The Roman Catholic Community of St. Bernard of Clairvaux 500

The Roman Catholic Community of
St. Bernard of Clairvaux
500 Route 22 East, Bridgewater, NJ 08807
September 20, 2015 - Twenty-fifth Sunday In Ordinary Time
Served by:
Rev. Msgr. Joseph G. Celano, Pastor
Rev. Keith Cervine, Parochial Vicar
Rev. Andrew Smith, O.S.B., Weekend Assistant
Mr. Patrick Cline, Deacon
Mr. Gerard Sims, Deacon
Mr. Michael Wojcik, Deacon
Mr. Paul Anderson, Deacon (Retired)
Mrs. Barbara Sanderman, Director of Sacred Music
Mrs. Karen Dill, Director, Office of Catechetical Formation
Mrs. Barbara Turse, Director of St. Bernard Pre-School and Kindergarten
Mr. Mark LaFleur, Director, St. Bernard Cemetery
“We are the Living Stones”, a family of Faith which strives
to love God and our neighbors through the church.
Page 2
The Liturgical Week
Today’s Readings
Monday, September 21
Saint Matthew
Myra Trenchard, req. by her family
Marion Terracciano, req. by the DeStefano family
First Reading — The wicked say: With revilement
and torture let us put the just one to the test (Wisdom
2:12, 17-20).
Second Reading — The wisdom from above is full of
mercy and good fruits (James 3:16 — 4:3).
12:10 PM
Tuesday, September 22
World Meeting of Families Begins
Nancy Lou Loughlin Haukinson, req. by the Hudec
family
John Furka, Jr., req. by Joe Furka
The English translation of the Psalm Responses from the Lectionary
for Mass © 1969, 1981, 1997, International Commission on English
in the Liturgy Corporation. All rights reserved.
8:00 AM
12:10 PM
Wednesday, September 23
Saint Pius of Pietrelcina
William Grote, req. by Elizabeth & Edward Venezia
Joseph Incao (6th ann.), req. by his family
8:00 AM
12:10 PM
8:00 AM
Psalm — The Lord upholds my life (Psalm 54).
Gospel — Whoever receives one child such as this in
my name, receives me (Mark 9:30-37).
Thursday, September 24
8:00 AM
12:10 PM
Ed Marks, req. by Tom & Judy Wisniewski
John P. Long, req. by Mary Ellen Bohen
Friday, September 25
8:00 AM
12:10 PM
Walter Weick, req. by his wife, Priscilla
Catherine Furka, req. by Joe Furka
Saturday, September 26
Saints Cosmas and Damian; Blessed Virgin
9:00 AM E. Salado, req. by the Schmeltz family
5:15 PM (Vigil) Nicholas Marconi (3rd ann.), req. by the
Yarwood family
7:30 AM
9:00 AM
10:30 AM
12:00 PM
Sunday, September 27
Twenty-sixth Ordinary Sunday
John Purtill, req. by the Bannon family
People of the Parish
Rosalia Russo, req. by the Brasile family
Teresa Kunzman, req. by the St. Bernard
Homebound Ministry
In your kindness we ask you to remember all the
sick members of our parish, as well as those who
reside in nursing homes and senior facilities. We
ask you also to pray for our beloved dead, among
them Ed Harris, and Edna Mae Rust O’Connor.
Readings for the Week
Monday:
Tuesday:
Wednesday:
Thursday:
Friday:
Saturday:
Sunday:
Eph 4:1-7, 11-13; Ps 19:2-5; Mt 9:9-13
Ezr 6:7-8, 12b, 14-20; Ps 122:1-5; Lk 8:19-21
Ezr 9:5-9; Tb:13:2, 3-4abefghn, 7-8; Lk 9:1-6
Hg 1:1-8; Ps 149:1b-6a, 9b; Lk 9:7-9
Hg 2:1-9; Ps 43:1-4; Lk 9:18-22
Zec 2:5-9, 14-15a; Jer 31:10-12ab, 13;
Lk 9:43b-45
Nm 11:25-29; Ps 19:8, 10, 12-14;
Jas 5:1-6; Mk 9:38-43, 45, 47-48
‘Tis The Gift To Be Simple
The Shaker hymn describes a circular journey from
innocence to innocence with characteristic brevity:
’Tis the gift to be simple, ’tis the gift to be free.
’Tis the gift to come down where we ought to be.
This journey is easier sung about than done. It takes
humility and time to recover a second innocence.
Titles, positions of honor, money, and power are not
requirements of the kingdom of God. Jesus says and
demonstrates in today’s Gospel that members of
God’s kingdom must hold in their embrace the most
inconsequential of persons, for that person is identified
with Jesus. This attitude ran counter to the intuition of
the world of Jesus’ time, as it does in ours.
The simplicity set forth by Jesus requires the shedding
of unnecessary, unimportant, false, and burdensome
attachments that earthly power demands. Membership
in the Kingdom is light enough to put a song in our
heart.
Page 3
Twenty-fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time
September 20, 2015
The fruit of righteousness is sown in peace
for those who cultivate peace.
— James 3:18
This Week at St. Bernard
Thursday, September 24
Sunday, September 20- Twenty-fifth Ordinary Sunday
Discovering Christ Promo Weekend,
Stewardship Sunday,
Donut Sunday after 10:30 am Mass in Cafeteria,
Peter’s Pence 2nd Collection, IHN Guests Depart
8:30 am - 9:45 am - Catechetical Formation Classes (1st
Sunday Class)
10:00 am - 1:00 pm - CYM Basketball Registration,
Room C
1:00 pm - 2:00 pm - Youth Choir, Church
Monday, September 21
4:30 pm - 5:45 pm - Catechetical Formation Classes
7:00 pm - 8:15 pm - Catechetical Formation Classes
Tuesday, September 22
7:00 pm - 9:00 pm - Discovering Christ Leaders Meeting,
Rooms A/B
7:30 pm - 9:00 pm - HS Youth Group, Lighthouse
Wednesday, September 23
6:15 pm - 8:00 pm - CYM Basketball, Gym
7:30 pm - 9:30 pm - Open Music Rehearsal, Church
8:00 pm - New Visions AA, Cafeteria
6:00 pm - 7:00 pm - Children’s Choir Rehearsal, Church
6:15 pm - 9:00 pm - CYM Basketball, Gym
7:00 pm - Children’s RCIA, Room G
7:30 pm - Women’s Prayer Group, Chapel & Room C
7:30 pm - 9:00 pm - RCIA Inquiry Session, Library
7:30 pm - 9:00 pm - Cursillo School of Leaders Mtg.,
Rooms A/B
7:30 pm - 9:15 pm - Parish Choir Rehearsal, Church
Friday, September 25
2:00 pm - Mass at Rehab at Rivers Edge
6:00 pm - 9:00 pm - CYM Basketball, Gym
7:15 pm - 9:30 pm - Caritas Rehearsal, Church
Saturday, September 26
9:00 am - 12:00 pm - Discovering Christ Facilitator
Training, Rooms A/B
9:00 am - 9:30 pm - CYM Basketball, Gym
4:00 pm - 5:00 pm - Confessions, Church
Sunday, September 27- Twenty-sixth Ordinary Sunday
Diocesan Pilgrimage Bus Trip to Papal Mass
(Pick-up location at Credit Union Lot Next Store)
Young Builders Club Display At All Masses
8:30 am - 9:45 am - Catechetical Formation Classes
1:15 pm - 4:15 pm - VIRTUS Training, Cafeteria
1:30 pm - Baptisms, Church
Stewardship Thought
“You can be sure that whoever gives even a drink of cold water to one of the least of my followers,
will certainly receive a reward.”
- Matthew 10:37-42
Page 4
Msgr. Joe’s Corner
Msgr. Joe’s Homily From the 24th Sunday in Ordinary Time
This past week, I received a thank you note from a religious Sister I know. Her note was simple and
personal, but what caught my attention was the card she chose to put it on. On the cover was a picture
of a young Indian boy, one of the many orphans that are cared for by the Sisters. The back of the card
told his story. Both his parents had died of malnutrition. Since he had no other relatives who were
willing to take care of him, he walked a little over 100 miles to the Sisters’ orphanage. The inside of
the card contained what he said when he arrived at the orphanage, emaciated and barely alive: “I
heard there was love here”. Thanks to the Sisters, today he is a healthy, educated young man who will
be able to support himself and the family he hopes to have one day.
“I heard there was love here.” The apostle James needs to correct a few misconceptions about the
relationship between faith and works. It seems that some believed that all they need to be good with
God was to “believe”. Well, James was not impressed with this. In the next verse of this text, he
bluntly says, “…you say you believe in God? Well, so do the demons, and they tremble!”
Faith, of course, “believes”. But, above all, faith loves – something the demons do not do. Faith
expresses itself in acts of worship and piety, yes; but it also is practiced in deeds of faithfulness,
generosity, kindness, and mercy. When it sees the brother or sister in need, it does not just wish them
well, but faith acts for their good in whatever ways are necessary and possible. To do otherwise, says
James, is to have a lifeless and barren belief; a faith that does not love and therefore a faith that does
not save.
The question Jesus puts to the disciples - “Who do people say that I am?” - is not self-serving. He is
not asking how he is doing in the opinion polls. He is teaching them about the true nature of the
Messiah – not the conquering warrior who will usher in an age of peace, but the suffering servant of
God who will, by his own death and resurrection, effect the salvation of the world. They are followers
of a crucified Messiah, and so the conditions for following Him reflect His own identity and mission.
They must be men and women who, by forgetting themselves and shouldering the burden of love,
pour themselves out in witness and service for the life of the world.
St. James would agree that Christian communities must be places where Jesus Christ and His Gospel
are proclaimed authentically and without hesitation. But, above all, they must also be places where
the hungry are fed, the despairing find hope, the sinner finds mercy, and the stranger finds welcome.
Truth and love, faith and works, always walk hand in hand.
If people say of us, “I heard there was love here”, then we are doing what we’re supposed to be doing.
Page 5
From the Pastor
Discovering Christ
This weekend we are launching a new program for evangelization
and renewal in the parish; Discovering Christ. I believe that this
program has a great potential for our parish, so much so that I am
doing something I never do; I am showing the promotional video at
all Masses this weekend. If you care to watch the video again, you
can find it here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5-QPh2_3n2k
It will also be posted on the parish website and Facebook page
beginning next week.
For several years, the parish staff and councils have devoted a great
deal of prayer and discussion on how we can best re-engage both the
faithful Catholic and the disengaged Catholic with the Gospel.
Beginning with Pope St. John Paul II, the Church has constantly been
calling us to a “new evangelization”, that is to find new means and
new ardor to call people into a life-changing relationship with Jesus
Christ. I believe Discovering Christ is a tool we can use to do this.
Discovering Christ is the first of three courses; the others being
Following Christ and Sharing Christ. Discovering Christ runs for
seven weeks and takes place in the context of a community meal. A
short teaching takes place that helps us to personally connect with the
Gospel followed by discussion and prayer together.
Who should come? Anyone! It is meant for faithful Catholics who are looking to grow in their relationship to Jesus,
Catholics who are disengaged from the life of the Church, and even those who are not Catholic at all who are looking for
faith in an uncertain world. The content of evangelization is always the person of Jesus, not “issues”, and so we begin
with Jesus who calls each of us into relationship with Himself and offers us our life’s true meaning and decisive goal.
More information is coming over the next few weeks including registration information, child-sitting services, etc. In the
meantime, think about stepping out of your comfort zone a bit and inviting that friend, relative, or neighbor of yours
who has fallen away from their faith to come. Better yet, offer to come with them to this seven-week series that might
possibly change their lives, and yours, too.
Youth Ministry
As I announced at the beginning of the summer, Bryant Morin, our parish’s director of youth ministry, informed me that
he was taking a position at Aquinas College in Tennessee and relocating his family there. Bryant and I have talked over
the summer and he and his family are doing well and getting settled into their new life.
Over the last decade, I have tried to develop a strong youth ministry program for the parish. We were among only a
handful of parishes in the diocese to have a full-time director of youth ministry with strong youth leaders like Christine
Dalessio, Dan Konkel, and Bryant Morin. I strongly believe that a vibrant youth ministry program should characterize
our parish. However, our financial condition makes sustaining our commitment to a full-time youth director very
difficult. Therefore, I have made the decision not to hire another youth ministry director.
Fr. Keith has agreed to take over the leadership of our youth group. I am very grateful to him for stepping up to this.
Fr. Keith is going to need the help of dedicated and faith-filled people to work with him in our youth ministry program.
Please give him a call if you are willing to serve our parish’s youth or would like more information.
I did not come to this decision easily. Please God, our present condition will change in the near future and we will once
again be able to provide the strong youth ministry program we have worked to develop over the last ten years. I also
want you to know that I am exploring other options for youth ministry in our parish. If any these options should prove
feasible, I will let you know the new direction youth ministry at St. Bernard will be taking.
Page 6
Catechetical Sunday
St. Bernard of Clairvaux Parish family would like to thank the devoted catechists, assistants
and volunteers in the Office of Catechetical Formation, Adult Faith Formation and RCIA who
enjoy bringing the Good News of Jesus to the young children, teens and adults of the parish.
We are truly blessed by your dedication and the many gifts you generously continue to share
with your parish family. May God bless and inspire you in your ministry.
For behold, the Kingdom of God is among you. (Lk 17:20-25)
Commission for Liturgy and Worship
Ministers of the Liturgy
We acknowledge with appreciation the following Liturgical Ministers who will serve at next weekend’s Masses:
September 26th and 27th
5:15 Mass Cantor: Celeste Gibbons
Altar Servers: Tim Kirn, Luke Tesoriero
Readers: Jan Gunnis, Jo Casey
Eucharistic Ministers: Mila Gaspar, Jo Ann
Fabiano, Marilyn Fabiano, Bruny Carlo, Teo
& Gina Gonzales
7:30 Mass Altar Servers: Emily Sanchez, Melissa
Ramirez
Readers: John Deley, Diane Miller
Eucharistic Ministers: Ian Carmody, Rich
Brancato, Anita Bruno, Sr. Margaret
9:00 Mass Cantor: Deirdre McCarthy
Altar Servers: Kitty Blood, Nick Mattia
Readers: Noah Jerris, David Blood
Eucharistic Ministers: Rich & Mai Corvi,
Margaret Blood, Mary Haikes, Vince Riello,
Pat Mattia
10:30 Mass Cantor: Parish Choir & Deirdre McCarthy
Altar Servers: Joanne Coppola, Robert
Coppola, Thomas Ollis
Readers: Barbara Coscia, Marie Pierce
Eucharistic Ministers: Tom Kelly, Marie
Barbosa, John Shanagher, Joyce &
Dominick Coppola, Dominick Batkowski
12:00 Mass Cantor: Jim Gunnis
Altar Servers: Taryn Ross, Rohan
Mannathukkaran
Readers: Nancy Mombay, David Gallo
Eucharistic Ministers: Laura Felegi, Mary
Beth Tarantino, Kerry McCarthy, Denise
Pachuta, Ann Mulroy, Joe Filep
Page 7
Commission for Liturgy and Worship (Continued)
Thinking about becoming a Catholic?
We welcome you to attend an RCIA inquiry session on Thursday, September 24, 2015, at 7:30 pm in the
Library. Members of the team will be available to answer your questions and explain the process. No
commitment is necessary.
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is open to individuals who are not baptized, as well as those
who already are baptized and have not received the sacraments of First Eucharist and Confirmation.
If you are unable to attend an inquiry session but are interested in RCIA, call the parish office for more
information or contact Deacon Patrick Cline at [email protected].
Music Ministry 2015/2016 Season
Rehearsals Begin Again!
New Members Are Always Welcome
Parish Choir: The Parish Choir is for high school age and adult singers. The Choir rehearses each
Thursday from 7:30 pm to 9:15 pm in preparation for singing for Mass each Sunday at 10:30 am. The
first Parish Choir rehearsal was on Thursday, September 17th at 7:30 pm in the Church.
Youth Music Group: The Youth Music Group is for singers and instrumentalists in 8th grade, high
school, college and beyond. It is directed by Christine Spodnick ([email protected]). The
Youth Music Group plays for the 12:00 noon Mass on the first and third Sundays of the month and
rehearses afterward. At their first meeting, youth are invited to attend Mass together on Sunday,
September 20th at 12:00 noon, with rehearsal to follow in the Church.
Children’s Choir: The Children’s Choir is made up of singers in grades 3 through 8. The Choir
rehearses each Thursday from 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm and sings for Mass monthly, usually at the 5:15 pm
Saturday evening Mass. The first rehearsal of the Children’s Choir will be Thursday, September
24th at 6:00 pm in the Church.
For more information on any of the groups or to become involved as a cantor or instrumentalist,
please contact:
Director of Sacred Music, Barbara Sanderman
at [email protected] or 908-725-0552 x807
VIRTUS TRAINING AT ST. BERNARD
As a reminder, any individual that is involved in a parish ministry that interacts with children is required to be
fingerprinted and attend the “Protecting God’s Children” Virtus Session. We currently have a Virtus Session
scheduled at St. Bernard on Sunday, September 27th from 1:15 pm to 4:15 pm in the cafeteria. There are
still spots available and registration can be done online at www.diometuchen.org (click on Virtus Sessions
at the bottom right of the main page).
Please be aware that no individual is permitted to volunteer within a ministry that interacts with children
unless both fingerprinting/background checks and the Virtus Session have been completed. If you have any
questions regarding the process, please contact Donna Blanton at x800 in the Parish Office.
Page 8
Commission for Catechetical Formation Activities
From The Office of Catechetical Formation
IMPORTANT DATES
Sunday, September 20th: Sunday Classes begin
Monday, September 21st: Monday classes begin
Monday, September 28th: All 7th and 8th Grades – Student/Parent
Information Evening - 7:00 pm in Church - no other 7th and 8th Grade classes this week
Tuesday, September 29th: Tuesday classes begin
Wednesday, September 30th: Wednesday classes begin
6th Grade “Presentation of Bibles”:
The presentation will take place at the beginning of class. Please bring students to the Chapel.
Parents are welcome to stay for the blessing and presentation of the Bible to their sixth grader.
Please note dates below:
For Sunday Classes - Sunday, September 27th
For Monday Classes - Monday, September 28th
For Tuesday Classes - Tuesday, October 6th
For Wednesday Classes - Wednesday, October 7th
We are still in need of volunteers to serve in our program.
If you can serve in any of the following ways please call the Office of Catechetical Formation
at 908-725-0552 ext. 811.
Catechist
Aide
Nurse
Substitute Teacher (lesson plans provided)
Hall Monitor
Child Care
Page 9
Commission for Christian Service News
Social Concerns Update
The St. Bernard Social Concerns Committee delivered 41 bags to the Food Network for the
September collection. Your continued generosity is greatly appreciated.
The next collection will occur on the weekend of October 10/11th. Thank you.
Respect for Life
Building a culture of life in our community
through education, pastoral care, advocacy and prayer
Mark Your Calendars
Keep filling our crib!
Please know that the Mothers in
need are truly grateful for the
support they receive from the St.
Bernard Community.
Oct. 4 Respect Life Sunday Life Chain.
Somerville, NJ Somerset St and Mountain Ave.
2:00 pm-3:30 pm rain or shine.
Contact: Kevin Dugan 908-788-7736.
Oct. 22 Life Choices annual Fundraiser Banquet
at the Hunterdon Hills Playhouse. Please join
So please keep the donations coming. The crib will be
me at my table. Contact Carolyn Alaimo 908kept in the usher’s closet (next to the pamphlet rack in
575-7857
the Narthex). Currently, there is a need for formula,
baby cereal, diapers and wipes, baby lotion, baby Oct. 24 Critical Life Issues Conference
St. John Neumann Pastoral Center
shampoo, and layette items are always appreciated.
146 Metlars Lane
Gently used clothing, toys and children’s books are
Piscataway NJ 08854 8:30am -3:30 pm, $25,
welcome.
To register or for more info, contact Angela
Marshall 732-562-1990 ext. 1543,
[email protected]
“Every Life is Worth Living!”
-- Respect for Life Theme 2015-2016
Oct.
New Jersey Right to Life Raffle Ticket Sales.
Volunteers needed to sell tickets. Can you lend
a hand? Contact Carolyn Alaimo 908-575-7857.
The Parish Prayer Chain is a group of parishioners that regularly pray for your
needs. It consists of two groups, those who pray during the daytime and those
who pray in the evening.
Should a need for prayer arise, please call Joan Dobrosky at 231-9545 to
initiate your request. Your intention will be prayed for by both chains and kept
strictly confidential.
If you have an interest in becoming a member of the Prayer Chain, please call Joan.
Page 10
Diocesan News
To the Faithful of the Diocese of Metuchen, grace, mercy and peace.
This past July, I was blessed to have celebrated 75 years of life. Like most significant milestones, this
one was an occasion for reflection, particularly on the last 12 years serving as your bishop.
The past decade has been a time of grace for the Diocese of Metuchen. During those years, we
experienced God’s favor with the ordination of 28 new priests and 100 permanent deacons. A steady stream
of men and women, 300 per year on average, chose to join us through the Rite of Christian Initiation for
Adults and our Campus Ministry saw a dramatic increase in participation. A record number of adults have
rediscovered Bible study and our people have been exceedingly generous of their time, talent and financial
resources.
This has also been a time of mercy. In gratitude for the never-ending compassion shown to us by our
Heavenly Father, and with a sense of responsibility to pass along the same to our brothers and sisters, our
local Church continues to be a font of mercy. We’ve opened our hearts to those living on the fringes of society
and attended to their physical, spiritual and emotional needs through the services of Catholic Charities and
more than 25 diocesan pastoral programs. Thousands of children have been educated and formed in the
Catholic faith while the increasing diversity within our diocesan family has been welcomed and celebrated.
Furthermore, we have remained steadfast in advocating for the dignity of the human person at every stage of
life.
All of these spiritual and corporal works of mercy would not have been possible without your
generosity to the Bishop’s Annual Appeal. I have seen firsthand the impact that your gifts have made on the
lives of so many and pray that you will continue to support this important fundraising effort so the Diocese of
Metuchen may always be a visible sign of Christ’s love in the world.
As you know, Pope Francis has proclaimed an Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy that will open on
December 8, 2015, the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception. One way you can observe the upcoming
Holy Year is by making a sacrificial gift to the Bishop’s Annual Appeal. By your support, you will be one of
our missionaries of mercy helping to meet the ever-increasing needs of our people.
Thank you for your prayerful consideration. May our Merciful Father grant you and your loved ones
joy, serenity and peace.
Gratefully yours in Christ,
Most Rev. Paul G. Bootkoski, DD
Bishop of Metuchen
Page 11
Diocesan News (Continued)
Girl Scouts
Save the Date
The Diocese of Metuchen will hold its annual Girl Scout Gathering on Saturday, October 10th from 9:00 am
to 2:00 pm at the St. John Neuman Diocesan Center in Piscataway. Junior, Cadette and Senior/Ambassador
scouts that participate will complete several activities for their respective Catholic medals: I Live my Faith
medal for Junior scouts, the Marian Medal for Cadettes, Spirit Alive for Senior / Ambassador scouts. Girls
will be assisted in finding a group for completion of medal requirements and all programs should be
completed by May 1.
Cost: $15.00 will include materials for activities, continental breakfast and lunch (sandwich, chips, drink);
those with dietary restrictions may bring their own food.
The registration form for this event can be found on the homepage of our parish website.
Peter’s Pence - This Week’s Second Collection
In the second collection today, we are supporting Pope Francis in his charitable works. The
Peter’s Pence Collection is taken up worldwide to support the most disadvantaged; victims of
war oppression, and natural disasters. This is an opportunity to join with our Holy Father, Pope
Francis, and be a witness of charity to our suffering brothers and sisters. Please be as generous
as your means permit in today’s collection.
Finance Council Update
Report of Sunday Offerings in Support of our Parish
July, 2015 to June, 2016 Financial Year
Weekly Offertory Collection
Year to Date Offertory Collections
(September 13, Week 11)
Weekly Budget Need
$ 22,650.00
Weekly Budget Need
$ 249,150.00
Weekly Plate Contributions
$ 14,289.00
Actual Weekly Plate Collections
$ 132,068.45
ParishPay/Other Contributions
$
ParishPay/Other Contributions
$ 91,300.00
Surplus/(Deficit)
$
Surplus/(Deficit)
$ (25,781.55)
8,300.00
(61.00)
Remember that money is a resource for ministry. Thank you for making ministry possible at St. Bernard.
When writing or changing your will, please consider remembering your parish of St. Bernard.
For more information, please contact Margaret Guellich at 732-562-2436 or [email protected].
Page 12
Finance Council Update (Continued)
Scrip Update --- Week 254 (September 13, 2015)
Scrip Income
Current Week:
$138.71
Current Year(*):
$ 1,896.14
Cumulative:
$ 60,560.96
* July 1, 2015 to June 30, 2016
Don’t Forget about our Parish Scrip Vendors
As we race towards fall and you start thinking about fall yard
work, and home maintenance/repair/improvement projects,
please keep our Parish Scrip Vendors in mind. Contact information is provided below.
Scrip Parish Vendor Contributions
C & R Construction
$ 6.551.00
Mangia Buono Caterers
$ 1,323.00
Distinctive Landscaping
$ 2,528.00
Accounting Alternatives
Other
TOTAL:
$
$
364.00
455.00
$ 11,221.00
Thank You Keith Brook Financial Services!
The Finance Council thanks Keith Brook Financial Services for
its recent contribution to the Scrip Program based upon work
performed for members of our Parish. Please consider using Keith
Brook Financial Services for any financial planning needs you may
have.
Scrip Parish Vendors
Numerous local companies owned/operated by
General Scrip Information
Scrip Parish Vendors:
our parishioners have elected to become Parish Scrip Vendors. While
providing our families high quality services, they return a portion of their
profits back to the Parish as a part of the Scrip Program. This has resulted in a win-win-win proposition for our Parish Families, the Vendors and
the Parish. Please consider these vendors should you have need for the
types of services they provide. Many Parish Families have already used
their services and have been very pleased with the services provided.
If you are interested in joining the growing number of Parish Scrip
Vendors, please contact Bernie McElroy at 908-923-4160 or via email at
[email protected]. By joining the Scrip Program, your
company can increase its exposure for business within the St. Bernard
community of over 2,400 families.
Don’t forget that cards ordered by noon on Sunday
are generally available for pick-up
starting the following Thursday.
Order forms are available in the Parish Office,
at the Scrip Table in the Narthex after masses, and
on the Parish web-site.
Orders are accepted in the Parish Office during normal
working hours or they can be placed in the Scrip Order
Box after Weekend Masses.
Accounting Alternatives:
Need accounting or tax assistance or services?
Accounting Alternatives provides comprehensive and solution oriented accounting and tax
services to small businesses and individuals.
We’re an ally to our clients. We’re located in
downtown Raritan. Contact Michael Di Bianco,
CPA at 908-707-8733 or visit their website at
[email protected].
C&R Construction:
Contact C&R for all your construction and
home repair needs. From the simplest repair to
the most complicated job, C&R can do the job.
Numerous Parishioners have used their services
and have been very satisfied with the work
performed. To get a quick quote on your job
contact C&R at 908-927-0744 or via email at
[email protected]. You can also pick
up their flier at the Scrip table.
Mangia Buono Caterers:
Contact Mangia Buono for all your family or
business catering needs. They specialize in
birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, award
celebrations, meetings, business outings, family
get-togethers, repas services, and just about any
other event. Their fresh ingredients and flexibility will guarantee a successful event. Call
Nick Avicolli to discuss your needs on 347-865
-2237.
Distinctive Landscaping:
Contact Distinctive Landscaping for all your
landscaping needs. From routine lawn and
shrub maintenance to thedesign and installation
of new landscaping effects, Distinctive Landscaping does it all. Their knowledge of local
shrubbery, deer resistant plants, and special
lighting effects are a plus. Call Gary Puzio to
discuss your needs on 908-672-3204.
LMS Marketing LLC:
LMS Marketing, LLC is a boutique marketing
and strategy firm with expertise in Digital,
Strategic, Communications/PR, and Branding.
With their innovative surround approach, they
can help you develop a message that resonates
with existing and new clients. Their strategy
will help you map out new areas of growth by
identifying opportunities and how to capitalize
on them. Their goal is simple, to help you
accelerate your growth. If you want to have a
record breaking 2015, find them on the web at
http:/www.lsmmarketingllc.com or call Jim
DeMaioribus at 908-872-1315.
Kerith Brook Financial Services:
Has there been or will there be a major change in
your life? Retirement? New Job? New child or
grandchild? Do you need to review your life and
disability insurance needs? How about your retirement and estate plans? Are there retirement plans
that you haven’t looked at in months/years?
Would you like to help your children/
grandchildren with escalating costs of higher education? Take action! Contact Greg Elia at 908-642
-4197 or email at [email protected].
For more info please take the updated booklet
“Navigating a Course” from the Scrip table in the
Narthex. As a BONUS, if you do not implement
one or more recommendations, we will donate $20
to the Charity of your choice. A WIN-WIN offer!
Page 13
Parish Directory
St. Bernard of Clairvaux Church
500 Route 22 East, Bridgewater, NJ 08807
Telephone: (908)725-0552 Fax: (908)725-4524
Website: http://stbernardbridgewater.org / Also on Facebook
All emails are @stbernardbridgewater.org
The Parish Clergy
Rev. Msgr. Joseph G. Celano, Pastor - ext. 803,
Email: [email protected]
Rev. Keith Cervine, Parochial Vicar - ext. 806,
Email: kcervine@ ...
Rev. Andrew Smith, O.S.B. Weekend Assistant
Mr. Patrick Cline, Deacon, Email: [email protected]
Mr. Gerard Sims, Deacon, ext. 805, Email:[email protected]
Mr. Michael Wojcik, Deacon, Email: mwojcik@...
Mr. Paul Anderson, Deacon (retired)
The Parish Office
Email: [email protected]
Ms. Virginia (Ginny) Hayden, Office Mgr. & Adm. Asst.
to the Pastor - ext. 802, Email: ghayden@...
Mr. Brian Curtis, Finance & Business Mgr. – ext. 821,
Email: bcurtis@...
Mrs. Donna Blanton, Receptionist, Parish Registrar and
Wedding Prep.– ext. 800, Email: dblanton@...
Mrs. Christine Yarwood, Bulletin Editor, Parish Calendar
and Website Management - ext. 818, Email: cyarwood@...
Mrs. Evelyn Mutek, Sacristan
Mr. Bill Chmielewski, Maintenance Supervisor – ext. 819
The Office of Catechetical Formation
Office: 908-725-0552 ext. 811 Fax: 908-725-9949,
Email: [email protected]
Mrs. Karen Dill, Director – ext. 825, Email: kdill@...
Mrs. Mary Sullivan, Admin. Assistant - ext. 811
The Office of Youth Ministry
Contact Fr. Keith Cervine - ext. 806
Lighthouse - ext. 816
The Office of Liturgy and Sacred Music
Mrs. Barbara Sanderman, Director of Sacred Music ext. 807, Email: bsanderman@...
St. Bernard Pre-School and Kindergarten
Mrs. Barbara Turse, Director – ext. 813,
Email: bturse@...
St. Bernard Cemetery and Mausoleums
Email: [email protected]
Mr. Mark LaFleur, Cemetery Director-908-725-8305
Mrs. Mary Beth Hansen, Cemetery Sec. 908-725-5566
Clergy Residence (For Emergency Only): 908-526-6859
Bulletin articles are due no later than Noon Sunday for
publication in the upcoming Sunday’s bulletin.
Please submit article requests to Christine Yarwood at
[email protected] or drop off in the
Parish Office.
The Councils and Ministries of St. Bernard
The Finance Council – an advisory or consultative body to
the Pastor in matters pertaining to the ordinary and extraordinary
matters of financial administration. The Council shares, with the
Pastor, the responsibility for prudent administration of financial
affairs and the formation of its policies and procedures in service
to effective management of parish assets.
The Stewardship Council – provides a systematic way of
infusing the theology and practice of Stewardship into the life of
the parish, identifying opportunities for members to exercise
their gifts for the betterment of the parish and community.
The Pastoral Council – devoted to prayer and the study of
church documents and other sound resources, as well as parish
centered reflection on that study; collaborates with the pastors,
clergy and staff in the work of ministry. From the Pastoral
Council evolved five commissions and their ministries:
Commission for Christian Service
Appalachian Mission
Pro-Life Awareness
Bereavement Ministry
SHIP Mobile Soup Kitchen
Blood Drive
Social Concerns Collections
Crop Walk
Peace, Education and Action
Guatemala Partnership
Interfaith Hospitality Network
Commission for Christian Community
Christian Word Ministry
Doughnut Sunday
Divorced/Separated Support Group
Golden Stewards
Hospitality Committee
Prayer Shawl Ministry
Men’s Breakfast Club
Singles Alive in Christ
Mom’s Group
Small Faith Community
Parish Dinner Dance
Young Builder’s Club
Parish Events Committee Youth Basketball
Commission for Evangelization
Cursillo Retreat
Public Relations Committee
Ecumenical Board
Women’s Cornerstone
Parish Retreat (Beloved) Women’s Prayer Group
Commission for Liturgy and Worship
Altar Servers
Adult Altar Servers
Care Facility Visitation Ministry
Children’s Liturgy of the Word
Choir & Instrumental
Readers
Eucharistic Ministers
Right of Christian Initiation
Liturgical Environment Sacristan
Ministers of Hospitality Visitors to the Homebound
Commission for Catechetical Formation
Adult Spirituality/Scripture Study
Baptism Preparation
Catechetical Formation
Fr. Barton Parish Library
Senior High Youth Group
If you are interested in finding out more about a particular
council, commission or ministry, please call the Parish Office.
Page 14
Welcome to the Parish Community of St. Bernard of Clairvaux
Parish Life at St. Bernard
Parish Membership
Welcome Newcomers! So that we might provide for all of
your sacramental and pastoral needs, we would like to
officially welcome and register you in the parish. If you
haven’t already done so, please call the Parish Office to
begin your registration process.
Parishioners are reminded that we can best serve you if we
have accurate information in our Parish Census program.
Please call the Parish Office with any changes in your address, phone number, family status, etc. or if you notice any
misinformation in any correspondence you might receive
from us.
Please call the Pre-School / Kindergarten Office for
further information and watch the bulletin for openhouse, registration and enrollment information!
Sacramental Life at St. Bernard
Baptism
Expectant and adoptive parents are required to attend
our Baptism preparation class. It is best to call the
Parish Office at least four months before your child’s
birth or in the case of adoption, upon completion of
the adoption process.
The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults
Catechetical Formation
Students in grades Pre-K through 8 are provided Catholic
instruction and sacramental preparation by our Catechetical
Formation staff and parent volunteers. Parish membership
is required for enrollment in our program. Please call our
Office of Catechetical Formation to register your child for
classes.
Individuals who have never been baptized, baptized
Christians from other denominations, and baptized
Catholics who have never received the Sacraments of
first Eucharist and Confirmation, and who are
interested in becoming full participants in the Catholic
faith are invited to call the Parish Office to begin the
Inquiry process.
Youth Ministry
Our youth are an active part of our ministry here at St.
Bernard. Our parish Senior High Youth Group welcomes
all high school youth to our Sunday events and youth
friendly Mass. Those who are looking to go deeper can join
our Service and Leadership Team (SALT) which meets
weekly for Bible study and planning. Meetings are held in
The Lighthouse, our very own room on the third floor of
the Parish Center. Please call the Youth Ministry Office for
details. Join Us!
The Sacrament of Reconciliation
Young Builder’s Club at St. Bernard
As part of our Youth Ministry program, we offer our
Young Builder’s Club one Saturday each month for
children aged 3 to 10, with a parent. Using the K’nex building toys, the group encourages teamwork and social
interaction. Each meeting opens with prayer and song.
Watch the bulletin for upcoming events.
Pre-School and Kindergarten at St. Bernard
Welcome to St. Bernard Pre-School and Kindergarten! Our
programs are available to all! We are licensed by the state
of NJ and offer a 3 half-day, a 5 half-day, or a 5 full-day
program, which includes extended care. Our hours of operation are 7:30 am – 5:30 pm for Extended Care and 9:00
am – 11:30 am for our half-day programs. Children must be
3 years old by December 31st of the school year in which
they are enrolled to be eligible for our pre-school program.
We offer a challenging and exciting full-day Kindergarten
Program. Our school is open from September through June.
Saturday: 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM, or by appointment
The Celebration of the Eucharist
Monday— Friday (Chapel): 8:00 AM & 12:10 PM
(12:10 PM suspended in July and August)
Saturday: 9:00 AM (Chapel); Vigil 5:15 PM
Sunday:
7:30 AM, 9:00 AM, 10:30 AM and
12 NOON
Holy Days of Obligation: 8:00 AM, 12:10 PM and
7:30 PM
The Celebration of Christian Marriage
Arrangements with the Church for a wedding should
be made approximately one year prior to the desired
date. Participation in a Diocesan Pre-Cana program
will assist couples in their preparation for the
sacrament of Matrimony. Catholics who have been
away from the Church and the Sacraments need to
re-establish their Church and Sacramental life as a
pre-requisite for marriage.
Sacrament of the Sick - Homebound
We encourage you to call the Parish Office to make
arrangements for either the Celebration of the
Anointing of the Sick or for the Eucharist to be
brought to the sick, the elderly, and the homebound.