April 26, 2020 – the third Sunday of easter

Dear Family,We are witnesses! This is the theme we

reflect and pray about this third Sunday of Easter. Every age has seen its own witnessing spirit of Christians after the Resurrection of Jesus. The word ‘Martyr’ in Greek means one who bears witness (to Christ). This was the standard in which the witnessing spirit was lived out in the early church. Witnessing spirit ranges from inflicting pain on oneself to extreme measures of penance in the early church. The middle ages saw the ascent of the spiritual journey, the dark night of the soul, radical Religious Life in poverty, chastity and obedience. What is the nature of today’s witnessing?

We are in the midst of one of the most difficult challenges of our generation. Witnessing to Jesus and His message of love seem to be a lot more difficult as we are confined to a space and filled with anxiety. This is no different from the apostles confined to the upper room out of fear and death. How do we answer to the question ‘What are we witnesses of today?’? We are witnesses of Jesus’s resurrection.

All our witnessing spirit and action emanate from the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. The resurrected Christ stood in the midst of the apostles to take away their fear and anxiety and filled them with strength and new life. Peter’s first Kerygma (Proclamation) that we heard today in the first reading is the result of Jesus’s living and loving encouragement and strength to all of us.

We are witnesses to repentance and forgiveness of sins that were made available

for us through the death and resurrection of Jesus. Jesus continues to give us life. Our witnessing is seen in our care for one another just like the Apostles who cared for the sick, needy and the poor. Our road to Emmaus can be dull, discouraging, disorienting but Jesus makes our road to Emmaus enlightening, encouraging and mission oriented. We are witnesses!

Fr. Antony

Temporary Suspension of Public Masses All public Masses

throughout the Diocese of Metuchen are temporarily suspended from now until further notice.

Morning Prayer at 7:45am and Mass at 8:00am Mon. thru Sat. and Sun. 10:00am will all be private.

Praying in large groups should be avoided and social distancing is encouraged.

The Church will remain open till 8pm every day.

For Private confessions or Anointing of the Sick - Please call the Parish Office

YouTube: Assumption HackettstownWebsite: www.assumptionbvmnj.org

MASS INTENTIONS & TIMESFOR PRIVATE ONLINE MASSES

Saturday, April 25 th @ 10:00am Genevieve Bluker – r/o Her Estate

Sunday, April 26 th @ 10:00am 1

For the People of the ParishCora Brady Huston –

r/o The Stanzione FamilyPatrick Dalia – r/o Ron

& Lucille CaldaraOlga & William Gannett – r/o Their

Daughter, SusanMonday, April 27 th @ 8:00am

William J. Burke, Jr. – r/o M/M James ForestiereTuesday, April 28 th @ 8:00am

Joseph Louis Cascioli – r/o M/M Hugh CusackWednesday, April 29 th @ 8:00am

William Burke – r/o The Brameyer FamilyThursday, April 30 th @ 8:00am

Living & Deceased Members of the John Hollar Family – r/o Carol Hollar

Friday, May 1 st @ 8:00am Anthony Ruggiero – r/o Dcn. & Mrs. Walter

Pidgeon Saturday, May 2 nd @ 8:00am Francis Bluker – r/o His EstateSunday, May 3 rd @ 10:00am For the People of the Parish

William Kohl – r/o His Wife RitaPatricia Linn – r/o Kevin Linn & Family

Joseph Louis Cascioli – r/o M/M Hugh Cusack

Prayer Builds Community (PBC)

A Pastor is primarily an intercessor for his people. He is the one entrusted with the care of the souls

in the parish. A pastor’s priority is his people, praying for them; offering masses for them and leading them to God.

Every week Father will remember three families of the parish in his daily morning prayer which is at 7:15 before his private

mass (7:30am) and in his personal prayer.

The Last names of the family will be published in the bulletin every week.The concerned families are encouraged to call Father or meet him in person to talk to him and express their special needs and intentions for their family that father keeps in mind and heart as he prays for them.Father strongly encourages you to pray with him every morning wherever you are, thus we are joined in prayer, praising, thanking and worshiping God.This initiative promotes parish health and witnesses a praying community that we grow into.Whoever wants to join Father in praying for these intended families every week, you are encouraged to call the office, thus you could join Father in this important ministry.

This week we are praying for the following families: Gecek,

Gordillo& Moron

Please pray for all those who have died, especially Michael Robba. May his soul and all the souls of the faithfully departed rest in peace. Amen

PRAY FOR THE SICKGrace Armenti Richard Delaney David PriceScott Baumann Edward Dimiceli Tiffany PulisMarc Best Kathleen Donnelly Barbara ReardonKathleen Bird Ceallaigh Fearon Moire ReillyMaryLou Blasiole Matthew Ference Elaina RewiskiHabib Boulos Robert Feranec Joanne RileyMaria Burman Dan Finkle Roberta Rod

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David Bryk Louise Folz Lily Rose RossiCheryl C. Stella Groff Kaitlyn RossiMary Cabana Natasha Hollman Michael RossiRichard Cabana Joey Ike Maria RyanNorman Camel Pamela Ike Patrick SimpsonGiuseppa Cassarrubea Donald J. Keady Laura StewartBrian Catanzaro Bob McDevitt Barbara TowersJoe Chiarello Monica Merkel Robert WalshMaria Coste Renate Muller Orest WirstiukDanny Decker Emma Zahn

All those afflicted with coronavirus and those entrusted to their care.

PRAY FOR OUR SOLDIERSJon Barret – Marines,

Shaun Collins – Navy,

Nolan Drylie, U.S.M.C.,

Jason Fischer, U.S. Army,

Gabriella Gongala, E4 Airforce Reserve,

Robert Hess,

Brian Holl,

General Doug Lute,

Rett Mattson, U.S. Army,Lt.

Brian Smith,

Brian Dixon Taylor, PFC,

Alex Urankar, 1st Lieutenant U.S.M.C.,

Ronald James Vizcarra,

Brent Wade, CSM

READINGS FOR THE WEEK OF APRIL 26TH

SundayActs 2:14, 22-33; 1 Pt 1:17-21; Lk 24:13-35

MondayActs 6:8-15; Jn 6:22-29

TuesdayActs 7:51—8:1a; Jn 6:30-35

WednesdayActs 8:1b-8; Jn 6:35-40

ThursdayActs 8:26-40; Jn 6:44-51

First FridayActs 9:1-20; Jn 6:52-59 or for the Memorial,

Gn 1:26—2:3 or Col 3:14-15, 17, 23-24;Mt 13:54-58

First Saturday

Acts 9:31-42; Jn 6:60-69PARISH MINISTRIES

Parish Pastoral Council – President, Kevin O’Neill Secretary, Christina Wilson

Parish Finance Council – President, Heidi Wohlleb Social Justice Committee – President, Laurene Clossey

Caring Kitchen Ministry – Director, Susan Herleth Caring Pantry – Director, Kathy Segada Thanksgiving Basket Ministry – Director, Dotty

Cusack Christmas Tree Ministry – Director, Dotty Cusack Counseling Services – (Yet to be determined) Bereavement Ministry – Director, Deacon Walter

Pidgeon Liturgy Committee – President, Deacon Dan Gallagher

Eucharistic Ministers – Leader, Fanny Magdaleno Lectors /Acolytes – Leader, Ed Shellman Choir – Leader, Cassandra LaMotte Altar-Servers Scheduling (Yet to be determined) Ushers – Leader, Anthony Russack Greeters – Leader, Joe Rossi Flowers & Decoration – Director, Lee Souders

Faith Formation Committee – President, Deacon Dave Waguespack

Faith Formation for Children – Director, Rose Strohmaier 908-366-4394

Marriage Preparation – Director, Deacon Walter Pidgeon

Pre-Cana – Director, Deacon Dave Waguespack RCIA – Director, Deacon Walter Pidgeon Baptism Preparation English – Director,

Deacon Walter Pidgeon Baptism Preparation Spanish – Director, Deacon Walter Pidgeon - (Assistant, Nicolas Salinas) Annulment Process – Director, Deacon Walter

Pidgeon Adult Faith Formation - Fr. Antony Scripture Study (Yet to be determined) Mission & Penance Service Coordinator

(Yet to be determined) Stewardship Committee - (Yet to be determined) Fundraising Ministry – (Yet to be determined) Church Cleaning Ministry – Director, Jo Forestiere Parish Collection-Counting Ministry – Director, Tom

Hoffman Ministry to the Elderly - (Yet to be determined) Altar Rosary Society – President, Clara Bowes Homebound – Director, Betty Burne Lazarus Ministry – (Yet to be determined) Youth Ministry - (Yet to be determined) Hispanic Ministry – President, Nohemy Oliver

Ministry to Mothers – Leader, Mercedes Lopez Marriage, Divorced & Remarried Services – Leader,

Nicolas Salinas Immigration Services – Leader, Carlos Villar Sacramental Needs – Leader, Nicolas Salinas Prayer Group – Director, Jose Domingo Children’s Group - Martha

Evangelization Committee - (Yet to be determined) Pro-Life Ministry - Leader Anne Berberich Natural Family Planning Ministry - Deacon Dave

Waguespack Pilgrimages & Outreach programs – (To be determined)

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Parish Picnic Committee – President, Lucie Idler Knights of Columbus – President, Bob Marks

SACRIFICIAL GIVINGWeekly Collection April 19th ..…..............$3,263.00

Electronic Giving………………….....$3,242.58

Total…………………………..$6,505.58Poor Box…………………………………………...$ 123.00

Easter Collection update………………….$11,085.00

Contributions can be mailed in or dropped off at the rectory mailbox.

Please also consider Electronic Giving Sign up on our website:

www.assumptionbvmnj.orgA sincere thank you to all who have already

done so!

CHURCH BASEMENT PROJECTSo far we have received $9,803 in donations

which is 12.25% of our goal of $80,000. Thank you to those who have made a donation!

CALENDAR - WEEK OF APRIL 26TH

The Parish Office is closed until further notice to all visitors. Please call for our

assistance.Tuesday

6 – 7pm Food Pantry OpenedThursday

AA Meeting - CANCELLEDSaturday

11:30am – 1pm Food Pantry OpenedNO Confessions – Call Parish Office for Appt.

Music Director needed for our Parish for Masses on Saturday 5:30pm, Sunday 8am, 10am and 12 noon. Also to conduct weekly music practice and play for Holy Days of Obligation. Please contact: Mrs. Arlene

Pidgeon, Secretary, 908-852-3320 for more information or send resume to:secretary@assumptionbvmnj.org

SUPPORT OUR CHURCHShop Amazon.com just go to our website and click on the amazonsmile tab and our church receives a

percentage back from Amazon.SOCIAL JUSTICE MINISTRIES

FOOD PANTRY Thank you for your continued support and generosity during these challenging times. We continue to have parking lot food pantry during our regular hours Tuesday 6-7 PM and Saturday 11:30-1 PM. You can still donate food during our “drive up and drop off outside the school” hours Tuesday between 5-5:30 PM and Saturday between 11-12 PM. The Knights are also assisting in collecting food. Drop offs at the Knights parking lot are Monday 12-1 PM, Wednesday 10-11 AM, and Friday 6-7 PM. We are also accepting gift cards for those families in need. If you have any questions, please call Kathy Segada at 908-850-8578 or email to Kathleen.d.segada@gmail.comMay God Bless and Keep You Safe and Well!

THE CARING KITCHENOur kitchen will be closed till further notice, due to the outbreak of coronavirus.

DIOCESE OF METUCHEN2020 Bishop’s Annual Appeal

Stepping Forward in Faith: Grace in Action

Twenty-four percent – $1.7 million dollars – of the funds raised by the 2020 Bishop’s Annual Appeal is earmarked for Catholic Charities, Diocese of Metuchen. Through more than 100 programs, Catholic Charities serves those most in need of our assistance. If you have yet to make your pledge to this year’s Bishop’s Annual Appeal, please do so today. Help us reach our target of 100% participation. Every gift, no

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matter the size, is important and greatly appreciated.

To date, the Development Office has received pledges totaling $20,636.00 and payments

totaling $18,816.00 from 78 parishioners. This represents 45.9% of your $ 45,000.00 goal.

Thank you for your efforts!

A prayer has been adapted for the people of the Diocese of Metuchen from a prayer given to the people of Rome by Pope Francis.

“Since we cannot face this alone, we are entrusting this whole situation to our Blessed Mother, and encourage our faithful to join us in praying this prayer,” said Bishop Checchio.

Our Lady of Guadalupe, mother of Godand of the people of Metuchen you always

shine on our pathas a sign of salvation and hope.

We rely on you, Health of the Sick,

you who, at the cross, united with Jesus’ pain,

keeping steadfast your faith.You, Salvation of God’s people,

you know what we needand we are sure that you will provide for

us,as at Cana of Galilee,

after the adversity of these days,may joy and celebration return.Help us, Mother of Divine Love,

to conform to the will of the Fatherand to do what we are told by Jesus,

who has taken our suffering upon Himselfand has burdened Himself with our

sorrowsto lead us through the cross, to the joy of

resurrection. Amen.Under your protection, Holy Mother of God,

Our Lady of Guadalupe, we seek refuge,hear our prayer and intercede for us to the

Fatherso that we may be free from every danger,

Our Lady of Guadalupe, pray for us.

HISPANIC MINISTRYLa Oración construye comunidad (PBC)

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Un pastor es

primordialmente un intercesor para su pueblo. Él es elencargado del cuidado de las almas de la parroquia. La prioridad de un pastor es su pueblo, rezando por ellos; ofreciendo misas para ellos yguiándolos a Dios.Cada semana el Padre recordará a tres familias de la parroquia en su oración diaria de la mañana, que es a las 7:15 antes de su misa privada (7:30 am) y en su oración personal.* El apellido de las familias se publicarán en el boletín todas las semanas.*Se le pide a las familias interesadas que llamen al Padre o se reúnan para hablar y expresar sus necesidades e intenciones especiales para su familia saber que tienen en mente y en el corazón mientras  epastor ora por ellos.*El Padre los invita a orar con él todas las mañanas donde quiera que esté, para asi estar unidos en oración, alabanza, agradecimiento y adoración a Dios.*Esta iniciativa promueve una parroquia vibrante y saludable en oración para crecer juntos como comunidad.*Si desea unirse al Padre para orar por las familias escojidas cada semana, se le pide que llame a la

oficina para que pueda unirse al Padre en este ministerio importante.

Esta semana estamos orando por las siguientes familias:

Gecek, Gordillo y Moron

Querida familia!¡Somos testigos! Este es el tema que

reflexionamos y oramos acerca de este tercer domingo de Pascua. Cada época ha visto su propio espíritu testimonial de los cristianos después de la resurrección de Jesús. La palabra 'Mártir' en griego significa aquel que da testimonio (a Cristo). Este fue el estándar en el que el espíritu testigo se vivió en la iglesia primitiva. El espíritu testigo va desde infligir dolor sobre uno mismo hasta medidas extremas de penitencia en la iglesia primitiva. La Edad Media vio el ascenso del viaje espiritual, la noche oscura del alma, la vida religiosa radical en la pobreza, la castidad y la obediencia. ¿Cuál es la naturaleza del testimonio de hoy?

Estamos en medio de uno de los desafíos más difíciles de nuestra generación. El testimonio de Jesús y su mensaje de amor parecen ser mucho más difíciles, ya que estamos confinados en un espacio y llenos de ansiedad. Esto no es diferente de los apóstoles confinados al cuarto superior por miedo y muerte. ¿Cómo respondemos a la pregunta '¿De qué somos testigos de hoy?'? Somos testigos de la resurrección de Jesús.

Todo nuestro espíritu y acción testimoniales emanan de la resurrección de Jesucristo. Cristo resucitado se paró en medio de los apóstoles para quitarles el miedo y la ansiedad y llenarlos de fuerza y nueva vida. El primer Kerygma (Proclamación) de Pedro que escuchamos hoy en la primera lectura es el resultado del aliento y la fuerza vivos y amorosos de Jesús para todos nosotros.

Somos testigos del arrepentimiento y del perdón de los pecados que se hicieron disponibles para nosotros a través de la muerte y resurrección de Jesús. Jesús continúa dándonos vida. Nuestro testimonio se ve en nuestro cuidado el uno al otro al igual que los apóstoles que cuidaban a los enfermos, a los necesitados y a los pobres. Nuestro camino a Emaús puede ser aburrido, desalentador, desorientador, pero Jesús hace nuestro camino hacia Emaús esclarecedor, alentador y orientado a la misión. ¡Somos testigos!

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Padre Antony

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