COMPASSIONATE SHARING GROUP

Compassionate Sharing

Coffee, Conversation and Support For those who have lost a loved one.

Come and share an hour with others who are on the journey toward healing.

Members of the Ministry of Compassion cordially invite you to come

Sunday, October 7th at 10:00 a.m.

in the Rectory Meeting Room, 767 Prospect Street, Maplewood

PICNIC 2012 THANK YOU!

We thank God for wonderful weather last Sunday. We commend the wonderful job of our volunteers especially the chairpersons of the various committees. Thank God for wonderful and supportive parishioners. Your dedication to St. Joseph Parish is very much appreciated! Every detail of the picnic was organized and flowed smoothly! Our parish picnic was a huge success! The event brought together different groups of parishioners. There was plenty of food, fun and joy for all! It was really a day to be happy about! You made it happen and we are so profoundly grateful!



Photos of the ST. JOSEPH PARISH FAMILY PICNIC 2012



https:picasaweb.google.com/103869731435397300466/2012STJOSEPHPARISHFAMILYPICNICTHEGRAYPICNIC

ST. JOSEPH ROSARY SOCIETY TO MEET

The St. Joseph Rosary Society will meet Monday evening, October 1st at 7:30 p.m. in the Rectory Meeting Room. Hostesses for the meeting are Margaret Coughlin and Grace McGrath.

WOMEN'S CORNERSTONE REUNION

Wednesday, October 17, 2012


7:00 p.m. , Bernard Hall

If you have attended Women’s Cornerstone Retreat 1, 2 or 3 you are invited to attend this gathering. Keep the light burning! Refreshments will be served. Call Judy Cronin 973-763-5070 or email judymcronin@gmail.com for more information.

HOLIDAY SCHEDULE

Please note that in observance of Columbus Day, October 8th the parish office will be closed.  There will only be one Mass celebrated that day at 9:00 a.m.  The Rainbow Seniors will not meet that day

WHAT IS LITURGICAL MINISTRY?

The word liturgy literally means “work of the people.” Here at St. Joseph Parish, we put a lot of effort into making our liturgies the best worship experiences they can be. The Mass could not “happen” without various roles being filled by Parishioners like you!

The Church calls all of us to full, active and conscious participation in the liturgy and so at this time we are looking for you to join one of the many liturgical ministries. Training will be provided, be watching the bulletin for details.

Some of the ministries are:

Eucharistic Ministers: assist in distributing Communion at Mass and also in bringing Communion to the sick and homebound.

Lectors: Proclaim the word of God by reading from the scriptures at Mass.

Liturgy of the Word with Children: Proclaim the word of God to our youngest parishioners.

Music: Singers and Musicians of all levels are welcome.

Ushers: Provide welcoming hospitality to all. Assist in taking up the weekly collection.



If you would like to explore how you can help, please contact Dugan McGinley at the rectory.

PREPARING CHILDREN FOR FIRST EUCHARIST AND FIRST RECONCILIATION

We invite children of the parish to prepare for and celebrate these two sacraments once they have reached at least the age of seven and have completed one year or more of religious instruction (in a Catholic school or our parish Religious Education program.) The program begins with a meeting for parents of eligible children on Wednesday, October 3rd by invitation only.



Children attending our K-8 Sunday Program will automatically receive an invitation letter if eligible.



If your child attends a Catholic school outside this parish, please call the rectory early this week for information about preparing for First Communion here.

NEW HOLY HOUR FOR LIFE

Beginning this fall, we will offer a Holy Hour of prayer for life on the first Friday of every month. Led by Deacon John Florio, it will take place in the church from 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Our first night will be on this Friday, October 5, 2012.

Holy Name Society Fall Speakers Series

HOLY NAME SOCIETY FALL SPEAKERS SERIES


Beginning Sunday, September 16

at Our Lady of Sorrows Church South Orange



The national election is drawing ever so close. In keeping with that theme, Terry Golway, author, journalist, professor and OLS parishioner will present a non-partisan look at the state of our political dialogue. Please join us for this most timely presentation and discussion. The September presentation will take place at Our Lady of Sorrows lower church immediately after the 8:00 a.m. Mass. A light breakfast will be served.

The next session will be at St. Joseph Church.  Watch for details.

Food Pantry Help Wanted

Are you looking for a way to help needy families right here in our neighborhood? The St. Joseph Food Pantry supplies seniors and other needy families with food each month. Help is needed in sorting the food, packing in bags and also distributing the food to our recipients. Sort night is Monday, September 17, and Pack night is Thursday, September 20 at 7:00 p.m. in the Food Pantry house on 245 Hilton Ave. Distribution is Saturday, September 22 at 10:00 a.m. Please consider helping at one or more of these times.

Making Music Praying Twice

Are you interested in a music and movement program for your infant and/or pre-schooler?  St. Joseph Parish is pleased to offer a music experience for our youngest parishioners (from birth to five years of age) and their parent or caregiver.  Unlike other music programs, this class is faith inclusive as it explores the seasons in an age-appropriate way.  We use instruments, toys, and scarves to dance, chant, sing, play games and pray together.
Registration is now open for the fall session.  More information and forms are available in the Church racks at the doors to the church.

St. Joseph Parish offers


Compassionate Sharing

Coffee, Conversation and Support

for those who have lost a loved one



Come and share an hour with others

who are on the journey toward healing



Members of the Ministry of Compassion

cordially invite you to come

Sunday, September 9th at 10:00 am

in the Rectory Meeting Room

767 Prospect Street, Maplewood

DO YOU FEEL CALLED TO SERVE?

Have you ever thought about helping St. Joseph Church by serving as a liturgical minister? The Mass could not “happen” without various roles being filled by parishioners like you! We are always in need of more lectors, Eucharistic Ministers, singers, musicians, altar servers, ushers, greeters, coordinators. The summer is a good time to think about how you might give of your time and talent to make our Liturgies ever more meaningful and participatory. In most cases, all that is required is a short training session and a sincere desire to serve God’s people. We will be taking on new ministers in the fall and would love for you to join us. If you would like to explore how you can help, contact Dugan McGinley at the rectory.

Looking For Music Ministry Members

As August winds down, it’s a good time to start thinking about ways to become more involved during the coming year. Are you interested in sharing your talent in our parish music ministry? We can always use more singers, both in Trinity for the 9:00 a.m. Mass (rehearse Wednesday evenings at 7:30 p.m.) and for the choir at the 11:30 a.m. Mass (rehearse Thursday evenings at 7:30 p.m.). We also are looking for additional musicians who would like to share their talent with our parish. If you play drums, flute, violin, trumpet, woodwinds, brass or other, we would especially love to expand our music ministry to include more instruments. Join us for rehearsal this week, September 5-6. Enter the church through the side door on Hilton Ave. If you would like more information, please contact Dugan McGinley at the rectory.

Holiday Schedule

PLEASE NOTE HOLIDAY SCHEDULE


Due to the Labor Day holiday on Monday, September 3rd, there will only be one Mass celebrated at 9:00 a.m. The Parish Office will be closed and the Rainbow Seniors will not be meeting.

Save the Date St. Joseph Family Picnic

Sunday, September 23, 2012
1-5 pm
Maplecrest Park, Maplewood
Rain location Bernard Hall

Order your Gray picnic shirts now!  Only $12.00 sizes youth small thru adult 3XL.  Free admission just bring a dish to share!  Fun for all ages.

CYO Basketball Registration

Boys and Girls in Grades 2 through 12 who are registered students in the parish Religious Education program, High School Youth Group or attend a local Catholic School are invited to play CYO Basketball. Teams will practice and play games at St. Joseph’s Parish Gym from October to March. Registration
has begun and will conclude by October 1. Additional adult volunteers are needed to be coaches for some teams. Contact Gerry O’Connor, St. Joseph’s Parish Athletic Director, at 201-341-4289 or stjosephcyobb@aol.com, with any questions or to volunteer. Additional information can be found on the St. Joseph’s CYO Basketball web site at

http://www.eteamz.comstjosephcelticscyobasketball/

St. Joseph Homilies Available

You can hear or share a homily that has touched you by visiting our parish website. The homilies of our priests are recorded on a weekly basis, and are available for downloading. Just log onto www.stjosephmaplewood.org and click “hearing’ then select the podcast download for the week you want to hear

LOOKING FOR SINGERS

As August winds down, it’s a good time to start thinking about ways to become more involved during the coming year. Are you interested in sharing your vocal talent in our parish music ministry? We can always use more singers, both in Trinity for the 9:00 a.m. Mass (rehearse Wednesday evenings at 7:30 p.m.) and for the choir at the 11:30 a.m. Mass (rehearse Thursday evenings at 7:30 p.m.). We will begin again the first week of September. If you would like more information, please contact Dugan McGinley at the rectory.

CYO GIRLS VOLLEYBALL

St Joseph’s CYO is exploring the idea of joining the Archdiocese of Newark CYO Girls Volleyball League. We are looking for adults who are interested in organizing and coaching teams made up of parishioners from both St. Joseph’s and OLS. This fall league will consist of girls from the 4th to 8th grades. Anyone interested in coaching should contact Gerry O’Connor at stjosephcyobb@aol.com or by phone at 201-341-4289.

FAITH FORMATION FOR ALL AGES

FAITH FORMATION FOR ALL AGES For Children in Grades K to 8 Our Sunday morning program of instruction for those not attending Catholic School will open on September 23rd for the 2012-2013 year. We are looking forward to welcoming everyone back and to meeting new students. To be placed in a class in time for this first session, children need to be registered by September 4th. New families are invited to call the Rectory this week for more information. The special schedule for opening day and a calendar for the year is mailed on or around Labor Day to all registered families. For Adults We have received several inquiries from adults interested in preparing for Sacraments or learning more about the teachings of the Church. Please feel free to call the rectory for more information about updating your faith or becoming a Catholic. Informal inquiries are always welcome. For Children at Sunday Mass Liturgy of the Word with Children is a special time with the Scriptures which will resume in September during 9:00 a.m. Mass. We are looking forward to gathering the children again to hear and talk about God’s word. As usual, there will be two groups, one for those in First Grade and above, the other for pre-schoolers old enough to cooperate in our Pray and Play session. Parents are welcome to visit and pray with their children who return to their pews in time for the Liturgy of the Eucharist. Pre-registration is not required for this worship experience.

I'M 55 +...WHAT DO I DO NOW????

New Jersey professionals age 55+ with skills, talent and generosity of spirit can make a social impact and reinvest a career’s worth of experience towards serving a non-profit or public institution. ReServe in Newark matches continuing professionals ages 55+ with rewarding part-time service opportunities at nonprofit organizations and public institutions in order to strengthen their communities. These opportunities allow you to serve your community while also earning a stipend. Questions??? Learn more at www.reserveinc.org/newark. Contact us at 973-596-6400 Ext. 124 or email us at Newark@reserveinc.org

THANK YOU FROM THE IHN TEAM

A huge thank you to all of the St. Joseph's parishioners and volunteers who made our Interfaith Hospitality Hosting a huge success from July 8th through the 22nd. Your generous donations through our Giving Tree, and the gifts of your time, through our various committees made IHN hosting happen here at St. Joseph. We had five families pass through our doors during these two weeks. One family signed a lease for permanent housing! Another family is not far behind in doing so. What did St. Joseph Parish do? We created a "home" for five families and supported them as treasured guests. Each family had their own private space created by our set up crew. Our guests felt the love! St. Joseph volunteers prepared and served forty-two meals; washed countless loads of laundry; played games with kids for at least twenty-hours; stayed overnight as hosts; talked; laughed, smiled and even cried. St. Joseph’s parishioners gave hope and we received joy! We made a difference in the lives of these families. This Parish ministry is not small by any means, and it would not have happened without the full support of the parishioners of St. Joseph Church. Our hats are off to you for your support and love. You all were the hands and feet of our Lord. We fed the hungry, clothed the poor, and gave shelter to the very least of us. May God Bless you all!

BRIDGES "RUN"

A Bridges food outreach Run to Penn Station to feed the homeless is scheduled for Saturday, August 25th from approximately 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. A “Run” is the outreach visit to our street sheltered friends where we distribute bagged lunches/breakfast, new and gently used clothing, toiletries and other necessities. Equally important, it is an opportunity for volunteers from housed communities to meet friends living on the street and in shelters to share time, fellowship and smiles. All Run volunteers must be in high school or older. If under 18 you must be accompanied by a parent. A sign-up sheet is in the back of church on the bulletin board outside the Children’s Chapel. We are limited to 12 people so put your name on the list right away! Please contact Don Blaesser at 973-986-3521 if you have any questions.

Calling all Parish Parents!

CALLING ALL PARISH PARENTS It’s time to make plans for the fall! Our parish offers a K-8 program of Religious Education on Sunday mornings for all children not enrolled in a Catholic school. This formal instruction is designed to support parents in raising their children in the practice of the faith we share. Kindergarten is optional but children are expected to participate from first grade through grade 8, at which point they will be invited to prepare for Confirmation. This ongoing formation in faith offers a variety of Christ-centered experiences and a rich curriculum. We invite families to contact the rectory for more information, including special needs options and individualized catch up plans. Please call 973-761-5933. Registration for September should be arranged now. Please note that preparation for First Communion begins only after completing at least one year of religious education background. We extend an invitation to parents of enrolled children who are eligible and this sacramental preparation also begins in early fall.

Car Needed

Fr. Eustace is looking to buy a used Toyota Camry to be sent to a needy priest in Africa, for missionary work of evangelization. Please call the Parish Office if you have one or know of someone who does. Call 973 761 5933 and let us know. Thank you!

Habitat for Humanity New Information

Our next volunteer parish build day is Saturday, August 4th. A sign-up sheet is in back of church on the bulletin board outside the Children's Chapel. The tentative work site is 359 Lafayette St. in Newark. You will receive a follow up call the week of the build. For more information, email or call Gail Laughlin at glaughlin1@gmail.com or 973-313-0055.

Interfaith Hospitality Network Update

SHELTERING FAMILIES, BUILDING COMMUNITY Our IHN guests are midway through the two weeks of their stay with us and we thank everyone who has worked so hard to prepare and to provide for the four families in need of shelter who have come to us for a temporary place to stay. The Interfaith Hospitality Network unites across Essex County to give these and other parents a place to stay while working to secure permanent housing for themselves and their children. We were delighted that one of our anticipated families did not need our shelter because they found a home of their own just last weekend! Instead, we have welcomed a mother and her daughters into a safe, home-like place in Bernard Hall. Our wonderful volunteers and donors make it possible for us to offer three meals a day, help with laundry and arrange activities for the children. Yet, there is ‘no place like home,’ so we pray that all of our guests will soon secure permanent housing and leave the network with good memories of the support they received in a difficult time of their lives. If you would like to help during this second week or with clean up next Sunday, please call Suzanne Ryan at 973-761-7083.

REACHING OUT MAKING A DIFFERENCE

REACHING OUT ~ MAKING A DIFFERENCE! What difference can two cents make? It can have a huge impact when we put our money together as a parish and create a Tithing Fund for Others. Look below at the amount donated last week! Two percent of our Sunday offering is set aside each week: two cents out of every dollar you give. Our individual contributions joined together have helped local efforts to feed the hungry, give shelter to people who are homeless, facilitate contact with immigrants held in detention, and provide emergency relief. Our parish community has also reached out across the oceans to help the poor and vulnerable in Haiti, Nigeria and the Philippines. Thank you for your generous hearts! We began the Tithing Fund for Others two years ago this week. A committee of parishioners actively engaged in social justice ministries has worked with the pastor to select ways of using this fund to make a difference in Jesus’ name. The resulting donations by our community are reported to you as they occur, and we have received touching letters of appreciation from the recipient groups. For the month of July, 2% of your Sunday offering will be given to BACKPACK PALS to feed children who go hungry on weekends when school nutrition programs are closed. Let’s think of them as we make our offering at Mass this month and let’s keep this organization in our prayers, remembering all those who volunteer time for the cause we are supporting through our Tithing Fund .

FOOD PANTRY HELP WANTED

FOOD PANTRY HELP WANTED Make A Difference! There are many ways to make a difference in the fight against hunger. Volunteer opportunities range from sorting and packing food in our distribution center to lending a hand delivering to seniors. The St. Joseph Food Pantry is an outreach program to our needy families around the parish. Our mission is to help a caring community share its food resources. We act as a as a food warehouse and a front-line agency assisting those struggling to make ends meet and work with other agencies that assist people in need. Your assistance is always welcome. The next sort night is Monday, July 16, and packing night Thursday, July 19 at 7:00p.m. Delivery day is Saturday, July 21 at 10:00 a.m. Meet at the Food Pantry house located at 241 Hilton Ave. Maplewood.