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© copyright stannes4/2000

April 14th, 2002

Third Sunday of Easter

Let Us Pray For Those Seriously Ill

People will remain on sick list for 2 weeks unless otherwise notified:
Angelica Krajnik and John O’Connor


Vocation reflections

As two men walked along the road to Emmaus, a third man joined them and walked with them. It was not until they sat down at the table and broke bread that they realized it was the Lord. Many people in our world are walking along the road of life without recognizing Jesus in the midst. Men and women are needed who will help them to see the Lord and to become people of faith. Will you do this as a priest, deacon or religious?

 If you feel this call, “inquire within” and Please contact the Vocations Office the Vocations Office at (973) 497-4365 or by E-mail at kellyric@rcan.org. Or visit our web site at www.rcan.org. 

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STEWARDSHIP 
             

STEWARDSHIP THOUGHT REFLECTION
The disciples on the road to Emmaus walked and talked with Jesus all day long, but it was not until they offered Him hospitality and He blessed and broke the bread that they recognized Him. Simple acts of loving kindness still reveal the presence of God in our midst.


OUR WEEKLY OFFERING
April 2002
April 6/7                                   $5,690.
Month’s Total                           $5,690 
Month’s Average                      $5,690.
Mailed in                                 $575.50.

We thank you!

WEEKLY AVERAGE COMPARISONS:
Month  ‘01 Monthly Avg.     ‘02 Monthly Avg.
March     $6,227.                $6,230.

February $6,234.                 

HOLY HOUR FOR PRIESTS
  Every Tuesday the Blessed Sacrament is exposed in the church from 3PM to 4PM. It is an hour of prayer for the priests and religious men and women of the church. Prayers are also said for an increase of vocations to the priesthood and religious life. We invite you to come and spend time with the Lord for these intentions and for your personal requests. The Holy Hour closes with Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament. If you cannot join us in church, we ask you to join us from a quiet spot in your home and pray with us, asking the Lord to guide and protect our priests. 

Gift Shop
Attention Communion Parents: Communion sets for boys and girls are available in the rectory Gift Shop. These sets include prayer book, rosary, scapular and pin. We also have white ties for the boys and an assortment of other Communion and Baptismal gifts.
The Gift Shop is open Sunday 10 a.m.-1 p.m. or Monday thru Thursday until 5 p.m. 

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Cake Donations
The Padre Pio Group is accepting cake donations for the Baby Shower. They can be dropped off on the day of the event at 1 p.m. in the auditorium. However, a phone call to the rectory confirming your cake donation would be appreciated to allow the Group time to purchase cakes if necessary.
Gifts can be dropped off at the rectory ahead of time if you can’t make it to the Shower on April 20th. Thank you in advance.

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MONDAY Acts 6:8-15 Ps 119:23-24,26-27,29-30 Jn 6:22-29
TUES. Acts 7:51-8:1a Ps 31:3cd-4,6ab,7b,8a,17,21ab Jn 6:30-35
WED. Acts 8:1b-8 Ps 66:1-3a,4-7a Jn 6:35-40
THURS. Acts 8:26-40 Ps 66:8-9.16-17,20 Jn 6:44-51
FRIDAY Acts 9:1-20 Ps 117:1-2 Jn 6:52-59
SATURDAY Acts 9:31-42 Ps 116:12-17 Jn 6:60-69
NEXT SUNDAY - FOURTH SUNDAY OF EASTER Acts 2:14a,36-41 Ps 23:1-6 1Pt 2:20b-25 Jn 10:1-10 

Couples Mark Silver & Gold Wedding Anniversaries
Archbishop John J. Myers will lead married Catholic couples in a Mass celebrating 50 years of marriage in the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart, 89 Ridge St., Newark. The Archdiocese of Newark will also present couples with personalized certificates commemorating their anniversaries.
Mass for couples celebrating their Golden Anniversary will be Sunday, April 14th at 2:15 p.m. for Essex and Union County couples and 4:30 p.m. for Bergen and Hudson County couples.
“It is our desire that every couple in the Archdiocese, deserving of such recognition, be present. Their presence gives witness to the strength and stability of Christian marriages in our society today,” said Judith Miller, Director of Family Life Ministries.
For more information, please call the Office of Family Life Ministries (973) 497-4325.

Pastor’s 25th Anniversary
Our Parish will be celebrating Father Vic’s 25th Anniversary in the Lord’s Service on May 19, 2002. There will be a Mass of Thanksgiving at 4 p.m. in the church followed by a reception at the Casino-in-the-Park at 6 p.m. Reception includes dinner, live entertainment and local transportation to and from the Casino-in-the-Park, if needed. Seating arrangements can be coordinated for both small and large groups (max. 10 per table). For information, please contact Marie Pianese 201-798-6534 or Jackie O’Donnell 201-798-8062. 

Grand Opening
Father Stan Fortuna will host the Grand Opening of “THE WELL”, a Christian coffee house series for adults and youths of high school age. Join us on Thursday, April 25th from 7-9 p.m. at the Archdiocesan Youth Retreat Center, 499 Belgrove Drive in Kearny. Father Stan is a dynamic Christian music songwriter and performer. Gourmet coffee, food and beverages will be available. Cost is $5 at the door. For more information call 201-988-0088.

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                                              Our Website

                     http://stannesjc.com         

When you log on and browse around you’ll see all kinds of information about our parish. Included, of course, will be the current activities for the many different organizations as well as an update as to what is going on with our parish family.
Do not let evil defeat you: Instead, conquer evil with good!!

By your wounded heart: teach us love, teach us love, teach us love..... -Daphne Fraser

Spring Musical
On Sunday, April 21st at 3 p.m., St. Paul of the Cross will host the Park Players performance of their latest musical production “Once Upon A Slipper”, an enchanting and light-hearted review of fairy tale tunes. Group rate (10 or more) tickets are: Adults $8, Seniors $6. Non-group rate tickets are: Adults $10, Seniors $8, Students $3. For tickets please call Gerry Osias at 201-963-6238 or Pat Roda at 201-792-5530.

Archdiocese of Newark Offers Assistance to WTC Families
The Archdiocese of Newark has distributed over $450,000 to families in the Archdiocese who encountered financial hardship after the events of September 11th. Roman Catholic dioceses around the nation that conducted voluntary collections for September 11 relief sent the donations to Newark’s Catholic Community Services (CCS) Disaster Relief Fund, which has divided the proceeds among 71 families in the Archdiocese.
Every check was accompanied by a letter from The Most Rev. John J. Myers, Archbishop of Newark, offering his sincere sympathy for the tragedy they have experienced from the disaster at the World Trade Center. “I want every person who has been affected by the tragedy of September 11 to know that my heart goes out to them and they are in my prayers”, said Archbishop Myers.
“This money came at a time when the family needed it most. In addition to the financial assistance from the Archdiocese, Archbishop Myers offered emotional support, encouragement and love in a time of tragedy”, said Rev. Msgr. Charles Gusmer, pastor of St. Catherine, Cedar Grove, about the donation made to a family in his parish.
Parishioners within the four counties - Bergen, Essex, Hudson and Union - of the Archdiocese who sought assistance were referred to CCS by their pastors. Families who have received funds from the CCS Disaster Relief Fund have put the money towards insurance, tuition, utilities and a variety of other cost of living expenses.

Legislative Dialogue
You are invited to join Archbishop John Joseph Myers for a Legislative Dialogue with State legislators representing constituents in the Archdiocese of Newark on Wednesday, April 24th, from 7:30-9 p.m. at St. Thomas the Apostle Church, 60 Byrd Avenue in Bloomfield. This evening is an opportunity for State legislators to hear the concerns of the Catholic community related to social issues, Catholic schools and respect for life issues. A sign language interpreter will be present for persons who are deaf or hard of hearing. For more information or to register, call 973-596-4046 or 973-497-4341. If you plan to attend, please let us know by April 19th.

Journey of Hope - Death Penalty Program
A program addressing the death penalty issue will be held on Wednesday, April 17th at the Archdiocesan Center, 171 Clifton Avenue in Newark, from 7:30-9 p.m. Family members of murder victims will share their stories of violence, survival and the reclaiming of peace. Through recounting their tragedies and struggles, they open the way to dialogue on the death penalty. A sign language interpreter will be present for persons who are deaf or hearing impaired. For more information, call the Human Concerns Office at 973-497-4341.

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CCD News
* Re-registration needs to be in by end of April to guarantee your child’s place for next year. New registration will be taken May 1st. 
* All chapters in Communion book should be completed this week. Today is last day to bring them to Mass.
* Communicants receiving First Holy Communion on April 20/21 will have practice in church on April 15th, 17th and 18th (Monday, Wednesday, Thursday) from 3-4:30 p.m.
Communicants receiving First Holy Communion on April 27/28 will have practice in church on April 22nd, 24th and 25th (Monday, Wednesday, Thursday) from 3-4:30 p.m.
Communicants are requested to arrive (20 minutes) early for Mass at which they are to receive First Holy Communion. This request comes from the Priest who will be celebrating the Mass. Thank you.
* Don’t forget to purchase your communion items from the rectory’s Gift Shop!
* Communion Sets will be blessed at Thursday’s practice days. Send them with your child on this day ONLY! 
* All banners are to be in by end of this week if you haven’t already done so.
* Forms for Closing Social on May 5th need to be returned ASAP! Tickets will be given out April 21st. All parents are urged to attend to show support for your child. Report cards and awards will be given.

Reunion
Benedictine Academy Grand Reunion: Are you a graduate of Benedictine Academy in Elizabeth
or Paterson? If so, we invite you to a ‘Grand’ Reunion being planned for Saturday, April 27th, 2002. For more information, please call Sr. Germaine, Director of Development at 908-352-0670.

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First Holy Communion
This weekend and the following two weekends, children from our Parish will be receiving their First Holy Communion at all the Masses. This weekend’s Communicants are: Emily Ann Aguas, Gabrielle Renton, Rey Hernandez, Ruben Moreno, Arielle Santiago, Michael Carucci, David Zapapta Jr., Alyanna Vitancol, Olivia Wares, Katerina Palacios, Tiffany Ramnarine, Allen Marc Walton, Jansen Villena, John Cruz, Christian Pascual, Ernie Lindain, Krystal Perez, Christian Perez, Jaylord Mineses, Jose Antonio Belen, Robin Custodio, Andrianne Verga, Cindy Espiñel, Jessie Delgado. Congratulations!

Mass For Those Whose Children Have Died
A Mass for those whose children have died will be offered at Notre Dame R.C. Church, 358 Central Avenue, North Caldwell, NJ on Friday, May 10th at 7:30 p.m. All who grieve the death of a child are invited to attend. This Eucharistic Liturgy can provide another step in the ongoing process of healing after the death of a child. A personal witness will also be offered as the name of each child is read during the liturgy. Pre-registration is requested. Please call the Office of Family Life Ministries at 973-497-4327 for information and registration.

High School Information Nights
The Catholic High Schools of the Archdiocese of Newark present Spring 2002 High School Information Nights (all sessions 7-9 p.m.):
April 16th - St. Helen’s Parish, Parish Center, 1600 Rahway Ave.,Westfield
April 18th - Our Lady of Sorrows, School Gymnasium, 172 Academy St., South Orange
April 23rd - Annunciation Parish, Parish Center, 50 W. Midland Ave., Paramus
April 25th - Our Lady of Blessed Sacrament, Parish Auditorium, 28 Livingston Ave., Roseland
April 29th - St. Peter’s College, Pavonia Dining Room, 2641 Kennedy Blvd., Jersey City
With just one visit, meet and speak with students and admissions personnel from numerous Catholic High Schools. For a brochure or information on participating schools, phone Pat Braun, Director of School Marketing for the Archdiocese, 973-497-4260.

Teachers’ Information Meeting Archdiocese of Newark Superintendent of Schools Office
Please plan to attend one of our Teachers’ Information Meetings if you are considering pursuing the New Jersey Alternate Route to a career in teaching, or perhaps returning to the field after an absence of several years, but need some information about the Alternate Route and teaching in the Archdiocese of Newark. To register please call: 973-497-4260 or email  KAVANAAN@RCAN.ORG . Please give your name, telephone number, number attending, and which session you plan to attend.
Place: Archdiocesan Center, 171 Clifton Ave., Newark
Date: Thursday, April 18, 2002
Time: Afternoon Session 2 p.m. OR Evening Session 7 p.m.

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Personal Meditation 

Reflections

                                        April 14th  Third Sunday of Easter

Now on that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, and talking with each other about all these things that had happened. While they were talking and discussing, Jesus himself came near and went with them, but their eyes were kept from recognizing him. And he said to them, "What are you discussing with each other while you walk along?" They stood still, looking sad. Then one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answered him, "Are you the only stranger in Jerusalem who does not know the things that have taken place there in these days?" He asked them, "What things?" They replied, "The things about Jesus of Nazareth, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, and how our chief priests and leaders handed him over to be condemned to death and crucified him. But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things took place. Moreover, some women of our group astounded us. They were at the tomb early this morning, and when they did not find his body there, they came back and told us that they had indeed seen a vision of angels who said that he was alive. Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said; but they did not see him." Then he said to them, "Oh, how foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have declared! Was it not necessary that the Messiah should suffer these things and then enter into his glory?" Then beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them the things about himself in all the scriptures. As they came near the village to which they were going, he walked ahead as if he were going on. But they urged him strongly, saying, "Stay with us, because it is almost evening and the day is now nearly over." So he went in to stay with them. When he was at the table with them, he took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized him; and he vanished from their sight. They said to each other, "Were not our hearts burning within us while he was talking to us on the road, while he was opening the scriptures to us?" That same hour they got up and returned to Jerusalem; and they found the eleven and their companions gathered together. They were saying, "The Lord has risen indeed, and he has appeared to Simon!" Then they told what had happened on the road, and how he had been made known to them in the breaking of the bread.
Nurturing a Sensitivity to the Spiritual World
Spiritual growth is like an indoor houseplant. Both need a healthy environment, proper nourishment, and exposure to light to grow, develop, and bloom. Here are some simple suggestions for intentionally nurturing a sensitivity to the spiritual world:• Clear your life of clutter. Take a look at your lifestyle and see where you can simplify. Being preoccupied with too many things and too many activities can squeeze out opportunities for spiritual growth.
• Act on the truth you already understand. Listening and obeying are inexplicably linked to each other. Deeper truths are unlikely to be recognized until you respond to the truths you already understand.
• Beware of self-rejection. Do not be too harsh and critical of yourself. Spiritual growth is greatly reduced if you view yourself too negatively.
• Learn from a spiritual mentor. This can be as informal as associating with people who hear and see the spiritual world more clearly than you do. Or it can mean placing yourself under the guidance of a spiritual director.
• Have a soft heart. Guard against becoming calloused or immune to the sufferings of others. Let your heart remain soft, tender, and receptive.


                                              Thought for the Day

Faith may be developed in action, endurance in the midst of storms and turmoil. Courage may come in the front lines of battle. But wisdom and understanding and revelation unfold as dew forms on the petals of a rose—in quietness.