Winter 2016 - Archdiocese of Newark

Archdiocese of Newark
Call to Stewardship
Winter 2016
Office of Development & Stewardship
Inside this issue:
A Child’s Kind Heart
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SIBS NJ
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Women's’ Commission 4
Men’s Conference
5
Charitable Giving
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Relevant Radio/ Box
Tops Update
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Candy Cane
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Bulletin Reflections:
English & Spanish
10-15
Christmas trees are round, symbolizing the eternity of no
beginning or ending. They form a symbolic “arrow” to
Heaven. They are ever-green, reminding us that life and
hope continue and that love is forever.
Lights remind us that there is hope. Darkness cannot overcome light, but light can always prevail in the darkness.
Gift wrapping reminds us that there are still wonderful
things in our futures that we haven’t seen yet.
Special foods and fragrances remind us of the nourishment
needed to go on living and the love and investment that
it takes.
Tatiana Paredes
Candles and fireplaces remind of us both of warmth and
light.
Special Events Coordinator
Office of Development
and Stewardship
171 Clifton Avenue
Newark, NJ 07104
973-497-4046
[email protected]
Music reaches the soul in ways that words alone cannot. If
it makes you cry, remember that tears can often dilute
pain.
A Child’s Kind Heart
Cavan, a beautiful seven and half year old girl from Saint Paul’s in Ramsey organized a Lemonade Stand to raise money to feed hungry children. The money
was brought to the Archdiocesan Center by the pastor, Fr. John McCrone. It
was in a plastic bag, four five dollar bills, 27 one dollar bills and 13 dollars in
quarters. Also, in included with the money was a picture of Cavan and one
with her friends. As you can see below they all seem to have had a good time
doing a good deed.
I am happy to share that a $60 shop-rite gift card was purchased to help a family with three hungry children from a parish in Newark. The world is a better
place thanks to Cavan. May God continue to bless her and may she continue
to help and inspire others.
By: Lynn Gully
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The Office of Planned Giving can help guide your planning, enhance your lifestyle
and leave a Legacy. Here are two examples of how we can help you:
Supplementing Retirement Income through a Charitable Gift Annuity
If you are 65 years or older, you can take advantage of the Charitable Gift Annuity (CGA) program of the Archdiocese of Newark. A CGA is an option for many parishioners who are interested in supplementing their income. It is not a gift or an
annuity in the commercial sense, but a blend of the two. Here is how it works: You
transfer cash or securities to our organization. The Archdiocese invests the assets
you have transferred. In exchange we agree to pay you, you and your spouse or
others a fixed amount per year for life (based on your age and timing of the gift).
The minimum to establish a CGA is $5,000. The remaining balance of the CGA
will go to your parish or to whatever charitable entity you designate at the time of
the gift.
Many parishioners have already taken advantage of this option, since the rates of
return improve as one gets older and are higher than other forms of retirement income. As for tax advantages, in the year the CGA is established, the IRS will give
you a significant charitable deduction. In addition, a large portion of the income
you receive from your CGA each year is not taxed. One can also decide to delay
payments for a future time by creating a Deferred Gift Annuity.
We can provide you with more information and answer any questions you may
have, including a confidential illustration of how a Charitable Gift Annuity can
work for your particular situation. If you would prefer to call us, we can help you
get started investigating whether or not this is a good option for you. You can also
visit our website at www.rcan.org and use our program called “Gift Story” that
will walk you through how these gift plans can help you achieve your charitable
and financial goals.
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Permanent IRA Charitable Rollover Signed Into Law
For those aged 70½ or older, it is once again possible to make tax-favored charitable gifts from traditional and Roth IRA accounts.
On December 21, 2015, President Barack Obama signed into law a permanent
IRA Charitable Rollover provision. The charitable IRA rollover for 2015 makes
this provision permanent for future years. A total of up to $100,000.00 can be
transferred directly from traditional or Roth IRAs to one or more qualified charities such as your parish, the Church of Newark or any of our many charitable entities free from federal income tax each year. There may also be state income tax
savings. Amounts given in this way count toward required IRA minimum withdrawal amounts for the year of the gift. To make such gifts, it is important to not
withdraw funds prior to a gift, but have the gift amount distributed directly from
an IRA to your choice of charity. For those with check writing privileges on their
accounts, this may be the most efficient way to make gifts directly from an IRA.
Please check with your IRA administrator or your tax advisor for more information.
If you have any questions regarding a Charitable Gift Annuity or an IRA distribution, please feel free to contact me at (973) 497-4042 or by email at
[email protected].
It is my privilege to serve the parishioners of this great Archdiocese. I look forward to hearing from you, we are just a phone call, click, or visit away!
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Box Tops For Education
We are glad to share
that we collected over
$50 worth of box tops
and sent them to St. Joseph’s in Jersey City.
Box Tops for Education® is
one of the nation’s largest
school fundraising loyalty
programs and has been helping schools succeed since
1996. With over 250 participating products, it’s an easy
way for schools to earn cash
for the things they need.
Continue to send them
in and lets see how
much we can collect this
 Each Box Tops coupon is
school year!
worth 10¢ and they add up
Please save your Box Tops
(if you are not already saving for someone) and mail to
Lynn Gully to benefit our
Catholic Grammar Schools.
Please mail to: Lynn Gully,
Archdiocese of Newark, 171
Clifton Avenue, Newark, NJ
07104. Help make a difference!
Once you start looking, you'll see
these little pink coupons everywhere!
Each eligible school participating
in the Box Tops for Education program may earn up to, but not more
than, $20,000 cash per year
(beginning on March 2 of every
year) from the Clip program.
fast!
 Schools can use their Box
Tops cash to buy whatever
they need most, from books to
field trips to playgrounds.
So far, America’s schools
have earned over $600 million from Box Tops…and
counting.
Thank you!
Relevant Radio
Relevant Radio, one of the preeminent Catholic radio networks in the country, has
now established a presence here in the Greater New York area -- and especially
right here in the Archdiocese of Newark. We are now blessed that Catholic talk
radio is available to assist us here in New Jersey in our efforts to spread the Gospel
of Jesus Christ.
WNSW -- 1430 AM is Relevant Radio's most recent station, and is located in the
Archdiocese of Newark Chancery offices on Clifton Avenue.
We encourage you to spread the news of WNSW 1430 AM far and wide, and to
tune in to the station and share with all in your parish and school communities this
informative and entertaining tool of the New Evangelization for the good of the
Church, her people, and all who seek the Truth.
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STEWARDSHIP BULLETIN REFLECTIONS
January 2016 – March 2016
January 3, 2016
Epiphany of Our Lord
“…the Gentiles are co-heirs, members of the same body, and co-partners in the promise in Christ Jesus
through the Gospel.” (EPHESIANS 3:6)
Today we celebrate that Christ came to all of us, not just the Hebrews. He made us all one body with
Him. We were all given different gifts; we all have different yet equally valuable roles to play in the
Body of Christ. Ask God how He wants you to use your gifts so that we may all “be one” in this Year of
Mercy.
January 10, 2016
Baptism of the Lord
“John answered them all, ‘I baptize you with water; but he who is mightier than I is coming…he will
baptize you with the Holy Spirit... ’” (Luke 3:16)
The Catholic Catechism states that “Jesus’ immersion in the water is a sign for all human beings of the
need to die to themselves to do God’s will.” In other words, as baptized Catholics there is only one gift
that we need to give to Jesus – the gift of ourselves. Once we surrender ourselves to God, we will know
in our hearts what God calls us to do.
January 17, 2016
2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time
“To each individual the manifestation of the Spirit is given for some benefit.” (1 CORINTHIANS 12:7)
St. Paul tells us that God has blessed each of us for a reason. How has God blessed you? Are you using
your gifts according to God’s plan; helping to do His work here on earth? Remember that if you don’t do
the work God planned for you, no one else can do it.
January 24, 2013
3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time
“Go, eat rich foods and drink sweet drinks, and allot portions to those who had nothing prepared…” (NEHEMIAH 8:10)
Ezra’s instructions to the people show us that God does not forbid us from enjoying the good things in
life, he wants us to be happy! However, He expects us to generously share our blessings with those
who are in need, without expecting anything in return.
January 31, 2016
4th Sunday in Ordinary Time
“Love is patient, love is kind. It is not jealous, it is not pompous.”
(1 Corinthians 13:4)
Do you get jealous? Do you focus more on the things that other people have than on the gifts that God
has given to you? Are you pompous? Do you acquire more possessions to impress others? At times we
are all guilty of these things. Pray for more humility. Pray to become less self-centered and more Godcentered.
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February 7, 2016
5th Sunday in Ordinary Time
“Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send? Who will go for us?’ ‘Here I am,’ I said,
‘send me!’” (ISAIAH 6:8)
Every day – in little ways and in big ways – God asks, “Whom shall I send?” Whether it is someone to
take on a new ministry or just someone to open a door for a stranger, God constantly provides doors of
opportunity. The next time you hear God calling, have the courage to walk through the door and say
“Here I am, Lord.”
February 14, 2016
Ist Sunday of Lent
“I have now brought you the first fruits of the products of the soil which you, O Lord, have given to
me.” (DEUTERONOMY 26:10)
This line from the Old Testament offers two challenges. First, do you give to God from your “first
fruits”, the best that you have to offer, or do you give from what is leftover? Second, do you remember
that everything you have has been given to you by God? Ask God for a grateful and generous heart,
every day.
February 21, 2016
2nd Sunday of Lent
“I am the Lord who brought you from Ur of the Chaldeans to give you this land as a possession.” (GENESIS 15:7)
Just as the Lord gave Abraham, Moses and the Israelites a land to possess, He has also given each of
us a home. Whether our home is grand or humble, it is a gift from God. Abraham prepared a great
sacrifice to the Lord in gratitude for the home God gave him. How do we show our gratitude to God for
the home He has given us? Do we make a sacrifice of any kind? Do we return any of our finances to
God, investing equally in our eternal home just as we invest in our earthly home?
February 28, 2016
3rd Sunday of Lent
“He said to the gardener, ‘For three years now I have come in search of fruit on this fig tree but have
found none.’” (LUKE 13:7)
Are you like the barren fig tree? How will you respond when God asks you what you have done with
all the gifts He has given you? Remember, not only are we called to be generous, we are called to develop and nurture our gifts and return with increase.
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March 6, 2016
4th Sunday of Lent
“No longer was there manna for the Israelites, who that year ate of the yield of the land of Canaan.”
(JOSHUA 5:12)
Over the forty years that the Israelites journeyed through the desert, God provided them with
manna to eat. As soon as they were able to enjoy the fruits of the Promised Land the manna
ceased. Likewise, God’s blessings to us may change over the years but it is important to trust
that God will always provide us with all that we need.
March 13, 2016
5th Sunday of Lent
“For his sake I have accepted the loss of all things and I consider them so much rubbish, that I may gain
Christ…” (Philippians 3:8)
The first commandment says that we shall not put other gods before the Lord. Detaching ourselves from material possessions and considering them ”rubbish” does just that. It strengthens our relationship with Jesus and allows us to live more freely and joyfully.
March 20, 2016
Palm Sunday
“I tell you, Peter, before the cock crows this day, you will deny three times that you know me.
“ (LUKE 22:34)
How many times have you heard someone make a disparaging comment about Jesus or the
Catholic faith? How do you react? Do you remain quiet not to cause a disturbance or worst
yet, because you don’t want your friends or family to think negatively about you? Pray for the
courage to speak up and enter into a respectful dialogue.
March 27, 2016
Easter Sunday
“He went about doing good and healing all those oppressed by the devil, for God was with
him.” (ACTS 10:38)
On this Easter Sunday, allow Jesus to fill your mind, body and soul. Pray for guidance on
how to live your life, open your heart to those in need and give thanks to God for all that He
has given you.
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BOLETIN DE REFLEXIONES SOBRE LA CORRESPONSABILIDAD
Enero a marzo de 2016
3 de enero de 2016
Epifanía de Nuestro Señor
"...los Gentiles son coherederos, miembros del mismo cuerpo, y coparticipes en la promesa de Cristo Jesús
a través del Evangelio" (Efesios 3:6)
Hoy celebramos que Cristo vino para todos nosotros, no solo para los hebreos. Él nos hizo un solo cuerpo
con El. Nosotros hemos recibido diferentes dones; todos tenemos diferentes funciones que desempeñar
en el Cuerpo de Cristo, pero todas igualmente valiosas. Pregúntale a Dios como quiere que uses tus dones de forma tal que "seamos uno" con Él en este Año de Misericordia.
10 de enero de 2016
Bautismo del Señor
"Juan les respondió a todos, 'Yo los bautizo con agua; pero viene uno más poderoso que yo ...El los bautizará con el Espíritu Santo…' " (Lucas 3:16)
El Catecismo Católico establece que “La inmersión de Jesús en el agua es un signo para todos los seres
humanos de su necesidad de morir para hacer la voluntad de Dios". En otras palabras, como católicos
bautizados hay un solo don que nosotros necesitamos darle a Jesús- el don de nosotros mismos. Una vez
que nos entregamos a Dios, sabremos en nuestros corazones cual es el llamado de Dios para nosotros.
17 de enero de 2016
2o. Domingo del tiempo Ordinario
"A cada uno le es dada la manifestación del Espíritu para provecho” (I Corintios 12:7)
San Pablo nos dice que Dios nos bendice a cada uno de nosotros por una razón. ¿Cómo te ha bendecido
Dios? ¿Estas utilizando tus dones según el plan de Dios, ayudándolo a hacer Su obra aquí en la tierra?
Recuerda que si no haces el trabajo que Dios ha planificado para ti, nadie más podrá hacerlo.
24 de enero de 2016
3er Domingo del Tiempo Ordinario
“Id y comed manjares grasos, bebed bebidas dulces y mandad su ración a quien no tiene nada preparado..." (Nehemías 8:10)
¡Las instrucciones de Esdras al pueblo nos muestran que Dios no nos prohíbe disfrutar de las cosas buenas de la vida, Él quiere que seamos felices! Sin embargo, Él espera de nosotros que seamos generosos
con aquellos que tienen necesidades, sin esperar nada a cambio.
31 de enero de 2016
4to. Domingo del Tiempo Ordinario
"El amor es paciente, el amor es servicial. No es envidioso, ni arrogante"
(I Corintios 13:4)
¿Te da envidia? ¿Te fijas más en las cosas que tienen otras personas que en los dones que Dios te ha dado? ¿Eres arrogante? Adquieres más posesiones para impresionar a otros. A veces todos somos culpables de esas cosas. Ora por más humildad. Ora para ser menos egocéntrico y más centrado en Dios.
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7 de febrero de 2016
5to. Domingo del Tiempo Ordinario
"Y oí la voz del Señor que decía: «¿A quién enviaré? ¿Quién irá por nosotros?' 'Y respondí: ¡Aquí me tienes,
mándame a mí!'" (Isaías 6:8)
Cada día- en maneras pequeñas y grandes - Dios nos pregunta, ¿"A quién debo enviar?". Puede ser a alguien para que tome un nuevo ministerio o simplemente abrir una puerta a un extraño, Dios constantemente nos provee de puertas de oportunidad. La próxima vez que escuches la llamada de Dios, ten el
coraje de caminar a través de la puerta y decirle "Señor aquí estoy".
14 de febrero de 2016
1er Domingo de Cuaresma
"Por eso ofrezco ahora las primicias de los frutos del suelo, que tú, Señor, me diste” (Deuteronomio 26:10)
Esta línea del Antiguo Testamento nos ofrece dos retos. Primero, ¿Le das a Dios tus "primeros frutos”, lo
mejor que puedes ofrecer, o simplemente le das las sobras? Segundo, ¿recuerdas que todo lo que tienes
te ha sido dado por Dios? Pídele a Dios cada día, un corazón agradecido y generoso.
21 de febrero de 2016
2o. Domingo de Cuaresma
" Yo soy El Señor, que te saqué de Ur de los caldeos, para darte a heredar esta tierra” (Génesis 15:7)
Así como el Señor le dio a Abraham, Moisés y los Israelitas la posesión de unas tierras, también nos ha
dado a cada uno de nosotros un hogar. Sea nuestra casa grande o humilde, es un don de Dios. Abraham
preparó un gran sacrificio al Señor en agradecimiento por la casa que Dios le dió. ¿Cómo le podemos
mostrar nuestra gratitud a Dios por la casa que nos ha dado? ¿Hacemos algún tipo de sacrificio? ¿Le
regresamos algo de nuestras finanzas a Dios, invirtiendo igualmente en nuestra casa eterna, así como
invertimos en nuestra casa terrenal?
28 de febrero de 2016
3er. Domingo de Cuaresma
Dijo entonces al viñador: «Mira, hace tres años que vengo a buscar higos en esta higuera, pero nunca encuentro nada. (Lucas 13:7)
¿Eres tu como la higuera estéril? ¿Cómo responderás cuando Dios te pregunte que has hecho con los dones que Él te ha dado? Recuerda, no solamente hemos sido llamados a ser generosos, somos llamados a
desarrollar y cuidar nuestros dones y a devolverlos aumentados.
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6 de marzo de 2016
4to Domingo de Cuaresma
"Y el maná cesó el día después que habían comido del producto de la tierra, y los hijos de Israel no tuvieron más maná, sino que comieron del producto de la tierra de Canaán durante aquel año” (Joshua 5:12)
Durante los cuarenta años que los israelitas vagaron por el desierto, Dios les dio el maná para comer.
Tan pronto como fueron capaces de disfrutar de los frutos de la Tierra Prometida dejo de caer maná. De
la misma manera, la Bendición de Dios para nosotros podría cambiar con el transcurso de los años, pero
es importante que confiemos que Dios siempre nos dará lo que necesitemos.
13 de marzo de 2016
5to Domingo de Cuaresma
“Por Él, por quien perdí todas las cosas, y las tengo por basura para ganar a Cristo..." (Filipenses 3:8)
El primer mandamiento dice que no podemos colocar otros dioses delante de nuestro Señor. Cumplir esto es desprendernos de nuestros bienes materiales y considerarlos "basura”. Esto fortalece nuestra relación con Jesús y nos permite vivir más libremente y con más alegría.
20 de marzo de 2016
Domingo de Ramos
"Yo te digo, Pedro, que antes que el gallo cante esta noche, me negarás tres veces" (Lucas 22:34)
¿Cuantas veces has oído a alguien hacer un comentario despreciativo acerca de Jesús o de la fe católica?
¿Cómo reaccionas? ¿Te mantienes callado para no causar problemas o lo que es peor, porque no quieres
que tus amigos o familiares piensen de ti negativamente? Reza para tener la valentía de hablar e iniciar
un diálogo respetuoso.
27 de marzo de 2016
Domingo de Pascua
"Él anduvo haciendo el bien y sanando a todos los oprimidos por el diablo; porque Dios estaba con
Él” (Hechos de los Apóstoles 10:38)
En este domingo de Pascua, permítele a Jesús que llene tu mente, tu cuerpo y tu alma. Ora para obtener orientación sobre cómo vivir tu vida, abre tu corazón a los necesitados y da gracias a Dios por todo lo
que te ha dado.
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