Parish Community of Our Lady of Lourdes J an uary

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2017 Mission Statement: The Catholic Community of OLL celebrates the presence of Christ, welcoming all with love and compassion. We encourage all to learn and live the Gospel through worship, prayer and service, with respect for human dignity, as we continue on our spiritual journey.

390 County Road 523, P.O. Box 248, Whitehouse Station, NJ 08889 Phone: 908.534.2319 Fax:908.534.5670 Web: ollwhs.org

Readings: RitualSong #990 Gathering Song ~ We Three Kings of Orient Are ~ RitualSong #535 Responsorial Psalm

Reprinted with permission under license #601171 . All rights reserved.

Song at Preparation ~ What Child Is This ~ RitualSong #530

Reprinted with permission under license #601171 . All rights reserved.

Communion Song ~ Christ, Be Our Light Closing Song ~ As With Gladness Men of Old

Text: William C. Dix, 1837-1898; Tune: DIX, 77 77 77 arr. from Conrad Kocher, 1786-1782, by William H. Monk, 1823-1889

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January 8, 2017 ~ The Epiphany of the Lord

CLERGY

PARISH STAFF

PASTOR Very Rev. Leonard F. A. Rusay x 11, [email protected] PASTORAL SUPPORT Rev. Greg Uhrig DEACONS Mr. Charles Paolino and Mr. Al Adolfo

PASTORAL ASSOCIATE Joline Frank x 12, [email protected] PARISH CATECHETICAL LEADER Nina Forestiere x 20, [email protected] LITURGICAL MUSIC DIRECTOR James Cole x 19, [email protected]

LITURGICAL CELEBRATIONS

PASTORAL EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT Doreen Budris-Kovacs x 13, [email protected]

WEEKEND LITURGIES Saturday 5:30 pm; Sunday 8:00, 9:30 & 11:00 am WEEKDAY LITURGIES 8:30 am except Thursday at 12:00 pm HOLY DAYS OF OBLIGATION Please refer to the Bulletin.

PASTORAL FINANCE ASSISTANT Christine DeLessio x 15, [email protected] COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR & ASSISTANT PCL Bridget Hackman x 14, [email protected] PASTORAL SECRETARY Madeline Fisher x 21, [email protected]

OFFICE HOURS

MAINTENANCE Colman Connolly

MONDAY THROUGH THURSDAY - 9 am to 4 pm; FRIDAY - 9 am to 1 pm

VISITATION HOURS PRAYER OPPORTUNITIES

CHURCH Daily 9 am to 5 pm SACRED HEART CHAPEL Monday to Thursday - 8 am to 4 pm; Friday 8 am to 1 pm PENANCE Saturday 4:30 to 5 pm and by appointment

Spiritual Direction - Individual directed prayer life is offered by our Priests and Pastoral Associate. Charismatic Prayer Group - This prayer community meets Tuesdays at 7 pm in the Sacred Heart Chapel.

FAITH FORMATION YOUTH FAITH FORMATION

Religious education classes are held from September through May, for students in the First through Fourth grades on Monday and Tuesday from 4:30 to 5:45 pm and for students in the Fifth through Seventh grades on Monday and Tuesday from 6:30 to 7:45 pm. Twelve Confirmation Prep sessions are required for Eighth graders who wish to receive the Sacrament.

CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS

The process where those “inquiring” about becoming a Roman Catholic are invited to journey with Church members in sharing their faith, while discerning God’s call to conversion. Please contact the Parish Office for further information.

PARISH MEMBERSHIP New members need to contact the Parish Office to register for an Evening of Welcome at which time the process of formally becoming a parishioner will be initiated. We receive many requests for certificates of sponsorship for Baptism and Confirmation. Certificates can only be given to registered members of the parish who actively practice their faith. Members are those who regularly attend Mass and participate in and support the life of the Church.

SACRAMENTS BAPTISM

The Rite of Baptism is celebrated on the first Sunday of the month following the 11:00 am Mass and the third Sunday of the month at the 11:00 am liturgy, except during Lent. Parents must attend an obligatory preparation session prior to the child’s birth. Arrangements for a Baptismal date are made at that session.

MATRIMONY

In accordance with Diocesan policy, couples wishing to be married at OLL must participate in a one-year preparation program, which includes FOCCUS, Pre-Cana, God’s Plan for a Faith-Filled Marriage, and required paperwork. Please confirm the date with the Church prior to making other plans. Marriages take place on Fridays and Saturdays—no Sunday weddings.

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January 8, 2017 ~ The Epiphany of the Lord

Everyday Stewardship Recognize God in Everyday Moments

The story of the Wise Men bringing gifts to Jesus, the newborn King, is a great one, isn't it? They had a great big star in the sky to lead the way. I am no Boy Scout, so I am not sure how well I would do following a star like that. But the important point here is that God led them to the manger. The manger was a place that unless God specifically showed you this was where the Christ Child was born you wouldn't have believed it. You would have passed on by. In our lives, there are no big stars in the sky leading us where we need to go. It isn't so easy sometimes discerning where God is leading us. We may seek to use our gifts wisely, but in what manner and to what end is not always clear. This is where prayer can make a huge difference. If we seek to cultivate a prayer life where we are mindful of the presence of God throughout our day, then the call is easier to discern. We can help the process by intentionally offering to God in the morning the entirety of the day to come: all our actions, all our time, and all our decisions. In the evening, we can examine the past hours of the day and reflect on when we responded well to Christ's call and when we fell short. Then we resolve to begin again tomorrow, inviting Christ to be with us every step of the way. God may not offer a star in the sky to lead us, but if we invite us on our journey each day, the path will be much clearer. Tracy Earl Welliver, MTS

A Note from Fr. Len

The Announcement of Easter & Moveable Feasts

Can you believe that one month ago we were fretting over Christmas? The gifts we had to purchase, the decorations we had to hang, the food we needed to prepare and the clothes that needed to be cleaned, all had to be done in a short period of time. And, believe it or not, we did it! Everyone was pleased with their gifts, the decorations looked beautiful, the food was luscious and, wow, did we look good! As we end the Christmas season today we put everything away and, for some strange reason, feel a sense of emptiness. The house is bland and lifeless, our diets have begun, and we are back to our ordinary lives. But do we need to do this? The excitement that led up to this wonderful celebration does not have to be put away with the tinsel and the lights. If we “kept Christ in Christmas” during these past weeks then we are fully aware that Christ and his joy and hope remain a part of what we do and who we are throughout the year. The reason for his birth is that we can all experience a new and enlivened being. I encourage you to remain hopeful and full of joy during these next two months. We have a long time before we begin the season of Lent (March 1) so take this time to remain in the glow and warmth of Jesus’ birth. We don’t need a tree with lights and ornaments; all we need is our Lord and God’s promise fulfilled.

Know, dear brothers and sisters, that , as we have rejoiced at the Nativity of the Lord Jesus Christ, so by leave God’s mercy we announce to you also the joy of his Resurrection, who is our Savior. On the first day of March will fall Ash Wednesday, and the beginning of the fast of the most sacred Lenten season. On the sixteenth of April we will celebrate with joy Easter Day, the Paschal feast of our Lord Jesus Christ. On the twenty-fifth day of May, will be the Ascension of our Lord Jesus Christ. On the fourth day of June, the feast of Pentecost. On the eighteenth day of June, the feast of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ. On the third day of December, the First Sunday of Advent of our Lord Jesus Christ, to whom is honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen

Monday 9

Tuesday 10

Wednesday 11

The Baptism of the Lord

Weekday

Weekday

Is 42:1-4, 6-7 or Acts 10:34-38/Ps 29/ Mt 3:13-17

Heb 2:5-12/Ps 8/Mk 1:21-28 or Heb 1:1-6 and 2:5-12/Ps 8/Mk 1:14-20 and 1:21-28

Heb 2:14-18/Ps 105/Mk 1:29-39

8:30 am Mass: Louise Thompson r/b Michael & Dorothy Bacha

8:30 am Mass: Anthony J. Reale r/b The Albanese Family

1:00 pm Prayer Shawl Ministry, Library

4:30 pm Youth Faith Formation

4:30 pm Youth Faith Formation

6:00 pm Confirmation Prep

6:00 pm Confirmation Prep

6:30 pm Youth Faith Formation

6:30 pm Youth Faith Formation

7:00 pm Prayer Group, Chapel

8:30 am Mass: Eileen Jurist r/b The Albanese Family 7:00 pm Social Concerns Meeting, Community Hall

7:00 pm Prayer Shawl Ministry

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January 8, 2017 ~ The Epiphany of the Lord

Administration and Stewardship Music Ministry Concert

On Sunday, January 29 at 3:30 pm, the Music Ministry of Our Lady of Lourdes will present a concert of sacred music under the direction of James Cole. The snow date will be Sunday, February 5 at 3:30 p.m. The Adult Choir, Youth Choir, Children's Choir, Handbell Choir, and Chamber Orchestra will perform a program of music from across the liturgical year. Included will be music by Randall Thompson, John Rutter, Gabriel Fauré, Antonio Vivaldi and Felix Mendelssohn. There will be a free-will offering to benefit the Music Ministry and light refreshments after the concert. For more information, call 534-2319.

Next Week’s Second Collection

Next weekend the annual “Together in Charity Collection” will be taken up at all Masses. The proceeds from this collection help the Parish Emergency Assistance Program, a program of Catholic Charities that provide 24 hour/seven days a week assistance to parishes faced with individuals and families with serious and urgent financial, housing, or medical needs. Last year, two-thirds of the parishes in the Diocese availed themselves of this program in obtaining help for 1,271 individuals and families (including 578 children). Catholic Charities’ ability to help each parish meet the growing need for financial assistance in their community depends on the success of this collection. Please give generously to this collection and contribute to making this a grace-filled new year for a family or individual in crisis.

Compassionate Care and Social Justice Starfish Food Pantry Collection

Our regular food collection will occur next weekend, January 14 and 15. Since our cupboard is almost bare, all types of nonperishable food items are welcome. We are especially in need of hearty soups, canned meals, tuna, unsweetened cereal, juice, and spaghetti sauce. Please do not donate food items beyond their "Use by" date. Thank you for your continued generosity.

What is the Social Justice Committee?

It is a number of opportunities to minister to those less fortunate in our community and beyond, such as Starfish, Shepherd’s Meal, and Jesse Tree. Think globally … act locally! Our committee meets four times a year and are always looking for new members and fresh ideas! Join us on Wednesday, January 11 at 7:00 pm in Community Hall. Help us make a difference!

Formation Acquire the Fire

Save the Date! Acquire the Fire, the young adult group, will be meeting on Sunday, January 22 at 7:00 pm in the Old Church Hall. To join the list serve and to stay up to date on more events, please email Susan at [email protected].

Inspiration of the Week Today's feast of the Epiphany reminds us that Jesus came into the world for all, not just a select group of people. Into all nations a light has come and today we reflect on the wonderful gift Jesus gives us in light. If we journey with him, there is always hope and the darkness of confusion, ignorance, sin, and even death is dispelled. God is with us and knows every aspect of what it means to be truly human. Thursday 12

Friday 13

Saturday 14

Weekday

Weekday

Weekday

Heb 3:7-14/Ps 95/Mk 1:40-45

Heb 4:1-5, 11/Ps 78/Mk 2:1-12

Heb 4:12-16/Ps 19/Mk 2:13-17

12:00 Noon Mass: Louise C. Thompson r/b Madeline Fisher

8:30 am Mass: Judith Caporelli r/b Small Church Group

8:30 am Mass: Victoria Swenarton r/b The Galioto Family 5:30 pm Mass: Fr. Len Bjorn E. Firing r/b Karen Firing 6:30 pm Knights of Columbus Comedy Night, Community Hall

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January 8, 2017 ~ The Epiphany of the Lord

Community Life Rosarian Gift Shop

The Gift Shop will be closed until next Sunday, January 15. Thank you for your support; the proceeds fund the Rosary Altar Scholarship Fund. If you have any needs between now and January 15, please contact Ruth Stieh for an appointment at 534-4039 or [email protected]. The gift shop carries gift ideas for many other occasions such as Baptism, Confirmation, and house-warming, We also have special medals, rosaries, and military medals available.

Knights of Columbus 4th Annual Comedy Night

The Knights of Columbus will host their Fourth Annual Comedy Night on Saturday, January 14 at 7:00 pm in Community Hall. Steve Trevelise from radio station 101.5 will be the MC for the evening. Professional comedians, Pete Michaels and Leighanne Lord will be performing. Pete Michaels is a Celebrity Ventriloquist and has appeared on Late Night with Conan O'Brien, Comedy Central, and on various Cruise Ships. Leighanne Lord, who performed at the Knights 1st Comedy Night in 2014, is smart and engaging with topics including current events, family, and marriage. She has performed around the world including The Comedy Store in London and the Comedy Factory in the Netherlands. This outstanding event will benefit local charities that the Knights of Columbus support. Tickets are $40 per person; dinner and beverages are included. For tickets and information, contact Roman Hnidj at 256-9760 or [email protected] / Tom DiQuollo at 217-4330 or [email protected].

Calling All Young Adults (18-39)!

What is your deepest desire? Is it to live a happy and meaningful life? This retreat series is for all young adults who want to live life to the fullest in peace and joy! Consisting of 5 afternoons of prayer between October and June, the series has been revitalized from previous years and each afternoon will focus on one aspect of the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius Loyola. Suggested Offering for Sunday afternoons $10. Sunday, January 15, 2:00 to 7:00pm Two Standards; Sunday, March 19, 2:00 – 7:00pm The Examen; Sunday, June 4, 2:00 – 7:00pm Love & How God Loves Us; June 23-25,Weekend to End the Series All retreats will be held at Loyola Jesuit Center, 161 James Street, Morristown, NJ. To register, please call: 973-539-0740 or email: [email protected].

Why Do Catholics Do That? Question: In our church, on the feast of Epiphany, we write the initials C+M+B over the doorway, what does this stand for or mean? Answer: Epiphany, like Christmas, is celebrated in various ways by different nationalities and cultures. The customs and traditions surrounding these days give them a distinct feel and meaning.

In many Slavic traditions, Epiphany is observed by marking the year on the mantle of the entrance to a room or house. In the center of the year are the initials of the traditional names of the three Wise Men: Caspar, Melchior, and Balthasar. An alternative explanation asserts that the initials stand for the Latin "Christus Mansionem Benedicat," "Christ bless this house." Regardless of the interpretation, the purpose is to ask God's blessing on the home, marking it as though the Wise Men had come and found therein the Christ Child. It also recalls the marking of the doorways in Egypt with the blood of the lamb so that the angel of death would pass over. God's blessing comes to each home as a source of protection and grace. Sunday, January 15 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Is 49:3, 5-6/Ps 40/1 Cor 1:1-3/Jn 1:29-34 Starfish Food Collection Together in Charity 2nd Collection

Weekly Tithe

5% of next week’s collection will be donated to the

East Whitehouse Fire Company

Joan Gilmore Cliff Engel Elizabeth Gregg

8:00 am Mass: Fr. Greg Antoinette D. Zorsky r/b The Zorsky Family 9:30 am Mass: Fr. Greg People of the Parish 11:00 am Mass: Fr. Len Antonio Casas Paulo E. Alves & Antonio Alves Braga r/b The Alves Family

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Tabernacle Lamps Burn in Honor of:

Many Thanks to This Week’s Advertiser ~ Gerard Brennan, Esq., LLC Attorney at Law

The Sacred Heart Lamp Burns in Honor of: Evelyn L. Burklund

January 8, 2017 ~ The Epiphany of the Lord