Eucharist

Saturday:

Sunday: 7:30 a.m., 9:00 a.m., 10:30 a.m.

& 12:15 p.m.

Monday - Friday: 12:10 p.m. & 5:30 p.m.

No weekday 5:30 p.m. Mass from Memorial Day through Labor Day.

Holy Days: Vigil 5:30 p.m.

Holy Day: 7:15 a.m. 12:10 p.m. & 5:30 p.m.

Lent: An additional 7:15 a.m. Mass is

celebrated Monday - Friday.

Reconciliation

Saturday: 12:40 p.m. - 1:15 p.m. or call to see one of the priests.

Miraculous Medal

Novena & Benediction Monday: 7:30 p.m.

Exposition of the

Blessed Sacrament Friday: 7:00 a.m. thru 7:00 p.m.

Baptism

Contact the Parish Secretary to make arrangements.

Marriages

Contact one of our priests.

Sick Calls

Contact Fr. Paddy, Fr. Jhon, or Parish Secretary.

For hospital visits and for Communion for the homebound,

Notre Dame of Mt. Carmel Church

75 Ridgedale Avenue, Cedar Knolls, New Jersey 07927

Parish Office: 973-538-1358 ♦ Fax: 973-538-7403 ♦ www.ndcarmel.com

Staff

Please see inside for a list of ministries and contact information. Visit our website for further details!

Rev. Paddy O’Donovan, Pastor Ext. 101 / frpaddy@ndcarmel.com

Rev. Jhon Madrid, Parochial Vicar Ext. 103 / frjmadrid@ndcarmel.com

Fr. Joseph Voltaggio, OSB, Weekend Mass Assistant/joseph@delbarton.org

Deacon Al Fanelli, Baptismal Prep. (973) 428-8304 / assisi410@aol.com

Deacon Ron Forino, Pre-Cana Prep (973) 887–2963 / ronforino@aol.com

Deacon Joe Harris, Social Justice (973) 984-7913 /

josephharris@optonline.net

Deacon Vic Lupi, (973) 538-4642 / mattlupi@verizon.net

Deacon Joe Quinn, Care of Sick (973) 476-8562 / joeq8562@gmail.com

Parish Trustees Joanne McHugh: (973) 428-1228 Will Fernandez: (973) 515-9039

Sacristan :lucianimar@gmail.com

Jean Pankow, Pastoral Associate Ext. 122 / jpankow@ndcarmel.com

Ext. 100 / parishsecretary@ndcarmel.com

Cristina Folan, Communications Ext. 105 /

commsupport@ndcarmel.com

Jim Keefe, Music Director Ext. 109 / jkeefe@ndcarmel.com

Ivette Valori, Director Faith Formation

imvalori@ndcarmel.com

Diane Byrne, Faith Formation Coordinator PreK-5th,

Ext. 111 / dbyrne@ndcarmel.com

Karen Calabrese, Ext. 106 / bookkeeper@ndcarmel.com

Jimmy Steiger, Facilities Manager Ext. 120

Pastoral Council President Dick White: (201) 280-8943

Finance Chair Michael Critchley: (973) 725-4665

Our Parish Vision Notre Dame of Mount Carmel is a Roman Catholic

community of faith called to be missionary disciples of Jesus Christ, for the purpose of bringing about the

Kingdom.

Our Parish Mission Formed by the Word, fed at the Table, and inspired by the Holy Spirit, we INVITE, WELCOME and GUIDE each

other into relationship with Christ, to GO OUT and MAKE missionary disciples.

REJOICE—Isaiah proclaims truly good news to us! God's coming brings not sadness, guilt, fear, wrath, or condemnation. No, God's coming is a source of comfort and joy. Saying it once is not enough, for today's readings are full of joy. Mary's Magnificat substitutes for our psalm today, and our second reading encourages us to rejoice, to give thanks and praise. This is the root meaning of the Greek word for Eucharist. We are urged to rejoice and give thanks, because the coming of the Lord brings joy, healing, liberty, release, vindication. It makes the very earth spring up with new life! Good tidings!

THE CHURCH WHICH “GOES FORTH” IS A COMMUNITY OF MISSIONARY DISCIPLES

An evangelizing community knows that the Lord has taken the ini a ve, He has loved us first, and therefore we can move forward, boldly take the ini a ve, go out to others, seek those who have fallen away, stand at the crossroads and welcome the outcast.

Let us try a li le harder to take the first step and to become involved. Jesus washed the feet of his disciples. The Lord gets involved and He involves His own, as He kneels to wash their feet. He tells His disciples: “You will be blessed if you do this” (John 13:17). An evangelizing community gets involved by word and deed in people’s daily lives; it bridges distances, it is willing to abase itself if necessary, and it embraces human life, touching the suffering flesh of Christ in others. Evangelizers thus take on the “smell of the sheep” and the sheep are willing to hear their voice. An evangelizing community is also suppor ve, standing by people at every step of the way, no ma er how difficult or lengthy this may prove to be. It is familiar with pa ent expecta on and apostolic endurance.

Source: bemissionarydisciples.org

“T A M ” S P

Mass Intentions

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2017: Advent Weekday 12:10 Priscilla Bonnie by Sally Ann & Frank Augello Charles Baroudi by Ka a Baroudi 5:00 Michael Giglio by Dot & Pete DeNigris Thomas Mount by his mom & pop

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2017: Third Sunday of Advent 7:30 Frank Barra by the Barra Family Maria & Dominick Labianca by Ann & Frank Labianca 9:00 Irene & Angelo Iarruso by Vincenzo Iarruso Bill Sasso by Helene & Bob Hinck 10:30 Victor & Rachel Paolantonio from their children Ovilla Rohart by Alice & Wayne Demikoff & family 12:15 Nick DiMaio by his wife, Rose Faith Broderick by Faith Mercuro

MONDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2017: Late Advent Weekday 12:10 Jessica Fashano by her mom & dad Kendrick Abad in Thanksgiving from mom & dad 5:30 Kathy Netzel by Joe & Ruth Quinn Adonis Romero by the Lotuaco Family

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2017: Late Advent Weekday 12:10 Frank & Olga Kolls by the Byrne Family Deacon Dave Collins by Maddy & Frank Onofrio 5:30 Aurora Lioanag by her family Michael D'Angiolillo by Beverly & Paul Bryson

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2017: Late Advent Weekday 12:10 Anthony Dente by his wife, Ruth & family Walter Coffey by the Critchleys 5:30 Antonio & Nunzia Iandiorio by Paolo Iandiorio For those struggling with mental illness

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2017: St. Peter Canisius 12:10 Joseph Lazur by Fr. Paddy Deacon Dave Collins by Alice & Eamonn Long 5:30 Joyce Byrne by the Stock Family Pat & Geoff Geppert by the Stock Family

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2017: Late Advent Weekday 12:10 Owen Hudson (2nd Anniversary) by his wife Ka na Kourpas by Linda & Tony Amitrano 5:30 Deacon Dave Collins by: Richard & Marge Goglia Jessica & Don Terreri

God’s Gift for Giving

Collection Dec. 9 & 10, 2017 $20,674.80 Collection Dec. 10 & 11, 2016 $23,106.90

Collection for Retired Religious (to date) $5,546.00

This Week...

TO EVERYTHING THERE IS A SEASON AND A TIME FOR EVERY PURPOSE UNDER HEAVEN …

… a time to be born

Oliver Richard, son of Thomas & Mary Keyes Claire Alba, daughter of Ted & Andrea Pribula

.. a time to heal … Viola Candora, Bea Carlone, Frank Coyle, Paul Esposito, Dcn. Al Fanelli, Lina Gerbino, Pat Guarino, Jessica Hermans, Bobbie Hernet, Marilyn Hudson, Maryann Johnston, Barbara Katona, Margy Kramer, Sister Evelyn Lebiedz, SC, Michael & Reid LoSapio, Susanne Parisi, Nancy Perkalis, Stephanie Trincanello, Mary Weigh

... a time to die Ernie Man one, father of Peter ... a time of great joy

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2017: Late Advent Weekday 12:10 Irene & Rudy Fiorvan by Sandi Garcia Mary Hayes by Sandi Garcia 5:00 Mary Osenkowski by the Schlig Family Carmen & Rose Capone by Maria Iandiorio

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2017: Fourth Sunday of Advent 9:00 Michael LaMonica by the Demianycz Family Kay Hodapp by Pat & Chris Giro 10:30 John Sonta by Gail Gen le Vinceza Riccio by the Man one Family

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2017: Christmas Vigil 4:00 Frank S rone by his wife, Mary Connie & James, Sr. Ruvo by Marlene & Jim 7:00 Mary Osenkowski by Mr. & Mrs. Vincent Molnar Alice & Daniel Leyhan by Alice & Eamonn Long 9:00 Anthony & Frances Rocco by their daughter John & Angelina Lombardo by their daughters Midnight Joe & Mary Polise by Dick & Debbie White Ziemski & Santora Families by Kim & Rich Ziemski

Lamp Intentions

Sanctuary Lamp will burn for Jessica Fashano by her mom & dad

Mother of Compassion Lamp will burn for Henry Carlone, Sr. by his wife St. Benedict Lamp will burn for

Kathryn Childers by the Granet Family

Altar Linens: Mary Terry

For The Journey...

SENIOR LUNCHEON REMINDER!

Tomorrow! Monday, December 18,

following our 12:10pm Mass.

We look forward to seeing you!

Special reminder: We will not hold Senior Luncheons in January or February; we will resume Monday, March 19, 2018.

W O M E N ’ S G U I D E D M E D I TAT I O N

Listen, find peace, quiet, and get in touch with God

within…

Wednesday,

December 20, 2017, 7:30pm

In the Resource Library

The gathering will be led by parishioner

and retreat facilitator Gail Mertz, who leads participants

in an hour of prayer, guided meditation, and personal

reflection for those who wish to share. Give yourself this

one hour of prayer and meditation to nourish your spirit

and strengthen your faith. There is no need to register;

just come and bring a friend!

Christmas Mass Schedule

Sunday, Dec. 24

3:45pm: Christmas Pageant (Church)

4pm: Mass (Church)

4 pm: Mass (Parish Hall)

7pm, 9pm, 12 Midnight

Monday, Dec. 25

9am

10:30am

12:15pm

New Year’s Eve

Sunday, Dec. 31 7:30am, 9am, 10:30am, 12:15pm

New Year’s Day

Solemnity of Mary Mother of God

Monday, Jan. 1 12:10pm & 5:30pm

4th Sunday of Advent Masses will be celebrated on Sunday, December 24 at 9am & 10:30am

Men of our parish and community, join us for MEN'S CORNERSTONE XVIII:

"Take My Hand and Walk” Friday evening, January 26 & Saturday, January 27, 2018

Cornerstone is a unique retreat designed to provide participants an opportunity to revitalize and deepen their spiritual lives. The retreat lasts approximately 26 hours, beginning on Friday evening at 6:30pm, and ending with a Closing Mass on Saturday evening at 7:30pm. All participants are provided sleeping accommodations at the parish, which helps ensure the spiritual continuity of the experience for everyone involved.

For more information or to register, please visit us at www.ndcarmel.com.

IMPORTANT NOTE ABOUT OUR NOTRE DAME APP!

Due to our transition to a website which offers full access to all of its content from a phone or any mobile device, we no longer find a need to continue incurring costs associated with the app. If you have the ND app on your mobile device you may remove it, as it is no longer

supported. Alternatively, please use the device’s browser to access our website (ndcarmel.com) and once there, from the options menu select “Add to your Home screen.” You will now have full access anytime, anywhere to all of our website’s content!

KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS ANNUAL CHRISTMAS PARTY!

For over 30 years, the our Knights of Columbus have gathered countless families from our local community for this wonderful event. This year’s party brought together with great joy 90+ families/over 100 children!

Be sure to visit our website or Facebook page for more pictures from this wonderful event!

For The Journey...

THE TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS (published December 23, 2000)

Just as many nursery rhymes began as political satire aimed more at adults than at children, beneath the chipper lyrics and catchy tune of “The Twelve Days of Christmas” may lie a darker reality: religious persecution.

That theory comes from Rev. Harold Stockert, a Byzantine Catholic priest who once taught history and now pastors a small church in Granville, north of Albany. It began almost two decades ago, when Stockert was doing research at Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. He can’t remember what the subject was, but it has nothing to do with this popular carol.

He found letters, in Latin, from Catholic priests in England to religious superiors in France that mentioned the carol. “They said, ‘By the way, did you know this is what was happening,’” Stockert recalled.

The 12 days of Christmas run from Christmas to the Feast of the Epiphany, Jan. 6. The letters explained that the carol was really a “catechist song,” meant to help young Catholics remembers items of faith, at a time in the 17th Century when Catholics caught with any written evidence of their beliefs could suffer a grisly execution. So, for example, “four calling birds” is code for the four Gospels, and “five golden rings” for the first five books of the Old Testament.

Stockert thought this was an interesting Christmas bit, and he posted it in 1982 on a predecessor to the Internet. To this day, hundreds of notes demanding documentation come his way. He finds these debunkers annoying, but he sticks to this interpretation.

“There are places in England, houses where they used to hide priests,” he said, “where they will tell you the same story.”

Each of the items in the song represents something of religious significance. The hidden meaning of each gift was designed to help young Christians learn their faith. The song goes, "On the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me..." The "true love" represents God and the "me" who receives these presents is the Christian.

1. The "partridge in a pear tree" was Jesus Christ who died on a tree as a gift from God.

2. The "two turtle doves" were the Old and New Testaments - another gift from God.

3. The "three French hens" were faith, hope and love - the three gifts of the Spirit that abide (I Corinthians 13).

4. The "four calling birds" were the four Gospels which sing the song of salvation through Jesus Christ.

5. The "five golden rings" were the first five books of the Bible also called the "Books of Moses".

6. The "six geese a-laying" were the six days of creation.

7. The "seven swans a swimming" were the "seven gifts of the Holy Spirit". (I Corinthians 12:8-11; Romans 12, Ephesians 4; I Peter 4:10-11).

8. The "eight maids a milking" were the eight beatitudes.

9. The "nine ladies dancing" were nine fruits of the Holy Spirit. (Galatians 5:22 & 23)

10. The "ten lords a-leaping" were the Ten Commandments.

11. The "eleven pipers piping" were the eleven faithful disciples.

12. The "twelve drummers drumming" were the twelve points of the Apostles' Creed.

So, the next time you hear "The 12 Days of Christmas", consider how this otherwise non-religious sounding song had its origins in the Christian faith.

BIRTH HAVEN: VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!

Birth Haven, a local non-profit shelter for pregnant teens, is currently seeking volunteers to join their Spring Tea Committee.

The committee is looking for energetic and vibrant women who are willing to share their passion, skill set and talents to help plan and execute an annual fundraiser.

For additional information about joining the committee, please contact Tina Magarino, Executive Director at tina@birthhaven.org. To learn more about Birth Haven, please visit www.birthhaven.org.

MEN’S WEEKEND RETREAT AT LOYOLA: "TRANSFORMATION”

Loyola Jesuit Center in Morristown extends an invitation to their annual Men’s Retreat, led by Rev. George Collins, S.J., January 19–21, 2018. This year’s theme is “Transformation” – letting go of past hurts and wounds so that we can be transformed into the person God has called us to be, living a full and joyful life! The weekend includes preached reflections for prayer, optional private consultations, celebration of Mass, the Sacrament of Reconciliation and Healing, and so much more. It is truly a wonderful experience and the cost is a free will offering. To register call 973-539-0740 or visit www.loyola.org. Sponsored by The Dominic Galdieri Group.

Missionary Discipleship “Lots of people pray for God to send new people to their church.

Few accept the folks God actually sends.” –Heath Mullikin

6. Ask ques ons and learn about your guests. It is be er to express interest in them than it is to try to “sell” your church.

7. Listening is a very effec ve way to show love.

8. Greet children at their level. Let children be children (don’t expect them to be grown‐ups).

9. Invite visitors to join you at something, an upcoming event, anything!

10. Eschelman says, “New people should never have to sit alone. Take ini a ve and go to them without delay.”

11. Help visitors find sea ng that suits their families needs.

12. Help first me visitors by being their tour guide. Visi ng a new church is like a cross‐cultural experience.

13. Invite people to fill out your church’s visitor registra on card or informa on, or visit the website or social media pages.

14. Tell people you’re glad they are here!

15. Pray for them throughout your week.

16. Be yourself! You are loving! You have a good thing going! You have the capacity to love more people, and to love more deeply. Eschelman says, “Prac ce making people feel special, and what you give to others will be returned to you.”

May we all experience God’s blessing and affirma on:

“Well done, my good and faithful servant!” 

spot close to the church? Give up our pew, or at least sit towards the middle so a late comer might not need to awkwardly jump over us to find a spot to sit?

Whether we perceive these to be reasonable gestures of kindness, or asking too much from us “regulars,” most of us could agree that each one of these unfamiliar souls has been sent to us by God and that He calls us to welcome every one in joy and without judgement.

So, whether we end up scheduled to serve in any type of ministry assignment, or our intent is simply to come to Christmas Mass, we pray we can all take on the heart of HOST and not just GUEST, so that we may with great joy and inten on seek those unfamiliar souls sent to us by God; may we welcome them, guide them, and do our best to extend a warm and joyful presence!

W

Adapted from the book Now Go Forward by J. David Eschelman, who

says, “Loving unbelievers the way Jesus did is the most overlooked key to

growing a church…”

1. Every church member is a host and not a guest. Making visitors feel welcome is primarily the responsibility of members, not the nebulous “church.”

2. The most important person for a visitor to talk to in order to feel at home is you. It is not the pastor, or the greeter, but a regular a ender. Eshleman says “One of the most impressive gestures we can extend to first me visitors is for people with no official posi on to take the ini a ve and welcome them.”

3. Treat first me visitors as guests of God, not strangers.

4. Smile at everyone and offer your hand.

5. Take the ini a ve, don’t wait for visitors to ini ate conversa on.

I f someone were to ask any of us “How welcoming is your church?” We might respond with great confidence that we are part of a very welcoming community of faith. Indeed many have commented throughout the years on the welcoming and hospitable sprit of our Notre Dame parish!

While it can be inspiring and mo va ng to join in to the culture of being welcoming, we must con nue to ask ourselves: how do we fare when we are not “on assignment” to welcome people (as we would be when at the Welcoming Desk, handing out song books before Mass, gree ng people for a par cular ministry event, etc.)? And if we don’t serve in these welcoming ministries, do we s ll reflect a welcoming disposi on? Or might we take on the Cesar Milán Dog Whisperer stance of “no touch, no talk, no eye contact!”? (Yikes!)

In just a couple more weeks, we will be joined by many folks for our Christmas celebra ons. Some will be parishioners who might not be with us on a regular basis; others might be rela ves of parishioners or visitors who will be celebra ng Mass here with their loved ones; others might be seeking a place to call home. Would we (whether on ministry assignment or not) be ready to truly welcome them? Give up our parking

Sunday - December 17

- Food & Clothing Collection

- Operation Appalachia Alt. Christmas Cards

Sunday Masses: 7:30 am, 9 am, 10:30 am & 12:15 pm

7 am Antioch 73 continues 9 am & 10:30 am Shepherd’s Call 11:00 am A Journey to Become Catholic 6 pm Antioch Closing Liturgy

Monday - December 18

Daily Mass: 12:10 pm & 5:30 pm 12:30 pm Anna League Senior Luncheon 7 pm Rosary/Novena 7:30 pm Men’s Cornerstone Speakers Meeting 7:30 pm Right to Life

Tuesday - December 19

Daily Mass: 12:10 pm & 5:30 pm 12:40 pm Advent Penance Service 1:30 pm SLT Meeting 7 pm EDGE (Middle School Faith Formation) 7 pm Centering Prayer 8:30 pm AA

Wednesday - December 20

Daily Mass: 12:10 pm & 5:30 pm 6:30 am MGD Group 9:30 am Moms & Tots 5:30 pm Joyful Noise Rehearsal & Christmas Party 7 pm EDGE (Middle School Faith Formation) 7:30 pm Women’s Guided Meditation

Thursday - December 21

Daily Mass: 12:10 pm & 5:30 pm 11 am Centering Prayer 7:30 pm Family Support & Recovery 8:30 pm AA / Al-Anon

Friday - December 22

Daily Mass: 12:10 pm & 5:30 pm 7 am - 7 pm Adoration

11 am Overeaters Anonymous

Saturday - December 23

Daily Mass: 12:10 pm & 5 pm Sunday Vigil 12:40 pm Reconciliation

8 am Men’s Ministry Meeting

Sunday - December 24

Sunday Masses: 9 am, 10:30 am (*no 7:30 am or 12:15 pm Mass)

3:45 pm Children’s Christmas Pageant 4 pm Christmas Vigil Mass (Church)

4 pm Christmas Vigil Mass (Parish Hall) Christmas Vigil Mass: 7pm, 9pm, 11:55pm

Ministries

Dates to Remember

B Q Many beau ful quilts are made throughout the year by our Quil ng

Ministry angels, for homebound parishioners and others who are ill and in need of our prayers and support. The love and prayers this ministry

extends in the sharing of their gi s and talent are tangible reminders for many of Christ’s comfor ng presence in their lives.

Notre Dame of Mt. Carmel Cedar Knolls, NJ

How can people be welcomed into our local church unless they experience fellowship and community? And how can they experience that fellowship and community unless someone invites them?

It all begins with an invitation…

Salad, Pasta, Meatballs, Italian Bread,

Dessert & Beverages (Alcoholic beverages are not permitted)

Cost: • 13 yrs. and over: $10/person • 6 – 12 yrs. $5 per person • Free for children 5 yrs. and under

Max. $35 per Family

Family Pasta Dinner – Saturday, January 20, 2018 Please return this portion with your check ~ Place in collection basket or bring to Parish Office.

Please make checks payable to: Notre Dame of Mt. Carmel Church

Name: ____________________________________ Phone: __________________________ Email Address: _____________________________ No. of adults 13 yrs. old +: ____No. of children 6 - 12 yrs. old: _____No. children 5 and under: _____

You may also make reservations in our Gathering Space after all weekend Masses, January 6 & 7 or January 13 & 14.

An opportunity for us (you and me!) to invite and welcome others

into the great spirit and fellowship of our faith community!

Saturday, January 20, 2018 At 6 PM in our Parish Hall

Notre Dame of Mt. Carmel Cedar Knolls, NJ

Consider spending 26 hours with men like you, who are searching for greater meaning in their lives and seeking a deeper, closer relationship with the Lord. Our Men’s Cornerstone is a wonderful gift, a much needed spiritual lift from the daily routines of our lives. Journey both spiritually and socially with others who want to grow and become more life-giving, compassionate “best version of yourself.”

God wants us all to thrive. Come learn how. This might be the most rewarding investment you will ever make! Just

ask any man who has attended…

Register online at www.ndcarmel.com Registration donation: $50.

For more information, please visit our website or contact Bruce Rapp: x005412@gmail.com / 973-224-0115 or

David Tejeda: dmtejeda@optonline.net /347-385-7210

Join us for our next

YOUNG PARENTS CONNECT Saturday, January 6, 2018 9am—11am

In our Parish Hall

If you have at least one child under 4 years of age, grab the kid(s) and join us to celebrate Three King's Day with activities and a sweet treat

at this family-friendly gathering!"

So we can plan appropriately, let us know you will join us: RSVP online at www.ndcarmel.com.

Questions? Contact Julia Rizos at juliarizos44@gmail.com, or Cristina Folan at commsupport@ndcarmel.com / 973-538-1358, ext. 105.