November 27, 2016

First Sunday of Advent 1883-2016

A Prayer for Advent Stir up Your might, we beg You, O Lord, and come, so that we may escape through Your protection and be saved by Your help from the dangers that threaten us because of our sins. Amen

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Pastor: Reverend G. Scott Shaffer x2203 Parochial Vicars: Reverend Carlos Aguirre x2221 Reverend Jerome Guld x2219 Deacons: Romeo D. Aquino x2210 Francis J. Babuschak x2253 Robert M. Barnes x2228 Thomas A. Genovese x2255 Gerard Luongo x2251 Frank J. McKenna x2212 Patrick J. Stesner, Sr. x2250 Michael A. Taylor x2254 Parish Office Hours: 9:00am - 4:30pm M-F 685 Hooper Avenue Toms River, NJ 08753 Tel: 732-349-0018 x2204 Fax: 732-286-7064 Email: [email protected] www.stjosephtomsriver.org Reconciliation/Confessions: Saturday: 4:00-4:45pm & 6:00-6:30pm

Mass Schedule Weekdays: 7:00am & 9:00am Saturday: 8:00am Saturday: 5:00pm Sunday: 7:30am, 9:00am, 10:30am, 12:00noon, 5:00pm 6:30pm (Mass in Spanish) La Misa en Espanol Devotions: Miraculous Medal & St. Jude Novenas: Tuesday 9:00am Holy Hour 3:00pm Sunday in the Adoration Chapel: Intentions: 1st Sunday for Families; 2nd Sunday for Life; 3rd Sunday for Our Nation/ Country; 4th Sunday Priests/Vocations Prayer in the Presence: 2nd Tuesday 7:00pm Holy Days: Mass times to be announced St. Gertrude, Island Heights (Summer Months) Saturday 5:30pm, Sunday 9:00am Parish Schools: St. Joseph Grade School (SJGS) Michele Williams, Principal, 732-349-2355 Donovan Catholic Dr. Edward Gere, Principal, 732-349-8801

WHAT’S IN YOUR HEART? There’s a saying going back to ancient times: “If you want peace, prepare for war.” In other words, be so strong so as to make it foolhardy for anyone to attack you and risk destruction. You might call it the deterrence argument. The threat of overwhelming violence ensures peace, this logic runs. Of course this strategy has a few problems, one being that it allows the most powerful to get to decide what peace looks like. The first reading subscribes to this theory—up to a point. A superior power does discourage conflict, but when it belongs to God the result is that “one shall not raise the sword against another, nor shall they train for war again.” Where can you side with God’s justice, which brings peace to all? WHERE WE LIVE, SERVE,

& WALK TOGETHER IN FAITH.

ST. JOSEPH’S

PAG E TW O

FROM THE PASTOR

My Dear Friends, The beginning of Advent has always held a special place in my heart because it was then that I was ordained to the Sacred Priesthood. We were in the middle of a cold snap, and although that Saturday morning was bright and sunny, we were freezing with a wind chill factor of about only 12 degrees! In the midst of all the excitement we barely noticed the weather once we got into the Cathedral in Trenton and heard the glorious entrance hymn, “Out of Darkness*.” It was so appropriate for the event, because God had indeed ‘called me out of the darkness and into His own wonderful light (Isaiah 9:2).’ I am so grateful for the call God placed in my heart and to be able to serve you, the People of God here at Saint Joseph’s and throughout the Diocese. It was wonderful to have so many people attend our Thanksgiving liturgy. A special thank you goes out to Gina Corrao, our Director of Music and all the music ministers who assisted in lifting our hearts in praise and thanksgiving. A number of people have told me over the years that the Mass on Thanksgiving Day is one of their favorite celebrations of the year and I would concur. It is not a holyday of obligation and all those who come really want to be there. No one leaves Mass early and everyone sings!!! Thank you, Lord for the blessings. Make sure to fill your calendar with all the different activities scheduled for this Advent that will touch your heart and help deepen your relationship with our Lord and one another. God bless you! Fr. Scott

THE SIMPLE PATH The fruit of silence is PRAYER. The fruit of prayer is FAITH. The fruit of faith is LOVE. The fruit of love is SERVICE. The fruit of service is PEACE. -St. Teresa of Calcutta

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MASS INTENTIONS Sunday, November 27 (1st Sunday of Advent) 7:30 Rafaela & Anthony Fazio req. by their Granddaughter, Sharon 9:00 Gerard Aliseo req. by the Ferraro Family 10:30 Chesney & Carr Families req. by Dolores & Richard 12:00 Sam Michalsky req. by his Daughter 5:00 Maria Lin req. by Family 6:30 Parishioners Monday, November 28 7:00 Jean Morgan Russell req. by Doreen Kakavas 9:00 Felix & Frances McCabe req. by their Daughters Tuesday, November 29 7:00 Phillip Mitchell req. by Marian & Frank Parrillo 9:00 Lori, Mary & Michael Long req. by Family Wednesday, November 30 7:00 Minnie D’Anton req. by her Grandchildren & Great Grandchild 9:00 Fitzmaurice & Smith Families req. by Kathy Smith Thursday, December 1 7:00 Verna Hadley req. by the Schweers & Hadley Family 9:00 Eleanor & Herman Plate req. by Family Friday, December 2 7:00 Blanca Hernandez req. by Family 9:00 Mary Morrisroe req. by the Hayes Family Saturday, December 3 8:00 Members of the Perpetual Enrollment Society 5:00 Felicia Rogalski req. by her Granddaughters, Kristin & Kaylee

PRIEST/CELEBRANT SCHEDULE Dec 3/4 Fr. Scott Fr. Carlos Fr. Jerome Fr. Scott Fr. Scott Fr. Jerome Fr. Carlos

5:00 PM 7:30 AM 9:00 AM 10:30 AM 12:00 Noon 5:00 PM 6:30 PM

Dec 10/11 Fr. Jerome Fr. Scott Fr. Scott Fr. Jerome Fr. Carlos Fr. Scott Fr. Carlos

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. . . . Are you engaged and planning to marry in the Church? Don’t put off . making your arrangements. Call the parish office as soon as possible: . . 732-349-0018 ext. 2202. And, if you are thinking of having a “destination . . wedding,” please call us first. We can offer some helpful information. . . . Sign-up early for PRE-CANA formation. This is a requirement to . . receive the Sacrament of Marriage. Register on-line at . . www.dioceseoftrenton.org/precana. . . . . BAPTISMS . The Sacrament of Baptism is regularly celebrated on the 1st, 2nd and 4th .. Sundays of each month at 1:30 PM. For more information or to schedule a .. . Baptism and Baptism Prep Class, please call 732-349-0018 x2202. . . BAPTISM PREPARATION CLASS for Parents is required and held on the .. . First Tuesday of each month at 7:00 PM in the Church. .

MARRIAGES

ST. JOSEPH’S

IN MEMORIAM Please remember in your prayers those who have died. Alice Ash Nancy Ann Fisher Maryann Sawicki Carol Stohl Dolores Wagner And for all the deceased members of our parish, the souls in purgatory and those who died in service of our country, may God grant them eternal rest. Amen.

MEMORIALS November 28 - December 4 Blessed Virgin Mary candle burns in memory of Louis Pauciullo requested by his Son and Grandchildren. Saint Joseph candle burns in memory of the Members of the Perpetual Enrollment Society.

After all Masses on the weekend of December 3 & 4, there will be a bead and craft sale that will benefit Yamba Uganda and the projects they do with the women in Uganda. The Uganda women make beads, bracelets, baskets and other crafts. The beads are handmade from colorful, recycled paper and glue and are unique. These make wonderful Christmas gifts! These beads are part of an incomegenerating, micro-financing project, which the women turn into medication, food, income and school fees. More importantly, it gives the women and their children the gift of HOPE!

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, and of Course Check our Parish Website for the LATEST UPDATES, NEWS, AND EVENTS.

stjoesparishtr

The overwhelming focus of the Bible is not the work of the redeemed but the work of the Redeemer. —Tullian Tchividjian, One Way Love

MEMORIAL OPPORTUNITIES The votive candles at the statues of Mary and Joseph, as well as the Tabernacle Lamp can be memorialized to burn for one week in honor of someone special or in memory of a loved one. Your intentions will be listed here in the bulletin. Additionally, flower arrangements may be placed in front of the altar in honor/memory of a loved one for one week. Please contact the parish office, at 732-349-0018 x2202 to reserve your memorials.

ADORERS NEEDED Call John & Peggy 732-581-9463 / Ann 732-473-9727

Saint Joseph’s Catholic Church Toms River @StJoesParishTR

Tabernacle Lamp burns in memory of the Members of the Perpetual Enrollment Society.

www.stjosephtomsriver.org

Sunday: 1:00-2:00AM, 2:00-3:00PM, 7:00-8:00PM Tuesday: 12:00-1:00PM Wednesday: 11:00PM-12:00AM Thursday: 8:00-9:00AM Saturday: 12:00-1:00AM

READINGS FOR MASSES THIS WEEK SUNDAY Is 2:1-5; Rom 13:11-14; Mt 24:37-44 MONDAY Is 4:2-6; Mt 8:5-11 TUESDAY Is 11:1-10; Lk 10:21-24 WEDNESDAY Rom 10:9-18; Mt 4:18-22 THURSDAY Is 26:1-6; Mt 7:21, 24-27 FIRST FRIDAY Is 29: 17-24; Mt 9:27-31

ST. JOSEPH’S

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Light of Life Prayer Group Christmas Party ALL ARE WELCOME! Join us Wednesday evening, December 14 from 7:30-9pm in the Church Basement, Room G. Could there be a better way to prepare for Christmas then to journey through the story of the nativity of our Lord Jesus Christ in scriptures with the related carols of the season? Come and rejoice in the miracle. Take a break from the busyness of the times and enter into the peace that only our Lord can give. Refreshments and fellowship to follow. See you there… Deacon Gerry.

PARISH NEWS Book Discussion Group Please join our book discussions at 7pm , 16 Lafayette Ave. on Dec. 13: Under the Mantel by Fr. Donald Calloway.

Flame of Love Prayer Group We meet every Monday at 7:30pm in Room G. For questions contact Doris & Richard at 732-349-6860.

Here are some suggestions for the week: NOV 27 FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT Program: Discipleship Group Advent Session 1 Audio: Prepare the Way of the King NOV 30 ST. ANDREW Program: Lectio Evangelization Session 2: Clothed with Power Movie: Lost Gospels or False Gospels? Audio: Walk the Walk DEC 4 SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT Program: Advent, Session 2: Trust in God For More Info Contact Marge Halloran at x2236

EXTENDED CARPENTER SHOP CHRISTMAS HOURS Now you have more time to shop for that special Christmas gift or decoration! The Carpenter Shop will be open Saturday evenings, 4-7pm until December 17.

END OF MONTH 7: Developing Baby Spiritual Adoption Program

“I Can Hear!” At the end of the seventh month of pregnancy, fat begins to be deposited on your spiritually adopted baby who is about 14 inches long and weighs 2-4 pounds. Your baby’s hearing is fully developed, changes position frequently, and responds to stimuli, including sound, pain, and light. If born prematurely, your baby would probably survive. When a child is described as a burden or is looked upon only as a means to satisfy an emotional need, give us the grace to stand up and insist that every child is a unique and unrepeatable gift of God, a gift of God with a right to a loving and united family.

P A G E F I VE ST. JOSEPH’S . . . . ST. JOSEPH GRADE DONOVAN CATHOLIC . . SCHOOL NEWS NEWS . . . . . . . STUDENT SPOTLIGHT Calling all RETIRED EDUCATORS . November 9 was the Fall NCAA National Signing day for . Are you interested in volunteering your expertise . high school athletes to commit to continue their sport . in helping our younger students with . at the collegiate level. Congratulations to seniors, Math and ILA skills? . Alyssa Wilson who signed for Track at UCLA, and to .. Shannon Eagan for Lacrosse to Central Connecticut. .. If so, please contact Ms. Juliann James, Senior Vice Principal at [email protected] . . or call 732-349-2355 x2012. . . . . . . THE FALL PRODUCTION OF . . . . . . . . . . Please Help Support . . BRANDON’S ELVES . Was just Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious . Brandon’s Elves was established in Memory of . and Practically Perfect in every way. . Brandon Holt, a parishioner here at St. Joseph’s Thank you to all who attended and to our many . . Church and a student at SJGS who tragically lost his friends and constituents that supported our show. . . life in 2013. Brandon loved Christmas and naively Special thanks to SHUT UP and EAT Restaurant . thought that Santa visited and left presents for every . for sponsoring our “VIP Grandparent Seating” . little boy and girl. In honor of Brandon, this organiza. . tion created by his family (especially his mother, . . Christine Holt) was created to provide assistance to . . families in Ocean County who could not otherwise . . afford a Christmas for their children. Brandon’s Elves . is a 501c3 organization. If you’d like to support . . Brandon’s Elves and donate toys or gifts, a collection May the light of Jesus . . box is set up in St. Joseph Grade School. Lead us to a place of peace. www.donovancatholic.org

YOUTH MINISTRY

CYGNUS

All teens in grades 7-12 are invited to join Youth Ministry for our December events & service projects: Tues. 12/13 The A5P: Advent Pizza Prayer Penance Pastry Party 5-8pm Thurs. 12/15 Cookie Baking for the Sunday Supper 5:30-8:30pm in the Grade School cafeteria Fri. 12/16 & Sat. 12/17 Giving Tree Help For the full December newsletter and calendar, please contact Catherine in the Youth Ministry Office x2229 or email [email protected]

www.stjoeschooltr.org

ST. JOSEPH’S

PAG E S I X

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION 8th Grade Family Catechesis Sunday, December 4, 2016 from 6:00 pm to 8:00pm This session is for Religious Education students who were in the 8th grade in our summer program or currently in our Tuesday evening class.  Each student must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.  We will meet in the Donovan Catholic cafeteria.  Confirmation Robe measurements will be taken on this evening.  We encourage you to attend the 5pm Mass and proceed to the high school after the final blessing. IF you have any questions please contact Nancy at extension 2225. 

Next Weekend, December 3 & 4, the white Food Pantry van will be parked outside the Church to accept your donations. Please help us to continue our ministry of providing to those in need. Last month, the St. Joseph’s Food Pantry provided food to over Items Needed: 560 families, who are members of our Parish and Community. We thank you Ravioli for your continued generosity in supJelly porting the Food Pantry. We pray for Canned Vegetables continued blessings from above for Chili, Hash or Stew each of you, especially throughout Tuna this Holy Holiday Season. Canned or Boxed Potatoes Pasta We have an ample supply of Peanut Macaroni & Cheese Butter, Rice, and Cereal at this time. Jello or Puddings Soups We are always happy to see the Canned Beans yellow Shop Rite Bags. Cake Mixes If you are unable to bring food or Canned Fruits will be away on the above weekend, Canned Vegetables your food donations may be brought Hot Chocolate to the Food Pantry (Monday thru FriJuice day 10am-4pm). The Food Pantry is Coffee and/or Tea Bags located in the Parish Office BasePancake Mix & Syrup ment. Entrance is at the rear of the Condiments (Salt/Pepper) Parish Office Building. Thank you!

SPIRITUAL DIRECTION AVAILABLE: Saint Joseph’s is now offering Spiritual Direction on a limited basis. In Spiritual Direction, the trained Director helps directees to become more aware of God in their own life experiences. The director focuses on God’s presence in each one’s life, prayer and communication. Spiritual Direction sessions are not geared to problem solving or counseling, rather, the goal of Spiritual Direction is to gain a deeper relationship with our Lord Jesus. Sessions are conducted one-on-one and are completely confidential. Again, it is not therapy. If you are interested or have questions, please contact: Kathleen O’Connell 914-275-5766, [email protected] or Nancy Mosquera 732-865-1031, [email protected]

We Walk Together with Our Lady of Guadalupe, Torch of Mercy www.dioceseoftrenton/ guadalupe2016 All are welcome to participate in the parish celebrations with the torches… and are encouraged and MOST WELCOME to participate in the pilgrimage on Saturday, December 3, when we will walk as a community of faith from Our Lady of Angels Parish to St. Joseph Parish to St. Mary of the Assumption in Trenton. Each parish receiving a torch will offer different celebrations for the communities: a Mass, a prayer service, a fiesta or whatever way they see fit to celebrate Our Lady.

November 27: 6:30pm Mass – Receive the OLoG Torch November 28 thru December 2: Weekly night prayer service from 6:30-7:30pm in the Church, e.g., Vespers, Rosary, Divine Mercy Chaplet, etc. December 3: Procession in Trenton – Leave St. Joseph’s, Toms River at 6:30am return at 3:00pm. Transportation is provided. 8:00am gather at Our Lady of Angels Parish, Trenton; Walk to St. Joseph Church; Walk to St. Mary Cathedral; 12:00pm Mass of Celebration for Our Lady; 1:30pm Fiesta and celebrations continue. St. Joseph’s Toms River Celebration December 11: Vigil “Mañanitas” from 9:00pm-4:00am December 12: Rosary 6:30pm, Mass 7:00-8:00pm, Procession 8:10pm, celebration afterwards in Donovan Catholic.

PAGE SEVEN ST. JOSEPH’S

St. Joseph’s Rosary Altar Society Annual Advent Dinner December 6, Clarion Hotel, Toms River Tickets: $29 per person If you are interested in attending, please contact Ginny DiMaggio at 732-597-0153 before November 28.

Advent Penance Services Tuesday, December 13 St. Joseph’s Church at 7pm Wednesday, December 14 St. Maximilian Kolbe Church at 12noon Friday, December 16 St. Justin Church at 7pm Monday, December 19 St. Barnabas Church at 7pm

Rejoice! The Lord is Near! How the presence of Christ bring us joy. PHIL 4:4-6

Tuesday, December 20 St. Luke Church at 7pm

December 10 . 9:30-3:30pm All women of the parish are invited to a retreat given by the Apostolic Sisters of St. John in partnership with Totus Tuus Women’s Faith Sharing Group at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, 103 South Center Street, Orange, NJ. Cost: $25 (includes continental breakfast and lunch) TO REGISTER please contact Maureen Parga at [email protected] or call 201-207-5669.

ST. JOSEPH’S CHURCH CHRISTMAS CAROL CONCERT Friday, December 18 at 7:00pm Bring your family and friends and enjoy this evening filled with festive Christmas carols.

Prepare for our Lord’s Coming in the Penitential Advent Season With a Trio of Tuesday Sessions of Adult Faith Formation. Tuesday, Dec. 6, 7pm

Meditation with Our Lady of Sorrows. Mary overcame difficulties and challenges bringing Jesus to the world, so she can reach out to us with compassion and understanding as she brings us the love of her Son.

Tuesday, Dec. 13, 7pm Our Parish Penance Service will include a brief ceremony in which each of us can symbolically shed our sins, under the guidance of Our Lady of Sorrows. This will be followed by the sacrament of Reconciliation.

Tuesday, Dec. 20, 7pm At Christmas we celebrate Jesus taking on a body, walking the earth in the flesh, and calling us all to be the part of the Body of Christ! What does this really mean in our lives and our world?

ST. JOSEPH’S

PAGINA OCHO

MENSAJE DEL PARROCO

Estimados Amigos, El comienzo de Adviento tiene un significado muy especial para mí, pues fue en este tiempo que recibí mis votos sacerdotales. Recuerdo que hacía mucho frio, y aunque el sol estaba fuera, el factor del viento hacia que se sintiera la temperatura de 12 grados. Pero en la furia del momento no se sentía frio. Al entrar a la Catedral de Santa Maria en Trenton, escuche el glorioso himno, “Saliendo de la Oscuridad”. Para mí este himno fue muy apropiado, porque el Señor me saco de la oscuridad y me llevo hacia su maravillosa luz (Isaías 9:2). Yo me siento bendecido por el llamado que Dios me dio, y el de poder servir como sacerdote y párroco a múltiples comunidades en la Diócesis de Trenton. Fue maravilloso ver el número de personas que asistieron a la Santa Eucaristía en el Día de Gracias. Le quiero dar un saludo especial a Gina Corrao, la Directora de Música y todos los ministros que asistieron a la Eucarística. Muchas personas me han dicho que la Misa del Día de Gracias es una de sus celebraciones favoritas del año, y yo pienso lo mismo. Aunque no es un día de Obligación, todos lo que asisten es porque realmente desean darle Gracias a Dios, y siempre salen cantando y alegres de la Santa Eucaristía. Gracias, Señor por todas tus bendiciones. Recuerde poner en su almanaque y agenda las diferentes actividades que tendremos al nivel Parroquial durante Adviento, estas actividades lo llevaran a una relación más profunda con el Señor, mientras nos preparamos para celebrar su nacimiento. Que Dios los bendiga!

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HORARIO DE MISAS En la Semana: 7:00am & 9:00am. Todos los días en inglés. Sábado: 8:00am, 5:00 pm Domingo: 7:30am, 9:00am, 10:30am, 12:00pm, 5:00pm en inglés Domingo: 6:30pm español Confesiones: Todos los días después de Misa en inglés Sabado: 4:00-4:45pm & & 6:00-6:30pm en inglés

HORARIO DE OFICINA HISPANA Lunes a Viernes de 10am a 4pm 732-349-0018 X2213

SACRAMENTOS Bautizos (en español): El Sacramento del Bautismo se celebra en la Misa Dominical a las 6:30 pm. Comuníquese con la oficina hispana para hacer una cita. Unción de los Enfermos y Reconciliación/ Confesión - Comuníquese con la oficina hispana para hacer una cita. Matrimonios: Comuníquese con la oficina hispana para hacer una cita. SITUACIONES CRITICAS; problemas de alcoholismo, jóvenes en crisis, etc. Comuníquese con la Oficina Hispana. Violencia Domestica ayuda disponible 24hrs. Llamar al 732-244-8259. SI NECESITA AYUDA con: comida, pago de renta, utilidades, etc. Comuníquese con la Oficina Hispana.

ADORADORES PARA EL SANTISIMO Comuníquese con Karla Gonzalez 732-349-0018 x2213.

Fr. Scott El punto focal en la Biblia no es la labor del que esta Redimido, si no del que labora para ser Redimido. —Tullian Tchividjian, One Way Love

EL CAMINO SIMPLE El El El El El

fruto del silencio es la oración. fruto de la oración es la fe. fruto de la fe es amor. fruto del amor es el servicio. fruto del servicio es la paz.

-St. Teresa of Calcutta

Primer Domingo de Adviento Domingo Is 2:1-5; Rom 13:11-14; Mt 24:37-44 Lunes Is 4:2-6; Mt 8:5-11 Martes Is 11:1-10; LC 10:21-24 Miercoles Rom 10:9-18; Mt 4:18-22 Jueves Is 26:1-6; Mt 7:21, 24-27 Primer Viernes Is 29:17-24; Mt 9:27-31 Primer Sabado Is 30:19-21, 23-26; Mt 9:35—10:1, 5a, 6-8

PAGINA NUEVE

ST. JOSEPH’S

ANUNCIOS DE VIDA COMUNITARIA ¡Caminamos juntos con Nuestra Señora! “Antorcha de la Misericordia” En conmemoración a Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, la Diócesis de Trenton junto con las parroquias hispanas de la diócesis, comenzó el recorrido de la Antorcha en los 4 condados de NJ el 30 de octubre. San José Toms River, recibirá la Antorcha el día domingo, 27 de noviembre en la Misa de las 6:30pm. Durante la semana tenemos actividades todas las tardes de 6:30pm a 7:30pm. Lunes, 28 de noviembre — Vísperas Marianas Martes, 29 de noviembre — Rosario Bíblico Miércoles, 30 de noviembre — Oficio de Lectura a la Virgen. Jueves, 1 de diciembre—Lectio Divina Mariana Viernes, 2 de diciembre—Tema Eucarístico Sábado, 3 de diciembre— Procesión en Trenton. autobús parte a las 6:15AM y regresa a las 3pm Hay transporte disponible de Gratis. Inscríbase con la Oficina Hispana lo antes posible. Personas que tengan dificultad en caminar, pueden asistir, el bus los dejara en la Catedral de Santa Maria, donde pueden ver la procesión a través de satélite. La procesión llegara a la Catedral para celebrar la Santa Eucaristía. Después de Misa es el almuerzo y fiesta. Se les recomienda que lleven su propio almuerzo.

ROSARIO CON EL PADRE CARLOS Miércoles, a las 7pm frente a la estatua del Padre Pio.

CELEBRACION PARROQUIAL GUADALUPANA

Inscrı́base para la novena de la Virgen, que comienza el 3 de diciembre a las 7pm.

COMUNIDAD HIJOS DE MARIA Grupo de oració n Lunes a las 7:30pm 16 Lafayette, y el 3er lunes del mes en la Iglesia

ADVIENTO: O VEN, EMMANUEL El primer domingo de Adviento, comienza el Año Litúrgico y con él la preparación para el Nacimiento de Jesús. Adviento es un tiempo de espera y esperanza. La palabra adviento viene del latín y significa "ya viene" o "está por llegar." Así el Adviento está marcado por la anticipación del que espera y sabemos que el que espera no tardará. La liturgia de este tiempo nos propone la corona de Adviento con sus cuatro velas significando las cuatro semanas de preparación para la Navidad. En esos cuatro domingos las lecturas nos proponen como modelos de fe y esperanza a personajes como Juan Bautista, la Virgen María y su prima Isabel, y al mismo pueblo de Israel. Y la Iglesia entera canta con gozo esperanzado "Oh ven, oh ven, E mmanuel", Dios ven con nosotros. Los pueblos latinoamericanos en la cultura popular, han desarrollado con el tiempo prácticas y tradiciones en preparación para la Navidad; como las Novenas y las Posadas. Las novenas navideñas son oraciones que se repiten por nueve noches antes de la Navidad. Los Colombianos, por ejemplo, celebran las "Novenas de Aguinaldo". Cada noche recuerdan algún acontecimiento de la historia de la salvación y cada noche buscan recibir un aguinaldo, o regalo, como símbolo del Dios que no repara en darnos a su Hijo. Así mismo, los mexicanos celebran las Posadas, en r recuerdo de la peregrinación de la Sagrada Familia de Nazaret a Belén y su dificultad en encontrar posada. Con cantos, los que acompañan a "los peregrinos" (generalmente representados por imágenes de José y María embarazada montada en un burro) representan el acto de llamar a la puerta de una casa y pedir posada". En medio del Adviento también se celebran fiestas marianas, importantes para toda la Iglesia pero que se celebran con especial intensidad entre las comunidades hispanas. Son las fiestas de la Inmaculada Concepción de María y la Virgen de Guadalupe. La Inmaculada, o la Purísima, fiesta mariana por excelencia, se celebra especialmente en Panamá Nicaragua, Paraguay, Estados Unidos y también en España, países todos que la tienen como patrona nacional. Cada 8 de diciembre, el Papa también se suma a esta celebración. Ayudado por los bomberos, el Santo Padre cuelga una corona de flores en brazos de la estatua de la Inmaculada Concepción que preside la Plaza de España en la ciudad de Roma. La celebración de la Virgen de Guadalupe, el 12 de diciembre, se ha extendido más allá de México a todos los rincones del continente. Adviento nos ofrece numerosas razones para la esperanza. Entre liturgias salpicadas de gozo y devociones populares, los latinos cantamos con toda la Iglesia: "Ven, ven Señor, no tardes. Ven, ven, que te esperamos."