Pastor Rev. Jerome A. Johnson, Pastor

Msgr. John Szymanski, P.A., Emeritus

Parochial Vicars Rev. Frank W. Fellrath

Rev. Gerard B. 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.

August 20, 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

“… Great is thy Faith! ” Matthew 15:21-28

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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.

Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time August 20, 2017

SATURDAY AUGUST 19

8:15am + Brenden Luke r/o Madeline and William Luke VIGIL

4:00pm + Vito and Mary Balsamo r/o Linda Piccolomini 5:30pm + Elena McCarron r/o Nellie and Marty Moran SUNDAY AUGUST 20 – Twentieth Sunday Ord. Time 7:30am For Parishioners, Living and Deceased 9:00am + Gina Roselli r/o Lipinski and Snyder Families 10:30am + Deacon John Fitzsimmons r/o George and Noreen Szymanski 12:00pm + Dec. Mem. of DeLuca/Sanseverino/Parla Fam. r/o Pat and Tom DeLuca MONDAY* AUGUST 21 - Saint Pius, X, Pope

8:15am + Joseph Gavin, Sr. r/o Family 7:00pm + Christina Zuk r/o Family TUESDAY* AUGUST 22 - Queenship of the Bl. Mary

8:15am + Richard McCaffrey r/o Wife, Ann 7:00pm + Ann and Lorraine Jacoby r/o Romeo Family

WEDNESDAY* AUGUST 23 - Saint Rose of Lima

8:15am + Joe Belmonte r/o Family 7:00pm + William M. Lang r/o Wayne and Laurie Miller THURSDAY* AUGUST 24 - Saint Bartholomew, Apostle 8:15am + Jonathan Yuhas r/o Arlene Carlone 7:00pm + Justin Kaufenberg r/o John Garmendi FRIDAY * AUGUST 25 - St. Louis/St. Joseph Calasauz

Priest 8:15am + Kenneth Kvioahl r/o Carol and Family 7:00pm + Constance Luczkow r/o Julia Talarick/Family SATURDAY AUGUST 26

8:15am + Heather Coogan-Spring r/o Loving Cousin VIGIL

4:00pm + Frank W. Major/Frank Major r/o Ann Major 5:30pm + Michael Lynch (12 Anniv.) r/o Mom and Dad SUNDAY AUGUST 27 - Twenty-First Sun in Ord. Time 7:30am For Parishioners, Living and Deceased 9:00am + Madeline and Jonathan Greene r/o Roland and Mary Greene 10:30am + Peter B. Bekisz r/o Rosemary, Matthew and Caitlyn Redding 12:00pm + Alex L. Olender r/o His Children *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…

+ George and Betty Steinert

r/o Ralph and Betty Marantino (Mary Candle in Church)

+ Aumente and Gavin Families

r/o Mary Gavin

(Mary Candle in Chapel)

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AUGUST 20, 2017

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: $10,993 (‘16: $11,554)

Offering for the Poor: $695

Online Giving! Visit our website to get started :

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

DECEASED LOVED ONES

Charles Donnelly, Pamela Kane, Arlene Thomas and Grace Gambino

BAPTISMAL PREPARATION

All parents must participate in a Baptismal Preparation Program (if possible before the birth of your child). Sessions are held monthly in the Parish Room. Next session: This Tuesday, 7:30pm. Reg-istration required. Remember, the Sacrament of Baptism is a sacred event regulated by Church (Canon) law. Do not plan any activity until dates are confirmed (See page 2, top). Questions? 732.251.4000.

PARISH RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

• Registration: Please register for PREP classes as soon as possible. www.saintthomasob.com (under the Religious Education tab). Level 6 and 7

classes are closed on Tuesday and Thursday. There are openings for Level 6 and 7 on Saturday mornings from 10am-11:30am.

• Level 5 Catechist Needed (Thursdays): Please con-sider sharing your faith with our students. We also

need Aides to assist our Catechists: Mondays (for our Special Needs program, 4:30pm-5:30pm) and Tues/Thurs: 4:15pm-5:45pm or Sat mornings 10am-11:30am.

• Catechist In-Service: Please mark your calendars! (including all adult aides) and Special Needs program:

Wednesday, September 6, 7pm-8:30pm

(Parish Room, Pastoral Center)

• Parents: Classes begin:

Saturday, September 9 (10:am-11:30am) Monday, September 11 (4:30pm—5:30pm) Tuesday, September 12 (4:15pm—5:45pm) Thursday, September 14 (4:15pm - 5:45pm) • Confirmation: All Candidates (PREP and School) and

one parent are required to attend the Confirmation re-treat on Monday, September 18, 6:30pm-9pm

(auditorium). Retreat is mandatory! Arrive promptly! Questions? PREP Office: 732.251.1660.

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: Today! (August 20), 6:30pm, Parish Room.

Questions? John staya316@gmail.com.

PLEASE NOTE…The Parish Office is closed on Fridays

during the summer.

SILVER / GOLD

ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION! Celebrate your 25th or 50th Anniversary with the Church of Metuchen. Renew your marriage vows with Bishop James F. Checchio at a Special Evening Prayer Service in the Cathedral, Metuchen: Sunday, Sep-tember 17, 4pm. Application forms available at the Pas-toral Center. Forms must be signed by clergy. Deadline: Friday, September 1.

USHERS NEEDED…

Would you like to join the Ushers Ministry? We can use your help...especially for the 4pm and 5:30pm Masses on Saturday or any Mass which you attend! Please fill out the form below and drop it off in the Parish Office:

Name:___________________________

Age:________

Phone number:____________________

Email:___________________________

HOLY NAME SOCIETY sponsoring

CASINO TRIP

Monday, August 21, 9:30am-7pm

Join us for a fun trip to Sands Casino in Bethlehem PA.

Cost: $40 per person (getting back $20 Casino and $5 food voucher.) Bus is leaving parking lot 9:30am. Info: George 732.238.5743 or John 732.763.3280.

“TABLE AT STA”

Reminder: The next meal will be September 9, 12pm-

2pm. Our thanks to parishioners for providing non-perishable food donations in our continuing effort to pro-mote Christ-centered charity. Info: Chris Doyle (cdoyle167 @optimum. net or 732-257-0994).

MIRACULOUS ROSE PETALS…

...Healing Mass with Brother Carmelo Cortez, Wednes-

day, August 23, 7pm, St. Thomas Church.

4

TWENTIETH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

ARE YOU ABLE TO…

...drive a parishioner to a doctor’s appointment/Mass? If so, please contact Deacon Pat, 732.251.4000 x8218.

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.

CAREGIVER HELP AVAILABLE

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

STRESS IN YOUR MARRIAGE ?

Do you feel lost, alone or bored in your mar-

riage? 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 di-

vorce? ...Retrouvaille is a Lifeline to help

couples heal and renew their marriages (no group dis-

cussions). Next weekend: September 15-17. (held in a

hotel in Somerset). Info: 732.562.1990 x4573. Regis-

ter: Tom/Pat 732.583.4468 (evenings) or Rich/Annette

732.236.0671.

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.

16th ANNUAL CRITICAL LIFE ISSUES CONFERENCE

Saturday, October 14, the Diocese of Metuchen in col-laboration with the Archdiocese of Newark is sponsoring the Critical Life Issues Conference. Expert speakers will address a variety of life issues including: “Abortion and the Art of Communicating the Truth,” “Evangelization and Building a Culture of Life,” “Breathing Underwater — A Caregiver’s Journey of Hope” and “Organ Donation — the Gift of Life in the Midst of Sorrow.” The speakers will give practical information as well as thought-provoking testi-mony of real life experiences. The Conference will also feature exhibits of products and services which pertain to some of these issues. It will be held at St. John Newman Conference Center, Piscataway from 8:30am-3:30pm.

Registration is $25. This fee includes lunch and handouts. To register: please visit http://diometuchen.org/critical-life Or call 732.562.1990 x1629/1543. Seating is limited.

CLOTHING NEEDED…

Preferred Care of Old Bridge is looking for donations of gently used or new clothing to be used for a Gala being celebrated in mid September. Dresses, pants and tops for men and women. Size medium to xlarge. Anyone wishing to donate please bring to the Parish Office, attention Dea-con Pat. Thank you!

FARM - TO - TABLE PROJECT

St. Thomas Summer Camp 2017

5

ROSARY INTENTIONS

August 19 For those whose faith is weak

20 For military personnel and their

families

21 For the safety of students leaving for college

22 For an end to abortion

23 For those who feel lonely and forgotten

24 For greater perseverance in prayer

25 For those suffering physical and mental dis-

abilities

SAINT THOMAS THE APOSTLE CHURCH, OLD BRIDGE, NJ

St. Thomas the Apostle Parish School: PreK - 8th Grade

For Tours and Information: Admissions Office 732-251-4000 ext. 8253

333 Highway 18, Old Bridge, NJ 08857

Visit our website: www.sttaob.com

Catholic Schools provide a community where students learn and grow as Jesus did in

faith, knowledge and compassion for others.

MEN OF ST. JOSEPH

PRAYER GROUP

Men of our parish (any age) are invited to join for a morning hour of prayer, readings and dis-cussion: 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: joetobininebnj@gmail.com.

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.

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

BOOK DISCUSSION

Join in a discussion of Small Great Things by Jodi Picoult - a novel that tackles issues of racism and discrimination. It challenges readers 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.

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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, Nancy 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, Roseann Johnson, Margaret Kearney, Marilyn Ku-laszewski, Deirdre LeBlon, Roy Lerman, Luis Leosala, Sr. Louise, Patricia Morelli, James Moulder, William Murawski, Mafalda Nervegna, Sr. Peggy Noone, Edward Nooney, Jennifer Nooney, John Oghia, Ralph Perez, Sam Pontieri, AnnMarie Puchala, Anna Quilla, Michael Quinlan, Yolanda Ramos, Frank Ranelli, Wyatt Rojewski, Brian Romeo, Carol Rosenberger, Harry Rothlin, Michael Ruffley, Carol Safchinsky, Paul Sachkowsky, Claire Salamon, Rosemary Schiano, Donna Semko, Donna Shenesky, Margaret Sherbert, Carl and Theresa Sicig-nano, Dora Soto, James Stark, Roman Stefano, Julia Talarick, Ruth Tschinkel, Daphe Ulveling, Debbie V., Ray Vaughan, Theresa Veverka, Mary Wojciechowski, Mary Yuhas, Edward and Candida Zglobicki, Garret 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 we are notified to the contrary.)

••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. ••Knights of Columbus “Open House Social,” Friday, August 25, 7:30pm, K of C, 61 Pine Street. Discussions include: ‘The Catholic Difference, doing business with a Catholic Company, Retirement and Long Term Care Planning. Light Refreshments. RSVP: 732.955.6730. Presented by Valdez Agency, LLC. ••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! 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.

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

Austria, France and Germany

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.

DESIGNER BAG BINGO

Saturday, August 26, 6pm-10pm Old Bridge HS Cafeteria, 4209 Rte 516, Mata-wan, NJ Visit www.TKOB.org today for all the details. Info: Sandra 732.425.1289 or email: TKOBfund- raising@gmail.com.

BLESSED SACRAMENT SCHOOL’S

(STATEN ISLAND) 100th ANNIVERSARY! Phone Parish Office for info/reservations: 718.442.1581.

GB PRODUCTIONS

ANNOUNCES…

… the creation of “GB Junior”, a new recreational theater experience for children

ages 6-13 (Grades 1-8). The first program for GB Junior will be “Peter Pan. Jr.” scheduled for October 25, 26 and

28. All children who register and audition will be in this production. Auditions will be held on September 5 and 6,

6pm-9pm (STA Auditorium). Rehearsals will be Monday through Thursday from 6pm-8pm beginning September 11 (but not all children will need to be at all rehearsals). Info: www.gbproductionsob.com and click on GB Junior tab.

“INSTRUMENTS OF PEACE”

A musical spiritual journey with...The Philippine Madrigal

Singers, Sunday, September 24, 4pm, St. Francis Cathe-dral, 32 Elm Avenue, Metuchen 08840. Cost $30 (for the restoration of the Cathedral Pipe Organ and SFCCFA). Info: Gil 718.801.2315 or Fr. Gerry 908.283.1393.