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Page 1: Behold the lamb of God - d2y1pz2y630308.cloudfront.net · 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm each evening, Sunday, February 7 through Saturday, February 14, 2021. This recitation of the rosary and

“Behold the lamb of God”

Page 2: Behold the lamb of God - d2y1pz2y630308.cloudfront.net · 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm each evening, Sunday, February 7 through Saturday, February 14, 2021. This recitation of the rosary and

We now offer Low-Gluten Host for those suffering from celiac sprue disease

Church of the Visitation 755 Mantoloking Road Brick, N.J. 08723

Rectory Office Phone: 732-477-0028 Religious Education: 732-477-5217 Rectory Fax: 732-477-1274 Rectory Address: 730 Lynnwood Ave. Brick, NJ Website: www.visitationrcchurch.org

Follow us!

Flocknote: ChurchoftheVisitation.flocknote.com Facebook: facebook.com/VisitationRomanCatholicChurch Instagram: instagram.com/VisitationRCChurch

Twitter: twitter.com/VisitationBrick YouTube: youtube.com/VisitationRomanCatholicChurch

VERY REV. EDWARD H. BLANCHETT, PASTOR, EXT. 201 REV. MICHAEL KENNEDY, PAROCIAL VICAR, EXT. 207

Assisting Priests Rev. Richard Carlson Rev. Msgr. Leonard Troiano

Deacons Salvatore Vicari, Ext. 218 Edward Fischer

Nicola Stranieri, (On Leave) Staff

Denise Patetta, Ext. 201 Nancy Grodberg Ext. 219 Parish Secretary/Bulletin Editor Coordinator of Religious Vicki Cottrell, Ext. 216 Education Pastoral/Business Admin Dee DeTuro, Ext 219 Natalie Bencivenga, Ext. 217 Religious Education Asst. Music Director/Organist Dale Zanetti, Ext.214 Christie Winters, Ext. 105 Coordinator of Adult Faith Youth/Young Adult Ministry Formation Leader Carl Maurer, Ext 215 Facilities Manager Paul Hegadorn Karen Smith Parish Trustees

RECTORY OFFICE HOURS Monday, Tuesday & Thursday: 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM

Parish Registration The Church of the Visitation is obliged to serve and minister to all baptized Catholics living in our local area. PLEASE REGISTER – it assists the staff in knowing you as a parishioner, providing for your needs, informing you of parish programs and activities, and utilizing your gifts and talents in service of the Church and one another. Envelopes for weekly contributions are available to you once you are registered. Please contact Deacon Sal Vicari at ext. 218 to register.

Sacramental Sponsor Certificates The following is required by Canon Law to be a Catholic Godparent/Sponsor for Baptism or Confirmation. 1. Be at least 16 years of age. 2. Have completed the Sacraments of the Initiation. (Baptism, Eucharist & Confirmation) 3. Be a registered and active parishioner living a life of faith. If married, have a marriage that is canonically valid and recognized by the Catholic Church.

Welcome! The entire parish community extends a warm welcome to all visitors and new parishioners

Baptism Parents or legal guardians are encouraged to register 2 months in advance to schedule a baptism. Parents and Guardians are required and sponsors are encouraged to attend the Baptismal Formation Session prior to the Baptism. Please contact Deacon Sal Vicari at ext. 218 to make arrangements.

Marriages The Sacrament of Marriage requires a time of spiritual preparation. According to the Common Policy adopted by the Bishops of New Jersey, this preparation requires sessions with a priest or deacon, Focus review, and attendance at a Marriage Preparation Programs such as Pre Cana. Therefore couples should make arrangements with the Church at least 1 year before the planned wedding date and finalizing any social plans. Couples must also verify freedom to marry before dates and arrangements can be made. Please contact Deacon Sal Vicari at ext. 218 to make arrangements.

Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) This is the process by which adults become full, active, participating members of the Catholic Church. Please call Dale Zanetti at ext. 214 for more information.

Anointing of the Sick

Please notify the Parish Office when serious illness occurs and

when the sick, aged, or incapacitated are confined to home for an

extended period. In an emergency call the Parish office anytime. Penance/Reconciliation

Saturday from 3:00 to 3:45 PM in the Church or anytime by

appointment. A Penance Service is held during Advent and Lent.

Religious Education (CCD)

Our Religious Education and sacramental preparation for our

children meets on Sunday from 9:15~10:30 AM in Lake Riviera

Middle School, weekday classes are held in the Church Rectory.

Pre~registration is required. Please call Nancy Grodberg at 732-

477-5217

Elevator is located on the side of the Church near the Bell Tower

Elevator is located on the side of the Church near the Bell Tower

LITURGY OF THE EUCHARIST Weekend: Saturday 4:00

Sunday: 9:00 & 11:00 AM

Daily: Monday – Friday 7:30 (Church)

Saturday - 8:15 PM (Church

Holy Days: See Current Bulletin

Fri. Jan. 1 ~ Solemnity of Mary

Sun. April 4 ~ Easter

Thurs. May 13 ~ Ascension Thursday

Thurs. Aug. 15 ~ Assumption of Mary

Sun. Nov. 1 ~ Feast of All Saints

Tues. Dec. 8 ~ Immaculate Conception

Sat. Dec. 25 ~ Christmas Eucharistic Adoration: Every Mon-Fri. 8:00 - 9:00 AM (Church)

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THE SECOND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

3

Readings for the Week Monday: Heb 5:1-10; Ps 110:1, 2, 3, 4; Mk 2:18-22

Tuesday: Heb 6:10-20; Ps 111:1-2, 4-5, 9, 10c; Mk

2:23-28

Wednesday: Heb 7:1-3, 15-17; Ps 110:1, 2, 3, 4;

Mk 3:1-6

Thursday: Heb 7:25 — 8:6; Ps 40:7-8a, 8b-9, 10,

17; Mk 3:7-12

Friday: Heb 8:6-13; Ps 85:8, 10, 11-12, 13-14; Mk

3:13-19

Saturday: Heb 9:2-3, 11-14; Ps 47:2-3, 6-7, 8-9;

Mk 3:20-21

Sunday: Jon 3:1-5, 10; Ps 25:4-5, 6-7, 8-9; 1 Cor

7:29-31; Mk 1:14-20

WORLD MARRIAGE DAY &

NATIONAL MARRIAGE WEEK Special announcement for Catholic Married

Couples! In observance of World Marriage Day

(Sunday, February 14, 2021) and National Marriage

Week

(February 7-14, 2021), the Diocese of Trenton has

launched an exciting new web resource for Catholic

married couples to enhance their marriage in three

important ways: 1) Reconnect with Your Spouse, 2)

Make Your Marriage Even Better, and 3) Serve

Others in Your Marriage. Find all this and more at

www.dioceseoftrenton.org/world-marriage-day-for-

couples - what every couple needs to make their

marriage extraordinary! (Part of the

BuildingStrongMarriages.org initiative of the

Diocese of Trenton)

To commemorate World Marriage Day (Sunday,

February 14) and National Marriage Week

(February 7 – 14), the Diocese of Trenton will host

a special livestreamed event for all Catholic

families – The Cana Rosary for Marriage - from

7:00 pm to 8:00 pm each evening, Sunday, February

7 through Saturday, February 14, 2021. This

recitation of the rosary and reflection on marriage

will be led by a different couple each evening; it

will help all couples rely on our Most Holy Mother

Mary to assist with their greatest needs and bring

them closer to the Lord. All information for this

event can be found at

www.dioceseoftrenton.org/world-marriage-day.

Candles for the Week Blessed Mother Candle is “In Loving Memory” of Elyse Staropoli Sacred Heart Candle is “God’s Blessing” on Fr. Al Ricciardelli Church Sanctuary Candle “In Loving Memory” of Lucille Gerardi Chapel Sanctuary Candle “In Loving Memory” of Thomas Halleran

THIS WEEK, JANUARY 17 THERE WILL BE

TWO COLLECTIONS: REGULAR & MAINTENANCE

NEXT WEEK, JANUARY 24,

THERE WILL BE TWO COLLECTIONS

REGULAR & ASSESSMENT

SATURDAY JANUARY 16

4:00 PM Olivia Grace Klatt

SUNDAY JANUARY 17

9:00 AM Matteo Jannicelli

11:00 AM People of the Parish

MONDAY JANUARY 18 7:30 AM Doug Zoldak

TUESDAY JANUARY 19

7:30 AM Kathy Cifelli

WEDNESDAY JANUARY 20

7:30 AM Ella Opromalla

THURSDAY JANUARY 21

7:30 AM Barbara Jean Meccia FRIDAY JANUARY 22

7:30 AM Joseph Warhola

SATURDAY JANUARY 23

8:15 AM Kenneth Kurek, Sr. 4:00 PM Kathy Cifelli

SUNDAY JANUARY 24

9:00 AM People of the Parish

11:00 AM Franklin Militello

MASSES LIVE STREAMED THROUGH OUR WEBSITE OR YOUTUBE CHANNEL

(SEE COVER FOR ADDRESSES) 4:00 PM & 11:00 AM MASSES ARE

IN CHURCH WITH CONGREGATION NO LIVE STREAMING

9:00 AM WITH CONGREGATION AND LIVE STREAMED WITH COMMUNION

SERVICE FOLLOWING

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“HERE AM I, LORD; I COME TO DO YOUR WILL”

4

“REMEMBERING OUR SICK” LIST IS FOR THOSE

PARISHIONERS WHO ARE IN NEED OF SPECIAL PRAYERS.

THEY WILL REMAIN ON THE LIST FOR FOUR WEEKS. IF

EXTENDED PRAYERS ARE NEEDED, PLEASE CONTACT

VISITATION’S PRAYER CHAIN AT 848-373-4239.

In Your Charity please pray for the

happy repose of the souls of deceased

members of the Parish, your friends,

relatives and benefactors, especially;

Audrey Delaney

All who have died from COVID-19. PLEASE CONTACT THE RECTORY OFFICE IF YOU KNOW OF

A PARISHIONER WHO HAS PASSED AWAY SO WE MAY

INCLUDE THEM IN OUR PRAYERS.

PLEASE REMEMBER TO KEEP OUR DIOCESAN

BISHOP AND PRIESTS IN YOUR PRAYERS!

SACRIFICIAL GIVING

Regular $8,177.10

On Line $1,549.00

Total $9,726.00 Thank you and God bless you for your continued

support to Visitation!

Some of the expenses included:

Electric $1,561.68

Natural Gas $1,400.45

Communications Services $581.91

Building Maintenance $3,460.00

Heating Oil $163.61

Property Insurance $4,949.25

Total $12,116.90

During this most difficult time in the Churches history, we ask you to please continue to support your Parish with your weekly offering to the Church. You can either set up your On-line

Giving by visiting us at www.visitationrcchurch.org drop off your envelopes to the Rectory Office in the outside mail box or mail you weekly offering to the Rectory office at Church of the Visitation, 730 Lynnwood Ave., Brick, NJ 08723.

Reflections for The Second Sunday in Ordinary Time

Although the liturgical season of Ordinary Time begins this week, today’s reading continues with the celebration of the Baptism of the Lord, which concludes the Christmas season. Today’s reading from the Gospel according to John immediately follows John the Baptist's testimony

about Jesus and his identification of Jesus as the Lamb of God. Having been baptized by John, Jesus begins to gather followers. The first followers sought out Jesus because of the testimony and witness of John the Baptist.

We are familiar with the title that John the Baptist uses for Jesus—the Lamb of God. We hear it weekly at the fraction rite during Mass. For those who heard John the Baptist, however, this title recalled key themes from the Old Testament. It alludes to the paschal lamb offered as a sacrifice when God freed the Israelites from slavery in Egypt, the event that is commemorated by the Jewish Passover celebration. The designation also recalls the prophet Isaiah’s description of the suffering servant of Israel. In using this name for Jesus, John the Baptist predicts Jesus’ passion and death and the new interpretation of Passover that will begin with Jesus’ Last Supper.

We learn in today’s reading how Jesus’ first followers were gathered. The first two, Andrew and another man, were followers of John the Baptist. After hearing John’s testimony, they became followers of Jesus. During their time with Jesus, the details of which are not specified, Andrew and the other follower came to believe that Jesus was the Messiah. Andrew then brings his brother, Simon, to Jesus. Immediately, Jesus gave Simon a new name, calling him Peter, which means “rock” in Greek. The renaming of Simon to Peter is reported in all four of the Gospels.

In the exchange between Andrew, the other disciple, and Jesus, we see an example of the usual pattern for first-century Jewish rabbinical schools. Jews sought out rabbis and established themselves as disciples of a particular rabbi. Jesus appears to have been unique in that he sought out individuals, inviting them to be his followers. In the passage that follows, John’s Gospel tells us how Jesus took the initiative in calling Philip and Nathanael.

Jesus asks Andrew and the other disciple, “What are you looking for?” This is a telling question, and one that we might often ask of ourselves. John the Baptist testified to Jesus’ identity, the Lamb of God, using the framework of the Old Testament. Andrew, Simon, and the other first disciples were looking for the Messiah, whom they also came to know as the Son of God. What do we look for and what do we find in Jesus? Loyola Press

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JANUARY 17, 2021

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As we continue our journey through these troubled times, Bishop David M. O’Connell and the Diocese of Trenton

are forming plans regarding upcoming events and liturgies. Please note that these are subject to change and I will also pass

those on to you if and when they occur. Blessing of Throats and Distribution of Ashes. We don’t yet have direction on how these should be done

but it is being discussed by the diocesan Pandemic Task Force in conjunction with the U.S. Conference of

Catholic Bishops’ Secretariat for Worship.

Not knowing whether public gatherings will be permitted by the first Sunday of Lent, pastors will be

delegated the authority to celebrate the Rite of Election for non-baptized persons seeking to enter the

Catholic Church.

Because of COVID restrictions, the Diocese is not sponsoring or coordinating buses to the January 29

March for Life, which the USCCB has indicated will be scaled back from its usual set of events. The

Bishop invites the clergy and faithful of the Diocese to join in praying the rosary daily for the intention of

ending abortion in our nation until January 29, 2021 as well as the January 14-22 “Novena to St. Joseph

to End Abortion”:

St. Joseph, Patron of the Universal Church and Guardian of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the Child Jesus, the Son

of God whom she carried in her Immaculate womb: intercede for us, we pray, that all recourse to abortion might cease in

our nation and our world. As you cared for Mother and Child, care for all women who bear the gift of life in their

womb. May no harm ever endanger them and may no choice ever threaten the blessing of human life that God has

created within. Guard them with your loving protection, at every moment, until His will has been fulfilled. St. Joseph,

spouse of Mary and foster father of the Lord, help us build a culture of life that yields a civilization of love among us. Our Father… Hail Mary… Glory be…

In addition, the Bishop calls all to join the N.J. dioceses in a “Day of Prayer and Fasting to End Abortion” on

Friday, January 22, 2021 (https://dioceseoftrenton.org/events/day-of-prayer-and-fasting-to-end-abortion).

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Communion continues to be offered, following the Sunday 9:00 AM live-streamed Mass,

from 10:00 - 10:15AM. For those in the parking lot waiting to receive Communion you can tune in to your FM radio station 107.7 to hear the live streamed Mass. In any case, although the obligation to attend Mass continues to be suspended, you are strongly encouraged to either watch the live-streamed Mass later by visiting our YouTube page at (www.youtube.com/VisitationRomanCatholicChurch) or a Mass broadcast on television. Please note that the above information is current as Thursday morning (when the

bulletin is submitted) and some of it may have changed since then. For the most up-to-date information, please visit our parish website at www.visitationrcchurch.org, go to our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/VisitationRomanCatholicChurch or (ideally) our Flocknotes eCommunity at www.flocknote.com/churchofthevisitation (to sign up easily just text VisitationBrick to 84576 on your smartphone.)

The Mass Reservation System will open Monday Mornings for the upcoming weekend Masses ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

AS OF THE WRITING OF THIS BULLETIN, WE ARE AWARE THAT YOUR ENVELOPES MAY NOT HAVE ARRIVED. THEY WERE SENT FROM THE ENVELOPE COMPANY ON NOVEMBER 30, HOWEVER WITH THE TEMPORARY CLOSING OF MANY OF THE POSTAL FACILTIES DUE TO COVID, WE HAVE BEEN

UNABLE TO TRACK THEM. WE HAVE BEEN ASSURED THEY ARE PROBALY SITTING IN A WAREHOSUE AWAITING DISTRIBUTION. IN THE MEANTIME, PLEASE PUT YOUR WEEKLY DONATION IN AN

ENVELOPE MARKED WITH YOUR NAME AND ENVELOPE NUMBER IF YOU KNOW IT (WE CAN TRACK YOUR ACCOUNT BY YOUR LAST NAME). IF YOU DONATE BY CASH, PLEASE PUT YOUR CASH IN THE ENVELOPE WITH YOUR NAME ON THE FRONT AS WELL. THIS IS A GREAT OPPORTUNITY TO BEGIN

ONLINE GIVING (SEE PAGE 6)!! MANY THANKS FOR YOUR UNDERSTANDING!

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JANUARY 17, 2021

6

An Act of Spiritual Communion is

proposed for the faithful who are

temporarily unable to receive

the Eucharist:

“My Jesus, I believe that You are present in

the Most Holy Sacrament. I love You above

all things, and I desire to receive You into

my soul. Since I cannot at this

moment receive You sacramentally, come at

least spiritually into my heart. I embrace

You as if You were already there and unite

myself wholly to You. Never permit me to be

separated from You. Amen.”

Exposition of the Blessed

Sacrament will be live streamed Monday-Friday

from 8:00 -9:00 AM (immediately following live-streamed daily Mass) from

the Church

ONLINE GIVING

One time or recurring donations can be made through our secure on-line partner using direct debit from bank account or credit cards. You can designate the fund that you wish to donate to. You can modify your donation at any time. Using our ON LINE GIVING SYSTEM you can manage your account through your PC, tablet or phone You can even "quick-donate" via text message to 7325079477 (standard text messaging fees may apply). See the parish Web site or scan the QR code at right. Thank you for your prayerful generosity!

SAINT MICHAEL PRAYER

"Saint Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle.

Be our protection against the wickedness and snares

of the devil; May God rebuke him, we humbly pray;

And do thou, O Prince of the Heavenly Host, by the

power of God, thrust into hell Satan and all evil

spirits who wander through the world for the ruin of

souls”.

Amen

VOLUNTEER INTEREST Please let us know if you are interested in helping Visitation maintain a Safe and Respectful Liturgical Environment with tasks such as Sanitizing, Parking Lot Flow, Parishioner Flow to help maintain social distancing, and other activities. Please call 732-475-0048 and leave your name and phone number.

PLEASE SUPPORT OUR ADVERTISERS.

THEY MAKE OUR BULLETIN POSSIBLE.

ADVERTISER OF THE WEEK

MALLORY’S ARMY FOUNDATION

For bulletin advertising information, please call

John Patrick Company 800-333-3166

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JANUARY 17, 2021

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PARISH MISSION STATEMENT

"The Church of the Visitation is a Roman Catholic Community. We are committed to the Father,

Son, and Holy Spirit, for the needs of people, through prayer, service, friendship and love. Our

commitment is expressed in Sacramental and Gospel interaction.

Through Ministry and Stewardship we give greater glory to God."

LET’S GET TOGETHER AND PRAY!

With all that is going on in the world, so many of us are searching for answers and looking to pray as a

community. Epiphany Parish will be hosting a weekly prayer meeting on Zoom every Monday from 7:00– 8:00

PM. If you have any questions or would like to attend the Zoom Meetings, please email Kim at

[email protected] with your email address and full name. Every Monday a new Zoom

Link will be sent to the email you provided. All are welcome Weekly attendance is encouraged, but not

required. Come Holy Spirit!

FORMED

FORMED.org is a wonderful source of information to assist you on your spiritual journey. This is free and a

wonderful source for adults as well as children. To sign up: Go to formed.org/signup, Select your parish,

Register with your name and email address, Check that email account for a link to begin using FORMED.

RELIGIOUS CALENDARS

The 2021 Religious Calendars are available in the Rectory Office. This year we have a smaller number of

calendars available. You may pick up your calendar during Rectory Office hours (Monday, Tuesday &

Thursday 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM) as well as at weekend Masses by asking the Minister of Hospitality for one.

Thank you for understanding.

PLEASE NOTE

If we wish to continue to remain open for Masses and for private prayer, please remember that there is no

congregating before or after mass in our commons area. You must wear a mask properly covering your nose

and mouth. Also, please social distance in your seats. All these rules are to keep everyone who enters our

Church safe.

END OF YEAR TAX STATEMENT

If you would like an end of the year tax contribution statement, please call Denise Patetta at the rectory office at

ext. 201 or e-mail your request to [email protected]. If you have received a statement in the past

you will automatically receive one this year in the mail by January 29, 2021

HAVE YOU MADE YOUR NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION YET? TIME IS RUNNING OUT!

Make next year be the year that you enrich your spare time and let the Lord know

how grateful you are for all he has done for you. There are many opportunities to

share your time and talents as we work together to develop an environment that

will ensure that our church will live on for generations to come. Please contact

any of the ministries/organizations listed at the end of the bulletin for additional

information or volunteer opportunities

If anyone serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there will my servant

be also. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him. John 12:26

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JANUARY 17, 2021

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A STEWARD'S WAY: The life of a Christian steward models the life of Jesus. It is challenging and even difficult, in many respects,

yet intense joy comes to those who take the risk to live as Christian stewards. Women and men who seek to live

as stewards learn that "all things work for good for those who love God" (Roman 8:28). After Jesus, we look to

Mary as an ideal steward. As the Mother of Christ, she lived her ministry in a spirit of fidelity and service; she

responded generously to the call. We must ask ourselves: Do we also wish to be disciples of Jesus Christ and

Christian stewards of our world and our Church? Central to our human and Christian vocations, as well as to the

unique vocation each one of us receives from God, is that we be good stewards of the gifts we possess. God

gives us this divine-human workshop, this world and Church of ours.

The Spirit shows us the way. Stewardship is a part of that journey

RETROUVAILLE: REDISCOVER THE LOVE IN YOUR MARRIAGE Tens of thousands of couples have healed their marriages through Retrouvaille (pronounced Retro-vaille). If

you know anyone who could benefit from this program, please pass this on. Couples learn to build

communication skills and to increase intimacy. It provides help for marriage problems, difficulties or

crises. The next program begins the weekend of February 12 - 14, 2021 at the Family Life Center in Malvern,

PA. For more information, or to register, visit www.HelpOurMarriage.org or call 215-766-3944 or 800-470-

2230. All inquiries are strictly confidential.

ST. VINCENT DE PAUL SOCIETY ...... MORE THANKS….

In our excitement about the outpouring of gifts for The Giving Tree, we overlooked something else!

Many thanks to all the volunteers, parishioners and the community who gave donations to our thrift shop and

the SVdP/SOS pantry. Everyone’s time and efforts in moving donations and getting food packages prepared and

meals delivered has not gone unnoticed. Our appreciation for your kindness and generosity in these especially

stressful times cannot be measured.

Our prayers are with all of you and your families.

Thank you!

POPE, BISHOP ADVOCATE FOR COVID-19 VACCINES AS A MORAL CHOICE Pope Francis has urged people to register and take a

COVID vaccine as soon as possible, revealing in a new

interview that he expects to get his own first dose this

week. "I believe that, morally, everyone must take the

vaccine … because it is about your life but also the lives

of others."

The Vatican Congregation for the Doctrine of Faith and

the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops have

declared that vaccines currently in use – Pfizer and

Moderna, in particular – are morally acceptable and

permissible for use by all the Catholic faithful.

Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M. received his

vaccination at St. Francis Hospital in Trenton on

Monday, January 11. “Because of all the many people in

the Diocese with whom I have direct contact and given

my age and diabetes, I thought it advisable and important

that I take my turn and receive the vaccine once it was

available to me.”

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JANUARY 17, 2021

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‘ORDINARY TIME’ IS ANYTHING BUT ORDINARY by Bishop David M. O'Connell, C.M.

With the Christmas Season behind us, Catholics enter into a period referred to as “Ordinary Time” in the

Church’s liturgy. In our vernacular usage, the word "ordinary" describes what is commonplace, "everyday" or

without uniqueness or special distinction.

The fact is that "Ordinary Time" makes up most of the Church's calendar year, roughly 34 weeks between the

first and final Sundays of the liturgical calendar. The Lenten and Easter Seasons constitute, for lack of a better

term, an “interruption” of “Ordinary Time” before Advent and Christmas come again. There are also individual

feast days and solemnities that appear in the liturgical calendar “interrupting Ordinary Time” here and there.

The expression itself comes from two Latin root words referring to the “order” of numbering the weeks of the

year in the “ordered life” of the Church, beginning after the solemn feast of the Baptism of the Lord, which

takes the place of a “First Sunday in Ordinary Time,” and ending with the solemn feast of Jesus Christ, King of

the Universe, the “Final Sunday in Ordinary Time.”

What takes place in the Church’s official prayer during “Ordinary Time” is anything but ordinary. It is the

unfolding in Masses, Scripture readings and prayers of the whole life of the Lord Jesus Christ between the

“seasonal celebrations” of his Incarnation and Birth and his Passion, Death and Resurrection.

The Church’s liturgical calendar is “ordered” in three cycles of Scripture readings on Sundays – Years A, B and

C (we are currently in the year B cycle of Sundays of 2021) – and two cycles of Scripture readings on weekdays

– Years I and II (we are currently in the year I cycle of weekdays of 2021). This arrangement was established

in the revisions of the Church’s liturgical calendar after the Second Vatican Council. Catholic Churches and

communities that celebrate the “Extraordinary Form” of the Mass – sometimes called the “Traditional Latin

Mass” – maintain the liturgical calendar that was in use prior to 1970.

The vestments used by the priest and deacon at Mass during “Ordinary Time” are green in color. Green is used

to represent hope in Christ’s Resurrection that characterizes each day in “Ordinary Time.” Different colors are

used to correspond to other seasons and times and on other days and occasions celebrated during the liturgical

year – white (sometimes gold) for Christmas and Easter seasons and on special feasts of the Lord, the Blessed

Mother or saints who were not martyred; violet for Advent and Lent (rose may be worn on the 3rd Sundays of

these seasons) and Masses for the Dead; red for Masses of Palm Sunday, the Lord’s Passion, Pentecost, the

Apostles, Evangelists or other saints who were martyred. Black is sometimes worn in Masses for the Dead.

With all that in mind, Catholics should use “Ordinary Time” to deepen their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and

his Gospel, to nourish their reading and understanding of the Word of God, to enhance and grow in their

spiritual lives and prayer and to strive for personal conversion. “Ordinary Time” should be the opportunity to

make progress in putting the Catholic faith into action with ongoing works of charity toward others, respect for

and protection of human life in all its stages, support for marriage and family life, respect for the environment

as our “common home,” and personal witness to the Lord Jesus Christ.

“Be who God intended you to be, and you will set the world on fire (St Catherine of Siena).”

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JANUARY 17, 2021

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HOW SHOULD I WEAR A FACE COVERING?

WE DON’T LIKE TO BE REDUNDANT BUT.......SOME OF US

ARE SLIPPING.....LITERALLY

Many people are taking baby steps venturing out of their homes during the Pandemic. We have welcomed

those who want to come into the Church to celebrate Mass with us with open arms. Some people have come

to or called the Rectory office voicing their concerns that they are worried as people are not properly covering

their faces. We understand the inconvenience of wearing a face mask; it’s too hot, it’s hard to breathe, it’s

itchy, it’s uncomfortable; however let’s work together for the safety of all of us. If you see someone wearing

their mask improperly, for the safety of those of us in Church, in a very nice way, remind them of the proper

way to wear a mask. Remember, the Bishop has continued the dispensation to attend mass, so if you feel that

you are not able to wear your mask properly while in Church for Mass, please join us on live stream each

weekday morning (Monday-Friday) at 7:30 am and Saturday morning at 8:15 am and Sunday at 9:00 am.

Let’s help each other stay safe in hopes of preventing another “lock down” and remember to continue to

social distance.

To properly wear a face covering:

Always cover both your mouth and nose. Ensure it fits snugly but comfortably against the sides of your

face.

Secure it with ties or ear loops.

Press down on the area around your nose to make sure the mask

molds to your face as much as possible.

As we enter allergy season, please remember if you cough or sneeze to do

so into your mask. DO NOT remove your mask at that time. Discard

your mask after getting home and replace it with a clean fresh mask.

It’s also important to remember that every time you adjust your face

covering or take it on and off, you’re touching your face. Be careful not to

touch your eyes, nose or mouth when removing your face covering, and

wash your hands immediately after doing so.

Help us, help you to Stay Safe!

Christ Our Light!

Your light rises in our darkness and assures us that you are present with us

and that your powerful closeness to us transforms our fear into hope.

May we join with our Holy Father, Francis, in spreading a "contagion" of

hope "from heart to heart".

Protect all your selfless servants who continue to serve the needs of the

most vulnerable by both hands and heart.

Give our elected leaders wisdom of heart in decision-making that the

common good of our human family may be achieved and the gift of each

person's human dignity respected.

May the new Easter fire of love, energy and resilience burn within our

hearts so that we may give witness to the mystery of your resurrected life

among us and within us.

Amen

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COMPLETE CARE AT SHORROCK GARDENS

FREE MEAL EVERY FRIDAY FOR SENIORS PROGRAM

FROM THE CONVIENCE OF YOUR CAR, PICK UP A NUTRITIOUS AND DELICIOUS MEAL TO

TAKE HOME. ENJOY A REHEATABLE ENTRÉE, SIDE DISH, DESSERT, AND DRINK COMPLIMENTS OF

COMPLETE CARE AT SHORROCK GARDENS.

MEAL PICK UP WILL BE LOCATED IN THE

FRONT OF THE BUILDING 75 Old Toms River Rd. Brick, NJ 08723

PLEASE CALL 732-451-1000 BY WEDNESDAY’S TO RESERVE YOUR MEAL.

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STAFF E-MAIL ADDRESSES, MINISTRIES AND ORGANIZATIONS If you wish to reach a staff member via e-mail, please find a list of each staff’s email address below:

IN PERSON MEETINGS ARE SUSPENDED DUE TO THE PANDEMIC.

PLEASE US CONTACT INFORMATION FOR DETAILS

Liturgical Ministries EXTRAORDINARY MINISTERS OF COMMUNION distributes Holy Communion at Masses, as well as to the homebound,

hospitalized, nursing home, and senior housing residents. 732-477-9672, ext. 216 – Vicki Cottrell or

[email protected]

LECTORS enhance the community’s celebration of the Mass by meaningful reading of God’s Word and by providing direction and

overviews during the Liturgy. 732-477-9672, ext. 216 – Vicki Cottrell or [email protected]

LITURGY TEAM meets monthly to plan liturgical and worship services that are meaningful and spiritual. 732-477-9672 ext. 217

Natalya Bencivenga or [email protected]

ART AND ENVIRONMENT TEAM visually enhances the celebration of the Mass by providing decorations that highlight the

liturgical seasons. – Fr. Ed 732-477-9672, ext. 201

MUSIC MINISTRY spiritually enhances the celebration of the Liturgy. We are always seeking individuals who would like to share

their gift of music through songs and prayers. 732-477-9672, ext. 217 - Natalya Bencivenga or [email protected]

USHERS promote hospitality by assisting parishioners, taking up collections and preparing Offertory gifts for presentation at Mass.

VISITATION ALTAR SERVERS TEAM see Youth Ministry

Sacrament Preparation BAPTISMAL TEAM assists the Priests and Deacons with Baptismal Formation Sessions, as well as the actual ceremony. 732-477-

9028 - Donna Stawicki or [email protected]

RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults) is the process used to welcome those who wish to complete some or all of the

sacraments of initiation in the Church. 732-477-9672, ext. 214 - Dale Zanetti or [email protected] Education and Evangelization Ministries

ADULT FAITH FORMATION provides educational and growth opportunities for parish adults. 732-477-9672, ext. 214 - Dale

Zanetti or [email protected]

BIBLE SHARING offers day and evening sessions to all who wish to deepen their understanding of Scripture. 732-477-9672 ext.

214 - Dale Zanetti or [email protected]

EVANGELIZATION TEAM promotes and fosters evangelization in all ministries by reaching out and encouraging all to live life as

active Catholics. 732-477-9672, ext. 218 - Deacon Salvatore Vicari or ext. 214 - Dale Zanetti or [email protected]

MEN’S GROUP meets every other Monday evening in Rectory Room C to study the Word of God, faith sharing and fellowship.

201-747-8631 Chris Pozo or [email protected]

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION (CCD) meets on Sunday from 9:15 to 10:30 AM in the Lake Riviera Middle School and weekdays in the

church rectory during the school year. Pre-registration is required. 732-477-5217- Nancy Grodberg or

[email protected]

Prayer Groups CHILDREN OF LIGHT CHARISMATIC PRAYER GROUP meets Friday evenings to pray, share scripture, praise God, give and

discuss teachings and share fellowship. 732-255-2728 - Paul Rollis or [email protected]

PRAYER CHAIN is for anyone who feels the need for prayer or would like to join the group. 848-373-4239.

Pastoral Care Ministries BEREAVEMENT TEAM is in the process of reforming. Contact Fr. Ed at the rectory or [email protected].

FUNERAL LITURGY MINISTRY helps plan liturgy for funeral masses. 732-477-5217 – Nancy Grodberg.

VISITATION CAREGIVERS provide supportive services to the frail elderly and homebound in our community such as friendly

visits, food shopping, transportation to medical appointments and respite care for families. 732-505-2273

NATALYA BENCIVENGA ~ MUSIC DIRECTOR

[email protected]

NANCY GRODBERG ~ RELIGIOUS EDUCATION COORDINATOR

[email protected]

DEE DETURO ~ RELIGIOUS EDUCATION ASSISTANT

[email protected]

RICHARD SCHULER ~ BOOKEEPER

[email protected]

CARL MAURER ~ FACILITIES MANAGER [email protected]

CHRISTIE WINTERS – YOUTH/ YOUNG ADULT COORDINATOR

[email protected]

[email protected]

[email protected]

REV. EDWARD H. BLANCHETT ~ PASTOR

[email protected]

REV. MICHAEL KENNEDY ~ PAROCIAL VICAR

[email protected]

DEACON SALVATORE VICARI

[email protected] VICKI COTTRELL ~PASTORAL/BUSINESS ADMINISTRATOR

[email protected]

DENISE PATETTA ~ PARISH SECRETARY/BULLETIN EDITOR

[email protected]

DALE ZANETTI ~ ADULT FAITH FORMATION COORDINATOR

[email protected]

[email protected]

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Social Ministries/Activities BINGO is held in the Parish Hall on Tuesdays at 11:00 AM 732-475-0589– Cathy or [email protected].

EVENT DEVELOPMENT TEAM meets as needed to develop and implement social activities (such as the Gift Auction and Wine

Tasting/Art Auction) for the purpose of raising money for the building fund. 732-475-0048, – Vicki Cottrell-

[email protected]

Services ANNULMENT TEAMS are available to assist a parishioner in rectifying his/her marital status in accordance with the law of the

Catholic Church and enable parish members to participate in a full Christian life 732-477-7059 ext. 218 – Deacon Salvatore Vicari,

848-333-2671 – Eleanor Troiano, 732-477-7059 ext. 103 Joan Olden

Social Concerns COMMUNITY LUNCH provides a takeout lunch Thursday each week to members of the parish and community. Reservations must

be made 732-477-9672 ext. 101 - Isabel Kronicz

RESPECT LIFE focuses on pro-life issues and needs through education and support of other organizations in support of pro-life

issues. The group gathers weekly to recite the Rosary. . 732-920-9006 – Pat Gigante

ST. VINCENT DE PAUL operates the Thrift Shop in the SOS building at 725 Mantoloking Rd. and manages the funds from the poor

boxes to assist the less fortunate in our parish and the surrounding community. Donations of nonperishable food are accepted at the

doors of the Church to assist the hungry of the community. 732-477-9672, ext. 160

Youth Ministries/Activities CHILDREN’S CHOIR welcomes all from 3 to 12 years of age to share their love for Jesus through music. No tryouts are required.

732-477-9672 ext. 217 – Natalya Bencivenga or [email protected]

VISITATION ALTAR SERVERS TEAM provides assistance to the Priest in celebration of the Mass and other liturgical celebrations

Open to all adults and boys and girls third grade and higher who have received their Holy Communion 732-903-4290 – John McCoy

or [email protected] VISITATION YOUTH MINISTRY provides a safe place for high school teenagers to come together, meet new people, and have fun

while serving God and the community. For additional information please contact 732-477-7059 ext. 105 – Christie or

[email protected]

VISITATION YOUNG ADULT MINISTRY provides an opportunity for all between the ages of 18 to 39 looking to grow and deepen their faith

in Catholicism to join our local Catholic young adult community. For additional information please contact 732-477-7059 ext. 105 –

Christie or [email protected]

Temporal Welfare BUILDING AND GROUNDS TEAM works to improve and enhance the appearance and safety of the existing church, former church,

rectory building, and the associated grounds. The goal of this team is to adhere to all current safety and building codes and ensure that

the house of God is maintained in an appropriate manner. - Fr. Ed 732-477-9672, ext. 201

FINANCE COUNCIL oversees the financial aspects of the parish 732-477-9672, ext. 216 – Arnie Vicidomini

Organizations AA MEETINGS are held on Thursdays at 7:30 PM in the parish hall.

ALANON MEETINGS are held on Tuesdays at 7:00 PM in the parish hall.

HOLY NAME OF JESUS SOCIETY promotes respect for the Holy Name of Jesus and His Holy Catholic Church. Society members

attend the 9:00 AM Mass and meet monthly 609-234-4437 – Richard Bencivenga or [email protected]

KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS #836 work with the local parish and contribute many hours of volunteer work to our community

annually.732-600-1029 – Andrew Kelly or [email protected]

ROSARY ALTAR SOCIETY honors the Blessed Virgin Mary to secure her patronage through the daily recitation of the Rosary for

the spiritual benefit of the parish community. Members attend the 9:00 AM Mass and meet monthly. 732-295-1812 – Rose Marie

DiGiovanni or [email protected]

Consult the Parish Events Calendar on our parish website (www.visitationRCchurch.org) for the most

current schedule of meeting dates, times, and locations. Information in the Calendar of Events section of the

bulletin is current as of bulletin publication.