From the Pastor September 20, 2015
25th Sunday in Ordinary Time - B
To help spiritually prepare us for the pilgrimage of Pope Francis to our country this week, today and next week we reflect on two of the Prefaces for a Nuptial or Wedding Mass. May God grant success to the Holy Father’s efforts to promote a greater understanding of GOD’s plan for family life and marriage; may we open our ears, minds and hearts to the divine revelation concerning these core values of every God-loving society. We reflected on Marriage’s Preface I last Saint Valentine Day weekend; here’s Preface II:
Preface for The great Sacrament of Matrimony - II
It is truly right and just, our duty and our salvation,
always and everywhere to give you thanks,
Lord, holy Father, almighty and eternal God,
through Christ our Lord.
For in him you have made a new covenant
with your people, so that,
as you have redeemed man and woman by
the mystery of Christ’s Death and Resurrection,
so in Christ you might make them
partakers of divine nature
and joint heirs with him of heavenly glory.
In the union of husband and wife
you give a sign of Christ’s loving gift of grace,
so that the Sacrament we celebrate
might draw us back more deeply
into the wondrous design of your love.
And so, with the Angels and all the Saints,
we praise you, and without end we acclaim:
A Covenant Renewed by Christ in Marriage. Having redeemed, restored and renewed the human family by His Death and Resurrection, Christ continues to ‘usher in’ and ‘bring to fulfillment’ the ‘new creation’ He wrought by His wondrous deeds. It is God’s hope - and ours - that by blessing newlyweds, they will always heed the Commandments and live by His ways, unlike the first ‘married’ couple: Adam and Eve.
Throughout salvation history God often invited married couples and their family to enflesh His plan: Noah and his unnamed wife; Abraham and Sarah; Hosea and his harlot wife; John the Baptist’s parents, Elizabeth and Zechariah, and our Blessed Mother and Saint Joseph. In every sacramental marriage, Christ is present in wives and husbands in a way similar to how He is present in Bishops, Priests and Deacons. For those in the Sacraments of Matrimony and Holy Orders literally become living Sacraments.
Partakers of Divine Nature. God did not will His gift of creation to be renewed by ‘just anyone,’ ‘any old way.’ God ordained the union of a man and a woman, united by an indissoluble bond of love, sustained by His grace, to be the way by which the highpoint of His creation: the human person - is born into the world. Husbands and wives who bring new life into the world are co-creators with God as He intended. Thus married couples, blessed with the gift of children [if God’s wills], become what we call ‘the Domestic Church:’ a microcosm of the Church-at-large. By living and loving in conformity with God’s plan they witness to God at work in our world.
Joint Heirs in Christ’s Heavenly Glory. Marriage vows end upon a spouse’s death, for as Jesus said, “At the resurrection they neither marry nor are given in marriage but are like the angels in heaven.” {Matthew 22:30] This does not mean couples will not know or love each other in heaven. It’s just that without the need to procreate or to have to deal with the limitations in our human ability to love, marital structures will no longer be needed in heaven.
However, Christ promised to share His glory with all who serve Him on earth. As Jesus reveres His own Mother and Father [and foster-father!], He will honor those who mother and father all who are His brothers and sisters. And He will reward all who forfeit their own plans to embrace God’s gift of life and love in the spouse and children with which God gifts them.
Signs of Christ Loving Gift of Grace. What better sign of all Christ gifts to His Church and world is there than those untied in a ceremony He Chose as the site for His first miracle: the Wedding Feast at Cana. For couples with faith, Christ still turns their water into wine, their tears into joy, and their love into life.
In His holy Name,
Rev. Thomas J. Serafin
Mass or Communion Prayer Service IntentionsSaturday Vigil: 25th Sunday in Ordinary Time
5:00 pm Renee Knowles
r/o: Anita & Larry Wuest
Sunday 25th Sunday in Ordinary Time
8:00 am Thomas Kaminski
r/o: Dominick Critelli
9:30 am Mary Bonsignore
r/o: Elizabeth Bonsignore
11:30 am Dolores Saracho
r/o: her family
Monday Saint Matthew
9:00 am Frances Letchford
r/o: Ann & Jim Letchford
Tuesday
9:00 am Our Holy Father, Pope Francis
r/o: Janis Morelli
Wednesday Saint Pius of Pietrelcina
9:00 am Alba Morelli
r/o: Janis Morelli
Thursday Prayer Service with Holy Communion
9:00 am Frank Ricigliano
r/o: his family
Friday
9:00 am Prayer Service with Holy Communion
Saturday Vigil: 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time
5:00 pm Sue Haskoor
r/o: Tom & Ruth Pryor
Sunday 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time
8:00 am In celebration of the 50th Wedding
Anniversary of Cliff & Joan Jorgenson
r/o: Skylar, Luis & Emrie Medina
9:30 am Carmela Serravillo-Graci
r/o: Kowinski family
11:30 am Ann LaCorte
r/o: her family
The Sanctuary Lamp will burn this week
in memory of Frank Ricigliano
as requested by his family.
/ Last Weekend’s Collection
September 6 $13,045.35
September 13 $14,994.44
Peter’s Pence $5,261.11
Thank you!
Renegotiated Mortgage Information
New Mortgage (5/1/2015) $ 1,865,560.60
Principal Paid to Date $ 23,618.58
Interest Paid to Date $ 26,060.98
Current Balance (as of 9/1/2015) $ 1,841,942.02
Monthly Payment $ 12,406.89
Our Parish Prayers
“For everything there is a season and a time for every purpose under heaven…”
a time to be born…
a time to heal… We pray for all the sick of our Parish and especially for:
Jack Boland
George Boulergis
Joseph Clark
Carol Clerico
Dan Cummings
Bill DeLise
Shirley Frey
Mary Hotaling
Kathy Ibbetson
Samuel John / Josephine Knobloch
Dave Kreutzer
Stan Labruna
Julianne Mazur
Ann Padovani
Arjan Panjwani
Zarefth Parveez
Anthony Sorrentino
Paul Urban
Christopher Viscuso
Names will remain on our sick list for three months after which time they will be removed, unless we are notified to keep them on the list.
a time to die… Lucille Rothemich
This Weekend’s Readings
Twenty-Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time
First Reading: Wisdom 2:12, 17-20
Wicked people discuss their anger at the just one, because they do not like being reproached for their evil ways. They want to see if he is the Son of God, so they decide to torture him and see if God will come to defend him. They decide to condemn him to a shameful death and see if the claims are true that God will take care of him.
Second Reading: James 3:16 - 4:3
James discusses the importance of avoiding jealousy and strife. People should strive for peace and justice instead of concentrating on material pleasures which can tempt people to sin to obtain whatever they desire.
Gospel: Mark 9:30-37
Jesus again attempts to prepare his disciples for his death and resurrection, although they do not yet fully understand. They had been arguing over who was the most important one, but Jesus tells them whoever wants to rank first must be willing to remain a servant to all. He also tells them that anyone who welcomes a child in his name welcomes both him and God.
© 1999 Bon Venture Services, Inc.
Next Weekend’s Readings
Twenty-Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time
First Reading: Numbers 11:25-29
Second Reading: James 5:1-6
Gospel: Mark 9:38-43, 45, 47-48
Parish Ministry ContactsTo join a ministry, please contact the ministry head. A complete list of ministries can be found in the narthex or on our website: www.parishesonline/seasthreebridges.
Adult Choir/Cantors Brett Walzer ~ 782-1475 x20
Adult Faith Formation Diane Luceri ~ 782-1475 x14
Baptismal Prep Anne & Brian Moore ~ 534-2136
Cancer Support Group Andrew Casella ~ 782-1475
Employment Group Deacon Mike ~ 400-3036
EM of Holy Communion/Homebound/Hospital
Larry Dawkins ~ 284-1617
Fatima Rosary Shirley Frey ~ 806-4889
Knights of Columbus Floyd Campbell ~ 732-598-5905
Lazarus Ministry Anne Hayes ~ 751-5660
Linens Ministry Parish Office ~ 782-1475
Liturgical Environment Norma Santella ~ 782-1475
Men’s Club Deacon Paul ~ 782-1475 x13
Military Outreach Chris McPherson ~908-246-5114
Prayer Shawls Judy Herdman ~ 782-7973
Pat Rivero ~ 806-7890
Readers Ann McCrystal ~ 908-797-4070
Georgann Scibilia ~ 908-782-6625
Respect for Life Helen Schuler ~ 369-6618
R.C.I.A. Diane Luceri ~ 782-1475 x14
Sacristans Maureen & John Lybarger ~ 369-5331
Usher/Minister of Hospitality Bob Caron ~ 236-6492
Wedding Coordinator Geri Kaczorek ~ 369-3712
Women’s Spirituality Loraine Richmond ~ 725-2502
Youth Ministries
Altar Servers Suzanne Wooby ~ 369-6390
Children’s Choir Coleen Cucci ~ 346-0367
Children’s Liturgy (CLOW) Kelly Robison ~ 284-2234
Religious Formation Main Line 284-2929
P.C.L. Mariam Nawab ~ 284-2929 x23
Confirmation Jenni Clark ~ 284-2929 x24
RF Secretary Gina Perez ~ 284-2929
Safe Environment Background Coordinator
Helen Schuler ~ 369-6618
Summer RF Gina Perez ~ 284-2929
Karen Baron ~ 806-4384
WINGS Teen Ministry Jenni Clark ~ 284-2929 x24
SEAS NEW Web Address - www.easeton.net
Things are moving along on our new website. Bulletins are being posted and we are working on building the site to a more informative site.
First things first - "Are we all on the same page?" Some may have difficulty initially accessing the new website. If you have been on www.easeton.net in the past, you may reach an old cached version of the site. If the page you see is a photo of the church with a link to connect to our parishesonline address, you've got a cached version. The new site has a photo of the sign at the entrance to our driveway at the top.
To get to the new site, hold down the ‘Ctrl’ key and click the refresh icon on your web browser.
Ministers of the LiturgyThe following Liturgical Ministers will serve at next weekend’s Masses: September 26 & 27
5:00 PM Mass
Sacristan: Tracy & Bob Kirk; EMs: Liz Delasandro, Marion Bergen, Anthony Bruno, Mariann Bruno, Cindy Campbell, Floyd Campbell, Linda Augustine, Rita Koch; Readers: Doug Tapp, Ann McCrystal; Altar Servers: Michael Cadwallader, Danny Carman, Daniel Bindas, Kristen Bindas
8:00 AM Mass
Sacristan: Kathy & Walter Urban; EMs: Florence Dzwonczyk, Steve Dzwonczyk, Brian Dornan, Lois Dornan, Fred Fischl, Nancy Fischl, Carol Iden, Ann Letchford; Readers: Anita Wuest, John Lybarger; Altar Servers: Alex Sias, Lukas VanDine, Logan VanDine, Lily VanDine
9:30 AM Mass
Sacristan: Sharon Boehmer; EMs: Paul Witko, Thomas Middleton, Sharon Boehmer, Liz Bonsignore, Diane Buckland, Frank Cuccio, Mary Cuccio, Kate Zaleski; Readers: Susan Bova, Jim Bova; Altar Servers: TJ Rothemich, Thomas Wasitowski, Caroline Waters, Michael Waters
11:30 AM Mass
Sacristan: Debbie Mehl; EMs: Tom Boelter, Barbara Boelter, Terry Walten, Lynne Dawkins, Larry Dawkins, Laurie Markowski, Patrick Norris, Paola Kornspan; Readers: Mike Schuler, Robert Lucchesi; Altar Servers: Erin Devine, Donal Devine, Andrew Devine, Stephanie Kornspan
Peter’s Pence Collection
Thank you for your generous support of our Holy Father’s charitable works in the Peter’s Pence Collection. Your contributions will be combined with those of our brothers and sisters around the world to help Pope Francis provide essential relief to people in need. Your generosity is an act of solidarity with the universal Church, answering the call to be a witness of charity. May God bless you.
Feast of Saint Francis
Animal Blessing
Saturday, October 3 - 3:30 PM
On Saturday, October 3, at 3:30 PM we will celebrate our annual Animal Blessing! All animals large and small are welcome to attend this blessing as long as they are accompanied by a human! We are asking all who attend to bring a donation for the Saint Hubert Animal Shelter in Branchburg. Please note this is also an S.R.F. event. Refer to your event calendar or call your grade coordinator for more information.
Religious Formation NewsCatechetical Sunday
and Pope Francis in the U.S.
This is an exciting month, as we celebrate Catechetical Sunday and welcome Pope Francis to the United States for the first time. Prepare for both of these events.
Catechetical Sunday 2015. This year’s theme is “Safeguarding the Dignity of Every Human Person.” With gratitude, we pray for everyone involved in faith formation ministries in our parish at SEAS and around the world.
The presence of Pope Francis in the United States next week will be a joyful time for millions of Catholics and people of good will.
During his historic Apostolic Journey, the Holy Father will attend many events, including addressing Congress and the UN, visiting schoolchildren in New York, and celebrating Mass in Philadelphia after the World Meeting of Families.
Blessings on your ministry as we begin another season in faith formation.
Mariam Nawab PCL
“Children are a gift from the Lord.” PS.127:3
Religious Formation Upcoming Events
Sept. 19, 20 FHC Prep -Sign In Begins
Sept. 21 FHC Prep -Parent Mtg 12:30or7:30
Sept. 26,27 Confirmation Prep-Rite of
Enrollment 5:00or11:30 Mass
FHC Prep-First Penance Lesson #1
Sept. 28 Class Mass 7B & 1A - 5:00
Sept. 29 Class Mass 7C/6C/1B - 5:00
Sept. 29 Class Mass 7D/6D/5D/1C - 6:45
Sept. 30 Class Mass 7E/6E/1D - 5:00
Faith Stories of Our Catechists
My name is Tim Connolly and I am a Catechist here at SEAS. One of the great things about being a Catechist, is that we get to shut out all the things in our culture that draw our children away from God and show and teach them about how a relationship with God is an essential part of life.
Now, I am not a theologian, have never been to seminary, nor am I a professional teacher. I am just someone like yourself who wants to share my faith with the students and tell them what a difference my relationship with God has made in my life. Is it easy? Not always, but at the end of the day you have a profound feeling of satisfaction knowing that you are doing as Jesus commanded us to do, share the Gospel.
There are many ways for you to help with this beautiful ministry but probably the best way to start is to become an Aide and assist a Catechist. It is a good way to learn the role of the Catechist and get a feel for the ministry. If you are not comfortable teaching, there are certainly other ministries in our parish that are equally as rewarding and needed. Volunteers are always needed so visit the Parish office to find out how you can help.