1. religion and spirituality
2. christianity
3. catholicism

December 21, 2014
215 Crescent Pkwy, Sea Girt, NJ 08750 Phone 732-449-6364 Web www.stmarkseagirt.com Fax 732-449-1646
Msgr. Sean P. Flynn, Pastor
Rev. Jose Fernandez-Banqueses, Parochial Vicar
Rev. Maynard Nagengast, OSB, and Rev. Bernard N. Mohan (Visiting Priests)
Deacon Michael Keary
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Mass Intentions
Monday, December 22
7:30 AM † Daphne Galligan
† Victor Bini
† Robert Sarg
11:00 AM † James Riley
† Bianca Stewart
† John and Joyce Sheridan
Jim and Mary Power
Mr. and Mrs. Frank Traina
Family
Lorraine Fowler
Ann Carville
St. Mark's CCD Children and Familes
Tuesday, December 23
7:30 AM † Gildea Family
† Jack Henry
† Mary Elizabeth VanRiper
11:00 AM † Alan F. Holsey
† Emory C. Smith
† 2nd Anniversary Robert Weeks
Wednesday, December 24
Christmas Eve
7:30 AM † Pauline McWade
† Deceased Members Passalaqua Family
† James Branco
4:00 PM St. Mark's Parish Staff
† Ann T. Oblinski
† Madonna Saake
6:30 PM † Mary, John and Jeanne Gildea
† Richard C. Reilly, Sr. and John Heffernan
† Mary Salapka
8:00 PM † Carlos Vinicio Zuna
† Rosenda Mendez
† Maureen Cameron
Thursday, December 25
Family
Family
Family
Janet Holsey and Family
Betsy Smith
Family
Gerry O'Connor
Family
Family
Family
Family
Family
Reilly Family
Family
St. Mark's Parish Family
Juana Zaragoza
Brian Cameron
Christmas Day Our Savior is Born!
Christmas Day Special Intention for the People of the Parish
Friday, December 26
St. Stephen
7:30 AM † Masluk and Hilinski Families
† Kathleen Kochan
† Elizabeth Dennin
11:00 AM † Flynn Family
Special Intention Charlene Hanson
† Susan Stanley Oberto
Saturday, December 27
St. John, Apostle
7:30 AM † Beatrice McCrane
† Joseph and Margaret Azzarella
† Sr. Anne Powers
4:30 PM † Thomas J. Kitrick
† Martin Dolan
† Doris Finn
Sunday, December 28
Kathleen Santella
Family
Family
Jerry Flynn
Family
Family
Family
Margaret Azzarella
Family
Quinlan Family
Hamill Family
Kathy and Bob Flammer
The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph
8:00 AM For the People of the Parish
10:00 AM † Anna, Billy and Raymond Morris
† Anniversary George and Molly Bell
Special Intention Cliff Syby
12:00 PM † Jack Joyce
† Lucille McDougald
† Bette Constantine
5:00 PM † Maria Benitez
Special Intention 15th Anniversary Antonio and
Dominga Gonzalez
Special Intention Cecilia Villanueva
Robert J. Schuster
Peggie and Jim O'Brien
Family
Rissy and Catherine
Karen Skola
Janet Murray Family
Zuna Benitez Family
Family
Parents
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Christmas at St. Mark’s
Wednesday, Christmas Eve
Thursday, Christmas Day
4:00 PM Children’s Mass with Nativity play and
Breath of Life and Children’s Choirs
8:00 AM Traditional Christmas Hymns on
organ with cantor
6:30 PM “Midnight” Mass with Adult Choir and
Ageless Spirit Ensemble led by cantor, organ, violin
and two of our areas most prestigious trumpeters!
Christmas cantata begins at 6 PM.
10:00 AM Breath Of Life Youth Ensemble with
piano, guitars, flute, violin, and trumpets.
Musical Christmas prelude begins at 9:30 AM.
8:00 PM Spanish Mass with Espíritu de Vida
12:00 Noon Traditional Christmas Hymns
on the organ with members of our Adult Choir.
2:00 PM Spanish Mass
This Christmas Rekindle the Fire
Our pastor, Msgr. Sean P. Flynn, will be
giving each family who comes to Christmas Mass
here a special gift. It is a wonderful, inspirational
book titled “Rediscover Catholicism” by Matthew
Kelly. His Christmas wish is that this easy-to-read
but powerful book will rekindle in you the most
important practices and traditions that are at the
core of our Catholic faith. This should also
reinforce and, if necessary, help restore the
confidence we all should enjoy and appreciate
about Catholicism.
Please accept this book, given by the pastor
with the help of St. Mark’s Holy Name Society, as
an invitation to renew and deepen your faith and
share that faith with those you love. Our ushers
and members of the parish will be distributing
them at all Christmas Masses!
Fourth Sunday of Advent
2 Samuel 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14, 16 And Nathan said to the
king, "Go, do all that is in your heart; for the LORD is
with you." .
Psalms 89:2-5, 27, 29 For thy steadfast love was
established for ever, thy faithfulness is firm as the
heavens.
Romans 16:25-27 But is now disclosed and through the
prophetic writings is made known to all nations,
according to the command of the eternal God, to bring
about the obedience of faith…
Luke 1:26-38 In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was
sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a
virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the
house of David, and the virgin's name was Mary.
What’s Inside?
Christmas Prayer Petitions ..................................... 5
Requesting English Tutors ...................................... 5
Christmas Photos .................................................... 6
Regular Features
■ Liturgical Minister Schedule 4 ■ Pray for Military 4
■ Prayers for Healing 5 ■ Week at a Glance 5
■ Community Activities 7 ■ CYO News 7
Bulletin deadline: Monday at 2:00 PM (except before holidays)
Joanne Gibson, Editor Diana Zuna, Associate Editor
Email submissions to: [email protected]
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Next Weekend’s Liturgical Minister Schedule
Dec. 27/28
Saturday
4:30 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM
Sunday
10:00 AM
Sunday
12:00 Noon
Sunday
5:00 PM
Ushers
Glenn Skola
John Kemper
Anthony Granato
Jerry Zoufaly
Joe Walsh
Tom Hayes
Bob O’Neill
Patrick Ahern
Usher needed
Richard Siderko
Harry Dunne
Ed Robinson
Usher needed
James Revel
Jim Mulvihill
Brendan Heslin
Usher needed
Lucia Galindo
Alma Román
Brisa García
Angélica Ramírez
Readers
Peter Warshaw
Rose Crimmins
Kevin Roddy
Nancy Schatzman
Jorge Medina
Filogonio García
Extraordinary
Ministers of
the Eucharist
Lynn Jelliff
Ken Jelliff
Kathy Kokes
Peg Azzarella
Anna Nuzzi
Marianne Sheridan
Maria Checton
MaryEllen McNamara
Margarita Benítez
Sirenia García
Martha Rojas
Altar Servers
Meghan Gallagher
Evan Crilley
Michael Anthony
Olivia Castello
Ryan Castello
Sandra Jiménez
Ángel Sánchez
Johanna Alvarado
Brittany Riano
Carlos Medina
Mary Bogan
Organ/cantor
Cynthia Louro
Organ/cantor
Victoria Napolitano
Breath of Life
John O’Grady
Organ/cantor
Néstor Román
Espíritu de Vida
Cantors/
Choirs
Altar Ladies
Nancee McManus and Doris Wilson
Christmas Masses’ ministry schedules: Altar Servers, Readers, Cantors, Ushers, and Extraordinary Ministers of the
Eucharist, please contact your ministry leaders for assignments or refer to your ministry schedules! Thank you!
Readings for the Week
Monday: 1 Sm 1:24-28; 1 Sm 2:1, 4-8abcd; Lk 1:46-56
Tuesday: Mal 3:1-4, 23-34; Ps 25:4-5ab, 8-10, 14; Lk 1:57-66
Wednesday: 2 Sm 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16; Ps 89:2-5, 27, 29;
Lk 1:67-79
Thursday: Vigil: Is 62:1-5; Ps 89:4-5, 16-17, 27, 29;
Acts 13:16-17, 22-25; Mt 1:1-25 (18-25) Night: Is 9:1-6;
Ps 96:1-3, 11-13; Ti 2:11-14; Lk 2:1-14 Dawn: Is 62:11-12;
Ps 97:1, 6, 11-12; Ti 3:4-7; Lk 2:15-20 Day: Is 52:7-10;
Ps 98:1-6; Heb 1:1-6; Jn 1:1-18 (1-5, 9-14)
Friday: Acts 6:8-10; 7:54-59; Ps 31:3cd-4, 6, 8ab, 16bc, 17;
Mt 10:17-22
Saturday: 1 Jn 1:1-4; Ps 97:1-2, 5-6, 11-12; Jn 20:1a, 2-8
Cover photo: Photo of St. Mark’s by J. Gibson.
Illustra ons are available at 123rf.com.
In Loving Remembrance
We ask your prayers for our beloved parishioners,
family members and friends who have recently died,
especially Kathy Staub. Our parish family
extends its sympathy and assurance of
prayer to their family, friends, and to all
those mourning the death of a loved one.
May the Lord Jesus sustain them with His
peace.
Please Pray for Our Military on Active Duty
Cpl. Ian Michael Rivera, USMC, Staff Sgt. Carmen
Maffucci, USAF, IS First Class Brian Maffucci,
USCG, Lt. Nicholas Guariglia, USMC,
Specialist (SPC) Colin P. Marvel, US Army,
Lt. Commander Brenden Piccolo, USN,
Major Sean P. Cox, USMC, Major Kevin Ward,
US Army, Lt. Robert J. Bennett, USN
Please send an email to [email protected] if you would
like to add a name or change a rank. If you do not have email,
please call the Rectory at 732-449-6364 x100.
Christmas CollecƟons: During the Christmas season
when many worthy organiza ons and chari es are
asking for your help, please also remember your home
parish. St. Mark’s Christmas collec on is o en needed
to offset smaller collec ons throughout the year,
especially in the winter when many parishioners are
away. Thank you for your generosity!
Notice of Early Bulletin deadlines: During the
Christmas season, bulletin submissions were due early.
The bulletins through January 4th are already printed.
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Parish News and Upcoming Events
Christmas Prayer Petitions by Marge Loenser
At Christmas Ɵme, when I was a child, I disƟnctly
remember looking for the magazine secƟon of the
Sunday newspapers for Clement C. Moore’s ‘Twas the
Night Before Christmas, that classic Christmas Poem
about the magic of Christmas Eve. “…Mama in her
kerchief and I in my cap, had just seƩled our brains for
a long winter’s nap, when out on the lawn there arose
such a claƩer…”. You know, of course, each following
line by heart. Remember how warm and fuzzy you felt
when you read it, or rather when your Mom read it to
you?! I couldn’t get past the part of Santa’s belly–
“it shook when he laughed like a bowl full jelly!”
Wonderful memories!
We know of course of another and yet even
beƩer Christmas Story. You got it! The original!
WriƩen by God long before “The Grinch” or “Scrooge”
or even “Charlie Brown.” The story of the Babe in a
manger. He is wearing “swaddling” clothes and is
surrounded by sheep and adoring shepherds. His
name is Jesus. His young mother, Mary, and Joseph
watching all that enfolded round them with wonder,
trust and love. Trust being the opƟmal word here.
They were amidst strangers, surrounded by animals,
hovering in a cave, but they were filled with peace,
living perfectly in acceptance of God’s plan--joyfully
staying in each moment. What an example for us!
How easy to trust in God’s plan when we are not
inconvenienced by it, or taken by surprise or thrown
by sudden illness, the death of a loved one, a ravaging
storm, or so on. In Ɵmes of serious problems like
these, where would we be without our faith? Does
our faith make everything right? Are we always at
peace? Of course not–following the example of Mary
and Joseph is a process. We keep at it each day. We
rely on one another for support and we take it one
day at a Ɵme, someƟmes, one moment at a Ɵme. God
is always near, whether we feel His presence or not,
this is where our faith comes in.
My dear brothers and sisters, let us take Ɵme out
of this very busy season to taste the joy–that same joy
we had as kids reading that poem. The same joy we
had when we stood before the manger outside our
church and imagined that beauƟful scene coming to
life before us. We need to stay grateful for each
moment God has given us. Let us be generous in our
prayers as we remember the sick, those that have
passed on, those that struggle financially, those that
struggle with addicƟons, and those who have leŌ the
Church. Let us conƟnue to pray for our families and
for all the intenƟons that are in our peƟƟon
books–wriƩen with expectaƟon and hope.
Make a manger of your heart–
invite Baby Jesus in and look for
Him in others.
Merry Christmas and may God
bless you abundantly!
Prayers for Healing
Patrick Wypler
Charlene Hanson
Virginia Barnes
Michael Sheridan
Anne Fleming
Enedina Marquez
Richard McCarthy
Maralyn McKeon
Ken Hauck
Don Healy
George Lister
Efraín Montoya
This list of parishioners, relatives, and friends are in
need of your prayers for healing. Please note that the
pastor’s policy to ensure the consent of the person whose
name appears here requires that only they or a family
member may request a name be added to this list.
Also, call 732-449-6364 ext. 100 if you would like a
Communion visit or anointing of the sick.
Requesting English Tutors
Within the Hispanic Community of St. Mark’s,
a growing number of members have eagerly desired to
learn English. Over the past 8 years, St. Mark’s Parish
has trained volunteer from the parish, in collaboration
with the Literacy Volunteers of Monmouth County.
The Hispanic Community remains most grateful for
this assistance. At the present, we are seeking both
trained volunteer and those wishing to tutor English to
our Hispanic Parishioners for the first time.
Attention! Spanish is not required and each tutor
can set up a weekly meeting schedule according to his
or her convenience. For more information please
contact Diana Zuna at the rectory 732-449-6364
ext 100. Many thanks!
Altar Rosary Announces Speaker
St. Mark’s Altar Rosary Society will meet on
Monday, January 5th, following Mass at 11 AM and the
recitation of the Rosary. The guest speaker will be Sister
Brunilda (who likes to be called Sister Brunni) of the
Filippini Sisters of St. Lucy. Sister Brunni is the Director
of St. Joseph by the Sea retreat house in Mantoloking,
which was extensively damaged by Sandy. Come hear
what happened after the Sisters posted a sign on the
destroyed retreat house: “Why Worry? God is in control?”
This Week at a Glance
Weekend, December 20/21
Our Christmas Mass schedule is available on page 3
of this bulletin. Please note that the 8 PM Christmas
Eve Mass will be celebrated by Fr. Jose in Spanish.
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Wishing You a Joyful Christmas!
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What Are You Giving This Christmas? by Mary Reilly, CYO Director
Here are some birthday gift
suggestions for Jesus:
Greta: Jesus, what would you like
for Christmas, your birthday?
Jesus: I would like you to gather
My children together and teach
them what they will need to know
to attain salvation.
Greta: Just little children?
Jesus: No, children of every age-20,
50, 100...any age.
Greta: Well, I may not be too
popular if I just start randomly
speaking about You and
salvation.
Jesus: Yes, I know...you will become quite unpopular--the
more you say and do for My sake. You will offend lots of
people. Is that a problem, Greta?
TJ: What would you like from me this Christmas, Jesus?
Jesus: I would like you to return to Mass and the
sacraments and speak with Me every day and listen to Me
and let me be Your guide to holiness. I want you to live
My dream for your life--not yours--and be courageous,
bold, faith-filled...truly holy!!!
Joan: What would you like from me?
Jesus: To forgive someone in your
life that you need to forgive.
Joe: And from me?
Jesus: I want you to trust Me.
Gabriel: And from me?
Jesus: I would like you to be a light
and a joy to others...and no longer
a gloomy burden.
Sharon: And from me?
Jesus: Be faithful to the teachings
of the church. No excuses...and
always defend My Holy Name.
Greta: Can I give You some
surprise gifts, Jesus?
Jesus: Yes, these are my favorites--when people give me
even more than what I ask of them.
Jude: What was your favorite gift last year?
Jesus: Besides a full year's membership to Golf Heaven?
It is always a surprise...Every year some people leave their
evil, or just their worldly ways and return to Me....and
then follow Me all the days of their lives.
Stella: Happy birthday, Jesus.
Jesus: Thank you, Stella. Thank you, everyone. Love you
forever...but you knew that already...some things never
change. I know I don't! Be not afraid!
Community Activities
Director of Development Needed
The Brothers of the Christian Schools, District of
Eastern North America (office in Eatontown) seek an
experienced Development and Mission Advancement
professional to serve. The successful candidate will have a
proven track record of fundraising and management
success that will allow him/her to articulate the Roman
Catholic and Lasallian mission of the Brothers, provide
leadership, support, and vision to the staff and
operations at 3 regional offices (RI, NJ and MD) while
also promoting common, district-wide programs,
publications, messaging and fundraising strategies o
increase donors and their involvement. Submit resume,
cover letter and salary requirements by this Monday,
December 22nd, to Brother James Martino, FSC at
[email protected].
Sea Girt Community Appeal
An end-of-year REMINDER! Donations are still being
accepted for 2014's Sea Girt Community Appeal, which
benefits so many worthwhile charities. This year’s total is
looking to surpass last year's! Mail donations to Sea Girt
Community Appeal, Inc., PO Box 105, Sea Girt 08750.
It takes a village! That's SEA GIRT!!
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 28th, from 3 PM to
6 PM at The Church of the Sacred Heart Rectory, 343
South Broad Street, Trenton, 08608. Join Very Rev.
Dennis Apoldite and some of the men of the House of
Discernment, as they share their experiences of the
priesthood. Register with the Vocation Office at
[email protected] or call 609-406-7449.
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Iglesia de “San Marcos” Apostolado Hispano
Msgr. Sean P. Flynn, Pastor
Rev. Jose Fernandez-Banqueses, Vicario Parroquial
[email protected]
Teléfono: 732 449-6364 ext. 122
Misa Dominical: Domingo 5:00 PM
CONFESIONES: Todos los domingos de 4:00 PM-4:45PM.
También pueden llamar a la rectoría en caso de emergencia
ext. 122.
SACRAMENTO DEL BAUTISMO: Los padres de familia que
deseen celebrar el sacramento del Bautismo. Para más información
llamar a la oficina ext. 100.
CLASES DE RELIGION: Se ofrecen clases de Religión todos los
domingos antes y después de la Santa Eucaristía desde los grados:
(Pre-k, K hasta el 8th grado).
Para los adultos se ofrece RICA en Español. Las inscripciones se
llevan a cabo cada año entre los meses Mayo a Septiembre. Para más
información llamar a la oficina ext. 100.
SACRAMENTO DEL MATRIMONIO: Las parejas que deseen
celebrar el Sacramento del Matrimonio, Para más información
llamar a la oficina ext. 100.
Horario de oficina en Español:
Lunes, Martes & Miércoles 9:00 AM-3:00 PM
Diana Zuna, Apostolado Hispano
[email protected]
Teléfono: 732 449-6364 ext. 100
Fax: 732 449-1646
MINISTERIO DE MUSICA: Les invita a las personas que deseen
cantar otocar cualquier instrumento musical, les invitamos a que se
integren al coro en español de San Marcos, la persona Néstor
Román. Vengan a cantar al Señor Jesús.
CIRCULO DE ORACION: La Renovación Carismática en el
Espíritu Santo “Al Encuentro con Jesús” te invita a que vengas a
encontrarte con El Señor Jesús a través de oraciones y alabanzas,
ven y gózate en la presencia del Señor, ahora con el Ministerio de
Música Carismática: “Sembrando Esperanza.” Te esperamos todos
los días viernes a las 6:30 PM. No faltes, Cristo te espera Salmo 150!
Alabe al Señor todo ser que respire!
TRANSPORTACION: Ofrecemos transportación a las personas
que viven en Pt Pleasant, Brielle, Manasquan, Sea Girt, Bradley
Beach & Belmar durante todo el año. Mandar un texto o llamar los
domingos a Diana Zuna al 908-783-4221 antes de las 2:00 PM si
necesitas este servicio.
Presentación de las Ofrendas para Diciembre 21
Paulina Sánchez y familia
Cuarto Domingo de Adviento
Lecturas y Calendario para esta Semana
Primera Lectura: 2 Samuel 7, 1-5. 8b-12. 14a. 16. Con
la ayuda de profeta Natán, el Rey David decidió
construir una casa para que el Señor habitara en ella.
Una tienda de campaña ya no era suficiente.
Salmo Responsorial: Salmo 88, 2-5. 27 y 29. Cantaré
eternamente las misericordias del Señor.
Segunda Lectura: Romanos 16, 25-27. Según Pablo,
la Buena Nueva revela el misterio oculto por muchos
años, pero ahora por mandato de Dios, se manifiesta en
Jesucristo.
Evangelio: Lucas 1, 26-38. El ángel Gabriel saludó a
María, diciéndole: “Alégrate, llena de gracia, el Señor
está contigo”.
22 Lunes: 1 Sm 1:24-28; 1 Sm 2:1, 4-8abcd; Lc 1:46-56.
23 Martes: Memoria opcional de san Juan de Kanty.
Mal 3:1-4, 23-34; Sal 25 (24):4-5ab, 8-10, 14; Lc 1:57-66.
24 Miércoles:
Termina el Adviento
por la tarde y
comienza la vigilia
del Tiempo de
Navidad. 2 Sm 7:1-5,
8b-12, 14a, 16; Sal 89
(88):2-5, 27, 29; Lc
1:67-79.
25 Jueves:
Solemnidad de la
Natividad del Señor. Vigilia: Is 62:1-5; Sal 89 (88):4-5, 1617, 27, 29; Hch 13:16-17, 22-25; Mt 1:1-25 [18-25].
Noche: Is 9:1-6; Sal 96 (95):1-3, 11-13; Ti 2:11-14; Lc 2:114. Aurora: Is 62:11-12; Sal 97 (96):1, 6, 11-12; Ti 3:4-7;
Lc 2:15-20. Día: Is 52:7-10; Sal 98 (97):1-6; Heb 1:1-6;
Jn 1:1-18 [1-5, 9-14].
26 Viernes: Fiesta de san Esteban. Hch 6:8-10; 7:54-59;
Sal 31 (30):3cd-4, 6, 8ab, 16bc, 17; Mt 10:17-22.
27 Sábado: Fiesta de San Juan. 1 Jn 1:1-4; Sal 97 (96):1-2,
5-6, 11-12; Jn 20:1a, 2-8.
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