Sharing God’s Blessings Annual Appeal

This year's Appeal, Sharing God's Blessings is a perfect opportunity for us to reflect on God’s generosity to us and to share the blessings we have been given in those around us. This year, our Parish goal is $49,692.00. This year's Annual Appeal will continue to support the many good works at the ministries throughout the Archdiocese. We are often reminded by our Holy Father Pope Francis and sacred scripture that in order to love one another we must share the blessings which God has provided to us, We are called to similarly share what is granted to us by God and return it to Him so that not one of our brothers and sisters goes without; without the gifts of faith, without the essential human needs, and without a personal relationship with Our Lord. The Annual Appeal provides the poor with food, shelter and clothing; makes religious education, spiritual guidance and CYO programs available for the young; insures the future leadership of the Church with seminarian education and training; and most important, brings Christ's Good News to the people of the Archdiocese. Thousands of people in the four counties served by the Archdiocese of Newark are assisted each year through various programs and ministries funded by the Appeal. Our Parish also benefits by receiving a rebate from the appeal if we exceed our goal. Please be sure to watch this year's Annual Appeal video online at www.rcan.org/sharing to see firsthand the impact that YOUR gift makes. To learn more about the ministries of the Archdiocese of Newark, please visit www.rcan.org/sharing or Facebook at 'Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Newark’ or tweet at @NwkArchdiocese! Appeal brochures are available in the pews and in the back of the Church. Thank you for your generosity!

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RCIA Are you or someone you know interested in becoming Catholic or completing the Sacraments? RCIA classes began on Tuesday, October 4 at 7:00pm. Please contact Kristen Gawlik in the Parish Center or email kristen@stmarysnutley.org for more information.

Weekly Mass Schedule Weekday Masses are held in the

Parish Center Chapel

Saturday, March 25 5:30 PM Manuel Insua † Sunday, March 26 7:30 AM The Deceased Members of the

Andriola Family † 9:00 AM Araceli Cabral in Thanksgiving 10:30 AM William Lyman † 12:00 PM Ann Plechy † Monday, March 27 7:30 AM Abayon Martinez † 12:10 PM Frieda Byrne † Tuesday, March 28 7:30 AM Angelo Fanara † 12:10 PM David Casiello † Wednesday, March 29 7:30 AM Allen Cleirbaut † 12:10 PM Anthony and Genevieve

Blaskewicz † Thursday, March 30 7:30 AM Paul Wirth † 12:10 PM Saverio Brulato † Friday, March 31 7:30 AM Mary Urso † 12:10 PM Patricia Ianeci † Saturday, April 1 5:30 PM Rose Merrell † Sunday, April 2 7:30 AM Rosa Lam † 9:00 AM Members of the Rosary Society 10:30 AM Edith and Joseph Stamerra † 12:00 PM The Palmieri, Marino and

McNamara Families

Weekly Mass Schedule

Unless otherwise noted, all weekday Masses will be held in the Parish Center Chapel

Saturday, March 5:30 PM † Sunday, March 7:30 AM 9:00 AM 10:30 AM 12:00 PM Monday, March 7:30 AM 12:10 PM Tuesday, March 7:30 AM 12:10 PM Wednesday, March 7:30 AM 12:10 PM Thursday, March 7:30 AM 12:10 PM Friday, March 7:30 AM 12:10 PM Saturday, March 5:30 PM Sunday, March 7:30 AM 9:00 AM 10:30 AM 12:00 PM

Holy Father's Prayer Intention We pray that all those who are afflicted, especially the poor, refugees, and marginalized, may find welcome and comfort in our communities.

Attention: Parishioners Celebrating a 5th, 25th or 50th Wedding Anniversary

Please come to or call the Parish Center to register for a special Mass to be celebrated by Cardinal Joseph Tobin in the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Newark. The Mass for those celebrating a 5th or 25th Anniversary will be at 3 PM on April 30th, 2017. Registration is due April 14th. The Mass for those celebrating a 50th Anniversary will be at 3 PM on May 7th, 2017. Registration is due April 21.

Bone Marrow Drive Anne Rotonda, a lifelong Nutley resident, was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) in October 2013. Three years ago this past January, the Nutley Board of Commissioners held a bone marrow drive at the Nutley Health Department which, although was successful in terms of turn out, unfortunately did not produce a match for Anne. Luckily her body went into remission after weeks of chemotherapy, and a bone marrow transplant was not necessary. Anne has recently been re-diagnosed with AML, and the need for a bone marrow match/donation is once again a priority. The Nutley Board of Commissioners is once again working with the national donation registry, “Be the Match” Foundation in an effort to find a potential donor for Anne. A Bone Marrow Drive has been scheduled for Tuesday, March 28th at the Department of Public Affairs, 149 Chestnut Street, Nutley. Appointments will be taken between the hours of 2:30pm and 8:00pm. Walk-ins will not be turned away, but we do suggest calling the Nutley Health Department at 973-284-4976 to secure a spot. Anne has been the Director of the Nutley Special Young Adults (SYA) Organization for 38 years and has dedicated her entire life to the well-being of countless special need adults who would otherwise have nowhere to turn. Anne provides love, support and a place for every young adult to go that comes through her doors. The Board of Commissioners is hoping that residents will come out in support of one of our community’s true “Township Treasures”… Miss Anne Rotonda.

Hosts for each Mass have been donated by the Rosary Society

Chapel Lamp donated in Honor of Frieda Byrne †

Altar Wine donated in Honor of The People of the Parish

by St. Mary’s Knight’s of Columbus

St. Patrick and St. Joseph Feast Day Celebrations

THANK YOU to all who contributed to our annual Novena to the Good St. Joseph and the feast day celebrations for St. Patrick and St. Joseph. Thanks to all our bakers for the delicious Irish soda breads and desserts. Thanks to our hospitality crew who gave their time to set up, serve, and clean up. A special thanks to our priests, guest preachers, and music ministry for this time apart for quiet reflection. Thanks to our parishioners for their support and prayers.

During Lent, we are called to pray, fast and give alms, so that we may prepare our hearts to receive full the joy of Easter.

Operation Rice Bowl is a great way to work on all three of those parts of Lent! If you or your family decides to give up those stops at McDonald's you could use that to benefit others too. The fasting (or skipping) that fast food run will save you money and you could put those savings into the Operation Rice Bowl box. Now of course you still need to eat, but maybe instead of a quick meal, everyone helps to make dinner. When you sit down to eat, try praying together to thank God and to pray for those who are in need. If you did that once a week for the 6 weeks of Lent, just think of how much different your Lent will be! You will grow closer as a family, pray together, and help others ($20 per meal for a family x 6 weeks = $120). The money raised through Operation Rice Bowl will go to feed the hungry in the US and around the world. Now that is a life changing Lent! Operation Rice Bowl boxes were given to all of our students on Sunday, March 5 and Tuesday, March 7. For more information, please go to the Religious Education website - www.stmarysnutleyccd.blogspot.com

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A SEASON OF MERCY: Lent Events at Saint Mary’s “The Light of God’s Mercy”

THURSDAYS March 30th, & April 6th. 7:00 to 8:00pm.

A meditative hour of light music in the Church. Private Reconciliation will be available.

Stations of the Cross/Divine Mercy Novena

FRIDAYS Stations/Divine Mercy Novena. March 31st, & April 6th.

Mercy Reconciliation Service

Tuesday, April 11th, in Church at 7:00pm. Make peace with yourself, your neighbor and God!

Divine Mercy Triduum!

The Divine Mercy Novena on Thursday April 20th & Friday April 21st at 7:00pm in Church. Saturday April 22nd during the 5:30pm Mass and culminating on Divine Mercy Sunday April 23rd

with a 3:00pm Mass in the Church followed by a celebratory feast in Monsignor Walsh Hall!

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St. Mary's 140th Anniversary Gala Thursday, May 4, 2017

Valley Regency, Clifton $85/person Invitations to follow

Religious Education Schedule Sunday Session Tuesday Session Confirmation Class Schedule March 26 March 28 March 30 April 2 April 4 April 6 – Penance Service April 9 - No Class April 11- No Class April 20 April 16 - No Class April 18 – No Class May 11 April 23 April 25 April 30

St. Mary’s Healing Mass and Luncheon

Saturday, April 22

12:00 Noon Mass in Church Reception immediately following in the School Gym

All members of St. Mary’s parish in need

of physical or emotional healing are invited to attend our Mass.

We are also in need of volunteers to assist us with this event.

■ usher guests to their seats in the church ■ assist guests in wheelchairs ■ bake desserts ■ go food shopping ■ donate water and juice ■ serve the guests ■ set up for the luncheon, break down and clean up afterwards

If you are able to help us in any way, please sign-up on the sheet in the church vestibule or call the Parish Center at 973-235-1100

St. Mary's Rosary Society's Communion Breakfast will be on Sunday, May 7, 2017 following

the 9:00 A. M. Mass. More information to follow.

FAMILY BINGO NIGHT sponsored by

The Nutley Irish Relay for Life

Saturday, April 1st at 7PM St. Mary’s Monsignor Walsh

Hall, Nutley Good will offering with all

proceeds going to the American Cancer Society

Feel free to BYOB and snacks to enjoy and share coffee and desserts will be provided

Please contact Ellen Bennett at Bennett.ellen1@gmail.com if you wish to donate a $25 value prize or gift card. You can also make a donation to: https://main.acsevents.org/goto/NIAA

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“Whenever I meet someone in need, it is really Jesus in His most distressing disguise.” - Saint Theresa of Calcutta On the fourth Sunday of Lent Jesus encounters and heals a blind man. This rather long story is full of many interesting details. For the purpose of this article, I would like to focus on the change that transpires during the course of the story.

In the beginning of the story Jesus meets a man whom the recorder of the gospel describes as “blind from birth.” By the end of the story, the man (whose sight has been restored) sees that Jesus is the Son of Man. The Pharisees, on the other hand, become blinded to this by ignorance and sinfulness.

Today’s gathering hymn (which will be sung before the procession) comes from a poem that was originally written in Gaelic and set to a traditional Irish melody. Be Thou My Vision (#394) is a fitting prayer as we come to meet God in Word and Sacrament. The offertory song “Open My Eyes” (#390) is a more modern composition where we pray that God open our eyes, ears and hearts.

We continue to sing Ricky Manalo’s “In These Days of Lenten Journey” (#127) as our recessional hymn. Despite our singing verse 4, I encourage you to look at consider each of the verses which call us to:

• Reach out to those who are homeless

• Open our eyes to the hungry

• Open our ears to the weary

• Call on the Spirit of justice

It’s in this spirit that I share part two of this note.

*******************

The Archdiocese of Newark has committed to assist approximately 12-16 household resettle in the Archdiocese. These refugees will be coming from Syria, The Democratic Republic of the Congo, Iraq and Afghanistan. The initial communication from the Archdiocese asks for donations of housing supplies (furnishings, kitchen items, linens etc.) and of course, financial donations.

I’ve been thinking and praying on this for several months now and hear the Holy Spirit saying, “Bruce, You can do more.”

I’m thinking that 12 -16 parishes of the diocese meet this need head on by finding the resources to: subsidize the cost of housing, help adults find employment and navigate things like utilities, transportation and school systems for one of these families.

Don’t get me wrong; I’m neither mandating nor committing to do this on behalf of the parish. I’m also not suggesting that we do our own thing outside of the diocesan effort.

I’m just doing the math:

If you get the same answer, contact me at b.mauro1@yahoo.com or call the parish office to be part of our social concerns ministry.

Blessed to be in ministry at St. Mary’s

Knights of Columbus Membership The St. Mary’s Knights of Columbus Council #2346 always welcomes new members to join. The Knights of Columbus is a Catholic Men’s fraternal organization dedicated to upholding its four key principles: charity, unity, fraternity and patriotism. Those who are interested in more information should call the Council at (973) 667-0104 or email stmaryscouncil2346@gmail.com. Meetings are held the 2nd and 4th Mondays at 7:30 PM. The Knights of Columbus Hall is also available for rental; please call with any inquires. The Hall is a great space for repasts, anniversaries and baby/bridal showers!

Join the St. Mary's Social Concerns Ministry in continuing the work of Christmas. Call the parish office or e-mail Bruce Mauro at b.mauro1@yahoo.com

12-16 families hitting the immigration jackpot the same as our great-grandparents

12-16 of the best parishes and communities in the Archdiocese

= c

AB = c

and

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There is a Longing #399 Find Us Ready Booklet Holy, Mystery of Faith, Amen, Lamb of God

Missa Emmanuel Advent Litany #51 The King Shall Come #71

Confessions Saturdays, 4:30 to 5:15 or by appointment

Novenas • Miraculous Medal: Mon., 12:00 PM before Mass • Our Lady of Perpetual Help: Weds., 7:00 PM in chapel • Devotion to the Divine Mercy: Fri., 7:00 PM in chapel • First Friday Novena: 1st Friday of Month, 7:00 PM in the Chapel

RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults) Adults who wish to receive Baptism, First Communion or Confirmation should contact Kristen Gawlik at the Parish Center or email kristen@stmarysnutley.org.

Baptisms Baptisms are the third Sunday of each month, at 1:30 PM. Please call at least a month in advance to make arrangements. Baptismal prep classes will now be held on Saturday, the week before Baptisms (the second Saturday of the month), at 1:00 PM in the Parish Center

Parish Membership Parishioners should register and should inform the Parish Center when moving from the parish.

BINGO Tuesday Evenings with the Early Bird Game starting at 7:15 PM in Msgr. Walsh Hall

Good Shepherd Academy (973-667-2049; www.gsanutley.org) Our Catholic grade school sponsored by the Archdiocese of Newark

Religious Vocations If you think you may have a vocation, speak to one of our priests, or call the Archdiocesan Vocations Office (973-497-4366).

Care of the Sick Communion will be brought to any parishioner confined to home, upon request; those who are seriously ill, or weak from the burden of years, should request the Anointing of the Sick. Urgent calls will be attended immediately.

Marriage Contact a priest to make arrangements. The Bishops have directed that the normal preparation time is a year or more.

St. Mary’s Church is served by:

Rev. Richard Berbary, Pastor Rev. Thomas Nicastro,

Parochial Vicar Anthony G. Armando,

DRE/Youth Minister, 973-667-8239

armandoa@stmarysnutley.org Bruce Mauro, Music Director,

b.mauro1@yahoo.com Patrick Perrone, Trustee Anne Scheidel, Trustee

Parish Center: M-F, 9 - 4 Church Vestibule: Sat. 3-7 PM

Sun. 9 AM-1 PM

Phone Number: 973-235-1100

Parish Business Hours

Sundays 5:30 (Sat. evening)

7:30, 9:00, 10:30, 12:00 Weekdays

Masses in Parish Center Chapel 7:30, 12:10 (Monday - Friday),

Holy Days 7:30 AM, 12:10 AM, 7:00 PM

National Holidays 9:00 AM

M a s s S c h e d u l e

Readings for the Week of March 26, 2017 Monday: Is 65:17-21; Ps 30:2, 4-6, 11-13b; Jn 4:43-54 Tuesday: Ez 47:1-9, 12; Ps 46:2-3, 5-6, 8-9; Jn 5:1-16 Wednesday: Is 49:8-15; Ps 145:8-9, 13cd-14, 17-18; Jn 5:17-30 Thursday: Ex 32:7-14; Ps 106:19-23; Jn 5:31-47 Friday: Wis 2:1a, 12-22; Ps 34:17-21, 23; Jn 7:1-2, 10, 25-30 Saturday: Jer 11:18-20; Ps 7:2-3, 9bc-12; Jn 7:40-53 Sunday: Ez 37:12-14; Ps 130:1-8; Rom 8:8-11; Jn 11:1-45 (3-7, 17, 20-27,

33b-45) ©JPPC

Parish Collections - The March 19th Collection was $10,327.00. We thank you for your

generosity!

A Time of War and Peace… We pray that our troops serving our country may be protected by the Holy Spirit, especially for Patrick Connors, Evan Keating, Collin Keating, Mark Nostro, Greg O’Connell, David Nostro, Douglas Reiman, John Thompson and James Zaremba.

A Time to Heal… For all those who are sick or suffering, especially all those listed on our webpage at

http://stmarysnutley.org/PrayerPage.shtml

A Time to Die…

For all those who have entered into eternal life

A Time to Be Born… For all those who have joined our Community through the Sacrament of Baptism

This Week’s Music 5:30, 10:30 and 12:00 NOON

Prelude Be Thou My Vision 394 Gathering Kyrie Psalm, Alleluia and Gospel Offertory Open My Eyes 390 Eucharistic Prayer Christ the Savior 916 / 917 / 920 / 921 Communion I Want to Walk 596 Recessional In These Days of Lenten Journey (Vs 4) 127