1. religion and spirituality
2. christianity
3. catholicism

THE SOLEMNITY OF OUR LORD
JESUS CHRIST THE KING
NOVEMBER 23, 2014
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2014
5:30 P.M.
Deceased members of the Danowski Family
Marie & Edward Kulak
Jerome Campo
Fred Kressaty
Frank & Josephine Falciglia
James Vollaro
Anna Daloisio
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2014
7:30 A.M.
Ann Marie Hivish
10:00 A.M.
Mary Luciani
Charles Trovato
Joseph Colella
Domenick Bello
12:00 P.M.
Fred Kressaty
Leonorfo Katada
Delores Gammero
Blaise Shirazi – 3rd Anniversary
Frank & Bella Oriole
Anthony & Helen Merle
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2014
8:00 A.M.
Alice DiMeglio
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2014
8:00 A.M.
Elena Sutula
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2014
7:30 P.M.
Dan & Charlotte Bolen
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2014
9:00 A.M.
Eleanor Leppin
Jarod Fisher
Deanna Skaff
In Thanksgiving – Tindoc Family
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2014
8:00 A.M.
George C. Martino
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2014
5:30 P.M.
Tom Gillen
Marie & Edward Kulak
Fred Kressaty
Mary Luciani
Joe Colella
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2014
7:30 A.M.
Rocco Florio
Pat Quinn
10:00 A.M.
Patricia Caras
Mary Luciani
Dorothy Orofino
12:00 P.M.
Fred Kressaty
Leonorfo Katada
Anthony Downarowitch, Sr.
PLEASE REMEMBER IN YOUR PRAYERS
Flora Assidio Mary Carton Grace Reid
Nina Margossian Dorothy Fila Laurie Roth
Nick Wolkiewicz Stacey Caropreso Lori McPartland
Nick Spina Jimmy Bailey Gladys Sledge
Infant Michael Soojian Elliot Marcano
Margaret Puzio Baby Juliet Sinisi
Carmela Fusco Baby Ryder Sasso Frances De Maria
Jennifer Ambramson
Margherita Davis
Deacon Charlie Tenga
Dorothy King
DECEASED: Thomas Stewart
SICK:
CHURCH MEMORIALS
Church Altar Candle in memory of Richard & Antoinnete
Assidio requested by Kathy.
WEEKLY OFFERING
Sunday - $4,696.00
Thank you for your continued support.
Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ:
“When the Son of Man comes in his
glory…”Matt 25:31-46
“The corporal works of mercy consist especially in
feeding the hungry, sheltering the homeless, clothing the
naked, visiting the sick and imprisoned, and burying the dead”
(Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2447).
Many people have experiences a sense of
disillusionment in their leaders, whether they are political,
societal, or even religious. The people of Israel had plenty of
disappointing experiences with their kings. In the First
Reading, Ezekiel points to these false leaders as having
scattered the flock for which they were responsible. In fact, it
is possible that the injuries and sickness on the part of the
flock were due to being left to wander unattended by these
very rulers who were intended to care for them.
Ezekiel makes it clear that if the faithful return to
God, their God will not fail them. The true shepherd will
intervene. The Lord God says, “I myself will look after and
tend my sheep.” In seeking out the lost, Ezekiel is holding out
hope that exiles may return to their homeland. The people who
have time and time again turned from God are still cared for
intimately by their forgiving God.
If they are lost, God will find them. If they are tired,
they will be given rest and safety. If they are sick and injured,
they will be healed and fed. This God will care for their very
need and distress. The sheep belong to this shepherd just as
disciples belong to Christ. This is the kind of ruler celebrated
on this feast of Christ the King.
In the Gospel, we hear a final parable from Matthew
which offers another glimpse of a shepherd and the flock. He
has used the metaphor before. In the infancy narrative, we are
told one will come from Bethlehem who will shepherd God’s
people (Matthew 2:6). Jesus was touched by the crowds when
they seemed abandoned like a “sheep without a shepherd”
(Matthew 9:26). He tells the disciples to care for the “lost
sheep of Israel” (Matthew 10:6), and he sends them “like
sheep into the midst of wolves” (Matthew 10:16).
And in one of the most beloved passages, Jesus says,
“If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them goes astray,
will he not leave the ninety-nine in the hills and go in search
of the stray And if he finds it, amen I say to you, he rejoices
more over it than over the ninety-nine that did not stray”
(Matthew 18:12-13).
Here Jesus reaffirms the covenant that binds God’s
people not only to their God, but also to one another. The
inclusive reign of God is built on love of neighbor, especially
one in need. Christ the Shepherd repeatedly acted on behalf of
the lost, the poor, and the weak, and we are called to do the
same.
Anytime we offer water, food, clothing, shelter,
hospitality, care, or time to another, we are, in essence,
offering these to Christ. Bound by our covenant with God, we
belong to one another as sisters and brothers, whether we
recognize it or not.
OVERVIEW OF ADVENT
The new liturgical year starts with the First Sunday of
Advent next weekend, November 30. Advent is a time for
looking back at the ancient promises fulfilled in Christ, for
seeking to deepen our awareness of his presence, and for
looking forward to Christ’s return at the end of time. The
readings for the First Week of Advent in this lectionary cycle
are remarkable for how they combine these thrusts, seemingly
summarizing the focus of the season as they remind us of the
eternal fatherhood of God, our dual longing for and
celebration of God’s presence, and the great unknown of the
moment and effects of Christ’s return at the end of time.
Advent’s liturgies celebrate the season as one of
radical hope. That is a mood we can only attain when we take
the time Advent offers us to reflect and pray. As we remember
the grace of our collective past, Advent calls us to deepen our
longing and cry out, “Lord Jesus, come in glory!”
Holiday Craft & Vendor Fair Thanks
Thanks to Jenn Orlando for organizing and running
our Annual Fall Craft and Vendor Fair last weekend. I
appreciate all of the hard work Jenn put into the Fair from
planning to recruiting vendors, to organizing volunteers, to
making sure the Fair ran well, to coordinating the post-Fair
clean up, etc.
Thanks also to all of the volunteers who helped to
make the Fair happen. I appreciate all the time spent setting up
the tables, preparing the beverage sale, etc. Thanks also to all
who donated water and soda for the Fair. You generosity is
most appreciated.
Finally, thanks to all who attended the Fair for
making it another successful St. Francis of Assisi Church
event.
Roof Repair Second Collection
Thank You
Thank you to all who donated to our unplanned
second collection last weekend for phase one of our roof
repairs project. Through your generosity we raised $1,350. As
I said at the Masses, repairing the roof problems on the
Church, Rectory, and School comprise phase one;
approximate cost is $35,000. In the spring we will start on
phase two which includes replacing gutters and repairing the
Church chimney and the School chimney; approximate cost
$35,000 to $40,000. Our buildings are over sixty years old, so
it is no surprise that they need help. Donations to help defray
the cost of the roof repairs are always welcome.
Calendar Raffle
Our next Calendar Raffle is underway. The
Raffle tickets offer ninety chances to win money. The first
drawing date is Christmas Day, December 25, with a prize of
$500. If you are looking for stocking stuffers or Secret Santa
gifts, a $10 Calendar Raffle is a good way to go.
Proceeds from the Raffle will go toward our
numerous Parish maintenance projects. New with this Raffle is
the opportunity for parishioners to sell tickets on our behalf.
Packets of ten tickets are available after each Mass and in the
Rectory. Please consider taking a packet of ten tickets to sell.
Thanks for your continued support of our fundraisers and our
Parish.
Welcome Home to the Church
As we prepare for the start of Advent next weekend,
let us take a few moments to think about who we can invite
back to the Church. I do not like the phrase “lapsed Catholic.”
I prefer to say “Catholics who have not been to Mass
recently.”
“O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” This is
one of the most familiar quotes in Scripture and it asks an
important question. What does our faith look like? Today, it is
not about having faith enough to walk on water. For us, here
and now, it is about having faith enough to spread the saving
message of Jesus Christ and the sacramental life in Christ that
is the Catholic Church. Are there people you know who need
to be reminded about this? Invite them to come to Mass with
you.
Sincerely in Christ,
Fr. David Pickens
Pastor
St. Francis Religious Education News
Let Us Share Our Thoughtfulness with Others!
9th Grade Service Project
Our ninth graders will be collecting items for the Wanaque
Food Pantry until Sunday, November 23.
Extremely Need: Non-Perishable Food
Soups, fruit, peanut butter, jelly, cereal, tuna, chili, pasta,
sauces, drinks, coffee, tea, condiments, canned food items,
boxes of food items.
Other Needs: Non-Food Items
Shampoo, conditioner, soap, paper products, first aid items,
and baby formula: Enfamil, Similac, Good Start, and diapers.
PLEASE help our ninth graders help others by donating!
Please bring donations to our Religious Education Classes.
For Parishioners: there will be boxes in the Narthex.
Thank you St. Francis Community for your help and support!
Daily Mass During the Winter
Let’s hope that we do not have a repeat of the storms we
suffered through last winter. People need to use some common
sense. If the weather is bad, please stay home and do not risk
injury by coming out in bad weather. God understands if you
miss Mass due to a blizzard. Fr. David will still celebrate
Daily Mass in private during snowstorms so all Mass
intentions will be honored.
Flu Season is Around the Corner
Flu season is almost here. We ask that all
parishioners who may be sick with the flu, or similar ailment,
to stay home and take care of your health. God understands if
you miss Mass because you are sick.
Also, it is permissible to wish your fellow
parishioners peace without shaking hands during the Sign of
Peace. A nod of the head with a smile will suffice.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
ST. FRANCIS ANNUAL PARISH CHRISTMAS PARTY
Courses for Lay People
ASSUMPTION COLLEGE FOR SISTERS
350 Bernardsville Road, Mendham
www.acs350.org
Spring 2015: January 5th-May 5th
Theology and Philosophy Courses
Assumption College for Sisters welcomes lay people to
register for theology and philosophy courses for credit or audit
and any other course for audit. For information about all
courses offered this semester contact Sister Joseph Spring,
SCC.
$495/course for credit $248/course for audit.
For registration and/or information, contact Sister Joseph
Spring, SCC at 973-543-6528 x-230 or [email protected]
Sponsored by St. Francis Ladies Guild
Monday, December 1st at 6:30 P.M.
At “Il Palazzo Restaurant”, 600 Ringwood
Avenue, Wanaque
Featuring a Buffet Menu:
Italian Brushetta Display and Fancy Cheese Platter
Assorted Thin Crust Pizza and Stromboli Breads
Penne with Vodka Sauce
Chicken Marsala, Sliced Flank Steak
Tender Veal and Peppers
Eggplant Rollatini
Tilapia
String beans
Roasted Red Potatoes
Fresh Baked Dinner Rolls
Mixed Garden Salad
Fresh Seasonal Fruit
Pastries & Cookies
Unlimited Soda, Coffee, and Tea
Price: $30.00 all included per person
Any questions please call Carol Funcheon at 973835-3803.
RSVP deadline is November 26th. (Firm)
Please return below reservation to rectory attn:
Carol Funcheon
Christmas Party Reservation
Name_____________________________________________
Phone Number______________________________________
Amount Enclosed____________________________________
Preferred Seating____________________________________
Our Lady of Consolation Church presents
Orchestra of St. Peter by the Sea
with Internationally Renowned Priest-Conductor
Rev. Alphonse Stephenson and his Full Symphony Orchestra
Thursday, December 11th at 7:30 PM
1799 Hamburg Turnpike, Wayne
Tickets: $50 per person
For more information, contact Victoria Trentacost at the OLC
Parish Center: 973-839-3444 x-118.
LAKELAND NURSING HOME SCHEDULE
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2014
Margaret Markot & Grace Butler
LECTORS
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2014
5:30 P.M.
John McMurray
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2014
7:30 A.M.
Bill Boswell
10:00 A.M
Chris Marren
12 NOON
Armando Haro
EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2014
5:30 P.M.
Frank & Sandy Polglaze
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2014
7:30 A.M.
Linda & Jim Hartigan
10:00 A.M.
Grace Butler & Judy Moran
12 NOON
Barbara Garruto & Jolene Colsant
ALTAR SERVERS
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2014
5:30 P.M.
Open
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2014
7:30 A.M.
Patrick Sheridan
10:00 A.M.
Larissa Mangerpan & Tori Viviani
12 NOON
Urbe Dela Victoria & Angelo Schimmenti
Calendar Raffle
Sweepstakes Time
90 Opportunities to Win with
each ticket
Prizes Total $5000
Since tickets may win more than once, each $10.00 donation gives you 90
chances to win. All proceeds from this fundraiser will help defray the cost
of building maintenance.
Every day is a chance to win a great prize. A winner will be chosen for
each day from December 25th through March 24th. Check the special days
for bigger prize money!
All parishioners are asked to support this fundraiser for the parish and to
sell at least 10 raffle tickets. Packages of 10 tickets will be available after
all the masses. You can also pick up packages from the rectory.
Individual tickets will also be available for sale after all masses through
Sunday, Dec. 21st. Tickets may also be purchased at the rectory or by
contacting the chairperson below.
Please show your support and help our parish!
Erika Reid
Calendar Raffle Chairperson
973-628-7917
[email protected]