CHURCH OF THE NATIVITY
180 RIDGE ROAD • FAIR HAVEN, NEW JERSEY 07704 • 732-741-1714
THE HOLY FAMILY OF
JESUS, MARY AND JOSEPH
December 28, 2014
PRAY FOR THE SICK AND RECOVERING
If you have any family members who would benefit from the
prayers of our faith community, please call their names into
the parish office. Names will remain on the prayer list for
one month (4 weeks). If extended prayers are needed,
please notify the parish office. Thank you.
Beverly Thill
Shane Higgins
Virginia Wilbert
Courtney Delaney
Molly Richards
Shirley Burkhardt
Shane Higgins
Linda Huff
Clair Byrne
Jake Stephan
Lee Kuntz
PRAY FOR THE BRAVE MEN & WOMEN
SERVING IN OUR MILITARY SERVICES
Lord, hold our troops in your loving hands. Protect them as
they protect us. Bless them and their families for the
selfless acts they perform for us in our time of need and
give us peace. I ask this in the name of Jesus, Our Lord
and Savior. Amen.
Sgt. John P. Darby; Capt. Michael Patti, Capt. Josh Pershing;
Pfc. Christopher Noonan; Maj. John Gilliam; Maj. Erin Gilliam;
Maj. Matt Kasky; Maj. Bryan White; Cpl. Brian Dilger, Jr., Capt.
Sean N. Hoyt, 2nd Lt. William Miller; 1st Lt. Kristen Griest; W.O.
Michael Griest; Lt. Chris Nelson
SUNDAY READINGS:
Genesis 15:1-6; 21:1-3
Abram and Sarah put faith in the Lord, and gave the name
Isaac to their son. Your descendants shall be as numerous
as the stars in the heavens.
Hebrews 11:8, 11-12, 17-19
The descendants of Abraham and Sarah are "as numerous
as the stars in the sky and as countless as the sands of the
seashore." Abraham's faith was tested.
Gospel: Luke 2:22-40
Joseph and Mary brought Jesus to the temple to be
consecrated. Simeon, a holy and pious man, took the child
in his arms, and Anna the prophetess gave thanks to God.
QUESTION OF THE WEEK:
Whom do you consider a wise person? Where do you seek
wisdom?
DAILY MASS READINGS:
Monday, December 29th – St. Thomas Becket, Bishop,
Martyr
First Reading: 1 Jn 2:3-11
Psalm: Ps 96:1-3, 5b-6
Gospel: Lk 2:22-35
Tuesday, December 30th
First Reading: 1 Jn 2:12-17
Psalm: Ps 96:7-10
Gospel: Lk 2:36-40
Wednesday, December 31st – St. Sylvester I, Pope
First Reading: 1 Jn 2:18-21
Psalm: Ps 96:1-2, 11-13
Gospel: Jn 1:1-18
Thursday, January 1st – Mary, the Holy Mother of God
First Reading: Nm 6:22-27
Psalm: Ps 67:2-3, 5, 6, 8
Second Reading: Gal 4:4-7
Gospel: Lk 2:16-21
Friday, January 2nd – Sts. Basil the Great & Gregory
Nazianzen, Bishops, Doctors of the Church
First Reading: 1 Jn 2:22-28
Psalm: Ps 98:1-4
Gospel: Jn 1:19-28
Saturday, January 3rd – The Most Holy Name of Jesus
First Reading: 1 Jn 2:29 - 3:6
Psalm: Ps 98:1, 3cd-4, 5-6
Gospel: Jn 1:29-34
STEWARDSHIP
“The Lord God has given me a well-trained tongue that I
may know how to speak to the weary a word that will rouse
them”, said the prophet Isaiah. The gifts that God has
given us are likewise given for the good of others. How am
I using my gifts?
Thank You for your Stewardship!
#627 Nativity / Page # 1
MINISTRY SCHEDULE FOR
January 3rd & 4th
MASS
LECTOR
5:00PM
7:30AM
9:30AM
11:30AM
M. Balve, J. Loschenko
J. Zakreski, D. Steckroth
A. Friel, T. Kenny
M. Dean, L. Conklin
MASS
E.M.’S
5:00PM
7:30AM
9:30AM
11:30AM
M. Carter, L. Morales
R. Boyle, D. Copeland
E. Gregory, K. Moralle
G. Vinals
MASS
ALTAR SERVER
5:00PM
7:30AM
9:30AM
11:30AM
R. Dunigan, E. Gibney, K. Shanes
J. & M. Jakub
P., K. & R. Duncan
M. & B. Parsons, C. Newman
Date:
Time:
Intention:
Requested By:
12/29
(Mon.)
8am
8am
Anne & Jerry Vernon
Hans Muller
Margaret D. Givens Maguire Family
12/30
(Tues.
8am
Elinor Sweeney
8am
Richard Skiff
12/31
(Weds.)
8am
Elinor Sweeney
5pm
8am
1/1
12:15pm
(Thurs.)
12:15pm
1/2
8am
(Fri.)
8am
8am
1/3
(Sat.)
5pm
5pm
7:30am
7:30am
9:30am
1/4
(Sun.)
9:30am
11:30am
11:30am
Eugene Casazza
Dorothy Goffus
James Thomas
John Mattone
Stephen & Marie
Noglows
Walker Family
Thorp / Ferguson
Family
Chris & Dawn Panza
Pat Young
Steve & Debi Demcsak
Muriel Mattone
Nellie McKenna
Eileen Smith
Joyce Swanson
Anna Kerr
Thomas Flynn
Deanie Steckroth
Richard Ham
Joyce McVeety
Thomas Flynn
Bobby Kern
Donald Kane, Jr.
Peter Thompson
Maguire Family
Ginny & Bob
Lucille Conklin
Steckroth Family
Ro Wimmershoff
Doris DeLeo
Stach Family
Parents
Kirby Family
Family
Mon. 12/29
1:30pm Book Club (room I)
Tues. 12/30
7:00pm Parents Support Group (library)
7:15pm Marian Prayer Group (chapel)
Wed. 12/31
5:00pm Vigil Mass (house of the Church)
Thurs. 1/1
Mary, The Holy Mother of God
(Holy Day of Obligation)
Parish Offices Closed
Mass Schedule: 8am & 12:15pm
(house of the Church)
Fri. 1/2
8:30am Exposition of the Blessed
Sacrament (after 8am Mass)
11:45am Benediction & Reposition (chapel)
Sat. 1/3
Food Collection
10:00am Children’s Choir (chapel)
4:00pm Confession
Sun. 1/4
Food Collection
9:30am Children's Liturgy-Word (chapel)
12:30pm Adult Choir (choir loft)
1:00pm Prayer Cenacle (chapel)
6:00pm Youth Group Pot Luck Dinner
(parish hall)
7:00pm Youth Group Mass (chapel)
WELCOME TO RECENTLY REGISTERED
PARISHIONERS AT NATIVITY!
Mr. & Mrs. Ronald Restivo
NATIVITY LIBRARY NEEDS A LIBRARIAN!
Our library is in need of a librarian or committee of
volunteers. If you have an interest in the Dewy Decimal
System and good books then this volunteer position is for
YOU!
Please
contact Annie
DiDomenico
at
[email protected] . Thanks so much!
#627 Nativity / Page # 2
NATIVITY “MEALS TO GO” PROGRAM FOR THE
CENTER IN ASBURY PARK
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION (RE) NEWS
Office Hours: Monday - Wednesday 9am-noon, 1-5pm,
Thursday CLOSED, Friday 9am-noon, 1-4pm
This Week’s Events:
- NO RE Classes the week of December 29th.
- Summer Session 2015 Parent Meeting: Monday, 1/5
there will be a parent meeting beginning at 7pm in the
house of the Church for families interested in the RE
Summer Session program. This program runs for two
weeks in August and has 6 call back sessions held once
a month on Mondays from 4:30-6pm. Registration forms
will be available after the meeting.
The Center in Asbury Park assists people living with
HIV/AIDS in Monmouth & Ocean Counties. One vital part
of their program is to provide food and hygiene items for
their clients. The “Meals to Go” program provides homecooked frozen meals to patients unable to cook for
themselves. We’re asking Nativity parishioners to help The
Center stock their freezer shelves. Microwavable food
storage containers are located in the parish office kitchen
(can access through library when parish office is closed). If
interested, please pick up a few containers, fill them with
your home cooking and return them to the Church freezer in
the parish office (Monday-Friday, 9am-12pm & 1pm-5pm).
On a weekly basis these meals will be brought to the
Center in Asbury Park. Any questions call Kathy Ramirez
(732) 747-1375 or Eileen Mahoney (732) 936-0688. Thank
you for your time and effort.
- Summer session 2014: Summer Session call back #4
will be held on Monday, 1/12 in assigned classrooms
from 4:30-6pm.
- 2nd Grade Reminder: Parent and Student First
Reconciliation meeting will be held on Monday, 1/12 in
the house of the Church. Please see email for assigned
times. Student & parent must come together.
Volunteer Opportunity: We are trying to gather an RCIA
Team to prepare Grade 3-Highschool aged Children for the
Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation & Eucharist.)
For more information please contact the RE Office.
Ongoing Mission Projects: Box Tops for Education &
Campbell’s Labels for Education Collection will be going to
assist the Sisters Academy of Asbury Park. Please deposit
labels in the jug near the RE Office.
If you have questions or need more information, please
call the RE Office at 732-741-1714, x20, x23 or x26.
RCIA
Do you wish to explore what it means to be Catholic? Were
you baptized and not had the opportunity to receive the
additional two Sacraments of Initiation (Confirmation &
Eucharist)? At the Church of the Nativity we have groups
for adults, teens, young adults & children. If you are
interested, or have a child who is interested, please contact
Theresa in the RE Office at 732-741-1714, ext. 26 or at
[email protected] . for further information.
Groups are forming and will begin meeting in September.
BASIC NEEDS FOOD COLLECTION
The food pantry is still in need of non-perishable food. We
provide food to St. Anthony’s, St. Dorothea’s and Christ the
King Churches. Items needed are pasta, sauces, peanut
butter, jelly, macaroni & cheese, canned foods, small bags
of white rice, toiletries, cereal, etc. (please check expiration
dates). Items may be dropped off in boxes at entrances to
the house of the Church & also at the entrance of religious
education. If you know of someone in need, please contact
the Basic Needs Committee at 732-741-1714, x44. All
information is kept confidential. Thank you for your support!
ALTAR FLOWER ARRANGEMENTS
If you would like to donate a floral arrangement in memory of
a loved one or to commemorate a special occasion please
call Dianne Bollerman at 732-530-6319 or email her at:
[email protected] . You will need to provide the
weekend date you wish to have the flowers on the altar & the
name(s) of the person(s) that the flowers are for. We ask
that you choose your own florist and pay for the flowers
(Please No Lilies). The arrangements should be delivered
on Saturday before the 5pm mass.
#627 Nativity / Page # 3
EPIPHANY SUNDAY
January 4th, Living Tableaux at the 9:30am Mass. Children
in 2nd - 5th grades who are interested in participating may
attend one rehearsal on Saturday, 1/3 at 10am in the Chapel.
HARDING BIRD SANCTUARY
2015 BLOOD DRIVE
It is that time again to roll up our sleeves and donate a pint
of blood. The Annual Nativity Blood Drive will be held on
Sunday, 1/11 from 9am to 1pm in the parish hall. During
this season of giving, the best present anyone can give is
the gift of life. By donating 1 pint of blood 3 lives are
saved. Please consider spending 30 minutes to make a
difference in another person's life. The blood supply is very
low especially during the holiday season and all help is
appreciated. You must be 17 years of age or older to
donate. To make an appointment you may visit our webiste
for online sign-ups or call Raquel Falotico at 732-741-2050.
Walk-ins are also welcomed.
MUSIC MINISTRY AT NATIVITY
Do you know about the hidden gem in Fair Haven called
Harding Bird Sanctuary? Consisting of ~6.5 acres of
woodland preserve it is bordered by Ridge, Harding and
Harvard roads in Fair Haven. It is home to a variety of large
trees many of which are over 100 years old. There are
oaks, maples, tulip trees and domesticated shrubs like
mountain laurel. The birds that visit the sanctuary have
seeded some of these trees and plants.
The Harding Bird Sanctuary is on the eastern flyway and
attracts many species of birds, from House Wrens to Great
Horned Owls. The Harding family, who owned the property
originally, donated it to the town of Fair Haven in 1950 to
“be used only for park and playground purposes.”
Unfortunately, the Sanctuary was damaged in 2012 during
Hurricane Sandy. After contacting the Fair Haven Garden
Club which acts as the caretaker of the Sanctuary, I
decided to take on the project of restoring the Sanctuary for
my Girl Scout Silver Award.
Work on the Sanctuary started with trail maintenance
performed with the help of a team of girl scouts. Then I
created a trail map and created bird cards of the species
that are commonly found in the Sanctuary. The cards
contain colored photographs and information about each
bird. Visitors to the Sanctuary can pick these up at the
entrance and use them for reference during their hike.
I hope you too will have the chance to visit and enjoy the
Fair Haven Bird Sanctuary soon!
~Claire Haynes, Fair Haven Cadette Girl Scout
Our Music Ministry Website is up and running! Please visit
Nativity’s website at www.NativityChurchNJ.org and click
the link for Music Ministry to view schedules, upcoming
concert information, and each week’s hymns. Please also
see the website for information regarding Nativity’s
Adult & Children’s Choirs.
LOOKING FOR THE PERFECT GIFT?
Consider purchasing a Commemorative Brick for
installation in the Commemorative Patio Garden located in
front of the main house of the Church entrance. Order
forms are available in the parish office or you can order
online at www.bricksrus.com/order/nativitynj .
#627 Nativity / Page # 4
FAMILY LIFE / RESPECT LIFE
“At the moment of conception there is a developing
human being within the womb of a woman or
medical/scientific laboratory.”
“[W]e are facing an enormous and dramatic clash between
good and evil, death and life, the 'culture of death' and the
'culture of life'. We find ourselves not only 'faced with' but
necessarily 'in the midst of' this conflict: we are all involved
and we all share in it, with the inescapable responsibility of
choosing to be unconditionally pro-life."
~Pope John Paul II, Evangelium Vitae, 28.
MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER WEEKEND
For a truly meaningful Christmas present, one that lasts
long after the decorations have been put away, why not
give your spouse the gift of a Marriage Encounter
Weekend? A Worldwide Marriage Encounter Weekend
(WMEW) gives you the time and tools to revitalize romance,
deepen communication, and nourish the spirituality in your
marriage. The next WMEW will be held January 16-18.
Early registration is advisable as space is limited. Please
call 732-904-9636 for registration and information. Visit us
at www.aweekendforyourmarriage.org for more information.
IS GOD CALLING YOU TO BE A PRIEST?
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
Sunday, 12/28 from 3-6pm at The Church of the Sacred
Heart Rectory in Trenton. 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 Diocese of Trenton Vocation Office at
[email protected] or call 609-406-7449.
ONE SOLITARY LIFE
(Jesus Christ)
Here is a man who was born in an obscure
village, the child of a peasant woman. He grew
up in another village. He worked in a carpenter
shop until He was thirty. Then for three years
He was an itinerant preacher.
He never owned a home. He never wrote a
book. He never held an office. He never had a
family. He never went to college. He never put
His foot inside a big city. He never traveled two
hundred miles from the place He was born. He
never did one of the things that usually
accompany greatness. He had no credentials
but Himself…
While still a young man, the tide of popular
opinion turned against him. His friends ran
away. One of them denied Him. He was turned
over to His enemies. He went through the
mockery of a trial. He was nailed upon a cross
between two thieves. While He was dying His
executioners gambled for the only piece of
property He had on earth – his coat. When He
was dead, He was laid in a borrowed grave
through the pity of a friend.
Nineteen long centuries have come and gone,
and today He is a centerpiece of the human
race and leader of the column of progress.
PLEASE VISIT OUR PARISH
WEBSITE AT:
www.nativitychurchnj.org
I am far within the mark when I say that all the
armies that ever marched, all the navies that
were ever built; all the parliaments that ever sat
and all the kings that ever reigned, put together,
have not affected the life of man upon this earth
as powerfully as has that one solitary life.
~Adapted from a sermon by Dr. James Allan Francis.
#627 Nativity / Page # 5
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