Saint Thomas the Apostle Roman Catholic Church

Rectory/Parish Center: (973) 338-9190 ● Fax: (973) 338-4224 ● Religious Education: (973) 338-7400 ● School: (973) 338-8505

Address: 60 Byrd Avenue, Bloomfield, New Jersey ● Website: www.stachurchbloomfield.com ● Facebook: Saint Thomas the Apostle ● Twitter: @stachurchnj ● YouTube: sta bloomfield nj

In loving memory

1932 – 2020

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Third Sunday of Easter April 26, 2020

Masses for the Week

Saturday, April 25

5:00 pm Vera Esposito – Daughter

Sunday, April 26

7:30 am Miguel and Rosalinda Arceo – Wife 9:00 am Mariann Garner – Friend

10:30 am For the People

Deceased members of Cavaleri Family – Family 12:00 pm Charles Graham – Parents

Bernardino & Pasqua Lepore – Family

Monday, April 27 Easter Weekday

7:30 am Marie & Tom Caputo – Children 11:30 am Florante M. Pinili – Friend

Tuesday, April 28 Easter Weekday

7:30 am Joseph De Lorenzo – Bequest

11:30 am Richard Barr – Friend

Wednesday, April 29 St. Catherine of Siene, Virgin and Doctor of the Church

7:30 am Stephen Wesner – Family

11:30 am McCormick Family – Family

Thursday, April 30 Easter Weekday

7:30 am Lydia Fadriouela – Friend 11:30 am Paul De Rogatis – Family

Friday, May 1

Easter Weekday

7:30 am Peter Ciulla, Jr. – Friend

11:30 am Peter Ciulla, Jr. – Friend

Saturday, May 2 St. Athanasius, Bishop and Doctor of the Church

8:30 am Nicole Minson – Mother 5:00 pm James J. Doran – Family

Salvatore Rotunda – Family

Sunday, May 3

Fourth Sunday of Easter

7:30 am Pilar, Nieves, Rosario & Pacita Virtucio – Family 9:00 am Dorothy Collins – Family

10:30 am Paul & Maria De Rogatis – Family 12:00 pm For the People

Due to the Coronavirus all public masses are canceled. The priests will be fulfilling all mass intention obligations.

PRAY FOR OUR SICK

Daniel Chagnon, Margaret Gentles, Rajiv Fernando, Deacon Michael Giuliano,

Peter Cannone, Jim Sirrico

REST IN PEACE Edward Varjian, Maryrita Liddell

Thomas Mahon, Agnes Cook Glock

SANCTUARY CANDLE INTENTIONS

CHURCH: Daniel Creange

Gospel Reading - Luke 24:13-35

Today’s gospel shows us how the first community of disciples came to believe that Jesus had risen from the dead. In these stories we gain insight into how the community of the Church came to be formed. When we read today’s Gospel, we may be surprised to learn that these friends of Jesus could walk and converse with him at some length yet not recognize him. Again we discover that the risen Jesus is not always easily recognized. Cleopas and the other disciple walk with a person whom they believe to be a stranger; only later do they discover that the stranger is Jesus. We learn that the first community met and recognized Jesus in the breaking of the bread, just as we meet Jesus in the Eucharist. We can imagine the feelings of the two disciples in today’s reading. They are leaving their community in Jerusalem. Their friend Jesus has been crucified. Their hope is gone. They are trying to make sense of what has occurred, so that they can put the experience behind them. Jesus himself approaches the two men, but they take him for a stranger. Jesus asks them what they are discussing. He invites them to share their experience and interpretation of the events surrounding his crucifixion and death. When the two disciples have done so, Jesus offers his own interpretation of his crucifixion and resurrection, citing Jewish Scripture. In that encounter we find the model for our Liturgy of the Word—what we do each time we gather as a community for the Eucharist. We reflect upon our life experiences and interpret them in light of Scripture. We gather together to break open the Word of God. In the next part of the story, we find a model for our Liturgy of the Eucharist. The disciples invite the stranger (Jesus) to stay with them. During the meal in which they share in the breaking of the bread, the disciples’ eyes are opened; they recognize the stranger as Jesus. In the Eucharist too we share in the breaking of the bread and discover Jesus in our midst. Just as the disciples returned to Jerusalem to recount their experience to the other disciples, we too are sent from our Eucharistic gathering. Our experience of Jesus in the Eucharist compels us to share the story with others.

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Deacon Albert H. Tizzano

On Monday, April 13th, St. Thomas the Apostle Church community lost one

of our beloved, Deacon Albert Tizzano. Al was ordained as Deacon in the 1st

class Deacon Ordination group at Sacred Heart Cathedral for the Archdiocese of Newark in December, 1975.

Born to Clementine and Luca Tizzano, he was one of five children raised in

a faith filled family. After completing his education, he worked in a family

automotive business in Montclair and served in the Army during the

Korean War. After his return, he met and married the love of his life, Mary,

and settled in Bloomfield where they became parishioners at Saint Thomas.

When the Archdiocese started the program to ordain men as Deacons, with

Mary’s support and encouragement, he applied, was accepted and later ordained.

Over the last 44-years, Deacon Al has been involved in many church

activities: training altar servers, teaching CCD, visiting the sick, bringing

communion to shut-ins, Baptisms, Weddings and funerals. Closest to his

heart was the blessing of animals in October near to the feast of Saint

Francis of Assisi. An assortment of animals ranging from dogs, cats, birds

to more exotic ones such as snakes, lizards, and fish arrived with owners for the annual event.

Deacon Al and Mary had a long and happy marriage of 50-plus years. He

was a devoted husband seeing to her care and needs. This was especially so

during her last years at Saint Vincent Nursing Home until her passing in

May, 2011. He was there on a daily basis and still volunteered there one or

two days a week. Deacon Al was always there for family and friends helping in any way he can to make life easier.

Deacon Al has been a pillar of our parish for decades. His warmth,

generosity, love, and faith have been an inspiration helping make the St. Thomas parish a wonderful faith community.

We will miss you Deacon Al! Well done good and faithful servant.

Thank you, Deacon Al, for showing us how to be Disciples in this part of the Lord’s Vineyard.

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Dear friends of St. Thomas the Apostle Parish,

I pray that you, your family and friends are well. The situation we find ourselves in today is certainly surreal. Though we are in the midst of our Easter Season, it is as though Holy Saturday continues, that day when we contemplate a world of darkness, one that exists without the hope of Christ’s resurrection. We read in the Psalms, “You have laid me in the depths of the tomb, in places that are dark, in the depths” (Ps 88 [87] :7). St. John Paul II, quoting this verse, speaking about the tragedy of World War II, said, “How many times this cry of suffering arose from the hearts of millions of men and women who, from 1 September 1939 to the end of the summer of 1945, were confronted with one of the most destructive and inhuman tragedies of our history.” Suffering is, as they say, our lot in life, part of the human condition. We are in the midst of it now, immersed in a war against a life changing pandemic. We ask the question; how can God allow suffering to exist? It is a good question; one we have all asked – and will ask - throughout our lives. This deacon doesn’t have the answer. We can look to Holy Scripture in search for answers. I recommend you pick up your Bibles and read the Book of Job. In summary, let us look at Job. He is a good man, blessed with prosperity, perfect and upright. Job knew he was a righteous man —and somehow this made him horribly self-righteous. Because of this, God would allow Job to endure a horrendous period of trial and test - so he could clearly see himself in relation to God. Job now finds himself living in unrelieved misery for months with open sores all over his body. He bore the grief of seven dead sons and three dead daughters. All of his wealth vanished in one afternoon. Job’s friends find his suffering to be caused by his “sin”. He is repulsive to his wife, loathsome to siblings, despised by children. At first Job submits to his suffering, but over time, he loses confidence in God, thinking he is being ignored, treated as an enemy. Job decides to question God. Out of his love and respect for Job, God provides a stern reply;

God focuses on the earth: "Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? Tell me, if you have understanding."

God focuses on the sea: "Who shut in the sea with doors, when it burst forth from the womb?"

God focuses on the dawn: "Have you commanded the morning since your days began, and caused the dawn to know its place?"

God focuses on the depth and breadth of the sea and land. Job, you have never even been to the bottom of the ocean or around the world. And you think you know enough to argue with God?

So, what is the answer to our suffering? In light of Job’s suffering, in light of our suffering from this terrible pandemic today, I can only say that we are in God’s hands. It is not required that we understand our sorrows, only that we know that God does. All things, good and bad, are evidence of God’s eternal and almighty love for us. Blessed Fr. Solanus Casey, using simple wisdom, would say “Thank God ahead of time.” In other words, I see this is your will God - even if things aren't as I would hope, so I thank you ahead of time knowing that everything will turn out fine.

Friends, this present suffering - as great as it is - will pass. We know there is no resurrection without the cross. Mired in our present suffering, we remember our call: to suffer with Christ, and so to rise with Him. In the midst of the Easter Season, let us keep in mind, we are “Easter People” and Alleluia is our song. We, the “Easter People”, know and reflect God’s love through our love for one another.

Christ our Passover is risen. Alleluia! Let us rejoice and be glad. Alleluia!

Your friend in Christ, Deacon Brian

595 5

PARISH CENTER PHONE HOURS ONLY M - F 9AM - 3PM SAT 9AM - 12NOON Leave a message for a return call back

ALL MEETINGS & EVENTS CANCELED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE

STEWARDSHIP OF TREASURE

The Main source of operating funds for St. Thomas is our weekly / holyday offertory collections. The information below will show where the Parish is as of April 19th compared to the budget amount for the year. The break-even date is June 30, 2020. The amount needed each week is $17,496 and the amount collected last weekend was $4,589.

Budget Amount Year to Date Remaining Amount

$892,300 $647,422 $244,878

The year to date amount is negative by $87,410

as of week number 42 in our current budget year.

______

May we who are merely inconvenienced Remember those whose lives are at stake.

May we who have no risk factors Remember those most vulnerable.

May we who have the luxury of working from home Remember those who must choose between preserving their health or making their rent.

May we who have the flexibility to care for our children when schools close Remember those who have no options.

May we who have to cancel our trips Remember those that have no place to go.

May we who are losing our margin money in the tumult of the economic market Remember those who have no margin at all.

May we who settle in for a quarantine at home Remember those who have no home.

During this time when we cannot physically wrap our arms around each other, Let us yet find ways to be the loving embrace of God to our neighbors.

AMEN

TITHING ONLINE AND ONLINE GIVING

Between demanding schedules, traveling, or just trying to get out the door on time for Mass, it can be challenging to tithe on a regular basis as God calls us to do. Plus, for many families, the parish is one of the last places where you still have to use a checkbook or cash. St. Thomas has online giving for families to easily give one-time as well as recurring gifts or tithe! Simply make a secure donation via electronic check or debit/credit card by visiting www.stachurchbloomfield.com to set up recurring gifts or tithe. It’s as easy as online shopping or banking! Learn more and consider the possibilities for sharing your gifts without the hassle of remembering checks and envelopes. Visit www.stachurchbloomfield.com.

View this bulletin online at:

http://stachurchbloomfield.com/bulletin

CATHOLIC MEDIA For Catholic Radio, TV, Online Streaming Relevant Radio: 1430 AM or relevantradio.com EWTN: Optimum 135, FIOS 285, EWTN.com>television>Watch live

Catholic Faith Network (CFN): Optimum 137, FIOS 296

Living the 3 T’s sharing your Time, Talent, & Treasure

What shall I return to the Lord for all His goodness to me? (Psalm 116: 12)

Easter is a good time to rejoice in what the Lord has done for each of us, and to look back at what we have done and given back to Him and His / Our Church. It is also a very good time to recommit to being more generous by sharing our Time, Talent and Treasure for the Lord and others

NEW TO OUR PARISH? WELCOME!!

PARISH MEMBERSHIP; New Parishioners are requested to register in the Parish as soon as possible. Please notify us of changes in address or phone number.

Name_________________________________________

Address_______________________________________

Town_________________________________________

Phone________________________________________

Email_________________________________________

____ I wish to receive a registration form

____ I have an address change

____ I am moving out of the Parish

Please send to Parish office or drop in collection basket.

PRAYER

FOR A PANDEMIC

6 595

ST. THOMAS THE APOSTLE 300 CLUB St. Thomas the Apostle and your Finance Committee invite you and your friends to participate in our “300 Club”. You will find that this Club is better than State Lotteries, Casino Slots, or Bingo. Here is how it works...

ONLY 300 TICKETS WILL BE SOLD!!!

Prizes are as follows:

First Prize is $ 10,500.00 or 35% of tickets sold Second Prize is $ 3,000.00 or 10% of tickets sold Third Prize is $ 1,500.00 or 5% of tickets sold

By completing the form below, you will not only help your parish repair and maintain your parish buildings but you will also have the opportunity to win a tremendous amount of money. With only 300 possible tickets, the odds of winning are much better than any other lottery or raffle. You can purchase a ticket for yourself or in partnership with someone else. If you decide to purchase in a partnership, please include all names in the partnership on this form.

The Raffle will be held on Thursday May 28, 2020

--------------------------------------------------------- Application Form Reserve your tickets now!!

_______ Ticket(s) for 300 Club @ $ 100.00 each Name or Names (please print):

.........................................................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................................................

Address..........................................................................................................................

City ………........................................ State .................................... Zip .......................

Telephone ( ) .......................................................................................................... Make checks payable to St. Thomas the Apostle Church. Winner need not be present to win. Send this form along with your check to: St. Thomas the Apostle Church, 60 Byrd Avenue, Bloomfield, NJ 07003 Attention: 300 Club Church ID # 41-1-16464 Raffle License # RA: 3555

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