The Community of Holy Trinity offers its congratulations, prayers and best wishes to Melissa Koza and James Stivale who entered into the holiness of married life in the Lord Jesus Christ in our parish church on Saturday, July 14th.
The Community of Holy Trinity offers its congratulations, prayers and best wishes to Janis Collins and Joseph D'Alessandro who entered into the holiness of married life in the Lord Jesus Christ in our parish church on Sunday, July 15th.
Everyone is busy! Like Martha in today's Gospel we can get overwhelmed and not take the time to listen to the voice of the Lord. Martha's sister Mary teaches us just how important it is to "choose the better portion" and listen to Jesus. Are you listening? Is Jesus calling you to the Priesthood, Brotherhood, Sisterhood or Diaconate? "Inquire within" and call Father Rich Kelly at the Vocations Office at 973-497-4365 or e-mail at kellyric@rcan.org. Visit the website at www.rcan.org. or see one of us, your priests, sisters, deacon.
"At Home in the Catholic Church" will explore topics pertinent to living our Catholic faith today. Small groups will meet weekly for six weeks in a parishioner's home.
Scripture Study - The New Testament Epistles and Acts of the Apostles - is a four week program using the popular pamphlet - Scripture from Scratch - to gain a greater understanding of the Scriptures and their meaning for our lives today.
September 8-9 is Sign-Up Sunday for these programs. Mark your calendar and plan to participate.
RCIA - Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults - is the usual way for adults to become full, active, participating members of the Catholic Church. RCIA helps adults to grow in their relationship with God and become familiar with Catholic teachings and practices.
Many adults decide to become Catholic because someone asks him or her. Do you know someone you can invite to "inquire" about becoming Catholic? Why not invite them to call Sister Eleanor McNichol at 232-8137 for mroe information about the RCIA process?
Stewardship is a way of life, a way of thanking God for all His blessings by returning a portion of the time, talent and treasure allotted to us.
Stewardship is based on the spiritual principles of the Hebrew Scriptures and the teachings of Jesus; and where it has been implemented, both givers' and receivers' lives have been changed.
Stewardship engenders a spirituality that deepens our relationship with Jesus. Stewardship involves intentional, planned and proportionate giving of our time, talent and treasure.
"Give, and it shall be given to you. Good measure pressed down, shaken together, running over, will they pour into the fold of your garment. For the measure you measure with will be measured back to you." (Luke 6:38)
"Above all, let your love for one another be constant, for love covers a multitude of sins. Be mutually hospitable without complaining. As generous distributors of God's manifold grace, put your gifts at the service of one another, each in the measure you have received." (1 Peter 4:8-10)
"Westfield Steeples" - Most of you are, by now, familiar with the wonderful print "Westfield Steeples." The artist, Jane H. Annis, promised to donate 10% of the proceeds of the print back to the churches depicted in it. Ms. Annis has proven true to her word! Prints are available at The Town Book Store, which also has some note cards with the Steeples image.
With her children at the doorstep of adulthood, a mother reflects on the vocation of parenthood:
If I had my child to raise all over again,
I 'd fingerpaint more,
and point the finger less.
I'd do less correcting, and more connecting.
I'd take my eyes off my watch,
and watch with my eyes.
I would care to know less,
and know to care more.
I'd take more hikes and fly more kites.
I'd stop playing serious, and seriously play.
I would run through more fields
and gaze at more stars.
I'd do more hugging and less tugging.
I would be firm less often, and affirm much more.
I'd build self-esteem first, and the house later.
I'd teach less about the love of power,
and more about the power of love.
Jesus' friends Martha and Mary mirror the challenge confronting every one of us: how to provide for our practical and pragmatic needs while trying to live happy and meaningful lives. But, as we all know too well, we can become so caught up with agendas and schedules that we unthinkingly sacrifice what is far more meaningful and valuable . We have to consciously choose and seek out "the better part" - the joy and love of family and friends that is the presence of God.
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION - REGISTRATIONS - The Religious Education Office is on a summer schedule and will be closed for new registrations until Tuesday, August 7th and Wednesday, August 8th.
We are in need of catechists for our next school year (September through April) for primary grades (grades PK through 5th) on Sunday mornings (10:15 to 11:15 AM) and Monday and Tuesday afternoons (3:30 to 4:30 PM). We also need catechists for our Jr. High program (grades 6,7,8) for Monday or Tuesday evenings (7:15-8:30 PM). If you can help us in this very fulfilling ministry, please call the REO at 233-7455.
ANNUAL YOUNG ADULT MASS & BARBECUE -
All people in their 20's and 30's are invited to join us on Sunday, August 5th at St. Helen's Parish in Westfield for the Annual Young Adult Mass & Barbecue sponsored by the Office of Young Adult Ministry and the Young Adult Council of the Archdiocese of Newark. This special event will begin at 2:00 PM with a dynamic Mass celebrated by Msgr. Louis F. Fimiani, Vicar for Pastoral Life and Pastor of Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Parish, Roseland. The Mass also will feature vibrant music by the Power Choir. The day will continue with a delicious, all you can eat, professionally catered barbecue, live band entertainment by Laurie Cagno, volleyball, beverages, and much more! The cost of this event is $20. Registration is required. For more information, contact the Office of Young Adult Ministry at (973) 497-4512 or check out our web page at http://www/cyoalive.org. Don't miss out on this great day of faith, friendship and fun!
Sisters of Charity Art Show and Auction - The Sisters of Charity of St. Elizabeth will host their annual art show and auction on Friday, August 3rd at St. Mary's Parish Center, Manahawkin. All work will be previewed at 7:00PM with the auction beginning promptly at 8:00 PM. Wine and gourmet delights will be served. This annual event features the work of numerous local and regional artists working in a range of media.
Proceeds from the event will benefit the community's Maris Stella resident in Harvey Cedars. Tickets are $10 per person (tax-deductible), are available by mail: Sisters of Charity, P.O. Box 476, Convent Station, NJ 07961-0476, or by calling Sr. Mary Morley at 973-290-5338.
DEANERY HOLY HOUR FOR LIFE - On Wednesday, July 25th, the bi-monthly Holy Hour for Life, including Benediction of the Most Blessed Sacrament, will be celebrated for the churches in our Deanery at St. Mary's Church in Plainfield at 7:30 PM. Come and pray that our country may reverence and protect all human life. Bring your family, friends, and neighbors!
From the SACRED HEART INSTITUTE - 8th Annual Spirituality and Healing Conference "TWO HEARTS UNITED IN HEALING LOVE" - Saturday, July 28th from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM at St. Aloysius Auditorium, 219 Bloomfield Ave, Caldwell. Please call the Institute at (973- 226-7077 to register and to receive a detailed schedule and fact sheet.
Leonardo DaVinci's Art of Refining the Senses: A Means to Enliven Experience - Come and discover how the five senses can be ministers of the soul. Saturday, July 28th, from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM at Mount St. Mary House of Prayer, Watchung. Cost is $12. To register, call (908) 753-2091.
From ST. MICHAEL'S CHURCH, CRANFORD - St. Michael's, Cranford will conduct its annual collection of NEW GIFT ITEMS for Babies with HIV-AIDS thru July 26th. New gift items may be brought into the church and placed in the special shrine to Mary, Mother of Christ. All new items will be delivered to St. Clare's Home in Elizabeth. A "Wish List" for items needed is posted in the lobby of the church.
This collection of gift items is held in conjunction with the parish's annual celebration of the Feast of St. Anne & St. Joachim. Services honoring these Saints begin July 23rd with a candlelight procession followed by a prayer service. Prayer services will be celebrated on July 24th & 25th and a special Feast Day Liturgy celebrated on July 26th at 7:30 PM. For more information, please call the St. Michael's parish office at 276-0360.
MASSES FOR THE WEEK
SATURDAY, July 21st
5:30 pm Joanne Farrauto - Mr & Mrs Charles Gover
SUNDAY, July 22nd
7:30 am Biaggio Scarpiganto - Mr & Mrs Anthony Pafumi
9:00 Salvatore & Michael Motto - Mae Motto
10:30 People of the Parish
12:00 Noon Regina Pluta Yesacavage - Dorothy Norris
MONDAY, July 23rd
7:00 am Deceased of Heathkamp Family
9:00 Mary Cunniff - Kay Swingle
TUESDAY, July 24th
7:00 am Regina Pluta Yesacavage - D'Amico Family
9:00 Lucrezia, Vincenzo & Antoinette DeCellis -Family
WEDNESDAY, July 25th
7:00 am Sam Brennan - Mother, Joan Brennan
9:00 Angelo & Rosario Bonaccorso - Joe Bonaccorso
THURSDAY, July 26th
7:00 am Evelyn Rakoczy- Victor & Leona Karlen
9:00 Special Intention - Peg & Bill Wright
FRIDAY, July 27th
7:00 am Louis Kerekes - Daughter
9:00 Jenny Rapuano - Madeline & Frank Garofano
SATURDAY, July 28th
8:30 am Eleanor Pearson - Matthew Jackson
5:30 pm Eugene Zilli - Rose & Sal Aiello
SUNDAY, July 29th
7:30 am Giovannina Ciullo - Mr & Mrs Mario Ciullo
9:00 Virginia Dimmer - Roe Dunlap
10:30 People of the Parish
12:00 Noon Mrs. Virginia Murray - Comer Family