THE BRIDGE THE FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT - PARISH STAFF Fr. Jim Scullion, OFM, Pastor Michele Beck, Music Theresa Cassata, OFS, FFF Deacon Robert Cunningham Fr. Kevin Daly, OFM Fr. John Frambes, OFM Sr. Patricia Klemm, OSF Sr. Patricia McNiff, OSF Jo Anne Reeder, Worship Deacon Richard Titmas Deacon George Walker, OFS Parish Office (609) 494-8813 Mon. - Fri. 9 AM to 3 PM (Closed for lunch 12 - 1 PM) Family Faith Formation (609) 494-8813 ext. 153 Community Center (609) 494-8861 Counseling Services (609) 494-1554 Read our bulletin online at www.stfrancisparishlbi.org Daily gospel reflections can be found on facebook at: www.facebook.com/stfrancisparishlbi Follow Follow usus onon Twitter: Twitter: @StFrancisLBI @StFrancisLBI St. Francis of Assisi Parish is a Franciscan Faith Community of Holy Name Province in the Diocese of Trenton. Find out more about Holy Name Province online at www.hpn.org Franciscan Sisters of Allegany, NY Vocation Office [email protected] Franciscan Sisters of Philadelphia, PA Vocation Office [email protected] St. Francis is a sending Parish to ASRCS All Saints Regional Catholic School 400 Doc Cramer Blvd., Manahawkin, NJ, 08050 (609) 597-3800 or visit: www.asrcs.org With open arms for all! DECEMBER 21, 2014 Christ is our peace St. Francis of Assisi, 4700 Long Beach Blvd., Brant Beach, NJ DATE MASS INTENTIONS (L) Living +Deceased Saturday, 9:00 AM +James Farrell December 20 3:30 - 4:30 PM Reconciliation 5:00 PM +Rocco Sallette +Helen Krupa +Sarah & Earle Smith +Donald Mears Sunday, 8:45 AM +Grace Mc Glory December 21 +Helen Wagner 10:00 AM +Jack Maher +Dr. Richard & Anne Gove +Victor Karl 11:15 AM +Michele Fennessy +Mary English Monday, 9:00 AM +Frank A. Braun December 22 +Jo Hellawell Tuesday, 9:00 AM +Joan Mitchell December 23 +Elsie Joan Kigin Wednesday, Christmas Eve Vigil December 24 4:00 PM +William & Robert Gardner (L)+Sonnet & Sonz Families 6:30 PM +Ralph Hagen +Eugene & Lucille D’Amico +Ron Riker, Jr. Thursday, Christmas December 25 10:00 AM+Theresa & Hugh Fiorella +Ann Kattwinkel (L)+Stein & Kempski Families Friday, 9:00 AM +Thomas P. Walsh December 26 Saturday, 9:00 AM +Michael John Wells December 27 3:30 - 4:30 PM Reconciliation READINGS Is. 7:10-14; Lk. 1:26-38 2 Sm. 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16; Rom. 16:25-27; Lk. 1:26-38 2 Sm. 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16; Rom. 16:25-27; Lk. 1:26-38 1 Sm. 1:24-28; Lk. 1:46-56 Mal. 3:1-4, 23-24; Lk. 1:57-66 Is. 9:1-6; Ti. 2:11-14; Lk. 2:1-14 Is. 9:1-6; Ti. 2:11-14; Lk. 2:1-14 EVENTS 8:30 AM Men’s Spirituality, Rm. 212 9:30 AM St. Anthony Devotion Parish & Center CLOSED Parish & Center CLOSED Acts 6:8-10, 7:54-59; Mt. 10:17-22 1 Jn. 1:1-4; Jn. 20:1a, 2-8 Parish Information Emergency Information: Available on our answering machine (609) 494-8861 and on WJRZ 100.1 FM; 98.5 FM; The Breeze 107.1 FM; WOBM 92.7 FM; wobm.com; and 1057thehawk.com and stfranciscenterlbi.org. Evacuation Information: In the event of a hurricane, severe weather, or extreme high tides, please do not call the Parish Office for assistance and note that none of the parish buildings (churches, community center, residences or maintenance facilities) has been designated as an evacuation site. Evacuate as soon as you can, following the direction of local officials. St. Thomas Villanova Church 13th & Long Beach Blvd., Surf City , NJ DATE Wednesday, December 24 MASS INTENTIONS (L) Living +Deceased Christmas Eve Vigil 4:15 PM +Joseph Glinka +Peggy Gaydos +Thomas Barlow +Carol O’Hara +Christopher Degheri Solemnity of Mary GOSPEL CHALLENGE: St. Francis of Assisi, Brant Beach Wednesday, December 31, 6:00 PM Vigil Thursday, January 1, 9:00 AM Special Daily Eucharist “May it be done to me according to your word.” St. Francis Parish and Center will be CLOSED: Wednesday, December 24 & Thursday, December 25 in observance of Christmas and Thursday, January 1, 2015 in observance of New Year’s Day. I know that God is calling me. Like Mary, can I say yes? Can I open my heart to God’s call and become the faithful and obedient servant that I want to be? Page 1 - December 21, 2014 Parish Information A Letter From The Pastor’s Desk... Parish Registration: The Parish Office is located on the second floor of St. Francis Community Center, 4700 Long Beach Blvd., Long Beach Twp., NJ. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. The office is closed for lunch from 12:00 to 1:00 PM. Please notify the Parish Office as soon as possible if you are moving. Baptism: The sacrament is celebrated three times a month at St. Francis Parish. Group Baptisms are the 2nd Saturday at 10:00 AM and the last Sunday at 12:45 PM each month at St. Francis Church in Brant Beach. Baptisms during Mass are celebrated on the 3rd Sunday of each month at the last Mass in each Church. Call the Parish Office for availability and requirements: at (609) 494-8813 ext. 154 or 155. Faith Formation and Education: For children ages six through high school. Please call Theresa Cassata, ofs at (609) 494-8813 ext. 153 for more information. Marriage: In accordance with the Common Policy of the five Dioceses of New Jersey, arrangements must be made ONE YEAR in advance. Couples are required to attend Marriage Preparation classes. Weddings are performed on Friday or Saturday. Weddings are NOT performed on Sundays, the beach, Memorial Day, Fourth of July or Labor Day weekends. Pastoral Visitations: Please notify the Parish Office if you or any of your loved ones are ill, homebound, in SOMC, nursing homes or rehabilitation centers. We come to the end of Advent and prepare to celebrate Christmas, a time of joy and of challenge. The Gospel of Mark begins with Jesus: "The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ” (Mark 1:1). Mark intentionally leaves his Gospel unfinished to teach that the way of Jesus continues in us, called to be his faithful followers. This Advent our nation has faced news reports of violence against women, of racism, and of torture. How should we respond as Christians and citizens? We are not asked to parrot back the teachings of the church but we are asked to take these teachings seriously and allow them to challenge our "first impulse." As we hear accusations that our own government has been involved in torture we followers of Jesus need to listen to his words. The teaching of the Church is clear and unequivocal: "Genocide, torture, and the direct and intentional targeting of noncombatants in war or terrorist attacks are always wrong" (US Catholic Conference of Bishops, "Faithful Citizenship," #64). As followers of Jesus we condemn genocide and terrorist attacks but we also need to condemn our country's use of torture. During Advent we have heard news reports of injustice, racial profiling, and violence. We recognize that the police often face difficult situations and that each situation is different. We need to examine ourselves for our own racist impulses and allow God to challenge and change us: "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free person, there is not male and female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus" (Galatians 3:28). We also need to be strong voices against racism in any form. This Advent there have also been news reports of violence against women. At times Scripture is misused to justify the subordination of women "Wives should be subordinates to their husbands,” (Ephesians 5:22). No woman should ever think it is God's will that she should stay in an abusive relation. God's will is your peace and that you flee from such violence. Just as Jesus was a strong advocate for women and against any form of violence against women (John 7:53-8:11) so his faithful followers must be. Christmas is a time of joy but also of challenge: we truly celebrate Christmas when we act as real instruments of God’s peace and active ministers of reconciliation. Parish Collections Second Collection Today: Church Buildings & Grounds Maintenance Living at the shore requires consistent maintenance & repairs to the 4 churches that make up St. Francis Parish. This collection helps us fund the upkeep of our facilities & the significant costs in maintaining our grounds. Please help us serve you by being generous. Last Week’s 2nd Collection Religious Retirement Fund Collected: $4,767 This Week We Need: Budgeted: $16,000 Last Week’s Collection Budgeted: $16,000 Collected: $16,628.24 December 8th 2nd Collection Immaculate Conception Collected: $1,879 December 24/25th Christmas Collection: St. Francis Parish Ministries: Music Our Sunday celebration is at the heart of our life as a community of believers. One of the aspects of our Liturgy at St. Francis is the outstanding music program. In addition to coordinating quality music for all our Masses (19 in the summer) with good cantors & keyboard musicians, Michele Beck, our Music Coordinator, leads 3 inspirational choirs; the Adult, Teen & Children's Choirs. Thank you for your support of this very important part of our parish life. Jim Scullion, ofm Mass Schedule through March 21/22 St. Francis of Assisi, Brant Beach 9:00 AM Daily Mass Reconciliation: 3:30 - 4:30 PM Saturday, 5:00 PM; Sunday, 8:45, 10:00, 11:15 AM St. Thomas of Villanova, Surf City CLOSED St. Thomas Aquinas, Beach Haven CLOSED St. Clare, Loveladies CLOSED Wishing everyone a Holy and Blessed Christmas. I think about and pray for all of you often. I do miss you all. Love, Sr. Kate Page 2 - December 21, 2014 Franciscan Spiritual Center presents: Spiritual Direction Are you interested in a deeper relationship with God? Do you experience a desire to pray always? Are you searching for a better understanding of the actions of God’s grace in your life? Spiritual Direction is not about problem solving. It is neither counseling nor therapy. It is about enhancing one’s prayer life. Directors help people recognize and respond to God’s will in their life experiences. One Director summed up the process this way, “All I do is listen. People already have a spiritual life; they are not starting here. Often they need relief from the pressure that they are not doing the right thing. I help them see the goodness in where they are on their journey, not where they think they’re supposed to be.” God is the real spiritual director. The Diocese of Trenton has several training programs called an internship. These are two or three year programs focusing on deepening one’s own spiritual life and on learning the dynamics of Spiritual Direction. Upon completion of the program a person receives a Certificate from the Diocese. Our parish has three certified Spiritual Directors and three interns. During the internship period individuals give spiritual direction and submit reports of the sessions for supervision. There is no charge for Spiritual Direction. If you think this might be a way for you to recognize God’s actions in your life please call: Maryann Barrek, ofs, (609) 492-7502, Barbara Horwath, ofs, (609) 384-6188, Pat Simmons, ofs, (609) 661-1361. Anne Bock, ofs, Intern, (609) 492-3015, Sharon DeSipio, ofs, Intern, (609) 492-4690, Kathy Egan, PhD, Retired Chaplain, (215) 694-4651. Men’s Spirituality The Men’s Spirituality group meets on the third Saturday of each month from 8:30 to 10:00 AM in Room 212. We discuss a broad variety of topics and share our views on how we can see the hand of God at work in all things. All are welcome. Next scheduled meeting: December 20, Room 212 Scripture Study This group meets every two weeks to learn, discuss and reflect on passages of the Sacred Scriptures. The group is led by Tom Troyano and meets from 7:00 to 8:30 PM in the Center. No prior experience of Scripture study is required. Next scheduled meeting January 7, Sr. Lounge RCIA - Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults “What Does It Mean To Be Catholic?” “What Is Catholicism?” a 2,000 year old living tradition?...a mystery? ...a relationship?...a way of life?...a world view? We invite those who are Catholic, those who want to have your questions answered, those who want to learn more about the Catholic Faith, those who are preparing to celebrate the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist, and those who are seeking to continue to find God in the everyday goodness of life to join with us as we continue to journey in faith with God and one another. The RCIA is a process that enables us to reflect on our identity and our mission as people of God. Classes meet on Tuesday from 7:00 to 8:00 PM in Room 212 unless otherwise noted. There will be no classes December 23 and 30. Next scheduled meeting: January 6. All are welcome! The JPIC Corner: Justice, Peace, and the Integrity of Creation Who picks the food we eat? • There are an estimated 3 million farm workers in the United States. • Over 50% of these farm workers lack official documentation, which puts them at risk of abuse and deportation. • 85% of fruits and vegetables produced in the US are picked by farm workers by hand. • The average farm worker makes only $11,000/yr., but the fruit & vegetable industry generates an estimated $28 billion/yr. "Look! The wages you failed to pay the workers who mowed your fields are crying out against you. The cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord Almighty.” —James 5:4 Source: Franciscan Action Network An Invitation to Contemplative Living This program calls out to those who desire to live more contemplatively in the world, to grow in union with God and others, and to become more aware, intentional and free. God liberates us and heals us through the practice of contemplative prayer. Monthly sessions on the practice of contemplative prayer are scheduled. This group meets from 9:45 AM to 12:00 PM in the Center. Next scheduled meeting: January 10, Sr. Lounge Presenter: Fr. Jim Scullion, ofm Woman’s Spirituality The Women’s Spirituality Group provides an opportunity for women to gather and share with other women how they experience God in their lives in the here and now. They meet from September through November and January through June on the second Wednesday from 6:45 to 8:00 PM in the Center. Next scheduled meeting: January 14, Room 212 Saint Francis Music Department Come join us on Christmas Eve to celebrate the birthday of a king! Wednesday, December 24 Saint Francis, Brant Beach Church 3:30 PM - Prelude music with the children's choir, teen choir and chamber orchestra 4:00 PM - Christmas Eve Family Mass 6:00 PM - Prelude music with the teen choir, adult choir and chamber orchestra 6:30 PM - Christmas Eve Mass Merry Christmas and blessings for a healthy and happy New Year! Love, The St. Francis Music Ministry Page 3 - December 21, 2014 Family Faith Formation Monthly Meetings: Theresa Cassata, ofs, Coordinator of FFF (Ext. 153) Ellen Halvorsen, Elementary Coordinator (Ext. 150) Marion Pierri, Confirmation Coordinator (Ext. 177) St. Francis Center unless otherwise noted. Volunteers Needed: Substitute Catechists & Aides, Tuesday 5:30-6:45 PM and Wednesday 4:30-5:45 PM. Family Faith Formation Classes: begin again Tuesday & Wednesday, January 6 & 7. First Eucharist Date Requests: accepted beginning Thursday, January 8 at 9:00 AM in the Family Faith Formation office. Scripture A (6th Grade) Bible Encounter Screenings If you missed some of the Bible Encounter sessions and would like to view them so you can complete your workbook, you are invited to attend the screenings which will be presented during Christmas break: Sessions 1-4 - Monday, December 29, 3:00 to 5:30 PM Sessions 5-8 - Tuesday, December 30, 4:00 to 6:30 PM Please RSVP to Marion Pierri at [email protected] or call 609-494-8813 ext. 177. Diocese of Trenton Vocation Office (609) 406-7449 - [email protected] Is God Calling You? Christmas Open House Once again our Vocational discernment group will meet on the last Sunday of December. The format of this gathering will be a visit to the Diocesan House of Discernment where you will have the opportunity to meet and chat with some of the priests and some of our seminarians of the Diocese of Trenton. If you are a faithful, single Roman Catholic man, between the ages of 18 and 40, and are asking yourself whether God is calling you to be a priest, you are cordially invited to attend this month’s Open House Discernment meeting on December 28, from 3:00 to 6:00 PM at The Church of the Sacred Heart Rectory, 343 South Broad Street, Trenton, New Jersey 08608. Join Very Rev. Dennis Apoldite and some of the men of the House of Discernment, as they share their experiences of the priesthood. Please register with the Vocation Office at [email protected] or by calling (609) 406-7449. Embrace Our Way of Life THE FRANCISCAN FRIARS OF HOLY NAME PROVINCE Franciscan Vocation Ministry Br. Basil Valente, OFM 129 West 31st Street, 2nd Fl., New York, NY 10001-3403 Order of the Franciscans Secular ofs Sunday, January 4, 1:00 PM, Surf City Church Social, Spiritual Life, Ongoing Formation, Business Meeting Survivors of Suicide Thursday, January 8, 7:30 PM, Room 212 Book Club Tuesday, January 27, 1:00 PM, Room 212 Same Kind of Different as Me by Ron Hall Knights of Columbus Council #3826 2nd Tuesday of the month, 7:30 PM St. Mary’s Church, Msgr. Reinbold Hall - Barnegat HELP WANTED Substitute Aquatics Aerobics Instructor - Part Time Call Mike Thompson at (609) 494-8861, ext. 105. Volunteers - Human Concerns Help fill refrigerators and freezers several mornings a week. This task involves some heavy lifting. Help pick up grocery items from local supermarket once per week. This task involves heavy lifting and a pick up truck or SUV/mini van type vehicle. Please contact Volunteer Services at (609) 494-8861 ext. 118. St. Francis Center is an EOE/AA Employer St. Bonaventure University Scholarship Opportunity Attention High School Seniors: The Franciscan Heritage Scholarship is a $5,000 grant that is available to college students who are members of our parish and attend St. Bonaventure University. The scholarship is awarded annually and is co-funded by Holy Name Province, St. Francis of Assisi Parish and St. Bonaventure University. If you are considering St. Bonaventure University in your college search and are interested in learning more about this scholarship or the University, please contact Skip Carey, SBU Parent Volunteer Rep. at (609) 339-5337. Page 4 - December 21, 2014 SPECIAL EVENTS Men’s Cornerstone Retreat Save the Date! If you’ve never had the experience of the Men’s Cornerstone Retreat this could be the year for you to take a break from your busy schedule and reconnect to what really matters. 11th Annual Super Plunge Sunday February 1 - 1:00 PM (Pre-Registration Required Before Plunging) Download Registration or Sponsor Forms at stfranciscenterlbi.org. Registration forms are also available at the Center’s front desk or pool desk. Friday, March 13, 6:00 - 10:00 PM Saturday, March 14, 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM St. Thomas Church, Surf City Please contact Jim Mazzerina For more information at (609) 618-7683 Brochures are at the doors of the church. All proceeds to benefit St. Francis Community Center and Southern Regional High School Swim Teams. Saturday, January 31 - 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM; T-shirt/wristband pick-up and late registration Sunday, February 1 - 10:00 to 12:00 PM; T-shirt/wristband pick-up and late registration 1:00 PM – Plunge time – 48th Street beach 1:05 PM – Post Plunge Warm-up (St. Francis Gym) Free refreshments. Prizes awarded for oldest & youngest plunger, best costume, most funds raised and more! 2015 Special Events 4th Annual March Madness Free Throw March 7, 2015 Fish & Chip Dinner March 27, 2015 Family Promise of Southern Ocean County (Helping homeless families with children) Labyrinth Walk Monday, February 2, 9:30 AM - 7:00 PM Tuesday, February 3, 9:30 AM - 5:30 PM St. Francis of Assisi Church Hall The Labyrinth is a path of prayer, a walking meditation that can become a mirror of the soul. It is a spiritual act of pilgrimage, a metaphor of life’s journey. Choose a day and treat yourself to some quiet time. A finger Labyrinth is available for those who are unable to walk the Labyrinth. Thank you to all the volunteers who have helped with caring for the families. We appreciate your help and concern for the families who struggle with the reality of being homeless. We welcome all who would like to help either by preparing a meal, helping make beds, play games with the children or just visiting with the families. We also need 2 adults to stay overnight each night. We have the beds – please bring your sheets or sleeping bags! Our next dates at Maris Stella Conference and Retreat Center in Harvey Cedars will be: Sunday, January 25 to Sunday, February 1 Sunday, February 22 to Sunday, March 1 Meals Pat Juliano (609) 978-2746 Evening volunteers Overnight volunteers from 6:00-8:00 PM Connie Higgins Chris Nachman (609) 361-2158 (609) 4949-7385 Questions or information about Family Promise Carole Infante, ofs (609) 978-0645 Thank you and God bless you all during this Holy Season! Page 5 - December 21, 2014 Senior Services Recreation & Aquatics For information call ext. 108 or 109. For information please call ext. 105. Visit the Fall/Winter Brochure online at www.stfranciscenterlbi.org or pick up a Brochure at the Center lobby. Daily Reassurance Calls Do you know of a senior who is isolated? Senior Services makes daily reassurance calls to seniors who have no one to check on them. Please call the Center and ask for extension 108 to request that we call them. Caregiver Support Group Second Tuesday of every month, 10:00 - 11:30 AM Ocean County Southern Services Center 179 S. Main Street, Manahawkin, NJ. Meals on Wheels Volunteer Substitute Drivers needed for all routes! Call Sherry today to sign up at (609) 494-8861, ext. 109. Walking Program Monday, Wednesday, Friday 8:00 - 8:45 AM in the Gym. Ladies’ Exercise Class Tuesdays & Thursdays 9:30 to 10:30 AM Room 99 - All are welcome to attend. Volunteer Attorney Tuesdays, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM By appointment only for those who qualify. Cards: Senior Lounge Call if you have questions or wish to register. Canasta: Monday, 12:30 - 4:00 PM Mah Jongg: Tuesday & Friday, 12:30 - 4:00 PM Pinochle: Wednesday, 12:30 - 4:00 PM Party Bridge: Thursday, 12:30 - 4:00 PM Session III Registration: December 29, 9:00 AM Aquatics: January 5-February 20: Deep Water Aerobics Aquatic Aerobics Arthritis Aquatic Exercise January 10-February 21: Water Tots (Ages 1-4) Beginners (Ages 4 & Up) Intermediate (Ages 6 & Up) Competitive Swim (Ages 8 & Up) Private Swim Lessons: $25 per half hour Semi-Private Swim Lessons: $20 per person per half hour Daily Guest Fees: $10 per person Book of 5 Passes: $45 Book of 10 passes: $80 Great Christmas Gift! Recreation: January 7-February 4: Tot & Tyke Basketball Private Basketball Lessons with Dick Manzo Educational Services (609) 494-8861 ext. 185 www.stfranciscenterlbi.org/educational-support Southern Regional High School 600 North Main St., Manahawkin, NJ NJ High School Diploma Preparation Classes Monday & Wednesday, 6:00 - 9:00 PM (9/10 Bldg.) ESL Classes Monday & Wednesday, 6:00 - 9:00 PM (9/10 Bldg.) Tuesday & Thursday, 6:00 - 9:00 PM (9/10 Bldg.) (Free LIMITED transportation will be provided) All classes are FREE to the community. Additional Classes are located throughout Ocean County. Please call for more information at (609) 494-8861 ext. 185 or www.stfranciscenterlbi.org/educational-support to locate a class near you. Appointments made through the Recreation Department at (609) 494-8861 ext. 105 Personal Training with Joe Perrine APFA Certified Personal Trainer Develop and implement an individualized approach to exercise and health. Workouts may include muscular strength, muscular endurance, cardiovascular endurance, flexibility and body composition. Other components such as speed, power, balance, etc. may also be addressed. Appointments made through the Recreation Department at (609) 494-8861 ext. 105. Private Baseball Lessons with Tom Natoli SRHS Boys Varsity Baseball Head Coach Appointments made through the Recreation Department at (609) 494-8861 ext. 105. Pickelball is Here! Tuesdays & Thursdays 12:30-3:00 PM in the Gymnasium Page 6 - December 21, 2014 Family Support Services Human Concerns and the Food Pantry are closed on Thursdays. Human Concerns new hours are: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. The Food Pantry currently needs: Canned Vegetables, Cereal, Soup, Laundry Detergent, Soap, Any Size Diapers, & Baby Wipes Children’s Services St. Francis Preschool is an accredited program from the National Association for the Education of Young Children. NAEYC-Accredited programs must meet NAEYC’s 10 standards for high-quality early childhood education. For more information about NAEYC standards visit: www.rightchoiceforkids.org. CHILD CARE & PRESCHOOL PROGRAMS Open Enrollment! Full Day, Work Day or Extended Day Toddlers: Ages 14 months to 2 1/2 Preschoolers: Ages 2 1/2 to 5 Parenting and Anger Management Groups St. Francis Community Center. Locations throughout Ocean County. To register, please call (609) 494-8861 ext. 194. Funded by the Department of Human Services. Auto Ownership Program Please consider donating your old car (in fair to good condition) to St. Francis’ auto ownership program. We are in need of donated cars to assist clients to make the transition from welfare to work. For more information on a tax-deductible donation please call: Auto Ownership Program Coordinator (609) 494-8861 ext. 190. Blissful Babies Family Support Services would like to introduce: "Blissful Babies" Please continue collecting Campbell's Soup Can Labels Did you know that in addition to collecting labels from cans and boxes you can also register your ShopRite card online? Any Labels for Education product purchases that you make, we will automatically receive 1 point for each product. Only residents of New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Connecticut or Massachusetts are eligible to participate. To register your ShopRite card(s) go to www.elabelsforeducation.com. The following information is needed: Saint Francis Preschool, Beach Haven, New Jersey, 08008. Please share this information with a friend. More than one school can be registered on a card. This will help us in purchasing equipment and materials for Children’s Services. Collection containers are located in the lobby of St. Francis Center and Children’s Services hallway. For an updated list of products please visit: www.labelsforeducation.com or pick up a copy in the front lobby of the Center. Thank you for your continued support! When cutting your labels please only cut the UPC and the points value. See the pictures below: a 5 week group session that provides guidance on the communication of touch with parent and baby. This you for your continual support! As of March 2014 we have process will be modeled by instructors who have completed Thank collected 3662 points! Part 1 in their training with Infant Massage USA. Training will provide parents with specific, proven infant massage techniques to promote: bonding and attachment, healthy sleeping, relaxation for baby and parent and reduce symptoms associated with colic and gas. St. Francis Counseling Service Please call to register for our next available group or inquire (609) 494-1554 - www.stfranciscenterlbi.org about future group schedules at (609) 494-8861 ext. 197. Become a Volunteer! Make a Tax Deductible Gift Make a Gift to St. Francis Church or LBICC, Inc. If you are planning your will and/or estate and would like to make a gift to St. Francis Church or LBICC, Inc., please contact Connie Becraft, Executive Director at [email protected] or (609) 494-8861 ext. 162 for more information. St. Francis Counseling Service is looking for volunteers for our Confidential Sexual Violence Advocate training program beginning January 5th from 6:00 to 9:00 PM every Monday for 12 weeks at Toms River H.S. South. If you or someone you know is interested in giving your time to support survivors of sexual violence in Ocean County, please call (609) 494-1554 or email: Erin Borysewicz, Outreach Coordinator, [email protected]. Applications can be found online at: www.stfranciscenterlbi.org. Page 7 - December 21, 2014 St. Francis Travel COMMUNITY BULLETIN BOARD Call Nancy at Home Town Travel (609) 597-5100 Email: [email protected] All Saints Regional Catholic School Cruises Celebrity Eclipse Trans Atlantic Cruise April 20 - May 7, 2015 400 Doc Cramer Blvd., Manahawkin, NJ, 08050 (609) 597-3800 or visit www.asrcs.org. St. Francis is a sending Parish to ASRCS INVEST IN YOUR CHILD’S FUTURE Faith based and quality programs through eighth grade. Document night, April 7, 6:00 - 8:00 PM, Sr. Lounge Emerald Waterways River Cruise Prague to Budapest September 23, 2015 Sightseeing Trips Sordevolo’s Passion Play September 13 - 22, 2015 Itinerary: two nights Rome, two nights Assisi, one night Padua, two nights Biella and one night Milan. See the play and the Last Supper. Visit the church/museum where the Shroud of Turin is vaulted. (You will see a replica and video but you will not see the original.) A $100 per person (fully refundable once price is confirmed) deposit is required. For information on any of the above trips, please call Nancy at Home Town Travel (609) 597-5100. OPEN HOUSE Tuesday, January 27 (snow date Tuesday, February 3) There will be two sessions: morning session is from 9:30 - 11:00 AM evening session will run from 6:30 - 8:00 PM Parents will have the opportunity to visit classrooms, tour the facility and learn about the school’s philosophy, curriculum and the many special programs offered. Donovan Catholic (732) 349-8801 SJHS/MDHS 13TH Annual Griffin Alumni Christmas Party At the Beachcomber Friday, December 26, 8:30 PM $20.00 per person at the door (limited open bar & light buffet) 21 & over Reach out to classmates, spread the word, bring along family & friends. For additional information contact: Erin: (732) 349-8801 ext. 2433, [email protected]. Music by Ballyhaunis Classic Rock Band St. Mary’s Perpetual Adoration—Volunteers Needed Weekly Meetings Always open to everyone! Al Anon St. Francis Center Beginners Meeting, Thursday, 7:00-7:30 PM Open Discussion, Thursday, 7:30-8:30 PM Al-Anon is a fellowship of family members and friends of alcohol/drug abusers, who share their experience, strength and hope with one another. Alcoholics Anonymous SOMC, Sunday, 7:30 PM Lights Off, Sunday, 9:00-10:30 AM St. Francis Center, Room 116 St. Thomas of Villanova, Surf City Monday through Friday, 12:30 PM Friday (men), 8:00 PM For Saturday Meetings: Call the AA Hotline (609) 494-5130 St. Mary’s Perpetual Adoration Chapel is located behind the church in Barnegat. Volunteers are assigned to cover the Chapel 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. These adorers offer one hour a week, however everyone is welcome visit with Weekly Meetings Always open totoeveryone! the Lord at any time. New adorers are always welcomed, as each hour must have an assigned adorer. Contact Joann Kaczala, (609) 698-6168. Cultural Competency Statement The St. Francis Center recognizes a culturally diverse community and makes a commitment to the principles of multiculturalism as a means of understanding, accepting, valuing, and supporting cultural diversity. The term Multicultural is applied broadly to include issues of minority or marginalized status as it relates to race, ethnicity, culture, socioeconomic status, use of English as a second language, gender, sexual orientation, disability, religion, spirituality, and the elderly. The St. Francis Center proposes to develop programs and practices that assist staff, board members, and volunteers to recognize, accept, and affirm differences and similarities among people and provide services that are supportive and inclusive of all members of the community. Page 8 - December 21, 2014
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