saint elizabeth ann seton roman catholic...
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Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Roman Catholic Church
105 Summer Road + Three Bridges, NJ 08887
Phone: 908-782-1475 + Fax: 908-782-6230
Parish Website: www.easeton.net
Diocese of Metuchen website: www.diometuchen.org
Parish Office Hours Monday-Thursday: 9:00 am-4:00 pm
Friday: Closed Parish email: [email protected]
Religious Formation Office 908-284-2929 Monday-Thursday: 9:00 am-2:00 pm
Friday: Closed Religious Formation email: [email protected]
Rev. Thomas J. Serafin, Pastor
Rev. Edward A. Kearns, Pastor Emeritus
Paul J. Santella, Deacon
Michael S. Tomcho, Deacon
Kevin M. Kilcommons, Deacon
Mariam Nawab, Parish Catechetical Leader
Diane Luceri, Director of RCIA & AFF
Brett Walzer, Director of Sacred Music
Jackie Ferrari, Parish Administrative Assistant
Ruth Pryor, Baptisms/Parish Office
Judy Ashcraft, Confirmation Preparation
Gina Perez, Religious Formation Administrative Assistant
Suzanne Wooby, Teen Ministry
James Letchford, Claire Long, Lay Trustees
Regular Weekend Mass Schedule
Saturday: 5:00 pm Sunday: 8:00 am - 9:30 am - 11:30 am
Children’s Liturgy of the Word for Pre-K through Grade 4 at all Weekend Masses
Daily Mass
Monday-Friday: Mass - 9:00 am
Reconciliation [Penance/Confession]
Saturday: 4:00 pm or by appointment
Parish Registration
All adult members must be registered to obtain sacramental eligibility notes, letters of recommendation, etc. Contact the Parish Office or visit our website for registration materials.
Marriage Preparation
Common Policy for New Jersey Catholic churches requires couples to contact the parish one year before the potential wedding date or making any wedding plans.
Infant Baptism
Expectant parents should register for the required formation session before birth or adoption and to receive our parish policy, ritual explanation and sponsor [godparent] requirement booklet.
Grade 1-7: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday: 4:45-6:00 pm
Tuesday: 6:30-7:45 pm Confirmation Prep (Gr. 8): Monday: 7:00-8:30 pm
Breakfast with Santa was last Sunday. One boy gets his chance to tell Santa exactly what he wants for Christmas while the rest of his family poses for a photo!
Even Santa’s kitchen helpers took a moment to enjoy a warm breakfast! Thank you to all who helped make this a fun event for our families!
Second Sunday of Advent
December 10, 2017
From the Pastor
2nd Sunday of Advent - B
December 10, 2017
Votive Masses are not
usually celebrated in what we call ‘privileged time’ which is every day in Advent and Christmastime,
Lent and Eastertime, and on all Solemnities, Feasts and Obligatory Memorials. However, there are exceptions to this rule, as when we want to honor our Blessed Mother, so the Roman Missal provides orations we call ‘Commons’ or generic prayers, some of which
highlight a certain theme. This weekend, between two Marian Feasts: the Immaculate Conception and Our Lady of Guadalupe, I’ll reflect on the ‘Common’ orations for use during Advent. For who else can better help us
understand Advent: a time of joyful expectation, patient waiting, and hope-filled worry, than she who literally lived these things for nine months: our Blessed Mother?
Collect - Common of the BVM in Advent
O God, who willed that at the message of an Angel your Word should take flesh in the womb of the Blessed Virgin Mary,
grant that we, who pray to you and believe her to be truly the Mother of God, may be helped by her interceding before you.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ … and ever. Amen.
TO BE PREGNANT WITH JESUS. While only
our Blessed Mother knows what it is like to literally carry the unborn Christ in her womb, Jesus said, “My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and act on it.” [Luke 8:21] So, to be ‘His Mother’ and bring Him
to birth, we must do what all pregnant women should do: we must prepare ourselves to receive Jesus, nurture Him, and enable Him to come to birth through us. We must better understand how God wants to work now in us - by knowing
how He worked through others in the past. We presume our Blessed Mother knew the Scriptures, and was attuned to how God worked in the past. With her family, she celebrated the Jewish rituals that made their faith come alive,
so she was well prepared to act on her faith when God invited her to do so. We who wish to bring Christ to birth must strive to follow Our Lady’s example.
Prayer over the Offerings - BVM in Advent
Accept, O Lord, these offerings, and by your power change them into the Sacrament of
salvation, in which, fulfilling the sacrifices of the Fathers, is offered the true Lamb, Jesus Christ
your Son, born of the ever-Virgin Mary in a way beyond all telling.
Who lives and reigns for ever and ever. Amen.
WHO ARE ‘THE FATHERS?’ The Church uses
the term ‘The Fathers’ to designate special groups of men who played key roles in the
development of our Faith. The Council Fathers were the Bishops who had major input at the 1960’s Second Vatican Council. The Apostolic Fathers were Bishops who personally knew the Apostles. From AD 100 to 800, the Patristic Fathers formed the Creed and other dogmas.
But the Fathers referenced in this oration are
those who, in Old Testament times, entered into covenants with God that were sealed with a sacrifice. Among them are Father Abraham, as Jesus calls him in a parable, who was tested by being asked to sacrifice his son, Isaac. The more
we understand the sacrifices the Fathers of old made, the more the greatest sacrifice of all: God’s sacrifice of His Only Begotten Son, means to us. We presume our Blessed Mother’s knowledge of these sacrifices helped her accept
her Son’s self-sacrifice as she stood beneath His Cross.
Prayer after Communion - BVM in Advent
May the mysteries we have received, O Lord our God, always show forth your mercy in us,
that we, who commemorate in faith the Mother of your Son, may be saved by his Incarnation.
Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
WILL YOU CELEBRATE THE INCARNATION? While Christmas means many things, it is, above all, the mystery of the Incarnation: God became a man, born of a Virgin, who totally gave herself to the Lord to make God’s plan a reality. How can we give of ourselves so God’s plan to save the world through Christ becomes a greater
reality through us? Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us!
In His holy Name,
Rev. Thomas J. Serafin, KHS
Mass Intentions
Saturday 9:00 am George & Edna Koch r/o: Diane & Tom Luceri 5:00 pm Vigil: Second Sunday of Advent Walter Kaczorek r/o: Geri & Joe Kaczorek
Sunday Second Sunday of Advent 8:00 am Katherine Pallay r/o: John & Maureen Lybarger 9:30 am Anthony Blunda r/o: Terry & Ron 11:30 am Leon Watts r/o: Helen & Pete Thornton
Monday 9:00 am John & Patrenella Kawiecki r/o: Gertrude Neis
Tuesday Our Lady of Guadalupe 9:00 am Charles Padalick r/o: Charles P. Padalick & family
Wednesday Saint Lucy 9:00 am Donna Thurston r/o: Teresa Walten
Thursday Saint John of the Cross 9:00 am Anthony Ratkewicz r/o: Pete & Helen Thornton
Friday 9:00 am Patricia Schroer r/o: Anne Squadrito
Saturday Vigil: Third Sunday of Advent 5:00 pm George & Edna Koch r/o: Ed Koch
Sunday Third Sunday of Advent 8:00 am Theresa Kachinsky r/o: Kathleen Genovese 9:30 am Ruth Bertrand r/o: Bill & Lisa Weber 11:30 am Margaret Schoener r/o: the Suarez’s, Sena’s, Thomason’s
The Bread and Wine will be offered this week in memory of Arleen Mulhearn
as requested by the Mulhearn family.
Please Save the Date … Help is Needed
On Sunday, December 17 the church will be decorated for Christmas following the 11:30 AM Mass. Lots of hands are needed! Please call the Parish Office if you are able to help. Thank you!
Wear Pink Next Sunday Believe it or not, next Sunday we will be more
than halfway through the Advent Season. Wear PINK to Mass to celebrate Gaudete [Rejoicing] Sunday!
Our Parish Prayers
“For everything there is a season and a time for every purpose under heaven …”
a time to be born …
a time to heal … We pray for all the sick of our parish and especially for:
Raylan Acker
Sharon Boehmer Carolyn Bryant James Bryant George Cavanaugh Thomas Concannon Kelly Haine Annie Hillegas Josephine Knobloch
Dave Kreutzer
Taylor Martins Bob Mykulak Patricia New Kristen Renda Christine Rivera William Stypa Paul Urban George Walker
Names will remain on our list for three months, unless we are notified to keep them on the list.
a time to die … Leon Watts, Angela Schmitt
Advent Evening Prayer - Tonight at 6:30 PM!
Last weekend we began Advent with Evening Prayer. Are you looking to prepare for Christmas
in a more spiritual way? Join us tonight [12/10]
when Deacon Mike will lead Evening Prayer in the church at 6:30 PM. A reflection will be given emphasizing one aspect of Advent. Let us
journey together toward the birth of Jesus Christ.
Parish Penance Service
SEAS Advent Penance
Service will be on Wednesday, December 20 at 7:30 PM. Several priests will be available to hear confessions at this service.
Confirmation Candidate’s
Advent Penance Service on the same day will begin at 6:30 PM.
Hospitality Next Sunday
Our Hospitality Ministry will serve coffee, tea, juice, baked goods, etc.
next Sunday after the 8:00 & 9:30 AM Sunday Masses.
Please stop by the Parish Hall to share hospitality with your fellow parishioners on this
Rejoicing Sunday!
Parish Ministry Contacts
To join a ministry, please contact the ministry head. A complete
list of ministries can be found on our website: www.easeton.net. Adult Choir/Cantors ............ Brett Walzer ~ 782-1475 x1120 Adult Faith Form. & RCIA ..Diane Luceri ~ 782-1475 x1114 Altar Servers ...................................... Sarah Wooby ~ 369-6390 Baptismal Prep ................... Anne & Brian Moore ~ 534-2136 Cancer Support Group .............. Andrew Casella ~ 782-1475 Children’s Liturgy (CLOW) ............ Kelly Robison ~ 284-2234
Pre-Employment Group ................. Deacon Mike ~ 400-3036 EM of Holy Communion/Homebound/Hospital ..................... Carol Altomare ~ 292-8085 Fatima Rosary ....................................... Shirley Frey ~ 806-4889 Knights of Columbus .............................. Joe Lang ~ 304-2096 Lazarus Ministry ................................... Parish Office - 782-1475 Linens Ministry ................................... Parish Office ~ 782-1475 Liturgical Environ. .... Steven & Stephany Heller ~ 217-8008 Men’s Club ............................. Deacon Paul ~ 782-1475 x1113 Military Outreach ...................... Chris McPherson ~ 246-5114 Prayer Shawls ................................. Judy Herdman ~ 782-7973 Pat Rivero ~ 806-7890 Readers ............................................. Ann McCrystal ~ 797-4070 Georgann Scibilia ~ 782-6625 Religious Formation Main Line ................................... 284-2929 P.C.L. ............................... Mariam Nawab ~ 284-2929 x1123 Confirmation Prep ........ Judy Ashcraft ~ 284-2929 x1124 RF Administrative Assistant ........... Gina Perez ~ 284-2929
Safe Environment Background Coordinator ........................ Helen Schuler ~ 369-6618 Summer RF .......................................... Gina Perez ~ 284-2929 Mary McLoughlin ~ 917-747-3270 Respect for Life ....................... Linda Williams ~ 609-955-0517 Sacristans ......................................Laurie Markowski ~328-2813 Pat Rivero ~ 806-7890 Teen Ministry ................. Suzanne Wooby ~ 284-2929 x1121 Usher/Minister of Hospitality ............ Bob Caron ~ 236-6492 Wedding Coordinator ................... Geri Kaczorek ~ 369-3712 Women’s Spirituality ............. Loraine Richmond ~ 725-2502
Last Weekend’s Collection December 3 $15,743.00 Retired Religious $5,344.25
Thank you!
SEAS Mortgage Information
Mortgage (5/1/2015) $ 1,865,560.60 As of November 1, 2017:
Current Balance $ 1,342,572.71 Principal Paid $ 522,987.88 Total Interest Paid (est.) $ 257,541.67 Monthly Payment $ 12,406.89
Christmas Flowers/Decorations
Donations for Christmas
flowers and decorations has begun. If you would like your
remembrance to be included
in the special bulletin insert,
either of the envelopes must be returned to the Parish
Office prior to Monday, December 18.
Ministers of the Liturgy
The following Liturgical Ministers will serve at next weekend’s Masses: December 16 & 17
5:00 PM Sacristan: Fran Riccardi; EMs: Alyson Graziano, Patrick Graziano, JoAnne Farley, Cindy Campbell, Floyd Campbell, Linda Augustine, Karen Geddis, Jerry Cadwallader; Readers: Jim McQuade, Jeff Calo; Altar Servers: Michael Cadwallader, Abigail Perry, Kylie Hampton, Brennan Hampton; CLOW: Gillian Pinter, Christine Brickley
8:00 AM Sacristan: Fran McAfee; EMs: Fran McAfee, Pauline Martino, David Madovoy, Fred Fischl, Florence Dzwonczyk, Steve Dzwonczyk, Wendy VanDine, Patricia Sheeto; Readers: Louis Ambio, Kathleen Rutar; Altar Servers: Logan VanDine, Michael Saus, Jake Saus, Lukas VanDine; CLOW: Pamela Saus
9:30 AM Sacristan: Kathy & Walter Urban; EMs: Elizabeth Bonsignore, Kathy Cebulka, Mary Cuccio, Frank Catanzareti, Diane Buckland, Tim Connolly, Linda Williams, Dorothy Scarpa; Readers: Gabe Sasso, Rich Kilpatrick; Altar Servers: Sophia Smola, Aileen Wilson, Gianna Uvari, Jack Robison; CLOW: Kim Mulligan, Christine Della Penna, Melissa Kingsland
11:30 AM Sacristan: Debbie Mehl; EMs: Tom Boelter, Barbara Boelter, Paola Kornspan, Terry Walten, Bob Caron, Linda Klug, Laurie Markowski, Kathy Miller; Readers: Joan Drake, Mike Schuler; Altar Servers: Leah Kenny, Lauren Kenny, Regan Kenny, Ryan Manhardt; CLOW: Theresa Catanzareti, Christina Serafin
Evening of January 13, 2018
‘WinterFest’ at SEAS
Adult Post-Christmas Party
We need helpful hands for this parish event.
If interested, please contact Pauline Martino ([email protected]) or
Mary Frain ([email protected])
Religious Formation
Month of December Celebrate the season of
Hope, Love, Joy, and Peace!
The Second Week of Advent
Five Ways to celebrate the call to
Family, community, and Participation: 1. Thank God every day in prayer for
the gift of your family. 2. Help out at home. Each family
member has a responsibility for the
well-being of the household. 3. Write a thank-you note for what
your parent(s) does for you. 4. If you have siblings, help them
with homework and other tasks around the house.
5. Get involved with volunteer
opportunities in your community.
Our Role Model in Faith: St. Joseph
HAPPY ADVENT 2017!
Mariam Nawab PCL SEAS-Three Bridges, NJ
(908) 284-2929 x1123
“Children are a gift from the Lord.” PS 127:3
Religious Formation Office
Please contact Mariam Nawab, Parish Catechetical Leader at 908-284-2929 x1123 or
[email protected] for any RF concerns.
Thank You!
The celebration of the Sacrament of FP (Reconciliation) is a vital part of life in the parish community. We express our sincere thanks to our FP/FHC Coordinators, Catechists, Parents,
and to you all for your help in making this a special occasion. With grateful hearts, we thank you.
Mariam Nawab PCL
Epiphany Pageant
January 6, 2018
Sign Up Now! Forms can be found in the narthex after Mass.
Rehearsals: January 2 - 6:00-8:00 pm January 3 - 6:00-8:00 pm
Religious Formation Upcoming Events December 2017
Dec. 9, 10 FHC Prep - Gold Book Lesson #5 Handout at Sign In Dec. 9, 10 Confirmation Prep - Rite of Recognition-2 - 5:00 or 11:30 Mass Dec. 18,19,20 Grades K-7 - Class Christmas
Presentations during RF Class. Parents encouraged to attend. Dec. 23, 24 FHC Prep - NO Sign In Dec. 23, 24 NO CLOW Dec. 25-27 NO RF Classes
Dec. 30, 31 FHC Prep - NO Sign In Dec. 30, 31 NO CLOW Jan. 1 NO RF Classes
Summer Religious Formation (SRF) Upcoming Events 2017-2018
Children who attended SRF 2017 must complete 6 event points as listed in your event calendar. At least 3 Mass events and at least 1
Reflection event must be completed. The remaining 2 points will be taken from 2 events of your choice OR a special ministry.
****** Mass Events ****** Offered Sat., 4-6pm & Sun., 10:30am-12:30pm
Registration required for all Mass events! Family Life January 20 & 21 Lent & Reconciliation February 24 & 25
****** Reflection Events ****** Reflection form serves as attendance
Epiphany Pageant Jan 6 - 6 pm (attendee) Anointing of the Sick Feb. 10 - 2:00 pm (Gr. 6 & 7 ONLY)
Adult Faith Formation
For information about any of our Adult Faith Formation Programs, please contact:
Adult Faith Formation Director: Diane Luceri 908-782-1475 X 1114 or [email protected]
Wisdom, God’s Vision for Life Wednesdays, January 10 - March 7, 2018
9:30-11:15 am OR 7:30-9:15 pm If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives to all men generously and without reproaching, and it will be given him.”
[James 1:5]
Could you use more wisdom in your decision-making? Do you ever wonder how to grow in wisdom? You may not realize that Scripture offers us wisdom that actually relates to our daily lives. Through the wisdom literature of the Bible, God shows us how to walk in his vision for our happiness and well-being. The wisdom literature - Proverbs, Wisdom, Sirach, and Ecclesiastes - shows us that God has showered us in livable wisdom. In this bible study you will come to a better understanding of God’s wisdom and how to apply it to your life. Materials Required: study journal, New American Bible, Catechism of the Catholic Church Sign up and order the study journal online at:
www.evangelization.com. If you would like more
information or for a direct link to our program,
please contact Diane Luceri. You may register
directly with Diane - the cost is $25 - please register
by December 18 in order to receive your materials
on time.
Echoes of Faith Plus
Tuesdays, 7:00-9:00 pm
In these sessions the basic teachings of the Catholic
Faith are presented in a way that is easy to
understand. No home study or materials are
required, and each topic is independent of the
others. For catechists, these sessions count towards
diocesan certification. **Registration is required -
please contact Diane Luceri if you would like to
attend any of these sessions.
Echoes of Faith Topics to be covered in January:
The Creed Part 1 & 2: January 9 & 16
Prayer & Spirituality: January 23
Have you signed up yet for FORMED? This online format will allow you to access numerous Catholic talks, movies, books and programs including some of the programs we are running here at SEAS! To sign up, go to FORMED.org and enter our parish
code: GK2J6P. Check out the many resources for Advent on FORMED!
RCIA: Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults
Please continue to pray for our RCIA candidates, Lauralee Pakozdi, Kim Parisi and Robert Robbins who are currently preparing to receive the Sacraments of Confirmation and First Eucharist at Easter. If you’d like more
information about becoming Catholic or completing your initiation in the Catholic Church, please contact Diane Luceri, at 782-1475 X 1114 or [email protected].
SEAS News
Teen Ministry
Please join The Way this Sunday, December 10! Advent Prayer 6:15 pm SHARP
Pre-Christmas Party - immediately following prayer until 8:00 pm.
HS Teens, please bring a snack or drink to share as we “wrap up” the fall and celebrate our Ministry and our Savior this Advent!
Follow The Way on social media:
@SEASTheWay Seastheway
Past, Present, and Future Adult Choir Members! New Members Are Always Welcome!
Choir sings Christmas Eve-10:00 PM MASS
Adult Christmas Choir Rehearsal Schedule
Thursday, December 14 7:30-9:00 pm Thursday, December 21 7:30-9:00 pm
Giving Tree 2017
Giving Tree gifts are due back by the end of THIS WEEKEND! Do not wrap the gifts, as the staff must check
the items. Attach your tag to the item to facilitate sorting. Thank you for your generosity again this Christmas!
Seton Men’s Club
The next meeting of the Men’s Club will be Thursday, December 14 at 7:30 PM in the Holy Family Room. Please join us!
Christmas Cards on sale in the narthex THIS weekend - December 9/10
Once again the Military Ministry of SEAS will be selling Christmas Cards with photos from our own beloved parish. Three different styles will be offered and sold in packets of 5 cards. All proceeds will continue our support of local
veterans and veteran organizations.
Prayer Shawl Ministry
Our next meeting will be Thursday,
December 14 at 10 AM-12 Noon and 7:00-8:30 PM. ALL are welcome! If you know someone who could use one of our shawls, or for more info, please call Judy Herdman at 908-782-7973.
Women’s Spirituality Group
The next meeting of the Women’s Spirituality Group will be on Thursday, January 4 at 7:30
PM in the Holy Family Room. Please join us!
Are you a Cub Scout in First Holy Communion Preparation?
Now is a great time to earn your Roman Catholic Religious Medal - Light of Christ as the medal program is
similar to our Gold Book. Each Scout purchases the book and works on his own. When the book is complete, it should be delivered to the Parish Office for the appropriate signature along with
a check for $8.50 payable to ‘Diocese of Metuchen’ for the medal. We will order the medal and present it at our Scout Sunday Mass, usually in February. If you have any questions, please contact Jackie in the Parish Office.
Respect Life Ministry
March For Life in Washington, D.C. Friday, January 19, 2018
Bus registration will begin in January. Please email Linda Williams [email protected] if you are interested in going to Washington.
Rally For Life in Trenton, NJ Monday, January 22, 2018
A group from SEAS will be carpooling to the Rally for Life in Trenton on Monday, January 22. Please email Linda Williams if you would like to
join us!
Diocese of Metuchen Office for Persons with Disabilities
will host its 2017 Christmas Party for children and young
adults with disabilities on
Saturday, December 16 - 1:30-3:30 pm St. John Neumann Pastoral Center
146 Metlars Lane, Piscataway
If you or someone you know would like to
participate or for more information, please contact the Office for Persons with Disabilities at 732-765-6432 or e-mail [email protected].
VIRTUS: Protecting God’s Children Read and respond to your monthly bulletins!
Adults actively working with or around children at SEAS must continue reading and responding
to the monthly Virtus training bulletins. If you receive an email notification of account suspension from the diocese, contact Helen Schuler 284-2929 x1125 to be reactivated.
The tour is Sold Out!
Only Standby Registrations
will be accepted. To get on the waitlist, email Mary Frain at
[email protected] or contact EO Tours at 800-247-0017 or eocatholic.com
Tour = HL18 Date = 110618 Code = P ID = 58061 If you registered, but have not received a
confirmation email from Mary, or if you have any other questions, please contact Mary via email.
Knights Korner
Bishop Edward T. Hughes Council 15540 Knights of Columbus in Action
5th Annual Golf Outing at Beaver Brook Country Club
Fall Parish Pancake Breakfast
Parish Blood Drive - 46 pints collected!
Dispersed $8,000 to local charities
Breakfast with Santa Upcoming Events
Annual Christmas Party Social Meeting 12/21
January Parish Pancake Breakfast January 28, 2018
Make a difference in our Parish; make a difference in your Life! Join the Knights of Columbus!
Contact: Deputy Grand Knight - Tim Connolly @
This Week - Second Sunday of Advent
First Reading: Isaiah 40:1-5, 9-11 Isaiah emphasizes that from the desert to the mountains, all people must prepare for “the glory of the Lord to be revealed.” Rather than looking only at God’s power, Isaiah focuses on God’s kindness, comparing it to a shepherd who feeds and cares for his flock.
Second Reading: 2 Peter 3:8-14 For those who are impatient for the Second Coming, Peter explains that time is different to God than to people. He reminds them that they should be grateful for the extra time to prepare, and concentrate on striving to become all that God would want them to be.
Gospel: Mark 1:1-8 In this passage, John the Baptist stressed the importance of the coming of the Messiah. He acknowledged that he was only the messenger, and unfit to “stoop and untie his sandal straps.” John urged them to prepare for one far holier than he, who would walk among them.
©1999 Bon Venture Services, Inc.
Next Week - Third Sunday of Advent
First Reading: Isaiah 61:1-2a, 10-11 Second Reading: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24 Gospel: John 1:6-8, 19-28
Around the Diocese
Slavic Dinner
Wednesday, December 13 - 4:00-7:00 PM
St. Mary Byzantine Catholic Church Slavic Dinner will be held in the St. Mary Parish Center, 1900 Brooks Blvd, Hillsborough. The cost is $15 for adults (ages 9 and up) and $5 for Children (8
and under) and includes all you can eat Pirohi, Stuffed Cabbage, Kielbasa and Sauerkraut, Mashed Potatoes, salad, dessert and beverage. Orders to go are available. For more information contact St. Mary’s at 908-725-0615.
The Orchestra of St. Peter By The Sea Annual Christmas Concerts
Conducted by Rev. Alphonse Stephenson, the orchestra of St. Peter by the Sea will be performing throughout the area during Advent.
Sunday, December 10 - 3:00 PM Immaculate Conception Church, Annandale
Donation: $40; Balcony: $30; Students (21 & under): $25. For info and tickets: 908-735-7319.
Sunday, December 17 - 2:00 PM
Sponsored by St. Ann Parish, Raritan, NJ Concert held at the Somerset County Vocation & Technical School, North Bridge St. & Vogt Dr., Bridgewater. Orchestra $35; Balcony $30. Contact St. Ann’s Office at 908-725-1008 x104.
Christmas Gift Looking for the perfect Christmas gift for your spouse? Why not give yourselves a Marriage
Encounter Weekend?
A Worldwide Marriage Encounter Weekend gives you the time and tools to revitalize romance, deepen communication, and nourish the spirituality in your marriage.
The next Worldwide Marriage Encounter
Weekend will be held January 26 - 28.
Early registration is advisable as space is limited. Phone 732-904-9636 for registration and information. Visit us at: www.aweekendforyourmarriage.org for more
information.
St. Ann School 29 Second Avenue, Raritan, NJ 08869
School Office: 908-725-7787
www.stannparish.com/schoolsite
Visit Mommy & Me 12/12 - from 9:15-10:00 AM
Share in our Early Childhood Experience!
“WELCOME WEDNESDAYS”
Beginning Wednesday, December 13 9:15-11:15 AM and held all Wednesdays school
is in session. Guided Tours & Registration Info available Please call 908-725-7787 for appointment.
St. Ann School ~ A seat is waiting for you!
St. Joseph Parish, Raritan Homemade Piroghy on Sale All During Advent
Our delicious homemade Piroghy
are on sale after all Masses all weekends until Christmas in St. Joseph’s Lower Church Hall. Seven great
varieties are available for purchase: Potato, Potato & Cheese, Potato & Onion, Sweet Potato, Sweetened Kraut, Lekvar and Mushroom! Still only $8 per
dozen! You may also purchase your Piroghy any weekday during office hours - 9:00 am-1:00 pm Monday through Friday - at the Parish Office 908-725-0163 x10.
Oplatek (Christmas Wafers) are also available at the
same times as Piroghy. Price is $3 per envelope of 4 large wafers.
Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Metuchen is offering Counseling and Wellness Services.
If you or someone you know needs counseling
or is impacted by addiction, we can help. Individual and family therapy for children and adults is available. For an appointment, call 800-655-9491.
College-Age* Retreat - January 5-7, 2018 Marianist Family Retreat Center
Cape May Point, NJ 08212
This retreat is designed to bring young people together of college-age (17-22). So whether you are in college or working come join us to renew
your spiritual life, deepen your relationship with God and to meet new friends. Our time will be filled with prayer experiences, peer group discussions, Eucharist and lots of fun!
Cost: $130 per person, double occupancy.
Register: www.capemaymarianists.org or call 609-884-3829. Some financial aid is available.
*Current High School Seniors are welcomed.
2018 Respect Life Grade School Poster &
High School Video Contests
Calling all students in grades 1-8 to participate in the Respect Life Poster Contest! Theme: How can you share your life with another person who is different from yourself and is facing
challenges or problems in life? This contest is open to all Catholic School, Religious Education and Home Schooled Students. First place winners receive $50 cash prize! For contest details visit: http://diometuchen.org or call 732-
562-1990 ext. 1543 or 1629.
High School Video Contest: Create a Youtube video by interviewing someone who is different from you and is facing challenges such as living with a disability, sickness, single parenthood, living as a refugee or in poverty. First place
winners will receive $100 cash prize! For more information visit http://diometuchen.org or email [email protected] or call 732-562-1990 exts. 1543 or 1629.
Diocesan Eucharistic Adoration
Commencing in the new year, Eucharistic Adoration will be held in the chapel at the St. John Neumann Pastoral Center, Piscataway. Volunteer adorers and intercessors are needed Monday through Friday during business hours to pray for the intentions of the diocese.
For info or to volunteer, call Laura 732-529-7932 or email [email protected].
Members Needed Father Capodanno Catholic War Veteran Post
The Catholic War Veterans is a non-profit
veteran organization dedicated to nourishing veterans in their love for country, family and the Catholic faith. A new post is being formed at Saint Magdalen de Pazzi, 105 Mine Street, Flemington. Meetings are the first Wednesday
of every month at 7 PM in the Parish Center. For more information contact Al Kosiarski at 908-782-7662 ext.159 or email [email protected].
Kerygma Retreat
January 27 - 9:00 am - 5:00 pm and
January 28 - 9:00 am - 1:00 pm St. John Neumann Pastoral Center
146 Metlars Lane, Piscataway
The Office of Evangelization will offer Kerygma,
a Catholic Bible-based retreat which gives participants and opportunity to encounter the Lord Jesus through hearing and responding to His Word. Renew the gifts and graces received in Baptism and Confirmation. Meals are not
included. The cost is $25. Bring a bagged lunch on Saturday. For details or to register, call 732-562-02469 or visit www.diometuchen.org/evangelization/courses.
“Prepare the way of the Lord…” - MARK 1:3
We are all called to live a holy life. We are all called to invite others to live holy lives. Living a stewardship lifestyle, being grateful and generous with our gifts, does just that - it puts us on the path to holiness and it invites others to be holy, too.
RESPECT FOR LIFE Pregnancy Aid and Information Center
59 Thompson Street Raritan, NJ 08869 908-526-8121 or [email protected]
Have you suffered an abortion? Experience God’s love and mercy and begin the
journey of healing. Please call the Sisters of Life: 866-575-0075 or email:
[email protected]. For men, call Theresa Bonopartis at Lumina: 877-586-4621 or
email: [email protected].