SACRIFICIAL GIVING December 21 & 22 FEBRUARY 2, 2014

SACRIFICIAL GIVING
December 21 & 22
Weekend Collection
FEBRUARY 2, 2014
THE PRESENTATION OF THE LORD
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2014
8:30 AM JOAN AND EDWIN MOKE
5:00 PM ROSE TULLO
Priest of the Day: Rev. Mariusz Mazurkiewicz
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2014
7:30 AM PARISHIONERS
9:00 AM LEO MAZZOLA
10:30 AM PHIL SMITH
12:00 PM ANGELE D’ANGELO
5:00 PM MAX RODRIGUEZ
Priest of the Day: Rev. Msgr. William M. McCarthy
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2014
7:00 AM GRACE BABIC
9:30 AM LOLA TOSADO
Priest of the Day: Rev. Kent G. McCord
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2014
7:00 AM BOYES AND REESE FAMILIES
9:30 AM SOPHIE CASTORIA
Priest of the Day: Rev. Lancelot McGrath
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2014
7:00 AM ANGELE D’ANGELO
9:30 AM LIVING INTENTION FOR LUIS JOSE JR. HAPPY BIRTHDAY
Priest of the Day: Rev. James W. McGuffey
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2014
7:00 AM MARIA ONORATI
9:30 AM ALVARES FAMILY
Priest of the Day: Rev. James W. McLaughlin
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2014
7:00 AM NORA O’CONNELL
9:30 AM BERNARD CUSHMAN
Priest of the Day: Rev. Msgr. Robert W. Medley
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2014
8:30 AM BRIDGET FARRAGHER
5:00 PM THOMAS L. PANELLA SR.
Priest of the Day: Rev. J. Maciej Melaniuk
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2014
7:30 AM PARISHIONERS
9:00 AM ALL THOSE ENROLLED IN THE
IMMACULATE CONCEPTION
MEMORIAL SOCIETY
10:30 AM IN MEMORY OF DECEASED MEMBERS AND
IN HONOR OF LIVING MEMBERS OF
THE I.C. COLUMBIETTES
12:00 PM DOMENICA VUNIC
Priest of the Day: Rev. Robert V. Meyers
Please pray for our Priest of the Day and for an increase in
vocations to the priesthood and religious life.
REQUIESCANT IN PACE
In the charity of your prayers, please pray for the repose of the
souls of Deacon Arnold DeMarco; Edith Cwik; Carl Turner,
son-in-law of a parishioner; and for all the faithful departed of
our parish.
ALTAR FLOWERS
If you would like to donate altar flowers, please call Bonnie
Kelly at 732-251-2468.
Amount contributed by and
# of parishioners using
white offering envelopes
and Faith Direct.
Debt Reduction
Amount contributed by and
# of parishioners using red
offering envelopes and
Faith Direct.
2013
2012
$13,618.00
$13,446.50
$ 13,255.00
$13,224.50
806
908
$ 3,189.00
$ 3,963.00
$ 3,189.00
$ 3,699.00
583
608
Help for Haiyan,
Philippines Collection
$ 1,851.00
December 24 & 25
2013
2012
Christmas Collection
$48,587.00
$48,532.00
$
n/a
Thank you for your continued support of the parish.
Readings For The Week Of FEBRUARY 2, 2014
Sunday – The Presentation of the Lord
Mal 3:1-4; Ps 24:7,8,9,10; Heb 2:14-18; Lk 2:22-40 or
Lk 2:22-32
Monday – St. Blaise, St. Arisgar
2 Sm 15:13-14,30; 16:5-13; Ps 3:2-3,4-5,6-7; Mk 5:1-20
Tuesday
2 Sm 18:9-10,14b,24-25a, 30-19:3; Ps 86:1-2,3-4,5-6;
Mk 5:21-43
Wednesday – St. Agatha
2 Sm 24:2,9-17; Ps 32:1-2,5,6,7; Mk 6:1-6
Thursday – St. Paul Miki
1 Kgs 2:1-4,10-12; (Ps) 1 Chr 29:10,11ab,11d-12a,12bcd;
Mk 6:7-13
Friday
Sir 47:2-11; Ps 18:31,47 & 50,51; Mk 6:14-29
Saturday – St. Jerome Emiliani, St. Josephine Bakhita
1 Kgs 3:4-13; Ps 119:9,10,11,12,13,14; Mk 6:30-34
Sunday – Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Is 58:7-10; Ps 112:4-5,6-7,8-9; 1 Cor 2:1-5; Mt 5:13-16
THE FEAST OF ST. BLAISE – February 3
The Feast of Saint Blaise, intercessor for those afflicted with
ailments of the throat, will be observed on Monday, February 3
and throats will be blessed after the 7:00 AM and 9:30 AM
masses.
PRESENTATION OF THE GIFTS
The Liturgy Committee extends an invitation to anyone
interested in the Presentation of the Gifts to the Altar. If you
are willing, upon arrival at Mass, please inform an
usher/greeter that you wish to participate in this important
church practice. Thank you.
ADORATION OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT
Exposition, Adoration and Benediction of the Blessed
Sacrament is regularly held in our church every Friday from
7:00 PM until 8:15 PM. Any changes to this Friday schedule
will be noted in the bulletin and announced at mass.
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Every 4 Friday of the month, all are invited to join the
Eucharistic Apostles of Divine Mercy reciting the Chaplet for
the Sick and Dying during Eucharistic Adoration.
REMEMBER THOSE IN THE ARMED FORCES
PARISH FELLOWSHIP
Heavenly Father, keep safe the women and men serving our
country in the Armed Forces around the world, especially those
who work to bring order to Iraq and Afghanistan, and give
eternal rest to those who have died in the struggle for peace
and freedom.
Welcome One and All to Our Monthly Parish Fellowship.
All parishioners are invited today after the 9 AM and
10:30 AM Masses for bagels,
coffee or tea in the cafeteria.
Take a few minutes from your
busy schedule to relax and enjoy
the company of your fellow
parishioners. This event is
sponsored by the Rosary Altar Society - all parishioners are
invited to attend!
THE SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM
nd
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For 2014, Baptisms will be scheduled on the 2 and 4
Sunday of each month at 1:00 pm (exception is April 2014.)
February 9 and 23
July 13 and 27
March 9 and 23
August 10 and 24
April 13
September 14 and 28
May 11 and 25
October 12 and 26
June 8 and 22
November 9 and 23
December 14 and 28
BAPTISM CLASS
Our next Baptism Class will be held on Thursday,
February 20, 2014, at 7:30 PM in the rectory basement
meeting room, 18 South St. To register, call 732-251-3110.
PLEASE PRAY FOR THE SICK:
Philip Gowin, Randy and Karen Loniewski, Jonathan Volpe,
Mary Scopelliti, Maureen Benner, Nella Blumengold, Joanie
Cunningham, Gloria Shields, Joanne Aronson, Carol Repetsky,
Rhonda, Joseph DePalma, Karen Pagonis DeSantis, Joan
Volkner, Giana Kasper, Karen Marhold, Mario Moschitta,
Eileen Vaccaro, Sylvia Martinez, Nicholas Poliseno, Jacquelyn
Pannallo, Carol Beckman, Kathy Reiley, Betty Orzo, Dorothy
Benziger, Blanca Martinez, Wilson Castro, Dennis Ippolito, CJ
Crespo, Kris Bentley, Mary Novak, Joseph Palella, Jill
Lecorchick, Grace Bacquilod, Bob Murtha, Sally Ippolito,
Matteo Mennuti, Cassida LaChiana, Mary Concannon, Tommy
Surace, Phyllis Polizzi, Debbie Fahey, Virginia Phillips, Robert
Sullivan, Mary Cowell, Danielle Czarkowski, Jeff Singer, John
Sekora, Giuseppe Lombardo, Christopher Chibbaro, Elizabeth
“Betty” Gray, Michael Ruffley Sr., Jo-Ann Gerling, Xavier
Torrey, Tamara Simo, John P. Ciminelli, Peter Castranova,
Rose Santero, Alba Castro, Sebastian Lattugga, Joanna
Waga, Bud LaRegina, Alison Fahey, Robert Sosnowski, Baby
Pratt, Chester Makowski, Ann Marie Jura, Christopher Hill,
Wendy, Victoria Deloughy, Francis Paul DiVuolo, Erica
Furmato, Donald Musto, Gloria Kelley, Mary Murray, Grace
Edelman, Anthony Mercado Jr., Grace Edelman, Peg Curry,
Woody Dempsey, Olga Veleiro, Michael Nichols, Nicole
Sundermier, Larry Mesiner, Aoife Clinton, 17 healing, 9 special
intentions and all the sick and recovering of our parish.
If you would like to have a name put on our Pray for the Sick list,
please call the parish office during business hours. Names on the
Sick List will be included for four weeks. If you would like your
name to be listed beyond four weeks, please call the Parish Office
at that time.
If you or someone you know is sick or in the hospital, please let us
know so that we can pray for them.
HOSPITAL AND HOMEBOUND VISITATION
Visits are made to St. Peter’s and Robert Wood Johnson
Hospital weekly. If you have a family member in either of
these two hospitals or any of the area hospitals, please call the
parish office and let us know.
Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist bring Communion to
the sick and homebound on a regular basis. If you are sick or
confined at home and would like a visit from a Eucharistic
Minister, please call the parish office.
WORLD DAY OF PRAYER
FOR CONSECRATED LIFE
World Day for Consecrated Life will be celebrated in parishes on
the weekend of February 1-2, 2014.
Please pray for all those who have made
commitments in the consecrated life, and
be sure to thank them on their special
day. May they continue to be inspired by
Jesus Christ and respond generously to
God's gift of their vocation.
All parishioners are invited to attend
Evening Prayer at St. Francis Cathedral in Metuchen at 4 PM
on Sunday, February 2, 2014. Bishop Bootkoski will preside at
this service which commemorates World Day of Prayer for
Consecrated Life. At this time, the diocese will honor the men and
women religious of the diocese who are celebrating jubilees in
2014. This service is designed to thank God for the gift of
consecrated life in the Church and to inspire and encourage
vocations.
This weekend, February 1 and 2, the second collection will
be taken up in support of The Catholic Spirit. The annual drive
to support our diocesan newspaper takes place during Catholic
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Press Month. The Catholic Spirit is now beginning its 19
successful year of publishing and has a special role to play in
your life as a practicing Catholic. In every issue, The Catholic
Spirit brings you news of our diocese, parishes, schools and
organizations as well as issues facing the Catholic Church.
Once a year, The Catholic Spirit asks for your financial support
so we can continue our ministry to bring you closer to the
Church, closer to Faith Communities, and closer to Christ. Let
us be your faith connection. Any support will be greatly
appreciated. (Please put your two regular envelopes in the
first collection.)
SPECIAL MASS: The Catholic Spirit has arranged for a Mass
for Readers of The Catholic Spirit on Wednesday, February 5
at 11:45 a.m. in the Chapel at the St. John Neumann Pastoral
Center, Piscataway. All are invited.
SUPER BOWL BAKE SALE – This weekend!
Attention ALL FOOTBALL FANS!!!!
The ICS Athletic Association will be having a Super Bowl Bake
sale this weekend in the Church
lobby. Going to a Super Bowl
Party? Stop by our table to pick
up some delicious desserts to take
along with you. There will be
some great “football” themed items
and many other desserts to
choose from. Please Support the
Bulldogs!
SCOUT SUNDAY MASS - February 2, 2014
Church of the Immaculate Conception and Boy Scout Troop 35 will
be hosting “Scout Sunday” for all Boy Scouts
and Cub Scouts in the area. Mass will be
celebrated at the 9 AM Mass on Sunday,
February 2nd. Scout Sunday is the annual
celebration of the founding of the Boy
Scouts on February 8, 1910.
Scout
Leaders, parents, former Scouts and Girl
Scouts are also invited to celebrate mass
with the Scouts. All Scouts attending mass should wear their
Class A scout uniform. Following the 9 AM Mass, Scout Leaders
and Scouts will be in the church foyer if you would like more
information about Scouting.
CHOOSE LIFE
“Human life must always be defended from its beginning in the
womb and must be recognized as a gift of God that guarantees
the future of humanity.”
~ Pope Francis, Letter to Brazilian families for National Family
Week, August 6, 2013.
I. C. Rosary Altar Society
February 4 - (Sunday) - Recite the Rosary at Chelsea. Arrival
time at Chelsea is 2 PM. For information,, please call Vi at
732-656-1850.
BUS TRIP: Annual Valentine's Day Atlantic City Trip to "The
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Tropicana". Sunday, February 16 (leaving ICC parking lot
9 am and return approx.. 7 pm). Come join us and have a funfilled day! Cost: $30/pp with casino return of $20.00. Hosted
by the Rosary Altar Society. Open to all parishioners. For
reservations, call Bonnie 732-251-2468 (leave a message).
LADIES WEEKEND RETREAT - Friday, March 14 (check in
by 5 PM) - Sunday, March 16, 2014: An invitation to all ladies
of the parish to attend a weekend retreat at San Alfonso
Retreat House (Long Branch) where God and sea meet.
Conducted by the Redemptorist priests and brothers and
sponsored by the Rosary Altar Society. For quiet reflection,
reconciliation, Holy Mass, exposition of the Blessed Sacrament
and Stations of the Cross by the ultimate hosts Jesus and
Mary. Ridesharing from church at 3 PM on Friday, March 14.
Return 3 PM on Sunday, March 16. Cost $200. A
non-refundable deposit of $50 is due by February 22, payable
to San Alphonso Retreat House. Final payment of $150 will be
collected upon arrival on March 14. ALL LADIES
WELCOME! For further info, please call Eileen at 609-8600641. Thank you.
Please fill out the form below and mail your $50 deposit to
Eileen Farragher, 484 B, Fairton Drive, Monroe Twp., NJ
08831.
_________________________________
YOUTH GROUP NEWS – February 2014
FEBRUARY YOUTH MASS BY CANDLELIGHT
Sunday, February 2, 2014
Join us for Youth Mass by candlelight.
Enjoy a tranquil, moving celebration of
the Eucharist as well as the
celebration of Candlemas Day - a
traditional Christian festival that
commemorates the ritual purification
of Mary forty days after the birth of
Jesus - the Guiding Light of the World.
All are welcome. All families are asked
to bring any candles they would like
blessed in Church. (We will not have
fellowship following this mass due to Super Bowl Sunday.
Enjoy the game!)
YOUTH GROUP OUTING
Sunday, February 16, 2014 - 1 PM to TBD
The Immaculate Conception Youth Group - Juniors and
Seniors will be sponsoring
day at the beach. Ever
wonder what the beach is
like in the winter? Here's
your chance to see one of
God's creations from a
different perspective. It will
be a wavy good time! A fun filled day, walking around with
friends and fellow youth group members seeing the sights.
Try your luck at Lucky Leo's Arcade! Mark your calendar.
Watch for more info to follow…
SENIOR YOUTH GROUP
MEETING
Friday, February 21, 2014
OFF SIGHT LOCATION
We're currently in the planning stages of
our Senior Youth Group Scavenger Hunt.
The location - to be announced, but the
fun is a given. Join us for a spying good
time! Watch for official announcement to
follow. Tell your friends and build your
mystery solving team!
LADIES WEEKEND RETREAT
NAME: ____________________________________________
ADDRESS: ________________________________________
__________________________________________________
$50 deposit to San Alfonso Retreat House – Check # __________
_________________________________
To join the Rosary Altar Society, please call Cathy
(Membership Chairperson) at 609-409-3931.
DENIM JEANS COLLECTION
For the fifth consecutive year, Immaculate
Conception is participating in
the ‘TEENS FOR JEANS’
drive
sponsored
by
Aèropostale
and
‘Do
Something.org’. Please clean
out your closets and drawers and bring in new
or gently used denim jeans. A collection box will be in the
church foyer from February 1 to 9. Questions? Please call 732605-1971. Thank you!!
MASS IN HONOR OF SAINT FAUSTINA
Saturday, February 15, 2014
2:30 pm Talk on Divine Mercy
2:45 pm Mass in honor of Saint Faustina Kowalska
Followed by Veneration of St. Faustina’s relic
All are invited to join us on
Saturday, February 15, 2014, in
celebrating Mass in honor of
Saint Faustina whose first-class
relic will be available for public
veneration in our church. For
this special occasion, the Sisters
of Our Lady of Mercy - the
congregation to which St.
Faustina belonged - will give a
talk about the Divine Mercy
message at 2:30 pm.
Our
Pastor, Rev. Msgr. Joseph M.
Curry, will celebrate this special
Mass at 2:45 pm. The faithful will
have the opportunity to venerate
the relic of St. Faustina after Mass. All are welcome.
2013 BISHOP’S ANNUAL APPEAL
Faith, Family, Community
The Maria Regina Residence provides a suitable home for
our retired priests in recognition of faithful service to God and
His Church. Your gift to the Bishop’s Annual Appeal is another
way to thank these men who have dedicated their lives to the
people of God.
Parish Pledge Update: To date, the Diocesan Development
Department has received pledges totaling $60,748.16 and
payments totaling $57,130.16 from 375 parishioners of Church
of the Immaculate Conception. This represents 86.8% of our
$70,000.00 goal. Thank you for your generosity!
GIVE KIDS A SMILE DAY
Free Dental Care For Children Up To Age 12! February is
National Children’s Dental Health Month
and dentists across the state mark the
occasion by opening their doors and
hearts to children ages 12 and younger in
need of dental care. Friday, February 7
is designated Give Kids a Smile Day
(GKAS) in New Jersey. The offices listed
below will accept children for examination
and treatment. On GKAS day children may expect to have a
check-up, cleaning, x-rays and fluoride or sealant application.
In addition, many locations will also treat children in need of
restorative work, such as fillings, extractions and crowns. If the
child needs follow-up care, the dentist may refer the family to a
local clinic or make other arrangements to complete treatment.
In Middlesex County contact:
KidzDent, Old Bridge – 732-679-2323
Drs. Mark Vitale & Paul Tedeschi, Edison – 732-494-7575
Middlesex County College, Edison – 732-906-2536
Doctors of Dental Medicine, Dayton – 732-329-3113
JFK Medical Center, Edison – 732-321-7608
Garden State Dental Assoc, East Brunswick - 732-432-5982
RWJ University Hospital, New Brunswick – 732-937-8653
Advanced Family Dentistry, South Plainfield - 908-322-2244
Eastern Dental of Woodbridge, Avenel – 732-750-3600
Eastern Dental of Old Bridge, South Amboy - 732-727-3399
The Smile Express, North Brunswick – 732-227-9777
Rita Solanki, DDS, LLC, Piscataway – 732-626-5505
Kids Smile, PC, Monmouth Junction – 732-297-5200
IMMACULATE CONCEPTION SCHOOL
23 Manalapan Road, Spotswood, NJ 08884
School Office 732-251-3090 / Pre-K Office 732-251-7430
Are you looking for a school with rigorous academics, a faith based
education, and nurturing environment?
Come
visit us
at
Immaculate
Conception School. Here you will find
a supportive community that cultivates
self-discipline and motivation, and
encourages student learning and
achievement. In a Christ centered atmosphere, the uniqueness of
each child is recognized and developed.
REGISTRATION FOR
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (K-8)
2014-2015 SCHOOL YEAR
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WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 5 (6 TO 7 P.M. & 8 TO 9 P.M.)
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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 6 (9 TO 11 A.M. & 3 TO 5 P.M.)
PRE-K REGISTRATION
FOR 2014-2015 SHOOL YEAR
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WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 5 (6 TO 7 P.M. & 8 TO 9 P.M.)
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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 6 (9 TO 11 A.M. & 1 TO 5 P.M.)
CATHOLIC SCHOOL TUITION ASSISTANCE
Applications For 2014-2015 Now Available
Applications for financial aid through the Diocese of Metuchen
Tuition Assistance Program for the 2014-2015 school year are
now available at all diocesan elementary and secondary
schools. Completed applications must be mailed to Private
School Aid Service, postmarked no later than Monday,
March 31, 2014. To obtain an application form, please contact
the Principal or main office of the school where the student is
registering. A printable version of the form, both English and
Spanish, is also available on the diocesan website at
http://Tinyurl.com/DOM-TuitionAssistance.
10th ANNUAL FATHERS’ CLUB CASINO NIGHT
WHEN: Saturday, March 1, 2014
Doors Open at 6:00 pm –
Casino Play from 7:00-10:00pm
Prize Drawings begin at 10:30pm
WHERE: Immaculate Conception
School Cafeteria
COST: $50.00 per person
(must be 21 to attend)
Food, “adult” & non-adult beverages,
DJ, $50.00 in chips
** No Cash Prizes Will Be Awarded **
RSVP: Tuesday, February 18, 2014
Order by Wed. 2/12/14 & receive an EXTRA $50 in chips
Limited number of tickets sold
Advance Sale ONLY; tickets will not be sold at the door
Tickets will be held at the door
Craps, Blackjack, Money Wheel, Roulette, Texas Hold ‘Em
Return reservation form & payment (cash/ check made payable to
ICFC) through the school in an envelope marked to Casino Night,
Sean Brown, IC Fathers’ Club, c/o Aaron Brown, 4th grade OR
mail to Casino Night, Sean Brown, IC Fathers’ Club, 23 Manalapan
Rd., Spotswood, NJ 08884
---------------------------------------------Casino Night Reservation Form
Last Name: ________________________________________
# of tickets ___________
Amount enclosed _____________
----------------------------------------------
V & M SUMMER BASKETBALL CAMP & LEAGUE
Entering Our 3RD Summer Together
Summer Basketball Camp and League at Immaculate
Conception Parish Gym for boys and girls
in grades 5 – 11. The camp will run for
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seven weeks beginning on June 24 for
th
girls and on June 26 for boys. Our staff
will conduct a practice to fine tune players
skills and afterward our staff will coach the
players in games. Highlights: 7 sessions,
ball handling, passing, dribbling, defensive
drills & shooting. Space is limited, registered before March 1,
st
2014 Camp fee $110 per athlete. After March 1 cost $125.00
per athlete.
Go to www.chicspotswood.com/icyo-spotswood/index.htm for
forms. Make checks out to I.C.Y.O. Mail all information and
check to Immaculate Conception School, Attn. Mr. Vincent
Vizzi, 23 Manalapan Rd., Spotswood, NJ 08884.
Any questions, please contact Mr. Vizzi at 908-812-2945 or
Mark
Marrazo
at
732-589-3372
or
email
at
[email protected].
MONTHLY FOOD COLLECTION
Next weekend, February 8 and 9, will be
our monthly food collection. Non-perishable
food items, baby food and disposable
diapers (sizes 3 and 4) are always needed!
Please leave your donations in the church
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foyer before 1:00 PM on Sunday, Feb. 9 .
BAKE SALE – Next Weekend!
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Sponsored by the ICS 8 Grade Class.
Delicious baked goods with a Valentine’s Day
theme. The bake sale will be held next
weekend, February 8 & 9, after all Masses.
Thank you for supporting the Class of 2014!
Collection for the Development of the Peoples
Next weekend, February 8 and 9, the second collection will
benefit: The Church in Latin America: Your donation will
help the Church continue to rebuild in the earthquake-ravaged
Haiti and Chile, support evangelization, develop lay-leadership
programs and form religious and seminarians. The Church in
Central & Eastern Europe: Great needs remain. Help provide
support for basic pastoral programs and make scholarships
available for students studying to serve their local church. The
Catholic Home Missions Appeal: Many dioceses right here
in the United States do not have enough priests and trained lay
ministers to serve their parishes. These dioceses are known
as home missions. These dioceses are often in rural locations,
lack a sufficient number of priests to serve the geographically
challenging distances, and do not have sufficient funding for
religious education, youth ministry, and religious formation.
Please help strengthen the Church at home. To learn more,
please visit: www.usccb.org/nationalcollections.
PARISH EMAIL ADDRESSES
Msgr. Joe Curry
Rev. Martin Espinoza
Rev. X. Bruce Rajendran
Deacon John McGuire
Deacon Danny San Jose
Mark Sahli, PCL
Susan Sahli, CCD
Parish Office
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
WORLD MARRIAGE DAY
Sunday, Feb. 9, 2014 - “Love One Another”
In celebration of World Marriage Day, there will be a special
blessing for married couples at all masses next weekend.
WORLD MARRIAGE DAY CELEBRATION
World Marriage Day, which is held each year on the second
Sunday in February, honors the lifelong
commitment of husband and wife. The
commandment given to us by Jesus in
John 15:12 is to love one another. Loving
one another as husband and wife is a
daily decision, simple but challenging. It
is an ongoing process of learning about
each other and how to accommodate differences so that both
spouses can feel satisfied and grow in love for each other. For
helpful insights and suggestions on how to love one another more
fully log on to the Catholic Bishops (USCCB) marriage resource
website: www.foryourmarriage.org. Be prepared to find videos
along with interesting articles for couples in every stage of
marriage including the challenges facing couples today:
unemployment, parenting, balancing work and family, care giving,
etc. Below is a list of things that you and your spouse can do
throughout the week to prepare for the day.
 Hug you spouse often...it helps relieve stress.
 During the week call your spouse and say “I love you”.
 Take out your wedding pictures and share a memory with family
and friends.
 Show the family movies to celebrate a marriage well done.
 Bring a gift to your spouse for no reason.
 Fix his or her favorite meal this week.
 Share your love for each other with your children one evening.
 Ask your spouse for a date this week.
 Tell each other how much your marriage means to you.
 Your marriage relationship is the most intimate relationship
possible on earth. Be proud of it and all the joys and sacrifices
that have made it strong.
STRESS IN YOUR MARRIAGE?





Do you feel lost, alone or bored in your marriage?
Are you frustrated, hurt or angry with your spouse?
Are you constantly fighting? Or, do you simply shut down?
Have you thought about separation or divorce?
Does talking about it only make it worse?
...RETROUVAILLE is a Lifeline to Help Couples Heal and Renew
their Marriages sponsored by the Family Life Office / Diocese of
Metuchen. Retrouvaille consists of a weekend experience for
married couples (no group discussions) with six follow-up
sessions. The next weekend is February 28 - March 2, 2014.
All inquiries are confidential. For further info, please call the
Family Life Office (days) 732 562-1990 x1705 or (evenings) Tom
& Pat McTague 732-583-4468.
ROSARY MAKING & PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRIES
The Rosary Making Ministry exists to spread the devotion that
our Lady, herself, has commissioned us to pray for peace in our
hearts, families and world. We make and distribute Rosaries to
the Missions and other Catholic Ministries while enjoying the
company of faith-filled people. Since its inception and first meeting
in September 2011, the Rosary Making Ministry has created and
distributed close to 3,500 rosaries.
Since the first official meeting of the Prayer Shawl Ministry in
June 2010, we have distributed 102 shawls and 12 lap
blankets. Our thanks to everyone who contributed to this
venture so far. To request a prayer shawl, please call Maria
Tiberi at 732-254-1775, or Paula Liquari at 732-251-0586.
The next meeting of the Rosary Marking and Prayer Shawl
th
Ministries will be held on Wednesday, February 12 at
7:00 PM in the cafeteria.