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December 1st, 2002

First Sunday of Advent

Let Us Pray For Those Seriously Ill
 Dolores Becker, Catherine Wojciechowicz, Michael Lombardi, Angela Krajnik and Bridget Burke.

Vocation reflections

Jesus reminds his disciples that no one knows when the Master will come.  Ours is not to wait in fear, but with hope for the world and also to work fervently to further the Kingdom of God.  Answer the Lord’s call to you today to follow Him as a Priest or Religious Brother or Sister.

 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 SCRIPTURE  REFLECTION
Lord, rend the heavens and come down.  Come and save us from our sins.  Let us turn again to you and so be found blameless when you return in glory.

OUR WEEKLY OFFERING
November  2002
November23/24                 $5,540.
Month’s Total                   $21,124.
Month’s Average                $5,281.
Mailed in                                $222.     

We thank you!

WEEKLY AVERAGE COMPARISONS:
Month  ‘01 Monthly Avg.     ‘02 Monthly Avg.
October          $6,200                   $5,439.

November      $5,654.                

HOLY HOUR FOR PRIESTS
Holy Hour will be cancelled for Thanksgiving and Christmas Holidays - beginning November 26th through the month of December.  Holy Hour will resume on January 7th.

During this time of postponement, we invite you to continue praying at home for the priests, DIVINE MERCY and Religious men and women of the Church and for an increase of vocations to the priesthood and religious life.  

Retired Religious Fund

There will be a second collection next weekend, December 7-8, for the Retirement Fund for Religious.  Please remember our elderly religious in your prayers.  Now in its 15th year, the Fund addresses the needs of more than 40,000 religious who are past age 70.  Please be generous.

Advent Tradition of Blessed Wheat

As we prepare the coming of Our Savior, our Church has rediscovered a European Advent tradition of growing grains of wheat  for the manger scene at home.

On the Feast of St. Lucy (December 13th), these grains are planted in very moist soil.  On Christmas Eve, the children then cut the wheat and place it in their manger.

Next weekend, December 7th/8th, these grains of wheat will be distributed after all Masses to those who wish to share this new experience with their children.  We ask that you take these wheat grains home, plant them and, as a family, check their growth on a daily basis.  Remind the children that the wheat will provide a bed for Jesus to rest on when we celebrate His birth on Christmas. 

BINGO CANCELLED

On Friday, November 29th, there will be NO BINGO due to the Thanksgiving Holiday.  Thank you for being understanding and allowing our volunteer bingo workers to be with their families.

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                                            Our Web Site

                     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

Christmas Concert

St. Dominic Academy invites all to attend their Christmas Concerts and the start of their 125th anniversary celebration! 

The annual SDA Glee Club Christmas Concert is on Sunday, December 8th at 4 p.m. in Landmark Loew’s Theater located at 54 Journal Square, Jersey City (on Kennedy Blvd. across from PATH Station).  Cost is $10/person.  Discounted parking available behind the Theater.

The SDA Alumnae Women’s Choir “A Ceremony of Carols & Other Christmas Favorites” on Sunday, December 22nd at 4 p.m. in St. Paul’s Lutheran Church located at 440 Hoboken Ave., Jersey City (near Five Corners).  Admission is $5/person.  For more information call 201-434-5938, ext. 35.

Attention Senior Citizens!!

On December 8th, Merrill Lynch will sponsor “phone calls anywhere in the world” for SENIOR CITIZENS ONLY - No Children and No Walk-ins!!  A bus will pick you up in front of St. Anne’s Church at 1 p.m.  Any questions, please call Peg Riscoe 201-659-3930.

Catholic International High School Students in Need of Catholic Families

Youth Exchange Services (YES), a non-profit international and educational organization fostering goodwill, love and friendship among nations, is in need of Catholic families all over the United States who would like to host during a second semester or one school year (9 months) well educated 15 to 18 years old Catholic high school students from Asia, Europe and Latin America.  The students are carefully screened and oriented before arrival; they speak fairly good English, have excellent medical insurance and bring their own spending money.

Host families are asked to provide a bed, meals and to accept the student as their own son or daughter.  This is great, enriching and unforgettable experience for everyone in the family.  For detailed information, please contact: (YES), 1600 Dove St., Suite 460, Newport Beach, CA 92660 OR Phone (800) 848-2121.

Concern for the Homebound

As a Minister to the homebound, I am very concerned that there are parishioners who cannot get to church but would like to receive communion.  Unfortunately, I don’t know who they are unless a family member or friend informs me.  Please feel free to call me (Sister Celeste 201-792-5128) so the Eucharistic Ministers can come to your home on a monthly visit to bring the Lord in Holy Communion.  The homebound are important members of our Parish Family.  They have much to offer in terms of prayer and sometimes pain. 

Share Your Joy At Christmas

Catholic Community Services (CCS) provides a unique and personal opportunity for an individual, family, church community, school or organization to help critically needy families in the Newark Archdiocese who wouldn’t have Christmas without some outside support.

Through the CCS’ Emergency Food and Nutrition Network (EFNN), food pantry coordinators in the four counties refer eligible families to the EFNN.  These families are linked with a donor who receives a profile of the family situation, first names, ages, size, and wish list.  Donors are asked to provide 2-3 age appropriate gifts and grocery store gift certificates for their selected family.  They are also responsible for delivering the gifts to the food pantry which serves the family one week before Christmas.  For more information, please call Rose Shannon, CCS EFNN at 973-596-5128.

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MONDAY   Is 2:1-5 Ps 122:1-9 Mt 8:5-11

TUES.  Is 176:11:1-10 Ps 72:7-8,12-13,17 Lk 10:21-24

WED.  Is 25:6-10a Ps 23:1-6 Mt 15:29-37

THURS.  Is 26:1-6 Ps 118:1,8-9,19-21,25-27a Mt 7:21,24-27

FRIDAY  Is 29:17-24 Ps 27:1,4,13-14        Mt 9:27-31

SATURDAY   Is 30:19-21,23-26 Ps 147:1-6 Mt 9:35-10:1,5a,6-8

NEXT SUNDAY - 2nd SUNDAY OF ADVENT  Is 40:1-5,9-11 Ps 85:9-14 2Pt 3:8-14   Mk 1:1-8

31st Annual Candlelight Carol Sing

The newly-released CD of the 31st Annual Candlelight Carol Sing from the Cathedral Basilica is now available for $15.  This live recording features 70 minutes of Christmas music sung by the Cathedral Choir and an assembly of over 2000 voices accompanied by brass, percussion and the spectacular Cathedral organs!  The CD would make a lovely Christmas gift.  For more information, contact the Cathedral Music Office at 973-484-2400.

Candlelight Carol Sing

The 32nd annual Candlelight Carol Sing will be held at the Cathedral Basilica on Tuesday, December 10th at 8 p.m., doors open at 7 p.m.  Christmas music sung by the Cathedral Choir and Assembly will be accompanied by the great Cathedral organs and chamber orchestra.  Free-will donation.  For more information call 973-484-2400.

Nutcracker

The New Jersey Foundation for Dance and Theatre Arts proudly presents their production of the “Nutcracker” performed by the American Youth Dance Company.

Performances are:   Saturday, December 7th at 7 p.m. and Sunday, December 8th at 3 p.m. at Felician College (John J. Breslin Jr. Theatre), 262  South Main St., Lodi. Tickets: $25 Orchestra; Adults $20; Children 10 and under $17.  Group sales are available.  For more information, please call the New Jersey Foundation for Dance and Theatre Arts 973-839-4031 to order tickets.  Special rates for non-profit groups of 25 and more.

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Prayers for Lighting the Advent Wreath

Each day at home, the candles are lighted, perhaps before the evening meal—one candle the first week, and then another each succeeding week until December 25^th. The rose candle is usually lighted on the third Sunday of Advent. As the candles are lighted, a prayer may be said.

THE FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT: HOPE

First Week

O Emmanuel, Jesus Christ, desire of every nation,

Savior of all peoples, come and dwell among us.

' - Today is the first Sunday of Advent, the Sunday in which we recall the hope we have in Christ. The prophets of Israel all spoke of the coming of Christ, of how a saviour would be born, a king in the line of David. They spoke of how he would rule the world wisely and bless all nations.

' - On Christmas day the Christ of our hope was born. On Good Friday the Christ of our hope died. On Easter day the Christ of our hope rose from the dead. He then ascended into heaven. On the last day, the Christ of our hope will come again to establish his kingdom over all things on earth.

' - As the follower of Christ, we await his return. We light this candle to remember that as he came to us as humbly in the manger at Bethlehem and gave light to the world, so he is coming again in power to deliver his people.

' - We light this candle to remind us to be alert and to watch for His return. Light the Advent candle one,

Now the waiting has begun We have started on our way, time to think of Christmas Day.

Candle, candle, burning bright, shining in the cold winter night.

Candle, candle burning bright, fill our hearts with Christmas light.

' - LET US PRAY - Loving God, we thank you for the hope you give us. Help us prepare our hearts for the Lord’s coming. Bless our worship. Help us live holy and righteous lives. We ask it in the name of the one born in Bethlehem. Amen.

THE SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT: PEACE

Second Week

O King of all nations, Jesus Christ, only joy of every heart,

come and save your people.

'' - Last Sunday we lit the first candle in our Advent Wreath, the candle of hope. We light it again as we remember that Christ will come again to fulfill all of God’s promises to us.

(a person lights the candle of hope)

'' - The second candle of Advent is the Candle of Peace. It is sometimes called the Bethlehem Candle to remind us of the place in which preparations were made to receive and cradle the Christ child.

'' - Peace is a gift that we must be prepared for. God gives us the gift of peace when we turn to him in faith.

'' - The prophet Isaiah calls Christ “the Prince of Peace.” Through John the Baptist and all the other prophets, God asks us to prepare our hearts so that he may come in.

'' - Our hope is in God, and in his son Jesus Christ. Our peace is found in him. We light this candle today to remind us that he brings peace to all who trust in him. Light the Advent Candle Two,

Think of humble shepherds who Filled with wonder at the sight, of the child on Christmas night.

Candle, candle, burning bright, shining in the cold winter night.

Candle, candle burning bright, fill our hearts with Christmas light.

'' - LET US PRAY - Loving God, thank you for the peace you give us through Jesus. Help us prepare our hearts to receive Him. Bless our worship. Guide us in all that we say and do. We ask it in the name of the one born in Bethlehem. Amen.

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THE THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT: - JOY

Third Week

O Key of David, Jesus Christ, the gates of heaven open at your command,

come and show us the way to salvation.

''' - Last Sunday the candle of peace was lit. We light it and the candle of hope again as we remember that Christ will come again and bring to the world everlasting peace.

(a person lights the candles of hope, and peace.)

''' - The third candle of Advent is the Candle of Joy. It reminds of the joy that Mary felt when the angel Gabriel told he that a special child would be born to her - a child who would save and deliver his people.

''' - God wants us all to have joy. The angel who announced to the shepherds that Jesus had been born told them: “Do not be afraid. I am bringing you good news of a great joy for all people - for to you is born this day, in the City of David, a Saviour, who is the Messiah, the Lord.”

''' - We light this candle to remember that Christ brings the promise of a new life - a life in which the blind receive sight, the lame walk, and the prisoners are set free. We light it to remember that He is the bringer of true and everlasting joy. Light the Advent Candle Three,

Think of heavenly harmony Angels blessing, “Peace on Earth”, at the blessed Saviour’s birth.

Candle, candle, burning bright, shining in the cold winter night.

Candle, candle burning bright, fill our hearts with Christmas light.

''' - LET US PRAY - Loving God, we thank you for the joy you bring us. Help us prepare our hearts for this gift. Bless our worship. Help us to hear and to do your word. We ask it in the name of the one born in Bethlehem. Amen.

THE FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT: LOVE

Fourth Week

O Wisdom, holy Word of God, Jesus Christ, all things are in your hands,

come and show us the way to salvation.

'''' - Last Sunday we lit the candle of joy. We light it and the candles of hope and peace again as we remember that Christ will come again and bring us everlasting peace and joy.

(a person lights the candles of hope, peace, and joy)

'''' - The fourth candle of Advent is the Candle of Love. It’s light is meant to remind us of the love that God has for us. Jesus shows us God’s perfect love. He is God’s love in human form. The bible says that “God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life.”

'''' - Love is patient, love is kind and envies no one. Love is never boastful or conceited, rude or selfish. Love is not quick to take offense, it keeps no records of wrongs, it does not gloat over other people’s troubles, but rejoices in the right, the good, and the true. There is nothing that love cannot face, there is no limit to its faith, to its hope, to its endurance. Love never ends.

'''' - We light this candle today to remind us of how God’s perfect love is found in Jesus Light the Advent Candle Four,

Think of joy forevermore Christ child in a stable born, gift of love that Christmas morn.

Candle, candle, burning bright, shining in the cold winter night. Candle, candle burning bright, fill our hearts with Christmas light.

'''' - LET US PRAY Loving God, we thank you for your gift of love - show to us perfectly in Jesus Christ our Lord. Help us prepare our hearts to receive Him. Bless our worship. Help us to hear and do your word. We ask it in the name of the one born in Bethlehem. Amen

copyright - Rev. Richard J. Fairchild

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Personal Meditation 

Personal Meditation December 1st, 2002

Isaiah 63:16-17, 19; 64:2-7, Psalms 80:2-3, 15-16, 18-19, 1 Corinthians 1:3-9, Mark 13:33-37 (2)

The season of Advent focuses on the Parousia, the Second Coming of Jesus. We may be tempted to regard this event as some distant final chapter in the history of salvation. Today's Scripture speaks of God's return, not as fantasy for tomorrow but as a call to action. The Parousia has significance today because the Lord's coming in glory calls us to involvement with all believers. To wait for the Lord is to wait on God's people.

Today's passage from Isaiah was written around 500 B.C. when Jerusalem was in ruins and God seemed all too absent. The author looks forward to the return of Yahweh: "Turn back for the sake of your servants, for the sake of the tribes that are your heritage" (Isaiah 63:17). Waiting implies that the people must look to the needs of others. For example, the leaders are blind watchmen who seek only personal gain (see Isaiah 56:10-12). God's presence means that their efforts should provide for the common good.

Writing around A.D. 57, Paul addresses a divided, self-seeking Corinthian community. Paul links the Christian way of life with the Second Coming. He deliberately refers to fellowship and adds that God will strengthen them to the end "so that you may be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ" (1 Corinthians 1:8). For Paul, this day of the Lord is not a harmless theological concept but a reality that demands daily concern and interest in the needs of others.

The gospel addresses the age-old question, "When will the Second Coming take place?" Jesus warns that only God knows the exact time. In the time prior to the Parousia, vigilance is required. Mark cites the parable of the Doorkeeper in order to make this point (see Mark 13:33-37). Vigilance is service.

The opportunities for Parousia service are many. Sharing food with the poor identifies with Third Isaiah, sharing talents with the community imitates Paul, exercising authority with kindness and justice echoes Mark's message.

Prayer During the Advent Season

Lord, move our hearts to prepare joyfully for the coming of Christ our Savior. Protect us from all dangers, and free our minds and hearts from the darkness that hinders your light. As we look forward to the feast of your Son's birth, increase our faith and trust in your love. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.