St. Justin the Martyr Roman Catholic Church 975 Fischer Boulevard, Toms River, NJ 08753

February 19, 2017 SEVENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

Pastor: Reverend Mark A. Kreder Parochial Vicar: Reverend John A. Bogacz Deacons: James Campbell; James Gillespie

Frederick C. Ebenau, Sr.; Richard Hauenstein Pastoral Associate: Deacon James Gillespie

Religious Education: Ellen Noble Trustees: Jean Glynn, William Anderson

Music Director: Angela Petti Sacristan: Carol Lewandowski

PARISH OFFICE HOURS: Monday ~ Thursday 9:00 AM to 12:00 Noon and 1:15 PM to 4:30 PM Friday 9:00AM-12:00 Noon

REGISTRATION: All are welcome! Sponsorship letters for the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation or Matrimony will only be issued to registered parishioners. Please contact the Parish Office to register and please also notify the Parish Office of a change of address or if you plan to move from the parish so that we may keep our records updated.

MASS INTENTIONS FOR THE WEEK SUNDAY, February 19 SEVENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME; 7:30am Mary Anne Bielski Mildred Hogan 9:00am Ben Eramia (CHILDREN’S Norman Vaz CHOIR)

10:30 Anthony Carballo (ADULT CHOIR) Robert C. Muraczewski

12Noon Joseph Paczkowski Deceased of the McDonald Family

MONDAY, February 20 Weekday; Presidents’ Day

8:30am McDonald Family Casey Hope Burke (Living)

TUESDAY, February 21 Weekday; St. Peter Damian, Bishop & Doctor of the Church 8:30am Anastasia Nicolazzi Robert Phillips

WEDNESDAY, February 22 The Chair of St. Peter the Apostle 8:30am The Arango Family (Living) Pasquale Bartone

THURSDAY, February 23 St. Polycarp, Bishop & Martyr 8:30am Carol Curcio Mertz Joan & Dan Sullivan (Living)

FRIDAY, February 24 Weekday 8:30am Michael Sheehan Family Laurence Rosace

SATURDAY, February 25 Weekday; BVM 9:30am People of the Parish 5:00pm Isidoro & Consiglia Perchiacca & family Raymond J. Brill SUNDAY, February 26 EIGHTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME; 7:30am Mary Anne Bielski Adeline Campanella 9:00am Helen Kopidlowski (CHILDREN’S Citro & Carmela DeSimone CHOIR)

10:30 Mary Dinnebeil (ADULT CHOIR) Joseph Straka

12Noon Xavier Riccobono Father Jay Bowden (Living)

PARISH OFFICE: 732-270-3980 RELIGIOUS EDUCATION: 732-270-3797

PARISH WEBSITE: www.stjustin.org

MASS SCHEDULE: Saturday Vigil: 5:00PM Sunday: 7:30AM, 9:00AM, 10:30AM, 12:00Noon Monday-Friday:8:30AM; Saturday: 9:30am Holy Days: Announced

BAPTISM: Parents are required to attend a Baptism Preparation Session. Godparents/Sponsors are invited and strongly encouraged to attend. Please call the Parish Office as early as possible to make arrangements.

SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION: Saturdays: At 3:30PM

INTERESTED IN BECOMING A CATHOLIC? Adult R.C.I.A. program: Contact Parish Office Children R.C.I.A. program: Contact Religious Ed.

MARRIAGE: The Sacrament of Marr iage requires a time of spiritual preparation. According to the Common Policy adopted by the Bishops of New Jersey, this preparation requires attendance at a marriage preparation program (Pre-Cana) as well as sessions with the parish deacon or priest. Therefore, couples should make arrangements at the Parish Office one year before the planned wedding date and before finalizing any social plans.

MISSION STATEMENT: The goal of Saint Justin The Martyr Parish is that each member grow in the Grace through Jesus Christ, and in so doing cooperate with the Holy Spirit in giving glory to God, in experiencing the salvation of their soul, and in building up the Body of Christ.

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MONTHLY FOOD COLLECTION: Every third weekend of the month.

The Altar Bread, which will become the Body of Christ at the Masses celebrated

during the week is in Loving Memory of

Marie & John Olexy

requested by daughter Sharon & Otto Brdlik

The Sanctuary Candle which burns near the Tabernacle

in Church, the reminder of the Lord’s Presence in the Most Holy

Eucharist is in Loving Memory of

Marie & John Olexy

requested by daughter Sharon & Otto Brdlik

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From the Pastor February 19, 2017

7th

Sunday in

Ordinary Time - A

On Presidents’ Day weekend 2014, we reflected on the revised orations offered for a For a Head of State or Ruler and For Those in Public Office.

This year we offer some thoughts about two related orations: For a Governing Assembly and For the Nation or State. Does praying for our Country violate any biblical bans or the so-called ‘Separation of Church and State?’ NO!

There are many scriptural verses that implore us to pray for our leaders, both religious and civic; as Saint Paul said: “I ask that supplications, prayers, petitions, and thanksgivings be offered for everyone, for kings and for all in authority, that we may lead a quiet and tranquil life in all devotion and dignity.” [1 Timothy 2:1-2] And the overused and often misused mantra, ‘Separation of Church and State’ was never intended to keep either Church or State from doing their ‘job.’ In fact, our Founding Fathers were more concerned with the State mandating one particular religion or faith and forbidding all others, as was the case in England and France, and still is the case in Islamic States that ban Christianity and Judaism. Here’s how the Roman Catholic Church prays for the State in her orations, which we offer for every member in all three branches of our government: the executive, legislative and judicial branches.

THE COMMON GOOD. In the days when they taught ‘civics’ in school, we learned that the USA is a REPUBLIC, not a democracy, so it is NOT - contrary to popular opinion, majority rule. If it were, we would have no need for Congress or the Constitution; all decisions would be based on the often self-centered, biased ‘personal opinion.’ But in the wisdom of our Founders, we have governing bodies that strive to secure the rights of the individual and the community, the

Collect - For A Governing Assembly

O God, who arrange all things in wondrous order and govern in marvelous ways,

look with favor on the assembled, for whom we now pray, and mercifully pour out upon

them the spirit of your wisdom, that they may decide everything for the well-being

and peace of all and may never turn aside from your will.

Through our Lord … for ever and ever. Amen.

powerful and the weak, the ‘have’s’ and the ‘have’s not’s,’ male and female, white or black, born or unborn, etc. And as time and experience have shown, here and elsewhere, past and present, once God’s revealed laws and moral codes are removed from our deliberations, there is a travesty of justice - and a violation of someone’s rights.

Priests and Bishops are currently forbidden by Canon [Church] Law to hold public office; ‘permanent’ Deacons [those not preparing for Ordination to Priesthood] are permitted, as they often have secular or non-church jobs. Some might remember Jesuit Father Robert Drinan, who served in Congress from 1971-1980; at the time, a Religious Priest was permitted to hold office, with the approval of his Superior, which he never sought. His scandalous public support FOR legalizing abortion probably prodded Saint John Paul to emend the 1983 Code of Canon Law to forbid clerics from holding office!

In any case, we clerics are permitted - and encouraged - to speak on political matters … as long as we are consistent with Church teaching. I have contacted my elected officials on more than one occasion to offer my Church-informed thoughts on issues being debated or voted on by them - and so should you - for we must bring our Catholic Faith into the public forum!

ONE NATION UNDER GOD. We cannot ask God to bless America if we do not listen to and strive to live by God’s word. Nor can our leaders do their job without help from on high. We MUST pray for them, and be active, supportive citizens of our great Republic. May the Blessed Virgin Mary, Patroness of the USA under her title The Immaculate Conception, pray for us!

In Christ, Rev. Mark A. Kreder

Collect - For the Nation or State

O God, who arrange all things according to a wonderful design, graciously receive the

prayers we pour out to you for our country (state),

that, through the wisdom of its leaders and the integrity of its citizens,

harmony and justice may be assured and lasting prosperity come with peace.

Through our Lord … for ever and ever. Amen.

Readings for the Week of February 19, 2017

Monday: Sir 1:1-10; Ps 93:1-2, 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, 4-6; Mt 16:13-19 Thursday: Sir 5:1-8; Ps 1:1-4, 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 103:13-18; Mk 10:13-16 Sunday: Is 49:14-15; Ps 62:2-3, 6-9; 1 Cor 4:1-5; Mt 6:24-34

The Prodigal Son Stained Glass Window

The stained glass window on the confessional is finished and has been installed. It is featured on the

cover of today’s bulletin. The scene is from the parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32). As you

look at the window, focus on the image of the repentant sinner leaning against his father's breast

and the old father bending over his son. The father's features and his outstretched hands tell of his

goodness and desire to embrace all his children. The scene represents a symbol of all homecomings, of the

darkness of human existence illuminated by tenderness and of weary and sinful mankind taking

refuge in the shelter of God's mercy. This is the grace and mercy we receive in the Sacrament of

Reconciliation (Confession).

As we will enter the season of Lent shortly, I invite all to partake of this sacrament to experience God’s love, his mercy, his forgiveness and his healing. Our

parish Penance Service is scheduled for Friday evening, April 7th at 7:00 pm. Confessions are also

heard on Saturdays at 3:30 pm.

The stained glass window is the work of the same artist who completed our bas-relief of the Holy

Family. He does beautiful work. The Holy Family shrine was the gift of the Nardini, Messina and

Fournier families. We thank them for their generosity and for this great gift and ask that you keep them in your prayers. Father Mark

St. Justin's Roller Skating Night Saturday February 25th, 2017

Time: 5-7pm (Doors open at 5pm) Jackson Skating Center 2270, W. County Line Road

Cost: $15.00 per Family Registration Deadline: February 20th After February

20th and at the door: $20.00 per family Skate Rental available & paid directly to the rink.

Quads: $2.00 In-Line: $2.00 This is a family night all parents must attend with

children. Our youth group will be available to help skate with the small children. Rink is closed to the public. A

great night to invite family and friends to skate with your parish family ($15/family with same last name)

Flyers available in the narthex and for download on our website: www.stjustin.org

Saturday February 25, 2017 St. Joseph Church

Toms River 8:00am to 3:00pm

Attention Men! Join other Catholic men from across the Diocese of Trenton at the 20th Annual Men’s

Conference ‘INTO THE BREACH”

Guest Speakers: Bishop David M. O’Connell

(Presider at Mass & Homilist) Tim Staples, Catholic Answers Host

Chris Smith, US Senate Representative Marie Joseph, Legacy of Life Foundation

There will be music, Catholic vendors, and the opportuni-ty to fellowship with other men who are looking to grow

in their walk with Jesus & dynamically live out their Catholic faith. A youth breakout session will also be of-

fered for young men from 8th grade to college age.

Cost $25/person in advance ($30 at the door); $10 for students. Breakfast & lunch will be provided. For

more info or to register online go to www.catholicmenforjesuschrist.org

To register by mail, send the name(s) of each person reg-istering, your check & a self-addressed stamped

envelope to: Catholic Men for Jesus Christ; PO Box 816, Morrisville, PA 19067

REGISTER NOW! 514 page 3

The Flowers adorning the Altar are

in Loving Memory of

Marie & John Olexy

requested by daughter Sharon and Otto Brdlik

Please Note that the Parish Offices will be

closed on Monday, February 20th in Observance of Presidents’ Day

St. Justin’s Men’s Faith Group in conjunction

with the Altar Rosary Society will be hosting a Hospitality Sunday

after all Masses Sunday, February 26th

Stop in after Mass and enjoy pancakes, sausage, coffee, juice, and fellowship!

Return the flyer in the basket provided in the Narthex by 2/19/17 if you plan on coming.

To everything there is a season and a time to every purpose under heaven

Ecclesiastes 3:11

“...a time to be born…”

“a time to love…”

…”and a time to be born to Eternal Life…” Grace Herzig, Teresa Wilbur, Pearl Clancy

Those who have died in the Service of our Country.

“...and a time for peace in all the world…” pray for our servicemen and women at home and abroad,

David Cozad, Jason Howie, Daniel Robert Costello, Rick DiSanti, A.J. Elbert, Ryan Buckley,

Eric P. Fenske, Louis Graffeo, Michael Griffing, Alexandria Del’Romero Hughes, Audrey Hughes,

Antoni Jedra, Charles Jones, Ian Krong, Kelly Ann Pisano, Armando Leonor, Walter Reed, Tyler Brandon Sansone, Reinalo J. Vista, Trevor Smida, Christopher Sylvester,

Nick Panzara, Brian Macnab, Greg Hermack, John DiMicelli, John M. Budenas, Robert Tront,

Michael Anthony DeAnni, Nick Roma

and for our President and elected Leaders of our Country.

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION NEWS

REMINDERS:

No classes are scheduled for Monday, February 20th in observance of Presidents Day

Confirmation Retreat Thursday, February 23rd

6:00 – 9:00 PM Student and Parent/Guardian must attend

Parish Hall

MARDI GRAS Our parish Mardi Gras will take place on Tuesday,

February 28th from 6:00 – 8:00 pm. Come join us for Face Painting, Balloon Sculptures, Ice Cream, Candy and

Goody Bags. Please remember to bring your palm branches for burning.

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Congratulations to those who celebrated the Sacrament of First Reconciliation

Jessica Abbott Ethan Goldate Abbylynn Pandolf Kayla Anderson Cecilia Hayduk Michael Pansini Samantha Anderson Riley Hedin Giovanni Pensa Gavin Ashley Drew Heiser Lucas Pinheiro Chase Baillie David Hernandez Dylan Plesnarski Emily Bell Grace Hewitt Anthony Prater Katelyn Bell Kaycie Hilla Courtney Pugliese Robert Brandshagen Gavin Hoernig Timothy Purnell Michael Bruno Colin Jamison Dominic Roma Anthony Buczynski Alani Jasinski Amanda Rossi Genaro Cantalupo Marleigh Jasinski Vincent Rossi Alexia Cecere Nathaniel Josiah Dominik Sabatino Emily Christopher Russell Kucharski Vince Samante Joseph Cirillo Salvatore LaFace Cameron Saranczak Leigha Cirillo Savine Le Ru Liam Saranczak Enzo Crovadore Matthew Leatherman Thomas Sica Giavanna Dattoli Alexandra Lezama Kayla Simmons Antonio De Angelo Guadalupe Lezama Brielle Smith Madison Dehl Kimberly Lezama Ava Sorrentino Lillian DelloRusso Samuel Los Brody Stanisz Juliana Dever Thomas Mairella Dylan Sylvester Gia DiMaggio Jami Marvel Mikayla Szpiech Noelle DiOrio Megan Mc Donough Brianna Tuting Mia Disano Anthony Mileto Isabel Varellas Carina Doviak Nicholas Mileto Zachary Vidal Elizabeth Dworzanski Amanda Moore Natalie Wehman David Ernest Jack Murray Chase Winters Kaitlin Flanagan Jack O’Neill Connor Winters Emma Flatley Jonathan Orozco Brielle Worthley Kailani Linares Freeman Dominic Ostroman Kaylen Zagajec Jake Tyler Garcia Kylie Paladino

PRAYER God invites us into a relationship with Him that is both personal and communal. He speaks to us through His Son, Jesus Christ,

the Word-made-flesh. Prayer is our response to God who is already speaking or, better yet, revealing Himself to us.

Therefore, prayer is not merely an exchange of words, but it engages the whole person in a relationship with God the Father,

through the Son, and in the Holy Spirit. http://www.usccb.org

Jesus’ affection for children is clearly

affirmed in the Gospels.

When his disciples attempted to halt

people from bringing children to

Jesus for his blessing, he

insisted: “let the little children come to me, and do not stop

them; for it is to such as these that the

kingdom of heaven belongs” (Mt 19:14)

usccb.org

Calling All Seniors! Senior Citizen Prom Sunday, March 12, 2017

1:00 – 4:00 pm $5.00 per person Dancing – Dinner – Raffles Theme: Hollywood!

Where: Donovan Catholic—Call the school for tickets (732) 349-8801 x 2403

UPCOMING PARISH MINISTRY MEETINGS

SENIORS, Feb. 21st 11:30, Parish Hall

ALTAR ROSARY SOCIETY, Feb. 22nd, 6:30pm, Parish Hall

CHAIR EXERCISE, Feb. 24th, 1:00pm Rel. Ed. Bld.

YOUTH GROUP, Feb., 26th, 6pm

St. Justin’s Conference Room

BEREAVEMENT, Feb., 27th, St. Justin’s Conference Room

MEN’S FAITH, March 6th, 7:00pm, St. Justin’s Conference Room

MENDING IN FAITH SUPPORT GROUP, March 6th, 7:00pm, Rel. Ed. Bldg.

SHAWL MINISTRY, March 8th, 7:00pm, St. Justin’s Conference Room

Angels Needed! Holy Redeemer Hospice, a faith-based hospice program serving Ocean County New Jersey, is looking for angels

to share their time and their talents with patients and families that are facing life-limiting illnesses.

Hospice volunteers can help through patient visits, or by offering office help to hospice staff. Training is provided. If you are interested in being a hospice

volunteer, please call Bobbi Hunter at 732-240-2449 or email rhunter@holyredeemer.com 514 page 5

BUS TRIP TO Resorts CASINO Benefiting St Justin's St Vincent de Paul Society

Tuesday March 7th, 2017 $25 Tickets, Receive $25 in Slot Play

Bus Leaves St. Justin’s Parking Lot at 1 pm

call Bernie at 732-255-4363 or 732-232-3758

Do you consider yourself a naturally caring, compassionate and giving person?

If so, come and share your gifts with people in need by joining St. Justin Conference of the St. Vincent de Paul

Society. If you are interested, contact: Kathy at 732-929-1119.

Priestly Vocation Discernment Meeting Feb. 26th at St. Mary of the Lakes Parish

40 Jackson Road, Medford A meeting for men ages 18 to 40 who are discerning a vocation to the priesthood will be held 6 to 8 p.m.

Feb. 26 in St. Mary of the Lakes Parish. The evening will be facilitated by Father Michael

Wallack, diocesan vocation director and priest secretary/master of ceremonies to Bishop David M.

O’Connell, C.M.; Father Daniel Swift, pastor of St. Mary of the Lakes and assistant director of

vocations; and Father Carlos Florez, parochial vicar. It will begin with Mass,

followed by discussion and dinner. For more information or to attend the meeting,

email Father Swift at father_dan@smlparish.org.

ST. JUSTIN THE MARTYR NURSING MINISTRY BLOOD PRESSURE SCREENING

AFTER ALL MASSES THIS WEEKEND IN ST. JUSTIN’S CONFERENCE ROOM 8am-1pm

PILGRIMAGE TO SPAIN WITH FATIMA & LOURDES 11 DAYS: November 1 - 11, 2017

HOSTED BY Rev. Fr. Charles M. Yastishock Visiting Fatima, Salamanca, Avila, Madrid, Lourdes,

Montserrat and Barcelona! ONLY $2989 PER PERSON FROM NEWARK (Air/land price is $2359

plus $630 gov’t taxes/airline surcharges) TOUR PRICE INCLUDES: Roundtrip Air from Newark,

First Class/ Select Hotels, Most Meals, Comprehensive Sightseeing with a Professional

Tour Director, Entrance Fees, Porterage and Much More!! For more information & a brochure, please

contact Fr. Yastishock: Tel: (732) 255-6272 OR Email: czarcmy@comcast.net

COME CELEBRATE THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE

APPARITIONS IN FATIMA!!

ATTENTION ALL MINISTERS OF LITURGY There are sign-up sheets posted in the Sacristy, for Ash Wednesday Masses

& the 4:30pm prayer service, on March 1st for anyone who serves at Mass as an Extraordinary

Minister of the Eucharist, Lector, Usher, or Altar Server. Please sign-up for the Mass that you will

be attending!

HAPPENINGS AROUND THE TOWN

Save the date: 2017ANNUAL MEN’S RETREAT

St. Justin the Martyr Annual Weekend Retreat For Men

When: Friday March 24th thru Sunday March 26th Starts with dinner on Friday thru lunch on Sunday

Where: Loyola House of Retreats, Morristown, NJ. www.loyola.org

ALL MEN of the Parish are invited Free Will Offering — Further Info to Follow!