The Union Country Human Relations Commission has joined with the Union County Prosecutor's Office to host a Community Forum entitled, "The World Trade Center Tragedy: An Evening of Understanding, Healing, and Hope," to aid Union Country citizens through these difficult times.

Part of the program will consist of a panel, moderated by the NJ Division of Criminal Justice's Office of Bias Crime & Community Relations.

The panel will address:

(1) Local law enforcement efforts to keep our citizens safe

(2) Insights from a grief counselor to help the healing process, and

(3) Resources available from the Victim/Witness advocate to assist those directly victimized by this crime.

An Islamic holy man will also touch upon differentiating between Muslims as people of faith and Muslims who are political extremists and terrorists.

The program will be held at St. Helen's Roman Catholic Church at 1600 Rahway Avenue in Westfield, at 7:00 PM.

In the wake of the destruction of the World Trade Center, the New York State Bar Association has set up a toll-free number - 1-877-HELP-321 - that victims and their family members may call to obtain information about, among other things, available legal services, referrals to appropriate federal and state agencies, and information for clients whose attorneys worked in the World Trade Center complex and surrounding neighbors. Family members may also e-mail the Bar Association for information at help321@nybsa.org., or log onto the Association's website - www.nysba.org/wtc - for assistance.

My dear parishioners,

Please allow me to share with you two wonderful and uplifting letters. The first is from Father Thomas Looney, who touched us all with his appeal, at the end of August, for the Congregation of Holy Cross's missionary labors in Peru; the second is from Mr. Angelo Zito, Assistant Director of Stewardship for the Archdiocese.

Monsignor Masiello

Dear Monsignor Masiello and the People of Holy Trinity,

Since the tragedy that has befallen us, I have prayed frequently for the people of Holy Trinity. During my brief stay, I learned that many of you work in Manhattan - thus this tragedy, I imagine, has struck very close to home. May the Lord sustain, comfort and bless all of you during this painful time.

Peace, Fr. T. Looney, CSC

Dear Monsignor Masiello,

I write on behalf of Joe Dwyer and myself to commend you and the entire parish family of Holy Trinity, especially Deacon Tom Pluta, on your tremendous outpouring of generosity and Christian charity. Your efforts through "Project Backpack" to provide the students of St. Rocco's and Blessed Sacrament schools with much needed supplies is an inspiration to us all who strive to live the Stewardship Way of Life.

As we struggle to adjust in the wake of the World Trade Center disaster, this demonstration of true discipleship serves as a beacon of faith and hope during a very trying time in our nation and particularly in our immediate area.

Through the hard work, perseverance, and commitment of parishes similar to Holy Trinity we are truly becoming a Stewardship Archdiocese. May God bless and protect you always,

Sincerely in Christ,

Angelo Zito

Assistant Director of Stewardship

OFFERTORY COLLECTION - Last Sunday's regular collection amounted to $17,994.00; the assessment collection to $4,647.00. I humbly say: thanks, and thanks, and ever thanks. Monsignor Masiello

Collection for the Church in Central and Eastern Europe - THANK YOU for your contributions to this collection which amounted to $4,024.00!

MONTHLY HOLY HOUR - CHANGE IN DATE: it has become necessary to change the day of our monthly Holy Hour from its usual First Saturday date to SATURDAY, OCTOBER 13^th.

ADULT FAITH ENRICHMENT OPPORTUNITIES - We are pleased with the response of parishioners to join a small group and study our Catholic faith. At Home in the Catholic Church covers a number of issues pertinent to living our faith today. The Scripture Study class on Tuesday nights in October is still accepting participants. If you are undecided, now is the time to make a choice. Sign-Up sheets for either of these offerings may be found on the Church bulletin boards, or you may call Sr. Eleanor McNichol at 232-8137 to register.

A VOCATION REFLECTION - The rich man did not listen to Moses and the Prophets. Many others did not as well. God then sent His only Son to us, hoping that we would listen to Him. What is Jesus saying to you? Is He calling you to be a Priest, Religious or Deacon in the Church? If so, are your willing to listen? Are you willing to go where God wants you to go? Contact Father Rich Kelly at 973-497-4365 or e-mail him at kellyric@rcan.org. Visit the website at www.rcan.org. or see one of us your priests, sisters, deacon!

You are cordially invited to attend the first concert of our 2001 - 2002 concert series, Music at Holy Trinity, on Saturday evening, October 13^th at 8:00 PM. Noel Werner, Director of Music and Organist at Central Presbyterian Church in Summit, will present an organ recital in the church. The program will include works for organ by Bach, Franck, Dupré, and Near, as well as a work for organ and harp by Granjany, and a work for organ, harp, and violin by Friedell. The program is free and open to the public.

HOLY TRINITY SENIOR SOCIAL CLUB - will meet on Monday, October 1^st, at 1:30 PM, in the School gym.

WOMEN'S CORNERSTONE RETREAT DAY - will be held on October 20^th, from 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM, at Xavier Center in Convent Station, NJ. All women who have participated in Women's Cornerstone Retreats here at Holy Trinity are invited to attend. Registration forms must be returned to the Rectory no later than October 7^th.

CAREGIVER'S SUPPORT GROUP - A support group for those caring for elderly or chronically ill loved ones meets on the first non-holiday Monday of each month (October 1^st) at 8:00 PM in the parish center of St. Helen's Church, Westfield. These are information and sharing sessions. For information, call Marilyn Ryan at 232-1867.

RAINBOWS SUPPORT GROUP - When a change takes place in the family concerning separation, divorce, or death, it has a profound effect on all family members, especially children. Grief is an expression of love and a normal human reaction to a significant loss. Frequently children are not able to express their grief verbally, and it surfaces in their behavior, academics, physical, or emotional well-being. Even children who appear to have adjusted to the loss often struggle inside with the churning, conflicting emotions of grief. Holy Trinity Church will be offering a "RAINBOWS SUPPORT GROUP" to boys and girls, ages 4 through 16. Groups will be run by trained Rainbow facilitators and will meet in HTIS, 6:45 to 7:45 PM on six consecutive Thursdays beginning October 11^th, 18^th, 25^th, November 1^st, 8^th, & 15^th with a culminating activity on Saturday November 17^th. Please contact Mary Ann Foster at 518-0517 or Lori Profeta at 789-0055 to register or for further information.

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

RECONCILIATION - There are three parent Reconciliation meetings and parents can choose one to attend. Monday, October 1^st, Parish Council Room (PCR) at 7:15 PM; Tuesday, October 2^nd, PCR at 7:15 PM; or Thursday, October 4^th, PCR at 1:00 PM. Letters have been mailed home to parents of candidates.

TODDLER BABYSITTING - Babysitting is again available during the 9:00 AM Mass for 1, 2, and 3 year olds, in the Parish Council Room, in the School. Mark your calendar - babysitting will be offered September 30^th. Please use the Watterson St. entrance to the School when dropping off/picking up. Babysitting is offered by parent and teen teams. If you would like to help, please call Teresa Moore at 654-8276.

ADULT VOLUNTEERS - are needed for CYO events. Please call Sr. Kathy Burton or Trish Martin at 233-7455 if you can help.

KURIOS CONCERT & CHRISTIAN CAFÉ, Sunday evening, October 28, 2001

FALL RETREAT, high school, November 30, Friday evening to Sunday late afternoon, December 2, 2001.

ICE SKATING, Sunday, December 16, 2001

CHRISTMAS CAROLING, Wednesday, December 19, 2001

WINTER RETREAT, junior high, overnite, February 9 & 10, 2002.

SPRING RETREAT, high school aged, April 12, Friday evening to Sunday late afternoon, April 14, 2002.

PEER MINISTRY TRAINING RETREAT, Kearny, April 23-26, 2002.

JR. HIGH GYM NIGHTS, 1^st Sunday, every month, 6:00 to 7:30 PM.

ROMERO CENTER, Mission trip, Camden, June 23-29, 2002.

The COOPERATIVE ADMISSIONS EXAMINATION for participating Catholic High Schools in the Archdiocese of Newark will be administered on Friday, November 9, 2001.

Application forms and handbooks for this test and a listing of all Catholic High Schools and their admission requirements are available from:

- CTB/McGraw-Hill at 1-800-569-2667

- the local Catholic Elementary School

- the Parish Religious Education Center

- the Catholic High Schools of the Archdiocese of Newark

- the Office of the Superintendent of Schools, 973-497-4260.

Questions? Please call 1-800-569-2667.

MASSES FOR THE WEEK

SATURDAY, September 29th

5:30 pm Irene C. Harris - Daughter

SUNDAY, September 30th

7:30 am John & Ellen McSweeney - John Geoghegan

9:00 Maria Petrucelli - Anna & Joe Bonaccorso

10:30 People of the Parish

12:00 Noon Mary Cunniff - Elizabeth & Dave Loland

MONDAY, October 1st

7:00 am Maria Petrucelli - Husband & children

9:00 Flagg Family - Helen Assmann

TUESDAY, October 2nd

7:00 am Angelo Ciullo - Mr & Mrs Mario Ciullo

9:00 Charles Sofka, Sr. - Family

WEDNESDAY, October 3rd

7:00 am Bernard Garvey - Carven Family

9:00 Deceased relatives of George K. Kennelly Family

THURSDAY, October 4th

7:00 am Madonna DiPompeii - Domenico Frasso

9:00 Blaine Ryan - HT Soup Kitchen Friends

FRIDAY, October 5th

7:00 am Rosalba Frasso - Alfonso & Teresa Frasso

9:00 Mathew Boylan - Wife, Kathleen

SATURDAY, October 6th

8:30 am Arcangela Negri - Maria & Orlando Russo

5:30 pm Michael Sadowski -Parents

SUNDAY, October 7th

7:30 am Jerry Villanella - Joanne Greene

9:00 Mr & Mrs Samuel Corrao - Daughter

10:30 People of the Parish

12:00 Noon Immaculate Heart of Mary - Helen Snyder