April 20, 2008 . Fifth Sunday of Easter

Rev. Charles J. Miller, M. Div., PastorRev. Peter K. Funesti, M. Div., Parochial VicarRev. Philip A. Sanders, S.T.B., Parochial VicarRev. Thomas F. Blind, M. Div., In Residence

Permanent Deacons:Deacon Albert H. TizzanoDeacon Dennis J. BesidaDeacon Thomas J. Coyle

Pastoral Associate for Elementary Catechetics:

Tracey Rennie

Pastoral Associate for Parish Ministry:

Sister Arleen Crimmins, O.P.

School Principal:Ms. Joan Ferraer

DIRECTOR OF LITURGICAL MUSIC MINISTRIES:

Nancy A. Cardone

Assistant Liturgical Music MinisterS:

Paul DiBiancaKimberley Mesiti

Pastoral Associate for Family & Adult Formation Ministries:

Robert P. Miller

Coordinator of Youth Ministry:Mr. Timothy Dennin

Pastoral Council:Tom Rossano, Chairperson

Orly Trias, Vice ChairpersonMichele Sweetman, Secretary

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.com

Eucharistic Liturgy

Saturday Eve: 5:00pm

Sundays: 7:30, 9:00, 10:30am & 12:15pm

(12 Noon during summer months)

Weekdays: 7:30, & 11:30am

Saturday Mornings: 8:30am Only

Holy Days:7:30, 11:30am & 7:00pm

Holidays: 8:30am Only

Interpreted Mass for the deaf Fourth Sunday of Each Month

12:15pm

Sacrament of Reconciliation:(Penance/Confessions)

Saturday: 11:00am

Marian Devotions:Mondays

Novena 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

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Fifth Sunday of Easter April 20, 2008

Masses for the Week

Sunday, April 20 Saturday, April 19 5:00 pm Mildred Charters & Nicholas Colichio - Family

Sunday, April 20 7:30 am Rose Trasente - Aunt & Uncle 9:00 am For the People of the Parish 10:30 am Harry Scardilli - Daughter 12:15 pm Jennie Olivia - Friend

Monday, April 21 7:30 am Sam Sica - Friend 11:30 am Msgr. Vincent P. Coburn - Friend

Tuesday, April 22 7:30 am Joseph Pettoni - Family 11:30 am Howard Paul - Family

Wednesday, April 23 7:30 am Patricia LaRocca - Friend 11:30 am Gertrude M. Norton - Bequest

Thursday, April 24 7:30 am Helen McGarry - Bequest 11:30 am Raffaela Candido (6th Anniversary) - Son

Friday, April 25 7:30 am Hank VanWinkle - Family 11:30 am Rosa & Antonio DeRogatis - Family

Saturday, April 26 8:30 am Agnes McDonald - Friend

Sunday, April 27 Saturday, April 26 5:00 pm Nicholas Gazzillo - Family

Sunday, April 27 7:30 am Rose Trasente - Cousin 9:00 am Polak & Ostoyic Families (Living) - Family 10:30 am For the People of the Parish 12:15 pm Edward & Jennie Bonanno

PRAY FOR OUR SICK:

Ed Post, Mary Ganning, Geraldine Halpin Fasone and Franco Families, Ann Wagner

Rest in Peace

Helen Prawdzik

CANDLE INTENTIONS:

Church: Audrey Ward

FEAST OF THE ASCENSION OF THE LORD

Thursday, May 1st, 2008 A Holy Day of Obligation

Masses: Thursday, May 1st, 7:30am, 9:00am, 11:30am & 7:00pm

Next Sunday’s Readings:

Acts 8:5-8, 14-17 1 Peter 3:15-18 John 14:15–21

Jesus says, “I came that they may have life, and have it to the full.” Good stewards are grateful for the gift of life and joyfully share their abundance with others.

HOSPITALITY: This Sunday morning, everyone is invited downstairs for coffee and snacks following the Masses. Please stop by for a few moments to relax and catch up with friends.

Pray For Vocations

“I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” Five weeks have passed since the Solemn Feast of Easter. Yet, as one may notice, the Church extends the celebration for many weeks to honor the singular occurrence of the Resurrection of Our Lord. It was in His passion, death and resurrection that He re-affirmed for all people that He will lead them on the proper way, in truth and to eternal life. As a priest or religious, that path is continued in today’s Church. They are called to lead the faithful to Christ, who is the way, truth and life, guiding the Church to the Father. Are you willing to participate in this unique duty? If so, you may be called to the priesthood, diaconate or religious life. Pray to the Resurrected Christ, and contact the Office of Vocations at kellybar@rcan.org or 973.497.4365.

Right to Life

For all newly married couples: that through their closeness to God, they might ever do his will;

We pray to the Lord

Wellness Ministry Cares… Assistance Program

The Wellness Ministry phone line is available Mon-Fri, 9:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. Call the Parish Center at 973-338-9190 ext. 20. A return call will be made within 24 hours. A Parish Nurse will provide limited confidential health counseling & referrals to Community health resources & services. Volunteers are available for errands, home visits and phone contacts.

BLOOD PRESSURE SCREENING – THIS WEEK

Blood pressure screenings will be held this weekend, Saturday, April 19th, after the 5:00 p.m. Mass and Sunday, April 20th, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 noon.

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Easter is a time for spiritual rebirth & renewal. Here at St. Thomas the Apostle there will be a special

3-day Parish Mission for both men and women.

Monday thru Wednesday, April 28, 29 & 30 at 7:30 p.m. in the Church

Fr. Alan Guglielmo

will lead us through prayer and his reflection on God’s word to a deeper and more vibrant faith.

Plan to do something special for yourself!

M a r k Y o u r C a l e n d a r N o w !

All of us here at Saint Thomas the Apostle welcome the Holy Father on his visit to the United States. We are fortunate to have members of our own Youth Group as well as 5 representatives from our parish attending various events with His Holiness during his visit to our area.

Pray for the success of his visit!

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EUCHARISTIC ADORATION

There will be Eucharistic Adoration Monday, April 28th, from Noon to 7:30 PM. ** THERE WILL BE NO RESPECT LIFE HOLY HOUR DUE TO THE PARISH MISSION SCHEDULED AT 7:30 P.M.

“T H I S W E E K”

Monday – 4/21

September Club – 11:30am in St. Peter Men’s prayer and Bible Study – 7:30pm in St. Matthew

Thursday – 4/24

SCC Thursday – 7:00pm in St. Matthew

Friday – 4/25

SCC Friday – 7:00pm in Church

Mother’s Day Remembrance Included in your recent packet of envelopes is a Mother’s Day remembrance envelope. The Masses on Mother’s Day, May 11th, will be offered for the living and deceased Mothers of our Parishioners. Envelopes with the names of Mothers inscribed on them will be placed near the altar during all Masses on May 11th. Don’t forget Grandmothers, Aunts, Godmothers, Sisters, Daughters, etc. A limited number of Mother’s Day “Spiritual Bouquet” cards are available at the Parish Center. The card shows that the mother you choose will be remembered on Mother’s Day.

LEARNING TO LIVE WITH YOUR LOSS

April 20th, 2008 3:00 p.m. in the Parish Center

*Note time change

THEME: New life can be found all around us

Parish Ministry Chairpersons Meetings scheduled between

September 1, 2008 and August 31, 2009 Please submit requests for rooms

to the Parish Center by April 21, 2008

RCIA NEWS Please remember all of our RCIA candidates in your prayers who will be receiving First Eucharist and Confirmation on the Feast of Pentecost, May 11.

Religious Education News

Congratulations to all of the 113 children who received their First Holy Communion over the past two weeks. Thank you to all of their teachers – Gerrie Michalek, Kim Baldasare, Deanna Rubino, Dina Pizzano, Maria Gonsalves, Kelly Toscano, Ellen Naughton, and Heidi Zorse for all of their help preparing the children for their big day. Thank you to all of their families for choosing to continue on in the faith journey which began at baptism. Thank you, also, to all the parishioners for their prayers over the past several months for these children. If you would like to send a note to your prayer partner, there are boxes in the doorways of the church. REMINDER – THERE WILL BE NO CCD THE WEEK OF APRIL 21ST – ENJOY YOUR SPRING BREAK AND WE WILL SEE YOU ON APRIL 28TH.

PAPAL MESSAGE

In case you haven't seen it yet, the Holy Father has delivered a video greeting to the people of the United States in anticipation of his visit to Washington and New York. You can see this message by visiting www.youtube.com/watch?v=TyaUNK0cgx4 on YouTube.

Adult Enrichment Fifth Annual Faith and Family Conference

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Do you want to strengthen your marriage? The theme for this year’s conference is “Joy in Christian Marriage. Special guest speaker is Dr. Philip Mango. Dr. Mango is the President and Co-Founder of St. Michael’s Institute for the Psychological Sciences and is a professor at the John Paul II Institute. He has worked closely with Mother Teresa over a 12 year period on mental health projects for the poor. Conference is Saturday, May 31 from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Cost is $15 per person or $20 per couple. For more information call Bob Miller at 973.338.9190 x20. Please register by May 27.

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NAME: ______________________________________ PHONE: _____________________________________

R E T U R N E N T I R E F O R M T O P A R I S H C E N T E R

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Senior High Youth Group News

Meetings Sunday nights 7 - 9 pm in the Parish Center. All high school youth are welcome.

4/20 Senior Night with Alicia McElhone

Mark Your Calendar:

John Angotti 5/10 Email Tim Dennin with any questions tdennin@att.net

The Prayer Shawl Ministry

Let us continue to pray for those making shawls and those who receive them.

Our next meeting is scheduled for Sunday April 20th at 1:30 p.m. Please call the parish center in case of bad weather as meetings may be canceled. If you have any questions call Bernadette @ 973-893-0114. If you need a shawl please call Sr. Arleen @ 973-338-9190 x-34.

Recently our second grade students wrote birthday letters to Pope Benedict XVI. The Communications Office of the Archdiocese of Newark likes the letters so much they contacted Channel 9 News who sent a camera crew on Thursday, April 3rd. Each second grade student was taped reading his or her birthday wish to the Pope!

Look for our students on the Channel 9 News during the coverage of the Pope’s visit.

Ì Ì Ì Ì Ì Ì Ì Ì Ì Ì Ì CONGRATULATIONS to our second grade students who have received their First Holy Communion today and last weekend. It is a special time for these children and their families, and we are happy to celebrate with them. May the Lord continue to bless them! St. Thomas the Apostle School continues to accept registration for Pre-K through 7th grades. For information, please call 973-3388505 or email us at staoffice@catholic.org.

St. Thomas the Apostle School 2008 Calendar Sweepstakes Winners!

April 13 $100 Peter Castro 14 $50 Barbara Furnari 15 $100 Mark Russello 16 $200 Paul Cataffo 17 $250 Thomas Vena 18 $75 James-Jon/Maria Lawton 19 $50 Natividad Briceno

CONGRATULATION TO ALL WINNERS!!!

Sister Regina Coll to Re-Retire! After 23 years Sister Regina Coll will be leaving us to retire. Sister has been retired for the past few years but this time she is really retiring. Sister has been active in a variety of ways in the parish, especially as a faithful Eucharistic Minister at the 5pm Mass on Saturday. She has also

been a helper in the Kindergarten and in the Office for the past few years. Sister will be retiring to Our Assited Living at Convent Station. She will be leaving on April 30th.

There will be an Open House at the Convent on Sunday, April 27th immediately after the 12:15pm Mass until 4pm. Please feel free to join us in wishing Sister Regina well in her new home.

Sister Regina’s new address is P.O. Box 476, Saint Anne Villa, Convent Station, NJ 07961

St. Thomas the Apostle Invites You To

Pasta & Movie Night

Saturday, April 26, 2008 6:00 – 10:00 p.m. Herron Hall

Please join us for a Family-Fun Evening of Fine Food, Italian Music & Dancing!

Come Meet Your Favorite Chef & Enjoy His Movie – Ratatouille!

Three Types of Pastas, Meatballs, Antipasto/Salad/Bread, Italian Pastries & Coffee

50/50 Raffle, Door Prizes, Gift Raffle

All Proceeds to Benefit St. Thomas the Apostle Home & School Association

Please RSVP by April 18, 2008 Checks Made Payable to

St. Thomas the Apostle H&S Assoc.

Family Name: _________________________________ Phone #: _____________________________________ Adult Tkts ____ @ $15/pp Child Tkts ____ @$10/pp Total Amount Due: $__________________

For information, please call Charlene Perrone at (973) 893-1304. Return form to school office addressed to either Charlene Perrone or Cindy Guglielmello

Please indicate seating requests on a separate sheet of paper.

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Earth day is April 22, 2008

For the Earth Creator God, help us to harness the wind, the water, the sun,

and all the ready and renewable sources of power.

Teach us to conserve, preserve, use wisely the blessed treasures of our wealth-stored earth.

Help us to share Your bounty, not to waste it or pervert it into peril for our children or our neighbors in other nations.

You who are life and energy and blessing, teach us to reverence and respect Your tender world.

By Thomas John Carlisle from The Fire of Peace Edited by Kownacki

CALLING ALL FIREFIGHTERS!

St. Florian was an officer in the Roman army in the third century. He is said to have stopped a town from burning by throwing a single bucket of water on the blaze, and thus explains his association with fire fighters and those who protect us from fire.

The Annual Archdiocesan St. Florian Mass in celebration of the Fire Service will be held at the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart on Sunday, May 4th at 3PM. All active and retired firefighters, professional and volunteer, their families and friends are invited to attend. Firefighters are asked to attend in uniform and to be seated in the Cathedral by 2:45 for the pipes and drums processional. More information at http://www.rcan.org/stflorianmass

SENIOR PROPERTY TAX FREEZE

Homeowners ages 65 and over may qualify for the Property Tax Reimbursement Program if their incomes

do not exceed the following: for a single person, $43,693 in 2006 and $45,135 in 2007; for a married couple,

$53,576 in 2006 and $55,344 in 2007. Upon application, property taxes are “frozen” in the base year, and the

property tax increase in the ensuing years is refunded. The deadline for application is June 2, 2008. Application are available at the Bloomfield Tax Assessor’s Office at

973-680-4021.

St. Thomas the Apostle Youth Group is proud to present

An Evening of Praise and Worship

May 10th, 2008 at 7:30 p.m. in St. Thomas the Apostle Church

JOHN ANGOTTI Returns to St. Thomas

John will be present at a Liturgy Workshop, A Saturday Night Concert,

And bring his Music Ministry to all Masses On Sunday, May 11th, 2008 Free will offering will be collected.

Here's a nice thank you from a young lady in need that the St. Thomas Respect Life Committee has helped. "Thank you so much for the baby clothes. They were all practically brand new and adorable. A couple pairs of shoes. SOOOO cute. It was really awesome of you to do that. I've been kinda blah lately with Mike gone (to Iraq) and the end of the pregnancy. It was really nice to have that stuff to remind me of what all this stress is for!! It really lifted my spirits and I can't tell you how much it meant to me. God Bless." Patt Hamilton St Thomas Respect Life Committee

PROTECTING GOD’S CHILDREN Policies & Procedures

Training is required for all adults working with youth at our parish. If you have not completed this training, you must register for the training session online at www.rcan.org and follow links to the Workshop Schedule St. Thomas 4/28 session. For more info, contact l Tim Dennin at tdennin@att.net