Reconciliation.  Through the Sacrament, we clear out the sinfulness and guilt that prevent us from knowing his loving presence and from serving him with all our hearts. 

Take advantage of this opportunity. Several priests will be available for individual confession.

Parish Giving Tree Sharing the Joy of Christmas

Parish Giving Tree is an annual event to make Christmas happier for others in need. Some of our young parishioners who are preparing to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation and adult volunteers help make the tags. These were hung on the Christmas Giving Tree  - with care - hoping wonderful parishioners would be there.  And YOU were.   Gifts from our Christmas Giving Tree will once again be given to the needy families of our parish and St. Mary’s Parish in Newark. This is truly a ministry that EVERYONE can take part in. This is a wonderful Christian endeavor, knowing that YOU are making Christmas brighter for someone.

DO NOT WRAP your gifts but instead use the STORE SHOPPING BAGS or NO BAG AT ALL with the label (which you select from the Giving Tree) securely attached.
RETURN GIFTS on the weekend of December 17/18

St. JOSEPH CYO BASKETBALL

The St. Joseph CYO Basketball teams will begin their regular season home games on Sunday, November 27th, starting at 1:00 pm in the St. Joseph Gym. All parishioners are invited to come down and cheer our teams. Admission is FREE!

LET'S GO CELTICS!!!!

Youth Group News 11/17/11

St. Joseph Youth Group will have an open gym this week from 7:30 to 9:00pm. We will be playing volleyball so make sure that you come by, have some fun and bring a friend. Remember that you don't have to be a member of the youth group to come to our open gym. If you have any questions, please email our youth minister, Tom Berrios at tomberrios@hotmail.com.

Advent Evening for Women

Sunday, November 27th at 5:00 pm St. Joseph Church and Bernard Hall



An evening of faith, fellowship and fun for women.



If you are interested in hosting, volunteering or just attending, please contact Judy Erlandsen at erlandsens@aol.com or Shirley Meyer at sh.salemy.meyer@gmail.com.



All women are welcome. Sign up today to host a table. Last year our tables filled up quickly, do not miss this opportunity to meet new friends and share in the peace before the storm of the Christmas season.



"Admission" will be a donatino of open and eat food: mac and cheese, Chef Boyardee, apple juice boxes etc. for the Backpack Pals program which assists local school children who receive free or otherwise reduced meals during the week, but who might otherwise be lacking food for the weekends.

Prayer Shawl Ministry

We invite anyone who is interested in joining whis ministry of compassion to our gathering on Thursday, December 1st at 12:30 pm in the Rectory Meeting Room. We will share prayer, patterns and stories of witness. Color yarn donations are welcome year round.

Thank You Young Saints!

Last Sunday, the third grade students in our Religious Education Program led a beautiful reflection on saints throughout the ages. They profiled the lives represented in our parish icons and led a litany of saints based on saints of their own choosing. We thank them, their catechists and their parents for taking time to prepare this Prayer Service as a reminder to us all of our call to be holy. As Fr. Manolo told them, sainthood is the ultimate goal for all the baptized!

Open Arms news

Open Arms is a welcoming spirituality group for gay and lesbian Catholics and their families and friends. Join us for our next gathering on Sunday, December 4, 6:30 to 8:00 p.m., in the rectory. We will discuss Advent scripture readings and share some seasonal desserts!

If you would like more information, please contact Dugan McGinley at dmcginley@stjosephmaplewood.org

Youth Group News 11/10/11

St. Joseph Youth Group will meet this Sunday, November 13th from 7:30 to 9:00 p.m. in the youth room located in Bernard Hall. Come by and get information about our next day of service at Community Food Bank in Hillside and our first overnight retreat that will take place in January. For more information, please email our youth minister Tom Berrios at tomberrios@hotmail.com.

Boy Scout Wreath Sale

BOY SCOUT WREATH SALE

Boy Scout Troop 21 is holding its annual Christmas holiday wreath sale over the next two weekends. Scouts and parent volunteers will be in front of the church before and after Masses on Sunday, November 13th, and Sunday, November 20th.

Besides wreaths and garlands, the troop also offers cider and doughnuts. Wreaths will be delivered locally on November 26th. Grave blankets will be available on November 19th to 20th and November 26th to 27th in front of church. This is the troop's only fundraiser of the year. Proceeds are used to fund various troop activities, especially outdoors programs. The troop thanks the parish for its continuing support of our scouting program.

Thanksgiving Holiday Schedule

On Thursday, November 24th (Thanksgiving Day) and Friday, November 25th, there will be only one Mass at 9:00 A.M. The Parish Office will be closed both days.

Children's Choir for Christmas

Your children are welcome to join the St. Joseph's Children's Choir, who will be leading the music at the 4:00 pm mass on Christmas Eve, December 24th.



Rehearsals will be Saturday mornings December 3rd, 10th, and 17th form 9:30 am to a0:30 am in the church.

AGES: Aproximately 6-12 years old.



All you need to do is show up for rehearsals eager to praise God and celebrate the birth of Jesus in song. If you would like further information, please contact Dugan McGinley at the rectory 973 761 5933.

Rosary Society to Meet

The Rosary Society will have their meeting on Monday, November 7th, at 7:30 pm in the rectory meeting room. The hostesses for the evening are Cleofe Martin and Jeannine Hario.

Save the date in Advent

This year, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception falls on Thursday, December 8. Join us that evening at 7:30 pm, for a special Mass with reflective music and inspirational prayers. Take a moment out of your busy holiday schedule to contemplate the spiritual meaning of the season. Stop in the middle of Advent to remember and prepare for the miraculous events of Christmas. More details to come!

DO YOU WANT TO ADVERTISE YOUR
BUSINESS IN OUR BULLETIN???


Liturgical Publications, Inc. , publisher, will have a sales representative available within the next few weeks for those interested in placing a new ad. This is your opportunity to secure a space for the new publication year. To place your ad, please contact Brian Smith, at 800-888-4574 ext. 4574 or email at: bsmith@4lpi.com. We would like to thank our present advertisers for renewing their ad. Keep in mind our advertising sponsors make this publication possible.

St. Joseph Youth Group Latest Info as of 10/28/2011

YOUTH GROUP NEWS

St. Joseph Youth Group will meet this Sunday, October 30th from 7:30 to 9:00 p.m. in the youth room located in Bernard Hall. We will be discussing our service projects and trips for November and December so please make sure you come by and find out about all the good things we have going on this year. If you have any questions, please contact our youth minister Tom Berrios at tomberrios@hotmail.com

Catholic Charities Adoption Information Session

CATHOLIC CHARITIES

OF THE ARCHDIOCESE OF NEWARK



International Adoption

Information Meeting

Saturday, November 19, 2011

10 am – 12 pm

499 Belgrove Drive, Kearny, NJ



For directions and to register call

201-246-7378

WOMEN'S CORNERSTONE REUNION

Sisters of Cornerstone I and II Reunion

Wednesday, November 16th at 7:00 pm all the participants of our first two Cornerstone Retreats are invited to gather at Saint Joseph Church in Bernard Hall for an evening of reflection, renewal, and socialization. Please set aside the time to join us as we recall a special time shared in the past and begin a new chapter of sisterhood allowing our Christian Community to grow.
A donation of five to ten dollars is requested.
RSVP to maryzagar@comcast.net or call 973-763-8485 to reserve or ask questions.

All Souls Day

NOVENA OF MASSES BOOK OF REMEMBRANCE

If you wish to have a loved one remembered in our parish Novena of Masses which begins on All Souls Day, November 2nd, envelopes are available in the racks at the back of church for those who do not have one at home. Names submitted will be entered into our parish Bood of Remembrance which will be placed by the Baptismal Font during the month of November.

CEREMONY OF LIGHT

During the Mass of Remembrance, which is our Parish All Souls Day Liturgy on Wednesday, November 2 at 7:00 pm, we will honor the cherished memory of all our beloved dead, especially those who died during this past year and whose funeral rites were celebrated in St. Joseph Parish. In addition, we would like to acknowledge your loved ones who have died since last November whose funeral rites were celebrated elsewhere. To have someone's name read in a special prayer litany and to have a candle lit for them during our Mass of Remembrance, please call Diane at the rectory. 973-761-5933 ext. 26.

Mass of Prayer for Vocations

On Sunday, October 30, our Archbishop calls again everyone to pray together for voacations during the Mass he will celebrate at 12:00 noon in the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Newark. Following the Mass, people are invited to gather for fellowship and refreshments in the Archdiocesan Center where the Vocations office, seminaries and religious communities in the Archdiocese will have tables set up to provide information to our young people about priesthood and consecrated life. Music during this time of fellowship will be provided by the Seminarians of the Immaculate Conception Seminary.

This celebration is not only for those discerning their vocation, but it is an opportunity for the entire Church of Newark to pray for vocations. It is our hope that this time together will celebrate priesthood and consecrated life and help our young people remain open as they discern the Lord's call in their own lives in a spirit of joy and friendship.

For more information, please call Rev. John Gabriel, RCAN Vocations Director at 973-497-4365 or Sr. Theresa Maria Hollschlag, Associate Vocations Director at 973-497-4368.

ANNULMENT INFORMATION SESSION

An Annulment Information Evening is scheduled for Wednesday, November 9,2011 at:

St. Gabriel the Archangel Church

88 East Saddle River Road

Saddle River, NJ

7:30 PM



A staff member of the Tribunal of the Archdiocese of Newark will provide basic information about annulments; the requirements for annulments and how to begin the process of petitioning for an annulment. There will be an opportunity for questions at the end of the session.



Pre-registration is not necessary, but for directions, please call St. Gabriel Parish at 201-327-5663

Welcome

Welcome to Thomas Quinn and Ronaldo Bustamante, Seton Hall Seminarians who are spending Wednesday afternoons at St. Joseph Church for field placement!

LItany of Saints

Sunday, October 30th, 2011 at 10:45 AM everyone is welcome to participate in a prayer service honoring all the saints, especially those represented in our icons. The third graders from the Parish Religious Education Program have been preparing with their catechists and Carmine Tabone to learn more about Our Lady of Guadalupe, St. Martin De Porres, San Lorenzo Ruiz, and St. Josephine Bakhita our next addition. They have each also chosen another saint to whom we will pray in a traditional litany of saints.

As together we see the intercession of the saints for ourselves and for people in need, may we all be concious of being sent forth from Mass to be the hands and feet of Christ, committed to build the Kingdom here on earth. We thank our children for raising our awareness of the importance of engaging in works of mercy.

Advent Evening for Women

An evening of faith, fellowship and fun for women!

If you are interested in hosting, volunteering, or just attending, please contact Judy Erlandsen at erlandsens@aol.com or Shirley Meyer at sh.salemy.meyer@gmail.com All women are welcomel

Sign up today to host a table. Last year our tables filled up fast....do not miss this opportunity to meet new friends, and share in the peace before the storm of the Christmas season.

ADVENT EVENING FOR WOMEN

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2011

5 PM IN BERNARD HALL

Men's Fall Retreat

Men of St. Joseph and Our Lady of Sorrows Parishes are invited to attend the Holy Name Society's Annual Fall Retreat.

When? 9:00 am Saturday, November 5, 2011
Where? The Shrine of St. Joseph, Stirling, NJ
Retreat Leader: Fr. Tom Wisniewski, pastor of St. Catherine Church in Glen Rock, NJ
Retreat Topic: "Lessons from St. Paul: Becoming what God wants us to be--taking that extra step."

Program includes Breakfast and Lunch, opportunity for Confession, quiet reflection times and closing mass at 2pm.

For further information or to sign up contact Tony Leitner 973 762 2721

Youth Group News 10/13/2011

The St. Joseph Youth Group will hold it's first open gym of the year, this Sunday, October 16th from 7:30 to 9:00 pm. All high school students are welcome to attend this night of fun and basketball. If you have any questions, please email our youth minister, Tom Berrios at tomberrios@hotmail.com.

Open Arms news

OPEN ARMS
Open Arms is a welcoming spirituality group for gay and lesbian Catholics and their families and friends. Our next gathering will be held on Sunday, November 6. We will attend a screening and discussion of the documentary film Bullied, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in South Plainfield, NJ, beginning at 3:00 pm. If you would like further information about this event or this ministry, please contact Dugan McGinley at dmcginley@stjosephmaplewood.org or by calling the rectory.

All invited to inclusive Family Mass

AN INCLUSIVE FAMILY MASS
Celebrating God's Presence and Love Always With Us.
The Feast of Christ the King
November 20, at 3:00 p.m.
St. Henry ‘s Church
82 West 29th St. Bayonne, NJ 07002
Presider: Bishop Thomas A. Donato, D.D.
Inclusive Family Masses accommodate all members of God’s family, and especially seek to include families living with developmental, intellectual and/or other disabilities. An adapted Mass book will be provided.
Please stay after Mass and join us for light refreshments! There will be the opportunity to speak about the inclusion of individuals with disabilities in the sacramental life of the church with Anne Masters, Director of Pastoral Ministry with Persons with Disabilities for the Newark Archdiocese.

Protecting God's Children Workshop

A required training session for all new volunteers who will be working with parish youth will take place on Wednesday, October 12 at 7:00 pm in the rectory meeting room. Pre-registration is required.

Knights of Columbus to meet

The next meeting for the Regina Pacis Council #4066 of the Knights of Columbus will be on Monday, October 10th at 8:00 pm in the Council Home. All men are invited.

The Knights are also hosting a breakfast in Bernard Hall after every Mass on Sunday, October 16th. Please come down and enjoy food and fellowship. All are welcome!

Healing Mass to be celebrated at St. Joseph Church

MASS OF THE ANOINTING OF THE SICK
THE SACRAMENT OF HEALING
Saturday, October 15, 2011 at 11AM

St. Joseph Parish
767 Prospect St., Maplewood, NJ 07040
973-761-5933


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 the Parish Office, 973-761-5933, on or before Monday, October 10.

"If anyone is sick, let him call on the elders of the Church. They shall pray for him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. The prayer said in faith will save the sick man; the Lord will raise him up and if he has committed any sins, he will be forgiven.” James 5:13-15


MASS OF THE ANOINTING OF THE SICK
Some Questions and Answers


•Why does the Church now call this sacrament the Anointing of the Sick and not Extreme Unction?
Answer: This sacrament was revised to lead to a wider availability of the Sacrament and to extend it beyond cases of moral illness.

One of the most important documents issued by the Second Vatican Council is the Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy, also known by its Latin name, Sacrosanctum Concilium (Dec. 4, 1963.) The Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy called for the renewal of many of the liturgical rites of the church, including the sacrament of Anointing of the Sick. Over time this sacrament had become entwined with preparation of the dying, but Liturgy encouraged the church to return to its more ancient roots and decreed that, “Extreme Unction,” which may…more fittingly be called “Anointing of the Sick,” is not a sacrament intended only for those who are at the point of death.” (Liturgy, #73)

•Who may receive the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick?
Answer: Those of the faithful whose health is seriously impaired by sickness or old age; a person facing surgery; elderly people if they have become notably weakened even though no serious illness is present; sick children; those suffering mental or spiritual illness in search of healing in a time of crisis or pain may receive the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick.

The National Conference of Catholic Bishops answers this question in Pastoral Care of the Sick: Rites of Anointing and Viaticum, by stating that, “Great care and concern should be taken to see that those of the faithful whose health is seriously impaired by sickness or old age receive this sacrament.”(#8) It is not necessary that one be dying or at the point of death to receive the sacrament of Anointing of the Sick, indeed the Church encourages reception of the sacrament well before this point. “Elderly people may be anointed if they have become notably weakened even though no serious illness is present.”(#11)

•Can a person receive this sacrament more than one time?
Answer: Yes. The Apostolic Constitution revising the rite for the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick states that, “The sacrament may be repeated if the sick person recovers after being anointed and then falls ill or if during the same illness the person’s condition becomes more serious.” (#9)

•Will receiving the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick heal someone who is ill?
Answer: In short, will this sacrament necessarily cure the recipient of their illness? No. But will it heal them? Yes.

As Christians we believe that we are more than just our physical bodies, we believe that we are also spiritual beings who are made in the image of God as a unity of both body and soul. Illness and frailty of the human body may also manifest themselves in the human spirit. Those who are seriously ill may struggle with despair or depression; anxiety about their own welfare or that of their loved ones. Serious or chronic illness may even lead some to feel abandoned by God and to struggle in their faith. Many who receive this sacrament are in need of healing both in their bodies and their spirit. During the Rite of Anointing, the priest blesses the oil to be used, saying, “Make this oil a remedy for all who are anointed with it, heal them in body, in soul, and in spirit, and deliver them from every affliction.” (Rite of Anointing, #123) Catholic Christians believe that the sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick offers God’s healing power to those who receive it. When it is God’s will, some will experience a bodily healing, but all who are open to the grace of the sacrament will experience the spiritually healing power of God’s love for us.
•What is the purpose of celebrating the Anointing of the Sick at Mass?
Answer: Our mission as a Church is to do what Jesus did. On nearly every page of the Gospels we read of Jesus’ concern for the sick.

Sacraments are one of the means by which God Makes manifest the grace of Christ in the life of the community of the church. They bind us together and strengthen us for our common mission of living out the gospel. At some sacramental celebrations, like the Eucharist, the entire community participates in the sacrament. Other times, like Confirmation and Anointing of the Sick, only part of the congregation receives the sacrament, but the rest of the congregation is present to bear witness to our common faith, to affirm and support those receiving the sacrament, and to pray that all may be open to the grace of God.

•If I’m not sick, why should I attend the Mass of the Anointing of the Sick?
Answer: As Christians, we believe that even in the most difficult moments of human life, even in sickness and suffering, despair and struggle, the Lord will not abandon us. The communal celebration of the Anointing of the Sick presents the congregation with a means of witnessing to these faith claims.

An Anointing of the Sick Mass offers a parish an opportunity to publicly proclaim our faith in the promise of Christ to remain with us always. “By the sacred Anointing of the Sick, and the prayer of the priests, the whole church commends those who are ill to the suffering and glorified Lord that he may give them relief and save them (see Jas 5:14-16.)” Dogmatic Constitution on the Church (Lumen Gentium,) #11.

As we come together to pray for and with our sick and frail members, we show both to them and to their caregivers the value of their lives and their struggles for the whole community. Participation in a Healing Mass is an act of solidarity with those among us who are sick; it is recognition of the value and challenge of illness in human life, and an act of faith in the power of the sacrament and the presence of Christ in even the most difficult of times.

Amanda Grafton Concert

AMANDA GRAFTON CONCERT
Many of our parishioners enjoyed the benefit concert Amanda Grafton gave at our church in June. She would like to invite everyone to Bella Voce, an evening of classical arias, duets and folk songs on Saturday evening, October 15, at 8:00 pm, at the Church of the Immaculate Conception in Montclair (30 North Fullerton Ave). This time, she will perform with mezzo-soprano Noragh Devlin and pianist Taysia Pushkar. Proceeds from the free-will offering will benefit their further studies and the music endowment of Immaculate Conception. Please come out and support Amanda who was a long-time member of our parish music ministry.

All Souls Day

ALL SOULS DAY, NOVEMBER 2

ENVELOPES

If you wish to have a loved one remembered in our parish Novena of Masses which begins on All Souls Day, envelopes are available in the racks in the back of church for those who do not have one at home. Names submitted will be entered into our parish Book of Remembrance. This will be placed by the Baptismal font during the month of November.


CEREMONY OF LIGHT
during the Mass of Remembrance

During our parish All Souls Day Liturgy on Wednesday, November 2 at 7:00 p.m., we will honor the cherished memory of all our beloved dead, especially those who died during this past year and whose funeral rites were celebrated at St. Joseph Parish. In addition, we would like to acknowledge your loved ones who have died since last November whose funeral rites were celebrated elsewhere. To have someone’s name read in a special prayer litany and to have a candle lit for them during our Mass of Remembrance, please call Diane at the rectory. 973.761.5933 ex. 26.

Welcome to our newest parishioners!

NEWLY BAPTIZED
We joyfully welcome the following children as members of our parish family and congratulate their parents:


Daniel Iram Castillo, Kai Diaz, Lillian Auror Fiesta, Shannon Elizabeth Maher, Shannon Nicole C. Wood
Charlie Griffin Ahmed Zia


May they grow in the faith we share, close to God always.

Parents of Little Ones POLO at St. Joseph's

October 2011 Welcome Back, Parents Of Little Ones (POLO)!



Dear POLO Parents,



Welcome to another year of activities and service projects for our younger set. We are starting off the year with a new service project and a Fall "Meet and Greet" after Mass on October 9th.

Join us for apple cider, apple treats, activity and conversation to welcome old and new friends on Sunday, October 9th after the 9 a.m. Mass at the back lawn of church.



'Breaking Bread' is our latest service project that will offer young families the opportunity to touch the lives of fellow parishioners who have recently lost a loved one.

The Ministry of Compassion offers monthly fellowship and support for those who have lost a loved one. POLO's role would be to provide them with small, individually-wrapped home-baked items to be passed on with our thoughts, prayers and love attached. Even the youngest of our members can help to mix and pour in the kitchen and be a part of creating something for someone else.

How can a small child make a difference?

‘Breaking Bread’ service project started as an idea by a 6yr old parishioner who wanted to share the baked goods she had baked with others. The family brought them to the St. Joseph Church bereavement group. This simple act of kindness was so well received by the group that POLO is now expanding the opportunity to your family.

Come and experience for yourself how one small child can make a difference.





What is involved? Each month a different family would bake and individually wrap approximately 12 muffins/mini-breads/brownies/cookies and attach a card signed or drawn on by the children.

(Not a 'from scratch' baker? That's ok, box mixes work just as well.)

Remember it is the idea and thought behind this that is important. Plus, you are creating special family time, too. Baked goods can be dropped off at the rectory for the Ministry of Compassion on that Sunday morning or a few days ahead of time.

Meetings are on the first Sunday of the month - November 6, December 4, January 8, February 5, March 4 and April 1. If you are interested in participating, please reply to Liz Petroccia at lpetroccia@stjosephmaplewood.org



Little ones can learn about their faith through action.

Love your neighbor as yourself. [Matthew 22:39]



Sincerely,

Mary and Candice

POLO