Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Roman Catholic Church105 Summer Road + Three Bridges, NJ 08887Phone: 908-782-1475 + Fax: 908-782-6230

Parish Website: www.easeton.netDiocese of Metuchen website: www.diometuchen.orgParish Office

Monday - Thursday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PMFriday: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Email: parishoffice@easeton.net

Religious Formation - 908-284-2929Monday - Thursday: 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Friday: ClosedEmail: seasrf@easeton.net

Remembering the Sacred Triduum 2019

Holy Thursday Procession at the end of Mass to the Place of Repose

Good Friday Adoration of the Cross

Rev. Thomas J. Serafin, KCHS, PastorRev. Edward A. Kearns, Pastor Emeritus

Paul J. Santella, DeaconMichael S. Tomcho, Deacon

Kevin M. Kilcommons, DeaconWilliam P. Weber, Jr., Deacon

Mariam Nawab, Parish Catechetical LeaderDiane Luceri, Director of RCIA & AFF

Brett Walzer, Director of Sacred MusicJackie Ferrari, Parish Administrative Assistant

Ruth Pryor, Baptisms / Parish OfficeJudy Koch, Confirmation Preparation

Gina Perez, Religious Formation Admin. AssistantBecky Marchinda, Suzanne Wooby, Teen

Ministry

Current Weekend & Daily ScheduleThe church is open for private prayer:

Saturday: 4:00 - 6:00 PMSunday: 8:00 AM - 12:30 AM

Monday-Thursday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PMFriday: 8:00 AM - 12:00 Noon

Reconciliation [Penance/Confession]Contact the Parish OfficeMarriage Preparation

Common Policy for New Jersey Catholic churches requires couples to contact the parish one year before the potential wedding date or making any wedding plans.

James Letchford, Claire Long, Lay TrusteesParish Registration

All adult members must be registered to obtain sacramental eligibility notes, letters of recommendation, etc. Contact the Parish Office or visit our website for registration materials.

Infant BaptismExpectant parents should register for the required formation session before birth or adoption and to receive our parish policy, ritual explanation and sponsor [godparent] requirement booklet.

Easter Sunday of the Resurrection of the Lord - April 12, 2020

From the PastorEaster Sunday

of the Resurrection

of the Lord - AApril 12, 2020

“He is not here, for he has been

raised.” Our faith assures us that these joyful words, taken from this year’s Easter Gospel [Matthew 28:1-10], will one day be said about US and our grave and the graves of all the faithful departed. Since it is customary in these holiest of days of the year to visit the graves of loved ones, adorn their resting places with blessed palm branches, Easter flowers and other signs of our faith - and to pray that God will forgive their sins - I have been offering reflections on 3 of 6 sets of orations: two weeks ago, on the Mass for All the Dead-2; last week, on the Mass for All the Dead-3; and today on the Mass for All the Dead-4. May the exuberant joy experienced by the Apostles, Mary Magdalene, and all who were so privileged to see the Risen Lord, one day be ours! Happy Easter, alleluia, Alleluia, ALLELUIA!

Collect - For All the Dead - 4O God, Creator and Redeemer of all the

faithful,grant to your departed servants the remission

of all their sins, so that through our devout supplications they may obtain that pardon

which they have always desired.Through our Lord Jesus … for ever and ever.

Amen.

THROUGH OUR DEVOUT SUPPLICATIONS. A consistent theme throughout the Bible is that by God’s design, everything is a team effort - even achieving our eternal salvation. While our Glorious Captain, Jesus Christ, is the Victor in the war to conquer sin and death, and scored the game-winning point, the battles rage on and the plays continue. For while God lives in timeless eternity, we do not … at least not yet. So, while the Risen Lord has already secured the GRAND FINALE, we must still ‘live out’ each phase of the GRAND SCHEMA in the ‘here and now.’ In other words, we must do our part in claiming for ourselves - and others -

[remember, it’s a team effort!] all that the Risen Lord won for us. And we must pray for all who have died, who still need our help to attain all that awaits us. And since the holy Mass is our greatest prayer - for during it, we offer back to God His greatest gift to us: his Son, Jesus - having the holy Mass offered for the faithful departed is “a holy and pious thought.” [2 Maccabees 12:45]

Prayer over the Offerings - For All the Dead - 4Be merciful, we pray, O Lord, to your servants

(N. and N.), for whom we offer you the sacrifice of conciliation, and, since in this lifethey remained steadfast in the Catholic faith,

may they have their reward in the life to come.

Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

THE SACRIFICE OF CONCILIATION. While the word ‘conciliation’ is rarely used in common parlance, it is often used in our revised orations; what does the word ‘conciliation’ mean? There are two definitions: 1] it is the action of stopping someone from being angry; and 2] it is the act of mediating between two disputing people or groups. While both these definitions certainly apply to our relationship with God, who is justifiably angry at all that we sinners have done to our world, its second meaning is more in tune with the Catholic understanding of God. The Puritan preacher, Jonathan Edwards, gave a sermon known by its grimly bleak title, “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God.” The Catholic view is far more upbeat and positive: we are the lost sheep; the prodigal children; the travelers robbed by bandits, left on the road to Jericho to die; the leper no one wants to touch - for whom, God sent His Son - not to condemn - but to save. Do we pray for those who have died, even those who may have been terribly imperfect and woefully sinful?

Prayer after Communion - For All the Dead - 4May the prayer of those who plead before you

benefit the souls of your servants, we pray, O Lord, so that through this sacrifice,you may free them from all their sins

and make them sharers in eternal salvation.Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

THROUGH THIS SACRIFICE. How can we atone for the sins of those who have gone before us? Our Catholic Faith has the answer:

we offer the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass for them! We remember them, as Saint Monica asked her son, Saint Augustine, to remember her: at the Altar. We include a prayer for the dead in the Universal Prayer and Eucharistic Prayer. We memorialize the holy items used in sacred worship. What do you do to atone for the sins of your loved ones?

In His holy Name,

Rev. Thomas J. Serafin, KCHS

Mass IntentionsAll public Masses are cancelled until further notice. Father Tom will offer these intentions when he privately celebrates Mass each day.Saturday Vigil: Easter Sunday of the

Resurrection of the LordRobert Robbins

r/o: Diane LuceriSunday Easter Sunday of the

Resurrection of the LordJeff Hoffman

r/o: Denise & Phil KlappRose Paz Gago & Benito

Gagor/o: Dolores Gomez

James & Brendan Smithr/o: Mary Ann Smith &

familyHelen New

r/o: her daughter, ChristineMonday

Stella Wojcikr/o: Mary & Lou Cestra

TuesdayMaryann Hyatt

r/o: Betty FranckWednesday

Nichola Buttittar/o: Claire & Bill Long

ThursdayRaffealla Koster

r/o: Gene KosterFriday

Edward F. New, Jr.r/o: his daughter, Christine

Saturday Vigil: Second Sunday of Easter

Bertha Tomchor/o: Mike & Teresa Tomcho

Sunday Second Sunday of EasterRose Paz Gago & Benito

Gagor/o: Dolores Gomez

James & Brendan Smithr/o: Mary Ann Smith &

familyHelen New

r/o: her daughter, ChristineChurch is Open for Private Prayer

SEAS Church is open Monday - Thursday, 8 AM - 5 PM, and Friday, 8 AM - Noon, Saturday, 4-6 PM, Sunday 8 AM - 12:30 PM for private prayer.

The Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Lamp

will burn this weekin memory of Stella Wojcik

as requested by Pauline Martino.

The Sanctuary Lamp will burn this week in memory of Jack Castellon

as requested by his wife, Christine.

The Bread & Wine will be offered this week in memory of

Helen & Edward New, Jr.as requested by their daughter,

Christine Castellon.The Saint Jude Lamp

will burn this week in memory ofJosephine & Michael Sicola

as requested byCarole Sicola Warlikowski &

family.Parish Prayers

“For everything there is a season and a time for every purpose under heaven …”a time to heal … We pray for all the sick of our parish and especially for:

John AlthamerMary BartolomeoChristine BrowerKaren DiLellaJeanette DilleyRosalinda GilesRev. Edward KearnsLinda KlugMary Alice LairdJulianne MazurRev. Msgr. James Moran

Mariam NawabCecil RajendraRena J. RotellaTom StockAnna SutphinGreta ThwaitesKevin TimkoPaul UrbanBeth VidalDaniel WalkerRiley Sue Walker

a time to die … Joseph TomchoWhile the Parish Office and Religious Formation Office are currently closed, phone messages and email are being checked and will be responded to; we are happy to assist you in any way!

Last Weekend’s CollectionApril 5 $8,675.00

Thank you!Many thanks to all who have continued to offer their weekly donations via the mail or when they make a visit; your generosity is most appreciated!

SEAS Mortgage InformationMortgage (5/1/2015) $1,865,560.60

As of January 1, 2020:

Current Balance $ 885,267.28Monthly Payment $ 12,406.89

2020 Bishop’s Annual AppealStepping Forward in Faith: Grace in

ActionTo date, the Development Office has received pledges $98,814.33 and payments totaling $82,999.96 from 272 parishioners. This represents 76.0% of our $130,000.00 goal. Thank you!

Comfort & Conversation MinistryIf anyone is in need of a call to relieve their isolation or if senior citizens or parishioners who are shut in need essential errands run for them to pharmacy or grocery, please call Helen Schuler at 908-369-6618; she will try to arrange help for you.

Mother’s Day RemembranceCollection for Mother’s Day remembrances has begun. In order to be included in our special Mother’s Day bulletin insert, your request must be received by Monday, April 29.

SEAS Pre-Employment GroupWith the current economic crisis, the SEAS Pre-Employment Group is available to assist anyone requiring guidance with resumes, interviewing, marketing, networking, time management as well as the use of social media when seeking employment. More importantly, our group supports one another as we pray and learn God’s plan for our lives and career. If you are unemployed, underemployed, or are employed and seeking an alternate career path, we are here to support you in finding the right position. Anyone is welcome to join the group! If you need help/support, contact Deacon Mike at mtomcho@easeton.net or 782-1475 x1112.

Apply for a $10,000 College Scholarship!Are you a SEAS parishioner, graduating high school and entering a full time Bachelor’s Degree program for the 2020/2021 year or already enrolled at an accredited 4-year college or university and continuing your undergraduate studies? You can apply for the $10,000.00 James R. McFarland Memorial Scholarship. Your application must include a personally written essay addressing the question: Sent forth at the end of Mass to “Go in peace, glorifying the Lord by your life”, what actions will you take over the next year and beyond to

witness the love of Christ and encourage others to do the same? It must be 500-600 words, typed on white paper, at least a 10-pt font and should be well written, grammatically correct and easy to read. The DEADLINE is April 23. For info, go to http://easeton.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/CollegeScholarship.doc, or scan the QR Code.Easter Sunday of the Resurrection of

the LordFirst Reading: Acts 10:34a, 37-43In this passage, Peter testifies that he and his followers saw the miracles performed by Christ, witnessed His death, and believe in His resurrection. Now they will proclaim to all that Christ is the Son of God.Second Reading: Colossians 3:1-4Paul tells the Colossians that they will appear with Christ in glory. They should be mindful of things above rather than things on earth.Gospel: John 20:1-9In vivid detail, John tells us that when Mary Magdalene visited Christ’s tomb, the tomb was empty. She told the apostles, who ran to the tomb, and saw the “wrappings” on the ground. The disciple who entered first “saw and believed.”

©1999 Bon Venture Services, Inc.

Religious FormationAll RF Sessions Cancelled Until

Further NoticeAny questions, email gperez@easeton.net.

ConfirmationAt this time we anticipate Confirmation to be held on June 1 as planned.

SRF 2020 Dates: July 6-9 & July 13-16, 2020

SRF requires parent involvement of 2 days for each child in the program.

2020-2021 Fall Religious FormationRegister by April 21 - Take a $50.00 discount.

Forms are online at www.easeton.netMail back completed forms or drop them

off to the mailbox in the parking lot.Catechists Needed for 2020-2021:

Have you thought about being a Catechist, but have never given it a try? We have opportunities just waiting for you! We have

childcare on Wednesdays for your younger children.

Monday - 4:45-6:00: 4th, 5th, 6th GradesMonday - 7:00-8:30: 8th GradeTuesday - 4:45-6:00: 2nd, 3rd, 5th GradesTuesday - 6:30-7:45: 2nd, 4th GradesWednesday - 4:45-6:00: 1st, 3rd

Grades

Adult Faith Formation

GET FORMED!Now is the perfect time to take advantage of the dynamic online platform called FORMED. Every parishioner has 24/7 access to the best Catholic bible studies, movies, talks and books for FREE. Register at easeton.formed.org, set up your profile and access materials at any time!

Inspirational Catholic Books and CDsIf you come to church, check the kiosk in the hallway outside the Sacristy for a wide selection of inspirational Catholic books and audio CDs. SPECIAL - Buy 3 books or 4 CDs for $10

Spring Study: The Chosen - Dates TBDWednesdays, 9:30-11:15 am or 7:15-

9:00 pmSee Jesus through the eyes of those who knew him; be introduced to Simon Peter, Nicodemus, Mary Magdalene, Matthew. No cost, materials or homework! Each session stands on its own.RCIA: The Rite of Christian Initiation of

AdultsPlease continue to pray for our RCIA candidate, Eileen Crane, who is preparing to receive the Sacraments of Confirmation and First Eucharist this Easter Time. You are invited to remember her in prayer and send a note of encouragement to the Parish Office marked “attention RCIA.”