MinistriesMinistriesMinistriesMinistries Parish Registration: Call 973-539-2141 or visit the parish website at www.assumptionparish.org.

Assumption School: 973-538-0590; www.assumptionnj.org

Sr. Merris Larkin, S.C. Principal

Religious Education: 973-267-5638, Fax 973-267-4223 Email: RelEd@assumptionparish.org Linda Macios: Director Sharon Bertram: Coordinator Grades 6, 7, and 8 Lisa Sullivan: Confirmation—973-267-8519 Tara Speer: Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Sue Paradise: Secretary

The Religious Education program meets on Sundays, October-March. Kindergarten through 5th grade classes meet 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.; 6th through 8th classes meet immediately following the 5:30 p.m. Sunday Youth Mass. The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd classes meet September–April on Sundays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. Confirmation groups meet once or twice per month on Sunday evenings.

Music Ministry—973-539-2141, extension 19 Claudia Nardi: Director, Karen Chiappini: Organist Adult Choir, Youth Ministry Choir, Children’s Choir

Holy Rood Cemetery—973-539-7501 Website: www.holyroodcemeterynj.com

Diana Loughman: Cemetery Director Emerson Brito: Caretaker Samuel Brito: Caretaker

Church Sexton—Doug Reisch

Sacrament of Reconciliation: Saturday—4:15 to 5:00 p.m. or by appointment

Marriage: Arrangements should be made with a priest or deacon by registered parishioners at least one year in advance of the marriage date. Marriage arrangements should be made PRIOR to reserving reception facility.

Baptisms: Contact Liz Rotunno in the Parish Office to arrange your child's Baptism. For first-time parents, attendance at a Baptismal Preparation class is required. Prep classes are held on the second Thursday of every month at 7:30 p.m. in the Church.

Visitation of the Sick and Elderly: Please keep us informed so that we may be attentive to those who are ill at home or in the hospital. Eucharistic Ministers are available to bring Communion on Sundays.

Africa Surgery Tom Johnson 973-292-3320 Altar Linens Mike Cherello 973-267-6825 Altar Servers Fr. John Hart 973-539-2141 Bereavement Michele Cameron 973-769-9634 Bethany Linda Macios 973-539-2141 Boy Scouts Dave Lage 201-919-7259 Cub Scouts John Lago 609-213-1790 Centering Prayer Fr. Ken Lasch 973-538-2653 Children’s Worship Linda Cannilla 973540-1683 CYO Basketball Kevin Bopp 917-861-2876 Deaf Interpreter Kathleen Skaf 862-432-6004 Divorced Catholics Deacon Elliott Stein 973-539-2141 Endowment for Poor Claudia Nardi 973-539-2141 Eucharistic Min. Hope Zenker 973-401-1010 Family Promise Mary Dougherty 973-538-9003 Finance Committee Dorothy Flynn 973-538-2634 Food Pantry Claudia Nardi 973-539-2141 Gardening Lynnie Tecza 973-539-2141 Giving Tree Brian Morgan 973-462-6972 Good Samaritan Pat Moore 973-539-2141 Home School Assoc. Debbie DeAngelis 973-889-8520 Holistic Health Michele Cameron 973-769-9634 Homeless Solutions Ralph Ferrara 973-769-6418 JustFaith Kerry Mowry 973-683-1220 Knights of Columbus William C. Duggan, Jr. 973-960-6417 Lectors Andrea Bozzi 973-656-9864 Moms and Tots Henriette Kahn 973-539-1350 Nursing Homes Joan Kramer 973-539-4910 Pre-Cana Ken and Rosa Rose 973-539-9845 RCIA Fr. John Hart 973-539-2141 Respect Life Anne Marie and 973-539-4650 Leonard Crann

Senior Citizens Joan Kramer 973-539-4910 Janet Dedrick 973-539-7811 Soup Kitchen Annaliese Rush 973-455-0391 Spiritual Direction Karen Florance 973-476-5542 Ushers Anthony Romano 973-267-5433 Welcome /Hospitality Moira Clarkin 973-539-4390 Women's Cornerstone Louise Johnson 973-975-6651 Women’s Faith Sharing Gina Hurley 973 460 7241 Vocations Deacon John Brandi 973-539-2141 Young Professionals Fr. Przemek 973-539-2141 Youth Ministry Lisa Sullivan 973-267-8519

Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin MaryChurch of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin MaryChurch of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin MaryChurch of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

91 Maple Avenue, Morristown, New Jersey 0796091 Maple Avenue, Morristown, New Jersey 0796091 Maple Avenue, Morristown, New Jersey 0796091 Maple Avenue, Morristown, New Jersey 07960 973973973973----539539539539----2141, Fax2141, Fax2141, Fax2141, Fax————973973973973----984984984984----0632063206320632

Visit our Website: Visit our Website: Visit our Website: Visit our Website: www.assumptionparish.orgwww.assumptionparish.orgwww.assumptionparish.orgwww.assumptionparish.org Email: Email: Email: Email: assumption@assumptionparish.orgassumption@assumptionparish.orgassumption@assumptionparish.orgassumption@assumptionparish.org

Pastor: Rev. Msgr. John E. Hart Parochial Vicar: Rev. Przemyslaw Nowak

Pastor Emeritus: Rev. Msgr. Martin F. Rauscher In Residence: Rev. Dennis J. Crowley In Residence: Rev. Samuel Monaco

In Residence: Rev. Msgr. Geno Sylva

Deacons: Brian Beyerl, John Brandi, Michael Hanly, Elliott Stein

Trustees: Dan Poling 973-451-1617, Kathleen Hyland 973-539-2860

Parish Coordinator—Linda Macios Secretary—Liz Rotunno Comptroller—Robyn Morris

Parish Office Hours Monday through Thursday 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. - Friday 8:30 to 3:00 p.m.

February 19, 2017 Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time

SATURDAY February 18

8:00 a.m. Joseph Baron

5:30 p.m. Mrs. Anne Brooks The Botsakos Family SUNDAY February 19

7:00 a.m. People of the Parish 8:30 a.m. Timothy Bartling Irene Phelan

10:00 a.m. Mercedes Quevedo Cassidy Paula Stover 12:15 p.m. Audrey and Robert Roast Remedios Pama 5:30 p.m. Reynold Nunn

Leonard Pergentile (2nd Anniversary) MONDAY February 20

9:00 a.m. Paul Albanese TUESDAY February 21

7:00 a.m. Peter O’Hagan

12:05 p.m. Theresa DiPaolo

WEDNESDAY February 22 7:00 a.m. Rosemary O’Connor 12:05 p.m. Salvador Dalena

THURSDAY February 23

7:00 a.m. Thomas Paul 12:05 p.m. Bruce and Janet Dedrick (60th Wed. Anniv.) FRIDAY February 24

7:00 a.m. Mario Gigante

12:05 p.m. Bruce Slaski SATURDAY February 25

8:00 a.m. Dennis Florance

5:30 p.m. Lisbeth Hernandez Albert M. Garcia, Jr. SUNDAY February 26

7:00 a.m. People of the Parish 8:30 a.m. Irene Phelan

Rose Alice Fleming 10:00 a.m. Patrick Farmer Robert Lombardy 12:15 p.m. Patric Hyland

Amy Van Dyk 5:30 p.m. John J. Harris Tommy Wendorff

GATHER IN PRAYER

• Pray the Rosary weekdays 20 minutes before the 12:05 p.m. Mass.

• Pray the Perpetual Novena in honor of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal every Monday immediately following the 12:05 p.m. Mass.

• Eucharistic Adoration the first Saturday of each month 8:30 - 9:00 a.m. and the first Monday of every month at 7:00 p.m.

• Eucharistic Adoration every Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Notre Dame of Mt. Carmel, Cedar Knolls.

F irst Reading: Leviticus 19:1-2, 17-18

Today’s Hebrew Bible reading is an important passage from the book of Leviticus, a volume

written by Temple priests in order to promote ritual holiness. This passage reveals that true holiness requires love of others.

S econd Reading: 1 Corinthians 3:16-23

In today’s passage from First Corinthians, the Apostle Paul continues to combat the

divisiveness in that early church community. He compares the whole community to a building constructed by God. Anyone who fragments that structure by forming factions is behaving according to the distorted wisdom of human society.

G ospel: Matthew 5:38-48

This week’s Gospel passage continues to present the intensification of the Torah that was

featured in last week’s Gospel reading. Jesus first sharpens a commandment that was originally formulated to stop the violent escalation of tribal feuds into a total ban on retaliation for wrongs. The second rubric, “hate your enemy,” is found nowhere in the Torah. But following Leviticus’ train of thought, Jesus declares that even enemies must be loved.

We invite you to prayerfully reflect on the Readings for the week of February 19

Monday Sir 1:1-10; Ps 93:1ab, 1cd-2, 5; Mk 9:14-29

Tuesday Sir 2:1-11; Ps 37:3-4, 18-19, 27-28, 39-40;

Mk 9:30-37

Wednesday 1 Pt 5:1-4; Ps 23:1-3a, 4, 5, 6; Mt 16:13-19

Thursday Sir 5:1-8; Ps 1:1-2, 3, 4 and 6; Mk 9:41-50

Friday Sir 6:5-17; Ps 119:12, 16, 18, 27, 34, 35;

Mk 10:1-12

Saturday Sir 17:1-15; Ps 103:13-14, 15-16, 17-18;

Mk 10:13-16

Sunday Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Is 49:14-15; Ps 62:2-3, 6-7, 8-9;

1 Cor 4:1-5; Mt 6:24-34

Mass Intentions

PLEASE REMEMBER AND PRAY

FOR THE RECOVERY OF: Charles Arnolt, Charles Arteglier, Greg, John, and Tom Baxter, Paula Rose Carducci, Jim and Kay Cavanaugh, Kenneth Eastman, Frank Geraghty, John Geraghty, John Hyland, Patricia Ioannou, Kenneth Krause, Susan Krauss, Ruth Necco, Barbara O’Hagan, Mary Reisch, Eileen Scheibner, Rosalie Sottile, Nancy Arteglier, Marva Jean Corbin, Willette Greer, Liam Hanly, Margie Herman, Jim Mongey, Payton O'Brien, Lourdes Flores, Gerry Fraioli, David Kimmel, Kieran Kole, Sister Marie Graziano, William Moeller, Andrea C. Wright, Elaine Metzger, Rich Oelkers, Terri Abrams, Patricia McBride, Elizabeth Langenohl, Sharyn Zaslofsky, Florence Bryan, Grace Eagan, Baby Benjamin LeFebvre, Marion O'Leary, Miriam Tamburello, Stephanie Trincanello, Kathryn and Alvaro Vargas, Sr., Janet Drasco, Gloria Dabal, Lisa Mezik, Angela Wills, Nilan Family, Melissa Lebron, Lois Kenney, Kathy Vander Heijden, Ray Reid, John Allen, Jose Rafael Jimenez, Essie Cannon, Henry Baker, Mary Quinn, Judith Koziatek, Aidan Keatts, Marlena Fahmy, Noelle Albanito, Stan Gorski, Jack Guerriero. Olivia Crenshaw, Colin Wisniewski, Lauretta LaSalla, Gladys Deese, Daniel Fox, Therese Paragano, Lois Kuchera, George Corbin, Helen Lesniakowski, Justin Lee, Julie Winne, Alan Russo, Michael Faul, Jeanette Mahoney, Gerry Hogan, Dale Salomone, Bob Nace, Barbara Ryan, Shea Lucasko, the Family of Andrea Deiuliis, Robert Spitzer, Wioletta Piorkowska, Hedda Sivertsson, James Guy, Kason Foley, Maria Maister, Nora Naval, Tim Byrne, Sheryll Stripp, Brian Tilton, Deacon Ken Weaver, Joseph Fiori, Francesca Kobylarz-Bongiorno, Don Giovanello, Denise Robinson. Please call the Parish Office at 973-539-2141 with the names of who you would like included in the prayers for the good health of the sick and homebound.

FIVE FIRST SATURDAYS DEVOTION

CONTINUES MARCH 4, 2017

With this devotion, Our Lady makes an amazing promise: that She will assist at the moment of death, with all the graces necessary for salvation, those who perform these Communions of Reparation on the First Saturdays of five consecutive months. The requirements to obtain this promise are: • Confession • Communion • Five Decades of the Rosary • Over the duration of the five months, to meditate on

the 15 Mysteries of the Rosary, taking at least fifteen minutes each First Saturday.

• To do all these things in the spirit of reparation to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Join Fr. Przemek on the Five First Saturdays of 2017

at 8:00 a.m. for Holy Mass, Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, and the Rosary and Divine Mercy Chaplet.

PLEASE PRAY FOR MEMBERS OF OUR PARISH

COMMUNITY AND THEIR LOVED ONES WHO HAVE

SERVED, OR ARE SERVING, IN THE ARMED FORCES

CW3 Michael Benkosky Green Beret, Special Forces, Airborne Joint Forces; Commander William H. Shipp, Military Professor, Naval War College, Newport, RI; Andrew Vasquez US Army; Andy Soucy US Army; Dan Lessnau Former Marine and Veteran of the Viet Nam War; Kevin Felix US Military Colonel; Lt. Tim Fleury, US Navy; Staff Sergeant William J. McSweeney Retired Marine Served Around the World; Matthew Gonabe, Lt. US Navy Pilot Serving in the Persian Gulf; David Ribardo, 1st Lt. US Army Serving in Afghanistan; Capt. Brendan Griswold 82nd Air Borne in Afghanistan; Capt. Patrick Flynn, US Army 1st Infantry, Afghanistan; Sergeant Richard Galluzzo Serving in Afghanistan, Lt. Thomas Keyes Jr.; Bryan Chojnacki, US Army, grandson of Annabel Wannemacher; Capts. Scott and Meghan Harra, US Army in Afghanistan; Captain Timothy Newcomb, US Army Special Forces; Col. Jason M. Barrett, USMC in Iraq and Afghanistan; Capt. James Cassidy, USMC in Afghanistan; Ensign Devon Cassidy, Navy Nurse in California; 2nd Lt. Andrew Pineda and Capt. Laurence Pineda, US Air Force, SMSgt. John Bartow, Stratton ANGB NY, Douglas Reisch, 1/325 Infantry, 82nd Airborne Division, Daniel Baron, US Navy, Hawaii, 1LT Schuyler Orecchio, 10th Mountain Division, Afghanistan, Captain James Cassidy, USMC in Washinton, DC, 1st Lt. Devon Cassidy, Navy Nurse in San Diego, CA, Special Operator 2nd Class Patrick Gaven, USN, Staff Sargent Brent M. Betit, ARNG, First Sgt. Jeramiah Dempsey, USAF.

GOOD SAMARITAN MINISTRY

Need help? Our ministry can assist parishioners with shopping, banking, doctor and dentist appointments, and other errands. Contact our coordinator for February Jeanette Fredericks at (973) 216-2231.

Assumption Parish Morristown, NJ

THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT - JESUS CALLS US TO PERFECTION

“Should anyone press you into service for one mile, go for two miles […]

If you love only those who love you, what reward do you have?” (Matthew 5: 38-48)

Jesus continues His Sermon on the Mount and calls us to be perfect in imitation of him. Even though we are all fallible sinners, the Holy Spirit strengthens us with grace to answer His call. Here is a reflection I hope you will enjoy.

In Jewish law, the accepted understanding of retaliation - "an eye for the eye" - was intended to restrict vengeance and to keep violence within limits. But Jesus teaches his Jewish hearers to respond to injustice with the "perfect" righteousness of God. In today's Gospel, Jesus points to three offenses that might seem relatively minor to us - but not to the poor of the Gospel.

First, there is the slap on the cheek. In Gospel times, a superior could slap a worker or slave with the back of his right hand. Such a slap meant to insult and humiliate, not injure. But by turning your cheek when struck, you force the one striking you to hit you with an open hand, thus making him face you as an equal. Such a "turning" of the cheek robs the aggressor of the power to humiliate and, in effect, shames the aggressor.

Then there is suing over your coat. In Jewish culture, nakedness was considered a grave humiliation - for the one who was responsible for another's nakedness. Near Eastern hospitality demanded that no person ever be so shamed. So if someone makes an unreasonable demand for your tunic, Jesus says, give them your coat as well. Give them everything so that they might realize the injustice of their avarice and greed.

And finally, there is going the extra mile. A Roman soldier could compel anyone to carry his equipment for one mile, and no more. Going a second mile puts the Roman soldier in a difficult position: he could be severely punished by his superiors for abusing his authority. By going the second mile on your own volition, Jesus teaches, you're making the hated Roman treat you as an equal. You're saying, "You can compel my obedience but not my gift."

What Jesus is asking his hearers in today's Gospel is to respond to injustice and cruelty not with aggression but with humble dignity and self-respect. To act with the righteousness of God is to break the cycle of violence and fear by initiating a new cycle of generosity and justice.

Instead of a slap on the cheek, it might be an angry exchange; instead of your coat, it might be your patience that is being tested by another's demands or expectations; instead of being pressed into

service for a mile, you might be asked for your already-stretched time to help sort out someone else's mess. In every tense confrontation and unreasonable expectation and to every undeserved cry for help, Jesus asks us to respond with the compassion and mercy of God, to act with the conviction that we can break such cycles of irresponsibility and selfishness, that we can heal another's brokenness, that we can bring back the lost and marginalized by seeking to re-create such situations in the "perfect" love of God. (Connections)

In Christ’s Peace, Father John

February 19, 2017 Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time

Assumption Parish Morristown, NJ

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO FOLLOW JESUS?

Christians are called to live by the wisdom of faith, not by the wisdom of the world. This means showing love in place of hate, generosity in place of selfishness. Adults: What is one thing I can do this week to

remember to respond to hostile situations with love rather than anger or frustration? Children: What is one thing I can do this week to be

generous instead of selfish? A Family Perspective: Family life teaches us many

things. It is often at home that we learn practical skills such as cooking, riding a bike, and making repairs. Talk about some of the things that the members of your family have learned to do at home. We also learn about caring at home. Talk about times when you have learned a lesson about sharing, forgiving, or loving through an experience that happened at home. Talk about how love is the most important thing a

family can share with one another. Explain that it is the same in God’s family. Read aloud this Sunday’s Gospel, Matthew 5:38–48.

Talk about how Jesus tried to teach his disciples how to love others beyond those who are closest to them. Jesus tells them to love even their enemies. As members of God’s family, we are called to do the same thing. Talk about some concrete ways you can “love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you”. Remind your children that Jesus does not expect us

to be perfect. Jesus knows that we are human and will not always do everything correctly. Explain that what Jesus wants us to do is to love others as if they were Jesus himself. If we reach out in love to others, we are doing exactly what Jesus did. That is what perfection looks like.

SAVE THE DATE:

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL 2017!

Get geared up and mark your calendars for VBS Summer 2017. The Maker Fun Factory will remind us we are each created by God and built for a purpose! We are currently looking for Adult volunteers. Any questions, please contact Chrissy West at 973-809-1646 or costa1112@yahoo.com or Sarah Neuhoff at 202-210-9152 or sarah.k.neuhoff@gmail.com. Camp Dates are August 7th-11th, from 9-11:30 a.m. Camper and Teen registration will open April 23rd. Campers must be in grade preK4 - 3rd grade (fall ’17),

and Teen volunteers in grade 6 (fall ’17) and older.

PIZZA NIGHT WITH THE BISHOP

Tuesday, March 7, 2017, Pope John XXIII H. S., Sparta 7- 9 P.M. If you are a young man in high school or college, or even older, come join Bishop Serratelli and priests from the Diocese of Paterson for adoration, reflection, fellowshipOand of course, pizza. For more information, please contact the Vocation Office at 973-777-8818, ext 711.

WELCOME HOME TO HEALING

“Welcome Home” is a diocesan initiative to invite all Catholics to experience the grace of the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Confession is a wonderful opportunity to set aside our sinful ways and to draw closer to our Lord. Confessions will be held every Monday during Lent, from March 6th to April 3rd, from 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. in every Catholic Church in the Diocese of Paterson. Don’t be afraid! Information will be provided. Ask the priest to help you. Experience the gracious mercy of God! www.WelcomeHomeToHealing.org

WHAT ARE YOU GIVING UP FOR LENT?

Maybe it’s time to try something different. Don’t just give something up for Lent. Do something. Sign up for the BEST LENT EVER email program with Matthew Kelly, America’s best-selling Catholic author. It’s simple and free. The only cost is your commitment to live better each day this Lent. Sign up at BestLentEver.com

STATIONS OF THE CROSS Could you walk a mile in Jesus’s shoes? The

Stations of the Cross bring us closer to Christ as we meditate on the great love He showed for us in His most sorrowful Passion. Pray the Stations of the Cross with us each Friday of Lent: March 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 and April 7 at 5:30 p.m. March 10 Children’s Stations at 4:00 p.m., March 31 Family Stations at 7:00 p.m., and April 14 Good Friday Stations at 8:00 p.m.

FASTING AND ABSTINENCE

Every Friday in Lent is a day of abstinence, which means we do not eat any meat. This is done to acknowledge that Christ died for us on a Friday. Every baptized Catholic over the age of 14 years should abstain from meat on all Fridays of Lent.

The two days of fast and abstinence in Lent are Ash Wednesday and Good Friday; on these days we not only abstain from meat, but we also fast, that is, we eat only one full meal. You may have two other light snacks or meals, but they are not to equal another full meal. All adult baptized Catholics between the ages of 18 and 59 should fast and abstain on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday.

ASH WEDNESDAY IS MARCH 1

Ashes will be distributed at Masses on Wednesday, March 1; at 7:00 a.m., 12:05 p.m., 5:30 p.m., 7:30 p.m. Ashes will also be distributed at a Mass for Assumption School Children at 9:00 a.m. in the Church and at a special children’s prayer service at 4:00 p.m.

ASSUMPTION SENIOR GROUP

Our next meeting will be held on February 28 in Rauscher Hall. We will be collecting our annual dues at this meeting, $15 per member to cover the expense of speakers and entertainment for our programs. The program for our next meeting will be a presentation on Tanzania given by Johanna Burani. We are looking forward to seeing all of you on the 28th.

ASSUMPTION SCHOOL REGISTRATION

Assumption School is happy to welcome new students at any time when space is available. Pre-registration forms for the 2017-2018 school year are available at www.assumptionnj.org under “forms”. Call the school at 973-538-0590, or stop by the

school office for further information. If you would like to visit the school, please call to set-up an appointment.

ASSUMPTION COLLEGE FOR SISTERS'

16TH ANNUAL CARING BASKET GALA!

Save the Date - March 23, 2017. Assumption College for Sisters, Denville, NJ, is proud to honor Father Brian Plate, Eileen and Les Quick and Terry and Prudence Pigott for their service to Church, family and community.

MORRIS CATHOLIC ST. PATRICK’S 5K RUN Morris Catholic High School is holding it’s 6th Annual

Crusader Challenge 5k Run on Saturday, March 18 at 9:00 a.m. at it’s Denville, NJ campus. Doors open at 7:30 a.m. Proceeds benefit the Morris Catholic scholarship and athletic programs and the Denville Public Assistance Fund. $25 registration fee up to March 8, 2017. $30 registration fee after March 8 and day of race. For more information, visit https://runsignup.com/Race/NJ/Denville/CrusaderChallenge5K or contact MC5KRace@gmail.com.

BUS DRIVERS NEEDED AT VILLA WALSH

Villa Walsh Academy, located in Morristown, NJ, is looking for part-time school bus drivers. Interested candidates must possess a CDL with both the passenger (P) and school bus (S) endorsements. Most trips are late afternoon/early evening. There are also some weekend trips available. Please contact Jen Fleury, Athletic Director, at fleuryj@villawalsh.org or call 973-538-3680 x145.

MASS ATTENDANCE FEBRUARY 11/12

5:30 p.m. 249 7:00 a.m. 76

8:30 a.m. 171 10:00 a.m. 269 12:15 p.m. 156 5:30 p.m. 660

Total: 1,581

FINANCIAL BLESSINGS Assumption is a Tithing Parish

The collection total for the weekend of February 11/12 was $19,027. The collection total for this weekend last year was $20,429. Pastor’s Note: Thank you for tithing. Our sacrificial giving through tithing in our offertory is a beautiful, tangible, expression of our gratitude to the Lord for his manifold blessings to us. I thank the Lord for your great examples of Christian living every day.

2016 BISHOP'S ANNUAL APPEAL

BE RICH IN GOOD WORKS If you received a final request from our Bishop asking

for your support of the 2016 Bishop's Annual Appeal, please respond as your means permit. The Appeal is essential to the work of the Church in reaching out to those in great need who come to our Catholic Charities agencies. It also supports seminarian education, inner-city area education and our priests' retirement residence. Every gift is important so whatever you can do is a blessing. Please respond today. For your convenience, you can make an online gift at www.20 l6appeal.org. May God bless you for your support!

SPECIAL COLLECTION FOR THE CHURCH

IN CENTRAL AND EASTERN EUROPE

In February, parishes throughout our Diocese take up a special collection for the Church in Central and Eastern Europe. I hope you are able to participate in this worthy cause. Through your generosity, the Church in Central and

Eastern Europe Collection funds important projects in 28 countries. These projects include seminarian education, youth ministry, social service programs and church construction and renovation. With your support, great strides are being made to

bring the faith to generations lost under Communist rule. I ask you to please be as generous as possible when this collection is taken up in your parish.

Faithfully yours in Christ, Most Reverend Arthur J. Serratelli Bishop of Paterson

February 19, 2017 Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time

ETERNAL REST

GRANT UNTO THEM, O LORD

Nicholas Bucci Father of Gina Schenk

Richard Moran

Husband of Anne

Assumption Parish Morristown, NJ

BECOME A HOSPICE VOLUNTEER WITH VNA

Visiting Nurse Association of Northern New Jersey hospice volunteers provide terminally ill patients and their families with practical and emotional support. VNA offers a free comprehensive training program where volunteers learn the philosophy of hospice and become prepared for this rewarding work. Volunteers must be at least 18 years old, have a valid driver’s license and auto insurance, and pass a criminal background screening. For more information, please contact Rachel

Enderle, Volunteer Coordinator at renderle@vnannj.org or call 973-451-4128.

MORRIS HABITAT FOR HUMANITY

ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR

CONDOMINIUMS IN MORRISTOWN

Applications are now being accepted for 2 lower income condominiums to be built on Willow Street, in Morristown, New Jersey. Once completed, the homes will be sold as affordable homeownership to the selected applicants. Applicants should check online at www.morrishabitat.org/homeownership/apply-for-home-ownership for details on qualifications.

CALLING ALL MORRIS PLAINS

BASEBALL AND SOFTBALL PLAYERS! Registration is now open. Players between ages 4 and 12 years old are welcome. We’re looking forward to a great season and we need you to make it happen! Sign up today! www.mpbaseball.assn.la

CRS RICE BOWL

HUNGERING FOR A BETTER LIFE

Since its creation in 1975, CRS Rice Bowl has raised $250 million to assist the hungry around the world. Catholic News Agency spoke with Thomas Awiapo, a CRS staffer and past beneficiary of the program, who described his personal experience with CRS Rice Bowl: “Many years ago when I was a hungry boy in Ghana

and living without parents or family, the smell of food lured me to the village school. There I was nourished and lifted off the path of likely death,” Thomas Awiapo said Jan. 16. “That school food program existed because of the little

box we call rice bowl.” “You can call me the poster child for CRS Rice Bowl, but we’d be closer to the truth if you called my children your poster children,” he said. “They have never experienced hunger in their lifetime, and today they attend university, high school and secondary schools without missing a beat.” Beginning next week Rice Bowls will be available at the Church exits. Please take a Rice Bowl home and pray for all those who are hungry around the world, especially those who are children, that they receive the nutritious food they need to live healthy, productive lives.

ASSUMPTION WOMEN'S CORNERSTONE EXPERIENCE

“TAKE HIS HAND, WALK WITH JOY”

Begin the season of Lent by revitalizing your relationship with God, others and yourself. The Cornerstone Retreat is a spiritual renewal process that brings women together to strengthen and rediscover faith and relationships. This is your time to pamper yourself spiritually, emotionally and physically. The retreat takes place March 3rd and 4th. Overnight accommodations and meals will be provided at Quellen Spiritual Center in Mendham.

Visit www.assumptionparish.org for information. Registration brochures can be found in Rauscher Hall Community Room or contact Louise Johnson at 17johnson@gmail.com.

Please prayerfully consider joining the women of Assumption Parish to attend the Women’s Cornerstone Experience. Gather with us to experience the warmth and wonder of a Cornerstone weekend and strengthen your relationship with God and those around you.

PILGRIMAGE TO PORTUGAL AND SPAIN

Join Monsignor John E. Hart of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish in Morristown, on a pilgrimage to the Shrines of Portugal and Spain, including Fatima for the 100th Anniversary of the Apparitions of Our Blessed Mother. This ten day trip departs from Newark on September 24, 2017, and returns October 3, 2017. The cost of the trip is $2,799.00 and includes; • Round trip transportation to Newark Airport from

Assumption Church • Round trip direct flights from Newark to Lisbon, and

Madrid to Newark. • 8 Nights in first class accommodations, and much

more! $100 Discount Per Person If You Register Before April 1 For more information, visit the parish website at www.assumptionparish.org, or email Monsignor Hart at assumption@assumptionparish.org. To speak to someone by phone, please call Assumption at 973-539-2141 or call Select International Tours at 800-842-4842.

February 19, 2017 Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time

"Dear Sister-in-Christ, 'I am the Vine, you are the branches. whoever remains in him will bear much fruit. ' I hope you feel better soon. Close your eyes and I will say a prayer for you. Love, Natalie age 7 "

This message of faith, hope and love was one of the many written on the hand decorated backpacks filled with toiletries and other necessities, presented to residents of Straight and Narrow by the students of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd program last Sunday at the 5:30 p.m. Mass. These students, ages 3 to 12, are our “shining lights on the hill,” and we thank them for their acts of love, and thank all the parents and catechists of Good Shepherd for fostering their great faith.

Assumption Parish Morristown, NJ

Join us on Saturday, March 18 for good food and great company at our annual

Pasta Supper and Basket Raffle. Enjoy pasta, meatballs, salad, bread, beverages

and dessert, and take a chance or two on our incredible basket raffle. All proceeds

from the evening benefit our Religious Education program.

Saturday, March 18 at Assumption School

5 p.m. or 7 p.m. Seatings Ticket Prices

Children 12 and under $ 5.00

Seniors $ 8.00

Adults $10.00

Take out orders available between

5:30 and 6:30 p.m. only.

Tickets available online at www.assumptionparish.org Or fill out a reservation form found at the doors of the church.