September 18, 2016 - St. Francis of Assisi Parish
Transcription
September 18, 2016 - St. Francis of Assisi Parish
THE BRIDGE THE TWENTY FIFTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME - PARISH STAFF Fr. Jim Scullion, OFM, Pastor Michele Beck, Music Theresa Cassata, OFS, FFF Deacon Robert Cunningham Fr. Kevin Daly, OFM Fr. John Frambes, OFM Sr. Patricia Klemm, OSF Sr. Patricia McNiff, OSF Briana Ott, Youth Minister Jo Anne Reeder, Worship With open arms for all! SEPTEMBER 18, 2016 “You cannot serve both God and mammon.” Parish Office (609) 494-8813 Mon. - Fri. 9 AM to 3 PM (Closed for lunch 12 - 1 PM) Family Faith Formation (609) 494-8813 ext. 153 Community Center (609) 494-8861 Counseling Services (609) 494-1554 Read our bulletin online at www.stfrancisparishlbi.org Daily gospel reflections can be found on facebook at: www.facebook.com/stfrancisparishlbi Follow us on Twitter: @StFrancisLBI St. Francis of Assisi Parish is a Franciscan Faith Community of Holy Name Province in the Diocese of Trenton. Find out more about Holy Name Province online at www.hpn.org Franciscan Sisters of Allegany, NY Vocation Office [email protected] Franciscan Sisters of Philadelphia, PA Vocation Office [email protected] St. Francis is a sending Parish to ASRCS All Saints Regional Catholic School 400 Doc Cramer Blvd., Manahawkin, NJ, 08050 (609) 597-3800 or visit: www.asrcs.org Allegany Art Franciscan Sisters of Allegany, NY Gospel Challenge Jesus challenges us - whom do you serve? The answer is easy; the doing is hard. Whom do I really serve? St. Francis of Assisi, 4700 Long Beach Blvd., Brant Beach, NJ DATE MASS INTENTIONS (L) Living +Deceased Saturday, 9:00 AM +Gaile Booth September 17 11:00 AM Special Mass/Annointing of Sick 3:30 - 4:30 PM Reconciliation 5:00 PM +Anna S. Nancy Moore +Shirley Mason +Beverly Acker Sunday, 7:30 AM +Ruth Consezo September 18 8:45 AM +Harry Franz +Rosemary Mulligan (L)Mary Komjathy 10:00 AM +Marc Perugini +Jim O’Hara +Minnie Bittman 11:15 AM +Michael Dooley +Deacon George Walker, ofs +Anthony Ciuffitelli Monday, 9:00 AM +Jim Morrison September 19 +Richard Cortellino Tuesday, 9:00 AM +Bud Rosso September 20 +Deacon George Walker, ofs +Sennen San Fratello, ofm READINGS Gal. 6:14-18; Lk. 9:23-26 Amos 8:4-7; 1 Tm. 2:1-8; Lk. 16:1-13 Amos 8:4-7; 1 Tm. 2:1-8; Lk. 16:1-13 Prv. 3:27-34; Lk. 8:16-18 Prv. 21:1-5, 10-13; Lk. 8:19-21 Wednesday, 9:00 AM (L)Joseph McKeever September 21 +M. James Schaeffer Eph. 4:1-7, 11-13; Mt. 9:9-13 Thursday, September 22 Friday, September 23 Saturday, September 24 Ecc. 1:2-11; Lk. 9:7-9 Ecc. 3:1-11; Lk. 9:18-22 Ecc. 11:9-13:8; Lk. 9:43b-45 9:00 AM +Sofina Truncellito 9:00 AM +Patricia Forsythe +Robert M. Ellsworth 9:00 AM +Austin D’Souza 3:30 - 4:30 PM Reconciliation Parish Information Emergency Information: Available on our answering machine (609) 494-8861 and on WJRZ 100.1 FM; 98.5 FM; The Breeze 107.1 FM; WOBM 92.7 FM; wobm.com; and 1057thehawk.com and stfranciscenterlbi.org. Evacuation Information: In the event of a hurricane, severe weather, or extreme high tides, please do not call the Parish Office for assistance and note that none of the parish buildings (churches, community center, residences or maintenance facilities) has been designated as an evacuation site. Evacuate as soon as you can, following the direction of local officials. Mass Schedule through October 1/2 St. Francis of Assisi, Brant Beach 9:00 AM Daily Mass Reconciliation: 3:30-4:30 PM Saturday, 5:00 PM; Sunday, 7:30, 8:45, 10:00, 11:15 AM St. Thomas of Villanova, Surf City NO Reconciliation Saturday, 5:00 PM; Sunday, 10:00AM St. Thomas Aquinas, Beach Haven NO Reconciliation Saturday, 5:00 PM; Sunday, 10:00AM St. Clare, Loveladies - CLOSED EVENTS 8:30 AM Men’s Spirituality, Room 212 10:00 AM Catechist Sunday 9:30 AM Living the Word, Room 105 9:45 AM Labyrinth, Church Hall 9:30 AM St. Anthony Devotion 9:45 AM Labyrinth, Church Hall 7:00 PM RCIA, Room 212 7:00 PM Parent Orientation, Jesus A group or Family Path, (or Sept. 21), Church 5:00 PM Parent Orientation, Jesus A group or Family Path, (or Sept. 20), Church 7:30 PM Adoration of Blessed Sacrament St. Thomas Aquinas Church 2nd & Atlantic Ave., Beach Haven , NJ DATE Saturday, September 17 Sunday, September 18 MASS INTENTIONS (L) Living +Deceased 5:00 PM Franciscan Mass League 10:00 AM +Peggie McCann +Nicole Kouhi Podkowa +Doris L. Manzo St. Thomas Villanova Church 13th & Long Beach Blvd., Surf City , NJ DATE Saturday, September 17 Sunday, September 18 MASS INTENTIONS (L) Living +Deceased 5:00 PM +Sofina Truncellito +Bob Giles 10:00 AM +Cathy Ingoglia St. Clare’s Church, Loveladies - CLOSED Page 1 - September 18, 2016 Parish Information Parish Registration: The Parish Office is located on the second floor of St. Francis Community Center, 4700 Long Beach Blvd., Long Beach Twp., NJ. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. The office is closed for lunch from 12:00 to 1:00 PM. Please notify the Parish Office as soon as possible if you are moving. Baptism: The sacrament is celebrated three times a month at St. Francis Parish. Group Baptisms are the 2nd Saturday at 10:00 AM and the last Sunday at 12:45 PM each month at St. Francis Church in Brant Beach. Baptisms during Mass are celebrated on the 3rd Sunday of each month at the last Mass in each Church. Call the Parish Office for availability and requirements: at (609) 494-8813 ext. 154 or 155. Faith Formation and Education: For children ages six through high school. Please call Theresa Cassata, ofs at (609) 494-8813 ext. 153 for more information. Marriage: In accordance with the Common Policy of the five Dioceses of New Jersey, arrangements must be made ONE YEAR in advance. Couples are required to attend Marriage Preparation classes. Weddings are performed on Friday or Saturday. Weddings are NOT performed on Sundays, the beach, Memorial Day, Fourth of July or Labor Day weekends. Pastoral Visitations: Please notify the Parish Office if you or any of your loved ones are ill, homebound, in SOMC, nursing homes or rehabilitation centers. Parish Collections Second Collection Today: Human Concerns Project Our Family Support Services Department is an important component of our efforts in homelessness prevention. Our services include workshops on parenting support, violence prevention, anger management, the Food Pantry, utilities assistance, auto ownership of Ocean County & annual projects. Grants, donations & this collection support this crucial work. Thank you for your generosity. Last Week’s 2nd Collection The Catholic University of America Collected: $7,868 This Week We Need: Budgeted: $28,000 Last Week’s Collection Budgeted: $30,000 Collected: $29,453.58 Reception for Sr. Pat Klemm, osf As many of you know Sr. Pat Klemm, OSF was elected to the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany leadership team. This position will mean that Pat will be moving to Allegany, NY in early October. Please join us for a reception for Sr. Pat after the 9:00 AM mass on Tuesday, October 4th, the Feast of St. Francis in the Church Hall. We offer our congratulations and prayers to Pat on this new position and we thank her for her years of service to our parish. A Letter From The Pastoral Staff... Each year, the third Sunday in September is recognized nationally as Catechetical Sunday, a weekend to pray for and honor those who help facilitate Faith Formation in every parish. Narrowly interpreted this would mean catechists and aides who volunteer in our Family Faith Formation Program and members of the RCIA Team who catechize adults, but at St. Francis we take a wider view. Catechesis means “echoing the faith” and we recognize that these volunteers, although very important, are but a small part of those involved in “echoing the faith” in our parish. We recognize the parents of our children, who are our children’s first catechists. We recognize grandparents, other family members, and friends who help those parents catechize their children. We recognize volunteers and staff who work behind the scenes of our Faith Formation Programs for both children and adults, who help enrich and make those programs run smoothly. We recognize parish members who bear witness to their faith through their words and actions; who set examples for others to see and to follow. We are each in our own way catechists to each other. This year our Family Faith Formation Program is growing. Our enrollment is increasing and so is the number of volunteers. We are truly blessed to have such faith-filled families and volunteers. Our programs are changing and growing as well. Our Elementary Program (Grades 1-5) will remain the same; however we are adding A Special Needs Program. Our Scripture Program (Grades 6 & 7) will remain the same, but our Confirmation Program (Grade 8) has been expanded. This year we will add the Dynamic Catholic Series “Decision Point” to our curriculum. We have gotten a very positive response from our Catechists who have previewed the program over the summer. When the children have completed “Decision Point” they will continue with our former Confirmation Preparation Program including workshops and our memorable Reconciliation Evening complete with Pot Luck Supper. This year, our Confirmation Program will also include a Confirmation Retreat presented by NET (National Evangelization Team) Ministries. This organization is endorsed by the Diocese of Trenton and is composed of young adults ages 18-29 who, after being trained, devote 9 months of their lives to traveling around the country sharing the Gospel with others. With all these changes, we look forward to a wonderful year and we thank you for joining us in “Echoing the Faith” to others. Peace and All Good, Theresa Cassata, ofs Coordinator of Family Faith Formation Chrysanthemums Donations The Volunteer Landscaping Group is looking for donations of chrysanthemums to plant around the St. Francis churches for the beautification of the grounds. Plants should be left on the grass near the south side entrance of the Brant Beach Church where they will be picked up and planted. Thank you. Page 2 - September 18, 2016 Franciscan Spiritual Center presents: Spiritual Direction Sponsored By: St. Francis of Assisi Parish 4700 Long Beach Blvd. Long Beach Township, NJ 08008 (609) 494-8813 • stfrancisparishlbi.org We now have five certified Spiritual Directors offering free Spiritual Direction in our parish. For an appointment please call: Barbara Horwath Angeline, ofs, (609) 384-6188, Maryann Barrek, ofs, (609) 492-7502, Anne Bock, ofs, (609) 204-3835, Kathy Egan, (215) 694-4651, Pat Simmons, ofs, (609) 661-1361. 1 Ford Escape Valued at $23,995 Men’s Spirituality The Men’s Spirituality group meets on the third Saturday of each month from 8:30 to 10:00 AM in Room 212. We discuss a broad variety of topics and share our views on how we can see the hand of God at work in all things. All are welcome. Next scheduled meeting: September 17, Room 212 2 Ford Mustangs Valued at $26,635 each Living the Word Reflect with others on the Sunday readings as a way to prepare for our Liturgy each week. Mondays at 9:30 AM in the Center. All are welcome, come whenever you can. This is not a Scripture class, no experience is necessary! Next scheduled meeting: September 19, Room 105 2 Ford F150 XL Super Cabs Valued at $33,465 each Scripture Study This group meets every two weeks to learn, discuss and reflect on passages of the Sacred Scriptures. The group is led by Tom Troyano and meets from 7:00 to 8:30 PM in the Center. No prior experience of Scripture study is required. Next scheduled meeting: October 5, Sr. Lounge An Invitation to Contemplative Living This program calls out to those who desire to live more contemplatively in the world, to grow in union with God and others, and to become more aware, intentional and free. God liberates us and heals us through the practice of contemplative prayer. Monthly sessions on the practice of contemplative prayer are scheduled. This group normally meets from 9:45 AM to 12:00 PM. Next scheduled meeting: October 8, Sr. Kate Meeting Room Presenter: Barbara Sweeton, ofs, “Music & Contemplation from a Franciscan Perspective”. Women’s Spirituality The Women’s Spirituality Group provides an opportunity for women to gather and share with other women how they experience God in their lives in the here and now. They meet from September through November and January through June on the second Wednesday from 6:45 to 8:00 PM in the Center. Next scheduled meeting: October 12, Room 212 Order of Franciscan Secular (ofs) Aston Retreat Weekend October 14 -16 Location: Franciscan Spiritual Center 609 South Convent Road – Aston, PA 19014 Check website for maps and directions: www.fscaston.org (Retreat Center is next to Neumann University Campus) Registration Fee of $160.00 includes all meals, accommodations and program. For more information contact Gloria Prokap, ofs at (609) 660-2018. Only 3,000 Books Available Five chances to win in each book. Tickets sold in booklets only. Books cost $100. Bearer is entitled to win all five vehicles. Each book may carry more than one name. Joint ownership is possible at the discretion of the bearer. The drawing for all five vehicles will be Saturday, October 8, 2016 at the Annual Spaghetti Dinner, St. Francis Community Center Gymnasium. Winner need not be present. No substitution of prize or cash in lieu of prize. Proceeds benefit St. Francis of Assisi Parish. Please make your check payable to St. Francis Parish & indicate “Car Raffle” on the envelope. 2016 Car Raffle Name: ______________________________________________________ Street Address: _______________________________________________ City: ________________________________ State: ______ Zip: _____ Phone: ______________________________ # of Books Requested ($100 each) ____ Total Amount Enclosed: _______ Visa and Master Card accepted if presented in person. Integrity of Creation Learn about rain barrels, build or buy one, and install it in time for Spring! (bit.ly/rainbarrelresources) Page 3 - September 18, 2016 Family Faith Formation Theresa Theresa Cassata, Cassata, ofs, ofs,Coordinator Coordinatorof ofFFF FFF (Ext. 153) Ellen (Ext. 150) 150) Ellen Halvorsen, Halvorsen, Elementary Elementary Coordinator Coordinator (Ext. Marion Marion Pierri, Pierri, Confirmation Confirmation Coordinator Coordinator (Ext. (Ext. 177) 177) Brianna Ott, Youth Minister (Ext. 179) Registration for the 2016-17 Session is underway. Please contact [email protected] or call (609) 494-8861 ext. 177 for information. Are you willing to share the love of God with our parish children? If so, please contact us. Thank you for those of you who were able to volunteer to help us, but we still need more volunteers: Tuesday 5:30-7:00 PM 1 Catechist and 1 Aide for Scripture 7 Tuesday 7:00-8:30 PM 1 Aide for Scripture 7 Tuesday 5:30-6:45 PM Aides and Substitutes needed for Elementary Program Wednesday 4:30-5:45 PM Aides and Substitutes needed for Elementary Program UPCOMING DATES Parent Orientation – September 20, 7:00 PM or September 21, 5:00 PM – In the Brant Beach Church - for parents whose children are in Jesus A – Scripture B (Grades 1-7) in weekly classes or Family Path Program. (Confirmation Prep and ASRS parents need not attend) First Day of Classes for Tuesday/Wednesday students – September 27, 5:30 PM and September 28, 4:30 – If your child is registered for a Tuesday 5:30 PM class or a Wednesday 4:30 PM class, please meet in the Brant Beach Church. Children will sit with classes and after a welcoming celebration and Bible presentation to Scripture students, Grades 1-5 will process to the center for classes. Scripture A (Grade 6) will stay in the church for their class. Monthly Meetings: St. Francis Center unless otherwise noted. Book Club Tuesday, September 27, 1:00 PM, Room 212 Caleb’s Crossing, by Geraldine Brooks Order of the Franciscans Secular ofs Sunday, October 2, 12:30 PM, Surf City Church Hall, Fraternity Meeting; Monday, October 3, 7:00 PM, Brant Beach Church, Transitus of St. Francis. Survivors of Suicide Thursday, October 13, 7:30 PM, Room 212 Knights of Columbus Council #3826 2nd Tuesday of the month, 7:30 PM St. Mary’s Church, Msgr. Reinbold Hall - Barnegat Send a Hero Home The Knights of Columbus is donating a portion of its charity event, the International Hit Comedy “Late Nite Catechism 2” to purchase transportation for Service Men and Women on leave to be with family for Christmas. The second of a series of uproariously funny plays will be held October 8 at the Stafford Township Art Center. The first play in the series last year assisted the Ocean County Chapter of the Knights of Columbus to bring home 41 service personnel to spend Christmas with their loved ones. You can help and see a fantastic show at the same time by purchasing tickets for “Late Nite Catechism 2” on line at “Brown Paper Tickets” http://www.brownpapertickets.com or by calling 1 (800) 838-3006. The JPIC Corner: Justice, Peace, and the Integrity of Creation Youth Ministry Volunteers Needed Youth ministry is currently looking for volunteers to be part of our core team. Please contact Briana Ott at [email protected] or call (609) 494-8861 ext. 179 for more information. RCIA - Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults All of life is a journey and we all journey together into eternity. The RCIA is a process that reflects on this journey in the light of the gospel and our relationship with God, others, and self. Are you interested in journeying with us? All are welcome...baptized and non-baptized...believer and non believer. Please call Fr. Jim or Sr. Pat M. at the parish office if you are interested. Classes begin 7:00 PM, September 20th, Room 212 The topic is “Becoming a Sacrament of God’s Mercy” presented by Joan Finn On the occasion of World Environment Day, (sponsored by the United Nations in 2013), Pope Francis devoted his entire address at his weekly public audience to the religious and moral dimensions of the environment. He began appropriately by citing his predecessor Pope Benedict XVI, who was often called the “green pope.” . . .and noted that Benedict frequently called attention to our responsibility to Respect God’s free gift of “the rhythm and the logic of God’s creations - a love story between God and ourselves. Pope Francis sharply criticized what he called the greatest danger to creation we face – the unethical, single-minded pursuit of money. “Man is not in charge today, money is,” he stated. “God our Father did not give the task of caring for the earth to money but to us, men and women. We have this task! Instead men and women are sacrificed to the idol of profit and consumption, the culture of waste.” He continued: The “culture of waste” tends to become the common mentality that infects everyone. Human life, the person, is no longer perceived as a primary value to be respected and protected, especially the poor and disabled, if not yet useful – such as the unborn child – or no longer needed – such as the elderly. This culture of waste has made us also insensitive to the waste and disposal of food, which is even more despicable when all over the world, unfortunately, many individuals and families are suffering from hunger and malnutrition. We should all remember that the food we throw away is as if stolen from the table of the poor, the hungry! Francis here is echoing the homily of St. Basil in which he declared that the bread we clutch in our hands belongs to the starving, the cloak we keep locked up in the closet belongs to the naked, and the shoes we are not using belong to the barefoot. Source: Reclaiming Francis, by Msgr. Charles M. Murphy, Ave Maria Press, 2013 Page 4 - September 18, 2016 SPECIAL EVENTS Order of Franciscan Secular (ofs) Sight & Sound Bus Trip Lancaster County, PA Labyrinth Walk Monday, September 19, 9:45 AM - 5:30 PM Tuesday, September 20, 9:45 AM - 5:30 PM “Samson” Wednesday, October 5 Lunch at Shady Maple - $117 includes bus, tip, lunch and show. To reserve seats, please call Cheryl Krzaczyk, ofs at (609) 661-5229. Checks payable to OFS. Proceeds benefit the Ministries of the Order of Franciscan Secular, ofs St. Francis of Assisi Church Hall The Labyrinth is a path of prayer, a walking meditation that can become a mirror of the soul. It is a spiritual act of pilgrimage, a metaphor of life’s journey. Choose a day and treat yourself to some quiet time. A finger Labyrinth is available for those who are unable to walk the Labyrinth. Flu Shots Thursday, September 22 1:00 - 3:00 PM Spaghetti Dinner Saturday, October 8, 5:00 - 8:00 PM St. Francis Community Center Gym $15 per Adult / $8 per Child Come out for this annual delicious spaghetti dinner cooked by local Chef, Fred Madonna! Bring the whole family and enjoy a great meal without the mess! The raffling of the cars will take place immediately following the dinner. Tickets are on sale at the Front Desk of the Community Center. All are welcome! NEEDED: Home Baked Cakes, Brownies, Pies, etc. If you are planning on bringing some baked goods, please call or email Lori Dudek at (609) 494-8861 ext. 118 or [email protected]. Brant Beach Church Hall For more information call Long Beach Island Health Department at (609) 492-1212. Painting Social Thursday, September 22 2:00 - 5:00 PM Community Center Gym Enjoy an afternoon of Painting! Create your own work of art on a 16” x 20” canvas as you eat, drink and socialize! No experience is needed! You will receive instruction from start to finish. All materials will be supplied. Space is limited and reservations required. $40. Tickets are available at the Front Desk of the Community Center. 44th Annual Long Beach Island Commemorative 18-Mile Run Sunday, October 9 Race Starts at 10:30 AM Holgate, NJ Entry Fees: $45 per runner by September 30; $55 per runner after September 30; $35 per runner for USATF-NJ Members until October 1; (fees honored by the postmark date). NO REFUNDS! Applications are available at the Front Desk of the Community Center and a printable version online at stfranciscenterlbi.org. Registration and race-packet pickup will be held from 2:00 to 7:00 PM on Saturday, October 8 with registration and dressing Sunday October 9 from 7:00 to 9:30 AM. Race is dedicated to the 11 Israeli athletes slain by terrorists at the 1972 Munich Olympics and the thousands who lost their lives on September 11, 2001. Women’s Cornerstone Retreat November 4 & 5 Planning Meeting Sunday, October 2 - 11:00 AM - 12:45 PM, Sr. Lounge Tuesday, October 25 - 7:00 - 8:45 PM, Sr. Lounge Email Lauren Finelli at [email protected] for more info. Men’s Cornerstone Retreat March 3 & 4, 2017 Planning Meeting St. Thomas Church, Surf City Tuesday, October 11 - 7:00 PM Tuesday, November 15 - 7:00 PM Contact Jim Brady at [email protected] Page 5 - September 18, 2016 Senior Services For information call ext. 108 or 109. Struggling with Medicare Part B payments? You or a loved one may qualify for assistance. The Medicare Savings Program can help by providing Medicare Part B savings. CALL SENIOR SERVICES FOR MORE INFORMATION. Daily Reassurance Calls Do you know of a senior who is isolated? Senior Services makes daily reassurance calls to seniors who have no one to check on them. Please call the Center and ask for extension 108 to request that we call them. Caregiver Support Group Second Tuesday of every month, 10:00 - 11:30 AM Ocean County Southern Services Center 179 S. Main Street, Manahawkin, NJ. Meals on Wheels Volunteer Substitute Drivers needed for all routes! Call Sherry today to sign up at (609) 494-8861, ext. 109. Walking Program Monday, Wednesday, Friday 8:00 - 8:45 AM in the Gym. Ladies’ Exercise Class Cancelled until further notice Volunteer Attorney Tuesdays, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM By appointment only for those who qualify. Cards: Senior Lounge Call if you have questions or wish to register. Canasta: Monday, 12:00 - 4:00 PM Mah Jongg: Tuesday & Friday, 12:00 - 4:00 PM Pinochle: Wednesday, 12:00 - 4:00 PM Party Bridge: Thursday, 12:00 - 4:00 PM Recreation & Aquatics For info. please call ext. 105. Visit the Fall/Winter Brochure online at www.stfranciscenterlbi.org or pick up a Brochure at the Center lobby. Dick Manzo Basketball Clinic - Ages 8-13 October 11 & 14; 4:00-6:00 PM Co-Ed Recreation League - Ages 8-14 Registration: October 12 or October 19 6:00-8:00 PM. During registration a parent orientation will be held on the half hour. Lifeguard Training - Ages 15 and up October 12 through October 16. Times varies, please check the brochure for more information. Session II Registration starts Monday, October 17 at 9am Substitute/Back-up Aquatics Instructor Wanted Classes are mornings at 8:00 AM, 9:00 AM & 10:00 AM Monday, Wednesday, & Friday Please contact Mike Thompson at (609) 494-8861 ext. 105 Educational Services (609) 494-8861 ext. 185 www.stfranciscenterlbi.org/educational-support Fall & Winter Schedule Adult Basic Skills Consortium of Ocean County Medicare Part D If you are satisfied with your current Medicare Advantage or Part D plan, it is still wise to check if there are plans in your area that offer better health and/or drug coverage at a more affordable price. Medicare’s open enrollment period of Medicare Part D comes only once a year. This year Open Enrollment runs from October 15 through December 7. If you are 65 and over, this is the time to make changes to your Medicare supplemental drug plan coverage. If you enroll in a plan during Fall Open Enrollment, your coverage starts January 1. Call Senior Services if you would like an appointment with a State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) Counselor to discuss your options at: (609) 494-8861 ext. 109 or (609) 978-6220. Adult Basic Skills (ABE), NJ High School Diploma Prep Class and English as a Second Language (ESL) Beginner & Intermediate classes are offered throughout Ocean County. NJ High School Diploma Preparation Free Classes Lakewood Education Center Southern Regional High School Toms River North High School Monday & Wednesday, 6:00-9:00 PM English Second Language Classes (ESL) Lakewood Library Tuesday & Thursday, 6:00-9:00 PM Lakewood Education Center Monday & Wednesday, 9:00 AM-12:00 PM Tuesday & Thursday, 9:00 AM-12:00 PM / 6:00-9:00 PM Lakewood Community Center Tuesday & Thursday, 6:00-9:00 PM Toms River North High School Monday & Wednesday, 6:00-9:00 PM Southern Regional High School Monday & Wednesday, 6:00-9:00 PM Tuesday & Thursday, 6:00-9:00 PM Classes subject to change. Childcare and transportation are available at selected sites. Classes and services are provided by the Ocean County Basic Skills Consortium through a grant from the NJ Dept. of Labor & Workforce Development. Page 6 - September 18, 2016 Family Support Services Food Pantry Hours: Monday, Wednesday & Friday: 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM; Tuesday: 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM and Thursday: 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM The Food Pantry currently needs: Mac & Cheese, Peanut Butter, Jelly, Rice, Spaghetti Sauce, Beef Ravioli, Tuna, Canned Fruit & Veggies Parenting and Anger Management Groups St. Francis Community Center and locations throughout Ocean County. To register, please call (609) 494-8861 ext. 197. Funded by the Department of Human Services. Auto Ownership Program Please consider donating your old car (in fair to good condition) to St. Francis’ auto ownership program. We are in need of donated cars to assist clients to make the transition from welfare to work. For more information on a 1098-C tax-deductible donation, please call: Auto Ownership Program Coordinator, (609) 494-8861 ext. 195. Back To School Project Thank You As a new school year has quickly approached, the St. Francis Community Center has completed its annual Back to School Project. This project serves community residents from Forked River to Tuckerton and is operated out of the Human Concerns Department. Because of our outstanding community partners and the donations we received, we were able to assist 278 children within our community. All children received a new back pack filled with the essentials for back to school. Our hope is for all children returning to school to have confidence and a readiness to learn. This project was initially started to help families with the cost incurred of sending their children back to school. This year we received an overwhelming outpouring of support from our community members, along with local businesses. Donations exceeded our expectations and were able to surpass our 250 enrolled children. Our Community partners include the following and without them we would not be able to meet our community’s needs. Funding for back packs was provided by Long Beach Island Rotary who always supports our efforts along with the Jetty Rock Foundation. Murphy’s Market, Home Depot , BJ’s, TJMaxx, Target and Costco were additional local businesses that provided us with donations and funding to help our mission. Our project also reached as far as Uniontown, PA where we received a generous donation of school supplies from the Christ United Methodist Church. In closing, we want to thank the countless residents who went out and purchased items needed to fill this program. We are grateful to live in a close knit community who selflessly give to support those in need. Hard to believe, but we are already beginning to plan for our Thanksgiving Project, set to take off October 10, where we will be accepting donations to provide families with Thanksgiving dinner. Have a happy and healthy school year! Erin Borysewicz, LSW Director, Family Support Services Counseling Services by appointment (609) 494-1554 Journey Through Grief This program is designed to help men and women, of all ages, work through the normal stages of grief with education and group support. The program stresses that grief is a journey, a natural and normal reaction to a significant loss in our lives. Education and support can ease our way on this journey. The group is open to all members of the community regardless of religious affiliation. Registration is required. There is NO FEE for this program. Children’s Services St. Francis Preschool is an accredited program from the National Association for the Education of Young Children. NAEYC-Accredited programs must meet NAEYC’s 10 standards for high quality early childhood education. For more information about NAEYC standards visit: www.rightchoiceforkids.org. CHILD CARE & PRESCHOOL PROGRAMS Open Enrollment! Full Day, Work Day or Extended Day Toddlers: Ages 13 months to 2 1/2 Preschoolers: Ages 2 1/2 to 5 Please continue collecting Campbell's Soup Can Labels Children’s Services is collecting Labels for Education/ Campbell Soup Labels to help us purchase equipment and materials. A collection container is located in the lobby of St. Francis Center. The list of products include: “Campbell’s”, “Pepperidge Farms”, “Pace”, “SpaghettiOs” and “V8”. When cutting your labels please only cut the UPC and the point value. See the pictures below: Thank you for your continual support! With your help we collected 1,820 points from November 2015-July 2016. Energy Assistance Day Wednesday, September 21 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM St. Francis Community Center Are You Having Trouble Paying Your Energy Bills? There are energy assistance and home energy-improvement programs available for eligible households. Join New Jersey Natural Gas for its annual Energy Assistance Day and find out which programs you qualify for! For more information, contact NJNG energy assistance specialist at 800-221-0051 or [email protected]. Visit the Save Energy & Money section of njng.com for tips to help lower your energy bills. Remember to bring: Social Security cards for all household members, deed or lease, proof of income for all household members, and recent energy bills. Weekly Meetings Always open to everyone! Al Anon St. Francis Center Beginners Meeting, Thursday, 7:00-7:30 PM Open Discussion, Thursday, 7:30-8:30 PM Al-Anon is a fellowship of family members and friends of alcohol/drug abusers, who share their experience, strength and hope with one another. Alcoholics Anonymous SOMC, Sunday, 7:30 PM St. Thomas of Villanova, Surf City Monday through Friday, 12:30 PM Friday (men), 8:00 PM For Saturday Meetings: Call the AA Hotline (609) 494-5130 Page 7 - September 18, 2016 St. Francis Travel Home Town Travel 128 Bartlett Ave., Bartlett Commons, Rt. 9 South, West Creek, NJ 08092 Call Nancy at Home Town Travel (609) 597-5100 Email: [email protected] Sightseeing Trips COMMUNITY BULLETIN BOARD Coastal VIM Clinic - Volunteers in Medicine 2nd Annual Charity Gala to benefit Free Health Clinic Friday, September 30, 6:30 - 10:30 PM - Tickets $75 Greenbriar Oceanaire, 1 Heritage Circle, Waretown, NJ A night of music and open wine/beer bar with seated dinner. Live music from New Jersey’s #1 17 piece ballroom dance band: The Brass Tacks! 50/50 Raffle, Basket Auction, Lottery Apron and Silent Auction. Cocktail Attire. Purchase tickets online: www.coastalvim.org. For information email: [email protected] or call (609) 891-5482. April 27-May 6, 2017 Coastal Volunteers in Medicine is a 501©(3) nonprofit that offers freehealthcare Ireland-Southern Ireland and the Aran Islands Spend one night at Dunboyne Castle, just outside Dublin and two nights services to our neighbors without health insurance and limited income. each in Kilkenny, Killarney and Galway and a final night in Dublin. Highlights include Taylor’s Three Rock Irish evening, pub dinner in Maris Stella Retreat & Conference Center Dingle, Waterford walk and Crystal Factory, Blarney Castle and Blarney 7201 Long Beach Blvd., Harvey Cedars, NJ 08008 Woolen Mills, Dingle Peninsula, Cliffs of Moher, sheepherding at Rathburn Farm, ferry to the Aran Islands and the South Sole Pub. Challenges of Aging Includes accommodations, full breakfast daily (except on day of arrival), A Four Part Series two lunches and six dinners, round trip air from Newark, all local taxes, Monday, October 3, 17, 24 & 31, 1:00 PM hotel service charges & porterage for one suitcase in included. Insurance Maris Stella Conference Center is recommended. $2,929 per person based on double. FREE and Open to the Public Registration Required May 8-17, 2017 (609) 494-1182 Alpine Lakes and Scenic Trains Where will I live? Who will take care of me? Scenic trains in Switzerland and Italy along with cruises on Lake Como & Lake Maggiore. Stay in Lucerne, Zermatt and St. Moritz. Highlights: For more information contact: Peggy McNally, ofs, (609) 494-0753 or [email protected] Golden Pass Train, Matterhorn Museum, Glacier Express Train, Bernina Pass Train, ferry ride on Lake Como, Lake Maggiore cruise, farm visit with wine and cheese pairings and an Island dinner. Included: round trip Silent Directed/Private Retreat airfare from Philadelphia, all taxes, fees and surcharges, cancellation Sunday, October 16 - Saturday, October 22 waiver and insurance, hotel transfers, eight breakfasts and four dinners. Private: This is for those who wish to pursue their private retreat time $4,999 per person double and $5,499 per person single. with no formal program. Directed: This is for those who wish time in quiet prayer and reflection June 22 - 29, 2017 and to meet each day with a spiritual director. Iceland, Land of the Midnight Sun Spiritual Directors: Margaret Ellen Burke, SC & Maryanne Tracey, SC Enjoy six nights in this magnificent land; four nights in Reykjavik and Registration Due: October 1 two nights up north in Akureyri. See spectacular waterfalls, beautiful coastlines, hot springs, lava fields, Westman Islands and summer For more information call Sr. Pat - (609) 494-2917 wildlife. We will spend the first two nights in the city and fly up north or email - [email protected] for two nights, with the remaining nights back in Reykjavik. Included is: Round trip non-stop airfare from Newark on Iceland Air, Inter Iceland air and ferry to Westman Islands, private motor coach and guide throughout the tour, four nights at the 4* Grand Hotel Reykjavik and two nights at the 4* Kea Hotel in Akureyri. www.en.grand.is, HELP WANTED www.keahotels.is. Seven breakfasts including day of arrival and five lunches, Reykjavik city tour enroute to the hotel, entrance fees to the Blue Lagoon and Myvatn Nature Baths with towel, entrance fees to St. Francis Parish and Center is accepting applications or resumes Skogar Museum and Eldheimar Volcano Museum, five full day tours for: including lunch: South Shore Adventure, Akureyri and Culinary FT Driver, 30 hours a week with benefits and PT Driver, 25 hours a Coastline local food tour, Lake Myvatn day tour, Westman Islands and week, with CDL License and Passenger Endorsement for our Senior Olgerdin Brewery enroute to the airport with beer tasting. $3,599 per Services Program in Manahawkin and Berkeley offices. $9.75 an person based on double. A valid US passport is required and must be valid for at least six months upon return. Optional insurance is available hour. Please send resume to [email protected] or visit and highly recommended. A $350 deposit by check is required to www.stfranciscenterlbi.org for an application and mail to sign up by November 1, 2016. Minimum participation is required. 4700 Long Beach Blvd, Long Beach Township, NJ 08008. Community Center Donations St. Francis Center/LBICC is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization. Donations are tax-deductible. Our federal tax ID number is 22-2003458. We have provided supportive services to the community for over 43 years and with your help we will continue to do so. Our online donations are processed by PayPal so it’s fast, easy and secure. We are only able to process online donations from NJ residents only. If you would like to recognize a donation to the Center in someone's name, donation cards are available at the front desk of the Center and at the Parish Office. Thank you for your continued generosity! PT Maintenance/Cleaning Position, 24 hours a week. Please send resume to [email protected] St. Francis Center is an EOE/AA Employer Page 8 - September 18, 2016