December 21, th Sunday of Advent

December 21, 2014 4th Sunday of Advent Father of our Lord 1883-2014 Jesus Christ, ever faithful to your promises and ever close to your church: the...
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December 21, 2014 4th Sunday of Advent

Father of our Lord

1883-2014

Jesus Christ, ever faithful to your promises and ever close to your church: the earth rejoices in hope of the Savior’s coming and looks forward with longing to his return at the end of time. Prepare our hearts and remove the sadness that hinders us from feeling the joy and hope which his presence will bestow, for he is Lord for ever and ever. – Roman rite

Pastor: Reverend G. Scott Shaffer Parochial Vicars: Reverend Carlos Aguirre Reverend Pierre -Michel Alabre Reverend Garry Koch

Mass Schedule Weekdays: 7:00am & 9:00am Saturday: 8:00am Saturday: 5:00pm Sunday: 7:30am, 9:00am, 10:30am, 12:00noon 5:00pm (Teen Music Ministry) 6:30pm (Mass in Spanish)—Misa en Espanol

Deacon Romeo D. Aquino Deacon Francis J. Babuschak Deacon Robert M. Barnes Deacon Thomas A. Genovese Deacon Gerard Luongo Deacon Frank J. McKenna Deacon Patrick J. Stesner, Sr. Deacon Michael A. Taylor

Devotions: Miraculous Medal & St. Jude Novenas: Tuesday 9:00am Holy Hour for Life:: 2nd Sunday 3:00pm Holy Hour for Priests: 4th Sunday 3:00pm Prayer in the Presence: 2nd Tuesday 7:30pm Holy Days: Mass times to be announced

Parish Office Hours: 9:00am - 3:30pm M-F 685 Hooper Avenue Toms River, NJ 08753 Tel: 732-349-0018 ext. 2204 Fax: 732-286-7064 Email: [email protected] www.stjosephtomsriver.org

St. Gertrude, Island Heights: (Summer Months) Saturday 5:30pm Sunday 9:00am Reconciliation/Confessions: Saturday: 4:00-4:45pm & 6:00-6:30pm Parish Schools: St. Joseph Grade School (SJGS) Michele Williams, Principal, 732-349-2355 Donovan Catholic Dr. Edward Gere, Principal, 732-349-8801

Dawn’s glorious light Today we name the Messiah “O Radiant Dawn, Sun of Justice, Splendor of Eternal Light!” Anyone whose morning commute regularly includes a sunrise or who has contrived to rise early for the express purpose of watching the sun come up knows why primitive peoples and even our oh-so-sophisticated selves find godliness in a sunrise. At the Easter Vigil we sang “May the Morning Star which never sets find this flame still burning!” While Christmas lights have been shining for weeks from homes and lampposts, today we can think of them explicitly as a reminder of God’s gift of Light to the waiting world. We remember Gerard Manley Hopkins’ wonderful “Oh!” at this great renewal: “Oh, morning, at the brown brink eastward, springs / Because the Holy Ghost over the bent / World broods with warm breast and with ah! bright wings.”

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FROM THE PASTOR...

Dear Friends in Christ, “Hail, full of grace! The Lord is with you,” Lk 1:28 With these words, so familiar to us, the Angel Gabriel greats the Virgin Mary. The scripture goes on to tell us that Mary was “greatly troubled” by these words. Have you ever placed yourself into this reading and tried to imagine what your response might be? This might be something to think about, pray about during these last days of preparation for Christmas. Now Mary didn’t blindly say yes. She asked questions and sought additional information. After being reassured by the angel Mary put her total trust in God. What is God asking of each of us this holy season? How do we respond? Mary gives us the perfect example. Ask questions, seek out additional information and then make the decision with faith and trust in God. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we could join our voices with the Virgin Mother of God by responding to God’s call as she did: “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.” Lk1:38 Please know that Father Pierre, Father Carlos, and Father Garry join me in wishing you a holy, blessed Christmas. Be assured of a special place in our prayers. Next Sunday we celebrate the Feast of the Holy Family. Don’t forget to sign up for your week to pray with the pilgrim statue by calling the parish office or signing up on our website. I pray for each of you that the grace and peace the Christ Child brings will fill your hearts and homes.

MASS INTENTIONS MONDAY—December 22 7:00 Diana Chiaravallo—Husband, Joe 9:00 Paras-Nye Family—M/M Douglas Nye TUESDAY—December 23 7:00 Maureen Cullen—Sutton/Walters Family 9:00 Philip Markey—Family WEDNESDAY— December 24 — CHRISTMAS EVE 7:00 No 7am Mass 9:00 Brian Armbruster—Mary Mockus 4:00 Wilkinson & Brubaker Family—Eileen Wilkinson 5:30 Patricia & James Jensen Family 7:00 Chales J. Koch—Sister Christine 8:30 Kyle & Daly Family—Family (Mass in Spanish) 12:00 Mary Lin—Family THURSDAY—December 25—CHRISTMAS DAY 7:30 Andrew, Connie & Nelson Riccardi—Family 9:00 Albert D. Rundle—Daughter, Cheryl & Family 10:30 Frank Pasquariello—Parents 12:00 Jay Hughes—Nicole Kalinowski FRIDAY— December 26 7:00 Robert McCullion—Annette & Andy Milligan 9:00 Roger Nitto—Mary Mockus SATURDAY—December 27 8:00 Michael Hutman—Family 5:00 Felix & Frances McCabe—Daughters Deceased DiMarco & Veneziano Families— Ed DiMarco SUNDAY—December 28 7:30 Constance Riccardi—Roseanna Moscogiuri 9:00 Parishioners 10:30 Charles J. Koch—Jane Hernon 12:00 Alfons Henn—Wife 5:00 Delores & Mike McGillick Wedding Anniversary—Gili Family 6:30 In Thanksgiving Mass in Spanish

God bless you always. Fr. Scott

PRIEST/CELEBRANT Subject to Change

Dec. 27/28 Fr. Carlos Fr. Pierre Fr. Garry Fr. Scott Fr. Pierre Fr. Scott Fr.. Carlos

5:00pm 7:30am 9:00am 10:30am 12:00pm 5:00pm 6:30pm

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MARRIAGES

IN MEMORIAM

Couples wishing to marry in the Church, please call to make arrangements one year prior to marriage date at 732349-0018 ext. 2202.

Please remember in your prayers those who have died: John (Dixie) McGeough Patricia Warme Nancy Fleck Alexander Klock Leslie Gordon Genevieve Stesner Ronald Biederstadt Theresa Logio And for all the deceased members of our parish, the souls in purgatory and those who died in the service of our country. May God grant them eternal rest. Amen.

Are you planning a destination wedding? Call us first to discuss your options. BANNS OF MARRIAGE

III

Brian Wilkinson and Siobhan Ferris

We congratulate those couples who were recently married here at St. Joseph’s Church Mr. and Mrs. Joseph McCarter Mr. and Mrs. Cecilio Leonor

BAPTISMS

Mass Schedule for Christmas Christmas Eve 12/24 4:00pm (Children’s Mass) 5:30pm 7:00pm 8:30pm (Spanish) 12:00 midnight Christmas Day 12/25 7:30am 9:00am 10:30am 12:00noon Memorial Opportunities Flowers and/or Sanctuary Candles The Tabernacle lamp burns the week of December 22, 2014 thru December 28, 2014 in memory of Ronald, Kris and Cheryl Wisniewski requested by the Family. If you wish to reserve flowers for the sanctuary or have the tabernacle lamp burn in honor/memory of a loved one, please call 732-349-0018 ext. 2202.

The Sacrament of Baptism is regularly celebrated the 1st, 2nd and 4th Sundays of each month at 1:30pm BAPTISM PREPARATION CLASS for Parents is held on the First Tuesday of each month at 7:00pm in the Church. Parents please call the parish office to register ext. 2202. We welcome the newest members of our parish family who were baptized here at Saint Joseph’s Church. Valentina Renee Edgar Edmund Lloyd Green V Gino Steven Martino Olivia Li Thai Alicia Donna Huepa Herman Alfonso Martinez Carla Osorio

New memorial opportunity. In addition to reserving flowers for the sanctuary or burning the Tabernacle lamp in honor/memory of a loved one, now near the white marble statues of Mary and Joseph, we have installed two additional candle sconces. They may be reserved for one week at a time. Intentions will be listed in the bulletin. Please call the Parish Office 732-349-0018 ext. 2202.

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FAITH FORMATION There are no Religious Education classes on December 23rd and 24th and December 30th and 31st . Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!! 7th and 8th Grade Sunday Session The next session for our Sunday students will be on January 11, 2015. Please join us for Mass at 5pm and the session will be in Donovan Catholic until 8pm. If your child is in the 8th grade session and he or she has not handed in the Sponsor and Saint Name Report, Statement of Confirmation Name and Sponsor Form, please drop them off at the Parish Office, attention Lillian.

Last Call for Angels and Shepherds Why not have your young children (preschoolers to 6th grade) start your family’s Christmas celebration at the 4pm Children’s Mass on Christmas Eve by participating in a pageant of the Nativity of our Lord! Practice will be tomorrow evening at 5pm in the Church. Please encourage your children (boys and girls, preschooler age to grade 6) to be a part of this exciting event. We are in special need of 5th and 6th graders to take the lead parts and help guide the younger kids. On Christmas Eve your child will need to be in the Church by 3:15. You can find additional information on our web site under News-Bulletins. READINGS FOR MASSES THIS WEEK

Sunday: 2Sm 7:1-5,8b-12,14a,16/Ps 89:2-5,27,29/Rom 16:25-27/Lk 1:26 -38 Monday: 1sM 1:24-28(Ps) 1Sm 2:1,47,8a-d/Lk 1:46-56 Tuesday: Mal 3:1-4,23-24/Ps 25:4,5b,8-10,14/Lk 1:17-66 Wednesday:2Sm 7:1-5,8b12,14a,16/Ps 89:2-5,27,29?lk 1:67-79 Thursday: Is 52:7-10/Ps 98:1-6/ Heb :1-6/Jn 1:1-8 Friday: Acts 6:8-10;7-54-59/Ps 31:3cd-4,6-8b,16bc,17/Mt 10:17-22 Saturday: 1Jn 1:1-4/Ps 97:1-2,5-6,11 -12/Jn 20:2-8 Sunday: Sir 3:2-6,12-14/Ps 128:1-5/ Col 3:12-21

We invite you to ………. We are again having our Parish Christmas Tree in the Gathering Area Fr. Scott invites you to drop off personalized Christmas ornaments to be displayed on our Parish Christmas Tree Baskets will be in the Gathering Space for the ornaments or you may drop them off at the Parish Office. Help make our Parish Christmas Tree beautiful!

Just as those who see the light are illuminated by the light and share its brilliance, so those who see God are in God and share God’s splendor. — St. Gregory the Great

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FROM FROM

DONOVAN

MSGR. DONOVAN CATHOLIC... HIGH SCHOOL ...

Faith makes all things possible, Hope makes all things work, Love makes all things beautiful. May you have all three this Christmas and throughout the New Year.

Congratulations to the winner of the DARTS Day in New York Raffle Mr. Gerard Gallo Thank you to all who supported the raffle and attended the production of

It’s A Wonderful Life We hope you enjoyed the show as much as we did performing it for you. “Remember…no man is a failure who has friends” 13TH Annual Griffin Alumni Christmas Party At the Beachcomber Friday, December 26th 8:30 PM $20.00 per person @ the door (limited open bar & light buffet) 21 & over Reach out to classmates, spread the word, bring along family & friends.

Music by Ballyhaunis Classic Rock Band

FROM FROM SAINT JOSEPH

SAINT GRADE JOSEPH’S SCHOOL... GRADE SCHOOL... Somewhere in the lurry of the season may you ind time to dream about that blessed night that changed our world. “For unto us a child is born… Unto us a Son is given” Isaiah 9:6

God be with you at Christmastime and keep you in His care, God grant you peace and happiness and answer every prayer, God ill each day ahead for you with blessings from above, so you will know, your whole life through, the fullness of His love. May the peace and joy of the Baby Jesus be with you. We are grateful to all parishioners. Your generosity throughout the year sustains and helps SJGS to lourish. We wish all many blessings for a Merry Christmas! From the Administration, Faculty, Staff and Students of Saint Joseph Grade School.

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PARISH NEWS …….

Attention Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion who serve in the Church—A sign-up sheet is posted in Room 10 for Christmas 2014 and New Year 2015. If you are able to assist, please sign up for one of the Masses. RETIREMENT FUND FOR RELIGIOUS—Thank you! “We can certainly call you friends because of the way you care for our retired members,” writes a religious brother. Your gift to last week’s collection benefits some 35,000 senior sisters, brothers, and religious order priests. May God bless you for your generosity! The Monday night prayer group, The Flame of Love, will not be meeting until Monday, February 5, 2015. The Annual March for Life in Washington, DC is Thursday, January 22, 2015. The Bus Leaves St. Joseph Church after the 7:00am Mass. Bus Seating Limited, Reservations Only. Call Deacon Frank McKenna for Information and Reservations 732-286-7722. If you leave a message, please clearly state your name, telephone number and if possible your email address so we can confirm your seating. St. Joseph’s Consolation Ministries announces their next Bereavement Support Groups will begin Tuesday, January 20, 2015 and continue for 8 consecutive Tuesday Evenings from 7:00pm to 8:30pm. There is also a Bereavement Group that will meet 8 consecutive Thursday mornings at 10:00am to 11:30am beginning Thursday, January 22, 2015. The Parish Office will be closed Wednesday, Thursday, Friday December 24, 25, and 26 for Christmas. We wish all our parishioners a

Blessed Christmas!!

CONTACT (24-hour crisis intervention hotline) will begin another 15week training class for telephone volunteers Tuesday, January 13, 2015 from 6:30pm to 9:30pm in the Brick Township area. CONTACT, a free and confidential service, has been assisting with the needs of individuals throughout the community since 1975, by providing a safe place for callers to talk about their problems with anonymity Information and referral are provided when requested. For additional training information, please call the CONTACT Office 732-240-6104.

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We are excited to share with our Parish Families our Holy Family Statue (donated by a faithful parishioner). Each week throughout the upcoming year, the statue will go to a different family home where the Rosary will be prayed along with a special prayer for the Synod on the Family. We would like to begin on the Feast of the Holy Family, Sunday, December 28. If you would like to participate, please call the parish office 732-3490018 ext. 2202 or go on line to our website www.stjosephtomsriver.org click on Contact Us to reserve your week. We are hoping that one night each week one of the priests will be able to visit the home and pray with those there. St. Joseph’s Century Club, founded over 45 years ago provides scholarships for students from St. Joseph’s Grade School who attend Donovan Catholic. Students receive awards based on academic achievement and financial need. The Century Club members have also supported an endowment for the scholarship program. St. Joseph’s Endowment Fund for Catholic Education was established in 1996 to provide for long term financial security for the Catholic education offered at Donovan Catholic and St. Joseph’s Grade School. Your gift, great or small, becomes a permanent investment for both of our schools. Create your legacy for our future students and perpetuate Catholic Education, knowing that you are part of a great work. Donations are tax deductible.

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HORARIO DE MISAS

MENSAJE DEL PASTOR … Querida Familia Parroquial: “Alégrate, llena de gracia, el Señor está contigo” Lc 1, 28, es la frase con la cual el Ángel Gabriel saluda a la Virgen María, confundiéndola y preocupándola según nos dicen las escrituras. ¿Alguna vez te has imaginado cual hubiese sido tu respuesta si hubieras estado en el lugar de María? Esto podría ser un buen tema para meditar. Los invito entonces a que oremos durante estos últimos días de preparación para la Navidad. Cuando el Ángel Gabriel anuncio a María lo que pasaría, Ella no dijo inmediatamente que sí, Ella hizo preguntas y solicitó información adicional. Pero después de haber hablado un poco más con aquel Ángel, ella deposito toda su confianza en el Señor y dejo que se hiciera su voluntad. ¿Entonces qué es lo que el Señor nos pide en esta temporada tan especial? Y ¿cómo respondemos a su llamado? María sin duda alguna es nuestro mejor ejemplo a seguir. Haga preguntas, busque información adicional y luego tome la mejor decisión, con fe y confianza en Dios. ¿No sería maravilloso si pudiéramos unir nuestras voces a la de la Virgen Madre de Dios y responder al llamado de Dios tal como lo hizo María al decir: "Yo soy la esclava del Señor; cúmplase en mi lo que me has dicho” (Lc 1:38)? El Padre Pierre, el padre Carlos, y el Padre Garry se unen a mí para desearles una santa y bendita Navidad. Tengan la seguridad de que están de una manera muy especial en nuestras oraciones. El próximo domingo se celebra la Fiesta de la Sagrada Familia. No se les olvide inscribirse llamando a la oficina de la parroquia o registrándose en nuestra página web para participar y orar con la imagen peregrina. Recuerden que cada uno de ustedes está en mis oraciones, especialmente para que durante esta temporada sus corazones y hogares se llenen de la gracia y la paz que el Niño Jesús trae. Que Dios los bendiga siempre. Fr. Scott

En la Semana: 7:00 am & 9:00 am. Todos los días de la semana ( inglés). Sábado: 8:00 am, 5:00 & 7:00 pm ( inglés) Domingo: 7:30 am, 9:00 am, 10:30 am, 12:00 pm, 5:00 pm ( ingles) Domingo: 6:30 pm español SACRAMENTOS

Bautizos (en español): El Sacramento del Bautismo se celebra el 1ro, 2do y 4to domingo del mes, en la Misa de 6:30 pm. Para mayor información, llamar a la oficina Hispana. Unción de los Enfermos: Comunicarse con la oficina parroquial. Reconciliación/Confesión: De lunes a Jueves 10:00am-3:00 pm. Por Favor pedir cita 732-3490018 ext.. 2213. Matrimonios: Las parejas que piensen contraer matrimonio deben solicitar primero una cita con el Padre Carlos. Para mayor información comuníquese con la oficina Hispana. Registro parroquial: Todos los feligreses deben registrarse en la Parroquia. Cualquier cambio en su dirección por favor notificarnos. Para mas información llamar al 732- 349-0018 ext. 2213. Clases de Educación Religiosa (CCD): Comuníquese a la oficina parroquial con Celine Fowler al 732-349-0018 ext. 2224 . Oficina Hispana: sitienes alguna duda o necesitas comunicarte conalguna oficina parroguial, comunícate con Juliana Moreno al 732-349-0018 ext. 2213 Rito De La Iniciación Cristiana De AdultosEs un proceso para adultos que deseen por primer vez recibir los sacramentos de iniciación en la fe católica o han sido bautizados en otra fe cristiana. También permite para las personas que han sido bautizados y les falta el Sacramento de Comunión y Confirmación. Este proceso también se hace disponible para los jóvenes de escuela secundaria (High School). Si usted está interesado o conoce alguien, por favor comuníquese con la Sra. Marge. Teléfono 732-349-0018 ext. 2236 .

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ANUNCIOS DE VIDA COMUNITARIA Como familia celebramos unidos la gran Fiesta de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, como familia cada uno de ustedes aportaron de distintas maneras para que esta gran celebración fuera todo un éxito. ¡MIL GRACIAS FAMILIA HISPANA! QUE LA MORENITA NUESTRA SEÑORA DE GUADALUPE BENDIGA SUS FAMILIA Y ESTA FAMILIA PARROQUIAL.

CARPENTER SHOP: La tienda de artículos religiosos estará abierta el próximo 28 de diciembre después de la misa de 6:30 pm, artículos navideños estarán disponibles.

TALLERES DE ORACIÓN Y VIDA: Los talleres del Padre Ignacio Larrañaga te enseñan a relacionarte con Dios, como de un amigo a otro. Aquí encontraras un método práctico para aprender a orar; y orar de una manera ordenada, variada y progresiva: desde los primeros pasos hasta las profundidades de la contemplación. Inscripciones abiertas para el mes de febrero. ¡VEN, PARTICIPA Y APRENDE A COMUNICARTE CON DIOS! Les deseamos a todos que el nacimiento de Jesús los llene de amor, paz y esperanza y que junto a todos sus amigos y familiares puedan disfrutar de los mejores momentos de unión y celebración. Sintamos lo bueno de la navidad, felices fiestas para todos los feligreses de nuestra Comunidad Hispana de San José.


MISA DE NAVIDAD EL PRÓXIMO MIÉRCOLES 24 DE DICIEMBRE A LAS 8:00 PM. RECUERDA ES EN ESPAÑOL