February 28, 2016 . 3rd Sunday in Lent

Pastoral Associate for

Elementary Catechetics:

Tracey Hann

School Principal:

Ms. Joan Ferraer

DIRECTOR OF LITURGICAL

MUSIC MINISTRIES:

Nancy A. Cardone

Assistant Liturgical

Music MinisterS:

Kimberley Mesiti

Pastoral Associate for Family

& Adult Formation Ministries:

Robert P. Miller

Coordinator of Youth Ministry:

Mr. Timothy Dennin

FINANCE CHAIRMEN:Peter Maulbeck, Finance Council

Patrick DeCotiis, Finance Committee

St. Thomas the ApostleRoman Catholic Church

Rectory/Parish Center: (973) 338-9190 . Fax: (973) 338-4224 . Religious Education: (973) 338-7400School: (973) 338-8505 . Convent: (973) 338-9118

Address: 60 Byrd Avenue, Bloomfi eld, NJ 07003 . Website: www.stachurchbloomfi eld.comFacebook: Saint Thomas the Apostle Church Twitter: @stachurchnj

Eucharistic Liturgy

Saturday Eve: 5:00pm

Sundays: 7:30, 9:00, 10:30am & 12:00 Noon

Weekdays: 7:30, & 11:30am

Saturday Mornings: 8:30am Only

Holy Days:7:30, 11:30am & 7:30pm

Holidays: 8:30am Only

Sacrament of Reconciliation:(Penance/Confessions)

Saturday: 11:00am

Marian Devotions:

MondaysNovena Prayer 11:30am Mass

Liturgy of the Word

With Children:Sundays: 10:30am Mass

September - June

Catholic Community

ServicesOffering Social

Service Assistance1(800) CCS-7413

Fax: 596-3735

Rev. Charles J. Miller, M. Div., PastorParochial Vicar: Rev. Antonio T. Sarento, M.Div. In Residence: Rev. John F. Gordon, M.Div., V.F.

PERMANENT DEACONS:Deacon Albert H. Tizzano • Deacon Thomas J. Coyle • Deacon Brian J. Murphy

Deacon Dennis J. Besida, Retired

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Third Sunday of Lent February 28, 2016

Masses for the Week

Sunday, February 28 Sunday, February 28 7:30 am William Mandra, Jr. – Family 9:00 am Anthony Meola, Jr. – Family 10:30 am Wilbur Lauer – Friend 12:00 pm For The People

Monday, February 29 7:30 am Maria Dia Sciara – Family 11:30 am Maria De Benedetto – Friend

Tuesday, March 1 7:30 am Cari Brown – Family 11:30 am Kathleen & Paddy Black – Family

Wednesday, March 2 7:30 am Rose Mazzarella – Family 11:30 am Vincent & Ginnie Ricigliano – Family

Thursday, March 3 7:30 am Gerald Klufas – Friend 11:30 am Lois Lang – Friend

Friday, March 4 7:30 am James Robert Oleck – Family 11:30 am Angelo Pezzino – Friend

Saturday, March 5 8:30 am Anthony Patarino – Niece

Sunday, March 6 Saturday, March 5 5:00 pm For The People

Sunday, March 6 7:30 am Alexa Burzinski – Family 9:00 am Dennis Chapman – Friend 10:30 am Kathleen Farley – Friend 12:00 pm Joseph G. Martini – Family

PRAY FOR OUR SICK

Kiran Fernando, Dawn Alfano, Judy Gonzales

CANDLE INTENTIONS

Church: Ann Personette Convent: Dolores Porter

Moses was in exile because he murdered an Egyptian who abused a Hebrew slave. When he meets God in a burning bush, God asks this murderer to lead the people. Talk about mercy and a mercy that is constant, for God is “I am who am,” that is, constant being. That ever-living God took flesh in Jesus. The parable about the fig tree is a statement about God’s desire to save us. Through Jesus the ever-living God cultivates us and fertilizes us with mercy. When we repent, we reorient our lives to live Jesus’ values and teachings. The same God who asked a murderer to lead the Israelites forgives and empowers us to bear fruit. Talk about mercy! The Corinthians thought they were better than anyone else. But they were sinners like everyone else. Paul advises them to learn from their ancestors who complained in the desert; many of them were saved, though not all. Some chose not to repent. Paul is the gardener who offers the Corinthians another chance to know God as kind and merciful.

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The main source of operating funds for St. Thomas is our weekly / holyday offertory collections. The information below will show where the Parish is as of February 14, 2016 compared to the budget amount for the year. The break even date is June 30, 2016. The amount needed each week is $17,656 and the amount collected last weekend

was $14,679.

Budget Amount Year to Date Remaining Amount $900,500 $563,398 $337,102

The year to date amount is negative by $19,250 as of week number 33 in our budget year.

2016 LENTEN REGULATIONS 1. The days of Fast and Abstinence during Lent are Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. If possible, the fast on Good Friday continues until the Easter Vigil (on Holy Saturday night) as the "paschal fast" to honor the suffering and death of the Lord Jesus, to prepare ourselves to share more fully and to celebrate more readily His Resurrection. The other Fridays of Lent are days of Abstinence.

2. On a day of Fast, only one (1) full meal is permitted, and two (2) smaller meals, which, if added together, would not exceed the main meal in quantity. Those between the ages of 18 and 59 are obliged to fast.

3. On a day of Abstinence, no meat may be eaten. Those who have reached the age of 14 are obliged by the law of abstinence.

4. The obligation to observe the laws of Abstinence and Fast "substantially", or as a whole, is a serious one.

5. Fridays of the year, outside of Lent, are days designated for penance, but each individual may substitute the traditional abstinence from meat with the practice of voluntary self-denial as penance.

6. Time for fulfilling the Paschal Precept (Easter Duty*) extends from the First Sunday of Lent, February 14th to The Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity, May 22nd.

*Canon 920, §1. All the faithful, after they have been initiated into the Most Holy Eucharist, are bound by the obligation of receiving Communion at least once a year.

Men’s Scripture Reading and Reflection Men - want to do something for Lent? All men are invited Monday, March 7 at 7:30pm in St. James room for Men’s Scripture Reading and Reflection. We will do the readings for the next Sunday and discuss some of what was going on at that time. Come! Share the extraordinary Word of God with ordinary men and together we can learn more about our beautiful Catholic faith.

2016 CALENDAR RAFFLE WINNERS\

Week 3

75 Ronald Burgers Little Falls 150 Henry L. DeFrance Bloomfield 75 Susan Mattingly Bloomfield 50 Rekesha Anderson West Orange 100 Karen Burgers Woodland Park 200 Magdalena Psyklo Bloomfield

Confirmation Meetings for Parents of 2016 Confirmation Candidates

After all Masses: In Parish Center February 27th & 28th

2017 MASS BOOK OPENING

Tues., March 29th from 9:30am -1pm in the parish center.

Masses from January through December of 2017 will be scheduled. We will be taking intentions for 7:30 and 11:30 a.m.

daily masses and weekend Masses. We ask that you please limit the number of Masses you reserve. For this reason we are limiting Mass reservations on opening day to a maximum of two weekend Masses or four weekday Masses. For example, one can reserve four weekday Masses or two weekday and two weekend Masses. Perhaps a birthday or anniversary might be an initial date–thus giving all Parishioners the opportunity to reserve the dates and times they may wish. Another way to remember your deceased loved ones would be to make donations to our Memorial Fund. The Memorial Fund allows us to purchase needed Vestments, Altar Linens, Vessels, etc. to be used at the celebration of Mass. Also available are Sanctuary Offerings which include the Sanctuary Candles in Church, the Rectory and the Convent. They burn weekly in memory of your loved ones as well as for special intentions: birthdays, anniversaries, improved health, etc. Cards are available announcing your donation to both the Memorial Fund and the Sanctuary Candles.

Archdiocese of Newark Anniversary Masses

It is an annual tradition to honor the couples in the Archdiocese who are celebrating five, twenty-five, fifty or more years of marriage. These liturgies are celebrated by Archbishop John J. Myers held at the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Newark.

• Sunday, May 1 - 50 years (All Counties) • Sunday, April 24 - 5 and 25 years (All Counties)

All Masses will be celebrated at 3:00 p.m. To register, call the Parish Center, 973-338-9190

STEWARDSHIP OF TREASURE

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FREE INCOME TAX PREPARATION THE HOLY NAME SOCIETY CONTINUES TO PROVIDE FREE FEDERAL AND NJ STATE INCOME TAX PREPARATION FOR SENIORS AND DISABLED MEMBERS OF ST. THOMAS THE APOSTLE PARISH. TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR THIS SERVICE, YOU MUST BE A REGISTERED MEMBER OF ST. THOMAS, AT LEAST 62 YEARS OF AGE OR DISABLED, NOT ACTIVELY EMPLOYED AND REQUIRE NO MORE FORMS AND SCHEDULES THAN THOSE LISTED BELOW. INCOME TAX RETURNS WILL BE PREPARED BY EXPERIENCED TAX PREPARERS WHO ARE ACTIVE MEMBERS OF THE HOLY NAME SOCIETY, VOLUNTEERING THEIR TIME AND TALENT IN THE SPIRIT OF STEWARDSHIP. INCOME TAX RETURNS WILL BE LIMITED TO THE FOLLOWING FORMS AND SCHEDULES AND EXCLUDES ANY RETURNS INVOLVING THE AFFORDABLE CARE ACT;

FEDERAL FORMS 1040, 1040A, 1040EZ FEDERAL SCHEDULES A, B, D, AND R.

NJ STATE FORMS 1040NJ & SCHEDULE B THE TAX PREPARATION PROCESS FOR EACH INDIVIDUAL OR MARRIED COUPLE WILL INCLUDE AN INTERVIEW, REVIEW OF YOUR 2014 TAX RETURN AND TURNOVER OF YOUR TAX DOCUMENTS (1099’S). COMPLETED FORMS WILL BE READY IN ABOUT A WEEK.

TAX PREPARERS WILL BE AVAILABLE IN THE PARISH CENTER EVERY FRIDAY (EXCEPT GOOD FRIDAY):

10 AM TO NOON THROUGH APRIL 15TH . NO APPOINTMENT NECESSARY! ELEVATOR SERVICE WILL BE ON

St. Thomas Youth Group & UNICO Aces Celebration of St. Joseph Day

Traditional Sicilian Altar

SUNDAY MARCH 13, 1PM HERRON HALL

Festivities will commence with a noon mass at St. Thomas. A luncheon prepared by our chefs will follow at Herron Hall comprised of various pasta, dishes, other delicious foods and St. Joseph Zeppole. This event is funded by an ad book and donations. The proceeds collected are distributed that day to the sick, needy, scholarships, local and National charities. Some of the recipients are St. Thomas Youth Group, Jimmy V Foundation for Cancer, Tomorrow’s Children, Unico Scholarship programs, Circle of Friends for Downs Syndrome, and other deserving organizations. There is no fee for the luncheon however a donation would be gratefully appreciated. You must experience the St. Joseph Altar that is perfected by our dedicated volunteers. That in itself is a highlight of the celebration.

Finally, if you are interested in attending, kindly contact Paul Alongi, 973-338-4665, or the Parish Center, 973-338-9190. Reservations are required.

Annual Fish & Chips Dinner Catered by Argyle Restaurant

Friday, March 11th 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Doors open at 5:45 p.m.

Herron Hall Adults: $15.00 Children: $10.00

Dessert & Beverages Included Bring Your Own Beer or Wine

RESERVATIONS DUE BY MARCH 6th Please No Walk-Ins

Questions, please contact: Judy Nitkowski 973-338-1974 Valerie Jones 973-707-7092

Reservation Form

For Tables of 5-8, please submit reservations and payment

under one name. All other reservations will be open seating.

Name:___________________________ Phone :__________________________ Total Number at Table: __________ Check One: ___Eat In ___Take Out # of Each Entree __Adult Baked Salmon @ $15.00 = _______ __Adult Fried Fish @ $15.00 = _______ __Child Baked Salmon @ $10.00 = ______ __Child Fried Fish @ $10.00 = ______ Total Enclosed: $__________ (Checks made payable to Rosary Society)

The St. Thomas Rosary Society, in partnership with the Stewardship Office of the

Archdiocese of Newark, is collecting new/gently used dresses, veils, suits, shirts, and ties for the

First Communion Clothes Collection February 20 – March 25

Items may be dropped off at the Parish Center and will be distributed to families in need.

Monetary donations dropped in the collection basket or delivered to the Parish Center--made out to the

St. Thomas Rosary Society & indicating that it is for First Communion outfits are also appreciated.

Questions? Call: Judy Nitkowski at 973-338-1974.

We ask that all clothing be clean and stain-free. Thank You!

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All are Invited to Pray the Rosary

The Rosary Society will meet at the church to pray the Rosary 7 pm on the following days:

March 7, April 4 May 2, June 6

Meetings follow in the Parish Center

Communion of Reparation Vigil

MARCH 4 - 5

FIRST FRIDAY 7:30 PM Station of the Cross 8:00 Holy Mass (Most Sacred Heart of Jesus) Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament Consecration to the Two Hearts 8:45 Holy Rosary (Sorrowful Mysteries) 9:15 Divine Offices of the Sacred Heart of Jesus 10:45 Silent Adoration (Coffee Break at Parish Hall) 11:15 Chaplet to God our Heavenly Father 11:30 Prayer for Priests 11:45 Chaplet of Divine Mercy

FIRST SATURDAY 12:00 AM Office of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Benediction/Reposition 12:30 Holy Mass (Immaculate Heart of Mary)

Questions? Contact the Parish Office at 973-338-9190 or Ramon & Zeny Campomanes at 973-748-4854

Confirmation Meetings for Parents of 2016 Confirmation Candidates

After all Masses: In Parish Center February 20th & 21st February 27th & 28th

Bunny Breakfast 2016 Saturday March 19, 2016 9:30 a.m. ● Herron Hall

Adults: $12.00 Children: $6.00 Children 3yr. and under are Free

Hot Breakfast from Hot Bagels Abroad DJ, raffles & fun for children of all ages!!! Bring your own camera for pictures with

the Easter Bunny *Reservations due no later than

Monday, March 14* Complete the form below along with your

payment, cash or check payable to: STA Home and School Association.

(Place in an envelope marked STA Office – Bunny Breakfast)

Have a question? Contact a Chair Person.. Christine Licciardello #973-303-2112 Clara Quesada-Llopez #973-704-9311 Ruth Wong #917-300-8169 ************************************************

Bunny Breakfast Reservation Form Name: _________________ Phone:_______________ Email:____________________________________ Child’s Name: ____________________ Grade:________

#of Adults ___ #of Children ____ #of Children 3 & under ____

Total Amount Enclosed: $___________ Please seat me with: ___________________________

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JOHN P. MCDERMOTTATTORNEY AT LAW

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J.Q. Automotive

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Computer Diagnostic SpecialistsEmission Repair Facility • Brake Service

Exhaust Systems • Front End RepairsElectrical Repairs • Transmission Service

Air Conditioning Service

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Dentistry for Children, P.A.

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Philip Wasserman, DDSRobert E. Spiegel, DMDJulia Ringler, DMD

Gilda Duarte, DDS

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Buying • Selling • Renting

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Sat.: 8AM-1PM

New & Used Car SalesMon.-Thurs.: 9AM-8PM

Fri.: 9AM-6PM • Sat.: 9AM-5PM

A.A. SANTANGELOPlumbing & Heating NO JOB TOO SMALL

973-235-1839Parishioner NJ Lic#6523

N.J. Lic. No. 3067307-309 Broad Street, Bloomfield, NJ

MARIO’S FAMOUS PIZZERIA RESTAURANT 2 LARGE PLAIN PIES $2500 ONLY MON & TUES

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Joseph Perrone ~Joseph Perrone ~ Parishioner Parishioner Free Estimates and Fully Insured Free Estimates and Fully Insured

PERRONE CONSTRUCTIONMASON & GENERAL CONTRACTORS

973-759-4643Stucco Specialist • Brick/Stone • Sidewalks • PatiosStucco Specialist • Brick/Stone • Sidewalks • PatiosWaterproofi ng • Steps • Driveway • Retaining WallsWaterproofi ng • Steps • Driveway • Retaining Walls

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Garner Bros.Plumbing and Heating

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Serving the St. Thomas Community since 1963WWW.BROOKDALEFH.COM

Oil Tank RemovalSoil RemediationLSRP Services

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WEEKLY & BI-WEEKLY GRASS CUTS STARTING AT $25SENIOR CITIZEN DISCOUNT• Fall & Spring Clean-ups• Lawn Maintenance• Shrub Pruning • Mulching• Brush Removal • TopsoilMichael Wallis, Owner Former St. Th omas Student973-632-0337

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