From the Pastors Desk - First Sunday of Lent

A Time for Combat In Jesus’ 40 days of solitude in the wilderness, he confronts Satan and unmasks his temptations and conquers him. Lent is a time of combat! A spiritual combat against the spirit of evil. We place ourselves decisively on the path of Jesus, the road that leads to life. Jesus’ path passes through the desert, the place where the voice of God and the voice of the tempter can be heard. Where our destiny is truly played out, life or death. And how do we hear God’s voice? We hear it in his word. For this reason, it is important to know Scripture, because otherwise we do not know how to react to the snares of the Evil One. So read the Gospel everyday during Lent! Meditate on it for a little while, for 10 minutes. And also carry it with you in your pocket or your purse. The Lenten Desert helps us to say “no” to world-liness, to the “idols”, it helps us to make courageous choices in accordance with the Gospel and to strengthen solidarity with others. This week read Mark 1:12-13.

**** 20 Week Club For the next coming weeks until May 18th, we will be pulling numbers

every Saturday of the winners for the 20 Week Club. 9th winner: # 260 Carol & Art Zicker.

Congratulations and thank you all who participated.

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Weekly Collections Weekly Collections Weekly Collections Weekly Collections First Collection $ 9,040.75 Online giving $ 1,128.00 Last Year $ 12,536.00

Attendance 708* Thank you for your generosity !

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Please join us on March 31, 2019 at the 10:45 am Mass Please join us on March 31, 2019 at the 10:45 am Mass Please join us on March 31, 2019 at the 10:45 am Mass Please join us on March 31, 2019 at the 10:45 am Mass our main celebrant will be our main celebrant will be our main celebrant will be our main celebrant will be Bishop Arthur Serratelli.Bishop Arthur Serratelli.Bishop Arthur Serratelli.Bishop Arthur Serratelli.

**** Regulations of Lent Abstinence and Fasting: All Catholics who have reached their 14th birthday are bound to ab-stain entirely from meat on all the Fridays of Lent. All Catholics between the ages of 18 and 59 inclusive are bound to observe the Laws of fast and abstinence on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. Fasting means limiting oneself to a single full meal and avoiding food between meals. Two other light meals, which together do not equal a full meal, may be taken during the day.

Saturday, March 9th 8:30 am Anne Price 5:00 pm Maria Rose DiVincenzo Anthony Pallessi Sunday, March 10th First Sunday of Lent 7:00 am John Vill 8:00 am Bill Taylor 9:15 am Joseph P. Donahue 10:45 am Bill Taylor 12:15 pm Mary M. Reilly Thekla & Otto Trauth Monday, March 11th 7:00 am Deceased Deacons of the Parish 12:05 pm Michael & Teresa Arcieri Frank Skladany Tuesday, March 12th 7:00 am Warren Leshner 12:05 pm Louise Kelly Wednesday, March 13th 7:00 am All Deceased Sisters of the Parish 12:05 pm Rita & Mickey D’Ambrosa Thursday, March 14th 7:00 am Matilde Ubiera 12:05 pm Marie O’Mara

Friday, March 15th 7:00 am Anne Price 12:05 pm Serge Khoobiar Santos & Raymunda Ruguian Saturday, March 16th 8:30 am Frances Uy Maria Clara Magparangalan 5:00 pm Charles Ehrenfeld Santiago Iglesias Dapper McCarthy Sunday, March 17th 7:00 am Deceased Members of Parish 8:00 am Bill Taylor 9:15 am Dorothy McCarthy 10:45 am Louise Kelly 12:15 pm Melvyn Patrick Lopez Renato & Pedro Manuel Magcase

The Living Flame for the Sanctuary Light will be in memory of: Col. Paul A. Kelly

For the month of March, 2019

Please remember in your prayers those who recently entered into their new and eternal life in Christ.

First Reading: Deuteronomy 26:4-10 Moses discusses the power God has displayed in freeing his people from oppression and leading them to a rich land. He tells the people that they should make offerings to God to show their gratitude, then celebrate over the great things he has given them.

Second Reading: Romans 10:8-13 Paul tells us that if we proclaim, "Jesus is Lord" and truly believe that God raised him from the dead, we will be saved. For God shows his mercy toward everyone who calls upon his name.

Gospel: Luke 4:1-13 Jesus fasted in the desert for forty days, then Satan appeared to him and tempted him to turn stone into bread. After Jesus refused, Satan promised him great powers if Jesus would worship him. Jesus replied that he would worship God and no one else. Then Satan tried to persuade Jesus to put God to the test, but again Je-sus resisted his temptation.

Sunday Dt 26:4-10; Rom 10:8-13; Lk 4:1-13, Monday Lv 19:1-2, 11-18; Mt 25:31-46, Tues-day Is 55:10-11; Mt 6:7-15, Wednesday Jon 3:1-10; Lk 11:29-32, Thursday Est C:12, 14-16, 23-25; Mt 7:7-12, Friday Ez 8:21-28; Mt 5:20-26, Saturday Dt 26:16-19; Mt 5:43-48.

Religious Education If you have any questions concerning religious education please contact Mary Ann Jacisin at 973-539-6208, Monday through Thursday from 9:30 am to 2:30 pm.

Baptism preparation meeting: The meeting will be on March 11th at 7:00 pm in room 101 of the school. Please call the rectory to enroll or if you have any other questions.

Let us welcome into our family of faith, William J. Smith III, Gabriella McGee, Syrus F. Rivera, & Madelynn R. Wax, who received the sacrament of baptism.

*****

Let us pray for the safety of the following members of St. Christopher Parish who are actively serving in the military: 2LT. Sean Arcilla, PVT. Shane Arcilla, LCPL. Cormac Bradley, CPT. Liam Connor, LTJG Megan Cos-tello, LCPL. Patrick DeBenedette, Airman Danny De La Esperia, J. Fortes, OP. SPEC. S. Gross II, PVT. Ryan Jandora, SGT. Lauren L. Ferrel, Capt. Luis Marti, Capt. Michael A. Piccini, Michael Simoni, SPEC. Cory Therriault, Sgt. Philip Schlegel. If you know of any St. Christopher’s parishioner who is currently serving in the military and would like them

added to this list please contact the rectory (973) 539-7050.

March 16th & 17th

Reflections

As we begin the season of Lent, the reading from Deuteronomy reminds us of the importance of showing our gratitude to God. The passage recalls how the Lord delivered his people from bondage in Egypt and brought them to a new land. Now, the people, recalling all God has done for them, offer their “first fruits” in gratitude and rejoice at good things the Lord has done. Everyday the grace of God is at work in us, freeing us from those things that en-slave our spirits. How are you giving thanks for what the Lord has done for you? Do you share your “first fruits” or just the leftovers? Reflect on all you have been given. Consider how to share these gifts.

Because he cleaves to me in love, I will deliver him; I will protect him, because he knows my name. -Psalm 91:14

Altar Servers

5:00 pm D. Lipuma, T. & J . Carifi 7:00 am A. Anastasi, A. Roza-nitis 8:00 am A. & D. Guzzardo 9:15 am JA. To, C. Berardo, C. Hilgendorff 10:45 am E. & B. Hollinghurst 12:15 pm J . Vaddakkedam, E. & R. Marsh

Eucharistic Ministers

5:00 pm L. Bain, L. Asea, M. Gelosa, S. DiMaio

7:00 am B. Car roll 8:00 am P. Luther , K. Nolan, R. Vento

9:15 am P. Gatti, C. Callahan, E. Haynes, R. DiMaggio

10:45 am S. & S. Richards, Visit the sick: M. & M. D’Ambrosa

12:15 pm C. Ocker , M. Pasuco, L. & R Polanski

Lectors

5:00 pm C. Haney 7:00 am E. Shabet 8:00 am L. Pascale 9:15 am J . Rabadi 10:45 am A. Bilotti 12:15 pm M. Appio

Men’s Group - Issac Jogues Society Meets on the second Wednesday of every month from 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm, in room 101 in the school. Our Mission Statement is: “Life as a Catholic Man – A Truly Catholic and Spiritual Way of Life”. * Monday morning adult education at 10:30 am room 110. Topic: The Acts of the Apostle. * St. Christopher’s has a Pre-Cana Program, for more information please call the rectory at 973-539-7050. * St. Christopher’s Prayer Group Will meet every Tuesday, after 12:05 pm Mass. Pray the Rosary every Monday – Friday after the 12:05 pm Mass. Miraculous Medal Novena & Rosary will be at 12:30 pm every Monday at St. Christopher. * St. Christopher is hosting the 2000 Hail Mary Devotion,

to our Blessed Virgin Mary, every First Saturday of every month. Please join us on April 6th, on the first floor of the Second Hand Rose Thrift Shop; stop by for an hour or the day, you are all most needed and welcomed anytime between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm. For details call Josie Mendez (973) 887-7835 or Jeanette East (973) 334-8766. * Jr. Choir practices every Thursday from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm and they will sing the 2nd Sunday of every month at 9:15 am Mass. Contact Therese Steinel at 973- 299-7977 or Karen Blunt at 973-887-1989 for more in- formation. * Martha & Mary Society - This is a group of dedicated women who maintain and decorate the Church through- out the year. Saints Peter & Paul Society – As a companion to our Martha & Mary Society, this group handles all the handy man activities both inside & outside of the Church. These two groups meet every Saturday at 9:00 am in the Church. All are welcome.

Catholic War Veterans of America - Parsippany Chapter - Named: Chaplain (Major) Charles Jo-seph Watters, USA Post 1967 –CWV will meet on

the 1st Wednesday of every month at 7:00 pm in room 101 at the school.

The Pope Francis Society - Our program helps Hope House Food Pantry, a program of Catholic Charities for the Diocese of Paterson, which in turn helps those in need. The food box will be in the entrance of the Church.

Mission statement: “If you love me, feed me”. Food List: Peanut butter, pasta, spaghetti sauce, juice, canned corn, baking mixes, mustard, ketchup, dishwashing liquid, laundry detergent, toothpaste, deodorant, cold cereal, granola bars, cookies, crackers, tuna, Chef Boyardee, canned chicken meat, canned fruit, shelf stable milk, bath tissue, facial tissue, paper towels. Pancake mix, pancake syrup, tea, coffee (ground or instant), soup, rice, canned beans (any variety), jelly, macaroni & cheese, side dishes (rice-a-roni, pasta sides, etc).

For more information contact the rectory and

speak to Fr. Joe.

St. Christopher Women's Book Club Our next meeting will be April 2, 2019 at 7:00 pm in room 110. Refreshments will be served, and they are delicious!!

April Book – “Tuning In” by Richard Roberts May Book – “The Dry” by Jane Harper.

Hope to see you there, new members are always welcome.

****See Flyer in back of bulletin****

****** Soft yoga for hard times at St. Christopher Every Thursday from 7:00 pm to 8:15 pm in room 110.

Come and experience for yourself the wonderful range of healthy benefits that yoga and meditation can offer you.

For more information including price, contact Penny Prosperi, who is

the yoga instructor at ppros- peri51@gmail.com.

Parish ActivitiesParish ActivitiesParish ActivitiesParish Activities

Come play Bingo with one of the best groups in town. Great food, great prizes ($1000 worth of prizes with two 50/50). You are sure to want to Return and play. Wednesdays at

11:30 am in the St. Christopher All Purpose Room.

St. Christopher’s Senior Social Club is a club to have fun and socialize. The meeting will be at the Community Center, at 1130 Knoll Road, Lake Hiawatha, N.J. Dates: March 15th. Bus trip to the Sands Casino, in Bethlehem, Pa. Bus leaves St. Christopher's parking lot at 9:00 am. Date: March 11th. If you wish to learn more about the St. Christopher’s Senior Social Club, please call Anne Pur-caro at 973-887-5186 or Lorene Poje at 973-887-5645.

St. Christopher prayer shawl ministry welcomes current and would be knit and crochet artists to join

us. We meet every other Monday at 1:00 pm in the old principal's office of the school at St. Christopher. Sup-plies are provided. Work at home or with our group. Prayer shawls and lap robes are now available to be given to someone going through a difficult time. For

more information call Karen Longo 973-267-3321 for more information.

Second Hand Rose Thrift Shop.. Due to the death of our dear friend Bill Taylor (who ran the thrift shop along with his wife Pat), the thrift shop will be closed. It will be reopening in the future, as soon as we know an exact date we shall post it here.

****** St. Paul Inside the Walls…

For programs and events and to register, visit www.insidethewalls.org or call (973) 377-1004.

****** The Compassionate Friends, a self-help group for bereaved parents, siblings, and grandparents will be meeting on Thursday, March 14, 2019 at St. Christopher's Church, 1050 Littleton Road (Rt. 202), Parsippany, at 7:30PM in room 101. Program: "Managing Stress During Grief". For more information please call Lily Capriglione at: 973-568-4164.

****** Encounter Lent In Guatemala, we encounter Norma, who as a young mother supports her family and shares her skills with her communi-ty. Reflect on the importance of family in your life. How can you contribute to support families in your community? Vis-it crsricebowls.org for more.

****** The Knights of Columbus are sponsoring "An Evening with Elvis Concert” at the Msgr. Herbert K. Tillyer Parish Cen-ter, St. Peter the Apostle Church, in Parsippany on May 11th at 7:00 pm. For more information, contact St. Peters at 973-334-2090.

****** "The Healing Power of Forgiveness” Time heals nothing. The power that heals anger and pain is forgiveness. International speaker and award-winning author, Janet Pfeiffer, will address both sides of forgiveness, dispel common myths, explain why some choose not to, and pro-vide 4 profound strategies to achieving inner peace. Tues. March 26th, 7:30-9pm, St. Thomas Church, 5635 Berkshire Valley Road, Oak Ridge NJ Free

Journey through Lent 2019 - “Together in His footsteps”

Stations of the Cross Every Friday night during Lent – 7:00 pm

Monday Evening Lent Series – 7:00 pm -The Seven Last Words of Christ

a. March 11th – Father, forgive them for they do not know what they are doing (Lk 23:34) b. March 18th – Jesus said to his Mother, “ woman, here is your Son,” then He said to

the disciple, “ Here is your mother,” (John 19:28) c. March 25th – I am thirsty (John 19:28) d. April 1st –Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in Paradise (Lk 23:43) My God, My God, why have you forsaken me? (Mk 15:34) e. April 8th– It is finished (John 19:30) Father, into your hands I commend my spirit (Lk 23:46)

Welcome Home Sacrament of Reconciliation – Monday evenings during Lent at 7:00 pm to 8:15 pm.

Lenten Dinner & Movie - March 14th Dinner 6:30 pm Movie 7:00 pm (I am David)

Lenten Penance Service – April 10th at 7:00 pm Lenten Anointing Mass – April 13th at 11:00 am

Shout out to the St. Christopher’s Women’s Book ClubShout out to the St. Christopher’s Women’s Book ClubShout out to the St. Christopher’s Women’s Book ClubShout out to the St. Christopher’s Women’s Book Club

They are a group of women who read the same book over the same period of time, then meet up to discuss the book and exchange their views in a relaxed atmosphere.

At the beginning of the season everyone picks their preferred genre, then brings in their book choices, a book title is picked from a hat at every meeting, this way they all, fairly, get to have their selections read. At the last meeting of the season there is a pizza party, where everyone (if you don’t have a preferred list that’s ok too) comes prepared with a list of books for our summer read (and/or choose from any leftover choices). That’s the basic meaning and happenings of the club, in just a few words; but, the St. Christopher’s Book Club is much more than just that…for example, on Tuesday, March 5th at 7:00 pm the monthly book club get together happened, mind you, all meetings are fun and filled with lively discussion, many different opinions and just a good fun time had by all, but this past Tuesday was such a great evening that it merits mentioning in this week’s bulletin.

Every month two members are picked to bring in goodies and beverages. Sometimes they go a bit over board, but hey no one is complaining, everything is always delicious. Not only was this past selection liked by all (The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society), but members were also treated to an English Tea Party (thank you Laurie and Marcey, you guys really nailed it, especially with the paper china cups… wow that was something).

If you've always had the desire to join a book club but just haven’t done so for whatever reason, why not give this one a try?! Its great when all members can make it, but sometimes life happens and well, you just can’t, and that’s ok, there is no pressure! This is a place to be inspired, be part of something, be you!

You don’t have to buy the books, most of the times you will find them at your local library (hey kindle users, the April selection is only .99 cents). The ladies always try to keep it new but there have been old classics and favorites (Rebecca, The Catcher in the Rye, etc. etc.). �

���** not all members were able to make the last meeting, but I am sure they were there in spirit**

- By: Eva M. (St. Christopher Book Club Member) �

Vatican News

On Monday, March 2nd, 80 years after Pius XII’s

election to the papacy, Pope Francis announced that

the archives of the controversial wartime pontiff

would be opened to scholars next March. The

decision follows more than half a century of

pressure. Pius XII—a hero of Catholic

conservatives, who eagerly await his canonization

as a saint, while denounced by his detractors for

failing to condemn the Nazis’ genocidal campaign against Europe’s Jews—might well be the

most controversial pope in Church history.

Demands that the Vatican open its archives for the war years began to be heard in 1963

following the premiere in Germany of Rolf Hochhuth’s play, The Deputy. It portrayed a

coldhearted Pius XII spurning all pleas to condemn the slaughter of the Jews, concerned only

with protecting the institutional interests of the Church. In an effort to respond to the critics,

the Holy See commissioned four Jesuits to plow through the archives and publish a selection of

documents shedding light on the controversy. The result, over a 16-year period beginning in

1965, was 12 thick volumes containing thousands of documents.

Media coverage of the opening of the Pius XII archives has focused almost exclusively on the

question of what we will learn about the role played by the pope and the Vatican during the

war. Yet many of the most historically significant documents soon to be made available relate

not to the war years, but to the immediate postwar period. With much of Europe in ruins, the

Vatican was consumed with fears of Communism. Nowhere was this truer than in Italy, where

there was good reason to believe that in the wake of Mussolini’s downfall, the Communists

might come to power.

Pius XII played a major behind-the-scenes role in these fateful years in turning Italians against

the Communists. Now, with the opening of the archives, we are likely to learn exactly how he

went about it while maintaining a public stance of staying out of politics. With his March 2nd

announcement, Pope Francis has put an end to half a century of speculation. The archives will

soon be open. But given the large quantity of documents that are to become available for the

first time, it will likely be several years before we fully know what revelations they will bring.

In the meantime, what has come to be dubbed the “Pius war”—Pius XII, saint or sinner? —will

likely only heat up, fed by sporadic reports trickling out from the Vatican’s newly opened

archival treasure chest.

**by David Kertzer***

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St. Christopher’s Annual Pasta Night Join us on Friday, April 12, 2019 at 7:30 pm in the All Purpose Room. Price per person will be $18.00

(21 and over only). Included with this price there will be linguini with clam sauce, tortellini alfredo, eggplant rollatini, penne pasta in marinara

sauce, salad, bread, coffee, tea and dessert.

We will have a representative of “Make Wine with Us” (www.makewinewithus.com), for a wine tasting. **no wine purchase

will be possible, it will be strictly tasting. However, you are welcome to bring your own wine (no other type of alcohol permitted).

B.Y.O.B

Tables of 8 may be reserved, only when paid in full on one order form (all at one time).

Tables will be assigned on a first come, first serve basis. Those with parties of less than

8 will be seated with other participants.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Name: _______________________ Phone: _______________

Number of adults attending: _______________

Total Due: $__________

Checks can be made payable to: Saint Christopher Church Questions?? Feel free to contact the rectory at 973-539-7050 between 10:00 am / 4:00 pm daily or email Jean at jekev3@yahoo.com

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Saint Mary’s Preparatory School 100 US-46

Denville, NJ 07834

973-627-2606

Why Private Schools Do Well Parents are often unaware of the significant advantages offered by Private schools

We’ve all seen the barrage of headlines. Low test scores. Declining graduation rates. Drugs, bullying

and fighting. It can all be a little disheartening. But for the children attending Religious schools the future

could not be brighter. Their parents have chosen to put them in these schools for some not-so-obvious

reasons. It is handy shorthand to think parents want a religious Catholic education for their children, but

that is seldom true. When you dig deeper, you discover they want something they associate with religious

living: a strong moral center, a feeling of personal worth, character, integrity, compassion and caring for

others. Many parents look at the teachers at religious schools as partners, trusting they are teaching the

same values in school as they teach at home.

Religious schools focus on instilling character so students make the right choices, no matter what their

friends or others might say. They provide the freedom to explore aspects of the world not found in state-

mandated lesson plans; they incorporate spirituality into every aspect of the curriculum; and their

teachers and leaders are held to a higher standard of professionalism, morals and ethics, both in and out

of the classroom.

An Academic Edge But what about academic performance in religious schools? Here is where the story shocks nearly

everyone

Nearly all religious elementary and middle schools have some variation of preschool for three- and four-

year-old. This is not daycare—this is preschool, where children first learn “how to learn” and form

positive attitudes toward school. It is also likely to be the school where they will spend the next eight or

nine years, and where a cohort of young mothers will form a lasting, supportive social network. This

“family” support is one of the real strengths of Catholic education. By the time Religious school students

reach the fourth grade, they are often a grade or two ahead of their public school counterparts, with such

a significant lead that other schools find it difficult to catch up. According to the U.S. Department of

Education, Religious school students consistently score higher on advanced achievement tests, and by

eighth grade, they outscore their public school counterparts in mathematics.

Parents often ask “Can I afford to send my child to a Religious school?” My response is always the same: “Can you

afford not to?” All parents want what is best for their children, and are willing to sacrifice to provide the

best opportunities for their family. Quite often, young parents are unaware of the significant advantages

offered by religious Catholic schools. However, a tour of a religious school classroom promises a

fulfilling experience: Smartboards and computers. Small class sizes with exceptional teachers who

provide individual attention. Solid, often superior academics. Discipline and a sound spirituality. A place

where teachers are expected to teach and students are expected to learn.

Visit St. Mary’s Prep Our door is always open!

Stop by SMP for a tour and information session.

Meet our students, faculty, tour our classrooms, and learn about SMP.

OPEN HOUSE

March 13, 2019 (Wednesday)

9:00AM – 11:00AM

5:00PM – 7:00PM