Open Doors

Pancake Breakfast

2012-02-09T10:31:00.000-08:00

PARISH
PANCAKE BREAKFAST
in the spirit of Mardi Gras
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 19th
AFTER ALL MASSES
in Bernard Hall

Boy Scout Troop #21 is once again offering this event as a gift to our parish. They will be serving a delicious menu of sausage, pancakes, juice and coffee to all parishioners. Join as we observe the ancient pre-Lent tradition of feasting before we begin our season of fasting on Ash Wednesday (February 22nd.) Whether you call it Mardi Gras, Fat Tuesday, Shrove Tuesday, or Carnivale, it is time to gather, celebrate community and enjoy God’s gift of food and fun.

Knights of Columbus to meet

2012-02-07T08:09:00.001-08:00

REGINA PACIS COUNCIL #4066 K of C

The next meeting of Regina Pacis Council of the Knights of Columbus will be on Monday, February 13, 2012 at 8:00 p.m., at the Council Home. Men of the parish are invited.
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Youth Group News 02/07/12

2012-02-07T08:06:00.001-08:00

YOUTH GROUP NEWS
St. Joseph Youth Group will meet this week on Sunday, February 12th from 7:30 to 9:00 p.m. in the house that hosts the food pantry which is the building next to the gym. Permission slips for the snow tubing trip to Mountain Creek for Sunday February 19th are due at this meeting.
Confirmation Candidates Living Stations of the Cross practice will begin in March with practices starting at 7:00 p.m. in the church on the following dates; March 4th, 11th, 18th and 25th. If you have any questions or would like more information, please email our youth minister Tom Berrios at tomberros@hotmail.com

Confirmation Candidates Living Stations of the Cross practice will begin in March with practices starting at 7:00 p.m. in the church on the following dates; March 4th, 11th, 18th and 25th. If you have any questions or would like more information, please email the parish youth minister Tom Berrios at tomberrios@hotmail.com

Food Pantry Information

2012-02-07T08:04:00.000-08:00

If you are interested in helping at the Food Pantry, volunteers are meeting to sort Monday, February 13th and pack on Thursday, February 16th. Volunteers meet both nights at 7:00 p.m. in the house at 241 Hilton Ave. (between the school parking lot and the church). Distribution and delivery to seniors is Saturday, February 18th, at 10:00 a.m. Give someone in need the gift of your time!

Youth Group News 2/6/12

2012-02-06T10:55:00.000-08:00

YOUTH GROUP NEWS
St. Joseph Youth Group will not meet this week, Sunday, February 5th. Our next meeting will take place on Sunday, February 12th from 7:30 to 9:00 p.m. in the house that hosts the food pantry which is the building next to the gym. We will be finalizing our plans for the snow tubing trip to Mountain Creek for Sunday February 19th.
Confirmation Candidates Living Stations of the Cross practice will begin in March with practices starting at 7:00 p.m. in the church on the following dates; March 4th, 11th, 18th and 25th. If you have any questions or would like more information, please email the parish youth minister Tom Berrios at tomberrios@hotmail.com

Intergenerational Valentines Gathering

2012-02-06T10:52:00.000-08:00

POLO (Parent’s of Little Ones)
INTERGENERATIONAL VALENTINE EVENT
On Sunday, February 12th, POLO will have our Intergenerational Valentine get together. Come join us in creating Valentine’s Day cards for our homebound parishioners. We will be meeting immediately after the 9 a.m. Mass. You can plan on it lasting for about 1-1 1/2 hours, but feel free to stay for as long as you can. We’d love to see you for some fellowship and outreach. Since Bernard Hall is under repair, please check with our organizer Mary Riesett at 973-313-9670 or call the parish office later in the week to find out if the location needs to be changed.

Men's Cornerstone Alumni

2012-02-06T10:50:00.001-08:00

MEN’S CORNERSTONE ALUMNI
PRE-LENTEN RETREAT
Saturday, February 18, 2012
Beginning with a Mass at 9 AM and concluding at 3 PM
Organized, facilitated and presented by the
CORNERSTONE 3 TEAM
Come and continue to be held in the grace of brotherhood. Experience the joy of being seen, heard and honored for the deep man you are. During our time together we will rediscover the strength of our vulnerability and the wonder of our gifts. The freedom we seek requires only that we accept ourselves. And yet this is a journey that, when taken in solidarity with other men, brings us very quickly to the prize.
A light lunch will be served for a free will donation.

WOMEN'S CORNERSTONE REUNION

2012-02-06T10:49:00.001-08:00

SISTERS OF CORNERSTONE I & II REUNION
On Wednesday, February 15th at 7:00 p.m. all participants of the first two Cornerstone retreats are invited to gather at St. Joseph’s Bernard Hall for an evening of reflection, renewal, and socialization. Please set aside 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 $5-$10 is requested.

Tracy Grafton, MSW, LSW Hospice and Oncology Counselor will be the guest speaker for the evening. RSVP to Beverly Mozone at mozonebee@yahoo.com or call 973-763-0973.

New Icon

2012-02-06T07:50:00.000-08:00

BLESSING and DEDICATION of the ICON of ST. JOSEPHINE BAKHITA – FEBRUARY 11/12
You may have noticed the icons of OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE, ST. MARTIN de PORRES and SAN LORENZO RUIZ DE MANILA at the Holy Family shrine. ST. JOSEPHINE BAKHITA will be the new addition in our commitment to assuring that every person is represented in our church and recognized as integral to the Body of Christ. St. Josephine Bakhita is a Sudanese-born former slave who became a Roman Catholic Canossian nun in Italy, living and working there for 45 years. In 2000, she was canonized by Blessed John Paul II. Her feast day is on February 8.

Youth Encounter

2012-02-06T07:47:00.000-08:00

A day of gathering for our parish teens where they share faith, witness to the power of Christ’s love, and come to appreciate a whole new way of living their religious values.

The weekend’s message is simple. It poses the three questions every young Christian must ask: Who am I? What am I to do? How am I to do it? The encounter takes up God’s gift of Grace and our response in Faith. It examines the way Holiness, Christian Study, and Christian Action are used as tools as Christians attempt to live the life of Christ.

March 24th 10:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M.

Lenten Series at St. Joseph's

2012-02-06T07:41:00.000-08:00

Growing in Christ
THREE TUESDAYS OF MARCH
7:30 to 9:00 P.M.

March 13 – Prayer: A Call to Holiness
March 20 – Visualization in Prayer: Making Prayer Practical
March 27 – Examining the Road to Perfection: “Be perfect as
your heavenly Father is perfect.”

Rev. Fr. Jim Tortora, Ph.D.
Catholic Charities, Archdiocese of Newark
Speaker and Facilitator

Each of us is on a spiritual journey. In the heart of every person is a God-shaped vacuum that can only be filled by God Himself. God's desire is that each of us have our heart filled with His love through the person of Jesus Christ. God sees us as a precious treasure, and He longs to have a close relationship with us. More than anything He wants us to have an intimate love relationship and friendship with Him. God wants us to spend time with Him and intimately communicate with Him, to enjoy fellowship with Him, to trust and follow Him, and to give your life meaning and purpose by giving you the privilege of joining Him in His work.
Do you desire a deeper and closer relationship and friendship with God? Is your desire to know Him and to please Him growing? Do you know that hearing God's voice is by far the most important part of your prayer & fellowship time with God ? God needs to touch our hearts so that Jesus is our 1st Love, and so that we will faithfully and passionately seek Him and follow Him, however and wherever He may lead us.

Burning of Palms

2012-02-06T07:36:00.000-08:00

From PALMS to ASHES
-the Rite of Burning of Palms for Ash Wednesday

To reinforce the origin and symbolism of the ashes used on Ash Wednesday, we invite all of our parishioners to gather their old palms from Palm Sunday 2011. Please place all old palms in the container in the back of the church. Our confirmation candidates will lead us during the Rite of Burning on Saturday, February 18, at 6:30 p.m. to remind us that “dust we are and to dust we shall return” The resulting ashes will be used on Ash Wednesday, February 22, on which Lent begins. Come and burn your own piece of palm as an expression and confirmation of a Lenten resolution you have made.

COMPASSIONATE SHARING GROUP

2012-01-26T12:52:00.001-08:00

COMPASSIONATE SHARING

But as for me,
my prayer is to you, O Lord
at an acceptable time, O God,
in the abundance of your steadfast love, answer me.
Ps. 69:13

COFFEE , CONVERSATION AND SUPPORT
For those who have lost a loved one.

Come and share an hour with others
who are missing their special Valentine
and are on the journey toward healing.

Members of the Ministry of Compassion of St. Joseph Parish
cordially invite you to join us

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 5th AT 10:00 a.m.

In the St. Joseph Parish Rectory Meeting Room

YOUTH GROUP NEWS 1/26/12

2012-01-26T12:48:00.000-08:00

YOUTH GROUP NEWS

St. Joseph Youth Group will meet Sunday, January 29 from 7:30 to 9:00 p.m. in the house that hosts our food pantry (right next to the gym). We will be discussing the Snow Tubing Trip on February 19th and the youth group service project for February. If you cannot make this week’s meeting and would like more information, please contact our youth minister Tom Berrios at tombberrios@hotmail.com.

Music Classes For Children

2012-01-26T12:41:00.000-08:00

MUSIC CLASSES FOR CHILDREN
Inviting parents/caregivers of young children aged 0-6 ~ Join us for fun music and prayer time together on Thursday mornings at 10am in the rectory! Drop in and try it out, new LENT session beginning on March 1st. Questions call Leslie Frost 973-763-5215.
Making Music Praying Twice is a research based Catholic music and movement program where parents and children sing, play and pray together. Guided by the principle that music is a pathway to God, the curriculum incorporates music from a variety of multicultural sources in an engaging, prayerful, playful context! Classes are weekly and are for children age 6 and under with caregiver. Tuition includes songbook and CD's for home use. Each season reflects the liturgical calendar and includes traditional children's songs, Gregorian chant and folk music.

WEDDING ANNIVERSARY LITURGIES

2012-01-19T09:29:00.001-08:00

Once again, the Archdiocese will be honoring those couples who are celebrating 5, 25, and 50 years of Christian marriage in the year 2012. These anniversary liturgies will be celebrated by the Archbishop John J. Myers in the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Newark as follows:

April 19th at 3:00 p.m. will be for those celebrating 50 years.
June 3rd at 3:00 p.m. will be for those celebrating 25 years and 5 years.
Please contact the rectory to register for one of these Masses.

Youth Group News 1/19/2012

2012-01-19T09:25:00.000-08:00

St. Joseph Youth Group will meet this Sunday, January 22nd from 7:30 to 9:00 p.m.in the youth room located in Bernard Hall, all high school aged students are welcome. The youth group will also be taking a day trip to Mountain Creek to go snow tubing on Sunday, February 19th. The cost of the trip will be $20 per person for two hours of snow tubing. For more information about this trip or anything else youth group related please stop by our youth group meeting or email our youth minister Tom Berrios at\tomberrios@hotmail.com

Cornerstone 3

2012-01-19T09:22:00.001-08:00

Souper Bowl of Caring

2012-01-19T09:15:00.000-08:00

Prayer Shawl Ministry

2012-01-19T08:56:00.000-08:00

help heal someone's heart with your talented hands.

Please join us for our next gathering! Bring your shawls (completed or in progress) to show and share.

Thursday, February 2, 2012 at 12:30 pm in the Rectory Meeting Room.

Pray together
Bless the shawls
Impart stories of witness
Share patterns and ideas

Bring a knitting or crochetting friend or two!

MLK HOLIDAY SCHEDULE

2012-01-12T08:15:00.000-08:00

In observance of the Martin Luther King holiday, there will only be one Mass celebrated on Monday, January 16th at 9:00 a.m.

The parish offices will also be closed and the Rainbow Seniors Group will not meet that day.

ARCHBISHOP'S ANNUAL APPEAL 2012

2012-01-12T08:12:00.000-08:00

ARCHBISHOP’S ANNUAL APPEAL
MAKING A DIFFERENCE

Individuals and families living with disabilities, particularly developmental disabilities, often feel at the margins of parish life. They also typically have additional struggles concerning their relationship with God, world, church, and school systems. The Archdiocesan Department of Pastoral Ministry with Persons with Disabilities works to build structures of support at the parish level to address this special group. This department seeks to affirm the Baptism of people with disabilities, acknowledging their call to participate in the life and mission of the Church, to the extent that each person desires and is able. This includes catechesis and faith formation, the sacramental life of the Church, evangelization, outreach and pastoral ministry.

Last year, with the help of this department, 112 parishes in the Archdiocese offered catechesis for individuals with disabilities. It also promotes faith-based support for mothers and fathers, Inclusive Family Masses, and has worked directly and indirectly with more than 500 families over the past few years.

Thank you for your support of the Archbishop’s Annual Appeal, which helps bring to reality the experience of welcome and affirmation for individuals and families living with disabilities in the Archdiocese of Newark.

Youth Group News 1/12/2012

2012-01-12T08:09:00.001-08:00

St. Joseph High School Youth Group will meet this Sunday from 7:30 to 9:00 p.m. in the youth room located in Bernard Hall. We will be discussing our participation in an upcoming retreat sponsored by the Archdiocese of Newark, which will take place on February 3rd, 4th, and 5th. We will also be planning our trip to go snow tubing at Mountain Creek during the month of February. If you have questions or cannot make the Sunday night meeting, please email our youth minister Tom Berrios at
tomberrios@hotmail.com

OPEN ARMS MINISTRY TO MEET

2012-01-12T08:08:00.001-08:00

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, January 29, at 5:00 p.m. in the rectory. If you would like more information, please contact Dugan McGinley at dmcginley@stjosephmaplewood.org

Thank you!!!

2012-01-12T08:03:00.000-08:00

ST. JOSEPH PARISH, THE LITTLE PARISH THAT COULD…AND DOES MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

Thank you to Parishioners and Friends of St. Joseph Parish for supporting our Giving Tree and Re-Gifting Tree projects. Several carloads of gifts were donated to many families in need thanks to your generosity! A thank you note from Sr. Linda of the Pierre Toussaint Food Pantry at St. Mary’s, Newark, can be found on the bulletin boards by the church exits.

Thank you St. Joseph Religious Education students and families for your generous and thoughtful donations of cookies for our Food Pantry guests. The cookies will be a sweet treat for our guests to enjoy on a chilly winter day. And the holiday cards from our second grade Religious Ed. class warmed the hearts of our guests!

Thank you for your ongoing support of our Food Pantry:
St. Joseph Food Pantry organizers and volunteers, South Mountain Elementary School Families, CHS students, Cub Scout Troop Pack 3, Prospect Presbyterian Church, Jamie Anthony, St. George’s Episcopal Church Outreach Committee, St. Joseph Confirmation Candidates, Rent Party organizers, SO Elk’s Club, HK Community Fund, Maplewood Memorial Post 10120 VFW, and MEND (Meeting Emergency Needs with Dignity)

Food Pantry Information

2012-01-12T07:56:00.000-08:00

If you are interested in helping at the Food Pantry, volunteers are meeting to sort on Monday, January 16th and Pack on Thursday, January 19th. Volunteers meet both nights in the house at 241 Hilton Ave. (between the school parking lot and the church.) Distribution and delivery to seniors is Saturday, January 21st at 10:00 a.m. New Volunteers are always welcome!

PRO LIFE MASS AND HOLY HOUR

2012-01-05T09:07:00.001-08:00

PRO LIFE MASS AND HOLY HOUR
Sacred Heart Cathedral Basilica
Sunday, January 15
12:00 noon
All are invited to attend the Annual Archdiocesan Pro-Life Mass and Holy Hour marking the 39th anniversary of the infamous Roe vs. Wade Supreme Court decision legalizing abortion in the US.

The Most Reverend Thomas A. Donato will preside. Followed by a Eucharistic Holy Hour for Life at St. Lucy’s Church, Newark (a few blocks away). There will be a short procession to St. Lucy’s immediately following the Mass. Holy Hour will include the Rosary and the Divine Mercy Chaplet, & Benediction. Young Adults of the Archdiocese will lead prayers and music.

Let us come together in prayer, sorrow and hope .

SAVE THE DATE MEN'S CORNERSTONE REUNION

2012-01-05T09:04:00.000-08:00

MEN’S CORNERSTONE REUNION
SAVE THE DATE!
ST. JOSEPH AND OUR LADY OF SORROWS
Tuesday, January 17th, at 7:30 p.m.
Bernard Hall (St. Joseph Church Basement).
This is a social gathering, and we will include describing plans for Social Action Project for the upcoming quarter.
RSVP for an accurate count by Monday, January 16th to
John Otchy 973-762-4185 or Don Blaesser 973-986-3521

Breakfast and Presentation

2012-01-05T08:59:00.001-08:00

BREAKFAST AND SPEAKER

The Holy Name Society of St Joseph and Our Lady of Sorrows Parish will host a breakfast program in Bernard Hall on Sunday January 15th after 9 a.m. Mass. Our speaker will be from the Several Sources Shelter program, who will speak on:

“Making Room at the Inn: The Mission of Several Sources Shelters in Welcoming Pregnant Women Who Are Without Resources”
All are welcome to attend, to hear of the work of this modern-day group of dedicated people who have successfully provided options to young, pregnant women who may otherwise be without hope. For information, call John Otchy @ 973-762-4185, or Tony Leitner @ 201-406-6715.

Youth Group News 01-05-12

2012-01-05T08:43:00.000-08:00

Our next meeting will take place on Sunday, January 8th at 7:30 p.m.in the youth room located in Bernard Hall. There will be info on our February retreat and also snow tubing trip to Mountain Creek.

For more information, contact Tom Berrios at tomberrios@hotmail.com

BASKETBALL FREE THROW CONTEST

2012-01-05T08:35:00.000-08:00

Sponsored by the Knights of Columbus
Regina Pacis Council 4066

January 21, 2012 at 9:00 a.m. SHARP at Union Catholic High School, 1600 Martine Ave. Scotch Plains, NJ 07076.

Open to boys and girls ages 11-14.
Proof of age is required! Open to all! Prizes for winners!

Please contact Gary Luciano at 908-313-2832
for more information.

Knight of Columbus to meet

2012-01-05T08:31:00.000-08:00

The next meeting of the Regina Pacis # 4066 Council of the Knights of Columbus will be on Monday, January 9th at 8:00 p.m. All men of the parish are welcome!

St. Joseph Food Pantry Info

2012-01-05T08:24:00.000-08:00

If you are interested in helping at the Food Pantry, volunteers are meeting to sort Monday, January 9th and pack on Thursday, January 12th. Volunteers meet both nights at 7:00 p.m. in the house at 241 Hilton Ave. (between the school parking lot and the church). Distribution and delivery to seniors is Saturday, January 14th, at 10:00 a.m. New volunteers are always welcome

Tithing the Tithe

2012-01-05T08:21:00.001-08:00

‘TITHING THE TITHE’ REPORT TO PARISH
GRANTS AWARDED TO LOCAL GROUPS

Each week as you prayerfully make your contribution to our offertory collection, know that two percent is set aside for distribution to charitable organizations selected by our Tithing Committee to assist them in their Works of Mercy. As these monies accumulated last year (the 2010-11 fiscal year), we were able to send some of these funds to overseas outreach efforts and have reported to you previously about donations made to the Philippines and Nigeria. We also have identified a Haitian organization to be our next international recipient and will report on that to you soon.

Half of the ‘Tithing the Tithe’ fund will go to local non-profits engaged in a variety of practical outreach efforts. In your name at Christmas, the committee sent out letters and grants to five groups. These were recognized for feeding the hungry (Our Lady’s Kitchen in Orange), for housing vulnerable women (Magnificat House in Jersey City), for being a leader in ambitious outreach projects over many years (Morrow Memorial Methodist Church in Maplewood as they celebrate their 200th anniversary), for giving people the language skills and knowledge they need to find work (the South Orange ESL/GED program) and for offering counseling and emergency aid to those in crisis (the St. Vincent de Paul Society chapter at Our Lady of Sorrows in South Orange.)

Through your donations, these grants will help “minister to needs” as Jesus, in Matthew 25, verse 44, has asked us all to do. Thank you for your support and generosity

Cornerstone 3

2012-01-05T08:12:00.000-08:00

Cornerstone 3 is just around the corner!

February 24-25 Women's Cornerstone Retreat

March 9-10 Men's Cornerstone Retreat

Save the dates and make it a new year's resolution to participate in theis great opportunity to energize and deepen your faith!

Holiday Schedule update

2011-12-23T13:11:00.001-08:00

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

2011-12-23T13:07:00.001-08:00

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

2011-12-23T12:58:00.001-08:00

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

2011-12-16T09:58:00.000-08:00

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

2011-12-15T11:58:00.001-08:00

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

2011-12-15T11:52:00.001-08:00

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

2011-12-15T11:33:00.000-08:00

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

2011-12-15T11:25:00.000-08:00

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

2011-12-15T11:04:00.000-08:00

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

2011-12-15T10:57:00.000-08:00

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

2011-12-09T13:15:00.000-08:00

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

2011-12-09T13:11:00.000-08:00

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

2011-12-09T13:06:00.000-08:00

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

2011-12-09T13:01:00.001-08:00

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!

2011-12-09T12:50:00.000-08:00

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

2011-12-09T12:43:00.000-08:00

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

2011-12-09T12:32:00.000-08:00

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

2011-12-02T13:06:00.000-08:00

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

2011-12-01T13:10:00.000-08:00

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

2011-12-01T13:01:00.000-08:00

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

2011-12-01T12:55:00.000-08:00

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

2011-12-01T12:53:00.000-08:00

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

2011-12-01T12:47:00.000-08:00

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

2011-12-01T12:35:00.000-08:00

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

2011-12-01T12:25:00.000-08:00

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

2011-11-22T08:12:00.001-08:00

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

2011-11-22T08:09:00.001-08:00

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

2011-11-22T08:07:00.000-08:00

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

2011-11-22T08:04:00.000-08:00

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

2011-11-22T07:45:00.000-08:00

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

2011-11-22T07:42:00.000-08:00

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

2011-11-22T07:37:00.000-08:00

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

2011-11-18T06:29:00.000-08:00

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

2011-11-18T06:28:00.001-08:00

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

2011-11-18T06:19:00.000-08:00

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

2011-11-18T06:17:00.000-08:00

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

2011-11-18T05:57:00.000-08:00

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!

2011-11-10T12:08:00.000-08:00

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

2011-11-10T12:03:00.001-08:00

Youth Group News 11/10/11

2011-11-10T12:01:00.001-08:00

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

2011-11-10T11:58:00.000-08:00

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

2011-11-10T11:46:00.000-08:00

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

2011-11-10T11:45:00.001-08:00

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

2011-11-03T09:38:00.001-07:00

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

2011-11-03T09:27:00.000-07:00

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!

2011-10-28T07:58:00.000-07:00

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

2011-10-28T07:56:00.000-07:00

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

2011-10-28T07:50:00.000-07:00

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

2011-10-21T13:18:00.000-07:00

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

2011-10-21T06:56:00.000-07:00

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

2011-10-21T06:36:00.000-07:00

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

2011-10-21T06:31:00.000-07:00

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

2011-10-20T13:31:00.000-07:00

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

2011-10-20T13:22:00.000-07:00

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

2011-10-20T13:21:00.001-07:00

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

2011-10-13T11:02:00.001-07:00

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

2011-10-13T10:56:00.000-07:00

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

2011-10-13T10:55:00.001-07:00

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

2011-10-13T10:53:00.000-07:00

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

2011-10-07T12:10:00.001-07:00

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

2011-10-07T12:08:00.001-07:00

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

2011-10-07T12:01:00.001-07:00

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

2011-10-07T12:00:00.001-07:00

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

2011-10-07T11:57:00.000-07:00

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!

2011-10-07T11:54:00.001-07:00

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.