Pastor Rev. Jerome Johnson, Pastor

Msgr. John Szymanski, P.A., Emeritus

Parochial Vicars Rev. Frank Fellrath

Rev. Gerard Paderon

Deacons Robert Bonfante, Sr.

Patrick W. Hearty

Joseph Tobin

Scott Titmas

Business Administrator Michael Luczkow

Education

333 Rte. 18, Old Bridge, NJ 08857

Joanne Kowit, M. Ed.

STA Parish School, Principal

Tel: 732-251-4000 x8229

Fax: 732-251-5315 Debbie Yesis

PREP (CCD), Director

Tel: 732-251-1660

Fax: 732-251-1193

Welcome! New Parishioners—Please register

at the Pastoral Center. Ordinarily,

new parishioners should live within

the geographical boundaries estab-

lished by the Diocese. Also, as a mem-

ber of our Parish Community, please

use Parish envelopes. This is our

means of identifying you as an active

Parishioner; it is important for testi-

monial letters regarding sponsorship

for the Sacraments.

Parish Office Monday/Friday: 9:00am—12:15pm 12:45pm—4:00pm

Tues./Wed./Thurs: 9:00am-12:15pm

12:45pm-8:00pm

Saturday-Sunday: 11am—1:30pm

Kristine Yuhas, Secretary

Michelle Loney, Receptionist and

Bingo Coordinator

Justine Durstewitz, Bulletin

Sacred Music

Justin Connors, Director

Rachel Gavin, Family Choir

Social Ministries Deacon Patrick W. Hearty, Director

Youth Ministry

Cassandra Serrano, Director

“JESUS�CHRIST: Yesterday... Today... and Forever” (Heb 13:8)

Whatever your status in the Church, whatever your family/marital situation, whatever your religious affiliation, whatever your

personal history, age, background, race or color, sexual orientation, you are invited, welcomed, accepted, loved and respected at our

Catholic Community of Saint Thomas the Apostle.

July 30, 2017

Celebration of Mass

Weekend - Church

Saturday Vigil: 4:00 and 5:30pm

Sunday: 7:30, 9:00 and 10:30am,

12:00 Noon

Weekday - Chapel (Pastoral Center)

Monday - Friday: 8:15am, 7:00pm*

Saturday: 8:15am

*Monday: celebrated in church with Miraculous Medal Novena.

Holy Days / Holidays - See schedule.

Lent - all Masses and Stations of the

Cross are celebrated in church.

(See schedule.)

Contact Information:

Website:

www.saintthomasob.com

www.facebook.com/pages/St-

Thomas-the-Apostle-Church-

Old-Bridge-NJ

Parish: One St. Thomas Plaza

Old Bridge, NJ 08857

Tel: 732-251-4000

Fax: 732-251-4946

Family Mass

Twice monthly: during the school year,

families with children are invited to

Liturgy of the Word with Children

(LWC) - Sunday 9:00am Mass (more

frequently during Lent/Advent). After

the Opening Prayer, children (K-8) are

dismissed to the Pastoral Center for

readings/reflections on their own level.

Sacrament of

Reconciliation/Penance

Individual confessions: most Saturdays,

12:30pm and immediately following the

5:30pm Mass. Communal Penance Ser-

vices are held during Lent/Advent with

visiting clergy present.

Saint Thomas the Apostle Parish

Welcomes YOU

TEENS FOR CHRIST ― JULY 18-21

2

SAINT THOMAS THE APOSTLE CHURCH, OLD BRIDGE, NJ

BAPTISMS (1:30pm, most Sundays)

A special relationship exists between GODPARENTS and the

baptized. The Church calls GODPARENTS, to be practicing

Catholics- - examples of Christ-centered living today. All

Godparents should submit Sponsor letters from their Parish ASAP—

but no later than three weeks before the scheduled Baptism.

PARENTS must attend a Baptismal Preparation Session.

(Registration is required.)

MARRIAGES Arrangements must be made at least one year in advance—before

any social plans. Either the bride or groom must be a registered

member of our parish. Once a marriage questionnaire (available in

Pastoral Center) is completed/returned, a Parish Priest or Deacon

will then contact the couple.

ANOINTING OF THE SICK In case of dangerous illness or accident, phone the Pastoral Center. A

communal celebration of the Sacrament is held twice a year, in

Spring and Fall.

HOMEBOUND PARISHIONERS . . . desiring the Sacraments, please contact Pastoral Center.

HOSPITAL VISITS The Clergy will be happy to visit parishioners confined to local

hospitals. Phone the Pastoral Center.

TO BECOME A ROMAN CATHOLIC To learn more about the Catholic Faith, please speak with a Priest/

Deacon or phone a member of our staff for an appointment. An adult

who wishes to become Catholic enters a program called The Rite of

Christian Initiation of Adults. The RCIA is a year-round process

with weekly sessions. It includes learning about Catholic beliefs,

fellowship/faith-sharing with parishioners, and, if desired, the

Sacraments of Initiation at the Easter Vigil.

SANCTUARY GUILD …a group of volunteers who care for the church and sacred linens.

Interested? Phone Janet Liposky 908.208.9026.

SAINT THOMAS THE APOSTLE PARISH SCHOOL Our parish sponsors an elementary school, Pre-Kindergarten through

Eighth grade. Information: School (732-251-4812).

PARISH RELIGIOUS EDUCATION PROGRAM (PREP)

Weekly religious education classes are held September—March for

children (grades 1-8) attending public schools. The students are

instructed in the Catholic Faith and prepared to receive the

Sacraments. Classes: Monday (Special Education), Tuesday, Thurs-

day and Saturday. Registration takes place in June. Information:

PREP Office (732-251-1660).

BINGO: (Including Progressive). All proceeds support Saint Thomas the Apostle Parish School. Sun-

day—5:00pm; Tuesday and Thursday—11:30am; Friday—9:00pm

and Midnight.

LITURGY OF THE WORD ...

...will resume in October. At the 9am Mass, after the Opening

Prayer, children go to the Pastoral Center to hear the readings on

their own level and share a reflection and Prayers of the Faithful

(Grades K-4: Parish Room, Grades 5-8: Chapel). The children are

well-supervised and return to their families during the Presentation

hymn for the Liturgy of the Eucharist.

Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time July 30, 2017

SATURDAY JULY 29 - Saint Martha

8:15am Lydia and Erich Behrend r/o Behrend Family VIGIL

4:00pm Daniel Doherty r/o Gill Family 5:30pm Rosario and Antionette Mazzullo and Daniel and Dorothy Tichio r/o Joe/Rita Tichio SUNDAY JULY 30 - Seventeenth Sunday in Ord Time

7:30am For Parishioners, Living and Deceased 9:00am Thomas B. Howley r/o John/MaryEllen Ench 10:30am Peter B. Bekisz r/o Rose/Michael Walczyk 12:00pm Nazario Gabriel r/o Gabriel Family

MONDAY* JULY 31 - Saint Ignatius of Loyola, Priest

8:15am Maria and Mariantonia r/o Maria Buffolino 7:00pm Edward Obszarny r/o Geri Tilton TUESDAY* AUGUST 1 - St. Alphonsus Liguori, Bishop 8:15am Edward Lonegan r/o Betty Lonegan 7:00pm Anna Perno r/o Cliff and Annette Quibell WEDNESDAY* AUGUST 2 - St. Eusebius of Vercilli, Bishop

St. Peter Julian Eymard, Priest 8:15am Rosemarie Kitchen r/o Erin Kelliher 7:00pm Rosalind Cotter Pouliot (10th Anniv.) r/o Brother, Hilary Cotter and Family THURSDAY* AUGUST 3 8:15am Mrs. Ungrady r/o John Howard 7:00pm Donna Giovinazzo r/o Ted and Eileen Hudock

FRIDAY * AUGUST 4 - Saint John Vianney, Priest

8:15am Sam Doyle r/o Wife, Loretta 7:00pm Christopher Picco r/o Family SATURDAY AUGUST 5 - Ded. of Basilica St. Mary Major

8:15am Anna and Andres Toimil r/o Daughter VIGIL

4:00pm Int. of Rev. Jerome Johnson (31st. Anniv. of Ordination) r/o Isabel Badillo 5:30pm Joshua Wildman r/o Tom and Janet Liposky SUNDAY AUGUST 6 – Transfiguration of Our Lord 7:30am For Parishioners, Living and Deceased 9:00am Pancrazio Puglionisi r/o Heidi Armani 10:30am Thomas Toolan r/o Theresa and Children 12:00pm Julia Licata r/o Cracchiolo Family *All Masses in Church

REMEMBERING LOVED ONES . . .

◊ Sanctuary Candle/Mary Candle, (lit for one week in church/chapel, available during daytime in Pastoral Center).

◊ Memorials of Honor …. Gifts of $25+ entered in Journal (courtyard lobby). Envelopes: Pastoral Center.

This Week in Memory of…

Nunzio Cracchiolo

r/o Andrea and Michael Madonna (Mary Candle in Church)

3

JULY 30, 2017

RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION Questions about Catholic faith? Need spirituality and full Sacramental Life? Come - - join with other RCIA candidates on a journey of faith as we help you respond to God’s call. Info: Deacon Pat 732.251.4000 ext. 8218

Eucharistic Adoration will

resume in September.

Parish Support

Here at STA we encourage you to be Christian Stewards, using everything God has given us—time, talent, treasure—to serve Him gratefully.

Last week’s Collections: $11,851 ($14,577)

Offering for the Poor: $810

Online Giving! Visit our website to get started :

www.saintthomasob.com. “Online giving—it’s so easy!” Shirley.

DECEASED LOVED ONES

Edward Murphy, Stanley J. Bialowasz, Margaret Bottega,

Walter Bigos, Ann Testa, Mildred H. Burrell and Anna Sodano Norton

PREP REGISTRATION

Registration is still available (with limited open-ings). Visit our website and register as soon as possible: www.saintthomasob.com (under the Religious Education tab) Questions? PREP: 732.251.1660 • Level 6 classes are closed on Tuesday. • Level 7 classes limited openings on Tuesday.

CALLING ALL YOUNG ADULTS !!! (18-35) Join our Young Adult group on the third Sunday of the month to meet new friends, forge relationships and stay connected to the Church! Our next gathering: Sunday, Au-gust 20, 6:30pm, Parish Room.

Questions? John staya316@gmail.com.

Space rental—1 for $15 or 2 for $25

Table rental—$5 each

Contact: Charlotte Guarino (732-257-0721)

27th Annual Giant Flea Market

Sponsored by

St. Thomas Rosary Society

Saturday, August 19 (rain date: Sat., August 26)

Time: 8:00am to 2:30p

STA Church Parking Lot (Route 18 S, OB)

• No refunds • All trash must be removed

• No selling of food/drink concessions

permitted

PLEASE NOTE…The Parish Office is closed on Fridays

during the summer.

BOOK DISCUSSION

Join in a discussion of Small Great Things by Jodi Picoult - a novel that tackles issues of racism and discrimination. It challenges read-ers to consider their own beliefs about the issues. It is not a requirement to read the book

in advance. Two separate discussions will be held: • Tuesday, September 19, 10am, St. Thomas (in the

Pastoral Ctr. ) or; • Thursday, September 21, 7pm, at St. Bartholomew

Church, EB. Info: Alice 732.238.4703.

TEENS FOR CHRIST ― JULY 18-21

4

ROSARY INTENTIONS

July 29 For families in crises

30 For the safety of travelers

31 For the elderly, homebound, and

nursing home residents

August 1 For those seeking employment

2 For the conversion of sinners

3 For families caring for sick or disabled children

4 For our beloved deceased and souls in purgatory

SAINT THOMAS THE APOSTLE CHURCH, OLD BRIDGE, NJ

ADVERTISING IN OUR BULLETIN! Did you know? We have 4,700+ families registered here at STA. What better way to advertise your business? Interested? Contact: Joe Angelicola (860-754-2301). We need and appreciate your help! Our thanks to all our current advertisers!

TIME TO HELP A CHILD? Catholic Charities is currently seeking volunteers for the Connections Program. This program provides positive adult role models for children who have suffered a loss or have special needs. Info: Jeanette (732) 738-1323.

St. Thomas the Apostle Parish School

Pre–K - 8th Grade

For Tours and Information:

Phone Admissions Office:

732-251-4000 ext. 8253

333 Highway 18, Old Bridge, NJ 08857

www.saintthomasob.com/school

MEN OF ST. JOSEPH

PRAYER GROUP

Men of our parish (any age) are invited to join for a morning hour of prayer, readings and discussion: Monday’s 6am-7am (Pastoral Center). With St. Joseph as our role model, this group hopes to inspire a more faith-focused approach to the workweek and our paternal roles by inviting God in. Info: Deacon Joe: joe-tobininebnj@gmail.com.

CAREGIVER HELP AVAILABLE

Interfaith Network of Care, Inc. currently has openings in the Respite program. Phone: 732.247.1655 for more info.

HS STUDENTS CONSIDER…

...there is a great way to be of service here at STA. PREP enables you to assist our Catechists in sharing our faith with younger students. Volunteering in PREP will help you with your community service requirements for high school. Remember by your witness, experience, talents and service you can positively change the lives of others! It’s time to “Pay it Forward!” Info: 732.251.1660.

WE NEED YOU !!! Serve as a Catechist or Catechist Aide - - Why? • The best way to learn is to teach. • Your own faith will come alive. • You become an active participant in one of the essen-

tial responsibilities of a Church community. • You assist in bringing Christ to others. • You practice stewardship. • You show your family that you value the Faith. • You become a role model. • Being a Catechist brings joy. • You make a difference in the lives of our young people! A Catechist helps young people come to know Christ and the riches of our faith by teaching weekly PREP classes (26x yearly). If you are interested in volunteering, contact PREP: 732.251.1660.

Educating Minds - - and Hearts.

Full Day Kindergarten Learning centers for Language Arts and Math

Interactive Whiteboards—Wonders Reading and Go Math

Spanish—Art-Music

Leader in Me Program—Emphasis on Faith & Leadership

Exciting Pre-K Programs

VOLUNTEERS REQUESTED! Middlesex County Right to Life is requesting volunteers to help staff the booth at the Middlesex County Fair. It would be a two-hour block during the week of August 7-13. Vol-unteers will be paired with trained staffers and interact with the fair goers. Info: Gerry 732.251.5879.

5

SEVENTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINDAY TIME

STA with K of C Council #4815…

Saturday, August 5 - 8am—2pm

Parish Auditorium, 333 Hwy 18, OB

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To donate blood you must be between 17 and 76 years old (16 year olds may donate with parental consent form and

those over 76 may donate with a doctor’s note). You must weigh at least 110 lbs. and meet other requirements. Most

medications will not prevent you from donating. People with diabetes and high blood pressure controlled by medica-

tion may donate. Please eat before you arrive and bring ID and proof of age. Thank you!

Appointments suggested. Walk-Ins welcome! For an appointment: http://tinyurl.com/stthomas-drive

or call 1-800-933-BLOOD

The need at this time of year is always great. Vacation schedules make it difficult to

maintain an adequate blood supply over the summer, so your donation is very im-

portant. Register online (see below) or register after all Masses this weekend!!!

6

SAINT THOMAS THE APOSTLE CHURCH, OLD BRIDGE, NJ

PRAY FOR THE SICK

Anonymously Recommended, Mothers of Kathleen Catchpole and of Maria DeCandia; Fathers of Peter Donelan and Rick Guil-iano; Daughter of Kathleen Catchpole; Brother of Joe Pasqua; Brother-in-Law of Dennis Francy; Sister of Buddy Arriola; Paula Allen, Pat Barabas, Christina Blumstein, Barbara and George Bollhardt, Alvin Breese, Michele Brunner, Father Kevin Casey, Angela Ceccere, Rosemarie Chimenti, Anne Collins, Domenica Compolattaro, Bryan Connolly, Joyce Curley, Mafalda Decleva, Arlene Delisandro, Josephine DiGioranni, John D’Mello, John Downes, Marion Donoghue, Beatrice Esquejo, Margaret Faber, Jim Fealy, Tom Franken, Laurenzo Fusco, Kay Gage, Joseph Gambino, Donna Gatto, Stephanie Gatto, John Grazziano, Mary Haraz, Dolores Higgins, Rich and Fran Hogan, Katie, John Iadevaia, Baby Isabel Elizabeth, Rose-ann Johnson, Marilyn Kulaszewski, Deirdre LeBlon, Roy Ler-man, Luis Leosala, Sr. Louise, Patricia Morelli, James Moulder, William Murawski, Mafalda Nervegna, Sr. Peggy Noone, Ed-ward Nooney, Jennifer Nooney, John Oghia, Ralph Perez, Sam Pontieri, AnnMarie Puchala, Anna Quilla, Michael Quinlan, Yolanda Ramos, Frank Ranelli, Wyatt Rojewski, Carol Rosen-berger, Harry Rothlin, Michael Ruffley, Paul Sachkowsky, Claire Salamon, Rosemary Schiano, Donna Semko, Donna Shenesky, Margaret Sherbert, Carl Sicignano, Dora Soto, James Stark, Roman Stefano, Julia Talarick, Ruth Tschinkel, Daphe Ulveling, Debbie V., Ray Vaughan, Theresa Veverka, Mary Wo-jciechowski, Mary Yuhas, Edward and Candida Zglobicki, Gar-ret Zupp. ...Please pray for all the sick. (Names will remain on our sick list for one month after which time they will be removed, unless

••Mount St. Mary House of Prayer Retreats, 1651 U.S. Highway 22, Watchung. Website: msmhope.org (Retreat dates). ••Life Choices Peer Counselor training: Are you a good listener? Life Choices a Pregnancy Help Center assists women faced with an unexpected pregnancy. Carolyn: (732-516-0911) or email lifechoices@optonline.net. ••Sisters of Mercy 23rd Annual Golf Classic, Tuesday, September 26, Spring Lake Golf Club, Fore details on this event, which benefits our retired Sisters, please call Linda Cavallo 908.756.0994 x4006/email: lcavallo@mercymidatlantic.org. ••Our Lady of Fatima Shrine, Washington, NJ, Friday,

September 29, 10am-3pm. Every Rosary Society in the State of New Jersey is invited to a special event for the 100th Anniversary. Please join us for a day of prayer. RSVP by July 15. Phone 908.689.1700. ••Pilgrimage along the California Mission Trail with Father

Tom Walsh, October 9-18, in the footsteps of St. Junipero

Serra! Join Father Tom Walsh October 9-18. Along the way visit San Diego’s Mission Bay, Christ Cathedral, North Hollywood, Wine country and more. For cost and info: Nellie 732.207.9786.

RACHEL’S HOUSE

The mission of Rachel’s House is to serve un-wed mothers in a supportive, nurturing group home environment whereby abandoned, expectant mothers can bring their babies to term and receive

vital life assistance. Women receive assistance (housing, food, clothing, baby supplies) and also the emotional support and encourage-ment needed during their pregnancy and after giving birth. Info: (732-721-2510) or toll-free (1-866-983-MOMS). Confidential.

Together we are making a difference - - two lives at a time!

HOT LINE NUMBERS:

• Alanon/Alateen: 1-888-425-2666

• Narcotics Anonymous: 1-800-992-0401

• Nar-Anon of NJ 1-877-424-4491

• Alcoholics Anonymous: 1-888-568-1112

• Domestic Violence: 1-800-572-7233

• NJ Gamblers Anonymous: 1-855-222-5542

• Suicide/Crisis: 1-800-999-9999

TRAVEL WITH FATHER JAY TO...

Christmas Markets

November 26 to December 4, 2017 (9 days,7 nights) includes accommodation, sightseeing, meals and airfare from Newark airport. Cost: $2,995. Questions? Father Jay 732.251.4000.

Experience the Magic of Europe’s Christmas markets

amongst tall cathedrals and church spires rising into the

night sky of the Old Town and horse drawn carriages pa-

rading around the streets. You will visit the Christmas markets in Austria, France and Germany.

A PLAYHOUSE CHRISTMAS

Join Father Jay on Sunday, November 12,

3:00pm, Hunterdon Hills Playhouse for an ensemble cast of multi-talented performers celebrate Christmas in an original holiday song and dance fest featuring traditional carols, classic and contemporary Yuletide compositions, humorous skits, and spectacular dance numbers - all backed by a live onstage orchestra. $100 per ticket includes: show/dinner & bus transportation! Phone: 732.251.4000.

Join Reformed Church Home… CLASSIC CAR CRUISE NIGHT

Tuesday, August 15, 6pm-8:30pm (rain date August 22)

(On the grounds of Reformed Church Home,

1990 Route 18 N, OB). A great night of Family Fun for the RCH and Old Bridge Community! Music, Games for the kids, Trophies, Snacks! No reg. fee: Richie 732.525.0412