Our Lady of Mt. Virgin Church

Our Lady of Mt. Virgin Church
600 Harris Avenue, Middlesex, New Jersey
Parish Office: 732-356-2149
Rectory Emergency: 732-667-8034
Fax: 732-356-1302
www.olmv.net
SERVED BY
Very Rev. Patrick J. Kuffner, Pastor x 1006 [email protected]
Rev. Mark Kehoe, Associate Pastor x 1011 [email protected]
Deacon John R. Tietjen—[email protected]
Deacon John Czekaj—[email protected]
Deacon Tom Sommero—[email protected]
Sr. James Xavier Landi S.S.J., Pastoral Minister 732-609-1091
[email protected]
Dorothy Zmigrodski, Parish Catechetical Leader x 2010
[email protected]
Anita McGinley, Catechetical Assistant x 2010 [email protected]
Rives Cassel, Director of Sacred Music x 1105 [email protected]
Kelly Rooney, Coordinator of Youth & Young Adult Ministry x 1108
[email protected]
Elizabeth Graebener, Ministry to Veterans Military x 1109
Ellen Fleming, Parish Office Manager x 1002 [email protected]
Carol Valente, Pastor’s Assistant, Financial Manager x 1003
[email protected]
Gabriella Rosales, Parish Secretary / Hispanic Ministry x 1001
[email protected]
Ed Kura, Facilities Manager x 2009 [email protected]
Sean Fleming, Custodian x 2009
MARRIAGES:
Couples are encourage to contact the parish office to begin Marriage
Preparation Program. It is recommended that engaged couple begin
this process a year in advance of the wedding. Please contact the
parish office for additional information.
INFANT BAPTISMS:
The Sacrament of Baptism is celebrated on the 1st, 2nd and 3rd
Sunday of each month after the 11:30 am Mass (except during Lent).
Families must be registered in the Parish and attend a Baptism
Preparation Class. Please contact the parish office for additional
information.
VISITS TO THE SICK & HOMEBOUND:
Eucharistic Ministers are pleased to bring Holy Communion to the
members of the parish who are homebound. Please contact the Parish
Office to arrange for a visit by a Eucharistic Minister or to arrange for
the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick.
“Our Lady of Mount Virgin is a vibrant and welcoming Roman
Catholic Parish that, guided by the Holy Spirit, offers
opportunities for all to experience God.”
OLMV is open each day until 4:15 pm.
All are encouraged to visit and spend time in
prayer and meditation in the church
and in our Meditation Garden.
Parish Office hours:
Monday-Friday (8:30 am-4:00 pm)
MASS SCHEDULE:
Saturdays: 8:00 a.m. &
5:00 p.m. (Sunday Vigil Mass)
Sundays: 8:00, 10:00 & 11:30 a.m.
1:30 p.m. (Misa en Español)
Weekdays: 7:00 a.m. (M, W, F); 12:00 Noon (Tu, Th)
Holy Days: 7:00 p.m. Vigil Mass, 7:00 a.m. and
12:00 noon
ADORATION: 1st and 3rd Friday
after the Morning Mass until 12:00noon
SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION:
Saturday from 3:30 to 4:15 p.m.
Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time
February 7, 2016
O come, let us worship God and bow low before God
who made us, for he is the Lord our God.
Psalm 95: 6-7
MASS INTENTIONS
MON.,
7:00
Feb. 8th
A.M.
Weekday
Andrew & Rose LeDonne for their
special Intention r/o Son, Andrew
TUES.,
12:00
Feb. 9th
P.M.
Weekday
Rita & Arthur Kuffner r/o Fr. Pat
WED.,
7:00
10:00
12:00
5:00
7:00
Feb., 10th
A.M.
A.M.
P.M.
P.M
P.M.
Ash Wednesday
Parishioners
Service
Parishioners
Service
Parishioners
THURS., Feb., 11th Thursday after Ash Wednesday
12:00
P.M.
Helen & Edward Feeney r/o
Daughter, Kathleen
FRI.,
7:00
Feb., 12th Friday after Ash Wednesday
A.M.
Edward & Anna Shebol r/o Marie &
Jim Golden
th
SAT.,
8:00
5:00
Feb., 13
A.M.
P.M.
SUN.,
8:00
Feb., 14th First Sunday of Lent
A.M.
Alfonso & Rose Casale r/o The
Casale Family
A.M.
William J. Henryk r/o Wife Carol,
Children & Grandchildren
A.M.
Maria Joana Vaz r/o Sheldon &
Celisa Vaz
P.M.
Comunidad Hispana
10:00
11:30
1:30
Saturday after Ash Wednesday
Parishioners
Margaret Harrity r/o Husband &
Family
Lenten Novena this
Monday, February 8, 7:00 pm in the church.
Elks “Fish Fry”
The Middlesex Elks invite parishioners of OLMV to join
them for their annual Ash Wednesday “Fish Fry” which
will be held this Wednesday, February 10: 5:30 – 7:30pn
at the Elks Hall on Route 28 in Middlesex Borough.
KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS will hold their
business meeting this Monday, February 8th at
7:00 P.M. in the Chur ch Hall.
“Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I
send? Who will go for us?’ ‘Here I am,’
I said, ‘send me!’” (ISAIAH 6:8)
Every day – in little ways and in big ways – God asks,
“Whom shall I send?” Whether it is someone to take on a
new ministry or just someone to open a door for a stranger,
God constantly provides doors of opportunity. The next
time you hear God calling, have the courage to walk
through the door and say “Here I am, Lord.”
GOD’S PLAN FOR GIVING
Jan. 23-24..………………………………………$1,120.00
Collection for flood victim assistance……………$1,590.00
Additional Christmas……………………...……….$145.00
Major Renovations Fund……………………..…..$1,181.00
Jan. 30-31..……………………………..………$13,524.00
Weekly Expenses………………………...……..$19,246.00
Opportunities to support your Parish
Did you know that in addition to Mass intentions for your
loved ones you may remember them through the following
memorial opportunities?
•
•
•
•
Floral Memorial at the Altar
Altar, Sanctuary or Tabernacle Candles
Meditation Garden Remembrance Bricks
A gift of cash, securities, or other assets to OLMV
for the Week of February 7—14
Automatic Deposit (ACH Banking):
Altar Candles
Our Lady of Mount Virgin Parish has an arrangement with
Provident Bank for Automatic Deposit (ACH Banking) for
our parishioners. Many parishioners tell me that the only
check they write out each week is the one for our church;
that they do all their other banking through automatic
deposit or online. Please find applications for automatic
deposit banking that are available around the church
entranceways. Completed forms should be returned to
Father Pat. Please contact Father Pat if you want additional
information about this program.
Leo Collins r/o Toni Collins
PRAY FOR THE SICK…In your charity please pray for the sick of
our parish, the sick who remain in our intentions and those whose
names are kept on our prayer list in the sacristy and vestibule. Prayers
are also requested for the recently deceased: Vincent Napoleone and
Joseph L. Poandl.
A letter from our Pastor
My Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Today’s Gospel contains a story of Jesus’ challenge to Simon Peter.. Jesus is teaching the crowd who are pressing in upon
him. He gets into one of the boats docked by the shore. It is the boat that belongs to Simon. After he teaches the crowd, he asks
Simon to cast off, and to again look to catch fish. Jesus is asking Simon Peter to “trust” him!
Simon Peter is a professional fisherman and knows the waters. Jesus is sending him on a “fool’s errand,” but Peter does as
Jesus asks. To everyone’s astonishment, the catch is so incredible that Simon Peter needs help so his boat doesn’t sink from the
weight of the catch. Filled with awe, Simon humbly admits his sinfulness. Jesus tells Simon and those who are with him that they
will now “catch men!” Simon and his companions return to shore and immediately leave everything to follow Jesus.
Today we are invited to consider “vocation.” Simon Peter had a profession; he was a fisherman. He also had a vocation--God’s plan for him. Simon entered into his vocation because he trusted Jesus and faithfully followed after him. You and I also need
to trust Jesus as he speaks to us, and we need to have the courage to follow him!. The Lord calls to each of us and invites us to share
life with Him. He speaks to us often---we need to become active listeners!
In this “Year of Mercy” we are compelled to listen as Jesus speaks to our hearts. We must also pray for vocations---our
vocation and those of our brothers and sisters in faith.
Simon recognized his sinfulness; how unworthy he was, on his own, to be in the presence of the Lord. It is no different for
us. We are all sinful---that is why God sent his Son into the world! But, just like Jesus does for Simon, he also looks beyond our sin:
to our call---to our true vocation! Simon is sinful---yet Jesus calls him to enter into special life with him. It is to him that Jesus
finally places the “Keys of the Kingdom.”
Jesus does the same for us. He calls us, each of us, to special work in service to the Kingdom. We must be willing to listen
to the Word of God in our hearts and be willing to respond to it. We need to trust in Jesus as he speaks to us in in the deep recesses
of our souls. Remember that Simon knew the lake and he knew the fish---he knew it was the wrong time to be fishing.. But he
trusted in the Jesus and his catch was astonishing! It will be the same for us!
We also need to be open to the call of Jesus and listen to His voice in our hearts as he speaks to us. Some are called to
ordained ministry; some are called to religious life. Jesus calls most of us to marriage or the single life. Jesus calls each of us, and
no matter what life we are called to, Jesus needs us to go forth and “catch” many of our brothers and sisters for the Kingdom of God.
Let’s get to work today!!!
In peace and prayer,
Father Pat
Knights of Columbus Lenten Fish Fry
Grove Street, Dunellen, NJ - 732-968-2544
February 12, 19, 26 March 4, 11, 18, 25 - 5:30 pm to
8:00 pm
Choice of baked or fried fish, shrimp, Choice of roasted
potatoes, fries or macaroni & cheese
Choice of salad or soup, includes coffee, tea and
dessert. Fish dinner (broiled or fried) $10.00
Shrimp dinner $12.00 Combo dinner (Shrimp & fried
clams) $13.00
MEDITATION GARDEN AND
0REMEMBRANCE WALKWAY
It has been a great grace to see so many members of our
parish stop by and visit our new Memorial Garden and
Remembrance Walkway. Even on a cold clear day, it is a
wonderful place to spend a minute or two in prayer. As you
know, bricks are available for purchase. Each brick that is
purchased assists our parish as we plan to address areas of our
facility that need updating. Contact Father Pat to arrange the
purchase of a brick. Bricks are available in three colors and
two sizes (4" x 8" for $150.00 and 8" x 8" for
$250.00). Memorial bricks are a powerful expression of our
love for God and for OLMV Church.
OLMV in the Electronic Age:
Don’t forget to visit us and like us on
Facebook: Our Lady of Mount Virgin Church – Middlesex.
If you haven’t already done so, sign up for our parish’s e-blast email system. Information and directions can be found on our
parish web-site: olmv.net.
Altar Rosary Society
Super Bowl “Bake Sale”
February 6—7 after all Masses
Please plan to support the Rosarians
this weekend!!!
Ash Wednesday
Schedule at OLMV:
Wednesday, February 10, 2016
7:00am – Mass with the distribution of
Ashes
10:00am – Liturgy of the Word with the distribution of
Ashes
12:00noon – Mass with the distribution of Ashes
5:00pm – Liturgy of the Word with the distribution of
Ashes
7:00pm – Mass with the distribution of Ashes
DIOCESE OF METUCEN
Lenten Instructions – 2016
Lent allows each of us to let our Catholic
tradition of fasting and abstaining be an important reminder
of what it means to suffer or to be without. This liturgical
season is a blessed opportunity for us to unite with our
brothers and sisters who are hungry, poor, homeless, or living
on the fringes of society and to draw near to all those who
suffer from illness, affliction, addiction or other serious
burden. The following is a reminder of the Lenten
instructions to use as a guide as we unite with those who
suffer, near and far.
Lenten Activities at OLMV:
Lenten Novena is each Monday at 7:00pm in the Church
February 8 – March 21
Stations of the Cross each Friday at 7:00pm in the Church
February 12 – March 18
“Living” Stations – March 25 at 7:00– pm in the Chur ch
Mass of Anointing – Saturday, March 5 at 11:00am
in the Church
Lenten Penance Service – Wednesday, March 8 at 7:00pm
in the Church.
2015 Bishop’s Annual Appeal
Grace, Mercy & Peace
The Office for Catechesis works to train and nourish
parish leaders and catechists who teach and echo the faith,
build up the life of the worshipping community, and lead
others to commit themselves to living our Christian values
in everyday life, according to age and ability.
Your gift to the Bishop’s Annual Appeal strengthens and
grows a family of faith.
To date, 298 parishioners at OLMV have pledged or
contributed $ 55,890.00 to the Annual Bishop’s
Appeal. Please consider your gift to this important Appeal
if you have not already done so. Bishop Bootkoski thanks
you for your support which enables our Diocese to
continue to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ to the
people of our diocese.
LAZURUS MINISTRY:
General meeting on Monday, February 8, 7:00 PM in
Petra House. COME AND LEARN how just a little
of your time can mean a great deal to those who has
lost a loved one. The many aspects of the ministry will
enable your gifts to be used for the good of others at
their time of grief! We specially invite members of the
MARTHA’S TABLE MINISTRY to join us for this
annual meeting. Please call S. James (732-609-1091) if
you have any questions or speak to a member of our
Ministry.
So that the Church of Metuchen may be spiritually one in a
common observance of Lent, the following days of fast and
abstinence are to be observed by all Catholics of the Diocese
who enjoy the blessings of good health:
1. The days of fast and abstinence are Ash Wednesday and
Good Friday.
2. All other Fridays of Lent are days of abstinence.
3. From the Evening Mass of the Lord's Supper on Holy
Thursday until the celebration of the Easter Vigil on the
evening of Holy Saturday, the Easter fast is suggested so that,
with uplifted and welcoming hearts, we may be ready to
celebrate the joys of the Resurrection. This ancient tradition,
intimately connected with the Rites of Holy W eek and the
Order of Christian Initiation of Adults, is encouraged,
especially in those places baptizing catechumens at the Easter
Vigil.
The obligation to fast applies only to Catholics between the
ages of 18 and 59. To fast in the Catholic tradition means to
limit oneself to one full meal during the day so as to
experience hunger.
The obligation of abstinence affects all Catholics who have
reached the age of 14. Abstinence in the Catholic tradition
means to abstain from meat.
The obligation of fast and abstinence, as a whole, is a serious
obligation. While failure to observe any penitential day in
itself may not be considered serious, the failure to observe
any penitential days at all, or a substantial number of them
without good cause, would be considered a grave matter.
Those unable to abstain for a valid reason on any given
Friday of Lent are asked to perform some other penitential
act, or to abstain on another day.
My faithful brothers and sisters, in our fasting and abstaining
this Lent, I pray that we each may choose to embrace this
small suffering rather than accept it with misery or complaint.
For, if we are joyful in our Lenten observances, we will be
granted an opportunity to more fully understand the true
sacrifice that Jesus Christ made for all humanity by accepting
death on the cross in order to gain our eternal salvation.
+Most Rev. Paul G. Bootkoski
Bishop of Metuchen
Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy
Opportunities at Our Lady of Mount Virgin
Parish
In Misericordiae V ultus, Pope Francis teaches, “At times
we are called to gaze even more attentively on mercy so
that we may become a more effective sign of the Father’s
action in our lives.” Here at Our Lady of Mount Virgin
Church, we have a number of opportunities for
parishioners “to become a more effective sign of the
Father’s action in our lives.” Below are the parish
opportunities for the month of February 2016.
May we use this Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy to shape
our lives to be “Merciful like the Father.”
February 2016
February 8, 7:00pm (Monday): Novena in Honor of
Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal with a reflection for the
Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy
February 12, 7:00pm (Fr iday): Stations of the Cr oss
February 13-14: Food Collection for FISH
February 15, 7:00pm (Monday): Novena in Honor of
Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal with a reflection for the
Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy
February 19, 7:00pm (Fr iday): Stations of the Cr oss
February 22, 7:00pm (Monday): Novena in Honor of
Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal with a reflection for the
Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy
February 26, 7:00pm (Fr iday): Stations of the Cr oss
February 28, 7:00pm: Lenten Prayer Service in the
style of Taizé: Merciful Like the Father
In the soft glow of candlelight, this prayer service for the
Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy will feature icons with
accompanying readings from sacred scripture and
Misericordiae Vultus, interspersed with chants in the style
of Taizé
February 29, 7:00pm (Monday): Novena in Honor of
Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal with a reflection for the
Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy.
FOOD COLLECTION FOR FISH
FEBRUARY 13—14
WE THANK YOU IN ADVANCE
FOR YOUR GENEROSITY!
OLMV ST. VINCENT DE PAUL
SOCIETY “HELP LINE”
732-356-2149 ext. 6
All calls for assistance are confidential
VEHICLE DONATION PROGRAM:
donate a vehicle to help the less fortunate.
To do so please call the help line: 732-356-2149 ext. 6
The St Vincent de Paul Society ,
thanks our parishioners for their support.
Donations cards can be found at the church entranceways.
God bless you!
THE DEANERY SCHOOLHOLY SAVIOR ACADEMY
Holy Savior Academy, 149 South Plainfield
Ave., South Plainfield
(www.holysavioracademy.com)
Holy Savior Academy accepts students coming into prekindergarten through grade 8. Please contact the school at 908822-5890 to arrange an interview or to have a tour of the
facility.
Catholic School 2016—2017 Tuition Assistance
Online Application Process Open
Families interested in applying for tuition assistance to attend
an eligible Diocese of Metuchen Catholic elementary or high
school may do so beginning January 31, 2016. The
application process is now online through FACTS Grant &
Aid Assessment. Online applications must be completed
(including supporting documentation) by no later than Friday,
April 15, 2016. Applications are available in English and
Spanish.
Families that need assistance completing the online
application, or need access to technology to apply, may
register for one the 14 Application Workshops that will be
held throughout the Diocese in February, March and April by
going to www.diometuchen.org/schools/tuition-assistance
and following the Workshops link.
JOURNEY THROUGH GRIEF:
Have you lost of loved one? This is about joining our
"Journey Through Grief." Our mission is to find healing,
comfort and peace. When a loved one dies, our world
changes. Our hearts are broken and the simplest things of
life become an enormous challenge as we are faced with
sadness, loneliness and, even anger.
Date: April 7 through May 26, 2016
Time: Thursdays from 2:30 - 4:00 P.M.
Place: Petra House, 630 Harris Avenue, Middlesex
(between the Church and Meditation Garden) parking
and entrance in the back of the building
Moderators: Monique Sasso (732-356-9001)
Pat Oeskovic (732-356-8886)
Children’s Ministry and Youth Group
February 2016
Youth Group Meeting – February 14, 2016
6:00-7:00 pm in the Parish Center Gym
Children’s Liturgy- February 21, 2016
10 am Mass
Snack, Craft and Fellowship to follow
after Mass in the Church basement
Boletin en Español
Domingo 7 de Febrero del 2016
V Domingo Ordinario
REGISTRARSE EN LA PARROQUIA
ES IMPORTANTE!!
Para calificar para la preparación sacramental (Bautizo,
Eucaristía, Confirmación, Matrimonio) AQUELLOS QUE
NECESITAN REGISTRARSE...
Pasar por las oficinas y recoger un formulario de inscripción y
un sobre de bienvenida.
INFORMACION SACRAMENTAL
• Bautizo, Confirmación, Primera Comunión,
Matrimonios llamar a nuestr as oficinas de Lunes a
Jueves a partir de las 8:30 am—2:00 pm (732) 356.2149
ext. 1001.
• Bautizos: Los padr es DEBEN SER MIEMBROS
ACTIVOS E INSCRITOS en la Iglesia OLMV
ACTIVOS significa: venir a misa y usar sobres
dominicales.
Los padrinos tienen que ser Católicos practicantes de alguna
Iglesia donde vivan.
Los padres deben asistir a una clase de preparación para el
bautismo.
-Matrimonios: Favor llamar a nuestras oficinas (732)
356.2149 ext. 1001.
• Clases de Preparación Bautismal (1er J ueves de cada
mes 7:30 pm en la casa Petra.) Familias que deseen
participar deben llamar a la Oficina parroquial, ser
miembros registrados y activos de la parroquia.
• Clases de Catesísmo: Las inscr ipciones se han cer r ado
para este año 2015-2016. Gracias!
AŇO DE LA MISERICORDIA
JUBILEO DE LA MISERICORDIA
El Jubileo de la Misericordia proclamado por
el Papa Francisco el 8 de Diciembre, 2015,
empezó cuando el Papa abrió la Puerta Santa en la Basilica
de San Pedro en Roma.
El Jubileo de la Misericordia empezó en la Diócesis de
Metuchen, el 20 de Diciembre cuando el Arsobispo
Bootkoski abrio la Puerta Santa en la Catedral de San
Francisco de Asisi en Metuchen.
Hablando del significado de la Puerta Santa, Joanne Ward,
Editora a cargo de el Espíritu Católico señalo, que desde la
època XV, la Puerta Santa ha sido usada como un ritual de
conversión durante los años de Jubileo. Hoy, el pasar por la
Puerta Santa todavía significa el pasar de pecado a gracia el
cual cada Cristiano es llamado a hacerlo.
Jesús dijo, “Yo soy la puerta” (Juan 10:7), dejando en claro
que nadie puede llegar al Padre exepto por medio de èl.”
Usemos este A ño de la Misericordia para ordenar nuestras
vidas a ser “Misericordiosos como el Padre”.
ATENCIÓN COMUNIDAD!
Clases de Inglés como segunda lengua:
Los miércoles de 6-8 pm en el Centro Parroquiano.
Actividades y anuncios de la parroquia
Nuestra Senora del Monte Virgen
•
•
•
Adoración al Santisimo: Pr imer y ter cer Vier nes
de cada mes, de 7:30 am—12:00 medio dia, son
todos invitados a pasar un tiempo en devocion y en
oracion con el Santisimo.
Collecta de alimentos para los mas necesitados
FISH: Ter cer Domingo de cada mes. Las bolsas
de comida las pueden dejar en la capilla donde se
encuentra la estatua de la Virgen Maria.
Proxima Clase Bautismal: J ueves 4 de Febr er o
7:30 pm. Familias que deseen participar deben
llamar a la oficina parroquial.
Gracias a todos feligr eses que de una u otr a ayudan
cada semana para el crecimeinto de la Comunidad y por
escojer a Nuestra Senora del Monte Virgen ser su lugar
donde puedan servirle a Dios.
Que Dios los bendiga...
UNA INVITACION ESPECIAL PARA
TODOS LOS FELIGRESES!!!
Dios nos ha dado tantos dones y talentos que pueden ser
compartidos con la Iglesia. Si deseas ser voluntario en la
Iglesia de alguna manera, puedes tomar en cuenta algunas
de las siguientes areas en las cuales podriamos necesitar
de tu ayuda:
•
•
•
•
•
•
Ministro Eucaristico
Monaguillos
Lectores
Ministros de Hospitalidad
Lectores
Sirviendo una mes al mes en el café social
Recuerden que somos una Comunidad nueva y
estamos trabajando en el desarrollo de la Comunidad
el pueblo de Dios, invita a un familiar o un amigo a
asistir a Misa y hasta parte como miembro activo de
esta gran tarea para todos que es el crecimiento de
nuestra comunidad.
INFORMATION SHEET
CHURCH NAME AND ADDRESS
911166: Our Lady of Mount Virgin
600 Harris Ave.
Middlesex, NJ
PHONE
732-356-2149
CONTACT PERSON
Gabriella Rosales
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PRINTER
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