NEW JERSEY’S OLDEST CATHOLIC COMMUNITY
ST. JOSEPH  1765
OUR PARISH MISSION STATEMENT
250 years of faith-filled commitment distinguishes St. Joseph Parish, a Roman Catholic community
located in West Milford Township in rural northern New Jersey. Lay people founded this community in
1765 and maintained it in the consistent practice of the Roman Catholic faith, thus earning it the honor
of being the State’s oldest parish.
Today’s parishioners, responding to the needs of the changing West Milford area, aim to develop further
the lay involvement that historically characterizes St Joseph’s They accomplish this by expressing their
PASTORAL STAFF and PARISH OFFICE
Father Steven Shadwell ................................................................................................................. Pastor
Harry White, Ben Lo Paro........................................................................................................... Deacons
Sister Janet Brisky, P.B.V.M. ......................................................................................... Pastoral Associate
Sister Geraldine Corio, P.B.V.M. ..................................................................... Director of Faith Formation
Justine Smith ..................................................................................... Faith Formation\Baptism Assistant
Pat Mattera ............................................................................... Adolescent Faith Formation Coordinator
Mary Beth Ferriola....................................................................................................... Business Manager
Mary O’Neill .................................................................................................................. Parish Secretary
Christine Alessio.................................................................................... Director of Volunteer Ministries
Camille Kluge .................................................................................................................. Youth Director
Jacqueline M. Reilly .......................................................................................................... Music Director
Bob Sautter......................................................................................... Buildings and Grounds Supervisor
Kevin Kennedy and Diane Parisi ...................................................................................... Parish Trustees
SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM
Baptism arrangements are required to be made at least 2
MASS SCHEDULE
Monday through Saturday ...... 9:00 am - Church
Saturday evening ................... 5:00 pm - Church
Sunday morning ... 7:45, 9:00 am, 12:00 Noon -
Church ............... and 10:30 am - Parish Center
months in advance by contacting Justine Smith at the
Parish Office at 973-697-6100. Baptisms are celebrated
on the first and third Sunday of each month. Families are
asked to attend the 12 Noon Mass, the baptism ceremony
will take place immediately following.
If a Baptism
Preparation class is required, the class will be assigned at
HOLY DAYS
Please consult the Bulletin
NEW PARISHIONERS
Please call the Parish Office to register, to learn
PARISH OFFICE ....................... 973-697-6100
the time the baptism is scheduled.
SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION
Saturday at 3:30 pm until 4:30 pm; or, anytime anyone
wishes to receive the Sacrament, please call the Parish
Office to set an appointment with a priest.
FAX........................................... 973-697-3716
MINISTRY TO THE SICK
FAITH FORMATION… .................. 973-208-0636
anointed should call the Parish Office. If you or anyone
CONVENT .......................................973-697-2846
E-MAIL .......................... [email protected]
Anyone who is seriously ill or aged and wishes to be
you know is in the hospital, please call the Office.
WEBSITE ......................... www.stjoseph-nj.org
BUSINESS HOURS
MARRIAGE PREPARATION PROGRAM
Monday thru Thursday ................... 9 AM - 5 PM
one year before the wedding. All couples to be married
Friday .......................................... 9 AM - 12 PM
Saturday and Sunday .............................. Closed
454 G E R M A N T O W N R O A D 
Arrangements should begin by setting a date with a priest
at St. Joseph’s must participate in a Marriage Preparation
Program.
W E S T M I L F O R D NJ 07480
ST. JOSEPH CHURCH
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2015
6TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 15
12:00 PM Youth Mass - CH
2:00 PM Cub Scout Blue and Gold Dinner - PC
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 16
9:00 AM Moms Club International - KH
7:00 PM Catholicism - KH
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 17
6:30 PM Boys CYO Basketball - PC
7:30 PM Alcoholics Anonymous - KH
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18 - Ash Wednesday
7:30 PM Boy Scouts - PC
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 19
9:30 AM Moms and Tots - KH
6:30 PM Boys CYO Basketball - PC
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 20
9:00 AM Stations of the Cross Following Mass - CH
9:30 AM Kids Playgroup - KH
Midnight Alcoholics Anonymous - KH
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 21
9:30 AM Lenten Workshop Grades 4-6 - CR
6:15 PM Casino Night - PC
10:00 PM Alcoholics Anonymous - KH
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 22
10:30 AM Year 1 Mass\Sponsor Session - PC
2:00 PM CYO Boys Basketball - PC
6:30 PM Decision Point - NR
LECTORS FOR THE WEEKEND OF FEB 21\22
C. Alessio, J. Gaffney, B. Organ, J. P.
PC: Brian
EXTRAORDINARY MINISTERS OF HOLY COMMUNION
FOR THE WEEKEND OF FEB 21\22
SATURDAY 5:00 PM: K. Burns, A. Egan, M. L. Aungst,
C. Alessio
SUNDAY 7:45 AM: A. M. Cooney, C. Carbone,
A. Moralishvili
9:00 AM: C. Gerri, J. & L. Endres, G. Stagg, G. Frey
10:30 AM: M. & S. McKenzie, S. Luke, P. Green
12:00 PM: D. Petronchak, A. Cangelosi, J. Vigna, S. Alessio,
A. Cazorla, S. Batory
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 16
9:00 AM +Fr. Robert Greco, O. Carrm
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 17 – Seven Holy Founders of
the Servite Order
9:00 AM Thanksgiving For\ Lenny Aupperlee by Pat
and Pete Gillen, Jr.
Intention\Juan Cazorla by Triscia and Peter
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18 – Ash Wednesday
6:30 AM Intention\People of the Parish
9:00 AM +Herbert Eisenhardt by Batory Family
7:30 PM Intention\Sick of the Parish
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 19
9:00 AM Intention\People of the Parish
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 20
9:00 AM Intention\Sick of the Parish
SATURDAY. FEBRUARY 21 – St. Peter Damian,
bishop, doctor of church
9:00 AM Intention\Military Service Men and Women
5:00 PM Intention\Anna Marie Demund by Clare
Gensheimer
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 22 – 1st Sunday of Lent
7:45 AM +Andrew Yacykewych by Charles and Joan
Donnelly
9:00 AM +Luisa Ziehl De Rangel by Neiderstrasser
Family
+Charles Amoruso by Vicki and Lou Barrella
+Judith Rust - Fetchik by Vicki and Lou Barrella
10:30 AM +Ruth Tolomeo by Dellapi Family
12:00 PM +Robert Muniz by Family
+Ita Inglis by Donna Petronchak
Budget:
OFFERING AT ST. JOSEPH’S
$6,340.00
Weekend Feb. 7\8
Difference:
$6,019.00
-
$ 321.00
ASH WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18TH, SCHEDULE FOR
DISTRIBUTION OF ASHES
Masses with the distribution of ashes: 6:30am, 9:00am and
7:30pm.
Distribution of ashes only: 12:00 and 4:00pm.
The parish office will be
closed on Monday, 2/16/15
in observance of Presidents’
Day.
SMALL FAITH COMMUNITY
Experience a Small Faith Community.
We meet in the Upper Room on Tuesday
evening for an hour to reflect on the
following Sunday’s Scripture from
7:30 - 8:30 pm.
Next Week: 1st Sunday of Lent
1st Reading: Genesis 9:8-15
2nd Reading: 1 Peter 3:18-22
Gospel: Mark 1:12-15
SCRIPTURE FOCUS: On this first Sunday of Lent, we
hear Mark’s version of Jesus being tempted in the desert.
Jesus begins with this confrontation of evil. The rest of
his life and work will continue this great battle: casting out
demons, healing, struggling for the truth against corrupt
leaders and even the blindness of his own disciples.
Through it all, he proclaims the good news that the time
of God’s reign is now. God’s truth and love is stronger
than distortion and injustice. Believe the good news and
it can change you.
LIFE FOUCS: Describe a time when you were challenged
to confront a weakness in your life.
CAN YOU HELP? Info: Sr. Janet 973-697-2846
Please leave donations in Sr. Janet’s garage.
Thank you!
If it’s not in this box, don’t leave it in Sister’s garage.
She can’t get her car in!
Needed: There is an urgent need for soap, body wash,
powder, deodorant and razor blades. Also need toothpaste, shampoo, Fixodent (original), and large umbrellas.
If you have any current magazines: inspirational, sports,
hobbies, National Geographic. Black out your name and
address from the label and leave in Sister’s garage.
Needed: A client at Straight and Narrow needs a trumpet to be able to play in the choir. Call Sr. Janet if you
can help.
Needed: Shower Seat.
Needed: Commode.
Needed: Newspaper puzzles with the answers stapled
to the puzzles. Please put in puzzle box in Sr. Janet’s
garage.
Please Call Sr. Janet: If you can do a food pantry delivery once a month on a Saturday morning to an apt. just
north of Island Spirits on Rt. 23 in Oak Ridge.
BINGO AT MILFORD MANOR: Saturday, March 7
2:30 – 3:30pm
Come 10 minutes early and stay 10 minutes late to help.
Bingo prizes are needed. Sister always needs help. If
you need a signature, Sr. Janet will have a pen after
bingo.
Ash Wednesday is February 18th. Call Sr.
Janet if you can bring ashes to the homebound.
……………………………………………………………………
MORNING SESSION OF CATHOLICISM: Beginning on
Monday, February 23rd and running until Monday, March
30th. Session will be in the Nazareth Room (lower level of
the convent) from 9:30 – 10:30am. Space limited to 20
people. Call Sr. Janet if you are interested.
Time for Vocations… Please pray for:
Deacon Giovanni Rodriguez and
Seminarians Henry Pinto and Luke Agnew
A Time To Serve In The Military… Please pray for:
Nicholas Costello, Lt. Jamie Curcio, Jennifer Smolinski,
Tom Oroho, Brian Hartigan, Mario Lanza, Kevin Canova,
Alex Richnavsky, Jason Benedict, Ryan Benedict, Jonathan Greenwald, Erik Filipek, Jonathan Gabay, Matthew
Lattanzi and Tara Lee Wrocklage
A Time To Heal… Please pray for: Bob Weiss, John
Paicer, Scott Frew, Sal Domenico, Marilyn Whritenour,
Gregory Whritenour, Martha Colombo, Denise Thiel,
Emily Hennessy Green, Jim Casey, Walter Roberts, Pat
Burd, Peg Misner, Tom Pavlin, Kathy R., Rosemarie
Wirth, Colleen Henaghen and Aiden Patrick and Chase
Michael Martinez
A Time To Die… Please pray for: Margaret Mathews
Please Note: Only family members may request to have
someone included in prayers for the sick.
Calling all Catholic Gentlemen to
become a Knight of Columbus
this month! 2 men of the Parish
are receiving the honor of the First Degree. If you want to
join the Knights of Columbus, or just have questions contact Grand Knight Mike Heller at 973-728-6228 or
[email protected].
February 16 - Presidents Day - John F Kennedy was a
4th Degree Knight of Columbus
February 18 - Ash Wed
February 21 - Casino Night
February 26 - Exemplification of the 1st Degree - K of C
ID Required.
During John F Kennedy’s inaugural address on Jan. 20,
1961, President Kennedy made the statement: “ . . . the
same revolutionary beliefs for which our forebears
fought are still at issue around the globe--the belief
that the rights of man come not from the generosity of
the state, but from the hand of God.” Later in the address, he went on to say, “. . . my fellow Americans: ask
not what your country can do for you--ask what you
can do for your country.”
…………………………………………………………………..
CATHOLICISM: Fr. Robert Barron’s program of “Catholicism” is going to be presented again. It will begin on Monday, February 16th and run until April 20th at 7:00pm in Koch
Hall. There are still seats open. This is an excellent way to
improve your Lenten experience and to enjoy a wonderful
presentation while increasing your knowledge about the
faith.
INTENTIONAL DISCIPLESHIP: KNOWING
AND FOLLOWING JESUS
Are you interested in discussing and deepening your faith?
On the Wednesday evenings during Lent you are invited to
come and explore what it means to intentionally choose to
follow Jesus. We’ll be gathering in the parish center from
7 – 8:30 pm.
Sign-up takes place after the Masses this weekend, February 14 and 15. A small booklet, containing the scriptures
and format used for the four sessions, will be available for
those who sign-up.
……………………………………………………………………
During Lent a great family project of
giving and making a difference in your
community would be donating time or
food to the Food Pantry. The pantry needs: juice, coffee,
tea, oatmeal, jelly, peanut butter, vegetables, macaroni
and cheese. Baby diapers sizes 2, 4, 5, 6. For Easter
we would like to give Easter baskets to the 50 children of
the families that come to the pantry. We are collecting
small to medium size Easter baskets, candy and small
toys. We are collecting the following for Easter dinner: hams, vegetables and salad dressings. Your help
would be greatly appreciated! ……………………………………………………………………
15TH ANNUAL CASINO NIGHT
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2015
Doors open at 6:15pm.
Tickets:
$45.00 ($40.00 for a group of 6 or
more) which includes a light buffet, dessert, beer, wine,
soda and $100.00 in casino chips. Games from 7:00 –
10:00pm. If you have any questions or would like to help
the committee or donate a prize please call Chris Alessio
@ 973-697-6100 or email [email protected].
Tickets are available at the parish office or to reserve tickets
please call the parish office during regular business hours.
973 697-6100.
……………………………………………………………………
GIFT CARD NEWS: If you haven’t tried the program yet,
why not give it a try? Everyone shops at the grocery store
and you’re helping St. Joseph Church without having to buy
wrapping paper or candy bars! Although I do enjoy a good
candy bar now and again! 
……………………………………………………………………
ST. JOSEPH STATUE RAFFLE: The St. Joseph statue
that is being raffled off will be on display in the church beginning this weekend. You may make a donation (no set
amount) but not necessary; fill out the card with your name
and phone number and drop in the basket. The drawing is
March 8th at the 12:00pm Mass.
MEMORIES OF OUR PARISH
When Rich and I moved to West Milford 22 years ago,
we felt so blessed to find St. Joseph Church. The Catholic
Church has been a big part of each of our lives growing
up. So after we started attending St. Joe’s we were excited to find a church we knew would become part of our
married life together.
Rich and I immediately felt the warmth and hospitality
that is still evident at St. Joseph Church. And then… we
filled out the time and talent survey. The rest is history! Sr.
Janet did not waste any time. I began playing guitar and
singing at the 10:30 am Mass. It was so much fun (and
still is)! Since our early time at St. Joes, Rich and I met so
many great people. It was so difficult to see the Friars
leave St. Joe’s. We had never met such happy, fun loving
priests! However, their leaving opened a new door to
other fine priests that we have been blessed to call pastor.
Working at St. Joes has given me the opportunity to become very good friends with both Sr. Janet and Sr. Geraldine. They have been my mentors and have taught me
much. They have also become part of the Kluge family.
St. Joe’s has been a big part of my children’s life as
well. I can still remember Fr. Bernie holding each of them
up high on their baptismal day. They have come to many
youth functions and staff meetings when they were babies.
They were blessed to attend St. Joseph School even if it
was only for a short time. All throughout their lives they
have felt welcome at St. Joe’s. Sr. Janet was always
ready to entertain them when they were little and engage
them in service as they grew up. It is a blessing to see
them take part in the life of their parish.
It has been a privilege for me to work with the high
school youth at St. Joseph. I have learned much from parents of the teens I have been blessed to cross paths with.
Over the years I have watched struggles and triumphs. I
have witnessed teen hearts turn to the Lord. I have
worked with many teens that have made a difference in
lives of other teens through their work as peer ministers.
And that has been a blessing.
St. Joseph Church is truly my home away from home. It
is where my family is nourished in the faith. It is where we
truly meet Jesus.
Camille Kluge
Saint Joseph Church
250th Jubilee Gala
DATE AND TIME CHANGE
Due to circumstances beyond our control,
the Date and Time of the Jubilee Gala is
changed to:
Sunday, March 15, 2015
Cocktail Hour Begins 4:00
Cost reduced to $65.00 per person
Casa Bianca - 5266 Berkshire Valley Rd. - Oak Ridge,
New Jersey
Please use the response cards sent with the original
invitation
If you have already responded, you will be contacted
to ensure that you are still able to attend.
Questions? Please call the Rectory at 973-697-6100.
St. Paul opens our Second Reading using familiar terms: “Brothers and Sisters.” (1
Corinthians 10). These words are familiar because we hear them all the time and because
we refer to each other in the liturgy as Brothers and Sisters (Brethren). However, they are
more so familiar terms because God sees His Church as his family. God is the head of the
household and we are his children; we are, therefore, truly brothers and sisters. This makes the parish home our
home. Too often, though, the Church is seen as a separate entity to which I belong by choice: sort of a club I have
joined. It is no wonder then that our relationship to God and to our faith can only be expressed in terms of
obligations (after all, we are truly believers) for it never rises to the level of filial love. We call God ‘Our Father’
but these words hold no meaning for us for, in truth, we consider God simply as God (creator, savior, all powerful,
the one who must be obeyed, etc.); we do not enter into a love relationship but remain on the Creator/Creature
level only.
Not so Saint Paul! When Paul writes to those he has perhaps never met using family terms it is because he
truly understands them to be a part of him, a part of his family. It is no wonder again that he spends all his self
for these people, his family. There is then a difference between being a believer, or having a devotion to God,
and being a child of God.
Paul continues: “Whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything for the glory of God.” In other
words, Paul is aware that at all times he is a member of the family of God bearing that identity at all times and in
every place and situation. Paul was no Sunday only Catholic. Sunday only Catholicism is as if one were to
consider themselves a member of their earthly family only when they were physically present at the homestead,
physically at home – a ridiculous proposition indeed. Brothers and Sisters we must avoid this false dichotomy
by which I consider my one hour or less at Church on Sunday Morning as fulfilling the requirements to be a good
Catholic and the rest of the 7 days as freedom to do as I please. No! You are always and everywhere God’s
children, bearing God’s last name as it were, therefore: “Whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything for the glory of God.”
“Avoid giving offense, whether to the Jews or Greeks or the church of God,” is Paul’s second exhortation in
today’s *pericope from 1 Corinthians. We, of course, notice immediately the distinction Paul makes between the
whole world (Jews and Greeks) and the family unit (church of God). Having exhorted us to keep ever present to
our consciousness our child of God status [whatever you do…] Paul now reminds us that bad behavior besmirches
our family if front of others and hurts our brothers and sisters. Every parent reminds their child at some point that
bad behavior outside the family unit reflects negatively on the family and brings trouble to the home. This, too,
hinges on the simple fact that one is always and everywhere a member of the family. However, Paul has more in
mind than simply building up of the family unit by mutual care and consideration; he seeks the conversion of
others thru the living example [proclamation] we are of God desire to call all his creation back home to himself:
“Avoid giving offense, whether to the Jews or Greeks or the church of God, just as I try to please everyone in
every way, not seeking my own benefit but that of the many, that they may be saved.”
Every authority knows that good example works far better than simple commands. It is true that a duly constituted authority [say a mom or dad] can oblige by virtue of their office alone; but, coupled with the authority’s
own good example, their authority goes a lot further. Thus we come to Saint Paul’s final exhortation for the
family of God today: “Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.” If we are to call all the members of the family to
discipleship of Jesus it would be well that we ourselves be sincere disciples first.
Yes, Paul speaks in familiar terms because he is speaking to family members: brothers and sisters of the same
God and Father of all. However, it happens too often that we forget our identity as children of God and consequently of the familiar bond that unites us and binds us as a family. It is easy to see how this leads so many to
feel free to make use of the parish on an as needed basis while never contributing to the family in any way. It
seems every family has the givers and the takers. In God’s family let us the givers remind the takers of all that
they are missing out on and hopefully win them over; or, at least hold them accountable to a larger family unit.
*pericope – an extract from a text, especially a passage from the Bible.