SAINT JAMES THE LESS PARISH December 19, 2021

36 Lincoln Avenue, Jamesburg, NJ 08831

Rev. Juan C. Gaviria

Parish Administrator

Rev. Peter A. Chakkunny, CMI

In Residence

Deacon Patrick J. Smith

Patricia Bisignano

Administrative Asst.

Linda Rondinelli

Parish Catechetical Leader

Daily Mass Schedule Morning Prayer

Monday - Friday 8:15 am Weekday Mass

Monday - Friday 8:30 am Weekend Masses Saturday: 4:00 pm

Sunday: 8:00 am, 10:00 am, 2:00 pm (Sp.) Adoration

Thursdays 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm Confession

Thursdays 4:30 pm, Saturday: 3:00 pm or by appointment

Knights of Columbus Council #6336

83 E. Lincoln Avenue, Monroe 1st & 3rd Monday of every month 8:00pm

St. James Columbiettes

2nd Monday of every month 7:00 pm except July & August

HALL RENTAL AVAILABLE 732-521-3366

Food Pantry Donation First Sunday of every month

Music Ministry

David Shirley - Director of Music

George Cole - Cantor

St. James Cemetery

Mott Avenue, Monroe Twp For more information please contact the Rectory

PLOTS AVAILABLE

Parish Mission Statement St. James the Less Parish is a Christian Community of the Roman Catholic tradition. Our Parish Community is dedicated to proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus, and as the people of God are called to further the mission of Jesus. We will do this through the Word, Liturgy, Sacrament, Music, Ecumenism, Evangelization, Religious Education of our Children, Prayer and the Honoring of the Blessed Virgin Mary. We will deepen our knowledge, skills and understanding of our Faith. We will be Faith based. Above all, we will foster Love by example and serve the needs of others to work towards economic and social development for all people.

Parish Office: 732-521-0100

Religious Education: 732-521-1188 R.E. email: sjtlccd@gmail.com

Fax: 732-521-8287 Email: jamestheless1880@gmail.com Website: stjamesthelesschurch.org

Office Hours:

Monday, 9:00 am to 2:00 pm Tuesday-Thursday, 8:00 am to 2:00 pm Closed Fridays

Adoration On Thursdays, Adoration will be held in the Church from 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm. All are welcome to come for any amount of time.

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A message from Fr Juan C. Gaviria On this the last Sunday before Christmas, our Gospel reading prepares us to witness Christ's birth by showing us how Jesus was recognized as Israel's long-awaited Messiah even before his birth. The Gospel turns our attention from the ministry of John the Baptist to the events that preceded John the Baptist's birth. The story of John the Baptist and his parents, Elizabeth and Zechariah, are reported only in Luke's Gospel. Luke pairs the birth of John the Baptist and Jesus, establishing John's early connection to the Messiah.

Our Gospel reading recalls Mary's actions after the announcement of Jesus' birth by the angel Gabriel. Mary goes to visit Elizabeth, her cousin, who is also with child. Elizabeth greets Mary with full recognition of the roles that they and their unborn children will play in God's plan for salvation. If we were to continue to read the verses that follow in Luke's Gospel, we would hear Mary respond to Elizabeth's greeting with her song of praise, the Magnificat. Both women recall and echo God's history of showing favor upon the people of Israel.

In Luke's Gospel the Holy Spirit helps reveal Jesus' identity as God to those who believe. Elizabeth is filled with the Holy Spirit and sings Mary's praise because she bears the Lord. We sing these words of praise to Mary in the Hail Mary. Even John the Baptist, the unborn child in Elizabeth's womb, is said to recognize the presence of the Lord and leaps for joy.

It is appropriate in this season of Advent that we consider the role of Mary in God's plan of salvation. Elizabeth describes Mary as the first disciple, as the one who believed that God's word to her would be fulfilled. Mary's faith enabled her to recognize the work of God in her people's history and in her own life. Her openness to God allowed God to work through her so that salvation might come to everyone. Because of this, Mary is a model and symbol of the Church. May we be like Mary, open and cooperative in God's plan for salvation.

CONFESSION SCHEDULE FOR ADVENT Thursdays: During Adoration Saturdays: 3:00 - 3:45 pm By appointment: call the rectory during office hours

WEEKLY COLLECTIONS The collection for Dec 12th will be in next weekend’s bulletin.

As we prepare to celebrate the birth of our Lord this Advent, let us pray and offer acts of penance, in reparation for the sacrileges and acts of desecration committed against him, Our Lady, and His Church.

Mass Lector Eucharistic

Minister

Saturday 4:00pm

P. Hughes R. Iannacone

Sunday 8:00am

S. Rudy D. Halpin

10:00am J. Malet A. Demetzky

PARISH INTENTION

MINISTRIES

Baptism: Parents who wish to have their child baptized need to call the Rectory. Preparation classes are required and are by appointment only. Sponsors and Godparents: Church law mandates that a sponsor for baptism and confirmation be an active Confirmed Catholic. An active Catholic is a parishioner who is registered, attends Mass weekly, contributes to the support of the church, is in a valid Catholic marriage (if married), and leads a life compatible with Church teaching. We can only write letters of eligibility for parishioners who meet these criteria. Matrimony: Couples contemplating this Sacrament must contact the Parish Office at least one year in advance. All couples planning marriage must attend Pre-Cana classes or Engaged Encounter. Ministry of the Sick: Parishioners who are homebound and would like to receive the Eucharist, please call the Rectory. Religious Education Classes: For information on Religious Education classes, please contact our Religious Education office at 732-521-1188. New registrations are accepted from 4/1 - 5/30. RCIA: Adults inquiring about the Catholic Church with a desire to become Catholic are invited to call the Parish Office for more information about the Rite of Catholic Initiation of Adults which begins in September and runs through the following Easter.

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MASS INTENTIONS OF THE WEEK

MONDAY, DECEMBER 20 8:30 AM + CHARLOTTE MARSALA TUESDAY, DECEMBER 21 8:30 AM + NICHOLAS CHIAIA WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 22 8:30 AM + LORETTA DWYER THURSDAY, DECEMBER 23 8:30 AM + MICHAEL TARVER FRIDAY, DECEMBER 24 8:30 AM + NOVENAS SATURDAY, DECEMBER 25 4:00 PM + NOVENAS SUNDAY, DECEMBER 26 8:00 AM FOR THE PEOPLE OF ST JAMES 10:00 AM + PHILIP FURNARI JR. 2:00 PM + CANDELARIA SANTIS

READINGS FOR THE WEEK/ LECTURAS DE LA SEMANA

Week of December 20th

MONDAY/ LUNES- ADVENT WEEKDAY 196: Is 7:10-14 Ps 24:1-4b, 5-6 Lk 1:26-38 TUESDAY/MARTES-ADVENT WEEKDAY 197: Sg 2:8-14 Ps 33:2-3, 11-12, 20-21 Lk 1:39-45 WEDNESDAY/MIERCOLES - ADVENT WKDAY 198:1 Sm 1:24-28 (Ps) 1 Sm 2:1, 4-8d Lk 1:46-56 THURSDAY/JUEVES - ADVENT WEEKDAY 199: Mal 3:1-4, 23-24 Ps 25:4-5b, 8-10, 14 Lk 1:57-66 FRIDAY/VIERNES - ADVENT WEEKDAY 200: 2 Sm 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16 Ps 89:2-5, 27, 29 Lk 1:67-79 SATURDAY/SÁBADO - NATIVITY OF THE LORD 16: Is 52:7-10 Ps 98:1-6 Heb 1:1-6 Jn 1:1-18 SUNDAY/DOMINGO- 2ND SUNDAY/ADVENT 17: Sir 3:2-6, 12-14 Ps 128:1-5 Col 3:12-21 or 3:12-17 Lk 2:41-52

Prayers for the Sick Week 1: Maria Chiavarini, Ron D’Angelo

Week 2: Corey Jaffa, Gregg LoCascio, Richard

Lavers

Week 3: Rocco Cuzzo, Carol Ioannides, Marie

Thomas

Week 4: Finnley Hanaway, Peggy Schiller,

Susan Steel, Patti Zielsdorf Names on the Sick List will be included for four (4) weeks. After the four weeks names will be removed. To add someone to the list please call the rectory or send an email to: jamestheless1880@gmail.com

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En ese último domingo de adviento, nuestro evangelio nos prepara para presenciar el nacimiento de Cristo, mostrándonos la forma como Jesús es reconocido como el Mesías esperado aún antes de su nacimiento. El evangelio llama nuestra atención para apreciar el ministerio de san Juan el bautista hasta los hechos que preceden el bautismo de Jesús. La historia de Juan el bautista y de sus padres, Isabel y Zacarías, son reportados solo en San Lucas. Lucas narra el nacimiento de Juan junto al de Jesús, estableciendo la temprana conexión de Juan con el Mesías.

Nuestra lectura recuerda las acciones de María luego del anuncio del nacimiento de Jesús por el ángel Gabriel. María va a visitar a su prima Isabel, quien espera también un hijo. Isabel saluda a María con pleno reconocimiento de que ella y su hijo por nacer, jugarán un rol clave en el plan de salvación de Dios. Si leyéramos de corrido los versos que siguen en el evangelio de Lucas, podríamos escuchar cómo María responde el saludo de Isabel con su oración del Magníficat. Ambas mujeres recuerdan la presencia de Dios en la historia al mostrar su favor al pueblo de Israel.

En el evangelio de San Lucas, el Espíritu Santo ayuda en la revelación de la identidad de Jesús. Isabel está llena del Espíritu Santo y proclama de presencia de María quien lleva en su seno al Señor. Cantamos esas alabanzas, venerando a María en el rezo del ave María. Aún Juan el Bautista, el niño por nacer de Isabel, reconoció la presencia del Señor y salta de gozo.

Es recomendable en este tiempo de adviento, que consideremos el papel de María en le plan de salvación. Isabel describe a María como su primera discípula y la que cree que la palabra de Dios debe de ser seguida. La fe de María nos permite reconocer el trabajo de Dios en la historia de su pueblo y en su propia vida. Su apertura a Dios, permite que éste trabaje por medio de ella, para que la salvación llegue a todos. Debido a ello, María es modelo y símbolo de la Iglesia.

Ojalá que nosotros, al igual que María, cooperemos en el plan de salvación de Dios.

Una carta de Rev Juan C. Gaviria

Las intenciones de misas para el 2022 pueden reservarse ahora. Las misas cuestan $ 10 por cada intención. Puede venir a la oficina durante el horario regular 9am a 1pm de lunes a jueves para inscribirse.

La Natividad del Señor Misa vespertina de la vigilia (en inglés) 24 de diciembre - 4:00 pm & 9:00 pm

La Natividad del Señor

25 de diciembre - 8:00 am, 10:00 am, 12:00 pm & 2:00 pm (español)

Santa María, Madre de Dios

1 de enero - 11:00 am (español)

Horarios de Oficina de la Rectoría

23 de diciembre: la oficina cerrará a las 12 p.m. 24 de diciembre - 2 de enero: oficina cerrada 3 de enero: oficina abierta

¡Feliz Navidad y Feliz Año Nuevo!

REFLEXIONES “Porque apenas oí tu saludo, el niño en mi vientre salto de alegría” (Lucas 1:44) Cuándo escucha la lectura de las escrituras y la del Evangelio en la Misa, ¿usted

“salta de alegría”? Si no es así, no culpe al lector o al sacerdote, más bien mire dentro de sí mismo. ¿Qué está haciendo para aumentar su amistad con Jesús? ¿Cómo se prepara para la Misa cada semana? ¿O simplemente se presenta y pretende ser entretenido? Como el Cuerpo de Cristo, somos llamados a ser participantes activos, no solo observadores pasivos.

Spiritual Gifts

Sanctuary Candle

The Sanctuary Candle that will be lit during our Eucharistic Celebration this week is in memory of Mary & Mike Marek. This is a loving gift from family.

Altar Flowers The Altar Flowers that will be offered at our Eucharistic Celebrations for this week are in memory of Frances & Walter Foley. This is a loving gift from their children.

Altar Candles

The Altar Candles, which burn during the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass for this week are in memory of Robert Sr, Barbara & Linda Narsavage. This is a gift from Tom Narsavage & Family.

Bread & Wine

The Bread & Wine that will be offered at our Eucharistic Celebrations for this week are in memory of Joseph Marek. This is a loving gift from his wife, Carol.

Christmas Wreaths & Blankets Allegiance Garden Center at 104 Main Street in Helmetta is offering to donate a percentage of the sales for your Christmas trees, grave blankets, grave vases, holiday decor and wreaths. Just tell them you are a Parishioner of St James and proceeds from your purchase will be donated back to St. James. PRE-ORDERS CAN BE MADE NOW To place your order stop into the Garden Center or call (732) 521-3344 and ask for Paul, Leia or Becky. There are order forms located next to the bulletins for your convenience .

St. James the Less Christmas Mass Schedule

Christmas Eve – Dec. 24th 4:00 pm & 9:00 pm Christmas Day – Dec. 25th 8:00 am, 10:00 am, 12:00 pm (Spanish) Solemnity of Mother of God Dec. 31st - 4:00 pm vigil Mass Jan. 1st - 9:00 am & 11:00 am (in Spanish)

Christmas/New Year’s Office Hours Dec 23rd: Office will close at 12 noon Dec 24th - Dec 30th: Office closed Jan 3rd: Office reopens

Wishing you and your family a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!

ALTAR SERVERS NEEDED Altar Servers assist the priest in the celebration of the Mass so the Liturgy

can be conducted with grace and reverence. They assist the celebrant by setting the altar, lighting the candles, carrying the processional cross, holding the books and a variety of other tasks during the service. They do this by performing duties with honor and respect, reflecting the true presence of Christ at the Mass. This ministry helps to develop a sense of participation in parish life and the love for the Church’s liturgical life while growing closer to God. It is a good place to learn and understand the rewards of service to others and your community. Altar servers are needed at all Masses and may be asked to serve twice a month. Anyone who is in 3rd grade and up and is interested in this rewarding and helpful service, please contact the office at 732-521-0100 or jamestheless1880@gmail.com.