The Roman Catholic Parish of St. Vincent de Paul 250 Bebout Avenue

Stirling, New Jersey 07980 Phone: (908) 647-0118 Fax: (908) 647-5992

Parish Office—908-647-0118 In an emergency call

973-222-0720

Parish website: stvincentschurch.org

Parish email: parish@stvdp.org

PASTORAL STAFF Fr. A. Richard Carton, Pastor frrichardcarton@stvdp.org

Fr. William (Bill) Mooney Weekend Assistant

Elena Bird Zolnick Director of Sacred Music 907-953-0128 elenatbird@gmail.com

Vincent G. Clarke, Organist 908-647-4926

Sr. Krystyna Dziadkowiec Pastoral Associate srkrystyna@stvdp.org

Sr. Elsa Jeronimo, C.S.JB. Director of Social Outreach srelsa@stvdp.org

Deirdre Nemeth Director of Religious Formation 908-647-0421 dnemeth@stvdp.org

Amilee Beer Youth/Confirmation Coordinator 908-295-8104 stvincent@boldym.com

Peter O’Neill, Deacon 908-647-7258 pjoneill@att.net

Parish Trustees Alan Tangreti and Timothy Wallisch

PARISH OFFICE STAFF Vera Castagna Parish Secretary

Maria DeLuca Religious Formation Secretary

Teri Kesselmeyer Technology and Communications

Mary Woods Parish Finance Coordinator

We are a Catholic community rooted in the Eucharist

and committed to the poor.

Sunday Mass Schedule

(Vigil Mass) Saturday —5:00PM

Sunday

8:30AM, 10:30AM and 6:00PM

Confession: Saturday at 4PM or other days by appointment.

Weekday Mass Schedule

8:30AM and 7 PM* Monday-Friday

8:30 AM—Saturday

* weekdays in Lent “It would be easier for the world to survive without the sun than to do so without the Holy Mass.”

St. Padre Pio

March 18th and 19th The Third Sunday of Lent Page Two

SUNDAY COLLECTION REPORT The weekend of March 11th and 12th

Total amount in envelopes: $8,959

Loose: $2,871 Online Parish Pay $3,038

Total Offered: $14,868

Diocesan Assessment $2,917

“It is not how much we give but how much love we put into giving.” St. Teresa of Calcutta

MASS INTENTIONS MONDAY March 20th

Saint Joseph, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary 8:30AM Helena Rohal (Living) Patricia Tangreti Joseph DeVincentis

7:00PM Matthew B. Sheridan Dominic Carton Bozo Zeravica

TUESDAY March 21st 8:30AM Beatrice Patti Vincent Corsentino Deceased Members of the Syrotiuk Family

7:00PM Patrick Hughes Vinny Espinosa Kathleen O’Brien

WEDNESDAY March 22nd 8:30AM Helena Rohal (Living) Joan McCarthy Enzo and Rose Milo

7:00PM Anthony Delia Fay Rusconi

Thomas Heeney

THURSDAY March 23rd Saint Turibius of Mogrovejo, Bishop

8:30AM Msgr. Patrick Brown Maryann and Dennis Brauer Deceased Members of the Senyk Family

7:00PM Kristof McCoy (Living) Linda Finnegan Marian Brandes

FRIDAY March 24th Blessed Oscar Romero, Bishop and Martyr

8:30AM John Calabro (Living) Margo Bartolotta

Dominic Carton Lena and Duke Dorsi

7:00PM Richard Simon Nicole Falt Frank and Jessie Giacumbo

SATURDAY March 25th The Annunciation of the Lord

8:30AM Deacon Bill Wagner John DeLuca Mariangela Giacobbe

Fourth Sunday of Lent 5:00PM (Vigil) Rose DelPomo Esther Harty, Carmel Connolly

SUNDAY March 26th 8:30AM People of the Parish Juan Carlos Cruz, Lena and Duke Dorsi

10:30AM Ashley Nicole Cistaro Adele Bjerg, Richard Garno

6:00PM Angela Fabiano, Linda Finnegan Deceased Members of the Sheedy Family

Daily Mass Readings

Monday 2 Sm 7:4-5a, 12-14a, 16; Rom 4:13, 16-18, 22; Mt 1:16, 18-21, 24a or Lk 2:41-51a Tuesday Dn 3:25, 34-43; Mt 18:21-35 Wednesday Dt 4:1, 5-9; Mt 5:17-19 Thursday Jer 7:23-28; Lk 11:14-23 Friday Hos 14:2-10; Mk 12:28-34 Saturday Is 7:10-14, 8-10; Heb 10:4-10; Lk 1:26-38

REBATE FROM THE PARTNERS IN FAITH CAPITAL CAMPAIGN

The Diocesan Partners in Faith Campaign indicated that 25% of all monies received would be returned to our parish. Recently, we received the third rebate from that campaign in the amount of $32,252.49. To date, we have received $157,416.19.

This has allowed us to update technology, enhance our security systems, and replace the parking lots. None of this could have been possible without the pledges made by those who participated and their payment of those pledges. THANK YOU.

The final rebate from the campaign will be sent to us in February/March of 2018. May God bless your generosity.

Taking time to talk (pray) with your best and Eternal Friend….

March 18th and 19th Page Three

Last Sunday, after the 6 PM Mass, I was afforded the opportunity to speak with our Confirmation candidates on the Real Presence of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament and to lead them in a time of prayer before Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament with Adoration and Benediction. For most of them it was the first time that they had experienced Adoration and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament. In preparing for the meeting I was struck with something I had read about a person who was raised Catholic but who left Catholicism for a different Christian denomination. In writing on prayer, the individual commented that as a Catholic this person felt that the only way prayer was taught was the repetition of prayers that really left no room for growth in personal relationship with the Lord and that was one of the reasons that a search elsewhere for something more meaningful began. My initial response was that on one level that can be so true for many. That the basic pattern of prayer is to go to that which we have learned from childhood and pray from that perspective. This is a good foundation, however, it is foundation and we are called to build on our relationship with Christ as we mature in faith and take the initiative for a deeper and more meaningful relationship. As I spoke with the high school students, candidates for Confirmation, it dawned on me that perhaps for the majority of them they had not begun to move off of that foundational approach to prayer, that they perhaps had not had a personal conversation (personal prayer) with Jesus. In sharing with them my own relationship with the Lord, I mentioned that I speak to the Lord throughout the day as one would speak to a friend. Naturally Jesus is the best of friends for such a conversation as he tends to listen more even when my conversation can be sometimes more like complaining than praising. Helping the teenagers in knowing that they can, and should, approach Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament as the One with whom they can share their hopes, dreams, concerns, frustrations and struggles was for me a great blessing. Saint John Paul II wrote: “ "I urge priests, religious and lay people to continue and redouble their efforts to teach the younger generations the meaning and value of Eucharistic Adoration and devotion. How will young people be able to know the Lord if they are not introduced to the mystery of his presence?" Young people, and perhaps even those not so young, cannot fully comprehend the awesome gift we have in the Blessed Sacrament unless there are those who will share their faith and speak of their relationship of love with the Lord. The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches: “Under the consecrated species of bread and wine, Christ himself, living and glorious, is present in a true, real, and substantial manner.” #1415. It is this living and glorious Christ who complains to St. Faustina: “Oh, how painful it is to Me that souls so seldom unite themselves to Me in Holy Communion. I wait for souls, and they are indifferent toward Me. I love them tenderly and sincerely, and they distrust Me. I want to lavish My graces on them, and they do not want to accept them. They treat Me as a dead object, whereas My Heart is full of love and mercy” (Diary, 1447).

Jesus Christ present in the Eucharistic Mystery is anything but a dead object to those who accept His teaching. Actually Jesus Christ is not a thing. Pope Benedict, in writing on the Eucharist, reminds us that the Eucharist is not something, rather it is someone, the Second Person of the Blessed Trinity. Jesus Christ is not a dead object. In the Eucharist it is Christ, and He is fully alive. Receiving Him with this awareness, we become more fully alive, so that we can say with St. Paul, "It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me" (Gal 2:20) and as Jesus teaches us, “I am the living bread. Whoever eats this bread will live forever. Just as the living Father sent me and I have life because of the Father, so also the one who feeds on me will have life because of me (Jn. 6: 51, 57). Recognizing the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist should also draw us to seek His Presence in prayer and adoration outside of Mass. In adoration before the Blessed Sacrament we come to encounter our living Lord veiled in the mystery of His Eucharistic Presence. Before Him we can pour out our hearts in conversation (prayer) as to a friend who has known and loved us our whole life long. Pope Francis encourages us, “Moreover, I want to encourage everyone to visit – if possible, every day – especially amid life’s difficulties, the Blessed Sacrament of the infinite love of Christ and His mercy, preserved in our churches, and often abandoned, to speak filially with Him, to listen to Him in silence, and to peacefully entrust yourself to Him.” This is such a gift on our Lenten and life long journey as we speak to and speak about the Lord who loves us with such depth.

Peace, Fr. Richard

The church is open daily from 7:30 AM to 9 PM and on weekends from 8AM until after the evening Mass.

March 18th and 19th Page Four

READINGS FOR NEXT SUNDAY

Join Fr. Richard for a deeper insight into the Scriptures for Sunday Mass. Let the readings come alive for you by gaining an understanding of their context and the culture within

which they were written. Discussions are on-going every Thursday at 2pm to 3:30 pm and repeated at 7:30pm to 9pm in the Pastoral Center Library.

First Reading: 1 Samuel 16:1b, 6-7, 10-13a In seeking a King for the Israelites, Samuel traveled to Jesse of Bethlehem, who had seven sons. Commanded by God to ignore the elder sons, Samuel anointed the youngest, David. Second Reading: Ephesians 5:8-14 Paul exhorts the Ephesians to live as “children of light” in goodness and truth and to avoid evil deeds “done in darkness.” Gospel: John 9:1-41 Jesus performs the miracle of giving sight to the man born blind. Because Jesus performed this miracle on the Sabbath, the Pharisees called him a “sinner,” but the blind man said, “He is a prophet.” Jesus later reveals to the blind man that He is the Son of Man.

PLEASE REMEMBER IN YOUR PRAYERS

Those who serve in the military: Nick Ragazzo, Stephen J. Campbell, Sean Milde, Frank Fasano, Marcia Fernandes, Richard Lister, Eric Leverone, Jay Donato, Frank Messina, Eileen Murphy, Peter Giovanni, John E. Siedler IV, and Alex Slevens.

Those who are ill:

Patrick Bergin, Joseph Rota, Joan Miller, Nelson Vitorino, Stephanie Toth, Lynne Coombs, Erin and Abby Delaney, Ron Panigrosso, Lucy Bustillos, Paula Matchen, May Hill, Sal Cerami, Caitlin and Kevin Shea, Bill Wallisch, Helen Marie Kravitz, Linda Russell, Larry and Aileen Oster, Nanci Gamba, Elizabeth Early, Serenity Rose Apuzzo, George Thoms, Richard Sherer, Maple Young, Helen Munro, Larry Hebert, Lou Aroneo, Mary Keller, George Armenti III, Anne Galdieri, Patricia Caruso-Minicozzi, Pat Moran and Eric Binner.

Those who have died to this world Requiescat in Pace

May all the faithful who have departed this world

rest in your eternal peace. Amen

Confessions will be available Mondays during Lent until April 3rd from 7pm to 8:30pm in every parish in the Diocese of Paterson. This is a wonderful opportunity to come to Confession as a family or to invite a friend who you know has not had the opportunity to go to Confession in some time. Do not be afraid! Information will be provided. Ask the priest to help you. Experience the gracious mercy of God. Www.WelcomeHomeToHealing.org

Boy Scout Troop 59 will be selling Palm Crosses af-ter all the Masses on the weekend of March 24th and 25th. The size of the palm cross is 12x24 inches. The cost is $10. Help sup-port Troop 59 this Lent.

VOTIVE CANDLE OFFERINGS

The votive candles before the statues of the Blessed Mother and Saint Joseph are offered

for Kristof McCoy

LIFE MINISTRIES MEETING

Our next meeting is on Monday, March 27th at 7:30pm in the Church Meeting Room. Please, both active and new members, come and help us support LIFE issues and tasks from a Catholic perspective from conception to natural death.

FATHER/SON COMMUNION BREAKFAST All men of the parish are invited on Sunday April 2nd following the 10:30am Mass, hosted by the Knights of Columbus and the Rosary Altar Society. Please see flyer for details.

Confession is the sacrament of the tenderness of God, His way of embracing us. Pope Francis

March 18th and 19th Page Five

Grief is a journey. The journey can be easier when shared with others who have faced similar circumstances Come and share your story in a confidential friendly atmosphere. St. Vincent de Paul Parish and St. Mary’s Parish, Watchung have combined their Bereavement Support Groups. The sessions will run for 6 weeks every Tuesday beginning on March 28th until May 2nd. For additional information contact the Parish Office or our Bereavement Coordinator Barbara Carlson at 908-647-0407.

PARISH PLAYGROUP

The next gathering of our Parish Playgroup will be Wednesday, March 22nd in the Pre K room in the Pastoral Center. All new Moms and tots are welcome. We meet from 9:15am to 10:30am the second and fourth Wednesday of the month. If you are able, join us at 8:30 Mass beforehand. For more information c o n t a c t L in d s a y S ch l e g e l a t Lindsay.schlegel@gmail.com

BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT GROUP

2017 Calendar Raffle The winners of our

fourth drawing were Rich and Carol Krenek.

Congratulations! The next drawing will take place on Wednesday, March 22nd

with the winning prize amount of $2,000. Return your tickets as soon as possible to be eligible for all the drawings. We encourage you to get your family and friends in on the fun. As the saying goes—you have to be in it to win it! Parishioners are still needed to sell tickets after all the Masses. Please visit the parish website to sign up.

The Little Way Homeschool Co-op High School Drama Class presents You Can’t Take It With You! here at St. Vincent de Paul Pastoral Center gym on Friday, March 31st at 7:30pm and Saturday, April 1st at 6:30pm. A free will offering will be taken at the door. Proceeds will benefit St. Vincent’s. Refreshments will be available for sale during intermission.

AN EVENING OF ENTERTAINMENT

This year our annual Women’s Retreat will take place on Friday, September 15th through Sunday September 17th at Saint Mary’s Abbey Retreat Center, Morristown. Save the date to be part of this spiritually enriching experience.

WOMEN’S RETREAT

The Meals for Moms ministry provides meals to families after your baby’s arrival. This is our way of showing support during what can be an exciting, yet stressful time. For more information email Danielle Grieco at dgrieco7@verizon.net

BOYS AND GIRLS BASKETBALL

Boys and girls in fourth grade and up have an opportunity to practice their basketball skills. Training sessions will take place every Wednesday and Friday in the Pastoral Center gym. The one hour session is from 6pm to 7pm for $5.00 and the two hour session is from 6pm to 8pm for $10. For questions contact Mike Wizeman at michaelwizeman@yahoo.com

March 18th and 19th Page Six

LENTEN REGULATIONS Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are obligatory days of fasting and abstinence for Catholics. In addition, Fridays during Lent are obligatory days of abstinence.

The norms on fasting are obligatory from age 18 until age 59. When fasting, a person is permitted to eat one full meal, as well as two smaller meals

that together are not equal to a full meal. The norms concerning abstinence from meat are

binding from age 14 onwards.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ENDOWMENT FUND FOR CATHOLIC EDUCATION

The Endowment Fund is available to registered, contributing and active parishioners of St. Vincent de Paul Parish who have or who intend

to enroll a child or their children in a local Catholic Grade School. The Fund provides for the out of parish differential for each student and also

provides Tuition Assistance to those with demonstrated need. Application for the Fund may

be obtained by contacting Vera at the Parish House. The completed forms should be returned

to the Parish House by Monday, April 3rd. Thank you to all who have contributed to this

Fund in the past to assist in providing a Catholic education to children in our parish.

FORTY DAYS FOR LIFE

Please join Morris County Right to Life at Planned

Parenthood, 196 Speedwell Ave., Morristown

7 days a week from 8am to 8pm concluding on April 9th for a

peaceful prayer vigil. We invite individuals or groups to participate. Please

register on the 40 Days For Life website 40daysforlife.com/local-campaigns/Morristown/ For more information email 44lifeus@gmail.com

ROSARY ALTAR SOCIETY During Lent, we will be praying the

Rosary every Monday at 6:30pm in the chapel. Our next meeting will be April 3rd and will take place following the 7pm Mass

FAMILY SUPPORT SESSIONS

Monthly support sessions are offered at Trinity House, Stirling for family and friends of those affected by addiction. These meetings are held the last Wednesday of each month at 7:30pm. The next meeting will be March 29th. The evening features discussions, speakers, spiritual consolation and light refreshments. If you or someone you know is suffering and would benefit from an evening of sharing and community support please consider attending one or more of these sessions.

MEETING ON HAITI TWINNING PROJECT

Any person interested in participating in our twinning project is invited to join us as we begin to explore the possibility to “twin” our parish with a parish in Haiti. Hunger, disease, education, and housing are just a few of the problems that face Haiti today. Twinning, with the assistance of PTPA, affords us a unique opportunity to respond to the Gospel message to "the least among us" and to broaden our view and understanding of the universal church.

Discovering God and Gospel values in another culture will help us learn what it means to be a Church of sharing and mutuality and a Church of solidarity.

Pope Francis wrote in his Lenten message for 2017: “Let us pray for one another so that, by sharing in the victory of Christ, we may open our doors to the weak and poor. Then we will be able to experience and share to the full the joy of Easter.”

An informational meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, March 21st at 7:30 PM in the Library of the Pastoral Center for those who would like to know more about this initiative. Please call the office to let us know you will be attending. If you are interested, but cannot attend the meeting, please let Fr. Richard know.

Family Promise of Morris County is hosting their annual dinner recognizing volunteers and community service on March 30th. For details about An Evening of Promise visit familypromisemorris.org

Our Parish Food Pantry is in need of the following items: tuna, white rice and dry black beans. Items are to be dropped off at the church narthex.